Rogers Of The Gazette 1953-07-22 (03) Dirty Politics

Summary

Podcast Summary: Rogers Of The Gazette 1953-07-22 (03) Dirty Politics

Release Date: July 26, 2025
Hosted by: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

"Rogers Of The Gazette" transports listeners to the quaint town of Elyria during the vibrant summer of 1953. Hosted by Will Rogers, Jr., the episode titled "Dirty Politics" delves into the intricacies of small-town dynamics, political maneuvering, and personal redemption. The story unfolds around the Illyria Weekly Gazette, helmed by Will and his dedicated assistant, Maggie Button, showcasing the pivotal role of local journalism in shaping community affairs.

The Battle Over the Youth Center

The episode sets the stage at a bustling town council meeting where Ava Lawson, a passionate welfare worker and granddaughter of the formidable Mayor Averil Dean, advocates for the construction of a youth center. Her proposal, championed by her extensive work with at-risk youth, faces staunch opposition.

• Ava Lawson passionately counters the mayor's skepticism:

  "[02:48] Ms. Lawson, this is a council meeting, not an open hearing. You were given a chance to present your suggestion and the council has not acted on it, and the matter is closed."

Despite her heartfelt plea, the motion to purchase land for the youth center is narrowly defeated with a vote of 3-4. Ava's determination remains unshaken, prompting her to consider a more direct approach to instigate change.

Ava Lawson's Candidacy

Inspired by Ava's unwavering commitment, Will Rogers, Jr. recognizes the potential impact of her candidacy on Elyria's future. Challenging the notion that politics requires formal qualifications, Will encourages Ava to run as a write-in candidate, emphasizing the Gazette's support as a nonpartisan entity striving for genuine community improvement.

• Will Rogers, Jr. underscores the accessibility of political engagement:

  "[03:32] Politics is the only profession in this country where you don't need any qualifications to get a job."

Ava officially announces her candidacy, igniting a spirited campaign backed by the Gazette. The team mobilizes to produce special editions, strategize speeches, and rally the townspeople around Ava's vision for a better Elyria.

Facing the Opposition

As Ava's campaign gains momentum, a rival newspaper, the County Herald, undermines her efforts by publishing a defamatory article tagging her as an ex-convict. The revelation of her father's past forgery conviction adds fuel to the local skepticism.

• Jim (Ava's father) reveals his troubled history:

  "[17:07] I just did it. I was caught and I served six months in jail."

This smear campaign culminates in a misleading photograph depicting Will and Ava at a midnight boat landing, sparking rumors of impropriety and further damaging Ava's reputation. The Gazette faces dwindling support as the town grapples with conflicting narratives.

Election Day and Aftermath

On election night, the Gazette narrowly loses the race by a mere thousand votes, largely attributed to the orchestrated scandal by the County Herald. However, amidst the disappointment, a surprising turn of events unfolds.

• Mayor Averil Dean approaches Will with a transformative proposal:

  "[25:37] I resigned from the council about an hour ago. And I got them to appoint you to fill out my term."

In a heartfelt reconciliation, Mayor Dean admits his long-held grudges and acknowledges the value of Ava's persistence, leading to his resignation and Ava's appointment to the town council. This act of humility not only resolves personal tensions but also paves the way for the realization of the much-needed youth center.

Resolution and Reconciliation

The episode concludes with themes of forgiveness, community unity, and the triumph of integrity over deceit. Will reflects on the importance of supporting worthy causes beyond personal and financial losses, underscoring the Gazette's unwavering commitment to the town's welfare.

• Will Rogers, Jr. muses on the paradox of effort and success:

  "[27:28] Logic's all right, Maggie, as long as it's on your side. But you don't really need it. You know, it's kind of like that famous paradox of Zeno."

By embracing empathy and truth, Elyria emerges stronger, demonstrating that genuine leadership and collective will can overcome even the murkiest of political machinations.

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Notable Quotes

1. Will Rogers, Jr. on Politics:

   "[03:32] Politics is the only profession in this country where you don't need any qualifications to get a job."

2. Jim on His Past Mistake:

   "[17:07] I just did it. I was caught and I served six months in jail."

3. Will Rogers, Jr. on Common Sense:

   "[07:37] But common sense is about the most uncommon thing that I know of."

