 Lux presents Hollywood The Lux radio theater brings you Betty Davis Herbert Marshall and James Stevenson in the letter Ladies and gentlemen your producer mr. Cecil V. DeMille Greetings from Hollywood ladies and gentlemen. I Don't know which is more exciting to a producer a play by Somerset more or a performance by Betty Davis But we have both in the Lux radio theater tonight and the pulse of this producer is beating double time But Miss Davis again proves her genius in one of mr. Morm's most powerful dramas the letter And you hear more than one star performance for with miss Davis We have Herbert Marshall and James Stevenson who share honors with her and Warner Brothers film production of this play The letters the story of a beautiful woman fighting the heat and privations of a jungle-backed country who tears to shreds the lives of two men It's a great part for a great actress We had no trouble in persuading Betty Davis to return from an eastern vacation to play it at this microphone The result of her gracious gesture is the kind of bill that would mean standing room only in any ordinary theater But of course this theater always has enough seats to go around all the way around the whole country That's one reason. It's a national theater Tonight's performance comes to you with the best wishes of Lux Flakes and Just as you have made this theater a weekly custom in so many American homes You've made Lux Flakes a daily custom in your homes, too And that adds up to an all-american rating for both plays and product And now get ready for a dramatic experience. You'll never forget The curtain rises on the letter Starring Betty Davis as Leslie Crosby Herbert Marshall as Robert Crosby and James Stevenson as Howard Joyce With Sen Young as the Lawyer's assistant just north of Singapore and the Melee Peninsula Lie the great rubber plantations Kingdoms of commerce worked by native labor ruled by a handful of white men In the main bungalow and one of these plantations a light burns dimly through shaded windows The night is hot and humid The soft breeze heavy with the scent of flowers The clouded moon hangs low in the sky Filtering slowly through the trees making patterns of shimmering silver on the ground There is deep silence Suddenly the door of the bungalow is flung open. I hear that man. That is Misha Hammond. Is he dead? I think him dead You shoot him miss Crosby. Do you know where the new district officer lives? Yes, Misha Send someone for him at once say there's been an accident. Mr. Hammond's dead. Yes, Misha And get word to my husband. He's out somewhere on the number four plantation. Yes, Misha. I try I'm John Withers the new district officer. Where's Mrs. Crosby? She liked herself in the room She wouldn't see me until you came. Excuse me. Leslie, let me in Leslie darling, it's Robert. Didn't they tell you? They said Hammond was killed. Is he still out there? I had your head boy remove the body to a shed. Leslie, what happened? Tell me He tried to To make love to me and I shot him Leslie. Oh Robert. I'm so glad you've come. Oh darling. Hold me tight. I'm so frightened. There's nothing to be frightened about It'll be all right There now that's better. I'll try not to do that again Mr. Withers, I hope you'll understand. I didn't want to see anyone until my husband came. Of course. I understand Mrs. Crosby Howard come in. I got your message in Singapore Howard. How nice of you to come Naturally, I'd want to be here if I can help. Oh, you will help them Of course, I will in every way I can. You're a dear. Mr. Withers, this is Mr. Howard Joyce, my attorney. How do you do? How do you do? How's Dorothy Howard? Oh, she's very well and anxious to see you. Has her sister arrived from England? Adele? Yes. Charming girls. She came last week. Oh Yeah, yeah, you better be resting. I do feel dreadfully faint. Come and lie down, darling I'll get you a drink. I'm sorry to be so tiresome. Nonsense. You're being very brave. She's bearing up wonderfully, Mr. Joyce Yes. Yes, she is How long have you been here? About an hour. One of the Crosby house boys came to fetch me. Was Hammond dead? Oh, yes, he was just riddled with bullets. What? Here's the revolver. All six chains are empty. Here you two You better have a drink yourselves. Thanks, but I'm afraid I shouldn't I'm on sorry for duty, you know. I have one, Bob Well, you feeling any better, Leslie? Much better. Thanks. This is Crosby. I know it seems brutal, but I'm afraid It's my duty to ask you some questions. I think that can wait, Mr. Willows, until my wife... Oh, it's all right, Robert, really I feel perfectly well now. Then suppose you tell us exactly what happened, Leslie I'll try. And take your time, Mrs. Crosby. Remember, we're all friends here. You've been so patient Well, as you know, Robert was spending the night at number four plantation Why never mind being alone. A planter's wife gets used to that. My dear. I had dinner rather late and I started working on my lace I don't know how long I'd been working when suddenly I heard footsteps outside and someone came up on the veranda and said Good evening. Can I come in? Well, I was startled because I hadn't heard a car driver. Who is it? I asked. Jeff Hammond Of course, I said come in and have a drink. Were you surprised to see him? Well, I was. Rather, he hadn't been in the house for ages, had he, Robert? Three months at least. I told him Robert was over at the number four plantation getting out of Shipment or something wasn't added, darling. What did he say to that? He said, oh, I'm sorry I felt rather lonely tonight. So I thought I'd just come over and see how you were getting