 Luck presents Hollywood to George Raff, Raymond Massey and Julie Bishop in action in the North Atlantic. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. In the dim past of 1942, the wolf packs of German U-boats were sinking ships faster than we could build them. But the undersea killer was beaten. Beaten by old weapons and by new. By gun and bomb and depth charge. And by the iron hearts of the merchant seamen. From every part of America, they went down to the sea and ships. And there, many are buried in unmarked graves, a thousand fathoms deep. Some came from Marblehead and were born to the smell of salt air. And some from Missouri. They'd never even seen the ocean. Hollywood produced a magnificent motion picture tribute to the men of the merchant ships. It's called Action in the North Atlantic. And we present it as our play tonight with George Raff, Raymond Massey and Julie Bishop as the stars. Warner Brothers made the picture. And by the way, everyone at that studio is talking about a new comedy called Make Your Own Bed. Action in the North Atlantic is more than a drama of ships and submarines and thinking. Because there was unselfish courage behind these men. At home, the courage of wives and children and sweethearts. And to them a grateful nation must give thanks. Americans have always liked to go to sea. From before the time the Yankee clipper was queen of the seven seas. There have been lots of changes since then too. Ships powered by steam, the radio, airplanes. And even in such everyday comforts as soap. Once it was a long and tedious process of home manufacture to make soap. Now it's as simple as saying Lux Flakes. I was reading the other evening how the first lady of one household washed her silk stockings in 1762. To begin with, they were put through four sets of studs from a strong soap. And then I end on the wrong side. How long the stockings survived is rather questionable. Naturally, she did it herself. Even though she had many servants. Because the stockings were very valuable. And had to be imported from abroad. The lady's name incidentally was Martha Washington. I imagine Martha would be quite envious. To see how simply and quickly the whole job is done in 1944 with Lux Flakes. And now there's romance and adventure waiting behind the Lux Radio Theater curtain. As it rises on action in the North Atlantic. Darling George Raff as Joe Rossi. Raymond Massey as Captain Jarvis. And Julie Bishop as Pearl. Made at night. And through the dark and lonely stretches of the North Atlantic. An American tanker. Butts its way eastward. Completely blacked out. The vessel with a murky silhouette. In the waste of sea and sky. In front of the wheelhouse. The first office appears in the patches of fog. Creeping up like curious ghosts around the ship. At you miss it. Yes sir. I've run into fog the last half hour. Captain. Maybe it's got company too. Submarine. The enemy. No sir. Black night. Ow. What's the matter? Oh it's that tooth again. I got a mouth full of red hot pickaxes. Whose fault is that? Why didn't you get it fixed while we were in port? When I'm in port I want to see something better looking than a dentist. You deserve what you got. Sure. A punishment for my sins. Get a whip at this stuff. You're going to shut in full before midnight. Parker. Yes sir. Come here. How's he been? Parker. He'll do. Merchant Marine cut that. Reporting sir. Think he can find the poison? He's below the rest of them sir. That's wrong. Tell them to post a double lookout. Four and a half. Aye sir. Oh excuse me sir. Expect some trouble. Stop kid. You heard the captain. I gave you an order. Oh sorry sir. Wait a minute. You're here to learn. Here's your first lesson. An old law to see. When you get an order don't ask questions. I'll get below. Aye aye sir. Oh remember when you were that age skipper? Yes mister. I remember. When I was Parker's age I'd been twice round the horn and the square rigged. Oh it's different nowadays. There's no time to train a crew. Oh else can you learn to see? By wearing a fancy cadet uniform like him? By sticking your nose in a book? Oh give the kid a chance. He'll catch on. You don't catch on to the sea mister. I've beat across every ocean in the book for 30 years and I still learn something new every day. Oh and the difference between you and me captain is that you remember the grief and I remember the fun. Ow. Next time we're in port you better see a dentist first. Yeah. I wonder do they have lady dentists and liveable? Yes we're bound for England. A pickup crew and a hold full of high-test gasoline. She's an old ship dirty frayed around the edges but she's been my home and I give her the best I got. She does the same for me. I'm lucky I got a first officer like Joe Rossi. Hard as nails but he knows what this is all about. He's worried too. The others are men below. Maybe it's just as well they don't think too hard. They do their jobs and leave the rest to us. To the ship. To me. And to Joe. What do you want Parker? Order from the captain sir. I want to double look up. This is for an S. Okay junior run along. Yes sir. Watch them out of boats old man nervous. Four of you guys that look for the deck. I'll send somebody else. I owe the pot six bucks. Nice sir. Tony. Oh. Vegas. Okay guys hit it. You too. Professor. Beat it. Yes sir. At some punk kid handboats. How does a Kansas hay shaker like that ever get to see. How does any of us Abrams. We're all