 The mutual broadcasting system in cooperation with Family Theatre Incorporated presents Eddie Meets the Family, starring Gloria Dehaven and Richard Hart. Hogi Carmichael is your host. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. One of the great joys in life is to have a definite and useful goal to work towards. It's like going on a journey when you know you have a valuable and worthwhile end in view. And that's the story of every boy and girl starting out and getting married. They have one of the most wonderful goals in the world. Making a home. Making a happy home together and giving security to their family. Yes, and if sometimes it's tough going because they have to start without many of the things they'd like to have, things that they can't hope to get without hard work and sacrifice, it's good for these people to remember that one of life's great joys can be working together for that home they have planned to build. It's good for all of us to remember that we don't have to do it alone either. We can have the most powerful help in all of our work. We can have that help just for the asking. Prayer. Family prayer that should find a place in every home. Because with God's help there's joy and happiness in working together. Especially working towards the most wonderful goal in the world. Happy home. Hogy Carmichael will return following tonight's family theater story, Eddie meets the family starring Gloria Dehaven and Richard Hart. This is the story of Eddie and Francis. It's the story of a family in a big city. It might have taken place in San Francisco, New Orleans or Chicago. Actually, it happened in the Bronx. Isn't this wonderful chop suey, Eddie? I think Chin Lee's is about the best in the Bronx. I just love chop suey, don't you, Eddie? Yeah. Then why don't you eat it, Eddie? I've been thinking. What about? You. Me? Mm-hmm. Francis, will you marry me? Gosh, I don't know what to say. We practically just met. Why, Francis, it's nearly a month. Besides, what's time got to do with it if you love me? Oh, I do love you, Eddie, honest. I never felt like this about anyone before, but... Well, it seems we've known each other for such a short time. I got a reason for rushing you, Francie. You see, something very important's come up. Something very important? How? I've been offered a promotion. But it means I've got to be transferred out west, San Francisco. San Francisco? Yeah, that's my home, Francie. I got this job in New York when I came back from overseas. I never had any intention of staying here, though. Well, when would you have to leave? Two weeks. Two weeks? I want you to come back with me to San Francisco, Francie. Oh, gee, Eddie. Gee, let me think. Well, that means I'd have to leave my family and all my friends. Well, I've lived in the Bronx all my life. Well, after all, we'd be together, wouldn't we, Francie? Oh, of course, Eddie. I didn't mean it that way. You just took me by surprise. You know, my mother would never forgive me if I decided something so important without talking to her first. Yeah, I understand, Francie. I've been meaning to ask Eddie to come and meet them. Oh, they're really wonderful, especially my mother. Of course, they've got their faults, but, well, I'm very proud of them. I bet they're wonderful. When can we get together? Well, now let's see. Tomorrow's Sunday. Well, how about tomorrow? I suppose you drop around in the evening about, what, would seven o'clock be all right? Okay, Francie. That's a day. Roger, will you hand me that picture over there? I'm taking down the dead ducks and putting up the ballet dancer from my room. What's the big idea? Oh, I hate those dead ducks. I'd be ashamed to have Eddie see them in our dining room. Pause going to yell bloody murder. Here. Thanks. Now take the ducks. Gee, all this fuss. What kind of a gink is it, anyhow? He's not a gink, and I want you to be on your good behavior when he comes. Roger, I told you to empty the garbage. Francis, that picture. Your father will throw a fit. Maybe he won't notice it. Don't kid yourself. I'll put the dead ducks back after Eddie leaves. Mark, can I go to the paradise? Oh, all you've got in your mind is movies. Did you finish your homework? Yeah, except the algebra. Well, go upstairs and finish it right away. Answer the phone, Roger. Okay, I'll get it. Oh, mother. Mother, you've still got on that old house dress. I've been so busy in the