 The Mutual Broadcasting System in cooperation with Family Theatre Incorporated presents Life's a Circus, starring Margaret O'Brien and Pat O'Brien. Fred Allen is your host. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Now, here is your Family Theatre host for tonight, Fred Allen. You often hear about people getting up petitions. Petitions to stop one thing or do away with something else. I remember someone once wanted me to sign a petition to do away with radio comedians. Well, that's how it goes. So now I have a petition, but I don't want to do away with anything. I want to bring something back. Something that should be in every home. Prayer. Family prayer. That traditional custom of home life. The custom of gathering our family together to thank God for His blessings and to ask His help. I believe in family prayer because I know that in a home where mother and father gather together with their children and sincerely and humbly ask God's blessing on their family, everyone finds a new source of help. There's a new encouragement for all in a family's united expression of faith in God. It would be a sad and sorry world indeed if we lost faith in God and faith in one another. It's a sad and sorry home where these things are lost. That's my petition. A petition for faith and family prayer in our homes. Brad Allen will return following tonight's family theater presentation Life's a Circus starring Pat O'Brien and Margaret O'Brien. I step right this way, folks, to the great issue on earth. Hurry, hurry, hurry. Get your tickets to the most colossal, the most scintillating and astounding aggregation of wonders in the world. For this way to the big top, come in and see those death-defying eyes. This is a story of a wonderland, of a man who owned one, Pat O'Brien, and of a little girl who had a grand adventure in one, Penny Catherine Elizabeth Delaney. Penny's adventure in Pat O'Brien's wonderland began one bright sunny morning, and the great caravan of circus wagons paraded down Winterhaven's main street. There was the blue and gold ballyhoo wagon leading the parade. Then came the orange and green cages on wheels filled with Bengal tigers, lions, and chattering monkeys. And following were the gilt-trimmed dressing vans, the red treasury wagon, the magnificent prancing perchirons, the elegant Arabian steves, and the lumbering elephants, and, of course, the stirring Marshall music blaring forth from the gorgeously scrolled bandwagon. Yes, the circus has come to Winterhaven. The parade of parades is on. And there they go, past Snyder's department store, Morgan's drug store, Eastman's Market, to their new circus grounds. Working on this vast acreage already are the canvas men. Razor bags, roustabouts, and gaffers. The king pole has been hauled up into place. Then comes that moment when all work ceases. Fifty straining hands grip the canvas bail rings of the big top. Then there's a shout from the boss himself. Raise the peaks! And so the big top, that edifice of canvas, is reaching to the sky. I think we'll need some guillies to help unload the rest of the canvas. Hire a few hands. I'm going to have an early lunch in the wagon. Check me if you need me. Right, boss. Say you. What is it, gully? Where can I find the ringmaster? The who? The ringmaster. This circus doesn't have one, gully. Every circus has one. Oh, they do? Why, of course. The ringmaster runs the circus. He does? Well, in that case, Mr. O'Dwyer's your man. Where can I find him? Well, you were just talking with him. Well, I declare. He's in a treasury wagon. The red one straight ahead. And, sweetheart, when you see him, don't let him tell you he's not the ringmaster because he is. Who? Now, don't pretend you're not. Why? Because I know you are. Well, not you settle that. Can I go have my lunch? Oh, sure. Gee, that sure smells good. I know what you're reading. Sure do I. I hope. That's spuds, and that's deer, and red tops, and that's topping. Hey, hey, that's a real circus tour. Where'd you pick that up? I was born in the circus. Well, an old trip. How about some lunch? You look hungry. I am. Well, hop up on that stool. There's plenty of food for the both of us. Thank you. Now, here's some potatoes, some beef, carrots. Save the ice cream for later. You mean topping. You don't sound like a real circus man. I'm sorry. I sounded like a roub. By the way, what's your name? Penny Elizabeth Katharine Delaney. But you can call me Penny. Well, that's good enough for me. Tell me, what did you want to see the ringmaster about? Well, don't