 Barry Fitzgerald and Pat Crowley in Welcome Stranger. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Irving Cummings. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. As our fellow citizens take to the open road this summer, they will be greeted in every town and village along the way with the friendly words, Welcome Stranger. But in tonight's whimsical comedy, our young doctor discovers he is anything but welcome in the small community he has been invited to join. And we have a wonderful trio of stars in this enchanting Paramount screen here. Kerry Grant, Barry Fitzgerald, and Pat Crowley. Now act one of Welcome Strangers, starring Kerry Grant as Dr. Jim Pearson, Barry Fitzgerald as Dr. McRory, and Pat Crowley as Trudy Mason. This is Boston, the office of the Physicians and Surgeons Placement Bureau. The manager is on the telephone. That's right, Dr. Pearson. Everything's confirmed and Dr. McRory is expecting you. Fine, fine. Now it's rather a small town, you know, and you'll be there for two months. Splendid. Thank you, Dr. Pearson, and good luck. All right, Miss Brady, send in the next one. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. I'm Dr. McRory from Park Bridge. We've been having some correspondence about the physician to take me place. Well, this is quite a coincidence. I've just been speaking with him. Oh, have you, though? Well, as I told you, I'd like a mature man of substance and experience. I'd have gone for two months, you'll understand. He first vacationed in 30 years. You don't have to worry, Dr. McRory. It's all been settled. Fine, fine. We're going to see him. As soon as you get back to Fall Bridge, he's leaving right away. Bridge, wait. Mr. Surgeon, I suppose for a moment that I'd taste the head of the community in the hands of a man I'd never said or his own. What you're supposed to come to Boston for? There's no need for concern, Dr. We send out only qualified physicians. Besides, y'all know I was a definite authorization. Binding, you mean? Exactly. All right. Let's hope the man knows his business. What's his name? Pearson. James Pearson. Now, if you'd care to look... No, no, no. I'd barely time to catch my train. Thank you for your trouble. Pearson, eh? James? Pearson. Have a good vacation, Dr. Yes, I will. I will. Go on fishing, you know. Everything all right, Dr. Pearson? Oh, yes. Thanks. Everything's fine, Florida. Which way is the club car? I thought I'd smoke my pipe and read the newspaper. Then you'd better smoke in the men's washroom, Dr. That's all the club car we got. Well, thanks. Good evening, gentlemen. I hope you don't mind if I push in here. Sorry, young man. That doesn't seem to be any room. Oh, no. I think I can squeeze in here, don't you? Now, if you could just move over a little bit. Oh, that's very nice. Thank you. What's this? What's this? Young man. Well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sit on your package. I suppose you paid for a ticket, and you hadn't taken a seat down. But you're not entitled to sit on my packages and read my newspaper. What do you mean, this newspaper? If you don't mind. Well, you're welcome to any part of it, but it just happens that I am the legal owner of this pillar of truth. Oh, I get now. I bought that paper in the station. Mm-hmm. Which section of it would you like? I'm offering you part of my paper. You can have the back part. Here, I'll let you have the front part. Indeed. Well, I'm not thanking you because you're doing me no favor. It's my... Your newspaper? Yes. And I'm giving it to you. One of these days, these young men you discovered that being stubborn will get you a very little tank. Excuse me. Now, could that be your newspaper? The one you're sitting on? Who put it there? Now, what were you saying about being stubborn? Well, thank you to let me read the newspaper in peace. Fine. You read my paper and I'll read yours. Good morning, sir. Sorry, but the dining car won't be open for another five minutes. Well, I'm not quite ready for me breakfast anyway. Tim, Mr. Wood, would it be possible to order while you're going and sharing? You have a dish in this train that I'm very passionate to. Glory-brooked truth with butter and lemon sauce. It'll be waiting for you, sir. It'll be 15 minutes of table-fired brooked trout. Oh, fine. Oh, it's a beautiful dish. You're lovely. Lovely dish. Anyone sitting here waiting? Table-fired. Sit right down, sir. The broiled brooked trout for you, sir. Brooked trout? Oh, well, it sounds pretty good. You pushing the trout this morning? Oh, no, sir. This is the very last order. Well, bring it in. Bring it in. Good morning, sir. This table-fired. Right here, sir. The order's been taken. Broiled brooked trout with butter and lemon sauce. Oh, I'm sorry, sir. They told me number five, and when this gentleman sat here... Ah, it's you again. Yeah, I'm afraid it is. I'm also afraid I've been devouring your trout. I take it not to talk to me. Well, you're bringing another trout. I'm sorry, sir, but there aren't any more. Well, no more trout. No, sir. If you don't mind finishing this, I really only made a small dent in it. Go on, take it. Well, yeah, you may bring me some oatmeal. Yo, man, you must bear me a tamper of this estate. For me? Oh, I don't hate anyone. Well, I do. I hate bladder states. I detest and abominate them. Please, have no soon be home and free of your unwelcome presence forever. Now, if there is there anything else of mine that you will