 Ladies and gentlemen, the Railroad Hour. Here comes our star-studded show train. Tonight, the Association of American Railroads presents a memorable musical hit, Victor Herbert's Sweethearts, starring Jane Powell, Walter O'Keefe, and your host, Gordon MacRae. Our choir is under the direction of Norman Luboff, and our music is arranged and conducted by Carmen Dragon. Yes, tonight another great musical success is brought to you by the American Railroads, the same railroads that also bring you most of the food you eat, the clothes you wear, the fuel you burn, 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. Well, along with all the valentines you may have received today, you can add one more. For the Association of American Railroads, it's a great Broadway show with a great musical by Victor Herbert, and we call it Sweethearts. If you've ever been in love, we're sure you'll enjoy tonight's show. For musical comedies are like fairy tales that everybody wishes could come true. The Prince is always handsomer than any movie star, and the Princess is just as lovely as, well, even Jane Powell, if that's possible. Jane's with us tonight in the role of Sylvia, and we have one of the favorite comics of Broadway and radio, Mr. Walter O'Keefe. He plays McCallan, Sweethearts, Albie Franz, and Berna Felton is the owner of the Laundry of the White Geese, just about the most romantic laundry that ever ripped a button off his shirt. I know the holding fruit is iron, iron, iron, iron. There are things we'd rather do but clean. Someone brings another lock, and then comes an awful war to simply house. That's what we're for. It's all so many clothes to be ironed. Well, I hate to iron shirts. Oh, I don't mind. If it's a military shirt like this one. Oh, don't iron that shirt. Not yet. Why not, Sylvia? Well, that shirt belongs to Franz, and if we get his laundry all ready for him, then he won't be in again for a whole week. Oh, I think our little Sylvia's got a crush on a certain officer named Franz. Well, I think he's very nice. Are you in love with him or his uniform? I'm in love with his uniform when he's in it, and when he's marching with his company, he's almost here to come now. Come on, Sylvia. You know my name by this time. I'm coming in to get my laundry three times a day, just so I can talk to you. Rule number two. Don't flirt with the customers. What's rule number one? Don't let the customers flirt with you. I'm sorry, Franz. Your laundry isn't ready yet. Good. I'll wait. But it might not be ready until tomorrow. Well, that's even better. I'm used to waiting for things. And by the way, how long do you think I'll have to wait for you to fall in love with me? Well, it takes longer to fall in love than when it does to start your car. Oh, sweetie, you're wrong. You can fall in love as fast as you can scorch a shirt. Only this time, I'm the shirt. When love would have stood as my master in his fairerest of flaws. Very much, but... No buts. I'll settle for a maybe. I have against the uniform. Nothing, except I married one. A handsome dashing chap who won your girlish heart, no doubt. Not so handsome. I'll have his picture in this locket. Take a look if you can stand it. Oh, my goodness. This is your husband? Was, thank goodness. What happened to him? He was a soldier of fortune with very little fortune. And he ran off and left me with seven daughters, the bum. Okay. If that's the way you feel about it. I beg your pardon, sir. Can you direct me to the laundry of the white goose? Geese. Geese. Goose. It all comes out in the wash. I just want... Why, your Highness... Shh. Nobody around here knows I'm the crown prince of Zelenia. Mikkel. Shh. Nobody around here knows I'm the prime minister of Zelenia. I'm in disguise. As what? As the prime minister of Zelenia. What kind of a disguise is that? Look, I ask you, what prime minister would be dumb enough to disguise himself as a prime minister? It's foolproof, Mikkel. What are you doing here in Belgium? I lost control of the government. But I heard you'd regain control. That was yesterday. Oh, Mikkel. All these revolutions. My poor native land. You've got no idea how poor it is. Don't forget I was also secretary of the treasury. Your Highness, how would you like to be restored to the throne? Oh, Mikkel. To see my native country again. The rolling hills. The rippling streams. Prince. The magnificent landscapes. Prince, chum, tourists we can kid, but you and I, we've been to Zelenia. Let's face it, it's a gopher hole. But, Your Highness, if you say the word, I can put you back on the throne of Zelenia. Like that. Are you sure my people want me? We'll have an election and I'll count the votes myself. Mikkel, I won't have anything to do with your crooked plans. Look, Sam, you aren't the only heir to the throne of Zelenia. But the other royal house died out. You wouldn't be too sure, laddie. When the monarchy was overthrown by the First Revolution, I slipped out of the country with a babe. Well, a little babe, a little babe. Only a few months old. And I left her right