Mayor of the Town 42-09-20 (03) Amy Lou Goes to War

Summary

Podcast Summary: Mayor of the Town 42-09-20 (03) Amy Lou Goes to War

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television and the family all sat around the radio and listened to the shows of the time like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: Mayor of the Town 42-09-20 (03) Amy Lou Goes to War
• Release Date: June 29, 2025

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Introduction

"Mayor of the Town" is a classic radio drama set against the backdrop of wartime America, exploring themes of duty, love, and sacrifice. In this episode, Amy Lou, a spirited nurse, grapples with her desire to serve overseas and her romantic entanglements with Jim, the mayor’s son. The episode delves deep into personal conflicts and societal expectations during a tumultuous period.

Setting the Scene

The episode begins with everyday interactions in the small town of Springdale. The Mayor, portrayed by Lionel Barrymore, is a respected figure navigating the complexities of his personal and public life.

• Narrator’s Subtle Opening: Although initial seconds feature advertisements, the transition to the main narrative sets a serious tone about life’s fleeting moments and responsibilities.

Conflict Between Amy Lou and Jim

Amy Lou’s decision to throw a party, influenced by her late father’s wish, sparks tension in the community and especially between her and Jim.

• Essie's Disapproval:

  • Essie (02:23): “She gave a party last night, that's what. Gave a party with her pa, not yet cold in his grave. That girl needs curbing.”

• Jim’s Struggle:

  • Jim expresses his inner conflict and love for Amy Lou, highlighting the generational and personal struggles during wartime.

Amy Lou's Decision to Join the War Effort

Amy Lou reveals her intention to join the nurses’ unit overseas, a decision that shocks her community and deepens her relationship with Jim.

• Amy Lou’s Declaration:

  • Amy Lou (08:29): “I report tomorrow. I'm going overseas with the nurses unit.”

• Mayor’s Attempt to Persuade:

  • Mayor (07:19): “You pray a little bit. Well, maybe you sing. You say to yourself, I am part of the bloodstream of America. I'm walking in step with Andy Jackson and George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.”

Confrontation with Mrs. Reynolds

Jim’s mother, Mrs. Reynolds, vehemently opposes the union between Jim and Amy Lou, labeling her as a “spoiled little show off.”

• Mrs. Reynolds’ Disapproval:

  • Mrs. Reynolds (21:22): “That girl is a spoiled little show off. She's always been the wildest girl in town.”

• Mayor’s Defense of Amy Lou:

  • Mayor (21:36): “But the same spirit that's in her was the spirit that took covered wagons across a wilderness, wrested a living from the earth and rocks and built cities.”

Mayor's Support and Medal Presentation

Recognizing Amy Lou’s bravery, the Mayor honors her with a St. Christopher medal and later a royal blue emblem for conspicuous bravery under fire.

• Mayor’s Emotional Appeal:

  • Mayor (17:07): “In all my life I have known no single act of greater courage on any woman's part.”

• Presentation of the Medal:

  • Mayor (26:13): “It's my pleasure to present to her here, on behalf of the Congress of the United States, the royal blue emblem for conspicuous bravery under fire.”

Resolution and Marriage Agreement

Despite opposition, Jim and Amy Lou reconcile their differences, deciding to marry after Jim returns from his service, symbolizing hope and unity.

• Jim’s Proposal:

  • Jim (23:29): “We’re getting married and you're staying right here in Springdale.”

• Amy Lou’s Acceptance:

  • Amy Lou (24:25): “I want that house. I want its arms about me.”

Notable Quotes

• Essie (02:42): “That girl is a disgrace to the entire town.”
• Amy Lou (06:21): “Look, it's a full moon. I wonder where I'll be the next time the moon is full, I'll think of you.”
• Mayor (07:19): “You say to yourself, I am part of the bloodstream of America.”
• Amy Lou (09:31): “I'm a nurse, and I'm a darn good one.”
• Mayor (21:44): “I'm only lending it to you. Really? My wife gave it to me back in 1917.”
• Amy Lou (24:56): “I'm 3,000 years old inside. Oh, Mare, I fought. Now I've earned the right to stay home.”

