 Lux presents Hollywood. The Lux Radio Theatre brings you Dark Waters starring Merle Oberon, Preston Foster and Thomas Mitchell. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille. Greetings from Hollywood ladies and gentlemen. If you were asked to name the wettest date in the Union, and I'm referring now to natural water surfaces and not spirits, you would do well to settle on Louisiana. Over 3,000 square miles of that state are under water. The southern part, threaded by inland waterways, called bayous. All through this bayous country are dark swamps and gaunt permetals, eerie bugs and moss-draped cypress that have set the stage for so many mysterious legends. Tonight, Lux Radio Theatre play Dark Waters, from a brand new picture just released, takes its mood from those mysterious swamps of Louisiana. It's the story of a strong love haunted by a strange fear. A story as full of excitement and suspense as the swamps themselves are full of beauty and terror. Our stars in this gripping drama are Merle Oberon and Thomas Mitchell in their original screen roles and Preston Foster. Some time ago, I made a picture laid in the bayous country of Louisiana and in preparation I traveled by small boat over hundreds of miles of hidden rivers and shallow lakes. Deep in the bayous country, I met many shrimp fishermen living on their fishing boats. Some of these men had never been able to see a motion picture, but they listened to the Lux Radio Theatre regularly every Monday night. In fact, we stopped for provisions at a tiny store that was built on stilts over one of the most out-of-the-way bayous and on the shelf with fishing tackle, boats of calico, sunbonnets and notions, I saw those familiar blue boxes of Lux Flakes, which shows that no matter how far from the beaten highways I may travel, I always get a Lux greeting. Now it's curtain time and here's the first act of dark waters, starring Merle Oberon as Leslie, Preston Foster as George and Thomas Mitchell as Sydney. Did you ever go to a funeral where the minister forgot the service and they threw the man next to you overboard and all you thought was, he's gone now. There'll be more water to drink. We'll have his share of the water. Somebody said, oh God, we can find the soul he'll keep and he couldn't think of the rest because he was crazy and I can't remember either. I can't remember either. Maybe you read about it a few months ago. The steamship Valdera torpedoed in the sea, 500 lives lost and later maybe you also read that the four human beings who survived the disaster had been rescued and brought to New Orleans. Among them was a girl named Leslie Calvin. For two months now she's been in the hospital. I can't remember anymore. My dear, there's no need to remember. You've suffered a horrible shock but you're well again. It's time you thought about leaving here. I don't know where to go doctor. In all this country there isn't a soul I know. I have an aunt and uncle, my mother's sister. They're in New York. I've never seen them. Haven't you thought of writing them? I would have written them a long time ago but there's so much to explain and I just, I just haven't been able to do it. Tell you what, I'll do the explaining. You just write a note and I'll put mine in with it. Now what's your aunt's name? Mrs. Norbert Lamont. Andreas? 731 North Gillespie. Oh come in doctor. I've heard from them, from my aunt. Oh that's fine, fine. But they're not in New York, they're in Louisiana. Louisiana? Yes, near Belleville. It seems my uncle inherited the plantation some years ago. They moved there in January. They raised sugarcane and they want me. They want me to come right away. You see, of course they do. Doctor, do you think I could leave tomorrow? Yes, you can leave tomorrow. And good luck my dear. Good luck. Excuse me lady, you've been standing here now. Are you looking for somebody? Yes, I am. I'm the station agent. Got off the 210, didn't you? They said they'd meet me here. I'll, I'll wait. Oh do you happen to know them or Mr. and Mrs. Lamont? Lamont? They have a plantation near here, Rossignale. Why don't you telephone them? I tried, they don't have a phone. Could, could I get a taxi? Sorry lady, there isn't. Lady, what's the matter? Don't you feel well? Eddie, come here. Lady just fainted. That's better now. Steady, breathe deeply. I fainted. I don't feel upset about it. It's enough to flatten anyone. Oh, I'm Dr. Grover. Station agent sent for me. You rest here a while and I'll take you over to my office. No, no, I've, I've got to go back to New Orleans. Aren't the Lamonts expecting you? I don't know. They don't know me. They don't want me. Okay, here now, drink this. And slowly, people who just come out of hospitals should take everything slowly. How did you know? Well, when you keeled over it, it fell out of your purse. It was addressed to you at the Cortland hospital. You know the Lamonts? Only by name. Doctor, I didn't feel faint because of the heat or, or because I have vanilla. No. It was fear, fear of being alone, of having no one to turn to, not anyone. But the Lamonts. My aunt and uncle, but, but they're perfect strangers. When they didn't meet me, I was terrified. That's nonsense. You like crossing y'all. It's a perfect place to come less after, well, after whatever it was you were in the hospital for. I, I was on the Valdera. Oh. Only four of us survived. I woke up in the hospital. I've had nightmares constantly of that open lifeboat. I thought it would drive me insane. I was afraid that someday it would be the same whether I were awake or not. Now look, why don't we take my car and drive out to Rossignol. And if Lamonts aren't there, I'll get you back here in plenty of time to catch a train. You're very kind. Kind? Around here, Miss Calvin, the only excitement we get is when someone new comes to town. Oh, but I don't want trouble, you are. Oh, please. This is the kind of trouble I like. Let's go. Come in. What a delightful surprise, Miss Calvin. Surprise? But I sent a