 Hollywood Radio Theater. We get many enjoyable moments out of the books we read, the sights we see, and above all the things we hear. The Hollywood Radio Theater hopes to add to your enjoyment by bringing you each week the finest in dramatic and comedy entertainment featuring a stellar cast of movie personalities, many of whom will appear in their original motion picture roles. Now here is our producer, Mr. William Keyless. Tonight's play, Take Care of My Little Girl. Now to anyone who might think our story controversial, we assure you it's the exception and not the rule. Now from the original cast of this 20th Century Fox screen success, our stars are lovely Gene Crane as the ideal pledge who finds romance with a GI student played by Dale Robertson, a newcomer to Stardom and our stage. Now, Take Care of My Little Girl starring Gene Crane as Liz Erickson and Dale Robertson as Joe Blake. Elizabeth Erickson, this without a doubt, is the most exciting journey in all her 18 years. She's on the train at last, the train that's taking her to Midwestern University. And to make it still more wonderful at her side is her best friend Janet Shaw. Oh, gosh, Liz, what'll happen when we get there? I mean, will we go straight to the campus? Not till tomorrow. Our first stop's the Murray-Arms Hotel. Golly, I hope my trunks arrive. You should've heard Dad when he heard how much it's going to cost. That hotel, I mean. Oh, mine too. Oh, but Mother convinced him. She said it makes such a good impression on the sororities if you stay at the Murray-Arms during rushing. And after all, it'll only be for a week. Oh, then you'll be living at the tri-u house. Upsilon, epsilon, epsilon. Well, so will you. Well, they take me, I will. You're a legacy, Liz. My mother didn't go to college. Oh, Janet, stop. Now, look, the house mother at tri-u. Her name's Mrs. Clark. Well, she and my mother were roommates, and mother's written to her about you. I guess it's silly to worry so. But whatever happens, Liz, we'll stay together, won't we? You bet we'll stay together. Oh, Dan, I can't believe it. We're practically there. The compliance will proceed with the registration. Good luck to you all. Professor Blake, here's my card. It is not Professor Blake. Not even Instructor Blake. I'm just a senior student. The authority has thought that because of my advanced age I could help freshmen take their courses. Oh. Oh, you were in the war. Up to my neck. I haven't designated any science here. Must I? I'm not very good at science. It's required for freshmen. Now, what science would you like? Well, what science have you got? Well, we have some very nice chemistry today. Physics, zoology. Well, what about botany? Now, how do you like that? Well, I like it fine. The point is, how do you like it? This is somewhat outside my problems. But just why did you come to college? Well, my father says I'm too young to get married and too old to hang around the house. Well, that's a better reason than most. Why did you pick me to Western? My mother went to Midwesting. She was a tri-hugh. Well, well. Now, let's find you a real interesting major. Yes, let's. You know, this may surprise you, but I was awfully good at languages. Frankly, it does surprise me. Oh, you are the girl. You better get in another line. I'm afraid this is going to take me a little while. How do you do? We just want to say hello to your hotel, your room company. Oh, yes, it's just fine. We're dying to meet you for the opening tea. Will you be free at three o'clock? Oh, I'm sure I'll be free as well. Well, thank you. Good-goodbye, Miss Colby. Thank you again. Well, try you, Jim, free o'clock tomorrow. Welcome to our tea list. Oh, thank you, Miss Colby. Oh, you just call me Marge. It's sort of a madhouse, isn't it? Oh, that's Jenny Barker there at the door. Senator Barker's daughter? Of course, Senator Barker. And that's Helen Brown. She's head girl's cheerleader. That's quite an honor, you know. And the loud girl is Casey Krause. No use apologizing for her. There's one in every sorority. I think it's peachy about your mom and mother-clive being so chummy. And speaking of mother-clive... Just to tell me, Marjorie, I'd know in a minute all of Eric's and Elizabeth's... Well, how do you do, Mrs. Clark? Well, well, I received a long chatty letter from your mother just yesterday. She's very proud of you, my dear. I've heard about you as long as I can remember, Mrs. Clark. Oh, really? Your mother gave me very special instructions to take care of her little girl. I just met your friend Janet, such a sweet girl. I guess we're both a little excited, Mrs. Clark. Everything's so different and wonderful. And I want to hear all about it. Only first tell me about the mother. You know that 20 years ago she was a little... Everything going all right, Mary? Yes, I think we can all take a bowel march. Like everything else, a Russian tea is just a matter of proper preparation. Who's that in the corner? Her name's Ruth Gates. I'm a real squirrel. Just look at the sack she's wearing. Oh, yeah, God's March. She's a legacy. I tried to talk to her before. She's just impossible. The Erikson girl, though, seems to be making quite a hit with Mother Clark. What about her friend, that Janet something