Lux Radio Theatre - So Big

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lux Radio Theatre – "So Big"
Date: July 22, 2026
Stars: Ida Lupino (Selina Peake), Robert Stack (Purvis/Dirk De Jong)
Producer/Host: Irving Cummings
Source Material: Based on the novel "So Big" by Edna Ferber

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Overview

This episode transports listeners to the heart of American radio drama with a complete airing of Lux Radio Theatre’s production of “So Big.” A sweeping family saga, the episode chronicles the life of Selina Peake De Jong, her growth from an optimistic, penniless young woman into a devoted mother who faces hardship, love, loss, and the shifting values of success. The story artfully explores generational ambition and the pursuit of beauty and meaning versus material achievement—an American tale told in lush radio style with strong performances from Ida Lupino and Robert Stack.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Selina’s Introduction to Adversity

• Early Years and Father’s Wisdom (01:56):
  • Selina’s father, Simeon Peake, teaches her about two kinds of people: "The wheat—of the earth, who feed the body. The emerald—people of fire, who feed the soul."
  • Quote: "Both kinds give. My father gave desperately ill...and there I was, fresh out of private school, alone in the world and penniless." (01:56)
• Selina’s Resourcefulness:
  • With her father gone, Selina gets help from her friend Julie Hempel’s father, landing a schoolteacher job among Dutch farmers outside Chicago.
  • Light-hearted moment: "Anyhow, Hogs did it. $30 a month and you board with Claspool, the truck farmer. He's picking you up in his produce wagon..." (03:15)

2. Rural Life and Kindred Spirits

• Arrival at the Poole Farm:
  • Selina is enchanted by farm life and finds magic in the mundane: "A produce wagon. It's a magic carpet, Julie." (03:26)
• Meeting Rolf Poole:
  • Rolf, a farm boy with musical and intellectual promise, becomes Selina’s protégé; she gives him books and offers lessons—nurturing both mind and spirit.
  • Touching moment: "When I unpack, I'll give you books. The Three Musketeers. Byron’s poems. Tennyson. A Life of Mozart…And when school begins, I’ll give you private lessons." (05:17)
• On Finding Beauty:
  • A recurring theme—finding the extraordinary in the ordinary—"Cabbages are beautiful. Emeralds." (07:58)

3. Romance and Sacrifice

• Box Supper Dance—A Turning Point (08:31-12:24):

  • At a rural social event, Rolf spends all his money to "defend" Selina’s honor and win her supper basket as townsfolk poke fun.
  • Selina repays his loyalty by offering to tutor him and, through this kindness, further forges the links of mentorship and love.

• Purvis De Jong’s Courtship:

  • Selina teaches Purvis, a struggling but proud farmer, the importance of learning and optimism. Purvis ultimately proposes, hinting at a life of toil and mutual respect.
  • Dilemma: Selina is torn between artistic/romantic bonds to Rolf and the practical, steadfast affection and partnership Purvis offers (17:35).

4. Marriage and Struggle (Act II, 18:39–26:09)

• Transition to Farm Life:
  • Selina adapts to hard, physical work—a farmer’s wife at dawn, determined to improve the land (“We must drain it, fertilize it with potash and phosphate.” 22:27).
  • Notable quote: "Your work is in that land, Perv, and my heart is there. And everything that is in it that is there and that will be I love." (22:56)
• Loss and Perseverance:
  • After Purvis dies (27:03), Selina clings to the farm as her son Dirk’s legacy, determined to realize the dreams of both love and progress.

5. Generational Ambition and Tension

• Raising Dirk—"So Big":

  • Selina raises Dirk alone, striving to impart both ambition and values. She faces the male-dominated markets and prejudice.
  • Key scene: "Gee, mom, what are we gonna do? I know exactly what we’re going to do. We are going to sell this load house to house. We are going to Chicago. Where? Baghdad." (29:53)

• Dirk’s Growth and Choices:

  • Dirk becomes an architect, symbolizing the family’s progress and Selina’s sacrifices...but he is tempted to choose material success over artistic fulfillment.
  • Selina’s warning: "We had a plan...You can’t desert beauty, giving of the lovely things you’re talented to give." (40:37)
  • Dirk’s struggle with his path and the influence of society, Paula Hempel (symbol of affluent, pragmatic ambition), and Dallas O’Mara (the uncompromising artist).

6. Climax and Resolution

• Dirk’s Disillusionment:
  • After pursuing sales and promotion, and failing romantically with Dallas, Dirk realizes his error in abandoning artistry.
  • Dallas’s rebuke: "You’re all smooth, and I like ‘em bumpy. I’m terribly sorry, but that’s how it is." (46:59)
  • Mother and son reconcile, coming full circle to the lessons of "wheat" and "emerald."
  • Selina's closure: "Beauty is never lost. It isn’t a person or a thing, but a spirit, a feeling inside you. It’s earth and light and fire, wheat and emerald. They can be everywhere. You just got lost somewhere." (48:42)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "Cabbages are beautiful. Emeralds." (07:58, recurring as a motif of seeing wonder in the ordinary)
• "Nothing does well in that soil. But it will someday. We must drain it, fertilize it with potash and phosphate." (22:27, Selina’s resilience)
• "After all, you are growing up." (49:23, Selina to Dirk, symbolizing generational hope)
• Final words:
  • Dirk: "Men, you’ve grown up already. So big." (49:41)

