 Remember a Hallmark card when you carry enough to send the very best. The makers of Hallmark greeting cards bring you Charles Coburn in Barry Fleming's Colonel Effingham's raid on the Hallmark Playhouse. The week Hallmark will bring you Hollywood's greatest stars and outstanding stories chosen by one of the world's best known authors. A distinguished novelist, Mr. James Hilton. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. This is James Hilton. Tonight on our Hallmark Playhouse we present our dramatization of an excellent novel by Barry Fleming called Colonel Effingham's Raid. This is one of those stories that are exciting in themselves and also give us a very stirring concept of what America and Americanism can mean. Colonel Effingham was not only a great gentleman, he was a good citizen, which is sometimes much harder to be. And with a very warm appeal in this story of how boldly and unexpectedly he had ventured into the affairs of a small American town. A gentleman, a citizen, an adventurer and also a character. Not a bad mixture for any man to live up to and I think you'll agree that we couldn't have done better than cast for this invigorating role that really great actor Charles Coburn. And now a word about Hallmark cards from Frank Goss before we begin the first act of Colonel Effingham's raid. At Christmas, as on every memorable occasion, you'll take special pride in sending Hallmark cards. Because just as for hundreds of years the word Hallmark has been the distinguishing symbol of quality, so today the Hallmark on the back of your greeting cards is your assurance of finest quality and perfect taste. It's a symbol of quality all who receive your cards will quickly recognize and realize you cared enough to send the very best. Now Hallmark Playhouse, presenting Billy Fleming's Colonel Effingham's raid, starring Charles Coburn. The year 1940 was noteworthy because of two events. Europe was embroiled in war and Colonel Effingham, retired after 35 years of service in the army, returned to his beloved Fredericksville with the fond dream that here he could find peace and contentment. And he did succeed until he entered the office of Earl Hoates, editor of the Daily Leader. It was then that his raid began. Get me Albert. I don't care where he is. Fine. Excuse me, Mr. Editor. Did you say Albert? Yeah, I didn't say Sweet William. Albert's my cousin. I'm Colonel Effingham. W. C. Born Effingham, Colonel United States Army, retired. Congratulations. How did you get out? Get out? Believe me, sir, I didn't leave willingly. Yeah, I know. They shot you out of a cannon. Now, look, I'm busy. I've got to get out an editorial about Fudd Toulon and why they're changing the name of Monument Square to Toulon Square. Sir, did I understand you changing the name of Monument Square to Toulon Square? Why? Well, what difference does it make? That's the way the boys want it. The boys? Are there gangsters here? Gangsters? No, no. The boys of the machine. You know, the political mob. And these gangsters, I mean, this mob proposed it. Why, they ought to be court-martialed. Now, look, friend. You can stand by and compare the relative values of a second, Mr. Toulon, to our Confederate dead. Monument Square stands in their memory. I like my job. I always listen to the boys. What's this plan to change the name of our honored square is trifling with our steady history. I tell you that the spiritual soil of Fredericksville is rich today because yesterday its citizens plowed into it their toil and their blood. Well, that's yesterday's news, old timer, but you just made a better speech than the mayor will make when he dedicates Toulon Square. Now, look, I've got to get a paper out, and I don't. There's something about this situation that has a familiar ring to me. Ah, yes, yes, yes. While I was on duty in the canal zone, I coped with exactly the same problem. Mr. Editor. Pipe down, Colonel. Can't you see I'm working? Mr. Editor, how about the possibility of a war commentary in your paper? No, no, no. I couldn't make it worth your while. I can get a syndicated column for about three dollars a week. I'll beat that price. I'll work for nothing. Well, that's not a bad offer, but... You can't refuse me. Why, I'm an authority on war. I come from a long line of authorities. My grandfather served at Shiloh and Chickamauga. My father was too young to go. When Boregaard fired on Sumter, he was only nine. Yeah, that was a little young. But he stayed home and made bullets. I was at Santiago. I was wounded in action at San Juan Hill. Yeah, that's enough. I couldn't stand another battle. Okay, we'll call your column on the firing line. On the firing line. Not bad. Why, I was thinking of that very title myself. Colonel, sure pick yourself a nice house, 98. House? Well, Mr. Albert, Ron, yeah, we don't call this no house. This is Fort Effingham. You may enter, sir. Yeah, what's going on here, anyway? The colonel presents his compliment, sir, and says, will you kindly join him at the readout? Readout. What's a readout? You don't know what's a readout, Mr. Albert? Frankly, no. Well, so, a readout is... a readout is... Well, all I know is I came to work here a month ago, and I was already promoted to top rank of book private. 