Lux Radio Theatre - Dear Ruth

Summary

---

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lux Radio Theatre – Dear Ruth
Date: July 12, 2026
Starring: Joan Caulfield, William Holden, Billy DeWolf
Producer: William Keeley

---

Episode Overview

In this classic episode from Lux Radio Theatre, the play "Dear Ruth" transports listeners to a bustling American home in 1944, exploring family dynamics, romantic mix-ups, and wartime letters that spark unintended consequences. The comedic plot centers on Ruth Wilkins, a young woman whose life is thrown into confusion when a bombardier she never met arrives on her doorstep, believing they're engaged thanks to heartfelt letters—penned by her impetuous sister. The tale spins out with witty familial banter, generational clashes, and the ultimate test of honesty and love.

---

Key Discussion Points & Major Story Beats

1. Opening & Setting the Scene (00:30–02:40)

• William Keeley introduces the production, describing "Dear Ruth" as a "boisterous romantic comedy" set in an average American home during wartime.
• Cast introduction and story set-up: The Wilkins family and their typical suburban routines are established.

2. Family Breakfast & Character Introductions (02:40–07:00)

• Breakfast banter introduces the family dynamic: Ruth (the older daughter), Miriam (her opinionated younger sister), Edith (their mother), Harry (the judge/father), and Albert (Ruth's fiancé).
• Political and generational humor abound, with Miriam championing causes (“Our entire political science class is wearing the beret – the national hat of France as our protest against the State Department.” – Miriam, 02:56).
• Early hints of romantic complications: Ruth is irritated by Albert’s health obsessions, and Miriam’s activism draws family eye rolls.

3. The Unexpected Visitor: Lt. Bill Seacroft (05:41–08:10)

• Lieutenant Bill Seacroft arrives at the Wilkins home, charming Ruth’s parents and referencing passionate letters “Ruth” sent him while he was overseas, which they know nothing about.
• Revelation: Bill is not Ruth's fiancé, but he claims a close relationship from correspondence, causing confusion and setting the plot in motion.
  • “I suppose she told you all about me.” – Bill, 06:26

4. The Letter Confusion & Family Reactions (10:13–15:56)

• Humorous misunderstanding: The family mistakenly assumes Ruth is in love with Bill and intends to marry him.
• Miriam’s confessions: Miriam, having written 63 letters and sent a snapshot of Ruth to Bill (“I wrote him 63 letters. Some were poems. What did you say in them? I said what he wanted to hear. He was lonely and frightened and he poured out his heart to me.” – Miriam & Ruth, 15:13).
• Parental discipline: Harry Wilkins delivers comic punishment to Miriam for her forgery and subterfuge.

5. Ruth Meets Bill – The Rom-Com Escalates (17:00–27:44)

• Bill finally meets Ruth face-to-face, calling her "Baby" and eager to act on her supposed affections.
• Ruth must juggle Albert and Bill: Tension as Ruth tries to prevent Albert from discovering the romantic misunderstandings, while the family tries to protect Bill’s feelings.
• Notable moment: Ruth is unable to break the truth to Bill, resulting in further romantic entanglement.

6. A Night of Comedy and Complications (25:53–30:43)

• Nightclub hopping and awkward goodbyes: Bill and Ruth go out for the night, with the family keeping covert tabs.
• Generous gifts: Bill sends an extravagant number of lilacs and candied popcorn to the Wilkins house due to references in the letters, adding to the farce.
• Albert’s jealousy and confusion: “What’s so wonderful about your girl being kissed by a stranger for a few hours? Mother, I leave it to you – am I being unreasonable?” – Albert, 32:40

7. New Entrants & Romantic Pile-Up (33:41–36:41)

• Bill’s sister and his friend Chuck Vincent enter the fray, adding more romantic confusion and entanglements.
• Mass bus ride: Ruth, Albert, Bill, and Martha (Bill’s sister) all go out together to keep appearances and avoid more awkward encounters.

8. Climax: The Romantic Tangle Unravels (40:09–53:32)

• Multiple proposals: Bill declares he wants to marry Ruth, Albert hopes for reconciliation, and Chuck and Martha announce their plans.
• Military orders are changed: Bill and Chuck learn they’ll become instructors in Florida rather than returning overseas, prompting sudden wedding plans.
• The truth surfaces: Miriam confesses to Bill that she wrote the letters. Bill is hurt but asks Miriam to keep it a secret from Ruth.
  • “You wrote those letters, didn’t you?” – Bill, 49:06
• Emotional farewells: Ruth explains to Bill that she can’t marry him, and everyone prepares for a double wedding—but with the right partners this time.

9. Resolutions & Rapid-Fire Weddings (53:32–55:16)

• Final twist: Ruth realizes her heart belongs to Bill after all.
• Judge performs an impromptu wedding between Ruth and Bill, with much comic scrambling, just as the others prepare to leave.
  • “Now we’ll have to make it fast… Friends, we are gathered here to join this man and this woman in the bonds of holy matrimony. Well, that’s it, kids. You’re married.” – Harry Wilkins, 54:44

10. Curtain Call & Cast Chat (56:18–58:31)

• Post-show banter: The actors chat with producer William Keeley, share anecdotes, and promote Lux Soap—keeping with the period’s tradition of sponsor content.
  • Notable quote: “I started using Lux soap when I first went on the stage and I’ve never been without it since.” – Joan Caulfield (Ruth), 57:55

---

Notable Quotes

• “You signed me up to give a pint of blood? … That’s forgery, young lady.”
  — Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge), 03:38
• “I wrote him 63 letters. Some were poems. What did you say in them? I said what he wanted to hear. He was lonely and frightened and he poured out his heart to me.”
  — Miriam & Ruth, 15:13
• “Albert, you fought war bonds. Well, this is my contribution. I’m going to keep his morale up.”
  — Ruth Wilkins, 28:37
• “You wrote those letters, didn’t you?” / “Of course I did.”
  — Lieutenant Bill Secroft & Miriam, 49:06
• **“I never thought it would go this far, but… one thing led to another, and the first thing you know—”
  — Ruth Wilkins, 52:33

---

Memorable Moments by Timestamp

• Lieutenant Bill’s Arrival and Family Confusion: (05:41–08:10)
• 63 Letters Revelation: (15:13)
• The Massive Delivery of Gifts: (31:10–33:09, lilacs and candied popcorn flooding the house)
• Albert’s Misadventures on Public Transit: (41:22–42:32)
• Emotional Truth and Bill’s Heartbreak: (49:04–49:41)
• Ruth and Bill’s Rapid Wedding: (54:44–55:02)

---

Episode Tone and Style

• Language: Witty, fast-paced, and era-authentic, with a mix of affectionate family ribbing, sharp quips, and clever misunderstandings.
• Atmosphere: Light, nostalgic, and comedic with a sprinkle of wartime romance.
• Showcase of classic Golden Age radio: Ensemble cast, live comedic cues, and sponsor-driven segueways.

---

Conclusion

"Dear Ruth" exemplifies the best of Golden Age radio romantic comedy—a perfect storm of mistaken identity, family chaos, and the triumph of love (with plenty of laughs along the way). For fans of rapid-fire dialogue, ensemble chaos, and happy endings, this adaptation delivers timeless charm and classic era wit.

---

Transcript

[Bluff]

What's going on everyone? It's bluff here and we're driving through the states in the Bluff mobile and the best thing that we can do is play our favorite casino style games. On Spin Quest they have over a thousand games including live dealer blackjack and craps. With tons of slots and unlimited options, you can get a 30 coin pack for just $10. For new users sign up today go to spinquest.com right now Spinquest is a

[Spin Quest Announcer]

free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Lux presents Hollywood. Lieber Brothers Company. The makers of luxe toilet soap bring you the Lux Radio Theater. Starring Joan Caulfield, William holden and Billy Dewalt in Dear Ruth. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William Keeley.

