Matinee Theater - Jane Eyre

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio – Matinee Theater: Jane Eyre

Date: June 17, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Featured Cast: Victor Jory, Gertrude Warner
Original Source: Golden Age of Radio Matinee Theater Adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s "Jane Eyre"

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio presents a faithful radio dramatization of Charlotte Brontë’s "Jane Eyre," originally performed on Matinee Theater and starring Victor Jory as Edward Rochester and Gertrude Warner as Jane Eyre. The adaptation draws listeners into Brontë’s gothic romance, tracing Jane’s journey to Thornfield Hall, her complex relationship with Rochester, mysterious happenings, and the dramatic events that threaten their future. The episode is rich in classic radio atmosphere, featuring period-appropriate performances, moody narration, and a dramatic reimagining of this literary masterpiece for audio.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

Arrival at Thornfield & Setting the Mood

• [01:16] Narrator: The story opens with vivid descriptions of Thornfield Hall, setting a brooding, gothic tone that foreshadows the mysterious events to come.

  "A love story as wild and unpredictable as a storm over the English moors." (Narrator, 01:16)

• Jane Eyre arrives at Thornfield as the new governess, greeted by Grace Poole (the housekeeper) and soon after, Edward Rochester.

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Jane & Rochester: First Encounters

• [03:27] Rochester welcomes Jane but is brusque and skeptical.

  "You're quite young and you're not unpained for the eye, though obviously too fair and pale in Spirit to endure in this house of gloom.” (Edward Rochester, 03:35)

• Adele, Rochester's ward, is introduced, highlighting Jane’s immediate warmth and Rochester’s emotional distance.

• [04:44] An early debate about status and looks:

  Rochester: “What do you think of me? Am I…am I handsome?”
  Jane: "No, sir.” (04:13)

  A memorable moment establishing Jane’s honesty, which impresses Rochester.

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The Haunting Presence in the House

• Recurring, eerie laughter and mysterious incidents are attributed to Grace Poole, but Jane (and the audience) become increasingly suspicious.

• [06:39] Rochester hints at inner torment:

  "I mean when my soul is oppressed and there seems no end to the darkness in which I live.” (Edward Rochester, 06:40)

• Descriptions of the moor underscore the themes of endurance, suffering, and beauty in hardship.

  “If there's beauty in it, it's the majesty of its unconquerable spirit…” (Edward Rochester, 06:47)

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Growing Affection & The First Fire

• Jane and Rochester’s relationship deepens as they discuss their pasts and worldviews.

• [09:02] A fire breaks out in Rochester’s room – Jane’s bravery averts tragedy.

  "Stay away from those curtains. Jane, hand me the water jug." (Edward Rochester, 08:55)

  Jane: “Adele woke me up. I heard someone laughing. The same awful laughter.” (09:23)

• Rochester enjoins Jane to secrecy about the incident, adding to the mystery.

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Confessions & Love Declared

• Jane confesses her growing affection for Thornfield—despite the darkness—mirrored by Rochester’s poetic, haunted admiration for her resilience.

• [13:39] The couple emotionally confesses their love:

  Rochester: “I love you.” (13:52)
  Jane: “You see? I love you too, Edward.” (13:59)

• Tensions flare, as Rochester alludes to a “blunder” in his past, and Jane demands trust and honesty.

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The Wedding Interrupted

• [17:53] The marriage ceremony is dramatically stopped by a solicitor, Briggs, who reveals Rochester is already married to Bertha Mason. Tense confrontation and Rochester’s confession follows:

  "Now, my friends, you shall see the mistress of Thornfield Hall.” (Edward Rochester, 19:18)

  “This is my wife—ten years I born with that... Now the law... is here to keep me tied to this…this maniac.” (Edward Rochester, 19:55)

• Jane's distress and Rochester’s desperate pleas lead to her departure from Thornfield.

  Jane: “I must leave. You must leave Thornfield.” (21:07)

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Thornfield’s Destruction & Final Tragedy

• [22:51] As Jane departs, Thornfield is seen ablaze in the distance.

  Jane: “A house on fire.” (22:54)

  Adele: “It's Thornfield!” (22:57)

• Chaos ensues—Bertha Mason sets the blaze, leading to her death and Rochester’s grave injuries.

