
Lux Radio Theatre - Stairway to Heaven
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Narrator / Peter D. Carter
L presents Hollywood. Time. David niven and barbara rush in stairway to heaven. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Irving c. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's play, Stairway to Heaven is another J. Arthur Rank production which received international acclaim. It's the tender romance between a British pilot and an American girl who are separated from by a heavenly messenger. And as our stars of this delightful fantasy, we have David Niven in his original role and the Universal international star, Barbara Rush. Later, they will join me for a preview. This is the story of two worlds. The one you know called Earth and another existing only in the mind of a young pilot whose life and imagination have been violently shaped by war. It's 1945. Shortly before dawn over the North Sea. A Lancaster bomber, riddled by shells and on fire, struggles through a dense path the English coast. A pilot has just made radio contact with an air sea rescue station. Hello? Darn air. Hello? Can you hear me?
June Adams
Where are you? Lancet, Request your position. Come in, please.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Position nil. Position nil. What's your name?
June Adams
I cannot read you. Can you, John Pickles?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
No. It's funny, but all of a sudden I'm thinking of a poet. Give me my scallop shell of quiet, my staff of faith to walk across My scrip of joy, immortal diet, my bottle of salvation, my gown of glory, Hope's true gauge. And thus I'll take my pilgrimage. Sir Walter Raleigh wrote that. I'd rather ridden that than flown through Hitler's leg.
June Adams
I cannot understand you. Request your position.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Thank you. My instruments are shot away. Crew gone too? All except Chubshaw here, my navigator. He's dead. The rest bailed out on My orders. Time? 0445.
June Adams
Group sailed out. 0445.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
My station. One, that bomber. Group G for George. Send them a signal seal inform.
June Adams
Why are you going to try to land, D. George?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Oh, my name is not G, George. It's Carter. Peter D. Carter. No, I can't land. The undercarriage is gone. I'm bailing out presently. What's your name?
June Adams
June.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Well, I'm bailing out, June, but there's a catch. I don't have a parachute.
June Adams
Repeat, please. Hello, can you hear me?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
It's all right. I'd Much rather jump than try. Hope I'm not upsetting you. June. Are you pretty?
June Adams
Not bad.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Got a beautiful voice. Funny, a girl I've never seen would hear my last words.
June Adams
Perhaps we could do something. Let me report you.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
No, just keep talking, please. I want to be alone with you. June. Where were you born?
June Adams
In Boston, Massachusetts.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Boston? That's the place to be born. And history was made there. Are you in love with someone? No. No, don't answer that.
June Adams
I could love a man like you, Peter.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I love you, June, because your life and I'm leaving you. Where do you live?
June Adams
Leeward House, about three miles from here.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Good. I'll be a ghost and come and see you. What time will you be there?
June Adams
Well, I'm at Union for six minutes.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Oh, this is a. Oh, it's the best sense I ever heard. It can't be helped. About the parachute. What do you think the next world is like? Well, I'll know soon enough. Crumpshaw will probably be waiting for me.
June Adams
Goodbye.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Goodbye, Jules.
June Adams
Hello.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
See George. Hello.
June Adams
See George.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Now look here, Mrs. Rockstar. I have told you a thousand times, I'm very busy. Do not bother me. Look, am I dead or am I not dead? Sacro. Yes, of course you are dead, all right. And it is heaven, isn't it? Then where is he? Where is Peter E. Carter? He is around here someplace. Look for him. I have almost 1000 airmen to account for. And if you are Peter. Peter Carter is not here. But he's supposed to be here. His name's on that list. He's either AWOL or else. Well, there's been a mistake. There has not been a mistake here for 1,000 years. Then where's Carter? If I was a mistake, if Peter Carter was still alive on earth, a bell would ring. Do you hear a bell? No. Therefore, no mistake has been made. And if you have any sort of complaints, I. Oh, no. Oh, no, no.
June Adams
Conductor R34. Conductor R34. Go to the recorder's office with Lieutenant Chaw. Record at once, please. Lieutenant Chaw.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
No mistake. 34. What about this mess? What can I say, monsieur Bel. Mistake has been made. Who is missing? My flight commander, sir. Peter D. Carter. Well, I. I must have lost him in that accursed fog down there on earth. Oh, yes, it was a fog all right, Will. Old P. Super. I've been waiting for him, sir. So have I. Don't you know a thing like this must be reported to me immediately? I lost my head, Mr. Recorder. Yes. Not long in the service since the so called glorious French Revolution, monsieur. I see. Natural death. I also lost my head. Then, monsieur, I will go after Carter at once. It's not so simple. Peter Carter has fallen in love. That complicates matters. Fallen in love? Peter Carter jumped from his plane fully expecting an immediate demise. Due to some butter fingering up here. He did not die, but. But how? He lost consciousness and woke up on a stretch of beach. Suddenly, he became aware of a girl. Hi. Hello.
