Lux Radio Theatre - Snake Pit

Summary

---

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Lux Radio Theatre - Snake Pit
Date: July 15, 2026
Starring: Olivia de Havilland (Virginia Cunningham), Mark Stevens (Robert Cunningham), Leo Genn (Dr. Kick)

---

Episode Overview

This episode of Lux Radio Theatre presents a gripping adaptation of "The Snake Pit," a dramatic tale of mental illness, recovery, and the human need for understanding and compassion. Olivia de Havilland delivers a celebrated performance as Virginia Cunningham, a woman battling mental illness in a state hospital, while her husband and doctor try to unlock the secrets of her troubled past. The episode explores themes of trauma, the challenges of psychiatric treatment in the 1940s, and the hopeful (yet realistic) possibilities of recovery.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage: Introduction and Context

• [00:00-00:33] Host William Keeling introduces the play, lauding Olivia de Havilland’s award-winning performance and the risks Hollywood took with such a unique theme.
• Themes: The courage to address mental illness onscreen, the emotional power of radio storytelling.

The Hospital and Virginia’s Illness

• [02:08] The story opens in Juniper Hill State Hospital. Robert Cunningham is desperate for answers regarding his wife’s condition.
• [02:17] Dr. Kick stresses the importance of understanding Virginia’s background, initiating a series of flashbacks as Robert narrates how he met and fell in love with Virginia.

Early Clues and Relationship History

• [03:01-04:44] The narrative flashes back to Virginia’s life: her writing aspirations, emotional fragility, and difficulty establishing close connections.
• Robert’s confusion: He overlooked signs of Virginia’s troubles due to love, a recurring theme in families coping with mental illness.

The Onset of Illness

• [05:32-07:11] Their marriage is marked by unexplained insomnia, confusion, and emotional withdrawal. Virginia’s reality blurs: she loses sense of time and place, displaying paranoia and resistance to Robert’s care.
• Notable moment [06:41]: “November? Are you kidding?”—Virginia’s confusion about even the date signals her deteriorating mental state.

Institutional Experiences and Treatments

• [07:45-10:05] Dr. Kick proposes electroshock therapy (EST) as a time-saving measure in a crowded hospital system—highlighting both the desperation and limits of 1940s psychiatric care.
• [09:55] Quote, Dr. Kick: “There are many things we’re short of in state hospitals, but time most of all.”
• Virginia experiences memory loss (“Five months, and I don’t remember a moment of it”), numbness, and identity confusion during treatment.

The Struggle to Recover Memories

• [16:40-18:49] Dr. Kick uses narcosynthesis (medication-assisted hypnosis) to help Virginia recall crucial forgotten trauma involving a man named Gordon, whose accidental death she blames herself for.
  • Virginia: “If only I hadn’t made him turn back, he wouldn’t have died. I killed him.”
• Dr. Kick gently redirects the blame: “You were sick and he was taking you home. That’s what anybody would have done.”

Attempts at Discharge and Institutional Challenges

• [21:27-26:33] Robert tries to hasten Virginia’s release, but Dr. Kick warns she’s not yet ready. A disastrous staff interview ensues, triggering a severe relapse—Virginia cannot answer routine questions and feels persecuted.
  • [24:07] Staff doctor Dr. Curtis's aggressive questioning leads to Virginia’s breakdown.
• [27:12-28:08] Afterward, Virginia is confused about reality, recalling biting the doctor’s finger during the ordeal.

Working Through Past Trauma

• [29:06-33:51] In therapy, Virginia and Dr. Kick connect childhood trauma to her adult illness. Her sense of loss, guilt, and longing surfaces through recollections of dolls, her father’s illness and death, and her mother’s remarriage.
  • [32:13] Dr. Kick: “You wanted very much for your mother to love you... That’s why you turned to your father. And whenever he took your mother’s side, you felt betrayed and unloved.”

Moments of Insight and Recovery

• [40:30] Virginia shares her vision of the hospital as “a snake pit,” giving the play its title and metaphor for her struggle.
  • [41:09] Notable quote: “It was just as though they'd thrown you into a snake pit. And I was shocked into thinking that maybe I wasn't as sick as the others, but I really might get well.”
• Dr. Kick draws lines between past and present, helping her separate out guilt and acknowledge her right to heal.

Signs of Healing and Hope

• [44:34] Dr. Kick uses the metaphor of finding the light switch in a dark room for understanding and recovery: “Now you do know. You don't ever have to be afraid of being in the dark again.”
• Virginia begins participating in ward life, befriends other patients, and shows newfound empathy—particularly for a mute patient, Hester.

Final Steps Toward Freedom

• [46:54-48:57] Virginia is recommended for release as she demonstrates insight, assertiveness, and the ability to care about others besides herself.
• Farewell Scene: Virginia says goodbye to Hester, encouraging her in turn, and prepares emotionally to return to her life outside the hospital.

Touching Conclusion

• [49:40-50:11] Virginia and Robert are reunited outside the gates; she reclaims her wedding ring, embracing both literal and symbolic restoration of her life and identity.
  • [50:04] Virginia: “Here, darling, would you put it on again, please?”
  • [50:11] Inner Voice: “Come on, darling, we're going home.”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Kick on Mental Health:
  “It’s only natural... you felt a certain blame. He died and you didn’t.” – [20:37]
• Virginia defining her experience:
  “As though I were in a snake pit.” – [40:30]
• Realization of Growth:
  “It’s that I’m not in love with you anymore.” (Virginia to Dr. Kick) – [49:25] “You never really were, Virginia.” (Dr. Kick) – [49:29]
• Returning to Normalcy:
  “Just hold my hand, Robert, while we go through the gates.” – [49:47]

---

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00-02:08: Opening, introduction of play and main cast.
• 02:08-05:45: Robert and Dr. Kick discuss Virginia’s illness and courtship.
• 06:09-09:10: Virginia’s first breakdown and confusion over time.
• 10:05-11:03: Virginia’s amnesia and therapy session with Dr. Kick.
• 16:40-20:53: Narcosynthesis (truth serum therapy), recovery of Gordon trauma.
• 21:27-26:33: Attempt at staff discharge, Virginia’s psychological collapse.
• 29:06-33:32: Therapy, linking childhood trauma to symptoms.
• 40:30-44:37: The "snake pit" metaphor and breakthrough.
• 44:34-49:40: Dance, renewed hope, and preparation for release.
• 49:40-50:11: Final reunion and return home.

---

Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is empathetic and sensitive, realistically portraying psychiatric care in the mid-20th century and the stigma surrounding mental illness. Dialogue is introspective and at times poetic, especially during Virginia’s inner monologues and Dr. Kick’s interventions.

---

Episode Impact

This adaptation stands out for its unflinching look at institutional life, innovative psychological storytelling, and hopeful (yet hard-won) ending. Lux Radio Theatre’s production honors the complexities of mental illness, combining drama and compassion, and creates a deeply engaging listening experience.

---

Transcript

[Announcer]

Lux presents Hollywood. Lever brothers company. The makers of lux flakes bring you the lux radio theater. Starring olivia de havilland, mark stevens and leo genn in the snake pit. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William keeling.

