 Remember a Hallmark card when you'll carry enough to send the very best. The makers of Hallmark cards bring you another and their exciting new series of broadcasts. On the Hallmark Hall of Fame. We Hallmark will bring you two-to-life stories of actual persons who in their own way have contributed to a better world for all of us to live in. Presented on the Hallmark Hall of Fame by our distinguished host, Mr. Lionel Barrymore. Ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Hallmark Hall of Fame. You know, I wonder just how many of us fully appreciate our debt to the past. How much we owe to that vast army of unsung men and women who have made America great. Tonight the Hallmark Hall of Fame pays tribute to one among those many. To a man whose life was rich with action and poignant with great romance. This is the true and moving story of John McDonough. One of the first pioneers of free education for the poor of all ages and creeds. And now here is Frank Goss from the makers of Hallmark cards. When you're looking for a way to say something to someone you care for, look for a Hallmark card and you'll find the card you want to send. Because Hallmark cards are designed to say what you want to say. Just the way you want to say it. With the good taste you demand of anything that bears your signature. That's why Hallmark on the back of a greeting card has come to mean you cared enough to send the very best. Lionel Barrymore appears by arrangement with Metro Golden Mayor, producers of the Clark Gable Gene Tierney starring picture, Never Let Me Go with Richard Hayden. And now Lionel Barrymore brings you the first act of our Hallmark Hall of Fame. In the city of New Orleans in Lafayette Square, there stands a certain monument of stone and marble and bronze. It's a simple monument and yet one dear to the heart of so many generations of the children of New Orleans. A monument to the memory of John McDonough. Who was this man, Mr. John McDonough? Well, it's not a new question. For 150 years, all New Orleans was asking the same question. Who was this young man who had come to New Orleans without a penny? And now, not yet 30 years old, was already a rich man. My business, sir? Well, the Mississippi River and everything that floats on it. Flat boats, cotton, tobacco, lumber. Trade is my business, sir, and my only pleasure. But for most of New Orleans, pleasure is the only business anyway. Its people still follow the graceful life of the French and the Spanish who govern their city. It's a gay, carefree life, unknown to John McDonough, unknown until one's certain eminence. Senora Almanasti, may I present to my friend, Miss McDonough. John, your host is Donna Maria Almanasti-Rohans. I'm honored, Senora. I've heard much about you, Senor McDonough. Of your clothes, your fine house, your riding horses, the number of plantations which you own, and yet the reports have done you an injustice. In what way, Senora? You are also answer. You see, at my age a woman can afford to be frank. And also very generous. Tell me, Senor McDonough, why is it that you take no part in the society of our city, huh? I'm a man of business, Senora, by day and by night. But all of life is not the making of money, Senor McDonough. What will you do with your riches? Perhaps I can answer that by asking what your late husband, the Governor-General, did with his. He gave to New Orleans, the school, a hospital, a church. So, that is your ambition. Do you want to be complimented, sir? Please, Senora. Very well, we shall talk of other things. But wait, you have not met my daughter. It's a big eater. Come here, please. Yes, Mama. Senor McDonough, my daughter is a better. I am delighted, Senora. How do you do? With your permission, Senora, that perhaps you would grace my arm. Distance, please. With pleasure. For one time, Mama, you are wrong. Forgive my curiosities, Senor Eater, but I heard you say to your mother... Yes, she is quite wrong. Not all men of the United States are without charm. There are other social events, all dinner parties, reception, and at each of them, John McDonough seeks for the sight of one person, the exquisite Isabella, which is never alone. There's always a duena, the ever alert chaperone of every Spanish girl of high degree. Then, one afternoon, at a garden party, Isabella's duena turns her back for a moment. Only a moment, but still a knot. Isabella, quickly. But where? The gate, hurry. Your carriage. Yes, a edit station here all afternoon, just on the chance. No, we should not. And yet we will? All right, Cassie, skim the whip. Let's come over. People are sure to see us. Let them, Mrs. of the United States, Isabella. There's nothing wrong with a young lady and a gentleman taking a carriage ride together. But still... Isabella, I'm not going to propose to you in front of your duena. There's no point of hiding it longer. You must have read it in my eyes. I love