98. Retired. Orderly? Orderly. Have you read the orders of the day yet? Yes, sir, from Canal Rhone for dinner. Cousin Willie, you're a celebrity. Boss wants some more pictures of you to run along with the advanced build-up from the firing line. Wonderful. It's vital that I get that sort of build-up. Oh, no. Now, look, you retired from the Army. Why don't you relax and spend your time having fun with your friend, Clyde Manahoe? What kind of picture would you like to shoot at me? Well, you haven't by any chance got a dog around here, have you? Orderly? Yes, sir. Orderly is there a dog on the post? There's a old book, Colonel. I don't know him. Live down here on in the harbour. Well, have him report immediately. Yes, sir. Cousin Albert, what's your stand on the changing of Monument Square to Toulon Square? That's a difference, just as long as you're healthy. My boy, you're not aware of it just yet. But you've gone to war. You're fighting in the battle of Monument Square right alongside of me. What war? We won't let the enemy change the name of Monument Square to Toulon Square. Cousin Willie, I'm a coward. Find yourself another soldier boy. I learned when I was a kid never to fight city hall. You mean you'd submit the tyranny in the dictatorship of political bosses? Yep. There's nothing you can do about it. Oh, isn't there? I've already struck at the enemy's concentration. I refuse to wait to repel their charge. You did what? I've written my first column. It'll hit them like a B-27. It's on the streets now, thanks to you. Thanks to me. I didn't lift a finger. You didn't have to. I did it for you. Cousin Willie, what did you do for me? I helped you strike the first blow at tyranny. My boy, you're a hero. Just how did I do it? Well, I didn't think my article would pass the censor. And you being assistant editor, and particularly my cousin, I was reasonably sure you wouldn't mind my putting it in your outgoing boxmarked urgent print. Oh, no. Yes, sir? Oh, yes. And it was printed. Colonel W. C. Bond having him as the on the firing line has fired its first broadside. Just the cookie I want to see. Sit down. Yes, boss. Now stand up. It'll be easier to throw you out. This is fabulous. I write a front page story. I'd be getting Toulon Square and the virtues of Pud Toulon. Colonel Effingham, your cousin, editorializes on the next page down with Toulon Square. Let Monument Square live forever. What have you got to say about it? Well, you inherit relatives. You don't choose them. You're fired. Yeah, well, that's not news. No. No, no, you're not fired. By far, are you the Colonel's libel to quit? Oh, you mean you're afraid of the Colonel? Why not? Is you ever here of the United Daughters of the Confederacy? They're picketing Monument Square. Our subscribers have been burning up the telephone, commanding the Colonel's stance. Hey, Gad, what a horrible thought. Don't let him out of your sight. Don't let him see anything in town. I have a feeling this is only the beginning of Colonel Effingham's reign. I'm a grown man. There's no reason for you to be holding my hand. Cousin Willie, I feel safer when I can look into your eyes and see the pretty blue. What's on your mind now? Don't clam up on me. There are trees along the Champs Elysees. Trees on Unterden Linden. There ought to be trees on Monument Square. That is. Next thing you know, you'll be getting involved in that courthouse. Now, look, Cousin Willie. What's wrong with the courthouse? Forget it. Pay close attention to me. The boys don't want any trees around Monument Square. For years, the leader has kept the issue out of print. Now, tell me something. Where do you get your information? Did you ever hear of G2? Intelligence, man, intelligence. I warn you, you'll get fired. Don't worry. It can't happen. I'm indispensable to Mr. Hutch. How do you know? Who told you? No one. That's the way it happened in the canal zone. Oh, did I ever tell you the story? No. I don't want to hear it. All I ask of you is to remember not to say the word trees. Don't even look at them. Well, but the picture, if you will, in a circle about the shaft of Georgia Marble, 13 live oak. I won't say the word. One for each member of that glorious alliance of states. You're out of your mind. You're growing senile. Senile? Well, it's a pleasure to be getting old, Cousin Albert, because now I can say many things. I've always felt buttoned for one reason or another was scared to say before. Bite your tongue. When a man gets up to 60, there's no use saving grouches. Forget philosophy. You're not going to