[William Keeling]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight you'll hear one of the most brilliant acting performances of our day, given by a star who has just received the highest honor in Hollywood for the second time. The Academy Award for Best Actress knew that great artist Olivia de Havilland in the Snake Pit. Co starring are the same two players you saw in the picture, Mark Stevens and Leo Gen. You know, when Hollywood produces a picture that is completely off the beaten path, every producer knows the chance involved. But the unusual theme and superb acting in the Snake pit made the 20th Century Fox production an enormous success. And all the risks were happily justified. You know, producers may run risks in Hollywood, but our housewives refuse to take any chances. They follow the example of women all over the country by using Lux Flakes. They know that Lux Flakes are always safe and gentle for nice things. Now, here's the curtain for Act 1 and the snake Pit. Starring Olivia de Havilland as Virginia, Mark Stevens as Robert and leo Gen as Dr. Kick. Juniper Hill State Hospital. Dozens of buildings, acres of land, isolated in the countryside. A city unto itself. A hospital for the mentally ill.

[Robert Cunningham]

I. I just don't know what to think. Dr. Kick, you tell me. My wife's improving, but she doesn't even know me. You heard her yourself. She says she has no husband.

[Dr. Kick]

Yes, it may be a long time yet, Mr. Cunningham. I still know so little about your wife. Her background can be very important to us.

[Robert Cunningham]

I've already told you, Dr. Kick. Virginia never talked much about herself, her family. I always thought it was strange, but when you love somebody, you're not looking for symptoms. It's only now that I see things I never thought were important before.

[Dr. Kick]

Would you tell me about them?

[Robert Cunningham]

Well, I. I met Virginia in Chicago at a publishing house. She came by one day to pick up one of her stories. The editor turned it down. When I went out to lunch, there she was, alone at the table, like a kid who had been told to eat something she didn't want.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, hello.

[Announcer]

Hello.

[Robert Cunningham]

Mind if I sit here? No, thank you. Say, that story of yours, your first one.

[Virginia Cunningham]

First one I thought was any good.

[Robert Cunningham]

Look, may I tell you something about our editor?

[Virginia Cunningham]

No.

[Robert Cunningham]

You mean you'd rather I wouldn't talk?

[Virginia Cunningham]

No, I didn't mean that.

[Robert Cunningham]

Well, if I wrote a story and I thought it was good, I wouldn't care what anybody said. And I'd stop thinking about it and start eating my lunch.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Why don't you fire the editor and read my story?

[Robert Cunningham]

You know, I might do that.

[Dr. Kick]

So that's how you met her.

[Robert Cunningham]

After that, she used to drive by the cafeteria every so often, and we became friends.

[Dr. Kick]

She lived in Chicago then.

[Robert Cunningham]

I actually didn't know where she lived. Somewhere in the suburbs. Somehow I felt she was grateful to me. I felt she. She needed me. Like a child looking for protection. Then, early in May, I think it was, we had a big date. The Boston Symphony was in Chicago. We planned to have dinner and then go to the concert. Only when I met her in front of the office.

[Virginia Cunningham]

What I'm trying to say, Robert. Well, I. I can't go to the concert.

[Robert Cunningham]

Can't go?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Something's come up, something important. I'm sorry.

[Robert Cunningham]

But what? What is it?

[Virginia Cunningham]

It's no use, Robert. I've got to leave right away.

[Robert Cunningham]

Oh, now, wait a minute.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Let me go. Let me go. Please let me go.

[Robert Cunningham]

That was the last time I saw Virginia in Chicago. She didn't come back, and I couldn't find her. I got a better job soon after, which took me to New York. Sounds silly, I know, but I kept right on looking for her. She'd known about my new job, and I. Well, to cut it short, I did find her. Carnegie hall, the Boston Symphony, the lobby during intermission.

[Virginia Cunningham]

But I am glad to see you, Robert. Very glad.

[Robert Cunningham]

But where have you been? What have you been hiding for?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, I thought you just happened to meet on the street, in the subway or in a restaurant.

[Robert Cunningham]

Why didn't you try to get in touch with me? Oh, well, you've got a deep, dark secret. You killed somebody and the police are after you. But I'm not gonna lose you again. Now, tell me, what have you been doing?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Working 18 hours a day and being lonely 24. Oh, I'm working on a novel. It's almost done. Oh, you don't know how good it is to see you again.

[Robert Cunningham]

From then on, we were happy, like any two people in love. When I talked about getting married, Virginia wouldn't be pinned down. Just thought of getting married seemed to frighten her. And then some weeks later, she talked about it for the first time. She brought it up. I could hardly believe it.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Robert, do you really love me?

[Robert Cunningham]

You still don't know?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I do, but. But you don't want to marry me, do you?

[Robert Cunningham]

What does it take to convince you, darling? Look, I tell you what. I get a few days off at the end of the month. We'll get married.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Then we'll go on the end of the month.

[Virginia Cunningham]

You see, you're just trying to put it off. You don't really want to marry me.

[Robert Cunningham]

We were married three days later, 7 May. A few days after that, I came home late. I'd been delayed. The office. I found Virginia standing on the fire.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I couldn't sleep, Robert. I don't think I'll ever be able to sleep.

[Robert Cunningham]

Honey. How long you been standing out here?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I. I don't know.

[Robert Cunningham]

Come inside, darling. You're going to catch a cold.

[Dr. Kick]

Could she sleep, Mr. Cunningham? What did she just say? True doctor.

[Robert Cunningham]

And the next two nights? I don't think she had more than an hour's rest. And then I suggested that she'd better see a doctor.

[Virginia Cunningham]

A doctor? It's such a beautiful day, Robert.

[Robert Cunningham]

I know, dear, but we.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Almost too beautiful. November.

[Robert Cunningham]

November? Are you kidding?

[Virginia Cunningham]

What do you think it is?

[Robert Cunningham]

Well, May. May 12th.

[Virginia Cunningham]

What made it happen?

[Robert Cunningham]

Here's today's newspaper.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Darling, that's an old newspaper. Can't you see it's torn?

[Robert Cunningham]

Virginia, it's this morning's newspaper.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

It isn't. It's half me. My head hurts. Robert, there's something the matter with my head.

[Robert Cunningham]

Come on, darling. Let me help you.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Who are you? Why do you torture me? Why do you lie to me?

[Robert Cunningham]

Virginia, Let me go.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Let me go. Let me go.

[Robert Cunningham]

Virginia, what's the matter?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Let me go.

[Robert Cunningham]

Let me go.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Let me go. Don't touch me. Don't touch me.

[Robert Cunningham]

Virginia, don't you know I love you?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Love me? No. You can't make me love you. You can make me belong here. You can't.

[Robert Cunningham]

Virginia.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I can't love you. I can't love anybody. I. Can I.

[Robert Cunningham]

She stood there gasping, beating her hands against the kitchen wall. The rest you know.

[Announcer]

Dr.

[Dr. Kick]

Kick, you have no idea what that day in May might have meant to your wife. When have you last seen her? In Chicago.

[Robert Cunningham]

I'd say it was about the first week in May.

