Studio One 47-05-13 (03) An Enemy of the People

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Studio One 47-05-13 (03) – An Enemy of the People
Air Date: February 12, 2026
Adapted From: “An Enemy of the People” by Henrik Ibsen
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio (CBS production, directed by Fletcher Markle)

---

Episode Overview

In this powerful radio drama adaptation, Studio One presents Henrik Ibsen’s classic play “An Enemy of the People,” reimagined with contemporary relevance. The story centers on Dr. Thomas Stockman, a principled physician in a small town whose discovery of poisoned water at the local health resort sets him at odds with the authorities, the press, and eventually, the townspeople themselves. The episode explores themes of public health versus economic interests, the courage of truth-telling, the danger of majority rule, and the personal cost of standing alone for one’s convictions.

---

Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Highlights

1. Meet Dr. Thomas Stockman and the Town (02:22 – 06:00)

• Dr. Thomas Stockman, a respected physician and medical officer for the town’s health resort, is seen enjoying prosperity and praise for his idea to develop the mineral waters.
• His brother, Peter Stockman, serves as the town’s pragmatic mayor and represents political interests, often clashing with Thomas’s idealism.
• The tensions between the brothers are rooted in their differing values: scientific truth versus political expedience.

“It isn’t just the money. It’s having all kinds of things to work for and fight for. That’s what matters.”
— Dr. Thomas Stockman (04:36)

2. The Discovery: Pollution at the Health Resort (08:06 – 13:00)

• Dr. Stockman receives confirmation from university tests that the water at the resort is dangerously contaminated, likely from waste produced by the tannery.
• He faces immediate resistance from both his brother Peter and his father-in-law, Morton Callum, who have strong economic stakes in the resort.

“Our bathing beach is a cesspool of dangerous bacteria.”
— Dr. Thomas Stockman (10:10)

3. Facing Political and Social Pressure (13:00 – 17:30)

• Peter Stockman urges Thomas to retract his findings for the good of the town, suggesting that expensive fixes or a public scandal could ruin everything.
• Thomas refuses, insisting on the scientific facts and the moral obligation to warn the public.

“Are things so perfect they don’t need to be criticized... that’s your honest opinion?”
— Dr. Thomas Stockman (14:30)

• The press, represented by Hofstad (editor of the People’s Messenger), initially allies with Thomas but backs off when threatened with political and economic fallout.

4. Community Turns Against the Whistleblower (17:31 – 32:00)

• A public meeting is held, orchestrated to silence Thomas under the guise of democratic order.
• Thomas experiences isolation as former allies—Hofstad, Mr. Larson (Taxpayers Association president), and even townsfolk—side with maintaining economic prosperity over exposing the truth.

“Majority of the people… The most dangerous enemy to truth and freedom is the majority of the people. You. All of you. Now you know.”
— Dr. Thomas Stockman (32:22)

5. The Public Condemnation (34:52 – 41:00)

• The meeting climaxes with Stockman’s impassioned speech about the dangers of majority rule and societal complacency.
• The meeting culminates in a formal vote, and the crowd brands Dr. Stockman “an enemy of the people.”

“This meeting of Citizens declares Dr. Thomas Stockman to be an enemy of the people.”
— Mr. Larson/Mayor, after formal vote (41:12)

6. Consequences: Ostracism and Loss (43:36 – 46:33)

• Stockman’s family is ostracized—stones are thrown at their house, his daughter Polly is fired from her teaching position, and they are evicted from their home.
• Despite these hardships, Thomas maintains he won’t apologize or leave town.

“No, I won’t do it. I’ll never do it. You have nothing but contempt for the people, have you, Peter? They’re nothing to you. Public opinion is easy to mold.”
— Dr. Thomas Stockman (49:23)

7. Final Temptations and Integrity (51:08 – 55:55)

• Both his father-in-law and Hofstad attempt to sway Thomas—Callum with the prospect of family security in exchange for silence, Hofstad with political maneuvering and promises of newspaper support if Thomas is more flexible.
• Thomas recognizes these offers as further evidence of systemic corruption.

“I am an enemy of the people.”
— Dr. Thomas Stockman (56:10, repeated for emphasis)

8. Resolution: A New Vision (57:21 – End)

• The Stockman family, now shunned, commits to staying in the town. Dr. Stockman vows to create a new school for his children and others, teaching them to think independently.
• The story ends with Thomas’s realization of the strength found in solitude and moral courage.

“The strongest man in the world is the man who stands most alone.”
— Dr. Thomas Stockman (59:36)

---

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “It’s having all kinds of things to work for and fight for. That’s what matters.” (04:36)
• “Our bathing beach is a cesspool of dangerous bacteria.” (10:10)
• “Are things so perfect they don’t need to be criticized, changed?” (14:30)
• “The most dangerous enemy to truth and freedom is the majority of the people. You. All of you.” (32:22)
• “The strongest man in the world is the man who stands most alone.” (59:36)

---

Notable Turning Points

• Thomas receives university lab confirmation of water contamination (08:06 – 11:14)
• Confrontation with the mayor and demand for retraction (13:00 – 16:04)
• Abandonment by newspaper editor Hofstad (21:10 – 21:58)
• Public meeting and vote declaring Thomas an “enemy” (40:25 – 41:14)
• Dr. Stockman’s realization and final stand (59:36)

---

Tone and Language

The dialogue maintains a rich, earnest, and at times caustic tone, reflective of Ibsen’s sharp critique of social conformity and the perils of consensus over truth. The performances resonate with both empathy and frustration, especially in Stockman’s passionate soliloquies and confrontations.

---

Final Thoughts

“An Enemy of the People” remains ever-relevant: a story about what happens when integrity challenges the status quo, when economics outweigh public health, and when the courage to be right means standing alone against the world. This Studio One adaptation brings Ibsen’s message to life with potent drama, making it as vital for modern listeners as it was in its own day.

---

Transcript

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

I'm here with spinquest, where you can play and win from the comfort of your own home with hundreds of slot games and all of the table games you love with real cash prizes. Right now, $30 coin packs are on sale for $10. For new users, it's [e-mail] that's S-P-I-N Q U-E-T.com SpinQuest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is Studio One at CBS. The Columbia Broadcasting System invites you to Studio One for the third broadcast in a new series of hour length versions for listening of celebrated stories, novels and plays. We introduce the director of Studio One, Fletcher Marle.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Tonight's a social drama, but please don't let those words confuse you as to the nature of the play. It's a most arresting and provocative story with a very important idea behind it, and I'm sure you'll find it worth your time. Back in the days when its author, Henrik Ibsen, hurled his plays at the world, they rocked nations. Some of them are now out of date or out of style, but others are just plainly and simply neglected. Poor Ibsen. One can reasonably imagine him sulking in one of the cooler corners of heaven reserved for Scandinavians, muttering in his beard about what has happened to his plays. But tonight's story is one that would surely snap him out of his dark mood. It's called An Enemy of the People, arranged in contemporary terms. We're going to perform it for you now, for you and for Ibsen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

From studio 1, cbs presents an enemy of the people by henrik ibsen.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

My affairs are going very nicely these days, Hofstad.

