 From Hollywood, California, the Lux Radio Theatre presents Janet Gaynor and William Powell in Myerling. Lux presents Hollywood. Tonight, we're happy to announce that the Lux Radio Theatre has just been awarded a radio certificate of merit by the Women's Press Club of Indiana in cooperation with the National Federation of Press Women and the Women's Press Club of New York City. We're proud of this award and are deeply conscious of its significance. Out of real life comes tonight's play, the touching drama of Prince Rudolph of Austria and Marie Betzera, whose love was mightier than a kingdom and life itself. In Myerling, you'll hear William Powell and Janet Gaynor with Alma Kruger, Robert Barrett and Frank Riker while our special guest is Don Eugene Plummer, Hollywood's oldest citizen. Our music is conducted by Lois Silvers. Before bringing you our producer, Mr. DeMille, I want to remind the ladies in our audience that Hollywood's complexion soap, Lux Toilet soap, makes a luxurious bath soap too. This fragrant white soap has a generous, active lather that removes perspiration every trace of dust and dirt, leaves your skin fresh and sweet with a delicate perfume that clings. Joan Blondel, one of Hollywood's most glamorous stars, tells you, a Lux Toilet soap beauty bath is the best way I know to protect daintiness. You'll love it. Try it. And now the producer of the Lux Radio Theatre, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Out in the Austrian countryside, nestled in a little valley sweet with the air of pine and spruce trees, is an ancient castle with round and pointed towers, a thick forest that was once the joy of royal huntsmen and stone walls dwarfed by neighboring mountains. There are days when you'd find this an enchanting place and there are other days when a castle would fill you with such melancholy that you'd gladly be on your way eastward to Baden or northward to Vienna. Now it's the home of a sisterhood of trappist nuns who every day offer up a prayer because of what took place within those walls exactly 50 years ago this month. For this is the castle called Meierling, which gave its name to the great drama of the screen. We're doubly happy to bring Meierling to the air with two such splendid artists as William Powell and Janet Gaynor. Mr. Powell stars soon in the new MGM film, The Return of the Thin Man, a sequel to his celebrated exploits as the screen's most sophisticated detective. Tonight he assumes the manner and dignity of an heir to the Austrian throne, Rudolph of Habsburg. Among our listeners up in San Francisco, there may be those who know two Janet Gaynor's. One is the dainty, urban-haired girl who plays so enchantingly in the New Selznick International picture, The Young in Heart. The other Janet Gaynor is the girl who used to work in a shoe store on Geary Street behind a desk labeled Accommodations and Complaints. When her family moved here, she enrolled in a Hollywood Secretarial School. Two years later, she was in 7th Heaven and on her way to Stardom. Tonight we hear Miss Gaynor as Marie Vetzera. Hal McCrugger appears as Countess Vetzera, Robert Barrett is Count Taffer, and Frank Reicha plays Emperor Franz Joseph. It's curtain time now, and the Lux Radio Theatre presents Meierling, starring Janet Gaynor and William Powell. Austria in 1881, the reign of the Emperor Franz Joseph, an era of social unrest and political upheaval. On the streets of Vienna, there are frequent riots, student demonstrations against the manatees. Resorting to force, the police have rounded up the leaders of the latest demonstration. In the office of the commissioner, they stand subdued but arrogant, stepping forward quickly as their names are called. I'm Carl Simmering. I'm Carl Simmering. Let me see your papers. Your nationality? I'm a croat. There are no croats here. Only faithful subject of His Majesty. I am a subject, but faithful. That's another thing. Take him away. Next? I believe I'm next, commissioner. My name is Zepps. Oh, Zepps, editor of the new Journal of Vienna. And an infamous organ known as the Liberal. How do you come to be in this brawl, Herr Zepps? I was merely passing. I saw a demonstration, and I stopped to watch. Did you? Well, this time, Herr Zepps, your friendship with the Crown Prince will be of no help to you. You'll oblige me by holding yourself at the disposal of the police. Of course. Who's next? You. Let me see your papers. I'm sorry, I have no papers. No papers? Well, that's very interesting. What's your name? Rudolf. This is no time for pleasantries. Rudolf who? Rudolf of Habsburg. Rudolf? Your Highness, I... pardon me, please. Salberg. Yes, commissioner? Notify the emperor at once. His son has been taken by the police. It's unthinkable. The heir to the throne of Austria. Picked up by the police. Arm in arm with the men like Zepps. In a riot. A demonstration, father. I say a riot. You mix with the dregs with the scum of the city. You, the son of the emperor. I'm only