Mary Pickford And Company-The Church Mouse 34-10-03 epxxxx

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Mary Pickford And Company-The Church Mouse" (34-10-03 epxxxx)

Release Date: June 18, 2025

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Introduction

In this enchanting episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with Mary Pickford starring in the romantic comedy "A Church Mouse." The story revolves around Susie Wayne (played by Mary Pickford), a charming and honest young woman striving to overcome unemployment and find her place in the world. Supported by a stellar cast, including Skyler Thompson (Mr. Gail Gordon) and Dolly Fry (Ms. Jeanette Nolan), the episode weaves a tale of love, ambition, and personal growth set against the backdrop of bustling Paris.

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Plot Overview

Susie Wayne's Struggle and Opportunity

The episode opens with Susie Wayne seeking employment at the prestigious international banking firm led by Skyler Thompson, a young and successful president grappling with his own set of challenges. Skyler, portrayed as a genius in finance but with human vulnerabilities, has recently dismissed his secretary, Dolly Fry, to eliminate distractions from his work ([04:07] – [05:08]).

Determined and undeterred, Susie manages to secure an interview despite Skyler’s initial refusal to hire a woman. Her persistence shines through when she dramatically declares, "I'm as poor as a church mouse," highlighting her dire circumstances and unyielding spirit ([06:31] – [07:14]).

Notable Quote:

Susie Wayne (Mary Pickford) [06:31]: "Why should you be surprised? I've already told you I'm poor. What? I'm as poor as a church mouse."

Landing the Job and Establishing Presence

Intrigued by Susie’s determination, Skyler tentatively offers her a position, leading to Susie’s integration into the bustling office environment. Her enthusiasm is palpable as she exclaims, "Let me sit down and use [the typewriter]. You won't be sorry, because once I get hold of a machine like this, the work will fly" ([07:35]).

Notable Quote:

Susie Wayne (Mary Pickford) [07:35]: "Let me sit down and use it. You won't be sorry, because once I get hold of a machine like this, the work will fly. Dictate to me, please. Dictate to me."

Dolly Fry’s Return and Workplace Tension

As Susie acclimates to her new role, Dolly Fry makes an unexpected return to Paris, stirring tension. Her attempts to reconnect with Skyler lead to friction, especially as Susie endeavors to keep Skyler and Dolly apart to maintain workplace harmony.

A heated exchange unfolds between Dolly and Susie, where Dolly attempts to undermine Susie’s influence over Skyler by showcasing her own charm and seductive tactics ([12:06] – [14:37]).

Notable Quote:

Dolly Fry (Ms. Jeanette Nolan) [13:00]: "It's like this. A quick movement. You brush against him. You pull back. He murmured something... All you know is the wonderful strength of his embrace. And then he kisses."

A Night Out in Paris and Personal Realizations

Skyler arranges a lavish evening for Susie, inviting her to dine with his brother Frank Thompson and Major Dunbar, an expert on Paris. This outing marks a pivotal moment for Susie, as she experiences the allure of love and the excitement of her first "palace adventure" ([17:05] – [18:29]).

During the evening, Susie’s innocence and genuine nature begin to captivate both Frank and Major Dunbar, leading to heartfelt moments and romantic gestures. However, Susie remains focused on her responsibilities, expressing a desire to prioritize her role over romantic entanglements ([18:25] – [19:35]).

Notable Quote:

Susie Wayne (Mary Pickford) [17:53]: "Oh, you're both so kind. And I'm so very excited. You know, I'm having my first palace adventure."

Emotional Climax and Self-Discovery

Late into the night, as Skyler grapples with the demands of his professional life, Susie confronts her own desires and emotions. In a poignant scene, Susie expresses her longing to be more than just an observer, articulating her yearning for love and connection ([25:48] – [26:28]).

Notable Quote:

Susie Wayne (Mary Pickford) [25:48]: "I want to be in it. I want to be of it. I want a man to climb mountains just to get to me. I want him to pass by all the other women and kick down a door to kiss me."

