Matinee Theater - Random Harvest

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Matinee Theater – "Random Harvest"

Air Date: June 17, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Starring: Victor Jory, Gertrude Warner
Format: Radio Drama adaptation of James Hilton’s classic novel

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Episode Overview

This episode of Matinee Theater presents a radio drama adaptation of "Random Harvest," a moving story of love, memory, and identity. Victor Jory stars as Charles Rainier (also known as Smithy), supported by Gertrude Warner as Paula, in a tale set against the backdrop of post-World War I England. The drama explores a man's struggle with amnesia, his search for his lost past, and the enduring bond between two hearts separated by fate and memory.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Introduction and The Letter (01:21–02:00)

• Charles Rainier (narrating) writes an emotional letter to his wife, confessing that there have been two important women in his life: his wife and Paula.
  • “It’s not easy to say to your wife, there has been another woman, but I must say it. Yes, there’s been two important women in my life. One is, of course, you, and the other is Paula.” – Charles (01:31)
• He revisits the past to explain everything that has become clear.

2. Escape from the Hospital and Meeting Paula (02:00–05:13)

• Charles, a shell-shocked amnesia patient in 1917, escapes from an asylum during Armistice celebrations.
• He stumbles into a tobacco shop, where he meets Paula, who quickly decides to help him instead of turning him in.
  • “You are from the asylum, aren’t you?” – Paula (03:18)
• Paula takes "Smith" (as Charles is called) to a friend’s hotel, setting him up with work in the garden.

3. Blossoming Romance and New Beginnings (05:13–11:19)

• Paula visits Smith weekly; they share picnics and explore the countryside, deepening their bond.
• Smithy gradually finds happiness and healing with Paula’s support.
  • “Somehow I feel because I found you that you belong to me.” – Paula (05:00)
• After a close call with authorities, Smith panics and vanishes, but Paula tracks him down. Their love is openly declared atop a hill overlooking “five counties.”
  • “Don’t you know I’ll always find you, Smithy? As long as you need me?” – Paula (08:46)
• Smithy proposes; they marry in London and move into the parson’s house.
  • “You brought me back from the dead. You’ve given me life and love and happiness.” – Charles (11:19)
• The couple’s joy peaks when Paula announces she is pregnant.
  • “We’re going to have a baby, Smithy, darling.” – Paula (13:47)

4. Looming Shadows: Fear and Separation (15:52–18:20)

• Charles, now writing stories, is offered a publication deal; Paula, though supportive, has a foreboding dream of being forgotten.
  • “I had a dream. I held out my arms to you and you didn’t know me... I woke up crying.” – Paula (17:34)
• Despite her fears, Paula encourages Smithy to travel to Liverpool to meet the publisher.

5. Tragedy: The Lost Years (18:20–22:40)

• Smithy is struck by a car in Liverpool, restoring his original identity as Charles Rainier but erasing all memory of Paula, their marriage, and impending child.
• Charles resumes his old life but is haunted by the two lost years he cannot recall, sensing “shadows” and unresolved feelings.
  • “There were two years in my life after I was wounded that were unaccounted for. And those two years continually tantalized and tormented me.” – Charles (21:24)
• He marries his new secretary (Paula in disguise), searching for clues to his missing memories.

6. The Search for the Past (22:40–24:44)

• Years later, memories begin to return in fragments. Charles visits Melbury and Beechings Over, retracing the path of his lost life.
• He encounters familiar places and people, and vivid recollections of his time with Paula come flooding back.

7. Reunion and Revelation (24:44–27:20)

• At the hilltop above the five counties, Charles and Paula are emotionally reunited.
  • “And I ran to meet you. And we stood there above the five counties crying and laughing like people who had just come into the kingdom.” – Charles (26:02)
• Paula reveals she had been close by all these years, having become his secretary after recognizing him in the news.
  • “I never told you who I was because I didn’t want you to have another riddle to worry about. Somehow I was sure the day would come when you would know me and want me again.” – Paula (26:33)
• The story closes with reaffirmed love and hope for their future.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On love surpassing adversity:
  • “This is the beginning of a love story. Smithy and Paula. For now and forever.” – Paula (10:41)
• On identity and memory:
  • “When you say ‘I take this man,’ it has to mean something more than I take Smith, amnesia patient...” – Charles (10:15)
• The pain of separation:
  • “I had a dream. I held out my arms to you and you didn’t know me... and I woke up crying.” – Paula (17:34)
• Joy of reunion:
  • “Oh, Smithy. I’ve waited so long to hear you say that. I’ve waited so long.” – Paula (26:12)
• On devotion’s endurance:
  • “You’ve always been beside me... and though I thought I’d lost her, she’d always been beside me.” – Charles (26:02)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:21–02:00: Charles writes confession letter to his wife
• 03:09–04:10: Charles meets Paula, she decides to help him
• 05:22–06:31: Sunday outings and growing affection
• 09:05–10:41: Paula tracks down Smithy, love confessed on the hill
• 13:47–14:06: Paula tells Smithy she is pregnant
• 17:34–18:04: Paula’s ominous dream before Liverpool trip
• 18:20–22:40: Charles loses memory of Paula after accident
• 24:44–26:27: Final reunion at Beechings Over
• 27:03–27:20: Closing declaration of love