you. And I can eat a meal. There could never be anyone else in the world for me, Isabella, to be my wife, to be the mother of my children. My darling, children. And you would make such a wonderful father. Children mean much to you, don't they? Of course they do. They stand for the future. It's the children of today who will make the America of tomorrow. Oh, Isabella. Wait, darling, say no more. Please. Why? You forget that we Spanish are people of customs. They must be observed. You and I cannot talk of marriage until you have first spoken to my mother. All right. Then today, this very evening... I promise, that evening, John McDonough calls to the mansion of Donna Maria Almonaste O.S. Isabella's mother listens to John's declaration, and then... Senor McDonough, I do not doubt your affection for my daughter. I know her for you, but please, permit me one question. Of course? To have much to offer a wife, and will have even more in the future. But it is of your past that I wish to inquire. What of those years before you came to the war? I am not ashamed of them, senora. I was born in Baltimore of poor parents. There was little chance for schooling. As a boy, I was a street peddler. But even then, I had ambitions. Now they are realized. Yes? My intentions. Which I have taken the liberty to redecorate, senora, as a wedding present for Isabella. Good. Senor McDonough. I fear that you have presumed too much. But, senora Almonaste... Please! Remember that Isabella is the daughter of his Spanish majesties, late Governor Henry I of Louisiana. She is of the houses of Almonaste Irojas. Blood must equal blood. Degree equals degree. Senora, I am an American, I am little for titles of nobility. Just as we are Spain, regard them highly. I am sorry, senor McDonough, but no, it cannot be. Oh, then I am sorry too, senora, for I am sure that Isabella will decide otherwise. She will decide as I wish her to decide. Isabella. Forgive me, I overheard. Darling, tell your mother that she can't stop us. I am sorry, darling. My mother is still my mother. It is also true that you and I are of different worlds. Isabella. Senor McDonough, one moment. Yes? I have been more frank with you and Isabella. I have already received the proposal from my daughter's hand, which I shall accept. He is of noble birth. They are key to frontenac. Oh? Therefore, senor McDonough, you will neither see nor write to Isabella again, to make consider that you and she have already spoken your last farewells. Stunned and heartbroken, John McDonough returns to his fine town house. The house which he will never share with Isabella. The next day he calls his attorney to him and together they walk from one ornate room to another. Nope. I have always admired this pile, but now the way you have redecorated it, John, it is simply magnificent. Let's go into the music room. I don't understand. Over there. That's a piano I ordered from New York. It has never been played. Across the river? My plantation. There are places yours to sell. John. Sell it for whatever you can get. I'm not coming back. When you're back on New Orleans, it's been very kind to you. Also very cruel. Strawberry, sir? There's strawberry, gentlemen. No, no. Go on. Wait, one moment. Son, what are you doing with this push cart? You're too young to be working. I'm tense, sir. And you, my dear? Eight moves cost money, sir. Our family is very poor. And there's no school to go to anyway. I know. Only for the rich. Here, I'll take some strawberries. Oh, thank you, sir. Good-bye. You still have much to live for. Yes. I'm just beginning to understand that. Remember that there is something for me to do. Something important for the children. And the future. Have you often wished for a way to keep the children busy and to teach them the wonderful spirit of thoughtfulness too? Well, tonight I want to tell you about Hallmark May baskets because I feel sure they'll help you accomplish both those wishes at the same time. You see, Hallmark May baskets are pretty colorful baskets that your boys and girls can put together right in your own living room or playroom. They come flattened out so that busy little fingers can punch out the designs and fold and lock the tabs attached to each Hallmark May basket. To each Hallmark May basket. Even the tiniest taught can join in the fun for no scissors or glue or needed to turn out perfect Hallmark May baskets. Yes, and here's something that's nice to know. Hallmark May baskets cost just 50 cents for a whole set of five different styles. Once they're made, the little folks can put a few candies or nuts in each basket and deliver them to their favorite friends. You'll find Hallmark May baskets at a fine store where Hallmark cards are sold. Just look for the hallmark and crown on the package. The symbol that always means you carry enough to send the very best. And our Lionel Barrymore brings you the second act of our true