Lux Radio Theatre - Ceiling Zero

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Lux Radio Theatre - Ceiling Zero
Date: June 24, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of “Harold’s Old Time Radio” features a complete broadcast of the Lux Radio Theatre’s production of Ceiling Zero, a classic drama about early commercial aviation. The cast includes James Cagney (as Dizzy Davis), Ralph Bellamy (Jake Lee), Stuart Irwin (Tex Clark), along with Boots Mallory and Jean Cagney. The story follows the lives, loves, and risks of pioneering pilots and the women who care for them as they navigate the dangers of flying in poor weather during the earliest days of air transport. The episode reflects the era’s fascination with aviation, risk, male camaraderie, and changing moral responsibilities.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Early Days of Aviation

• The narrative opens in the fog-bound offices of Federal Airlines at Newark Airport—setting an atmosphere filled with tension and risk:

  "A dense fog smothers field and sky, wrapping the buildings in a blanket of ghostly white." (02:08)

• Immediate focus on pilots' struggles with dangerous flying conditions and unreliable technology – radio communication and de-icing, for example.

2. Character Dynamics and Conflicts

• Dizzy Davis (James Cagney): Charismatic, reckless, once a star pilot, now often at odds with airline management about safety vs. bravado.
  • Frequently bends rules and causes concern among superiors:

    "He'll spin a good yarn, all right. He always does. Jake, I'm telling you, Dizzy Davis is a menace." – Al (Doc) Wilson (06:11)

  • Uses humor and bravado as a shield:

    "I can't give you anything but love, baby." (09:14)

• Jake Lee (Ralph Bellamy): Division Superintendent, the voice of reason, and Dizzy’s loyal, sometimes exasperated friend.
  • Defends Dizzy due to past loyalty but is pressured to modernize and prioritize safety.
• Texas Clark (Stuart Irwin): Old friend/comrade of Dizzy and Jake, more domesticated but still relishes the thrill of flying.
• Tommy Thomas (Boots Mallory): Young stewardess-in-training and Dizzy’s romantic interest. Represents the new, enthusiastic generation of aviators.

3. Romance, Camaraderie, and Nostalgia

• Banter and camaraderie among pilots are central:
  • The “old guard vs new standards” theme:

    "We're in business, and the wartime pilots who can't fit today's standards are through." – Al (Doc) Wilson (07:28)

  • Warm, affectionate teasing and mutual support—contrasted with the loneliness and personal risk of the flying life.
• Romantic subplot: Dizzy courts Tommy, their age difference and his dubious reputation drawing both humor and genuine emotion.
  • Tommy rebuffs Dizzy’s charm with wit:

    "That's an awful lot when you're only 19." - Tommy (20:02)

  • Their dynamic involves flirtation, but also caution and emotional realism.

4. Sacrifice and Consequence

• Dizzy manipulates Tex into taking his dangerous flight assignment so he can spend time with Tommy, leading to guilt and tragedy:
  • Dizzy feigns illness to avoid his run, convincing Tex to swap spots, fully aware of the worsening weather:

    "No, no, Tex, I've got no right to do that to you." – Dizzy (24:52)

• A tense, detailed depiction of Tex’s doomed attempt to land in zero visibility—communication breakdown and ultimately a fatal crash.
  • The radio room grows more frantic as efforts to talk Tex down fail:

    "You're much too high, Texas. You're over the edge of the field now. You better circle back..." - Jake (34:27) "He's coming in blind. ... You're a murderer. That's what you are." – Lou Clark to Dizzy (37:17)

• After Tex's death, Dizzy is forced to reckon with the cost of his actions:

  "But you're no good. You never have been any good. Everyone you touch, you hurt." – Lou Clark (44:16)

5. Redemption and Final Sacrifice

• Dizzy’s pilot's license is revoked due to a heart condition, leading to a crisis of identity:

  "They turned down your physical waiver, Dizzy. They won't renew your pilot's license." – Jake (48:26) "Well then, I'm finished. Washed up." – Dizzy (48:35)

• In a final act of redemption, Dizzy takes a dangerous flight to test new de-icing equipment, ultimately sacrificing himself:

  "I'm giving orders here, and I'm taking that trip." – Dizzy (52:16) "So long, Jake. Don't be mad at me." – Dizzy's final radio call (54:25)

• After his fatal crash, Jake ensures Dizzy’s legacy by giving his technical notes to Tommy’s suitor, Lawson, underlining the bittersweet nature of progress.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the danger and lure of flying:

  "When you're up there, it's a one-man show and the whole world slides under your wings." – Dizzy (26:30)

• On camaraderie and the old days:

  "That first QB hangar was a great spot. Each QB had his own drinking mug. If he got bumped off, the mug was put on a shelf over the bar, bottom up." – Dizzy (29:03)

• Lou’s rebuke to Dizzy after Tex’s crash:

  "But you're no good. You never have been any good. Everyone you touch, you hurt." – Lou (44:16)

• Dizzy’s own reckoning:

  "I'm poison. Absolute poison. Even to my friends." – Dizzy (45:04)

• Jake's closure:

  "You don't have to tell me anything about Dizzy ... He was all right." – Jake (55:53)

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Important Timestamps

• [02:08] – DeMille introduction, sketching backgrounds of stars and main characters
• [04:17] – First appearance of radio drama, in-media-res lost pilot scenario
• [06:11] – First major confrontation about Dizzy’s reliability
• [09:14–10:00] – Dizzy’s show-boating landing and vintage pilot banter
• [20:09] – Dizzy and Tommy's age gap banter
• [24:31] – Dizzy feigns illness, persuades Tex to swap assignments
• [34:27–37:59] – Tex’s fatal landing attempt, mounting radio room tension
• [44:05] – Lou confronts Dizzy over Tex’s death
• [48:26] – Dizzy learns of his license being revoked
• [52:16–54:56] – Dizzy’s final flight and last radio exchange
• [55:53] – Jake’s final words on Dizzy’s character and legacy

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Special Segment: Aviation, Then and Now (Guest: Major Carl A. Cover)

• [40:12–42:24] – Major Carl A. Cover (Douglas Aircraft) details advances in air safety—automatic pilots, radio beams, and forecasts regular transatlantic passenger flight "within a few months."

  "Progress takes the daredevil out of flying, but brings a new romance: the conquest over nature." – Major Cover (41:16)

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Closing

The Lux Radio Theatre’s “Ceiling Zero” delivers a tight drama about old-flying bravado clashing with new demands for professionalism and safety. Through the journey of Dizzy Davis, listeners witness both the price of recklessness and the possibility for last-minute redemption, set against a backdrop of nostalgia for aviation’s heroic dawn. The episode also features a fascinating period interlude about contemporary aviation advancements, deepening the story’s resonance with listeners both then and now.

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For classic radio enthusiasts or newcomers, this episode is an engrossing blend of suspense, emotion, and period detail—an authentic slice of the pre-television golden age of American entertainment.

Transcript

[Announcer]

When you're a maintenance engineer in a beverage manufacturing plant. You keep production lines moving and quality on track. Because there's no room for slowdowns. With Grainger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts and hard to find parts. You can get what you need fast and all in one place. So nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickranger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Narrator]

From hollywood, california, the lux radio theater presents james cagney, ralph bellamy and stuart irwin in ceiling zero.

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

Lux presents Hollywood. It's a romance of the skies. We bring you tonight a thrilling drama of the early days of transport aviation. Of the men who made it possible, of the women who loved them. Ceiling Zero stars James Cagney, Ralph Bellamy and Stuart Irwin. With Boots Mallory and Gene Cagney. Our orchestra is conducted by Lewis Silvers. And tonight's special guest is Major Carl A. Cover, Senior vice president and General Manager

[Cecil B. DeMille]

of the Douglas Aircraft Company, who will

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

speak on air transportation. As it is today, this program comes to you with the good wishes of the makers of Luxe Flakes. Those gentle flakes that are the safe, thrifty care for all washables. Do you know that the inexpensive large box of Lux holds 12 cups of flakes? That's a lot, isn't it? And a few flakes go so far. Just one big box of Lux will take care of many, many nice things for you. Use Lux for everything safe in water alone. Not only for your stockings and under

[Cecil B. DeMille]

things, but for your dresses, sweaters and

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

all the other washables you and the children wear. You'll do that, won't you? Remember, Lux is thrifty. And now the producer of the Lux Radio Theater. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. James Cagney's career has been as checkered as it has been innocent and upright. To work his way through school, he was an office boy for the New York Sun. A page boy at the public library. A package wrapper at Wanamaker's. And a Wall street runner. Since stardom overtook him, Mr. Cagney has contrasted his two fisted roles with a private life in which he reads good poetry, plays the piano, sings and dances between pictures. He can be found tilling his acres at Martha's Vineyard off Cape Cod. There, the red headed bantam of the screen is a country gentleman restoring antiques, raising chickens, goats and vegetables, running a tractor, petting his horse, which he slightly distrusts and never Raising a hand except in self defense. Appearing through the courtesy of Warner Brothers. His new picture is the Oklahoma Kid. And tonight, as he did on the screen, he plays Dizzy Davis in Ceiling Zero. Ralph Bellamy is here directly from the soundstages of Columbia Studio where he's starring in blind alley. Like Mr. Cagney, he's a long distance agriculturist whose favorite pastime is making his Connecticut farm pay. He's one of the best known actors in America, but he spent nine years touring with 15 different stock companies, playing a total of 375 characters. We hear him shortly as Jake Lee. Also from the screencast comes Stuart Irwin in the part of Tex Clark, and Boots Mallory plays Tommy Thomas. New to Hollywood is James Cagney's sister Jean, who makes her radio bow tonight as Lou Clark. We're ready now for the takeoff as the Lux Radio Theatre presents James Cagney, Ralph Bellamy and Stuart Irwin in Ceiling. It's a gray winter afternoon a few years ago at Newark Airport. A dense fog smothers field and sky, wrapping the buildings in a blanket of ghostly white. In the operations office of the Federal Airlines, the radio engineer sits at the control panel, his voice droning on endlessly.

