 From Hollywood, California, the Lux Radio Theatre presents Ginger Rogers, Don Amici, and Charles Winninger in A Free Soul. Present Hollywood. Our sponsors, believing that this program is the best means of showing you their appreciation of your loyalty to Lux. Tonight bring you Ginger Rogers, Don Amici, Charles Winninger, and Jack Arnold in another great play. We'll also hear from Mr. William A. Brady, distinguished Broadway producer and Aprilion, world famous designer of motion picture styles. Conducting our music is Louis Silvers, and our entire presentation is under the direction of your celebrated host. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Missourians are noted for caution and thoroughness, and Ginger Rogers was born in a Missouri town called Independence. It may be the combination that enables her to do what other girls find impossible. She scored first on the screen as a comedian, then as the most enchanting of all screen dancers, and her recent performance in Stage Door marks her as one of the most accomplished and delightful actresses in Hollywood. A small girl with golden hair and green eyes, Ginger likes ice cream sodas. And has installed a complete soda fountain in her new Beverly Hills home. She also likes roller skating, knitting, and saving old wrapping paper. I think I can safely say that it was the Lux Radio Theatre that gave Ginger one of her first important opportunities at drama. When a year ago we presented her in The Curtain Rises. She's currently starred for RKO in Having Wonderful Time. And tonight, enacts the role of Jan in Willard Mack's melodrama, A Free Soul. Tonight also brings to fulfillment what has long been an ambition of ours, to see Don Amici before our microphone. A radio favorite for several years, he's outstanding in an ever-increasing group of Hollywood stars who are coming to the screen by way of the air. We hear Don as Ace Wilfong. And we're especially happy to present as Steve Anash, that superb character actor, as famous on the air, as he is on the stage and in films, Charles Winninger. Jack Arnold is heard as Dwight Sutrow. With this thumbnail introduction to our stars, let's raise the curtain and get to the play. The Lux Radio Theatre presents A Free Soul, starring Ginger Rogers, Don Amici, and Charles Winninger. The smallest big town in the world, the city of San Francisco. It's late afternoon, and Market Street in the business section is jammed with a tangled mass of traffic, jockeying for position, shooting impatiently at the delay. Suddenly, a long blue roadster, sweep from a side street, skids recklessly beneath the nose of an oncoming truck, and rounds the corner on two sweeping tires. Practice on the hook and ladder. What? Oh, there was a neat little piece of drive in there. I'm sorry, Tim. I was in a hurry. Yeah, that's what I thought. And how's your dad, Miss Ash? Don't see him around very much. Oh, he's fine. I'll give him your regards. Great man, Steve Ash. ought to be distant attorney but writes, put some of these crooks behind the bars. He does better keeping him on this side. Oh, what time is it, Tim? It's, uh, 5.45. Oh, I've got to run. Family tea at my aunt. See you around, Tim. Okay, take it easy now. Think I can make knob hill in three minutes? Then you do your lad in the lock up. Look me up and cell number six. Good evening, Dean. Oh, good evening, Miss Ash. Am I terribly late? Your aunts are waiting in the drawing room, Miss. Hey. I don't take care of what you say, Stephen. It's true. Now, wait. Hello, everybody. Oh, Jan, dear. How are you, Aunt Dorff here? Evening, Aunt Grace. Good evening. Hiya, Dad. Hello, Jan. Sit down. Just talking about you. Stephen, please. Well, we were, weren't we? Oh, it sounds like I was on the pan. Where's Dean? Dean! Yes, Mr. Rice. Fill this glass up. Will you? It's been empty for 10 minutes. Yes. Dad, I thought this was supposed to be a tea. Now, stop. Stop picking on me. It's sundown, isn't it? Stephen, can't you even come to a family conference without requiring stimulants? My dear sister, what occasion could arise where a man's desire for stimulants would be greater than at a family conference? Go on, Dorothy. What was it you were going to say about Jan? Well, since it is about Jan, do you think she should be present to hear herself discussed? Well, I'll have to let Jan answer that. You want to stay, Jan? Of course I do. I wouldn't miss it for worlds. Have you no voice at all in the matter, Stephen? Why should I? Jan ought to know her own mind. She's known it ever since. She was five years old. Exactly. And that's just what brought us where we are today. Where are we today? Your Aunt Grace is referring to certain actions of yours. Public actions. And the people you choose to be seen with in public places. Oh, so that's it. I knew this meeting was going to be called today. I knew it last Tuesday when Aunt Grace walked into the St. Auburn for luncheon and saw me there with Ace Willfong. Ace Willfong. A common gambler. Oh, wait a minute. Wait. Is that what this is all about? Isn't it enough? We just stand by and see our family name dragged in the mud. What do you mean, dragged in the mud? I'd like that question answered myself. What do you mean, the mud? What mud? The notorious dirty mud which clings to this man your daughter sees fit to be seen with. Oh, that's a laugh. And Grace didn't think he looked so dirty until she found out who he was. Jan. After that, she made everybody's lunch cold for three tables around. Even. Are you going to allow your daughter to insult me? Is he stating facts? I certainly am. One moment, please. I have one question, Steve, and it will settle a great deal in my mind. All right, Dorothy. Let's have it. Did you know that Jan knew this gambler? Willfong? Certainly. I