 The House of Squib presents Academy Award. Every week Squib brings you Hollywood's finest. The great picture plays, the great actors and actresses. Techniques and skills chosen from the honor roll of those who have won or been nominated for the famous Golden Oscar of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. And now, E.R. Squibbin's manufacturing chemist of the medical profession since 1858 brings you the distinguished star, Mr. Frederick March, who has three times been nominated as Best Actor of the Year and in 1931 won the Academy Award. You will hear Mr. March in one of the most famous of all, Academy Award-winning pictures. That great drama of Hollywood, A Star is Born, which as best original story won the 1937 Academy Award. Music High heels, low heels, flicking across the lobby of my little Hollywood hotel. High heels, low heels that have come from all over America to win a place in the movies. Anything for me, Pop? Anything for Esther Blodgett? Yes, Blodgett. Well, let me see. Nope, nothing. How was the luck today? There wasn't any. Maybe you don't go at it right. Now you take Danny McGuire here. He knows the ropes, don't you, Danny? Sure. Had him around my neck for years. Miss Blodgett? Mr. McGuire. Mr. McGuire works in pictures. When he works, how are you? I'm not working at all. I'm just beginning to think I'll never get a job. I guess I'm beginning to get a little scared. Uh-oh. Well, there's only one thing to do for that feeling when you're tired and sunken down to your last nickel. Come on, I'll buy you a drink. MUSIC Ah, feel better, Esther? Yes, Danny. And when I sign my contract, the first thing I'm going to do is to see that you direct every picture I make. And another thing I'll insist on is that Norman Maine plays my leading role. Atta girl. Hey, how did he get in here? Oh, he's been my ideal for ages. Yeah? Uh, look, Esther, since you won't go back home and you're meant to stick here in Hollywood, you gotta eat. Right. And to eat, you gotta work. Right. So, uh, well, believe it or not, I, uh, I got a job for you. Danny? Oh, that's wonderful. When do I go to the studio? Uh, well, you don't exactly go to a studio. It's to be a waitress. You see, it's kind of a movie job, in a way. He said it was to be a waitress. Yeah, but it's waitressing for Casey Burke, the big director over at our studio. He's throwing a party tomorrow and I could celebrate on account of finishing the picture and he told me to get him an extra waitress. Oh, a lot of people will see you, honey, and... and it's five bucks. MUSIC Hello, Oliver, do you want to fire me? No, wait till you see the picture. I'm not a director anymore. I'm a male nurse. Oh, Burke, what's the matter with the picture? The guy named Norman Maine. His work is beginning to interfere with his drinking. You do all right with Norman. Yeah, I'm told I make some marvelous bromo-seltzer. Excuse me, Oliver Darling, Mr. Libby from the Obesity Department is here. Something about Mr. Maine. Oh, oh yeah, probably some little things. Hey, yes, Libby. Your star, Norman Maine, was apprehended driving an ambulance down Wilshire Boulevard with the siren going full blast. He explained he was a tree surgeon on his way to a maternity case. Yeah, well, will it be in the papers? No, no, it won't be in the papers. But it's a nice, expensive hobby of yours, keeping Mr. Maine's informal entertainment out of the public press. Oh, my good. Is he in it? No, no, he's not in the poking. He's out on bail in that Thucenberg Roadster of his, probably aiming in the general direction of this party. MUSIC Norman, I've made a lot of money. With you, I can stand a loss or two, but I hate to see you go the way of so many others. Well, Oliver, why don't you get Lloyds to insure you against me? You can't get insurance against a man forgetting who he is. You're a great star, Norman. But there's nobody so big he can afford to have people refuse to work with him. Who doesn't want to work with me? I know plenty of people who do. Yeah, so do I, Norman. But your real friends can't stand seeing you fall apart. What do you mean by that? Your friends are always the same, Norman. Not being able to remember your lines. The cameraman's struggling to cover up your hangovers. All because you've got to have a good time. Every day, every