on Well, I put all my spectacles again in one time with my work Chatted about one thing in another. He asked me if Robert had heard that a tiger had been seen on the road two or three days ago He said he thought he'd try to get it over the weekend. Oh, yes. I know about that. Don't you remember? I spoke to you about it yesterday. Did you always I believe you did? Well, we went on chatting until Well, suddenly he said something rather silly what it's hardly worth repeating He paid me a little compliment. I think perhaps you better tell us exactly what he said. He said You've got very pretty eyes It's too bad to hide them under those ugly spectacles. Do you ever said anything that's thought to you before? Oh, no, never And I thought it impertinent. I don't wonder and did you answer him? Yes, I said I don't care a row of beans what you think about me But he only laughed and said I'm going to tell you all the same. I Think you're the prettiest thing I've ever seen Leslie let her finish in that case. I said I can only think you half with it He laughed again and moved his chair up close, but mrs. Crosby I wonder you didn't throw him out there and then I didn't want to make a fuss I I think a woman makes a perfect fool of herself if she makes a scene every time a man pays her a compliment When did you first suspect that Hammond was serious? the next He looked at me straight in the face and he said Don't you know that I'm awfully in love with you swine were you surprised? Of course. I was surprised But we've known him for seven years Robert. He's never paid me the smallest attention I didn't suppose he even knew what color my eyes were. We haven't seen very much of in the last few years. Yes Yes, go on Leslie Well, he helped himself to another whiskey and soda. I began to wonder if he'd been drinking before I Wouldn't drink anymore if I were you I said He emptied his glass and asked me in a funny abrupt way Do you think I'm talking to you like this because I'm drunk? I said that's the most obvious explanation, isn't it? Oh It's awful having to tell you all this. I'm so ashamed. I wish there were some way we could spare you mrs. Crosby Leslie it's for your own good that we know the facts all you can remember on them Very well I'll tell you the rest I Got up from my chair. I was standing in front of the table about here He rose and stood in front of me. I held out my hand Good night. I said But he just stood and looked at me and his eyes are all funny I'm not going he said Well, then I began to lose my temper. You poor fool. Don't you know? I've never loved anyone but Robert and even if I didn't love Robert. You're the last man I should care for He answered Roberts away Well, that was the last straw. I wasn't frightened just angry if you don't go away this minute I told him I called the boys and had you thrown out. I Walked past him to call the boys in the veranda and he took hold of my arm and swung me back But I screamed as loud as I could he's like his arms about me began to kiss me I struggled to tear myself away from him always seemed like a madman He kept talking and talking and saying he loved me and he loved me I'm sorry Leslie, but we'll have to know the rest. He lifted me in his arms. I I Struggled to get free but he's too strong for me. He started to carry me and then well, he stumbled on those steps I got away from him Suddenly I remembered Robert revolver in the drawer that chest he got up and ran after me But I reached it before he caught me. Oh, it was all instinctive. I didn't know what I was doing I didn't even know I'm fired. I heard a report and saw him lurch toward the door I followed him out to the veranda. He staggered across the porch grabbed the railing and slipped through his hand They fell down the steps. I don't remember anything more. Just the reports one after another Until there was a funny little click and the revolver was empty And suddenly I looked down and saw him lying there Lying in the moonlight It was only then that I knew what I'd done My poor darling, this is cross me may I say that I think you behave magnificently I'm terribly sorry that we had to put you to the ordeal of telling us all this you were all very kind quite obvious The man only got what he deserved with us if you'll come with me, I'd like to see the body Yes, I'll take you to the shed. We'll only be a few minutes my poor child. Oh What have I done you've done what any woman would have done in your place Only nine tenths on I wouldn't have had the courage and yet I'd give almost anything if I could bring him back to life It's so horrible to think that I killed him Leslie Why there isn't a man or a woman in the colony who won't be proud to know you darling You have been happy haven't we? You've been the best wife a man could have I'm grateful for all the time We've been together don't say it that way darling. It sounds so so in the past We've got most of our lives ahead of us I've only there was something I could do to help you right now. You can love me. That's all I need I've always loved yes, but now Leslie darling If I could love you anymore, I would now Towards my cooking gentlemen. I can't stop for it, but I can and will honey the head boy running off tonight Yes, it is odd. Well, he couldn't have done better than this my dear. It's delicious. It certainly is Thank you gentlemen. I think we should start at a Singapore as soon as it's finished right away What still dark Howard would be eight o'clock by the time we get there We'll bring the Attorney General and find out when we can see him. I think that's the first thing to do Don't you with us? Yes. Yes. I think