 Cavalcade of America starring Irene Dunn in Citizen Mama presented by the DuPont Company makers of better things for better living through chemistry. Good evening this is Bill Hamilton. Tonight the DuPont Cavalcade comes to you from the beautiful Klein Hands Music Hall in Buffalo, New York where the 25th anniversary of the birth of DuPont cellophane is being celebrated. On this Cavalcade we present one of Hollywood's brightest stars and one of America's most distinguished citizens Irene Dunn. Miss Dunn will portray the character of Mama which she made famous in the motion picture success I Remember Mama. In our original radio play Citizen Mama, daughter Katrin tells of further adventures of Mama and the Hanson family. I remember San Francisco and the house where I was born. I remember the fogs rolling up the hills from the bay and the sound of boat whistles never stopping. I remember the girls I grew up with and all our neighbors there on Steiner Street and I remember Niels my big brother and my little sister Dagmar and of course Papa but most of all when I think back on those days most of all I remember Mama. Katrin, Dagmar, Papa, Nick, supper is on the table. I'm hungry. I'm hungry. How can you be Dagmar although I've bread and butter and sugar you just ate. Well I don't eat much nails do I Papa? Only one meal a day all day long. Yeah it's good to watch people eat only sometimes I wish we could eat the dishes too. Guess who washes the dishes at Alice Jordan's house Mama? Mr. Jordan. Well it's not the way I was brought up to run the house. Oh Alice says her mother says that's the way Americans do things. I hate Mrs. Jordan and I hate Alice Jordan and oh especially I hate her snippy little brother Tommy Jordan. I hate him. Dagmar, it's not a nice way to talk. I mean it Mama I hate Tommy. But did he do something bad to you? He keeps calling me a scumbag. Well it's nothing to be ashamed of your parents come from Norway Dagmar. But Tommy told Liberty Mama. Well what has the Statue of Liberty got to do with things? I'm it. Our teacher picked me. We're going to act out a wonderful play all about history. It's called Sam and Sandra meet their Uncle Sam. And you're to act a statue Pa? I know it already too Mama. I am Liberty I hold my torch high for the whole world to see. Why doesn't Tommy want you to be the statue Dagmar? He's jealous because he's only the Louisiana Purchase. Oh oh well. He told everybody in the playground practically I shouldn't be the Statue of Liberty because it's American and I was scanned to Hulvian. Oh then now you are not to my names Dagmar. You are just as much American as Tommy Jordan born here same as him. Tommy said his father said that you and Papa are in citizens. He said his father tried to get you to vote or something in some election or something and you couldn't because you weren't citizens. Is that true Mama? Yeah that is true Dagmar. And Papa? Well it's not important for grown-ups Dagmar. Tommy says the government won't let you. Oh no it's not true Dagmar. Only first Papa must take out what they call the second papers. Then Papa and I will be citizens just as much as Mr. and Mrs. Jordan. When he paid for Papa? Or soon. Soon. So you've been saying that since I was small than Dagmar Papa? Now Nils Nils it's not up to you what Papa does. Papa's always been so busy making money for the family. He's had no time to get the citizenship papers. Well I wasn't criticizing. I don't blame Papa. I wouldn't want to go to night school either. You mean Papa would have to go to school to be a citizen? Well naturalization school they call it. School? Is nothing funny about that Dagmar? It is school for grown-ups Dagmar. Everyone who comes from the old country almost goes there. Oh I wish you'd do it right away Papa. Well all right I do it. I do it soon Dagmar. I want to show that Tommy Jordan who's a scandal-hoovian. I remember when supper was over and the dishes were washed. Dagmar would feed her pets and Nils would go to his room and do his homework. I took piano lessons and had to practice every night. This was the only time of the day Mama would ever stop working. While I played she and Papa would sit in the kitchen and drink coffee and just talk. Oh it's good the way Catherine plays that folk song now. Yeah, yeah. My love longed a hill, speed with glow. I never never forget time you sing that song at the same time I'm asking your father if I can marry you. Remember Martha? Yeah I lost. I was standing in the kitchen. I could hear every word you and Papa were saying. Yes your father was saying you mean. I was too afraid to say one word. I still get nervous when I think of listening. That's why I start to sing that time so I cannot hear what you and Papa say. Oh it's good thing you did Martha or I would not have had courage to ask him yet. Oh it's awful to be so shy as I am Martha. I think I'm going to die right on the spot. Then I hear you and I think how much I love you and somehow I find words. Always I have been glad you did Lars. Sometimes I think I'm not good enough for you. Oh you are best man I know and that's plenty good enough for all married women like me. Yes but it's not good I bring shame on the children. I should be American citizen so. Where I like if you were Lars children should not feel different from other children. It's bad. Yeah yeah I know. Couldn't you try the night school just once more. It would make the children very happy. Oh I would like it Martha and not just for Nils and Katrin and