Lest We Forget - The American Dream 47-05-22 03 The Bridge Builder

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: "Lest We Forget - The American Dream 47-05-22 03 The Bridge Builder"

Release Date: May 24, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: "The Bridge Builder"
Series: Lest We Forget - The American Dream

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Introduction

In the episode titled "The Bridge Builder," part of the "Lest We Forget - The American Dream" series, Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio. This poignant drama delves into themes of discrimination, integrity, and the true essence of the American Dream within the academic setting of Hartley College. Starring Frederick March, the narrative weaves a compelling story that resonates with contemporary discussions on equality and justice.

Characters and Setting

• Professor Warren: A dedicated educator recently appointed as the Director of Admissions at Hartley College, grappling with institutional policies that conflict with his moral compass.

• Philip Harris: A talented 20-year-old engineering aspirant and war veteran whose Jewish heritage becomes the focal point of his admission challenge.

• Dean Hamilton: The pragmatic Dean of Hartley College, upholding the institution's controversial quota system.

• Richard Cartwright: The influential chairman of the board of trustees, embodying the entrenched interests that resist change.

• Miss Lloyd: An administrative assistant striving to maintain the college's policies.

Plot Overview

The Conflict Emerges

The story unfolds as Professor Warren interacts with Dean Hamilton and Miss Lloyd regarding the admission of Philip Harris. Despite Philip's exemplary academic records and aspirations to become an engineer dedicated to building infrastructure for the public good, he faces rejection due to Hartley College's quota system designed to limit minority admissions.

At [03:04], Professor Warren confronts the dilemma:

"However, there is a quota. There's a policy of the college that has to be followed... You'll have to tell Philip Harris that he is ineligible."

Philip challenges this decision, asserting his right to education regardless of his background:

"What's wrong with being a Jew?" [05:00]

Moral Struggle and Decision

Tormented by the injustice, Professor Warren seeks counsel with Richard Cartwright:

"A quota at Hartley is unfair. It's undemocratic." [07:44]

Cartwright offers a compromise, forcing Warren to choose between his principles and his position:

"I'll let this Harris kid in... From now on, you're to stick to your classroom." [08:16]

Despite the pressure, Warren's resolve hardens as he reflects on the true meaning of education and equality, inspired by classical philosophers and the words inscribed above the Hall of Learning:

"Know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." [10:00]

Resolution

In a bold move, Professor Warren decides to defy the college's policies. At the Board of Trustees meeting, he publicly advocates against the quota system, ensuring Philip Harris's admission and challenging the institution to uphold true American values of individual merit and equality.

Key Themes and Insights

• Discrimination and Quotas: The episode critically examines the detrimental impact of institutionalized quotas, highlighting how they undermine individual achievements and aspirations.

• Moral Integrity vs. Institutional Pressure: Professor Warren's internal conflict underscores the struggle between upholding personal ethics and conforming to systemic injustices.

• The American Dream: Through Philip Harris's determination to contribute to society by building bridges, the narrative reinforces the ideal that everyone, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

• Influence of Leadership: Richard Cartwright's resistance to change reflects how leadership can perpetuate outdated and discriminatory practices, challenging listeners to consider the role of authority in enacting social change.

Notable Quotes

1. Professor Warren on Institutional Policies:

   "It's a little late, though, isn't it? In this case, the boy's already been notified of his acceptance." [03:33]

2. Philip Harris on Equality:

   "I don't want to talk out of turns, sir, but it isn't right. Everyone's entitled to an education." [04:19]

3. Dean Hamilton Defending the Quota:

   "Perfectly fair arrangement. Every group receives representation in accordance with its number." [05:30]

4. Professor Warren's Moral Declaration:

   "The words inscribed on the rotunda... Know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." [10:00]

5. Richard Cartwright's Ultimatum:

   "Take it or leave it. For your own good, I advise you to take it." [08:26]

6. Professor Warren's Final Stand:

   "Everyone that asks leave to teach or learn may do so." [11:38]

Conclusion

"The Bridge Builder" serves as a timeless reminder of the ongoing struggle to align institutional practices with the foundational principles of equality and meritocracy. Through the compelling journey of Professor Warren and Philip Harris, Harold's Old Time Radio eloquently portrays the essence of the American Dream: the unwavering belief that every individual deserves the chance to contribute to society, free from prejudice and discrimination. This episode not only entertains but also provokes thoughtful reflection on the values that continue to shape America today.