cover... Oh, come now. Be reasonable. Ah, good-bye to me, ha. To talk everything else, Mrs. Gilley, that ill-bred rogue upstart eats me trout. Oh, I'm glad to be home. Mrs. Gilley, are you sure there's been no message from that Dr. Pearson? That's a MacRory. For goodness' sake, I told you a dozen times. No, no message. Yeah, yeah, I see, I see, I see. Hey, the door, the door, the door, Mrs. Gilley. That could be Dr. Pearson now. Send him in, Mrs. Gilley, I'll be in the office. How do you do? I'm Dr. Pearson. Oh, come in, Dr. Come right in. Are you Mrs. MacRory? Have him for bed. It's not that I do his cooking and tidy-in. Is there a doctor? It's Dr. Pearson. Fine, fine, bring him in. And just down the hall. Well, well, well, well, this is a pleasure. I've been... Can't be. Yep. It's not possible, I can't believe it. Me either. They tell me there's about 200,000 physicians in the country and... You got me. Now to begin with, Dr. You know, actually that was my newspaper. Yo, man, do you try to be objectionable? Do you work at it? Well, I'm not trying. I can tell you this. If I'd seen you in Boston, I wouldn't be seeing you now. Here, sit down, sit down. Let me have your credentials. I got them right here, Doctor. Hmm. I know no Drake hospital in Boston. Uh, the Drake's not a hospital, Doctor. It's a hotel. Oh, you work in a hotel? There, perhaps. No, no, no, no. I was the house physician. For three months, it says. Froyer, huh? No, I took a job as a ship's doctor on the New York Bermuda run. Froyer, Froyer, just here. What's this, what's this here? What, what place is this here? It's Valparaiso, Julie. I did a little hospital work down there. Again, for three months, huh? Oh. See, you did much better than goose neck. You do goose liver Wyoming, huh? Oh, no, that's goose liver Wyoming, says, huh? Ah, why would you? Well, that's an interminable period for almost four months. Mine, mine more, huh? Well, I was a personal physician to a wealthy rancher, but he died. Ah. Ah, yes, well, I couldn't have surprised the poor man. Oh, you know, I find this extremely painful. I was hoping to get a good man, a man who might perhaps stay on and assist me in the new hospital. But instead, I... Oh, well, I couldn't handle that anyway, doctor. I'm leaving in a couple of months for Guatemala. That's fine, fine. You wouldn't think of leaving any sooner, right? Right now, for instance. Oh, now, you've got nothing to worry about. I'm really quite capable. Well, listen, I wouldn't trust you with me dead dog. I find nothing to recommend you. Even in your accent, the way you speak, it's disturbing to new inland ears. Mm-mm. Where did you acquire your Yankee accent, doctor? Now, don't change the subject. I suppose you've got the agreement. The letter is signed. Well, of course. Huh. And in regard to this painting. Well, naturally. Mrs. Gayley, show this gentleman to his room. Oh, too busy, doctor. She's got her new sweater. Oh, my new sweater? Oh, fine, fine. Come in through here. Come in, come in. Now, take off your jacket, doctor. We'll talk and we'll try it on. Ah, that's an elegant garment, too. You're just elegant. And so sweet of you to bring it over. Well, if it fits, I'll finish it up tonight. Oh, I, uh, I see the new doctors here. Oh, I want to tell you both that young man. In words of one syllable, he's a complete incompetent. Really? A man's not a doctor. He's a hobo. Never... Never been a one-place for more than three months. And, and, and he's arrogant about it. Well, sounds good for you. You'll just have to get somebody else. No, I can't. I made an agreement. I'm bound in honor. We saw it. He has an anointing. Dear, this'll never do. Exactly. Now, and I'm talking about the sweater. Look at it. It comes halfway down to your knee. Ah, no. Since it's just grand. But it doesn't fit you at all. Why don't you pay him off? Well, that's my precise intention, too, dear. But if I do, I can't get away for a vacation. Well, then it's out of the question. Oh, sweater, it's off. Now, tease him off, let's hold it. It's just roomy, you know. Oh, no, you have me sweaters roomy. Now, come in. Well? Doctor, did you notice if I left my... Oh, oh, oh, that's nice. That, that, that thing you're wearing. Oh, that's very attractive. What is it? What? It's very obviously a sweater. But just one? No, he's right, Dr. McRoy. It's hopeless. Miss Mason, Dr. Pearson. She's the school teacher. Oh, I'm delighted to meet you. How do you do? I'll talk to you later, Pearson. We're busy. I see. I'm being dismissed, huh? I should be brought up on charges of practice, Miss Mason. I, Dr. McRoy's, fish. That could be just loads of no-fail, man. You see, Judy? That's, that's what they call a doctor. There's no idea. Excuse me. Dr. Pearson. Yes, Miss Mason? May I see you alone for a moment? Oh, I think that's an excellent idea. If, uh, if I seemed rude just now... Well, um... Oh, not at all. Well, I didn't mean to be. I, uh, I understand you've done a lot of traveling. Uh, yes, considerable. Don't you think, Doctor, after all the things you've done, Farbridge is going to be very dull? It's such a little town. You don't like me, do you? Well, I, I hadn't thought much about it. Do most people? Like me? Oh, reasonable percentage. It's going to get off the gold here soon. We have very severe winters here. There's a chill in the air right now. What I mean is, well, when I honestly think that Dr. McRoy would release you if you wanted to leave. Really? Yes. Well, now, you