[Narrator/Commentator]

That was the voice of Dr. Thomas Stockman. You've met him somewhere, or someone like him. He's slipping over into the heavy side of middle age. He's a family man with a grown up daughter, Polly, and two sons in their teens. He's a confident man. It's in his walk, what he has to say, in his clothes, and most of all in the way he keeps taking off his glasses and waving them at you to stress his points. Just as he's waving them now at his friend Hofstad, a newspaper editor.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You know, it's. It's nice to be comfortably off, Hofstad.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Of course, you know, men like Stockman.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

We can afford a few luxuries now. Catherine says I almost earn as much as we spend doing. All right then, Thomas.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Oh, yes.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Here, Hofstadt. Can I fix you up another drink?

[Narrator/Commentator]

Confident, is right. Since Dr. Stockman became medical officer for the big new health resort here in his hometown, he's worked up a nice private medical practice, too. His stock is pretty high among the townspeople because it was his idea developing the rather unusual mineral waters just on the edge of town.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

There you are, hosted just the way you like it. Thank you, Thomas.

[Narrator/Commentator]

That fellow Stockman is talking to, Hofstad. He's a very good friend of the doctors. He's editor of the People's messenger, the local paper. Some people consider him pretty far advanced politically. That's one of the things Dr. Stockman likes about him. If Hobstead is the advanced element in the town, I suppose the doctor's brother Peter is at the opposite end of the scale of morality. Peter Stockman is the mayor of the town, and he'll probably get elected again next year if his speeches are dull enough. And they are. And if he compromises enough, and he does. Peter Stockman is also chairman of the board of directors for HR Enterprises. Health resort enterprises. He's done all right for himself. The two brothers never got along very well together. Too many differences between them.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Peter. You don't appreciate this, Thomas.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I do.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Having to live so long away from it in my little outpost up north, hardly seeing anybody then to come back here. So much going on in the community spirit. I appreciate the town.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, the town's all right, Thomas, now with the new health resort. Well, if it's a success, then we all gain.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

It isn't just the money. It's having all kinds of things to work for and fight for. That's what matters.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Is it?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I'm really happy here as health officer. So comfortably off, able to provide some comforts at last for Catherine and the children. We nearly starved up there in the north.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, ho, ho. Now, Thomas, you exaggerate.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I don't mean starvation from not enough to eat, but starvation for mental stimulation. All the joy of mixing with progressive and inquiring minds like Kolstad.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, what's. What's this article of yours Huff said's going to print in his newspaper?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Oh, that.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

It's.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's about the health resort, I hear.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Yes. It won't be going in the paper for a while yet, though.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Why not?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I'd rather not talk about it just now.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look here. I'm entitled to know about all arrangements regarding HR Enterprises. You should route that matter through the proper channels. Business like.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I see you've heard rumors.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, you have to check with your superiors. They're held responsible.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Peter, it's. It's too soon to talk about it. Yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You think you can say whatever you like and even write it. But believe me, this high and mighty independence, you'll pay for it sooner or later. Yes, Peter, I'm serious.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You always are, Peter. And about the wrong things.

[Narrator/Commentator]

That rather typical exchange between the two brothers took place on a Tuesday afternoon. Neither knew how close they were to the most violent battle the two had ever had. The thing that set it off came that night. The doctor was sitting at home fooling and laughing with his family. And his father in law, Morton Callum, was over that night too, in Hobstead. And Stockman's daughter Paulie, a schoolteacher, came along late.

[Polly Stockman]

And then what happened, Daddy? Yeah, Daddy, how'd you get out of here?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You weren't supposed to ask that question.

[Polly Stockman]

You shouldn't tell such tall tales to the children, Father.

[Mr. Larson]

That's all the laughing about.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Oh, Polly.

[Mr. Larson]

Fine thing.

[Polly Stockman]

You enjoying yourselves while I've been out slaving?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Come on in and join the party.

[Polly Stockman]

Sure, Mr. Hofstad.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Well, Polly.

[Polly Stockman]

Hello, Grandfather. You here too?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Yes, I came to see you and you weren't here.

[Polly Stockman]

Oh, golly, am I tired. Is there any more tea there, Mom? Get yourself a cup off the sideboard. Whole day teaching and two hours night school on top of that.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Well, do you think your students learned anything?

[Polly Stockman]

Sure, a bunch of smug lies. Come on, move.

[Mr. Larson]

Move over, dad.

[Polly Stockman]

Let me sit down, Polly. Now, don't talk that way about your teaching. It's a wonderful profession. Come on, dad.

[Mr. Larson]

Over.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

All right.

[Polly Stockman]

And none of your lectures, Mother, about the fine privilege of serving impressionable young minds.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

There's room enough there for you, Polly. You're not that big yet.

[Polly Stockman]

Oh, I gained another pound today. Teaching may be a noble calling, but it's darn sedentary.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You'll become a fine plump woman in no time.

[Polly Stockman]

Oh, that's terrible, Grandfather. Oh, say, Dad, I forgot. I have a letter for you.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

A letter? Who was it from? Wait a minute.

[Polly Stockman]

It's here in my purse. Here it is. Postman gave it to me just as I was going out this morning. I didn't have time to come back.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

So you carry my mail with you all day? I've been expecting this.

[Polly Stockman]

What is it, Thomas?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Just a minute. Just as I thought. I'll greet my dear brother Peter with us in the morning. Now that town will have something to get head up about.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't understand all this, Thomas.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I kept quiet until I had proof, Peter, and now I've got it in this letter. I warned the board there were dangers in the design and location, but nobody would listen to me. Then they'll have to.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now come to the point.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

You know what?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

This health resort we've sunk so much money in to attract tourists and invit. Do you know what it really is? What?

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

Forget whatever plans you have this weekend because you're staying at home and playing on spinquest and there's never been a better time to sign up than right now. New users get $30 coin packs for just $10. All the table games you love with hundreds of slot games and real cash Prizes. That's at spinquest.coms P I N Q U S T.com SpinQuest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. Last year I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself. When you're navigating life's changes, Talkspace can help. Talkspace is the number one rated online therapy, bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere. Living a busy life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather. Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with my therapist in the office. I could speak with my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone. Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code [e-mail] the whole place is a pest house.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Our health resort.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Health. It's polluted. It's saturated with disease. All the waste products up at Moladal from the tenery. All that stinking filth and is infecting the water in the pipes leading to the reservoir and seeps out on the shore too.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where the bathing beach is. Exactly.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Our bathing beach is a cesspool of dangerous bacteria.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But that's your father in law's problem. It's his tannery that's contaminating the water. And you'd better not cross up old Morton Callum. He's your security. Your family will be getting his money someday.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I know, Peter. But you must remember it was HR Enterprises that made the water diversion. Oh, Morton Callum isn't responsible. A tannery isn't responsible, not legally. Remember last year we had some tourists take sick here. Typhoid cases and cases.

