 We're hiring Henry Fonda in Big Boy Blue on the Cable Cate of America, sponsored by the DuPont Company. Maker of better things for better living through chemistry. But first, here is Gain Whitman. Before our play begins this evening, I'd like to remind you of an old friend. DuPont's rug anchor, rug underlay, which is again available for household use. Safety experts tell us that more serious accidents happen in our own homes than on the highways. They're caused by the little things you may overlook. Hazards that can easily be eliminated. A very real danger is small rugs that may suddenly skid over the polished floors and topple you headlong to the floor. For safety's sake, use DuPont's rug anchor. The synthetic sponge rubber non-skid underlay designed to make rugs stay put. It can be trimmed to fit any rug. Remember the name. It's rug anchor. One of DuPont's better things for better living through chemistry. The DuPont Company presents Big Boy Blue starring Henry Fonda as Eugene Field on The Cavalcade of America. It is the day in 1873. President Grant is in the White House. Steamboats flourish on the Mississippi. But St. Louis is beginning to be ambitious about becoming the country's greatest railroad terminal. And at the moment, a long and unbelievably lean young man walks hesitantly into the editorial rooms of the St. Louis Evening Journal. Looking for somebody, son? Sir? Oh, yes, sir. I like to see the editor about getting a position. No positions on this paper, son. Only jobs. I've seen the old man, Mr. Cochran. Cochran? Yeah, yeah. See that cat sitting down there? Yes, sir. Well, get down there and turn right. The mouse that cat happens to be watching. That's Cochran. Thank you very much, sir. He does look like a mouse and that. I should have brought a piece of cheese. Hello, Thomas. Nice kitty. Now, stop petting that cat and come here. Yes, sir. Among those present was Senator Carl Scherrs who spoke briefly. What'd he say? That should be the lead. Hey, boy, where's the man who wrote this story? What? What's the matter? That cat got your tongue? I don't know, sir. That is, I mean, I don't know who wrote the story. Yeah, they call themselves reporters. I couldn't sharpen pencils for a good reporter in my day. Well, could they? No, sir. Of course you couldn't. I tell you, sometimes you don't know how to stand it. Mr. Cochran, my name's Eugene Field. I'd like to talk to you about it. They're making me old before my time. Here, boy, run down and get me some coffee with them. But, Mr. Cochran, I came to see you by getting on. End of move on, will you? Yes, sir. That's your lead, see? Have you got it straight now or do I have to draw a diagram for you? I've got it, chief. Are we right at the way you say it? I have to take them by the hand. Call them sales reporters. Well, what do you want? Here's your coffee, Mr. Cochran. Oh, yes, coffee. Here, nickel for yourself. No, thank you, Mr. Cochran. No, take it. Take it. That's good coffee. Wasn't for coffee. I don't know what I'd do. I'm a great coffee drinker myself, Mr. Cochran. I must drink 20 cups a day. I sometimes have six or eight. It never bothers me. It doesn't bother me either. People say it keeps you awake. My reporters drink it. Does that keep them awake? No. A lot of tommy rot, I say. Hey, wait a minute. Who told you to sit down? Nobody. I just thought... Get back your job, boy. But, Mr. Cochran, I don't work here. You don't work here? Didn't I just send you out for coffee? Yes, sir, but I really came here looking for a position. A position? My name's Eugene Field, and I like to be a reporter on the journal if there's an opening. I sent you out for coffee. And what field are you? Well, my father was Roswell Field's lawyer. Oh, Gregg Scottcase, huh? I knew him. Fine man. Yes, sir. Mr. Cochran, I'd certainly like to be a reporter. I just want a chance. I'd work for almost nothing. For nothing? That's no way to ask for a job field when I hire a man to pay him a salary. You ever done any writing? Oh, yes, sir, quite a bit in college. College? I wrote some verse. Well, you've got no opening for a port field. Better try something else. I'm a busy man today. Oh, just a minute, Mr. Cochran. I know port. I said I wanted to be a reporter. I want to cover fires and murders. I can write, see? And I not only want a job, I want, I want a $18 a week. $18 a week? I won't go a cent above $15. Split the difference. X-15 or nothing. All right, $15. I'll start tomorrow morning. Goodbye, Mr. Cochran. Thanks very much. $18 a week, a very idea. Eh, guess I scorched that all