Lux Radio Theatre - Devotion

Summary

Podcast Summary: Lux Radio Theatre - "Devotion"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Lux Radio Theatre – Devotion
Date: July 9, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Featured Cast: Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë), Virginia Bruce (Charlotte Brontë), Vincent Price (Mr. Nichols)

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Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio presents a dramatized adaptation of the film "Devotion" as performed by the Lux Radio Theatre, spotlighting the complex, passionate lives of the Brontë sisters—Emily and Charlotte—along with their troubled brother Branwell and the curate Mr. Nichols. The play delves into themes of familial responsibility, creative ambition, love, and sacrifice, set against the evocative Yorkshire moors. With Jane Wyman, Virginia Bruce, and Vincent Price in the lead roles, the episode captures the emotional highs and lows that inspired some of English literature's greatest novels.

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Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Moments

1. Introduction and Setting

• [01:05] Producer William Keeley introduces the narrative:
  "The incomparable Brontë Sisters. Two of literature's most colorful and gifted writers. Their sheltered life is fraught with drama and romance, so vividly presented in tonight's play..."
• Keeley offers personal connection:
  "The Brontës lived in Yorkshire, England, in the 19th century. Not far from my ancestral town of Keighley. Pronounced in England Keithley. Although how they made Keighley out of K E I G H L E Y I'll never know." [01:18]

2. Family Dynamics and Conflict over Branwell

• The Brontë siblings debate Branwell's future and creative aspirations:
  • Charlotte: "How can I possibly paint your portrait, Anne, if you insist on squirming so?" [02:46]
  • Discussion about Anne and Charlotte taking positions as governesses:
    Emily: "Ann and I have good reasons for taking employment. Have we not, Ann?" [03:07]
    Anne: "Yes." [03:10]
• The family struggles with Branwell’s drinking and failed ambitions:
  Emily: "The trouble is, I understand Branwell only too well." [04:04]

3. Ambition, Art, and Love on the Yorkshire Moors

• Emily declares:
  "All the world I want to see is about me now. This is my world." [03:30]
• Intimate scene on the moors with Mr. Nichols:
  • Emily: "You never bring anyone this way."
  • Nichols: "There can never be anything ugly about your world, Ms. Emily. But I do feel somewhat of a trespasser." [12:27-12:43]
• They spot a distant house:
  Emily: "I call it Wuthering Heights." [14:22]

4. Creative Aspirations and Familial Sacrifice

• The sisters discuss their literary ambitions:
  • Anne: "We put all our poems into one big package and send them off to London. Poems by three sisters." [16:32]
  • Emily's resistance: "I would as soon think of publishing my poems." [16:43]

5. Romantic Tensions and Sacrifice

• Charlotte and Mr. Nichols share a fraught interaction:
  Charlotte (after being kissed): "You dare to kiss me?" [20:11]
  Mr. Nichols: "Be thankful, Miss Charlotte, that I prefer kissing a woman to beating her." [20:12]
• Branwell’s decline and the sisters’ sense of responsibility leads to Emily and Charlotte’s journey to Brussels for education.

6. Brussels and Growing Creative Success

• In Brussels, Emily and Charlotte receive word of their growing literary acclaim:
  Anne: "They're going to publish two of our poems in the Corner Magazine. Zachary has read them and asks, who are these brilliant brothers?" [26:05]

7. Return, Rivalry, and Tragedy

• Branwell's death and Nichols’ departure mark a period of loss and reevaluation:
  Emily: "Must we endure two such great losses within a single week, Mr. Nichols? Branwell's death. And now you choose to leave Haworth." [37:44]
  Nichols: "Because I am not a big enough man to live side by side with greatness." [38:09]

8. Publication, Fame, and the Final Partings

• With the publication of "Wuthering Heights" and "Jane Eyre," Charlotte experiences acclaim in London:
  Mr. Thackeray (to Charlotte):
  "Jane Eyre is causing even more of a stir than my own Vanity Fair." [39:39]
  "Your sister wrote the better book, Miss Brontes." [39:53]

9. Profound Resolutions and Farewell

• Emily’s declining health leads to a final, emotional sisterly dialogue:
  Emily to Charlotte:
  "Any good there is in me has come from you. Any courage I have ever shown has been inspired by you. You're everything that I would wish to be." [47:47]

• Nichols’ love for Charlotte becomes clear:
  Nichols: "Emily offered me an affection I could not return... because I love you, Charlotte. Because I have always loved you." [43:35]

• Upon Emily’s passing, her words and legacy linger:
  Emily: "I linger here, listening to the soft wind breathing across my beloved moor... For their love is also here with me." [48:51–49:07]

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• "All the world I want to see is about me now. This is my world."
  — Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë), [03:30]

• "There can never be anything ugly about your world, Ms. Emily."
  — Mr. Nichols (Vincent Price), [12:43]

• "I call it Wuthering Heights."
  — Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë), [14:22]

• "I would as soon think of publishing my poems."
  — Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë), [16:43]

• "Because I am not a big enough man to live side by side with greatness."
  — Mr. Nichols (Vincent Price), [38:11]

• "Any good there is in me has come from you. Any courage I have ever shown has been inspired by you. You're everything that I would wish to be."
  — Charlotte Brontë (Virginia Bruce), [47:47]

• "I linger here, listening to the soft wind breathing across my beloved moor... For their love is also here with me."
  — Emily Brontë (Jane Wyman), [48:51–49:07]

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Structure and Flow

• Act 1 [00:32–24:02]: Establishes Brontë family’s struggles, character ambitions, Branwell’s troubles, and the seeds of creative inspiration.
• Act 2 [24:29–38:43]: Follows Emily and Charlotte to Brussels, their literary progress, and the deepening complexities within the family and with Mr. Nichols.
• Act 3 [38:43–49:33]: Returns to the aftermath of loss—Branwell’s death, Emily’s illness—culminating in literary success, bittersweet family bonds, and farewells.

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Final Reflections

This classic radio play captures the essential drama of the Brontë family: genius haunted by adversity, women exploring love and creativity in a restrictive society, and the enduring power of the written word. The adaptation’s rich language, faithful to the original period, draws listeners into a world of swirling emotions, windswept moors, and literary destiny.

For Fans:
This performance is a moving tribute to the creativity and indomitable will of the Brontë sisters, brilliantly delivered by a cast of Hollywood radio legends.

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Recommended Segments:

• [03:30] Emily’s declaration of contentment with her world
• [12:43–14:22] Emily and Nichols’s first intimate moorland exchange & the naming of Wuthering Heights
• [16:32–16:43] The birth of the sisters’ literary ambitions
• [38:09–38:13] Nichols’ heartfelt admission and departure
• [47:47–48:07] Emily’s closing words to Charlotte

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Skip to noted timestamps for the episode’s most poignant and dramatic scenes capturing the spirit of the Brontës and their legendary novels.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Branwell Brontë]

From the archives of the greatest dramas

[Narrator/Announcer]

in radio history, we proudly present Hollywood, The Radio Theater.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Starring Jane Wyman, Vincent Price and Virginia Bruce in Devotion.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William Keeley.

