Then And Now - Thomas Edison

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Then And Now – Thomas Edison

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Then And Now – Thomas Edison
Date: August 5, 2026

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Episode Overview

This special episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" features the premiere broadcast of "Then and Now," a dramatized radio panorama celebrating America’s transformation from the late 19th century into the 20th, tying personal stories to national milestones. The episode weaves historical vignettes, musical interludes, and dramatic readings, spotlighting Thomas Edison’s pioneering inventions, the birth and evolution of popular music, automotive innovation, war and tragedy, and culminates in a radio adaptation of "Gone with the Wind." The show is interspersed with commentary that underscores America’s enduring spirit and progress.

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Key Discussion Points and Dramatic Highlights

1. The Genius of Thomas Edison (02:08–07:09)

• Dramatic Reenactment:
  The episode opens with Walter Hampden portraying Thomas Edison in his laboratory, dramatizing the invention of the phonograph.

• Central Quote:
  "It's something I've been working on in secret for a long time. It's a small prison." – Thomas Edison (03:17).
  (Referring to capturing and preserving the human voice with his invention.)

• Key Moment:
  Edison initially doubts his machine’s success, declaring, "I guess you can't harness sound." (05:57)
  His assistant affirms its success, leading Edison to reflect on the mysteries of human ingenuity.

• Memorable Reflection:
  “More amazing and wonderful is the things God created. Man.” – Thomas Edison (06:37)

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2. "Hot Time in the Old Town": A Song’s Journey (07:11–09:31)

• Setting:
  1896, Louisiana – the birth of the enduring song "Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight."

• Turning Point Quote:
  “Well, it’ll be a hot time in Old Town tonight all right.” (08:11)

• Americana Moment:
  The song, initially without a title, becomes iconic, later adopted by U.S. soldiers during the Spanish-American War:
  "They made it the song of the Spanish-American War." (09:31)

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3. Technological Progress and Societal Change (09:49–11:23)

• Era Highlighted:
  The early 1900s, with the rise of the automobile at the St. Louis Exposition, marked cynicism (“Me ain’t practical.” 10:19) giving way to technological adoption.

• Cultural Atmosphere:
  Nostalgic recall of “an Age of leisurely living,” shifting to the “quickened tempo” of ragtime before the world is upended by war.

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4. The World War and American Loss (11:25–11:52)

• Dramatic Scene:
  The somber reading of a telegram:
  “Regret to inform you that your son Ben Grem was the first American soldier to be killed in the world.” (11:45)

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5. The Jazz Age and American Icons (11:59–13:58)

• Snapshot:
  The fast-paced twenties: “Jazz age… Valentino… radio…” (12:05)

• Memorable Tribute:
  Will Rogers’ friendship and loss—a heartfelt statement by Fred Stone:
  “Friends, this is Will Rogers spot. But nobody can pinch it for Will Rogers.” – Fred Stone (13:58)

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6. Everyday American Life: Songs and Scenes (15:01–16:36)

• Musical Interlude:
  “In old New York people are always… what can happen.” (15:40)

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7. Heroism and Aviation: Lindbergh’s Flight (16:52–18:32)

• Dramatic Announcement During a Boxing Match:
  “We just received a wireless report that a young man just took off in an airplane across the ocean alone... his name is Charlie Lindboy.” (17:30)

• Moment of Unity:
  The crowd pauses for a minute of silence:
  "Let's all be quiet for one minute and sort of give the boy a helpful prayer." (17:31)

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8. Literature Enters the Airwaves: Gone with the Wind (19:56–27:23)

• First Broadcast Dramatization:
  Featuring Constance Bennett as Scarlett O’Hara and Robert Montgomery as Rhett Butler (19:56).

