 Lux presents Hollywood. My brother's company, the makers of Lux Flakes, bring you the Lux Radio Theatre. Proudly presenting Photo Play Magazine's gold medal award picture, The Stratton Story, starring James Stewart and June Allison. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William Keely. Things from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. This is a very special evening in the Lux Radio Theatre because we present the screenplay that you have chosen as your favorite for the year 1949. Tonight's play was selected by the moviegoers of America in a nationwide poll conducted by Photo Play Magazine. It's The Stratton Story. In The Stratton Story, you'll hear James Stewart and June Allison, the original stars of this metro golden mare hit. It's the drama of one man's superhuman courage in the face of an overwhelming handicap. A true story of a real-life hero, Marty Stratton. After tonight's performance, The Stratton Story will receive Photo Play Magazine's coveted gold medal award, one of Hollywood's highest honors. The vote of the American people is what counts, whether it's for a motion picture or a product. And Lux Flakes have been your choice for years, whenever housewives insisted on quality and economy. An award of confidence we know Lux Flakes will continue to win. Here's the curtain for Act One of The Stratton Story, starring James Stewart as Marty Stratton and June Allison as Ethel, with John McIntyre as Barney. This is the true story of a young American. A story told to you by a man who knew him well enough to help shape his entire life. A man named Barney Wild. I met Marty Stratton one autumn afternoon near a little country town, Wagner, Texas. I was bumping my way to California when I saw a ball game going on. After the game, I went looking for the fellow who pitched. Yeah, I... Hey, can you wait a minute? That game you just pitched. Nice going, son. Thanks, mister. You ever think of pitching regular professional baseball? Oh, I guess that's just about all I ever do think about. Well, what are you wasting your time around here for? Wasting my time. I get $3 every time I pitch a game. $3, huh? Son, I think you and I ought to have a little talk. Where you heading? Home, just about four miles up this road here. Four miles? That would probably kill me, but... Son, I sure like the way you throw baseball. Thank you, sir. Well, you play ball, mister? Yeah, son, man. Slow down, will you? Well, where'd you play? Where'd you play? Chicago, Cleveland, Boston. Whoa, big legs! Yeah, that's right. One time I was a pretty fair catcher. I could teach you a lot about baseball, son. Well, I don't quite get it. Yeah, I know. Look at me now, huh? Down and outer. Bump. Oh, no, no, I didn't mean that. Well, that was a fool. A grand slam double barrel fool. Broke training, hit the bottle. Well, here I am. But seeing you pitch this afternoon was like seeing a dream come true. Finding a hot prospect. Coming back into baseball. Well, do you stand around here? Well, not exactly. I was on my way to California. Oh. Of course, it doesn't have to be California. Uh-huh. I could... Well, I might... I might help. You ever do any farm work? Oh, I've... Yeah, you sure look mighty flabby. Son, I've got muscles I haven't even used yet. Uh-huh. Well, I live with my ma. Oh. Yeah, she doesn't think very much of baseball. Well, maybe if I spoke to her. No, no, no, you better let me do the talking. You see, mister, this is what us baseball men would call a squeeze play. Now, just let me think on it as we walk home. I was talking to Mr. Wilde here before. He's sort of looking around for something to do, and I thought maybe sort of figure might hole up here for the winter. Don't say. You know, sort of help out around the place. You know as well as I do, Monty. We can't afford no hired hands. Well, well, he wouldn't expect any pay. You know, just room and keep. Didn't know you're so overworked, son. Oh, no, no, it's not that, ma. But just a lot of things need doing. When your father died, Monty, he left this place to you. It's yours, and you're old enough to know what you're doing. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. Well, I'll, uh... I better get that feed out of the bar. Yeah, yeah, we better get that feed out of the bar. Mr. Wilde. Yes, ma'am? This farm's all Monty's got, Mr. Wilde. But it's worth something. But you and Monty, will you go ahead and talk baseball? Maybe someday he'll do as good as you did. Couldn't blame his ma. All baseball meant to her was seeing Monty wind up like, well, like me. Anyway, I stayed there, and day after day I tried to pass on to Monty what I knew about the game, what I knew about pitching. And then around March it was, I knew there wasn't any more I could teach him. That's it, Monty. You're doing fine, son. Well, no more for today, eh? Well, we've barely got started. That's no workout. Put your jacket on. Keep your arm warm. I've been going to say this all week, Monty. Say what? That you're ready. You're a joke. I don't mean you learned all there is to know about pitching, but here on you've got to learn it for yourself. You've got to get you some action. Well, not much action around here, Monty. Ah, but there isn't California. Jimmy Dykes and the White Sox are starting spring training. The Chicago White Sox? All I have to do is say the word, and Dykes will give you a try-out. He will! Sure! What, uh, out in California? I don't know. It's a long ways, and you're a ma. Uh-huh, uh-huh, yeah. Well, uh, let's, uh, go into the house. Looks like we've got another squeeze play coming up. Just as well speak your mind, Monty. You've got something to say, say it. Well, it's just this, ma. Uh, Barney and I were sort of thinking about taking a little trip out to California. Is that so? Uh-huh. What baseball team's out there? That's the Chicago White... How'd you know that? I didn't figure you'd be going all that way for anything important, son. Well, this is important, ma'am. Oh, worth giving up the farm