 The mutual broadcasting system presents the family theater starring Pat O'Brien and Bill Williams. Edward G. Robinson is your host More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of Good evening ladies and gentlemen, this is Edward G. Robinson Thanks for inviting us into your home this evening And it's nice to know that so many of you are listening with your families Your letters tell us that and we're pleased because it means that you like our program and the purpose behind it as most of you know Family theater is dedicated to your family and dedicated with the hope that your family is well and happy And that your home is all you wish it to be We joined with so many of you in the conviction that a family that prays together stays together What if we have understanding and harmony within our own homes? We will also have a broader and a brighter viewpoint of our neighbor's problems and those of the world at large Well enough about our purpose and more about the night's play Which is based on an original story by Matt Taylor and adapted for the family theater by true boardman and Features two of our most popular and well-known stars Bill Williams and Pat O'Brien So stand by for work of a lifetime The somber mass of stone and steel that is a state penitentiary in Row upon row cell blocks Silent sallow men sit waiting through the eternity that is the time they are to serve And on a certain winter's day in the office of the warden in the prison administration building Why shouldn't a man get out of this place when he gets a chance? He should of course he should Warden you ought to see the place. I'm going It's pretty a little valley as God ever made and I'll have my own house and a garden and a housekeeper 27 years Yes, men have come here with a death wrap and serve less time than that If you're looking for an argument from me you you're out of luck I'd been in your place. I'd have tried to get out long ago, but you will remember about young Jensen He's due for another examination next month That car for his sounds pretty bad That machine in the jute mill where the guard rail is Oh, look father Darcy, I've let you practically run this penitentiary for years because I had no choice But once you walk through that door, I'm running things Don't worry father. I'll see you about Jensen. Yes Warden, what is it Keller? It's Morgan sir in the hospital. He's pretty bad and he says he wants to see father Darcy Well, you better look up the new chaplain killer officially father Darcy's transferred all nonsense The lad sent for me. Didn't he of course? I'll see him, but father Warden, I don't get it. I didn't know Morgan was a father Darcy's faith You want to know by now that never made any difference in here Well, it's nearly three but a call assembly. You know warden This place is gonna seem different somehow with father Darcy gone. You think that's news to me Well, what he's standing there for assemble the men then go after the father and tell him they're waiting Tell her said something about an assembly. Yes. Yes, that's right. How about Morgan? He's gone I'm grateful. I was still there to be with him. Well, the men are waiting all of them. We'll write in Say What is this never mind men father Darcy is leaving this afternoon And while I know he said goodbye to many of you individually I felt sure he'd like to say a word to all of you at once All right, father Well, I I don't know what the warden's thinking. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know what the warden's thinking I'm talking about Why I should want to say goodbye to a bunch of hoodlums like you. I don't know You'll find a lot of specimens after all my training you Still can't play a decent game of baseball The way you played last Saturday Why though the women's prison could beat you You my colonel unless your game improves You'd better stop blowing off about coming from Brooklyn Now look at you all the worst-looking lot of two-time losers. I ever saw I'll be glad to be rid of you But as bad as you are You're ever out walking some afternoon and you happen to stroll down Pearl Valley way stop in And I'll make an effort to put up with you Well, what I'm trying to say is When you do get out You'll be welcome and the in all of you Yes, even you Jack Marson who slept through mass for the last three Sundays, huh? You thought I didn't know about that didn't you? Well, that's all man accepted being an old fool by nature I Probably missed a lot of you So long and for those of you who want it You have my blessing What are you getting up for now sit down all of okay slug now's the time. What is this? Father This here is something a bunch of the boys got together and fixed for you. It's It's the altar cloth for your new church It's kind of crooked on one end, but that's on account of killer O'Mear never counts his stitches, right? We uh We all thank you for what you've done here And we hope you're gonna like it down in Pearl Valley So long father and good luck Okay, you guys come on give up with a singer You can see those windows lead out under the garden That's really the finest view in all Pearl Valley in the springtime. Oh, I can see it would be father Thomas Hope everything is arranged to your liking father Darcy everything is fine, but I may need some time to get on to things This is my first parish in all. You were up at the prison a long time then a Couple of thousand lifetimes son You sort of watch me sharp for a while you know what I say I mean, I I don't think the good parishioners of Pearl Valley would appreciate stir talk or prison