[William Keeley]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Several years ago, my good friend Norman Krasner wrote a most refreshing stage play called Dear Ruth. Broadway took it to its heart and so did picture audiences when Paramount cast it to perfection. With William Holden as the flying lieutenant, Joan Caulfield as the lady in question, and Billy DeWolf as the third party in this boisterous romantic comedy. We're happy to present it now with those original delightful stars. The background of our story is a typical American home, which is another way of saying a home in which luxe toilet soap is a very common fixture. And the young ladies in our play are also typical, which is to say that while they behave in a highly unpredictable, bewildering manner, they doubtless share an American preference for Lux soap, which is a favorite beauty care of girls romantically inclined. As to where those romantic inclinations often lead, here's the first act of Dear Ruth, starring Joan Caulfield in the title role, William Holden as Bill and Billy DeWolf as Albert. With Alan Reed as Judge Wilkins. It's a Saturday morning away, way back in 1944 in the Wilkins home in a pleasant suburb of New York City, the youngest member of the family, aged 16, has descended for breakfast.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Come and sit down, Miriam. You're going to be late for your music lesson.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Yes, mother, but how you can be so concerned with my music lesson, with the world in upheaval, I fail to comprehend.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Now, dear, we've been all through that. And since you can't enlist in the Marines, you might just as well. Miriam, you're wearing that silly little beret again.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, but Mother, I've told you. Our entire political science class is wearing the berethe national hat of France as our protest against the State Department.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

State Department?

[Ruth Wilkins]

The policy of the State Department as regards France is simply awful.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, good morning, Edith.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Good morning, dear.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Good morning, Father.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Dora, the judge's breakfast, please.

[Albert Kummer]

Yes.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Where's Ruth? She hasn't left yet, has she?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

She'll be right down. She's already had breakfast.

[Albert Kummer]

Oh.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, Miriam, now that's what I call a cute hat.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Thank you, Father. The State Department won't like it.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Here's your eggs, judged just the way you like them.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Thank you, Dora, but I think not this morning.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, Father, I wish you'd eat eggs for my sake.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Your sake?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Frankly, I signed you up to give a pint of blood at the blood bank. You'll need your strength.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

You signed me to give my blood?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, they'll take mine. I'm allegedly too young or something.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Miriam, you had no right to sign your name and commit your father.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, I didn't sign my name. I signed Father's name.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

That's forgery, young lady.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I simply felt that as a judge, you'd set a proper example for this community.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I'm a traffic judge. Let the Supreme Court give blood.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Good morning, everybody.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Good morning, dear.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

What time did you get in last night, dear?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, about 10:30.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Wasn't that rather early?

[Ruth Wilkins]

She probably had another lover's quarrel with Albert.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

That's enough, Miriam.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I. I'll tell you about it later, Mother.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

I know, after I leave.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, I'm leaving right now. Dora, have you signed my petition? May I have it, please? I signed it, Miriam.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Miss Miriam.

[Ruth Wilkins]

But my, my.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

What is it this time?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

American womanhood? Miriam insists the government should draft women for the army.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Mm.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

That's one petition I'd like to see go through. It would solve everything if this girl were drafted.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, you'll see, all of you.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Now, now, tell me about the quarrel deal with Albert.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, it was so silly, Mother. You know Albert doesn't want me to smoke. He's kind of a health bug. And this business about cutting out cigarettes is the latest.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, that's hardly a quarrel. You can get around that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Smoke corn silk behind the barn.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, now, you cannot be angry at Albert if he's solicitous about Ruth's health.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, but it's such a strain, Mother. Popping a mint in my mouth every time I think he's going to kiss me. Oh, well. Oh, I better get down to the corner. Albert will be along any second.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Be charming, dear, but dignified.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Charming, but dignified. How do you manage a thing like that?

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'll try, Mother. Bye, darling.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Goodbye, dear.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

More coffee, Harry?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Please. They're going to draw my blood today. I'd better have something in my veins.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Harry, what do you really think of Albert?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

He's vice president of the bank, isn't he? He could support an old father in law very easily.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

But do you think Ruth likes him?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I don't know, Edith. Ruthie never says very much.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

My grandfather was like that, just like a clam.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I know. I've seen his picture.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'm getting Ms. Bilkin.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Harry, do you know why Albert Kummer isn't in the army? He says he has a bad back.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, that needn't disqualify him as a husband.

[Ruth Wilkins]

There's a Lieutenant Secroft calling Judge Seacroft. Yes, and I see Ms. Ruth.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, tell him she's gone to the bank. I beg your pardon, sir. Oh, well, come in, come in.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Thank you. You're Ruth's father and mother.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

That's a fairly safe deduction, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, what I mean is, I'd recognize you anywhere. Ruth told me so much about both of you and their letters.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Her letters?

[Albert Kummer]

Yes.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, well, it's too bad you didn't call earlier, Lieutenant. Ruth's gone to work.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, I. I could have been here in time, but I. I stopped to freshen up. Thirty hours ago, I was in Italy.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

In Italy?

[William Keeley]

Where?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Sit down, Lieutenant.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Yes, yes.

[Ruth Wilkins]

How.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

How is everything in Italy?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, Italian. What time will she be home?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Ruthie? Oh, not till about 5:30.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Not until then, huh? Well, you can't blame me for being impatient, seeing Ruth after all this time. I suppose she told you all about me.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, yes, yes, yes, indeed. So you're a pilot, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, no, no, not a pilot. Just a bombardier.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

A bombardier? You must have some stories to tell.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Look, you think if I showed up at the bank, they'd give Ruth a day off? You see, I've only got two days.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Why don't you try?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

She's a teller and accounts receivable. She's in a cage with bars and.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, the bars wouldn't stop me, sir.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Tell me, how did you happen to be a bombardier?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I. Well, you see, I was in the engineers when I got to England, but then there was Ruth and her letters, and she's quite a letter writer. Anyway, I was there and she was here and a war in between, so. So I applied for bombardier training. You see, after 25 missions, you. You get to come back home.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, they must have been some letters.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, they were, considering. I'm pretty nervous just being in a plane. Well, if you'll excuse me, I just can't wait to see Baby.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Baby, that's What?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

I call her baby.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, I used to call Ruth baby too.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

It's not the same thing, dear.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I'll just wander down to the bank and look in. Maybe if I get my nerve up, I'll. I'll change my mind and surprise her.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Yes, you do that.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Yeah. Well, anyway, I'll be back at 5:30 and thanks a lot.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

What a nice looking boy. But you'd think Ruth would confide in her own mother.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

She writes him letters for months and months. Doesn't even mention his existence.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Bill. Bill Secroft. Oh, that's a nice name.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Yes, this one hasn't got a bad back e.

[William Keeley]

But who is he?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, now, don't worry, Harry. We'll find out all about him at 5:30. Better set the table, dora. It's almost 5:30. Yes, the lieutenant will probably stay for dinner, so use the good plates. Oh, and serve the two dollar bottle of wine. I'll answer it, Dora.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'll get it, mother. Hello? Oh, hello, Clara. Oh, fine.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Miriam. Is that Rue?

[Ruth Wilkins]

It's Clara.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Clara?

[Ruth Wilkins]

What Clara? Well, of course. In my telegram I said draft us or take back our right to vote. We resent being nothing more than producers of children. We. Oh, I'll talk to you later, Clara. A prominent member of the last generation just came home.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Thank you. Is Ruth home, Miriam?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Father, the whole world's on fire. You concern yourself with the humdrum activities of a young woman who's comfortable and secure and very well fed.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I merely asked, is Ruth home?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Not yet.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, I've got to sit down.

[Ruth Wilkins]

What's the matter? Don't you feel well?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, I feel fine.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Father. You're pale. You went to the blood bank? I'm just crazy about you.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Then stop signing my name to things. Miriam. There were 20 people at the blood bank, all women. I was the only person put to bed with a blanket over him. I certainly hope the fellow who gets my blood doesn't need it too badly. Frankly, I have no confidence in it.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, hello dear.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Hello.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

How do you feel, Harry?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, fine, dandy.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

But you looked so awful stretched out on that costume.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Were you there too?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Certainly.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, thank you, Mother. My contribution to the war effort today was two pints of blood.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Your contribution?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well beyond my idea, wasn't it?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Edith? Did Ruth phone?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

No.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

And I've been thinking. We better be prepared for a quick decision.

[Ruth Wilkins]

About what?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

That lieutenant. He's got that overseas look in his eyes.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, I'm not in favor of hasty marriages, are you?

[Bluff]

No.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

But I hope somebody asks us. I'd at least like to discuss it.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Hello, everybody.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

We're in the living room, Ruth.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, what a wonderful day it is.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Why?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

What happened?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, nothing. Only that I'm going to be married. I. Ruth, baby. Well, dad, aren't you going to say anything?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

We're delighted to get rid of you.

[Ruth Wilkins]

That's what I thought. I just don't know why I cry so easily.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, I'll get it.

