 Yes, it's showtime, the half hour that brings you each week in condensed form and outstanding musical play. This showtime, we go back to the year 1922 to recreate for radio the Sigmund Romberg Opera at the Blossom time. Our stars are Patrice Moncell, Kenny Baker, and Gordon McRae. The chorus is under the direction of Norman Luboff, and all the music is directed by our showtime conductor, Carmen Dragon. Blossom Time is based on music by the great early 19th century composer Franz Schubert. Sigmund Romberg has adapted these Schubert themes as melodies of the 20th century, and perhaps the best known example of this will be found in the ballad Song of Love, which is taken from a theme in Schubert's 8th symphony, The Unfinished Symphony. Here then is the story of the life and music of Franz Schubert as played by Gordon McRae. See in tonight's performance, you will hear the charming color or two soprano of the Metropolitan Opera Company, Patrice Moncell, and as Baron Schubert, the popular tenor of radio on the screen, Kenny Baker. As we turn back the pages of time, I become the composer, Franz Schubert, seated at a table in a small outdoor café with my closest friend, Baron Franz Schubert. It's Blossom Time in Vienna, and everyone is singing. Did you ever see such a day, Schubert? Why, look at that sky. Sky, sky. At the moment, I'm more interested in my stomach. Where is that waker? I'm afraid he's very busy. The whole town seems to have turned out and landed right here at Domain. Come on, let's order everything on the menu, huh? Wait a minute, Franz, remember, I'm just a poor composer. Just because you're wealthy, I can't always take advantage of our friendship to... Look, a great composer like you shouldn't have to worry about material things. Your thoughts should be on you, spring and music. Oh, what inspiration I get on such a day as this. Birds are darting, birds are starting, hand in hand, girl and boy. Very charming, but more calming is the wine. I would roam from my home, I'd joy burst. What more royal come at loyal greater bliss. Isn't it great? Isn't it great? Look at those blossoms. And look at those three beautiful young girls sitting at that table over there. Ah, careful, Franz, pulling the reins. A man could get into trouble on a day like this. Where is he? Where is Baron Schubert? Yeah, I'm in trouble. There you are. Madam Bella Brunner. You deceive a new breaker of women's hearts. Now, please, just a moment. You promised to take me to supper last night after my performance at the opera. Where were you? Careful, madame, my friend is a composer. You'll upset his inspiration. I'm not interested in his inspirations. I'm only interested in you. My husband. My husband? I know. Good heavens. Oh, I must fly. Get out of sight, Baron. He's frightfully jealous of you. Yes, yes. For Franz, where shall I go? Here, under the table. Where did she go? The young man wasn't at Madame Bella Brunner here a moment ago. Oh, she may have been, sir. I couldn't say. I saw her talking with that young whipper, Snapper Baron Schubert. Where did they go? That way, I think. Thank you, sir. I'll find the man when I do. All right, the coast is clear, Schubert. You can come out now. You certainly get yourself involved, my friend. Yes, but through no fault of my own, Franz. Bella Brunner fancies herself in love with me. Oh, and you? Franz, you know women mean absolutely nothing to me. Nothing. I, uh, I beg your pardon, but aren't you Baron Schubert? Well, I, I, I, I got it. Nothing, eh? Oh, Baron Schubert, you don't remember me. And after giving me your key and everything, why Baron Schubert? Why Baron Schubert? Uh, uh, what key? The key to your ice skate. My ice skate? Why, I haven't been skating since I was 10 years old. 10? Well, you tell me you were 12. Oh. Oh! Oh, why, why, why, why, you're Mitzi. Little Mitzi. Mitzi Kraz. Miss Kraz, may I present Mr. Schubert? Oh, you're not Franz Schubert. Yes, I'm afraid I am. Oh, I'm honored to meet you. Oh, thank you, and I'm delighted to meet you. My sisters and I were sitting over there at that table, and we saw you turn and look at us, and, well, suddenly I recognized Baron Schubert. And I remembered that years ago, he told me if I was ever in trouble to call on him. And, uh, are you in trouble, Mitzi? Oh, desperate trouble. What, what's wrong? My sisters want to get married, but my father doesn't think we should have both. Oh, you, you should have a both, Miss Mitzi. Oh, my sisters Kipsey and Fritsie have. They went out walking with them just now, and if Papa finds out about it, he'll be furious. Isn't that your father just turning the corner there? Oh, dear. Oh, what can I do? If he sees me here talking to a man, he'll be furious. Well, wait a minute. I'll tell you what. I'll go tell him you're arranging for Fran for some music class. Oh, that's a wonderful idea. Isn't it, Mr. Schubert? I can't think of a better one. Good. I'll take care of it right away. It's a beautiful day, isn't it, Miss Mitzi? Yeah, beautiful. You know, moments like this have been the theme of music since time began. A lovely girl, a spring day, and a lonely man. Once on a time in a kingdom by the sea Live the young princess... Ladies and gentlemen, today we have been present at the