 The Lux Radio Theatre brings you the Pied Piper, starring Frank Morgan, Margaret O'Brien and Senior Hassell. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. On the eve of a great national election, I believe there's one thing on which we all agree. It is that the hope of the world tomorrow rests on the children of today. It is they, the young people, who will make this tired old world a better place in which to live. Tonight's story, the Pied Piper, a hit picture from 20th Century Fox, tells how a handful of youngsters trapped by the Nazi invasion of France in 1940 become attached to an amazing old gentleman who is allergic to children. This amazing old gentleman is played by Frank Morgan, who's making a new picture at Metro Golden Mayor, Hold High the Torch. And tonight he's supported by Sweden's distinguished actress, Senior Hassell. And one of the children whom he saves for posterity is seven-year-old Margaret O'Brien, who has recently completed her Metro Golden Mayor technical picture, Meet Me in St. Louis. Young as she is, Margaret O'Brien is already a veteran of the Lux Radio Theatre, having captured all our hearts last season in Lost Angel. I said then and I repeat now that I've been watching stars on stage and screen for half a century and I've never seen a finer emotional actress. And speaking of children, I have in my hand a letter that I wish you could all see. It's written not only in pencil, but also in braille, the international language of the blind. And it comes from a group of sight trouble children at a school in Minnesota. These last two lines say, every Monday evening we listen to your Lux Radio Theatre and like it very much. We also use Lux toilet soap and think it is very good. I believe that's the first time that Lux toilet soap has ever been praised in braille. And to those children I send our warmest thanks and hope our Lux Radio Theatre continues to bring them happiness. And now it's curtain time and we're ready for the first act of the Pied Piper, starring Frank Morgan as Mr. Howard, Margaret O'Brien as Sheila, and Senior Hassell as Nicole. This is the story of an English gentleman named Mr. Howard, who became the father of six children all in the course of a few days. This sounds a bit incredible, but it's even more incredible when you take into account the fact that Mr. Howard didn't even like children. No, no, no, no, no, no, it's not that I dislike children. I assure you I've never disliked children. It's simply that they make me feel uncomfortable. They say, well, children are too bright. It was in the summer of 1940 that I first met little Sheila Kavanaugh and her brother Ronnie. We were staying at the same inn in France, a quiet little place at the foot of the Alps near Switzerland. I'd been fishing there for a few days, rather fair luck too. I remember I came back to the inn one evening with my catch. The children were reading in the lounge and Madam Peacock was, as always, standing in back of the little hotel desk. Oh, Mr. Howard, you have good luck today, yes? Too very fine trout, madam, one for me and one for you for supper. Mr. Howard, an accomplishment. Two of them. Look, children. Are they not beautiful? My father caught five today. Oh, did he? Probably fishing with worms. Oh, no, sir. He was fishing with an artificial fly. Yesterday he caught ten. Oh, really? Is that so? Ah, but children, your father is such a young man. Mr. Howard, you must be tired. Sit down, rest. I will take the fish to Emily and the kids. Well, thank you, madam. Mr. Howard. What do you want? I've just been doing my lessons. Will you help me, Mr. Howard? Help you? Young woman, is that regarded as ethical? Oh, it's quite all right, Mr. Howard. Everyone helps Sheila. Oh. You see, I have to name five states in the United States, and the only one I can think of is Texas. Uh, Texas here. Well, now, let's see. Uh, Texas, and then there's, uh, California. California, right, California. And, uh, Virginia? Virginia cigarettes, you know. Virginia? Yes. And, uh, Rochester. Rochester? Rochester is an estate, Mr. Howard. Really? Then may I ask what it is? Rochester is a city. Oh, well, it may very well be a city, madam, but I don't deny that. I only contend that it is also a state. A state somewhat north and a bit to the northeast. A bit to the northeast of, uh, the New England Colony. But it's not, Mr. Howard. It's just a city, and that's all. It's a city in the state of New York. Did anyone ask you? No, sir. Then you'll be doing me a great favor by keeping your irresponsible conjectures to yourself. Yes, sir. Good evening. Good evening, Daddy. Good evening, Mr. Howard. Good evening. Hello, Dad. Hello, son. Anybody tried the wireless this evening? We'll get some English news if Berlin hasn't jammed it. Daddy, is Rochester in the United States a city or a state? Rochester? Rochester's a city, of course. Why? Mr. Kavanaugh, have you any corroboration for that reckless statement? Or is that simply your offhand opinion? I'm afraid I don't understand, sir. Mr. Howard told Sheila that Rochester is a state. Well, I must admit I've never heard the question raised before, but... And what would you say, sir, if I informed you that I, myself, have visited the state of Rochester? In that case, naturally, I'd be compelled to admit that you were right, sir. Listen, Daddy. I hear planes whistling. Yes. Quite a few, I imagine. That German man to the Heinkels. He can talk by the motors. Ronald. Ronald those planes again. Yes, dear. That German, Mother, I