June Adams
Hello. Anything wrong?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I don't know, I. Why, you're June.
June Adams
Yes.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
And I'm not dead. I'm alive.
June Adams
But how did you get here? Oh, I'm so glad you're safe. What happened?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I don't know. I just don't know.
June Adams
Are you hurt?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
My head feels a bit queer.
June Adams
Peter. Oh, what a cruel joke to play.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Oh, I wasn't guilty.
June Adams
I've been crying so ever since you said goodbye to me from the plane.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Don't cry, June. Don't ever cry again.
June Adams
Peter. Oh, darling. Darling.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
And that's what's been going on down there. I will proceed to us at once, monsieur. Explain your error to Mr. Carter and get him up here where he belongs. Oh, when you see him, give him a message for me, huh? What message? Oh, just say what ho, bo. Mr. Recorder. You have a small idea of where I might locate Mr. Carter? Wait a moment.
June Adams
Yes, sir.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Operations, please. Yes, sir. Operations of whereabouts Peter the Carter delinquent. Oh, yes. Flea Woodhouser, in company with the Ms. Tune AX and American Wax. They're in the garden. It seems she is off duty. That's enough, thank you. Ah, yes, quite enough for May 9th. An English garden based in moonlight.
June Adams
Moonlight?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
But it's not night already. You will soon learn that the subjure that here there is no such thing as time. And what seems to you the wink of an eye down there may be a century. Are you still here? On my way, monsieur. All will be serene. Are you cold, darling?
June Adams
Cold? No, Peter, no.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
You smell something?
June Adams
No.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Oh, come. It's. What did you do before the war? Good evening. Good evening. Who are you? What's this costume? What is wrong with these clothes? They were my very best. I was buried in them some hundred and fifty years ago. June. June. Am I seeing things? Ah, she's lovely, isn't she? But save your breath. Mature. The liberty. She's nothing. Yes. Nothing. June. We are talking in space, you and I. Not in time. You crazy? Who are you? We should have met at dawn, mon Amy. Unfortunately, I missed you.
June Adams
Oh.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I bring you a message from Monsieur Trabshaw. Tr is dead. Tr. Oh, yes, quite dead. He says, what ho? He always says, what ho. But he's dead. Again, I say, yes. And what should be the status of a man who jumps from his aircraft without a parachute? How do you know he should also be dead? But I missed you because of your ridiculous English climate. For by. What do you want now? You, my friend. What for? To conduct you. Where to heaven, of course. Oh, this is fantastic. If I refuse to go with you. But you cannot refuse. You have overstayed already. By nearly 16 hours. Time, that is. What about her? June? I'm in love with her. But what is love? The feeling of a moment. I represent. A16 hours ago I was not in love. Now I am. Millions of people are in love. Do they protest when their time is up? No, they do not. They have no right to.
Ryan Seacrest
Exactly.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
But I have. Why? Look, it was no fault of mine that I didn't die. I've fallen in love because of your mistake. And I demand an appeal. Will you please be reasonable? Appeal to whom? Well, that's your problem. You'll find out. It has never been done. Never. Well, then go away. You are determined to get me into the salad, aren't you? What about the salad you got me into? I think I'll leave you for a little while. That's better. A little while, I said. I shall have to report above for instruction. Good. Go on. Report. And do not fall any deeper in love. Do you hear me? I'm warning you. She's charming, isn't she? Au revoir, mon ami.
June Adams
I work for a magazine.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
June. What did you say?
June Adams
I said I work for a magazine.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Why did you say that?
June Adams
Because you just asked me what I did before the war.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Oh, yes, I did. What's the matter with me? Had an odd thing happened while you were asleep, or did it?
June Adams
I haven't been asleep.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Well, then you heard us talking.
June Adams
Why, no. Well, who was here to talk to?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
They sent somebody.
June Adams
They?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
June, do I look cracked?
June Adams
Not to me, darling. Are you?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Look, there was a dense fog at dawn this morning. That's right, isn't it?
June Adams
Well, you know there were.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
And I did bail out without a parachute, didn't I? So how can I be alive?
June Adams
Oh, darling, we've talked about that all day. We don't know what happened. It doesn't make sense. And I'm in love with you. That doesn't make much sense either. But I am.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Well, that character insists I should be dead.
June Adams
What character?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Well, he's French. He's got short pants and lace and things. They Sent him down after me. He said he missed me before because of the fog.
June Adams
Bad luck for them, good luck for me.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I told him I was going to appeal. He's gone off to get infections. But it's not my fault I'm not dead. It's not my fault that I found you and fell in love with you.
June Adams
Oh, Peter.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Oh, my head. Oh, these awful headaches. June. You are there, aren't you?
