Lux Radio Theatre - Another Language

Summary

Lux Radio Theatre: “Another Language” (Harold’s Old Time Radio) – Summary

Episode Overview This installment of Harold’s Old Time Radio features a presentation of the Lux Radio Theatre’s adaptation of “Another Language.” Broadcast from Hollywood, California and hosted by Cecil B. DeMille, the episode stars Bette Davis as Stella Hallam, Fred McMurray as Vicki Hallam, John Beale as Jerry Hallam, and May Robson as Mother Hallam. The radio play dramatizes the generational and cultural tensions within an American family, focusing on identity, acceptance, and the strain between tradition and individuality.

Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Highlights

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1. Introduction & Context (00:30–05:38)

• Cecil B. DeMille opens with background
  • Introduces the origins of “Another Language” by Rose Franken—originally a stage play, later adapted for radio and film.
  • Highlights the major cast members and their career backgrounds. (03:00–05:38)

Notable Quote:
“As far as I know, her record of making love to 36 men in one day before the camera is still unchallenged.”
— Cecil B. DeMille on Bette Davis (04:00)

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2. Family Dynamics and Tensions Emerge (05:38–17:24)

• Vicki and Stella Hallam’s Marital Strain
  • Stella’s artistic pursuits clash with the Hallam family’s expectations.
  • Tension surfaces regarding Stella’s perceived outsider status in the Hallam family.

Notable Quote:
“Has it ever occurred to you, Vicki, that maybe your brothers’ wives are a little more welcome than I am?”
— Stella Hallam (06:48)

• Introduction to the Extended Family
  • Monday night family traditions established.
  • Sibling banter and subtle put-downs reflect underlying resentments and traditional roles.

Notable Quote:
“Oh, I’m afraid we are not quite high toned enough for Stella.”
— Mother Hallam (11:03)

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3. Jerry Hallam and the Desire for Self-Discovery (15:37–19:28)

• Jerry’s Frustration
  • Jerry, the youngest Hallam, confides in Stella about his regret at being pushed into the family business instead of pursuing architecture.
  • Stella sympathizes and becomes a confidant, driving a wedge between herself and the rest of the family.

Notable Quote:
“I wanted to go abroad and really study. At first Dad said he’d think it over and then the family... got him out of the idea.”
— Jerry Hallam (16:25)

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4. Stella and Vicki’s Relationship Struggles (21:59–25:22)

• Philosophical Differences
  • An earnest conversation about marriage expectations—romance, tenderness, and respect vs. settling for routine.

Key Exchange:
"Nothing can ever take the place of tenderness and respect and chivalry. You just stand still without them or you keep going down and down and down."
— Stella Hallam (24:42)

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5. Jerry’s Affection for Stella (26:02–30:25)

• Unrequited Feelings
  • Jerry meets Stella for tea and confesses emotions that border on romantic. Stella gently rebuffs him, explaining he’s projecting longing for companionship and understanding.
  • Vicki remains unaware or chooses to dismiss the depth of Jerry’s feelings.

Notable Quotes:
"I did love it. You know, it was just as if I were under a spell. As if time had gone back seven years. But it wasn’t you I was happy with, Jerry. It was Uncle Vicky. Don’t you see?"
— Stella Hallam (28:01)

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6. Family Gathering & Explosive Confrontation (33:25–39:44)

• Growing Tension
  • During a family party, Jerry’s jealousy and unhappiness boil over—he breaks Stella’s sculpture, prompting a public confrontation.
  • Stella accuses the family of stifling individuality and laments the effects on her marriage.

Key Confrontation:
"You’re all so sure of yourselves. You’re trying to mold Jerry’s life to fit your own, and it’s wrong. ... You mustn’t. You’ve got to let the three of us alone. You’ve got to let Vicki and me keep our marriage the way it started out. It’s the only thing that’ll save us."
— Stella Hallam (38:08)

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7. Aftermath and Attempt at Reconciliation (46:40–56:08)

• Morning After

  • Stella and Vicki try to process the fallout. Stella resolves to separate for a time, yearning for clarity and autonomy.
  • Jerry’s emotional turmoil comes to a head—his love for Stella is revealed to the family, causing outrage and distress.

• Final Resolution

  • Vicki ultimately chooses to support Jerry’s artistic ambitions and, crucially, to side with Stella—asserting their right to self-determination and mutual respect.

Notable Quotes:
"Maybe he ought to be an architect if he wants to. And if I can help him, I will."
— Vicki Hallam (55:40)
"And Vicki, darling, it isn’t too late."
— Stella Hallam (56:08)

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8. Intermission: Message from Mrs. James Roosevelt (43:31–46:00)

• Special Guest: The President’s Mother
  Mrs. James Roosevelt addresses the play’s themes:
  • Advocates for parental guidance that allows children to “find themselves.”
  • Speaks against over-possessive mothers and highlights the need for children’s independence.

Notable Quote:
“A boy or a girl may be your child, but at the same time he is an individual. … Perhaps first on the list of his training should be teaching that child to find himself.”
— Mrs. James Roosevelt (44:17)

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9. Closing Remarks & Cast Reflection (59:56–61:16)

• Cast Acknowledgements and Final Thoughts
  • Fred McMurray credits May Robson’s career and thanks co-cast.
  • Bette Davis expresses gratitude for having played the role and admiration for Mrs. Roosevelt’s remarks.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Episode Introduction & Cast Presentation: 00:30–05:38
• Stella and Vicki’s Marital Tension: 06:00–08:00
• Jerry’s Artistic Aspirations Shared with Stella: 15:37–16:39 / 21:59–22:43
• Jerry’s Confession to Stella: 26:02–28:30
• Family Party & Conflict: 33:25–39:44
• Mrs. James Roosevelt’s Address: 43:31–46:00
• Climactic Family Confrontation: 51:00–56:08
• Reflections and Thanks: 59:56–61:16

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Stella, on longing for more out of life and marriage:
  “...I want a great deal more out of life than waking up in the morning and going to bed at night. Oh, I want a great deal more than that, Vicki. And I want a great deal more of marriage than the mere routine of a man and woman living together.” (23:32)

• Jerry, on artistic dreams denied:
  “I wanted to go abroad and really study. At first dad said he’d think it over and then the family, I don’t know, sort of got him out of the idea.” (16:23)

• Mother Hallam’s controlling tendencies lampooned:
  “You are not firm enough with your son. Monday nights ought to begin to mean something to him.” (12:34)

• Mrs. James Roosevelt on parenting:
  “No matter how much you want your boy to be a lawyer, if he wants to be a painter, let him do it.” (45:00)

• Stella, on self-respect in marriage:
  “Nothing can ever take the place of tenderness and respect and chivalry. You just stand still without them or you keep going down and down and down.” (24:42)

Tone & Style

• The episode captures the atmosphere of a 1930s American family, with lively, often caustic banter, and moments of earnest drama.
• The cast deliver performances laced with period-specific colloquialisms and social attitudes, highlighting the restrictive expectations placed on women and the younger generation.

Summary

This episode of Lux Radio Theatre’s “Another Language” is a rich exploration of family conflict, generational change, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Stella Hallam’s struggle as a creative outsider in a conservative family, Jerry’s yearning for self-direction, and the ultimate call for mutual respect and understanding resonate throughout. The special address from Mrs. Roosevelt elevates the play’s message, underlining the universal importance of letting each person, especially the young, “find themselves.” The cast’s closing reflections and gratitude reinforce the significance of the work both as entertainment and as social commentary.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:
You’ll find a nuanced family drama about breaking free from the mold, the courage to advocate for one’s dreams, and the fraught but necessary process of claiming individuality within the bonds of kinship. The lingering message, as delivered by both the characters and Mrs. Roosevelt: support the ones you love—but let them be themselves.

Transcript

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[Vicki Hallam]

Hollywood, California.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Monday, May 17th. The lux radio theater presents bette davis and fred mcmurray in another language with john beale and may robeson. Lux presents Hollywood. This program comes to you through the make makers of Lux Plates as a means of showing their appreciation of your pronounced preference for these remarkable soap plates. Our stars tonight are Betty Davis, Fred McMurray, John Beale, may Robeson, Margaret Hamilton and Hal K. Dawson. Our guests, Mrs. James Roosevelt, mother of our president, and Ms. Janet Henley, one

[Vicki Hallam]

of Hollywood's foremost wardrobe authorities.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Our producer, Cecil B. DeMille. Our conductor, Lewis Silvers. All of whom join me in saying welcome to the Lux Radio Theater. Before going ahead with our play In Other Language. I want to tell you about a little club in Paterson, New Jersey. Ms. Laura Brock, the secretary, writes.

[Grace]

We are a group of girls who

[Stella Hallam]

meet every Monday night.

[Grace]

Wanting a name for our club, we have taken the liberty of calling ourselves

[Stella Hallam]

the Luxury Time Girls.

[Grace]

One of our bylaws reads as follows.

[Stella Hallam]

Any member getting a run in her

[Grace]

stocking during the course of any meeting must pay a fine of 10 cents. Our treasury hasn't been increased by a single dime so far because all the girls are lux wise. And as a matter of fact, we very seldom get runs at all anymore.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

They know that Lux cuts down runs because it saves the elasticity. The letter continues.

[Stella Hallam]

We thank you for the spirit, splendid

[Grace]

entertainment of the Lux Radio Theater.