Dagmar for you and me too. America's fine country I would like us to be citizens. Lars you already have first papers. Three times already I have first papers. Yeah but the last ones have not run out yet. You have only to get your second papers and it's all over. Oh only. Oh yeah no oh won't you try just once more Lars. Maybe you'll get teacher this time you feel at home with just once more Lars try. I don't know where I ever get a teacher I feel good with. But I try it once more and make you happy. Oh it does Lars. Where is everybody. It's nobody home. It's Uncle Chris. Mama Papa Uncle Chris is here. Say nothing of the night school to him Marty he's a big talker in Yoko your uncle is. I never hear the end of it. No no don't worry I won't say a word. Hello Martha. Hello Uncle Chris. Hello Uncle. Dagmar says you are going to be a schoolboy again. A little schoolboy Lars. Uncle Chris is so funny. Dagmar is time for bed go now. I want to stay here with Uncle Chris. No no no go now no I say Dagmar go. Yeah yeah yeah here's something make you sleep better. Nickel. Thanks Uncle Chris. Go now. Mama. Yes what is it now. Do you know what the torch of liberty is? It's the janitor's flashlight. Good night. Good night. Good night. Now Martha you bring me and Lars drink and we celebrate Lars is old enough to go to school. Uncle Chris it's not kind of you to make fun of Lars. He cannot help that he is shy with strangers anymore than you can help that you have loud voice. What is wrong to laugh at people when they are funny for grown man to be afraid to go to school is funny. Little Dagmar is not afraid of father is that funny so I laugh. School is wrong to even think of Martha I could never do it. Of course you can. No no no we forget the whole thing. I go now and get drink for Uncle Chris. Oh now see what you did. No wonder they call you the black Norwegian. You are big bully Uncle Chris. I am not bully I am head of family. You are not nice to Lars. It is better you style up at Lars than strangers laugh. At school he used to make fool of himself. We will see Uncle Chris. We will see. I remember when I came home from school the next afternoon I could hardly believe my eyes. Mama was sitting down reading a book. She was always too busy for reading. Oh Katrin. What are you reading mama? Well it is World Almanac Nailskets for Christmas. Oh that. Where is Dagmar? Oh she came home with me. She is out in the backyard playing with some other little girls. Uh oh sounds like Tommy is there too. I wish those kids would leave Dagmar alone. Katrin I must go downtown for a little while. You look after Dagmar in the house. Where are you going mama? Well I cannot tell you now Katrin. Later maybe. I couldn't imagine where mama was going. She was so mysterious about it. Yes lady. You are naturalization bureau. Yes. My husband is his name Lars Hansen. He is from Norway. He is fine carpenter. He wishes to become American citizen. Very well the first thing your husband has to do Mrs Hansen is to fill out a declaration of his intent to become a citizen. Yes. You may have heard that called a first paper. My husband has already taken out his first papers. Three times. I see. Well then before he can become a citizen he must live in the United States for at least five years. My husband has already lived here longer than that. Sixteen years. Then at least two years must elapse between the time he files his declaration of intent and the time he can take his examination for citizenship. It's over two years already since my husband take out his first paper. It's two years five days. In that case he can be given an examination and if he is approved he becomes a citizen. Yes. Now please what is this examination like? Well it's very simple. The alien has to prove to the examiner that he can speak English. Oh my husband speaks fine English. That he can write his name. Oh my husband writes fine hands. And he has to show attachment to the principles of the Constitution. Oh my husband. Oh yes I see. Now they'll teach him everything he needs to know in naturalization school. Well may I ask question for myself please. Ask anything you like lady. When my husband becomes citizen I become citizen too so. Automatically. And I do not have to go to school or take examination so. That's what I meant by automatic. Where do I fill out the paper to become citizen. You don't lady your husband does. Well you do not understand. I wish to go to school take examination and become citizen first before my husband. Then he will become automatic citizen so. It ain't so lady it just ain't so. But if I become citizen when husband does why cannot he become citizen then I do. The law says you're what your husband is not vice versa that's the law. Oh but my husband wants to be citizen very much. Then he'll have to take the examination like anybody else himself in person is that good and clear. Is clear yeah it's not good. You are listening to Irene Dunn in Citizen Mama on the cavalcade of America. Presented by the DuPont Company makers of better things for better living through chemistry. Mama didn't tell us then about her visit to the Naturalization Bureau. And she didn't say any more about Papa becoming a citizen. But she began acting more and more mysteriously three nights a week she went out by herself. Folks song is fine peace catching. It makes me think of Norway. Norway beautiful Papa. If you like mountains. Are you want to be in bed Mama said I could stay up till she got home. Well here is Mama