 Lux presents Hollywood. Lux Radio Theatre brings you Roddy MacDowell, Pestin Foster and Rita Johnson in Thunderhead, Son of Flicka. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William Keely. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. In this turbulent, fast-changing era, the ways of man are often hard to understand, and equally so, the way of a man with a maids. But unchangeable is the way of a boy with his horse. Mutual sympathy and understanding. That loyal friendship is the basis of tonight's Lux Radio Theatre play, Thunderhead, Son of Flicka, from the studios of 20th Century Fox, with the same stars who made that screen hit so endearing to American theater-goers. Rita Johnson, Roddy MacDowell and Pestin Foster. Three years ago, we introduced Flicka and her master to you in the play to which this drama is a sequel. Your many letters received since then, asking to hear Thunderhead, are answered now with a story that holds all the action and excitement, all the warmth and color of its predecessor. Our background is the mightiest forests and prairies of the Northwest, which brings back to me many treasured memories of months spent in that unforgettably beautiful region, filming God's country and the woman. Among those memories are the many remote logging camps where our location seems leather. Simple, picturesque communities where life is rough, but the standard of cleanliness is high. And it was a common occurrence to see those stalwart woodsmen laundering their own clothes in long wooden straws. I might add a common sight to see that friendly package of Lux Flakes beside them. A reminder to the fair sex in our audience that Lux Flakes are just as important in a man's world as a woman. We raise our curtain now on Act One of Thunderhead, Son of Flicka, starring Roddy McDowell as Ken, Preston Foster as Rob and Rita Johnson as Nell. Late spring afternoon and above the lofty meadows of the Wyoming Rockies, ominous Thunderheads reverberate between towering mountain peaks still capped with snow. Below in the far distance is the Goose Bar Ranch, from whose sheltered confines a boy named Ken has gone in search of his horse. Dwarfed by the landscape and buffeted by the approaching storm, the boy struggles over rocky ledges in answer to a familiar sound. Oh, there you are. I didn't get a gun, huh? Horses are supposed to have horses then. Don't you know there's a storm coming up? You should be home in the barn. And if you... I think of what to matter. Come on, girl. Come on. I don't know. Why, Flicka, you've had your coat. You've got a baby horse. Oh, come on. That's white. Your coat's white. It can't be white. Oh, I'm sorry, Flicka. It's a beautiful coat. Honest it is. Hello, baby. How do you feel, huh? Scared? Well, I'm not gonna urge you. You just gotta get out of here, though. Both of you. It's for the storm break. Come on, Flicka, don't worry. He'll follow you. He's getting up. But please, Harry Flicka, hurry, or we'll never get home. Gus, it's happened. She's had a coat. Who has a coat? Flicka. Yeah? Who? Sure is. I mean, no, it isn't. She's done in the gully, Gus. And the coat's got stuck in the wash. I can't get him out. Why didn't you say so? Come on. Gus, if we don't get there before the storm breaks... Nothing to worry about. They've been born in cold thunder a long time now. Listen. Huh? Gus, that gully will be a river. Gus, hurry, the coat's around. He's stuck there. Still small. Morning. How are you, baby? How do you feel? Hard night. Oh, he's beautiful, isn't he, Gus? He looks like a whore. I'm gonna train him, Gus. I'm gonna run him myself. He's a racehorse. Oh? You think the little fella can run, eh? Sure he can run. He's gonna be the greatest racehorse in the world. That's nice. We've got it all figured out. There, I hope you're right. We can use the little good luck around here, I bet you. Can. Oh, that sound like my healthy. Can. What is it, Hildy? You might have heard it. Thanks, Hildy. Oh, you're welcome. Gus, uh, you didn't tell Dad about the coat. Well, I know Kenny. You said not to tell him that. Well, why don't you want anybody to know? Well, because... Well, he's a very special coat, and I want a surprise, Dad. Oh. Well, I won't tell him, Cam. Oh, thanks. Oh, you're welcome. Oh, say, there's a pop now, Cam. Are you gonna surprise him now? No, and gee whiz, Hildy. Can't you ever mind your own business? Oh, I guess so. But it isn't much fun. Hello, Dad. Morning, young fella. Joining the breakfast? Yes, sir. Oh, Dad, um, what would you do if you had all the money you wanted? All the money I wanted? Well, I guess you'd buy your mother a fur coat, a diamond ring, and take a cruise to South America and see what kind of horses they really raise down there. Then what would you do? You mean there's some left? Oh, sure. Well, if you really want to know, I'd buy some more broodmears. It makes this just about the best ranch in the West. Hey, what's this all about? Well, I have an idea that's gonna make us a lot of money, Dad. You have, huh? Well, that's fine. Well, now it may take a couple of years, but... Oh. Look, Charlie Sergeant. Charlie, how are you? Morning, Rob. What's your visitor? Who is he, Dad? Looks like Major Harris. Hello, Kenny. Morning, Mr. Sergeant. Major Harris. Glad to see you again. Thanks. I'm on another buying tour, McLaughlin. Hello, young man. Hello. Well, let's get on in the house. How's the road? Do I storm too much, Sammy? Only got stuck once. Good morning, Charlie. Hello, now. Major Harris, what are you doing out here in the wilderness? Oh, just wondering if your husband has any more horses to sell. Not major. You got to clean with the crop last time. We were just gonna have breakfast. Want to join us? Wouldn't