 Lux presents Hollywood. The Lux Radio Theater brings you Ronald Coleman and Ann Harding in The Keys of the Kingdom. Ladies and gentlemen, once again it's our pleasure to introduce our producer, Mr. William Keely. For the past three years, Colonel Keely has been Chief of the Motion Picture Division of the Army Air Forces. Prior to that, his 22 years in the theater, 12 as an actor and 10 as director, raised him to the first rank of Motion Picture Directors with more than 20 screen hits to his credit. We are happy to have the benefit of his experience in producing talent in this theater. Mr. William Keely. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Humility, as the proverb goes, may often be a path to fame. Some years ago, an obscure priest working in the interior of China with unhumbled people inspired A.J. Cronin's masterpiece, The Keys of the Kingdom. An almost instantaneous bestseller, it was brought to the screen by 20th Century Fox, and is our drama on this stage tonight. For the profound and moving role of Father Chisholm, we are fortunate in having an actor who in 23 years of Motion Picture stardom has created many of the screen's outstanding roles, Ronald Coleman, and co-starred with him the talented and lovely Miss Anne Harding. Most of our story takes place in the interior of China, which I visited in 1939, and again during the war. It's a wild and undeveloped territory with very few of the luxuries of life. Strolling along a dimly lighted street in Kunming one evening, I was amazed to see several of those friendly cakes of luck soap in a store window. The price? A little under a dollar and a half a cake. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a dollar and a half a cake. It is such an incident that make you appreciate the little, everyday luxuries we take so much for granted, like a clean white cake of luck soap. They become mighty precious and important when you have to get along without them. And now, here's the first act of the keys of the kingdom, starring Ronald Coleman as Francis Chisholm and Anne Harding as Mother Maria Veronica. It's a September evening in 1938 in the little town of Time Castle, Scotland. In the parlor of the parish house of St. Columbus Church, a visiting dignitary, one senior talent speaks to an old man. Let me see, Father Chisholm, was your wish when you returned from China to come back here to your native parish, wasn't it? This was also the native parish of his grace, the bishop. I'm aware that Bishop Mealy was born here, but life has treated you to somewhat differently, eh? To be brief, the bishop and I both feel that your long years of service should be recompensed, that you should retire. Retire? But I have no wish to retire. There are peculiarities in the administration of this parish which his grace can scarcely overlook. Your approach to certain points of doctrine. Still peculiar after so many years. For example, you made a statement last week. All atheists are not godless men, you said. I know one who I hope now may be in heaven. But he was an unusual atheist. And then the good Christian is a good man, but the Confucianist generally has a better sense of humor. Yes, I did say that. And then Mrs. Tyler, who cannot help her extreme stoutness, came to you for guidance. You said, eat less. The gates of paradise are narrow. Oh, yes, Father, I'm afraid you've lost your command of soul. But I have no wish to command anyone's soul. Now, if you don't mind, I will go to my room. Oh, I'll be leaving here early in the morning. Monsignor, when you see Angus, his grace, would you be good enough to remind him that we were boys together? The bishop has not forgotten. I shouldn't like to leave here. If it could be helped, I shouldn't. I was annoyed beyond reason that Father Chisholm, after all these years, still should succeed so completely in irritating me. It was impossible to sleep. There was a dusty shelf of books in my room and a battered, plain-covered binding caught my eye. I opened it and read the words, Francis Chisholm, his journal. My thumb threw, quite disinterestedly, but I came up in a chapter titled, Holy Well. This might well interest me, for it was at Holy Well College that I had first met Francis Chisholm. It was during his last year that I had occasion again to report him to Father McNally. Hello, Chisholm. What explanation this time? Have you done something wrong, Father? Something unforgivable. I've forgotten what it was exactly for Francis. I'm afraid you have a genius for being misunderstood. Yes, Father. Tell me, have you done any fishing lately? No, sir, but I'd like to try the Gleap Pool. There's a big trout in there. There's nothing in the Gleap Pool. Oh, yes, there's a big one now. I saw him. Father McNab, you need me in the matter of Francis Chisholm. No, not now. You may go. Thank you. Yes, Father. Nothing but annoy, Brother Tarrant, ever since I enrolled here. It's me, Father. Must be my manner, my approach to things. I don't know. Francis, isn't it time you made up your mind about the future? I think of it all the time. Why did you ever come to Holy Well? Oh, it was my Aunt Polly, I suppose. She wanted to become a priest. She thinks it's my vocation. By no means do I recommend priesthood for all our students. But you, Francis? Yes. I think your Aunt Polly is right. You would make a good priest. You're confused now, aren't you? Oh, it's just that I know there's a vocation for me, Father, but I don't know where to find it. I'm by far the oldest student here, but certainly the worst. And my Aunt, well, I can't go on letting her support me. There is also a girl, isn't there, Francis? Yes. You want to tell me about her? There's not much to tell, sir, except last fall when we said goodbye, she said I'd never come back to her. She was so sure that I would become a priest. I told her there wasn't much chance of that and that I loved her. But she seemed so frightened and so terribly alone. I haven't heard from her in months. I