mess with the trees. I want to know where you're going. All right. I'm going to have a conference with the mayor about planning those 13-T-R-E-E-S. Aye, Secretary said you told him you were connected with National Defense. Exactly, Mr. Mayor. The defense of America is nearest thing to my heart. Now, what I want to discuss with you is the desirability of certain trees on Monument Square. But what's that got to do with National Defense? The same thing is making sure that your lines of communication and supply are properly defended. Our communications must be kept open all the way back from the front line of democracy in Europe to the smallest courthouse in the nation. If they are cut at any point by tyranny, we are lost. There is no threat against the courthouse. It's just so old and dilapidated. It's endangering the lives of the county employees. What is that about the old courthouse? Confidentially, we're tearing it down to make way for a new one. Oh, I see. That's what Cousin Albert wasn't trying to tell me. You can't tear down the old courthouse. Why, you may as well tear down the statue to our Confederate dead on Monument Square. What did you say your name was? W. C. Bourne Effingham, Colonel United States Army, retired. Oh, my gosh. First, we'll take up the matter of the 13 trees to be planted around the statue on Monument Square. I'll tell you what to do. You talk to Mr. Clemmer, the city engineer. I couldn't do a thing without his approval. And the moment I leave, you'll give him his instructions to send me to the planning board, who in turn will send me to the streets and drain department, who will send me to the parks and tree commission, and who will send... How did you know all this? Well, that's the way it happened in the canal zone. Mr. Clemmer, when I leave here, I'm going to stop at the first hardware store and buy myself a good shovel. First thing tomorrow morning, I'm obliged to plant 13 trees around the statue at Monument Square personally. And when I finish with that job, Mr. Clemmer, we'll discuss the matter of tearing down the courthouse. In just a moment, we'll return to the second act of Colonel Effingham's raid, starring Charles Coburn. If you could ask one of America's favorite poets to write your Christmas cards for you this year, wouldn't you be pleased? If you could send the warmth and glow of Christmas in messages like this, the warmth of Christmas tied fill the home where you abide. And throughout the year to come, may its walls with gladness hum. Peace and plenty. May these two fill your home the whole year through. This very message by Edgar Guest, along with a selection of other greetings, are yours to send this Christmas. They await your selection at the friendly store where you buy your hallmark cards. Twelve cards with greetings, especially written by Edgar A. Guest, and with Christmas snow seems so realistic, you'll almost hear the crunch of the snow underfoot. And just because they are hallmark cards doesn't mean they need to be expensive. The selection of twelve hallmark Edgar Guest cards are yours for only one dollar. Other hallmark box selections, including a special box for the kitties, are yours for as little as 50 cents. All have the hallmark on the back. It's a symbol of quality. All who receive your cards will recognize and realize you cared enough to send the very best. Now back to James Hilton and the second act of Colonel Effingham's raid, starring Charles Coburn. Atop a lamppost rested a neon sign which boldly spelled out Monument Square, which Colonel Effingham gladly paid for out of his own pocket. And around the confederate statue were planted 13 trees. The Colonel had won his first victory. And now, with a copy of the daily leader under his arm, his eyes blazing, he's taken to the office of Mr. Earl Holtz, the editor. Mr. Editor. Oh, why do I deserve you, Colonel? Look, I've got connections. I can get you back into the arms. You wrote this headline, Mr. Editor. Yeah, I have that distinction. It says, courthouse declared unsafe. Repair is not practical. Suffering catfish man. Don't you know that George Washington slept there? I wish I could forget it. You propose to tear down these stones that have looked on Lafayette, Webster and Clay, this monument to our past, this embodiment of our common memories, this tablet on which we have engraved some chapters of our long story. This act itself is unthinkable, but the mere suggestion of such a thing is indecent. That's the message I have for the people, and you are going to print it. My lord and master, no. In that case, I formally resign as war commentator on your paper, and I shall sell out to your competitor the Daily News. Well, that's the way it happened in the canal zone. Am I correct? Excellent reconnaissance. Colonel, the courthouse is in dangerous condition. It can be repaired. I'm afraid it's too far gone for that. Who says so? May I