 Remember, a Hallmark card when you carry it up to send the very best. On the Hallmark Playhouse in outstanding stories chosen by one of the world's best known authors. They distinguish novelists. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is James Hilton. Tonight on our Hallmark Playhouse, we present the first performance on the air of a very fine novel by A.B. Gussery entitled The Way West. A very fine novel indeed, I'd call it. Quite one of the best I read last year. Not only installing, but giving new insight into that vast and still unfinished drama of America which we ourselves are part of. Mr. Gussery begins his story in Independence, Missouri, a town famous for a number of reasons, and the period he writes of is a century ago when the Way West and the Oregon Trail were hard ways for adventurous men. For the leading part in our sterling drama, that distinguished actor Mr. Joel McCrae is with us tonight. And now a word about Hallmark cards from Frank Goss before we begin the first act of The Way West. There are Hallmark cards for every memorable occasion on your calendar. For birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. Yes, for every occasion that calls for remembrance, there is a Hallmark card that says just what you want to say. The way you want to say it. And that identifying Hallmark on the back. Well, that says you cared enough to send the very best. Now Hallmark Playhouse presenting A.B. Guthry's The Way West, starring Joel McCrae. Good as any time to say it. Becky, we're going to Oregon. I ain't satisfied to work here on the farm in Missouri and keep myself up so as I can work some more. There ought to be more to live in than that. Well, I never figured you for lazy. Maybe I'm not. Becky, there just ain't enough range here. We're wasting time. This is 1845. There's a future for us in Oregon. Future? Well, we put every stick and splinter into it. We freed up the place together. Everything here means something to us. Brownie was born here. We have our roots here. Our roots aren't so deep, Becky. We're still young. We have a whole lifetime ahead of us. This is a good house, all right, but we'll build a finer one. And we've got to think about Brownie, too. He ain't a boy no more. He's most 17. I'd like for him to know something besides root hog or die. I want him to have room to grow into a man. Good fertile earth to farm. Don't you see, Becky? How can you tell what there is in Oregon? How do you know it'll be any better than here? Dick Summers knows he's been there and he's going to guide us there. He knows the way every inch of it. And we've elected a good captain, Irvin Tadlock. He's got more learning than the rest of us. You're bound and determined to go, aren't you, Lodge? That's the way it has to be for all of us. And there's something else. All that wonderful land in Oregon. If we don't hurry up and take it, England will. They keep telling us 5440 are fight, but we won't have to fight if there are enough of us there on the ground. Oh, it'd be a proud thing, Becky, for Brownie to say to his youngins, my folks helped win this country. We wouldn't want to sit in a chair where other folks make history, would we? You're bunching up on me, Lodge. I know that, Becky, but I'm asking you to put up with it and me. It ain't gonna be easy. The going's gonna be mighty rough. But this is my dream. And I ain't gonna rest till I make it come true. Lodge Evans, you're my husband and I love you. Any dream of yours is my dream, too. A day of departure in April 1845 dawned clear, and a hundred-odd men, women and children gathered at a rendezvous outside of Independence, Missouri, in their big, high-wheeled wagons piled high with their belongings. And their stock, their cattle, their cows were in the rear of the train. Solid, established folk. They were leaving behind farms and businesses because they shared a dream about the rich land of the West. Now, their eyes turn irrevocably towards the western horizon with their gold, the Willamette Valley in Oregon. I can do in the killing right now. No one's gonna shoot my dog, Brownie. What do you aim to do, Mr. Tadlock's captain? Here, take the reins, Brownie. The whole pass with mongrels, including rock, McBean. I guess I'm gonna have that pleasure, Lodge. What you got against the dogs, Tadlock? Ah, they're nuisance. They slow up the train. They're always under foot, make it hurt, and lost, and cause delay. Anyway, they should've tipped off any Indian camps we might run across. I ain't so, Tadlock. Stay out of this, Dick. You're only here as a hired guide. The dogs'll tell us where the Indians are quicker than they'll give us away. Well, it's no matter anyway. Dogs aren't any good to anybody. Step aside, Lodge. You ain't gonna shoot my dog, McBean. It's rules. Who made them? I'm appointed to carry them out. Now, step aside. Tadlock, I'll draw from this here company and take them that have dogs with me. You better stop, McBean. The rule applies to everybody, Lodge. McBean? Reckon, maybe I ought to cut you down to size, McBean. Don't move, Lodge. I don't want to have to shoot you. Now, step aside. I got my duty to do. Get down, McBean! You're not so dangerous without a ray for me. The danger is without a ray for me. The danger is without a ray for me. The danger is without a ray for me. I swear, I don't