[Ruth Wilkins]

It'll be for me.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, I'm grateful. For one thing, I'm certainly glad we discussed it.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Dad, it's for you. Western Union.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, Ruth, dear, of course. We really didn't expect you to ask our permission.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, now, dad. Oh, Mother, I've got to change. He'll be here any minute. We're going out.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Yes, dear. Dora, just three for dinner, and save the wine. Don't forget the phone, dad.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh. Oh, yes. Hello? What? Read that again, please. Producers of Children. Oh, no, no, no. There must be some mistake. I hardly ever send telegrams to the Secretary of War.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Father, that's my telegram.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

But it's my telephone. Hold the phone. I pay the bills.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'll pay you back out of my allowance, every penny.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Thank you, Father.

[Ruth Wilkins]

May I please, please have the phone?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Hello?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Yes, charge it to this number. And could you mark it personal, please? Thank you.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Young woman, since when have you been corresponding with the Secretary of War?

[Ruth Wilkins]

We're not corresponding. Nothing he could say would interest me.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, I hope he never finds that out. He's a very sensitive man,

[Spin Quest Announcer]

Edith.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Not that it will make any difference, but I think we'd better go upstairs and have a talk with Ruth. Oh, this family.

[Ruth Wilkins]

It's just that we love you, Ruth,

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

dear, and, well, we just wonder if you really know this boy well enough to marry him.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Ruth, no one's ever been hurt by waiting.

[Ruth Wilkins]

But we've waited so long already, dad.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, well. Very cleverly put, my dear. All right, Ruth, if your mind's made up, go on. Go and get married.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, dad, you should have seen him at the bank today. He was so cute. He was smoking a cigarette.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Is that cute?

[Ruth Wilkins]

It was all for my sake. He said it was his way of apologizing for last night. And he just about choked.

[William Keeley]

Bruce, by any chance, are you talking about Albert?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Certainly I'm talking about Albert. Well, who did you think of?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Alice.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

He'll be here any second.

[Ruth Wilkins]

He wants to surprise her. Look, would it be asking too much to have just a glimmer of what you two are talking about?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Ruth, the lieutenant has come home.

[Bluff]

What's going on? Everyone, it's bluff Here. And you know what's more American than America's 250th birthday? Supporting American owned companies like Spin Quest, America's number one social casino with over a thousand games like live dealer, blackjack and craps. They're offering new users a $30 coin package for just $10. Go to spinquest.com and sign up. Today,

[Spin Quest Announcer]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino. Visit spendquest.com for more details.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

All new drinks are now at McDonald's with refreshers like the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher and the Mango Pineapple Refresher with Popping Boba. To crafted sodas like the Sprite Berry Blast with berry flavors and cold foam. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so fire

[Albert Kummer]

six.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

All new drinks are here now at McDonald's. Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Ruth Wilkins]

What? Lieutenant Ruth, Bill's home. Bill Secroft.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

We thought he was the one you were marrying.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Bill who?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

For heaven's sake, don't you even remember him?

[Albert Kummer]

Mother Dorwell.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Just a minute, Miriam.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I haven't the faintest idea who or what you're talking about.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Lieutenant Secroft. The one who calls you baby Baby.

[Ruth Wilkins]

But he's overseas. He's.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, Miriam. You march straight in here.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Dora want to know if she should make biscuits.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

And I want to know what you've done.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I'll handle this, Edith. Miriam, what have you done?

[Ruth Wilkins]

But I didn't know he was coming back. Who was coming back?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

But how did it start?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Very logically, Mother. With our bundles for Britain.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Go on, Frankenstein.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, we decided on bundles for our boys. Oh, you remember, Ruth. I was president. You're always president. Go on. Well, we sent letters with our gifts to encourage our fighting men to keep up their morale.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Get to this, Lieutenant.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, they asked for pictures, and you sent my picture to some lieutenant. That's it, isn't it?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, she sent more than your picture. You should have heard him.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I sent him hope and faith and

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

the will to go on.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Miriam, do you realize what you've done? Yes. I made a soldier out of a lonely, frightened youngster. He's a grown man, not be spirit.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I'm not talking about his spirit. Poor fellows come home to see his sweetheart. He's entitled to something, and he's going to get it.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Did he say that?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, what do you suppose a boy who's flown 25 missions and is nervous in a plane anyway expects? Bruce, he's in love with you.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, but there's a limit to how much you can do with one or two letters, Miriam, how many letters were there? 63.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

63?

[Ruth Wilkins]

You? I wrote him 63 letters. Some were poems. What did you say in them? I said what he wanted to hear. He was lonely and frightened and he poured out his heart to me.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

And who's going to pour it back, Father?

[Ruth Wilkins]

I can't regret what I've done. I've given a soldier to the war.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I'm sure his parents will be very happy to hear that. Oh, this is nothing short of criminal.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Father, please. I'll handle everything. I'll simply tell Bill what I've done and that will make everything all right. If you mean do I think that's kind. No. He'll suffer. But in years to come, he'll be grateful that I gave him the opportunity to contribute as much as he was capable of in the struggle of our new generation against the old.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

The old generation has just one dying gasp young woman, and it's this. You're not to have any allowance for six months. And you're not to participate in any of your French, China, Lithuanian or political science freedom movements while you're under this roof. That's final. Laurie, please don't to blame, Edith. You're the keeper of my home, the molder of my children. And I'm not satisfied with the molding.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, it isn't as terrible as all that, dad.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

All right, Ruth, what's your solution?

[Ruth Wilkins]

The solution? You've always taught us the truth.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

A fine, virtuous solution for us. But what about him, Mother?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Yes, Miriam?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Should Dora make biscuits?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Biscuits? He's coming here now. Lieutenant Secroft.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, it really isn't a tragedy. Why. Why, he may even laugh at it now.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

It's funny. I may have a warped sense of humor, but I. Dora.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Father, I'll get it.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Don't you move. Don't you dare.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, that must be Albert. Oh, dear. And I'm not nearly ready. It's Lieutenant Se.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Fine, Dora, fine. Just tell Lieutenant Secroft we'll be right down.

[Albert Kummer]

Well.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, Lieutenant Secroft, I. I believe you know my oldest daughter, Ruth well.

[Lady Luck]

You.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Yes, I do.

[Ruth Wilkins]

How do you do?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

And this is our youngest, Miriam. Sweet 16 and never been poisoned. Not yet, that is.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, I. I feel I know a great deal about Miriam. Ruth told me all about her in her letters. You're right, Miriam. It's our generation against the last.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Thank you.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I. I guess I know a lot about all of you. You know, I. I wondered how our first meeting would be, Ruth. Our first minute.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

And I.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I. I promised to bring You Lilacs. Didn't I? But it's not the season for lilacs.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

No.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

No, it isn't, is it?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

I. I didn't know what you'd like to do tonight, Ruth, so I got tickets for a musical show and a legitimate play and a table at the Stork. But you don't have to do any of them.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, isn't that rather extravagant?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

I don't care. I just don't care.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, actually, your coming is rather a surprise. In more ways than one.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Ruth, I stopped at the bank today. I thought surely you saw me.

[Ruth Wilkins]

No. No, I didn't.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

The bank policeman finally became suspicious, but we wound up having lunch together.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh. Oh, that must be Mr. Simmons. He's very nice. He's off now. I wonder who that. Well, I'll just go to the window. Oh, it's that man from the bank, Mr. Comer.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Never mind, Dora. I'll go.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Man from the bank?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Yes. They want me to do some work tonight, and I'd rather not. Would you mind slipping out the back door, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I wouldn't mind at all. Oh, you'll be right out, won't you?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, of course.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

What in the world?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Mother, I can't humiliate him in front of Albert.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, he'll be going back overseas in a couple of days anyway.

[Albert Kummer]

Oh, no.

[Ruth Wilkins]

He has to be told, Mother. In case anyone's interested, Father's head. Albert in the doorway. Mother, tell Albert exactly how it happened.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

You mean you're going out with Lieutenant Secroft?

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'll have to. Oh, Albert will understand. Tell him I'll call him in the morning. Good night, Ruth. You little brat. I ought to cut your throat.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, Edith, look who's here. It's Albert.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, come in. Come in, Albert.

[Albert Kummer]

Hello, Mother. Hello, sis.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Hello.

[Albert Kummer]

Well, where's the bride? We've got a big date tonight.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, Ruth. Yes? Congratulations.

