Matinee Theater - The Highwayman

Summary

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Podcast Summary – Harold's Old Time Radio: Matinee Theater – "The Highwayman"

Date: June 17, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Starring: Victor Jory, Gertrude Warner
Original Source: Adapted from Alfred Noyes’ poem "The Highwayman"
Duration (core episode, ads skipped): ~00:33:47

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Overview:

This episode revives the golden age of radio drama with a vivid adaptation of Alfred Noyes’ iconic poem, “The Highwayman.” Featuring Victor Jory and Gertrude Warner, the production interweaves romance, high adventure, and tragic destiny, transporting listeners to the moody English forests of legend. The story explores star-crossed love, honor versus survival, and the cost of sacrifice.

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Key Discussion Points & Scene Breakdown

1. Daring Introduction and Hold-up (00:33–03:14)

• The show opens with an atmospheric narration:

  "The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees." – Narrator/Highwayman (02:02)

• The highwayman (Victor Jory) halts a carriage containing Bess, the landlord's daughter, and Sir Guy.
• A tense interaction unfolds, culminating in the highwayman demanding a kiss from Bess:
  • "A heavy purse, too. It's enough to buy your freedom and mine for yours. I'll take a kiss if you'll give it to me." – Narrator/Highwayman (03:14)
  • Bess resists, but is intrigued by the enigmatic outlaw's charm and boldness.

2. Inn Scene and Secret Revelations (04:05–08:40)

• At the inn, John, Sir Guy, and others discuss the highwayman, who surreptitiously blends in.
• Conversation reveals the highwayman’s double life—perceived as a noble courtier by day.
• The landlord and daughter share a touching exchange:
  • "Except that even though he wore a mask, even though I knew he was a bandit, he was someone I recognized... it was he I was watching for." – Bess (Landlord's Daughter) (06:08)
  • The landlord warns Bess: "It's a bad business being in love with a highwayman." (06:49)

3. Masquerade Ball: Love and Threats (10:15–13:13)

• At Lady Catherine's ball, identities blur as the highwayman and Bess dance:
  • "Are you so sure I won't [turn you in]?" – Bess (Landlord's Daughter)
  • "No... But if you do, it won't matter very much what happens to me… Because if you don't, you'll be my prisoner for the rest of your life." – Highwayman (11:05)
• Their dangerous affection intensifies. The outlaw declares his devotion despite the danger.

4. Moonlit Confessions and Plans (14:00–16:08)

• Outside, under the stars, the highwayman professes his love:
  • "I love you this hour. And will for every hour until the end of time." – Highwayman (14:39)
• He reveals he steals not for himself, but to aid the poor—a Robin Hood motif.
• Mutual love acknowledged; Bess pleads to join him, but he refuses for her safety.

5. Decision to Escape and Family Betrayal (17:41–22:27)

• At the inn, the highwayman and Bess plan to run away and lead an honest life.
  • "I've decided to become an honest man for you, John… There's a prize I'm after tonight… and then I'll be quitting." – Highwayman (18:44)
• The landlord, aided by Tim the ostler, learns of their plot. Facing heartbreak, he resolves to betray the highwayman to the authorities.
  • "If he dies, there's nothing in the world for me anymore... He's the difference between life and death and heaven and hell." – Bess (21:16)

6. The Ambush and Bess' Sacrifice (24:33–28:08)

• Soldiers led by Sir Guy arrive to set a trap for the highwayman, using Bess as bait.
• She is tied to the bed, a musket trained on her chest, forced to keep watch for her lover's return.
• The suspense reaches its peak as Bess frees a finger, triggering the weapon to warn the highwayman at the cost of her own life:
  • "Her musket shattered the moonlight, shattered her breast in the moonlight and warned him with her death." – Narrator/Poet (28:08)

7. Finale: Fate and Legend (28:13–30:00)

• The highwayman, upon learning of Bess’ death, rides in a fury, only to be gunned down:
  • "When they shot him down on the highway, down like a dog on the highway. He lay in his blood on the highway with a bunch of lace in his throat." – Narrator/Poet (28:45)
• The story closes on a haunting, eternal note:
  • "And still on a winter's night, they say... a highwayman comes riding up to the old inn door." – Narrator/Poet (29:18)
• In the afterlife, Bess and the highwayman are reunited to repeat their fateful encounter.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Star-crossed Romance:
  "Whatever comes to one of us must come to both of us. Now it's like that, isn't it?"
  – Bess (Landlord's Daughter), 15:48

