 dedicated to the strength of the nation we hail starring Barry Sullivan in dark dwelling United States Army and United States Air Force presentation and our here is our producer the well-known Hollywood showman CP McGregor thank you thank you very much and greetings from Hollywood ladies and gentlemen welcome to your theater of stars we're all the motion picture greats join us and plays we know you'll enjoy our star is the popular actor Barry Sullivan and the title of our story dark dwelling we'll have the curtain for act one in just a moment but first here is your announcer choose the career that offers all five the US Army offers you these five keys to a successful future one a career of service to country to the right job for you three continuous training for planned advancement for lifetime security five travel and recreation yes men choose the career that offers all five find out about the five keys to a successful future at your nearest US Army and US Air Force recruiting station now once again our producer the curtain rises on act one of dark dwelling starring Barry Sullivan as Ben then returned to his hometown after a few years absence he was surprised at the changes that had taken place so surprised in fact that he walked along the streets as though he were in a trance it wasn't much wonder that he failed to notice a very pretty girl busily sweeping some port steps I hope I didn't get you too dusty I always associated brooms with witches never with lovely young angels good day sir one moment please very well what is it I need your help desperately my yes you see I I'm looking for a room to rent there seems to be an acute shortage of reasonably price places do you happen to know of any here in this neighborhood well my aunt runs this boarding house here she does happen to have one room vacant well good lead on fair lady all right follow me please oh auntie this this gentleman here is looking for a room we have no vacancies yes we do remember the attic room all right this way you get used to the steps after a while if we go much higher I'll feel like an eagle it told you it was an attic room I'm beginning to realize that but it's occluded isolated seems more fitting not my idea remember that's a very roomy closet that's the room oh well do you want it or don't you to be perfectly frank with you I wouldn't I mean it does have a certain cozy charm that larger rooms might lack rent payable in advance two weeks I'll be downstairs waiting good and you Jane don't dawdle about you have work to do my yes I'll expect you downstairs very shortly don't take too long Jane say I'm not entirely sure I know where everything is in this capacious area you'd better point things out to me well there's nothing to show really there there's the wash stand the bed the chair and what about towels and soap remember charming lady cleanliness is next to godliness well if I move any higher I shall be as near to heaven as one can come in this mortal sphere do you always talk like this yes certainly is there anything odd about my speech yes you never seem to answer anything the way other people do I've always made it a point to avoid being classified as one of the masses I see well I'll go get your towel before you leave what about my clothes closet I failed to see it you're looking at it that that happens to be a coat hanger yes I know oh it's Annie I'll see you ladies will you please step aside make me pass yes in due time I have to go now surely a tiny little thing like you isn't going to try to push this huge hulk of mine around I know please push harder be more specific what kind of be what's going on here your niece madam she deliberately launched a violent assault upon my poor defenseless frame I never want to see you again ever that's a long time I mean it I never want to see you again Jane kept her resolved for several days but before long she found herself forgiving him she even accepted his invitation to attend the theater after it was over they strolled home in the warm evening over the darkened streets well Jane how did you like to play I've never seen anything like it in all my life I thought it was wonderful I'm glad for you we didn't you think it was fine it was adequate adequate yes my dear you take that scene with Hamlet the one in which he reproaches himself for not keeping faith with his dead father well that particular sequence called for the utmost subtlety I thought the actor did it beautifully yes he did especially if he were auctioning some merchandise off Jane dear those lines call for feeling he didn't have it all right do you know anyone who could have done them better yes who myself you are an actor why not look Ben if you really do think you can act why don't you try your hand at it instead of instead of loafing well yes listen to me I've done more than my share of physical toil in the past I was a bricklayer for years really well look Ben why don't you go back into the trade you could get a job right away I just know you could of course I could but that's not my problem no dear Jane I hate to be a disappointment to you but I don't think I'll return to honest labor oh that's all wrong matter of argument some people Jane are destined for the more menial tasks of the world others of us are placed here to exist on lofty planes and you you're one of the so-called higher geniuses modesty forbids me from admitting it but I must