 The Radio Theatre brings you Jean Taney and Vincent Price in Dragon Wick. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William Keely. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. If I should offer any one of you a kingdom, I'm sure you'd accept it. And that's how a certain section of our country was settled. Under Dutch rule in the 1600s, wealthy Hollanders were offered vast estates along the Hudson River as an inducement to come to America. Over these land grants or patroon ships, as they were called, the patroons had absolute authority, and many of them ruled until the middle of the 19th century, a unique phase of Americana that forms the background of tonight's play. 20th century's Fox screen hit, Dragon Wick. We are happy to have the fine stars of the picture. Jean Taney in one of her greatest dramatic roles and Vincent Price in the part that raised him to well-deserved stardom. On to our play, Act I of Dragon Wick, starring Jean Taney as Miranda and Vincent Price as Nicholas and Ryan, with Gail Gordon as Dr. Jeff Turner. New York City, 1844. In a suite at the ultra-fashionable Aster House, Elfman Wells and his daughter await the arrival of a man they've never met. Oh, I never had such a dinner in my life, Pa. Imagine Mr. Van Ryan ordering all that food just for us. Wasteful extravagance is what it is, and how did he know what I wanted to eat? But there was everything you could possibly want. Everything is what no man should ever want, Miranda. Yes, Pa. We'll drink our coffee later. And renting these rooms for us, I just don't understand such a man as Nicholas Van Ryan. But what is there to understand? He wrote to us inviting me to live with his family at Dragon Wick. After all, we are related. So distantly is to matter not at all. We've never even met him. Then why do you feel so suspicious, Pa? Because the wealthy affect an elegance that is against the word of God. Because he is a patroon. I'm a Yankee farmer, and we're as good and maybe better than any Dutchman on the Hudson River. Of course, Pa. But there's no harm in my being a companion to his little daughter if he and his wife so wish it. I gave you my consent, however foolishly. And you're going to Dragon Wick. I want you to read with me, Miranda. And me, my Bible. Yes, Pa. I will sing with mercy and judgment unto thee. Oh, Lord, will I sing. I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked things before my eyes. I will not know a wicked person. I had no wish to interrupt. I am Nicholas Van Rijn. Please continue. Him that hath a proud look will not I suffer. My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land. But he that worketh deceit shall not turn in my heart. Well, doesn't Miranda? More coffee? No, thank you. You, sir? No, thanks. Mr. Van Rijn? Sir? I don't know what made me think you'd be a much older man. Does that affect your confidence in me, sir? Alexander the Great, when he was younger than I, had conquered most of the world. Maybe if he'd been a little older, he'd have conquered all of it. What are your politics? Van Buren, I suppose. Van Buren is an old friend of mine. Naturally, if he's nominated, my farmers will vote for him. Your farmers? Yes, the tenant farmers on my land. Tenent farmers? You mean they don't own their own land? The landers belong to the Van Rijn since 1630. I permit the farmers to work it. In return, they pay me tribute and a share of their produce. But they can buy the land if they want to. No, they cannot. Why? Because it belongs to me. I'd rather own one half acre of barren rock than work that richest land in the world for someone else. I dare say we don't understand each other's viewpoint. I dare say. Cousin Nicholas, that music. Is that what they call the waltz? It sounds very much like one. Do you dance the waltz? Cousin Miranda, but never in public places. Oh. It's time for bed, Miranda. Don't forget your prayers. I won't, Pa. Good night. Good night, Cousin Nicholas. I'll be here in the morning at eight o'clock. The steamboat sails at nine. At this time tomorrow, you'll be in Dragonwick. Yes, Mr. Van Rijn. Oh, uh... Yes? Cousin Miranda, on occasion, we danced the waltz at Dragonwick. Good night. I saw Dragonwick. Oh, darling. Alone on a mountain. Oh, how can you sit there so quietly? But why not? I should think that seeing Dragonwick would be more thrilling to you than to anyone. Nothing could be thrilling that is shared with so many other people. Oh, tell me about Dragonwick. How many rooms out there? I've never counted them. And lots of servers? I've never counted them either. Oh, your bonnet. Do you mind if I keep it off just a moment? The breeze feels so wonderful against my face. The breeze must feel very wonderful indeed with a face as beautiful as yours against it. Um, Cousin Miranda, I'd better see about your luggage. And this, Johanna, this is Cousin Miranda. Cousin Miranda, my wife. Oh, welcome to Dragonwick, child. It's most kind of you to let me come, Cousin Johanna. Catrine is in bed? Yes, Nicholas. She's asleep. Then your meeting with my daughter will