 Cavalcade of America. Barring Dorothy McGuire in Lady on a Mission, resented by the DuPont Company, makers of better things for better living through chemistry. Come to my knowledge that the American ambassador seeks to secure the release of a political prisoner in our hands. The prisoner is under the rest as an enemy of the people and a traitor to the state. You will do everything necessary to prevent the American ambassador from accomplishing his object. This is not Europe 1949, it is Paris 1794. Paris in the wake of the revolutionary terror. The prison filled, the mob still blood thirsty, and the air chilled with hatred. To this Paris of 1794 has come the new American ambassador, James Monroe, with his wife, Elizabeth. Don't stop Elizabeth. I can't play anymore. Why not? Because you're not listening. You're staring at your desk as if it weren't there. I'm sorry, dear, I wasn't listening. James, this trouble is making two strangers of us. Why won't you talk to me about it? It's not for you to worry about, my dear. But I do worry, James. A woman's life depends on us. My dear, every request we have made to the office of prison discharges has been refused. Request? It's no longer a matter of request. Today, tomorrow, Madam Lafayette may be taken from the prisons of the guilty. What more can I do? The whole world knows America's depth of general Lafayette. This is his wife. Come here, my dear. Yes, James. Sit on the arm of my chair. All right. Now listen, my sweet. As a man, I would go through stone walls to save an innocent woman from the guilty. But as the American ambassador, I cannot officially demand the committee of public safety to release its own prisoner. But Monsieur Carnot is on the committee, and he's our friend. He's our only friend. And if his sympathies to America were known, he would be in grave danger. France today is not ruled by reasonable men, Elizabeth. The revolution has passed into the hands of tyrants who trust no one. You mean men like Le Gros? What do you know of him? Oh, only that he was once a butcher. Yes, and he's still called that. What's that? Another street marble, Elizabeth. Oh, it's a big crowd. And they have clubs. They're beating someone. They've come away from the window. That man's been hurt. Oh, James, he's fallen. No, no, look. He's got away. He's crossing the square. It looks like Monsieur Carnot. He's running toward our house. Elizabeth, it is Carnot. His face is bleeding. Hurry, James. Hurry. He's at the door. How do you feel now, Monsieur? Are you hurt badly? Oh, no. Just a few scratches. All right. I apologize, Madame, for my cold. Oh, please don't. All right. Here, Monsieur Carnot. Have some brandy. Tell us what happened to you. Just another street. What surely a member of the Committee of Public Safety is secure from attacks? Unless, of course, he is under suspicion. Suspicion? Of what? Shall we say, Madame, of harboring kindly thoughts toward a foreign representative? Oh. But that is why you were attacked. Of course. It's dangerous for you to come here. Very. This must be my last visit for a while. That is why I so deeply regret the bad news I bring. What bad news? Today it wasn't asked. Everything will be done to prevent Madame Lathayette's release. But why? She's innocent of any crime. Yes. And so were her sister, her mother, her grandmother. I saw them go together to the guilty. Oh, Jane. Madame, I have done everything. I have talked to more people than I should. You know where my sympathies lie. I can't do no more. Does the Committee know that President Washington is concerned? That he has asked me to do everything I can to secure Madame Lathayette's release? Well, let me... America, they say they're a long way off. Jane, can't you talk to them? Your husband can do nothing, Madame. Any official act would only antagonize them and possibly shorten Madame Lathayette's life. But you're letting her die. Elizabeth, we cannot ask the impossible for Monsieur Carnot. Thank you for what you have done, Monsieur. I shall have to report to my government that we have failed. Madame, you walk, walk, walk up and down. You wear yourself out. I've seen Rose still in his study. I saw him writing when I came upstairs. Police? Oui, Madame. You go about Paris? Tell me, why do they hate Americans? The people of France do not hate you, but they are tired. They've suffered so much. Well, what do they say about her? Well, I don't know, Madame. You do know. Now tell me the truth. Well, they say the Americans, they like their liberty and their freedom at all, only for themselves. But for us here, well, they do not care. That's not true. No, Madame, no. I