[Albert Kummer]

Thanks, dad.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Albert, Ruth isn't home.

[Albert Kummer]

I'll have to get used to. She isn't home.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Albert, why don't you sit down?

[Albert Kummer]

But where is she?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Let's start at the beginning. Albert, you remember an organization called Bundles for Britain?

[Albert Kummer]

Yes, I do, but.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, there was also something called Bundles for Our Boy.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

I was president.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

You keep all of this? They knitted sweaters and socks for the boys, Albert. And sometimes, along with the sweaters and socks, they'd send letters, you know, to keep up the morale.

[William Keeley]

In a moment, we'll return with Act 2 of Dear Ruth. Meanwhile, here's Libby Collins, our Hollywood reporter. Libby, when we talked last week about Metro Goldwyn Mayor's new picture, Homecoming. You said you were eager to see it.

[Ruth Wilkins]

That's right, Mr. Keeley and I found it a wonderful and highly dramatic story. A perfect chance to reunite Clark Gable and Lana Turner.

[William Keeley]

Yes, indeed. They were the natural choice for the surgeon and nurse. In fact, their roles seem made to order for them.

[Ruth Wilkins]

And I think the same thing is true with Anne Baxter and John Hodiak. I was truly thrilled with the whole picture. And of course, I loved the romantic angle.

[William Keeley]

No one could miss that, Libby. Not with Lana and Anne playing the two lovely women in Clark's life.

[Ruth Wilkins]

And they are really lovely, Mr. Keeley. That's why I know John Kennedy will be most interested in seeing the picture.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Of course I'm interested, Libby. Why, they're two of my favorite actresses. To say nothing of being tops in the glamour department.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, they do make a dazzling pair in MGM's homecoming. Luxe girls, both of them. As of course, you know, one look

[Narrator/Announcer]

at those million dollar complexions and you can understand why lovely screen stars depend on gentle, luxe Soap Care.

[Ruth Wilkins]

9 out of 10 stars recommend Beauty facials with luxe toilet soap.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's a beauty care that really works.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

That's why.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Yes, screen stars tell me their luxe soap facials give skin new freshness and beauty so quickly.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tests of luxe toilet soap by skin specialists prove that in actually three out of four cases, complexions became softer, smoother in a short time. So here's a tip to women everywhere. If you want your skin to be lovelier, more appealing, try fragrant white luxe toilet soap. It's Hollywood's own beauty soap, you know. Back now to our producer, William Keeley.

[William Keeley]

Act two of Dear Ruth, starring William Holden as Bill, Joan Caulfield as ruth and Billy DeWolf as Albert. 63 impassioned letters and the snapshot of a beautiful blonde have catapulted Lt. Bill Secroft to the doorstep of Ruth Wilkins. But he's blissfully unaware that it was Ruth's young sister who wrote the letters or that his dream girl has just become engaged to Mr. Albert Kummer, banker. Determined to explain everything, Ruth has disappeared with the enraptured lieutenant, leaving her mother and father with a slightly frantic fiance.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

So you see, Albert, everything's going to be all right.

[Albert Kummer]

But where is she? Where is Ruth now?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I told you, she went out with him for the evening.

[Albert Kummer]

Ruth going out with a strange man the very day we're engaged? I simply can't understand it.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Wouldn't you like some coffee, Albert? It'll only take A minute?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

No.

[Albert Kummer]

Oh, thank you. Oh, just look at the time. Heaven only knows what's going on. He's probably got Ruth in some nightclub plying her with wine.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Relax, Albert. After all, he's only in the Air Corps. He might have been a Marine, you know.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Do you realize this is the fourth nightclub we've been to tonight? Really, Lieutenant, I.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Boy, if Chuck could only see us now.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Who's he?

[Albert Kummer]

Chuck?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

My sergeant. I wrote you about him.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh. Oh, Chuck. I thought you said Buck. Oh, Lieutenant.

[Albert Kummer]

Bill.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Bill, there's something I really have to tell you.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

And there's something I want to tell you, too. When I was flying over Germany, you know what I used to think about?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

What?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

This place. Like this, just you and I. You know, when you get something to think about, you're not so scared.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Bill, how did you happen to, well, feel this way about. About someone you'd never even met?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, that's a funny question.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Why?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I could ask you the same thing. How did you happen to feel this way about me?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, I never thought of that. Well, let's dance, shall we?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Whatever gave you the idea you weren't a good dancer?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Baby, when did I tell you I wasn't?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, your letters.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Don't you remember?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, Bill, we're not to talk about those letters anymore.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, but I loved your letters. The way they jump around. Let's free India. Let's impeach Congressman Wickley. Let's draft women.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, I thought you'd be interested.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

I was crazy about him. And I'm crazy about you. I mean, crazy about the way you crinkle your nose and I'm crazy.

[Bluff]

Forget whatever plans you have this weekend because you're staying at home and playing on Spin Quest.

[William Keeley]

And there's never been a better time

[Bluff]

to sign up than right now. New users get thirty dollar coin packs for just ten dollars. All the table games you love with hundreds of slot games and real cash Prizes. That's at spinquest.com s p I n

[Ruth Wilkins]

q u s t dot com.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino Void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. Lots of places can expose you to identity theft.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, no.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

That's why LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity, which is way more than anyone can do on their own. If we find anything suspicious, like new loans or changes to your financial accounts, we alert you right away. All through text, phone, email or the Lifelock app. Get the alerts that could make all the difference. Save up to 30% with promo code [e-mail] terms apply.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Bill, we're supposed to be dancing.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, boy, you sure are pretty.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

11 o'.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Clock.

[Albert Kummer]

12 o'. Clock. 1 o'.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Clock.

[Albert Kummer]

It is now 22 minutes after 1.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, that clock's fast. Albert, it's really only 1:15.

[Albert Kummer]

Frankly, I can't understand your attitude. Don't either of you realize that your daughter is out with a strange bombardier who probably hasn't seen an American woman in years?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Albert, don't you think you'd feel better if you went home and got some sleep?

[Albert Kummer]

No, I don't. I. Most certainly.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

There's a car coming. I hear a car.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Let me look out the window. It's Ruth, all right, and he's coming in with us.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, but we can't let them see us. Why not? It would be too embarrassing. Albert, please.

[Ruth Wilkins]

We'll all go upstairs.

[Albert Kummer]

I just can't understand.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Stand upstairs, Albert.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Upstairs.

[Albert Kummer]

Up. Oh, very well.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

I'll switch off the lights.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, good night, Bill. I had a wonderful time.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

So did I. Well, what are you so jumpy about? I. I can't let you walk into a dark house all alone, Bill.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

No, you mustn't.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, but, baby, I've been waiting to kiss. You sent 63 letters ago, Bill. Well, I can't help it.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Ruth, you have to go.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, no, no, not yet. Look, look, I'll keep my hands in my pockets. Promise.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, dad.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, are you two back? I was just coming down for a little baking soda.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Good evening, sir.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Have a nice time?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, it couldn't have been nicer.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

That's nice. Ruth, that man from the bank.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Yes? What did he have to say?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

That work he left, it's still upstairs.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, it's urgent work tonight.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, I guess I'll have to.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, yes, yes, she'll have to.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

So, good night, Bill.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'll see you tomorrow.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, tomorrow's today. Already? Well, if you're not gonna leave us, Judge Wilkins.

[Lady Luck]

Bill.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, just a good night kiss.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, don't mind me. I'm just an innocent bystander.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Good night, Ruth.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Good night, Bill.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, Ruth, you can see. Start being charming but dignified. Come down, come down, wherever you are.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, hello, Albert.

[Albert Kummer]

I have been waiting here for seven hours.

[Ruth Wilkins]

No, no, no, no.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

There's nothing to get excited about. Ruth, you didn't tell that lieutenant, did you?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, Mother, I just couldn't.

[Albert Kummer]

Of course she couldn't, Mother. Not unless they stopped kissing.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Albert, you're jealous.

[Albert Kummer]

What the devil should I be?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, what well, he's a baby.

[Albert Kummer]

Babies are usually kissed good night, but not like that.

[Ruth Wilkins]

He's the most touching, romantic kid I've ever seen. Albert. I'd like to have a son just like him.

[Albert Kummer]

How old is he?

[Ruth Wilkins]

24.

[Albert Kummer]

You're 22. Won't that be a little difficult?

[Ruth Wilkins]

I won't ever see him again. Oh, that is, after tomorrow.

