 Alison and Van Heflin in presenting Lily Mars. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William Keely. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Some years ago, as a director in the theater, I was frequently confronted by that touching human problem, a young girl in search of a stage career. And I know from experience that that fire of ambition is most difficult to quench. You will understand that from tonight's play, presenting Lily Mars, starring two highly talented Metro Golden Bayer players, June Alison and Van Heflin. The latter appears in his original screen role as the Harris producer, faced with all the artifice that novices will use to crash the theater. It's time for act one of presenting Lily Mars, starring June Alison in the title role and Van Heflin as John Thornway. Sister Lily, goodbye. I know where your daughter is, Mrs. Mars, and no longer is of any concern to me. I'm leaving. Lily, I believe you've heard that poor boy's feelings. Oh, poor Charles. He's so young, mother. And it hurts me to hurt him, but what can I do? It's Charles, all my career. The foregoing bit of brilliant dialogue just occurred in the Mars residence. A plain little house on the front window of which hangs a sign reading Mrs. Mars, hats made to water, plain sewing, and piano lessons. At the moment, Mrs. Mars is flourishing a hat box before her stage-struck daughter. I finished Mrs. Thornway's hat, dear. She wanted for tonight. Oh, I'll take it right over, mama. Maybe he's arrived already. Yes, dear. Just think, John Thornway, a regular Broadway producer coming to Mithaven. Well, gee whiz, this is where he lives, ain't it? Well, John Thornway lives in New York. His mother lives here. Certainly she does. Don't you think I'll... Oh, mama, I simply can't wait till the show tonight. I think it's so wonderful of Mr. Thornway to bring his play from Broadway to Mithaven just for one night. The paper said it closed in New York. Yes, dear. Is Mr. Thornway gonna let Lily act, mama? Mama doesn't know yet, potty. Neither does Lily. But we certainly hope so. No, how we hope so. Well, here I go with the hat. But no, Davey, the doorknobs might tempt you. Well, could you sort of maybe get one for me? Here, take my screwdriver, please. Oh, all right. I'll take your screwdriver. Well, thank you, sister. Thanks, Lily. Gee. When I come back, mama, I may have a big surprise for you. Adieu. For now. Irene and Act One. Mrs. Thornway. Just a second, dear. I'm gonna write this down. Wants to shoot. Wants to... Father, you want to shoot some girl. But what girl in what act? Oh, that's about your son's new play, isn't it? Yes, that was the author, Owen Vale. Oh, how stupid of me. Oh, he said Irene, Mrs. Thornway. Shoot Irene in the first act. Oh, Lily, you're a lifesaver. Um, Mrs. Thornway, when you ask your son about a part for me, will you tell him I'd rather not play Irene? Oh, no. No, not if she gets killed in the first act. Well, now, now, let's see the hat. Well, you will tell him about me. Yes, dear, I'll be glad to. And if he says no, will you try to make him give me a part, even Irene, if I have to? Oh, dear, this hat. And such a long feather. Yes, well, if I could just meet him, and maybe if I... Well, he's going to be terribly busy, dear. Lily, this feather, I don't think I ordered a feather. Oh, Papi found it, Mrs. Thornway. We all thought it might be nice. Well, I suppose I could cut it. Oh, that's John. I know he's slam. John! Well, Mrs. Thornway, you won't forget. Yes, hurry, Lily. You get in that other room and don't come out until I have John all nicely buttered up. Oh, thank you, Mrs. Thornway. Oh, in here, darling. Oh, hello. Oh, well, you look wonderful. Oh, welcome home, John. How was your trip? Great, great. I worked on the new script all the way. Oh, is this it? That's it, the masterpiece. Oh, were there any messages? Yes, oh, and they'll just follow. Yeah, yeah. Yes, he said to tell you that he and Mrs. K are driving here. Oh, that's fine, fine. Anything new about Mrs. K? Oh, now, look, Mother, I love Isabella as an actress. I'll do anything I can to keep her happy in the theater. And that's exactly as far as it goes. Yes, dear. Oh. What? John, do you remember Henry Mars? He used to come here to tune the piano. Mars, Mars. Oh, yes, John. Well, he died two years ago. I'm sorry to hear that. Yes, he left a wife and four children. Nobody knows how they manage, but they do. The, um, the oldest girl is Lily. Oh, that's nice. Such a talented girl, John. She acts. Yes, yes. Peter