Lux Radio Theatre - Flight Command

Summary

Podcast Summary: Lux Radio Theatre – "Flight Command"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: June 28, 2026
Original Airdate (Lux): 1940
Stars: Robert Taylor, Walter Pidgeon, Ruth Hussey
Host: Cecil B. DeMille

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Episode Overview

This episode features Lux Radio Theatre’s adaptation of "Flight Command," a thrilling and emotional drama set among World War II-era Navy pilots. Cecil B. DeMille introduces and produces the story, which centers around Alan Drake, a green but ambitious naval aviator (Robert Taylor), his commanding officer Bill Gary (Walter Pidgeon), and Lorna Gary (Ruth Hussey), capturing the camaraderie, heroism, and emotional turbulence faced by military fliers and their families.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Outline

Opening and Introduction (01:19–03:30)

• Cecil B. DeMille sets the tone:
  Describes the pride and admiration for U.S Navy pilots, calling them "modern knights of the sky," and introduces the main cast reprising their film roles.
  • “Every throttle was in the hands of a young American with nerves of steel. A modern knight of the sky who rides alone. But not quite alone, because at his right hand is courage and at his left a thousand horsepower.” (DeMille, 03:02)

Act 1: Fresh Wings and Fog (03:31–20:41)

• A tense night landing:
  The squadron at North Island, San Diego waits for replacement pilot Alan Drake, overdue in dangerous fog. Radio operators desperately try to guide him to safety.
• First test of nerves:
  Drake's cockpit bravado collides with military protocol; he’s ordered multiple times to bail out but resists, hoping to save the plane.
• Dramatic arrival and introduction to the squadron:
  He bails out, lands in the bay, and stumbles into a nearby home—unknowingly meeting Lorna Gary, wife of his new commander.
  • “Excuse, please. I don’t want to be excused. I just want to use the phone. Excuse me.” (Drake, 09:03)
  • Humorous moment as Drake bumbles through introducing himself and attempts to impress.
• Adjustment and social awkwardness:
  Alan meets the rest of Fighting Eight squadron but is received with skepticism; his inexperience and risky fog landing mark him as a liability.
• First training and squadron tension:
  During target practice, Drake’s over-eagerness causes a dangerous mishap, cementing resentment from some squadron members.
  • “If you’d only taken it easy and not tried to shoot that sleeve to ribbons...you didn’t have to do all the shooting. We were up there too, you know.” (Squadron member, 19:15)

Act 2: Friendships, Inventions & Tragedy (21:56–40:04)

• Lorna and Drake’s evolving relationship:
  Alan seeks out Lorna, still unaware of her identity at first, and invites her dancing. The revelation that she is the commander’s wife results in mutual embarrassment but leads to acceptance into the squadron's social circle.
• Squadron camaraderie and invention subplot:
  Jerry Banning’s fog landing device represents the forward-looking hopes of the pilots; Alan, with radio expertise, helps debug it.
  • “Come on, Pensacola. When we get through, there’ll be a railroad track running right down from the sky. No more getting caught on top with gas running low and no place to sit down.” (Jerry, 29:53)
• Flight test disaster:
  Jerry insists on testing the device in real fog but crashes fatally. His death devastates Lorna and shatters the squadron.
• Lorna’s grief and Drake’s kindness:
  Alan returns Jerry’s photo from the crash, tries to comfort Lorna, and they bond over shared grief and support.
• Emotional climax – Lorna’s crisis:
  Lorna feels lost and confides in her husband Bill Gary about her inability to live up to the “courageous skipper’s wife” persona, revealing profound emotional vulnerability.
  • “You took my arm hard, looked at me as though you were giving an order, and said ‘steady, keep the flag flying.’ You took me for granted, Bill. You didn’t try hard enough to understand what was happening to me inside.” (Lorna, 41:16)
• Aftermath:
  Lorna leaves Bill to “find what I've lost,” both recognizing their marriage is in crisis.

Act 3: Redemption and Triumph (47:20–1:03:00)

• Squadron mistrust and resignation:
  Alan is blamed for Lorna’s departure; feeling ostracized and dishonored, he resigns.
  • “If we’re right, you don’t belong in Bill Garry’s squadron...You can have my share. You can take the Hellcats and drown them in the bay.” (Drake, 44:20)
• Called back for an emergency mission:
  During maneuvers, Bill Gary’s plane is forced down on Guadalupe Island. Drake volunteers to land and rescue the injured commander, displaying selflessness and expertise.
• Technology, teamwork, and salvation:
  Using Jerry’s fog device, now fixed, Drake leads the entire squadron home through zero visibility, saving lives.
• Emotional reunions and reconciliations:
  Lorna rushes home after Bill’s injury; their reconciliation is tender, loving, and hard-won.
  • “Darling, you’re not leaving the Navy. You belong in it. And I belong with you.” (Lorna, 58:51)
  • Drake’s vindication: “You’re a born Hellcat, Pensacola. And we’re gonna hang on to you.” (Dusty, 59:16)

Closing Reflections (1:00:00–1:03:00)

• Curtain call and tributes:
  The actors come back for curtain call, offering thanks and honoring Navy pilots.
  • “We met and worked with a lot of the men in the Naval Air Service...Great fellows. And I’d like to wish them all happy landings.” (Robert Taylor, 61:05)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “Every throttle was in the hands of a young American with nerves of steel. A modern knight of the sky who rides alone. But not quite alone, because at his right hand is courage and at his left a thousand horsepower.”
  — Cecil B. DeMille (03:02)
• “Bail out? Crash this brand new plane...cruises at 350, dives at 600. I can’t do that!”
  — Alan Drake, resisting orders (07:36)
• “You come to us with two things, Mr. Drake: a big buildup and no experience...First you’ve got to obey.”
  — Commander Gary (12:13)
• “It was James McCallum with his plane full of bullet holes. He got back to Dover and crashed, broke his leg. You’re right. No doubt about it. MacCallum from New Zealand.”
  — Alan Drake, settling a bet (26:51)
• “You see, I invented this thing for fog, didn’t I? No. All right, I’m going to fly it in fog.”
  — Jerry Banning’s drive (29:58)
• “Since Jerry died, I’ve had this terrible feeling of emptiness. The thought of your coming home should have been enough to fill it, but it wasn’t. And then something happened last night…that made me realize something we had together is lost. I’ve got to go away, Bill, and try to find it again.”
  — Lorna, on her grief and marriage (42:05)
• “I wouldn’t fly with a crowd who can suspect me of a filthy trick like this if it was the last squadron in the fleet.”
  — Alan Drake (44:18)
• “You get discouraged sometimes...but as you’re circling the carrier, waiting for your turn to land, when the flagship hoists the signal ‘Well done, Fighting 8,’ it does something to you. Inside duty well done. For a man. That’s the best in the book.”
  — Commander Gary (49:55)
• “I’m resigning, not quitting.”
  — Alan Drake, on doing his duty despite being sidelined (52:37)
• “He’s on the beam. He’s all right. There he is. See him? Breathe him home, Mr. Drake. Bring him home.”
  — Hangar crew, cheering Drake’s triumphant leadership in deadly fog (57:38)
• “You’re a born Hellcat, Pensacola. And we’re gonna hang on to you.”
  — Squadron forgives Drake (59:16)

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Notable Character Arcs

• Alan Drake
  From cocky, inexperienced flyer to trusted hero, his journey embodies humility, perseverance, and brotherhood.
• Lorna Gary
  A nuanced portrait of bravery and vulnerability; her personal crisis brings realism to the often-glorified “military wife.”
• Commander Bill Gary
  A leader tested both professionally and personally, he gains new understanding and strengthens the bonds at home and in the squadron.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction by DeMille: 01:19–03:30
• Alan Drake’s dangerous arrival: 06:00–09:07
• Drake meets Lorna: 09:08–10:43
• First squadron tensions & mishap: 17:00–20:25
• Drake and Lorna’s social misstep: 24:09–25:35
• Jerry’s crash and death: 31:15–32:41
• Lorna’s heartfelt confession: 40:04–42:41
• Drake resigns: 44:20–47:19
• Emergency rescue sequence: 52:37–59:00
• Squadron reconciles with Drake: 59:16–1:00:00
• Curtain call and closing: 1:00:00–1:03:00

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Final Thoughts

"Flight Command" on Lux Radio Theatre is both a thrilling aviation drama and a sensitive exploration of camaraderie, tragedy, and the emotional costs of service. The performances are heartfelt; the script balances action with subtle character moments. It's a classic tribute to teamwork and resilience—perfectly captured in the chemistry between Robert Taylor, Walter Pidgeon, and Ruth Hussey.

