 From Hollywood, California, the Lux Radio Theater presents Joan Crawford and Basil Raffin in a doll's house. Lux presents Hollywood. It's your purchases of our products, Lux toilets open Lux Flakes, ladies and gentlemen, that make this program possible. For the splendid loyalty you show us, ours is sincere gratitude. Last week we announced an offer of a beautiful compact, so many of the ladies in our audience have taken advantage of this offer. We are making it again tonight at the end of our program, so please listen carefully and have your pencils ready. Starred tonight are Joan Crawford, Basil Raffin, Sam Jaffe, Neda Herrigan and Vernon Steele in a doll's house. As special guest, Miss Frances Manson, head of the story department of Samuel W. Golden Productions. Our orchestra is conducted by Lois Silvers, and now the producer of the Lux Radio Theater. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's play is the work of one of the loneliest figures in literature, Henrik Ibsen. Poverty stricken as a boy, Ibsen exiled himself for many years from his native Norway because of the lukewarm reception that country gave his plays. First produced many years ago, a doll's house provoked the storm of angry criticism because the playwright did express the belief that a happy marriage must have a foundation of truth, freedom and intellectual companionship. Like all masterpieces, a doll's house has a deathless quality and has brought fame to a score of world-renowned actresses. To which list we add tonight the name of Joan Crawford, and no one is less conscious of her success than Joan herself. She tackles each new job with the same, I've got to make good attitude, that she had when she first arrived here fresh from her Schubert chorus. A Metro-Golden Maier star, Joan is seen next in the shining hour and is heard tonight as Nora Helmer. Costard as Torvald Helmer, a part more sympathetic than his usual roles, is that master of glistening villainy, Basil Rathbone, one of Hollywood's more gentle and considerate citizens off the screen. This splendid actor is currently flaunting his docksome devilry and the adventures of Robin Hood, and is with us this week straight from the set of Paramounts If I Were King. Sam Jaffe, who gave such a remarkable performance of the ancient llama in Lost Horizon plays Krogstadt, the same role which brought him unstinted praise when a doll's house played on Broadway this season. Edda Harrigan plays Mrs. Linden, and Vernon Steele is Dr. Ronk, and now the Lux Radio Theatre presents Joan Crawford and Basil Rathbone in a doll's house. The year is 1890, we're in a little town in Norway on a grey September afternoon. Along the windy street in a quiet section of the city, a young woman walks hurriedly, her long dress flipping out behind her, her face half buried in an old fashioned muff. She glances frequently over her shoulder, as if to assure herself that she's not been noticed. Then she stops, and after a final nervous glance, darts quickly into a doorway. Well? It's I, Mrs. Helma. Oh, come in please. Sit down, Mrs. Helma. Thank you. Uh, wasn't it a little indiscreet of you to come here, I mean? Oh, I was very careful, Mr. Krogstadt. I'm quite sure no one saw me. I hope not. Did, uh, you think it over, Mr. Krogstadt? The matter we spoke of yesterday? Yes. The lending of money, Mrs. Helma, is a serious business. Oh, I know it is. It's even more serious when the loan is to be made to a wife, without the consent or even knowledge of her husband. But he mustn't know. He mustn't even dream that I borrowed the money. That's why I came to you. You've known him at the bank. Yes, at the bank and at school, but we were never very friendly. While you worked with him, you must know how he feels about being in debt. He has a dread of it, Mr. Krogstadt. He thinks debts are immoral, almost criminal. He'd never allow me to owe the butcher or the baker a single krona. And now you wish to borrow a great many krona? Because he needs it. Oh, you know how ill he's been. And now the doctor say that he must go away to rest, a long rest in Italy. And if he doesn't go, he'll never be well again. I want to save my husband's life, Mr. Krogstadt. Mrs. Helmer, I wish I could help you. Does that mean you won't? But I'll pay it back. I promise I will. I'll save it. And I could make money other ways. I'm very clever at copying you. Mrs. Helmer, is there anyone you could get to sponsor the loan? Sponsor it? To sign the note with you and act as surety. I mean a man, of course. Well, I don't know. There's no one I'd like to ask for fear. Torvald would find out. Well, you have a father living. My father. What would he do? If he'd sign the note with you? Yeah. Oh, then he will. I'm sure he will. Very well. Oh, thank you. Now, here is the note. Yes. When you come back to me with the note signed by you, here, and your father's signature down here, I'll let you have the money. Oh, wonderful. It really isn't difficult at all. I almost wish Torvald could know, then perhaps he'd see how clever I really am. Oh, he mustn't. All he must know is that we have money from somewhere, and that we're going away to Italy. You must try yourself out dancing like that. Now sit down, Nora. Please. Oh, Torvald isn't it wonderful? I feel as if I belonged here, as if I'd lived in Italy all my life. Oh, and now I've learned to dance the tarantella. Yes, and you dance it beautifully, Nora. Oh, it's so easy to dance here, where your heart is light. Aren't you glad I teased you until you've rocked me? Very glad. Oh, and the rest has been good for you, Torvald. So good. Oh, nonsense. I never needed a rest. Oh, no, of course you didn't. It was just for me, and I love you for it. Oh, you can hardly thank me. I could never afford a trip like this. It was strange, your father leaving you that money. Strange, Torvald? I always thought he was rather impromptu. I, uh, I was sure that he'd die quite penniless. Well, he must have had some put away. Yes. Well, unless it's almost gone, my dear, we'll have to be leaving for home soon. Oh, I know. But I'm so anxious to see the children again. Put these flowers in water. Oh, flowers too, ma'am. Oh, yes, Ellen, and so awfully expensive. Oh, uh, did the Christmas tree come here? Yes, ma'am. I put it in the kitchen so the children wouldn't see it. Is that you, Nora? Oh, Torvald, I'm so glad you're home. Come and see all the presents I have. Look, Torvald. You mean to say you've bought all these? Oh, just a few little things