Lux Radio Theatre - Libel

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Lux Radio Theatre – "Libel"
Date: June 28, 2026
Main Cast: Ronald Colman (Sir Mark Loddon), Otto Kruger (Foxley), Frances Robinson (Lady Enid Loddon)
Producer/Narrator: Cecil B. DeMille

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Episode Overview

Theme:
This episode features a classic production from the Lux Radio Theatre: Libel, a courtroom drama originally a successful Broadway play. Set in 1934 England, the story grapples with themes of identity, memory, the trauma of war, and the search for truth. Sir Mark Loddon, a respected MP and war hero, is accused by the press of being an impostor who has assumed another man's name and inheritance; a sensational trial ensues to decide his true identity.
Cecil B. DeMille hosts and comments throughout the performance, adding gravitas and insight.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

1. Introduction & Context (00:31–02:49)

• Cecil B. DeMille introduces the play, praising Ronald Colman’s unique voice and talent, and sets up the premise: a man on trial for libel, with his very identity in question.
• Notable quote:

  "Libel is the drama of a trial for libel and of a man in the pitiless glare of the courtroom who hears his life torn apart, shred by shred." – DeMille (01:38)

2. The Confrontation at the Loddon Estate (03:56–07:55)

• Stranger Pat Buckingham appears, confronting Sir Mark with knowledge from the war, and eventually accuses him of being not Mark, but Frank Wellney, another soldier presumed dead.
• Buckingham attempts to blackmail Sir Mark, revealing his intent to sell the story if not paid off.
• Notable moment:

  "You see, there's a newspaper in London that might be very glad to know what really happened to Sir Mark." – Pat Buckingham (06:37)

3. The Scandal Breaks (07:08–11:11)

• The London Gazette publishes claims that Sir Mark Loddon is an impostor. His wife, Enid, is devastated and confused.
• Sir Mark decides to sue for libel to clear his name, despite risk.
• He reveals to Enid that he lost all pre-war memories due to shell shock and only knows his name by his military identification, unsettling her faith in his identity.
• Notable exchange:

  Lady Enid: "Not easy to prove that you are yourself?"
  Sir Mark: "They're going to say that I'm not myself… That I look enough like Mark Ludden to fool anyone, to fool even you." (09:13–09:21)

4. The Trial Begins: Sir Mark on the Stand (12:42–26:29)

• Sir Wilfrid, counsel for the plaintiff, reviews Sir Mark's war history, injuries (including loss of finger), and post-war return, establishing his credibility.
• Under cross-examination by Mr. Foxley (defense counsel), many coincidences are revealed: Sir Mark’s physical features match those of Frank Wellney (height, hair color, missing finger, tattoo with ambiguous initials). His lack of memory about his boyhood is used against him.
• Tension peaks:

  Mr. Foxley: "I'm suggesting that ever since November 1918, you have indulged in the unscrupulous fiction of being an English baronet." (16:58)
  Sir Mark: "That is an infamous libel for which your clients will have to pay." (17:10)

• The initials 'EW' tattooed on his arm are closely examined, with the defense suggesting it could be altered from 'FW' for Frank Wellney.

5. Act II: Testimony and Key Witnesses (29:31–41:14)

• The next day of trial, nerves are frayed; Sir Mark expresses concern for Enid.
• Pat Buckingham testifies, claiming to have seen Sir Mark dead after their escape from a German prison camp.
• Buckingham’s criminal past (blackmail, fraud) is exposed under cross-examination, questioning his reliability.
• Pivotal moment: Dr. Floridon, a Belgian doctor, testifies that he found a gravely injured British officer in 1918, who has lingered in a vegetative state ("Number 15") ever since, unable to identify himself.
  • The officer wore a British uniform missing the right sleeve (matching Mark Loddon's injuries and uniform).
  • This development further muddles the question of Sir Mark’s identity.
• Memorable exchange:

  Dr. Floridon: "My poor unfortunate recovered completely in a physical sense. But the appalling concussion… deprived him of all intelligence." (38:16)

6. Act III: Crucial Revelations (46:17–58:23)

• Lady Enid is called to the stand; her doubts come to the forefront, climaxing in her tragic admission:

  Mr. Foxley: "Do you now believe your husband… is really Mark Loddon? Well, is he or is he not…?"
  Lady Enid: "I don't know. I don't know." (47:45)

• Sir Mark is recalled and identifies the key evidence:
  • He recounts a violent escape, during which he killed a German soldier and swapped uniforms to avoid capture. This would mean the "body" Dr. Floridon saved ("Number 15") is likely the German, not a British officer.
  • Produces a German identity disk with the name 'Karl Geist' (his explanation for the uniform swap and the man surviving in the hospital).
  • Unsealing the lining of his army jacket, retrieves a photo of Enid with an inscription, sewn before his escape—the ultimate proof of his identity.
• Culminating moment (57:09):

  Judge: "Members of the jury, on this photograph, these words are written 'to Darling Mark. With all my love, Enid.'"
  Sir Mark: "With all my love, Mark."
  Defense counsel concedes: "My Lord, my client has made a great mistake… This man is obviously Sir Mark Loddon." (57:17–57:42)

• Enid and Mark are reunited.

7. Resolution & Epilogue (60:38–63:43)

• DeMille commends Ronald Colman and the cast for a memorable performance, and the obligations and closings of the era’s radio tradition are observed.
• Colman shares advice and information about upcoming projects and other film industry matters, maintaining the warm, respectful tone throughout.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• The trial’s existential heart:

  "Not easy to prove that you are yourself." – Lady Enid (09:13)
  "They're going to say that I’m not myself, that I look enough like Mark Ludden to fool anyone, to fool even you." – Sir Mark (09:15)

• Physical evidence and tension:

  "By a curious coincidence, you've also lost the first finger of your right hand." – Foxley (22:05)
  "May my assistant bring him in? He is of course in a wheelchair." – Dr. Floridon, on 'Number 15' (39:59)

• Emotional climax:

  "I only want the verdict of the jury for the sake of one person. And that is my son. I’ve already lost the only verdict I wanted for myself." – Sir Mark (55:18)

• Final proof and relief:

  "On this photograph, these words are written 'To Darling Mark. With all my love, Enid.'" – Judge (57:09)
  "My Lord, my client has made a great mistake. We are more than sorry… This man is obviously Sir Mark Loddon." – Mr. Foxley (57:42)

• Restoration and reconciliation:

  "My wife and I are going home." – Sir Mark (58:23)
  "No, no, Mark. I believe you." – Lady Enid (55:26)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Plot Introduction: 00:31–02:49
• Blackmail Threat: 03:56–07:55
• First Reactions to the Scandal: 07:08–11:11
• Sir Mark’s Testimony (Plaintiff): 12:42–16:45
• Sir Mark’s Cross-Examination: 16:49–26:29
• Buckingham’s Testimony & Criminal Record: 32:14–35:03
• Appearance of Dr. Floridon & Number 15: 37:12–41:11
• Lady Enid on the Stand: 46:44–47:47
• Sir Mark’s Final Testimony & Revelations: 48:18–57:42
• Coda: Reunion & Closing Remarks: 57:44–63:43

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Language & Tone

The dialogue is formal, dramatic, and characteristic of both classic British court drama and the radio style of the 1930s–40s, with moments of high emotional tension, dignity, and pathos. Cecil B. DeMille’s hosting style is affectionate and reverential; even courtroom exchanges are eloquently phrased.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode provides a rich, suspenseful radio drama that cleverly uses a legal battle to probe memory, selfhood, trauma, and the weight of trust between loved ones. Even when the physical facts are ambiguous, the emotional truth and inner conviction bring resolution. In the end, honor and love triumph over doubt—delivered with the sincerity and grandeur that characterize the Golden Age of Radio. If you enjoy classic mysteries, psychological drama, and fine period performances, Libel is a stirring example of the era.