  “She stole the keys… took a lamp and set fire to your room.” (Grace Poole, 23:28)

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Reunion & Resolution

• [25:01] Jane returns to find Rochester blinded but alive.

  “He’ll live, but... I’m afraid Mr. Rochester will never see again.” (Narrator, 25:23)

• In tender, emotional scenes, Jane declares her unwavering love and intent to stay, despite Rochester’s injury.

  Jane: “You'll never be alone as long as I live.” (26:00)
  “I want to be your wife.” (26:07)

  “Thin as a reed, but rooted so strong. What shall we do?… Shall we go to the moon? The white valleys, the volcanoes, away from all the meanness of the world, just you and I?” (Edward Rochester, 26:23)

• The story closes with Jane promising to be Rochester’s guide and eyes, describing the beautiful world outside for him.

  “I see the sun like gold on the heather. I see a sky with not a shred of cloud in it. I see more blue bells than Adele can make into wreaths for the three of us as long as we live.” (Jane Eyre, 27:14)

  Rochester: “If you say so, I'll believe, Jane, just as now I... I believe in God once more.” (27:45)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Your manner is strange and unpredictable.” – Jane Eyre to Rochester (05:26)
• “I will like it. I dare like it. And I'll keep my word. I'll overcome every evil that stands in the world.” – Edward Rochester (08:18)
• “The world. How little I know about the world.” – Jane Eyre (11:57)
• “I have no right to love anyone. Yet I must have you. There’s nothing else in life for me.” – Edward Rochester (14:19)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:16 – Gothic introduction to Thornfield Hall
• 03:26 – Jane and Rochester’s first conversation
• 04:44 – “Am I handsome?” – Scene
• 06:39 – Rochester describes his inner turmoil
• 09:02 – Fire in Rochester’s room & rescue
• 13:52 – Love confessed (“I love you”)
• 17:53–19:51 – The interrupted wedding and Bertha Mason revealed
• 22:51–23:50 – Thornfield fire sequence
• 25:01 – Jane learns of Rochester’s blindness
• 26:07 – Jane pledges herself, planning a future despite the tragedy
• 27:14–27:45 – Jane guides Rochester by describing the world he cannot see

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Tone & Performance

The broadcast maintains a gothic, emotionally rich tone throughout, using atmospheric narration, strong character contrasts, and evocative sound effects. The performances are formal, passionate, and true to the period, with Rochester’s emotional volatility and Jane’s quiet fortitude shining through.

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Summary

This radio adaptation brings to life all the drama, romance, and haunting themes of "Jane Eyre." Through gripping performances and tight storytelling, it explores love’s endurance in the face of secrecy, betrayal, madness, and physical affliction—concluding with a moving vision of hope, companionship, and new beginnings.

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For listeners, this episode offers a full, dramatic retelling of Brontë’s classic, as stirring and engaging as when broadcast in radio’s golden age.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Vic's Matinee Theater starring Victor Jory.

[John/Servant]

Vic.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The makers of Vic's Vapor Rub, Vic's Vetronol, Vicks Cough Drops and Vicks Inhaler presents the Matinee Theater starring Victor Jory in Charlotte Bronte's immortal classic, Jane Eyre. You know, more and more millions of people are using Vic's all nose drops to relieve distress of head colds. Benefit by their experience.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, today from the stage of the Matinee Theater, Vicks Bridge brings you Charlotte Bronte's unforgettable masterpiece. A love story as wild and unpredictable as a storm over the English moors. The story of Jane Eyre. Thornfield hall, gray and forbidding in the early dawn, the biting wind drives across the lonely stretches of heather and hurls itself against the great house. It is an eerie, somehow evil house. A house with only the faint glimmer of candlelight through a single grated window in the west wing. And in the window, the shadow of a woman, stern and erect, silhouetted in the half darkness.

[Grace Poole]

Mustn't be restless, Bertha. I wonder what you'll be like. Bertha Siddell's new governor should find Thornfield Hall a cheerful place. Laughter such as yours.

[Edward Rochester]

Fire.

[Jane Eyre]

Fire in the sky.