or other? Average. Strictly average. I understand they're awfully close, Liz and Janet. Now, this could be a little tricky, Mary. Oh, relax. Now, you know as well as I do that every girl here automatically will be rushed by every other sorority on campus. Listen, we're still the best, and we'll still pick the ones we want. Oh, come on. Let's tell these kids what it means to be quiet. Fine, except my roommate's waiting for me in the lobby. What's a big rush? Well, we're due at the Kappa Kappa Della house for dinner. Oh, I am, but it's rush week. The fine news. Is there anything wrong with my schedule? Well, if you don't mind my wearing the same old suit I had on last time, my trunks lost. You mean we had pineapple sherbet instead of two-prone ice cream? Those kappas are getting more radical each year. What fraternity are you? None. Oh. Break the date if you like. Don't you believe in fraternities? Well, I'm a 28-year-old who's spent six years in the army. The whole thing seems a little silly. And don't let me influence you. You're just a right age for all this nonsense. Oh, you haven't got a chance. I was brought up on tri-U. Martha used to say, if you're a good little girl and do as I say, you'll be a tri-U, too. I suppose you had the usual mother and daughter talk before you left. About tri-U? About men. Why should we talk about men? You're kidding. A pretty girl like you. Oh, don't worry about me. I can handle anybody. Grab my arm. Go on, just grab my arm. There's nobody going to grab your arm. Hmm. There's quite an arm at that. Now, let's get across the street and have that cloak. Mother, my trunk. It still hasn't arrived. Tomorrow night's the dinner at tri-U, and you should see the looks the girls are giving me. The same suit, mother, four times in a row. Well, there's only one thing to do. Dad's not going to like it. Huh? I'm sure they do. I forgot to tell you in my letter. She's still a little heavy, mother. Oh, much heavier than you are, dear. Oh. There's the best dinner I've had since I got here. Well, I should think you'd be more interested in other things, Adley. For instance, Jan. Well, the girls. And that candlelight ceremony. Gosh, was it impressively? Oh, it was beautiful. Well, I'm poofed. I can't wait till I hit the sack. But they're voting on us right now. I won't close my eyes all night. The minute my head hits that pillow, I'm gone. Look at this, look. What are you doing here? Well, thanks for telling me. But if you've got a date, Mr. Blake, it's with three girls. We came together and we're sticking together. A guy his age can't handle three of us. Oh, no. We can have a lot of fun together. We can go... I guess I didn't sound very convincing, did I? Oh, you didn't. Now you'd better come along quietly. No. Now let me try it again. Oh, no. The four of us can have a lot of fun together. I guess in the East nobody ever says goodnight. Back in Tucson. You making that, Adley? That's the old main bell. The one they sing the song about. Oh, imagine that bell's over a hundred years old. Right now I'd give ten dollars to your account again. Oh, you. A bunch of girls sang some songs and walked around holding candles. Well, it was beautiful. Nothing you can say is going to spoil this moment for me. Adley, there's a girl with a right attitude. She's taking all this hanky-panky right in stride. There are a lot of good things about sororities. For instance? Well, even with all the hanky-panky, a sorority is a big part of college life. And if a sorority wants you, especially a good one, it gives you a wonderful feeling of belonging. Golly, isn't it natural to want to belong? What about all the clubs, lodges, associations, brotherhoods, ladies' hostilities? What about them? Oh, all right. So I'm silly. Resards, you still may have the last laugh. What's that mean? The tri-us. Right now they're deciding who they're going to pledge. Golly, just because they've been nice to me doesn't mean they're going to... Well, not a chance, Liz. Not a chance. You're in. How can you be so sure? Well, I'm not just an old man. I'm a wise old man. I'll tell you all about it over that couple of calls. Mr. B. Voting. Now, what about Adley Swanson? Is she in or out? Tucson, Arizona. Horses and canners. Well, she'd be a breath of fresh air around here. She doesn't seem to be a sorority type somehow. Uh, uh, may I say a word or two? Mother Clark, of course. Well, we've had a note from an alumna in Adelaide's hometown. Adelaide's mother operates a million dollars worth of branching property. She thinks Adelaide would have much to offer. Well, to be perfectly honest, there's so little you can really tell about girls during rushing. Depends from where I'm sitting. Does anyone want a black ball, Adelaide Swanson? No. All right, we have four more to go. Now sit tight, sisters. Ruth Gates. Now, now, girls, please. You know how I hate to interfere, but Ruth's a legacy. Her mother was a dear, sweet girl and a fine example of tri-use. Casey was a legacy, too. We took her in and looked what happened. Thank you, Dallas. Truly. I'd like you to know that sorority's gotten rich on my 50 cents fine. Now, what are we wasting time for? Ruth Gates is absolutely hopeless. Now, just a second. I agree that Ruth