bow to your accusation yes Jane I shall be a great actor all right Ben if that's your honest feeling good luck but do something about it don't just talk and when are you going to start in being an actor or whatever you plan to be well tomorrow hardly day after I really don't see it next week oh no yeah you are you see just a moment what are you lighting that match for I'm going to see the color of your eyes when you were angry yes yes they're even more lovely when you're upset I don't know what to do about you I do yeah put your arms around me like this with your face like this oh have my chair madam no what I have to say won't take long you make this sound most ominous I want to get something settled once and for all it's Jane ah you may well be proud of her madam I am and I want to stay that way Jane was perfectly fine till you came around now she's changed and am I the cause of this transformation yes moving poems into her ear and talking those big words be a whole lot better off if you went out and got a good job somewhere now I'm going to be perfectly frank with you frankness is a virtue in itself you're not to see my niece anymore do you understand madam I appreciate the deep interest you display toward your charming niece but I for one have never taken orders from anyone and I most assuredly shall not start now then you refuse to leave the girl alone your choice of words is most awkward look I have a much simpler solution to this problem why not leave the matter entirely up to Jane is she downstairs don't you dare call her Jane Jane would you please come up here right away I must drag the girl into this mess say you aren't very complimentary Jane dear you're right and I have just had a little discussion about you about me yes it seems you're not questions the motives that prompt me to seek your company she insisted I stopped seeing you entirely I don't quite understand Jane how do you honestly feel toward me well I I think you're very nice and you well do you think you could learn to love me I don't know I haven't had if I went to work would that make any difference I think it would very well Jane dearest would you marry me what are you I'm asking you to take my name will you oh but I don't you ready then then I should be honored to be your wife and so they were married at first it was quite an ideal existence they rented a small room some distance from Jane's aunt to help avoid future discords Ben was a changed man he went to work at a brokerage firm and took over the role of faithful provider Jane was never happier in her entire life oh I'll be right there how you're going to love it you're very favorite roast pork applesauce and cherry pie what brought this special offering oh I just felt that we needed some bolstering of the spirit slightly you haven't been up to your usual witty self for the past several days Ben are you feeling all right I'm perfectly well Jane I'm hardly the type that gets physical ailments I'm afraid well there's something on your mind are you worried over money matters we're going to get by all right in a few weeks I'm learning how to manage much better on what you earn and well it won't take I've never worried about money in the past Jane and I don't propose to start now then there is something on your mind what is it don't worry about it eat your food but I have to worry Ben are you unhappy with me I love you more than I ever did no Jane no it's not you at all oh then what is it I have to know well I I guess we face it Jane before you condemn me too much remember the sort of life I led before I met you I've never had a real home life till now I've always been a nomad wanderer gypsy or just loafer if you will Jane I love you as much as I ever did but this sudden transition is too much for me all at once what are you trying to tell me Ben Jane I've got to go away for a while anywhere alone alone can't say I understand then but if that's the way you fear I won't try to stop you thank you Jane you won't have to worry about money I'll send you some right along how soon do you want to leave tomorrow that too soon no Ben it's not too soon report briefly for my story doc well he's very Sullivan to bring you an important message from our government choose the career that offers all five the US Army offers you these five keys to a successful future one a career of service in the army you'll be on a team with a tradition of patriotic service to the nation to the right job for you scientific aptitude tests determine the job you're best suited for three continuous training for planned advancement specialized training and educational courses prepare you for advancement then the Army's career plan assures you periodic promotions based on your skill and efficiency for lifetime security you as an army man are guaranteed regular pay and liberal retirement benefits in sickness your medical care is provided without cost and your regular pay continues five travel and recreation in the army you'll enjoy the finest recreational facilities and opportunities for worldwide travel remember you have 30 days vacation with pay each year yes choose the career that offers all five get full details at your nearest US Army and US Air Force recruiting station curtain rises on act two of dark dwelling starring Barry Sullivan is Ben shortly after Ben had married Jane he fell victim to his old wanderlust and asked her to let him go