 Lucks presents Hollywood. Lever Brothers Company, the makers of Lucks Flakes, bring you the Lucks Radio Theater, starring June Allison and Dick Powell in The Reformer and the Redhead. Ladies and gentlemen, by transcription, your producer, Mr. William Keeling. Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight is the last Lucks Radio Theater broadcast of this season. We join the rest of our fellow workers in a short vacation before we return to the air during the latter part of August. We always try to use great care in choosing our last play, because we like the curtain to come down on one of the very best shows of the season. And so for tonight's play, we invited a lovely young star who has topped so many popularity polls as your favorite actress, delightful June Allison. Then we asked June to choose her favorite leading man and to no one's surprise, she named Dick Powell, one of our most versatile stars. Then, of course, the choice of plays was no problem at all, because I'm sure you remember June Allison and Dick Powell as the very convincing romantic team in The Reformer and the Redhead. All together for our final show of the season, I'm sure you'll approve this gay, metrogolden male comedy. And we're also happy to know that you approve our new Lucks Flakes with color freshness. Because your letters tell us that both the Lucks Radio Theater and the new Lucks Flakes have added many new friends this year. Here's The Reformer and the Redhead, starring June Allison as Kathy and Dick Powell as Andrew Hale. The city of Oakmont, California is deeply concerned these days with an election for mayor. Among the candidates is a young lawyer named Andrew Hale. Andrew represents the reform ticket, and frankly, he doesn't stand a chance. Up until now, that is, because now he's on his way to see the man who really runs Oakmont. Now, look, Andy, try to forget I'm your law partner. I'm also your campaign manager, and you better listen to me. Okay, I think. We're calling on Commodore Parker. Now, just remember, you're strictly the boy scout. You don't know from nothing. Oh, relax. Parker wouldn't have sent for us if they weren't stuck for a candidate. And you're supposed to look like a reformer, too. Throw away that cigar. Anything else? Yes. Yes, be simple and clean-cut. You know, a sort of cross between Eisenhower and Little Abner. Look, Artie, I wrote the act. I think I can speak the lines. I'm not worried, pal. Just be the sort of fellow my mother would like my sister to marry. That's any fellow. And slow down. You turn left at the next corner. Now, just take it easy, boys. Take it easy. Frankly, this fellow Hale leaves me cold. Besides, I don't like this rush act. Five minutes to endorse a candidate I've never even heard of. But, Commodore, you've been away for nearly a year. While you and your niece Lily were hunting elephants in Africa, the people of Oakmont were hunting for a new mayor. We've got to put a new face in City Hall. Nobody's telling me how to run Oakmont. Oh, all right, all right. What do you know about Hale? He came from the local orphanage, grew up in town, good war record, pretty popular lawyer, you know, man of the people. Well, I still don't like the reform angle. You boys think you'll stay in line? Pardon me, Commodore. Mr. Hale and Mr. Maxwell are colleagues. Well, show them in, show them in. If you like him, let's move fast. We'll have to. If I like him. Well, come in, Mr. Hale, come in. How do you do, sir? You know the boys here. How are you, Maxwell? How do you do, sir? Well, Andrew, seems I've heard nothing but Hale since I came back from Africa. No, it's very flattering, sir. Oh, now, no modest aid. Uh, cigar? Thank you, sir. I never smoke them. Oh. If you don't mind, Andrew, there are a few questions I'd like to ask. Certainly, sir. How does it happen that you have this benign preoccupation for the welfare of your fellow man? Well, you see, Commodore, when Andrew was a very little boy. I'd rather hear it from the candidate if you don't mind. Oh. Well, I, uh, I think I can tell you, sir, down the road from the orphanage it was an old cemetery. One day, when life was almost too much to bear, I ran away to the cemetery threw myself on the ground, sobbing. Oh, yes. When I looked up, I saw this little epitaph. A simple grave, a simple stone, put simple flowers around it. Here lies a humble but happy man. He left this world a little better than he found it. Andrew, that's very, very... I didn't run away, sir. I went back to the orphanage, firmly dedicating myself to leaving this world a little better than I found it. And he will, sir. If Andrew Hale says he'll leave this world... From the candidate, please. Uh, yes, sir. Andrew, what would you consider your prime responsibility if you were elected mayor? Well, I believe public office is a sacred trust. It demands sincerity, integrity, and a high regard for civic welfare. That's very noble, son. Just two words I'd like to add but loyalty and prudence. Loyalty to the party who elected you and the prudence to accept the advice of older and wiser heads. Do we understand each other? I believe so, sir. And accept my heartiest congratulations. Gentlemen, shake hands with the next mayor of Oprah. Now, here's a list of your... your administrative appointments, Andrew. We've picked them very carefully, all excellent men. Kerry, I think you can call the newspapers now. Right away, Commodore. Uh, just a minute, please. I believe I'd like to think it over. Think? Think what over? Well, I, uh, I was under the impression a mayor makes his own appointments. Sorry, but that's it, my boy. Price is kind of high, isn't it? Well, good things come high. I'd still like a little time. Why, certainly, sir. Let's say, uh, this evening? Uh, fine, yes. