Matinee Theater - Smilin Through

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Matinee Theater – "Smilin’ Through"

Date: June 17, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Play: "Smilin’ Through" starring Victor Jory

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Episode Overview

This episode of Matinee Theater presents "Smilin’ Through," a beloved romantic classic of the American theater, adapted for radio. Set in the English countryside, the drama explores themes of undying love, long-held grudges, and generational forgiveness. The story unfolds through the recollections of John Carteret, whose tragic romantic past influences his determined opposition to the budding romance between his niece Kathleen and Kenneth Wayne, the son of his old rival. Through family conflict, poignant memories, and the resolution of long-standing hatred, the play reflects on love’s power to transcend time and even death.

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Key Discussion Points & Scene-by-Scene Breakdown

1. Opening in the English Garden ([00:59]–[03:25])

• Characters Introduced: John Carteret, Dr. Owen Harding.
• Action: John and Owen play a sleepy game of dominoes, revealing John’s preoccupation and his deep-seated animosity toward the Wayne family.
• Insight: The tension is quickly established between John and the absent Kenneth Wayne due to family history.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "He's the son of the man who was responsible for the greatest sorrow I ever felt." – John Carteret ([03:04])

2. Young Love: Kathleen and Kenneth ([03:39]–[05:47])

• Characters: Kathleen Dungannon, Kenneth Wayne.
• Action: A playful and romantic garden scene between Kathleen and Kenneth. Discussion of a “proper” marriage proposal, underscoring their mutual affection.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "The young man would first have to ascertain that his intentions were not entirely disagreeable to me." – Kathleen Dungannon ([04:24])
• Development: John discovers them together, reiterates his forbiddance of their courtship. Kenneth bravely declares his intent to marry Kathleen regardless of John's wishes.

3. The Family Secret Revealed ([06:48]–[12:59])

• Action: Kathleen, distraught, demands to know why she can't love Kenneth. John agrees to disclose the tragic story from 30 years past.
• Narrative Device: Flashback to John’s doomed wedding day to Moon Yeen.
• Key Emotional Beat:
  • Notable Quote:
    • "It was the night Moon Yeen and I were to be married." – John Carteret ([07:21])

4. The Tragedy Unfolds ([13:21]–[20:31])

• Characters: Young John, Moon Yeen, Jeremiah Wayne, Dr. Owen, Ellen.
• Action: Reenacting the romantic and tragic events on John’s wedding day. Jeremiah Wayne, driven by jealousy and heartbreak, confronts Moon Yeen and later lethally intervenes.
• Climactic Moment:
  • Notable Quote:
    • "Even if I died, I think I'd find my way back to you, John. I'd be so lonely for you." – Moon Yeen ([17:28])
• Key Turning Point: Moon Yeen is fatally shot as she shields John. Her final words are of love and the hope to reunite beyond death.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • “Oh, John, my darling. I love you. That's all that counts. I will love you until the end of time.” – Moon Yeen ([19:26])
    • “Love like that, Kathleen, is like the smile of God. And when it's taken from you, it's as though God had stopped smiling.” – John Carteret ([20:31])

5. Confronting the Past and Moving On ([21:04]–[23:32])

• Action: John’s story leaves Kathleen and others questioning the fairness of generations suffering for the past's misdeeds. Kathleen refuses to be bound by old grudges, standing up to John in the present.
• Resolution: John relents, and Kenneth proposes to Kathleen in a scene echoing earlier romantic banter.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “You have no right to inflict your quarrels and your anger and grief on us. This is our lifetime, not yours.” – Kathleen Dungannon ([21:24])

6. Epilogue: Love Transcends Death ([24:34]–[26:37])

• Fantasy Sequence: John, now alone, has a mystical vision of Moon Yeen. She appears youthful in her wedding dress, representing love’s endurance beyond mortal existence.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “I am close. We’re together again, my darling. You have only to reach out your arms and take me in them.” – Moon Yeen ([24:46])
    • “And this is what they call dying?... Oh, John, is not it glorious? And isn’t it stupid to be afraid of it?” – Moon Yeen ([25:43])