night. I've warned you for a long time, Norman. A drink, Mr. Mayne? See, who cast this party? Who's the beautiful waiter? Well, where are you going, beautiful? Oh, I give up. God, this is very good. You make it with your two little hands. No, I didn't. Oh, I'm sorry. I've got to stay away from the dining room. Oh, no, I don't go away. Oh, I'm sorry. I must help, sir, the buffet, Mr. Mayne. Of course we must. How careless of me to forget. You've got very pretty hair. Please, Mr. Mayne, you better not stay here. And a sensitive mouth and a chance. Come on, come on, this is no place for you. We've got to get out of here. I can't. I've got to stay here. My dear, you're much too pretty to be a waitress than I'm much too bored to be a guest. I bet I know what you're going to say now. What? Good night. Good night, Mr. Mayne. Oh, no, no, wait a minute. You realize that all I've found out about you is that you're foolish enough to want to go into pictures? Why is it foolish? Look at you. Yeah, that's what I mean. Now, I'd like to go into this matter rather thoroughly. Oh, that's awfully nice of you. So, why don't we go on up to my place and talk it over? Oh, no, thank you very much, but I really must say good night. You're not angry? I'm, uh, hungry. Why don't you go get something to eat? Oh, I see. Well, uh, good night, Miss Plodgett. Good night, Mr. Mayne. Oh, wait a minute. At least I can see you to the door. Well, I see you again. I hope so. Has anyone ever told you that you're lovely? Oh, yeah. Well, now you know. Thank you. This, uh, this is hard to say, but I want to say it anyway. On the screen, I'm a, well, you know, in private life, you know, but whatever I do, I still respect lovely things. And you're lovely. Do you understand? And it's not that whiskey I've been drinking that's talking of it. I'm glad. Good night. Good night. Hey. Hey, wait a minute. You mind if I take just one more look? Norman. Oh, what have you done now? Oh. Oh, yes, I see. Oh, yes. So it's that again, huh? Oh, sure. She, she's beautiful. Sure, I know. Want me to give her a screen test? Yeah. Certainly she has wonderful possibilities. You know she's got something. You know all the others had something, too. Oliver, she has that sincerity and honestness. I mean, that sincerity and honestness that makes a great actress. I'm so sure of this girl, I want to do the test with her myself. I'm determined to save you from making a terrible mistake from letting another studio snap her up. Now you've worked hard, Oliver, and you're entitled to a break. You give her a test? Swell. Swell, Oliver. I'll call her up myself. In just a moment, you will hear the second part of Academy Award. Now that warm summer days are here again, you'll find squib dental cream more refreshing than ever. You like its frosted flavor, cool with a tang of dewy, fresh mint. You like the brisk, invigorating action of squib dental cream. It leaves your teeth and gums feeling so clean, your whole mouth so pleasantly wide awake. You can taste, feel, and see the refreshing difference. For squib dental cream, one of the great family of squib products helps to uncover all the natural sparkle of your smile. That's because the polishing agent in this quality dentifer is one of the safest, softest, yet most effective, known to dental science. So begin now to brush your teeth with the dental cream that's three ways refreshing. Brush your teeth with squib dental cream. Taste, feel, and see the refreshing difference. Before continuing with The Star Is Born, we wish to thank David O. Selznick Productions for making this story available. David O. Selznick Productions are also producers of Duel in the Sun. Beginning next week, July 3rd, Academy Award will be heard over these same stations at a new time, Wednesday evening at 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time. And now the House of Squib presents Part 2 of Academy Award, starring Frederick March in A Star Is Born. Okay, Joe, slate it. Screen test number 12-432, that's the bludger, director C. Burke, cameraman Haley. Hey, wait a minute, who's that go boy? Put a silk on the bride. No, not the inky one. That's the one. Is this light too hot, Haley? Okay, but cut down on your backlight. Put a double on that nightie. I think she's going to do swell, don't you, Mr. Burke? If I could