The episode offers not only nostalgia for radio’s golden age but an enduring story of heroism, compassion, and growth.

Transcript

[A]

Hey everybody, lady luck here. And we're celebrating America's 250th birthday. Now all summer long I'm going to 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 is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. Lux presents Hollywood. The lux radio theater brings you robert taylor, walter pidgeon and ruth hussey in flight command. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil b. Demille. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. In through my office window one day last week drifted the powerful roar of airplanes flying in formation. High above the sound stages, I could see flashing silver wings, the wings of the United States Navy. They flew in perfect alignment, as though controlled by one master hand. And in front of me was the story behind that comforting sight, the script of the play Flight Command, which you will hear tonight with Robert Taylor in the part of the Navy pilot. I was just as proud of those planes as though I'd been in command of the squadron myself, because I knew that every throttle was in the hands of a young American with nerves of steel. A modern knight of the sky who rides alone. But not quite alone, because at his right hand is courage and at his left a thousand horsepower. This is the frontier of the present and the future. And tonight in Flight Command, we bring you the thrilling drama of these young men who've chosen adventure for a career and wouldn't trade jobs with anybody. Our play is adapted from the Metro Goldwyn Mayer picture and we present the same stars you saw on the screen, Robert Taylor, Walter Pidgeon and Ruth Hussey. You know, between rehearsals for several weeks now, I've been spending most of my spare time looking at screen tests before deciding on the final casting of Reap the Wild Wind. It's a very pleasant job and I've certainly learned a lesson in beauty because most of those tests were in color. As I sat in the projection room, one thing was driven home again and again in the growing color of today's motion picture screen. The girl with a peaches and cream complexion has a head start in the competition for stardom. And that's where Lux toilet soap comes in. To be beautiful in color, you've got to be pretty nearly perfect. There's something about color that won't stand for imperfection and helping to keep perfection Perfect is the job of Luxe Toilet Soap. Both with the lovely ladies on the screen and the lovely ladies off the screen. Now, there's a tense and exciting drama waiting for us behind this curtain. So we'll raise it on the first act of Flight Command. Starring Robert Taylor as Alan Drake, Walter Pidgeon as Bill Gary and Ruth Hussey as Lorna Gary. Over the naval Air station at North Island, San Diego creeps a blanket of fog settling low along the ground, shrouding the control tower in a curtain of misty gray. Somewhere east of the field, a naval aviation cadet roars through the night searching for the beam that will guide him home safely. In the control tower office, the radio operator tries vainly to establish contact. Navy 5429 from North Island Tower. Answer. Navy 5429 from North Island Tower. Answer. Anything from that aviation cadet? Nothing yet, sir. I've been trying to reach him since 7 o'. Clock. What time did he leave Tucson? At 6. He should have been here an hour ago, sir. Lloyd, what's the weather in the mountains? Jacamba thunderstorms and rain squalls. Drake must have caught that. I'm afraid so, sir. His radio couldn't get through that static and he's either down somewhere or lost. Keep trying to establish contact. Yes, sir. Maybe 5,429 from North Island Tower. Any news, sir? That aviation cadet they're sending to replace Curly is overdue. An aviation cadet to replace Curly Wilson? That's a pretty big assignment, sir. I know it. When Wilson cracked up, the Hellcats lost one of the best flyers they ever had. Yes, sir. And now to send us a cadet. I thought Fighting Eight had the privilege of asking for his men, sir. We do usually. This is a special case. He graduated from Pensacola yesterday. Does he answer yet? No, sir. Can't raise him. You've got to raise him. He can't land here. When you get him, send him back to Yuma. And telephone Commander Gary. Tell him there's a stray Hellcat loose in the fall. Yes? Lost Where? Well, keep after him. I'll be over at the tower in a few minutes.

[B]

Hello, Bill.

[A]

Hello, Lorna. Did Janet Wilson get off all right?

[B]

Yes, I. I put her on the train, so that's over. I thought you'd like me to pick you up. It's pretty late. Can you come home now?

[A]

Can't do it, dear. Our new cadet is coming in. How was Janet holding up?

[B]

Not too well, I'm afraid.

[A]

Oh, she'll be all right. One of These days she'll find someone to take Curly's place.

[B]

She loved him very much, Bill.

[A]

No more than Curly loved her. If she had gone first, he'd have taken it standing up. If my number had been Curly's, you wouldn't have taken it the way she did. You couldn't.

[B]

I wouldn't bet on that, Bill.

[A]

Lorna, what's wrong?

[B]

Oh, I don't know. I'm just.

[A]

I know you're tired. Giving all you've got to Janet Wilson for two whole days and nights. It's like a blood transfusion. Do you mind if I take time out to say you've done a swell job? As usual.

[B]

You take time out and come home like a good husband.

[A]

I'm sorry, Lorna. There's a kid out there on the fog. We've got to bring him in. You run along. I'll see you just as soon as I can.

[B]

All right, Bill. Good night.

[A]

Night, dear. Navy 5429 from North Island Tower. Answer Navy 5429 from North Island Tower. North Island Tower from Navy 5429. There he is. Get a bearing on him. Give me that mic. North island tower calling Navy 5429. We've been sitting on tax for an hour. What's your position? That's what I want to know. Storms in the mountains, then cruising through fog for a couple of hours trying to find a hole. Beam Receiver not working. Unable to pick up directional beam Gas running low. Have about 10 minutes left. That won't take you back to Yuma. Fog's on the ground here. There's no field clear you can reach. Keep talking. We'll get a bearing on you. Navy 5429 testing. Navy 5429 testing. You got it yet? Yes, sir. Bearing is North island tower calling Navy 5429. Come on in. Head west, true. We'll check on you. What's up? Is Drake in trouble? Yes, sir. I'm trying to bring him over the field. If I only had my gadget working. We bring him in for that soup and sit him right down beside the hangars. Maybe, Jerry, but would he be right side up? Listen. There's his motor. Now, take that hand. Mike outside. Spot him over the field and tell him to bail out. Yes, sir. North island tower from Navy 5429. I must be getting close. Can't see anything. Can you hear my motor? We hear you. You're approaching the field. I'll spot you where? Your plane can't crash anything. You'll have to bail out. Bail out? Crash this brand new plane which is what you dream about. Cruises at 350, dives at 600. I can't do that. Forget it, Drake. You're over the field. Now. Fly west. I think I see the field lights. How do I sound? I'm coming in. Stay up there. Circle the field. He's crazy. Thinks he can get down through this. Call the ambulance and crash truck. I've got the field spotted. I'm letting down. He's too far east. He'll hit the control tower. Haul him up out of there. Pull up, Drake. Pull up. You're heading for the tower. That was close. Let me have that mic. Drake, this is squadron commander fighting eight. Don't try that again. Climb to 2000, fly due west, and when I tell you, hit the silk the winds from the west. You'll drift in over the field. Drake, answer. Drake and Navy 5429 flying due west. What's your altitude? 1800, sir. Beautiful plane, sir. Kind of a shame to crank. Do what I tell you. Go on up. Yes, sir. Imagine that guy arguing in this fog. All right, Drake, where are you? 2000, flying two west. You're set, Drake. Bail out. Ready, sir. Bailing out. Drake. Drake. Must be over the side, sir. Wind shifted, sir. Where? Nor west. Drake. Hello, Drake. He landed in the bay. All hands out. Hat patrols, cover all the seaward area of the station. Get the ambulance rolling. Be sure they have an inator. Yes, please. I wonder if I could come in a minute, use your phone? Excuse, please. I don't want to be excused. I just want to use the phone. Excuse me.