kitchen right up to this very minute. Gladys! Gladys! Telephone! I thought Gladys was going to help you, mother. Oh, Gladys. She had to paint her nails, she said. Well, don't worry. I'll be ready in time for his royal highness. Francie, Tony just called. He wants to take me to a dance tonight. Well, you're not going, are you? I wouldn't take no for an answer. Oh, you're a fine sister. I asked you as a favor to stay home tonight and meet Eddie. Well, maybe he'll get here before I leave. Next time you ask a favor of me. Gee, Gladys, will you please take off that kimono supposing Eddie should come? I was just getting ready, wasn't I? Gee, what are you so nervous about? You think you never entertained a boyfriend before? Eddie's different. You sure pulled a fast one telling mother Lorraine Trimble as an old friend of yours. You didn't think you'd get caught, huh? Well, where did you make this guy anyway? Well, I can't tell you now, Gladys. Mom, I... All right. Come on upstairs and tell me while I get dressed. So that's the way it was, Gladys. Eddie was at the office dance. Lorraine met him and danced with him. Well, then he asked me to dance. You mean he's a pickup? Gee, don't say it just that way. Some of the girls in the office asked him to come. But I didn't like to tell mother the whole story. You know how she is about those things. Yeah. Hand me that hairbrush, will you? Gee, Gladys, we fell for each other right off. He's so different from everyone I've ever met before. Honest, I... I just can't keep my mind off of him. Gee, you sure got a bad. Gladys, Eddie proposed to me last night. Proposed to you? Yes, at Chin Lease. We were having dinner and... But, gee, you just met him practically. Well, nearly a month ago. Oh, did you tell mom? Oh, not yet. I thought maybe I'd wait till she saw him first. I've been in a regular tailspin. I don't know what to do, Honest. If anything should happen to spoil things, I... Oh, well, why should it? Well, there's a hitch. Eddie's going to be transferred to San Francisco, and he wants to take me with him. When? In two weeks. But, gee, Gladys, the thought of leaving New York and the family would've got me all upset. Well, talk him out of it, can't you? I've tried to... Listen, when a man's in love, he'll do anything if you handle him right. Yes, but that doesn't seem... Well, I mean, it isn't fair. Ah, don't be crazy, Francie. I bet that's Eddie. Hello, Eddie. Hi, Francie. Here, give me your hat. Come on, let's go in the front room. Phew. It's warm today, isn't it? Yes, but it isn't the heat. It's the humidity. Where are the folks? Well, my father's taking a nap, and my kid brother's doing his homework, and, oh, well, they'll all be down shortly. Eddie. Eddie, you won't expect them to be, well, too high-toned or anything. I wouldn't like them if they were. Here, some candy. Oh, gee, thanks, Eddie. Sweet things for a pretty girl. You do look very pretty tonight, Francis. Gosh, all compliments, and all dressed up, too. New suit, Eddie. Uh-huh. Oh, that's pretty classy. That's what I like about you, Eddie. You got class. Is that all you like about me? Come here. Oh, no, Eddie, don't now. Really, not now. They might pop in and... I'm crazy about you, Francie. Well, come on, Eddie. Come on, to sit down. You've got it fixed up real nice here, haven't you? Well, just wait till we have our own home. I'll be a knockout. Well, um, there's an apartment on the concourse, Eddie. It's, uh, it's gonna be vacant in a month, and I know the manager, and she said... What do we want with an apartment in the Bronx when we're going to San Francisco? Oh, you'll love it there, Francie. Well, gee, I just don't think I could love any place like New York. I guess it's only natural, though. I'm not intruding, am I? Oh, Eddie, I want you to meet my sister, Gladys. Gladys, this is Eddie Springer. Oh, I've been dying to meet you, Eddie. That's all she's been talking about. It's Eddie, this, and Eddie, then... Oh, sit down. You know you look just like a fellow I used to know, Joe Seller. Don't you think he looks like Joe, Francie? Yeah, you look just like him, honest. Have some candy? Oh, thanks. He turned out to be an awful heel, though. Gladys! Yes, Mother! Excuse me a minute. Turn on the radio, Gladys. What do you want, Mother? Oh, Francie, you'll just have to help me with these sandwiches if I'm ever gonna get dressed. I asked Gladys, but you know how