right. Nobody's telling me how to run my... Good Lord, I've hired a blame port. It's a wonderful opportunity to you. It's the best job a man could have. You do all kinds of interesting things. You go to fires, report and murders. Sometimes you get to write a review of a play. Oh, I'm so happy for you, Eugene. Oh, darling, we'll get married right away, won't we? I want to. Well, then we will. What's to stop us? Well, for one thing, father. Your father? What possible objection could he have? Oh, father thinks you're rather... Well, frivolous. Frivolous? Well, whatever gave you that idea. Well, it's only I hadn't seen you with the boys yesterday flying kites. Well, it's fun to fly kites, Julia. Oh, Eugene, I wouldn't change it for the world. I want you to be just the way you are. But father... I'm sure he won't give his consent. Not consent. Julie, he'll be delighted. We'll go in and talk to him right now. I know just how to handle him. I hope you're right. Oh, don't you worry. Hey, there he is. Reading his paper. That's a good time to approach him. Mother's with him. All the better. Come on, Julia. All right. Well, well, Mrs. Comstock and Mr. Comstock. Well, hello, children. Good afternoon, Mr. Fiend. You're looking extremely well, Mrs. Comstock. Thank you, Eugene. Oh, would you like to have one of these nice shiny apples? Oh, thank you. And may I say that I've never seen you looking more fit. Father? What's that? A regular farm shirt. You see, Julie and I are new to you, won't we? Why, Julia, the first to know, you're married. You're going to be what? Oh, we take... Stop talking with a mouth full of apple. Oh, yes, sir. We're going to be married, Mr. Comstock. Married? Julia, dear. What does this mean? We want to get married, mother. Nonsense. It's out of the question. Out of the question? Why, father? Because in the first place, Julia, you're much too young. I'm almost 17, father. Julia, I will do the talking. Yes, father. Come, Julia. Father will handle this matter. Oh, but mother... Come along, dear. Mr. Comstock. Julia is almost 17, I am 23. All authorities agree that the man should be five or six years older than the girl, so we can dismiss that objection. We cannot dismiss that objection. Very well. We'll come back to it. Any others? A great many. What is your weekly wage, Mr. Field? Well, in practically no time at all, I expect to be making $20 a week. What do you make now? $15. Of course that doesn't include my outside writing, magazines and books, you know? $15 a week. And how much does your magazine and book writing bring you? Oh, there's a fortune to be made in that line, Mr. Comstock. I see. And what part of that fortune are you presently receiving? I have some great ideas, Mr. Comstock. We might say then that you propose to take on the responsibilities of marriage on $15 a week. Oh, and for the time being. But as I say, Mr. Comstock, I have some great ideas for magazines. No, I cannot give my consent to this marriage. Mr. Comstock, let me put it this way. Just a moment, Field. I have another objection. Another what? Field, a grown man doesn't go around trying kites and playing practical jokes. He doesn't look upon life as some kind of game. Life is a serious business. And you don't consider me to be serious enough? I do not. Now, look, my boy, I don't want to be too hard on you. You settle down, make good on the newspaper, and then in, say, two or three weeks, we'll talk about this marriage again. That will be all. I'm reading my paper. Mr. Comstock, you forced me to play my trump card. If you don't give your consent to this marriage now, I swear by all its holy, I shall go on the stage as a juggler. A juggler? Likely occupation for you. I shall go on the stage as a juggler, and moreover, I shall adopt your name. What? Yes, sir, Edgar Comstock. And my first engagement will be at the Grand Opera House. You're mad, Field. How'd you like to have your name plastered on every barn and fence and vacant building in this town? I almost would if you do it. I intend to do it. Pray pastress, it's blackmail. Oh, Mr. Comstock, I love Julia. I'll never make her unhappy. Please, sir, give us your blessing. No, absolutely no. Very well, sir. Stop juggling those apples. Now, appearing at the St. Louis Opera House, Edgar Comstock, juggler. All right, all right. Thank you, father. And I hope you'll be very happy. Mother, mother, where could he be? Now, don't worry, Julia dear. Eugene will be here any minute now. Nothing may have happened, an accident. He's 45 minutes late now. Well, there must be a reason he'll be here any minute