story of John McDonnell. Disappointing love, John McDonnell turns away from the social life of the city of New Orleans and pours all of his energy into business. The making of money seems to become his sole concern. So it seems to those who can only look on and guess at his purposes. One such man is Wilkins, like Donner's attorney. John, you're driving yourself too hard. There's no need to work day and night. Mr. Courtney, bring me those bills of laden. Harrison, now need those invoices right away. John, you haven't heard a word I'd say. I'm sorry, Mr. Wilkins. I'd have more time for conversation if I could get enough proper help around here. Well, then how? Where will I find it? Men with education. This education simply isn't keeping up with the times. I'd say you've done all right. What I've heard you hardly ever saw are the inside of a schoolbook. And it was a handicap. A handicap I don't want others to bear. There should be free public school for every child, no matter how poor. That's my goal. That's what I'm working for. I see. Meanwhile? Meanwhile, my main business is business until I've saved enough money. And then when the right day comes... But not really, John. People don't understand what you want to do. You've never told them. Instead, they're jealous of you well. They're trying to take it away from you. They're even beginning to call you a liar. I know. I know. I can't help it if I have enemies. It's just because of them that I can't explain. They wouldn't believe me. They'd say this is just another excuse for John McDonough to make more money in my own way. Because there is no other way. But John McDonough is to pay a high price for his decision. He has enemies by the score. But friends, they're almost none. None except his trusted attorney and his own plantation slaves. They know the true character of John McDonough. He's told me I was warned. Yes, sir. Something I'd like you to tell men. Yes, Mr. McDonough. Julius, you've been a good and faithful servant to me. You've worked hard and you haven't complained. I hadn't had nothing to complain of, sir. You're the best master any of us ever had. I hope so, Julius. But the time has come when I no longer want to be your master or any man's master. Julius, I want you to tell the men that they can soon be free. Mr. McDonough. Tell them that if they wish to go back to Africa, I will provide them with means. Oh. Oh, no. No, Mr. McDonough. No. No. I don't care what the others do, but I'm not leaving you, sir. As long as I live, I'm still your old Julius. The years pass. Steamboats come to the Mississippi in ever-growing numbers. New Orleans waxes rich from a river trade. It's a city of rich men, and John McDonough is the richest. He's a millionaire who dresses in the shabbiest of clothes, weeps the cheapest of food, and who walks miles upon miles through the streets of New Orleans in order to save the cost of a carriage. He is a man of purpose, but a man misunderstood and rude at you. And then one day, John McDonough wanders aimlessly through one of the city's parks, park visited by New Orleans' best families and their children. You recognize me, sir? It's... It's Isabella, isn't it? Have I changed so much? No, no, you haven't. How is your husband? And, uh, Alexander? Christine? My child. How did you know? Their names? I kept track. Then school in Europe, aren't they? Yes, in Italy. Then you must be just about the age of those two. No, no, a little older. John, you always wanted to have children, didn't you? Yes. John, I... for so many years, I wanted to see you again. I wanted to tell you that I was wrong. I... I thought my mother knew best. It was foolish. I should have fought for our happiness. You couldn't help yourself, my dear. And in the end, you found another happiness. But you... Yes, yes, even I... perhaps it's been because of you, what we wanted and never had, that I found my purpose in life. Your purpose? Well, you will know someday, Isabella, and you will understand. And I hope to be proud. The year's 1850 in John McDonough's 71. He calls his attorney to his bedside for their last conference. If you failed strong enough, John, perhaps we'd better go over this list of your properties. No, that won't be necessary. All I want to know is that there is enough for everything that I've planned. There is. Is enough for the children of New Orleans? Yes, John. And Baltimore? More than enough. You've striven all your life for this, John, through persecution and misunderstanding. Now, you can make everything possible. You're one of the largest landowners in the entire world. Yes. Providence has been very kind to me, and now I'm ready. Will you take down these notes? I'll take it down. To the city of New Orleans and to Baltimore, the city of my birth, I bequeath my entire fortune equally divided with it, pre-public schools to be built, schools to which the poor may send their children, and