 the master of mystery and adventure, William M. Robson. It is with pride and humility that we accept the opinion of you, the listener, who have voted to spend the best dramatic show of the year. Now to the upcoming story, a gentle story of three gentle people with modest murder in their hearts and quiet greed in their souls. Sort of people you're apt to run into almost any place at almost any time. Listen, listen then, as rainbow stars with Miss Lee Patrick in just one happy little family, which begins in exactly one minute. Memo on Medals, information you may not know about our military decorations. One of the most famous holders of the Silver Star was General John J. Pershing. He was awarded the medal in recognition of service during the Philippine Campaign. Before he went on to greater fame he was commandering chief of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. Bestowing a trophy of honor and recognition of distinguished achievement goes back to the early days of civilized man. Probably the oldest record of a decoration is a wreath of laurel, which was used to crown winners of athletic contests in ancient Greece. It is interesting to note that versions of the laurel wreath appear even today on many modern medals of various nations. In the United States Navy, it is a tradition to award bonus points for advancement and rating based on medals and citations. For example, five extra points are given to winners of the Medal of Honor. As unique accolades for valor and superior service, medals symbolize our nation's recognition of individual dedication to the cause of freedom. And now, happy little family, starring Ray Noble with Miss Lee Patrick, a tale well calculated to keep you in mind. Oh, come sit in the parlour, Mr. Dunkel, and catch your breath. Yes, thank you, I believe I will. After all, one doesn't carry a bride over the threshold every day, my dear Victoria. And certainly never as lovely a one as you. Oh, Mr. Dunkel, come this way. Oh, this beautiful parlour, elegant. It was my dear departed, lazy prune. Victoria, we are indeed fortunate to find each other. You alone in this big house, and me alone with no house. It does work out nicely, doesn't it? With your money in my house, we should be able to, what was it the lady said, at the Keep It's Lair Friendship Club? Oh, yes, spend our golden years together. How well, she put it. Of course, and you must be tired. Let me fix you a nice cup of tea. Good idea. My wife, Jane, rests her soul. You should say it was just a thing, the perfect person. You're just sitting dressed. I won't see a... What does all that mean? They're tees, which kind would you like? Oh, oh, just plain tea would be fine. All right. All right. What a lot of bottles and jars are all of these tees. Oh, that doesn't know. They're herb tea. I'm an herb expert, you know. No, I didn't. It's just a sort of a hobby with me. Ah, here we are. Ah, it won't be a minute. Oh, you have quite a collection here. Hmm, new skin. Now what's that used for? It's mostly for love potions, but sometimes I use it for dreams. Mm-hmm. Pop Glen. Hemlock. Strickling. Victoria, aren't these dangerous to have around? Of course not. You just have to know how to move them. What kind of strickling and arsenic? These aren't a... Oh, don't you give it another thought. I told you I'm an expert. Now come along. We'll have tea in the parlour. Victoria, my dear, that was delicious tea. Oh, thank you, Mr. Dunkel. Now I'm sure you'd like to unpack and get settled. After all, this is your home too now. What mine is yours and what's yours is mine. Yes, my dear. The two of us are one, until death do us part. Oh, please, Mr. Dunkel. Let us not talk about things like that. Oh, I'm sorry, Victoria, but one must be prepared to face fate. I think we should make our will as soon as possible. I have a confession to make, Mr. Dunkel. I already had my lawyer take care of it. He'll bring the papers for us to sign tomorrow. Oh, my dear, Victoria, you think of everything. I try to, my dear. Now shall we get unpacked? All right. Oh, don't try to carry too many things at once, Mr. Dunkel, those stairs are steep. Very well, Victoria. I'll just take this large one first. And I'll carry this little black one. No, no, no, not that one. I'll take it. No, I won't, Mrs. Dunkel. Just look in love with knives. Are they yours? Of course they're mine. What on earth are you doing, listen? Well, when I retired, I just couldn't pass with them. They were my favorites. Might I ask what your position was the whole entire time? I thought I'd told you. I was a butcher. Butcher? Yes, my wife Mary, the rest herself, used to say that I was the most distinguished butcher in town. Didn't you say your wife's name was Jane? Jane, well, it was Mary Jane. Yes, that was it, Mary Jane, a wonderful woman. Mr. Dunkel, you'll find the guest whom at the head of the scare. Yes, well, the Victoria, the two of us, are one. Not tonight, Mr. Dunkel. My door will be locked. Yes, locked. And it will remain locked until the lawyer comes tomorrow. Good night, Mr. Dunkel. Mind and field, what is his is yours, and what is yours is his, and vice-versa. I'm glad it's over, Mr. Alderdice. I think we'll be so depressing here for the real story, Yes, of course we are. And now, if you'll excuse me, I'll see you at the scene. Well, Dunkel, I must say you are to be congratulated. You have a fine woman for a wife. Yes, a fine woman. Dunkel, make her happy. You can do it. She's had such a sad life losing her husband one after the other. Husband? Yes, woman. All seven. Everyone is found as a dollar for a scene. And then, one by one, gone. It's been so hard on her, and now with this house mortgage to the health mortgage. But, Dunkel, what's the matter? Are you ill? Dunkel, Victoria, quick. I think Mr. Dunkel