know it is not. But that is what they are thought to believe. Police? Oui, Madame. Do you know Madame Lafayette is in prison? Madame, old darling knows that. And that my husband has tried to secure her release? I, I have heard that. Shall Madame wear her blue gown tonight? You don't believe it, do you? I do not understand this thing. Police, do your people care whether Madame Lafayette is set free? Suppose, suppose we could help her. Madame, whenever a prison door is opened today, the heart of France opens their Liby. Then there must be some way, some way to reach her in that prison. Police? Oui, Madame? I have an idea. For what, Madame? A way to help Madame Lafayette. But how, Madame? It's so simple. I don't know why someone hasn't thought of it before. Oui, Madame. To go to the prison, drive there in the embassy carriage, show the people and citizen the groove, the whole world, America's sympathy. Would you have done the way? No, he couldn't, but I could. You, Madame? You go to the prison? Yes, why not? But you do not know what it is like. The worst people in Paris are always there. The scum of the streets. You would not be safe for a moment, Madame. I am not afraid of people. No, because you do not know. You have been sheltered all your life. No, Madame, no. Even I would not go to the prison. If that's where Madame Lafayette is, that's where I shall call. I'm going to tell my husband. He'll want me to do it. But my dear girl, where did you get such an idea? James, listen to me. Do you think for one moment I would permit you to drive through these streets to a prison? Well, why not? Because of the danger, the enormous unspeakable danger. Madame Lafayette is in greater danger. And how would a visit from you help her? It would show the world where our sympathies lie. My darling, you amazed me. Wouldn't it make the committee think again about releasing Madame Lafayette? Oh, very slight chance. But there is a chance. I couldn't consider it. That's a great risk to you. James, when you came courting me, you didn't talk of risk. You, a revolutionary soldier, are the daughter of a British officer. We weren't afraid. That was different. Because we're older. Is it more important to be safe? James, when we fell in love, we said we'd dedicate our lives together to our new freedom. We've done that, my dear. You have. I've just worn new gowns and curtsied at bigger receptions. James, let me help you now. Let me do this for you. I should have left you at home safe and protected in Virginia. Oh, no, James. No man would want his wife in this city now, much less permitted to visit a prison. Not even to save the life of a great and good friend. Very well. If you feel so strongly about it, I shall go to the prison. But you can't go. You're the American ambassador. Your acts are official. Mine aren't. I'm the only one to do it. Come here to this window. Yes. Do you see that thing lying in the square? Yes. That was a man killed this afternoon by a mob. I know. You see those people, they're scavenging. There might be a button. Oh, James. Look, they see us up here. Look out! Show them! They've shown us even here. Now you see how they feel. Oh, no, my sweet, it's impossible. You refuse to let me go. Yes, Elizabeth, I do. Then I shall have to go without your consent. You understand the risk? Yes. You know what a small chance you have of helping this woman? I would risk everything for the smallest chance to help her and to shield the world if we don't forget. I have underestimated you, Elizabeth. I'll not stand in your way. Well, I can't know. Welcome to my new house. You're a prompt indeed. You're sent for me, citizen. Yes, yes, yes. Come in, come in. We meet these days only in committee. I thought it would be pleasant if two such old friends had an informal visit. If you wish, citizen. Cognac. Thank you. I pride myself on this cognac. It is from one of our most aristocratic sellers. Viva la France. Viva la France. And to our old friend, Madame Guillotine. Good, is it not? Yes, very good cognac. The pity you do not judge people as well, Carmel. What? What do you mean? You are on remarkably good terms with the American ambassador and his charming wife. I have cold on that. I don't blame you for that. She has superb shoulders. Monsieur de Gaulle, what did you want to see me about? Carno, tonight you'll receive the note from the American Embassy. That is true. I should like to see that note. It is a personal matter, citizen. There are no personal matters between members of the Committee of Public Safety and the Foreign Representative. Very well. Here it is. Simply a request that I be at the