Transcript

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[Announcer]

Lux presents Hollywood. The lux radio theater brings you ronald

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

coleman in libel, with otto kruger and francis robinson. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil b. Demill. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. There are probably quite a few parents in the audience with daughters who are slightly moonstruck over certain motion picture stars. And I'll offer them my sympathy right now. You see, I'm the grandfather of a certain young lady, knee high to a grasshopper who's very much that way about Ronald Coleman. But as a producer, not as a grandfather. I understand her admiration perfectly. In the theater of the air, the magnificent voice of Ronald Coleman is a treat that comes only once in a blue moon. So having him in the Lux Radio Theater tonight is something of an occasion. And I think we've got a play worthy of his talents. A powerful drama called Libel. It ran for many weeks on Broadway, and it's so. So different from the usual run of plays that I. I think you'll remember it for many weeks to come. Libel is the drama of a trial for libel and of a man in the pitiless glare of the courtroom who hears his life torn apart, shred by shred. That man calls himself Sir Mark Loudon. But when he goes to the witness stand to try to prove that he has a right to that name, he sees the shadow of doubt cross even the face of his wife. The presence of Ronald Coleman in tonight's exciting drama would quicken the pulse of any producer and, I believe, of any audience. It's what all producers pray for and what most audiences love to pay for. But of course, our setup is different. For this is your theater, just as Luxe Flakes is your product, both made expressly to please you. We prize very highly your loyalty to this theater and to our product. And anything that we tell you about Luxe Flakes will be more than borne out in actual performance. Make a test, if you like, and check your experience against what we say about our product. We're not afraid of the answer because your letters have already told us what the results will be. There's a stir in the wings now and our players are at the microphone as the curtain rises on the first act of libel. Starring Ronald Coleman as Sir Mark Ludden. With Otto Kruger as Foxley and Frances Robinson as Lady Enid Ladden. It's 1934, just 16 years after the armistice of the First World War. In the present English countryside stands the home and estate of Sir Mark Loddon, Member of Parliament. A wide drive bordered by trees leads to the front gate. There, hidden in the foliage, a man in rough clothes peers intently at the house. At last he enters the gate and moves slowly toward the door. He rings the bell and as he waits he seems to smile inwardly.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Good morning.

[Pat Buckingham]

Morning. I'd like to see the master, if you don't mind.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I'm sorry, sir, but I don't believe St. Mark was expecting anyone.

[Pat Buckingham]

Sir Mark, is it? Will you go tell Sir Mark that Pat Buckingham is here? He'll see me. We serve together in the army, Sir Mark and I. Go on, tell him.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Very well, sir.

[Pat Buckingham]

You'll wait in the library.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I'll speak to Sir Mark. This way, please.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Good morning.

[Pat Buckingham]

Well, hello.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Did you wish to see me about something?

[Pat Buckingham]

No, no, no, sir. Don't tell me you don't remember me. I'd hardly believe that, sir.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I'm very sorry. Your face is familiar, but just think a little, sir.

[Pat Buckingham]

The German prison camp at Obheim, 1918 Hobheim.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Of course. You were one of the men I escaped with.

[Pat Buckingham]

That's right. There was three of us. Sir Mark Loddon, Frank Wellney and Pat Buckingham.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Pat Buckingham. Yes, I remember now. Sit down, Pat. It's good to see you.

[Pat Buckingham]

Thank you.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

You'll have to forgive me. My memory isn't what it used to be. How have you been, Pat?

[Pat Buckingham]

Ah, pretty well.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Has the world been treating you all right?

[Pat Buckingham]

Well, frankly no. Though things are beginning to look up a bit. Fact is, I could stand the loan of a few thousand pounds.

[Announcer]

A few?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

A few thousand?

[Pat Buckingham]

That's right. I was in the neighborhood so I thought I'd just drop by and see if you could help me out. You seem to be fairly well off.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well, yes I am, but.

[Pat Buckingham]

So it won't be much of a loss to you, eh? Frank?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Frank?

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes, Frank. Frank Wellney.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I'm afraid I don't understand this. Why do you call me Frank Wellney?

[Pat Buckingham]

Because it used to be your name. What do you want to be called? Nah, Lord Algy.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Do you pretend you don't remember? My name was Mark.

[Pat Buckingham]

Na na na na. Na. Blarney. Frank, I don't want to be nasty. After all this time, you looked enough like poor old Mark to be his twin. I always said that. I remember joking about it the night we escaped. I said, if Sir Mark got killed, Frank Wellney could always go back to England in his place. And as it turned out, Sir Mark was killed. And here you are. Eh, Frank?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Are you mad? I am Sir Mark Loddon.

[Pat Buckingham]

Are you now? And I say you're Frank Wilney. I say you came home under his name, took his estate and married the girl who waited for him.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Get out of here. Get out.

[Pat Buckingham]

No, no, no, Frank. For a few thousand pounds, say four or five, I'd be glad to get out, but under the circumstances.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Get out, I tell you.

[Pat Buckingham]

You're making a mistake, Frank. You see, there's a newspaper in London that might be very glad to know what really happened to Sir Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Did you hear what I said?

[Pat Buckingham]

They'd pay me big for the story, even if you won't, for keeping quiet about it.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Get out of this house.

[Pat Buckingham]

All right. But it don't end here. Remember that, Frank Wellney.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

A political imposture. The legislator recently returned to the House of Commons as Sir Mark Loddon, baronet, is not a baronet. Not even a lot. Mark, what is this?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Now read it, Enid. It's all there in the paper. It explains itself.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

But it says you're not Mark Lauddon.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No. Go on, read it.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

The man who was now posing as Sir Mark secured his position in Parliament by practicing on the voters. The same deliberate fraud that he. That he practiced on his wife. Mark, this is mad. It's. It must be a joke.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, that's what I thought at first, but it seems it's not.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Well, what are you going to do about it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I intend to sue the Gazette for malicious libels.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Sue them?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

What else can I do? I put the matter in the hands of Sir Wilfrid. He's going to represent me.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

You're going to court. You're going to let them drag your name through a filthy mess of lies that. Mark, you can't.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Enid, listen. If I could ignore this story, believe me, I would. The last thing I want to do is to risk my career, to risk my life, our life together, on anything so stupid. But they. They won't let me ignore it.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Enid, you speak of a risk. What risk can there be? There are hundreds of people right here in our own village who can swear that you are Mark Laddon.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That's true, but.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Well, then.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well, Sir Wilfrid has advised me to go through with the case, to clear my name. The Gazette is going to contend that. That I look like Sir Mark Lodden. That I came home after the war and took his name and his place here. But that I am really someone else.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Mark, this is horrible. How can they say such a thing?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

They were probably glad to get the story. They've been against me politically ever since I took office.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

But they must realize what it will mean to them. If you bring suit, you can ruin them.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

If we win.