• On Social Justice:
  "There are people in this world who don't realize they have too much... I steal for them."
  – Highwayman, 15:01

• Bess’ Ultimate Act of Love:
  "The tip of one finger touched it. She strove no more for the rest… Her musket shattered the moonlight, shattered her breast in the moonlight and warned him with her death."
  – Narrator/Poet, 28:04–28:08

• Legend’s Farewell:
  "A highwayman comes riding up to the old inn door. He whistles a tune in the windows. And who should be waiting there but the landlord's black eyed daughter, Bess."
  – Narrator/Poet, 29:18–29:41

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Scene / Topic | |---------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:33 | Show introduction and set-up | | 02:10 | The highwayman’s hold-up | | 06:08 | Bess’ confession to her father | | 11:00 | Masquerade confrontation and mutual threats | | 14:39 | Love confession under the stars | | 18:44 | Plans to escape and lead an honest life | | 21:16 | Bess' plea and the landlord's betrayal | | 24:33 | Sir Guy and soldiers set the trap | | 28:04–28:08 | Bess’ self-sacrifice and warning shot | | 28:45 | The highwayman’s death | | 29:18–30:00 | Supernatural coda: Lovers ride again in legend |

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Tone & Style

True to its period, the production melds poetic narration with dramatic dialogue, imbuing each scene with heightened emotion, romance, and suspense. The tragic ending and lingering legend are delivered in haunting, lyrical fashion that honors Alfred Noyes' original work.

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Conclusion

This adaptation of “The Highwayman” delivers a stirring audio drama experience—highlighting themes of doomed romance, moral ambiguity, and sacrifice—backed by evocative performances and lush narration. For listeners craving classic radio storytelling and legendary tales of love and adventure, this episode is a shining example of the golden age of radio drama.

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Next Week’s Preview:
Victor Jory announces "Night Bus" will be the next play, as voted by listeners, promising a lighter, romantic adventure.

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Transcript

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[Narrator/Highwayman]

Vicks

[Announcer]

presents the matinee Theatre starring Victor Jory. Vicks, the makers of Vicks VapoRub, Vicks Veitronol, Vicks Vapor Cough Drops and Vic's Inhaler, brings you the Matinee Theater starring Victor Jory and featuring Gertrude Warner. Of the plays which we mentioned last week, your overwhelming choice was for Night Bus, which we will bring you next Sunday. But today, in response to your insistent and continued requests, we give a command performance. The memorable story of romance and high adventure based on Alfred Noye's famous poem, the Highwayman. You know, more and more millions of people are using Vicks Vetronol nose drops to relieve distress of head colds. Benefit by their experience. And now our curtain rises on the forests of the England of long ago.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Today we ride these forests by the

[Announcer]

side of one of the most dashing figures of legend, with Victor Jory as the highwayman.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees.

[Narrator/Poet]

The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas. The road was a ribbon of moonlight

[Narrator/Highwayman]

over the purple moor.

[Narrator/Poet]

And the highwaymen came riding, riding, riding. Stop the carry. Stop the carry.

[Bess]

Oh.

[Sir Guy]

Oh.

[Narrator/Poet]

All right, coachman, down from the box. Open the carriage.

[Landlord]

All right. All right.

[Bess]

Yeah. Now, what is all this, coachman?

[Landlord]

Looks like a robbery, sir.

[Narrator/Poet]

Sorry to put you out, sir, but

[Narrator/Highwayman]

I'll have your purse, if you don't mind.

[Bess]

I'll be hanged if I'll give it to you.

[Narrator/Poet]

Assuredly be hanged if you don't.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

What is it, sir Guy?

[Bess]

Stay in the carriage, Bess.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Good evening, Mr. Highwayman. How goes the night? Profitably well.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

You're a spirited girl, aren't you?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I'm not afraid of you, if that's what you mean. You see, I'm of a poor family. There's nothing you'd steal from me. Oh, aren't you being rather foolhardy? Dismounting a highwayman is always safer in his saddle.

[Bess]

This get in the carriage. Don't stand here bandying words with this fellow. Your father will be worried to death wondering why the coach is late. Here, highwayman, take my purse and let us go.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

A heavy purse, too. It's enough to buy your freedom and mine for yours. I'll take a kiss if you'll give it to me.

