 Great Scenes from Great Plays with your host Walter Hamden and starring tonight Miss Jean Tierney in The Enchanted Cottage. On behalf of the families of the Protestant Episcopal Church in your own community and the Episcopal Actors Guild we welcome you to another half hour of Great Scenes from Great Plays transcribed by famous artists of stage, screen and radio. And now I present your host the distinguished actor manager Mr. Walter Hamden. Thank you and good evening. Tonight we have one of the most charming love stories to be written in the past 50 years. We've often heard the expression love is where you find it and I suspect we could go on to say where there is love there is beauty. I'm sure that Arthur Wing Pinero who wrote The Enchanted Cottage had these thoughts strongly entrenched in his mind when he sat down to write this story of two disillusioned young people who fought their way to happiness. Here to play the role of the kindly Laura Pennington is the beautiful and talented screen star Miss Jean Tierney. Thank you very much Mr. Hamden and I'd like to thank the Episcopal Actors Guild for inviting me to join you tonight. I don't know when I've had an opportunity to play the part of so forthright and sincere a person as Laura Pennington but more especially I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have you join us in the role of Major Hillgrove. Well thank you Jean. Now let's raise the curtain. Starring Jean Tierney as Laura with Richard Wehring as Oliver in The Enchanted Cottage. Whenever Laura Pennington came to call on me I promised myself I would not again use the word kind to her. Though I am blind I knew she was plain to the point of ugliness and I knew that when I used the word kind I was using a word which other men used for lack of anything else to say and that it hurt her deeply. This afternoon I again made my resolve as she came to my cottage on the lonely English countryside. Come in. Come in. Good afternoon Major Hillgrove. I'm sorry if I'm late. Please Miss Pennington it's very kind good of you to come and read to me so often. Good of you to let me come. I look forward to it so much. You read exceptionally well. You have a charming voice. Do you really want me to read to you today. You're nervous because I paid you a compliment about your voice. Oh no I mean yes I mean well I'm not used to compliments Major Hillgrove but I have another reason for not reading. Let me assure you I'm not a spin thrift with compliments. Now what is this other reason for not reading. It's a beautiful day out. I'm certain you'd like it and I and I have a suggestion besides. For what. Have you heard of Mr. Ashford the young man who just moved into the old cottage and Lord Whisperer's land. Oh yes another war veteran I understand. The more recent war than mine. Wouldn't you like to call upon him. He's terribly lonely. I talked with his housekeeper Mrs. Minette down in the village. He was rather severely injured wasn't he. Oh yes and he shot himself up away from everyone. Mrs. Minette fears he'll lose his mind if he continues like this. He doesn't sleep she says. Doesn't eat. He limps up and down his room all night. She can hear him. Yes yes I understand. You are kind to Miss Pennington. Very thoughtful. Well let's go and see Mr. Ashford shall we. Mr. Ashford. Mr. Ashford sir. Well Mrs. Minette what is it. You've got visitors coming up the lane sir. Have my mother and stepfather dare to hunt me down so soon. No sir it's Miss Pennington the village school mistress and major Hillgrove your neighbor. Coming for a cozy chat no doubt. Isn't it bad enough limping around this cottage without people here staring at me pitying me. Mr. Oliver you'll find major Hillgrove most understanding sir. Why shouldn't he be he's not crippled as I am. He lost his eyesight in the last war. That's Miss Pennington's not such as very plain and very gentle sir. Won't you ask them in. If you want me to. No don't trouble I'll go to the door myself. You'd better bring some tea Mrs. Minette. Yes sir. At least it'll stop that girl from chattering her silly head off. More tea Miss Pennington. Oh no no thank you Mr. Ashford. Come you haven't said a word in the past 20 minutes. And you know Ashford I had quite a time persuading her to bring me. Why major Hillgrove. I think she's been listening to the villagers tales about your housekeeper being a witch. It's cruel the way they treat her. But it endears her to me. It keeps people I don't want to see it at distance. Oh. Why Miss Pennington are you angry. They've persecuted her as they persecuted her grandmother whom they ran out of town. I think it's unkind of you to speak of her as you do. You must believe me Miss Pennington. I'm devoted to Mrs. Minette. And so am I Miss Pennington. You've taken me too seriously. Tell you what I'll do. I go out and apologize to Mrs. Minette in person. Oh that's not necessary. The truth of it is I want to talk to the old lady. We've exchanged many a word at the village store. Oh which way is the kitchen Ashford. This way major. Do you like my humble cottage Miss Pennington. Oh it's almost like an enchanted cottage. I've often wondered what it was like inside. It's rather ironic my being here. Why do you say that. Well this is part of the old manor house where young couples spent their honeymoon's. It was the custom from time immemorial for them to scratch their