for the children, Ellen and Anna and Dr. Ron. Mm-mm. I suppose you spent every penny I gave you. No, I, I did have some left, and then I, I saw those heavenly roses. Oh, but that's so extravagant. Oh, I know, Torvald. I know, but I, I just couldn't resist. And what did you buy for yourself? Oh, I don't need anything. Nonsense. Tell me, what'd you like? Something useful? Something sensible? Well... Mm? If you really do want to give me something, you could give me money. Now, Nora. Oh, and then I could buy myself something, just what I needed. But there's no Christmas spirit about cold, hard money. Oh, yes, there is. But you're so extravagant, Nora. On that trip to Italy last winter, we simply can't afford to go on throwing money about you now. Oh, but you'll be making lots of money now, and we could always get a little credit. Credit? Nora, have you ever known me to borrow money? No, but it ought to be easy enough now. I want no creditors in my life, thank you. We've held out all these years without ever owing anyone a penny, and we're certainly not going to begin now at the last minute. Yes, darling. Of course, you know that. At the same time, we're not exactly paupers. Look, why do you think I've got here? Oh, Torvald money? Oh, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50. Here, here, get that back. Oh, Torvald, darling, thank you. This will go a long way. I should hope so. No one would believe how much it costs a man to keep a little thing like you. A lady to see you, Mrs. Helmer. A lady? Well, ask her to come in, Ellen. Yes, ma'am. Well, I must get back to the bank for a while. Goodbye, darling. Come home early tonight. I'll try. This way, please. Who is it, Ellen? Oh, Nora. How are you? You... You don't remember me, do you? No, I don't think I... Why, yes, Christina. Is it really you? It really is, Christina. And I think I didn't even know you, but you're so changed. Yes, I... I guess I am in nine or 10 years. Oh, good heavens. Has it been as long as that? But what are you doing in town? I arrived down the morning bolt. Oh, yes, to spend Christmas. How wonderful. Oh, what a thoughtless rich I am. Oh, darling, how can you forgive me? Forgive you. Oh, Christina, I forgot that you... That's your husband. Yes, my... My husband died three years ago. Yes, I saw it in the papers, but... Well, you know how it is. Did he leave you anything? Nothing. Not even any children? No. Nothing? Not anything? Not even a regret. Darling, you must tell me the whole story. I never would have dreamed it. It must have been awful. And to be absolutely alone afterwards. Oh, you know, I have two of the sweetest children. Just wait till you see them. They're out with their nurse now. So there's nothing to disturb us, and you can tell me all about it. No, dear. You tell me. No, really, darling. I won't be selfish today. Oh, uh... But I must tell you one thing. Have you heard of our wonderful luck? No, what is it? My husband has been appointed manager of the savings bank. He has? Oh, it is. Oh, Christina, can you imagine how it makes you feel to have lots of money? Not only what you need, but just heaps of money. Oh, Nora. Nora, you haven't changed a bit. You're still the same old Spencer. Oh, don't be ridiculous. I've had to work. You work? Oh, but why? Well... Toveled with ill, you know, and... Of course you mustn't tell, Christina. Tell what? Well, we needed money, and of course we didn't have any. No, I wouldn't think to inherit the money for my father. Nora, it wasn't either a little rash of you, but it saved his life. But won't you tell him? Oh, after a great many years, perhaps. Well, I'm not so young. Well, don't laugh, Christina. I mean, when Toveled isn't so much in love with me, well, it isn't fun for him any longer to see me skipping a bar, dressing up and acting. Well, then it might be good to have something in reason. Oh, no. Now, what about you? What are you going to do, Christina? I wish I knew, my dear. I'll have to find work, I suppose. I, um... I was wondering a while ago, Nora. What? Well, with your husband a bank official... You mean he might be able to do something for you? Well, I was hoping... Oh, darling, that's a wonderful idea. Nora, do you really... Oh, just you leave it all to me. I'll give you a note to him, and you go to the bank and see him. Oh, I know he'll give you the position if I ask. Nora, you don't know how much this means to me. Poor Christina. I'll write the note at once. Don't come in, darlings. Mama's here. Mama, he threw a snowball and hit me. I did not. I hit him back. Oh, my baby. Mmm, such a cheek. Darling, you've been out for hours. Aren't you frozen? I'm warm. I saw a dog, Mama. He ran after a man and he growled. I saw the dog, too. Oh, did you, my sweet? And the man picked up a stick and the dog ran around biting people. Really? Oh, I know he didn't bite you, though, did he, darling? I'd like a dog. I'll just take their coat, ma'am. Oh, yes, Ellen. Can we play now, Mama? Of course, darling. Any single thing you want is Christmas Eve. I want to play diamond stuff. Blind man's buff? All right. Now you know what you do first. All right. It's a man. What do you want, Mr. Crookthed? You see, the door was open and I thought... My husband's not at home, Mr. Crookthed. Yes, I know. Children, go to Ellen. Come on in. What did you come here for? It isn't the first of the month, Mr. Crookthed. It isn't bad. I'll ask you something. An hour ago at the bank, a lady asked to see Mr. Helmer. She said she had a note from you. Well... Would you mind telling me if that lady was a Mrs. Linden? Yes. Do you know her? I... I haven't seen her for a great many years. Naturally, I was surprised when I heard her inquire for your husband. It isn't surprising. She's going to be given a position at the bank. She is? I guess. But... But how? Well, you see, sometimes a little influence with the right people, Mr. Crookthed. You mean you had something to do with it? Naturally, I did what I could for my friend. Why? Come now, Mrs. Helmer. You know very well whose job it is your friend is getting. What are you talking about? So I'm just to be thrown out, am I? What? Oh, you needn't pretend you didn't know. How dare you talk like that to me? I didn't know. My husband doesn't tell me his business. Mrs. Helmer, I must ask you to use your influence for me. But I have no influence, whatever. But you just said you had, Mrs. Helmer. That's quite different. If someone is to be hired and Mrs. Linden is capable, being