[Radio Operator]

Federal Airlines, Newark calling Davis in plane 22. Calling Davis in plane 22. Davis, why don't you answer? Newark, Federal Airlines calling Davis in plane 22.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

At his side stands Jake Lee, the division superintendent. Jake Lee knows about fogs after 8,000 hours in the air, and now his face is creased with worry. Somewhere in the swirling mist, a plane is lost.

[Radio Operator]

Why don't you answer?

[Jake Lee]

Newark, you sure you're transmitting?

[Radio Operator]

Well, Texas Clark picked me up five minutes ago. And if he can hear us, Davis ought to be able to.

[Jake Lee]

Let me at that thing. Calling Davis. Davis, acknowledge this message. Report your position and altitude to Newark at once.

[Radio Operator]

Nothing doing, Mr. Lee.

[Jake Lee]

Call him every five minutes. Notify the pilots in the air by radio and all eastern ground stations by teletype. Yes, sir.

[Radio Operator]

I. I hope he's not down.

[Jake Lee]

Don't worry about Davis. He could fly here in a balloon.

[Texas Clark]

Hello, Newark? This is Texas Clark in plane 4. Hang out a lantern or a couple of candles. I'm coming in.

[Jake Lee]

Tell them.

[Texas Clark]

Okay?

[Radio Operator]

Okay. Texas Clark in plane four. Come in.

[Narrator]

Hey, Jake.

[Jake Lee]

What do you want?

[Dizzy Davis]

Mr. Stone just came in. He wants to see you.

[Jake Lee]

Okay. Go to work on that, buzz.

[Radio Operator]

Yes, sir. Calling Davis. Noah calling Davis. In flame 22 calling Davis.

[Jake Lee]

Hello, Al. How's our Sterling vice president?

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Hello, Jake.

[Jake Lee]

Doc said you wanted to see me.

[Dizzy Davis]

Important?

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

In a way. It's about Dizzy Davis, Jake. I hear you can't reach him.

[Jake Lee]

He'll be all right.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

He wasn't all right yesterday when he was forced down to Cleveland. Who asked for him to be transferred here? You?

[Jake Lee]

Yeah. Why?

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Well, he's not even here yet, and he's up to his old tricks already. That forced landing yesterday was a fake.

[Jake Lee]

How do you know?

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Report from Cleveland by phone. When the mechanics reached the ship, they found nothing wrong except the left magneto wire had been pulled loose. Pulled loose? Of course. And Davis did it himself. Mechanics say. Drove back to the plane with a limousine load of cuties, thanked the boys, kissed the girls goodbye and got into the air 24 hours late.

[Jake Lee]

That's your story. Why don't you wait and hear what Dizzy has to say?

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Oh, he'll spin a good yarn, all right. He always does. Jake, I'm telling you, Dizzy Davis is a menace. Reliability and.

[Jake Lee]

Just sit down there and relax, Al. I want to make a speech.

[Dizzy Davis]

All right, shoot.

[Jake Lee]

Who made the first night hop over the Alleghenies? Dizzy Davis. Who kept yelling for radio until you mugs finally spent some money on it? Dizzy Davis. Before then, it was standard practice for an aviator to stick his head out of the window in the morning and say, aha, it's raining. Hop right back into bed. I know I was one of them.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

I don't care how good he was five years ago, Jake. I'm talking about now.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Hey, Jake.

[Jake Lee]

Come in, Tex.

[Texas Clark]

Hey, was that Dizzy Davis you were calling?

[Mike Owen]

Yeah.

[Texas Clark]

You mean he's coming back here?

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

If he ever gets in.

[Texas Clark]

Dizzy Davis. Boy, the three of us back together again.

[Jake Lee]

Haven't heard from him yet. He ought to be.

[Narrator]

Hello, Newark? Dizzy Davis in plane 22.

[Texas Clark]

There he is.

[Jake Lee]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Hello, Newark. What's the matter with you guys?

[Jake Lee]

Look out, Buzz. Hello, Davis. Go ahead.

[Narrator]

Was that Jake? Ah, ya, Jake. I'm 90 miles west of Newark. Altitude 2000. Temperature 58. Visibility unlimited. Oh, how I miss you, dear old pal of mine. Hiya, Jakey, baby.

[Jake Lee]

Radio regulation number three. Pilots will refrain from all personal conversation while in flight.

[Narrator]

Okay, toots, I can read. Goodbye.

[Jake Lee]

Speak of the devil.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Devil is right.

[Jake Lee]

Listen, Al, Dizzy Text Clark and myself are the only old timers left in this line. We were together during the war. I taught him to fly.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

That's pure sentiment, Jake. We're in business, and the wartime pilots who can't fit today's standards are through.

[Jake Lee]

All right, but get this. I hire and fire the pilots for this division. As long as I have a job, Dizzy Davis will have One.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Okay, Jake. Only the next slip Dizzy makes out, he goes, even if you go with him.

[Mike Owen]

Thanks.

[Jake Lee]

I'll remember that.

[Radio Operator]

Okay, 19.

[Tay Lawson]

Go ahead.

[Radio Operator]

Number six.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Lawson in plane six to Newark.

[Radio Operator]

Go ahead, Lawson.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Testing radio in plane six.

[Jake Lee]

Ready to land at Newark.

[Radio Operator]

The training job with the solo student is heading in. Tay, take another turn around the field.

[Tay Lawson]

Okay.

[Jake Lee]

Who's flying a training job, Buzz?

[Radio Operator]

Ms. Thomas supposed to solo this afternoon.

[Jake Lee]

Solo? No fooling?

[Radio Operator]

Yeah, and she's doing all right, too.

[Texas Clark]

Hey, Buzz, hear any more from Dizzy Davis?

[Radio Operator]

I'll see. Calling Davis in plane 22.

[Narrator]

I can't give you anything but love, baby.

[Jake Lee]

Cut him off. That guy will sing us into the commissioner's office.

[Texas Clark]

He sure got a rotten voice.

[Lou Clark]

Hey, Jake.

[Jake Lee]

Well, look who's here.

[Lou Clark]

Hey, you mug. I've flown alone for the first time, Jake. I've soloed.

[Texas Clark]

Mug.

[Jake Lee]

Is that any way for an air stewardess to address her boss?

[Lou Clark]

Aw, Jake, don't be so dignified. Give us a kiss, will you?

[Jake Lee]

Cut it out. There's the boyfriend.

[Lou Clark]

Hey, Tay.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Hello, Tommy.

[Jake Lee]

Your trip okay, Lawson? Oh, fine, Mr. Lee.

[Lou Clark]

Hey, listen, I soloed. I made it just like that.

[Jake Lee]

Howdy, girl.

[Dizzy Davis]

Were you scared?

[Lou Clark]

Well, kinda. Gee, it was sort of like falling in love and going to church and having your first cocktail all at once.

[Jake Lee]

There's no doubt about it. You've just soloed.

[Lou Clark]

Dinner tonight, Tay?

[Jake Lee]

Oh, not tonight, honey. I got another trip to take out.

[Narrator]

Boys, I'm almost home. I can smell the Meadows. Okay, 22, don't be so busy like Buzz. I'm trying to tell you I'm landing in Newark. Never mind the fatted calf making love to thermadog Mama Junie.

[Jake Lee]

Okay, 22, shut up.

[Narrator]

Here I come, Jake. Yeah. Hey, Jakey, can I give you this upside down?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

What?

[Texas Clark]

No.

[Narrator]

Oh, come on, Jakey. Be a sport. Let me come in upside down.

[Jake Lee]

Now, listen, Dizzy, I said no. I don't want any fooling around.

[Narrator]

Here I come. Look at me, Jiggy.

[Texas Clark]

How's it he's doing it, Jake. He's going into a roof.

[Jake Lee]

Dizzy, cut it. Straighten out, you hear?

[Narrator]

I can't give you anything but love, baby.

[Jake Lee]

Dizzy, cut it out.

[Narrator]

I can smell the dandelions on the field, Jakey. Don't worry. Here I go. If I don't come out of this stroll, I'll. Dizzy, Listen, Dizzy.

[Texas Clark]

There he goes. Oh, he's okay, Jake.

[Jake Lee]

I ought to break his neck.

[Texas Clark]

Boy, can that man fly. Those sparrows just tucked their heads under their wings and fell right off the telephone.

[Jake Lee]

Check them in, Buzz. I'll Go out and say hello.

[Texas Clark]

Come on.

[Jake Lee]

Hey, you egg.

[Narrator]

America, I love my Tex. I'll take you, old sweetheart.

[Texas Clark]

Look, Jake, he's got a new dimple.

[Jake Lee]

Been having a facelifted Dizzy?

[Dizzy Davis]

Sure. That's better than growing a paunch like Texas.

[Texas Clark]

Oh, now, lay off. I'm building that up for a rainy day.

[Dizzy Davis]

Looks like Noah's Ark already. Well, same old joint. Come on, come on. I'm starved.

[Jake Lee]

Wait a minute, Teller.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Are you Dizzy Davis?

[Dizzy Davis]

In person.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Why? I'm Joe Allen, Inspector, Bureau of Air Commerce.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, wow. How are you, Joe?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

That was a very fancy landing, Davis. The next one like it'll draw your suspension.