Gates is a sad sack, but she's probably been brushed off ever since she was a kid. That's not our problem, Casey. But we can do things for this girl. Isn't that what sorority's a fool? Oh, for heaven's sake. Well, I think Casey has a point. At least we ought to discuss it. Actually, girls, the pledging period is really just a trial period. It would please me very much. All right. I won't stand in the way of a girl being pledged. But let's get one thing straight. Unless Ruth changes, and I don't believe in miracles, I'm never going to allow her to become initiated. Well, that's fair enough. Thank you, dear. Well, I guess we've pledged Ruth's date. Now, here's one legacy we're not going to fight about. I guess we're all pretty unanimous about Liz Erickson. Count me in. She's creamy. Me, too. She's terrific. Well, I guess we're all sold on Liz. Now, about Janet, sure. Liz and Janet, well, they're just never apart. Maybe Liz won't take our bid unless we take Janet, too. How many have we decided to ask? 13. Well, at least room for only two more. We've got to be careful from now on. I know two other girls who are simply must. They come before Janet with me. Now, where's the harm if we take 16 girls instead of 15? Every other sorority on the cabinet. We're not every other sorority. We'll try you. Anyhow, how much do we know about Janet's family and her background? We can't afford to do that. Now, let's not get on the subject of families and background. What about our own dear Mrs. Richards? Didn't she nearly go to jail? Oh, now, Liz. Look, Casey, Cruz, how dare you. That's enough out of you, Casey. You'll find 50 cents. Now, listen, nobody is going to shut me up when it comes to telling the truth. You want me? Yeah, me, too. Say, what do I do about this? What do you do for you accepting, of course? Oh, no, I'm not. Adelaide. Oh, it's too much social stuff. Too many phony smiles and all that singing. But it's not all just singing. What about the girls? What about the beautiful friendships you're making? All of them. What's the matter with the girls in the dormitory? Can't I make friends with them without all that singing? Honey, where have you been? Just around. How did you do? Two bids. No, Liz, not try you. Oh, sometimes there's a mistake. If you go... There's no mistake. I've been back. Well, did you get five pie? Yeah. Delta Mew. Well, so did I. Then all we have to do is to decide between them. They're both just as good as try you. Well, I'm going to Highler Hall. If you two had any sense, you'd come with me. Oh, Adelaide. Janet, darling, what do you think? Personally, I say Delta Mew. You know very well that Delta Mew isn't near as good as try you. It's a goon sorority. Oh, it's not so bad. Besides, we made an agreement. A kid's agreement. We didn't mean it. I meant every word. Wherever we go, we're going to go together. Please. It's an 11 o'clock class. Oh, Janet, don't be crazy. Let me go. Just a second. The U.L. is the express agency. Your trunk's here. Hello. Oh, well, can you send it right up here to the hotel? Oh, oh, no. No. Just a minute, please. Oh, Ad, what should I do? About Janet? I'm afraid you're on your own, kid. Hello. I guess you better send the trunk to the try you out. Oh, thank you. We'll return in a few moments with act two of Take care of my little girl. The time has passed when the boys and girls of the United States never travel over 50 miles from their birthplace. In hundreds of locations around the world today, you young men and women in uniform are serving the United States. Your country depends upon you in many ways. First, there's your military job to perform. That's carefully defined. It's detailed so that you know exactly what to do. But there's another way in which you serve your country that's a little more difficult to outline. It involves your daily contacts with people of other nations. To them, you're an example of the American way of life. You're a citizen of a foreign country. Your actions will be interpreted by them as the typical actions of an American citizen. For that reason, you must be conscious of your duty to help promote better understanding between nations. Be a good example of our way of doing things. Remember, a country is known by its people. What people think about your country depends upon you. Now, Mr. William Keely, our producer. Act two of Take Care of My Little Girl, starring Jean Crane as Liz and Dale Robertson as Joe. Julie pledged to the most exclusive sorority at Midwestern University. Classes are over for the day, and Liz has promised to meet Adelaide across the campus in the jug room. I ran into a friend of yours. Have a cup of coffee. Oh, what are you two so glum about? And where's Janet? We just come from seeing Janet off. She's gone home. Gone home? But... There are always a lot of casualties pledged weak. But she's awful, huh? I feel so awful. You and I are going to take a little walk. You mind, Adelaide? Go on, go ahead. I knew I'd get stuck with the check anyway. You can afford it. Listen, Janet, we've promised each other. We made an agreement we'd never be separated. Now, wait a minute. You're building yourself way out of proportion. No, no, I'm not. Janet's life is ruined, and I'm responsible. You listen