 From Hollywood, California, the Lux Radio Theater presents Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night with Walter Connolly and Roscoe Carn. Lux presents Hollywood. Our stars, Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly and Roscoe Carn. Our play, It Happened One Night. Told to the tune of a roaring bus motor, it's the fast-moving story of a runaway society girl and the reporter who helped her run. Our guest is a real-life cross-country bus driver, Mr. Harold Burnham. The music of the Lux Radio Theater is under the direction of Louis Silvers. This program comes to you with the good wishes of the makers of Lux Flakes, the world's largest selling package soap for fine fabrics. Lux is safe, safe for everything safe in water alone. And it's thrifty. About a penny's worth of Lux, unless the water's hard, does under things three times or stockings four times or both a sweater and a dress. In hard water, a little extra Lux gives you wonderful rich suds. Yes, a little go so far, Lux is thrifty. Keep the generous large-sized box of Lux Flakes in the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen, too. Give your things the care they deserve and help your hands stay nice-looking. You'll do that, won't you? And now, our host and producer. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Cecil V. DeMille. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. It happened one night that a husky son was born to Mr. and Mrs. William Gable of Cadiz, Ohio. When the boy grew older, it happened one night that a friend who was an actor invited him backstage to witness a performance of the local stock company. The young man was allowed to peer through a peephole in the curtain, saw a vast bank of upturned expectant faces and discovered that it thrilled him, lured him as irresistibly as fate itself. Then came a swift and amazing series of ups and downs. Until at last, it happened one night in Hollywood that Clark Gable tossed a coin to decide whether he should continue to fight for a chance in the movies or head for home. The coin fell, heads up, and he remained to become one of the most popular stars the screen has ever known. Clark is now working in the David O. Selznick film, Gone with the Wind, and appears tonight through the courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It happened one noon that a pretty young girl was crossing the Paramount lot on her way to lunch when a producer stopped her and asked her how she'd like to play the part of the wickedest woman in the world. Without a second's hesitation, she answered, I'd love it. I was the producer, Claudette Colbert was the girl, and the picture was the sign of the cross in which Miss Colbert appeared as Papier, the queen who invented the milk bath for beauty. Soon afterward, Frank Capra borrowed Claudette for the leading role in what became one of the great romantic comedies of the screen, and that, roughly, is how it happens tonight that we're presenting It Happened One Night. Clark Gable plays Peter Warren and Claudette Colbert plays Ellie Andrews. Claudette will be seen shortly in the Paramount film Midnight, and is currently working in It's a Wonderful World, a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production. Two other excellent artists also play the same parts they fill so ably on the screen. Walter Connolly as Mr. Andrews and Roscoe Conn as Shapely. And now, in the Lux Radio Theatre, the cross-country motor bus stands waiting. The oil is checked, the tank is full, and we're ready to start. With Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly, and Roscoe Conn's. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, It Happened One Night. A bus terminal in Miami, Florida. Passengers are milling about the ticket office, crowding around the newsstand, fighting for places at the lunch counter. In a telephone booth at the far end of the station, Peter Warren, a news reporter, has just put through a long-distance call to his paper. Hello, this is New York Globe? Yes, sir. This is Peter Warren talking. I want to speak to Harry Gordon right away. Who? Gordon, Gordon, the managing editor. Oh, one moment, please. Fire me, huh? I'll show him the big, bad boom now. Hello. Hello, Gordon? Yep. This is Peter Warren. Well, what of it? Say, what's all this about my being fired? You got my word, didn't you? Sure, but... That it goes, you're through. What for? You know what for. What? Listen here, monkey face. I'm the best news hound your filthy scandal sheet ever had. Don't make me a snipe. None of your... I sent you my copy. Sure, all about the bathing. Disappeared last night from her father's yacht. What? Ellie Andrews, she disappeared. Did you know that? No. Well, that's why you're fired. Hey, wait. Hello. What you run away for? I never read newspapers. Here, here's a dime. Buy yourself an automobile. Where do I get the bus to New York? Right up, sir. Hey, drivers, this bus go to New York? There's a sign on the front. Can't you read? Sorry, but I never got past the fourth grade. Now, when do I sit? Don't worry, Manny. OK. You'll be good enough to move this file of newspapers. I'll take the seat here. Move them yourself. Fine. Hey, wait a minute. What do you think you're doing? Huh? The papers. The papers. What's the idea of throwing them on? Oh, oh, the papers. You know, that's a long story, my friend. I never did like the idea of sitting on newspapers. I did it once, and all the headlines came off of my white trousers. Y'all on the level. That actually happened. Nobody bought a newspaper that day. They just followed me around and read the news off the seat of my pants. Ah, fresh guy, huh? What you need's a good sock and a nose. Listen, partner. You may not like my nose, but I do. I always wear it out in the open, where if anybody wants to take a sock at it, they can do it. Oh, yeah? Now, that's a brilliant answer. Why didn't I think of it? Our conversation could have been over long ago. Oh, yeah? If you keep that up, we're not going to get anywhere. Oh, yeah? You got me. Pardon me. I want to get back. Yeah, come on through. This is live in the last all night. Oh, don't mind me. Thank you. Hey, wait. You can't sit there. That's my seat. I beg your pardon. Listen, I'm putting up a stiff battle for that seat. So it was just the same to you, scram. Driver, are these seats reserved? Ah, first come, first served. Thank you. Wait a minute, driver. These seats accommodate two people, don't they? Well, maybe they do, and maybe they don't. Thanks. Move over, sister. Ow. This is, uh, maybe they do. Well. There. You comfortable? Oh, yes, very. That's good. There's nothing like being comfortable when you have 2,000 miles to... Say, haven't I seen you someplace before? Uh, I'm afraid not. That's funny, but I think I have. Have you ever had your picture in a newspaper? Never. Not even on the society page? Oh, well, my mistake. But I could have almost sworn I've seen you before. Really? Perhaps it was at the livestock show in Chattanooga. I often go there with my old maid out from the country. We're simply mad about the merry-go-round. Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Morn! Oh, it was foolish of me to fall asleep on your shoulder like that. Why didn't you push me away? I hated to wake you up. You look kind of pretty asleep. How about some breakfast? Oh, no. Oh, no, thank you. I never eat on a bus. You mean you've never traveled on a bus? I beg your pardon? Sit down. I want to talk to you. Oh, do you? You'll never get away with it, Miss Andrews. What are you talking about? I said you'd never get away with it. Your father will stop you before you get halfway to New York. Hey, you must have me confused with someone else. No, it's kidding. It's all over the front page. You know, I've always been curious to know what kind of a girl would want to marry a front-page aviator like King Wesley. Take my advice and grab the next bus back to Miami. That guy's a phony. I didn't ask for your advice. Oh, that's right. You didn't. Well, I guess I'll step out and send a telegram. No, wait. Well, you're not going to notify my father, are you? What for? You could probably get some money out of him. I never thought of that. Now, listen, if you'll promise not to do it, I'll pay you. I'll pay you as much as he will. You won't gain anything by giving me away as long as I'm willing to make it worth your while. And I will. Just as soon as I can get to New York, I'll pay you. Got it. I said, cut it. You know, I had you pegged right from the start. You're the spoiled brat of a rich father. The only way you can get anything is to buy it. Now you're in a jam, and all you think of is your money. It never fails, does it? You ever hear of the word humility? No, you wouldn't. I guess it never occurred to you to just say, please, Mr. I'm in trouble. Will you help me? No, that'd bring you down off your high horse for a minute. But let me tell you something. Maybe it'll take a load off your mind. You don't have to worry about me. I'm not interested in your money or your problems. You, King Wesley, your father, you're all a lot of hoey to me. So long, Miss Andrews. Sister, all alone, I'll keep you company. I'm sorry, you can't sit here. This seat's taken. My name's Shapley, might as well get a quaint. It's gonna be a long trip. Get slowed some later on, especially for somebody like you. You look like you've got a class. Yes, sir, with a capital K. And believe me, I'm the guy that knows class. When I see it, believe you me. Ask any of the boys, they'll tell you. Shapley sure knows how to pick them. Yes, sir. Shapley's a name, and Shapley's the way I like them. Say, what's the matter? Says she ain't saying much. It seems to me you're doing excellently without my assistance. Ha, ha, ha. That's pretty good. It seems to me you're doing excellently without my assistance. Well, shut my big nasty mouth. Look, looks like you're well up on me. Now, say, look, you know, there's something I, I, nothing I like better in this entire world. Nothing's gonna meet a mom that should snap them back at you. Yes, sir, you're just my type. Believe me, you sister, I could go for you in a big way. Fun on the side, Shapley, they call me. And the accent's on the fun. Believe you me. Believe you me, you bore me to distraction. Ha, it looks like you're too up on me now. Hey, you. Huh? There's a seat over there for you. What's the idea? I'd like to sit next to my wife, if you don't mind. Well, you're, you're your wife? Yeah, come on, come on. Oh, yeah, sure, sure, excuse me. I, I was just trying to make things comfortable. I didn't know what to say you to see, I didn't understand you. If you'll promise not to snap my head off, I'd like to thank you. Forget it, I didn't do it for you. His voice was getting on my nerves. Hey, your clothes are soaking wet. Did you get caught in that shower back in the last stop? Yes, it was a cool shower, too. Here, take my coat and put it around you. Oh, no. Sure, go ahead. You're as helpless as a baby. Thank you. How'd you happen to get caught in it anyhow? Well, those things do happen, don't they? I just ran into the terminal to buy a box of candy. Candy? Are you crazy? What do you mean? Let me see your purse. Oh, please, now give me my purse. Just as I thought, $1.60. How do you expect to get to New York if you waste your money on candy? That's none of your business. You're on a budget from now on. Here's your purse, I'll keep the money. Now, just a minute, shut up. From now on, I'm the boss. Hey, driver, what's the matter? There's a sign there says the bridge at Dawson's been washed out. We might as well put up here for the night. But where are we? Dykes Auto Camp. They got cabins here. No chance of getting through, huh? Not tonight? That's enough for me. Come on, Brad. Are you talking to me? Yeah. We're stopping here for the night. Come on, let's go. Here's your cabin, Mr. Warn. This one here? Yes, sir. Come on, kid, this is it. Well, good night. I hope you and your husband rest comfortably, Mrs. Warn. Mrs. Warn? Oh, yes, thank you. Well, go on in. What are you going to do? Stay out here in the rain all night? Don't clever these Armenians. Yeah, it's a gift. I just had the unpleasant sensation of hearing you refer to as my husband. Oh, yeah, yeah, I forgot to tell you about that. I registered as Mr. and Mrs. Oh, you did. You know, compared to you, my friend Shaebley's an amateur. Just whatever gave you the idea I'd stand for this. Hey, now wait a minute. Let's get this straightened out right now. If you're nursing any silly notion that I'm interested in you, forget it. You're just a headline to me. A headline? You're not a newspaper man, are you? Chalk one up for your side. Now listen, you want to get to your fiancee, King Wesley in New York, don't you? All right, I'm here to help you. What I want is your story, exclusive. A day-to-day account all about your mad flight to happiness. I