ask? Well, the boys have the say so of the two best structural engineers in this section. Oh, the boys say so. And when they build a new courthouse, they'll split up the graph. Oh, no. I am bringing my own engineer, the United States Army Corps of Engineers. But Colonel, you can't ask the county council to accept an opinion of an engineer without a license. I don't care what the county council does. Major Hickok will make his report for the information and guidance of the citizens of Frederickville. You'll print every word to that effect. Yes, Mr. Editor? Oh, yes. Have room, Mr. Abbott and Mr. Manny. Aye. What's that shooting, 98? That's the Colonel's, the picking off sniper. That tomato can on the fence. Oh, no. 98 will tell the Colonel that Mr. Clyde Manahue and I beg the presence of his company and not to shoot till he sees the whites of our eyes. Yeah, yeah, it comes now. Oh, hello, Colonel Abbott. Clyde. Hello, Willie. I'm glad to see you, Clyde. You're my oldest and dearest friend. Thanks, Willie. I want to thank you for your interest in the library. The piece you wrote in your column was very heartening. Why not? Every human is interested in the public library. Exactly. We've been trying for years, so to get enough money from the county council to do a little painting and repair work, we're on the brink of success. I'm very glad. The other day I was speaking to the boys and I was delighted to have found them so cooperative. Splendid. They'll believe that they'll be able to obtain a grant for the repairs from the WPA. It's the opportunity we've been working for all these years. What got into the boys? Well, of course they couldn't offer to cooperate with us without naturally expecting some cooperation in return. Well, they felt that the proposition of repairing the old courthouse is impractical and undesirable. Really? Yes, and they felt that the writer of On the Firing Line should drop the courthouse controversy and temper his criticisms of them with a little more mercy. Wow. The whole thing about it is, Willie, the old courthouse is gone. There's nothing to gain by continuing the controversy. While by ending it, the library will get the improvement. Mr. Clyde, I couldn't possibly do it. No. Maybe I could have done it once in my early youth. I don't know. I did some pretty foolish things. I'm sorry you won't see this thing realistically. Idealism is all right in its place. Idealism is everything. Without it, you go stumbling along in the dark from day to day. It's your match in the dark tower. Romantic, then. Whatever you want to call it. Come on, now. There's nothing more romantic in any of us than to think we are not. Stuff as dreams are made on. Hello, Mr. Mayor. This old courthouse belongs not merely to the citizens of today, but of yesterday. Those citizens who stood victorious with Captain Rudolph upon the ragged terrain of Fort Frederick. It belongs to their children and their children's children. It belongs to every citizen who has trod the streets of Frederick's Mill before us. And it belongs to the citizens who will tread the streets after you and I are gone. I have submitted the report to Major Hickock which clearly proves that the courthouse building can and should be repaired. I make motion that the chair call for a rising vote of those in favor of reserving the courthouse. You're all for the new building. Repossibly moved, but what can we do? The WPA will not loan money for repairs. It should be stampeded. Listen to me. The courthouse is a symbol of what we fought the revolution for. It represents a heritage of free government. Hand it down to us through the perilous years. Listen to me, please. Don't knock it down and throw it out for something strange. Cousin Willie, meaning no disrespect, Dave. I hate to see you be a rabbit heading lickety-split across a field wide open for the boys to take free shots at you. Thanks, Albert, for your advice. Be more like a rabbit to sit cowering in ourness. I'm getting fed up with all the shooting and the boys. I must say, Cousin Willie, I admire you, even if you are a loser. Mr. Editor, I have absolute proof that the boys are belching the citizens. Here in black and white is a sworn statement from the WPA that they have never refused alone to repair the old courthouse. So what? It's your duty to print this news. Now relax. As long as I run this outfit, your name or your news. It's your duty to write a letter to the paper and tell them to print this statement for the WPA. I'm sorry, Colonel. You've got to. You've got to. What's on your mind? Hello, Clyde. This is really a coincidence. I was just signing a letter that might interest you. It's to the War Department. Is that so? Yes, it is. I'm a German soldier, and I offer myself to be used as a soldier to fight the tyranny of Germany and Japan. I feel the time is short before we go to war. And it is my preference that I receive front-line