[Bess]

She'll see you hanged first.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

You're a highwayman. Aren't you accustomed to taking what you want?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

I have that reputation. But I'd like to be something a little more than a highwayman to you.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

How strange to have a man make love to you with a gun in each hand and a bag of plunder on his shoulder and speak of asking.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

But since I am asking.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Since you are asking, of course you must have the kiss.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the pearl moor the highwayman came

[Narrator/Poet]

riding, riding, riding the highwayman came riding up to the old inn door. A tankard of ale, landlord, for everyone. The best in the house.

[Landlord]

Right you are, Sir John.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Hello, Tom.

[Sir Guy]

You're happy tonight, John?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Yes.

[Sir Guy]

I take it the hunting was good?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

The hunting was very good. There's a fortune in my saddlebags that'll be on its way to island tomorrow to fill a lot of empty Irish stomachs.

[Sir Guy]

Be careful. Those men at the corner table are watching.

[Landlord]

Who cares?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

No one has ever seen the North Road Highwayman except in mask and hat. Who's going to link him with a slightly tipsy, very happy courtier?

[Sir Guy]

You never know who it is, and that's the danger. But someday someone will.

[Announcer]

And then what?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Then let's drink to it. The end.

[Bess]

I give you my word, landlord. The impudent fellow kissed your daughter. Not only did he steal my purse, but he kissed your daughter.

[Landlord]

Well now, Sir Guy, what's a kiss?

[Bess]

Look here. I hope to make that young lady my wife someday, and I can't have her running around kissing every Tom, Dick and highwayman in the country. And will you please ask her to hurry and dress? We should be late for Lady Catherine's ball, and I despise being late.

[Landlord]

Now, see what I can do, segai. But she's quite, quite a costume to get into. Aren't you wearing a costume?

[Bess]

I haven't any taste for such folderal. I'll wear a mask next. The positive limit I'll go to. Hurry her along, Tim.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Hurry her along.

[Landlord]

All right, all right, all right.

[Sir Guy]

Yes.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Oh, hello, Father. Would you walk the back of my dress, please?

[Sir Guy]

Yes.

[Landlord]

That guy is in a fierce mood, the old fuddy.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Daddy, I know he's very angry with me because I kissed the highwayman.

[Landlord]

Whatever possessed you to do a thing like that?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I don't know. Isn't that funny, Father? Except that even though he wore a mask, even though I knew he was a bandit, he was someone I recognized. When I saw him, I thought, why, of course. When I used to sit by the window watching the empty road in the moonlight, it was he I was watching for. And when I used to dream of someone's lip in someone's arms, it was his lips and his arms. I know it sounds foolish, but it's true. That's why I kissed him. And if he'd said, come with me, I think I would have gone.

[Landlord]

It's a bad business being in love with a highwayman. The best you can get out of it is the worst you can get out of anything. They all come to the same end sooner or later. You know. Best girl. Sir Guy is well off. He can give you a fine home and a lot of beautiful things you've never had. Not many girls in your position in life have the opportunity to marry so well.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I know, Father, but those aren't the things I want. Sir Guy would suffocate me. I want my life to be the way it was tonight. Exciting and beautiful and challenging.

[Landlord]

But tonight you were flirting with death. There's no man in England more dangerous to love than a highwayman, daughter.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

And no man in England more exciting.

[Landlord]

I hope you never see him again. I pray God you never see him again. In fact, I forbid you to see him again.

[Bess]

Tim. Where's that girl? Tim.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Fussy old goat. How do I look, Father?

[Landlord]

For the first time since you were born, I wish you weren't so beautiful

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

for the first time. I'm glad. I am.

[Landlord]

You'll never see him again if I can help it. You'll never see him again.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Come on, darling.

[Bess]

Come, my dear. We're going to be late. You know I despise being late.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Yes, Sir Guy, I know. Bother.

[Landlord]

Yes, what is it, Bessie?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Who is that man sitting at that corner table?

[Mother]

Him?

[Landlord]

Sir John Lancashire.

[Bess]

Why haven't you ever seen him before? He's one of the King's close associates. A very promising young man.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Oh, why?

[Bess]

Does he interest you?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

No. But for the moment I thought he was someone else. Well, good night, Father. I'll be home early.