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Tone & Performance

• The drama is heartfelt, with Victor Jory’s narration both pained and tender, while Gertrude Warner’s Paula is warm and quietly resolute.
• The language throughout is poetic and earnest, capturing the emotional complexity of love, identity, and loss within a classic radio format.

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Closing Notes

• The episode ends with a preview for future Matinee Theater productions.
• "Random Harvest" stands out as a touching exploration of memory, enduring love, and the hope of finding one’s way home, rendered with sincerity in the classic radio tradition.

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Transcript

[Grainger Announcer]

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[Vicks Announcer]

Vic presents the Matinee Theater, starring Victor Jory in Random Harvest. Vic, the makers of Vicks Maple Rub Fix, Atronol, Vic's Cough Drops and Vic's Inhaler, brings you the Matinee Theater, starring Victor Jory and featuring Gertrude Warner in Random Harvest. Now here's a good thing to remember

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

when you catch a cold.

[Vicks Announcer]

The best known home remedy for relieving miseries of colds is Vic vaporup.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

James Hilton is one of the truly great authors of our time. From his pen has come such unforgettable stories as Goodbye, Mr. Chip, Lost Horizons, and the story from which our radio play is taken today. Random Harvest. Our play opens in England in the study of that leader of English politics and finance, Charles Rainier, who sits writing a letter to his wife. My dear wife, I am writing you this letter to tell you some of the things that I would otherwise find very difficult to put into words. It's not easy to say to your wife. There has been another woman, but I must say it. Yes, there's been two important women in my life. One is, of course, you, and the other is Paula. Let me tell you the things that I can remember about Paula, and let me tell you all the things that have suddenly become clear. To do that, I must go back to 1917. I was a different man then, a man without a name and without a past. I was weak and confused, a victim of shell shock, living at the hospital for such cases. Melbury One morning in November, I was taken taking the regulation walk about the hospital grounds. As I neared the gate, the siren suddenly started screaming and then a second and a third. The two guards at the gate left it and ran back towards the hospital. The gates were never locked. I pushed one of them open and went out. It was as simple as that. The streets were mobbed with people and I got suddenly panicky. So I opened the first door I came to and stepped inside. I looked around and saw that I was in a small tobacco shop. There was a woman behind the counter. And she stared at me, gasped, and ran out of the room. And then someone spoke.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Hello there.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

I turned around, and there was Paula.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

You've got to get out of here. You know. She's gone to fetch one of the guards. She realized where you're from. That's why she ran like that. You are from the asylum, aren't you?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Yes.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

How did you get out?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

The guards heard the siren and left the gates. For a moment, I just walked out.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Do you know why the sirens were going?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

No.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

The war's over. Isn't that wonderful?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

I don't know. I suppose it is.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Look, old boy, better get a move on. That woman will be coming back with a guard. Where do you want to go?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

I suppose I ought to go back to the hospital.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

You like it, sir?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

No, I don't.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Then you shouldn't go back. How can you get well in a place when you're not happy there? Suppose I take you over to Biffa's Hotel? You can rest there and think things over. Biffa's a good friend of mine. He'll be glad to help you out. Here, let me take your arm. We'll take it slowly.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Somehow she got me to Biffa's and up to a small, clean room where I went to bed. When I awoke, it was morning. And she was standing there looking down at me.

[Old Woman / Minor Female Character]

Good morning.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

I brought you some tea.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Thank you. You're very good to me.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

My name's Paula Ridgeway. I'm a dancer with a theatrical coupe. What's your name?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

The doctors call me Smith. I. I don't remember what it should be.