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Important Timestamps

• Introduction of Selina’s Philosophy & Setting: 01:56–03:26
• Meeting Rolf and Poole Family: 04:00–07:58
• Box Supper Scene / Rolf’s Devotion: 08:31–12:24
• Purvis’s Proposal / Selina’s Choice: 16:24–17:51
• Marriage & Tragedy: 18:39–27:36
• Dirk’s Ambition vs. Mother’s Wisdom: 35:45–41:27
• Dallas O’Mara and Climax: 42:10–47:15
• Final Reconciliation & Themes: 48:19–49:41

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Conclusion

Lux Radio Theatre’s "So Big" is a touching, elegantly produced radio play about the American spirit, the price of progress, and the importance of finding beauty and meaning in everyday life. Through Selina Peake’s journey, listeners are encouraged to value both the earthy realities and fiery passions—the wheat and the emerald—in themselves and those they love.

Notable Moments:

• The “cabbages are beautiful” motif highlights simple beauty.
• Selina’s unwavering optimism and adaptability in adversity.
• Dirk’s eventual realization of what truly matters, guided by his mother’s enduring wisdom.

For Fans Of: Family sagas, American classics, Golden Age radio, stories about the immigrant experience, generational aspirations, and old-fashioned drama laced with hope.

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(Summary compiled and structured for clarity and enjoyment for listeners and non-listeners alike, with key timestamps and quotes for reference.)

Transcript

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

All new drinks are now at McDonald's with refreshers like the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher and the Mango Pineapple Refresher with Popping Boba. To crafted sodas like the Sprite Berry Blast with berry flavors and cold foam. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so fire six? All new drinks are here now at McDonald's. Refreshers contain caffeine. Lux presents Hollywood. Leaver Brothers Company. The makers of Lux Toilet soap brings you the Lux Radio Theater, starring Ida Lupino and Robert Stack in so Big. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Irving Cummings. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's play, so Big, is based on the novel by that popular American author, Edna Ferber, and was a bestseller for many years. As our stars, we have that fine actress who has distinguished herself in so many theatrical fields, Ida Lapino, co starring with Robert Stack, whose talent places him among our most popular leading men. We will meet our stars after the play when I will preview a song from Warner Bros. A Star Is Born, starring Judy Garland and James Mason. But right now, our good friend Ken Kopp. Act One of so Big, starring Ida Lupino as Selina and Robert Stack as Purvis and Dirk the Young.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

My father, Simeon Peake, loved Peak. But he used to say there are two kinds of people in the world who really count. One kind is wheat. The other kind is emerald. The wheat are of the earth who feed the body. The emerald are the people of fire who feed the hungers of the soul. And both kinds give. My father gave desperately ill. With his whole fortune slipping away, he stood in the Chicago wheat exchange, trading, bidding, maneuvering, fighting vainly to save what he could for me. He died on his feet. And there I was, fresh out of private school, alone in the world and penniless. But I had a schoolmate, Clyn Julie Hempel. And she and her bluff father were sweet. They were givers. Oh, I want to thank you, Mr. Hempel, for getting me this job. Don't listen to her, Father. But really, Julie dear.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Nothing to it, Ms. Peake. Simple matter of hogs.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, Father, how do hogs enter into it?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

The Dutch farmers at New Holland, that's just outside of Chicago, sell hogs to my butcher shops. Say they need a schoolteacher. They say my daughter Julie has a friend who'd be a crackerjack schoolteacher. And if they want to keep on selling me pokers.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Yes, Father, Selina sees your porn. Indeed I do, Mr. Hempel.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Anyhow, Hogs did it. $30 a month and you board with class pool the truck farm. He's picking you up in his produce wagon in, let's see, 55 minutes.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

A produce wagon. It's an adventure, Julie. Father always said it's all adventure in the finding of treasure. All of life. Watch closely, Father used to say, and whenever you go, you'll see all the wonders of Baghdad. Oh, but a produce wagon. It's a magic carpet, Julie. Oh, Mr. Hempel, thank you again.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Thank the hogs.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Mr. Poole.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Yeah?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

What are those things growing in the field? The ones with the cunning green top?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

All vegetables is green.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Well, beets aren't, Radishes aren't. I know that much.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Always on top. It's green.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, really.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

It's raining.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

My, that's astonishing. Oh, no, you're wrong, Mr. Poole. There are red ones out there, see?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Maybe cabbages. Some green, some red.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Aren't they lovely? What do they remind you of, Mr. Poole?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Sauerkraut.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

They're beautiful.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Cabbages is beautiful.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, yes.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Don't you think cabbages is beautiful? I bring the school teacher. Come in, come in.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Thank you, Mary. Come and hurry so fast I can more polite. It is Bishop N Parlor.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

