 Hollywood. Leverbrothers Company, the makers of Lux Toilets, brings you the Lux Radio Theatre starring Kerry Grant and Philip Baxter in The Bishop's Wife. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Irving Cummings. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight we present another of our 20 greats. It's one of the most delightful pictures Daniel Gohwin ever produced, The Bishop's Wife. Kerry Grant is recreating his original role from the picture. And Philip Baxter has co-starred on this stage with Kerry in this enchanting comedy. So she is well-accurated with the role of The Bishop's Wife. It's a late afternoon in December in a rather shabby section of a large city. Two old friends have an unexpected meeting. Julia, what a wonderful surprise. Professor Wiserich, what are you doing here? I'm about to negotiate the purchase of a Christmas tree. I didn't know you celebrated Christmas. I don't, but I like a Christmas tree. It reminds me of my childhood. Tell me, how's Henry? Tired and worried. Raising money for the new cathedral, huh? No work, Professor. And Hugh, how's your book coming? Oh, splendidly. Greatest history of Rome, since Gibbon. Oh, I'm sorry, Professor, but I must hurry along the Cathedral Committees meeting with Henry, and I really should be there. Well, one of these days we'll have time for a nice talk again. Oh, for him. Well, Henry's cathedral, one. This coin? It has very little value, I'm afraid, just an old Roman coin. I picked it up years ago in Italy. No, it's a wonderful contribution. Lancet, it's... Julia, what's the matter? Nothing, I... Oh, it's Henry and I could only spend Christmas back here where we were so happy. With all our old friends. Oh, no, no. I'm sorry, that was really very childish of me. Goodbye, Professor. Goodbye, Julia. Why, Professor, how nice to see you again. How are you? And how well do you look after all these years? Well, don't you remember me? Oh, I see. It wasn't Vienna, was it? Ah, Vienna. Beautiful old Vienna. When I was lecturing on Roman history? Ah, what splendid lectures they were. And what a one you were with the ladies. I see you remembering that. I've been standing on the corner watching you, Professor. You and Julia. You know Julia? In a way, yes. Poor girl. Right, she's unhappy. Yes. When were you in Vienna? Oh, many times. I... I'm interested in Julia, Professor. And Henry. What seems to be their trouble? Oh, no special trouble, I imagine. And there's a bishop now. Oh, yes. That used to be his church over there. Oh, thanks. Tennessee. Tennessee from neglect. Ah, such a nice little church. Well, delighted to see you again, Professor. Strange. Unless I've completely lost my memory, I've never seen that fellow before in my life. Julia? Oh, I'm terribly sorry I'm so late, Henry. Has everyone gone? Yes, dear. Some time ago. Another argument, Henry. Either we build a cathedral the way Mrs. Hamilton wants it, or it won't be built at all. You didn't give in to her. Indeed not. I had the most un-Christian impulse to take those blueprints and give her a good whack over her... her mink coat. I beg your pardon, Bishop. Yes, Miss Gathaway. Mr. Trevers on the phone. Oh, tell him the bishop will call him back, please. Ask him now. Yes, Mr. Trevers. Henry, what's happened to you? To us. To our marriage. Well, that's a strange question to ask. We used to be so happy. We used to make other people happy. Oh, Henry, that was your gift. You're no financier. You're not a promoter. Julia, I want this cathedral. I want it to light to shine. Yes, Henry. Oh, oh, here's a contribution I collected. But what is it? It's an old Roman coin from Professor Wuthering. But what does he think I can do with it? Well, it's the beginning. And now all you need is another four million dollars. Julia, don't be flippant about this. Well, if dinner's ready, let's have it over with. I've got a lot of work to do tonight. I mean the soup's very good, Matilda. Oh, thank you, Mrs. Bro. Julia, I... I was just thinking tomorrow perhaps we could spend the day together. Oh, Henry. Call on the professor, maybe. Have lunch at Michele. Michele? Oh, it's been years since we've been there. Please forgive me. Yes, Miss Catterway. Mr. Trevor simply insists upon talking to you. Julia? Well, he's on the cathedral committee, isn't he? Well, go ahead, dear. You'd better talk. Very well, Mr. Trevor. I'll be there. 