need that story. Just between you and me, I've got to have it. Isn't that just too cute? There's a brain behind that face of yours, isn't there? You've got everything nicely figured out for yourself, even including this. This? Oh, oh, you mean the Mr. and Mrs. business? Well, that's a matter of simple mathematics. These cabins cost two bucks a night, and I'm sorry to inform you, wifey dear, that the family person won't stand for our having separate establishments. Understand? Yes, I guess so. Smart girl. And now we come to the problem of retiring for the night. Which of these beds do you prefer? That one? Take it. Thanks. Now that the popularity contest is over, what happens next? Simple. Give me the clothesline over there. Thank you. Now we tie up one end of it here on the wall, like this. Pretty not, don't you think? About average. The other end goes over this nail, and we tie it on the opposite wall. So that makes a clothesline extending from wall A to wall B and passing exactly between beds X and Y. Then we take the blanket, G, and place it over the clothesline AB so that you in bed X will not be troubled with the disturbing sight of me in bed Y. Do you follow me? I suppose that makes everything all right. I hope it does. I like privacy when I retire. Hence the walls of Jericho. Maybe not as sick as the ones that Joshua blew down with his trumpet, but it's a lot safer. You see, I have no trumpet. Well, now that is a relief. And to show you my heart's in the right place, I'll give you my best pair of pajamas. Here. Thanks. Now do you mind joining the Israelites on the other side of our wall? I think it might be better. Excuse me. Yeah, that's the stuff, Fred. Yeah, and don't be worried. The walls of Jericho will protect you. Would you mind putting out that light? No, not at all. Turning in? Mm-hmm. Say, would you mind taking those things of yours off the walls of Jericho? Well, oh, I'm sorry. How's that? Better. Nice, isn't it? Lying here and listening to the rain. By the way, what's your name? What's that? Who are you? Me? Oh, I'm the whipper-wheel that cries in the night. I'm the soft morning breeze that caresses your lovely face. I'm the- You've got a name, haven't you? Yeah, I've got a name. Peter Warn. Peter Warn. I don't like it. Don't let it bother you. You're giving it back to me in the morning. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Warn. The pleasure's all mine, Mrs. Warn. Good night. Good night. In a moment, you'll hear act two of it happened one night, starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. During our brief intermission, we bring you our favorite family, the Brownings. It's late at night, and the girls have come in from a date. They're getting ready for bed. Gee, it was fun tonight. Wasn't it, Midge? I'll say, you know, Dot, I always sort of envy you when I see you with a crowd of people. Why, what do you mean, Midgey? Oh, it's just that you always look so pretty and fresh, and people sort of flock towards you like you're a magnet or something. They never do that with me. Oh, now, Midge, you just imagine it. Well, I'm too sleepy to think about it now. Are you about ready for bed? Not quite. I've got to luxe my unnies first. With this, our goodness. Why don't you skip it? Not on your life. Aren't you going to do yours? No, I'm too tired. But, Midge, you must. Oh, what difference does it make? It's so much nicer putting on fresh things in the morning. Well, just this once won't matter. But, Midge, dear, you're always saying that. See here, honey, you say you want heaps of friends and parties and fun. Oh, yes, I do. Well, believe me, dainty-ness has a lot to do with that. Here, give me your unnies now. I'll luxe them with mine. Oh, you angel, I'll do yours with mine both tomorrow night. Honest, I will. It takes only a few minutes to luxe your things after every wearing. A quick dip in luxe suds removes every trace of perspiration and leaves things fresh and lovely looking. There is no harmful alkali, absolutely nothing in luxe to fade colors or hurt fabrics. You can use it safely for anything safe and water alone. So get the generous large size box of luxe flakes and luxe under things and stockings after every wearing. Your dresses, sweaters, and blouses often. This dainty habit means so much to your happiness. Helps you stay sweet and lovable. A woman everyone admires. And now, here's Mr. DeMille. It happened one night, starring Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable with Walter Connelly and Roscoe Conns. It's early the following morning. In the tourist cabin, Peter is setting the table for breakfast as Ellie returns from the showers. Morning, Wipey. How time you got back? Oh, I met some very interesting women at the showers. We got to chatting about this and that. You know how time flies. Come on, come on, come on, sit down. Breakfast's all ready. Oh, how nice. Scrambled eggs. Egg. One egg, one donut, black coffee. That's your ration until lunch. Any complaints? Nope, no complaints. That's nice. For a change. Donut? Thanks. You think this whole business is silly, don't you? I mean, running away and everything. Oh, no, no. It's too good a story. Yes, you do. You think I'm a fool and a spoiled brat? Perhaps I am, although I don't see how I can be. People who are spoiled are accustomed to having their own way. I never have. I've always been told what to do and how to do it and where and with whom. Nurses, governesses, chaperones, even bodyguards. Oh, it's been a lot of fun. One consolation. You can never be lonesome. It had its moments. It got to be a sort of a game to try and outwit father detectives. I did once. Actually, actually went shopping without a bodyguard. It was swell. I felt absolutely immoral, but it didn't last long. They caught up with me in a department store. I was so mad, I ran out the back way and jumped into the first car I saw. Guess who was in it? Santa Claus. King Wesley was in it. Oh, is that how you met him? We rode around all afternoon. Father was frantic. By six o'clock, he was having all the rivers dragged. I can see it. Say, where did you learn to dunk in finishing school? Oh, now, don't you start telling me I shouldn't dunk. Of course you shouldn't. You don't know how to do it. Hey, dunking's an art. Don't let it soaks along. A dip and plop into your mouth. If you let it soaks along, it'll get soft and fall off. It's all a matter of timing. I ought to write a book on it. Thanks, Professor. Just