can tell. I heard them going over this afternoon. Where could they have been, Ronald? I don't know. I can't understand it. The fighting is all up north in Belgium. Yes. Unless things are worse than we've heard. Is the wireless working? Is there any news, Monsieur? There ought to be. It's just about time. Why stay fast today? Where are they going? Where? Here we are. I've got it. This is the overseas service of the British broadcasting company, London Calling. It would be idle to deny that Britain today faces a dark hour. More Channel ports, French as well as Belgium, are now under German occupation. We must prepare to face any eventuality. In this hour of darkness, let Englishmen wherever they may be, in whatever lands beyond the sea, here again by transcription, the words of the Prime Minister before the House of Commons this morning, and be of good heart. But we are well out of it here, eh, Monsieur? They will never fight this far south. We could hide out here for years, and for you and me at our age, Monsieur? That's a very comforting thought. Have you finished? Yes, Monsieur. Then allow me to inform you, sir, that if ever again you address one word to me, I shall take the greatest of pleasure and thrashing you within an inch of your life, regardless of your age. Monsieur. Madame Picard is a train for Paris at nine o'clock, isn't it? Why, yes, Monsieur. I shall be taking it. Please arrange with the station master for my reservation to London by way of Paris and St. Marlowe. I'm sure you have only been here three days. Three days of which I am heartily ashamed. I'll pack my things at once. Mr. Howard. Yes? I hope you're not being hasty because of anything this man has said. I can assure you that no one here believes for one second that you're here for, well, for any but the best of reasons. No. I'm here because, because I'm a selfish and pigheaded old man. I offered my services to every department of the government in London. I'm not without experience, you understand, but I, I was not needed. I was too old. In all of London, I was taken seriously by but one man, my vicar. He suggested to me that I knit, knit for the soldiers. I'm afraid that I took some exception to his well-meant suggestion, but to run away like a sulky child was wrong, and I'm deeply ashamed of myself. That's not my point, sir. As you say yourself, you're not young. There is no other point, young or old, an Englishman's place at a time like this is in England. And if the trains are running, I shall be there in 18 hours to knit. An hour later I was in my room still packing when Mrs. Kavanaugh asked to see me. She seemed quite strained, nervous. Mr. Howard, do you know what my husband does? No, I can't say I do. He is an official of the League of Nations of Geneva, and in Geneva they think that Switzerland is very likely to be invaded next. Do they really? That's where we're going tonight, back to Geneva. But is that very wise, if there's danger there? It happens to be his post of duty. I see. But if, if Hitler does come, there won't be much food. There never is under him. I'm thinking of the children. Oh, yes? Mr. Howard, would you take them with you back to England? Do what? Would I do what? It would only be to premise. My sister would meet you there, and I know it's asking an awful lot. What do you, you, you mean that, that girl too? Please, please, she didn't mean to be rude. Sheila's really a very good child, and she'll behave, I promise. Mrs. Kavanaugh, I... No, no, no, no, no, it's impossible. I'm sorry, but it's out of the question. Really, I couldn't. I simply couldn't. That night I left for Paris with Sheila Kavanaugh and her brother Ronnie. Are we taking the train, Mr. Howard? Of course we are. Yes, yes, we are. And will we sleep on the train, will we? I expect so, yes. He won't. What's that? He won't sleep on the train. What do you mean, why won't he? Because he always gets sick on the train. Tick right on the floor. Neither. You do. I don't. No, Ronnie, of course you do. I do not. Now please, please, let's not dispute the fact. Time will tell us who is correct, I'm afraid. The argument was settled an hour after we boarded the train. Ronnie was quite sick. With the kind aid of a French lady on the train, I took care of Ronnie as best I could. The French lady had a child of her own. She seemed to understand these things. Are you comfortable, Monsignor? Oh, my God. He speaks French, yes? Madame, what seems to be the trouble with him? He is sick, Monsieur. Yes, that I understand. I told you he'd be sick. Quiet, you're quiet. It is very sick, Monsieur. But besides, he has seemed to be sick. Maybe he has eaten something. Maybe he has been too hot and addressed. That is the way it is with children. Well, but does he need a doctor? Oh, no, no, no. If he can rest a little while and keep warm, he will be all right soon. I see. Well, Sheila, how are you? Oh, very sick, sir. Thank you, sir. Yeah. Where is Little Rose? Broad? Yes, he's. He must have. Récité pour le petit garçon. Ah, yes. Récité pour le petit garçon. Monsieur, rose the recite for your sick little boy. He'll enjoy it. Well, thank you. How do you do, Rose? Je m'occupe. Allure, Rose, récité. I don't know, but I shall certainly find out. Don't move. I'll be right back. My good man, I want to know when the next train leaves for Paris. To Paris? There is no more trains to Paris, Monsieur. No trains to the north at all. But I hold tickets. I shall report you to the management. Monsieur, do you not understand? The