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• John’s Firmness vs. Kathleen’s Defiance:

  • “I won’t. I won’t. You’re an obstinate old man, John Carteret. And I’m not going to listen to you. Ken and I have just as much right to fall in love and be married as you and Moon Yeen.” – Kathleen ([21:24])

• Echoes of the Past in the Present:

  • The proposal scene between Kenneth and Kathleen humorously mirrors the romantic ideals discussed earlier.
  • “Kathleen, my darling, will you marry me?” – Kenneth ([23:18])

• Vision of Reconciliation:

  • John is granted a vision of Moon Yeen, bringing him peace at life’s end.
  • “Give me your hand, my darling. Come, we’ll walk through the gate together.” – Moon Yeen ([25:21])

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Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Highlight | |---------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 00:59 | Opening in the English garden, dominoes, grudges | | 03:39 | Kathleen and Kenneth’s romantic exchange | | 06:48 | John begins recounting the tragic past | | 13:21 | Flashback: Wedding preparations, Jeremiah arrives | | 17:28 | Moon Yeen’s declaration of eternal love | | 19:26 | Moon Yeen’s dying words | | 21:04 | Kathleen confronts John about generational feuds | | 23:18 | Kenneth’s proposal to Kathleen | | 24:34 | John’s mystical reunion with Moon Yeen | | 25:43 | Reflection on love and death |

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Tone and Language

• The episode maintains a deeply sentimental, earnest, and nostalgic tone, fitting with the era and style of Golden Age radio drama.
• Language is poetic, especially in flashbacks and the supernatural vision.
• Characters express themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and generational change with heartfelt dialog and passionate delivery.

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Final Thoughts

This radio adaptation of "Smilin’ Through" masterfully blends romance, tragedy, and hope, bringing to life timeless lessons about the dangers of clinging to hatred and the redemptive power of love. The emotional resonance of John’s memories, Kathleen’s courage, and the mystical conclusion with Moon Yeen give listeners a moving story that transcends eras.

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Next Week: The Matinee Theater features an adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s “Rebecca.”

Transcript

[Narrator/Victor Jory]

Vic's presents the Matinee Theatre, starring Victor Jory. Vicks. The makers of Vicks VapoRub, Vicks Vetronol, Vicks Cough Drops and Vicks Inhaler, brings you the Matinee Theater, starring Victor Jory. Today, due to the overwhelming number of requests, we bring you one of the great romantic classics of the American theater, Smiling Through. Now here's a good thing to remember when you catch a cold. The best known home remedy for relieving miseries of colds is Vick's VapoRub.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Our play Smiling through opens in a beautiful English garden where John Carteret and his next door neighbor and lifelong friend, Dr. Owen Harding, are seated at a small table playing dominoes. Dr. Owen is studying his next move and John Carteret has dozed off. Owen selects a domino plays and looks up triumphantly only to find his opponent asleep. He picks up his cane and nudges John with it.

[John Carteret]

What's the matter? What is it? Oh, my turn.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

This is the devil of an exciting game of dominoes with you going to sleep after every move.

[John Carteret]

Sorry, Owen.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Where's Kathleen?

[John Carteret]

My niece went over for some socks for Bobby Datchet. He's leaving tonight for France, you know. Pity a boy like that has to go when there are worthless young men about like. Well, I'll not mention any names.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

I suppose you mean Kenneth Wayne.

[John Carteret]

I don't know why he couldn't have stayed in America with his mother's family. Why he had to come back here stirring up unpleasant memories for other people.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

It's only natural that the boy should want to come back and take care of his father's property. He was going to the dogs, you know. And after all, it's been. Good Lord, John. How many years has it since Jeremiah Wayne disappeared?