that's the best thing to do. Would I have to be Arrested well you see Mrs. Crosby as a matter of fact. I I think you're by way of being under arrest now It's purely a matter of form Mrs. Crosby. Shall I be? Imprisoned that's up to the Attorney General It's possible that after you've told him your story and he'll be able to accept bail. He's a very good fellow I'm sure he'll do everything he can. How do you mean be able to accept bail? Well, my dear depends on what the charge is Well, what do you mean by that? I think it's not unlikely that he'll say that only one charge is possible And in that case Well, I'm afraid an application for bail would be useless What charge? Murder Leslie Well, I'm quite all right more coffee darling. No matter fact if we're going to leave I better put a few things together won't be long Let me do it Robert. Don't bother dear. Oh Leslie Yes, there's just one question. I'd like to ask you. Yes. What is it Howard? Well, I was looking at Hammond's body Yes, it seemed to me that some of the shots must have been fired after he was lying on the ground I'm afraid it sounds very cold blooded, but I was so terrified I didn't know what I was doing Everything was confused and blurred there Leslie. I shouldn't have brought it up tonight. Put it out of your mind Ask him to come in. Mr. Crosby Sit down Bob. You've seen her if I can be of any assistance, sir I shall remain within call not at the moment. Don't think Ong's been of great help on the case and finds out everything the perfect confidential clerk I try to catch with the house. I have to see you Howard We don't needn't hesitate about coming to the office Bob. You know you're always welcome How is everything? Everything's fine. In fact Leslie is much better than you. She hasn't turned her hair She's worth ten of me. I don't mind confessing. I'm all in It's the first time I've been separated for more than a day since we were married You mustn't let yourself get a piece is Bob. I've tried to work, but it's no good. The estate can go to blazes for all I care I hate the house and every tree on the place and why not stay in town with us Dorothy's for it and so am I Thanks, I think I will Won't be so lonely. Oh, you better get some sleep and out of your plan to close before you see Leslie Don't want her to have to cheer you up. She's a plucky woman It's monstrous. They should have kept her in that filthy prison all this time had no choice Anyway, it's only a week now before the trial the whole things are fast Why subject her to the ordeal of a trial cost she admitted killing a man in a civilized community a trials inevitable She shot him or she would have shot a mad dog. You don't have to convince me Bob It's curious that Hammond was able to keep his life so hidden That gambling house he owned and especially the oration woman. Would she be one of the witnesses? I shan't call her I'll just produce evidence that Hammond was married to her. You managed to keep that marriage a secret too All I know you're busy Howard. I can't tell you how grateful I am Oh nonsense now stop worrying about the trial. That's your lawyer's job. Thanks old man. I'll see you up at the house Yes Well on If you are not too busy sir might I trouble you for a few words in private conversation? No trouble at all. It has to do with the case of the crown versus Crosby Yes, a friend has brought me information sir, but there is in existence a letter From the defendant to the unfortunate victim of the tragedy. Well, that's not surprising in the course of seven years I've no doubt. Mrs. Crosby often had occasion to write to mr. Hammond But the letter sir was written on the day of the late mr. Hammond's death Well, you will no doubt recall that Mrs. Crosby has stated that until the fatal night She had had no communication with the deceased for several weeks in my opinion This letter indicates that her statement is not in every respect Accurate have you seen the letter? I have with me a copy sir The original is in possession of a woman who happens to be the widow of mr. Hammond Deceased by reading. Oh, certainly, sir Of course as I said, this is but a copy in my handwriting You can understand it sir perfectly I'm it's inconceivable that mrs. Crosby should have written such a letter may I suggest sir that it would be well to make sure Since my friend is of the opinion that the letter might be of some interest to the prosecutor I'm obliged to I'll give the matter my consideration very good sir Do you wish me to communicate that to my friend might be well if you kept in touch with him? Yes, sir It might be very well Stay in the visiting room as long as you want mrs. Crosby the warden's orders. That's very nice of him. Thank you Oh, good. I'm to come. I wasn't expecting you today. Good morning, Leslie You're looking very well. Thank you Howard. Well the trial is only five days off now I know each morning when I awake I say to myself one less Just like I used to at school with the holidays coming Don't feel sorry for me Howard. Time is really fast quite quickly I've read a great deal and worked on my lacy But I'll Confess something to you Howard I'm not looking forward to testifying in court Leslie one of the things that's impressed me is that each time you told your story You've told it in exactly the same words. You've never varied a hair spread What does that suggest to your legal mind? Well, it suggests either that you have an extraordinary memory or Or that you're telling the plain unvarnished truth I'm afraid I have a very poor memory. I Suppose I'm right in thinking that you had no communication with Hammond for several weeks before the