 Remember a Hallmark card when you carry enough to send the very best. The greatest stars in outstanding stories, chosen by one of the world's best known authors, the distinguished novelist, Mr. James Hilton. Tonight on our Hallmark Playhouse, we dramatize a classic, the novel by Jane Austen called Persuasion. Jane Austen was born in an English village a year before the Declaration of Independence. She never left England, she rarely visited London, she never married. She didn't concern herself with any of the great events of her own time, and she died at the age of 41. Yet during those few years, and in that small world of her own, she contrived to write half a dozen novels which have not only been read constantly ever since, but are judged to be among the very greatest in all literature. A strange thing, a sort of puzzle, a miracle if you like. Anyhow, this novel Persuasion, which was the last Jane Austen wrote, contains also one of her most delightful heroines. So to play that part tonight, we are proud to welcome back to our Playhouse that enchanting English actress, Deborah Carr. And now here is Frank Goss from the Makers of Hallmark Cards. When you want to remember your friends, there is one way to be sure the card you send receives an extra welcome. Look for that identifying hallmark on the back when you select it. For words to express your feelings and designs to express your good taste, that hallmark on the back is your guide. Like the sterling on silver, it's a mark of distinction that all quickly recognize, and it tells your friends you cared enough to send the very best. Our star tonight, Deborah Carr, is appearing by arrangement with Metro Golden Mayor, producers of Lone Star, starring Clark Gable, Eva Gardner, and Roderick Crawford. And now Hallmark Playhouse, presenting Jane Austen's Persuasion, starring Deborah Carr. All in Somerset, in England a century and a quarter ago. When the writing of a book was a daring thing for a mere woman to do, lest the male of the species find out too much about that great secret, a woman's heart. The young lady there is Anne Elliot, daughter of Sir Walter Elliot, master of Kellynch Hall. And we must tell you that Miss Anne is 27, an age when women think it's not quite proper to go on dreaming. Tell me, Anne, shall I order another trunk? No, Father. I have packed all that is possible to pack. I know you're sad. I know you wish to cry. If it is any comfort to you, I am also sad. It is my fault that we must leave Kellynch Hall, that we must rent it to some stranger. It was I who spent all our money, not too wisely, I'm afraid. Don't blame yourself, Father. If your mother were alive, she would have directed my hand and my pocketbook with more wisdom. We men never admit that women are wise, but it's true. Then I am not a typical woman, Father, for I am very foolish. You still think about him? After eight years? Yes, Father. Today especially. For this house which I love is the second thing in my life I have had to give up. It was not foolish, child. I should not have allowed myself to be persuaded. Frederick Wentworth was not of our class and society. You must not forget your duties to go station in life as a member of the nobility. Oh, see how noble the nobility is, Father. We are packing our lives in old trunks and carting them away. I'm sorry, Father. Here, help me shut the lid. Do you have everything? No, Father. I have nothing. I take only such dull things as dresses and hats and gloves. I leave behind my childhood, my youth, my heart. Lady Russell, you find us in Bath. Father and I have taken a small cottage. With the rent from Kellynch Hall he will be able in time to pay off his many debts. Very admirable. Your father is a man of honor. Tell me, who has rented Kellynch Hall? A retired British naval officer and admiral. Mary? Yes, good. A house is never taken care of properly without a lady. Any family? No, no children. Better still. A lady without a family is the best preserver of furniture in the world. What is their name? Croft, Admiral Croft and his wife. I know, Mrs. Croft. So do you, Anne. I do. Before she married, her name was Wettworth. Frederick's sister. Years he'll be coming back to this part of the country. Yes, perhaps he will. I wish to see everything. Perhaps make up for a few lost years. You are still a young radiant woman, Anne. No, Father, I am not young. I have lost the bloom of the 19-year-old. Eight years is a long time. Father, hold my hand. He goes back in England. He is back. He is back. Do you suppose he'll remember me, Father? Of course he will. He's your heart beating and the tips of your fingers. But how pale you are. I have outlived the age of blushing, Father. And, dear, if you're clear to I'll take you home. I don't wish this to be a trial or an embarrassment for you. Oh, no, Father. I have been waiting eight years for a chance to be in the same room with him. Do not deprive me of this moment. Oh. What's wrong, Anne? Oh, how young she is. The girl with him. Oh, it's rather cruel, don't