proving the moral, father. A ruler should know his people. I learn as I listen. Let others listen for you. You have secretaries, ministers, police. It's unforgivable, Rudolf. On the night before your wedding, you were with Zepps instead of with your fiancé. Father, don't ask me to play the lover with Stephanie. You wanted this marriage. I wanted it, yes. For the good of the crown and for your happiness. And you can't reconcile one with the other, can you? Ever since I was a child, I've known that. I've seen it in my mother's eyes. Does she complain? Neither do I. I've accepted Stephanie. But that's all. Rudolf, is there another woman? One? Ten, a hundred. But I'll marry the princess Stephanie, father. I'll have an heir. The interest of the state will be protected. My son, no one can escape his destiny. Pray God that time will make you happy. Pray God that I should never find a great love. Didn't you hear me call? Oh, I'm sorry, mother. I was reading and... Well, isn't it time you went to bed, my dear? In a moment. Did you read this, mother? In the newspaper? It's about the crown prince. What about the crown prince? Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of his marriage. They had a fine celebration. Yes. I imagine they did. Oh, everyone was there. Why didn't you go, mother? The Baron of the Vetsara should have been invited. I was invited. But I didn't have the heart to go, my child. It's a sad match, that one. Is it really? I've always heard it was. But is it true, mother, what they say about the crown prince, that he hardly ever sees the princess, Stephanie, that he lives his own life in a separate house with only his soldiers drinking every night, and that girl, the gypsy? Marie! Where did you hear these things? Well, everyone knows, mother. Yes, and everyone talks. Now go to bed, my child. Your brother and your cousin are taking us to the fair tomorrow. It'll be a long day... and... Marie. Yes? Don't bother your head about the troubles in the court. They have nothing to do with you. Good night. Good night, mother. It's a very gay crowd, your highness. A very magnificent fair. Or don't you think so? Oh, yes, yes, very gay. Remarkable how a few painted baubles can raise their spirits, isn't it? Oh, you're bitter today, Rudolph. That's my life, Zeps. Gayety, song, drinking, and bit of us. I'm quite used to it. Don't speak like that. Shall we sit down here? I'd rather walk. Do you know what my existence is like, Zeps? I can guess. I'm watched constantly. Watched like a criminal. Reported like a schoolboy. They know who my friends are when they come to me. How late they stay, what I say, what I do. There are two policemen behind us now. Policemen? A total bother to look. I know they're there. I can feel them. Comfortable sensation. They're sent by Prime Minister Topper. Make sure I keep out of trouble. Sure, I keep out of trouble. Sure, I keep out of trouble. Well, they needn't bother. To lose myself in the crowd is the only distraction left to me. And women? Women? The last resort. They bore me. They throw themselves into my arms. Vanity or self-interest. Perhaps. But the right one. Perhaps. What about your daughter, Zeps? My daughter? Why not? She's lovely. Young? Too young. Much too young. And besides, she's not your type. She will... Don't worry, Zeps. I was only joking. For a moment, I thought you had. What? What is it, Rudolph? What are you staring at? I say, look at that girl over there. Near the puppet show. Now, there's a lovely girl, Rudolph. Yes. Even prettier than your daughter. And prettier than your daughter. I only suggested that one as young as you... Will you please let me alone? But I'm only trying to help you. Just a moment. What do you want here? Oh, I... I'm sorry. I thought the young lady was alone. She happens to be with me. Is that satisfying? Yes, of course. Certainly. Are you all right now? I thought a little lie would be better than his interest. Oh, he was horrible. But he was right, too, you know. You're much too young to be alone here. But I'm not alone, really. I was with my mother and my brother. I lost them in the crowd. Suppose I helped you find them. Would you? Of course. Well, what's the matter? It's funny, but I seem to know you. Oh, great many people seem to know me. I'm sorry, but we're just about where we started from. I can't imagine what happened to them. They must be here. Shall we let them look for us for a while? If you want. I'm enjoying myself. Oh, I love my doll. It's the first thing I ever won. Very pretty. It resembles you, by the way. I wish that were true. Here. Have another chocolate? Must I? Well, of course. You won them. They're yours. Very well. Would you like to hear the puppets? I'd love to. They're over this way. The eternal triangle. The prince, the princess, and the devil. Listen. Oh, how is this dark, man? I am the devil, and I have come to fetch you. Why? To grill you, to roast you, to boil you. Happy ones. I think it was very sad, don't