10.30 tomorrow morning. Good night. You may as well go home now, Miss Catterway. Oh, but there's still a great deal of work to do, sir. You're a secretary, not a machine. I'll run along. Oh, thank you. Don't forget you have a speech to make tomorrow at the junior assembly. Oh, no. What time? It's a lunch meeting, 1 o'clock. Good night, Bishop. Good night, Miss Catterway. Oh, dear lord, what am I to do? Can't you help me? Can't you tell me? Oh, please. Please help me. Yes? Good evening. What can I do for you? That is a question, Trevor. The question is, what can I do for you? Look, I'm afraid you must tell a whole good appointment. I haven't finished dinner. I know that. You asked for help, you know. I asked, but who told you I asked for help? Well, you're known to be a good man, and you were heard. I was instructed to come here and answer your prayer. Who are you? I'm an angel. I beg your pardon? An angel. An angel? I knew it. I've been working too hard. Yes. Don't be alarmed. I know it's hard to believe. Now, this is my district, you see. I mean, I do. Mind if I sit down? Oh, please do. Now, let's see. You have some problems concerning the building of the new cathedral, hm? Yes. Anyway, don't you believe I am what I say I am? Yeah, how can I? I've nothing but your word for it. You are ambitious, man. You have all people contrast the word of an angel. What are you going to do? Perform a miracle? Yes, necessarily. Well, why don't you just create a cathedral with the weight of your hand? Oh, no. Come on. You wouldn't want me to do that. How would you explain that? Well, I do. Henry, anything wrong? Oh, Julia. How have you been? I'm Dudley. Henry is engaging me to help him with his work. Oh, Julia, you're going to be his assistant? That's it, exactly. I'm going to help Henry to get some relaxation. Oh, that's just what I've been praying for. Oh, you too? Oh, I'm so relieved, Henry. We will come from Dudley. All around. Julia, this man claims he's only... I've been doing some social service work downtown. Julia, if you don't mind, I must talk to this gentleman alone. Oh, of course. I'll wait in the dining room. Good night. Good night, dear. I'll see you in the morning. In the... Morning? Morning. Right and early. Are you quite sure you're an angel? Well, I know it isn't easy, Henry. But you've just got to take me on faith. It has been for how long? Until you can utter another prayer and say that you have no further need of me. Uh, Julia's waiting, Henry. Yes, I know, but I still don't remember... Dudley? Dudley, where are you? Dudley! Henry, what's the rest of Dudley's name? I don't know. Henry, you look so pale. Are you trembling? A lesser man would quiver. Oh, you're still better after meeting him. And the pillars that your favorite dessert is, the old, young, old cake. Good morning, Henry. Well, here I am, completely at your service. Dudley, I didn't sleep 20 minutes last night. I'm in a highly nervous condition. Ah, well, then, the first thing that happens. Oh, good morning, Julia. Good morning, Dudley. It's lovely. Oh, lovely. Henry and I are going out together. Oh, Julia, I'm terribly sorry, but we can't. I've got to see Mr. Trevor at 10.30 and after that, there's this Junior assembly. But you promised, Henry. Couldn't, look, couldn't Dudley represent you at those meetings? Yes, could I? That's out of the question. Oh. Dudley, I'd like to speak to my wife alone. Of course. In the hall, dear. Junior. See, the trouble is, well, that man in there, I... I can't explain. You needn't try, Henry. This is the way it is, and this is the way it always will be. I'll see you at dinner, dear. Dudley, what are you doing? Just looking for your files, Henry. Well, I see that Mrs. Hamilton has pledged a million dollars to the Cathedral fund, but she hasn't sent her check. Never mind that file. That's work for a bookkeeper, not for any... Work for a bookkeeper. Well, well, so you're beginning to believe in me. I don't know who you are or where you came from. I only wish you'd make haste. Why? Because the Cathedral must be built? Well, obviously that's the most important thing. Oh, because Julia must be happy. It's going to be difficult to help you, Henry, and I'm sure what it is you really want. Yes, well, I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me. Mrs. Heather, I'd like to punch you out. Well, run along, Henry. There's files in an awful mess. I think I'll reorganize it. I still think you're wasting your time on unimportant details. Nothing's unimportant, Henry. Now, remember, we're interested in even the lolliest barrels. Hello? Oh, hello, Debbie. Come on in. How'd you do that just now? All those cards in Daddy's file. He just laid his head, and they all jumped out and jumped back in again. Oh, I don't know. That's just my system of rearranging hard files. Start again. Oh, some other time. Hey, Debbie. You're deadly, aren't you? Mommy says you're very nice. Well, it's extremely kind of you, Mommy. She says that maybe with you here, save the look if you see Daddy once in a while. Yes, maybe we will. There they come along, dear. Oh, you're going out? To the park. I'm going to play in the snow. Bye, Debbie. Bye, Debbie. Have a good time. You there? Charlie. What are you doing here? Oh, I