[John Carteret]

30. 18 June. Blast it, Owen. I don't want to hear any more about Jeremiah Wayne or his son. It's a subject I finished with 30 years ago and I don't want it reopened.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

The subject may be reopened in spite of you, John. Why not? After all, the boy is not responsible for what his father did. I think Kathleen is very fond of him. Very fond indeed.

[John Carteret]

Rubbish. Kathleen knows I don't like him or his name.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Do you know why?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No.

[John Carteret]

But she'll never disobey me.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

No. She's Irish, John. 30 years. A long time to hold her hatred. Young Wayne is lonely. People around here can't forget what his father did. But you know, he doesn't even know what it's all about. He's proud. He feels it. I'm Surprised he stayed here as long as he has. John, be fair.

[John Carteret]

He's the son of the man who was responsible for the greatest sorrow I ever felt, and you know it. He's his son. His own son. You were here. You saw what happened to her. And you've seen me live on here for 30 years without her. And you dare to. Dare to talk to me about his son courting my Kathleen.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Do you think any of those things stop Kathleen from being in love with him?

[John Carteret]

Kathleen's not to be in love with him. I won't have it. I won't have it.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Kathleen, I think you must be the most beautiful girl in all the world.

[Narrator/Victor Jory]

Faith.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Now, if that's what you're thinking, I'll never be the one to disillusion you. Kenneth Wayne.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Oh, the sun's going down. I suppose we'd better be starting home. Oh, Kathleen, I'm gonna miss you.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Miss me?

[Kenneth Wayne]

I'll be leaving Dunstable sometime this week, Kathleen. I'm going to Salisbury to join up.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Oh, it's the war, is it?

[Ellen]

Well, yes, sure.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

And I thought for a minute you were going to get married or something.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Oh, if I meant to get married, I wouldn't be going away to do it.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

No.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Oh, no. Dunstable would be good enough for me.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Well, of course, there's many a good looking girl in Dunstable. And if you're thinking of proposing to any of them, I'll tell you my idea of a proposal.

[Kenneth Wayne]

I'd be very interested to hear it.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Well, the young man would first have to ascertain that his intentions were not entirely disagreeable to me.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Oh, of course.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

And then choosing a suitable sort of a place in a garden or on a country road like this. He should say, it has long been my intention to ask a question of you.

[Kenneth Wayne]

That sounds like a very good beginning.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Then I would say, dear me, how interesting. What can it be? And then he should gently take my hand and. And say in a tone which trembled with the force of his feelings, Ms. Dungannon. Kathleen. May I call you Kathleen? Now? That's how a proper proposal should start. I read it in a book.

[Kenneth Wayne]

In a book?

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Yes. And.

[Ellen]

Oh, my goodness, look, we're home already.

[John Carteret]

Ah, home.

[Kenneth Wayne]

So we are.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Well, before I go in, wouldn't you like to try what I've been telling you, just to see how it sounds?

[Kenneth Wayne]

How does it begin again?

[Kathleen Dungannon]

It has long been my intention to. Go on, get on with it now.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Oh, yes. It has long been my intention to. Kathleen.

[John Carteret]

Kathleen. What are you doing out here on the road.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Good evening, Mr. Carter.

[John Carteret]

Evening, Mr. Wayne. I'm sorry to see Kathleen. That you have a painfully short memory, Uncle John.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Dear, would you believe it now? I clean forgot what you told me about seeing Mr. Wayne.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

Very likely.

[John Carteret]

Will you be good enough to leave us, Mr. Wayne? I'm sorry to be inhospitable. But you will please understand clearly once and for all that you're not welcome here, Uncle John.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Mr. Carteret, I hope someday to ask Kathleen to marry me.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

And if he does, I'll accept him.

[John Carteret]

Ms. Duane, please let it be clearly understood once and for all. There can be no question of marriage between you and Kathleen. I absolutely forbid you to see her again, Mr. Carteret.

