 The Lux Radio Theatre brings you magnificent obsession starring Claudette Colbert and Don Amici. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. If you were asked to name the most popular story writer in America, you'd be tempted to name the authors of such books as Gone with the Wind, Anthony adverse, or For Whom the Bell Tolls. But you'd be wrong. The writer today, who is read by more people in more homes than anybody else, is a former minister, Dr. Lloyd C. Douglas, who turned to fiction as a means of reaching a greater audience than his congregation. He knew, however, that he had to do more than simply reach his audience. He had to inspire them and magnify their vision. He had to give his stories warmth and drama and conviction. He had to give his characters the very breath of life itself. How well he succeeded, you will see in tonight's Lux Radio Theatre play, Magnificent Obsession, adapted from the universal screen-hat of the same name. More than a love story, although it tells of a very great love, it's a story that contains a glowing message for this storm-swept world. And our stars are two longtime favorites on this stage, Claudette Colbert and Donna Nietzsche. Together, they represent a total of 31 appearances in the Lux Radio Theatre, and letters are still pouring in asking us to present them. Those letters don't just come from our audience here in America, but from our audience overseas, too. Because, as you know, these plays go by shortwave to our troops. And it's interesting that they take time to write us not only about our plays, but about Lux's toilet soap as well. It seems that Lux soap is doing its part in establishing friendly relations. One GI wrote from Italy, I gave a cake of it to an Italian woman, and right away she asked me and my buddies to reveal steak and spaghetti dinner, which goes to show that good things make the whole world Ken. And now, it's time for the curtain and the first act of magnificent obsession, starring Claudette Colbert as Helen Hudson and Donna Nietzsche as Robert Merrick. In the secluded countryside of Westchester County, about 40 miles from New York City, is a small but world-famous hospital, Brightwood Hospital. 12 years ago, it was a scene of a shocking tragedy. It's something we can do, Dr. Ramsey, something. Nancy, you're head nurse here. You know the answer as well as I do. We're helpless. I can't believe it. Where is Mrs. Hudson? Hasn't anyone been able to reach her yet? They must be on their way here. We telephoned the pier, the boat docked an hour ago. What are you talking about? Don't you know? Joyce returned from Europe this morning. Mrs. Hudson drove in to meet her. They'll probably be here any moment. I see. A fine homecoming. Helen, darling, it's so good to see you again. Of course, I'm not at all glad to see you. You look wonderful, baby. Well, I started packing the moment I got your cable in Vienna. What Helen? What's the matter? It just dawned on me. Well, can you imagine that? What is it? What is it? Well, you're my mother now. Well, you're your father's daughter, and I'm married to your father, so I... I guess I'm your mother all right. Eight years older than I am, and you're my mother. Oh, darling. Dad's been fine, huh? Wonderful. Just about broke his heart, though, when he couldn't come down to meet you. But you know your father and that hospital of his. Helen, how did it happen? Between you and Dad, I mean. Oh, I don't know. I've always adored him. But I never dreamed he'd fall in love with me. No, that isn't so. I did dream he would. And the dream came true. You can't imagine how proud I feel. He's one of the greatest doctors in the world, Joyce, to say that I couldn't mean anything in his life. You mean everything to him. All these years since mother died, he's been so lonely. I know what that is, darling. I never had a family of my own. Well, from now on, you're going to have your hands full of family. Why take me alone? That isn't as you resent being mother to a wide-eyed gangling creature like me. Oh, Joyce, what a thing to say. Now, where is that elevator? A fine hospital this is. Now, just you be patient, young lady. The elevator will be right here, and you'll be with your father in exactly 30 seconds. You see? Oh, Jimmy, how are you? Oh, hello, Mrs. Joyce. Mrs. Hudson. Sorry I kept you waiting. Well, it's a good thing I'm not a patient in this hospital, Jimmy. I've been dead before I got any attention. Yes. Well, Jimmy, what's the matter? Oh, Jimmy, I was only teasing. Oh, it's nothing. Nothing. Oh, look, there's Nancy. Nancy? Joyce, my dear. What's happening here? Everyone looks so strange. Why aren't you going to Mrs. Hudson? Mrs. Hudson. Nancy, what are you trying to tell us? Mrs. Hudson, the doctor's had an accident. An accident? Where is he? There inside. But you mustn't go to him yet. Why wasn't I going to him? Nancy! Because he's dead, Mrs. Hudson. He's dead. Can't begin to tell you how we feel, Mrs. Hudson. We loved him, all of us here. Please, how does it happen? He went for a swim in the lake to freshen up before you arrived. He was very tired. His heart was over-attached. He drowned. But didn't someone see him? Was there nothing you could do? We found him quickly enough, but when we tried to get the full motor, it wasn't there. It wasn't there? It seems that a few minutes before, another accident had occurred on the other side of the lake. One of the interns rushed over with our full motor. Some young fellow, Robert Merrick, had been out on an all-night party, decided to take a swim to sober up. We've got Merrick on the next floor now. He'll pull through. He'll pull through. He'll pull through! A young man who hasn't done a single ounce of work in his life, wallowing in his grandfather's millions, he lives. And Dr. Hudson, a man thousands depend on, he dies. I believe in God Almighty, Mrs. Hudson, but sometimes I don't dare allow myself to think too much about it. Morning, Mr. Merrick. Here's your breakfast. What is it? Poached egg, fruit juice, a piece of toast. Dr. Ramsay ordered it. Then why