One Man's Family 45-05-29 Lieutenant Jack Barbour Leaves For The Pacific

Summary

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Podcast Summary: One Man’s Family 45-05-29 – “Lieutenant Jack Barbour Leaves for the Pacific”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: December 4, 2025
Original Air Date: May 29, 1945
Episode Summary:
This episode of the classic radio serial One Man’s Family is a poignant portrayal of a family’s emotional farewell as Jack Barbour prepares to leave for active military duty in the Pacific during World War II. Drawing on both the character’s arc and the real-life departure of actor Paige Gilman (now Lieutenant Paige Gilman), the narrative follows Jack’s final hours at home, marked by intimate, heartfelt conversations with each family member before he departs.

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Main Theme or Purpose

The episode centers on themes of familial love, sacrifice, and patriotism against the backdrop of war. It provides a deeply personal look at the bittersweet rituals of parting: last conversations, unspoken worries, and promises for the future. The emotional resonance is heightened by the blurring of fiction and reality: the departure of the actor mirrors Jack’s own story. The show honors both service members heading into the unknown and the strength of the families supporting them.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction & Context (00:37–02:06)

• Narrator explains the real-life situation: Paige Gilman, who plays Jack Barbour, is actually leaving for service. Much of the episode’s emotional charge stems from this blending of fiction and reality.
  • “Lieutenant Gilman is being shipped out to the Pacific...His going away is the same as sending out our own son and brother.” (00:54)

Jack’s Final Moments at Home

Conversation with Mother – Private Assurance (04:18–07:07)

• Jack and his mother share a private, tender conversation.
  • Jack assures her he wants to go: “You can be very comfortable about it because it’s the thing I want to do most.” (05:06)
  • Mother’s understanding response highlights her strength: “If you didn’t feel the way you do, who would there be to fight the war?... If young men your age didn’t have that outlook, this nation would be in a sorry fix.” (05:46)
  • Emotional restraint is evident: “Mother hasn’t very good control of emotions anymore...Mother will cling to me and cry…” (06:07)
  • Ends with an understated, emotional farewell.

Conversation with Hazel – Sibling Memories & Requests (07:09–10:54)

• Jack reminisces with his sister, Hazel, mixing nostalgia and humor.
  • Warm tease about childhood awkward moments: “I must have been obnoxious as all get out.” (07:53)
  • Hazel promises to include family stories in her letters, which Jack says helps him cope with uncertainty: “Put things like that in your letters. They help…they get a fellow’s train of thoughts to working, take his mind off what’s happening at the moment.” (10:06–10:11)
  • Their affection shines through in their easy banter and a parting kiss: “A girl's very proud and happy to have a brother like you, Jack, dear.” (10:47)

Conversation with Father – Mutual Respect & Difficult Goodbyes (11:11–15:57)

• Jack and his father, Paul, struggle to express their deep feelings.
  • Both acknowledge the awkwardness: “Funny, too, because I was just full of things I wanted to talk to you about. Now I can’t remember any of them.” (12:00)
  • Father credits the family for Jack’s character, and reflects on the unpredictability of life paths.
  • Jack notes, “Well, it just goes to show, Dad, you can raise a man to peace and good will. But you push him around enough, he’s still going to develop into a fighter.” (14:46)
  • Paul’s vulnerability is raw: “I can’t bear to see people get into automobiles and drive out of my life. Something tears loose inside of me every time it happens.” (15:06–15:15)

Brief Goodbye with Teddy – Care and Caution (16:01–19:12)

• Jack jokes with family friend/nurse Teddy, but she urges him to take care: “Don’t be careless...you’d be surprised what percentage of soldiers are in that hospital out there because they didn’t do all they could to protect themselves.” (18:42–18:57)
• Marked by a grown-up’s concern for young men going off to war, Teddy’s parting is practical but deeply caring.