think of it. Not much. He wouldn't. He can smell a home cooking 20 miles away. You're not kidding. Come on, it's all ready. Watch out, Ken. Oh, we'll leave you next the day. More to sell us, McLaughlin. Those horses you sold us last year were the talk of the fort. They should have been. Who ever heard of selling hunters and polo ponies for 200 bucks a head? Well, that's standard army prices. Well, I wouldn't have taken a loss like that. You're just sore because those would-be races. Yours aren't good enough for the army. Not good enough? What about Appalachian? Oh, Charlie, not Appalachian again. Then why not? Sixty generations of race horses behind him and every one of his colts is a winner. Can I help it if my stud ends the best in the country? Better than the albino? The albino? Who'd he belong to? Nobody. Oh, oh, excuse me. Oh, excuse me. That's all right, son. No, Major, nobody owned the albino. He drifted over here from Montana and nearly drove the ranchers crazy. He was wild. Never could run him down. Every summer for six years he came out of the hills and raided our herds. He'd drive off as many mares as he could and only the best. Then he started to try to stop him and was in for a battle. He killed several of the finest horses in this country. Yes, sir, a robber baron if there ever was one. Cost us ranchers thousands of dollars and what became of him? He knows. Just disappeared four years ago. Sounds more like a legend than a real horse. Oh, he was real enough. Oh, yes, Major. My man Flickers is daughter. What do you want to miss McGregor? Oh, you will. Can't you know about the surprise yet? Beauty, I told you. But I didn't say a word about the cold. Cold? What cold? Well, Dad, uh... Well, Flickers had a fork. Oh, Ken, that's wonderful. It's down in the barn. Well, uh, let's go see it. Come along, Major. I'll show you a cold even Charlie here. Well, Dad, here he is. Flickers cold? This? Yes, sir. Ah, that's ridiculous. He's white. What's the matter, Rob? I thought you said your stallion, Banner, sired this cold. Banner's always fired, too, before. A white cold. But there's nothing wrong with a white cold, Dad. He's just as good as any other. Of course he is. Watch it, Kenny. He's breaking. Stop! Stop! Get it! He's running away. Hold on to him! Come back! Don't lie! I got some... Look, Adam Ken, he's a goblin. He looks just like a goblin. You keep out of this. This is a goblin. Yeah, he'll be alone. Well, he's not a goblin. He's out of Flickers. No, son. He takes a racer and a sire a racer. He was sired by a racer, Mr. Sargent. You mean that Banner's not his father? No, sir. He isn't. Well, then who is? Uh, Appalachian. Appalachian? What? That chug-headed coach by my Appalachian? Honest, Mr. Sargent. Now whose horse doesn't sire, too? Ken, what's this all about? Well, Mom, you know I've always wanted a racer. Well, Mr. Sargent said what a wonderful horse Appalachian was, so, well, I took Flicker over to his ranch. You what? Uh, don't you know what it cost to have a coach sired by a famous stallion? Well, Dad, I was figuring the pay, Mr. Sargent, out of my winnings. He says Appalachian's coach always win, and I... I guess he's got you there, Charlie. I'm in my big mouth. Okay, son, you don't owe me a cent. What's more, I'll give you a certificate. Oh, gosh, thanks, Mr. Sargent. But how come that coach pure white when my stallion's cold black? Maybe he takes off his grandfather. The albino? Yeah, that's it. He's a throwback to the albino. You know what that means, Ken? Huh? It means that if he inherits any of the trace of that wild devil, he'll never make anything out of him. It just can't be done. Yes, Dad, I... I understand. Well, Ken, there they are. Our whole herd. Yes, Dad. I know, boy, if I were a horse, coming inside me said this was the season to head for those mountains up there. Well, I couldn't ask for a finer day. And if I was a horse, Dad, I guess I wouldn't want anybody to leave me, but Banner there. Look at him, Dad, rounding him up just as if he was a cowboy. Your Banner knows he's got a job to do, and he's all for doing it. That's it, Banner. Get him together, boy. Take a care of the herd now. Understand? Dad, look, there they go. Goodbye, Banner. Goodbye. Well, that's gonna seem strange around here to those empty corrals. I still got Flickr and Goblin. And I still think their place is with the herd. But, Dad, you said I could keep them. Yeah, you're a horse. Do what you want. No, you hear Banner and the herd running off to the mountains, don't you? You want to go, too. Right, girl, you can go. See them out there, Flickr? Running and dancing is... Go on, Flickr. Go catch Banner. Hey, what's the matter with you, Goblin? Why aren't you going with your mama? Go on, beat it. Now, look, Goblin, you may be a horse, but you sure act like a mule sometimes. Now get out of here. Go on. That's it. Goblin, go with your mama. Go along, Flickr. Goodbye, Goblin. See you next friend. Oh, Dad. That was nice of you, Ken, letting Flickr and the coles go. Well, I guess I don't exactly need them. That's Goblin's tough. He'll get along. But he isn't like other coles. I'll say he isn't. All the coles I've ever seen act like they're tied to their mother. But that young fella, he'll want to investigate everything for himself. It won't make any difference whether it's a coyote or a rattler. When the storms come down from the hills and the herd takes shelter, that little fool horse will want to stick his nose right into the wind and fight back. But old banner won't stand for any nonsense. Goblin may be the grandson of the great albino, but the banner is just another nuisance of a cole. Well, son, I wonder what he'll look like in the spring. Oh, he'll be beautiful, Dad. Just