you? Oh, yes. She was in love. Now she's punished. The devil likes to take the happy ones. I don't think that's true. It certainly isn't just. Not very. Oh, there's my mother. She's looking for me. Shall I take you over? Hopefully. It's just as well that she doesn't see me with a man she doesn't know. But then stay. Just a little while longer? No, I can't really. Goodbye. And thank you so much. Goodbye. Oh, I know who it is you resemble now. I remembered when you weren't looking at me. It's the Archduke Rudolph. Oh, yes. Is that a... Does it displease you? Not at all. Goodbye. Bye. Are you ready to leave now, Rudolph? Since when have you liked candy? Yeah. Oh. Candy? Just unite, Zepps. Quite sudden. I want to know. You as Prime Minister could tell me. Where is Zepps? Zepps, I believe he has left the country, Your Highness, early this morning. Because of a warrant for his arrest. A warrant that was issued by you. Your Highness is well informed. This time I regret it because I wish to show Your Highness my zeal and my sincerity. Never use words of which you don't know the meaning. Your Highness is unjust. I came this morning to propose an untoward. At heart we pursue the same goal, the interest of the country. I simply want Your Highness to be well protected. Listen to me, consava. I insist that Zepps papers be reinstated at once. The warrant for his arrest are null immediately. I am sorry, Your Highness, but I cannot do that. And I'll see someone who can. Roshik. Yes, Your Highness. My cunic, please, quickly. Yes, Your Highness. I'll go to see my father. It will be no use, Your Highness. The warrant for Zepps's arrest will be issued at His Majesty's request. Roshik. I can't go on like this. These people will kill me. Your Highness. I have one friend. One real friend out of a thousand both. How are they taking him? Where can I turn? Is there one of the others I can trust? Is there one who will forget who I am? Except me or myself? I need that, Roshik. I might not even see you. Why would I have the right to be happy? Oh, of course. It's a scary evening to be up there. You see the heaven remedy, Roshik? Marry my child. You mustn't stare, so. Listen to the music. Oh, but it's so exciting, Mother. I think everyone must be here tonight. Except your brother. I wonder what's happened to him. Look, Mother. Isn't that the princess Stephanie in the imperial box? Daddy, please. Can't you see? I'm sorry, Mother. I had business with the Countess Lalish. The Archduke's cousin? Very please. She's going to help me, Mother. She has marvelous influence, of course. She's going to speak to the Archduke tonight about my joining his regiment. Oh. There she is now. See her in the imperial box? That's Rudolph, who just came in. That man? The Archduke? Oh, yes. That's a marriage. Oh, oh, nothing, Mother. He's very handsome, isn't he? Oh, wonderful. I wish you could have been there, Nunu. A governess at the Royal Opera? That would hardly be fitting, my dear. Come now. Let's have the dress. Thank you, Nunu. And then I'll need a patty fairy. Oh, she was so beautiful. But he didn't see her either. He was looking at our box all the time. Who's he? No idea how wonderful it was. The lights, the jewels, the music. And all that begins. Oh, Mary. Nunu, don't you understand? For the print. The Archduke. The one I met at the fair. You know, I think he knew me. I think he recognized me. My dear, the opera's centre of mind reading. Now, you must sleep. There's early mass in the morning, child. Sleep? I shall never sleep again. He's so handsome, Nunu. He has such sad eyes. I shall never have time enough in which to think of him. Good night, my dear. I'll call you. Marie? Oh, you're a highness. Listen to me. Don't be frightened. Don't move. You're a highness. The mass starts. It's wrong to speak to me now. I know. But I have no other way. Marie, since I first saw you, I thought of you night and day. You're a highness. I hardly know you. But you don't know what joy it is. Even to see you speak to you like this. I will see you again. Don't refuse me. But how can I? I'm never alone. I must see you. I mean so much. But why are you a highness? Because for you at least, I have no title. I'm just myself. You're a highness. Here's my governess. You must leave me, please. But not for long, Marie. Do you remember? Marie? Marie? Marie, where did you go? The mass has started. No, no, tell me. Do you think that a prince can be unhappy like everyone else, Marie? Like everyone? The curtain falls on Act 1 of Mirely, starring William Powell and Janet Gaynor. In our few minutes' intermission, before the second act, let's listen in on a Hollywood party. One of the talented guests has been asked to sing. It's just in time to hear the end of his song. Sally, doesn't that give you thrill? It does not. Why should I get thrilled? Our time-built singers are looking straight at you. Oh, Sally, did you notice it? I hope so. I hope so. A blind man could see it. You're