[Grace Poole]

Fire in the sky. You'd like to see Thornfield go up in flames and all of us perish in the ruins or two. Well, perhaps someday that may be the fitting end to all this, but not now. While revenge is so sweet, I Grace, the fool shall see that nothing saves your.

[Edward Rochester]

Hi.

[Jane Eyre]

I'm Jane Eyre.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Really?

[Grace Poole]

My name is Grace Poole, Mr. Rochester's housekeeper. Expect he should be here any moment.

[Jane Eyre]

What a wonderful fire.

[Grace Poole]

The longer you stay in Thornfield, the more you'll appreciate warmth. May.

[Jane Eyre]

Pardon.

[Grace Poole]

Oh, here's Mr. Rochester.

[Edward Rochester]

May, go upstairs, Miss Poole, where you belong.

[Grace Poole]

Yes, sir.

[Edward Rochester]

Miss Eyre.

[Jane Eyre]

Yes, sir.

[Edward Rochester]

I saw the coach drive up while I was riding on the moors. Welcome to Thornfield Hall.

[Jane Eyre]

Thank you, sir.

[Edward Rochester]

Well, sit down. You're quite young and you're not unpuned for the eye, though obviously too fair and pale in Spirit to endure in this house of gloom.

[Jane Eyre]

I believe I shall find it very comfortable.

[Edward Rochester]

That remains to be seen.

[Jane Eyre]

I don't understand.

[Adele]

Mr. Rochester. I heard the coach. Is he here?

[Edward Rochester]

What are you doing out of bed?

[Adele]

Adele, I. I only thought.

[Edward Rochester]

Never mind what you thought. Adele, this is your new governess.

[Jane Eyre]

Your daughter's lovely.

[Edward Rochester]

Mr. Rochester, this is not my daughter. She's my warden.

[Jane Eyre]

Oh.

[Adele]

Mademoiselle Ayer. See, I cannot say your name. That is because they are mostly friends.

[Jane Eyre]

Then you must call me Miss G. Now.

[Adele]

She's much better.

[Edward Rochester]

Now, Adele, take yourself upstairs. You will have plenty of time to know. Mademoiselle Aya,

[Adele]

I'm sorry if I did something wrong.

[Edward Rochester]

Go on, go on. Do as you're told. Well, you bought me brusque with a child, didn't you? You appraised me as though I were the one who required references.

[Jane Eyre]

I understand very well that I'm the servant and you are the master.

[Edward Rochester]

Where did you come from, Miss Eyre?

[Jane Eyre]

Lowered school.

[Edward Rochester]

Charitable institution, isn't it? How long were you there?

[Jane Eyre]

Eight years.

[Narrator]

Eight years.

[Edward Rochester]

You must be a hardier soul than you appear. Your parents?

[Jane Eyre]

I have none.

[Edward Rochester]

I see. Well, for heaven's sake, say something.

[Jane Eyre]

What shall I say?

[Edward Rochester]

Whatever you like. Don't stand there looking so self righteous. What do you think of me? Am I. Am I handsome?

[Jane Eyre]

No, sir.

[Edward Rochester]

Tactful young lady. Go on. What fault do you find with me? Look. Well, do you think me a fool? You find me hard and ruthless.

[Jane Eyre]

Your manner is strange and unpredictable.

[Edward Rochester]

Mr. Rochester, there's no need for alarm.

[Jane Eyre]

Didn't you hear? It was gossip.

[Edward Rochester]

Nonsense. Nonsense. It's only the servants. Probably Grace Poole, my housekeeper. Sometimes she lets her spirits get out of bounds. If I were you, I wouldn't let anything I hear disturb me. Miss Eyre.

[Grace Poole]

Bessa, you've been very naughty these last few weeks with your laughter. What must Miss Eyre think? I'll tell you what she thinks. I see it in her eyes whenever she looks at me. Your husband has blamed your stupid laughter on me. And she wonders what diversions I find here in the west wing to make me so wildly happy. Look at them riding on the moors. Don't they make a handsome couple up there on beauty.

[Jane Eyre]

Do you come here often?

[Edward Rochester]

As often as I need to.

[Jane Eyre]

What do you mean?