Resolution and Personal Growth

The episode culminates with Skyler recognizing the importance of Susie’s presence and commitment. The initial tension between Susie and Dolly gives way to mutual respect, and Skyler acknowledges Susie’s invaluable contribution to both his personal and professional life. Susie’s journey from a struggling "church mouse" to a confident and loved woman highlights the transformative power of love and perseverance.

Notable Quote:

Susie Wayne (Mary Pickford) [26:16]: "Susie, you know that you have lovely feet and ankles. And wonderful eyes. So deep that a man could drown in them. And what a mouth. Will you take a telegram, Miss Wayne?"

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Character Development and Themes

Susie Wayne's Transformation: Susie embodies the quintessential underdog, beginning as an unemployed and impoverished woman. Her journey is marked by resilience, self-discovery, and the embrace of love, symbolizing personal growth and empowerment.

Skyler Thompson's Vulnerability: Skyler’s character illustrates the balance between professional success and personal vulnerability. His relationship with Susie reveals his soft side, showcasing the human element beneath his financial genius.

Dolly Fry’s Rivalry: Dolly serves as both antagonist and catalyst for Susie’s transformation. Her rivalry with Susie highlights themes of competition, gender dynamics in the workplace, and the complexities of romantic entanglements.

Love and Ambition: The interplay between love and professional ambition is a central theme, exploring how personal relationships can influence and enhance one’s career and personal fulfillment.

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Conclusion

"A Church Mouse" masterfully blends romance, humor, and drama, delivering a compelling narrative that resonates with listeners. Mary Pickford’s portrayal of Susie Wayne is both endearing and inspiring, capturing the essence of a woman striving to rise above her circumstances. Through memorable dialogues and emotional depth, the episode underscores timeless themes of love, perseverance, and personal growth, making it a standout installment in Harold's Old Time Radio series.

Looking Forward: The episode concludes with a teaser for the next installment, inviting listeners to return for "Coquette," promising more delightful performances and engaging storytelling.

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Notable Additional Quote from Conclusion:

Mary Pickford (as herself) [29:07]: "Friends, next week we are planning to present Coquette, which you may remember was my first talking picture. We've already started rehearsals, and I'm happy to say Johnny Mack Brown is playing the hero, as he did with me on the screen."

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Listeners who enjoy classic radio dramas, rich character development, and heartwarming stories will find "A Church Mouse" a delightful addition to their collections.

Transcript

[Styles MacKenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Styles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Mary Pickford]

Wayfair Every style. Every home.

[Narrator]

The makers of Royal Desserts present Mary Pickford and Company. Tonight's play, the Church Mouse. This is a great moment in radio history. We are bringing to the microphone tonight the best known woman in the world. Her charming, familiar face has flashed on screens in every city and town in America and in Europe, in China and in Japan. She is a friend through her pictures to millions of men, women and children whom she has never seen. We take pride in presenting Mary Pickford for her first radio series. She will appear each week at this time as the star of some well known play, a play of real dramatic interest which has been tried and found successful on the stage. For her first appearance tonight, she has chosen the romantic comedy A Church Mouse. In it, she will play the part of Susie Wayne, a girl whose honesty and sweet charm win for her first a job and later something even more important. She will be assisted by the following members of her company who will appear in the order named Mr. Gail Gordon as Skyler Thompson, Ms. Jeanette Nolan, Mr. Theodore Osborne, Mr. James Eagles and Mr. Crawford Kent. But before we begin the play, I want Mary Pickford to speak to you as herself. Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor and a privilege to welcome to our studio on behalf of the radio listeners of the world, Mary Pickford.

[Mary Pickford]

Thank you, Mr. McIntyre. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I'm trying something new tonight, just as I tried something new when I made my first picture. I hope it will be a success. May I thank all of you who have been my loyal friends for the support you've given me in my work. And I do hope you'll like me on the air.