[Pat Buckingham]

Of course, if you win.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

What doubt is there? They've printed a malicious, horrible lie.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

As plaintiff, we'll have to prove it. A lie. I think we can.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Think, Mark. I don't understand you, Enid.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It's not as easy as it sounds.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Not easy to prove that you are yourself.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

They're going to say that I'm not myself, that. That I look enough like Mark Ludden to fool anyone, to fool even you.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

To fool. To fool me.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Enid, look at me. Look at me, darling. It's going to be very difficult these next few weeks. It'll need all your strength and all your courage.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Mark, you frighten me. You are Mark Lawton. I know that. You're my husband, the father of my child. You are.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes. Yes, Enid. Of course I am.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Then why are you so worried? Oh, you were a boy in this village. You lived in this house. You were born in the east room, upstairs. There are things about this house, about the people who lived here, that only Mark Lauden would know. You can tell them. They'll have to believe you then, Enid. They'll have to. Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Darling, there's something I must tell you. You'll know sooner or later. You'll know in court. I want to tell you now.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

What is it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Do you remember when I came home after the armistice? I. I had changed, hadn't I?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

You'd been shell shocked.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, but. But no one knew how much I had changed. Only myself. Enid, I had to piece my life together again in that prison camp at Hobheim. I knew my name only from my identification disk. I knew you only by the letters you wrote that were forwarded to me there. You say I can prove who I am by telling them things that happened here when I was a boy. I can't, Enid. I have no recollection of anything. I remember nothing that happened to me. Nothing before I was a prisoner in that camp. Enid, why do you look at me like that?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Enid, you are Mark Lodden. You are the boy I knew you must be. You must be Enid.

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[Judge]

with the case for the plaintiff, Sir Wilfrid.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Thank you, my lord. Members of the jury, I'm not going to insult you by any further explanation of the libelous charges recently appearing in the Daily Gazette. You've seen for yourselves that the Daily Gazette has informed a million or so readers that my client, Sir Mark Loden, is an infamous impostor in every possible role of life, public and domestic. The first witness for the plaintiff will be the plaintiff himself, Sir Mark Lawton.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

You swear by Almighty God?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I swear by Almighty God.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

The evidence you shall give?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

The evidence I shall give.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Shall be the truth.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Shall be the truth, the whole truth

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

and nothing but the truth.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

The whole truth and nothing but the truth.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

You are Sir Mark Loddon, 3rd Baronet of Ingworth hall in the county of Norfolk.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That is so.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

You retired with the rank of major after 15 years service in the Rifle Brigade.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That's right.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I believe you became engaged in 1914 to Enid, the only daughter of General Edgar Winterton, CB.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

We were engaged just before the war?

[Announcer]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

And after your engagement, I believe you went to France with Your battalion in August 1914?

[Announcer]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Then you were wounded and taken prisoner at the Battle of the Marne.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I was.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What wounds did you sustain in that battle, Sir Mark?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I was shot through both legs and badly Shell shocked, I believe.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

The farm in which you lay wounded was set on fire by the enemy's guns. And you were nearly burned to death before you were rescued by the enemy?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Very nearly.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Now, what effect did that terrible experience have on you?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Those few hours that afternoon turned my hair grey, as you see it now.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What was it that morning?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, I hadn't a gray hair. I was only 22.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What happened after you were taken prisoner?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I was in a German hospital for three months and then sent to an officer's prison camp at Hobheim.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

When were you released?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I was never released. I escaped in October 1918. I reached the Belgian frontier three days before the armistice.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Yes. And then?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Then I made my way fairly easily to the English lines and was invalided home.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What did you do then?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I retired from the army and had a long rest cure after six months or so. I. I was as well as I suppose I ever shall be and. And married my wife, I think.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Your son Gerald was born the following year.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That is so.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

You have recently entered public life and last autumn you were elected Member of Parliament for the Raynham division of Norfolk.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, Sir Mark.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What is the present state of your health?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, subject to a bit of a limp. I can indulge in any reasonable physical effort.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What about mental effort?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I suppose I mustn't say too much about that. Apart from memory. I don't complain.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What of your memory?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I have practically no recollection at all of events or persons before my imprisonment.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Now I want to turn for the moment to the libel, which is the subject of this action.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

The jury has heard the allegations of which you complain. Sir Mark is the one word of truth in them.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

They are an infamous lie.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Has anyone else any right to your title, estates or position?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Not a soul in the world.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Has any member of your family at any time displayed any difficulty in identifying you?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, not one until this paragraph appeared in the Gazette.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Ah. I think I have only one more question to put to you, Zamark. How did you first learn of this libelous publication?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It was sent me by friends and constituents, but I first read it in my own copy of the paper. I happened to be a registered reader of the Gazette. I. I don't agree with its views, but I've always liked all Sorts of fiction.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Thank you, Sir Mark. That will be all.

[Judge]

Does counsel for the defendant wish to examine the witness?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

We do, my lord. So you've always liked all sorts of fiction, have you?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, I said so.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

You've indulged that liking to a rather abnormal extent, haven't you?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I am suggesting that ever since November 1918, you have indulged in the unscrupulous fiction of being an English baronet.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That is an infamous libel for which your clients will have to pay.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Of being the lawful owner of the Lodden estates.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I am the lawful owner.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Keep calm, Sir Mark.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And the most unscrupulous fiction of all. Of being entitled to woo and marry your wife.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

My wife doesn't require the protection of

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

the gutter press and my instructions. I'm not so sure of that. Now, before we go any further, I

[Sir Mark Loddon]

want to be quite clear.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

You don't wish to suggest to the jury that any physical or mental disability, that is prison or escape experiences could possibly make you believe you were someone other than yourself. Do you suggest such a thing?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, I don't.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

You've sustained no injury that could make Frank Well. Nay, honestly believe that he was Samakhi Loudon?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Of course not.

[Judge]

Whom did you say, Mr. Foxley?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Frank Wellney, my lord. Who is Frank Wellney? If your lordship will allow me to explore that in my own way.

[Judge]

Certainly, Mr. Foxley.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Thank you, My lord. I am sure that the witness has heard of a man called Frank Wellney.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Certainly.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

He was a Canadian officer?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I believe so.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Do you ever know him?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, I. I was at the same prison camp in Germany.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

So I believe. For how long?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Nearly four years.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

When did you last see him?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Let me see. It would be.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Let me help you. Did you shave yourself this morning?