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Maxwell and I will get back to you later. But, Andy, Parker handed the tree on a silver platter and you had to say you'd think it over. No, he doesn't want a mayor, Artie. He wants a Charlie McCarthy sitting on his lap. But such a nice, fat, comfortable lap. Room there for both of us. Why? Will you tell me why? Look, if I've got to have a crooked machine, it's gonna be my crooked machine. I'll tell who to get on and who to get off. Any more questions? You know, Andy, you're not gonna leave this world a little better than when you found it. You're gonna take it with you. Oh, now, look, you're not going to run the Parker machine? Don't think it couldn't be done. All you have to do is find out where the body is buried. Come on, let's get back to the office. Just a second, Leon. Who's in the waiting room? Her name is Kathleen McGuire, Mr. Hale. She has red hair. What did you say she was arrested for? A salt and battery at the city zoo. Miss Lily Parker complaining. Lily Parker? The Commodore's niece? The facts would indicate that Miss McGuire knocked her silly. But why did she come to me? She saw your campaign pictures. She is under the impression that you have an honest face. Discerning girl, Leon. Send her in. And tell Mr. Maxwell to come in, too. Oh, knocked Lily Parker silly. And then when I saw your picture, Mr. Hale, I knew you could do me a lot of good. Fine, fine, Miss McGuire. And vice versa. Politically speaking, of course. Oh, yes, yes, of course. If there ever was a miscarriage of justice, and I mean flagrant, first my father and then me, although the two cases were not related, except indirectly, of course. Uh, Miss McGuire, I'm afraid I don't quite... Believe me, if you champion the underdog, you've got a couple of beauties on your hands. Pedigreed beauties. And I assure you, I feel no guilt. My conscience is clear, and so is my father's. Well, fine, fine. Now, about this misunderstanding between you and Miss Parker. Misunderstanding? Huh. She was flat on her back before she knew what hit her. You really hit her? What did you think? There they were, driving Caesar crazy. She and the Commodore. He's disturbed enough these days. The Commodore? No, Caesar. You see, Queenie just died. Oh, it's Queenie. His wife. Who's Caesar? Who's Caesar? A lion, Jackie's brother. Oh! Jackie's brother? A lion? A lion, Jackie's brother? Well, what did you think? Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I left out something. Oh, I don't know. It's perfectly clear to me. Well, how could it be clear, Maxwell? I forgot to tell you that Pop is superintendent of the City Zoo. That is, he was up to this morning when the Park Commission fired him. You, uh, haven't finished about Jackie's brother. Oh, well, Pop was sending Caesar to San Diego to be with Bertha, his sister. Your father's? No, Caesar's. You see, Caesar and Jackie are brothers, and Bertha's the sister. Where's Queenie? She's on third. Now, please, please, in simple terms, Mrs. McGuire, why did you hit Miss Parker? But I've just told you. Really, I don't think you're paying attention. Well, I'm terribly sorry. Silly Parker and her uncle, Commodore Parker, came out to the zoo. They wanted to see that exhibit they donated. Exhibit? All those miserable creatures they slaughtered in Africa. Slaughtered in stuffed, mind you, stuffed animals in a zoo. Then they went over to the lion house. Now, in the first place, Caesar is not allowed to have visitors these days. He is a very neurotic lion. Oh, yes, yes, you told us that. But there she stood, driving them crazy, boasting and bragging how they butchered everything in Africa. Lions, leopards, elephants. I told her to cut it out. Then she told me to mind my own business. She gave me a push, and I gave her an uppercut, and it was all over in ten seconds. Except that she had you arrested. Mrs. McGuire, do you know of any law which prohibits the killing of wild animals? Well, there should be. But there isn't. And there should be a law against mounting their carcasses. It's indecent. It's like if I ran over a Maxwell here with an automobile, would I stuff him and put him on the wall? Well, just the head and shoulders, perhaps. I'm sorry, Mrs. McGuire, but I'm afraid I won't be able to handle your defense. Oh, well, that's just fine, some reformer. What do you care if an innocent man gets fired? What's an innocent man got to do with this? I told you, my father, superintendent of the zoo, thrown out like a dog. Is that because you socked Lily Parker? No, of course not. Pop got fired because he wouldn't have Commodore Parker stuffed animals in the zoo. Oh, what does anyone care? Parker snaps his fingers at that crooked park commissioner and an innocent man is out in the street. Are you accusing Commodore Parker of undue influence over the commission? Well, certainly he's a crook. Mrs. McGuire, you've just made a very serious accusation. Can you prove it? My father can. You're sure? Well, why not? When? Right now. I'll drive you out to the ranch. Good. Now, Andy, Andy, remember, you've got important business, remember? You are running for mayor, you know. Oh, would you mind waiting outside, Mrs. McGuire? I'll be with you in a moment. Fine. You're by, Maxwell. Are you out of your mind? No, no, I'll take it easy. That girl's crazy. Go on, pick up the phone and tell Parker you accept his support. McGuire's got plenty on that commission and I'm going to find out what it is. From a dame that goes around stuffing pedestrians? You can mix up with a character like that and you'll end up on the road. Oh, please. Stuffed head and shoulders. Well, this is it, Mr. Hale. This is the ranch. Holy smoke. What the world is that? Oh, he's all right. He's just a little large for a Saint Bernard. Look, I'd better explain to you about the rest of our pets. Oh, never mind, never mind. I get along fine with animals. Well, you know, some people think it's kind of peculiar the way Papa and I are. Look, look, if you'll just get your father. Oh, well, he's probably out in one of the barns with the Jenny. You'll just go in the house and make yourself at home. Fine, fine. Thank you very much. I wonder if Father was right. Maybe I should have phoned the commodore. On the other hand, if Father... All right, chef. Take it easy, doggie. Now, if her father really has any kind of proof... Funny, I could swear that sounded like a... a lion. A lion? Oh, Miss McGuire, help! Have a safe, Mr. Hale. What are you doing up there in the chandelier? Oh, now, Herman, please, I can't play with you now. Well, aren't you coming down? All right, now, Herman, run along. Shoot, outside. You're making Mr. Hale nervous. Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I should have warned you about Herman. Oh, I don't know why, I don't know why. He's only a man-eating lion. Herman? No, he's just a playful old pussycat. Does pussycat have the run of the house? Well, he only came in because he thought it was time for dinner. He was looking at me like... He was looking at me like he thought I was on the menu. Why, we've had Herman ever since he was a baby. He was brought up on milk. So was I, but I learned to eat meat later. Come on, Dad's out in the back. I suppose you consider us a little eccentric. Now, what ever gave you that idea? Well, we feel if animals are domesticated enough, there's no reason why they shouldn't have the run of the place. Oh. There's nothing peculiar in that, is there? Not as long as you've got enough cages for the people. That's silly. If you spend enough time around lions, you'd know they're just as reliable and trustworthy as... Miss Maguire. Yes? Pussycat's back. Ah, I think he likes you. I'm flattered, but would you mind putting him away? Now, you go on, Herman, you go away. I told you Mr. Hale is a very nervous fellow. I'm not at all nervous. And if you don't take me to your father, I'll find him myself. Not that way, Hale. Pop's over in the barn. All right. I hate to disturb your siesta, Dr. Maguire, but I... Oh, no, no, no. So long, Miss Maguire. Where are you going? Back to my office. There's a gorilla in your hammock with a hat on his head and a cigar in his mouth. It certainly is not a gorilla. Well, it's not your father. Charlie is a chimpanzee. I'm still going back to the office. It's a very unusual place. No lions, camels, or gorillas. Just lawyers. But you haven't even met Pop. Kathy, hurry. Jenny's starting to deliver. Oh, I'm afraid you're going to have to help. Oh, who's Jenny? A mountain goat. A mountain goat? With horns? Small ones. With horns? Oh, little teeny ones. Good day, Miss Maguire. Oh, come on, Hale. Be right there, Pop, and I'll see you. Nice, Mr. Hale. Once in a while, you know, we need help bringing these creatures into the world. Oh, that's amazing, Dr. Maguire. Mountain goats. But they're so tiny and helpless. Just like any other infant. Well, you must be starving. We're back, Kathy. Now then, Mr. Hale, you were talking about Commodore Parker. Oh, yes, I was hoping you'd remember something that could explain this oldest club he holds over the Park Commission. Oh, I suppose they've just acted out of obligation. After all, if the Commodore hadn't given the land for the zoo, they probably wouldn't... The Commodore gave them the land? Well, yes, for the zoo, the park, and the aquarium. When was all this? All about 1928. Why has it been kept a secret? Has it? Of course it has. Everything else Parker's ever done has his name splattered all over it. It doesn't like him to let the city forget who gave them the zoo. Now, tell me, who gave out the contracts for those buildings? The Park Commissioners, Walsh, Thompson, and Everleigh. Hmm, same board we have today. Yeah, it's all good Parker, man. Dr. McGuire, I strongly suspect political coercion in your dismissal. If my investigation bears me out, I'll be very happy to plead your case. Oh, that's wonderful. Just a minute. That's only if, well, as I say, if my investigation bears me out. I'm sure it will. Well, I... I hope so. Well, dinner's ready, dear. I certainly hope so, too. Well, I... well, I sure hope so. I certainly hope so, too. While we're hoping, could we hope for a little dinner? Oh, the window. Look. Oh, that's Herman again. He must have heard the word dinner. Oh, as he keep looking at me, I've never fed him. Well, maybe you will one of these days. Oh, yeah, yeah. Binging me home, Mr. McGuire. If you've got a minute, Hale, I'd like to talk to you. You know, it's pretty wonderful in cynical times like these to find a man doing something purely out of principle. Oh, I don't know. But it's not surprising in your case a reformer and an orphan. What's being an orphan got to do with it? Well, everything. Being an orphan raised with the other kids, having to share everything gives you, well, a feeling for brotherhood. Oh, you sure? Sure it doesn't teach you what it's like to stand in line for your food and clothes, push and outsmart the other guy, chisel an extra dessert, go break your way out of working in the laundry. Sure it doesn't make you want to get to the top in a hurry and not care particularly how you got there. Or maybe some of the boys hail, but not you. Say, how come you've never been married? You know, you're not the youngest thing in town. Do you always say the first thing that pops into your head? Pretty much. Does it bother you? No. Well, then why haven't you ever been married? He must have been around plenty. Fellow your age. Well, let's just say I'm a man of considerable experience. Women? Some. Many? Oh, I guess I've played the course in par. Oh, well, what were they like? You know, standard equipment. Why haven't you ever been married? They were either too standard or not enough equipment. Well, anyway, I don't mind telling you, Hale, that you have made a very good first impression. Well, thanks. A very, very good impression. Thank you again. I have an instinct for these things, and I kind of feel that there's a little something cooking between us. Really? Mm-hmm. And if there's something cooking between two people, even if they've just met, there shouldn't be any embarrassment or shyness. I think they should find out, don't you? Well, I've never really thought about it. I mean, take the average fellow who goes out with a girl. What happens? He's got to get his suit, press, shoes, shine, haircut, got to buy flowers, dinner, movie, nightclub, not to mention tips to the waiters, parking lots, et cetera, et cetera. Then he takes her home. He shakes hands, says good night. Next night, it's the same thing. Suits, shoes, flowers, et cetera, et cetera. Only this time when he takes her home after he shakes hands, he puts his arm around her. Maybe he gives her a little hug. Hmm. Finally, after five or six dates, he gets up enough nerve to ask for a little kiss. Oh. Okay, they kiss