 9 p.m. A hallmark card when you carry enough to send the very best. From Hollywood, the makers of hallmark greeting cards bring you a thrilling dramatization of the unforgettable story, The Devil and Daniel Webster on the Hallmark Playhouse. Tonight's story, as well as those we will present every week, was chosen from the whole world of fiction, from the best works of fine writers by one of the world's most popular authors. His knowledge of stories that will grip your imagination and stir your emotions is universally recognized. For he is the author of such wonderful novels as Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Random Harvest, Lost Horizon, and many others you have loved in books and on the screen. Hallmark is proud to present the distinguished novelist, Mr. James Hilton. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. For our opening story on the Hallmark Playhouse, we have selected Stephen Vincent Benet's The Devil and Daniel Webster. It happens to be a classic, and I'm partial to classics. And it honors American tradition as well as a great American, and I'm partial to them too. It even gives The Devil his due. But the real reason we chose it for this opening program was because we like it, and we hope you like it. It's not only a great story, it's a good story if you get what I mean. In fact, we might all of us settle once and for all on our rather simple requirement for stories in this program that they shall be good enough to give you good entertainment. That being so, they can be anything else they want to be. Indeed, we have the bookshelves of the world at our disposal. From the pages of the most skillful storytellers, old and new, we shall try to bring you adventure, romance, fantasy, excitement, comedy, now and then a tear or a mood that stays. For the fine teller of tales does just that. He slips into your heart and leaves you something to think about. Yes, Mr. Hilton, like the thought left behind by your own lovable Mr. Chips, the simple request he made of his pupils when he said to them, think of me as I shall certainly think of you. Yes, I remember him saying that. We think they are significant words, Mr. Hilton, because they express as well as any we know the reason for remembering to send hallmark cards. For there is a hallmark card for every occasion on which you want your friends to know you are thinking of them. Hallmark cards say just what you want to say, the way you want to say it. Won't you remember to look on the back of the card for those three identifying words, a hallmark card. They tell your friends you cared enough to send the very best. Now, Mr. Hilton, we're ready for tonight's story. One of Stephen Vincent Benet's favorite figures in American history was Daniel Webster, and he wrote at least two stories about this famous American statesman and the legends that surround him. Here is his story of the devil and Daniel Webster. The story they tell in the border country where Massachusetts joins Vermont and New Hampshire. Yes, Daniel Webster is dead, or at least they buried him, but they say that if you go to his grave and speak loud and clear, Daniel Webster will begin to shake, and after a while you'll hear a deep voice saying, Maybe, how stands the Union? Then you better answer, the Union stands as she stood, rock bottom and condivisible, for he's liable to rear right up out of the ground. But something more than a man, a legend, but something a great deal bigger than a legend. There are thousands that trusted in him right next to God Almighty, and they told stories about him that were like the stories of the patriarchs. But the biggest case, he argued, never got written down in the books, for he argued it against the devil, nip and tuck and no holds barred, and this is the way it used to be told. There was a man named Jabez Stone, lived across corners, New Hampshire. He wasn't a bad man, but he was an unlucky man. When he planted his fields in corn, the borers ate them before they flowered. When he planted potatoes, the blight rotted them in the ground. On the day I'm telling you about, he broke his plowshare on a rock. The same afternoon, his cow dropped dead, and that night, when he went out to have a look at his horse. Old Tom. Old Tom, where are you? May Thunder. You didn't hear any thunder? No, dear, you must have imagined it. I hope I imagined it. Dear God, I hope. Jabez Stone kept glancing over his shoulder as he went about his work, a growing uneasiness prowling inside him that would not be still, and sure enough, just after supper, a soft-spoken dark-dressed gentleman drove up in a handsome buggy and asked for Jabez Stone. You sent for me, I believe, Mr. Stone? Well, not exactly. Not exactly. Tones were most exact and unmistakable. Sorry I couldn't get here last night, but I'm on the road quite a bit, you know. I was busy in Europe. Who are you? I'm usually called Scratch. Hear about names as good as any. We'd better walk out behind the barn. My wife might see you. It's don't like me, somehow. It's rather sad. You've never had a dog down there. I said that last night. You know, this could be a very profitable farm. The location is excellent. With