 Paulette Goddard in The Gorgeous Hussey on the Cavalcade of America sponsored by Dupont, maker of better things for better living through chemistry. Tonight, Dupont brings you the young screen actress Paulette Goddard in the story of a woman whose amazingly modern career burst like a bombshell over the nation's capital a century and three decades ago. Peggy O'Neill with her name and there are many legends and many true stories about her. Our play tonight is based on both, adapted from the best-selling novel by Samuel Hopkins Adams. Dupont presents Paulette Goddard as The Gorgeous Hussey. War time, the war, the war of 1812, the place Georgetown across the atomic from the sprawling ugly new capital of the United States, Washington City. In the parlor of the Franklin Inn, busy hostel to the nation's great, General Andrew Jackson rises to greet a new arrival, John Randolph, the gentleman from Virginia. Mr. Randolph, you're late. We'd almost given over expecting you. Our coach was delayed, sir. Well, things seem much the same here. You're looking very well, Mr. Jackson. Oh, thank you, John. I might homesick for the hill, but otherwise feaking enough. Good. Good. And how's my little Peggy O'Neill? I wait till you see her, John. He's getting prettier by the day. She's already the best-favored wench used to be Tennessee, or I'm no judge. Oh, such tall. Peggy's very fond of you, John. He's fond of the new magic. Oh, why not tell him right out, General? The child's desperate in love with him. Been mooning around here ever since he went away. Oh, but, well, she's only a child. Lieutenant Timberlake don't think so. Who might Lieutenant Timberlake be? United States Navy. He's spending his fur over here at the inn, overstated her, I miss my guest, and all because of Peggy. Well, you don't think she'd try to make love to her, do you? He'd be a fool if he didn't. Well, it's the truth, Rachel. John, it's plain to see you're in love with a girl, and she's with you. Why don't you propose to her? Get it over with. Oh, General's right, John. Peggy ain't going to wait too long for a man. Timberlake's a handsome scoundrel, too. Takes her to the theater and all. Where is she? Oh, she's in the classroom, tending bar. Tending bar? You best be gentle, John. You hear me? Oh, the Nellie Bees are packing when she far away. Peggy. John. John Randall. Oh, it's so good to see you again. What? What are you doing behind this bar, Peggy? Oh, Father Zeal. I sent Cree to the city to fetch my new gown from the dressmakers. That's no excuse. You want people to think you're a common bar maid? Why not? Because you... What about this Timberlake fella? Have you met him? Peggy, now, this is no joking matter. Don't you know what they say about ladies who go about with sailors? No, and I don't care. But I do know one thing that sailors are fighting this war for us. While you congressmen, you talk, talk, talk, talk and do nothing to help. That's not true, Peggy. Oh, I'm sick of your talking advice. I'm going to marry a man who's doing things. Oh, marry? Would you mind fastening this pesky stock for... Oh, pardon me. I thought you were alone. Well, it's quite all right, Lieutenant Timberlake. I want you to meet an old friend of mine, Mr. Randolph of Roanoke. Pleasure, sir. Glad to know you, sir. I hope that you will make Peggy happy. Goodbye, Peggy. Good day, sir. Oh, John! John, wait! You're an odd gent. What did he mean he hoped I'd make you happy? I told him I was going to marry you, Lieutenant. You what? Yes, that's what I said. Do you love me, Peggy? Why, why, yes, yes, of course I do. I wouldn't marry you if I didn't. I don't understand you, Peggy. I suppose I never will. No, it doesn't matter, but you probably won't. General Jackson, wake up! I hear footsteps. Come on, why wake me at this ungodly hour, madam? Listen to me, listen. I hear two steps of footsteps. What's wrong with that? It was Peggy in the back seat, going down to his room. What, he had rascal, had wasteful, how cally he is, all pain in the skull bone. Why, General, you rouse the whole ear. I found it where that candle is. Oh, that's where my pistol is. Oh, General, pull down your knife down in the back. You catch pneumonia where you used to stick it. Down the hall. Thank you, Aunt Rachel, Aunt Landy. Let me ask that scoundrel how cally he is, all pain in the skull bone. Oh, my gosh, General, you rouse him. Oh, please, Aunt Rachel. It's all right, General Jackson. We're married. Great day in the morning. Oh, congratulations. Tell my dear. God bless you, my dear. Thank you, Aunt Rachel. Good night. Aunt Landy, I mistrust this marriage even so. You'll go back to the sea. You'll forget our piggy. If he does, he'll be the only man who ever will. We'll be sure of that. Aunt Landy, you talk like our piggy. We're just a common hussy. No, Rachel, not a common hussy. A very uncommon hussy. In fact, a gorgeous hussy. So the curtain falls on the first act of the gorgeous hussy, starring Paulette Goddard from the Cavalcade of America, sponsored by DuPont, maker of better things for better living through chemistry. In 1828, torchlight processions, hangings