 From Hollywood, the Hollywood Radio Theatre. Tyrone Power and Linda Christian in the Mississippi Gambler. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Irving Cummings. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. One of the most colorful eras of American history took place along the mighty Mississippi. It was a period of gorgeously gowned ladies escorted by impeccable gentlemen whose code of manners was determined whether dancing at fancy balls or gambling on the riverboats. Tonight we recreate this era for you in Universalism Nationals highly dramatic love story, the Mississippi Gambler. And as our stars, we have chosen a perfect romantic team Tyrone Power and Linda Christian in their first appearance together on radio. Now act one of the Mississippi Gambler starring Tyrone Power as Mark Fallon and Linda Christian as Angelique Duro. I first met Mark Fallon in the spring of 1853. I was on the dock in St. Louis waiting just for the likes of him. A green, young stranger begging to have his bankroll lightened. I wandered over to the freight shed, took out a deck of cards and started laying them down in a barrel. You're sure having a time with those cards, mister? I've been watching you. You have? I hope you don't mind. Oh, don't mind at all, son. All I'm doing is making a fool out of myself. You see these three cards? Well, sir, there was this traveling man last night. He just laid these three cards down on the table and bet me $20. I couldn't tell him which one was the queen. You're sure he was a traveling man? Oh, no doubt about that, son. He even had his sample cases with him. Well, sir, I swore I knew where the queen was every time. By jingle and I bet my $20. You lost. Well, anyway, give me the cards to practice with him. You know, you might end up a gambler. I'm going to try it on the folks back home to get my money back. Well, maybe get my money back right now. Me? These three cards. Now, where's you a betting man, son? I got $20. Here says you can't find that queen. Done. All right. Which one's the queen? You're sure you want me to tell you? Well, sir, you just bet me $20. In that case, the queen's in your left hand, just where you palmed it. Looks like I made a terrible mistake. Professional, huh? No. No, but I'm going to be. Congratulations. I never saw anyone switch cards that perfectly. You're the first one who hasn't complained about it. Now, what's your name? Mark Fallon. Me? I'm Kansas John Polly. You ever heard of me? Well, I'm new in these parts, Mr. Polly. I'm from New York. Active and gambling there? Well, in a way. There was always a game going on in my father's fencing academy ever since I can remember. I finally got tall enough to sit in between fencing lessons. You're a decent-looking young fellow, son. Now, why would you want to get mixed up in a crooked life like this? I got different ideas about gambling, Mr. Polly. I'm going to deal honest cards. Well, that sure will be a novelty on the river. I hope you're good, son. You'll be up against some mighty dirty competition. How much of a stick do you have? $600. You can lose that in half an hour on these river boats. But I don't intend to lose. Now, if you don't mind, I think I'll get a board. You walk down to the gang flat. Just as he reached it, the carriage came flying down the dock. In at a young man and a girl. For a moment, it looked like those horses were running away. Oh, now, boy. Easy now. Oh, up there. Oh. You! Don't get away from those horses! Well, I was afraid you'd tip over, Miss. High-strung horses need a firm hand. I've handled high-strung horses for quite a few years. And when the time comes that I need help, I'll... Easy now. Easy. Oh, boy. Oh. Oh. Oh, there. Thank you, sir. That whistle frightened them. Oh, whistles will do that to horses. To beautiful women, too, sometimes. You're an expert on both, I suppose. Well, I'm interested in both. Just a moment. My sister doesn't care to discuss your interest. So it seems. Better go aboard, Angelique. I'll find a boy to drive these horses back in place. Quality, folks, son. Real quality, oh, my. You know them? But, dear, I'd take that little pepper pot over my knee and wail her. Twenty dollars to ten, she looks back at me, Polly. Well, here's where I get my money back. She'd no more look back at you than she... Looks like I owe you a total of thirty dollars. Oh, you'll do fine on the Mississippi, son. You'll do just fine. That night, I watched Mark at the card tables. He dealt an honest deck. What was more remarkable, he won. He won from professionals, and he won from gentlemen. He didn't make any friends that night, but he sure made a pile of money. Among the heavy losers was the young man, the carriage. After the game broke up, he came looking for me. Hope you didn't mind waiting for me, Mr. Fallon. Not at all. How much do I owe you? Forty-one hundred dollars. This'll more than cover it. A necklace, Mr. Juro... It was a praise for more than seven thousand dollars. Those are diamonds. But this is a family heirloom. Your sister... It's no concern of yours what it is. Does it satisfy the debt? Yes. Thank you. Good night, Mr. Fallon. We'd both been winners that night. And the next day, our immediate future looked mighty rosy. Over three thousand dollars in cash, Polly. And it's all honest money. Looks like we're doomed to stay at the best hotel in New Orleans. If we keep lucky. How long do you stop over there, Polly? Two weeks, and I'm