doesn't he eat it? Look, break down, can't you? For a whole week I've been swallowing this stuff. Can't you get me something fit to eat? I'll pay for it. You will pay for it. Well, you know what I mean. You mean you're a special patient? Oh, that other nurse told you I said that, huh? All right, I am. It happens that I've got a lot of money, and I see nothing wrong in spending it to get what I want. Simple things, Miss Ashley, like a decent breakfast. You'll eat this or you won't eat anything. And I'll tell you something else, too. I once went to college, Miss Ashley. I was studying to be a doctor three years. It's true I didn't graduate. But I don't need a diploma to know that I'm perfectly well and should get the devil out of this hospital. I don't know why I'm waiting my best saying this, Mr. Merrick, but you're here on the orders of your doctor and your grandfather. And the sooner they say you can leave, the better I like it. Look, aren't we both being a little stupid? Are we? I think so. From what I gather, people seem to like you around here. I'm sorry that line was worth either. Oh, stop jumping to conclusions. There's something I'd like to ask you, Miss Ashley. Is it my fault that my life was saved and Dr. Hudson died? How did you know? The nurses were under strict notice. They didn't tell me they're not that human. But I have ears and eyes. And what I want to know is, is it my fault they were using the pole motor on me when they needed it for him? And why did they have only one pole motor? I didn't ask for it, and I didn't ask to have my life saved. I know that. It has nothing to do with you. It has everything to do with me. What right have you or anyone else to pass judgment on what kind of people have a right to live? If that attitude prevails in this hospital, you have every right to be indignant. Well, I am indignant. And you know why? Because I agree. I know I'm no good and I never was. I think it's a crime that I'm here and Hudson's dead. But that's the way things are. We've got to make the best of it. Hudson and I were both out of luck. You mustn't talk like that. Well, tell me this isn't the truth. It's okay. Now that I've apologized for being alive, I'd like to partake of a little food. With your call and my appetite, we ought to be able to do better than a poached egg. You are a human being, aren't you? Well, I'll see what I can do. This is Mr. Perry and Mrs. Hudson. How do you do? Mr. Perry is our accountant. He has all the details on Dr. Hudson's estate. I hate to disturb you with this, but the facts are such that I think you should know them now. Go on. Mrs. Hudson, the doctor's estate amounts to very little. About $1,800. I'm sorry, but that's all. But that's impossible. Here's his bankbook. The deposits are regular and substantial, but so are the withdrawals. Look, cash $5,000, cash $11,000, cash $7,000. It went on for years like that. It's incredible. Dr. Hudson made a fortune. How could he leave his personal affairs in such condition? Jones and I will get along all right, Dr. Ramsey. There's still his insurance, and I have something of my own. It's dark. And you still have the hospital, Mrs. Hudson. Oh, it was Dr. Hudson who brought the patients here, not the hospital. Yes, I see. Oh, Helen, I hate to break in, but there's a woman here who wants to see you. Who is it, dear? I don't know. I'm Mrs. Edie. Oh, well, tell her I'll be right out. Excuse me. And that went on for nine years, Mrs. Hudson. A check every month. He sent my children to college. They're great successes now. We have the money, Mrs. Hudson. We want so much to return it to you. But why didn't you return it to him, Mrs. Edie? No, I tried too many times. He wouldn't take it. Did he tell you why? Oh, he got very excited. He said, I haven't told anyone about this. And I said, No, you told me not to tell a fool. And then we're done for last. He said he couldn't take it because he had already used it up. Already used it up? Yes. Wasn't that strange, Mrs. Hudson? Very strange. Do you know what the document? I haven't. I've thought about it a thousand times. Then I have the slightest idea. You're not alone, Mrs. Edie. I've been told that same story now by five other people. Please keep the money. I'm sure he wanted you to. Yes. He was like God, Mrs. Hudson. Like God. I can't understand it. And what Mrs. Edie said was the same as what those others told you? Word for word. I can't take it back because I've used it all up. But why would he keep it a secret? If father did these things the people you'd think he'd mention it to someone. And you'd think if they wanted to pay him back he'd have left him for their own pride. I hope you understand, all of you. It isn't the money I'm interested in. I'd like it for you, Joy. All I know is that he must have had a motive for what he did. A good motive. And I believe if you ever find what it was you'll find the secret of his greatness. Well, how'd they get into town? I'll drive you in, Mr. Perry. I've got to go to the bank. Thank you. Oh, I was telling Dr. Ramsey the hospital received a check this morning from Robert Merrick. $10,000. Send it back. I don't think the doctor would want us to do that, Mrs. Hudson. Well, perhaps not. You know a bit what you wish. Maybe you can find me for it in the children's clinic. I'm sure so. Robert Merrick. She'll find us. She'll find us. She'll find us. She'll find us. She'll find us. She'll find us. I'm afraid so, dear mom. What trouble? I don't know. Well, hold on a second. You sure picked us by the stall, didn't you? The last unphaved road in Westchester and farthest from the service station. I was just driving back from town. I guess it's the motor. How about gas? No, I fill the tank in town. What town? Montesco. Oh, no. That's a coincidence. I live in Montesco. Look, I'd like to get this car started. You suppose you could drive me to the mechanic somewhere? Well, why don't I see if I can fix it myself? I'll work on the motor I'll work on a motor and you can tell me who you are and all about yourself and then in about an hour I'll