[Dr. Kick]

Could it have been the 12th?

[Robert Cunningham]

Might have been. You think there's some connection?

[Dr. Kick]

Possibly. Mr. Cunningham, I'd like to use shock treatment on your wife, but you'll have to sign this consent.

[Robert Cunningham]

Shock treatment?

[Dr. Kick]

Often it helps establish contact much faster. When that happens, we'll be able to start getting at the real causes of your wife's illness.

[Robert Cunningham]

Wasn't there any other way?

[Dr. Kick]

Yes, if we had unlimited time. There are many things we're short of in state hospitals, but time most of all.

[Robert Cunningham]

I guess it was the word shock that. Where do I sign.

[Dr. Kick]

Electroshock therapy is extreme and drastic. It's usually given in a series covering several weeks. I took Mrs. Cunningham off shock after the fourth treatment.

[Ms. Davis]

Well, what are you waiting for? For Dinia. Don't you know by now? Get on that table.

[Dr. Kick]

Just a minute, Miss Davis. What's Mrs. Cunningham doing here?

[Ms. Davis]

She's due for shock, isn't she, Doctor?

[Dr. Kick]

Didn't you check her child?

[Ms. Davis]

No, Doctor. Sorry, but I didn't have time.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I don't.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I don't want to get on the table.

[Dr. Kick]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Cunningham. This was a mistake.

[Ms. Davis]

Take her back to the ward, Miss Hart.

[Nurse]

Let's go, Virginia.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Why does Ms. Davis hate me? I haven't done anything, have I?

[Dr. Kick]

You'd better watch charts, Miss Davis.

[Ms. Davis]

I apologize, Doctor, but I'm sure I don't have to tell you how many patients we have and how few.

[Dr. Kick]

I know, miss Davis. Tell miss Hart, please. I'd like to see Mrs. Cunningham in my office.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I should. I should thank you, shouldn't I? You're the one who saved me the table they wanted me to.

[Dr. Kick]

I didn't save you, Mrs. Cunningham. I just didn't think you needed any more shock treatments. Do you know who I am?

[Virginia Cunningham]

You're Dr. Kick.

[Dr. Kick]

Then you do remember me.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I remember your voice. I liked your voice. You told me I came here in May.

[Dr. Kick]

Well, yes. Yes, I did.

[Virginia Cunningham]

What month is this? October, June, July, August, September. October. Five months, and I don't remember a moment of it. I've lost all those months.

[Dr. Kick]

Mrs. Cunningham, what do you remember of the time before you were ill?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I don't remember anything. I don't even remember coming here.

[Dr. Kick]

Nothing about New York.

[Virginia Cunningham]

New York? Yes. I used to buy groceries, and I was writing a novel and I couldn't sleep.

[Dr. Kick]

Yes, it's very bad not being able to sleep. You wake up early and all kinds of strange thoughts come into your mind.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes. Yes. I felt as if I'd done something

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

and I just couldn't remember what. As if something was following me all the time.

[Dr. Kick]

I know. You get to a point where you just can't see any way out. And you do things which seem impossible to understand. Like trying to push time out of your mind and saying, it's November. Oh, there's nothing to be ashamed of. This could happen to anyone.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Why are you so nice to me? Why are you interested in me?

[Dr. Kick]

Because I want you to feel that even if you think you did something you shouldn't have.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Something I should have.

[Dr. Kick]

That nobody here is trying to punish you.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Why do you want to make Me love you? I can't love anybody.

[Dr. Kick]

That's my paper knife, Mrs. Cunningham. Put it down, please.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I can't love anybody. I can.

[Dr. Kick]

Do you want to hit me with that knife?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Why, no. No.

[Virginia's Inner Child]

Oh, I don't know why. I don't know.

[Dr. Kick]

Perhaps you'd want to hurt anybody. Anybody who'd try to stop you from doing away with a day. A very important day in your life. May. May 12th.

[Virginia's Inner Child]

Oh, I don't know. It means nothing. Nothing.

[Nurse]

Unless.

[Dr. Kick]

Unless?

[Virginia's Inner Child]

Oh, I don't remember.

[Dr. Kick]

Who was with you the morning you became ill? Your husband?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, I have no husband. You know that.

[Dr. Kick]

But you've told me several times that you're married.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes. That's strange, isn't it?

[Dr. Kick]

What's your name?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Virginia Stewart.

[Dr. Kick]

Your full name, isn't it? No.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Do you know?

[Dr. Kick]

Of course.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Tell me.

[Dr. Kick]

Virginia Stuart Cunningham.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Cunningham.

[Dr. Kick]

Mrs. Robert Cunningham.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Robert.

[Dr. Kick]

Your husband.

[Virginia Cunningham]

My husband?

[Dr. Kick]

Isn't it better to know, isn't it?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes. Oh, yes.

[Dr. Kick]

Tell me, do you remember the time before you were married in Chicago? That's where you met Robert, isn't it?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes, I think so.

[Dr. Kick]

He was going to take you to a concert, but you ran away from him.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Dr. Kick]

Well, I think we've talked enough for today. Thank you, Mrs. Cunningham.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Doctor, have I. Have I seen Robertson since I've been here?

[Dr. Kick]

Your husband comes every visiting day. He wants to see you very much.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Should I see him?

[Dr. Kick]

I think so.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes, Doctor.

[Nurse]

Let's go, Virginia. Lots to do around here, you know.

[Dr. Kick]

Operator, this is Dr. Kick. Get me the New Alden Hotel, please, in New York. I want to speak to Mr. Robert Cunningham.

[Nurse]

This is Miss Virginia. This is visitor's room. You got a visitor. Your husband.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Visitor? Robert.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

It's Ro.

[Virginia Cunningham]

It looks like him, but I must be careful.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Watch your step, Virginia. Everything counts against you. Here.

[Nurse]

Now, Charlotte, be a good girl.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Of course it's not he.

[Nurse]

Well, here she is, Mr. Cunningham.

[Robert Cunningham]

Thank you, Nurse. Hello, Virginia.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Hello. It even sounds like Robert. They do a very good job when they want to.

[Robert Cunningham]

You. You look wonderful, Virginia.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Thank you. Dr.

[Nurse]

Kick said you can take her outdoors, Mr. Cunningham.

[Robert Cunningham]

Thanks very much.

[Nurse]

Well, Virginia, go on. You can go out.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Do you have a key?

[Robert Cunningham]

This door isn't locked.

[Virginia Cunningham]

It isn't? It's funny. Usually they're very careful about doors here. You think they were the most important thing in the world?

[Robert Cunningham]

It's very nice out here, isn't it?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes, very nice. Funny how the ground dried out. It poured last night.

[Robert Cunningham]

It was night before, dear.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, then I Must have lost another day. I don't suppose I'll ever find it. It's just a blank. What's in the box?

[Robert Cunningham]

All kinds of things. Fried chicken, fruit, cooking.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Sometimes, before I came here, I wished I could make my mind a blank. Now I know what a blank mind is. I get up in the morning and then suddenly it's time to go to bed and I can't remember what happened in between. This chicken, is it real?