in effigy, lynchings are the order of the day. To meet Andrew Jackson, the new president-elect of the United States, an angry mob is collected outside Gadfrey's hotel. Peggy O'Neill, played by Paulette Goddard, watches anxiously as a coach in four maneuvers its way through the mob to the door. I'm so scared, Paul. Why do they hate us so? Because they're scoundrels, that's why. Here, lean on my arm, Rachel. Now, that's Peggy coming to meet you. Aunt Rachel, Uncle Andy, come inside quick. Bring the luggage around the back way for her. He has an assimilation. John, I'd better rest a bit before I climb the stairs. Of course, Aunt Rachel. Here, let me take your thing. Mobs in the street, someone stoned without time. Oh, tell the general, Tye. He'd better go and live in the president's house alone. It's me they're yelling against. I'm not grand enough to be a president. Ah, shoot every branch in one of them. Oh, don't, Andy. Think of me as my old played part amongst all the good guys and slumbers in the president's house. General Jackson, can you spare a moment? It's a coachman. All right, all right. I'll be right out. We'll be all right, Uncle Andy. Thank you, Peggy. Oh, then, Aunt Rachel, don't take on so. Oh, I'd... I ought never to have married him. Oh, don't say that. You don't mean it. Yes, I do. I'm going home. Back to Tennessee. I'll never see the president's house. Now, what would the general do without you? He'd do without me. Somewhat me. The doctor told me a month ago. Oh. Now, I reckon it's better so. Oh, Aunt Rachel. Peggy, I want you to look after Andy when I'm gone. Don't let him rire up in his sinful temper. I promise you, Aunt Rachel, he's a great man, Peggy. He'll be a great president. But his tongue is an unruly member. I just can't bear that folks would lie for him. I won't let them, Aunt Rachel. I swear to you, I won't. Just Timberlake? Yes, I'm Mrs. Timberlake. You're even more beautiful than they told me you were. I'm Mrs. Calhoun, Mrs. Timberlake. The vice president's wife. How do you do? I was so sorry to hear Ms. Jackson's death. Such a tragedy. Coming just before the inauguration. You must have been almost her only friend in Washington. Why, she had millions of friends all over the country. Oh, really? Yes, really. People who voted for a plain man with plain wife because they were tired of being cheated by a pack of official snobs. Well, of course, I don't understand politics, Mr. Timberlake. I leave those things to my husband. I see. Mr. Timberlake, I know that the president is very fond of you. He even says you've given him valuable advice. I don't doubt it. You're obviously a clever woman. Mrs. Calhoun, suppose you come to the point. Very well, I shall. Mr. Timberlake, your friendship with the president has become a matter of public scandal. You would best serve his interests if you would take an extended voyage to Europe, perhaps. In fact, I would be willing to finance such a journey for you, say, $5,000. Is that all you had to say to me, Mrs. Calhoun? Yes. Then good day. Mr. Timberlake, I came to you in good faith. I think you owe me some explanation. Very well. Mrs. Calhoun, your husband is a very ambitious man. He wanted to be president. He became vice president instead. So now he would like to have Andrew Jackson impeached and become president anyway. Bailing that, he will try to split the union and become president of part of the United States. How did you know all this? Then it's true. Of course not. It's a story. Like my friendship with President Jackson, it too has become a public scandal, madam. Really, Mr. Timberlake, you... I dislike gossip myself, Mrs. Calhoun, so I won't tell a story of your trying to bribe me. You poor fool. Who would take the word of a former barmaid against mine? I know one man who will. Andrew Jackson. You're certain of this. I've never been more certain of anything in my life. Then by that tunnel at the end, I'll fire those traitors in the cabinet tomorrow. I'll have Calhoun impeached. No, no, you must wait, Uncle Andy. Wait? I've waited too long already. No, please, Uncle Andy, listen to me. You can't do it like that. You're not strong enough and you have no real proof. I don't need any proof. Uncle Andy, don't you see, you've got to have someone else make the first move. You can't make it alone. Then it'll be your fault. Oh, they've tried hard enough to show you as an art of crap, and this will be just what they need. You've got to wait. Well, how long do you think I can wait? Well, at least until after this reception. Your guests will be here any minute. I want to think. I know there's a way. Right, as usual, Peggy. But by that tunnel, it makes my blood boil. I know it does, Uncle Andy. It makes mine too. Maybe that's why I'm the way I am. You know, we're out of the same pasture, Peggy. You and me. Ambitious, common folks who know we've got to go up and on in spite of everything. Because we're better and brainier than all the snubs and the pompous fools who rule men's lives. And we've proved it. And they hate us for it. Yes. Yes, that's what you're like, Uncle Andy. I'm not sure it's as fine as that, but I'm right. I know that what you're doing is mostly for me. And a little bit for you too. I understand that. No, they're not going to like seeing me here tonight. And let them lump it. I know, but to see me here is a sort of unofficial mistress of the White House at a reception. But you want to be, don't you, Peggy? Yes. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. I am. Sounds like the guests will arrive. I suppose I got into my duty. You go ahead. I think I'd better be sort of hurry in the background for a while. Uncle Andy? Yes, my dear. Say anything tonight, will you? I'll try not to. Mr. Van Buren. Oh, Mr. President. Howdy, Van. Did Madam Jehovah show up yet? The Vice President and Mrs. Calhoun. I will be here now. And that large, off-stretch man. Dear Mr. President, what a lovely reception. So sorry we're late. John's work, you know. Of course. I'm glad you couldn't get here, John. You'll excuse me, my dear. I see Senator Eaton, of course, through. Such a brilliant gathering, Mr. President. So sad that poor Miss Jackson passed away before she could enjoy it. My Rachel never hankered much for the good gaps in the boundaries of society, man. Good gaps and slobberies, how quaint. But surely you intend to enlist one of the cabinet ladies to be Mr. to the White House, Mr. President? No, ma'am, I don't. The President is just keeping us in suspense, aren't you, Mr. President? Well, we all have our fingers crossed. Then uncross them. The new Mr. to the White House is standing right over there. What? What's that? Oh, Mr. Stimulate. Mr. President. I believe you know these ladies, Mrs. Calhoun, Mrs. Barry. Ladies, Mrs. Stimulate. Of course, we've met often at Gadsby's, Mr. President. I fear I'll have to ask Mr. Calhoun to see me home. I feel a touch of the vapors coming on. Oh, John. What is it, my dear? Oh, sorry, Mr. President. You know the ladies. Such a nice reception, Mr. President. Good night. But, Mrs. Barry, the reception is only just starting. So far society is concerned, Mr. President. This reception ended when that barmaid entered this room. Good night. Stop that compounded music. Party's over. Now, Peggy, this ain't like you. Oh, I should never have come. Peggy, this is my house. Common people of the United States elected me to live in it. As long as I'm master of it, I'll run at how I please and I'll have in it who I please. Oh, but now we're worse off than we were before, both of us. And it's all because of me. Maybe some other folks will be worse off before I get through with them. Yes. Maybe they will. Well, not only yet. But, Uncle Andy, you must give me a little more time. Time for what? For what I have to do. What do you have to do? Yes, yes, Uncle Andy, promise me you won't make any open break with the cabinet just yet. Peggy, what are you driving at? Will you promise me? All right, Peggy, I promise, but you've got to tell me. Uncle Andy, please trust me just this once more. I know what I'm going to do is right for both of us. I've always known it somehow. Know what, Peggy? But if I'm going to help you, I've got to be very cool in their eyes. I've got to be the wife of a cabinet minister, too. Wife of a cabinet minister? But how in creation... Well, there's only one way, isn't there? I'm going to marry John Eaton. Peggy, you hardly know the man, do you? I know him. I know him better than he knows himself. What about Randolph or Roanoke? You love him, don't you, Peggy? Yes, yes, I love him in a way that... I'm afraid that there's something else I love more. What's that? You know, don't you, Uncle Andy? Pray that I do. Mrs. John Eaton, please. Oh, sure, sure, I didn't, will you? Good morning, Uncle Andy. Oh, my, you're looking fine. Oh, I've never felt better in my life. Because, Uncle Andy, we've won. Won? Who's won? What? I persuaded my husband to resign from your cabinet. He sent a letter off today. Resigned? Great, Scott Peggy. John Eaton's the only man in Washington I can trust. Besides Van Buren? Yes, he's resigning, too. Peggy, what made you do it? Well, don't you see? This is your opening. Sounds more like my finish. No, but now you've got something to go on. Something you can bring before the public. Your most trusted adviser quits the cabinet because of the treacherous activities of the other members. Gad! John has finally seen it for himself. He'll back you to the limit, and so will Van Buren. Then you can dismiss the rest of them tomorrow. Tomorrow? I'll fire him today. Now, I'll... Yes, Uncle Andy. Peggy, you didn't marry John Eaton. Just for this. I'm a good wife to him, Uncle Andy. I see. By the way, I've been thinking of a important new minister to Russia. What would you think of Randolph or Roanoke for the job? Well, I think it would be a splendid appointment. And, Peggy, now that we've won, you've won. Are you happy? No regrets? No. No regrets. There never will be. Make yourselves comfortable. No discussion of what I'm about to say. And I'll tolerate no interruptions. Do you among us some traitors to the United States of America? Yes, traitors. You'll call yourselves divisionists, nullificationists, secessionists. I'll