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For more engaging stories from the Golden Age of Radio, tune in to Harold's Old Time Radio and revisit the timeless narratives that have shaped generations.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Lest we forget the American dream.

[Howard]

Professor Warren, how are you, sir? Have a good summer?

[Professor Warren]

Well, Howard, it's good to see you back again. Yes, I had a very nice vacation. Not as exciting as yours, I'm sure, but restful.

[Howard]

I spent mine rescuing drowning damsels in distress.

[Professor Warren]

Just as I said, Howard.

[Howard]

Oh, but it's awfully good to be back here at Hartley again, listening to those chapel bells. It really gets you all of this, doesn't it?

[Professor Warren]

Let's see if you can keep that enthusiasm for the college after classes begin next week.

[Howard]

What? Oh, well, I'll try. Professor Warren.

[Narrator]

Lest we forget the American dream. Another program in this series dedicated to you, to me, to all Americans, and the kind of America we want to.

[Richard Cartwright]

Live in our story, the Bridge Builder, starring Frederick March.

[Professor Warren]

You know what Howard meant. There is something about Hartley that gets you. You're glad to be back, too. It's only a small college, but you've been here a long time. In a few days, the new semester begins, and you know there isn't any place you'd rather be. This is where you belong. The small, neat sign on your office door still surprises you, though. You'd always been a teacher of ancient history. But this term they've also made you a director of admissions.

[Miss Lloyd]

Professor Warren, I've been looking everywhere for you.

[Professor Warren]

Good morning, Miss Lloyd. Something wrong?

[Miss Lloyd]

All the time I was homesick, I just knew something would happen.

[Professor Warren]

What is it, Ms. Lloyd?

[Miss Lloyd]

Last week, you remember we discovered there was one more vacancy for the undergraduate school of engineering.

[Professor Warren]

I remember. And while you were ill, I saved you the trouble and notified the applicant myself.

[Miss Lloyd]

That's Jim. You notified the wrong person.

[Professor Warren]

That's impossible. I distinctly recall the boy at exceptional grades. He was a veteran, stationed around here before he went overseas. Philip Harris was his name.

[Miss Lloyd]

But, Professor Warren, he's still the wrong one. You understand. I mean about our policy here at Hartley.

[Professor Warren]

As a matter of fact, Ms. Lloyd, until they made me director of admissions, I didn't bother very much with those things. I'm not sure that I liked that policy.

[Miss Lloyd]

But you can't question it, Professor Warren. Not without getting into a lot of trouble.

[Professor Warren]

It's a little late, though, isn't it? In this case, the boy's already been notified of his acceptance.

[Miss Lloyd]

Dean Hamilton phoned just before you came in. He says he wants the error corrected at once. And that isn't all. The boy is outside now, waiting to register.

[Professor Warren]

Oh, my.

[Miss Lloyd]

You'll have to see him. Here's his application card.

[Professor Warren]

Well, all right. Have him come in, Ms. Lloyd.

[Miss Lloyd]

Yes, Professor.

[Professor Warren]

You look at the application card. Philip Harris. Age 20. Ambition. Engineer. Not wanted at Hartley. No. You don't like it. But after all, there is a quota. There's a policy of the college that has to be followed. If all the faculty began imposing their own rules, Hartley would bog down in an insoluble mess of confusion. You have no choice. You'll have to tell Philip Harris that he is ineligible.

[Philip Harris]

Professor Warren. It's good to meet you, sir. I've heard so much about you.

[Professor Warren]

Sit down, Harris.

[Philip Harris]

Thank you, sir.

[Professor Warren]

You certainly came on in a hurry, didn't you?

[Richard Cartwright]

After receiving?

[Philip Harris]

Yes, sir. When you wait for something. As long as I waited for this chance, believe me, you move pretty quickly.

[Professor Warren]

Sorry to hear that, Harris. I'm afraid there's been an unfortunate error. You see, you are not eligible to enter Hartley.

[Philip Harris]

But my marks are all right, aren't they, sir?

[Professor Warren]

Fine, Philip. Excellent. As a matter of fact, it's. It's something else. Now, please try to understand. A college has certain traditions, certain obligations. After all, Hartley is a small school. And it has to provide a certain number of places for students from this section of the country.

[Philip Harris]

You mean Hartley has a quota? Don't you, Professor?