[Narrator]

This program is sponsored by the makers of Royal Desserts. When you dip your spoon into a colorful sparkling strawberry gelatin dessert, you expect to taste the flavor of strawberries. And what a disappointment if you find it flat and insipid with no strawberry flavor at all. But that's just what happens when gelatin is allowed to get shelf stale. You see, the flavor of gelatin evaporates when the gelatin gets stale. Stale strawberry gelatin loses its flavor. Just as fresh strawberries do when they become stale. After a package of gelatin has been sitting on the grocer's shelf for a long time, the flavor is almost gone. That's why Royal Gelatin is handled as a perishable food. It's rushed to grocers fresh by the same rapid delivery system that carries Fleissman's Fresh Yeast and Chasen Sanborn's Dated Coffee. Royal has no chance to get shelf safe. When you buy Royal Strawberry Gelatin, it really tastes like delicious fresh strawberries. And the other Royal flavors are just as full bodied and true to the fruit. Lemon, lime, orange, cherry, raspberry or pineapple. Try Royal Gelatin tomorrow.

[Skyler Thompson]

Wall Street Skyler Thompson has made himself president of a big international banking firm at the age of 35. But though he has a genius for finance, Skyler is also human and has human weaknesses. In fact, he's so human that this morning he's had to dismiss his pretty secretary, Dolly Fry, simply because she distracts him from his work. Girls like you are for the evening, he tells Dolly. They've no place in a bank. No more women in my office from now on. So Dolly gets six months salary, Skylar gets her telephone number and settles down to work. But after about an hour, the door behind him swings noiselessly open and a tiny girl, pale, shabbily dressed and looking thoroughly frightened, squeezes into the room like a mouse. She tiptoes to Skylar's desk, waits for him to look up, and finally she speaks.

[Mary Pickford]

Good morning. May I?

[Narrator]

Who are you?

[Mary Pickford]

I.

[Narrator]

How did you get in here?

[Mary Pickford]

I waited until the man at the door turned his back for a second and then I slid through.

Why do you want to see me?

Because you're the president of the bank. You are, aren't you? You're Mr. Skyler Thompson.

Yes, I am. And who are you?

Susie Wayne. Oh, just nobody at all. But I had to see you. May I sit down?

Yes, yes, but be brief.

I'm a stenographer. I want a position.

[Narrator]

What?

[Mary Pickford]

Please give me a job.

I'm sorry, but you've come to the wrong place. I discharged my secretary this morning and I intend to engage a man.

You mean that I'm to go?

Certainly I do. You've already taken up a great deal of my time.

I know, and I'm very sorry for that, but I'm not going.

What?

Oh, I couldn't give up so easily. It would be cowardly. I might cry and try to work on your feelings, but I won't cry. Why, this very morning, the President of the United States is holding an investigation of my affairs.

An investigation of your affairs? What do you mean?

See, here it is in the Times. An investigation of the problems of the unemployed. I'm that problem. I am the unemployed.

Yes, yes, I suppose you are.

But if the president doesn't solve my problem by noon, he won't have anything to eat today. And nothing tonight or tomorrow morning either.

Why, that's unbelievable.

Why should you be surprised? I've already told you I'm poor. What? I'm as poor as a church mouse.

Are you serious? When you tell me you're often hungry.

Hungry? Oh, that doesn't describe it. I belong to the poor who press their noses against windows. You've seen girls look in windows, haven't you?

Yes. Yes, that's jewelry.

Well, I'm a delicatessen looker. I flatten my nose against the show windows and imagine I'm eating the delicious articles of food.

Why, you poor child.

For lunch I look at frankfurters and potato salads. Then comes dinner.

Oh, dinner.

But dinner's not so simple. I take a sardine and divide it.

You divide a sardine?

The tail is the appetizer. While I eat that, I look at trout and salmon. And then I turn my attention to the roast beef or to the fried chicken. In the meantime, I've eaten two thirds of the sardine. I divide the rest into small bits, a little fruit and a little cheese.

And you want to work?

Work? Oh, I'll say I do. Look, Mr. Thompson, there's an empty table and a wonderful typewriter. Oh, it's such a temptation. Let me sit down and use it. You won't be sorry, because once I get hold of a machine like this, the work will fly. Dictate to me, please. Dictate to me.

Well, all right. Take this. Directors General Oil Importing Company, Vienna. Gentlemen, at this time I can inform you.

Doctor, please.

That the negotiations with the various European oil concerns.

Doctor? Yes.

Has been so successful as to practically assure my great project after the fulfillment of the usual legal requirements.