tell that Danny, the studios wouldn't have to make tests and I'd get a million dollars a year. Uh, yes, Mr. Burke. Listen, gentlemen, this is just a test. Have you forgotten by any chance is a football game this afternoon? Ready now, Mr. Burke. Already, Mr. Burke. Okay, Mr. Burke, we can go now, Mr. Burke. Ready, ready, all set. Uh, we're ready, Mr. Burke. All right, let's take it. Ready, Norman? Ready. Ready, Mr. What's your name? Oh, you'll soon know your name as the whole world's going to know it. But I'm so scared. They better not try it today. Don't be silly, honey. They all had to go through this. Bergman, Betty Davis, Myrneloi, and now Esther Blodgett. All right, I'm ready. Quiet. Quiet! This is safe. Roll him. Ready. All right, Miss Blodgett. I may as well tell you that my whole organization thinks I've got nuts to sign you. But, uh, well, maybe they're right. I've been nuts before. I hope you're not wrong. And we won't know for a while. Worst of it is, Norman Maine saw the screen test and now he wants you for his leading lady in his new picture. Oh. As a matter of fact, he insists on it. I could have said no in words of one syllable, but I've got a hunch about you. Oh. Yes, I think the public's going to go for you. That's all that matters, even if you can't act. Oh. Oh, by the way, what is your name, anyway? My name? Oh, oh, my name is Esther Blodgett. No good heavens know. Not that. Why, is there something wrong with it? Well, it's all right for Esther Blodgett, housewife. But it's not good for a star. Now, let me see. You've got to have a name that looks well and not a marquee. Eh, I used to know a girl called Vicki. Yes, I like the name Vicki. Well, now for the last name. Joan Smith Mapuski Edodo. Excuse me, Mr. Niles. There's a Mr. Lester on the phone. Who? Mr. Lester. That's it. That's it, Lester. Vicki Lester. Great. This is Billy Moon from Hollywood. Exclusive. Oliver Niles has done it again. Discovered a new Cinderella. A starlet from the Rockies. Her name is Vicki Lester. And she'll soon have all Hollywood agogs when her new picture with Norman Maine is shown in your home town. Vicki, are you kidding? Is this really your first fight, fight? Yes, Norman. It's so exciting. Get him, gotcha. Shoot your right. Watch, gotcha. Get him. Gotcha. Shoot your right. Get him, gotcha. Shoot your right. Watch, gotcha. Get him. Yes, did me. So you like it, huh? Uh-huh. You like me? Oh, sure I do. You were always my idol. Even way back when I was little. Don't tell me, don't tell me. By the way, will you marry me? No, thank you. Come on, come on, gotcha. Finish it. Why won't you marry me? Because you're not dependable. Shoot that right. And you'll throw your money away. Hey, referee, break him up. Break him up. And you drink too much. Well, suppose I quit drinking. Yes? Give him that right, gotcha. Let him have it. If suppose I became absolutely dependable on all occasions. Hey, it's not him. Get him, gotcha. Ah, see, that was a beautiful right. What a fight. Norman. What? What? Would you do all that for me? Huh? If I said I'd marry you? Ah, no, no. I was just kidding. I can't believe it. But it's true, Mrs. Main. It's true. It's true. It's true. It's true. It's true. It's true. Mrs. Main, it's true. That's your new house. This is your new grass. Those are other trees. And here's your new husband. Oh, Norman. Yeah. Carry me across the threshold. Sure. You mind if I kiss you again? Oh, Norman, I'm so happy. I'm so lucky. It'll always be like this, won't it, Norman? Sure, darling. You like me as a bride, don't you? Just wait, or you'll know me as a husband. I can't wait. I thought we were going to live at the beach. Oh, well, we'll still keep the house at the beach. But this is special. I mean, this is our castle that used to be in the air. But we'll never use ugly words like contracts and pictures and careers. When we come in those gates, we'll check the studio outside. Uh-oh. I'll take it, darling. Yes. No. No, Miss Lester isn't at home yet. No, I'm not the butler. But I can take a message just as well as he can. Honest. Oh. Oh, yes, the Academy dinner. Or I'll let you know. Hold on a minute. Mr. Norman Mayn has just come in. Would you like to talk with him about the dinner? Oh. Oh, I see. You wouldn't. Yes. Yes, I'll tell Miss Lester when she comes in. Come