[Announcer]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Why didn't you see him then when you looked in the mirror? I say, didn't you hear me? I'm suggesting that you are Frank Wellney and that he is you.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That's a lie.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Is it?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

We shall see. Now, when did you say you saw him last?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

When we escaped together in November, 1918. We got parted.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Got parted. Now, when did you get parted?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

We missed each other in the dark.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

You missed each other in the dark? Is that really all you can tell me of how you separated?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes. It's very easy to get lost in the dark. The other fellows had got hold of civilian clothes, but I hadn't. I was in uniform, so we had to move by night.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Does anyone else in the party of escape?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, a man called Buckenham.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Now then, that was the party. Sir Mark Loddon, Buckenham and Welney?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes. Myself and the other two.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And how did you separate?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I've told you. We lost each other in the dark.

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And which of you got lost first?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well Buckenham went off first to forage for food. He didn't come back.

[Pat Buckingham]

Ah.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

That left Laddon and Wellney together. What happened then?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Then Wellney went off to look for Buckenham. He never came back either.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Both got lost the same fatal night.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh.

[Announcer]

Killed.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Ah, killed. That was it. Was it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I don't know. I only mean Wellney. I, I, I know Buckenham is alive. So do you.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Who do you say was killed? Wellney or Ludden?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I won't answer that question. You know I'm alive.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Yes, I know you're alive. Did you make any inquiries at the time about your, shall we say mislaid companions?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Of course I did.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And you've never heard from either of them since?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Not from Wellney.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Do you think they are dead or alive?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I know Buckenham is alive.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And what of Wellney?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I have no doubt he's dead.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Don't let us be unduly pessimistic. Would you please describe Frank Wellney's appearance to the jury?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Nothing peculiar. Very ordinary looking fellow.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Oh come, come. I won't. I don't want you to be so modest. Was he not in fact remarkably like you?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I'll put the question another way. Wasn't he remarkably like Sir Mark Ludden?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I never noticed it.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

You never noticed it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Never.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Did other people notice it, did they?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Who noticed it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Buckenham. He pretended to think that we were very much alike.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Pretended? I wonder if you remember any physical peculiarities about this man Wellney.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, I can't say that I do.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

No. Then I shall try to help you.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Thank you.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I'm lucky enough to have an official description of Wellney from the army. Canadian army records.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, most fortunate.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Now let's see if it helps us at all. 5 foot 10. It's about your height isn't it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

And a good many millions besides.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I dare say blue eyes. What color are yours? You can see for yourself and so can the jury. They're blue gentlemen. Thick crop of grey hair. And how would you describe yours?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

How would you describe yours if you'd been through what I went through?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And now even a more important physical feature of Frank Wellney. It seems from this record that he had lost the first two joints of the first finger of his right hand.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Had he?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Yes he had. How did you lose yours?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

My finger. Do you Mean?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Yes. By a curious coincidence, you've also lost the first finger of your right hand.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I don't know about coincidence. I'm. I'm. I'm not ashamed of my wounds.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

How did you lose it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

My. My finger was shot off by a chance German bullet. When. When I was escaping.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Oh, when you were escaping. And that would produce the interesting result that no one who was at the prison camp with you could remember that Sir Mark Louden had lost a finger.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Of course not. But I remember.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Mr. Foxley, would you mind holding your right hand up to the jury so that they remember too? Thank you.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Quiet.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Quiet, please.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Now, I'm going to read one thing more from this official record of the unfortunate Frank Wellney has the initials FW Tattooed on his right forearm in a red and blue circle.

[Announcer]

Had he?

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

Yes.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Now I come to think of it, I remember he was tattooed.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I wonder if you would mind showing Millard and the jury your forearm.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

And what is your suggestion?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I'm glad to make it clear. I definitely suggest your right forearm has the letters FW Tattooed on it.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I don't want to conceal anything. I'm. I'm quite prepared to admit my arm is tattooed and has some letters on it, but not those.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

May we see for ourselves what they are?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Certainly.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Thank you. Would you show your arm to my lord and the jury?

[Judge]

As far as I can see, the initials tattooed on the plaintiff's arm are EW In a red and blue circle.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

That is so, my lord. But I suggest those letters EW Were originally FW For Frank Wellney. It would only require the addition of a single stroke, would it not?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Very true.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Yes. Perhaps the witness can explain those letters. What about the E?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

If you must have it. E is my wife's initial. Her name is Enid.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Indeed. But if the letter was originally F, that explanation would not do.

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

No.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

But as it never was, there is no difficulty.

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

Ah.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And what is the W for?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

The W? The W stands for her maiden name, Winterton.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And when did you have them tattooed?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

In Hobheim camp by a fellow prisoner.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Why?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

To pass the time. Time goes rather slowly in a prison camp.

[Dr. Floridon]

I dare say.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Did they permit you to write letters?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, they did.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Can you produce any letters written by Sir Mark Lodden while he was a prisoner?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, I cannot.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Ah, fortunately I can. I have here some specimens of Sir Mark's pre war and prison handwriting and your post war handwriting. Will you look at them? Well, they're rather different, aren't they?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Shoot off your first finger and see if your handwriting is the Same.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Did you shoot yours off?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, I did not.

[Dr. Floridon]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

It was a chance bullet. Of course, it all comes down to this, doesn't it? That Frank Wellney had lost the first finger of his right hand and you have lost yours. Frank Wellney had the letters FW tattooed in his right forearm before captivity. And Sir Mark Loud in the English baromet had EW almost the same letters tattooed on the same arm during his captivity. It's a world of coincidences, isn't it? Yes.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, it seems to be.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Yes, doesn't it? All of the physical features which were wellies are also yours. Can you produce one physical characteristic which would identify you as Mark Loddon?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Not even a mark or a scar from your boyhood?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I told the court I don't remember my boyhood.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

No, you were shell shocked. A very convenient explanation.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Also happens to be the truth. I didn't want to lose all the memories of my youth. Here I am, a man of 40 over 40 and for all practical purposes my life began 15 years ago.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And a very nice life it was. Mr. Wellknay, I am Sir Mark Louden. That is the question we to decide

[Sir Mark Loddon]

if I am not Mark Ladden, what became of him?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Shall I tell you? Mark Lodden is dead. Mark Ladden was murdered by Frank Weller. And you are Frank Welner.

[Announcer]

And so the cur on Act 1 of libel starring Ronald Coleman with Otto Kruger and Francis Robinson. In a moment, Mr. DeMille brings you act two. Meantime, let's take an imaginary trip from coast to coast. San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, New Orleans. Now that's a glimpse of the kind of thing that happened when an impartial survey was made. In cities all over the country, doorbells were rung and thousands of women were asked questions like this.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Would you tell me please, what soap you use for stockings? Why, luxe flakes, of course.

[Announcer]

Then the same question was asked about other nice things. And in thousands of homes, east, west, north and south, the answer was lux. Finally, when all the interviews were read and tabulated, it was found that all

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

over the United States it's new quick luxe flakes. Two to one, right?

[Announcer]

Twice as many women use new quick luxe flakes for stockings under things and other nice things as use any other flakes, chips or beads. Now that's a vote of confidence, isn't it?

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

No wonder women are crazy about new quick looks. Mr. Ruick.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Yes?