broke again. How's that? Pharaoh can't help playing that game, even though I know it's crooked. Terrible heavens that you're facing my age. Are you a Pharaoh player, son? I said, are you a... Oh... I'll be back in a moment, Polly. Mr. Juro... Mr. Juro... Well, what is it? What do you want? I believe your brother made a mistake last night. This necklace. This is yours, isn't it? Yes. I wanted to return it to you. How do you mean a mistake? Well, I've won from him at cards. He'd been drinking a bitter I don't think he'd have chosen this. My brother doesn't take my property without my permission. I'm sure of that. It's very beautiful. You must value it highly. There's one thing to say to you. I don't speak to strangers, nor do I accept charity from gamblers. Good afternoon. Good morning, my sweet sister. Laura, how could you dare steal my necklace? Your necklace? I... You gave it to that gambler. He showed it to me. I'm sorry, Leah, but I... I had to. Why? Because I'm a fool. Sitting down with those card shops, I took all my cash and 4,000 besides. And you take the one thing I love more than anything I have. The necklace was mother. Grandmother. It will break Father's heart. How could you... I'm sorry. Please, Leah. Please forgive me. Poor Laura. Nothing is important enough to have a crumb between us. At least of all, a quarrel over a gambler. I'll make it up to you, Leah. I promise. Meanwhile, I'll think of something to tell Father. We'll tell him the truth. Yes. Yes, I suppose we'll have to. To Mark, there was no city in the world like New Orleans. He wanted to see every foot of it. Especially the street they called Exchange Alley. I won't be long, Polly. An hour or two, I'll meet you here in the hotel. What's all this excitement about Exchange Alley? I've dreamed about seeing it ever since I was knee-high. My father told me all about the schools there. The finest outside of Paris. He called it the Street of the Fencing Masters. Playing with cigarettes, huh? Well, just remember this. New Orleans is filled with the same breed of cat as that duro fellow with a necklace. Appity young Creole. They want a duel every time you sneeze near them. My best behavior, Polly. No gambling, I promise. Be back here at eight o'clock. Dinner at Antoine's and I'll show you the town. Mark showed those young Creoles with their fancy French names that he was a match for any of them when it came to fencing. Among those he especially impressed was an elderly gentleman who kept stirring. Forgive my lack of manners, young man, but before you leave, I... I was hoping I might have a word with you. Oh, yes, sir? First may I say it's been many years since I've seen such an exhibition of skill. May I ask whom you studied under? My father, Charles Fallon. Fallon, of course. I knew your face reminded me of someone. Why, Charles Fallon was taught in Paris. Yes, sir. Years ago. I told my friends I remembered that low-inside line attack you employ. I was at your father's academy many times. He's well, I hope. He died three months ago in New York. Oh, I'm sorry. My apologies. Please take my card, Mr. Fallon. I'd enjoy having you call at my house. Amiou, duro. Is Laurent duro your son? Yes, you know him. I met him and your daughter on the boat. Splendid. They'll be quite delighted as I am. I... I don't think they would want me to call, sir. Why not? I'm a river gambler. Oh, ridiculous. No one with your skill at foils could have spent much time at a gaming table. How long have you been on the river? Less than a week. Shall we say tomorrow afternoon at four? If you wish, sir. Thank you. Fallon, now that we've seen the house and grounds, suppose we have a drink in here in the study. Mr. duro, you're home. I've never seen anything so beautiful. My father built it almost 60 years ago. Most days he... Angelique. Well, come in, dear. Come in. Where's Laurent? He's in the library with George. George just invited us to dinner. Angelique, you remember, Mr. Fallon. He said you'd met on the boat. I have no wish to meet him again, father. Angelique. What do you expect of me? I know the gentlemen associate with such people as Mr. Fallon in coffee houses and gambling places. But I never heard of anyone bringing them into his home and presenting them to the women of the household. I choose very carefully whom I bring into my house. And while they're under this roof, you will please show them every courtesy. Yes, father. Good afternoon, Mr. Fallon. Good afternoon, Mr. Rowe. I must apologize for my daughter. I think she was afraid of being embarrassed, sir. For what reason? This. She was afraid I might return it. And Nicholas? Your son lost it to me on the boat. I know it must mean a great deal to you. You settled a gambling debt with it. How much? $4,100. My bank will credit the amount to you tomorrow. No, no, I don't want anything for it, and it is not your debt. It's the only way I can accept it. Wine, Mr. Fallon. Thank you. All this, all this business about the necklace, Laurent, Angelique's insulting manners, it's my own fault, Mr. Fallon. My life's caught up with me. Unfortunately, my own wild and reckless youths become somewhat legendary in New Orleans. My children have patterned themselves accordingly. They've been motherless since Leah's birth. I've never been able to be a stern disciplinarian. The first time I met your daughter, I told her that high-strung horses need a firm hand. I wasn't given a chance to say much more. So