have to wait until the morning. Shall... shall I retire now? Not unless you wish to. Oh, I don't wish to. I mean, well, I'd love so to see all of Dragonwick. I'm afraid, dear, that would take more than one evening and more than that, too. Still, there's no reason why Cousin Miranda should not make a start. No, Nicholas. No. I only have... Now, this room over here, for example, do you like it? Oh, how beautiful. And a harpsichord. And that portrait on the wall. Who... who is she? She was my great-grandmother, Azild. Azild? What a strange name. I don't know why we keep her hanging there, and that ugly old harpsichord. The servants have to be driven to dust it. I think it was going to bite them. Azild was from New Orleans. She and my great-grandfather were married there in 1743. This harpsichord was hers. If you'd listened to the servants, they'd have you believe she still plays it. Fortunately, we don't listen to the servants. Oh, no, of course not. I... I... isn't it rather late, Nicholas? If you wish to retire, my dear? Yes, I think I... I will. Well, good night, then. Good night, Johanna. Good night, Cousin Dier. Cousin Miranda, do you think you will be happy here? Oh, what a question to ask. You won't be homesick? A little, I'm sure. But that doesn't... And there is no one else at home, a young man, perhaps? No, Cousin Nicholas. No young man. I'm... well, it is getting late, and you've had an exhausting day. The housekeeper will show you to your room. Her name is Magda. Good night, Miranda. Good night, Cousin Nicholas. You're ready, Miss Wales. I'll show you upstairs. You're Magda? Yes, Miss. This room is lovely, isn't it? It's called the Red Room. Was she very young, Magda? Who, Miss? The lady in the portrait. About your age. Mistress of Dragonwick. How proud she must have been. He never loved her. He wanted their son. He broke her heart and drove her to... What were you going to say? Only what's been told for all these years, that she prayed for disaster to come to the Van Rines, and swore that when it came, she'd always be here to sing and play. She killed herself in this room, Miss. Oh, that's just kitchen gossip. I'm sure it is. You mustn't take me seriously. No one ever does. Shall we go up now? Thank you. Of course. I've never heard a zeal play. You won't hear her, either. Because you have no Van Rine blood. But he'll hear her, the master, and so will the child, Catrine. This is your room, Miss. I've lit candles. Thank you. Miss Wells, why have you come to Dragonwick? Do you think Catrine is in need of a companion? Why, I... I... That would be for her mother and father to decide. Don't you think Catrine is in need of a mother and father? That was a silly question, wasn't it? Do you like it here? Of course I do. Of course you do. But one day you'll wish with all your heart and soul that you never came to Dragonwick. Good night, Miss Wells. Well, Catrine, that's enough studying for today. Just think. It's three whole weeks I've been here. I'm glad you're my teacher. I'm glad too, dear. Papa's kind of like a teacher to you, isn't he? He's been very kind and helpful. Yes. What's he like? Your father. Does he like me? Catrine, your father and mother both love you very much. I don't love them, I only... Look, a carriage. That must be the de Grignet. And the couch, such a funny-looking little man. I can't. Can she, yes? Oh, yes. By tomorrow the house will be packed with people. Papa always has a force of July ball for the river families after the farmers have their kermess. Oh! Everyone will want a chance with you, Miranda. Oh, golly, I hope so, Catrine. But what did you say the farmers did? Kermess? What's that? It's like a carnival. And then in the afternoon, Papa sits in a chair under a tree and the farmers bring in their tribute. I see. Miranda, we could go to the kermess if we hide. But why must we hide? Papa doesn't want me to be seen with those people. Then we'll not go, of course. Oh, but it's so much fun, even just watching. They dance, they have games. We'll see, Catrine. Maybe if we just watch, well... Over here, Miranda. Sometimes after Papa leaves, I stand in the carousel. We shouldn't have come. It's wrong to disobey. Hello, Catrine. Hello, Dr. Turner. Oh, I didn't know you were with someone. This is Miranda Well. How do you do, Miss Well? How do you do? Papa sent for all the way to Connecticut to be my companion. Oh, whereabouts in Connecticut? Near Greenwich. But that's all farm country. Haven't you ever met anyone off of farm, doctor? Not at Dragonwick, no. Well, this seems an odd sort of place to watch the kermess. We're not supposed to be here. We're hiding from Papa. Oh, I see. But don't worry, I'll keep your secret. Oh, well, may I have the honor again, Miss Welles? Well, yes, if you like. You're sure it won't be too unpleasant? That's a very strange thing to say. I'm afraid it isn't. The Patroon and I don't get along very well. In fact, the first thing I've ever known us to agree on is bringing you here. I think that was a fine idea. Why doesn't he like your father, Catherine? Because