can't explain it. Then don't try, Francis. Just try till it got almighty have his way. Well, now, you say you actually saw that trout in the glee pool. Oh, yes, sir. Yes, I did. There are rods and gear in the closet there. Fit them out, Francis. Fit them out. What a wonderful fish is a trout, Francis. Oh, it was fine of the Lord, I think, to put all the little fishes in the brooks and to send me here to catch them. Listen. It's a lonely sound that when I was a homesick lad, I'd imagine it was the cry of a lost soul speeding through eternity. To me, it's the Southern Express. The only thing I have of home. It whistles for me now. And tomorrow it will whistle for them in Tine Castle. Oh, Father, I want to go home. I've something to tell you, Francis, and it isn't easy to tell. This girl back there, she quarreled with you, didn't she? Yes. Because she thought you were being made into a priest in spite of herself. I told Nora. I told her. Francis, Nora changed a good deal after you left and all to the mad I'm afraid. Your friend Willie Tullock has just written to me. But why do you? Father, what's happened? Nora went off with a man. They were married, and then he deserted her. A baby was born last week. Father, she's desperate to be ill, but her best wish that you were not to be sent for. Francis, I cannot tell you to do anything except what is in your own heart to do. If you want to catch that train, you'll still have time. Oh, thank you. And goodbye, Father. God bless you, lad. I turned the page in Francis Chisholm's journal. There was a brief and simple entry. When I got off the train at Tine Castle, I went directly to Willie Tullock. He told me Nora had died during the night. And then came a new heading, the church, it said. And below, it would be pleasurable to record that I became an immediate success as a priest. But after five years, I remained a dismal failure. One day, a summons came from the new bishop, the new bishop and my guardian angel of old Hamish McNam. Oh, it does my old eyes good to see a priest so manifestly unprosperous as you. I walked most of the way here in the rain, Your Lordship. I'm afraid I'm a little wet. Too rebellious even to use an umbrella, eh? I'll get you something warm. I ought to ring for some of the fine vindities used by all the bishops one read about. But this, well, this is only whiskey. But then we're only Scotsmen, aren't we? Oh, don't look so scared, Francis. Sit down. Thank you. You've had a pretty thin time of it, haven't you? Oh, failure might be closer to the facts, Your Lordship. At your curacy at Shalesley, you insisted upon establishing a dance hall. It was a recreation center, Your Lordship. There was a desperate need. At any rate, there was a serious disagreement. You were then transferred to time castle. There, your closest association was with an atheist. Willie Tellich. Well, he's a doctor now. He's one of the kindest men I've ever known. Atheists have reason to be kind. Then Father Tarrant, he found you guilty of unorthodox doctrine. Yes, nothing I did seemed pleasing to him. Just to Almighty God, eh? Well, certainly he can't be too pleased with me. I've failed so miserably. To me, you've never been a failure. Your Lordship. But don't ask me why. I'm sure I couldn't say. Perhaps it's because I've always been partial to the stray cat who comes talking down the aisle when everyone is yawning their heads off at a dull sermon. You're like that stray cat, Francis. I haven't been able to take my eyes off you. And I can't help thinking that you're in the church not by chance, but for a reason. Francis, I'd like you to do something for me. You've always made it impossible for me to say anything, but yes, your Lordship. This will call for great sacrifice. It will mean training in language and custom. It will not be an easy life, nor a safe one. But I believe it is a life for you. I've been asked to supply your volunteer missionary for China. China? For me leaving far behind you, your home, your friend. And Judy? Judy? Oh, yes, Nora's little girl. She means a great deal to me. Oh, yes, I remember. But I'll be happy to go, your Lordship. I knew you would. And you'll be a great credit to both of us. Come to see me again before you leave. We'll pray for you. Oh, here. Take this with you. What? Your umbrella? Oh, no. Yes, as long as I can remember, even when we went fishing. Take it. It's a good thing to have. You never know when it's going to rain. Thank you, sir. Thank you. In his journal, Francis Jism described his mission as near the river city of Pytown, far inland. He arrived by boat. Two Chinese were waiting for him, a man and a woman. I'm Hosanna Wong, father, your beloved catechist. And this is my Christian wife, Bill Omina. How do you do? We have barracks and a sedan chair if father is ready. Well, how nice. But it's such a lovely day. I'd rather walk to the mission. I will tear the barracks to bring the baggage. Thank you, Hosanna. Well, shall we go? Stop here, father. Oh, but I'm not tired. Really? But there is the mission, please. There? What is that, that pile of ruins? The roof is gone, and but the two walls remain standing. Well, what happened? Tell me. The good father who preceded you placed it too near the river. And the devil sent a wicked flood. But the congregation, have they done nothing to rebuild it? Father must have realized that for one year now we get no money. You mean you, you were given money? Why? To buy a rice, father. How else could we get new converts for the church? As soon as our father responds or our rightful wages, he will find us as useful as ever. And for the same price, we also serve the mass. Well, I want you to know now that I can't pay you any money. And I should also warn you that I understand almost everything you say. And I know what rice Christians are. I have no interest in them, whatever. Perhaps father needs to understand more than the language. There is much animosity here against the foreigners. Yes, sir. Thank