it. They like it fine. They go on seeing each other. But what if they don't? Look at all the money he's wasted. What's he got to show for it? I tell you, Hale, I think it's much smarter to find out if there's anything there or not. Don't you? Well, if you'd stop talking, you could find out. Hmm? Oh. Well, then, you don't mind if I kiss you? Just help yourself. Well? Oh. There's a little something there, all right. Good night, Hale. Good night, Miss McGuire. In a moment, we'll return with act two of the Reformer and the Redhead. Meanwhile, here's Libby Collins, our Hollywood reporter with the lux movie news of the week. John, I'm especially excited about ATO Pinz's screen debut with Janet Lee in Metro Golden Mayor's comedy with music strictly dishonorable. In which ATO Pinz as sings everything from opera to popular songs. Uh-huh. He makes his long-awaited screen appearance as a tempestuous opera star who's romantically outsmarted by an innocent Southern girl, played with naive charm by Janet Lee. Janet Lee is fast becoming one of Hollywood's finest actresses. You're so right, John. Her scenes with ATO Pinz are a combination of comedy and romance, set to a background of New York in the glittering 20s. Janet Lee's fresh youthfulness must be a perfect complement to ATO Pinz's magnetic personality. Oh, yes. In the picture, he thinks she's been sent by a former sweetheart to compromise him. But her innocence is so refreshing that he's charmed by her. It sounds as if strictly dishonorable is strictly fine entertainment. Well, indeed it is. And Janet's costumes are an extra treat for the ladies, especially a chiffon negligee of a blue satin that would delight any June bride. And it's not extravagant to have pretty lingerie for every day because you can keep it lovely as new so long with Lux Flakes. New Lux with color freshener is simply marvelous at keeping colors fresher and dreamier than you ever thought possible. Famous Hollywood stars like Janet Lee insist on it for all their personal things. And no wonder. Dainty lingerie prints, delicate pastel slips in 90s, sparkle as never before. And New Lux is a positive miracle for white silks and rayons and nylons. They state dazzling white washing after washing. Why don't you try New Lux with color freshener for your lingerie? No other way of washing leaves colors fresher or brighter. And New Lux with color freshener is mild and safe as ever. Get a big box tomorrow. Give your washables that fresh as new Lux look. Act two of The Reformer and the Redhead starring June Allison as Kathy and Dick Powell as Andrew. Well, several days have gone by. Andrew still has not given an answer to Commodore Parker's offer to support his campaign. There are two good reasons for this. One is a redhead named Kathy McGuire and the other is that Andrew has gone up to the state capital to check the musty files of corporation charters. Well, the musty files have proved very revealing. And now back in Oakmont, Arthur Maxwell is on the telephone. And he asked me to call you right away, Commodore. You see, Mr. Hale is still up in Sacramento, but he's come to a decision while he is flattered by your offer of support, sir. He feels that in all good conscience he cannot accept. Sorry, Commodore. Thank you and goodbye. Oh, I knew it. I knew it. I knew Andrew would tell that crook where to get off. All right, all right, Miss McGuire. Come on in. You know the worst. Our boy's just given up his chance to be mayor. Oh, this is a fine thing he's done. A fine and courageous thing he's done. Greatness doesn't care who wears its mantle, Miss McGuire. How true. He places honor and duty above dollars and cents. That I can vouch for. But what about his campaign? Let's not talk about the dead. Oh, but he can't just give up. I couldn't have that on my conscience. We'll discuss it when he gets back. But it may be too late then. We've got to do something now. Get his story to the people. Got any ideas? Nope, but I will have. Maxwell, we've got to fight. Yes, ma'am. And if Andrew forms again, tell him he can count on me. I'll back him to the limit. Oh, I was afraid of that. Salamis, McGuire. You, Tim, why, with your newspaper experience and my... Kelly, be sensible, please. Oh, Tim, don't be so patronizing. I'm not 12 years old. And kindly stop shaking your head at me. All right, then. Suppose this newspaper wanted to fight for Hale. What do we know about him? He comes from the local orphanage. He has a few doubtful groups behind him, and he says he's 100% for the underdog. Well, he is. I'm suspicious of anybody who says he's 100% anything. That is not the point. No, no. The point is who's going to do the work? Who's going to put up the billboards, pass out the leaflets, ring the doorbells, a few screwballs, kids from the orphanage? I tell you, you're just batting your head... Orphanage? Those kids? Why, they'd break their necks for Andrew Hale. Oh, Kelly. Well, at least it's worth a try. Come on, Tim, you just gotta help. And I think some of the things women have talked me into. Well, I'll bet they're not bad. Come on, grab your hat, Tim. We're going to the orphanage. Union, Mr. Maxwell. A telegram from Mr. Hale. Well, Leon? He will arrive tomorrow, Independence Day, on the 10 o'clock plane. Excellent, Leon. Excellent. I still think we should have appraised Council Hale of what has transpired in his absence. You'll find out soon enough. He may not concur in certain commitments made in his name. For example, enlisting the services of all those juveniles from the orphanage. Yeah, but look at the job they've done. Why, there isn't a house in town that hasn't had a letter or a leaflet. They've put up posters. Yes, I know. Orphanandy for mayor. I find it somewhat corny. It was her idea and it's great. Now, what else did he say? He wants a date with Miss McGuire. I should send her a dozen roses immediately. And he has some wonderful news for her father. Well, go ahead, send the roses. The long red ones? The short cheap ones. Yes. And get that lady lying to him around the telephone. If Andy's coming back tomorrow, we're going to put him right to work. Hale launches campaign at Mexican American picnic. Italian Americans back Hale for mayor