 Great Scenes from Great Plays tonight Madeline Carroll in Lady with a Lex now here's your host the distinguished actor manager mr. Walker Hampton good evening ladies and gentlemen welcome to another fan-strived half hour of great stars in Great Plays presented on behalf of the Protestant Episcopal Church in your own community and the Episcopal Actors Guild tonight you'll hear Philo Higley's adaptation of Reginald Barclay's drama The Lady with a Lamb starring Miss Madeline Carroll as Florence Nightingale. We dedicate our story tonight to the American Red Cross in order to achieve her dream to found the great tradition of modern nursing. Florence Nightingale had to oppose the world she lived in. The sumber standards of her day would have barred this woman from her achievement but she found a way in spite of them to awaken a far-reaching spirit of compassion for human suffering and to give it practical embodiment. It's a summer day in the England of 1842 a splendid carriage nears the gates of a great country estate and in it sits a girl. Something's wrong up there in the field. John, John Collins, what's the matter? It's fully read Miss Lawrence whose bell and flower share is cupped up something terrible. We must help, we must bring some water from the brook. Miss Florence, his shoulders laid wide open. There's a lot of blood. I'm going up there all the same. He may have cut an artery. Give me your hand, John. It's so, so steep right here. There. Well Willie, it looks as if you reversed the proverb and made your plow share a sword. Let me look at you. It's not so bad Miss Florence. Only I feel queer. We'll bandage it. I've lots of extra ruffles on my petticoat. Oh Miss, no. What would your father say? I'm sure he'd call me very selfish Willie if I didn't help you. John, hold his arm straight up. The water means good. We'll put the cloth against the wound and then just one more ruffle and tie it around, will you? There now. Oh, for folk like us, you really shouldn't trouble this way, Miss. None. Webster, bring the carriage nearer. What this floor? We must take Willie to his cottage before he drives me home. Miss Lamar, Willie's such a strong fellow and there he sat, weak as a child. But Florence, you're petticoat and don't drown in a boat. Oh, how did you ever learn to bandage an arm anyhow? I asked our fan rate to show me one day. Oh my dear, I do. We should stop discussing this wild and practical notion of yours in front of other people. Henry Tremaine, for instance. For him, then, but Henry will be here for our little dance tonight. Not please, Laura. I remember, Lamar. It's been exactly two weeks and three days, Arthur, as I see it, Henry. A long, long time, I think. Your promising has arrived, Mrs. Duttingale. Even if I'm not destined to receive gifts, I'll keep your promising company. You slip out by the other door. But dear child, you're gone. That dog. He won't know this. Besides, I want to talk to him. Oh, thank you. You better hurry, ma'am. Show Lord Thomas an in-hub. Yes, ma'am. Will you come to the library or not? Well, Miss Thomas. Lord Thomas, it's nice to have you here again. Are you staying for our party? No, but you ask me. Of course I am. I'm glad. But right now, while we're alone, there's something I must ask you. Well? Lord Thomas, you know that I would be mending those through the winter. Well, I saw things there I can't forget. The slums, those miserable people. They have nobody, nobody at all to care for them. Care for them? I... somehow I have a feeling I might help. Oh, you mean visits to the poor and that sort of thing? No, I mean nursing. Mending their hurts. I seem to have a certain lack for it. That's my dear, but you're upbringing. But this is the fastest. It's impressive. Oh, I'm always being told that I'm impractical. Why can't women do things in this world? Well, my dear, they already play a certain role in the continuity of the race, you know. But surely they're suited for more than that. Oh, someday, perhaps, someday. But not now, my dear, not now. Oh, I did think you could help me. Not now. Why not now? See what you've done with your life. They say you're going to be the prime minister. Well, even a prime minister could hardly tell you how to escape a pair of loving, anxious parents. But if you must follow this idea, there's a bit of a dice for you. Now, tolerance, my dear, be ready for your chance when it arrives. I spent 20 years at the War Office while others moved on past me. But I wanted to be ready if the big chance did arrive. You see, my dear, it's all in the training. Training is exactly what I need. Why shouldn't women be taught to deal as you were taught your politics? My dear, I think perhaps you've made a point. Have I? Have I really, Lord Thomas? Well, the idea is right, at least. Then you have given me something, encouragement, and I've needed it. When no one sees it so confusing. But this could be a purpose, a goal to work for. Of course I remember those. How could I forget the thousand? You sailed paper boats on it for my family. You should bring me her visit years ago. We never saw the fountain in the moonlight, though, like this. No, not together. Florence, I've been trying to be alone with you all these years. And I've been trying to avoid it. Florence. Florence, I'm in love with you. You see, I was afraid, you say, Florence. You mean you couldn't love me? And, really, I do love you. With you, I feel so sure and safe. So I've wanted