 Ladies and gentlemen, the Railroad Hour. From Hollywood, here comes the star-studded show train. Tonight, your Railroads through the Association of American Railroads present, Rio Rita. In our star-studded cast, you will hear the host of our series, Gordon MacRae, and four famous guest stars, Margo, Marion Hutton, and Sweeney and March, with a great cast of Hollywood-featured players, including Alan Reed, Elvia Allman, and Paul Freese. Our choir is under the direction of Norman Lubov, and the entire production is set to the music of Carmen Dragon's Orchestra and brought to you by the American Railroads, the same railroads that bring you most of the food you eat, the clothes you wear, the fuel you wear, and all the other things you use in your daily life. And now, here is Gordon MacRae. Thank you, and good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is Gordon MacRae helping to bring you another in-hour series of musical successes. Tonight, the Railroad Hour show train presents a show that was originally produced on Broadway by the great Florent Ziegfeld at the Ziegfeld Theater. So, let's bring up the curtain on Rio Rita, with book by Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson, and lyrics and music by Joseph McCarthy and Harry Tierney. In our performance this evening, I play the part of Jim Stewart, who falls in love with Rio Rita, played for us by Margot. Marion Hutton is Dolly, a cabaret dancer. Hal March takes the part of the lawyer Ed Lovett, and Bob Sweeney plays his client, Chick Bean. Well, in every show there's a villain, and tonight, Mr. Alan Reed plays the part of a very bad hombre named General Esteban. General Romero Joselito Tomas Miguel Armando Esteban, if you don't mind, senor. And if I am like you said, the bad hombre, maybe we have the more fun that way, eh? Anyway, you come with me to Mexico, eh? From Texas, we cross the Rio Grande and arrive pronto in the little town of San Luca, where I am headman. And where, for some strange reason, I own the Esteban Hotel, the Esteban Department Store, the Esteban Building, and the only floating nightclub in all Mexico, which is called the Club Esteban. It is getting dark pretty quick now, and I am thinking of going into the Café Esteban for my supper, when down at the end of the Avenue Esteban, there comes a bunch of those Texas Rangers approaching on horse's backs. When you're home, you're home, you're not alone, but when you belong to the Long Star Rangers, then too. They stop their horses in front of my hotel. One of the Rangers, he gets off his horse and tags a piece of paper onto a pole. Then, without, he says one word, he gets back onto his horse and they all ride off down the street, singing, just like was a musical comedy. I go over and read the paper, and when I am finished, I notice a very beautiful girl that stands by the hotel. Then, all of a sudden, a man steps out from the dark shadows. You know who that man is? It's me. So, I grab her by the arms to keep her from making the scrams. Take your hands off of me, General Esteban, take them off. Bastard, you are the spitfire, Majorita. I only wish to make conversation with you. Tell me, have you seen the notice the Rangers just put up? No, what is it? It is a reward of $10,000, offered for the man who robbed the Texas State Bank of South Freeman last month. Do they know who it is? They only know he is the Kinkajou. I am not interested in the Kinkajou. See, see, you are only interested in this strange Americano, this gringo. Gringo, gringo, all the time gringo. Do you not know that my father was a gringo too? See, see, see, I know this. And I know also that you claim to be Americano. But that does not say you are half Spanish. Now tell me, what is the name of this gringo? It is none of your business. I know his name. It is Jim. What does he do here in San Luca? You know everything, so you must know that. No, that I do not know. But I am going to find out pretty quick. Me, General Romero, José Lito, Tomás Miguel Armando Esteban, and the head of this district. And I do not like the stranger which is mysterious. And me, Rita Maria Dulcinea Magui Ferguson, I do not like the people which do not like the people which I like. So I go. Wait, not before I have the kiss. Come on, let go of me. Jim, Jim. No, no, he cannot hear you now. Too long, butterball. Now back up and play nice. Jim, Jim, Jim. You call me names, a gringo? You make to me the insult, eh? Insult, but butter at 90 cents a pound. So, so you are the smart Alex, eh? Okay, smart Alex, I am going to tell you something. Get out of San Luca. Hasta la vista, senorita. Think it over, gringo. Oh, Jimmy, I am afraid of that man. He can do anything in San Luca. As long as he can't make you love him, that's all I care about. Oh, Jim, you know he cannot do that. Then don't worry. In a few days I'll be through with the job that brought me down here. And then... And then you go back home? Only if you go with me. Oh, I want so much to see your so lovely house