you wait and see. I only wish that... What? But I only wish spring wasn't so far off. In fact, he's flying. What's that, you guys? What kind of a watch is that? Stopwatch. What's that? Oh, don't bother me now. He'll be on time in Goblin. Oh! Get on those gates, guys. Hey, Ken! Coming! Well, son, what are you thinking of horse now? Oh, he's great, Dad. Hey, how far is it at the top of that nose? Oh, a couple of hundred yards. Oh, that's wonderful, right? That's why he made it an almost nothing flat. Look! Fifteen seconds. What a race horse. Second! That's fine, Ken. Now, eat your lunch. And mom, Dad put Goblin in the corral all by himself. Boss, we're missing three mares. Taggots, sky high and brownies. They ain't with the herd. Oh, Rob, our prize man. Maybe the wolves got them. I'll bet it was Cousins. Oh, you here, too. If it was, he would have found signs. Then what could have happened to them? Oh, they probably just strayed. We'll find them tomorrow. No, boss. He and me looked everywhere. Yeah, sure. Yeah, boss. Well, I guess that settles it. Yep, that settles it. Thanks, Gus. Come on, Heather. Oh, Rob, the herd's so small now we can't afford to lose those mares. Well, we just have to buy some others. They're so expensive. They've been schooling and got some gym to pay and they've had to pay. Well, we'll have to figure it out some way. I don't start to worry, honey. We'll find a way. I haven't got time to explain. You're going to try to put a rope around Goblin, aren't you? Look, if you've got to sit on the corral fence, I guess there's nothing I can do about it. But don't bother me. Oh, I won't, honey. I'll just look. Okay, Goblin, you can quit your fooling now. The way things are going on around here, it's about time you and I got down to some business. No, Larose. He won't hurt you. Now, I'll just put it around you. Hey! Take them back if you can, Goblin. Go on, you. All right, run. I can run, too. There's more than one way to skin a cat. Go on, run. I'll show you. You won't like that, but I'll have to do it. I'll get you. Get out of here, Hilly. You want to get yourself killed? I'll get you, Goblin. Do as I tell you. I won't miss him this time. There. Why? Look, Penny, look out. Oh, Goblin. Oh, go on your hoe. Penny, show up. I'm trying to get up. Don't tell me. Tell Goblin, hoe there, hoe. You're supposed to get away from that. Would someone please mind telling me what's going on around here? Oh, nothing much, Mom. I'm just trying to break Goblin. You sure it isn't the other way around? Why? I've got him practically eating out of my hand, Dad. Out of your hand? You're honest. I see what you mean, Hilly. All I need is just a little more time, Dad. Just take it easy, Goblin. I'll be around to see you tomorrow, boy. We've got work to do, son. Lots of work. Can't I ever do something without you having you tagging along? That's a hole you've got, huh? It's going to put a hole around Goblin, huh? That's exactly what I'm going to do. Hello, Goblin. Here, boy, look. It's sugar. Good, isn't it? Yes, sir. You and I are just going to get along fine. Uh-huh. And if you'll listen to reason one, you'll be a resource before you even know it. Now, this is only a hole for Goblin. It won't hurt, dude. It's only a hole, huh? Oh, no. Now, don't tell me we have to go through all this foolishness again. Now, you know who's boss around here, so behave yourself. Hold, dawg, gun your hole. Cut it out. Want me to take this hole to shank to you? Now, Goblin, I'm trying to be faking... I got the crown! Hold! Stop it, you crazy rock. Come back here! Come back! Let it be like it's grandfather. See if I care. Of all the mean-tempered, stubborn idiots I've ever... Losing your temper is no way to train a horse, then. I'm not going to train him, Dad. You started this thing and you're going to see it through. I can't use Goblin anything, Dad. What's more, I think he hates me. He hated you. He'd never let you step inside that carouse. No horse is going to be broken without putting up a scrap. I know, Dad, but... Well, one minute, Goblin's as gentle as a kitten, and then just when I think I'm getting somewhere, he turns out in all. That's because Goblin has a problem, too. He can't make up his mind whether he wants to be like Flicker or like the albino. Fighting himself, like most of us do. What he needs is a little patience and understanding. Now go and find that horse and bring him back. Yes, ma'am. The herd's on the upper passes. Ten to one, that's where they'll be. I'll find him, Dad. Flicker and I, we'll bring him back. I could have been back an hour ago. Oh, stop worrying now. Chances are Goblin took off into the hill. Well, I don't think we should let Ten go on with this. Goblin's too wild. Dan'll handle him. He broke Flicker, didn't he? Goblin isn't like Flicker. This is no time to discourage him, just when the boy's beginning to take an interest in the ranch. Besides, we want to send him off to military school, don't we? I don't know what that's got to do with it. Breaking Goblin's very apt to make a man out of him. He'll need to be a man, won't he? Wait a minute. That you can? Dad, Dad. In here. Dad, the albino's come back. Why? He's waiting to hurt. The albino. Well, it couldn't be. The albino hasn't been around here in years. I threw that. I saw him. He was running like the wind, fighting banners, singing out the mares. What happened to our mares? That has all cut up, Dad. I didn't know what to do. I... Get Justin Tim. Tell him to saddle up and bring the rifles. You mean... You mean we're going after the albino? Tonight? That's exactly what I mean. The albino's Preston Foster, Roddy McDowell, and Rita Johnson will return in a moment with act two of Thunderhead's Son of Flicker. Tell