now. Hello Hanson. Hello Jenny. I stopped by to get Martha's recipe for angel cake. Hers uses one less egg than mine. She's not home yet Jenny. But this Martha doing out at night. She's at Aunt Trina Trina. Yeah three nights a week she goes now and helps Trina so close for the new baby coming. Martha is not a Trina's. I was just there. And Mama's not there. No Nor is Trina's seen her for two whole weeks she said. She was there night before last. That is what Martha says. Where else would she be. If my husband was alive and I've been out three nights a week my husband would certainly ask me where I went. Why would she say Trina's if she was going some other place. Oh I know she is not the Trina's. I was there. Hello. It's near home from the boy scout yet. Oh Jenny. Hello Mama. Well does no one else say hello. There have you been Martha. Jenny was a Trina's. Said you were not there. And where did you say I was Jenny. I said I was a Trina's you was not there. That's all. In other words I tell lie. I said no such thing. Well I did tell lie. Martha. So. I have not been a Trina's tonight or any night lately. But hey Skuffer she has been lost. I will not Jenny is Martha's own business where she goes. But don't you want to know Lars. If you want to tell. I've been to school. School. Cool Mama. I told Phib so you would not laugh at me like you did Papa. Why'd you go Mama. So Papa would not have to. They teach me to be the citizen and I teach it all to Papa. It's good Papa. So every evening for the next few weeks Mama taught Papa the thing she had learned in the naturalization class at the night school. Now Lars. But three branches is the United States government divided into. The executive. Good. The legislative. Good. And the. You. You. You did sir. It's very good Papa. We were also very helpful. But as I look back on those days I wonder if Papa didn't secretly regret that he hadn't gone to the night school. But he studied very hard and the whole family was proud of the progress he made. I bet you get a hundred when you take your examination Papa. Don't get so excited you'll forget to eat your supper Dagma. Oh. Bad shed. You know what I told Tommy Papa. I told him that I bet you knew just as much about the government as the president practically. Maybe only as much as vice president Dagma. When do you have to see the examiner Papa. Well last week Mama helped me fill out the paper and we sent it in Catherine. Then they write the letter when they want. Oh do you think it'll be soon Papa. Oh it's most likely you are. Gee. I get scared just thinking about it. What's there to be scared of. It can't be so hard to be a citizen. Look at them all. Papa knows every question that the examiner might ask him. You will see. Oh if only I can say what I know. Oh you will Papa. Sure you will. There's the doorbell. Pocket. I'll go I'll go. Now notice the damn Dagma. This will go. Yes Mama. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it was a lawyer telling us we'd elect a fortune by a long lost uncle. Yeah it's more likely to be the paper boy wanting his money for last week. Who is it Niels. A letter for Papa. It's from the naturalization bureau. Here Papa. Oh thank you Niels. What did you say Papa. Just a minute. Give them time to get it open. Can't you. I'm old son's mother. Yeah. Well. Well lost. On twenty five of this month. Yeah. And to go to naturalization bureau. And see your examiner. Twenty fifth it's only three days off. It's good sooner is the better. Go with golly. Come on now girls it's time to clear the table. All right Mama. Papa's going to pass. Yeah yeah Dagma. Come Captain. Yes Mama you'd think they'd give more than three days notice. Papa. Yes Niels. There's a thing that fellas at high school do sometimes when they're. They're scared about an exam. Well. They. They write the answers on their cuff. Do you do that Niels. Oh no Papa that would be cheating. If you don't do it Niels. I don't do it either. I just wanted to help Papa. You are a good boy Niels. I'll always always remember the day that Papa saw the examiner. We were all there with him. Papa wanted us to be. Uncle Chris and Mama's sister Jenny were there too. They were character witnesses. Why is Lars so pale. Is he maybe catching something. Lars is catching cold feet. Uncle Chris please. You don't need to be afraid. I fix everything for Lars. Lars Hansen. Is Lars Hansen here. Yeah I hear he's right here. Come forward with your witness please. Which of you is applying for citizenship. My nephew-in-law here. I am witness for him. I am also witness. I am Christopher Halvorson 17 years citizen of this country. My nephew-in-law will make first class citizen. Are you any. Well. Yeah. He'll be one of best citizen. I swear old town that one of very best citizen. So you make him citizen now huh. I'll have to ask the applicants some questions before I can make any recommendation. Questions. Well why does he use some questions. He'll make good citizen. I know him. That alone is not sufficient sir. Why not. I am head of family. I'll have to ask you to let me get on with the examination sir. What I am witness. And when I need your information I'll ask for it. Meanwhile I think you'd better stand over there. You do as the man says Uncle Chris. Yeah it was not like this when I became citizen. Now. You are Lars Hansen. Are you Lars Hansen I said. He is. I am Mrs. Hansen. Let the applicant answer his own questions please. One of the purposes of this examination is to find out how well he