muscle found between the years. Now what do you say a thing like that. A rust spot full of high test gas. If a torpedo connects we got one swell chance. Thank you. You've got the wrong angle on it. Johnny. The way I see it if your ship's number is up yourself to get it. If it ain't torpedoes can connect right when you're sitting and nothing will happen. I don't want no torpedo where I'm sitting. I'm sensitive. I've sent for last year I was shipping out when your buttons with safety pin. I was on a tanker in the last war. So it makes you want to ship out again. Because for 20 years I had my own business got my own house too and a little dough for the way. But I want to keep it all. See and I figured this is the only way to do it. So we didn't ask for this war but we got it anyway. And I say it's the guy that's like in the song says we did it before we'll do it again with you and the war Abrams we got nothing to worry about. You just think of no faith for last key but I got faith in God. President Roosevelt and the Brooklyn Dodgers and the order of their importance how about you whitey. I'm not here for the dough we got a hundred percent bonus and I figured that ain't she we vote well boys I'm here because this is the one place my wife can't catch up with me at least so far she thinks she can cut alimony off of me like brother off in a whale. My corn you and your feet. Hey fellas how about some music. I got very delicate feet can I help it. Well my corn's always right when I was a submarine around. Play nothing else. Stop beating your. I like it. I know a day that's done that. She had a baby face and a brain to match. Home home on the range I taught it to her. What did you do that for. And maybe you'll play something else. What's he so hot about. I wish you could turn off a day that easy. I said what did you do that. Because I'm sick. You can see your great yellow cheeks of flame and smoke like shots from a cannon. Your ears are full of screaming men and a ship that's being tortured and torn. You know half your crew's lost. You do what you can for the rest and then you abandon ship. One lifeboat is left only one. The men swing over the side some jump into the water flaming with oil and you stand there and watch full of an awful hate and an awful. Help me. Get out of that boat and pull away. I'm waiting for you. Some of my men are still aboard. There's nothing you can do. Don't tell me what I can do. Mr. Get over the side. Yes. Look. There's nothing in the books that you got a brain with your ship. You can't help those men. Maybe not. But I'm going to try. If I can. Well captain. Will you come down. Blown to bits. Blown to bits. All right. I'm coming. Once we were clear of the flames we shipped doors and watched. We didn't want it but we couldn't help it. The shock and the horror held us. Fascinated. And suddenly not a hundred yards away from. The ship of shape of doom rose out of the sea. The Nazi submarine was serviced. It breached and quickly turned their gun. Horses. We can see them plainly in the glare. One of the Nazis started taking pictures and another shouted at us across the water. But Rossi grabbed me before I could open my mouth. Nothing on this is this. They killed enough of this as it is. They think they can scare us off the sea. Find out different. Excuse me sir. Can we start rolling. Have you all got a life jacket man. All right pull away boys. Look they're bearing down on it. They're going to ram us. They're going to ram. Jump. Jump for your lives. In the water. Hurry. Keep clear of the diving bay. When the class you can. Blood and fire to make you laugh. But our time is coming. We'll pay you back. I swear to God we'll hunt you down. We'll hunt you down and slice you like a piece of cheese. They can't hear you captain. But God can. A few days on the life raft. There was no food no water. Two more of my men died and then we were rescued. The destroyer picked us up and brought us back home. When we stepped in the dock there were a lot of reporters. Even the newsreel. They asked questions but there wasn't much to tell. What can you say. But what happened captain when the torpedo hit your tanker. Caught fire. Exploded. What happened then. The abandoned ship. Did you see the submarine captain. Couldn't help seeing it. It rammed it. Then what. And we spent eleven days on a raft. Look there's their first officer Mr. Rossi. You might like to talk to him. Thanks. Oh Mr. Rossi. Yeah. Are you going to ship out again Mr. Rossi. Well if you live on land and your house burns down you get another house. Out there a ship at home. If it burns we get another ship. That's how it is ain't it boys. Thank you. Any of you men like to say something. Nothing to say. Captain Rossi they told you everything. That afternoon we said goodbye. The men drifted automatically to the hiring hall of the Siemens Union. There among their own kind they get talking past the time. Hours days or weeks as they so fit. They'll limit up their minds to go to sea again or find a job on land. Joe Rossi had a room in town but he left me at the nearest cafe. I lived in the suburbs. We had a little house there and I. He was waiting for me on the front porch. Even hello Sarah. It's been so long so long. No no. They told me two weeks ago the ship was lost. The Navy picked us up. He was a fine ship there. What about the men. But many were lost. Oh and you you're all right. You have a terrible son