at Garibaldi Festival. And the Navians pay support to Orphanandy and Smorgasbord. Hi, Arty. The facts and figures I dug up in Sacramento. Oh, beautiful, beautiful. Have you shown these to Kathy's father? When did I have a chance? But I'm going out to the ranch tonight. Why, this stuff could send Parker and company up for 20 years. I'm afraid I do not comprehend. Oldest racket in the world, Leon. Phony corporation. Parker's the treasurer under another name, caching checks. All the other officers are names off tombstones. Dead and buried years before the charter was ever granted. The zoo and the aquarium was only their first job. Well, what are we waiting for? Go on, go on, pick up the phone. Spoil the Commodore's day. I don't know that I want to pick up the phone. How's that? I've been doing some thinking, Arty. Maybe I don't need the Commodore. Maybe I can be elected without the machine. Let's step off that cloud, shall we? No, no, no. You don't understand. I understand plenty. If you'd start listening to me instead of that jabber, happy redhead, maybe we could... Now, wait a minute, Arty. I'm sorry, sorry, slip of the tongue, lovely girl. And she's got some pretty good ideas, too. She's a very intelligent girl. Brilliant. And there's nothing wrong with her platform. Let's stick to politics. Now, suppose I did get a bunch of kids free milk, summer camps in the hospital. What's wrong with that? Nothing. Nothing, but you've got to be mayor first. Well, who knows? Maybe I will be, and on my own, without Parker and his crummy machine, without this blackmail. Pardon me. Did I just hear a nasty word? Don't be silly, Leon. Let us simply say that Council Hale has found a way to Commodore Parker's heart. And I still say that I may not need him. I've got a lot of people behind me, Arty. Just lump them all together, put them up against the Parker machine, and... And... Well, I'd run a poor second. Well, I'll pick up the phone, Leon. I want to talk to Commodore Parker. Parker machine to back Hale. Political leader will support Orton Andy. Reform candidate wins Parker's blessing. But, Andrew, it doesn't make sense. Why should Parker come out for you? Oh, look, dear, I told you it's politics. He figures he's licked, and he wants to jump on the bandwagon. But you know what kind of a man he is. Sure, a practical politician. But the people, the voters, the kids from the orphanage, they believe in you, Andrew. And so do I. Then what else matters? Oh, you... You mean there's a little something still, Cookie? Boiling. Come here. Thank you, Andrew. Now, getting back to the Parker machine... Oh, must we? Well, it's just that he doesn't give anything away, unless he gets something in return. Andrew, you haven't made any promises. You're not getting involved. Forget it, Kathy. Oh, incidentally, Parker told me the Park Commission has reconsidered your father's case. He's getting a letter of apology, his job back, and a raise in salary. Andrew. Well, what about the stuffed animals? The ones Parker murdered? Out. The Oakmont Zoo was for live exhibits exclusively. And, uh, Kathy, I'm boiling again. Me too, and... Oh. Don't look down, but Pussycat's back. Now, really, you can't be afraid of Herman. I can't, huh? No, just turn around and tell him to go away. Show your authority, let him know who's master. He seems to know. Just be firm. Go on, slap his nose. Do you mean with my bare hand? Why, sure. Well, go away. Go on, beat it. Shoot, shoot. There, you see? Hey, how about that? Herman's afraid of me. He's gone, Andrew. We're alone again. As you were, darling. Is the reform candidate available for an interview? Council Hale is out, sir, campaigning. Likewise, Council Maxwell. Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, you'll remember me, don't you, Leon? Oh, certainly, sir. Tim Harvey from the Evening Express, Miss McGuire's friend. Your paper support has been most gratifying. Well, thank you, Leon. Yes, Andy's going to win this election with a plurality of at least 30,000 votes. Oh, he is a wonderful, wonderful chap, Mr. Harvey. Make the crackerjack, mayor. And I suppose when he is mayor, they'll be taking you into the firm, Leon. Well, I have got to pass the bar first. But the eventuality is not beyond the realm of conjecture. Hale and Maxwell, they're very clever lads bringing Parker to his knees like this. Swinging this whole deal, just two boys. Three boys. Oh, come on, Leon. Don't tell me you had anything to do with it. Whom do you think discovered that the local copies of the records were burned? I mean, why did Council Hale have to go to Sacramento to find them? Leon, you? It was not Jayette Gauvre. You know, Leon, I'm really not very bright. I never did have a lawyer's knack for putting two and two together. What records, Leon? What was Hale looking for? Oh, it is so simple. It is a phone incorporation, see? Comet or Parker is really the tragedy. Yes? Mr. Harvey, maybe you better wait and speak to Council Hale. I am not really very bright either. Don't worry, Leon. It won't be printed. Oh, gosh, well, thank you, Mr. Harvey. But as you said, I'm a friend of the Maguire's. And you will not tell Mr. Hale that I... No, no. But you've given me a rotten job to do, Leon. She's a great gal. And I've got to break her heart. Is that you, dear? I'll be up in a minute, Pop. That's all right, dear. I'll come down. I thought you were asleep. Andrew just brought me home. He's gone? Uh-huh. Kathy, Tim stopped by tonight. Oh? He had some rather important news, dear. Show of eye, Pop. Look. Oh, Kathy. An engagement tree. Oh, my dear. Oh, Pop, I'm so happy. Kathy... Now, what's Tim's important news? Oh, I think it can wait. I'll tell you tomorrow. I thought it was good news. It isn't, is it? No. Tim's been struggling with his conscience all day. He finally decided he'd better tell me. About Andrew? Tim found out something, dear. Something he'd suspected right along. Well? Why, Parker suddenly decided to make Andrew mayor of Oakmont. He had to, Kathy. Because Andrew knows. What else did Tim tell you? That's the whole story, Kathy. Parker is backing Andrew because he has to. It's not much better than blackmail. Oh, Kathy, please, dear. Don't let it hurt