[Announcer]

It's so fast. Why, in water as cool as your hand, it's three times as fast as any of 10 other leading soaps tested.

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

That's a big help when you're busy, Mr. Ruick. It saves time.

[Announcer]

And new Quicklux flakes are so gentle, safe for anything safe in water.

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

And that saves stockings and other nice things.

[Announcer]

And new Quicklux is thrifty to use too, because a little goes so far. No wonder it's America's favorite way of washing all kinds of nice things. Why not get a generous big box tomorrow and give your stockings under things, your washable dresses and blouses, your gloves and sweaters this fast, thrifty safe care. New Quicklux comes in the same familiar package and it doesn't cost you a cent more. Now your producer, Mr. DeMille

[Lowe's Advertiser]

Pros Save more on what you need to get the job done right right now at Lowe's, get 15% off select custom entry and interior doors. Plus save $80 on the Dewalt 20 volt max 2 tool combo kit now just $169. And at the Lowe's Pro des your materials list and get a quote in minutes handwritten, a photo or even a sticky note is all you need. Keep your jobs moving faster and on budget at Lowe's valid through 7 8, while supplies last selection varies by location.

[Grainger Advertiser]

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

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Act two of Libel. Starring Ronald Coleman as Sir Mark Loddon. With Otto Kruger as Foxley and Frances Robinson as Lady Enid. It's the second day of the trial. An hour before court is to reopen, the man known as Sir Mark Ladden confers with his counsel. Sir Mark's face is white and drawn, his eyes bright and feverish. Restlessly, he paces the library as he speaks.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, it's not for myself that I mind. It's for Enid. I watched her yesterday in court. She was so bewildered and hurt. If only there was some way of sparing her.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

We had to bring the suit, Mark. It was the only thing to do.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I realize that. You've said it 20 times, Mark. I'm sorry, Sir Wilfrid. My nerves are all on edge.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Did you sleep last night?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

How could I sleep? I went over every word of the trial hour. By hour?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

You should have tried to rest. We have a hard day ahead of us.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Could it possibly be any harder than yesterday? What'll they do?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Put Bucknham on the stand first, I imagine. After that, I don't know.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Buckenham, there's a witness for you.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I think I can take care of Bucknham. Mark, why didn't you tell me about those tattoo marks? The letters EW on your arm. Why didn't you tell me?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well, I. I didn't think it was important.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Yet you knew that Wellney had almost the same letters on his arm. The inference that F might have been changed to E was something that I should have been prepared for.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

And I didn't tell you. Am I supposed to remember every minor detail of something that happened 16 years ago?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

That minor detail, as you call it, may prove very damaging. If I'm to represent you, Mark, you must not withhold anything that may have a bearing on the case.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Withhold? Why should I withhold anything from you?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I don't know, Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

You're beginning to talk like Foxley. Don't you believe me either?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I'm only trying to look at this through the eyes of the jury. That's my job, Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

And in the eyes of the jury, I am an impostor and a murderer. Is that what you mean?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I mean that minor details can sometimes blind the jury to the truth. We must be careful, Mark.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Very careful.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, Enid. Come in, dear.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

I didn't want to disturb you, but we haven't much time.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Enid, do you think it's wise for you to come to court?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

I must be there, Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

But it's horrible for you, listening to all that.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

It is horrible. That's why I can't stay away. I must be near you. You're my husband, Enid.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Darling, you say that as if.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Please, Mark, not now. There isn't much time to talk now.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

All right, darling.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Now, Mr. Bucknham, let's get on to October 1918. What happened then?

[Pat Buckingham]

Our guards were reduced, so we tried to escape.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And who were we?

[Pat Buckingham]

Loddon, Wellney and me. We got off all right at the first attempt and tricked towards the Belgian frontier. Move in at night.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Go on.

[Pat Buckingham]

A few days before the armistice, we reached the outskirts of a small town. Staveloe. Just over the frontier by Malmedy.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

What happened then?

[Pat Buckingham]

Well, it was my turn to forage for food. I went off and left the other two in the wood about half a mile up the hill outside the town. When I got back, well, near Danner Bunk.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Dunner Bunk.

[Pat Buckingham]

He disappeared Only Loddon was there and he.

[Dr. Floridon]

Yeah.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Yes. What happened?

[Pat Buckingham]

Well, I don't suppose we'll ever know the exact truth.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Will you tell the jury what you saw?

[Pat Buckingham]

I saw poor old Mark Loddon where I'd left them both. He was lying on the ground with his head bashed in.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Any signs of a struggle?

[Judge]

Rather.

[Pat Buckingham]

Loddon's clothes were more red than coffee. His arm had been smashed to a pulp.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Which arm?

[Pat Buckingham]

His right arm. He was smothered in blood. Face and arms, you say?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

There was no trace of Wellney?

[Pat Buckingham]

Not a sign.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

What did you do?

[Pat Buckingham]

I saw poor old Mark was dead, but I couldn't leave him there. So I lifted him as well as I could and took him along to the door of the first big ass. Left him on the step and ran away.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

But you're sure that Sarmac was dead?

[Pat Buckingham]

As dead as Mutton.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Thank you, Mr. Buckingham. Your witness, Sir Wilfrid.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Mr. Buckingham, am I right in assuming that your suggestion is that Frank Wellney murdered Sir Mark Loddon?

[Pat Buckingham]

Of course he did. I left them together.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What time Was that?

[Pat Buckingham]

About 8 or 9 o'.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Clock. Was it dark?

[Pat Buckingham]

It was dark, I've told you.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

So then how can you be so sure it was poor old Mark and not well near, that you carried?

[Pat Buckingham]

No face was smothered in blood, no doubt about it. If I hadn't known his shape when I carried him, I'd have known his uniform. He was the only one of the party in uniform.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I see.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Now, tell me, Mr. Buckenham, it's some years since you were demobilized?

[Pat Buckingham]

It is.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

And where have you lived during those years?

[Pat Buckingham]

Ah, different places.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I wonder if I can guess some of them. Did you spend nine months in Liverpool jail?

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes, I did. What for? Is that important?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Very important.

[Pat Buckingham]

Well, it was a misunderstanding, that's all.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Really?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

And then did you spend 18 months in Newcastle?

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

In prison again.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

What was that for?

[Pat Buckingham]

Same sort of thing. I was just.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Wasn't it for blackmail?

[Pat Buckingham]

Something of that sort.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Blackmail. And then did you get three years in the Old Bailey?

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Another misunderstanding. Yes, it was blackmail again.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Some people might describe you as a professional blackmailer.

[Pat Buckingham]

Then some people would be wrong.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

We'll let the jury decide that.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Your witness. Mr. Foxley, you have served several terms of imprisonment?

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

For fraud and blackmail?

[Pat Buckingham]

Well, yes. I can't deny it.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Have you ever been charged with murder?

[Pat Buckingham]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Or attempted murder?

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And of what do you accuse the plaintiff?

[Pat Buckingham]

Of murdering Mark Lodden and slipping into his shoes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

That's all. Witness. Excuse. And now, my lord, I Should like to ask for a short recession recess at this time. If it please your lordship, it is most necessary. I would not ask it. The most important witness in this case will arrive here within the hour. He must be a very important witness.