• Key Themes:
  Scarlett’s guilt, ambition, and emotional vulnerability are highlighted in a tense exchange with Rhett.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “I’m afraid I’ll die and go to hell.” – Scarlett O’Hara (22:26)
  • “You believe in a God of wrath, and that's what's important at the moment. I'm surprised that your scholars are sprouting the conscience this late in life. Opportunists like you shouldn't have them." – Rhett Butler (24:07)
  • "God help the man who ever really loves you. You'd break his heart, my darling." – Rhett Butler (26:31)

• Dramatic Crescendo:
  The passionate, tumultuous relationship between Scarlett and Rhett is embodied in their frank, sometimes biting dialogue.

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9. National Progress Reflected in a Watch (27:23–28:53)

• Historical Anecdote:
  The story of Louis Lindeman, the first Sears customer, and his watch serves as a metaphor for American progress (27:23).

• Closing Flourish:
  "What time is it? Is it nightfall or just the dawn on the forward march of America?" (28:26)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• "It's a small prison. For locking up the human voice and preserving it for posterity." – Thomas Edison (03:17)

• “I guess you can't harness sound.” – Thomas Edison (05:57)

• “More amazing and wonderful is the things God created. Man.” – Thomas Edison (06:37)

• “Well, it'll be a hot time in Old Town tonight all right.” – Minstrel Band Conductor (08:11)

• “Regret to inform you that your son Ben Grem was the first American soldier to be killed in the world.” – Alice Green (Telegraph scene, 11:45)

• “Friends, this is Will Rogers spot. But nobody can pinch it for Will Rogers…” – Fred Stone (13:58)

• “Let's all be quiet for one minute and sort of give the boy a helpful prayer.” – Announcer (17:31)

• “God help the man who ever really loves you. You'd break his heart, my darling.” – Rhett Butler (26:31)

• "What time is it? Is it nightfall or just the dawn on the forward march of America?" – Narrator (28:26)

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• Introduction and Theme Setup: 00:30–02:08
• Edison’s Laboratory & Phonograph Invention: 02:08–07:09
• Birth of "Hot Time in the Old Town": 07:11–09:31
• The Automobile & St. Louis Exposition: 09:49–11:23
• Telegraph from Secretary of War: 11:25–11:52
• Will Rogers Tribute: 13:58–15:01
• Boxing Match & Lindbergh’s Flight: 16:52–18:53
• Gone with the Wind Dramatization: 19:56–27:23
• Sears Watch & American Progress: 27:23–28:53

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode is richly nostalgic, reverent, and celebratory, blending historical drama with Americana in the style of classic Golden Age radio. The dialogue is vivid, poetic, and often philosophical, inviting the listener to reflect on progress, loss, and the American spirit.

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Summary Takeaway

This episode embodies the tradition of old-time radio: it educates, entertains, and evokes national pride by paralleling personal ingenuity (Edison), collective experience (the evolution of song and technology), and timeless storytelling ("Gone with the Wind"), all while reflecting on the forward march of America. It's an engaging panorama told through voices and vignettes that both illuminate history and resonate emotionally.

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Transcript

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen of America. Tonight, Spears, Roebuck Co. Celebrates its 50th anniversary by presenting the first of a new series of programs dedicated to you. The people of America,

[Narrator/Commentator]

Then and Now. A panorama of American destiny. Review of the past 50 years with which there Zorbuck Co. Has proudly grown up with America. Each week, then and now will recreate for you in music, in drama, in song, the unforgettable events of the past half century. Each week, famous motion picture stars, composers, singers, the world's greatest talent will be brought into your home by Serge Robuck and Company, the store where all America shop. Here's Roebuck Co. Is proud to present

[Narrator/Announcer]

on tonight's premier broadcast, Mr. Robert Montgomery, Metro Golden Mayor star Ms. Constance Bennett of 20th Century Fox. Mr. Fred Stone, beloved idol of Broadway, Ms. Paula Stone, Hollywood New starlet, Mr. Walter Hampden, Dean of the American theater. And tonight, for the first time on the air, a dramatization from the novel which is thrilling. Hundreds of thousands of Americans gone with the wind. Eighteen eighty six.