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. You have read their books and poetry. You have seen their novels made into great motion pictures for the screen. And tonight you meet them on our stage. The incomparable Bronte Sister. Two of literature's most colorful and gifted writers. Born to a family of geniuses. Their sheltered life is fraught with drama and romance, so vividly presented in tonight's play from the Warner Brothers hit Devotion. Our stars are Jane Wyman making her first Lux Radio Theatre appearance in the role of Emily. Virginia Bruce as her sister Charlotte. And Vincent Price as the man both sisters loved. The Brontes lived in Yorkshire, England, in the 19th century. Not far from my ancestral town of Keighley. Pronounced in England Keithley. Although how they made Keighley out of K E I G H L E Y I'll never know. But that is my sole affiliation with the Brontes. Other than the privilege of presenting their story on our stage. Tonight, here's the first act of Devotion, starring Jane Wyman as Emily Bronte, Vincent Price as Nichols, and Virginia Bruce as Charlotte. It's a late afternoon in the year 1836. Around a little rocky knoll set in the bleak, barren moors of Yorkshire. Are gathered the three Bronte sisters and their brother Branwell. In Branwell's unsteady hand is a palette and paintbrush.

[Charlotte Brontë]

How can I possibly paint your portrait, Anne, if you insist on squirming so?

[Emily Brontë]

You may be a great painter, Branwell. You're also a great bully.

[Charlotte Brontë]

Be quiet, Charlotte. Anne, you have a very pretty nose.

[Anne Brontë]

Thank you.

[Charlotte Brontë]

But completely devoid of character.

[Emily Brontë]

She has a great deal more character than you.

[Charlotte Brontë]

If you think that taking positions as governesses in an attempt to keep the wolf from the bront door denotes character.

[Emily Brontë]

Ann and I have good reasons for taking employment. Have we not, Ann?

[Anne Brontë]

Yes.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

We wish to see life why?

[Emily Brontë]

So that we may write of what we see.

[Charlotte Brontë]

When will you discover that Emily and I have more talent in our little fingers than ever will exist in that busy, noble brain of yours? Tell her, Emily. Emily, tell her what? Do you want to see the world? Or are you content to stay at home and rot with me?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

All the world I want to see is about me now. This is my world.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

You stopped painting, Branwell.

[Branwell Brontë]

I'm no longer in the mood.

[Emily Brontë]

You're never in the mood to finish what you begin.

[Charlotte Brontë]

You see, Emily, already dear Charlotte speaks like a governess.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Branwell, have you the least idea why Charlotte and Anne are going to work?

[Charlotte Brontë]

No, and I don't care. I'm off to the tavern. Branwell, take my things home, will you?

[Emily Brontë]

No, I'll bring them.

[Anne Brontë]

Branwell.

[Branwell Brontë]

Good old Emily.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Oh, our poor brother.

[Anne Brontë]

Our poor dear genius. If a brother.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

If he only had the chance.

[Anne Brontë]

He's a great poet, Emily. A great painter too.

[Emily Brontë]

I sometimes wonder, Emily, if you really understand him.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

The trouble is, I understand Branwell only too well. Nevertheless, Charlotte, and I shall see that

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

he gets to the Royal Academy in London.

[Emily Brontë]

No sacrifice that enables Branwell to develop his great talent will be in vain.

[Anne Brontë]

You could leave with us tomorrow, Charlotte. Travel part of the way together.

[Emily Brontë]

At least we get him safely past the tavern. That's most important.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Don't you think so, Emily?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

I don't agree with your plan any more than Branwell will appreciate the sacrifice you're making.

[Emily Brontë]

Very well. Branwell shall not go to London because Emily refuses to help him.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I'm sorry, Charlotte.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

I know how deeply fond you are

[Emily Brontë]

of Branwell, but I cannot understand your attitude.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Emily.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Branwell isn't ready for London.

[Emily Brontë]

What nonsense. He isn't a child.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

I'm not going to argue with you, Charlotte.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I. I think it would kill him.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Come, we'd better get home.

[Innkeeper]

I wanted brandy, Mr. Hoggs. Where is it?

[Branwell Brontë]

Where's your money, Mr. Bronte?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll charge it to my account.

[Branwell Brontë]

You have no account here any more, my lad.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I should hope not.

My accounts for posterity.

[Branwell Brontë]

I beg your pardon, innkeeper. I should like a room for the knife.

[Innkeeper]

Well, perish my eyes.

[Branwell Brontë]

It's the new curate. That's right, sir. Nichols. Arthur Nicholls.

[Innkeeper]

Yeah, that boys, the new curate. You have the honor, sir, of addressing your vicar's son.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Branwell. Bronte. Well, what shall it be for me?

[Branwell Brontë]

A bed, Mr. Bronte. I'm tired.

[Charlotte Brontë]

And you shall have it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come along, I'll take you to the vicarage.

[Branwell Brontë]

Thank you, but I'd better delay my meeting with your father till morning.

[Charlotte Brontë]

Who cares?

[Innkeeper]

Where's my brandy?

[Branwell Brontë]

On the other hand, I'd better take you home right now. I'm drunk. Exactly. Come on then, take me home.

[Charlotte Brontë]

My father detests curate. My sisters are sickly and man haters. I am sickly and a drunkard who. You should be very happy here, Mr. Nichols. Very happy.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Can't you sleep?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Charlotte, what's the matter?

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, Emily, we quarrelled this afternoon.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

Emily, you and I. We must never drift apart.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

That's so important. Yes, Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

People will always quarrel over Branwell and

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Branwell will always enjoy it. But it would be so dreadful if

[Emily Brontë]

we were happy and he were not. That's why I wanted him. Go to London, Emily.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

But don't you see?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

London is not the dream city of his imagination.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

His disillusion would be unbearable to witness

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

if you would spare him.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Disillusion?

[Emily Brontë]

It's you who will destroy Branwell, not I.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Neither of us will destroy him. He shall go, Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, thank you, Emily. I knew you'd see reason. I was.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

The door. There's someone downstairs at the door. Always Branwell.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Now go to sleep, dear.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I'll take care

[Innkeeper]

the door now.

[Emily Brontë]

Mr. Nichols seems to have disappeared.

[Branwell Brontë]

And no light. Your family must have returned.

[Charlotte Brontë]

Ah, the faithful Emily.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Get inside, Branwell.

[Emily Brontë]

Come in, dear friend, come in.

[Branwell Brontë]

I think in his present condition, ma',

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

am, I. I should.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

His condition. Take care of your own condition.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Good night, sir.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Are not things difficult enough, Branwell, without you? Bringing your drunken friends home with you?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

It's difficult?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

You know very well what I'm talking about. You're all leaving tomorrow. Charlotte and Anne to become governesses. You, to London.

[Charlotte Brontë]

I have no intention of going to London. I'm much too ill. I'm going to die.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Now listen to me.

[Emily Brontë]

At 8 o' clock tomorrow morning, you'll

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

be at breakfast, washed and in good order. You'll thank your sisters for their generous gesture. You will inform Father and Aunt Elizabeth that you have great confidence in the future. You will in fact play the great hero on the eve of battle. A role well within your range, drunk or sober.

[Charlotte Brontë]

Emily, have you no faith in me at all?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I love you, Branwell. I shall never cease to love you.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

What is it, Elizabeth? Can't you see I'm trying to compose a sermon?