The new school teacher. My wife.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Hello. Mrs. Poole. Please do meet. You're welcome. I feel very welcome. Lay off your things. I help you. Thank you.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I go for my poor rose to carry the France. France where you keep your tongue head

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

looking now such pretty clothes. So thank you. Why are you looking at me? My, how you were young. Come, your room is up. My rope brings up your trunk. Oh, but it's very heavy. Is he a big boy? Oh, he works my heels. He's here. Oh, you like your room? Yes, yes, it's quite nice. It's just you have such nice things. And you are young, Mrs. Poole. You can't be very old. I mean, I am 30. 30? Well, I'm very young. I too had pretty things. Come see what is in this old chest. I had a pretty dress once. Oh, my wedding dress. May I? May I try it on sometime? It's so lovely. Oh, no. Unless you get married, it brings bad luck. But you get married to New Holland Dutchman. I let you wear it where I should put down the trunk. You must be Rolf. Right down here or anywhere. And bring Peter some hot water to wash up. Supper is soon. Don't dick roll. Why, you're just a boy. I work by the farm. Don't you go to school? I told dead cat to school Linda. But why? I don't do it anymore. Oh, thank you, Ralph. I drew a polecat through school. Vindawa and a school close to a week. I could then slip in and play by the piano. Piano? Who taught you? A teacher once, a little. She gave me also a wooden book, a word book, a dictionary. Thousands and thousands of words, all different. Ralph, when I unpack, I'll give you books. The Three Musketeers. Byron's poems. Tennyson. A Life of Mozart. Who? Mozart. He played the piano and wrote great music. And. And you'll give me these books? Thuris. And when school begins, I'll give you private lessons. After school I will carry wood for the school. I will start the stall going. Every morning I will fight the big boys and make trouble in class. I. That is pawned a hired man. There's some joke about cabbages. Oh, yes? Yes. I said they were beautiful. What is so funny? Cabbages are beautiful. Emerald.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

What?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Nothing, Rose. But we are going to be friends. Wonderful. Rose, that's excellent.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Is it?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I wonder if you realize how much progress you've made during the winter. Your studies and your piano. Yes. The potatoes I keep in my pocket. Whatever for? To squeeze, to strengthen. Stretch the fingers for the piano. So cabbages are beautiful.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Potatoes can make music.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Charles, I've never seen you laugh before. Tell me something. What is it? You go to box supper next Saturday. Well, I don't know anything about it. It's in the hall over the general store to raise money for the new church organ. Each lady brings a basket supper for the men to bid on. She. She has to eat with the man who buys her basket. Oh, well, I suppose I should help the cause along. Oh, yeah. I too. What is that? I don't know.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Something I make up.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Maybe it is the boxed supper polka.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Bid 65 cents for this supper basket. Do I hear 75?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

75.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I have 75 cents. Who'll make it 80?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

80 cents.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

80.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I have 80.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Do I hear 85? Cornelia von Mingen's supper basket. One of the prettiest girls in New Holland.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

80. 80. Wants 80. Twice.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

80 cents and that's the last.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Excuse me. I'm sorry. Please. I'm late. I'm sorry, teacher. Oh, such a crowd. And I've already supperbox. Let me through to the auctioneer.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Give it to me. Oh, I'll take it to him.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, thank you very much.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

That little box is supper.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, just sandwiches and cupcakes.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

A man can starve. Never mind. Give me the look.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Thank you so much.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Hey, Oom. Ah, you're finished. Not yet. One more supper to walk.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Who is he? Margie Herbaste de jong. He's a widow. He has bad fun. Always bad luck with crops. My, he's very good looking, isn't he? Yes, yes, yes. So.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Ay, Jeff. Here's a little trifle about your size. If the food in here ain't enough for you, you can tie this pretty ribbon in the lady's hair. You make big noise with your small prices Oom.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

That's perfectly young fox back. Good man.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Ms. Selena Peak. It says here Ms. School Teacher Peak. Maybe there's a beautiful cabbage all tied up pretty inside, huh?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Not the bidding. You talk too much.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

All right, gent, who starts the bidding? What am I bid? What am I bid? Five cents.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, hi. Oh. Hey, you.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Who bids five cents? Who says it? He's so funny. He beats five sets. You're the hawk. Who? Me?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Purpose?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Not me.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

He lies in his keep.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, please answer me. The hawk. You bit. 5 cents.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

55 cents.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Perhaps you don't get me. Louder. 55 cents. I have 55 cents.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

$1 roll for David Young.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Roll pool bib. $1. $2 for that.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

$2.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

2. 25. $3.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

325. Ross.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Fool.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Papa killed you.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

325. I have $3.25. Do I hear 350? 3.5045.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, listen everybody. They're only little jelly sandwiches. And the cupcakes fell in a little. $4.68. Oh, Rol, you very nice penny.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

$5.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

$5. Johnson. Isn't that foolish to throw away a lot of money?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

You trips to markets. I. I could make it back.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Rolf. Where are you running? Rolf. Poor boy. Excuse me, please. Rolf, do you hear you.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Mama.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Why did you do it?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I look so little. They were making fun of you. Laughing. I get it back. If.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

If what?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

If I could make quicker figures. Arithmetic. Them Haymarket fellas are too sharp. They do numbers in their heads like that.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Well, I could help you. Wouldn't you like to come over to the pools where I stay, say, two evenings a week and study?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, it's trouble for you.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

No, it's never trouble. Teach people who want to learn. Ja, ja.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

What we are to study figures like

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

you say, Mr. Joe, two evenings a week through the long winter, Perth de Young came across the dreary fields for his lessons. Rolf was jealous.