introduced him to her. You are? You introduced the man to her. Of course I did. Why not? Jan has met everyone in California who was worth meeting. Every fighter, every jockey, every gambler. Oh, Stephen, do be serious. I am. Since she was old enough to be my pal, she's known everyone I ever knew. And, well, why not? Oh, what does he care about anything? If he chooses to raise a daughter with the manners of a boss. That's enough, Aunt Grace. I've heard enough. You don't like me and never have. That makes us even. But don't forget this. No matter how much respect my father shows his sister, that's his debt. I don't owe you anything. And I don't have to answer to you for anything. Jan, dear Jan. Oh, I'm sorry. Grace. Dorothy. I don't have to tell you what Jan has been to me all these years since her mother died. She's been my comrade, my pal. I brought her up from a baby. Brought her up to face life and face it squarely. Whatever she is, I know she'll always be honest. Whatever she becomes, it'll be her own choice. What right and wrong are not going to be rubber stamped for her. If she's not strong enough to stand it, I'd rather she go down fighting than be a namby pamby cowardly mealy mouth liar. And you do nothing to help her in avoiding temptation? If God has given her an immortal soul, won't it survive temptation? Must it forever be hedged in with a lot of fables that are very ear-sick enough? No. And if in the end it strikes us both down, Jan shall be a free soul always. That, I promise you. And I can see there's nothing more to be said. Nothing, sis. Ladies of the jury, the defense rests. Thank heaven for that. It's grand music. No, not like you do. What's the matter? In a very arty complex? No, no. Common sense, I guess. A lot of friends here is here tonight. Oh, you're protecting my reputation again, aren't you? I wish you wouldn't, Ace. Why not? Can't do you any good being seen with me so much? Your friends must do plenty of talking. Do you think I care? You should, maybe. It's a funny combination, you and me. I only hope it never gets you into a jam. Oh, Ace, you're as bad as my aunts in twice as old-fashioned. Oh, hello, Dwight. Good evening, Jan. Coming, Dwight. Oh, yes. Excuse me, please. Friend of yours? Dwight Sutcroft. Kind of frigid, wasn't he? That's what I'm talking about, Jan. I choose my own company, and just now you happen to be it. Thanks. Don't live long. Oh, my life. He proposed to me once. Oh, seems to be all right. I thought so, too. But while I was thinking it over, his mother decided she didn't like me. And, if he married me, she'd cut him off. That changed his mind. Mine, too. He must sleep bad with that on his conscience. Conscience? Having a chance to marry a girl like you and passing it up for a little Jag. A lot of Jags. Couldn't be enough to square the deal. Oh, Ace, you're marvelous. Oh, I've got to call Dad. Wait for me, will you? Sure. I'll only be a minute. Well, Jan. Well, the frigid, Mr. Sutrow. How are you, Dwight? Jan, I want to speak to you. You didn't seem so anxious inside. I was until I saw whom you were with. Why are you doing it, Jan? What do you hope to gain by it? Oh, I don't know what you're talking about. It's just to make me jealous. Jealous? Oh, do you think I'd go to the trouble of making you jealous? Then I suppose it doesn't mean a thing to you anymore. That we're not the way we used to be. Well, that's a thing, Dwight. Well, it does to me. Really? Has your mother changed her mind again? Oh, that's not fair, Jan. I asked you to wait a little while until I won her over. And suppose you didn't win her over. I'd lose again, wouldn't I? No, Dwight. The man I marry has got to want me more than anything else in the world. Just me, and nothing else must count. I do want you, Jan. Oh, no, you don't. I do. Give me a chance to prove to you how much I do. No, Dwight. It's cold. You know what I mean. You don't interest me anymore. Maybe someday I'll think you're swell, and if I do, I'll call you up. Unless you should happen to meet that ideal man of yours in the meantime. Of course. Maybe you've met him already. Perhaps. Ace Willfong, I suppose. You might be right about that, too. Good night, Dwight. The takens were deposited this morning. Okay. Hey, the house is doing swell, Ace. Over 4,000 bucks are roulette alone. And there's a crowd out there tonight fighting for the privilege of losing their dodia. Say, we'll be swimming in it soon. Yeah. Say, look, Abe. You've known me for a long time. You saw me start this thing. You watched it grow. Yep. That's right. Am I a smart guy, Abe? Or is it just luck? I don't know. Both, I guess. Well, what I mean is, suppose I'd gone into some other racket, something on the up and up. Would I come along like this, Ace? Or would I be walking around with holes in my pants? Hey, you weren't thinking of getting out, are you? You can't do that, Ace. I'm thinking of a lot of things. Yeah. We've been watching that here lately. We? Who's we? The boys and me. She's got you running around in circles, ain't she? Shut up, Abe. I'll let some bosses feel her own good. These societies, they don't care. Stop, Abe. Tell ya. You don't talk about her in this place. You get it? You or anyone else? You can spread that around with the boys. If I hear anyone of them, you can mention her name, I'll pitch them out in his ear. Hey, boss, there's a dame here to see you. Okay. Jan, what are you... All right, Abe, beat it. Right. Okay, come on. Jan, what's the idea? Well, now there's a nice reception. What's the matter? Women play here, you told me yourself. Well, sure, but this is no place for you, Jan. I didn't come to play. I came to see a man at his game, Ace. If he's a fighter, I like to see him train. If he's a doctor, I like to see him