[Landlord]

Good night. Have a good time.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Your daughter is very beautiful, Landlord.

[Landlord]

She's a beautiful amount of trouble, Sir John. That's what she is.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Why?

[Bess]

Why?

[Landlord]

I'll tell you why. There's Sir Guy. Barrington ready to marry her and give her a good home. And all she can talk about is that highwayman.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

The highwayman? Does she know the highwayman?

[Landlord]

The Ross held up her couch tonight. He kissed her. Can you imagine that?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Yes, I can. Easily.

[Landlord]

And now she fancies herself in love with him. Well, I shouldn't be standing here telling you all this. She's always saying I talk too much. I suppose I do. My deed's heavy on my mind tonight.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

So she's in love with the highwayman. Where is she gone now?

[Landlord]

She's gone to Lady Catherine's Masquerade. Since the guy's taken her up, she gets invited to all the gentry's affairs. Well, I've got to see to my guests. Can I serve you anything?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

No, thank you, landlord. I think I must be leaving too.

[Narrator/Poet]

He'd a French cocked hat on his

[Narrator/Highwayman]

forehead A bunch of lace at his chin A coat of claret velvet and breeches of brown doe skin and they fitted with never a wrinkle his boots

[Narrator/Poet]

were up to his thigh and he rode with a jeweled twinkle his pistol butts a twinkle under a jeweled sky.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

May I have the pleasure of this waltz?

[Narrator/Poet]

Why?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I have a partner. You went to get some freshman, then

[Narrator/Highwayman]

for the moment, you're free.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Yes, for the moment.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

You're lighter than moonlight. My arms.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Wasn't it rather foolish of you to come here, Sir John Lancashire.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Oh, so you know my name.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I know enough about you to hang you.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Why do you say that?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

You surely didn't think I'd forget you so quickly. Or that Sir Guy would.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Sir Guy doesn't worry me too much.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Then perhaps you'd better worry about me, sir. If you think I'm going to stand by and that you rob my friends, you're vastly mistaken.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

I'm your prisoner. Call out, turn me over whenever you wish.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Are you so sure I won't?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

No. But I am sure that if you do, it won't matter very much what happens to me. As a matter of fact, I advise you to call out, my dear.

[Bess]

It would be very wise.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Why?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Because if you don't, you'll be my prisoner for the rest of your life.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

If I turn you over, they'll kill you.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

If you don't, there may be a day when you'll die with me. Because I'll never stay away from you. Not now. Well, my dear?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I cannot do it. God help us. Oath, I cannot do it.

[Bess]

Look here, Bess, this is my dance.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

I was just filling in for you, Sir Guy.

[Bess]

Excuse me. Who is that man, Bess.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I don't know.

[Bess]

You don't know? You don't know, but you were dancing with him?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Yes.

[Bess]

What's got into you tonight, Bess? Kissing bandits, Dancing with strangers? Or was he a stranger?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Yes, he was.

[Landlord]

I'm not so sure.

[Bess]

That's going to look familiar to me.

[Landlord]

Should I have seen him somewhere before?

[Bess]

I may have seen him earlier this evening.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Oh, no. The highwayman was much taller.

[Bess]

You're sure?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Very sure.

[Bess]

All right, my dear, all right. But I'm going to keep my eye on that fellow all the same.

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[Narrator/Highwayman]

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[Narrator/Highwayman]

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[Narrator/Highwayman]

What are you doing out here by yourself?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

It was warm in the ballroom. I wanted a breath of air. What are you doing out here?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Looking for you.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

It's a beautiful night, isn't it? You could almost touch the stars.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Yes, this is my kingdom. Now it's yours. The world at our feet and heaven at your fingertips. This is the hour to be young and in love. That's our moon in the sky. And this is our world. All about us. Bess, I have to say it. I love you. I love you this hour. And will for every hour until the end of time.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

My darling. My darling. It's almost midnight. They'll be unmasking soon and you'll be leaving. Oh, take me with you.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

I can't. I can't take you with me. Not yet. It's too dangerous.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Tell me, why do you steal? You don't need the money.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

I do, but not for myself. I've never kept anything for myself. You see, there are people in this world who don't realize they have too much. Just as there are people who don't realize they don't have enough. That they're dying too young and too poor. I steal for them. Those I take from can always spare it. Do you understand?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Yes, I think I do. But it's wrong. I know it's wrong, and so do you. There must be more honorable ways you can help.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Are you trying to reform me?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I'd like to. I'd like to keep you safe. Because, you see, from tonight on, Margot will be riding the highways with you. And it's pretty vulnerable. An accident to you could kill it too.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

You're very, very sweet.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

There's something between us. I knew it this evening when you kissed me. It was like coming home. Whatever comes to one of us must come to both of us. Now it's like that, isn't it?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Yes, it's like that. I wish it wasn't, but it is like that.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

There he is.