catastrophe. Oh quite I'm positive of that Let's see the last time we met was at a tennis party of the McFerrin's I don't think I said more than two words to him and you hadn't written to him Oh, no one time you've been on fairly intimate terms with him How did it happen that you stopped asking him to anything? Well, we hadn't anything much in common and he was very popular You know had a good many calls on his time And well, that didn't seem to be any need to shower him with intentions. Are you quite certain that was all? Well, I may as well tell you we heard about his His wife and once just by chance. I actually saw her. Oh, you never mentioned that. What was she like horrible? covered with gold chains and bangles and bracelets and a face Like a mask and it was out you knew about her that you stopped having anything to do with Hammond. Yes Leslie I Think I should tell you that there is in existence a letter in your handwriting from you to Jeff Hammond Oh, well, I've often sent him notes to ask him something a lot of this letter asked him to come and see you because Robert was going To be away, but that's impossible. I never did anything of the kind You better read it to yourself This is not my handwriting I know it's said to be an exact copy of one written on the day of Hammond's death Well What does it mean that's for you to say Leslie I didn't write it. I swear I didn't write it The original is in your handwriting be no use denying it It could be a forgery difficult to prove that will be easy to prove it was genuine Well, but it's not dated. It might have been written years ago. Oh, if you'll give me a little time I'll try to remember Leslie the prosecution could cross examine your house boys They would soon find out whether someone took a letter to Hammond on the day of his death I swear to you that I did not write this letter Very well And there's nothing more to talk about how I'd wait a minute. I um, I Did write it, but I was afraid to mention it I thought none of you would believe my story if I admitted that he'd come there at my invitation go on you see I I was preparing a surprise for Robert's birthday. I knew he wanted a new gun And I'm so dreadfully stupid about sporting things I thought I'd talk to Jeff about and get him to order it for me. Perhaps you've forgotten. What's in the letter? You have another look at it No, I don't want to and let me read it to you Robert will be away. I absolutely must see you. I'm desperate and if you don't come I won't answer for the consequences Don't drive up to the door Leslie I shall have to talk to you very plainly. I Told Bob today that I was certain of your acquittal. I didn't say that just to cheer him up I don't believe the jury would have retired at all, but this letter alters the case completely. I Won't tell you what I personally thought when I read the letter the duty of counsel is to defend this plant not to convict her Even in his own mind. I Don't want you to tell me anything, but what is needed to save your neck They can prove that Hammond came to your house at your urgent invitation I don't know what else they can prove but if the jury comes to the conclusion that you didn't kill Hammond in self-defense Leslie Matron Matron quickly call nurse. This is Cosby's ill Mr. DeMille will return in just a moment with our stars Betty Davis Herbert Marshall and James Stevenson for act two of the letter Well Sally here looks as if she wanted to say something first. What is it Sally? I just want to look into the future for a moment. Mr. Rurick. Yes, what do you see there Sally? Good news a Hundred years from now. There won't be any spring house cleaning. You don't say why not because everything in the house will be Waterproof you just hose down a room and presto. 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This is the Columbia broadcasting system Starring Betty Davis as Leslie Crosby Herbert Marshall as Robert Crosby and James Stevenson as Howard Joyce In that split fraction of a moment before her mind slipped into the blackness Leslie Crosby realized that the letter she had written to Jeff Hammond was damning evidence enough to hang her Now a few minutes later in the first-aid room of the prison hospital She leans wearily back in her chair her eyes half closed I'm afraid I've made rather a mess of things. I'm sorry for Robert not for me You've distrusted me from the beginning Howard. That's not a here not there Leslie Who's got the letter now your Asian woman who was Hammond's wife? Oh? How are you going to let me be hanged what you mean by that Leslie you could get hold of the letter Do you think it's so easy to do away with unwelcome evidence surely nothing would have been said to you if The owner wasn't quite prepared to sell it. That's quite true, but I'm not prepared to buy it Oh, but it wouldn't be your money Robert has saved some I wasn't thinking of the money. I Don't know if you'll understand this Leslie, but I've always thought of myself as an honest man You're asking me to do something which is no better than suborning a witness Do you mean to say you can save me and you won't but harm if I ever done you you can't be so cruel I want to do my best for you Leslie man A lawyer has a duty to his profession and to himself. I Can't do what you ask Robert doesn't deserve it. He's never hurt anyone in his life He's so kind and simple and good and he trusts me so I mean everything to him everything in the world This will ruin his life I know what you're thinking you despise me. You think he's well without me if they do hang me I don't despise you doesn't important what I feel about you. Do you understand? I'm