discover I really know very little about motors and we'll go find a mechanic. Please, I'm really in a dreadful hurry. Okay, then. Well, I take you. Brightwood Hospital. Oh. Well, it's not far, really. No, it's not the distance. It's the place. Young lady, you're talking to an alumnus at Brightwood Hospital. I just spent ten miserable days in that horrible institution. Oh. But I'd gladly read it myself if you're one of the nurses. I'm not a nurse. And why don't you just run along now? I don't feel very much like exchanging smart talk. I'm sure someone else will come along soon. I'm very sorry. Look, I'll be here. Come on, get in my car. My name is Merrick, Robert Merrick. What did you say? No, wait a minute. Can I even introduce myself? Merrick. That's right. Get out. Get away from me. You hear? Get away from me. What in the world? I'm the wife of Dr. Wayne Hudson. The widow of Dr. Hudson. Oh. I'd like to... Would you please leave me alone? Merrick. Oh. Who are you? My name's Randolph. Hey. Yes? Where are you? Who are you? What place is this? I'm a stone cutter. This is my workshop. A stone cutter? Yes. Oh, I thought I was seeing things, all these gravestones. I, uh... I assume I was very drunk last night. How did I get here? I'm not quite certain. You knocked on my door and mentioned something about not being able to drive your car back to town. Yeah, and then what? You talked for about half an hour and collapsed. I talked to you about a number of things, including Dr. Hudson and Dr. Hudson's wife. When I learned you knew them, I was glad to be of any service I could. Dr. Hudson was the best friend I had. Oh, I've got some coffee on the stove. Like them? Would I? Come over here and sit down. Yeah, I think I can make it. Thanks. Ooh. Ooh. I, uh... I better explain what happened. I met Mrs. Hudson for the first time yesterday afternoon. When she found out who I was, she... Well, anyway, I figured a few drinks might help. Did they? No, not very much. See, my name is Merrick. You told me everything last night. Oh, fine. Well, thanks for letting me stay here. I better get going. Why? Well, if you know who I am, and Dr. Hudson was your best friend, the answer's rather clear, isn't it? Here's your coffee. Mr. Merrick, you see that picture on the wall? Yes. I carved the original in marble. It was just purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Well, congratulations. I have only one reason for mentioning that. When I met Dr. Hudson 20 years ago, I was an ordinary stone cutter, hacking out blocks with a compression chisel. Then he taught me something. He taught me how to use my life. If I don't seem very bright this morning, you'll have to forgive me. No, it's a little difficult to understand, and you'll probably think me a trifle insane. Dr. Hudson taught me to make contact with the source of infinite power. Contact. What do you mean by contact? Well, let's put it this way. You see the stove? It's cold now, useless. But I turned this switch and a contact is made with a huge powerhouse. The stove begins to glow. It starts fulfilling the destiny for which it was created. For human beings, there's another source of power. From it comes a force that keeps stars spinning through space, that makes grass grow and tides rise and fall. Once you establish contact with that power, you can fulfill your destiny. I'm afraid this is all going beyond me. It can all be found on a page in the Bible, Mr. Mary. The Bible. That needn't lessen its value, need it? I'm afraid I'm not particularly religious, neither am I. But the man whose life is told in the Bible originated what I am talking about, and so successfully did he practice it that today he is even more alive than he was 1,900 years ago. Look, suppose what you say is true, that there is some fantastic power like that. How do you go about finding it? There's a perfectly definite, precise formula. Anybody can do it. Oh, sure. You merely go out, find people who need help, and give them help. Help. You mean money? Money's all right since you happen to have so much of it. There are other forms, though. But whatever help you give must be an absolute secrecy. The world must never know, and you must never let anybody repay you. And that's what Dr. Hudson believed in? Yes. I thought my head was spinning when I woke up. Well, thanks for letting me stay last night. I'd like to pay you. You can? By giving what I've told you a trial. Oh. Yes, yes, I will. Thanks again. Why don't you telephone Mrs. Hedgerton? Maybe she'll see you today. I did try to see her early last night. I'll get the number for you. Hello? Mrs. Hudson? Yes? This is Mr. Mary. I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. It's a miracle. Didn't my maid make it clear enough that I never want to see you or speak to you? I know. But I was just with a friend of your husband's. He suggested I try again. He was telling me about Dr. Hudson's theory. Theory? What theory? Well, it was something about helping other people. I know you must hate me, but at least punish me face to face. That would be better than Dr. Hudson. Wait a minute. Come over this morning if you care too well. I'll see you, Mr. Mary. In just a minute, we'll be back with Act Two of Magnificent Obsession. But now, here comes Sally with a gleam in her eye. What's the excitement, Sally? Mr. Kennedy, nearly every week I tell you interesting bits of gossip about Hollywood. And your job is telling our listeners all about Lux's toilet soap. Well, tonight you're out of a job, Mr. Kennedy. Fair enough, Sally. Go right ahead. I just want to tell all our listeners that Lux's toilet soap is so good that actually nine out of ten lovely screen stars here in Hollywood use it every day. I ought to know. Because I visit the stars in their dressing rooms and their homes too. And right here, Mr. Kennedy, I want to say this. I use Lux's toilet soap. And a lot of girls like me who aren't screen stars use it too. And I think the stars and all of us girls are mighty smart. So there, Mr. Kennedy, how do you like that? Sally, I think you're