Pan, Macbeth, the thali. Really? Well, the mid-haven high school folly. Now, no, no, dear, don't get drunk. Mother, you know the one thing that I cannot stand is amateur acting. But Lily's unusual. Unusual, Mother. There's a Lily Mars in every town, and they're all alike, so full of hope and so hopeless. Now, it won't hurt you to let her play a scene. Not a scene, not a line, not a syllable. All right, dear. But you'll be sorry. Excuse me just a second, darling. I left my glasses in the coat. Listen, I've got to go over the script. I guess I can work here at the desk. Oh, yes, of course, dear. Lily. Oh, it's all right, Mrs. Sunway. I heard. Geez, terribly pigheaded, isn't he? Terribly. Well, goodbye. You going to the performance tonight? Oh, I guess so. Goodbye, Mrs. Sunway. Goodbye. Poor child. Well, that's funny that Knob's gone off that dover. See me, Mama. He wouldn't even speak to me. Did you get the door knob, Lily? Huh, Lily? Oh, my, that's a lovely one. Lily, don't you worry a bit about that old John Thornway. Oh, I'm not, Mama. Not really. That's good. I guess I'll hear from him all right. You see, I stole his script. Oh, yes, Miss Mars. You what? My manuscript? Well, I've been tearing the house apart. You, you found it in an ash can? Yes, yes, sure. I'll come right over, right away. Well, won't you come in? Uh, Chopin or Chapeau? What? Are you interested in hats or piano lessons? I'm interested in my play script. I'm John Thornway. Why, how do you, oh, won't you sit down? Now, I, I'll just draw the shades. Draw, uh, draw the shades. Absolutely, you know. There, that's a spender. The room's quite dark now. Almost like a theater. Please, look, all I want is my script. I must ask you to keep quiet, Mr. Thornway. Lily is entering. It is done. Then, to our well, it were done quickly. Oh, no. That but this blow might be the be all, and I can show all of time, we jump the life to come. Oh. But in these cases, we still have judgment here, that we but teach bloody and chalice to our own. Get up off the floor, Miss Mars. How are's I, Mr. Thornway? Putrid. And now, may I please have my play? But I did it exactly as I was told. Someone told you to do Macbeth that way? Yes, Professor Eggleston in school. Miss Mars, I'm going to talk to you for one minute. I shouldn't, but you're a friend of my mother's. And Dr. Thornway, your own father. You know, he brought me into the world. Well, that is not one of the qualifications for the stage. Now about Macbeth, Miss Mars. Macbeth is planning a murder. His conscience is gnawing into his thoughts, gnawing like a relentless rat gnawing. And you play him like a jitterbug with a bellyache. Oh, really? Now, will you please give me my play? It's under the cushion. You've been sitting on it. I've been sitting... A doorknob. Oh, that's yours, too. Mine? Yes, um, my little brother. He collects doorknobs, and this one was so extra special that I... Oh, please, please keep it, Miss Mars. Goodbye. Goodbye. Oh, dear. Oh, dear, dear. Mama? Mama, I've got another idea. Poppy? Yes, Lily? And Elizabeth? Yes, Lily? Find that old shawl and pin it around Poppy's head. You mean like a refugee? Yep, that's it, and hurry. But, Lily, what for? We're going to act, darling, for Mr. Thornway. Yes, I got it, Mother. I'll be in the study. Oh, John, Mr. Casey now. Oh, Isabel! That's right, darling. Well, Isabel, where's, where's Owen? Oh, I'm putting the car away. Well, aren't you even going to kiss me? That's a little better. You know, I could be a lot fonder of you, Isabel, if you... If I bought Thornway? Well, if you just paid just a little bit more attention to your job. Oh, that again. I don't have to work for you, Johnny. In Pittsburgh, I can marry one million dollars worth of pig iron. All right. Why don't you? Because I don't like pig iron, Johnny. I like you. Come here. Ah, that's better, Johnny. Oh, oh, sorry. You should have... Oh, no, I'm glad to see you. Look, listen, you can't shoot Irene in the first act. No? No, now you've written a swell play. Just let it alone. Are you excited yet when we go into rehearsal? Yes, next Monday. All right, now, come on off with you. I'll see you both here tonight after the show. Oh, that's right. Your mother's giving her a reception. That's right. Now I've got work to do. Just run along to the hotel and take yourself a nice, long nap. You too, Owen. Bye-bye now. Take a good look at that first act, will you? That's just what I'm going to do. Let's see now. Irene... Irene interstage left and she crosses to left center. Left