[Narrator/Poet]

They discovered me. So for the moment, goodbye.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Be careful. Oh, be careful.

[Narrator/Poet]

Get away. After him. He's heading for his horse. We'll never catch. After him, you fools. After him.

[Announcer]

In just a moment. Act two of THE Highwayman starring Victor Jory during these February days of changeable weather, you can never tell when you'll suddenly start sniffling and sneezing. And if you do, let the very first sneeze be a warning. It may be nature's advance notice of an approaching head cold. And it will pay you to be careful. Head colds can cause so much suffering. Now, one of the simplest and surest ways to relieve the distress of head colds is with Vicks Vetrinol, the special double duty nose drops. Yes, a little Vetronol put in each nostril quickly brings wonderful relief, soothing the sneezy irritation and helping to clear nasal stuffiness. And the most important advantage of Vetronal is that if used promptly at the first sniffle or sneeze, it helps prevent many colds from developing. So it's really a wise thing, friends, to have a bottle of Vetronol handy ready to use when a head cold threatens. Just follow directions in the folder.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Try it.

[Announcer]

Vicks Vetronol. The special double duty nose drops. And now, act two of the Highwayman. Starring Victor Jory and featuring Gertrude Warner.

[Narrator/Poet]

The Hyruman came riding, riding, riding. Highwayman came riding up to the old inn door over the cobbles he clattered

[Narrator/Highwayman]

and flashed in the dark in yard and he tapped with a script on the shutters. But all was locked and barred. He whistled a tune to the window and who should be waiting there but the landlord's black eyed daughter Bess. The landlord's daughter pleating a dark red love knot into her long black hair.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

We'd better walk out by the gate, down the road away. We don't want to wake him, Father.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

If he hasn't wakened now, I don't think he will.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

You never can tell. Oh, John, it's been so long. For three weeks I haven't had a word from you.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

I've been busy. Oh, I've been making plans. I've decided to become an honest man for you, John. There's a prize I'm after tonight. Just one prize, and I'm taking it and I'm quitting. I've decided to buy a farm in the north. Will you like being a farmer's wife?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I like being yours.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Wonderful. All right. Now, here are my plans. I'll have to be off now because I have a long way to ride. But I'll be here about noon tomorrow. And then we'll find a clergyman and become Mr. And Mrs. Farmer. And that will be the end of the Highwayman.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I can't believe it. Oh, darling.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Oh, here now. What are you crying about?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Maybe dreams do come true. Maybe there is something to fairy tale endings. Maybe the prince and princess do live happily ever after. I been so frightened. I've had such dreams. I kept seeing you dead by the roadside. Wasn't that foolish of me? Very.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Don't you know my life is charmed then? Bess, just one more thing. If they press me sharply, I may not get here during the day. If you don't see me at look for me by moonlight.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

You'll surely come.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way. And now until tomorrow. Goodbye, my darling. And dark in the dark old inn yard a stable wicket creaked Where Tim the ostler listened. His face was white and peaked. His eyes were hollows of madness his

[Narrator/Poet]

hair like mouldy hay.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

They loved the landlord's daughter the landlord's red lipped daughter Dumb as a dog. He listened and he heard the robber say I'll come to thee by moonlight Though hell should bawl away.

[Landlord]

Well, Bess?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Well, Father.

[Landlord]

So Sir John Lancashire and the highwayman are one and the same.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Doesn't that sound a little ridiculous to you?

[Landlord]

Yes, but I know it's Tim the ostler heard you a while ago. He told me the whole conversation. Bess, I want you to promise that you'll never see that man again.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

He's bad.

[Landlord]

He's a robber. And you're a good girl. And not for the likes of him. I'm going to see to it that he's put in prison. He must tell me where he hides.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

I don't know. And if I did, I wouldn't tell you. You'll have to catch him yourself.