Papa doesn't like him either. Why not? Papa never says why not. But I think it's the... Hide, Miranda! Hide! They're coming! Who's coming? Papa! Papa! They're coming, yes. I think we could even get closer, Catherine. But why? All the fun's going to stop now. When Papa comes, that's when they pay him the money. I... I still think that I'd like to see it. Well, all right, then. I hope you won't find this too boring, the Grenier. Shall I sit here next to you? Please do. That is a strange sort of chair you have, Nicholas. This chair came from Holland with the first Patroon. It is stood in this one spot for over 200 years. All right, Dirk, I'm ready. Yes, my dear. The first man will come forward bringing rent and tribute. Class bleaker. Rent, winter wheat, and... You've brought nothing with you? Nothing. Perhaps your crops were poor. My crops were good. Take your hat off when you speak to the Patroon. I take my hat off to no man. What you do with your hat is your own concern. Are you ready to pay your rent? No. No will you ever again get so much as a grain of wheat from me. Now what, Nicholas? You seem very calm. Why shouldn't I be? It is your purpose, then, to farm my lands without making any returns? Your lands? Do you hear that? His lands! We've paid the worth of it many times over and you know it. Well, here's the finish. In that case, I order you to leave my land by tomorrow noon. Have the next man step forward. I took Gephardt. Mr. van Rijn. Well, what brings you here, Dr. Turner? I'm here to ask you to reconsider your decision. Class bleaker and his wife and children have no other home than the Hill Farm. Where will he take them? That I would say is Class bleaker's concern. Gephardt. Yes, man here. Empty-handed, too. Have you a reason? You know the reason. It's his birthright as a free citizen. These men are not alone. The anti-rent movement has swept the whole of New York State. Take your head out of the sand, van Rijn, and help solve this problem peacefully. Because it's got to be solved peacefully or not. Well, speak up, Otto. I'll bring the rent and tribute tomorrow if that will suit you. Tomorrow, then. Will the rest of you men step forward, please? I have something to say. No, man, no! I'm tired of listening and talking. I say an answer this year or now! Drop that knife, bleaker! Mr. Turner! Bleaker's about! Who are bleaker, you? Well, Dr. Turner, I... I suppose I must record what you just did as an effort to save my life. Class lost his head. None of us means violence. Dick, you will have class bleaker placed under arrest. As for you, doctor, I... I suppose I must thank you. If class had killed you, it would have done these men infinitely more harm than you can ever do alive. Don't thank me, as you wish it. I shall say a few words about what has just happened, and they will be my last. Dr. Turner's efforts to incite anti-rent rebellion have been well known to me for many months now. Believe me, gentlemen, my welfare does not depend upon you. Rather, you depend upon it. But my rents and tributes and my responsibilities are hereditary. The symbols of a way of life to which I have been born and in which I shall continue to live, I shall never relinquish my position. I will be here tomorrow. So will you, with rent and tribute. Good day to you. All alone, Miranda? Yes, Nicholas. Are you enjoying the ball? I suppose everyone is commented on your gown, and how beautiful you look. Not everyone. Do you like it, Nicholas? Very much. Do you think I'm beautiful? Yes, I do. Thank you. I'm very grateful. You haven't answered my question. Are you enjoying yourself? It's very interesting to watch. That's no answer. Well, then... No. Why not? You know that answer as well as I. Because I'm off a farm, and because I don't speak French, and because I don't belong here. That's nonsense. I'm as good as any of them. Better than most. But it's the wrong river. I'm not from the top of the Hudson, Nicholas. I'm from the Connecticut River Bottom. They let me know that those fine ladies I've tried to speak with. Oh, I've made such a fool of myself. Dance with me, Miranda. I can't go back in. They know what I am. By now, everyone knows, and they'll laugh at me. I doubt that very much. But you don't know what... I know that you'll be with me, or else we'll laugh. Dance with me. Yes, Nicholas. They're watching us dance. And they're not laughing, are they? No, they're not laughing. Then I shall. Suddenly, I feel like laughing. This house could stand a little laughter. And a moment ago, I was afraid to dance with you. Afraid? Yes. You must never be afraid of anything with me, Miranda. I never will be, Nicholas. Never. Star's Gene Tierney and Vincent Price will return in act two of Dragon Wick in just a moment. Here's your producer, William Keely. Act two of Dragon Wick, starring Gene Tierney as Miranda and Vincent Price as Nicholas Van Ryan. In the weeks that have passed, the wealth and abundance of Dragon Wick have been to Miranda Wells like a beautiful dream. But now our Paul has fallen over Dragon Wick. For Nicholas's