20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by The Hallmark Playhouse

Summary

Summary of "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" by The Hallmark Playhouse

Podcast: Relic Radio Sci-Fi (Old Time Radio)
Episode: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Release Date: November 11, 2024
Featuring: Louis Jourdan as Professor Aronnax and Raymond Burr as Captain Nemo

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1. Introduction to the Expedition

The episode opens with Professor Aronnax (Louis Jourdan) being summoned by Commodore Farragut to investigate the mysterious sinking of the steamships Moravian and Scotia. During their initial discussion, Captain Nemo reveals that the Scotia was not accidentally wrecked but was deliberately rammed, sparking fears of an unknown sea creature responsible for the attacks.

Captain Nemo (00:43): "The ocean depth is greater than a hundred fathoms."

Professor Aronnax (05:11): "A giant whale perhaps."

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2. The Hunt for the Sea Monster

Professor Aronnax, along with Ned Land and other crew members, embark on a three-month-long expedition aboard the Aurora to locate and eliminate the alleged sea monster. The prolonged search leads to mounting frustration among the crew as no evidence of the creature surfaces, heightening the tension onboard.

Professor Aronnax (06:19): "I think this is a wild goose chase with no wild goose."

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3. First Encounter and Capture

Suddenly, a colossal metallic object confronts the Aurora, prompting a fierce encounter. A harpoon is launched in an attempt to subdue the creature, but it results in chaos. Professor Aronnax is thrown overboard but miraculously survives by grabbing onto the mysterious object, later revealed to be the submarine Nautilus.

Captain Nemo (12:05): "Gentlemen, we set sail with the single purpose of destroying me. Is there any reason then why I should show you hospitality?"

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4. Aboard the Nautilus

Upon being brought aboard the Nautilus, Professor Aronnax and Ned Land meet the enigmatic Captain Nemo (Raymond Burr). Despite initial hostility, Nemo expresses admiration for Aronnax's scientific work and extends an invitation for them to explore his advanced submarine.

Captain Nemo (12:19): "I am no one to you. And that is just what you are to call me. Captain Nemo."

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5. Life Under the Sea

Aboard the Nautilus, the protagonists witness the submarine's incredible luxuries and technological marvels. Captain Nemo showcases his extensive library, diverse marine life captured through ingenious lighting, and the submarine's self-sustaining power source derived from seawater.

Captain Nemo (17:01): "The sea supplies me with all the electricity I need through the chemical disintegration of seawater. My own invention."

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6. Exploration of Atlantis

The narrative takes a thrilling turn as Captain Nemo leads Professor Aronnax and Ned Land to the submerged ruins of Atlantis. They explore the ancient, sunken city amidst active volcanic activity, encountering remnants of a once-great civilization ravaged by both fire and water.

Louis Jourdan (19:31): "There was a hail of volcanic debris descending in slow motion through the water. ... Here was another Pompeii, a city which had died a double death, stricken by both fire and water."

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7. Rising Tensions and Attempts to Escape

As days pass aboard the Nautilus, the desire to return home grows stronger. An opportunity arises when the submarine surfaces, allowing Aronnax and Ned Land to attempt an escape. Their attempt is thwarted by Captain Nemo, leading to a confrontation that culminates in the Nautilus being driven towards the deadly maelstrom.

Captain Nemo (24:35): "A whirlpool which draws ships into its vortex and smashes them in its whirling fury."

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8. The Climax at the Maelstrom

In a race against time, Aronnax and Land navigate through the Nautilus's library to reach the deck and escape into the treacherous waters above. As the submarine approaches the maelstrom, Captain Nemo experiences a moment of profound remorse, revealing a personal tragedy that fueled his vendetta against the surface world.

Captain Nemo (23:04): "Forgive me, my darlings, but now you are avenged."

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9. Rescue and Resolution

The protagonists manage to escape the Nautilus just as it is swallowed by the maelstrom. They find refuge onshore, reflecting on their harrowing adventure and the enigmatic figure of Captain Nemo. The episode concludes with a poignant farewell between Aronnax and the memory of Nemo's sorrowful goodbye.