[Narrator/Announcer]

They were infected before they came here. You said so. You, sir.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Well, I thought so then. But later in the winter, I began to change my mind. So I went to work as health officer and got some samples of the water. I tried to make the tests myself, but with the small amount of lab equipment I have at hand.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ah, you were mistaken. You couldn't prove it.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I sent the samples, both of the drinking water and the swimming water, up to the university to have an accurate analysis made. And here it is. This letter. It proves the presence of decomposed organic matter in the water full of infusorian. And? And. Oh, it's an appalling situation.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't believe it.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Here's the letter. Read it yourself.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Was it necessary for you to make all these investigations behind my back?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Yes, because until I was absolutely sure about it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And you feel absolutely sure now?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

It's there in the letter.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Can you doubt it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

And as local health officer, you intend to bring this before the board?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Yes. I prepared a report with recommendations. What we're giving the tourists now is a constant supply of disease germs. Just think, water that's infectious, whether you drink it or swim in it, that's what we offer. Sick people who come to us in good faith and pay exorbitant rates to be made well again.

[Narrator/Announcer]

As usual. You exaggerate, do you not?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

What's needed is a new drainage system to draw off the waste material from Molodow and relay the water.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Do the whole thing over again.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Do you see any other way out of it? I don't.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And what do we do with the resort in the meantime? Why, no one had come near the place after it got around that the water was dangerous.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Yes, but, Peter, that's what we're up against.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There are other towns along the waterfront that will grab off our tourist trade. And then where are we going to be? We might as well give up the whole project, lose everything. And you can be proud of having ruined your hometown.

[Mr. Larson]

Me? I ruined it? Yeah. I didn't put the bugs there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Health Resort Enterprises is the only thing that ever brought any business to this town. We've got a bit of a future now, granted.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

What do you suggest we do?

[Narrator/Commentator]

Nothing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm not convinced that the water is.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

As bad as you.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

It'll be even worse this next summer when the hot weather comes. Want an epidemic on your hands?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, stop exaggerating, Thomas. A competent physician ought to know what measures to take to prevent any trouble. Or at least here's the whole point. You have to accept the engineering that's been done on the water system. Oh, I'm sure the board will give some consideration to your suggestions for improvements. As long as it doesn't cost too much.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

That would be a nice piece of fraud.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Fraud?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Yes, a fraud.

[Narrator/Announcer]

A lie.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

An out and out public crime.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I told you before, I'm. I'm not convinced there's any immediate danger.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Look, it was because of your influence, your pressure that the health resort was built so near the water atlas from the tannery.

[Mr. Larson]

Because you own property there.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

That's what's bothering you. That blunt headed greed and stupidity of yours.

[Mr. Larson]

Huh?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Think I don't see through you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What if I do protect my reputation? It's for the good of the town. I've done more for this place than any other mayor they've ever had. So it's in the public's interest to withhold that report with an election coming on. But later on I'll. I'll raise the question question with the board. And we'll do our best privately. But nothing of this is to leak out. Not a word to the public.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I'm afraid I can't stop that now, Peter.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You better.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Too many people know about it already.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Who?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Don't tell me. Those friends of yours on the People's Messenger. Those yellow journalists. Hofstadter.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

That's right. That's right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You and your busy body. Troublemaker. You want to cut off the most important source of income for the whole town.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

But the source is poison, man. Stop and think. We're making a living out of retailing filth and corruption. Our business gets its dividends from a lie.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's very painful for me, Thomas says Mayor, to have my nearest relative always criticizing and attacking things and suggesting costly reforms.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

But you forget I'm health officer. Don't you think it's the duty of every educated man to pass on his knowledge and ideas to the public?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, leave the public alone. Just stir up a lot of fuss.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Are things so perfect they don't need to be criticized, changed? That's your honest opinion?

[Mr. Larson]

Yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're a fanatic and a fool. You've no idea how much harm you do yourself by being so outspoken.

[Mr. Larson]

You.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You fight with the authorities and you fight with a businessman. You. You disregard everyone you should have some consideration for. Are you forgotten completely that it was I who got you your appointment as medical officer for the resort?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I was entitled to it.

[Mr. Larson]

I was the first one who saw.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

That the town could be made into a successful health resort. And I was the only one at the time.

[Mr. Larson]

I had to plug away at it.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

For years, and I wrote and wrote.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It wasn't the moment for it. As soon as the opportune time came, I and others, practical businessmen, took the matter up.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Yes, and made this mess of it. Pretty bright bunch, Thomas.

[Narrator/Commentator]

What?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look, now we're brothers. Thomas, I want you to do something, but if you don't, I'm going to get tough to.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Oh, you are?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Since you've been stupid enough to let this matter get out when it should have been treated as official and confidential, you're going to make a public retraction.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Retraction? How?

[Narrator/Announcer]

After further investigation, you will come to the conclusion that the situation isn't as bad as you figured in the first place you expected. And also you'll make a public statement of your confidence in the board of Health Resort Enterprises and in their great readiness to remedy any defects or any possible defects.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Oh, but you won't be able to fix it by tinkering here and patching there. It's impossible. How can I say it more emphatically? Impossible.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Maybe I should remind you, you have no right to a private opinion.

[Mr. Larson]

No right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

As a subordinate member of the staff of HR Enterprises, you have no right to express any opinion which runs counter to that of your superiors.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Oh, but this is. This is.

[Mr. Larson]

This is too. I'm a doctor, a man of science.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

And you tell me I've no right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In my own a matter that's just scientific. It's more complicated than involves economic as well as technical.

[Mr. Larson]

I don't care what it involves. You a pack of. I won't allow it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I your superior. And you'd better obey me or you'll pay.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You. Hofstad has that article of mine and all he's waiting for is my word to go ahead and print it. Well, now he'll get it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Anything to embarrass us, the people who are trying to run the community.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I'll get Larson support too.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Larson?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

As chairman of Community Welfare. He's as interested in health as I am. Don't forget he's also president of the Taxpayers Association.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Larson won't support you.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Ah, Peter. Dear Mr. Mayor, that does worry you a bit, doesn't it? Hello, Hofstad. Yeah, Thomas, you can go ahead and print that article of mine on the water situation. Good, good. Ah, we'll hit them hard. Go in.