June Adams
Oh, Peter. Of course I'm here.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
For a second, I thought I'd lost you.
June Adams
What is it, darling? What is it?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Hello? Hello? Yes, this is Dr. Reeves. Oh, June. Good morning. Yes, yes, of course. Come over right now if you'd like. I'd be delighted to see you.
June Adams
Well, that's the whole story, Dr. Reeves. I know it sounds ridiculous.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Where's this pizza chap now?
June Adams
In the village, at the inn.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Why hasn't he rejoined his station?
June Adams
Well, because I was hoping so that you might help him. Or at least see him. You told me about cases like this. Oh, no, no, not like this. Because nothing ever happened like this.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I've done a lot of work in neurology. Yes, but that doesn't alter the fact that Peter Carter is the property of the Air Force.
June Adams
Oh, he's not property. He's a person. A very fine person. And I don't want anyone just mauling him about and asking him questions.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I want you.
June Adams
I'm sure the RAF will say that.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I knew exactly what they'd say. I had a talk with Carter's commanding officer right after you phoned me. The medical officer too. Luckily he'd heard of me. Or said he had, anyway.
June Adams
What do you mean? Then they won't make me.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I mean that I've arranged a week's furlough. Oh, Dr. Rees, sir. He believes he bailed out without a parachute. Yes, and he has a hallucination, this 18th century Frenchman. You told him he was talking rubbish?
June Adams
Oh, no.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Good girl. Look here, you still have that recreation hall at Leeward House?
June Adams
Yes.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Suppose I meet you and Carter there. Say, about tea time?
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Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Sleep well.
June Adams
I'll be off duty till five.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I'd better see your Theo as well. I'll want you around for a five. Oh, don't mind me. Just go on with your game.
June Adams
Dr. Reed.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
He's a chess player. Is he any good? Well, he'll do.
June Adams
Quadrant leader Carter. Dr. Reed.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
How do you know? How do you do?
June Adams
Well, I. I've told him, Doctor, about you.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Good. Mind if I ask a lot of stupid questions, Carter? I wish you would. These visions you've had, hallucinations ever happened before? No, never. What were you in civilian life? I taught at Oxford. European history. Parents alive? My mother. What was the cause of your father's death? Same as mine. Brain? No. War. 1917. How long have you been in? Since 41. You must have had a good many missions. 67. About these headaches.
June Adams
Headaches?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Oh, I know you get them. I know you've had them for some time. And I know you've told no one about them, especially your medical officer, right? What else do you know? I know about your eye. You know a great deal. I'd like to know more. Well, the headache started about six months ago. Up here, mostly frontal and central. Did you ever get a bang on the head drops as a baby, no doubt. I don't remember. Mind if I try something? Look straight ahead, I guess. Yes. What are you looking at? That girl down there playing the gramophone. She's got nice legs. Yes. Now, don't take your eyes off of her. This is going to be easy. Now, without moving your eyes, what can you see? On the extreme right, fire blades. In the center, girl. The legs. Extreme left, Windows. Curtain. Yes. What color? Dark red. Good. That's all the same. You've seen something. Someone. Clearly. As clearly as I see you. Now, don't be annoyed with this question. It may sound rather silly, but have you imagined recently that you smelled something that couldn't possibly be there? How did you know I didn't shut in the dark. You noticed this odor at the same time you saw this heavenly messenger? This conductor fellow. This Frenchman? Yes. Onions. Fried onions. Well, you ask me, this messenger hasn't turned up again, has he? No, but he will. When? I don't know.
June Adams
Peter's launched an appeal, Doctor.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Against what? Against dying. That's the spirit. Don't you give in. I won't. That's not awful now. Except you're to stay at my house for a few days. Don't you mind? Not at all. But what about my commanding officer? His orders as well as mine. I want to be around when this Frenchman calls on you again. You're on your own till 7 tonight. Oh, you ought to come. Told you. Isn't that seven?
June Adams
He's still asleep, Doctor.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
What time is it?
June Adams
10 o'. Clock.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
You sleep for at least another hour.
June Adams
How do you know?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I gave him a pill.
June Adams
But what if.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
If the Frenchman comes again. I left a bell at the side of Peter's chair.
June Adams
A bear.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
If he has a visitor. Peter's going to ring the bell. If he can. Now, how about another game of chess?
June Adams
Oh, sure, if you'd like.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Don't worry about him. June, he'll. June. June. Dr. Reeves.
June Adams
Quickly. Monsieur.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Doctor. Monsieur, if you please.
June Adams
Who?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Oh, you're back.