4. Mayor Averil Dean's Apology:

   "[25:30] Accept my apologies. For one thing. That picture the Herald printed, I. I didn't know about it ahead of time."

5. Will Rogers, Jr. on Forgiveness:

   "[26:31] Well, if you can, Ava. Forgive and forget. He does need you."

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Conclusion

"Dirty Politics" masterfully weaves a narrative that highlights the resilience of community spirit against political corruption and personal vendettas. Through the characters' journeys, listeners witness the transformative power of truth, support, and reconciliation in overcoming adversity. This episode serves as a timeless reminder of the values that sustain small-town harmony and progress.

Transcript

[Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, the editor of the ILLYRIO Weekly Gazette, Mr. Will Rogers, Jr.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Thank you. You know, lots of people say that public opinion should be guided by our best politicians and statesmen. The only thing is that all too often our politicians and statesmen are best guided by public opinion.

[Narrator]

Rogers of the Gazette offering you again tonight transcribed another heartwarming story of a country newspaper and its friendly editor and Starring Will Rogers, Jr. It's like any other small town. But the folks who live in Elyria wouldn't live anywhere else. Now that it's summer, the trees have leafed out in the square around the town hall, and the grass is growing.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Up thick and green.

[Narrator]

The Weekly Gazette faces one side of the square, where Will gets out the weekly paper. He and Maggie Button, his assistant. Of course, Will's likely to be anywhere but in his office, fishing, out, visiting, or like this afternoon, maybe sitting in on a meeting of the town council.

[Mayor]

All right, gentlemen. Members of the council, mark your ballots. Vote them as usual. Place them in the box.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Here's mine, Mayor.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Whoa.

[Mayor]

Thank you, Averil. Didn't take you long to make up your mind.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

I had it made up.

[Ava Lawson]

Well, they're going to vote it down. They're certain to.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Now. Ava, I figure the only thing certain in this world is that nothing is certain.

[Ava Lawson]

Old Averil Dean, he's responsible for it. As long as he's in office, there's no chance of getting you.

[Mayor]

You visitors gonna have to be quiet or else leave the council room. All right, boys, pass those ballots on up now.

[Ava Lawson]

The town needs that youth center. Will, I know those kids on the edge of town. I've worked with them for three years now on the welfare board. They'd be a lot different if they had a place like that to go to, a place that belonged to them.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Ava, you're quoting my own editorials at me.

[Mayor]

In the matter of the motion to purchase a parcel of land for the construction of the youth center, the council votes as follows. 3 votes yay, 4 votes nay.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Motion is defeated.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

And a good thing, too. Another fool scheme to spend the taxpayer's money.

[Ava Lawson]

Oh, really, Grandfather? Is the taxpayer's money more important than the taxpayer's children?

[Mayor]

Ms. Lawson, this is a council meeting, not an open hearing. You were given a chance to present your suggestion and the council has not acted on it, and the matter is closed.

[Ava Lawson]

Of course it is, mayor. Because grandfather, Mr. Dean says so. Mr. Dean owns the town and the council. Look at next week's election. Why, nobody's even got the nerve to run against him.

[Mayor]

You're out of order, Ms. Slauson.

[Ava Lawson]

He can't be fooling all the people, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

He doesn't have to. Just enough of them to get elected.

[Ava Lawson]

It's not. If somebody would only run against him.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

I'll bet they could beat him. Well, it's worth a try. Why don't you do it? Me? Sure. People in the town know you. They know what you stood for on the welfare board and know what you believed in.

[Ava Lawson]

That's no qualification for holding down.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Ava. Politics is the only profession in this country where you don't need any qualifications to get a job.

[Ava Lawson]

Do you really think there's a chance.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

You'Ll never hatch chickens if you don't set some eggs? What do you got to lose? I'll do it.

[Ava Lawson]

Mr. Mayor, I'd like to announce my candidacy for the office of Town Councilman.

[Mayor]

Ms. Lawson, the final date for filing was a month ago. The election's next week.

[Ava Lawson]

But I'm running as a write in candidate.

[Mayor]

Well, this is hardly the place to.

[Ava Lawson]

Furthermore, I'd like to announce that I'm being supported by the Illyria Weekly Gazette and its editor.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Now, wait a minute, Avrah.