you think that men always choose girls of 19? Only a yesterday ago you were 19 and you did not think so then. Only a yesterday ago. Pleasure to see you again, sir. Captain Wentworth, you remember my daughter, Anne? Captain. Miss Saliat, forgive me. I did not recognize you. May I have the honor of presenting Miss Louisa Musgrove? Did not even know me. And that silly girl, blonde and vacant face stood at his side. And, Anne, my dear, a sailor home from the sea is the most susceptible of men and the most easy to capture. Gold braid on his sleeve is no protection whatsoever. What a strange thing, Hope, is rather a universal joke, a pleasant prelude to amuses before a disappointment. Oh, Lady Russell, how many days and how many nights I have relived the moment when I refused him. Do we all do that? First in our minds all the things we should have said years and years ago. The French have an expression for it. Esprit d'escalier, the inspiration that comes as you are descending the steps after the door has shut. But it was I who shut the door. I deserted and disappointed him. But worse, I showed a weakness of character by doing so. I gave him up to oblige others. It was the effect of over persuasion. It was weakness and timidity. In a man you would call it cowardice. Oh, Anne, come here, dear, sit here by me. You have no mother. I have no child. We shall be mother and daughter to each other. Oh, Lady Russell, I need a mother. Perhaps I need a daughter. Perhaps I need a daughter. It is not a storybook. It does not write itself a happy ending. Sometimes we must help shape the story ourselves. I have been plotting. Have you? And in my storybook you'll return to Kellynch Hall Anne as Lady Elliot. But how is that possible? Next in mind to your father is your distant relative, William Elliot. I have invited him here. He is a widower. And I understand he is quite a handsome man. Lady Elliot, mistress of Kellynch Hall, like your mother before you. You could call it home again. But Lady Russell, I have never even met William Elliot. Do not rush the story, dear Anne. We haven't yet reached the part where it says they lived happily ever after. Thank you, Mr. Elliot, for a most pleasant visit. Oh, my dear Anne, you must not call me Mr. But William. I have known you such a short time. I have known you all the days of my life. Indeed. How? By reputation, my dear Anne. I have been acquainted with you by character for many years. Your person, your accomplishments, and your manner. Ah, you flatter me. You are too noble and lovely a creature for the trick of modesty, which only play in women news. You must not say things like that, cousin. The name of Anne Elliot has long possessed a charm other than my fancy. And if I dared, I would breathe my wishes that the name might never change. I thank you, William. Ah, better. I shall see you tomorrow, my dear Anne, for the picnic by the river. It will be my pleasure, cousin William. Good night. The stars watch over you, lovely lady. Oh, Lady Russell, I am glad you're here. What's wrong, dear? I wish I could explain it. William is too, too smooth. I want to take each sentence he says and rumple it up. He's a gentleman. Everybody likes him. Maybe that's the trouble. I wish somebody didn't like him. He's too agreeable. I think I prefer a frank and open-hearted person, somebody with delight and indignation, with eagerness and warmth rather than sheen. Formality can be a virtue. Oh, he seems to have memorized all his lines like a player in the theatre. Be patient, Anne. But I have no heart to give. I lost it many years ago. Are you in there, Anne? You meet cousin William? Yes, Father. I have no doubt you charmed him and he charmed you? No doubt. Father, is this a conspiracy between you and Lady Russell? Not a conspiracy. Not true. However, a romantic union with cousin William would solve our financial problems and might even allow us to return to Kellynch Hall. I understand, Father. One thing. We are not persuading you in this matter. Oh, no, Father. You are doing this of your own free will. Yes, Father. Then you have forgotten that captain that went there. Yes, Father. I have forgotten him. I have forgotten him completely. Darring Deborah Carr paid as much as $25 or $30 for a Valentine. Those were the days you only sent Valentine's to your sweetheart. And in many parts of the world, they were considered a proposal of marriage. Today, instead of sending one only to our one and only, we send Valentine's to most every one we have affection for. To the dear lady down the street we wave good morning to. To the babysitter we can always depend on. To a friend far away. To anyone who has shown us a special kindness. We can even send ones as sweet and beautifully decorated as the Valentine's of yesteryear, but much less expensive. Because there's a special collection of hallmark old-fashioned Valentine's to choose from. And because these are hallmark Valentine's, you can find one that says what you want to say. Just the way you want to say it. With the