June Adams
Uh.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Oh, very well. Ring the bell. You see? Nothing happens. The bell does not ring. A book on chess, huh? I was reading it just before I fell asleep. I looked in 100 best games. I must look this over. I stopped stalling. What about my appeal? Oh, yes. Well, it's been granted. Thank you. The trial will be a full dress of sale. Oh, trashy. Everyone will be there. You have two days in which to prepare your case. Wonderful. Don't be so happy. The counsel for the prosecution, the one who will insist that you leave this little world of yours, has been chosen. Well? His name is Abraham Farland. Come again? Abraham Farland. Never heard of him. A man from Boston. I never been in Boston. Abraham Farland died in Boston in 1776. Oh, exactly. The American War of Independence was fallen. Killed? Yes, by a British bullet. But he may be prejudiced. Oh, what did I say? Yes. Yes. Let's say he hates your guts. He hates the guts of every Englishman. And particularly he hates you for being involved with such a nice girl from Boston, Massachusetts. All right, then I'll appeal against him. Impossible. After all, we have to pick the best man. The honor of my whole department is at stake. What you have to do is choose a good man for yourself. As my lawyer? Precisely. Who? Anybody who has ever lived upon earth all at your disposal. You could even choose me. Oh, that'd suit you just fine, wouldn't it? Oh, no, I didn't think so. Well, you can choose. Socrates, William Pete, Henry vii. What about Madame du Barry? She knows all about love. Rather a one track mind. Now I have to think it over. Oh, by the way, this book on chest, I'd like you borrow it. It's not mine. It belongs to the doctor.
June Adams
Doctor?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
They give me a great deal of trouble in my job. Oh, well, you think it over. I will be back.
June Adams
Monsieur.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
June. June. Dr. Reeves.
June Adams
Quickly.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
What is it, Peter? Is the Frenchman there? He's gone. But he was here. I couldn't ring the bell until.
June Adams
Peter, you all right?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Yes, I. I think so. Peter, let me look at your eye. Look up toward the ceiling. You can talk if you want to. So he just left? Yes. I hope you didn't give in to anything. No. Big butto boy. Be right back. June, I got good news.
June Adams
What, darling? What?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I've won the appeal. The trial's in two days, darling. Peter, tell me, did you smell anything? Yes. Same as before. Fried onions. Now, I want you to drink this. Any headache? Oh, a beauty. You tell me what the Frenchman said. Tomorrow. I want to talk, he said. Oh, good heavens, it's gone.
June Adams
What's gone?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
What book was I reading before I went to sleep? That book of mine on chess under death games. I put it right here. Sure? Absolutely certain. A nerve. That's cool. Now how about getting back to sleep? About my concert, the trial. I don't think you believe a word I say, Peter. My dear friends here on earth, I'm your defending counsel. And as your counsel, I believe everything you tell me. June. June, I don't want to leave you.
June Adams
Oh, why should you leave me, darling? Everything will be all right if I
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
can only get a good counsel.
June Adams
Of course you will.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
How important? I don't want to lose you, June.
June Adams
Oh, I won't let you go, Peter. No one can take you from me.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I won't let you go.
June Adams
I won't let you go.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Well, he's sleeping again, Hugh.
June Adams
Will he have more hallucinations?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Yes, I think he'll be all right.
June Adams
Oh, he's not going mad, Dan. His brain's not affected.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Of course it's affected. He's having a series of highly organized hallucinations Comparable to an experience of actual life. A combination of vision, of hearing and of idea. To a neurologist, that points to a pressure on the brain. That's why Peter's Sense of smell has been affected.
June Adams
What sense? How did he survive the jump from his plane?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I don't know. But right now the main thing is for him to win his case at the trial.
June Adams
You're serious?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Perfectly serious.
June Adams
But suppose he loses? Oh, that's absurd.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
If we see that he's losing or we think that he's going to lose, we'll find out the reason why he survived his jump. Or we'll invent one. We'll have a couple of drinks, you and I, and invent the greatest lie in medical history. Meanwhile, Peter will have to be operated. Be done right away. I'll see his RAF medical officer in the morning. We can't wait for the trial. Juz. You said he may lose. We don't dare wait any longer, Dr. McEwen. Deterioration all around. We ought to operate tonight. But we're swamped here. You're sure of your diagnosis? Absolutely, sir. I showed you the X rays yesterday. The ocular report was highly organized. Hallucinations coupled with a sense of smell. Everything points to arachnoid adhesions involving the olfactory nerve. But I'm no surgeon. Who do you have here, Edwin? Neither, Liza. That's fine.
June Adams
Good.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Yes, but I don't see how we can manage neither.