[Grainger Announcer]

I see.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Well, I'm not much on formality, so I'll call you Smithy. Smithy, I have something to tell you. I've been talking to Pesky. Remember I told you he was the proprietor of this hotel?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Yes.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Well, he's just lost his gardener and he says he'll take you off. I think it might be good for you to have a job in the fresh air.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Why are you so good to me?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

I like you, Susan. And somehow I feel because I found you that you belong to me.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

So I began work in the hotel gardens. Pop had to leave with a show, but they were playing near Melbury. And she managed to come to visit every Sunday for wonderful Sundays.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Cynthia, darling. I talked this into letting me fix a picnic lunch. We'll take the bicycles and go way back into the country.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Sunday after Sunday, we explored the countryside on wheel and foot. At first I was hesitant about venturing from the hotel because I knew the hospital was searching for me. But gradually I got over that as no one ever questioned me. And something that had been a cold, dead wayside me vanished. And something warm and exciting took its place. I didn't realize what it was until one Sunday night when Paula was leaving. She looked up at me to say goodbye, and suddenly I. I wanted to kiss her.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Smithy, I do hate to leave you.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

I hate to have you go. You. You bring a lot of happiness with you, Paula.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

I take a lot of happiness away.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

You're so beautiful. Oh, Paula, there are so many things I would like to say to you.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Say them, Smithy. Say them.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

No, Paula, not now.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

All right, Smithy. Have it your own way. Goodbye. See you next Sunday.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

I knew I had hurt her, and I was sorry. But it was too beautiful to risk spoiling. And then one Sunday evening, she came bursting into the greenhouse where I was working on some plants. And she was breathless and excited and frightened.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Oh, Smithy, you've got to leave here right away. There are two men from Melbury Hospital talking to Biffa on the bar. They found out you're here. They say they must take you back to the hospital.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Smithy, take me back to the hospital. Take me back to the hospital.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

We'll run away. I'll pack your bag and meet you at our beech tree in a few minutes.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Paula ran to the house to get my things. And I stood there a moment, my heart pounding, my hands turned to ice. And then suddenly I was running. Not towards the beach tree, but towards the railroad station. I was in a panic. I was in a terror to escape. There was a train waiting in the station. I got aboard, and the minute it started. Looking out the window, I saw Paula running, but I knew she was too late. The train moved off through the darkness, faster and faster, and I said soft, goodbye. Goodbye, Paula. And I felt a little like crying, even though I was free and at peace. Early in the morning, the train stopped at a small village called Beeching's over. And I got off there. I couldn't tell you why, except that the air was sweet with a scent of hay and flowers. Night. I crossed the stone bridge and turned off the road by a path that climbed a hill. Near at hand was a cottage with a buxom elderly woman tending a garden.

[Old Woman / Minor Female Character]

Good morning, sir. There'll be a nice view from the top of the hill this morning. You can see five counties on a clear day.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Oh, then I'll go right up. I'd like to see five counties this morning. I climbed to the Top. I looked almost an hour at those five counties glimmering through the morning mist. And then I stretched out under a tree and closed my eyes.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Well, Smithy.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Paula.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

I thought you'd never wake up. I've been sitting here watching you for hours. Paula. Why did you run away from me?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Smithy, I wasn't running away from you. I was running away from everything. How. How did you ever find me up here?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

I saw you get on the train. And I kept asking the porters at each station whether you'd got off. The porter at Beeching's over remembered you very well. And the woman at the foot of the hill told me you were up here looking at the five counties. Don't you know I'll always find you, Smithy? As long as you need me?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Paula, you've been so good and so generous. But I can do without you now. And I must.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Smithy, darling, what on earth do you have against me?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Do you really want to know that?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Paul does. Goddard knows, Smithy.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

All right, then. The only thing I have against you is that I'm in love with you. You.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

You love me? You love me? Oh, Smithy, do you. Please don't joke about it. Because you see, I've loved you ever since I first set eyes on you. Oh, Smithy. Smithy, are you sure?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Oh, yes, I'm very sure. The one thing in my mind, in my heart that I know is real now and for all time is you, Paula.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Oh, my darling. Hold me close. Don't ever let me go. I love you so much.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

But I. I've nothing to offer you.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

I'm only asking for your love and your devotion.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