operate. If he's a gambler, I like to see him gamble. Well, you're not going to see me gamble. You're going home. Oh, don't be silly, Ace. I'm not doing anything wrong. It's not what you're doing. It's what people think you're doing. I do what I like. I'll always do what I like. That's my creed, Ace. Yeah? It may work now. It won't always. Why not? You'll be getting married one of these days. Do you think that would make any difference? I wouldn't marry a man who didn't know me well enough to know that if I wanted to do something, it was all right to do it. I see. Well, aren't we having a chummy little talk? We'll continue it later. I'll tell Jack to bring the car around. I'll be right down. Listen, have the elevator waiting. Come on, Jan. You're being very masterful tonight. We'll leave by the side door. I'm not so sure I like you when you're being such a strong character, Ace. Sorry. No, here's the elevator. Well, I just came up to lose a little odd change. Dad, where have you been? My dear daughter, I had hoped that was not too obvious. I've been wooing Bacchus. I suppose you know the office has been trying to reach you all day. Why? You've got to be in court tomorrow at 10 o'clock. I shall be there on the dot. Run along now. Run along. Oh, where are you going? There's a game inside called Poker Dice, which after 20 years still intrigues me. Good night, Jan. Daddy! Nice save. He'll be all right. I'll tell Ed to look after him. You go along downstairs. That's such a rotten shame, Ace. He's so brilliant on one side, and on the other, he's so overbalanced. He always knows just what other people need, and he does it for them. But for himself, he... he can't do anything. Oh, God, it's terrible. Oh, Jan, dear. I've watched him ever since I was a little kid. Playing with liquor year after year. It's been working on him. He doesn't know. He can't see what it's doing. Jan, Jan, please don't. I wish I could help you. I want to, Jan. You can't. No one can. Well, you let me try. Somehow. You would maybe if... if you knew how much I love you, Jan. Oh, why did you wait so long to say that? Oh, I've wanted to for weeks. And I've wanted to hear it for months. Jan, you're... you're so far above me, it scares me to think of it. Then don't think of it. Oh, you're wonderful, Jan. Will you always say that? Oh, always. I'll take a chance on anything, but when I place a bet on you, that's a sure thing. Jan, will you marry me? Of course I will. I mean, soon. How soon? A week or so. A week? And leave dad? Oh, he needs me, Ace, now more than ever. You'll always need you. But that's all right. We can all stick together. Live together? Why not? Oh, darling. Oh, well, let me think. I'm not stalling. It's just... let me think it out all by myself. I'll call you. When? Tonight, late. After... After dad gets home. God smiled. They beamed 250 in the hole, and I threw five kings. A windfall! Where's my glass? Please, dad, don't. What? No more tonight. I want to tell you something. Something important, dad. What could be more important than five kings? Dad. I'm going to marry Ace Wilfong. What's that? I'm going to marry him. Oh, Jan, you're not serious. Of course I'm serious. I love him. You know what he is, Jan? What he will always be? A gambler? Well, we know lots of gamblers, and their wives, and prize fighters, and jockeys, and bookmakers, and... But I didn't expect you to marry them. Good Lord, girl. We can associate with anybody, but we don't marry them. That isn't what you taught me. You said a hundred times. Jan, if you aren't ashamed of what you do, and if people see you aren't ashamed, they'll respect you. Now, haven't you said that? Oh, no matter what I said, you can't marry Ace Wilfong. Why? Don't you like Ace? Yes. As a man, I like him very much, and as a character, he interests me. But as a husband for my sake, how can you expect me to like him? He's square. He's clean. He's brave. I believe that. And I tell you, Dad, that he loves me, and... and I love him. Oh, you've been in love often enough before. Then I ought to know, wouldn't I, Dad? If it were the very first time, I might be mistaken. I tell you, I know, I know. Oh, Jack... I'll never love anyone else. Oh, Dad, please believe me. Jan, Jan. Oh, you can't do this thing, dear. You mustn't do it. Listen, I know I'm no good. I've made you suffer and I loathe myself for it. But you're all I've got. I can't let you be unhappy, ashamed. You can't marry Ace Wilfong. You say you loathe yourself for it. But you loathe yourself for making me suffer. Can't you see how you're making me suffer now? It's for you I'm doing it. You know I love you, Jan. I'll do better. I promise I'll do better. Dad, we're both gamblers, you and I. No more than that. We've been good gamblers with life always. Now, I want to gamble with you for the limit. Yes? I'll make you a bet. And I'll give you fair odds. I promise you I won't marry Ace Wilfong. I won't even see him. If you promise me, you'll never drink again. Is it a bet? I give up the man I love because you think he's bad for me. And you give up what you love because, oh, I know it's killing you. Is it a bet, Dad? It's a bet, Jan. Thanks, Dad. The defense rests. Good night, Dad. Good night. Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to be alone. Oh, sure, I know. Sure, honey. Hello. Give me Main 0642. Hello. Hello. I'd like to speak to Ace Wilfong, please. In the meantime, we switch our scene to Hollywood to a shop on Sunset Boulevard out near the city limits of Beverly Hills. Inside the shop, a young lady very much talked of in Hollywood today is looking over some clothes. A sales girl is helping them. Oh, I think it's so wonderful you're getting that part. I read about you this morning. Well, you're famous. Thank you. It is wonderful. But really, all I have time to think about is getting ready to go on location. I have practically no warm clothes. What about sweaters? Let me show you some of our new cashmere. They're really lovely. Oh, I adore that one. It's so marvelously soft and light. And it fits so nicely, too. Yes, but we'll only stay just as nice. Oh, but it will if it's washed right. Here are the directions right on the tag. Use cool water and luxe flakes. Would you wash a sweater like that? Oh, yes. Washing is good for a world provided you use luxe. Sweaters shouldn't be rough with a cake soap. They may shrink right up and get stiff and harsh. I know Marie uses luxe for my lingerie and stockings. Well, if she'll just stick to luxe of sweaters, too, she'll keep the colors nice and that's fit perfect. You see, there's no rubbing with luxe flakes. And it hasn't any harmful alkali in it either the way some soaps have. Anything safe in plain water is safe in luxe flakes, you know. All right, I'll take it. And just so I don't forget, I'll stick a memo in my purse. Marie, take along plenty of big boxes of luxe. Now let's look at coats. We return now to Mr. DeMille and our play. We resume a free soul, starring Ginger Rogers, Charles Winninger and Donna Meachie. For six long weeks, Steve was faithful to his pledge and Jan to hers. It's late at night now and in Jan's room a single light is burning. The girl paces the floor nervously and turns quickly as she hears someone at the door. Oh, Dad, I've been worried about you. Where have you been? Jan. Oh, Dad, oh, Dad. I'm sorry, Jan. You've broken your pledge, you promised. I know that, but that's why I came up here. You know what you said. You know what I said. You know what we agreed, Dad. I know. I'm going to marry him. You've broken your part of the bargain. You can't stop me now. I'm licked, Jan. It's licked me, but I tried. I tried. You could have gone upstairs. I never would have known. Sure, but that, that wouldn't be playing the game fair, would it? Oh, Dad. Oh, not a thing. It's swallowing with me. Oh, were you coming home to dinner? Oh, Ace, why not? Well, I know it's business, darling, but it's ages since I've seen you. Well, not since last night, Ace. Oh, please. Well, but I've invited some people over. Oh, I see. All right, Ace. Oh, I know you're sorry. All right. I'll be up when you get home. Clara. Yes, ma'am? Mr. Wilfong won't be home to dinner. Call up everyone, say I'm sick or something. Yes, ma'am. Oh, well, Mr. Sutrow called again. Do I? What did he say? He asked if you'd have tea with him this afternoon. I told him you were busy. Oh. Oh, well, uh, we'll call him back. Tell him I'm not as busy as I thought. Sure, that's enough, Steve. Sure, I'll have this back to you in a couple of days, Ace. And the other two. Things haven't been so hot here lately, but they'll be picking up. Oh, forget it. Um, you seen anything of Jan? Uh, Jan's a little disappointed in me these days. What do you mean? She kind of guessed I was making a few loans from you and kind of got her pride. Oh, why should it all in the family? She sees it a little differently, Ace. Uh, she sees it as a man taking money from the fella he didn't want his daughter to marry. Oh. You didn't know that, did you? That I didn't want her to marry you. Oh, I guess I did. I wasn't sure why, though. Well, you understand horses, Ace, don't you? Yes, I am. Well, humans are the same. It was the blood. I didn't want to cross it. You figured my breeding wasn't right, huh? Well, what I meant was I knew her strain and I didn't know yours. Can't man be a thoroughbred unless he's got a name they know for a thousand years? Sure he can. And you're proving that to me every day. Proving I was wrong. I'm not talking about the money either. You know that. Oh, forget that. But you were right, too, in a way. I mean, if I was bread-right, your strain. I know more about things. I wouldn't have to ask about, well, about something that's been in my mind for a long time. Why do you cheer it? Now, this isn't a squawk, Steve. I just want you to put me right. Well? Is it okay now that Jan's my wife? Is it supposed to be correct for her to let guys who knew her before she was married keep on hanging around? Does she? Well? Is it all right? Yes, it's all right. Why not? But she's my wife. Has she done anything not worthy of a wife? She goes out riding with this guy. Well, because she married you? Should that keep her from motoring on a nice day in nice company? Yes, in nice company. I met him. He's a rat. I think you know what I'm talking about. I wouldn't let it worry me. Jan's the skipper of her own boat. She must know what she's doing. Yeah? I hope so. That you, Jan? Darling, I didn't know you were here. You're home early tonight. I can say for you. Here, take my wrap, will you, darling? Oh, I'm tired. We were dancing at the three spades. Do I et cetera? Yes. Why? That's three times in a week, isn't it? Why not? I've got to do something. I can't just sit here every night waiting. You wouldn't expect me to. No. We've been married eight months, and all during those eight months, I think you and I were out together every bit of six times. Two shows, two ball games, and one rotten fight. Now, if that isn't a record for a pair of great lovers, I don't know. Oh, I know it's been tough for you, darling. For me, too. But I've had to stick close to the place, Jan, to wind things up. What? I'm getting out next week, selling the place. A's? No. Sure. It's no life for you stuck with a gambler. I'm going into something else. Something on the up and up. I've got enough dough to start with, but maybe we get to see each other once in a while. Oh, darling, that's marvelous. You're doing this just for me, aren't you? For us. You can do something for