she is. All right, Mother, go ahead and dress. I'll do it. And put some powder on your nose. It's shiny. All right. Mother, Mother, take a peek through the door. I want you to see Eddie. I did. He's nice-looking, isn't he? Uh-huh. Art's better-looking. Mother, Mother, I was gonna wait, but maybe I'd better tell you now. Mother, Eddie proposed to me last night. What? He wants to marry me. But you hardly know him. Oh, but I do. Gee, it seems like years. Oh, my goodness. And we want to get married right away. What? Oh, I mean he's leaving. And he's leaving for San Francisco. He's being transferred. And he wants me to go with him. San Francisco, are we out there? Oh, Francis, would you want to live thousands of miles away from your mother and your family and all your friends? No, I wouldn't. But if I could only get him to give up the idea and stay here in New York. Oh. Gee, Mother, I love him so. I just don't know what to do. Oh, well, I'd better talk this over with your father. Yes, and hurry down. And, Mother, Mother, listen. Will you please tell Dad not to come down in his suspenders? Oh, yes. Yes, I'll do that. Francis, Eddie isn't in there alone, is he? Oh, no. Gladys is entertaining him. Gladys, did anyone ever tell you that you looked like Lana Turner? Everybody tells me that. You know, yesterday, a customer was leaning over the counter. You know, at Macy's, where I work. And he said, if I was the town scout, I'd sign you up for Hollywood. You know, that's my dream, Eddie, to land in the movies. And you know, my lifeline says that I have a very fortunate future. What about your lifeline, Eddie? Let me see your hand. Gee, will you look at that lifeline? You're gonna live forever. Hey, what do you know? Your heartline is just like mine. See, that means your head rules your heart. Gee, don't you love that piece? Come on, let's dance. Mmm, that's nice perfume. Kiss me. What? That's the name of the perfume. Say, you didn't even come in. That's funny. I gave it to me for my birthday. Well, who's I at, your boyfriend? No, he's Francis' friend. Oh. Mm-hmm. Well, she never mentioned it to me. Oh, didn't she? Gee, you're a swell dancer, Eddie. What's he like? Who are? Well, for one thing, he's darn good-looking. The folks are all crazy about him. He's almost like one of the family. Hey, see, do you know who this is? Watch, and I'll show you. Well, what's he do for a living? He's a window trimmer at Gimples. Well, I see you two got off to a good start. Oh, he's cute, Francis. If he wasn't yours, I'd steal him from you. Uh-oh, that must be Tony now. Well, here's where I take a powder. Goodbye, Eddie. Nice meeting you. Come again soon, won't you? Well, how do you like Gladys? Oh, she's fine. Wonderful. Talks like a blue streak. Where's your mother? Oh, she went upstairs to wake up my father. Sit down, Eddie. Have some more candy? What's the matter, Stella? Well, get dressed and come downstairs. Eddie's here. Eddie? Who's Eddie? Oh, you know, Francis' new boyfriend. All right. Oh, Frank, I'm so upset. He wants to marry her. Who? Eddie. He wants to marry Francis. This is pretty all of a sudden, isn't it? Oh, that's just it. We haven't even met him. And Frank, he wants to take her way out west to San Francisco. What? In two weeks. Oh, Frank, just the thought of it. Our little girl miles and miles away from us, and we don't know anything about him. He was overseas. Oh, dear. You hear such terrible things. Stop blubbering, Stella. You know how I feel about Francis. She's such a comfort to me. And another thing, Frank, if Francis goes, how are we going to pay off that Chesterfield set we just bought and the Frigidaire? They're not married yet. No, but she's crazy about him. She never acted like this before. Oh, she could only have fallen for art, steady and reliable, and he loves the bras. Well, let me talk to him. Maybe I can change his mind about leaving New York. Oh, I wish you good right now. Now hurry up and get dressed and come down. I won't rest till you've seen him. And, Frank, please wear your coat. It's too darn hot. Well, then take off your suspenders. Francis asked me to tell you. Oh, here's Mother now, Eddie. Mother, I want you to meet Eddie Springer. This is a great pleasure, Mr. Springer. Call him Eddie, Mother. I've heard so much about you. I know now where Francie gets her good looks. Oh, thank you. Want some candy, Mother? Your home's out West, Francis told