names here on this window. Oh just imagine the happiness that has begun here. The lovely ladies the handsome men. That's why it's ironic my being here. You'll be all right some day. I'm sure you will. I'll never be all right. I'm through washed up finished. Even the specialist I saw after I left the army told me that. But that doesn't make it right for you to hide yourself like this. I don't care for anyone. I don't want pity. Oh forgive me for talking like that Miss Pennington. It's this black headache of mine. Have you nothing to take for it. Nothing helps. I have them day in and day out. Not even finacitin. Doesn't that help. Well sometimes. You haven't any in the cottage. No I haven't. I'll bring you some from the village as soon as I've taken major Hill Grove home. Well Miss Pennington get Mr. Ashford's mother and stepfather are coming. We'd better be on our way. Oh of course major. But first I do want to say goodbye to Mrs. Menette. Miss Pennington's the most thoughtful young woman. Yes she's very kind. But will you please ask her not to bring me that finacitin from the village. Oh she's running an errand for you. I didn't ask her to. You might as well try to call yesterday back old chap. She's amazing. Poor as a church mouse. Plain as a fence. One of the best. How do you know she's plain. Instinct. You're right. She isn't beautiful. What a pair we'd make. You will come again if I'm still here. Still here I thought you leased this courage for a year. I have but you see my mother and stepfather want me to come back to London and oh why should I trouble you with my worries. Tired of urging you to come back to London Oliver. You must make an effort to face your friends again. Nothing is done without effort. Please mother my mind's made up. I'm going to remain here. Just because you suffered misfortune in the war. Why when I sprained my ankle did I allow that misfortune to just press me. Did I. Oh no no my dear. No indeed. Do you hear what your stepfather says Oliver. Oh Oliver. You're so unlike the little man who used to tuck his tiny hand in mine. I dare say I've been through a war mother. You won't come back to London and live with us where we can take care of you. No I've taken at least on this cottage for a year. Lord Whisperer says I may have it as long as I like. Very well then. We must do what we can for you under the circumstances. Ethel thought you might act like this. Ethel what does he got to do with it. Your sister adores you Oliver. She's quite willing to come here and take care of you. I don't need Ethel or anyone to take care of me. Do you think your stepfather and I for one second would let you stay here with no one but that old witch to care for you. Mrs. Minette is the kindest friend I have. She certainly doesn't take care of you. Look at your shirt. There's a button loose already in your meals. You're a poor sick boy Oliver. And I'm sure Mrs. Minette never heard of properly balanced meals. Mother. No not the word. Ethel will be on her way very soon. Mr. Ashford. Oh hello Miss Pennington. Were you asleep. I was just sitting here thinking. I've brought your finacity. You're very kind. Thank you. Not at all. Good afternoon. Oh I say Miss Pennington. Yes Miss Pennington. I shall have to leave this cottage. Leave it. Why. Well my mother and stepfather insist on sending my sister here to take care of me. I want no one. No one. Mr. Ashford. Well I I hope you won't be angry with me for offering you advice that you won't think I'm presuming upon our slight acquaintance. Not I. You mustn't be unjust to your sister. She must love you to be ready to exchange London for this village. Oh it's dreadful you should have no companion on a wet day and in the evenings no one to read to you and talk with you often and often during the rough weather when the wind was roaring in the chimney and the fire hissing in the rain. I've pictured you here alone and I. I'd better be going. No don't go yet. Oh but I've got to. Fancy your thinking of me like that. Please. Listen don't be startled by what I'm going to propose to you. I'm deeply touched by your thinking of me in this way. Oh please Mr. No you must listen. You seem to understand my loneliness how desperately wretched I feel at times. We're both in the same boat. Miss Pennington will you give up your lodgings and move into my cottage. We'll be married and that would keep my silly sister at arms length. You know so little of me enough to believe I'd be happy with you. Oh there must be hundreds of smart pretty girls in London who'd marry you. One of them would keep your people at arms length. Look at me a hideous casualty of the war. What an eligible husband for a pretty girl I'd make. Can't you see if the smart pretty girls I've gone about London within the old days that I can't face now. I understand. You asked me to marry you Mr. Ashford because I I possessed a special qualification of being ugly. I'm greatly obliged. Laura I how can you how can you forgive me. I wouldn't have hurt you for the world. I'm a blundering idiot. What I meant was a no other woman I know would have the the compassion the understanding to make me happy. I I I am sorry I've hurt you. Don't apologize. It isn't as if I wasn't aware of my ugliness. But remember one thing even the plainest women have their dreams. But if I thought for dreams of forgetfulness of oblivion. Fremes in which they are