[Stella Hallam]

And we wish you continued success.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

And we thank you, Ms. Brock, for your letter. We hope all of your club members are listening in tonight to hear bette Davis, Fred McMurray and John Beale in Another Language. And now our producer, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Some years ago, Mrs. Rose Franken, a housewife and mother of three children, surprised her friends by writing a play. Several people promised to produce it, but when nothing happened, Mrs. Franken became so provoked she wrote another. It fooled everyone. Another language ran 344 performances and was promptly sold to pictures. Bette Davis, who commands the stage tonight in the role of Stella Hallam earned her first money waiting on tables in school, pacing the camera for a screen test in New York, she fainted, but passed only to spend many weary months in Hollywood playing fill in parts in screen tests for other hopefuls. As far as I know, her record of making love to 36 men in one day before the camera is still unchallenged. While Betty was eating lunch one day, Pendrous Berman passed by, stared at her for a few moments and informed her she would play opposite Leslie Howard in Of Human Bondage. Starred from then on. She won the Academy Award for Dangerous and his next scene in the Warner Brothers film that certain woman, Fred McMurray's Paramount Pictures, his two previous performances in the Lux Radio Theater and his many other air appearances find us greeting him as an old friend. He's heard tonight as Vicky Hallam and will be on the screen shortly in exclusive. John Beale, who created the role on Broadway and in pictures, is again Jerry Hallam. John took to the footlights right after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, dropping his original aim of becoming an illustrator. He's just completed Border Cafe for rko. And I'm especially pleased to welcome one of my oldest friends of stage and screen, that Distinguished Character Actress, Ms. May Robeson in the role of Mother Hallam. The parts of Grace and Water will be filled by Margaret Hamilton and Hal K. Dawson, who played them so skillfully in the theater and film. Curtain time. Ladies and gentlemen, our stars make their entrance and deluxe Radio theatre presentation of Another Language starring bette Davis, Fred McMurray, John Beale and May Robeson is on the. Our scene is a tiny studio apartment in downtown New York, the unpretentious but charmingly furnished home of Vicki and Stella Hallam. It's early Monday morning and we find Vicki at the telephone. He seems to be having a little difficulty making himself understood.

[Vicki Hallam]

Now listen, is this a Centaur art

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

institute or isn't it? All right, now what?

[Vicki Hallam]

I don't care if you're only the cleaner. I don't care if you're the President. All I want to know Is Mrs. Hallam still there? Mrs. Victor Hallam? Yeah, she's one of the students in the art class. Well, there must be somebody there. Well, run up and take a look, will you? It's important. I said run up and take a look.

[Stella Hallam]

Hello, Vicki.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, never mind.

[Grace]

How are you, darling?

[Vicki Hallam]

I'm all right. Do you know what time it is?

[Mother Hallam]

Yes.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, I'm terribly sorry.

[Vicki Hallam]

It's nearly 8 o'. Clock. I've been trying to get you on the phone.

[Stella Hallam]

I know it's awful of me, but I couldn't stop before. I was right in the middle of the new piece. But it's done now. It's in the cast and. Oh, Vicky, I think it's going to be all right.

[Vicki Hallam]

That's good.

[Stella Hallam]

You must be starved. I'll get you something right away.

[Vicki Hallam]

Wait a minute. Maybe you don't remember what night this is.

[Stella Hallam]

Why, it's Monday.

[Vicki Hallam]

Yeah. And we were supposed to be at my mother's at 7:00 clock sharp.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Vicky. Oh, Vicky, darling.

[Vicki Hallam]

It's all right. It's not the first time you've forgotten it.

[Stella Hallam]

Are you angry with me, Vicki?

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, I'm not exactly happy.

[Stella Hallam]

I'm sorry. I know how sacred these Monday night family meetings are.

[Vicki Hallam]

They're not sacred, but I think we could make a little effort to get there once in a while. Walter manages it and so does Paul. And their wives are there every time.

[Stella Hallam]

Yes. Has it ever occurred to you, Vicki, that. That maybe your brother's wives are a little more welcome than I am?

[Vicki Hallam]

What do you mean by that?

[Stella Hallam]

I don't know, but sometimes I feel I can't help it. I feel they resent me.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, don't be ridiculous. Why should my family resent you?

[Stella Hallam]

I don't know, but I think they do, Vicki. All except Papa. He's a dear, and the rest of

[Vicki Hallam]

them are a lot of palookas, I suppose.

[Stella Hallam]

I didn't say that.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, that's what you meant.

[Stella Hallam]

I didn't. I didn't mean that at all. I like them, Vicki. I only wish I could make them like me, that's all.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, maybe you don't try. Maybe if we went up there a little more often, you'd get to know them better. It's not their fault, Stella.

[Grace]

I know that.

[Vicki Hallam]

It's just that they don't understand you, all this art school stuff.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, but you understand it. You do, don't you, Vicki?

[Vicki Hallam]

Sure I do.

[Stella Hallam]

Then give me a kiss, darling, and tell me that you're not mad anymore because I'm late.

[Vicki Hallam]

But why did you have to pick the night of all nights to hold things up, Stella?

[Stella Hallam]

I couldn't help it, darling. Honestly, I couldn't. This bust of you was the first thing I've done that I. I thought was really good. And I feel like shouting. Probably it's because the subject was so grand.

[Vicki Hallam]

Crazy.

[Stella Hallam]

Don't spoil it, Vicki. Kiss me and make it perfect.

[Vicki Hallam]

Now, hurry up and get ready.

[Stella Hallam]

I'll only be a minute.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, Walter and Grace are going to stop by for us, are they? Yeah. I told them you'd be late, so they're taking their time.

[Stella Hallam]

When Walter comes, make sure you don't

[Grace]

smoke one of his cigars, huh?

[Stella Hallam]

If I remember, the last one you smoked flew up.

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, Walter's all right.

[Stella Hallam]

Of course he is. Blow up, will you?

[Grace]

Water. My feet are killing me.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Which apartment is it, Grace?

[Grace]

12.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Boy, what a joint.

[Walter]

What did Vicki ever want to live down in this part of town for anyway?

[Grace]

Stella. You mean she's got him wound around her little finger? Ring the bell.

[Jerry Hallam]

All right.

[Grace]

Guess she thinks living down here makes her arty or something.

[Vicki Hallam]

Hello, Walter. Hello, Grace.

[Walter]

Hiya, Vicky boy. How's the kid?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Fine, thanks.

[Walter]

Well, step right in, Gracie. Make ourselves to home.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

That's right, Walter.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, Grace, it's been a long time.

[Jerry Hallam]

How are you?

[Grace]

All right.

[Walter]

Oh, Grace is dying. She says her feet are killing her. Hoof and mouth disease, that's what she's got. Guess we'll have to shoot her. Hey, where's the little woman?

[Paul Hallam]

Vicki?

[Walter]

Putting on the war paint.

[Vicki Hallam]

She'll be ready in a minute.

[Walter]

Give her the gun, boy. Give her the gun. You know what I do to Gracie when she keeps me waiting? I give her the icy clutch.

[Grace]

Now, Walter, you stop it.

[Walter]

You know, you sneak up behind him, Vicki, and get him by the nape

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

of the neck like this.

[Walter]

The icy clutch, Vicki. Get it.

[Grace]

Hello, Grace. Hello.

[Walter]

How are you? Still, old girl. How's the kid?

[Stella Hallam]

Fine, Walter. How are you?

[Walter]

Well, I'm like the weather. Everybody complains about me, but nobody does anything.

[Grace]

Oh, shut up.

[Vicki Hallam]

Say, we better get going or mom will be waiting for us.

[Stella Hallam]

I'm ready.

[Vicki Hallam]

I'll run down and heal a cab.

[Grace]

No, don't be foolish, Vicki.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, we've got to, Grace. We're late already, and it's my fault. I'll turn out the lights.

[Walter]

No sooner said than done.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Walter, not all of them perform a face.

[Vicki Hallam]

Ooh, boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie.

[Grace]

Stop it now, Walter.

[Walter]

I see clutch.

[Paul Hallam]

Come on, Mama.

[Vicki Hallam]

Come on.

[Paul Hallam]

Come on, open up.

[Grace]

Stop it, Walter.

[Vicki Hallam]

Hello, Mama.

[Grace]

Hello, Victor.

[Mother Hallam]

Hello, dear.

[Stella Hallam]

Come in, come in.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, Mama, how's my best girl?

[Mother Hallam]

Oh, I'm fine, my boy. You know, I was afraid you were.

[Grace]

You were not coming.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, how do you do, Stella?

[Mrs. James Roosevelt]

Well, this is a surprise.

[Grace]

Hello, Mother.

[Stella Hallam]

I'm awfully glad to see you. How are you?

[Mother Hallam]

Pretty well, thanks.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, these flowers.

[Mother Hallam]

For me?

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, thank you.

[Grace]

Thank you very much.

[Mother Hallam]

But you shouldn't, you know.

[Grace]

Walter. Walter, my boy.

[Mother Hallam]

I knew I could count on you. How Are the children, Grace?

[Grace]

Johnny's got a sniffle. Everybody here tonight, Grandma?

[Mother Hallam]

My sons never forget Monday nights.

[Grace]

Listen, what's the matter with your son's wives?

[Mother Hallam]

I always say my son's wives are very good to me also.

[Stella Hallam]

All except Stella.

[Mother Hallam]

You know, I'm afraid we are not quite high toned enough for Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Mother, you know that isn't true. You don't understand.

[Mother Hallam]

I understand perfectly, my dear.

[Grace]

Well, come in.

[Mother Hallam]

Come in. Don't stand here in the hall. They're all inside waiting.

[Stella Hallam]

Hello, everybody. Hello, Etta.

[Grace]

Well, hello. You're a stranger.

[Stella Hallam]

I know. I'm really ashamed.

[Grace]

I feel as if we ought to be introduced.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Edda, it isn't as bad as all that.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Stella, my child, I knew you'd come.

[Stella Hallam]

Hello, Father.

[Paul Hallam]

Hello, Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

Paul, how are you, Paul?

[Grace]

Say, aren't those chrysanthemums beauties? Those are beauty, Stella. Aren't the beauties everybody? They must have cost something, all right.