[Mr. Larson]

Today I'd.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I. I'd also like you to run a news story on the reception I received from the authorities.

[Mr. Larson]

Sure, I'll take it.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I'll pound it out and bring it right over.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

Fine.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You didn't get very far. Nowhere. See you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Right.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

Forget whatever plans you have this weekend because you're staying at home and playing on spinquest. And there's never been a better time to sign up than right now. New users get $30, coin packs for just $10. All the table games you love, with hundreds of slot games and real cash Prizes. That's at spinquest.coms P I N Q U-E S T.com Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Genius Advertiser]

With verbo care, help is always ready before, during and after your stay. We've planned for the plot twists, so support is always available. Because a great trip starts with peace of mind.

[Mr. Larson]

Ah, good.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Mr. Larson, you're in.

[Mr. Larson]

Hello, Doctor.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Sit down.

[Mr. Larson]

Your brother was just here. Just left.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

My brother?

[Mr. Larson]

What did he want?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

About the water.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Yes.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I suppose he tried to tell you a lot of lies. Doctor.

[Mr. Larson]

Doctor, this is a serious matter.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Is it true it'll cost close to.

[Mr. Larson]

Half a billion dollars to make the engineering changes necessary?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I don't know what it'll cost. Maybe.

[Mr. Larson]

And the town will have to pay for it.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

No, the company will pay for it. Health Resort Enterprises.

[Mr. Larson]

But the company isn't in a position.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

To incur any further expenses.

[Mr. Larson]

Your brother just told me that. He should know, both as chairman of the board and as mayor. He also told me it might mean things will be shut down for two.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Years while the changes are made.

[Mr. Larson]

What is the town going to live on in the meantime? A lot of new people have moved in here. Some stores.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

No, but the resort can't go on as it is, infecting people.

[Mr. Larson]

I'm sorry, Doctor. I. I'm afraid I can't go along.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

With you on this. Wait a minute, Mr. Locks.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

No, no, no.

[Mr. Larson]

It won't be any use. I don't see where there's any choice.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

But to close up the resort for two years if it's necessary.

[Mr. Larson]

Are you out of your mind? Every storekeeper in the town was ruined. Real estate values.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Maybe that's better than infecting the whole country. The tourists will carry the infection with them.

[Mr. Larson]

Doctor, I've always been a reasonable man. You and I have always gotten along well together. But I must say this is going too far. You're saying things like that. I'm inclined to agree with your brother.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You're exaggerating.

[Mr. Larson]

This whole thing is imagination.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Imagination, Mr. Larson. This is solid scientific fact.

[Mr. Larson]

Here.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Housetead.

[Narrator/Commentator]

I'm late.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Print this too. Print it. Oh, hello, Stockman. You finally got well below this town tip. Coming. Oh, Peter. What are you doing here in Halstead's office? Nice job you did with Larson.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I just told him the simple consequences.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Hofstad, is this great public figure, my brother, trying to scare you into not printing my article? That I'm sure his threats and lies can't make any impression on you anyway. Weak kneed old grandmother Larson. Look, Hofstad, here's the new story I promised you over the phone. Just run it side by side with the main article. No, Thomas, I. I'm not going to print it.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Not.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

What does this mean? I. I didn't realize the implications in this, Thomas. That it would take so much money and time to. Well, you gave me a rather false picture.

[Mr. Larson]

False picture?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I'll be responsible for any false picture. Just print the article. I'll be able to defend it. I thought you were my brother's political opponent. Certainly, but it'd be political suicide for me to print your article. We can fight the election on other issues. You've got a chance to blast the mayor right out of office and you won't use it. Thomas, what chance would my party or my paper have publicizing this and jeopardizing the future of the town? I might as well get my razor.

[Mr. Larson]

And cut my own.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I didn't print my article as a handbill.

[Mr. Larson]

Leave it out of your paper. I'll pay the cost. No, I wouldn't touch it in any form.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Hofstad, you said you were fighting for truth and freedom.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thomas, prepare yourself for another surprise. Mr. Hofstad is going to print an article I'm going to write for him, presenting the real situation.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

May I kiss the bride? Which of you is the bride? I'll hire a hall to speak the truth.

[Mr. Larson]

And I'll parade the streets with a drum and shout the truth. You won't shut me up. I'll call a public meeting.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I will.

[Mr. Larson]

I'll hire a hall. Could I. Could I have your attention, please? Will the meeting please come to order?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

It's a quarter past, and so I think I'll begin. I see that some of my enemies are present in the audience.

[Mr. Larson]

Good. Tonight they'll see how truth can win out. Just a moment, Mr. Larson. I think we ought to elect a chairman for and.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

No, that's not necessary, Mr. Larson. This is my meeting.

[Mr. Larson]

I. I think so too.

[Narrator/Announcer]

As mayor, I think we should have a chairman.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Your Honor, I'm only going to deliver a lecture. We don't need a chairman.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Stockman's lecture might lead to a hot and heavy discussion. We need a presiding officer.

[Mr. Larson]

Yes, Chairman. The mayor's right. Let's have a chairman. I thought we have a chairman. That was the proper way, Doctor.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

The.

[Mr. Larson]

The general wish of the meeting seems to be that a chairman should be elected. Well, I.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

It's. Let the meeting have its way.

[Mr. Larson]

I nominate the mayor. Thank you. Thank you, friends.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But I'd like to decline, if you don't mind, for various reasons. There is a man here, though, who I think will be acceptable to all of you. The president of the Taxpayers Association, Mr. Larson.

[Mr. Larson]

Thank you. Since my fellow citizens want it. Very well, I'll take the chair. Well, then, get up there on the platform. And now, as chairman, I'd like to say a few words. I'm a quiet and peaceful, peaceful man who believes in discreet moderation and in moderate discretion. Anybody who knows me knows that I have learned in the school of life and experience that moderation is the most valuable virtue a citizen can possess, especially in these times. I would therefore suggest to our esteemed fellow citizen, Dr. Thomas Stockman, who has called this meeting on his own initiative that he should keep strictly within the bounds of moderation. Three cheers for the Moderation Society. Hello, International. Gentlemen, gentlemen, please. I am. I see the mayor has his hand up. Yes. You have something to say, sir?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Chairman, in consideration of the close family relationship between myself and the present medical officer of Health Resort Enterprises, I'd rather not have had to say anything this evening.

[Mr. Larson]

But my official position with regard to.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The resort and my concern for the vital interests of the town in general force me to put forward the motion. I'm sure none of you want any unreliable and exaggerated accounts of the sanitary condition of the resort and the town spread around.