telegram. A telegram? That's strange. They didn't mention it. Oh, I, Mr. Sidney, I'm staying here. Your aunt will be delighted. Emily. Emily, she's here. Your niece. Leslie. Oh, my darling. Darling, we've been so worried about you. Oh, Aunt Emily. Oh, now darling, we only knew you were coming. Norbert, come here. This is Dr. Grover, Emily. He drove Miss Calvin here. Oh, how very kind. Want to sit down? Well, thanks, but Emily, did you get a telegram? Why no. Oh, Norbert. This is Leslie. Uncle Norbert. Leslie, I'm so happy you're here. And Dr. Grover, dear. How do you do? How do you do? I get it. You have a telephone, but you're not listed in the book. Not in the book. That's odd. Oh, Emily, it's listed under clean. Of course. You see, Mr. Cleave is our foreman. You should have looked under clean, dear. But Aunt Emily, you didn't say anything about him in your letter. Oh, didn't I? Well, I'm sorry, darling. Dr. Grover, you stay for dinner. I'm sure Florella can produce something. Florella. Oh, dear, the servants should get these days. Thanks, but I have to get back. Office hours. Some other time, Doctor. Leslie, come, darling. Upstairs. Goodbye, Miss Kalman. You were wonderfully kind. Thank you again. I'll be out to see you soon. Very soon. Behave yourself. Goodbye. I know you must be tired. I wonder if I can see Mr. Lamont a moment. He seems to have disappeared. Mr. Lamont's writing a book, Doctor. He's hardly aware of these days of anything else. Well, then I'd better tell you, I don't want to alarm you, Mr. Sidney, but that girl's been through a terrible experience. I know. The Doctor at the hospital wrote us. She seems very nervous. She'd been having nightmares. Now, she's afraid she's turning into a mental case. A mental case? That's ridiculous, but the point is, she must not be allowed to brood about things. Well, we'll do everything, everything we can to help her. We just don't question her too much. Help her forget it. I just thought I'd mention it. Oh, that's very kind of you, Doctor. Goodbye, Mr. Sidney. Goodbye, Doctor. I'll unpack for you. Oh, I'm really so upset. My only niece arrived and this is the reception she gets. But Aunt Emily, really, I don't mind. And you mustn't. No, but so happy you're here, dear. She may unshow it, but that's because of his book. Scientific. I help him with a tight thing. Oh, Leslie, my dear. You don't know what this means to me, Aunt Emily. In the hospital, I thought I was all alone. And now I have a home. My own people who love me. Oh, Leslie, I hope you'll be happy here. Oh, I will. I know I will. Darling, here. I've been saving this for you, this miniature. Thank you. It's your mother, Leslie. Mother. Painted on her 17th birthday. We weren't meant to like her, were we? She was always the pretty one. And so wonderful to me. Oh, but you're pretty, aren't Emily? Yes. Now, the pictures for you, dear. Keep it, darling. And this will be your praise, my dear. Thank you, Uncle Norbert. La-la-la. Yes, sir. Look at the dust in this room and those flowers you know I've told you about these things a hundred times. I'm sorry, Mr. Sidney. I just didn't get at it today. Well, good evening, everybody. Oh, please. Leslie, this is Mr. Clean. How do you do, Miss Calvin? How'd you do? Sit down, please. Well, that's on the menu. Does it ever change fried chicken? I hope you forgive our funny silver, Leslie. As a matter of fact, all these furnishings, our own things are still in New York. And you've decided to live here permanently? We talk about it, dear, but there are so many problems. Then why don't you sell Rossignol? I only meant with sugar as scarce as it probably is. No doubt you could get a wonderful price. Emily, I hear someone in the kitchen. Florella. It's just Pearson, ma'am. He just came to help with the dishes. Pearson is not allowed up here anymore, Florella. Yes, sir. You must understand that, and so must Pearson. I guess you didn't know what the certain problems were, Leslie, over in the East Indies. East Indies? Miss Calvin is from the Taubiac field. Well, when did you leave? Over a year ago. A year? But what have you been doing all that time? I mean... In, uh, any bombings? Yes. But you got ahead of the japs, huh? Yes. Ah, plenty of luck. How'd you do it? On a trading boat. Leslie, darling, you're not eating a thing. Say, I want to hear about this. Where'd you go? We went to Madagascar. Oh, and then what? It was bishi French. They wouldn't give us our visa. We ran out of money for more. It was such a long time coming. Exasperating delays in wartime. I suppose you took passage from New Orleans from there. Yes. Yes, but the boat sank. Oh, what's the matter with us? Excuse me, hon. Leslie, you want me to come with you, dear? Leslie, wait. Hey, some jetters. Yes, very trying on the nerves. Very flinch. I must say you look much better this morning, Miss Calvin. You rest well? Oh, yes, thanks. Good. And I know you'll enjoy this walk. You're sure you can spare the time? Oh, I'm delighted to. Sorry about the little unpleasantness last evening. Poor Ebony was so upset. If we'd only realized... Oh, please, don't apologize, Mr. Cinevus. Very silly of me. Well, look about you, Miss Calvin. Over there is the swampland. Miles of it unchanged for centuries. Below us, through that growth, is the bio. And beyond the river. And that old building there? That's the sugar house. And it's on a sort of creek, you see. Oh, there's grief. Morning. Morning. In the old days, they made the sugar right here on the place. The water here is very treacherous, Miss Calvin. Apart from reptiles, it's full of certain depths and shallows. One never knows quite what to expect. Going around is he, Miss Calvin? Good morning. Yes. I was just explaining to Miss Calvin that nature here is not always benevolent. It's fascinating, though. Dark and mysterious. You're seeing there, Miss Calvin, by that cypress stand? Last year, a woman disappeared in there. Quicksand. We heard her howling, but while we got there, she was gone. You make it seem really dangerous. It's dangerous only if you're not familiar with it. That's why I'd appreciate it if you don't try to go around by yourself as yet. Please, but I will join you. You know, it must be awful drowning in quicksand. Much worse than water. Please, for heaven's sake. Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. It's all right. I wish you wouldn't feel that you have to weigh every word when I'm around. You're a brave girl, Miss Calvin. Yes? I'm coming. Excuse me, please. Well, now that we finally get rid of that walking phonograph, I'll show you around. If you don't mind, I'd rather not walk anymore. These old, tumble-down places bore me, too. And we're both still young enough to have other interests, aren't we? For instance? I mean, we could have some laughs together. I'm not going into town some night. That's maybe a movie. I think that would be fine, some night. Well, let's ride around the boat. See the rest of the place. Get your bearings. Please. I really don't like boats. Oh, but that's foolish. Best way to see Ross and y'all is by water. Still light. I'd rather not. That's for your own goodness, Calvin. You can't go on being a coward. She's not a coward. Oh, Dr. Grover. Morning. You see, she's following my orders. I told her to stay away from boats for a while. Your orders? Mr. Cleave, this is Dr. Grover. Glad to know you. I didn't mean to say the wrong thing. And forget it. Perhaps later on. I didn't expect you this soon, Doctor. Well, I have a patient nearby. I thought you might like to take a ride. Oh, I'd love to. Okay, with you, Cleave? Sure. You go right ahead, Miss Calvin. Goodbye. She's gotten Grover's car and they drove off. The back road? Yeah. He must know this knack of the woods pretty good. Why are you too so concerned about the doctor? What differences have made? Well, it's becoming rather obvious that Leslie and the doctor would enjoy each other's company tremendously. What obvious? What harm is that? Please, Emily, please. Aren't you getting all worked up over nothing at all? I just don't understand you at times. And that long distance call for New Orleans. Yeah, what about that? Don't be inquisitive, Cleave. There was no call. For some reason, he just wanted to leave Leslie alone with you. Oh, we have loads of time. All the time in the world. What are you talking about? Nothing. Suppose we all just relax, huh? Emily, my dear, what do we have for lunch? Before our stars return with that clue of dark waters, here's a girl with a question on her mind. Why did I get that run? Why did I get that run? Isn't that the darndest look I can't think what I've done? Well, if you want to cut down those costly runs, stop blaming luck and change to lux. Luxing stockings cut down runs helps you to get double wear. You see, stockings must be able to stretch under strain, then spring back into place without breaking. That's elasticity. Lux saves this vital elasticity. Wrong washing methods weaken it. If you use a strong soap or rub stockings with cake soap, the threads snap easily into runs. Now millions of girls know how Lux cuts down runs, but this has also been proved by a famous laboratory. They made strain tests on dozens of stockings, and those washed with Lux flakes didn't go into runs nearly so quickly as the ones washed with a strong soap or rub with cake soap. In fact, they lasted twice as long. So be sure to lux your stockings every night and a hint about rayons. Let them dry thoroughly before wearing them at least 24 hours. Now, Mr. DeMille returns to the microphone. Act two of dark waters, starring Merle O'Bron as Leslie, Thomas Mitchell as Sidney, and Preston Foster as George. Eight days have passed since Leslie Calvin's arrival at the ancient plantation, but eight days had added little to her knowledge of the people there, or of the bewildering countryside where scenery changes with a turn of the head from breathtaking beauty to black and reeking swamp lands. Leslie, however, hasn't given much thought to all of this. Dr. Grover has been our daily visitor, and today he's taken her to a tiny cage on Fishing Village, deep in the bayous. Hello, Mama, or Miss Calvin, Madame Boudreau. How do you do? Such a pleasure, Madame Bezelle. And over there, Leslie, now let me see. There's Cecile, Bet, Pierre and Tellmack. You kids alone, dica cuchoso, doctor. Now, which one's my patient? Patient, doctor? Napoleon de Gaulle, Mille Boudreau, had fallen out of a tree. Oh, I did. All the way from the top, doctor. Oh, a very small tree. He wasn't her. Oh, very high tree, Mama. I knocked out myself, too. And when did that happen? Oh, last week, I think, Madame Bezelle. Still, I'd better prescribe something. Candy. Wait, doctor. I try the tree again. I want to go here. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Never tell me. Well, I'll pass it around. Oh, look, doctor. See, call the fade-o-doh. Well, look, Leslie. That platform over there. That means dancing here tomorrow night. Dancing? But what's the fade-o-doh? Fade-o-doh means go to sleep. You're not making much sense, you know. Ha, ha, ha, perfect sense. The grown-ups yell fade-o-doh to the kids. The kids go to sleep, and the grown-ups dance. Oui, Madame Bezelle. Time, music, too. Do you love a big fiddle, a corvion? Oh, but you have never seen Fadodo. No, I'm afraid I haven't, doctor. Oh, by all means. Leslie, tomorrow night you'll see a Fadodo, okay? Wonderful. And so much to eat, eat and dance and drink wine and eat. You see, good cooking is very important around here. The boys propose to the pretty girls, but they marry the good cooks. Oh, fine. I'll die an old maid. I can boil eggs and, uh, well, I can boil eggs. That's perfect. I'm crazy about boiled eggs. Come inside and then boil eggs. Time for lunch. Oh, mama, not shrimp salad but roe. Sure, I fix. Shrimp a la myself. Come, come now. Hey, can't... Back home again. The whole day is gone. I can't believe it. Well, you're making that list. Hello, doctor. Hello. Have a good day. Oh, yes. I