wife, Johanna, is ill. There's no thunder in the world, Johanna, like the thunder of the cat's kills. The lightning seems to set the mountains on fire. They roar back. That's all very romantic, I'm sure. But it doesn't help my cold. If I must stay in bed, why can't I have Dr. Hamilton to look after me? Well, you may, of course. As soon as the storm lets up and the roads are passable. Where's Miranda? She's with Catrine reading to her. Come in. What is it, Magda? Excuse me, Madame. My hair van Ryan asked that this be brought to you. This plant. Why, Nicholas? Yes, Johanna. But your favorite plant? Your granada. Why should it brighten my hot house if it could brighten your room, my dear? Nicholas. Oh, thank you, Nicholas. I can't remember when anything has pleased me more. That will be all, Magda. Thank you. Yes, my hair. I know how you treasure it, Nicholas. And you... you sent it to me. Why, Johanna, you're smiling. How good to see you feeling better. Now I'm sure you'll want to rest. Nicholas, you're going to your tower room again? Yes, why? Well, servants think it's strange that you spend so much time in... in a tower room. And I find it strange that you should bother about what servants think. But what could you possibly do up there? It might be anything, Johanna, from pinning butterflies to hiding an insane twin brother. Actually, I read. I hope that satisfies you. I'm sick. And you haven't even let Dr. Hamilton know. Well, your happiness over the granada plant seems to have faded most rapidly. But you can't imagine what it's like to be sick in this miserable drab house. I cannot imagine that dragonwick could be miserable or drab except to those who reflect misery and drabness from within themselves. I will stop in and see you later, Johanna. Mind help. Yes? Dr. Turner has called. No one sent for a doctor. He says it's most urgent. My regrets to Dr. Turner. I cannot be disturbed. Yes, mind help. No. Magda, wait. I'll be glad to talk to Dr. Turner. You have intruded, Mr. Van Rine, where it's not so important. Klaas Bleaker has been arrested for murder. Well, it's a pity you weren't there to stop him a second time, Dr. Turner. But I was there. He didn't kill anyone. There's been an anti-rent riot near Smoky Hollow. Oh, another rebellion, I see. Klaas wasn't anywhere near the man who was killed, but they blamed it on him. Klaas aren't going to stand for this. They've threatened to storm the jail. And just what do you want me to do? Help my enemy to defeat me? I want only your assurance that Bleaker will get a fair trial. Dr. Turner, whether Bleaker lives or dies is of no more concern to me than my life was to him or you. Good evening. Oh, Miranda, come in, my dear. You see, in spite of the storm, we have a visitor. Dr. Turner. Good evening. Won't you stay for dinner, doctor? Miranda, have Tomkin set another plate. Please, I'd rather not. Perhaps I've been a little hasty, doctor. I may be able to help you after all. You've changed your mind? Is John Van Buren to prosecute you? Yes. We're close friends. I assure you that Klaas Bleaker will have every consideration. Now you might do something for me. Well, if it's off to all within reason... I don't think you'll find me extravagant. My wife is ill. A severe cold. Will you help her if you can? Forgive me. Of course I will. And you will stay for dinner? Thank you, Miss Wells. I'll be very happy to. And a lighter diet might help, Mrs. Van Ryan. Soup, boiled eggs. Less pastry and sweets. That's nonsense. Dr. Hamilton always told me to stop a cold. I'll eat all I please. You'd get well faster without it, but you'll get well anyway. What a beautiful plant. Yes, it's a granade, doctor. Quite rare in this country. You... you're sure my wife will be all right. Just a head cold. You don't know how relieved I am. Now, if you and Miranda will wait dinner for me, I'll visit a little longer with Mrs. Van Ryan. Yes, of course. Good night, Mrs. Van Ryan. You told him you wanted to visit with me. Of course I do, my dear. Oh, Nicholas, you confuse me so. Sometimes when you bring me flowers and smile at me, I think... What? That you like me and... and sometimes... Yes? I feel that you hate me and would like me to die. Nicholas? Nicholas, could we go away together when I'm well again? Certainly, Joanna. As soon as you're well again. Oh, I feel well enough already. Well, in that case, I'm sure Dr. Turner would approve of your finishing your dinner. Shall I bring your cake? Looks very tempting. A rum cake. Oh, yes. Please. Here, my dear. Enjoy it. You're being very silent, Dr. Turner. I was just thinking. You know, it's funny. The day we first met, I thought we'd have very much in common. But the way it's worked out, frankly, right now, I don't think you have the slightest idea what to talk to me about. Would you care for some sherry wine, Doctor? No. No, thank you. I believe I'll have it. Oh, forgive me for taking so long. We felt reminiscing, Joanna, and I. We should dine at once. This way, Doctor. The storm is still raging. Don't think of going back to the village, Doctor. You'll