a little influence properly applied, you could become a very wealthy man. Let's sit on the fence, take a look at it. Look around me, neighbor Stone. I see fields of plenty and a new barn. I see fat cattle and sleek horses. I see a fine house. And I see you, a prosperous gentleman surveying your domains. How does that sound to you? It sounds like heaven. It's not precisely the most appropriate word for it. In any case, it wasn't heaven that you called in for help. I didn't call on you for help. Pardon the contradiction, neighbor Stone, but you did most insistently. Well, let me see. The price mentioned was two cents, I believe. Of course we'll raise that. I don't believe in driving a mean bargain. Suppose we make it seven years of prosperity. Seven years? Of all the things you ever wanted for your wife and your children for seven years. Prestige, position, money. I don't know. You're the original bargain, you know. I could give you the two cents and take your soul right now. But I've had a good week, and I don't mind letting you get the best of me. You'll have everything you want for seven years, neighbor Stone. I've worked so hard. I had such good intentions. Well, you know what road is paved with good intentions, japers. Here, give me a hand. Let's seal the bargain. I never thought I'd make a bargain with this. No, no. Most men don't. But you'd be surprised how many of them are glad to do it when the shoe begins to pinch a little. Poverty becomes such a tiresome bedfellow. Come, neighbor Stone, I have business elsewhere. Give me your hand. Your finger with this pin, one drop of blood, and the bargain's official. Just put your signature to this document. Better wrap your handkerchief around it. You may find it a little hot to handle. Sign on the bottom line, please. Well, I'll be on my way. Is it dawn already? Time goes fast in my company, japers. Very fast. Take on the ground. Where would you get a bag of gold pieces? It's mine. Javis, I don't want any part of that money. No part of it? Oh, javis, give it back. Wherever you got it, give it back. I can't. I've accepted it. I can't give it back. All right, javis. I'd better be seeing you to breakfast. For your gain. I'll call you when it's ready. Then I've lost the world. I've lost the world. The occasion is a literary tea, and powdered wigs, and women in billowy skirts and lace caps are gathered around the guest of honor. This is the man destiny has marked as the greatest of all English painters. Through sheer, untutored genius, he has astounded the world of art and letters with the unique quality of his work. But William Hogarth, despite his greatness, is a simple man. And so, when he is asked the question concerning his genius, and the room grows quiet awaiting his answer, all he says is this. Genius is nothing but labor and diligence. Yes, in addition to real talent, it does take real diligence to make the difference between what is ordinary and what is outstanding. And the folks who make hallmark cards never forget that taking care goes into the expression of even the simplest sentiment created by the makers of hallmark cards. You see, they're not making just cards. They're making hallmark cards, greeting cards that are warm and friendly and sincere, cards that say just what you want to say, the way you want to say it. That's why hallmark cards are America's favorite greeting cards, and that's why those three identifying words on the back, a hallmark card, tell your friends you cared enough to send the very best. Now, James Hilton presents the second act of a great story by another famous writer, the Devil and Daniel Webster by Stephen Vincent Benet. Stephen Vincent Benet's story of the Devil and Daniel Webster, the spell is laid, the charms wound up. Jabez Tone is enjoying his years of prosperity. Daniel Webster is making up speeches to use against John C. Calhoun, and old scratch is counting off the years. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. The seventh year, the year of reckoning, the year of reckoning. It was morning of the last day of the seventh year, and scratch came up through Jabez Tone's lower heels, switching his boots with a cane. I was just looking over the property, neighbor stone. I trust you have your affairs in order. I'll be here to get you promptly at the hour of midnight. I'm not going with you. I won't go. You can't make me go. Oh, won't you, neighbor stone? You'll find that I'll carry your soul off in this handkerchief as simply as though it were a butterfly. Put that handkerchief away. Leave me. Get out of my sight. Leave me. He stood there, one man, alone and terrified, looking into hell. And then, then, like a cool, peaceful hand, resting for a moment on his soul, the thought came to him. Daniel Webster. Daniel Webster. I'll go to Daniel Webster. I'll go to Daniel Webster. How grateful I am for you, for you coming with me. If anyone can help me, I know you can. Well, neighbor stone, if two new Hampshiremen aren't a match for the devil, we might as well give the country back to the Indians. It's almost midnight. I'm sure he'll be prompt upon the hour. Wouldn't you like to wait in the parlor? No, indeed. New England