Conversation with Paul (Brother) – Inexpressible Emotions & Faith (20:23–25:57)

• Jack confides that even as he tries, “I don’t seem to be able to say anything important.” (20:43)
• Paul philosophizes about the limits of language: “…they're only symbols. Man is too inarticulate to express the deep things of his mind and emotion. There just aren’t words for them.” (21:01)
• Paul shares war advice and thoughts on faith: “When a man's going out where you may be going, God's a mighty important part in your life.” (22:27)
• Jack confesses his doubts about adequacy: “Do you think I can take care of the job ahead of me?” (23:49); Paul responds, “You'll have to find that answer inside yourself when the time comes.” (23:52)
• They reflect on fear and courage, across generations.

Goodbye with Wife Betty – Last, Most Intimate Farewell (26:25–30:03)

• Jack goes to say goodbye to Betty, who has made herself and their daughters look their best for his departure.
• They try to reflect on their blessings: “We’re a pretty lucky couple.” (27:31) “Just shot full of luck, us Jack Barbours.” (27:35)
• Betty’s longing for normalcy is palpable: “And then we’ll live like a real American family should live again…” (28:42)
• Jack’s promise: “That’s my going away promise...to come back and fit into our way of life.” (29:18)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mother’s Strength:

  • Jack: “You know what’s funny? You were the one I rather dreaded to talk with alone.” (06:01)
  • Mother: “If you didn’t feel the way you do, who would there be to fight the war?” (05:46)

• On Sibling Support:

  • Hazel: “A girl's very proud and happy to have a brother like you, Jack, dear.” (10:47)
  • Jack: “See you after Tokyo.” (10:54)

• Father’s Vulnerability:

  • Paul: “I can’t bear to see people get into automobiles and drive out of my life. Something tears loose inside of me every time it happens.” (15:06–15:15)

• On the Inexpressibility of Deep Feelings:

  • Paul: “They’re only symbols. Man is too inarticulate to express the deep things of his mind and emotion. There just aren’t words for them.” (21:01)

• On Duty and Courage:

  • Paul: “I've never known a good soldier yet who wasn't more afraid of being afraid than he was of actual combat.” (24:01)

• On Family and Hope:

  • Betty: “I wish you were coming home instead of just going out.” (27:59)
  • Jack: “That’s my going away promise…to come back and fit into our way of life.” (29:18)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:37 – Narrator introduces tonight’s special context (actor’s real military service)
• 04:18–07:07 – Emotional scene: Jack and Mother talk in the sewing room
• 07:09–10:54 – Jack reminisces with Hazel; humorous and tender
• 11:11–15:57 – Jack and his father try and mostly fail to articulate their feelings
• 16:01–19:12 – Jack and Teddy: a blend of flirtation, care, and somber responsibility
• 20:23–25:57 – Deep philosophical talk with brother Paul on faith, words, and war
• 26:25–30:03 – Poignant last moments between Jack and Betty as he prepares to leave

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Tone & Language

• The episode is warm and sentimental with a strong undercurrent of melancholy and patriotism.
• The dialogue employs a naturalistic, conversational style, with gentle humor, honest vulnerability, and moments of poetic simplicity.
• The family members never overstate their emotions, resulting in understated but powerful scenes.

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Conclusion

“One Man’s Family: Lieutenant Jack Barbour Leaves for the Pacific” stands as a moving testament to the challenges faced by families on the home front. It captures the quiet heroism and poignant anxieties found in the everyday moments before a loved one goes to war. The episode’s gentle, sincere performances and its focus on family, memory, and the ineffable bonds between loved ones, make it a classic example of Golden Age radio’s power to comfort and reflect a nation in wartime.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

One man's family is dedicated to the mothers and fathers of the younger generation and to their bewildering offspring. Tonight we present chapter nine, book 54, entitled Lieutenant Jack Barber Leaves for the Pacific.