another reason you came here today was to see her, huh? Yes. You find her interesting? Very. She can also be charming. However, I should tell you, this young man she mentioned a moment ago, George Elwood, it wouldn't surprise me, Mr. Fallon, if someday Angelique and George were to marry. Oh, forgive me, I didn't know. Oh, for the moment, George is just a friend, but a dear friend. But then I may see your daughter again. That is, you should know by now I'll be entirely up to Angelique. However, there'll be a governor's ball in a couple of weeks. I think I can arrange an invitation. A river gambler at the governor's ball? I regard you as a welcome guest and a friend, and will you prove yourself something less? I think you can trust me, Mr. Duro. Thank you. Father? Come in, dear. George just told me you were driving with us to the ball. I'm so glad you are. Am I so charming as Chaperone? Or is it that you wish to keep George from proposing again? Both, my wife, darling. He wants to announce our engagement. It's all he talks about since he became president of the bank. He's going to settle down. He promises to work hard. He loves me and on and on. It doesn't interest you? It isn't that, dear. I just keep telling him we're too young to take such a serious step. His father always hopes you to marry. And my father, what does he hope? That your choice will be a wise one, when you're no longer too young. Lear, are you interested in Mark Fallon? Mark Fallon? How could you even think such a thing? He seems to arouse more emotion than most. So there's a thorn when I step on it. You call him Mark. I've dined with him several times these last two weeks. He's becoming very popular. I don't want to hear about him. Why did you even mention him? Because I want you to wear something for me tonight. Your mother always worried to the governor's ball. Yeah. Father. You will well? Yes. Oh, but I'm so ashamed. I couldn't tell you about the necklace. I knew how much it would hurt you. Loran and I, we don't deserve you the things we do. I don't know why. It just seems to be in our blood like a fever. Yes, enough blood, Lear. But you and Loran pay a little pomegranate compared to what I was once. Now, dear, brush those tears away and make yourself ready. Very kind of you to dance with me, Mr. Earl. It would have been a great pleasure to have refused you, Mr. Fallon. Then why didn't you? My necklace. It becomes you. So my father thinks. And so I'm dancing with you. But I'm amazed you could bring yourself to give it to my father. Weren't you able to sell it? Is that what you think? What else? Well, you're right. Your father paid me for it. And your escort seems impatient that we finish our dance. He seems a very suitable young man. He'll be delighted to hear that, I'm sure. Suitable, I mean, for running a bank. May I ask you one question before I leave you? Of course. Knowing how I feel about you, why did you humiliate yourself by asking me to dance? Oh, that's a matter of courtesy. If a man is going to ask a woman to humiliate herself, he should be willing to accept it first. I don't understand. Since you spare me only a moment, I'll tell you very bluntly. You and I are in love with each other. We always will be. We've known it since that first moment in St. Louis. I could have you run out of town for speaking to me like this. There's no need to run me out. I'll be leaving tomorrow. You're not ready yet for marriage. And I won't be ready until you come to me. Why, you completely ill-tistical. Yes, it does sound that way put into words. But it's the only way a woman can be truly happy with a man. Thank you for the dance, Mr. Ross. I, too, have a Mississippi gambler in a moment. With our American servicemen in many countries around the world, they have a wonderful opportunity to observe new customs and traditions. What might have seemed strange before is becoming pretty familiar to them. For instance, take this business of superstitions or omens. In Holland and Germany, if you meet a left-handed person on a Tuesday morning, that's a bad omen. In Sweden, if you turn around when starting out on a business trip, it's liable to turn out badly. German girls place their shoes at right angles with the side of their beds to bring a visit from their sweethearts. And in Japan and the Far East, there's a superstition to cover practically every event of the day. Well, all these things might sound strange, but as our servicemen have observed, we have plenty of superstitions, too. Let's just count some of the things that are lucky or unlucky. Finding a horseshoe? Lucky. Four-leaf clover? Lucky. A black cat crossing your path? Unlucky. Walking under a ladder? Unlucky. Breaking a mirror? Seven years bad luck. Spelling salt? Unlucky. Unless you throw some over your left shoulder. Knocking on wood? Lucky. A rabbit's foot? Lucky. Those are just a few of them. Lots of people carry a lucky coin or a charm of some sort. All of us have a lucky number. And whenever we have something good happen to us, we know it's our lucky day. People the world over are great believers in this business of luck. That's all the superstitions are based on. They're either meant to bring on good luck or keep bad luck away. According to the customs and traditions of your own people, you do certain things to try to influence that luck. Now a way of doing things may vary between different people, but the ideals are the same. These customs are important to the