[B]

No, no, no.

[A]

Coming. Listen, listen. I'm an aviator. Flyer. Navy savvy.

[B]

Who is it? Jung.

[A]

Oh, I'm sorry to butt in like this, but I'm from the Naval air station. I just bailed out and landed in the ocean. Could I use your phone?

[B]

Certainly. Are you all right?

[A]

A couple of minutes ago I wasn't so sure. I thought I'd landed in China.

[B]

Jung, get a towel.

[A]

Oh, sure.

[B]

I get tough luck landing in the ocean.

[A]

Doesn't mean a thing in my outfit.

[B]

What is your outfit, mister?

[A]

Drake. Alan Drake. I'm one of the Hellcats.

[B]

Oh, well, you're one of the Hellcats.

[A]

Yeah. You've heard of the Hellcats, haven't you?

[B]

Well, yes. Indirectly.

[A]

Missed outfitting the fleet. Remember that serum rescue plant to Costa Rica two years ago? That was Dusty Rhodes. He's a Hellcat. And our Skipper Bill Gary. He's tops. But maybe you've met him living near the air station like this.

[B]

Yes, I seem to remember meeting him somewhere. I've certainly heard a lot about him. They say he's got the sweetest wife.

[A]

Wife? Oh, yeah. Then there's Jerry Banning.

[B]

You seem to know them pretty well.

[A]

I don't really I us know about them. See, I'm only out of Pensacola since yesterday, but. Say, where's that phone? If you don't mind.

[B]

Right there.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

When you're ready, I'll run you over to the station.

[A]

Oh, no. I've been enough of a nuisance already.

[B]

It's all right, John. Will you get the car, please? Well, now, Mr. Drake, if the Hellcats are so terribly good, and I'm sure they are, from all you say, they're great. Well, you must have had a pretty high record at Pensacola to come right into them.

[A]

Well, I work pretty hard. Everybody works hard at Pensacola, keeping pace with the defense program. But you see, fighting ain't ask for them men. Think of my luck, getting asked for by the Hellcats.

[B]

Well, I'm sure you must have rated it all.

[A]

I'm sure of this. I'm knocking on wood. I don't know much more about the Hellcats than you do, but I'll learn all right. With a break like this, a man ought to be shot if he doesn't go places.

[B]

Well, here's the first place. Hellcat Naval Air Station, North Island.

[A]

North Island. The Hellcats. Whether it's slots or live dealers, Spinquest.com has the fun and action you're looking for with Spinquest exclusives. Blackjack, roulette, baccarat and even live dice with craps and bubble craps. The games never stop so you don't have to. And right now, new users get $30 coin packs for just 10 bucks. Play [e-mail] SpinQuest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. We all do it. You have a night for yourself, but don't like the sound of the silence, so you turn on the tv just for the ambience. It's a little trick that helps you feel like you've got company and aren't alone. And other insurers, well, they may make you feel alone, but when you switch to Geico, you've got claims reps available around the clock. So whenever you need, you'll have people around to help. And let's turn on the washing machine just for good measure. Isn't that soothing? It feels good to have support. It feels good to Geico. Should I pinch myself? Well, thanks a lot. You've been swell. I'd like to be seeing you sometime.

[B]

Oh, we'll be seeing each other right now. You'd better jump in there and report.

[A]

Say, wait a minute. What's your name? Hey, I don't know your name. You come to us with two things, Mr. Drake. A big build up and no experience. What happened tonight makes the first of those look pretty sick and proves the second. Just what was your idea up there? You heard my order to bail out, didn't you? Yes, sir, but I thought I could bring her in. How could you bring her in? You couldn't see the field lights. You couldn't even see your wingtips. You thought, well, that's something you've got to think in this outfit. Mostly fast. But first you've got to obey. I know that, sir. I just didn't want to crash the plane, that's all. It's not a matter of what you want or don't want. You had orders. The Navy can build a dozen planes for every good man we can find to fly them. You're no good to his dad. Does that make any impression? Yes, sir. Good. Glad to have you aboard, Drake. Thank you, sir. You're the junior pilot around here and you're under the guns. So just obey orders and fly the best you can with your eyes open and your mouth shut. Aye, aye, sir. You'll find a room ready for you in the boq. I had some dry things laid out. Pajamas and an outfit for tomorrow. You better hit your bunk now. You've got a stiff week ahead. We put you through it before you take your place in squadron formation. Yes, sir. Thank you. But do you suppose I can meet some of my new shipmates tonight? We've heard a lot about them at Pensacola. All right. You'll probably find some of them in the officer's lounge. Good night, Drake. Yes, sir. Good night. Oh, and Drake, if it'll make you sleep any better, there isn't a man in the fleet who could have landed that plane tonight. Thank you, sir. I'll sleep fine now. Hey, fellas. Hey, I just met him. Just met who? Martin. Cadet Pensacola. He was gone in to report to the skipper. Well, what's he like? Oh, he's a well put up sort of a fella. I'm sort of his hero. Why did you make a face for him? Well, he seemed a bit shy, so I went up to him and said my name's Martin. Gosh, you should have seen the way his eyes stuck out and his voice kind of dropped to a whisper. Nice fella. He is what he said. Are you Mugger Martin? I guess he'd like to meet the rest of you too. Maybe we ought to get into our dress uniforms with some. Now, listen, that guy just fell into the drink in a parachute. Give him a break. We're not gonna do a thing to him. I just can't wait to meet a flyer who thinks he can sit down and soup. Used to be that the Fighting Ape picked its own men. Whatever happened to that idea? The skipper says we'll still be able to ask for our men. This is a special case. Suppose this green apple doesn't make the grade. Did we ever keep anyone who didn't make the grade? Here it is, fellas. Good evening. My name's Drake. Hoping I'd find some of you up. I'm sorry. Sorry I messed things up getting in. Hi, Pensacola. I'm Jerry Banning. Glad to know you. This is Payne, Murphy, Lindell and Martin. You've met. Yeah, we might've want to go. Glad to know you. And Mr. Rhodes, our executive officer. Dusty Rhodes. All Rhodes are Dusty to a sailor. How are you? And Woodward and Townsend aboard. How are you? Well, I guess I don't have to tell you how glad I am to be aboard. Are you? Didn't seem so an hour ago. Why? That landing you tried. We thought you were tired of it all. I think I could have let down through that soup. No. Say, Jerry, maybe you were wasting your time with that fog device you're inventing. Maybe. Sure. If you want to bring anything in through the fog, just stick Pensacola in the cockpit. He'll get it down. Yeah. New kind of robot. Only this one talks. Wait a minute. After I spotted the control tower, the next approach would have been a cinch. A cinch? How come? Go ahead, Pensacola. Well, having spotted the tower, I swing around climbing until I'm on a reverse course. And I hold that for a minute, then I Change course 45 to the right. Hold that 10 seconds, then swing left until I'm on my original heading. Yeah? Then what? Well, I'm heading back to the tower and clear of it. So I let down. Pretty soon there's a clear spot in the fog, so I set right down the middle of it. There's nothing to it. Wait a minute. Where'd that clear spot come from? Did you bring it with you? Me? No. The warmth of the Hellcat's reception. It burned right through the fog. Night, fellas. Hey, wait a minute. I'm confused. I thought we were doing the ribbit. Stitchy, did you walk in into that one? Yeah. You know, it looks like we've bought something from Pensacola. Everybody set here? All set, Dusty. All right, fellas, remember we're firing for a record this morning. Let's go out and hit that target every shot. Say, what's Pensacola doing out there on the line? He's got everything on, but he's. Shoot, it's Dusty. Is Drake going to fire with us this morning? With only five days shaken down, the skipper will decide that. Ah, sure, relax. The skipper isn't going to send up a green man when we're shooting for a record score. Hello. Aren't we firing machine gun practice this morning? Hello, Pensacola. Did you say we? Sure. Don't I fire the squadron today, Mr. Rhodes? Well, it's up to the skipper, but I'm afraid you need a little more shaking down. Maybe, but I'd like to know what a guy has to do around here to get out of the first grade. Experience. That's all you need, Pensacola. You can't fly in the squadron without experience. And you can't get experience without flying in the squadron. When you were practicing carrier landings out on the field a couple of days ago, you looked mighty cute with your plan standing on its nose. I cut when I got the signal. Mr. Payne was a landing officer. He can tell you. What do you say, Mr. Payne? What say, Mr. Payne? I say pipe down, Pensacola. Oh, that's. Well, first I can't shoot, now I can't talk. I'm sure glad I came. Look, Mr. Payne, was it my fault or yours? On that signal, you look. Will you forget that you knocked them all dead at Pensacola? You're in the fleet now, working on actual war problems. It happens we're firing in competition this morning for a record score. A man a week out of Pensacola isn't ready for my money. And if I were the skipper, you wouldn't shoot today. Well, that's one break for me. You're not the skipper. All pilots fighting eight, man your plane. There we go. All hands up on the line. Oh, Commander Gary. Yes, Craig? I was hoping I might be flying with the squadron today. I've had a good shaking down and I'd sure like a chance to get my teeth into things. Of course. You're flying. This is squadron competition. Win or lose, we'll do it with all hands in the air. You fly number two in my section. Thank you, sir. There's the target plane. Just taken off, sir. He'll be trailing a fabric sleeve up there. It ain't so hard to hit, sir. Shouldn't be just like shooting ducks. And don't worry about your score. Take it easy the first time. I always say your shipmates will carry you the first practice or two. Pretty good, honey. Good? They've never been beaten. You're going to see real shooting, sir. Maybe we'll all see some shooting. Maybe when that sleeve gets back, you'll be able to cook it for spaghetti. Let's go, Drake. Drake in plane two. You cut too close to that target last time. Watch yourself. Plane two.