Professor Aronnax (26:15): "Goodbye, goodbye, Captain."

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Notable Quotes Summary

• Professor Aronnax (06:19): "I think this is a wild goose chase with no wild goose."
• Captain Nemo (12:05): "Gentlemen, we set sail with the single purpose of destroying me. Is there any reason then why I should show you hospitality?"
• Captain Nemo (17:01): "The sea supplies me with all the electricity I need through the chemical disintegration of seawater. My own invention."
• Captain Nemo (24:35): "A whirlpool which draws ships into its vortex and smashes them in its whirling fury."
• Captain Nemo (23:04): "Forgive me, my darlings, but now you are avenged."
• Professor Aronnax (26:15): "Goodbye, goodbye, Captain."

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Conclusion

"20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" by The Hallmark Playhouse offers a captivating retelling of Jules Verne's classic adventure, blending suspense, scientific wonder, and deep emotional undertones. Through stellar performances by Louis Jourdan and Raymond Burr, the story explores themes of obsession, revenge, and the mysteries of the deep ocean, making it a timeless piece for both old-time radio enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

Transcript

[Louis Jourdan]

Relic radio.

[Frank Goss]

This is relic radio. Sci fi old time radio Science fiction stories from relicradio.com.

[James Hilton]

Remember a Hallmark card when you care enough to send the very best. Tonight from from Hollywood, the makers of hallmark greeting cards bring you Louis Jourda in 20,000 leagues under the sea on the hallmark playhouse. Each week Hallmark will bring you Hollywood's greatest stars in outstanding stories chosen by one of the world's best known authors, the distinguished novelist, Mr. James Hilton.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is James Hilton. I wonder whether there was one book which you read when you were quite young that you still remember with special affection. The story we dramatize on our hallmark playhouse tonight is one I could say this about in my own life. It's Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues under the sea. It was, as I remember it, just the sort of story to excite a boy who was born into this 20th century of scientific adventure. And when I re read it a short time ago, it held for me something of the same old fascination. Jules Verne, who you could say was really one of the pioneers of science fiction, never did anything better than 20,000 leagues under the sea. And of all his novels, it's probably the one which for us today has a thoroughly modern ring. To play our hero's part tonight we are introducing to you a fine actor who has become one of Hollywood's popular favorites, Louis Jourdan. And now here is Frank Goss from the makers of Hallmark cards.

One of the particular joys of Christmas is sending and receiving Christmas cards. While the pleasure Christmas cards bring can never be measured, isn't it good to know that Hallmark cards are priced the same this year as they were last year and the year before and the year before that? And that the quality of Hallmark cards has constantly improved throughout the years. Yes, today, just as for many Christmas seasons, that Hallmark on the back of your card is looked for and welcomed. It tells your friends you cared enough to send the very best. And now, Hallmark playhouse presenting Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues under the sea starring Louis Jourdan.

That which is far off and exceeding deep, who can find it out? The book of Ecclesiastes asked that question over 2,000 years ago. And today, in this age of science, the mysteries of the deep are still unsolved. Three quarters of the earth's surface, when you come to reckon it lies buried beneath billions of tons of water. There, in the plunging miles below the waves, what wonders lie in the blackness? Nearly a century ago, a Frenchman named Jules Verne let loose his imagination among those terrifying secrets, the dark measureless caverns of the ocean floor. It is there. We shall follow him tonight.

[Professor Aronnax]

Professor Aronax, thank you for coming to my office.

[Louis Jourdan]

My pleasure, Cupidor Farragut. But how can a botanist be of help to you?

[Professor Aronnax]

Professor, do you know how the steamship Moravian was sunk?

[Louis Jourdan]

I was under the impression that it had scraped on a submerged reef.

[Professor Aronnax]

Where the Moravian sank.

[Captain Nemo]

The ocean depth is greater than a hundred fathoms.

[Louis Jourdan]

Astonishing.

[Professor Aronnax]

And when the steamship Scotia limped into dry dock at Liverpool, there was a triangular gash in her hull which couldn't.

[Captain Nemo]

Have been done more neatly with a metal punch. Professor Aronnax, The Scotia was rammed.