people who follow them. And our servicemen are helping to maintain goodwill by observing the customs of other people in other lands. Now our producer, Mr. Cummings, act two of the Mississippi gambler starring Tyrone Power as Mark and Linda Christian as Angelique with Gavin Gordon as Monsieur du Rohe. We left New Orleans, Mark and I, and went back to the riverbeds. It was a fine, easy life, gambling all night, sleeping and lazing all day and watching the sights along the riverbank. The weeks went by and our bankroll grew fatter and fatter. What are you thinking about, Polly? Counting all that cotton money we won last night? I'm thinking about that cash you made me put in Ellwood's bank in New Orleans hundreds of miles away and other fellas feeling it and fingering it. I'm not used to that. You know what we're gonna do when we get enough, Polly? We're gonna build a combination restaurant and gambling place better than any other in New Orleans. Rich, exclusive, with crystal and silver, everything to lure the ladies and keep them happy while they gamble. Ladies gamble? Where'd you get that crazy idea? Well, where else can they go when their husbands gamble? Tea parties, sewing circles, sit home alone? They're bored, Polly. They want the same excitement their husbands enjoy and will supply it for them. Not me. You try any crackpot ideas you want, but you're not gonna get me off this river. You'll come running the minute I get those pharaoh tables in. I like them better when they're on boats. How long have you been on this river, Polly? Almost 30 years. Did you ever feel it was a lonely life? Yes, when I was young, I'd find myself wishing all the pretty girls would take the boat trapping instead of hiding in those houses ashore. Many a night I'd stand on the deck and look at them lighted windows over on the shore and I, well, I sure thought a lot about it, just like you're doing right now. Yeah. It's no good. Come on, let's go down and start a game. Sure to play a little poker, Mr. Fallon? Five honest cards. Yes, Mark, you got me, will you? But you know, sometimes I do get a terrible itch to take some of those suckers. Didn't you tell me that you've made more playing honest than you ever did by cheating? No, only cheating a little. It's more fun. We're not doing this for fun, Polly. We're gonna build that place when you want. Early in the game, a young man has to sit in. I couldn't figure him out, money in every pocket, but any fool who could see was neither a rich southern planning nor a man used to much money. Mark wanted him to quit, but he'd have none of it. He was cleaned up before midnight. He excused himself politely, went up on deck, and shot himself. Will he live? He's dead, Fallon. Apparently his aim was a lot better than his poker playing. You win all his money? Yes. Well, now don't go blaming yourself. I heard how you tried to get him to quit. Is there anything I can do? Nothing. He has a sister aboard, but that's my job, Kevin. I'd like to go with you, Captain. All right, Fallon. Come along. Good evening. Well, come in. This is Mr. Fallon, Miss. We come to... Well, I'm afraid we have bad news, ma'am. Your brother. Julian? What's wrong? He shot himself, Miss. Where is he? There's no use, Miss Conan. But I've got to go to him. I wish I could say different, but... there's nothing anyone can do. No. Oh, no, he wouldn't. He'd never do that. There's no reason. Could... could you tell us your parents or someone we could reach for you? We have no family, no one. I can't believe it. Julian would never... He was carrying money for his firm. Someone else did it to rob him. Miss Conan, I... I'm afraid your brother... Your brother wasn't robbed, Miss Conan. Very wisely, he left his company's money with Captain Evers for safekeeping. Isn't that so, Captain? Yes, yes, of course. We'll be landing tomorrow, Miss. I'd like to offer my help. Anything I can do now or... or in New Orleans. I'm very grateful. I don't know anyone there. I'll see you in the morning, Miss Conan. Ann Conant never knew that Mark returned to Brother's losses. But getting the money back to his firm in Ohio involved a visit to the bank in New Orleans, George Ellwood's bank. George Ellwood, who was in love with Angelique Girard. When Mark brought Ann Conant to the bank, Ellwood had a visit. Angelique's brother, Laurel. And I'll be with you in a moment. Who's the girl with Fallon, George? Miss Conant. Ann Conant. She's beautiful. Yes, she is. Well, present me to her. This isn't a very good time, Lauren. She just lost her brother. I'm sorry to hear that. But the fact remains, I... I've never seen anyone so beautiful. Please, George, I've got to meet her. All right, Lauren. But you'll have to wait. You've been very kind, Miss Ellwood. Thank you for your help. That's quite all right, Miss Conant. Miss Conant. Good morning, Mr. Fallon. Mr. Duro, you will forgive Miss Conant. She should get back to the hotel. I understand, of course, my deepest sympathy. If there is anything I can do, please let me help, Mr. Ellwood knows where I may be reached. My regards to your father, Mr. Duro. And to Angelique. Thank you. They'll be delighted, I'm sure, to learn your back in New Orleans. Well, Polly, what news? I just saw the hotel manager. Come for you, Miss Conant, within an hour. Oh, you've both been so wonderful to me. You don't know how much your help is missed. Oh, it wasn't help. We just like you. And Polly and I are taking the boat north in a couple of days, and, well, if... if you'd care to go back home at the same time... Well, I... I haven't any reason to go back to Springfield now. We only live there because of Julian's work. I'd rather live here. It's a beautiful city. I think you'd be happy here. There are a lot of attractive people you'd enjoy knowing. Then I'll stay. Good. We'll start looking for a place tomorrow. Will you be gone long? We'll be back at your doorstep in two weeks. You're a very beautiful girl, Anne. And from the first moment you're seen in public, you'll be so busy you won't be able to keep track of us. No, that will never happen. Come in. For Miss Conant, sir. Oh, just bring them here, please. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Uh, yes. Camelia's. Oh, Mark. I'm sure there must be a card among... Oh, how could you have guessed they're my favorite? Oh, this card. Zauron de Roe. Oh, yes, the man at the bank. You've been seen in public already. Now let's order some lunch. Anne Conant stayed in New Orleans. In the weeks that followed, Mark and I spent most of our time on the river. But whenever the boat returned to New Orleans, we'd hear more and more rumors of Anne and Zauron de Roe. And Zauron madly in love with you. It means I want to marry you, Anne. I love you, Anne. I can't wait any longer to tell you. Oh, Zauron. But you can't be sure of what you're saying. You've known me for such a short time. It isn't... You've become my whole life since the moment I saw you. I've never been in love before. I never knew anything that you could be so perfect. And yet, such torture... I... I give you my life's devotion, Anne. Will you marry me? Today, now! I'm sorry, Lauron. You've been wonderful to me. No, no, no. You can't refuse me. Not yet. I didn't have any right to ask you so soon. I'll wait for your answer till you've known me longer. Oh, Lauron. It's better that I tell you now. I'm hoping... I can never be in love with you. Because you're in love with someone else? Yes, I am. Mark Fallon? Yes. How can you waste your love on a man like that? How can you throw it in the gutter to someone who doesn't even deserve to look at you? He's cheating you, too. He's cheating everyone. Has he told you that he's in love with my sister? Your... He's been in love with her ever since he came here. You think of loving anyone like that. Go, Lauron. Please. Please, Lauron. That same night, Mark and I were back in New Orleans. We stopped off for a drink of the Rochambeau at the bar with Lauron de Ronde. I've been thinking of you, Fallon. You couldn't have come back at a better time. Do you mind if I ask you a question? Something troubling you at your own? Yes. I'm sorry. Yes. How many women do you want? You're not satisfied trying to get my sister, huh? Come on, please. Come on, let's get off. You keep out of this, Andre. You're lying to Anne about me trying to break us up. You want her for yourself in the flat you so thoughtfully got for. You're a drunk, Euro. Go home with your friend and sober up till you can talk sense. Well, maybe that makes sense to you. I'll meet you at the Dueling Oaks. If you can leave your women long enough. Whenever you like. Our seconds will settle that. All right, Andre. I'm ready to go home. Mark, please. Please let me talk to Lauron. No, no. It has nothing to do with you, Anne. This has been building up for a long time. But you shouldn't have come here, you know. Probably see that Anne gets home with you. I must finish this. Finish what? There's no need of this. You'll win hands down. Oh, Will, dividing everything between Miss Conant and me. Are you crazy? Then you do think something might happen. No, not really. Polly, you'll act as my second. Just don't make too many sides there. Come in. I'm Andre Brion, Miss Conant. I come on behalf of Lauron to roll. Oh, this is Miss Conant and Mr. Polly. Mr. Pollen, I... You can speak freely. Thank you. If I may meet with your second, sir, to arrange a meeting... Let's do without the formality, shall we? Let's say tomorrow morning at six o'clock. Very good. As the challenge party, you have the choice of weapons, sir. Pistols. Pistols? You are crazy. They'll fight with swords. Tell that to DeRose. You will forgive my friend, Mr. Brion. He worries too much. My choice is pistols. Thank you, sir. Good evening. Polly. You get Anne home all right? Now, come here. I want you to sign some... Angelique. I had to see you. You're going to kill Lauron. Perhaps he'll kill me. Did you come to ask me not to? No. Are you still with a pistol as you are with a sword? Hardly. Perhaps you came to see me once more because I might not be alive tomorrow. I came only because I thought some member of the family should... thank you for now taking advantage of him. You do me too much credit, Angelique. I take advantage only of women. Surely you could spare me that kiss for being so noble. I despise you. Now, listen to me. You didn't know there was less advantage in pistols now, did you? Not until I just told you. You came to see me. And I thank you most humbly. But when are you going to admit to yourself that your brother is a shield, that your devotion to him is because you're afraid of life and men. Because your mother died giving you birth, you have a driving hunger to live. But until you're willing to be honest with yourself... I hope he kills you. I hope he kills you. They faced each other the following morning at six o'clock. Mark and Lauron duro. This