[Ava Lawson]

Will you talk me into this?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Yeah, but Maggie and I have always made sure that paper stayed nonpartisan in these local elections.

[Ava Lawson]

You and Maggie want that youth center.

[Announcer]

Just as bad as I do.

[Ava Lawson]

All right. You'll never hatch chickens if you don't set some eggs.

[Jim]

Now, what have you got to lose?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Just half of my circulation and advertising and. Oh, confound it. Yes, I'll support you. Ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen, what Ms. Lawson said is correct. The Gazette is backing her all out. What?

[Mayor]

Gentlemen, gentlemen, please. Mr. Rogers, this is a council meeting, not a newsstand. Gentlemen, please. Now, please. Now just a minute.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Now.

[Mayor]

The council is adjourned.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Well, I trust you'll come to your senses when you think this over. Meantime, I'll ask you to cancel my advertising, political and business.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

All right, Mr. Dean.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

As for you, young lady, I. Good day, both of you.

[Jim]

Maybe you have got something to lose.

[Doc]

Eva. What the dickens is all this? Somebody out in the hall was saying you're gonna run for the council.

[Ava Lawson]

I am, Jim.

[Doc]

But you've got no business in politics.

[Ava Lawson]

Look who's talking. The city attorney.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's different.

[Doc]

I'm not a woman. Reason with her, Will. Talk her out of it.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

I'd be glad to, Jim. But there's only one trouble, though. I talked her into it.

[Ava Lawson]

That's right. Will's backing me. We're in this together.

[Doc]

Oh, I see.

[Jim]

See what?

[Doc]

Well, I thought it was always you and I who were in things together.

[Ava Lawson]

Oh, now, wait a minute, Jim. It's nothing like that. It's business. Politics.

[Doc]

Well, good luck to you.

[Ava Lawson]

Jim, wait.

[Jim]

Jealous idiot. I'll have to go talk to him.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Yeah, maybe you better.

[Ava Lawson]

All right, well, I'll meet you at your office later. Hello, Doc.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Hello, Ava.

[Doctor]

Well, well, well, if it isn't the boy alone on the burning deck whence all but he have fled.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Hi, Doc.

[Doctor]

You and that Lawson girl seem to have stirred up quite a ruckus, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Yeah, I'm just beginning to realize it. Pretty girl.

[Doctor]

Might be a good thing if she.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Was on the council.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Doc, what's this about Ava being old man Dean's granddaughter?

[Doctor]

It's a fact, Will, on her mother's side. The old man didn't approve of his daughter's husband. Ran him out of town before Ava was born. Mother died later, Ava put herself through college, came back here and got that welfare job. She sure is a pretty girl. Mighty pretty.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Holy smoke. What I just happen to think. Wait till Maggie hears about this.

[Announcer]

Well, I'm only saying what you've always said yourself. Now, Maggie, small town newspaper can't survive unless it's stays nonpartisan in local elections.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

I know that, Maggie.

[Announcer]

Do you not only jump right in with both feet, you jump in on the losing side.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Now wait a minute. You're calling me out before I even get up to bat. I don't think Ava Lawson's gonna lose. I think she's got a darn good chance.

[Announcer]

She's very pretty, isn't she, Will?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Now, Maggie, why do you have to start in on that?

[Announcer]

Well, isn't she?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Yes, but confound it, that's got nothing to do with it. It's a matter of principle, Maggie. Now, if Ava gets in, she'll make sure that youth center's built. That's something we've been trying to get done for a year. You're all for it yourself. You know you are.

[Announcer]

But Will, Mr. Dean took a full page political ad in tomorrow's edition. When he hears about this, he'll probably cancel.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

He has heard about it and he has canceled. Well, now wait, Meg. Maybe we will lose some money, but we're backing a candidate who stands for something. Remember, it's not the price that counts. It's what a thing's worth.

[Announcer]

Okay, Will, I don't know why I'm arguing. When you're for it, I'm for it.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Good girl, Maggie. Now look, we're gonna have to break this page and kill Dean's ad. Put one of Ava in the place.

[Announcer]

We ought to use a picture, Will. That'll pull in some votes.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Good idea. Then we gotta knock out a new editorial. We gotta work up some speeches this week. We'll get out a special edition the day before election. And, Maggie, we're gonna be busier than a pair of bobtail fillies in springtime.