you. He isn't worth it. But I believed in him, Pop. I talked to all those people and made all those promises. You mustn't blame yourself. Just try to forget it. I can't forget it. I won't forget it. And neither will Andrew Hale as long as he lives. Well, Kathy, wait. Where are you going? Well, I have a few things to say to Mr. Hale. But don't worry, Pop. I just want to see his face and learn with the reformer and the redhead. Meanwhile, we have two guests tonight. The sensational dance team Marge and Gower Champion. They're featured in the Metro Golden Mayor Technicolor production of Showboat. Yes, here comes the showboat, Mr. Kennedy, with such wonderful singing stars as Catherine Grayson, Ava Gardner, and Howard Keele. Plus a big cast, including Joey Brown as Captain Andy. I think it has everything. Wait until you hear Catherine Grayson and Howard Keele singing the romantic duets of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein. And as the tragic Julie Ava Gardner gives a really unforgettable performance. Producer Arthur Freed and director George Sidney are certainly to be congratulated on such a brilliant production. Well, we're very grateful to them for our first acting opportunity. Yes, we love playing the happy-go-lucky dance team. And when it opens in July, the entire country will be singing and dancing at the showboat. And the new generation will fall in love all over again with the romantic costumes Ava Gardner, Catherine Grayson, and you wear. Well, many of them are actually gorgeous cottons, Mr. Kennedy, and I noticed that the studio freshened them with that favorite of Broadway and Hollywood, Lux Flakes. Right, Marge, new Lux with color fresheners the standby of leading Hollywood studios. It keeps gay prints and bright lights a real beauty bath for all colors. Wonderful for white things, too. They stay dazzling white. Famous screen stars like Ava Gardner, Catherine Grayson, and Marge Champion insist on new Lux for their personal wardrobes, too. Thank you for coming tonight, Marge and Gower Champion. We'll look forward to seeing you on the screen in July. And ladies, if you'd like your washables to look as glamorous as those of your favorite screen stars this summer, get a box of new Lux with color freshener tomorrow. It will give your washables that fresh as new Lux look. We pause now for station identification. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. The curtain rises on act three of the reformer in the redhead, starring June Allison as Kathy and Dick Powell as Andrew. It's 40 minutes later at Andrew's apartment, the buzzer is ringing wildly. In the sleep, the candidate for mayor staggers to the door. Oh, oh, hello, Kathy. Kathy. Here's your ring. Thanks for getting Papa's job back, and I hope I never see you again. Kathy? Kathy, wait, what is it? What's wrong? Nothing. It all worked out beautifully, especially for your pal, Commodore Parker. Kathy, would you please... Leon told him the whole story, and don't bother to deny it. You blackmail Parker by suppressing criminal evidence. Oh, dear, you don't understand. I understand this much. You made fools of me, my father, those kids at the orphanage, and a bunch of wonderful people who thought you were something special. I just hope they never find out the truth. Kathy, Kathy, you've got to listen to me. All I did was make a simple political deal with Parker. If I hadn't made that deal, I wouldn't get elected. Then you wouldn't get elected. But at least you'd... Oh, I'm going home. You know, if I don't get elected your precious orphans won't get their milk in summer camps. Maybe not. But you'd still have your self-respect and for what it's worth, mine. All right, all right, all right. Go on, go on. Blow the whole thing up. Tell Tim the prettiest story. Don't worry, Tim won't expose you. He doesn't see any difference between any of the candidates. And neither do I. That's all for now, Commodore. I'm going back to my office. Mighty fine, speech you just made, Andrew. Mighty fine, just for not businessmen want to hear. This cleans up everything except for the broadcast tonight, right? Right. Oh, about the broadcast, my boy, I suggest you play up a harmony act. If you don't mind, Commodore, I'll write my own speech. Oh, of course, Andrew, of course. All righty. What about it? Did you reach Kathy? She's not answering the telephone. What about the flowers? Send him back. Oh, Andy, please, why don't you just... Where's the phone booth? I'll call her father again. No, that's all between you and Kathy. I'm afraid I can't take sights in the matter. Goodbye, Andrew. Sorry, Bert, now, what were you saying? We just heard from the San Diego Zoo, doctor. They'll have a truck here at the zoo tonight to pick up Caesar. Poor old Caesar, but he'll be a different lion when he's down there with Bert, I guess. Oh, I sure hope so. I've never seen him so mean. Just be careful when you transfer him to that truck. Yes, sir. I'll stay here at the zoo until they come for him. You may need me. You'll miss the broadcast, doctor. That fella Hill's talking to me. Yes, I know. I'll just have to borrow a radio and listen to him here. Meantime, I'd better see if I can't quiet down Caesar. Citizens of Oakmont, ladies and gentlemen of the radio audience, in a few minutes, you're going to hear from the reform candidate for mayor, an orphan lad of humble origin who today embodies the highest and most noble principles of pure America. Well, the Commodore started, Andy. You'll be on in a couple of minutes. Now, remember, nothing controversy. I know, I know. Sticks of the hospitals, the free milk, the orphans, and lay it on thick. The whole town's listening. Hey, what's the matter with you? Nothing. Oh, come on. Don't give me that. Something tells me you... Who wants to be a knight on a white horse? Who asked you to put me up on a pedestal? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. If you're going to be in politics, you got to be practical. Respect. Faith. Well, it works both ways. Look, stick to the script. You're on in 60 seconds, Mr. Hale. If a girl's in love with her, she believes in you. Yes, sir. It's just across the hall, sir. She trusts you. Yes, sir. Right down the line. You better get going, Mr. Hale. Well, all right. Yes, sir. In the name of better government, I present my choice and yours, our next mayor, Andrew Hale. Ladies and gentlemen, I have a prepared speech for this broadcast. I don't think I'm going to use it. I'm going to make another speech. When I finish, you may not want me as mayor, but at least I'll be able to live with my conscience. When I entered this campaign and assumed the guise of a reformer, I did so not out of conviction, but as a mere political expedient. I had discovered that in order to win, I'd have to have the support of the Parker machine. In order to secure the support, I needed bargaining power, a threat, a weapon of intimidation. Fortunately, I uncovered some information about the Parker machine of an incriminating and, shall we say, highly embarrassing nature. It concerns, of course, the corporation charter involving the Parker gang. Pop. Pop the radio, Andrew. He's telling the truth about Pop. Yes, dear, I know, and I'd like to hear what else he has to say. Oh, me too, Pop, I knew he wouldn't let us down. Isn't he wonderful? Well, yes. Not quick. It's Caesar. He's loose. Yes, dear. He's wonderful. I'll call you back later. Bert, what did you say? Oh, Caesar, he broke out of his cage. He's loose. Where? I don't know. He jumped the wall and ran across the park. Hello. Hello. Yes. Attention all police cars. Attention all police cars. Head for Stillwater Park District. A lion has escaped from the zoo. Extreme caution. Shoot on sight. This lion is being... Hello. Kathy, I'll listen to me very carefully. He's escaped. Oh, yes, I know, Pop. At last, Andrew is out of the clutches of Commodore Parker. I'm talking about Caesar. Caesar? The police have orders to shoot him on sight, but we may be able to save him. Put Herman in the truck. Herman? Yes. Drive around the neighborhood of the park. If you should see him, try to coax him into the truck with Herman. Now, don't worry. There'll be dozens of us looking for him, but for heaven's sake, be careful. Okay, Pop, I'm on my way. Herman. Herman, come here. Come on, Herman. We've got the kind of Caesar. Well, it was a nice campaign while it lasted, Andy. It was your day and you would have been mad. Sorry, Artie, but I had to do it. The Commodore fainted in the control room. How do you feel? Like I just took a nice, clean bath. Well, where do we go now? To Kathy's? No, no. But I thought your phone did. I did. She wasn't home. The maid said her lion ran away. Let's give her a hand, Artie. Okay, sure. Well... her lion! Oh, you know Herman. He's a big house pet. Why couldn't they keep canaries? Would you mind telling me how you go about looking for a lion? Chances are he's lonesome for his brothers and sisters. Yeah? I think if I were Herman, I'd head for the zoo. The zoo, huh? Well, then you'd better turn on Grant Street. Yup, Grant Street. Takes us right to the park. Police cars. Escape lion. Last seen in the vicinity of Grant Street. Advise all residents to keep off the streets. Shoot to kill. We'd better start finding out what it's like to earn an honest living again. No, Artie. Forget it for a while, will you? All I want to do is just... Hey. There he is. There's Herman. Huh? Over there, that big a lot with the trees. Holy smoke. Some house pet. Just a big pussy cat. He eats out of your hand. Yeah, right up to the elbow. What do you think you're going to do? Come in the car, of course. Look, let's get out of here, Randy. Maybe if we phone him. Oh, he's scared of his own shadow. I'm scared of it too. Oh, I may as well get him. Now calm down, will you, Herman? Look, I got news for you. If he's getting in this car, I'm getting out. Here he comes. All right, Herman. All right. Now come on. Come on, get the car. Now you hurt me. Get in there. Now look, let's not make a federal case out of this. I told you to get in the car. That's more like it. Now, if you'll just get... Artie. Hey, Artie, where are you? Shut up. I'm trying to climb a tree. What's the matter? Are you yellow or something? Yellow. If I had wheels, I'd be a taxi cab. In the meantime, I'm going to start looking for one. Okay, go ahead. I'll see you out at the ranch. Imagine being afraid of you. Oh, quiet. Quiet. You're not so tough. Well, you may as well head for the ranch, Herman. And take it easy on those seat covers. I've only got $50 deductible. And for Pete's sake, shut up. Matthew, how do you like this? Here I am looking for a lift and you come along. Jump in, Artie, but hurry up. There's not much time. Not much time? What are you doing out here? Well, I just left Andy about five minutes ago. He's taking your lion home. He's what? Yeah, he found Herman and he's taking him home. Oh. Who's that back there? Herman. How could that be Herman? I just told you that Andy... That's Herman? Andy's got Caesar. Who's Caesar? He's a killer. He escaped from the zoo. Oh, we've got to find Andy before it's too late. Who's he rooting for? Artie, please just tell me which way Andy went. Oh, now look, Herman. I told you a dozen times it's not going to go another inch until you start showing a little more cooperation. Oh, cut that out. Who are you trying to impress? And keep your big mitts off me. Once more and you're going to get out and walk. You know, Herman, you ought to see your dentist. Hi, hi, Cathy, Artie. Hey, hey, I got Herman. Andy, boy, Andy, you got the wrong lion. What? What did you... And Herman. He's in the back of the truck. Well, if that's Herman, who's this? That's Caesar. He just escaped from the zoo. Oh, they'll be here any second. Pop in the police. Police? What for? Andy, Andy, you're sitting next to a killer, pal. K-k-k-k-k-k-killer? Oh, yes, he's very vicious. Oh, but that's silly. I just whacked his nose to show him who... Oh, Cathy. Oh, what am I going to do? Oh, don't shoot. I think I can handle him. Now, nobody says you're worth it. Don't anyone move. Come on, Caesar, come on. No trouble at all. Back of the truck. We're going to put him in with Herman. Come on, Caesar, steady now. Steady, that's a good... Yes, Herman, see? You like. Go on in and keep Herman. Come on, that's it. Into the truck. All right, boys, he's in. Thanks a lot. I'll take