[Narrator/Commentator]

America saw two miracles that year. One was the Statue of Liberty which France sent us for our hundredth birthday. The other was the electric light a young inventor by the name of Edison installed in the uplifted hand of the Goddess of Liberty. Let us look back into the life of this man of destiny to whom America and the world owe so much.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Walter Hampton plays the role of Thomas Alva Edison.

[Narrator/Commentator]

In his dim lit laboratory stands the genius Thomas Edison. He's in his early 30s, permanently deaf as a result of a beating received on a small boy. His assistant, John Croissy, enters the laboratory as Edison busily tinkers with a curious looking machine.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What is it you are working on now, Mr. Edison?

[Thomas Edison]

Just a minute, John. I think I've got it though this time.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What in heaven's name is it, Mr. Edison?

[Thomas Edison]

I can't hear you. I'm not looking at you, John. If you want to know what it is, I'll tell you. It's something I've been working on in secret for a long time. It's a small prison.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Prison?

[Thomas Edison]

That's right. For locking up the human voice and preserving it for posterity.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't get you, sir.

[Thomas Edison]

John, tell me this is impractical too. This is a little device that's going to talk.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But such a thing is not practical, sir. A table can talk.

[Thomas Edison]

There are lots of things you don't believe possible, John. You know, for instance, that in this chair here is enough energy to run the whole factory? Can you tell me what makes the little animal called man go round? What's the secret of life? Who knows it? Clothing. You? Me? No one. That's why it's so fascinating. Do you realize what it will mean to the world if we can capture the human void and keep it in a little box and have it talk whenever we want it to? Do you realize what that will mean? Don't think anything is impossible. Cr now, just one more tightening of this little bolt. There. I'm ready, John. Watch me. I turn this little shaft here and I talk. Mary had a little lamb, its fleece was white as snow. And everywhere that Mary went, that lamb was sure to go. Now let's see whether all my effort has gone for nothing. I turn the shaft backward to the starting point. Adjust the tube. And once more turn the handle. God damn. I don't hear anything. So it doesn't work. I guess you're right. Croissant. It's impractical. I guess you can't harness sound.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But Mr. Edison, it does work. I heard it. Just what you said. Into it the same bulge, the same phase it talked.

[Rhett Butler]

You.

[Thomas Edison]

You are not lying to me, Coyzzi. I heard nothing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, no, Mr. Anderson. I would never lie to you.

[Thomas Edison]

You really heard it? The same words?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, sir, the same word.

[Thomas Edison]

How do I sound, John?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, wonderful, sir. That machine is a success. The most amazing, the most vulnerable thing that has ever been created.

[Thomas Edison]

Ah, no crazy. More amazing and wonderful is the things God created. Man,

[Narrator/Commentator]

Immortal. Thomas Edison, the death man who made a machine talk. The genius who gave the world life. The wizard who performed incredible miracles. Thomas Edison, whose dreams have profoundly affected the destiny of the world.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The 90s.

[Narrator/Commentator]

The K90s, when bicycles were built for two. There were no movies in those days, but there were minstrel shows. This late evening in the spring of 1896, breaking along a dirt road in Louisiana are the red and gold wagons of the McIntyre and Heath minstrels. Their destination is the little village of Old Town. Just over the next ride atop the Lead wagon sits Joe Hayden, a member of the company. Theodore Metz, conductor of the minstrel band, and Jim McIntyre.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

Well, boys, we're coming into Old Town soon. I wish you boys would have that song ready so we could introduce it at tomorrow night's opening. Oh, you have it ready all right, man.

[Rhett Butler]

Yeah, don't you worry about that.

[Thomas Edison]

It's the title that's worrying us.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

Well, we'll call it the title song. Without a title if necessary.

[Rhett Butler]

Hey, hey, look down there.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

Ne.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You see?