was the way of Jenny. I will count to three, Mrs. On the word three you will turn and fire. Are you ready? One. Two. Duro had fired on the count of two. Fired and missed. I regard your conduct as disgraceful as it was delivered. You may fire, Mr. Fallon. What are you doing here, Angelique? It's your brother I want to see. Don't tell me what happened. I have a right to hear. Yes, Father. Is there anything you want to tell me? I'm sure you know all about it by now. How I fired on the count of two and how that worthy gentleman preferred to fire under the air rather than... That's enough. You leave this house at your earliest convenience. Goodbye, Father. No. No, you can't ask such a thing. I have nothing more to say. You do that to him when he needs you the most? You can't. Father, if you're wrong with me, I'll leave with him. This house? It'll be longer without you, Leah. Angelique left your father and Riveron went to live with George Elwood and his mother. He's been writing that all morning. Dear, now put down that pen and we'll go for a drive. I'll be through in a moment, George. You see these letters? Another month and you won't have any social life left. I've just turned down more invitations because you didn't invite Laurel. Good. Keep on doing it. They're boars anyway. Just keep that chin high, Leah. Always high. I will, George. I love the way you walk to the public places with Laurel on the knee, like a queen ignoring the cuts they give him. You're wonderful. You and your mother have been wonderful, too. George, the wedding invitations came this morning from the engraving. Yeah, look. It's excellent to see Governor Paul Monet request your presence at the marriage of mademoiselle Angelique Touro. I must send an acceptance. You're sure she isn't marrying that Elwood fellow because she's getting used to him, living in his home? Because he's been devoted to her all his life. The dearest and the sweetest person she's ever known. And is there love hiding around somewhere, too? You'll find it, George. You'll find it, darling. I couldn't stay away, Father, and have a servant bring you my wedding invitation. Thank you, darling. Leah, you and George are... are you quite sure of him? George and I grew up from childhood expecting to be married. While everyone in your audience has always said it's a perfect match. Yes, I know. That's all very true, but do you love him? Yes. That's all I wanted to know. Please sit down, Mr. Touro. Yes, I... I received a wedding invitation this morning. Mark, you and I, we can talk bluntly. You love her, don't you? Yes. Yes, I love her. Then put a stop to this. Go and get her. Do you really believe that she knows herself well enough yet to find happiness in marriage to anyone? It was just a hope. You'll come to the wedding? No. I'll go back on the river where I belong. If there's... If there's any message you'd like me to give Angelique, don't think me rude, Mr. Touro. But if I had any message, I'd deliver it in person. Once long ago, I told her I'd wait until she came to me. I'll continue to wait. The matter's GYA signified German youth activities. And whatever such an organization exists in Germany, you know that there, the way of democracy is being taught and encouraged. Our occupation forces are helping out through GYA, developing healthy interests through group handicrafts and hobby projects. A girl by the name of Helga is one example. She was pretty confused when she joined a GYA group. Her father had been very much anti-American, and she reflected his ideas. Finally, she won a trip to Switzerland in a handicraft contest. Once on the trip, Helga learned that the Swiss people and the American women in charge of the tour were very different than her father had pictured non-Germans. Well, she won't change overnight, but she wants to learn more about the workings of democracy, and her education is continuing through GYA. Such acts by you and your friends today are shaping our world of tomorrow. We pause now for a station identification. The curtain rises on Act 3 of the Mississippi Gambler. Our entire own power is marked in Linda Christian as Angelique, with Gavin Gordon as Nassir Girol. Angelique and George Elwood were married. We stayed on the river for almost a year, Mark and I, but on one of our visits back to New Orleans, Mark's dreams started to come to life. It was going to be the finest dining place in Gambling Salon in town. Your architect, Mr. Fallon, I think I can do whatever you want. Good. Good. Now, I'll be on the river most of the time. You'll continue to get your instructions from Miss Conant here. She knows exactly what my wishes are. But Mark, how can I? I couldn't have gone this far without you. Please. I wish I had half your confidence. And you'll also have charge of decorations and furnishings. I trust that pleases you, Mr. Kennerly. It'll be a real pleasure, Miss Conant. I'll have a complete staff at your service. As for you, Polly, you still won't help me run it, huh? Not me. I'm investing in it. But you won't catch me wearing those droop flap tail coats like a cow-wacken-fly. I'll leave these revised plans with you, Mr. Fallon. Just sign them at your convenience. Ah, yes. Yes, this will do. We'll widen the archway. Later a view of the gaming table from the dining room. And we can... Mark. Well, don't you agree, Anne? You see, by widening the archway, we're... Mark. I wish he was going to be here while the work's going on. So do