prison tomorrow to escort Madame Marot. Why she calls Madame Lafayette? What? Why she calls? How clever. I did not credit the Americans with such astuteness. So, Madame Juan Roe would like to call on the prisoner Lafayette. Have you answered? That would be necessary. I shall simply be at the prison to help these Americans behind my back, citizen. France is surrounded by enemies. She needs America's friendship. We need no one, Carno. At least of all America and her ideas of freedom. You will not answer that note. But I must be at the prison. It would not be safe for Madame Marot to go there. I quite agree. It would be unfortunate if there were an accident. We shall both be at the prison tomorrow, Carno. I shall make quite sure Madame Marot has no chance to see the prisoner. I shall see Tweet myself. For listening to Dorothy McGuire at Elizabeth, wife of James Monroe, America's Ambassador to France in 1794, in Lady on a Mission, presented by the DuPont Company, makers of better things for better living through chemistry. Madame Lafayette, wife of America's great friend, has been imprisoned in Paris in the days of wrath and turmoil following the French Revolution. Elizabeth Monroe, wife of the American Ambassador James Monroe, resolves to secure her release. Drive faster. Can you believe? That people in the streets may be difficult, Madame. I know. But be careful of that. They're throwing stones, Madame. It's all right, Philippe. Keep driving. Please, please, Madame. Let us go home. It is too dangerous for you. They won't hurt me. I mean them no harm. Are you all right, Madame? Yes, yes, please. Just keep going. We set way on the group. I shall remain here this afternoon. If there are any visitors to the prison, bring them to me at once. Wait. It will not be necessary to inform anyone we are here. No, citizen. That will be all. You will admit this is an amusing idea, huh? I find it contemptible. Come, come, Madame Monroe's charming conversation to yourself. Besides, this chamber affords us an excellent view of the courtyard. Why do we need that? Just in case anything should occur. The rabble out there are not friendly to foreigners. Do you think this will help France? It will help local. I did not fight my way up through the revolution, twisting this way and not to say my own head, only to be made a fool of me. So you make war upon a woman? I make war on anybody who opposes me. I have no letters. Not what? I look forward with pleasure to see you from Madame Monroe. She's arriving now. Look down below. In a carriage with American insignia. I'll go down. You stay here. She steps out of her carriage with such grace. I admire you. Please, count on her. I must go, citizen. Look. Does the court got... So there he is. Yes. Yes, she attracts attention. She will not find it so easy. They are annoying her. Say where you are. That will teach her not to go where she is not wanting. I must say the lady has courage. She is crossing the courtyard now. In the name of heaven, this is no place for her. I shall convince her that. We won't need your help in this discussion. Legoux, this lady is an American citizen. And you have enjoyed her conversation. I intend to kindly leave by that rear door. But... Get out. Don't you visit a prisoner. Sorry, madam. Missie Legoux. Welcome, madam. You are surprised to see me here. I... I expected someone else. I shall try to make up for your disappointment. I am enchanted to meet you. Missie Legoux. I ask permission to visit the prisoner, madam Lafayette. This is a pleasure. I really have time to enjoy the luxury of a conversation with a beautiful woman. I am here to request permission. Yes, yes, yes. I understand. I have been told of your country's interest in the prisoner Lafayette. I come unofficially, monsieur, to see an unfortunate friend. You are as thoughtful as you are lovely, madam. If you come unofficially, why is your carriage emblazoned with American insignia? Well, it would hardly be safe to travel in the streets of Paris in one that is not identified. And now, the permission... You are impatient, eh? But it is becoming flush on your teeth. There is no need, monsieur. I won't carry the wig. Eh, I quite understand. Count knows that, Mary. Really, monsieur? There are many facets to the request you make, madam Mouau. Why should I permit the American ambassador's wife to make a visit to the prisoner Lafayette? Out of kindness. My power does not spring from kindness. No. Then perhaps in the name of human decency. Perhaps because you are a woman? You are used to winding men around your finger. You flatter me, monsieur Legros. You do less than flatter