[Robert Cunningham]

Try it. Go on.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Oh, it is real.

[Robert Cunningham]

Hey, hey, don't eat so fast. There's lots of time.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Are you. Are you really Robert? I have to be sure, you know.

[Robert Cunningham]

I know.

[Dr. Curtis]

Robert.

[Robert Cunningham]

Virginia, really. Here, put my coat around you. I don't want you to catch cold.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Well, I wouldn't mind having a cold or pneumonia or anything I could understand. What's the matter with me? Is it a brain tumor?

[Robert Cunningham]

No, you've had a nervous breakdown.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Nervous breakdown. Well, that doesn't sound so bad, does it?

[Robert Cunningham]

Just takes time, that's all.

[Virginia Cunningham]

What else does it do to you besides take time?

[Robert Cunningham]

Well, it's like any sickness, darling. But Dr. Kick will make you well again.

[Virginia Cunningham]

May I have a cigarette, please? And may I light it myself?

[Robert Cunningham]

Yes, yes, of course.

[Virginia Cunningham]

And could you let me have some matches?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

To keep.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I mean, it's funny. They won't let us have matches as if we were children. They don't cost so much, do they?

[Robert Cunningham]

I don't think I have any matches. But here. Here's a lighter.

[Virginia Cunningham]

A cigarette lighter. Oh, it's pretty. R.C. it has initials. R.C. robert Cunningham. You are Robert.

[Robert Cunningham]

Virginia, what's the matter?

[Virginia Cunningham]

No. No. Don't come near me.

[Robert Cunningham]

Virginia.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Nurse, Take me away from him. Take me away from him.

[Dr. Kick]

Knx 1070 news radio act 2 of the snake pit.

[William Keeling (Curtain Call)]

Starring olivia de havilland as virginia, mark stevens as robert and leo gen as Dr.

[Robert Cunningham]

Kid.

[Dr. Kick]

Are slowly getting better. But in a hospital as terribly overcrowded as ours, there is always the danger that the first good sign will be exaggerated. That the patient will come up for discharge before he's ready to face society. Robert Cunningham, understandably, was determined to get her release. But I knew his wife was far from ready. Now I'd have to act quickly, before it was too late. There was one shortcut. Narcosynthesis. Drugs. An injection that would unlock the door to her suppressed memory. That would induce her to talk and lead me, perhaps, to the origin of her illness. You're going to talk to me, Mrs. Cunningham. You're going to remember things. You're going back to Chicago. You're thinking About Chicago.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Chicago?

[Dr. Kick]

You're meeting Robert. You're going to a concert. Suddenly you decide you can't go.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Robert. Robert's trying to stop me. But it's late. I have to hurry. It's late.

[Dr. Kick]

It's late for what? Where are you going?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I've got to go home.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I have to be ready by 6:30. He told me.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

6:30.

[Dr. Kick]

Oh, Mrs. Cunningham. Robert or someone else.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Gordon. Gordon. He hates to be kept waiting.

[Dr. Kick]

Gordon. Go on, Mrs. Cunningham.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I tried not to go with Gordon, but I had to. You know Gordon. He said it was the annual banquet, May 12. And to wear my long dress. I had to go with him. I had to.

[Dr. Kick]

You like doing what Gordon told you to do?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I don't know. Yes, I. I felt I owed it to him. He took such good care of his mother and sister. Janey said he was like a father to them.

[Dr. Kick]

Like a father was. I mean, after your father died.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes. I was writing all the time. I wanted to become a writer.

[Dr. Kick]

But before that, in school. Did you go out with boys?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, no. I had to study hard. Gordon was the only one. He seemed to know what was best. He, he, he.

[Dr. Kick]

You're crying. Why? What happened that night?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I don't remember.

[Dr. Kick]

Are you sure you don't remember?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

The car. Gordon's car.

[Dr. Kick]

You were going somewhere in Gordon's car.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

It's a long drive. He said he didn't want to be late.

[Gordon]

Well, now that we're finally on our way, I can tell you my big news, Virginia. Janie and George are getting married in June. It's all set.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, how wonderful, Gordon.

[Gordon]

But that's not all. You see, honey, now I not only get Jamie off my hands, but George said he'll be glad to pitch him and help with Mother. Well, I decided I. Well, let's make it a double wedding, Virginia. Let's announce it at dinner. We can. Virginia, what is it?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Nothing. I'll be all right.

[Gordon]

You're not sick?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I don't know.

[Nurse]

I just.

[Gordon]

There's a drugstore down the road.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I think I better go home. Gordon.

[Gordon]

Oh, please, Virginia. What's the matter?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Please, Gordon, take me home.

[Dr. Kick]

You didn't want to marry Gordon. Why?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I was really sick.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I couldn't help what happened.

[Dr. Kick]

Of course you couldn't. What did happen? Gordon's taking you home now. What happened?

[Virginia's Inner Child]

I couldn't help it.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

If only I hadn't made him turn back, he wouldn't have died. I killed him. I killed him.

[Dr. Kick]

You didn't turn back. You were sick and he was taking. That's what anybody would have done. It's only natural that you felt a certain blame. He died and you didn't.

[Virginia's Inner Child]

I couldn't help it.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I did.

[Dr. Kick]

You're going to sleep. Sleep now, Mrs. Cunningham.

[Gordon]

Sleep.

[Dr. Kick]

And when you wake up, you're going to remember everything you told me. Everything. The profound relief that had come to her in bringing the Gordon episode to the surface was very apparent. But there was still a long way to go. On Friday, Robert Cunningham came again. Visit his wife. He was given permission to take her to the coffee shop.

[Robert Cunningham]

Now I can tell you some good news, Virginia. I'm pretty sure you'll be going with me to my mother's soon.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Your mother?

[Robert Cunningham]

Yes, to a farm, you remember, in Illinois.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, yes, of course. Sometimes I think I'm not as sick as the others here. But they say that if you think you're well, then you're really sick. If I say I'm sick, maybe that means I'm well. The trouble is I can't be sure there's anything.

[Robert Cunningham]

You can be sure of me, darling.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Like the other night. Last night? Yes. Last night I think I heard a scream. And I didn't know if it was me who screamed or not. If it was I or not.

[Robert Cunningham]

Listen, when you start worrying about your grandma, you're really getting well.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Am I? For a while, they thought Don Jackson was going to get well. I knew him in Evanston. He was in law school and he. He lost his mind and they took him away. At first they thought he'd get over it, but he never did.

[Robert Cunningham]

Shouldn't even think about Don Jackson.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I remember his mother. She said, my real boy is dead. He's happy there in a world of his own, with his own kind.

[Nurse]

Look out for the train.

[Virginia Cunningham]

My own kind. These people. My own kind. Robert.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Yes?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Robert, you must.

[Robert Cunningham]

I must what, Virginia?

[Virginia Cunningham]

You must divorce me. It's not fair for you to be tied to me. You should have your freedom.

[Robert Cunningham]

My freedom? The few hours I can spend here.

[Virginia Cunningham]

You're talking too fast. I can't follow you.

[Robert Cunningham]

Virginia. I love you. Darling.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes?