[Mother Hallam]

Yes, they're very lovely. It's too bad we haven't anything to put them in.

[Vicki Hallam]

Gee, you blew yourself hard.

[Paul Hallam]

Times didn't seem to hit you.

[Vicki Hallam]

Vicki, they are wonderful, beautiful.

[Mother Hallam]

Yes, but, Stella, you know, you shouldn't let your husband spend so much money for nothing. How's your new maid, Grace?

[Grace]

How is she? She ate three eggs for breakfast this morning. That's how is she? That's ne. I'll say. It's nerve.

[Mother Hallam]

Oh, I wouldn't keep her.

[Walter]

I'm not hi yet, old kid.

[Grace]

Stop that, Walter. Helen. Grace, that husband of yours is too fresh entirely.

[Mother Hallam]

Well, you know, Walter has to have his little joke.

[Grace]

Walter, did you see the new brooch Paul gave Etta?

[Walter]

No.

[Vicki Hallam]

No.

[Walter]

Let's see.

[Jerry Hallam]

Say, not bad.

[Walter]

Not bad.

[Grace]

I like that center diamond, Etta. It's a marquis. Never met him. My acquaintance begins and ends with a chip. Oh, Paul. Paul. Where's Jerry?

[Mother Hallam]

Everybody's here now but Jerry.

[Vicki Hallam]

He said he'd drop in later if he could.

[Mrs. James Roosevelt]

That's.

[Mother Hallam]

That's right. You know, you.

[Grace]

You.

[Mother Hallam]

You are not. You're not firm enough. You're not firm enough with your son.

[Grace]

Etta.

[Mother Hallam]

You know, Monday nights ought to. Ought to begin to mean something to him. Now, now, Jerry's quite old enough.

[Paul Hallam]

That's true, Mama.

[Vicki Hallam]

Etta, you ought to talk to him.

[Stella Hallam]

You know, I don't think I've seen Jerry you know how long?

[Grace]

I'll tell you. Not since your wedding. That shows how often you visit us, Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

But that's not possible.

[Grace]

You wouldn't know him now, Stella. Yes, he's a Grown up man all of a sudden. Why, I can't believe it myself. He reminds me a lot of the way Vicki used to look. Oh, there's a strong resemblance between all the boys. I said to Grandma the other day, I said, vic is getting to be the image of Paul now that he's putting on weight.

[Vicki Hallam]

Who's putting on weight?

[Grace]

You.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, you're crazy.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Vicky, you big fat thing. You know, you gained 11 pounds in the last year. Victor gained 11 pounds.

[Mother Hallam]

Why, that's wonderful.

[Grace]

You don't seem to think it's so wonderful. Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

What, Stella, you're not happy that your husband's putting on flesh? I want him to stay young and handsome. Oh, nonsense.

[Mother Hallam]

People should eat plenty, never mind how they look.

[Vicki Hallam]

That's right, Mommy. You tell that to Stella. She's positively starving me.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Vicky, Mother actually believes it.

[Vicki Hallam]

No, she's pretty good to me. My wife is.

[Mother Hallam]

I guess you're pretty good to her. All my boys are good.

[Grace]

Husband good, but not romantic.

[Walter]

What have we got to be?

[Vicki Hallam]

Romantic, huh?

[Paul Hallam]

Yeah.

[Mother Hallam]

Well, sit down, Stella. Sit down.

[Grace]

Don't.

[Mother Hallam]

Don't act like company.

[Grace]

Oh, I'm not.

[Stella Hallam]

Really, I'm not.

[Mother Hallam]

You don't even take your hat off. That's not very nice, you know.

[Grace]

She knows it's becoming.

[Stella Hallam]

Why, it's so light. I didn't even know it was on.

[Grace]

Well, take it off. We all saw it. Oh, here's Jerry now.

[Vicki Hallam]

Come on in, Jerry.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

The door's open.

[Paul Hallam]

Fine time to be coming.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Hello, everybody.

[Grace]

Hello, Jerry.

[Jerry Hallam]

Hello, Grandma.

[Mother Hallam]

You've been forgetting your old grandmother.

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh, no, I haven't, Grandma, but you know how it is.

[Stella Hallam]

Hello, Jerry.

[Grace]

Oh, Jerry, this is your Aunt Stella. For goodness sakes. You remember Aunt Stella. Say, how'd you do? Where's your tongue?

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, he does remind me of the way Vicki used to be.

[Jerry Hallam]

Sure I remember Aunt Stella.

[Vicki Hallam]

How'd do?

[Jerry Hallam]

Aunt Stella?

[Stella Hallam]

Aunt Stella. That makes me feel so old.

[Jerry Hallam]

Well, if I don't call you aunt, I can't kiss you. And besides, you're not a bit like an aunt. I mean, well, you're not a bit older.

[Grace]

Hey, go on, go on, Jerry.

[Stella Hallam]

He even puts his foot in it the way Vicky used to.

[Grace]

His ways are a lot like Vicky's, but I don't notice the resemblance so much. Eva means Vicki was never so good looking.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, yes, he was.

[Grace]

Here, you're a businessman now, Jerry.

[Paul Hallam]

Yeah.

[Jerry Hallam]

Dad decided last week he couldn't get along without me.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, so we're not going to have an architect in the family, huh? It doesn't look like it.

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry, did you really want to study architecture?

[Jerry Hallam]

I was crazy too. I guess I'll still want to about more than anything else in the world.

[Mother Hallam]

Well, come on in, everyone. There's lots to eat.

[Walter]

That's the best news I've had since breakfast.

[Mother Hallam]

Come along, Vicki. We'll show that pretty little wife of yours how a boy should be fed.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Let me add it.

[Jerry Hallam]

What's that you're playing? Estella Debussy. Swell. Oh, listen to them in there. I bet they'll sit over that table till 12 o'.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Clock.

[Stella Hallam]

They're enjoying themselves, Jerry.

[Jerry Hallam]

You know, Aunt Stella, you don't seem to belong to these Monday evenings.

[Vicki Hallam]

Aren't they awful?

[Jerry Hallam]

You have to sit around all night and jaw over things that aren't important and eat a lot of things you don't want.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

I hate to come here.

[Stella Hallam]

I know how you feel, Jerry.

[Jerry Hallam]

Do you? Is it true you're an artist too, Aunt Stella? I mean, do you paint and sculpt?

[Stella Hallam]

I used to, before I was married. I'm beginning again.

[Jerry Hallam]

Well, good for you. You know, when I was a kid, well, when I was about 18, I mean, I used to love to design buildings and theaters and things like that.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, but that's wonderful, Jerry.

[Jerry Hallam]

Dad couldn't see it though. Nobody could. They seem to think that anything that has to do with drawing isn't business. I wanted to go abroad and really study. At first dad said he'd think it over and then the family, I don't know, sort of got him out of the idea.

[Stella Hallam]

That's too bad, Jerry.

[Grace]

What are you two hobnobbing about? The two artists. You think they were long lost friends. I only hope Stella's not putting ideas in his head.

[Jerry Hallam]

What do you mean? Can't anybody even speak together?

[Paul Hallam]

You're talking to your mother.

[Jerry Hallam]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything.

[Grace]

No, no, of course you didn't.

[Mother Hallam]

Jerry's a good bird.

[Walter]

Come on, Stella, get hot.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

How about a little swinger? Let's hear you go to town.

[Grace]

Walter.

[Stella Hallam]

I'm afraid I'm not up to it. Why don't you?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Sure.

[Jerry Hallam]

Shove over.

[Walter]

I'll show you how to tickle the ivories.

[Grace]

He does it all by ear.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Never took a lesson in my life.

[Jerry Hallam]

Han. Stella, I'd like to see you sometime when we could talk by ourselves. I mean. I, I, I would like to talk to you about paintings and things. There's nobody much around here I can talk to.

[Stella Hallam]

Why, of course, Jerry. Anytime. Listen. Wait a minute.

[Grace]

Vicki.

[Stella Hallam]

Vicki, dear. Vicki, why couldn't everyone come down to our place next Monday evening.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, that's an idea. Hey, how about it, everybody? I'll come over to our place next Monday.

[Mother Hallam]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no. That's too big a trip for an old lady like me. Perhaps if you lived a little nearer.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, come on, mama. Just this once won't tire you. A swell idea.

[Stella Hallam]

Then you will come, all of you?

[Grace]

I'm willing if the rest are okay by me.

[Vicki Hallam]

Fine. Then it's settled. Our place next Monday.

[Mother Hallam]

No, no, no. You know I'm an old lady. It's much better for you young people to come to me.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, now, mama dear.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

I'll blow you to a taxi.

[Walter]

Yeah. How about a bicycle?

[Paul Hallam]

Mama,

[Jerry Hallam]

I meant to talk to you alone, not with the whole gang around.

[Stella Hallam]

Why, then, anytime, Jerry. Just drop in and have dinner with me.

[Vicki Hallam]

Thank you.

[Grace]

Oh, gosh, I'm dying for sleep. We ought to be going, Walter. Me too. I can't keep my eyes open hardly. I ought to wash my hair.

[Vicki Hallam]

Come on, Stella, get your duds on.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Here's your coat. Catch.

[Jerry Hallam]

Here, let me help you on with it, aunt Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

Thank you, Jerry.

[Walter]

Here, let me help too.

[Vicki Hallam]

He got you that time. That's a cool trick. You want to watch out what you're

[Jerry Hallam]

doing, do you hear?

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry. Jerry, what's gotten into you, talking to

[Mother Hallam]

your uncle Walter that way?

[Paul Hallam]

Apologize to your uncle this instant.

[Grace]

Go on, Jerry. Say, excuse me, uncle Walter. You were very fresh.

[Jerry Hallam]

Really, I apologize, uncle Walter.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, don't mention him, my boy.