for? Well, if they take him on, at least he'll get 300 hours a month. That's a lot of money for just throwing a ball around. Man, I won't have to give up the farm. I saw cousin Ernie. He said he'd be glad to take care of it while I'm gone. What makes you so sure they'll give you a try? They try just anybody? Well, they sure don't. But Barney and Jimmy Dyke's are old friends. Who? He's the manager of the White Sox, so that way I'll get a chance for sure. Who lands the only place where you're sure, son? Lots of people don't live on farms, ma'am. Lots of people don't eat regular, too. You made up your mind, ain't you, Monty? I just got to give it a try, ma'am. Sure, son. Sure. You go on, then. You give it a try. Who's the kid warming up? Kid Mr. Dyke's. The tall, skinny one in the leather jacket. I don't know. I thought you sent him out there. I'll tell you who he is. The best right-hand prospect since Christie Mattis. Barney. Oh, no. No, not you again. You bring that kid out here. You bet I did. I want you to have first crack at him. Thanks. He's got everything, Jimmy. I've been working with him all winter. Yeah? Who supplied the hooch? Oh, no, no. Jimmy, no. I haven't had a drop since. Well, this is him, Monty. Jimmy Dyke. Oh, I'm sure. Glad to meet you. Just a second, son. Barney's probably fills your head with a lot of cock-eyed ideas. But I can't waste time with every kid he digs up. Jimmy, wait. Now, wait. How many times have I told you not to bother me this night? I'm sorry. I busted in on you like this. Oh, that boy's hitchhiking and he don't go running away like that. Hey, you, country. He means you, Monty. Wait a minute. Give me that mitt, will you, honey? Come on, country. Throw me a couple. Get that jacket off, Monty. Burn him in, boy. That's some uniform, country. Well, the Wagner Wildcats, Mr. Dyke. That's a team I've been pitching for, the Wagner Wildcats. My, my. All right. Let's see what you got. He really breaks them off. Really? Simmer down, Barney. So you got a curve. Let me see your fast one. Maybe you better work out a while. Keep him around, Barney. He may have something. But for Pete's sake, get him a haircut. Sure, Jimmy. Sure. What did I tell you, Monty? I knew he'd give you a chance. But when? When? What are we supposed to do now? Find us a room. Oh, yeah. In a barber shop. Well, we found a hotel and met a few of the players who were staying there. That night, Monty went down to the lobby to kill some time. And in the lobby, he discovered a fascinating pastime. Monty had never seen a slot machine before. Ten minutes later, he had a pocket full of quarters and a new friend. A rookie named Eddie Dibson. Eddie was flat broke. He had a date that night with his girl. To make matters worse, he was bringing a friend along. But there was Monty, fresh from the sticks and ready to learn all about nightlife in the city. Dancers, aren't they? I'm, uh, Gotti and Eddie. Yes, yes, they are. Uh, I... I guess I shouldn't be here at all. Oh, well, thank you. Thank you very much. No, no, no, no. It isn't you. It's me. I mean, it's Eddie. I don't know. But for some reason, he seemed obnoxious for me to tag along. Good friend of yours, hmm? Yeah, I guess he is. I just met him tonight, though. Come along, he says. I want you to meet the girls, he says. They come along. Oh. I'm, uh... I'm sorry I can't ask you to dance, but I don't know how. Oh, that's all right. I guess baseball's about all I know. Well, that's something. You've seen us work out yet? Us? Who's us? Does your car go white socks? No. No, I guess that's the one thing I've missed. You see, I'm just visiting here. I'm from Omaha. Oh, well, the team looks good. It looks awful good. Oh, that's very nice. I bet you're pretty good yourself. Oh, I don't know. I'm still trying out. I bet you can hit a baseball pretty far. No, I'm not expected to hit very much. See, I'm a pitcher. Well, I bet you can pitch far. I quite seem to get the idea, do you? You see, I just have to pitch from the mound to the plate. It's just about 60 feet. All right, then. I'll bet you can pitch fast. Well, sometimes you have to sort of rear back and sort of let them go fast. And then other times, you just sort of whip it like this, you see, and then curve it in, sort of... And you get in spots and you just sort of floater in, that's what you call a change of pace. I'm speaking of change of pace. Would you mind telling me something? Just what is that noise? Well, every time you move that jingling sound. Jingling? Oh, all this. Huh? You see, they have these machines in the lobby of the hotel. I never saw them before, and I sort of wondered about them. Before I knew it, I dropped a quarter in and a whole lot of fruit started spinning around. Then things sort of slid to a stop. And out came that. No, no, nothing happened. Not yet. Well, before I knew it, I was down to my last quarter. I sort of figured I might as well be broke as a way I was, so in went the last quarter and the fruit took off again. Oranges and grapefruit and lemons and spinning around like a top. And then all of a sudden the quarter started popping out like hands through a busted fence. Well, if you don't make it in baseball, Mr. Stratton, you've got a very fine future in gambling. No, I'm through gambling. Why? Well, I found out how it feels to lose and what it's like to win, why keep at it? Yes. Like I said, this other fella, Eddie Gibson, had come with his girl. But one look at Ethel, and Eddie forgot all about Dottie. Eddie had it all figured out. Where's Dottie been hiding, your old will make a big night out of this Ethel? I'm going to take you to every spot in town. Oh, I wouldn't think of putting you to all that trouble, Eddie. Look, if we're going someplace else, let's go. Someplace else? Sure, country, sure. Hey, waiter, check. Check. Now, there's a little place I know near Long Beach. Soft music dancing under the stars. You want something, waiter? You asked for the check, sir? Oh, uh, he wants it, him, give it to him. Check, sir. Or