 Bothered by the DuPont Company, makers of better things for a better living through chemistry. Starring Virginia Bruce. Tonight's DuPont Cabotade, Lady of Johnstown. And here's our star, Virginia Bruce, as the real life heroine of our story, Rose Noff. I want to tell you about a birthday party. It was mine, and it didn't seem at all unusual to me. But all my friends and my family, my son-in-law, my grand-son and granddaughter, and my great-grandson and granddaughter too, they all seem to think it's quite remarkable there. Because you see, on that day, I was 19 years old. 1948, place the library of a large home in Johnstown, New York. Happy birthday, Mrs. Knott. First 90 years of the hundred. Make it nice and more, Mrs. Knott. Thank you. Thank you. There's cake and refreshments in the dining room, everyone. Now go on and dance and enjoy yourselves. What about you, Mother? Let me take you in with a rest. No, no, no. Don't give me a moment. I've got a birthday present for you. Me? Well, that's a switch. Yes, I suppose it is. Here, let's sit down. Son, when I took over the management of our business... Oh, Mother, you're not going to talk business, are you? You're supposed to be enjoying yourselves. Do you think I haven't enjoyed myself? Do you think it's all been trouble and hard work for me? I think of the things that have been accomplished. The success of our company. It's been enjoyment for me, just remembering. I know, Mother. Then I listen to that music, and I see your daughter dancing out there. You know that your father and I dance together. Do you think so? I do. You're right, Mother. She has broad shoulders and broad muscles and a hat of good nine and a half gallons bigger than any other fellow in town. And I... And you were the bell of the ball. Yes. Anywhere I can remember one day, right here in Dunstown, in 1882, your father had just come back. The next number's the grand-right and left. Let's sneak out now, Rose. I'm in the veranda. I want to talk to you. Son, I'm surprised you don't care for the grand-right and left. Well, how do you mean? Well, your whole life has been nothing else. Father, Mother, Jack, and when he took his rain... Oh, yes, I guess I had sort of swung from one thing to the other. And the next day? In the infighting for that. Well, I... I was considering accepting a position with the New York Commission House that's selling nit-good. Well? Yeah. Well, why don't you laugh? Because... because Charles, I think he could sell all my things. Do you? Yes, I do. Well, it's not that I'm going to be a salesman all my life. I'm going to wind up with a business of my own someday. Really, you will. Why, you'll be president of the company and chairman of the board in your own right beside it. What kind of business, son? Well, I haven't decided yet. Oh. Rose, there's one thing I have decided on the role of my partner. I've met a lot of girls in my life. There's only one I've loved. And that's you, Rose. I'm sorry. Darling, I haven't much to offer. No money at all, just a salesman's host and commission. I'd have to ask you to take what comes. They didn't every woman tell me thoughts when she married. The better, the worse. Oh, Lord. I'll take what comes. Oh, darling, I'm home. Oh, she kicked me. It's a funny way to greet you as you've been a waste on all this. I don't dare leave the clothes right now. Why, what do you make of it? Angel cake with heavenly frosting? Do I have to walk on tiptoe? It'll fall? No. Just plain old pants with jelly. You'll be blessed if you sit again and have to have it. You'll nurse everybody in the neighborhood. You want to know something? Or don't you even care that your husband has topped all the sales record this month? Not only my own, but... Oh, that's rude. Didn't I tell you to tell him I'd make anything? Well, you might turn away from the stove and then let me tell you to my face. But I told you, dear, I can't leave. I just have to say that it must be clarified with the egg whites. Clarified with the egg whites? All that trouble? No. You know that these things have been cooking for two days. When they disintegrate, the liquid has to be strained to see-cloth and knee-cloth. You mean you've been cooking a plate full of gelatin for two days? No, sir. The whole time, you've been away. Sorry, sir, this next door was sick. Performance is good. I suppose, sir, I've heard that there's pain. I came over to tell you how to make it. I'm afraid that's exactly what you're doing. Well, then all I can say is there must be a better way to make it. No, no. Just because you and Sarah don't get along... More in spite of how she and I get along, there must be a better way to make a bold move. Well, if you could think of one, my dear, every housewife in this country would be their eternal brother. Hmm? Are you really serious, Rose? Is it really that important in cooking? I think gelatin might be used in all kinds of ways if it were easier to make. It presides for individuals that might be good for people. Yeah. What do you think, sir? Well, I'm not sure exactly, but I was