[Professor Warren]

Well, yes, I suppose you would classify it that way.

[Philip Harris]

I don't want to talk out of turns, sir, but it isn't right. I've had the same story from four schools. Can't you see it isn't right? Not in America. Everyone's entitled to an education. I'm sorry, Harris, but education's an awfully important thing. Professor, I don't have to tell you that you've devoted your life to it. But if it's that important for you, why can't I have just a few more years of it? I want to be an engineer. Ever since I was a kid in New York, I've wanted to build bridges. Down South, I saw those TVA dams, rivers. Working for the people. Well, I want to do things like that. There's so much of it to be done. And you tell me I can't. Why? What's wrong with me, sir? What's wrong with being a Jew?

[Professor Warren]

But, Dean Hamilton, this country is founded on the principle that education should be open to anyone. And that religion or national background should have no more to do with it.

[Dean Hamilton]

Hartley is founded on the principle that the board of trustees will decide all entrance requirements.

[Professor Warren]

Philip Harris fulfills all those requirements.

[Dean Hamilton]

Unfortunately, Warren, he doesn't. The quota set for minority groups have been filled. Harris is just too late. Perfectly fair arrangement. Every group receives representation in accordance with its number.

[Professor Warren]

That's absurd, Dean Hamilton, and you know it. America is made up of individuals, not groups. And they have a right to be treated as individuals. Yes, I know a quarter system at a university is based upon prejudice. It's just a device to keep out those the trustees don't approve of.

[Dean Hamilton]

I've worked hard to become dean here, Warren, and I don't intend to throw it away for Harris or for anyone else.

[Professor Warren]

But Hamilton, there must be some.

[Dean Hamilton]

Let's not discuss it any further. Warren, I sympathize with your good intentions. I'd like to help you, but I can't.

[Professor Warren]

Four schools have already turned the boy down. We'll be the fifth, and for the same reason.

[Dean Hamilton]

My advice to you is let it rest. Tell the boy the course is closed, that there's another student with a better average. Tell him anything, but for your own sake, get rid of him.

[Professor Warren]

You walk across the campus thinking of what Hamilton said. You know, that he had your best interests at heart. But here's a boy who wants to build bridges to make the rivers of America bring electricity and a better living to the people. This boy comes to you and asks for a chance to learn, to do these things. All that you've ever studied, everything you've ever taught, says that he should have that chance. How can you turn him away? How can you let it rest as Hamilton advised? And then an idea strikes you. You know what you'll do? You'll talk to Richard Cartwright. That's what you'll do.

[Richard Cartwright]

Sit down, Professor Warren. Sit down. Here, have a cigar.

[Professor Warren]

Thank you, Richard.

[Richard Cartwright]

How are all the ancient Greeks getting along, huh?

[Professor Warren]

Oh, very well, thank you, Richard. Every time I look at you, I'm a little amazed. Just between us, you know, you weren't the brightest student I ever had. Here you are, the town's leading banker.

[Richard Cartwright]

Just goes to show you, doesn't it, Professor?

[Professor Warren]

Yes. Yes, it does. And you're also chairman of the board of trustees at Hartley.

[Richard Cartwright]

Why not? You wouldn't have had that new gym if it weren't for me. Only the best for Hartley. That's my motto.

[Professor Warren]

I. I knew you felt that way, Richard. That's why I wanted to talk to.

[Richard Cartwright]

You about a Jewish lad named Philip Harris.

[Professor Warren]

That's right, Richard. A quota at Hartley is unfair. It's undemocratic.

[Richard Cartwright]

Maybe, but it works. I want Hartley to have class. I don't want it overrun. You might as well save your breath, Professor. We're not going to change our policy.

[Professor Warren]

But listen to me, Richard.

[Richard Cartwright]

You're A good teacher. Professor Warren, we want you to stay with us. Take my advice and your classroom to the ancient Greeks. Let us run the college.

[Professor Warren]

Ease up a little, Richard. You're not dealing with a lone defaulter.

[Richard Cartwright]

All right, Ward. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll make a bargain with you. Just because I like you, I'll let this Harris kid in.

[Professor Warren]

You will? Richard, I knew I could count on you.

[Richard Cartwright]

You haven't heard the rest of the bargain.

[Professor Warren]

What do you mean?

[Richard Cartwright]

Was a mistake to burden you with admissions. From now on, you're to stick to your classroom. Let us run Hartley.