maybe you'd like hot music. Now, there's a club in Hollywood that... Eddie. Sit down. Oh, take care of it, will you, Monty? We'll make the rounds, baby, and what we don't hit tonight will hit tomorrow. Take care of the man, Monty. We'll meet you up front. Take care of the man, $14.40. Yes, sir. You got a pot? I beg your pardon. Oh, never mind, here. We'll just spread out the napkin here. Yes, yes, sir. Here you are. Did it occur to you, Mr. Stratton, that I might not want to go home, that I might have wanted to go somewhere with Eddie? Well, what you wanted wasn't so important. Oh, it wasn't? No, no. I see. What was important was the way Eddie was treating Dotty, trying to shine up to you. You know, he shouldn't have done it in front of her like that. Or in front of you. Oh, no, no, no. That's not what I mean. Hey, this is it, ain't it, bud? Well, I'll get to this. Yes, this is it. Well, can you wait? Driver, I'll be right back. No case you. Look, I'm sorry about tonight. Boy, you sort of got stuck with me, didn't you? Oh, that's silly. No, no. I just never had much experience with girls. What's the fun? You? You got stuck with the chat. Oh, yeah. I sure did. I was worth it to get out of there. Well, good night. Monty, wait. Hmm? Well, I'm sorry about tonight, too. But you see, I haven't had too much experience myself with ball players. Well, I'm not exactly a ball player. I haven't made the team yet. Oh, you'll make it. Well, how do you know? You said you didn't know anything about baseball. I could learn. When do you go home to Omaha? Well, not for a while yet. I'm staying here with my aunt. Well, time for me to come and call on you? Could be. Good night, Monty. In just a moment, our stars will return with act two of The Stratton Story. I hear Libby, you're collecting travel folders. Oh, just a dream so far, John. I got the wanderlust at Paramount watching the Pine Thomas production of Captain China. That's a rip-roaring adventure story if I ever saw one. John Payne in the title role gives a magnificent performance. What a fighter he is. And Gail Russell looks more beautiful than ever. Oh, she's ravishing. As a passenger on a tramp steamer, she adds a delightful bit of romance. The typhoon scenes in Captain China got me. They were so realistic. I practically hoped the skipper would keep the ship afloat. Well, the ship was definitely real. And so rough that when the picture was finished, Gail said she'd take the smooth sailing of a sailboat or a cabin cruiser from now on. Certainly more relaxing. And you can wear such pretty clothes when you know there's a box of luxe flakes not far away. Gail has a sharkskin rayon slack suit she loves for sailing. Or if she wants to tan, she takes along some little boy shorts in butcher linen and a jersey halter top. A cargo of luxables, huh? Gail insists on luxe flakes for all her washable rayons and nice cottons. They stay so fresh and bright all season. A smart girl. Washing tests prove that luxe flakes care really makes a difference. Wrong washing methods soon fade colors, weaken fabrics. But even the most delicate shades stay enchantingly fresh and gay, the safe luxe flakes way. And it's such easy care. Just a swish in these rich gentle suds and your dress, your blouse, your slacks are as lovely as ever. Why not give all your washables that lovely luxe look? We return you now to William Keely. Act two of The Stratton Story, winner of Photoplay Magazine's Gold Medal Award, starting James Stewart as Monty Stratton and June Allison as Ethel. Those next few weeks, they were quite a strain between falling in love and trying out for the White Sox. Monty just didn't know where he's to. One afternoon in the dressing room. Country. Here it comes, Barney. Yeah, Mr. Dykes. Five innings this afternoon, Jimmy, and he didn't give up a hit. Well, kid, the team goes east tomorrow. Yeah, yeah, I know. We're gonna take you with us. Barney, did you hear that? Hear what he said? What are you planning to do, Barney? Well, I guess I don't exactly know. Well, look, Mr. Dykes, Barney's the best. He'll hang around doing nothing. I'll do anything, Jimmy, anything. Like what? Offhand, I can't think of anything. Unless you'd like to coach the young pitchers. Get in the office. We'll sign a couple of contracts. The next day at the railroad station, Ethel, was there to say goodbye to Monty. We didn't have very much time together, did we? No, not to make me wish there was more. Gee whiz, California turned out much better than going to. What was nice, you're making the team, wasn't it? Oh, no, that's not what I mean you thought. I know, Mommy. Bye, Ethel. Let's get going, boy. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, right away. You will ride, won't you? Well, I'll never be able to write down what I'm thinking, though. Well, I know you're thinking about me if you don't write. Hey, country, kiss her goodbye and get on the train. Hmm? Oh, oh, yeah, yeah. Oh, that Mr. Dykes is a very smart man. And then the season started. Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, back to Chicago again. So far, Monty Stratton's services to the Chicago White Sox consisted of bat and fly balls to the outfield in the warm-up before the games. On this day, the Yankees were in town, murderous. Now, the one thing about the dugout, Barney, you get a good view of the game. Well, I ought to pay admission. Yeah, well, you can learn plenty just sitting here. There goes Dykes. He's taking the pitcher out. What a gang, then, Yankees. If a pitcher's going to get by, he's got to give them what they don't expect. Out-think them. Yeah, well, they don't have to worry about me out-thinking them. Boy, every time I get paid, I feel like I'm stealing. Come on, Dykes, put a pitcher in there. All right, Stratton, get out there. Huh? What, me? No, Jimmy, no, not at a time like this. But those Yankees have sent more pitchers to Omaha. You're not a big kid to get a chance, isn't you? Well, he's got it. He's got a pitch to Chicago. Number 25, Marty