stay overnight. Oh, no, really, I have to... We'll consider all objections overruled. Of course you'll stay. There's no music. It's a lady. She's playing the harpsichord. Oh, this is Catherine, dear. If there were anything, I'd hear it, too. It never started, really. It's just something you dream, Catherine. Who is it? It's the housekeeper, Doctor. Mrs. Van Rijn. She's very sick, sir. Oh, please come, please. Hurry, Doctor. Hurry. What happened, Magda? About ten minutes ago, she woke up in terrible pain, or she's in such agony. Magda, what's the matter? It's Mrs. Van Rijn, miss. Oh, she was moaning, so... Did she take any medicine, but what I gave her? No, sir. You'd better send for Mr. Van Rijn. I already have. Here. Here's her room, Doctor. My poor mistress. My poor mistress. Mrs. Van Rijn. What is it? What's happened? Joanne. Mr. Van Rijn, I... Your wife is dead. Dr. Turner, what could have... I... I can't understand it. Are you sure she took nothing but those drops I left? Not while I was with her, sir. Except for Magda, no one was with her but myself. I... I gave her some cake. Pute gastritis. It's possible, but I am... Is it also possible that she may have been more ill than you imagined? I'm afraid that's always a possibility. See that the pastor is notified at once. Yes, my help. I'm sure he didn't mean that you were to blame. Whether he meant it or not, Miranda, I don't know why she died. And that's shameful. You... You'd better get some sleep. I thought I... Yes, Doctor. Do you hear that bell, Miranda? I remember how it rang when Joanna and I were married. She said it was a heavenly bell that would ring for us until death. But we were never happy, Miranda. Never. Nicholas, you must... Oh, our life together was tolerable enough until Catrine was born. And then we knew that Joanna could have no more children. That there would be no more Van Rynes after me, that I would be the last. I wish I knew something that I could say that would help you. I want to so much. Nicholas, you must have faith. Yes, yes, I intend to. I must not feel that my life is finished, and I won't. As long as you are with me. The bell has stopped now. It must be nearly dawn. Miranda, you have known as well as I that we were inevitable. Out of all this world, why should you have come to me and to no one else? You knew at the instant our eyes first met, and you know it now. You have no right to say that. To talk like this, please. Then tell me that I'm wrong, and forgive me if you can. No, I had no right to speak as I did, and you have every reason to be angry, but I had to say it. There was no way for me not to. And no one but you to hear it. Why are you stopping, driver? Someone down the road, miss. Dr. Turner. Dr. Turner. Miranda, I just heard you're going away. Yes, sir. I'm going home to Greenwich. I think it's fine that you're going back to your folks. Well, what I meant is that Greenwich isn't so very far away, is it? Maybe I can come there and visit it in a month or so? Of course. Whenever you're passing through, Jeff. Would next week... No, I guess that would be too soon. Well, I hadn't... Oh, I know there's so much you don't know about me, Miranda, but I've always hoped that in time I could show you how I really felt, and maybe... Miranda, you... You know what I'm trying to say, don't you? Yes, Jeff. I think I do. I'd like to think that... that in time I... Jeff! Is it that hopeless? I'm sorry. Have a good trip. Thank you. Bye, Miranda. Goodbye, Jeff. Miranda? Yes, Pa? How long has it since you came back home from Dragon Creek? I don't know, Pa. A month. Yes, months. And something's been wrong with you ever since. Nothing's wrong. I promised your mother to get to the bottom of this, and I'm going to. I haven't seen you smile since the day you drove in here in that fancy carriage. You've been no more one of us than if you never came home at all. I'm sorry, Pa, if I've upset everyone. It's because your home's not fine enough now, because we're not fine enough. That's not true. It has nothing to do with that. Ephraim! We're in here, Ma. Oh, Ephraim, a message. It just came from the village. Who's it from? Well, I don't know. I didn't open it. See if you can talk some sense into it, Ma. I just can't. No, Miranda, dear. It's just that Pa loves you. We all love you, and it hurts us so to see you. I'll be concerned if this don't beat all. Well, what is it? Nicholas Van Rijn is in Greenwich. He's coming here this afternoon. Nicholas, yes. I'm a matter of the greatest importance, he says. Oh, it lags. It lags. Eh? What in Tunkett could he want? I don't know, Pa. I'm only hoping. We'll bring you Act 3 of Dragonwick, starring Jean Tierney and Vincent Price in a moment. Back now to Mr. William Keely. Act 3 of Dragonwick, starring Jean Tierney as Miranda and Vincent Price as Nicholas. They returned to Dragonwick a few weeks later. Nicholas Van Rijn and the gay and beautiful Miranda Wells, this time as man and wife. A month later, Nicholas went away on a business trip. But now he's back in the arms of his young and beautiful