Operation Nightmare 53-12-24 (13) High Wire (aka-Fear of Heights)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Operation Nightmare 53-12-24 (13) High Wire (aka-Fear of Heights)
Release Date: February 22, 2025
Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio

---

Overview

"Operation Nightmare 53-12-24 (13) High Wire (aka-Fear of Heights)" is a gripping episode from Harolds Old Time Radio series, immersing listeners in a dramatic tale of fear, balance, and personal struggle set against the backdrop of a circus's high-stakes performances. This episode masterfully blends suspense with character-driven narratives, exploring the psychological battles that underpin everyday actions and ambitions.

Plot Summary

The story centers around Judy Branson, a diligent and level-headed secretary working for a powerful tycoon. Judy leads a seemingly uneventful life until a minor accident—a simple run-in leading to a fall—triggers a profound fear of heights. This fear spirals into a debilitating nightmare, affecting her professional and personal life.

Parallel to Judy's storyline is that of Joe, her spouse, who grapples with his own anxieties and frustrations stemming from Judy's newfound fear. Their interactions reveal deep-seated tensions and misunderstandings, highlighting how fear can strain relationships and derail careers.

The narrative intricately weaves Judy's struggle with high wire acts performed by circus acrobats, symbolizing the precarious balance between fear and courage. As Judy confronts her fear, the episode delves into themes of self-doubt, resilience, and the quest for stability amidst chaos.

Key Characters

• Judy Branson: The protagonist, whose fear of heights becomes a central conflict.
• Joe: Judy's husband, whose impatience and lack of understanding exacerbate Judy's fears.
• Wendy: A friend or colleague who interacts with Judy, offering support yet also contributing to the tension.
• Laura: Another key figure who provides a contrasting perspective and aids in Judy's journey.
• Narrator: Guides the story, providing insights and commentary on the characters' struggles.
• Circus Announcer: Adds an authentic touch to the circus setting, heightening the dramatic tension.

Notable Scenes and Quotes

1. Introduction of Judy's Fear:

   • Narrator [00:37]: "Why does she want to do such a dangerous thing day after day? Well, no one knows."
   • This sets the stage for Judy's internal conflict and the mystery of her fear.

2. Joe's Frustration Mounts:

   • Joe [09:57]: "Perhaps if all of this ridiculous nonsense about falling down doesn't stop soon, I will want out."
   • Highlights the strain Judy's fear places on their marriage.

3. Judy's Plea:

   • Judy [08:00] [15:14]: "Please wait for me. Help me, Joe, please."
   • A poignant moment showcasing Judy's desperation and vulnerability.

4. Climactic High Wire Sequence:

   • Narrator [16:00]: "Tell me, do you like to climb to high places? A mountaintop? Or perhaps enjoy going to the uppermost story of some great skyscraper?"
   • Symbolizes Judy's internal battle with fear and her journey towards overcoming it.

5. Resolution and Transformation:

   • Narrator [21:58]: "And so we leave little Judy in the air. She lost her fears away up there in her mind fear makes its lair causing grief and so much care."
   • Conveys Judy's triumph over her fears, suggesting personal growth and liberation.

Themes and Insights

• Fear and Its Impact: The episode delves deep into how fear, even of seemingly minor incidents, can escalate into major psychological hurdles affecting various aspects of life.

• Balance Between Personal and Professional Life: Judy's fear affects her job performance and marital relationship, illustrating the delicate balance individuals strive to maintain.

• Resilience and Overcoming Adversity: Judy's journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to confront and overcome deep-seated fears.

• Miscommunication in Relationships: Joe's inability to understand Judy's fear exacerbates their troubles, highlighting the importance of empathy and communication.

Concluding Remarks

"Operation Nightmare 53-12-24 (13) High Wire (aka-Fear of Heights)" offers a compelling narrative that resonates with listeners through its realistic portrayal of fear and its repercussions. The episode effectively uses the metaphor of high wire performance to parallel Judy's internal struggles, crafting a story that is both entertaining and emotionally enriching. The seamless integration of character development, thematic depth, and dramatic tension makes this episode a standout in the Harold's Old Time Radio series.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Narrator [00:37]: "No one knows. And yet people do dangerous things all the time without much thought about the risk of losing life."

• Joe [09:57]: "Perhaps if all of this ridiculous nonsense about falling down doesn't stop soon, I will want out."

• Judy [08:00]: "Please wait for me. Help me, Joe, please."

