 Joan Bennet in So Red The Rose on the Cavalcade of America, sponsored by DuPont, maker of better things for better living through chemistry. Gentlemen, this is Clayton Collier. Tonight, Cavalcade brings you one of Hollywood's loveliest young stars. Joan Bennet as Valette Bedford in Stark Young's colorful and romantic story of the Old South, So Red The Rose. By special arrangement with Paramount Pictures, DuPont presents a radio version of the exciting screenplay and best-selling novel on the Cavalcade of America. Joan Bennet in So Red The Rose. Good afternoon of the year 1861. On the veranda of the Plantation House of Portobello on the Mississippi, two Southern gentlemen are taking their eaves. The elder is Malcolm Bedford, master of Portobello. The younger, handsome, more careless in his dress is Duncan, a distant cousin, proud too of the name of Bedford. As our play opens, they are joined by Sally Bedford, master of Portobello. I hope you gentlemen don't mind if I join you for a refreshment. Quite the contrary, my dear. Our cousin Duncan persists in talking about what we should do with next year's crop. Oh, Duncan, I'm ashamed of you, talking business on an evening like this. Why, that's Yankee style. Sooner or later, we're going to have to wake up and adopt some Yankee customs, cousin Sally. Duncan. You better not let Bellevue you talking like that, Duncan. She thinks we ought to declare war on the Yankee. Well, Bellevue, it's young, yeah. She thinks war is romantic. Well, isn't it? Cousin Sally, have you ever been present at the amputation of a leg wounded by a grape shot? Duncan, such talk before, lady. I don't think I'm going to like having you as a son-in-law at all. Well, Sally, don't mean half what you say, Duncan, and neither do you. Here come the refreshment. Yes, sir. The one with three mint sprigs has double whiskey, gentlemen. I'll bring along some tea for Miss Sally. Thank you, William. Oh, William, have you seen Mr. Pendlin about? No, sir. He done rode off to some meet another up to River. It seemed they're getting together some kind of a volunteer militia. Militia? What's this about the militia, William? What, Valette? How lovely you look. Thank you, cousin Duncan. Now then, William, what's this about a militia? Well, I don't know, Miss Valette. They say they're fixing to ride again the Yankees. How terrific and thrilling. Oh, I do hope the fightin' breaks out soon. Valette, you don't know what you're saying. Oh, yes, I do. And you'll be in there too, Duncan, when the time comes. I pray, God, it'll never come, Valette. Everybody's so serious. Goodness, you think I'd said something terrible. Well, you did. Now, don't you children start quarreling again? Well, there's Mr. Pendlin turning into the drive. Wow, there's a whole troop of them. It must be the militia. Mr. Pendlin's riding at the head of them. Good evening, folks. Miss Valette. Miss Sally. Gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen, you've been holding something from me. Where did you get that handsome uniform? Oh, that's my old Texas militia getup. I brought it along in my trunk. I thought I might need it before I got back home. And I was right. What do you mean, Pendleton? I thought something's been fired on, Duncan. Something? You sure? News just came. The boys and I are making the rounds of the county, raising the militia for the fightin'. I see. Aren't you comin' along with us, Duncan? No. No, I'm not. Never heard of a bet but shuckin' his duty before, Duncan. He doesn't mean it, Mr. Pendleton. Course, you're going with some Duncan, and you're going to bring back a Yankee scalp just for me, aren't you? Now, Valette, don't talk like that. We've got no quarrel against the Yankees. They're Americans, the same as we are. Those hotheads over in South Carolina want us to see that's their business. But as long as Mississippi's still in the Union, my duty is to the United States. And to think I let myself get practically engaged to you, Duncan. Well, anyway, we was hopin' to pick up a few mounts from your stables to pack our supplies, Duncan. Well, you're welcome, too, and Pendleton. Yes, I reckon the bedside's raised good brave horses anyway. And it? And if I may trouble you for my locket I gave to you, Duncan. What, Valette? Please, Duncan. I'm serious. As you say. Mr. Pendleton, I meant this locket for a fighter. A real man. So if you'll accept it from one whose prayers are going into the battle with you. Mr. Valette, I... I hardly know what to say. Don't say anything, Mr. Pendleton. Just kill as many Yankees as you can. Ma'am, if I wasn't so mad at them, I'd be spilling sorry for those Yankees right now. Look, Mr. Valette, this letter's for you. It's for Mr. Pendleton, I'll bet. fetch me the letter opener from over there, William. Yes, and, Mr. Valette. William. Whatever is all that singing back at the house? That's young Mr. Edward, Miss. He's training some of the field hands for the fighting. Field hands? For the fighting? Yes. He says if any gets a call