bride. Oh, Nicholas, you're home at last. Miranda of Miranda, I'd almost forgotten how lovely you are. I'm not when you're not with me. I'm not anything. You have missed me? Oh, terribly. Catrine too. She's still in Boston, of course, with her aunt. She seems wonderfully happy from her letters. She wants to stay. Go to school there with her cousin. An excellent decision. But, Nicholas... I'm very selfish, my darling. I want only you at Dragonwick. Only you. Oh, I beg your pardon. I didn't know... Oh, Peggy, this is Mr. Van Rijn. Was it anything important? Well, it was just to remind you that he ate none of your breakfast this morning. Please, let's not talk of food. Well, you'll eat everybody a lunch, or they'll be quite a bit of talk. Tell me, Peggy, why do I ever put up with you? I don't know, ma'am, but you'll eat your lunch just the same. And who is that? My name is Peggy O'Malley, Nicholas. I've engaged her as my personal maid. Your maid? That untidy little creature? She's not untidy, Nicholas. And her lame legs no fault of hers? She's had a miserable life. Oh, that's the strangest recommendation I've ever heard. She's bright and willing and good to me. And, Nicholas, I... I want her as my maid. I shall have Tompkins give us some extra money and a good character. It's so little to ask. Please, Nicholas. Deformed body's depressed me, Miranda. How dare you say that? How dare I? You speak as if a crippled leg were a weakness on her part, rather than God's will. We'll agree, then, it is God's will. Now tell me the plans for the Camas ball. Oh, I saw Madam DeClo and New York. She'll have your gown ready in plenty of time. I shan't need a new gown, Nicholas. Why not? Because we can't have a ball without people. Everyone is declining our invitation because of me, Nicholas. Because you married me. Miranda, you are Mrs. Nicholas Van Rijn. You will be with me wherever I am always. Yes, Tompkins? The luncheon is ready on the veranda, sir. Thank you. Nicholas. Yes? Sometimes... Sometimes I think that you're friends, that... that we... That we what? I think about the night... the night to Anna died. It was so soon after. Perhaps we should have waited to decide. In the hope that our gossip-mongering neighbors would be more approving... I don't care what they think, Nicholas. It's just that we know and... and so does God. Miranda, I've never heard you speak so childishly before. Do you believe there's a God snooping on human behavior, punishing all violations of the past's latest sermon? I believe that God has put a sense of right and wrong within all of us, Nicholas. And that when we do wrong, no matter if no one else knows, we do. Yes, my dear. Now sit down. Luncheon looks delicious. Nicholas, you do believe in God. I believe in myself and I am answerable to myself. I will not live according to printed mottos like the directions on a medicine bottle. Would you like me to say grace? That won't be necessary. Then I shall mix the salad dressing. I... I can't stay here. I can't. Miranda! What possible excuse can you have for humiliating me before the servants? What is the matter with you? I believe in God. Which is your privilege? I have no intention of... And so will my child believe in him. Miranda. And I will pray to God to make him healthy and strong and happy. Oh, my darling, my darling. Have I done something to please you at last? May I kiss you, Miranda? Please, may I kiss you? I was sorry to interrupt your meeting with the farmers, Dr. Turner, but... Well, we hardly expected you, Mr. Van Ryan. As you gathered, we were celebrating the new state constitution. Farmers may now buy the lands they've been working. I came on a still more important mission. You have not seen Mrs. Van Ryan of late, have you? No, I've not seen Mrs. Van Ryan for months. She is about to have a child. I need your help. Dr. Williams is there, Van Ryan. Williams is a fine doctor. He's a fool. I beg of you to help her. She's in danger. I don't know that she... Doctor, nothing must happen to my son. I'll do what I can. Thank heaven you've come, Doctor. I think Van Ryan would kill me if anything went wrong. But that's nonsense, Dr. Williams. Is it? When I tried to resign from the case last week, he had me locked in my room and watching me all the time through those icy eyes of his. About Mrs. Van Ryan. She'll have her child before evening. Everything's quite normal. Then why did he send for me? The child. There's any regularity in the heartbeat. I see. Why don't you get some rest, Doctor? You'll call me. My room is just down the hall. Don't worry. I'll call you. Jeff. Jeff is at you. Yes, Miranda. I don't know whether to believe this or not. You'll take care of me now. Yes, Miranda. I'll be all right then. I'm not afraid anymore. You'll help me. I'll help you. I'll always help you, Miranda. It's all right, Miranda. Everything will be all right. Why do you look so sober, Dr. Turner? This is a day of joy. My son has been born. There's something you must know, Mr. Van Ryan. Your son is not well. I can't tell you how sorry I am. But your