an old friend of mine might help with my husband. But this... Well, this is different. Do you expect me to be able to tell my husband what to do? I'm truly sorry for you. Mrs. Helmer, I don't want your pity. I want your help. You really can't profuse me. You're trying to fight me, but I'm not afraid of you anymore. In a little while I'll have paid off the note and I'll be through with the whole business. Please listen to me, Mrs. Helmer. Try to understand that it's vital for me to keep my job at the bank. I'm sorry, but really I'm quite helpless. I tell you, I've got to keep it, that's all. I've got children and they're growing up. They need to have a father who's able to hold up his head in a respectable position. I tell you, my job at the bank is the only chance I've got to get anywhere. But I just can't listen. You've got to listen. Mr. Koch said you're threatening me. I don't care what you call it. Would you tell my husband I owe you money? I don't know. Why, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. When it's all my own secret and I'm so proud of it, why, if you heard about it that way, there's no telling how unpleasant it would be. Unpleasant? Mrs. Helmer, I'm afraid there are some things you don't understand very well. Let me make things clear for you. You needn't bother... When your husband was ill, you came to me to borrow some of money. I promised to find you the money in exchange for a written agreement which I drew up. Your father was to sign this agreement. Was too. He did sign it. Did he, Mrs. Helmer? Well, you knew he did it. Anyway, haven't I made my payments on time? Mrs. Helmer, your father was very ill, wasn't he? Yes, he was on his deathbed. Tell me, Mrs. Helmer, do you happen to remember the day he died? The day of the month, I mean. It was the 29th of September. Ah, that's correct. But you see, I made a little investigation for myself, and I discovered a rather remarkable fact which I can't quite explain. What remarkable fact? The remarkable fact is, or seems to be, that your father signed this paper three days after his death. I don't understand. Well, Miefer, do I, Mrs. Helmer? Here your father dies on the 29th of September, and here he signs his name on October the 2nd. There's the date, don't you see? Now, isn't that remarkable? Perhaps you can explain it. Your father really did write his name here himself. Didn't he? No. No, I wrote it. Do you realize what you're admitting? That was a very dangerous thing to do, Mrs. Helmer. But why? You'll have your last payment in a few days. Mrs. Helmer, you really don't seem to understand what you've done. Do you know, Mrs. Helmer, that I did something just about like that once, and it ruined me? You mean you took a risk to save someone's life? The law, Mrs. Helmer, takes no account of motives. Then the law must be very bad. Bad or not, if I take this paper to court, the law will condemn you exactly as it did me. I don't believe it. As if I didn't have the right to save my father from worry when he was dying. As if anyone should tell me that I hadn't the right to save my husband's life. I don't know very much about law, and I don't want to if that's the way it is. But I'm certain they'd let you do that. Why, the idea of not knowing that when you're a lawyer, you must be a very poor one. Maybe I am, but I do understand something about this business, you and I are in together. And now, Mrs. Helmer, you can do exactly as you please. But let me tell you this one thing. If I'm thrown off into the mud again, there'll be others to keep me company. I must go to all of them. No, no, no, not yet. It's Christmas Eve. Well, I don't hear Norah persuading me. Well, what? Oh, yes, please, say Dr. Ron. No, no. I have patients waiting for me in the morning. People are as sick on Christmas Day as any other day. Then you must come again tomorrow. I will, if I'm still alive. Oh, what a way for a doctor to talk. Good night. Good night. Good night, Doctor. Well, I still have a little work to do before bed. Oh, no, Tovelda, I want you to talk with me. Now, what would that be about? By the way, was anyone here this afternoon? No, just Christina. You gave her the position, Tovelda. Oh, yes, yes, but when I came home, I thought I saw Krogstadt leaving the house. Krogstadt? Well, he really was here, but just for a minute... Norah. Well, it was just for a minute. Norah, look at me. I'm very, very much surprised. Krogstadt has been asking you to put in a good word for him, hasn't he? Are you going to be angry with me? And you were supposed to do it just as if you thought of it yourself. Yes, but I... No, Norah. And you could stoop to that, just speak to such a man to make a promise and then to lie about it, to me. Now, you won't do that again, will you, dear? Will you? Well, we won't say any more about it. Tovelda, tell me, was it really something awful this Krogstadt got into trouble over? Oh, forgery, that's all. You know what that means. But don't you think he might have been forced to do it? Perhaps, and I'm not so hard-hearted as to condemn a man for a single slip. No, no, of course not. And a man can redeem his character if he admits his crime and takes his punishment. Crime? No, Krogstadt didn't. He dodged and used all kinds of tricks. He was disbarred, of course, but he, well, he should have been sent to jail. But don't you think he had responsibilities, children? After all, he might have done it for their sake. Yeah, that's the worst of it. It's like a poison, especially for the children. How do you mean? Oh, I've seen it time and time again. It's really amazing to see how criminal tendencies in children can be traced to lying parents. This Krogstadt has been contaminating his children for years. But how? Oh, by his life of lies and deceit, of course. They're all drawn into it with him. Sad, isn't it? I can sympathize with you when you feel sorry for him. But you will promise not to say any more about it. Hmm? Well, I'm going to my study. I won't belong. Oh, dear God. Mrs. Helmer. Mrs. Helmer, the children want to come and say good night. What? The children. Shall I bring them into you? No. No, not now, Ellie. Our first subject is the devastating Helen of Troy. Greek Helen of Troy had a way with a boy that caused the upheaval of nations. To buy her a cloak, Minelaus went broke, and an army went short on its ration. But her jewels counted not her robes or but ought we've learned from historical data. We'll give you the dope. She used luck's toilet