 Central Standard Time at the tone, 9 o'clock. Remember a hallmark card when you care enough to send the very best. From Hollywood, the makers of hallmark greeting cards bring you an exciting dramatization of an unforgettable story on the hallmark playhouse. Tonight's story was chosen from the whole world of fiction by one of the world's most popular authors whose knowledge of stories that will entertain you and stir your imagination is universally recognized. Hallmark is proud to present a distinguished novelist, Mr. James Hilton. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight our choice on the hallmark playhouse is a classic that most people have read in book form or else seen on the screen. Pride and prejudice by the famous English novelist Jane Austen. Now Jane Austen was a very interesting woman. She lived just over a hundred years ago, she never married, and her life in an English village was quiet and you might say uneventful. Yet she had kind of mind that people ever since have liked to commune with. Indeed, there are many people today who if they were asked which writer of all time they would like to know personally would say Jane Austen. And there's another interesting thing about her. She lived during the Napoleonic Wars when England was threatened with invasion just as perilously as a few years ago. And she lived also within a few miles of the English Channel on the other side of which the enemy armies were encamped. Yet in all the novels she wrote, and they were all about the England of her own times, she never once mentioned the war that was in progress. Her concern was not with major problems such as war, but with life's little perplexities of emotion and conduct. Pardon me, Mr. Hilton, you said life's little perplexities of emotion and conduct? Yes, the simple everyday things of life. Why do you ask? Because those are the things that concern so many people. The very things for which a hallmark card is so very often the ideal answer. There are hallmark cards you see for every occasion that calls for a friendly greeting, a word of good cheer, or a word of sympathy. Hallmark cards that say just what you want to say, the way you want to say it. Now, Mr. Hilton, in our dramatized presentation of Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen begins her celebrated novel Pride and Prejudice with these words. It is the truth you're adversely acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. That was Mrs. Bennet speaking, wife of Mr. Bennet of the estate known as Longburn in England, and the mother of five daughters. Mrs. Bennet made her rather astounding statement one beautiful spring morning, and then she turned to her esteemed husband and continued... My dear Mr. Bennet, have you heard that someone's taken Neville Park at last? I have not. Mrs. Long has just been there and she's told me all about it. Aren't you going to ask me who's taken it? Yes, my dear. Who has taken it? Well, I owe Mr. Bennet since you're so eager to know. Mrs. Long says that Neville has been taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England. He's to take possession almost immediately. What's his name? His name is Bingley. Oh, beautiful name, isn't it? Bingley. It is a positively bell-like quality. Wedding bell. Is he married or single? Oh, single, my dear single. You don't think I'd have time to be so interested if you were married, do you? Bingley, a single man of large fortune. What a fine thing for our girls. Of course he must marry one of them. Now, I want you to call on him as soon as he arrives. Mrs. Bennet, I really have some pressing matters to attend to, and if you don't mind, I'd like to have my library to myself. Mr. Bennet, how can you speak to me in such a manner? You have no sympathy for my poor nerves, whatever. My dear, pardon the contradiction, but I have the highest possible respect for your nerves. They're my old friends. They've lived with us for the past 20 years. Will you call on Mr. Bingley? Madam, I'll do anything to get my library to myself, even murder. Very well, Mr. Bennet. You needn't get violent about it. I shall leave you immediately. Thank you, Mrs. Bennet, for that mercy, much thanks. So, Mr. Bennet called on Mr. Bingley and paid his respects. And shortly after, they were all invited to a ball at Netherfield. And there, Mr. Bingley met the Bennet girls and chose a partner. Would you do me of the honor, Miss Jane? Thank you, Mr. Bingley. It would be a pleasure. Oh, he's asked us to dance, Mr. Bennet. Jane will make such a lovely bride. Bless her. On the whole, it was a highly successful evening. Although towards the middle of it, it was completely ruined for Elizabeth Bennet. Her partner had left her for a moment. And she was sitting by herself watching the dancers when she overheard Mr. Bingley speaking to his house guest, Mr. Darcy. Darcy, why don't you join the dancers? You've been sitting in that one spot all evening. Thank you. I'm quite satisfied just as I am. There's not a woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with. Oh, you can't mean that. Why, I've never seen such a collection of pretty girls in my life. You're dancing with the only handsome girl in the room. Jane Bennet? She is