hope you haven't been waiting for me. Oh, no, no, no, but we're dining early. We're all going to the movies. I'd better say goodbye. Have a good time and don't forget tomorrow night. I will. Goodbye, George, and thank you. Bye. Bye, Mrs. Sidney. Goodbye, doctor. Tomorrow night? Oh, yes, the pay-do-do. Oh, splendid. Say, he's a very fine chap, that doctor. Very nice. Well, let's hurry, my dear. Your aunt can't wait to see that thing. Well, here we are, Leslie. Belleville's only theater. Get the tickets clean. Sure. Mr. Sidney, did Aunt Emily say why she couldn't come? Didn't she tell you? No. Oh, that's right. You were waiting out in the car. Poor woman. She was so set on coming, but it was Norbert. Oh. Yes. He suddenly made up his mind to work tonight. He's helpless without Emily. Really, he should be more considerate. Well, let's go. Tickets, please. First bag to the right, please. This seat's okay, Miss Calvin. Hey, just in time for the newsreel. To me, the newsreel is always the best part of the show. From a captured German U-boat, revealed beyond all doubt, the Watson's lover of ruthless submarine warfare. In the background, a British fisherman bursts the plane. Light boats are being lowered into the oil-based sea. The women and children on deck indicate the ship is carrying refugees. The submarine now reaches the position for the kill. And the second and third torpedoes are fired. Oh, no. Yes, sweep through the sea, and with a blinding splash, the ship is being... The water's blazing with a hella filled with a helpless victim. Can it? Yeah. The submarine surfaces, but the murderers are not content. A machine gun is framed on the light boat. Excuse me. I can't look at this anymore. I... I can't. Where are you going? Well, let's leave. Let's leave. Wait a moment. I've come with you. Let's leave. Nothing. Good night. It was inexcusable, my dear. I should have found out what was showing first. Please try to forgive me. I'll be all right in the morning. Well, best well, dear. Good night. Good night. Leslie, what's the matter? Are you ill? No, I just... and the lamp here by my bed... it went out. The lamp? But it's on. See, dear? I heard a noise, and the lamp went out and came on again by itself. But it couldn't have. I mean... Oh, that's no... Oh, it's just... It's unfair. You're not going to be brought in, dear. Can I turn the light out for you? No. Oh, thank you, Aunt Emily. I'm all right. I'm perfectly all right. I'm sure it was that awful news reel. It must have upset you terribly. Good night, dear. I'll leave your door open. What was it, Emily? You're not the lightest of all. You were nice. Kind. I've been trying to kiss you. I've been trying to get you alone all day. Why? What for? Well, Mr. Cleave won't let me around here no more. I gotta talk fast, Miss. Why won't he let you here? I don't know. I worked here 12 years, Miss. 12 years. And just after your aunt and uncle come down from up north, well, Mr. Cleave give me my pay, and say never come back. I don't know why. I'll try to find that person. I lost my aunt. Thank you, Miss. I ain't done nothing wrong, Miss. Nothing in this world wrong. I'm sure of that, Miss. Yes, sir. Well, the day Mr. Cleave tells me to get well, I ask her, I see Mr. Lamart, and he says no, he's feeling poorly. And every time I come back, he drives me off. I remember... Oh, somebody come and miss her. I've got to get away. Leslie! Yes? Oh, there you are. Emily said you had a headache. I was just resting here in the garden. I think I'll go to my room, though. It's still so warm. I can't forgive myself for last night. Thank goodness you're no worse. Your uncle mentioned getting a psychiatrist, but I told him... A psychiatrist? Well, you're disturbance in the night, my dear. Anyway, there's certainly no need for a psychiatrist. I told him that. You just get all the sleep you can and have patience. A psychiatrist. What did she say, Florella? She said she just couldn't eat, ma'am. There was nothing she wanted. No, ma'am. I guess she just don't feel well. Dr. Grover has come. Of course she won't want to go to the dance, but maybe she'd like to see him. Yes, ma'am. I'll go out. Yes, Leslie's been under the weather all day. I'm just wondering, doctor, is she up to a night out? Oh? What's the matter? To tell the truth. We're not quite sure. Why didn't you call me? Because you have ill people to take care of, and I'm not ill. Leslie, my dear. Darling, you're feeling better. Hello, Leslie. What's all this I hear? Oh, just nonsense. Leslie, you're not going out. And maybe we'll do a good, Mr. Sydney. Oh, I think it's really out of the question. Well, let's hear what Leslie has to say. Would you like to go? Yes, I think I would. This is mostly left for us. I'll prescribe for Leslie, Mr. Sydney. I'll go up now and change. I'll be down in a minute. I'm sorry if I seem to bluff, but as I told you, what you need is tearing up. I can't remember when I've had so much fun. Do they do this often, Joey? Oh, every couple of weeks or so. Well, here's to the next week. To the next one. All the others after that. You take to these dances like a native. I'm up with rows as you must have been born dancing. My mother used to say that my feet would have to do all the dancing for the two of us. The two of you? Yes. She was an invalid. She never walked from the time she was a child. My father always carried her. Oh. George, would you mind if we left now? If you wish. I'll take a bite of the good rows and I'll take you home. Thank you again, George, and good night. Leslie, wait. Yes. Leslie, being a country doctor's wife isn't much of a future for a girl, but if you try to overlook the bad parts, well... George! I'd try as hard as I know how to make it worth the trouble. Oh, no, George, no. I love you, darling. Don't say that, please. Leslie, what I'm trying to do is ask you to marry me. And you mustn't. Oh, what's wrong, Leslie? I can't tell you. I can't ever tell you. And I mustn't see you like this. I must never see you