Faster. Much, much faster.

This transaction, which we consider of the greatest importance to the industry can be completed on the 24th of this month in the city of Paris. Very truly yours.

Done.

Well, I must.

Hello? Yes, this is the office of the President. You would like to speak to Mr. Scarlet Thompson personally. I'm sorry, but Mr. Thompson, just now.

What you told them I wasn't in?

It was the safest thing to say.

And may I ask how you presume to reach that conclusion?

It was a woman's voice.

Remarkable.

Now, Mr. Thompson, isn't it time to sign your mail?

Yes, yes, yes, we'd better get that done.

Hello? Oh, yes, just a minute. You speak to Mr. Frank Thompson?

Oh, my brother. Yes. Yes, I'm to have lunch with him. Hello, Frank. Yes, I'll be right with you, Mr. Thompson. Well, this young lady here won't let me go till I sign my mail. She's a human dynamo. No, she's not, Ms. Fry. Of course not. The young lady who answered the telephone.

[Frank Thompson]

Is.

[Mary Pickford]

My new secretary. Yes, I'll be right up.

Oh, you mean it? Are you going to let me?

Well, that's taken for granted.

Oh, that's marvelous.

But I wonder if you'd mind just, just for today, if I had lunch first and signed the mail afterwards.

Well, all right, but just for today.

Thank you. Thank you. Well, I'll see you later, Ms. Wayne. Oh, oh, I almost forgot. How could I have overlooked such an important matter? Ms. Wayne, I am pleased to hand you a ten dollar advance on your salary.

Oh, Mr. Thompson, you're so kind. I wonder if I may.

Well, what is it?

I would like to make a very important telephone call.

Go right ahead.

[Narrator]

I'll leave you to yourself.

[Mary Pickford]

Oh, but I didn't mean that. It's not for very private use. See? Atlantic 11751, please.

Sure this isn't personal?

Oh, no, you'll see. Hello, the 50 market, Mr. Marks? Uh huh. So this is Susie Wayne. Yeah. Listen, will you please send some things up to my mother at once? Five pounds of flour. Uh huh. And five pounds of sugar. One pound of coffee. The best. And six eggs. No, a dozen eggs. And two pounds of butter. No. One pound half. I mustn't spend too much.

The salary will be $30.

$30. Six cans of sardines. Yeah. Huh. And a half a pound of chocolate. And a few frankfurters. The big ones. Well, I.

Yes, yes, the biggest.

Yes, yes, the biggest. And would you kindly tell my mother to get dinner ready? What? Oh, no, I couldn't afford a chicken.

I was wrong. I mean, the salary will be fine. $40.

Yes, Mr. Marks. Yes, a chicken. A big one. A fat one. And please tell my mother that I have a job, a wonderful job. And tonight she shall have dinner. And what a dinner. Tell her to cook everything. I want it all at once. And oh, Mr. Marks, I've just got a wonderful job. A wonderful.

[Skyler Thompson]

Three weeks have passed and Susie got her job. And Skylar Thompson's business has taken him with the efficient Susie to Paris where he's trying to Negotiate a big oil merger. But Dolly Fry, Skyler's former secretary, is also in Paris and has been trying to see him. She finally calls in person at the luxurious hotel suite which serves Skyler and his office staff for both business and living quarters in Paris.

[Dolly Fry]

Is this Mr. Scarlett Thompson's suite?

[Mary Pickford]

Yes. What is it you wish. I'm his secretary.

[Dolly Fry]

My name is Dolly Fry. I want to see Mr. Thompson.

[Mary Pickford]

Did you have an appointment?

[Dolly Fry]

No.

[Mary Pickford]

Well, Mr. Thompson never sees anyone without an appointment.

[Dolly Fry]

My dear, I know all those answers so well. You see, I used to be Mr. Thompson's secretary myself.

[Mary Pickford]

You?

[Dolly Fry]

Mm. Tell me. Not officially. When do you expect Mr. Thompson?

[Mary Pickford]

Unofficially and truthfully. And finally, I haven't the slightest idea.

[Dolly Fry]

Listen, I've left my number with you half a dozen times.