Themes and Insights

1. Duty vs. Personal Desire: Amy Lou embodies the conflict between personal aspirations and societal expectations, a common theme during wartime narratives.
2. Gender Roles: The episode challenges traditional gender roles, showcasing Amy Lou as a strong, independent nurse defying conventional femininity.
3. Community and Sacrifice: The strong sense of community in Springdale highlights the collective efforts and sacrifices made during wartime.
4. Courage and Resilience: Both Amy Lou and the Mayor display profound courage, whether on the battlefield or in their personal lives, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

"Amy Lou Goes to War" is a poignant exploration of love, duty, and the courage required to follow one’s convictions. Through the compelling interactions between Amy Lou, Jim, and the Mayor, the episode captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio—where storytelling was rich, character-driven, and deeply resonant with contemporary societal issues.

For those unfamiliar with the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key events, character dynamics, and underlying themes that make "Amy Lou Goes to War" a memorable installment of "Mayor of the Town."

Transcript

[Narrator]

You only get 18 summers with your kids before they're off making memories with families of their own. That's barely enough time to figure out who screams louder on a roller coaster. So this year, make every summer count at Silverwood theme park. Watch your little ones conquer the coasters, giggle their way down the slides at Boulder beach, and devour powdered sugar funnel cakes like they're racing against the clock. Save up to $10 off tickets when you purchase online. Make every summer count at Silverwood.

[Mommy]

Well, so my little baby likes his bath. That's because Mommy's using Swan, the new white floating soap. And Swan's pure as an angel. Mommy and Daddy use it for their bath, too.

[Mayor]

Yes, siree.

[Mommy]

We think swans are baby gentle suds and whiz.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Good evening. The makers of Rinso are proud to present the Mayor of the Town, starring Lionel Barrymore. Friends, this is old honest Harlow Wilcox speaking. Now, I'll admit the dishwashing is nobody's favorite pastime. And I'll go further. I'll admit that even our new anti sneeze Rinso won't stack your dishes, scrape them or put them away. But here's what Rinso suds will do. They'll make the job a whale of a lot quicker and easier. And those Rinso suds will be gentle as a breeze to your hands. And considerate of your pocketbook, too, for it costs less than a cent a day to wash dishes with Rinso. How about getting a giant size package tomorrow? That giant size holds over four pounds of Rinsoe. It's a real wartime economy. And now, the Mayor of the town, starring Lionel Barrymore.

[Essie]

Mayor. Oh, Mayor, wait up a minute.

[Mayor]

Good morning, Essie. How are you?

[Essie]

Land alive. I'm glad I caught you. Wait a moment till I catch my breath, will you?

[Mayor]

Say, it's a pretty hot morning for you to be exerting yourself so, Isn't it, Essie?

[Essie]

Perhaps, but I'm not one to shirk my duty when I see it. Mayor, I think that is a good many of the people in the neighborhood feel that it's your Christian duty to speak to Amy Lou Peters.

[Mayor]

Well, since when is this neighborhood deciding what's my Christian duty? That's between my pastor and me.

[Essie]

That girl is a disgrace to the entire town.

[Mayor]

What's Amy Lou been up to now?

[Essie]

She gave a party last night, that's what. Gave a party with her pa, not yet cold in his grave. That girl needs curbing.

[Mayor]

Well, why don't you curb her, Essie?

[Essie]

May I? I'm not one to meddle in what's not my business. Besides, she practically threw me out of her house.

[Mayor]

All right, Essie, I'll speak to her.

[Essie]

What are you laughing at?

[Mayor]

Oh, just women, I guess. Good morning, Essie.

[Essie]

Now, if you'll take my advice.

[Mayor]

Good morning, Essie. See you later.

[Amy Lou]

Hi there, mayor.