to hear that. I've wanted you to say those very words for so long now. Before I... I felt that something else was in your thoughts. That's someone else. Something you want to do. There is something that I have to do. Want it or not. Before I can think just of happiness with you. Before I... I don't understand. Oh, no. That last night I saw you in London. I told you about going to Salisbury Hospital. Seeing those dreadful wards, those hopeless childhood... So you must learn to forget experience, I thought. I can't forget suffering. I've dreamt of certain dreams, over and over again. It's always nice, and I'm up there on the path. There's a confused mob of people at the door. They're calling lockers as they stretch it. And someone with a lamp is walking among them. Perhaps a lamp can light the dark for those who suffer. Then I realized suddenly that the woman with a lamp is I. The place isn't home at all, but somehow going far away. A great hospital. Hospitals again? Oh, dear, you only torture yourself with these phantoms. Well, it should be I. I'm not quite sure. But I'll just try to find one of these. You darest a very noble dream. I don't want to be noble. That's not the idea. Oh, dear. You almost sound like someone who's dedicated to a cause. Perhaps I am. It is a cause if you want to call it that. And now it's taken on no purpose. That's why I had to tell you to be fair. Though we love each other, that's all it counts. Tell me you'll marry me. I have some wonderful plans to travel. See the world. You'll come with me. I can't say that. Because if I weren't free, it's only I can find out. Can't you find out as my wife? If I tried to do two things, it wouldn't be an honest death. But either way, I'd like you to see that. And I'll wait for you. I'll wait for you to decide what you want. But it may take years. I've no way of knowing. Though I believe that when you learn the sorted side of this fine dream, you'll change your mind. The women always have that right, don't they? But this is beyond those soothing little phrases, you must understand that if you do wait. Somehow I must discover how to do this thing. I must. Be, doctor. We women do need the training so badly and the Sikhs so need our care. Women can help you in your clinic. They might be organized. They might... Sorry, Miss Nightingale. We have no provisions, whatever, for training beginners. Mr. Wilkin, I've tried, doctor, private, pretty hospitals. There's not one spark of interest. Then I thought of this idea. Training of models by the government. The poor have no one to serve and no one at all. I have submitted your report, Miss Nightingale. There are no funds available for such a project. Then, sir, I suppose you've heard. Can it remain gone away? Yes, I've heard, Namar. The travel of the Orient. Two years at least. Well, you'll see now what your notions will do. You've missed your chance with him. I heard about his leaving yesterday. You're right. It hurts. But I must keep on. I can turn back, not now. I promise, and I put our condolences to you. I didn't want to tell you, I had failed. But no one will have me or my ideals. Is there no place I can find the thing I need? No place in all England? In all England, I'm afraid not. But I've heard of what they're doing on the continent. The sister's charity drinks in Paris. Then there's the amazing hospital house of that German... That German priest at Kaisersburg. Then I've gotten through to learn that. Oh, my child, that would be harder still. A continent. I don't care if it is hard. I've got to learn. Yes, Miss Nightingale. We've heard about your work in France and Germany. And now you're back in London. We think you might take charge of our new nursing home in Harveston. What did you say it would be called, Lady Dryden? In the hospital, for infinite gents of women. And must all the patients be gentle women? Our funds are limited, Miss Nightingale. And our own time must be considered, sir. I'm afraid my idea of a hospital is a place where all sorts of people are made well. If we ought to be associated, I'm sure you'll understand our view in time. Isn't it more likely, Lady Dryden, that you may come to see a larger need? Still, this is a start. The first that has been offered me. I'm grateful. I accept. Miss Bird, we're going to war! Your very kind to help. Just carry him in here. But, Miss Nightingale, you soon thought of being that man in here, huh? Don't I, Miss Bird? Who is he? I haven't an idea, but I know he's unconscious, traveled by the crowd. Like what, all she's out there, so accept it and I won't even... Miss Bird, get a bed ready right away. But, Miss Nightingale, hurry! If Dr. Reddon's still here, ask him to come at once. Bring some hot water. I'm here, then. Here is, Mum, the bad one, too. If old Palmerston was still at the foreign office, him blasted Russians have never risked it. Oh, I'm here. Thousands of miles away. They'll be wounded. And they're not ready. What could have come of them? Dear, I've heard it everywhere that you've actually petitioned to be sent to the crowd leader. Two months ago, I wrote the war officer miles. The same old story. And we thought you were so happy in your cozy little hospital in Harlem. Have you read the latest news report? Soldiers dying like flies, no care, no hospital, no medical equipment. But Florence, it's with postures. English girls don't do these things. No, the soldiers don't die either, just because they choose