There comes a time in every show when the best way to tell a story is to let the audience behind the scenes. And I think this is one of those times. As those of you who've listened to one man's family throughout the years know, the character of Jack Barber is played by Paige Gilman, now Lieutenant Paige Gilman of the United States Army Field Artillery. That is why the character of Jack has been on the show so infrequently the last two years, because Lieutenant Gilman has been stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, just as Jack Barber has been at Fort Sill all these months. And now, suddenly, everything has changed. Lt. Gilman is being shipped out to the Pacific. He's home on leave this week. And that makes it possible for us to have the character of Jack home with the family one more time before he takes up his military duties on the other side of the world. Lt. Gilman was 13 years old when he first came into one man's family. That was 13 years ago. And believe me when I say that to us on the show, his going away is the same as sending out our own son and brother. That is the story behind the story of tonight's broadcast.

And now a little family confab with father and mother Barbara and some of.

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[Paul Barber (Father)]

Yes. Royal desserts taste more delicious.

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Uncle Paul.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Well, I'll take royal, Mom.

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I agree with what 8 out of every 10 said. Royal desserts taste more delicious. Teddy? Uh huh. Royal for me too. Okay. Margaret, how about it? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Eight out of every ten say, royal desserts taste more delicious. Royal desserts taste more delicious.

[Jack Barber]

Well, there you are.

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I choose royal too. And that makes it unanimous.

[Narrator]

Yes. And see if your family doesn't agree. To a man that royal desserts taste more delicious. Serve them a royal dessert tomorrow. One of those swell royal puddings, perhaps. Smooth, creamy, textured, flavorful. Or a tangy, tempting royal gelatin dessert. No matter what kind, what flavor, if it's royal, they'll love it.

When Lieutenant Jack Barber suddenly dropped in on his family night before last and said he was headed for active duty in the Pacific and that he had just 48 hours leave, his family closed in about him like the arms of a mother about a small child. The desire to do something for him, to be something to him, to help sustain him in preparation for this new adventure was overwhelming. As the hours went by and they found him relaxed, cheerful and confident. Then everyone else began to relax and the household was back to normal again. And now it's time for him to go. Almost time. An army jeep is to pick him up in front of the house at 4:30. It's 4:10 now. In the last 20 minutes at home, he's trying to have a little private conversation with each member of his family. Just at the moment he's up in his mother's sewing room with her.

[Jack Barber]

It's too bad Cliff and Irene couldn't get down from the Sky Ranch today.

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Skippy's got the influenza.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, sure. I said goodbye to them last night when they were here. It's okay.

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Where's Betty?

[Jack Barber]

She's in the nursery printing up the three daughters. She says she wants the last glimpse of my family to be something extra special.

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Betty's a good wife, Jack. Yeah, a devoted wife and a good daughter in law.

[Jack Barber]

It's working out all right having her and the children here with you and dad.

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It'd be a very lonesome house without her.

[Jack Barber]

I'm glad you feel that way.

[Narrator]

Mom.

[Jack Barber]

About my going out to the Pacific.

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Yes, Jack.

[Jack Barber]

What's that you're doing?

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Just a little needlework.

[Jack Barber]

What you used to call fancy word.

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Yes.

[Jack Barber]

Well, what I started to say is you can be very comfortable about it because it's the thing I want to do most.

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Yes, I know.

[Jack Barber]

I'm going out to do something I know how to do and I'm confident I can do it. Well, it's cost the government between 20 and $25,000 to educate me to do this job out of sheer desire to prove that I'm now capable of functioning as I've been trained. I want to go.

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Yes, my dear.

[Jack Barber]

Maybe you think it's reckless and unthinking to look at it that way. Maybe you think I'm not considering Betty and the children enough.

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No, Jack, I don't think that.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, I rather expected that you would.

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No, son. Because if you didn't feel the way you do, who would there be to fight the war? If young men your age didn't have that outlook, this nation would be in a sorry fix.

[Jack Barber]

Mom, you're amazing.

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Am I?

[Jack Barber]

You know what's funny? You were the one I rather dreaded to talk with alone.

