 Remember a hallmark card when you carry enough to send the very best. Supposed by one of the world's best known authors. They distinguish novelists. Ladies and gentlemen, this is James Hilton. Tonight on our hallmark playhouse we present a story by James Ronald called, Old Soldiers Never Die. These days when so many of us ourselves are old soldiers or destined to be new ones, there's something timely in the theme. And Mr. Ronald has given it a warm hearted treatment set against the background of England during the last war. You know the strange thing about war is that amidst all its inhumanity to man, it does make some men more human. And this, I think, happened to the chief character in our story, as you'll presently see. To play his part tonight, we have chosen one of the most notable of living stage actors, Mr. Raymond Massie. And now a word about hallmark cards from Frank Goss before we begin the first act of James Ronald's Old Soldiers Never Die. For every occasion important to your friends and loved ones, there are hallmark cards to carry your thoughts across the miles, across the years, often merely across the way. That's important in these fast moving days when families and friends are separated on short notice, when a word of thoughtfulness can mean so much. On special days and every day, a hallmark card says what you want to say, the way you want to say it. And that identifying hallmark on the back as always says you cared enough to send the very best. Now hallmark playhouse presenting James Ronald's Old Soldiers Never Die, starring Raymond Massie. So goes a favorite British Army song, though even its reassuring words held little comfort for General Charles Victor Church, retired. Listen. Why hang it all, 68 isn't old? Not would you be the soldier all your life? Oh, I'm not food enough to expect your frontline command, had it in my time. All I want now is a job of work. There's a huge raw army to be whipped into shape. Millions of men who never carry the rifle in their lives. Every officer who knows how to handle men will be needed. And that's his belief, his duty, and his hope. That's why when the Second World War was about ten days old, he had come all the way up to London to present himself at the war office. General Church? Yes. I'm Major Barnwell. Lord Outerham regrets he's been unable to find time for you before this, sir. He's sorry, but he's still frightfully busy and he won't be able to see you at all today. Spending the night at my club? Be good enough, Major, to make an appointment for me with Lord Outerham for any hour tomorrow that suits him. I'm afraid that won't be possible, sir, I see. Lord Outerham's time tomorrow is pretty well mortgaged. Then make it the day after tomorrow or the day after that. I've come up from Waithorn, 150 miles to see him, and I mean to stay in town until I do. Well, if it's about your application to be restored to the active list, General, I'm instructed to say that Lord Outerham feels that you are no longer young, sir, and this is a young man's war. Go and found it, I'm a soldier. I've never been anything else. I was born and raised to serve my country. It's in my blood and my bones. I don't propose to be put on the shelf at a time like this. Well, I suggested you return to your home, sir. Perhaps you can still be useful there. Civilian defense. Now, that's going to be tremendously important in this war. Why dare I say that? That's for civilians. I'm not a civilian. I'm afraid, sir, a civilian is precisely what you are. It's worth that you're in charge of civilian defense work here in Waithorn. Quite so, General, and I suppose you've come to offer your help. Something like that, yes. I think it's simply marvellous the way you elderly people are rallying around to do your bit. You dear gallant, oh so, so bent on doing your duty. It ought to be an inspiration to the rest of us, now let me see. Well, just at the present we have all the work as we can use, but sooner or later we'll find something for you to do. Some little task, not too exacting, not too regular in its demands that can be managed comfortably by a man of your years, General. Now, I'll get in touch with you at Farthing, though, shall I? And in a few weeks we're organizing a waste paper collection. Where's the Alice Froome? She wants you for dinner and bridge the scene. Tell her I have a previous engagement, Bates. Tell her I'm sorry. But Lady Alice is such a jolly old lady. It always does you so much good to dine with her. Bates, you needn't talk as if you were my doctor. And Lady Alice is barely sixty. You can't call that old. Oh, I didn't mean it that way, sir. Well, and don't use the word so loosely. It's a word everybody uses, a lot too much. I'm fed up with the sound of it. I see, sir. And Bates. Yes, sir? Take these out of you. Sir? That stack of new magazines. You may tell the news agents not to deliver any of them in future. Not even the time, sir. I'm sick of the times. Now, let me see