• Narrator [16:00]: "Tell me, do you like to climb to high places? A mountaintop? Or perhaps enjoy going to the uppermost story of some great skyscraper?"

• Narrator [21:58]: "She lost her fears away up there in her mind fear makes its lair causing grief and so much care."

---

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, providing an engaging and comprehensive overview for listeners who haven't yet experienced it.

Transcript

[Kelly Clarkson]

Hey y'all, it's Kelly Clarkson here to talk Wayfair. No matter your space, style or budget, shop wayfair.com to make your home way more you.

[Laura]

Wayfair. Every style, every home.

[Joe]

From the shadows of the senses comes.

[Narrator]

This the fantasy of fear nightmare starring.

[Joe]

As your exciting guide to terror. Peter Lorry.

[Narrator]

You know, I. I wonder what makes some people do the things they do. Like. Like the charming young creature you see under the circus tent. Balancing herself so gracefully on a tiny wire high over the heads of the gaping spectators. Why does she want to do such a dangerous thing day after day? Well, no one knows. And yet people do dangerous things all the time without much thought about the risk of losing life. And then our girlfriend is Judy, who never lived dangerously. Her greatest earthly threat was a simple run in her hose. A fearful thing to happen, especially to a young professional secretary like Judy. But life has a way of tripping us up. It tripped Judy and she fell right into a living nightmare. Now, about this girl, Judy Branson. Oh, such a very nice, pretty young thing. She has an excellent position in an office. A secretary to a real tycoon. Oh, and she's so efficient and so level headed. And nothing to worry her pretty little head. Except. Except one day she. Tripp. And he felt it was such a small thing. Nothing to be afraid about yet. Almost overnight. Almost overnight. Judy, I'm what you find out for yourself. I don't want you to fall for anything. I must say.

[Judy]

Hell.

[Joe]

Once again, ladies and gentlemen, look serious angler.

[Circus Announcer]

We present that exulting young lady by Wild Michelle who will ascent at a height of 100ft in the air without a match. A double sales and fish. We charge us flying.

[Joe]

Oh, cut it, honey. This trick isn't so dangerous. They make out these people know what they're doing. Been practicing for years. Anything they do without a net, they do well. Cuz it's easy and they're not taking chance.

[Wendy]

How you know so much.

[Joe]

I know, that's all. Watch.

[Circus Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, remain in your seat, please. Go with your the Go with your remaining. Your seats, please.

[Joe]

Feel better?

[Wendy]

I'm all right now, Jill.

[Joe]

Good.

[Wendy]

Felt better when I found out she wasn't hurt too badly.

[Joe]

Yeah, well, you know those people know what they're doing. Even when they fall, they fall. Right. Good thing the fall was broken by that pack alone.

[Laura]

Must be an exciting life.

[Joe]

What?

[Circus Announcer]

Circuses.

[Wendy]

You know, when I was a little girl, I always thought someday I'd like to be a circus acrobat.

[Joe]

You?

[Wendy]

Well, what's so Funny husband, dear cutie.

[Narrator]

Stop it.

[Joe]

You a circus acrobat on a high wire?

[Laura]

Well, why not?

[Wendy]

Why, the practice, the ambition and the drive.

[Joe]

Yeah, yeah, all it's. But, baby, there's only one thing that you'd have lack.

[Wendy]

Oh, what's that?

[Joe]

The talent, honey, the talent.

[Wendy]

Talent? Joe, how dare you.

[Joe]

I don't mean it that way, honey. But look, kid, like I said before, those people have perfect balance. That's their talent. If they haven't got it, they don't last. Perfect balance, honey, that's the answer.

[Wendy]

And I suppose you think I'm clumsy.

[Joe]

Well, I wouldn't put it that way, but I wouldn't say you had perfect balance. Beauty.

[Wendy]

Well, why not? Why wouldn't you say it?

[Narrator]

Now, don't get insulted.

[Laura]

I'm not insulted.

[Wendy]

I just want to know why, that's all. What makes you think you know so much?

[Joe]

Well, look at it. Look at our game of tennis, for instance. Every time we play, you take a spell or two.

[Wendy]

That has nothing to do with circus work.

[Joe]

But it's the same thing, honey. Don't you see that? It's all a matter of balance. And if you fall on the tennis court, means your coordination is off.

[Wendy]

That's not why I fall on the court.

[Joe]

Oh, well, then why do you?