lucky, Alice. You get all the breaks. And then you've got everything. Nice skin. Why, why, Sally? You shouldn't feel like that. Let's hope Alice will be frank with Sally, for Sally's one of those foolish girls who's actually spoiling her own looks. By not removing stale cosmetics, dust and dirt thoroughly, she's allowing choked pores to cause unattractive cosmetic skin, dullness, tiny blemishes, and large pores. Lovely girls everywhere who know the charm of a beautiful skin use luxe toilet soap. This gentle white soap has active lather, helps keep skin soft and smooth. Nine out of ten screen stars use it. And now, our producer, Mr. DeMille. We continue with Myle, bowing William Powell and Janet Gaynor. For a week, Mary Vetzera has waited. Half in fear, half in anticipation. A word from the Archduke Rudolf. No word has come. But now in the baroness Vetzera is drawing on her, Countess Lariche, Rudolf's cousin, has made an unexpected appearance. After greeting the baroness, she moves slowly toward the piano, where Marie sits playing. Never know the sensation your daughter has caused last week at the opera. Everyone was looking at her. Thank you, Countess. But it was a triumph, a real triumph. Oh, you should tell her that, Countess. You'll be counting. Marie isn't vain, are you, child? Mary sit here, Countess. Play louder, and listen carefully. But countess, how long playing? My cousin wants to see the Archduke. Now don't be upset. Control yourself. He talked to me about you for an hour. I don't want to see you at the palace today. This evening. Countess, I can't. I'll manage it. Leave everything to me, Marie. Yes, Lushik. I don't want to be disturbed the next hour. If anybody calls, you'll knock on the door, you understand? Yes, Your Highness, I think so. And you wouldn't, Your Highness? Oh, yes, and you wouldn't, Lushik. An actress or a lady of the court, Your Highness? Neither. A very adorable girl. Really? I've never been in my salvation. Am I neat? I don't think so. It's just that I've been waiting so long. I'm afraid you wouldn't come. You'll be frightened. Frightened? Of what? I don't know. Perhaps of this cold house. Perhaps of me. Not of you. I could never be frightened of you. Well, I'm near you. I couldn't be frightened of anything. Remember? I remember. But you were gay and happy then. This room doesn't like you. It's so gloomy. Yes, I... keep this for your purpose. But why? When I was feeding you. You're so dark. They're not very gay, to the most people I dare say. But they cheer me. You're this. You're my desk. This cheers me through. Oh, it's horrible. Have you ever seen a human skull before? I use it as a paperweight. Do you look at that all the time? Perhaps to console me for living. It gives me hope that perhaps I too may be useful someday. You shouldn't say those things. Life is beautiful. Of course. I'm talking nonsense. I don't understand you. You look at me so strangely. So sadly. Why did you come here? Because you sent for me. I couldn't believe it at first. But then the counter said that you would talk to me. So easy. Without a thought, you just came to me. No, I couldn't help myself. That was very strange, wasn't it? It's unbelievable. But you shouldn't have come. You hear it? You shouldn't have come. You want me to leave? Yes, I... I want you to leave. I'm sorry. But why? You come to see me. You speak to me as no one has ever spoken to me before. Haven't you anything to ask of me? What should I ask? Everyone who comes here has something to ask. Advancement, decorations, money. But I have everything I want, Your Highness. Don't call me that. For you, I have no title. Remember that when we meet again. And we will meet again. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. The last appointment was for Friday. Marie Vatcher came to the palace. Three times the week before. Do you see, Commissioner? The girl is from the fine family. This can end in scandal. But it won't. It will end before that by His Majesty's order. I am having the Archduke watched every movement of the day. They met today in the garden near the Ringstrasse. They were together for an hour. I followed them to the part of the... The Archduke sent a note this morning. Well, I'm Vatcher was seen today. The next meeting is already arranged. Near the lake and the park. At seven. I was afraid you wouldn't come in this rain. Do you think a few drops could get me away? My dear. I had to invent an excuse for Mother. Imagine. She thinks she's punishing me by not taking me to the theatre. How long have we this time, Rudolph? About two hours. Two hours? All to ourselves. We've never been so lucky, have we? We'll speak. What is it? Over there. Just beyond the trees. It's only the branches moving. You see the police everywhere, Rudolph. They've lost you tonight. No. They get hidden themselves better, that's all. Oh, then let them hide. Let them watch. It's they who should be ashamed, not we. Why should we care? As long as they don't stop