[Albert Kummer]

Tomorrow?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, the least I can do is make things pleasant for him until he goes.

[Albert Kummer]

No, Ruth. No.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Albert. You fought war bonds. Well, this is my contribution. I'm going to keep his morale up.

[Albert Kummer]

After we're married, we'll both buy war bonds.

[Ruth Wilkins]

But Miriam's got us into it, and there's no choice left. Oh, please say you'll trust me for 24 hours. Please.

[Albert Kummer]

Oh, I'm too tired to argue. I'm so sleepy, I'm numb. All right, Ruth. But something tells me I'm making a horrible mistake.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Hello, Ruth. Did you have a nice time tonight? Miriam, are you still awake? Do you forgive me? Don't I always? Well, your lieutenant is charming. A little impulsive, but charming. Ruth, my estimation of you has increased a thousand fold. Thank you. Now, would you mind giving me just a hint of what was in those letters you sent him? I mean, finding it a little difficult not knowing what I wrote. I'll get him for you right away. The ones he sent. Ruth, dear.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Did he behave himself?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, of course, Mother.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Edith, did you know that Miriam is still up?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Ruth wants the letters. I realize how my actions have distressed the family, and I've made a resolution to be more careful in the future.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, it's about time.

[Ruth Wilkins]

But let me add, Father, that in the world of political science, I regard you as simple as a child. I've got the letters, Ruth.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

A shoebox fold.

[Ruth Wilkins]

They're all in chronological order, and I'm sorry I upset you.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Look at this one.

[Narrator/Announcer]

12 pages.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Dear Ruth, I found your last letter most touching. To think that I should remind you of that poem is quite the nicest thing that ever.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

In this one he says he's in favor of large families, and he says. Oh, dear.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, oh, dear. Mother, please, we're not going to read them. They're not written to us. And I didn't realize they're so personal.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Aren't you going to read them?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Of course. They were written to me.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

As the legal authority in this family, I find a slight discrepancy in your reasoning.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, I have to read them. You know I do.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, all I'm interested in is his reactions to the war. But come along Harry. Good night, Ruth.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Good night, Mother. Dear Ruth, I have a confession to make, darling. Last week, when your wonderful letter reached me.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Good night, Ruth.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Good night, dad. Good morning, Mother. Good morning, dear. Mother, all these lilacs. Where on earth?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

They just came, dear, from that lieutenant.

[Ruth Wilkins]

A whole truck full of lilacs.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

From the hothouse. Oh, you should see downstairs. The house is simply dripping with them.

[Ruth Wilkins]

What a sweet, crazy thing to do.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Ruth, what did those letters say?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, so many things. As beautifully as anything I've ever read. He's nothing like he seems.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

He seems like a nice, clean cut boy. And I certainly don't see what there is to cry about.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I don't either, Mother. It's plain silly.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Harry, aren't you going to shave?

[Albert Kummer]

Shave?

[Ruth Wilkins]

In what?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

The wash bowl's full of lilacs. So was my breakfast. I just had eggs. Lilac.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Where did Miriam go?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Over to Clara's.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

I thought you said she had to stay home. I thought you were punishing her.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Did you ever try to read the Sunday paper with Miriam sitting over there just staring at you?

[Albert Kummer]

Good morning.

[Ruth Wilkins]

May I come in, Albert? Why, of course.

[Albert Kummer]

Is Ruth up? I brought her a little bouquet of. What's this?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Lilacs. Albert, you are about to enter the Botanical Gardens. Watch out for the bees.

[Albert Kummer]

He sent them. That Lieutenant?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Yes, he seems to be very fond of flowers.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Good morning, dad. Oh, Albert. Good morning, dear.

[Albert Kummer]

Good morning, Ruth.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Had breakfast?

[Albert Kummer]

Yes, thank you.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Albert, aren't these lilacs just gorgeous?

[Albert Kummer]

Ruth, I want you to break your date with the Lieutenant.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Albert, but you couldn't be jealous?

[Albert Kummer]

I couldn't be, but I am.

[Ruth Wilkins]

But the whole thing will be over in a few hours.

[Albert Kummer]

What's so wonderful about your girl being kissed by a stranger for a few hours? Mother, I leave it to you. Am I being unreasonable?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, I. Dora, for heaven's sake. What's that? That carton.

[Albert Kummer]

It just come from Miss Ruth.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

It's certainly a big one.

[Albert Kummer]

This is just one of them.

[Ruth Wilkins]

There's 10 cartons altogether. Mad said it was candy.

[Albert Kummer]

Popcorn.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Popcorn.

[Ruth Wilkins]

There's two dozen boxes in each carton.

[Albert Kummer]

Two hundred and forty boxes of candied popcorn. Ruth, did he.

[Ruth Wilkins]

It was in the letters that I loved. Candied popcorn.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Put it all in the kitchen, Dora.

[Albert Kummer]

I sure tried, but the kitchen's loaded

[Ruth Wilkins]

with lilacs right now.

[Albert Kummer]

Ruth. Ruth, I ask.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I love you, Albert. I love you for being jealous. No woman wants a man who's never jealous.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Darling.

[Albert Kummer]

If that's all it takes, I can make you pretty happy.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I promise you the Lieutenant won't get on any subject. That's remotely personal. Oh, I'll manage him, believe me. My worry is, can I manage you?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Now?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Give me a kiss. Well, There. Feel better now?

[Albert Kummer]

Some. But it's all against my better judgment.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, now, that's odd.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

What's odd?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Look out the window, Harry. There's a girl out there staring at our house.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, see who she is. Edith. Maybe she's in trouble.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Yes. Yes, I'd better. Oh, young lady. Young lady.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, now, think of that. So you're Bill Seacroft's sister from Philadelphia.

[Ruth Wilkins]

It's very nice meeting you all, except that I. Well, I'm so embarrassed. You see, Bill phoned me and said he'd meet me in front of your house. And now I'm disturbing you all. Oh, of course not. How long has it been since you've seen your brother? Two years. I wish he were here. I called him from the station at his hotel. And I seem to be getting in deeper and deeper. The simple truth is I used to be engaged to a boy named Chuck Vincent. He's a sergeant in Vil's crew, you see. And they're all at the hotel. Oh, I see. And it would be so uncomfortable if we met. We're not engaged anymore, you see. Oh, dear. I'm afraid I'm giving you the impression we're a very peculiar family.

[Albert Kummer]

Oh, no, no, not at all.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Ruth, do you know when you're going to be married? I beg your pardon? I mean, is there a definite hour set for the.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no. Definite hour. No.

[Albert Kummer]

On the other hand, Bill may have arranged it all himself.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Yes, that's so, isn't it, Mr. Cover? Well, the reason I asked is that I'll have to leave right after the ceremony. I see.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Isn't it rather warm in here?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

It's going to be a lot warmer, Edith.

[Ruth Wilkins]

It's very warm in Philadelphia. Oh, I'll get it. Probably. Miriam.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Good morning, baby.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, good morning.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, baby, you look wonderful. Just wonderful.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Come in. Bill, I don't believe you've met Mr. Comer.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

How do you do, sir?

[Albert Kummer]

How do you do?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Pardon me, sir.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Bill, what are you doing?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I'm trying to kiss you, of course.

[Albert Kummer]

But that's not fair.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

I'm all fair and love and war, Mr. Comer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And I'm in both.

[Albert Kummer]

I mean, your sister's here. Didn't you even notice her?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Sis.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, Bill.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, gosh, honey.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

How are you?

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'm fine, Bill. And I'm sorry. So thrilled you're coming home and getting married and everything.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I'm slightly Thrilled myself. Look, sis, I'm sorry we'll have to run right off, but Ruth and I have.

[Albert Kummer]

Run off?

[Bluff]

Where?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, but we couldn't think of leaving Martha, Bill. I don't mind, Ruth, really I don't.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Why can't you all take a nice bus ride together?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, well, I'm sure they'd rather be alone. Martha, I insist you come with us.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

But Ruth, baby, I won't go without her.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Bill and Albert will come along too. Won't you, Albert?

[Albert Kummer]

Why, that would be wonderful. I haven't been on a bus since yesterday.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Look, Ruth.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Ruth, this isn't what I had planned at all.

[Ruth Wilkins]

We'll have a lovely time, all four of us. Now, come along, Bill. Martha, you stick right by me.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, aren't you going, Albert?