[Wendy]

Because you get me nervous, that's why. Because you're always telling me how you'd like some competition, that I don't give.

[Laura]

You a good game.

[Joe]

Now, look, I don't make you fall.

[Laura]

You do too.

[Joe]

Baloney. You're the one who falls, not me.

[Wendy]

You're telling me I'm clumsy again.

[Joe]

Ah, Judy, I didn't say that. I only said you don't have perfect balance and that the circus people have it or else they.

[Wendy]

Now, don't tell me what you were saying. I can hear you all.

[Joe]

Easy, baby, Easy. Easy, baby. There, there.

[Wendy]

I didn't even see the curb.

[Joe]

Sure you saw it. And you see what I mean about balance?

[Wendy]

Well, what are you laughing at? I could have broken my leg. I suppose that's funny.

[Joe]

No, baby, that wouldn't be funny. What are you so sensitive about? You're so touchy.

[Narrator]

Just.

[Wendy]

I'm sorry.

[Joe]

No, kid. You're well off working where you are as a stenographer and a nice slave offers.

[Laura]

Judy. Hi, Laura. You ready for lunch?

[Wendy]

About a minute. I have to finish this paragraph.

[Laura]

Sure, I'll wait.

[Wendy]

Where do you want to go?

[Laura]

Well, I got about 70 cents, baby, for Payday Blues. How about Hamburger Paradise?

[Wendy]

Fine.

[Laura]

We'll have to walk down today. You Know I said we'll have to walk down today. Aren't you just thrilled?

[Wendy]

Walk down? What do you mean?

[Laura]

Elevators. Out of service. Repairing them or something.

[Wendy]

Well, for heaven's sake. You mean we have to walk down 20 flights of stairs?

[Laura]

Oh, lovely. What's the matter?

[Wendy]

Nothing.

[Laura]

You look funny.

[Wendy]

I'm all right.

[Laura]

Well, you ready? Sure. I guess I can't do anything else with this face. I was born with it. I suppose there will have to do. Come on.

[Wendy]

Just let me get my.

[Laura]

Oh, careful. Oh, children. Are you hurt?

[Wendy]

No, no, I'm all right.

[Laura]

Are you sure? That was quite a fall. I'm all right. Laura, what in heaven's name made you do that?

[Wendy]

I don't know. Maybe that pencil on the floor. I slipped on it, I guess.

[Laura]

Well, didn't you see?

[Wendy]

You. Yes.

[Laura]

Well, then why did. Oh, never mind. As long as you're not hurt.

[Wendy]

Come on.

[Laura]

I'm hungry. Oh, here we are. Well, come on. Let's descend into the mail storm. There's nothing we can do about it, huh? Stillwell's dark too. Guess they got the electric off while they fix the elevator.

[Wendy]

Laura, wait.

[Laura]

Huh? Maybe.

[Wendy]

Maybe we should or have something set up.

[Laura]

Are you kidding? I told you I only got 70 cents. Well, with a tip of the roll it wouldn't be enough. And I'm real hungry today. Come on.

[Wendy]

I could lend you some money.

[Laura]

Oh, come on. The fresh air will do us good. Look, what's the matter with you?

[Wendy]

Nothing. Nothing. I'm alright. Let's. Let's go down.

[Laura]

Now. There's six steps to the flight.

[Wendy]

Now.

[Laura]

Can you feel your way? It's six steps down. You turn and another six down and you turn and another six between each four.

[Wendy]

What floor are we on? Are we almost down?

[Laura]

Oh, no, we're only at 15 now, I think.

[Wendy]

I can't see a thing.

[Laura]

There's a man ahead of us with a flashlight. Come on, let's catch up.

[Wendy]

Wait, don't.

[Laura]

Don't get so fed. Oh, for heaven's sake, Judy, what are you so throw. Just hold onto the rail and feel your way. Now, come on. I'm hungry.

[Joe]

Laura.

[Wendy]

Laura, wait for me. Please wait.

[Judy]

Laura. Laura, wait for me. Don't leave me here. Laura. Please help me. Laura, please.

[Narrator]

You see? You see? Now you can understand why Judy feels the way she does. Falling can be dangerous, of course. One can't tumble down 20 flights of stairs. No, that's impossible. We might wish Judy many happy landings, huh? Still. Still. Julie's afraid one has to take so many steps every day. Steps have trapped her. Trapped her in a living nightmare. Now, let's see, where were we? Oh, yes, yes. Trying to keep from falling. Oh, poor, poor little Judy. Well, there must be some answer for her. See, I know a place where one doesn't have to worry about falling. She don't mind the damp feeling of cold mob. How about each day fate tries to trip us with small things. Oh, a pencil on the floor or the runner on a stair. Just a tiny greasy spot. I wonder how Judy can escape. Or for that matter, how many of us can.

