Matinee Theater - Beloved Enemy

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Matinee Theater – Beloved Enemy

Air Date: June 17, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Source: Matinee Theater (Classic Radio Drama)
Featured Cast: Victor Jory (Dennis Reardon), Gertrude Warner (Lady Helen)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Matinee Theater brings listeners an adaptation of Beloved Enemy, Samuel Goldwyn’s acclaimed motion picture. Set in Dublin, Ireland, in 1921, the story unfolds during a time of unrest and revolution, focusing on the fictional rebel leader Dennis Reardon and his emotionally fraught romance with Lady Helen, daughter of Lord Athley, a high-ranking English official. As historical drama and romantic tragedy intertwine, the play examines themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of peace during a volatile period in Irish–English relations.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Highlights

1. Ireland in Turmoil (01:13–02:44)

• The play opens amidst Irish revolutionary activism following a devastating sabotage on British munitions in Dublin.

• Dennis Reardon, the mysterious rebel leader, mourns lost comrades:
  "They were brave lads. I grew up with Tom O' Brien. I've lost a brother." — Dennis Reardon (02:12)

• Lord Athley, representing English interests, pressures his officials to crush the rebellion, unable even to identify Reardon:
  "Anything we decide here, Reardon knows in two hours. And I...I don't even know what the man looks like." — Captain Loader (03:21)

2. The Fateful Encounter (04:10–05:26)

• Reardon is captured near the scene of sabotage but bluffs his identity as a medical student.
• Lady Helen witnesses his interrogation and is charmed by his wit and spirit: "I've had one look at a woman I'll never forget." — Dennis Reardon (04:59) "Now I see [the romantic stories about the Irish] are [true]." — Lady Helen (05:13)

3. Growing Affection Amid Hostility (06:39–09:14)

• A chance act of kindness by Helen toward an injured child, Peter, brings her and Reardon together again.

• Reardon escorts Helen to safety through the Irish countryside. They exchange dreams of a peaceful future: "Someday I'm going to have a bit of a farm in County Galway..." — Dennis (08:11) "All by yourself?" — Lady Helen (08:20)
  "Indeed not. There'll be a fine, spirited woman..." — Dennis

• Mutual recognition that fate and duty keep them apart: "So far as the world goes, we've nothing in common, have we?" — Dennis (09:00) "There's every reason we shouldn't [be friends]." — Lady Helen (09:05)

4. Love Conflicted by Duty (10:17–14:00)

• Helen discloses to Reardon that, unwittingly, she exposed him, leading to increased danger.
• In a poignant scene, they imagine a life together that may never be: "All through the summer evenings, we'd have walked in the hills, side by side..." — Dennis (11:30) "Oh, Dennis, don't. Don't say anymore." — Lady Helen (12:10) "I love you. I love you. And after we were married...in County Galway..." — Dennis (12:12) Both acknowledge that duty to Ireland and its cause must come first.

5. Negotiations and Crisis in England (15:23–23:07)

• Lord Athley proposes negotiations with the Irish. Reardon leads the Irish delegation in England.

• Tensions run high during talks; the Irish want guarantees, the English offer promises.

• Reardon bears the heavy burden of deciding between continued war or a contested peace: "They've already offered us more than Ireland has ever honestly hoped to get. That's right, it is." — Dennis (20:15)

• Helen urges him toward compromise: "Don't ever let your country go to war...over something that can be settled peacefully...Give us a chance to keep that promise. Dennis, the right of thousands of people to live and be happy are in your hands..." — Lady Helen (22:14)

6. Aftermath: The Price of Peace (23:19–26:57)

• The Irish accept the English compromise.