[Kenneth Wayne]

It's only fair then to tell you, sir, that I shall see her without your permission. I love Kathleen and she loves me.

[Ellen]

Oh, I do.

[Kenneth Wayne]

You're going to find it very difficult to keep us apart. Because I'm coming back from the war and I'm going to marry her with your consent or without it. Good night, sir.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

Please.

[John Carteret]

Why can't. Kathleen. Child, what are you doing out here in the garden crying? Come here to me. Let me put my arm around you.

[Ellen]

Don't you touch me. Kathleen, I love him. What right do you have to interfere because of some quarrel you had with his father?

[John Carteret]

Kathleen, I. I think it's time you knew the truth about the man whose son you say you love. Perhaps I should have told you long ago, but I didn't dream you would ever meet a Wayne, much less love one.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

My disturbing something, John? I heard your voices from. No, Owen.

[John Carteret]

I'm glad you're here. I think Kathleen should know what happened in this garden 30 years ago. You were here that night. And you can bear me out. Sit down, Owen.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Thank you,

[John Carteret]

Kathleen. My dear. 30 years ago, on the 18th of June, this old house was a hubbub of excitement. It was a lovely summer night like this. Over the gate yonder the honeysuckle and roses grew just as they do tonight. Everything was much the same, except for some Chinese lanterns placed here and there. It was the night Moon Yin and I were to be married. She arrived that day with her sister Mary. Your mother, my dear.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Oh, I wish I could have been here.

[John Carteret]

The long twilight faded into darkness. The old house was lit by a thousand candles. Snatches of laughter and gay chatter floated into the garden. And someone was playing something soft and liquid on the harp. I can hear it still. It was her song. She brought it to me from Ireland as a wedding present. She said, how clearly it all comes back. There was an hour yet before the ceremony. And suddenly there was a violent ring at the gate bell. And you know who stood there jangling it as though he wanted to wake the dead? Dr. Owen?

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Yes, that's right.

[John Carteret]

Yes, sir. Dr. Owen. 30 years younger and 30 years less handsome. For heaven's sake, stop jangling the bell. I'm coming. Hello, Owen.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Why do you have this gate locked when there's a wedding going on?

[John Carteret]

Keep out unwelcome guests.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Can you tie a bow tie? My hands are shaking so that I can't manage it.

[John Carteret]

What are you nervous about? You aren't getting married here. Come into the house and I'll tie it for you.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

If I live through this, I'll take a solemn oath never to go near another wedding again, much less be best man. Oh, good Lord. I've lost you.

[John Carteret]

You've lost what?

[Dr. Owen Harding]

The ring. The ring. Now what am I going to do? What the devil do you mean getting married?

[John Carteret]

Anyway, there's the ring on your finger.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

What? On whose finger?

[John Carteret]

On yours. On your little finger. What the devil do you mean wearing Moon Yin's ring? Put it back in your waistcoat pocket.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Oh, it won't stay there. I'll be bound to lose it.

[John Carteret]

Oh, thunderation. Now what?

[Dr. Owen Harding]

It slipped down into the lining in my pocket. Must be a hole there somewhere. Now I'll have to find a maid and get her to fish it out.

[John Carteret]

If you lose that wedding ring, I'll hang you up by your thumb.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Oh, well, I'll find it. I'll find. Don't get rattled now. I'll find. Oh, John.

[John Carteret]

Yeah?

[Dr. Owen Harding]

I knew I had something to tell you. I went into the Dragon on my way here to get a little something. Something to set him a nerve, you know.

[John Carteret]

Yes.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Wayne was there, drinking more than was good for him and talking about Munin. And I was wondering, did you ask him to the wedding?

[John Carteret]

Of course not.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Well, I wonder if that was wise. Wayne has a strange and bitter nature. No, I. I know how you feel about him and I don't blame you. But Wayne was in an ugly mood and making pretty wild threats.