[Mayor]

Hello, Amy Lou. You mind if I sit down a minute?

[Amy Lou]

Help yourself.

[Mayor]

I hear you had a big party last night.

[Amy Lou]

Yes, I did. Anything wrong with that?

[Mayor]

No, I guess not. Seems kind of strange to some of the folks, though.

[Amy Lou]

Pa wanted me to have a party. He left me $50 in cash just for that. Amy Louie said you had the best doggone party that ever was in this town. I don't want you sitting around moping. So I did. I gave the old hen something to talk about anyhow.

[Mayor]

How's Jim?

[Amy Lou]

I wouldn't know. We just don't move in the same circles.

[Mayor]

Uh oh, another fight. Did you invite him to your party?

[Amy Lou]

I had to be polite, didn't I? I was very relieved that he couldn't come.

[Mayor]

Ah, the fighting Irish. They fall in love with someone they detest every time. Did you know he leaves for camp next week?

[Amy Lou]

No. I'm surprised he has the nerve.

[Mayor]

You know, Amy Lou, you could be polite to Jim once in a while.

[Amy Lou]

Listen, there I am what I am, and anybody that doesn't like it can keep out of my way. I won't be around here much longer anyhow. I'm going overseas with the nurses unit.

[Mayor]

Overseas?

[Amy Lou]

Sure. There's a war on. I'm a trained nurse and they can use me. They have to report in the morning.

[Mayor]

Well, then you must come up to the house for dinner tonight. I'll tell Marilli to fix up something special.

[Amy Lou]

I don't know. I. I got a pack.

[Mayor]

See you at seven. Now don't be. Well, now, this is what I call real cozy. Have some more chicken, Mrs. Reynolds.

[Mommy]

No, thank you, mayor. You may be called upon to perform a wedding soon.

[Amy Lou]

Oh, yes.

[Mommy]

Jim and Cynthia Drew have been seeing a lot of one another.

[Jim]

Mother, please.

[Mommy]

Oh, I forgot. Of course, you and Amy did used to see something of one another, didn't you? But you were both children then. I'm sure Amy Lou has lots of beaus now.

[Mayor]

Yes, yes. Amy Lou's about the most popular girl in town.

[Mommy]

Well, Cynthia's very popular, too.

[Amy Lou]

Cynthia, Cynthia, Cynthia. Who cares whether Jim marries 20 cynthias?

[Mommy]

Well, really, my dear, I. I think.

[Mayor]

We all grant Cynthia is a very pretty and popular girl. How are your rose bushes? This year, Mrs. Reynolds.

[Amy Lou]

Stuffed shirt.

[Mayor]

Why are you sitting out here alone in the dark, Amylou?

[Amy Lou]

Oh, no particular reason. I'm sorry I exploded, Mayor.

[Mayor]

I was getting ready to explode myself. I never did like Cynthia Drew. She squalled more than any baby I ever saw.

[Amy Lou]

Look, it's a full moon. I wonder where I'll be the next time the moon is full, I'll think of you. I'll look up at the moon and say, how's the mayor tonight?

[Mayor]

I have something I want to give you. It's a St. Christopher medal for safety. I'm only lending it to you. Really? My wife gave it to me back in 1917. I wouldn't take anything in the world for it.

[Amy Lou]

No, I can't take it.

[Mayor]

You're to take it and bring it back to me, you hear? Now.

[Amy Lou]

Okay, let. You know, Mayor, sometimes I get a little bit frightened thinking about you see the newsreels and those bombs come down pretty hard.

[Mayor]

Amy, when I went to war, I was so scared I couldn't keep any food in my stomach for a week. You know what it is for things you haven't done yet. And of all the familiar things being suddenly blotted out. Well, it is. It is terrorizing.

[Amy Lou]

And what do you do when you feel like that?