[Dizzy Davis]

You guv' n guys are always wrong. There isn't gonna be any next time.

[Jake Lee]

Cut it out, Dizzy. This is serious.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Did see your pilot's license.

[Dizzy Davis]

There you are, brother. You'll note my application for renewal has gone in.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I see you've applied for a waiver for physical defect.

[Dizzy Davis]

What is it, Skippy? Pump, six years old. How is Washington on us old cripples these days?

[Mike Owen]

Tough.

[Dizzy Davis]

You had a nice hand, Joe. I suppose you're going to put in a wrap.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I've got my job to do, but I'm no stool pigeon. Get my notice about inspecting, Jake.

[Jake Lee]

We're all ready for you, Joe.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Good. See you later.

[Texas Clark]

As lucky as ever, this. Say, let's go over to the office.

[Dizzy Davis]

Come on, Jake. How's Mary?

[Texas Clark]

Fine.

[Jake Lee]

She'll be over to pick me up pretty soon.

[Dizzy Davis]

Swell. How's your matrimony? Texas? Still moaning along?

[Texas Clark]

Yep. On a clear day I can hear in Cleveland.

[Announcer]

When you're a maintenance engineer in a beverage manufacturing plant, you keep production lines moving and quality on track. Because there is no room for slowdowns. With Grainger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts and hard to find parts, you can get what you need fast and all in one place. So nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickranger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done. Your next unforgettable experience can happen anytime. Take an AMEX card with you for rewards wherever you go. Morning coffee run with an old friend. Earn cash back, weekend getaway. Earn miles. AMEX rewards your inner explorer. Learn [e-mail] terms apply.

[Jake Lee]

Go on in. Dizzy.

[Radio Operator]

Hello, Dizzy.

[Dizzy Davis]

Hiya, Buzz.

[Texas Clark]

Hey, Tommy, Come here. You want to meet a real pilot around here?

[Lou Clark]

I'd be delighted.

[Texas Clark]

This is Dizzy Davis. How are you, Dizzy? This is Tommy Thomas.

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, well, well, well, well. How are you? What Was that name again?

[Lou Clark]

Tommy Thomas.

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, I'm certainly glad to meet you. You an aviator, Tommy?

[Lou Clark]

No, not yet. I'm just a stewardess. Texas teaching me to fly though.

[Texas Clark]

Yep. I'm her daddy.

[Lou Clark]

Gee, your landing was a honey, Davis. I wish I could fly like that.

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, maybe I could give you a lesson or two.

[Lou Clark]

Would you really?

[Dizzy Davis]

Right now I can't think of anything I'd rather do.

[Jake Lee]

Oh, Mr. Lee, yetang number 11's inspected. I am ready to take off. Right. Oh, here, I want you to meet somebody. Pilot Davis. Pilot Lawson.

[Dizzy Davis]

How are you?

[Jake Lee]

Oh, welcome back to Newark. Lawson's my right hand man. Been developing this new de icer to keep ice from forming on the ships. Go over the records with him when you get a chance.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah, sure. How about tomorrow? Tomorrow? Wait a minute. I've got to see what my engagements are. Tell me, what are we doing tomorrow? I mean, what are you doing tomorrow?

[Lou Clark]

I don't know yet. Why not ask me the day after tomorrow and I'll tell you all about it. Come along, Terry. I'll walk down the ship with you.

[Jake Lee]

Thanks, honey.

[Mike Owen]

Oh,

[Dizzy Davis]

did I get the brush or. She always liked.

[Jake Lee]

I never thought I'd live to see the day.

[Texas Clark]

Dizzy was a good guy when he had it, huh, Jake?

[Dizzy Davis]

The old micer wasn't licked yet. That was routine number one. Wait till you hear routine number two. It's never failed yet.

[Jake Lee]

Well, now that you're here, where are you gonna stay? Does he.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, a Tex asked me to stay at his place.

[Mike Owen]

Huh?

[Dizzy Davis]

Well didn't you?

[Texas Clark]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, yeah, sure, but. Well.

[Dizzy Davis]

Well what?

[Texas Clark]

I guess I better phone Lou. Excuse me.

[Dizzy Davis]

Uh huh. So you gotta phone the little woman, huh? It was up to her. I'd sleep in jail.

[Texas Clark]

Oh, no, no.

[Jake Lee]

Why so worried, Tex? Don't you ever wear the pants in your little home?

[Texas Clark]

You know darn well I do.

[Dizzy Davis]

Tell her I won't be there much. I've got that roving insomnia.

[Texas Clark]

Hello, Lou. This is Tex, your husband. Now listen, honey, Dizzy's here. Yeah, she sends you her best.

[Narrator]

Dizzy.

[Dizzy Davis]

Nice work, honey.

[Texas Clark]

Look, I thought until he gets settled permanent that we might put him up.

[Jake Lee]

Be firm, Texas, you're the man of the house.

[Texas Clark]

Huh? Well, you could move the puppies off the sleeping porch.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh no, no, Texas, that wouldn't be fair.

[Texas Clark]

Well, well, how about a cot in the hall? No, I don't expect him to sleep with us.

[Dizzy Davis]

Why not?

[Texas Clark]

Well, there's still a sofa in the living room.

[Jake Lee]

You're doing fine.

[Texas Clark]

Oh.

[Mike Owen]

Oh.

[Texas Clark]

Well, why didn't you tell me your mother was coming.

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, that settles that.

[Texas Clark]

Okay, honey. Bye, dear. Gee, Dizzy, I'm sorry, but my mother in law is.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, forget it, forget it. Is that loss warming up?

[Jake Lee]

Yeah, why?

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, nothing. How long will he be gone?

[Jake Lee]

Back tomorrow.

[Dizzy Davis]

That makes it perfect.

[Mike Owen]

Jake, can I come in?

[Jake Lee]

Oh, sure. Come in, Mike.

[Mike Owen]

I cleaned up that brass door plate, Jake.

[Jake Lee]

Oh, thanks, Mike. You can go home now.

[Mike Owen]

Okay.

[Dizzy Davis]

Mike, you old son of a gun.

[Mike Owen]

You want something?

[Dizzy Davis]

Hey, Mike, it's Dizzy. You remember me? Oh, yes, Dizzy Davis, 59th Squadron, Kelly Field.

[Mike Owen]

You remember Dizzy Davis. Oh, sure, I remember you. You were a pilot.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah, I still am.

[Mike Owen]

For you. Been away?

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah, I was for a while.

[Mike Owen]

Thought I hadn't seen you around or dropped by the house sometime.

[Dizzy Davis]

Thanks, Mike. I will.

[Mike Owen]

I don't fly anymore.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I see.

[Mike Owen]

I shined that plate, Jake. It looks good.

[Jake Lee]

That's well, Mike, thanks.

[Mike Owen]

Jake's afraid if the front door don't look right, people won't come in. Well, good night.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, Jake, you can't do that. Mike's a pilot.

[Jake Lee]

He was a pilot.

[Dizzy Davis]

What happened?

[Jake Lee]

Smacked a tree in a fog. He must have heard about it.

[Dizzy Davis]

No, no, never a word, Mike. Owen shining spittoons.

[Jake Lee]

He doesn't do that very well. He's got a wife and two kids. We couldn't let him starve.

[Dizzy Davis]

Tex? Yeah, Tex. Here's a few bucks. Have Lou get Mike's kid something, will you? Well, Jake, why do you say we go someplace for chow and a few snorts? How about Mama? Jeannie's still open?

[Jake Lee]

Sure.

[Dizzy Davis]

Good. I'll be back in a minute.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

What's your idea?

[Dizzy Davis]

I gotta see Ms. Thomas. Routine number two, it has yet to fail.

[Mike Owen]

Hello.

[Lou Clark]

Hello.

[Dizzy Davis]

I thought you'd be coming back this way. I'd like to apologize.

[Lou Clark]

For what?

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, for wisecracking. You know, you really hurt me terribly. I can't begin to tell you how you wounded me but I guess I had it coming.

[Lou Clark]

All right, let's forget it.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, no, no, I don't want to forget it. I know I got off on the wrong foot but I'd like to start all over and show you I'm not as bad as I looked.

[Lou Clark]

And how are you going to do that?

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, Tex and Jake are going over to have a bite with me at Mama Jeannie's. How about joining us? Well, you've got to eat anyhow, haven't you?

[Lou Clark]

Well, yes.

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, come on, I'll show you that. I know which knife to use. It'll be straight from Emily Post.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Lou Clark]

I swell Wait a minute. There goes Tay.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Yep, there he goes.

[Dizzy Davis]

Back tomorrow, so I hear.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Ready, Ms. Thomas?

[Lou Clark]

Thank you, Mr. Davis.

[Dizzy Davis]

Dinner is served, honey.

[Texas Clark]

Go.

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

The curtain falls on the first act of Ceiling Zero. Starring James Agne, Ralph Bellamy and Stuart Urban. During this brief intermission we bring you our favorite family, the Brownings. It's evening and the family are in the living room as the scene opens. 14 year old Midge is dancing about the room in a series of fantastic swing steps.

[Narrator]

A jitterbug. A little jitterbug. Boy, does that music send me.

[Dizzy Davis]

I'm in the groove.

[Lou Clark]

Da da da da da da da. Midge, calm down a little. Why all the excitement? I'm practicing for the jam session at school, Mother. We're having a contest for the best dancer. That ought to last. It takes more than dancing to win that contest, Nidge. Why, dad, what do you mean? Zippy, zippy zum little run, little run. Stocking runs won't take any prizes, Midgie. Oh my gosh. Have I got another run? Yes, and it's a beauty zip clear down your leg when you were shagging just now.