language in the sermons I'll watch it And now if you'd like to see the kitchen. Oh the most important room in the house Don't let Mrs. Wilkins start you. She talks a good deal, but she's also the best cook in the valley. Oh Father Thomas, I'm oh my goodness Mrs. Wilkins, this is father Darcy. How do you know Mrs. Wilkins? Oh, you have to forgive me. I'd at least had my apron off if I'd have known this kitchen is just a mess How do you do father with that glad to have you and you're glad to be here I dare say after all that time with those cutthroats and all. Oh, and this is little Jimmy Mason He just brought over a jar of jam for you from his mother Say how to do to father Darcy Jimmy? Hello father Darcy Jimmy's father is president of the bank here and his mother Pardon me, Mrs. Wilkins Jimmy, I'm glad to see your son. Would you like to shake hands? I guess so Thank you. I'll be looking for you in church on Sunday. I'll be there father. Yes, son Were you really up there in the big house? Yes, Jimmy for a long time. Gee. Did you ever see anybody ride old smoky? You know get burned Jimmy? Oh goodness sake Father the child should be punished now. Mrs. Wilkins, please Yes, Jimmy. I saw a good many men go to the electric chair And it wasn't We'll talk about that some other time suppose you run on home now Won't thank your mother for the jelly. It was jam for the jam. Yes, father. Goodbye. Oh wait, Jimmy. I'll walk down with you Goodbye, Jimmy. Bye father Darcy Well, I'm never a father. I just don't know what to say about that child Of course, you may be sure that none of the rest of us will ever mention you having been up in that awful place Why shouldn't you mention it? After all I was the chaplain and not an inmate, you know Darcy, I oh good heavens. There's someone out back to see you. He said he wouldn't leave until you got here Well, who was it? Mrs. Wilkins? Out here you say live Hi there father Darcy. Well come in here. I'm glad to see you boys. I sure feel proud to see you sir Now I was beginning to think that you wasn't coming. Mrs. Wilkins. This is Leavenworth Johnson. Howdy, ma'am. Please to meet you Mrs. Wilkins, Leavenworth and I are very old and very good friends. We were Associates for some time. Associates? How long was it exactly Leaven? Well, eight years and three months father. You helped me get almost two years off for good behavior, you remember? Well, you helped yourself son, and I was proud of you. You wanted my study that boy. I'll be right in. I want to talk to you Yes, sir father and me likewise Mrs. Wilkins count on one more for dinner Leavenworth will be staying father that man why he looks like a cutthroat I'll tell you a secret Mrs. Wilkins He is That's what he served eight years for Levious scoundrel What are you doing in Pearl Valley? Well the day I got out up there I don't tell you that if you ever went away from that place no matter where it was You could always count on me to come and tend for you Well, why did Jefferson don't read me that you was coming here and yeah, I is to stay Lev I'm grateful to you if I offer and more grateful than you know, but I If it's money that you is worried about eating and sleeping that's all I want Far as you and me is concerned after all you done done for me up there the Emancipation proclamation is hereby repealed Using a strange country hereby father. You're gonna need me plenty believe me Lev I am beginning to think you're right Thanksgiving bizarre as customary father Darcy Of course if he feel it's too much work, and you'd rather not bother bother nothing some work is what I'm looking for around here Ladies a to see you father. It's about the parish Christmas party. Hmm show the good ladies in And find father Thomas for me so they'll have somebody who talks their language That's on Thursday, and then Friday inside of it. There are two Christenings a marriage and the young people's dance Oh, yes, and a two-new Walter boy to be selected It's like a very strenuous week for you. I'm afraid father very Lev did you hear that a strenuous week strenuous Well my money this is the nothing ever happened as place that ever was all I do is sit and get fat It's like you're doing you're right Lev The warden should see me now. This is exactly the life. He said I needed Happen I knew it what is it mrs. Wilkins what's happened? I just heard the prison There's been a prison break and the men who escaped ahead of this way, and we'll all be murdered in our beds How many escaped and when where'd you hear about it's all over town? I wonder if father Thomas knows we'll all be murdered in our beds Break live. I wonder if it's true could be even as miss Wilkins do say so I will soon find out Hello, this is father Darcy. Give me the daily inquire, please. I think the number is four one two Most of the brakes are tried this time of the year one Hello Hello, mr. Payson father Darcy. I hear those news of a break up at the prison How many only one What's his name? Oh Yes, yes, I know him. He's headed down this way. You're sure. Thanks, mr. Payson It's Vigo Lev Benny Vigo Hey that real mean guy in cell block five the one that handed the knuckle interview to Henry that time and never put him away That's Vigo crazy fool. He's only got a year ago now. He takes a chance on going for the whole ride Maybe they won't kick the farmer gave him a lift on the road just north of here. It's identified him completely Prison guards and state troopers already after the boy. They even sent for the hounds. Oh, oh, he is good as locked up right now Lev If you were in Benny's place, where