[Mary Pickford]

Mr. Thompson is here on business. He has no time for women. I know what you want. You want to come back to the bank.

[Dolly Fry]

Oh, you're wrong, my dear. The bank wants to come back to me.

[Mary Pickford]

Oh, you talk about Mr. Thompson as if he were a clerk.

[Dolly Fry]

As if you knew what kind of a man he is. You have an idea. He's all brained and business. Don't you think his heart beats faster when I lean against him? By accident.

[Mary Pickford]

By accident?

[Dolly Fry]

By intentional accident. And how men love it.

[Mary Pickford]

Really?

[Dolly Fry]

Do they? It's like this. A quick movement. You brush against him.

[Mary Pickford]

You pull back.

[Dolly Fry]

You say, oh, pardon me. He murmured something.

[Mary Pickford]

I wonder.

[Dolly Fry]

Air is charged with electricity. He struggles for his self control.

[Mary Pickford]

And just as he almost has it. Yes, you start all over again.

[Dolly Fry]

Then his arms begin to ache, to hold you. They steal around you. And if you're a smart girl, you say, no, you mustn't.

[Mary Pickford]

And then he stops. Stop?

[Dolly Fry]

Of course he doesn't stop. He goes on.

[Mary Pickford]

He pulls you closer.

[Dolly Fry]

You struggle, but not much.

[Mary Pickford]

And what does he say?

[Dolly Fry]

Oh, it doesn't matter. You don't care. His arm tightens you.

[Mary Pickford]

You get dizzy.

[Dolly Fry]

His eyes look into yours.

[Mary Pickford]

His eyes. His lips come closer. His lips.

[Dolly Fry]

Your eyelashes flutter down. You see nothing. All you know is the wonderful strength of his embrace. And then he kisses.

[Mary Pickford]

Oh, how you tell it. I almost lived it.

[Dolly Fry]

You, you never will.

[Mary Pickford]

Of course.

[Dolly Fry]

You're not bad looking yourself. Only I'm afraid you're doing well.

[Mary Pickford]

Even that would be better than to be like you. All you think of his lovemaking.

[Dolly Fry]

That might be enough for him.

[Mary Pickford]

I suppose you'll win. But it won't last. Even if you get him, you can't hold him.

[Dolly Fry]

Do you think you could?

[Mary Pickford]

I've never tried. I wouldn't want to like that.

[Dolly Fry]

Why don't you? It'd probably amuse him. Well, I must be running along now. Will you promise to tell Mr. Thompson I called?

[Mary Pickford]

I have my orders to use my own judgment about visitors and to keep any undesirable ones away.

[Dolly Fry]

What a child you are.

[Mary Pickford]

Goodbye, my dear. Goodbye.

[Skyler Thompson]

But when Skylar Thompson comes in, Susie does not tell him about Dolly. He has completed his merger and in the excitement of taking charge of everything, Susie forgets do Dolly completely. But the undiscourriageable Dolly finally gets Skyler on the telephone. He's delighted to hear from her and correspondingly angry with Susie for keeping them apart. I will always see Ms. Fry, he tells Susie. I'm going to see her at 9 o'clock this evening. In the future I wish you would let old Mr. Jackson handle my appointments. But when Skylar sees how his little secretary is crushed by this ultimatum, he relents a little and tells her he has planned a party for her. His brother Frank and Major Dunbar, an old family friend, are to call for her and take her out to show her Paris. And so Susie hurries to her room to dress in a Paris evening gown and then hurries out to the office to try its effect on Mr. Jackson, Skyler's confidential clerk, who is still busy at his desk.

[Mary Pickford]

Mr. Jackson?

Yes, Susie?

Aren't you going to look at my new dress?

Oh, yes. Why, Susie, how. How lovely you.

[Mr. Jackson]

Why, you look just like a princess.

[Mary Pickford]

And not a machine. Thank you, Mr. Jackson. That was just what I needed.

[Mr. Jackson]

Susie, what are we going to do with all the people who want to call on Mr. Thompson and congratulate him on his merger? Some of them are very important. And then they're waiting already. The Count in Bolzberg and Mr. Puchon and monsieur.