[Mr. Larson]

Therefore, I should like to move that this meeting vote not to permit the medical officer to give his proposed lecture. Not permit me? What trick is this? Doctor, please do not interfere with our meeting. What is my meeting, Doctor? You're out of order.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

What are you. Very well, go ahead.

[Mr. Larson]

I. Ladies and gentlemen, in my statement published in the press, I presented the facts, the truth, to the public so that every fair minded citizen could form.

[Narrator/Announcer]

His own judgment on the issue.

[Mr. Larson]

It's pretty obvious.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The medical officer's insinuations are an insult to the leading and most highly respected citizens of this community.

[Mr. Larson]

But more important than that, his proposals.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Would settle every taxpayer in this community with increased taxes.

[Mr. Larson]

Do you want that. I must say that I agree with the mayor. No one doubts the good intentions of the doctor. But when it ends up being an increased burden on the taxpayers, as it would be in this case, and I, for one, although I've always admired him, will see Dr. Stockman hanged before I will go along with him in this matter. Mr. Hofstadt, you may speak. Mr. Hofstadt, I too, feel called upon.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

To explain my position as editor of the people's messenger.

[Mr. Larson]

Now, Dr. Stockman's agitations for greater health measures in the town seemed to be gaining a certain amount of sympathy at first, so I supported them impartially, as is the policy of our paper. In this issue, too, we were going to support the doctor, but then we began to suspect that we'd allowed ourselves to be misled by misrepresentation of the fact. Misrepresentation? How do you know? You haven't even heard the fact Chapter. Please don't interrupt. As you know, my paper, the People's messenger, on broad international questions, sometimes goes quite far, really quite advanced. But in dealing with purely local matters, experience has shown that a newspaper ought to proceed with a certain cost. Now, it's pretty obvious. It's pretty obvious in the matter before us that Our health officer, Dr. Stockman, has public opinion against him. Now, what's an editor's first and most obvious duty, gentlemen? Isn't it to print what the readers want? And isn't it up to him to work persistently and conscientiously for the welfare of those whose opinions he represents, his readers, the public? Or is it possible that I am mistaken in that? Right, Hobson, you better crimp, or we believe it. Yeah, sure. I never liked your paper.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You.

[Mr. Larson]

You have no idea. You have no idea what a severe struggle it's been for me to break with Stockman, a man who's been my friend. Which Stockman did you break with, the mayor or the doctor? My duty to you forced me to break with Dr. Stockman. I will now put the mayor's proposition to a vote that the medical officer not be permitted to lecture. There isn't. There isn't any need tonight. I have no intention of dealing with all that filth down at the resort. I've got something else to speak about. Mr. Chairman, I'm a taxpayer, and so consequently, I have a right to speak, too, and my absolute, unswerving, and inconceivable opinion. I. I speak. I call. I call meeting. Am I going to be allowed to speak? Dr. Stockman will address the meeting.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I'd like to have seen anyone a few days ago. They're to silence me. As has been done tonight. I have defended my sacred right to speak as a man.

[Mr. Larson]

Like a.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Well.

[Mr. Larson]

I let the issue of the poisonous.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Condition of the water pass. I have something more important to say to you. I've thought and pondered a great deal these last few days. Pondered over so many things that my head's almost burst. But I got it straightened out at last. I've made a discovery much bigger than that piddling matter about our polluted water supply.

[Mr. Larson]

I thought you ain't got to talk about the rigor. I have discovered that our moral life is poisoned. Our moral life and the whole fabric of our society is founded on life. Is that so? I suggest the speaker moderate his language. I. I have always loved my hometown. When I was up north, I thought.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

A lot about it.

[Mr. Larson]

I wanted to do something for this.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Place and the people here. So I worked out the plan for making a health resort out of.

[Mr. Larson]

Was your idea. But you didn't quiet well. When. When I had the chance to come home at last. I thought I was very lucky. That's all I wanted to be back.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Here and to be of public service to this community. Yesterday.

[Mr. Larson]

Yesterday my eyes were opened.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

And for the first time I realized the enormous corruption of the authorities.

[Mr. Larson]

Enormous corruption. I virtue of my authority as chairman of this meeting. To catch me up On a phrase.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Mr. Larson, perhaps I should say the boneheadedness of the leading citizens of this town.

[Mr. Larson]

They stand in the way of every independent and intelligent man whichever way he turns. And what I'd like best to see is every blessed one of them kicked right out. People allow that kind of talk. Please try to be tactful in your language.

[Narrator/Commentator]

All right.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I won't say anything more about our leading citizens. They're not the greatest danger and most.

[Mr. Larson]

Terrifying enemy of truth and freedom. Who that? Yeah, who? Name them. Yes, naming them. I'll name them. That is precisely the discovery I made yesterday.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

The most dangerous enemy to truth and.

[Mr. Larson]

Freedom is the majority of the people. You. All of you. Now you know. The guys, right? Protection. Protection. We heard enough. The majority of the people. You're an enemy of truth and freedom.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is Studio one at CBS presenting as its third broadcast in a new series of hour length dramas. An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen. The story will resume after a pause for station identification. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System, Continuing the third program from Studio One, Columbia's new hour length dramatic series. We present the second half of An Enemy of the People.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

Forget whatever plans you have this weekend because you're staying at home and playing on spinquest. And there's never been a better time to sign up than right now. New users and get $30 coin packs for just $10. All the table games you love with hundreds of slot games and real cash Prizes. That's at spinquest.coms p-I n q u s t.com Spin Quest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Genius Advertiser]

Certified plant Genius Here. Most people see a busy plant shop. But I see a perfectly balanced ecosystem thanks to Genius from Global payments Inventory tracked payments, seamless reviews in one place. Absolutely Genius. From sold out crowds worldwide to running this shop, Genius grows with you. Your Monstera's potted healthy roots. Strong growth just like this shop. Big league reliability for your business. That's genius.

[Mr. Larson]

Quyrex Quietly as chairman. Quiet. Quiet. Order. Quiet. As chairman, I urgently request the speaker to withdraw the. The ill considered remark he made a moment ago. No, no, I'm sorry, it's. The majority in this town denies me my freedom and tries to keep me from speaking the truth. The majority always has right on its side. Are we not torture in school? And truth too.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

That is one of those problems.

[Mr. Larson]

Political lies you leaders have used to blind the. The. Oh, don't you see? The majority never has right on its side. Never.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I say.

[Mr. Larson]

Wait, wait. Let me finish. Let me finish what I was going to say. There is a kind of right the majority has on its side.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

A broad general right.

[Mr. Larson]

But when we get down to specific.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Trolls and specific pacific riots, then the.

[Mr. Larson]

Minority is to be listened to and believed. I. I have spent my life studying.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Preventive medicine and dealing in. In community health problems.