soap, and her face was what launched the rigata. We jumped now two colonial times into the cumlemaden, Priscilla. Priscilla was fair and had smoothly brushed hair when John came to woo her for Sandish. But she wanted John with no pro or con, why the idea of Miles was outlandish. She got her own way in her confidence lay, not in clothes so demure and colonial. It's easy, why shucks? It's because she used luck's. It's a passport to things matrimonial. And now we come to Miss 1938 in whom we're all most interested. The girl of today wears a suit and beret. She ponders on color selection. But though fashions vary, they are still secondary compared with a lovely complexion. And she knows it still pays, as it did in past days, to keep her skin clear and attractive. And of course, if she's clever, she'll do it forever with luck, for its lather is active. The famous beauties of history understood the relation between lovely skin and romance. The famous beauties of our own day, the lovely stars of Hollywood, understand it too. Nine out of ten of them use luck's toilet soap to protect their beauty. Its active lather removes dust, dirt and stale cosmetics thoroughly. Guards against choked pores that cause cosmetic skin, dullness, tiny blemishes and large pores. Protect the loveliness of your skin the easy Hollywood way. Use luck's toilet soap before you renew makeup, always before you go to bed. May I remind you that an important announcement comes at the end of our performance tonight. I suggest that the ladies have pencil and paper ready. Now, our producer. Joan Crawford and Basil Rathman continue in a darls house with Sam Jaffe and Nedda Harrigan. Christmas Day finds Nora an estate close to hysteria. Under the influence of her husband's stern philosophy, she's fearful of contaminating her children with her presence. And so she's not seen them for almost 24 hours. Now, late in the afternoon, she knocks timidly at the door of her husband's study. Nora? Am I disturbing you, Torval? Oh, uh, well, just a little bit. Um, what do you want, dear? Torval, if I were to ask you for something, to beg you for something very prittley, would you do it? Nora, you can't mean what you were hinting at yesterday. Oh, yes, for my sake, Torval. You must let Krogster keep his place in the bank. My dear Nora, it's his place that I'm giving to your friend, Mrs. Linda. I'm sorry, darling, and that's so good of you, but instead of Krogster, couldn't you just dismiss some other clerk? Dismiss some other clerk? What's the matter with you, Nora? Just because you were impulsive enough to promise to put in a good word for him, I'm too... No, it's not that. It's not that I said anything to him, but it's for your own sake, Torval. I'm so terribly afraid of him. Why? Well, I hear he's rather malicious, and there's no telling what he might say. That's why I beg you. Yes, and the more you plead for him, the more you make it impossible for me to keep him on. Oh, darling, please. Now there's no use going any further with this. The matter's closed. I've just sent a messenger out with a letter. What letter? A Krogster dismissal. Oh, call it back again, Torval. There's still time for my sake for your own. Oh, listen, please, Torval, you don't know what might happen because of... Now come, Nora, what do you expect me to do? What are you about being slandered a blackmail by a wretched fellow like Krogster? Really? I can forgive you only because I know it's proof of your love for me. And that says it should be. Let what will happen when it comes to the pinch. I think you'll find my shoulders are broad enough to bear the burden. No, no, you'll never do that. I won't let you. Well, we'll do it together then. We'll share it, man and wife. How would you like that? Now, now, now, now, stop worrying. It's just your imagination. I'll tell you what. Take your tambourine and practice your tarantella. Tarantella? Yes. You're going to dance at the Stenburg's party tonight. You haven't forgotten, have you? No, no, I remember. Tell me. Is Dr. Ronkin. Why, yes, come in. Come in, Nora. Thank you. Sit down, Nora. I was just about to leave for your house. Dr. Ronkin, there's something I want to ask you. I'm not disturbing you, am I? I always have time for you, Nora. I always will have. Just as long as I'm able. As long as? What does that mean? Does that frighten you? Well, I think it's an odd expression, isn't it? Do you expect anything to happen? Oh, something that's no surprise. Is there something you've really discovered? I've been auditing my life account, Nora. Oh, you've discovered something about yourself? Yes, and it looks as if I'm bankrupt. Before very long, my poor carcass will be rotting in the churchyard. What a dreadful way to talk. Dreadful? Well, it's a dreadful business. There's one final test to be made, and then we'll know exactly when disintegrations are taken. Dr. Ronkin. As soon as I'm certain of the worst, I'll send you my visiting card, and then you'll know that really serious things have begun. I won't listen. You know you're exaggerating. You just like to talk this way. You mustn't think of dying and leaving Torvald and me. You're our oldest friend. You will get over it. The absent are soon forgotten. Do you think so? People make fresh ties. Although I... I do hate to leave at all. Oh, nonsense. You shan't leave us. And without leaving behind as much as a little token of gratitude. Nothing but some space. The first person that comes along can fill that. And just suppose if I were to ask you for... For what? For a great proof of your friendship. For a very, very great service. Would you, for once, make me so happy? Oh, but you don't know what it is. Then tell me. Don't you trust me? Oh, I do, Dr. Ronkin. It's something you must help me prevent. You know how deeply, how really deeply Torvald loves me. He wouldn't hesitate a moment to give his very life for me. Nora, do you think he's the only one? But what do you mean? Who'd gladly give his life for you? I wanted to say it to you once. Before I... Before I go away. I'll never find a better moment. Well, I've told you. Now you know you can trust me as you can trust no one else. Dr. Ronkin, how could you be so? Why did you say that? I've told you so nice before. Nora, please. Oh, I can't tell you anything now. Oh, you mustn't punish me not that way. Let me help you, Nora. No, you can't do anything for me now. Besides, it's not... I really don't want any help. I have to leave now. Goodbye, Dr. Ronkin. Oh, I'm