[Nurse]

Did.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Did Dr. Kick say anything to you about Gordon?

[Robert Cunningham]

Gordon? No. No, he didn't. But he did tell me that you're going to Staff.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Staff? Yes, I've heard about Staff. Where's that?

[Robert Cunningham]

Well, it's a group of doctors, dear. And they talk to you a little before you go home. It's nothing to be afraid of.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Dr. Kick want me to go?

[Robert Cunningham]

Dr. Gifford says you're well enough. The important thing is that you want to go home with me. You Do, Virginia, don't you? Back to Illinois?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes, Robert, yes. Everybody wants to go home from here.

[Dr. Kick]

What Robert had told her was all too true. She was in no condition to leave the hospital. But here was a chance to get her out of the state to make room for someone else. My protests were all overruled. Among the patients at the next staff meeting was Virginia Cunningham. Now, don't be frightened, Mrs. Cunningham. These doctors here only want to find out if you're well enough to leave.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Do you think I'm well enough, Dr.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Kick? Why do you want to get rid of me?

[Dr. Kick]

We're not trying to get rid of you.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Well, you won't catch me saying I'm not sick. I know what that means.

[Dr. Kick]

If you don't mind, Dr. Kick, Dr. Curtis will examine the patient.

[Dr. Curtis]

Tell me, Virginia, where were you living when you became ill?

[Virginia Cunningham]

New York.

[Dr. Curtis]

Where in New York?

[Virginia Cunningham]

New York City.

[Dr. Curtis]

But where in New York City?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Manhattan.

[Gordon]

Yes.

[Dr. Curtis]

Yes, I mean, go on.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Go on about what?

[Dr. Curtis]

I'm trying to find out your address in New York.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, I knew all the time that's what you meant, but I don't know. Please, God. Please help me.

[Dr. Curtis]

Has your husband been here to see you?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes.

[Dr. Curtis]

How often does he come here?

[Virginia Cunningham]

As often as the rule allows.

[Dr. Curtis]

How often is that?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Why? Don't you know?

[Dr. Curtis]

I know. I know all about it. I'm simply trying to find out.

[Virginia Cunningham]

If you know, I can't see what difference it makes. Would you change?

[Dr. Curtis]

What's your husband's occupation?

[Virginia Cunningham]

He works for some publishers. No, that was way back. He's. He's a farmer, isn't he?

[Dr. Curtis]

I thought he was an auditor.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, yes. Yes, for the Alden Hotel.

[Dr. Curtis]

Alden Hotels. Isn't he working for the Craft Hotels?

[Virginia Cunningham]

No. He works for the Alden Hotels.

[Dr. Curtis]

I'm sure you'd recognize your husband's handwriting. Now, what do you see on this piece of paper?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I see that my husband has written that he's employed by the Craft Hotels, Incorporated.

[Dr. Curtis]

What do you say to that?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Well, if he says Craft, it's Craft. I was mistaken. I'm sorry. I. I'm terribly sorry.

[Dr. Kick]

Dr. Gifford, there's a full report on this case. It's only too clear that the. Please go on, Dr. Curtis.

[Dr. Curtis]

Now then, Mrs. Cunningham, have you ever worked yourself?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Beg pardon?

[Dr. Curtis]

Have you. Have you ever worked yourself?

[Virginia Cunningham]

That's better. Thank you. When you have that cigar in your mouth, it's hard to understand you sometimes.

[Dr. Curtis]

No. Forgive me, please.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Well, yes, yes, yes, I'm sorry. I know what you mean. You want further information. My number was 564, 12, 11, 13.

[Dr. Curtis]

What's that?

[Virginia Cunningham]

My Social Security number.

[Dr. Curtis]

You mean you can remember a number like that, but you can't recall your home address?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I'll try to remember. Only please don't wave your finger at me. I'm trying to answer.

[Dr. Curtis]

All right, I'll give you an easy one. How old are you?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I feel sick.

[Dr. Curtis]

Oh, come on. Come on. How old are you?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Please don't shake your finger at me.

[Dr. Curtis]

You just try to help yourself.

[Dr. Kick]

Dr. Gifford. This must be stopped before it's too late.

[Dr. Curtis]

Stop what? Come now, come, come.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Take your finger away. Please take it away.

[Dr. Curtis]

Don't tell me you don't know your own age. It's a very simple question, isn't it?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Don't do that. Don't do that. Don't do that.

[Dr. Kick]

A moment later, we were taking Virginia Cunningham out of the staff room. Fighting, screaming, terrified.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I know you're kind, Dr. Kick. Your voice is sweet, but it drips with poison and lies.

[Dr. Kick]

My judgment was confirmed, but at far too great a price. She had not been ready to face a staff examination, and now she'd suffered a prolonged relapse, and her confidence in me was shattered. It was weeks, many weeks, before she was well enough even to see her husband again.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, yes, yes. I'm very glad to see you, Robert. But that terrible little man you were just talking to, Dr. Curtis.

[Robert Cunningham]

That was Dr. Curtis, dear.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Dr. Curtis. Oh, I thought he was a patient here, but I'm sure there's something terribly wrong with him. Robert. Yesterday he came into the ward and asked me why I bit his finger.

[Robert Cunningham]

Yeah, I guess he's a little unhappy about that.

[Virginia Cunningham]

He must be crazy or something. Robert, I didn't fight him, did I? Did I?

[Robert Cunningham]

Well, that's what they say, dear.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I don't understand. When?

[Robert Cunningham]

At the staff meeting or they asked you about my job that I should have told you, Virginia. You see, the Kraft Hotel people bought out the Alden chain, and I guess I just neglected to tell you. I never thought they'd be asking you questions like that.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I bet him. But it isn't like me to go around biting people.

[Robert Cunningham]

Well, the next time you want to bite someone, don't pick out such a big shot.

[Virginia's Inner Child]

I'm sorry.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I know it isn't funny, but I can't help laughing. Is Dr. Critters really so important?

[Dr. Kick]

Ollie's over Dr.

[Robert Cunningham]

Kick, and Kick's pretty important here.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Did you say Kick?

[Robert Cunningham]

Look, Virginia, it wasn't Dr. Kick who sent you the staff. It was all my fault. I guess I Was too anxious to get you out of here. Kick was the only one who tried to stop it, Benny.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Then he is trying to help me. He wasn't lying to me. He wasn't lying to me. Oh, Robert, I I glad.

[Dr. Kick]

And so I had her trust again. Six with her, I Ward 1. The next move would be out of the hospital and home.

[Nurse]

Ms. Davis will be here in a minute, Mrs. Cunningham. Now, just remember, she's in charge of ward one. Do everything Ms. Davis says, get it?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Ms. Davis. Yes, I think I've heard of Ms. Davis. But maybe I just imagine that. You see, my worst trouble is that I keep forgetting things by Cunningham.

[Nurse]

Oh, yes, Miss Davis.

[Ms. Davis]

Sit down, Mrs. Cunningham.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes, Miss Davis.

[Ms. Davis]

Only not on the floor. In one. We do not sit on the floor.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I was afraid I'd mess up the bed.