[John Carteret]

Threats?

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Yes. He was muttering around that there was still time, that the wedding wasn't over yet. At first I thought I wouldn't tell you.

[John Carteret]

I'm glad you did. It's always better to be forewarned. And if it becomes necessary, I'll have to deal with him. That kind of a man usually takes doubt in talking.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Oh, well, I'm not worried about Wayne. Are you?

[John Carteret]

Well, yes, I am. Owen, there's no use Denying it. My reason tells me there's no way he can harm us now. And yet I am a little worried. Well, there's more guests arriving. Come along. Let's go into the study and talk it over. Will you answer the front door, Ellen?

[Ellen]

Yes, Mr. John. Right away, sir.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Thank you.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

Hello, Ellen.

[Ellen]

Oh, it's you, Mr. Wayne.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Who is it you want, sir? We're very busy just now.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

I want to come in. I want to kiss the bride.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

I'm sorry I can't admit you, sir.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

Get out of the way, Ellen. I tell you, I've come to kiss the bride.

[Narrator/Victor Jory]

In just a moment we will bring you the second act of Smiling through starring Victor Jory. In many a home today, children are sitting around feeling miserable because of a pesky cold. Now, if this means your home, mother, why not take a tip from millions of thankful women and rub Vic's VapoRub on throat, chest and back? Yes, it's the modern way most mothers use to relieve distress of children's colds. You see, the very moment you rub it on, VapoRub's relief giving action starts right to work. And its comforting double action keeps on working for hours to help relieve congestion and irritation in the upper breathing passages. The coughing, spasms, sore throat and that muscular soreness or tightness. And results are so fine because 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. So, Mother, when your child comes down with a cold, do this without delay, rub on vaporub. Because only vaporub gives you this special penetrating, stimulating action. Remember, it's the best known home remedy for relieving miseries of colds. Vic's Vapor Rub.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And now the second act of Smiling through starring Victor Jory as John Carteret. As we pick up the story, John Carteret is continuing with the story of his romance, Mooney Claire, which he's telling to his niece Kathleen to show why he's insisted she and Kenneth Wayne must never marry.

[John Carteret]

Well, I wish you could have seen Moon Yeen that day in her wedding dress. She was too beautiful to be real. Too beautiful for anyone but an angel. I was in the study when Jeremiah Wayne came to the house. But I later learned from Ellen how Wayne stood there in the doorway clenching and unclenching his fists. And how Moon Yeen heard him talking and came up and smiled at him and invited him into the morning room.

[Moon Yin]

Oh, Jerry, it was nice of you to Come around. I knew you'd never let me get married without wishing me well.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

You're not going to marry him. It isn't true. I don't believe it. I won't believe it. You couldn't marry him knowing how I love you.

[Moon Yin]

Oh, now, Jerry, you mustn't begin this all over again.

[Narrator/Victor Jory]

Don't look at me like that as

[Jeremiah Wayne]

if you hated me. I love you. I'm dying inside for love of immonie and Claire. Do you think I can feel this

[John Carteret]

way and stand aside while you marry another man?

[Moon Yin]

Yes, you can, because you must.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

No.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

Oh, no. He is not going to have you. Not if I can prevent it.

[Moon Yin]

Jerry, listen to me. Do you know what you're going to do to prove your love for me? You're going to leave me now, bravely and wishing me joy. And you're going to go along home and let me be married to the man I love because you love me. Oh, sure. And it's a dog's life I'd be leading you, Jerry, not loving you. And you don't deserve that.

[John Carteret]

Mony. Oh, Mony.

[Moon Yin]

Goodbye, Jerry. God keep you.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

I came for a kiss from the bride.

[Moon Yin]

All right, you shall have it,

[Kenneth Wayne]

Monique.

[Moon Yin]

Now please go.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

All right, I'll go. I'll go.

[John Carteret]

Who was that in here with you?