for the army, we'll be needing them to protect us here at Portobello. That is, if any Yankees gets Vixberg. Well, too ridiculous. The Yankees will never get to Vixberg. Go now, Mr. Edward, to come here tonight. I want to talk to you. Yes, and, Mr. Valette. Morning, Valette. Morning, Madam. Morning, Father. Morning, my dear. Here's a little package that came with the letter, Valette. William brought it to me by mistake. Oh, thanks, Father. I'll open it when I finish the letter. Who is it from, darling, Mr. Pendleton? No, from Charlie Tolliver, and it sure is amusing. Listen to this, Mother. Dear Valette, I know you would love me if you could see me in a fine blue pants I borrowed off the Yankee gentleman the other day. As he was about seven foot tall, I can truthfully say that my new pants cover an honest heart. Isn't that just like Charlie? Go on, darling. What did you want to see me for, Valette? I had to sit down. I'm reading a letter from Charles. Oh, what does old Charlie say? You can read it yourself later. Oh, read me the rest of it, Valette. That's about all there is amusing in it. Then there's a post script. Mother, what is it, honey? Mother, listen. I haven't time to write you a new letter as we're in the midst of a retreat from Shiloh. Pendleton is no longer with us. He wanted you to have the locket pay to give to some other soldier. Said it made him fight so brave. It might make a real good soldier win the war. He died with your name on his lips, Valette. The locket. That's what the package has in it. Poor, poor boy. Oh, well, it's not. I think I want to be alone for a while. Sis, you let the locket. I never want to see it again. Pendleton. My best friend, and now this disaster at Shiloh. Do you realize what that means, Dad? I'm afraid I do, son. Poor Valette. I wonder how Duncan will take this news. Well, Duncan's all right, Sally. You see, men like him have to know in their minds what they're fighting for. Well, I think I'd better go and try to comfort Valette if I can. If I can be of any help. How did you know, ma'am? Father. Yes, son? Will you give me the little bay mare? Of course, Edward. You're going too? I've got to, Father. Without saying goodbye to your mother? Yes. Don't you think that's best? Yeah, I think it is, son. Well, goodbye, Father. Goodbye, son. God be with you. Bye, Edward. He, uh, he went out. How's Valette? She's better. He asked me to bring the locker, Charles, and bags. Oh. Where is it? It was right here on the table. I think Edward took it with him. Olden. But he can't. You shouldn't have let him. He's only a boy, Malcolm. War has a curious effect on people, Sally. It makes them grow up quickly. Yes, I... I knew I couldn't keep him any longer. Did you hear the size of Cousin Valette? You can't very well prevent your cousin, Duncan. I was sorry to hear about poor Pendleton. You're sorry. You stay here safe at Portobello. Feeling sorry while men are dying in the cumberland. Still sending the lambs off to slaughter, aren't you, Valette? First Pendleton, then your baby brother. Edward went because he saw his duty. I had nothing to do with it. You helped him to see his duty, didn't you? With the dead man's locket. You know, I'd be careful how I handed that locket around if I were you young lady. Seems to be bad luck. I didn't even know about the locket. He... he just took it. Valette, you know it's women like you who make wars. With your blasted souvenirs and mementos and your everlasting cotton into anything with two legs and a uniform. He's not true. You say that, but you know I'm speaking the truth. And Edward, you started on him when he was just a little boy. Shown in the pictures and the books and praying for the day when you'd be bragging about your younger brother and his fine uniform. You're a liar. Bloodthirster, that's what you are. A Yankee scalp. That was your price for your love when you gave it to Pendleton. Liar. Truth hurts, doesn't it? You're a liar, Duncan. You are listening to So Red the Rose, starring Joan Bennet on The Cavalcade of America sponsored by DuPont. Maker of better things for better living through chemistry. 63, the disaster at Shiloh. Lee marches northward to patch Johnston's tragically decimated forces in the Cumberland. Stonewall Jackson, dead of his wounds, a chancellors bill. Then the news that strikes the very heart of the South. Vicksburg. Vicksburg has fallen and Sherman is marching to the sea. With the passing of those years of war and desolation, our play continues. At Portobello, her plantation home near Vicksburg, Mississippi, ballet bedford played by Joan Bennet is standing beneath the portico. A wagon draws up the drive and a man helps a weeping wolf down from the seat. Duncan. Mother. What is it? Oh, very less. Darling. What is it, Mother? Duncan. What is it? Look under the canvas in the back of the wagon if you feel strong. Edward. It's Edward. I knew it. He's come home, Brallet. My little boy. Your baby brother. Their late father's gone. And Edward. Doctor. We're all