[Mr. Larson]

And I tell you that the water here at the resort is teeming with disease. But you don't want to believe. But that is. That is the subject.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

That is the subject I'm an expert in.

[Mr. Larson]

And you won't listen to me. I shut. Wait. I have costed money. Look, won't you.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Won't you admit that there are some men in their own fields who have climbed far, far above the rest of us. They are fighting for truths newly born.

[Mr. Larson]

They are right.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

And we, the majority, are wrong. Let's not shout them down and throw bricks at them just because they deny what we believe. Let's seek them out and listen to them. There are men who have discovered new truths about money.

[Mr. Larson]

Our minds, our emotions, food, the elements, cooperation, language. Those men could lead us down new.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Streets out of our Mental, physical and spiritual slums.

[Mr. Larson]

In other words, what you are advocating is a revolution. Yes. Yes, of course I am. A revolution against the lie that the majority is always right.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

What sort of truth does the majority now hold? A truth that the fighters at the outposts held in the days of our grandfathers. The fighters at the outposts now no longer approve them. Truths don't last forever. No community can live a healthy, vigorous.

[Mr. Larson]

Human and humane life if it is.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Nourished only on dried up truths. On lies.

[Mr. Larson]

Instead of standing up there using vague generalities, tell us what these dried up truths are. You should know, Mr. Hofstad, most of.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

The tired truths that have become lies are in your paper. The People's Messenger. When problems are far away and can't affect you, your heart bleeds for humanity.

[Mr. Larson]

Oh, they're bleeding for humanity. But when the problems are close up.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

In your own town, that's something else again.

[Mr. Larson]

Prove it, Dr. Stockman. You didn't want to hurt your paper.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Circulation or scare your advertisers.

[Mr. Larson]

It was just in private.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You like to brag to me about your social conscience.

[Mr. Larson]

That's a lie. Yes, it's a lie. He has no social conscience.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

The People's messenger preaches broad mindedness and morality, but deals in their opposites. It makes headlines out of rumors. And if a rumor is false, it puts a retraction on page five. But the truth can never catch up to a lie. The paper condemns a horrible crime, but delights in it with detailed pictures and.

[Mr. Larson]

Columns and columns of copy.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

It points out the ignorance, poverty and ugly conditions of life in some far.

[Mr. Larson]

Off place, but ignores them here in this town. Mr. Chairman, I move that you direct a speaker to sit down. Early. I'll get it published somewhere. I'll spread it all over the country. It almost seems as if Dr. Stockman's intentions are to ruin this town. Exterminate it? Yes. My hometown means so much to me that I. I'd rather exterminate it than see it flourish on a lie. Exterminate. He's a public enemy. All he knows is hate. He's a public enemy. We'll end up by infecting the whole country. Better to cut out the infection. Now. The festering sore. Exterminate people. You are talking like an army. Don't go here. Enemy of the people. We've heard enough. There, Doctor. There is the voice of the people. He's the enemy of the people. He hates the people and his country. Please. Please. Order. Order. I have something to say. Order. Order. Quiet, please. Both as A citizen. And as an individual, I am profoundly shocked by what I've just had to listen to. And in the light of recent world events. You've heard the truth from me, Larson. That's what you think. I have my own views. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry to. I'm obliged to subscribe to the opinion I've just heard from the audience. My fellow citizens and I propose that we put on record our opinion. I will entertain a resolution from the floor. Yes, Mr. Mayor.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Resolve.

[Mr. Larson]

This meeting is of the opinion that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Dr. Thomas Stockman, medical officer of the.

[Mr. Larson]

Resort, is an enemy of the people. I second that. I. Oh, you fools. I tell you. The people. I call this meeting. You can't. We cannot hear you now, Doctor, you're out of order. A formal vote is about to be taken. Now, a show of hands, please. All those against the resolution. Those against. 1, 2, 3, 4. Is your hand up or down?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now?

[Mr. Larson]

Down. 4, 5, 6, 7.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I thank the few of you who. Now.

[Mr. Larson]

Now, all those in favor of the resolution, raise your hand. This meeting of Citizens declares Dr. Thomas Stockman to be an enemy of the people. Meeting is a curve. Wait, wait, wait. You hear more from this enemy of the people before he leaves you behind him. I'm not so forgiving as you might think. You won't find me saying I forgive you, for you know not what you do. H.S. blasphemous comparison. Dr. Stockman. He's sending us now, is he? That's running out of time.

[Polly Stockman]

Oh, dear, Thomas.

[Mr. Larson]

Oh, dear.

[Polly Stockman]

What can they do? They followed you home.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Don't worry.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Don't worry, Catherine. They won't do any more than break the windows. These stones.

[Mr. Larson]

Oh, look, another one.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

And that stone too. Where did it go to?

[Polly Stockman]

Thomas, get away from the window.

[Mr. Larson]

I will keep these stones.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Leaf and Morton will look at them every day. And when they grow up, they'll inherit them as mementos of theirs.

[Polly Stockman]

Oh, Thomas, your pants are ripped.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I did that getting away from those people.

[Polly Stockman]

The best pants you've got.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Oh, I have to remember, in the future, when I go out to fight for freedom and truth, never to wear my best pants.

[Mr. Larson]

Oh, Thomas. Thomas.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

That's probably the last one.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Hello?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Oh, good morning. Is this Dr. Thomas Stockman? Good morning. Yes. This is Mr. Hedberg, your landlord. Oh, hello. What can I. I thought I'd better phone you and explain. You see, I am in a dependent position. I. I don't like to do this, but I. I hope you'll understand, Doctor. Understand what? I'm sending you notice to vacate. Your what? I'm forced to ask you to leave your. My house. It's nothing to do with me. It's nothing personal, Doctor. I want you to understand. Public opinion compels me. Yes. I don't dare offend certain influential people in the party. I belong. No, no. Of course, Mr. Hedberg. I see. Thank you for calling. Well, doctor. Goodbye, landlord. We'll be getting a notice in tomorrow's mail, Catherine. To move out of here.

[Polly Stockman]

Move out?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Without wasting any time getting things organized against the enemy of the people.

[Polly Stockman]

Oh, now that's ridiculous. Who thought up that name? You've never been that. You can't be Thomas.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I won't be too sure, Catherine. To be called an ugly name. Enemy of the sticky ear in the pit of my stomach, eating away.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And nothing.

[Polly Stockman]

I. Thomas, dear, you. You were a bit reckless.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

No, no. Most of the things I said, I believe they're true. Maybe I did get carried away at the last. But I. I get so mad at the people. I. I expect so much of them. And I'm always disappointed. I shocked them, didn't I? Maybe that's not bad to jar them a bit, so they won't be so sure of everything. If someone can get them to doubt and wonder and try to find out, then maybe we'll be able to stumble through. I keep hoping.