you for the warning. But I've come a long distance to reach here, and here I'll stay with your helpful without it. It's unfortunate, father. Most unfortunate. With his meagre funds, he rented a small room in the city and hung out a sign. The natives were not long in coming to his chapel. Only a few at first, but with mud and rotten vegetables. Then in greater number, rocks and clubs. Even now, as I write to you, dear Bishop and Knab, they storm outside this little chapel, clamoring for my eyes to blacken my bones to break. I have no personal fear of them, but my spirit groups with my inability to find a way to carry God's grace to these unhappy creatures. If I do not find the way, it will be only because I have failed again. But I can promise your lordship that I will search for it until the end of my days. I have lived thus far in failure. If I am to die in it, I want it to be here where only God and I will know. In just a moment, we'll bring you the second act of the keys of the kingdom. We have a rather unusual guest tonight, a former carpenter's helper and ship's joiner, who weighs about 115 pounds, has a lovely shoulder-length bob, and what's more is beautiful. Well, I wish you could see Miss Joyce Elaine Mackenzie, young international picture starlet, from shipyard to screen career in a few short years. Correct, Joyce? Yes, Mr. Keely. And now suppose you tell us how you did it. Well, I came to San Francisco to do world work and got a job in the shipyards there. Then I came to the Pasadena Playhouse to study drama. And one of my apprentice tasks was to sell tickets at the box office, and that's how I was seen by a Hollywood talent scout. And now for your screen test? Yes, but as it turned out, I never made one. I got a contract after my first interview with international's general manager. The contract included three months of dramatic training and a part in the new picture tomorrow is forever. It just shows what talent, work, and beauty can do. And when it comes to beauty, I'm going to consult our complexion connoisseur here, John Kennedy. We all know how important a lovely, smooth complexion is to camera close-ups. And Mackenzie, with a complexion like yours, I can understand why the studio took you without even a screen test. I don't know about that, but I do know what daily lux soap care can do for the skin. It's a wonderful beauty aid, Mr. Kennedy. And tomorrow is forever. Claudette Colbert is a star. And I know that she always depends on lux facials, too. Thanks for that Hollywood beauty tip, Miss Joyce Mackenzie. It's true that nine out of ten screen stars and hundreds of lovely young starlets find daily care with gentle lux toilet soap really works. You see, lux is a real beauty product made only of the finest ingredients. You will find this satin, smooth toilet soap is ripe for delicate skin. Try it for your own precious complexion tomorrow. Here's our producer, Mr. William Keely. Act two of the Keys of the Kingdom, starring Ronald Coleman as Father Chisholm and Anne Harding as Mother Maria Veronica. In the bedroom of his little parish house, Father Chisholm lies awake, clutched by the worries of his compulsory retirement. But in another room, a lamp burns deep into the night, and the ears fall away from Father Chisholm as Monsignor Tarrant reads the pages of the old priest's journal. He learns now of China and of the coming of Father Chisholm's first parishioner, a youth named Joseph. But why have you come, Joseph? Because you are here. I have been working five days and four nights. Joseph, I can't pay you any money. I have not asked for money. I wish to serve because the mission must be rebelled, and I am a Christian. Can you forgive me? Here, I have brought several dozen of eggs, which I have gathered along the way. Eggs? Growing like wildflowers? They were alone with no one to care for them. I could not forsake them. You have a fine missionary instinct, but I must teach you not to apply it to other people's property. I have brought some tea also, but Father will come a cup? A cup of tea. And I have so little I can share with you. Father can share with me his privilege to work for God. Father, Father, what is it? Where would such a big box come from? From Scotland, Joseph. Scotland. What does it contain? Medicines and bandages and, look, surgical instruments. Who sends this great thing, Father? Ah, my friend Willie Tullock. Here, look, he's enclosed a letter. Listen. Dear Francie, it's amazing how religious you can make a man feel by fixing his belly. I am sending you all my secrets and a book of instructions. Cure what you can and kill what you can't. Willie Tullock, M.D. and Heathen. P.S., for practicing without a license, I shall report you to the Medical Society, your bishop and my Chinese laundromat. Father, there is a use for the boards of this packing bag. Oh, what's that? A new sign for our mission, public dispensary. Excellent, sick treated here, free. Well, come on, now let's get these things inside. Five weeks, Father, you have been studying the book of medicine and still no converts. Not even a patient. Perhaps you could pretend to cure me of a broken leg. I could go down to the city and advertise it. No, no, no, Joseph. But if I really broke my leg, listen, someone approaches. You drag him in, Father, and I'll sit upon him. All right, Joseph, quiet. Come in, please. Thank you. I'm here at the bidding of my cousin. Mr. Pao. My cousin is a Mandarin, Mr. Chia. His only son, Chia Yu, lies sick unto death. Oh, I'm sorry. In playing, the boy scratched his arm. As a consequence, the lower humors have gained in ascendancy, distending the arm and making it blue. Has he been treated? Three physicians and a Tao priest are in constant attendance. Well, I'm not a physician. I treat only the most simple disturbances. My cousin asks only that you do whatever good you can. Yes, I'll come. I have chair-bearers awaiting outside. Father, Mr. Chia is a Mandarin. If the boys should die, then... Joseph, you