 Great Scenes from Great Plays with your host Walter Hamden and starring tonight Miss Faye Bainter in The Old Lady Shows Her Medals. On behalf of the families of the Protestant Episcopal Church in your own community and the Episcopal Actors Guild we welcome you to another half hour of Great Scenes from Great Plays transcribed by famous artists of stage, screen and radio. And now I present your host the distinguished actor-manager Mr. Walter Hamden. Thank you and good evening. Sir James M. Barrie who wrote The Old Lady Shows Her Medals spoke to the hearts of men and women agelessly and unforgettably. His touching story of a London charwoman in the years of the First World War is an enduring testament to faith and courage. And here to play the role of that charwoman called Mrs. Dowey I'm privileged to present the beloved star of stage and screen Miss Faye Bainter. Thank you Walter. Being both an Episcopalian and a member of the Episcopal Actors Guild I'm delighted to participate in this wonderful series of great scenes from Great Plays. Faye I'm sure our audience anticipates hearing this dauntless little play again as much as I do. So let's raise the curtain now on The Old Lady Shows Her Medals adapted for radio by Philo Higley and starring Faye Bainter as Mrs. Dowey with Anthony Ross as Kenneth. The Moppened Pale are Mrs. Dowey's badge of office and for an aging scrub woman life in wartime London can be anything but cozy. All the same brisk little Mrs. Dowey who is scotch by birth usually contrives a late tea in her basement lodging. Her guests this afternoon are two peppery charwoman friends. If our hostess seems to wear a slightly furtive air when these other ladies proudly hail the exploits of their sons don't be surprised there's a reason and we'll come to it in time. Just a little more cake Mrs. Agathe. There's plenty. Oh it's delicious but I couldn't Mrs. Dowey but if Mrs. Trimley will permit me to continue the can't ever be so terrible a war again why I ever could it come about. That's to be seen Mrs. Agathe. After all I guess I know the horrors of this one me that as a son of prisoner in Germany being the only lady present that has that proud misfortune I was as if I didn't have a son at Salon I did and of course mine is fighting in France. Oh really Mrs. Dowey if you'll excuse me Mrs. Trimley the correct pronunciation is Salon Ike. I don't think and Mrs. Agathe I speak is one that owns war-saving certificates. We all have them. Well now let's speak of something pleasant. Have you seen this week's fashion chat? Lady Dowey canister was seen conversing at the Savoy in a dainty smock to you. Fine would I have liked to see her too. The paper says Lady Dowey is equally popular as maid, wife and munitions worker. She'll have the same tremors as the rest of us and be as keen to get those letters wrote in pencil as we are. Them pencil letters oh them poor lads. Oh I had a letter from my son Percy yesterday Alfred sent me as Fowthouse. Kenneth writes me every week. Oh yes yes see this packet of letters all his. Of course my Percy has little time for writing in the artillery but he always begins dear mother. Kenneth's begin dearest mother. I haven't known you long enough to know your Kenneth Mrs. Dowey but a short man I'd say judging by yourself. Short six feet two inches that's all Mrs. Trimley knows. He wears kilties did you say? I did indeed and in the famous black watch regiment besides. Well we can't all be kilties can we Mrs. Dowey? That's very true. Where an ordinary pence must get so dull. As your Kenneth great airy legs like some of the mother Scottish in their kilties? Airy? Tremendous. Why Mrs. Dowey do you see who just come down to him steps out your window? None other than the winner Mr. Willings from the Mission Church. Reverend Willings? No. Oh my six. Reverend Willings was your call in here. Good afternoon Mrs. Dowey how do you do ladies? Reverend. Friends I have news. Oh news from the front. Not about my Alfred sir. No no all is well. The news is from Mrs. Dowey and it's good. News for me? Your son Mrs. Dowey he has five days leave. My son. Oh you're quite sure Mr. Willings? Oh quite sure. He has arrived already. Arrived. You mean in London? Lucky woman. Ladies it's quite romantic. I was at church army quarters and suddenly I saw a Highlander sitting in the corner rather drearily with his kit at his feet. A big man Mr. Willings? Great brawny fellow. Welcome back to Blighty I said. Anything I can do for you? He shook his head. What regiment I asked? Black watch. Fifth battalion he said. Name? Dowey he replied. Kenneth Dowey I said I know your mother. And what? What did he say to that? He looked at me as if he thought I'd lost my mind but I told him how often you spoke of him and said I'd bring him straight to you. Bring him here? You say he's he's coming here? He has come. He's up there on the street. Oh. I said I'd better break the happy news to you before Mrs. Twigley look he is tremendous. Airy legs. Can I get them to go away Reverend? Of course. Oh ladies. Yes sir. Perhaps we should all let Mrs. Dowey greet her son alone. I wouldn't want company if my person come home. I'll go straight up and send him down. The poor happy thing down evening here sir. Look she has his letters