me. San Francisco. It's a great town. I get set up in a job and I return from overseas, but, well, I could never make my home here in New York. Well, San Francisco's all right. Have you ever been there? No, but I've seen it in the movie. Swarm, isn't it? Yes, that's one thing I could never get used to, this New York heat. Oh, but you get those awful frogs in San Francisco, don't you? Yes, but, well, they're bracing. Worst thing for sinus trouble, we all suffer from sinus in this family. What's keeping Father? He's getting dressed here. He'll be down in a minute. Why don't you take Eddie out in the front porch and sit in the swing? It's much cooler out there. I'll make some coffee and we'll have some sandwiches. That's a good idea. Come on, Eddie. Look at those clouds, Eddie. I bet we're going to have a thunderstorm. All right. Hey, doesn't the L disturb you? Keep you awake at night. Oh, I'm so used to that sound. I never noticed it anymore. Francie, how come you never told me about Art? What do you mean? Just that. Well, there's nothing to tell. I understand he's giving you the rush act. Glad to tell you that. Gee, you know how she just talks on and on and... You must encourage him a little, or he wouldn't be so interested in you. Oh, I don't, Eddie. Honest, I don't. Gee, you ought to hear the way I tell him off. But he just doesn't do any good. He's the kind of person you can insult, no matter how you try. Oh, wise guy, huh? Yes. Sometimes I could scream. I'd like to meet that guy. Oh, forget it, Eddie. He isn't worth the trouble. Gee, can't you get it in your head that it's you, Eddie? I never even think of another fellow anymore. You certainly got a jealous disposition. I can't help it. It burns me up just to think of another fellow looking at you. Well, you've got nothing to worry about. Um, Eddie, maybe after a while we could take a little walk. Oh, sure. On the concourse, and I'll show you that apartment house I was telling you about. What do I want to see that for? Well, the manager's a friend of mine, and there's certainly no harm in looking in. He's there. Francia, oh, excuse me. What do you want, Roger? Oh, Eddie, this is my kid brother, Roger. Hello, Roger. Hello. I thought you were doing your algebra. I was, but I got stuck. Are you good at algebra, Eddie? Used to be my best subject. Well, I wonder maybe you could help me with it. Eddie didn't come here to do your homework for you. Don't you do it, Eddie. I wish Art was here. He's a wizard algebra. Yeah, let me see that problem. Francia says you were real brainy. I guess I could do it if I put my mind on it. Roger, didn't you say you wanted to see that movie at the Paradise? Yeah, but I'm broke. Well, there's some money in my top drawer. No, no, no, no, no, let me. Here, Roger. She a dollar. Thanks, Eddie. Roger, you shouldn't do that. She, you're a regular guy, Eddie. Don't tell Ma, will you? No, it's just between us. Oh, honest, Eddie. The more I see of you, the more I realize how wonderful you are. Here, let me fix that cushion. Eddie, what are you thinking about? That job out west. Francis! Oh, here's my father, Eddie. Father, I want you to meet Eddie Springer. How do you do, sir? How do you do? I'm always glad to meet any of my daughter's friends. Well, thanks. Warm, isn't it? Yeah, I guess we're due for a thunderstorm. I can always tell, get pains in my joints. Who's that, Francis, coming up the walk there? I can't... Oh, yes, it's Aunt Ollie. Hello, there. Aunt Ollie, what a surprise. Hello, Ollie. Oh, hello, Frank, how are you? Fine. Aunt Ollie, I want you to meet my friend, Eddie Springer. Oh, glad to know you, Mr. Springer. She's my father's sister. She's a schoolteacher. Well, don't look so scared, Mr. Springer. I won't put you in the corner. Well, Ollie! Oh, hello, Stella. It's about time you dropped around. It's almost a month since. No, it was two weeks Friday. Was it? Oh, come on in, folks, the coffee's ready. Try one of these minced ham sandwiches, Ollie. Oh, thanks. You'll look all in, Ollie. What's the matter? Oh, got a headache. I've been correcting geography papers all day. Who took down my picture? Oh, what'd I tell you, Francis? Why, I did, Father. Well, of all... Why? Why did you take it down? Oh, Father, because I hate those dead ducks. Just a look at them takes your appetite away. I've been there for eight years and I want them there. That picture was given to me by my