has fainted. In a moment, we continue with the second act of... Another visit with Joe and Daphne Forsythe. Overhead the moon is seeing me. Oh, let Daphne hold it. Oh, hi, Joe. Guess what, honey, I'm trying out for the operetta. Has what? A singer. You could have fooled me. I was just practicing one of the songs. Well, I don't think you quite fit the role. Why not? Well, if this version of the student print is like the version I know, that particular number is sung by a tenant. Oh. Not that you don't come close. But I think you'd better stick to being a housewife. But I want to be a singer. Daphne, honey, a singer you'll never be. I could take lessons. Got a lesson cost money. Money better invested for us in savings bonds. You and your old savings bonds. I can't help it, honey. I just can't get over the way those savings bonds pay off. Four dollars for every three. That's what I call an investment. What good do they do me now? A lot. The money we put in those bonds every payday helps keep America strong and protects you and me. No bonds, maybe no operetta. Ever think of that? I still want to be a singer. Well, when those bonds start bringing in the green, if you still want to sing, they'll pay for the lessons and more. Good. Gee, if those bonds are mature, in fact, as you say, I better start practicing now just so that I'll be ready. Overhead, the moon is big. Daphne, Daphne, did anyone ever tell you you have a bad voice? Everyone. And now, with mislead panic, act two of just one happy little family. Mr. Duncan, why are you looking at me so strangely? Why didn't you tell me this house was mortgaged? Oh, it's only a little second mortgage. A second mortgage? Why didn't you tell me about your being married before? Papa, I dare to pass it, husband. No, about your dear departed husband. Oh, let's not talk about them. We have each other now for our golden years. Let us forget the past. How familiar that sounds. Sylvia arrests her so. Always said it was better to forget the past. Who is Sylvia? Well, she was my wife, the wonderful woman. But you said your wife's name was Jane. Then she was Mary, and now Sylvia. Don't tell me her name was Mary Jane Sylvia. Well, no, quite. It was like this. Mr. Duncan, how many wives have you had? Four. And where are they now? They passed on. But you had seven husbands. Oh, by the life of Mr. Duncan, let's not quarrel. Let us live for the future. Maybe there is a little second mortgage on the house, but with your retirement money. Victoria, my dear, there is something you should know about my retirement. What about it? You are retired, aren't you? Yes. Well, not exactly. Retired. I'm bankrupt. Bankrupt? Then you don't have any money? Not a penny, I'm sorry to say. Oh, this is a terrible blow to me. I had such pain. I imagine you did. Involving Arthur Nick and Stickney and me. Oh, now, Mr. Duncan says, didn't you plan to carve me off like a pock kill? Well, just because you prefer Arthur Nick is no reason to berate me. Arthur Nick is needy and tidy, certainly not like the mess you must make. I beg your pardon. I told you I'm the first class butcher. I'm sure you are, Mr. Duncan. And that gives me an idea. What kind of an idea? I have an idea. We might make a good team. A team? Yes. We both need money. And since we're both rather expert, why not work together? On whom? We'd in place an advertisement of the papers and then the guest room. It might work at best. There's plenty of room in the cellar. And the flower garden is nice and soft. I hardly any work to dig it up. Victoria, I think it's a splendid idea. Then we'd better advertise it once. There is a mortgage payment due. I don't know, Victoria. Fine applicants so far are not a one head any money, and even worse, most of them had relatives here in the city. Oh, have patience, Mr. Duncan. We'll find someone that's, oh, see? Don't give up the ship, Mr. Duncan. Yes? You're both just as I knew you would be. So sweet and saintly. You must have the wrong house child. But I can't have. Oh, I heard so. I did so want to be the first one here. I just know it's what I'm looking for. What is it? The room. The advertisement and the papers says you have that. Why didn't you say so? Do come in, child. Thank you. Oh, it's beautiful in here. What's your name? Golden Link. Golden Link? What a lovely sound. May I have the room? May I please? I have money lots of it right here in my purse. I'll show you. I keep it tied up in this handkerchief. My, that is enough of money. Aren't you afraid of losing it? Goodness, no. And besides, I can get much more at home. Oh, you have a home and a family, I suppose? I don't have a family. My daddy and mommy went to heaven together, and I was so lonely in that big house. A big house? Oh, very big. Here, I have a picture of it in my purse. See? That is a big house. It must have 40 rooms. I think there are 52. And you have no relatives? No. I'm all by myself. Oh, poor dear. What every girl needs a family. I want one more than anything. Oh, please let me stay. I could be so happy here. Of course you can stay. You're just the kind of dear person we were hoping for. Mr. Dunkel, your breakfast is on the table. Golden Ninker, down in a minute. Do you have everything ready? Oh, yes. I do. All mixed with a hot chocolate. I got the recipe from a very old witch's handbook. But I've never tried it before. I do hope it works. I hope so too, my dear. I can't think of any other way to get her power of attorney. Mr. Dunkel, are you sure it will be legal? Of course. The same thing works with Silvia. Or what, at Mary Jane? Amanda, let's be careful. Golden Ninker, such a sensitive girl. I couldn't bear to hurt her feelings. You have grown fond of her in these two weeks. She's been with us having too, my dear. I really have. I don't know what it