magnificent. Hello? Mr. DeMille, please. Frank Sinatra calling from New York. Mr. DeMille, a call for you from Frank Sinatra. Frank Sinatra? Oh, fine. Put him on. Hello, Frank. Hello, Mr. DeMille. I wanted to be the first to tell you that we're going to be neighbors. Oh, you're moving next door to us? Yes, starting next Monday, November 20th. Well, as soon as you get subtle, Frank, Mr. DeMille and I will drop over and say hello. Oh, I should say we're going to be neighbors in the air, not on the ground. You see, my radio show is going to be moved to the half hour just before the Lux Radio Theater. Ah, that's good news, Frank. You'll be very welcome next to us on Monday night. Just tell your listeners to stay tuned to your station for the Lux Radio Theater. I think they would anyway, CB. Thanks, Frank. And good luck to you. And thanks for calling. Goodbye, sir. Thanks for listening. John, what more can you tell our audience about Frank's radio show? I'd like to add this, that not only is the Frank Sinatra show going to be on the air just preceding the Lux Radio Theater, but Frank's also offering a $5,000 war bond to one of his listeners to help the sixth war-loan drive on its way. So be sure to listen to the Frank Sinatra program over most of these stations next Monday night when Frank's guest will be Bing Crosby. That's a half an hour before Lux, except in the mountain and Pacific time zones. So consult your newspapers for the exact time if you live in these areas. We pause now for station identification. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Act two of magnificent obsession, starring Claudette Corbea as Helen and Donna Michi as Robert. It's two hours later. Robert Merrick has called at the Hudson home and turning on his charm in all directions has succeeded in taking Helen out of the house. Now in his car, they're driving toward the center of town. Why did you want to get me out of the house? For a couple of reasons. One is that I heard Miss Hudson say, your car is ready at the shop. We can drive there and you can pick it up. It's very thoughtful of you. The other reason is that I want to speak to you alone. Then what's your manners, Mr. Merrick? Oh, now please, not Mr. Merrick, Bob. Or hey you, anything for Mr. Merrick? I want you to understand one thing. I'm with you now only because I'm interested in what you've found out about my husband. You're not really frightened of me, are you? Not in the least. But I've heard a few things about you. And in spite of the circumstances, I wouldn't put it beyond you to start acting like a schoolboy. Well, I'm certainly a delightful character, it seems. Still, if you can be civil, well, come on, what did you find out? Okay, but for the love of mine, Miss Hudson, melt. And then, be human. Oh, you're smiling. Are you actually smiling at me? I'm on the verge of shrieking his ferrets. Oh. Well, all joking aside, I had a most amazing encounter this morning. I ran into a man who preaches a theory that he says he learned from your husband. So you said on the phone, what theory? For you or his wife, don't you know? No. Well, it was a sort of formula for getting what he wanted out of life. Of course he got you, if I ever doubted the theory before, I don't any longer. Oh, please, what did he say? Well, he said that you get the power you need to do the things you want to do by helping other people and saying nothing about it. And they must never pay you back. Is that part of it? That's right. Because when they're ready to pay, you've used it up. You've used it up because the good you've done in itself is all the repayment you want. Oh, I'm beginning to understand. You are? Well, so am I. You see, I had just given up hope of ever seeing you again, and presto, this happened. What do you mean this happened? You're merely taking me to get my car, and it seems we've gone considerably out of our way. Turn left as soon as that traffic light changes. Oh, now, what do you know? I took the wrong turn. You know, that's what I like about Westchester. Five minutes, and we'll be in the rustic wilderness. The light's changing, Mr. Merrill. Oh, now, please, have a heart. And I said to turn left. Oh, look, can't we talk calmly for two minutes without you getting all worked up? I'm getting out right here. Oh, now, wait a second, will you? Goodbye, Mr. Merrill. Look out, look out. There's a car coming. There's a car. This is hot. Oh, how is she? Can't you tell me that much? How is she? Oh, God, an evil all the way through. You killed my father, and now this. In heaven's name, why can't you let us alone? Don't say that, please. It was an accident. Accident. Dr. Ramsay? She's going to live. Oh, thank God. There's something wrong, isn't there? Isn't there? Yes. There seems to be a depressed fracture involving the brain. Joyce, I'm afraid she'll never see again. Oh, no. Because of you. Joyce. If the truth is in this, why shouldn't he suffer? He loves to hurt people to kill and blind them. He's responsible, isn't he? Yes, I'm responsible, Mrs. Hudson. Dr. Fizz, anything I can do, anything, could take my eyes and give me to her all my life. Yes, Mr. Merrill, now if you don't mind, I think you have to. Yes, yes, I'll go. I'll go. Careful now, darling. Careful. I'm doing fine, Joyce. Please don't worry. It's just that I can't get used to this game. Oh, it's a beautiful morning, Helen. You're sure you'd rather sit in the park instead of walking? Mm-hmm. It's very convenient having a park right across from the house. I never realized before just how convenient. Oh, darling, please. No, it's all right. Just get me to my bench and then you run out to the hospital. You're a working girl now, you know. Emma will call for me. It helps my independent being by myself. Oh, of course. And you're doing beautiful. After all, it's just a little more than five months. You're a wonderful person, Helen. Well, here's the bench. Thanks. Oh, my braille. Oh, here you are. Well, I'm on page 20. That's not so bad, is it? Sensational. Helen, sure you don't want me to say it. Please, I'll be perfectly all