would you go around here? I mean to hide out Gosh father, I don't exactly know I reckon down by the free yard. Oh, that's the first place that look No, no, you'd be someplace near the tracks. So you could run for a freight train when it passed someplace Well, there's lots of cover trees and bushes Well, there ain't no place like that round here Stepping them woods back at the golf course and what runs along the other side of the golf course Well, there's nothing but the hey the train tracks Leavenworth Johnson, you said a while ago that I was getting fat. Well, you're right what I needed some exercise. Come on Let's go out and have a good game of golf There's a good drive. I made back there live if I do say to myself over a hundred yards Look father, I don't get it He's you just expecting that benefit of the walk right out on the golf course in plain sight and talk to you Bad thing about this fifth hole live fairway runs so close to the woods little slice and your ball is lost in the trees Give me that grassy Hey, that ain't the right club for no shot like this. No, I think it is watch this I told you the ball done went flat in my square to them trees. Stay here live Stay here and come quickly if I call you now father. You can't go in there alone. That's Mighty careless way to hit a ball mighty careless Wasn't it Benny Benny V go with you. I'm talking to I know you're in there. I saw you watching me when I made the last drive The comb in the place for you Benny. They've even said for the hounds There are since the search here soon. Come on son for the last time. I'll ask you Come on out now. Well, I'll go about my business and let somebody else find you The difference is I want to help you Benny Alright lad if that's the way you want it wait Wait a minute. Okay Okay, so I'm here. What about it? Benny? I'm glad to see you boy. What are you doing around here? Oh, this is my parish Benny. I've been here ever since I left the prison. Didn't you know that? No Benny I want to talk stay right where you are. I'll give you the heat Rod Oh, I suppose you got that gun where you got those clothes pals on the outside had him stashed away waiting for you Well, you're always a smart lad. Never mind the yeah person You said you had something to say. Well spill it. Where do you go from here, Benny? That's none of your business I'll make it not if I turn you in you won't you ain't turning me in you're pretty sure of that aren't you oh But then that cannon in your hand makes you sure of a lot of things. I can't take care of myself Hey They're closing in that's right Benny get out of here high coloring quick and not taking me see Oh a swell chance. You'll have some against a lot of them. I told you to stop talking and beat it All right, Benny, but I won't go alone Left 11 words. What is this? Yes, sir father. What is he left here? You found him hide that video. Hey now look don't point that thing in me I'm just doing what I do give you go that golf ball. Give me that golf bag Give it up. What's the angle? What gets the golf bag a man playing golf can have a caddy. Can't he all right? Keep that hat down over your eyes. Stick right beside me. I'll play the next hole That'll bring us right here to where my car is parked Once we're out of the club grounds you get back and keep your face to the floor Well, what about me father you head off into the woods live and get going. Yes, sir father I'm gone already and whatever you're doing. Good luck with it father so long so long live All right, Benny. We're off and if you remember your prayers lad You'd better start saying if we're gonna get away with this. We'll need help lots of it. Let's go Are you all right back there? I'm okay. How's about the cops? We passed most of them Still keep low. Don't worry Why are you taking me passing? You know a good hideout the best in the world. Where is it your house better than that son? Watch it. Stay low. Let's stop and cars ahead. I'll try to drive on through I Think we made it for a moment. I was worried believe me. I never thought that we'd ever yeah We made it easy now easy land Where do you think you're going anyway? Oh, hello officer Nelson something wrong. Oh father Darcy didn't recognize you We're looking for that escape convict say I heard about him go right ahead father. Sorry. I bothered you Oh, no bother a tall officer take a breath again, Benny. I just tried one myself I guess we're all clear now you got what it takes person I'll give you that much. Thank you son, but you still ain't said where you're taking me. I haven't had by Well, you have to know sometime I'm taking you back to prison, Benny. You're taking me You you're crossed me easy son. I Said I'd get you to where you'd be safe and that means inside those walls. There's no place else stop this car Pull another first side road. No, Benny. I'm going on and you're not stopping me. I'm not huh You feel that smart guy Shoot me in the back. It's not the answer Benny shut up Shut up and stop this car. Maybe I did cross you, but I had to you're scared mixed up a guy with a loaded gun in your hands The first man who tried to take he had shoot him Benny maybe the second two, but Sooner or later one of them would get you and if you were alive you'd still go back up there son Not in a car with me not like this with at least half a chance, but stop talking. I'm warning you Now you wouldn't be going back. Maybe only serve one more year and and then be free You'll be going for the finish Benny the quick and terrible finish. I've tried to help so many men to meet Stop it for a year Benny a