thinking. I'm no chemist, not even a cook. When you were a good Texas ranger, now you're a wonderful servant. How would it be if I became president of a company? What kind of a company? Well, I watch you standing over that servant, I think. If only I had a factory. If only there wasn't someone one more in the world who could show me how to manufacture gelatin commercially. I could... Why don't you laugh? Because I... I think you could do almost anything, sir. R-r-r-r-r-r-r... R-r-r-r-r-r... R-r-r-r-r-r... R-r-r-r-r-r... R-r-r-r-r-r... R-r-r-r-r-r... Rose, ma'am, what on earth are you doing? Just cooking? Are you cooking on a picnic tomorrow or something? Or are you going on a picnic this rather? No, this is no picnic, believe me. Or if it is, the cooking chefs at the Waldorf would be the ones who'd be out in a good time. Ah, my testing for that new company of your husband. Did you feel it wise, gelatin? Yes, mm-hmm. You have to keep testing and testing. We've got all our savings invested in the process. Well, do you ever get my real life back, anyway? Oh, we've had it a long time. But it wasn't until you learned a method from a Swiss scientist that we started making it commercial. Well, I couldn't get somebody besides you to slave over this stuff they remember us. It's me that always cooking, making up the recipe. Well, I think I'm lucky that I can help Charles in his business. Well, how many wives do you have that time? These are exhibits for the pure food exposition. This is going to be very good for the time. Down-seller on ice, I have tomato acid, and strawberry jamon. I suppose your husband will pick up some pie like a grand piano or something so the person who can identify all the votes to both Brian Paul and Paul, so... Oh, no, some stuff works up, you may be sure. Well, I mean, anybody who could think up the advertising scene for way too little. Oh, well, darling, come on in. Yes, darling. Come out in the back yard. I want to show you something. You've been out in the storeroom over the stable working on some mysterious project all these years. Go! Come in. Come on, darling, keep it real. Um, for heaven's sake, Charles, even if you don't approve, pretend you do, won't you? No, um, I'm tired. For your sake. Oh, darling, I wanted you to see this before I packed it up and send it to me. Oh, hello, Sarah. Good evening, Charles. Come on over by the ladder. Both of you. Ah, just take a look at the steps I've had made. Hmm, it's a bonus sometime. We'll pick you, Brian, McKinley, Charles, be my first time you're going into politics, too. Look again, ladies. We've everything it says on the banner. Oh, Brian wants to win. McKinley wants to win. Let's just stand here. Mark Swarovic always wins. Well, I never. It's going to be strung up across Broadway at 34th Street. What do you think? Oh, I think it's... Oh, darling. Huh? Oh, I think it's quite far. Why, Sarah? Why? It seems it's a long time for the product to become known. Why shouldn't we advertise it? That's the way I like to hear my partner talk. Well, I mean it. A banner like this, well, perhaps it isn't quite the way I do it. It doesn't matter. You'd find some other way that's just as good if I went around. The point is, I consider you my partner, and I want your approval. Say the word, Rose. Does the banner go up across Broadway at 34th? It will, Charles. You know it will. Oh, let's see. Now we've had the horse with carriage, the weight horses, the dirages, all with signs advertising noxiality. And they were good advertising scenes through the years, every one of them. I wonder what I should do next. Rose? Any idea? No. You can take a vacation, Charles, now. Oh, that's a good idea, Dad. Let's go up the town and we can go fishing. Well... Please, Dad. Uh, Jimmy, a ghost sits beside your brother now and quiet down. All right, Dad, but... If we men are going away on this fishing trip together, don't you think it would be kind of nice if your mother read to us a little? Rose? All right. And the signs. Know ye that the Lord is God. We are his people. He thanks the love of him for the Lord is good and his truth endures to all generations. To all generations. It may be that the most comforting knowledge a man can have is that there are sons that we can pass on the fruits of his labor. Rose, I am not thinking of the business when I say that. It's something else. Yes. Oh, well, that may be part of it. Because we've been successful. We've worked hard and saved, and it's a good country that gives one this freedom. I can give thanks simply because I'm happy, Rose. I have many, many blessings. You know what I mean. Now, boys, come on, up to bed with your boat. We start after those fish in Canada early in the morning. Oh. Jimmy, dear, I'm awfully glad you three had such a wonderful vacation. I don't understand why your father didn't come back with you. If he was sick, I wouldn't. He wasn't sick, mother. He just wanted to stay in Montreal for a few days and rest. After two weeks of camp, he wouldn't come in a day or two. He said and would. Maybe that's for now. Maybe he