• Lord Athley:
  "When he signed that treaty, he was as good as signing his own death warrant. And he knew it." (23:29)

• Reardon is shot by a radical but survives. Helen rushes to his side: "If I have any trouble with you, Dennis Reardon, I'll take it to the people...The people are going to try it your way, Dennis." — Lady Helen (25:43)

• With hope for their future, humor surfaces: "May the saints bless us and keep us. The English are no better than the Irish. You're talking the same way my mother used to talk to my father." — Dennis (26:23) "How does it sound? Ah, come here where I can put my arm around you..." — Dennis (26:45)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• First Meeting’s Wit and Romance:
  "I meant it sincerely, for I've had one look at a woman I'll never forget." — Dennis Reardon to Lady Helen (04:59)
• Irish Dream Sequence:
  "Someday I'm going to have a bit of a farm in County Galway with some fine pigs and horses on it." — Dennis (08:11)
• Conflict’s Cost:
  "My country and its cause must come first, before any man’s right to live. Until we have freedom, we have nothing." — Dennis (22:02)
• Romantic Resilience:
  "Maybe a long time before we're meeting again." — Dennis (10:52) "I won't change my mind. Awake, Dennis. No matter how long it is." — Lady Helen (13:14)
• Reunion After Violence:
  "Land alive. Listen to the man with a ploughing and a planting...He's talking about resting." — Lady Helen (26:13)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening, Setting the Scene: (01:13)
• First Meeting, Interrogation: (04:10–05:19)
• Country Ride, Discussion of Dreams: (08:03–09:14)
• Emotional Farewell: (12:10–13:36)
• Negotiations in England: (15:47–23:07)
• Compromise Signed, Aftermath: (23:19–26:57)
• Final Romantic Exchange: (26:45–26:57)

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Tone & Style

The tone remains dramatic, bittersweet, and character-driven throughout, with moments of wry Irish humor. Dialogue is earnest, reflecting the era's style and values—mixing nationalistic fervor, idealistic love, and the tragic choices forced by revolution.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a captivating recreation of a classic radio romance from the golden age, skillfully voiced and emotionally resonant. Through the love story of Dennis and Helen, listeners are taken through the depths of political conflict and personal sacrifice, culminating in a hard-won but hopeful resolution—a testament to both the enduring hardship and resilience of the human spirit.

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Advertisements, sponsor messages, and outro cut for clarity and focus on story content.

Transcript

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[Vic's Matinee Theatre Announcer]

Vic's matinee theatre. Vic's Matinee Theatre, presented by the makers of Vick's Maple Rubber, brings you Beloved Enemy. Starring Victor Jory as Dennis Reardon. Now here's a good thing to remember when you catch a cold. The best known home remedy for relieving miseries of colds is Vic's VapoRub.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, today from the stage of the matinee Theater, Vicks brings you one of the most memorable love stories told. Beloved Enemy. Adapted from Samuel Goldwyn's great motion picture, Our story opens in the city of Dublin in 1921. 1921 in Ireland, a time of unrest and discontent. A time when right or wrong, rebellion flamed through the land and good men on both sides died for their convictions. And foremost among these, a hero to his followers. But to the authorities of England, only a name. Dennis Reardon.

[Bert Burke]

Dennis Reardon. Did you hear the news?

[Dennis Reardon]

Yes. McCarthy, O' Brien and Casey dead.

[Bert Burke]

They were brave lads. They saved our records.

[Dennis Reardon]

They were brave lads. I grew up with Tom o'. Brien. I've lost a brother.

[Bert Burke]

Well, the men are all assembled in the cellar for the meeting. Will you come down now?

[Dennis Reardon]

Aye.

[Bert Burke]

Did you hear that Lord Atlee and his daughter arriving from England tonight?

[Dennis Reardon]

That I did. The English government has sent Lord Athlete to come over and see what can be done about us. He's going to find quite a problem, eh, Burke?

[Captain Loader]

Sir,

[Dennis Reardon]

I understand too, that there's a shipment of munitions arriving tonight.

[Bert Burke]

A shipment of munitions, eh?

[Dennis Reardon]

That's right.

[Lord Athley]

They've blown up our ammunition ship. This is intolerable negligence on your part, Captain Loader.