for a while Jade gave in to his wish even though she didn't understand many weeks later Jane was serving tea to her aunt who had dropped in for a visit I'm going to talk to you straight from the shoulder Jane I think you're deluding yourself in what way about this husband of yours he's not coming back he'll be back no no he won't I know his type and you can get a divorce in any court on grounds of desertion he hasn't deserted me don't say that you're very angry proof that he has in your heart you think just as I do but you won't admit it and he I like you very much but if you're going to talk like that I'll have to ask you to leave you know we should never met that man our wager he doesn't even write to you he does too and when did you hear from him last not long ago how long it was last month that's proof of how much he misses you come in even you dear madam must admit that I'm a perfect gentleman imagine knocking on one's own door Jane dear my sweet did you miss me you'll never know how much I've never well I won't be missed here goodbye ambrosia from the guards and nectar from the flowers and here I thought it was just bacon and eggs my practical Jane come over here that's right don't you think you better be on your way if you expect to get your old job back you'd better be there early to create a good impression I've made a change in my plans Jane I'm not going back there but last night you said you would that was last night I've given it much thought since then and I've decided upon another course not acting yes you hit it right on the head then you know how I feel about it it's fine but if you can do it listen to me I'll give it a try if it doesn't go then I'll go back to bricklaying or anything else but I've got to find out for myself give me one week Jane that's all I ask one week mr. Philip Henslow I believe yes mr. Henslow I understand that you are the owner of the Rose Theater right I further understand that you are active far beyond that you seem to know a lot you I have been told do the actual casting in the plays that appear in your theatre well what about it I want a part in one of your plays with that face old man what did you call me old man that's what you are old man I may not have the coy mannerisms of your puppets but I dare say I can read as well as any here read this manuscript Spanish tragedy of what part do you want me to read erroneous what outcries plucked me from my bed and chill my throbbing heart with trembling fear which never danger yet could dawn before more alas it is Horatio my sweet son but he that was my son who had slain my son what savage monster not of human kind up enough enough I would say that was hardly a fair trial sir you start tomorrow get out till then so Ben became an actor and he was good but then like the handsome presence necessary for the leading roles and he was never content to play second to anyone after a few months he went back to hands low oh you again what now I have a complaint to usually do I've been with you nearly a year now and I still have haven't had one good role that would give me the prominence I deserve takes time I can't wait for that day what am I supposed to do give me the parts I want I'll be honest this should be a rare treat from what I hear I shall be the first person you've ever done that with I've far better actors you for less than that I've grown tired of posturing around the stage I've got other plans such as taking my place oh no you've had years of practice insulting your workers no one could fill your shoes in that respect thank you you are really too flattering to an old man I've decided to be a playwright just like that yes you are probably unaware of it but I've been rewriting all the plays we've been doing and they're infinitely better after I've gone over them your quiet modesty fascinates me thank you in the meantime I've written some plays of my own I shall let you have the privilege of producing them for me and if I refuse oh no you won't not if you read them here here are two of them for you to go over young man I have a big surprise for you yes I've already read your two plays your wife sent him to me sometime back she did yeah I've decided to purchase them both tonight Jane if this play is a hit we'll never need money again it will be don't worry I'm not worried it's one of the best I've done just wait till you see it then would you mind terribly if I saw it some other night instead what are you talking about I'm dreadfully tired and the strain would be too much for me I know I really get everybody else nervous please please go by yourself and I'll see it when I'm in better condition this is ridiculous I know it is dear but I feel it's better this way you hurry home but I really don't think please Ben well all right but don't you go to sleep till I get back I won't I promise and now you better hurry along yes I should be there early tonight all right Jane kiss me let's have another toast go Ben why mainly because I wrote the best play in town surely again think of a better excuse than that I join you Philip Penzlo why old man even you are welcome tonight sit down thank you gentlemen may I propose a toast to the scholarly man at my left seriously without mr. Hensloh's invaluable aid and cutthroat tactics I never would have had the incentive to write a play such as tonight it is most refreshing for an old man to see that your charming