[Edward Rochester]

I mean when my soul is oppressed and there seems no end to the darkness in which I live.

[Jane Eyre]

The moor is beautiful, no?

[Edward Rochester]

It's barren and savage and only the meanest flowers can survive here. Heather that claws into the earth and resists wind and storm. If there's beauty in it, it's the majesty of its unconquerable spirit to know it. You must stand here when the wind and rain are like a whip, flashing the breath out of your throat. In a moment like that, you can. You can almost believe that a man's spirit can find the same strength and defiance to crush down pettiness and deceit and. And even madness. Well, we might sit down, Miss Eyre.

[Jane Eyre]

Oh, yes. Thank you.

[Edward Rochester]

No, I, I. I've observed your almost saintly patience with my ward. Adele loves being spoiled. She's a mother's daughter now, that one. She was a high spirited woman, Lily. A French beauty who charmed English gold out of my English britches.

[Jane Eyre]

Are you sure you want me to hear this?

[Edward Rochester]

Adele is her child. Another sin for me to account for. Aren't you shocked?

[Jane Eyre]

No.

[Edward Rochester]

You see that beech tree just below the west wing?

[Jane Eyre]

Yes.

[Edward Rochester]

With its gnarled limb. I've often fancied one of the hags who appeared to Macbeth on the heath of forest. I fancied her saying, you like Thornfield. And then with a bony finger she'd write in the air and lured hieroglyphics that run the entire length of the west wing. Like it if you can. Like it if you dare. You know what I find myself saying?

[Jane Eyre]

No.

[Edward Rochester]

I shouted back. I will like it. I dare like it. And I'll keep my word. I'll overcome every evil that stands in the world.

[Jane Eyre]

Mr. Rochester, it's raining.

[Edward Rochester]

All right.

[John/Servant]

We'll go back.

[Edward Rochester]

You'll know what it means to ride in the teeth Storm. And before you know it, we shall be back to the quiet refuge and cheerful hearth of Thornfield hall.

[Jane Eyre]

Mr. Rochester, wake up.

[Adele]

Wake up.

[John/Servant]

What's that?

[Jane Eyre]

The curtain's there on fire.

[Edward Rochester]

Jane, what is it?

[Jane Eyre]

Help me, sir.

[Edward Rochester]

Stay away from those curtains. Jane, hand me the water jug.

[Jane Eyre]

Yes, sir.

[Edward Rochester]

I'll tear them down.

[Jane Eyre]

Yes. Be careful.

[Edward Rochester]

Never mind about me. Open the window. This confounded smoke is terrible. Close the door. There's no use of alarming the household. I must have fallen asleep in my chair. How did this happen?

[Jane Eyre]

I don't know. Adele woke me up. I heard someone laughing. The same awful laughter.

[Edward Rochester]

Good Lord.

[Jane Eyre]

I rushed out into the corridor. Your door was open and I saw the flames.

[Edward Rochester]

Yes. What else did you see?

[Jane Eyre]

Something brushed against me in the darkness.

[Edward Rochester]

Something brushed? It must have been Grace Poole. Listen to me, Jane. You must say nothing of this to anyone.

[Jane Eyre]

Just who is Grace Pool?

[Narrator]

She is.

[Edward Rochester]

How many times do I have to tell you? She's my housekeeper.

[Jane Eyre]

Won't you tell me what's wrong? Let me help you if I can.

[Edward Rochester]

No one can help me. No, Jane, don't go.

[Jane Eyre]

I must. It's cold in here.

[Edward Rochester]

Then come closer. You're trembling.

[Jane Eyre]

I don't feel I should stay in this house any longer.

[Edward Rochester]

But you, you must. You can't go away.

[Jane Eyre]

I don't want to. I've come to love it here, and I've been happy. But can't you tell me?

[Edward Rochester]

I can't tell you anything. Someday, perhaps I'll be free to make you understand. But promise now you'll stay. Will you, Jane? Will you?

[Jane Eyre]

Yes. Yes, I will.

[Edward Rochester]

Ah, bless you, Jane.

[Grace Poole]

Bless you.

[Adele]

Oh, monsieur Rochester, this is a lovely picnic. We never used to have picnics until miss Jang came.