to me. Janet's an idiot and let a bunch of silly girls drive her home. In six months she'll see how ridiculous it all was, and she'll come back here. Go somewhere else. She'll be a much more sensible, a much happier girl. Well, I still have the feeling I'm pretty awful. No, you're not. You're just not very bright, that's all. If I look anything like the way I feel... You look fine. Yeah, I bet you're just crazy about my red nose. It tilts a little too much. Outside of that, I find nothing to criticize. Now, let's get back to the jug room. I've got to eat. I've got a job tonight. It'll be free Saturday night. Oh, well, Saturday night's the dinner date. Oh, yeah, so it is. The cream of the crop. The ladies will try you and the gentlemen of the lambda house. Who's your date? Oh, no one's special. Everyone just goes over and meets them. It gives the pledges a chance to... It sounds swell. Well, I intend to have a very good time. Yeah. Yeah, you do that, Liz. No matter what happens, you have a good time. What's your self, Liz? This is Chad Carr. Mr. Carr, Ms. Eric. Well, hi. Hi. Big romantic interest of the Kansas. He skips dinner, then shows up clobbered. He's part of his charm. Liz, huh? You see that door? Uh-huh. What's that? We're in the clearing. What are we doing in the kitchen? It's my wine cellar. I just hand me a couple of those glasses, will you? Just a little for me. That's all you're going to get. This stuff's expensive. Is that why you're looking so grim? No. No, I got stood up tonight. Oh, and that's pretty awful, huh? Well, I've got a reputation. The news got out of the kill my roommate. Well, at least you can laugh about it. Who's laughing? What am I doing telling the truth to you? There's something about me. I don't know. People just can't lie to me. Maybe I'm different. I want you to change. I want you to be like the other trios. Act like Mary, talk like Marge, dress like Dallas. Then I'll be able to lie to you with the greatest of ease. Who you been dating? Joe Blake. Do you know him? Yeah, I know him. What's the matter? Is something wrong with him? No, nothing wrong with him, and I don't like him. You'll have to be a little clearer than that. Joe Blake is a quiet, superior air. Well, he is superior. Well, he might be a little noisier about it, so we'd have something on him. I bet he hasn't told you a thing about his war record. No, just that he was in it. That's what I mean. Two silver stars, he never says a word about it. I can't think. Come on, I'll turn you over to the mat. And you? I am going out again. I got to find out why I was stood up. It's been a real pleasure, Miss Eriks. Well, thank you, Mr. Carnes. Happy landing. Take ten minutes. Oh, well, I don't think I'm getting soft. The midterm exams start in just three days, and in this sorority, we have certain definite rules about study hours, six hours daily for every pledge. Ruth, didn't you hear me? I said you can stop for ten minutes. All right, girls, impossible. Liz, do you have a minute, please? We'll be sending out the invitations tomorrow, Liz, for our midterm dance. Maybe you can explain this to me. I guess it doesn't make much sense, Marge. You put Joe Blake's name down on the date list, and then you cross them out and put down Chad Carnes. Oh, I know, and I cross Chad out, too. Well, who's it going to be for head and safe? You can't be serious about Joe. Sure, sure it is Joe. Well, I've known him longer than Chad. A big-time operator like Chad Carnes chases you all over the campus, and you prefer Joe. I don't mean to butt in, Liz, but all the other men will be from fraternity. Mary's right. Joe wouldn't feel at home. He'd be uncomfortable. No, Chad on the other hand. Oh, I know. He's fun, and I love dating him, but I don't know. By the way, does Joe own a dinner jacket? I just bet he doesn't. Anyhow, he can rent one, can't he? Well, that's all the flypies have to hear a rented suit. Thanks, Mary. Thanks for making up my mind for me. Just send my invitation to Joe Blake, please. It's up to you, Liz. I guess you know what you're doing. For you, Liz, telephone. Oh, thanks, Dallas. If it's Adelaide, tell us. He's supposed to be in the middle of a French exam. Well, he spoke to me and fought with me. Thanks, Dallas. Dad, where are you? A juggler. But your exam don't tell me you've finished it already. Liz, I gotta see him. All right, Chad. I'll be right over. The exam, I took one look at the questions, and I knew I was dead. Oh, how long could I just sit there staring at the ceiling? But what did you do? I handed him my blue book practically after him, came down here, and I got the idea. What idea? Well, didn't you tell me you were a prize student in French? Well, I'm no prize winner, but I... Look, here's a copy of the questions. I bought another blue book. I thought if we could go someplace, you could fill in the answers for me. I'll still have plenty of time before the exam's officially through. What good would that do? You've already handed in your blue book. Sure, but when the exam's over, the prof will take the blue books to his office. Gee, Chad, it sounds awfully risky. So I'm thrown out of school a few days earlier. Yeah, but what a way to go. Oh, what's the matter, Liz? Scruples? Oh, no, not