parlor is too cold for me, but I'd love a New England kitchen. He'll be here any moment. Relax, Jabez. Sit quiet. Enjoy the fire. Oh, Mr. Webster. Mr. Webster, I should never have brought you here. I didn't realize what I was doing. Suppose he were to get you, too. Honest your horses and get out of here. Well, I'm much obliged to you, neighbor stone. It's kindly thought out, but there's a jug on the table and a case in hands. And I never left the jug where a case half finished in my life. Woo! Go ahead. The clock is a trifle slow, neighbor stone. Well, let us admit our distinguished visitor. Attorney of record for Jabez Stone. Come in, sir. Thank you, Mr. Webster. Good evening, neighbor stone. You don't seem to be in very good health, neighbor stone. But a warm climate should do wonders for your condition. Oh, I'd like to see your documents, Mr. Scratch. Certainly, I have it right here. I'm sure you observe that it's in good order. Very well. I've seen enough of it. Well, now, Mr. Scratch, suppose we offer to compromise this case. Compromise it? Mr. Webster, you astound me. Why should I compromise when I'm legally entitled to all? The property is increased in value since this was signed. Mr. Stone is now up for the state senate. State senators are worth more than this note calls for. A state senator is worth no more nor less than any other man. I admire your spirit, Mr. Webster, and your efforts on behalf of your client. But I'm rather pressed for time. You're pressed or not, you shall not have this man. Mr. Stone is an American citizen and no American citizen may be forced into the service of a foreign prince. We fought England for that in 12 and we'll fight all hell for it again at any time it's necessary. Foreign? And who calls me a foreigner? Well, I never heard of the devs of your claiming American citizenship. And who with better right? Am I not in your books and stories and beliefs from the first settlement town? Am I not spoken of still in every church in New England? It's true the North claims me for a Southerner and the South for a Northerner. But I'm neither. I'm merely an honest American like yourself and of the best descent. But to tell the truth, Mr. Webster, though I don't like to boast of it, my name is older in this country than yours. Very well. Then I stand on the Constitution. I demand a trial for my client. Well, the case is hardly one for an ordinary court and indeed the lateness of the hour... Let it be any court you choose, so it's an American judge and an American jury. Let it be the alive or the dead. I'll abide the issue. Agreed, Mr. Webster. Agreed, the alive or the dead, you say? Very well. We'll take the dead. Who comes at this hour? The jury, Mr. Webster, the man. She must pardon the rough appearance of one or two. They will have come a long way. Take your seat settlement over there on the right. May I introduce the jury, Mr. Webster? Walter Butler, the loyalist, who spread fire and horror through the Mohawk Valley in the time of the Revolution. Simon Gertie, the renegade, who saw white men burned at the stake and shouted with the Indians to see them burn. Governor Dale Morton of Merrimow keeps the pirate, John Sweet, the strangler. I won't bore you with further identification. I'm sure you'll recognize most of them and all of them. Play the part in American history. Well, are you satisfied with the jury, Mr. Webster? Quite satisfied. Good. You wanted justice, I believe. I bring you Justice Haythorne, a jurist of experience. He presided at certain witch trials once held in Salem. There were others who repented of the business later, but not he. Oh, yes, oh, yes, oh, yes, this file is now in session just as far far from resigning. Oh, yes, oh, yes, oh, yes. Proceed, Mr. Scratch. Your Honor, I can state the case with me. I have here a document which calls for Jabez Stone to deliver his soul unto me at midnight this night. Jabez Stone has seemed fit to engage Mr. Webster. The question of the legality of this document I therefore submit the deed which you will find a good order. I have a strategy trying to influence the jury by establishing the deed is in good order and the signature is that of Jabez Stone. I request the jury to find for the plaintiff and deliver Jabez Stone unto me. The jury finds for the plaintiff court dismiss. Oh, come, sir, this is ridiculous. Am I not even to be heard? Is my client to be given no voice at all? Can I claim it back? And there's no use attempting any of them. Dream of it. It's your a gambler, Mr. Scratch. And as a gambler, you surely wouldn't want to miss a challenge. Challenge? Do you think you could move this that you once were men can never know what it is to live? Who to remember those things, sicken and die without freedom? Who the jury are Americans? You two played a part in this. Now, looking back, it isn't the part you wished you had played. For the knowledge of personal failure and lack of honor must be the greatest agony of any hell. But you were Americans. And you saw the seeds of liberty sprout and begin to grow. Somewhere during those days, each of you lost his way. There was no chance for you to go back and attempt to make up for