often walk in the park. Well, Debbie seems to be having a fine time over there. Well, aren't you supposed to be with you? I always take a walk before lunch. Relaxing, you know. I wish you'd convinced Henry of that. Speaking of lunch, dear, I thought I'd go to Michelle. You ever been there? Michelle? Oh, yes. We used to go there years ago. Well, how about going there today? You and I? To Michelle? Oh, no, no, I couldn't. No, I'm not. Well, I... Well, surely you don't see Henry with mine. Oh, no, no, it isn't that. Well, you see, I gave Matilda the day off to go Christmas shopping, so I'm looking after Debbie. Oh, yes, yes. Well, she's Matilda now. Hello, Mrs. Ross. Matilda? I just thought, Mrs. Ross. I just thought that if you wish, I'll take Debbie home. But Matilda, you're shopping. Oh, finish. I finished it to click it with just like a miracle. What the heck do you think? I thought... I thought Debbie might like to go home and make Christmas cookies. Oh, I'm sure she'd love to, but... Well, then, Mrs. Ross, I'll just go and get her. Okay. I'll do that. Michelle? Why? Well, I think that would be very nice. Good. Suddenly? Yeah. Just a minute ago when you said you saw Matilda. Yes. Oh, it's not you. Oh, it's not me. You were looking the other way when you said you saw her. I was? I mean, I thought you were. Oh, how silly of me. Wait here, Dudley. I'll say goodbye to Debbie. I'm so glad you knew about Michelle, Dudley. So nice to be back here again. Only... Only, uh... Well, you seem to know so much. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I like it. I'm sorry I haven't learned anything. You have memories of this place, don't you? It was in this restaurant that Henry asked me to marry. Yes, I know. You know. I mean, I know how you would feel. Well, well, now there's a fortune teller over there. You care to have your palm read? Oh, no, thank you. Would you? No, I know too much about myself as a girl. And I know so little about myself. Really? May I look at your hand? Can you tell fortune too? Oh, it's not too difficult. Well, what do you see? I never know this beauty. Your eyes and green. Well, I see a great deal of happiness. I see a woman who's adored. I see a rich, full life. You see Henry's new cathedral? No, that's not very clear. There's kind of a fussiness about that. And Debbie. Oh, don't need to worry about her. She'll be like you, Julia. She'll have youth and beauty no matter how old she lives today. But people do grow old. No, not everybody. Not even those who were born old to begin with. You, Julia, were born young. You'll remain that way. I wish I could believe you. You may. You haven't looked at my hand once. I simply don't know what to think of you, Dudley, whether you're serious or joking. I'm not the most serious when I am joking. Well, then maybe you should... Oh, no. Now what? That table over there. No, don't look. Free lady, all on the cathedral committee, and they're simply glaring at me. They weren't glaring back. They saw you holding my hand. Oh, well, then if you'd excuse me, I'd better do something about that, hadn't I? What did you do to them, Dudley? Now they're smiling at me. They're waving. Oh, smile away back. Oh, yes. I didn't do anything to them. I just introduced myself, chatted a moment, ordered a drink. A drink? They took it? Sure, singers. You know, they're really very friendly, Julia. They promised to drop by our table a little later. Dudley, may I make an understatement? Oh, please do. You're a very unusual man. I'll let you in on that, Julia. You're quite right. It isn't every day that one can have lunch with a full-fledged angel. Julia's very happy, not knowing, of course, who Dudley really is. Well, they're walking home now, and who should they meet on the street? But Julia's old friend, Professor Waterby. Julia, what wonderful luck meeting you again. But this man, are you with him? Yes, of course. Dudley, this is Professor Waterby. I'll go on. The professor knows me well. The university in Vienna. Young man, I don't believe you've ever been near Vienna. I remember thinking this. It's a game we played, Julia. He always pretends he'd never seen me before. But Dudley is Henry's new assistant. You really know this ball? Of course I do. Well, in that case, how about dropping into my humble diggings for a bit of you's high chance? No, I'd love to, but only for a moment. Come along, Dudley. Just around the corner. That's enough left in the bottle. Here's your glass. Dudley, we'll drink to Julia. To a charming lady. Ah, to a charming lady. You know this? Yes. Isn't it more remarkable than you had? When you want to know about a woman, ask the old man. They know. No. Now when are you going to show us your book? My book? Never. You say you're writing a book you didn't know? You didn't tell me. I described the