me, Libby, is it true that most movie stars have pet superstitions? No, yes, indeed. Very special ones and often. Now, there's Maureen O'Hara, 20th Century Foster's Auburn Hair Beauty. She insists she lost an important role because she looked at a new moon out of a window. Judging by the great part she has as a Broadway actress and sentimental journey, it didn't hurt her screen career. She has another amusing superstition. She wears a pet slip when she starts a new picture. She bought it for a gift several years ago, but liked it so much, she kept it herself. Several years ago? And she's still wearing it? Oh, yes, and it's lovely. I saw it when she was being fitted for those stunning, curvaceous clothes she wears in sentimental journeys. She takes good care of that slip, says it brings her luck, and it always gets luxe care, Mr. Kennedy. Any slip is lucky that gets luxe care. Remember those famous lingerie tests we've talked about, Libby? Slips and nightgowns washed with strong soap, hot water, and handled roughly still look faded and drab, but identical under things, washed the luxe way, stayed lovely three times as long. And that's important these days, Mr. Kennedy. You know, it's hard to find pretty undies in the stores. So we girls are being thrifty. We're just insisting on luxe care. And if you don't find luxe in the store, ask for it again. It's certainly worth waiting for. Another way I found to be thrifty, Mr. Kennedy, is this. After I luxe my undies, I use the same suds for stockings. Luxe makes such rich suds a little goes a long way. A good suggestion. These days nobody should ever waste soap. Back now to Mr. William Keely. We continue with Sunda Head, Sunda Flickr, starring Rita Johnson as Nell, Preston Foster as Rob, and Roddy McDowell as Ken. Our curtain rises on Act Two. All night long under a bright moon, an unsuccessful search for the wild albino horse continues. Through canyons and up to the Timberline, a course full in streams, and finally to the edge of a vast rain called the Buckhorn. This is as well, all right. Look at those tracks, Tim. These two, boss. That albino took plenty of company with him. That's fine. More of our mares. Dad, look. Goblin's gone with the albino. Goblin? Sure, here is his tracks. I told you I announced his hope. I recognize you. That cool goblin gets near the mares and the albino has cut him to pieces. Wait, there's no sense going any further. Yeah, he's taken him clear into Buckhorn range. But, Daddy, he just can't disappear off the face of the earth. There's a million canyons in Buckhorn. We're going back home. Hey, down there, look. Dad. Well, I'll be... It's Goblin, Daddy. He didn't run away. It's Goblin. Hey, take it easy. I'm coming, Goblin. Wait for me. I'm coming. Gosh, I'm glad to see you. Dad, look, he's hurt. Look at his tracks. Yeah, man. All cut up. I hope. And a mighty big one. The albino. But, but Goblin will be all right won't he, Daddy. It won't keep him from running. I don't know. He's pretty barely shaken up. My guess he's going to be all right, though. Oh, gosh. Put her up around him, Tim. Well, take it easy going back. Yes, boy. And, uh, you're pretty determined to run, Goblin, aren't you? Yes, sir. We'll be going away to school soon. But, well, he won't be ready to run for a long time yet. Not a year, anyway. You've got lots to learn, the two of you. And I guess we don't have much money, do we? Then take it quite a licking, son. All your mother and I can do to get you into the academy. I know. And there's just not enough money for both. Keep you in school and find what it takes to turn a jug-headed cold into a resource. Well, Dad, I'll... I'll do whatever you want. Thanks, Ken. You know... Yes, sir? Next year, just about this time, you'll be coming home for spring vacation. Yes, sir? And just about this time next year, Goblin here should be ready for a serious workout on a racetrack. Oh, dad, dad, thanks! I don't know how we'll manage it, son, but, uh, well, we'll manage. Looks great, Rob. Sort of the boy, too. Uh, it's great to have him home again, Charlie. And how he looks forward to this day. Oh, it's wonderful of you, Charlie, letting him use it fast. Oh, I'm as interested in that horse as he is now. Well, this is as good a place as I need to watch him work out. Take him around once, son. We'll clock him. Okay, Rob. Who's that other horse down there? Southern Belle. Rob and I figure Goblin needs a pacemaker. Goblin needs more than a pacemaker. Still too fast? Look at him, see? See what I mean? Rearing and jumping and... Oh, Rob, he's still a cop. Well, he's too unpredictable. I didn't know to do it. Oh, yes, I'm here. It's all set, Ken. Break together now. I wouldn't miss this for anything, Mr. Globlin. When I drop this handkerchief, go. Southern Belle can run. If Goblin can catch her, we'll know he's good. All right. Stay, look at him standing there. Uh-oh, left at the pole. No. He's going now. And look at him go. Run, you Goblin! Run! Whose horse are you for? I'm for any cold of Appalachian. He can't go blue. Ride him, Kenny, ride him! Come on, Ken! Let him out, boy! Let him out! Pull away. Stop what? You got to stop what? I've got it all right. What do you make, Charlie? What do you make? Look at the watch. A half mile and 47. Half mile and 47 seconds. He did it! Well, Mr. Sodden, Ken, you did beautifully. Sonny, you're going to enter Goblin and the Multnomah County races. Well, that's not your next name. You want to win that race, don't you? We'll wait for the Multnomah. Okay, Mr. Sodden. I'll help you get a jockey license so you can ride him yourself. Ken, a jockey? Oh, sure, ma'am. Oh, dear. Oh, no, no, no. I think we're all a little too excited now. Let's get down to earth. First