[Jane Eyre]

We're going to have many more, dear.

[Adele]

But, monsieur Rochester, have you sent me off to school? Will miss Jane stay at Thornfield and wait for me to return?

[Edward Rochester]

I don't know. Perhaps I may decide to take her with me to the moon, where we'll live in one of the white valleys among the volcano tops.

[Jane Eyre]

Sounds wonderful.

[Adele]

But you will have nothing to eat. You will starve.

[Jane Eyre]

We'll gather manna to eat morning and night.

[Edward Rochester]

Why, of course. And the hillsides of the moon are white with manna. Now, mind at the chatterbox, why don't you run along and gather some of the flowers over there, Miss Jane and I will watch you from the crag. And when you're through, I'll be down to fetch you.

[Adele]

I know what I will do. I will make a wreath of bluebells. I will make water for each of us.

[Jane Eyre]

Oh, just smell the heather.

[Edward Rochester]

Let me see you do that again, Jane.

[Jane Eyre]

What, sir?

[Edward Rochester]

Breathe in deeply like that, as though you were drinking in all the beauty of the world.

[Jane Eyre]

The world. How little I know about the world.

[Edward Rochester]

Yes. What would you like to know of it?

[Jane Eyre]

Everything.

[Edward Rochester]

Well, I'll tell you everything there is to know. It'll take a surprisingly short time to acquaint you with it. Everything there is to see of the world, you can see right here. All the beauty, the savagery, the mystery of the world right here. The sun like gold on the purple heather. There's nothing anywhere as glorious as that. Jane. You see that hawk circling the sky, waiting to plummet down on some unsuspecting prey? Where else would you find such calculating savagery and drabness? That's all about us, too. The desolation of the moor. Bare rock and thistle biting at your legs as you walk. And over there, housing as much mystery and darkness as ever crowded the human soul. Thornfield Hall. Yes. Jane, all the world is right here.

[Jane Eyre]

I can't believe that's all there is to it. Back at Lowood School, I used to lie awake at night and dream about all the wonders I read about in books. The islands of the Pacific, the golden domes of Constantinople.

[Edward Rochester]

Yes, but nothing as wonderful as you lying there smiling up to the sky. Oh, Jane. Jane, you're lovely.

[Jane Eyre]

You shouldn't say that. Edward.

[Edward Rochester]

Edward, I'm sorry.

[Jane Eyre]

Sorry.

[Edward Rochester]

Don't be. You couldn't go on calling me sir. And Mr. Rochester. No, Jane. Jane. I have no right to say it. I have no right to. But I can't stop myself. I. I.

[Jane Eyre]

What is it, Edward?

[Edward Rochester]

I love you.

[Jane Eyre]

I know.

[Edward Rochester]

You. You know?

[Grace Poole]

Yes.

[Jane Eyre]

You see? I love you too. Edward.

[Edward Rochester]

Oh, Jane, my daughter, My darling.

[Jane Eyre]

Edward, you're so unhappy.

[Edward Rochester]

Because my soul is my own. I have no right to love anyone. Yet I must have you. There's nothing else in life for me.

[Jane Eyre]

We can face anything together if you love me. Oh, Edward, what is it? What can there be that you can't tell me?

[Edward Rochester]

There's nothing. Nothing.

[Jane Eyre]

You can't love me very much if you can't trust me.

[Edward Rochester]

Oh, Jane. Jane, My dearest, I love you so much. More than a kiss can tell. But, James, suppose once. Once, say, you committed a blunder. And suppose as a result of that blunder, that stupidity, you were plunged into a lifetime of darkness and hate. That would be horrible, wouldn't it? It would, yes. But if a time came and you saw the hope of your salvation right within your reach, love, sanity and gentle warmth. Tell me, Jane, would you not claim it despite every obstacle, every customer convention, would you not take it?

[Jane Eyre]

I cannot say without knowing more.

[Edward Rochester]

Of course you can't. That's why it's up to me to take it. And by heaven, I'm going to. Jane, I want you to marry me. Soon.