goes to show you, 20 millions and you don't know how to dunk. I change places with a plumber's daughter any day. What's the matter? Shut up, somebody's outside. How do I know who you are? You can't go around bothering my tenants. Besides, how do I know you're a detective? Oh, show me your credentials, man. Detectives. Oh, that's father at word. Peter, what'll I do? Maybe I can jump out of the window that they wouldn't see me. Come here, come here, come here. Get yourself all must up. Here, here, push your hair down over your eyes. Yeah, yeah, that's it. Yeah, yeah, I got a letter from Aunt Bella last week. She says that we don't stop over at Wilkes Berry. She'll never forgive us. What are you talking about? What's the difference? Say something. Oh. I guess I'll write to Aunt Bella today. Yes, I would if I was you. Letters are always cheering to end the lids. Yeah, yeah, she says she's got hay fever again. Yeah, don't say it. Excuse me. I want to see you, miss. What's your name? Are you addressing me? Yeah, what's your name? Hey, wait a minute. That's my wife you're talking to. What do you want, anyway? We're looking for somebody. Yeah, well, look your head off. Don't come bustin' in here. This ain't a public park. I gotta know she'll take a son of you. I'll take it easy, son. Take it easy. They're detectives, Mr. Wilkes. I don't care if they're the whole police department. They can't come bustin' in here and shootin' questions of my wife. Now, don't get so excited. Peter, they just asked a civil question. Oh, is that so? Say how many times do I have to tell you to stop buttonin' when I'm havin' a noggin'? Oh, you don't have to lose your temper. You don't have to lose your temper. That's what you said the other time, too. Every time I try to protect you. Now, now, keep quiet. I won't keep quiet. Now, listen, you two. You're just like your old man. Once a plumber's daughter, always a plumber's daughter. There ain't no brains in your whole family. But you've done disturbed my guess. Yeah, what do you mean by it, anyway? Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Warren, but you see, we gotta check up on everyone. We're looking for a girl by the name Alain Andrews, daughter of the Wall Street King. Yeah, well, it's too bad you're not looking for the daughter of a plumber. And now, didn't I tell you that it was a perfect... Can't you see I'm trying to get some sleep? Shapley's back with us. Did you know that? Sure. What about it? Look at him. He's got one of those newspapers with my picture in it. He's... Oh, Peter, I'm afraid. Are you afraid of them? You still got me with you? Where did Shapley get that paper? We stopped a few miles back while you were sleeping. He must've got it there. Well, I was too late to do anything now. He's looking at me again. Oh, Peter, do you think he recognizes me? We'll find out soon enough. What will we do? Wait till the next stop. I'll get him into a conversation outside and if he suspects anything, well, we'll see. Hello. Nice to get out of the stretch of legs, ain't it? Yeah, it sure is. See, you got a paper there. That's right. Maybe you'd like to take a look at it. Yeah, don't mind if I do. Hmm. Hold it here in the headlights and you can read it while you're waiting. Traveling like this, you sort of lose track of what's going on in the world. Now, take that story there, for instance. How about that, Ellie Andrews? If I was to see that dame, you know what I'd do? No. What? I'd go 50-50 with you. Why? Well, because I don't believe in hogging at all, see? A bird that figures that way always ends up behind the eight ball is what I always say. What's in your mind? Five Gs or I crab the works. Five Gs, huh? You'll hurt me. Yeah. You know, it's a lucky thing I'm running into you. You're just a man I need. You made no mistake, believe you me. You a panker, Gat? Huh? A Gat, a Gat, a rod. Do you have any fireworks on you? Well, no, I don't. Well, that's all right, anyway. I got a couple of machine guns in my suitcase. I'll let you have one of them. May have a little trouble up north. May have to shoot it out with the cops. Huh? If you come through all right, these five Gs are as good as in the bag. Yeah, yeah, but have better. Of course, I'll have to talk with the killer, see that he takes care of it. The killer? Yeah, yeah, the big boy. The boss of the outfit. Say, you're not, you're not kidnapping her, are you? What else, stupid? You don't think we're after that penny any reward, do you? 10,000 bucks, chicken. Yeah, well, pardon me, Mr. I guess I don't want that money after all. Hey, listen, you're in on this thing and you're staying in, get me? You know too much. Yeah, but I won't say anything. I'm not, I'm not. Listen, I won't. How do I know that? Well, I got a notion to plug you right now. No, no, no, no, you can trust me, Mr. I won't talk. I don't want to. I never say anything. My wife and kids never say anything. What's your name? My name is Oscar Shapley. Where do you live? Orange, New Jersey. You had a couple of kids, huh? Yes, sir. Yeah, they're just babies. A little golden-haired girl. Yeah, a hair of Bugs Dooley. Bugs, Bugs Dooley. Yes, yes, he was a nice guy, just like you. But he made a mistake one day. Got a little too talkative. You know what happened to his kids? Well, I can't tell you. But when Bugs heard about it, he blew his brains out. Oh, oh, oh, gee, that's terrible. Yeah, now beat it. Thanks, Mr. Can I go back now? To the bus? Say, what do you think I am, crazy? You're walking, see? Oh, oh, yes, sir. Come on, come on, scram. Sure, sure. Anything you say, Mr. Can you go to shoot me in the back? You don't beat it. I'll go. Come on, come on, get going. Board. Hey, wait a minute, driver. Come on, get in. Never mind. We're getting off here. Me and the young lady. What's that? Come on, Brad. Well, what's the matter? Come on, come on. Don't ask him any questions. Here, here, give me your hand. Got your suitcase? Yeah, thanks. Hmm. Well, now that we're stranded in the middle of a country road in the dead of night, maybe you'd let me in on the big secret. What's the idea? The idea? We're going to take a little walk, Brad. Mr. Shapley may shoot off his mouth after all. Where are we going to walk to? The next town, wherever that is. Come on, pick them up and lay them down. We've got a long way to go. Born as this cross country, I keep up. My feet are killing me. Stop here if you want. Here, well, where are we? Virginia. Well, yes, I