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I understand, my dear. Mother is getting old. Mother hasn't very good control of emotions anymore. Mother will cling to me and cry, and I won't be able to stand.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, you're wonderful, Mom.

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You'll be gone a year, two years, maybe even three years.

[Jack Barber]

Yes.

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Your father and I won't be getting any younger.

[Jack Barber]

But you'll be here when I get back.

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I hope so.

[Jack Barber]

You will. All of you. I want everything just as it is when I come back.

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We'll try to keep it that way. Now, hadn't you better go talk to your father, see what time it is?

[Jack Barber]

Yeah, I expect a hand. Don't get up. Just put your face up here.

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Oh, Mother.

[Jack Barber]

Mother, you mustn't.

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Oh, there you are.

[Jack Barber]

Hello, Hazel.

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I was just coming upstairs to find you. Where's Mother?

[Jack Barber]

She went to her room.

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You said goodbye to her?

[Jack Barber]

Yeah.

Here, let's sit down here on the steps for a minute.

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Have you time?

[Jack Barber]

Sure. I was going down to see dad in the library, but I'd rather talk to you first. Sit down.

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A little confidential chat on the stair landing, huh?

[Jack Barber]

Yeah.

You know, Hazel, it's queer, but seems like I want to talk about some different phase of my. My life with each member of the family. What comes into my mind now isn't anything like what I said to Mom.

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Yes, I understand, Dad.

[Jack Barber]

I keep thinking of when I was a kid sitting here with you. Remember how I used to get in your hair and Claudia's whenever you had boys around? I must have been obnoxious as all get out.

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Well, you had your moments, I'll give you that.

[Jack Barber]

I remember how you married Bill Herbert and how Nikki Lacey followed Claudia back here from England. And how dad disliked him at first.

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Oh, but he got to like Mickey among his favorite people.

[Jack Barber]

Sure, those wonderful summers up at the sky range. You're all going up again this summer, aren't you?

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It looks like it, yeah.

[Jack Barber]

You think we're all being.

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Yes, I am.

[Jack Barber]

China, India, Burma, Manchuria, who knows?

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We'll be thinking a great deal about you all the months your way.

[Jack Barber]

What do you think I'll be doing?

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Jack? Yeah, you'll keep the letters coming, won't you?

[Jack Barber]

You know, I've done pretty good at Fort Sill.

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Yes, but this is going to be different. Keep them coming twice a week, especially for Betty and mother.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah, but you'll have to remember the mail facilities out there.

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Oh, yes, but you do your part and we'll do ours.

[Jack Barber]

It's a deal.

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Jack, do you remember the time you rented a set of full tails about 10 times too big for you and went to pay a call on your heart's desire?

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Oh, boy.

[Jack Barber]

I was 13.

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And she slammed the door in your face. She thought you were clowning.

[Jack Barber]

Busted my heart wide open.

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Hey, you know something? What?

[Jack Barber]

Put things like that in your letters. They help.

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Recollections of our family life.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah, things like that. In a letter, they get a fellow's train of thoughts to working, take his mind off what's happening at the moment.

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It's a good idea. I'll do it.

[Jack Barber]

Well, time's getting short.

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Of course it is. I've kept you longer than I meant.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, no, just that I still gotta see dad and Paul and Teddy and want to get back up to Betty before the jeep gives me the beep. Beep.

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Naturally.

[Jack Barber]

Here, give me a hand.

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Oh, you go ahead. I'll go up and talk to mother a little.

[Jack Barber]

Hey, how about a kiss? Of course.

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A girl's very proud and happy to have a brother like you, Jack, dear.

[Jack Barber]

See you after Tokyo.

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Yeah.

Go on now.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah.

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After Tokyo.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Is that you, Jack?

[Jack Barber]

Yeah. Just been saying goodbye to mom and Hazel.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

So soon?

[Jack Barber]

Yep. They'll be dropping by for me in about 15 minutes.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

So seldom you're with us so soon. You go.