marriage of three of my two daughters. I mean, two of my three daughters to three of the two gentlemen. Papa, you're getting all mixed up. Now, Mitzi, if you're going to interrupt me, I'll lose the thread of the whole king here. I'll have to start all over again with the thread in one eye and the tear in the other. Now, as I would... Mr. Krantz, that on Schubert, please. Don't interrupt, please. But, Mr. Krantz, we're waiting to sing the pheronade Mr. Schubert composed especially for the occasion. Oh, really? Well, there is Mr. Schubert. I'm right here at the piano, Mr. Krantz. Oh, but... Mr. Schubert. Oh, thank you, Mr. Krantz. A little depressing, but pretty. Why, don't be silly, Mr. Krantz. People will be singing that song all playing on harps. That's what I mean. Depressing you, isn't it? Don't pay any attention to Papa, Mr. Schubert. It was beautiful. If my little song pleased you, Miss Mitzi, then I'm happy. Well, come, everybody. Coffee and cake in the garden. May I call Papa? You mean you want to rain at the table? Aren't you coming with us into the garden, Prime? Oh, no, thanks. I'm a little self-conscious among so many people. Among people or just around Mitzi? Isn't that obvious? It is to me. You know, I wrote my serenade just for her. I've tried to say everything in music that I've never been able to put into words. Did you tell her that? No. When I'm with her, my throat goes so dry it's all I can do to pass the time of day. Look, I've written another song for her, Prime. A love song. What would you sing it to Mitzi for me? Me? You have a way about you with women. I know it's asking a great deal, but I hope you might be willing to help me out. Why, of course I will, Prime. At least I'll do my best. Oh, thank you, my friend. There's a very beautiful lady in the garden asking for you. What's her name, Mr. Kranz? Madam Bella Bruna. Bella Bruna? You can't escape your past, Prime. Who wants to escape a past like Bella Bruna? Now, wait a minute. Don't let her charm fool you, Mr. Kranz. She has a violent temper. You see that scar on my hairline? Yes. Supery. No. Yes. Besides, she has a very jealous husband, if my memory serves me right. Her husband isn't with her, is he? No. Oh, good. Well, I'd better go out and get rid of her before he shows up and then I'll be covered with scars. But, friends, what about my song? I'll sing it to her later, Prime. Friends, friends, don't you chance to get your long letters mixed up? Friends, sober, friends, sober. Love letters. My friend, sober is a baron, a gentleman. Well, I... Well, you're nothing but a genius. You a sly old foxie. Papa, the guests are beginning to leave. And, oh, Mr. Schubert, I thought you'd gone. I know I... Well, if you'll excuse me, I'll go back to being host again and have your pressing in. Everyone enjoyed your serenade so much, Mr. Schubert. They were all talking about it outside. Would you permit me to dedicate it to you, Miss Mitzi? Oh, friends, how wonderful. I mean, Mr. Schubert. Oh, no, please. If you know what it means to have you call me, friend. Miss Mitzi, dare I hope that... Well, I got rid of Bella Brunei, I think. Oh, I beg your pardon. Oh, don't apologize, Baron Schubert. We're delighted to see you. Yes, of course, we're delighted. May I come in? Yeah, oh, Bella Brunei. I'm not intruding, Emma. Oh, of course not. Friends, didn't you want to say goodbye to Fritzi and Kitty? They're leaving on the honeymoon, you know. You'd better hurry. They were on their way when I came in. Yes, oh, we'll catch them. Come on, friends. Oh, we'll be right back, Miss Mitzi. I... I mean, we have something important to tell you. They're coming far? Coming. Charming man, Baron Schubert. Don't you think, Miss Grimes? Very. Tell me, Mr. Schubert. All copper friends are most pleasant. Now, wait till I know one who's head over heels and loved with you. You do? Who? Oh, come now. I'm sure you can guess the name of someone who just left the room. Madam, you embarrass me. I'll give you the initials then. Yes. How could you tell? He's so shy. Oh, shy with you, is he? That's a new method. What do you mean? Why, that bashful, shy creature with the silent man on the eloquent eyes has left the trail of broken hearts all over Vienna. I don't believe it. He's fine and good and... Oh, don't be taken in, my dear. These shy fellows are the worst of all. I don't believe you. You have no proof. No proof? Why, I am the proof. He was shy with me. He looked at me with those longing eyes. He sang to me. Oh, Madam. You must weep and let your tears be tears of joy. The far better to cry at your age than to cry at mine. Good afternoon, Miss Cranes. Oh, Cranes. Has she gone yet? Michi, Michi. What happened? What's wrong? Oh, leave me alone. Schoenberg. Schoenberg. Oh, you're both here. Franz, here's a copy of my song. Wouldn't that be a good time to... Oh, Mr. Schoenberg. Baron Schoenberg, I know you'll excuse me. I must see to our guests. No, no, no, wait, Michi. Just a moment, huh? You see, Franz has composed a new song that he wishes to lay at your feet. Doesn't that interest you? I'm sorry, I... Oh, please, come. Sit down and let me sing it to you. Oh, if you wish to sing it, Baron Schoenberg, it will give me great pleasure to listen. Good. Then