now. Oh, if anything's happened, I'll die. I wish they'd stop that infernal organ. Mother, I know I never should have consented to this marriage. No, Edgar. That young man is completely irresponsible. He's not, father. He's not. I'd just like to get my hands on him, embarrassing everybody like this, leaving my daughter waiting at the church. Knuckle down, Mr. Field. Knuckle down. No fudging, Mr. Field. That's a mighty nice aggy you got there. Watch me plink it right out of this circle. Wow. Oh, boy, some shoot. You sure do shoot a fine game of Marvel, Mr. Field. Why, you're the best nib shooter I've ever seen. Now I'm going to pick off that nice carnation. Mr. Field, why are you dressed up so funny? In that long coat and tile hat? Oh, I'm going to a wedding. To a wedding, huh? Who's getting married? I am. You're getting married? When? At 11 o'clock. 11 o'clock? Oh, my gosh. I'm late for my own wedding. Mr. Field, come back. You'll have tomorrow. Oh, dear, dear darling. Mother and father are standing by you. Perhaps it's all for the best. I suggest we pan back into the carriage and go home. Julia! Oh, Eugene! Oh, Julia, I'm so sorry, darling. Healed? Where have you been? I was delayed, sir. That's obvious. Eugene, whatever happened? I'm terribly sorry. Julia Darling, please forgive me. Of course, but what kept you so long? Well, Julia, I was getting a story about the younger generation. Mr. Field! Mr. Field! Uh-oh. Mr. Field, you ain't often forgot to pick up your marbles. Marbles? Field, you've been playing marbles while we've been waiting at the church? Oh, Edgar, Edgar, they're starting the wedding march. Field, I've got a good notion to call this whole thing off. Uh-uh. Careful, Father Cronstock. I wish to remind you I am an accomplished juggler. Would you like a demonstration? No, not here, you fool. Edgar? Come on, Father, get in step and do try to look pleasant. Mr. Field! Right here, Mr. Cochran. Yes, sir. Oh, Field, sit down tonight. Thank you, Mr. Cochran. Field, I don't mind telling you you've been doing pretty fair work. Thank you, sir. I believe in rewarding good work. I want to get a raise, sir. Raise? Who said anything about a raise? Well, I merely thought I... A reward I am referring to is an assignment that I... Field, what in the world have you got on your feet? On my feet? Oh, oh, those are carpet slippers, sir. Carpet slippers? What's the idea of wearing carpet slippers in the office? Oh, they're very comfortable, sir. You ought to try it. I never heard of such a thing. Field, you've got to have some dignity. The Evening Journal insisted its staff maintain a... Carpet slippers, huh? Can you get me a pair like that? Why, certainly, Mr. Cochran. Well, get me a pair. My corn's been giving me the very devil. And don't say anything about it. This is strictly between you and me for you. Yes, sir. Now then, about that raise. Raise? What raise? Well, you see, sir, we're going to have a baby at our house. That's no concern of the Evening Journal. There's no raise. Now, get out of here. Yes, sir. Nerve of that fella. Don't have a baby, eh? Huh. Field! Yes, sir. Two fifty a week. Thanks, Mr. Cochran. We're listening to Henry Fonda as Eugene Field in Big Boy Blue on the Cappalcade of America, sponsored by the DuPont Company. Maker of better things for better living through chemistry. As our second act begins, we find the years have rolled by and Eugene Field is the proud father of a young son named Melvin. Play with me. Well, son, what should we play? Daddy's busy, Melvin. He can play with you tomorrow. Oh, now, Julia. Melvin, say good night to Daddy now. Run along to bed. Good night, Daddy. Good night, sir. You'll show you Mel my letter? What letter? Daddy, the letter to Santa Claus. Oh, bad. Of course I did, Melvin. I did better than that. I took it to the post office myself and I told the postmaster, rush this through to the north pole. And I wrote important on the envelope. The shirt will get you on time. I know it will, son. Don't worry about it. All right, Daddy. Good night. Good night, son. Have a long day. All right. Count my treasure, or with care, a little toy my darling knew. A little sock, a faded hue, a little lock of golden hair. A song, years ago, that came into this couple, this holy time. Is it worth it on your team? Oh, just scribbling, dear. Malak? Oh, it's just some dawg, little Julia? What? Oh, you are too nice. Go on with it. Oh, I don't know. Please, dear, finish it. All right, just for fun. A little sock, a little toy, a little lock of golden hair. Christmas music on the air of