clutched right in her hand. We're all happy for you Mrs. Dowey. A good son writing you so often. Well yes sir. Yes a good son. A good son. And here he is. Dowey my friend. She's waiting for you with your letters in her hand. That's great. A happy leave to both of you then. Well now. Do you recognize your loving son Mrs. Mayer? I did well to write so often didn't I? Let's see those letters. Open by censor. I'll. It's nothing but blank paper. Is this your scroll and pencil on the envelopes? Yes. Yes. The minister said you were a charwoman. I suppose you picked him up on a trashbasket and then changed the addresses. Don't you dare destroy those letters. Well they're not real. They're the best I have. I thought you said you had a son. I never had a husband. Not a son and anything. What? You see I call myself Mrs. To give me stand and in my circle. Oh the whole things beyond me. Come now. What made you do it? Because everybody's war except mine Mr. Everybody's bravery. I don't follow you. I wanted to show some too. Kind of a faith in the future you might call it. Faith. But how could a lion will deceive an old rag bug like you. Well that's the end. Yeah you're not going away already. Of course I'm going. I only come to show you up. I know you only come to show me up. But you could drink a bit of tea while you're doing this. Certainly not. There's cakes too. Oh cakes is there. No not me. Can I have her on a cheat that's what. Now. Now give me the whole story. Well it's true that my name is Dowie. That's a loan's enough to make me change mine one. And I've been charring and charring about as far back as I mind. Came here from Scotland over 20 years ago. We'll skip the ancient history. I'll have a date. And then when I was old the war broke out. So how do you come into the war. That's the thing Mr. Dowie. I didn't come into it. Everybody else seemed to but me. The neighbour shrugged me off. You're sure you won't have a cup of tea. No. Now how'd you happen to pick on me out of the whole British army. Because maybe I liked your vest. I read once in the paper in which action he was assisted by Private Kenneth Dowie Fifth Battalion Blackwatch. And you never thought I'd turn up to do you conniver. I'd begun to be weary for a sight of you Kenneth. What was that? Mr. At rest you're satisfied. Now you see me. Oh I'm very satisfied. Does your folk live in Scotland? Aye Glasgow. Both live in. Aye. Your mother's terrible. Proud of your nadoot. Naturally. You're going to the name. After I've had a skite in London for a while. Oh so she's in London is she. Who? Your young lady. Oh now don't be jealous. She's a young thing. Her beauty no doubt. Oh you may be sure. Has a title too. Equally popular as maid, wife and munitions worker. Oh she send me lots of things. Cakes and a sweater with cheerio on the cards. Will you try one of my cakes Mr. No not me. I'm leaving any moment. My own bacon here try one. All right. So it seems to me I've tasted these before. Yeah well maybe I have. What? That's exactly the cake our ladyship sends me. And how about the sweater? What? I hope the black watch colors please Jeff. You've been sending these things. Yes I have. Oh. Well I get and I give my own name and I was always reading Lady Dolly's in the paper. I said you was conniving woman is there no losing you. All right give me some tea. Oh glory glory dear. Can't help the over brave sense of you my lad. Now don't you be thinking Mrs. Thatcher got me. Even if I have been idled with you here an hour ago. Oh no I wouldn't have resumed that far Kenny. Well that cake was good. Well I have a theatre tonight. Followed by your randy-dandy. Chop I met in a bus is going with me. I have already booked the ticket so are they. And what does that mean. It means hail and farewell in Greek. Oh it's a scholar too. Kenneth you're a proper man to look at. I'm generally admired. She's an enviable woman your mother. I have no mother. No father either. That was just protected myself. Is that true. It is. I never even know their faces. Well thank you for my tea. I must be steppin. Where are you living. Oh there's a sort of rest hut where some of my pals are. You know I've waited to see London all my life but well I changed my mind today. It is a lonely place. I know all about that too Kenny. You do. I'm sorry for you we're old body but I've seen a way out for either one of us. Now no where are we kicking my bonnet. Kenny I've heard the thing a man on leave once most is a bed with sheets and a bath. You heard the true thing Mrs. Look there in the pantry Kenneth lift the dresser top and tell me what you see. Well it's a kind of a bath. You can do yourself there pretty half at a time. Me. You bet as a woman next door would put me up at night as long as you leave last. Oh is there now and look a folding bed right here. You thought it was a wardrobe didn't you. It's not. I say that that's a dodge we need in the trenches. Your bed Kenneth if you'll have it. My. Well you queer old cover you. What would you want with an ox like me about. No no it's not to be thought of thanks. You're very sure. I'm sorry. I'm the commonest kind of man. Just a kick about all my life a drink. I'm not even any great shakes at the war. Should be brave at the best of them I know