[B]

Aye, aye.

[A]

Break and clean 2. Break and clean 2. Stay clear of that sleeve break. Competitive target practice. Final score, fighting eight. A grand total of zero. What happened, sir? Oh, nothing much. Mr. Drake wanted to hit the target with every shot, that's all. Cutting it close. Only cut it so close one time that he hit the target with a plane. Take it easy, men. Here he is. I messed that up good. I know, but it won't happen again. You were ready. All right, Pensacola. I said it won't happen again. You said it won't happen again. Or through competition firing until next year. You can't out talk the scoreboard, kid. If you'd only taken it easy and not tried to shoot that sleeve to ribbons. You didn't have to do all the shooting. We were up there, too, you know. Hasn't anyone in this outfit ever made a mistake before? Yeah, yeah. Forget about it. On the first run, I did all right. I hit that sleeve plenty. Yeah, and on the second, you mistook up her own night shirt. You realize you darn near killed yourself. Well, it was our mistake, not his. We should have figured out some way to keep him on the ground. Maybe it was your mistake for asking for me in the first place. Hey, wait a minute. You ask for your men, don't you? Mostly. You asked for me, didn't you? Didn't you? Now, what's the difference who asked for who? Come on, who's going to chow? Wait a minute. I want to get this straight. Was I asked for in this squadron or wasn't I? Tell me, was I asked for? Well, Pensacola, since you're so demanding. No, I see. It's nice to know where you stand. Anyway.

[B]

Thanks.

[A]

In just a moment, Mr. DeMille and our stars, Robert Taylor, Walter Pidgeon and Ruth Hussey will bring us Act 2 of Flight Command. Let's listen in for a moment on a little domestic scene. Mary and Joe Rogers are getting ready to go to a party.

[B]

Help me decide what to wear tonight, Jo. This pink crepe or this turquoise blue? Which do you think looks better on me?

[A]

Hold the pink one under your chin so's I can see. Now the blue. Oh, gosh, I don't know. You decide, dear. I like them both.

[B]

Oh, a big help. You are Joe Rogers.

[A]

Is it my fault, darling? You always look good whatever dress you wear. Well, it's a safe bet Mary's lovely smooth complexion has lots to do with her young husband's admiration. And it's a safe bet again that Mary wants Jo to go on thinking she always looks nice, so she sticks to a simple daily complexion care that she's found really works. Active lather facials with luxe toilet soap.

[B]

She says, I love the way luxe toilet soap's active lather removes dust, dirt, and every trace of stale cosmetics leaves your skin feeling smooth, looking so fresh. With daily luxe soap facials, you can be sure you're giving your skin a real beauty care.

[A]

These facials women tell us are so quick, so easy. Here's all you do. Pat the rich luxe soap lather lightly into your skin. Rinse with warm water, then a dash of cool and pat the face dry with a soft towel. Now your skin feels smoother. Look so fresh. I hope you'll try this luxe soap beauty routine for 30 days. Then you'll be using the same care that famous screen stars like Claudette Colbert and Barbara Stanwyck here in Hollywood use regularly. Get three cakes of gentle luxe toilet soap and start your beauty facials tomorrow. Now, our producer, Mr. DeMille. Act two of Flight Command. Starring Robert Taylor as Alan Drake, Walter Pigeon as Bill, Gary and Ruth Hussey as Lorna. 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 free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. When I got a new car, I thought my insurance premium would increase and empty my bank account like if fatween won the lottery. I've invested most of my winnings in chicken tenders because they're bomb. But bro, I bought a house and it's sick, bro. I'm thinking the floor is going to be all trampoline. Bro. With the helipad on the roof, the contractor said it's structurally unsound. They're just being babies. But switching to GEICO saved me hundreds, so my bank account is safe. It feels good to save some hard earned cash. It feels good to Geico. It's Saturday night and the pilots of Fighting Eight have left their quarters on North Island. Alan Drake, alone and lonely, remembers the girl who drove him to the air station. Not knowing her name, he's had a difficult time finding the house again. But now at last he stands in the doorway facing Lorna. Gary. Hello.

[B]

Why it's the Hellcat.

[A]

Yes. Remember me?

[B]

Of course. Come in. I was wondering when you were going to call.

[A]

Thanks. I'd have been around sooner only.

[B]

Don't apologize. I'm glad to see you.

[A]

You know, I. I wondered if you weren't doing anything, if perhaps you'd put on your dancing shoes and come out with me somewhere.

[B]

You want me to go out dancing with you?

[A]

Well, you see, I don't know many people around here, don't know anybody really, and thought maybe you'd be kind enough to sort of show me the town.

[B]

That's very sweet of you Mr. Drake, but I'm afraid you'll have to get authorization from Commander Gary.

[A]

Skipper? What's he got to do with it?

[B]

You haven't even learned my name. You don't know who I am, do you?

[A]

Well, things were happening sort of fast that night, weren't they? With all that fog and then you driving off so quickly. And what is your name?

[B]

Take a deep breath, Hellcat. The name is Gary.

[A]

Gary? Well how do you. Did you say Gary?

[B]

Uh huh. Often described as the skipper's wife. Everything fits together perfectly. A new pilot always pays a duty call on his squadron command and his wife. Come along in, join the others.

[A]

That's terribly nice of you Mrs. Gary, but I have no right to come barging in on your party.

[B]

Oh, it's no party, just hours full of Hellcats, that's all.

[A]

Hellcats?

[B]

Yes, this is sort of their hangar. Off duty. Yours too. Anytime, whenever anyone in the squadron feels like it, he just drops in.

[A]

Well, I do appreciate that Mrs. Gary, but this wasn't really a duty call and I'd rather make it another time.

[B]

Now you're not going to get sensitive, are you? Because you tried to make off with the Commander's lady?

[A]

No, Mrs. Gary, it's not that.

[B]

Well whatever it is, I wouldn't let it spoil a Saturday evening. Let's have that dance you suggested and perhaps we can talk things over later. You know, I'm sort of a mother confessor to new pilots. Advice to the lovelorn, how to play chess with the admiral's aunt. Headache powder.

[A]

I'm sorry, but I'd rather call another time, if you don't mind.

[B]

But you see, I do mind. I'm surprised. Not quite pleasantly.

[A]

I tell you, it was Jim McCallum, and I can't waste any of more time arguing. Hi, Pensacola. How are you?