[Mayor]

Oh, you pray a little bit. Well, maybe you sing. You say to yourself, I am part of the bloodstream of America. I'm walking in step with Andy Jackson and George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. And this darkness all about me. Something they've already claimed. This earth for which I fight has been consecrated with the blood of my forefathers. It's my heritage and my honor. And as I walk, I follow in sacred footsteps.

[Jim]

You know, when you say things like that, it's like being in church to hear you.

[Mayor]

Oh, hello, Jim. Hello. Sit down.

[Jim]

Thank you, Mayor. You know, I don't think I'm a coward yet. I've had a sick feeling inside for days. I never thought much about it before, but I love this town.

[Amy Lou]

I know how you feel. You look up at the trees and you think, a few years ago I climbed them. And now maybe I'll never see them again. And you want to put your hand out to people that you've never thought particularly about and say, wait a minute. We must get better acquainted.

[Jim]

Why should you feel that way?

[Amy Lou]

I report tomorrow. I'm going overseas with the nurses unit.

[Jim]

Oh, no, you're not. You're not doing any such thing.

[Amy Lou]

Oh, is that so? And who are you to tell me what I am or am not going.

[Jim]

To do someone with a little more sense than you have.

[Amy Lou]

Oh, indeed. Well, let me tell you something.

[Mayor]

Well, now, it seems to me we better find your mother, Jim.

[Jim]

It's about time you grew up. Amy Lou. This isn't a game, you know you're going.

[Amy Lou]

No worse for you than for me.

[Jim]

It's my place to go. You've always been the town tomboy, Amy Lou. Could climb the highest trees and run the farthest and brag the best of any boy in town. But you're grown up now, and you might as well face it.

[Essie]

What do you want me to do?

[Amy Lou]

Sit in my parlor and sew a fine seam?

[Jim]

I'd like to think of you doing something like that. Yes, I'd like to think of you at home here with the mayor, working in the town, somehow a part of the thing I'm fighting for.

[Amy Lou]

Oh, Jim, I'd like to, but I just can't. I've got a job to do and I've got to do it.

[Jim]

And my mother is right. You'll always be the tomboy, always the show off. You don't know how to be anything else.

[Amy Lou]

Oh, so I'm just a show off, am I? Well, let me tell you something, Mr. Wise Guy. I'm a nurse, and I'm a darn good one. It's just as much my word as anyone else's. The trouble with you is that you don't know decent, honest emotions when you see them. You're just an old stuffed shirt.

[Mayor]

Hey, hey, hey, hey. Now, cool down, Amy Lou.

[Jim]

Oh, I'm going home.

[Mayor]

Jim, why don't you marry that girl?

[Jim]

Marry Amy Lou? You couldn't give her to me.

[Mayor]

Do you want to marry Cynthia Drew and have a steady diet of pale, wet milk?

[Jim]

Well, Mayor, why can't Amy Lou stay at home like other girls?

[Mayor]

Well, I think she feels that she's alone now, Jim. And if she's killed, who's to care? She doesn't know how very much you would care.

[Jim]

Well, I don't know. If she does love me, she certainly has a funny way of showing it.

[Mayor]

Why don't you go and talk to her now? This is the last chance she'll have for a long while. Well.

[Jim]

I don't suppose it would hurt to talk to her.

[Mayor]

No. And, Jim, for heaven's sake, when you open your mouth, don't put your foot in it.

[Amy Lou]

Hello, Mayor. I didn't know if you'd still be up, but I thought I'd come by and see.

[Mayor]

Oh, Emmy Lou, why are we just Sitting here, thinking. Sit down. You going to marry Jim?

[Amy Lou]

How did you know? He asked me.

[Mayor]

It's written all over your face.

[Amy Lou]

There was a time that if Jim had asked me to marry him, well, I just curled up my toes and died, I guess. But now. Oh, my.

[Mayor]

Now, that isn't like you, Amy Lou.

[Amy Lou]

Why does everything have to happen when it's too late? All my life I've been waiting for this day. Oh, Mayor, I want to stay so badly now. I want to marry him and go wherever he goes for as long as I can. I could do that now. It isn't too late. I can still do that.