Stratton. You know who he's pitching to, Dickey. That's all just Bill Dickey. Another ball player. Forget about the runner's kid. Just pitch to him. Omaha. Marty went far in his big league debut from Chicago to Omaha. And that's how Ethel happened to have an unexpected visit. Oh, I'm so glad to see you, Marty. But what are you doing here in Omaha? I thought you were going to go down. I know, I know, I know. Just sit down, I've got a problem. But you said in your letter you might pitch this week? Yeah, I did. Well? That's what I want to talk to you about. Well, what happened? Everything, honey. You know, when I left you in California... What was the score? That's not important. The thing that's bothered me is... Well, they can't expect you to win every game. Honey, they don't expect me to win any games. I've been farmed out to Omaha. Well, they don't put you in jail for playing in Omaha? I know, I know. There's nothing wrong with Omaha. It's just that... I don't know. I might not even make it here. First thing I know, I'll be back on the farm. Well, don't you like the farm? Sure, sure, it's all right, but it... Well then? Well, I... I don't... it's just that... that things are... are different now, that's all. Now there's you. Would it help any if I said I love you? That's the problem. Oh, I see. No, no, you don't see. I don't know, no matter what I was doing, I kept thinking about you and every time I'd see something exciting, I kept wishing that you were there to see it with me. I don't know if that's love, man, I really got it. Oh, you had me worried. But I had all sorts of plans for us. Now... now I don't know where I'm going. Well, but it doesn't matter to me. It matters to me, honey. It matters to me. A man's gotta know where he's going. Well, what do you want me to do? Well, just... just give me a chance to make it. I just want to make sure that I'm not going to let you down. All right, Muddy, if that's what you want. No, you're what I want. Oh, I love you, Muddy. You could never let me down. Muddy? Yes, dear? What was the score? 16 to nothing. Oh, you're a fine pitcher. There's a tailor in Chicago who gives a suit of clothes to every ball player who hits the scoreboard in the center field. As of yesterday, the New York Yankees the best-dressed team in baseball. Muddy pitched six ball games for Omaha. One of them all, three shutouts. That was good enough for Jimmy Dykes. He brought Muddy back to the White Sox. Only this time, a girl named Ethel tagged along because now she was Mrs. Molly Stratton. That night, a few of the boys gave him a little party in the hotel. Just proves what I've been saying. I'll get a guy like you, country, get a guy like Ethel. Oh, it wasn't easy, Mr. Lyons. I just wouldn't take no for an answer. Oh, she's pretty, Ted, but she's not very smart. Uh-uh. Here come the bombers. Bombers? Yeah, a few of the Yankee players. This is what they look like, honey, when they're just civilians. Hi, Lou. Hi, fellas. I guess you know everybody. Oh, uh, this is Marty Stratton. Stratton, this is Bill Dickey. Mr. Dickey, Mrs. Stratton. How do you do? How do you do? We met you earlier this season, didn't we, Stratton? Man, you met me and everything I pitched. Well, it's nice to have met you, Mrs. Stratton. Thank you. Why, he's awfully nice. Well, wait till you see him tomorrow, honey. Why, they don't call him the bombers for nothing. Some poor guy's going to have a rough afternoon. Yeah, could be. By the way, Barney, who's Dykes going to pitch tomorrow? You. Who? Me? A couple of the boys have sore arms. F on? Yes, dear. Or baggage. You unpacked anything yet? No, not yet. Don't. That next day was Marty's real start as a big league ball player. Marty won that ball game all by himself, even the driving in the wind and run. And that's just about the way it went all the rest of that season. Not that he won every game, but from then on the fans knew that Marty Stratton was just about as fine a pitcher as they'd see in the league. In October, Marty and Ethel went down to the farm. My book's here. I didn't even know your son. New clothes and all. Yeah, that isn't the only thing new, ma. Here's Ethel. Hello, ma. Oh, Ethel. It seems to me, son, you've been running over with luck. Oh, I sure have, ma. Got a new car, too. Oh, yeah, I bought myself a bucket of bolts. Oh, Eddie and Ernie. Howdy, money. Howdy. Ethel, this is my cousin, Ernie. It wasn't for Ernie. I never get a left here. Hello, Ernie. Ma'am, here you're pitching good, money. Well, don't tell me you're a fan now. Nope. Just heard about it. Well, I guess you won't be needing me anymore, huh, money? Well, I sort of wish you'd stick around, Ernie. I got a lot of things you could fix up around here. Not you know about it. You know, I always, always fancies to men and some French paint, maybe, and then, maybe, better build one of those nursery rooms. You leave your mouth open like that, and more you're allowed to catch a fly in it. Oh, my God. Ethel. Yeah, well now, how about some supper, Grandma? Money went through the next season like a house of fire, and the Americans ate him up, the newspapers too. He was all that Jimmy Dyke said he was. Right now, Barney, I wouldn't trade Monty Stratton for any other pitcher in baseball. A lot of future that boy's got. And Monty had someone else now to win games for, a brand new baby boy. But after a while, I began to worry. Ethel, too. Something had happened to Monty. As often as not, he'd disappear after a game. He'd tell Ethel it was for interviews, newspaper guys, but I knew different, and so did Ethel. Anyway, they were back in Texas now, and Monty was a farmer again for the win. Little dressy ain't your son. My land Ethel, just look at the dude. Nice shave, too. Oh, no, not another press interview, Monty. Not down here. No, no, no, no. I just thought maybe we ought to go out and do a little celebrating. You know, Junior's going to be six months old tomorrow, so come on, come on, we're going out to dinner. Well, give me a chance to