Ben. Yeah they'll wear off. I'm fine fine. See that coffee I smell. Yes it's all ready. Come on in we'll sit down in the kitchen. Sure would enjoy some of your coffee. You've been all right there. Oh sure. I guess I worried some but. That's a new suit Stephen. It doesn't fit so good. Well I think the coffee's ready. You know what I'm going to do. What. Take a bath. I could soak for a month. I'll then soak my darling. I'll go light the heater. Thanks. Thanks Sarah. I had him alive. Now the bed's ready. You want to go to sleep don't you. I'm so tired. Well you get in there and lie down. I'll go to the market while you're sleeping. Ah this feels so good. Sleep well my darling. Close your eyes. That's right. Sarah I feel tears on your face. I know I'm silly. I'm just crying because I'm so happy. I should be used to it after all these years. Listen I've weathered a lot of storms. I've always come back here. Yes darling yes. Sleep now. You sleep. I'll be back soon. Yes it's good. Hey when'd you get in this morning. Yes well to see you Joe. How about a hoisting one in the house. What do you recommend for a toothache. Whiskey's strange. She'll hurt you. You say you got into pain now. That's finger. You know it Joe. Not yet. But I'm going to. Well look and did it. Yeah but I'm too far away. I'll just carry this toothache medicine down to the other end of the bar. Anything. You're sneaking them out every day now. I even know the names of some of them. Hey Jack. The lady's singing. You mind. I don't mind. The western star sailed an hour ago. Lordy which roof. Hey Jack. How about you and me staying down on the roof. Come on. Have a drink. Sure. Hey see you later. Listening to you Jack. Well ain't that exactly what I've been saying. Those ships are carrying men straight for the front. I've seen them. You saw them huh. The ship. Yeah sure I saw them. Well what do you know. Come here. I want to tell you something here. Whisper this. Go ahead. Hey Joe. Look what's on the floor. I think maybe you had a little too much to drink huh. Yeah I thought I put him in a cab. Hurt your hand Joe. Never do. I'll have another drink. Okay. You don't waste much time between drinks do you. I never waste time. Look I saw you stop that guy. I try to do it as neatly and quietly as I could. I try to do it outside. I make my living here. He should have had his teeth kicked in. Big hero. Well what would you do if a guy was shooting his mouth off. Turn him in so he couldn't go and talk someplace else. Well that ain't correct enough for me. Do you want a drink. Thanks but I don't drink. Then sing. Oh command performance huh. Yeah I like your voice. The way you were staring at me. That's not all you like about me. That's all I know about you so far. Yeah Joe. I say yes baby. You should know each other. Joe Rossi. Hello Neil. Glad to know you. Hey. Don't you ever smile. Once in a while. If there's a reason for it. Maybe I can dream up a reason. Mind if I hang around. Suit yourself Mr. Rossi. When are you not going up here. Sometime after you. Maybe I'm leaving right now. I guess you made things pretty clear. Wait a minute. I'm sorry. I guess I'm just in the dump. Well I was thinking maybe when you're through we could go somewhere and have a few laughs. Well. Is he okay Mike. Yeah Joe's okay. All right. We'll have a few laughs. I don't know Joe. You better have that tooth fixed. Yeah I think I will. Hmm. I think I will. One of these weeks. Mr. DeMille presents act two of action in the North Atlantic starring George Draft Raymond Massey and Julie Bishop in just a moment. Mr. Kennedy you know what year this is. 1944 isn't it. No I mean it's leap year. Oh yes I forgot. After all I'm already married. Have you any plans Sally. Yes sir. I've got my proposal already heard. Oh well. What kind of a man are you looking for. That's hard to put into words. When I see him I'll know him. I guess that's all. And what will you tell him. Well I'll admit I'm not an expert on cooking. And I don't think I'd take any prizes at sewing but I'm very thrifty. Of course you're a luxe girl. Yes. Why would I save on stockings alone. Is it really a lot Sally. Plenty Mr. Kennedy. Why do you know stockings are one of the biggest items in any girls budget. Then it's no wonder Lux is America's favorite stocking care. Luxing certainly does make stockings last. Recently for example a very famous laboratory made hundreds of tests and they found stockings washed with luxe flakes lasted twice as long. Stockings rubbed with a cake of soap or washed with a strong soap went into runs fast. Well I'm not a scientist Mr. Kennedy but I do know I don't get nearly as many runs as some girls do. And another thing. Stockings fit a lot better when you luxe them every night. Here's a good rule for leap year or any other year. Don't risk cake soap rubbing or strong soap. I'll finish your rule in line. Stockings that leap into luxe every night are sure to wear longer and sure to fit right. Well our producer Mr. DeMille. Act two of action in the North Atlantic starring George Rast as Joe Rossi Raymond Massey as Captain Jarvis and Julie Bishop as Pearl. The war went quickly by. They were starting to turn out those liberty ships fast and they needed captain. Spent a lot of time in town lining up a new bird. I tried to look up Joe Rossi but I never could find him. It seems that new girl he is was keeping him pretty busy. Just in a while I'd see the boys new ship to