[Mary Pickford]

Well, Mr. Thompson told me very specially that he doesn't want people kept away from him and that you were to make his appointment.

[Mr. Jackson]

Yes, yes, I know. But he's going out this evening, isn't he?

[Mary Pickford]

I believe he has one engagement. Oh, but surely nothing as important as these gentlemen. Why don't you arrange like this. The Count von Waldsberg at 8:30, Monsieur Bichon, Monsieur Clichy at 9:00 clock at 9, and the gentleman of the press at 9.30. The committee from the bourse at 10 and so on is requested until 11.

[Mr. Jackson]

But the minister of Finance also wishes an hour.

[Mary Pickford]

Oh, by all means. From 11 until 12.

[Mr. Jackson]

Of course. I'll make the arrangements.

[Mary Pickford]

Be sure that you do. Oh, Mr. Jackson, I feel just like going Out. I feel so much happier now that Mr. Thompson's evening is so beautifully planned.

[Mr. Jackson]

Yes, well, I expect I better go and see the hotel manager about going these people up to the office.

[Mary Pickford]

That must be Mr. Frank to take me to dinner. Will you see Mr. Jackson?

[Skyler Thompson]

Oh, Jackson is Miss Wayne. Susie. How charming you look.

[Mary Pickford]

Thank you, Mr. Frank.

[Skyler Thompson]

Why, I hardly know you. But I'm forgetting my manners. I want you to meet Major Dunbar. He's an old family friend and an expert on Paris. Susie, I think we can count on a large evening.

[Frank Thompson]

My dear, I'm honored to have the company of such an exquisite lady.

[Mary Pickford]

Oh, you're both so kind. And I'm so very excited. You know, I'm having my first palace adventure. Major Dunbar.

[Frank Thompson]

No.

[Mary Pickford]

Yes. In fact, my first adventure anywhere. Well, you won't mind if I can't keep my excitement to myself?

[Frank Thompson]

Of course not.

[Mary Pickford]

Think I have two. Westcourt.

Oh, Susie.

Oh, Mr. Frank. Flowers for me?

Mm. From both of us.

[Skyler Thompson]

Isn't she a vision, Major Dunbar?

[Mary Pickford]

Oh, no. You're more than kind. Do you really think that anyone would notice me?

[Frank Thompson]

Even a blind man? You're adorable, my dear. And now may we whisk you away?

[Mary Pickford]

I'm sorry, but I have a message I must give Mr. Thompson before I go out. Oh, just a little business. Will you wait for me in the lounge? Oh, I'm so excited. You know, I think I'm a little in love with you both.

[Frank Thompson]

I can't wish, Wayne, or you'll have a duel on your hands.

[Narrator]

Hurry along, Susie.

[Skyler Thompson]

Don't keep us waiting too long. As her escorts depart, Susie glances quickly around the empty office, listens for a moment in the direction of Skylar Thompson's bedroom door and then walks to a mirror hanging on the opposite wall. She climbs up on a chair, looks at her feet and ankles in the glass. Suddenly she hears a sound from time to bedroom and jumps quickly to the floor.

[Mary Pickford]

What?

[Skyler Thompson]

Why, Susie.

[Mary Pickford]

Oh, Mr. Thompson. Mr. Thompson, I want to apologize for not letting Ms. Fry see you today.

Who?

[Skyler Thompson]

Oh.

[Mary Pickford]

Oh, well, let's forget about that. But, Susie, is this the new evening gown?

Yes. Do you like it?

It's very effective. Very.

[Narrator]

How it changes you.

[Mary Pickford]

And those pretty, round little arms. Why haven't I ever noticed them?

They've always been covered before.

Do they feel as smooth as they look?

I don't know.

I wish you weren't going out.

You yourself asked Mr. Frank to take me.

So I did. What a fool I am sometimes. Susie, come over here by the window. I want to show you Paris. He's beautiful in the moonlight.

Paris is singing, isn't it? What does a city sing about on.

A night like this? It must be a love song.

I suppose so. Oh, pardon me for brushing against you. It was an accident.

Don't apologize. It was delightful. Soothe it.

Oh, no, you mustn't. I. Oh. Oh, I feel so dizzy.