[Polly Stockman]

Hello, Father. What are you doing out in the garden?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Wally. What are you doing home from school so early in the middle of the.

[Mr. Larson]

Father, I've.

[Polly Stockman]

I've lost my position as a teacher. I've been dismissed.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

They're taking this out on you two.

[Polly Stockman]

Mrs. Busk was given the unpleasant job. I know it hurt her to have to tell me, but she didn't dare keep me on. She said her own job was at stake. So my holidays this year start very early.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

She didn't dare either. That's lovely.

[Polly Stockman]

Suddenly, very suddenly, they decide I've been corrupting the youth of our town. Some of the things I've said in class. Well, that was the reason given.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

They were right. The stuff they tell you to teach in school corrupts the students.

[Polly Stockman]

Isn't it wonderful, dad? We're both a couple of rebels. I like it.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Yes, but. That's enough, Polly. Let's not pretend it isn't serious. You better go inside and tell your mother the news. But don't let her know you're enjoying it. I wish I were. But I'm aware of all that's behind it.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

Forget everything you had planned for this weekend, because you are sitting on your couch and winning from the comfort of your own home. I'm here with spinquest, where you can play hundreds of slot games, all the table games you love, and you could even win real cash prizes. New users $30 coin packs are on sale for [e-mail] SpinQuest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Genius Advertiser]

Certified plant Genius here. Most people see a busy plant shop, but I see a perfectly balanced ecosystem thanks to Genius From Global Payments Inventory. Tracked payments, seamless reviews in one place. Absolutely Genius. From sold out crowds worldwide to running this shop, genius grows with you. Your Monstera's potted healthy roots, strong growth, just like this shop. Big league reliability for your business. That's genius.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Ah, my dear brother. I've been expecting this call all day.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, you have?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Come in.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thomas.

[Narrator/Commentator]

I.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Well, out with it, Peter. You look as though you're the one who's been badly treated.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This document from the Board of H. My dismissal? Yes, dating from today. We're sorry to have to do it, Thomas, but because of public opinion, we don't dare.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Don't dare that again.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You might as well know the whole situation, Thomas. From now on, don't expect any private medical practice in this town.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

And who do you think you are to. Why do you say that?

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Taxpayers association is circulating a petition asking people to pledge not to employ you because of the way you insulted the town.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Public minded Larson's little group.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thomas, it might be advisable for you to leave the place for a little while.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Yes, that would be convenient, wouldn't it? Yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Then when you've had six months to think things over, maybe you could persuade yourself to write a few words of apology admitting your error.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

And I might be reappointed to my old position.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's not impossible.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

But tell me, what about public opinion?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, public opinion is easy to mold. But we'll need an admission from you that you made a mistake.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Ah, so that's it. Same old pattern. No, I won't do it. I'll never do it. You have nothing but contempt for the people, have you, Peter? They're nothing to you. Public opinion is easy to mold. Still, you mouth a lot of phrases about how right and independent the people are, and they eat it up. You're respected and trusted are and voted for Peter Stockman, the people's choice.

[Mr. Larson]

But the party's choice first.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Your party's a fine sausage machine. It mashes up all sorts of heads together into the same mincemeat. Fatheads and blockheads, all in one Mash. And they all have the same opinion.

[Mr. Larson]

And isn't that convenient?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

One of their unanimous opinions is that.

[Mr. Larson]

They think for themselves.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I suppose you think Hofstad's party would give the individual the freedom.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

No.

[Mr. Larson]

Not Hofstad's.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

No.

[Narrator/Announcer]

At least you've got that much sense in you. Now, Thomas, if you only had sense enough to sign a retraction. A man with a family has no right to act like.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

No right. There's only one thing a free man has no right to do. No right to foul himself with filth. No right to do anything that would justify his spitting in his own face.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Then go ahead and spit. You and your righteousness. I know about your cheap, slippery dealings with Morton Callum, your father in law. You an idealist and I.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

What do you mean?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know what I mean. If you don't, you ought to.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Thomas.

[Mr. Larson]

Thomas. Hey, Thomas. What's your hurry?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Oh, Mr. Callum, I. I was just on my way over to your place. He held it to half a dozen times. Lucky I ran into you. Look here, my brother Peter's just been talking to me. Peter? I didn't think he would, not after that meeting last night. He accused you and me of some slippery dealings. Any idea what he's trying to. Slippery dealings? Nothing. It's just a straight matter of business. What's a straight matter of business? Oh, let Peter talk. He's just whining because we're smarter than he is, eh, Thomas? Look. Look what I've got here. Just on my way over to the bank. Put them in my safe deposit box. But these are stock certificates of the Health Resort Corporation. Yes, they weren't hard to get today and keep. Thomas, you've been buying them.

[Mr. Larson]

As many shares as I could pay for.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

But Mr. Callum, you know the state of affairs of these. Thomas. Now, if you behave reasonably, you can soon put the resort back on its feet again. I've invested most of my savings in these shares. Stuff your Catherine, Polly and the boys will get when I pass on. Oh, no, no. Meanwhile, I can net a nice profit on them if you just. If I what? If you just say that on further investigation, you find there's no pollution from my tannery. But there is. Well, you. You can say that there isn't. Now, look, Thomas, your family will need the money from these shares. You'll probably never make much, not at the rate I'm going. Well, then, if you still insist that my tannery is poisoning the resort, it'll be exactly the same as tearing the flesh of your own wife and children. Why couldn't you have consulted me before you went and bought those shares? They're just trash. Trash?

[Mr. Larson]

Yes, yes.

[Polly Stockman]

If you stick to your mad idea.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

These shares won't be worth much. Why have you put me in such a position? You know, I'm. I'm very concerned about my family's welfare. They've gone without so much for so long. Well, it's up to you whether these.

[Polly Stockman]

Shares become worthless now.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Just a word from you, Thomas, that's what you are. My father in law too, deals only in money. Come, come, come. I. I know you're upset, so I won't demand an answer this minute. But I must know one way or the other what you intend to do by 2:00 clock this afternoon. 2:00 clock this afternoon? Yes. If it's no, well, I'll. I'll have to work out some way of unloading and your family won't get.

[Mr. Larson]

A cent from me.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Thank you.

[Mr. Larson]

Dad.

[Polly Stockman]

Here's Hofstad, the newspaper owner to see.

[Mr. Larson]

Who says it's important.

[Polly Stockman]

Shall I tell him to go along to your study or.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Thomas, after what's happened, you actually dare to come into my home? I've got something important I can understand. You're put out with me, Thomas, for my attitude at the meeting. Pretty contemptible.

[Mr. Larson]

What else could I do?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You didn't dare to anything else. Why didn't you give me a hint ahead of time?