going to do what I can Bob will want to know what the money's for Will it be a very large something I imagine this woman has a pretty shrewd idea of the letters value You won't have to show Robert the letter will you I'll do everything possible to prevent him from seeing it He'll be an important witness and he should be as firmly convinced of your innocence as he is now and After the trial, I'm going to try and save your life. Oh if Robert loses his trust in me. He loses everything It's strange that a man can live with a woman for ten years And not know the first thing about it. Your friend could be induced to part with the letter I believe so sir, but my friend has not got the letter the woman has it She did not know it's a value until my friend told her what value did he put on it ten thousand dollars sir only ten thousand Why not fifty or a hundred for the reason sir that mr. Crosby has in the bank of the British Malaya Company a savings account in the amount of only ten thousand four hundred and fifty dollars Ten thousand dollars is a good deal of money on yes It is a good deal of money Well I'll speak to mr. Crosby have the woman come to my office. I was about to mention sir She made two conditions. She insists that the money shall be brought to her I can take you to the house whenever you are ready sir. What's the other condition that Mrs. Crosby shall bring it to her Personally you must be mad good heavens man You suppose Mrs. Crosby can just walk out of a prison cell whenever she feels like it My friend thinks you could arrange to have her stay at your house until the trial I believe the judge will permit it if you are responsible for her sir auntie saying yes, sir What are you getting out of this? $2,000 and the satisfaction of being of service to you and our client The liberty of ordering for you. Oh, thanks Well, you're looking more cheerful Bob. I feel better since this morning I guess you finally convinced him with nothing to worry about. Well as a matter of fact Bob something's come up Oh, it's nothing very much, but I thought I'd better have a talk with you about it Yeah, it seems that Leslie wrote a letter to Hammond asking him to come to the bungalow on the night. He was killed My that's impossible. You had to say she'd had no communication with him for weeks before it happened Nevertheless, she did write the letter. She she wanted his advice on something. She was buying you for your birthday Birthday was about then wasn't it? Yes, and the maple in the excitement She forgot the letter at the time and then later was afraid to say she'd made a mistake But that's not like Leslie. She isn't afraid of anything. Well, this was a pretty serious mistake and she realized it Who has the letter? Hammond's widow and she threatens to turn it over to the prosecution. Well, what if she does? Leslie can explain it in court just to explain it to you. Yes, but don't you see it might alter things a good deal in the minds Of the jury if Hammond came to our house by invitation Well, what's to be done about it? I think we must get hold of that letter. I want you to authorize me to buy it I'll do whatever you think is right by the letter. I'll pay you back. Whatever it costs. Good now put the matter out of your mind Oh, by the way, Leslie will be at the house tonight. I arranged to have her release pending trial Tell me that's the same lace. I saw you walking on at the McFarrens. How can you go so fast? Well, I haven't had anything else much to do this past month. What's it going to be? It's too fine for a tablecloth surely. It's a coverlet for our bed. Oh Dorothy and Leslie and I have some work to do this evening. Look here Bob. Why don't you take the girl's true picture? Well It won't take all evening. Will it run? Well, there's a lot to go over. No, you should three hanging around you much better see a Good film. Yes darling go ahead and take your mind off tomorrow. I want you to all right then I'll bring the car around come on Adele. I can see the legal mind is anxious to get rid of us Night Leslie. Good night. Where do we have to go? Chinese quarter some sort of shop, I believe. Well, I always wanted to see the Chinese quarter I hear it's a bit creepy Course I'd have chosen other circumstances for a visit if flippant about your own crimes if you want to but don't be flippant about mine Oh, I'm sorry Howard. I didn't mean to be flippant. Really. I didn't maybe it's my own sense of guilt But I have an unpleasant feeling that I'll have to pay the pipe of what I'm doing tonight I'm jeopardizing my whole career and I have to rely on your discretion Whatever else I am. I'm not ungrateful Forget what I said When did you first start doing that less work Leslie? Oh a few years ago How did you happen to take it up? Well, I wanted something to do when it appealed to me But it must take enormous Concentration and patience. I find it soothing. You mean it takes your mind off other things Is that a legal question? You're not an ordinary client Leslie You've been watching me Howard. I felt it all evening Trying to read my thoughts. I'm trying to understand you why Because I'm so so evil That's it, isn't it? Some time ago. I saw a volcano erupt An island south of here Guadi It had been dormant for years and then suddenly the crest blew off It was terrifying and beautiful Fire turned the sea and sky crimson and three villagers melted into ashes It's time. We were starting auntie thing. We'll be waiting for this is the shop of my friend If you will wait here, I will return in just a moment. Let's not be too long about it on I will speak to the lady at once, sir Well seem to