you think that all kids would see the circus? Absolutely. Grown-ups, too. But what if they haven't any money? Oh, so that's it, huh? Yes, and... Say no more. Anyone born in the circus? Rates a free ticket. You mean an Annie Oakley? Yes, and here it is. But what about the other kids? No, no, no. Wait a minute. What other kids? At the St. Christopher's Orphanage. You're from the Orphanage, too? Mm-hmm. Oh, I see. Was this idea all your own? Well, sort of. You see, I was born in the circus. But Evie Stokes says I don't know nothing about circuses. Mm-hmm. Who's Evie Stokes? She's at St. Christopher's, too. Evie was born in a theater. Her father was a juggler. And your daddy? What was he in the circus? Ringmaster? No. My mommy and daddy were on the high trapeze when they were alive. What happened here, folks? Well, my daddy was in the war. I got a medal for what he did from a general. I got it in my purse. See, here it is. Do you see, huh? Baby, he was really in the war. Your mommy? She fell from a high trap platform. Oh, I see. Uh, getting back to the ringmaster business, what made you so sure we had one? I read it in a book. Well, you didn't buy any chance to tell your little friends that you knew the ringmaster this circus, did you? Well, I... I didn't say it in just that way. You know, sweetheart, this circus doesn't have a ringmaster. No? Oh, my... Oh, we'll fix that. You just go back and tell them you know the man who owns this circus. But I don't... Of course you do. We're old friends, remember? Golly, do you really own this circus? That's right. Pat O'Dwyer, ex-raiser back, pitch man, trap man, and now boss man. And to prove it, you invite Evie Stokes and all the kids from St. Christopher's as your guest. When? Well, we're here for two weeks. You name the time. Could we do it tonight? Oh, say, you really do have the circus sought us in your blood, don't you? Okay, tonight it is. Do you think you could tell Mrs. Anderson? She's the superintendent. Well, I... I thought you wanted that pleasure. I... I sneaked out of the building. Can't you sneak back? Yes, but... But if I tell her, she'll know I was here. You'll have to tell her about the kids coming to the circus tonight. Oh, you know, sweetheart, I've got a whole circus to set up to feed and to watch. But no, I've got to drop everything to personally extend the invitation. Well, what are we waiting for, Mr. Laney? Let's go. Let's go. Gee, Mr. Old Wire, you sure were wonderful the way you talked to Mrs. Anderson. She only said no once. That proves. Never take no for an answer the first time. She was so nice after you made your speech about circuses are for kids and how God wanted kids to be happy. Well, the Mrs. Anderson in the world aren't so hard to handle. It's the Penny Dillany that chipped me up at that time. You're going to tell the kids about coming to the circus, aren't you? Oh, now, wait a minute. We made a bargain. You're going to tell him it's your party. Besides, I got to get back to work. Pardon me, boss. Wyatt, it's Mr. Gus. What's up, guys? Hey, we're in a jam. I've been looking for you all over town. Well, if you've been... You better get me later on the way over. All right. See you under the big top. And as I was standing on the big top with Bunzo... All right, get to the point. Well, I hear this voice in my ear, and this guy is saying, it's such a pity the show won't go on tonight. I turn and I look down, and it's this little bald-headed Jasper. Well, when I tell him he ain't hairy, he hands me this card and he says, tell Mr. Oatwyer that Mrs. Lafayette Winters wants impact and offer property by deceit. Yeah? Well, we'll see about that. Step on that gas. Let's see that card again. Yeah, here, boss. See that Stanley G. Fremont president winner here at the National Bank. Well, there's something screwy... The owner of the circus, eh, Mr. Oatwyer? That's right, Mr. Fremont. Well, you know I've always had a suppressed desire about circuses. Yeah, look, about the notice. Ah, the clowns were my weakness. I always wanted to be one. Would unfunny clothes make people laugh? Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure, sure. Look, about that notice you gave Mr. Fremont something about closing the circus. That's a mistake, isn't it? Oh, no, no mistake. There must be. My advanced man made a deal to rent those grants for two weeks. He didn't make any deal with this bank, Mr. Oatwyer. What's the bank got to do with it? With the bank handles Mrs. Lafayette Winters' affairs. And she owns that property. Look, here's a contract with the Mr. Jerome Simmons written on his stationery, Simmons Realty Company. Mr. Simmons had no authority to close such a deal. Well, there's a billboard standing six feet high on Adelaide with his name on it. Mr. Simmons and Mrs. Winters have been in litigation for that property since the day after Mr. Winter died. Now, the court ruled in her favor three years ago. Mr. Simmons is an old man. He still claims the property. Oh, this sort of thing happens at least every six months. Well, somebody's nuts. Precisely, Mr. Simmons. Why can't I make a deal with you for the run of the grounds? Well, because Mrs. Lafayette Winters doesn't want anyone on her property. She's been more or less a recluse for the past five years. Oh, that's great. All right. Why don't you move your circus, Mr. Dreier, to another part of town? There's the Hodges Tract. Mr. Fremont, do you know what work and expenses involved in setting up a circus? It's like moving a small city. Besides, I have three sheet of the town with billboards, ads, newspaper, copy, and publicity. Believe me, Mr. Fremont, I got to stay put this time or full permanently. Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Dreier, but I'm only the banker. You're a citizen of Winterhaven, too, aren't you? And what does that imply, Mr. Dreier? A certain responsibility to your community. Oh, Mr. Fremont, the circus is an American institution. It's clean entertainment. It keeps kids off the streets. Do you know what's one of the few places where I've seen an entire family together? Believe me, Mr. Dreier, I understand, but my hands are tied. Mrs. Winters is a hard woman to deal with. Why, look at the way she lives. Hardly ever leaves the big mansion. Yeah, I saw it. Looks like Madison Square Garden. Yes. Look, how would it be if I talked to her? Oh, how could you talk to her if she won't see you? She won't see anyone. Who'd you say was the baddie one? Don't worry, Mr. O' Dreier. You'll just have to move off Mrs. Winters' property. Sorry. You know, it's tough enough taking it on the chin as far as the gate receipts are concerned, but gee, all those kids from the St. Christopher Orpens... I can't tell them it's all off. You gotta. Ah, look, after you leave me off, why don't you go over to St. Christopher? You tell him we have to fall. Ah, boss. Boss, I'd rather spend an hour in Bosco's land cage than to have to see those kids' faces and hear the bad news. Oh, here we are. Oh, hello, boss. Say, Mr. O' Dreier. About the new flap. Well, I'll talk to you later. What are you gonna do, boss? There's only one thing we can do. We'll try to sneak out of town quietly. How can you sneak a circus? Mr. O' Dreier, everyone at the orphanage. Penny, what are you doing here? Oh, I came over to make sure everything was ready for tonight. Oh, well, Penny, I think I'd better tell you... What, Mr. O' Dreier? Well, you see, this is kind of a surprise. Oh, everything about the circus is gonna be a surprise for most of the kids. They never saw a circus before. They're all washing their faces, getting into their Sunday clothes. It's gonna be one big surprise. Yeah, yeah, well, uh... Are you a sick boy? You look green. Shut up, will you? Oh, okay. Oh, Mr. O' Dreier, is there anything wrong? Uh, no. No. No, you go back and tell the kids there's gonna be a special surprise tonight. Be sure to hear on time. On time. They'll be here before the gates are open. Good, good. Goodbye, Penny. Boss, are you losing your mind? Yeah, I'm also losing my circus. Hey, what's up, boss? Anything wrong? Boys, I called you here together because I need your help. Well, I got orders to move off these grounds. I'm gonna ask a favor, real favor. These orders were to fool right away. But I'm staying open tonight. Not because it'll take me out of the red. You all know that a one-night stand can't do that. The reason I'm staying over is that I got some special guests tonight. Some very special guests. The kids from St. Christopher's orphanage. Now, you're with me. Now, wait a minute. You know the John Laws may step in, and that's where they go and make it a little tough. So if you don't want to go along with me, now's the time to step out. All right, I never ask anyone to break the law, and I'm not gonna ask it now. Just sort of keep them away from the big top. I guess you all understand what I mean. For the big show to see the most amazing sights of a lifetime, Limba Jim, the India Rubberman. Oh, my little girl, you bother me. Now, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do. I told you to stop bothering me. What do you want? Where will I find Mr. O'Dwyer? Up front, just inside the entrance to the big show. Thank you very much. Okay, girlie, okay. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen. Hurry, hurry, hurry. There's still time to see the biggest little show on Earth. Hello, Mr. O'Dwyer. I've been looking all over for you. I was looking for you when the kids came in here. I got a special seat for you, right in the center box. Come on now, better hurry. Gee, way to leave these stokes sees me. Aren't you going to sit with me? No, I'll be along later, honey. I've got to work the front here for a while. Now, don't forget. Say, say, boss, bad news. Uh-oh, the sheriff, huh? No, no, jump what the gate says. There's an old dame that wants to see her. She claims she owns the lot. Oh, it must be old lady Winters. She won't buy a ducket. Maybe that's one way of keeping her out, huh? That face like that should have to be. Oh, look, Gus, we gotta stall her. Should I lock her in the cage next to the geek? Bring her into the big top, put her in the center box. Tell Winters I'm supposed to be there. And then what? From then on, I don't know. Go on, break her in before she calls every cop in the town. You're nonsense. And that's what I enjoy at. That means they hang by their teeth. Bob Barrett. Oh, no, that's what I enjoy at. Sit up here. You can see that Joey's better. There's a cop policeman. You don't mind if I sit next to you. Why? I don't like to sit alone. Besides, you don't seem to know very much about circuses. And what is there to know? Oh, there's lots. You see, I was born in the circus. You mean your folks are performers here? Oh, no. I haven't any folks anymore. I live at St. Christopher's. You mean St.... Now you see those elephants? That's a bull act. Were you talking about St. Christopher's orphanage? Mm-hmm. Oh, look. Right in front. That clown standing on that horse. Serves him right if he falls and breaks his neck. Oh, no. He's Pete Jenkins. He really knows how to ride that horse real well. Get yourself a taffy, a long gem popsicle, and a disappearing cotton candy. Oh, my. Cotton candy. Hey, mister. Yes, little girl. What do you have? I'd like a cotton candy. Would you like a cotton candy, too? Absurd. They're very good. One or two. I've got money. Oh, go on. Lady, have a cotton candy. Shut up. Well, one or two. Oh, two. And how much is it? Twenty cents. Hmm. Well, I guess I didn't take any money with me. Okay, sister. Give me back the candy. Oh, I've got some money. Here. Would you hold these two sticks while I get my money? Thank you. Now, where's my purse? Here you are. Five, ten, twenty cents. Thank you, ladies. Thank you, one and all. Hey, get your candy, cotton, and your popsicles, your popcorn, and your peanuts. Oh, there's Mr. O'Dwyer. Hey, Mr. O'Dwyer. Did you say Mr. O'Dwyer? Yes. He owns the circus. Oh, he does, huh? Would you like to meet him? He's such a nice man. I certainly would. All right. Come on with me. He's standing over there talking to that clown. Brother, this is one for the books. Local banker crashes circus dressed as clown. Well, I hope you don't mind, Mr. O'Dwyer. Oh, no, not at all. In fact, maybe you'd like a financial interest in the show. I'm wide open for any offer. Oh, Mr. O'Dwyer. Gee, this is the best circus ever. Oh, my. This is Mrs. Winters. She wanted to meet you. Uh, Mrs.... Mrs. Lafayette Winters. What's your name, Mr. Clown? I own this property, and I instructed Mr. Fremont to have you vacated. Uh, did you say Mr. Fremont? I'm a Joey clown. But that's a Ruben's clown. I spoke to Mr. Fremont this morning, and he said he talked to you. Say, that's an awful big mouse. This woman, I wouldn't even know what Fremont looked like. Don't, don't, don't touch it. Oh, my word, you've pulled off my nose. Mr. Fremont! Hello, Mrs. Winters. What are you doing in that ridiculous costume? Well, I've always admired clowns, and I... Mr. O'Dwyer, I want this circus off my grounds immediately. And you, Mr. Fremont, better see to it. Or I'll change banks if I have to build a new one in Winterhaven. This looks like a museum. Yes, Miss. What is it? Is this where Mrs. Winters lives? It is. I'd like to see her. I'm sorry, Mrs. Winters receives no callers. Good day. Oh, wait. I just got to see her. Sorry. But could you tell her I'm here? It's really important. Mrs. Winters is not well yet. Something she ate last night. Gosh, the cotton candy. Golly, I just got to see her. Couldn't you let me talk to her just for a minute? Just a