book in detail in the course of those lectures I gave in Vienna. Julia, I am now certain this fellow is an imposter. Oh, you mean that, George? I thought you finished that years ago. No, I haven't written a word of it, not one word. But why not? I never could find the right words, either to tell a pretty girl or to write a book. Not even when you had this coin to inspire? What? That's the coin that you gave to Henry, Professor? I borrowed it from Henry's dad. You wasted your time. It's worthless. Oh, I'm the contrary, Professor. Now this coin is one of the rarest of all antiquities. Only 100 of these coins were minted by Julius Caesar 2,000 years ago. That is when Cleopatra visited Rome. But presumably these coins were used to pay her hotel bills. Why is that amazing? Nobody knows about it, except of course Caesar's wife knew about it. She had the coins destroyed. But this one, she overlooked. It's an unwritten chapter in history. And you, Professor, will write it. Did you know any more stories like that? No, I didn't. You're a curious fellow, Dudley. Where do you come from? So what if I told you I came to another planet? Would you believe me? I doubt it. I'd believe you, Dudley. Yes, and you'd be right, Julia. We all come from our own little planet. That's why we're all different. That's what makes life interesting. Ah, it's getting late. I must be losing, really. Sorry, Professor. My wine bottle wasn't empty. We could say goodbye with another drink. And tea? Well, yes, I had barely enough to bottle this half full. Well, you save it for next time, Professor. I'm really getting old, and I can't see what's inside a wine bottle. Dudley? Yes, my friend. There's one thing that troubles me greatly. Oh, that. To write a history is a tremendous task. I wonder, will I have time to finish it? You'll finish it. You'll have time. I don't know why I'd ask you that question. How would you know? You see, for quite a while now, every time I'd pass the cemetery, I'd tell them if I were apartment hunting. Goodbye, Professor. Come and see us, please. I will, I will. Goodbye, and God bless you both. Thank you, Professor. I'll pass that recommendation along. I'm in the study, Julian. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm so late, dear. Hello, Henry. Good evening, Dudley. Oh, we've had the most marvelous time. I wish you could have been with us. Yes, I wish I had. Is Debbie asleep yet? No, she's waiting to see you. Oh, good. I'll go right up. I trust you spent a profitable afternoon, Dudley. Oh, yes, yes. Did you have a profitable afternoon, Henry? Not very. Dudley, I... I'd like to speak to you for a moment. I should. Excuse me, if I'd locked the door, I'd rather not be interrupted. Dudley, can you prove to me that you're an angel? Prove? You mean a document? Oh, now, surely. All people should know that angels need no passport. I'd be a lot heavier if I could see you perform a miracle. What kind? Yes, rise up and fly around the room. Oh, now, Henry, cut it out. Henry, please. I didn't come here to do tricks. I'm surprised at you. Well, I don't believe you're an angel at all. I think you're a demon, right? Henry, no. Don't say a word like that. Well, anyway, now you know how I feel. Yes. Now, now, wait a minute, Dudley. I'm not through yet. There's another matter I... The door! I locked that door, and he just opened it Dudley, wait a minute. Dudley! Now, it's locked again. Dudley! Oh. Is anything wrong? No, nothing's wrong. You look very well, Judith. Very bright and gay. Oh, I feel gay, Henry. I think you're an excellent wife, Judith. Why, thank you. And I'm proud of you. Thank you again, dear. You're an excellent husband. Of course, dear. Henry, I hope you're going to take things easy now. Dudley here, I think he's very able. You do? Yes, he knows so many things. What, for instance? Well, you should have seen him this afternoon. We met Professor Wutheridge. Why, Dudley knows more about history than he does. He should. He's been at it longer. What? Nothing here. Nothing. I'll go up and say goodnight to Debbie. But don't you know any more stories, Mr. Dudley? Oh, I know hundreds of stories, Debbie. Fantastic. Well, I know a story that happened many, many years ago. It was about a boy named David. Now, he was a shepherd. In the town where he lived, it was called Bethlehem. That's where the star was. Yes, that's right. I mean, David lived long before the star. Well, one night, Miss David was out in the hills, tending his sheep. He was playing the harp and singing. Then, all of a sudden, an angel came down and spoke to him. But how did David know he was an angel? Oh, he didn't know. That's the way it always is. Angels come down and put ideas into people's heads. I mean, people feel very proud of themselves because they think it is all their own idea. Anyway, this