Lux Radio Theatre - Johnny Eager

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Lux Radio Theatre - Johnny Eager

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Date: July 7, 2026
Episode: Classic adaptation of MGM's "Johnny Eager" starring Robert Taylor, Susan Peters, and Van Heflin

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Overview

This episode presents a radio dramatization of the 1941 film "Johnny Eager," performed by the original film stars and produced for Lux Radio Theatre. Set in the gritty underworld of an American city, it follows Johnny Eager, a charming but ruthless ex-con and racketeer, as he navigates a tangled web of romance, deceit, and ambition after his release from prison. The episode is rich in character studies, dramatic confrontations, and classic noir themes of love, loyalty, and moral ambiguity.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

Introduction and Casting

• Host William Keeley introduces the episode and welcomes back Robert Taylor and Van Heflin, both recently returned from military service, reprising their famous roles alongside Susan Peters (01:33).
  • “Having Bob and Van back with us lends a pre-war quality to this exciting drama of suspense, action, love and sacrifice.” – William Keeley (01:33)

Act I: Establishing Johnny’s World

• Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor), outwardly a reformed cab driver for the parole board, secretly leads criminal operations and runs an illegal dog track waiting to reopen.
• Eager’s double life: keeps up a facade of a humble life (“Satisfied? Why, miss, I've never been so well off in my life.” – Johnny, 10:03).
• Parole Board Visit & Introduction to Lisbeth:
  • The parole board, including Lisbeth Bard (Susan Peters), arrives for a surprise home inspection, providing a glimpse into Johnny’s charisma and manipulative skills.
  • “Except that I’m no criminal anymore.” – Johnny, emphatically denying any ongoing criminality (09:23).

Act II: Love, Deceit, and the Spiral

• Johnny’s Complex Relationships:
  • Genuine affection develops between Johnny and Lisbeth, but is tainted by his criminal world and her naivete.
  • Lisbeth’s fascination with Johnny’s dangerous allure is juxtaposed with scenes of jealousy and vulnerability.
    • “Sometimes I think I don’t mean anything at all to him.” – Lisbeth, on her insecurity (17:04)
• Jeff’s (Van Heflin) Role:
  • Jeff, Johnny’s cynical, intellectual friend, provides wit and a conscience.
    • “You keep me around because even Johnny Eager has to have one friend.” – Jeff (29:11)
• Manipulations and Power Struggles:
  • Johnny’s attempts to regain control over his criminal enterprise, dealing with rivals (Lou Rankin, Halligan) and city authorities.
  • Tensions rise over threats to his business and personal life, especially as Lisbeth’s stepfather (prosecutor John Benson Farrell) tries to intervene.

Key Quotes and Character Moments

• “This town’s ready to explode on me any minute… you want to talk about love at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.” – Johnny, overwhelmed by external pressures yet pursued by Lisbeth’s emotional needs (17:09)
• “You’re a bigger thief than ever.” – Farrell, confronting Johnny after learning of his duplicity (39:20)
• “I used you, you understand? You never killed anybody. That guy… works for me. The gun was full of blanks and I framed the whole deal so you’d think you were in a jam.” – Johnny, finally confesses his manipulation to Lisbeth (49:46)

Notable Scenes and Turning Points

Johnny’s Parole Facade Unravels (07:31–10:00)

• Johnny fakes domesticity to maintain parole, instructing family to play along.
• Interaction with Lisbeth foreshadows deeper romantic and legal entanglement.

The Setup and the "Murder" (32:17–33:05)

• Johnny orchestrates a fake murder (using Julio) to implicate Lisbeth, blackmailing her father to lift the injunction on his racetrack.

Final Confrontations & Moral Reckoning (55:00–59:39)

• Jeff, Johnny’s closest friend, contemplates betraying Johnny to save Lisbeth.
• The emotional climax: Johnny selflessly arranges to clear Lisbeth’s conscience by revealing the “dead” man is alive.
• Final showdown with Halligan and Julio; Johnny’s path of violence comes full circle.

Johnny’s End (59:20–59:54)

• Johnny is fatally shot by Julio in one last confrontation.
• In his dying moments, Johnny asks Jeff, “What’s the highest mountain where we’re going?” – a poetic, poignant end to his complex journey.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Johnny’s Character:
  • “You’re hard, clever, and adroit.” – Jeff (16:02)
  • “Anytime you start doubting I love you, just add up the score. This town’s full of women and I have to pick the most dangerous one.” – Johnny to Lisbeth (31:49)
• Jeff’s Philosophical Wit:
  • “I can smile. And while I smile, cut your heart out with a bloody axe. That’s from Shakespeare.” (28:20)
• Lisbeth’s Devotion:
  • “I won’t go. Not until I know. Because I know you’re lying to me… because you can’t look at me.” – Lisbeth, refusing to leave Johnny at the end (58:11)
• The Final Reflection:
  • “It says in the Bible there be three things which are too wonderful for me… The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent upon a rock… the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid.” – Jeff (59:57)

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Key Timestamps

• 01:33 – Introduction to the episode and stars
• 09:23 – Johnny claims he’s "no criminal anymore"
• 17:04 – Lisbeth expresses insecurity about Johnny’s feelings
• 29:11 – Jeff’s insight on friendship with Johnny
• 31:49 – Johnny confesses his love in his unique way
• 39:20 – Farrell confronts Johnny about his life and crimes
• 49:46 – Johnny’s confession to Lisbeth about the fake murder
• 58:11 – Lisbeth’s emotional stand by Johnny’s side at the climax
• 59:20-59:54 – Johnny’s death and Jeff’s poetic reflection

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Tone & Style

The dialogue alternates between sharp, noir-style wit and emotionally charged exchanges. Johnny is both suave and cold, Lisbeth is earnest and torn, and Jeff offers sardonic humor but genuine loyalty. The tone oscillates between tense and tragic, laced with flashes of classic 1940s radio charm.

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Conclusion

The episode stands out as a powerful example of radio noir, offering vivid performances and rich drama. Johnny Eager is a man trapped by his own cynicism and the criminal underworld, brought briefly to redemption by love but ultimately unable to escape his fate. The story closes on a bittersweet note, with the philosophical musings of Jeff encapsulating themes of mystery, love, and loss at the heart of both the character and the old-time radio era.