what? Watching for my baby boy, but if again that angel train and golden head come back to me To bear me to eternity my watching will not be in vain And field Come over here. Yes, sir. I'm at the Cochrane field. Did you write this verse Christmas treasures? Well in a way. Well, what do you mean in a way? You either wrote it or you didn't yes, I wrote it mr. Cochrane So you're a poet after all I am not I'm a newspaper man I just happened to write that thing at home last night I just put it on your desk cuz my wife asked me to it won't happen again now if you'll give it back to me Please I'll now wait a minute feel don't get excited Suppose I tell you I might print this and pay your space rates for it. You mean you like it not particularly feel But it's a kind of sentimental slush that'll make every woman in town baller eyes out sure I'll print it Thanks, my wife will be pleased feels you like kids. Don't you not all of them? Well, you've got a flair for writing about them ought to keep on with that poetry might get someplace with it I don't know mr. Stone. I'd like to work for you, but the Chicago That's a big jump and a big opportunity for you I intend to give you a column of your own a column of my own you can write all the poetry you like Even so I'd want to contract naturally and I'd want $50 a week for the first year $50 and 50 cents a week for the second year $50 and 50 cents the second year. Why the 50 cents? I want to feel it. I'm making progress All right feel it's green. I'll be looking for you in Chicago Sure thing son Thank you. Want me to fix your little toy dog? Let's have a battle with a toy soldier. Okay a battle it'll be I'll be the infantry. You can be the artillery Wait a minute. I gotta get my troops deployed. All right. Oh daddy. Yes, son Did you think of a Sunday school text for me a Bible text? Oh Yeah, you did ask me for one didn't you? All right. I'll think up one for you Hell my army's all in position. The battle is on I knocked him all down that time. Well, I'm bringing up reserves bang bang bang Just a minor major battle there I'm winning mama. Whoa. Oh surrender. Surrender. I give up Oh boys if you don't stop that racket the people downstairs will be wrapping on the ceiling with a broom Come on now way past melvin's bedtime and Eugene you've got to look over these bills. Oh, yeah Yes daddy. Good night. Good night, son. Good night daddy. Come along now son How can I ever do it Ramp 30 butchers Daddy, did you think of a Bible text for Sunday school? A Bible text? Oh, yes. Uh, well, let's see Just say the lord will provide my father can't I wonder what old man stone has us on the carpet for Christmas next week me we get a boost only boost will get from stone will be through the door Good morning, boys. Good morning. Hi boys. I'm happy to announce that the paper is giving each and every one of you a fine turkey for Christmas Now what's the matter feel that's the turkey suit you Oh, yes, sir, but a little extra in the pay envelope. It'll be better what I need the new suit Oh, you want a suit, eh? Very well. I'll see that you get one Yes, indeed. Uh, Merry Christmas everybody Hmm Hey King, where did you get that convict suit? Mr. Stone gave it to me for Christmas. The old man gave you that Oh, jeez. That's what I've stolen. Got the best of you and I must say stripes become you She's more to be pitied in senses. She's more to be helped in this fine I think probably could someone direct me to the office of mr. Stone Who shall I tell him it's calling sir? I am mr. Harrow editor of the springfield journal Goodness Yes, sir. You were saying who those stripes You're a convict Well, sir, what are you doing here? Oh, don't be alarmed my dear sir. I am quite harmless So Editor stone is a personal friend of the warden And he has the warden send convict over to perform menial tasks about the office Oh, well if mr. Stone likes to save a dollar whenever he can is graceful or we don't mind We really enjoy a change of scenery now man using convict labor in a newspaper office Well, hello, mr. Harrow. Welcome. Mr. Stone during my years as an editor I have encountered graft in chicanery But you sir are the epitome of corruption. What are you talking about working convict labor in your office? What mr. Harrow I suppose you sir you you slave trader good day, mr. Stone. Mr. Harrow, you don't understand come back mr. Harrow More to be put you done something Feel take off that time so that I could ring your infernal neck Would you ever have a serious moment not if I can help it mr. Stone is more I hope this major wouldn't