[B]

Hello, Jerry. You're not leaving?

[A]

I can't hang around here all night wrangling with those apes. Got work to do on the fog device.

[B]

Wait a minute, Mr. Drake. Maybe you can help my brother. He's having an argument with the boys.

[A]

Your brother? Jerry Banning, of course. Anything funny about that, Pensacola? No, but I'm sure learning things tonight.

[B]

Look, Mr. Drake, do you know what English pilot bombed three bridges back of Dunkirk, making possible the evacuation of four divisions?

[A]

Yeah. Who was it? And was he alone? All alone? It was McCallum, the New Zealander. James MacCallum. Right. Oh, I knew it. Well, so did I.

[B]

You must come inside and back us up, mister.

[A]

Yep. Gotta settle this argument tonight. I've got a new one to start first thing in the morning. Hey, mugger. Here's Pensacola. The Flying Almanac. He says it was McCallum alone. Hiya, boy.

[B]

Hi, boy.

[A]

Hello, Drake. Good evening, Commander Gary. Just make yourself at home. You'll find a drink over there. Thank you, sir. Now, tell Martin it was McCallum without Patterson. MacCallum. What?

[B]

Bridges, Dunkirk.

[A]

Oh. Oh, yes. It was James McCallum with his plane full of bullet holes. He got back to Dover and crashed, broke his leg. You're right. No doubt about it. MacCallum from New Zealand. Well, then why did you say it was Patterson? Just to make you get red in the face, Jerry. That's all. He's turning the heat on. How are you, Pensacola? I'm fine. Sit down, Drake. Glad to see you aboard. I'm glad to be aboard, sir. Junk. Stubborn, blasted piece of junk. Spy, get me an axe. An axe, did you say, sir? No. Two axes. I put a whole year into this darned invention. Evenings, nights, Sundays, holidays, and it won't work. So let's have one glorious five minutes of riotous fun and bust it wide open. Get two axes. Now, take it easy, Jerry. Things can't be that bad. The sun's shining, isn't it? The birds are singing. What's the good of getting sore? Look, Pensacola. Maybe the birds are singing for you. You're a hellcat, full fledged, on the ground and in the air.

[B]

Great.

[A]

But please take that sickening smile somewhere else. We're gonna have a wait.

[B]

Ah.

[A]

Now what's the matter, Jerry? Something wrong with your invention? Oh, no, it's fine. You see that dial? Yeah. Well, that's supposed to go in the panel of a ship. When those two little needles cross, you're supposed to be right on the beam. You're supposed to be able to land sitting up right through the soup. But there's one trouble with it. It doesn't work. So just stand back while I kick it to death. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Don't get all latted up over some little bug in the thing. You don't want to smash it until you've checked everything over. There might be a loose connection. You think I'd take it up for a final clear weather flight test without checking it over? I triple checked the direction needle. Still won't stay on the reference line. It's got the creeps all over the dial. There just must be something wrong then. Now that's quite a deduction. Let me get in there and look it over. Sounds like interference on your frequency. Will you get out of here? Maybe I can fix it. Fix it? After I've worked a year, you're going to fix it? What do you know about radio beam transmission? Well, when I was a kid, I was always fooling around with radio. Had a Wildcat set in the barn, always butting in on the commercial stations. I know a lot about interference. You certainly do. You say. Wait, shut up a second. No, no, don't shut up. Go on talking. Babble. Say something. Anything. Well, we're only 15 miles from the Mexican border, aren't we? 12 miles. What of it? Well, you've checked everything else around here. What if there were some Mexican kids fooling around with amateur radio sets the way I used to do? Sending signals, butting it on the regular wave band, setting up interference. Well, maybe that. Well, here's the axe, sir. What? What axe? Well, see, you ordered a. Stop it. We're gonna pull out the panel. Mr. Drake's double crossed me and has an idea. Stand by, Pensacola. Roll up your sleeves and keep talking. Drake, Come on. Right here, Jerry. Hurry up. Standing by. A month for a good pea soup pog and when we get it, you're missing. I'm sorry. I was over at the Skippers. Your sister wants you to drop in. Plenty of time for that. We'll have the whole test done in half an hour. You're not going to fly it in that goo out there tonight. Why not? With this apparatus, it'll be clear as a bell. Don't waste time talking. Look, I know the clear weather test have worked swell, but let's try in a two seater before risking this stuff. You fly it under a hood blind. But I'll be at the forward control just in case. I invented this thing for fog, didn't I? No. All right. I'm going to fly it in fog.

[B]

Spike.

[A]

Anybody around? No, sir. All clear. Let's go. Pensacola, when we get through, there'll be a railroad track running right down from the sky. No more getting caught on top with gas running low and no place to sit down. This thing sort of got me. When I think of what it means, what it can do for aviation, I. I get the shakes. Come on, let's warm it up. Hey, Spike, is that transmitter working all right? Fine, sir. He must be getting our signals right now. Black as pitch up there. I haven't heard him for 10 minutes. He was going out across the bay. He'll be coming back any second now. Keep your ears open and keep your eye on that transmitter. Yes, sir. I think I hear him, sir. Quiet. That's him, all right. Come on, Jerry. Right down that railroad track. Drake, is that a plane up there? It isn't a hummingbird, sir. Who is it? What's he trying to do? Lieutenant Banning, he's testing a fog landing device. He can't do that. He might kill himself. So might the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk. Have the ambulance and crash truck stand by. He's turning. He's coming in. He's way off to the east. Hope he isn't so sure of that gadget you left his shoot home. He's got his chute, but he won't need it. He's just lining things up. I'm not worrying. Well, I am. Is that transmitter putting it out all right? Everything looks okay here, sir. Stand by, Spike. Here he comes, cutting across the field. He can't get in like that. Spike, is everything working? Seems okay, sir. Why doesn't he turn? Can't be on the beam now. He's coming in two speed. He's heading for the hangars.

[B]

Pull up. Pull up. Jerry, he's going to die. Bill. Bill, how is he?

[A]

Hang on to yourself, darling. He's badly hurt.

[B]

He's.

[A]

The doctors don't give him much chance. Commander Gary, report to scene of crash. Commander Gary, report to scene of crash.

[B]

Lorna, I know You've got to go.

[A]

Yes, and I'll probably have to fly east tonight.

[B]

Oh, no, Bill. Not tonight.

[A]

Lorna, it's hit all around you, and you've shown the rest how to take it. If it's your turn now and the flag's at half mast, keep it flying.

[B]

Yes, Bill.

[A]

Goodbye, dear.

[B]

Goodbye,

[A]

Misses Gary.

[B]

Well. Well, say it, Izzy.

[A]

He's gone. He only regained consciousness for a moment.

[B]

He's gone.

[A]

Will it help any to know that his last thought was for you? He wanted to tell you something. And just at the end he said, tell Lorna everything's all right. I knew him six weeks, and he was the best friend I ever had.

[B]

He was my best friend all my life.

[A]

Isn't there something I can do?

[B]

No.

[A]

Don't fight it. I know how you feel. Don't fight it. Well, how's she working, Mr. Drake? Shut it off, Spike. That's all it needed. Couple of condensers and a change in frequency. Just 10 days too late. Hello, Drake. Hello, Dusty. Did you see Mrs. Gary? I was up there with Martin. She's not seeing anyone. She's in bad shape, Drake. Yeah, I know. I called a couple of times myself. Thought I might run over there tonight. What's that panel in there? Gary's fog device. Oh, yeah? Does the skipper know you're working on it? No, I. I want to have it ready when he gets back. I sort of hope that he could give you an authorization for a test. Yeah, that's it. Well, forget it. You too, Knowles. Yes, sir. Well, can I leave the panel in place for the skipper's inspection? That's all right with me. But no tests in any kind of weather without proper authority. Aye, aye. Good evening, Chung. Oh, good evening, Mrs. Gary. At home? No, no, sir, not home. May I wait? Old lady not come home for a long time. I see. Well, I found something down at the hangar I think she'd like to have. I have nothing much to do. Don't mind waiting an hour or so. Oh, please, mister. No good. Wait, Mrs. Valley no see nobody. Tell me something. Is Mrs. Gary taking Mr. Banning's death pretty hard? Oh, yes, sir. Very hard. Mr. Drake, when Commander Gary come back? Soon, I don't know. Look here, John. How is Mrs. Goring? Oh, ever since Mr. Fanning did Mrs. Glady no see nobody. No eat, no sleep. Sometime walk on beach all night. She there now? Yes, sir, she there. Thanks. Hello, Mrs. Garry. Well, you certainly picked a spot for your evening stroll. It'll go down in history at this spot. Admiral Alan Drake Crawled out of the ocean to join the hellcat. His heart full of hope and his mouth full of minnows.