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Transcript

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[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Lux presents Hollywood. The lux radio theater brings you robert taylor, susan peters and van heflin in johnny eager. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William keeley.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Greetings from Hollywood. Ladies and gentlemen, Tonight we welcome back to the Lux Radio Theater two gentlemen who are appearing for the first time since returning from the service. They are Robert Taylor, formerly lieutenant in the Naval Air Corps, and Van Heflin, a lieutenant in the Army Air Forces. Both are co starred with another favorite of the screen and radio, Susan Peters, who has won the admiration not alone of Hollywood, but of all America. Bob appears tonight in one of his outstanding screen performances, Metro Goldwyn mares drama Johnny Igar with Van Heflin in the role that won him an Academy Award. I'm sure you'll agree that having Bob and Van back with us lends a pre war quality to this exciting drama of suspense, action, love and sacrifice. And speaking of pre war days, I have a letter from a friend whom I met some years ago while visiting the celebrated ruins of Angkor in French Indochina. Commenting on a recent statement that I made, she writes, when you say Lux soap is known around the world, it reminds me of an incident in a small hotel in Java when I found no soap in the bathroom. I gestured my disappointment to the room Boy, he finally understood and after a long delay he came back, smiling broadly and bearing in his hand, to my great joy, a cake of Luxo with its friendly label printed entirely in Javanese. Well, from my own experience in the Orient, I can readily appreciate just what a luxury that cake of Luxoap was to Ms. Alice McFadden who so kindly passed the story on to me. It's time now for act one of Johnny Eager. Starring Robert Taylor as Johnny, Susan Peters as Lisbeth and Van Heflin as Jeff. On the edge of one of our larger cities, a huge electric sign looms over a newly completed grandstand where at nighttime you could distinguish the sign a mile away. Algonquin park dog track. 11 races every night. Grand opening soon. A taxi cab has just pulled up to the main entrance. The driver pauses at the gate while a swarthy faced attendant picks up a telephone and dials a luxurious suite on top of the grandstand.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Hello?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Hey, Benji. There's a hacker here. Wants to see Mr. Marco. That's the telemist.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny Higgins.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Madam too.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

A cab.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Time and Benji to see the boss. You heard me.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Okay, if you say so.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

He's coming now. I tell you, Marco, it kills me every time I hear that routine. It still kills me.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

What kills you?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Them guys on the gates. Would I like to see their kisses today. Ever find out that Johnny Eager only

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

owns this dog track? Yeah. What good's a dog track when they

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

won't let you open it, eh? He'll open, don't worry. What a guy driving a cab to keep the parole board happy and running half the rackets in town on the side. Yeah?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Yeah. All Johnny's gotta do is sit in

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

his living room here and watch the suckers in the grandstand. Make him rich if the track ever opens. What makes you think it won't? Marco.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Oh, hello, Johnny.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Hello.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Where's Jeff? I ain't seen him, boys. Find him. Wait a minute, Benji. You got some more rounds to make, haven't you? Yeah. Get going. Where's Lou Rankin? Inside with the others. Send him in. Okay, Johnny. Lou's not very happy these days. I wonder why.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Are you kidding?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

The way they're trying to clamp a

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

lid on this town.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What lid? Roll over, Marco.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Wanna see me?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah. You got anything for me?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Louis? What's wrong? You think I'm holding out my collection?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Nobody said you were.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Way this town shut down.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I haven't got a dozen books running. No dice, no roulettes.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Well, some fat years, some lean.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Got 60 slot machine collectors on my payroll. I can't pay them off with conversation.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Who asked you to tell them anything?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Just trying to.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You blaming me for the lid? Being in this town, no.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

We're getting no place fast. Something's got a crack.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

This is a laugh. You and me bargain at each other. Put it on the table, Lou. Do you Think I'm giving you the wrong end of the deal?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Sorry, Johnny, Just a short dose. Giving me a grouch.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Not so, are you?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

No, of course not, Lou. I'm just as jumpy as you are, that's all. I'll run along then.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

So long, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

And thanks. Okay, Marco.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Have a couple of the boys see what Lou does with his time. You're not worried about Lou?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Okay, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I'll have him watched.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

It almost makes me wonder if you trust me.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Silly question, huh, Marco? Now, look, I've got over half a million bucks in this racetrack we got open, you understand? When are you gonna get that injunction lifted, Johnny?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I've talked to five judges.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What more can I do? Every one of them is refusal.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Why, our new city prosecutor, Mr. Farrell.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Farrell? Wouldn't you know I'd have to run into him a second time?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

He helped the DA send you away once, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Go easy now. John Benson Farrell, that righteous old rat comes out of retirement and gets himself elected to a chicken coop job like prosecutor. What about Halligan and those boys from City Hall? They got a barrel of my money. They think I'm gonna fold up and not get my dough back. Ever hear of a politician back? You can talk to Halligan yourself if you want to. Exactly what I'm gonna do. You beat it now and find out. Okay, Johnny. Oh, hello, Garnet.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Hello, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Come on in.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Don't I even get a kiss?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, yeah, sure, sure.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Well, you might say you like it anytime.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I don't like it. You'll hear me loud and clear. You seen Jeff around?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

No. He was here an hour ago, but he wandered away. Say, who is Attila the Hunt?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

It's a fine time to throw another bender. Who was who?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Attila the Hun.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I don't know. Why?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Well, he said you were the modern day Attila the Hun and I was your inamorata. And I'm gonna get a load of what that means too.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You just keep checking up on Jeff's big words and we'll both get educated. Yeah.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I'm bringing guest home for dinner, so you'd better leave the office as early as you can.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, thank you.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I'm rather busy right now. Maybe you can call me later.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah, sure. Goodbye. What now, miss? Mine's from the parole board. I gotta get over to the west side in a hurry.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Is there any dame you haven't got in your pocket? Johnny, this place on the west side. What is it?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I told you a dozen times.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I wish I could believe it's a two Bed?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Flat. I keep it for my cousin Millie Fowler and her kid. They live there. So do I. Whenever I think the parole board may be checking up.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Sometime I'm going over there with you sometime.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You're gonna make me sore. Relax, baby. I'll see you later.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, hello, Johnny. Somebody's coming.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah, from the parole board. Better put some tea on, Millie.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Sure.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You look good, Johnny.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

I'm okay.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Birdie. Huh? Hello, Uncle Johnny.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Hi.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I bet the investigators are due or you wouldn't be coming near this rat trap. Stop being so fresh. It wasn't for Uncle Johnny. Where'd you think we'd be? He gets what he pays for. Oh, I'm grateful.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

No, it's okay, Millie. Birdie's a good girl. She's got sense, haven't you? Kidding. Haven't you?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Yeah, sure I have.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Wipe that paint off your mouth and grab your school books. We're gonna be doing your homework. Well, hello, Mr. Verne. Good to see you.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Hello, Johnny. Glad to find you at home.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Everything all right, Mr. Verne?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Certainly, Johnny. This is just routine. Oh, Ms. Sanford, Ms. Bard, this is Mr.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Eager.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

How do you do?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Oh, and this is Mrs. Fowler and Miss.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Hello. Well, isn't this nice? I hope you'll forgive us for coming here with Mr. Verne.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

It's okay. Won't you sit down?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

We were just going to have some tea. I'll bring it right in. Oh, please, we don't. No bother at all.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

You must be wondering what I'm doing here with two such good looking girls.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Johnny, I'm beginning to like the parole board better and better.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Well, they're interested in sociology. I've been helping them with their field work.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Sociology, huh? Let's see now.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

It's study of. Of social conditions. Mr. Eager, seeing how the other half lives. Well, I mean, things like crime. Well, what I mean.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah, sure, sure. Except that I'm no criminal anymore.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I wish they were all as straight as you, Johnny. Why, you're our model parolee.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Well, yes, it's. It's difficult to believe you were ever a. Well, an offender.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Mr. Vernon can tell you, Miss, one time or another, I was indicted 38 times.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Good grief, Johnny.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Don't you ever get hungry for the old days? Those $200 suits, that big bankroll, all