Germans have crossed the man. Maybe the trains will never run again. Never, but I have two small children. At your age, Monsieur, that is undoubtedly magnificent. But if this is a contest, I have nine. Now look here. Mr. Howard, what is it? Sheila, I told you to stay on the train. Listen, there's a bus outside to shop. Shop? Why shop? There's a train here that's on mellow. The chef to get it just told me. Well, then let's catch it by all means. Come along. This was a bit of luck, all right? I must say, Sheila, this bus idea was very clever of you. Very clever indeed. Thank you, sir. Yes, I expect that if you could break yourself of a certain insufferable pigheadedness, you'd be almost bearable. Are you comfortable, Ronnie? Yes, sir. Come with me. Well, well, little Rose. So you caught the bus too, eh? Fine. And where's your mother, little Rose? That wasn't her mother. That was her aunt. Well, where's her aunt? Good heavens, did we leave her behind? Well, yes, Mr. Howard. What is this? Don't leave the puppy in. What are you muttering to us? I'm asking you for a piece of paper for aunt's paper. Voila. Here it is, Mr. Howard. There's something written on it. Henri Tenoir, Dickens Hotel, Russell Square, London. I don't understand. Who is this Henri Tenoir? That's Rose's father. He's a waiter. But of what possible interest could his address be? Oh, so that's it. I'm to burden myself with another female child. Well, Mr. Howard, they haven't any house. The Germans burned it down. And they haven't anywhere to go at all. Don't you see? Eh, come one, come all, eh, woman? But you wouldn't want them caught by the Germans, would you? That is not the point. Well, don't cry, Rose. You're a pretty paw. Mr. Howard, I rather like you. Don't you see? Rose can take care of Ronnie, and I can take care of her, so you'll have no bother. Yeah, that's all very neatly arranged, eh? Well, perhaps I have something to say on the subject. I do not propose to become the mecca of every unfortunate child in France. No, sir. When we get the shop, I shall turn her over to the authorities and leave it to them to get her back to her aunt. Yes, sir. It's the only intelligent way to deal with such situations. Yes, sir. Ronnie, would you tell Rose what Mr. Howard is going to do? All right. Rose, Rose. Yeah, this is just a moment. Yes, sir. Eh, what was the name of that hotel? The Dickens Hotel, sir. I never heard of it in my life, but I imagine we'll be able to find it. Oh, Mr. Howard. Oh, thank you, sir. We were about 40 miles from Schacht when the bus stopped to repair a tire. It was a lovely day. There was a stream just off the road where we sat down to have our lunch under the trees. And then the planes came. German planes. They dropped out of the skies, swarmed down toward the road and the bus. It didn't seem possible that they were trying to kill us. Sheila, Rose. Yes, sir. I'm going back to the bus to see if I can get our bags. And children, while I'm gone, I want you to promise me, don't look up that way. You won't, will you? Stay right here now. Ronnie, I'm going to look. Don't, Ronnie, don't. Dead people there. Dead people. We were still there on the road one night came, and I herded the three children into a deserted old barn to sleep. But then I noticed that there were no longer three children. There were four. The fourth was a boy with a pale, thin face and the dull glazed eyes of a child in terror. He couldn't seem to talk. He only repeated one phrase. Over. Over. This, this child, is he with us now? Yes, sir, I, we brought him in, sir. Yeah, y'all, you know. He can't talk, Mr. Howard. That's all he says. The German. Who is he? His name is Pierre. How did you learn that? He told us. But he can't talk. No, sir. May we speak to you privately, sir? Oh, yes, of course. He was in the bus. Didn't you see him? The dead people, sir. They were his father and mother. I see. He can't speak, and, and I don't think he can hear either. I see. Here. Here, lad. Let me see you. Look up here. Say, are you lost? Say, are you lost? Yes, yes, yes, my boy. We'll take care of you now. There's nothing to fear now, my boy. Mr. Howard. Yes, Sheila? I can't go to sleep. Oh, but you must try. Yes, Howard. I'm sorry I was woozy at the night about Rochester. Oh, it's quite all right now. Doesn't matter in the least. I was wrong, you know. No, no, not at all. I may very well have been wrong myself. There's so many of those American states. Kansas, Massachusetts. What's that Indian state? Massachusetts. Massachusetts, that's it. Seem very likely there might be another named Rochester. No reason why not, you know. Oh, yes, sir. I remember it very well. You do? Indeed, a very important industrial state. Well, now, I'm not such an old buddy-duddy after all, eh? I should say no. My memory may have gone a bit ragged here and there, but when it comes to geography, you'll generally find I'm pretty good. Oh, I can see that, sir. Well, that's very decent of you to acknowledge it, too. Thank you, sir. Well, good night, my girl. Good night, Mr. Howard. Watch it. In a few minutes, Mrs. Anil and our stars will bring us up to the Pied Piper. And now, there's quite a crowd outside of Drummond's Chinese Theater here in Hollywood, a preview of an unfortunate new picture just ended. People are watching their favorite stars coming out of the theater. Oh, lovely, lovely. Oh, just look at that flight dressed with a sequence. Isn't it cute? Oh, there goes Barbara's family. And there's Claudette Colbert. And oh, my goodness, if