took them up strong. I'll go. Oh. Thank you. It's a pleasure. It's a pleasure. Let's see. What is it say, mother? What is it say? It says. Where are you? I'm at eight o'clock to be here. And where are you going? After. You are listening to the Cavalcade of America starring Virginia Bruce as Rose Knox, sponsored by the Duquant Company. It makes us a better thing for better living through chemistry. Our Duquant story continues. With Virginia Bruce as Rose Knox talking with her son James in the library of her home during a birthday party held in her honor. I'm so embarrassed to say that. You remember more and more of those days when you were still so very young, only 13. Maybe you're not old enough even now to enjoy remembering as I do. But I like to think of the way you looked that day when we came together to your father's office at the back door. Aren't you going to tell anybody you hear, mother? They will all discover it soon enough, I suppose. Are you going to be pressing with this Duquant Company from now on? Hmm. Your father was always going to be both president and chairman of the board. Now I want to make sure for him that his boys will have that talk. I suppose I'll be those who think it's unbecoming a woman, especially a widow. You look very becoming to me. I do. Thank you. I don't know if you can talk it over and hear there won't be anyone getting... Well, I did your part, men. I didn't expect to find you here in your husband's office. Well, that's quite all right, Mr. Simmons. Come in. Thank you. All of you. I was just going to send for you, as a matter of fact. I wanted to find out how you men would feel about working for a woman. Working for a... You mean you're going to take Mr. Knox's case? Well, I'm going to be the best I know how to carry on for him. Perhaps it isn't what I would do some choice, but I feel that I'll have no other. Well, Mrs. Knox, if you want to know I've never been bossed by a woman in my life, and I don't intend to start now. Well, Mr. Simmons, I'm sorry. It's too bad we couldn't work together. I suppose that means you want to go. Expand. I am afraid of that. Goodbye, Mrs. Knox. Gentlemen. Well, I hope there's no one else here who says Mr. Simmons sent him. Uh, yes. Oh, I didn't say it, and I'm bugging myself, Joe. Good. Then I can count on you all to carry on in your job as you would have carried on for my husband. And if you have any grievances at any time, please come straight to me with them. Oh, and one more thing. I've ordered the employees' entrance at the rear of the factory closed. We are all, ladies and gentlemen, working here together. We will all use the front door. That's all. You may go now. May I see you for a moment, Mrs. Knox? Your son, Charlie, told me you were going to try to carry on here. I felt I had become right over. Goodbye, Mr. Griswold. I may need a lawyer's advice. Yes. Now, Mr. Knox... Mr. Griswold, for one thing, I think it's going to be necessary to sell the race for you. But, Mrs. Knox... Well, maybe not, Anaconda. Mrs. Knox did love himself. As for the race, they're expensive to keep, and they've served their purpose for advertising, just as the horses carried in their drogable hat. This is not... It's just not possible for a woman to... You're mean by gelatin. Believe me, Mr. Griswold, I'm also mixed in. They want to feed their husbands and children good nutritious food and at a good low cost. I'm a housewife and mother myself. I feel I can give our customers what they want and need. I agree. But a woman running a business like this really... Mr. Griswold, Charles always called me his partner. This work was our life together. I must keep it for him, for our sons. That's what he wanted more than anything else in the world. And Mr. Griswold, I'm sure you'll understand when I... when I tell you I feel it's my obligation. This is Knox with the Monsignor in his church face. Yes, Alice. I assume they're all worthy extremists here. That's right. American Specialty Manufacturers Association. Really do, huh? Sometimes I wonder if there's any point in our belonging. They're having a convention soon. I think it would be a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas. Yes. But imagine the havoc I'd guard if I went. The only woman there. Well, why couldn't I? Get the President of the Association for me a long distance, Alice. You're not making a joke. Of course I'm not. Now, go ahead and call him. Oh, and send that young architect in here meanwhile. Wait a minute, please? Yes, Mrs. Knox. Yes, see you now, sir. Oh, thanks. Morning, Mrs. Knox. Great, I'm a little late. Good thing I don't have to punch a time clock. You couldn't find one here if you did. Do sit down and stay. Thank you. As I told you on the phone, we seem to have outgrown our original product here. In the past three years since I've been here, the business has almost doubled. Now, here are the plans I've drawn up for a new building. Well, this is interesting. Who did you say drew them up? Excuse me, Mrs. Knox, but the President of the Manufacturers Association's on the phone. You