[Moon Yin]

Just an old friend, John. Ah.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Ah.

[John Carteret]

How beautiful you are. And what a lucky man I am.

[Moon Yin]

I'm feeling pretty lucky myself.

[John Carteret]

My darling. Oh, my darling.

[Moon Yin]

Hold me close. Don't let me go. I feel safe when I'm in your arms.

[John Carteret]

Say, I. I think we've broken a

[Dr. Owen Harding]

few of the rules.

[John Carteret]

I'm not supposed to see you in that wedding dress till we meet at the altar.

[Moon Yin]

I know. Are you sorry?

[John Carteret]

Oh, sorry. No, no. Now. You're so beautiful. Moonin. You're so beautiful.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Oh. So here you are. John, I wish you'd pay some attention to your own wedding. The wire broke that held a big bell of lilies of the valley and it fell on the parson and almost smothered it. We had to give him smelling salt.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Good.

[John Carteret]

That's why we picked you for the best man. You're doing very well. Come on, Munin, let's go out in the garden. By the way, Owen, you haven't lost the ring yet, have you?

[Dr. Owen Harding]

No. No, Ellen. So did my weskit pocket safe this time.

[John Carteret]

She did, huh? Well, be sure to bring a pair of scissors the altar with you.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Yeah.

[John Carteret]

Come on, darling. We'll leave a one out to fret it out alone.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Love, weddings, rings. What a Lot of trouble to get into. Trouble.

[John Carteret]

Will you be cold out here in the garden? Oh, no, no. What are you thinking?

[Moon Yin]

I was thinking about how we met.

[John Carteret]

I asked you to marry me that very first day and you said yes.

[Moon Yin]

Well, not the first day I did.

[John Carteret]

Well, very soon after then. Much st. Too soon to be modest, I thought at the time. Say, do you realize I asked you to marry me without even knowing what your name was?

[Moon Yin]

I didn't know yours either.

[John Carteret]

I looked at you and my heart absolutely stopped for a moment. And I said to myself, oh, there she is. There's the girl I've been waiting for. I'd know her anywhere. What did you think?

[Moon Yin]

I thought, what an overbearing, arrogant young man. I don't think much of him.

[John Carteret]

Well, if that's the case, I'm going straight into the house and stop the wedding.

[Moon Yin]

No, no, I take it back.

[John Carteret]

What did you think?

[Moon Yin]

I must have thought I found my happiness now. Because that's what I've been thinking ever since. Darling. Oh, John. Do you suppose anyone else in the world ever felt like this before?

[John Carteret]

Never.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Never.

[John Carteret]

Nothing's ever going to separate us, Monique. Not life or death or heaven or hell.

[Moon Yin]

No. Even if I died, I think I'd find my way back to you, John. I'd be so lonely for you.

[John Carteret]

Oh, my darling.

[Moon Yin]

Jerry.

[John Carteret]

What do you want, Wayne?

[Jeremiah Wayne]

I've had all I can stand. Take your hands off.

[Moon Yin]

Why, Jerry, you said you'd go.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

I couldn't, Mony. I've been out here all the time. Now, please go into the house, Monyin. I want to talk to Carter. It'll.

[Moon Yin]

Jerry, you promised me.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

Send her away, Carter.

[John Carteret]

I think perhaps you'd better. Moon.

[Moon Yin]

No, I won't leave.

[John Carteret]

Please do as I ask, Moonier.

[Moon Yin]

Not until I know what he wants.

[John Carteret]

If you've come here to create a disturbance at the wedding.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

There isn't going to be any wedding.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

That's.

[John Carteret]

Threats like that won't do you any good, Wayne. You've been behaving like a madman ever since we announced the marriage. Now get out of here and don't come back.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

I tell you, there isn't going to be any wedding.

[Narrator/Victor Jory]

I wasn't able to keep you from

[Jeremiah Wayne]

winning her, but by all that's holy,

[John Carteret]

I can keep you from marrying.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

You fool.