[Jack Barber]

Dad. You know, I'm gonna get a great pleasure out of two mental pictures of you.

One of them sitting here in that big chair before the fire. The others of you out in the garden, on your knees.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Typical, I expect.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah. Yeah.

Huh?

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Nothing. Nothing.

[Jack Barber]

No.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

What's the matter here, anyway? The minutes are slipping by and we're not saying anything to each other.

[Jack Barber]

Funny, too, because I was just full of things I wanted to talk to you about. Now I can't remember any of them.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Stage fright. That's what's the matter with us. Stage fright. Our moment is here and we're tongue tied.

[Jack Barber]

Well, it is a pretty big thing to try to put into words all the love and affection and appreciation a son has for his father.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Yeah. You.

[Jack Barber]

You feel that way, Dad, I never appreciated the kind of a home you created for us here in Seacliff until I got out into the army and had a look at some of the rest of the world.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

I like hearing you say that, Jack. I remember those words and keep them with me.

[Jack Barber]

Well, they're true words.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Well, then I don't need to convert you to the idea that the family is the keystone to good government.

[Jack Barber]

Not me.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

You've got 10 minutes more in our midst, and we're talking social problems. Well, what's got into me, anyway?

[Jack Barber]

Well, maybe it's hard for us to say what's inside us. Maybe we're just talking around the bush because the real things just won't come out.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Yes.

[Jack Barber]

Yes.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Before you came in here, I was sitting here thinking about you, trying to make out what there was in your life which. Which had brought you to this circumstance.

[Jack Barber]

What circumstances have arranged it so that I'm about to jump off the western hemisphere and land on the battlefront some nine or ten thousand miles from here. I don't know, Dan.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

You weren't such an exceptional baby.

[Jack Barber]

Hey, no, you weren't.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

You gurgled and you hiccuped and you cried your full share. I'm sure there wasn't anything in your infancy which pointed out that you were to become a lieutenant in the field artillery.

[Jack Barber]

I wouldn't know.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

After your boyhood and adolescence, I don't recall anything. Oh, yes. The policeman on the block brought you home by the ear a couple of times for pranks, but he did the same to the other boys.

There was nothing in the little boy who said his prayers or the adolescent who suffered so much from calf love to indicate that you were going to go into.

[Jack Barber]

In fact, if any boy was taught peace at any price, it was me. When Paul came back from the last war with a bad leg and shell shock, the very word war was Taboo in this house.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

And I'm sure there was nothing in your study of law at Stanford, nor in your marriage, a production of Three Daughters which points you out as a belligerent fellow.

[Jack Barber]

Well, it just goes to show, dad, you can raise a man to peace and good will. But you push him around enough, he's still going to develop into a fighter. Yeah.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

I'm going to say goodbye to you here in the house. I don't want to see you drive away.

[Jack Barber]

Nobody's going out.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

I just can't bear to see people get into automobiles and drive out of my life.

Something tears loose inside of me every time it happens.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah, I know.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Well, I think I'll get up.

Oh, I see Margaret outside.

I think I'll go down in the garden with her until you're gone.

[Jack Barber]

Sure, if you want to.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

If I put my arm around you.

[Jack Barber]

You better touch me. Okay, Dad, I understand.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

God bless you, boy. God bless you.

[Jack Barber]

You too, dad.

Well, that's life as she's lived today, I guess.

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Hey, you in here by yourself?

[Jack Barber]

Oh, no, Teddy.

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I thought you were here with Father Barbara.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, he just said goodbye. He's going down in the garden.

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Oh, I was going to tiptoe by and not bother him. Then I saw you standing here alone.

[Jack Barber]

You know something, Teddy?

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

What?

[Jack Barber]

You've got to be one of the best doggone looking girls I know. You think I'm kidding? I mean it.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

I'll bet.

[Jack Barber]

Your number one priority with the boys in the hospital, even in white stockings.