me, if you want. Well, of course, darling. Of course. Well, I don't know how to say it without sounding silly, but... it'd make me a lot happier if you weren't so chummy with this satro guy. Well, it does sound silly, Ace. I told you, before we got married, I had to be free. I don't consider it necessary to account for myself to anyone. But this much, I'll tell you. I should have gone mad these months without Dwight. As bad as that, hmm? As bad as that. There's no harm in going places. Dwight and I were kids together. Why? Oh, I know what he is, but he's harmless where I'm concerned. If I could believe that, I wouldn't beef. I want you to be free, Jan, but isn't there some other freedom that's a little less like playing with nitroglycerin? Ace, I won't be bossed, and that's that. Oh, no, it isn't. No, Jan. You've got to give me something else besides this free soul stuff. That don't mean anything to me. That was all right for you and your dad, but not for me. That agreement between dad and me was our faith, our faith in each other. Ace, I wouldn't live with you two minutes if I thought you didn't trust me. I do. That's why I can't have other people thinking what I know isn't so. I won't have it. I warned you never to treat me as you would any other girl you've ever known. You don't understand my training and you don't understand my code. And you don't understand mine. What I win belongs to me. You get that me. And I won't allow anybody to throw crooked dice in the game I'm in. And your mind and the game is mine and this writer's out to break it up for me, but he won't, you see? Take your hands off of me. Don't you ever do that again, Ace. And don't ever try to bully me into anything. I've done what I've felt like doing all my life. I'll go on doing it. And if I want to see Dwight Sutrow as long as it's honest and clean, you've nothing to say about it. Do you hear nothing? All right. I won't bother you again. Where are you going? I'm going out. Where? Well, I... You mind if I come in? Well, I know. Of course not. Make yourself comfortable, Wilfong. Thanks. I'm not staying. Oh, long enough to have a drink. Not even that. I can say what I came to say in a couple of words. Yes? Sutrow, I want you to stay away from my wife. I haven't wanted to say that. You forced my hand. But stay away from it. You hear? I hear, yes. And you will or else. You don't know much about men like me, but maybe you can figure out what I mean by that. Well? I'll see your wife just as often as she'll allow me to see her. It's entirely her affair. And mine. She's married to me. That I should say is her misfortune. But she's entitled to some happiness. If she favors the company of a man of her own world, then I shall do my best to be that company and just what can you do about it? I can do this about it. If you ever go near my wife again, I'll kill you. Remember that. The private dig just reported. What did he say? Now, listen, boys, you don't want to get so... What did he say? Well, he's been trailing Sutrow since Wednesday. Today, about three o'clock, Sutrow gets in his car and goes up to the house. Go on. Well, I... My wife went out with him? Yeah. Yeah, they went out for a ride or something. But look, boss, maybe... Shut up, you... Well, I just... When he calls again, tell him to keep on the job. I want to know every move Sutrow makes. Dwight, I felt a drop of rain. We'll be at Dwight's in a couple of minutes. Oh, don't you think we'd better put the top up? We'll be drenched. You won't melt. Oh, Dwight, please. Oh, all right. It'll make you feel any better. Hurry, Dwight. Look out. Look out. Oh, goodness. Oh, well, I hope you're satisfied. I'm sorry, Jen. Look at my dress. I can't go to Dwight's looking like this. Come on. Go and get dried up. Where are we going? My place. It's only a minute. Hold tight. Put your feet up on the fireplace. I feel like a sponge. One sharp twist and I can bring myself out. I must be a sight. Don't you believe it? You look beautiful. With water trickling off my chin, I'll just bet I do. You'll always look beautiful to me, Jen. You know that, don't you? It's very kind of you, I'm sure. Don't, Jen. Don't what? Don't keep putting you off like that. You shouldn't, you know. We can't just go on laughing and pretending forever. It's not a laughing matter. Not with me. I love you, Jen. Give me a cigarette, please. Oh, of course. I wish you hadn't said that, Dwight. Why? Well, it's been such fun being with you. Now, you've spoiled it. Because I told you I loved you? That's not the first time I've said it. It's the first time since I've been married to Ace. I'd like to believe it's the last. It isn't. I'll never stop telling you. Then I'm sorry for you. I'm sorry for our friendship. You see, Dwight, I love my husband. Oh, how can you say that? You're not happy with him. But I am. Oh, Jen, dear, don't be a fool. I thought you were above petty little conventionalities. He's not your kind, Jen. And you are, I suppose. I love you. I could make you happy. Oh, Jen, darling. Will you get my coat, please? Jen. I'm leaving. I'm sorry, Dwight. It seems I've led you into believing something about me that isn't true. My coat, please. You can't just leave it at that. I can, and I'm going to. Good night. Jen. Jen, darling. Let me go. I won't. You don't mean what you're saying. You're putting on an act. Maybe that'll prove to you that it isn't an act. That it never has been, that it never will be. Who? Abe, who? All right. Put him on. Hello? Hello. Talk louder, please. Who's on his way? I can't hear you. Will you please tell me what you're talking about? All right, Sutro, where is she? May I ask what you're doing here and what you mean by breaking it? Don't give me that. Where is she? She was here a minute ago. You're