that isn't Sonya Haney. And later, on their way home. Oh, aren't they the glamorous people, though? They must have to spend simply hours every day on beauty care. Oh, they don't, though. Why, there's such busy people, they don't have time to fuss for hours. Oh, I, Janie, just imagine, they use the same quick, easy care I do. Why, what do you mean, Sue? I luck toilet soap. At the latter facial, the same kind of green stars take. The stars use luck soap in their studio dressing rooms, and they use it at home, too. And that's a fact. Nine out of ten famous screen stars use luck toilet soap regularly. Luck soap beauty care is the Hollywood way to a lovelier complexion. Recent tests prove that actually three out of four complexions became smoother and softer with this daily active-lather care. It's true that screen stars haven't the time for elaborate daily complexion care, yet they can't take chances with complexion beauty, not for a minute. Here's what lovely young Teresa Wright says about it. A lucks girl? Indeed I am. These beauty facials do wonders for my skin. Here's all I do. Cover my face generously with a rich luck soap ladder, work it in thoroughly. Then I rinse with warm water, flash on cold, and pat with a towel to dry. Makes my skin feel so soft and smooth. Why not try this famous Hollywood complexion care? Get some luck toilet soap tomorrow. Use it every day for the next few weeks. Then see if you're not delighted with the way the smooth, luxurious ladder cares for your skin. Luck soap facials every day help skin to be fresher, lovelier, more appealing. We pause now for station identification. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Act two of the Pied Piper, starring Frank Morgan as Mr. Howard, Margaret O'Brien as Sheila, and Sr. Hussle as Nicole. As the Pied Piper of old, he brought his children to a happy land beyond the mountain. So our Pied Piper, Mr. Howard, tried to lead his children beyond the sea, to security, to safety, to England. It took us three days to reach shot. I remembered then that I had a friend there, a young lady named Nicole Rougiaran, whom I'd met on a vacation in San Moritz. I decided I would appeal to her for help, but I had to warn the children to be careful. Here, here, here. No excitement, please. We're in a very unpleasant situation. First, no more English. Understand? If any of us has heard speaking English, well, it should be really in for it. Now, you understand that, don't you? Oh, yes, sir. Sheila? Yes, sir. That's it. Speak French. No, not really, sir. Well, not to me, not to me. Oh, what are you going to do? Well, I, uh, I suggest we play a little game. I shall be, or rather I shall pretend to be, very old and stone deaf. Can't hear a blasted word spoken to me, eh? Oh, good. And a little crazy, too. Crazy? Just a little, please. Well, that might not be bad at that. Mouth open sort of thing, you mean, might be very good indeed. Yeah, too. You know... Oh, no, no, Mr. Howard. Oh, no? I think that might be a little too much. Oh, overdoing it, eh? I thought it was rather good. Stop that, now. This is a serious business. Very serious business. Come along, now. We'll try to find my friend Marmose Nico. Mr. Howard? Oh, Mr. You, you remember me, Mademoiselle? But naturally, Mr. Come in, please, quickly. Well, uh, I'm not alone. Come in. And the little ones, too. Oh, well, come in, children. Yes, yes, yes. Of course, of course. It's me. Mama, you remember Mr. Howard? Mr. Howard. Madame, I am happy to... Please, if you speak English, close the door. Come inside. Come inside. To speak English today is not safe. Not safe for any of us. I know, Madame, and I have no wish to... No, no, no, no, please. You must be careful. That is all. Our friends are still our friends. We got this. Well, that's very kind of you, Madame. But, Mr. the children, you did not have them last year? Madame, some of them I did not have 24 hours ago. We're on our way to England. Allow me to introduce them. Madame Rougeron, my model, Nicole Rougeron. This is Sheila. It's a very fine girl. And this is her brother, Ronnie. This is Rose. This is Pierre. And this is... Who is this? You might blame her, Ralph. What? Where did you come from? I've never seen this one in my life. Sheila! Yes, sir. When did he join us? Well, I'm... he's been with us just today. I see. You mean, Mr. you don't know who he is? No, but on this trip, that doesn't seem to be necessary. Boy, where did you spring from? Come on, speak up. It's straight here, Miss Miller. That is Dutch. His name is Dylan, not William Dylan. Yes? How do you know that, Sheila? He told us. Listen to this, mademoiselle. Sheila, do you speak Dutch? Oh, no, sir. Do you understand Dutch? No, sir. But he told you? Yes, sir. Then in what language did he tell you? In no language. He just told us. Well, I suppose there must be some normal explanation for this system of communication. Very well, Willem. We'll do what we can for you. Of course, of course. The poor little ones. I wonder if they would like something to eat. Oh, yes! Of course they would. Yes, they understand that all right, too. I am occasionally seized with the conviction that I am convoying guinea pigs. Mr. Howard, you do understand that you are in great danger here. Yes, I do. And I promise in just a few minutes when I rest it a bit, we'll be on our way. But I was hoping to see Colonel Rousseau also. We have not heard from my father for several months. At that time, he was with his regiments before next. You have my