[Judge]

Mr. Foxley, you've had time to prepare this case. Why wasn't the witness summoned in time?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

He was, milord. It took some time to prepare for the journey. This witness is coming from the village of Stavelot on the Belgian frontier.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Sir Wilfred, what is this? What are they going to do?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I don't know. You better leave the court, Mark.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Go to that little restaurant around the corner.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I'll try to meet you there in 10 minutes.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Another cup of tea, sir?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, no, no, no, thank you, no.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Nothing wrong with it, is this.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

No, no.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It's just I. I don't want anymore, please.

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

Very well, sir.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Mark. Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Sir Wilfrid. I thought you'd never come. Sit down.

[Announcer]

Well? Well?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I found out who it is.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

The witness.

[Pat Buckingham]

Who?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

It's a man named Flor Don.

[Judge]

A doctor.

[Announcer]

A doctor.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Listen, Mark, that body that Buckingham left at the door in stablo.

[Announcer]

Yes?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Dr. Flor Don discovered it that night.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Let's go on.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

He took it into the hospital and. Whoever it was, Mark, that man is still alive. What?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

He can't be. Mark, he's dead, I tell you, that man is dead. He must be dead.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Mark, what are you saying? What do you know about this man?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I, I, I know nothing. Nothing?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Pull yourself together, Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, of course. I, I'm all.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And you say, Dr. Flor Don, that you practice as a doctor of medicine in the town of Stavelot on the old Belgian frontier?

[Dr. Floridon]

Yes, monsieur, for more than 20 years. At the Saul.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And you were there 1918?

[Dr. Floridon]

I was.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Do you remember something which happened two days before the armistice?

[Dr. Floridon]

It comes back to me distinctly. A boy summoned me to at midnight, to a farmhouse near the town. There on the doorstep lay a man in a very old English uniform. I knelt down, I felt the pulse, the heart. The man was not quite dead. But so nearly a corpse has made no difference.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

What did you do?

[Dr. Floridon]

There was no hope for recovery, but I determined to do my best. I dressed his wounds at the farm and the next morning had him removed to my hospital for mental cases. And then, gradually, a miracle occurred. Sometimes it so happens, one life is cut short and another is spared. Sometimes a life that means nothing. Less than nothing.

[Judge]

Let's get on, please. What happened as a result of your treatment?

[Dr. Floridon]

As I have told you, it was a miracle. My poor unfortunate recovered completely in A physical sense. But the appalling concussion of the blows which so nearly killed him has deprived him of all intelligence.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Deprived him of intelligence? What do you mean? Can he speak?

[Dr. Floridon]

I cannot say. He has a tongue. He has not ever used it. He cannot understand a word written or spoken English or French. He cannot think.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Really?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

How can you say that?

[Dr. Floridon]

Because I, Emile Floridon, have studied these things. I know. He is a living log, no more.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And he has been an inmate in your mental hospital ever since the night you found him.

[Dr. Floridon]

Yes. We call him number 15.

[Judge]

Number 15?

[Pat Buckingham]

Why?

[Dr. Floridon]

What other name could we give him? We knew him not. And that has ever since been the number I be sell.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I believe that you can produce one or two exhibits associated with this sad case.

[Dr. Floridon]

Yes. This is the khaki jacket number 15 was wearing at the time. You see how it is stained with tolerance of blood. It has lost the right sleeve. It is unfortunate I had to cut that off to examine the arm.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

It could not be helped, my lord. Members of the jury, please notice that this jacket is of the type worn by officers of the Rifle Brigade. Sir Mark Loddon was a captain in the Rifle Brigade. Now doctor, can you produce anything else?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Yes.

[Dr. Floridon]

I have brought with me another exhibit from Belgium. Number 15 himself.

[Judge]

Number 15?

[Dr. Floridon]

Yes, my lord. That so unfortunate. Body without a brain. May my assistant bring him in? He is of course in a wheelchair.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I'm sure my lord will allow it.

[Judge]

Let him come in.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Bring in number 15.

[Dr. Floridon]

This, my lord, is number 15.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Take the lady from the court.

[Dr. Floridon]

You will notice, my lord, that the features are unrecognizable. Bring him closer, please.

[Announcer]

Thank you.

[Dr. Floridon]

You will also notice that he breathes with great difficulty. The bone structure of the head was

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

badly smashed with some heavy instrument.

[Dr. Floridon]

Very heavy. Possibly the butt of an army rifle.

[Judge]

I see.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Now, Dr. Fordon, there is a very important question in this case.

[Dr. Floridon]

Yes, monsieur.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

It is whether the real name of this poor man here is well Knee or whether his real name is Sir Mark Loddon.

[Dr. Floridon]

That is indeed an interesting question. And poor number 15, he does not know. He cannot tell.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

It would obviously be useless to question him.

[Dr. Floridon]

Useless indeed, monsieur.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Nevertheless, with my lord's permission, I should like to establish that this. This man is incapable of knowing who he is.

[Judge]

You have my permission. You may question him.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Number 15, do you hear me? Number 15, do you know your name?

[Dr. Floridon]

It is no use, monsieur.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Please, please.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Number 15, look at me.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Look here.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Turn his head this way.

[Pat Buckingham]

Thank you.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Look at me.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Now try to think. Try to remember. Have you ever heard of A man called Sir Mark Loudden.

[Dr. Floridon]

Stop it.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Stop it.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Let him alone.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Let him alone.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Mark, be quiet.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Don't you see what they've done? They've brought a dead man here. I can't stand it.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I can't.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Look at him.

[Dr. Floridon]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Because you can't bear to see the result of your handiwork.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

He's not alive. Look at his face.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Yes, look at him, Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

He's a cop. He's been dead for 15 years. Take him back to his grave.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Let him rest.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Let him rest. My lord.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Recess, please. Samark has collapsed.

[Announcer]

After a short intermission, Mr. DeMille and our stars Ronald Coleman, Otto Kruger and Francis Robinson return in Act 3 of libel.

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[Spanish Advertiser]

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[Announcer]

Now a question to the women in our audience. When you want to know the best way to care for something that you bought, what do you do? If you can, you ask the person who made it, don't you? Well, take leather gloves, for example. Nowadays, beautiful gloves are being designed and made here in America. And in a practical American way, more and more of them are washable. Now, that's a great convenience and a great saving of cleaning bills. But of course, you want to know how to wash them safely. If not washed properly, they may come out stiff and shrunken. Well, here's advice from the experts. The national association of Leather Glove Manufacturers, whose members are the people who make leather gloves. Will you read what they say, Sally?

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

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[Announcer]

Now that's expert advice and it's sound because New Quick Lux has no harmful alkali. And with the instant rich Luxe suds, you don't need to rub.

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

Maybe our audience would like some tips about glove washing, Mr. Ruig.

[Announcer]

I think that's a good idea, Sally.