the things you've done. But now, let one man return from the edge of hell and start over for himself and for you. Gentlemen of the jury, I ask you to look at Jay Bestow. There he is. One ordinary, blundering American who had a run of hard luck and wanted to change it. Let him be punished for that through all eternity. Gentlemen of the jury, I beg you. Remember what it is to love the one spot of land that each man calls his home. Remember what it is to love the one woman who tends your heart fire to hold your children within your arms. Plan and dream and grow and remember what it is to feel the wind of new hapture on your face and the earth's thunder you and the red blood singing in your veins. Remember the sound of the word liberty and how that word caught fire and blazed until it became a light and hope and warmth to an entire world. Gentlemen of the jury, remember that you were Americans and are still Americans. And that this man who stands before you is of your flesh and of your dreams and of your soil. And you and only you stand between him and the jury has considered its verdict, Your Honor. We find for the defendant, J.B. Stone, perhaps it's not strictly in accordance with the evidence, but even the dam may salute the eloquence of Mr. Webster. They're all gone. Well, I won't say that I'm pleased about the verdict, but nevertheless my congratulations as between two gentlemen. I'll have J.B. Stone's contract, if you agree. Yes, Mr. Webster. Now then, as regarding the costs of the case, I want a document promising never to bother J.B. Stone nor his heirs or assigns nor any other new Hampshireman until doomsday. For any Hades we want to raise in this state we can raise ourselves without assistance from strangers. It is done here. Plant it over, you'll find it in good order. Thank you. Yes, this will do nicely. Well, you certainly get things done in a hurry when you want to, don't you? The resources of evil are infinite, Mr. Webster. Long barrel, shrap-sided, Landon, George Clooney-footed note-saver, be off with you. Be off to your own place before I put my mark on you. Well, if you insist. Good night. Goodbye, Mr. Stone. And Mr. Webster, I don't suppose we'll be meeting again, but say la vie. Say la vie. Good night, Mr. Webster. I'm never going to be able to thank you. Well, now let's see what's left in the jug for it's dry work talking, all right? I hope this pie for breakfast, named Mr. Stone. And they say that whenever the devil comes near Marshfield even now he gives it a wide berth. And he hasn't been seen in the state of New Hampshire from that day to this. Thanks to Daniel Webster. In a moment James Hilton will return. Mr. Webster, now that Daniel Webster has taken care of the devil and put him in his place. So in one big jump we leave the devil and open the gates of heaven. That is a children's heaven because I want to tell you about the Hallmark Doll Collectors' Album. Children are going to have more fun than ever collecting Hallmark Dolls now that there's a lovely new album to put them in. It gives you a new and inexpensive way to make some child very happy. And during this introductory period the album is only 25 cents when you buy one or more of the Hallmark Dolls. You'd expect the album alone would be worth a dollar but you can give your little boy or girl or some little friend the Hallmark Doll Collectors' Album with three beautiful Hallmark Dolls in it to start a collection for only one dollar. It's a wonderful and truly different gift that will make any child's heart leap with joy. Then later you or friends and relatives can help complete the entire collection of 16 colorful Hallmark Dolls. The Dolls are as easy to send as any Hallmark greeting card and cost only 25 cents each and each new Doll added to the collection will mean a new thrill for a child. So stop in tomorrow and see this new album at the store where you buy your Hallmark cards. Remember the album with three Dolls in it to start the collection is only one dollar. Now here again is James Hilton. I think you'd like to know that Daniel Webster was played by John McIntyre and Mr. Scratch by Alan Reed for Hollywood's finest actors in two very fine parts. Now next week, ladies and gentlemen, we present for the first time on the air a delightful romantic comedy by Douglas Welch called Mrs. Union Station. I won't try to tell you what it's about but I'll say this much. We've certainly been having fun getting ready and I'm really looking forward to it. So until next week, this is James Hilton saying good night. Tonight's story was adapted for radio by Gene Holloway. The music was composed 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. Hallmark cards are sold only in stores that have been carefully selected to give you expert and friendly service. Remember Hallmark cards when you carry enough to send the very best. Next Thursday night, James Hilton presents his story selection for the week, the first radio performance of Mrs. Union Station. So until then, this is Frank Goss saying good night to you all. This program has come to you from the Hallmark Playhouse. This program be a broadcasting cushion. This KMBC, Kansas City, Missouri.