have a little of everything to sell here. Most of these shops do that looks like good Jade and this dagger It's the workmanship of the ivory handle imagine all that on a knife He who kills with an unworthy tool commits two crimes one against himself Will you follow me please the lady will see you now Where is she you said she'd be here? Oh, what's she standing there for? Ask her if she has the letter. Yes They go fengsun. Hi shima fengsun Yuka checker the angle. What's on the common hole? Yuka checker the angle Mrs. Crosby, I regret but the veil that you wear over your head. Mrs. Hammond requests that you remove it cost Yuka fungale Mrs. Crosby Mrs. Hammond has a further request. She wishes you to walk over to her now. Look here. Tell her this is all right Howard, I don't mind. Mrs. Hammond You may have the letter if you will pick it up at her feet Thank you. We find the defendant not guilty these aren't up to my usual high standard Remember I'm out of practice. Not a day darling. They're wonderful never been better Robert Crosby Right now you would know what you were drinking. I guess that's right. I can't taste or think or feel All I can do is keep saying to myself over and over Leslie's safe darling well anyone planning to bathe shall respond before dinner should be getting at it a shower for me I've laid out some things for you Leslie. Thank you darling. I'm going to tidy myself up a bit No, don't go let's be a minute. There's something I particularly want to talk to you about and how I want to see you too I want your legal opinion. Oh, what's up? Well, I Want to get Leslie away from here as quickly as possible. I think a bit of a holiday Do you both good? No, no, I mean for good But how could we can't very well throw up your job, but I've got something in view. That's much better. It's in Sumatra We'd be away from everybody and the only people around us would be Dutch Which start a new life? The only thing is that you'll be awfully lonely darling at the start. Oh, I wouldn't mind that I'd like to go Robert I don't want to stay here. That settles it then I go straight ahead and we can fix things up at once Is the money as good as here? I hope it'll be better at all events I'd be working for myself and not for a company in London. What do you mean? Why should I go on? Sweating my life out for other people This plantation belongs to a Malacca Chinese planter who's in financial difficulties and he's willing to let it go for $30,000 Even get the money the day after tomorrow. Oh, and earth you're going to raise $30,000 Well, I've saved about 10 and the bank is willing to help me have the balance on mortgage Robert darling I well, I shouldn't like you to take such a risk on my account. I'll be perfectly all right here Really, I shall nonsense darling. You just said you wanted to go No, but I'm not sure it wouldn't be a mistake to run away Everyone's been so kind and they'll all help to make it easy for us I think the thing to do is to stick it out here. It's not a thing you want to rush into. Let's wait and see Why should I wait? It's a good thing. I don't want to lose it. Look, I've got all the papers in my briefcase I'll go and get them and you can see for yourself And I have a couple of photographs of the bungalow to show Leslie. I don't want to see them Please Robert. Oh, come darling. That's just nerves That shows how necessary it is for you to get away. But Robert! Leslie darling in this case You must let me have my own way I won't be a minute Howard what are you going to do? What can I do? Oh don't tell him now I can't bear anymore. You heard what he said once the money at once to buy the estate. Can't he hasn't got it? Give me a little time. I can pay it back. Leslie I can't afford a letter to have a sum like that I've mortgaged everything I own. I was glad to advance it Where is the letter? I have it in my pocket. Oh, it will break his heart What shall I do? I don't know Leslie If I tell him he'll want to see the letter of course. Here we are. He's coming. What shall I do Leslie? It's up to you Well, tell him Tell him and have done with it The lights come up in the Lux Radio Theatre as the curtain falls on act two of the letter starring Betty Davis Herbert Marshall and James Stevenson Will everyone remain very quiet please because in this brief intermission I've asked one of our audience to help me in the little test Here she comes to the microphone now Her name is Mrs. Lee Malar and your home Mrs. Malar is Oakland, California. Well, we're delighted to have you with us, Mrs. Malar Now do you see what I have in my hand? Why to rubber band? Yes Will you take this one and stretch it as far as it will go? That's right? It stretches then snaps right back doesn't it? Yes, Mr. Roy. Well now do the same with the other Why it's broken in two. Yes Because the second rubber band was all dried out had lost all its elasticity. So it broke under strain Now the reason I asked Mrs. Malar to make this test was because the very same thing can happen to stockings You see when stockings are new and live and supple they have great elasticity They can stretch as you walk or run or stoop down then spring back into shape with each motion of your leg Yes, that's true. But if the threads get all dried out and lifeless why then they break when they stretch, right? Now one way to weaken elasticity is to use a soap that contains harmful alkali. This dries out the fibers Another way is to rub with cake soap. This weakens the fibers makes them less elastic and more apt to break under strain and You have a run. Well, I always lux my stockings Mr. Roy. Good because luck saves elasticity