know why somebody ain't cute. There wasn't any reason for you to bust in, Dick. I'd have made out. Oh, sure, sure. I just acted suddenly. I remember an old rock got me riled, I reckon. What are you going to do about my dog, Tadlock? Well, I'm going to suspend the rule against dogs until we can have another general meeting along the trail someplace. Is that satisfactory? It will be if you change the rule. I'm running this train, Evans, and I'll give the orders. Guys, wait. You don't have to do all the work. Can we talk a minute? What's wrong, Becky? You look sort of scared. I just wanted to talk, is all. About what? Just talk. You ain't like yourself. You wore out, I bet. No, I'm all right. It's just the wind and all. You down in your mind? A little. There's no cause to be down. Things is fine. You just make yourself think things is fine, and sure enough, you'll see they are. Ever-blown wind. You know, I was just saying to myself, it's sure a nice day for travel. Lodge, do you ever think of the home we left? No, honey. It ain't no use looking back. You think things will be all right now, sure enough, Lodge? Slicker in grease, honey. Now don't you fret yourself. All the train will come around. What's the trouble, Tadlock? Yeah, it's holding up the train. We're on his side. Yeah, I don't guess I'm for cutting him down, not yet. Some of the men are here, and they say it ain't on account of his bossiness altogether. He talks hurry, but it's his critters that slow us up. Yeah. Longer he's captain, the miter he gets. He's got his points, though. He tries hard. It ain't easy with some wanting to hurry and some wanting to hold back some scared of Indians and some sorry they set out and some just plain ornery. He won't last the trip, Lodge. The question is, who'd be better? You would. Me? Are you crazy? You never did give yourself credit for what you could do. You're getting crazy by the second one. I'm not cut out for a leader. I couldn't tell a man what to do. Imagine me making speeches to a flock of people. Speeches come when it's needed, Lodge. You know the right time. When we get to the Platteville, sure enough, we'll be on the real start to the mountains in Oregon. How far is the river, Pop? Be there by morning. What? Get out from under that wagon. There's nothing wrong with you. Guess I better stroll over and see what's eating Tadlock. Hey, Sid, get up and get going. I can't move, Tadlock. I'm sick. I hurt all over. There's nothing wrong with you, Martin. Let me get a look at him, Tadlock. Oh, there's no need for that. Lodge, you can't be that sick. I reckon he knows better than we do. Now look, we've got to roll out on time. Let's load him in a wagon and get going. Hey, Martin's got Camp Fever. What difference does that make? Camp Fever. Does it catch? No, no. All right, get back to your wagons all of you. Get ready to pull out. Hold your horse, Tadlock. We aim to see what's going on. Just put him in a wagon and we'll roll. Yeah. Don't know as we ought to. I'm the captain. I'll take the responsibility. We're all together, Tadlock, including Martin. What I aim to do is see that everybody's took care of proper. I ain't for jolting Martin along in a wagon. Don't be a fool. Grass is already short because of the buffalo. It'll be a downside shorter if we let the other companies get ahead. We ain't first anyhow. There's some ahead. A hand full, if any. Because there a hand, you think we can let everybody pass. Camp Fever makes the bones ache bad. I'm in favor of staying here until we know Martin's better. We'll roll, dear. Here I say we'll roll. I ain't moving. I'm to remember that the trick is to keep moving. It'll be late fall before we reach Oregon as it is. Man's life matters too, don't it, Tadlock? We can't hold up for one man. Tadlock, I don't reckon you're the man to tell us that. I say let's wait. That's right. Listen, everybody. Lige is trying to turn you against me. Set the reward and thanks a man gets for looking out for your interests. Well, if I didn't push it, I'll be back in Missouri. I'll get out of your wagons and let's get going. You can't talk your way to Oregon. Remember, Lige, I still have a few friends on this train. You're losing them by the minute. You're pretty ambitious, aren't you, Lige? You want my job, don't you? Is that what you're trying to put over on the folks? Well, it won't get you anywhere. No. No, I ain't cut out for a captain. But one thing I do know is that Martin began this trip with us. He shared our dream. Well, he's as important as this whole train. The going's been rough all right, but he's driven and plotted and pushed and tugged and helped turn the wheels. He's eaten dust with us. He's swam in sweat and he froze at night. He worked the sun up and he worked it down to keep rolling, just like all of us have done. And I say we owe it to him to wait for him to get better so as he can share the driving and the plotting and the pushing and tugging and the joy of the new land that's waiting for us all. Hadlock? The people in this here train is going to have a meeting tonight. We're going on seat, you. Yes, siri. In just a moment, we'll return to the second act of the way west, starring Joel McCray. You know, when you buy greeting cards, they are never for yourself. You buy them only for others. You buy them to carry your friendliness, your