[John Carteret]

Put that gun away.

[Ellen]

No. No. John Moonyeen.

[John Carteret]

Oh, John Moon Yin.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

Dear God, I never meant that. Dear God, I never meant that.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Owen.

[Ellen]

Owen.

[John Carteret]

Somebody call a trollin?

[Ellen]

What's happened? Mr. John?

[John Carteret]

This was Wayne. He shot at me. Moonin stepped in Front of me and he ran out the gate and Send someone.

[Jeremiah Wayne]

Owen.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

What is it? John? Owen. Oh, John. Here, let me look at

[John Carteret]

that dirty blackguard. Ellen, send someone after Wayne. Don't let him get away.

[Ellen]

Yes, sir.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

I'll send some of the men.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Lie still, Moon. In.

[Moon Yin]

John.

[John Carteret]

Owen's here, darling. He knows what to do. He'll take care of you.

[Moon Yin]

Funny, I. I said even if I died. That's funny when you think of it. Like a warning.

[John Carteret]

Oh, and if you're my friend, help her. Help her now.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

John, I'm afraid it's. I'm afraid there's nothing that I can do.

[John Carteret]

No, no, no, that's not possible. It can't happen.

[Moon Yin]

I. But it has.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

John.

[Moon Yin]

John, my darling. I love you. That's all that counts. I will love you until the end of time.

[John Carteret]

Bonjour.

[Moon Yin]

Where is my ring? My wedding ring?

[John Carteret]

Oh, here it is.

[Moon Yin]

Put it on my finger.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

John.

[John Carteret]

Yes, dear?

[Moon Yin]

Listen. They're playing my song. They don't know I won't be needing it tonight. There's a little green gate at whose trellis I wait while two eyes of blue come smiling through.

[John Carteret]

Dear God. Well, that's all the story there is to tell, Kathleen. Now you know why I've hated Jeremiah Wayne all these years. Love like that, Kathleen, is like the smile of God. And when it's taken from you, it's as though God had stopped smiling.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Uncle dear, you could love like that through the years and after the years and after death itself.

[Ellen]

How is it you can be so

[Kathleen Dungannon]

hard about me and my poor little love story?

[John Carteret]

Because you're the stock of Moon Yin herself. He's the blood of the Waynes and you don't belong together.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Don't be hard headed, John.

[Ellen]

I love him.

[John Carteret]

You'll have to get over loving me.

[Ellen]

I won't. I won't. You're an obstinate old man, John Cartridge. And I'm not going to listen to you. Ken and I have just as much right to fall in love and be married as you and Moon Yin. You have no right to inflict your quarrels and your anger and grief on us. This is our lifetime, not yours. And I'm not going to let you spoil it. I'm going to, Ken, and I'm never coming back again.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Go in the house and stop her, John. Don't let her get away.

[John Carteret]

Maybe I am an obstinate old man. Maybe I haven't any right to interfere.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Well, at last. You go and get Kathleen and I'll go over to my house and get Ken.

[John Carteret]

Ken? At your house?

[Narrator/Victor Jory]

Yes.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

He's staying with me until he leaves for overseas.

[John Carteret]

Why, you. You old hypocrite. You never told me that.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

I never had the nerve. Go get Kathleen, John. Hurry, before she gets away. Go on. Go on, Ken. Speak your piece.

[John Carteret]

Go on, boy.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

If you'd both keep still, I think we could manage all right. Go on, Ken.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Well, let me see. How did it begin?

[John Carteret]

It has long been my intention.

[Kenneth Wayne]

Oh, yeah, Darling, it has long been my intention to ask a question of you.

[Kathleen Dungannon]

Dear me. How interesting.

[Kenneth Wayne]

What can it be, Ms. Dungannon?

[John Carteret]

Kathleen.