center? Listen to me. You must, John. Listen to me. What in... Oh, no. No, not again. Miss March. Oh, it's not for nothing. Oh, now cut it out. Oh, be a little kid with you. You're a couple of passes for the show tonight. Now go down and see some acting, but for heaven's sakes, don't do any more. Oh, thank you, Mr. Thornway. Thank you, Mr. Thornway. Is that in your bubble gum? No. Oh, she loves bubble gum. Do you know what I'm going to do if I ever catch you near me again? No, Mr. Thornway. Well, I'm going to take you across my knee and wallop the daylights out of you. Understand? Yes. All right, now beat it. Yes, Mr. Thornway. Yes, Mrs. Thornway. Did you just hear what I just heard? That girl, oh, she was lying, of course. But that baby, the image of John... Isabel, let's get out of here. My dear Mrs. Thornway, a charming reception. I'm so glad you could come, Professor Eggleston. And the play tonight. Oh, thank you. Oh, I'm so congratulate John. Do you have something to eat, Professor? There's roast beef at that table there. Roast beef. Excellent. Oh, no, brown cow. I've been watching you climb the wall. You must try coming in through the door sometime. It's much simpler. Oh, but I wasn't invited. Oh, my. It certainly looks like a wonderful party in there. Uh-huh. Well, you're Mr. Owen Bale, aren't you? Uh-huh. You're the man who writes. He's wonderful. It's you. Huh? This afternoon. You're the girl. Oh. Has John Thornway never done anything for you? Oh, no, never. He doesn't like me. He doesn't like... Oh, his mother. Oh, I don't think I'd better, Mrs. Thornway. You see, you're so well. Oh, I guess he must have told you. Oh, that. Well, things like that don't upset John for very long. They don't upset him. And what kind of a guy is he, anyway? Huh? Come along, Mr. Bale. Hi, my dear Lily. Well, hello, Professor Eggerson. And how are the children? Children. The two youngest have the moms, but they're all fine now. Thank goodness. You're good. Uh, he did say children. My ass. Uh, wait, right here. Oh, Isabel. Isabel. Yes, Owen? Have you seen John, that girl? This afternoon, she's here. Oh, no. Oh, and she didn't play. No, no, no, but it seems there's not just one. There are three. Three? At least. Can I play too? What is this new game? John, you've simply got to do something about that girl. What girl? What girl? Lily Mars. Oh, well, just don't pay any attention to her. You did. Oh, Isabel, there's at least one in every town. Darling, why are you so interested in this one? I've seen this one. And the child? One of them. This afternoon. Remember, outside your window. Well, uh, oh, no. Say, what kind of a heel do you think I am? You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. We, we should? Well, she's just another stage-struck kid who thinks he... Who are you looking at? Oh, she's here. She's here again. Hello, Mrs. Arnway. Get out of here. First, I will. I'll shimmy right over the wall. I'll get... All right. Start, start climbing. Yes, sir. But before, when you were talking to those people in there, you, you looked so nice. Well, I'm not. Well, Mr. Arnway, please take me to New York. Mrs. Mars, my patience stretches just so far. You understand? Just so far. Oh, very well. If you really want me to go... I do, Mrs. Mars. I do very much. Well, you'll have to give me a boost. Or are you afraid of me? Afraid of you? You see? You are. I know why you treat me as a child. Because you're afraid to think of me as a woman. Oh, beat it! All right, I'm going. Good night. Good night. Nothing. Don't cry no more. Oh, I hate him. I just hate him. Who does she hate the most? She'll be. She'll be. Oh, no, no, no. What are you crying for? Because really is. It should be ashamed. Him. And who should be ashamed? Him. And who should be ashamed? Him. Him. Him. And who should be crying? Him. And what should you be doing? Wrapping. Wrapping. Certainly. Now off to bed you do. Scoot, scoot. Oh, Lily. Lily, you're something very wonderful to me. What? Nineteen. Yes, nowhere. Why, some very successful people didn't get their start until they were well past twenty. What you want is New York, isn't it? Uh-huh. Well then. Davey Piggy Bank and bring him in here. Yes, ma'am. Oh, now, Mama, I'm not going to let you. No, you will, too. But, Mama, I just can't. Here's your Piggy Bank, Mommy. Thank you, Davey. Good night. Good night. Lily, there's twenty-eight dollars here. You're going to take it and go to New York. All right. Now, take it, Lily. And good night, darling. Oh, ma'am. Davey. Hmm? Davey, I