here beside this laundry 20 years ago. Now, if there's a pretty young girl in here in her early 20s... Oh, brother, have you got a surprise coming? What do you mean? We'll go out in the laundry, find out for yourself. All right, I will. Is there a pretty girl in here in her early 20s? I never had a stigmatism so good. Feel like the janitor in the YWCA. Tell me, do you all belong to one family? They call us little white geese. Well, quack quack. Look, is one of you an adopted daughter? Yes, but mother never told us which one was adopted. Well, I guess I'll have to hang around here until I find out. Girls, look, please, keep your hands out of my hair. No. Television will be better, you know? The torture I go through for Zalania. None of you girls are married, I hope. Oh, no, we can't get married because we wear wooden shoes. Naturally, wooden shoes. Can't get married. Can't get married, wooden shoes. There must be something my father didn't tell me. I guess you don't know the legend of Jeanette and her wooden shoes. Enlighten me, child, I'm listening all over as a pair of sneakers. Oh, and she really got into trouble when she eloped with the prince. Oh. He was in the middle of winter. Yes, yes. And the king sent out his guards to bring back the two lovers. Don't tell me. I can see it coming. Enough to make a girl spend the rest of her life barefooted. Hide me some place. Where can I hide? Quick, a jump in this half-her-of-duty clothes. Don't forget I'm in here. And when you're sorting this, remember, I'm the one without the laundry marks. Quick, quick, whose half-her looks a little bulgy? Everybody hiding in the clothes hamper? Who? Why else would he want to hide from Mama? Besides, he looks just like the picture in Mama's locket. Hey, Sylvia. Are you back again, friends? Your laundry isn't ready yet. Well, I'm looking for something you can't wrap up in a package and tie with a string. Well, what's that? As if I didn't know. It's something you can never find by looking for it. And all of a sudden you glance around and there it is. Right out of your own back window. You're right, friends. Ask where love is home. There is always one place you can find. On January 20th, President Truman spoke of the value to the peoples of the world of what he described as America's imponderable resources in technical knowledge. Agreeing with what the president said and commenting upon it, the New York Times cited a tremendous upsurge of wartime production in America as an example of what has been accomplished by this know-how of our people. But the Times went on to say, and I quote, it did not require war to demonstrate American supremacy in the field of applied technology and mechanical skill. A classic example is furnished by comparing the development of railroading in this country with that of other nations. Such a comparison reveals that American railroads excel in virtually every respect, ranging from wages paid to efficiency of operation and freedom of from accidents. End of quotation. Continuing its comment, the Times emphasized what it called, and again I quote, the fundamental reason for our superiority in this sphere. For it is no accident of history or geography. It reflects the fact that where the railroads of most countries are state-owned and managed, ours are privately owned and operate in competition, not only among themselves, but with other forms of transportation. End of quotation. The efficiency of which the New York Times spoke reached a record high on American railroads in 1948. To mention just one example, in the year just closed, the average freight train turned out more transportation service per hour. That is, it hauled more tons of freight more miles than ever before. And that record is typical of the year's performance of what the Times rightly calls the most efficient railroads in the world. We're ready for the second act of Victor Herbert's sweetheart, starring Jane Powell, Walter O'Keefe, and your railroad, our host, Gordon McRae. There, but you didn't have to leave the lid down all through the commercial. You do? Well, quick, tell me. Welcome. Now, there's no use trying to deny it. We all know you're our father. I'm the father of seven girls? Yes. Cantor will never speak to me. I should say geeslings. Why don't you, why don't you all line up and each one give Papa a big hug and a squeeze to welcome him home? Ah, kiss me, my little daffodils. Now, bust me, my little buttercup. Now, you, my little daisy, is the redandelion in the house. Here. Hooray for dandelion. Hey, this is a fine way to run a laundry. When you figure out a better way, let me know. How does a customer get some service around here? This kind of service we don't waste on the customers. Me, Kel, what's going on here? Girls, girls, go wash clothes. Papa has to explain to the gentlemen. Papa. Sure, Papa. You see, I had to figure out a way to stick around here. I've got to find out which one of these daughters is an heir to the throne of Zillania. Which one do you think it is? The prettiest one, naturally. Well, how