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[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

But what could I do? He was such a boy, bust with such promise in him, such talent and fire. Fire of emerald and Purvis the young was whe. Spring came. But one cold rainy night, Purvis didn't show up for his lessons. The next afternoon during recess, Rolf came to the schoolhouse with word from Purvis. Purvis Beyonces tell you he can't come for his lesson. Phyrelf is sick. Rheumatic fever. Oh, but that can be very serious. His farm is in the lowlands, Ms. Teacher. Very wet for orange. Summer baked hard.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

No good, though.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Not fit to live on. Not fit for anybody to live on. Rolf, are you by any chance trying to protect me from something? It's very hard. Life farm. Well, don't worry. I won't marry a truck farmer. Thank you, Miss Teacher. Goodbye, Rose. Or would I? Perfect. Perfect. The young are you all right? May I come in? The door was unlocked, so I went in. Never, never had I even dreamed of such pitiful poverty. Every anywhere there was dust, nowhere a touch of color or creature comfort. A dense grayness just seemed to cling to everything. Here in this unspeakable dreariness, how could gallantry live? And yet it did. While pervit the young was wheat a giver. But what did he receive? And I wanted to sit down and cry. But then I heard his voice from the doorway. Oh, I'm Glad you're up and about.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

It's such a bad weather. You come here.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Well, I heard you were ill, so I brought you the books and the slate. You can keep up your study.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Sit down, sit down.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Thank you. Slate seems hardly necessary. One can write in the dust here. Such housekeeping.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Yeah. Yeah, maybe so is all I can do to keep going to farm.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Well, here we are. Now, this is the problem where we left off.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Yeah, that problem. It worried me.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I was worried too, Purvis, about you. Why, teacher, maybe we'd better get on with the problem.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Yeah.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Now, the owner of the Southwest quarter sells a strip of land 20 rods wide along the south side of his farm.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Yeah.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

So? How much does he receive? At $150 per acre. Go ahead.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

35.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

No, no, pervas, I've told you, I cannot think is.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

There's no need to learn.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

But there is, I say.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I don't figure to sell the land.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

That has nothing to do with it, Purvis. It's a problem to be solved and a principle to be learned.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Man without land is no good for woman. I don't figure to sell my land, Selena. I'm strong. I can break the land. I'll make a good farm out of it. For us, Selena.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

For us. Oh. Oh, no. Goodbye, Pervit.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Selena. Don't go. Lena. Don't go.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Paris. Dina.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Little dina. Act two of so Big starring idol Opino Essel and Robert Stacker's Purvis and dirty up.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

True to her promise, Marcha Poole let me wear the wedding gown that I had once admired. As she fitted her gown to me, I kept staring at her face toil worn and old. But she wasn't old. She was young. And all at once I was afraid. Marcher. Tell me, did you feel scared when you thought of Marion Clarke Poole? Scared? I ran away. Why didn't you? Like last class. I ran. Not far. I came back. Nobody ever knew I ran, even. But I ran. Why did you come back from life? You cannot run away. Turn around, Ralph. I must take him. You are such a skinny one. I turned around and saw Rolfe in the doorway. He stared at me with such terrible rebuke, such anguish, that a pain tore across my own heart. I started to call to him, but he turned with a sob in his throat and ran. And there I was in March's wedding gown and my bare feet, running after him. Selena. Selina running after Rolf, stumbling in the darkness, following him almost as blindly as he fled. He's finding him, sobbing against the hate, beating the earth with his Clenched fist. Ro. Ro, please listen.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

You lied.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

You lied to me. You lied. I know.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Ro.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Yes? You said you were dying.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Mary's farmer.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Yes, I said that. But I didn't lie, Rose, when I said it. I believe. You must understand his loneliness and mine as you do your own loneliness. Please try to understand that there are different kinds of love. The love of beauty. And for those who share that love with you. That's you and I. And then there's the love that severe. Let Pervas do yours. I love you both. And I'll always, always need you both. The emerald people, the wheat. Oh, please go to my wedding roof. Naked face. Brain.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Selena. Lena, wake up. Get up at Lazy Bones.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

It's after four, but it's still dark.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

But daylight is soon. You're a farmer's wife now. Time to get breakfast. And hurry now, little Lena. One whole day I've lost already getting married. Hurry,

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Hurry. You're a farmer's wife now. Paint the shabby furniture, cook, sweep, dawn. Ten chickens milk cows. Grow old with toil, but grow strong with it. And when Tertis, the young farmer, your husband, comes home from market in a downpour cheated and sick with fever. Love him and fight for him.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