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So the army's giving you away with the girls, is that it?

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[Jack Barber]

I've always had a way with the one girl I care about, baby. Who else?

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She said she wasn't going outside to see you leave.

[Jack Barber]

No, I'm going to say goodbye to her upstairs in her room. That's the easiest and the best.

Saving her for last.

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Naturally.

[Jack Barber]

Well, Teddy?

[Paul Barber (Father)]

What?

[Jack Barber]

Do you ever hear of Wayne Grubb and Tracy Baker?

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

Well, he knew that Tracy was flying a P38 and was shot down in the African campaign. He was in the hospital for a little. Then he went to flying a bomber over Germany?

[Jack Barber]

Not a scratch.

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Huh. And the last letter said he was being transferred to the Pacific Theater.

[Jack Barber]

Tracy's turned out to be quite a lad. Is he still in love with you?

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We write regularly, but they aren't those kind of letters.

[Jack Barber]

And Wayne Rub?

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Wayne's kind of gone out of my life. Oh, I hear maybe once every three months. He's in supply. Well, this letter said he might get.

[Jack Barber]

To Manila and I might see him over there.

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Uh huh.

[Jack Barber]

Why do you see it like that?

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

I don't know. I was just thinking.

I suppose they wouldn't be taking you if they didn't need you.

[Jack Barber]

I doubt it. Why?

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I guess I keep thinking of things from a nurse's point of view.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, yeah.

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You've got a wonderful physique. You've got a lot to live for when you come back.

[Jack Barber]

In other words, take care of myself.

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It's silly because like everyone else, you'll do what's required of you. But don't be careless. You'd be surprised what percentage of soldiers are in that hospital out there because they didn't do all they could to protect themselves.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, I've been trained for that.

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So were they. But some of them relaxed or forgot, just didn't give a hoot. Look at them now. And it wasn't necessary at all.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah.

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So that's what I mean when I say, take care of yourself. Go out and give them all you've got, but play them close to your chest.

[Jack Barber]

This is the girl who was running around in pigtails five or six years ago.

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You grow up fast in this day and age.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah.

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I'm on my way to the hospital now. I mustn't be late.

[Jack Barber]

Okay. I'll go to the front door with you.

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All right. It's hard to realize this is happening to you.

[Jack Barber]

I guess every man's call overseas has said the same thing.

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Well, see you when it's over.

[Jack Barber]

Hey, do I have to ask for kisses around here?

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

I was hoping to get away fast. I'm not used to kissing the boys goodbye.

[Jack Barber]

Here.

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Now let me go.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah. See you when it's over.

Yeah, see you when it's over.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Oh, Jack.

[Jack Barber]

Hello, Paul. I thought you were probably up in your studio.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

No, I've been waiting for you in the living room.

[Jack Barber]

You know, this is the queerest experience of all of it. Trying to square accounts with everyone before I have to go.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

You having much success? No. I thought so.

[Jack Barber]

I don't know what's the matter. I don't seem to be able to say anything important. Everything's trivial. So much that ought to be said. So much I'd like Mom and dad and all of you to know before I go. I haven't said any of it, of course. You really aren't surprised?

[Paul Barber (Father)]

How can a man put into words what he feels towards those who created him and molded him and watched over him? He can't, any more than the human creature can express himself eloquently to his God. What do people do when they want to thank their God or beseech his help? They sing homely, conventional hymns. They say simple oft repeated prayers. They get down on their knees and bow their heads in simple supplication. They give money to charity. All the simple, homely, everyday words and gestures that have been said and done since the beginning of time. Do you think these things are the actual relationship between man and his Maker? Not at all. They're only symbols. Man is too inarticulate to express the deep things of his mind and emotion. There just aren't words for them.

[Jack Barber]

But I flounder so.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Do you doubt that God doesn't know our intent when we kneel? Of course not. And in just the same way dad and mom know the feeling in your heart when you look into their faces and touch their hands.