again, George. Goodbye. Leslie. Yes, Aunt Emily. Did you have a good time? I had a wonderful time. Why, you're... You're crying. He asked me to marry him. Dr. Grover? Yes. And you don't want to? Oh, but I do, I do. Why, then, I just don't understand. I can't marry George or anyone else, Aunt Emily. But why, dear? You knew you were going out of your mind. Would you think... I won't have you saying such things. You're much better. No, I'm not. I'm not. All the time I see and hear things that aren't there. People in their right minds don't have hallucinations. Oh, you poor child. Did you tell Dr. Grover about it? No, and I'm never going to see him again. Oh, why did they pull me out of the water? That's where I belong, under the water with my mother and father. Did you call me? Why, no, dear. It's funny. I thought I heard you. I'm sorry. Well, that's a bit, dear. Good night. Good night. Good night. Did you hear your name being called? What did you say? Yes, ma'am. Did you hear my name? Yes, ma'am. I sure did. You heard them. You heard them. But you shouldn't be wandering around in the dark like this. But what are you doing here? Because I've got to find out. And when I do, I'll let you know. But there's one thing I do know, Miss Leslie. Whoever's out there in the swamp, it's you they want. Because they're calling your name. So get in the house, ma'am, please, right this minute. All right, Kristen. I'll go, but... There's a path there. I'll watch from here until you stay back in the house. When will he be back? Well, would you please give him a message? Would you ask him to call Leslie Calvin? Yes. It's very important. We pause now for station identification. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Mr. DeMille and our stars will return with Act 3 of Dark Waters in a moment. But here comes Sally. What's that she's got? Oh, a calendar. 27th, 4th, 11th, 18th. What are you doing, Sally, calling football signals? This late date, don't be silly. No, I'm checking up. Do you realize it's just four weeks before Christmas? What about it? Uncle Sam is asking us to do our shopping early this year. In November, if possible. And that's just three days more. I'd better get busy. There's my sister, for instance. I've been wondering about a present for her. Well, I'm giving mine a slip. These are pretty and practical, too. I should have known you'd choose something luxable. But of course. Besides, girls can always use another slip or nightie. Why, from Oregon to Massachusetts, the girls will welcome one or two sets. Oh, Sally. Don't go away. I've got another one. From Texas up to North Dakota, put under things on your gift quota. That's enough. I'll take your word for it. And I'm going to tuck a box of luxe flakes in with my sister's gift. A hint to the wise? Yes, or I may write a little verse to remind her. Something like, um, don't risk these undies in soaps that are strong. Luxe keeps them new-looking three times as long. More truth than poetry, Sally. It's true that strong soap and hot water ruined pretty slips in actual Washington. Yet the very same kind of slips stayed lovely with luxe care. New-looking three times longer washed the luxe way. So it pays to stick to gentle luxe flakes. Now, back to Mr. DeMille and our stars. I'm sure all of you would like to meet our stars in person. So after the play tonight, I'll do the next best thing and bring them to the microphone for a personal informal chat. Now, here's Act 3 of Dark Waters. Starring Merle Oberon as Leslie, Preston Foster as George, and Thomas Mitchell as Sidney. The long hours of the night are sleepless hours for Leslie Calvin. As she waits for George Grover to return her telephone call, her mind frantically seeks an answer through the events that have occurred since her arrival at Rossignol. But there is no answer. And now, in the gray hours of early morning, she rouses her Aunt Emily and leads her to her room. There's no time to lose, and I must know. I wish Dr. Grover would call. I'm sure he could describe something for your nerves. There's nothing I need, Aunt Emily. Right now, for the first time in months, I feel well again. I know now that there's nothing wrong with me. Aunt Emily, what do you know about Mr. Sidney? How long have you known him? Mr. Sidney? Why, he and Norbert have been friends since school days. He handles all your uncle's affairs. Why, he's a lifesaver to us. And you trust him? Leslie, what a question. What about Mr. Cleave? Cleave's run the plantation for years. He's done just wonders with it. But it's got to be them, or one of them. Aunt Emily, I told you I thought I was losing my mind. Little things have been happening. Things that I thought I imagined. And then tonight I heard voices. But I did hear voices. They were real voices. Leslie, dear. I know they were real because Pearson heard them too. Somebody's been trying to make me think I was going crazy. That's a terrible thing to say, Leslie. I'll tell Norbert at once. He'll get to the bottom of this. You only knew how relieved I am. It's like, it's like being born again. And to think only a few hours ago I told George I never wanted to see him. I thought I never dared fall in love, ever. Aunt Emily, do you think he'll ask me to marry him again? Of course he will. Such a nice young man, Leslie. And we could have the wedding right here at Brothing North. And if you want, I'll write New York. They can send me the trunk with the dress your mother wore at her wedding. Aunt Emily, you and mother were very close, weren't you? Inseparable, dear. She used to tell me about all the bow you had and the parties you went to. She was really the popular one, dear. She never missed a dance. Her dance program was always filled first. Oh, is mother a good dancer? Wonderful. Waltzes and two steps, polkas. I see. I see. I mustn't keep you up any longer. Let's go back to bed, dear. We can talk at breakfast. Oh, yes, we must. And I'm so happy you're feeling better. So happy. Sorella, what are you doing out here? I