But hey, market, they cheat me again.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Don't fret, Purvis. Lie quietly. It's all right.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Steve's at the Haymarket. 25 cents for sack of potatoes, cabbages, 100 heads for $2.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Next time I'll go with you.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

No, no. The young woman does not go to Haymarket. You hear?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Next time this the young woman will go to the Haymarket. We'll teach them a little arithmetic. No. I'm not a young bride anymore. Perf.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I'm sorry, little Lena. I'm even sorry your flower beds did not grow.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Nothing does well in that soil. But it will someday. We must drain it, fertilize it with potash and phosphate.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Well, little school teacher is now a farm expert. Where do you learn these wise things about farms?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I sent to Chicago for a book.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

A vegetable farm out of a book? It's funny. So, Selina, we will read the Chicago book. When things will droop out of the earth like magic. Next summer will become a kingdom, my Betty. Holy.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

It's already a kingdom to me. I love that stubborn piece of earth. Aren't there? It's my home. Your work is in that land, perv. And my heart is there. And everything that is in it that is there and that will be I love.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I'm proud that I, Dirk de Jong, was born on a farm and that my father was Purvis de Jong, whom some men called a failure, and that my mother was Selena Peake de Jong, who was afraid only once in her life.

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[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Sleep and never was afraid again. Sleep, little fella. Go to sleep.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Pepe. What are we going to name him?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

After my father Could. Maybe we call him Dirk.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Dirk. Dirk. I like that

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

already. He knows his name.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

See how he reaches up up for a handful of stars? Oh, yes, darling. You'll grow high enough to touch them one day. So big. So tall in the heart. So big. We'll get a loan from the bank and under drain the clay soil. And we'll put in asparagus.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Asparagus.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

It's the new thing. Pervit.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I make no debts at the back. No De Jong has ever made that.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

No De Jong. De Jong. I'll. I'll change my son's name. All right.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

But you. You spoiled his nap with a loud talk show. You show him that sack suit for school.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I farm all right, but so big isn't going to be a truck farmer. And if you take a bank mortgage and drain the Southwest acres.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, listen to the book from Chicago. Oh, Purvis.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Yes, come in, Rose, come in. What is it? Where are you going with that suitcase? I thought I would bring back these. You loan me before I go away.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, hey, where Rolf?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Why? I don't know. Maybe somewhere they got some fires to be built in a music school. Oh, I used to know some people in Chicago. The Hemples. They got me my job here. I wish I could send you to them. But I haven't the slightest idea of where to reach the Hemples now. It is all right. I've Ricardo alone. But keep the books, Rose. All right. Good luck to you. We'll miss you. Goodbye. Goodbye. Goodbye. Goodbye, Rose. Mom. Mom, come quick. Pulse sick.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, girl.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Mom, hurry. What is it? What's the matter? Drax. Paris.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Look. Flowers are queen.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I begged you not to go to the market today. Oh, Derek, help me.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Flowers or queen?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Curtis. Mom. Paul, Dirk, take the wagon. Tell Dr. Bremer it's the fever again. Hurry.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I lift mine eyes unto the hill. Thence cometh help. My help is of the Lord who made heaven and earth. The Lord is my keeper. The sun shall not strike thee by day, nor the moon by night. He will guard thy soul. The Lord will guard thy glory. Amen.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

So big. He'd have wanted you to remember him as strong alive. And brave and strong. And he was such a will self. Brave and stubborn. And above all, true to himself. Think of him as driving home all the way so thick with flowers for your mother. Dirt. Yes, Ma. How big is the man in my family now? So big. So big.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

But I wasn't so big. I was only nine years old. Mother and I could raise a vegetables all right, but we had to sell them. The only place around where they could be sold was the hay market. And we soon discovered that the hay market was a man's world.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Turnips, cabbages, beets. Large, firm cabbages. Be only 25 cents a sack. Nice beans. Nice beans. Please, sir, look. Wonderful tomatoes. Just look.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Ah, lady, you might as well know we don't do no business with women.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Why not?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Women belong at home.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Not when they have to make a living.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I'll tell you what I'll do. That stuff on your wagon is curling at the edges and drying out. Pay your dollar for the whole load for fertilizer.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, no. You won't use my vegetables for fertilizer.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