alone now. We all need each other. Let's not be bad friends no longer. My husband and my son. Two of the finest men who ever lived. It's not right, Brallet. Duncan was right all along. Only we wouldn't listen to him. Darling, please don't. We wanted our men to be brave and fight. For what? To welcome them home in a bundle of canvas in the back of a dirty old wagon. William. That's the glory we encouraged our men to fight for. Come, mother. William and I'll help you up the stage. No, Brallet. You wait. William, you go with Miss Sally. Yes, sir. Good day, now, Miss Sally. Don't take on slow. William. You tell the groom to settle the great jail in right away. Yes, sir. I'll do that, sir. Duncan. You aren't going to leave us. You can't leave us now. Now, I'm going, Brallet. To fight. Oh. There's the locket. Edward had it clutched in his hand when they found you. Would you like to have the locket back, Duncan? You were the first to have it, you know. Well, I want you to have it, Duncan. Always. Oh, darling. But don't go, Duncan. Now that we're friends again, I can't bear the thought of you leaving me. You did grow up after all, didn't you, Valette? My poor little Valette. I'm not going to say goodbye to you, Duncan. I can't. I know now how mother felt when she said goodbye to father. Listen, my darling. If you know that, you can do anything. Believe me. I do believe you. That's better. Here comes William now. Leading the Greg Geldin. The groom's ain't there, Mr. Duncan. They'll all be leaving. We'll be left alone. All alone. You let those tariffs out a bit, will you? Yes, sir. Never you fret, Mr. Valette. Y'all won't be all alone. Not so long as old William lives. Thank you. Don't take away. Well, Valette. Goodbye, Duncan. Goodbye, my darling. Goodbye. Goodbye, Mr. Duncan. We'll be waiting for you to come back, Duncan. Mr. Duncan makes a fine-looking soldier, Mr. Valette. You must be mighty proud. Proud of him, William, yes. And ashamed of myself. I'm over here, darling. Why are you sitting here in the dark? I was afraid to light the candle. You didn't come back for so long. Real near. Bayon is near as old as mother. There. Now, that's more cheerful, isn't it? Yes, it's better. With the light, I reckon. What did they see in town, Valette? They say the troops are headed straight this way. Our house will be in Yankee territory before long. I was so worried about you on the road. I told you they're not that close yet, mother. I wish I knew what to do. If only Duncan were here, he'd know what to do. We don't even know whether Duncan's dead or alive. Do you realize that? Maybe soon. It won't matter to us anymore. Mother, it's not like you to talk that way. What's that? Someone's at the door. Put out the candle, mother, quick. Mother, go and get William. I'll look outside. Oh, really? I think we're still hanging. Mother, get William quick. It's a Yankee soldier. He's wounded or something. Can you stand on your feet, Yankee? Let me carry him, will you, Miss? Please, I'm begging you. All the men have his way. Yes, sir, Miss. Come up to drive, please, Miss. Get me sure. Come into the house. Here, I'll help you. William. Yes, sir, Miss Belly. Mother, lock the candle again. What is it, Belly? Never mind now. William, help me get this man of a library. We'll put him on the couch there. Yes, sir, Miss Belly. I can handle him a little. Belly! Have you gone crazy? He's a Yankee. They'd kill us too if they find him here. Close the door after you, William. And get one more than mothering for his wounds. Yes, ma'am. Belly! You turn him right over to the soldiers. If you don't, I will. Mother. I think if we were a Yankee family and that man were dunking. Well, mother. You're right, honey. Yes. You're right. Open up, ma'am! Open it up! Who is it? This is our ma'am, ma'am. Open up and can't wait on us. What is it, gentlemen? We're looking for a Yankee prisoner that got loose. We've seen him coming this way. We'll have to search the house. What? I've never been so unsettled in my life. You don't think the Bedford's would hide Yankee's, do you? Now, look, ma'am. I haven't got time to explain to your data. We don't trust you, but orders is orders. What's the matter, ma'am? What's going on here? Duncan. It's you. I'm sorry, Valet. But these men are acting under military orders. You have to let them in. All right, Duncan. Take them upstairs and let them start searching there first. Thank you, Valet. All right, men. Follow me up. Valet. What are you going to do? I'm going to warn the Yankee and the cover's Yankee. Here, this is my brother's jacket. Put it on. They'll hang me, for sure, if they find me. I'll tell them you're my brother. Look, they'll hang me, miss, for sure. Not in this great jacket they won't. Here, get into it. Yes, thank you, miss. As soon as they've gone, we'll tend your wounds. Valet. What's this? Who's that on the couch? Oh, Duncan. Please. He's just a boy. He's too young to die. Yankee. What's your regimen? Come on. How many were there? Answer me. Forte, hello. You're