that. Well I'm no coward but you don't see me wearing any medals either do you. Not only because they haven't found the worth of you yet Kenneth. Mrs. Twimley. Mrs. Twimley come on in. Oh no no Mrs. I see your son still here but I thought he'd likely be stepping out tonight and so if you'd be lonely I'd gladly come by. No I'm sorry. We thank you for your kindness Mrs. Twimley but my mother won't be home tonight. She's going to a theater with me. Kenneth. Oh you're a lucky mother Mrs. Dory. Well then I'll just say good night. Good night Mrs. Twimley. Kenneth do you mean. No it would be showier if I took a lady wouldn't it. But I haven't it. I mean I have much that's awfully rich to wear. It's true you haven't a great deal of style. But wait can you see my black morino. It laces up the back the latest more. Have you a bit of chiffon for the neck. Chiffon's what the men think of out there. I have I swear I have and a bungalow and a muff and glue. Well I don't know but would you see what you can do now. We just might eat a bit somewhere after the show. No I promise nothing mind you. All will depend on the effect you make. I will try Kenneth. Now mind you I don't accept you yet as my relation. You can pretend you're a neighbour but I'm a cautious man. We must wait and see how you'll turn out. Yes Kenneth. And now I think for that pantry bath. Where is my blasted kit. Oh an old lady before I start show me once more how I work my bed. Kenneth. Oh that's a weird and wonderful bed indeed. I never saw a show indeed. Well you're as good as the show there old lady. Everything on the bill of hair looked much to deal. After the treat you stood me to see tonight. Order up now old girl. We've only got two days more you know. What do you think of this place? Oh Kenneth. I never dare to guess I'd sit in a fashionable cafe like this. It must be just like Paris. Well it's mere as good. Is my bonnet on straight Kenneth. Oh this is my father grandest of the spots you've taken me. I can just. Kenneth. What's the matter? This is the last night. Oh forget the coachman Cinderella. Waiter. Mrs. Dowie. I'm a book to order us champagne. Oh Mrs. Twimley a warmish night. Aren't they back yet? No Mrs. Agassi I've been waiting here this last half hour. They are at the theatre again. It's amazing Mrs. Twimley. Amazing scarce the word. Well I just popped in with an insignificant little present since Kenneth's leave is that? That's why I come too. Dear in me far dies. It wasn't long. My present cigarettes. Oh so's mine. Mine's exquisitos. Oh indeed. Well mine has gold tips on them. I bought. Wait I think I heard a taxi. Yes it's them. They're coming down. That makes their third taxi this week. Oh I get it. We have visitors. Your servant ladies. We wish you to apologize Mrs. Dowie. We're not needing to start. You're very welcome both of you. Just wait till I get off my asterican and my muff and my gloves and my no bonnet. Oh me you've given her a glory time Mr. Dowie. It's her that has given it to me Mrs. Twimley. Well he does pamper me. Would you believe it? We had another sit down supper at a restaurant and this being is last night. We had champagne wine. No. And of Emma's doubts my word. Here's the cork that I brought home. The lovely shiny gold of it. Oh I'm sure we don't grudge you your treats Mrs. Dowie and indeed we're sorry that tonight's the end. Yes it's the end all right. I must be off in a few minutes. Poor thing. Into the pantry for a bit of a cry I fancy. I kept her out long a purpose so as to leave the less time for goodbyes. Well we must run to and let you say I am here Mr. Dowie. Just a mere nothing to wish you well sir. These two. Smoke up out there and think of us. Your bricks. The pair of you. Good luck Scotty. The same to you. And if you see a man upstairs and kills he's the one that's going back with me. Tell him not to come down and see. Just give me a whistle when the time is up. Right now. Goodbye. Here we are old lady. Is it time. No not quite yet. Dickson would whistle at the last minute. I'm being very careful you see that. All's finished isn't it. See here now you promised to be gay and when I have a leave again you will come and at least have tea of course or you've given me the time of my life these five days spoiling me and feeding me. It was the time of my life. I know it's bad for you but it's bad for me and it's even worse for you. The men have medals to win you see. But the women ought to have their medals too. Have you not noticed. You have never called me son. I was feared. You told me I was on probation. And so you were. Well the probation's ended. You were blasted. You have style. Will I do. Oh Mrs. Dowey you queer old snark. How about your permission to ask the most important question an orphan can ask of a old lady. None of your thoughts now. And if you're not willing to be my mother I swear I'll never ask another. I might mention too that I've listed your name as my nearest kin. Your allowance will be coming in quite a regular while I'm away. But isn't that wicked. Oh then too in case and just in case anything should happen. Oh have no fear I'll come back covered with modern medals. Mind you have that cup of tea for me. And by the way don't forget to write real letters. You'll write to