[Captain Loader]

But Lord Atley, you don't understand the situation. I don't have enough men to cover all of Dublin. We're not at war with Ireland, you know. I never know where they're going to strike next.

[Lord Athley]

It's your business to know.

[Captain Loader]

But two Riordan spies are in the post office. The telephone exchanges, army, police, they're everywhere. Anything we decide here, Riordan knows in two hours. And I. I don't even know what the man Looks like.

[Lord Athley]

Well, you better find out what he looks like. We don't get him pretty soon there's going to be war between Ireland and England.

[Captain Loader]

We're doing everything we can, Lord Aptley.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, there you are, Captain Loder. There's some soldiers out here with a very handsome prisoner. If you don't want him, I'll take him.

[Captain Loader]

I'll be right out, Lady Helen.

[Lord Athley]

No, bring him in here. Let's see your efficiency in action.

[Captain Loader]

Very well, I'll bring him in here.

[Lady Helen]

I'll just sit down, watch, if you don't mind, Father.

[Lord Athley]

Suit yourself, my dear, but don't interrupt.

[Captain Loader]

Wait outside, men. This man was picked up close to the dock where the munition ship was destroyed, your Lordship.

[Lord Athley]

Ah, I see.

[Dennis Reardon]

What's your name? Dennis Reardon.

[Captain Loader]

You're taking a dangerous name, my man.

[Dennis Reardon]

The best is none too good for me, my man.

[Lord Athley]

Impudent young rascal. They find any papers on him, loader?

[Captain Loader]

Yes, sir. Here they are.

[Narrator]

Ah.

[Lord Athley]

Thomas Casey. Mm. Medical student, eh? Well, Mr. Casey, what were you doing in the vicinity of the explosion?

[Dennis Reardon]

I was riding a bike home from the university, as peaceful as you'd please. And all of a sudden I heard a terrific noise and I fell off my bike. And then some soldiers came along. And would you believe it now? I was whisked into a lorry, bicycle and all, and brought up here and asked what I was doing back there. Is it now forbidden to ride through our own streets?

[Captain Loader]

Helen?

[Lady Helen]

I beg your pardon.

[Lord Athley]

Let the man go, Leather Ed.

[Lady Helen]

Give his bicycle.

[Captain Loader]

All right, you may go.

[Dennis Reardon]

Thank you kindly. And thank you, too, for bringing me here.

[Captain Loader]

Don't be impudent.

[Dennis Reardon]

Begging your pardon, I meant it sincerely, for I've had one look at a woman I'll never forget.

[Lady Helen]

Why, thank you. You know, I've always wondered whether the romantic stories I heard about the Irish were true. And now?

[Dennis Reardon]

And now?

[Lady Helen]

Now I see they are.

[Lord Athley]

Helen.

[Dennis Reardon]

Good night to you, my lady. The good saints bless you and keep you.

[Lady Helen]

Good night, Dennis Reardon. The same to you.

[Captain Loader]

They're all alike, Lady Helen. Full of glarney.

[Lady Helen]

Yes, and isn't it attractive? Hobbs. Who are you? Hobbs.

[Peter]

Just a minute.

[Lady Helen]

Well, come here. I finished shopping and I want you to drive me home.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

Would you mind coming over here, my leggy? This young lad's hurt pretty bad and he won't let me touch him.

[Lady Helen]

Who's hurt? What are you talking about?

[Peter]

Let me go. Let me go, I tell you. Let me go.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

He was running and he fell, his legs all twisted up under him. He wouldn't let me touch him.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, now come let me see your knees.

[Peter]

Don't you touch me. Don't you touch me.

[Lady Helen]

I was a Red Cross nurse once, and even the enemy didn't mind when we helped. Let me see it. Oh, that's a good boy. It's just a wrench. It's broken. Hobbs, please help me carry him to the car. We'll have to drive him to his home. There, Pedo. Isn't that a nice bandage?