[Walter]

I know your business troubles make you irritable. Jerry.

[Grace]

Don't mind them.

[Stella Hallam]

You will come to see me, won't you, Estelle?

[Vicki Hallam]

Are you ready, Belle?

[Stella Hallam]

Yes, Vicki, I'm ready.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Before going on with our play, let's stop at the home of one of our friends.

[Grace]

Hey, guys.

[Lady Luck]

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[Spin Quest Announcer]

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[Grainger Announcer]

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[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

14 year old Margie is out in the kitchen with her mother. They are doing the dishes together. Margie is drying them.

[Stella Hallam]

Mother, how many years have you been washing dishes?

[Grace]

Oh, a long time. It'll be 16 years this month since we started keeping house. You don't look it. Thank you, darling. What makes you say that?

[Stella Hallam]

Why, mother, your hands are so pretty and white. Not at all dish panty looking.

[Grace]

Well, they probably would be if I hadn't been washing my dishes. And Lux ever since I was married. And before too. Really? I used to help grandmother when I was a girl, just as you're helping me now. Only I usually washed and grand dried. She always kept a package of Lux on that shelf between the windows in her kitchen, remember? And we never used anything else for dishes. Actually, I have tried other soaps a few times, but they always hurt my hands. So I went right back to luck. And good old luck seems to get the dishes clean faster. If anybody ever asks you, you. You can tell them your mother thinks Lux is just about perfect.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Once again, Mr. DeMille. Back now to another language. Starring Bette Davis, Fred McMurray, John Beale and May Roadson. One week has passed since they're meeting at Mother Hallam's. Stella has been seeing Jerry occasionally, trying to bolster up his spirits. It's Monday morning and Vicki is sitting at the breakfast table as Stella comes from the living room.

[Vicki Hallam]

Who's that on the phone?

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry.

[Vicki Hallam]

What again?

[Stella Hallam]

Yes. He sounds a little upset about something. He wants me to have tea with him this afternoon at the Ardmore Hotel. Said he wanted to talk to me.

[Vicki Hallam]

10 to 1 he wants to beef about something.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, but they're all so against him. We're the only ones who can help him. We can't close him off, Vicky.

[Vicki Hallam]

I'm not going to close him off exactly. But I'm certainly going to mind my own business and you do the same. Paul wants him over at the factory and that's all there is to it.

[Stella Hallam]

But Paul has enough money to let the boy at least try to find himself.

[Vicki Hallam]

And waste the best years of his life trying.

[Stella Hallam]

But it wouldn't be waste putting him in business now when there's so much in him that wants to come out, that's waste. You should have seen his face at the art exhibition. It was like a new World to him.

[Vicki Hallam]

A kid like that. A kid that age oughtn't to be hanging around art galleries. It's a lot of bunk, if you ask me, Vicki.

[Stella Hallam]

When you talk like that, I could just shake you. It's so awfully typical of.

[Vicki Hallam]

Typical of what?

[Stella Hallam]

Well, of the kind of mentality that ridicules what it doesn't understand.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, so I've got that kind of mentality, huh?

[Stella Hallam]

I never thought you had.

[Vicki Hallam]

But you do now, is that it?

[Stella Hallam]

I don't know what to think of you anymore, Vicki.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, you don't?

[Stella Hallam]

Sometimes if I close my eyes, I. I think it's Paul or Walter.

[Vicki Hallam]

Now, look here, Stella. I've warned you often enough to leave your opinion of my family out of our conversation.

[Stella Hallam]

But it isn't the family.

[Janet Henley]

It's you.

[Stella Hallam]

If you're so blind you can't see that Jerry ought to get away to find himself, then. Well, then something in you that's always been very dear and precious to me has died without my knowing it.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, you're certainly taking the kid's troubles to heart.

[Stella Hallam]

Because he's so much the way you used to be, Vicki. Maybe that's why I'm so fond of him.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, I'm glad you like somebody in my family.

[Stella Hallam]

I could like them all if they'd only let me.

[Vicki Hallam]

That's a laugh.

[Stella Hallam]

No, it isn't. I've never fooled myself about the way they feel toward me. They resent me terribly.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, if they do, it's because you high hat them. Try to make yourself somebody miles above them.

[Stella Hallam]

That isn't true and you know it. If I were someone miles above them, I could understand their hatred, but I'm not. I just want more out of life than waking up in the morning and going to bed at night. Oh, I want a great deal more than that, Vicki. And I want a great deal more of marriage than the mere routine of a man and woman living together. Because that doesn't have to happen. It shouldn't happen. Especially when two people began by loving each other the way we did.

[Vicki Hallam]

That's a funny thing to say. What's the matter with me?

[Stella Hallam]

Nothing, Vicki.

[Vicki Hallam]

You used to think I was pretty good. You used to even love me a little.

[Stella Hallam]

I still do, more than anything else in the world.

[Vicki Hallam]

Like fun. You do? You know what's the matter with you, don't you? You're just plain, garden variety romantic.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, you can't name it with a word, Vicki.

[Vicki Hallam]

You want a honeymoon to last forever, but good Lord, Celia can't expect that. It's bound to wear off. And something a lot better comes in its place.

[Stella Hallam]

What comes in its place, Vicki?

[Vicki Hallam]

Well. Oh, you know as well as I do.

[Stella Hallam]

I know this, Vicki. Nothing can ever take the place of tenderness and respect and chivalry. You just stand still without them or you keep going down and down and down.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, that's bunks. I'll honestly bunk. I'm gonna call you Romantic Susie. Come on, kiss me, Romantic Susie.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Vicki, be serious. We need a talk, you and I. Believe me, we do.

[Vicki Hallam]

Nonsense. I understand you a great deal better than you think I do.

[Stella Hallam]

But you don't know what it means to be lonely.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, what have you got to be lonely about? Afraid I don't love you anymore. Come here, you little fool.

[Stella Hallam]

No, Vicki, please.

[Vicki Hallam]

I'll still.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

I do love you, Vicki.

[Stella Hallam]

Every night I pray this prayer. Dear God, bless Vicki, whom I love and all my dear in laws.

[Vicki Hallam]

Like it?

[Stella Hallam]

It's lovely. Jerry.

[Grace]

You know, your uncle Vicki and I

[Stella Hallam]

used to come here sometime to dance. Oh, that seems a long time ago now. It was such fun.

[Jerry Hallam]

Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

What's that they're playing? I love it, don't you?

[Jerry Hallam]

Stella, please don't keep putting me off.

[Vicki Hallam]

I.

[Stella Hallam]

Well, what is it, Jerry?

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh, I feel like a fool now. You didn't act this way on Saturday.

[Stella Hallam]

Well, I remember that we went to the exhibition.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Was that all?

[Stella Hallam]

Why, yes.

[Jerry Hallam]

Well, I remember more than that. I remember every word you said and the way you looked when you said it.

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry, this is dreadful. No, you sound like a detective.

[Jerry Hallam]

No, I'm not fooling. Being with you that day made everything different and wonderful. But all it meant to you was going to an exhibition, I guess.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, no, it didn't. It meant more than that, Jerry. Because, you see, I enjoyed seeing the pictures with you. It was nice being with someone for a change. It was awfully nice.

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh, well, I see.

[Vicki Hallam]

Sure.

[Jerry Hallam]

I'm just crazy, I guess. Forget it, will you, Stella? I was just sort of crazy when I called you and asked you to come here. That's all.

[Vicki Hallam]

We better have our tea. Waiter, Waiter.

[Jerry Hallam]

Yes, sir? Tea for the lady. Yes, sir.

[Vicki Hallam]

Anything else, Stella?

[Stella Hallam]

Just for tea. I think I have to hurry home to dinner.

[Vicki Hallam]

And for you?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

The same, sir.

[Jerry Hallam]

No brandy.

[Stella Hallam]

Yes, Jerry.

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh, I'm just a fool, that's all. Go on, laugh at me. I don't blame you. But Saturday. Saturday when we were going around together, I was walking on clouds all the time. And you were happy too.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

I could see it in your face

[Jerry Hallam]

because you were with me and away from Vicki. Jerry, I Can see the way he treats you. As if you were a piece of furniture. Something that's in the house when you go to work. And you sure will be there when you get back.

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry, don't be silly. Uncle Vicky and I love each other. Other very dearly. We. Well, we're not romantic anymore. Romance doesn't mean anything wears off and something much better comes to take its place.

[Jerry Hallam]

I don't believe that. And you don't believe it either. It's just that he doesn't know how to make you happy.

[Stella Hallam]

I am happy.

[Jerry Hallam]

Well, then Saturday was all a dream. I mean, then I guess I only imagine.

[Stella Hallam]

Didn't imagine it, Jerry. It was wonderful. I did love it. You know, it was just as if I were under a spell. As if time had gone back seven years. But it wasn't you I was happy with, Jerry. It was Uncle Vicky. Don't you see?

[Jerry Hallam]

Well, then there isn't any place for me at all.

[Stella Hallam]

No, Jerry. Jerry, listen to me. You're not in love with me the way you think, Stella. Oh, no, you're not. I'm just taking the place of the girl you love someday.

[Grace]

Now you're.

[Stella Hallam]

Well, you're lonely. I guess you're dazzled by the experience of talking to someone who understands the things you want to say.

[Jerry Hallam]

Would that make me suffer the way I'm suffering now?

[Stella Hallam]

I think so.

[Jerry Hallam]

Would that make you suffer the way you're suffering?

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry, stop it.

[Vicki Hallam]

I won't stop it.

[Jerry Hallam]

I know what you're doing. You're treating me like a child because you're afraid. You're afraid of yourself and you're afraid of me.

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry.

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh, Jesus, Stella. There's nothing wrong about it, Stella. We didn't ask it to come.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Just happened.