[Ava Lawson]

I could go on, ladies and gentlemen, tell you of incident after incident I've come across in my work with the Welfare Board. Things most of you haven't known about. Well, I've known about them and so have some of our town fathers. It's about time something was done. And if you see fit to elect me to the council, something will be done.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Now, don't get worried, folks. I'm just here to introduce the candidate and sort of tell you how I stand on this election. I'll wind up the whole job in five minutes. You know, when it comes to speeches, I've always agreed with the fellow who said that a speech ought to be like a woman's dress. Just long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to maintain interest. You know, our opponent has done a lot of talking about horse sense. I guess that's good enough. Only I don't just see that it means too much. I've always figured that horse sense was only just about what sense you need to stand up between the shafts of a wagon and let yourself be hitched up and driven.

[Jill Hunting]

Daddy, you haven't forgotten about the ice cream cone, have you?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

No, Jill Hunting. Don't you ever think of it?

[Jill Hunting]

Well, usually I'd know you wouldn't Forget, Daddy. But Mrs. Weatherwax says you've got lots in your mind this week.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Chill, baby. Have I been neglecting my very best girl?

[Jill Hunting]

That's all right, betty. I want Ms. Lawson to get elected, too. I think she's pretty, don't you?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Yeah, I guess she is. Look, honey, I got a fine idea. Ms. Lawson and Ms. Button and I are going to work at the office tonight getting out a special edition. How'd you like to come down with us and stay up late and maybe have some hot chocolate?

[Ava Lawson]

Oh, could I, Daddy?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

You sure could, honey. Now, let's go in the bank. Here, I want to cash it to Will.

[Doctor]

Hiya, Joe, honey.

[Jill Hunting]

Good afternoon.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Hello, Doc.

[Doctor]

Well, Will, way it stacks up around town, looks like you got yourself a.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Winning candidate in Ava Lawson. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[Doctor]

Elections day after tomorrow. Can't much happen in that length of time.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Maybe not but the day you cut the hay is always the day it rains.

[Jill Hunting]

I don't see any clouds, Daddy.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

You're right, honey. There aren't any clouds. Look, why don't we all go down to the drugstore and get some ice cream?

[Doctor]

That is a good idea, Will.

[Jill Hunting]

I think I'll have a double strawberry cone with black walnuts on top.

[Doctor]

And I think I'll have a double banana split.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Oh, document. Now, let's get the rest of your life history. Ava, we're up to college. Where did you go?

[Jim]

State U. Major in social science.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

State U. Four years.

[Jim]

No, five. Well, I. I was out a year.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

All right, five years. Then what?

[Announcer]

Here's a statement for the front page, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Oh, swell. Maggie. Give it to Ed and have him set it up.

[Announcer]

Here you go, Ed. 12 points, two column box.

[Jim]

All right.

[Jill Hunting]

Is it going to be much longer, Daddy? I'm getting sort of tired.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Just two shakes of a rabbit's tail, honey. We'll be going home before you know it. Now, let's see, Ava. Where were we?

[Doc]

Hello, Will.

[Announcer]

Jim.

[Ava Lawson]

Is there something wrong?

[Doc]

I saw your car in front, so I figured you were here.

[Ava Lawson]

Yes, we've been busy getting a special edition ready.

[Doc]

We're busy to keep our date.

[Announcer]

Oh, Jim, I'm sorry.

[Jim]

I forgot all about it.

[Doc]

That's a simple enough reason, Jim.

[Jim]

I'm sorry, Father.

[Doc]

I'll see you around.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Ava. Maybe I didn't do you a favor by talking you into this.

[Jill Hunting]

What was he so mad about, Daddy?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Well, don't you worry about it, honey. You just curl up there in the chair and we'll be through in no time.

[Doc]

Evening, everybody.

[Ava Lawson]

Oh, hi, Doc.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Hello, Doc.

[Doctor]

I saw Jim leaving just as I came in. I suppose he told you the news.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

What are you talking about?

[Doctor]

Got a copy of the county Herald here. Come in on the 11 o' clock bus. Boys are selling them on the streets in Elyria.

[Announcer]

They've never sold an edition here before.

[Doctor]

This one's an extra, Maggie. I understand old man Dean's backing them.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Well, I guess it doesn't surprise me much.