good taste you demand of anything that bears your personal signature. That's one of the main reasons people everywhere look for hallmark on the back of the cards they send. Why that hallmark on the back means you cared enough to send the very best. Now back to James Hilton and the second act of persuasion, starring Deborah Carr. Jane Austen herself observed this was an age of pride and of prejudice, of sense and sensibility. But more than anything, it was an age of persuasion when young ladies were gently but firmly persuaded to make a proper match to marry within the confines of their own social sense. Such a lady was Anne Elliot. Well, now there they are. Anne and her companions on a stony river bank all ready to enjoy a picnic in 19th century England. It's William, the air, the sunshine, the river, the young people. You are one of them. No, William. No, I'm not. Your eyes are on the young blonde girl, she's hardly typical. Such energy, such spirit. I wonder, watching Miss Louisa if I was so daring at 19, so... Just listen to her. She's with a picnic, Louisa. No, Louisa, I don't think that's wise. You might hurt yourself. Oh, please. Here I come. One, two... Louisa, no! Someone help me. She's hit herself on the head. She's dead. She's certainly dead. No, not dead. What should we do? What should we do? A doctor is needed here. William, there is a surgeon on the high road. Run there immediately and fetch him. Yes, sir. Captain Wentworth in my bag. There are smelling salts. Hand them to me, please. Yes. There now, my dear. You're going to be all right. You've just had a nasty bump on your head. How could you have missed his arms, you foolish child? The town is talking about your calm and your efficiency when that poor child was hurt at the picnic. I did nothing, Lady Russell. I'm glad Louisa is well and out of danger. For his sake, for he loves her. Are you certain of that? He's going to marry her. Do you really think so? He hovers about her as if she were a wounded bird. That's exactly what Louisa is. A bird. All flutter. I could not have planned anything more climactic, more character revealing than that little accident. Fate moved in and helped give my plot an additional turning. Your plot indeed. Your plot for me to marry William. I can never marry him. I know that now. I never intended that you should. What? Every story must have conflict, intrigue, surprise, and an unexpected finish. I don't understand what you mean, Lady Russell. I have observed the oldest trick known to women. Trick? Don't you know that a man never wants to be the only one who is after a woman? He must always win over some other man. He must always emerge superior, victorious, triumphant. It's very simple. Any caveman could have told you that. So you invited William here simply to make Frederick jealous. Oh, jealous is a harsh word. Let us say, aware. I thank you, Lady Russell, but you were wrong. Frederick has not even spoken to me. He will. If he doesn't, he is a very foolish young man. And there is still a choice left to you. Second best to be sure. But your second love goes with it. Kellynch Hall. Let us put aside this entire business. Please, Lady Russell, I do not like to play tricks. My dear child, I have done all the trickery. Yes? Come in. Pardon, Lady Russell. There is a gentleman who is asking after Miss Elliott. He says it's most urgent. Ah-ha. His name is... We know his name, Bronson. It is Captain Frederick Wentworth. You're quite right, Lady Russell. Oh, dear. I shall leave you two alone. Show the gentleman in, Bronson. Very good, my lady. Oh, do you know, Anne, that we're fashionable for women to write novels? My plot's thickened so charmingly. Oh, what shall I do? What shall I say? Now, you don't need a novelist to tell you that. It is a pleasure to see you again, Captain Wentworth. I've come to thank you, for what you were at the picnic. How admirable. I did nothing. You did a great deal. How strange it seems to talk to you again. It has been eight years. You remember, then. I thought you were forgotten. No, Captain Wentworth. I have not forgotten. But I have always heard and read that women forget so easily. In constant as the wind, the poet says. Oh, then I must defend not only myself, but all of womankind. We do not forget you as soon as you forget us. We live at home, quiet, confined, with our feelings as our companions. But you men have professions and pursuits to take you out into the busy world to help you forget. If you speak up for womankind, I must defend mankind. As our bodies are stronger, so are men's feelings. Then I shall continue the analogy. Your feelings may be the stronger, but ours are the more tender. Songs, poems, proverbs, they all talk of woman's fickleness. And all written by men, so please, no arguments from books. I will not allow books to prove anything. I know how much you love Kellyn Chall. My sister and brother-in-law have rented it, but only temporarily. Someday, Sir William Elliot and his wife will move in. I can see how and why it