know, but where? I can't say for sure right now. But from the looks of that hay, Rick, I guess we're on somebody's farm. Where's the farmhouse? What difference does that make? You don't mean we're, oh, you don't mean we're going to sleep out here in the open, do you? I don't know about you, but I'm going to give a fairly good imitation of it. Peter. What? I'm awfully hungry. Oh, that's just your imagination. No, it isn't. I'm hungry and scared. You can't be hungry and scared both at the same time. Well, I am. If you're scared, it scares the hunger out of you. Not if you're more hungry than scared. All right, all right. You win. Now let's forget about it. I can't. I'm hungry. Holy smokes. Why did I ever get mixed up with you? If I had any sense, I'd be in New York for this time. What about your big story? Taking a dame back to her fiance. I turned out to be a prize sucker, all right. Here, your bed's all ready. Come on. You mean I'm supposed to sleep on that hay? That's the idea. Oh, it's all crackly. Oh, shut up and go to sleep. I'm sick and tired of listening to a lot of complaints. You know you're becoming awfully disagreeable lately. You just snap my head off every time I open my mouth. The thing with me is so distasteful to you. You can leave. You can leave anytime you see fit. Nobody's holding you here. I can get along. I can get along very nicely without you. Peter, are you listening? I said I can get along very nice. Try to find you something to eat. I know, but. Well, here. Here's a watermelon. I swiped it in the next field. I don't want it now. I thought you said you were hungry. I was. But what? I was so scared it scared the hunger right out of me. Holy jumping catfish. You drive a guy crazy. I guess. Shut up. I was only going to say, I guess you're right. You're darn tooting. I'm right. Now go to sleep and forget about everything. Yes, Peter. Peter. What? What are you thinking about? By a strange coincidence, I was thinking of you. Really? Yeah. I was wondering, what makes dames like you so dizzy? Look at the sun. Look at those fields. Yes, look at my shoes. By the way, what did you say we were supposed to be doing? Hitch-hiking. Oh, well, you've given me a very good example of the hiking. Where does the hitching come in? A little early yet. No cars out. Well, if it's all the same to you, I'm going to sit right down here and wait until they come. Suit yourself. I intend to. Oh, now, Peter, suppose nobody stops for us. Oh, they'll stop all right. It's all a matter of knowing how to hail them. You're an expert, I suppose. I'm going to write a book about it. Call it The Hitch Hiker's Hail. There's no end to your accomplishments, is there? Oh, you think it's simple, huh? No, no, no. Well, it is. It's all in the old thumbs, eh? Now here, some people do it like this. Kind of a half-wave and half-point with a thumb drooping across the palm. It's all wrong, too indefinite to never get any place. Oh, the poor thing. Yeah, yeah, but this old thumb never fails. Now, take number one, for instance. Elbow close to the side, thumb rigid, and parallel to the right shoulder. Then a short, jerky movement, just the hand and wrist, like this. Shows independence. You don't care whether they stop or not. You got money in your pocket, see? Clever. Yeah, yeah, but number two, that's a little wider movement from the elbow. The thumb describing a graceful arc from shoulder to waistline. A smile goes with it, like this. That means you've got a brand new story about it. You figure that all out by yourself. Ah, that's nothing. Number three, that's a pit. Yeah, that's a pitiful one. You know, when you're broke and hungry and everything looks black. Oh, is that so? Yeah, yeah, shoulder sagging, mouth down, chin drooping. It's a long, sweeping movement of the whole arm, like this. You've got to follow through, though. Oh, it's amazing. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But it's no good if you haven't got a long face to go with it. Oh, here comes the car. Yeah, OK, OK. Now watch me. I'm going to use number one. Keep your eye on that thumb, baby, and watch what happens. I still got my eye on the thumb. Something must have gone wrong. I'll try number two this time. Hey, you! Oh, maybe he doesn't appreciate genius. Well, let's try this, baby. Maybe number two won't work in the south. I'll try number three on the next one. When you get to 100, wake me up, will you? I don't think I'll write that book after all. Think of all the fun you had. Do you mind if I try the next one? You. Don't make me laugh. Oh, you're such a smart alec. Nobody knows anything but you. I'll stop this car, and I won't use my thumb. What are you going to do? It's a system all my own. Left hand gracefully on left tip. Head back and incline gently in the direction of travel. Eyes twinkling. It's the twinkle that does it. Step aside, please. Oh, you. You're going my way? Yes, thank you very much. Well, hop right in. My name is Baker. Oh, it's so sweet of you, Mr. Baker. Would you mind if this gentleman rode with us, too? Oh, him? Yeah, me, yeah. Well, I don't like his looks any too much, sister. Oh, that's all right. He's my uncle. He can't help looking like that. He used to be a newspaper man. Oh, well, all right. Get in the back. Thanks. As I was saying, it's a system all my own. Oh, yeah? Oh, I think I'll write a book, too. Let's see, called The Feminine Touch, or Go Fiver with a Come-Hiver. Oh, shut up. You wanted Kevin for a week, huh? That's right. That'll be $8.75, paying in advance. Now, listen, Mr. I don't want to talk business right now. We're tired. I'll settle up within the morning. Well, all right. Good night. Good night. Come on, Brad. Why don't you tell him in the morning? I'll think of that then. Here, let's have that blanket. Here it is. If I build the walls of Jericho, once more, I can qualify as an engineer. Oh, I'm glad I can lie down for a change. Yeah, me, too. Well, we're on our last lap. Tomorrow morning, if all goes well, you'll be in the arms of your fiance, the dope. Mm-hmm. You'll have a great story, won't you? Yeah, as well. Thanks. Well, you certainly have smarted your father. I guess you ought to be happy. Am I going to see you in New York? Nope. Why not? I don't make it a policy to run around with married women. Won't I ever see you again? What do you want to see me for? I've served my purpose. I brought you back to King Wesley, didn't I? That's what you wanted, wasn't it? Have you ever