[B]

How did you know I was here?

[A]

I just spotted you through the window and came right along.

[B]

I left a message that I was not at home.

[A]

Ah, look, Mrs. Gary.

[B]

Didn't you get that message, Mr. Drake?

[A]

Sure, I got it.

[B]

Was it so difficult to understand?

[A]

No. I know it's none of my business, Mrs. Gary, but staying by yourself isn't helping things any. You've just got to see somebody while the skipper's away. Otherwise the willies will get you. You know, little brown men with egg on their whiskers. Look, I've just got a new little jalopy, $25 down and the rest when they catch me. How about taking a ride tomorrow? It'll bounce those willies right out of their whiskers.

[B]

Oh, why can't you understand? Are you so stupid you can't see? You're so blunt you can't feel? Why do you force me to say these things? Do you think I'm a child that needs coaxing with silly jokes?

[A]

I'm sorry, Mr. Gary. Won't happen again. I. I found this in a hangar. I thought maybe you'd like to have it.

[B]

What is it?

[A]

It was Jerry's picture of you and him. I've been working on the invention. Jerry wanted me to. That's how I came to find the picture. Well.

[B]

Pensacola. I'm sorry. Forgive me.

[A]

It's not necessary. I guess I deserved what I got.

[B]

Oh, please try to understand. I didn't mean to be rude.

[A]

That's all right.

[B]

It was good of you to bring me this. And I haven't forgotten how thoughtful and kind you were that night at the hospital. I do appreciate it. You're so much like Jerry.

[A]

I guess that's a pretty nice thing to say about anybody.

[B]

Would you care to walk a little way?

[A]

Sure. How do you like the jalopy?

[B]

Lovely.

[A]

Four wheel brakes. Four wheels, too. How about some tennis today?

[B]

I'll give you three games and trim you into the bargain.

[A]

You're on, lady. That's what is known as a barrel roll.

[B]

It feels like it too.

[A]

Want to try it again?

[B]

Why not? Swirl.

[A]

This trick's never been done by anyone in his right mind. Watch. I've been training these spoons until they're almost human. I take one in each finger, then I lift them up. Sorry, it didn't work.

[B]

Anything wrong, sir?

[A]

Yeah. Your spoon. Skid customer speeding his soup's level. Have a nasty accident.

[B]

I'm Sorry, sir. Can I get you something else?

[A]

Small brandy, two brandies, please.

[B]

Thank you, sir.

[A]

Having a good time, Miss Gary?

[B]

Oh, wonderful. You've been grand to me all week. I, I don't know when I've ever had such a good time in my.

[A]

What's the matter? Hey, what is it, Lorna? I thought we'd bounce those willies right out of business.

[B]

It's not the willies.

[A]

Did I worry you spilling those spoons all over the place?

[B]

No.

[A]

Come on, Lorna, what is it?

[B]

Take me home.

[A]

What'd you.

[B]

Don't ask any questions. Take me home. Good night, Alan.

[A]

I'd still like to know what's wrong, what I've done or what's happened.

[B]

You've done nothing wrong. You came on an errand of mercy. You've been an angel. I'll never forget you.

[A]

That sounds like a last farewell. It is, but I, I, I don't get it. Are my jokes that bad?

[B]

Please don't ask me to explain it. I'd rather not. Goodbye.

[A]

Hey everybody. Lady luck here. And we're celebrating America's 250th birthday. Now all summer long I'm going to be celebrating by playing on fin quest.com which is an American owned social casino. It obviously features over a third 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 is a free to play social casino, Boyd. Where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. We all do it. You have a night for yourself, but don't like the sound of the silence, so you turn on the TV just for the ambiance. It's a little trick that helps you feel like you've got company and aren't alone. And other insurers, well, they may make you feel alone, but when you switch to geico, you've got claims reps available around the clock. So whenever you need, you'll have people around to help. And let's turn on the washing machine just for good measure. Isn't that soothing? It feels good to have support. It feels good to geico. Lorna. Lorna, where are you? Lorna. Oh, hello, darling.

[B]

Hello, Bill.

[A]

Oh, it's wonderful to be home. How are you?

[B]

Not too good, I'm afraid.

[A]

Oh, I'm sorry. I wondered why you weren't over at the island to meet me.

[B]

Bill, I'm going away.

[A]

What? Where?

[B]

East home. Will you get me a reservation on the plane?

[A]

What brought this on? Say you haven't been taking things the hard way now, have you, Bill?

[B]

I haven't been honest with you because I wasn't really frank and honest. I've made a lot of unhappiness for myself. Now I've got to tell you the truth, even though it may hurt you.

[A]

Mona, what are you trying to say?

[B]

When I first knew you, that very first summer when we fell in love, I knew there was only one kind of a woman you could ever care about. A brave woman. Someone who could take tragedy in stride. Because that's what a skipper's wife must do. Well, of course. So please. Because I loved you, I. I tried to be that kind of woman, but I. I'm not, Bill. There were times when I prayed for some sign that you saw through my pretense and loved me anyway. As I really am. The night Jerry died, I. I wanted you to take me in your arms and say, darling, I know it's killing you. What did you do? You took my arm hard, looked at me as though you were giving an order and said, steady. Keep the flag flying. You took me for granted, Bill. You didn't try hard enough to understand what was happening to me inside. Well, now you know. The flag isn't flying.

[A]

Why didn't you tell me you felt this way? There was no need to pretend.

[B]

Because I. I wanted you to keep on loving me.

[A]

Lorna, for the love of heaven. I love you because you're you. Now you've told me. And I still love you. I just understand you a little better, that's all. So there's no reason to go away?

[B]

Well, it's not as simple as that. I wish it were changed, Bill.

[A]

Change how?

[B]

Since Jerry died, I've had this terrible feeling of emptiness. The thought of your coming home should have been enough to fill it, but it wasn't. And then something happened last night just as suddenly as you're hearing it now. That made me realize something we had together is lost. I've got to go away, Bill, and try to find it again.

[A]

Well, you. That's the way it is. You couldn't stay any more than I could ask you to.

[B]

I want to find what I've lost, Bill. I want to come back. Do you? There's nothing I want so much in the world.

[A]

Come back for one reason and only one reason. Because you love me.

[B]

Yes, Bill.

[A]

Oh, Mr. Drake. Yes, Mike? Lieutenant Rhodes says can he see you in the lounge. Thanks. Hello. You want to see me, Dusty? We'd all like to see you, Drake. This isn't a Very pleasant piece of business. About the touchiest most of us have ever run into in the Navy. But we've got to have it out with you. What up. Go ahead. Lona Gary left for the east today. She did? You didn't know that? No. You saw a lot of her in the past two weeks? Yeah. Every day almost. And almost every evening. She didn't see anyone else around the station? Any of the wives or any of her friends here in the squadron? I know she didn't. What about it? It wasn't a pleasure trip Mrs. Gary took today. We don't know when she's coming back. We don't know that she is coming back. What is this? What have I got to do with it? Drake, I've cruised with Bill Garry a good while. I was best man at his wedding. I've never seen two people happier than they were up to two months ago. I've never seen a man busted up so badly as he is today. You know why Mrs. Gary left? No, and I don't think it's any of my business or any of yours. Wait a minute. Don't get on your high horse. I shouldn't die with you people suspecting me of a thing like this. We are suspecting you. And we've got to know one way or the other. And if we're right, you don't belong in Bill Garry's squadron. Bill Gary's been my skipper as well as yours. He's been my friend. But you don't have to bother finding out whether your suspicions are right or wrong, because I'm getting out. I wouldn't fly with a crowd who can suspect me of a filthy trick like this if it was the last squadron in the fleet. You can have my share. You can take the Hellcats and drown them in the bay. Now for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. In a moment, Mr. DeMille presents Robert Taylor, Walter Pidgeon and Ruth hussey in Act 3 of Flight Command. Now, in our brief intermission, we have three visitors. Three women who, like most of you, are enthusiastic about the product behind this program. Hollywood's favorite beauty care luxe toilet soap. Here's Ms. Celeste Rush, a business girl. That's right, isn't it?

