 Family Theatre presents Dinah Shore and Gigi Perot. A mutual network in cooperation with Family Theatre Incorporated brings you Gigi Perot in Window in the Sky. To introduce the drama, your hostess, Dinah Shore. Window in the sky. Ever wonder if there might be something of that kind up there above us? A window from where the faces of loved ones gaze down on us. Love ones whose eyes shine at the sight of us and whose lips tremble with prayers for our well-being and happiness. Well, I've wondered about it. And that's why I want to tell you about a story I once heard. A story about a window in the sky. It begins in Nora Robbins kitchen as she prepares Sunday dinner for her husband Bill and her seven-year-old daughter, Sealy. Oh, I was just going to call you to get washed up, darling. Father will be here any minute. Mom? Yes, Sealy? Why don't I have a little brother or sister like the other kids do? It's a long story, Sealy. Go get washed. I like long stories, and I can always get washed. Sealy, you heard me. If Father will be here any minute. Then I'll ask him. And I'll let you if he's late to dinner. In the meantime, Sealy, just realize, please, that little brothers and sisters are expensive. No, we aren't poor. It isn't convenient right now. You mean you have to buy them? Well, it amounts to that. Then where did Mrs. Mangini get the money to buy all she has? And Rosa says there's another one ordered. I don't know. And the Mangini kids have twice as much fun as I do. They've even got an orchestra. Now, Sealy, if you think I... You don't have to have an orchestra, Mom. But if I just had one little brother... He wouldn't be old enough to play with you. Yes, he could. I could play mother and... And he could get on the basketball team like Mick Mangini. And I could cut his picture out of the paper like Rosa. Please, please, Sealy. I smell meat. Is dinner ready? You see, Sealy? What little boys grow up to be. Was Daddy really a little boy once? Yes, dear. And he remained one. How was your game, Bill? Oh, rotten, Marshairee. Jenkins beat me on the last hole for five bucks. Now, Sealy, learn anything in Sunday school? Yes, Daddy. I learned that I want a little brother. Yeah, that's helpful. What course are they teaching in Sunday school these days? Not the golf course, thank goodness. Go wash and take Sealy with you. Daddy, what is five bucks? Five dollars, honey. Why? You see, Mommy, that could have been a down payment on my little brother. What? This strange child of yours is haranguing me for a little brother. Oh. Daddy, couldn't we at least order one now? They shouldn't make us pay for him until he gets here. And Rosamann Genie says... Sealy, Robbins, will you stop telling me what Rosamann Genie says and go get ready for dinner? It isn't just a mail order transaction, Sealy. No, I guess it isn't. My darling, you can still cook. I just threw it together. Can I be excused now, Mommy? Yes, dear. But don't leave the house. It's getting dark. But I wanted to talk with Rosamann Genie. Don't look at our daughter that way. It's no laughing matter. Sealy, you simply must not continue these talks with Rosamann Genie. Especially if it has to do with ordering a little brother, COD. You let me handle this, Bill Robbins. It's more important you get your history lesson, Sealy. Tomorrow's school, remember? I've already gotten it. I know all about George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and... And what? A nice man by the name of Book. Well, I think it was Bookie. Bookie? Not the one you know, dear. Was it Booker, Sealy? Yes, Booker. Booker? But yes, old Princeton 39. Booker T. Washington. That's him. Oh, sure. That great Negro... Not shortstop. Educator. Quit leaping into my mouth and dragging out words. I was afraid they were choking you. And you know something, Daddy? Booker T. Washington had six brothers and sisters. Uh-oh. This is where I came in. Turn off your light, dear. I've already said my prayers, Mommy. I didn't wait for you. That's all right, dear. You know why? I wanted to pray for a little brother. And I didn't think you'd let me. Oh, oh, Sealy. Don't make Mommy feel bad. Kiss your own mother. I love you, Mommy. I love you, dear. Good night. Oh, man, Julie. Could you suppose you could sell me a baby brother, Chief? Oh, but you have another one ordered. My daddy? Well, he doesn't know how to get things cheap. My father in heaven? Well, I did, but I don't think he heard me. Wake up, little girl. Huh? I said wake up. You might catch a cold sleeping on that grass. Oh, what? Where am I? Well, now that depends upon the point of view. The park, the most beautiful park I ever saw. Those fountains and birds and soft golden lights over everything. It is nice at that. I was sleeping in my bed. How did I get here? Well, miss, I really don't know. Who are you? Name's Washington, miss. You're not George Washington? No, Booker. Booker