[Doctor]

This will, though. Big front page article, picture and all.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Here, let's see what the opposition. These pictures. Why, they're you, Ava.

[Announcer]

Let me see. Well, they're prison pictures with a number under them.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Illyria Reform candidate, ex convict. This is libel. We'll sue them for every cent they've got.

[Jim]

Well, no, it has to be true.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

True?

[Jim]

I served six months for forgery my sophomore year in college.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Ava.

[Ava Lawson]

I'm sorry, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Now wait a minute. No, Will.

[Announcer]

Let Me go.

[Ava Lawson]

Just let me go.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Sam Hill's this all about? Howdy, folks. County Herald. Photographer. Gotta get some pictures. Is there a Ms. Ava Lawson here? No. And get out. Easy, boy. Power of the press. You. You know, I've got to go after her. Take over here, will you, Maggie?

[Announcer]

Of course, Will.

[Doctor]

I'll go with you, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Thanks, Doc. Come on.

[Narrator]

You are listening to Rogers of The Gazette, starring Mr. Will Rogers, Jr. We'll return to tonight's story in just a moment. But first, what would happen if you lost the knob of your radio dial? If you returned to CBS radio when it happened, you'd still get all the programs America listens to most. The comedy, music, variety and news broadcasts that have always been first in American listening habits. And now we continue with the second act of tonight's.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

I can't figure it, Doc. Now, why the dickens would she want to drive out here to Jedder's Lake?

[Doctor]

Women, Will. They don't think like normal people.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Neither do normal people. She must be down there at the boat landing.

[Doctor]

Somebody else driving in, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Headlights back there? Yeah. Doc, wait here, will you? I better talk to her first, alone. All right, Will. Ava. Ava.

[Jim]

Leave me alone long now.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

A boat landing at midnight's no place to solve anybody's problems. Ava, hadn't you better get back from the edge? Water's pretty deep there.

[Jim]

I know it is.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

You know, all you do would be to get us both kind of wet.

[Jim]

No, I'm not going to jump, Will. I thought I was, but I couldn't. I'm sorry.

[Announcer]

I got.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Well, I figure a few mistakes through life are kind of good for a person. They kind of make him get up and scratch. Same way with a dog. He's better off if he's got a few fleas. Gives him something to think about. Keeps him from setting around and brooding over being a dog. Oh, well, come on now. Let's get back to the office and see what we can pull out of this rack.

[Jim]

But I'm afraid there's not much.

[Ava Lawson]

Watch out. Watch out.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Hang on, I'm coming. It's all right. I got a hold of you. Relax now. Don't kick around. Hey, folks, look up here. Huh? That's it. Hold it.

[Mayor]

Thank you.

[Ava Lawson]

What was that?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Flash ball, baby. We just got our picture taken.

[Announcer]

Would you like some more coffee, Ava?

[Jim]

Oh, thanks, I would. Maggie. Okay. Well, that's the story of my childhood, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Kind of a rough one.

[Jim]

Yeah. The other happened in my sophomore year in college. I worked and saved enough money for my first two years at State U. But I was sick during my freshman year and the money ran out. I was desperate and I forged some checks so I could stay in school. No excuse. I just did it. I was caught and I served six months in jail.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

But you finished college. You went back.

[Jim]

Yes. Because one of the professors had the faith and the kindness to take me in hand. She taught me understanding. Gave me the courage to go back. Told me that people were kinder than I knew. And they were.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Will. Ava. Have you got the nerve to go back again?

[Jim]

Go back again?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

I mean, to stand up in front of the people of this town and tell them what you just told Maggie and me. The whole story? Everything.

[Ava Lawson]

Quite a thing to face.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

He did it once before.

[Jim]

All right. When?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Tomorrow night. Well, tonight. Holy smoke, it's two in the morning. Now, you go home and get some sleep. Maggie and I still gotta get the paper to bed.

[Jim]

All right, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

I'll fix it so we can use the bandstand in the park. We'll probably have a big turnout. They'll all be curious, if nothing else. Go on now. Get out of here.

[Ava Lawson]

I'll get these pulled back to you tomorrow, Maggie.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

All right.

[Announcer]

There's no hurry. Good night, Ava. And good luck.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Good luck. Well, Maggie, I guess we're in kind of a spot.