[Professor Warren]

I see. Then the Harris boy is to be an exception and the quota stays.

[Richard Cartwright]

Exactly. Fair enough.

[Professor Warren]

No, I don't think it's fair at all. More than just this boy is involved. It's the principal I'm talking of.

[Richard Cartwright]

Let's not talk about principles, Professor. Take it or leave it. For your own good, I advise you to take it. I want this matter cleared up before the board of trustees meets tomorrow. I'll call you in the morning for your answer.

[Professor Warren]

You sit in your room with a worn copy of Plato's Republic in your hand. You look around at the familiar books, the desk, the lamp. It's a comfortable room, quiet and secure, as your life has been at Hartley. It would be so easy not to jeopardize it. All you have to do is say yes to Cartwright. The Harris boy would be admitted. And suddenly you have to get out in the air and sink in the darkness. You walk across the campus. You think of tomorrow and of Philip Harris. You find yourself walking up a long flight of marble steps. Voices sound in your ears as you climb.

[Richard Cartwright]

Stick to the classroom, Professor.

[Philip Harris]

Education's a big thing, Professor.

[Richard Cartwright]

We can't have the school overrun.

[Dean Hamilton]

You'll only be making trouble for yourself.

[Richard Cartwright]

Why?

[Philip Harris]

Why? What's wrong with me? What's wrong?

[Professor Warren]

What can you say to the boy? What can you say? You've reached the highest point on the campus, the hall of Learning. You look about at the statues and you recognize your old Greek friends. Plato and Aristotle. You see Dante, the Italian poet, and Copernicus, the Polish scientist. Pasteur, the French doctor. Spinoza, the Dutch philosopher. Shakespeare, the English playwright. Horace Mann, the American educator. They seem to stare down at you, and somehow you have to look away. And then you see the words inscribed on the rotunda above them. Words spoken by John, the disciple of Christ. Words that seem to shine forth in the darkness. Know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. You repeat the phrase to yourself. It has a special meaning for you. And there in the darkness, alone with these great men of different creeds and nationalities, who lived in different centuries, you think of hotly in the life you love. You think of tomorrow of the answer you must give to Harris and Cartwright, of the answer you must give to yourself.

[Philip Harris]

Ms. Lloyd said you wanted to see me, Professor Warren.

[Professor Warren]

Yes, Philip, yes. Sit down. Ever read Spinoza, Philip?

[Philip Harris]

No, sir. I never have.

[Professor Warren]

You should like you, he was a Jew. But the truths he taught belong to all of us. You'll find his statue in the hall of Learning on the hill, and below it, his famous words. In a free commonwealth, arts and sciences will be better cultivated to the full. If everyone that asks leave to teach or learn may do so.

[Philip Harris]

Professor, don't beat around the bush. Can I stay at Hartley or not?

[Professor Warren]

Excuse me, Philip. Hello.

[Richard Cartwright]

Good morning, Professor. This is Richard Cartwright. What have you decided?

[Professor Warren]

I decided, Richard, that Philip Harris will be admitted to Hartley.

[Richard Cartwright]

Good. Then you'll resign to the Board of Admissions and everything settled.

[Professor Warren]

Not quite, Richard. I. I want to address the meeting of the Board of Trustees today. I have something to say about quotas, and I want all of them to hear it. But, Professor. Oh, yes, and one thing more. I've invited the gentleman of the press to be present. Goodbye, Richard. I'll see you at the meeting. You know, Philip, when I was a boy, I used to build bridges. Maybe I'm partial to bridge builders, but I don't think so. Because I believe that every boy who wants to build a bridge or to be a doctor or a lawyer or a teacher should have the chance to learn to do so. And at my age, it's. It's too late to change my ways. Much too late. You walk into your classroom for the first session. You look at your new students. You wonder if they'll remember you, if they'll believe what you tell them. Every year you've asked yourself that question. But now you know the answer. They will, because you have shown that you believe in and live by the truths you teach.

[Narrator]

The Institute for Democratic Education has brought to you another in the series of Lest We Forget, the American Dream. This program starred Frederick March, who is currently to be seen in Samuel Goldwyn's picture, the Best Years of Our Lives. Listen in again next week for another in this series of programs dedicated to you, to me, to all Americans, and the kind of America we want to live in. Not tomorrow, but today.

[Professor Warren]

Sam.