been in love? Me? Yes. Have you ever thought about it at all? It seems to me you could make some girl wonderfully happy. Sure. I've thought about it. Yeah, who hasn't? If I could ever meet the right sort of a girl. Yeah, but where are you going to find her? Somebody that's real, somebody that's alive. They don't come that way anymore. You know, I saw an island in the Pacific once. I've never been able to forget it. That's where I'd like to take her. She'd have to be the sort of a girl who'd jump in the surf with me and love it as much as I did. You know, nights when you and the moon and the water all become one. And you feel you're a part of something big and marvelous. Those are the only places to live, where the stars are so close over your head that you feel you can reach right up and stir them around. Sure. I've been thinking of it. If I could only find the girl who was hungry for those things. Take me with you, Peter. Take me to your island. I want to do all those things you talked about. Please. No, I'm not. I love you. Nothing else matters. We can run away. Everything will take care of itself. Please, Peter. I can't let you out of my life now. I couldn't live without you. You'd better go over there. Oh, I'm sorry. Ellie, wait a minute. Good night, Mr. Warren. Ellie, did you really mean that about the island? Would you really go? Well, certainly not. Do you think I'm crazy? I guess I did, just for a minute. Did you see my husband? Husband? Well, he's gone. Gone? Yes, ma'am, left about an hour ago. Did he say where? Not a word. I heard him calling long distance. He spoke to Mr. Gordon at the New York Globe Office. Said he had a great story, and was going right into New York to see him. I see. Where's the telephone, please? I don't think your husband will be there yet, Mrs. Warren. Oh, stop calling me Mrs. Warren. I'm not Mrs. Warren. I never will be Mrs. Warren. My name is Andrews. Ellie Andrews. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. Now, where's that phone? Over there, ma'am, right over there. Thank you. More. I think it was my fault, something. My name is Mrs. Andrews. My name is Andrews. My. Andrews. Andrews. Ellie. More. More. I want it to call New York, please. Yes, person to person. Mr. King Wesley. Wesley. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. The film falls on act two of It Happened One Night, starring Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable with Walter Connolly and Roscoe Karnes. Mr. DeMille introduces our guest for the evening in a moment. But first, a word about our product. You want to cut down on stocking runs, don't you? Then luck your stockings after every wearing. With these gentle flakes, there's no cake soap rubbing, no harmful alkali to damage the delicate silk threads. Lucks saves elasticity and cuts down on runs, helps your stockings wear longer and fit better. And remember this, one large-sized box of lucks flakes, unless the water's hard, will do your stockings for nearly three months. And in hard water, a little extra lucks makes wonderful, rich suds. Yes, a little goes so far, lucks is thrifty. And now, here's Mr. DeMille with our bus-driving guest. Since a cross-country bus carries so much of the action of tonight's play, we're bringing you a typical pilot of these streamlined stagecoaches. He's Harold Burnham of the Pacific Greyhound Lines. After driving buses for 13 years and over a million and a half miles without an accident, he's learned that he's required to do more than just get him there on time. He must be a diplomat, information bureau, nursemaid, counselor and guardian, and at times even a motion picture actor. Yes, they used one of our buses in the picture. It happened one night, and they happened to pick me to drive in a few of the scenes. But I guess it's gonna be a bus driver than an actor. You meet so many interesting people. As interesting and romantic as the Ellie Andrews and Peter Warren of our play? I should say so. There's something about a bus that encourages romance. It even affects the hack-hands themselves. Hack-hands? Well, that's our name for a driver. I'm one of the very few hack-hands who didn't first meet his wife as a passenger. And there's a romantic angle about my favorite passenger. Five years ago, on my regular run to Fresno from Los Anas, a young couple met on my bus. And just a year later, they were back again, this time as husband and wife. They've been coming back every year on May the 15th to take the trip over again. Sentimental, but nice. I feel sort of responsible. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. From a hack-hands viewpoint, Mr. Burnham, what constitutes an ideal bus trip? A solid load with plenty of chinners. By chinners, I mean talkers. That is, we like a bus full of people who like to talk. That makes the trip go quicker and the passengers enjoy themselves more. But while you're in a translating mood, will you explain what those headlight signals are that you often exchange on the highway with other buses and trucks? Well, if we want to warn a bus or a truck coming the other way, whether it's about to run into a bad piece of road, we flash them three times with a spotlight. If there's a cop who doesn't like us, we give two flashes. But I'm glad to say that most cops and hack-hands get along swell. And the same goes for reefers. Reefers are big trucks. It's the roadhog and fruit haulers or small trucks that keep our nerves on edge and our feet on the corks. Corks being our name for breaks. What turned you into a bus driver, Mr. Burnham? And what's keeping you at it? Well, it's pretty exciting, Mr. DeMille. I really mean that. Because I quit the Army Air Corps to take my present job. There's something about it that gets you. You're out in the open all the time and more or less on your own and always on the move. And I guess I like people. Little kids traveling alone. Strangers who need help. And even the lady who once come aboard with a stork and was presented with a fine baby boy right on the bus. Yes, sir, you've got to be prepared for any emergency. But I guess I better put the corks on myself and let the people hear some more from two swell people, Mr. Gable and Ms. Colbert. Thanks a lot. Right on, Mr. Burnham, and good luck to you. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night with Walter Connelly and Roscoe Cohns. The thread of an accidental meeting which bound the lives of Ellie and Peter has become a tangled knot. Ellie is convinced that Peter walked out on her and has given him no chance to explain. It's a week later. The morning of Ellie's marriage to King Wesley. The bride-to-be sits alone in her room, staring mournfully at her reflection in the glass. Her father knocks at the door. Yes, Dan? I come in. Come in. Hello, Dan. I knocked several times. Oh, I'm sorry. I must have been daydreaming. Yes. Well, everything's set for the wedding. Great stunt king is going to pull, creating quite a furor. Stunt? Yes, landing on the lawn in a narrow gyro. Oh, oh, yes, I heard. Yes, personally, I think it's silly, too. You look lovely, child. Are you pleased with the gown? Ellie? Hmm? Oh, the gown. Yes, it's nice, isn't it? What's the matter, child? What's wrong? Nothing. You haven't changed your mind about King Wesley, have you? No. Because if you have, it isn't too late. You know how I feel about him. You gave me such a scare when I couldn't find you. You know, the old pump isn't what it used to be. I'm sorry, Father. I wouldn't hurt you for the world. What's the matter, child? Aren't you happy? Oh, no. Ah, I thought so. I knew there was something on your mind. Oh, there, there, there now. What's the matter? You haven't fallen in love with someone else, have you? Have you? I haven't seen you cry since you were a baby. This must be serious. Where did you meet him? On the road. Now, don't tell me you've fallen in love with a bus driver. No. Who is he? I don't know very much about him, except that I love him. Well, if it's as serious as all that, we'll move heaven and earth. No, no, it's no use. He despises me. Oh, come now. Come now. Yes, he does. He despises everything about me. He thinks I'm spoiled and selfish and pampered and thoroughly and sincere. Ridiculous. He doesn't think much of you either. No? No. He blames you for everything that's wrong with me. He says you raised me stupidly. Oh, he's marvelous. Well, I'd like to have a talk with him. Oh, no, Daddy. It wouldn't do any good. I practically threw myself at him. Well, under these circumstances, don't you think we ought to call this wedding off? No, I'll go through with it. What difference does it make? I'll never see her again. Is that his name? Yes, Peter. Peter Warren? Yes. Do you know him? No, not exactly. Oh, Father, you haven't heard from him, have you? I, uh, well, this letter came this morning addressed to me. From Peter? Yes, here you are. Dear sir, as your daughter has probably forgotten to tell you, there's a little financial matter connected with her safe return to your indulgent arms that I would appreciate you're settling with me at your earliest convenience. Yours truly, Peter Warren. Oh, well, I guess that was his only interest in me, wasn't it? The reward, $10,000. I'm sorry, you're ready. Are you going to see him? Yes. As a matter of fact, I sent word to him to come out here this afternoon. I suppose he'll show up soon. Oh, of course he will. Well, payable, he's entitled to it. He did an excellent job. He kept me thoroughly entertained. It's worth every penny he gets. Sit down, Mr. Warren. Thanks. I was surprised to get your note. My daughter hadn't told me anything about you, about your helping her. That's typical of your daughter. Takes all those things for granted. I've discussed the matter with her since hearing from you, and she thinks that you're entitled to anything you can get. Oh, she does, huh? Now isn't that sweet of her? Well, I've got it all itemized. May I see the statement, please? Thank you. Cash outlay, $8.60. Top coat, $15. Suitcase, $7.50. Hat, $4. Three shirts, $4.50. Total, $39.60. All the above items had to be hocked to provide food and shelter. And I sold some shorts and socks, too, but I'm throwing them in. Yes. I know, but what's the matter? Isn't it cheap enough? A trip like that would cost you $1,000. Maybe more. Now let me get this straight. You want $39.60 in addition to the $10,000. What $10,000? Why, the reward? Who said anything about a reward? All I want is $39.60. Now, if you give me a check for it, I'll get out of this joint. Gives me the jitters. You're a peculiar chap. And we'll go into that some other time. The average man would go after the reward. All you seem to be. Listen, did anyone ever make a sucker out of you? This is a matter of principle, something you probably wouldn't understand, or when anybody takes me for a buggy ride, I don't like the idea of having to pay for the privilege. Were you taken for a buggy ride? With all the trimming. My daughter seems to think she was on that ride, too. She thinks you walked out on her. Listen, your daughter can think anything she wants. I went to New York to raise a little dough for your daughter so that she could go out on that tropical island. And when I get back? What tropical island? None of your bit. Well, kind of when I come back here to where she skipped, and that's great, isn't it? Now, wait a minute. What about my dough? Do I get it or don't I? Certainly. Thank you. But I'd like to ask you one question. Do you love my daughter? Any guy that had fallen in love with your daughter ought to have his head examined. That's an evasion. Do you love her? A normal human being couldn't live under the same roof without going nutty. She's my idea of nothing. I asked you a simple question. Do you love her? Yes. Don't hold that against me. I'm a little screwy myself. Hello. I was hoping I wouldn't have to bump into you. Really? I hope you got your money. You bet I did. Congratulations. Thanks. Same to you. Hell, dear. Stay around and watch the fun. King's going to drop down out of the skies. Any minute now in his favorite gyro. You'll enjoy it immensely. I would, but I've got a weak stomach. Goodbye, Miss Andrew. Pleasant fellow, isn't he? Ellie, dear, you shouldn't have talked to him like that. He's really a fine boy. We had quite a conversation. I'm not interested. Now, see here, Ellie. I tell you, I'm not interested. I don't want to hear another word about him. What on earth is that? King, I guess, landing on the lawn in his gyro. There seems to be creating quite a lot of excitement among the guests. Well, Ellie? Come on, Dad. Let's go down and get it over with. King is waiting at the altar. All right, take my arm. Let's go. You know, Ellie, you're a sucker to go through with this. That guy Warren is OK. Please, Dad. He is. He didn't want the reward. All he asked for was $39.60 that he spent on you. What? Sure. He loves you, Ellie. Well, how