[Landlord]

No. You'll catch him for me. He'll come to see you and then we'll have him.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

No. No, you can't make me do that. Oh, you wouldn't do that. You couldn't do that. Don't you understand how I love him? Oh, Father, listen to me. If he dies, there's nothing in the world for me anymore. My heart would always be empty. He's the blood that courses through me. And all the pain and all the joy. He's what my eyes want most to look upon and my arms want most to embrace. He's the difference between life and death and heaven and hell. Oh, don't you understand? If he dies, I want to die.

[Landlord]

Love isn't that important, Bess. It only seems so now, when you're young.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

We don't really die of it.

[Landlord]

You'll have to trust me. You'll have to believe that I know what's best for you. This pain will all pass in a week. For a month, he'll be someone else. Then.

[Shannon Maldonado]

Please.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Please don't do this. Don't betray him.

[Landlord]

I love you, and I must.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

If you do, I'll despise you. I'll despise you and hate you and loathe you until I die.

[Landlord]

Good night. I'm sorry, but I'll have to lock your door.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Father?

[Bess]

Father.

[Shannon Maldonado]

Father.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

He did not come at dawning. He did not come at noon. And out of the tawny sunset before the rise of the moon when the Crusade gypsies delivered him.

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[Narrator/Highwayman]

King George's men came marching, marching, marching King George's men came marching up to the old indoor.

[Sir Guy]

Are you the landlord here?

[Landlord]

I am, sir.

[Sir Guy]

Oh. Where's your daughter?

[Landlord]

She's locked in her room.

[Sir Guy]

Take us up.

[Narrator/Poet]

Follow me.

[Sir Guy]

Man,

[Landlord]

You men have been drinking.

[Sir Guy]

We haven't. It's none of your concern.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

You.

[Landlord]

You'll treat her kindly, won't you?

[Sir Guy]

She'll be all right as long as she doesn't try to escape. All right, landlord, you can wait downstairs.

[Landlord]

I'd like to stay.

[Sir Guy]

We'll call you if we want you.

[Landlord]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Guy]

Tired of the foot of the bed? Pretty wench, isn't she?

[Landlord]

A little tear stained.

[Sir Guy]

Well, that's what comes of having a taste for the wrong people. Have you nothing to say?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

No.

[Sir Guy]

Well, tie her up for her death watch. You better gag her. I don't take a chance of her screaming and warning him. And you would if you had the chance, wouldn't you?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Yes.

[Sir Guy]

Is she bound Good and Tight found she is. All right. You and Keith take up your watch by that window. You'll shoot from there. Well, my pretty, how about a kiss for a hard working soldier?

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Don't you dare.

[Sir Guy]

All right, all right, all right. A little peppery for my taste anyhow. What about giving her a spot of brandy? No, I fixed this gag. Now I'll have one myself. She really looks like she's keeping a watch, all right.

[Landlord]

All she needs is a gun.

[Sir Guy]

That's a good idea. I'll tie a gun to her chest and she'll really be a dangerous little girl with a gun tied to her chest. Too bad her hands won't be free to aim it. She made short work of us. There you are, lady. Now keep good watch.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Now keep good watch. And I kissed her. She heard the new man's look for me by moonlight. I'll come to thee by moonlight Though hell should bar the way. She twisted her hands behind her but all the knots held good. She writhed her hands till her fingers were wet with sweat and blood and they stretched and strained in the darkness. The hours crawled by like years till now. On the stroke of midnight cold. On the stroke of midnight the tip of one finger touched it. The trigger at last was hers. The tip of one finger touched it. She strove no more for the rest up she stood to attention with the barrel beneath her breast. She would not risk their hearing she would not strive again. For the road lay bare in the moonlight Blank and bare in the moonlight and the blood in her veins in the moonlight Throbbed to her love's refrain.

[Sir Guy]

I wonder where he is.

[Landlord]

Maybe he isn't coming. Maybe someone's having a laugh at us.

[Sir Guy]

Well, if they are, it isn't her. We look pretty silly going back to London and saying we sat all night for nothing.

[Landlord]

Maybe he's got another love.

[Sir Guy]

Maybe he's not interested in this one anymore.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Listen.

[Sir Guy]

Do you hear that? That's him.