T. Washington? Yes. Why, I know you. You've got six brothers and sisters. Yes, that's about right. Wait a minute. If you're Booker T. Washington, you're dead. Am I now? You have to be. I read it in my history book at school. Well, I can't say I'm opposed to books and schooling. So let's just say that when the folks weren't looking, old Booker slipped out of his shell and skedaddled away. Like bugs do? Yes, like those old darn needles and flying bugs. You've seen their shells lying around. Oh, yes, but... What's the matter, honey? In your shell, I must have slipped out of mine too, or I wouldn't be here. Well, now let's not be too sure about that until we find out. There might be a mistake. What's your name, child? Sealy Robbins. Hmm. Now I don't recall seeing your name on today's list. I'll tell you what. What, Mr. Washington? I haven't time to take you over to the office right now. I have an appointment with a couple of friends of mine. You'd better come along with me, and later I'll find out why you're here. Okay, Mr. Washington. Yes, Sealy? Do you mind if I take my shoes off and go barefootage? The grass is so nice and... By certainly, child. Come along. And over there is the lake where Christopher Columbus demonstrates how he discovered America. Seems like every arriving sea captain has to talk it over with the Chris personally. Oh, I think this is the most fascinating park in the world. Or out of it, I suppose. What do they call it? Well, there are different names for it. Depending mostly where you're from. Paradise, as good as any, I guess. Paradise Park. Oh, that's beautiful. But look, look over there. Isn't that Abraham Lincoln? Yes, that's Mr. Lincoln. And who's that kind-looking lady with him? Ms. Florence Nightingale. I know her too. She started our Red Cross Drive at school. I expect she did it that. And what's that little pool of water they're looking down into? Well, it's sort of a window. A window? What can you see through it? Most anything you want to, I guess. Could I go down and look into it and see mommy and daddy? I think so. We'll go over and ask them anyway. Come on over. We've been waiting for you. Sounds like we have a heavy schedule for the day, Mr. Lincoln. Tolible. Well, no. Who is this sweet little miss you have with you, Booker? This is Ms. Sealy Robbins. Sealy, meet Ms. Florence Nightingale. How do you do, Sealy? Fine, thank you, Ms. Nightingale. And this gentleman, Sealy, is Mr. Abraham Lincoln. Hello, Sealy. Nice to have you with us. That's what I want to speak to you about, Mr. Lincoln. I don't recall seeing her name on today's list. Well, no, Booker. It wasn't. But I... Robbins. Robbins, Robbins, Robbins. Florence, would you hand me that book? The book of... Let me see. 19 and 67. That's the one. Let's see now. P, Q, R, and Robbins. Hey, this is serious, Booker. Here, take a look. Hmm. William Everett Robbins. Yes, this is serious. Did my daddy do something wrong? Not yet, child. Here, let's take a look through the window. I want to know more about this. Now hit the sack, Mrs. Robbins. I think you won't. I've waited through breakfast, Sunday papers, a golf game, dinner, and a best-seller for the privilege of having a private word with you. All right. Just one. Let's have it. Sealy's right. About what? She's entitled to a brother. Now, wait a minute, Nora. You heard me. Because if this is the beginning of an agitation... It isn't. It's the end of one. Well, in that case, I'll go to bed. Not until this is settled once and for all. Now, Nora, you know business is in a slump right now, and from what everybody says, it's going to get worse. We probably don't have anything to worry about, but from what everybody says... I'm not the least bit interested in what everybody says. Besides, I doesn't have anything to do with it. Oh, no. I can just hear you now. Baby needs new shoes. Baby needs a new bed. Send for the doctor. Baby's got crook. Don't you mimic me, Bill Robbins? And don't leave yourself wide open by pursuing this matter any further. But, Bill, darling, don't you see that we will be so much happier? All of us. It's when you get happier. Tie it down every night. And missing your afternoon bridge. I can remember quite clearly when Celie was a baby and how you... Oh, I know. I know. But think, too, of what a joy she was to us right here at home. Oh, Bill. Please. Now, look here, Nora, it was your decision, more than mine, that Celie was enough. Or don't you care to recall that? Yes, I know, honey. But I was wrong then. I realize that now. And you're wrong again. Anyway, it doesn't make any difference. We're not going to have any more little Robbins just running around the house right now, and that's final. And I'm going to go to bed. What you saw and heard down there, dear. No, Miss Celie. Your mother and father just having a little domestic civil war. Mr. Lincoln here can tell