kill environment to hire in all of this. On a hundred men must have shipped out the day already. It's only a spit in the ocean. It'll take thousands of way to turn out them new ships. Four oilers wanted. Three APs. Report to the desk. Come on. Let's sign and get it over with. I ain't no hurry. In fact I ain't ever going to sign on again. What are you hanging around here for if you ain't going to sign up. I'm paid up. I'm still a member of this union. Listen the only uniform we got is no guys wearing one away and got what it takes. I ain't got no guts. Well look it's different with you single guys. You've got a worry in the world but I'm married see. I got a wife and a kid's coming next month. So all right I'm nervous. Then pipe down. What do you mean pipe down. The matter ain't it allowed no more. No more free speech. Come on forget it. Let's play cards. No I won't forget it. Don't matter if I want to know if my kid's going to be a boy or a girl. Don't I count no more. The home. Well I want to see my kids see. And I want to be with my wife. Go on make a lawyer get to put me in a nut house for thinking things like that. Well go on why don't you say something. I don't talk to guys like you I beat their ears off. They are both. You are your brains are in your fists. That's the way you feel Pulaski you got a right to say so. I got a family too. I think my wife feels good with me at sea and my boy in England in the Air Force. You got a kid in the Air Force. Yes but why talk about such a common thing. The trouble with you Pulaski is you think America is just a place to eat and sleep in. You don't know what says your future's better than believe me. Don't waste your breath. Well they be. Four filaments. Two carpenters. One boat. Hey come on you guys it's one of them new liberties a big one and fast. I just got all adults. They want to boast in a harrow. What do you say. Let's go. You coming whitey. Yeah I'll go find jinx. So long Papa Pulaski. What do you mean so long I'm coming. Huh. So I changed my mind maybe I talk too much. Welcome home Pulaski. Welcome home. What are you seeing about. What is it baby. That's you Joe. Steve. Come on in Joe. You look worse than you didn't that right. Maybe but it's been a lot more fun. Honey I want you to meet a good old friend of mine. Steve Jarvis. I got a new ship Joe and I signed you on his first providing you can report in half an hour. Half hour huh. You're not going to go. Baby I told you it was going to be like this. It's an old story with Joe and me. Is it. I'm always getting my board ship when he's tangled up in something like this. Something like. Oh don't mind him Pearl. The old man of the sea. Joe where's your money. Money. You had a lot of cash when you got paid off. Now wait a minute. We're not getting out of here without his money. Come on miss. Hand it over. He gave me his money and we put it in the bank. We put it in the bank. What do you mean we. Me and the rice Steve. We got spliced yesterday. Joe. You stood there letting me make a fool out of myself. I don't know what this statement is right. Joe. How did it happen. I don't know. Better ask her. I guess. There's no reason that makes any sense. I guess we just like. Well that makes a lot of sense. Kind of hard to believe ain't it. Me. All hitched up with a missus. It's fine Joe. It's fine. Oh then you can understand why Joe can't go. Oh I got a ship out baby when I get back. I'll take you to Niagara Falls. Don't get tired of looking at the water by that time. Joe please. Pearl. There's one thing you got to understand. You've seen what's been going on and what we've seen ain't nice. And now that it's our war too. We can't just sit around holding hands. Be right with you skipper. I know how it is Mrs. Rossi. My wife feels just the same as you do. I'd like to leave you her telephone number. She's had a lot of experience being a sailor's wife. Thanks. Here. I wish you'd call me. Maybe she'll tell you I'm not always as dumb as I was when I come in here. Now why don't you get in there and help and pack. I think I'd better. Excuse. Need some help Joe. Oh you can find me some shirts. Pearl. I've been saying goodbye to people all my life. This is the first time it really meant anything. That's why I married you Joe. Huh? So you'd have somebody to say goodbye to and come back to. That's what you wanted isn't it Joe. Here. Sure. Yeah I guess that's what I wanted. Oh well say do you mind if I take this along. Just picture. I don't look much like a sailor's wife. Oh it's swell. I'm sorry that other fellow's in it Joe. We got it taken once at Coney Island. Who's the guy? Nobody Joe. I don't even remember him. I'll just tear him off. When will you be there? I don't know. Where will you be? I don't tell us that either honey. Just some place on the ocean. Can't sail on land. No place I can write. Sorry baby. That's the way it is Joe. Goodbye kid. Thanks for everything. All righty skipper. The Sea Witch. All new and shiny. Clean and fresh like a race horse. We loaded to the pencil line with trucks, tanks, ammunition and car loads of food. The crew was new but I was thankful for a few familiar faces. O'Hara and Abrams, Blaskey, Whitey, Doggy and the Navy came aboard too. Ensign Wright and ten men for a gun crew. Kids. So young. They were quite a joke to men like O'Hara and Blaskey. Will you get a load of this? Look baby. Ain't you children got the wrong ship? This ain't no Hudson River