[Wendy]

We're frightened.

[Joe]

Well, it's about time you stopped being frightened. It's about time you grew up. Judy stopped acting like a scared kid. Stopped falling all over the place.

[Wendy]

You know, Joe, I'm sorry.

[Joe]

Yeah, well, how about me? What about me and the laughingstock you're making of me? Falling on the dance floor, screaming in public, crying in front of all those people. Letting yourself be frightened by a flight of stairs.

[Wendy]

Joe, I couldn't help it. Believe me, I couldn't help it.

[Joe]

And then because of a little flight of stairs, because you get frightened on top of everything, you have to go and quit the job.

[Wendy]

I just panicked at Joe.

[Joe]

Sure, you sure did. Quitting a good paying job because you're afraid of a flight of stairs. It's no fun for me, you know. Gets to be my problem too. Always worrying about when and how you're going to embarrass me. After all I got.

[Wendy]

Well. Well, if you don't like this marriage, if you don't like me, if you want out, anytime you can, you can.

[Joe]

Oh, baby, don't say that.

[Wendy]

You're making me a nervous wreck.

[Joe]

What about me? I'm a nervous L and you're the cause of it. And maybe you're right, Judy. Maybe if all of this ridiculous nonsense about falling down doesn't stop soon, I will want out. Maybe I will. Oh, Jo.

[Wendy]

Judy Holmes.

[Joe]

Judy, for Pete's sake, that's no answer.

[Laura]

No, it'll work, Joe.

[Wendy]

I know it.

[Laura]

Let's move, please.

[Joe]

But we're only on the fourth floor here.

[Laura]

It's too high, Joe.

[Wendy]

It's too high.

[Narrator]

Judy.

[Laura]

Please.

[Joe]

Joe, please. All right, all right. I'll see if I can break the lease. We'll move to the ground floor apartment.

[Wendy]

Oh, honey, thanks.

[Joe]

But this is it, you hear? This is the last time. The last condoming routine. You hear?

[Wendy]

Yes, darling.

[Joe]

And I mean it. You know what I mean. Judy, don't.

[Wendy]

Please don't.

[Joe]

We've been living here for three months. Three whole months on the ground floor. And for a while it's fine. But for a month and a half now, you haven't moved out of that chair. You haven't been outside the house more than once a week for shopping. Why, Judy?

[Narrator]

Why, Joe?

[Wendy]

Please.

[Narrator]

Why, Judy?

[Joe]

Tell me why?

[Wendy]

The steps. I'm afraid of the steps.

[Joe]

Steps? Judy, for heaven's sake, there's only three steps out to the street. Three stupid steps.

[Wendy]

I'm afraid I'll fall, Joe. I'm afraid I'll fall.

[Kelly Clarkson]

If you're a facilities manager at a university, you know students rely on the cafeteria for breakfast, lunch, dinner and the occasional late night snack. So when a dishwasher breaks down and dirty plates pile up, the mess hall can turn messy in the blink of an eye. Enter Grainger. With over a million industrial grade products and fast delivery. The product you need now is never far away. So you can turn that dishwasher back into a lean, clean washing machine. Call clickranger.com or just stop by Ranger for the ones who get it done.

[Joe]

Merry, merry, merry Christmas, sweetheart.

[Wendy]

Oh, darling, I can't wait to unwrap it.

[Joe]

Well, it's not so much it. You take a look at it.

[Wendy]

Oh, darling, whatever it is, I'll love it because it's from you.

[Joe]

Say, I. I thought you were going to finish dressing the tree while I was at work. I. I did, Joe, but only the bottom part. Joe, I left the ladder for you. Why didn't. Oh.

[Wendy]

Hello.

[Joe]

Well, what happened?

[Wendy]

I'm sorry, Joe.

[Joe]

I've been waiting in this dive with Paul and Laura since quarter past six. What's keeping you?

[Wendy]

I'm not coming, Joe.

[Joe]

Not coming? Why not?

[Wendy]

Joe. Joe, come home, please. I'm frightened.

[Joe]

What?