don't think you can frighten me, do you? No, Father. I know not. You're mistaken. But I must go, so start praying to Saint Andrew, and don't stop praying to like it back. Here on the bid is Chia Yu. Who are those men in the corner? The physicians and the priests. They will not leave the room. If you insist... No, no, no. I don't insist, no. Let me see the boys' arm. I will draw back the covers. What is this that you do? Well, I have to clean the area with alcohol. Father, don't be afraid. Don't be afraid, Chia Yu. The pad and the jar. Quickly. This is the sleeping water. Yes. Place the pad over his face. Now, slowly. Drop by drop. He will feel nothing? No, nothing. And more. More. Now, the lancet. What is it you do now? It's necessary to cut the boys' arm. Holy, dear. Holy Saint Andrew, help me. I implore you, help me. All right. Stand aside, Mr. Powell. Open the windows. I'm finished. The boy will live? I don't know. It was most unexpected that you would cut with a knife into the flesh of the boy. That arm was filled with corruption. Let us hope that corruption can be removed by cutting. Let us hope that everything will be well. I told you at the mission, I'm not a... I'll be back in the morning. Mr. Powell. The boy is smiling. Good morning, Chiayu. That is all you do now. Change the bandages. Yes, that's all. Of course, we can't be certain, but there seems little to worry about. My cousin, Mr. Chia, says it will not be necessary to come again. Oh, but it's no trouble. Nothing more is required. Good day. Good day, Mr. Powell. Dear Lord, give me patience and humility. It was the merciful goodness that saved the boy. This is an ungrateful house, and you know it. Amen. You are the Christian priest? Yes. I am Mr. Chia, my son whose life you saved is well. Oh, I'm happy to hear that. So I have come here to be made a Christian. Father, this is a miracle. You believe in Christianity? I will accustom myself to it. Christianity is not a habit, Mr. Chia. But you have done the greatest good for me. I must now do the greatest good for you. As I accept your Christian belief, so will follow all of Pytant. I'm sorry, but you wouldn't be doing any good for me. You do not believe, nor do you desire to believe. You reject me? You owe me nothing, Mr. Chia. I regret I am not acceptable. Father, you are turning down a wonder in. I see no difference between buying a man's soul and taking it in exchange for services rendered. Would you step outside here just a moment, please? Have you ever looked upon Yonder Hill? Oh, many times. It's the most beautiful part of the countryside. The property is large and it is mine. I beg you to honor me by accepting it for your church. Mr. Chia, I beg further that you accept the use of my working man and the materials for any building that you may wish to erect. Are you serious? If I were not, I would be unworthy to look upon my son as his father. The legal papers will be delivered tomorrow. My soul doth magnify the Lord, for he that is mighty has done great things to me, and mighty is his name. Two years later, Francis Chisholm, at long last, had a new mission and a flourishing congregation. Eagler, he was awaiting the arrival of the sisters for the mission school. The day they came, they saw a man in ragged work clothes stooped over a trough of cement. Take us to Father Chisholm, please. I am Mother Maria Veronica. Oh, but you weren't expected until tomorrow. Are we to trudge back to that miserable ship? No, you see, I am Father Chisholm. You are... Please understand. The letter I had from Angus, from Monsignor Mealy, is distinctly that you were... Oh, may I present my companions. Sister Martha, Sister Clotilde. How do you do? I can't tell you how sorry I am. I will father have us shown to our quarters. The sisters are sadly in need of rest. Yes, if you'll follow me, please. Good evening, Reverend Mother. Good evening, Father. I came here to the school room to write a letter. I've been hoping that you'll also find time to assist me in the dispensary. Of course, I haven't much medical knowledge, but... That's a beautiful photograph in your writing case. Yes, this castle. It is in Austria. Austria? Is it near your home? It... is quite near. How different it must be from my home. Oh, I don't mean just geographically, but the idea of a ruling class, of a rigid discrimination between an aristocracy... Father Chisholm, I'm sure you understand how earnestly sisters Clotilde and Martha and I desire to work for this mission. At the same time, I... I trust you will afford us a certain freedom of action. Freedom of... I wish I'd like to maintain a separate establishment. Oh, nothing else was ever intended. Your little house will be your convent. And you will permit me to manage our convent affairs. By all means. Only... be careful about money, won't you? We are very poor. We shall not require financial assistance. No. But doesn't your order enforce holy poverty? Holy poverty, Father, does not require me to beg. But... yes, I'll send you a note of the dispensary hours. A good evening, Reverend Mother. I have told you, dear brother, of my first meetings with our peasant priest, dripping with good fellowship and careful of his manner. He's just been in to see me again. He saw the photograph at the castle, but I didn't tell him it's our home. Of course, I know that every word I write is a sin against God, but I cannot help myself. Oh, I dread the future. Shut up in this isolated spot, serving certainly the lowliest of God's kingdom, and dedicated to the belief in their equality with me before God. Well, I wanted to have it, sir, and... I had it, sir. Yes, Sister Martha? The couple you hired have arrived. Hosanna and his wife. Oh, Father, yes. Excuse me, Sister. Uh, Reverend Mother, about Hosanna and Philomena... Yes? Uh, I've had dealings with them before. They are far from reliable. This Christian charity, Father... Yeah, but I would fail in my responsibility toward the mission and you if I