are you going to tell which one's the prettiest, me, Kel? You know, powder and paint makes a girl what she ain't. Who's complaining? It doesn't matter what is done by nature for a pretty one. She's never satisfied till she her hand has tried. A touch of rouge applied with skill will make her more like nature still. Her cheeks a shell like paint. We think and as this goddess goes her way she chuckles as she hears us say. Goes how? Hey, girls, you're as pretty as we look. My year is pretty as a picture but did you ever see a picture without any paint? Hey, Sylvia, is my laundry ready yet? No, don't be silly. Come back later. You bet I will, me, Kel. And by the way, Daddy, while you're bouncing back and forth between the buttercups and the daisies, don't be too fatherly with this orchid. All right, wet wash, go hang yourself up to dry. I'll remember me, Kel, no tricks. Oh, you got to be nicer to him, Papa. Why? You're not in love with him, are you? Well, I might be. You don't act very lovey-dovey? Oh, you must never do that. Remember, if you want to catch a husband, you've got to be very cold to him until he proposes. I'll remember that if I'm ever a girl. Papa, tell me, where have you been all these years? I have been in and out of Zelenia. Zelenia? What's that? It's a little country, here in Europe. Don't you know where it is? No, how do you find it? Well, it's right there on the map as big as life. Well, not quite as big as life. It's more the size of Newsweek. Oh, well, there must be a very, very small place. It is so small, dear. Look, I'll tell you, whenever the prince went out back of the palace to wash his hands, he had to clear customs. Whenever. When you come right down to it, you know I am. My wit is so keen and so clever my ways that I am much sought as a guest. The things that I say keep me laughing for days. For instance, here's one of my best. This one is going to assassinate you. I went to the circus one day with a crowd and I sat me outside in the fence. When asked why I did so, I said right out live because the heat in the tents is intense. Exceedingly amusing. I thought so? Oh, I don't know how I'd do it, but I do. I don't know how I've said it when it's said. As a melancholy killer, I'm a genuine Joe Miller. I really knock them dead. I don't know how I say the things I say. I don't know how I've said them when they're said. I only am aware that all the people stare and ardently declare, what a head! What a head! Sylvia, is this big laundry bag mama? I'm home, kiss me. I'd rather have a nerve killed. Mama, you're not a widow any longer. Report to you, you've got to do some work. Lift that laundry bag, toad that spail of dirty clothes. Yes, Snooker. And iron. Guess what I want. Your laundry isn't ready yet. Yes, it is, friends. Thanks, Sylvia. Hey, just a minute. I brought in four handkerchiefs and a shirt, and now there are five handkerchiefs. Look again. One of those handkerchiefs has a sleeve. Now, get out of here. We've got work to do, Your Highness. Your Highness. I mean... He means... I thought you were just an ordinary soldier. Why would he call you Your Highness? Well, Sylvia, you may as well know the truth. I'm really the crown prince of Zelenia. Oh, I mean Your Highness. Well, what's the matter, Sylvia? What difference does it make? Well, a plain girl in a laundry. She can't marry a prince. Marry? Would you marry me? Would you? Really? I can never marry you now. Sylvia, come back! Sylvia! The androids. At least I can... I can kneel here and pray. Maybe I'll find out what I should do. What does it matter who you are? Oh, Sylvia. Listen to me. To measure the efficiency of our railroads is to do what the New York Times did in the editorial we were talking about a few minutes ago. That is, to compare their operations with those of the railroads of other countries. But there is another and a tougher standard by which to measure them. And that is to compare the post-war operations of American railroads with their own records in the peak pre-war year of 1939. In the year 1948, the average freight car carried the highest load of any peacetime year. Each day, this average freight car produced transportation service equivalent to moving more than 1,020 tons of freight one mile, as against less than 600 ton miles in 1939. And here's a striking fact about fuel efficiency. Last year freight locomotives moved a ton of freight one mile on only two ounces of coal or a tablespoon full of oil when burned in a steam engine or a tablespoon full of oil when used in a diesel locomotive. That's a lot of figures about railroad performance. And there are many more in the records. But they all add up to just this. That the American railroads are turning out transportation service for the people of this country not only more efficiently than any other transportation system in the world, but also more efficiently than their own previous records. Our show train will return in just a moment after a brief pause for station identification. Now for Act 3 of Victor Herbert's Sweetheart starring Jane