angel spoke to David. He said one of the young man's has strayed. So, David put aside his harp and went down into the darkness to find the lamb. Of course, the angel guided him, didn't he? And when David found the lamb, he saw a great, ferocious lamb there, too. Who's here? So, David said to the lamb, he got away from that lamb. And the lamb said, you get away from me or I'll eat you, too. Did David go away? No. And that's the point. The angel put another idea into his head. So, David took out his fling and hurled a stone and hit the lion right between the eyes. Served him good and right. I think you did. And David picked up the lamb and carried it back to the fold. And then, he felt so happy that he took his harp and made up a new song. It started like this. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. You're making me to lie down in green pasture. You need it. Maybe I could still walk it. Oh, come in, Henry. I think you could go down there. Some other time. I'm going to be the king. It's always dinner. Oh, thank you, Henry. Thank you. After dinner, Henry will get a taxi and go down to St. Timothy's. St. Timothy's? Tonight? Oh, of course, dear. The choir is rehearsing for the benefit they're giving. Henry, we promised Mr. Miller... Junior, I have telephoned Mrs. Hamilton. I apologize to her for some of the things I said. I had to. She said I may call on her tonight. But the rehearsal's just for you, dear. A million dollars from Mrs. Hamilton is far more important. But you're his Bishop, Henry. And I just don't like going alone. Uh, my evening fee starts free, Henry. No, definitely not. I was just about to suggest that I see Mrs. Hamilton and you take Junior to St. Timothy's. You know who Mrs. Hamilton? Oh, no. Just a suggestion. Oh, Dudley, would you mind very much going with me? Junior. Well, Henry, yes. I... I think that might be a very good solution. But... Thank you, Dudley. You're all welcome, Henry. I'm delighted to see you. Oh, Mr. Miller, this is Mr. Dudley, the Bishop's new assistant. Mr. Dudley? It's a pleasure. Oh, thank you, Mr. Miller. The Bishop will try to get here later. Something important came up. He didn't want you to delay rehearsal. Mrs. Burma, I'm terribly embarrassed. Only two of the boys have come. It's just too difficult trying to compete with basketball and cricket. Oh, I wouldn't worry, Mr. Miller. They'll all show up. Hi, boys. Hi. What do you think? Is this me? No. First, it's Randall. Are you good? I got it. Now, how about giving out? You mean a law? No, no. You come up with it. Hi, Rupert. Hi. Now, what do you say? It's okay by me. Okay. I'll start you off with a piano. So, the other boys. And me. Why, you? Maybe basketball is so important now. First, you see that you've come to your senses. And since it's the Bishop's problem, you didn't make any further apologies. Thank you, Mrs. Hamilton. And in view of your generosity, the George B. Hamilton Memorial Chapel should be located wherever you specify in the new cathedral. Now, there's one thing more. That window depicts St. George and the dragon. Yes. I should very much like the countenance of St. George to resemble my late husband. Of course, Mrs. Hamilton. And who do you see as the dragon? Dragon? Oh, any old dragon. Thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me, Junior's waiting for me at St. Timothy's tonight. I... Well, that's strange. Is anything the matter? This chair, I can't fit up. It's stuck to my... I'm stuck to it. Stuck to the chair? Yes, it doesn't seem quite right, does it? Stevens? Yes, madam? There's something wrong with the Bishop's chair. No, madam. It must be the new garnish. The furniture people shouldn't have warned us. I... I do hope I'm not harming the chair. Oh, well, this is preposterous. That's a horrible situation, isn't it? Perhaps if you'll give me a little pull at the back, Stevens? Yes, sir. Again, please. Let me hear your trousers, sir. I'm afraid if we pull any harder... ...then might I use the telephone? Yes, yes, of course. It's right over there. Can you walk? After a fashion. That chair, madam, it seems to him like a brother. Oh, don't do something, Stevens. Call the shop. Get a drummer. Yes, sir. Hello. Hello, Matilda. This is Bishop Brom. I'm at Mrs. Hamilton's. I want you to come here... Well, what difference does it make? Yes, just bring me another pair of trousers, will you? I'm so sorry, Mrs. Hamilton. Oh, if I could only get in touch with Julia or Dudley... Dudley! This is all he's doing! Dudley! Now, now, Bishop, don't be nervous. Have a chair. Thank you, Mrs. Hamilton. I have one. Can't imagine what happened to Henry. He was so sure he'd lose his thing. Well, I suppose he's detained it, Mrs. Hamilton. Of course. You know, Dudley, it's a strange thing you seem to be able to make him feel as if everything's going