New quick Lux Flakes have no harmful alkali and with Lux. There's no rubbing That's why Lux keeps silk elastic and cuts down runs no wonder it's America's favorite stocking care and Recommended by over 90% of the makers of both silk and nylon stockings in the United States Why not save your stockings by washing them every night with new quick Lux Flakes Now our producer mr. DeMille curtain rises on the third act of the letter Robert Crosby has returned to the room his thoughts full of plans for the purchase of the new plantation in Silence Leslie and Joyce watch Robert brimming over with enthusiasm arrange his papers on the desk This is really a handsome estate. We'll be stealing it for 30,000 bar by I don't like to throw cold water on your plans But hasn't it struck you that the costs of what we've just been through will be pretty heavy costs Oh, yes, the legal expenses. Oh, you know, I couldn't charge you anything for my services But there are certain out of pocket of the decent of you. I'm not sure I could accept that But what do these other expenses amount to well the principal item is that letter of Leslie's I mentioned to you Oh, yes, sir. I've almost forgotten. You see you were going to I had to pay a great deal of money for it Well, if you thought it necessary, I'm not gonna grouse How much was it? $10,000 $10,000 you must have been mad. You may be quite sure I wouldn't have given that if I could have got it for less That's every scent I have in the world Why didn't you let them bring the letter in and explain it to the jury? I didn't dare What do you mean it was absolutely necessary to suppress it if you wanted Leslie acquitted What was there in the letter I told you at the time it was very stupid of me Robert I remember now you wrote to Hammond to ask him to come to the bungalow. Yes, you wanted to get something for me Didn't you yes, I wanted to get you a gun He knew all about that sort of thing and you know how ignorant I am buying that letter was a criminal offense Wasn't it? Well not the sort of thing a respectable lawyer does in the ordinary way of business. It was a criminal offense Yes, it was I might be disbarred for it Why did you do it you of all people what you're trying to save me from? Leslie you knew I was buying a gun from Cameron Why did you want to make me a present of another how should I know you're going to buy a gun because I told you I'd forgotten I can't remember everything you hadn't forgotten that you mean Robert. Why are you talking to me like this? Who has the letter now? I had where is it Bob? It's not your letter on mine I've got to pay $10,000 for that letter. I'm going to see it Let him see it Thank you Robert will be away. I absolutely must see you What does this mean means that I was in love with Jeff Hammond? No, you couldn't we've been in love for years. It's not true I used to meet him constantly once or twice a week every time we met I hated myself for it It was horrible. I loathe myself. I was like a person who was ill Then came a time about a year ago when he began to change taught me I didn't know it was a matter. I was frantic. I made scenes. I threw myself at his feet Then I heard about that that native woman. Oh, I couldn't believe it. I wouldn't believe it Last I saw her I saw her walking in the village with those hideous Pengals in that chalky face and eyes like a copra's eyes But I couldn't give him up. I sent for him. You've read the letter I would always been so careful about writing before but this time I didn't care I hadn't seen him for 10 days He came and I told him I knew about his marriage. Oh at first he denied that I was Frantic, I don't know what I said to him. I hated him because he'd made me despise myself. I insulted him. I cursed him At last he turned on me He told me he was sick and tired of me that it was true about the other woman That she was the only one who really meant anything to him. He said he was glad I knew because now I'd leave him alone. I Knew if he went out that door. I'd never see him again. I Seize the revolver and fire He gave up crying. I saw I'd hit him to me Leslie. I've got to think Leslie Well He's going to forgive you Yes He's going to forgive me couple of the press. Oh, yes, Robert told me about you'll adore them Leslie Now both of you get a good sleep because it'll be a late party. Good night. Good night, Darcy Good night Robert. It's lucky. You brought your dinner coat. You'd hardly fit in one of Howard's Now let's see what else you need. Oh, how about your studs? They're probably still in the bureau at home home Robert it's no use is it we can't make it go. Can we I don't know. I'm not sure Robert you're so kind and so generous You should have had the sort of wife you really deserve Through no fault of yours. I've failed you wrecked your life. I Can't ask you to forgive me If you love a person you can forgive anything But what about you can you go on I'll try I really try that's not what I was asking I'll do everything to make you happy everything in my power. That isn't enough Unless Leslie now This minute Do you love me? Yes, I do Robert no no I can't I can't I can't tell me Leslie. What is it at your lace work? Yes Well, you're working on it just now a little I'm anxious to finish it Leslie, please come downstairs. Of course dear in a few minutes. She Mrs. Hammond. Yeah, Missy Hammond. She told me I come here bling outside window. Yes Dagger missy. She said bling dagger to you. She's here Miss Hammond on path by gate. You know go in garden miss Crosby. She kill you She wait there. That is what the dagger me. She kill you you go in garden Missy missy I come do