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Narrator / Peter D. Carter
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Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Any day would do. There is a crisis, and I'm afraid, insanity. Yes. Why? I told you of that trial Carter keeps talking about. Well, as far as he's concerned, that trial is fixed for tonight. And he hasn't found anyone so defended yet. He really believes all this simply. The boy has a fine mind, McEwen. It's part of our trouble. Too good a mind. A weak mind isn't strong enough to hurt itself. Yes, stupidity has saved many a man from going mad. Carter's had several talks with his heavenly messenger, that Frenchman. Hallucinations, of course, but you never saw such an imagination. I don't quite follow. Nothing that Carter invents is entirely fantastic. It's invention. But it's logical invention. He's convinced he'll die if he loses his case tonight. And that's why I say we must operate tonight. It's no use shaking your head. I'm sorry, but. Oh, excuse me. Dr. McEwen here. Who? Oh, one moment. It's you. Dr. Reeves. The girl. Hello?
June Adams
It's Peter, Doctor. He's worse. I don't know what's happened, and it's happened something. We were sitting here in your library, and all of a sudden he. He just stopped. He just stood staring out at the rain, staring into space. Ly. Oh. Oh, please come.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I'll be right here too.
June Adams
Peter. Oh, Peter, darling. So far off somewhere. Come back. Come back, Peter. Come back.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I do not understand you at all. I give you the right to choose at your counsel anyone who ever lived on earth. And yet you tell me you cannot make up your mind. I can't. May I remind you that trial is but a few of your hours off. Look there. Shelf after shelf of books about famous men. There is Lincoln. What about Abraham Lincoln? No. It's hardly fair to drag him in so. I don't think he'd be prejudiced. Plato. Nobody knew more about reasoning than Plato. He was 81 when he died. He might be too old to think love important. Perhaps you're right. Now, if he had been French. Richelieu, for instance. Oh, irresistible at 80. I never liked Richelieu much. In the Sea Musketeers. Voltaire? No. Then who do you want? Look, it sounds fine to have all these great men to choose from, but what do they know of our problems today? True. Very little. Besides, it should be an Englishman. Nobody's famous but somebody with his head screwed on right. Now, what about this Abraham Farland? Was he a famous man? A school teacher? Ah, you see. Anyway, why are you so interested in getting me a council? I am interested only in getting you where you belong. In heaven, Peter. Now, come with me now. No. If you do, you will have nothing to worry about. No trial, no vexations, no pain. See over there, Peter, A great, magnificent stairway. Yes. It will take us there, Peter. It is the stairway to heaven. No. Come, Peter. Come. No, I don't have to go yet. I have your word I can appeal? I'm leaving, you, Frenchman. I'm getting out of space and going back to Earth. Perhaps before it's too late. Peter, come here. Come back here. Come back. Come back.
June Adams
Come back. Peter. Welcome back, darling. Peter. Peter.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Juliana's got it.
June Adams
Jones. Joel.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Doctor, you come around. In a moment, you. Peter's got to go to the hospital tonight. Phone Dr. McEw and tell him I say it's life or death.
June Adams
Oh, yes, Doctor.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Oh, well, better send a telegram to his mother and sister. You know where.
June Adams
Yes.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
That's all. Hello, Peter. Where's Jules? Phony. He'll be back in a moment. You almost got me. I know. He's a crafty man. He got away by the skin of my teeth. Now, look here. Don't let anybody fool you into giving up this appeal. You've been promised a fair trial. Don't give in to anybody. I haven't the counsel. We'll find the right man. They might appoint some stools. Nonsense. Or let it go by default. I tell you, we'll find somebody. They can't starve. Until we do, nobody's famous. Well, how about Doctor? Coming.
June Adams
I can't get through to the hospital. The operator says it's the storm. I'll take your car.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
No. You're more valuable here. I'll go now. Go in to him. Don't allow him to despair you. His life is at your head.
June Adams
Coming.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Ms. Adams?
June Adams
Yes?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I'm Dr. McEwen from the hospital. There's been an accident.
June Adams
Accident?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Dr. Reeves.
June Adams
He was on his way to see you.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
I did see him. They brought him in. His car skidded off the road. Dr. Reeves is dead. He told me about Squadron Leader Carter. We're taking him to the hospital now. He'll be in good hands.
June Adams
I'll tell Peter.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Led on Three.
June Adams
Wait. You've gone ahead. Peter.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
He's had an accident, hasn't he?
June Adams
Yes, a bad accident.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Is he dead?
June Adams
Yes, he's dead. Oh, come, darling. Dr. McHugh. And hiding.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Well, Dr. Reeves, I believe. Yes. Welcome. Thank you. Oh, permit me to return your book on chess. Oh. Aha. So it's you. And how is dear Peter? He has a fighting chance. Oh. Where are you taking me? Up the stairway. We'll have to skip several of the preliminaries. I'm taking you at once to the recorder. He's very anxious to see you, doctor. Amen. Come in, please, Mr. Recorder. Dr. Frank Reeves. Doctor, you are familiar with the case of Peter Carter? I am. He has just chosen you as counsel. I was hoping he would. You have very little time in which to prepare your case. They tell me that seats in the courtroom were already at a premium. Seated in the hospital now. Yes, They've already started the brain operation. I should like to see my client immediately. Conductor, take Dr. Reeves in the operating room. Shallow.