Powell, Walter O'Keefe and your host, Gordon McRae. Yes, Snookums. A fine business. The leading politician of Zelenia pressing ruffles in a petticoat. Iron! Yes, Mama. Papa is iron. Come to think of it, why is Papa ironing? I'm not even Papa. I'm crazy. Iron. Iron your own petticoats. I'm getting sick and tired of this laundry. All right, then get out. All right, I will. On one condition. Anything. Tell me, Mama. Which one of our daughters is adopted? You're their father. You ought to know. You know she's got a point there? You have a point there, Duchess, but I confess I am not your husband. Thank heaven. Well, then who are you? I'm the guy who left that little baby in your tulip garden 20 years ago. And now I want her back again. She's the heir to the throne of Zelenia. My little Sylvia, a princess. Well, this ought to make our girl Sylvia pretty happy. She won't have to ask the question. Can a young girl from Laundry in Belgium find happiness married to Zelenia's most famous crown prince? Oh, what a surprise this is. Sylvia, Franz, come in. Yeah, come on in, kids. We got some good news for you. What kind of good news? What is it, Papa? Don't call this old windbag, Papa. He isn't your father. He isn't? No, Sylvia, you were adopted. Why, then Sylvia must be the other heir to the throne of Zelenia. Yep. Ain't it convenient how these things work out here? Why, then you won't have to worry about marrying a prince because you're a princess. Well, I just can't believe it. Hey, kids, you're Highness. When the two of you get restored to the throne of Zelenia, I happen to know of an unemployed prime minister who is between engagements. As Wardrobe will travel doubles and brass. Oh, no. Not a chance, Miquel. You'll never get a job in my government. No, no, no. Our government, darling. Oh, yes. Of course, my sweet. You know, I really think we ought to be able to find some kind of a position for a man who used to be my father. Well, all right. We'll make him third assistant secretary of agriculture in charge of corn. Now, that's gratitude for you. Yes, my princess. Sometimes, sometimes I'm an awfully moody person. Do you think you can love me whatever mood I'm in? Of course, darling. Or I'll make love to you to suit your mood. The game of love has so many plays whenever you are pursuing you must adapt your ways to the mood of the girl you are wooing. For instance, if I play a cookin', then this is what you'll get. A little flirt, you're too good to be true. Try fo' with me if you dare. Kiss or I'll take it from you. I did. What's that? You dare me? Well, there. But when she strikes the romantic mood mid-sentimental environs she must be gently wooed with the sonnets you've copied from Byron's a moonlight night, a wandering breeze and some such words as these from lovely maid to some hair with a cerulean score. Suppose I find you're a martial maid whose tears are ever so merry following each parade with your heart and the gay military then I would don a uniform gay and point you in as I go marching my heart fills with joy when my own sweetheart I see a man surrendered to your soldier boy and march away. Let's get married tomorrow. Tonight. Right now. Oh, I love you, my darling. Oh, my sweet heart. How do you like that for the ending of a fairy tale? Thanks, Christian Anderson. The Grim Brothers, even St. Valentine. I'll give them cards and spades if they can top this one. Sweet hearts make love. Sweet hearts can live. Thank you to Jane Powell, Walter O'Keefe, and Berna Felton for joining me in Sweet Hearts. With book by Harry B. Smith, lyrics by Robert B. Smith, and music by Victor Herbert and adapted for radio by Lawrence and Lee. Say, Walter, we never did get to visit Delania, did we? Gordon, did you ever try to get a round-trip ticket to a mythical kingdom? Well, it's tough, you know. What's next week, Gordon? A great old favorite, Janey, Lady Be Good, starring Groucho Marx, complete with mustache and eyeglasses. And the week following, the first air performance of the song of Norway with Marina Koschets and members of the cast of the original operetta. We'll be listening, Gordon. Oh, at our house, we always listen to the railroad hour, just like having a big Broadway show in your own living room. Well, it looks as though we're ready to pull out. And so until next week, goodbye. Sweet Hearts has been presented by Special Arrangement with the Tams Whitmark Music Library. Jane Powell appeared by arrangement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, producers of the Technicolor picture The Sun Comes Up, starring Jeanette McDonald, Lloyd Nolan, Claude Jarman Jr. and Lassie. Gordon McRae appeared on this program by arrangement with Warner Brothers. This is Marvin Miller speaking. The railroad hour is brought to you each week at this time by 132 railroads of the United States. Each one competes keenly with others for business. But all of them work together through the association of American railroads for the improvement of all railroading and for better service to you. The broadcasting company.