place, we know we can't depend on Goblin. He's proved that for one whole year. If you just saw him run, being able to run isn't enough. He's got to run when you want him to, not just when he feels like it. Oh, he'll be all right. Dad, I'll train him. I'll make a real racer out of him. Well, I'm feeling confident and confident. Goblin's a racer. Goblin? No, let's not call him that. He isn't a Goblin anymore. He needs a new name. You name him, ma'am. Oh, Ken, I don't know. Oh, go ahead. Well, let's see. Uh, we could... Rob, look at the stars. Yeah, rain again by evening. Those thunderheads. They're like white horses in the sky. Well, my goodness, that's it. How about calling him Thunderhead? Oh, I like that. That's a fine name for him. Thunderhead. Yes, Thunderhead. Where every time you come back from school, you've grown another force. You mean even more than last time? Well, look. The last time you were home, by the very day we named Thunderhead, I measured just for this docket here. And look at this. You can carefully get into it. Oh, it looks great, ma'am. Honest. Well, I suppose I can when I'm asleep. Ken, I want you to promise me one thing. Sure. I want you to promise not to take any foolish turns using that race. You're not a professional docket, ma'am. I can ride. Ma'am, you know that. Oh, I know. But you will be careful. Thank you. Sure, but... But what about dad? Dad? Well, he's been working awfully hard lately, Ken. We've just about been able to get by, you know that. Yes, ma'am, I know. He's been pretty nervous and irritable. I've been letting him have his own way in everything. But, ma'am, if we let him have his own way about the race... Now, you let me worry about that. Just get out to the court. When dad comes home, I'll talk to him. Tired, dear. Oh, little. Hard to say, old girl. I changed my mind about Chief Matt Cerberus. I spoke to Sir Harris. He bought the whole lot. Where's the check? Oh, Rob, they're all gone? That's right. All I've got here? I'm sorry, ma'am. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not. Nobody's interested in jumpers and hunters these days. We'll be able to concentrate now on cavalry horses. There's nothing wrong in that. And take a look at that check. It's enough to last us the rest of the year. We might even be able to buy a couple of good brood mares. Rob, that's wonderful. But do we have to buy them right away? Well, we ought to. Why not? Oh, nothing. Come on now. Out with it. Hello, dad. Well, Ken, when did you get here? This morning. I couldn't wait. I took the bus. Well, you were fine, boy. Say, that's some snappy uniform. And stripes. You got your stripes. Yes, sir. Academy corporal. Dadden. And that's not all. Clear. Oh, report card. Well, look at it. Mathematics, uh, 94. Latin, 92. Composition, 100. And now aren't you proud? I'm proud. I'm dumbfounded. Ken, this is wonderful. What happened? Well, well, dad, I... Go on, Dee. You might as well tell him yourself now. Well, dad, I... Well, I thought if I made good in school, uh... Well, you might lend me the money to enter Sundayhead in the Multnomah County races. Races? Nell, I thought you wrote... But, dad, I... Ken, it isn't just the entry. See, it's that horse. It can't depend on us. But dad, I've had him out all day, and he's fine now. He might win. He will win. I know he'll win. And if he does, it'll mean $5,000. Nell, I'd like to see that horse run as much as anybody. But with incidentals and everything, it would cost close to $500 to get him entered. Where things are, I just can't afford to take the risk. But dad! I'm sorry, son. Robbie's been counting on it. He's worked so hard. Now, wait a minute. Would somebody please tell me what this is? That? Oh, it's just a jockey shirt. Jockey shirt? I made it for him. And, uh, what's this thing? The, uh, design sewed on it. Oh, just our brand job. The goosebar. I thought him might like this. Oh, and that jar, what's that? Uh, it, it's furnace marble hoofluster, dad. I, I bought it to shine Thunderhead's hoof with. Hoofluster. Jockey shirt. What chance do I stand around here? Okay, you win. Thunderhead enters the race. Oh, Jesus. Now, just let me out of here before I change my mind. Well, dad. Well, son. Thunderhead looks pretty good, doesn't he? You don't look so bad yourself. Checked everything? Everything. I don't want you doing a nose dive in the middle of the track. Oh, I'll be all right. Sure you will. Be just like a workout at Charlie's Sergeant's Ranch. Big trade. Jockey's up. Big trade. Jockey's up. I guess that means me. Yup. Jockey's up. Let's go, Thunder. Ten. Don't let that crowd bother you. The jockey's either. And don't let them get you in a pocket. I won't, dad. Just remember, there's not a better horse on that track. Or a better rider. Thanks. Good luck, son. Your mother and I'll be cheering for you. Well, Mrs. McLaughlin, what do you think of your son now? The Robbie looks so small down there. There's no time to start worrying. And that's Thunderhead, Rob. He looks like a million. I'll settle right now for $5,000. Who owns that black one, Charlie? That's Fleetway, the Johnson stable. Yeah, and he's liable to be a good horse. Not as good as Thunderhead, I guess. Only the favorite, Charlie. Who are we? Just 30 to 1. Is that good? Well, he'll let you know in about 5 minutes. They're all in there now. Oh, boss. Dead last years. Dead last years. Yeah, 20 lengths. Oh, because he wouldn't break. 20 lengths, nothing. That horse is moving up. Kenny, don't be last. Not last. Come on, Thunderhead. Come on. He is moving. Where are those last ones? Wait a minute. Wait a minute. It's Thunderhead. He's going down. The field is going past him. It's Fleetway going across. The line has finished it. Thunderhead is leaving the rail into the infield. He's running away. It's Fleetway the winner. Maliare's second base relink. 