right. Okay. Goodbye, dear. I'll be home all the gossip from the hospital. Hello, Mrs. Hudson. Well, good morning. You're right on time. I brought my reading book, like I said. Good. And what will we start with? Uh, Jenny Wren. It was on a merry time. Wren. No, no, wait. Wait, I have to find my place first. You have a funny book. No pictures even. Just little bump slides. That's right. Now let's see. Oh, yes. Jenny Wren. Now, you start again. It was on a merry time when Jenny Wren was young. So neatly as she dressed, and so sweetly as she sang. Now, my turn. Robin red breathed, lost his heart. He was a gallant bird. He doth his head to Jenny, and thus to her he cared. My dear Jenny Wren, if you will be but mine, you shall dine on fairy pie, and drink nice cur, uh, cur. Currant. Nice currant wine. I'll dress you like, like, oh, well, no, I'm stuck. You'll have to tell me, like, uh... A goldfish. Oh, no. Oh, no, that can't be right. Now wait, I'll dress you like, um... I know. I'll go ask that man over there. Oh, please. It's all right. He is nice. Hello, mister. Hello. Will you please tell me this word? Yeah, now let me see what that is. Oh, uh, that's goldfinch. It's goldfinch. Goldfinch? Uh-huh. Goldfinch means a bird. Oh, of course. Now, where were we? Well, let's stop reading for a while, hmm? But why? I thought we were alone. Oh, he's here every day. He gives me money for ice cream. Come on, let's read. I'd rather not just now, darling, some other time. Tomorrow? Mm-hmm. Now, I think I'll just walk around a little bit. Well, goodbye, Dan. Goodbye, dear. Oh, my, my cane. Wait, uh, I'll do it. Thank you. I hope you didn't stop your reading because of me. There you are. Sit down again. Maybe I can help you. No, it's a little embarrassing learning my ABCs with a grown-up. How could you help? Well, I-I'm interested in Braille. You're a doctor? Yeah, yes, sort of. I started off with one. Uh, what I want to say is I have a friend who has a large library of Braille, and I know he'd be glad to let you use some of them. May I bring them tomorrow? Well, I hardly think tomorrow. I've got all I could do with Mother Goose. Oh, but would you mind taking me to the curb? I'd still get a little confused. Of course. Your voice sounds so familiar. You wanted to bring it to the hospital, were you? Oh, no, no. There's, uh, a step here. That's it. Thanks. Do you mind if I ask your name, doctor? No, it's, uh, it's Robert. Dr. Robert? Well, I'm Mrs. Hudson, doctor. Thanks so much for taking me across. Is your book? Oh, yes. Goodbye, doctor. Goodbye, Mrs. Hudson. Come on, Mr. Perry, I'm sorry to drag you out at night every time, but I have to be sure that no one sees you coming here. I understand, Mr. Merrick. You said you had news from Paris. I heard from Dr. Rochard this morning. Five of the specialists we wrote have agreed to see Mrs. Hudson. That's fine. They'll arrange a date for some time next month. Cable whatever more money is necessary. Yes, sir. Now about the other matter. The stocks and bonds? You've gone over them? Thoroughly. As Mrs. Hudson's advisor, I have complete access to them. The stocks are practically worthless, Mr. Merrick. I told her long ago to sell them. That's exactly what you'll do. And you'll replace her stocks with some of mine. That won't be very easy, Mr. Merrick. You're being well-paid, Mr. Perry. Do it. She's got to have a steady income. And I must have your word again to say nothing about any of this. Very well, sir. Thank you. Now it's for getting Mrs. Hudson to Paris. You're sure the doctors understand? Oh, yes, sir. They'll write her shortly. They've heard of her case and would like very much to try to help the wife of the celebrated doctor. Yes, sir. How do you do? I came to inquire about Mrs. Hudson. Who shall I say is calling? Is that you, Dr. Robert? Come in. Oh, thank you. Uh, is Mrs. Hudson here? No, sir. She's still in New York. Thank you. Well, hello. Oh, please. You're just in time. I was going to have tea all by myself. Oh, thank you, but I can't stay. I just dropped in to be sure you're all right. I haven't seen you in the park for almost two weeks. I've been in New York with Joyce. And then yesterday it rained, and today, well, Joyce likes to boss me around. She made me promise to stay in the house until she gets back. Mm-hmm. I'm so glad you've come. All sorts of nice things have been happening today. Really? What friends? Well, for one thing, my finances are suddenly straightened out beautifully. Oh, well, that is good news. And that's not all. I've had a letter from Paris from a group of eye specialists. They're holding a meeting of some sort, and they've asked me to come there. Oh, they're interested in your case? I suppose it's a tribute of some kind to my husband. But Joyce and Dr. Ramsey, they insist that I go, but I'd be very ungrateful to refuse. Well, you're not thinking of refusing. For a while, I did. I've had so many disappointments, Dr. Roberts. Oh, but men like Rochard and DeMell and Rittenbacher, they're the best in the world, Mrs. Hudson. How did you know who they were? Well, I didn't. I didn't. But they're so famous. I just assumed they'd be there. Tell me, when are you leaving? Very soon, I think. Joyce was to find out about the passport today. Mm-hmm. Here she is. Emma, tell Miss Joyce to join us, please. Yes, ma'am. Well, excuse me, I must leave now, really. Oh, no, please. Joyce has heard me talk about you so much. She's very anxious to meet you. Well, back again, Emma. How's Mrs. Hudson? She thought you'd find Miss Joyce. She's inside there. Dr. Roberts is meeting with her. Who? Dr. Roberts. Mrs. Hudson says to join me. Joyce? Yes. Come here. I want you to meet my friend, Dr. Roberts. Oh. How do you do, Dr. Roberts? How do you do? He's the man I've spoken of so much. What's wrong? Joyce, are you upset about something? Oh, of course not, dear. Everything's marvelous. Well, we'll talk about it later. I know you have lots to talk over. I'll just run along. Oh, but will you see me before I leave? Perhaps. And if not, I will ship all the luck in