me, madam. This visit of yours is not to my taste. You fool, no one, madam. I am not trying to fool anyone. Madam Lafayette is an innocent woman, and all the world knows it. She is an enemy of our people, an aristocrat. Ask the people if she is their enemy. Ask them and see. They know she's innocent. You try my patience, madam. Please. I ask you once more. Let me see madam Lafayette. The answer is no. I advise you to leave this prison at once. Suppose I choose to remain. You cannot remain here. I can remain outside those prison gates. You wouldn't dare. Why not? We're swabbled in Paris, gather outside these gates. Seize and pickpockets. No one can be responsible for your safety. I shall wait there, at the gate, until madam Lafayette is brought to the prison yard. You won't stay long, madam. I shall remain as long as is necessary, monsieur Legros. This is what Elizabeth... Please. Please, I just want to stand here at the prison gate. Oh, look at the beautiful necklace. Oh, you admire my necklace. Here. You can have it. Merci, madame. I'm waiting to see a friend, a lady who is a prisoner in there. She gave me the necklace. What do you have for me? It's for me. And Daisy? Leave me alone. Can't you hear me? I'm an American. I'm an American. Why didn't she leave when she could? There's no time. What can I do? Open those gates and let her in to see madam Lafayette. What madam Mauritius... Let go! This will turn every government in Europe against you. Think what it means. I am thinking. Let the Monroe woman in the gates. She shall see the prisoner Lafayette. But I warn you, despite madam Monroe and the whole American embassy, the prisoner will not go free. The American lady. Madam Lafayette. My dear madam Monroe, I... I heard what you did. It was not important, madame. I have come for my husband, the American ambassador. I know. To tell you, he's trying to do everything possible to secure your release. My good friend. You must have hope, madame. I do now. When my husband went to America, I was a girl. I hated your country for taking him from me. When he came back, I understood. There was a new independence in him. The very fire of freedom. Your country is dear to me. My country is very grateful to you, madame. And to France. My friend. This is an American lady who is with us. Give her your heart. Goodbye, madame Lafayette. Through you, the American people send their eternal friendship. To President George Washington, my dear Mr. President. Oh, James, are you busy? Oh, come in, my dear. I want to read to you this report I've just written. It concerns you very much. It concerns me. Yes, my dear. To President George Washington, my dear Mr. President. This is to report that our friend madame Lafayette was lately set at liberty. Although I could not make official application to the Committee of Public Safety in her favor, yet it was done according to an understanding informally made and of which I was aware. Madame Lafayette was departed to join her husband, the Marquis in Austria. What does that mean about an informal understanding? Diplomatic language, my dear, to describe what you did. Oh, James, you didn't mention my name. I promised you that. But after all you did it, my dear. I nearly went to the prison. And you knew how the people would talk about your visit. It was that talk which forced the Committee to release Madame Lafayette. Elizabeth, would you tell me one thing? Would you say to Madame Lafayette when you met? Do you really want to know, James? Very much. I said, I am here at the request of my husband, the American Ambassador. At my request? Yes. I never asked you to do that. I never even consented. Yes, you did, James. Oh, perhaps you didn't know it. When? The day you asked me to share your life. The day you married me. The original Cavalcade play, Lady on a Mission, starring Dorothy McGuire, was written by Margaret LeWearth and was based on a chapter from the book First First Ladies by Mary-Armsby Whitten, published by Hastings House. House Jameson played the part of James Monroe. Stott-Cotsworth was LeGrewd and Bernard Grant Carnot. The music for the DuPont Cavalcade is composed by Arden Cornwell. Conducted by Donald Borean. Our Cavalcade play next Monday night, When We're Green We Grow, is a heartwarming story of one of the pioneers in home demonstration work, Jane F. McKinnon of North Carolina. It is particularly appropriate that we bring you this story next week when the farm communities of America celebrate National Home Demonstration Week. Our star will be the beloved Hollywood favorite, whom you've seen in dozens of pictures, Jane Darwell. Be sure to listen.