[Mr. Larson]

Hint of what?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

What was behind it or. Will you please leave us, Polly?

[Polly Stockman]

Of course, dad.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Now what are you driving at? Oh, you know. I don't know. Thomas. Don't you think it would have been smarter to get somebody else besides your father in law? Go around buying up shares of Health resort enterprises? Someone who wouldn't have been linked with you. And you shouldn't have come out personally and attacked the resort. Could have been done anonymously, just as a. I. I know about these things. You should have consult me first. Thomas, is it possible? You've got to be more. What do you want? I'm willing to put my paper, the people's messenger, at your disposal. What about public opinion? Aren't you afraid of the storm that'll break over our heads? Oh, we'll ride it out. But you would have to be ready to change your tax soon as your mudslinging's done its work. My father in law and I have got hold of all the shares for next to nothing. Your reason for wanting to get control of the resort is mainly scientific, I'm sure. Of course, of course. And we'll tinker with the drainage pipes a little and dig up a bit of the shore and it won't cost the town a nickel. But then. Ah, that'll be all right, eh? Sure, with the people's messenger behind you. But Halstead, I. I should apologize for asking such a question, but the. What do you get out of this? Well, to be honest with you, Thomas, I'd prefer to help you without getting anything out of it. But the people's messenger's in a rather shaky financial state. Not going very well, you see. And I'd hate to see it fold up now when there's so much work to be done here in a political way. Naturally. That'd be an awful blow for such a friend of the people as you. But I am an enemy of the people.

[Mr. Larson]

Remember that. Now get out. Go on, get out before I strangle you. Wait.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Wait.

[Mr. Larson]

Oh, Stockman. I am an enemy of the people.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I am an enemy of the people.

[Polly Stockman]

Dad. Dad, what's wrong?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

What? Nothing. Nothing.

[Mr. Larson]

Thomas.

[Polly Stockman]

What was all that shouting about?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I'll tell you later. I've got to make a phone call first. Right away.

[Polly Stockman]

Thomas. The two boys have come home from school, too. They were fighting with the other kids. Yeah, but the other kids started it.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Hello? Hello, Mr. Callum? Yes, Thomas, it's 2 o'.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Clock.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

My answer. No, no, no. What was that about the boys?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello.

[Polly Stockman]

Here they come. That was a strange conversation with father.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

What a leaf and Morton doing out of school at this hour, Don.

[Polly Stockman]

Tell me then, Daddy, we have to stay home for a couple of days. Yeah, we got in a fight. Good, good.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Well, that wipes the slate clean. The whole family's kicked out.

[Polly Stockman]

I guess the only thing we can do is move to another town.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

No, I'll be hanged if we're going away. This is where the fight's going to be. And this is where we're going to come out on top. You get another roof over our head somewhere in this town, and then I'll go to work.

[Polly Stockman]

But you haven't got your health resort appointment anymore. And if they won't let you carry.

[Mr. Larson]

On private practice, I've got the poor.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

People to fall back on, haven't I? Those that don't pay anything. After all, they need me most. And I'll preach to them in and out of season.

[Polly Stockman]

Now, Thomas, you know how far you get with your preaching the last few days.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Now, Catherine, don't be silly. Am I going to be run out by stupid public opinion? No, thank you. I'll stay.

[Polly Stockman]

What are we going to do for money?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I don't know and I don't care. We'll have bills instead. I want to drum into the heads of these people that the majority is an enemy of freedom. That party politics strangle every young and vigorous truth, that considerations of expediency turn morality and justice upside down and that it'll all end in chaos or tyranny. Oh, I know I'll be vindicated on the issue of the contaminated water. When an epidemic breaks out, I'll be needed then. But will they get the significance? Will they see a larger pattern? Morton? What's that?

[Mr. Larson]

Morton?

[Polly Stockman]

Have you got a black eye? Oh, no, that's just dirt. That's not dirt. Sure it is, Martin.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You two kids got kicked out of school. Eh?

[Polly Stockman]

Just a couple of days, dad.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

No. You're never going to set foot in that school again.

[Mr. Larson]

No more school.

[Polly Stockman]

We can play all the time, Tom.

[Mr. Larson]

I'll educate them myself.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

You won't learn a blessed thing.

[Mr. Larson]

Oh, boy.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

I'll make progressive and high minded men out of you. You can help me, Polly.

[Polly Stockman]

Not afraid I might corrupt them.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

But two young children aren't enough for a school. We'll get a dozen more kids who hang around the streets. Kids that our solid citizens ignore. Unless they steal something. I'm going to experiment here. Might come across some exceptional heads.

[Polly Stockman]

What are we going to do when we all become progressive and high minded men?

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Drive the world out of the country.

[Polly Stockman]

If they don't drive you out, Morton.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Drive me out now, Catherine. When I'm the strongest man in the town, I'll go further than that. I'm the strongest man in the whole world.

[Polly Stockman]

Gee, are you, daddy? Are you stronger than.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Shh. You mustn't tell anyone just yet. This is a secret. But I've made a great discovery.

[Polly Stockman]

Oh, no, no, Thomas, not another one.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

Yes, come in close. This is it. The strongest man in the world is the man who stands most alone.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Columbia Broadcasting System has brought you Studio 1, a new series of hour length versions for listening of celebrated stories, novels and plays. Tonight from Studio One, you have heard Fletcher Markle's production of An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ips. The adaptation was prepared by Len Peterson and the original music composed and conducted by Alexander Semler.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Now, for your interest, may a producer now introduce the principles of the cast Featured tonight is Dr. Thomas Stockman. Mavor Moore as Peter, his brother, Paul.

[Narrator/Announcer]

McGrath as Mrs. Stockman, Hester Sundergaard as.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Hofstad, the newspaper editor, Frank Behrens and.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

As Larson, Ian McAllister.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Next Tuesday night from Studio One at CBS Baseball and summertime and romance. And a young man called Alibi Ike. That's his name, according to Ring Lardner, who wrote a wonderful story about him, but actually his name is Legion. Until next week then, and Ring Lardner's Alibi Ike.

[Dr. Thomas Stockman]

This is Fletcher Markle with a good.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Night and thank you from all of us in Studio one.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

I'm here with Spin Quest where you can play and win from the comfort of your own home with hundreds of slot games and all of the table games you love with real cash prizes. Right now, $30 coin packs are on sale for $10. For new users, it's [e-mail] that's s p I n q u e s t.com SpinQuest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. Coffee genius here. Most people see a busy cafe, but I see precision at every step. Thanks to from global payments transactions, instant inventory, precise operations in sync. Absolutely genius. From sold out crowds worldwide to managing the morning rush, genius keeps operations running smoothly. One cortado. Flawless pour, perfectly timed. Just beautiful. Big league reliability for any business. That's genius.