All right. Suit yourself, lady. Suit yourself.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Gee, mom, what are we gonna do? I know exactly what we're going to do. We are going to sell this load house to house. We are going to Chicago. Where? Baghdad. So big. Baghdad. Whoa, there. Whoa there. Is this one where we sell them off? It's a kind of nice street. Well, I. I wanted to show you the houses here. What do you think of that big house over there? That brick one? Yes, dear. Kind of ugly. Mm. It is rather grim and forbidding, isn't it? Looks scary to me. I used to live in that house. I loved it with your grandfather Pete. You Must have been rich. I guess I must have. Didn't you think it was ugly? Tell me, so big. How would you have built it? Me? Well, I'd put in big windows to let lots of sunlight in the wintertime. And I'd make it all light and pretty without that tar on it that makes it look like an old fort. Go on. And I'd take off all those fancy knobs and bumps. Don't do anything. Step. Look ugly. Lots of things. Emerald. You are. Emerald. What's that? Emerald of green. You mean I'm a green one? No, no. Far from it. So big. I beg your pardon? You boo. A lady in an automobile. Mom. You know her? No. Me. You mean me? Yes. Do you have a pedal license? Why, no, I don't. Do I have to? Well, as far as I'm concerned, I'd like to have vegetables my door. But last week a peddler tried it and got a heavy fine. Thought I'd just warn you. Thank you. But my mom lived here once. That house was hersinn. Piedra. Selena. Selena Pink. Julie Hempel. Selena. Oh, my dear. My dear. I'd never have known you. I know. It's been a thousand years. I'd never have recognized you. What happened? The hogs did it. Mama, can we ride my pony again? No, dear. Derek and Mrs. DeYoung are just leaving. I like you, little girl. Mrs. To Hemple and Julie. Oh, thank you, Dirk. She's like a little princess of Baghdad, huh?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, Paula. Oh, that's my granddaughter, young fella. Selena, I still want to buy your farm. Put it on a paying basis.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Dick couldn't live here with us then. Mr. Hempel, I want to keep the farm. I'm going to borrow money and drain the land and plant asparagus. And I'll help you. Onoda, your emerald.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

What's that?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

It means he has a gift, and I have a plan for him.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Now, don't try to live the boy's life for him. Sir, I. Oh, no.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I shan't do that. I only want him to get full value out of his life so that he'll be rich. Oh, not in money, perhaps, but in the treasure. My father always talked about the wealth of realizing the best in you. So that you can give the best. You don't know what I'm trying to say now, dear, do you? That you will one day. Oh, you're going to be so big.

[Jake Grez (Nurse Jake)]

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[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

That would be crazy, Tammy, but you got surprisingly affordable renters insurance through Geico, so it could be covered, giving you peace of mind.

[Commercial Announcer]

Aw, I love a story that ends well.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Next up, love stories. Are they all they're cracked up to be?

[Commercial Announcer]

It feels good to worry less. It feels good to Geico.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

The curtain rises on Act 3 of so Big, starring idol Opino Estelina and Robert Stack as Dirk.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

It was hard to believe that young man up there on the clock receiving his diploma, his degree, Bachelor of Architecture, was my little boy, Dirk De Jong. But he was no longer a little boy and he no longer belonged completely to me. There were two women in his life now. His mother and Paula Hempel, the little princess of Baghdad. Grown up. We both congratulated him in the reception hall. Bachelor of Architecture.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, just think, that's what the big white paper says, Mother.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Big white papers with big signatures run this world, darling. So you can put your money on that diploma.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, listen to Paula, the beautiful cynic.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Now, a little caution, children. It may be years before you're a registered architect, son. Long hard apprenticeship is a draftsman.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Well, I've got some pretty fair contacts.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I'd say they're excellent. You've got a job to step into. I'll pay that.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Job. What job?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Remember those designs you submitted to Hollis and Sprague last winter? Oh, I know them. They phoned the house before I left.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I Got a job as a draftsman there.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

$30 a week?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Uh huh. Well, that's not so bad for a start.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

No, it's not bad. It's a start. Course.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Well, there's your mother and Granddad. Paula. Mr. Hansel Gilney August. Here we are. How is the Sprague drafting room? De Jong speaking.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Congratulations, darling.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

For what?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Selena told me about your wonderful raise.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Yeah, well, my wonderful raise now puts me in the $35 a week bracket. And I've only been here two years.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Then shall we try it my way, darling?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

And I'm right for a change. Quite a lot of change.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Grandfather's giving a little dinner party tonight. Dick Hollis, your boss will be present. Will you?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

You call him Dick. Of course I'll be there.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Mrs. Gilman Robinson will also be there. She's in the process of planning a new quarter of a million dollar cottage. Take it from there, charm boy. Dinner's at 8.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Thanks, Paula. See you.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, darling. Darling, you are absolutely wonderful. You devastated Hollis, Paula.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Won't they hear you in that?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

You certainly had Hollis in a may mood after Mrs. Robinson went to bat for you.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Mrs. Robinson has some very valid notions about architecture. And she has taste. Well, of course.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

That's what was so wonderful about you having the cheek to tell Mrs. Lakeshore Drive how to do her house.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I wasn't trying to tell her.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

My dear boy, that's your charm. It gets me too. A couple of more years, darling, and I'll have this project on a paying basis. But we'll build on the Far north shore.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Paula, I'm very fond of you. But it seems to me you could do better with any one of a dozen Chicago princelings so I could.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Including De Carlos himself. But I know what I want. Dirty, important business at Hollis and Sprague is in contracting and selling.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

But that's not what I want. I'm no promoter. I'm an architect.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Dirk Hollis is right. He won't wait too long for you to decide to be successful and give up designing. Oh, you could still call yourself an architect and you'd be so successful. Haven't you seen enough poverty in your family, Dirk?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Yes.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Leave things to me. Then. Try it, Dirk, will you?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Emerald.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

What's that?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Let's have a go at it anyhow. Let's. Let's try it. Yes, indeed, Mrs. Hutchinson. The whole idea of our home designing is to express the character of the owner. Pardon me. Splendid. Thank you. And it's so nice to see you again at the Alexanders. Goodbye, Mrs. Hutchinson.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