10 swinging bar, third in front of stepmother. Thunderhead is still running across the infield. The lead comes. We're attempting to hit him off now. Uh-oh. He's falling. Thunderhead is falling the jockies on the ground. And they're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. They're moving. Thunderhead looks like a derrière accident. It's difficult to tell from here but they're moving. The через is going up. Hey there, Donnie. Wait for me here. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Do you feel you're good for nothing local, Kyle's? Why did you do it? Why did you slow that race, Thunderhead? I told you, we were counting on you. And now you've ruined everything. I don't care if you ask. Sorry. It didn't have to matter. That hole went down. Come on, let's get out of here. I said, let's underhead. You're late! You're late! Thunderhead. Thanks for that rumble. Darnishes full max, stinky! What's the matter with your leg, boy? Thunderhead! Ted! Ted, are you all right? Dad, I'm fine, but it's him, Thunderhead, his leg! Could you tell us anything? It's hard to say, McLaughlin. It's whole like it is. Just keep that leg bandaged until you get the horse home. Then have your own vet look at him. Thanks, Doc. He's going to run again, isn't he, Doc? Doesn't look like it, son. Old tendons can never be dependent upon. At least it won't cripple him, Ted. Why, he'll be as good as ever, son. Make a great saddle horse. Perhaps. But he'll never be able to put on that burst of speed a racehorse needs to take him over the finish line. See, Kenny? Underhead's racing days are over. Thunderhead is... It's all right. It's all right, boy. We pause now for station identification. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Back with Act 3 of Thunderhead in just a moment. Thousands of people contribute in many different ways to your enjoyment of motion pictures. From the stars and the producers, to the usherette who shows you through your theater seats. Tonight we have as our guest 18-year-old Gloria Tucker, petite blonde usherette at Hollywood's same as Egyptian theater. Have you any screen ambitions, Gloria? Yes, I have, Mr. Peeley. My job helps pay for my dramatic lessons. And gives you a chance to study the acting technique of our leading stars, eh? Yes, that's true. In a venture like Metro Golden Mears Adventure, I find it hard to keep my eyes on the seats instead of on the screen. Clark Gable and Greer Garson certainly make a wonderful team. You know, it was Mr. Gable who started me dreaming about a screen career. When was that? 12 years ago. My parents were making a tour of the Metro Golden Mears studio, and we met Mr. Gable in the commissary. And Clark offered you a role at the age of six? Oh, no. But he told me what a wonderful career the movies are. And he's right. In the crowds I've seen, everybody wants to see Gable's first picture since his return to the screen. Oh, venture certainly keeps us busy. It seems as if I walk up and down those aisles a thousand times a day. I imagine that's tough on stockings, Gloria. Yes, it is, Mr. Kennedy. But I hardly ever get wrong. Maybe that's because I use luck. Every night when I get home, I toss my stockings into lukewarm luck suds. It's not surprising, Gloria, that you get such good care. Stockings washed with luck flakes last twice as long as those rubbed with cake soap or washed with a strong soap. Scientific strain tests prove it. What do you do in your spare time, Gloria? I don't have very much, Mr. Keely, but I like sports and go bowling whenever I can. Well, what's your average? Not very good. My stocking average is better. You know why luck's care gives you that high score, Gloria? It's because luck saves stocking elasticity. Spread stretch on the strain, then spring back into place without popping into run. I never knew the scientific reason, Mr. Kennedy, but I certainly know that luck is good for stocking. Thank you for telling us your experience, Gloria, and thank you for coming here tonight. Here's Mr. Keely at the microphone. We hope you'll join us after the play to hear about Roddy McDowell's latest rather fascinating hobbies. Here's Roddy now as Ken, co-starred with Preston Foster as Robb, and Rita Johnson as Nell, the enact-free of Thunderhead's Son of Flickr. A couple of weeks have passed and Thunderhead is disaster-free. His leg is almost well, but the big, half-wild horse will never race again. In front of the corral, Robb, his face lined with worry, talks with a hired man, Gus. Well, Gus? Oh, he's coming along good now, boss. It's up to the week, so he be like new. That's fine. Gus, I was speaking to Charlie Sargent. Yeah? He tells me he's got quite a lot of work at his place. He's short-handed and he, uh... What's the matter? Oh, this corral gate, thank you. Hell, there's been swinging again, I betcha. You know, things have been pretty slack around here. He got the gate all loose. Mr. Sargent tells me he could use a couple of good hands. Yeah. He's hanging, he's taking up, too. Will you hold her up just a minute, boss? That's it. Well, I, uh... I thought you and Tim might like to go to work for him. A little higher, boss. With the herd as small as it is, I can pretty well handle it myself, nah? I just can't afford to pay after the first of the month, Gus. Well, hang on all six now. Yeah, I think that's better, huh? You didn't hear a word I said. Sure, boss. You said you couldn't pay us after the first of the month. Well... Don't make no difference. Tim and me wouldn't be happy anyplace else. Yeah. The gate works pretty well now. Thanks, Gus. Coming! Where's Tim? He said he wasn't very