[Thomas Edison]

What is it?

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

It's a fire. Part of the town is on fire.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

Well, it'll be a hot time in old town tonight all right.

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

My goodness. Match. That's it. That is it.

[Narrator/Commentator]

What's it?

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

Have you gone crazy?

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

Title match. You have given us the title.

[Narrator/Commentator]

What title?

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

What time in the whole tonight

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

when

[Narrator/Announcer]

you hear them about your dreaming name

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

all join run and sweetly you must

[Narrator/Announcer]

sing and when the bir stands through in the chorus all going in There'll be a hot time and the old town

[Narrator/Commentator]

here it began. An obscure little town in Louisiana was the first to throb to the catchy and tuneful notes of hot crime in the old town. For two years the minstrels toured the country singing it, popularizing it wherever they went. But it needed the sudden shock of a tragic event to lift this song to its place in the pattern of America's destiny.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

U.S. naval Base reporting. The United States battleship Maine was blown up in Havana harbor last night. The circumstances of the explosion are extremely mysterious and the government has ordered an immediate.

[Narrator/Commentator]

The Blue shirted Volunteers F98 marched off to Cuba to the tune of hot time in the old Town. They whistled it in their jungle camp. They sang it as they charged up San Juan Hill.

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

They made it the song of the Spanish American War.

[Narrator/Announcer]

19 4.

[Narrator/Commentator]

The eyes of America turn toward the St. Louis Exposition in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. Thousands upon thousands of people crammed their way into the fairgrounds that hot summer, eager to see how far America had come. Ladies and gentlemen, before you is the

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

famous Winton automobile, holder of the world's long distance record of over a thousand miles.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Me ain't practical.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

One moment, oldtimer. This car drove all the way through New York just to come to the expedition.

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

I bet the horse got tired too.

[Narrator/Commentator]

In spite of the derision which created the automobile in 1904, it is indeed here to stay. And it's coming. Developed an industry which was to be gigantic. Even among the colossal industrial combinations of those early 1900s. This was an Age of leisurely living and a cold bottle and a bird picture hats and harbor skirts. When the halting waltzes of the castle house orchestra gave way to the toe tickling rhythms of brag time. The temple quickened. Life was gay. Carefree. The world danced. The turkey plot on the edge of. Within three short years America came of age. The world war.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Come in.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is Alice Green.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

A telegram. Oh, I. I don't have my glasses with me. Would you mind reading it, son?

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's. It's in the secretary of war.

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

Yes.

[Rhett Butler]

Well, he says regret to inform you that your son Ben Grem was the

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

first American soldier to to be killed in the world.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Deeply sympathized with you.

[Narrator/Commentator]

The jazz age four star frenzy. Crossword puzzles. Bruno Valentino. Battlebottom.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

Jousters.

[Narrator/Commentator]

King cut the channel Swimmers be geezy radio. And out of the restless moil of 20th century turbulence came the story of a beautiful friendship and a heartrending tragedy.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Today he is in a critical condition.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

His blue hold.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Hello?

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

Hello, Is. Is that you, Paula?

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Yes.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

This is Will Rogers. How sp.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

The doctors can't tell how daddy is yet, Bill. We're hoping for the best.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

Listen, al three kids. I read in the paper that they're going to call the whole thing off.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

That's what was decided last night, Jim.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

Well, you tell those birds in New York that I'm going to fly in from California to pink hip until Fred gets well. Tell him might not dance as funny, but I can sing as loud as Fred. And tell Fred not to take so hard cause oh shuck. He'll be up and dancing again. No time.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Thank you. I will.

[Narrator/Commentator]

The nation thrilled as Will Rogers rushed to New York to fill in for his injured friends. America loved Will Rogers as it never loved anyone else. America was unprepared for that tragic summer day when Will Rogers flew off to a final landing.