[Kenneth Wayne]

May I call you Kathleen? Hey, hey. That's all she taught me.

[John Carteret]

Now what do I say?

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Well, what does he say? You're the only one around here that's ever proposed to anyone, John.

[John Carteret]

He says, kathleen, I'm not half worthy of you. But I'll try very hard to make you happy, Kathleen.

[Kenneth Wayne]

I will try very hard.

[John Carteret]

And then he says, I. I think

[Kenneth Wayne]

I can carry on from here on my own, Mr. Carteret. Kathleen, my darling. Will you marry me?

[Moon Yin]

Oh, thank you so much. I'd love to.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Well.

[John Carteret]

Well, now we're getting some.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

John, it was a fine thing you did tonight. And believe me, I know what it cost you.

[John Carteret]

We'll have the wedding here in this garden. It will help keep out the stain.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Would you like a game of dominoes?

[John Carteret]

Dominoes? No. I'm tired, Owen. I think I'll just sit here a little while and then I'll turn in. Good night, Owen.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Good night, John. See you tomorrow.

[Moon Yin]

Hello, child.

[John Carteret]

Monyen. Monyen. You know, you seem very close to me tonight. Closer than you've seen since you left me.

[Moon Yin]

I am close. We're together again, my darling. You have only to reach out your arms and take me in them. I'm glad about Kathleen and kin. They're going to be very happy.

[John Carteret]

We're together again.

[Moon Yin]

Yes. Don't you see me, John?

[John Carteret]

Yes. Yes, I do. While you're. You're wearing your wedding dress.

[Moon Yin]

Of course, John.

[John Carteret]

Just as you were that night. And as beautiful and fresh and young as if 30 years were only a day.

[Moon Yin]

Give me your hand, my darling. Come, we'll walk through the gate together.

[John Carteret]

Oh, Mon, I've waited so long. I've waited so long.

[Moon Yin]

Come, my dear.

[Dr. Owen Harding]

Mon, look.

[John Carteret]

Who's that old man sitting back there in my chair?

[Moon Yin]

It's you, John.

[John Carteret]

Me? And this is what they call dying?

[Moon Yin]

Yes. Oh, John, is not it glorious? And isn't it stupid to be afraid of it?

[John Carteret]

Afraid?

[Moon Yin]

Some poor dears are. But they would go smiling through the years if they knew what they would find at the end of the road.

[Narrator/Victor Jory]

In just a moment, a word from Victor Jory. These days, when we expect lots of things, we buy to be different, not as good as they were. It's nice to know there are no wartime substitutes in good old Vicks VapoRub. The Vapor Rub you buy today is the same expert formula, the very same effective quality you enjoyed before the war. To keep faith with the millions of families who rely on VapoRub, we combed and scoured the free countries of the world for the essential aromatics and medications that make VapoRub so effective. We were successful. And so, my friends, there are no wartime substitutes in vapor rough. It's the same family standby that has become the best known home remedy for relieving miseries of colds. Time tested, home proved. Vicks vaporup.

[John Carteret]

This is Victor Jory. Our play next week is based on the famous story for which we received so many requests in recent weeks, Daphne Du Maurier's brilliant and unforgettable Rebecca. And now Mr. Gable has a word for you. Folks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Do you know that every time you spend an extra dollar these days, a dollar for something you don't absolutely need, that you're simply helping to make prices go up on all the things you're going to need? Yes, that's exactly what happens, and that is what is called inflation. So don't penalize yourself by helping to force up prices. We can keep prices where they belong and incidentally, help the war effort no end by doing these three things. Buy only what you need and pay no more than ceiling prices, pay your ration points in full and put your extra dollars into war bonds.

[Narrator/Victor Jory]

Our production today was based on the famous Jane Cowell success, Smilin through, and was adapted by Gene Holloway, directed by Richard Sanville. 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 Vic's Inhaler, brings you the matinee theater production of Rebecca. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.