[Wendy]

There's a pencil on the floor.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Wendy]

Joe, I'm afraid I'll fall. Help me, Joe, please. More tea, lads?

[Laura]

No, no, thanks. I gotta watch this figure. Paul says I'm getting as wide as I am high man. You never can please them. Of course, I always thought your Joe was different, but I guess I was wrong.

[Wendy]

Wendy Lee, two days ago, took a hotel room.

[Laura]

Well, if you ask me, it's because you quit your job. These men are all alike. They marry a girl to support her and then they expect her to bring money into the house. Just like Paul. I tell you, Judy, they're all alike. Those young. Not one that's any different.

[Wendy]

No, it's my fault, Laura. It's my fault. It's not Joe. It's me.

[Laura]

I'm sorry, Judy. I'm sorry.

[Wendy]

I'll be all right.

[Laura]

Sure sure, everything will turn out okay. You just wait and see. You know, I think you ought to start working again. It'll do you good. Give you a feeling of independence. Then you wouldn't feel you need Joe as much as you do, and he'd come back. The minute he saw you going your own way, he'd come running back.

[Wendy]

You think so, Laura?

[Laura]

Oh, I know so. Why don't you drop up to the office this week? I got a feeling old Carter would give you your job back. You know, we miss you around there, Judy.

[Joe]

Well, I'm certainly glad you came back, Judy.

[Wendy]

Thanks, Mr. Carter. I'm sorry about quitting with such short notice, I hope.

[Joe]

Oh, forget it, Judy. I don't hold any grudges. I understand you had a problem of some kind about those stairs. By the way, you. You. You're over it now, aren't you?

[Wendy]

Oh, yes, Mr. Carter, I'm over it.

[Joe]

Good. Now you can have your old job back. Same one at the same salary. Is that okay?

[Wendy]

Oh, yes, that's wonderful, Mr. Carter.

[Joe]

I'll just have the application drawn up again. Laura.

[Laura]

Yes, Mr. Carter. Hi, you. Judy. It's good to see you back.

[Wendy]

Hello, Laura.

[Joe]

Laura, will you type out an application for Judy? And I want her next.

[Judy]

Yeah.

[Joe]

What's that?

[Wendy]

I don't know.

[Laura]

Fire. That's a fire.

[Judy]

The building.

[Wendy]

It's on fire. Look, there's smoke coming in from the hall.

[Joe]

Oh, well, that's fire.

[Judy]

Stairs are dropping. Out of here.

[Circus Announcer]

Hurry.

[Joe]

Get out. I don't know.

[Narrator]

I. I don't know.

[Judy]

Judy, you got to.

[Laura]

I. I can't.

[Circus Announcer]

Lord, Judy, for heaven, take. It's the only way to think.

[Wendy]

No. No, I couldn't. I fall. I know I fall.

[Judy]

Jody. Jody, look at me. Just look at me. Now listen.

[Laura]

There's only one way out.

[Judy]

Through the window and over that ledge to the other side. Now get here. You'll have to walk. Oh, no, I can't.

[Wendy]

With 24 episode now the legisl. Now I fall. Fall?

[Circus Announcer]

You want to be burned to death, is that it? Judy, you can't stay here. You have to walk out that way. Well, I'm going.

[Joe]

I'm getting out.

[Circus Announcer]

Judy, come on.

[Judy]

No. No, I won't.

[Narrator]

Judy. Judy. Judy, do you know what you are doing? Yes. Yes, you have fallen. Fallen into fear. You cannot win like this. All life has its high and low places. You're not going to give up so easily, are you?

[Joe]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Go on. Take a step. And then another one. And then another. Poor, poor girly Judy. She'll never stop Falling. Until. Until she realizes that she's trapped. Trapped in a living nightmare. Tell me, do you like to climb to high places? A mountaintop? Or perhaps enjoy going to the uppermost story of some great skyscraper? And once there. There, stretched out below you is the great, great city in all its magnificence. You lean far out to get a better view. And suddenly, only for a second, your balance seems gone. But only for a second. And then you catch yourself. After all, you were holding on to a strong iron railing, huh? You weren't afraid. Now I just wonder about Judy. She has a problem. One that has been left hanging in midair. Shall we see?

[Judy]

Judy. Judy, come over. Walk across, Judy.

[Circus Announcer]

Judy, listen to it.

[Judy]

I did it. Everybody did it. You can do it, Judy.

[Circus Announcer]

Yes, you can, Judy, walk across. You've got to. You've got to save yourself, Judy.