duty. You have no idea how pleased I am that this is the way you feel, Clyde. I've been looking in vain for a citizen with your spirit. What's on your mind, Willie? I want you to write a letter to the paper as a private citizen, in the light of the new information I have from the WPA. You're my last frontier, Clyde. You dare ask me to write such a letter? It's nothing, Clyde, compared to the rigors of actual combat that you are ready to undergo. This is indeed poetic justice. You said you were made of dreams and the Lord knows you spoke the truth. Did you come to the old courthouse? You came here to pity me, didn't you, Cousin Dalton? No, no, because you're a great man. The greatest I'll ever know. Are you all right, Cousin Albert? Oh, fine. You know, I have the feeling more people have heard and believed in you than you think. They're cheering over there, it's hard to believe. Will you come to the house for lunch? No, I'm sorry, I can't. This is goodbye, Cousin Willie. I've quit the paper. And the boys get a stranglehold on decency in news that's fit to print and never sees daylight. Well, what is there to say? I'm glad to hear you say that. I've joined the National Guard. We'll be leaving in the morning. I'm proud of you, Cousin Albert. Proud that you'll be among the first to fight and protect our country from outside tyranny. You are volunteered to serve your country in war. And when you return, you will volunteer to serve your community in peace. I'll be standing right alongside of you. Albert, you've given me courage to continue. Just so long as there is one person who believes there's a chance. You know something? We'll fight for good government. Because just as nature's wealth comes out of the land, its true civilization comes out of its government. If we neglect them, both our wealth and our civilization will go down the drain. You see, our fathers and forefathers by their blood and toil created the fertile history of this country. They were strong. And we will be strong, too. We'll fight them, Albert. We'll fight them, and we'll win. When you choose cards on which to have your name imprinted, you make a very important choice, for that one card will represent you to all your friends. You can easily find the card that you will be proud to send by looking through hallmark albums in the friendly store where you buy hallmark cards. Ask to see the Hallmark Gallery Artist album. When you turn the pages, it's like having the paintings of a renowned art gallery pass before your eyes. And there's also the Hallmark Blue Book album, a collection of entirely new and different Christmas cards, surprise effects, lovable Santas, cards with the spiritual beauty of a Christmas carol. Just look for Hallmark on the cover to be sure your cards have that Hallmark on the back. It's a symbol of quality. All who receive your cards will quickly recognize and realize you cared enough to send the very best. Here again is James Hilton. Colonel Charles Copen, may I compliment you on a fine performance on tonight's Hallmark Playhouse. You've given us a highly entertaining evening. It was a very pleasant tour of duty, Mr. Hilton, a privilege which I hope I can repeat. You've been very helpful, too, tonight. Mr. Goss, because to be perfectly frank, I'd forgotten all about selecting my Christmas cards until you mentioned it. Thank you, Mr. Coburn. I'm sure I don't need to remind you that when you're looking for your Christmas cards, not to forget to see the wonderful Hallmark Gallery Artist Christmas cards now on display. I most certainly will, Frank. And I want to see those Edgar Guest cards you mentioned earlier. That's fine, Mr. Coburn. And now, Mr. Hilton, will you tell us about next week's show? May I invite you all to be listening next week when we present one of Hollywood's foremost actresses, Miss Irene Dunn, in Bride of Fortune by Haunted T. Kane, a very moving love story. Our Hallmark Playhouse is every Thursday. Our director-producer is Bill Gay. Our music is composed and conducted by Lynn Murray. And our script tonight was adapted by Jack Rubin. Until next Thursday then, this is James Hilton saying good night. Look for Hallmark cards that are so lonely in stores that have been carefully selected to give you expert and friendly service. And remember Hallmark cards when you carry enough to send the very best. Watch for Charles Coburn's appearance in the Paramount Picture, Mr. Music, starring Bing Cosby. This is Frank Goss saying good night to you all until next week at the same time when James Hilton returns to present Miss Irene Dunn in Haunted T. Kane's Bride of Fortune and the week following new airs in a letter to Mr. Priest. And the week after that, Thanksgiving Day, we will present Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Courtship of Miles Fendish on the Hallmark Playhouse. The Blumby Broadcasting System. This is KMBC, Kansas City, Missouri.