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

the girlfriends you used to have.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Here's your two ladies, Mr. Verne.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Thank you.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah, sure I do. I'd be a chump not to admit it, but then I think about that prison cell and how if I stubbed my toe just once more, I'D go back for the rest of those five years. Think about that. And I don't miss being a big shot at all.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

And you're satisfied driving a taxicab?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Satisfied? Why, miss, I've never been so well off in my life.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

We were going to drop in on some of the other boys, Johnny, but when Ms. Sanford saw your record, she particularly wanted to go.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

She did? Why?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

My name is Bard. She's Sanford. As a matter of fact, she didn't want to come at all. Did you, Liz?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Why not?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Well, I. I think it's rather an imposition. I mean it. It must be terribly embarrassing to have us come in this way. I'm very sorry.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, I'm glad you came. Where I've been, you can never get enough company.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Thank you.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Oh, Birdie, how's your school work coming along?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, fine, Mr. Vern. Uncle Johnny's helping me with my homework. Oh, what is your homework? Oh, we gotta write an essay on some famous character in fiction. We can't think of a good one.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

No, it's kind of tough.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

What about A Tale of Two Cities? When Sidney Carton was in jail and. Oh, no, that wouldn't be very good, would it? Well, the character is excellent. Now, there's another man, somewhat like Sidney Carton. Cyrano de Bergerac.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Who?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Cyrano de Bergerac. A very romantic man, Mr. Eager.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Yeah.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Well, how about settling for him, Bertie? He. He went for the girls, huh?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Well, not exactly. You see, all his lovemaking was on behalf of Christian, his best friend.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Why? What was his angle?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Well, Cyrano was very ugly. He was afraid the girls wouldn't like him. Oh, what's wrong? You're not going to read it?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

No, thanks. Ugly or not, Ms. Bard, I'm not interested in a guy who doesn't go through with what he starts.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Well, come on, girls, We've got to be running along. Goodbye, Mrs. Fowler, and thanks for the tea.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Goodbye, everybody. Goodbye, Mr.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Eager.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Goodbye.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Thank you, Mr. Eager. It's been very pleasant.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, I'm sorry about your man, Cyrano.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Well, perhaps I never thought of it quite your way. Perhaps you're right. Goodbye. They call this a free country. Busting into your house like that, uncle Johnny. That Ms. Bard, I was watching her all the time.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, what?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

She never took her eyes off you. Anytime you want to whistle, she'll come.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Run.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Forget it.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You were watching her, too, you know.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Here.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Here's five bucks. Go cut yourself a rug someplace.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Thanks, Uncle Johnny. Yes, sir. Anytime you want to.

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[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Can I take you anywhere, girls?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, thanks, Mr. Vernon. My car's parked at your office. Oh, thanks, Liz. Wasn't that eager individual the handsomest thing you ever saw? I don't think handsome's a word. You. His face is well cut. But once, for a moment there, it became so hard. I think he'd beat a woman if she made him angry. I wonder what. Oh, what sort of a woman he goes around with. Hey, chum. There's a limit to this sociology business, you know. Hmm. Yes, I guess you're right. But I still wonder.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Well, that didn't take long.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Johnny, Everything okay? Everything's fine. Hey, Benji, remind me to send a little present to Ms. Mines at the parole board.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

The way that damn tips you off, I wish I could get tips like that on the horses.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, Julio, come on in. I. I visited that man on Ender Avenue.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Eager?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah. I think he has learned not to talk so much. Okay.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Here.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Hey, bud. Eagle. 50 bucks.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

That's all that sort of a job's worth.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

But I owe lots of people money.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I can't. I Can't give you any more. You'll just put it on the horses. You stop playing sucker and we'll talk a better deal. Okay, Eager.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I'll be around tonight.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah, you do that. That Julio, he gives me the creeps.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

You better watch him, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Watch Julio? Are you nuts? Is Jeff showing up?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Yeah, he's inside. Garnet's with him.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Tell him to come on in. No, wait a minute. Never mind. I'll go in there.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You can wait till Johnny hears how you've insulted me. I looked that word up in the dictionary.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Empress. I have incurred your displeasure. I shall fall on my sword at the first opportunity.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You just wait.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Beat it, honey. I want to talk to Jeff.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Oh, Johnny.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

He called me an inamorata. I looked it up and it says.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Go on, go on, go on. It isn't smart to blow your topper that way.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You. When I'm mad, I've got to show it. I can't hide it the way you do.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Choose between us, Eager. Me or your beloved.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You shut up. Either he apologizes or I walk right out of here.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Suit yourself, sugar.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Goodbye.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

I seem to have offended Garnet by using a polysyllabic word.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Drunk.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Oh, now, Johnny, that's obvious. Don't. Don't be obvious. Adroitness is your racket. Hard, clever and adroit.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

No, no, not again.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Johnny, you're man you shouldn't be. Out.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yes.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Observed, analyzed and recorded for history. Because you're unique. Absolutely unique.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I'm breaking my heart.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

You know, a lot of people think that I'm just a stooge for you. They don't know that I'm a modern Boswell recording for posterity the doings of a unique individual. The story of Johnny eagle. The next 40 generations will find that required reading along with Machiavelli. Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What? What, what?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

What?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Have you got something to sober you up?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

No, no, no.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Am I gonna have to hold your nose and pour it down you?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

It'll make me sick.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Undrink it. Feel better in a couple of minutes.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

But during those couple of minutes I'll die a thousand deaths.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Here.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You'd have let me walk right out on you, wouldn't you?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

That's the way you want it.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, Johnny, darling. You win, you win.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Win?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What were we betting?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You're so cold blooded, sometimes I think. I think I don't mean anything at all to him.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

This town's ready to explode on me any minute. I got 4 million things to think about and you want to talk about love at 4 o' clock in the afternoon.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Will I see you later?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Well, I gotta look around the town a little. I'll phone you or drop up to your place.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

All right, darling, I'll wait. Goodbye, John.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Goodbye.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Does that young woman ever do anything besides make exits?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You're gonna wake up dead one of these days, Jeff.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Well, everyone does sooner or later, Johnny. Just a little short one. No.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Why do you keep lapping up that stuff?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

I've told you. Because every now and then I have to look in a mirror, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Well, I guess one won't hurt you. Say, Jeff, tell me, what do you hear about Lou Rankin suddenly getting the big head?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah, he's got a big head. That's why his brains rattle.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Hear anything about Tony Loose running a wheel and two tables at the Porthole?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah, I'm sorry. I forgot to check on that. Come on, give me that drink, please. Leaf's about to fall.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Hey, now go and lie down. You gotta snap out of this by tonight. We're calling on Mr. Loose, huh? Say, Jeff, sir, you know about these things that. That guy Cyranoda Bergerac or something? Does a dame really fall for the type of chatter he dished out?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Johnny, are you starting to encounter literate dames?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Who said anything about dames?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

I can quote a few passages of Cyrano if you'd like. And what is a kiss when all is done? A promise given under deal? A vow taken before the shrine.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Shut up. Go on to bed.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