[Jack Barber]

When I'm not falling down?

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Not at all.

[Jack Barber]

I. I've never heard you talk of God before, Paul.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

I'm doing it purposely. When a man's going out where you may be going, God's a mighty important part in your life. A lot of the men don't take him with them. But those who do are comforted the most at difficult times.

[Jack Barber]

I. I don't know whether I can or not.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

It's not something to worry about. I just thought you'd like to know that when I was in France in the First World War, I found there were times when I could talk to God when I couldn't talk with anyone else. I don't know who or what God is any more than you do. And I'm afraid my conception of him is pretty unorthodox and unconventional.

I can't go with you where you're going. And I just thought I'd like to give you something to think about if you ever get in a tight place.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah. Thanks.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

One other thing. Don't worry about Betty and the children. They'll get attention from all of us.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, I know that.

There's something else, though.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Well, let's have it.

[Jack Barber]

It's about myself. Oh, Paul, you went through the last war. You must have some way of Measuring a man.

Do you think I can take care of the job ahead of me?

[Paul Barber (Father)]

You'll have to find that answer inside yourself when the time comes.

[Jack Barber]

It's not something you can help me with.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

I will say this, that I've never known a good soldier yet who wasn't more afraid of being afraid than he was of actual combat.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah. You know, we've talked about that a lot. I mean, bull sessions. It's even had some official recognition. But I have a queer kind of sensation of being inadequate, wondering if my superior officers know my weaknesses. But I'll be asked to do the one thing I won't be able to do.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

What one thing?

[Jack Barber]

I don't know. I'm sure there's something.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

You've got a large, oversized dose of stage fright.

[Jack Barber]

Dad said he and I had stage fright was the reason we couldn't talk to each other.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

It's because you're still 10,000 miles from action. Once you get your feet on the ground, begin going through all the routine you've acquainted yourself with in training camps and all that doubt and wonder will slip away.

[Jack Barber]

You know, Paul, it just came to me. It's pretty doggone interesting, isn't it? Soldier of 1918 talking to a soldier of 1945.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

And us being brothers, the old and the new, huh?

By the way, it's 25 after 4.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, hey, it's only going to give.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

You five minutes with Betty.

[Jack Barber]

Well, we decided we didn't want too long and just make it harder. That's why I saved Betty for last, so I could run down and get in the jeep and be gone the minute it arrived.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Well, excuse me now, if you're going to dash out that fast, I'd better say goodbye now.

[Jack Barber]

Yeah, I wish you would. No last minute stuff.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Well, try to remember some of the things I've tried to say to you. And remember there's safety and security waiting for you when you come back to us. And above all, don't worry about Betty.

[Jack Barber]

Thank you, Paul.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Well.

Goodbye.

[Jack Barber]

Bye, Paul.

[Paul Barber (Father)]

Well, go on, go on. Betty's waiting.

[Jack Barber]

E I meet you, Betty? See you when it's all over.

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Hello?

[Jack Barber]

It's me, Betty.

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

Is it time? Is it time yet?

[Jack Barber]

Oh, Betty, you're beautiful.

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You like it?

[Jack Barber]

I didn't know you had a dress like that. What have you done to your hair?

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

Well, I dulled the infant daughters all up and then I thought maybe you'd like to see me looking beautiful, too.

[Jack Barber]

Just a minute while I close the door.

Now, come here and get yourself kissed.

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Oh, yes.

There it's almost time now, isn't it?

[Jack Barber]

Almost.

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

Have. Have you said goodbye to everyone else?

[Jack Barber]

Yeah. Saved you for dessert.

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

I'm afraid your daughters are all asleep. Here they are, over here.

[Jack Barber]

Maybe it's better that way.

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

Maybe I should wake Elizabeth. Sharon Ann, anyway.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, no, don't.

All washed and combed and curled. Be dark.

You know something, Ben?

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

What?

[Jack Barber]

We're a pretty lucky couple.