[Aunt Elizabeth]

Mr. Arthur Nichols is here.

[Emily Brontë]

The new curate.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Where's Emily?

[Aunt Elizabeth]

He decided to ride with Bramble and

[Emily Brontë]

the girls as far as the moors.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Why must she spend half her time on the moors? And morbid, depressing and bad for her lungs.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

Mr. Bronte, Mr. Nichols is in the hall.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Come in, Mr. Nichols.

[Branwell Brontë]

Thank you, sir. I. I hope I find you well, Mr. Bronte.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Of course I'm well. No doubt the bishop, acting on information from my daughter, has pictured me a helpless invalid.

[Branwell Brontë]

Not at all, sir.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

You are here neither at my wish nor my request. It was my daughter, Charlotte, who took the liberty of writing to the bishop.

[Branwell Brontë]

I hope I shall give you no

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

cause to regret her action.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

In any event, you'll have no fancy heirs around here, Mr. Nichols. There are some pretty rough customers in this parish who are not to be charmed into a state of grace. Would you care for a pipe?

[Branwell Brontë]

Am I being tested, sir?

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

I've no use for a man without a vice. A small one, preferably. It supports his character.

[Branwell Brontë]

And I dare say the large vices

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

support the church, don't they?

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Very good, Mr. Nichols. I'm happy to find you possess a sense of humor. Oh, come in, Emily. Did they get off all right?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Yes, papa.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

This is Mr. Nichols, my new assistant.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

How do you do?

[Emily Brontë]

Good morning.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Sorry you didn't arrive earlier. You could have met my son. He's off for London to make his place in the world.

[Branwell Brontë]

I've heard talk of all your children, Mr. Brady. A family of remarkable talents, I'm told.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

You'd have had lots in common with Branwell, Mr. Nicholls. Don't you agree, Emily?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

I'm sure he would, Papa. A glass of wine, sir?

[Branwell Brontë]

Thank you, but I. I never touch it before sundown.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Then you'll be pleased to hear that the sun sets very early in these parts, Emily.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

I hope they looked after you well at the inn last night, Mr. Nichols.

[Branwell Brontë]

The hospitality of the Bull left nothing to be desired, sir.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

I'm sure you felt at home there immediately, Mr. Nichols.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Not immediately, Ms. Bronte.

[Branwell Brontë]

I was called to take up my

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

duties as a curate rather sooner than I had expected.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Indeed?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Yes.

[Branwell Brontë]

One of your parishioners seemed in sore

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

need of an escort home. I hadn't the heart to refuse him, though it proved a very thankless task.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Drunkards like that should be left to find their own way home.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Mr. Nichols, I.

Yes, Ms. Braddy.

I'm sure you only think it was a thankless task.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Drunkards are not the only ones who

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

are tardy with their gratitude.

[Branwell Brontë]

I'm afraid I'm sailing miserably as a picker of blackberries.

[Thumbtack Advertiser]

Ms. Emily Thumbtack presents uncertainty, strikes. I was surrounded. The aisle and the options were closing in. There were paint rollers, satin and matte finish, angle brushes and natural bristles. There were too many choices what if I never got my living room painted? What if I couldn't figure out what

[Emily Brontë]

type of paint to use?

[Thumbtack Advertiser]

What if I just used thumbtack? I can hire a top rated pro that knows everything about interior paint. Easily compare prices and read reviews. Thumbtack knows homes.

[Emily Brontë]

Download the app today.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Charlotte and I used to fill our pails here.

[Branwell Brontë]

Charlotte again?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

You do miss your sister, don't you?

Oh, her letters.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

She and Anne must be utterly wretched.

[Emily Brontë]

As governesses, you said.

[Branwell Brontë]

They'll be back by Christmas.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Seven long weeks yet. Forgive me, I. I talk far, far too much about my family.

[Branwell Brontë]

But it helps me to know you better.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

That's ample reward.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

But come along, Mr. Nicholas. We haven't had enough berries.

[Branwell Brontë]

I'm not really lazy, you know. But so far I've seen very few berries to pick.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I can't understand it.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Last year was a very good season.

[Branwell Brontë]

Why don't we sit down and wait until next season?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Oh, you never last till then.

[Branwell Brontë]

Last?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

No curate has ever stayed very long at Haworth. It's too quiet and dull even for.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Even for a curate.

[Branwell Brontë]

Well, Miss Emily, here's one curate who's

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

asking for nothing better than to see many a season at Harworth. Provided, of course.

Yes.

That you promise to stay and see them with me.

I promise.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

But I also promise quarts of blackberries to aunt Elizabeth.

[Anne Brontë]

Come, Mr. Nicholas.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

Where is Emily, Mr. Bronson?

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Assisting Mr. Nicholsia Sunday school. May I ask the significance of that grunt, Elizabeth?

[Aunt Elizabeth]

Emily is full of good works these days.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

But you should be home, Mr. Nichols. Sunday school was over an hour ago.

[Branwell Brontë]

I much prefer walking with you, Miss Emily.

[Narrator/Announcer]

These strange, wonderful moors.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Do you like the moors too?

I'm. I'm not certain.

[Branwell Brontë]

You've never brought me this way before, have you?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I never bring anyone this way.

[Branwell Brontë]

Not even your brothers or your sisters?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Oh, no.

[Emily Brontë]

They don't like this part of the moor at all.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

They think it's ugly.

There can never be anything ugly about your world, Ms. Emily. But I do feel somewhat of a precious thing.

Oh, no. No, you're not. That's why I brought you here.

Knowing you is a rare privilege.

Look. Far in the distance. There on that rise of ground.

A house.

[Branwell Brontë]

That is a house, isn't it?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Yes.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Gone.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

Lonely.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Abandoned. Not quite what dreams are made of, is it? But it's been in my dreams ever since I can remember.

[Emily Brontë]

So unreal.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

So awesome looking.

It's the place I write about. Even though it is gray and storm swept and made for hard, unyielding people.

[Emily Brontë]

The lovely things There are all the

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

lovelier someone lives there.

Ghosts?

[Branwell Brontë]

Oh, you don't really believe in ghosts?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Oh, I both dream and heard them, Mr. Nichols.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

And in my dream, sometimes seems that I stand there and I watch that house in the silent of the night. And then suddenly I hear a sound that terrifies me.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

The beating of a horse's hooves coming nearer and nearer. A great, black, black horse and a dark rider. And he thunders down on me and I cannot move.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

What does he look like?

I've never seen his face.

[Branwell Brontë]

Emily. Miss Emily. I can hear them myself.

[Anne Brontë]

What?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Over there, Mr. Nichols. You see, when I'm with you, my dreadful dream turns out to be only one of our wild moor horses.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Thank heaven it's getting late, Mr. Nichols.

Yeah.

[Branwell Brontë]

Ms. Emily.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

That distant place, that house, does it have a name?

I don't know. I call it Wuthering Heights.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Home, Father, you say Branwell is home?

[Branwell Brontë]

He is there in the study.

[Anne Brontë]

Branwell.

[Charlotte Brontë]

No other greeting for the prodigal.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

But what brings you home?

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

It seems London has cheated Branwell shamefully, Emily.