hungry this morning. I think I'd better have a little talk with him. Rob, be nice to him. He goes back to school, man. He's really been taking it to be hard. I know. I'll be down in a few minutes. Yeah, big day ahead of us. Got to get the hay in, bringing $40 a ton this season, and, uh... Tim. Yes, sir. I know what's on your mind, but, uh, we took a chance and we lost. Uh, it's all there is to it. I'd counted so I'm thunderhead winning that race. I know. Now he won't ever run again. And it's all part of growing up, losing races of one kind or another. You know, there's lots of ways you can grow up. You can grow up to be cocky if you get what you want, and bitter if you don't. You can also grow up to take both success and failure in your stride. That's what I want you to do, son. What happens isn't important. What is important is the way you meet it. How much courage you have to see it takes a mighty big man to pick up the pieces and start all over again. I'm sorry, Dad, I... I guess I have been acting kind of like a baby. Now, what do you say we have a little breakfast, huh? That's for me. You know, uh, now that his leg's better, thunderhead's getting kind of restless out there. Well, you know he wants to get out of here. He can't stand being shot up in a corral that way. Maybe I can ride him later. Sure, he could stand some exercise. Dummy! Boss, as if we hadn't had enough bad luck. Now what? The albino's grated us again. The banner's hurt pretty bad. Banner! Oh, Rob! Get the medicine kit, Kenny. We'll have to skip breakfast now. Get guts in the rifles, Tim. We'll try to find that robber again. Dad, look at these. Yeah. We won't need the medicine kit. Put it back in the saddle bag. Dad. The banner's been too good to me. Now let him stuff it like this. Go back to your horse, Tim. Yeah. Let me have the pistol, Dad. Yeah, boss. The best that I've ever owned. One thing, boss, if Bob Banner got it so bad that albino's a scooter set too, I bet you it must have been some fight they had. Yeah. Well, let's try that trail. We may still run him down. How's thunderhead's leg holding out, Ken? Look fine to me, Dad. Ready to go all day. Well, he may have to. Because I'm finding that murdering albino. Getting dark, boss. You and the boy turn around now. You could still make the ranch. No, I won't worry. She knows what we're after. Customers stick right after him, boss. We're all sticking. We'll make camp at the lake. We'll get some sleep and see what sort of a moon we get. But bright, we can start out again after midnight. Good, boss. Good. They give that white devil no rest, you bet. Dad, did you call me? Dad, I thought I heard a noise. They're all asleep. I must have been dreaming either. He slipped his tether. Thunderhead. Him and the horse. That's all right, Gus. Look, I'm going to have to note. See? Thunderhead got away. He didn't want to wake you, so I'm going out after him myself. Don't worry. I'll be back. Yeah, but when? Boss, you think he's all right? Oh, he can take care of himself. Going back to sleep, Gus. Well, stay here till daylight. He'll be back by then. That's just your night long. I've climbed my last mountain after you. Wait till I get to the top of you. You're not there. I'm going back till I see him. I'll just get one good look, and then I haven't knew there was a valley here. I... Thunderhead. A herd of horses down there. Dad's horse. I hide and... and tag it. Dad's mare. Him. Your bino. I'm getting those mares. I'll bino or no I'll bino. I'm getting those mares. Hey, come here. You... You know me, brownie. Don't you want to go home, brownie? I... see a bino. He's coming after me. Thunderhead. Thunderhead. I can't run anymore. Get him, Thunderhead. I can't. Watch his hood, Thunderhead. Get up and fight. Wait, what have you been... The albino. Yes, dad. And Thunderhead. I'll kill the albino, dad. Thunderhead killed him. He saved my life. You don't have to fight anymore. It's all over now. A herd of the canyons. Horses. A whole herd. And they're our mares. That's where he kept them, dad, the albino. When I found him, he started to charge me. I was so tired that I... I couldn't run anymore. Then I fell and then he saw me. Thunderhead. He killed him in morphine and he fought for me, dad, until he killed the albino. Underhead. Yes, yes, yes. He was a thief and a killer, that albino. But still he... he was a great horse, wasn't he? One of the greatest. Thunderhead. You see, boy, he's all right. Look at him run. He's calling that herd together down there. They're coming this way. He's driving the herd, boss, rounding them up. You better get up on my horse, Ken. Dad, he's bringing them to us. Why? He wants to take the herd home. Well, I'll be... Me too, boss. He risked. Let's help him do it. Looks like we're back in business again. Thanks for Ken. And Thunderhead, ma'am. And Thunderhead. He saved my life, ma'am. He killed the albino. He's more than a hundred, baby. Come to think of it, I... I guess it does. Dad, what's wrong with him? He acts as if I was a stranger to him. Oh, it isn't that, Ken. Thunderhead brought the mares here because this has been his home. But it's still his home. Don't forget, son. Thunderhead has taken the albino's throne away from him. He's king now, and he knows it. And I'm afraid that neither corrals nor fences, no matter how big, ever, hold him again. Oh, sonny, easy, boy, easy. Look, he's family. Living here. Looking at the sky. Don't you want to stay, Thunderhead? All right, boy. You can go. Look at him, dad. Straight for the mountain. I... I've lost him years ago. Mama, the albino is one of us. Goodbye, Thunderhead. Goodbye. We'll return for their curtain calls in just a moment. Do you remember those New Year's resolutions you made