you civil wars generally come out all right in the end. Don't they, Mr. Lincoln? Celie, child, it took a heap of men to win the one I know about. But every day all over the world, women like your ma are winning their civil war single-handedly. But, Jean, Miss Ninie Gale, it shouldn't hurt her daddy to have just one more little baby, should it? Oh, no. Not unless things have changed down there, Celie. Anyway, this is the best television set I've ever seen. Can we turn it on again? Well, now we'd better let your ma and pa sort of cool off. Oh, I don't want to see them when they're quarreling. I know. Rosa Mangini's house. And where might Rosa live? I don't think it's gone address, but you just cut her cross behind my house down to the railroad tracks and there. That's it. That's it. I'm afraid that old building's a packing house, child. Not anymore, it isn't. Rosa's pop and all the Mangini's got hammers and nails and scrub brushes. Why, she's right. They've got rooms like hospital wards down there. Mm-hmm. Two big ones. One for five girls and one for four boys. They're going to have to make the boys room larger pretty soon, though. Don't see your friends. They must be out for the night. No, they're in the basement. Can't you make that a little stronger? Well... Now you see them, don't you? Well, I see something. Looks like a bunch of Mexican hopping beans down there. That's their orchestra. They're practicing. Oh, why can't we hear them? It'll be floating up in a jiffy mess. Ah, that wasn't better, Bambini. Much better. Only Mario, you. You blow too strong. You're going to burst to something. Well, and not so late. We're closing with the national anthem of our country. Give me the horn, Mario. I start us out and then you all you join in. Now, come on. All is set. Now, the national anthem... Oxymere! Oxymere! It's not the national anthem now. What's the matter? They change? Well, anyway, that's a good. Come on, we'll play again. Shut up! Looks like Mr. Lincoln, the music down there, has changed somewhat since we were there. I was thinking the same thing myself, Booker. Can't see us how we've missed much. No. No, as a matter of fact, I'm beginning to get a new slant on that visit I made to Forge Theatre. You mean, maybe. I mean, the good Lord moves in strange ways sometimes to protect us. What are they talking about, Miss Ninigale? Oh, well, you see these men, they must have their little jokes silly. But didn't you like the man genie's music? Well, I... Oh, but I forgot. You wouldn't understand. You're English. I mean, they don't have that kind of music over in England, do they? I don't know, Sealy. But forget about my being English. There are no English up here. Are they that bad? No, Sealy. It's just that there are no English. No Americans. No Germans. No Italians. In fact, no red men, yellow men or black men. We're all the same here, Sealy. All equal brothers and sisters. Like, like Mr. Lincoln once said. Oh. And now, I think it's about time that you were going back to your mama and papa. Do they tell the window? No. Like you always see them through your own bright lives. More coffee? I wonder what's keeping that child. She'll be late for school. Let her sleep. Be good for her. What was that? Seasily, probably. Bill, somebody's chasing Sealy. What? Daddy, daddy, daddy. I've got a wonderful story for you. I was away last night up in the sky with Abraham Lincoln, Booker T. Washington, and Florence Nightingale. We were talking, looking down through a window at you and mommy calling, but I'm not there, you know. I'm not, Monty. Oh, I'm not. Sealy, stop this instant. Get her to bed while I call the doctor. All right. Now, up with you, darling. Daddy's coming. No, daddy. No, daddy. Stop, stop. You can just let me in there, Bill. I can't stand this. All right. I call a doctor if you're going to interfere. Bill, it's brain fever. I know where it is. Don't be that way. You can come in now. She's sleeping. What is it, doctor? What's the matter with Sealy? Well, quite truthfully, Nora. I don't know. She does have a fever and her mind is inclined to wander at times. Is it serious? That's just it, Bill. As yet, I don't know. Nora, has anything happened that might have upset her? Well, I don't think so. Unless... well, she has been kind of... Well, what is it, Nora? Well, she's been running around and hollering for her baby brother. And what did you tell her? I told her, no, that it was impossible at the present time. To a child, nothing is impossible. I think we'd better discuss this further, Bill. Let's go in the other room and let Sealy sleep. Mr. Lincoln. Why, Sealy? What are you doing back up here? Oh, Mr. Lincoln, I did what he told me to do, but my daddy won't believe me. And he said that I couldn't have a little brother. Oh, Mr. Lincoln, I just don't know what to do now. Sealy darling, come here. Miss Nightingale. No, no, Sealy. Don't