know, that's very nice of you to take such an interest in me. Well, thank you, Miss Mason. I'll be sure to think it over. Now, right now, since Dr. Pearson, you're going to waste a sudden like after just two days. Well, I did plan to stay a little longer, Mrs. Gilley, but I'm sure Dr. McRoy will be delighted to find I'm gone. You fool. Who are you trying to kid? Try the whole town to be pleased. Seems the word about me has got around. Two days. That's the shortest one I've had anywhere. Incidentally, I'll be on the wrong road. Seems to me we're clear out in the country. I said I'd drive you to the bus depot, and I will. Only first, I'm taking you to see Doc McRoy. And there he is, sitting beside that creek over there. Why that old phony? I thought you said he was out on an urgent pneumonia case. Well, that's what he told me. Well, how'd you know he was out here? Mission calls and books. Don't cure pneumonia. Take the time, doctor. The bus don't leave before a clock. Hey. Huh? Hey, how's Mrs. Hickey coming along? Huh? Mrs. Hickey's pneumonia. Oh, it's much better, much better. I'm glad to hear that. Young man. Are you spoiling on me? I just came to tell you I was leaving. Ah, I should tell. Well, well, well, as I... No, what you mean is it's not for a couple of weeks, eh? The next bus. Pearson, I'm an honest man. I'll not pretend I'm going to miss you. But it'll be greatly obliged if you'll stay on for a fart when I have a good doctor coming over from Augusta. Roy Chesley recommends him very highly. Who's Roy Chesley? Who's Roy Chesley? Well, I'll tell you who he is. His father owns half the town. Roy? Well, Roy's president of the bank. Chamber of Commerce. He owns a town bookstore, and he's going to marry Trudy Mason. That's who Ray Chesley is. Oh, and this doctor's a friend of Chesley? Yes. Dr. Jens from Augusta. He comes as soon as he can. I thought you told me you'd never hire a man again without seeing him first. Well, yes, I did, but Jens could be nothing but an improvement. Well, fine. Let's start the improvement right now. Yep. Goodbye, doctor. No, wait, no, wait, wait, wait, wait, no. What for? For your reason, sir. I want to start my vacation tomorrow. No. I know. I'm not asking you to handle that many difficult cases. If anything serious comes up before Dr. Jens colloades, Dr. Wheaton will come over from Vancouver. Nothing to worry about. The four o'clock bus, goodbye. Hey, look, I'll give you cash bones if you stay. Say 20... Say $10. $10. You said $20. Well, why don't we make it $15? You'll forget it. The town doesn't like me, and I don't like the town. Say, you catch any fish this morning? No. Now, what's more, you've scared away every fish for money's around. You fish for property. Young man, I've been fishing this season for 33 years. Oh, go on here. Look at this equipment you're using in the stock of the float. I never fish with a float. I like to get the hook deep down into the fish's living room, down where the money is. Get the line out like this way out there where the ripples are. There we are now. Stand by for action. Well, that's very interesting. You'll stay for a couple of weeks, I mean. I told you, no. There you see. You see how simple it is? Here, take the rod. Take all the quips. Look at the sedum. Look at the sedum. Look at the sedum. Look at the sedum. Stop pulling. Give him the line. Let him play with it. Get out of the way. Give me some room. You're going to pull it right out of his mouth. No, anyone can get a boat. Go for it. The reed stealers bring in the men. And all you have to do is put yourself on a particular attitude for that... Well, he got away. Well, me too. So long, Doctor. For the help of us, huh? Well, all right. All right. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll make a bargain with you. Now, I don't think I can stay a fortnight, but I'll tell you what I'll do. Yeah, yeah. I'll stick it out for a couple of weeks. The man... The man's a lunatic. What, sir? I said I'm obliged to you, Doctor Bison. Very much obliged to you. Now, our producer, Mr. Cummings. Act two of what? Act two of what? Act two of what? Act two of what? Act two of what? Act two of what? Act two of what? Act two of what? Act two of what? Now, our producer, Mr. Cummings. Act two of Welcome Strangers starring Carrie Grant as Jim, Barry Fitzgerald as Dr. McGrory, and Pat Crowley as Trudy. Well, a couple of days have gone by. And while a stranger in town, Dr. Bison is hardly any more welcome than before. Old Dr. McGrory, at long last, is ready to leave on his vacation. If you haven't forgotten your ticket, I hope. You asked me that twice, Mr. Mrs. Gilly. It's in your wallet. Now, where the blue blazes is Pearson? Are we just two more minutes? Two minutes? Are the blabberskates? He knows I mean it. Now, now, don't cut yourself overheated. You haven't been given to wear, you know. And how could I feel wear? Are you still here? I thought you left long ago. And how could I leave without giving me instructions? Oh, but you did. If anybody gets sick, I'm the same for a doctor. Exactly. Dr. Wheaton will come over on all serious cases. And you remain here in far bid until Dr. Jenks arrives. The boy chairs his way. Oh, Dr. Jenks, splendid. You'd see that Mrs. Sims takes the calcium tablets for a cheer-blame. Calcium tablets. Three times daily. Oh, and don't forget that Tucson's car bunker. It's about ready for lancing. Check. And oh, yes, you might have been on