[Announcer]

I love understatement.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Now, we're gonna kill that front page story and just carry an announcement about Ava's speech in the park. Maybe they'll go along with her and maybe they won't.

[Ava Lawson]

Well, common sense ought to tell them.

[Announcer]

What'S best for this town.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Maybe. But common sense is about the most uncommon thing that I know of. There is one outside chance, though. I'll have a talk with old man Dean in the morning.

[Announcer]

Dean? What cause?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Well, I've got to do something. And it's just possible he's not as mean a man as he seems. Come to think of it, I don't think anybody could be.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Have a seat.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Will may not be here long, Mr. Dean. I guess I'll stand up. This painting here. Your wife? Yes. She looks a lot like your granddaughter, Ava. I imagine your daughter did too.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Did you come here to compare family resemblances or did you have something on your mind?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Well, a little of both, maybe. Mostly, I guess I came to find out why you let the Herald use that story about your granddaughter.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Well. Well, I not only let them use the story. I gave it to them.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

You gave it to them? Yes.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

The people of this town had a right to know the truth about a candidate who was asking for Their votes. I've always known about Ava's term in jail.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

You mean that all the time your daughter was half starving and struggling to bring up Ava, you didn't turn a hand for her?

[Mayor Averil Dean]

She made her choice when she married that no good Lawson. As far as Ava was concerned, since she'd inherited a father's weakness, there was nothing to be done for her.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Oh, I see.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Well, there you are, Will. Like them or not, there are your answers.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Mr. Dean. The way I figure it now, when a man does anything, he usually has three reasons. The one he says out loud, the one he thinks, and the real one. And it's the real one that's important. You kept track of your daughter all through the years, but you didn't go near her. Why? I told you because you loved her and you quarreled. And that bull neck pride of yours wouldn't let you back down on the surface. You told yourself you hated her and hated her child, but deep inside, you knew different.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

I think you'd better go, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Inside, you hated yourself because you knew your pride was only hurting her. And for 25 years, it's made you a lonely man. You're a lonely man Now, Mr. Dean.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Well, get out of my house.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

All right, I'm going. But you know something, Mr. Dean? We may lose the election, but when it comes right down to it, you're the one I feel sorry for.

[Announcer]

You are certainly right about one thing, Will. The whole town turned out well.

[Doctor]

The execution gonna proceed on schedule, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Just waiting for you, Doc. Oh, thanks for setting up here on the platform with us.

[Doctor]

Well, I figured seeing me up here might remind some of my patients to pay their bills.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Evening, Ava.

[Doctor]

Hiya, Maggie.

[Announcer]

Hi, Doc.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

All right, Will.

[Doctor]

Let mirth and joy reign unrestrained.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Well, might as well get started, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. You know, to you folks in Elyria, an election is a serious business. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here tonight. Well, it is to me, too, or I wouldn't be here either. You see, this year for the first time, I endorsed a candidate for the town council and we started our campaign. Then last night, everything went wrong. The trouble was caused by this article in the County Herald, which is not one of the better newspapers in these parts. It's badly written, the pipes blurred, and it's printed on rather pretty poor stock. In fact, I just don't recommend it at all. Anyway, anyway, as you all know, the article attacked my candidate, a woman I respect and believe in. And I thought you'd want to listen to her side of it. So that's why she's here, folks. Ms. Ava Lawson. All right, Ava, go tell it to him. And good luck.

[Jim]

Thanks, Will.

[Announcer]

What are the chances, Will?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Maggie, ask him 20 minutes from now.

[Jim]

My fellow townspeople and friends, tonight, I'm.

[Ava Lawson]

Not making a political.

[Jim]

This is something far different and far more difficult. Something that has to be done.

[Ava Lawson]

I'd like to begin by going back.

[Jim]

A number of years and telling you.

[Ava Lawson]

Something about the kind of life I.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Never.

[Jim]

As I see the facts at least. So I tried not to leave anything out. Well, there's the story. Thank you for listening to it. I'm through now.

[Announcer]

I have nothing more to say.

[Jim]

Tomorrow is election day. Or as you might call it, Judgment Day.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Maggie. Therefore. Listen to that. They're on her side.

[Ava Lawson]

Sure are.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Looks like she pulled it out of the fire wheel.