[Narrator]

Oh dear.

[Lou Clark]

What am I gonna do about these awful runs? Oh, Midge, it's so simple. If you'll only remember to lux your stockings every night, that'll cut down on those runs. Look, Midge, why don't you make a little sign luxe stockings tonight and put it up on the bathroom mirror. Then you'll be sure to remember. Dob, that's a grand idea. I'll do it right now.

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

Smooth fitting stockings without a sign of a run. They help any girl to be a winner. And it's easy to have nice looking stockings when you give them regular luxe care. Why? Because luxe saves elasticity. That live springy quality in your stockings. When your stockings are nice and elastic, they give instead of breaking easily under strain. And that's exactly what you want, isn't it? So lux your stockings every night. It takes only a moment. Do your under things at the same time. Regular luxe care keeps them fresh and dainty. New looking longer. Buy the generous large size box of luxe flakes.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

And now, Mr. DeMille, Ceiling Zero, starring James Cagney, Ralph Bellamy and Stuart Irwin. With Boots Mallory and Jean Cagney. It's late the same evening and Mama Jimmy's, a cafe near the airport, is almost deserted. On the tiny dance floor, Dizzy and Tommy move slowly to the rhythm of the four piece orchestra.

[Dizzy Davis]

How am I doing?

[Lou Clark]

All right. A little close, that's all.

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, that's the way they taught me.

[Texas Clark]

When?

[Lou Clark]

In the gay 90s.

[Dizzy Davis]

Say, how old do you think I am? I'm only 34.

[Lou Clark]

That's an awful lot when you're only 19.

[Dizzy Davis]

But when you're 34 it's nothing. So you realize when you're 34 I'll only be 49.

[Lou Clark]

What of it?

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, if you think when I'm 49 I'm going to dance with an old hag of 34, you're crazy. Better enjoy yourself while you can. Look up here a second, will you?

[Lou Clark]

What's the idea?

[Jake Lee]

I'll show you.

[Lou Clark]

You're not going to kiss me in public, I hope.

[Mike Owen]

Sure.

[Dizzy Davis]

How was that?

[Lou Clark]

Not bad.

[Dizzy Davis]

Have another.

[Lou Clark]

Oh, I don't think I'd better, thanks.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, come on, just one more can't hurt you.

[Lou Clark]

1, 2, 3, 4.

[Dizzy Davis]

What's that?

[Lou Clark]

My mother always told me to count 10 if I was tempted or something. Can you wait?

[Dizzy Davis]

Sure, if you can. Come on, let's count together. 1, 2. 2, 3, 4, 4.

[Jake Lee]

How about dancing this one with your boss?

[Lou Clark]

Okay, Jay, beat it.

[Jake Lee]

Dizzy, you can keep Mary company.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah, sure. You got up at the count of five, Tommy. That means there was no knockout.

[Lou Clark]

Well, stay on your feet and you

[Texas Clark]

may get a draw.

[Dizzy Davis]

Hiya, Mary.

[Lou Clark]

Sit down.

[Dizzy Davis]

Say, you better watch that husband of yours, Mary. Look at him dancing around with that nice young girl. Ought to be ashamed of himself, the old reprobate.

[Lou Clark]

What about you?

[Dizzy Davis]

Who, me? Well, I'm not old. Uh huh.

[Lou Clark]

Look, Dizzy, I don't want to preach, but Tommy's only 19.

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, what of it?

[Lou Clark]

Nothing. Only when you're 19, it's so easy to fall for a dashing aviator and get your heart broken into tiny pieces. I remember reading about a case like that.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, you do, huh? But she turned out all right, didn't she? I mean the girl you were reading about.

[Lou Clark]

She turned out fine because right after that she met a swell guy named Jake Lee and she married him. She's had four of the happiest years in her life. You see, her husband didn't ask her any questions about what happened before.

[Dizzy Davis]

Suppose he had asked her?

[Lou Clark]

I think she'd have told him without mentioning any names. Wouldn't make things any better to break up a lifelong friendship, would it?

[Dizzy Davis]

No. Guess not.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Who over, slug?

[Jake Lee]

That's my wife.

[Dizzy Davis]

Sure. Hey, where's Tommy?

[Jake Lee]

She wanted to make a phone call. We better head for home soon, Mary.

[Lou Clark]

I'm ready.

[Dizzy Davis]

Not me. I've got some counting to do.

[Jake Lee]

What are you talking about?

[Lou Clark]

Hey, Mr. Davis.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah, Mama? Jeannie oh, that dinner was swell.

[Narrator]

That's a good.

[Lou Clark]

Say, you know that girl who was here?

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah. Where is she?

[Narrator]

Well, she's to say.

[Lou Clark]

To tell you she's to take a taxi.

[Dizzy Davis]

What?

[Lou Clark]

Sure. She's to go home.

[Jake Lee]

Home?

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, that's fine. That's great. Hey, Mama.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Dizzy Davis]

What are you doing?

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Ton.

[Radio Operator]

Nor Calling all Federal Airlines stations. Business dispatch. Bad weather ahead beginning this afternoon affecting Eastern division only. Passenger runs may be canceled on short notice. Male pilots will punch in regardless of whether until further orders. WWGR North

[Dizzy Davis]

Yacht. Tommy, catch.

[Lou Clark]

Hey, watch where you throw things.

[Dizzy Davis]

That's not a thing. It's a book. A little present.

[Lou Clark]

What is it, poetry?

[Dizzy Davis]

No, it's a little arithmetic book I picked up. Got all the numbers from 1 to 10 inclusive.

[Lou Clark]

Oh, thanks. Just what I wanted.

[Dizzy Davis]

And after you get those down, I'm gonna buy you a little book on etiquette.

[Lou Clark]

And do I need that too?

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, you certainly don't know how to act toward a gentleman. What did you run out like that for? Think I was gonna stick you with a check?

[Lou Clark]

Well, I'll tell you. You see, you began to look so attractive to me last night. You know, the way those soft lights flatter you when you're 35.

[Dizzy Davis]

34.

[Lou Clark]

All right, 34. Anyhow, you look so attractive that my heart kept going pit a pat. I finally got hold of myself and said, but Tommy, how does he look in the morning? So I thought I'd wait until morning.

[Mike Owen]

And now.

[Lou Clark]

And now I know.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yes. Will you let me in on it? How do I look in the morning?

[Lou Clark]

Not a very good shave.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, the quiet Rudy Tootin, the razzmatazz. Well, how about teaching you some stunts this afternoon?

[Lou Clark]

Oh, gee, that'd be swell.

[Dizzy Davis]

Only one thing would be sweeter. Tonight you have dinner with me.

[Lou Clark]

But you're scheduled to go to Cleveland this afternoon.

[Dizzy Davis]

I can fix that. I'll get Tex take my run.

[Lou Clark]

Jake won't stand for that.

[Dizzy Davis]

Now, you just leave that to me. I'll see Tex. Now, it's in the bag, honey.

[Narrator]

It's in the bag.

[Texas Clark]

Hiya, Dizzy.

[Dizzy Davis]

Hiya, Tex.

[Narrator]

How's the old.

[Dizzy Davis]

Hey, what's the matter?

[Texas Clark]

Dizzy. Dizzy, what is it?

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, it's nothing. I'll be all right in a minute. What is it?

[Texas Clark]

That. That bum ticker of yours?

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah.

[Texas Clark]

Too much last night, huh?

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah.

[Texas Clark]

You're getting old and you can't take it.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yes. Jake's. I guess you're right.

[Texas Clark]

Say. Say, you can't go to Cleveland feeling like that.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, it's all right. I've done it before and I. I can do it again. Hold it. Look, getting sick the minute I game.

[Texas Clark]

Well, what do you care how it looks? Now listen, Des, don't you worry about your run. I'll take it and you can take mine this weekend.

[Dizzy Davis]

No, no, Tex, I've got no right to do that to you.

[Texas Clark]

Why not now?

[Dizzy Davis]

Lou be sore.

[Texas Clark]

Yeah, Yeah, I didn't think of that. Well, let her be sore. I'm taking your run tonight.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, ggp. Tex, that's swell.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

You're all there. Comers. Washington to all planes and stations. 8 o' clock weather. Klman Barometer 2980. Temperature 30. Dew point 30. Surface wind calm, heavy fog. Visibility zero. Ceiling zero.

[Jake Lee]

Hand me that last report from Belfont.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Here you are.

[Jake Lee]

This fog is thick enough to cut in chunks. Look at those seagulls.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

They're walking around.

[Texas Clark]

Texas block in plane nine. Cola. Newark.

[Radio Operator]

Go ahead, Texas.

[Texas Clark]

Texas Clark to Newark. Eastbound 10 miles west of Bethlehem. Mayan flying on instruments on newark beams. Altitude 10,000. Visibility zero. What's the ceiling at Newark?

[Radio Operator]

Ceiling here still zero. Texas getting no better. Keep in touch.

[Texas Clark]

Okay.

[Dizzy Davis]

Boy, Dizzy should be happy.

[Jake Lee]

He's on the sick list. He sure handed Texas sweet run. Dizzy recovered fast.

[Radio Operator]

I saw him in Mama Jeannie's having dinner with Tommy.

[Jake Lee]

What's that? Is Dizzy a genie's?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Yeah.

[Radio Operator]

Well, at least he was.

[Lou Clark]

It was grand this afternoon. I didn't know anyone could handle a plane so smoothly.

[Dizzy Davis]

You know, for a student. You're doing all right yourself.

[Lou Clark]

Dizzy. What is it that makes flying so worth loving?