the world. Thank you. I'll show the doctor off. Goodbye, doctor. Goodbye. Well, you finally caught up with me, Miss Hudson. What is this? You wouldn't understand if I told you. I'll say I wouldn't. You'll never know when to quit, do you, Mr. Mac? This is a new sort of conquest. He bodes them over even when they can't see them. Just what do you count on as the payoff that she ever does see you? She'll be in love with you. She'll open her eyes for the first time on the man she thinks the world of, and the man she'll see will be you. That'll be a situation, won't it? That'll be something to make us all glad we're alive. Miss Hudson, I'm doing my best. There's not much point trying to explain, is there? None at all, Mr. Mac. We're leaving for France next week, and I hope that when we come back, you'll have found pity enough to get out of her life forever. You have been very patient, Madame Hudson. My colleagues asked especially to tell you how they appreciate your willingness to have submitted to our experiments. Well, there will be no more experiments, Madame. Then you know what's wrong. Yes. Well? Madame, you were the wife of a great doctor. Better than others. You must know our limitations. Tell me the truth. There's no hope? That I hesitate to say. It's just that we feel it would be folly to operate. But if there's a chance, a chance and a thousand, I'd take it gladly. The indications are not there, Madame. It is too delicate an operation to perform without sufficient evidence. Someday, however, an operation may be imperative. Someday, also, for reasons which we simply do not know, your sight may suddenly return, even after many years. And these things have been meant to happen? Yes. Thank you, Doctor. Helen, what are you doing now? You promised me you'd try to sleep. I can't sleep. I'm not tired. Did you find out anything about our saline? Yes, darling. We'll leave for home in two weeks. That was the best we could do. Two weeks? Oh no, Joyce, I can't. Not another two weeks here. I'll go crazy. Helen, please. Please try to help. I'm sorry. I'm just not myself. I know so much. You're all unnerved. The trip across and all this time... Yes, for nothing. I want to go home and enjoy it. And you will, my dear. Now, just sit here and I'll get you some hot milk. It'll help you sleep. If it only works. I'll only be a minute, darling. Come in. Who is it? Is there someone here? Helen? Is it Dr. Robert? Yes. Oh, Dr. Robert. It isn't really you. I can't believe it. I hope you'll forgive me for dropping him like this. Forgive you? What on earth are you doing in Paris? I just simply have to see you. Are you glad? Glad. The thing is, I want to know how I needed you. Has it been so awfully bad? I'm never going to see you again. Don't say that. You are going to see. With my eyes. That's why I came. Listen. You called me a friend once. Will you let me think you meant it? Will you let me be hands and eyes to you? Because I have nothing else to do the whole rest of my life, but help you to see whatever you want to see. Will you? How could I? How could I even imagine letting you do that? I'll tell you why. If I ever did a good deed in my life, if I ever thought a good thought, I'm rewarded now. If you let me. Look, we'll start with Paris. Have you ever been here before? No. We're in a movie. Well, then I'll show it to you tonight. Get all dressed up. The whole works. I'll be back in about an hour. I'm not just going to show you to Paris. I'm going to show Paris to you. Go on, hurry now. Wait here. Just for a moment. Can you forgive me, Mr. Merrick? I overheard. Can you forgive me? For anything, everything. You've made her laugh again. George! Oh, coming, darling. I'm coming. This is the highest hill in the city, Helen. Paris is now exactly where it belongs. At your feet. I want to talk to you. I've wanted to talk to you all week, but you've never given me a chance. Why have you done this? Why? Surely you had a reason in coming to Paris. Things you had to do, hmm? People to see? People? Are there still other people in the world? No, please tell me. Helen, are you happy? Very. You couldn't hate anyone on a night like this, could you? No, I couldn't. You could forgive anyone? Anything? I think so, yes. You've known, haven't you? For a long time. I love you, Helen. Too, don't you? Oh, no, I couldn't. There's nothing to prevent it now, darling. No, nothing, except that I'm blind. Except that I'm only good. I'd be whisked with answers. And for myself, I couldn't bear it for you, Bob. I couldn't have been pitied because of me. You're too much. You're in the world. I'm out of it. Now, you listen to me, Helen. There was a reason for all of this happening. There had to be a reason. This is what we were born for. To be together. If we left each other now, we'd live in a torment the rest of our lives. Say yes, Helen. Will you wait till tomorrow night? Can I give you my answer, then? If you want to, darling. All right. Now, I have something else to tell you. And it's all right to laugh, but not too loud. What? You remember that day in the park when you took me for a doctor? Of course I remember. Well, that gave me an idea. From that day on, I determined to become what you had mistaken me for. Did you expect me to laugh at that? Oh, darling, that's wonderful. Well, I'm going to keep on trying. There's no harm in that, is it? Now, about our honeymoon. Please, Bob, you said you'd give me time. Well, that's what I mean. The rest of the night, you think about our honeymoon. You pick the spot, the loveliest spot on earth. Ah, the loveliest spot on earth. At the moment, I should say it's right here. Good morning, madam. Excuse me, is this the travel bureau? May I assist? I'm Mrs. Hudson in Suite 511. I want to get to England immediately, to London, and then passage on the first ship to the United States. Who may secure that from chervaux, madam? I know, but I want to leave France. Oui, madame. There is a plane leaving shortly. Will you sign your name on this plane? I'm sorry, will you place my hand where I'm to sign? Madame? I