[Ms. Davis]

You'll find the rules here are different from other wards. Patients here take care of their own rooms and make their own beds.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, I could never make a bed look as nice as this one.

[Ms. Davis]

You learn this ward is quite pleasant, Mrs. Cunningham, for those who are willing to cooperate.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I think I remember you now. Yes, the table, the electricity.

[Ms. Davis]

Shock treatment. What about it?

[Virginia Cunningham]

You were always there. And you. And you.

[Ms. Davis]

I'm sure these days you're cooperating. Much better, Mrs. Cunningham. I go in the day room.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes, Ms. Davis. Yes, I go. And he's just created another disturbance.

[Ms. Davis]

Maybe you can get somewhere with a doctor Kick. I certainly can't. Oh, here. Here's the doll she took from Valerie.

[Dr. Kick]

Well, Mrs. Cunningham, we were in the day room.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Valerie gave me the doll. I gave her cigarettes and she gave me the doll.

[Dr. Kick]

Apparently, Valerie says you took her doll, and Ms. Davis seems to agree.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, don't you believe me, Dr.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Kick? I didn't steal it.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Really, I didn't.

[Dr. Kick]

I know you didn't, but why get so upset about a little rag doll?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I tried so hard to keep my promise and not make any trouble here.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

But it wasn't. Really it wasn't.

[Dr. Kick]

And why didn't you just give the doll back to Valerie when Ms. Davis told it to?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

All right, go on. Take her part. Just like Father. And then getting angry with me.

[Dr. Kick]

What do you mean, Mrs. Cunningham?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

What do I mean?

[Dr. Kick]

What do you mean? That once when you were a child, your father was angry with you unjustly?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, that. It was nothing. It all happened because of a little doll. It belonged to my friend next door. I had traded dolls with her.

[Dr. Kick]

I wish you'd tell me about him.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Tell you? Well, she was angry with me. My mother. She Was very angry with me.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Virginia.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Virginia, I told you two hours ago to take that doll back to Janie. Now do as you're told and bring

[M]

your big doll back.

[Virginia Cunningham]

But, Mommy, this is little. It's like a real baby, like the one you said is coming to live with us. Oh, for heaven's sake, just for once, will you please do as I tell you?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

But I want this doll.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I don't want my big doll.

[M]

Just you wait.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Just you wait till your father comes home.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Father?

[Virginia Cunningham]

No, don't tell Father, Mommy, please.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Please don't tell Father.

[Dr. Kick]

You loved your father, didn't you?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, yes, very much. Except when he. When he took Mother's part.

[Dr. Kick]

But he was always good to you.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, I love my father. He was so good to me until we knew about the new baby.

[Dr. Kick]

And is that why you wanted a little doll? Then you'd have a baby of your own, wouldn't you?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes. Yes, the little doll.

[Dr. Kick]

Then maybe your father would be as nice to you as he was to your mother.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I don't know. Maybe that was it. Oh, I behaved terribly. And when my father came home, I was still in a tantrum. He lost patience with me. I was sent to my room and I.

[Dr. Kick]

Go on, Mrs. Cunningham. You what?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I had stolen another doll. It was dressed like a soldier with a uniform. And I used to pretend that it was my father. And that night in my room, I took my soldier doll and I. I smashed it.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I smashed it to pieces against the wall. I don't care if he hates me. I don't care. I hope you break the pieces and I disappear you ever, ever again.

[Dr. Kick]

And what happened then, Mrs. Cunningham? What happened?

[Virginia's Inner Child]

Oh, I don't know. Nothing.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Nothing.

[Dr. Kick]

Were you punished for breaking the doll?

[Virginia Cunningham]

No, I don't think so.

[Dr. Kick]

Why are you crying? What do you remember that makes you cry?

[Virginia's Inner Child]

Oh, the doctor came.

[Nurse]

My father.

[Virginia Cunningham]

He was very sick.

[Dr. Kick]

Wishes sometimes seem to come true, don't they?

[Virginia's Inner Child]

But I didn't want him to die.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I didn't. I loved him so.

[Dr. Kick]

But he did die.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Yes.

[Virginia's Inner Child]

My mother got married soon afterward. And somehow I always felt she didn't like me because I reminded her of father.

[Nurse]

I'm sorry, Dr.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Kick.

[Virginia Cunningham]

It's so silly, crying about something that happened such a long time ago. And something I could hardly remember.

[Dr. Kick]

By the way, did your mother ever tell you what your father died of?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I think she said, is it. Is it col uremia?

[Dr. Kick]

A very serious illness which usually takes many years to develop. He may have been ill even before you were born.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Before I was born?

[Dr. Kick]

So you See, there's no possible connection with your wish. Well, let's walk back to the ward, shall we?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Kick]

Kit, aren't you taking the doll? The doll you got from Valerie.

[Virginia Cunningham]

The doll? You mean this? Why, it's only a piece of rag.

[Dr. Kick]

That's all it is.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Just a simple piece of rag, Miss Davis. Why, it's a typewriter. You mean it's for me?

[Ms. Davis]

Dr. Kick says you may use it for an hour every day. Well, go ahead and use it.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Well, I'm sorry, Ms. Davis. I'd write with you. I never could.

[Ms. Davis]

Now, look, Virginia, being a writer is nothing to be so excited about. It doesn't set you above the other ladies, you know. Now, if you really were a writer,

[Virginia Cunningham]

I tell you how to be a nurse.

[Ms. Davis]

All right, young lady, I've tried to be patient with you, but you've an

[Virginia Cunningham]

exalted idea of your own importance. Let me tell you something. If it weren't for Dr.

[Ms. Davis]

Kick, you'd never be here.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I know now why you hate me so. It's because you're in love with Dr. Kick, that's why. It's because you're. Miss Davis.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Wait. Don't go. Please. Ms. Davis, I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said, really I didn't. Please forgive me. Please don't tell Dr. Kick about it. Oh, please. Please.

[Nurse]

Well.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Well, we're going to miss you, Virginia.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Valerie, what do you mean?

[Virginia Cunningham]

You'll be out of this ward? I'd say in about 10 minutes, maybe less.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

No, she can't send me away. I must stay here at Thomas. Dr. Kick.

[Dr. Kick]

I knew nothing about this at the time. I'd gone to New York for the weekend. But I heard afterwards that for almost two hours they searched the building and the grounds. And Virginia Cunningham was finally found where she'd locked herself in the nurses washroom.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

You know you can't get away with this, Virginia.

[Virginia Cunningham]

We'll break down the door if you don't come out. I won't come out.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I won't come out unless you send for Dr. Kick. Dr.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Kick isn't here.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

And if he were, he.

[Ms. Davis]

They told you your husband is here, didn't they, Virginia? You know he's here.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Robert.

[Ms. Davis]

Yes.

[Virginia Cunningham]

No, I don't believe it.

[Ms. Davis]

We sent for him. He's waiting in the hall. Are you coming out or not?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I'll come out.

[Ms. Davis]

Watch him.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Where is he? Where's Ralph?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

All right, Cameron, where is it? No. Robert. Put her in that straight jacket. Robert, where are you? Where are you? No. I know I'm A Tristan lady, every one of them.