[Rhett Butler]

This is Fred Stone speaking. Friends, this is Will Rogers spot. But nobody can pinch it for Will Rogers. Where if Will was here, he'd be on this program. The panorama of the America of the last 50 years just has to include Will. It was you, Will, who gave America an inspiration she never had known before. Your philosophy, your thinking, your little homespun sayings were bred in the soil of this nation. You were America, Will, and you were my friend. So I know you will understand about me taking your spot tonight. They didn't know of anyone else to get. And I wanted so much to do it for you to return a beautiful favor. So if you'll let my daughter Paula and me Go on. For you, Bill.

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

In bureau New York. It's remarkable, Barry. The names on the lamppost is unnecessary. You merely have to see the girls. You know what street you're on. Fifth Avenue Guilties and vero Broadway Girls at Tailor Made Shoppers the Happy New Acres they're strictly all right but they're different qu? In the different parts of town in old New York in old New York People are always fine their day and fair promise when a can happen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Dance it. Paula.

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

Gay Perry in London or in part the queen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

May 21, 1927.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Yankee Stadium in New York City where 40,000 rabid fight fans gathered to witness the Jim Maloney deck jockey fight. The winner of which was to meet Jack Dente target.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This countermelon is placed with a series of hard right from left. And he's backing Maloney in the corner and is belling away with 1, 2.

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

1, 2, 1, 2.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Just like that. Just as. Oh, there goes the bell ending around.

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

Believe you me, folks. Wait a minute.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, Joel Humphreys has just

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

stepped into the ring.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is very unusual for Joel. He's going to make an announcement in the midst of this fight.

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

Please. We just received a wireless report that a young man just took off in an airplane across the ocean alone he found somewhere over the open sea and his name here is a. Charlie Lindboy. Now I'm gonna ask you, ladies and gentlemen, if you don't mind, and I don't think the two fighters will either. Let's all be quiet for one minute and sort of give the boy a helpful prayer. And those of you who forgot how just required fire. Anyway,

[Narrator/Commentator]

Twenty hours later, the Lone Eagle dropped out of the French guide to a Memorable Landing in Paris and placed his name besides those of Columbus, Mellon, Harry and B. And today, what interests America? What people fascinate her? What books thrill her? What is America thinking?

[Narrator/Announcer]

A more sober, more reflective America.

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Read such historical novels as Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, a scene from which is dramatized for the first time on the air with Ms. Constance Bennett as Scarlett O' Hara and Mr. Robert Montgomery as Rhett Butler.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Gone with the Wind. The story of Scarlett o', Hara, daughter of a South whose traditions have been shattered by the Civil War. Scarlett o' Hara vixen ready to recruit every feminine wild to achieve her personal pleasures and stability who married a man she did not love. So fascinated by Ruth Butler, charming scoundrel and blockade runner. Then her husband is killed on the evening of his burial. Charlotte sits alone in her room. Alone with herself, rationalizing as her brain insists on tormenting her.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Don't get quiet in the house. Not even this time. Repeated a man in the pictures. Nothing. The old cush Frank is lying in his grave. Not killing. No, no, I mustn't say that. But he did go out in the night for me. He was caught in that raven shot. God will punish me for that. God will punish me for marrying him. Franklin. Living up to Ellen. I made him very unhappy. And aboard like a gentleman. But I really didn't make him highly unhappy. I gave my child Ella.

[Various Male Voices / Crowd]

Oh, Frank.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

If you're only alive now. I could make up for it all. If I could only find someone who would let me put my head on his shoulder. I wouldn't see Frankie that hurt. Look, I wouldn't see him anymore.

[Rhett Butler]

Aunt Pity. I want to talk with Scarlet.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

But the crowd is lying down now. Captain Butler. He's right past bravery.

[Rhett Butler]

He'll see me. He'll tell her I'm going away tomorrow. L. It's terribly important.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Nerd. I'll be down directly. What put the moon on? No, no. It could have been enough. I'll be a good shout. I'm coming down there.