something about Bob is behaving very strangely. I don't know first I thought he was drunk, but they are a good harbor only five six miles away And I can ship my rubber for less money. I want to get ahead fast in 10 15 years I can live in London travel Do anything I please but will you come outside with me darling, please not now darling maybe later I'm telling the boys about my new plantation sounds like quite a place. Of course. We'll miss Singapore our friends are here We've had some mighty fine times No English people in that part of Sumatra only Dutch and natives Going to be a little lonely at first maybe But we'll get used to all but that there'll be just the two of us But my wife's a good sport always can count on her She's not afraid of anything and we'll have each other. That's the important thing Stop it. Stop. Stop it. I can't stand anymore. I can't stand it Give me a drink. I Want to drink Where'd she go she ran out into the garden the garden. I'll find her no let her alone There's nothing you can do I couldn't give him up We've been in love for years I used to love She say she kill her it was right. She died Those tonight's performance of the letter in a moment our stars return for their curtain calls But while we're waiting listen to this hear that clock morning noon and Night three times a day seven days a week the dishes have to be washed you can't get around it But you can make it pleasanter the way thousands of women have that's with new quick Lux Flakes It helps do away with one of the things women hate most about dishwashing the red rough housework look it gives your hands Yes, new quick Lux is kind to hands This was recently proved by hundreds of dramatic one-hand tests made in a laboratory under conditions similar to home dishwashing Five different soaps frequently used for dishwashing including Lux were tested Three times a day for weeks Hundreds of women dipped one hand in Lux suds the other in suds from another soap The results were amazing The Lux hands look so much softer and smoother than the other hands Now you know that lovely hands are such an important part of a woman's charm You want yours to stay soft and smooth of course So why not try new quick Lux Flakes in your dishpan tomorrow? Will you do that? It's in the same familiar box, and it costs you no more It's fast frifty and so kind to your hands Here's mr. DeMille with our stars back for a curtain call come the stars of the letter Betty Davis Herbert Marshall and James Stevenson. Mr. DeMille I know Herbert Marshall and James Stevenson joined me in thanking every member the fine cast which appeared with us tonight And so do we tell me how was your vacation Betty? Oh, I always have a wonderful time in New Hampshire We've been reading about the big celebration ahead of the premiere of your new picks of the great life Little don't know about that too wasn't it Betty? Yes, Jimmy We were trying to raise some money for local charity and Warner Brothers very kindly came through the premiere of the great lie To help us raise the money after that birthday party Hollywood must seem like a ghost town It seems restful for the first time I've enjoyed very much coming back to the Lux Radio theater tonight, mr. DeMille And I'd like to know what you plan for next week next week's play Betty is the delightful comedy Wife husband and friend and who's in the cast mr. DeMille? We're going to have George Brent Priscilla Lane and Gayle Patrick You'll hear George Brent as a perfectly normal businessman whose wife played by Priscilla Lane is ambitious to become an opera singer The solution to this domestic problem comes in a surprise twist that made the 20th century Fox picture a hit on the screen and Gives us a gay and exciting prospect for next Monday night. That's a show. I certainly don't want to miss TV. Good night. Good night. Good night Ladies and gentlemen We have just learned that the Lux Radio theater has again been selected by the readers of the movie radio guide Magazine has the best dramatic program on the air It's the third consecutive year that this theater has received the movie radio guide award and to all who participated in the poll We express the gratitude of our sponsors and of the entire staff of this theater Our sponsors the makers of Lux Flakes Join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio theater presents George Brent Priscilla Lane and Gayle Patrick In wife husband and friend This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood Herbert Marshall will soon be seen in the Columbia picture adventure in Washington James Stevenson appeared through the courtesy of Warner Brothers Studio and will soon be seen in their production of shining victory Now an important announcement as you know many localities switch to daylight saving time next Sunday If your community is one of those changing to daylight saving time You will hear this program at the usual hour If your community remains on standard time tune in one hour earlier Check your newspaper or radio magazine for the correct time Included in tonight's play were Richard Davis as withers Charlie Lung as head boy Gloria Holden as the woman and Suzanne Karen Wally mayor Eleanor Stewart Eric Snowden and Leela Himes Macintosh Our music is directed by Louis Silver Our Lux Radio theater production of the letter has come to you with the good wishes of the makers of new quick Lux Flakes The tissue thin soap flakes used by smart housewives everywhere and by the great picture studios here in Hollywood To protect the million-dollar wardrobe that you see on the screen Your announcer has been Melville Ruick And this is the Columbia