[Louis Jourdan]

But Commodore, if this is true, it is an act of war. No vessels on the high seas are safe.

[Captain Nemo]

I do not believe that this is the work of a human being.

[Professor Aronnax]

I believe that these disasters are the work of some beast of the ocean depths.

[Captain Nemo]

A giant whale perhaps.

[Professor Aronnax]

Uncatalogued in your books of science, it.

[Louis Jourdan]

Might be some species of Monodon Monoceros with a long spiral tooth like a unicorn.

[Professor Aronnax]

You see, professor, it's for such knowledge that you'll be valuable to our expedition.

[Louis Jourdan]

What is your plan, Commodore?

[Professor Aronnax]

To comb the oceans to find your sea monster, Professor. Harpoon it and make the shipping lane safe again.

[Louis Jourdan]

When do you sail?

[Captain Nemo]

Friday at dawn.

[Louis Jourdan]

I'll be aboard, sir. It sounds like quite an adventure. Three months later I was cursing myself for making such a hasty decision. For three long months we had see sawed back and forth across the oceans. But there was no sign of the sea monster. The crew was restless, we slept fitfully. For we never knew when the task of the great beast might rip into our hull and send us to the bottom.

[Professor Aronnax]

I wouldn't worry about it, Professor.

[Louis Jourdan]

What's the matter, Ned?

[Professor Aronnax]

Well, if you ask me, I think this is a wild goose chase with no wild goose.

[Louis Jourdan]

What makes you say that?

[Professor Aronnax]

All my life I've been chasing whales. I've never seen one that's big enough to sink an ocean steamship.

[Captain Nemo]

Ned.

[Louis Jourdan]

Ned, what would you say that is? Where? Off the starboard.

[Professor Aronnax]

That black object coming toward us. Lord save us. I've never seen anything like it. Commodore, did you see it? Yes, we've spotted it. Lieutenant, order battle stations, Nedlands. Aye aye, sir. Take your position. We're depending on you to harpoon this creature. Aye, sir. I'll do my best. Good man. Professor.

[Louis Jourdan]

Yes, Commodore.

[Professor Aronnax]

Look at the speed of that devil.

[Louis Jourdan]

It's beyond belief.

[Professor Aronnax]

My heaven is heading straight toward us. Helm, swing two. So we're facing the devil. Head on kill a harpoon. When I'm ready, sir. Don't wait for a command. It's a hail, all right. What a water stop of the ship.

[James Hilton]

Hold my.

[Louis Jourdan]

The rails powered a torrent of water which broke over our ship. I was thrown over the rail and fell into the sea. I popped like a cork on the surface of an ocean 2 mil deep. By the time I could see and utter a cry, our ship had swirled out of earshot. I knew that it would be a matter of minutes before I was a dead man. For the nearest bit of earth was two miles away. Straight down.

[Professor Aronnax]

Don't struggle so hard, Professor. Dead land.

[Louis Jourdan]

Well, we can drown together.

[Professor Aronnax]

Well, that won't be necessary, professors. If you reach down, I think you'll find solid footing directly beneath you.

[Louis Jourdan]

Good Lord, Ned. This is a miracle.

[James Hilton]

No, sir.

[Professor Aronnax]

It's our whale.

[James Hilton]

What?

[Professor Aronnax]

Keep your balance, sir. It's heaving up out of the water.

[Captain Nemo]

This is no whale.

[Professor Aronnax]

I'd say it was a regular iron clad. You're right. These are iron plates riveted together.

[Louis Jourdan]

There must be men inside. Human beings with human sympathies. Now become the shell, Ned, with your knife.

[James Hilton]

Correct, sir. Rick.

[Professor Aronnax]

Let us in. Let us in. Help us, you pirates. Save us. Let us.

[Louis Jourdan]

Suddenly, one of the iron plates was lifted up. A man looked out, stared at us for a moment and disappeared. A few moments later, four strong men with masked faces appeared noiselessly and carried us down inside their formidable machine.

[Professor Aronnax]

Professor Aronax.

[Louis Jourdan]

Yes, Ned? Are you all right?