to. Well, they're dying now by thousands. But in jail, the prime minister is calling. He says he's urgent, too. Your parents can see her? I'll think of something hard. Oh, very well, Lord Farmerston. Perhaps you wish to speak with Florence. Sadically. No, you might be interested in what I've come to say. Miss Florence, we in the government must confess the sluggishness of time. Wheels within wheels, as you know. But your letter has been studied and it makes excellent sense, my dear. We want to send out a corps of nurses to organize base hospitals and to place you in full charge if you will consent. If I consent. This is an innovation for the army but a real organizing brain like yours can get results. Can Florence do this? There is no one else in the whole world who can. Florence. Oh, darling, I am proud of you. Perhaps I must foolish to oppose. Mother, at last you see. Lord Farmerston, you made me go hardly. Of course I have gone. And thank you. Thank you for giving me the chance. I'll be back in London after all these months. I wash up from the station. I wait and wait downstairs surrounded by trunks. Oh, honey, they didn't tell me. I wouldn't leave you waiting. You know that, not you after all this time. It doesn't matter. It does to me. It's wonderful to see you. But I'm going away. I'm afraid, sir. Darling, I'm ready to do whatever you say. I'll build a hospital for you. We'll stop it if you wish. We'll be married and work it out together. Honey, I haven't told you where I'm going, have I? No. I'm going to the Crimea. The Crimea? They've appointed me to organize these hospitals. I'm taking nurses. Things are already desperate. Please, please, you wasted your youth chasing shadows. Now you're risking your life. This idea of the hospital. Our hospital? It's magnificent of you. But it isn't just one hospital any longer, or one country any longer either. Pain is everywhere. The healing of it must be soon. I've waited years for this. Forget me, honey. And forgiveness. You mustn't wait any longer. It isn't fair. I can't forget you for a while. I've tried. But it simply isn't anyone else who matters. I love you, boy. I always love you. But, Henry, don't you see, there's still so much I have to do. Yes, well. Where's Miss Nightingale? She's gone down to the supply store's doctor. The client said she's blanked for extra rush of wounded. Back in England, the thing to think at all we need out here is epsom, salt, and steady wine. We've been here crazy, doctor. She's blown the wounded disaster down. Has she, uh, has she any extra dressing here in the star room? Yes, here, sir. Carbolized linen? Thank goodness. Really, Miss Nightingale is a genius. She ought to have a public money. A certain general doesn't think so. A certain general is a clown. Now the same plate is a power game. Now, come and help me, doctor Banford. There she is now with a purveyor. Well, settle it now, please. out of bandages upstairs no less practically no other than the time of the banter now let me have the list we sent to Mr. Banford office every morning all this week oh no no miss nightingale there are official channels for these things I want to have I had from your army store since I came here almost nothing look at this list the things I begged you for so urgent you forget we had a ship lost in the house whenever since I've heard that wretched ship is an excuse you could have a friend from England or bought them locally locally those on the regulation pattern red tape according to regulation then my patient shouldn't die but many of them do live I'm only for the war office rule in a man's world man you must be back oh stop all my life I've heard that word I won't endure it now you ladies don't see how the system works I have to follow every victim and we're crowded to our doors with dying men my job is to care for the sick and wounded your job is to supply our desperate needs like medicine more bandages you have them I know those haven't been passed yet and the board doesn't stick to Friday but I don't care how you do it even your own stores if you like we must have them tonight it's impossible I order you to supply these things but first you have to change the regulations man I'm not going to change the regulations I'm going to change the purveyor oh you will have your little dirt this night again Mr. Banford if I don't receive these supplies in full I'll advise the government I can't remain in my position if you remain in your how do we understand each other the few of each wouldn't do I suppose the board might need I want the full amount tonight well you'll have to explain this before the one day I've been married you know Miss Nightingale the first lot and it's already dark are the nurses coming by in the ward this way oh yeah so many are asking to see you miss nightingale very well where is he easy with him like this that you're here ma'am that's all me hello is that you sir? hands didn't didn't expect me here did you how did why did she thought if you could be in it I could too oh no do you mean because of that last time in London how do we know what pushes us I mean how I missed it I know wouldn't do you I only held out on it cast me ships so I could see you for a moment tell you I've got a certain quote Farron do something about those ships they're horrible wounded men ought to be tortured that way I know it's sad we're setting it right little by little I had to tell you right from the beginning I was