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

Well, here they are. Wash chamois and doe skin off the hands. All other leathers on the hands. Use cool luxe suds and press the suds gently into the gloves. Rinse in cool water and for a last rinse use some fresh light luxe suds. Squeeze out the moisture in a towel. When partly dry, work the leather between your fingers. It will come out soft as new.

[Announcer]

Thank you, Sally. And remember the American craftsmen who make the lovely gloves now on sale in stores want you to get splendid wear. Follow the advice of the national association of Leather Glove Manufacturers. Use Gentle New Quick Luxe Flakes for all washable gloves. We pause now for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

The curtain rises on the third act of libel. The third day of the trial with the evidence mounting against the man called Loddon. Sir Wilfred in desperation put Lady Laddon on the stand. But her testimony lacked conviction. And now the opposing counsel is cross examining.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And your husband was married to you as Sir Mark Loddon?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Now only a few more questions from me. Lady Lutton. Did Mark Lodden ever write to you from captivity?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

At regular intervals. After the first two months I want

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

you to search your memory most carefully. Did any of those letters reveal to you any loss of pre war memories?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

I. No, he said nothing of it. He asked me to wait for him.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And you did?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Yes, I waited.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Did he ever complain in those letters of shell shock?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

He never complained of anything.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

One final question, Lady Lutton. Do you now believe your husband, the plaintiff in this action, is really Mark Lutton? Well, is he or is he not so, Mark Lutton?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Pat Buckingham]

I don't know.

[Judge]

Well, Sir Wilfrid, have you decided to adopt any particular course is this case to go to the jury?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Our position, my lord, is very difficult. But I fear I must yield to my client's insistent desire that I should exercise the right. Your Lordship reserved to the right to recall the plaintiff on the question of the uniform jacket which was produced by Dr. Flordon yesterday.

[Judge]

I believe I did reserve that your client has the right to give his evidence on that one point, Sir Mark,

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

will you go into the witness box, please.

[Judge]

He seems to be under great strain. He can, if he likes, give his evidence sitting down.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Thank you, my Lord.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Sir Mark, you had an opportunity yesterday of seeing the uniform jacket produced by Dr. Florlon?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

You admit it's a Rifle Brigade jacket?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Most certainly. I have no doubt that jacket was mine.

[Judge]

You identify the jacket as yours?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, yes, my Lord.

[Judge]

Do you mean your uniform was on number 15 when he was found by Dr. Flondon?

[Announcer]

I do.

[Judge]

I should very much like to know

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

why we are coming to that, my lord. Will you tell the courts a mark, how your jacket came to be on number 15?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, well, you see, Buckenham was speaking the truth when he said he went foraging that night, leaving Wellney and me together. He was away a very long time. We thought he had been caught, so Wellney went to look for him. When neither Wellney nor Buckenham came back, I began to creep along the edge of the wood towards the town. Suddenly, I bumped into a German soldier. He was as frightened as I was. Without a word, he fired off his rifle. Before he'd put it to his shoulder, the bullet hit my hand and. And. And that's when I lost my finger.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What happened then?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I dashed in and. And wrenched the rifle out of the man's hands. He put up his arm to save himself and I. I brought the. The butt down on his head. He dropped like a stone. It was horrible.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Go on. Go on.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Then.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Then I suddenly realized where I stood. I'd lost my two companions. I felt sure they'd been caught. And on top of that, I'd killed a German soldier. And that meant. That meant certain death if they found me. The only chance of getting through was to get out of my uniform and get into a German one. So I changed with the man I. I thought I had killed. Of course, I took everything out of my own pockets. If I hadn't made the change, I'd never have got through.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Never.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Is there anything else you wish to add, Zamark?

[Announcer]

Only this.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Unless someone changed the uniform again after I got away, that poor devil whom Dr. Florida saved is not an Englishman at all. He is that German soldier.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

That will be all, Sir Mark.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Mr. Foxley.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Thank you. Tell me, witness, are you sure that you're fit for cross examination? Whatever view the jury may take, there's no doubt you've had a great shock.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, I've had a great shock. Yet in some ways I feel fitter to answer your questions than I was two days ago.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

No. No. What does that mean?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That shock seems to have brought a few things back to me. I believe I might be able to tell you a bit more now of pre war events than I could then.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Very interesting.

[Pat Buckingham]

Hmm.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

When you first gave evidence, did I hear you take the oath?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Of course.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

To tell the truth. The whole truth?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Then why didn't you tell the whole truth?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I thought I did.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Thought you did? Why didn't we hear a word of this encounter with a German soldier?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I didn't think it mattered.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

You didn't think it mattered? If it was true, why suppress it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Can't you see? It was only yesterday that I knew that that poor devil was still alive. Whether I'm frank, well, nay or not, had nothing to do with that German soldier until you produced that jacket.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Oh.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And when did you first tell this story to anyone?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

This morning, to Sir Wilfrid.

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

Ah.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Did you never tell your wife?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

And why not?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I. I didn't want her to associate me with that sort of thing.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

What sort of thing?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I've told you the way I killed him.

[Judge]

I have a note of what you said. I brought the butt down on his head. He dropped like a stone.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Is that all the truth? Have we got it all even now?

[Announcer]

No.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, not all. Not all. I'll tell you. He. He gave a dreadful scream and fell down helpless. I had to finish him off. I had to, if I was to have a chance of getting away, getting home, seeing.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Take your time, sir.

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

Mark.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

How many more blows?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

How can I tell? I've tried to forget all these years. I can't think of it even now.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

So we seem to be right. You are a man capable of brutal murder.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Did you ever serve in the war, Mr. Foxley?

[Judge]

Learned counsel do not expose themselves to questions when they're cross examining.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I don't want his answer if he can't see the difference between murdering a fellow captive and killing an enemy soldier who was fired on.

[Kiana]

You.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Yes, yes, yes. Well, let's not get off the subject, please. Can you produce a shred of evidence that would substantiate this story?

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

No.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, it depends on my word.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

With nothing to support it. And what became of the German uniform you say you escaped in?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I. I burnt it. I wanted to forget.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

That seems unfortunate. It might have given the name or regimental number of your mythical German.

[Announcer]

Ah.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I can give you the poor devil's name and regimental number.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Never mind the number. And perhaps I can tell you the name. Wasn't it Mark Loddon?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, it was not, my lord.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

It doesn't appear to interest my learned Friend. But I'm sure it will interest the jury. Sir Mark, I want you to tell the court the name of that German soldier.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It was Carl Geist.

[Judge]

Carl Geist. Are you certain of that name?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, my Lord.

[Judge]

How?

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[Sir Mark Loddon]

Here it is. On his identity disk.

[Judge]

Let me see it.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Here, my Lord.

[Judge]

You swear this was on the body of the German soldier whose uniform you exchanged for your own that night at Stavelo?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I do.

[Judge]

And you've kept it all these years?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, my Lord.

[Judge]

Has anyone beside yourself ever known of the retention?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, Milord, I. I've kept it locked up.

[Judge]

It seems to me it becomes increasingly difficult for a jury to give a verdict in this case.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Milord, I only want the verdict of the jury for the sake of one person. And that is my son. I've already lost the only verdict I wanted for myself.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

No, no, Mark. I believe you.