sympathy, or appreciation, or affection to other people. This is why the makers of hallmark cards consider the words on every greeting card so very important. They are aware there is no magic like the magic of words to reach the hearts of others. What power words have to deepen the affection of those you care for, to heighten their happiness on festive occasions, to strengthen ties of friendship. For every person, for every occasion, you will find hallmark cards to say just what you want to say, the way you want to say it. And every hallmark card will speak also to taste by its perfection in every detail of color and design and craftsmanship. That's why I'm sure if you were to ask any group of friends what name they think of in greeting cards when they want to send the very best, they will quickly answer hallmark cards. So it is easy to remember it would be difficult to forget to look for that hallmark on the back of every card you choose because you carry enough to send the very best. Now back to James Hilton in fact, of the way west. The leadership of Lige Evans who had been elected captainly and spent by the grueling months of travel the great heart and courage of the pioneer group never wavered. Then suddenly to add to their hardship they were surrounded by buffalo to the left of them the right and the head and behind closing the train in and hoofing up dust that hung like a fog. A darnest country, Dick. No need nothing by halves. Oh boy, there's nothing but buffalo. Ever see a buffalo stampede line? No, and I don't like the notion of it. Wouldn't they shy off even from a train? Couldn't tell you about that. Funny about them buffalo calves. You wouldn't think they'd join up with us and follow tame cows. Sometimes what you got to watch for is your own critters don't chase off with a buffalo. I got every man we can spare watching them. Howdy, Pop. Where's Rock Brownie? Lamed himself a little so I boosted him into the wagon. Maybe not. That cloud ain't hardly moved for an hour or more. Dick, which way are the buffalo likely to run? I don't know as it makes any difference. Our cattle will likely run if a buffalo do. Well, I'm going to round up all the men. We're going to set fires beyond where the cattle is. Maybe that'll help if there's trouble. Come on with me, Brownie. This stampede's over. We'll be able to save some of us touch. Let you patch. All right, Dick, for if you've seen Lige. Well, he's right here. Are you all right, Pa? I told Ma you'd make out. Dick come and stayed with us heard of them. We rode wild trapping our stock. I swear it was fun. Fun? Fun, was it? What's the matter, Pop? I'll strap you for scaring the daylights out of me. You know how boys are. They've got to have a look at everything. Time don't mean nothing to them. Why is everyone behind their wagons toting guns? Why are you toting a gun, Lars? Don't be getting in the flow. Cap your pieces, all of you. Hold your fire. They're nabobs from the Sioux. They don't savvy a word. They won't rub you out except in fun. Where'd they get Brownie? Must have wandered into their party. You're going to have to trade with them to get him back. Or get your pipe out and act to be loading it. That's peace sign. Can I take Brownie away from him now? Oh, let him stay. Ain't much risk now, Lige, as long as we're careful. Ain't nothing which an engine's appetite like scalps to be took safe. Those red devils have got two of my horses. Some have mended the corral from the rear. I want them back right now. We ain't no bargain of position, Padlock. I can't do very much, can I? You won't help me get them back. I ain't worth the gamble. Particularly when the horses aren't yours. You wouldn't stop to think that your boy caused the loss. I don't go along with you on that. I'm willing to leave it to the council. If they decide against me, I'll make up the loss to you. Don't make me laugh. You run the council. You are the council. Your trip is over. No sense in killing one that didn't do you any wrong. One's like another. Padlock, I'm feasible, but it's getting hard to keep from twisting your neck. I'm waiting for you, Lige. Hold it, boys. No sense showing the Indians we're foodin'. Might take it into their heads where a soft mark can attack us somewhere along the trail. I'm going to get my horses right now, Lige. You going to try to stop me? I wouldn't be taking the lives of this here train in my hands if I was you, Padlock. You're not worrying. The rest of us can get scouts for all you care. I'm going to get my horses. You hear me, and at the same time, I'm going to hang an Indian who stole them. Stand right where you are. Don't make a move. Your guns don't frighten me. I don't need any guns. I guess maybe it would be the best interest of everybody if we settled our dispute once and for all. No, Lige. Too bad. It's got to be this way, Dick. I reckon the Indians will smell a skunk. I'm going to get my horses back right after I whip you, Lige. And a whip man won't be captain of this train for long. Come on, let's go. You did what was needed for Lige. Yeah. Now we can start trading with the Indians for brownie. Dick, I'll take my wagon and cross last, Padlock. Long with us, Dick. He's got Padlock by the hand. Padlock's hurt bad. I suppose I... I have to thank you, Lige. No call for that, Padlock. Whatever's our