Dayline. I've down Sinbad. We're here to protect you guys. Now do not be impetuous. Hey you, what's that star on your chest? That means you've got high marks in music appreciation, huh kid? Tell them, Mousy. Tell the wise guys where you got that star. I used to be on the Lex. That means the Lexington wise guy. The Lexington? Are you kidding? Did you knock off any of them Japs kid? Yeah. We got a few. All right. Break it up boys. Break it up. O'Hara. Yes sir. You were able to take these Navy men these days, mister? The gun crew, yeah. At least they've been trained. I sure hope so. Just between you and me, Skipper. I don't think our boys could hit the deck with their hats. Well by the way, there's another competitor boys. That's our crew. Where is he? On deck. Want to see him? Might as well. What's he like? Oh, he looks pretty good to me. And torpedoed. Spent some time on a raft and he's raring to go again. Send him in. Okay son. The captain will see you. There's plenty for you to do. I'll see you later at the bridge. Yes sir. Thank you sir. Here again. Book learning sailors instead of experience. Well, I must admit he did alright. Times change, Skipper. Men in ships with it. You should have your own ships, Joe. You rated a master's license long ago. Oh, not me, Skipper. Too much worry and paperwork. You've got a wife now to think about. Well, I just got her orders. We're going to Canada. Canada? Just between them. If we put anything more on this ship, we'll have to put wheels on her, bottom and push her in. Well, line them in up on deck. I'd like to meet them. Yes, sir. Because we dropped anchor off the Canadian port. A spike met our eyes that we'll never forget. There in the bay were more than 70 ships. Ships from all over the world. Holland, Greece, Russia, England and a dozen other countries. Here in Canada was the British and Canadian naval escort. I went ashore that afternoon. Admiral Harkley, the convoy commander, called a meeting of the ship's masses. All right, now, gentlemen, all been given a slip of paper on which has been written the number of your ship. Immediately upon weighing anchor, each ship will display her number by a hoist of flags of the international coast. You'll proceed to rendezvous and assume your positions in the convoy as shown on this diagram here. Know the number of your own ship and from this diagram you'll readily learn the number of the ships immediately around you. Now, let's take a number at random here. Twenty-eight. That's mine, sir. All right, captain, by looking at this diagram you'll see that the numbers of the ships, the beam of you, must be 27 and 29. The stern of you numbers 18 and 34. Is that clear, gentlemen? Now, my ship will be the command ship. Watch me at all times to signal. Do we use only flags for communication? We'll use five methods of communication. Blinker lights, rockets, whistle, flags and loud speakers. But absolute radio silence must be maintained and, of course, complete back out at night. Now, let's take a look at the ship. Now, let's take a look at the ship. Now, let's take a look at the ship. Now, gentlemen, I don't have to emphasize the hazards this convoy is likely to encounter. Most of us now are strangers. We'll know each other better after this voyage. We have got a signal from convoy commander. Start reading. PENNOT 4 William Jig Easy Acknowledge. Oh, Harry. Yes, sir. On the flight slide. Yes, sir. Acknowledge. Convoy commander for 51. Signal, William, Jig. Easy. Aye, aye, sir. William, Jig. Easy. Keep your eyes open, the order that's right. Well we had it. Russia. Order my man my man. See what you mean the orders are on my desk when you get a chance read me anything can happen. You might find yourself with a command whether you want one or not. Nervous Mrs. Yeah that's OK. Come in the truck. Well I have it going pocket. Get what me sir. No just killing time I thought you'd be asleep trying to but I couldn't make it. I've been reading these nights at Dilly's anything. Well maybe we'll get used to it. We've only been out for days. Try to sleep but every time the engine slow down my heart speaks up. I don't have nerves like you Mr. Rossi. I'm going to tell you something about my own nerves kids. It's made of rubber just like everybody else's little stretch when I need it. People got a funny idea that being brave and being scared. I figured if you ain't scared then there's nothing to be brave about. The trick is how much caring can you take. I got an idea. You can take plenty. I hope so. Oh that you girls picture. Yes. Nice look. How did she feel about you going to see. Well you didn't feel very good. Same as my wife. Yeah. Here's a picture. That's what she looks like. Say she looks well. Yeah. Well we didn't have time to have a real good picture taken you know it's kind of nice. Somebody at home thinking about you ain't it. Yeah. Look. I do have to have an adjourn in the Merchant Marine kids. I've been wanting to go to season. I was a kid. Right now. Well it's not pretty corny I guess but right now it seems to me this is the toughest most important job anybody can do. There's none bigger than this. When you get your own ship I I sure hope I get a chance to tell you that I'm too easy going to make a skipper well you go out watch them. I get some sleep before. You get to your station. Now you know I'm a bad guy. And you know all the things that. Right. Well I command the first. I got it. But. It