glad you've come home, ma'am. There's a man here to see you. Mr. Krogstadt. Here? Ellen, where's Mr. Helmer? He's out, ma'am. Gone over to fetch Dr. Ronkin. Thank you, Ellen. What do you want here? I want some information, Mrs. Helmer. Be quick, then. What is it? You know I've been dismissed. I couldn't prevent it, Mr. Krogstadt. I fought and I stood up for you, but it wasn't any use. Oh, is that all he cares for? Oh, please, you won't tell. Think of my children. Why should I? Did you and your husband think of mine? However, I've come to tell you that you needn't take this matter too seriously. I'm not going to use this information I've got. Not for the present, anyway. Oh, Mr. Krogstadt, I knew you wouldn't... In fact, no one needn't know. It can remain just between us three. Oh, no, my husband must never know. Why? Are you ready to pay off the balance? Well, no, not at the moment, but it won't be long before it's all paid. I'm going to hold on to that note. What would you do with it? Just keep it, Mrs. Helmer. Don't worry. No one else will ever know anything about it. But if you had any desperate scheme in mind, put it right out of your head. We all think such things at first. I did too, Mrs. Helmer. But I didn't have the courage. Nor I. No. You wouldn't have the courage either. Would you, Mrs. Helmer? It would be very foolish. Very, very foolish. Now, I've written a letter to your husband. To my husband? But he must never see it. Tear the letter up. I'll get the money somehow. I'm sorry, Mrs. Helmer, but I think I've told you. I don't want it. Well, then what do you want? I'll tell you what I want. I want her to gain my foothold in the world. I want to get back to where I belong. I want her eyes. And your husband shall help me. No, you won't. He will. I know him, Mrs. Helmer. He won't dare put up a fight. And when he and I are together there, you will see, yes, within a year, I shall be his right-hand man. It won't be torbled, Helmer. It'll be Neil's corksetter in the bank. No. Who will stop me? Somebody wears the courage. Oh, you can't frighten me. A petted, pampered creature like you. Oh, you'll see. You'll see. Under the ice, perhaps? Down in the cold, black water? An X-spring to come up again ugly? Unrecognizable? No, no. People don't do that sort of thing, Mrs. Helmer. And anyway, what will be the use of it? I've got your husband in my pocket, no matter what you do. Not after I'm gone. Not after I'm... You forget. Your reputation is in my hands. You can think of that when you're planning to do something foolish. I'll drop the stutter in the mailbox on my way up. No, please. I expect to hear from your husband very soon. What are you doing, my dear? I'm trying to get the mailbox open. But where's the key? I haven't one. Christina, look. There's a letter in there, and it's from Crookston. Crookston? Yes, and now Torval will know everything. Oh, believe me, dear. It will really be best for both of you. But you don't understand. I forged a name. Papa's name? Nora. Listen, Christina. You must witness. Listen, what is there to witness? If anything should happen, if I should go out of my mind. If anything should happen so that I wouldn't be here. Nora, you've lost control of yourself. If anyone else should try to take the whole blame on himself, you are my witness that it was all my doing. No one else knew anything about it. Nora. Oh, I'm not out of my mind, Christina. I know what I'm saying. I did the whole thing. You will remember, won't you? Of course I'll remember, but I don't know what you mean. Oh, no. No, how could you? Because a very wonderful thing is going to happen. A miracle is going to come. Yeah. Yes. A very wonderful thing. But it's so terrible to Christina. Oh, it must have happened. Don't. Don't, dear. I shall go to Crookston right now and talk to him. You? What can you do? In the old days, he... he would have done anything for me. Crookston? I knew him very well. Nonsense. You must come tonight. No, I'd better not. Oh, listen. It's trouble, Dr. Rank. They're coming up. There's trouble. Mustn't see me. Go inside. I'll try to find Crookston. Don't give up. Don't, Nora. A miracle. It must happen. Oh, it must. Come in, Rank. And I still say you're quite mad. Perhaps. Well, Nora. Home again? Yes. How do you do, Dr. Rank? Good evening, Nora. Oh, what's the matter with you, Nora? You look quite upset. Have you been practicing too hard? No, I haven't practiced at all yet. But you'll have to. Oh, yes, I must. I must practice a great deal. But, Torvald, I can't without you. I know I've forgotten everything. Oh, well, when you've worked on it, it'll come back to you. Sit down, Rank. Why are you going, Torvald? Just have a look at the mailbox. Oh, no, no. Don't do that. Oh, why not? Torvald, I'm sure there are no letters there. Well, just let me look at it. Oh, no. If you don't rehearse with me, I won't be able to dance tonight. What? You're really as nervous as all that about it? Oh, terribly, Torvald. Let's rehearse now. There's time before dinner. Sit down and play for me. And you can direct me. You know the way you used to do. Oh, right, all right. What a creature. Play, Torvald. Play. Nora, that will never do. Oh, Torvald, please. I told you I needed to practice. Let me play for her. Perhaps we can do it slowly. Oh, yes, please. Now, look, Torvald, sit here, and then you can watch me. All right. Now try to calm yourself. Yes, darling, I will. How's this, Torvald? Is it better? Nora, Nora, there's no need to dance until there's a matter of life and death. Right? Stop it. This is all out control. Stop, I say. Nora, I don't see how you could have forgotten everything that way. I told you ahead. Oh, Torvald, you must practice with me right up to the last minute. Promise, Torvald. Certainly, if you wish. For you to think of nothing but me, not a letter, not a paper. You mustn't even look at the mailbox until after the party. Very well, my dear. But you seem so... so overwrought. Now, let's go all go in and we'll have dinner and then we can practice again later. Thank you, Torvald. Come along, Rock. Thanks. Seven o'clock. Five hours until midnight. And the tarantulla will be over. Five hours to live. Nora. Nora, are you coming? Coming, Torvald. Here's the plumbware broadcasting system. The curtain falls on Act Two of the Darlthouse. Before we hear Joan Crawford and Basil Rathburn in Act Three, we spend this brief intermission with another personality from Backstage Hollywood. Frances Manson, chief