[Albert Kummer]

I'm going all right, Judge. I'm a patient man, but only up to a point, and it's been reached.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Now, Albert, nothing can happen on a bust.

[Albert Kummer]

It can happen the way he'll arrange it, Albert. He and his big fat morale. What about my morale? And civilian human too? Ruth, wait for me.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'm coming, Ruth.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We pause now for station identification.

[Lady Luck]

Hey, guys, lady luck here. Are you going on any road trips this summer? I know I'm going to be going on a bunch of road trips. And being that I'm going to be passenger Princess, I love playing on spinquest.com. spinquest has all of my favorite slot games. Live blackjack, live craps. Head on over to Spinquest right now and get yourself a $30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. Lots of places can expose you to identity theft.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, no.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

That's why LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity, which is way more than anyone can do on their. If we find anything suspicious, like new loans or changes to your financial accounts, we alert you right away. All through text, phone, email or the Lifelock app. Get the alerts that could make all the difference. Save up to 30% with promo code [e-mail] terms apply.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[William Keeley]

We'll continue with Dear Ruth in just a moment. Our guest tonight, Ms. Barbara Bates, seems very young indeed to be a full fledged Warner Brothers starlet. How did you achieve that so soon, Barbara?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Why, Mr. Keeley, it's always been my ambition to be an actress. I did freelance picture work for for some time before I got that studio contract.

[William Keeley]

And now you're about to begin Your first important screen role?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Yes, and I want more than anything to make good at it. I think that one of the best ways a young actress can learn is to study famous stars on the studio sets. Imagine what a thrill it was to see Bette Davis doing the scenes for her latest picture, Winter Meeting. Yes, isn't that a nice title? Those New England sets were lovely. Snow covered houses and village must have

[William Keeley]

reminded Betty of her home in New Hampshire.

[Ruth Wilkins]

That's exactly what she told me. She has a handsome new leading man in the picture. Jim Davis.

[William Keeley]

No relation of course.

[Ruth Wilkins]

No, he gallantly offered to change his name to avoid confusion, but Betty wouldn't let him. You know Janice Page, of course?

[William Keeley]

Yes, indeed. One of our most promising younger stars. I think she handles her role in Winter Meeting beautifully.

[Ruth Wilkins]

And she loved doing it. Life's been exciting for Janice lately. She was married right after the picture was finished.

[William Keeley]

She must have made a radiant bride.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, you should have seen her. Mr. Kennedy here would have admired her beautiful complexion.

[Narrator/Announcer]

A lovely luxe complexion. Just the kind for a bride to have.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, Janice Page is a luxe girl all right. She uses luxe toilet soap for her complexion and for her bath too. When I saw the new bath size cake in her dressing room, I went right out and got some. And really, Mr. Kennedy, it's wonderful.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That generous bath sized cake has made a hit everywhere.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, once you've used it, you know why. Such rich creamy lather. It makes a real beauty bath.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thank you, Ms. Barbara Bates. The new bath size luxe toilet soap has the famous luxe soap perfume that leaves such a delicate flower like fragrance on the skin. Buy it in the familiar sampler wrapper. Let the whole family enjoy this big new bath size luxe toilet soap. We return you now to William Keeley,

[William Keeley]

Act 3 of Dear Ruth. Starring Joan Caulfield in the title role, William Holden as bill and Billy DeWolf as Albert. For almost two hours the Wilkins residents, reeking somewhat of lilacs and candied popcorn, has remained ominously calm and quiet. But then the telephone rang.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Harry who phoned?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

That was Sergeant Vincent.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Who?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Sergeant Chuck Vincent. He wanted to talk to Bill so I invited him to come on over.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, why, he must be the one Bill's sister was engaged to. Oh dear, they're not supposed to meet.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, if they're not supposed to meet, this is just the place. Edith, I've been thinking about Albert. I'm afraid Albert's going to have a boy bad day.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, he'll forget all about it by tomorrow. Harry, Albert will make A good husband. Don't you think so? So calm and reserved.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Where is she?

[Albert Kummer]

Where's Ruth?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Why, Albert, come in.

[Albert Kummer]

Where's Ruth? Isn't she back?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Isn't she with you?

[Albert Kummer]

No, Mother, she is not with me.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

No one's here, Albert, except the sergeant.

[Albert Kummer]

What sergeant?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Our friend of Bill's. He just went upstairs.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Albert, your clothes.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

What's happened to you?

[Albert Kummer]

I was arrested by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

No. Oh, yes.

[Albert Kummer]

You got me into this and you can get me out.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, what seems to be the trouble?

[Albert Kummer]

After the bus ride, he wanted to ride on the subway. How can anyone want to ride on the subway?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Start from the beginning, Albert.

[Albert Kummer]

Four of us were standing on the platform of this train, see? Jammed against the door. We pulled into a station. The door opened and somebody pushed me out. And I know who it was.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, I'm so mad I could. Tell me how you got arrested.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, and please, please speak quietly, Albert. Your face is blue.

[Albert Kummer]

I got a taxi. I was going to catch that train at the next stop.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Why, that was very clever of you, dear.

[Albert Kummer]

I got to the turnstile just as the train was pulling in, but I didn't have a nickel. So I crawled under the turnstile and a guard grabbed me. He called a policeman. Here's the summons he gave me. For stealing a nickel. Prominent bank executive arrested for stealing a nickel.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, my.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

This hasn't turned out well at all.

[Albert Kummer]

No, it hasn't, Mother Wilkins. And I'd be very grateful to you if you wouldn't say nothing can possibly happen.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, nothing can, Albert. The worst he can do is propose to Ruth, and that's just words.

[Albert Kummer]

It's how a man proposes. You don't just ask a girl. You kiss her. And if she objects, you keep on kissing her and Ruth will keep objecting. And I hope you don't think I'm eccentric if I tell you I just don't like it.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

You're getting blue again, Albert.

[Albert Kummer]

Thank you. It goes with the lilacs, Mr. Cover.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, I guess we got separated.

[Albert Kummer]

Yes, we did, Ms. Seacroft. Where are Ruth and your brother?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, we got separated too. Did Albert tell you what happened, Mrs. Wilkins? Isn't it funny?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

I wouldn't say it was exactly.

[Albert Kummer]

Who's that? Who's was that man on the stairs? Oh.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, why, that's Sergeant Vincent. Come on down, Sergeant. Ms. Secraft, may I present Sergeant Vincent.

[Ruth Wilkins]

How do you do?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

We've already met, haven't we?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Now, please, Chuck, try to remember we're guests in someone's home.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, I'll Remember. All right.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Lunch is ready, Miss Wilkin.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, dear. Well, I don't think we better wait for Ruth and Bill. They've probably found something better to do.

[Ruth Wilkins]

What? Lots of money.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

How about another piece of pie, Sergeant?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, no, thanks, Ms. Wilkins.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

I'm sure filled up.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, well, here's Ruth now. And Lieutenant Secrone.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

We're in the dining room, Ruth. We weren't sure you'd be back.

[Albert Kummer]

Oh, that's perfectly all right.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Perfectly all right. You tell him, Ruth. Well, if you won't, I will. Ruth and I are going to be married.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Married?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, what do you know? Congratulations. Well, this is something of a surprise, but congratulations.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Thank you, sir.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Yes, congratulations, both of you.

[Albert Kummer]

Let's make it unanimous. Yes, why not? Congratulations.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, thank you, sir.

[Albert Kummer]

And you can stop addressing me as Sir. I'm under 85.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, by the way, Ruth mentioned something about you getting married, too.

[Albert Kummer]

Yes, but it's a little confused at the moment.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I. I hope it works out.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh. Oh, it'll work out, Albert, believe me.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

The lieutenant sure works fast, huh? Yes.

[Albert Kummer]

I don't see how the war's lasted this long. I thought we left them in the dining room so they could eat lunch.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Sit down, Albert. They'll be through soon.

[Albert Kummer]

He hasn't eaten a bite. He keeps kissing her. Well, look in there.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Harry, where did that sergeant go with Bill's sister?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

They said something about taking a walk.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, I thought they weren't speaking to each other. And where's Miriam?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Still at Clara's. I hope that's one blessing anyway. What is the matter with you in there?

[Albert Kummer]

He just kissed her again.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Now, Albert, Albert, you just have to try to understand.

[Albert Kummer]

Judge, I have a deposit on a house. I have a minister in a church reserve.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, but please, not so loud. He'll be leaving the country in a few hours.