so wrong now that I've seen darling don't talk don't waste your strength so remember remember the fountain flow hey ma'am now in your dream all the sick trading you with your neck poor fellow are they still calling you impractical how blind how blind you think so now now I wonder you did love me once I know you did I love you now oh it's part of my life my efficient organized life it's a fine fine life it was mine that was empty I was so slow to understand it's dark very dark I'll light the lamp shall I that's better isn't it fountain I should have understood your hand you'll get well now you've got to I'll do anything you say we'll have our life together after all back in England no more goodbye lightning you know that don't care don't you flow I'm bowed I grieve maybe the fellas the fellas the fellas the dangers of this man for the love of our only son our son the Lord loves us and keep us the Lord makes us shine upon us forgive me forgive me I came as soon as I could in the ward there go back doctor they need you it's too late here yes I see can you help me now two amputations in the ward go doctor I'll come better bring the lamp it's very dark in the corridor yes very dark I'm coming doctor good night my love Minister I believe you're deliberately trying to discourage me these are forms of yours challenging the war office demanding that army medicine reorganize they're impractical I fear I'm fighting for a very simple thing the memory of those men who died in my arms in the war faithful uncomplained the common soldier my dearest ferocious face isn't it time you rested a little there's so much apathy indifferent carbonate lord promised me dear the war's been over for six years now why not enjoy life you've gotten many good years ahead of you flurry dear don't waste them on a dream wasted your sight it isn't just a dream you said yourself lord promised me if you're going to accomplish anything in this world you have to face tremendous odds huge issues and I'm ready for it because I speak a challenge to a challenge to indifference everywhere there's so very much we need deforestation new army hospitals new treatments, modern nursing schools to teach it, doctors to recognize it public health in our cities in the villages of India those are some of the things we have to have and I can't give up until we do no matter who opposes us no matter all the years it takes no matter anything but the gold the impulse of mercy is as old as the human heart and from it has come the great forces through which man may express his desire to do something for his fellow men Florence Nightingale raised the lamp of compassion for all mankind to see like Orrie du Nord of Switzerland and Clara Barton of America she helped light the road for men of conscience throughout the world today the collective efforts of these humanitarian leaders are merged in a single banner the banner of the Red Cross if you're already a member of some church you know that part of the work of the church part of the reward of church membership is being active in the great work of organizations like the Red Cross for like your own church the American Red Cross because it is the American people is part of every hamlet town and city of our country and like part of the work of your own church the work of the Red Cross is carried on to help those less fortunate now this is the eve of the Red Cross campaign this weekend which is dedicated as Red Cross Sabbath and Sunday is the time to dedicate ourselves to a share of this work remember this great organization's strength and success lies mainly in those of us who voluntarily give of our services knowing that our efforts given willingly and unselfishly will be combined with the efforts of those already engaged in this personal service to others Walter Hamden I want to thank our cast and especially you Miss Carol for a very stirring performance music on tonight's program was composed and conducted by Nathan Crone Miss Madeline Carol is now starring in the Broadway success Goodbye my fancy Walter Hamden again to make an important announcement our next Wednesday March the second, the day known as Ash Wednesday the whole of the Christian world unites in the observance of Lent and since this is the last weekend before the beginning of Lent tonight's program is the last in this fall and winter series of great scenes from great plays we want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for being with us and for the many fine and heartwarming letters you've written us we particularly would like to have you write to us now while we're making plans for next fall won't you tell us which programs you have most enjoyed and if you have some favorite great play you would like to hear dramatized on this program in the future just address your letters to great scenes from great plays in care of the station to which you are listening we look forward to being with you next fall with the second series of great scenes from great plays now a message from the church more particularly at this time than at any other all of us should promise ourselves to attend church regularly if you are already a member of some church and have not been attending services regularly we urge you to return to your church this Sunday if you are not a member of any church you will always be welcome at your nearest Episcopal church for you too may learn the true Christian faith which is the foundation of all real living happiness