[Charlotte Brontë]

You might have acquainted yourself more fully with the ways of that loveless city before you threw me into its chill embrace. No success without influence. No admission without patronage. No patronage without toadying. You wanted this to happen to me.

[Branwell Brontë]

You and Charlotte and Anne.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

That's not so, Brandon.

[Narrator/Announcer]

One more rival out of the way,

[Charlotte Brontë]

one less Bronte to share your future glory. Soon you'll be cutting each other's throats.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Oh, I don't believe what I'm saying. Forgive me.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

What shall I do with him, Emily?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What shall I do?

[Aunt Elizabeth]

No use looking to Emily.

[Charlotte Brontë]

Oh, come in, dear. Auntie, come in.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

Thank goodness Charlotte will be home in a few days. She'll think of something.

[Emily Brontë]

But Bramwell is sleeping sharp. Well, if he's ill, Aunt Elizabeth, we must see him at once.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

There'll be ample opportunity later.

[Emily Brontë]

Anne, what are you doing?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Writing in my diary.

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, if Bramble were only.

[Anne Brontë]

Well, this would be the happiest day in my life. Whatever else we may or may not be, at least we shall never be governesses again.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

How many copy books did you fill while you were gone, Charlotte?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Six, at least.

[Emily Brontë]

But it would take dozens to properly

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

describe that horrible household and managed to fill only three.

[Anne Brontë]

Only because my penmanship is smaller.

[Emily Brontë]

I assure you I was every bit

[Aunt Elizabeth]

as unhappy as Charlotte. I think it's shocking of you both, prying into the affairs of your employers.

[Emily Brontë]

Prying into the lives of others is the art of the novelist, Aunt Elizabeth.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Well, what's this? Poetry?

[Emily Brontë]

The night is darking around me the wild winds coldly blow.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Give me that, Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

But a tyrant spell has bound me, Charlotte. And I cannot, cannot go.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Why, Emily, I think it's beautiful.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

I don't care what you think that. Please keep your fingers away from my work.

[Emily Brontë]

I'm sorry, Emily.

[Anne Brontë]

Oh, but, Charlotte. It's such a lovely plan, Emily. We put all our poems into one big package and send them off to London. Poems by three sisters. Think what a stake would cause if they were popular.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

I would as soon think of publishing my poems.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

Will you girls stop prattling about poetry and novels? I have some really exciting news, ladies. Thornton has invited you all to the Christmas ball.

[Anne Brontë]

Oh, how wonderful.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

All the eligible young men of the county will be there. But bear in mind, young ladies, you'll never get a husband. Talking of poetry.

[Emily Brontë]

Very kind of you to drive us to Thornton House, Mr. Nichols.

[Branwell Brontë]

You're quite welcome.

[Emily Brontë]

But you will please turn around and

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

go back to the village at once.

[Branwell Brontë]

What for, Miss Charlotte?

[Emily Brontë]

For our brother. For Branwell.

[Branwell Brontë]

Have you not seen enough of Branwell for one evening, Miss Charlotte? Drunk and brave in front of the tavern.

[Anne Brontë]

He may be hurt.

[Branwell Brontë]

A few bruises on that wild head won't come amiss.

[Emily Brontë]

You will do as I say, Ms. Nichols.

[Branwell Brontë]

I'm afraid I must decline. Granwell's in no condition to squire you girls to Thornton House.

[Emily Brontë]

I order you to turn around instantly. At this very moment, Grandma may be lying dead in the gutter.

[Branwell Brontë]

At this very moment, I don't care.

[Emily Brontë]

Good heavens, Emily, what are we going to do?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Go to Thornton House, Charlotte dear, and try to enjoy ourselves.

[Branwell Brontë]

Excuse me, Miss Emily. I. I must pay my respects to lady Thornton. Will you dance with me later?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

As often as you wish, Mr. Nichols.

[Branwell Brontë]

Thank you.

[Anne Brontë]

Wait.

[Innkeeper]

Yes?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Please don't be angry with Charlotte. She doesn't mean half of what she says. You discover that when you know her better.

[Branwell Brontë]

I'm not angry, Ms. Emily. And don't worry about brand animal.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

We can take care of himself.

[Anne Brontë]

Mr. Nichols.

[Emily Brontë]

Mr. Nichols, I should like you to dance with me.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Thank you, Ms. Sh.

[Emily Brontë]

My request is not prompted by the slightest desire to dance with you. I wish merely to fl.

[Branwell Brontë]

In that case, may I suggest the conservative? This way, Ms. Charles.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

I'll come straight to the point, Ms. Nicholls.

[Emily Brontë]

Like many people here, I have noticed that you pay very particular attention to

[Branwell Brontë]

my sister Emily in your absence. Your sister and I have become good friends, Miss Charlotte.

[Innkeeper]

Yes.

[Emily Brontë]

And I have every intention of protecting Emily from any humiliation to which her generous nature might lead her. I also have a plan for Emily. A dream very Dear to both our hearts. Any obstacle which stands in the way I shall remove without square. Do I make myself clear?

[Branwell Brontë]

May I ask the nature of your plan?

[Emily Brontë]

As soon as I have accumulated sufficient money, I'm going to take Emily to Belgium. There are a number of schools in Brussels that offer an excellent curriculum in exchange for the teaching of English.

[Branwell Brontë]

An admirable plan. But it surprises me that anything so

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

prosaic should haunt your dreams.

[Emily Brontë]

Is it prosaic to want to escape from this rut in which we spent all our lives? Is it ignoble to yearn for a world rich in material for the books we shall one day write?

[Branwell Brontë]

Miss Emily has always given me the impression of being very content in her rut. And you?

[Emily Brontë]

And I.

[Branwell Brontë]

You, I fear, will take your rut with you. Shall we go back inside now, Miss Charlotte?

[Emily Brontë]

With pleasure. You understand, of course, that you will dance no more with Emily this evening?

[Branwell Brontë]

On the contrary, I'm going to ask

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

her for the next dance.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Very well.

[Emily Brontë]

You came to the vicarage at my request, Mrs. Nicholson. And tomorrow, at my request, you shall leave.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Shall I?

[Branwell Brontë]

Miss Charlotte, there are two ways of dealing with young ladies of your perverse temperament. One way is this.

[Anne Brontë]

You. You dare.

[Emily Brontë]

You dare to kiss me?

[Branwell Brontë]

Be thankful, miss Charlotte, that I prefer kissing a woman to beating her.

[Anne Brontë]

Mr. Nichols. Oh, Mr. Nichols, please come here. Mr. Nichols. Branwell, he's creating a dreadful scene.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I'll see what I can do, missy.

[Innkeeper]

Oh, come now, Lady Thornton.

[Anne Brontë]

I repeat, Mr. Brownstead, you had better leave this house at once.

[Innkeeper]

We'll make a bargain. You show me where you fit in

[Emily Brontë]

the drink, and I'll say the last dance to you.

[Branwell Brontë]

That will be enough, Branwell.

[Emily Brontë]

I've come for a drink.

[Branwell Brontë]

You've had enough for one night. We're leaving.

[Innkeeper]

Take your hands on me.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Reasonable.

[Emily Brontë]

I'll take you to Molly.

[Charlotte Brontë]

Coddle me.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I'm.