[Judy]

You can't do it, Judy. I know you can do it.

[Wendy]

One, two, three. Three steps at a time. Then rest. Now, another three. One, two, three. Now, don't look down, Judy. Don't look down. And behind you, don't look so far down at those little people, the little cars and fire engines. Don't look down, Judy, or you'll fall. Now, just keep going. One, two, three.

[Laura]

Careful.

[Wendy]

Careful now.

[Narrator]

Careful.

[Wendy]

Don't fall, Judy. No, no, don't fall. Don't fall. Don't.

[Laura]

That's it. That's a duty call to closer.

[Joe]

You got it now, girls. Just a few more steps. Come on. Come on. Easy, now.

[Judy]

Easy.

[Joe]

I'm all right.

[Judy]

I'm coming.

[Laura]

Good girl, Judy. That's it. That's it.

[Wendy]

Now.

[Judy]

Now you're here.

[Laura]

Come on, Judy. Wait. What?

[Wendy]

At the. Got my purse.

[Laura]

Yeah, but you forgot your purse. Where?

[Wendy]

In the office.

[Joe]

You can't go back across that ledge. You can't go back to Dennis.

[Narrator]

Why not?

[Wendy]

Scy.

[Judy]

Sc.

[Laura]

You're out of your mind.

[Wendy]

No, no. What's the problem?

[Laura]

Why is it easy, Laura?

[Wendy]

So simple to water, cloth.

[Judy]

You wait here.

[Laura]

I'll be right back.

[Joe]

Let me through, will you, Please, Please. Out of the way. Oh, Judy. Judy, darling. Oh, sweetheart. Sweetheart. Sweetheart.

[Wendy]

Oh, Joe.

[Joe]

And you're not hurting?

[Laura]

No.

[Joe]

But you must be frightened.

[Wendy]

Frightened?

[Laura]

Of what?

[Joe]

That ledge. They told me you had to walk across that ledge up there.

[Wendy]

Twice, as a matter of fact.

[Joe]

Twice?

[Laura]

You. Why?

[Wendy]

What's so surprising, darling?

[Laura]

It was easy. Really. It was easy.

[Wendy]

Darling.

[Joe]

Judy, what's come over you?

[Wendy]

Come over me? I don't know exactly, but I'll feel different somehow. I smell different.

[Circus Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting once again for your entertainment. That Thrilling that exciting that young lady the high prior the large and lovely.

[Judy]

Judy Benson Satisfaction thank we belong to.

[Circus Announcer]

The ver and this sensible feet Our singing transpire will house the feet in the air Due to his performance.

[Judy]

And.

[Circus Announcer]

Without the left, ladies and gentlemen, we shall stand next.

[Judy]

It.

[Laura]

Now, please, please, everybody outside once you get this, please. I'll see you all later. Thank you.

[Wendy]

Oh, I'm so tired.

[Laura]

Joe.

[Wendy]

What's the matter?

[Joe]

Julie, it's got to stop. It's just got to stop, that's all.

[Wendy]

What are you talking about?

[Joe]

Darling, you know what I'm talking about. This ridiculous career yours, this act as a circus. Julie, I'm a nervous wreck.

[Wendy]

But, darling, the new contract is ready for signing and they're upping my salary 200%. We can't wait.

[Joe]

Judy, don't you understand? It's not the money. I don't give a hang about the money. Every time I see a climb that letter, everything turns inside of me and I. I tremble. I gotta close my eyes.

[Wendy]

But, darling, you can't ask me to give up a career that I've spent so much time practicing and perfecting. And I have perfect balance. So why worry?

[Joe]

Judy, this whole thing is ridiculous. Why aren't you afraid? Why don't you get some sense in.

[Wendy]

Your head, you silly. Come here. Just routine, that's all. Just simple routine. Now stop worrying that little head of yours. There's no nothing to be afraid of.

[Narrator]

And so we leave little Judy in the air. She lost her fears away up there in her mind fear makes its lair Causing grief and so much care. Judy knows that fear is absurd Something really for the birds. So she put all fear into full flight. Sees the girl on a tightrope every night. Night. Oh, I do hope you'll sleep tonight. I don't. I will. Dreaming of. Dreaming about. Oh, about a pretty young thing all spangles and glitter Slowly making her way across Across a tiny silver wire Hundreds of feet in the air and now were never thinking of falling. Yes, see, by the way, what makes you afraid?