won't you can. I and I hope Lady Dahlia'll go on sending cakes that you may be sure. Oh look this car for mine I'm tired of it. Let's just see how it looks around your neck. Why it's such a fine. Blue was always my color. Oh but you must keep it. You know. You must have been a Bonnie thing when you were young. Away with you. Can. So long. The quicker the better. Hey old lady. You are what home means to me from now on. You see. Thank you son. Mrs. Dowey. I came as soon as I heard. I'm very sorry. Thank you son. Didn't action. It says. There's something very final sounding about that. Mrs. Dowey. If there's anything at all that I can do. Thank you son. Other people have been learning to go on just the same. I can too. There are so little one can say. But God gives comfort Mrs. Dowey. If you seek. Yes. I know that. And I thank you for coming. Sit down Reverend. Please do excuse the hodgepodge on the tape. I was merely looking over my souvenirs. Putting them to rights a bit after the message gave. Of course. Nothing very much I guess. I mean they wouldn't be to anybody else. But did I ever show you my blue scars. Can it give me that. Then. It's my war certificate. Of course. And. Can this black watch bonnet. And his letters. He had time to write me quite a few. I see. And. And this. That's our champagne cork. Real bright shiny. The tinsel. I keep them all wrapped in this woolen scar. They should wear well. They should indeed. He hadn't time to gain his medals. He would have of course. I know that sure. Of course. But in a way you know. These things are your medals. Mine. Yes. Your medals. Your citations. You've won them Mrs. Dowey. Thank you for saying that. And do you know. Can himself spoke of it once. He said women ought to have their medals too. This is Walter Hamden ladies and gentlemen. Next week the Episcopal Actors Guild will present a wonderful play with one of your favorite stars. I'm sure you will enjoy it immensely. I'll tell you more about it in a moment. Right now. I'd like you to hear why we chose the old lady shows her medals for tonight's presentation. Throughout our country and all over the world there are far too many lonely men and women. Tonight's tender and beautiful play by Sir James M. Barry was chosen to bring to the lonely everywhere new hope and new strength to give them inspiration in the courage and faith of that grand little lady who showed her medals. Mrs. Dowey. Like many lonely souls Mrs. Dowey turned to make believe to find a loved one for whom she could live and make sacrifices. When her imaginary son became a six foot reality there was no measuring her joy and when he was taken away in the war Mrs. Dowey's grief was great indeed. But still she was ready to go on with her life brave in the memory of her beloved Kenneth and in the knowledge that she could find in God and the church the comfort and strength she needed. Ever since its very beginning the Christian church has provided a sure haven for the lonely a place in which they could always find sympathy and understanding both from the clergy and from other church members. Yes millions of lonely men and women have lost their loneliness in the worship and activities of the church. In fact many who are listening to this program tonight know from their own experience how much the church and an experienced clergyman have done to make them feel sure that with Christian faith they are never alone. You can never tell how much you may need the help and strength of the church in the days ahead. So if you're not a member of any church may we urge you to think carefully about discovering how much more complete and secure your life can be when you have that which only the church has to give. In choosing a church please bear in mind that you are always welcome as a visitor at your nearest Episcopal church and that its clergyman is eager to meet and talk with you. But perhaps even before such a visit you would like to know a little about the Episcopal church what it is what it stands for and how it offers you a faith to live by in these difficult times. Now this information is contained in an interesting little booklet called Finding Your Way. It'll be sent to you promptly if you'll simply write your name and address together with the words finding your way on a postcard and mail it to the station to which you are listening. I would like to thank our cast and especially you Faye Bainter and Anthony Ross for an inspiring performance. Our music was composed and conducted by Nathan Crowell. Next week friends we'll present the dramatic and moving story of the young Illinois lawyer who became one of our greatest presidents. It's a play of hope and courage I'm sure you all remember young Mr. Lincoln and the star of our transcribed play will be a man equally at home on radio stage or screen Mr. Henry Fonda. I hope you will join us. Mr. James M. Barry the old lady shows the medals produced with a cooperation of Paramount pictures. Now an invitation from the church. The rector of your nearest Episcopal church will be happy to have you join his parish family. Why not attend church this coming Sunday and speak to him after the service. If you're not familiar with the location of your nearest Episcopal church or of the hour of service