lot. Now, Frank, she'll put it back. Don't make such a holler below. Uh, Eddie, will you have some more coffee? Uh, how's Gladys? Is she home? Uh, no, no, Ollie, she had a date. Who did she go out with? Uh, with, uh, with Tony. I told you I didn't want her to go out with him. Listen, folks, why don't you all go in the other room and have some music? I'll clear the table. Well, I guess it's just one of those things, Mr. Hellman. The minute I laid eyes on Frances, I knew she was the girl I wanted to marry. But you hardly know each other. You only met, when was it, two months ago? Well, less than that. Oh, well, I think it's romantic. Ollie, please. Why, Mrs. Hellman and I were engaged the whole year before we were married. That's right, Eddie. Yes, but circumstances are all the cases. But we don't know anything about you. What do you want in her? Well, don't get me wrong, Eddie. You look like a nice, clean-up, bright young man, but, well, appearances are sometimes deceiving. She's our own flesh and blood, Mr. Springer. Well, I'm 26, I'm strong and healthy, and I have a good job with this promotion coming up, and I have 1,000 in the bank. 1,000? That's not very much, is it? Well, you and Frank were married on a shoestring. Times were different, then, Ollie. Marriage is a serious business. You said a mouthful. You never know how serious it is until after you've taken the plunge. There are a lot of things you find out about each other after... Well, Frank, you're not insinuating that... No, no, I was just making a remark. And I don't see why you two have to rush into this. Can't you wait a while? At least four or five months. But, Mr. Hellman, don't you understand... Oh, did Francis? Oh, Francis, come on in. All this concerns you. Well, I'll tell you what I'll do, Eddie. If you'll be satisfied to wait, say, oh, three months or so, and if you still want to marry Francis, I'll fix up those two rooms upstairs in front for you. Well, no thanks. No thanks, Mr. Hellman. Now, don't turn up your nose until you see them. But don't you understand, I've got this big offer in San Francisco. If I pass it up, I'd be missing one of my biggest opportunities. Oh, Eddie, won't there be opportunities for you here? Not like this one, Francie. I'd have to wait years. Well, a man with brains can make opportunities anywhere. I think you're just being contrary. Eddie, but the thought of being torn away from the family, I'd miss them terribly. Well, I... I guess you don't love me as much as you think, Francie. That's about the size of it. Oh, but I do, Eddie. What's wrong? I'm so confused, Eddie. I know, I know. The whole world's confused. Well, somebody's got to keep his head. You can't be a little girl all your life, Francie. You've got to grow up sometime. You've got to know what you want, and you've got to take your stand. Now, I know what I want. I know I want to marry you because I love you, and I... I know I want a home and a family. And I know that job out west is a wonderful opportunity. Art would never have said a thing like that. Art, Art, that's all I've heard of since I came here. Art, he must be a little tin... Well, if he's so wonderful, why didn't Francie marry him? Because I don't love him. Art hasn't a selfish bone in his body. Now I'm selfish. Yes. It strikes me you're the selfish ones. You want to keep Francis all the... You want to keep it tied to your apron strings. I... I suppose I can't exactly blame you. She's pretty wonderful, but... Well, you've got to part with her sometime. Well, they're not selfish, Eddie. They're the most wonderful parents in the world. But they're possessive, Francie. They don't want to let go of you. That's not true, Eddie. Oh, good gosh. No matter what I say, I'll end in the doghouse. I came here tonight in a friendly spirit. I wanted to meet the family, get acquainted, let you know how things stood between Francie and me, but everyone took exception to everything I said. I don't know why you can't see my side of the situation. It seems to me that it... Oh, what's the use? I guess I'd better keep my mouth shut before I step on somebody else's toes tonight. Besides, it's... it's getting late. Well, maybe I'd better go along. Sorry if I blew my top. Well, that's the kind of a guy I am. Yeah, I guess I'd better be going. Eddie, there's no reason to be all upset. Where's my head, Francie? It's in the hole. Nice to have met all of you. Good