June Adams
And the rest. Doctor.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Hello, Peter. Hello, doctor. Where's June? She's waiting, Peter, out in the corridor. They're operating on me, aren't they? How's it going? Vice is a great surgeon, Peter. Neat. Very neat indeed. I like his work. Good about me. Peter, I'm very flattered you've made me your counsel. Are you sure I'm the best man? Quite sure. But I'm no lawyer. And if Abraham Farland get into politics, I'm son. Well, who isn't like? Come on, Doctor, you must have something. A little common sense, perhaps. Well, if that's as rare up there as it is down here, a little will do me fine. I need evidence, Peter. June's all the evidence I need. I've fallen in love with her. Her accent is foreign, but it sounds sweet. We were born thousands of miles apart, yet we were made for each other. Conduct her. May I kiss her? Just in case, you know. Go on, kiss her. But you will not know. It doesn't matter. This I want to see. Come, doctor, to the corridor. I think they'd rather be alone. But we cannot let him out of our sight. Look. So he kisses her. Ah, you English. What is the good of kissing a girl if you cannot feel it? Oh, June, darling. You see, doctor, she just sits in her chair in the corridor. She's crying. Ah, yes, the lady weeds. You want evidence, Doctor? There it is. Her tears don't cry, darling. Please, if I could only take one of her tears. But you can. You can do as you Wish. How can you take a tear into heaven? Permit me the rose in my buttonhole. I touched the rose to her cheek so. And like a pearl of dew upon the petal lies a single mortal tear. The only bit of real evidence that we have. Come. We must get out of here now. Monsieur Ricardo, we are ready.
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Narrator / Peter D. Carter
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Narrator / Peter D. Carter
versus heaven will now be heard. Ladies and gentlemen of the universe. Due to negligence by our department of admission, Peter Carter is in the embarrassing position of dangling between heaven and earth here and now. We must decide either to pull him up or grant an extension of his term on earth. The jury will take their places, please. Our counsel's ready. Abraham Fallen? All ready, your honor. Dr. Reed. Thank you, your honor. The prosecution has the floor. Mr. F. Your Honor, members of the jury and fellow steel. Peter Carter, an Englishman, should have died on 2nd of May 1945, 10 after 5 o' clock British double summer time. Moreover, when summoned reports from 16 hours later, the defendant refused accompany the authorized conductor. For what reason, please? He claimed that in the time which he borrowed from us accumulating the responsibilities of an allegedly important and permanent nature. But in those few hours, a young lady of good American stock has fallen in love with them. Are we to believe this within those 16 borrowed hours? I object to the word borrowed. My client was given the 16 hours in question. Objection sustained. Nevertheless, I wait to believe that Peter Carter, Englishman, is in love with this young lady. Good American, Stark. And equally important, is she in love with him. Whites Dress their nationalities, Mr. Farland. For good reason, sir. We're talking of love. It can happen, you know, between an Englishman and an American girl. My point is that when in the course of human events our men and women come to your little island as allies. Was not to become your prisoner. May I remind you, sir, that we are living in the 20th century, not the 18th. And may I remind you, sir, that we are not living at all. You've got me there, Mr. Farland. Beg your pardon? Thank you, but I am up to date, Dr. Eve. No, I've been a watching you English from upstairs here. Your politics, your busyness. Is Peter De Carter, what you'd call a good Englishman? Yes, sir. I thought so. Considerable handicap, is it not, lord? May I ask where Mr. Farland's father was born? And how irrelevant could it have been in England? My father left England, sir. Cause he didn't like it. But he liked it today. Well, I have hear radio. Let me turn it on. Listen, everybody. Listen to the England of today. Well, here we are at the cricket match, ladies and gentlemen. Boys of England 1945. Much more like cricket weather now of training and they have been with you. Oh, there's a fine crowd. And we're all dotting our mats and umbrellas now and settling down to enjoy this rousing force which to people all the world over is perhaps more typically English than anything else. You missed out at me, Miss Boy Hammond, ladies and gentlemen, who just played a delightful forcing shot off Miller. I think we've heard enough. May I turn on the radio now, sir? Let's hear the voice of America in 1945. If you wish, sir. That can't be American. What is that savagery, son? I don't understand it now. Neither do I. I simply suggest that what may be typically British or typically American has nothing to do with Peter Carter and. Or June Adams. Oh, yes, June Adams. Lovely, vibrant American girl. Members of the jury, I ask you, should the swift tempo of her promising young life be slowed to the crowl of a matched cricket, her accustomed nature's comfort be outraged by England's warm drinks, cold rooms, draughty windows and faulty plumbing. At this moment, Mr. Powell, 2 million houses in