I. But we're getting in pretty deep, Anne, and I haven't made enough yet to bank the tables against any big losses. May I ask one more question? Of course. Have you seen this? Angelique? No. All right. I see her husband at the bank, of course, but I don't see very well in talking only about business. I shouldn't have asked. You've heard about her brother, but he left town. It's the best thing he could have done. One of these days he's going to meet up with you, Mark. Please be careful. No, no, stop worrying. If you really want to help me, you'll invent a name for this place of ours. I already have. La-Louise Anne. La-Louise Anne. Perfect. We've got our name, Polly. La-Louise Anne. Leah, you'd better hurry, dear. I'll friend her downstairs waiting for us. I'll be ready in a moment, George. Well, how do I look? It's a beautiful gown, darling. But there's nothing even from Paris that could make you any lovelier. Well, thank you, dear. George, you're staring at me. Am I? Where are you, Leah? What do you mean, where am I? I'm here. No, honey, my dear. You're not here, Leah. Not really. Every time I hold you in my arms, you seem a thousand miles away. It's like holding a shadow that's drifting somewhere. No substance, no warmth. Come here. Put your arms around me. Now, am I here? We're never here. We're never alone. Ever since our honey was always going, going, crowds and people. I love you, Leah, but I can't reach you. What's wrong, dear? I don't know what you mean, George. I don't. When Laurent disappeared, I was frightened, but I'm not anymore. I do love you, and I've tried to make you happy and proud of me. Please tell me, I haven't felt this much. I don't know why I say it. I don't know what it is. I want too much of you, darling. I can't stay away from you. I can't even... Yes, dear. Nothing. Nothing at all. Come along, darling. I want to show you often your new gown. I suppose that sooner or later, it was bound to happen. The linking together of Anne Conan's name with Marx, especially now that she was seen so often at the building of La Lousiane. Well, gentlemen, Alan boasted about building a show place. It appears he's as good as his words. But who's that delightful creature talking to the architect? Don't be naive, Cartier. Alan's luck goes far beyond cards, having a companion like that beauty. That's a lie, Mr. Kahn. I am not in the habit of lying, Mr. DeRoll. Let's comment to Lady. Tell him to gentlemen, and my friend, I must ask you to retract that slander. I'll retract nothing. Oh, come now, DeRoll. Men don't rent flats for women or let them design gambling palaces unless they you leave me no choice. I'll name my second this afternoon. A pleasure. We were on the river when the duals had placed. Marx hurried back just past the good. He had something to tell Mr. DeRoll and his heart was never heavier. It's Marx Alan, Father. No one to see him alone. No. How's day, Angela? Grateful to you for defending this Conan, but you should have waited for me. I never ignored himself to a lady, Marx. You must hurry and get well. You gave me your word you'd be at the opening of La Lousie Anne. No. No, I won't be there. No, it's... I've lived a long life. My error... It belonged to the sword. Fading was me for the best. There's something I must tell you, Mr. DeRoll, you and Angela E. Well? I'd never faced a more bitter duty than to tell you. No, no. It's not a... Yes. He came aboard at Memphis with a knife. I didn't recognize him at first. He was bearded. It all happened so quickly. I was unarmed. I tried to hold him off. We struggled. Voron went down. He fell down a staircase. He fell on his knife. No. Thank you for telling me, Marx. I couldn't hold you responsible in any way. Now I... How do I ask one promise? Anything. Protect Angela. Only... I'd give you my word. Mr. DeRoll died a few hours later. Before he left the house, Marx asked George Edward if he could see Angela E. Coulomb. There's very little you can say. And even less I want to hear. Angelique. Once long ago, I thought the odds were in our favor. Yours and mine. But it seems to have been my lot to destroy everything you have loved. Perhaps you knew that from the start. I won't intrude again. Marx meant every word he said. But the time came many months later when he was obliged to call up the outward house once again. You're not welcome here, Mr. Fallon. You took it to business with my bank, but that hardly gives you social privileges. It's business that brought me here and it can't wait until morning. I just come from the fencing academy. While I was there, three of your biggest accounts sought me out. Hewitt, Keith, and Farrow. They told me they're withdrawing their money tomorrow. Is your banking shape to stand it? The bank is in perfect shape. They claim to have seen confidential reports to the contrary. If you're worried about your money, Mr. Fallon, I'll be pleased if you banked elsewhere. I was told you've transferred Mrs. Elwood's estate into your bank. It's causing talk. That's ridiculous. Is it? Your father banked at the Southern Federal all his life. I transferred the account for one reason, because I wished to. There'll be a lot of people at your bank in the morning, Elwood. You'd better be prepared to handle a run. If you have any more suggestions, you may see me there during business hours. I think you promised my wife never to intrude on her again. I also made a promise to her father. Good night. George, is there