want you to put this money back in George's Piggy Bank. I'll let Mama see you doing it. Can't you do it, Lily? I won't be here. Oh, okay. Oh, no. Not now, there. Tomorrow after I leave. Huh? Leave? Yes, Davey. I'm going to New York. In a moment, we'll bring you the second act of presenting Lily Mars. Our conductor, Howard Barlow, leads the orchestra now in his brilliant interpretation of the gay and lively Marymaker's dance. starring June Allison as the lady in question and Van Heflin as John Thornway. Good morning. And in front of John Thornway's theater on New York's 44th Street, Miss Lily Mars gazes and raptures at the freshly mounted posters, opening soon three roads to Arden starting Isabel Raquette, full of confidence, Lily heads for the stage door. But guarding this sacred portal is a burly gentleman named Mike. Lady, I've thrown you out four times now. Lady, please, can't you take a hint? It's many hours later, and the Lily is somewhat wilted. But she's in John Thornway's theater. True, it's dark and empty now. But to Lily, it's her first sight of heaven. Oh, so soon? Soon. It's two hours since I let you come in here with me. Um, do you suppose I could sleep here tonight? Sorry, no sleeping allowed, only during performances. All right, I'll go. But I'll find some way to see Mr. Thornway. You see if I don't. Wait a minute. Has all this been about a job? Where are you from? Indiana. I hitchhiked. I got in this morning. How old? 19. Me? I was 16. I wanted to go on the stage, too, and I did. Well, where am I? You mean you've been trying since you were 16? Oh, I made the grade all right years ago. But look at me now. I started in carrying a spear, and I wind up carrying a mop. Oh. You know what you are? Crazy, huh? You're me. The same hopeful little hick that I was 45 years ago. Know what I'd do if I were you? Sure. Go home? No. I think you are home. I know I am. And I guess maybe you belong here, too. Oh, I do. I know I do. Got any money? A few dollars. Look, get a room. Get yourself some sleep. If you want to see Thornway, you got to look good. Might give you any trouble at the stage door. Oh, plenty. I'll leave a note for him. And if that big moose tries to stop you again... Oh, thank you. Very, very moose. Quiet. Quiet, everybody. Please. Quiet. Let's start from the beginning of the scene again. Ready, Isabel? The whole scene again. I'm sorry, darling. All right, George. Let's have a queue. Would you... Would you mind telling Miss Adams that... that I've come? There's no one here by that name. This is Dr. Trent's home. But it must be this house I... Wait a minute. I've seen your face before. Haven't I? That face. That face, let me look at you. You're... Ah! It's Rachea. Is something wrong? Johnny, look in the audience. All right, stop the rehearsal. You. Good morning, Mr. Thornway. I won't ask you how you got in here, Miss Mars. Even how you got to New York. Oh, I hitchhiked. Did you? I'm terribly sorry if I interrupted the rehearsal, but... John, she's fainting. Oh, oh, oh, for heaven's sake. Get some water over here. How do you feel now, Miss Mars? Oh, much better. Thank you. It was the best lunch I ever had. And just why hadn't you eaten anything since Indiana? Oh, I... I guess I just wasn't very hungry. Yeah. Well, Miss Mars, you win. I'm rolling in the dust. You will have a part in three roadstards. Only because you know my mother. Oh. And you come from my hometown and you're in need of work. Oh, how can I thank you? Just by doing your job. Oh, I will. May I ask what it is? Yes, it's a maid. She has two speeches. Oh, that's wonderful. Now, what you do outside of my theater is strictly your own affair. You understand? Oh, yes. You don't want me to bother you. Right. Starting right now, I wash my hands of any responsibility. Yes, sir. Oh, yes. Oh, there's just one more thing. Yes? Where will you live? Oh, I don't know. Yeah, I thought so. All right, come on. Yes, sir. I'll help you find a boarding house. And after that, I think I'll get my head examined. Well, I'll leave you here, Miss Mars. And, uh, oh, here's $20. Now, you go in and register for that room. The, uh, $20 will come out of your salary. Oh, you're so good. I am a louse as far as you're concerned, Miss Mars. I'll sleep much better at night knowing that you consider me a louse. Yes, sir. Yes. Well, I'll be getting on back to the theater now. If you can wait a minute, I could go back with you. No, no, no. You just be at rehearsal tomorrow morning at nine. Nine. Sharp. Mm-hmm. Goodbye, uh, Lily. Goodbye, John. Come