is, but something about her reminds me of myself when I was a girl. It's just like having a daughter. Did you find her a nice spot in the garden? I looked, but it's all too rocky. Just like our own daughter. And we have to put her in that awful cellar. The garden would be so much nicer. She loves flower soup. Good morning, Daddy Dunkel. And Mommy Dunkel, sit down, dear. I have a lovely surprise for you. Here, I made this seasoning for you. Oh, a heavenly idea. You do so much for me. Drink it while it's hot. The tasting. The recipe is quite a mood. It works quickly, doesn't it, though? Now we'll make sure. Golden Nink. Golden Nink, can you hear me, child? Now, Golden Nink, I want you to do something for me. It's very simple. I want you to write your name on this piece of paper. Yes, Mommy Dunkel, whatever you say. Here you are, Mr. Dunkel, all signed. Amazing, Victoria, but how are you going to bring her out of the trunk? Simple. All potions have a counter-potion. Dear Golden Nink, my dear, drink some more chocolate. It will be good for you. Yes, Mommy Dunkel. Golden Nink, what's the chocolate going on? It's a nice change from tea. You are all right. Of course. I think I composed some poetry today. Making a sonnet, yes, that's what I'll do. I'll write a sonnet about my little family. Another one? We must have written too just now. I never get tired of writing about my little son. No, Victoria, now that the paper is signed, I'll get my things ready. I suppose you'd better. I must say it will feel good to slip into a white coat again. If only I hadn't sewn away my straw hat. We continue with the third act of... We have together ample capacity and freedom to defend freedom. This is NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Day after day, month after month, since April 4, 1949, the activities of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization have moved steadily forward on many fronts. This complete cooperation must and will continue because the concept of national self-sufficiency is out of date. Countries of the free world are interdependent and only in genuine partnership and by combining their resources, sharing tasks in many fields can progress and safety be found. The United States of America is a part of NATO. You should be aware of and alert to the objectives and programs of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. And now, starring Ray Noble with Miss Lee Patrick, act three of just one happy little family. Mr. Duncan, must you do that? That's found with my teeth on edge. These knives have to be razor sharp, my dear. A pointer professional pride with me. I'll be ready in a minute. Surely you're not thinking of doing it now. I have, well... But she's writing the fondest to us. Can't it wait just a while longer before we send her away? I suppose so. After tea time then, Golden Link does so like tea time and I hate to disappoint her. Oh, very well. I just can't bear to say her this and that I did this on. Golden Link, child! Why are you standing here by the door? I wanted you to hear my son. Oh, of course, my dear. Let me see what you've written so far. A silver sunshine cabbage and the blue and purple roses bend you... It's not finished, child. I can't think of now. I don't feel well, mommy. Oh, poor dear. Why don't you go rest in your home and maybe you'll think of something. Yes, I'll do that. Maybe by tea time I'll think of something. Golden Link, but a lovely surprise. You're making tea for us. But you're not having any. No. I did so love the talk that you made this morning. I decided to have it again instead of tea. But it doesn't have the flavor in your bag. No, I imagine not. These jelly sandwiches are just the way I like them. They're sprinkled with sugar. Hey, Daddy Donko, have another. I believe I will. They're truly delicious. I enjoy jelly sandwiches with my... my pee. What's the matter? Do you have a touch of indigestion? It's not indigestion. It's dead, dead. I hope you'll pick it as, child. I poisoned him. You poisoned him? Oh, yes. I hope you're not angry that I used so many of your herbs. Golden Link. How could you? You were going to get rid of me. That's why I had to put some of your herbs in the sandwiches and tea. It's the tea. But I drank it too. Yes, I know. You've got to help me. Get the antidote. Oh, I don't think there is one, Mommy Donko. Your little recipe book didn't have one for Hemlock. Hemlock? Oh, you're right. There is no antidote. What's done is done. Oh, why did you do it, child? You were planning to send me away. I heard you. My mommy and daddy were going to send me away too. They didn't love me either. But I showed them how much I loved them. I sent them to heaven together, just like you and Daddy Donko. You poisoned him? Goodness, no. I used an axe. This is the first time I've ever poisoned anyone. But you took big house. I didn't want to go to that big house. I didn't like it. Most of the time, they kept me locked in a room. But I got away. And we thought you were rich. I am. Oh, yes. A nice old man who lived in the big house gave me the money. He's got lots and lots of it. General Robert E. Lee gave it to him personally. Oh, golden thing, child. No wonder you remind me of myself when I was a baby. Don't worry, Mommy Donko. Now that you and Daddy Donko have gone to heaven, I'll have to find another family to love. But I'll find one. I'm sure there are lots and lots of people who would like to have a daughter like me. With Miss Lee Patrick in William and Robeson's production of Just One Happy Little Family. An original radio play by John Thornton. Supporting Mr. Noble and Miss Patrick in Just One Happy Little Family were Shirley Mitchell and David Shiner. Listen. Listen again next week when we return with another tale well calculated to keep you in.