It's not enough.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

It's more than enough.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Oh, no. No, Paula. No, I. I can't wish marriage like on you. It isn't fair. It isn't right. When you say I take this man, it has to mean something more than I take Smith. Amnesia patient. I take Smith. A man without a home or a background. Without family ties, without memories. Will you stop it, Paula?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Don't you see? No, I don't see, Smithy. The past doesn't matter to us. This is a whole new lifetime for

[Old Woman / Minor Female Character]

each of us now.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

This is the beginning of a love story. Smithy and Paula. For now and forever. As long as we both shall live.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Oh, my darling. You're so sweet. So sweet.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Are you going to ask me to marry you?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Must I ask you, Miss Ridgeway? Will you marry me?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Thank you, Mr. Smith. I don't mind if I do.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

We were married in London by A parson Blandy that Paula had known since she was a little girl. I remember standing there in that small church, looking at Paula and thinking, you brought me back from the dead. You've given me life and love and happiness. And I remember praying, dear God, please don't ever let me bring grief or sadness into her life. Please let me make her happy. And so, by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you and White. We set up housekeeping in the parsonage. Reverend Blampied had far more rooms than he needed. And he said our company would be payment enough. Paula chose the rooms. Two large attic ones with a view over the rooftops as far north as Hampstead. What fun we had. I can see her now, scrubbing and dusting and cleaning. A smudge in her nose and a glint in her eye. And, Lord, she was beautiful.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Hand me that brush, Smithy. I don't want to get down off this ladder.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

All right. Paula Smith.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Paula Smith. Oh, Smithy, I'm so sorry for all the women in the world who aren't married to you.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Oh.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

You know, one of these days you're going to be famous. I found that story you were writing last night and I read it. I hope you don't mind.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

What did you think of it?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Oh, it's wonderful. Maybe that's what you were before. A writer.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Paul, I. I wonder if I'll ever find out what I was before.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

You know, Smithy, I'm not sure I want you to anymore.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Why?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

I might lose you. You might have some life in your path that wouldn't include me.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

I couldn't live a life that didn't include you and be happy.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Oh, Smithy, I hope that's true. Here, help me down from the ladder. I want to kiss you. Hello, Mr. Smith.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Hello, Mrs. Smith. The days were days of incomparable beauty. Days that began with Paula's laughter and ended with Paula's kiss. And one day, those days came to their fullest beauty.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Smithy. Oh, Smithy, darling. Wait until you hear. We're going to have a baby. Smithy, darling. We're going to have a baby.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Oh, Paula. Paula. Paula. Paula.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

My dear Smithy. God has given us everything in the world now.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

God has given me everything in the world.

[Vicks Announcer]

In just a moment. Act two of Random Harvest, starring Victor Jory. In this day and age, you've got to take your hat off to most mothers nowadays. When children come down with colds, these mothers don't waste a minute wondering what to do about it. The modern way. They use to relieve miseries of colds is to rub good old Vicks VapoRub on throat, chest and back. Because they have found from personal experience that the moment you rub on vaporub. Its relief giving action starts right to work. In the very places where disproportionately it helps relieve congestion and irritation in the upper breathing passages. The coughing spasms, sore throat and that muscular soreness or tightness. VapoRub is so effective because it 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 Portex. And vaporub keeps right on working for hours to bring comforting relief. And always remember, only vaporub gives you this special, penetrating, stimulating action. The best known home remedy for relieving miseries of cold is Vicks VapoRub.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

And now the second act of Random Harvests. Starring Victor Jorey and featuring Gertrude Warner. We return to the study where Charles Rainier continues with the letter to his wife. Yes, my dear, there have been two women in my life. One was you and the other was Paula. Perhaps you'll think it's strange my writing you about Paula. But I want you to know all that I remember and cherish about that other lifetime that I lived with her. I was going to have a son. And I wanted desperately to give that son a name and a heritage. I spent part of every day writing. I used to take everything I wrote to Reverend Blampy. He liked some of my stories and sent them to a friend of his who was a publisher in Liverpool. And one day.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Smithy.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Smithy. I just had a letter from Mr. Lamb in Liverpool. Yes. He thinks your story show remarkable promise. He's going to buy them. Oh, say, that's. That's wonderful. He wants you to come to Liverpool to talk to him tomorrow. Oh, well, I'll. I'll talk to Paula about it tonight. I. I don't like to leave her just now. Oh, Paula, I want you to go. Yes, I know she will. I'll talk to. Paula. What's wrong? What's wrong? Why are you looking like that? Don't you want me to go to Liverpool?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Yes, of course. It's just that.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Yes?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Oh, Smithy. You've never gone away from me before and I'm frightened. I don't even know why I'm frightened exactly, except that I had a dream.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