not so many weeks ago? Has something like this happened to them? One, go through closets for the clothing drives. Oh, I can't be bothered until I do my spring cleaning. But the need is now, Mrs. Smith. Let's see, too. Keep a can for you as fat on the stove. Save some every day. Well, rationing's also... saving you as fat can't be very important now. Oh, yes, it's still very important if you want that new vacuum cleaner and radio and car, and especially if you want more soap. Supplies of industrial fats and oils are still far from enough to go around. And soap makers have to share the supply with thousands of other industries. So you can't have more soap unless there's more fat for industry. Manufacturers are depending on the housewives of America to help them get the fats they need to make the things you want. So ladies, put that good resolution into action. Save every drop of used fat from table scraps, gravy, stews, frying pan and broilers. Turn your full can of used fat into your dealer at once. He'll give you four cents for every pound. You'll be surprised how fast the container fills up. If you keep it in plain sight, add some every day. Remember, every time you throw used fats away, you're contributing to the soap shortage. If you want to see your favorite brands on the shelf more often, save used fats, turn them in regularly. Here's your producer, Mr. William Keely. Our spotlight again falls on Rita Johnson, Roddy McDowell and Preston Foster, who returned for a well-deserved curtain call. Roddy, I understand you have your own producing company now. That's right, Mr. Keely. But it's still on paper, but it's very real to me. What do you call it, Roddy? Well, it's called Imperial Eagle Production. I've given it about four square miles in the heart of Hollywood. Do you mean you have it all mapped out? Oh, certainly. With sound stages, administration buildings, dressing rooms, commentaries, cutting rooms. Hmm, must run into a lot of money, even on paper. Yes, Mr. Keely, but, of course, we only make very successful pictures and with big stars. Well, who are some of the stars, Roddy? Well, Janet Ludlow is our Academy Award winner. I'm afraid I've never heard of her. Well, I'm afraid she's still on paper. But I've cast a lot of real stars in my pictures, too. I've even got Greta Garbo in production. Greta Garbo? Well, this sounds like a very interesting hobby. Where do you release your pictures, Roddy? I have my own chain of theaters, Mr. Keely. Just the other day, Gregory Peck applied for the popcorn concession in them. You don't have Preston Foster and Rita Johnson in production, do you? No, sir. Preston and Rita, though you may not know it, they've been in production for the past four weeks on a picture called the World's Illusion. And who's the director? Well, uh, you are, Mr. Keely. Oh, you know, I've been feeling a little bit worn out from pressure lately. Tell me, Roddy, does this hobby of yours mean that you'd really like to produce pictures someday? I'd love it, Preston. Well, for a future producer, that's a very excellent hobby, Roddy. Maybe someday we'll be doing inferior legal screenplays here on Luxe. What are you doing here next week, Dad, still? Well, next week we're bringing our audience Universal's tender and delightful screen hit, The Amazing Mrs. Holiday. And our welcome mat is out for three fine stars, Jean Tierney, Walter Brennan, and Edmund O'Brien. Jean plays one of the most touching roles I know, as the young girl posing as a rich man's widow to provide a home for eight war orphans. What happens when she discovers that the rich man has an attractive grandson of her own age? Well, you'll find out when you tune in Monday. We'll certainly be with you in the audience. Good night. Good night. And thanks for being with us. Our sponsor, the makers of Luxe Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening, when the Luxe Radio Theatre presents Jean Tierney, Walter Brennan, and Edmund O'Brien in The Amazing Mrs. Holiday. This is William Keely saying good night to you from Hollywood. To strive against infantile paralysis, which has enlisted the aid of Hollywood studios and leading stars, the motion picture industry this year has collected and donated more than six million dollars. This is the greatest amount ever solicited by the industry in its annual campaign to help protect the children of America. Said the state chairman of the National Foundation for infantile paralysis, in expressing our gratitude for this fine contribution, we wish to add that it is in keeping with the generosity of your industry, which has always been among the strongest and most zealous supporters of the fight against infantile paralysis. Roddy McDowell appears with a courtesy of 20th Century Fox, producers of the psychological thriller Shock. Preston Foster will soon be seen in the universal picture, Tangier. This program is broadcast to our fighting forces overseas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. Our music was directed by Louis Silver, and this is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear The Amazing Mrs. Holiday with Gene Tierney, Walter Brennan, and Edmund O'Brien. Fried, treat of the week. Crispy, tender, crusted fish fillets fried to full-flavored perfection in pure, all-vegetable spry. For foods dependably delicious and adjustable rely on spry. That's pure, all-vegetable shortening at its creamy best. SPRY. They sure to listen in next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theatre presentation of The Amazing Mrs. Holiday with Gene Tierney, Walter Brennan, and Edmund O'Brien. And why not tune in a half hour early to hear John Davis over most of these stations? This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.