sympathy, mademoiselle. I understand. You see, I, too, have suffered a loss. You remember my son, John? John? Yes, but... Well, I regret to inform you that he was killed. He was in the RAF, you know? Shot down two months ago. He gave a very decent account of himself, I understand, before they... before they got him. Then he... He's dead? Excuse me, please. Mademoiselle Nicole was very kind. She helped us arrange for tickets on the train, and when we left, shot, she even came along with us. May I ask now where we are bound? To the Channel, Monsieur, the Brickney Coast. There is someone there I know might help. But was this necessary for you, this long, not very safe trip? Even if someone else could have done it, Mr Howard, I would not permit it. It is a thing that I must do myself. Myself alone. Mademoiselle, I appreciate this, even if I do not understand it. It would be just a year ago, wouldn't it? But months and memories. But a long, long year. And a sad one. Yes, it's all quite hard to realize. Every now and then I feel it's all a dream, and presently we'll all wake up, and perhaps John will walk in and we'll sit down and talk together again. I know. It took three to bring him down, you know. You remember him kindly, don't you? Oh, yes. Yes, I do. His letters and our last, our own visits together in Paris. You saw him in Paris? One. Just once for three days. Just before the invasion. Oh, we. We had a beautiful three days together. Well, I, I had no idea of that. No, we told nobody. In time we would have, I suppose. We planned to anyway. Then he went back, and I waited to hear from him. You know, it's funny. You wait and wait. Day after day. You wait for a letter, and then it comes. It's not from him. It's from his squadron. So for a long time you don't open it. You just sit there and hold it, wishing you'd never open it, because you know that a letter from his squadron from a friend can have that one thing to tell, and then at last you do open it. My dear child. And after that, your whole world is dark given to us before. Nicole's loss had been as great as mine, and I understood then why she had come with us. We went to a little town near the channel for the home of Nicole's uncle. With the children off to bed, he listened to our stories, smoking his pipe, nodding quietly. And what do you propose now, Nicole? You have fish in boats, Uncle. You know young men who are not afraid. Can't you find one who will take Mr. Harden to the children of Nicole's channel? Quite prepared to pay, you understand. And what is the price of a man's life, Monsieur? What uncle? They are little children. They must not be left here. Our country is no longer a place for children. Our country? Our country is no longer our country. You do not know, Nicole. You have not become to learn what it is to live under the boss. How do I know I can trust this man? But I know him, Uncle. I know him very, very well. How do I know I can trust you? What uncle? How do you know you can trust me? I refuse even to think such a thing. You are the boss child. That is what happens. As I have said before, I have no wish to involve anyone else in my own personal problems. I shall, of course, leave the house. No, no, no, no, no. Please, let me think about it, Monsieur. But listen. Game here. That's a raid on breast. Mr. Harbour, they're after the ships. Why, those filthy... Oh, Monsieur, that's a British raid. Those are British planes. Really? That's it. They're after Hitler. That was the report in Brest today that he was there inspecting the invasion fleet. Well, after Mr. Schicklgruber, eh? Well... What is this little ring? I should say it is. Those are British planes. Sheila, the RAF. Oh, a plane. I've got to get a look at this by George. Yes, there they are. See? Bang! That's it, boys. Bang! Kill them again! Bang! Bang! By George, this is the greatest thing I've ever seen in my life. Bang! It was late that night when Nicole's uncle came to my room. I found the man, and made all the arrangements. His name is Rocke, and his boat is at a fishing village just 10 km from here. You and Nicole will meet him tomorrow in a café near the docks. Nicole knows the... Mr. Rocke? Nicole, uh... She's the apple of that boy, see? Smonger of Pam, Mr. Harbour. Mr. Harbour, Mr. Kumpramp, I love you. Oh, yes. All right. You have the boat. The boat. It is by the bottom of the lighthouse. You understand? Yes. From the outside of the café, we will see the lighthouse to the right. You understand? Yes. When do we start? Now, tonight. It's gonna be better. Bonsoir! Bonsoir Nicole! Bonsoir Kumpramp! Bonsoir, Mr. Rocke. There is the lighthouse, Mr. Kumpramp. And there is the boat. Sheila, quiet. Yes. This way. Well, I suppose this is goodbye. Bon voyage, Mr. My child, won't you come with us to England? No, Mr. I'm not English. I'm French. And you have told me yourself that in times of trouble, you should be in your own country to what you can to help. This is where I belong. Right here. But afterward? Yes. Afterward I shall come. Goodbye, my child. Goodbye, Mr. How's that? I can see the spotter. Right, can see the man. You're like that. That's your man. You're leaving us, eh? You're English, yes? When? I am English. This young lady is not. She is French. You will come with me. All of you. But I tell you that she... You will come with me. Hey, isn't it? Here's the under-ail ointment. Ah, the boatman. You're English also? I'm French. Wombapapoursel Bosch. Now, Monsieur. You will come this way. Please. Oh, my God. I beg your