mad. Oh, no, I'm not. I've had you followed for a week. You brought her here, now where is she? Get out of here. I warned you, Sutro. You wouldn't listen to me. I warned you. Stay away from me. Stay away. Don't reach for a gun, Sutro. Don't reach for a gun or I'll let you have it. What I'm going to do to you, I can do with my own two hands. Hey, let go of me. Get away from that rock. This is Ace Wilfong. Send somebody up here right away. For station identification, this is the Columbia Broadcasting System. For the greatest producers the American stage has ever known, William A. Brady would be a most welcome guest on any program of the Lux Radio Theater. His presence tonight between the acts of our play is doubly appropriate, for he not only brought a free soul to Broadway, but during its run there, enacted the role of Stephen Ash. His countless other hits include such immortals as Way Down East and Trilby. Husband of Grace George and father of Alice Brady, Mr. Brady's life reads like the history of the theater. One of the giants of the sporting world, too. He revolutionized boxing during the years that he managed the famous champion, gentlemen Jim Corbett. On the stage, his champions included David Warfield, Catherine Cornell, Helen Hayes, Mary Nash, Henry Hull and Douglas Fairbanks. The Lux Radio Theater extends its stage to New York City and brings you William A. Brady. Thank you, Mr. DeMille. It's the privilege of a young man to look forward and an old man to look back. I've been close to the theater since the days of Edwin Boone. I've seen motion pictures grow from nothing at all into an international patch time. And radio from a howling static-filled discord to its statue of perfection exemplified by the Lux Radio Theater. The sponsors of which, by the way, deserve tremendous credit for the part that they have taken in the present rejuvenation of the American theater. In my youth, variety was the spice of life. For example, some 30 years ago I managed a heavyweight championship fight on one night and presented Robert B. Mantell in his first performance of King Lear on the following night. People often ask me, what was my proudest moment? Well, it was at the time that I made Helen Hayes a star or discovered Douglas Fairbanks or the night when Corbett knocked out the mighty John L. Sullivan. It could be any of these, but down in my heart I still feel the thrill of never since duplicated that came to me as a skinny, ragged little boy. It was the night that I sat in the old boo theater on 23rd Street and when, from my seat in the last row of the top gallery, I heaved a marble during the sleep-walking scene of Macbeth and scored a disrept hit on the bass drum miles below me in the orchestra pit. Now that's one way of making a hit in the theater. Most of my life since then has been working for hits from behind the footlights. There is one honor there that I share with Lux Flakes, for they've played a star role backstage and many a Broadway hit. As a producer, I know they are the tops in wardrobe department. Today, it's the Hollywood costume to take athletes and turn them into actors. Well, it's nothing new, my friends. Nothing new. It started long, long ago in the golden days of boxing when Jim Corbett would play Armand in Camille and John L. Sullivan would stand them up in honest hearts and willing hands. Many youngsters claim that there are few fields not overcrowded today. But let a young fella bust loose. Let him find a spot that's not so crowded. Let him take a chance and luck or stubbornness will see him through. After all, it looks very much like the same old world to me. My congratulations to you, Mr. DeMille, to Miss Rogers, to Mr. Winninger and to Mr. Amici for giving a play very dear to my heart. My congratulations to Lux Flakes and to all the people who buy Lux and so make such a superb presentation possible. Thank you. Thank you, William Brady. We're back in Hollywood now where a free soul with Ginger Rogers, Don Amici, and Charles Winninger is continued. It's early the next morning. In his cell in the city jail, Ace is seated on the edge of an iron cot. His shoulders drooping. His head in his hands. Suddenly, he hears footsteps in the corridor and springs to his feet, every nerve alert. Five minutes, Miss. Thank you. Oh, Ace. Oh, Ace, darling, what have I done to you? It's all right, honey. Don't cry. I killed the right that's all. Oh, why did you? There was nothing wrong, Ace. I swear it. You've got to believe that regardless of what happens, you've got to know that, Ace. I do know it. That's what makes this bearable claim. I never doubted you. Not down deep, I didn't. I was just all on fire inside. I didn't go there to kill him. Just to give him a scare. He went for a gun. Oh, how can life do such things to people? I love you, Ace. I've never loved anyone but you. I wish I could take my heart out and show it to you. Shh. Please, please. It's my fault. Everything is my fault. I thought I was a free soul and I'm not. Because I belong to you. It came to me last night when you didn't come home and then I heard and I thought about you here and me there. Oh, I died, Ace. I died. I'd tell you if I ever live again. Hey, hey, please stop it. You don't know what you're saying. Look at me. I'll be all right. Everything is going to be all right. It's got to be. They've never hanged a man for a thing like this. I was up there to Sutrose yesterday. And when the jury knows that... Wait, Jan, listen. You've got to promise me something. Anything, Ace? I... He mustn't spill that stuff about being up there, Jan. You know what I mean? It'll seem tough but that's the way I'm going to play it. You mean you... you wouldn't let me go understand to save you? Yeah, that's just what I mean. No, sweet, we can't. You