in Tejas. And your so lovely dog. Don't forget the so lovely river that runs along the foot of the garden. Is it nicer than the Rio Grande? Oh, no river is nicer than the Rio Grande. Do you know why? Yes, I know why. But I like to hear you tell me again. Down by the river it's silver sand. That's where now my heart's at young to be near. My lovely Rita, look at this gringo with the calf's eyes makes me very mad. So I walk away. And what do I see? Dali Smith, a girl with dances for me in my cabaret. And a man named Chick Bean, which also works for me, driving up in an automobile would say just married. I watch Dali go upstairs in a hotel with a bag. And I'm just about to go over and speak to Chick when that gringo lawyer I'd love had beat me to it. A nice bundle of thread that just went upstairs, Chick. You know her? Slightly. She's my wife. Your wife? When did you get married? About 50 minutes ago and I'm still happy. Now look, Chick, I'm your lawyer and you had no business getting married without consulting me. This Mexican divorce of yours is no good. I received this letter from your first wife's lawyers. Read it in week. Okay. She calls me a bigamist. And she's right. Of all the fools, you are the bigamist. What's a penalty for bigamy down here in Mexico? The same as it is in the United States. Two mothers-in-law. About five years in jail. Well, I'll never be able to do that long. Well, the law doesn't expect miracles, kid. Do as much as you can. Now here's the situation. Until I can get the first Mrs. Bean to accept the divorce, you and the young lady you've just married must live as far apart as the Poles. Do I have to tell her now? Yes. Who wouldn't tomorrow morning do? No. Oh, Chick. Chick, darling. Here she comes now. Be sure to tell her the honeymoon's off. See you later. Chick, who was that? Mr. Lovett, my lawyer. He's a fellow lodge member. He wants me to go on a hunting trip with him. Hunting? When? Tonight. On your wedding night, you're not going to go hunting. Well, it would be original, wouldn't it? My Chick Bean, it would be so cruel. And I'm to think things over. This is no time to think. So I go look, see what Rita is doing. And where do you think I find her, huh? In Jim's arms. She is getting too deep for you, eh? For me too. Because later I hear Rita's brother, Roberto, talking with the lawyer, Senor Lovett. Senor Lovett. Because my sister and I claim American citizenship. We have lost our rancho. I must leave here tonight so I sold all our cattle. How much did you get? $2,000 American dollars. Can you change it into Mexican money for me? Well, let's see. A dollar is worth about four pesos. That makes 8,000. Suppose I give you 5,000 pesos for it. But I lose money, Senor. Well, a fella's got to live. Take it or leave it? I take it. I hear you. Keep it in a safe place, my boy. There are dishonest men in this town. See, gracias, Senor. Gracias. Not bad, not bad. Un momento, senor Lovett. Let me see that money. Okay, Esteban. I'll hold on to what you just looked. Just like I think. Those dineros are from the state bank in Fremont, Texas. So it's from the state bank of... Hey, that's the bank the Kinkajou robbed. You don't think I'm the Kinkajou, do you, Esteban? Who cares? The Kinkajou big hero in San Luca. But be careful, senor. Do not let the rangers catch you with that money. Gosh. What am I going to do with this money? Hey, Ed, can you change some Mexican pesos into American money for me? Chick, you're a very lucky man. It just so happens that I have about $2,000 with me. Oh, thanks, pal. Here are 10,000 pesos for it. Don't mention it, pal. The pleasure was all mine. Well, this money's going to have to last me a long time, boy. It will, pal. About 15 years. The rangers. Well, let's scram out of here. I mean... Oh, well, it's too late now. Here's the old song of the ranger. What's going on here? Jim, what are you doing in a soldier's suit? I thought you were Rita's new sweetheart. Well, I'm also Captain Jim Stewart of the Texas Rangers. Wow, what do you know? Can I buy you a drink? Thanks. Say, wait a minute. That money, where did you get it? Well, see you around, fellas. Hold that man. Well, what's the matter with this money? It was stolen by the Kinkajou. The Kinkajou? Well, hiya, Kinky. Oh. Oh, no, no. You can't pin that on me. I just got it from Roberto Ferguson. Read his brother. Read his brother? Sure. Then he must be the Kinkajou. Gosh, Jim, you can't arrest Rita's brother. Oh, yes, I can. Are you with me, boys? Yes! When the rangers come to town to settle up, or settle down, they're in their heyday. Because it's paid day. There's a bottle left, a joke, a heck of a night, and then you're broke because tomorrow. We'll have to borrow. We'll find this consolation when we haven't got a dime. Our job's a big vacation and a darn good time. We're all East and four long. About you'll hear them shout, you better look out for the bone star rangers. Texas way. We're all... So the curtain falls on the first act of Rio