to be all right. Oh, everything could be all right for everyone. People would only learn to behave like human beings. Well, that's a lovely night, isn't it? Oh, driver, could you take us through the park? Oh, but that's out of your way, lady. Are you getting bored with us, driver? Oh, I'll drive you by William, Mexico City, if you want me to. That's the trouble with this country. Too many people that don't know where they're going and they want to get there too fast. Now, I'd call you two very unusual people. Thank you. You're very impressive. Oh, that was really a close one. Did you see the way I... I just put that truck first. Well, like a miracle. Yes, I know, but just don't overplay your hand. Hey, stay low! They're ice-skating over there. Oh, so they are. Junior, we're going ice-skating. Oh, no, we mustn't. It's too late. We couldn't. You really think we couldn't. You can stop here, driver. We're going ice-skating. Oh, you too. Well, this is it, Sylvester. What have we owe you? No, I spent my friends. You want to know why? Because you and the little lady here restored my fight to human nature. Well, good night, subtly. Good night, Junior. Good night, Sylvester. Ah, that Sylvester is a noble soul. His children and his children's children will rise up and call him blessed. Oh, this has been the most wonderful evening I've had in a year. Ah, what a wonderful evening I've had in a century. Oh, you're a beautiful skater, Junior. In fact, you're beautiful. Well, well, you come home. Hello, Henry. Well, I thought you were going to meet us at St. Timothy's beer. Junior, it's almost 10 o'clock. Henry, we've been ice-skating. Ice-skating? You should have seen Dudley. He's marvelous, Henry. I will. And those boys at St. Timothy's, the way they sang it was simply heavenly. Yes, I'm sure it was. Did you have a successful meeting with Mrs. Hamilton, Henry? Quite satisfactorily. Thank you. Good. I'll be right down, Henry. Dudley? Yes, Henry. You deliberately stuck me from joining you and Junior by the seat of my pants. Well, now, Junior, I had a very good time, but I did not. If you had sent me to represent you with Mrs. Hamilton, I would have gone. You didn't. So I represented you with your wife. Is that part of the normal duties of an angel? An angel? Sometimes, Henry. Angels must rush in where fools fear to tread. I haven't the faintest idea what that means, and I don't want it explained to me. In any event, you can go now, Dudley. I've solved my problem. Mrs. Hamilton is giving the money. Well, now, that was a foregone conclusion, providing you were willing to make a slight sacrifice of your principles, huh? You think it's worth it for this glorious editis? I'm not so sure of its glory at a time like this. You know, these are rather lean years for the world, Henry. So many people need food. So many people need shelter. Now, that big roof could make so many little roofs. I'm dealing with a materialistic selfish woman. She wouldn't listen to talk like that. Did you try? You came here so that I could have a cathedral. Well, I've got a cathedral, and I want you to get out of my house and out of my life and away from Junior. I suppose you prayed for that, Henry. After all, it was your prayer that brought me here. Very well. I prayed. Oh, dear. Oh, Henry. Come on, I'm afraid that's no prayer. It was right from my heart. I want you to go. No, no, no. Well, Junior doesn't. Junior. Get out. Get out. Henry, Junior is about to come down those stairs. Don't you let her see you like that, Henry. Try to calm yourself. Dudley? He's gone. Oh, Debbie's awake. She wants to say good night to him. I just told you Dudley is gone. But why did he leave so suddenly? Because I got rid of him. I told him to go away. I fired him. Why? Because he's incompetent and I cannot stand the sight of him. Henry! Believe me, Junior. I know what I'm doing. Two days have passed since Dudley disappeared. Much to the relief of Bishop Henry Broad. Now it's early evening on Christmas Eve. This is your calls, Bishop. And there's a taxi waiting for you outside. Thank you, Miss Catteray. Bishop Brown. There's still no word for Mr. Dudley. Miss Catteray. I discharged Mr. Dudley. There's no reason at all to hear from him. Yes. Now if you don't mind, please tell Mrs. Brown that the taxi's waiting. I'm ready. I'm waiting. Oh, well good. Here's our list of calls. I thought we should go to the cops. Julia! Hiya, Julia! What's so best of what are you doing here? Well, when the call come in for a cab, I sure high-tailed it over here. I was hoping maybe there'd be another skating party. Hey, where's Dudley? I don't know. Look, look. You got a preacher with you. Yes. This is... Don't tell me. Don't tell me you're wedding. You and Dudley. What's so best of this is my husband, Bishop Ruhm. How do you do? Mmm. And