wife is fine and in time. There's no reason why she can't have other children. My son is entirely well, Dr. Turner. His heart is malformed. Nobody's fault. Nothing could have prevented it. It's just a tragic accident that he won't live. There's a carriage waiting to take you to the village. You'll never believe anything you don't want to, will you? And there'll be no need for you to see Mrs. Van Ryan again. If you'll excuse me, Dr. The Pastor is waiting. My son will be baptized tomorrow. The father and the son and the Holy Ghost. I do baptize the Adrian Peter Van Ryan. Mind here, Van Ryan, please accept my most sincere congratulations. Thank you, Dominic. And you, dear Lady. Thank you. You understand, of course, that this house ceremony was only at the insistence of Mrs. Van Ryan. In a month or two, my son will be properly baptized in the Dragonwick Church. Yes, of course. No, Nicholas. We can thank God that he was baptized in time. In time? The child I hold in my arms. My son. My son is there. Is that you, Peggy? Yes, ma'am. Should I light some candles? No, I like the dark. Oh, you ruin your eyes. How long has he been up there this time in the tower room? A week. Maybe more. No, ever since the baby. I'm sure it isn't very pleasant for him. Oh, and what is it for you? Shut up there for days on end without a word or a sound. Peggy. Yes, ma'am. I'm going up to him. Oh, no. Not alone. Don't be silly. Oh, I'll not let you go up there alone. No, don't, please. I'm afraid. I'm afraid. Now that you've come up here, don't be frightened. I'm not frightened, Nicholas. Yes, you do have courage. It must have taken a great deal to make a pilgrimage to the mysterious tower room. I assume your twisted little servant is offering up suitable prayers for your safe return. I see no reason why they should be necessary. Why? Because of what you see. Just a room, no velvet drapes. Nicholas, what do you do in this room? What do I do? I live. But how could you understand? Oh, don't be offended. By ordinary standards, you're quite intelligent. But I will not live by ordinary standards. I will not look to the ground and move on the ground with a pack. Not so long as there are those mountain tops out there in clouds and limitless space. You still don't understand, do you? I want to try if you'll help me. Then steal yourself. Prepare to have your God-fearing, farm-bred prayer, fat and morality shaken to its core. You see, I have become what is vaguely known as a drug addict. Why? No tearful reproaches. No attempts to regenerate me. Why do you find it necessary? Because I have set free something within me. Something that ever since I can remember has been like a rock in my heart, in my brain, pushing at me, choking me. I know you better than you think, and you're just running away. Is it as simple as all that? Yes, Nicholas, as simple as that. When you've come up against something unpleasant that you couldn't change like the rent laws. For the death of my son. Oh, son! Get out of here. I want to help you. I don't need to be helped. Not me, then. Please don't shut me up like this. Let me be unhappy with you and happy again. Let me be part of you. Let me love you and love me too. That's how she would talk. Joanna. And Joanna is dead. It was Dr. Turner. She went up to the towel room to see him. But it did no good, no good at all. That's quite a story, Peggy, but I'm afraid you'll have to tell Mrs. Van Rine there isn't much I can do for her husband. Tell her? She doesn't know I've come to see you. It isn't him I'm worried about. It's her. I'm afraid for her. Afraid of what? Well, I can't say right out, sir, but oh, there's a blackness in that house and an in him. Oh, you've got to take her away. What makes you think she wants to go? Whether she wants to or not. You can't leave her there to be hurt and hurt again, not knowing what she's done wrong or how to do right. Happy as a child because he's so much he sends a plant to a room and... A plant? What sort of a plant? Well, something that grows in the hot house, sir. Grimald, I think she said... Come on, Peggy. I'm going to Dragonwick now. Why have you come to my room, Nicholas? What do you want? In as much as this is my house, must I explain my presence in it? Of course not. Forgive me, I'm... I'm just so tired. Yet I cannot remember you more beautiful than you are now. Your strength, your grace, your unexpected look of quality. It would be a pity if you were not to have another child. That's a matter of the Lord's will. Oh, yes, the Lord. The Lord who giveth life and also takes it away. Why did he take away my son's life? I have no way of knowing that, Nicholas. Why do you suppose you were here, Miranda? By the Lord's will or by mine? What you are is the reflection of what I wanted you to be. Now you do look frightened. What are you thinking? I'm thinking of Johanna. I don't know. Nicholas, what is it? You hear something. What? Nothing, nothing. It's nothing. It's just the wind through the trees. There is no wind tonight. There is sort of a creaking board somewhere. It's not important. It's...it