[Peter]

Yes, thank you. My mother should be home soon. She must be shopping.

[Lady Helen]

Do you think you'll be all right if I leave you?

[Peter]

Yes.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

Hello there.

[Dennis Reardon]

Hey, dear. The door was open, so I walked. Well, lady, I'm afraid you're in the wrong section of Dublin.

[Lady Helen]

Why, hello.

[Peter]

I fell dooran hurt my leg, and she brought me home and fixed it. Isn't it all right?

[Dennis Reardon]

Of course it's all right, but Lady Helen is in the wrong section of town.

[Lady Helen]

What do you mean?

[Dennis Reardon]

I mean that while you've been fixing the lad's legs, the neighbors have been fixing your car. Your chauffeur just left for the garage to see if he could get a repairman.

[Lady Helen]

How will I get home?

[Dennis Reardon]

Did your mother take her bicycle, Peter?

[Peter]

No, it's around and back.

[Dennis Reardon]

Then we'd be borrowing that.

[Lady Helen]

Thank you, Ms. Reardon.

[Dennis Reardon]

You have a frightening memory for names.

[Lady Helen]

I'm not apt to forget that one.

[Dennis Reardon]

I'll get my bike and meet you around in back. There's quite a crowd in front. They aren't used to English in this part of town.

[Lady Helen]

All right. Thank you.

[Peter]

You called in Dennis Re?

[Lady Helen]

Yes. That's the only name I know him by.

[Peter]

Mother says never to call him that anymore.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, I see. Well, then we won't.

[Dennis Reardon]

I was certainly wise in taking you around the outside of town instead of with your kind recycling. You'd have been killed for certain by an Irish lamp force. Let's stop and rest for a moment.

[Lady Helen]

All right. Oh, it's beautiful out here, isn't it? So beautiful it almost hurts.

[Dennis Reardon]

Yes, it is. I'm a country man at heart myself, you know. Someday I'm going to have a bit of a farm in County Galway with some fine pigs and horses on it.

[Lady Helen]

All by yourself?

[Dennis Reardon]

Indeed not. There'll be a fine, spirited woman in my house making a great clamor all day, and children driving me crazy with her goings on. And there'll be some fine, rich earth for plowing and a brook and a leprechaun the kitchen doorstep. And you'll always have to remember to leave Him a bit of cream at night or he'll be very angry.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, I'd never forget a leprechaun.

[Dennis Reardon]

I don't think you would. Would you like to meet me at Dublin market tomorrow? I'm buying the first pig. Would you like to help me pick him out?

[Lady Helen]

No, I can't do that.

[Dennis Reardon]

So far as the world goes, we've nothing in common, have we?

[Lady Helen]

No, I'm afraid we haven't.

[Dennis Reardon]

There's no reason we should be friends, is there?

[Lady Helen]

There's every reason we shouldn't.

[Dennis Reardon]

Then let's not be friends. Let's just come here again and forget who we are and talk about farms and County Galway.

[Lady Helen]

No, Dennis, we must not. Come on. We'd better start back, just in case

[Dennis Reardon]

you change your mind. I'll be waiting at 4 o' clock at the pig stalls. Tim, my boy, is this not a fight? Fine looking pig, hey?

[Captain Loader]

But Dennis, our English friend Captain Loader, is close by, looking at cabbages and taking quite an interest in you and your pigs.

[Dennis Reardon]

I see.

[Narrator]

I see.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

I think I'll be asking to put

[Dennis Reardon]

this pig by for me, Mr. O'. Houlihan.

[Delegate]

I'll wait till that I will.

[Captain Loader]

There's some more of the English over

[Dennis Reardon]

there by the chickens. Quick, before they surround us. Have you any coins? Then throw them in the air quickly and get away while the kids are scrambling for them.

[Bert Burke]

Come on.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

Hey. Already scrambled.

[Dennis Reardon]

I'm glad you came. When I wrote you the note and gave you my new address, I didn't know whether you'd come to my house or not. Seeing as how you weren't at the market yesterday.