were to... Well, a month ago you said I might manage our house. Father, Father! Yes, Joseph? Uh, Father, there is a man to see you. He said to tell you he's the devil's number one boy. Yeah, who's it? No, it can't be. It couldn't be. Willie! Willie, Donald! Francie! Francie, my boy! You see? Up top, the devil! Been very patient, Willie. I've shown you the mission, let you eat your dinner in peace, but I can't wait a minute longer now. Whatever brings you here? Well, in almost 40 years, Francie, one gets to see all there is in time, Castle. So one day I wandered over a hill, but always there was another hill, and here I am in your sacred presence. Now tell me, Nora's little girl, Judy, is she all right? There's a strange lass, Francie, like her mother, moody and unpredictable. Well, she'll marry one day and maybe find happiness. Happiness, huh? What about you? I've given the world thousands of aspirin tablets and a quadratase for Irish whiskey. And I'll thank you, not to you as my maudlin self-pity, as an argument to prove the existence of a soul. Now why should I try and argue you into something you already believe? Why should I... Joseph? Yes, Father? That black eye, where did you get that? Forgive me, Father, but two hours ago I found it necessary to give a son a beating. Well, now, Joseph? Also his wife. Equal rights for women, I agree. They were... They were saying that Mother Maria Veronica is a great lady and that you are simply dust. Yeah, Joseph, we are all dust. I am not pleased with your tolerance, Father. No, then I must punish you. You may... You may have that new robe you've been wanting. New robe? Father, would you like me to beat them again? Now, Joseph, no. Listen up. Oh, I have a message from the sisters, Father. They would like to see you on the porch of their house immediately. Thank you for telling me immediately. Excuse me, Willie. Who's on a wing in Filomena? They've gone with our money and our silver. And Sister Martha's ivory crucifix. They could have murdered us. But they didn't, Sister Trotilde. Has Reverend Mother been told? Yes, Father. Sister Martha, it was my fault that your crucifix was stolen. I know how dear it was to you. Please accept this one in its place. It is not ivory, but it has always been one of the most precious possessions of my family and myself. Good night. Good night, Father. Good night. Good night, Father. Good evening. Well, hi, Mr. Cheer. I have come in haste to say farewell. I am taking my family to the mountains. Come with us, Father. Well, thank you, but I can't leave the mission. Even if there is great danger? Danger? There are troops in Paitan, the soldiers of the new Chinese Republic. Yes, I know. What you may not know is the imperial troops under General Wei have moved into these hills today. And what will happen? General Wei will bombard the city. I am surprised it has not already started. Unfortunately, your mission is directly in the middle. But our neutrality will be respected. It is a pleasant assumption. Goodbye, my friend. It has started. Help yourself well. The seals are landing in the city. Look, already there are many fires. Right, welcome for me, Francie. Willie, I've... I've got to go down there. Why? What makes you think you're wanted? Oh, I don't pretend that I'm wanted anywhere. But God's mercy is everywhere and you can't quarantine it within the mission. Wait a minute. I've come 6,000 miles to see you and you're not going to get away from me now. I'm going too. Thank you, good old man. For days the bombardment of Paitan continued. And for days Francis and Willie Tullock remained for the major of the Republican Army and helped them set up what they chose to call a hospital. I'm not ungrateful partichism, but I failed to see the logic of bringing dying people back to life only so General Way can kill them with his cannons. Is it that hopeless, Major? True, they have only the one cannon, but we have none at all. And every night their patrols move closer. We will be in ever to play massacre. And what do you suggest? Nothing. We are both alive. I shall see you in the morning. Francis, you've had no sleep in a week. Why don't you leave today's collections to the major and me? Go up on the hill and get yourself a bath and 400 winks. They'll let you through, won't they? Probably. And that'd be a pretty sight, wouldn't it? A man of God safely taking his ease. Father, father. What are you doing here, Joseph? A last night defied an emission. Our beautiful church is destroyed. Oh, was anyone hurt? Some of the men when we tried to save the altarpieces. It looks like I'm going up the hill after all, Willie. Not alone or not. Stay here, Joseph. Tell the major we'll be back. You've seen us, Francis. They're trying to pin us down. We won't be safe enough once we get beyond this bridge. Keep your head down. Willie, Willie, look. There in the gully. Aren't those wounded men? I've been hoping you wouldn't notice. But we can't leave them, Willie. Stay here. I'll do a bit of reconnoitering. As you're not going after them alone. I just want to see if... Willie! Willie! Leave me alone, Francis. Leave me alone. Francis, where am I? At the mission, Willie. We got you through. You've been praying. I have. Yeah, you're wasting your time. It is, too. I'm deep in the valley, Francis. But I still can't believe in God. Are you mad at me? Oh, Willie, Willie, your salvation will be your doing, not mine, Francis. I've never loved you as much as I do now. You haven't tried to bully me into having luck. A such awful headache. Give me your hand, Francis. Willie, your hand. Father to them. Reverend Mother. Forgive me. But I've been watching you, sitting here in the ruins of your church. Dr. Tullock? He's dead. May he now have peace. Father, you should know that I am responsible for the shelling of the church. Yesterday wounded soldiers from the city made their way here. I let them in. I would have done the same. It must be a great blow to you. Your beautiful church so wantonly destroyed. No one can destroy my church. I shall build it again. As long as I live, I shall build my church. Pause now for special identification. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Before we bring you the third act of the keys of the kingdom, here's Libby Collins, our Hollywood reporter. With a mathematical question for you, Mr. Keely, what's just twice as glamorous as one gorgeous blonde? Well, the only possible answer to that one is two gorgeous blondes. Right the first time, Mr. Keely. And the two blondes I'm thinking of are Betty Gravel and June Haver. The Dolly Sisters. They start again in the new 20th Century Fox musical of that famous pair. And they make a wonderful team. Oh, yes. With Betty Gravel and June Haver singing and dancing as the Dolly Sisters did a generation ago. In the costumes, they were truly magnificent in the colors. There's a dazzling white set in the picture, for instance, with both girls gowned in white. It certainly sets off their blue eyes and blonde hair. And, say, Libby, what about those two famous luxe complexions? Why, Mr. Kennedy, they deserve very special mention. Both Betty Gravel and June Haver have the same peaches and cream look. I happen to know they never neglect their daily active lather facials. What a recommendation for luxe soap care when two such radiant stars depend on it. You know, I wish every woman who wants beauty care would discover for herself how effective these facials can be. Well, Libby, why not tell the ladies how easy it is to take these Hollywood beauty facials? Well, here's all there is to it. First, cover your face with a creamy active lather and work it well in. Rinse with warm water and splash on cold and then pat to dry with a soft towel. These daily luxe soap beauty facials do make skin softer, smoother. Recent tests showed actually three out of four complexions improved in a short time. Why not try luxe toilet soap care regularly for a while? See if it doesn't give your skin fresh new beauty that will delight you. Remember, gentle white luxe toilet soap is Hollywood's own beauty soap. Mr. William Keely returns to the microphone. Act three of Key to the Kingdom, starring Ronald Coleman as Father Chisholm and Anne Harding as Mother Maria Veronica. Two days after the destruction of the mission, Father Chisholm made a sudden journey to the beleaguered city of Pytale, the headquarters of Major Wu. Forgive me, Father, but you are fool. Why do you return to this death trap? To learn something. Major, if General Wei were deprived of his cannon, what would our chances be? Wei would live instead of die. Well, there's a way to destroy the gun. What? I had a visitor this morning, one of General Wei's captains. I've been ordered to bring him money and all our canned food. If you do not? Every one of the mission will be shot. The captain whom I am to see commands the gun position. My friend, you are an undeserved gift from heaven. Yes, I'm afraid I'll have to forget about heaven tonight. Good. Then concentrate on what I'm about to propose. Centuries will be stopping us soon, Major. Therefore, let us reveal what is to happen. We've been over it a dozen times. For the 13th time then, in this sack, along with the cans of food, is gasoline and a bundle of cordyceps. Yes, and I will set the sack on the ground next to the cannon. Exactly. When I fire into the gasoline, it will ignite and explode the cordyceps. And my troops, now on the trail behind us, will attack successfully. That's all there is to it. No, let us hope so. I'll light you torch now, and for the love of your lord and my perishable body, keep it away from this sack. You go what I ordered. The sack full of goods, Captain. Which I hope will impress you. Put it down. Yes, Captain. And by your cannon here. But where is the money? I must have your promise first that our people will not be harmed. Give me the money. Give me nothing, Father. You know that, don't you? Father, Father, save yourself! Do you hear me? Can you talk, Father? Am I at the mission? Yes, Father. You're late. It was badly hurt. Yes, but the cannon... The cannon no longer exists. No dust the enemy. Never have I seen such a lovely killing. One more like that, and you will force me to endure Christianity. Dear Lord, forgive me for what I have done this night. Four months later, Father Chisholm saw another old friend from Tang Castle. Angus Mele, Monsignor Mele, who had come to China on an inspection tour of the mission. I just can't hide my disappointment, Francis. I'd set my heart on celebrating high mass in your church, and look at it, ruined completely. Your disappointment is no greater than ours, Angus. Oh, if only a revered mother hadn't antagonized that wretched general way. Well, we've had our difficulties at home, too. The organization after Bishop Ignat's death and the chain... Oh, no. Weren't you told? Yes, he died in March, a very old man, of course, muddled and past his best. He was... very good to me. Well, we must take things as they are and face them. Now that I'm here, Francis, I'll do my best to... Francis? I don't believe you're listening. Oh, I'm sorry. It seemed to be depressing you quite thoroughly. Well, tonight we can entertain Reverend Mother and have a real round table conference. Reverend Mother never leaves the sisters' house after the dinner hour. Oh, nonsense. You just haven't asked her properly. She'll come all right. Another cup of tea, Reverend Mother? No, thank you, Monsignor. Oh, it's been a fine dinner. Oh, splendid. We were talking about China. Yes, your record's been truly remarkable, Angus. All those new omissions. And all flourishing. But, unfortunately, they've put quite a drain on our finances. I'm afraid we can't let you have the money to rebuild your church. If only your rich friend Mr. Chia had seen the light. Well, he hasn't. And still he's given most generously. I'm nothing to ask him for more. Well, that's your own affair. But I must tell you, Francis, that