[Dizzy Davis]

You're the first girl I ever heard talk like that. Well, I don't know. When you're up there, it's a one man show and the whole world slides under your wings. There's danger and thrills and progress. What the heck am I doing? Making a speech. Oh, I don't know what it is. All I know is I'd rather be a male pilot than king. But no passengers for mine.

[Lou Clark]

You should complain. We stewardesses get the grief.

[Dizzy Davis]

Hey, look at that fog out there.

[Lou Clark]

Yeah, it is pretty low.

[Dizzy Davis]

No more ceiling than a dugout. I didn't know Texas is gonna.

[Announcer]

Your next unforgettable experience can happen anytime. Take an Amex card with you for rewards wherever you go. Morning coffee run with an old friend. Earn cash back weekend getaway, earn miles. AMEX rewards your inner explorer. Learn [e-mail] terms apply.

[Dizzy Davis]

Hey, it's your ceiling vent. So I'm dripping. Could be the rain, could be the upstairs bathroom. Yikes. You could hire the guy your neighbor recommended, but I'm pretty sure that's just his cousin. Do we know if he's licensed or does he just own a ladder? Listen to your home go with thumbtack.

[Jake Lee]

Upload a photo or voice note and we'll diagnose your project and match you

[Dizzy Davis]

with the right pro for the job.

[Jake Lee]

Thumbtack, we know homes hire the right pro today.

[Dizzy Davis]

Up against that when I asked him to take my run. Tommy. Tommy. Come on, let's hit the office and see how he's making out.

[Texas Clark]

What's the ceiling at noon?

[Radio Operator]

Ceiling here still zero. Texas getting no better.

[Texas Clark]

Okay, as long as the beam's okay.

[Radio Operator]

Hey, Dizzy, Texas radio sounds kind of sour.

[Narrator]

What do you think, he's a mind reader? Tell him about it.

[Radio Operator]

Noark to Texas. Clark, check the connections and tubes on your radio set. Texas, your transmission is blurred.

[Texas Clark]

Okay. Newark.

[Lou Clark]

You know, Tex would be in a bad spot tonight if his radio went dead.

[Dizzy Davis]

Aw, Tex is an old hand. He'd figure out some way out of any jam.

[Lou Clark]

Oh, sure. You know, I've been thinking, Dizzy. I still can't figure out how you did that barrel roll this afternoon.

[Dizzy Davis]

Say, can't you think about anything but flying? When did the bug bite you, anyway?

[Lou Clark]

Do you remember the day Lynbury came back from Paris?

[Dizzy Davis]

I do, but you don't. You were in your cradle.

[Lou Clark]

I was only a kid, but I'll never forget it. You know, they wrote welcome Home in smoke across the sky and signed a

[Dizzy Davis]

QB Yeah, you were there, all right.

[Lou Clark]

I didn't even know what QB meant when someone told me about the Quiet Birdman. Old pilots joined together to help the flying Gang. Gee, I love that. You know, they seem to part from ordinary people.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Mm, they were.

[Dizzy Davis]

That first QB hanger was a great spot. Each QB had his own drinking mug. If he got bumped off, the mug was put on a shelf over the bar, bottom up. Your first drink was always a silent toast to the shelf.

[Lou Clark]

I'll swell. You know, you ought to be proud of the way you feel and all the flying you've done.

[Dizzy Davis]

Mm. You're a grandkid.

[Lou Clark]

You're sort of goofy and tough and sweet all at once, aren't you?

[Mike Owen]

Mm.

[Dizzy Davis]

How's your counting?

[Lou Clark]

Cut it out, Dizzy.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, come on. Come on.

[Lou Clark]

No, Dizzy, you spoil everything.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, now, don't be silly, baby. All right, big shot.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Now that you've taken one from her,

[Dizzy Davis]

maybe you'd like one from me too.

[Lou Clark]

No, Taylor, it's quite all right.

[Dizzy Davis]

It's not all right. What do you Think you're doing, Davis? What's that to you?

[Narrator]

I'll show you.

[Dizzy Davis]

Never lead with your right, Lawson.

[Jake Lee]

Cut it out. Cut it out.

[Texas Clark]

Cut it out.

[Jake Lee]

What's wrong with you guys? If I catch you pulling this stuff again, you'll both get fired. The least you can do is settle your snails. Away from here. I'm at your service anytime, Davis.

[Dizzy Davis]

That's fine. Remember to have my suit pressed in the morning.

[Jake Lee]

Go on, Tay. Tommy, you go with him. Why don't you grow up dizzy and let those kids alone?

[Dizzy Davis]

Got a cigarette?

[Jake Lee]

She's not your kind. She's not for you.

[Dizzy Davis]

Why don't you let her decide that for herself?

[Radio Operator]

Noah calling Texas, Clark and Number nine. We're ready to check your transmitter. Go ahead, Texas. Newark calling Texas, Clark and Number Nine. Go ahead, Texas.

[Jake Lee]

Doesn't he answer?

[Radio Operator]

No, sir. His last report came in garbled. I told him to check his set.

[Jake Lee]

Try him every couple of minutes. Notify all stations by teletype. Number nine not reporting.

[Radio Operator]

Yes, sir.

[Jake Lee]

Radio must be dead.

[Dizzy Davis]

Jake, I want you to know that I didn't swap with Tex just to hand him a tough one.

[Jake Lee]

Forget it, Jake.

[Mike Owen]

Is Tex in the air? And this.

[Jake Lee]

Yep. On his way home.

[Mike Owen]

Mike, it was a night like this. I was coming home. I couldn't see the ground or the trees or the houses or anything. Then I hit. I stopped like a train hitting a wall. And I. I heard all over.

[Dizzy Davis]

Take it easy, fella.

[Mike Owen]

Yes, take it easy. I'm all right. I shined that brass plate, Jake. It looks real pretty.

[Jake Lee]

Forget it, Mike. Run along home.

[Mike Owen]

I guess I better. The wife might be worrying. She. Well, she still thinks I'm flying.

[Jake Lee]

Buzz, put that outside radio transmitter on the window ledge.

[Radio Operator]

Yes, sir.

[Dizzy Davis]

Tex will never get in here without radio unless he finds a hole.

[Tay Lawson]

A hole?

[Jake Lee]

And that mud. Solid overcast, 15,000ft thick. No use worrying till he begins to look for the field.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah, then we'll pray him down.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Hiya, Jake.

[Jake Lee]

Oh, hello, Smiley.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, Dizzy, I heard you were back.

[Dizzy Davis]

Hiya, Smiley. What are you doing over here among us common people? I thought you'd quit the racket.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Believe it or not, I'm looking for a job. Can you use a good aviator?

[Jake Lee]

Jake, you wouldn't want to work for us.

[Mike Owen]

Why not?

[Jake Lee]

Have to spend at least a year learning the ropes as co pilot. Co pilot?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I'd hit the BRAD line before I'd start riding with some other guy at the controls.

[Radio Operator]

Noah calling Texas, Clark and Number nine. Noah calling Texas, Clark and Number nine. He still doesn't answer.

[Jake Lee]

Keep trying.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, how you doing? Dizzy. And how are all your gals?

[Dizzy Davis]

I can't complain.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Say, whatever happened to that slim brunette you used to chase around with?

[Dizzy Davis]

Am I supposed to know the girl from that description?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

You know the one I mean.

[Jake Lee]

You were going with her when I

[Cecil B. DeMille]

was testing those new transports.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. You mean. I know you mean. You mean Eileen.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Not that one. What was her name?

[Dizzy Davis]

Stop it, will you?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I've got it.

[Jake Lee]

Mary something.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, cut it out. She wasn't my girl.

[Jake Lee]

You remember she lived in a little

[Cecil B. DeMille]

white house over in East Orange. Mary.

[Dizzy Davis]

Shut up.

[Jake Lee]

Was it Mary Miller?

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

Yeah, that was it.

[Dizzy Davis]

Mary Miller. You know her, Jake?

[Jake Lee]

Yeah, I know her. I married her. Oh, no, not Miller.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

This was Mary. Mary Dillon. That was a Dylan.

[Jake Lee]

Oh, then I wouldn't know her.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

No, you never met this girl. Well, there's nothing here. I might as well be gone so long.

[Jake Lee]

Was Mary really under your skin?

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, now, Jake, you know the way I was, how I used to talk. Just part of the act. Mary and I just clowned around. And then you came along and she found out what a foul bull I was.

[Jake Lee]

Your reputation wasn't so cockeyed. It'd be easier to believe.

[Dizzy Davis]

What if Tex gets in here? He and I were living together, and he knows everybody I went around with. He'll smooth this out in no time.

[Jake Lee]

Yeah, Try text. Buzz Noert calling.

[Radio Operator]

Texas Clark.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

The number nine.

[Radio Operator]

No, he still doesn't answer.

[Dizzy Davis]

Say, he ought to be here any

[Jake Lee]

second if he's on time. Doc, field lights.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Texas Clark]

Texas block and number nine to Newark.

[Dizzy Davis]

There he is.

[Texas Clark]

Still flying blind on the Newark beam. Nearing the field. Give me the surface wind of the Colesman barometer reach. I'm coming in.

[Radio Operator]

Surface wind calm. Colesman Barometer 2988. Ceiling zero.

[Texas Clark]

No cancer line. I want to set my altimeter. I can't land without it. When I get on the ground, I'm going to wrap this radio around Buzz's neck. The beam's fading out.

[Narrator]

I can't hear.

[Radio Operator]

No, work to Texas Clark. Come in. Sounded like he's sending.

[Dizzy Davis]

So quit on him. I wish it was me coming here instead of Tex.