was praying you'd come outside. I was praying you would. I got up so early. I thought I'd take a little walk before breakfast. You're looking for Pearson, aren't you, miss? Aren't you? Where is he? Pearson's dad. That's why I had to see you. Pearson? Dad. Last night, miss, he was murdered. Murdered? Before he died, he made me promise to tell you. Tell me? Tell me what? He says, tell Miss Leslie. He found out. They're not your real aunt and uncle. He said to leave this place, miss. And there's one more thing I can tell you. That kilogram you sent before you came. Yes. It did come this. I think it was the signature. I'm going now, miss. You go too. Please go. Please. Before it's too late. Good morning. Sit down, dear. I'll have your breakfast in a minute. No, thank you, aunt Emily. I can get it. Sorella didn't come this morning. She simply didn't come. That's obvious. Emily, just look at these chicken livers. Oh, dear, I'm sorry. I wonder what's happened to Sorella. I'll get it. Oh, no. It may be for me. Oh. I'll be right back. Norbert, Leslie woke me very early this morning. Hello. Leslie? Oh, George. I've been trying to get you. When are you coming out? Coming out? Didn't you say something about never wanting to see me again? A girl can change her mind, can't she? Yes. Yes. Well, I mean, how about tonight? Good. Then I'll expect you right away. Why is this? You'll be here in an hour. Thank you, George. Thank you. Goodbye. Coming. I'll take you. That was the doctor, Leslie. Yes. You'll be stopping by in a little while. Fine. And we must see to it that you and your doctor have the verandah all to yourselves without any inconvenient daughters about. Thank you. Leslie, I believe you're blushing, dear. Bye, Job. She is. Well, well. George, thank God you're here. Leslie, what's the matter? I don't know how much time I'll have. I'll tell you as quickly as I can. Well, let's go up on the porch. I thought I was going mad. Really mad. It wasn't like that. I mean, I did hear voices, but they weren't just in my mind. Pearson heard them, too. He's dead. They killed him. Wait a minute. They killed him because he saw my real aunt and uncle before. They came. They aren't. They're imposters. They wanted me to think I was losing my mind. Noises, lights on and off and on and off in my name. They called my name. Oh, George. George. I couldn't marry you. That's why I... Now, Leslie, Leslie, try to be calm, please. George, take me away quickly. Please, please, take me away. Of course, darling, but you must listen to me. What you need is a few more hours' sleep. You don't know what you're saying. They'll kill me like they did Pearson. Why would they? You don't believe? George, you don't believe me. Look, darling, your trouble is simply a bad case of jitters now. Now listen, I'll be back here tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow will be too late. Meanwhile, I want you to take these capsules. I'll write the directions down. You follow the directions and please go to bed. Now, will you do that much for me? Yes, thank you. Take one of the capsules right away. But before you do, read what's on the paper. I'll phone later and see how you are. I'm sorry to have bothered you, George. Bye. Bet you, Mr. Sidney? Oh, it's something I can do. I'm worried about Leslie. She's just been telling me some pretty fantastic things. An uncle or imposters? Somebody's going to kill her. Is this a joke, Doctor? Please, Leslie's very ill. That's awful. What can we do? Well, I want to get hold of a psychiatrist. I'll make all arrangements and bring him out here as soon as I can. Well, we can do, I suppose, his weight. Yes, I've given her a sedative. Just see that she isn't disturbed. No, we'll do everything we can. Oh, Doctor, would you mind dropping me by the sugar house on your way out? I'd do. Hop in. I'm in my room. George gave me some medicine. I've got to lie down. Right away. But before you do, read what's on the paper. What's on the paper. Stay in your room. Sidney is listening to everything we are saying. I believe you. We'll come back with help right away. Throw the capsules away and remember, I love you. Oh, George! George! Over you. And close the door. Now where's the girl? In her room. Wait a minute, Sidney. We heard you talking to the doctor. So he's going for a psychiatrist. You know what that means? Certainly, I know. He said psychiatrist. That will never do. He may mean police, and that will do still less. We're getting out of here, Sidney. We don't want any part of this. You hired us to be her aunt and uncle. But we didn't bargain for anything like murder, and you know it. Nothing's going to happen to that girl. Do you hear? Nothing! I'm afraid all sentimental considerations must be put aside. I've got a pretty good idea of what you're up to, Sidney. And we are leaving. You can keep the money. All of it. Now, let's try to talk sense for a moment. My instinct is to clear out too. This is all starting to become rather messy, and I don't like messes. All right. Suppose we did clear out. How far do you think we'd get? To the state line. You can stop using weed. This is your problem, Sidney. Not ours. You're in it just as deeply as I am. Surely you've guessed by now what became of the real amounts. Well, I said the better, but still the fact is a fact. They're dead. You killed them. We never saw the amounts. What you and Cleve did went on before we ever got here. And if you were sitting on a jury, would you believe that? You should thank your lucky stars, both of you, that someone around here can use his head. Now go upstairs and bring down that girl. Cleve and Dr. Grover are waiting for her at the sugar house. You awake, Doc? Yeah. Want a drink? Falcon rum. Thanks. If I was you, I'd get cock-eyed, too. Here. Just don't get any more ideas of playing rough. You'll get slugged again, as per Mr. Sidney's instructions. You do everything you're told, don't you, Cleve? I got a mind of my own. What's happened to Leslie? Forget it, sport. I can guess. The