[Judge]

I do.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

I believe you, Mark.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Silence.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Silence.

[Judge]

Has the witness anything more to say, Milord?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Yes.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Something has just come back to me.

[Judge]

And what is it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

May I look at my jacket?

[Judge]

Certainly. Pass the jacket to the plaintiff.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well, will someone lend me a knife?

[Judge]

A knife?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I want to cut something I sewed in the back of my breast pocket. Something you sewed in two 50 mark notes. And I don't know if we can

[Judge]

let you mutilate an exhibit.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, my lord, I. I've admitted it's my jacket. And you can see where I sewed it up.

[Judge]

Where you sewed it? You sewed something in the lining?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, Miller.

[Judge]

When did you do that?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, when I was at Habheim. If I might have a knife to cut these stitches.

[Judge]

You may. Who has a pocket knife?

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

Sure, my lord.

[Judge]

Give it to the witness.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Thank you. Before I started to escape from Hobheim with Wellney and Buckenham, I wasn't too sure of my companions or what might Happen to things in my pockets. I don't seem to have been far wrong. So I sewed inside the lining of this breast pocket a photograph and two 50 mark notes. If this is my jacket, they should be here now.

[Judge]

Well, cut it. Cut the lining.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, yes, of course. Yes. Yeah. Well, here are the notes. And here is the photograph.

[Judge]

May I see the photograph, Sir Mark?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It was taken many years ago, but I suppose you can recognize it. It all begins to come back to me. My lord, this is the first photograph my wife gave me when we were engaged. I took it with me to France. I always had it in that pocket.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

I see.

[Judge]

Something is written on it. To Darling.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Need that be read aloud, my lord?

[Judge]

I think it should. Members of the jury, on this photograph, these words are written to Darling Mark. With all my love, Enid.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

With all my love, Mark.

[Mr. Foxley (Defense Counsel)]

My Lord? Yes, Mr. Foxley? My Lord, my client has made a great mistake. We are more than sorry for the great trouble we have caused. This man is obviously Sir Mark Loudon.

[Sally (Co-Announcer)]

Mark.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Oh, my darling, I'm so ashamed. Can you ever forgive me?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

You didn't know. I hardly knew myself at times.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Oh, Mark, you're so tired. Will you come home with me, Mark?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Will you, Enid?

[Dr. Floridon]

Sir Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, my lord.

[Judge]

Sir Mark, before you leave, may I hope that something more than a name has been recovered by this trial?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

My lord, I cannot believe that the

[Judge]

merciful Providence which allowed Ser Mark and Lady Loughton to come together after all the dangers of the war will not again avail to bring them through this final tribulation.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Milord, you may rest assured on that point. My wife and I are going home.

[Announcer]

In just a moment. Mr. DeMille brings back Ronald Coleman for a curtain call. Some people call men the logical sex. Say that women go by intuition, not reason. Well, I think women are logical and I'll tell you why. For a long time we've been giving them good reasons for using New Quick Looks Flakes for dishes. Now we're sure that they are acting on those reasons. Because more and more they are using New Quick Lux for their dishes. The reason for doing this is simple. There is a great difference between harsh soaps and gentle luxe flakes. New Quick Lux contains no harmful alkali. Nothing to irritate the skin. Nothing to leave it coarse, rough, dry. That's why in hundreds of dramatic one hand tests, Lux proved so much kinder to hands. These tests, as I've told you, were absolutely impartial. Made by a well known scientific laboratory, they included five soaps widely used for dishes in the tests. Each woman dipped one hand in luxe suds, the other in suds from a different soap. The Lux hands remained amazingly soft, smooth and lovely, while the other hands became distressingly red and rough. Now, you can easily prove this difference in your own dish pan. If you've been using a harsh soap. Just change to new quick Lux for your dishes. You'll see the difference in your hands very soon. It's such an inexpensive way to have soft, lovely hands in spite of dishwashing. Get the generous big box of luxe flakes tomorrow and start using it right away. Now here's Mr. DeMille with our star.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

I've known our star and admired his art for a good many years. I think tonight's performance was one of the finest he's ever given. As he comes back to our microphone now, we take our hats off to Ronald Coleman.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

All my thanks to you, CB and to Otto Kruger and Francis Robinson for their fine performances. I'm very proud to be a member of your company. This each time I've come here, you've surpassed your reputation as a host.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Our only complaint, Ronnie, is that you. You don't come often enough as one sailor to another.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

CB don't go overboard. I might wear out my welcome.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

We'll take a chance on that right now, Ronnie. I've received instructions from a good many of our audience to get a firm answer from you to a certain question.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well, I've been on the stand most of the evening. One more can't hurt.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

The suggestion is that you pin down all the rumors and tell us what your next picture is going to be.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It'll be with rko, and at the moment, it's My Life with Caroline. Though before we get through, it may have another title. Now, I have a question for you,

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

CB you may fire when ready, Ronnie.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well, it's about another picture, Land of Liberty. The film which you edited and assembled for the entire motion picture industry. I understand it's going to be released very soon.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes, on January 24th, to be exact. You see, Land of Liberty was made originally for the two world fairs as a kind of story of America in motion pictures. It has literally dozens of stars in scenes taken from 112 different motion pictures and many newsreels. But a great many people didn't get a chance to see it at the fairs. So now it's going to be shown in theaters throughout the country. Because of the nature of the picture and its timeliness as a living saga of our country, all the proceeds are being given to charity. So I have no hesitation in recommending Land of Liberty to every loyal American.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It's a great subject and it's for a great cause, CB And I know the whole country is looking forward to seeing it. Now, I think the audience is anxious to hear about your play for next week.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

And it's something to tell the world about. Running. Next Monday night, we're going to have Merle Oberon and Gene Autry

[Announcer]

in the

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Cowboy and the Lady. It'll be Gene's first appearance in the Lux Radio Theater, but he'll be right at home in the part of a reckless and romantic buckaroo. And you'll hear Merle Oberon in the same role she played in the Samuel Goldwyn picture the Cowboy and the Lady.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

And I, for one, won't miss it. Good night.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Good night, Ronnie. Good night. That applause is your second verdict tonight. Our sponsors, the makers of Luxe Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio Theatre presents Gene Autry and Merle Oberon in the Cowboy and the Lady. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Announcer]

Francis Robinson is currently seen in the Columbia picture so you won't talk. Heard in tonight's play were Vernon Steel as Sir Wilfred, Alec Hofford as Buckingham, Jeff Corey as Dr. Flor, Eric Snowden as Judge, Jack Lewis as his associate, Noreen Gamil as Waitress and Lou Merrill as Miles. Our music is directed by Louis Sil. Our Luxe Radio Theatre production of Libel has come to you with the good wishes of the makers of New Quick Luxe Flakes, the tissue thin soap flakes used by smart housewives everywhere and by the great motion picture studios to protect the million dollar wardrobes that you see on the screen. Join us again next week. Be part of the coast to coast audience that gathers each week to enjoy this hour of dramatic entertainment. This is your announcer, Melville Ruick, bidding you good night. And this is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Kiana]

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