[Narrator]

Darling, did you really mean that?

[Mary Pickford]

I'll show you whether I mean it.

Please, you mustn't excite me. Let me go. I didn't mean it. I didn't.

There, there. There's nothing to be afraid of. Please, dear.

Oh, no, no, you don't understand. I'm so ashamed.

Dear little girl. Why should you be ashamed? You haven't done anything.

Oh, yes, I have. It was all my fault. I'm to blame for it all.

You're to blame for my trying to kiss you?

Yes. She said I was just a machine and no man would ever notice me. So I tried it, just as she says she does. I. I leaned against you. Accidentally, I protested. I got dizzy. I closed my eyes. I almost got kissed.

[Dolly Fry]

What?

[Mary Pickford]

You little devil. Who told you all this?

Dolly Fry.

Experimenting with Dolly's rule. You little imp.

Oh, I hate myself. It's so cheap, so common. I should think you despise me.

I adore you.

Oh, no. You never thought of me as a woman until I made you do it.

But women always open men's eyes.

Well, I don't. I'm not satisfied to sneak into a man's arms and be kissed just because I happen to be there. That's too easy for him. I want a man to climb mountains just to get to me. I want him to pass by all the other women and kick down a door to kiss me. When I love a man, he must ache and long for me. Only me. He must be hungry and thirsty forever. Unless I come along. I, Suzy Wayne, no other woman on earth will do. That's the sort of love I want.

I'll show you. What? Now, who the devil is that? Oh, Frank. What? Meeting is busy. Oh, hello, Skyler. Hello, Skylar.

[Frank Thompson]

Can you join us?

[Mary Pickford]

Yes. Yes, Major, I think I will.

Oh, no, you can't. You have an important engagement with a lady at 9:00.

[Narrator]

Oh, that.

[Mary Pickford]

Well, I'll break it, of course, but.

You have a lot of other engagements too. Look, here's your calendar. At 8:30, the Count von Valsberg. At 9, Monsieur Pinchot, Monsieur Clichy. My, you'll be awfully busy at 9. At 9:30, the gentlemen of the press. And at 10.

Now what the Devil is this.

[Narrator]

Who made all these appointments for me?

[Mary Pickford]

Why, you told me you didn't want.

[Dolly Fry]

People kept away from you, you know.

[Mary Pickford]

Well, let's get started, Susie.

[Skyler Thompson]

Have a good time, Skylar.

[Mary Pickford]

Yes. Have A pleasant evening, Mr. Thompson.

Cheerio, Skylar.

[Skyler Thompson]

Goodbye.

[Mary Pickford]

Goodbye.

Well, I'll be damned.

[Skyler Thompson]

It's three o' clock in the morning and Skylar Thompson has had an extremely disagreeable evening. Since the last of his official interviews ended at midnight, he has done nothing but fidget, glancing frequently out of the window at one end of the room which overlooks the street. He has not. It has not been the night of celebration which he planned.

[Narrator]

Hello?

[Mary Pickford]

Oh. Oh, hello, Dolly. I know a lot of things came up and I just didn't get a chance to call you.

[Narrator]

No, no, it's too late now.

[Mary Pickford]

It's the third. No, I've got a big job still ahead of me. Before the night's over. Goodbye.

[Narrator]

Come in, come in.

[Mary Pickford]

Well, Major. Hello.

[Narrator]

What in the world have you been.

[Mary Pickford]

Doing all this time? Where the devil is Susie?

[Skyler Thompson]

With Frank.

[Narrator]

I had to stop.

[Frank Thompson]

I couldn't keep up with them. It's getting old, I'm afraid.

[Mary Pickford]

Where is she now? Where did you take her?

[Frank Thompson]

Everywhere.

[Mary Pickford]

Cafe after cafe.

[Frank Thompson]

She danced, she sang. She was wild with excitement. And then we drove in the Bois in one of those open cabs. She jumped out and dared Frank and me to race with her like an elf. She started to run and Frank after her.

[Narrator]

Of course, I was left behind, but.

[Mary Pickford]

When was this?

[Frank Thompson]

Four hours ago.

[Mary Pickford]

Susie, alone with Frank in the Bois. You should be ashamed of yourself. Why in the name of.