it from here. Better let me drive the truck, Cathy. You go on to the ranch with Andrew. Do you mind, Andrew? We can drive out to the ranch and... Well, Cathy, I... I... Andrew! Oh, arty looky-fated. Yeah, I wonder... Yes, yes, much. Where's Herman? Oh, he's around somewhere. That was a very courageous thing you did. I thought it was Herman. When I think of what I... No, I'm not talking about Herman. The broadcast, it was wonderful. Oh, well... I guess that's the end of that. I don't think so, Andrew. A lot of people hear that speech. I wouldn't worry, darling. Yeah, who's worrying? Closer, Cathy. Closer, dear. You mean there's a little something still cooking? Mm-hmm. They're closed. Puck or huck? I'm puckered, honey. Andrew, look. He kissed you. Herman kissed you. Oh, for heaven's sake. Mr. Keely will be back in a moment with news about next season. Now that vacation time is rolled around for the Lux Radio Theatre, I'm heading for a summer resort. A wonderful month of golf, tennis, swimming, and just plain loafing. Of course, I've been shopping like mad for clothes. I got the most dreamy dinner dress for informal evenings, very much like one I saw Ruth Hussey wearing the other day. It's cotton, but looks like brocade, with a bright red and blue oriental design overlaid with gold paint. And it washes beautifully in new lux. New lux with color fresheners, the care Ruth Hussey insists on for hers, too. It makes colors fairly sing, keeps print sharp and clear. White stayed dazzling white each time you wash them. And it's mild and safe as ever. Why not get a big box of new lux with color freshener tomorrow and give your washables that nice as new lux look all summer long. And now, here's John Kennedy with our stars. And here they are, coming forward for the last curtain call of the season after a wonderful performance. John Allison and Dick Powell. Dick, it is a little startling to find you playing a romantic comedian instead of a daring detective. Well, I enjoy the change, John, because I've just finished playing a police inspector for Metro-Gowan mayor and tall target, a detective who accidentally discovers a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Well, and, incidentally, the character I play is, uh, is named John Kennedy. What? I appreciate the compliment. But I'd rather sell lux flakes because it's much safer. You're right there, John. Lux Flakes are the safest care I know for nice things. See, what happens to the lux at our house? Sure disappears fast. Oh, fine detective, you are. Two small children can make plenty of lux flakes disappear. Did you take Pamela and Little Richard with you on your recent trip to New York? No, this was our first time east together in five years, and we wanted to see all of the new Broadway plays. And the crew so is breaking all records, you know, John. Yes, I want to get Mario Lanz's records of those wonderful areas. The picture's just filled with songs, and Metro-Gowan mayor made a wonderful choice of Anne Blythe as Mrs. Curuso. Sounds like a wonderful production for the Lux Radio Theatre. What are your plans for next season, John? Do you have anything definite lined up? Well, I think I'll leave that for Bill Keely to tell you. It's more in his province. Well, we'll certainly look forward to your next season. We're devoted fans of Lux Radio Theatre. Good night. Good night. We'll see you all next fall. And now, here's Mr. Keely with news about our coming 18th season on the air. Yes, the time has come to say goodbye for the summer. But we've already made great plans for the fall. We hope to bring you the most successful season the Lux Radio Theatre has ever had. And for our opening show on August 27th, we have chosen one of the most impressive pictures of this season, the mudlar. And starring in her original role in this 20th Century Fox production, will be that lovely lady of the screen, Irene Dunn. Perhaps you recall that the mudlar was the command performance last year for the Royal Family of England. And while I'm in London, I'm going to take special note of the historic places where the picture was actually filmed so that I can give you a first-hand account when we meet again. Lever Brothers Company, the makers of Lux Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again on August 27th. And the Lux Radio Theatre will begin its 18th season on the air by presenting Irene Dunn in the mudlar. This is William Kealy bidding you good night. Like nine out of ten other famous screen stars, Susan Hayward is a Lux girl. When you see Susan and Gregory Peck in Darrell Afzanic's Technicolor production of David and Bathsheba, notice the smooth perfection of her skin. A complexion is really Lux's lovely. And she's especially thrilled with the generous big bath size, Lux soap. This fragrant satin smoothcake makes my daily beauty bath more delightful than ever, she says. Lux soap has active lather that's creamy and abundant even in hardest water. Screen stars love Lux soap's exquisite perfume, too. It's a light flower-like fragrance, a blend of many costly ingredients. Why don't you try Lux in the big bath size? After a Lux soap beauty bath, your skin is fresh, sweet, Lux lovely. Get us apply tomorrow. We wish to congratulate one of our very best neighbors on a memorable occasion. On July 1st, Canada will celebrate its 84th national birthday. Canada and the United States have lived in peace and friendship for many years. And so we're especially happy to congratulate her. Heard in our cast tonight were Wally Mayer as Arthur, Alan Reed as Parker, Herbert Butterfield as McGuire, Jack Krushen as Leon, and Bill Johnstone, Dan Riss, Howard McNeer, Norman Field, George Nice and Eddie Marr. Our play was adapted by SH Barnett and our music was directed by Rudy Schrager. This is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to join us again next August 27th when the Lux Radio Theatre will open its 18th season on the air starring Irene Dunn in the mud lark. Mr. Keely is now in London and due to circumstances beyond our control his portion of tonight's broadcast came to you by recording. Stay tuned for my friend Irma which follows over the same station. This is CBS the Columbia Broadcasting System.