us from meeting. Two hours. And I want to spend my whole life with you. Perhaps you will. They'll never let us escape. They're working now for something. I know it. But how can they? How can they separate us? It's so impossible. They must know that too. My dear. What face you have. I love you. And we have two hours. Yes, mother? Come here for me. Oh, my mother, you're home. Didn't you say you were going to the theatre? Was the play very bad? It must have been your home so early. Mother. Where have you been? By what do you mean? Where have you been? Please. Please don't ask me. Then it's the truth. And the thing you should come to me is through an anonymous letter. Who is your lover? Mother, don't. Who is he? Who? Tell me. Oh, mother, we've done nothing wrong. It's true there is someone, but we've nothing to be ashamed of. I swear it, mother. He respects me. He loves me. What is his name? I can't tell you that. I demand to know. I can't tell you, mother. I can't. Anyway. You will leave tomorrow for Trieste. Trieste? You will stay with your aunt until such time... No, don't send me away. Oh, mother, listen to me. Do what you like. Punish me any way you want. Oh, but don't send me away from Vienna. Please don't let me stay here. I'm sorry, Mary. You will leave in the morning. Gone? What do you mean, gone? She's gone, Your Highness, an anonymous letter to her mother. Topper again. He's taken away from me. There was no other course, Your Highness. It was for the good of the state. The state? Does my life mean nothing? Our lives are not important, Rudolf, but our country is. And if you will not think of your country, then think of her. You can only offer her scandal, disgrace. Think of her. She's gone, Your Highness. My son, no other course. Think of her. You can offer her nothing. Scandal, disgrace. Think of her. Rudolf, I've been waiting for you. I've had this letter from Mary. She's in Trieste. She... Rudolf! What are you doing? Aren't you going to read it? One every night since the girl left. Well, it makes our life easier. You know, they say he's trying to forget her. I wouldn't write that on your report, though. No. A toast to our old friend, His Highness the Archduke Rudolf. Comrades of the night, I know that I can call you my true friends, every one of you. I know that if I'd been born a coachman's son instead of a king's, I'd still have found you in my lowly Hubble, come to cheer me, to praise my humble virtue. Such a mark of true friendship shall not go unrewarded. Name your wish, my friends, and it's yours. Well, you all want something, don't you? Name it. Rudolf, you are not in a nice mood tonight. Don't you like us tonight? I don't like myself tonight. Play, go on. Play. My friends want to dance. Good evening, Losec. My Miss Marie. I'm so glad to see you again. Is he here, Losec? Can't you hear them in there? Every night since you've been away, it's been like this. Well, you mustn't worry. He's unhappy, but he won't always be. We'll take care of him, won't we, Losec? I tell him you'll share this. Your Highness. Your Highness. There's a young lady. Young lady? I made another conquest, Losec. It's Miss Marie Your Highness. Marie? Could you say I was there? I had to know how to shift. Keep these people in here. Don't let them come there. Yes, Your Highness. Rudolf. Marie? Losec told me you were here. I didn't believe him. I came as soon as I could. Mother only brought me back this morning. It's been so long. Yes. You're looking more beautiful than ever. Am I? Aren't you going to kiss me? Of course. Rudolf, you have blood in your face. Blood? That's all. Miss Rouge. Woman, one of my friends. I'm very gay tonight. Sit down, Marie. Or would you rather come inside? Would you like some supper or something to drink? I only came to see you, Rudolf. You didn't pick a very good time. Not quite myself this evening. Darling, what is it? You're so strange. Aren't you glad to see me? Always glad to see you. Always will be. That's what makes it so difficult. I don't understand you. I'll go now. I'll come back tomorrow. Marie, don't make me hurt you. There's nothing wrong with me. Nothing that tomorrow will change. I'm a prince, Marie. Archduke Rudolf, Crown Prince. No personal achievement. I was born to it. But someday I'll be king. Emperor of Austria. You see, they've been giving me schooling in empire. Stand by the country. The tragedy is they're not all together wrong. There's something in this living for millions of people and... Rudolf, are you telling me that... that you don't want me? You don't need me any longer? The prince needs very little that he can't buy. I don't believe you. You love it to me. What have they said to you? What have they done? They've shown me that a nation is more important than the individual. More important than I or you. Rudolf, if that's true, if you really believe that I stand in the way of your throne, and if that's what you want, then there's nothing I can do except leave you. But if