night. Good night. Eddie, wait. Hello, Ollie. Oh, Francis, Francis, go after him. Stop it. Don't you do it, Francis. Stop putting in, Ollie. Oh, Eddie. Oh, don't cry, Francis. He'll come back. No, he won't. He won't. Oh, I hate you for what you've done tonight. Come on. And sit over here on the swing, Ollie. I'm quite comfortable here, Stella. Sitting there like an owl. Why don't you say something, Ollie? Well, I guess I'm too disgusted to say anything. Disgusted? Yes. The way you acted tonight, Frank, was disgraceful. All that fuss about the picture. Oh, I was so mad I could have brained you with it. You forget your own youth. You lose all sense of romance. Romance? What do you know about romance? You mean because I'm an old maid? Now, Frank. Yes, I'm an old maid, all right. And do you want to know why? Because our mother was just as selfish and possessive as you were tonight. Ollie. I don't care. It's the truth. She discouraged any young man who took a fancy to me. She criticized them, picked them to pieces. None of them were good enough. And when I finally woke up, it was too late. And it was the same with you, Frank. Mother tried to tie you to a raping string, too. And if you hadn't stood your ground and shown some backbone, well, you'd never have broken away and married Stella. What do you mean? Didn't your mother like me? Well, if you must tell, Stella, she didn't. Not at first. Ollie, what's the good of bringing this up now? What didn't she like about me? Well, for one thing, she thought you were flighty. Flighty? Yes, and a little on the bull side, too, on account of those peek-a-boo waist you used to wear. Bulls? Frank, why didn't you tell me all this? Well, Ollie, I hope you're satisfied. I don't care. I just wanted to make you realize how you were taking the same possessive attitude toward Francie. Frances, where are you going? After Eddie. It's going to storm any minute. I don't care. Frances? I'm in a hurry. Goodbye, Ollie. Frances, don't do anything foolish. I won't. Gee, Eddie. I hope you don't think I'm bull coming after you like this. I thought you would. That's why I waited here at the corner. Where we go? Oh, I don't care. Oh, I know. Let's take a ride on the subway. Well, we can get some privacy, huh? Yes. Let's take the subway to Columbus Circle. And, well, and then, then let's walk down to Times Square. And then we could go into Charles and have some hotcakes and coffee. I want to take a last look at all of that, Eddie, because I guess I won't be seeing it for a long time now. Oh, Francie. Francie. This is Hoagie Carmichael again. You know some people have a way of seeing the sad side of things. No matter what happens, they can usually find something to complain about. And if there's nothing to complain about, they usually dig up something to worry about. And that's a sad way of doing things. That's a way of bickering and nagging that makes for a lot of unhappiness in a family. And on the other hand, instead of worrying and complaining, there's a bright and hopeful way of looking at difficulties. That's what faith in God can give. That's what the daily practice of family prayer can bring into our homes. It's the hope and happiness of knowing that we have God's help in our family problems. Yes, daily family prayer brings patience and understanding. It brings a new and brighter viewpoint into our lives. It gives unity to a home for the family that prays together, stays together. Before saying goodnight, I'd like to thank Gloria Dehaven and Richard Hart for their performance this evening and our thanks to Wall Spence for writing tonight's play and to Max Terefori's music. This production of Family Theater Incorporated was directed by David Young. Others who appeared tonight were Sarah Salbe, Ruth Barrett, Bernice Barrett, and Jimmy Og. Next week, our Family Theater Stars will be Victor Jory, Scottie Beckett, and Joan Carroll in Their Only Son, and your host will be Gary Cooper. This is Hoagie Carmichael saying goodnight, and God bless you. This series of the Family Theater broadcasts is made possible by the thousands of you who felt the need for this kind of program and by the mutual broadcasting system which has responded to this need. Be with us next week when our Family Theater Stars will be Victor Jory, Scottie Beckett, and Joan Carroll, with Gary Cooper as host. Tony Lofrano speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.