on our charts your convert rate is the very lowest. Yes, I suppose. Missionaries differ in their abilities. Oh, it's just the way you do things, living in such poor style, eating in the kitchen. You ought to make more of a show. I hate that kind of ostentation. And priests who practice it are regarded as dishonorable. You refer to their own low-heaven priests. Your heathens aren't always low, just as Christians are not always high. Many of their priests are good and noble men. Well, have it your own way. Oh, Reverend Mother, you're going. I'm afraid I must. May I escort you to your house? There may be problems you'd like to discuss away from Father Chisholm. I'm not aware of all my problems. Well, in that case, we shall discuss your distinguished brother, the Baron. Excuse us, Father. Good night, Reverend Mother. Good night, Father. I'll be right back, Francis. I have been listening, Father. Please, may I say something sinful? Of course not, Joseph. You will hear it in confession anyway. Father, I shall be extremely delighted when Monsignor says goodbye tomorrow. The Monsignor paid us such a short visit, Reverend Mother, and I'd hoped so much that we might have had some talks of the old days, of timecastle and holy well. Father, there's something I must tell you. Last night, I intended to ask Monsignor Neely to send me away. Send you? Let me say it, Father. From our first meeting, I behaved shamefully and sinfully towards you. Oh, no. I want you to know that I am most bitterly sorry. Believe me, no apology was ever more abject than mine, nor has anyone been less worthy of forgiveness. Please, I was born into arrogance, Father, and top contempt for those who were not. How could I hope to live but a word of God which is for all men? But you have. From the beginning, I knew that yours was the true humility, that mine was a duty. I resented your deep and honest compassion, but as I heard the Monsignor humble and slight you as I felt the magnificence of your faith and the courage of your heart. Forgive me, Father, forgive me and... There's nothing for which I have to forgive you. We're all children to God and with His help we'll work and mature. And I... I'm so glad you no longer dislike me. The journal describes the next ten years as fruitful, peaceful, and unnoticed in their growing progress should go. Father Chisholm had rebuilt his church 200 faithful souls were in his congregation and in their prayer books not a single grain of rice. Then one day the Reverend Mother had news for you. Father, I just heard a Protestant mission has been established in Python. Oh? They've rented a fine house. They plan even a hospital with a resident doctor. It sounds extremely beneficial. Well, what will you do, Father? Do. I shall put on my good suit, take my umbrella and call upon them. Good afternoon. I am Father Chisholm. Oh, won't you come in? Thank you. Is Dr. Fisk at home? I certainly am, Father Chisholm. Well, I've heard a great deal about you. Well, I don't know whether to be... to be happy about that or not. Well, you have a wonderful establishment here. We hope to make it one at any rate. And tell me something, Father. Do you resent our coming here? Oh, now, what justification could I possibly have for such a feeling? None. But we know, don't we, Agnes? Well, you see, once after we'd been up country all by ourselves another missionary came. I'm afraid we did feel a little... Frankly, at the time, we didn't like it coming at all. You know, sometimes I wonder how the Christian faith must appear to the Chinese mind. With all the different sects crying at the same time, come over here. This is the one. This is the true one. We've seen a great deal of it. We're all campaigners. And now our son is in settlement work, too. In China? Scotland. Right now, is it a place called Time Castle? Time Castle. Why, that's my home. Have you ever been there? Oh, yes, just last year. We met the rector of the cathedral. Monsignor Mealy, do you know him? Angus Mealy and I were boys together. Splendid, man. Splendid. I thought him... well, just a shade formal, would you say? No, not formal. Stuffy. Did you say stuffy? Decidedly stuffy. Agnes, put some tea on the fire. Father Chisholm and I are going to have a nice, long visit. I am nearing the end of the journal now. Father Chisholm writes, how fast the years have tumbled into my lap. Too fast, almost, for me to tell one from another. 30 years, 40. I am reminded of this everywhere I look. And I spend my days memorizing every face, every stone, every tree of my beloved mission. For it is time for me to go home. Almost every day, Dr. Fisk calls on me. Even when he isn't here, his presence till itself. Time for your milk now, Father. Now take it away. Not now, Dr. Fisk ordered it. No, what's best for you? Well, after tomorrow I should be free to decide for myself what I shall eat and what I shall. Oh, dear, I don't want to go. I don't want to leave here. Father, what is that book? It's just my journal. How out of proportion are events to the words with which we try to describe them? No one's ever really been able to write of pain or love or God, as well as we can feel them. Oh, I almost forgot. I've had a letter. Now here's a picture of Judy's little boy, Andrew. Oh, he's, how do you say, a bunny-land? Yes, he has that from his grandmother, from Nora. What a strange continuity of unhappiness, Reverend Mother. First Nora, then Judy, who lived and died as wretchedly as she was born. And now Andrew, deserted by his father as was Judy, wanted by no one but me. But who's been taking care of him? Oh, my aunt left a little money. I've sent what I could. Oh, yes, yes. And there was news in the letter to Reverend Mother. And I think as mealy is now Bishop of Tinecastle. Bishop? How much he has made of his life. And how little I've made of mine. Well, I mean, no disrespect, but it's my personal opinion that you are closer to God than he. Oh, now, please, please. Now then, if you'll excuse me, there's