[Mayor]

Yeah, sure, you could still do that.

[Amy Lou]

I'd like the ring on my finger and his name in my heart. Oh, Mayor, I'm gonna stay. I've got to stay. Maybe I'm being soft. Maybe it's weak. I can't give him a hum.

[Mayor]

Amy, listen to me now. Now, stop crying. Now, listen to me. Jim leaves next week. In a month, he may be on the Solomon Islands or Hawaii or Australia. It'll be for you to read the papers and wonder night after night, day after day, where he is. It'll be for you to watch the newsreels, listen to the radios until you feel the hot breath of the cannon. Until you wake at night screaming, seeing him fall. And what can you tell your heart? What can you say when you look down at your hands and know there's healing in them? That those hands have it in their power to save a thousand gins? Or I can tell you to stay. Sure, Sure, I can say yes. Other girls staying at home while their husbands fight. But they don't have your gift of healing. Could you sleep reading the list of the dead and wondering how many of them might have been saved if there had been more nurses? Can you bear to think of Jim being wounded and no one to nurse him?

[Amy Lou]

I knew. I knew it all the time. I knew the answer while I was fighting it. But for a moment, all my dreams were suddenly before me.

[Mayor]

You must go and have faith that this will all turn out as we pray it will. And that you two can be together again.

[Amy Lou]

Look, it's almost morning.

[Mayor]

Yes. Yes, it is.

[Amy Lou]

I'm not very good at saying things myself, but I've always looked up to you. I've always thought if I were a man, I'd like to be like the Mayor. There's something like a rock about you. Something to hold onto. Well, I've got to run. I haven't packed anything yet.

[Mayor]

You bring that medal back to me now.

[Amy Lou]

Oh, sure thing. Well, tell the old town I'm off to the roers. I'll send them a scalp to hang in the city hall.

[Mayor]

Be a good girl, Na, and don't take any foolish chances.

[Amy Lou]

I'll send you a card from Tokyo. And, say, talk about that spirit of 76. Just wait until they record the spirit of 42.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Before we return to the mayor of the town, may I have a word? You know, Springdale's got a big defense plant. And when the 5 o' clock whistle blows, hundreds and hundreds of workers pour out the doors, making way for the new shift. And among those workers are women. Yes, women helping to make the vital tools to win the war. I'd like you to meet one of those women, Mary Dwyer. Hiya, Mary.

[Mary Dwyer]

Hiya, Harlow.

[Harlow Wilcox]

I was just telling the folks about your changing over from being a housewife to working in a defense plant.

[Mary Dwyer]

Are you kidding? What do you mean, change? I still have to run my house, you know.

[Harlow Wilcox]

I know that. I thought maybe you'd tell us how you manage both jobs.

[Mary Dwyer]

Oh, I get it. You're leading up to Rinso.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Subtle, aren't I?

[Mary Dwyer]

Well, I don't mind. I'm plenty grateful to Rinso. That lot of energy I'd have if I had to scrub and boil clothes.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Yes, sir, it's quite a lot different just letting them soak clean in Rinso's rich suds. Then giving the real grimy places a few quick finger rubs.

[Mary Dwyer]

Sure, Harlow. I'm for your Rinso. Nowadays, we girls have to get our housework down to a system and rinse a sure part of my system. A mighty important part.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Thanks a lot, Mary.

[Mary Dwyer]

Well, that's okay, Harlow. Well, I'll leave you here. Have to stop at the grocer for some Rinso. You reminded me.

[Harlow Wilcox]

So long, Mary. I'll bet you've given lots of girls a good idea. And now back to the Mayor of the town, starring Lionel Barrymore.

[Newsboy]

Extra. Extra. Bombing of a tan hospital. Toll.

[Mayor]

People of Springdale, I beg you, put every cent you can into war bonds.

[Newsboy]

Evening paper. Read all about it. But can't still stand.