[Albert Kummer]

Do you realize what that. That bombardier can do in a few hours?

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, but you're getting all blue again.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Quiet, Quiet. Here they come.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Well, did you two have a nice lunch?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, delicious.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Mother.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Mother.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

You know, Mr. Kummer, you and I both being engaged, have a lot in common, haven't we?

[Albert Kummer]

And just call me Albert. I'm an old. Old of the family.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, thank you. You know. You know, I can see our kids calling you Uncle Albert. Gonna have kids all over the place, aren't we?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Ruth, telephone for Lieutenant Seacoast.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Uh.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, that's it. I bet the Axe.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Axe.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

My orders. I called the air base before and left this number.

[Albert Kummer]

Well, for the first time today, Ruth, I can address you without him around.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, darling, it isn't as serious as all that. Bill's leaving. As soon as he's gone, I'll write and tell him gradually, gently. I'll let him.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Ruth, we don't have to go. We're gonna stay in America. That was a colonel. He said so. He said so himself.

[Ruth Wilkins]

No.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, no.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Yeah. We're gonna be instructors in Florida. Boy, this is my lucky day. Yeah. No, look, we're gonna leave tonight. You don't mind if Ruth gets. Ruth gets married in Florida, do you, Ms. Wilkins?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, I couldn't Bill the bank. They're so short of help.

[Albert Kummer]

Why, Albert, it'll be impossible. Lieutenant Rayleigh.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, shame on you, Albert. And you're about to be married yourself.

[Albert Kummer]

Hey, Bill.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Bill, we're not mad at each other anymore.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Martha and I, we took a walk and patched up everything we agreed. It was my fault.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, no, Chuck. It was all my fault. Anyway, Bill, we want to get married.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Sis, allow me to give you your first wedding present. Chuck and I don't have to go. We're staying on as instructors in Florida.

[Ruth Wilkins]

We are? Oh, darling.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Hey, you could marry them right now, couldn't you, Judge?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I'll do anything anybody says. Anything.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Ruth. Ruth, we can make it a double wedding. What do you say?

[Albert Kummer]

Now, wait a minute.

[Ruth Wilkins]

We'd have to discuss that alone, Bill.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, you're a hard woman, Chuck. Look, I'll pick up the tickets and get our orders. Now, you help Martha get ready.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, sir. Come on, Martha.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Boy, oh, boy.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Everybody's getting married. Isn't it wonderful?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Bill, I have to talk to you.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, sure, baby.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Sure.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I'll have to get hold of a marriage license.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

I'll go with you, Harry.

[Albert Kummer]

Ruth, I'll stay or not, just as you wish.

[Ruth Wilkins]

You. You better go along with Mother and Dad. Albert. Bill, let's go out in the garden.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Now, don't worry about me, Albert. I'll have her convinced in five minutes.

[Ruth Wilkins]

And, Bill, the plain truth is I. I don't intend to marry you. Not now or ever. Oh, but, Ruth, I thought you'd be leaving. I counted on it. You were going away to face something terribly hazardous. I had no other choice.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

I love you, Ruth. And you do like me. Well, don't you?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, Bill, there are other factors. Oh, it's entirely my fault. I. Oh, Bill. Excuse me. I'd like to find a little gift for Martha and Chuck.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Sure. Go on. Go ahead.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Hello.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Hello, Miriam.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I just came home. Oh. What's the matter?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Nothing.

[Ruth Wilkins]

That's what Ruth just said. I Just saw her. She was crying. Oh, she told you?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Yep, she told me.

[Ruth Wilkins]

You're angry with me.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

No. Why should I be?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, that's very generous of you. Oh, it must have been hard for you to find time to write all those letters. I did mine in school for typing practice. Do you feel all right?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Fine.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, I wouldn't feel too badly about Ruth. She's pretty bourgeois. To be able to marry Albert. A reactionary of the first water.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Holy H, Harry.

[Ruth Wilkins]

What's the matter?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

You wrote those letters, didn't you?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Of course I did.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Well, holy H. Oh.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, what must she think of me? I'm the biggest that ever lived.

[Ruth Wilkins]

You didn't know. But you said she told you. You tricked me into telling you.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Albert.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Albert.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Of course she's engaged to marry Albert.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I didn't mean to tell you. I've only made it worse.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, no, no. Look, Miriam, don't let Ruth know that I know. Don't let anyone know. Oh, she did this for me. She wanted me to have these two days. Now, look, let's keep it that way. Miriam. Promise?

[Ruth Wilkins]

I promise.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Cross your heart?

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'm not a child, Lieutenant. Hey, everybody.

[Lady Luck]

Lady Luck here. And we're celebrating America's 250th birthday. Now, all summer long, I'm gonna be celebrating by playing on spinquest.com which is an American owned social casino. It obviously features over a thousand slot games and live blackjack, live craps, live bubble craps. Head on over to spinquest.com. get yourself a 30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino. Void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. Lots of places can expose you to identity theft.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, no.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

That's why LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity, which is way more than anyone can do on their own. If we find anything suspicious, like new loans or changes to your financial accounts, we alert you right away. All through text, phone, email or the Lifelock app. Get the alerts. That could make all the difference. Save up to 30% with promo code [e-mail] terms apply.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, where are you going?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Go into town to get the ticket.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Now, if you'll sign your name on the marriage certificate. Ch.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Sure, Judge.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Only Bill hasn't come back yet.

[Ruth Wilkins]

He'll be here.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Miriam.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Keep quiet. You were certainly lucky I was able to find Judge Kindred. He waived the three day waiting period when I told him what the circumstances were.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Bill, I got our tickets and our orders. You and Martha have to be at Grand Central an hour. I'll leave at midnight.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, swell.

[Ruth Wilkins]

But I can't understand.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're not being able to talk Ruth into going.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I. I tried.

[Narrator/Announcer]

When will you be down?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Ruth, he's not going to be fit

[Narrator/Announcer]

to live with until you get there.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, I don't know exactly, Chuck, but Bill understands.

[Albert Kummer]

Well, now that we're all here, stand right over there.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Albert, you've got to be a witness.

[Albert Kummer]

All right.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Martha, you and Chuck stand right in front of me. And lay off that popcorn, Miriam, till this is over with.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Yes, Father.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Therefore, in accordance with the authority vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Martha, we're married.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, Chuck.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, now, children, you'll have lots of time for kissing on the train.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

I just don't know how to thank you all. Good luck, Sis.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Me too, Martha. I know you'll be very happy. Thank you, Ruth.

[Albert Kummer]

My turn to kiss the bride. As a man about to go to the gallows himself in two short weeks, this has all been very educational.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I better hurry, Martha. Yes. I'll get my feet.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Hey, you're not leaving me. Perhaps we better go up with him, Edith. Maybe we can help.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Oh, yeah.

[Albert Kummer]

Well, Lieutenant. Something on your mind, Ruth?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Yes, Bill.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, I. I know all that happened.

[Albert Kummer]

She did.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Miriam let it slip.

[Albert Kummer]

What?

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

What do you know?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, Bill, I'm so sorry.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

That's okay.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I never thought it would go this far, but. But you're so. Well, impetuous and, well, one thing led to another, and the first thing you know.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Yeah, I know.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Of course.

[Albert Kummer]

Of course. You know what kills me about the whole thing. All those letters and poetry flying back and forth across the Atlantic. That kills me.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Back and forth.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

That's for you, Albert. Telephone.

[Albert Kummer]

Coming, judge.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

It's the reverend. Mr. Hardwick. About the church.

[Albert Kummer]

Perfectly all right, dad. The secret's out. We all just had a good laugh over it.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Still, you'd better use the phone upstairs. Whatever you say, Dad.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I hope there are no hard feelings, Bill.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, of course not.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

You. You certainly couldn't have been more considerate. Well, there won't be room enough in the car for all of us, so I think I'll find a taxi somewhere. Oh, these are Chuck's tickets, Judge. Will you tell him I'll meet him at the train? Certainly. Goodbye.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Goodbye.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Good luck.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Thank you, sir.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Goodbye, Bill.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Well, that's that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know, I'm kind of surprised.

[Ruth Wilkins]

You mean you thought I'd run off with him?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Oh, no.

[Ruth Wilkins]

A lieutenant I've met for one day. Just One day of his being touching and amusing. And you think I'd exchange that for a man I've known for years, who offers me security, who loves me?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Ruth, I. Only.