Mrs. Crowley, or babies about you. Oh, you think I'm capable of delivering a baby? Frankly, no. But I wouldn't worry. I wouldn't worry about Mrs. Crowley. She's had 10. She'll tell you... She'll tell you what to do. Well, goodbye, Mrs. Gilly. And I'll go with you in the taxi. You can drop me off at the baby's day. Now, remember, Pearson, no surgery. No. You better take these. Now, what, my baby? The train tickets. Oh, thank you to mind your own business. I did a good boy. Well, come in. Come in. I'm sorry, but you just missed the old gentleman. Well, frankly, I dropped by to borrow an umbrella. It's starting to pour. Help yourself. You're on your way to avoid Chesley's drugstore, I presume. Well, I happen to be on my way home. Good. You know, I can't make up my mind which Chesley I dislike more, Roy or his father. Oh? I guess Roy. He's a shade more obnoxious, wouldn't you say? Dr. Pearson, in case you're trying to be funny, Roy and I are engaged to be married. Oh, that's ridiculous. How can a girl like you... Dr. Pearson! Dr. Pearson, help! Well, what is it? What is it? Dr. McGrawing! But after we dropped off Mrs. Gilly, we no more than turned the corner when he starts moaning and groaning and... Oh, make stomach pains in me stomach. He'll go over my taxi like he was kicked by a mule. Help me get him in the office. No, no, no, I can walk. I'll be fine, fine. What is it? I don't know. Can you wait around for a while? Yes, of course. A product a week, no. Oh, it's me, Pandicks. It's me, Pandicks. Well, for the first time, you and I may be in complete agreement. Now, lie still and let me take a look. Oh, Pearson, go away. Somebody go away. Hey, just let me alone. Do you please keep that thermometer in your mouth? Yeah. What's my blood count? Or is that too difficult for you to determine? None of your business, but you've got appendicitis all right. Temperature of 103. Oh, 30 years. I waited for me vacation. 30 years. You know that that appendix will have to come out, and you know it. Dr. Pearson. Oh, come in, Trudy. Oh, I just called Dr. Wheaton, but he's on a confinement case. He's not expected back until late tonight. See, we can't wait, Dr. McCrory. It's my appendix, and I'm going to wait. I have a basic man-piece, and my mind's clear. I just soon call in Sweeney the butcher. Now, let's start being sensible, shall we? I know you don't have any confidence in me, but there isn't any other choice. Your pulse is 108. Trudy, there's a doctor blood you talk about there in Middlebrook. But that's almost 100 miles, Dr. McCrory, please. No, no. It's got to be done now. I warn you, if you're afraid against me, we'll go to prison for manslaughter. Now, listen to me. You've had a lot more experience than I have. Now, what would you do with a patient as horny and mean as you are? No, no, that's not a fair question. Oh, Dr. Pearson, please. Have you ever operated before? Certainly, I've operated. Trudy, you'll have to help me. What did you say? I'll need help. Well, if I have to, Dr. Pearson? All right, I'm through with this one. Well, I've had a good full life. Me fishing like a ghost tomorrow, that's been a true friend. Andy Weaver used to have me pricks. Doctor for heaven's sake. Exactly. Now, write it down, write it down as I tell you. Well, I'm sorry, Doctor, but Miss Mason will have to postpone her legal work. I need a nurse. And the house goes to Mrs. Geary. And me savings to you, Trudy, and the country orphans. Pearson, you're a witness. I'll go on. You'll be pole vaulting in three weeks. Even with a competent surgeon, 10% of pertinent cases are lost. Well, you needn't worry. I've already lost my 10%. What's this stuff? Why, ether? No, no, you don't. I want a local anesthetic. Can't you be reasonable? I'd like to give you a spinal if I had someone here to watch your blood pressure. I said a local. Oh, for goodness' sake. How can you be so sick and so stubborn at the same time? Well, leave me Pearson. You'll be grateful to me for me supervision and comments. So I've had a lot of experience. Well, I've had a little myself. A local, if you don't mind. Okay, a local. No, that's true. Do you see that mirror over there? Now put it on the stand so we can see what's going on. To what? The exact changes. Now get on with the Pearson. Shuffle me off to meet me, maker. Well, don't tell me. Good morning. This is Tesla's drug store. Yeah, we just come in to get out of the snow. How's old Doc this morning? He looks better than I do. He's fine. Folks have been saying you saved his life, Doc. Yeah, sure did. Well, I had to. He owed me a weak salary. Dr. Peterson. Well, my favorite nurse. Oh, hello, Tesla. Hello there, Doc. Two dozen phenobobotan, half-grain, jet conveys account. Conway? That's a hypertension case. Yeah, that's right. Now we have some potassium fire cyanide. I believe that's considered more modern. Would you be terribly offended, Tesla, if I insisted upon phenobobotan? No, I'm just a dick. I'm just a dick. Dr. McGlory had a good night, huh? I spoke to Mrs. Gilley. Oh, he's doing very well. Quite an experience for you, wasn't it? Well, you were wonderful. Well, thanks. So were you. Of course, Dr. Pearson knows that an appendectomy is probably the simplest of all operations. Why? Well, he's right. Yes, a phenobobotan. Thanks. I, uh, I don't suppose you'd care to go along on the sleigh ride tonight, doctor? Sleigh ride, huh? Oh, yes. Mrs. Gilley sold me a figure. Oh, but I imagine you're much too busy to