 Remember a hallmark card when you carry it up to send the very best. The greatest stars in outstanding stories chosen by one of the world's best known authors. The distinguished novelist, Mr. James Hilton. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is James Hilton. Tonight on our Hallmark Playhouse, we dramatize a story by Howard Breslin called The Tamarack Tree. A story which rather delightfully weaves fiction against a historical background. That background being the early days of our country when a great name and a great voice were heard throughout the land. That name and that voice were Daniel Webster's. Today, when so many of us who are not our at us can address millions of people at a time, it is hard to realize that Webster's voice could only have reached thousands, but his fame and space and history were well secured. To play the part of our young hero tonight, the man who met and talked to Daniel Webster in our story, we are lucky to have that fine young actor, Lon McAllister. And now here is Frank Goss from the makers of Hallmark cards. When you're looking for a way to say something to someone you care for, look for a Hallmark card and you'll find the right words. Because Hallmark cards are designed to say what you want to say, the way you want to say it. And in the good taste you demand of anything that bears your personal signature. That's why Hallmark on the back of a greeting card has come to mean you cared enough to send the very best. Our Hallmark Playhouse presents Howard Breslin's The Tamarack Tree, starring Lon McAllister. Two tops of Boston. Behind him, a smaller man hunches over a table strewn with maps and papers. He glances at the broody figure of the famous senator from Massachusetts, Daniel Webster. Just one speech, senator, one speech in Vermont. One speech and then one more and one more. I will support the weak candidate, but I am not getting all over the country for him. President Van Buren has plenty of men talking for him, senator. The only way we can defeat him and elect General Harrison is Webster's eloquence. Everybody tells me that. If I am so necessary, why is the party's slogan typical new and Tyler too? Why not typical new and Webster? One speech, senator, and Vermont is certain. In which town? We couldn't decide that, so this is what we did. We took this map and drew lines running from the big towns. They all cross at one spot. It's not a convenient location, but that is where I am to speak. Yes, on a mountaintop. A mountaintop? There's a little settlement there called Stratton. They're expecting you on July 7th. At July 7th it is. A political convention on a mountaintop. Whoever heard of Stratton? And for that matter, who in Stratton ever heard of Daniel Webster will care if our paths cross or not. It's going to be maybe nine, ten thousand folks up here on this mountain. And all of them fighting to stay at my inn and pay me good, hard money. Wig money. It ain't good, and they're Democrats and Van Buren. We ain't forgot the panic and who closed the banks. And here are words. Talk one, two. Reed, you got time to put a new shoe on my horse? Like with two and iron coming in from the farm. Like what, eh? What are you doing with your father's best horse? He let me borrow him. Your best meeting closed too. Yes, we know what this fella's up to. And Daniel Webster talk? Taken who? Reventester's daughter, I suppose. Name of Levina. Mr. Reed, it'll only take you a minute. And maybe Levina don't care as much about Daniel Webster tomorrow as about the big outdoors. Now listen, a thousand people eat powdery in under Stratton Mountain. Without there'd be trouble of plenty. They are for all of us. Charles. Who? What are you thinking about? Oh, nothing much Levina. Just watching all those campfires down clearing. Must be two, maybe three thousand people here already. Does it matter? Well sure it does. Well they say there'll be ten thousand by the time Mr. Webster speaks tomorrow. Well nothing like this has ever happened to Stratton. Maybe never will again. We're part of history, don't you see? You and I, Charles? Uh-huh. Someday we'll be telling our children. Uh, I mean, well you, you know. Charles. Yeah? The dance is just starting. Couldn't we stop here a minute? Yeah, I guess so. What are you thinking about? Oh Levina, I've got to be thinking every second. Well most people do, I do. I was thinking about this old tamarack tree. Funny it's the only tree left in the clearing here. Nobody's thought to cut it down. It just stands here like... Like it was watching over us. Vina, you're, you're awful pretty. Oh Vina. My dearest, you know I thought you never would kiss me. Well I've wanted to Vina for years and years. I've always loved you. And I you. Oh Charles, let's turn back and tell father. Why? Well I want him to be the first to know. No, he'll marry us himself. Levina, we can't, we can't get married. Not yet. Charles. Pa needs me on the farm and besides I haven't got any money. Well, well we could go away, you could get work. If I could find it. Times are hard Levina. That's why they're holding this convention here. To change things. Maybe we're the new president. No you don't want to marry me. Levina. You don't have to take me to the dance Charles. I can walk the rest of the way. Levina wait, if we could get married next year. Not next year or any year. Good night Charles. Because it's so much fun making up again. You think Levina would? Oh don't ask me Oscar. Must I be introduced to a lady before I ask her to dance? Well it's hard to say. It all depends I guess. I was just coming over