story editor of Samuel Goldwyn Productions. Miss Manson came here from Columbia University, where she taught short story writing and advertising. Today, she's one of that highly important group who, seeking for good motion picture stories, wade through the vast, massive material turned out by the world's authors. And now, Miss Manson, what's your story? A complaint, Mr. DeMille. We've had a very definite lack of story material. If good stories were only half as plentiful around Hollywood as luck's soap, I'd be a lot happier. There's a cake of luck in practically every dressing room in Hollywood, but there are only about ten good motion picture ideas in every 1,100 stories. In spite of the fact that about half the letters that come to producers are from people claiming they have great ideas for film stories, we're still screaming for new material. Many of these unsolicited stories may be great, but every unknown writer who sends us one is certain of receiving it back promptly and unopened. We can't give them a chance because we can't take a chance. That's it. A lot of people think we're just waiting for the opportunity to steal their ideas. Obviously that isn't true, and here's a typical example. We received a letter from a man who said I have a great idea for Gary Cooper. Make him a cowboy in his next picture and let him fall in love with a society girl. Please send me a check for $1,000 immediately as I am going on my vacation next Tuesday. I assume he went on his vacation without your assistance. Right. You know as well as I do, Mr. DeMille, that such a vague suggestion doesn't mean very much. An idea like that is so obvious that it had already occurred dozens of times to write at the studio and hundreds of times to people outside the studio. As a matter of fact, in reference to this particular case, Mr. Golden had already started work on a picture called The Lady and the Cowboy with Gary Cooper and Meryl Oberon. Imagine how embarrassing it would be if we read every manuscript we received. Without a doubt, a manuscript would be bound to contain an episode somewhere in it that might slightly resemble part of our movie script. And human nature being what it is, we would never convince the would-be author that we had not stolen his play and changed it around to suit ourselves. The safest plan for all concerned is the one we follow, namely not to open any manuscript which comes in unsolicited. This is the firmest rule in Hollywood. Then what outlets are open to the would-be screenwriter, Ms. Manson? My advice is this. Prove your ability first, write for the magazines, for the book publishers, or the play producers, and we'll grab you without further delay. In other words, if you want to write for Hollywood, don't write for Hollywood until we ask you. What do you think of the ones we've already asked? The mainstream writers are quite as temperamental as actors, but at times you can't blame them because the producers they work for are temperamental too. Heresy, Ms. Manson, that requires explanation. I can recall one producer who summoned in his writers and said he wanted the scope of the story to be much bigger. This isn't big enough, he said. I want it to be great. I want it to be infinitesimal. And the producer was not Mr. Goldman. Then there's the producer who reluctantly agreed to read a certain writer's story. He said, I'll read it with an open mind, but I may as well warn you, I think it's terrible. But writers in turn are often something of a problem to producers. For instance, Robert Riskin has to write every line of a screenplay in longhand. S.K. Lauren has to go away and do his creating in a shack. Joe Swirling will spend weeks at wood carving and not write a single line. Then suddenly appear, call for a dictaphone and give forth a complete shooting script without having put a word down on paper. Still, in my opinion, the screenwriter is entitled to every bit of individuality he cares to assert. The fact remains that he delivers the goods and contributes what to me is the most important phase of pictures. The story. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Madsen. Act three of the Dalles House, starring Joan Crawford and Basil Rathbone with Sam Jaffe and Neda Harrigan. Later the same night, with Christina gone to use her influence with Krogstadt, Nora dances at the party. Faster and faster, she whirls about the room. A cheek's two spots of frenzy. Her eyes burning. And then the tarantula ends. Nora, Nora, come here. How tall did I dance well? You were magnificent, my dear. You remembered everything I told you. Come now. We must go home. Oh, no. Not yet, darling, just a little longer. But it's late, Nora, and you're tired. Yes. Yes, I am tired. Come along, dear. We'll say good night. So slowly, Nora. Let me help you. I'm even more tired than I thought. There we are. You see, I was perfectly right not to let you stay any longer. Yes, darling. Everything you do is right. Torval, what are you doing? I want to clear out the mailbox. It's so late, Torval. Won't tomorrow do. Look at all the letters that have collected. Why? What's this? What? Dr. Rank's visiting card. It was right on top. He must have just put it in tonight. I wonder what this means. What is it? This black cross over his name. What a ghastly idea. You think he was announcing his own death? He is. What? How do you know? Has he told you something? That card, it is farewell. He's going to shut himself up alone and die. Oh, poor old Rank. Of course, I knew we couldn't hope to keep him long, but so soon. And to go off alone, like a wounded animal. When one goes, it's best to go silently, don't you think? I just can't realize that he's gone. He's grown into our lives, so. Oh, well, perhaps it's for the best, at least for him. And for us too, because now we have to depend entirely on each other. Go, India. Oh, it's a relief to be home again. Come here, Nora, you enchanting creature. Torval, don't please. Why not? Oh, I know what it is. You have the talent teller still in your blood, and it makes you all the more tempting. Read your letters, Torval. Oh, but a moment ago, you asked me to wait. Oh, my darling, I... I can't hold you close enough. You know, I wish sometimes that you were in some great trouble, so that I could do something really marvelous for you, risk my body and soul, everything. Please, you must read your letters, Torval. What an insistent creature. Very well. Let me see. This is strange. Oh, let him croak-stat. I wonder if