What. What kind of a dream?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

I dreamt I held out my arms to you and you didn't know me. I kept saying over and Over. Smithy, it's Paula. But you wouldn't look at me, and I woke up crying.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Darling. Darling. Surely you aren't going to let a dream upset you.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Smithy, I couldn't bear to lose you.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

You aren't going to lose me. Don't you remember? Smithy and Paula. For now and forever. As long as we both shall live. That's the way it is. And that's the way it's always going to be.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

I'm sorry, darling. Of course it's right for you to go to Liverpool. You must go. Don't pay any attention to my moods. Part of having a baby, I guess. Like wanting strawberries out of season.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Do you know something, Paula Smith? I love you very much. And I'll be back from Liverpool before you know it. I remember very clearly what happened that day. I. I was in a great hurry to get the publisher's office. Because I wanted to get back to Paula as soon as possible. And I remember that I stepped from the Liverpool station out into the street. It was slippery. I stepped off the curb before I saw the car speed. I tried to run, but I slipped and fell. I heard the screech of brakes and shouts. And then I. I saw nothing. And I felt nothing. I came to my senses. Lying on a park bench. Liverpool fog. And I knew as I struggled to my feet. That my name was Charles Rainier. And that my family estate was in Sturton. But I remember, remember, remembered nothing of being Smith or of Paula. Nothing of any marriage or an approaching child. All I did know was that I had a headache. I'd been fighting in France. That I'd been a long time getting home. I picked up my life. I picked it up. Picked up the life I'd lived before the war. Business, friends, family. But I was never happy, Never at peace. For I knew from the medical records. That there were two years in my life after I was wounded. That were unaccounted for. And those two years continually tantalized and tormented me. And. And then, at the time when I needed you most. You came into my life. You had a smile that went straight to my heart. You had eyes that seemed to understand everything that was troubling me. You became my secretary. And then my wife. And we were married in the cathedral. I stood there watching you. Wanting to cry from sheer heartache. As I listened to the sacred old words. And so, by the authority vested in me. I now pronounce you man and wife. I found myself praying. Dear God, please let me make her happy. The words burned inside me. And somehow, with a sudden shock, I knew I'd said those words before. Standing beside another girl. In some other time, I knew I could find that girl. So you and I, my dear, began our lives together like two courteous strangers. I divided my time between the office, trying to tie together elusive threads of memory to find the reason why certain places touch. A big barn of a parsonage that I passed once in London. I went back to it only to find that its last tenant of parson Blampied had died sometime back. Train schedules that I spent hours studying and always going back to the name of Beechings over. Beechings over. And never knowing why. Newspapers that I read column by column, hunting for something familiar. And finally one night, reading the name Melbury and knowing that I had to go there, I found it hard to tell you. When you asked me where I was going so late at night, I just said, I'm going to Melbury and perhaps to a town named Beeching's over. You got little white, but you didn't try to stop me. And once more I thought what a really nice person you were and how sad it was that there were shadows between us. I arrived at Melbria around midnight. A policeman came over to the car. Looking for somebody, sir? Why, yes. Yes, I am. I'm. Isn't there a hospital here? Yes, sir. We have a new one and an old one, sir. I think I'm after the old one. It's on a hill, isn't it? Has big gates and a highway around it. Yes, yes, I'm sure it has. That don't sound like either of the hospitals. No, see. Oh, you wouldn't be meaning the asylum, would you, sir? Asylum? Yes, yes, I think I do mean the asylum. I'll tell you the way to get. No, no, don't.

[Vicks Announcer]

Don't bother.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Thank you just the same. I. I know the way. I drove straight to the gates and I stopped the car and got out. And once more I could hear the sirens. Once more I heard shouts of people cheering the armistice. And I. I walked down the hill the same way I'd walked in that other lifetime. Down the street and around the corner to the back of shop. And gradually the mists began to clear. And gradually pictures began to form and

[Vicks Announcer]

it all came back.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

We've got to get out of here, you know. She's gone to fetch one of the guards. You are from the asylum, aren't you? How can you get well in a place when you're not happy there? Suppose I take you over to Biff's. Hotel. My name's Paul Ridgeway. I'm a dancer with a theatrical troupe. What's your name? There are two men from Melbury Hospital talking to Biffa and the bar. They say they must take you back to the hospital. Smithy.