selfie face man has managed to weather success but before you take all accredited yourself I should like to compliment the person who has had so much to do with all this was your wife good Lord what time past one fifteen minutes to be exact gentlemen you must excuse me I have to hurry home all right but then that's the last could I turn on the light doesn't make any difference it'll be dawn soon I try to hurry home but you know how those things turn out yes I know I won't bore you with all the details but the play was a wonderful success I heard all about it Ben well you did yes I had to hear it from others Jane it wasn't my fault I beg you to go with me that's not a good excuse then you've usually been able to do better please this isn't like you don't don't be vindictive now that success is really here I'm not vindictive Ben and I don't blame you and everything's all right not quite it's been like this for some time been there are too many things in your life that come before me I've asked you to settle down before I know now that you never will I know too that I can't go on this way Jane listen to me I promise you promise before Ben I think you'd better leave now do you realize what you're saying too well please go Ben all right then I'll do as you wish I'm leaving goodbye Ben discovered that Jane really meant it late one night after a feudal evening trying to forget her then went we're early to his room he went to his desk and began to write his pen began to express what he felt finally as sleep began to overtake him he finished gathering up the sheets of paper he put on his hat and coat and hurried out into the night and headed to his old apartment it's me Jane then almost done what's wrong I won't stay I promise I just want to give you something I wrote here you are Jane I'll go no just a minute then read it to me please all right drink to me only with our eyes I will pledge with mine we'll leave a kiss but in the cup and I'll not look for wine the first that from the soul's death rise death ask a drink divine but might I have Joe's neck to suck I would not change for that's lovely thank you Jane goodbye I know been not good bye Jane do you mean it I think we can still work it out and they did work it out Jane and Ben Johnson yes the man who wrote that beautiful poem was Ben Johnson the same Ben Johnson who contributed so much to the theater and our dramatic literature among the immortal plays you wrote where Valpony Catalan so Janus the sad shepherd and every man in his humor yes Ben Johnson truly deserves his place alongside his good friend and fellow playwright William Shakespeare curtain falls in the final act of dark dwelling our star Barry Sullivan will return for a curtain call after this timely message from Wendell Niles young men the Army Medical Department offers you a future now the Medical Service Corps has openings for optometrists civil chemical and sanitary engineers and men trained in the sciences allied to medicine if you have a degree you may be able to qualify for a commission and the career opportunities it provides pay allowances and retirement benefits are attractive to see if you can qualify write the surgeon general department of the Army Washington 25 DC once again our star Barry Sullivan and our producer Barry I'm glad you managed to join us before you left on vacation you know what happened CP yes they told me at Metro Golden mayor you had your reservations at Palm Springs and had to break them for more work on outriders CP I'm dead three pictures in a row now for my vacation let's hear about those pictures well the first and the one being shown around right now is called tension I made this with what we taught her the next two they're both still unreleased or in Technicolor Nancy goes to Rio with Jane Powell and then Southern and the other the one I just finished is called outriders with Joel McCrae Arlene Dowell Claude John and Junior wonderful people they've all been on a show here they certainly are wonderful people and say do you know Jimmy Whitmore he's in the picture too he's the kid that does such a great job in Dory Sherry's wonderful production of battle cry sure I know them both of you first took up riding when you started outriders didn't you yeah that's right CP neither of us had ever been on a horse before but Joel McCrae he was wonderfully helpful he coached us and right now we ride like man could it be that you're going Western honest and believe me I can't wait for the next one that is after this vacation well I know you're anxious to get started and thanks for being with us this has been a great place to start my vacation CP always a lot of fun now tell me who's playing next CP we have both a great story and comedian Barry and ladies and gentlemen the star will be Sterling Holloway and the story is called the Odyssey of Horace Glick so don't miss it I'll be listening in Palm Springs I hope good luck CP thanks and goodbye be sure to join us next week ladies and gentlemen when Sterling Holloway will star in a hilarious comedy the Odyssey of Horace Glick until then thanks for listening and Cheerio from Hollywood very Sullivan appeared with the courtesy of the Hollywood coordinate committee which arranges for the appearance of all stars on this program script was by Bill Danche music of Eddie Dunstead's program is transcribed in Hollywood for release at this time Wendell Niles speaking