now, if you don't mind, we'd like to go to North Maple Street. Mr. Dudley. Oh, how nice to see you again. Thank you. We've been so worried about you. And poor Mrs. Brown, have I seen you? Have I heard from you? Yeah, very much so. Well, she and the Bishop are making Christmas calls. Then they go to St. Timothy's for the midnight, too. Oh, that's nice. It's Christmas Eve. Oh, you should be home, Miss Chancellor. I'm typing this, the Bishop's family. Oh, I'll type that for you. Oh, no, no. The Bishop told me... And you should be with your family. Well, if you really... Oh, thank you, Mr. Dudley. Merry Christmas, Melton. Merry Christmas, Mr. Dudley. Now, that's no load of this. Henry's Christmas family. A new cathedral. Mrs. Hamilton's magnificent gesture. Money, pledges needed. Sorry, Henry. That's no sermon for Christmas. Honestly, suppose you tell them... Suppose you tell them the story of an empty stocking. Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child's cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and a wise man came with birth again. We've forgotten many things during the centuries, but not that many. What did you say he was calling, sir? I'm Dudley, Stephen, Bishop Brahms' assistant. Would you mind telling Mrs. Hamilton I'm here? I don't believe she's expecting you, sir. Are you sure she isn't? Yes, sir. I'll wait in the music room. The music room, sir? Yes, there's a harp in there. I wonder if she'd mind if I... Oh, I'm afraid she would, sir. Oh, if you will. Well, in that event, I'll just play this harp's accordion. Oh, yes, sir. What was it you told him? Your Bishop Brahms' assistant. That's right, Mrs. Hamilton. The Bishop will be along a little later. That music shall play. I thought you'd recognize it. There's no one living who knows that composition except me. Yeah. What a shame that Alan Cartwright died, that only you and I would know his music. Alan Cartwright died nearly 40 years ago. You couldn't have known him. I'm much older than you think, Mrs. Hamilton. I'll tell me about him, Alan Cartwright. What is there to tell? Is it the only man I ever loved that I was afraid of poverty? We went away and I never saw him again. So you married George Hamilton. I made George happy, I think. But because you didn't know him, you spent a fortune honoring his memory since his death. Yes, a fortune in empty monuments. Oh, they're no more empty than your own life, Mrs. Hamilton. Since you set the name you loved away, you haven't allowed yourself to love anyone else. You were drawn into a shell, a cold and a rash, selfish woman. But what can I do? I'll tell you what to do. Break that shell. Now, think of what you can do for others and you'll no longer have time to think of yourself. Forgive yourself, Mrs. Hamilton, Alan Cartwright forgave you long ago. Do you really think he did? I know he did. How did you know about Alan Cartwright? That doesn't matter. Mr. Hamilton, there at the front door now. Henry and Julie. I can't see them now. Oh, yes. Come on, you'll see them. You'll go to the hall and greet them in your usual warm-hearted manner. You're not leaving. I'll tell you what to do. I have a great deal of work. Do you think Mrs. Brawn are here, madam? No, don't keep them waiting. How do you do, Mrs. Hamilton? Julia, how nice. And Henry, Merry Christmas. Henry, I said Merry Christmas. Oh, yes, Merry Christmas, Mrs. Hamilton. He's gone. Why, he's gone already. Gone? Who's gone? Dudley. I might have known it. Where did he go to? Oh, that poor man. He said he had so much work to do. Now, Henry, you must make him take some rest. I've been trying to make him do just that. Oh, I can't thank you enough for sending him to me. How did you ever find him, Henry? More or less of an accident, I suppose. Oh, more or less of a miracle. Oh, talking with this wonderful understanding man. Henry, I changed my mind about the cathedral. You have? Yes. I'm going to give my money to those who need it. To the poor, the homeless, the unappreciated. And I want you to direct the sending of it. Now, you see what Dudley has done, Henry? Yes, I see. And you understand? Mrs. Hamilton, Julia, forgive me, but I have to leave. There's someone I must see immediately. Henry! Henry, my dear fellow, sit down. Sit down and glass the sherry. No, thank you, Professor. No, but I insist, Henry, you see this bottle, now watch. I fill two glasses. No, the bottle is still half full. Always half full. Dudley's been here. Yes, and that bottle isn't all. He told me to look up some ancient texts in the library, which no living scholar ever has been able to decipher. I read them as if they were English. Henry, this Dudley fellow is not like the rest of us. He says he's an angel. An angel? From heaven? That I'm not so sure about. An angel? Well, that's too bad. He's such a nice fellow. He's