it again. Very good, sir. And put padlocks on all the gates, all of them. Anyone calls I'm not at home. But, sir? If the war can ignore me, I can ignore the war. Yes, sir. I was under the impression that you had been instructed not to admit anyone to the grounds or to the house. Well, it's like this, sir. Excuse this intrusion, General Church. I'm Miss Cartwright from Wathorn Town Hall. And I'm here to inspect your house to decide how many evacuated children you can take. What? Why, I can't found it, young woman. I can't take any. I'm not running a home for unwashed bread. I don't wish to be bothered with the children there. That's quite all right. We'll simply confiscate your house, and you, my dear sir, will have to find other quarters. I think we might manage a few children, sir. They could be confined as much as possible to the upper floors. Beats! My house is neither a prison nor an orphanage. This is much too large a house for one nurse. Elderly gentlemen to occupy alone in times like these. Good afternoon, Miss Cartwright. Major children, sounds as if they're afficked with the plan. He isn't exactly going to be a father to them, is he? Oh, his bark is sometimes awful. But he hardly ever bites. With your permission, Miss, I'll show our accommodations to you. Now in the first place, the only part of the house that's habitable is this one wing. The other's not been in use for a century or more. Yes, this should do very nicely for a dozen or so children. I suppose you're like all the other householders I visit. You won't have anything but sweet, refined children from nice homes with gentle manners and soft voices. Oh, dear me now. You can send us the dirtiest, noisiest brats you've got. You don't mean that. Yes, Miss, I do. A problem, childhood, if you like. What about the general? It's just what he needs. Well, if it doesn't worry you, it needn't cost me any sleep. If brats are what you want, brats are what you'll get. The children have arrived, sir. Well, I thought it might be best for all concerned if you greeted them in person. I? Yes, sir. Now, open the door, Bates. I'll follow you. Oh, I don't approve. That's what I want to do. Children, why are you going to stay here? See, I'm giving it to you straights. That's why I never warned you. And if they're trying to keep me here, I'll make you blooming well. Sorry, boy. Don't mind, and you touch, Bates. But, sir, it's only... I'm going up there, Bates. My electric torch. Yes, sir. You are, sir. How did you, young rascals, go scampering about my roof at night? I'm a blasted enemy. What if I may ask? Are you two-ing up here at this time of night, Peter? There's a guy shot in only two blasted well what I'm doing on your blasted roof. I'm keeping a watch for incendiary bombs. You're a confounded boy. You're only a child. There aren't nobody too young or too old to bear use in this war. We're in a blasted mess and not a one of us has a right to stand about with his hands in his pockets. My mom's my diminishings at Woolidge. And my dad volunteered the first eye of the war. He's a blasted prisoner in a blasted Nazi concentration camp now. They got him at Dunkirk. Sorry to hear that, Peter. But now I think... I ought to go before one of the other kids talks over who's to watch for bombs if I quit. I shall. Oh, and what do you know about incendiaries? Tell the truth, not very much. Come to think of it, nothing whatever. Then a fat lot of good you'd be if one fell on the house. If you ask me, you're the one that ought to go back to bed. Oh, I'm staying here. There's a small boy on the roof. Yes, sir. He and three others stand watching ships all through the night. He's filthy, Bates. His nose is running. Do you suppose he has a nose? A running nose is a secondary characteristic soaring children of that class. But his curls warn almost of the skin. Spread bare. And his boots have holes in them. That's why he has a running nose, no doubt. Something will have to be done about that, Bates. Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. I've looked and looked, but there isn't a bolter cloth to be had anywhere. Well, then there's... But one thing to be done, Bates. There's your material for the boys' clothes. Oh, but you can't mean it, sir. All those beautiful suits are yours. They can't be replaced at these times. It would be a crime to take them apart. Bigger crime to let them do without when they're just kids. What will you wear, sir? Suit I have on. Six in all. Something serviceable, of course, but they must be pretty. Very important, Bette. We've got a list of sizes here. And the rest must be done. In you go. I expect you'll take it more calmly the next time. What? You're gonna buy this all a guy? Every Saturday night. Responding, sir. Isn't it, Bates? It's time now. But are they happy here, Bates? And what will become of them when war is over? And they return to London. To what, Bates? In just a moment, we'll return to the second act of Old Soldiers Never