[Narrator/Poet]

He's coming.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

Down the ribbon of moonlight over the brow of the hill the highwayman came riding, riding, riding Redcoats went to the climbing. Bess stood up straight and still. Her eyes grew wide for a moment she drew one last deep breath.

[Narrator/Poet]

Then her finger moved in the moonlight. Her musket shattered the moonlight shattered her

[Narrator/Highwayman]

breast in the moonlight and warned him with her death.

[Narrator/Poet]

He turned. He spurred him westward. He did not know who stood bowed

[Narrator/Highwayman]

with her head over musket drenched with her own red blood. Not until dawn he heard it and slowly blanched to hear how Bess, the landlord's daughter. The Landlord's black eyed daughter had watched for her love in the moonlight and died in the darkness there back he

[Narrator/Poet]

spurred like a madman shrieking a curse of sky. With a white robe smoking behind him, his rapier brandished high Blood red were his spurs of the golden noon. Wine red with his daughter's pout

[Narrator/Highwayman]

when they shot him down on the highway, down like a dog on the highway. He lay in his blood on the highway with a bunch of lace in his throat. And still on a winter's night, they say, when the wind is in the trees and the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas. When the road is a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor, A highwayman

[Narrator/Poet]

comes riding, riding, riding. A highwayman comes riding up to the old inn door.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

He whistles a tune in the windows. And who should be waiting there but the landlord's black eyed daughter, Bess, the landlord's daughter daughter pleading a dark red love knot into a long black hair.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Good evening, Mr. Highwayman. How goes the night? Profitably?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

That depends. I'm asking for a kiss.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Aren't you accustomed to taking what you want?

[Narrator/Highwayman]

But since I am asking.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Since you are asking.

[Bess]

Of.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Of course, you must have the kiss.

[Announcer]

In just a moment. An important message from Victor Jory. Friends, if you've ever used Vicks Vetrinol to relieve the distress of a nasty head cold, you know how wonderfully effective it can be. And if you haven't, well, there's no time like now. If a stuffy head cold is making you miserable. Once you try Vetronol, once you put a few soothing drops in each nostril, you'll agree that Vetronol is really a fine medication. You'll notice how quickly it goes to work, right where trouble is to relieve the sneezy irritation and how it opens up the stuffy nasal passages in a hurry to make breathing easier. In our opinion, Vicks Vetronol is a specialized medication that is altogether in a class by itself as a reliever of the misery of headquarters. And more than that, if you use Vetronol soon enough, if you use it at the first warning, sniffle or sneeze, it actually helps prevent many colds from developing. So, friends, the next time you feel a stuffy head cold, come on. Why not use a few drops of Vetronol? Just follow the simple directions in the folder. Vicks Vetrinol Nose Drops.

[Narrator/Highwayman]

This is Victor Jory. Last week I named three plays and asked you to tell me which ones you'd like to hear. An overwhelming majority of you favored Samuel Hopkins Adams. Romantic story of two people who hitchhiked their way to happiness on a night bus from Miami bound for New York. This story originally appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine, and one of the most delightful scenes in it is the walls of Jericho, where a blanket made two bedrooms out of one in a small tourist cabin. So our play next week is Night Bus for the following week. Will you again help me choose between that great picture, the Great McGinty, which starred Brian Donlevy Only Yesterday, another long remembered picture, Only Yesterday, which starred Margaret Sullivan, and that great love story Marley. Write me care of Columbia Broadcasting, New York 22, New York.

[Announcer]

Our script today was adapted by Gene Holloway from Alfred Noye's famous poem and was 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 Vetronol, Vic's Cough Drops and Vicks Inhaler, brings you another great matinee theater production starring Victor Jory and featuring Gertrude Warner in Night Bus. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Mom, can you tell me a story?

[Mother]

Sure. Once upon a time, a mom needed a new car.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Was she brave?

[Mother]

She was tired mostly. But she went to Carvana.com and found a great car at a great price. No secret treasure map required.

[ZipRecruiter Narrator]

Did you have to find a dragon?

[Mother]

Nope. She bought it 100% online from her bed, actually.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Was it scary?

[Mother]

Scary? Honey, it was as unscary as car buying could be.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Did the car have a sunroof?

[Mother]

It did, actually.

[Bess (Landlord's Daughter)]

Okay, good story.

[Mother]

Car buying. You'll want to tell stories about. Buy your car today on. Delivery fees may apply.