would be your wish to return there. I have visited my sister. I have walked through the corridors hearing the echoes of your footsteps. Have you? I have looked out of the windows and said, here is where Anne watched the birth of springtime. Here is where Anne watched sunrise and sunset and starlight. You are very understanding, Captain Wentworth. I must tell you about a friend of mine. She also once lived in a house much like Kellyn Chall. And she has told me her most secret thoughts. She was in love once, long ago. And she has told me that if she could correct a mistake she made those many years ago, how easy it would be to give up marble halls, my friend said. How easy to build your own house out of your own happiness. These are things my friend has told me. Your friend interests me very much. Tell me, is she the kind of girl who would never call a man named Frederick, Freddie Weddy? Oh, never. And is your friend a woman, but not a child? She has told me that often she feels like too much of a woman. One more question about this friend of yours, because she fascinates me. Yes. Is your friend's name Miss Anne Elliot? How in the world do men at sea learn so much about the secrets in a woman's heart? Will you marry me, Miss Anne? Oh, Captain Wentworth. Oh, Frederick, you have persuaded me. Then we'll return in a moment to do something with their hands, teach them to do something for others. These are familiar words of advice that any parent recognizes immediately. Tonight I have a suggestion about a way you can combine these two bits of wisdom and do it in a way all children love. Let them make their own Valentine's. It's easy to do with the Hallmark Make Your Own Valentine Kit. For only $1, there are the makings of 16 Valentine's, big red hearts, lacy white panels, and special cut-out designs of appealing little animals dear to the hearts of all children. Even tiny fingers have an easy time putting these Hallmark Valentine's together. And how the children do enjoy giving their own handiwork come Valentine's Day. In addition to the $1 box, the box there are Hallmark Make Your Own Valentine packages for as little as 50 cents. So ask for the Hallmark Make Your Own Valentine kits tomorrow. You'll know them by their identifying Hallmark on the cover of the box or the top of the package. It's that same symbol of quality you always look for on the back of a card when you carry enough to send the very best. Here again is James Hilton. We always enjoy your visits to our Hallmark Playhouse, Deborah, and never more than tonight. Thank you for a delightful performance. I'm so glad you liked it, Mr. Hilton. I've always liked Jane Orson's novels, and so I was very happy when you asked me to play the role of Anne tonight. And since the last time you were here, I understand there's a beautiful new baby at your house, Deborah. And her name is Anne, too. How is Francesca Anne? As charming as her mother? Oh, much more so. She has the whole family under her thumb already. I was just thinking when Frank Garce told about the Hallmark Make Your Own Valentine kiss, how both of my girls will enjoy making their own Hallmark Valentine's when they get a little older. It's such a nice way to teach children thoughtfulness, isn't it? Yes, I think it is, Deborah. And now I'd like to tell you about the story we're going to have on Hallmark Playhouse next week. Oh, next Thursday, that is Valentine's Day. Yes. I'll bet you're going to have a special story for that day and love story. Yes, indeed, and a love story from real life. We shall dramatize the story of Clara and Robert Schumann and as our star we shall have one of Hollywood's favorite actresses, Joan Pontein. And now may I remind you of what we owe to the schools of our country. Better schools will build a stronger America and because the need for elementary school teachers is great, so the need for your active support of schools is also great. Our Hallmark Playhouse is every Thursday. Our producer-director is Bill Gay. Our music is composed and conducted by David Rose and our story tonight was dramatized by Lawrence and Lee until next Thursday then, this is James Helmson saying, good night. It's certainly in stores that have been carefully selected to give you expert and friendly service. Remember a Hallmark card when you will carry it up to send the very best. The role of Captain Frederick tonight was played by Whitfield Conner and Jeanette Nolan was Lady Russell. Others in our cast were Lorraine Tuttle, Ted Osborne and Ben Wright. You are invited to the Hallmark Hall of Fame every Sunday afternoon on television. Consult your paper for time and station. This is Frank Goff saying, good night to you all until next week at the same time when Hallmark Playhouse returns to present Joan Fontaine in the story of Clara and Robert Schumer and the week following, Herbert E. Stover's powder mission starring Barry Sullivan and the week after that, Harriet Fitz Ryan's Mother of the Groom on the Hallmark Playhouse. This is KMBC, Kansas City, Missouri.