pardon, please. Well, it... it rather looks that way, Sheila. Oh, Pierre. Pierre. Léz-en-moi. Léz-en-moi. Léz-en-moi. Léz-en-moi. Léz-en-moi. In a few moments, Mr. De Millenau stars will return in act three of the Pied Piper. And now, a tired businessman is being reminded of a promise. I'm so glad you got home a little early, dear. We promised the Sloans would go with them to that political meeting tonight. Oh, say, Mary, do we have to go to that? It's been an awful day. I'm fagged out. Wait and see how you feel after dinner. It's time for a shower if you want one, Jim. I just put fresh towels and soap in the bathroom. On the road to Mandalay. Oh, boy, this soap sure knows how to lather. Where the fly is. Where the flying fishes play. And you're all dressed up. That's a new tie. Well, we're going out, aren't we? Say, Mary, when do we eat? You know, that shower kind of pepped me up. I thought it would. A luck soap bath always does a trick for me. There's nothing like a refreshing luck-toilet soap bath to cure that all-in-end-of-the-day feeling. And you're sure to make a hit with the menfolk in your family if you put fine white luck-toilet soap in the shower or tub. Everyone likes the rich, creamy lather, the way it carries away dust and grime in a jiffy. Even in hard water, luck soap gives quick, abundant lather. Luck, you see, is a quality soap made only of the finest ingredients. But the whole family can enjoy it as a luxurious bath soap because it's thrifty to use. Luck-toilet soap is hard milled. It doesn't get mushy or soft. Each smooth white cake can be used as a last thin sliver. Why not put luck-toilet soap on your shopping list tomorrow? And now, Mr. DeMille returns to the microphone. After the play, we'll have an answer to the burning question of the evening as propounded to Frank Morgan by one of his leading ladies, Margaret O'Brien. It's a little personal, but I think you'll be allowed to listen in. And now, here's the third act of the Pied Piper, starring Frank Morgan as Mr. Howard, Margaret O'Brien as Sheila, and Sr. Hasso as Nicole. The land of hope lay just across the channel, a few miles of water between refuge and despair. But Mr. Howard and the children were on the wrong side. They brought us to a house in the town, the headquarters of the Gestapo. The children and Nicole and Roque and I. They took us before a major who sat smiling at us from behind his desk. Very touching, yes. A lovely group of children, my hair. Well, I suppose you know that Charandon has been arrested? I'm the foggiest idea what you're talking about. No, have you ever heard of Major Cochran, I suppose, of Army Intelligence War Office in London? No. Your memory obviously needs fresh names. An English gentleman traveling across France with five children anxious only to get home. A pretty and most disarming device. It happens to be the truth. Who are these children? Where did you get them? Two. The two English children belong to friends of mine. The other... You insist on that absurd story. You asked for the truth, didn't you? Yes, I should get it. You see, we know who sent the information to the English of their fellow as visit to the feet at breast. We know who called that raid. You and Charandon, what we do not know is how that message was passed through to England. That is what you are going to tell us, Mr. Englishman. And as soon as it is told, the pain would stop not too far. Get them away. This way. I say one question, please. Did they get him? Get home. Hitler. Of course not. Oh, that's too bad. They took us out of the room and then they brought me alone to another room down the hall and left me. There was a man sitting there. Now, say a few words. I'm afraid you have the advantage of me, sir. No, I'm English too. Half at any rate. English? What are you doing here? Waiting to be shot. Oh, you're Charandon. You've heard of me. I'm supposed to be mixed up with you in some way. That raid on the ship's too bad we didn't get the little beggar. You mean you were responsible for that, really? I helped. There's no point in denying it now. Only I wish they'd stop throwing innocent people in this room with me on the theory that they're going to convict themselves. Really, I look for better things from you, Major Deeson. More ingenious. I say, are you feeling all right? Quite. I'm assuming, of course, there's a microphone in this room somewhere. Oh. They're listening to us right now. You're wasting your time, Major. This man knows nothing about my affairs. But I will tell you this. The English will be back here, and if I warn you, they'll not be as gentle as they were after the last war. They'll deal with you this time as they would with Berman. And if you kill this old man, I assure you, you'll be hanged publicly, and your body left to rot on the scaffold as a warning to your other murderers. That ought to hold him. You're a very rash young man. Well, I'm in for it anyway. At least I can get a bit of satisfaction out of it. Major had evidently heard enough. A few minutes later, he sent for me. They're going and she's bored with your friend Chandon. Really? If I were in your place, I would not dismiss what he says too lightly. Look out of the window there. A very pleasant garden, isn't it? Very. That is where your friend, Mr. Chandon, is going to die in just a few minutes unless you decide to help him. I know nothing, whatever, of his work or how he went about it. Nor if I knew what I'd tell you. Look, they're bringing him out. You see? The very little things that