beautiful, isn't she? But there's her sister, Elizabeth. She's sitting just behind you. Let me present you to her. Sorry, old man, but I'm not in the good enough humor to feel like putting up with young women who've been slighted by other men. Leave me alone, Bingley. I'm content as I am. Well, that, of course, is up to you. It's not difficult to understand why Elizabeth Bennet became quite prejudiced against Mr. Darcy. Now, here's what happened. The next time Elizabeth and Darcy met was at an informal party at a friend's. The Bennets were all there, and so was Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth was just crossing the room when her old friend Sir William stopped her. Elizabeth, my dear, how charming you look this evening. Thank you, Sir William. But Mr. Darcy, have you met this young lady? Well, briefly. You must let me present her to you as a most desirable dancing partner. May I have the pleasure, Miss Bennet? Thank you, Mr. Darcy. But I wouldn't dream of inconveniencing you. It would be no inconvenience, I assure you. I was about to say, Mr. Darcy, that I wouldn't dream of inconveniencing you or myself. I'm afraid I'm not in a good enough humor to feel like putting up with gentlemen who have been spliced by other women. Why, Elizabeth? Sorry, Sir William. You excuse me. I was just going into the garden for a breath of air. Well, I certainly don't know what to make of that. Excuse me, Sir William. Miss Bennet. Oh, Mr. Darcy. Don't you know it takes two people to appreciate the moonlight? What an amazing conceit you have, Mr. Darcy. To think that you could add anything to the moonlight. You overheard what I said the other night. You weren't being particularly discreet. I'm confident a great many people heard you. I apologize. I'm sorry if I offended you. You seem to have quite a talent for being offensive. May I be permitted to say that you are rather adept at that yourself? Then why do you bother to seek my company? At this moment, I can't imagine why. I'll be glad to leave you the garden to yourself. No. I'll leave. Excuse me, Miss Bennet. I'll be happy to, Mr. Darcy. Emily and Jane, those precious darlings dancing together, Mr. Bennet. Oh, they're sweet. Oh, good evening, Mr. Darcy. Are you enjoying the evening? Not particularly, Mrs. Bennet. Your daughter Elizabeth is in the garden if you're looking for her. Oh, not just now, Mr. Darcy. Look at Jane and Mr. Bingley dancing together. Don't they make a handsome couple? She'll make a lovely mistress for Netherfield Park. Madam, he only asked for a dance, not for an alliance. Such a nice young man. Charming, well-mannered, well-off. Oh, it was everything to recommend the batch. Wouldn't you say so, Mr. Darcy? Good night, Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet. What a rude young man. Wasn't he rude, Mr. Bennet? Mrs. Bennet, I want you to herd up your daughters so I can take them home. Oh, Mr. Bennet. No, no, no. Don't start trying, Mrs. Bennet. The tears will not move me. I'm sleepy and I wish to go to bed. But Jane and Mr. Bingley... There's small chance of you getting them married tonight, Mrs. Bennet. So kindly collect the girls and let us take our leave of this dreary affair. I've done my duty to my daughters this evening. Now I intend to do my duty to myself. Very well, Mr. Bennet. But I think... Stop right there, Mrs. Bennet. Any statement that you preface with the words I think is erroneous from that point on. Darcy, what are you doing out here in the garden at this hour? It'll be dawn soon. Oh, I was thinking about going to Italy. I promised my sister I'd come over while she was there, you know. And now it seems to be just as good a time as any to go. But we've just arrived here. Why don't you come with me? I'm just beginning to get acquainted. I know. That's why I think it'd be a good idea if you came. You don't like the Bennets? I think Mrs. Bennet stalks every unmarried young man that comes into her sight like a tiger stalking its prey. And right now she's got her eye on you, my friend. Really? Well, I saw you talking to Mrs. Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy. How did you like her? I disliked her so much it's rather frightening. Why is it frightening? I haven't puzzled that out yet. All I know is I think you and I'd better get on the first boat to Italy. All right, I'm with you. I'm certainly not going to stay down here with just my sister for company. If you're resolved on going, I'm going with you. It's dawn. You better get some sleep. Nice girls, those Bennet girls. Yeah, that terrifying sort of way. Mrs. Bennet, it's morning. You've been charging up and down all night. Elizabeth wants to go to bed and get to sleep. So do I. Mr. Bennet, if you don't care anything about the future of your daughters, I do. These things must be planned in advance and acted upon accordingly. Now, Jane, of course, will marry Mr. Bingley. And I insist Elizabeth must marry your cousin, Mr. Collins. Now that I've told you, I'm not in love with Mr. Collins. Elizabeth, I can't wait for you to fall in love with him. You could just marry him and fall in love when you get around to it. If you don't, I shall cease speaking to you from this moment. Well now, Elizabeth, an unhappy