In a few moments, we'll be back with Act 2 of Johnny Eager, starring Robert Taylor, Susan Peters and Van Heflin. Years ago, as a young actor, I toured the Southwest with a repertoire company. It was often rather rugged going, but we always looked forward to a town where we knew there was a Harvey restaurant that was insurance of a really good meal decently served. I still have a sentimental attachment to those eating places. And that's why I especially enjoyed seeing a preview of Metro Goldwyn Mare's Technicolor musical, the Harvey Girls, starring Judy Garland and John Hodiak. Tonight we have as our guest a hostess from one of these restaurants of the present day, Mrs. Laverne Stifler of Hollywood. As a hostess, Mrs. Stifler, you certainly will want to see what the original Harvey Girls looked like.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Well, your picture opened here this week, Mr. Keeley. After waiting in line, I finally managed to squeeze in. I was so interested in what our waitresses were like in frontier days. I guess life was more colorful then. But I'll take the Southwest of today. Living is lots more comfortable.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

For one thing, imagine it, Mrs. Stiffer. Those girls of the 90s didn't have a single cake of luxe toilet soap.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Poor thing. I wonder how they managed. But seriously, Mr. Kennedy, I'm very grateful for that particular modern luxury. A restaurant hostess, you know, needs to be as careful of her complexion as a screen star. That's why I depend on luxe soap facials to keep my skin just the way I like it.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Thanks, Mrs. Stifler, for that practical comment about luxe toilet soap. And looking at you, I'd say that in their presentation of the Harvey Girls, MGM didn't exaggerate the loveliness of those waitresses. A bit. Busy, attractive women everywhere say Lux toilet soap is a beauty care that gets results. They like these quick, easy facials screen stars recommend.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Here's all you do. Cover your face generously with the creamy active lather. Work it well in. Rinse with warm water, splash on cold, then pat dry with a soft towel. Leave skin feeling so fresh and smooth.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

In recent tests of these luxe toilet soap facials by skin specialists, actually three out of four complexions improved in a short time. Why not see how effectively this gentle beauty soap will care for your own precious complexion? Mr. Keeley returns to the microphone.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Act two of Johnny Eager, starring Robert Taylor as Johnny, Susan Peters as Lisbeth and Van Heflin as Jeff.

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[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

It's later that same night and in a shabby nightclub called the Porthole, Johnny Eager and Jeff pay an unannounced visit on the proprietor.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Hello, Johnny. I didn't know that you were.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Michelangelo did some of his best work on his back. Johnny, there's a lady in the other room.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Hey, hey.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What's the matter with you, Eager? You're my friend and you slug me? You're not kicking through, Tony. What I did send in yesterday, I give Lou Rankin five grand. Rankin, huh? Chase. Your dame, Tony, huh? She's not my dame.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Why, Mr. Eager, what would Cyrano say?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Okay, Tony, go outside with Jeff. Spill it to him.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

I think the bar might be.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

There's nothing to be frightened of, Ms. Bard.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I'm not frightened.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I'd sort of like to know what you're doing here, though.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

The gentleman I was with drinks too much. He wandered off and left a bill for $80. And Mr. Luce has been suggesting I leave some of my jewelry as collateral. Now, tell me what you're doing here.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Well, I know it may seem funny.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You mean you'd feel a lot better if I didn't tell Mr. Verne at the parole board, isn't that it? He might think you'd been lying or something. Well, there's nothing to be frightened of, Mr. Eager. Why not? Because I. I have no intention of reporting you.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I better take you home.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

All right.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Wait a minute. I'll square that beef with Tony. I'm taking the car, Jeff. That lady in your office, Tony, she's leaving.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Oh, sure, Johnny, sure.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Hey, Johnny. That blessed Damazil will have you over the barrel, amigo. If she talks to the parole board, she won't.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Take it easy, Jeff.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah, Mr. Floyd? You better take a letter.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Look, we've been driving around for an hour.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I like driving with you, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Stop all this bush league nonsense. You don't want me to take you home and you know it.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Of course I don't. I just want to listen to you talk. Of course I don't want you to take me home. Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Does it bother you if a girl kisses you while you're driving?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Don't know what's happened to Liz, Mr. Farrell, I, I, I. I've called every nightclub in town.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

You're a fool, Mark. You just hand your fiance over to another man for the entire evening. A drunkard at that.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I had to go to that meeting. I was to pick her up later.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Why did she go with him at all?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I don't know. I thought you knew everything. You're one of the most brilliant men in the country.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Oh, cut it out, Mark. I, I guess you love her almost as much as I do.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yes, I think I do. Oh, wait a minute. That's the door. It's Liz, Mr. Farrell.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

She's.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, hello, Mark. Oh, Mr. Courtney. Mr. Eager, how are you? Oh, it's the silliest thing, Mark. Floyd vanished, and Mr. Eager got me out of a lot of trouble. And, And. Oh, hello, Father.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Hello, Elizabeth. Your father, Stepfather Eager and I are

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

acquaintances of long standing. I once had the pleasure of help sending him to the penitentiary.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, now, Dad.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I served as special prosecutor without fee. As a public service to rid the city of vermin.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Good night, Liz. Johnny, I think you have some explanations

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

to make to Mark. Elizabeth, I'll be waiting in the labyrinth.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You don't have to say anything, Liz.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

He just brought me home.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Mark, you wouldn't fool me, would you? I saw you kissing him. You're going to get hurt, you know.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

No, Mark, I don't know.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Good luck. Liz.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Why did you stop by last night? Or call like you promised? Johnny, tell me the truth. Is this the blow off you want to get rid of me?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Get rid of you?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Garnet on.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Now, look, honey, all I want is for you to beat it down to Florida for a while. Then when the town's cooled off, here's another girl.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny, I could tell it the minute I looked at you, but you always think the worst of everybody. You figure if you toss me out, I'll run to the parole board. I wouldn't do that, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I've got 8 million kinds of grief, and now my dame's got to throw a wing ding on me.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny, you still love me?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Sure.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Well, say it.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I love you.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I wouldn't add anything to your troubles. I'll wait for you in Florida atta girl.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

All that nonsense out of your head.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I'm okay. Kiss me goodbye.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

There's a train at noon, Sugar.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I'll get her. Goodbye, Johnny.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

And that's that, huh?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Johnny, why do dames always get so messy?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Don't blow away the mist of love. Don't dust me from your list, my love. That's poetry, Johnny. I know another quotation. I can smile. And while I smile, cut your heart out with a bloody axe. That's from Shakespeare.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I'll use an axe on you one of these days if you don't stop ribbing me.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Johnny, why didn't you tell that poor kid the truth?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I'm telling you once and for all. Stop running me through the strainer. You're always telling me I don't understand something or other. Well, you're the guy that doesn't understand. Because you're a sucker. And a sucker never understands a smart guy. You're a guy that has pals. Give a pal your last 50 bucks, wouldn't you? Well, he's already a dead ducker. He wouldn't need the 50 after he spent it. You're both strictly from hunger.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Sure.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

All the suckers give me sour looks. And when. The minute they stop, that's when I'll worry. See?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Now I know why you keep me around, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Well, tell me. I'd sure like to know.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

You keep me around because even Johnny Eager has to have one friend.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Johnny. Johnny. There was just a call for you. Yeah? You could have knocked me down with a scratch sheet. You wouldn't have guessed who in a million years. Sure I can. John Benson Farrell.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