as lovely and desirable is the loveliest and the most desirable. Fremes where they love and are loved. Remember that. And remember to Mr. Ashford that to spare them to complete an awakening is a deed of charity. As time passed love and the magic of a lonely romantic spot played strange tricks. Laura and all of us lives grew closer and closer. A fortnight later Mrs. Minette and I stood with them at their wedding and then I didn't see them again for a whole week as they spent their honeymoon in Oliver's small cottage with its lover's window attended only by Mrs. Minette. When she brought me their invitation to dinner at the end of that week she hinted strange things. And I waited for them in their cottage that night impatiently. Where are they Mrs. Minette? They have just gone out for a little walk. There's a storm coming up. They'll be back before it breaks and don't be surprised sir to find them greatly changed. Changed? How? Wait and see. They are happy aren't they Mrs. Minette? Oh sir such happiness the world has never seen and. I say Mrs. Minette has made a hill grove come. Yes yes here I am old man. Are you prepared for the surprise of your life major? Come in come in man. There's a storm coming up. Oh it's so good to see you major hill grove. Welcome home welcome home Mrs. Ashworth. How happy you sound. If you could only see her hill grove she's the most beautiful creature on earth. And Oliver major he's even more handsome than before the war. We've changed hill grove we've changed my face has changed completely and and and my leg. Listen to him walk major show him Oliver. I can't believe it what's happened. Love has wrought a miracle major. I don't understand. Oh you must believe this major. I'm no longer poor plain Laura Pennington. I'm the beautiful Mrs. Oliver Ashworth. I can hear you my dear and I know you're beautiful. You're a gallant man hill grove. Now Mrs. Minette what about the supper. Our first supper with a guest. It's already Mr. Ashworth. It's been waiting for you to come. But first the wine Mrs. Minette the wine I brought. We must drink a toast to the handsome young couple. Everyone sir. We just missed the storm. Let me take your cloak Laura darling. I'd like to keep it on a moment longer Oliver. Why what's wrong. Surely you've got over your fright. Oh Oliver I am frightened. Laura please it's a foolish fear. You must forgive her major. She doesn't yet fully believe our good fortune. When did the change begin. The morning after the wedding almost as soon as we set foot in the cottage she was at the door to greet us. Mrs. Minette. Yes Mrs. Minette. It seemed as if she couldn't take her eyes off us everywhere we moved. That's when the change began. That night when the lamps were lighted and Oliver and I was sitting by the fire. It wasn't until then I was sure that Laura was positively beautiful. And all of a sudden Oliver got up to trim a lamp. He was walking straight as he does now. You see major Laura thinks Mrs. Minette has bewitched us. And what do you believe. I don't know. I keep telling myself I'm not superstitious enough to believe in witchcraft and yet when I look at myself in the mirror when I when I gaze at Laura I I don't know what to think what to believe. That's why we asked you to come tonight. We need your help. Oh please major Hillgrove what are we to believe. I would say believe in it believe in it with all your heart. Take the gift and enjoy it without question. Take it without question and without apprehension that you will ever be robbed of it. Accept it humbly as a heaven sent miracle and thank God for it on your bended knees. There is a wine major and the homecoming supper is bursting the kettles and anxiety to be on the table. Oliver. Are you home. Great heavens his mother. Oliver my dear boy we just got your letter yesterday. Oh company I see. Oliver I didn't why didn't you postpone your wedding until your stepfather was over his grip. It wasn't very silly love you to marry this lovely lovely girl and not even say a word until afterwards. Mother mother please mother I want you to meet my guests Mrs. Minette you've met before indeed I have and major Hillgrove. Oh yes you poor poor major Oliver mentioned you and this this is Laura how do you do Mrs. Smallwood how do you do and now Oliver dear where is she where is this glorious charming creature you've written us about yes we're where is your wife Oliver. This is my wife mother this is Laura you Laura what how do you do my dear what's wrong with you mother aren't you going to say anything nice even to me well of course you can't judge a change in Laura but but what about me sir you you'd hardly believe that I'd once been badly wounded would you would you sir well I must say my boy you do seem to have a bit more color definitely a bit more color more color what about my neck my leg what's me see how I walk now there don't you believe in the medical now yes Oliver it's very nice very nice quite quite remarkable what's wrong with you don't speak to me as you'd speak to a sick person why do you both stare at me like this don't you understand understand understand what Laura it's all over our miracle the outside world has come in and shattered our dreams the magic spell is over Mrs. Manette Mrs. Manette here somebody help me Mrs. Manette has fainted have they gone yes as soon as the storm passed how's Mrs. Manette she's resting