[Branwell Brontë]

I'm dreadfully sorry, Lady Thorton. I. I had to do it. I'll carry him out for the carriage, Emily.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Excuse me, Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

If I were a man, Miss Nichols, you would have to answer for this.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

A change of sex could hardly make you more unjust than your being at this moment.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Charlotte.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Now find an.

[Emily Brontë]

We're going home.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

But at Lady Thornton's home, Mr. Nichols, I. I'm afraid you'll have to leave.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hollis, Sir.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Very well, Mr. Just a moment, father.

[Charlotte Brontë]

I'm fully responsible for last night's scandal. Mr. Nichols tried only to spare my sister's further disgrace.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Mr. Nichols is not in horror to protect your sisters. And as for you, I Should prefer not to see your face for a long time. That stock cannot hurt me, Father.

[Charlotte Brontë]

I'm already too numbed by the great blows of destiny.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

A toe of my boots would be your destiny. All right, Nichols, you may stay. But in the future, keep your fist to yourself.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

You should have scratched his scalp.

[Branwell Brontë]

You know, Branwell, you're not nearly as

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

bad as you imagine.

[Charlotte Brontë]

I do not judge myself to be bad at all. I'm much misjudged by my sisters, who I've no doubt have poisoned your mind against me.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Ungrateful.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ungrateful.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

What have you ever done to earn their gratitude?

[Charlotte Brontë]

Well, if I had money, I should

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

do a great deal.

[Branwell Brontë]

What?

[Charlotte Brontë]

Send them to Brussels, Maybe Emily and Charlotte. Anything that would take their tedious enthusiasms out of this house.

[Branwell Brontë]

You know Bran won't. I've never seen any of your paintings.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Would you mind showing them to me? Why? Because I like paintings? Because I wonder how.

[Branwell Brontë]

How good you really are?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Because I may wish to buy some. Buy some, eh?

[Charlotte Brontë]

Come up to the attic, Mr. Nichols.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Come in, Miss Emily. You came all the way to the village to call on me?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

We've not seen much of you these

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

past days, Mr. Nichols.

[Branwell Brontë]

No, I. I imagined my presence at

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

the Would occasion nothing but embarrassment.

Charlotte.

In part.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

But you mustn't let her intimidate you.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

In any case, she's so excited now that our misfortunes at Thornton House are all but forgotten. Branwell has sold some of his paintings, Mr. Nichols.

Well, you must offer him my warmest congratulations.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

And with the money, he's sending Charlotte

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

and me to Brussels.

Oh, how splendid of Branwell.

Charlotte is delighted you are not.

But, Miss Emily, I. I thought this was your aim, your ambition.

Dreams that come true are no longer dreams, Mr. Nicholls.

But think, Miss Emily, what you might know.

I can only think that even now

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

it's not too late. Anne could go in my place.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Tell me I need not go, Mr. Nicholls.

I. I cannot tell you that, Miss Emily.

Forgive me, I. I had no right to ask. Goodbye, Mr. Nichols.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Our stars, Jane Wyman, Virginia Bruce and Vincent Price, will return with Act 2

[Branwell Brontë]

of Devotion in a moment.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Act two of devotion starting. Jane wyman as emily bronte, vincent price as Mr. Nichols, and virginia bruce as charlotte. With the money Mr. Nichols gave him for his painting, Branwell had sent Emily and Charlotte to Brussels to further their education. It's night now, and in their room adjoining the Hagar School, Charlotte opens a letter from home.

[Emily Brontë]

Father has a cold, Aunt Elizabeth's having eye trouble, and Branwell is behaving as disgracefully as ever.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Oh, dear.

[Emily Brontë]

In the three months we've been here, Emily, I don't believe Anna sent us one piece of good news.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Charlotte, will you tell me something, please?

[Anne Brontë]

Wait.

[Emily Brontë]

A lie for Mr. Letta.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Just what is it that's going on between you and Mr. Agar?

[Emily Brontë]

What's going on?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

The way you look at him, the

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

way you speak to him.

[Emily Brontë]

The Eggar happens to be the master of the school, Emily.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

And a great man of great charm.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Does he also happen to be a man with whom you imagine yourself in love, Emily?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Oh, Charlotte.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Did we once not promise there would

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

never be secrets between us?

[Emily Brontë]

There are some things which I've thought it better not to tell.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Any man would find you most attractive, Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

And I haven't mentioned this to you before, Emily, because. Well, because I was too ashamed. But that night at Thornton house, that insufferable Mr. Nichols tried to kiss me. In fact, he did kiss me.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Mr. Nichols.

[Emily Brontë]

There's no need to look so startled. I assure you I was quite equal to the situation.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

I. I asked you about Mr. Agar.

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, please, Emily. I do wish to finish Anne's letter. There's a very important looking postcript that. Emily.

[Anne Brontë]

Emily, look.

[Emily Brontë]

They're going to publish two of our poems in the corner magazine. Zachary has read them and asks. Who are these brilliant brothers?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Zachary, if Mr. Nichols does you the honor of loving you, why do you always speak so slightingly of him?

[Emily Brontë]

The honor of loving or you must be mad with our poems, Emily.

[Anne Brontë]

It started to come true.

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, I can't wait it.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Charlotte, dear, do you mind? I believe I've heard enough of him for one day.

[Emily Brontë]

Well, it was you who brought up his name.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh.

[Emily Brontë]

Turn out the lamp, Emily.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Let's go to sleep. Charlotte, about Mr. Nicholls. Is he in love with you?

[Emily Brontë]

What do you know about love, Emily? I assure you, love is not the tormented thing you're making it in your book. I find your people very strange, Emily. Unreal.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

When are you going to finish your book?

[Emily Brontë]

My book? My Jane Eyre?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I don't know.

[Emily Brontë]

I don't want to write now.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I'm much too busy living or too

[Emily Brontë]

busy dreaming or whatever it is. It suits me admirably.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

There are those whom it may not suit so admirably.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Good night, Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

Good night, Emily.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

There could never be anything ugly about your world, Ms. Emily. But I do feel somewhat of a trespasser.

Charlotte.

[Anne Brontë]

He loves Charlotte.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Knowing you is a rare privilege, Miss Emily.

[Anne Brontë]

Charlotte, It's Charlotte. Tell me I need not go, Mr. Nichols.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Tell me I need not Go.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I'm. I'm afraid I can't tell you that, Charlotte.

[Anne Brontë]

Emily.

[Emily Brontë]

What's the matter, Emily?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I was dreaming. Oh, well, do go to sleep, dear. The rider on the morning. Oh, I saw his face. I saw his face and now I know I'm going to die. Oh, there's not much time. There's not much time.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

What did you say, Emily?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Nothing, Charlotte. Nothing.

[Emily Brontë]

You knew I was with Miss Agar. Why did you insist on. On seeing me?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

A letter from Father Branwell is terribly ill. We'll have to go home at once, Charlotte.

[Anne Brontë]

Go home?

[Emily Brontë]

But Branwell's always being ill, and he always recovers.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Get your trunk packed.

[Emily Brontë]

I'll do nothing of the sort. You never like this place, Emily. You're probably only too glad to leave. But I have no intention of giving up my education.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

The sooner you give up the form of education in which you're indulging, the better it will be for everyone.