on. Oh, please, no. Oh, forget it, darling. I just didn't realize. You see, sweet, a new star is born. Let's, uh, let's go look at the swimming pool. Oh, Oliver. Well, hello, Norman. I, uh, come over here to ask a question. Now he is a friend, Oliver. Well, sure. Sure, go ahead. Shoot. Oliver, do you think I'm slipping? Well, Norman, I, uh... Can you take it? Go ahead. Well, the tent is wrong, Norman. You're not slipping. You slipped. They might... My fan mail is still big. Oh, Norman, we're not through yet, you know. Either of us. I've got a swell script lined up for you. Yeah, but about us, darling. I mean, if you think I'm going to get on her way... Well, as a matter of fact, you just... Just so happens, there's, uh... There isn't anything for her in this picture. I'd more or less plan to star her in a picture of her own. Maybe with that young Pemberton, he's coming along, you know, very nicely. Good for young Pemberton. All right, Oliver, we'll make a try at it. Let's hope it's not too late. Yeah. Let's hope it's not too late. There you are, darling. What's new today? Oh, nothing. I haven't been out of house. Let's go somewhere tonight. No, you're tired. You've been to the studio all day with stay-ins. Oh, I'm not tired, really. Oh, yes you are. You've got a hard day ahead of you. Anyway, I see so little of you. I'd rather have you to myself. But it's a servant's night out, Norman. I'm going to cook. I'm learning to cook in my spare time. Then I'll think of marrying you. I guess you want to make an honest cook out of me. Look, I'm about to unveil a kingly repat. Well, how's it look? Wonderful. I agree. Now, don't be formal now. Just pitch in. Even if the sandwiches do look a little large. I guess my mouth isn't quite big enough. That's too bad. Next time I'd better measure it and make them the size. A little hard to lift, too. We could have some cold beer. No, Norman. Well, that is, you could have some. I'd, I'd watch. I haven't broken my promise, darling. I haven't had a drop of alcohol in... Well, since we've been married. Oh, my God. I love you so. And it must run in the family. Because this tea-total and old wreck loves you with that great love. How about a little tiny kiss? That's what I wait for all day. Don't answer it, Norman. Maybe I'll go away. No, I never go away at a time like this. I'll be right back. Vicki, you're left to live here? Package. I signed for it? Who are you? I'm her husband. Okay, sure. Sign right here, Mr. Lester. Mr... Mr. Lester? Oh, great. Hello, Mr. Main. Haven't seen you at the trek in a long time. How did it be? Same as usual? No, no, I've reformed, Sam. I'll have some ginger ale, please. Well, if it isn't Mr. America of yesteryear. Hello, hello, Libby. How's the press agent business? Aren't you away without your keeper? I heard you were tied to the reservation. I've been keeping pretty close to home, Libby. It gets pretty dull, doesn't it? A lot of time to kill since you retired from the hurly burly of the screen. Yeah, yeah, it gets dull. Esther's away a lot, you know. I wouldn't complain about that if I were you. It's nice somebody in the family's making a living. Go a little slow, will you, Libby? I don't want to forget we're friends. Friends? Friends, my eye. Listen, I got you out of your jams because it was my job, not because I was your friend. I don't like you. I never did like you. Nothing made me happier than to see all those cute little pranks of yours catch up with you and land you on your celebrated face. That's pretty worth, Libby. Always wait until they're done. Then take them. Say, listen, you fixed yourself nice and comfortable. They can live off your wife now. Still buy the drinks and put up with you, even if nobody else... Shut up! Okay, Mr. Maine. There. That's what I've been waiting for. Lie there on the floor, glamour-puss, and take the couch. What? Norman Maine? He's drunk again. He's been drunk for years. Yeah, but don't tell him. I guess he's sorry. He can't even get up off the floor. Oh, yes, he can. Can I get you some ice for your eye, Mr. Maine? Yeah, plenty of ice, Sam. And a bottle of scotch. Is he sober yet? He's a sick man. He's been drunk for weeks. No. Are you wrong, Oliver? Drunk for months. Not weeks. He's sleeping now. Oh, no, he isn't, darling. He's listening to you. Vicky, do you