there's some other reason, when I hope there is, if it's something in your mind about me, perhaps, what's good for me or bad for me, I want you to know this. There's no hurt, no suffering, no scandal that could ever make up for my losing you. I love you, Rudolf. No matter what you do, you can't change that. Goodbye. Marie! Marie, don't go! Marie, I don't want you to go. But they'll ruin your life. They've shown me what will happen. There's no hope. Nothing. Oh, there is. Just to be near you. That's all I'll ever ask of the future. Oh, my dear, my dear. There must be more than that. More or nothing. I'll go to my father. I'll tell him I want my marriage annulled. He'll do it. He will when he knows what it means to me. I'll tell him that I'm going to marry you. Rudolf. Why not? I shouldn't, I tell him. Very well. Whatever you think is best. I'll be there at once. Yes, Your Highness. Marie, wait here. Are you sure this is right? I'm going to tell him. Remember, no matter what happens. Rudolf, just once. I didn't know anyone would... I'll leave it one. Oh, no, please. Sit down, my child. Who are you? My name is... Mary Vetsera. Mary Vetsera. Yes, I thought you'd look like this. Did... did Rudolf bring you here? Why, yes. I'm sorry I didn't see him. I see very little of my son these days. Your Majesty. Oh, please, don't leave. How is Rudolf? How does he look? He seems a little tired, Your Majesty. Yes. He's not made for this kind of life. I never met you, my dear. I go out so seldom. But I know, however, that he loves you. And do you love him? I do, Your Majesty. How young you are. When I was your age, I was already unhappy. But because I was young, I didn't suffer too much. We're living in a sad palace, my child. Don't ever come back. I know what you're trying to say, Your Majesty. But I can never leave Rudolf. I do whatever I thought best for him. But his life is so unhappy. And he says he needs me. He's gone to see the Emperor. About you? Yes. And what do you expect from that? I expect nothing, Your Majesty. I pray for anything. My child, may I kiss you? You're very near my heart. Mind, Rudolf, you're making a public show of yourself. Putting your name at the mercy of your own officers. And all for a girl who means... A girl who will soon become my wife. If you're suggesting an annulment of your marriage, you can put it out of your mind. I forbid it. You can't. I say I forbid it. When you are Master here, you can do as you please. But in the meantime, you're going to break off this whole affair. I may never be Master here, Father. Not at the price, you ask. I'll abdicate first. Abdicate? I don't care for power. I never cared for it. And I'll not sacrifice Marie for it. You have no right to say that. You're not a free man like others. You belong to the people who hope in you. The people of two nations. You belong to... Father, I love her. Very well. You will not sacrifice this girl for power. Perhaps you'd be more willing to sacrifice her freedom for a life in exile. Exile? I'd follow her. If you knew where she was. But you won't, my son. Break up this affair or exile. There's no other way. Well, there's a third way. It will do you no good to abdicate. I've told you that. I wasn't thinking about abdication this time. Will you obey me? I want to see her once more. You'll see her tonight at the ball. I wish to see her alone. Oh, very well. I'll give you 24 hours. At the end of that time, this affair will be over. 24 hours. Do I have your word? You have my word, Your Majesty. Station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. The curtain falls on the second act of myerling. In a few moments, Janet Gaynor and William Powell will be heard in Act 3. Before Mr. DeMille introduces our intermission guest of the evening, may I remind you of an important fact. Important at least to every woman who values as she should, the charm of smooth, soft, lovely skin. In Hollywood, lux toilet soap is used by nine out of ten screen stars. They trust their priceless complexions to the care of this gentle white soap because experience has taught them that they can. Have you discovered what lux toilet soap can do? Have you made its active lather your daily beauty care? Here's Mr. DeMille. Frequently, during the intermission time on our programs, we bring you guests with unusual angles from behind the scenes of Hollywood. Tonight, our guest is Hollywood's oldest citizen, Don Eugene Plummer, who yesterday observed his 86th birthday. During those years when Vienna was gay in the sophisticated civilization of an old world capital, when Rudolph and Marie Vetzera were writing into history one of its most dramatic chapters, our guest was watching the events that were going on in a little valley now known as Hollywood. Don Eugene spent his early childhood in Mexico until Rudolph's uncle, the Emperor Maximilian, triumphantly entered that country. Our guest escaped with his mother and brother by stealing a French schooner. Shipwrecked, he