exactly. Oh, look, Liz, everybody cheats you know that, except maybe a few spooks. Well, I'll admit it certainly takes guts. Chad, I... I can't. Okay. No, I know I've been flip about flunking out, but I... Liz, believe me, it's the most important thing in the world to me right now. He said I'd never make it, not in a million years. I gotta show it. Who? Oh, my father. All my life he's been right. He calls me his remittance man. And he laughs. Only does his laugh. How... how will your mother take it? My mother or my father's wife. You mean they're not one and the same? No, this is my father's third. Oh. Well, where... where is your mother? I guess she's still in Pasadena. Look, Liz, if... if I flunk out now, I... I just couldn't go home and face my father. I just couldn't. No. No, you've got to graduate. I'll do it, Chad. Now, where can we go? Get his office down there. Yes. As I'll say it again. That shows what little bowling can do, Professor. Can I present Miss Erickson, Professor Bant. How do you do? How do you do? Uh, Miss Erickson's going to France this summer, sir. And, uh, well, I... I told her you could be a big help to her. You see, she doesn't want to see the usual tourist stuff. Remember, I can't say I blame you, Miss Erickson. Well, I've heard so much about Brittany, Professor, but I haven't the faintest idea where it is. Well, first of all, suppose we take a look at the map back here. Brittany's on the coast, you see? Ended. Professor. That's all right, girls. I just hope I was able to help you, Miss Erickson. The map of France and I switched blue books. All of a sudden, I... I can't stop trembling. I'm going to see to it that everybody at the lamp the house knows what you've done for me. I'll... I'll never forget this, Liz. What do you think? I say what Liz did for Chad will really launch her. Oh, you're talking like a child, Alice. It was plain, ordinarily cheating, and I don't like it. Don't mind Mary, Liz. She has to make a noise like the Chapter President. She's a hero over at the lambda house. Do you know what one of them said? Well, he said, Liz has the look, the right sorority connection, and when the grapevine gets going on this little episode, she's a cinch for Queen of the Fragrance. Queen of the Fragrance? Golly, what did I do? I'll tell you what you did. A little thing like this will bring attention to you, and that means votes, and that should show you the difference between men. Oh, I can just picture Joe Blake having enough nerve to do a thing like this. It didn't require, uh, just a lack of character. Oh, ye God, Mary, we haven't had a fresh queen since 44. Yes, sir. Walking me home, Joe. Thanks for the true confession. Okay, if we sit on the porch for a minute. Sure, I guess so. Of course, what just bowls me over is that margin Dallas actors if I just swam the English Channel or something. And you see, some people cheating is a major sport. And you've just earned your letter. Oh, well, I don't know if I'm crazy about your attitude. Sorry, Liz. The only attitude I have, you know me, one suit, one attitude. Well, you needn't be so smug. We're not the only ones who go in for cheating. Look, I know sororities haven't got a monopoly. Maybe I'd like to cheat, too, but I'd only be cheating myself. You think I'm pretty much of a heel, don't you? I didn't say that. Just think of the way I've been defending you. What? Why, they've been halving me for weeks, and I've been standing up for you. I'm beginning to think that margin all the others are right. You're just a smug stuffie. Now, wait a minute. Just because your conscience is bothering you, don't take it out on me. Sure, I was feeling so excited and happy, and you have to come along, and I've got a dinner jacket. I guess that just about sums me up. I haven't even got a dinner jacket. Better not keep raffles waiting. Why? Why, you... Oh, I'll tell you one thing. I'd never do it again. My life of crime is over. You know, my only regret is that I waited until my senior year to dream up this little system. Think of all the years I wasted studying. Oh, Chad. All that time we were in Professor Benson's office, and I thought you frightened. Well, here I go, telling you the truth again. Yes, I was frightened. You didn't show it one bit. I was afraid for you, too. I've got to go in. I'm supposed to be boning on math. I'll take a certified public accountant to concentrate on math on a night like this. Liz. Liz, I want to kiss you. How do you say, once again, in French? On course, you will say. Maybe it's not us. Maybe it's just the excitement. No, no, no. This should have happened along the way. I... I want you to have my pen, Liz. You know, some girls say that getting a boy's pen doesn't mean a thing. Others think it means you're engaged or something. Well, I... I guess it means you're engaged to be engaged. It means that someday, if you pass math and don't put on weight, I might ask you to be my first wife. It's like my father'd be flattered if I followed his pattern. Oh, no. Come on. Look, it's not that funny. No. I was just thinking how happy this is going to make Mard. Good night, Chad. Good night, Liz. Well, I didn't know Chad and I had an audience. Sorry, Liz. I guess I should have just sneaked