I asked tell me how he got the information out of France and I will stop this execution. I've told you truthfully. I do not know. You haven't much time. Nobody would ever know. I promise you. Can't you understand? I know nothing. As you wish. Just a few seconds now. Are you going to tell me? Well, too late. I'm afraid. Fire! Pippin, come to the window. Would you like to see what you've done? Swine. Power. Filthy swine. Sit down. You puzzle me, really. If you are a spy, you at least have a clever one. What do you intend to do with those children? What? The children. What did you plan to do with them? I don't know. I hadn't thought. Send them to America, I suppose. America? Why America? Well, I have a married daughter who lives in a district called Long Island. She would have made a home for them until the war was over. Are you seriously asking me to believe that a woman in America would make a home for five judges of the children that you've picked up? I'm no longer interested in what you believe. Listen, I'll confess anything you wish if you'll only let them go. And not myself, too. If you'll do that, I'll confess to anything you say. Is it possible? You simply do not know what to make of you. I can only say that you must be a very brave man to make such a papa. No, no, no. Not brave. Just old. The major was not finished with me yet. The next day I saw him again alone. I do not mean one word of your story about these children, particularly about your plan to send them to America. I'll say anything you wish if you'll only let them go. What about the Jewish child? Jewish? Which Jewish child? The dark one. Is he Jewish? It didn't occur to me to ask. But in America, would they accept a Jewish child? I don't believe that they'd turn down any child. Even a German. Even a German? Are you positive for that? Yes. Mr. Hover, how would you like to continue your trip to England? Not without the children. And Mademoiselle? No, she wants to stay here in France. But if I were to let you go to England with children, would you be grateful enough to do me a small favor? That would depend on what it was. There's a certain person to be taken to America. I do not want to advertise her journey. If you think for one second that I would introduce a German agent into America, you're even a greater fool than I thought you were. She can hardly act as an agent. She's only five years old. Five? Yeah. Now, listen carefully. This little girl is my niece. Her father, my younger brother, is dead. Her mother, we learned later, was not wholly Aryan. So we were compelled to dispose of her. But the unfortunate father of the child remains. Half Aryan, half Jewish. She happens to be a sweet child, and I would feel better if she were with my older brother in the United States. He is an American citizen. She would be safer, you mean. As you wish. His name is Rupert Deaton. He now has a business, a grocery, in a city named Rochester in New York State. City? The city of Rochester, New York. Are you positive? Of course I'm positive. What are you talking about? Have you not ever heard of it? Oh, yes, yes, certainly I've heard of it. His address is 600 North Third Street. And that is where I wanted to go. Meanwhile, Mademoiselle may return to her home in shock. And no harm will come to her. Not unless you are foolish enough to tell anyone this arrangement. Very well. I should be very glad to take the child and see that she's delivered to her uncle. What is your address in London? I shall send for you when we arrive there. 42 Curzon Street. Yours, I assume, will be a cell in the Tower of London. We were released that night, all of us. Roque had the boat ready and we stood lined up on the deck waiting for the little girl we were to take with us. She arrived with the major, a tiny child carrying a doll in her arms. Oh, this must be Anna. How do you do, Anna? Hi, I'm Schittler. Oh, children. Children, stop it. Stop it immediately. Major Disney, can you better explain to Anna that from now on that salute will be out of place? Very well. Anna, von nun an brauchst du nicht mehr Heil Hitler zu sagen. Du kommst unter Menschen, die das nicht verstanden. Nicht mehr? Good, good. Get up, bro. I want to see you get away. All of you, get aboard. Good-bye, Nicole. Good-bye. All of this I know you have done for my boy and for him I thank you. Some for him. Some for you too. You know, once I thought that could never be another man as fine and as brave as your son. But I was wrong. And it wasn't all for you either. It was for the children. Somehow... somehow they represent hope. Hope for the future. You are the past. I'm the present. And they are the future. So we must take very, very good care of them. I have not all night, please. Oh, revoir, my dear. You'll come to see me when it's all over and we'll talk about John. Oh, yes. One more thing. The Englishman. He notes that if one word of this appears, it will be the concentration camp for young ladies. Remember that. And if anything happens to my young lady and I hear of it, this whole story will be in the papers and on the shortwave radio, mentioning you by name. And you remember that. You dare threaten me? You dare threaten me, didn't you? Oh, that's all. Oh, revoir. Good luck and happiness. Oh, revoir, Nicole. Bye, good-bye. Now, way children, I think you'd all better go below and see if you can't get some sleep. We have to take off our clothes tonight. No, you may sleep with them on tonight. Good night, my dear. Good night, my dear. Good night, little Anna. We're all friends now. We're not here, Howard. Yeah. Oh, Sheila. Yes, sir? There's a little matter I think I ought to clear up with you. You remember our little discussion regarding Rochester? But yes, Mr. Howard, but I told you. I know, but it seems that we were both wrong. Really? Yes, I happened to be talking it over with a fellow the other night. A fellow knew all about it. It's not a state at all, it's a city. Well, now, isn't that the truth that we both made that mistake? Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're really a very extraordinary girl, Sheila. And I'm very fond of you. And I apologize to you. We reached the English coast the next morning, and in two weeks I'd seen them all off to America. That was four years ago. I've been in government work since then. I, uh, I knit. I knit. I hear from the children quite often. Just yesterday I had six birthday cards. Six cards in round childish hand wishing me joy for the coming year. I wish them joy too. Joy for the coming year and for all the years that they shall know and I shall not. For this is what we are fighting for, and this is our prayer. That there shall be a future full of years for children of every land and of every creed. That they shall know joy and laughter and a bright new world. Sheila must have gone to considerable trouble in sending me her card. It was postmarked Rochester, New York. Really, an amazing child. Now our stars, Frank Morgan, Margaret O'Brien and Sr. Hasso, come to the footlights to receive our thanks and to help answer a question that I'm sure has been on all our minds. Tell me, Frank, are you preparing to lose an election bet? Election bet, certainly not. Not honestly. I mean honestly not. I might report that Mr. Morgan brings to our footlights the most luxurious chimp foliage ever seen on the stage of the Lux Radio Theatre. Well, thank you, CB. I didn't think you'd notice it. What's the beautiful, Mr. Morgan? What? What's the beautiful, Mr. Morgan? Well, it's for a picture I'm growing. I mean, I'm making. I'm surprised you can talk through it. Talk through it? By now on this ranch, Mr. Morgan is one of the best hog crawlers in the county. Can you really call hogs, Mr. Morgan? Miss Hassell and I call hogs. They come running with apples in their mouths all set for roasting. Would you like to hear me? Yes. What? Quiet, please. You'll miss the delicate infictions. Now, there, I was so convincing I almost thought I heard the patter of their tiny feet. Do you think you could do it, Margaret? Well, I'll try. All right. My words are coming! Look out, everybody! You see, Frank, Margaret, Margaret's quite a versatile actress. She can even go you one better on hug calling. Can you call hogs, Miss Hassell? No, Margaret. Not in English or in Swedish. Ah, but Miss Hassell is a very distinguished actress, Margaret. She's won every award for acting that Sweden offers. And she's appearing now in the Metro Golden Mayor picture 7th Cross. You know, CB, George G. Nathan called Miss Hassell the most attractive new foreign actress in America. Well, you only have to see the story of Dr. Wassel to know that. You know, you know, one of the reasons for that attractiveness, Frank. Yeah, I know, I know. Lux soap. Well, thank you. Thank you, you're very kind. But it is true that I've used lux toilet soap ever since I came to America. Yes. You used it ever since you came to America, Margaret? Yes. Ever since I forgot to wash. Oh, well, I'm sure, Margaret, that can't be often, judging from the memory you've shown here tonight. Can you come up your memory and tell us what's on Lux's next Monday night, CB? For next Monday night, Frank, we have one of the most dramatic stories of modern times. The universal screen hit magnificent obsession. And our stars will be Claudette Colbert and Don Amici. It's a gripping love story in which a man sacrifices himself for a woman and loses her. But in devoting his life to helping others achieves a final and dramatic happiness. Sounds like November 13th is the lucky number, CB. Good night. Good night. Good night. Your hug calling certainly draws home the bacon. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux's toilet soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night. When the Lux Radio Theatre presents Don Amici and Claudette Colbert in magnificent obsession. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood. Here's an important reminder from your local post office. Christmas mailing this year is expected to top the 1943 holiday volume by 25%. So if you want to be sure that your gifts reach their destination on time, mail them during this coming month, no later than December 1st. The five-piper was presented through the courtesy of 20th Century Fox. Our music was directed by Louis Silver. This program is broadcast to our fighting forces overseas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. And this is your announcer, John N. Kennedy, reminding you to join me again next Monday night to hear a magnificent obsession with Claudette Colbert and Don Amici. Grand for cake and pie. Every time you fry. It's the shortening bar. Yes ma'am, new spry cakes are lighter, better tasting. Spry pastry is so tender and flaky. Spry fried foods are crispier, so digestible. So be a better cook. Bake and fry with spry. They should listen in next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theatre presentation of a magnificent obsession with Claudette Colbert and Don Amici. This is CBS from their broadcasting system.