on, boss. Mr. Cam, Mr. Vale. Boy, she sure put up a beef. Okay, thanks, Scotty. You just, uh, keep the cast on stage. This won't take long. Okay. I hope. Can I join you? But, Isabelle, the play was written for you. Oh, hello, John. And I tell you, I will not play it as it is. The third act, John, I hate it. It does not march along. It dribbles. Well, well, well, now let's just sit down and we'll talk about it, huh? Are you sure you have the time, darling? Oh, I'm sorry I'm late as well. I had to have lunch. You and Miss Midhaven, Indiana. What did you eat? An elephant? Oh, now look, after all, my father did bring her into the world. And I... All right, I gave her a job. Any objections? Yes. The third act. Well, what's wrong with it? Everything. Brighter dialogue, stronger scenes. Such as? Such as you are going to write. Give me a ring, John, if you and Bernard Shaw get any ideas. Oh. Now she'll be back. She'll cool off. Besides, maybe she's right about that third act. Hey, now, wait a minute. Listen, come up to my apartment tonight. We'll go over it, huh? Okay. You're the boss. Yeah, about eight o'clock. Eight o'clock. All right, John. Hmm? Oh. Oh, yeah. By any chance, are you thinking about act three? Uh, no. Have you got any ideas? Hmm. I've been thinking about women, too. Well, I'd like to know what makes you think... John, I only wish I had as much money as you don't know about dames. Look, if Isabelle was squawking about just one scene, I'd figure she was on the level. But no, it's the whole act. Doesn't march along. And if you keep on getting any chummy or with that babe from the woods... I am not chummy with Miss Mars. Isabelle's got a great imagination. John, about such things women don't imagine, they know. I don't know how they know, but they know. Answer that, wouldn't it? Yeah. Hello? There's a Miss Mars to see Mr. Thornway. Shall I send her up? Uh, yeah, certainly. Right away. It's, uh... It's your laundry. Oh, well, come on. Now let's get down to work. Okay. Look at the end of the first scene in act three. The major's just going to leave when Angela walks in. She's walked right into his hand. Now what's wrong with that? Nothing. Okay. Et cetera, et cetera. She's down here to where Robert comes in. The major draws his gun and Robert surrenders. Robert turns to Angela. Don't worry, darling. Nothing will happen. Funny, isn't it? I had it all... Ah, what's the use? What? Forget the play. Isabelle's jealous. How can she beef about this? She's got nothing to say. Oh, and it could be that's what she's beefing about. She's got nothing to say. She's got practically every line in scene two. She... Buzzer. No, bring it in. Just bring it in. Look, maybe if she had the tag to the first scene, she'd... Good evening. Oh. So my laundry's here, huh? Well, Miss Mars? I just said good evening. Good evening? And good night. Oh, I just wanted to tell you... I'm terribly sorry, but we're very busy. I went to bed, but I couldn't sleep. I just tossed and tossed. Whenever I'm worried, I just toss and toss. Well, that's very interesting. Now, what's worrying you? Our show. Oh, now she doesn't like it. Oh, I do like it. I love it. But may I please say something? I know of no way of stopping you. Well, I think we need a new finish. To me, it's... Well, it just sizzles out. You see, this is the way it goes. I know the way it goes. I wrote it myself. Robert says you do understand, and Angela says I understand. And Robert says goodbye, Angela. Goodbye, my darling. Now, what does she say? She says goodbye. Goodbye, my love. Well, exactly. And the curtain falls. It's not natural. Oh. Well, I can see that you have the solution. Oh, yes, certainly. Look, you're Robert. Uh, go ahead. Say your line. Goodbye, Angela. Goodbye, my darling. Goodbye. Goodbye, my love. But my way, they kiss. See? They kiss good. Like this. Hey, wait a minute. And for how long does this go on? Oh, just one kiss. But don't you think that has more... well, um, more feeling? And that's what you came all the way up here to tell us, huh? Uh-huh. I couldn't sleep. It was bothering me. Well, now it's bothering me. What? Lily, go home. Please, Lily. Yes, John. Oh, I think Mr. K will be very pleased with the new end. Good night, Mr. Day, huh? Good night. Oh, wait a minute. Uh, uh, are you going to be busy tomorrow night? I know. Oh, no. Well, uh, perhaps you'd like to go out. After all, you haven't had a chance to see New York. Oh, John, I'd love it. Had you for now? Just say good night, Lily. Good night. What a bundle of