[Jerry Hallam]

Like something natural and beautiful.

[Janet Henley]

Jerry.

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry, don't. You must.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Right over here.

[Stella Hallam]

Here's your uncle Vicky.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Vicki.

[Jerry Hallam]

You told him we were going to be here?

[Stella Hallam]

Of course. Why not? He's going to take me home.

[Vicki Hallam]

Waiter.

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry.

[Vicki Hallam]

Waiter.

[Jerry Hallam]

Take the check out of this and keep it.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Jerry, you mustn't run off like this.

[Vicki Hallam]

Hello, there.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Hey, Jerry.

[Jerry Hallam]

What's the matter with him?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Hey, Jerry.

[Stella Hallam]

Let him go, Vicky. He's just upset, that's all.

[Vicki Hallam]

What's eating him now?

[Stella Hallam]

I don't know, Vicki. You wouldn't understand.

[Vicki Hallam]

He went out in an awful hurry.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

What's it this time, Vicki?

[Stella Hallam]

Vicki, I wish you'd do something for me.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

What?

[Stella Hallam]

Speak to Paul. Ask him to let Jerry go abroad for my sake.

[Vicki Hallam]

Nothing doing. That's none of our business. All right, now let's get going, shall we? If we're going to entertain the family tonight.

[Grace]

There they are now.

[Stella Hallam]

Vicki, hurry. I'll go and let them in.

[Vicki Hallam]

I'll be out in a minute.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Jerry, it's you.

[Vicki Hallam]

Yeah, it's me.

[Stella Hallam]

Come in, Jerry.

[Jerry Hallam]

I want to apologize for acting the way I did this afternoon, Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, but you needn't.

[Jerry Hallam]

I guess I just sort of lost my head there. I went back to the office and I wasn't even going to come up here tonight. Then I got to thinking about it and realized what a SAP I was.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, but I understood it, Jerry. You mustn't feel badly about it.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, I do.

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh, gee, this room's beautiful at night with the candles and everything. I've never seen it like this before. Where's Uncle Vicky?

[Stella Hallam]

In the bedroom changing his clothes.

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[Grainger Announcer]

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[Jerry Hallam]

I brought you something.

[Stella Hallam]

You did?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Here.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Jerry, how nice. Shall I open it now?

[Jerry Hallam]

Sure, sure, if you want to.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, it saw.

[Jerry Hallam]

Go ahead, see what it is.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, the little toy dog.

[Jerry Hallam]

You remember it?

[Stella Hallam]

Of course I remember it. We were walking across 57th street after the exhibition. It was in a shop window.

[Jerry Hallam]

You were like a little kid the way you stopped and laughed at it.

[Stella Hallam]

I've always had a weakness for toy stores.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

And he said, oh, Jerry, look at that puppy.

[Vicki Hallam]

Isn't it adorable?

[Jerry Hallam]

And I knew right then and there I'd have to buy it and surprise you with it.

[Stella Hallam]

But you shouldn't have done it, Jerry.

[Jerry Hallam]

Don't you like it?

[Stella Hallam]

I love it. It's one of the sweetest things that ever happened to me. You're surprising me this way. But it won't do, you see? It just won't do.

[Jerry Hallam]

You're crying.

[Stella Hallam]

Nonsense. Why should I cry over a funny little dog?

[Vicki Hallam]

I don't know.

[Stella Hallam]

Neither do I.

[Jerry Hallam]

Do you really mean you won't keep it, Stella? You're not angry, Jerry?

[Stella Hallam]

No, dear. Only I. I don't want you to spend your money on me. It must have been expected.

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh, that's not the reason. You're just making that up.

[Stella Hallam]

Well, then I'm your aunt. Little boys oughtn't to buy things for their aunt. It ought to be the other way around, if anything.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, here we are.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, hello, Jerry. Thought you were the family. Say, what was the idea of that disappearing act you pulled this afternoon?

[Jerry Hallam]

I had to get back to the office.

[Vicki Hallam]

Busy man these days, huh, Jerry? Hey, where'd the dog come from? Gosh, they certainly can make stuff these days.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

I bought.

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry bought it for his girl. He opened it for me to see Vicky.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, so there's a girl in this too. Well, women like this kind of nonsense. Say, didn't I buy you something like that when we were first married, Stella?

[Stella Hallam]

Yes, I think you did, Vicki.

[Vicki Hallam]

Yeah, it was some kind of a stuffed animal. A pig or a rabbit.

[Stella Hallam]

It was a kitten with a blue ribbon around its neck.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, that's right. I threw away five bucks on it without batting an eyelash.

[Stella Hallam]

You didn't throw it away, Vicki, because I still have the kitten on the top shelf in a box.

[Vicki Hallam]

You still have it? Gosh, women are nuts.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

All right.

[Vicki Hallam]

Hey, careful, Jerry. You better go easy. What's her name?

[Jerry Hallam]

There isn't any girl the way you mean.

[Stella Hallam]

Don't tease him, Vicki, please.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, it's all right, old man. You're not the first one to fall, you know. How old is she?

[Stella Hallam]

Let him alone, Vicky. It's unkind.

[Vicki Hallam]

Say, Jerry, you're insulted with your Aunt Cella. Do you know it? Oh, there they are. Come on, Jerry, cheer up. You'll only upset Grandma carrying around the face like that.

[Stella Hallam]

Hello, Vicky.

[Janet Henley]

Hello.

[Vicki Hallam]

Hello, Vicky.

[Jerry Hallam]

I gotta get out of here. I can't stand it.

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry, please don't. Hello, everybody. I'm so glad you're here. Come in. It's wonderful to have you here at last, Mother. Oh, thank you.

[Vicki Hallam]

Say, Mama, where's Paul?

[Stella Hallam]

Yes, where are Paul and Etta?

[Grace]

Oh, they'll be here later. Didn't Jerry tell you?

[Vicki Hallam]

Don't you know what happened? No. Did Jerry tell you, Stella?

[Jerry Hallam]

I forgot.

[Mother Hallam]

That's not a very nice thing to forget, Jerry.

[Grace]

Etta's Sister got appendicitis. They rushed her to the hospital.

[Stella Hallam]

Really?

[Walter]

Yeah, they operated right away.

[Grace]

Grim sakes, Jerry. How on earth you happened to forget to tell Aunt Stella?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Yeah, how come you forgot?

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, lay off the kid. He couldn't help it. He's in love, Bootsman.

[Walter]

Oh, so what?

[Mother Hallam]

Nonsense. He's much too young for that.

[Grace]

That's it.

[Walter]

Puppy love, that's what it is. Got any dog biscuits, Stella?

[Grace]

Shut up, will you?

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry, don't. All right, everybody, give me your coats, will you?

[Vicki Hallam]

Come on, folks.

[Walter]

The evening's young. Let joy reign unconfined.

[Grace]

Gosh, I'm so full of food I can't move.

[Walter]

Nice work there, Stel. Those sandwiches were swell. Not big, but swell.

[Stella Hallam]

Thanks, Walter.

[Mother Hallam]

Oh, I do like that record, Vicki. It is a nice phonograph, isn't it?

[Walter]

Come on, Grace, let's dance. We'll show him a thing or two.

[Grace]

Oh, Walter, I'm rotten at the new dances and you know it.

[Walter]

Oh, now, just keep in time and follow me. Shut up, boy.

[Vicki Hallam]

Nice work, Walter.

[Grace]

Walter, I can't. Let me stop, Walter. I'm busy.

[Walter]

Whee. How's this going? Look at Walter.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Walter's good.

[Mother Hallam]

That ought to take you down around the hips. Grace. Come. Come, Vicki, why aren't you dancing? Oh, come along now. Dance with your wife.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes, Vicki and Stella.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, I'm no good.

[Grace]

Go on, Vicki, dance.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, come on, Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

I'd love to, Vicki.

[Mother Hallam]

Ah, now, that's right. That's right.

[Walter]

Give out with that stuff, Vicki.

[Vicki Hallam]

Yeah, if I don't give out myself. Well, who's leading, Sella, you or me?

[Stella Hallam]

You, darling.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, let's stop. I. I guess we're just rotten.

[Grace]

Well, you used to dance good together, you two.

[Vicki Hallam]

When did you ever see us dance?

[Grace]

You danced at your wedding and you held her tight.

[Mother Hallam]

All right, come along, Jerry. Now, what's the matter with you? You must dance. Go along. Go along. Dance with one of your aunts.

[Grace]

Oh, come on, show us some new steps, Jerry. This is getting to be a real party.

[Walter]

That's right. Forget your troubles, Jerry, old man, and tread the light fantastic.

[Vicki Hallam]

Hey, that's a good idea. Here, you can have my wife as a partner.

[Mother Hallam]

Yeah, Jerry and Stella. Ah, now we're going to see something.

[Vicki Hallam]

Yes, the two youngsters ought to be able to give a good performance.

[Stella Hallam]

Please, no.

[Grace]

Go on, Stella. Don't be silly.

[Walter]

Oh, come along, Jerry. Ask the lady.

[Grace]

Please, no, no, I'm.

[Stella Hallam]

I'm tired.

[Mother Hallam]

Oh, dear. Stella's always tired.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, be a sport, Stella. Why do you have to spoil the fun all the time.

[Grace]

Vicki's right. Go on, Jerry. Just make her dance.

[Jerry Hallam]

All right, Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

All right, Jerry.

[Grace]

There, there.

[Mother Hallam]

See how beautifully they do it?

[Walter]

Say, that Jerry's quite a snake. Attaboy, kid.

[Grace]

Look how they do it so smooth. Why can't you and me do like that, Walter? You think they dance together all their lives?

[Walter]

Well, looks like they win the dance contest.

[Grace]

All right.