was captured by Apache Indians and held captive for 18 months. Finally freed, he joined his family in the wilderness called Hollywood and lived here ever since, 72 consecutive years. But in those days, Mr. DeMille, we called the place Kawanga after a tribe of Indians who were still living here. Why did they drop the name Kawanga in favor of Hollywood? In a way, I was responsible. Just about the time that Rudolph was falling in love with Marie, a man named Wilcox bought a lot of land here. I went riding in the hills with him one day and he noticed a lot of berries near the road. He asked me what they were. Fusik, as I told him, ollie berries. That gave Wilcox an idea. Well, he said, I guess we'll call this place Hollywood. And just what was this place called Hollywood? Nothing but a cattle and sheep ranch almost on the side of this theater. I went slashing the wild deer. And if the street near Grumman's Chinese Theater, I went slashing the coyote on the bed. Since this is the luxe program, Don Eugene, what was the soap situation in Hollywood 50 years ago? It was because of soap that gold was discovered in California. The man who first found gold was Don Francisco Lopez. But he wasn't hunting gold when he found it. He was looking for a mollywood. We used to wash clothes or robbing them with the mollywood which was found like leather. Later on, we learned how to make between the pixels. But you couldn't interest the Hollywood girls in that kind of soap nowadays. Not with your luxe soap around. And no, Mr. DeMille, I even use luxe soap myself. And here's the funny thing. The girls of my sparkling days used to make their lips stick from cactus. To prevent camellias like you from stealing a kiss, huh? No, what the girls did was to use the juice of the cactus, wild cactus called napal. The juice was red and it would stay on the girl's lips for weeks. I know. Do you like movies, Don Eugene? Oh, sure, I like. The good old western. But not the love stories. I think you can make love at home without going to a theater. Buenos noches, Mr. DeMille. Adios. Adios, Don Eugene. William Powell and Janet Gaynor in myeling. 24 hours. 24 hours in which to live a lifetime. The minutes fly fast. Each one faster than the one before. It's evening now. The hall in the palace is about to begin. The great hall is alive with color and whispered gossip. From the doorway comes the archduke Rudolph in full military dress. All eyes are on him. But he strides quickly down the center of the room to marry Vetsara. Would you do me the honor, Mr. Vetsara, of opening the ball with me? Thank you, Your Highness. I'm very grateful. Can you see that? Mary, thanks for an absolute imperative. Unbelievable. His Majesty should hear of this. Why, it's common gossip. Good evening, Your Highness. Good evening, my love. Mary, my darling. You're so lovely. No, I'm mad with happiness, that's all. How have I ever been able to live without knowing you? I knew nothing before. I didn't exist. And now, oh, Rudolph, I thank you. No, don't say that. What is it? What's wrong? Go on dancing. Mary, what would happen if I had to go away? I would wait for you. No, I mean far away. Very far. To be away a long time. Then I'd follow you. And if that were impossible? Impossible. I'd follow you anywhere. Even if there were no returnings? To a place from which one never returns? With you? Yes. Mary, you know what I mean, don't you? You're sure? I'd rather die with you, Rudolph, than live without you. Oh, my dear. Don't say any more. Not now, darling. That's my father. I'd like him to see you tonight. You mind? No, Rudolph. Come here. Majesty, may I have permission to present to you Miss Mary Vetsler, whose destiny you have fixed. I'm charmed to know you, Miss Vetsler. Your Majesty overwhelmed me. Will you excuse us, please? We haven't much time, Your Majesty. Certainly. Mary, I'll wait for you out the ball. My coachman will be at the side of the palace. We'll meet immediately. I must go home first, but I won't be late. Bye, to the... Goodbye, my sweet. You understand my orders, Losheck. I'll make a pretext for leaving Vienna for 24 hours. Arrange a hunting party. I want no one but for yours and Philip. I understand, Your Majesty. Until tomorrow, then. Admiring. Admiring. No, do you have my bag? Yes, yes. Oh, my dinner. Oh, there's the coach. He said it would be there. Mary, you drive me crazy, leaving in the middle of the night. Oh, I should never have helped you. No, please don't worry, Nunu. And don't scold me tonight. You don't know, but it's the most beautiful, the most wonderful thing in the world. Mary, I don't understand you. Oh, and there's something else. That letter I gave you. You'll give it to Mother, but only after tomorrow. Mary, you... You frighten me. Before you go. Tell me. Tell me you won't do anything wrong. Wrong? I'll do nothing wrong. Do you swear anything I do will be right and good? I swear. Goodbye, Nunu. You must do something right away, Count