[Lady Helen]

This is the last time I will ever meet you. You see, I'm not your friend. I'm your enemy. I know you're Dennis Reardon. Peter told me without realizing it. That's how they knew you'd be at the market yesterday. Through me.

[Dennis Reardon]

Did you also tell them you were meeting me here today?

[Lady Helen]

No. It's no use asking you not to hate me. I'd better go.

[Dennis Reardon]

No. No, don't. Don't go. Sit down and talk a bit. Maybe a long time before we're meeting again.

[Lady Helen]

We could never see each other again. You know that now, don't you?

[Dennis Reardon]

Yes, I know it now. But all the years after you've gone from me, I'll be thinking of what might have been. And maybe it would be good to know if. If we thought of it in the same way.

[Lady Helen]

Maybe it would.

[Dennis Reardon]

Every evening I'd have asked you to meet me on top of a hilltop. What Would you have said to that when I asked you?

[Lady Helen]

I'd have said, thank you, Dennis Reardon. I'll be there.

[Dennis Reardon]

All through the summer evenings, we'd have walked in the hills, side by side, not talking much. Wouldn't we have?

[Lady Helen]

We wouldn't have needed to talk much except to say, look at those stars. And did you ever see such a move?

[Dennis Reardon]

And one evening, I'd have put my arm around you. And us walking alone in the moonlight. And what would you have said then?

[Lady Helen]

I don't think I'd have said anything. I think I would just have sighed a happy sigh. Oh, very.

[Dennis Reardon]

Then we'd have walked slower and slower and stopped. And I'd have said, ah, it's the honest and beautiful woman you are.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, Dennis, don't. Don't say anymore.

[Dennis Reardon]

I'd have said, I love you. I love you. And after we were married, we'd be at my farm in County Galway, riding fine horses together. And us laughing crazy all day long.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, Dennis, hold me close. Don't ever let me go. Dennis. My dearest.

[Dennis Reardon]

My darling. My darling. Look, darling, it's dark out. I think I must take you home now.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, Dennis, I love you so.

[Dennis Reardon]

No, no, don't cry, Ma.

[Lady Helen]

Darling, it's hard not to cry. I've never been in love before. And to have had love for such a little time and then to let it go, that seems past all bearing.

[Dennis Reardon]

Someday, when I finish what I must do, I'll come looking for you. And if you have not changed your mind, perhaps you'll go with me to County Galway.

[Lady Helen]

I won't change my mind. Awake, Dennis. No matter how long it is.

[Dennis Reardon]

And I'll come to you, no matter when it is. And I'll begrudge every minute of every hour on every clock in the world until my job is done and we can be together.

[Lady Helen]

Goodbye, my dearest.

[Dennis Reardon]

Goodbye, my darling.

[Vic's Matinee Theatre Announcer]

In just a moment, we will bring you act two of Beloved Enemy from the stage of Vic's matinee theater. When your child suffers the miseries of a cold, everybody seems to have advice on what to do about it. But if you took a public opinion poll, you'd find that the modern way most mothers use to relieve distress of their children's colds is to rub on Vicks VapoRub. Now, for such an outstanding preference, there must be a basic, proven reason. The moment you rub on VapoRub, it starts to work to bring fine relief. Right. In the very places where distress is vapor, rub penetrates. Penetrates into the cold, congested upper bronchial Tubes with its special soothing medicinal vapors. And at the same time it stimulates. Stimulates chest and back surfaces like a comforting, warming poultice. For hours this penetrating, stimulating action of VapoRub keeps on working to bring gratifying relief. It invites restful sleep. And often by morning, most of the misery of the cold is gone. Try it yourself. Just rub on VapoRub. Tonight, remember, only VapoRub gives you this special penetrating, stimulating action. It's the best known home remedy for relieving miseries of colds. Vicks VapoRub.