And hello, Mr. DeYoung mother.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

How nice to see you.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

That abrupt girl in your outer office seem to feel differently. Does she own stock in you?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Well, as you see, I'm a. I'm a big man these days. A big man.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

It won't be long now. I'll be walking down Michigan Boulevard and I'll hear people asking who designed that magnificent building?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Uhhuh.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

And I'll say, oh, that's merely an early effort of my son. Dirt beyond.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Still living in Baghdad, eh?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Aren't you?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Mother, I've quit drafting.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

You've quit? But your career.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I've given up designing.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Dirk Hollis has moved me into sales and promotion. I'm already making more in a month than I used to make in a year. I was afraid you wouldn't understand.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

We had a plan. Ever since that day we drove to Chicago with the vegetables and I saw your gift. Oh, Dirk, you can't desert beauty giving of the lovely things you're talented to give.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Just wait until the big money starts rolling in.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

And that's become your idea of success?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

All of my crowd are in the money except me. Call her now, Mother.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Caller. And that tight little circle of rubber stamps you move in.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, Dirk, not so big. Excuse me, Mother. Hello? Oh, yes, Mr. Hollis. The Edmonton murals was just about to call you for the name of the artist and the address. Dallas o'. Mara. That's quite a name. Yes, sir, I've got it. I'll make an appointment for lunch the minute I hang up. Right.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Sort of hoped you could lunch with me at the drink.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

The Drake, no less.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

They have asparagus D. Young on the menu. I wanted to see it in print. It sounds like such a little thing, but it's something I did. It's mine. A certain beauty.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Asparagus.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Cabbages are beautiful. Asparagus is beautiful. Yes, Dirk.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, Mother, I can buy beauty by the square yard from any one of these stringy hair geniuses like this. Like this. Dallas. Omara.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I'm sure. Have a nice lunch, Dirk. Yes?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Ms. Dallas O'?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Meara. Yes.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

The. The artist.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Yes. Won't you come in?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Thank you.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Do you know a Dallas o' Mara who isn't an artist?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

No. No.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Are you interested in art?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, yes, very much. Say, that canvas there is very good.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Thank you.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Very good. I mean the draftsmanship. You see, I'm an architect.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Thanks for that. I thought you were a stuffy front man. I was expecting from Hollis and Sprague.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, well, maybe we just won't answer when he rings.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Maybe we wanted that.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Really.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I Haven't made up my mind yet to do their mural.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Oh, temperamental.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Don't use that word. Every phony does it when he runs up against a little logical honesty. By the way, why are you here? You just didn't happen to spot my unearthly loveliness in a crowd and fall madly, madly in love with me?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I'd have preferred that.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, you're the man from Hollis and Spray.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I'm afraid I am.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, golly. Forgive me, will you?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Only we forget about lunches. Talk it over dinner instead, where we can really relax.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Well, it's the very least I can do. But mind you, I still might not do those murals unless I can do something with a. With a splash of splendor in it.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Splendor?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

If you're really an architect, you may know what I mean.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I'm really an architect.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

It means not accepting money under false pretenses. Doing something you believe in. Giving all you've got for their money. But giving.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I understand.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I'm not sure you do. But I'll go out with you anyhow, because you're pretty. And you may even take me to the Ralph Poole concert tonight.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Ralph Poole? I knew him back in New Holland.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Really? I met him in Paris. Oh, wonderful guy.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

The number was programmed as Conchado and C. By Rolf Poole. Little Rolf Poole of New Holland, Illinois, who had once worshiped my mother. Well, Rolf had done well. This was an event. I saw Paula Hempel in the Hempel box of Richard Hollis. I saw Mother listening rapidly, looking curiously young again. But mostly I saw Dallas o', Neill, beautiful, impudent and honest. I'd lost my way with Paula, but I knew that I'd lost my heart forever for Dallas o', Maric,

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

The pride of the North Shore. The gilded youth who found success under a stack of blueprints.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Paula, please. Hollis will hear you the next offer.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Got to believing you did it yourself, didn't you?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

No, no. You did it, Paula.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Well, I suppose the debtor always hates his creditor.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Paula, see here, there's no for weeks

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

you've been seen everywhere with that Dallas o' Maro woman.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I happen to be in love with her, yes.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

It just so happens, doesn't it?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Well, you haven't been doing badly with Dick Hollis.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

And I'm going with him to Mrs. Robinson's reception for Rolf pool tonight.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Well, I'm going to the reception too.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, Planning to be there with your bohemian friend?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Alice is going to let me know today. We're having lunch, I think. Excuse me, Paula. Yes? Oh, tell Miss o' Mare to come right in.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Don't trouble to introduce her. I feel as though I know her only too well. Oh, I take your pardon. The master the builder will see you now. Miss o'. Mara. Oh, dear. Another of the victims of your deadly charm. Dirt. That master builder sounded like a low blow to me.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Yes, it was. I planned to be an architect, but Paula made me a success instead. You see.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I see. Too bad.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Alice, I know how you feel about your work and honesty and all that. Sometimes I do get a little homesick for the drawing board myself. But I'm doing so well here. Dallas, I can help you now. I could give you so much that you haven't got if you'd marry me.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