[Mayor]

Our boys need your help. If you can carry a gun, carry one. If you're a trained nurse. If you're a radio man or a.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Doctor, we need you desperately.

[Newsboy]

Extra. Extra.

[Amy Lou]

Ball.

[Newsboy]

Bataan Guns, guys.

[Mayor]

This is a people's war. Are you doing your part in Bataan? They're dying in your name. It's your sacred trust that they don't die in vain.

[Newsboy]

Extra. Bataan Falls, 36,000. Crap.

[Mayor]

Good morning, Doctor. How is she? She's rallying. She's a strong little thing. Not many people with a wound like that could have stood that trip back. She's some kid. They say she went right out in the line of fire to help some of the men. Yes, sure. She's a great youngster. May I go in now? Yes, but only stay a few moments. All right, Doc. All right. Hello, Amy Lou.

[Amy Lou]

Hi, Mayor. How's tricks?

[Mayor]

Oh, pretty good.

[Amy Lou]

I brought your medal back.

[Mayor]

I knew you would. How do you feel?

[Amy Lou]

Sharp as a gun sight. I'll be out of here in another week.

[Mayor]

You've got everyone in town talking about you again. Leave it to Amy Lou. They're saying you're kind of a hero.

[Amy Lou]

Yeah, quite a hero. I'll probably be court martialed. They're saying that too, aren't they?

[Mayor]

Well, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Amy Lou]

I did disobey orders. There's no getting around it. But I got so doggone mad there were kids in those foxholes that needed treating and they wouldn't send a girl out in line of fire. I asked to go and they said no. So I went anyhow. I couldn't stand watching. I had to go.

[Mayor]

In all my life I have known no single act of greater courage on any woman's part.

[Amy Lou]

This is the second time you've made me cry.

[Mayor]

Well, it wouldn't hurt you to cry a little more often. It isn't good to keep things all shut up inside you all the time.

[Amy Lou]

You try not to be a woman out there. You try to think and act like a man, but you can't do it. One has hair like a boy you knew, and someone else has a voice like a voice of love. And each one of them is somehow part of you. And you watch them morning after morning and wonder which one will be that day.

[Mayor]

Oh, now, don't talk about it, Amy Lou. Try not to think about it.

[Amy Lou]

I want to think about it. I've learned courage and I've learned hate. And I want to hold on to both of them. I know how it feels now when the land splinters around you. I know how the boy's look growing older hour by hour, watching their comrades die and wondering when that one blackening bullet will come.

[Mayor]

You have to forget them, Amy Lou. You have to think of the living and not look back at the dead.

[Amy Lou]

Forget them? Forget them. Forget how they laughed and kid at each other? How they'd sit around at night and sing. Forget how they'd bend over those gallant letters home. And how they'd always say, when I get back. And never if forget how they die. Their hands reluctantly releasing the hot guns. No, no. I want to remember. I'm proud to remember.

[Mayor]

And here we are at home going to movies and sitting in soda fountains and dancing completely unconscious. That on some outpost a boy's taking his last look at the stars. We think we're doing so much, but there's really so little. And I can't find the right word somehow.

[Amy Lou]

Well, you can't put it into words.

[Mayor]

No. No, you can't.

[Amy Lou]

You have to see it. When I went out in that field, I think I went crazy. For a moment I wanted vengeance for every boy out there. And when I was hit, I gloried in the pain. It was like a baptismal. And at the same time, all the Irish in me was fighting mad. And I passed out cussing them like a longshoreman.

[Mayor]

Well, here, I. I mustn't stay too long. A doc'll have my head. You're coming home with me as soon as he says you're able.

[Amy Lou]

I'd like that.

[Jim]

Hello, darling.

[Amy Lou]

Jim.

[Jim]

Oh, Jim, they gave me a furlough to come and see you. How are you, darling?

[Amy Lou]

Oh, I feel beautiful now. Gee, you look swell in your uniform.

[Jim]

Hello, Mayor.