[Professor Aronnax]

These bruisers don't stand much in ceremony, do they? Dumping us down here where it's blacker than pitch.

[Louis Jourdan]

We are completely at their mercy.

[Professor Aronnax]

I still have my knife.

[Louis Jourdan]

Listen. Someone's coming. Now, there in the doorway stood the strangest man I have ever seen. He carried an electric lantern which cast sharp shadows on his face. It was a face which might have belonged to an Old Testament prophet. His physique was magnificent, and his age. Well, the man might have been 35 or 60. For at least a full minute, he stood in the doorway examining us without a word.

[Professor Aronnax]

Well, why are you standing just looking at us?

[Louis Jourdan]

It's a fight you want. Control yourself, sir. We don't know who you are or what you intend to do with us. My name is Pierre Arronax. I am a professor of marine biology with the National Museum in Paris. This is Master Ned Land, our pooner in the United States Navy. We call upon your humanity to treat us as you would wish to be treated in a similar circumstance.

[Professor Aronnax]

He doesn't seem to understand.

[Louis Jourdan]

Monsieur.

[Captain Nemo]

That will suffice. Gentlemen, we will discuss these matters in whatever tongue you choose. I myself speak 13 languages.

[Professor Aronnax]

Then we'll talk in plain English.

[Captain Nemo]

As you wish. Mr. Land. Monsieur Arranax. I am very annoyed to see you. An unkind fate has brought you here to trouble my existence unintentionally. Unintentionally? Was it unintentionally that your vessel pursued me halfway around the world? Gentlemen, you set sail with the single purpose of destroying me. Is there any reason then why I should show you hospitality? Might not I place you outside on my deck, then sink beneath the waters and forget that you ever existed? Is that not my right?

[Louis Jourdan]

It might be the right of a savage, but not the right of a civilized man.

[Captain Nemo]

I am not what you call a civilized man. I have done with society entirely, therefore I do not obey its laws.

[Louis Jourdan]

If you wish to kill us, please make the death swift and merciful.

[Captain Nemo]

I have no such intention. Professor Arnax, I have read several of your books on biology and deep sea life.

[James Hilton]

Oh?

[Captain Nemo]

And because of my admiration for your scientific knowledge and your learning, I have decided that you and your companion are to remain aboard this vessel.

[Louis Jourdan]

To whom are we indebted for this clemency?

[Captain Nemo]

I am no one to you. And that is just what you are to call me. Captain Nemo.

[Professor Aronnax]

You mean we're prisoners?

[Captain Nemo]

On the contrary, Mr. Land, you will be my honored guests. You will be free to move at will from stem to stern of my ship, which I call the Nautilus. I will show you its wonders and its ingenious mechanism.

[Louis Jourdan]

But, Captain Nemo, you have said we are your enemies. Aren't you afraid that we will take this knowledge back to our homes and use it to destroy you?

[Captain Nemo]

That doesn't worry me in the slightest, because I promise you, gentlemen that neither of you will ever leave this vessel alive.

[James Hilton]

In just a moment, we will return to the second act of 20,000 Leagues under the Sea, starring Louis Jordan. I read somewhere once that Christmas is a lot of little things. And when you stop to think about it, isn't it the little things that make our memories of Christmas so vivid? Most are impressions of childhood. The star atop the tree. A whiff of goodness as the Christmas cookies come from the oven. A candle in the window on Christmas Eve. The memories are different for each of us. But you can share Christmas memories with your friends by seeing that your Christmas card represents your feelings about Christmas. This is much easier to do than it sounds, for you will find that the Hallmark Christmas card collection is so varied, so complete, that you're sure to find the one card that brings forth your most vivid memory, choose it and make it your own. In the Hallmark album are cards you can order imprinted with your name. In addition, you'll find Hallmark cards and many convenient boxed collections awaiting your personal signature. They're designed to express your Christmas wishes in a beautiful manner, and yet are priced to fit even the most limited budget. And for every Hallmark Christmas card you send, your friends add that pleasant feeling of knowing it will be well received for that Hallmark on the back tells them you cared enough to send the very best. Now back to James Hilton in the second act of 20,000 leagues under the Sea, starring Louis Jourdan.