[Emily Brontë]

Charlotte, I refuse to sacrifice my career to an hysterical whim of yours.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Where are you going?

[Emily Brontë]

I'm going in the Dragon,

[Charlotte Brontë]

Charlotte.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

You have really loved me, Draegar.

[Charlotte Brontë]

And if your brother is ill, of

[Emily Brontë]

course you must go to him. You wouldn't send me away like this.

[Anne Brontë]

You wouldn't.

[Charlotte Brontë]

I am not sending you away, Charlotte. It only seems wiser if you go.

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, what a fool you've made of me.

[Innkeeper]

What a fool.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

What did you say, Charlotte?

[Anne Brontë]

What did you say?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

You're glad we're on this ship, Glad to be going home.

[Emily Brontë]

Yes, I'm glad. I would have told you so before, but I've hated so to admit I've been wrong. Wrong about Monsieur Agar, wrong about everything. I may even have been wrong about poor Mr. Nichols.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Poor Mr. Nichols?

[Emily Brontë]

Perhaps he does. What do you think?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I think, Charlotte, that.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

That you've had a severe shock.

[Emily Brontë]

I also think that you will recover with rapidity.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

That may astonish even yourself. Look, Charlotte. The coast of England.

[Anne Brontë]

England.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Of course you'll recover, Branwell. Another week or so and we'll be racing over the moors just as we used to do.

[Charlotte Brontë]

There's no need for that sort of eyewash between us, Emily. I'm glad you're back. Read it to me once again.

[Emily Brontë]

Read what?

[Charlotte Brontë]

That last paragraph of your story, if you wish.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

But heaven did not seem to be my home. And I broke my heart with weeping to come back to earth. And the angels were so angry that they fled me out into the middle of the heath on top of Wuthering Heights, where I woke sobbing with joy.

[Charlotte Brontë]

That's the Kind of book I should

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

like to have written.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

But it's not finished, Branwell.

[Charlotte Brontë]

Your Wuthering Heights and Charlotte's Jane Eyre. Well, finished or not, one thing is clear as daylight about the two books. You're both in love with the same man, Branwell.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

I.

[Charlotte Brontë]

Don't get excited. No one say your discerning brother will ever notice that. Charlotte certainly won't. Well, you're not attempting any passionate denials.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I've never been able to deceive you, Branwell.

[Charlotte Brontë]

You're giving it too much thought, my dear.

[Emily Brontë]

What are you talking about?

[Charlotte Brontë]

That pretty view as you look out the window there.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Haworth church and Haworth graveyard.

You're imagining things, Branwell.

[Charlotte Brontë]

All the same, I should lose no time in finishing that masterpiece of yours.

[Emily Brontë]

I'm sorry you cannot stay for tea, Mr. Nichols.

[Branwell Brontë]

I'm sorry too, miss Charlotte. I came only to return these chapters

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

of Jane Eyre you lent me.

What is your opinion?

It will be a fine book. You mix your words with magic.

Thank you.

[Emily Brontë]

Surely you can spare a moment to see Branwell.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Oh, of course, Mr. Nichols.

[Emily Brontë]

Ever since my return, I've done my best to atone for my injustices to you.

[Branwell Brontë]

You've been kindness itself.

[Emily Brontë]

Then why do you avoid me so? And when you cannot avoid me, you laugh at me.

[Branwell Brontë]

May I say that I see you

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

for what you are, Miss Charlotte. What you are pleases me.

[Branwell Brontë]

And if I attempt to avoid you

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

or laugh at you, that is my feeble defense.

[Emily Brontë]

But from what do you wish to defend yourself, sir?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

From liking you too. Well, I. I think I'd better see Branwell now.

[Emily Brontë]

Here is a visitor for you, Branwell.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Hello, Branwell. And miss Emily.

Good afternoon, Mr. Nichols.

[Charlotte Brontë]

It was good of you to come, Nichols. But I'm not ready for the administrations of the church yet. Thanks to the attentions inflicted on me by these charming jailers here.

[Emily Brontë]

Your charming jailers are quite as anxious

[Aunt Elizabeth]

to as you are.

[Emily Brontë]

For your recovery, they too would appreciate a little more freedom.

[Charlotte Brontë]

The martyr's crown sits most uneasily on that arrogant brow of yours, Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

Then I surrender it willingly to you.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I don't think these family exchanges can

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

be much amusement to Mr. Nichols.

[Branwell Brontë]

I find Branwell's persistent attempts to shock me most diverting.

[Charlotte Brontë]

You know, I sometimes think you regard my family as a group of players performing for your benefit.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

That shows how little you know me.

[Charlotte Brontë]

But beware, lest one day you are called upon to play a part in our wretches.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Wretched story. That's nonsense.

[Branwell Brontë]

Oh, come, Branwell. Don't try to Make a tragedy out

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

of your little comedy of errors.

[Charlotte Brontë]

I see no comedy in the era I suspect you are about to commit.

[Branwell Brontë]

Well, I must be off to my parish meeting.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Next time, Branwell, don't talk in riddles. I'm a very simple fellow.

[Charlotte Brontë]

If you had the least idea of what I was talking about, I doubt if you'd care to come again.

[Emily Brontë]

Go down with Mr. Nichols, Emily, and get yourself some tea. I'll stay with Branwell.

[Charlotte Brontë]

Goodbye. Oh, Emily, why don't you let Mr. Nichols read your book?

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, do let him. He's been most kind about mine.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I do not choose to this way, Mr. Nichols.

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, Branwell, why are you so ill disposed towards me?

[Charlotte Brontë]

Ill disposed? When you've saved my life?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Of what?

[Charlotte Brontë]

Certainly the knowledge that my continued existence irks you immeasurably is the only thing that makes my life worth living.

[Emily Brontë]

You don't mean that. And no matter what you say, I shall never forget the great sacrifice you made for us.

[Charlotte Brontë]

Oh, Charlotte, I'm much too ill to go on playing the role of a hero. I did not send you and Emily to Brussels. Nichols bought my paintings. Bought them on the condition that you and she be sent abroad to further your studies.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I see.

[Emily Brontë]

But contrary to your expectations, Branwell, I now have more reason to be grateful than ever before. Of course, we shall have to retain its nickels, Emily. Every penny of it.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

We can discuss it later.

[Emily Brontë]

You know, if any proof were needed that he loved me, this is it. Don't you agree?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I agreed a long time ago.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Yes, you did.

[Emily Brontë]

You're very clever, Emily. But why doesn't he speak?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Why, Charlotte, whose was Branwell?

[Emily Brontë]

Anne and father. Oh, why must you always get off the sub?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Mr. Nichols? Good evening.

[Branwell Brontë]

I stopped by to see your father, Miss Emily.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There are a couple of books he

[Branwell Brontë]

said I might borrow.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Well, father has gone out with aunt Elizabeth and Anne to the village concert.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Please take whatever you wish, Mr. Nichols. Or did you really come to see Charlotte?

Am I so few? No, no, I came to see you, Miss Emily.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Charlotte is writing.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

She's upstairs. I'll call.

[Branwell Brontë]

I said I came to see you. Oh, Miss Emily, you can't do this.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Do what?