married me against the wishes of everyone, even your father. No matter what happens to me, we can't use your good name to save my name. My good name? Oh, you poor crazy darling. Do you think that means anything if you're taken away from me? Oh, no, Ace, I'd yell it from the top of the ferry building that I was there. That it was my fault. No, you won't. You're not going on the stand. Who can stop me? Your father. He's going to defend me. Dad? Oh, no, Ace, you can't. Oh, he's my father, but... but I know he... he can't save you. He's through, Ace. He hasn't had a case in months. He... well, he couldn't even plead one. I'm laying a bet on him. Can't you? Oh, I see. You don't care about being saved. You're letting him defend you because you know he'll... he'll never let me testify. No, no, James. It's true. You've no confidence in him yourself. You couldn't have. If he does what I asked, that's all I want. Oh, that's right. And, uh, and Rolfang was standing by the window looking out. Mm-hmm. And what happened then? Well, he... he handed me the gun and he said, Here's the gun that killed him. It's mine. I did it. Thank you. Your witness, Mr. Ash. Mr. Ash, the attorney for the state has offered the witness. No questions, Your Honor. Do I understand, Mr. Ash, that you have no wish to cross-question any of the state's witnesses? Yes, Your Honor. Very well. Witnesses excused. The defense will proceed with this case. Call your first witness. If it pleases the court, there will be no witnesses for the defense. What's that? Your Honor, the defense rests. No, no! I won't. They're trying to protect me, Your Honor. They won't let me take the stand because they know what I'll say. That I was in Dwight Sutrow's apartment the night he was shot. That my husband knew I was there. That's why he came. Your Honor, I asked the court's permission to speak for a moment with my wife. Their prisoner will not address the bench. But, Your Honor, try it. Try it, please. Young lady, will you please take your seat? Mr. Ash, do you wish to present this young woman as a witness? Oh, Dad, please. Please, you've got to. You don't know what you're doing. And well, Mr. Ash. The defense rests, Your Honor. There will be no witnesses. Has the state concluded its case? They have, Your Honor. And the attorney for the defense will sum up, please. Thank you. Your Honor, gentlemen of the jury, you have seen in this court a man on trial for his life. A man accused of the foulest of crimes, premeditated murder, murder in the first degree, for which there is but one penalty. Death. You have heard witnesses for the prosecution and none for the defense. You have seen a young woman, my own daughter, rise in defense of her husband and tell you... I object, Your Honor. The woman who was not a witness, her testimony was not entered into evidence. Objection sustained. Proceed, please. The district attorney is right, gentlemen. You must strike from your mind everything that that woman said. Strike it from your heart if you can. You heard that woman? You know she spoke the truth. And you know that if you bring in a verdict of guilty, you will be placing a rope around the neck of an innocent man. Objection. There's been no evidence for the defense to prove the accused innocent. Objection overruled. I take it, Mr. Ayash, he's dealing in certain attendant circumstances. Thank you, Your Honor. Thank you. Attendant circumstances. Circumstances not born of the moment, day or hour, but wicked, profane and damnable teachings. Look at that girl, the wife of the accused. You wouldn't think that that child's mind was full of poisonous fallacies. It's God's truth. For since she was old enough to listen, I have dimmed into her ears that she was a free soul. I told her she must not be a hypocrite or a coward. I cried out to her that she must follow her desires and be honest and open with them. These were my teachings. And may God forgive me. She had no mother. Could we expect her to see that her father was a money bank, a trickster, a fool? Her desires, innocent as they might have been, led her into the company of another man, despite the wishes of her husband. Are you beginning to see who is the guilty man? Do you reason now who should be on trial here today? I, Stephen F. Ace Wolfong, held the pistol, but my hand pulled the trigger. There's only one freedom, knowing and obeying God. There never has been but one man big enough to be a free soul on this earth, and they nailed him to a cross. But he forgave. Yes. And that's what I'm asking you to do today. I ask you to forgive this man. I ask my daughter to forgive me. Oh, Dad! Dad! In the jury, have you reached a decision? We have. We find the defendant not guilty. Oh, darling! He did it for us, Dan. He gave us a life again. Oh, Dad! Dad! Look at me! You were wonderful, darling. And I do forgive you. Oh, I forgive you everything. Dad. Dad, don't you hear me? Well, don't just sit there, darling. Wait a minute. What's the matter? Steve! Leave of a free soul. The later we'll hear again from Ginger Rogers, Donna Mechie, and Charles Winninger. Adrian, the screen's most famous fashion designer. Tonight makes a return of engagement in the Lux Radio Theatre. A Connecticut Yankee who started on the stage with Irving Berlin, he was brought to Hollywood by Mrs. Rudolph Valentino. It's he who designs the screen clothes at Metro Golden Mayor Studios for such renowned beauties as Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Greta Gabo, Myrna Lloyd, Jeanette Macdonald, and Louise Reiner. When he last, he mentioned the fashion influence Greta Gabo exited in Camille. And now, Adrian, that she's completed her new film, Conquest. Would you say that she maintains our leadership? Yes, I do. And one of the more interesting fashion