[Walter]

What do you say, folks? Hey. Break. Hey, you win. Come on, Break. Break. Do you hear me, Jerry? Break.

[Jerry Hallam]

I'm sorry.

[Grace]

I ought to get a loving cup.

[Walter]

No, no, no, not a loving cup. I know the bust. The plaster bust over there on the table here. Here, give it to me.

[Mother Hallam]

That's great.

[Walter]

Sure, because it's hollow, just like Vicki's head. Mr. Jerry Hallam and Mrs. Victor Hallam, on behalf of the management and in recognition of your swell, elegant exhibition of terpsichorean art, permit me to.

[Vicki Hallam]

Fools you. You fools all of me.

[Stella Hallam]

Come back, Jerry. He broke the statue.

[Walter]

This is the second time he's done that to me.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, he can't get away with it. I'll get him back.

[Grace]

Oh, no.

[Stella Hallam]

No, Vicki. No, please let him go. I don't mind his breaking the bust. It was just practice work. I don't care, really.

[Vicki Hallam]

You don't care, but I do. Just because he's got a grouch in the world, he can't go around smashing things up in my house.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, but, Vicky, he didn't know what he was doing. He's terribly unhappy.

[Vicki Hallam]

That's no excuse for this. He's just a sore pup because he can't get his own way.

[Paul Hallam]

What's eating him?

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, you know, he's dissatisfied over at the factory.

[Grace]

Carrying on for that. Imagine.

[Walter]

He ought to be wallowed.

[Grace]

I should say he should.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, you are fools. You blind idiot.

[Mother Hallam]

I thought so. Stella has been encouraging him for all she is worth.

[Stella Hallam]

And if I have, is it any worse than what you've done?

[Vicki Hallam]

What are you saying?

[Mother Hallam]

One minute, Vicky. I would really like to hear what it is that we have done.

[Stella Hallam]

If you really want to know, I'll tell you. You're all so sure of yourselves. You're trying to mold Jerry's life to fit your own, and it's wrong. I know what I'm talking about. Because you've done the same thing to Vicki and me, and you mustn't. You've got to let the three of us alone. You've got to let Vicki and me keep our marriage the way it started out. It's the only thing that'll save us.

[Mother Hallam]

Stop. Stop, please. I've heard enough.

[Walter]

Vicki, I think your wife's lost her mind.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Grace.

[Walter]

Grace, get some water from Mom. She's going to faint again.

[Stella Hallam]

Vicki.

[Grace]

Vicki, you know what I'm driving in.

[Stella Hallam]

You know I'm right. Make them see it.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Shut up.

[Vicki Hallam]

Can't you make some excuse for your actions, Stella, No.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, I'm going.

[Grace]

I'm going.

[Stella Hallam]

I'm going home. No, no, Mickey. Mickey, don't stop me.

[Grace]

I can't.

[Mother Hallam]

I can't stay after such insults.

[Stella Hallam]

I'm going home.

[Walter]

We are all going home. Come on,

[Vicki Hallam]

You can come out now. Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

Don't use that tone to leave Vicky.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, so that's going to be your line. Why, you ought to be glad I even give you the chance to explain.

[Stella Hallam]

There's nothing to explain. I needed you. But you didn't love me enough to know about it.

[Vicki Hallam]

Love you enough. When it comes to love, I wouldn't talk. The only single thing I've asked of you in our married life is to be decent to my folks. What do you do the first time they've all been to my home in over two years? You insult them so they have to leave.

[Stella Hallam]

I wish it hadn't happened that way this evening. Maybe it's just as well for all of us to know just where we're at.

[Vicki Hallam]

Yes, and I'll tell you where you're at. Tonight was a turning point between you and me. If anyone should happen to ask you. And I'll leave you to think that over.

[Stella Hallam]

Where are you going?

[Vicki Hallam]

If you want to know, I'm going up to the folks.

[Stella Hallam]

Dickie, if you go up there now, we'll never get back to where we were.

[Vicki Hallam]

You've got the card before the horse seller. It's up to you to make the first move to get back to where we were. My slate's clean. I've been as good a husband as any man could be to a woman.

[Stella Hallam]

Have you, Vicky?

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, haven't I? I ask you, haven't I given you everything you've ever wanted? Now, who's that? Oh, hello, Jerry boy.

[Jerry Hallam]

I gotta speak to Aunt Stella.

[Vicki Hallam]

Look here, kid, is a pretty rotten thing you did, losing your temper.

[Jerry Hallam]

I know it. That's why I came back.

[Vicki Hallam]

You've got to learn to control yourself. When it comes right down to it, though, I blame your Aunt Stella more than I blame you.

[Jerry Hallam]

You don't know what you're saying.

[Vicki Hallam]

She didn't have anything to do with it.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Jerry. Jerry.

[Janet Henley]

Keep quiet.

[Stella Hallam]

Go away, please. I don't want you here.

[Vicki Hallam]

You stay exactly where you are, Jerry. And listen, Stella, if my nephew has the decency to come back here and say he's sorry, you at least have the decency to hear him out. I've said as much insult to the members of my family as I'm going to stand.

[Stella Hallam]

But Jerry and I have nothing more to say to each other. He has nothing to do with what's happened between us. It's you and I who need to talk.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

No.

[Vicki Hallam]

No, we don't. I told you, I've had my say. I'm through until you come to your senses.

[Jerry Hallam]

Gee, Uncle Vic, you can't do this downstala.

[Walter]

That's all right, Jerry.

[Vicki Hallam]

Your aunt and I understand each other perfectly. Good night. I'm gonna get him back.

[Walter]

He's crazy.

[Stella Hallam]

No, no, Jerry, let him go. You go too. I want to be alone.

[Jerry Hallam]

But you oughtn't to be alone now. The way they all walk out on you and it's their fault too.

[Stella Hallam]

Don't worry about it, Jerry. Just go home.

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh, but gee, Stella, I can't leave you like this. I just want to do anything for you. I don't care what it is. I want to do something to take that look out of your eyes.

[Stella Hallam]

Then go home, Jerry. Go home and forget everything you've seen and heard tonight. I only wish I could forget it too.

[Jerry Hallam]

But you can't forget it. And I can't either. I love you still.

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry, don't. Please don't. You see, I'm too tired to scold you the way I ought to.

[Walter]

He calls for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System,

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

KMX, Los Angeles.

[Vicki Hallam]

The voice of Hollywood.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Bette Davis, Fred McMurray, John Beale and May Robeson continue another language in just a moment.

[Grace]

Hey everybody.

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[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

As you listen to the Lux Radio Theater tonight, doubtless you are struck by the attitude of one particular character. I speak of Mother Hallam through her own words and through the influence she exerts on her children. You probably resent her type of motherhood. Fortunately, Most mothers speak another language. The language of great and understanding hearts. Such a mother talks to us tonight. She's sitting at this moment in the study of her home on East 65th street in New York City. On the desk nearby is a photograph of her son, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Ladies and gentlemen, speaking to us from New York, the mother of the President of the United States, Mrs. James Roosevelt.

[Mrs. James Roosevelt]

Thank you, Mr. DeMille, for your invitation to take part in a program from your splendid Lux Radio Theatre. It's a pleasure also to hear Ms. Davies, whom I remember as a charming young lady when I met her in Washington. I think tonight that you're doing something even more important than entertainment. For through Mother Hallam, your showing, it seems to me many other mothers ought not to be. And why, early in the second act of the play, there was one line that has stayed with me. Stella was speaking and she said, let the boy at least try to find himself. That phrase might well be the watchword of every mother and father, too. A selfish, over possessive mother so often means unhappy children. Unhappy because they are not free. Of course, I don't mean that a child should not be guided. But the child's own identity should never be smothered under that guidance. A boy or a girl may be your child, but at the same time he is an individual. And perhaps first on the list of his training should be teaching that child to find himself. I get so impatient with mothers who say, oh, my boy never could do that. And when I hear it, I always want to say, you mean you never let him do it? I remember in my own experience. It was hard for me always to see that. Especially when my son wanted to climb tall trees or go hunting or other such hazardous experience expeditions. But my husband would always say to me, teach him how to do it right and then let him go ahead. And when your child grows up, that's another time when a mother must recognize her child as an individual in his own right. No matter how much you want your boy to be a lawyer, if he wants to be a painter, let him do it. If you don't, he will be unhappy as a lawyer, and probably a very poor one. But with a sympathetic understanding, he may become a great artist. A final word to mothers. Now remember, your child's father may have some very good ideas. And his influence and cooperation are very important. You all know what happens when you say no and your child answers. But Daddy says I may help your son develop a character of his own. Let him find himself. You'll be very happy, Mother, when You can point to your child's achievements and say he did it all himself.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Ah, thanks, Mrs. Roosevelt, for honoring us with your presence. It's inspiring to hear from you. And I know mothers throughout America will cherish your words. We're back in Hollywood now, where bette Davis, Fred McMurray, John Beale and May Robeson are ready to continue another language. It's the following morning with Vicki at his mother's house. Stella has had a chance to think things out for herself and she's come to a decision. Vicki has called saying Mrs. Hallam has been taken ill and Stella has gone to her mother in law's home. She's calm, almost too calm, as Vicki greets her at the door.

[Vicki Hallam]

Hello, Stella. Come in. Guess I ought to say thanks for coming over.

[Janet Henley]

Why?

[Stella Hallam]

I'm doing this for myself, Vicki.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, I kind of thought you were doing it for me.

[Stella Hallam]

No, I didn't want to hurt Mother. And if it'll make her feel any better for me to say so, it would be stupid to stay away.

[Vicki Hallam]

That's talking.

[Stella Hallam]

May I go up to her now?

[Vicki Hallam]

Walter and Grace are with her. Hey, do you know you haven't said good morning to me yet?

[Stella Hallam]

Haven't I?