alternative seems to be before you. From this day, you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never speak to you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins. And I will never speak to you again if you do. Mr. Bennet, this is most unfair of you. Here I am working my brain to the bone, the very bone, trying to get husbands for these girls. And as fast as I leave them in, they show them out. I'm sorry, mother, but I just can't marry Mr. Collins. Very well, Elizabeth. You first, your mother, deeply and unforgettably. I'm very sorry, mother. Go to your room and reflect on your willful behavior. Yes, mother. But I won't marry Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet. Don't look at me, madam. I won't marry him either. Now can we go to bed, Mrs. Bennet? Elizabeth's going to be an old maid. Well, I'd rather be an old maid than be married to Mr. Collins. Nothing is worse than being an old maid, Mr. Bennet. Absolutely nothing. The securing of a husband is woman's primary purpose in life. Oh, what shall I do? What shall I do? I hoped I'd find you out walking this morning. Mr. Darcy? So glad we chance to meet. I walked over to say goodbye. Oh, I thought you planned to stay here some month. We had a sudden change of plans. Bingley and I are sailing for Italy on Monday. Really? Sister Georgiana's over there now. She and Bingley have always been your friends. I understand perfectly, Mr. Darcy. I don't think you do. Miss Bennet, if I managed to have a little less pride, do you think you could manage to be a little less prejudiced? You and I might become rather good friends if we gave one another a chance. You and I, friends, don't be absurd. I'm sorry you think it absurd, because I think you're a fine and beautiful woman. Whatever I may think of the schemes and plotting of your mother and sister. The schemes and plotting? You forget yourself, Mr. Darcy. So what's your own word for your mother's behavior, Miss Bennet? You must know that she's been telling everyone within the air shot that Miss Jane and Bingley were as good as engaged. She's a designing woman, and she and your sister have obviously set out to trick Bingley into marriage by fair means or otherwise. Oh, you're contemptible. Good day, Miss Bennet. Good day, Mr. Darcy. Just burst into tears, absolute tears. Madam, I will be glad to excuse you indefinitely. My only comfort is that I'm sure Jane will die of a broken heart, and then that man will be sorry for what he's done. Oh, Mr. Bennet, think of it. Five dollars and not a husband in price. You're listening to Pride and Prejudice, a story selected for you by James Hilton and presented on the Hallmark Playhouse. Before we start the second act, I'd like to show you how consistent quality makes great names. For example, in 16th century Italy, there lived a silversmith who took great pride in his work, and it wasn't long before people began to notice that the most exquisitely beautiful candlesticks, medallions, and other works of art invariably bore the name Cellini. Yes, the name of Benvenuto Cellini soon became a great name because of the consistently high quality of everything he produced. And when the people of that day would receive some fine gift wrought in silver, their joy would be doubled when they discovered it bore that magic name. So it was then, and so it is today. We receive more than ordinary pleasure from any fine product when it bears the name of a maker who was noted for consistently high quality craftsmanship. Take the name Hallmark on a greeting card, for instance. People have learned that all cards bearing that name are consistently high in quality, always warm, sincere, and friendly. Because the Hallmark folks aren't making just cards. They're making Hallmark cards, cards that have a wonderful way of saying just what you want to say, the way you want to say it. And those who receive Hallmark cards from you are even more pleased when they look on the back as you did and find those three important words, a Hallmark card. Those are the words that tell your friends you've cared enough to send the very best. Now here is James Hilton with the second act of Pride and Prejudice. And now let's return to the England of Jane Austen and her immortal story Pride and Prejudice. It's almost like a portrait of that century, although Mrs. Bennet and her five daughters have been seen in every century. As we pick up the story, Mrs. Bennet is reading a note that has just been handed over. Mrs. Bennet, what is the matter now? Mrs. Lydia, just run off with a soldier. Look at this note. Oh, my baby, my precious. Married without her mother there. God bless her. Mr. Bennet, he will marry her, won't he? Does she say where they were going? Here, give me that note. She says London. London. Now what will we do? How will we ever find her in London? While Mrs. Bennet was crying and Mr. Bennet was pacing his study, Elizabeth, who is visiting her aunt and uncle in Kent, was receiving a most unexpected call out. Why, Mr. Darcy, I thought you and Mr. Bingley planned to remain in Italy for some time. No, we had a change of plan. I only just heard you were in Kent. I wanted to pay my respects. My own estate is only a mile or so from here, you know. Yes, I know. Bingley is my house guest at the moment. I hope you'll come over and visit her. I'm leaving for home in the morning. I trust that all is well with Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bennet, I feel I must say that I'm not here because I believe I can alter any of the things I said at our last meeting. My feelings towards your mother remain the same. And yet, in spite of them, I must tell you that no matter how I struggle against it, I must admit how deeply and how completely I do love you and admire you. Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth, I offer you my devotion. A name of honor through many generations. The name Bennet has not been precisely a dishonorable name, Mr. Darcy. I never meant to suggest it was. Mr. Darcy, I have never asked for either your good opinion or your love. And I'm amazed that you have chosen to bestow them on me. If I cause you pain, forgive me. Whatever pain I cause you can be nothing to the unhappiness my sister has endured the past week. Well, Bingley has a mind of its own, you know. In the final counting, he'll do what he means to do. I cannot make the affairs of other people the issue between you and me. The only issue between you and me has been our own two selves from the moment of our meeting, Mr. Darcy. You never have been at last to express your distaste for my family. I think it would be extremely enviable of you even to consider joining it. I assure you that you are the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed upon to marry. You've said quite enough, Miss Bennet. I comprehend your feelings perfectly. Now I'm only ashamed of what my own have been. Forgive me for taking up so much of your time and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness. Oh, there you are, Darcy. I thought you'd never get home. There's bad news from Longburn. Bad news? Lydia Bennet has run off with Wickham. Wickham? Yes, the son of your housekeeper. That's impossible. What opportunity would Wickham have of meeting the Bennet? Wickham's with Regiment now, and they were stationed near Longburn. Oh. You know, I haven't seen Wickham for years. I'd best leave for Longburn immediately. I may be able to help in some way. I'll go with you. You know, it's too bad. The Bennets are a fine family. And Elizabeth would be so distressed. Oh, well, I must say it's extremely easy to see which way the wind blows with you, Darcy. No, but it is extremely easy to see which way the wind should have blown. Oh, it's good to be home. The garden's lovely. The son of your isn't it, Jane? Yes, it is. I wonder if Father and Mr. Darcy have reached London yet. Father, did you say Mr. Darcy? Didn't Mother tell you? No, she didn't. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley arrived several hours before you did. They set out immediately for London. Evidently, Mother was too excited to tell you. Why should Mr. Darcy go with Father? I don't know. They didn't explain anything. They just left in a great hurry. I wish Mr. Darcy would stop concerning himself in our affairs. What carriage is there? I don't know. I never saw it before. Oh, look. At the seal on the door. Is the woman getting out? Don't be long. Miss Bennet? Mrs. Elizabeth Bennet? Yes? I am Lady Catherine de Brogne. This, I suppose, is one of your sisters. My sister, Jane? My business is with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I'm sure you understand the reason for my journey here. I'm afraid I don't, Lady Catherine. I have been informed by a completely unverified rumor that you may soon be united to my nephew, my own nephew, Mr. Darcy. While I am sure this is a scandalous falsehood, I have come here to insist that the report is universally contradicted. Immediately. Mr. Darcy is going to marry my daughter. They have been engaged since they were born. Then kindly give them my congratulations. Has my nephew made you an author of marriage? If Mr. Darcy is betrothed to your daughter, how could he possibly make an offer to me? Don't change the subject. Are you engaged to him or are you not? I am not. Good. Will you promise me never to enter into such an engagement? I certainly will not. Miss Bennet, I am shocked and astonished. I am leaving at once. Do not think I will not carry my point. I shall find other means of dealing with you. I am leaving, Miss Bennet. But I take no leave of you or your sister. And I send no concubines to your mother. I am seriously displeased. I understand, Lady Catherine. I'm disappointed. What earth did you refuse to give such an easy promise? I suddenly realized, James, that sometimes pride is a luxury it is better to do without. Oh, Elizabeth. Only one hop now. I hope Darcy realizes that too. Mrs. Wickham is my name now, Mother. I would be sure, Mrs. Wickham. Mrs. Wickham. Lovely, lovely name. Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Wickham is in the carriage waiting for Mrs. Wickham. They have a long drive ahead of them. You've got to join the regiment tonight. Where did Mr. Darcy go? Oh, he's out walking around the ground somewhere. Oh, do thank him again. If it hadn't been for him, I don't know what we would have done. He paid Wickham's debts and gave us some money to start out on. How did you find him, Mr. Bennet? Wickham stayed in London before, and Mr. Darcy had the address. Oh, I wish you'd let Mr. Wickham come to the house, Mr. Bennet. No, Mrs. Bennet. I've been forced to let him in the family. But I see no reason why I should be forced to let him in the house. But he's such a darling, Daddy. He's a darling good for nothing. That's what he is. Oh, don't speak of him that way, Mr. Bennet. Remember, he's our Lydia's husband. Will you tell Jane and Elizabeth goodbye for me? And tell them I'll be over to see them next week. Where are those girls? Well, Elizabeth is alone, but Jane... Jane is walking with Mr. Bingley. I'm happy for you. You'd better be happy for me, too, because I'm the luckiest man in the world. I know I'm the luckiest girl. I still can't believe you love me. Oh, Darcy kept after me, you know. All the time he would in Italy, he was saying, as long as you're sure, go back and get her. Don't let her get away from you. Where is he? Oh, he's walking around in the garden somewhere. Why don't you find him while Jane and I go and speak to Mr. Bennet? I think I will. Mr. Darcy! Mr. Darcy! Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth. I have so many things to thank you for. I don't know where to begin. I haven't done anything that any good friend would not do. I'm sorry for some of the things I said about your family. I'm afraid it doesn't speak too well for my manners. I'm also afraid that my bringing up was a bit on the snobbish side. Oh, we got off to a bad beginning. Sure, neither of us meant half the things we said. Elizabeth, my Aunt Catherine tells me that there's a scandalous rumor afloat about you and me. She told me, too. She was here the other day and asked me to promise not to marry you. What did you say? Naturally, I said I couldn't promise any such thing. Why did you say that? I said that just in case. You should ask me again. Miss Bennet, will you do me the very great honor of becoming my wife? Mr. Darcy, nothing would give me greater pleasure or greater happiness. Oh, my dearest. Oh, my darling. Mrs. Bennet, I'm very sleepy. What on earth are you crying about now? Lydia's marriage. And Jane and Elizabeth soon will be. The other two girls might go at any moment. Oh, Mr. Bennet, I've lost my baby. Madam, you confuse me and confound me completely. That's because you've never been a mother, Mr. Bennet. Sometimes, Mrs. Bennet, I feel like yours. Oh, I miss the Bennet. Now, let me see. I wonder if Mr. Bingley doesn't know some nice boy from there. Good night, Mrs. Bennet. Please, may I get some sleep tonight? Yes, Mr. Bennet, I think you've earned a good night's sleep. Good night, pleasant dreams. Good night. Good night. Mr. Bennet is very tired. And so let us just linger long enough to tell you that everyone lived happily ever after, as was the custom in those days. And let us wish Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet a most pleasant good night, and put Jane Austen's pride and prejudice back on the bookshelf to read again someday. In a moment, James Hilton will return to tell you about next week's story. Meantime, I'd like to remind you that there's nothing like one of those charming hallmark dolls from the land of make-believe that make a child's eyes light up with joy. There are 16 dolls in all. Little Miss Muffet, Cinderella, Little Boy Blue, and 13 other childhood favorites. Each one wears a hat topped off by a jottie plume that's a real feather. Each doll stands up by itself. And each one has a clever rhyme story about the doll inside. But that's not all. No, indeed. There's also a big, beautiful album to put them in. The hallmark dolls are as easy to send as any hallmark reading card and cost only 25 cents each. And the big hallmark doll collector's album, which you'd expect to cost at least a dollar, is also only 25 cents when you buy one or more of the hallmark dolls. That means you can give some little friend of yours the album with three dolls in it to start a collection for only one dollar. See all 16 of the charming and colorful hallmark dolls and the beautiful new hallmark doll collector's album tomorrow at the store where you buy your hallmark reading card. Now here again is James Hilton. Next week we have a folic from a story called Girls Are Like Boats by Charles Rowling. A story which we are proud to offer on the air for the first time and I think you like it. So do try to be with us. Until then, this is James Hilton saying good night. Tonight's story was adapted for radio by Gene Holloway. The music was arranged and conducted by Lynn Murray. To be doubly sure of the finest quality, always look on the back of your cards for those three identifying words, a hallmark card. Remember hallmark cards when you care enough to send the very best. Next Thursday night, James Hilton presents his story selection for the week, the first radio performance of the amazing story, Girls Are Like Boats by Charles Rowling. And the following week, Mr. Hilton has selected the Citadel by A.J. Cronin. So until then, this is Frank Goss saying good night to you all. This program has come to you from the hallmark playhouse. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. This is KMBC, Kansas City, Missouri.