[Jake Lee]

Bad enough to have Tex up there. If it was you, we'd have an argument about how to get you down.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

All lights.

[Narrator]

Okay, mister. Me?

[Lou Clark]

Jake. Jake, I just heard a plane. Must be text.

[Jake Lee]

Listen.

[Dizzy Davis]

That's him. He sounds high.

[Narrator]

Jake.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah. Come on, fella, talk him down.

[Jake Lee]

This is Jake, Texas. You're approaching the field west of the office. You sound much too high. You must be A thousand feet. You should be losing altitude very fast. Answer by radio or jazz your motor if you hear me.

[Dizzy Davis]

Come on in, baby. Why doesn't he answer? He's probably getting it, but just can't stand.

[Jake Lee]

You're much too high, Texas. You're over the edge of the field now. You better circle back and make another approach. Come in much lower. You can't make it this time. You're sure to overshoot the field.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, he's going on.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Didn't hear a word.

[Lou Clark]

He's have to fly right on out to sea.

[Jake Lee]

He won't pass the coast. He knows he's somewhere near Newark.

[Dizzy Davis]

Tex will bring you in if anyone can. He isn't one of these kid pilots.

[Texas Clark]

Hey, Jake.

[Dizzy Davis]

Jake. Sounds like he's coming back. Here he comes. Give me that mike.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Hello.

[Narrator]

Newark calling Texas Clark. Newark calling Texas Clark. Go ahead, Texas.

[Radio Operator]

He's lower this time.

[Jake Lee]

You won't land on that course. Keep trying.

[Narrator]

You're calling Texas Clark. You are calling Texas Clark. You are calling Texas Clark.

[Jake Lee]

He's passing again. You'll never get in. Tell him to climb for altitude and use his chute.

[Narrator]

New York IT Tex Clark and Plane 9. Do not attempt to land. Climb for altitude and go over the side. That's orders. Acknowledge.

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

Amy.

[Dizzy Davis]

Felipe.

[Narrator]

Here comes Tex. Newark, tex. Clark tribe. Ralph.hither silk. Acknowledge.

[Dizzy Davis]

Here comes Texas wife.

[Jake Lee]

How did she. Jake, Come in.

[Mike Owen]

Lou.

[Lou Clark]

Jake, what is it? What's wrong? I've been at home listening in.

[Narrator]

What is it?

[Jake Lee]

Texas radio's dead.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Don't worry.

[Jake Lee]

He'll get down all right.

[Lou Clark]

Come on, Lou. You don't want to stay here. Let's go home. Home? I've just been there. Not just tonight, but one night after another. Sitting over the radio alone, wondering whether Tex will ever come home or not. I know Dolly would please come along.

[Narrator]

Oh, I've been through it so often. Sitting there, going crazy, waiting for the telephone to ring. Jake, what are you gonna do? Can't you do something?

[Jake Lee]

I tried to tell him to use his chute.

[Mike Owen]

Lou.

[Lou Clark]

Tex ought not to be flying.

[Dizzy Davis]

He'll make it all right, Lou.

[Mike Owen]

Don't worry.

[Narrator]

Don't touch me. I know why you got Tex to take your place. Because you had a date with Tommy the Great. Dizzy Davis. Out after another.

[Jake Lee]

Is that why you switched your run?

[Dizzy Davis]

Jake, listen.

[Narrator]

He's turned back for the field. You hear that?

[Dizzy Davis]

He's picked up the field lights.

[Narrator]

You are calling Texas Clark. You are calling Texas Clark.

[Texas Clark]

Jake. Jake, I'm heading in. At least I think I am.

[Jake Lee]

A radio sure is Sick?

[Texas Clark]

Haven't heard alert for an hour.

[Jake Lee]

You're coming into the field, Tex, toward number one hangar. You sound just about right. Keep her straight and settle in slow.

[Texas Clark]

Why don't you answer me? Are you guys shooting crap or something?

[Jake Lee]

You haven't reached the edge of the field yet, Tex. Your Alameda should read about 200ft. You're headed over the hangers for the middle of the landing area. Keep her straight and steady.

[Texas Clark]

Here I come, kneeling for the ground. Why don't you answer? It's a wonder you left.

[Narrator]

The helper fell. He can't hear us. He's coming in blind. You ought to be up there. You're a murderer. That's what you are. You're a murderer.

[Jake Lee]

You sound a little low, Texas.

[Narrator]

Lift her up about 50ft. He's too close, Jake. Too low. He's coming right toward us.

[Jake Lee]

Pull her up a little, Tex.

[Narrator]

Pull her up. You sound low. You're still outside the field, heading for the hangers. Watch it. Pull her up, Tex. Pull up, Tex. Pull up. You're too low. You're right on top of the hangar. Watch it. Pull up, Tex. Pull up.

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

We pause for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. The curtain falls on Act 2 of Ceiling Zero. Starring James Cagney, Ralph Bellamy and Stuart Irwin. Who will be heard shortly in Act 3. In just a moment, Mr. DeMille introduces our guest. But first, I'd like to say a word about our product, Luxe Flakes. Have you ever figured out how thrifty Lux really is? How much it can do for you? It's amazing how far a penny's worth of Lux will go. Listen to this. Unless the water is hard, about one penny's worth of Lux. Will do your under things three times. Your stockings four times, or your dishes for a whole day. Or you can look at it this way. Just a little more than a penny's worth of Lux does. A sweater and a dress. Yes, Lux is thrifty. And it's safe. Safe for anything. Safe in water alone. So every time you buy the generous large size box of Lux. Just think to yourself, it's safe and it saves. Now, Mr. DeMille, as our guest tonight.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I thought it most appropriate to present a man from the skies. Someone from real life who can match the color and skill of the pilots of our play. But he's as different from the aviators of our play. As the plane which he's flying is different. The swift progress of aviation since the writing of Ceiling Zero. Has outstripped man's imagination in making Air travel safe and safer still. Right now, in the sky above the Lux radio Theater, a modern transport plane is circling. At the controls is Major Carl A. Cover, Senior Vice president and general manager of the famous Douglas Aircraft Company. Makers of planes flown the world over. Major Cover trained the men who trained the pilots to fly in the World war. And has had much to do with the pursuit of safety for the past 20 years. But let's hear from Major Kova direct. Are you ready, Major?

[Tay Lawson]

I've been accustomed, Mr. Demel, to look up to the Lux Theater. This is the first time I've ever looked down on it. Incidentally, I'm now speaking a regular DC Transport, Florida. While in the course of a routine check up flight. This plane belongs to the Royal Dutch Airlines. It will soon be delivered for operation in the longest passenger run in the world between Amsterdam and Batavia.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

As you fly around up there, Major, what picture do you get of aviation today and in the future?

[Tay Lawson]

Well, I believe aviation has traveled farther in less time than any invention in the world. I think you'll agree that it is made as vast strides. In the brief years since the period of Ceiling Zero, as it did between its inception and the first showing of tonight's play. Safety and comfort in the air develop so fast that it's almost impossible for the average person to realize the changes. It would be a full time job to keep up with the progress being made as a result. Only a few technically minded people can appreciate just where we stand today.

[Dizzy Davis]

But.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

But doesn't such progress take all the romance and daring out of flying?

[Tay Lawson]

If you mean romance in the terms of such heroic, daredevil performance as you have in Ceiling Zero, then the answer is yes. But there's another kind of romance. The conquest over nature. A conquest made possible by such things as the radio beam, the new altimeter, the icing equipment, the automatic pilot and the amazing reliability of modern engines. There's Romans 2. And the thought that you can fly in the space of a single day from a land of ice and glaciers to the palm trees of the tropics. I'll even predict that passengers will be able to make regular scheduled flights from here to Paris and London within a very few months. I'm not much in the romance angle, but I think that comes pretty close to being the real thing.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

The world owes you and men like you a deep debt of gratitude for the safety you bring and are constantly increasing. I know that most of us in Hollywood actors, actors and producers are almost as much at home in the air as we are on the ground.

[Tay Lawson]

We hope so, Mr. DeMille. And now I'm sure you want to get back to Zilling 0. As for me, I'd like to hear the rest of it, too. Good luck, sir.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

You've given wings to the world, Major,

[Jake Lee]

and to our program.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Act three of ceiling zero, starring james cagney, ralph bellamy and stuart irwin. With boots mallory and gene cagney.

[Dizzy Davis]

Mom, can you tell me a story?

[Child]

Sure. Once upon a time, a mom needed a new car.

[Dizzy Davis]

Was she brave?

[Child]

She was tired, mostly. But she went to Carvana.com and found a great car at a great price. No secret treasure map required.

[Dizzy Davis]

Did you have to fight a dragon?

[Child]

Nope. She bought it 100% online. From her bed, actually.

[Dizzy Davis]

Was it scary?

[Child]

Honey, it was as unscary as car buying could be.

[Dizzy Davis]

Did the car have a sunroof?

[Child]

It did, actually.

[Announcer]

Okay, good story.

[Child]

Car buying you'll want to tell stories about. Buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply.

[Announcer]

Summer adventures are better with Minky Couture. From road trips to ball games, beach nights to backyard movies, Minky has you covered. Don't miss the Everywhere blanket. Water resistant, ultra soft and made for life on the go. Wherever summer takes you, bring comfort along. MinkyCouture.com the original best blanket ever.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Pulled from the wreckage of the mail plane. Texas Clock was rushed to the hospital to leave linger for hours between life and death in the anteroom, Tex's wife, Lou, numbed by the tragedy, waits for word from the operating room. Mary is with her and Dizzy Davis.

[Dizzy Davis]

Lou, I know it sounds silly to say you're sorry. It's always too late. But I am sorry, Lou. At the bottom of my heart.