can't see. Oh, pardon, madame. You have to finish me with a guide of some sort. That can be arranged. Oh, of course, but... Is madame traveling alone? Yes. I'm traveling alone. In a few minutes, Mr. DeMille and our stars will be back with Act 3 of Magnificent Obsession. And now, here's Libby Collins, our Hollywood reporter. Greetings, Libby. What's new with the stars? Mr. Kennedy, you know the phrase actors sometimes use. They think of really getting into a role. Of course, Libby. It means identifying yourself with the part you're playing. Well, Anne Rutterford did just that in a way she didn't expect. You know how hard it is to get a taxi cab nowadays. Oh, here's what happened. Anne was driving herself home from the studio after a day's work before the camera. And every time she'd slow down or come to a stop sign, people looking desperately for a taxi would signal to it. Oh, she was completely bewildered until she realized that... That she had absentmindedly driven off in a taxi cab instead of her own car? No. That she was still wearing her taxi driver's uniform. You see, that's the part she's playing in her new pictures. Mighty attractive cab driver, Libby. Uh-huh. With her little cap set at a jaunty angle and that lovely luxe complexion of hers, Mr. Kennedy. Isn't it a fact, Libby? A luxe girl always looks mighty pretty, whatever kind of costume she's wearing. And Anne Rutterford is such an enthusiastic luxe girl. She says active artificials are the best care she's ever found for her skin. Recent tests have proved that luxe soap facials really make skin lovelier. Actually, three out of four complexions improved in a short time with this daily care. I think the way Anne Rutterford takes her daily beauty facial would be of interest to any woman who wants her complexion to be nicer. Here's what she does. I cover my face generously with the creamy luxe soap lather, work it well in, rinse with warm water, and splash with cold. Then I pat with a soft towel to dry. I never neglect this daily care. It makes me sure about my skin. Nine out of ten lovely screen styles depend on gentle luxe toilet soap care. You too will find that using Hollywood's complexion soap is a real investment in beauty. Get some fine white luxe toilet soap tomorrow. And now, Mr. DeMille returns to the microphone. After the play, we have some good news about our stars that I think you'll want to overhear. And now here's Act 3 of magnificent obsession, starring Claudette Colbert as Helen and Donna Michi as Robert. Six long years have passed since Helen Hudson disappeared from Paris. She had left two notes, one to Joyce and one to Robert Merrick, begging them never to search for her, pleading with them to forget. Robert Merrick remained in France. With a strange, almost hysterical hunger for knowledge, he plunged into the study of medicine, emerging with a revolutionary technique for brain surgery. And then, with the clouds of war hovering over Europe, Dr. Merrick sailed for home. Bob. Hello, Joyce. Been so long. It's so very good to see you. You don't know what this means to me, Joyce. You're coming here. I wondered if anyone would remember me. Well, you might have written. Yes, I... Why are you staring at me? I just want to look at you. You changed so, Bob. You're so much older. I didn't mean that. I'm six years older, that's certain. Six centuries. Bob, this work you've been doing, it's incredible. How do you know what I've been doing? Well, I'm still at the hospital. We still read the medical journal. Oh, of course. Actually, Joyce, I've done very little. A few ideas. It takes time, so much time. Bob. I know what you're going to say. I was just waiting to ask you the same question, no, Joyce. I haven't heard from Helen. And you? Once. Only once. It was over five years ago. A letter, and she told me not to worry. She was all right, but the bank had arranged to send her a check every month that she was happy. Bob, five years ago. I've got to find a Joyce. I've got to find her. Excuse me, doctor. Yes, Kellerman? A gentleman you see is Mr. Randolph. Randolph? I'll run along, Bob. I have to anyway. Please let me hear from you. You will, Joyce. And thank you for coming. Goodbye, Bob. Goodbye. You can send Mr. Randolph more. If you don't remember me, doctor, met her. Well, to be quite honest, I don't... Many years ago, we drank a cup of coffee together in the workshop of the stone cutting. Oh, I certainly please forgive me. It was a long time ago. You're the man with the theory. Dr. Hudson's magnificent obsession. It is not an obsession with you, but this time, doctor. With me? I know. You've come a great distance since that time, doctor, and you do apply that philosophy I know because I've followed the career. Well, I've worked hard if that's what you mean. I mean that you have given. Given with true generosity. Oh, yes, yes, I've given. I've founded clinics. I've donated to medical research. I've done everything I could to advance medical ingenuity. I was sure of it. I did that for one person. A woman I happened to have cared for and have lost. I have an obsession, yes. The fear that she might be alone somewhere, helpless without friends. So if I ever aided one, it was with the hope someone perhaps would do the same for her. But don't you see, that's what I meant that time when I spoke to you of the Bible. It's what Christ taught. Through one, all might be reached. He did it for humanity. You do it for one woman. Dr. Merrick, what I've really come to see you about is this. Last week, I was in Virginia on business. While I was there, I happened to meet someone who links us together again, quite logically. In what way? I met a blind woman. What? Maybe I'm a fool, doctor. But I believe our meeting seven years ago was the beginning of a new destiny for you. The opportunity of fulfilling it, of completing a circle, is here. This blind woman. The knowledge I passed on to you was given to me by someone very close to her. You see, she is Mrs. Hudson. Helen? Yes. Thank God. Will you go to her? She's in the hospital. She's ill, doctor. Critically