same thing that happened to her real aunt and uncle. Sidney figured you was wise. They're out in the bayou, under the water hyacinth. That's where they are, all right, but not the girl. Not yet. Sidney phoned down a few minutes ago. They'll be here any minute. Nice and dark now. Cleve, why are you afraid of Sidney? Me? Afraid? Well, you do all the dirty work, don't you? You don't see him pulling the trigger or using the knife? Oh, no. Not with you around to do it for him. Get wise, will you? Open up, will you? Okay. You see, sport, I told you they were coming. Oh, hello, Miss Kelvin. Leslie. George. George, darling. Try not to worry, dear. We're not dead yet. Doctor Boat, Cleve, if you please, doctor, this way. Cleve, wait. Come here. Yeah? Cleve, it's just a minute. You've been drinking. You've got no right to do that, Mr. Sidney. No impudence now, young man. Now, look. I don't like being ordered around like dirt into somebody's feet, see? Ask me please to do something, and maybe I will and maybe I won't. But I don't take orders, see? Cleve's two different boys, Miss Kelvin. Cleve, Donk and Cleve, sober. Well, Kelvin, now you understand how you've heard voices calling you. A recording. Exactly. Operated by an electric clock. And the lamp? That was no accident either. Simple devices, really, but they both failed their purpose. Too bad, but they did. You see, we intended only to make you leave here. We had no violence in mind. Yes, we did everything we could for Leslie, doctor. And tell me, Sidney, what's so important that it's worth killing the Lamonts and Pearson and now us? Why, money, of course. What else? Cleve, get that motor started. I got two hands and that's all. How much money? Well, bearing in mind, we had no time to dig her about $300,000. The plantation could bring much more, but after all, we're not greedy. I can see what a nuisance I must have been arriving when I did. By the way, people are bound to ask questions about George. We'll tell them you eloped. They'll believe it long enough for us to consummate the sale and be off. What do you mean us? You're not trying to tell me that you intend to cut in Andy and Uncle and Cleve? I beg your pardon? Five murders, Mr. Sidney. Why not eight? Take Cleve now. What's going to keep you from disposing of Cleve after Cleve's disposed of us? That'll be only business, according to your standards. And then after Cleve, come be Andy and Uncle. Good lad. Untie him. Don't turn your back on him, Cleve, and keep that gun of yours off safety. Shut up, you! Oh, darling, here we go. I'll try to be brave, George. Circle around, Cleve. The hyacinths are getting thicker now. I tell you, this is the place. There's so thick there's nothing we'll ever fold to the surface. It's too dark to tell anything. I want to make sure. But I was going to be brave. I can't help it, George. I can't help it. Easy, darling, easy. Just be ready to jump. This box is good as can be. Okay. And now I've got something to tell you. I'm not taking any chances, Sidney. You might pull a fast one at that. Take your gun out of your pocket and drop it overboard. My dear boy, you're not going to take what this fellow said, seriously. There's going to be only one gun in this boat, Sidney. That's mine. That's telling him, Cleve. Shut up! You hurt me, Sidney. Dr. Grover, you're poison. This boy's mine. I'm tempted to do the job on you myself. Drop your gun over the side. As you wish. Jump, Leslie. Jump. Gun your motorcy. We'll run them down. Can you see them? They're heading to the Hyacinth. On your left. Hurry. The propeller. You turn on the headlights. George, they're coming this way. The shores ahead of us will skirt the Hyacinth. We'll swim underwater. You make it. I'll try, darling. I'll try. There they are. Shoot. Shoot. At least that's something. George, they're out of the boat. They're coming. They're coming. Wait for you. Get out of there. Get out of there. Keep down, darling. They'll get a flashlight. But we can't stay here. There's quicksand around here. We've got to stay here. It may not spot us. It's black as pitch. You're wrong, George. It's all right. It's quiet here. Where are you? Right ahead of you. A riddle. Right here somewhere. I saw them. Of course they're here. Take the flashlight and give me your gun. What? I said give me your gun. Wait for four shots already. Here. Now go straight ahead. I'll circle around. We're wasting time. Where are they going to go? Please, you tell me that. Where are they going to go? Come out of there. Come on out. I'll find you. Please. He's coming towards us. What's I telling? Now what you doing? What's going on? I'm not going. Well, would you assume to stay here with a maltrescence? See that? Cleveland. Where are you? Where are you? Straight ahead, Cleveland. That's a bus. Hey, hey. Weep. Sidney. Sidney. Quicksand. I'm sinking. Sidney. Hurry. Where are you on this way? Quicksand. Sidney. Help. Help. Don't struggle, Cleveland. He's going under, George. He's going under. You can't get out by yourself, Cleveland. I can't believe you can't see him Sidney his flashlight's gone but he's right ahead of you throw the gun over here and I'll get him out for you Sidney throw the gun you've got only three bullets left now Sidney only three don't shoot throw the gun I'm sinking you better hurry Sidney well Sidney he's gone now you've lost your guide never get out of here now unless I lead you go on try and get out if you don't believe me cleave knew the Swanson look what happened to cleave no not that way Sidney it looks solid enough but it's quicksand what are you waiting for you've got your choice of two things you can oh your choice of two things George stay down darling down there's only one bullet left now well come and get it Sidney or just turn around and get back to the boat if you can but I won't pull you out Sidney I'll let you sink as you let cleave sink one bullet and after that's gone you'll stay here forever too he's coming go on Sidney shoot and then figure out how