laundry. Hello, Lily. Yeah? Well, I just thought I'd phone you. I'm just about ready to leave the apartment. Well, how about the panorama club first? Yeah, I thought you'd like that. All right, 10 minutes, huh? Bye-bye. Hello. Who? Mr. K. Oh, oh, no, no. Tell her I've gone. Tell her that I'm on her way up now. Oh, thanks. Oh, let's see. My robe. My robe. And a bath towel. Something tells me this isn't going to work, but, oh, brother, of all the time she had to... Coming! Coming! Oh, Isabel. Hello, darling. Well, I was just taking a cold shower to wake me up. I have got a pile of work that I... Ah! Mustn't touch me. Get all wet. Johnny, take tonight off. Oh, now, Angel, just look at that desk. I am sorry for yesterday. I was not a very good girl at rehearsal, no? Oh, oh, nothing. Nothing at all. You're very good to me, Johnny. I could talk better over a glass of champagne. Oh, darling, look, I can't. Now, won't you believe me? You are not going out with someone else. That who's your hotshot, for instance. Lily? You would not do such a thing to me, Johnny. Do I look like I'm going out? Isabel, darling. Okay, Johnny. I'll go along home. Yeah, well, I'm sorry, but you know, with the show opening soon and everything. Yes, and everything. Huh? You're so busy you don't quite know what you're doing, do you? Well, it's pretty nearly that bad. Yes. You should see a doctor maybe when you start taking shower baths with your shoes and pants on. Oh, it's a short robe, huh? Just don't stay out too late, Johnny. There's a rehearsal tomorrow. Oh. Sorry, I was a little late picking you up, Lily, but, well, this is it, Club Panorama. Well, it's just wonderful, John. Just wait a moment. Elizabeth and Davy and Papi here. I've been here. This is the place where you meet so many interesting people, isn't it? Yes. So many interesting people. There isn't an echo here, is there? Hello, Johnny. Oh, uh, Isabel. Mr. Gay, darling. Are you all alone, Isabel? Oh, yes. I just dropped by for a minute. There was something I wanted to check up on. Oh, would you, do you care for a drink or anything? No, I don't care for a drink or anything. What time did you say rehearsal was in the morning, John? Oh, nine o'clock, nine o'clock. But you just come in whenever you like. Whenever I like. I'll do that, John. Good night. Good night, uh... My, Lily, my. Yes. I hope to see you again sometime. Isabel... John, I think she's mad at something. Yes, Lily. Hoppin' mad. And the way she glared at it. John, is this anything to do with me? Lily. Yes? Let's just dance. Four o'clock, four o'clock in the afternoon. Yeah, yeah, I know. Uh, Scotty. Hey, Mr. Vail. Tell the cast they can go home. I'll stop worrying, boss. Miss Raquel, show up. You know how she is. Since nine o'clock this morning, we've been waiting for Miss Raquel. Since nine o'clock! Send them home, Scotty. Okay. That's all for today, everybody. Is there anything I can do for you, boss? You can go out and get drunk for me. Anything I can do? Yeah, you can help Scotty. Hey, let's go. Oh, hello, Lily. Hello. John, I'm going home. Back to Midhaven tonight. No. No, you're not. Oh, I heard what Mr. Vail and Scotty said. Now, what did they... what did you hear? Oh, nothing, only. Only enough so I know if I go away, everything will be all right with the show, and Mr. K. and everything. Well, I'm not calling off the show. Oh, no, John, you mustn't. But I'm not going to do it unless I can do it right. John, I've been thinking that maybe I... I know what you've been thinking. Well, I believe I could do it. What do you think? I think that I'm in love with you. Oh, John. John. Lily, you run along now, and I'll let you know what I'm going to do as soon as I know myself. Yes, John. Thank you. John T. Thornway. The show opens. It's planned 10 days from tonight. Oh, hello, Scotty. Oh, hello, boss. With Isabella Cain? Without Isabella. Right. Now, here's what I'm going to do. Oh, John, don't do it. Lily's a sweet girl, clever too, but she's not nearly ready to step into a big car. Just the same. I'm going to take that chance. Oh, think it over, John. It's an awful gamble. Sure it is, but what show business? Hey, where are you going? To a phone. I think that Lily would kind of like to hear the news. Yes? Oh, yes, John. What? Thank you, John. Thank you, darling. In just a moment, we'll bring you act three of Presenting Lily Marz. As their second musical offering, the orchestra will play the famous festival scene from Faust. Mr. Barlow. Here's the third act of Presenting Lily Marz, starring