doesn't have to get. One of the Greeks. I'm like a man in this one. To the next. There is a little rocket. OK Mr. Take the wheel. Emergency car. The Columbia Broadcasting System, a brief intermission Mr. DeMille returns with George Raft, Raymond Massey, and Julie Bishop for Act 3 of Action in the North Atlantic. Now, here's our fashion reporter, Libby Collins. What is it this time, Libby? Undercover fashions, Mr. Kennedy, to be exact, flip, or rather, half-flip. Well, I suppose half-flip is better than none, especially when it's worn under the popular New Bearback style. Top of petticoats help your skirt hang well, yet don't show above a low-cut back. Then there are half-and-half-flips to wear under suit. The bottom part is dark, so it won't show through if your skirt has an open weave. But the top part is white, because most blouses are light-colored. And speaking of blouses, the sheer peek-a-boo styles are back again. So there are lovely camisole tops flipped to wear under them. I guess that's one time when it's all right to sell a lady or a slip is showing. Of course. But we have to be careful that what shows is sparkling fresh and dainty-looking. Fade-baited lace of torn shoulder straps would look awful under a sheer blouse. So it's more important than ever to give underthings gentle care. And by that, I mean luxe care. Yes, luxe care makes a real difference in the way fabrics look and in the way they wear. Recently, a famous laboratory tested different washing methods. And here's what they found. Slips and nightgowns washed the luxe way, stayed color-fresh and lovely-looking three times longer. It certainly pays to stick to luxe plates, as most of us know already, Mr. Kennedy. You're right, Libby. The tests showed that harsh wash-day methods not only faded color, but often frayed shoulder straps pulled out seams and damaged the lace. So the more, let's play. We'll say it in music. Underthings lead a long life, when they lead a luxe life. Now, Mr. DeMille returns to the microphone. We'll have a chat with the captain on the first mate after the play. But now they're cutting right is on Act 3 of Action in the North Atlantic, starring George Raff, Raymond Massey, and Julie Bishop. The torpedo cut the water like a shark across our bottles. But there's no time to try again. That British destroyer bore down like a carrier on a rat. Master Stern finished the job with shell fire. Our path of escape was clear now. We left the convoy in a night's wear of ludge and battle and speed at northeast. Then late that afternoon, Joe Rossi asked me to come back. He handed me his binoculars, pointed out to sea. Why are you making a skipper? It's a sub, all right. Following us, playing tag and wear it. I'm going forward, mister. I got some charts to look at and thinking to do. If she changes course, call me at once. Aye-aye, sir. The sub clung to us like a leech. Out of gun range, but close enough to keep us in sight. Just before dusk, I called the ship's officers to my cabin. Come in, gentlemen. As you know, a submarine has been tailing us now for hours. I've been trying to figure out why she hasn't put on speed and come within torpedo range. Mr. Wright? She's keeping out of range, sir, because she doesn't want to match guns. I think she'll dog us till dark, submerged, and attack. Maybe. What's your opinion, Mr. Rossi? Well, I don't think that sub's interested in that. Sounds crazy, but I think she knows we'll be trying to rejoin the convoy. Why should she sink us? Well, we can lead her right back to the whole works. The whole convoy? That's good sense, Mr. At least I figure it's the same way. And I've changed course. I'm leading that sub away from the convoy. You all know what that means. We can't rejoin. We're on our own, is that clear? Yes, sir. We can't expect any help, man. Our first job is to shake off that sub. Our next is to beat our way to Murmansk and deliver the good. With God's help, that's what we intend to do. I want every member of the crew to be informed of this. If you want me, you'll be at. What? That you, Parker? Hi, I, sir. How was your pulse, kid? Oh, Mr. Rossi. Couldn't recognize you in the dark. I'm OK, sir. I just picked this forward watch. If there's any excitement tonight, it'll be for math. Yeah, not much chance of losing them, I guess. I give them about two more hours to get a beam on us. We run those followers. If we stop those spotters with the lifting devices. Huh? What did you say? I said if we stop those spotters with the lifting devices. Yeah, if there's anything to listen to. Parker, where's the old man? Chart room. Get the load. Tell the chief engineer to report it right away in the chart room. I think maybe I got an idea. Say that again, Mr. Well, instead of trying to run away, we stand still. If it's too dark for them to see us and we see any sound uptight, they won't be able to pick up anything on their listening apparatus. They'll say right past us. Well, can you do it, chief? Black out every sound on board. Engine, pumps, generators, the whole work. I can do it, sure. But I won't be responsible for the safety of the ship. If you're responsible, we get kissed by a torpedo. How long will it take you to secure everything? 