Rita. The railroad hour show train will return in just a moment. Meanwhile, just a reminder that 30 years ago this week, this coming Thursday, the guns were quieted along the western front. No one who experienced it can forget that first armistice day. So this is a week for remembrance. For remembrance of those who brought us victory in 1918, and of the other men and women who in the Second World War once more fought to preserve the things that make America free. Many of these men and women were railroaders. Some of them, the 30 odd thousand men of the military railway service, were soldier railroaders in foreign lands. They ran during the war period the railroads in 19 different countries located on four of the five great continents of the earth. Others of these railroad men served with other elements of the Transportation Corps of the Army, and with the transport services of the Navy to provide the worldwide movement of men and material and supplies so essential to victory. Still other railroaders had no connection with transportation during the war. They were soldiers, sailors, airmen in the armed services of their country. All together from the ranks of the railroads, there went into the armed services of the nation more than 350,000 men and women, an army in themselves. To them and to the millions of other Americans who were in the service of the country in the two world wars, the nation owes the grateful remembrance of which this armistice week is assembled. We return now to Rio Rita, starring Margo, Marion Hutton, Sweeney and March, and your host, Gordon MacRae. Tonight I am giving big party at my party. I am working out big plans in my mind when Dolly comes out of the house with many of my guests, all laughing and having one swell of a good party. Good evening, General. I'm glad to see you all enjoying my party. Where is Rita? You see her, Dolly? No, not since dinnertime. Ah, there is the musicians. Let's waltz, eh? Now you can't waltz to that music. That's the kinkajou they're playing. The new dance they've named in honor of that bold, bad bandit. How do you do it, Dolly? Well, the principle of the thing is don't let your left hip know what your right hip is doing. Now you watch. Then you're when you do the kinkajou. You'll dance before you think you do. You clonerize before you know you're shouting, oops, a daisy, first you feel a kinkajou. But here's the kick for you. Your one desire is to acquire each movement of this dainty dance twill thrill you through. You will entrench you when you do the kinkajou. When you do the kinkajou, you'll dance before you think you do. You clonerize, you're feeling oh so easy for you know you're shouting, oops, a daisy, first you feel a kinkajou. But here's the kick for you. Your one desire is to acquire the kinkajou. Once more, the encore. Hey, hey, hey, take it easy, General. Your good conduct medal is sticking me. Just a minute, General Esteban. Don't forget that's my wife. Why, Chick, I didn't think you remembered. Look, Dolly, I haven't told you the truth about us. Well, what do you mean? We're married, aren't we? Well, that's just it, honey. You heard about the secret society of the poison fang, haven't you? No, but I gotta sneak and hunch I'm gonna. I'm an honorary member, baby, and honorary members aren't allowed to marry until they get permission from the head tiger. Oh, they're not, huh? Well, who is the head tiger? My lawyer, Ed Lovett. Well, then let me at him. Where is he? Looking for someone? Who are you? Your husband's lawyer, Ed Lovett. So you're the... Hey! Hold that tiger. Hey! Hold that tiger. Tiger, what is this? Chick, have you been lying to this lovely girl? Haven't you told her yet that you have another wife? No, you're just a fight promoter. Dolly's just as mad as hop. Now you gotta do something. I already have. I talked to your first wife, Katie, on the phone, and she's coming down here. Oh, trouble's enough. Don't get all excited. She won't be here for two days. Oh, that's just dandy. Gosh. Funny the fuss they make about a little wedding. Just a few words mumbled in the church, and you're married. Yeah. Just a few words mumbled in your sleep, and you're divorced. I get tired listening to these people argue, so when I see Rita coming into other end of patio, I hurry over to meet her. Where is Jim, General Esteban? You said in the note you sent me that Jim wishes to see me. I think perhaps he does wish to see you, but not here. I'm going. Now, Rita, wait. I want to tell you something about your gringo friend. I do not wish to hear it. Get out of my way. General Esteban, I want to talk to you. Go ahead. A servant of yours entered my room and ransacked my bag. In this town, we do not bother with the search warrant when we deal with the suspicious character. Captain Stewart? Captain Stewart? See, my Rita, your friend, he is captain of the Texas Rangers. Jim, is this true? Yes, Rita. Listen, Captain Stewart, I have always pride myself that I am the good host, and since you