June Allison in the title role and Van Heflin as John Thornway. This was not prepared for John Thornway's sudden decision to star her in his new play. For an hour now, her stampeding heart has tossed her alternately from the dizzy hypes of rapture to the dismal depths of panic. Still trembling, she places a long distance call to mid-haven Indiana. News for you. Tell them about, Mom. Tell them about that. Children, children, be quiet. And now, later that night at the theater, Lily is frantically rehearsing her new part as John Thornway, slightly wild-eyed, struggles to teach it to her. Standing in the wings is Sarah, the scrub lady. It's not just the lines, Lily. It's the movement. You must watch your hands in the way you walk. All right now, once again. Oh, John, you don't know how I appreciate this. You're telling me all these things. Yes, dear. Well, now, let's just do it now, shall we? I'll give you the cue line. You ready? The guard says there's a lady to see you. Oh, Rob. Rob, I knew you said I shouldn't come, but you forgive me, don't you? Lily. Yes? No. No? No, darling. Look, try to remember that you are a mature woman. You've come to see the man you love. He's condemned to die. Oh. Come on, darling. Let's do it again, huh? Of course. Oh, Rob. Rob. They just told me. No, no, no, no. From the entrance, Lily. Oh, from the entrance. You're doing fine, honey. Oh, I'm awful. Sarah, I'll never get it. Never. You will get it. Just don't get excited. Don't get excited. Hold it, please. Clear the stage, everyone. We'll try it again. Lily. I know, John. I know. The minute I did it wrong, I knew. Yes, Lily. All right. Once again, now, from the door open. Don't you see, Robert, if the major knew he'd have come long before this. Oh, don't worry, darling. It will soon be over and forgotten. We'll only remember how... How strong you are and what you've done for us. Oh, yes. How strong you are and what you... Start it again, please, from the beginning. Please, not quiet. I know it's late, everyone. I know that you're all tired, but this is Monday and we're supposed to open Wednesday night. Now, I'd like to try the end of the last scene just once more. George, do you mind? That's one tear. That's it. All right. Lily, are you ready? You know what I want? Yes. Are you sure? Yes. That's fine. All right, go ahead, George. That is one tear, my dearest. We shall never know how much better to die within one's growing time. This side meridian. Oh, Rob, if I could only believe you're right, all that I am cries out that this is truth by chance and not by reason. And yet, I must believe. You do understand? I... I understand. Angela, goodbye, my darling. Goodbye. Goodbye, my love. Okay, curtain. That's it for now. Get something to eat back in an hour. Hey, boss. Hey, boss, you got a minute? I was just working the fucker. Let him alone, Scotty. Let him alone. He's just wondering about plenty. Don't bother him. Yeah. Now, what do you think of her? Must you ask? She's hopeless. I feel kind of sorry for her. She's trying so hard. Save your sympathy for Thornway. He's going to lose his shirt. Did Lily go to her dressing room? Yeah. I wonder if I ought to... Look at it. Look at it. May I come in? Oh, John. Hello, Mr. Thornway. Oh, hello, Sarah. Listen, do me a favor. Will you find Scotty and Mr. Dale and just ask them to wait, please? Oh, sure, Mr. Thornway. Thank you. Hello, John. Hello, Lily. How was I? Lily, you've learned more in a few days than most actresses learn in a lifetime. Someday you're going to be a great actress. You heard me call another rehearsal for tonight and will start just as soon as the cast has had a little rest and something to eat. All right, boss. I'm ready. No, Lily. I hate worse than anything in this world to tell you, but no, you're not ready. I don't understand. Well, I should have had more sense than to let you tackle such a tough part, but I just wasn't being sensible. Now I have to be. And so have you. I'm hopeless. Oh, no, darling. No, it's just that you're inexperienced. Lily, it's a tremendous job to carry a whole show. A girl has to be a finished actress. She has to be a big actress. And I'm only a little one. You're a good little one. But this part calls for a good big one. And I've got her. Oh, I see. You've made up with Isabel Raquette. No, no, darling. It wasn't a question of making up with Isabel. It was business. Show business between two professional people who know that their job is more important than their personal feelings. Excuse me. Darling, I... She just