[Narrator]

Come in. Oh, Frank. Where's Susie?

[Mary Pickford]

Isn't she with you?

[Skyler Thompson]

She ran away from me. I've been looking for her ever since. I thought she'd be here.

[Narrator]

A fine pair of cavaliers leave a girl like that alone in Paris. I don't think she has a penny either.

[Frank Thompson]

Well, she didn't need.

[Skyler Thompson]

Now, both of you and find her.

[Narrator]

And bring her back at once. Each of you take a taxi.

[Skyler Thompson]

Drive through the bar from different entrances. Now will you go?

[Narrator]

Will you get out?

[Skyler Thompson]

All right, Skylar.

[Mary Pickford]

Don't worry.

[Narrator]

Worry, worry.

[Frank Thompson]

No, no, no. Keep calm.

[Dolly Fry]

I am calm.

[Mary Pickford]

I am.

[Narrator]

Now get out of here.

[Skyler Thompson]

I.

[Narrator]

Good Lord, you idiots.

[Mary Pickford]

I wonder where Susie can be.

Mr. Thompson.

[Skyler Thompson]

Susie.

[Mary Pickford]

Where on earth have you been? Heavens, I've been terribly worried, Susie.

I've been in my room since a little after midnight. Oh, I tried to write to my mother, but I couldn't. No, I think Paris has gone a little to my head.

To mine, too. Susie, how do you Feel now.

Excited. Wonderful. I feel so free. It was marvelous in the Bois. The moon was shining and all around were the woods, dark and mysterious. But the lovers there with their whisperings and their kisses. I couldn't bear them. I had to come back.

So tonight you thought of love. Perhaps for the first time. Is that it, little mouse?

Until now I've known only the hunger for food. The delicatessen windows held all I wanted. But now I'm well fed and I'm still unsatisfied. For I know that I really have nothing.

What do you want, Susie?

Oh, something beautiful. Something I can see through the window of life. At first I thought I only wanted to look on. But that isn't enough. I want to be in it. I want to be of it.

You're finally awake, Susie. You see ahead of you a new world. A world full of unexpected joy. It needs only one word. One step. One kiss.

One word. One kiss.

Susie, you know that you have lovely feet and ankles. And wonderful eyes. So deep that a man could drown in them. And what a mouth. Will you take a telegram, Miss Wayne?

Why, certainly. Ready?

Well. Dear child.

Dear child.

You'll never know what a struggle it's been for me to act as I have karma. But I wanted to be quite sure before I told you what was in my heart. Stop.

In my heart. Stop.

Forgive me for not telling you openly and honorably. Comma, faster. We're not saying at once. I love you.

[Narrator]

Stop.

[Mary Pickford]

And now the address, please.

The address. Very slowly. Spell it out, miss.

C H U R C H M O U S E oh, my sweet. What comes now, darling?

[Narrator]

This program is sponsored by the makers of Royal Desserts, who a little over a year ago asked American housewives to make a simple test. Merely to smell their gelatin desserts as they added the hot water and then to make the same test with Royal Gelatin. Many women who tried this test were amazed at the difference. At once, there was a big demand for royal jellyfish. Women told each other about its delightful fragrance, its aroma of fresh fruit. And Royal Gelatin became so tremendously popular that within the past year, the sale of Royal Gelatin has more than doubled. If you have not already made this test, try it. The next time you make a gelatin dessert, add the hot water. Then smell the rising vapor. With Royal Gelatin, you never get a trace of unpleasantness. Just the delicious fragrance of real fresh fruit. Strawberry, cherry or pineapple. Lemon, lime or orange. Try several different flavors of Royal Gelatin. Get some tomorrow. Next week, Mary Pickford will be back again on this program in another great play. She wants to tell you about it herself. Ms. Pickford.

[Mary Pickford]

Friends, next week we are planning to present Coquette, which you may remember was my first talking picture. We've already started rehearsals, and I'm happy to say Johnny Mack Brown is playing the hero, as he did with me on the screen. I hope you'll all be listening in for next Wednesday evening. And until then, good night, and God go with you.

[Dolly Fry]

It.