This is why I sent for you, Eager. Don't you go near my daughter again. Don't try to see her and don't phone her.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Now get out. This is great, Mr. Farrell. I help your daughter out of a spot and you declare war on me.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Get out, thief.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Be much simpler if you just told your daughter not to see me. Oh, you did tell her that. What did she say?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Don't push me too far, Igor.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Big shot John Benson Farrell doesn't like his daughter knowing a cab driver.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Your visit upstate didn't teach you much, did it?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

My parole records clean.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

But wouldn't it be odd if you were picked up on suspicion with a

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

gun in your pocket? You'd frame me.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I'd resign my job tomorrow to frame you myself. I'd frame you or kill you if it would protect my daughter.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah, I guess you would. So long, Farrell. Well, what happened? Just a little touchy about his daughter. But he hasn't got a leg to stand on. Marco. Johnny, it's not like you to blow your topper over at Dame, especially when things are going haywire.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

The boy's tailed Rankin.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

He spent all morning with Halligan. Johnny, there's a big crossroo on right now. I got something more important to think about. Farrell's daughter? That's right. Soon as we get back, find Julio for me. Dame's coming over tonight and I got a little job for Julie.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Why did you bring me here, Johnny?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You keep telling me you wanted to see the dog track.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Yes, I did get a good view

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

here from my window.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Imagine, an apartment like this at a dog track. It's most impressive, believe me.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

And convenient.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, you must love dogs, Johnny, to put all this money into them.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I hope to get a lot more out of them. Tell you something, Sugar, I don't know anything about dogs. I never even owned one, Johnny.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Not even when you were a boy?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

There were a million things I needed a lot worse than a dog.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

That sort of tells the story of Johnny Eager so completely. He never had a dog when he was a boy. You missed something, Johnny. That's why you're the way you are. Darling.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Where do we get off? What's to become of it?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, now, don't turn ordinary on me, Liz. I get tired of ordinary dames and I don't ever want to get tired of you.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I didn't mean to turn ordinary. That was just an approach to get you to say you love me.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Anytime you start doubting I love you, just add up the score. This town's full of women and I have to pick the most dangerous one.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Dangerous?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You know, this time it might not be the woman who pays. I might wind up back in a cell.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, Johnny. Johnny, I never doubted for one moment that you love me. Never, darling. Don't talk about that horrible place. You're never going back there.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Hey, if you don't mind, Benji, we'd just as soon be alone.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

No, Benji. Eager, it's me, Julio.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

He's got a gun blowing your top, Julio.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Pretty for a soccer ego. Julio don't like that. Stand aside, sister.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Put on that gun.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

No ego. No. This time you get yours.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

He's gone, Sugar. They're on the floor. Rabbit, Lance, the gun.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Grab it. Johnny plays the gun. Quick.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

He's got a knife.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

He's got.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Thanks, Sugar. John, that crazy heel. At least we got a break. It looks like nobody heard. Come on, you gotta get out of here.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

We can't leave him like this.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You wanna stand trial for murder?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I can't, John. I can't run office.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

This is a fine time to unravel. You're putting yourself right in the grease. And you're putting me right back in the pen.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

No, no, no. I couldn't do that. I'll go, Johnny. I'll go.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I'll put you in a cab. I'll have to get rid of that. Come on, buck up, baby. You'll be okay.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

All right, you can get up.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Julio.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

They're gone.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Hey, Jeff, I'm a good actor. I should be on the stage.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

That's a moot question on the stage or on the gallows.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Look eager.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Will not.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Mind if I borrow a shirt, huh? Mine is all over with ketchup. I smell like a hamburger sandwich.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Pick out one with stripes. You might as well get a couple accustomed to him

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

all alone, Jeff?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah, yeah. Julia's changing his shirt. Did you get her off all right?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah. She's shaking like a dice box. Feel kind of funny.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

I can't imagine why.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Neither can I, but what the devil. It's always the innocent bystander that gets hurt.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Well, this innocent bystander's in love with you.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Well, there just wasn't any other way to play the hand. We gotta live.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Speaking of hand's Marcophoned I guess the cross is really on. Halligan has a poker party tonight. He invited Lou Rankin. He didn't invite you.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I don't have to go without an invitation. Grab your hat. Hey, what.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

What are you doing with that bottle of bourbon?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

They got along for me, Johnny.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

On touch.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

This one's for me. Between now and the time we reach Halligan's apartment, I'm getting oiled. At least Halligan's going to think so at times.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Johnny, you successfully challenged Mike keenest perception.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Get Julio. I'll draw you both a diagram on the way over.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Ranken, he was carrying a gun.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah, okay. Julio, follow in my car. Well, a little late for the game, aren't you?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Hello, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Waiting for you upstairs. Halligan and the whole City hall crowd.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

You've been out.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

That's right. Me and Jeff. As far as they're concerned, I'm still up there. I don't get it. I'm supposed to be drunk. Lou, I begged out of the game and right now I'm in Halligan's bedroom sleeping it off. Except that there's a fire escape just outside the window. Leads right down here. See?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

You've gone to all that trouble just to see me.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You've been Letting a crap game, running the old Planter's hotel and holding out the dough.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

You're nuts. The planter's been closed for weeks.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Suppose we go out in the country and take a look. It's closed. I'll apologize. Fair enough.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Yeah, I'm sure gonna enjoy that apology, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

We're going in your car, Lou. Roll it, Johnny. You believe me now? Well, anybody can be wrong, Lou.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Figuring me for a cross?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Here. Here's your gun back.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Thanks.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Well, what are you waiting for? Get in the car.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

You shouldn't have given me that gun, Johnny. It's nice and quiet here, isn't it?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

So I wasn't wrong after all.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Why should I take a second cut out of the dough?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Well, I found out what I wanted to know.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Glad you did, Johnny. Now you can die happy.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Guess I forgot to give you the cartridges. Luke, you're dirty. No good. Julio, I'm here. Eager, get back to town. I'll take care of Rankin.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Come on, come on. This game. Well, here's our sleeping beauty. How do you feel now, Johnny?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Thanks for the use of your bed.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Thanks for the use of Jeff. He's been playing for you.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Not too successfully, Johnny, I'm afraid.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Give me a double stack and get ready to weep, you wolves. Clipping Jeff while I'm gone, find a bunch of pals.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I never knew you were a hand for booze, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You tied one on. Didn't I? Well, come on. Come in. Deal the cards.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Shuffle them, Harry. I'll be right back.