trouble, you're still part of this train. You count as much as anybody else. Hey, I never thought I'd say it. But Captain Lige, we're going to hit Oregon together, Padlock. We're not moving until you get well. That'd be pretty sight, Dick. All that green grass prayer is shining in the sun. If a man must have roots in the soil of life, this is as good a place as any to plant them. Yeah, I reckon that's all right for you, Lige. My job's done. I'll be going back. Why don't you stay here with us? There's free land for you like everybody else. You could be an important man in Oregon. Well, it ain't important some after. What is it? Well, I'm bound to chase my tail, I reckon, like a pup. Your way's cut out. It's a good way for you. And mine's different. What, don't it mean nothing for you? Are you going to be Americans? You and yours will tend to the future of America. And I'd say it was in mighty good hands. So long, Lige. So long, partner. There couldn't be no other way for him. It's different for us. Yeah, I reckon you're right, Dickie. The grief bowels the heart, but makes it richer. Those joy will be richer. Yes, Becky. Yeah. Look out there, honey. We sweated the labor to get here, but that makes the getting sweeter. Yonder's all that rich soil waiting for the plow. Waiting for the worker hands and the happy cries of children and the future of Brownie. We rolled miles and left the dust behind. And we're just the first of many more who pay the price of hardship. The cost was high, but it was worth it. No prize ever comes easy, Lige. This is your dream. Come true. I love you, Becky. Oh, Becky. Welcome home to Oregon. Then we'll return in a moment. I learned a surprising fact the other day. A cousin whom I've always considered the most thoughtful person I know told me she has a very poor memory. Her secret is she doesn't trust it. She jots down everything she wants to remember in her Hallmark date book. Birthdays and anniversaries, names of new friends, ages of all her nieces and nephews, so she'll send them the right presents. No wonder she's so popular. Now, I'm sure that's just an example of the way many women use their Hallmark date books to make themselves more thoughtful people, more valued friends. This beautiful date book will remind you of everything you want to remember all year long. There's space for notations beside each day. Yet it's so cleverly arranged, it's small enough to slip into your handbag. You can carry it everywhere. And you can get your 1950 Hallmark date book absolutely free. A useful little present from the friendly store where you find Hallmark cards. Just stop in tomorrow and ask for yours. Here again is James Hilton. I think you'll agree with me that Joel McRae did a splendid job as Lige and A.B. Gusford's story Mr. McRae, on behalf of all those who make Hallmark cards, I want to thank you for appearing with us tonight and for treating us to such an outstanding performance. Well, I never quite know how to respond to the introductions or words of appreciation. I guess like your Hallmark cards, the best practice is to say the appropriate and sincere things. So thank you. It was a pleasure to be here. We're always happy indeed to feel that we're carrying on in the Hallmark tradition. I hope I may be pardoned for being a bit proud, but the fact is that we like to establish firsts here at the Hallmark Playhouse. Tonight we had the first radio adaptation of the way west, and this was your first visit with us, Joel McRae. This series of firsts is certainly in keeping with the traditions of the makers of Hallmark cards. Right, Mr. Hilton. What story have you selected for next week? Next week we shall present our dramatization of that fascinating novel by Jules Verne around the world in 80 days. A story whose very title takes us back through the years to an age when 80 days was almost incredibly fast for such a trip. The story concerns not only the journey, but a wager of a fortune. It's all very exciting, and I think one of the best things Jules Verne ever wrote. And to play the part of the adventurous traveler, we are fortunate indeed to have Ronald Coleman back at the Hallmark Playhouse. I hope you'll all be with us then for what promises to be a delightful evening around the world in 80 days starting Ronald Coleman. Our Hallmark Playhouse is every Thursday. Our director-producer is Bill Gay. Our music is composed and conducted by Lynn Bari, and our script tonight was adapted by Jack Rubin. Until next Thursday then, this is James Hilton saying, Good night. The stadium stores that have been carefully selected to give you expert and friendly service. Remember Hallmark cards when you'll carry it out to send the very best. Joel McCrae is soon to be seen and the MGM production stars in my crowd. The part of Rebecca was played by Miss Lorraine Tuttle. This is Frank Goss saying good night to you all until next week at the same time when James Hilton returns to present Ronald Coleman in Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days and the week following, Mary O'Hara's Green Grass of Wyoming starring Lon McAllister. And the week after that, John Fenty's Wine of Youth on the Hallmark Playhouse. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. D.C., Kansas City, Missouri. Stay tuned for Earl Smith with the news following this announcement.