[John/Servant]

Right away.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In just a moment. Act 2 of Jane Eyre starring Victor Jory. Friends, have you ever noticed how some people seem to resign themselves to the misery of a cold in the head? They just suffer and do nothing to help ease the sniffables, sneak sneezes and stuffiness. Maybe you're guilty yourself of such neglect. And if that's the case. Listen, you really ought to know how quickly Vicks Vetrinol brings wonderful relief from head cold distress. And it's so simple. All you do is put a few drops of Vetronol in each nostril and instantly you can feel this specialized medication start to soothe the Irritation, recongestion and open up the nasal passages. Your breathing becomes easier in no time at all. Yes, friends, when you see for yourself how vetronal brings such quick relief from discomfort of head colds, you will know why so many thousands of people keep their vetronol always handy at home and at work, ready to relieve head cold distress. Now, why don't you try vetronol?

[Edward Rochester]

You'll be glad that you did.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Just follow the simple directions in the package, Vic. Nose drop.

[Narrator]

The curtain now rises on the second act of Vic's matinee theater starring Victoria's Rochester and featuring Gertrude Warner as Jane Eyre. Evening. The sky glowers angrily over the moors in the great gloomy hall of thornfield, Edward Rochester is carrying out his vow to marry Jane Eyre.

[Edward Rochester]

I require and charge you both, Edward

[John/Servant]

Rochester and Jane Eyre, that if either

[Edward Rochester]

of you knows of any reason why

[John/Servant]

ye may not lawfully be joined together

[Edward Rochester]

in matrimony, ye do confess it.

[John/Servant]

Wilt thou, Edward Rochester, have this woman

[Edward Rochester]

for thy wedded wife?

[John/Servant]

No, this cannot be. He cannot take this woman for his wife.

[Edward Rochester]

Mr. Rochester, perceive that man. Whoever he is, he's mad. Edward, go on with the ceremony.

[Narrator]

Please, sir.

[Edward Rochester]

What's the meaning of this interruption?

[John/Servant]

My name is Briggs. I'm a solicitor from London. By the merest coincidence, my client, Richard Mason, learned of this. This travesty. This man, Mr. Rochester, already has a wife. His wife is Bertha Mason, sister. My client, she is living right here in this house.

[Jane Eyre]

Edward, what is he saying?

[John/Servant]

Commit me. I shall answer that. I affirm and I can prove that Edward Rochester was married to Bertha Mason in Jamaica, west indies.

[Jane Eyre]

No, he can't mean that.

[Edward Rochester]

Well, it seems that marriage, my dear, like murder, will out.

[John/Servant]

Mr. Rochester, if this is true, how could you? How could I what?

[Edward Rochester]

Please, rector, no platitudes. Come, all of you. As long as you know about my wife, you should meet her.

[John/Servant]

Just this way, please.

[Edward Rochester]

Now, my friends, you shall see the mistress of Thornfield Hall. Mrs. Poole, we have company friends to see. My wife.

[Grace Poole]

What do you mean? You know? She's asleep.

[Edward Rochester]

Come in. Right, Mr. Briggs. There you see your client's sister. Anne. Jane. This sight should be more eloquent than anything I could have said in words. Wake her up, miss. Mrs. Poole. Wake her up.

[John/Servant]

Wake her up, I said.

[Edward Rochester]

You have heard me?

[Grace Poole]

Yes, Better.

[John/Servant]

Better.

[Jane Eyre]

Oh, this is too horrible.

[Edward Rochester]

Well, gentlemen, speak. This is my wife. 10 years I born with that. She wasn't mad at first, but she came of a mad family. And it wasn't long before I knew it. And now the law in the form of Mr. Briggs is here to keep me tied to this. This maniac.

[John/Servant]

I only did what I thought was right.

[Edward Rochester]

Hear him, Jane. What the solicitor thought was right. Everybody seems to be the j of what's right and what's wrong but me. Tell me, gentlemen. Is hers the only woman the embrace I'm ever to know?

[Grace Poole]

You're frightening us.

[Edward Rochester]

Are her endearment's? The only one I'm to have through all my empty days? You're intelligent. Men judge. Now, if I haven't the right to love this girl, Compare these clear eyes with those of that mad woman and then judge me. I defy you, man of the gospel and man of the law.

[John/Servant]

And remember, as you judge, so shall you be judged.