What I haven't got, Dirk, I don't need. I'm sorry, Dallas. The lessons in splendor are over. I did my best, but you flunked out.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Sonny, how do I have to be to cut some ice with you? Do I have to be some long hair with a velvet jacket?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, no, Dirk. I'll probably marry a horny handed son of toil. I like with their scars on them. There's something about a man who's fought and been shaken a little. You haven't a mark on you and your hair isn't even mussed. I'm terribly sorry, but that's how it is. You're all smooth and I like him bumpy.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Listen, Dallas, I'll do anything. I'll go back to being a draftsman. I'll go back to the bottom of you.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

You're good, Dirk. Too late.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I won't give up that easily. You're going with me to the Rough Place reception tonight. I'll call for you early.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I won't be in. Ralph wants me to go out with him to see your mother today. She'll be there, won't she?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Yes. Yes, of course. It's her busiest season.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Goodbye, dear. No. Dirk, it's so good to see you. I know you've been busy and I understand. Of course.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I've been working hard and I wanted to see the farm and you.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Can you guess who was out to see me yesterday? You'll never guess. Never guess Who?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Mother.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Rose Poole and Dallas o'. Mara. Little Rose Poole, who thought he was in love with me years and years ago.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Maybe he was in love with you.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Little Rose. He's been all over the world and he's seen the places of great life and beauty that I once told you hope to see. And he did it himself.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

He had help.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Do you know the first thing he said when he saw me, he held out his arms to me like that and yelled, cabbages are beautiful. Cabbages.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Mother, I've lost Alice.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, I was afraid you might.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

You were right. I deserted Beauty and Beauty turned on me. I was too stupid to see it, to know that you were Beauty your whole life. And the way you looked at life. She was so much like you. You were both Emerald. And I lost you. I lost you both.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

No, Dirk, No. Beauty is never lost. It isn't a person or a thing, but a spirit, a feeling inside you. It's earth and light and fire, wheat and emerald. They can be everywhere. You just got lost somewhere. Dirk, give me your hand.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Your hands are wonderful, Mother. Rough and strong. Dallas said my hair wasn't even mussed.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

It's getting that way.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Do you think so?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

You've had a joke coming and you got it.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

You know, I might have another whack at that drawing board.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

After all, you are growing up.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Will I ever grow up enough to interest a Dallas Omera?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Oh, yes, son. And to take a handful of stars, too. So tall in the heart. How big is so big?

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Very, very tiny, I'm afraid.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Men, you've grown up already. So big.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

In a moment, our stars will return. And Mr. Cummings will present his movie preview of the week with our stars. And here to take a bow for those fine performances are Idol Lupino and Robert Stack. Ida, I always feel a little nervous when you're on the show. You're not only a fine actress, but a great director.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Nervous, Irving? After last week's production of Wuthering Heights, it was perfectly beautiful. You know, I played the part of Kathy twice on this stage.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Are you partial to the heavy drama, Ida?

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Yes, I think so. And you ought to be, too, after that performance you gave in the High and the Mighty. Warner Brothers must have been thrilled with it, Bob.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

They certainly were. But 20th Century Fox was even more impressed. They signed him to a long contract. Well, I don't think Warner Brothers needs to worry. They just forgot about the release of Star Is Born with those great stars, Judy Garland and James Mason.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

I understand Judy's singing talent is even greater than ever.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Well, this will give you an idea. Here's Judy Garland's recording of the man that Got Away.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

The night is bitter the stars have lost their glitter the winds grow colder Suddenly you're older and all because of the man that got away. No more his eager cause of rid on the wall the dreams you've dreamed have all gone astray

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

no wonder everyone's a Judy Garland fan. Well, I certainly am. And she's one of our favorite luxe girls. So are you, Ida. This is your 15th appearance here, so you know how much we like you.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

Well, Irving, everybody knows how important a luxe complexion is to an actress. But here's one lady director who is also a devoted Lux girl.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

I'm afraid that's a distinction that belongs only to you, Ida. The rest of us directed producers are just married to Lux girl. Well, now, isn't it time for you to produce another of your 20 greats in the Lux Radio Theatre, Irving? Yes, it is, Bob. Next week it'll be the unforgettable story of the valiant, high spirited Welsh people in How Green Was My Valley. And as our stars of this haunting drama from 20th Century Fox, we have Academy Award winner, Donna Reed, an excellent actor, Michael Rennie, and in his original role, Donald Crisp.

[Selina Peake / Narrator of the story]

That was a great one, Irving. Good night.

[Narrator/Producer (Irving Cummings)]

Good night. Good night. And hurry. Cleaver Brothers Company, makers of luxe toilet soap and luxe liquid detergent, invite you to be with us again next Tuesday evening when the Lux Radio Theatre presents How Green Was My Valley starring Donna Reed, Micah Rennie and Donald Criss. This is Irving Cummings saying good night to you from Hollywood.