choking me. Scouting trooper, the advance guard. Duncan, stop it. He's wounded. What are you doing in that great jacket? I gave it to him. You did. Yankee, get it off and put on your own. Duncan, what are you going to do? I'm going to turn him over to our men, of course. But they'll hang him. Valet, this is war. But you can't send this boy to his death. Oh, you've changed, Duncan. You've changed, Valet. I remember you making a man promise to bring your Yankee scowl. That was... That was before I knew I loved him. Duncan, you'll save him. Please, please, for me. Come in. Sergeant Stover reporting, Captain Bedford. We've searched the house but didn't find him. Hey, who's that? This is Miss Valet's brother, Edward. He was sent home wounded and he's just beginning to recover. I see. Well, hadn't we better get started, Captain? Right away, Sergeant Stover. Hey, Edward. Get well soon and join us where the Third Mississippi is encamped. Well, Valet. Goodbye, again, Duncan. And thank you. Yankee! What's the matter? He's dead, Mother. The Yankee's dead. Oh, poor boy. Let me draw the covers over him, Valet. I wanted to save him. But it's too late. I wonder if it's too late for everything. Oh! All right, man. The soldiers again. We've searched the house. Maybe Duncan's with him. He'll know what to do. It's not Duncan. It's the Yankees. Just tell us who those soldiers were in here a few minutes ago. But... Go on, speak up fast, ladies. This is the Union Army you're talking about. Yankees! Who's that there on the bed? Oh, please. Make that sheet open. That's right. Rebel soldier, too. Well, quite a nest you have here. We'll soon fix that. He's one of your own men, a Union soldier. In a Confederate uniform? But it's true he was wounded. We tried to save him. Yeah, so I see. Well, ladies, under the circumstances, I have only one choice. I don't make these decisions, you understand? They're made for me. What are you going to do? I'll give you just two minutes to get your things out of here. Start packing. Oh, two minutes! I'll be generous and give you five. Corporal Mason? Yes, sir. Can I give the signal here to set fire to this house? Don't let your men leave till it's burned to the ground. They draw our mother. My daughter. Fetching wood. And us. Living in a slave cabin. I never thought I'd live to see the day. It's a roof of our heads, my love. And when Duncan gets home, we'll build another house. Duncan's not coming home, child. We've got to face that. We'd have heard from him long before now. I know he's alive, mother. I feel it. We'll build a small house. There'll only be three of us now. We still got the land. I'm strong. Mother. What is it, Relish? Duncan. I hear Duncan's voice. Oh, you're all tired out, honey. It's just your imagination. But, mother, I did. I distinctly heard Duncan's voice. For heaven's sake, Valet, close the door. Make the stone smaller. Wait. Now I hear something. Listen. Relish. Relish. Mother, it is. It's Duncan. Relish. He's over there. See, Valet, over across the brook. Here we are, Duncan. Over here, mother. Hear me, that's all. I'm going to meet him, darling. Hurry. Duncan. Duncan. Duncan. Oh, darling, Duncan. It is you. Really, you. Duncan. Oh, Valet. Take me in your arms, darling, quick. Oh, darling. So when I saw the house was burned down, I thought I'd lost you forever. Valet, you don't. And that's all with me. We'd like you to meet our star, John Bennett. Spokesman for the Cavalcade players. May I tell you how much we've enjoyed having you as our guest star. Thank you, Mr. Carlett. It has been fun doing so Red The Rose on the radio. I like it immensely, both as a novel and a picture. And I hope the Cavalcade audience who know it as a book and a film liked our play tonight as much as I like playing. We hope so too, Miss Bennett. As you know, our show next week is also based on a bestseller and a hit picture. It's Edna Ferber's great novel, Cimarron, and our star is Irene Dunn. We're doing the program in Hollywood, Miss Bennett, and we hope you'll drop around and see us. Well, if I'm back next week, I will, Mr. Collier. In any event, you can count on me as a listener. We'll do that. And again, our thanks for tonight's performance. Next week, the Cavalcade of America stars Irene Dunn in our radio version of Cimarron, the powerful story of the Oklahoma Land Rush by Edna Ferber, which was a bestseller when it was published, and a great motion picture when it was produced by RKO. At this time, we would like to remind our listeners that now is the time to join the Red Cross in its membership drive for 1941. Your Red Cross button is a badge of honor for humanity and national defense. Supporting Miss Bennett on tonight's production of So Red The Rose was Jeanette Nolan as Sally, and Carl Swenson as Duncan. The orchestra and the original musical score was under the direction of Don Burry. On the Cavalcade of America, your announcer is Clayton Collier, sending best wishes from Dupont. First of the National Broadcasting Company.