[B]

Yes, Mr. Ruick. And like most business girls, I consider making the most of my looks mighty important. I found luxe soap. Gives my complexion just the care it needs. It's such a gentle soap, and it always leaves my skin feeling so smooth with that nice, fresh look that's so important.

[A]

Thanks, Ms. Rice. Yes. Clever business girls all over the country trust their lovely, clear complexions to gentle, daily luxe toilet soap care. And now, here's Mrs. Johnson, whose profession is housekeeping. Is that right, Mrs. Johnson?

[B]

That's right, Mr. Ruick. And since I am a housekeeper, you can be sure that one thing is just about second nature. That's economy. One of the jobs I take most seriously is budgeting the household expenses. And I certainly do think luxe soap gives wonderful value. It's such a firm cake, so long lasting and it costs so little money. You can use it right down to the last little sliver. And it gives such a grand, rich lather, too. My family loves Lux soap. And of course, it's as fine a toilet soap as money can buy. But it's a luxury we can afford.

[A]

Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. It's certainly true that more and more careful housewives find they can let the whole family use this truly luxurious soap and still be economical. And now, Ms. Margaret McKay, whose business is posing for commercial photographs.

[B]

Good evening, Mr. Ruick and everybody. I'm very glad to tell why I use Lux soap regularly. It's because I found it the right care for me. It certainly is a wonderful aid in keeping my complexion nice and smooth and soft. And of course, that's the way a model's complexion has to be.

[A]

Thank you, Ms. McKay. Yes. When a girl's a professional model, she has to be really sure about her complexion care. And if this is true with a model, think how necessary it must be to a screen star. They must use a care that really works. And so it's very significant that 9 out of 10 lovely Hollywood screen stars use lux toilet soap. You see, luxe soap is mild. It's pure. It has active lather that removes every trace of dust, dirt and stale Cosmetics does a thorough job. You want your skin to stay smart, smooth and lovely. So don't take chances. Use the same gentle beauty soap that guards Hollywood's priceless complexions. Luxe toilet soap. It's as fine a complexion soap as money can buy. Get three cakes of luxe toilet soap tomorrow. Now Mr. DeMille is returning to the microphone. Curtain rises on the third act of flight command. Held in mistrust by the men of fighting 8. Ensign Drake sees only one course open to him. Early the next morning, he stands in Commander Gary's office. His face is grim and set. Quietly, he lays a paper on the skipper's desk. What's this, Drake? My resignation, sir. I'm getting out of the Navy. Getting out? When you Checked in here, Pensacola. You loved the Navy. You sat right here in my office one morning and told me how you'd rather fly with us than eat. You still would, for my money. Come on, tear this thing up. I have no intention of tearing it up, sir. You've got the makings of a great pilot, Drake. The Navy can use you. And there's a lot more to it than you've learned in these few weeks. There's loyalty, for one thing. And loyalty isn't a one way street. It goes both ways, down as well as up. We fight like blazes for the skipper and the skipper fights like blazes for the men. But we're all fighting for the same thing. The Navy. America's front line. You get discouraged sometimes. Sure, you get cold and wet and so tired you've got nothing to hang on with but your teeth. You wonder why in the devil you ever wanted wings. But as you're circling the carrier, waiting for your turn to land when the flagship hoists the Signal. Well done, Fighting 8. It does something to you. Inside duty well done. For a man. That's the best in the book. I've submitted my resignation, sir. Are you going to act on it? Just what is the matter, Drake? Hellcat's too tough for you? Okay, sir, let it go at that. The department hasn't been approving resignations for reserve ensigns. But if you insist. I do, sir. I'll forward it to Washington. But we've got a movement order today. Extensive maneuvers off the coast. Probably several weeks. You can't get away before that. That's a good finish, sir. Navy orders aircraft maneuvers over Pacific. All aircraft from north island, including patrol planes, will meet carriers off coast for two weeks battle maneuvers. And I'm glad these two weeks are over. They're making them tougher and tougher. Now relax, boys. We'll be home tomorrow. Oh, I've want to shoot so many hours my stern feels like a waffle. Join the Navy and see the through a bomb site. Combat flying ain't so hot. Keeps your stomach in a constant state of astonishment. Fighting aid mechanics, start all engines. Did you hear what I heard? All right, men, snap to it. What's up, Skipper? A seaplane is down somewhere near the lower California coast. No report for more than two hours. Her radio must be out if she's still afloat. And there's only an hour before darkness. Well, what are we waiting for? Here we go again. Break. Wait a minute. Yes, sir. You only came in these maneuvers while waiting for your resignation to be acted upon. The maneuvers are over. Now this is an extra trip. You can stay on board. You're all in. You're all mixed up. Skipper. I'm resigning, not quitting. Commander aircraft From Commander Fighting 8. Commander Aircraft I I. Go ahead, Fighting 8. Fighting 8 took off from carrier to search. Flying east at 1,000ft. Speed 300. Armed scouting line. Report anything cited. Destroyer patrols are in search area um up to attempt rescue. Fighting 8. I I. Drake in plane two. Commander Fighting eight. Go ahead Plane two. Skipper, I just saw a very start in the Senate. Fighting 8. Fighting 8. Change course to south fly at 500. Keep close lookout for lights of plane on water. Report anything sighted. Don't answer. Commander aircraft From Commander Fighting 8. I had fighting 8. PBY 6 located North Tangent Guadalupe Island. Bearing five zero. Distant three miles. Hull still watertight. All on board safe clearance recorded. Position in 15 minutes. Destroyer will arrive within an hour. Carrier in heavy fog. Fog enveloping entire Colt. Proceed San Diego without delay and life pointing 8. II proceeding San Diego. Fighting 8. Fighting 8. Planes in sight of me. Close up. Others proceed to San Diego. Fog shutting in. Don't answer. Fighting 8. Fighting 8. Stay closed up. What the. Calling fighting 8. Disregard my movement. Motor quitting goats. Plane 10. What's it seem to be, Skipper? Broken oil line. I'll have to land on Guadalupe Island. Watch that beat, Skipper. It's a tough one to shoot with a dead stick. No planes are to attempt to land. Get started for San Diego. Dusty. There's no gas to spare. Plane 10.

[B]

Aye aye.

[A]

We'll start in a minute. You're safely down. Plane two. Drake and Plane two. What are you doing? Get back in formation. Drake and Plane two. I'm going to follow you down. Plane two, carry out orders. No planes land. Watch it, skipper. Skipper. Watch it. North island tower from plane 10. Fighting 8. Commander Gary forced down on Guadalupe Island. Apparently injured. Drake in plane two landed safely and is giving first aid. Foreign 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 Spinquest. 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 is a free to play social casino, Boyd. Where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. When I got a new car, I thought my insurance premium would increase and empty my bank account like if between won the lottery. I've invested most of my winnings in chicken tenders because they're bomb. But bro, I bought a house and it's sick, bro. I'm thinking the floor is going to be all trampoline, bro. With the helipad on the roof, the contractor said it's structurally unsound. They're just being babies. But switching to Geico saved me hundreds. So my bank account is safe. It feels good to say some hard earned cash. It feels good. To Geico. Calling Plane 10. This is Drake. Plane 2 landed on Guadalupe. Plane 10, aye aye. How badly is the skipper hurt? Bad. Head injury. Can't do much with first aid. Do you think he'll hold out until the destroyer gets there with the doctor? No, I've got to fly him home. I've got him aboard right now. Step on it then. Fog reported rolling in at San Diego fast.