called and she wants to address him. Well, just a second. Please, Scotty, please. Oh, she can move in now. Darling, I... I can't tell you how rotten I feel about it. Oh, it's all right, John. Well, Isabel plays Angela and you play your old part. Oh, I can't. I just can't. Lily, I don't want you to go. You can if you want to and you can hate me for the rest of your life. But you do have a choice. You can stay and play the part of that maid better than any maid has ever been played before. And when you walk out on that stage and say your few lines and give them everything you've got, there'll be one less amateur in the world and one more professional. Now, darling, that... that's all up to you. I'm... I'm going now, John. Bye. Lily. We're gonna move to... Guess who we came with? Mrs. Thornway in her car. Boy. I'm so glad to see you. It's just so wonderful, Lily. You're so wonderful. Oh, Mama. You look tired, dear. Lily, twinkle for me, will you? She's too tired, dear. Now give her her present. My present? I made you a new hat, darling. Give her the box, Poppy. Okay. Congratulations, Lily, dear, upon the start of your career. We love you best of all the stars. We're proud of you, Miss Lily Mars. Well, don't you want it, Lily? Mama, Lily's crying. Why, Lily, dear? Oh, I'm not a star. I'm not even an actress. I'm nothing at all. There, there, dear. Now, no matter how bad it is, it isn't as bad as all that. Oh, Mama. I want to go home. Oh, yes, darling. Yes. Shh. There. There now, darling. There's no smoking here. Souvenir programs here. Souvenir programs. Read all about the cancer picture. Well, Scotty, any sign on Lily? Any word? No, nothing. Well, she doesn't go on until the end of the act. She could still make it. Oh, what are you stewing about? It's just a couple of lines. The other girl is doing. I'm worried about the boss. He hasn't been able to find her ever since he told her her K was coming back. He's got the biggest moneymaker in town, so he's got to worry about a dame. Where is it? Still at the stage door. His mother was just asking for him. I'll get him to join her in the box. Better get backstage, Scotty. Yep. See you later. Stay in this box for 10 minutes, John. I tell you how wonderful I think the play is. Thanks, ma'am. Still no sign of Lily? No, no, not yet. She's miles from New York by now. Probably back in Indiana. But what about her part? Well, one of the other girls will have to double it. That's not like Lily. Oh, I'm terribly sorry, dear. Well, mother, you can't blame her. John, how soon was Lily supposed to make her entrance? Well, just a couple of speeches from now. That door over there opens and she comes in. Oh, don't worry about it, darling. Listen, go on and enjoy the play. That's all, Angela. We've been found for the week. Then we can go to America just as far from here as we can. Wait a minute. There's someone at the door. Mary. John. John, look. I am looking. It's Lily. Lily. That's it, darling. All right. Now, stage left. Watch that table. All right. Now, darling, a little smile. Make sure they wait. Swell. Swell, darling. And who said there's a Lily Mars in every town? Whoever he was. He was crazy. Oh, dear. Oh, I knew she'd come back. Mother, listen. Excuse me. I'll see you later. So have you seen Lily? Well, darling. Oh, Isabelle, darling. Darling, you were Swell. Yes, I know. Oh, thank you. Thanks for everything, Isabelle. Look, get it. I'll run along and find Lily. Tell her for me. She's a real treasure. Yes, darling. Well, of course. Looks like another one. Oh, Scotty. Scotty, you were Swell. Oh, Leo. Yes, I am. Swell, Costy. Swell, Swell. Thanks to a door to a Swell. Well, of course. Just in case you're looking for Lily. I'll tell you. She just this minute grabbed her hat and ducked out of your hurry. Oh, thanks, Scotty. Thanks, you were Swell. Lily. Hey, Lily, wait. What? Oh, John. Hello, Lily. Hello. Lily, you came back. You know, I never enjoyed any actress's performance so much in my life. John, I was only on the stage for a minute. Well, that was the happiest. It was the most thrilling moment I ever hoped to have in the theater. It made me sure that I was right about you. Lily, you're going to be a star. You're going to be a great star. Star. Poppy can't understand why I don't twinkle. Lily, do you mind if I kiss you? Oh, darling, this crowd. We're right in the middle of... of 44th Street. There's a good audience. And John. Yes, darling. Look at me, John. I'm twinkling. June Allison and Van Heflin. This is the Armed Forces Radio Service.