girls of all ages and creeds, schools to teach the true spirit of America, freedom and tolerance and hope. John, no, let me finish. When I am buried, let there be no eulogy, but perhaps as a small favor, the little children shall sometimes come and plant a few flowers about my grave. For I have beloved children with the love of the Father. Misunderstood during his lifetime, John McDonough's generosity and vision of a public school system free and available to all was to be accepted with gratitude by the cities of New Orleans and Baltimore. Schools of schools were built, including the famed McDonough Institute. A hundred years have passed, and still John McDonough's name lives in the hearts of the school children of New Orleans. There, on the first Friday of every May, on May Day of this year, the school teachers lead the boys and girls of New Orleans past a simple marble column standing in Lafayette Square. All right, Carl. As each school boy and each school girl passes, he places a single flower at the base of the mountain. A rose, a violet daisy, a carnation. A simple ceremony in tribute to a great American, John McDonough. Just a minute, I'll tell you about our story for next week, and why you won't want to miss the exciting true story of the person we're honoring on the Hallmark Hall of Fame next week. But first, here's Frank Garcy. He wants to honor some ladies you will be honoring soon yourselves. You recall those famous words by Abraham Lincoln, all that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. It's a beautiful tribute, and one that's especially appropriate to the season, for Mother's Day will soon be here. All of us like to honor our mothers on the second Sunday in May with warm affection and greetings that come from the heart. And that's why I think you'll appreciate the Hallmark Mother's Day cards, which have just arrived at fine stores across the country. From the new Hallmark collection, you can choose exactly the right card that will please your mother best. And special Mother's Day cards too, for your grandmother, a favorite aunt, or one who has been like a mother to you. You'll find colors that delight the eye, and words that say what you want to say, just the way you want to say it. So one day soon, why not select all the kinds of Mother's Day card you want to send on the 10th of May. You can be sure that the Hallmark and Crown on the back of each card you mail will carry an extra measure of joy. For it means always, very enough to send the very best. And out here again is Lionel Barrymore. Well, now that's splendid, Frank. Thank you. Thank you. That's fine. To remember Grandmother's favorite aunts, or perhaps some other wonderful lady on Mother's Day. I know on that day I always remember a very remarkable lady who was very close to me and helped bring me up, my grandmother, Mrs. John Drew. Here you may have read a little story I wrote about her in a chapter of my book called B. Barrymore. My grandmother made her stage debut in 1821 at the age of 12 months. Her role was fittingly enough and out of her crying baby. But I can remember her telling me the story of that debut. Crying big, I wouldn't do what you said. I crawled aloud with joy, and from that moment to this, the sight of audiences has filled me with joy. And I expected we'll do so until the last glimpse I get of them. And she did go on entertaining audiences over 70 years. Yeah, she was a wonderful person. Well, now I'd better stop reminiscing and tell you about next week's story on the Hall of Fame. It's the exciting and factual story of a young farmer who refused to give in to the dreaded crop disease, wheat rust. And how he saved this great American crop from total destruction. And I'm sure you want to be listening. Our hallmark Hall of Fame's every Sunday. Our producer, director's William Gay. Our script tonight was written by Lennon St. Cranab. Well, until next Sunday then, there's Lionel Barrymore saying good night. Words that are sold only in stores that have been carefully selected to give you expert and friendly service. Remember a hallmark card when you carry it up to send the very best. The part of John McDonough was played by Lamont Johnson. Marine Tuttle was featured as Isabella. Others in our cast were Betty Lou Gerson, Barbara Jean Wong, Lilliam Savin, Richard Beals, Peter Leaves, and Ted DeCorsia. Every Sunday, hallmark cards presents eight programs for the whole family's enjoyment. The Hallmark Hall of Fame on radio with host Lionel Barrymore. And on television with Miss Sarah Churchill. Consult your paper for time and station. This is Frank Goss saying good night to you all until next week at the same time when we present another true-to-life story of actual persons who in their own way have contributed to a better world for all of us to live in. Next Sunday, we honor Mark Carlton on the Hallmark Hall of Fame. DC, Kansas City, Missouri.