one more item I must enter in the journal. Well, I won't annoy you. Brought my knitting, see? Tomorrow I leave. But I prefer to say goodbye now to Reverend Mother Maria Veronica. How shall I say goodbye to a friend with whom I've worked for so many years through revolution, famine, and poverty, and come to know so well? In weeks past, when I insisted that I didn't want to leave, she made me foolishly happy by encouraging my rebellion. And yet both of us knew my leaving was inevitable, and we would, to quote the wisest man I have ever known, let Almighty God have his way. And may that Almighty God watch over her and keep her always. Oh, my dear friend, my dear friend. Almost the whole city of Pytine was at the river landing when he left with their flowers and their tears. Their gift to him was a beautiful scroll. Joseph was selected to present it. Father, it is with the utmost anguish that we, thy children, oh, it's no use, Father. What I am supposed to say, 20 times I have said it perfectly, but how can I speak to you in words I have memorized like a parrot? There is no one here who has not his own memories of you and your love and your goodness. Let them speak in their own hearts for themselves. And as for me, dear Father Francis, I cannot speak. I have no memories other than those of you. I have had no other life than yours. Joseph, my oldest and most loyal comrade, my good friends, will you? Will you let me bless you all? Lord, let thy most benevolent blessings fall upon these thy children. And through thy grace, bring to them peace and contentment to the end of their days. It's past since I closed the covers of Father Chisholm's journal. Out of the window I see the cab I ordered has arrived. And downstairs I can hear the old man shuffling about in the shouts of the little boy and... Good morning. I hope you slept well, Monsignor. As a matter of fact, I didn't sleep at all. I read your journal. I hope you don't mind. I should imagine that the memories of a life as ineffectual as mine would guarantee sleep. Infectual? It's an honor to have known you, Father. There's much I would like to say. Ah, but your cab is waiting. Goodbye, Monsignor. You won't forget to mention to Angus, I mean his grace. There is nothing I will say that will in any way alter your position here. Monsignor. This will be your home and your parish as long as you desire. Thank you. Thank you. Goodbye, Father. Goodbye. Andrew. Andrew. Yes, Father? Well, don't stand there led with half the morning gone. Come now, we'll get the fishing rods. Andrew. Wasn't it just fine of the Lord to make all the rivers and fill them all with little fishes? And then send you and me here to catch them? Hey, boy, hey! Our curtain falls on the keys of the kingdom, and I'm sure you'll agree that we can chalk up another highly delightful evening thanks to Ronald Coleman and Anne Harding. Oh, thank you, Bill. I enjoyed playing Father Chisholm, and being a fisherman myself, I'm very glad he ended where he did. I should say so. What was the biggest fish you ever caught, Ronnie? Well, that's rather hard to say. Yes, why? Well, my wife's listening, and I've forgotten what I told her. How are you on the land end of the fishing boat, Anne? Oh, I'm not too good, Bill. Fish always upset me so. They look very unhappy, even in the water. Well, you know what makes them unhappy, Anne? So much water and no locked toilet soap. Yeah, hence the expression, poor fish. Well, quite seriously, Bill. I wouldn't think of getting along without locked toilet soap. It's always been my very special beauty care. And that, from a very special beauty, is indeed a very special compliment. Well, what are you presenting on this stage next week, Bill? Next Monday night, we have a thrilling drama of the racetrack, packed with action and suspense. It's Paramount's recent screen hit, Salty or Walk, starring in the title role that he portrayed so ably on the screen, Alan Ladd. With William DeMarist and Marjorie Reynolds as the girl whom two men love and fight for. That sounds like an exciting evening, Bill. Good night. Good night. Good night. We're sure to join us in the audience next Monday. Between now and next week, most of us will observe Thanksgiving Day, a very special Thanksgiving Day this year, because we have so much to be grateful for, victory and peace, and the return of millions of our men. But while we count our blessings, let us also look into the future for peace is a grave responsibility. The things that we are thankful for today, we must be vigilant guardians of tomorrow. The very greatness of our country and the power given us in victory are a sacred charge to see that never again shall the forces of greed and hatred and intolerance be loosed upon the world. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Toilet Soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening when the Lux Radio Theatre presents Alan Ladd, William DeMarist, and Marjorie Reynolds in Salty O'Walk. This is William Kealy, saying good night to you from Hollywood. In furtherance of the current victory loan drive, admission to next Monday night's Lux Radio Theatre broadcast of Salty O'Walk will be granted solely to the purchasers of victory bonds. Our music was directed by Louis Silvers. This program is broadcast to our men and women overseas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. And this is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear Salty O'Walk with Alan Ladd, William DeMarist, and Marjorie Reynolds. A treat of the week. This pie, luscious fruity mincemeat in a golden, nut-sweet spry crust. Clip the tested spry recipe from November Women's Magazines. And remember, only spry shortening gives you that tender, flaky spry pastry. Get spry, S-P-R-Y. Be sure to listen in next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theatre presentation of Salty O'Walk with Alan Ladd, William DeMarist, and Marjorie Reynolds. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.