go, huh? Exactly. Well, I told Mrs. Gilley but I think I just might make that sleigh ride after all. I'll see you both tonight, huh? Oh, now, wait. Must you be so rude? Who was being rude? All I said was... That's nice. That'd be fine, I see. Janks? You all set? I sure will. In person at the out-town station. That's well. Eight o'clock tonight. Right. That was Dr. Janks. He's coming in tonight. Can you, doctor? Uh-huh. But if you're meeting him in out-town tonight, won't we miss the sleigh ride? Oh, well, you go ahead. I'll meet the sleigh and Bentonville church supper and we'll have the ride back home together, huh? Okay. Okay. I'll see you later, Roy. Bye. Hey, Mr. Chesnick, come here and come here. Thank you, Mrs. Gilley. How's the doc feeling tonight? He won't tell me. He's too busy listening to the mass rider on the radio. Oh. That's a good sign. Mrs. Gilley, this is Dr. Janks from Augusta. Hi, ma'am. It's a pleasure to know you, Mrs. Gilley. You will tell Dr. McCrory that we're here at the out-town station tonight. I'll tell Dr. McCrory that we're here, please. I'll see what I can do, Mr. Chesnick. They have a chair. Now, like I said, he's not young and his methods are very modern. That's why I'm here. The more old-fashioned he is, the sooner I'll get to take over his practice. He says you can come like him. Thanks, Mrs. Gilley. Roy, hi-hi. You're just the person I want to see. Well, doc, I want you to meet my old friend, Dr. Janks. How are you, doctor? Satisfactory, thank you. Everything's set, doc. Janks is moving into that little cottage, you know, ready to take over. Take over? Take over what? Why? You'll practice, doctor, until you're able to... Yeah, man, I hope you haven't ever thought, because I have no opening for you. No opening? But you asked him to come here. Oh, no, no, you asked him. I'm very sorry but I'm the most excellent man with me now, and I see no reason for a change, thank you. Oh, no, no, no, no, wait a minute. You made it quite clear that you consider as a man of ability, which I was the very first to recognize. Oh, and I'm surprised of you, I'm surprised of you. Oh, I guess there's nothing more to say. Oh, just wanting more. I thank you not to use me to get your friend's employment. And now, if you don't mind, I'll be taking the rest. I don't want to be disturbed. I won't forget this, doctor. No, see that you don't. Goodbye, Janks. Well, Mrs. Billy, something disturbing you? Is that the person really staying in there? Two or three weeks as well, you know, the town of Farbridge is breaking ground for the most modern little hospital in the state of Maine. And you also know I'll be chief of staff. I'm about to name Dr. Pearson as my first assistant. Did he say he was staying? Now, Mrs. Billy, I'm not a well man. All this chit-a-chatter is most disturbing. Now, just on me, turn one mirage, please, on your way out. May I come in? Yeah, well, you had a good time at the state, right? Yeah, it was quite an experience. Children's there. Yep. Without Roy Chesley. Uh-huh. Ah, there's a fine girl. A great, pretty, she's told herself on her way on an alumnus lease, Chesley. Don't you think so? Yeah, he is a little on the stuffy side. Well, your pulse is good. Yeah, take Judy home. As a matter of fact, she's here. She's folding Roy. I was to meet her for a couple of weeks. Oh, that bladder skate. A most incompetent young man and so rude. He went away. Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute. You know that I'm leaving here just as soon as you get well. Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, I was very fond of her, so very fond of her, and she, of course, she was fond of me, too. What happened? I know just a young doctor just starting out, not too bright. And while it was making up my mind, she married someone else. And now I'm a lonely old man. Jim, don't make the mistake I made, or you'll be lonely, too. Judy has a very high opinion of you. Yeah, well, I'm leaving the end of the week, and right now I'm taking your temperature. Oh, listen, don't think for a minute that I was thinking about that anything. No, no, no, no. Close, please. Well, hello, how's our patient? Oh, no change. Health, fine, disposition, terrible. Dr. Pierce, can you have a phone? Oh, excuse me. Anybody I know? No, I doubt it. Judy, sit down. Yes, doctor? You know, it'll be a sad day for Farbridge when that young man leaves. Oh, great ability. And it's too bad, but he... Well, uh... Well? Well, what's too bad? No, no, it's not for me to buy a little confidence, Judy. No, still... No, no, no, I can't. You know you're going to tell me, doctor, so... All right then, perhaps I should. Judy, Dr. Pierce and his most unhappy. Oh, what about? About your engagement to Roy. Did he say so? More than that, he says you're engaged to a stuffy young man. Oh? And that's why he's going away. He's not happy, Judy. He's not happy. He doesn't show it to nobody. The population of East Farbridge is about to increase. And Mrs. Canock. Ah, Edie Canock. A fine-looking girl. At first, you know. Well, how do I get out there? Well, uh, if you go away, well, uh... I know you'll never find your way there. No, no, no. I'm not on these roads at night. I'll drive you there myself, Jim. Hand me, hand me, hand me, go down there. Oh, but you? Well, don't be ridiculous. Jim, that baby's waiting for us. Well, I'll lie down, doctor. I'll take Dr. Pierce, and I know where the house is. Oh, that's very sweet of you. Come