sit here, huh? A place of honor in a private box. Franz, here's the orchestra ready. I'm here. The Zephyr mother to his love the trees The lilacs heal the honey to the bees The nightingale fobs out his accents long While I can only breathe to you in song While I... It was a time to speak to me, my friend. I wait for her answers in the garden. Very well, Franz. Michi. Franz Schubert wrote that song to tell you of his love. He worships you, Michi. He wants you for his wife. But I can't marry him, Franz. I don't love him. I... But you must love him, Michi. You're the whole world to him. Oh, Franz, I can't help how I feel. I can't change how I feel. I just feel I... It's you, you're how I love you. Michi. Oh, darling. What a fool I've been, I... Michi, I've always loved you. Oh, Franz. No. No. What have I... What have I done? I... It was for my dearest friend Franz Schubert I promised to speak. What can I say to Franz? Say nothing. Franz. I saw it all. And I understand. Franz, it was unintentional. Believe me. Can... Can you forgive me? Of course. It will bring me great joy to know that you both are happy. Go tell your father the glad news, Miss Michi. Come, darling. Goodbye, Miss Schubert. We'll never forget you. She loves him, of course. How could I have fought for a moment that she could care for me? Well, at least I have my music. My eternal mistress. She will never desert me. Missy. Missy. You've left me nothing but echoes of melody. I'll never write again. Never again. A caller at this hour? I've been quite ill. I'll see the gentleman, Mrs. Koberg. Won't you come in, sir? Thank you. I'm sorry to bother you so late in the evening, Mr. Schubert. But I am Count Shantouk, the husband of Madame Bella Bruton. Oh, yes. The opera singer. I just heard your unfinished symphony performed, Mr. Schubert. It was magnificent. Thank you. I'm so impressed. I'd like to arrange that you write an opera for Madame Bella Bruton. I should be honored as soon as my health improves. I came tonight because I may not be able to talk with you at a later date about this. However, I've arranged a payment for you in my will. Your will? Whether we meet again, Mr. Schubert, depends entirely upon the accuracy of my aid. Oh, a duo. But to say rather an affair of honor. An affair of honor. Can any fancied slight justify the taking of life? This is no fancied slight. This man's in love with my wife. And I know Baron Schubert's reputation. Schubert? Are you referring to Franz Schubert? Yes. We meet at dawn. Oh, Count Shantouk, this is all a mistake. Schubert is engaged to marry the daughter of the court jeweler, Mitzi Krantz. I beg of you, don't jeopardize their happiness. They are so much in love. Why have you made such a plea for them? He is my best friend. And she... She is the woman you loved and loved. Yes, but you don't want me to kill the man. Oh, no. There's enough unhappiness in the world. Let those who have been fortunate enough to find happiness keep and enjoy it. You plead well, sir. All right. Have Baron Schubert send his seconds to me. We'll arrange your reconciliation. Thank you. I'll send word to him at once. Mr. Schubert, we will meet again. It's a rare pleasure to meet a gentleman such as you. Good night, sir. Good night. Mrs. Colbert. Mrs. Colbert. Yes, Mr. Schubert. Go to the residence of Baron Schubert and ask him to come here immediately. It is of the utmost importance. Yes, sir. Oh, what music. What eternal music is sounding in my ears. Where is my pen? I must... I must write it down. Mitzi. Oh, it is her dear voice in my heart. Giving me inspiration. Truthful Madame Bella Brunner. The day of my sister's wedding, she warned me against a faceless lover. I thought it was you. I see. Oh, Fran, I can't bear to think of you like this. You're an alone. Will you let me try to make a man? I'll devote my life to making you happy. Do you mean you're in love with me, Mitzi? Well, I've always been very fond of you, Fran. I'll nurse you, serve you, treasure your music. Mitzi, look at me. Look at me and say, Fran, I love you. Oh, Fran, but... No good, my darling. You see, with all your generosity, you cannot give me that. So there is nothing you can't give me. Now, what has happened between you and shoulder? I'm never going to see him again. After some of the things Madame Bella Brunner said while... He loves you and you love him. It doesn't matter what anyone said. I don't love him. Oh, I see. Then you would desert him in his hour of danger. Danger? Count Shantof has challenged him to a duel. A duel? Take place at dawn. Oh, no, he can't. He might be killed. You see, you do love him. Come in. Oh, Mitzi, Mitzi, my dear. Oh, darling, darling. Fran, Count Shantof was here. He wants to speak to your second to arrange a reconciliation. A reconciliation? Oh, Fran, I don't know how to thank you. Don't try, my friend. Just be happy together always. We will, Fran. We will. And so I give my song of love to you. Take it. For it belongs to people like you who meet and fall in love in blossom time. You are my song of... By Dorothy Donnelly and the Fran Schubert music adapted by Sigmund Romberg. We in Holloway wrote the radio version of Blossom Time and our stars were Gordon McRae, The Priest Montelle and Kenny Baker.