[Narrator]

Now the second act of beloved Enemies starring Victor Jordan. As our curtain rises in England and in the London house of Lord Athley, we find Lady Helen talking to her father.

[Lady Helen]

Father, have you made up your mind what you're going to say to Parliament?

[Lord Athley]

Yes. I'm going to recommend that Reardon and the delegates elected from party be invited to England to see if we can't negotiate.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, Father, that's wonderful.

[Lord Athley]

If he does come, Helen, I shall hold you to your promise. You're not to see him alone. I say if he comes.

[Lady Helen]

Very well, Father. But he'll come. You'll see. He'll come. Welcome to England, Mr. Reardon. It's my father, Lord Athle. Father, Mr. Reardon, Lord Athle.

[Lord Athley]

How do you do, sir? I believe the last time we met your name was was Reardon, sir.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Lord Athley]

Yes. I trust you will enjoy this reception we've planned in your honor. My daughter will see that you meet everyone.

[Dennis Reardon]

Was very kind of you, sir.

[Lady Helen]

Let's see, you've met Lord and Lady Huntington. Cecil Brownlee. I do hope I've presented you to everyone.

[Dennis Reardon]

Hello, Helen.

[Lady Helen]

Hello, Dennis.

[Dennis Reardon]

Oh, my dear, you're so beautiful. If only I could take him on.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, darling, if only you could.

[Dennis Reardon]

But we cannot see each other alone. I gave my oath.

[Lady Helen]

Ought to do something like that too.

[Dennis Reardon]

I hate reception.

[Lady Helen]

I know. So do I. Oh, don't look at me like that. Everyone will know. Don't you admire that portrait, Mr. Reardon? It's a Reynolds, you know.

[Dennis Reardon]

Oh, it's beautiful. Perhaps I should go.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, no, please.

[Dennis Reardon]

Torture seeing you like this.

[Lady Helen]

It's better than not seeing you at all. Come, let me show you about the house. There's the library in there.

[Dennis Reardon]

Oh. What things in your life happen in that room?

[Lady Helen]

That's where I played the harp when I was 14 in a pink dress.

[Dennis Reardon]

In that room?

[Lady Helen]

My mother's sitting room. I used to say my prayers in there before she died. Then for 10 years I never went into it once. I do now.

[Dennis Reardon]

And do you pray there now?

[Lady Helen]

Yes, for you and for peace. Dennis, maybe this conference will mean. Please. It could, couldn't it, Dennis?

[Dennis Reardon]

It could, Helen, but it isn't very likely.

[Lord Athley]

Helen, some of our guests are ready to leave.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, I'll come at once, Father. I wish you luck at the conferences tomorrow. Dennis. You and Ireland.

[Delegate]

The delegates from Ireland must realize that we've made concessions far beyond our original intentions. In the past few days, we have conceded point after point in our efforts to reach a satisfactory conclusion. You're reaching for the moon, gentlemen, and we cannot give it to you.

[Bert Burke]

It's all or nothing. Dennis. Don't let them fluff you into compromising.

[Dennis Reardon]

They've given in on so many of our big points first.

[Bert Burke]

They have not given in on all.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

Gentlemen, gentlemen. It is not enough.

[Delegate]

Then further discussion is useless. War is inevitable.

[Lord Athley]

We are tired and our vision is blurred. The fate of millions of people lies in our hands. I urge the leniency of our friends the Irish, and beg the continuance of this conference tomorrow.

[Delegate]

Is that satisfactory, Mr. Reardon?

[Dennis Reardon]

I hold but little hope that anything further can be accomplished. The issue between us is clear cut. But before we all take an irrevocable step, we will consent to one more meeting.

[Delegate]

Very well. We are adjourned until tomorrow.

[Dennis Reardon]

Burke. We knew when we came here the best we could get would be a compromise.

[Bert Burke]

Let them compromise.

[Dennis Reardon]

Oh, but compromising can't be on one side. They've already offered us more than Ireland has ever honestly hoped to get. That's right, it is.