[Jane Eyre]

I can't stand this.

[Edward Rochester]

I can't look at her. I must lay it.

[Jane Eyre]

Jane.

[John/Servant]

Jane.

[Edward Rochester]

Jane. Jane, I must talk to you. Oh, don't. Don't turn away from me. Don't shrink from me though, as though I was some kind of a monster. Have you ceased loving me?

[Jane Eyre]

No. I do love you. Now more than ever. Yet I must leave. You must leave Thornfield.

[Edward Rochester]

No. No, in heaven's name, no. No. You're the only woman I shall ever want as long as I live here.

[Jane Eyre]

Edward, we're only torturing ourselves.

[Edward Rochester]

Oh, Jane. Jane, my darling. Be merciful, I beg of you.

[Jane Eyre]

Edward, you're hurting me.

[Edward Rochester]

I see I've lost you. You're stronger than I am.

[Jane Eyre]

Poor Edward. I don't know who is strong. But I must leave. I'll have old John drive me to Millcote in the morning. Goodbye, my dears.

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[John/Servant]

Hope the coach isn't rocking you too much, Miss Eyre.

[Adele]

What?

[Jane Eyre]

Oh, I'm all right, thank you.

[John/Servant]

Begging your pardon. What's all this talk about the master's crazy wife?

[Jane Eyre]

Please, John, I don't want to talk about that.

[John/Servant]

Oh, well, as you wish, miss. I. I was only inquiring.

[Jane Eyre]

Look, Stop, John, stop.

[Grace Poole]

Whoa.

[Jane Eyre]

Whoa.

[John/Servant]

What? What is it, miss?

[Jane Eyre]

Look back there. Can't you see it?

[Adele]

A fire.

[Jane Eyre]

A house on fire.

[John/Servant]

Lord help us. You're right.

[Jane Eyre]

It's Thornfield.

[John/Servant]

Yes, and it's blazing like it is.

[Jane Eyre]

Turn around, John. Turn around and hurry.

[Adele]

Hurry.

[Edward Rochester]

Hey, Gee, up there.

[John/Servant]

Gee.

[Edward Rochester]

Oh, Miss Jane.

[Adele]

Adele. Miss Jane, I'm so frightened.

[Jane Eyre]

Oh, come here to me, dear.

[Adele]

Come here.

[Jane Eyre]

You must be cold standing out here in the wind. Mrs. Poole, what happened?

[Adele]

Don't let her come near me. She's bad.

[Jane Eyre]

Bad. Adele, look.

[Grace Poole]

Mad fool of a woman. Always babbling about fire in the sky. She stole the keys out of me pocket again. Took a lamp and set fire to your room.

[Edward Rochester]

Oh, Jane. Jane, what are you doing here?

[Jane Eyre]

Edward, I.

[Edward Rochester]

Well, now you see Thornfield in its crowning glory.

[Jane Eyre]

As long as you're safe, I don't care.

[Edward Rochester]

Mrs. Poole.

[John/Servant]

Good Lord.

[Edward Rochester]

Good Lord, she's still in there.

[John/Servant]

Mrs. Poole?

[Edward Rochester]

I thought you told her.

[Grace Poole]

She tried to drag the wretch out, but she ran back in her room and locked herself in.

[Edward Rochester]

Oh, dear God.

[John/Servant]

Dear God. I can't leave her anywhere.

[Adele]

Edward. Edward, come back. Come back.

[Grace Poole]

It's no use going after him unless you want to die too.

[Edward Rochester]

Oh, I should never have lived.

[Grace Poole]

Should never have come here in the first place and tried to play the role of mistress.

[Adele]

Look, they're in the window.

[Jane Eyre]

She's coming out of the room.

[Adele]

Edward. Edward, don't go after Edward. Don't.

[Edward Rochester]

Go back.

[Jane Eyre]

Go back.

[Adele]

Miss Jane. She's going to jump.

[Jane Eyre]

Oh, no.

[Grace Poole]

She's better off dead. And Mr. Rochester, he'll never get back. Look, Miss A, the whole west wing is beginning to crumble.

[Jane Eyre]

Doctor Carter, how is he today?