are in my patio, I treat you like the guest. But if you do not leave in the five minutes... What will you do? I go to give the audience now to shoot you. Adios, Sid. Go, Jim, please. I can't, Rita. I'm looking for someone. Who? I can't tell you yet. But remember, Rita, no matter what happens, I love you. Oh, no, you mustn't, Jim, please. There are too many people. You mustn't make love to me. Well, then let's waltz. Waltz? Yes. That way I can at least hold you in my arms. Okay, let's waltz. If you're in love, you'll waltz. You're wonderful in your arms. I could waltz forever. Not forever, Rita. Remember, you promised someday that... Yes, someday I'm going to be your wife. Oh, let me hold you closer, Rita. I see Rita in Jim's arms again. But I am very cool when I say... Rita, I cannot see you made the fool of by a gringo. How did he make the fool of me? This gringo. He is after your brother. I do not believe it. Ask it. Jim, is it true? Yes, Rita, your brother is the kinkajou. The kinkajou? Oh, now I know you make the silly jokes. He made the love to you, my Rita, so it can help him to get your brother. You lie. I prove it to you. Captain Stewart, if you wish to catch the kinkajou, you better make the hurry, because he is getting ready to run away. Where is he? At his ranch. Jim! I'm sorry, Rita. Jim! Why did I told you? Let go of me. Wait, Rita, do you love him more than your brother? No, no, I hate him. But I must keep him from taking Roberto. Do not make the worry, my Rita. Roberto is safe. Where is he? Inside, in my private office. Oh. And Jim will never bother you again. My soldados will take care of him. Soldados! Soldados! Shoot the gringo who is just leaving. No, no, no. Get out of their way, Rita. No, no! Fire, soldados! Fire! I will not let you! I will not let you! You forced the guns up, so they couldn't shoot straight. Jim! Jim! Oh, you have killed him. Rita, I'd like to point out that the 30 years since the armistice of November 11th, 1918, which brought to an end the hostilities of the First World War, have seen amazing developments in every department of life. And in no field have there been more new developments or greater progress than in the field of transportation. This is true of transportation on the highways, on the water, in the air, and on the rails. Between the end of the First World War and the beginning of the second, the railroads of the United States spent an average of $500 million a year on the improvement of their plant and facilities. Much of the improvement was on dramatic, straightening out curves, cutting down grades, putting in better signals or communications, improving shop machinery and practices, as well as building and buying new and better engines and cars. But when the great test of the Second World War came, these undramatic improvements made and continued year after year, paid off for the nation. For despite all the other developments, and even after all the billions of public funds which had been spent on other ways of transportation, when emergency came, it was to its railroads that the nation turned. It was the railroads which carried 90% of the war freight and 97% of the organized military travel. And nothing has happened since the war, which in any way diminishes the importance, indeed the absolute necessity of maintaining in full force and vigor these railroads which in time of peace are essential to commerce and in time of war are vital to victory. Our show train will return in just a moment after a brief pause for station identification. Welcome back to Rio Rita, starring Margot, Marion Hutton, Sweeney and March, and your host, Gordon McRae. In the days they go by and I see no sign of Captain Jim Stewart. Meanwhile I keep Roberto out of sight of the club Esteban, which is the floating nightclub I own and the Rio Grande. By this time I am so sick of the women that when I see a gringo dame coming up the gangplank, I make the quick duck. So when she speaks to the lawyer, I love it, I am happy, because she is not so good looking anyways. I'm looking for a gentleman by the name of Lovett. They told me at the hotel that he was here at the club Esteban. Madam, you have the honor to be speaking to that broad-shouldered, irresistible chap right now. Well, I'm Mrs. Bean. Oh, you're the first Mrs. Bean. In other words, you're the...as-bean. Mr. Lovett, I am not going to let Chip put anything over on me. Now Mrs. Bean, I suggest that you make arrangements to collect alimony from Chip and then go back home. I don't want alimony, Mr. Lovett. My uncle just died and left me three million dollars. What? How much? In the neighborhood of three million. That's my favorite neighborhood. Step right into my office. Tell me, my dear girl, why do you waste your time on a jerk like Chip Bean? Don't you know how beautiful you are? Don't you know you have charm? Three million charms? Listen, sugar, just what advice did your lawyer give you before you came down here? He told me to say no to everything. Sounds