stopped now. But I didn't hear anything. Neither did I. But you did, and you still do. It's from the red room. The harpsichord. The zeal. Stop it, Miranda. Stop it. That dream did hear at that night when Johanna died. And you... you must have heard it, too. And you must have been missing the night our little son. I never believed it, really. But now I do. Where are you going? Nicholas! In the red room, doctor. Staring at that picture on the wall. Just standing there, staring at that picture. Wait here, Peggy. Good evening, Mr. Van Rijn. What? Oh, Dr. Turner. Summoned in the best heroic tradition by the faithful little cripple. And have you an army of farmers armed with pitchforks lurking in the garden? No. You've long over, and you lost it. But Peggy seemed worried about you. Do I look as if I needed medical aid? I can't diagnose from appearance alone. You've become more careful, Dr. Turner. I can recall when your diagnoses were less thorough. I've learned a lot since then. For one thing, I've made a careful study of plant life. I would think human life more important. Jeff, what... what are you doing here? About to discuss plant life with your husband. I assume you've thanked him pretty for the lovely plant in your room? I don't understand. He understands. Your late wife's bedroom, Mr. Van Rijn, the night she died. I was never able to forget that plant. At first, I thought only that it was very beautiful. I've learned since it was also very deadly. Nicholas, what does he mean? The plant contains a glucoside, similar in action to digitalis, but much more toxic. How shrewd to have a doctor on hand that night you asked me to dinner. And weren't you lucky, Mr. Van Rijn, that I wasn't a better doctor? It was all so simple. Your wife with the bad cold. She couldn't possibly have tasted anything in the cake. It was soaked with rum anyway. I don't believe it. I... Jeff, let go! Pick up his pistol, Miranda. I... I suggest that you stay here, Mr. Van Rijn. Don't try to leave Dragonwick. If you do even your friend the prosecutor will be quite helpless to aid you. Nicholas. Let me alone and get out. All of you, get out. Jeff, just like you did in the Kermash. Hold up your lanterns there. Mr. Van Rijn. Mr. Van Rijn. Mayor Curtis, isn't it? You don't mind, Mr. Van Rijn. I'll have to ask you to come along with us. But I do mind. I have no intention of going anywhere with anyone. This is not a request, Van Rijn. You're under arrest. Back so soon, Dr. Turner. Nicholas, please. Oh, my wife. Go with him. It's your only chance. How little you know me, Miranda. Even Joanna would never have said that. Dr. Turner, you might use your influence to benefit these men for once and tell them to get out of here. How little you know me, Mr. Van Rijn. Or then... I am well armed, Dr. Turner. You don't believe I'd shoot again? Yes, I believe you. Drop your pistol, Van Rijn. All right, men, take the prisoner. Have it your own way, then. All of you. Take off your hats. Take off your hats. Leaving Dragonwick. You could ride to the boat landing with me, Jeff. I'd like nothing better. Except that I'd have to ride back here alone. Is that all you're taking with you? All I brought with me from home. Except a black dress. The way you just said, home. As if you never had any other. Have I ever? You know, Ma once said she never should have let me come to Dragonwick. That she was afraid. You couldn't marry a dream, she said. Do you dream, Jeff? Sometimes I dream. Some dreams are very real. So real that they get confused with reality, and then when you wake up and look around, you find yourself saying, what am I doing here? What is this to do with what I want? And I guess you make up your mind you've had a nightmare. You go crawling to your mind, Pa. So it's back to Greenwich now, Miranda, with never another thought of anything here. Greenwich isn't so far away, Jeff. Perhaps sometime you'll be passing through. Here's Mr. Keely with Tonight's Stars. As every producer knows, truly fine actors in a truly great play are sure-fire box-offers. And that's what we enjoyed tonight, with all our thanks to Jean Tierney and Vincent Price. Thank you, Bill. It was a real thrill doing Dragonwick again with Vince. I must say he makes a somewhat awesome Patroon. You know, Jean, that title has always bothered me. I keep mixing it up with platoons, paltoons, doubloons, pontoons... And loony tunes. Thank you. Speaking of patroons, I wonder how many of our audience know that Vincent Price is one of Hollywood's most loyal patrons of the arts. Well, Bill, I've always been interested in painting and encouraging young painters. And you're a very talented painter yourself, then. Mostly out of curiosity. How do you mean curiosity? I never know quite what it's going to be. And when I'm finished, I always wonder what it is. Do you go in for painting, Jean? All I know is the primary colors. Stop and go. I'd say Jean's port is motion pictures. Good night. Good night. Good night and come back again soon. This is William Keely, saying good night to you from Hollywood.