[Captain Loader]

I think we should take what they offer, and maybe a little later we can win a few more points.

[Bert Burke]

We were sworn to demand everything or nothing. Ah, what's the good of arguing? You hold the deciding vote, Dennis.

[Captain Loader]

That's right. In your vote hangs the balance of war or peaceful Ireland. Dennis, have you made up your mind?

[Dennis Reardon]

I'm going out for a walk. I've got to think. They made us some fine promises to. There's no denying it.

[Bert Burke]

They won't put them on paper. They just said we shall have home rule and we must take their word for it. Well, I'm not willing to take anyone's word for anything. And if you do, Dennis Reardon, you'll answer to the people folks. They want their rights and they've sent you here to get them for them. Now, what are you going to do about it?

[Dennis Reardon]

I'm going for a walk. I have to think.

[Bert Burke]

Mind your promise about that woman, Dennis.

[Dennis Reardon]

I've not broken it, Bert.

[Peter]

Dennis.

[Lady Helen]

Oh, Dennis, I'm so glad I found you. I asked for you at the hotel and the clerk said he thought you were here in the park.

[Dennis Reardon]

I've sworn not to see you alone.

[Lady Helen]

Do you think Ireland would be completely destroyed if you kissed me just once?

[Captain Loader]

Helen,

[Dennis Reardon]

Darling. But you're enough to make a man forget life and country and promises.

[Lady Helen]

Dennis, it's your vote that's going to mean war or peace, isn't it?

[Dennis Reardon]

Yes. I'm racking my brain, my heart, for the answer. I can't forget the lads who died and all they fought for.

[Lady Helen]

Is it wrong to remember those who want to live?

[Dennis Reardon]

It is if we fail the dead. In order to bring easy comfort to the living, my country and its cause must come first, before any man's right to live. Until we have freedom, we have nothing.

[Lady Helen]

They're giving you there.

[Dennis Reardon]

No. They're only promising us that and not on paper.

[Lady Helen]

Then take the promise and fight. If it isn't kept, give us a chance to keep it. Don't ever let your country go to war, Dennis Reardon, over something that can be settled peacefully. We are not without honor. We have made you a promise. Give us a chance to keep that promise. Dennis, the right of thousands of people to live and be happy are in your hands. You have no right not to try the compromise if you bear good at heart.

[Dennis Reardon]

Good night, Helen. I must leave you now, Dennis.

[Lady Helen]

What are you going to do?

[Dennis Reardon]

I have to walk and think some more.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

On behalf of the Irish Republic, I accept the promises of the English Committee.

[Dennis Reardon]

We agree to your compromise.

[Lord Athley]

It's done, Helen. They've signed it.

[Lady Helen]

Where's Dennis?

[Lord Athley]

He left on the afternoon boat for Ireland. Helen, that man is one of the bravest I've ever known.

[Dennis Reardon]

Heaven help him.

[Lord Athley]

When he signed that treaty, he was as good as signing his own death warrant. And he knew it.

[Lady Helen]

Death warrant?

[Lord Athley]

Yes. The fanatics of his own party won't stand for compromise. They'll all look upon him as a traitor.

[Lady Helen]

I'm going to him, Father.

[Lord Athley]

Helen, to go to him would be very dangerous.

[Lady Helen]

I must go to him, Father.

[Lord Athley]

All right. I understand. We'll go together, daughter.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

For 800 years I. E. Patriots of fought for this freedom.

[Lady Helen]

There he is, Father. He's speaking.

[Peter]

See?

[Lady Helen]

On a platform. Let's get closer where we can hear him.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

Government of its own. And now, for the first time in Irish history, we have that government. There are among us some men who still believe that Ireland is not ready for peace. I hope I may live long enough to prove to them that what has been gained today is everything we should Hope for at this time and that what will be gained in the future depends no longer on gunpowder and hatred, but on the peaceful understanding of the people. Our future under the treaty is a brighter one than any Irishman has ever known. But it must be built wisely and sanely. And above all, it must be built on peace. There's the man that sold us out for a woman. There's the traitor,

[Lady Helen]

Father. They killed him. Come, we must get to him. Well, Doctor?