catch my breath. You know, Ma, this is an event. We don't get to do much celebrating in Chicago. Grab him while you can, honey. When I look, you two girls are going to sit around and chew the fat. I'll go and celebrate myself. Goodbye. No, no, no. Hang on to them, Ma. I'll be ready in about five minutes. Care to dance, Mrs. Stratton? Monty, you're acting very strangely. Ordering champagne, and now you're... Well, a fine thing if a man has to plead with his own wife to dance with him. But darling, you don't dance. You like to dance, don't you? Yes, I do. Well, maybe it's about time I learn. Come on, come on. Well, you're going to look awfully funny out there. Won't be the first time now. Come on, come on. Dancing. Oh, it's nothing. What? Oh, but you said you didn't know how. Well, I didn't, honey, but I... I just got sick and tired of everybody dancing with you but me. So I... Did you ever hear of Ainez and Papanya? Ainez and Papanya? Yeah, yeah. Ever hear of them? Monty, you've been taking dancing lessons. Ainez and Papanya. They got schools all over the American League. Of course, you don't always get Ainez or Papanya. For instance, in Detroit, I got a... Drew Silla, he was. In St. Louis, there's a little short one named Angelita. In Cleveland. But in all those press interviews, coming home late all the time. Honey, I took some money dancing lessons this summer. So I wonder if I had strength enough to pitch. Say, I got a few fancy steps here. Do you think you can stick with me? Well, I think I can stick with you. All right, here we go. Well, now, just a minute. Well... I sure got me some, fella. Oh, shucks, didn't you know that? Now, come on, come on, come on, let's bounce. Good morning when you came in last night. Now, what could you two have been doing all that time? Oh, just dancing. Dancing? With him? Well, sure, naturally. You were dancing? Well, I wouldn't be surprised if we did some more dancing tonight. How about a date, ma'am? Why, sure. Only right now, Ma and I have a lot of canning to do. Now, what about my son? Where is he? Well, he's in perfectly good hands. He's helping Ernie feed the chickens. Well, that's a fine thing. I'm practically useless around here. Okay, suppose I get my gun and my dog, and we'll look for a couple of rabbits, huh? Well, if it's all right with the rabbits, it's certainly all right with me. See you in a couple of hours, honey. Dog! Get over this fence! The doctor's... it's his leg or his life. But his legs are his life. The infection is spreading. If we don't operate immediately... But his leg... he's a ball player. He's a man whose life is in danger. We must have your permission to operate. Please sign this paper, Mr. Cutten. Ernie... Ernie, thanks for coming. I flew down, Ethel, as soon as I heard. Well, he's in there now. The operating room. Oh, Barney. That's right, kid. Cry it out. Well, he had some injuries. At least he had that. Oh, but he's late, Barney. He's late. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. In intermission, we'll present the third act of the Stratton story. Right now, I'd like to introduce a charming and lovely young star of stage and screen, Miss Pamela Britton. You know you're in good company in your later screen role in Key to the City, Pamela. I couldn't ask for a better break than to be in a picture with Clark Gable and Loretta Young, Mr. Keely. Yes, they're at their best in Metro Golden Mayor's sparkly new comedy. Working with George Sidney, the director was a wonderful experience for me, too. Clark Gable is delightful, as a happy-go-lucky, two-fisted mayor who falls in love with beautiful Loretta Young. A lady mayor. Just the ingredients for a grand comedy. And when you add Frank Morgan and Marilyn Maxwell, it just bubbles over. Yes, Loretta makes a lovely mayor. You know, I'd vote for her any time. Girls will love her wardrobe, especially a ravishing chiffon nightgown that gets Clark Gable into a very amusing situation in Key to the City. The night he plays a major role in one scene. And I'm sure Lux Flakes play a major role keeping it lovely for the camera. That's exactly what the wardrobe department told me, Mr. Kennedy. I discovered that Loretta Young is just as enthusiastic about Lux Flakes as the studio is. One day in her dressing room, she showed me some gorgeous new slips in 90s she had just bought. Luscious pastels that were really dreamy. We both agreed we wouldn't trust such delicate colors to anything but Lux Flakes. Smart girls everywhere feel the same way. They know that Lux Flakes are far safer for exquisite colors and fabrics. Actual washing tests prove it. Pretty slips in 90s washed the wrong way. Soon looked faded and old. But those washed with Lux Flakes stay fresh and bright as can be three times as long. It pays to play safe. Protect all your silk, rayon, nylon, and fine cottons too with gentle Lux Flakes care. Give all your nice washable that lovely Lux look. Thank you for coming tonight, Pamela Britton. Here's our producer, Mr. William Keely. The curtain rises on Act 3 of the Straton Story. Winner of Photo Play Magazine's Gold Medal Award starring James Stewart as Monty Straton and June Allison as Ethel. Monty came home from the hospital late in December. He'd lost a lot more than a leg. His hopes, his future, his spirit, all were gone. Day after day he just sat by the window in the living room. Now and then he'd hobble around on the crutches but he'd have no part of the artificial lake. Nobody was even to mention it. He just seemed to be waiting for the end of the world. Lots of mail today, Monty. Look, darling, hundreds of letters from people all over the country. Yeah, yeah, well, I don't want to look at them. Oh, but if people are nice enough to write to you, don't you think you... If you like them so much, why don't you rid them yourself? What do they say? Merry Christmas? Happy New Year? I was straightening things out in the shed, Monty. There's a lot of your stuff piled up out there. Yeah, yeah, I know. Oh, why don't you