[William Keeling (Curtain Call)]

After a brief intermission, we'll resume with Act 3 of the Snake Pit. The curtain rises on Act 3 of the Snake, starring Olivia de Havilland as Virginia, Mark Stevens as Robert, and Leo Genn as Dr.

[Robert Cunningham]

Kick.

[Dr. Kick]

When I returned to the hospital, Virginia Cunningham had been transferred. She was no longer a patient in my division. She was now in the violent ward behind bars.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Not my doctor anymore.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

No. 17 habitats surrounded me. Don't, Jude. I told them. I've been tapped up. I've been ground up. You're my only belief. I call on this floor.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Well, this is it. I've come to this. Now I'm really lost.

[M]

What'd you say?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Nothing. I was talking to my.

[M]

Oh, A very bad habit. You must be very sick.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Where did you come from?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Ward 1 1, huh?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I guess I made a mistake.

[Nurse]

Your name, please?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Virginia Stuart Cunningham. I'm Ms. Somerville. I'm sure I haven't taken your temperature today. It's very important, you know. Let's see now. Normal.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Very good indeed.

[M]

She thinks she did.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Miss Somerville. Wasn't she the head nurse? You're three.

[M]

Well, she ain't anymore. Very sick, you know, but like it's contagious. You got to be careful with that, Hester.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Very thick, you know.

[M]

She don't talk and she don't like nobody. She don't know and she don't know nobody.

[Virginia Cunningham]

She can choke and scratch like a.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Where you going? Stay away from her. That's Hester.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Hello, Hester. I know how you feel. I used to feel like that, too. Won't you talk to me, Hester? I'd like to be your friend. Won't you let me be your friend? I am the first lady of the land.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

I have a right to cover my say. I'm the first lady of the.

[Virginia Cunningham]

You were just talking to Hester? Yes.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

You know why she tried to choke me just now? She thinks I'm just a dame. I'll bet you do, too. But you can't prove a thing. She's a liar. Ms. Bass.

[Dr. Kick]

Virginia Cunningham remained in that ward for many weeks. Whenever I had a moment, I'd go over and talk with her. Somehow she was surviving it all. And one day I discovered how it was so strange.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Dr. Kick. Here I was among all those people, and at the same time, I felt as if I were looking at them from someplace far away. The whole place seemed to me like a deep hole. And the people down in it like strange, like. Like snakes. And I'd been thrown into it. Yes, as though as though I were in a snake pit.

[Dr. Kick]

A snake pit?

[Virginia Cunningham]

And then I remembered reading that they used to put insane people into pits full of snakes. I think they figured that something which might drive a normal person insane might shock an insane person back into sanity. Did you ever hear of that?

[Dr. Kick]

I did.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Well, it was just as though they'd thrown you into a snake pit. And I was shocked into thinking that maybe I wasn't as sick as the others, but I really might get well.

[Dr. Kick]

You are getting well.

[Virginia Cunningham]

But why am I getting well? Is it because I'm supposed to know why I got sick?

[Dr. Kick]

Do you know?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Well, I know what you think. It's because of what happened to me years ago. Like that doll when I was a

[Dr. Kick]

little girl who didn't get sick only because of the doll.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Was it because my father and mother were so angry with.

[Dr. Kick]

Partly that, I suppose. Or it may have started long before that. You wanted very much for your mother to love you. It wasn't your fault. But I don't think you got that love. That's why you turned to your father. And whenever he took your mother's side against you, you felt betrayed and unloved. When children feel that way, they get very angry. Often they want to eliminate the person they feel doesn't love them.

[Virginia Cunningham]

You mean when I smashed the doll, I. I wanted my father to die?

[Dr. Kick]

No. But unconsciously, you did want to get rid of him. Then when he got sick and did die, you felt it was your fault. And you couldn't cope with the sense of guilt. You tried to bury the memory of what had happened. But it always was there, Mrs. Cunningham. And it made you hurt yourself.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Hurt myself?

[Dr. Kick]

Well, for example, you didn't go out with boys. The reason you gave was that you were working so hard. Actually, you felt you had no right to. You avoided them because you were devoted to the memory of your father.

[Virginia Cunningham]

But I did go out with Gordon.

[Dr. Kick]

Gordon? Yes. That was rather like trying to bring your father back, wasn't it? Gordon was a lot like your father.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Sometimes I felt just like a child with Gordon. But I thought I really loved him at one time.

[Dr. Kick]

Yet when he asked you to marry him, something deep within you rebelled. And when he was killed, you blamed yourself. You.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Besides, it's horrible, isn't it?

[Dr. Kick]

Again, you needed love and protection, so you went to New York, to Robert.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Robert? But why? After I married Robert, why did I want to run away from him? I remember wanting to just before I got so sick.

[Dr. Kick]

Because you were going back to your original pattern. You couldn't face Being married to Robert, just as you couldn't face marriage with Gordon.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I felt it was wrong somehow. I felt like a child again.

[Dr. Kick]

Do you know that sometimes children are afraid to grow up? They can't let go of the love they feel for their fathers. But they can't remain with their fathers. They do grow up. And they do marry because they learn that husbands and fathers can't be the same thing.

[Virginia Cunningham]

What did you say?

[Dr. Kick]

I said that husbands and fathers can't be the same thing. Now, can they?

[Virginia Cunningham]

No, they can't. It's strange.

[Dr. Kick]

Strange?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I mean, everything you said seems to make sense. I feel as though I know it in my heart.

[Dr. Kick]

But you don't quite understand it all in your head. Don't worry, it doesn't matter. Look, for example, let me turn out the light. Now, it's dark in here. Now, that's how you were in a dark room and you wanted to turn on the light, but you couldn't because you didn't know where the switch was. But now you do know. You may never know why. By turning that switch, you can make the light go on. But you don't have to know why. As long as you know where it is. You don't ever have to be afraid of being in the dark again. You're smiling, Mrs. Cunningham.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I feel like smiling. Thank you, Dr.

[Ms. Davis]

Kick.

[Dr. Kick]

By the way, there's going to be a dance Wednesday night. Why don't you go?

[Virginia Cunningham]

You mean, anyone can go?

[Dr. Kick]

Oh, no. It's very exclusive. Restricted entirely to patients at Juniper Hill State Hospital. Oh, and members of the staff.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Why, I. I think I'd like to go.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Hey, Virginia. Virginia.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, hello, Ruth. I want a cigarette. Got one here.

[M]

Thanks, honey.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Just a minute. I thought you said one. Two's all I have left for the whole evening.

[M]

Okay, one then. My, you've certainly changed.

[Dr. Kick]

I was watching Virginia Cunningham. She had gone to the dance with Hester and Hester, the girl who never talked. I saw her sit next to Hester and smile encouragingly. But Hester's expression didn't change. It never changed. Then one of the men came over.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Well, little lady, may I have this dance? I'm terribly sorry. But then how about your girlfriend?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Hi, Gorges.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Come on, little lady, let's dance. Let her alone. What's she so sorry about? What are you trying to scratch me for? All I did was fast. Let her alone. That's the way she is. Boy, she must be nuts. It's all right, Hester. Don't be afraid. Nobody's going to hurt you. I Won't let them.