like a very wise man, baby. Do you mind if I put my arm around your waist? No. Baby, you and I are going to have a lot of fun. If you're on the level about this, do you mind if I... Oh, she'd love it in some woman. Yeah, isn't she a frump? Oh, good gosh, it's my wife. Hello, Katie. How are you? This is Dolly. My future will meet my past. Well, my dear, you certainly know a good thing when somebody else has it. Do you want him back? No, you can have him. Oh, thank you, Katie. He's nothing but an insignificant little runt. Oh, wait a minute, he may be a runt, but he's not insignificant. Oh, thank you, Dolly. Miss Bean, there's something I want to ask you. Yes? How would you like to see your name on my tombstone? Will you take good care of me? And how? You don't realize how valuable you are to me. You certainly are. And it isn't the three million I'm thinking about either. I'd love you if you only had two million. Not as much, but very nearly. They're firing at somebody. Look, it's Jim Stewart. He's headed this way. Rita, where's Rita? I've got to see her. Okay, Jim, we'll find her for you. Dolly, you wait here. Oh, you're crazy, Jim, to risk your neck like this. Well, that's the way it is, Dolly, when you fall in love. Why don't you practice my philosophy? Well, what is it? Well, when things look darkest for me, I just keep singing. I sing after sunshine. Someday one ray may have changed my way. You've got something there, Dolly. Well, now you try it yourself and see how much better you feel. I'll spend my day in the sunshine. Someday one ray may have... And sure enough, she does. I have them all trapped now. So I begin to carry out my plans while they talk. Jim, oh, Jim. Rita, Rita, Dolly. There are many soldiers here tonight. They will kill you. You must go quickly. Not till you tell me you love me. I love you, Jim. And, darling, place your man at the gangways. Oh, Jim, he knows you're here. They will catch you. You cannot get away. I've not looked yet, darling, and I've got an idea. Look, try and keep Esteban busy for a couple of minutes. I'll be right back. Rita, have you seen the gringo? One of my men told me they see him come aboard these bars. Then why you do not ask your man where he is? Because I am asking you. Have you seen him? Tell me. Take your hands off my sister, Esteban. Take them off. To take the pokes at me? Lopez, shoot this Roberto. He is the king casual. That is not so, Esteban. It is so if I say it is so, it is so. Shoot him, Lopez. Hold it, hold it. You can't shoot that man. Ah, the gringo. He shows himself. Shoot him, too, Lopez. I'd recall that order if I were you, Esteban. You are telling me what to do. I am the head man of this district. I do what I please. You're not the head man of this district, General. You're in Texas now. That's right, I cut the cables and this bar just drifted across the river. We're in Texas. He is right. This is Texas, and here come the Rangers. Don't try to get away, Roberto. You're under arrest. So it was for this you came back? Oh, I despise you. I hate you more than ever. Rita, let me explain. Do not speak to me. Not now. Esteban. What do you want, gringo? I want you, General Esteban. You're under arrest. Arrest me? You make the talk like the crazy one. I don't think the judge will think I'm crazy, Esteban. When I show him the proof that you are the Kinkajou. Kinkajou? Jimmy. Jimmy, is this true? Yes, Rita. Esteban is the Kinkajou. I had to pretend that I thought it was your brother in order to get the proof against him. Arrest him, men. You cannot do this to me. No. No, it cannot be did. Not to me, General Romero Joselito. What? Well, maybe it can. Come, men. Take him away. Well, anyways, I gave the nice horseback ride out of it. But I have fun. I fool you all the time. You do not guess it was me who was the Kinkajou, eh? Oh, you did, eh? Okay. Well, they will not hold me long because the courthouse where they take me is named Esteban Courthouse. And I am very familiar with the judge who is my cousin, Pablo Esteban Jr. And maybe I still win Rita too because you know who rides with me by my side out of Rita's reach? Listen. This is Gordon McQuay giving a special photo thanks to our four guest stars this evening, Margo, Ryan Hutton, and Sweeney and Marge. And to the other members of tonight's cast for their fine performance in our production of Riorito, which was adapted for radio by Ed Gardner. Well, next week our star-studded show train will arrive on the same tracks and at the same time. On board will be Dorothy Kirsten, Lucille Norman, and Frances X Bushman to join me in bringing you Rudolph Frimmel's famous Vagabond King with our chorus under the direction of Norman Luboff and the music arranged and conducted by Carmen Dragon. Well, it looks as though ready to pull out. So, until next week, goodbye. And remember, during the coming week as always, the American Railroad will provide for you the dependable low-cost transportation which is so essential to the American way of living.