Tonight we are traveling as guests of the enigmatic Captain Nemo aboard his submarine, the Nautilus.

[Louis Jourdan]

May I say, Captain Nemo, that I have never had a better meal in the finest hotels in Europe.

[Captain Nemo]

Thank you.

[Louis Jourdan]

You must pick up delicacies at every port.

[Captain Nemo]

I visit no ports and make no contact with your world. You have eaten the harvest of the sea.

[Louis Jourdan]

Remarkable.

[Captain Nemo]

Shall we go to the library?

[Louis Jourdan]

You have a library on board?

[Captain Nemo]

12,000 volumes.

[Louis Jourdan]

Unbelievable.

[Captain Nemo]

Gun. See by yourself. These bookshelves contain the gleanings of the richest minds that have lived on this planet. Your works among them, Sir, I am honored.

[James Hilton]

Oh, you.

[Louis Jourdan]

You even have a piano.

[Captain Nemo]

Of course.

[Louis Jourdan]

Do you play?

[Captain Nemo]

A little.

[Professor Aronnax]

As you.

[Captain Nemo]

Listen, my friend, I ask you to consider this question. Where do you think you are?

[Louis Jourdan]

Why, in the library of your vessel, of course. Floating on the sea.

[Captain Nemo]

No, professor, not floating. Be so good as to slide that panel to your left. So. Look.

[Louis Jourdan]

Behind the panel lay a window of plate glass. And in the faint light of deep underwater, I saw whole armies of fish swim by the Nautilus. Scores of fabulous creatures of the deep.

[Captain Nemo]

They are attracted in such numbers by the lamps we steer by.

[Louis Jourdan]

But, Captain, where do you get your power to travel at such speeds?

[Captain Nemo]

The sea supplies me with all the electricity I need through the chemical disintegration of seawater. My own invention.

[Louis Jourdan]

You love the sea, Captain?

[Captain Nemo]

Yes. Yes, I love it. The sea is everything. Its breath is pure and healthy. Tis an immense desert where man is never lonely, for he feels life stirring on all sides. The sea does not belong to tyrants and despots. Upon its surface, men can still fight and tear one another to pieces. But here, beneath the surface of the sea, the power of the tyrant ceases. Here is independence. Here I am free.

[Louis Jourdan]

And a man must be wealthy to live such a life. Are you rich?

[Captain Nemo]

I could, without missing it, pay the national debt of France.

[Louis Jourdan]

Some days Later, I found a note on the table of my stateroom. Captain Nemo invites Professor Aronax to a hunting party which will take place this morning in the forests of Atlantis. A sunken civilization.

[Captain Nemo]

That is correct, Monsieur Arrenox. As soon as we don these diving helmets, I shall be pleased to show you the ruins of a lost continent. Atlantis.

[Louis Jourdan]

Atlantis.

[Captain Nemo]

We will be able to talk with each other over a telephone apparatus. And there is plenty of air to breathe. It's compressed in this little tank which you carry on your back. Here, professor, let me help you. Can you hear me, Professor?

[Louis Jourdan]

Yes, yes, fine. Can you hear me, Captain Nemo?

[Professor Aronnax]

Perfectly.

[Captain Nemo]

Now, if you will follow me through this door. Professor. You know the ground upon which you are walking was many centuries ago. Dry land. Then there was an upheaval within the Earth and this island sank beneath the waves of the Atlantic.

[James Hilton]

That red glow ahead of us, what is it?

[Professor Aronnax]

It is lava, sir.

[Captain Nemo]

We are climbing up the slope of an active volcano.

[Louis Jourdan]

The red glow grew brighter and I found myself on the brink of an undersea volcan with a crater pouring white hot rock into the sea. There was a hail of volcanic debris descending in slow motion through the water. And at the foot of the mountain, before my very eyes lay a tower, ruined, destroyed, its roofs open to the watery sky, its temples fallen, its marble columns lying on the ground. Here was another Pompeii, a city which had died a double death, stricken by both fire and.

[Captain Nemo]

It is dangerous to go nearer the.

[Louis Jourdan]

Lost city of Atlantis.