Die, starring Raymond Massey. Yesterday I had an unusual experience. A very charming mother said something about cards in a way that I'd never thought of before. And after all these years, I thought I was an expert on greeting cards. She told me that her oldest son was at military camp. It was his first experience away from home. Like all mothers, she missed him terribly, and at first spent hours writing letters with all her feelings laid bare. But she didn't send those letters. She and her husband decided that they might reach the board just at a time he himself was particularly homesick or blue. And the effect on his morale might be entirely different from that desire. Instead, she confined her letters to home news, and whenever she was shopping, she sent him a card. She had found that the card expressed their love and affection in a way that didn't lead into the kind of thoughts that might result in homesickness. After having it pointed out this way, I can see what this mother meant. With greeting cards, you can say personal things and still keep a light touch. You know, hallmark cards are designed with one thought in mind, to say what you want to say, the way you want to say it. That's why, through the years, people have found hallmark cards more and more important in their daily life, and have come to look for that distinguished hallmark on the back of a card, which says that you not only care, but that also you cared enough to send the very best. Now back to James Hilton and the second act of Old Soldiers Never Die, starring Raymond Massie. Who disliked playing the role of civilian lost himself in the job of caring for the ragamuffins from the slums of London. Progress, though sometimes slow, was always positive. Much, however, remained to be done, and General Church set himself to the task with a will and a heart. There was Limpie, for example. Limpie, the nine-year-old who had a right-lame foot. It isn't Limpie. Yes, sir. God, you might want to have a look at me here. Mrs. Bates been using the scissors, has she? On all us young'uns. Mrs. Bates deserves a lot of credit. Didn't know she was such an excellent barber. She combed me yet, but beast is too. Good and odd she combed it. Well, huh. Mad you came in, Limpie. Been wanting to have a chat with you. Confounded nuisance it must be being dependent on a crutch. Thought for a time I'd be in that boat myself. You, sir? They picked 20 pieces of shrapnel out of this right leg in 1918. Broken in two places as well. Surgeon, by the name of Ames, put me on the two feet again. Took seven operations. Shouldn't like to have Ames have a look at your leg. Don't suppose? No way to do it. Might hurt a good deal. Still, no one would willingly be a cripple for life. Huh, Limpie? Of course, Ames might not be able to do anything for your leg. Only an x-ray would tell that. Fave like you. Brave? Wasn't brave at the time, I can tell you. I was in a positive blue funk. You, sir? Of pride, sir? Terrified, Limpie. But you've got all the medals. Oh, don't get medals for not being afraid, Limpie. Get them for seeing through to the end the job you're scared of in the beginning. You... You're sure it would be the very same doctor, sir? The very same doctor. Would I have to go to hospital? Cottage hospital and little Thorpe. Awfully friendly place. Phone him up first thing in the morning, shall we, and reigns for the x-rays. If they tell the right story, there's no time in sending for Ames. See, he can fix him up good as new. May he take a couple of operations. Oh, the Lord be praised. I only wish the news here at Father Noel were us cheering. What's up, Bates? I'm afraid young Billy's got a case of the measles. Measles? Yes, sir. And the other ones are bound to get it, the little ones, anyway. Nothing's so tragic about that, Bates. All kids get the measles, sooner or later, as well. Yes, sir. And then there's Minnie again. Mrs. Bates is worried about her. Up to her old tricks, eh? She's been primping and perfuming herself all evening, and at her age, too. And she's out there in the lane with a soldier. Well, she's my responsibility, I suppose. Don't want to be a prying snoop, Bates, but certainly is up to me to do something about it. My name is Shirley Evening Hawkins. We invite your friend in, Minnie. There's a large fire in the study. Eat and something cold to drink for Mr. Hawkins somewhere, too. You mean it. Me, the young girl, do you think Hawkins? Eh, now, sir, I bet this old house is your home now, just as much as it is mine. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Pull me so himself. Well, there's no one watching. You're not me. Bought something for you, Limpie. Something you've wanted for a long time, although you never said so. What is it? Can't tell you. I'll put it over here on this cupboard. You have two legs for yourself. I can't do it, sir. Put both feet on the floor and walk. See it like this at night from top of the roof? Yes, sir. Hardly know there was a war on. You know, Peter, you... lately you've acquired a lot more aspirates than you had when you came. Time when you didn't have an H to your name. Learn things quickly, don't you? I do my best, sir. Good boy, Peter. Think I'll send you to the grammar school at Weithorn. Fine old school. You'll learn a lot there. And later on, well, we'll see. If I'm not mistaken, you're the very lad to win the university scholarship. I'll try hard, sir. I'll work like blizzers. I know you will, Peter. What's that? Look, sir, over Weithorn. A raid. No doubt of it, sir. Oh, they won't come this way. Not likely. It's the Plymouth dogs thereafter. That's a good eight miles from here. You better talk to the children at the cellar, sir. In their condition, they get pneumonia. Oh, they won't come this way anywhere. Why should they? There's one of the Nazi bloodiest. Cripple, too. Guard, he's chucking away his incendiaries. No, no, my roof bank. You don't think, Peter, look. It'll be up in blinds at no time. All those... Peter and many will have better, sir. We thought you would have gone for sure. Last one of them right as rain. You save the ass, too, sir, by closing off the doors to the old wing. The roof came in and smothered the fire there. No more than any soldier would have done under fire beds. Children. Children are important beds, small and old soldiers. Hope in the future and all that. We made a bunch of things in 18, didn't we? Won the war, yes. What happened to the world, Bates? Not too hopeful, I'm afraid, sir. Hopeful? There's always hope, Bates, as long as there are children. These kids of ours have taught me something I can tell you. They have courage, managing, and dreams, Bates. And children, no matter what their race or creed, they're all alike. They'll make a new world for us all, Bates. They must, Bates. I see what you mean, sir, and I'm very happy and proud. So are the people, the villagers, that is. They've nominated you for the George Medal, sir. George Medal? Don't believe I've ever heard of that one. They are not pleased, though, Bates. At heart? I'm afraid you don't understand, sir. I don't like to know how to tell you, but, well, the fact is, sir, that George Medal is a new decoration. Wear it on the right breast, sir. For civilians, sir. I'm so glad you like it, because, you see, I made it myself. Here's a way to let your children experience this pleasure, and, at the same time, teach them thoughtfulness. And, in a way, all children will enjoy. It's with the Hallmark Make Your Own Valentine Kit. In this kit are gay red cards, lacy white panels, and special cut-out designs. There are perky kittens, baby chicks, puppies, ducklings, appealing little animals that youngsters love. It's so easy because it's all done without scissors, paint, or glue. For only a dollar, this Hallmark Kit contains the makings and designs. There are other Hallmark Make Your Own Kits for as little as 50 cents. Ask for them at the store where you buy all of your Hallmark cards. Look for Hallmark on the cover of the box, the same symbol of quality you always look for when you carry enough to send the very best. Here again is James Hilton. The old general was a fine character, and you brought him to real life for us, Raymond Massey, with your vivid performance. Thank you. He was a great old fellow, wasn't he, Jimmy? To be honest and sincere, quality is what you Hallmark folks talk about and understand so well. And speaking of Hallmark, I was most interested in what Frank Goss just said about the Make Your Own Valentine Kits. Sounds like a very worthwhile idea. But what have you planned for next week, Jimmy? Next week we shall dramatize Kurt Carroll's The Golden Heard, a romantic story of the early Southwest at one of the most adventurous periods in our country's history. And for our star, we have invited Bruce Cabot our Hallmark playhouses every Thursday, our director-producer is Bill Gay, the music of Sir Edward Elgar tonight was adapted by Lynn Murray, and our script was written by Axel Grinberg. Until next Thursday then, this is James Hilton saying, good night. There are so lonely in stores that have been carefully selected to give you expert and friendly service. Remember Hallmark cards when you carry enough to send the very best. Raymond Massey appeared by arrangement with 20th Century Fox, producers of the picture Halls of Montezuma starring Richard Widmark. The part of Limpi tonight was played by Barbara Jean Wong. Bates was Eric Snowden, and Peter was played by Ralph Reed. This is Frank Goss saying good night to you all until next week at the same time when James Hilton returns to present Bruce Cabot in Kurt Carroll's The Golden Heard. And in the weeks to follow, both Talkington's Monsieur Bocair and every Thursday night, outstanding stories by the world's best known authors with famous Hollywood stars as our guests on the Hallmark Playhouse. This is CBS The Columbia Broadcasting System. This is KMBC, Kansas City, Missouri.