[Vicki Hallam]

Look here, Stella, are you still mad or what?

[Stella Hallam]

Why should I be mad? You act a certain way because you're you. I act a certain way because I'm me. That's all there is to it.

[Vicki Hallam]

All right, let's forget it. You did wrong last night, but you can't do any more than say you're sorry. I did wrong, maybe by leaving you alone. And I'm sorry. It was what you needed though, young lady. Come on now, wasn't it?

[Stella Hallam]

No, Vicki, it wasn't.

[Vicki Hallam]

You had the woozies being by yourself. I couldn't sleep a wink.

[Stella Hallam]

I wasn't by myself very long.

[Vicki Hallam]

Huh?

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry didn't leave until almost 3.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, Jerry. What'd he do, talk your ear off? You should have pitched him out. You're too soft with himself.

[Stella Hallam]

I wasn't soft with him.

[Vicki Hallam]

Vicky, you talk some sense into him.

[Stella Hallam]

I hope so.

[Vicki Hallam]

Good. Now let's kiss and make up, huh?

[Stella Hallam]

I wish it were as simple as that, but it isn't. There's no use in our kissing and making up. It'll only be the same thing over again.

[Vicki Hallam]

What do you want me to do? Bring a pound of candy and a bunch of roses home tonight?

[Janet Henley]

I won't be there, Vicki.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, where do you think you're going?

[Stella Hallam]

I don't know yet.

[Vicki Hallam]

Listen, are you after a separation or Something?

[Stella Hallam]

Nothing quite as spectacular as that. At least not yet. I just want to be alone for a little while to think things through. Think things through, too, Vicki, it's high time.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, listen, Stel, this is a lot of hysterical nonsense. You're not going.

[Stella Hallam]

I don't know what you're going to do about it.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Vicki, I'm going to do this about it.

[Vicki Hallam]

Here I am, all ready to take you in my arms, and I can't find you. That's the way I sort of feel.

[Stella Hallam]

And it's the loneliest feeling in the world, isn't it, Vicki?

[Janet Henley]

Hello.

[Stella Hallam]

Hello, Grace.

[Grace]

Sorry to interrupt the love scene, but Grandma knows you're here.

[Vicki Hallam]

I'll go up, then tell her I'll be up to say goodbye.

[Grace]

Still everything hunky dory, huh? I said, everything hunky dory between the lovebirds.

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh, sure.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Yeah, sure.

[Grace]

Who's that coming down the area way?

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, it looks like Etta.

[Grace]

Paul, too. My Lord. Grandma bats and eyelash and the whole gang comes trooping in.

[Stella Hallam]

I'll go.

[Janet Henley]

Hello.

[Vicki Hallam]

Is Jerry here?

[Grace]

Is he here?

[Stella Hallam]

Vicky, is he here?

[Vicki Hallam]

No. What's the matter?

[Paul Hallam]

He didn't come home all night.

[Vicki Hallam]

Didn't come home? That's funny.

[Paul Hallam]

We come over to find out if

[Vicki Hallam]

he left your place with the others. No, he didn't.

[Grace]

Oh, Paul, I know something's happened to him.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, nonsense. He probably went off in a bat somewhere.

[Stella Hallam]

No, no, not Jerry. Oh, God, don't let anything happen to him.

[Grace]

He's all I've got.

[Paul Hallam]

Come on now, Edda, control yourself.

[Stella Hallam]

I can't.

[Grace]

He's in some hospital somewhere.

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, listen, Etta, you would have heard

[Paul Hallam]

in case of accident.

[Grace]

Oh, that's easy to say, but I'd be half out of my mind if I was Etta.

[Stella Hallam]

Especially the mood he was in last night. Lord knows what he's up to.

[Paul Hallam]

What mood?

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, the kid was upset. The family sort of got his goat, I guess.

[Stella Hallam]

I know it was that.

[Grace]

I know he's not happy down there in that business. I've said it all alone.

[Paul Hallam]

Nonsense. If the boy can't adjust himself, he'll have to learn to.

[Vicki Hallam]

He's in love. That might explain a lot.

[Grace]

That's right. We were teasing him about it.

[Paul Hallam]

Ed, do you know anything about this?

[Grace]

Not a word, Vicki.

[Paul Hallam]

How do you know about it?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

He told Stella.

[Paul Hallam]

Did he tell you who the girl is?

[Vicki Hallam]

No, but Stella's funny that way. She wouldn't if the kid asked her not to.

[Paul Hallam]

Well, I'm going to get to the bottom of this.

[Vicki Hallam]

If I Have to wait a minute. Here's the kid. Biggest life. See him? He's coming down the area steps.

[Stella Hallam]

Thank God.

[Paul Hallam]

He'll give an accounting of himself. All right.

[Stella Hallam]

Now, Paul, please don't lose your temper with him.

[Grace]

You don't know what's happened.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Jerry, where have you been?

[Grace]

How could you frighten me like this?

[Paul Hallam]

I'll attend to this. Well, young man, suppose you explain yourself. Since when do you take to staying out all night?

[Jerry Hallam]

I'm not a child. Leave me alone. I came over here to tell you I was home. If you're gonna start hounding me, I'll leave.

[Paul Hallam]

I'm asking you where you spent the night, and I want the truth. Do you understand?

[Jerry Hallam]

Walking.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Most of it.

[Paul Hallam]

Most of it? And where'd you spend the rest of it?

[Jerry Hallam]

What's it to you?

[Vicki Hallam]

Oh, look here, Jerry. Come out with us. You don't need to be ashamed.

[Jerry Hallam]

Leave me alone.

[Paul Hallam]

There's a woman in this, isn't there?

[Vicki Hallam]

What do you mean?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Who is she?

[Jerry Hallam]

Oh, leave me alone. Why can't you?

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Jerry, don't act this way.

[Grace]

If you're in love with a girl, that's all right. Papa's not angry at that part of it.

[Jerry Hallam]

Yes, I'm in love, Jerry.

[Grace]

Well, I think that's fine, Jerry. Congratulations.

[Jerry Hallam]

Yeah, swell.

[Paul Hallam]

Come on, boy. Who is she?

[Jerry Hallam]

I can't tell you.

[Paul Hallam]

Is she someone you'd be ashamed to let your mother meet?

[Jerry Hallam]

No, she isn't. She's the most wonderful person in the world.

[Paul Hallam]

Then why can't you bring her around? That's what I want to know, and I'll know it before I'm through with you.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

She's. She's married.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, Jerry. Married.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Oh, so that's it. Where did you pick her up?

[Jerry Hallam]

In heaven, that's where.

[Paul Hallam]

Yes, we know all about that. One more question, and I want the truth out of your eye. Paul, let him alone. Can't you let him alone when he's mixed up with some cramp?

[Vicki Hallam]

You use a word about her. Not Kitty.

[Paul Hallam]

I'll call her by her right name, and that'll be Aubrey.

[Vicki Hallam]

Paul, will you?

[Stella Hallam]

I tell you.

[Paul Hallam]

Let me manage this again.

[Vicki Hallam]

Well, this is no place for a scene with Mama sick of stairs. What's the matter with you?

[Grace]

Yeah, here comes Stella now.

[Stella Hallam]

I bet anything.

[Grace]

Grandma wants to know what's doing Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

Jerry. Jerry, why do you look that way? What's the matter?

[Paul Hallam]

I'll tell you what's the matter. He's running around with a married woman, that's what's the matter. For all I know she's trying to frame something on him, Paul.

[Stella Hallam]

She's not framing anything on him.

[Paul Hallam]

How much of this do you know?

[Stella Hallam]

Everything.

[Paul Hallam]

Come on out with this, Stella. Tell us what you know.

[Janet Henley]

No.

[Jerry Hallam]

No, Stella, don't. They wouldn't understand.

[Vicki Hallam]

Don't tell.

[Paul Hallam]

I don't know whether you know it or not, but he didn't come home all night this young, poor.

[Janet Henley]

I didn't know it.

[Paul Hallam]

What time did he leave your house?

[Vicki Hallam]

I can tell you that.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Three o'.

[Vicki Hallam]

Clock.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Who told you? Uncle Vicki? Stella.

[Vicki Hallam]

What else did she tell you? What else was it that.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Tell me, Jerry.

[Jerry Hallam]

Nothing.

[Paul Hallam]

All right, let's stop beating around the bush. I want to know where you went after you left Stella's. Who's the girl? How long have you been carrying on with her?

[Jerry Hallam]

Come on, Stella, let's get out of here.

[Stella Hallam]

Stay where you are, Jerry. There's no reason to run away.

[Jerry Hallam]

I don't want to run away.

[Vicki Hallam]

I'd like to tell him.

[Jerry Hallam]

I'm proud of loving you, Stella.

[Vicki Hallam]

You get that, all of you? I'm proud of loving her.

[Jerry Hallam]

Watch this, Stella.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Why, you.

[Paul Hallam]

Stop it.

[Vicki Hallam]

I've heard enough.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Vicki, you poor deluded fool.

[Paul Hallam]

No wonder you've heard enough. So this is the sort of stuff she does behind your back.

[Vicki Hallam]

Who says it's behind my back? What do you take me for? Don't you suppose I've known it all along? Didn't you hear me say I knew he'd been down at her apartment until 3 o'?

[Grace]

Clock?

[Vicki Hallam]

Does that look like Stella was doing anything behind my back?

[Paul Hallam]

Well, what are you made of, gun or water?

[Vicki Hallam]

Common sense. What was the use of making a fuss about it? I knew the kid would get over it and Stella'd handle him. How could anybody take it seriously? A tempest and a teapot.

[Paul Hallam]

When did this begin with him?

[Vicki Hallam]

I guess it began that night at the folks last week. We got home and Stella said, I think I made a hit with your nephew. We laughed ourselves sick over it.