to ask. Excuse me sir. Thomas Jefferson Dunbar at your service. My name's Levina Chester. My compliments to your parents Miss Levina for providing us with such love. Would you do me the honor? Levina please. Mr. Dunbar I'd love to. We're just in time. Mr. Bailey. Mr. Bailey. Let's go someplace quiet. You've been out to the Illinois country haven't you? Is it at my brother there? What's it like? Good farming land? But it's the wilderness itself. A man wouldn't need much money to homestead a place would he? No just a strong back and a parcel of basions. Hey old round boy. You aim and attack Levina clear out into that. No. No I'm going alone. When? As soon as this convention's over. As soon as I tell Pa so he can hire an extra man for the farm. I see. But if things don't work out in Illinois. Now there'll be someplace else. I'm leaving Stratton and Stratton Mountain for good. Oh now don't be hasty boy. Everybody's all nerves with this here convention. Yes why'd they have to come here to Stratton? I wish I'd never heard of the convention or Daniel Webster. Anything he's come here to tell us I wouldn't believe no matter what. Those are pretty hard words son. What? Weaves drop I was just leaning against this tree. Only quiet spot where a man can think. And he's got to think before he can talk. Charles. Don't he look like? Yeah it is. It's him. All I want to say is this my boy. Whether it's for the votes of a nation or for the heart of a woman. Sometimes you have to fight when there's hardly a chance of winning. But the man who runs from a fight doesn't lose that fight. Because he wasn't even in it. Now does that give you any ideas? Yes sir I think it does. Thank you Mr. Webster. Turn to the second act of the Tamarack Tree starring Lon McAllister. Would you like a social secretary to remind you of all your engagements next year? Tell you when to buy your wife's anniversary present. When is Junior's birthday? When you have an important engagement? Well stop in tomorrow at the store where you buy Hallmark cards. Because this fine store has a New Year's gift for you. It's a gift that's designed to make your whole year a friendly and happy one. It's that dependable, indispensable guidebook to friendship. The Hallmark date book for 1952. In it you'll find room for the names and addresses of all your friends. Space for your Christmas card list and that's something you'll probably want to start now while this year's cards are fresh in mind. Plus room to make notes beside every day of the month to remind yourself of those dates and those friends you'll want to remember. Yes the Hallmark date book is certainly a handy social secretary. Plus being a convenient size so you can carry it in your pocketbook. And it's yours for the asking. A gift from the fine store where you buy Hallmark cards. It's worth a special trip. Now back to James Hilton and the second act of the Tamarack Tree starring Lon McAllister. Night on Stratton Mountain the dancing and celebration continues. The farmers of Vermont and loyal wigs from as far away as Virginia have gathered to cheer the man they call Black Dan, the Thunderer, the defender of the Constitution. Daniel Webster is really more important at the moment than the candidate he is to speak for. Day comes and in the forest clearing the patient thousands still wait. Somewhere among them is Charles, a very unhappy young man. And somewhere too is Levina, a very confused young lady. I don't know. Well the Democrats will have to go some to max this crowd. Van Burenze betters to clean it. Yes sir, Van Van the used up man. It's like they'll kill themselves making pies and cakes for this mob. They've got to give the women post credit. They're doing their piece for old tipicano and Tyler too. Never seen so many fat medicine men in gamblers and pickpockets. All good weeks. Mr. Bailey, I thought maybe I'd like to know Levina's looking for you. Levina? She told you? Where is she? Just follow along with me, sir. And she said she'd be down to the other side of the speaker stand. What was that? Oh, just a shooting match. That young Virginia fella and putty to hold the competition. Levina's watching. I hear that you're going out west. Yes. Some people might think you were running away from something. Or somebody. Levina, maybe if we could go back as if the other night didn't happen. Please Charles, if you don't mind I'd like to watch the shooting. What? How did Charles? Ain't that young fella a shooter? Blew the card to pieces at 20 hours. All right, I suppose. All right, part eight was the best shot on the mountain till this Virginia boy come along. He could have been just lucky. Really, Charles? You don't think he can do it again? Oh, that's with you. Levina, I never said anything. Delighted to accept, sir. If you will choose a pistol for my case, eh? No thanks. Oh, you prefer your own gun? I assure you, sir. This is one of the finest pairs of dueling pistols in Virginia. The only one you choose is not shooting. Oh, Miss Levina said that. I'm a Vermont farmer, Mr. Dunbar. I'm not a southern gentleman, educated in the art of dueling and killing human beings. Sir, I must ask you to watch your words. And keep your advice to yourself. Come on, it's starting, then. Wish to carry the argument further, you will find me at the end this evening. That is if I'm not detained by a young lady. Best speech a mortal ever heard. Two hours long and it seems like two minutes. Let's download Webster for you. Charles, what's wrong, boy? Ain't hardly touched your plate. I'm not hungry. Hey, who's hungry? Many! That's another part. No, not