[Rhett Butler]

Forgive me for disturbing you, Scarlet. I'm sorry I couldn't be at Frank's funeral.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

I understand.

[Rhett Butler]

Will you pardon us, Aunt Pity?

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Oh, certainly, certainly. I close the door. Why did you come here?

[Rhett Butler]

I wanted to find out.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Find out what?

[Rhett Butler]

What's the matter with you is you're

[Scarlett O'Hara]

a real callous person, Ed. Yeah, like me.

[Rhett Butler]

Come on, honey. What is it? Isn't it more than just old Frank Dian?

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Oh, Ed, I'm so afraid. I'm afraid I'll die and go to hell.

[Rhett Butler]

You're pretty hell fiend. Maybe there isn't any hell.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

But there is late. You know there is.

[Rhett Butler]

I know there is. But it's right here on earth.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Well, he was married, Frank. It was your own. He was, too. Ellensboro. He loved her. Lovely. But I lied to him. I told him she was going to marry some. Weird talk about Donna here.

[Rhett Butler]

Well, that's how you got Frank. I always wondered.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

I make him do all sorts of things. He can manage you. I was so mean to him. But I'm not really mean. My mother always said that I.

[Rhett Butler]

Your mother. I've often wondered what your mother was like.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Oh, yes. For the first time, I'm glad she's dead. Because she can't see me. She didn't raise me to be mean. She'd rather I'd have had exist other than do this. I'd be like her in every way. And I'm not like her a bit. Not a bitch. Mother died right after the aunties went through. Makes it kind of mag. And I. I get all cold and I think I can see how everything burned and still. And there's nothing to eat. You know, in my breath. I'm hungry again.

[Thomas Edison]

Go on.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

I'm hungry. My mind keeps saying if I ever get out of this, I'll never, never be hungry again. And then. And then the ding goes off in strangeness. And I'm running, running to hide. My heart's about to burst and something is cheating me. I can't breathe. But I keep thinking if I can just get that. But I don't know where I'm trying to get.

[Rhett Butler]

Honey, let's get to the bottom of this.

[Narrator/Commentator]

You say if you had it to

[Rhett Butler]

do over again, you'd do it differently. But would you think now? Would you?

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Oh, I don't know. It's all.

[Rhett Butler]

Why don't you tell me the truth? Hasn't your conscience bothered you before this?

[Scarlett O'Hara]

I didn't think much about conscience before. I guess I just reckoned God would understand.

[Rhett Butler]

But you don't credit God with understanding why you married Frank.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

How can you talk about God so when you don't even believe there is?

[Rhett Butler]

You believe in a God of wrath, and that's what's important at the moment. I'm surprised that your scholars are sprouting the conscience this late in life. Opportunists like you shouldn't have them.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

What's an opportunity?

[Rhett Butler]

Person who takes advantage of opportunities. He's always been Held in bad taste by those who had the same opportunities and didn't take them. Now I'll tell you why I came here this evening. Why I'm going away to England and I've got news. My news is this. I still want you more than any woman I've ever seen. And now the Frank is gone. I thought you'd be interested to know it.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Butler. You're the most ill bred man in the world. Coming here at a time like this with Frank. Hardly cold, Ms. Graves. Have you had any dickens?

[Rhett Butler]

I'm afraid you missed my point.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

I don't miss anything. Let go of me and get out of here.

[Rhett Butler]

Listen, I'm asking you to marry me. Would you be convinced if I knelt down? I've always intended having you, Scarlet. Since the first day I saw you at 12 holes when you threw a vase and swore just to prove to me you weren't a lady.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Look so calm. Just as. Just as if you were discussing the weather.

[Rhett Butler]

My damn I soul when you're suspicious. I'm going away for a long time and if I wait till I return. I'm afraid you have married someone else with money. So I thought, why not me and my money? Really, Scarlet, I can't go on all my life waiting to catch you between husbands.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

I don't think I'll ever marry again.