[Old Woman / Minor Female Character]

Good morning, sir. Send me a nice view from the top of the hill this morning. You can see five counties on a clear day.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

This is the beginning of a love story. Smithy and Paula. From now and forever. Smithy. Smithy, darling. We're going to have a baby. Oh, we're going to have a baby. I'm frightened. I had a dream you didn't know me. I kept saying over and over Smithy, it's Paula. But you must go to Liverpool. I'll be waiting, my darling. I'll be waiting, my darling.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

I stood there, all these things running through my mind. And then I ran to my car and I started down the hill. Somewhere, somehow, I must find Paula Smith. I yelled for policemen. What's the quickest way to beat things over? Straight down the road until you come to the fur going west.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

You turn off.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

I was on my way before he'd finished giving directions. I didn't stop to think what the chances would be of finding Paul at Beech and Dover. I only knew it. Next stop on my journey. I arrived early in the morning and there, God bless her, was the old woman. A little plump of a little grayer.

[Old Woman / Minor Female Character]

Good morning, sir.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Are you going up to look at

[Old Woman / Minor Female Character]

the five counties again?

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

You. You remember me?

[Old Woman / Minor Female Character]

I. I remember most people.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Do you remember? Do you remember there was a great she. She came to get me that day.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Paula Smith. Ay.

[Old Woman / Minor Female Character]

She comes here every once in a while she does. Spends a lot of time looking down at the five counties. But then lots of folks do.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Where is Shellian? Where can I find her?

[Old Woman / Minor Female Character]

I couldn't see, sir. But if she comes again, I'll tell her you was asking father.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

And once more I climbed to the top. And once more I stood there watching the fogs melt away below me. Drinking in the sweet, sweet cool morning mist, watching the sun rise. And then something made me turn and I saw you running up the hill. And you were Paula Smith. I mean, I knew who it was who had taken my hand and helped me back to Melbury. And the beach was over then. I knew that there had only been one woman in my life. And though I thought I'd lost her, she'd always been beside me. And I ran to meet you. And we stood there above the five counties crying and laughing like people who had just come into the kingdom.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Smithy. Oh, Smithy, darling.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Hello, Paula. Smithy.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Oh, Smithy. I've waited so long to hear you say that. I've waited so long.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

I know. But it's all right now, darling. The riddle solved. The random years are at an end. Oh, my dear. I have so much to make up to you.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

It's all made up now.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Paula. How. How did you ever manage to trace me out to that accident in Liverpool?

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

I saw your picture in a London paper. It said, charles Lanier returns. I knew right away what had happened. I came to London and applied for the job as your secretary right after the baby died. I never told you who I was because I didn't want you to have another riddle to worry about. Somehow I was sure the day would come when you would know me and want me again.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

There's nothing for me to say except thank you. God bless you.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

There's one more thing, Mr. Smith.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

I love you, Mrs. Smith. I will love you forever.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Thank you, Mr. Smith. That's what I wanted to hear.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

Come on, darling. Go home.

[Paula Ridgeway / Paula Smith]

Right you are, Smithy. Right you are.

[Vicks Announcer]

In just a moment, a word from Victor Jory. You know, a lot of things you buy and use are not what they were before the war. But that is not true of Vicks VapoRub. There are no wartime substitutes in the VapoRub you buy. It is the same expert formula, the same high quality, the very same vaporub that has won the confidence of mothers and has become a family standby in so many millions of homes. Yes, my friends, there are no wartime substitutes in the vapor rub you buy. It is the same fine, effective formula that is the best known home remedy for relieving miseries of colds. And the cost to you is the same too. Time tested, home proved. Vicks VapoRub.

[Charles Rainier / Smith (Narrator)]

This is Victor Jory, and next week, in response to your request, Vicks brings you Vicks matinee theater production of the exciting story Reaped the Wild Wind. The following week, the request play that leads all of us according to the mail count, David Selznick's masterful picture Rebecca. Be sure and write to me in care of Columbia Broadcasting 22 New York. And tell me what plays you'd like to hear.

[Vicks Announcer]

Random Harvest was adapted by Jean Holloway from the novel by James Hilton and was directed to Richard Sanville. The role of Paula was played by Gertrude Warner Music for this series is under the direction of Mark Warno. Be sure to be with us next week when Vicks, the makers of Vicks Vapor Rub, Vicks Vetronol Vic's Cough Drops. And Haler brings you the matinee theater production of Reap the Wild Wind, starring Victor Jory. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.