[Lou Clark]

I know, Lou.

[Dizzy Davis]

And don't worry,

[Lou Clark]

I'm not going to shout. I don't think I can ever shout again. I don't want to hurt you, Dizzy. That won't help, Tex. But you're no good. You never have been any good. Everyone you touch, you hurt. Jake helped you, got you sent back here, and what do you do? You've already hurt Tay and Tommy. And if you stay here, you will

[Dizzy Davis]

hurt Mary Lou, so help me.

[Lou Clark]

You can't help it, Dizzy. You're just no good. No good. Dizzy. She doesn't know what she's saying. Dizzy.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, yes. Yes, she does. She's right. I'm poison. Absolute poison. Even to my friends.

[Lou Clark]

Not to Jake. Dizzy.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, to him, too. Smiley Johnson spilled the beans about us.

[Lou Clark]

What did Jake say?

[Dizzy Davis]

He doesn't know whether to believe him or not.

[Lou Clark]

Then I've got to Tell him, Dizzy.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah, I guess you do. Only wait till this is over, will you? Goodbye, Marianne. I'm going back to the office. Phone me if anything happens, sir.

[Lou Clark]

Goodbye, Dizzy.

[Jake Lee]

Felony wood.

[Dizzy Davis]

He's still unconscious, Jake, but a little stronger.

[Mike Owen]

Swell. Jake.

[Dizzy Davis]

Suppose Tex should die.

[Jake Lee]

You weren't to blame for the crash. After Tex took the run, the show was all his.

[Dizzy Davis]

That's easy for you to say. You're not in the picture. Lou named it. It's murder.

[Jake Lee]

Forget it. He's gonna pull through. Get well. But you gotta learn to play the rules, Dizzy.

[Dizzy Davis]

I know, Jake. Listen, I've cut a lot of corners, but there's one guy I've always been on the level with. And that's you. Jake. I'd cut my heart out for you. Please don't be mad at me.

[Jake Lee]

All right, forget it. What's the latest weather report on Buzz?

[Radio Operator]

00 ICE at 3000.

[Jake Lee]

Have Lawson stand by.

[Dizzy Davis]

You want to push them in nightmare through that ice?

[Jake Lee]

Probably not. But I never cancel any run in advance. We'll decide when the time comes. Number seven's rigged with those new de icers. Be worth the crash to find out how they stand up.

[Dizzy Davis]

Do you want me to make the hop?

[Jake Lee]

Lawson's scheduled to go.

[Dizzy Davis]

That kid, he won't get from here to the edge of the field.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

No.

[Jake Lee]

Why don't you go out and tell him how?

[Dizzy Davis]

Okay, Jake. I guess you're sicken of looking at me right now. I'll see you later.

[Lou Clark]

Dizzy.

[Dizzy Davis]

How are you, Halfpoint?

[Lou Clark]

Pretty low. Dizzy. I feel so guilty about Tex. Only we hadn't made that silly date.

[Dizzy Davis]

Don't blame yourself. It was my bright idea. Everybody knows that.

[Lou Clark]

Dizzy, you mustn't worry about what Lou says. Tex wouldn't want you to do that. He'd understand.

[Dizzy Davis]

Tommy, you're the only nice thing that's happened to me since I got back here. The rest has been bad news.

[Lou Clark]

Why don't you go home? It doesn't do any good staying here, making yourself unhappy.

[Dizzy Davis]

I don't want to be alone. I'd go screwy over there by myself.

[Lou Clark]

I wish I could help.

[Mike Owen]

You could.

[Dizzy Davis]

Could help a lot.

[Lou Clark]

How?

[Dizzy Davis]

Staying close and being near me till it goes away. Will you?

[Lou Clark]

Of course, sweet.

[Dizzy Davis]

Here. Here's the key to my apartment. 1211 Wellington Road, number 14. You go down there and wait, and I'll be along a little while. We'll have some drinks and try to drown all this, huh?

[Lou Clark]

All right. If you see Tay, will you tell him goodbye for me, please?

[Dizzy Davis]

I'll tell him with Pleasure. Hey, Dizzy, Jake wants you right there.

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

Go ahead, kid.

[Jake Lee]

Well, Jake, I got a wrap for you. Dizzy.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah, What?

[Jake Lee]

Read this. It just came from Washington.

[Dizzy Davis]

Washington? For me?

[Jake Lee]

They turned down your physical waiver, Dizzy. They won't renew your pilot's license.

[Dizzy Davis]

They won't? Say, what is this, a gag?

[Jake Lee]

No, Dizzy, it's straight.

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, then I'm finished. Washed up.

[Jake Lee]

Take it easy. We'll find some way out.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah. Yeah. Maybe I could get a job like Mike Owens.

[Jake Lee]

Don't be a fool.

[Dizzy Davis]

What do I know except to push a plane around?

[Jake Lee]

You can hold down this sort of a job? I can fix it.

[Dizzy Davis]

Fix it? To sit around at a desk watching the other guys fly. Gee, that's great.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

That's marvelous.

[Jake Lee]

Federal Airlines, Jake Lee speaking. What? When? Okay, thanks.

[Mike Owen]

Was that.

[Dizzy Davis]

Was that about takes?

[Jake Lee]

Yeah. He's gone. Oh, God. Oh, don't let it throw you. You've seen hundreds of crashes. A lot of swell guys go west. It's all part of the game.

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

Yeah.

[Jake Lee]

Dizzy, pull out of it.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, don't worry about me. What about Lou?

[Jake Lee]

I better go see her. Take over the duty watch, will you?

[Mike Owen]

Sure.

[Jake Lee]

Hold the night mail. We're sure to cancel.

[Dizzy Davis]

Okay, Dizzy.

[Jake Lee]

Listen, Diz. Sometimes a guy gets to thinking he's fair and big. When he's in love with a woman, he can be pretty small. I don't know what got into me. I was jealous, I guess. Forget I ever said anything about you and Mary, would you?

[Dizzy Davis]

I never heard a word of it.

[Mike Owen]

Swell.

[Jake Lee]

So long, Diz.

[Dizzy Davis]

So long, Jake. Text him. Oh, my God.

[Mike Owen]

I killed him.

[Dizzy Davis]

I killed him.

[Mike Owen]

I killed him.

[Narrator]

I shooted him.

[Dizzy Davis]

Hey, Dizzy.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Yeah?

[Jake Lee]

That kid Lawson's getting ready to leave.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Is the trip canceled?

[Dizzy Davis]

Canceled? Yeah, it's awful bad up there.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Ice all over the place. I guess the trip's out, huh?

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah. Yeah. No, no, no, wait. Where's Lawson? He's down by the hangar. I'll go down there and see him.

[Narrator]

Hold everything. Hey, Lawson. You seen the weather map?

[Texas Clark]

Yes.

[Jake Lee]

I'll take another look before I shove off.

[Narrator]

From here to Cleveland.

[Dizzy Davis]

It's bird walking weather these days.

[Jake Lee]

Planes fly when birds only sing.

[Texas Clark]

Yeah.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Hey, look, you.

[Dizzy Davis]

You really love that Tommy kid.

[Jake Lee]

What's it to you?

[Dizzy Davis]

Nothing much. Gonna marry her?

[Jake Lee]

Yes, I expect to marry her.

[Dizzy Davis]

You know where she is now?

[Jake Lee]

I guess she's home.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah. Now watch the dope on these new de icers.

[Jake Lee]

An old hand like you should know all about that.

[Dizzy Davis]

Answer my question. I'm in charge here. Well, you know how they work.

[Jake Lee]

We've been running wind Tunnel tests. Now they're installed on 7 here. Ready to try out.

[Dizzy Davis]

Suppose they don't click?

[Jake Lee]

If it gets too bad, I'll go over the side.

[Dizzy Davis]

Lawson, come on, let's cut the squabbling. You're right. Tommy is swell. Too swell for me. You mean that? Yeah, sure. You kids are just getting started. Hey, here's all the happiness on earth.

[Mike Owen]

Well, thanks, Dizzy.

[Jake Lee]

That's down swell of you.

[Dizzy Davis]

So long, kid. Have a good hop.

[Mike Owen]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

Nope.

[Dizzy Davis]

Now stay asleep until I get back.

[Narrator]

Hey, Doc. Yep?

[Dizzy Davis]

This kid Lawson is sick.

[Texas Clark]

What?

[Dizzy Davis]

Yeah, he just fainted.

[Narrator]

Come on, pick him up and take him inside, will you? Gee. Hey, Baldy, put that ship up. Oh, no. No, you don't. The ship stays. I'm taking the kid's trip. You can't. Is he.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Not in this weather.

[Narrator]

I'm giving orders here, and I'm taking that trip.

[Texas Clark]

Yeah, but.

[Narrator]

Now go on.

[Dizzy Davis]

Do as you're.

[Jake Lee]

What'd you let him go out for? Why didn't you hold him?

[Narrator]

I couldn't help it.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Jake.

[Narrator]

Giddy Davison 7 to Newark. Altitude 3,000ft. Lying blind on the Newark beam for Cleveland. Light ice forming on Wings and tails. These new de ices don't quite break it up.

[Jake Lee]

Tell them to turn back and land at once.

[Radio Operator]

Newark calling Davis in seven.

[Narrator]

Go ahead, Newark.

[Radio Operator]

Davis and seven return to Newark and land at once. Division superintendent's orders.

[Narrator]

Tell Jake to come to the mic.

[Jake Lee]

Dizzy, this is Jake here.

[Narrator]

Here's the dope on these new de icers, Jake.