[Branwell Brontë]

I met your father in the village. He told me you now plan to turn governess. And I say you can't do it.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Mr. Nichols, I've all but finished my book. And when it is done, I shall naturally be anxious to secure some sort of position.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

But you're a poet, a dreamer of great dreams. You can't become a stairman.

But I can Quite easily. With the extensive education you saw fit to bestow upon me, I imagine I

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

could be almost anything.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Oh, yes, Mr. Nichols, as you must

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

know, reticence is not one of Branwell's strong points.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I thought what I did would be for the best.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

And from your point of view, it most assuredly was.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

You gave Charlotte what she wanted and got rid of me at the same time.

How can you? You say such things?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Because I'm a human being.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

There can be nothing but truth between you and me, Miss Emily.

[Branwell Brontë]

If the village is too small for

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

the three of us, it is not you who shall go.

I've tried. I've tried to stop loving you. I really have tried. Mr. Nichols.

[Innkeeper]

Emily.

[Anne Brontë]

Charlotte. What is it? Granro? He's not in his room. He's gone. I've looked everywhere. God, Emily, what are you doing? I'm going to find him. He can't have gone very far. But, Emily, your cold is poisonous.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Leave it to me, Miss Charlotte.

[Branwell Brontë]

I'll have him home again in a very few minutes.

[Emily Brontë]

Well, I'm coming too. Just let me find my coat.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

And Emily's.

[Emily Brontë]

She only hadn't gone out in that thin.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

In the gutter as usual, Emily. But the first time I failed to reach the tavern. Usually it's the home journey that's so difficult. Oh, try and get up.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Give me your arm.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Oh, this is a poor village.

Bramble.

[Anne Brontë]

Bramble.

[Emily Brontë]

Must we endure two such great losses within a single week, Mr. Nichols? Branwell's death. And now you choose to leave Haworth.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Miss Charlotte. Miss Emily.

[Branwell Brontë]

I don't think I need explain what

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

knowing you both has meant to me. Let me just wish you both the great success you so truly merit. Goodbye.

Goodbye, Mr. Nicholson.

Goodbye, Mr. Emily.

Goodbye.

[Emily Brontë]

But why are you leaving us?

[Branwell Brontë]

Because I am not a big enough

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

man to live sight side by side with greatness.

[Branwell Brontë]

Nor am I so small that I can stand by and witness its torment.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

But I don't understand.

[Branwell Brontë]

One day.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

One day you will, dear Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

I know nothing, Emily. I understand nothing. And yet I have dared to write 200,000 words about life.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Act Three of Devotion, starring Jane Wyman, Vincent Price and Virginia Bruce, will continue in a moment. Act three of the votion starring Jane Wyman as Emily, Vincent Price as Mr. Nichols and Virginia Bruce as Charlotte. The month following Branwell's death and and Mr. Nichols departure have brought abundant success to the blondish history. Emily's Wuthering Heights and Charlotte's Gay Air have been published with resounding acclaim. But Emily's health has failed Rapidly. And she remains in Haworth while Charlotte glows in the adulation of London's most eminent personalities. Among them, Mr. William Makepeace Thackeray.

[Emily Brontë]

And what place is this, Mr. Thackeray? You've taken me to so many places

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

these past few days.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is the celebrated Cheshire Cheese Inn, Miss Blounty.

[Emily Brontë]

The Cheshire Cheese where Samuel Johnson and Mr. Boswell there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Exactly. Do you realize, young woman, that Jane Eyre is causing even more of a stir than my own Vanity Fair? Though I doubt the Vanity Fair required any studying about. And yet it's strange, is it not?

[Emily Brontë]

What is strange, sir?

[Narrator/Announcer]

That Jane Eyre should be so much more successful than Wuthering Heights. Your sister wrote the better book, Miss Brontes.

[Emily Brontë]

If you think to tease me, Mr. Thackeray, you are failing dismally. I enjoy success too much to care how well I merit it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tell me, why didn't your ingenious sister come to London with you?

[Emily Brontë]

She's been very ill. Sickness plagues all the Brontes, Mr. Thackeray, but I doubt if she would have come anyway.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

She detests crowds.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, yes, one gathers that in her book.

[Emily Brontë]

But oddly enough, I think she's very happy in that strange, lonely world of his. She never had the slightest desire to meet anyone outside the family, you know.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Indeed. Then if it is not too impertinent question, how did she come to experience so great and tragic a love?

[Emily Brontë]

Tragic love, Ernest, the most loving and lovable person in the world. But if you're implying that she has experienced a great romantic passion, I can assure you such is not the case.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Read Wuthering Heights.

[Emily Brontë]

I'm going to make a most terrible confession, Mr. Thackeray. I never have read all of it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You should, you know. It's really quite good. I like you, Miss Bromley. I like the way you drink. All this in the admiration of a great city, just as if you'd been doing it all your life.

[Emily Brontë]

Well, I've been dreaming it all my life. Tell me, do people always stare at

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

you like this, even in an evening place?

[Narrator/Announcer]

They're staring at you, my dear.

[Anne Brontë]

Oh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And how does it feel to be a lion?

[Emily Brontë]

Well, it depends entirely upon the keeper and the food, Mr. Thackeray.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, in that event, I'd better order something. Waiter. If you continue to be so penetratingly intelligent, you'll never be happy, my child. Never.

[Emily Brontë]

My brother Branwell always said that to ride in the path with Thackeray would be the height of success.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He was quite right, of course. But you are not thinking of the height of anything at the moment.

[Emily Brontë]

I was wondering if you would ever walk with me on the moors of Hollywood.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What's that walk? Moors were intended to be written about, my dear, not walked on. Miss Charlotte, are you so fearful of not being recognized that you must take a copy of your novel out driving with you?

[Anne Brontë]

Oh, no.

[Emily Brontë]

It's for a friend, Mr. Thackeray. Tell me, how far is it to the East End?

[Narrator/Announcer]

East end? Geographically, about four miles. Socially, over a thousand. You're not suggesting we go there?

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, I wish to very much. There's a minister I should like to see.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Indeed. Miss Charlotte, I have a sincere regard for you as an author and a deep affection as a friend. But if you imagine I'm going to take you to the East End, a district inhabited exclusively by thieves and cut throats.

[Innkeeper]

And yours, Bill.

[Emily Brontë]

I shall go there.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Drive us.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Turn around.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Drive us to the end.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Very good,

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Miss Charlotte.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Miss Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

I could not be in London, Mr. Nichols, without finding out how you are.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Father.

What. What a happy surprise to see you.

[Emily Brontë]

Mr. Thackeray graciously consented to drive me down here.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

He's.

[Emily Brontë]

He's waiting in the carriage.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

How kind of him.

[Emily Brontë]

And I brought you a first edition of my novel.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Thank you. I've read it, of course. It is the beautiful work on you at Whitby, Miss Charlotte. It all turned out exactly as you planned.

[Emily Brontë]

Not Exactly. You see, Mr. Nichols, I thought I would be happy.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

And you're not.

[Emily Brontë]

Mr. Nichols, at our last meeting, you said that I would one day understand.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I'm afraid that day has still to dawn. I believed.

[Emily Brontë]

But then you know what I believe.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

You believe? Truly, Miss Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

Well, then tell me. Tell me, what is it? What barrier has stood between us for so long?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I left Haworth because Emily offered me an affection I could not return.