England have no windows at all. Milord, I submit that this court is concerned with the life and death of Peter Carter. And not with past history or present plumbing. But Peter Carter's characters are like every other human being. Has been formed by circumstance, but by a chain of circumstances. As Benjamin Franklin once said, A kingdom was lost. All for the wand in the horseshoe Mail. You heard Benjamin Franklin. I beg you in George Washington's words labor to keep alive in your breath that little spark of celestial fire called Constance. Are you insinuating that something's wrong with my conscience? Not at all. I'm proclaiming it. You are trying to prejudice the jury against English. I don't need to PR this jury, sir. They're already prejudiced. You can't prick the jury today. Look at these 12 good men. First you see Jean Marie Barrow, Frenchman. Then a century past that war between France, England. Next is Gary Fonzier from the Transv the Boer War. Dr. Leave. Remember Yang Jing Lin. Chinese. Don't forget England sat on China in 1857. Not 5. 18. And you, sir? Balatash Fal from Burma. Think of Burma, Dr. Eves. And you, James Monahan, Ireland. Accuse a new jury anywhere, Dr. Rees. It must always be prejudiced against England. Lord, I challenge the jury and request that a new one be chosen. From where, Dr. Rees? Anywhere except England. Why not from England? Where else have the rights of the individual been held so high? In America, sir. Whether it's right to hell inalienable. Why a man can stay farther from the top of Boston State House and more worse be in then from all that pyramids and turrets the world over. America, sir, is the only place for a man is full grown. Then I have for a jury of Americans. And if there is one who fought in the Revolutionary War. Then I want another who fought shoulder to shoulder against our common enemy. In this century. If one has a mind that can only think back 170 years, I want another who thinks 170 years ahead. You agree, Mr. Farland? I would. Welcome. Court is adjourned while we find a new jury. Without further interruption, we shall continue to introduce the new jurors to the court. Francois Dupont, American citizen. Peter Van Dyke, American citizen. Jim Wong, American citizen. Jefferson Mickenburg Brown, American citizen. Patrick Aloysius Mahoney, American citizen. The jury will be seated. Mr. Fallon. Apparently Dr. Reeves has wasted the course of time. Search where you will. Humanity rises to indict England. You may proceed, doctor. Re Gentlemen of the jury. Here in my hand I hold a single rope. And in this rose lies my entire case. And what is my case? I agreed with Mr. F. Has Peter Carter fallen in love during the allotted extra in a disputed extra 16 hours, or has he not now? Two young people who would never have met but for a mistake of here are being penalized for falling in love. On the petal of this rose is a tear. And in that tear of love and truth and friendship, those qualities alone can build a new world today and a better world tomorrow. That is my entire case. And upon it I demand that Peter Carter have lived. Mr. Fallon? No questions, your honor. Your honor, you are the foreman of the jury?
June Adams
I am.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
And we feel that the defendant and the girl should be given a chance to be heard. Is that permissible? It can be arranged. Where are they, conductor? Mr. Carter is on an operating table in an army hospital near Newcastle. The young woman is also there waiting in the corridor. The jury feels that hearing them would help establish a better understanding. Understanding of conditions. In that event, the jury will go downstairs. Lead the way, conductor. There is Mr. Carter M on the operating table. The jury will stand around, please. My diagnosis was right. Sign of vascular meningeal adhesions binding the optic nerve to the brain. We're not here to discuss adhesion. He but question Peter Carter. Simple. The tissue in the chiasm. Let me tell you about my operation. I summon for Peter De Carter. Oh, hello, Peter. Hello, doctor. How's the operation going? Fine. You couldn't be in better hands. There's quite a draft in my head. Peter Carter, tell the jury here whether or not you tempted to influence emotions. That young American girl out there in the corridor. June and I fell in love before we ever met. You claim you love her? I do love her. Can you prove it? If you give me time, sir. 50 years will do. Can you prove it? How can a starving man prove he's hungry except by eating? Would you die for her? I would. Ah, but I'd rather live young gentlemen. Pardon the expression, you, Honor. Good work, Peter. Good. You're a witness, Dr. Reed. No question. Conductor, there's a young lady available. She sleeps, monsieur. Oh, she sleeps. Jury'll carry note there. I put her to sleep. Indeed? Why? To enable you to call her spirit, sir. The jury will please note that I do call, your honor. Very well. Ms. Joan Adams. Joan. Don't interrupt, Peter. Ms. Adams, you have been called in the case of Peter Carter as a witness of the prosecution. Where were you born, child?
June Adams
In Boston, sir.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
You know this man?
June Adams
I think so you think so. Why, I met him only a few days ago.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
And how do you think you can love him?