[Narrator]

Much better. Had he lived through that night. I'll never know.

[Jane Eyre]

May I go in and see him now?

[Narrator]

Yes, but Just one moment.

[Jane Eyre]

Yes?

[Narrator]

I didn't want to tell you this,

[Jane Eyre]

but he's all right. You said he was.

[Edward Rochester]

He'll live, but. But what, Miss eyre?

[Narrator]

I'm afraid Mr. Rochester will never see again.

[Jane Eyre]

Blind?

[Edward Rochester]

Yes.

[Adele]

Oh,

[Jane Eyre]

thank you for telling me. Doctor.

[Edward Rochester]

Who's there?

[Jane Eyre]

It's Jane. I didn't mean to waken you.

[Edward Rochester]

Wake me? I shall never be awake again.

[Jane Eyre]

I'll always be at your side.

[Edward Rochester]

Strange. Strange to hear your voice without seeing that strong little face. Let me. Let me have your hand.

[Jane Eyre]

You'll never be alone as long as I live.

[Edward Rochester]

I'll not have you chained to me as a nurse.

[Jane Eyre]

I want to be your wife.

[Edward Rochester]

You. Do you know what you're saying? Do you? Do you know what it means?

[Jane Eyre]

I only know that I love you.

[Edward Rochester]

No. I'm still the master in my Own house. You must leave at once.

[Jane Eyre]

I'm staying, Edward, and there's nothing you can say to stop me.

[Edward Rochester]

Nothing I can say? Gentle Jane. Thin as a reed, but rooted so strong. What shall we do? Shall we go to the moon? The white valleys, the volcanoes, Away from all them meanness of the world, Just you and I. I'll get the mana for you morning and night. The plains and the hillsides are white with it.

[Jane Eyre]

Yes, dear. Wherever you go, I shall go. But right now I want to pull back these curtains. Pull them back and let the sunlight in. I shall be your eyes. Now, my darling.

[Edward Rochester]

Tell me then. What do you see?

[Jane Eyre]

I see the sun like gold on the heather. I see a sky with not a shred of cloud in it. I see more blue bells than Adele can make into wreaths for the three of us as long as we live.

[Adele]

Yes.

[Edward Rochester]

Yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Edward Rochester]

Don't stop talking, Jane. Let me hear your voice.

[Jane Eyre]

Thornfield is lovely today.

[Edward Rochester]

Is it?

[Jane Eyre]

Yes. Lovely.

[Edward Rochester]

As lovely as you are, my darling. As lovely as the world before us. If you say so, I'll believe, Jane, just as now I. I believe in God once more.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In just a moment. A word from Mr. Jory. You know, there are an awful lot of folks suffering from a cold in the head. Miserable with stuffiness and constant sniffling and sneezing. If you're one of them, my friend, will you do a simple thing to help relieve the misery? Just put a few drops of Vicks Vetronol in each nostril, that's all. And instantly Vetronol will start to work right where trouble ends. It soothes the sneezy irritation. It helps relieve congestion. It reduces swollen membranes and opens up the nasal passages so that breathing becomes easier. So, friends, let me repeat. If you are suffering from a cold in the head and want quick relief from distress, by all means, try Vetronol. I think you'll appreciate this friendly tip. Just follow the simple directions in the package. Vic's Veteran all nose drops.

[Edward Rochester]

This is Victor Jory. Your choice for next Sunday's play is the tender and romantic Paramount Picture, which starred Charles Boyer and Olivia de Havilland in Hold Back the Dawn. I want to thank you very much for your kind letters and ask you once again to please help us select the plays to follow. It is our desire to present your favorites at all times. Write me care of Vicks. Matinee Theater Columbia Broadcasting 22 New York.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Today's play, Jane Eyre, was adapted by David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr. And was directed by Richard Sanville. The role of Jane Eyre was played by Gertrude Warner. Music for the series is under the direction of Mark Warno. Victor Jory is currently co starring with Miriam Hopkins in the Perfect Marriage. Be sure to listen next week when Vic the makers of Vic's VapoRub, Vic's Vapronol, Vic's Cough Drops and Vic's Inhaler present the Mafe Theater's production of Hold Back the Dawn, starring Victor Jory. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.