for me, Mr. Belly. I've got to get back to the farm. Oh, but the evening ends on a victory celebration. I know, but horror's expecting me at home. Not close, gentlemen. Not close to the hospitality of Vermont manhood and to the women they love. Who said that? Dunbar. It just came in. Thomas Dunbar. Why is it a satisfaction, sir? Any time, any place, any way you want it. Very well. Since I'm challenged, the choice of weapons is mine. Pistols? No. Not the way he could shoot. It's murder. And it's plain foolishness. Nobody's going to prove anything by it. We all know that, gentlemen, except Mr. Dunbar. But it can't be helped. Mr. Belly, Abner will... Will you meet us at Don Juhi's Peggy convention? There's a chance of winning. But the man who runs from a fight... ...didn't lose that fight. Because he wasn't even in it. I'm ready, Mr. Belly. Let's get it over with. All your leaks take 15 paces. Turn. You had to pick this spot under the Tamarack tree. Well, the lights to uncert. Dan, stand clear there. Oh, God save you, son. He, uh, he stopped by to see how you were. It might as sorry about it all. The doctor wants you to eat. Savina. We brought you here. Mr. Belly, can you help raise him up? Yeah, sure. Father would like to see you in the parlor. Savina, I'm sure he will. So I won't be in your way. Oh, you're not in the way, Charles. You're right for me to stay here when... ...when you and Dunbar... Charles. Charles, I want you to know that I understand... ...about the fight and the duel. You thought Tom was talking about me at the end? He was. He just come from seeing you. He as much as announced your engagement. He was toasting his fiance, yes, Charles, but... ...but she's a girl down south. You see, he told me about her. He thought he wanted to marry me instead. I convinced him he was right in his first choice. I wanted to run away from you. But when I stood there under the Tamarack tree... ...I knew nothing could tear you out of my heart. Not even Dunbar's bullet. The Tamarack tree. It was watching over his tears. Look, we can see it from here. Yes, standing alone in a clearing. Yesterday 10,000 people passed under its branches. And now they're gone. And Daniel Webster spoke in the shadow of it... ...to 10,000 people. And to me. Someday he may forget he ever came to Stratton... ...but we'll remember LaVina, you and I. We'll have reason to remember. For as long as we both shall live. I learned a surprising fact the other day. A cousin whom I've always considered the most thoughtful person I know... ...told me she has a very poor memory. Well, her secret is she doesn't trust it. She jots down everything she wants to remember... ...in her hallmark date book. Birthdays and anniversaries, names of new friends... ...ages of all her nieces and nephews... ...so she'll send them the right presents. No wonder she's so popular. Now I'm sure that's just an example... ...of the way many women use their hallmark date books... ...to make themselves more thoughtful people, more valued friends. The hallmark date book reminds you... ...of everything you want to remember all year long. There's space for notations beside each day. Yet it's so cleverly arranged... ...it's small enough to slip into your handbag. You can carry it everywhere. The hallmark date book is a gift to you... ...from the fine store where you buy hallmark cards. A useful little present that's yours for the asking. Just stop in tomorrow and ask for yours. Here again is James Hilton. Long, that was an excellent performance, thank you. For a man who was born and raised in Los Angeles... ...you've seemed perfectly at home in Vermont. Have I been there? Well, yes I have, Mr. Hilton. I played in the summer stock there a year ago last summer. And I met a lot of wonderful people, too. Incidentally, you know, I have a friend there... ...who reminds me of that cousin Frank Goss was telling us about. I bet she uses your hallmark date book every day, too. She's always doing something very nice for her friends. I believe a great many people do use the hallmark date book long. They find it's a real age of friendship. Well, I know your cards certainly are. Who's going to be with you on the hallmark playhouse next week, Mr. Hilton? Next week we shall present a delightful story... ...of a fine old American character, the horse and buggy doctor... ...written by Dr. Arthur B. Hutzler. And to play the title role... ...we are happy to welcome back Lionel Barrymore. Our hallmark playhouse is every Thursday... ...our producer-director is Bill Gay... ...our music is composed and conducted by David Rose... ...and our story tonight was adapted by Leonard St. Clair. Until next Thursday then, this is James Hilton saying... ...goodnight. Hours that have been carefully selected... ...will give you expert and friendly service. Remember a hallmark card when you will carry it out... ...to send the very best. The role of the veena tonight is played by Barbara Eiler. Others in our cast will Lamont Johnson, Ted Osburn... ...Joseph Kerns, Tom Tully and Ted DeCorsia. And now, ladies and gentlemen... ...hallmark cards extend a cordial invitation... ...to see the new hallmark television program... ...with Sarah Churchill every Sunday beginning January 6th. This is Frank Goss saying goodnight to you all... ...until next week at the same time. When hallmark playhouse returns to present Lionel Barrymore... ...in Dr. Arthur E. Hutzler's Horse and Buggy Doctor. And the week following, Susan Earth says... ...Madame Clair starring Agnes Moorehead... ...on the hallmark playhouse. This is KMBC, Kansas City, Missouri.