[Ruth Wilkins]

You thought I'd marry him. You wanted me to. You prefer Bill?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Ruth, I thought fate was pushing you,

[Ruth Wilkins]

so I. I'm a fatalist too. But he's gone, and I'm over him already. By tomorrow, I'll be over him still more. And by the time I marry Albert, I.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Excuse me. I. I left the wrong railroad.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Take Bill.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, darling. Huh? Bill. Bill. Oh, I've always wanted to see Florida.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

What do you mean?

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'm just crazy about it.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Are you sure? I'm sorry.

[William Keeley]

Well, hello.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Can you leave now?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Pull up. You know, by an odd coincidence, I happen to have an extra marriage license right here in my pocket.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, you're joking.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

No, no. I brought it along just in case. Now we'll have to make it fast.

[Albert Kummer]

Dora.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Y Get in here and be a witness.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Witness?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

You heard me. Hold hands.

[Albert Kummer]

Y.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Not you. Ruth and Bill. Here we go. Friends, we are gathered here to join this man and this woman in the bonds of holy matrimony. Well, that's it, kids. You're married.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Oh, Ruth, baby.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Hurry out the back way. I can hear them upstairs. They're coming down.

[Ruth Wilkins]

I'll send you a wire, dad. Where to send my clothes.

[Bluff]

Yes, dad.

[Ruth Wilkins]

And tell Albert there's insanity in the family.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Harry, guess what? Albert just set the date with Reverend Hardwick.

[Albert Kummer]

A week from Sunday.

[Bluff]

Dad.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, Ruth.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Ruth, where are you, dear? Get the car, Harry, Chuck and Martha have to get to the station.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Uh, yes, Ruthie.

[Albert Kummer]

Oh, Ruthie.

[Edith Wilkins (Mother)]

Harry, that expression on your face. What's the matter?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Are you calling Ruth? Mother, I don't think she's here.

[Albert Kummer]

Well, where is she?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Miriam, what are you doing here?

[Ruth Wilkins]

I live here, Father. Oh.

[Albert Kummer]

Where's Ruth? Where did she go?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Now, now, be calm. Albert, there's something I wanted to.

[Albert Kummer]

Is that you, darling?

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

It's me.

[Albert Kummer]

Excuse me for barging in, but it's a sailor. Well, young man, we just docked in the navy yacht.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

I came over as fast as I could.

[Albert Kummer]

Is Ms. Ruth Wilkins at home? Harold.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Harold Clobermeyer.

[Albert Kummer]

Miriam.

[Harry Wilkins (Father/Judge)]

Another one?

[Ruth Wilkins]

Oh, no, no.

[William Keeley]

The curtain falls on dear Rut. And now I'm sure you'll want to meet our stars in person. Joan Caulfield, William Holden and Billy Dewalt. Joan, you must be one of Hollywood's busiest actresses. One minute I see you in the newsreel skiing in Canada, and the next minute it seems I hear you're making another picture?

[Ruth Wilkins]

As a matter of fact, Mr. Keeley, I just finished one at Paramount.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

In which I understand you play the part of a fast working gold digger.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Yes, Bill. Veronica Lake and I get chased by every wolf and sheriff from here to the Canadian border.

[Albert Kummer]

But that doesn't sound much like the title of the picture, Joan. The Sainted Sisters.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, Billy, as you know, a woman isn't always what she seems to be.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Yeah, like Mrs. Murgatroyd, for instance, whom Billy DeWolf has introduced to theatergoers.

[William Keeley]

Oh, yes, the so called lady in the cocktail bar. What about giving us a little Mrs. Murgatroyd, Billy?

[Albert Kummer]

Young man, would you mind watching this bag, please? Thank you very much. Young man, that bag, please. Well, waiter. Now, I don't know exactly what to order. I'm celebrating my wedding anniversary and I thought. Thank you very much. 18 years. 18 wonderful years with Chesley. So you can see, just as soon as I. So you can see, just. Excuse me. So you can see just as. Oh, that makes me so mad. I just paid the dentist 17.50. Now, they shouldn't whistle back at me like that.

[William Keeley]

That's wonderful, Billy. You know, I won't inquire if Mrs. Murgatroy uses Lux soap. But when it comes to a beautiful girl like Joan Caulfield, well, I'm sure there's no question about it.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Well, that's right, Mr. Keeley. I started using Lux soap when I first went on the stage and I've never been without it since.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

What are your plans for next week, Bill?

[William Keeley]

Next Monday night we bring our audience a play that's thrilled millions of picture goers. Milton Spurlings. Cloak and Dagger. A story of mystery, romance and hazardous adventure in the oss. And our stars are Ronald Regan and that new exciting personality, Lily Palmer in the role that she created on the screen.

[Ruth Wilkins]

That ought to make great listening, Mr. Keeley.

[Albert Kummer]

Sounds simply superb. Oh, I must get those fixed.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Good night, Bill.

[Lieutenant Bill Secroft]

Good night, Bill.

[William Keeley]

Good night and all our thanks for. Dear Ruth.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ladies, how would you like some sparkling new aluminum? Aluminum? For your kitchen. The heavy substantial kind you use for years.

[Ruth Wilkins]

This big lever value lets you save from 33 and a third to 50% on beautiful heavy gauge Regal aluminum wear.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here's what you get. A pair of 8 inch aluminum cake pans nested for easy stacking. Only 75 cents for both though they're worth a dollar. 15 cents. A big 2 quart covered aluminum saucepan with a no burn Bakelite handle and cover knob. Worth $2. It costs you only $1. A 9 inch fry pan, extra deep and extra heavy, 10 gauge. It's worth $2 but costs you only $1. All utensils have easy to clean rounded corners.

[Ruth Wilkins]

Here's what you do to get them. Buy any two of these famous Leva products. Luxe Toilet Soap, Luxe Flakes, Rinseau, Lifebuoy, Swan, Silver Dust or Spry. Send in two box tops or raptors for each offer you want together with money saving price. Orders will be sent post paid within three weeks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Buy your Lever products at your dealers. Buy to sale. He'll give you complete details and handy order blanks. Mail to Lever Brothers Company Homemakers Club, Box 1, New York City. This offer is good through August 1, 1948, only in the continental U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii, and is subject to any state and local regulations. Don't miss this money saving offer. And now I'm happy to make another announcement you ladies have been waiting for. It gives me pleasure to congratulate the four women who are top winners in the fifth and last week of Lever Brothers Sensational Fur Contest. First prize goes to Mrs. Leon L. Bagley of Cornish, New Hampshire. The second prize winners are Grace R. Hossfeld of 10 Prince Avenue, Lacey Park, Hatboro, Pennsylvania. Mrs. A.V. dibert of 8508 Hazelwood Drive, Bethesda, 14, Maryland and Mrs. Ernest W. Blair of 3202 Marlin Avenue, Tampa. 6 Florida.

[William Keeley]

Lever Brothers Co. The makers of Luxe Toilet Soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening when the Lux Radio Theatre presents Ronald Reagan and Lily Palmer in Cloak and Dagger. This is William Keeley saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Narrator/Announcer]

William Holden appeared by arrangement with Paramount Pictures, producers of the Big Clock, starring Ray Milan and Charles Lawton. Billy DeWolf appeared through the courtesy of Paramount Studios who will shortly release Hazard, starring Paulette Goddard and McDonald Carrey. Our music was directed by Louis Silvers. And this is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to join us again next Monday night to hear Cloak and Dagger with Ronald Reagan and Lily Palmer. Ladies get pepsidan sensational bargain offer the Lana Turner Ballpoint pocket perfumer regular $95 value, yet it's yours plus a supply of Harriet Hubbard Ayers you perfume for only 50 cents, fashion's newest accessory for carrying perfume designed for Lana Turner, who stars opposite Clark Gable in MGM's hit Homecoming. Send 50 cents with both blue end flaps from any Pepsidan carton to Pepsident, Box 776, Chicago, Illinois. Offer good United States and territories only. Send tonight. Be sure to listen next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theater presentation of Cloak and Dagger with Ronald Reagan and Lily Palmer. Stay tuned for My Friend Irma, which follows immediately over most of these stations. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Bluff]

What's going on everyone? It's bluff here. And you know what's more American than America's 250th birthday? Supporting American owned companies like Spin Quest, America's number one social casino with over a thousand games like live dealer blackjack and craps. They're offering new users a 30 coin package for just $10. Go to spinquest.com and sign up Today.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more detail.