Tauver. My daughter disappeared last night. We've heard nothing from her. I am sorry. My sorry. By the most, perhaps the Archduke could tell us. The Archduke? But unfortunately, we don't know where he is. The Prince is so fantastic. I think he is hunting in Luxembourg. Oh, please then, send someone. I tell you, we haven't a moment to lose. You can come out now. I told you I'd find you. Oh, but that's not the game. You were not supposed to watch me hide. You cheated. Instinct of the hunter. Never let the prey get out of sight. But I have found you anyway. I know every tree in Meiling. Meiling. Meiling. It's like a fairy tale. So beautiful. I love it here. You always said that life was beautiful, too. Perhaps you feel it's too beautiful, too. It's only beautiful now, the way we planned it. But Rudolph, will you do one thing for me? You will decide yourself the moment when we leave. When we must go. But I don't want to know. Promise me. You'll know nothing. I promise. I think it's getting cold. Should we go inside now? It's quiet, isn't it? Is it always like this here? Always. I think my eyes are closing. You should go to sleep now. No. No, I don't want to sleep yet. Kiss me, Rudolph. Enough for the whole night. Sleep well, my darling. Stay here with me, Rudolph. Just for a little while. I'm afraid sometimes during the night, I like the light so much. I wish I were awake already to see the sun shine. Would you wake me, Rudolph? Yes. I'll come to the door, and I'll call you. Softly. You'll smile and you'll sleep. Then open your eyes, you'll see the sunshine. I'll be waiting for you. Do you remember in the park, at the fair, the first time I saw you? Yes. Do you remember what the devil said at the puppet show? He said, I like to take the happy one. I think I know what that means. Because I'm happy. So very happy. Good night. Good night. Tomorrow, my love. Tomorrow. I thought I heard a shot. I haven't heard anything, Losheck. Probably in the forest. What time is it, Losheck? Thank you. And I can call me in half an hour. Good night. You won't have to wait long. United by death, peace at last came to these lovers. I saw his resting place in Vienna. An ancient crypt in the venerable Capuchin Church. There, in the hushed company of emperors and queens, lies one whose greatest misfortune it was to have been born a prince, Rudolph of Habsburg. A word now from our two stars, William Powell and Janet Gaynor. In a year and a half, Miss Gaynor has come to the air only twice. But we are happy and grateful that on both occasions, the scene of her performance has been the Lux Radio Theatre. Well, Mr. DeMille, I've always had a warm spot in my heart for this program. I have two reasons for saying that. First, you bring to the air a dignity in keeping with the best traditions of the stage and screen. And secondly, you represent a beauty that I've always liked and used. Lux soap. It's a pleasure to use it when I'm working in pictures and at home, too. Incidentally, it was also a great pleasure to be here tonight with my old friend Bill Powell. Thank you, Janet. Bill, what are your reactions to playing tragedy? Well, Cecil, after what happened to that royal pair, I think I feel like sitting down having a good cry. But you know, even though our sympathies are centered upon Marie and Rudolph, I can't help but spare a thought for Rudolph's father, the old emperor, Francis Joseph. You'll remember he lost his wife, the Empress, through assassination. His brother Maximilian met death in Mexico before a firing squad. And in 1914, another son, who became heir to the throne following Rudolph's death, was killed at Sarajevo in an apprelue to the World War, all of which leaves me with a decided preference to play rather than aspire to royalty. Thank you, Cecil, and good night. Good night, Mr. DeMille. Good night, Miss Verna, Miss Powell. I hope for the speedy recovery. Good night, speedy return to him. Our play next Monday night unfolds to the rhythm of roaring presses, the clatter of the liner type, and the chorus of editors barking copy. It's the drama behind the drama of your daily newspaper. The brisk romance of rival reporters, one of them a girl, who refuses to lend an ear to wedding bells until she proves that all good reporters aren't men. It's the loudly applauded screen hit front page woman. I'm happy to say that our leading man will be one whose return here you've requested so many times, Fred McMurray, and opposite Fred, a soaring star who's attracting great attention in Hollywood today, Paulette Goddard. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Toilet Soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio Theater presents Fred McMurray and Paulette Goddard in front page woman with Roscoe Kahn. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood. Louis Silver's appearance in courtesy of 20th Century Fox Studio, where he directed music for the new film, Kentucky. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.