[4imprint Announcer]

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[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Hello?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Yeah. When? Go on.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Go on.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Okay, thanks. Lou Rankin's just been killed. Lou Rankin? Automobile accident. Drove his car right off of viaduct. Was drunk, I guess. Empty bottle in his car. Bottle of whiskey. Yep.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Poor Lou.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I kind of had an idea you and Lou had fallen out, Johnny. Yeah.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

It's good I got this alibi, huh? The time it happened, I was playing poker with the city boss and a flock of the city boss's influential friends.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I had no idea it was getting so late.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yes. You other fellas didn't know it was getting so late either, huh? Say, look, Johnny, I'm opening my track on Saturday. Your cut is now 10% instead of 30%. Maybe you'd like to beef about that, huh? I thought not. Come on, Jeff, let's go.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

But, Johnny, it's Farrell, and he says

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

you told him to come here. That's right, Benji. Send him in. He's in there. Mr. Farrell. Hey, how do you like these posters, Farrell? We're putting them up for the opening Saturday night.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Oh, so that's it. This isn't Marco's track. It's yours.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Why?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

You're a bigger thief than ever.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You're in no spot to talk down to me, Farrell, so don't.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

We'll cover that later. What happened to my daughter last night?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What did she say happened? I couldn't get a word out of her.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

She couldn't talk or wouldn't. Eager. If you've done anything.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

He'll be all right in a couple of days. I'm covering up for her. Covering up? Covering up what? Liz was up here last night. A thug busted in, gunning for me. That was quite a battle. While he was trying to carve me up, Liz shot him in the back. With his own gun. Is impossible, is there? She saved my hide.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

This.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

This man. What became of the body? Taken care of. Any witnesses? None I can't handle. I sent for you to tell you to sit tight. Tell Elizabeth to do the same. Where's the gun? I've got that safe with her fingerprints on it. Just in case. You might try to dream up some way of pinning it on me. I haven't Any choice? I'll have to keep quiet. You'll do more than that, Farrell. You'll have the injunction on this track lifted. I'm opening Saturday night.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Listen to me, thief. My love for my daughter can make me an accessory after the fact. But I'll cut my throat before I become an accomplice. I'll resign as prosecutor today.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

No, you won't. You told me you'd turn crooked to save Elizabeth. Well, you've never had a better chance. You mean you talk? Sure, I mean it. I'd blast the whole thing.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

You'd do that to her? To a girl who loved you enough to kill a man?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I don't know if I'm not a love routine, this is business. Sure, I'm risking five more years in the can. But I'm betting you'll see things my way. And I think I'm betting on the favorite. All right, go ahead. Open up. Saturday night. Goodbye. Goodbye, Mr. John Benson Farrell.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Oh, excuse me. Coming from his face to yours, I'd say you won. Don't you think you better start hoping that that's all bunk about Judgment Day?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I feel generous. Jeff. Buy yourself a drink.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

I guess she didn't hear me. It doesn't matter then, Jeff.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

From here on, wearing clover.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah, in high hats, crawling under the belly of our favorite snake.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Go on, Jeff, have a drink. We pause now for station identification. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

In a moment we'll bring you the third act of Johnny Yeager, starring Robert Taylor, Susan Peters and Van Heflin. Another of our guests tonight is the heroine of a success story, a story that might be called. She knew what she wanted. Brown eyed, auburn haired, Miss Roberta Jonet never had any doubts about what she wanted to do.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

At least not from the age of seven. Mr. Keeley, when I began my dancing lessons, from then on I knew I wanted to be an actress. Dancer.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Did you have dramatic training, too?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Yes. Along with my high school diploma came a two year scholarship at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. And after that I had a chance to do solo dancing. And then came a year's tour of South America, Mexico and Cuba and then Hollywood and a paramount contact. That was two years ago.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

And since then I know you've appeared in the picture Stork Club.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Yes, and I have a part in the new picture, Ms. Susie Slagle's.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Well, I understand you've been doing some directing too, Ms. Yonet.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Yes, I've helped direct dance numbers in several Paramount productions. It's lots of hard work, but grand fun. Too.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Now there's a real success story and a story we take modest pride in because.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Because I'm a luxe girl, Mr. Kennedy. Why wouldn't I be? So many famous stars have found luxe toilet soap works for them. It's the perfect complexion care, I think. But as a dancer, I value it. Especially because it's such a delightful bath soap, too. After a dance workout, the girls in my group and I make for the showers in a cake of luxe toilet soap. My, that creamy lather is refreshing. Makes you feel like new again.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Thank you, Miss Roberta Jonet. Nine out of ten screen stars, lovely women everywhere find that luxe toilet soap makes a wonderful beauty bath too. Here's what they say.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

When I step from my luxe soap bath, my skin is fresh, really sweet. Perfumed with a delightful clinging fragrance. This daily beauty bath makes daintiness. Sure.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Why not get fragrant white luxe toilet soap tomorrow? It's thrifty. Each satin smooth cake can be used to the last thin sliver. Yet luxe toilet soap is as luxurious as only the finest ingredients can make it. Here's your producer, Mr. William Keeley.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Act three of Johnny Yeager, starring Robert Taylor as Johnny, Susan Peters as Lisbeth and Van Heflin as Jeff. It's opening night at the Algonquin park dog track. Thousands of people are betting on the races and thousands of dollars are rolling into Johnny Eager's pocket. But now, in his office, Johnny has a visitor. Lisbeth's friend, Mark Courtney.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What's your beef, Courtney? Losing too much dough out there? Where can we talk alone? This is about Lisbeth. No, don't go, Jeff. This is an uptown character. He likes an audience. What about Elizabeth Eager? You haven't seen her in five days. She's in awful shape. I don't think she's eaten in all that time. I don't think she's even slept. Just staying awake with some awful sort of driving hysteria. I don't get it.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Neither do I.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

But whatever it is, it's mixed up with you, isn't it? And I thought perhaps if you had enough money, you'd consider breaking your parole and going somewhere else. How much money? $300,000. You're only halfway to the boat, pal. I got a half a million bucks tied up in this track. All right, I think I can borrow the difference. Hey, what racket got you? 300 grand? Hold on to your hat. My grandfather left it to me for not taking a drink till I was 21.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Mr. Courtney, if you wish to make up for lost time. I'd be honored to buy you drinks from here to the grave. I'd forgotten about characters like you.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

How about it, Eager? How do you know? After you give me the dough, I won't take Elizabeth with me. But I mean you to take her with you. Naturally.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Why?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Because she's in love with you. It never can be said. You don't make interesting talk. I'll think it over. Let me know as soon as you can, please. What's his angle, Jeff? What's his angle?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

You don't know?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

No. Do you?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yes. Yes, I know, Johnny. But nobody born to woman could explain it to you. Why not?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Go on. Why not?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Because it's unselfish. That. That broke his. So long, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Hey, Jeff. Jeff, wait a minute. I shouldn't have slugged you, but come on back here.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Hello, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Hi, Jeff.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Where you been like Garnet? Johnny, I came back for my purse.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I didn't mean to dust you, but you shouldn't needle me all the time.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

The needle check shall be proportionately dull from now on.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Fine thing, walking out on me. Where would you go?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

You want to know, Johnny? Down to the district attorney's office. I was gonna sing, Johnny, about poor old Lou Rankin and those two impetuous Miletti brothers. Their souls rest in cement.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

And then what?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Then I was gonna blow out my brains.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You do that to me?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah. Johnny, I. I thought about you and I thought about that girl. And I said to myself, somebody's gotta do it. But you know something? You stopped me.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I stopped you?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah. She'd only eat her heart out a little slower with. With you in the death cell. And besides, I haven't got the nerve to blow out my brain. No, it's just like you said. You're the boss, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You got everybody over a barrel. Oh, cut it out, will ya?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

The slight seizure is over, I assure you.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Give a guy a chance to say something. I'm going up to see Elizabeth now.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