Emily.

Because I love you, Charlotte. Because I have always loved you.

[Emily Brontë]

Emily. Oh, now I know what Mr. Thackeray meant when he asked me when I had last read Wuthering heights. Excuse me, Mr. Nicholas. I. I shouldn't keep Mr. Thackeray waiting. Well, go on.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

In Charlotte's letter. What else does she have to say about London?

[Anne Brontë]

She had a brief visit with Mr. Nichols.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

She found him.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Well, I can't read anymore.

[Anne Brontë]

I'm not with Emily. So we'll upstairs.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

He's in good hands. Dr. Barnes is with her.

[Anne Brontë]

He'd been up there a dreadfully long time.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Dr. Ben.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

A very thorough and painstaking physician. We should only be thankful that Emily

[Emily Brontë]

has at last consented to see him. But I'm not.

[Anne Brontë]

If Emily consents To see a doctor. It can mean only one thing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

None of that.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Morbert taught me. Proceed with the letter.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Yes, Father. I had hoped by this time that

[Emily Brontë]

Anne and Emily would have been able to join me here.

[Anne Brontë]

Surely Emily has sufficient. I can't go on. A really good.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

There, child. Don't take on.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I have no more of this.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Emily's wishes are.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

I shall write Charlotte at once to come home.

[Anne Brontë]

The baggage in the hallway, please. Charlotte.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Charlotte, my dear.

[Emily Brontë]

Well, isn't anyone glad to see you?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Oh, how glad we are to see you, Father.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

Ann.

[Emily Brontë]

Aunt Elizabeth.

[Anne Brontë]

I'm home. I'm home.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

We'd not expected you for weeks, dear.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You weren't happy in London?

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, London was very kind, Papa. However, one can have too much of a good thing.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Where's Emily? Upstairs. Charlotte still can find the bed? Yes. Oh, she'll be so happy you're back. Wilty.

I wonder.

[Anne Brontë]

Charlotte.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Excuse me, Mr. Bunting.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

Yes, Dr. Vaughn? I wonder if I might have a word with you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Certainly.

[Mr. Brontë (Father)]

We go to my study.

[Emily Brontë]

Anne, what is this? What's happened?

[Anne Brontë]

Oh, Charlotte.

[Emily Brontë]

She's grown steadily worse since you left. Can you let me stay on in London?

[Anne Brontë]

We couldn't help it. She forbade us to tell you.

[Emily Brontë]

You forbade them to tell me? Oh, Emily. Emily, how could you?

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Hush, dear, hush. Oh, it's so wonderful to see you again. But how could you bear to leave the scenes of your triumph so soon? Don't tell me success is an illusion, or I shall be horribly disappointed.

[Emily Brontë]

No, darling. Success is everything. I hoped it might be, but there was something missing.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

What?

[Emily Brontë]

You, my darling.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I don't believe a word of it, but it's very nice to bask in that fatal charm of yours again.

[Emily Brontë]

And all the most interesting people I met talked incessantly of Wuthering Heights. Thackeray's last words were, pay my homage to that genius sister of yours.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Bless the old cynic.

[Emily Brontë]

And the publishers say they won't have a moment's peace until your next book is in the printing press.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

You'll have to wait a dreadfully long time, I'm afraid.

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, nonsense, nonsense. Now that I'm back to look after you, you'll be up and about in no time.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Almost the same words I said to Branwell.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Emily.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Mr. Nichols. Did you see Mr. Nichols?

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, yes. Curiosity overcame my pride, and I went. He was as pleasant and courteous to me as ever. But I found that my old feeling for him was as dead as though it had never been.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Please don't lie to me, Charlotte. Not Tonight. I have so little time for you

[Emily Brontë]

not to say those things, Emily, are not to.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

All our lives, there's been too much left unsaid between us. Loving is the only thing that really matters, Charlotte. It's worthwhile being hurt a bit to find that out. The world has always frightened me just a little. So I'm. I'm not really afraid to leave it now. Oh, someday. Sometimes, when I hear the wind blowing through the heather or see the sun go down beyond Wuthering Heights, I think perhaps I'd like to stay just a little longer.

[Emily Brontë]

Oh, but you're not trying, Emily.

[Anne Brontë]

You can stay.

[Emily Brontë]

You must stay. Oh, listen to me, my darling. Any good there is in me has come from you. Any courage that I've ever shown has been inspired by you. You're everything that I would wish to be.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

My cousin.

[Emily Brontë]

And life without you would have no meaning.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

When he returns, and he will. You'll find the meaning, Charlotte.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

A far happier one than I could ever teach you.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Emily is coming for me.

[Anne Brontë]

Charlotte. The rider of the moors. Emily.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Emily.

[Innkeeper]

Fucker.

[Branwell Brontë]

Mark. Once she brought me to this spot on the moor.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Charlotte.

[Branwell Brontë]

This was the place she loved best of all.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Here she will always remain.

[Emily Brontë]

Even the last words she wrote were for us.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

This paper here.

[Emily Brontë]

I found it this morning.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

I linger here, listening to the soft wind breathing across my beloved moor.

[Branwell Brontë]

They must not imagine there is unquiet

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

slumber for a sleeper in this quiet earth. For their love is also here with me.

And when he returns, and he will,

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

you'll find the meaning.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Charlotte. You were right, dear Emily.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

I have found the mean.

[Emily Brontë]

No.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Our stars return for their trekking calls and gasha nomen.

[Aunt Elizabeth]

Oh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Evening. The theater is complete without a curtain call. And here are tonight's stars, back in the spotlight. Jane Wyman, Virginia Bruce and Vincent Price. Jane, we're especially grateful to you for taking over for Idino as he's ill and giving us such a wonderful performance.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Thank you, Bill. I enjoyed doing it. See, this is the first time you and I've worked together since Brother Rap.

[Branwell Brontë]

Virginia, I understand you've become quite a

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

horse fancier these days.

[Emily Brontë]

Well, I get a lot of pleasure out of raising and riding horses, Vince, and so does Jane.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, you both have the same hobby, eh?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Hobby? Hay is right. I spend most of my spare time

[Emily Brontë]

caring for the horses, but I love it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You have a filly that you're raising, haven't you, Virginia?

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

That's right. Do you know what her fastest time is?

[Emily Brontë]

Yes, from the barn door to the feed box.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How about you, Vincent? Do you ride?

[Branwell Brontë]

I owned a horse once, Bill, but I got rid of him. He was too polite.

[Mr. Nichols (Curate)]

Too polite?

[Branwell Brontë]

Yes. Whenever we came to a ditch, he'd stop and let me go over first.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I see. A little disconcerting.

[Branwell Brontë]

Disconcerting is right there I'd be without a horse going 14 miles an hour on an empty stomach.

[Jane Wyman (Emily Brontë)]

Well, Vince, one of the first rules of horsemanship is to let the horse understand who's the master.

[Branwell Brontë]

Yes, we argued about that for hours.

[Emily Brontë]

How did you come out?

[Branwell Brontë]

You know the saying that horses are sure footed?

[Emily Brontë]

Indeed, they are sure footed.

[Branwell Brontë]

But this one dame was perfect.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Good night and thank you for devotion.