June Adams
Oh, but I do love him.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Nonsense. L. I object. Council must withdraw the word nonsense.
June Adams
Oh, but Mr. Farland's right, Doctor. There's no chance in love.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Well, I see wisdom still flowers in Boston. Can you prove that you love him?
June Adams
How can I?
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Would you be willing to die for him?
June Adams
Oh, yes.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Would you take his place in the balance sheet?
June Adams
Yes.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Don't believe her. Stand aside, Tom. You've no right to ask her. How dare you tell me what I might ask. He could. You must obey. Well, of all the dirty tricks. This is consempt of court. I'll have you committed, sir. Commit away, June. Don't answer any more questions. Do you realize that to write this attitude you forfeited any chance of winning your case? All right, then I lose. But you're not going to get June as well. You witness doctrine. June, you know me well. Do you trust me?
June Adams
Of course I do.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Because of what you've just said, it is absolutely necessary that you take Peter's place in the other world. Have you gone mad? If you really love him, June, come with me to that stairway. It leads to heaven. You are mad. It's the only way to prove your love to you.
June Adams
I do love him.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
You won't go. Lord. I ask the court to restrain my client. Restrain him. Bailiff. Come, my dear June. No. No.
June Adams
Goodbye, Peter. Goodbye, darling.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
She is dying for him. For love. Not so typical of France. Look. The stairs. The stairs have disappeared. What? The stairs have disappeared. Unprecedented. Never has this happened before. They are coming back. Do you know what this means? A greater hand than ours has sent her back. But the universe, the law. The law of the universe clearly stipulates. I know, Mr. Farland. In the universe, nothing is stronger than the law. But on earth, nothing is stronger than love.
June Adams
June.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
June.
June Adams
I would die for you, darling. I would.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Peter, forgive me. It was a long shot to take. I had to take it. It has been clearly established that June loves Peter and Peter loves June. As Sir Walter Scott is always saying, Love rules the court, the game, the grove and men below and saints above. For love is heaven and heaven is. The jury considered a verdict gate for the defendant, your honor. Appeal sustained, Mr. Carter. Thank you. There now remains the new date on Peter Cutter's file. I'll write a down. Will the councils approve it? Please? Satisfactory, Dr. Rears? Very generous. Isn't that a mic too much? I agree. Then let's go back where we belong. First Dear me. I hope this won't establish a purpose. All right, Nurse. The patient may be removed to his room now. Congratulations, Doctor. Liza. Wonderful piece of work. He will be all right. Somehow I feel very sure of that. Peter. Oh, no. You still here? The book. The book on chess. I'm returning it now to Dr. Reeves Library. What a pity I shall have to wait so long to play chess with you. I can't. I'm sorry. In time, my friend. Au revoir, Peter. Oh, he's waiting for you in your room. Waiting for me. Waiting for me. Waiting. Waiting for me.
June Adams
Waiting for me. Peter.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
Hello, julie.
June Adams
Hello, darling.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
We won.
June Adams
Oh, I know. D. I know.
Narrator / Peter D. Carter
To David Niven and Barbara rush. Tonight we're her butterfly. Dr. Reeves, Maurice Martak. Who's the conductor? Hans Conrad as Parlo. William Conrad as the Recorder. Leo Brett as McEwen and Byron Kane. Yvonne Paty. Harold Darren First Richard Peel, Judah Marston and Eddie Marr. Our radio play was adapted by S.H. barnett from a screenplay by Michael Kirk Powell and Emmerich Klassberger. Our music directed by Rudy Schrager.
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Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Lux Radio Theatre - Stairway to Heaven
Date: July 24, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
This episode features a dramatization of "Stairway to Heaven," also known as "A Matter of Life and Death," originally a celebrated J. Arthur Rank production. The play is a unique blend of wartime romance and fantasy, centering on British pilot Peter D. Carter's struggle between life and death after a miraculous survival from a doomed plane, and his newfound love with an American radio operator, June Adams. Through celestial errors, legal appeals, and the transcendent power of love, the story explores themes of fate, mortality, and the human condition.
Peter D. Carter: “Funny, a girl I've never seen would hear my last words.” [03:13]
June Adams: “I could love a man like you, Peter.” [03:31]
Conductor: “But I missed you because of your ridiculous English climate.” [08:45]
Dr. Reeves: “On the petal of this rose is a tear. And in that tear are love and truth and friendship... upon it I demand that Peter Carter have lived.” [41:40]
Conductor: “In the universe, nothing is stronger than the law. But on earth, nothing is stronger than love.” [47:20]
Peter D. Carter: “We won.” [49:30]
June Adams: “Oh, I know, darling. I know.” [49:31]
For those who love classic radio drama, “Stairway to Heaven” delivers a magical, moving exploration of love versus fate amid the grand canvas of WWII and the afterlife.