On the level, Johnny. Listen, you. You do feel a little different there, don't you?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What are you talking about? She's just a kid who thinks she's carrying a torch. I'll throw a couple of laughs and snap her out of it. And I'm doing it for you as much as anybody.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Thanks, Johnny.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny. Oh, Johnny, darling. Bell. Oh, but you shouldn't have come. There might be someone who.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Now, don't be scared, sugar. I saw your father downstairs. He said I could come on up. Look, honey, I don't like this. You look bad.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

It's Just that I haven't slept much. I guess I've been afraid to. I thought I might talk about it in my sleep and they'd be listening. Johnny, that man, did he have any family? A wife, children? Because if he did.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

No, no, no, not a soul.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, thank goodness for that. It's been on my mind so.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Wait a minute. You got to be just as tough about this as he would have been.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Darling, I am. I will be. Johnny, they couldn't take you back just for being present or thing like that, could they? Could they, Johnny?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

No, of course not, but.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, I can wait. A year isn't so much.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What are you getting at?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

They'll never get a word out of me until then. Oh, Johnny, it'll be such a relief to tell.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

To tell who?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

The police. Just as soon as it won't get you into any trouble. Oh, Johnny, it's only the thought of them taking you back that gives me the strength to hold out that long. Don't you see, Liz?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Now, wait a minute.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

It's all right, darling. It's all right.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Now, you listen for a minute. First off, I'm. I'm telling you that I love you. You hear that?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I've known that all the time.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Sure, sure. But I've told it to other women, see? Only. Only to you. I mean it.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

And always.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Now you can get yourself set to start hating me. I used you, you understand? You never killed anybody.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

That guy you think you killed works for me. The gun was full of blanks and I framed the whole deal so you'd think you were in a jam. Liz, I used the whole thing as an angle on your old man. That's why my dog track opened tonight. He's afraid I'd start spilling about you. But that guy's no more dead than we are.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Oh, Johnny. Johnny, my darling. To think of such a lie. Such a wonderful, fantastic lie.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

But you've got to believe me.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny, you're sweet, but suddenly I. I'm so tired. I want to lie down, please.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Sure, sure. But remember, Liz, you can walk out of here and forget the whole thing. You never killed anybody.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Hold my hand, darling. I just want to go to sleep. Hold my hand until I go to sleep and come back soon. Johnny, I'm. I'm not afraid of talking now. I'll sleep so quietly. Johnny, I won't talk. I know I won't.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Well, Johnny.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

What?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

She's got Julia on her mind. It's close to driving her crazy.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Oh, it's not very pretty, is it?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, I Told her? I told her it was all a frame. You told her?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Yeah.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You want to laugh? She wouldn't believe me. Can you imagine that?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yes, I can. Well, now what?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

We dig up Julio and trot him around so she can get a look at him.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Well, now listen. Suppose she spills that to fan?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Didn't you hear me? I said the way it is. She's going nuts. All right, I've turned. Sucker. What about it, Johnny? I've been looking all over for you. Halligan called. Starting tomorrow, he says he's got a 50% interest in this track. He says he thinks you'll understand because

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Julio just went to work for him.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Well, there's only one thing to do.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

What's that, Johnny?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Go up to Halligan's place and hire Julio back again. Come on, let's go.

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[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

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[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Hello.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Eager, ain't you Coming in? Thanks, Julio. Is Haligan around?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

No, no, he.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

He's out.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Been drinking, Julio?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Just a little, yeah.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Got drunk. And you talked to Haligan? You talked enough so he hired you.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Oh, e. You. You ain't worried about me?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Worried? Say, what kind of a guy do you think I am? When do you think Halligan will be back?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

In a half hour, maybe.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Good. We just got time to do an errand.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

A job.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah. Gotta stop a guy from talking.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Yeah, but Halligan told me.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

No.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Last job for me, Julio. And there's five yards in it.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Five? Five. I should do it free for old times sake. But I could use 500.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, hello, Halligan.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Hello, Johnny. You going somewhere, Julio? To see a man with the eager. You crazy? Don't you know you won't live five minutes if you get in the dark alley with him.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You're out of line, Halligan.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

You got enough sense to know if he kills you, he's in the clear.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You're drunk, Julio.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

And he's conning you into taking the

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

same kind of a ride he gave Lou Raikers. I don't like that kind of talk, Allegan.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I guess I blew my top. Johnny, I'm sorry.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I've been cutting up touches with you for 10 years and all of a sudden you pull this on me. Johnny, listen to me.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

This is awful. Let's not go battling between ourselves just when the money's starting to roll in. Want to talk sense? Make a new deal on the dog track.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Like 50%? I guess that is a little steep. The original deal was 30. It still holds. I ain't talking. Do you mind if we iron out the details in the morning? I've still got that little job to do. Guess I'll have to handle it without our friend Julio.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

That may be better that way. I'll meet you in the morning. And, Johnny, we're. We're all friends again. This. This beef's all forgotten.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

All forgotten. Bill. See you tomorrow. Be here tomorrow morning.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Julio.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Eager.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

What do you think?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yeah, it's got to be done.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

That tin horn big shot, it's got a bit.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

John,

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

I'd say that you didn't get what you wanted.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Not yet. Halligan wouldn't turn Julio loose.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

What are you looking for?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

There's a gun in this glove compartment. I may be needing it.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Oh, it's going to be like that.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

As long as I'm a sucker, I might as well go the whole way.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Where are we going?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Only the corner. I want to make a phone call. You sit tight and keep your eye glued on this building. Watch for Julio. Hello? Hello, is. Is this Mr. Courtney? This is Mr. Courtney. Listen, this is Johnny Eager. Oh, yes, Eager. I got no time for explanations. Get hold of Elizabeth right now. Get her out of the house if you have to drag her and come down here and meet me. I'll be at 5th and Waverly.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

And hurry.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

No sign of Julio, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Okay, take the car. Jeff, we're separating.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Look, is there anything you want me to do?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

No, just get going.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah, sure. So long. Johnny. Johnny.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Yeah?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Listen, Johnny, you know when. When you batted me tonight?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

That's water under the bridge.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Oh, yeah, sure, but I. I had that coming. I just wonder why you didn't do that a long time ago. Johnny. Listen, Johnny, have you ever Been out to the Rockies?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You nuts? No, I've never been to the Rockies.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Well, listen. They've got big mountains out there just like Christmas trees, with lakes clear and as deep as you ever saw in your mother's eyes. Johnny. And, Johnny, listen, let's go out there and climb a couple of mountains.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Will you get going?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yeah, yeah. So long, Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

It's about time, Courtney. Turn off your lights. They're off.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny. What is all this? Mark said you called me.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Listen to me. Any minute now, one guy or two guys are gonna come walking out of that apartment house up there. And one of them will be the guy you think you knocked off. I'm gonna bring him over here and show him to you. Full of life, just like I said.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Darling, I told you before that I.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What do you think your boyfriend here did? Had himself a big moment. Thought I was short on dough. So he offered me all his cash if I'd get out of town and take you with me. Now, wait a minute, Eagle. Oh, I guess when you and I split up, you could be halfway happy with a guy like that, huh?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Split up?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Johnny, you know, people like you and me, we break as quick as we hit.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny, don't joke anymore. You said it tonight. You said I was the only one.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, sure, that. Well, you were in a Wing Ding. You got to say a few phony words if it's going to help a pal out of a Wing Ding.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You don't mean that, Johnny. You don't got it.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Here he comes. Is that your man? Yeah. Stay in the car, both of you. I'll duck around in the back. Take it easy, Julio. Keep your hands out of your pockets. Okay, now walk up to this car. Here he is, kid. Take a good look. Alive and kicking. Ugly rat, isn't he? Too bad you didn't bump him off. Well, you see him, don't you?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Yes, yes. But, Johnny, what you said a moment ago, you didn't mean.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You can get some sleep now, huh? You don't have to be quiet any longer, see?