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

Oh, yes.

[Jack Barber]

Just shot full of luck. Us Jack Barbers.

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

Jack. We shouldn't brag about it.

[Jack Barber]

Why not? There isn't every man that has the most beautiful wife in the world. Plus the three most beautiful daughters. But you're leaving, is I? Just for a little. I'll be back in no time at all. Look, already men are coming home from war, been out fighting, and now their time is up and they're coming home.

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

I wish you were coming home instead of just going out.

[Jack Barber]

But think of the interesting letters I'm gonna send you from all the interesting places. Is that gonna be as good as.

[SpinQuest Announcer (Legal/Promotional)]

Somebody to lie close to? Somebody to put his arm around me? Is that as good?

[Jack Barber]

Betty, my darling, we had it all figured out, remember? Last minute being sorry for ourselves.

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But keep your arm around me. You can do that till it's time.

[Jack Barber]

Of course I can.

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Would Jack make it all happen quickly? Make it so that you can come back for always? I can feel complete and whole again. Not just half a thing.

[Jack Barber]

Getting along as quickly as I can be, honey.

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And then we'll live like a real American family should live again. I'll cook you breakfast in the morning and you'll read the paper and go down to your law office and I'll have the whole day to teach our children our way of life and have the house ready for your homecoming. And after dinner, we can be alone to plan our plans. Or go over to Mother and Father Barbara's or go to a show. Everything will be so safe and sure and wonderful again.

[Jack Barber]

It will.

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Won't make it happen, Jack. Make it come true.

[Jack Barber]

That's my going away promise to me it is to come back and fit into our way of life. That's my promise. Oh, yes.

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Jack.

[Jack Barber]

Yes, Hazel.

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The Jeep's down in front.

[Jack Barber]

Oh, no, thank you.

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Oh, no, Jack.

[Jack Barber]

Barry, you mustn't hang on to me. You mustn't make it so hard.

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Not this time. Jack.

[Jack Barber]

Don't go this time, darling. They're waiting. Let me go quickly, the way I want it to. That's it.

Goodbye, darling.

Please don't look that way. Just say goodbye. Of course. Goodbye, darling.

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I wish I'd been braver. I wish I'd been braver.

[Narrator]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 88 out of every 10 say royal desserts taste more delicious. Yes, Royal desserts taste more delicious. Yes ma'. Am. When 1526 Royal Desserts users told why they want royal every time, 8 out of every 10 said royal desserts taste more delicious. Try one and see. Ask your grocer for Orange Royal Gelatin tomorrow. Its tangy, fruity flavor makes you think of big golden oranges heavy with juice. And it's sweetened just right. Takes none of your precious sugar. Yes, Royal gelatin desserts are different. They're flavor sealed, richer, tangier. Always get royal gelatin desserts and royal puddings too. Take any flavor your grocer has. If it's royal, it's a real treat.

You just heard chapter nine, book 54 of One Man's Family, written and produced by Carlton E. Morse for the makers of Royal Desserts and Tender leaf tea. Chapter 10, entitled what took Paul to Washington will come to you next week at this same time. It's iced tea time. And that means that the flavor of your tea is doubly important because flavor is the making of delicious iced tea. Richer flavor and more of it. So don't compromise with anything less. Get famous for flavor. Tender Leaf tea, the finer blend that transforms iced tea from a beverage into an event. Every glass, every sip is a testimonial to your judgment in making this flavor choice. A summer long tribute to your taste. A daily source of gratification because the melting ice dilutes the tea, of course. And there's only one way to combat it. That is to have plenty of flavor to begin with. Plenty of the kind of flavor that brings tender leaf tea its fame. Stock up for warm weather. Put in a supply. Make this year's iced tea season the best one so far with more refreshing, more satisfying Tender leaf iced tea with meals in between. Ask your grocer for Tender Leaf brand tea. The four ounce size one man's family comes to you from California. This is the Blue Network of the American Broadcasting Company.

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