away. What do you want? Matter now. No. No, I guess it doesn't. That's what I figured. So long, Liz. Have fun. We pause now for station identification. The curtain rises on Act 3 of Take Care of My Little Girl, starting Jean Crane as Liz and Dale Robertson as Joan. For the past few days, Sorority Row at Midwestern University has become Nightmare Allen. For this is Hell Week, the traditional week when freshmen become the world's lowliest creatures. Liz Erickson is no exception. Her particular job at the moment is walking around the block, tracing each footstep on the sidewalk with a piece of chalk. Oh, hello, Ruth. Around the whole darn block. My back will be broken. I've got to go to the graveyard and copy the names off a hundred tombstones. Ruthie, wait a minute. Honey, I don't think you'd better go. But we've got to do what they tell us, and now especially. Oh, Liz, as soon as this is over, we'll be tri-used. I don't like the way you look, Ruth. I'll bet you've got a fever. Oh, I'm just tired and excited. Oh, I saw Joe Blake today. He asked about you. Oh, did he? Oh, he's so nice, Liz. Oh, I wish I were just half as popular as you are. First, Joe, and then Ted Karnes and... Oh, Liz, thanks for being so nice to me. Well, you quit being a mouse. You're a wonderful girl, Ruthie. And, honey, stop apologizing for being alive. Well, you wouldn't understand. You wouldn't know what all this means to me. Well, it won't mean a thing, honey, unless you get on the job. Oh, my gosh, the graveyard! Last piece of business, our grand pledge, miss. Well, now tell us what she's planned for the pledges tonight. Well, let's start with our prize package, Ruthie Gates. She's to go to every house from 4th to 11th Street and get the name of every occupant. Well, I don't think it's fair. What's the matter with you, Dallas? No, we don't vote on the pledges until Friday, but you all know what my attitude was when we pledged, Ruth, and, well, that miracle hasn't happened. He's still the same squirrel. I think she's improved 100%. And where does that put her? I defy even Tasia to say that Ruth is good enough to be a tri-u. Oh, come now. How many of you really want Ruth for a sorority, sister? Go on. Raise your hands. There you are. Less than half. And it only takes one black ball. How can you be so cruel? Don't you know that Ruth... Every more cruel to let Ruth go through three more days of hell-weak agony and torture? I say let's do the decent thing and tell her tonight. Well, I'm glad I won't have to tell her. No, none of you will have to tell her. It's all up to little Dee, isn't it? All right, Marge, get on with the rest of the list. Come on in. Slowly, Ruth Gates reporting his dog is born. Oh, let's forget that, Mom. And shall we have some tea? Oh, no, thanks, Mary, but I've got to rush off on my next assignment. Ruthie, have you been happy here? I mean really happy with us. I've never been so happy in my life. Well, what I mean is, well... There have been cases, you know, of pledges stealing they were in the wrong group. I want to be at try humor than anything else in the world. I'm afraid I have some bad news, Ruthie. I understand you've run up some pretty big bills at Simonson. Well, yes, for clothes, Mary. I wanted to have the right clothes. They reported it to the Dean of Women. Well, under the circumstances. Well, we have such finicky bylaws. But Mary, I'll pay them. They said I could wait... Oh, it's not just that, Ruth. I wish there was something I could do, but my hands are tied. You've got to go to Fourth Street, Mary. Get in there. No, dear. You don't have to do that now. Oh, you look so tired, Ruth. Why don't you run along to bed? Oh, and there's absolutely no rush about moving out. Is that all, Mary? Yes, dear. That's all. What's the matter with you? Lost or something? Jones! Oh, hello. What are you doing up so late? Hell week stuff? Yes. A little job to do. I haven't seen you since when was it? Middle of December? First week in December. As a matter of fact, I did catch a glimpse of you the other day, but I was wearing a ridiculous 1890 baby suit, and I didn't want to... Yes. The parasol. You saw me? And I saw you see me. Well, thanks for not letting me see that you saw me see you. The... I'm glad to see you, Jones. Honest. That's Chad's pen you're wearing. Uh-huh. Well, a little bit later, but my insincere congratulations. My... my insincere thanks. So much for Chad. Now, what's your target for tonight? Well, I've got to get to Cloverdale, and then make sure the buses aren't running, and get this postcard signed by the head nurse at the hospital, and then somehow get back here. And that's all I have to do. Uh, you can get out of doing that, you know? How? Walk me down the street. I'm due at a party, Jack Gruber's place, you know him? No. But tell me, how do I get out of going to Cloverdale? Hand in your pen. Oh, Jones. Sign the nurse's name yourself. Then you can go to the party with me. Not the top-notch people, of course, but music and something to eat. How about it, Liz? Oh, I can't, Joe. I really can't. That's too bad. This is where Jack lives. No, no. Downstairs. Basement apartment. Look at him. He sure looks cozy and warm in there. Why, there's Casey and Adelaide. That's