[Janet Henley]

Oh, Vicky.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Stella.

[Grace]

You laughed, Jerry. No.

[Vicki Hallam]

What did you think we'd do?

[Grace]

Kids?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Sit down and bust out crying over it?

[Stella Hallam]

You lied, Jerry.

[Paul Hallam]

No.

[Stella Hallam]

No, of course I didn't.

[Vicki Hallam]

It's a lucky thing for you we did take it as a joke.

[Grace]

Why the idea, Big boy like you making such a spectacle of yourself.

[Stella Hallam]

You go right over and say, I apologize, Aunt Seller.

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[Jerry Hallam]

I apologize, Aunt Stella.

[Stella Hallam]

No, Jerry. Don't believe it.

[Grace]

Come back.

[Vicki Hallam]

Let him go.

[Stella Hallam]

But you can't let him go that way. He believed it. Oh, Vicki, you don't know what you're doing to him.

[Paul Hallam]

Now, listen, just calm down. I'm his father and I'll take the responsibility.

[Stella Hallam]

That boy loves me. And if it's the last decent thing I do, I won't let you destroy something that's been beautiful to both of us.

[Paul Hallam]

To both of you, eh?

[Stella Hallam]

Pretty late to talk that way, Stella,

[Grace]

if you've been making fun of him all along.

[Stella Hallam]

I haven't been making fun of him. Vicki lied. When he told you that he didn't know anything about Jerry and me until

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

now, I thought there was something phony.

[Paul Hallam]

Vicki's been lying to save your face.

[Stella Hallam]

I'd rather think that, Paul, than anything

[Janet Henley]

else in the world.

[Stella Hallam]

But it isn't so. Vicki lied to save the family. Oh, you made a gesture for me, Vicki. I admit it. But it wasn't good enough. Fear, that's all it was. You were afraid for them to know that I was the tramp they were talking about, so you made a joke of it and hid behind it like a coward. And you didn't care what they did to Jerry as long as you were safe.

[Paul Hallam]

That's a good story.

[Vicki Hallam]

She's telling the truth. Don't you know it when you hear it? She's right. I didn't have the guts to face the truth before the family. Because for seven years you've been waiting to say I told you so. Now go ahead and say it.

[Paul Hallam]

And you're going to let her get away with it?

[Vicki Hallam]

No, I'm not going to let her get away with it because I don't have to. Stella, when you came in here this morning, you said you wanted to go away. Well, you listen to what I have

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

to say first, and then if you want to go, I won't keep you.

[Vicki Hallam]

I'm not even going to ask you if there's anything between you and Jerry. I'm going to tell you there isn't. Do you understand that? There isn't. I know there isn't because I know it.

[Janet Henley]

Oh, Vicki, do you really?

[Stella Hallam]

Children. Children. Excitement again.

[Vicki Hallam]

Mama shouldn't be up.

[Stella Hallam]

Oh, excitement. I I couldn't rest. I'm sorry, Mother.

[Grace]

Oh, where did Jerry go?

[Jerry Hallam]

Jerry?

[Mother Hallam]

Yes, he was down here.

[Stella Hallam]

I. I heard him. Why couldn't he come up to see his old grandmother after last night? What is the matter with him? Mister, I asked you something. What is wrong with Jerry now?

[Vicki Hallam]

There's nothing wrong with him, Mom. Poor kid needs a break, that's all. Maybe I can help him get it. Maybe he ought to be an architect if he wants to. And if I can help him, I will.

[Stella Hallam]

Thank you, Vicki.

[Paul Hallam]

You're siding with Jerry against your whole family.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes, I am.

[Vicki Hallam]

And if it isn't too late, with Stella. And now, if you'll excuse us, Stella and I, we're going home. Are you ready, Stella?

[Stella Hallam]

I'm ready. And Vicki, darling, it isn't too late.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Later, Betty Davis, Fred McMurray and John Beale report back to the microphone. But now, some facts about clothes and the care of clothes from Janet Henley. Ms. Henley, after 10 years as head of women's wardrobe at Columbia Studios, knows clothes from A for apron to Z for zipper. She had charge of this department for recent hits like Lost Horizon and When you're in Love and is now concerned with the next pictures to be made by Irene Dunn and Grace Moore. Ladies and gentlemen, one of Hollywood's foremost dress authorities, Ms. Janet Henley. First, Ms. Henley, congratulations on your excellent work in Lost Horizons.

[Janet Henley]

Thanks. It was one of my most interesting assignments. Interesting because it features so many unusual costumes. Take, for example, those affairs worn by the native women. In the back, from the waist to the ankle, was a very heavy piece of cloth covered with shells, coins and semi precious stones representing prayers. Each woman had 108 Braids of hair which reached to the waist and were tied to the top of this piece of cloth in keeping with the styles of Tibet. But I imagine you're having plenty to think about too, Mr. Dunel, and costing

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

me your new picture, the Buccaneer. Well, there'll be lots of variety, Ms. Henley, for the story takes place during the War of 1812. That means costumes for frontiersmen and the beautiful Creole ladies of New Orleans, for Frenchmen and Spaniards, for sailors and pirates and for the armies of England and the United States. I expect to keep my stars, Frederick March and Francesca Gall so busy that I'm having wax figures made on which their costumes will be fitted without calling them from the set.

[Stella Hallam]

Every star, ladies and gentlemen, has a

[Janet Henley]

wardrobe assistant whose duty it is to keep her costumes in perfect condition. This means that every night all washable garments are laundered and made ready for the next day before the camera. We use Luxe Flakes entirely simply because nothing else does the job so well and so economically. We found that clothes last so much longer when we take care of them in Luxe. We have pieces of lingerie, for example. That have been used in pictures for as long as seven years and still look just as fresh and new as ever. I recommend Luxe most heartily to all women who want to look their best. And particularly if they have to watch their budgets.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, let's take a girl who doesn't earn a great deal of money. Say about $25 a week. What kind of a wardrobe would you recommend for her?

[Janet Henley]

Well, any girl with a small income should buy conservative clothes that will look well on almost any occasion. I'd suggest that she have one good suit with a separate skirt to go with it and two or three blouses for Variety. Also one simple black and white dress. That will do for dinner and theater as well as the office. In selecting such a dress, get one that can be worn without a collar or with different colors or costume jewelry. This also for the Variety. I'd get one navy and white outfit, one dinner dress and two or three simple prints. When you think of the coats and shoes and hats to go with them. This is about all a girl could afford on $25 a week. But it's all she needs. Take care of everything washable in Luxe. Flake and iron your clothes carefully and you'll find you'll be as well dressed as most women are who have a great deal more to spend. I hope I've been of a little help. Thank you.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

That was Ms. Janet Henley, ladies and gentlemen. And here's Fred McMurray, and for a very good purpose.

[Vicki Hallam]

Mr. DeMille, on behalf of Betty Davis, John Beale and myself. I want to say how fortunate we've been to have appeared tonight with such a splendid cast as May Robeson, who played Mother Helen. Ms. Robeson's been acting for more than 50 years. And I wish I knew just a little of what she's forgotten about characterization. Thanks also to Margaret Hamilton and Hal K. Dawson, who played Grayson Walter. And to all the others. Edward Keen as Paul Hallam. Myra Marsh as Etta Hallam and Sam Flint as Mr. Hallam.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

On behalf of the cast, Fred, thank you. And now, John Beale.

[Jerry Hallam]

I'm sure the audience would rather hear from Bette Davis than from me.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

So I'll be very brief.

[Vicki Hallam]

I'll pick up where Fred left off,

[Jerry Hallam]

Mr. DeMille, and speak not as an actor, but as one of your regular fans. I think the Lux Radio Theater is the most worthwhile hour on the air. And I say that because I mean it. All right, Betty, where are you?

[Stella Hallam]

Right behind you, John. Mr. DeMille, I do want to say how impressed I was by Mrs. Roosevelt's

[Janet Henley]

talk from New York.

[Stella Hallam]

It makes me very proud to have appeared on the same program with a woman of such keen understanding and sincerity. As for the part I played tonight,

[Janet Henley]

it's one I've wanted to do for a long time.

[Stella Hallam]

I saw Dorothy Stickney Door on the stage and Helen Hayes on the screen. Each with such distinction. I tried to make Stella live as believably as they did. Thank you, Mr. Danil, and good night to you all.

[Mrs. James Roosevelt]

Look for you soon again, Betty.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Thank you, Betty Davis, Fred McMurray and John Beale. This is your announcer, ladies and gentlemen, Melville Ruick. Next week's stars and play will be made known in just a moment by Mr. DeMille. Ms. Davis, currently seen in Kid Galahad, appeared through courtesy of Warner Brothers. Mr. McMurray and Mr. DeMille. Paramount, John Beal, RKO, May Robeson, Metro, Goldwyn Mayor and Lewis Silver's 20th Century Fox. Where he supervised music for the new film Cafe Metrophore. And now back to our producer. Next Monday night, we take you to the far boundaries of civilization. To Northern Africa, Savage land of scorching sand. Home of perilous adventure and daring romance and inferno. Patrolled by a handful of glorious troops. Flying the colors of the French Foreign Legion. Of all tales born of this background. None has attained the perennial popularity of Under Two Flags. First favored in novel form, it ran for generations as a play. And was three times a motion picture. We bring it to you next Monday night, starring Herbert Marshall as Corporal Victor. Olivia de Havilland as Lady Venetia. Lupi Velez as Cigarette. And Lionel Atwell as Major Doyle. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night. When the Lux Radio Theater presents Under Two Flags. With Herbert Marshall, Olivia de Havilland, Lupi Valez and Lionel Atwell. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood. This is the Columbia Broadcasting Foreign.

[Grace]

Hey, everybody.

[Lady Luck]

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