on, we better hurry. I brought you hot milk here. Ah, lovely pair they make, huh? Dr. McGrory, if I were you, I'd... Now, what on earth are you doing with my cousin Hattie's photograph? And my album, my photograph album. Oh, when you see that, uh... Well, it's all right, it's all right, it's all right. There were old pictures and old wine and... Old Budimski. I think the milk can go to sleep. Yes, and pleasant dreams to you, too, Mrs. Canock. We have welcomed strangers starring Carrie Grant as Jim, Barry Fitzgerald as Dr. McGrory, and Pat Crowley as Trudy. Well, several hours have gone by. Mrs. Canock's Hattie baby and Trudy and Dr. Pearson are on their way home. Where are we? Drantically home. Hmm, I run asleep. There's not long enough. The girl has to be at school in a few hours. Ah, you were... Something about... Oh, about going away. Well, I'm just in two weeks or so. I'll be on a boat again. Going away now? Well, there's only one place to go this time of year. South. Jim, doesn't having a home mean anything to you? Sure, that's why I have so many. What happened? I say something funny? No, no, no. Dr. McGrory, he said you were going away because you're heartbroken. Over what? Over me. You know, he'd do anything to have you stay on. Cupid McGrory, huh? He told me you were a pretty fine fellow. I'll say this one. He couldn't have said a more attractive trap. Thank you. And thanks for bringing me home. Yeah. It looks like someone's waiting for you on the porch. Oh, my goodness. Well... Well, hello, Roy. You were going to meet me in half an hour. Some half hour. I'm terribly sorry, Roy. I meant to phone you, but a woman in East Fallbridge had a baby and I... Oh, and you had to be there. Of course. Without your help, women in East Fallbridge couldn't have babies. Yeah, well, it's really my fault, Roy. I didn't know the roads and Trudy said she'd use you. Oh, so now it's Trudy. Isn't that my name? You seem to forget that it's also going to be Chesley. Please, you'll wake the whole neighborhood. Maybe you'd like to forget we're engaged. I don't want to talk like that. Yes, I would. That's just what I thought. Well, it's fine with me. I'll give you two minutes to take that back. It shouldn't mean that, you know. She'll be right back. Yeah, well, you'd better wait then. But don't think I'm wide. No, no. You know, Trudy is far too smart to throw herself away on a hobo. All right. If I thought she'd be happy with you, you know, living in freight cars, I'd say fine. I'm thinking of her own good. Are you? No, no, I don't think I am. Are your intentions marriage? Well, frankly, Roy, that's something I've always tried to avoid. Now, you listen to me, Pearson. Oh, please go home. People are trying to sleep. Oh, Trudy, look, I'm sorry, but if you would just keep away from this quack here. Roy! Well, he isn't interested in marriage. He just told me so. Well, Roy's upset. It's a natural misunderstanding. Coming home so late and everything. It's that mean and everything. Well, you needn't be alarmed, Doctor. Your freedom isn't in any danger, whether I'm engaged or not. And I'm not, Roy. So, good night! I wasn't much of a help, was I? I'll punch you right on that foot. Out! Forgive me for ducking. Well, good night, Roy. Next time, don't telegraph your punches. Well, well, just in time for breakfast. Now, what happened last night? Six pound boy, everything's fine. Good, good. And that was Trudy. Uh, a trifle upset the last time I saw her. She and Roy broke their engagement. I know, you don't say. All right, Doctor. Don't you think you've done enough meddling? Maybe. A man tries to squeeze a little brains into that narrow, pey-headed skull of yours, and you call it meddling. In my opinion, the girls to go to you. You talk too much. Eat your breakfast. Talk too much, Roy. Oh, I was right about you in the first case. You have no manners. No manners at all. Tell Dr. Pearson I'll have his ham and eggs in a minute. Come here, please, Mrs. Gilley. Come here. You will inform Dr. Pearson that I'm no longer speaking to a man that I have no interest at all in what he has to say about having a joint engagement. Oh, no. Now, look, if I really offended you... I'd much rather, I'd much rather they didn't speak to me either. Um, Mrs. Gilley, will you remind Dr. McCrory that I agreed to remain here until he's able to resume his practice and I'll keep my word? He's informed Dr. Pearson that he'll not get one penny salary after today. Oh, tell him yourself, I'm busy frying eggs. Oh, come in, come in. Just passing by, Mrs. Gilley. I thought I might as well drop off your groceries. Now, just let him down that text. What's you, Doc? How are you feeling? Hold him out, you better consider who the surgeon was. I see you've got a new neighbor across the street, Dr. Jinx. Jinx? Who? Who'd you say? Dr. Jinx, Roy's friend moved in last night, Doc. Ah, I just visited him, I know, Doc. Oh, looks like a long visit, Doc. He's putting up a shingle right now. Oh, the man they need you. Oh, he'll never last. No one's got to take you a place in this town. Well, now the doctors will come here last in a month at the longest. Yes, well, this fellow won't last three weeks. He'll wait, she'll say, huh? You still mad at me? No, whatever gave you such a silly impression. Sit down, sit down, finish your breakfast. Jim, when are you going to be leaving here? Ah, how Saturday afternoon. You think you'll be strong enough by then? I'm strong enough right