let me get your crutches? We'll go out there and look it over. I know what's out there. Get rid of it all. Oh, but there are things you'll want to hang on to, darling. Like this baseball, the one the team all signed, remember? Yeah, yeah, yeah, give it to me. All right, now do you believe me? Get rid of it all. No use crying, Ethel. No use at all, honey. Oh, he hasn't seen me cry, Mom. But sometimes I just can't hold it back anymore. What are we gonna do? He's not interested in anything or anybody, not even the baby. He's all by himself. I just can't seem to reach him. I guess it wouldn't be right if he was letting it roll off his back like it was nothing. But there's something about him, Ethel. Oh, I don't know. Good sense or something. And no doctor can amputate it. Well, I guess supper's ready. I'll go find Ernie. Isn't the past baby's bedtime? What's he doing here? I'll take him up, Ernie. Come on, darling. Now you say good night to Uncle Ernie. Hey, he said it. He said good night. Regular blabbermouth, Ernie. Well, I'll be, dog. Come here, young fella. Come here to Uncle Ernie. Come on. Come on. Look, Ernie, he's trying to walk. What the hell if he ain't walking and talking all in one night? Oh, Ernie, if we could only have a picture of that. His first real step. Isn't it wonderful? What's so wonderful about it? He's got two legs, Ernie. Come on, give me my crutches. Maybe you'd rather be alone. I just thought, oh, honey, don't let it do this to you, darling. Please. I don't know. I just came out of doors to look at that road. I used to do ten miles on that road like it was nothing, and then a picture ball came. Now I can hardly get as far as the road, let alone walk on it. You told me once, a man's got to know where he's going. Where are you going, Marty? I guess I'm just not going before I can do things, but now I... Oh, I've made out much worse than you, Marty. You lost your leg, but I lost you. Oh, no, but I still feel the same way inside. Oh, I know you feel the same, darling. That's what I've been trying to tell you all these weeks. Oh, give me your hand, have I? If I just didn't love you so much. Oh, Marty. I guess I got a squawk coming too. She'll waste a lot of money on those dancing lessons. Oh, Marty. Gee, I sure got me some gal. Didn't you know that? Marty started to find himself. Oh, not that he changed overnight, but at least he was trying. Trying to get himself straightened out, and then... Hey, you're not doing so good, young fella. Now come on, walk back to me. I'll try it again. Marty, is the baby all right? I don't know, honey. He sure is having a time to learn to walk. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's what I told her. Yeah, it looks like you and me got our work cut out for us. You and me both. He just can't figure out your crutches, can he? Hmm? Watch him for a while. Honey, there's something in the bedroom I want to get. No, honey. Junior and I need a little sunshine. We're going out. But, Marty, your crutches... Yeah, I figured that's time I... ...tried out my store leg. Come on. I'll put his coat on. Come on, honey. We mustn't keep Daddy waiting. Please, please be a good boy. Now, you see these things, Junior? Well, they're feet. Now, those are yours, and these are mine. And they tell me you're supposed to pick them up and lay them down. Okay, now... Let's, uh... Let's see what happens, huh? Ah! Come on in the shed, Marty. Your old pitcher's glove. You want to keep it? Oh, yeah, I guess so. Now, take it then. Now, keep it. Wait a minute. Here's Barney's old catcher's mitt. Let's have a catch. Come on. Hey, watch how you throw that ball there. Take it easy. Too much rich living. A little exercise won't hurt you at all. If I look and catch you, I can't even see you behind the mitt. How am I doing, country? Well, stop waving your arms. Come on, catch the ball. Now, settle down a little. Maybe Cleveland can use you. Oh, no ice cracks now. You're not so good yourself. Now, I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll have Barney come down and look you over. All right, now, catch this. Oh, Marty. No, I'm all right. I'll get up here. Now, Lake, I think I know what I did wrong. Now, come on, come on. Let's throw some more. By the way, can you wait a second? Oh. Well, that's the first time I've ever been kissed by a catcher. Catchers don't do that, huh? No, not as a rule. It sort of slows up the game. Well, just don't sit there. Let's see the big pitch. Come on. Lay it in there, country. Where's on your stuff? Lay it in there. Hey, let's see the fastball. The fastball? Even if I had one, what would you do with it? Well, you just snort and find out. You know, you're fixing to get your head knocked off. Don't argue with the catcher. Now, come on, right over the plate. Oh, okay. Come on, right in here, kid. Oh, honey, I'm sorry. Oh, gee. Just help me up. I caught it, didn't I? Well, let me see your hand. Did you hurt your hand? What I am rubbing is not my hand. Oh, yes. You just lost yourself a catcher. Hmm? Hmm. Never had a catcher equipment before. You never had a catcher before who was going to have a baby. Well, why don't we just sort of... What? What? All during those months, I'd hear from Ethel pretty regularly. Monty was getting along fine, doing her day's work on the farm, even practicing his pitch, and she said. And then Jimmy Dyke sent me down to Houston to scout some players in a big all-star game. I figured he'd stop by the farm the day after the game and visit with Monty. But he pulled a big surprise. He was at the game in the dressing room in uniform. Don't look so shocked, Monty. It's me, all right. You mean to say you're going to pitch today? But how can you? This is big baseball, Monty. Sure, I know. These are all-star teams. They're playing for big money. They're going to be tough. Who? Who'd you cook this up with? George Higgins, the manager of the Southern team. Ethel know about it? No, no. Being while they're up in the grandstand, I thought I'd just come down and say