[Ava Lawson]

Oh, I couldn't go through with that again with my light.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Well, it's all over now, Ava. The apple cart's right side up again. If they'll only remember tomorrow how they felt tonight.

[Doc]

Ava.

[Ava Lawson]

Jim.

[Doc]

Ava. I sat out there listening, pulling for you all the way, kicking myself or acting like I had. And then I saw this paper here. Take a look at it.

[Doctor]

What's the matter with Gim anyway?

[Announcer]

Will, look.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Huh?

[Ava Lawson]

That picture last night at the lake. It's you and me, Will, in the water with just our heads shut.

[Announcer]

But read the caption.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Will, Editor and candidate in midnight swimming party at Jetters Lake. And they're selling it all over the park. People will sure read a lot into that.

[Doctor]

That's not there.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Well, there goes the election right out the window.

[Announcer]

Thanks very much.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

More returns, Maggie.

[Announcer]

8Th Precinct. 110 to 96. Needless to say, we're on the short end.

[Jim]

I'm sorry, Will.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

That was. That photograph in the Herald. Cost us a thousand votes. Just enough to lose. Well, we place second anyway.

[Ava Lawson]

It's all my fault. That's the thing that.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Come in.

[Doc]

Good evening.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

What can we do for you, Mr. Dean?

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Accept my apologies. For one thing. That picture the Herald printed, I. I didn't know about it ahead of time. And the Herald of the Way won't be sending any more additions into Illyria.

[Mayor]

Well, now, I. Ms. Larson.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Eva. My congratulations.

[Jim]

The other way around, isn't it? I'm the one who lost.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

I resigned from the council about an hour ago. And I got them to appoint you to fill out my term. Since I just re elected, that means a full four years.

[Ava Lawson]

I don't understand.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Maybe Will can explain it to you. He explained a few things to me yesterday. You're right, Will. I am a lonely man. One who needs his granddaughter. I'd like a chance to prove to her that he can change once he's made up his bull headed mind to. Well, good night, granddaughter, everyone.

[Announcer]

I wouldn't believe that if I hadn't heard.

[Jim]

Will, it looks as though I owe quite a lot to you.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Nothing a youth center won't pay for.

[Jim]

There'll be one.

[Ava Lawson]

I just can't believe it.

[Jim]

About. About grandfathers.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Well, if you can, Ava. Forgive and forget. He does need you. And it wasn't easy for him to come here tonight. Oh, it's not much of a trick to see ourselves as others see it. The hard part is believing it and admitting it. And that's what he did.

[Doc]

Anybody here speaking your pools tonight?

[Ava Lawson]

I am, Jim.

[Doc]

Are you in a mood to listen to abject apologies?

[Ava Lawson]

Yeah, among other things.

[Doc]

My car's outside.

[Jim]

And what are we waiting for?

[Doc]

Well, I'm sorry. I guess I was a real idiot.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Are you? Sure as the dickens were. Go on, get out of here, the both of you. See you tomorrow. Good night.

[Jim]

Good night.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Maggie. I don't know quite how it happened, but we came out all right after all.

[Announcer]

Well, by all logic, we shouldn't have.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Logic's all right, Maggie, as long as it's on your side. But you don't really need it. You know, it's kind of like that famous paradox of Zeno.

[Announcer]

The ancient Greeks will at this time of night.

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Now, it seems that a fellow named Hercules was going to run a race with a turtle. Well, naturally they gave the turtle a head start. So Zeno pointed out that before Hercules could catch the turtle, first he'd have to cover half the distance between them, then half the remaining distance, then half of that, and so on. Logically, then he'd always have half the remaining distance to go. And no matter how fast he'd run, he'd never quite catch up to that turtle.

[Ava Lawson]

So what happened?

[Will Rogers, Jr.]

Well, Hercules didn't know about logic, but he was a darn good runner. He won the race.

[Narrator]

You have just heard Rogers of The Gazette, starring Mr. Will Rogers, Jr. With. With Georgia Ellis as Maggie Button. Tonight's story was written by Les Crutchfield and produced and Transcribed by Norman McDonnell. Featured in the cast were Parley Bear as doc and Mary McGovern as Jill. With Virginia Gregg, Will Wright, John Stevenson, Byron Cain and John Danar. The special music was composed by Renee Garag and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. This is Bob Lamond.

[Doc]

This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Mayor Averil Dean]

Sa.