now. Jim, there's a meeting Saturday noon. I don't get to come along. Meeting? Yeah, the board of directors of the new hospital. As you know, I'm to have complete charge of the place as soon as it's finished. Well, thanks. I'd like very much to attend. Dr. McCrory? Make close friends, call me Joe. In much more, gentlemen, we have now raised every last dime we need to complete the new hospital. Now, Dr. McCrory, on behalf of the hospital board, I want you to know how much we appreciate your long and devoted service to our community. Oh, thank you, Tessie, thank you. We know how close the new hospital is to your heart. It is, it is. Well, it's close to our heart, too. Therefore, we feel at a doctor with more modern methods, new ideas. What's that? Docs, crimes have changed. You mean you don't want me to run the hospital? Well, we feel at a younger man like Dr. Jinx. Well, we haven't exactly voted yet, Doc. Excuse me, I believe in. Come around, Jim. Now, Joe, wait. Mr. Chesley, may I say something? You a member of this board, Pearson? If I were, I'd be ashamed to admit it. Now, it seems to me there's some pretty short memories around here. Dr. McCrory has guarded the health of this town for 35 years. He knows more about medicine than Dr. Jinx, Jinx, or whatever his name is, and I will ever get out of books. Now, listen, Pearson, you know, there are new methods, new discoveries. Yes, you're right, Roy, but no one has discovered a substitute for skill or wisdom or for practical experience or goodness of heart. Well, it isn't that we don't think highly of, Doc. Besides, it's nothing really definite. We've got a vote on it. Now, hold on there, boys. We all decided so. Excuse me, Dad, but if Dr. McCrory is the better man, there is a way to find out. A written examination conducted by the Medical Society. That suit you, Dr. Jinx? Oh, of course. That seems more than fair to me. Well, surely Dr. McCrory couldn't object to a written examination now, could he? Of course he could. I shouldn't have to remind any of you that Dr. McCrory hasn't written an examination paper in almost 40 years. Now, nobody's knocking the old doc, but we want to do the progressive thing. And I think the examination idea is real progressive. All in favor, say, aye. Aye. No. Six to two. It's carried. Let's go again. Joe, that examination. Now, don't you think you'd better start? No, no, no, no, I don't. Ah, I've been here too long. A man's a fool to bury himself in one little corner of the world. Well, you wouldn't have too much trouble with it, really. As much? Jim, would you believe it? I'm past 60. No. I never would have guessed it. You wouldn't, huh? Never. Well, what do you think of that, then? Joe, would you like me to stay here a while? Just sort of hang around? No, thanks. I'll soon be going to serve. I don't even get me a job in one of those ships that you do. Well, it's about time for your bus. Yeah. You wouldn't like to wait around. Would you see me off? No, no, I don't think so. I think I'd walk on home. It's a fine day. Well... Dr. Pearson, it's been a pleasure knowing you. Now, that goes for me, too, Joe. Goodbye. Goodbye. Good afternoon, doctor. Waiting for the bus, hmm? I, uh... I was just about to call you to say goodbye, today. Oh, but goodbyes aren't pleasant. And you generally manage to avoid things that aren't pleasant. That's right, whenever I can. Well, it's wonderful having a little world all of your own, isn't it? If your friends have problems, that's fair, Miss Fortune. You just get on a little boat and your whole world is snug and cozy again. No, no, no. Wait a minute, teacher. Have you any idea what that hospital means to Dr. McRoy? Don't you have a vaguest notion what losing it is going to do to it? Aren't you confusing me with the Chesleys? I didn't take that jaw away from Joe McRoy. Am I staying here? Won't give it back to him. Well, you could help him prepare for that examination. Never take that examination. Not with his pride. Pride? The hospital is the dream of his life. And you talk about pride. If you urged him to take it, he'd take it. And if you coached him, he'd pass. But no, no. It's much more pleasant than Guatemala. Here's your bus. Have fun, doctor. It's been nice knowing you. You mean you're going to work on a boat a man of your age? Will you be good enough to pack me things, Mrs. Kelly? Oh, you're an impossible old fool. What things? Everything. Everything? You mean, my doctor, I wouldn't know where to begin. No, no, no. That's why I... Well, Jim... You missed the bus. Let's talk about that later. All right, Joe. Come on, let's get into your office. Take off your coat and put on your glasses. We're going to go to work. What the devil are you talking about? Now, you want that hospital, don't you? Well, we've got 10 days to bone up in the examination. All right, let's get started. Now, list of symptoms, etiology treatment and complications of my... Oh, he's around here somewhere, Roy. He's just finished the examination. Oh, Dr. McCrory is taking a little more time, but if you care to place a small wage on who's got to win, I'll do that. Look, Captain, this is serious. You tell James to get over to the schoolhouse right away. Four boys have just been taken deathly ill. You get James over here. James, is it anything serious? Eddie, here's my nephew. He's Lucy's boy. Well, four boys sick at one time. Food poisoning's been ruled out, but I don't like those dizzy headaches. Have the youngsters been