cry anymore, dear. Sealy child, what happened? Booker, Booker, this is getting serious. We've got to try and do something. I don't know. Let's take a look down there and see what's going on in that Robin's household anyhow. Let me see now. How many times I got to tell you, Mario, you blow too strong. And sometime you're going to bust something and you can't fix it no more. Now, please, we try once more. Everybody ready? One, two, three. I would say your timing was a bit off, Abe. Didn't you push the wrong button, Mr. Lincoln? That's just what I did, Sealy. Well, let's try it again. Ah, there now. That's it. The only thing I can possibly think of that might have upset her, that shouldn't make her ill, should it, doctor? Well, now that's where you're mistaken, Nora. You have an extremely imaginative, highly precocious little daughter. She's also highly tenacious in her beliefs. In this instance, she believes that there should be an addition to this family. And she also believes in the so-called... Those mad ravings of the stuff about Lincoln and Booker T. Washington, Florence Nightingale, the beautiful park called Paradise. What's so mad about that? I should imagine that if you were to run across such fine souls as that, like they, you'd find them in just such lovely surroundings. And if it should be given to anyone to visit them, I should imagine it would be an innocent little child. Don't cry, darling. Let her. It's good for her to cry. It's good for you to see her cry. Yes. I think I understand now. Thanks to you, doctor. No, Bill. Not thanks to me. Well, Abe, I guess we don't have to do anything about it after all. No, Booker. I think it's been done for us. Funny how stubborn a man can get sometimes in. Well, you should certainly know about that. I don't recall anybody stopping you when your mind was made up for it. Little Sealy has done a pretty good job, too. Sealy, I think it better be going home now. Yes, my dear, your problems seem to be solved. Please, though, Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Washington, before I go back, could I ask you for just one more tiny favor? Oh, of course, Sealy. What is it? Could I please see the Mangini family just once more through the window? All right. In fact, I'm kind of interested in myself in seeing just how little Mario is getting along with that big horn. I'm Booker. Performance in family theater's presentation of the window in the sky. You know, many of our family theater listeners have written to us to tell us that they've begun the practice of daily family prayer in their own homes. It's certainly heartwarming to know that our little message is being heard and followed by people all over the country. But occasionally, someone writes to tell us that prayer is not as easy as it sounds. That it's difficult to pray. Well, I'd like to read a little poem that may have helped you if you feel that way, too. It was written by James J. Metcalf and it's called Time to Pray. It is not difficult to pray when we are faced with fears or when the shadows climb the walls and tragedy appears. Our voices rise above the roar of every raging sea and words of sudden eloquence present our tearful plea. But when there is no storm and when we have a perfect day, we seldom turn our thoughts to God or take the time to pray. And if it is a duty then, it also is a task to thank Him or to let Him know the miracles we ask. And yet a daily prayer to God is such a little thing compared to all the comfort and the blessing it can bring. Thank you for being with us. And remember, the family that prays together stays together. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. From Hollywood Family Theater has brought you Gigi Perot in Window in the Sky with Dinah Shore as your hostess and narrator. Others in our cast were Gene Vanderpile, Stephen Chase, Jay Loughlin, Harley Bear, Constance Cavendish, Tim Graham and Jay Novello. Our story was written by Raymar Mermaid with music composed and conducted by Harry Zimmerman and was directed for Family Theater by Jaime Del Valle. This series of Family Theater broadcasts is made possible by the thousands of you who felt the need for this type of program, by the mutual network which has responded to this need and by the hundreds of stars of stage, screen and radio who have so unselfishly given of their time and talent to appear on our Family Theater stage. This is Gene Baker inviting you to be with us next week at this time when your Family Theater will present Jane O'Sullivan and Gene Raymond in the love story of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning with James Gleason as your host. Join us, won't you? Through the facilities of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and his broadcast to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. This is the world's largest network, the Mutual Broadcasting System.