ill. Dr. Merrick? Yes, and this is Dr. Ramsey from Braggwood Hospital. He flew down with me. I'm Dr. Allen, gentlemen, the resident here. I'll take you to Mrs. Hudson's room. Thank you. I can't tell you how relieved I am that you're here, Dr. Merrick. She's been unconscious for five hours. Your x-rays, what do they show? As best as I can read them, they definitely indicate pressure. Any evidence of a calcified area? Why, yes. You're familiar with the case. I treated her several years ago. She, uh, uh, was an accident. Oh. In here, gentlemen. Oh, Dr. Ramsey. So drawn. Helen. Helen. Bob from the Chalk. I'm sorry. Go ahead. Post-50 and weak. Respiration, 11. Blood pressure, 60 over 80. Paralysis? None apparent. Well, that's something. At least there's no involvement of the parietal lobe. It's definite occipital. The x-rays confirm. We've got to go in here. You'll assist Dr. Ramsey? Of course. Dr. Allen. Yes? Prepare surgery immediately. It's the most interesting case, Dr. Merrick. You said there was an accident some years ago. What kind of an accident? Automobile. She was struck. The murders who were on the road. What an awful price she had to pay. You're a gown, Dr. Merrick. A doctor? You're a gown. What, Bob? What's wrong? I can't do it. My hands. Look. I'm steady, Bob, for heaven's sake. Steady. Look. How can I hold a knife steady? Every time she needs me, most I fail her. Six years I've been preparing for this, and now. Look at me. Bob, there's no time, Doctor. You've got to do it. I'll stand by and do what I can to help you. Very well, but I'm not a brain surgeon. I hope you understand that. Even if I were, it would be touch and go. Somebody's got to do it. Dr. Allen. Yes, Doctor? South the anesthesia. Aether. Alone somewhere. Dr. Ramsey. Yes? I'll be all right now. I'll be all right now. Is the patient ready, Dr. Allen? We're ready, Doctor. Remember, just barely under. We can't risk any further depression. Nurse. Yes, Doctor? Scalpel, please. Retract this. Retract this. Hold stopping, Doctor. 43, respiration seat. Nurse, start infusion. Glucose, 1,000 cc's. Yes, Doctor. It's ready. Dr. Ramsey, watch that retractor. It's just moved. All right, sponge. Soature. Infusion is done, Doctor. Dr. Ramsey, look. You were right, Bob. Thank goodness. That's what caused the pressure on the optic nerve. One chance in a hundred and you were right. Bob, will she see now? I don't even know if she'll live now. Dr. Allen. No change, Doctor. Clamp nurse. Yes, Doctor? I'll sit with her. You get something to eat. She's regaining consciousness, Doctor. She's trying to talk. Good. Doctor, she's going to live, isn't she? Yes, I think she is. It's like a miracle. A miracle. Who's speaking to me? We'll talk later, darling. Not now. Bob, your hand. I want to tell you something. Helen. I want you to know it. You mustn't be afraid. Don't go away. I'll never go away. I'm more excited for today, darling. After a magnificent performance in tonight's play, our stars step out of character, and we meet them as they are in real life. Claudette Colbert and Donna Michi. Incidentally, they leave our stage tonight to go back to work on their first picture together in five years. What's the picture about Claudette? Well, it's about, um, uh, what would you say, Don? Well, that's about it. Except that it has a surprise ending. Oh, what is the ending? We don't know yet. That's a surprise. What roles do you each play? Well, you see, I'm married, and Don's my husband's best friend. Oh, so he's your friend, too, huh? My friend, I should say not. He's a heel of the first water. Well, you don't need to say it so emphatically. He bores our yachts and wrecks our honeymoon. Yeah, wreck the yacht, too. We save some money, and he bores that to get out of jail. Uh, what are you doing in jail, Don? Uh, 30 days. Well, Don does so much borrowing in this picture that even the audience will be touched. He doesn't borrow your lux toilet soap, I hope, Claudette. Oh, no. No, that I'd never let him get away with. Yachts and money, but not lux toilet soap. I couldn't get along without it. What are you borrowing for lux next Monday night, TV? Now, for next Monday night, we have a highly-divating comedy in the universal screen success. It started with Eve. And our stars are Charles Lawton, Dick Powell, and Susanna Foster. Take a zestful old gentleman who is expected to die but doesn't. A girl who is introduced as his son's fiancée but isn't. And the rightful fiancée who tries to straighten all this out but can't. And you have a rough idea of the extraordinary happenings on this stage next Monday night. Well, that sounds like an entertaining evening, TV. Are we listening? Good night. Good night. Good night. Good night. You have brought us a great message in tonight's performance. 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 Theatre presents Charles Lawton, Dick Powell, and Susanna Foster in It Started With Eve. This is Cecil B. DeMell saying good night to you from Hollywood. Housewives, remember, waste fats and greases from your kitchen are more urgently needed than ever to help speed the victory. Rush them to your butcher and he'll give you four cents and two red points for every pound. Magnificent obsession was presented through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, producers of Bowery the Broadway. Caught at Colbert can currently be seen in David O. Selznick's Since You Went Away. Our music was directed by Louis Silver. Come in next Monday night to hear It Started With Eve with Charles Lawton, Dick Powell, and Susanna Foster. Your cooking's so delicious. Won't you kindly tell me why? All the secrets are very simple. Now I'm cooking with fries. Cakes, pies, fried foods, everything tastes better made with new spry shortening. Get some to be a better cook. Get started cooking with fries. They should have listened in next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theatre presentation of It Started With Eve with Charles Lawton, Dick Powell, and Susanna Foster. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.