still love him? Yes, Oliver, I do. I'm going to stay with him and I'm going to try to help him. Vicky, I've got to tell you something. I don't want to hear it. I don't care what you have to say about my career. I'll give up pictures. I'm going away for good with Norman. But you can't do that. You're at the very peak of your success. You worked hard to achieve it while he... Oh, Norman is through and he won't admit it. He's dragging it down with him. What if he heard you say that? He's asleep. Probably passed out. You've tried to defend Norman. You said he helped you to make a career. I say nobody can help people with careers. You've made your own career. It's your life. I belong with my husband. It's your life you're giving up, Vicky. Maybe I can give Norman back to him. Goodbye, Oliver. Thank you for everything. Well, good morning. Or is it evening, darling? Good evening, Norman. I must have slept like a log. Yes, you have been sleeping. You do? You're jittery, darling. I'm just coming out of the jitters and you're just going in. This is a swell house, though. I feel like being an athlete this evening. I thought I'd take a dip in the ocean. Swim? At the time of night? Oh, sure. I'm a reformed character. What I need is to build up my muscles. Take your socks off. Come on in with me. Norman, I freeze. I'm a sunbathe. Sure you are. Well, I'm off to the briney deep. I'll have something warm for you to eat, darling. You're a priceless tool. Good wife. See, hold that pole. Why? Hold it. Do you mind if I take it? One more look. It's cold. Shit. Why shouldn't the Pacific Ocean be cold, Mr. Maine? The Pacific should be nice and cold. Considering that it's about to be your grave, Mr. Maine. Yes. It's waiting out there for you, Mr. Maine. And it plays for keeps. What am I doing this for? Turn back, Mr. Maine. Turn back before it's too late. No, I'll give up. I'm going away for good. You're at the very peak of your success. Norman is through, and he won't admit it. He's dragging you down with him. Oh, no, he isn't. No, he isn't. Norman Maine is going down alone. No! Oh, yes, you are, Mr. Maine. She's down. She's down. The entire picture industry has come to the Chinese theater for this opening tonight. Come to pay tribute to a great star in what has been called her greatest performer. The girl who won the heart of Hollywood, Miss Vicki Lester. Let me, let me through, please. Please, please do. Thank you. Miss Lester, Miss Lester, please, a few words for the movie audience before we go on with this great occasion. Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Vicki Lester. Thank you. But tonight I'd rather Mrs. Norman Maine. This very moment, every moment of the day and night, someone sinks into deep, merciful sleep, avoiding the pain of surgery. For this escape, he may thank the man who first discovered ether, and all who have labored since then to improve its quality and effectiveness. Since 1858, one of the many squib contributions to the cause of human health has been the development of safe, pure anesthetics. Today, 85% of all ether used in American hospitals is produced by the House of Squibs. And from the Squib laboratories have come newer drugs that meet special requirements of modern surgery, each the product of ceaseless research which keeps the name Squib in the forefront of medical progress. For it has been the goal of Squib research for almost a century to supply you and your doctor with drugs of unfailing uniformity, purity, and efficacy. That is why, in home and hospital alike, Squib is a name you can trust. Next week, another great picture. The House of Squib will present Academy Awards starring Humphrey Bogart in the Maltese Falcon with Mary Aster and Sydney Green Street. However, beginning next week, Academy Award will be heard over these same stations at a new time every Wednesday night at 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time. See your newspaper for local time. Fabric marks is soon to be seen in the Samuel Goldman Productions best years of our lives. This is Hugh Brondage bidding you goodnight until next Wednesday at 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time when you're invited to listen again to Academy Awards presented by the House of Squibs, unnamed, you can trust. This is CBS The Columbia Broadcasting System.