10 minutes. Did you get up steam again half an hour? Yes, sir. It's worth the risk. Go ahead. Aye, sir. Dorothy, check the wind and estimate the drift. Fast-forward to the boat. We've got to have complete silence throughout the ship. Oh. Wonderfully fresh and good again. Before noon, the radio man picked up a signal. But it was in German cold, and it meant nothing to it. The sea was clear for miles around us. Unmolested, we put about and headed from her man. And then it came. Not from the seas, we might have expected, but from the sky. The dull drone of approaching planes. Unidentified planes, off the starboard valve. Sound gentle alarms. Annihilator, craft batteries, strike targets. Dorothy, yes, sir. Those are Nazi planes that are out of Norway. Stop at the radio. Enemy planes, clear the decks. Clear the decks. Come in firing. We'll counter from the wheelhouse. Careful, stiffer. They're crazy. Aster guns, aster guns, answer. Answer. I can't raise the aster gun. Get back there on the double. Yes, sir. And keep those guns fired. Listen, wife, now, let's get on this plane. Leave the target, leave it. OK, here we go. Cup, I was on the bunk. There was the smell of ether in the air, and Joe Rossi was taken off a pair of rubber gloves. My right leg was on fire. How do you feel, Steve? What's the condition of the ship? You keep her float, and we've got to. You're in no condition to swim. What about the men? They can wait. You better try to get some sleep. It might help you to know we knocked off the plane, both of them. Looks like you got a ship of your own after all, Joe. You're the skipper from now on. Try to take care of it, will you, Steve? I'll drop in later on. Park this here in my cabin when you're through. We'll send them back to the folks in Kansas. Yes, sir. Oh, uh, what's this plastic? It's a, it's a letter to his girl, I guess. He never finished writing. I didn't mean to, Mr. Rossi, but I read it. That's OK. He wrote about being scared. He said it was OK because he had confidence in us. Our sky's on the crew. I used to ride them all the time. They've made a good officer. Uh, these books, he was always studying them. I only got to learn it one way or another. Suppose I could borrow a couple of them books? All right. I don't think you'd mind writing. Thanks. We're having a burial service for Parker, and the rest of the men are three o'clock. Pass the word. I got to know just how we stand. Well, we're getting patched up, probably shaft out of line, midship plates are none too good, and the car goes all over the hold. It'll be banked, Joe, planes or subs, or boats. I know. The anti-aircraft guns are OK. Forward gunners are knocked out. You could come about. Maybe reach Scotland and pick up another convoy. Yeah, I guess I could. But we're holding the course, given we're going to Maman. Thanks. Well, I'd better go out on deck now. Burial service. I wish I could go for you. Maybe you could mark the parts I should read. The Bible, Joe. Hand it to me. Whoever liveth in belief of the need shall never die. We brought nothing into the world, and it's certain we carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord had taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Well, that's the word of God, and it's good. These nine men here on the deck were just like us. As we eat, we've been slept in and fought with. Well, I'm sorry that folks ain't all here to see we're doing the best we can for them. I know they feel better about it. Sorry they had to die. They'll never have a chance now to finish the things they once set out to do, if there was other breaks. Any of us could be lying here tomorrow, and somebody reads a book over it, and we're tossed into the sea. That ain't what's important. A lot more people are going to die before this is over, and it's up to the one that come through to make sure that they didn't die for nothing. I'd like now, if you all say the Lord's prayer, with us who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as is in heaven. Give us a cripple's ship, and I was a crippled captain. But Joe kept us afloat, and we dragged along at six knots. They found us again the next morning at daybreak, another sub. It was so easy for them. How much more could we take? How much more? Profito, sir, there's a hole forward. You can drive a tank through. They got all the gasoline and all you've got. Spread it in the midst. Yes, sir. Reach to the engine room. What's the damage down there? They're getting all that fire, so they think we can keep under control. Cut down the two knots, and send the body forward. It's a few long book here. Aye, aye, sir. Mr. Wright? Yes, sir. Turn your guns down, but the more all fire, that smoke comes up. Yes, sir. Pick up those fire buckets, you guys. Pull out the sand and fill them with gasoline. Are you nuts? Match orders, flood the forward deck and set fire. Spread, start those chemicals then, but keep the fire going in midship. Yes, sir. Aye, got it, Max. All you've got. Tanker and the Massey's rammed our lifeboat. He swore you'd hunt them down and slice them like a piece of cheese. Well, you can consider them sliced. Thanks, Mr. Not exactly the place to honor. Well, I ain't to show us in. They did, huh? That's fine, Mr. That's fine. Signal, Simmons. What's it say, Joe? Oh, I never was much on reading, Skipper. You run a hatchet. Jarvis, FSCWitch. Thanks to you and crew for miracle of American seamanship. Hargridge, Commander. We'll have something to write home, Mr. Will you look at that on the dock? What's that mean? Tava-richie. That means comrades. That's good. Hey, will you get a load of that? Yeah, Tava-richie yourself, cutie. Hey, what