any danger? Certainly not. Then why did you ask me to change my account? As the day arrived that you believed Fallon over me... George! Let me alone, Angelique. Just let me alone. Three days later, Elwood's bank went to the war. George Elwood disappeared and with him went $200,000. Mark and I, well, we were just two more depositors who'd been cleaned up. They warned me, Polly, but I just couldn't believe it. I'm sorry I dragged you down with me. Always told you that depositing money made me nervous. It means the end of lullaby is the end of me. And after all your work, Anne. Oh, you finish it one day. We can start right now. You got a new deck of cards, Polly? You mean that? Why, I got a dozen new decks. And our boat for St. Louis leaves tonight at nine. Didn't keep in track of the sailings, huh? I've been missing those paddle wheels. Well, I better get those reservations. See you later, Anne. Anne, I... I hate leaving you here alone after... after you're being so much a part of all our plans. I'll always be grateful to you, Mark. But I haven't any claim on your life. I know that now. Even if this beautiful place had been finished, it never would have held you, so... If... If I can just see you and Polly once in a while, I know that... that everything is well with you, Anne. I... You're wonderful. Thank you. In the months that went by, Mark never lost track of Angelique. He knew there'd been no word from her husband. He also knew when Angelique finally decided to sell her home. You'll find a deal of sale here, Angelique. The lullaby shares are in no hurry to take over. They said to move at your own convenience. Next week will be fine, Mr. Hewitt. I'm so happy to see you rid of this place, Angelique. To close this whole unhappy chapter of your life. You're going back to your own home? I don't know. I haven't been there since my father died. I think he would have wanted you to live there. Let me know what you decide. I will, Mr. Hewitt. Can you just stay over this trip, Mr. Fallon? Your worry is a mighty gay town this time of year. I'll be leaving when the boat leaves, Captain. Tonight, 10 o'clock, you can count on me. See? Ain't that Mr. Polly there when it dawned? Yes, he missed this trip. He had some business to attend to for me. See you tonight, Captain. I've got good news for you, Mark. Better still, you can read about it for yourself. Right here in the newspaper. Angelique, is everything all right, Polly? Yes, and this time I think you'll want to stop her. The court's handed down the decision. She's free. You promised your father you'd always look out for her. Go to her, Mark. Try to see her. It wouldn't work out, Polly. It's better this way. Going back to her old home should be there by now. No, I just told the captain I'd be leaving again on tonight's boat. I guess you know your own mind, Mark. After all, I never saw a man win all his bets. Now let's get into town. I've got some winnings to split with you. I left Mark at the hotel and I drove out alone to the old Duro mansion. I wanted to talk to Angelique, but I couldn't bring myself to go in. The house was dark, you said. But I knew she was there, her carriage was standing in front, and I saw a candle and the light moving from room to room, and I wondered how she could stand alone. I've come back, Father. I've come back wrong. But it's so empty. Now you're going to admit to yourself that you use your brother as a shield. You're devotion to him because you're afraid of life. Because your mother died giving you birth. You and I are in love with each other. We always will be. You're not ready for marriage yet, and I won't be until you come to me. Until you come. A moment later, I saw a rice from the house, and a carriage with the highest strong horses dashing down the drive. Yes, sir! That's right, sir! Everybody going quick. Better hold it, Captain. Looks like you've got another passenger. There's a carriage coming down the wharf. Well, I'll be gone. Wait, wait! Well, now he's dead somewhere in the valley. Pull in your reins, lady. We'll wait. I've waited a long time to see a sight like this. Hey! Where are you going? I've come to you, Mark. Take me with you. Wherever you go. Wherever you go. Now here's Mr. Cummings with our stars. Mr. and Mrs. Tyrone Power, won't you please step forward and accept your curtain call? I want to tell you about next week's play. Next week, we will bring you one of the fine-sensitive dramas of the famous playwright, Tennessee Williams. The Glass Menagerie, winner of the New York Dramatic Critics Circle Award. It was made into a beautiful motion picture by Warner Brothers. In her original role will be that brilliant actress, Jane Wyman, co-starring with those two outstanding artists, Faye Bader and Frank Lovejoy. That will certainly be worth listening to. Good night. Good night. Good night. And hurry back. Her and our cast tonight were Ted DeCorsche as Polly, Alistair Duncan as Laurent, Frances Robinson as Anne, John Stevenson as George, William Johnstone as the Boat Captain, Fred Mackay as Andre, and Bob Bruce, Bob Griffin, Herb Butterfield, Bonnie Phillips, Jane Whitman, and Eddie Ma. Radio Theater is produced by Mr. Irving Cummings. Our orchestra is under the direction of Rudy Schrager. This is Ken Carpenter inviting you to join us next week at this same time for another presentation of the Hollywood Radio Theater. Hollywood Radio Theater is a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.