[B]

Fog?

[A]

Tell the station to break out Spike nose and get the transmitter working. Jerry's spark device. I've got the receiving panel in my ship. It's a chance, but we may have to take it. Okay, we'll wait and go in with you. Can you get off all right? If I don't, I'll send you a postcard. Fighting 8 from Drake plane 2. Takeoff okay. Heading home. Fighting 8, take positions on plane 2. Drake has fog landing device. Take close V formation on Drake. Stick tight, wing to wing. That okay, Drake Plane two, ii. Okay, Drake, you're up in front. You're carrying the ball, mister. Aye, aye. North Island Tower for Fighting eight. We're bringing in Commander Gary. Please advise weather. Wind northeast 2, heavy fog. Visibility zero. Ceiling zero. Have you got that landing device ready? Knowles is trying to set it up. We don't seem to be having much luck. Come on, Spike, get that thing working. I'm trying. Hurry up, Spike. They can't land in this soup. They must be almost out of gas. I don't know, Matt. Well, what's the matter? The last time we tried it out, everything worked okay. Sure has conk on us now. Maybe there's a short somewhere. Check the wiring. I did. I'll check it again. Give me that hand, Mike. I'll keep him in touch in case. Listen. Hear him? They're over the field. What do you say, Spike? What do you say? Give me another minute. North Island Tower to Fighting eight. Plane two. Plane two, aye aye. Listen, we can't get the thing working. You may have to bail out.

[B]

Bail out?

[A]

What about the skipper? He can't bail out. Listen, you got. It's working. Tell him to come in.

[B]

Great.

[A]

It's working. I've got it. We're coming in, Fighting eight.

[B]

Fighting eight.

[A]

Stay closed up. We're on the beam. Right behind you, Spike. Keep that railroad track open. Cutting off now. Here we come. Aye, aye, Spike. How does it look? Can't tell yet. Stand by and crash. Truck and ambulance. Here they come. They're too far over.

[B]

Drake.

[A]

Drake and plane. Let him alone.

[B]

Let him alone.

[A]

He's on the beam. He's all right. There he is. See him? Breathe him home, Mr. Drake. Bring him home. There's the first. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. They're coming in. He's bringing them home. All of them? All of them.

[B]

Doctor, I'm Mrs. Gary.

[A]

Oh, come in, Mrs. Gary.

[B]

I just flew in from the east. Is he. How is he, doctor?

[A]

Well, it's hard to say. How he pulled through the operation last night is a miracle. If he'd only regained consciousness, I'd give him a fighting chance.

[B]

May I see him?

[A]

Why, of course.

[B]

Bill. Oh, Bill. I'm here, darling. I've come back to you. Hear me, Bill. Look at me, darling.

[A]

Lorna.

[B]

Bill.

[A]

Lorna, you got my letter.

[B]

Letter? No, darling.

[A]

I. I'm going to resign from the Navy. Maybe then we can be together.

[B]

Darling, you're not leaving the Navy. You belong in it. And I belong with you.

[A]

Will you. Will you be happy?

[B]

I am happy. You pulled through.

[A]

I. I'm home, Bill.

[B]

Beside you.

[A]

Did tears help?

[B]

He had a stone.

[A]

How's it going, Dusty? He's made it. He's got to pull through. Hey, Pensacola. Well, when I was driving Lorna here from the airfield, I found out a few things that made me plenty sick of myself and what we've done. I apologize for myself and for everyone here. Little late for apologies, isn't it? Yes, Pretty late and pretty empty. Maybe not too late. Washington's turned down your resignation. We're gonna be flying together for a long time, and maybe we can make it up to you. You're a born Hellcat, Pensacola. And we're gonna hang on to you. Come on, Pensacola, Give in. What do you say, mister? I'd like to stay. Swell. Glad to have you aboard, Drake. Yeah, we sure are. I'm glad to be aboard. Curtain calls on tonight's play. But at this very minute, from Pearl harbor to Pensacola, the sky dogs of the fleet, the eyes of the Navy, are keeping their eternal vigil before the stars of tonight's picture play take their curtain calls. I have an announcement to make. On one other occasion in the Lux radio Theater, I mentioned a new radio program just making its bow. And again tonight, I believe there is an event of sufficient importance to warrant my calling it to your attention. It's a new radio series by the world famous Louella Parsons, known to many of you already through her newspaper column. Next Friday night, Louella Parsons will open her new program over most of these stations. And I heartily recommend that you listen in. I know I shall. And I shall be wishing Luella the best of good luck. And now to Robert Taylor, Ruth Hussey and Walter Pidgeon. Our snappiest salute for their good work tonight. Thank you, CB we met and worked with a lot of the men in the Naval Air Service when we were making the picture Flight Command. Great fellows. And I'd like to wish them all happy landings. We're all with you there, Bob. I think the Navy is taking care of those happy landings in the best possible way by thoroughly training the pilots. I'm an army man myself, but you can't beat a Navy pilot.

[B]

By the way, Bob, how are you and your plane getting along these days?

[A]

Oh, pretty good, Ruth. I've got my solo license now. What kind of a ship do you fly, Bob? It's a four seater monoplane.

[B]

Just room enough for this crowd here. How are you on forced landings?

[A]

Well, I've got my fingers crossed. Just one so far. Wind changed too quick for me one day so I overshot the field and sat down in the middle of a watermelon patch. Any damage, Bob? No, not a bit. Best watermelon I ever tasted. What about taking me up sometime? I like watermelon too. From what I hear, CB you were flying airplanes when I was learning to walk. You want to take a chance, it's all right with me.

[B]

Before we say goodnight, Mr. Mill, I'd like to tell the women in the audience what they're missing if they haven't tried Lux soap. I use it all the time because I know it really helps to keep one's complexion looking just right. That's a very good reason why I think every woman will like luxury.

[A]

I think you're a very good reason for women liking Luxo. Ruth. What's the schedule for next week? CB Next week is a broadside. We're going to present Wallace Beery and Mickey Rooney. With them we'll have Fay Ray and our play is Stablemates. It's adapted from the Metro Golden Mayor hit which starred Wally and Mickey on the screen. The story of a man who was a failure and of the boy who stuck with him when the going was toughest. A drama with a real hot tug and lots of excitement. So we can promise you an evening to remember when we bring you Wallace Beery, Mickey Rooney and Fay Ray in Stablemates next Monday night. I wouldn't miss that for anything, CB You've got a great cast and a swell play. Good night. Good night. Good night. Good night. You've all learned your wings in this theater tonight. Our sponsors, the makers of Luxe Toilet Soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio Theater presents Wallace Beery, Mickey Rooney and Fay ray in stablemates. Mr. Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood. Robert Taylor's forthcoming picture is Billy the Kid. Water Pigeon will be seen in Blossoms in the Dust. And Ruth Hussey next picture is Free and easy. All three are Metro GoldW productions. Heard in tonight's play where Tristram Coffin is Jerry. Ted Bliss as Dusty, Fred Mackay as Martin, Bob Burleson as Stitchy, Edward Marr as Spike, Robert Strange as Lloyd, Lou Merrill as Officer, Wally Mayer as Jung, Griff Barnett as Admiral, Charles Seal as Mechanic and Ann Tobin as Waitress. Our music is directed by Lewis Silvi and your announcer has been Melville Roig. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. Hanging out at the pool is great. Relaxing and playing Vegas style games on my phone at the same time. Drink in one hand and a blackjack in the other. It's all at spinquest. Over a thousand games including your favorite slots and table games. Be cool with this summer special. New players get $30 coin packs for [e-mail] SpinQuest is a free to play social casino. Visit SpinQuest.com for more details. When I scraped my car in that parking garage, I was worried that it could be a long process to take care of it. Like a landscaper's first day trimming a hedge maze. I have definitely already been here. Now was it left right or right left? Well, maybe I'll cut a path out and find my way back later. But it wasn't like that. I filed a claim in under two minutes on the Geico app and they handled it from there. It was taken care of almost as quickly as it happened. It feels good to get help quick. It feels good to Geico.