you'll save yourself you can throw me that gun and let me show you the way out I thought you'd understand lost in the swamp at night it's hard on the nerves all right Sidney turn around and start walking Leslie yes I'm afraid I'll have to lean on you dear hurry darling the boat's not far off we'll make it all right we'll make it Leslie do you think you can take the wheel darling yes I'll try George good girl you can be a remarkably silent man mr. Sidney when there's nothing to say doctor I make it a point to say nothing I'm contemplating my future if I were you I'd leave that to the state of Louisiana perhaps you're right straight ahead Leslie you're doing fine straight ahead darling straight ahead and I'm not afraid George I'm all right I'm all right our stars will be back for a curtain call in just a moment meanwhile listen which one of these scenes might happen in your kitchen this one I'm Nancy and I'm the strong soap she uses in her dish pan I hate washing dishes it leaves my hands so red and rough that's my work every time Nancy puts her hands in the dish pan I go for them I sting them and roughing them and make them red you should have seen her husband's face last night when he introduced her to his captain or in your kitchen is it this scene I'm Jane and I'm gentle the soap she uses for dishes my hands don't get that dish pan look why they're just as nice after washing dishes as before that's because I take such good care of Jane's hands I don't make them red and rough I keep them soft and smooth and rough Jim was so proud of her when she pinned on his wings prettiest hands I've ever seen if your hands are dish pan red like Nancy's you can change them yes change them to lovely luxe hands like Jane just change from strong soaps to luxe flakes for dishes and I'll tell you another secret luxe is thrifty it does more dishes than ordinary soap tests proved it ounce for ounce luxe does up to twice as many dishes as any of 10 other leading soaps get a big box for dishes today now mr. de mill returns to the microphone and now our stars having settled their problems for better or worse return to happier surroundings for their curtain calls and I expect all three of you are glad to be back on solid ground well I'm sort of sorry to leave Louisiana CB there's a wonderful duck hunting in those marshes and if you mentioned the name foster to a duck he does oh yes so I hear a few weeks ago we had Frank Morgan on this stage president he gave us a sample of hog calling I hear you're pretty good at duck calling no fooling how do you do it press show it well first you first you have to put out your decoys decoys yeah that's a stand in for a duck you know what a duck is yes chicken on snowshoes well you put out your decoys and then you give them the old come on like this like that's very good press but how about geese well geese a little bit different now for geese it's something like this I wouldn't talk like that even do a goose hey tell me how are you with a shotgun well I once got a duck at 75 yards he dropped from over 100 feet why did you waste your shells the fall alone would have killed him well well I'm not sure you've had the right experience to go duck hunting of course I have I shot a duck once hit him in the head and foot foot and head both don't ask me you must have been scratching his head oh no well I think you're safer at home listening to the lux radio theater what will you have for us on lux next week CB well I I spent one of the most absorbing evenings the other night watching metro golden mayors motion picture hit the unguarded hour the next morning I hasten to secure it for the lux radio theater and that's our play for next Monday night it's a story full of suspense involving a woman who in trying to save her husband from disgrace becomes trapped in a mystery that even Scotland yard can't solve and for our stars we have a very special treat in the handsome shape of Robert Montgomery his first appearance on the lux radio theater after four years in the Navy and with Bob we have the ever lovely Lorraine Dave sounds like a great homecoming for Bob cb good night good night good night good night our sponsors the makers of lux flakes join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the lux radio theater presents Robert Montgomery and Lorraine Dave in the unguarded hour it's a special beat in there saying good night to you from Hollywood American housewives have a vitally important job saving kitchen fats and greases that are desperately needed in our final drive for victory don't waste a drop of this essential war material put your waste fats in a clean can and rush them to your butcher he'll give you two red ration points and four cents for each pound the motion picture dark waters starring Merle Oberon francio tone and thomas mitchell was produced by benedict bogus and released through united artists festin foster will soon be seen in the 20th century pox technicolor production thunderhead son of flicka thomas mitchell can currently be seen in dowell at zenik's technicolor picture wilson heard in tonight's play where charles seal leo cleary janet scott norman field ruby dandridge tyler mcbay gloria charmley yana delos mickey q and holless willard our music was directed by louis silvers this program is broadcast to our fighting forces overseas through cooperation with the armed forces radio service and this is your announcer john m kennedy reminding you to tune in again next monday night to hear the unguarded hour with robert montgomery and lorraine day c r y better better cook with fry because you'll be a better better cook with fries cakes pies fried foods everything tastes better made with new easy mix fry shortening so for light fluffy cakes tender flaky pastry crisp digestible fried foods better better better better cook with fries be sure to listen in next monday night to the lux radio theater presentation of the unguarded hour with robert montgomery and lorraine day this is cbs the columbia broadcasting system