year one last short year and you'll be free Oh, oh, I know you think it'd be a longer wrap after you tried to break, but there's something we can try I Can't promise it'll work Believe me son. I want to help you. I know what's in your heart. Oh, I know how you grew up No family no affection no one who cared or understood and That's always what's made you want to fight the world I'm counting three see No, if you ain't stopped the car by then I'm letting you have it. All right, Benny. I Believe in your lad There is the makings of a fine man on you one you'll do what you have to do No one can blame you but it could be otherwise You could finish your sentence and go on to a fine useful life Who? God bless you Benny and forgive you three Waiting Can't give it Of course you can't son Give me that gun. It's a great gamble. I took on you lad. I I Gambled that even though you were a rogue in a thief it wasn't in you to shoot a man in the back and I won Benny I won Stop your whimpering and listen to me First we got to find the spot where you hid your prison clothes and of the brakes are still with us Who is it open the gate Keller father Darcy? What are you doing up here? Oh just a visit to the warden? I forgot something the back seat from that's my dear thoughtful of you father go right in Inside just back at the laundry the gong will sound off any minute The man will be crowded for supper fall right in line. You'll not be noticed get up in front The screws will be in the rear There it is lad. You are our right guy forget a son run for them. Good luck Dear Lord, I'm most grateful for what you've done for many and for me, too If this be wrong in your eyes, let me be punished, but let things be easier for the boy. I Place him completely in your hands from now on He meant but for the tenth time I tell you that man did make a break. He did can you prove it warden? Well, it was missing it last night check up his cell wasn't slept your man must be getting careless You know they're not careless besides whoever heard of a man breaking into the penitentiary or that's a laugh Well, that's a strange coincidence that the one person who identified Vigo saw him near Pearl Valley and tonight Just when Vigo reappears. I have a visitor from Pearl Valley in his car. You're wrong warden That's not my car belongs to the parish young father Thomas will likely be driving it after I talk to the Bishop What do you mean? I understand your new chaplain doesn't like it here So I've been thinking of coming back and taking his place. Are you crazy? You've got everything down there in Pearl Valley That's right everything but my real job everything but enough people who need the kind of help I know best how to give while I think of it Oh, we've got to line up a good job for someone left Johnson Maybe that stockholder fellow who gets out next month and need a chauffeur or a golf caddy a golf caddy left Johnson Father are you sure you feel all right? You haven't been fasting too much nothing of the kind I'm feeling wonderful warden the beautiful bad air of this place is doing me good already Oh father be sensible You've got a soft birth in Pearl Valley stick to it you said yourself 27 years in this place is enough for any man Well, I was wrong. It's not a matter of years warden when there's a whole lifetime of work for a man to do He can't possibly do it unless This is Edward G. Robinson again expressing thanks to Pat O'Brien and Bill Williams for two fine performances You know no matter who you are away. You may be I'm sure you'll agree with me about one thing Nothing in this whole wide world can bring us more happiness than a family if your family life is a happy one Well, you're really setting right smack on top of the world But by the same token if your family is falling apart instead of sticking together If your family life is one argument after another your children get into one scrape after another Well, then let's not kid each other. You really know the meaning of the word misery And I guess we've got to admit that these days that there are so many things that seem to be responsible for breaking up our homes Things that seem impossible to cope with our newspapers are filled with stories on juvenile delinquency and possibly the main trouble is The example we as parents set for our children What are your thoughts on the subject Pat O'Brien? You're a good family man. Well Eddie It's a pretty big task to bring up children properly as a matter of fact the job has apt to be Too tough for even the best of parents. However, we don't have to do it alone. We can get help The most powerful help a man can ask for But remember we've got to ask for it ask and you shall receive Yes, ask God for his help Pray Pray with your children that God will help your family The very act of praying together Will bring your family closer together Remember a family that prays together stays together So pray together tonight and every night that your family may be together Always tonight. Thank you Pat and before saying good night I want to express our thanks to all of you who have helped make this program possible Thanks also to true boardman for directing our play tonight into our producer Bob Longnecker Next week our stars on the family theory will be Lee Bowman George Murphy and Jimmy Gleason in an original story by Bud Lesser Entitled a bunch of keys. Now. This is Edward G. Robinson saying good night to all The series of family theater broadcasts is made possible by the thousands of you who felt in need for this kind of program This is the mutual broadcasting system