out of school lately, Miss Mason? Well, George here was absolutely yesterday. His horse died. Horse died? Or from? Well, they didn't know. And these marks on his arm. Hmm. Mosquito bites. Mosquito bites. What's that mean, Doc? Yeah, well, what is it? Well, what is it? Well, what's going on? Well, I'm sure these boys in your class... Well, yes. Yes, I've sent all the other pupils home. Oh, thanks, Pearson, but we don't need any help. It's a fairly obvious case. Is it? No, boys. Now, what seems to be the trouble? Right there. You see? They can't even talk. They just lie there. All green and sick and moaning. Dr. Jenks... It's not a common disease, Dr. McCrory. I don't believe you'd know about it. But if I'm not mistaken, these four boys have contracted equine and cephalitis. Oh, no! What is it? Oh, mosquitoes carry the virus. Chickens harbor it. The disease is more common among horses. Oh, now, wait. You're not being a little hasty, are you, Dr. Jenks? If not wasting time is being hasty-ass. Yeah, Doc, how serious is it? Well, there was an outbreak in Massachusetts in 1938, and believe me, it was very serious. Equine... what do you call it? Oh, call it virus brain fever. Roy, call Bentonville. Tell them to get the ambulances here right away. We've got to isolate these boys immediately. As for the other children, well, everyone has got to be inoculated. Now, I'm going to telephone in Chicago. They've got a serum there, and if we can get the army to fly it here in town. Tell them, Jen, come with me. I want to show you something. You don't suppose Jenks could be right, Joe? He could be right, but to me, well, I've got another theory. I want to show you something here in the washroom. Those four boys have been poisoned, Jim. Poisoned? But how could they have? Well, take a look. Four cigar butts. Nicotine poisoning wouldn't you say, huh? Come on, come on, we'd better tell them. Oh, I think we're going to need vaccine for everybody in town. I've got Chicago hospital on the phone. Let me talk to them. Dr. Jenks, say, if I might be... Make a suggestion. Not now. I'll find out how soon they can get it here, Mr.... No, no, no. Dr. Jenks' case, Joe. But I... I'm trying to tell him that he's got nothing to worry about. Well, that's very... At least the vaccine will keep the disease from spreading. Well, if it isn't being too unethical, Dr. Jenks, I suggest you forget that vaccine. Dr. McCrory has a much simpler specific. Well, my own private prescription is the back of a hairbrush, vigorously applied to the seat of the pants. What are you talking about? It's the best cure I know for 12-year-olds who've been smokin' cigars. The evidence is in the washroom. Oh, they must have heard what you said, Joe. Look at those kids scoot out of here. You boys, come back here. Come back here at once. Hang up, Dad. Just tell Chicago we made a slight mistake. Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Chesley. Now, if you only let me explain... Get away from me. Are you... Everything's all right, ladies and gentlemen. There's nothing wrong with your children. You can all go home now. Oh, Miss Mason, hey, teach. Yes? Oh, I'm surprised at you. You shouldn't permit your students to smoke cigars. Well, I guess I shouldn't. Well, you just gonna have to be a little more careful with our kids. Oh, don't be so smart. Oh, here now, hold our way a minute. And Joe... Joe, about the hospital. It's yours. I don't want the hospital, Chesley. But Joe... Well, 35 years I've been thinking about garbage. Now I'm going to think about myself. For those examinations, forget them. I know the hospital's a big job for a man in me, advanced years. Unless, of course, Dr. Pearson stays on to assist me. Sorry, doctor, my plans are made. Unless, of course, Miss Mason were to... Oh, I think it could be arranged. Yeah, as I was saying, Mr. Chesley, I think it could be arranged. In a moment, our stars will return. And our thanks for a delightful evening to Cary Grant, Barry Fitzgerald, and Pat Crowley. And may the good fairies go with you all along the way. Oh, what's the play for next week, Irving? I'm happy to say that again we have a wonderful trio. Here are your stars, two handsome gentlemen and a lovely lady. We will present them in a suspenseful drama for Warner Brothers. The unforgettable strangers on the train. The stars. That excellent actor, Robert Cummings. Gorgeous Virginia Mayo. And one of our finest artists. Dana Andrews. Oh, I wouldn't miss it. Good night. Good night. Good night. And you're always welcome. Mrs. Gilley, Lamont Johnson, as Roy, Joseph Kearns, as Dr. Jenks. Burt Butterfield, as Mr. Chesley. And Gain Whitman, Roy Glenn, Bill Johnstone, Dick Ryan, and Eddie Marr. The orchestra is under the direction of Rudy Schrager. This is Ken Carpenter inviting you to join us next week at this same time for another presentation of the Hollywood Radio Theater. Here is a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. A broadcast from April 5th of 1954 of Welcome Stranger on the Lux Radio Theater called for Armed Forces Radio and TV Service listeners the Hollywood Radio Theater. And Ken Carpenter even recorded a special closing for it to say the Hollywood Radio Theater and that sort of thing. This was 1954. The servicemen and women around the world were being more and more introduced to television by way of Armed Forces Radio. And what they would do, they'd do the same thing that they did with radio. You'd get the big TV shows.