but I don't know she won't let me send for a doctor major hill groves with her darling don't sit there all hunched up with your head in your hands please please look up at me smile at me darling I need it so I need you Laura sit down here beside me can you forgive me Oliver forgive you for what my dearest for deceiving you for making you believe I was pretty for Oliver why are you staring at me so you're you're looking as you did before they came your you're beautiful again let me turn up this lamp and look at you Oliver you're not limping of course is not limping Mrs. Manette you shouldn't have left her get out of bed major she has something she wants to say to you both before it's too late tell them Mrs. Manette I know you believe now I must be a witch mr. Ashford but it is untrue it's quite untrue I'm sorry for the torment of mind I've caused you both I've known all along that some time you would have to face an outside world a world that misunderstands because it does not know what love does and when they came tonight and said such harsh unkind things it broke me and yet I have nothing to be sorry for nothing to be sorry for the major understand shall we let you in on a little secret yes yes tell us quickly you love each other you Laura and you Oliver love each other and the man and woman in love have a gift of sight that's not granted to other folk we've watched you we've watched you from the beginning and on the day of your wedding we saw your love blaze up like dry kindling wood when you set a match to it keep your love burning keep it burning and we promise you that no matter what comes you'll never be anything to one another but fair and bonny that's all the witchcraft there's been Laura Laura my darling yes they're right you'll always be beautiful to me I'll I'll always love you Laura and you will always always be handsome to me remember what major Hillgrove said earlier tonight yes I remember take the gift of love and enjoy it without question take it without question and without apprehension that you will ever be robbed of it accept it humbly as a heaven-sent miracle and thank God for it on your bended knees this is Walter Herndon ladies and gentlemen I'll be back in a moment with a word about next week's play but first an important message I know you will want to hear no matter who you are or what you do no matter how difficult your problems or how great your handicaps you can make your life far happier far more complete if you let the example of Laura and Oliver in tonight's tender play be your guide yes these two lonely people found beauty happiness and security in spite of their physical handicaps and the bitter circumstances of their lives they found new hope in the midst of the darkness and gloom that come when the heart is empty when disillusionment and cynicism rule the mind when it sometimes seems that life itself isn't worthwhile well of course it's not easy to follow the example of Laura and Oliver it's not easy to create a living harmony that's stronger than all the discords disappointments and confusions of our modern world that's why a good friend can often be so important in helping you out of the shadows of disillusionment and discouragement just as that gentle soul major hill grove in tonight's play help Laura and Oliver find the way so have millions found their way through the friendly sympathetic help of the church and of an experienced clergyman yes millions have discovered through the church how to live a complete and truly satisfying life regardless of personal handicaps in spite of all the tension and frustrations that fill their lives many of you listening in tonight know from your own experience how much the church can do to help you meet the problems the stresses and strains of modern living if you are not a member of any church we urge you to think carefully now about discovering just how much more complete your life can be when you receive the spiritual guidance that only the church can give or perhaps you will be able to find the help you need in the Episcopal Church you are always welcome at your nearest Episcopal Church and its clergyman is always ready and eager to give you whatever help you may require to help you know something about the Episcopal Church what it is what it stands for and how it offers you a faith with which to find security and happiness in these difficult times we have prepared an informative booklet called finding your way it'll be sent to you promptly if you will simply write your name and address together with the words finding your way on a postcard and mail it to the station to which you are listening I would like to thank our cast and especially you Jean Tierney and Richard Wehring for an inspiring performance our music was composed and conducted by Nathan Crowell next week friends the families of the Protestant Episcopal Church in your own community and the Episcopal Actors Guild will present an old favorite that I know you'll be happy to hear J. M. Barrie's charming play what every woman knows our guests will be Ms. Gertrude Lawrence and Mr. Dennis King I hope you will join us now an invitation from the church the rector of your nearest Episcopal Church will be happy to have you join his parish family why not attend church this coming Sunday and speak to him after the service if you're not familiar with the location of your nearest Episcopal Church