[Captain Nemo]

Ah, I had almost forgotten. I promised you a hunt.

[Professor Aronnax]

Look to your left.

[Louis Jourdan]

A sunken ship. The Spanish galley.

[James Hilton]

Yes.

[Captain Nemo]

What do you suppose you will find on board?

[Louis Jourdan]

I. I can imagine. Here.

[Captain Nemo]

Some of it seems to have spilled over the side.

[Professor Aronnax]

Here.

[Louis Jourdan]

Professor Aronnax, A solid ingot of gold.

[Captain Nemo]

Kindly accept this trifle, professor, as a token of esteem from your friend, Captain Nemo.

[Louis Jourdan]

How much is this worth?

[Captain Nemo]

In your world, perhaps a million francs. Down here, the fish place its value. Add exactly nothing.

[Louis Jourdan]

A few days later, the Nautilus came to the surface to restore its supply of air. Vaned and I were enjoying a quick stroll on deck.

[Professor Aronnax]

Look, sir, over there.

[Louis Jourdan]

A ship. I can't make out the flag she's flying.

[Professor Aronnax]

What are you doing above decks? I command you to go below. You can't command us, Captain Nemo.

[Louis Jourdan]

I ask you to address us as chief, not as Underlie.

[Captain Nemo]

You have seen things which you should not see. For your own good, gentlemen, I tell you to go below.

[Professor Aronnax]

They're firing at us. Oh, ship of an accursed nation. You Know who I am? You, whose people took from me everything I loved.

[Captain Nemo]

I do not need your colors to know you by.

[Louis Jourdan]

Sir, are you going to attack this vessel?

[Professor Aronnax]

Attack it, sir? I am going to seek it. Go below.

[Louis Jourdan]

Through the heavy glass window of the library, I saw that we had submerged. Then a shock passed through the Nautilus, and the whole submarine shattered with a frightful impact. Then, through my window, I watched a dreadful sight. I saw a stricken vessel sinking below the waves. There was tense breathing next to me. It was Captain Nemo. Suddenly seemed overcome by remorse. He ran to a desk, pulled out a drawer, took something from it. Then he fell to the floor, sobbing, clasping it close to his breast.

[Captain Nemo]

Forgive me. Forgive me.

[Louis Jourdan]

He stretched out his arms. He was holding a picture. A picture of a beautiful woman with two little children.

[Captain Nemo]

Forgive me, my darlings, but now you are avenged.

[Louis Jourdan]

Are we on the surface, Professor? Yes, Ned, and only a few hundred yards from shore. If we're ever going to get off this cursed vessel, we'll have to do it tonight. Everyone on board should be asleep by now. Now we'll have to cross the library in order to get up on deck.

[James Hilton]

Yeah, lead the way.

[Louis Jourdan]

All right.

[Professor Aronnax]

Why are he there? Bend.

[Louis Jourdan]

Bend down. You may not see us in the shadows.

[James Hilton]

Hurry.

[Professor Aronnax]

And be quiet.

[Captain Nemo]

Good evening, gentlemen. Isn't this a rather late hour to be wandering in the library?

[Louis Jourdan]

We may as well tell you the truth, Captain. We were attempting to escape.

[Captain Nemo]

Well, for what other purpose do you suppose we are floating so close to the shore?

[Professor Aronnax]

You mean you let us leave the Nautilus?

[Captain Nemo]

Perhaps the Nautilus is leaving you.

[Louis Jourdan]

What does this mean, Captain?

[Captain Nemo]

A few miles to the north of us is a peculiar phenomenon called the maelstrom.

[Louis Jourdan]

The maelstrom?

[Captain Nemo]

A whirlpool which draws ships into its vortex and smashes them in its whirling fury. Even now, gentlemen, our course is set for the dead center of the maelstrom. You'll be destroyed, naturally.

[Louis Jourdan]

Come with us. Save yourself.

[Captain Nemo]

No, my friend. I have lived long enough with bitterness. Everything must have an end somewhere, some way. Go on up the Companion way. I will not hinder you.

[Louis Jourdan]

Captain Nemo, I beg you, come with us.