right. Gosh, I haven't seen Adelaide for ages. Yeah, that's the way it goes. You don't always mean to lose track of friends. Maybe if I went in for it, for just a few minutes. Good. Good, let's go. What is this, Liz? Hello, Casey. The part of hell week they're forcing her to make those non-perternity votes. You won't give me away, will you, Casey? Give you away? My girl, I'm proud of you. Well, she's still at the wrong water hall. Adelaide, honestly, I've been meaning to come over and see you. Honey, the road to Hyder Hall is paved with good intentions. I'm awful glad to see you, Liz. Liz, look, the doorway. Well, isn't this just dandy? Chad's guard. Sorry to barge in, but can anyone tell me if Liz Derrick is here? Well, Chad. What are you doing here? Get your coat, Liz, let's go. Wait a minute. How did you know I was here? What have I pledged to you? How will you get your coat? Say, that's quite a spy system you have. Does a girl give you an assignment for the night? Oh, honey. Have you done it? No. Why not? Because I told her not to. Liz, you're crazy. Three days before initiation. You've got to marry Tully, you're sorry. Yes, and then I might try going to Professor Benson and telling him I'm sorry. What's that got to do with it? If you haven't got guts enough to go through Hell Week just because it's tough, if you haven't got the integrity to... Integrity? Maybe I'm no one to talk after helping you, Chief, but you're just a fellow to preach integrity. Just a minute, Liz. You have to try to understand Chad's sense of values. Look, you don't think I'm scared just because I'm surrounded by your friends. Oh, shut up, Chad. Shut up. You're acting like a child. Come on, Liz. Maybe we'd better... Take your hand off. So that's enough of that. Everybody's acting like kids. Someone was me. No. No, I'm not. Okay. Stay. You seem very much of hope. Well, at last I've got something to tell my children. I saw Chad Garnes get a smack in the nose. Sorry, Liz. Gosh, I... I'm overdressed. What does that mean? It means, what do I do with a fraternity pin? I... I don't want to wear any more. Come in. Oh, lowly Elizabeth Erickson... Don't ever mind that, Liz. Chad just phoned me. He said to tell you he was sorry for behaving like a lout. What's it all about, Liz? Oh, nothing, Mary. While you were out, you didn't happen to run in the Roots' case, did you? No, but she had a long assignment. Yes, I... I know. Wait, you're worried about her, aren't you? Oh, I knew she wasn't feeling well. Liz, we had a meeting tonight. I... I had to tell Ruth she would be pledged. Be pledged? Oh, but for what? There's no point in discussing that. Now we've got to find her. Liz, where are you going? Like you said, Mary, we've got to find her. What next, Liz? We've been to the railroad station, the airport, the busty pool. We've searched all over town. I've got to find her, Joe. What was Ruth's assignment tonight, you know? Oh, some silly thing. The names of everybody living between 4th and 11th Street. Oh, but Mary told her not to go. Yeah, well, I've got a crazy idea. Come on, we'll go over to 4th Street. Well, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th... There's just no sign of her, Joe. I told her she wouldn't... Wait a minute. There, across the street. Isn't that someone on the steps? Ruth! Ruthie! Come on. She's just sitting here. Ruthie! Doctor, finish. Finish getting the names. Oh, Ruthie, what's the matter? Oh, they look at me. Maybe if I get the names, maybe they'll let me... They've done it. Give me a hand. We've got to get her to the infirmary right away. Straight to the hospital as soon as your phone lives. How is she? They're taking the X-rays, Mother Clark. Oh, this is just awful. That poor girl. Doctor. Across the hall. Dallas, you and Mary stay here. Oh, what a strange girl that Ruthie is. Mary was so nice to her. She begged her to go to bed. Then she slipped solid. Mary, I don't understand. Three days before initiation. Why did you do that? How could you do a thing like that? I'll wait outside, please. Or if you could have seen her face. I know you don't like her, Dallas, but Ruth was so happy at the house. She tried so hard. Now, really, Liz, you're still a pledge. I've got these things with you. We had no choice, Liz. Ruth, run up some big bills, she can't pay. That reflects seriously on the house. But I'm in the same fix. I've been running up bills, too. I hate to be saying this with Ruthie so sick inside, but there's a big difference between you and Ruth. Oh, I see. You have one set of rules for the girls you want and another for the ones you... Well, the doctor said it's pneumonia, but she's going to be all right. Oh, thank heavens. We'll send us flowers the first thing in the morning, Dallas. Whoa, what a load of my mind. Oh, look. Let's all go back to the house and have some hot chocolate. Come on, Liz. You'll be able to think more clearly in the morning. I'm pretty clear right now, Mary. Will you please tell me, Liz, what is the matter? Something's been bothering me for a long time. I... I never quite knew what it was. Well, now I know. I'm afraid, Mary, that I can't live up to cry you ideals. What did you say, dear? What... what are our ideals? Just being good friends and helping