[Mayor]

Hello.

[Jim]

Hello, Mother. Come on in. Don't stand in the door like that.

[Mommy]

Well, now, Jim, we can't stay. You know what the doctor said. How do you feel, Amy?

[Amy Lou]

Louis? Fine, thank you.

[Mommy]

Good afternoon, Mayor.

[Mayor]

Good afternoon.

[Jim]

You know what we're going to do, young lady? Just as soon as a doctor says you're well enough. We're getting married and you're staying right here in Springdale. I don't trust you anymore.

[Mayor]

Let's all walk down together. Goodbye, Amy Lou. I'll drop by tonight after dinner. Maybe they'll let me bring you some ice cream.

[Amy Lou]

Chocolate.

[Mayor]

Chocolate is.

[Jim]

I'll be by later too, darling. Goodbye.

[Amy Lou]

Goodbye.

[Mayor]

Goodbye.

[Mommy]

Jim, you can't seriously mean to marry that girl.

[Jim]

I'm gonna marry her if she'll have me. And you might as well make up your mind to it.

[Mommy]

Mother, I won't have it.

[Mayor]

Just what right do you have to interfere, Mrs. Rendleous?

[Mommy]

I have every right to look out for my son's happiness. That girl is a spoiled little show off. She's always been the wildest girl in town.

[Mayor]

Well, the best horses I ever saw took a firm hand on the bridle. I wouldn't give a cent for a horse or a girl without any Spunk.

[Mommy]

And this last episode, defying all authority. Running out on the battlefield like that. It's a wonder she wasn't K she.

[Jim]

Tended 11 men before she was hit. They say five of them would have died if it hadn't been for her.

[Mommy]

I'm not denying the girl's bravery, but you can admire someone without wanting them in your family.

[Mayor]

Mrs. Reynolds, it seems to me it's high time someone pointed out to you what country you're living in. This is America, Mrs. Reynolds. It's founded on one democratic principle that all men are created equal. You think amy lou is brashing forward? Well, perhaps she is. But the same spirit that's in her was the spirit that took covered wagons across a wilderness, wrested a living from the earth and rocks and built cities. The men who did those things weren't drawing room men, my dear Mrs. Reynolds. They were simple, two fisted, strong, talking men that believed in action. They put a flag in the wind on the east coast and took it north and south and west until it spanned two oceans.

[Mommy]

Really, mayor, I don't need a history lesson.

[Mayor]

The heck you don't.

[Mommy]

That girl may have to face court martial when she gets out of the hospital. We'll see who's so eager to marry her then.

[Mayor]

Mrs. Reynolds, I shall be grateful to you if you no longer address any remarks to me now or in the future. I just don't like you.

[Mommy]

Come, Jim.

[Jim]

Sorry, mother, I have to see a man about some chocolate ice cream. Here, darling, let me tuck the robe around you. Maybe it's too chilly for you out here on the porch.

[Amy Lou]

No, I want to sit here.

[Jim]

I was done looking at those new houses on maple street. There's one I want to show you. And Amy Lou, I want you to promise that you're going to stay here and marry me.

[Amy Lou]

Oh, Jim, it's unlucky to make promises.

[Jim]

This place on naples street, it has a big yard and a huge fireplace. And the kitchen is yellow. You always like yellow, Amy Lou.

[Amy Lou]

A yellow kitchen and big yard and a fireplace to sit beside on winter evenings. Sounds like something out of a fairy tale. But this isn't a year for fairy tales, Jim. Here.

[Mayor]

Now, what's going on out here? I want Amy Lou to come and tie my tie. We've got to get down to the town meeting and make my speech.

[Jim]

Well, look, mayor, will you play john alden and tell Amy Lou she's got to marry me?

[Mayor]

All right, Jim, all right, all right. If you run along now, meet us down to the auditorium.

[Jim]

Okay, I'll See you both later, then. So long.