he's going to ask... What's this? Nora, do you know what's in this letter? Yes. He says that you're a forger. But you forged your father's name. Is it true? I loved you, Torval. Answer me. Is it true? It was all because I loved you. Stop saying that. Yes, it's true. You fool! What have you done? Torval, you're not going to take this on yourself. You're not to try to save me. Oh, don't be melodramatic. Do you understand what you've done? Yes. You've ruined my future. Do you know that? You've put me in the hands of a scoundrel. From now on, he can do whatever he likes with me. Do mind what he chooses. Domineer over me as much as he likes, and I'm going to submit to everything. Out of the world, you'll be free. Out of the world, all this is no time for fine phrases. What good would it do if you were out of the world? He blabbed the story just the same, and people might even suspect me of having been a part of it. Did you ever stop to think of that? They'd say that I was at the bottom of it. That I'd edge you on. And it's you I have to thank for all this. You, whom I've petted and spoiled all our married life. Now do you understand what you've done to me? Yes. I... I just can't believe it. I... I've got to keep you quiet somehow. That's it. People simply mustn't find out that there's anything at all out of the way. Well, we'll, uh, we'll make things look as though, uh, nothing had happened between us, and, uh... Oh, what can that be at this hour? What is it? Another for you, sir. Mr. Kroegstad asked me to deliver it. Kroegstad, give it here. Oh, what more can he do to me now? Torvala... Be quiet! Why? What? Look, it's a promise of a note. It's your note. He's returned it. I... I don't understand. What does he... what does he say? Returning your wife's note, I regret my actions in this matter. Mrs. Lindham has convinced me that... Oh, Nora! Nora, thank God! I'm saved! I'm saved! And I...? You too, yes, of course, darling. We're saved, Nora. It's all over. I'm... it's finished. I'll tear it up. I... I won't even look at it. The whole thing should just disappear like a dream. Oh, Nora, Nora, these must have been terrible days for you. Yes, they have been. Yes, I see now. You did it because you loved me. It was just that you... Well, you... you went about it in the wrong way, dear. You... you didn't have the experience to know how. But the next time you see, dearest, you... you must come to me. You do realize that, don't you? Nora... Nora, you're not going to remember the things I said. Are you? Why... why the whole world seemed to be falling to pieces around me. It's all going to be forgotten. I forgive you. Thank you for your forgiveness, Torvala. Thank you? Is that all you have to say to me? Why... why do you look at me so strangely? Now, dear, you'd... you'd better go and get some sleep. I shall not sleep tonight. But it's late. It's not so late. Sit down, Torvala. Nora, what do you mean? Your face is so cold and set. Sit down, Torvala. Nora, you frighten me. I don't understand you. That's just it. You don't understand me. And I've never understood you until tonight. What do you mean? Doesn't one thing strike you as strange as we sit here? Nora, what are you talking about? We've been married eight years. Doesn't it occur to you that this is the first time we two have talked together seriously? Oh, my dear child. What have you to do with serious things? I've had a great injustice done, me, Torvala. First by my father and then by you. And your father and me? Yes. When I was at home, father used to tell me all his opinions. And I always agreed with him. He used to call me his doll child and play with me just the way I played with my dolls. And then I came to live in your house. What a way to talk about our marriage. Well, I mean I changed hands from his to yours. And I heard your opinions and agreed with them or pretended to it. Nora. I've been living here like a beggar by performing tricks for you. That's the way you would have it. You and my father are responsible. It's your fault my life has come to nothing. Nora, haven't you been happy here? No. Only Mary. You've always been kind to me but our house has been nothing but a nursery. I've been your doll wife just as I used to be father's doll child. And in the same way my children have been my dolls. That's what our marriage has been, Torvala. Well, perhaps there is some truth in what you say. But Nora, from now on it will be different. Yes. Very different. I'm leaving you, Torvala. What are you saying? I can't stay with you. You've lost your mind. I won't allow it. I'll spend the night with Christina and tomorrow I'm going home. You mean that you propose to leave your home, your husband and your children? And have you considered what people will say? I don't care what they say. From now on I must think things out for myself. Oh, you talk like a child. Desert your home. You can't. These things are your duty. Your sacred duty. I have other duties equally sacred. Name them. My duty is toward myself. Before all else I'm a human being, just as much as you are. And if I'm not, then I must try to become one. Nora, Nora, you're ill. I almost think that you're out of your senses. I've never felt so clear, so certain. Clear and certain enough to forsake your husband and children? Yes. Then there's only one possible explanation. You don't love me anymore. Yes, that's just it. Nora. I'm sorry, but I can't help it. I don't love you anymore. You're clear and certain of that too? Yes. And can you explain to me at what moment you see still of me? Yes, I can. It was this evening when the miracle that I expected to happen didn't happen. It was then I saw that you were not the man I'd imagined. I don't understand you. For eight years now I've been waiting for a certain wonderful thing to happen. To happen between you and me. And I've been waiting patiently because I know that really wonderful things can't happen every day. And when I saw that this catastrophe was hanging over me, I said to myself, it's coming. The miracle is coming. When was this? Tovel. When Crookstead's letter was lying in the box, it never occurred to me that you'd think for a minute of submitting to that man's conditions. I was certain that you'd say to him, all right, tell everybody, publish it to the whole world. And I was certain that after that... After that what? When I'd covered my wife's name with shame and disgrace? Well, then I was sure you'd come forward and take the whole thing on yourself. You'd