hello to some of the fellas. You? You asked Higgins to let you pitch? I asked Higgins to let me try, Monty. I had to find out just what's what. Well, I better start out the field. Here are the batteries for today's game. The Western All-Stars team spirit in pitching. RTA catching. For the Southern All-Stars, Milligan catching. And in his first comeback appearance, Monty Stratton, pitching. Ethel, it's in you now. I tried to stop her, but I couldn't. She met Monty just as he was livin' out of the tunnel toward the field. Darling, darling, why didn't you tell me? I wanted to surprise you, I guess. I got so I was throwing the ball pretty good and I got all steamed up. I don't know. Now I'm afraid. Afraid? Afraid of what? You've been beaten before. I keep saying to myself I'm just the same as everybody else. I wanted to prove it. I wanted to show you, only I can't. I just can't go through with it. Monty, Monty, listen to me. I came down here just now hoping to stop you. I was just as afraid as you are. But you can't turn back now. That won't solve anything. You're a ball player, country. I was sayin' I'm still a ball player. It doesn't make me wonder. Well then, let's find out. Fine. Do I... Do I look alright? Oh, you look just fine. Now go on, get out there. I guess this was the biggest moment of his life. A cripple, a man with an artificial leg trying to tell himself that he wasn't licked. That he still was a big league pitcher. But he just didn't have what he used to. Oh, he's breaking his heart out there, Barney. Yeah, hittin' everything he throws. He's looking at us, Barney. Come on, Monty, boys. Stand there, kid. Oh, don't let them scare you, darling. You're doing fine. Just fine. This is it. There goes Higgins out for a while. I just can't get any stuff on the ball. Those poor fellas in the outfield, they're gonna be all worn out if this keeps up. Don't let them worry, you fella. Every man on the team is with you. Now loosen up. You're too tense. They can play it your way. What are you leaving me in? Yeah, I'm leaving you in. You see, I want to win this game. Thanks. Thanks, Josh. Oh, watch him now. You just watch him now. He got out of the inning. Four hits off him in one run, and that's the way the score stayed for three more innings. One to nothing. And then Monty's teammates began to hit. The man on first, the man on second, two out, and Monty's turned to back. A chance to tie the score. Monty Strachman was one of the few pitchers who could hit a baseball. And that's just what he did. Harblin, he'd make it all right. He beat the throw. But then... Then he fell. His leg went out from under him, and he struggled in the dust, trying somehow to reach the back. You're out. Josh Higgins is coaching his first base. Money. Money. You all right? I'm sure. I'm sorry, Josh. I guess I started my slide too soon. Monty pitched five more innings. Pitched like nothing at all had ever happened to him. And the score still was one to nothing. At the bottom half of the eighth, the voice of the South started to hit again. Two outs, two men on base, just like in the third inning. And Milliken, the catcher, came up to the plate. And then the Western All-Stars called a little conference. They decided to walk Milliken. But if they walk him, Barney, the bases will be loaded. They know that, honey. Well, then they're walking him just to get it, Monty. Well, that's baseball, then. I want to see what Higgins does. He's got to take Monty out and put in a pitch hitter. Attention, please. The Southern All-Stars are going to put in a pitch hitter. I sure like to see you finish this game, Monty. It was just up to me. But every guy on the team has a big stake in this. I think I can get him in, Josh. But we were running behind Monty. The bases loaded. I got to put in a hitter. Let him hit. Josh will take a chance. You can do it, Monty. Come on. Take your cut. Wake it up there at that plate. Looks like the team wants you to stay in, Monty. Go ahead. Take your cut. Stratton is not leading the game. He'll take his turn in the bat. He hit the third pitch. Stans went dead. They knew he was a great pitcher, but they also knew he couldn't run. Two men came across the plate, and Monty made a dive for first. Given his team a one-run lead, now all he had to do was to hold that lead. But over on the other banks, the Western All-Stars are listening to the man. Stratton's really pitching. Other fellas don't try to par the ball. Just get in there and then bunt. I know I hate to do this, but we gotta get on. Go on. Bunt toward the mound. Yeah, keep bunt. And that's just what they did. Two successive bunts. Two men were on breaks. There goes his ball game, Barney. They're bunting it right off from under him. Oh, it just don't seem right. They know he can't run for the ball. There's nothing he can do about it now. Two on and nobody out. They're talking to him. Mr. Higgins and the catcher. Well, he went eight full innings. Not bad for a guy with one leg. It sure looks like they're all gonna bunt, Monty. What can we do about it? Well, I'll just have to get off the mound quicker. That's all. I know what to expect now. That's good enough for me, Monty. Stay in. All right, play ball. The third batter, Bunny, too. Only this time Monty nailed him. But the other two men advanced. One out now, man on second and man on third. And they crossed him up again. They started swinging hard. No more bunts. Even a long fly ball to tie up the ball game. But Monty struck the batter out. Just one more man to go and he'd win his ball game. But this one man was big Johnny Lindell, the power hitter of the league. One man, Monty took his time. He looked around his outfield, the runners on the bases, and then burned that ball across the plate. It was a line drive, a scorcher between the mound and first base. Instinctively, Monty died for it, sprawling out on the grass. He couldn't hold on to it, but he had knocked it down. And he crawled after it. And Lindell went racing down the baseline. There was no