get here Melvin terribly ill ill. What's wrong Julia? I don't know. I I don't know terrible fever. It's hilarious Doctor, but no Come Melvin's been calling for you Oh, mr. Field Doctor, how is he? It's seemingly critical sir. You can only stay a moment Melvin Melvin son Daddy's here to play with his son Between my little toy dog and my little toy soldier I want to talk to him right here son. I'll put him here right beside you There you are Close your eyes son And rest your head and dream of the land of winking and blinking and nod Mm-hmm When you're waking you'll be well again He will Play with your toy on me. It's all right, doctor. He's got to be all right. I'm sorry mr. Field There's no use pretending Only a miracle could save him now Midnight You can't go another night without sleeping. I can't please Julia Uh, I just want to sit here in the nursery a little while longer. I want to finish this All right, yeah I'll go put your bite to eat The little toy dog is covered with dust But sturdy and staunch he stands And the little toy soldier is red with rust and there's musket molds in his hands Time was when the little toy dog was new and the soldier was passing fair And that was the time when our little boy blew just them and put them there Now don't you go to like come and said And don't you make any noise So toddling off to his trundle bed He dreamt of the pretty toy And as he was dreaming an angel song awakened our little boy blue Oh the years are many the years are long but the little toy friends are true I faithful to little boy blue they stand Each in the same old place Awaiting the touch of a little hand Smile of a little face And they wonder as waiting the long years through In the dust of that little chair What has become of our little boy blue? Our Henry Fonda will return to our cavalcade microphone in a moment now here's games Whitman In the early days of automobiles A car owner had a wrestling match on his hands every time he changed the tire Many a driver was ready to swear that clincher rims were an invention of the devil The four great steps in the improvement of automobiles wheels and tires Were pneumatic tires, demountable rims, all steel wheels and balloon tires Now tire manufacturers are announcing a fifth development Which may prove to be the greatest of all tires with rayon cords Inside an automobile tire are thousands upon thousands of cords side by side Vulcanized into the rubber They're there for the same reason the barrel of a big gun is wound with steel wire They give the tire its strength Rayon is a man-made fiber And the raw material used in making high tenacity rayon gives its strength to begin with Then as it is spun the rayon is stretched which adds more strength And finally rayon cord gets stronger as it grows hotter And as you know tire cords do get hot when you're driving So cords in rayon tires are actually stronger during use The dupont company was first to develop high tenacity rayon for tires As long as 10 years ago heavy-duty trucks and buses traveling at high speeds over broiling hot desert highways Were testing tires made with dupont cordura high tenacity rayon Then during the war when the armed forces needed millions of tires And it was found that casings made with synthetic rubber ran hotter Rayon cords became a necessity Their record was so outstanding so convincing beyond any doubt But from now on leading manufacturers plan to use rayon cords for passenger tires As well as tires for trucks and buses Tires that will last for 50 000 miles or better May soon be commonplace And it will give you a more comfortable ride For jura high tenacity rayon for tires is one of the dupont company's better things for better living through chemistry Now here again is henry fonder Next monday night your cavalcade of america will bring you the magnificent meddler Starring george sanders as dr. benjamin wright It's the story of a philadelphia doctors fight against 18th century superstitions to establish america's first home for the mentally ill I'll join you next monday evening to hear george sanders as dr. rush the magnificent meddler Music for tonight's dupont cavalcade was composed and conducted by robert embressor Our cavalcade play was written by jerald holland henry ponder is soon to be seen in the rko radio production fristable cave That's a tom collins inviting you to listen next week to george sanders as dr. bentham and rush in the magnificent meddler On the cavalcade of america brought to you by the dupont company of wellmington delaware This is the national broadcasting company