influences of Conquest is a little black velvet cap that looks as if it were a snail shell. Does that sound particularly ridiculous? It would have a few years ago, but today, for the sake of peace in the family, I take the funniest hat seriously. So do I. And this is about the only period in history in which a woman can put the most ridiculous-looking contraption on her head, look in the mirror, and accept it seriously. Hats were never so humorous, but strangely enough, they're accepted even by husbands. I'm not accepted, tolerated. My own feeling about extraordinary hats is that they're far more interesting than humorous. An unusual hat, carefully selected, brings out a woman's personality. She becomes an individual instead of a conventional type. Getting back to Gabo, she's a very important style influence simply because she's not at all interested in style. Therefore, I can design anything that I think will look well on her and if she agrees about it, she'll wear it regardless of fashion and it will usually start a new trend. Most women don't want to start a new trend. They want to play follow the leader. Right. The majority are very antagonistic to a new fashion. It's only after they've seen a new style worn by their favorite actress by the best dressed woman at their club and finally by their favorite enemy that they decide to take a chance with it themselves. How do you account for this being the most lavish season in women's dress for 20 years? Is it an indication of good times? Well, on the contrary, a lavishness in dress, a willingness to indulge in unusual ideas are always apparent when the world seems on the edge of something momentous. How accurate this barometer is, I can't say, but whenever international affairs are unsettled, extravagance in fashions will blossom forth amazingly. There's another reason, too, which I hope is truer. It's the fact that today the old law of what they're wearing no longer exists. Most women are at last dressing according to what happens to become the best as individuals. And from all I hear, Adrian, Miss Cabo's new picture is going to be one of Hollywood's greatest. What can you tell us about it? Well, if for no other reason, Conquest is a great picture because while it's the story of Napoleon played by Charles Boyer, never in the entire picture does Napoleon put his hand inside of his coat. The reason is quite unromantic. We found that Napoleon suffered from dispepture, and the only time he struck that so-called characteristic pose was when he had to stomach ache. Thousands of costumes were made for Conquest, and thanks to Lux Flakes, they remained perfect through the weeks of production, look as new today as when they were created. When you see Conquest or any other film and you discover fashion ideas you'd like to copy, just remember that picture styles are created with three things in mind. They must be historically accurate. They must become the star, and they must create certain dramatic effects. So don't take them too literally. Be conservative, and you'll be well-dressed. Thank you. Thank you, Adrian. Number three has a charm, and here's a charming trio. Ginger Rogers, Donna Mechie, and Charles Wenninger. Thank you. And as the old timer here, CB, I want to say what a pleasure it's been playing tonight with two of the greatest youngsters in pictures. I'd include you, Charlie, and make it three of the greatest youngsters. Oh, thank you, thank you. Only a few, well, a very short time ago that Ginger was starting her career on the musical stage, and Don was just another unknown radio actor. This gives me a chance, Charlie, to ask a question I'm sure is in the minds of many in our audience. Tell us, Ginger, now that you've made stage door and are in the middle of another non-musical picture with a third one to follow that, does it mean you're through with singing and dancing pictures? By no means, Don. What I want is variety, and now that I've had it, I'm looking forward to doing a musical again. This has been a very happy year for me, and I only hope it has been equally happy for all of our listeners. And there's only one more thing I want to say. The last time I was here, CB, I said that all I did in Hollywood was play Papa. Well, just let me be Papa to Ginger and you, Don, and I'll never complain again. Thanks, Charlie. Good night, Mr. DeMille. Good night, you three youngsters. Mr. DeMille, thank you for deciding you the next big playing star. Good night, including Claire Whitney as Dorothea, Myra Marsh as Grace, Edward Marr as Abe, Eddie Cain as Charlie, Lou Merrill as District Attorney, Norman Field as Judge, James Eagles as Officer, Justina Wayne as The Maid, Sally Creighton as Secretary, Frank Nelson as Foreman, and Ken Chevelle as The News Boy. Mr. Amici appeared through courtesy of the makers of Chason Sanburn Coffee and 20th Century Fox Studios, where our conductor, Louis Silvers, was in charge of music for the new film, Alaba Goes to Town. Mr. Arnold is from RKO Studios. And here he is. Next Monday night, the Lux Radio Theater presents one of the most popular figures of motion pictures and radio, making his first appearance before our microphone, Bing Crosby. Sharing our spotlights with the nonchalant Mr. Crosby is that lovely and delightful comedian, Miss Joan Blondel. We've been fortunate in securing for their vehicle a brisk and sparkling collegiate comedy that was heartily cheered on both stage and screen. She loves me not. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night, when the Lux Radio Theater presents Bing Crosby and Joan Blondel in She Loves Me Not, featuring Nan Gray. This is Cesar B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood. Announces the Melville Road. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.