are you doing tonight? Hey, Max! That's the first time I ever wanted to kiss a long shaman. That is Joe. Come on, wave back. Hey, mister, what's wrong with you? Too big? Something like that, yes. I was just thinking, thinking of the trip back home. Down upon calm waters, the anguish of the seas will be no more. To the merchant marine already now, ladies and gentlemen, they're in the water waiting for crews. Are there any experienced seamen listening to me now that are birthed in one of those ships for you? Just telegraph to Merchant Marine, Washington, DC. Telegraph collect. I'll repeat the address. Please wire collect to Merchant Marine, Washington, DC. America needs your help. Before our stars return for their curtain calls, here's Sally saying it's time to do a little wool gather. I understand that in the spring, a young moth's fancy turns to... Food, Mr. Kennedy. And how moths love to feed on a nice woolen sweater or a dress, or your sauce is prettiest blanket, especially if they're soiled. You're leading right up to Luck's Flakes, aren't you, Sally? Yes. Our washable wounds should be lucked before they're put away for the summer. Cream things aren't nearly so tempting to moor. Just make rich, lukewarm luck sudden and rinsing water the same temperature. You can be sure that gentle luck's care will keep wool from shrinking or fading. And here's the point about packing blankets and woolens away. Be sure the paper package is tightly closed. Rule the edges or seal them with gum tape. And don't forget that little place at the top where the hanger comes out of a garment bag. Now, of course, there'll be some of your woolens you'll keep on wearing. Lightweight sweaters, for example. Luck's them often. They'll stay new looking longer. Now, here's Mr. DeMille with our stars. The convoy has made port and George Raft, Raymond Massey, and Julie Bishop are sailing a straight course back to the footlight. By the way, George, they tell me you haven't been seen at the ballpark much this year. You haven't gone back on baseball, have you? No, sir, CB. I was overseas for a while with a USO unit. I'll be out there soon. Seems to me, George, that a fellow who loves baseball as much as you do should be playing it. When I read in the papers, they need him. I'd rather solve a point, Ray. You see, George was a ball player once. Let's see, where was I? I played left field for Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Eastern League. Can I keep it a secret? Were you good? No, I couldn't hit. But if you can walk, you'll probably get a call from half a dozen teams in the morning. So because of a bad batting average, you're starring in pictures instead of baseball. That isn't how you got into the acting business, is it, Ray? Well, no, CB. I was over in Siberia with the Canadian Army after the last war, and I ran into some American water villains. We put on a mistletoe show to forget the cold weather, so here I am. Obviously, you were the ball player or in the Canadian Army, Julie. What put you in pictures besides a lot of beauty and talent? I know how to ride a horse. Oh, third ball of air. Well, I started in Western pictures, and for a couple of years, I couldn't act unless I was sitting in a saddle. But speaking of acting, what's your play going to be next, we can see the mill? The delightful musical comedy, Julie. It's the 20th Century Fox hit, Springtime in the Rockies. And our stars will be Betty Grable, Dick Powell, and Carmen Miranda. The story begins on Broadway with two dancing partners starring in a musical team. It finishes in the Canadian Rockies. And in between, there's all the music and romance that makes Springtime in the Rockies great entertainment, but Springtime anywhere. That sounds like a sure-fire hit, CB. Good night. Good night. Good night. Move sailing to all of you. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night. And the Lux Radio Theatre presents Betty Grable, Dick Powell, and Carmen Miranda in Springtime in the Rockies. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood. Friday night, Cecil B. DeMille's talent as the great judge of beauty will be called to service on the Amos and Andy show. Don't miss this hilarious program. Your local paper will tell you the time and station. The night is next Friday, May 19, on the Amos and Andy program. George Rapp's new picture is the Universal Production Follow the Boys. Raymond Massey is currently making the picture The Woman in the Window for International Picture. Herd in tonight's play were Bill Martel, Leo Cleary, Eddie Marr, Herb Litton, Tyler McVeigh, Bob Young, Norman Fields, Griff Barnett, Eddie Emerson, Dan Ferrara, Regina Wallace, Cliff Clark, Charles Steele, Ralph Lewis, and John McIntyre. This program is broadcast to our fighting forces overseas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. Our music was directed by Lewis Silver. Three bells for three great shows, same time, same station. Listen tomorrow night at luck time for George Burns and Gracie Allen and their guest star, So-and-So. Listen Wednesday night for Frank Sinatra singing the late hit, So-and-So. So-and-So will be Frank's guest. This time, luck time, every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for the tops in entertainment. And this is your announcer, John M. Kennedy, reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear Betty Grable, Dick Powell, and Carmen Miranda in Springtime in the Rocky.