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny, look at me. You didn't mean what you said, did you?

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Sure. Sure, I did. That big pitch tonight was just a gag. Just like Julio here was a gag. Now step on that gas and get going.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

No.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Listen, kid, get some sense, will you? If it's going to that man, he's getting away.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Johnny Doe should know.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Liz, why did you grab my hand? Why? It's got to be done.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

No, Johnny, no. They'll put you back soon.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

After Halligan, this whole street will cut loose any Minute you gotta get out of here. He's right, Liz.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

I won't go. Not until I know.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

You gotta beat it, Liz.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

No, Johnny. I'm staying with you. Because I know you're lying to me this time. I know it. Because you can't look at me and then.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Eager.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

So what if I am lying? I had to do it, Courtney. I had to slug her. And what I just said about lying to her. Don't you ever tell her that, you understand? Come with us, Eager. I got something I got to finish. Take her away up in the mountains or something where there's lakes and stuff. Just you two together and talk it out. Only talk her out of my life. Talk her out of my life. So long, Eager.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

There he is.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Sucker's walking right toward us. Yeah.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

All right, Julio, let him have it.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Johnny. Johnny.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Oh, Jeff.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Oh, Johnny.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Jeff.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What's the highest mountain where we're going?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Why, it's Johnny. Johnny.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Stand aside, buddy. Who shot him?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

I don't know.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I think he came by that building, Mac.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

All right, what do you say? You just talking home, buddy?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Hey, he's dead.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Yes. Yes, he's dead. Well, he just asked about a mountain.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

What mountain? Did you know this guy?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Know him? It says in the Bible there be three things which are too wonderful for me. Yea, four which I know not.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

What are you talking about?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

The way of an eagle in the air. The way of a serpent upon a rock.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

The way of a ship in the

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

midst of the sea.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

In the way of a man with a ma.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

As the curtain falls on Johnny Eager, I'm sure you'll agree it's been a pleasure and a privilege to welcome back to this theater three such stars as Robert Taylor, Susan Peters and Van Heflin.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

This has been quite a reunion for me. The last picture I made before I joined the Navy was with Susan Peters.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

That's something I'll never forget. Playing opposite Robert Taylor was a great pleasure.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

And now that Bob's back, I imagine plenty of other feminine stars are looking forward to the same chance.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Weren't you and Colonel Keeley together in the Air Force's Van?

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Well, as close as a lieutenant and a colonel ever get.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Actually, this is the first time I've seen Van since he left on his overseas assignment. You did a great job then.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Well, if you don't mind my saying so, Colonel, I think you did a splendid job on your army picture Target for today. I. I just wish the public could have seen that.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

I imagine war experience will be a great help in making pictures for the public.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Well, a monumental example of that is Metro Golden Mayor's current picture, they Were Expendable. There you have Bob Montgomery, back from active duty as the star, and Captain John Ford, also from the Navy, as director.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Yes, and as a Navy man, I can say the result is mighty authentic and mighty convincing.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Susan, I understand you're taking up a new career in the literary field.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

Well, so far I've just been writing articles about my friends, the screen stars here in Hollywood. Their personal life and habits.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

And I am sure you find that one of their habits is luxe toilet Soap.

[Lisbeth (Susan Peters)]

You're right, Mr. Keeley, and I can promise you that I use Lux soap regularly. It's a wonderful complexion care.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

And from a star with your complexion, that's a pretty solid tribute, Susan. Incidentally, we have another lovely star from your home studio appearing here next week.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

What's the play, Bill?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

It's one of the season's most appealing love stories. Metro Golden Mare's recent screen success, the Clock, with two of Hollywood's best loved stars, Judy Garland and John Hodiak, bring a lonely boy and girl together in a big city. Give them 48 hours to fall in love with one another and then see what happens in this tender and romantic drama.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Judy and John are great together in the Harvey Girls too, Bill. And I'm sure they'll be great together in the Clock. Good night.

[Jeff (Van Heflin)]

Good night.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

And come back again soon. Our sponsors, the makers of luxe toilet soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening when the Lux Radio Theater presents Judy Garland and John Hodiak in the Clock. This is William Keeley saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Has your grocer said this to you lately? Sorry, madam, no more luxe toilet soap till next week. Yes, your favorite luxe toilet soap is hard to get right now. That's a direct result of the great national shortage of industrial fats and oils. And here's where you and every other American housewife can help prevent a further scarcity in the supply of soap. Continue to save every drop of of your used kitchen pants, take them to your Butcher and receive $0.04 for every pound you turn in. Our Secretary of Agriculture says it may be many months before we can obtain adequate supplies of imported fats and oils. That's why your government urges American women to continue the magnificent job of fat salvage they did throughout the war. Keep on saving. Save every drop of used kitchen fats and take them to your butcher. You can help prevent a further shortage of. Of soap. Our thanks for the play of this evening go to Metro Goldwyn Mayer, who will soon release the Clark Gable Greer Garson picture Adventure. Get your dimes and dollars ready now for the 1946 March of Dimes. Join America's crusade to protect American children from infantile paralysis. The motion picture industry, through over 14,000 theaters will help collect your contribution between now and January 31st first or send your dimes direct to your local March of Dimes headquarters. This is your one opportunity to join the fight on infantile paralysis. Give generously. Give soon. Join the March of Dimes. This week this program is broadcast to our men and women overseas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. Our music was directed by Lewis Silvers. And this is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear the Clock with Judy Garland and John Hodiak.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

The spry treat of the week,

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

spry apple pancakes. Tender, delicate pancakes drizzled with maple syrup.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Try them for breakfast and for light golden deliciousness, make them with spry. It's pure, bland, all vegetable shortening at its creamy best. For all you bake and fry. Rely on fry.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Be sure to listen in next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theater presentation of the Clock with Judy Garland and John Hodiak. And why not tune in a half hour early to hear Joan Davis over most of these stations. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. All new drinks are now at McDonald's with refreshers like the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher and the Mango Pineapple Refresher with popping Boba. To crafted sodas like the Sprite Berry Blast with berry flavors and cold foam. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so fire six? All new drinks are here now at McDonald's. Refreshers contain caffeine.

[4imprint Announcer]

From Geico Subconscious News, I'm Tammy Racing thoughts broadcasting from your brain. Tonight's top worry. If something happens to your apartment and you need to, like, stay in a hotel and pay for it. That would be crazy, right? Art Palpitations has more.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

That would be crazy, Tammy. But you got surprisingly affordable renters insurance through Geico, so it could be covered, giving you peace of mind.

[4imprint Announcer]

Aw, I love a story that ends well.

[Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor)]

Next up, love stories. Are they all they're cracked up to be?

[4imprint Announcer]

It feels good to worry less. It feels good to Geico.