speaks English. Oh his English is fine. No interruptions please. Now according to this application you've been in this country 16 years. Is that correct Mr. Hansen. Is it. Please answer aloud instead of nodding Mr. Hansen. That's the only way I can tell anything about your English. Do you understand me. No no out loud. Say something. Anything. Tell me why you want to become a citizen for instance. Why do you want to become a citizen Mr. Hansen. Tell me. Papa just stood there. Trying to get up courage to speak. He looked more and more helpless and miserable. And the examiner's face took on a very doubtful expression. And then the strangest thing happened. Mama began to hum that little Norwegian folk song I played. Then Papa looked over at Mama. And he smiled. And then he turned back to the examiner. I want to be the citizen because my wife wants it. My children want it. And I want it. The whole family want it. Very much. That's a very good answer Mr. Hansen. Of course there was more to the examination than that. Papa was good on some of it. And bad on some of it. Just enough to leave us in suspense for a whole month. Then one day Papa got word to come to the final hearing. And now the oath of allegiance Mr. Hansen. One question please. Certainly. When I become the citizen my wife does too so. That is correct. Then may my wife take oath of allegiance now at the same time with me. She may. Read it please. I hereby declare on oath that I absolutely and entirely renounce an appeal for allegiance and fidelity to any foreign. So Mama and Papa stood there hand in hand and said the oath. And I think we were almost as proud of them as they were of each other. Against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God. And that's how Mama and Papa became citizens. And what I remember most about the whole thing is Mama's last question to the judge. Mr. Judge, to be the citizen have I paper to sign or anything? Not a thing Mrs. Hansen. You women have it easy. Mama just smile. Bill Hamilton speaking for DuPont. This evening's Cavalcade broadcast has come to you from the city of Buffalo in New York State. Here in Buffalo just 25 years ago, the DuPont Company built a plant which was to change the buying habits of a nation. Its product, scarcely known then, was a tough, transparent film invented by a Swiss chemist who hoped to make a stain-proof tablecloth. The film was costly to make, but the DuPont Company was willing to risk capital for the plant. It was a chance, but the DuPont management believed the new chemical film might have far-reaching use. It might provide new standards of convenience and friendliness. It might prove to be a better thing for better living through chemistry. The name of the product, as you have probably guessed, was and is DuPont Cellophane. The cost of manufacturing the first cellophane the DuPont Company produced in America were such that it had to sell at a price of $2.65 a pound. It was used in a limited way, mainly for wrapping candy boxes. But more and more capital was poured into the venture. In DuPont laboratories and in the plant itself, chemists, engineers and other technologists were hard at work. The first great result of this team of investment and research was a cellophane film that was moisture-proof that would not let moisture in or out. Keeping the film's transparency and flexibility, the technologists went on to improve it in other ways. They perfected films which could flow swiftly through wrapping machines, films which actually control the amount of moisture passing through them, films which could be sealed by the touch of a hot iron. Today, this buffalo plant is one of four DuPont cellophane plants, employing all-told, nearly 5,000 highly skilled people. More than 50 different types of cellophane developed by DuPont are now in use in more than 5,000 different ways. And through the continuing effort of DuPont men and women in laboratory and plant, production has been made more efficient, output constantly increased. Today, on cellophane's 25th birthday, a much improved cellophane sells at an average price of 48 cents a pound, as compared with the original price of $2.65. Quite a number of men and women from the Buffalo plant are in our Cablecade studio audience this evening. Together with the people in the other plants, they can justly feel that as part of this team effort, they have made an important contribution to the living standard of America. They have helped to create jobs for themselves and others. They have helped to bring success to hundreds of small businesses all over the country, whose products gained wider acceptance through improved packaging. In 25 years, cellophane has established a record of real service to industry and to the public. Cellophane, the transparent film that shows what it protects and protects what it shows, is one of the DuPont company's better things for better living through chemistry. Tonight's Cablecade play, Citizen Mama, was written by Frank Gabrielson. Music was composed by Arden Cornwell, conducted by Donald Bryant. This is Ted Pearson speaking. Be sure to listen next week when Cablecade presents the colorful and thrilling romance of the South, Dinner at Belmont, starring Janet Blair, Arthur Kennedy, and Marjorie Moore. Cablecade of America is directed by John Zoller and came to you tonight from Clinehan's Music Hall in Buffalo, New York and is presented by the DuPont Company of Wilmington, Delaware. This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.