each other. Oh, you're... you're all upset about for Ruth. But we all are, dear. We'll be the laughing stock of the campus. Why, I try you pledge hasn't turned in her pen since 1939, and she was kind of funny to begin with. Maybe she wasn't. Maybe she was a nice girl with a wrong kind of figure for clothes. I'm beginning to lose patience with you. Liz, dear, have you thought what this is going to do to your mother? You know how much you're being a try, you mean to her. Just ask your mother. There are so many wonderful things about sorority. But the friendships you made, the real true friendships, that's the most beautiful part. Well, I have a wonderful idea. Supposing we take Ruth back here. Oh, now wait a minute. You've been all through this whole... Oh, let Ruth wear the pen. Who cares? Nobody ever has to know we be pledged here. Well, Liz, why, she'll be the happiest. No, it won't work. Mother Clark, a lot of things you've said are true. There are good things about sorority. But it's not enough to make up for the people they hurt. And I don't happen to like what's happened to me. I was so anxious to be a try. You, I, I let Janet Charlie school. I found myself preferring people like Chad Carn. It's a Joe Blaine. Well, who wouldn't? And I thought it was smart to cheat. I even thought it was important to be Frosh Queen. One thing you are right about, Dallas. Ruthie doesn't belong at the Tri-U house, where she'll be nearly tolerated. You know very well what I mean. No, Ruthie belongs at Hyler Hall. She doesn't need to be tolerated, Mary. She needs to be wanted. I, I'm sorry, Mother Clark. What happened to your pledge, Ben? I guess this is just my night for losing jewelry. Did you quit or did they throw you out? I quit. And they'll say they threw you out. Well, that's perfect arrangement. Everyone's face is safe. Now what? Well, I thought I'd double up with Adelaide for tonight. Good. I'll walk you over. See you in the morning. I'll see if I can find a room at Hyler Hall for Ruthie and me. Listen. The old main bell. Remember, Janet Shaw, she got such a kick out of listening to it. Gosh, Ben. That seems a long time ago. It was a long time ago. How about dinner tomorrow night? Sure. Dutch, of course. Oh, Joe, wait. Now what's your problem? Oh, I, I was just thinking about my mother. We have to be so careful the way we break things to her. Well, Liz, our mothers have to grow up, too, you know. In a minute, our scars will return. Most everyone knows that education is divided into two parts. Part one, we might say, consists of book study. And part two consists of putting the knowledge gained from books into operation. Part two in our schools and colleges is usually referred to as lab work. For example, the young student doctor reads and memorizes the workings of the human body, then moves on to become a hospital intern to put that knowledge into action. The botanist reads about a certain type of leaf or plant formation, then lays down his textbook and turns to his microscope, where he studies the specimen of this particular plant life. You know, in a certain sense, you men in the armed forces overseas are being studied under a microscope. And on the top side of that microscope are millions of people who have heard a lot or read a lot about Americans. Now, perhaps for the first time in their lives, they have an opportunity to do some lab work. So let them see a good specimen, a true specimen, a true picture of the United States. Remember, a country is known by its people. What people think about your country depends on you. Now, here's Mr. Keely with our cars. And here they are coming forward for a curtain call. Gene Crane and Dale Robertson. Sorry to catch a plane, but won't you take a minute to tell us about the movie time USA tour you're making? Well, I'll be gone about two months, Bill, all around the country. Well, I hope you're going to mention your latest picture for 20th Century Fox. The return of the Texan while you're on tour. Be sure of it. I fly out tonight and I'll cover New York City and surrounding territory, Boston and surrounding territory, Oklahoma City and surrounding territory, New Orleans and surrounding territory, and Texan. Ah, at last, the return of the Texan. Well, maybe the Texans won't let you return to California. I think they will. See, I was born in Oklahoma. It's sort of a rivalry. Which state has the most rugged men and beautiful women? And now I know you're anxious to be on your way. Now, ah, wait a minute. I want to hear about next week's play. You've been keeping it a secret for weeks. And I'm afraid it's still a secret because this picture was selected as the moviegoers of America in a nationwide poll for a photo play magazine to determine the winner of its famous gold medal award. I can only say this is the play you've all been asking and waiting for. I'll be listening from surrounding territory. Good night. Good night. The Hollywood Radio Theatre is produced by Mr. William Keely. Our orchestra is directed by Rudy Schrager. This is John Milton Kennedy, inviting you to join us again next week at this same time for another presentation of the Hollywood Radio Theatre. Radio Theatre is a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service.