call you traitors! And so, Mr. Branch, I call for your resignation as Secretary of the Navy. Mr. Dugger, I call for your resignation as Secretary of the Trinity. Mr. Barry, I... That's not Randolph or Roanoke. That's what you warned, isn't it? No, that's not what I warned. You've got what you've always wanted now, haven't you? I wonder if I'll ever know the answer to that question. Oh, Peggy, why did you let him send me into exile? Oh, I thought it was best, John. Maybe we can both forget all the things that we have. I hope it'll be easier for you than for me. You do understand why I did what I did, don't you? Peggy, what is it to me whether you save the Union or what not? I loved you, and you used me as you used all the others to satisfy that eternal, gnawing ambition. But what's happened to little Peggy O'Neill? What's happened to her, Mr. John Ethan? Perhaps she's going away on this ship, John Randolph, and Roanoke with you. Perhaps only Mrs. Ethan is going home now to still do what she has to do. Goodbye, Mrs. Ethan. Goodbye, John. Goodbye, my dear. Ladies and gentlemen, we will hear from Ms. Goddard again before the close of our program. Meanwhile, we have some interesting information for you. On this eve of the new year, a nation at work is asking how much can we produce and how soon. And much of this necessary speed in production depends upon how rapidly America can fabricate metal. The quickest way to clean metal for fabrication is by solvent degreasing. Metal, when it comes from the mill, is usually covered with oil and dirt. Before it can be lacquered, plated, or given any final protective coating, it must be clean, absolutely clean. A single oil spot, even a thumbprint, means that rust may develop later or that the last coating of paint, say, will flake away. You can wash pots or pans or even a family automobile. But how would you go about cleaning, say, the giant metal wing of an airplane or pilot armor protection for a plane? The answer in industry is solvent degreasing. In the degreasing process, a solvent manufactured by DuPont is heated in the bottom of a specially designed degreaser. Vapor rises from the solvent and condenses on the metal to be cleaned. A vapor four and a half times as heavy as air, controlled so it doesn't escape from the tank. The fluid, as it condenses, falls back to be used over and over again, an economy. And with it falls the grease, every bit of it. The metal is taken from the tank absolutely clean and ready for surface finishing. The degreasing tanks themselves range in size from a dishpan to a box car. The process has already proved valuable in cleaning machine tools, electric motors, automobiles, mining equipment, and many other things. At present it is rendering a service beyond price to manufacturers who work with steel and other metals in supplying the armed forces of the United States and friendly nations. To cite only one example, if it weren't for solvent degreasing we might not be able to turn out airplane motors at the rate at which we are now producing them. Solvent degreasing cleans all newly machined parts before the airplane motor is assembled. Then after the motor is given its trial run, it is taken apart and studied piece by piece. Of course after running the individual parts are covered with lubricating oil, and that has to be cleaned off. Thus solvent degreasing does the job and the perfect job in a few minutes. Thus solvent degreasing does away with bottlenecks in industry wherever the cleaning of metals is a problem. In the present emergency it is no less than vital. And so the DuPont chemist has added to his peacetime task of making better things for better living through chemistry the wartime job of helping to make sure that we will enjoy those better things in the future. That we may have them in our time in the sort of world we choose to have our children live in. And now ladies and gentlemen, the star of tonight's cavalcade, Miss Paulette Goddard. Mr. Collier, I just want to say to everyone listening that it's been a privilege and an experience to appear on the cavalcade of America. I only hope that our show this evening has been as entertaining for you to listen to as it's been for me. I'm sure it has Miss Goddard and I know I speak for all of us in saying so. And now if I may I'd like to say something about our next show. Tonight, the cavalcade of America will present Lionel Barrymore in an American classic of our time. A story that cavalcade has presented before and that we feel is particularly appropriate today. A play about America in crisis. Perhaps the greatest crisis in all her history. Maxwell Anderson's splendid play, Valley Forge. Don't forget, next week, cavalcade presents Maxwell Anderson's Valley Forge starring Lionel Barrymore. On tonight's program the orchestra and the original musical score were under the direction of Don Burry. Miss Goddard appeared tonight through the courtesy of Paramount Pictures for whom she will presently star in The Lady Has Planned. On the cavalcade of America your announcer is Clayton Collier sending best wishes from Dupont. National Broadcasting Company.