[Captain Nemo]

Please, gentlemen, do not interrupt me. I must finish my composition.

[Louis Jourdan]

I hesitated a moment, only, then hurried up the companionway to the deck. Ned and I dived into the icy water and swam to the shore, where we found shelter in a fisherman's hut. Exhausted, I tried to sleep, but my mind kept traveling out to the sea, toward that whirlpool, that deadly vortex. The maelstrom and all that night I dreamed of the Nautilus being sucked into its grave. And though I don't remember it, Ned says that I woke up suddenly from my sleep shouting at the top of.

[Professor Aronnax]

My lungs, Goodbye, goodbye, Captain.

[James Hilton]

Nem 3 Square at the bottom of your ferd. And James Hilton will return in a moment. Whatever you want your Christmas card to say to your friends, whether you want the chuckling good humor of Santa surrounded with toys or the quiet dignity and peace of a village church in a snow filled valley, you'll find it expressed on a Hallmark Christmas card. And expressed so beautifully, your card will be the one your friends will single out to show to others or tie on the tree or place on the mantel. That's because on Hallmark cards you'll find Christmas at its warmest in the works of such artists as Norman Rockwell, Winston Churchill, Grandma Moses and other equally outstanding gallery artists. When you're selecting your cards for personal imprinting, ask to see the Hallmark album. There you will find the card you will want for your very own, the one that says Merry Christmas to your friends the way you'd like to say it personally. And remember that Hallmark on the back of your card also says something to your friends. It tells them you cared enough to send the very best. Here again is James Hilton.

Thank you, Louis Jourdain. We all enjoyed your performance and we hope you return to our Hallmark Playhouse often now that you've made your initial appearance.

[Louis Jourdan]

It was a great pleasure to be here, Mr. Hilton. I've enjoyed every play I've heard on your Hallmark Playhouse, and right now I feel a special fondness for your friendly Hallmark cards.

[James Hilton]

Special fondness. How's that, Louis?

[Louis Jourdan]

Well, we have a baby boy at our house born just last month, and I know how happy my wife and I were to receive each card that arrived. It made me. Well, it made me feel as if I were free to talk all I wanted to about the baby and that other folks were interested in him, too.

[James Hilton]

Well, somebody once said that the essence of friendship is thoughtfulness. And it always makes us happy when we discover it for ourselves, doesn't it?

[Louis Jourdan]

It surely does. What are you planning for the Hallmark Playhouse next week?

[James Hilton]

Next week we shall tell an exciting story based upon the life of the fabulous financial wizard of the 18th cent, John Law. When we dramatize Emerson Huff's novel the Mississippi Bubble, and as our star, we are delighted to have Ray Milan. Our Hallmark Playhouse is every Thursday. Our producer director is Bill Gay. Our music is composed and conducted by David Rose. And our story tonight was dramatized by Lawrence and Lee. Until next Thursday, then, this is James Hilton saying good night.

Look for Hallmark cards that are sold over in stores that have been carefully selected to give you expert and friendly service. Remember a Hallmark card when you carry not to send the very best. Louis Jordan appeared tonight to the courtesy of 20th Century Fox Studios and may currently be seen in their Technicolor production. And of the Indies, the role of Captain Nemo tonight was played by Raymond Burr, Tom Tully was Ned Land and Norman Field, Commodore Farragut. This is Frank Goss saying good night to you all until next week at the same time, when Hallmark Playhouse returns to present Ray Milan in Emerson Huff's Mississippi Bubble. And the week following on Thanksgiving Day, Fanny Kilburn's the Widened Hearth starring Anne Harding. And the week after that, Bellamy and Helen Partridges Salad Days on the Hallmark Playhouse. This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Captain Nemo]

This is kmbc, Kansas City, Missouri.

[Frank Goss]

That's the show for this week, but don't forget, there are thousands more like it@religion relicradio.com horror, strange tales, science fiction, crime, all available for free. If you'd like to donate to Relic Radio and help keep it all free, you can do that through the website as well. Visit donate. Relicradio.com to find out more to see the special downloadable sets that are available. My thanks to those who have donated and thanks for listening today. Talk to you again next week.