time to get to his feet, but he threw the ball as best he could. And now his team mates were picking him up. Carrying him off the field. Ma just sat there. You couldn't tell what she was thinking. Not unless you knew Ma's weenor. But in Ethel's face was the whole story. In Ethel's tears. And in Ethel's smile. Monty Stratton won. Not just a ball game, he won and is leading a rich full life. He stands as an inspiration for all of us. Living proof of what a man can do if he has the courage and determination to refuse to admit defeat. For our stars returned for their curtain calls, here's Libby Collins to tell the ladies what's a foot for fashion this spring. A girl will put her best foot forward in a red shoe. Red is one of the smartest accessory colors for spring. A wonderful way to dramatize a pink costume or to contrast navy. For a well turned out ensemble, wear very sheer nylon stockings with a strong rosy cast with your red shoes. The wrong stocking shade can ruin the effect as completely as a run. It's easy to keep that rosy glow if you wash stockings after every wearing with Lux Flakes. This gentle care keeps color truer. Cuts down needless stocking runs. The best proved what a difference in wear Lux Flakes can make. Using a strong soap or rubbing stockings with cake soap make runs come much sooner. Identical stockings washed with Lux Flakes lasted twice as long. That's just like getting an extra pair of stockings every time you buy a pair. Hollywood studios know that. They insist on Lux Flakes for stockings and all nice washables. These tiny diamonds of Lux make suds amazingly fast. Fresh in nylons safely in a jiffy. In fact they take such good care of stockings over 90% of all makers recommend Lux Flakes. Better get a box tomorrow. Use it for your precious nylons and for all your nice washables to give them that lovely Lux look. Here's Mr. Keely with our stars. After tonight's performance it's easy for all of us to understand why the Stratton story was voted America's favorite picture of the year. And here are two of the reasons. Jimmy Stewart and June Allison. Thank you very much, Bill. I think June and I both like to tell the audience that we feel very complimented by the selection of the Stratton story for Photoplay Gold Medal Award. Oh, yes indeed. We're very grateful to the moviegoers of America. You know, it's wonderful to have you back with us, June. And for you, Jimmy, there's just one question that I'd like... Yeah, well, Bill, I feel fine. The honeymoon was wonderful. Married life's great. I hope we have six children, preferably boys and girls. And my wife said to be sure and bring home Lux Flakes. Well, Jimmy, that answers everything. And you and June will find a supply of Lux Flakes waiting for you. Well, thank you, Bill. Say, Jimmy, I hear MGM has starred you in a fine new picture, Malaya. And there's another actor in it. I can't think of his name. Yeah, it's called the name of Tracy. Spencer Tracy. Yes. Wonderful actor. Very good actor. Well, that seems like a very happy combination. But right now, we want to congratulate you, Jimmy, on receiving the Photoplay Award for being the actor of the year whose performance was most enjoyed by the fans. I'm really grateful, Bill. And I'd like to point out... I'd like to point out that there's a very beautiful girl named June Allison, who's also receiving a citation tonight for her work during the year. Thank you, Jimmy. Of course, everyone's been wonderful. By the way, shouldn't we be leaving for the Beverly Hills Hotel? Yes, right after the broadcast, you'll both receive your awards at the Gala Dinner there. George Murphy will be presiding as master of ceremonies, and most of the big stars in Hollywood will be there. Well, before we lay, Bill, what's the play for next week? Jimmy is one of the most unique comedies to come out of Hollywood this season. The drama, A Letter to Three Wives. And we'll have two original stars from the 20th Century Fox picture. Beautiful Linda Darnell, and a brilliant new star making his first appearance on this stage, Paul Douglas. Oh, that's wonderful entertainment, Bill. You know, there's just one more thing I'd like to say. As a fellow down in Texas, it gets my award for courage and, well, I'd like to thank George called Moxie. He's got it. Monty Stratton, good luck, Monty. Good night, Bill. Good night. Good night, and all our thanks for the memorable evening. Lux Girls are lovelier. They have the charm of fresh, appealing skin. Never neglect the gentle, protecting care that guards complexion beauty. Here's a tip from Jane Wyman, famous screen star. She says, my luck soap facials are so quick and easy. I smooth the creamy lather in well, rinse, then pat with a soft towel to dry. Now my skin feels softer, smoother, looks so fresh. Try Jane Wyman's daily luck soap care for quick new loveliness. It really works. Actually, three out of four complexions improved in a short time in tests by skin specialists. So next time you shop, be sure to get Hollywood's fragrant white beauty soap. Remember, nine out of ten screen stars use Lux Toilets soap. Eva Brothers Company, the makers of Lux Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening when the Lux Radio Theatre presents Paul Douglas and Linda Darnell in a letter to Three Wives. This is William Keely saying good night to you from Hollywood. June Allison appeared by arrangement with Metro Golden Mayor, producers of Nancy Costa Rio, starring Anne Southern and Jane Powell. Herd in tonight's play were John McIntyre as Barney, Cliff Clark as Jimmy Dykes, Larry Dobkin as Ted Lyons, George Niece as Bill Dickey, and Helen Brown as Maugh. Our play was adapted by SH Barnett and our music was directed by Louis Silverts. This is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to join us again next Monday night to hear Letter to Three Wives starring Linda Darnell and Paul Douglas. Stay tuned for my friend Irma, which follows over these same stations. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.