[Jake Lee]

Never mind the de icers. You know you can't fly through that stuff. Get on the ground.

[Narrator]

Come on, come on. Get this.

[Jake Lee]

Take this down, Buzz.

[Narrator]

The pressure's got to be double.

[Dizzy Davis]

Mom, can you tell me a story?

[Child]

Sure. Once upon a time, a mom needed a new car.

[Dizzy Davis]

Was she brave?

[Child]

She was tired, mostly. But she went to Carvana.com and found a great car at a great price. No secret treasure map to find a dragon?

[Announcer]

Nope.

[Child]

She bought it 100%.

[Dizzy Davis]

Online.

[Child]

From her bed, actually.

[Dizzy Davis]

Was it scary?

[Child]

Honey, it was as unscary as car buying could be.

[Dizzy Davis]

Did the car have a sunroof?

[Child]

It did, actually.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Child]

Good story, car buying. You'll want to tell stories about. Buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply.

[Narrator]

The rear tube should be moved back 8 inches so the ice won't form behind it. And you need tubes on the tail, too. One on each leading edge. It'll work then. Like a million dollars. Right now the tubes are frozen flat. That's all, Jacob.

[Jake Lee]

Okay, Dizzy. Now get back To Newark?

[Narrator]

There's not much chance of that unless

[Dizzy Davis]

you send me up a skyhook.

[Narrator]

Ship's getting heavy. Losing altitude.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Now, Dizzy.

[Narrator]

Leave the ship.

[Jake Lee]

Don't wait until she begins to spin. Drop your flares and go over the side. Bail out. Hit the silk.

[Narrator]

No can do, baby. He's got ice all over. She'll build up in a hurry.

[Texas Clark]

Jake.

[Narrator]

Jake, when Dizzy got into that ship,

[Dizzy Davis]

he didn't wear a shoe. What?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

He didn't.

[Dizzy Davis]

He wouldn't wait.

[Jake Lee]

Dizzy, isn't there some way. Can't you nurse her down? Slide in on a wing so it'll

[Narrator]

be an easy crack up? Do something, Dizzy. Anything. She's falling pretty fast, Jake. The ice looks a foot thick on the leading edges. I'm down to 1500ft on the beam. Don't look for the crash tonight, Dizzy. Listen. She's getting wishy now. I'm going to put her into a spin to see how that affects the ice. The ice still ticks for the ship, Jake. She won't answer the controls. Here she goes. So long, Jake. Don't be mad at me. York to Davis and Seven. Newark to Davis and Seven. Answer seven. Answer seven.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Davis.

[Narrator]

Dizzy.

[Jake Lee]

He's crashed.

[Dizzy Davis]

We got the call, Jake.

[Jake Lee]

They find the ship? Yeah, pretty bad. Dizzy. He's gone.

[Mike Owen]

Huh? Huh?

[Dizzy Davis]

In the seat.

[Jake Lee]

Sure he would stick it.

[Mike Owen]

You.

[Dizzy Davis]

You want to speak to the boys?

[Jake Lee]

No, not now.

[Mike Owen]

Beat it.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Texas Clark]

Jake.

[Jake Lee]

Yeah? What, Mary?

[Lou Clark]

Jake, I've got something to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago.

[Mike Owen]

Yeah?

[Dizzy Davis]

It's about me.

[Lou Clark]

Dizzy.

[Jake Lee]

You don't have to tell me anything about Dizzy.

[Mike Owen]

He.

[Jake Lee]

He was all right.

[Lou Clark]

And what about me?

[Jake Lee]

The only thing that keeps me from proposing to you all over again is that we're already married.

[Narrator]

Oh, darling.

[Jake Lee]

It's okay, honey. It's okay. Lawson. Yes, sir. Here are Dizzy's notes about the de icers. That's your next job, remember? A swell guy made it easy for you.

[Dizzy Davis]

Yes, sir.

[Jake Lee]

Well, what are you standing around for, Doc? Start the crash truck rolling.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Jake Lee]

Buzz, get a weather report. Notify all stations of the crash and tell them we're holding up trips for a better report. Tell Bali to see that the ships are ready for everyone on tomorrow's schedule.

[Al (Doc) Wilson]

Yes, sir.

[Jake Lee]

Snap it. Snap it. We're running an airline.

[Radio Operator]

Yes, S.

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

We ring down the curtain on Act 3 of Ceiling Zero, starring James Cagney, Ralph Bellamy and Stuart Irvin. In just a moment, Mr. DeMille will bring back our stars to talk to you personally. But first, here's a bit of news for housewives. I read in the paper the other day that a housewife washes about an acre of dishes every year. Imagine all those dishes laid out over more than 43,000 square feet of ground. That's an acre of dishes. And it takes a good many hours to wash all those dishes. Yes, it does. It means your hands spend a lot of time in the dishpan. And if you're using a harsh soap for your dishes, your hands are apt to suffer. Harsh soaps with harmful alkali are likely to dry the natural oils in your skin. That's why your hands chap and get red and coarse. You don't want that to happen to your hands, do you? So won't you remember this, Lux Flakes are kind to your hands. They're mild. They have no harmful alkali. Nothing to dry your skin and roughen your hands. No, indeed. Lux helps your hands stay smooth and young looking. And that's pretty nice, isn't it? Having hands that are lovely to look at and thrilling to hold. Every woman wants them. Remember, Lux is fast, it's gentle and it's thrifty. Yes, unless the water's very hard. It takes only about a penny's worth of Lux to do a day's dishes. Be sure to buy the generous big box of luxe flakes, Mr. DeMille.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

After spending the last week in the vigorous company of Messrs. Cagney, Bellamy and Irwin. I'm sorry for only one thing.

[Texas Clark]

Look out, boys, here it comes.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

No, no, no. It's not what you're thinking, Mr. Irwin. My lone regret is that all of you weren't with Barbara Stanwyck, Joel McCrae and me in the making of Union Pacific.

[Jake Lee]

You mean we're too late? Gosh, what'll you ever do, Mr. Lamel?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

There's nothing to do, I guess, but hope. Hope that when the next one comes along, you'll be in the cast.

[Dizzy Davis]

I'd like to cast it for you right now, if I might. Of course, the first thing you'll need is a leading man, A hero. You know, somebody like Bellamy.

[Jake Lee]

Gee, that's right. Of your Jim Darn White.

[Dizzy Davis]

Well, yeah, but not exactly like Bellamy. What you want is a guy a little on the tough side. Hard boiled, fast talking, you see, Quick with his hands. He's okay on the inside, but on the outside he's all brass knuckles.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

You mean somebody like, like James Cagney?

[Dizzy Davis]

No, no. Like Stu Irwin.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, well, I, I, I don't doubt that Mr. Irwin has a heart of gold.

[Texas Clark]

Oh, boy. That's the truth. There's so much gold in my heart that. That every time it thumps, it whispers, 16 carat. 16 carat. Anybody like to listen?

[Jake Lee]

All right, so you got a heart of gold. But how tough can you be?

[Texas Clark]

How tough can I be? Listen, Bellamy, just put up your hand.

[Jake Lee]

Sure I will, smarty.

[Texas Clark]

Sure. Just as I figured. Wide open for a kick in the shins.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Careful, Mr. Irvin. Ralph's in pretty good shape after working that farm of his.

[Jake Lee]

Well, that's not quite as accurate, Mr. DeMille, as I'd like it to be. So relax. Du you see, we had a flood back there. And my farm went down the Connecticut River. Flood ruined everything except a couple of crops, but they're doing fine. Watermelons and watercress. Hope you're having better luck on Cape Cod, Jimmy.

[Dizzy Davis]

Oh, I'm learning, Ralph. Learning. I don't think I'll ever be a menace to the landed gentry. But come a few years and I think I'd be able to live off the place if I had to. Of course, I might get a little tired of eating kohlrabi and rutabaga three times a day. But then I'm learning, Mr. DeMille. I got a great kick out of doing ceiling zero. And I hope we can all get together again sometime. Many thanks.

[Jake Lee]

Good night.

[Texas Clark]

Good night.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Good night, and happy landing.

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

In a moment, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. DeMille brings news of next Monday's program. Be sure to listen to the new Lux daytime radio program, the Life and love of Dr. Susan. The story of a courageous woman in search of her destiny. You can hear it over most of these stations in the United States. Every afternoon, Monday through Friday at 2:15 Eastern Time, 1:15 Central Time, 3:15 Mountain Time and 2:15 Pacific Time. This new daytime program, the Life and love of Dr. Susan, comes to you in addition to the Lux Radio Theater. Assisting in Ceiling Zero were James Bush as Buzz Gordon, Mary Lansing as Mary Lee, Martha Wentworth as Mama Jeannie, Edward Marr as Doc Wilson, Lou Merrill as Alan Jones, Joseph Duvall as Joe Allen, Frank Nelson as Tay Lawson, Ross Forester as Mike Owen and John Gibson as Smiley Johnson. Ralph Bellamy appeared through Courtesy of Harry Cohen. Louis Silvers is from 20th Century Fox Studios where he directed music for Wife, Husband and Friend. Now your producer.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

The program planned for you next Monday night, like all programs in the Lux Radio Theatre, is one in which you, too, play a major part. Just as we are occupied every day in the week preparing these productions, you are making them possible by bringing Lux Flakes and Lux Toilet soap into your homes each day. This cooperation enables us to present plays and stars of the caliber in store for you a week from tonight when you'll hear Norma Shearer and William Powell, a great hit on the screen. Our play is the dramatic story of an infinite love, One Way Passage. 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 Norma Shearer and William Powell in One Way Passage. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Lux Radio Theater Announcer]

The announcer has been Melville Ruler. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.