want to take it in here? No, I don't. Pardon me, Mr. Haines. Uh, look over my drawing then. See what you think. Your drawing? Yes, sir. I want windows, lots of them, and a marble kitchen for testing. Excuse me. Hello? This is Mrs. Charles D. Knox of the Knox skeleton company, Johnstown. I called to tell you that I'd like to attend the Association's convention at the Waldorf Astoria this month. Yes, it would be a great deal to me, sir, if I could be there. Well, certainly you have no objection to a woman attending the meetings, have you? Uh, I see. Well, it's kind of you to warn me. And I'll be looking forward to meeting you. Thank you so much. Goodbye. What are you saying, Mrs. Knox? Well, Alice, I feel I didn't completely convince him I belonged, but I will. Now the question is, what on earth am I going to wear? Well, good afternoon, Mrs. Knox. I trust you enjoyed your lunch and that you found the morning session of our convention inspiring. Oh, very much so. Thank you. As much of it as I could hear back there behind those potted palms. Yes. Well, I hope you understand. We placed you there thinking perhaps you might feel more comfortable the only lady present. Yes. Well, Mr. Chairman, may I make a brief announcement to the floor? I think that I beg your pardon. Well, I'd like to say a very few words to the gentlemen present. Would you please allow me the present? Well, I don't know, Mrs. Knox. Please, I won't embarrass the convention. I assure you. Oh, very well. But, ma'am, please limit yourself to ten minutes. Now, stand right here, now, please. Thank you. Gentlemen, one moment, please. The convention will come to order. Our Lady Delegate, Mrs. Charles B. Knox, would like to say a few words. As gentlemen, it's an unceasingly warm day and you all look extremely uncomfortable. For heaven's sake, won't you? Please feel free to remove your coats and snows. Mr. Chairman, I know that Mrs. Knox will be escorted to a seat right down in the front row. I second the wait. I think I know the rest, Mother. The story in itself. How the company was incorporated. How you put your own principles of saving and sharing into all our company's policies and began our medical fellowships and our research projects. Did you know, Jimmy, it was the women of this country who got me started on them? Oh, now, Mother, you're not going to try to give away the credit to someone else. Oh, to the great many someones. The women who wrote to me as if I were a next door neighbor told me in the big time, gelatin for the sick, adding it to their baby's formula. Letters like that, Jimmy. Those letters are what have made me stay on working with the company as president for 40 years. Seeing our company grow great and our products become a household work. 40 years. Don't you think it's time I retired? Seems to me you deserve a little relaxation. You know your father used to gaze in me. He always wanted to be president of the company and chairman of a company. I told you a while ago that I wanted to give you a present in honor of my ninth year. That's right. I said it was a switch. Well, Jimmy, the time comes when I should step out of the picture and let you take my place with Mark's gelatin. Well, Mother, I'll agree to take over as president if you want me to. On one condition, that you stay on as chairman of the board. That would be very nice, dear, to feel I still had a hand in things. I really love this, Jimmy. But it's your turn now to make your contribution to Mark's gelatin. And you will. Just the way your father would have wanted it. Yes. What was that song you used to read as to all generations? No need to condone. He is God. We are his people. He's thankful unto him for the Lord is good and his truth endures to all generations. Thanks to Virginia Bruce and our Cavalcade players for tonight's DuPont story. Next week, the DuPont Cavalcade will present two popular young Hollywood stars, William Holden and Brenda Marshall. Our play tells of a young engineer who defied the unknown and penetrated the mysterious, great dismal swamp of Virginia to win love and fortune. Be sure to listen. Tonight's DuPont Cavalcade was written by Ruth Woodman and Virginia Redcliffe. Original music was composed by Arden Cornwell and conducted by Donald Voorhees. The program was directed by John Zoller. Next week, the retailers of America will sponsor a nationwide campaign to remind us that we produce and distribute more and better goods at better prices than any other country in the world. Now this is due to the American economic system which guarantees us these basic freedoms. Freedom to work wherever we choose. Freedom to own properties to start an enterprise and profit from inventiveness and investment. This holds fast to these economic freedoms that guarantee us our high standard of living. The DuPont Cavalcade of America comes to you from the stage of the Belasco Theater in New York and is sponsored by the DuPont Company of Wilmington, Delaware. Makers of better things for better living in New Tennessee. Next, Daddy tries to sue the jealous Snooks on NBC.