moment. Mrs. Winters. Yes, Blattic? What is it? There's a young lady. She wishes to speak to you. She says it's urgent. What's her name? What is your name, Miss? Penny Delaney. Miss Penny Delaney. I judge about ten years of age. Bring her up to my room. I think I know her. This way, young lady. What did you say your name was? My real name? Yes, of course. Penny Elizabeth Catherine Delaney. Thank you. Gosh, this is the most steps I ever saw. Miss Penny Elizabeth Catherine Delaney. Talk to Mr. O'Dwyer. Oh, there you are. Okay, okay. We're packing. We're moving. You are not. What? Huh? Hello, Mr. O'Dwyer. Mr. Gus. Say, what is this? Would you mind repeating what you said, Mrs. Winters? I said you're staying. She means raise the peaks. Wait a minute. Let me get this in plain English. You mean I can stay on for the rest of my two weeks? Yes, and you can thank Penny for it. She pleaded your case most eloquently. I just told her what you told Mrs. Anderson at the St. Christopher's about circuses or for kids and how God wanted kids to be happy. And you're trying hard to help us to be good and happy. Thanks, sweetheart. Thanks a lot. Well, what's the good word, boss? You heard it. Raise! Hey, with it! It's in the air! Paddle Dwyer Circus is once more on the moon. Down Main Street they go, the great circus procession. Paddle Dwyer had promised Winter Haven a parade such as they had never seen. Every act was there, on wheels or on foot. Clowns, swarming the streets, riding madly in the Buffham Automobiles that smoked and kept exploding before the Laughing Townspeople. Off the flat top truck, somersaulted, dizzily in the air, turns away from the railroad depot and heads down Loyola Road past St. Christopher's Orphanage. Then suddenly, the red treasury wagon with Penny Delaney sitting on top of it pulls into sight. Now the parade stops in front of Mrs. Winter's palatial manner where she waits to welcome Penny. I guess I gotta say goodbye, Mr. O'Dwyer. You won't be lonesome in your new home, will you? Gosh, no. It's Mrs. Winter's that was so lonesome. That's why I adopted her to try and make her happy. My little trooper, I know you will. You made me awfully happy. I'm not gonna say goodbye. Just so long for a while. I'll be coming back to Winter Haven. I got a girl here now. Life's a Circus has starred Margaret O'Brien and Pat O'Brien. Now again, here is your family theater host for tonight, Fred Allen. I was reading the paper the other day and saw where they're advertising new houses. The banner line read, this is the home you'd like to have. Well, I'd like to sell you on a new home today. Maybe I should say on a remodeling job that can be done in your present home. A remodeling job to make it the kind of home you'd like to have. And it's going to cost you, well it's going to cost you a little of yourself, a little of your time to gather your family together. That's how it's done this remodeling because I'm thinking about the way family prayer can remodel your home into the most beautiful place in the world. It can bring in the sunshine of God's grace and happiness and God's love and peace. It can give all these things that only trust and faith in God can give. And on this remodeling job, on this new home, there's a guarantee, a guarantee that it will last not for a month, a year or several years, but indefinitely and as long as you wish. It's a guarantee of love and understanding and happiness in a home. It's a guarantee, a family that prays together stays together. This is Fred Allen saying goodnight and God bless you. Our thanks to Margaret O'Brien and Pat O'Brien for their performances this evening. And to John Slott and Amel Frank for adapting tonight's play from a story by Nate Slott and Martha Chapin. Music was scored and conducted by Max Tehr. This production of Family Theater Incorporated was directed by David Young. Others who appeared in tonight's play were Bernard Felton, Stanley Farrar, Carlton Caddell, Dave McMayen, and Ralph Montgomery. Brief portions of tonight's program were transcribed. Next week, our Family Theater star will be J. Carol Nash in Dear Mr. American. Your hostess will be Loretta Young. This series of the Family Theater broadcast is made possible by the thousands of you who felt the need for this kind of program and by the mutual broadcasting system which has responded to this need. Be with us next week at the same time when our Family Theater star will be J. Carol Nash with Loretta Young as hostess. Tony LaFranco speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.