say, I'm the guilty one. I? But Nora... Oh, I'd never have accepted such a sacrifice. Of course not. But what would my word have been against yours? That was the miracle I hoped for and dreaded. And to prevent that, I wanted to die. Nora, I would gladly work day and night for you. I'd bear any sorrows and want, but no man sacrifices his honor even for the woman he loves. Millions of women have done it. You talk like a child, you think like a child. When you got over being frightened, not for me, but for yourself, and you knew there was nothing more to fear, then it was as if nothing had happened. I was your doll again, and you would take twice as much care of it in the future because I was so weak and fragile. Tovel did best on me in that moment that I'd been married for eight years to a man I hardly knew. But, John, you're still my wife now and always. Tovel. When a wife leaves her husband's house as I'm doing, I've heard that in the eyes of the law he's free from all duties to her. At all events, I release you from all duties to me. Here's your ring. Give me mine. Here are the keys. Tomorrow when I've left town, Christina will come and pack up the things I've brought from home. I'll have them sent after me. Is everything over? Nora, will you never think of me again? Tovel, I shall often think of you and the children in this house. May I... may I write you, Nora? No, never. You must think. But I'm a saint. No, I'm a saint. Can I never be anything more than a stranger to you? Perhaps someday. Oh, Tovel, if that's the miracle, it would have to happen. What's that? Both of us would have to change so that... all that I no longer believe in miracle. Perhaps I do. Tell me, Nora. So change that... that our marriage would be real with a real love to hold us together. Goodbye. Nora, wait! Goodbye, Tovel. Nora! A miracle. Perhaps someday. Yes, that miracle will happen. But it's got to happen. And so we take our leave of Ibsen's play. A little later, Melville Rooick brings you the important announcement mentioned earlier tonight. But now, we meet the two principal tenants of a doll's house, Joan Crawford and Basil Rathburn. Basil, you're such a scoundrel in pictures, so persistently. How did it feel to take off the whiskers and play a less villainous role? Well, CB, getting into a doll's house was like getting out of a dog's house. I've played villains on the screen so long that every time the steam radiators hiss at my house, I take a bow. But what's particularly interesting to me is that I've never been a villain on the air. I've often wondered, Basil, what type of letters the fans write to you men who put the menace in the movie? Oh, I get a lot of letters, Joan. The only trouble is that they all seem to have the same idea. They just hope that someday I'll get the thrashing I deserve. But the more disliked you are by the audience, the better the producers like you. Well, that's comforting, anyway. I've been perforated by sword so many times I now train on a bed of nails. Rather sad, don't you think? I never know just how to save my skin from lunging heroes. Did you ever try luck soap? Nine out of ten stars to take their skin with it. Yes, but luck soap makes me look so completely lovely, Joan. I'd soon be out of work. I'd get to look like you, and that... Oh, I mean... That's all right, Basil. I understand. And until I want to look like your partner in crime, I'm going to continue using luck soap, because I don't think there's anything nicer for a lovely complexion. And now, having disposed of Basil's problem, Mr. DeMille, my sincere thanks for bringing Nadal's house to the air and allowing me to play nola, and my appreciation to Mr. Rathbone and to Mr. Jaffe, who made a special trip from New York to be here, and to Ms. Neda Harrigan, Mr. Steele, and all the others in our cast. Thank you, and good night. Thank you, Joan. Good night, C.B. Good night, Joan. Good night, Basil. There's another real treatment store for your next Monday night. In a moment, our producer, Mr. DeMille, will be back to tell you all about it. But while we are waiting, I want to tell you about our offer of a compact for the ladies. The response to this offer last week has been overwhelming, and it is repeated tonight so that no one need to lose out. If you have not already sent for your genuine van-style double compact, by all means, do so tomorrow. Or, if you have obtained one and want one or two more for a gift or for a bridge prize, you may have it now. It's difficult for a man to describe this compact and do it justice. All I can say is that it's swell. Perhaps I could help you describe it. Would you please? Just tell the ladies in our audience how this compact appeals to you. Well, this is really the sort of compact every woman wants. Thin and lightweight, a delicate horseshoe shape of graceful design, curved in the front and square at the back. And of course there's no advertising on it. 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Hold the coin into the wrappers and enclose in an envelope with a slip of paper on which your name and address is printed clearly. Don't send stamps. Address Lux Toilet Soap. Box number one, New York City. Your compact will be mailed to you promptly. This offer is good only in the United States. So buy three cakes of Lux Toilet Soap tomorrow. Send three wrappers and only 25 cents in coin folded into them, together with a slip of paper with your name and address printed clearly to Lux Toilet Soap. Box number one, New York City. This offer is good only in the United States. Mr. DeMille. From the stern drama of a doll's house, we turn next Monday night to the gay romance of Columbia's highly successful comedy, Theodora Goes Wild. Starring in the title role will be the same delightful comedian whom you saw in the picture, Irene Dunn. And co-starred with Miss Dunn, the season-sensational comedy find. One of the most versatile stars in Hollywood, Cary Grant. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Toilet Soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio Theatre presents Irene Dunn and Cary Grant in Theodora Goes Wild. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood. Last night included Celeste Russia's Ellen, John Russell as Ivar Helmer, Jackie Horner as Emmy Helmer, Frank Nelson as a messenger, Louis Silvers appeared to courtesy of 20th Century Fox Studios for he directed music for Josette. Your announcer has been Melville Rui. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.