do you know? It's too late now. Is it? You don't want to be married to a mug like Wesley? I can buy him off for a pot of gold. And you can make an old man happy. Vape Warren is a swell guy. Oh, please, please don't. If you change your mind, your car is waiting at the back gate. What do you say, Ellie? You've still got a few seconds. Oh, Dad. Is it Pete or is it this dumb pluck of a Navigator? Did any place. Don't worry, Brad. It's safe and sound in my inside pocket. Oh, I was getting scared again. Afraid I was going to back out? Oh, it's too late now, Mr. Warren. Oh, Peter, I'm so happy. Where are we going for our honeymoon? I got the place all picked out. A tourist cabin near Philadelphia. A tour? Oh, Peter, that's great. Yeah, yeah. See that big bundle of stuff I bought in the last town? What's in it? Oh, lots of things. A rope? A rope? Yeah. And a green blanket? Hand me that little baggie. Oh, this one? That's it. What's in it? You'll see. There. A trumpet? I never took a lesson, but I guess I can manage it. Listen to this. It happened one night, starring Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable. In a moment, you'll hear from our stars personally. But first, let's indulge in a little fancy. Suppose your hands could talk. What would they say? Let's imagine Jane's hands are talking to each other while she's playing cards with her friends at the bridge table. Isn't it fun? We fool those women again. Haven't we though? They think Jane has a maid. It's a great joke, isn't it? Why, we've been washing dishes for years. And no one would guess it. Lux Flakes help us to stay lovely looking. Yes, I'm sure that is the way your hands would talk if you use lux for your dishes. Lux Flakes are kind to your hands. There's no harmful alkali to dry out the natural oils in your skin. No, indeed. Lux helps your hands stay soft and pretty. The kind of hands every woman wants. Just try Lux Flakes for your dishes. You'll like them. They're fast, they're gentle, and they're thrifty. Yes, unless the water is hard, the large-sized box of lux will do dishes about 60 times. In hard water, a little more lux gives you wonderful, rich suds. Yes, a little lux goes so far, Lux is thrifty. Buy the generous, large-sized box, won't you? And now, here's Mr. DeMille with our stars. A happy journey from Miami to New York is ended, but our stars make a return trip to the microphone. We present Ellie Andrews as Claudette Colbert, and Pete Warren as Clark Gable. Oh, as Claudette Andrews or Ellie Colbert, whoever I'm supposed to be, I'd like to say that it's been great to do another play in the Lux Radio Theatre. As Pete Gable, I'd like to say I can't imagine a better place to take a busman's holiday. Assuming my most difficult characterization, that of Cecil B. DeMille, I'd like to compliment you both on a great performance. Thank you, CB. And I'm glad to learn from your introduction to the play that you're a fatalist. Yeah, what? Yeah, you know, CB, one of those people who think that everything happens for the best if it doesn't happen for the worst. But I never said I belonged to such a cult. Well, Claudette probably assumes from the way you talked about everything happening one night that you're a believer in uncontrollable destiny. Well, it's really nothing to be ashamed of, you know. You simply believe that everything happens for a purpose. If you don't believe that way, you've nothing left but supposition. Now, for example, suppose Columbus had sailed east instead of west, or Paul Revere's horse had tripped over a cobblestone. Or suppose Claudette Colbert hadn't taken seriously a playwright's remark that she ought to be an actress. Or suppose she hadn't starred on Broadway in The Barker. Would she be in Hollywood now? Oh, suppose that coin clock tossed to see whether or not he'd remain in Hollywood had fallen tailed. Where would he be now? Now, give up. Where would he be now? You mean seriously? Sure, why not? Well, let's see. I'd have gone back east, not all the ways. Maybe I'd have stopped off in Texas again. I'd probably have gotten my old job back in the oil fields. And, well, I'd probably be fairly happy. That's right. Pollyanna Gable, his friends would be calling him. Well, it's time to go, Clark. Good night, Mr. DeMille. Good night, Stephen. Good night, specialist. Mr. DeMille will be back shortly with news of next Monday night's play in cast. Our cast in it happened one night, included John Gibson as bus driver, Chester Clute as Mr. Dyke, Eddie Waller as Mr. Dobbs, Lou Merrill as Harry Gordon, Walter Tetley as a newsboy, Marion A. as telephone operator, and Frank Nelson as a detective. Walter Connolly appeared through courtesy of Columbia Pictures and Harry Cohn. Louis Silvers is from 20th Century Fox Studios, where he directed music for the new film, Alexander Graham Bell. Here's Mr. DeMille. Hollywood recently observed its most important event in many months, the presentation of the Academy Awards, the highest tribute that the screen can give its personalities. For the second consecutive year, top acting honors among men went to the star whom you'll hear on this stage next Monday night, Spencer Tracey. And with him we present one of the screens loveliest ladies, Loretta Young. They'll bring Lux listeners the sharply realistic and romantic play for which they're so well remembered on the screen, a man's castle. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Toilet soap, joined me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night, when the Lux Radio Theatre presents Spencer Tracey and Loretta Young in a man's castle. And ladies and gentlemen, before I say good night, I want you to make a special mark on your calendar so you'll be sure to remember tomorrow night. Because it happens that tomorrow night, our good friend Dick Powell is going to make his bow as master of ceremonies of the big lively Tuesday night party over the Columbia network. Dick is a talented singer, a fine actor, and a real trooper whose versatility will add new pleasure to what I'm sure is now one of your favorite programs. Your old friends, Martha Ray and Park Your Carcass will be on hand too, as well as a very special guest star, that past master of comedy, W.C. Fields. So don't forget to listen tomorrow night and you'll hear a big program of sparkling comedy and music, and Dick Powell deserves a warm welcome. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood. It's the Columbia Broadcasting System.