[Virginia's Inner Child]

All right.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, say it, Hester. Don't be frightened. Oh, Hester, when I first came to the hospital, I was just like you. I guess I'd still be the same way if it hadn't been for someone who kept talking to me and made me feel I wasn't all alone.

[Dr. Kick]

Having a good time, Mrs. Cunningham?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Oh, yes, Dr.

[Nurse]

Kick.

[Virginia Cunningham]

And now look, Curly, I got it all figured out. I'm sorry, but I. I promised this dance to somebody else.

[Ms. Davis]

To him.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Okay, but you'll be sorry. Well, what are you waiting for? Go on, dance with him, Dr.

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Kick.

[Dr. Kick]

I'd be delighted.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I'll be right back. Hester. I hate to be a nuisance, but could we stay close to Hester?

[Dr. Kick]

Of course. They tell me you're the first one Hester's ever let come near.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I don't know why. Maybe it's just that sometimes a sick animal knows better how another sick animal should be treated. You know, Doctor, I've been saying you know everything about me practically. And I don't even know your first name.

[Dr. Kick]

It's Mark.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Mark.

[Dr. Kick]

Just to the hospital. We get along very nicely.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Any family?

[Nurse]

Brothers?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Sisters?

[Dr. Kick]

Now, look, you may be getting well, but you're not well enough to question your doctor.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Can we sit here? Then I can watch Hester.

[Dr. Kick]

Oh, that's fine.

[Virginia Cunningham]

You know, I think I am getting better. For one thing, time doesn't pass as fast as get used to. And then you get selfish again. I mean, if you have three cigarettes, you don't give away two as you used to.

[Dr. Kick]

Yes, some selfishness is a good sign of sanity.

[Virginia Cunningham]

And there's another thing.

[Dr. Kick]

Oh, what is it?

[Virginia Cunningham]

I'd rather tell you. Some other time, then.

[Dr. Kick]

I have something to tell you.

[Virginia Cunningham]

What is it?

[Dr. Kick]

You're going to staff again, and this time I'm recommending it. I think you'll be going home soon, Mrs. Cunningham. Yeah.

[M]

So you're going home, Virginia.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Out goes one and in comes five.

[M]

Sure wish I knew where it's all going to end.

[Virginia Cunningham]

I'll tell you where it's going to end, Ruth. When there are more sick ones than there are well ones, the sick ones will lock the well ones up. I'm not so sure they'd like it. Here, Ruth, take care of Hester, won't you?

[Nurse]

Sure. Sure I will.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Ms. Bass, may I say goodbye to Hester?

[Nurse]

Go ahead. Now, now, ladies, you've all said goodbye, so just go about your business.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Wonder what that kind of business it is. And I'll come back to see you. Hester. I will. And meanwhile, your doctor will talk to you. Don't be afraid to talk. And you'll get well, too. Good bye, Virginia. Oh, Hester, you talked. I knew you would. You're going to get well now. I know you will. Goodbye, Hester.

[Dr. Kick]

Waiting for you, miss. Mrs. Cunningham. So I'll say goodbye now.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Dr. Kick, will you. Will you come and see us sometime? Robert and me?

[Dr. Kick]

Why, yes, of course.

[Virginia Cunningham]

You know you never will.

[Dr. Kick]

But if ever you feel you want to talk to me, you know where you can find me. Goodbye and good luck.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Dr. Kick, remember at the dance I was going to tell you another reason for knowing I was getting well.

[Dr. Kick]

Yeah.

[Virginia Cunningham]

It's that I'm not in love with you anymore.

[Dr. Kick]

You never really were. Virginia.

[Robert Cunningham]

Virginia, how can I tell you? How can I say how happy I am? What this day means to me? To us?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Just hold my hand, Robert, while we go through the gates. Robert. What happened to my wedding ring?

[Robert Cunningham]

I kept it for you.

[Virginia Cunningham]

May I have it?

[Robert Cunningham]

Sure. It's been in my wallet all this time.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Here, darling, would you put it on again, please?

[Robert Cunningham]

It was a long time.

[Gordon]

Say, folks, that's your bus out there.

[Dr. Kick]

Or don't you care?

[Virginia Cunningham]

Don't we care?

[Virginia's Inner Voice]

Come on, darling, we're going home.

[Announcer]

Now here's Mr. Keeley with our stars.

[William Keeling (Curtain Call)]

Now here are the night stars taking a curtain call for one of the most wonderful performances we've ever been privileged to hear. Olivia de Havilland, Mark Stevens and Leo Gent. Olivia, of course, we want to add our congratulations to those you've already received on winning the Academy Award for a second time for your performance in the Paramount picture, the Heiress.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Thank you, Bill. The part was a great challenge and everyone has been very kind.

[William Keeling (Curtain Call)]

And then just yesterday it was announced that you received the annual award of the Women's National Press Club as the outstanding woman in the theatrical field. An award to be presented to you in Washington next Saturday by the President of the United States.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Naturally, Bill, I'm very grateful to the newspaper women of Washington for this honor.

[Robert Cunningham]

You know, the heiress was very prophetic for Olivia.

[Dr. Kick]

How's that, Ma?

[Robert Cunningham]

Well, she became the heiress to just about every award that an actress can get.

[William Keeling (Curtain Call)]

Well, you're all going to get an inheritance tonight because we have some Lux flakes for you to take home.

[Robert Cunningham]

Oh, Bill, believe me, at my house there, I must.

[Virginia Cunningham]

Leo, we're delighted that your return from England was just in time to get here for rehearsals this week.

[Dr. Kick]

I'm delighted, too. It was such an unexpected pleasure to be with both you and Mark again in the snake date.

[Robert Cunningham]

And now, Bill, will you tell us about next week's play, one of the

[William Keeling (Curtain Call)]

screen's recent prize comedy hits, Mark the RKO picture Every Girl Should Be Married. And the stars are, of course, the ones you saw on the screen, Cary Grant and Betsy Drake. This is one of Cary Grant's most important engaging comedy performances and is the picture that made Betsy Drake a star.

[Virginia Cunningham]

We'll all enjoy hearing it, Bill. Good night.

[Robert Cunningham]

Good night.

[William Keeling (Curtain Call)]

Good night. And come back soon. Neva Brothers Company, the makers of Lux Flakes, join me in playing next Monday evening when the Lux Radio Theater presents Cary Grant and Betsy Drake in Every Girl Should Be Married. This is William Keeling saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Announcer]

Mark Stevens appeared through the courtesy of 20th Century Fox, producers of the Big Lift, starring Montgomery Clift and Paul Douglas. Third in our cast tonight were Arnold

[Dr. Kick]

Moss as Dr. Curtis and Betty Lou

[Announcer]

Gerson as Ms. Davis. Our play was adapted by S.H. barnett and our music was directed by Louis Silvers. This is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to join us again next Monday night to hear Every Girl Should Be Married, starring Cary Grant and Betsy Drake. Stay tuned for my friend Irma, which follows follows over these same stations. This is cbs, the Columbia broadcasting.