[Dennis Reardon]

He'll be all right.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

It's just a flesh wound.

[Dennis Reardon]

Go along in there now. He's waiting for you. Well, now, woman. What are you doing here in Ireland without an invitation?

[Lady Helen]

Without an invitation, is it? And who was it that invited me to live on a farm in County Galway?

[Dennis Reardon]

Careful now. The doctor said I'm not to be excited. Don't you be shouting at me.

[Lady Helen]

If I have any trouble with you, Dennis Reardon. I'll take it to the people. I saw how it was with you and the people tonight after Burke shot you. He's in jail right now, thinking over his mistakes. The people are going to try it your way, Dennis.

[Dennis Reardon]

Oh, I'm glad to hear. I'm glad to hear that. Ah, well, then I. I guess my job is finished and I can take it easy for the rest of my life on that bit of a farm with you.

[Lady Helen]

Take it easy? Land alive. Listen to the man with a ploughing and a planting and farming and milking and butchering and carpenterin to be done. He's talking about resting.

[Dennis Reardon]

May the saints bless us and keep us. The English are no better than the Irish. You're talking the same way my mother used to talk to my father.

[Mr. O'Houlihan]

And when you finish that milkin, Patrick Riordan, you can set your mind in your hand to fixin the backstrap.

[Lady Helen]

It all goes to the farm in County Galway, darling. How does it sound to you?

[Dennis Reardon]

How does it sound? Ah, come here where I can put my arm around you. Helen Madaran, and I'll spend the rest of the evening telling you.

[Lady Helen]

Would you mind kissing me first?

[Dennis Reardon]

Would I mind kissing you? Oh, what a question to be asking an Irishman.

[Delegate]

Just a moment.

[Vic's Matinee Theatre Announcer]

Mr. Jory will tell you about next week's production. Meanwhile, a very timely message. If you have a cold today, are you going to wake up tomorrow morning feeling just too miserable to get through the day's work, or are you going to rub on Vic's vaporub tonight? You see, the moment you rub vaporub on your throat, chest and back, it starts right to work, bringing grand relief. It helps relieve congestion and irritation in the upper breathing passages. The coughing spasms, sore throat and that muscular soreness or tightness. And here's why the results are so comforting and gratifying. VapoRub penetrates, penetrates into the cold, congested upper bronchial tubes with its special soothing medicinal vapors. And at the same time it stimulates stimulates chest and back surfaces like a comforting, warming poultice. What's more, this penetrating, stimulating action of VapoRub keeps on working for hours while you sleep to bring you wonderful comfort. Now make sure you get vaporub because only vaporub gives you this special penetrating, stimulating action. The best known home remedy for relieving miseries of cold. Vic Vavorup,

[Dennis Reardon]

This is Victor Jory. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your many kind letters and your suggestions. I'm answering your letters as rapidly as possible. Your suggestions for future plays are most welcome. And if you care to write, you may address me in care of Columbia Broadcasting, 22 New York. Next week, from the stage of Matinee Theatre, we will present that delightful RKO picture, My Favorite Wife, Leo Makary's hilarious story of a man who found on the night of his second wedding that the first wife he had thought dead was very much alive. Next week, My Favorite Wife.

[Vic's Matinee Theatre Announcer]

Our play was directed by Richard Sanville and was adapted by Gene Holloway from Samuel Goldwyn's motion picture. Mr. Goldwyn will soon present his latest Technicolor comedy, the Princess and the Pirate, starring Bob Hope, at your local theater. Music for our series is under the direction of Mark Warno. The part of Helen was played by Gertrude Warner. Be sure and listen again next week when Vic's Matinee Theater presents My Favorite Wife, starring Victor Jory. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcast Casting System.