[Amy Lou]

Bye, Jim. I wish I had a mother now. I wish I could sit on the floor with my head in her lap and ball my head out. Every time I think of Jim, I want to cry.

[Mayor]

Then you're not going to marry him?

[Amy Lou]

There's a ruling in the service that nurses can't be married.

[Mayor]

You're very young. I wish you weren't so young.

[Amy Lou]

I'm 3,000 years old inside. Oh, Mare, I fought. Now I've earned the right to stay home. If I go, there's a house on Maple street that I'll never see. I want that house. I want its arms about me. You see? This time I won't come back. I know it in my heart.

[Mayor]

Hurtful. What a strange world it is. What a heartbreaking one.

[Amy Lou]

Tell me to stay. Say it's right for me to stay. That's all I need. If you'll only say it's right for me to stay.

[Mayor]

Oh, I don't know what to say.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Do you?

[Mayor]

Because what I want to say and what I must say are bitter things within me. On one side I see a young lady crying on my porch. To that young lady, I want to say, take your happiness. Love doesn't come often, and you've waited a long time for this. But on the other side, I see a nurse from Bataan. A nurse that has seen the wounds and the heroism of a countryman. And to that nurse, I must say, you can't live here with the memories that would haunt you now. The path you chose, you must follow to its end.

[Amy Lou]

You know it's hard. You know how hard it is.

[Mayor]

Oh, of course I know how hard it is. Now, come on, powder your nose and let's go and make my speech. Friends, that's about all I have to say, except for one last thing. There's a young lady beside me on the stage of whom we all have occasion to be most proud. Her actions are already known to you. It's not for me to repeat them, nor is it for me to add to them with words. Such deeds are beyond all words, and hers is one of those. However, I have a letter here for her to keep the rest of her life from the president of the United States. And it's my pleasure to present to her here, on behalf of the Congress of the United States, the royal blue emblem for conspicuous bravery under fire. Now, goodbye. Goodbye, Amy. Lou. Keep that medal shined up.

[Amy Lou]

Goodbye. And thanks for everything. So long, Mr. Stuff.

[Jim]

Sure, darling.

[Amy Lou]

Don't say goodbye, Jim. I can't Bear to hear you say goodbye. Let's save it until there's something warmer to say.

[Jim]

Okay, Ms. Tomboy.

[Amy Lou]

I'll be thinking of you.

[Mayor]

Get down, Anna. That's enough of this.

[Amy Lou]

Well, so long. You're positively two of the most handsome men I know. And keep the old town spinning. Any further instructions, Mr. Mayor?

[Mayor]

No, no. Except be sure you bring back my St. Christopher. And don't go sticking that blond head into any cannons. Godspeed. God bring you safely home. God bring them all safely home.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Of course, you've heard the cheery whistle of the Bob White. And everybody loves the dazzling brightness of a wash. That's Rinso White.

[Mary Dwyer]

Rinso White.

[Harlow Wilcox]

No wonder the birds sing about that famous Rinseau White. After all, Rinso is the only soap that's recommended by the makers of 33 leading washers. For instance, the makers of the famous Speed Queen washers. They recommend Rinso now as always and with reason. For the washer industry is giving full time to the war effort. So there'll be no new Speed Queens made for the duration. That's why it's up to you to take the best possible care of your precious Speed Queen washer. By having it checked regularly and by using Rinso regularly for Rinso's short run is easy on your washer as well as your clothes. Be sure to get a box of the new Anti Sneeze Rinso tomorrow. Be sure to listen tomorrow night when the Lux Radio Theater will present an adaptation of the latest Academy Award picture, How Green Was My Valley. You will hear Walter Pidgeon, Maureen o' Hara, Donald Crisp and other members of the original cast. And as always, this program will be directed by Cecil Beb DeMille. Consult your local paper for time and station. Our script is written by Ms. Jean Holloway. Harlow Wilcox speaking. Good night. Mr. Lionel Barrymore appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayor. This program came to you from Hollywood. This is the National Broadcasting Company.