brought nothing but disaster to me. He's made Julia despise me. Don't be ridiculous. Why, you and Julia love each other. You always have. That's only partly true. I love Julia. Then why don't you fight for her? Fight? How can I fight against her? But you have a tremendous advantage. A advantage over an angel? Precisely. Julia's an angel. Julia's a creature of earth. She's a woman, Henry. You're a man. Yes. Yes, I am. And if I were you, I'd get myself home. That's where he'll be. Waiting for Julia. Excuse me, Professor. You owe a merry Christmas. Hello, Julia. I came to say goodbye. I have to be moving along. Oh, well, where will you be going? Wherever they send me. Then? My superior offices. Will we ever see you again? They seldom send us to the same place twice, Julia. We might form attachments. I don't know what you're talking about. Of course not. Julia. Julia, I don't want to meet you. Why? There are a few people who know the secret of making heaven here on earth. And you're one of those rare people. No. You're frightening me. Sadly, I think you ought to go. No, Julia, please. Don't send me away. What are you saying? That I'm tired of being a wanderer. I'm tired of an existence where one is neither hot nor cold. Hungry nor full. No, you must go away. Never come back. Don't look at me like that. Sadly, no. Henry! Henry! It's all right, Julia. It's all right, my darling. Go upstairs, dear. I'll handle this alone. As for you, I've never before had to fight an angel, but I suggest you take off your coat and put up your... your jukes. Now, now, now. Why do you want to fight me, Henry? Because you're a thief, trying to steal the love that belongs to me. Henry, do you realize, as an angel, I could quite readily destroy you with a bolt of lightning. I don't care. Julia means more to me than my life. I'm not going to lose her. Ah! Then I have news for you. I'm going. I'll believe that when I see it happening. Oh, no, you won't. Because when I'm gone, you will never know that an angel visited this house. And, Julia, what about her? There would be no memory of her either. Or the devil, or the professor, or anyone else. I don't trust you. You may, Henry, because your prayer has been answered. That's not true. I prayed for a cathedral. No! You prayed for guidance. And that's been given to you. Oh, I'm being paged. Just a minute, please. Well, goodbye, Henry. Oh, if we should need you again, will you come back? Oh, no, I'm requesting an assignment at the other end of the universe. Is that because I was so difficult? No, no, there's difficulty within me. When an immortal finds himself envying the mortal, trusted to his care, it's a definite sign of danger. Hey, yes, yes, I heard you the first time. Now go on upstairs. Take him in your arms, Henry. And kiss her for me, you lucky devil. Julia. Quiet, darling. You wait here. Are you all right? Oh, yes, of course I am. Henry, did you get that for Debbie? Get what for Debbie? That little angel there on a bed. Well, why not? I can't imagine where it came from. Henry, what is it? Oh, I don't know. I have the most inexplicable feeling of happiness. Oh, so do I. I love you, Julia. I love you, Henry. Listen, the bells from St. Timothy. It's almost midnight. We'll have to hurry. Oh, my sermon. It was all about the cathedral. It will never do now. Don't worry, dear. You'll think of something. Something is embedded. Merry Christmas, Henry. Merry Christmas, sir. Merry Christmas. Tonight, I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking. Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child crying. A blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birth babies. We have forgotten many things through the centuries, but not that night. We celebrated with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts. But especially with gifts. You'll give me a book. I'll give you a pie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange freezer Uncle Harry to do with a new pipe. Oh, we forget nobody. Adult or child. All the stockings are filled. All that is except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. It's nothing for the child born in a manger. It's his birthday we're celebrating. Don't let us ever forget that. Let us ask ourselves what he would wish for most, and then let each put in his share. Loving kind. A stretch down the hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts to make up peace. And here they are, that delightful pair, Kerry Grant and Phyllis Black. That's tonight with us today, Miss Henry, Herb Butterfield as a professor, Norma Barton as Mrs. Hamilton, Herb Wagon as Sylvester, and Frances Robinson, Eric Snowden, Helen Cleave, Hart McNeer, Richard Fields, Ronald Keith, and Eddie Marr. Our radio play was adapted by S.H. Barnett, our music composed and directed by Rudy Schreger.