[Rhett Butler]

Oh, yes, you will. You were born to be married.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

But yet I don't love you.

[Rhett Butler]

That's no drawback. Your love never loved Frank. Did you ever think of marrying just for the fun of it?

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Don't talk like a fool. There's no fun being mad.

[Rhett Butler]

I don't know. Why not try marrying a fine young man who has a bad reputation and away with women.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Of course. You conceited me. This conversation has gone quite fine.

[Rhett Butler]

Now come, Scarlet. Say you'll marry me or I'll stay around here and play a guitar under your window every night and sing at

[Narrator/Commentator]

the top of my voice.

[Rhett Butler]

So you'll marry me? Has save your reputation.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

But I don't want to marry anybody.

[Rhett Butler]

Call it, o'. Hara.

[Thomas Edison]

You're a fool.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Oh, God.

[Thomas Edison]

Scarlett.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Scarlett, let me go.

[Rhett Butler]

You're in my arms now. Your clinging to me is the only solid thing in a dizzy, swaying world. You've never felt like this before in your whole life. You've had this coming to you for years. Some of the fool. None of the fools you've known have kissed you like this, have they?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, women all.

[Rhett Butler]

But what do they know about women? What do they know about you? I know, you see. Yes, Scarlett.

[Thomas Edison]

See?

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Yes.

[Rhett Butler]

You mean it. You don't want to take it back. Just why did you say yes? Look at me. Is it my money?

[Scarlett O'Hara]

My man, what a quick look up.

[Rhett Butler]

And don't try to sweet talk me.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

You are in love with me. Are you? Why should I be in love with you?

[Rhett Butler]

No. No, my dear, I'm not in love with you. No more than you are with me. And if I were, you'd be the last person I'd ever tell. God help the man who ever really loves you. You'd break his heart, my darling. All right. Let me know if you change your mind.

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Well, I'm going to kiss you goodbye.

[Rhett Butler]

Don't you think you've had enough kissing for one evening? To think of a modest, well brought up young woman? Well, I told you it would be fun, didn't I?

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Oh, you're just impossible. And I don't care if you never come back.

[Rhett Butler]

But I will come back. I will. And you'll wait until I do.

[Thomas Edison]

50 years ago, a man bought a watch. It was a good watch. Better than he ever expected to own. And at a lower price than he ever expected to pay. The man who bought the watch was Louis Lindeman of North Redwood, Minnesota. And the man he bought it from was Richard W. Sears, founder of Sears, Roebuck and Company. Wherever you are, Lewis Lindeman, will you please stand up on Sears, Roebuck and company's golden jubilee. 50,000 Sears employees join in nationwide cities. To you, the first Sears customer. You and Sears, Roebuck Co. Know, Mr. Lindemann, how far this country has really come. Mr. Lindemann. What time is it? Is it nightfall or just the dawn. On the forward march of America Marching into a new day Grander, more beautiful

[Narrator/Announcer]

than we have ever known before.

[Thomas Edison]

Marching, marching to the music of the sphere and the tick of a crook.

[Minstrel Band Conductor / Other Male Character]

Thank you, Mr. Hampton.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Gone with the Wind, the forthcoming self Nick international production was presented on tonight's broadcast by special permission of the macmillan Company and Selznick International fixtures. The copyright owners, Robert Montgomery appeared by permission of Metro Golden Mayor and Constance Bennett with permission of 20th Century Fox. The song's night in Manhattan is from the big broadcast of Paramount this year. Varsity Drag Summer production. Good news

[Narrator/Commentator]

next Thursday at the same time. Cheers. Invite you to go back through the years again and to meet their guest stars. Admiral Richard E. Byrd, Helen Gleason of the Metropolitan Opera and the Abbey Children. Patience. Richard and John, authors of the best selling around the world in 11 years.