MUSIC:

OPENING SIGNATURE.

JOY:

International Silver Company presents the Silver Theatre!

MUSIC:

MUSICAL PROGRESSION.

JOY:

Starring Clark Gable in "For Richer--for Richer"-- directed by Conrad Nagel.

MUSIC:

MUSICAL PROGRESSION.

JOY:

Brought to you on behalf of two of the greatest names in silverware, International Sterling, world-famous solid silver, and 1847 Rogers Brothers, America's finest silver plate!

MUSIC:

THEME ... FADE TO BACKGROUND.

JOY:

We welcome you to the tenth program in the new Silver Theatre series. And here is our director, Conrad Nagel, who has a few words regarding our play.

NAGEL:

Ladies and gentlemen, the original comedy drama, in which Mr. Gable is starring today, was written especially for Silver Theatre by True Boardman. In future weeks our stars will include Kay Francis, George Brent, Margaret Lindsay, Madeleine Carroll, and many others equally famous. Shortly after the final curtain, I'll give you the news about next week's production and our next star.

But now for today's play:

MUSIC:

CURTAIN RAISER.

NAGEL:

The house lights dim, and the Silver Curtain rises on the first act of "For Richer--for Richer," starring Clark Gable as Chris Morgan, with Mary Taylor as Peggy Turner.

MUSIC:

SEGUE TO SCORING BEHIND NARRATION.

NAGEL:

In a particularly luxurious bedroom of the altogether luxurious Turner mansion, Susan Turner is pacing the floor. In fact, Susan has been pacing the floor since 11 o'clock. And now it's nearly midnight. But suddenly...

SOUND:

OVER END OF ABOVE ... BRIEF KNOCK ON DOOR ... DOOR OPENS.

PEGGY:

Susan. Are you feeling better? I left the dance early because I thought...

SUSAN:

(BLITHELY) Oh, hello, Peggy.

PEGGY:

(ASTONISHED) Susan, what are you doing up and dressed and with a bag packed?

SUSAN:

I'm eloping. Isn't it wonderful?

PEGGY:

Eloping? Susan! With Freddie?

SUSAN:

Freddie? Don't be silly. I've been engaged to Freddie for 2 years. Why should I run away and marry a man I'm engaged to? It doesn't make sense.

PEGGY:

Well, then, who?

SUSAN:

Chris Morgan.

PEGGY:

Chris Morgan? But we hardly know the man. Who is he? What about his family?

SUSAN:

Oh, I asked him about that. His family's just as good as ours. In fact one of his ancestors was a knight.

PEGGY:

A knight?

SUSAN:

Sir Henry Morgan.

PEGGY:

Look, sister darling, for your information, Sir Henry Morgan was a pirate.

SUSAN:

That's what I mean. Isn't it marvelous?

PEGGY:

(GENUINELY DISTURBED) Susan, listen to me. You can't do this, not without telling dad.

SUSAN:

Peggy, you may just as well save your breath. (SHE SIGHS) Chris simply swept me off my feet.

PEGGY:

Does he love you?

SUSAN:

Well, he hasn't said so, but he's been awfully indifferent.

CHRIS:

(OVER ABOVE ... WELL OFF-MIKE ... WHISTLES ... "HAIL, HAIL, THE GANG'S ALL HERE")

SUSAN:

Listen. He's here! (SHE FADES SLIGHTLY ... CALLS IN A HOARSE WHISPER) I'm all ready. Be right down. (WHISPERING) Oh, Peggy. I'm so excited. Where's my bag?

PEGGY:

How are you going to get down from the window? Float?

SUSAN:

Oh, no. There's a ladder. I put it there myself. Chris said that would save him trouble.

PEGGY:

Hm. Apparently Chris thinks of everything.

SUSAN:

Everything. Well, good-by, darling. Wish me luck.

PEGGY:

(THEN ... A NEW IDEA) Susan, wait. If you must do this mad thing, at least be sensible about it. Take a warm coat. It's awfully bad form to catch pneumonia on your honeymoon.

SUSAN:

Maybe you're right. My fur coat...

PEGGY:

It's here in your closet. (SOUND ... DOOR OPENS) Better get it.

SUSAN:

(FADING SLIGHTLY) Yes, I'll ...

SOUND:

DOOR SLAMS ... KEY TURNS.

SUSAN:

(CRIES OUT AD LIB FROM BEHIND DOOR, "Let me out of here. What are you going to do?" ETC., ETC., ETC.)

CHRIS:

(WHISTLES AGAIN IN THE DISTANCE.)

PEGGY:

(CALLING) I'm coming. (THEN TO HERSELF) Elope with my kid sister, will you, you son of Henry Morgan. I'll show you.

MUSIC AND SOUND:

STARTING WITH ABOVE SPEECH ... CLAMBERING OVER WINDOW SILL ... SPECIAL EFFECT OF DESCENDING LADDER OVER ABOVE ... FOOTSTEPS ON GRAVEL ... FADE IN SOUND OF IDLING MOTOR.

CHRIS:

Hello.

PEGGY:

Hello.

CHRIS:

No bag?

PEGGY:

No bag? Oh, no. No bag.

CHRIS:

Then get in the car.

PEGGY:

(TAKEN ABACK) Get in?

CHRIS:

(YAWNING) Yeah. Let's get this over and done with. I want to get some sleep.

SOUND:

CAR DOOR CLOSES ... THEN ANOTHER ... CAR STARTS OFF ... A MOMENT'S PAUSE, AND CHRIS SPEAKS ... YAWNING AGAIN.

CHRIS:

I'm late.

PEGGY:

Oh, that's quite all right. Your apology is accepted.

CHRIS:

Who's apologizing? Don't jump at conclusions.

PEGGY:

Oh, excuse me. (PAUSE) I suppose it wouldn't be the thing for me to ask where we're going?

CHRIS:

We're going to get married. Where do people usually go when they elope?

PEGGY:

Hm. How charming. Well, this may be somewhat of a shock to you, Mr. Morgan, but I'd suggest that you look at me again, a little more closely this time.

CHRIS:

Why should I?

PEGGY:

It just happens that I'm not Susan Turner. I'm Peggy, her sister. Surprise!

CHRIS:

Yeah, I know. What difference does that make?

PEGGY:

What difference?

CHRIS:

Sure, I'm not marrying the girl, I'm marrying the 3 million. (PAUSE)

PEGGY:

(FLOORED ... TRYING TO LAUGH IT OFF) You're joking.

CHRIS:

I never joke after midnight.

PEGGY:

Well! So the change in brides makes no difference to you?

CHRIS:

Sure, it makes a difference. Your sister's younger than you are.

PEGGY:

Only a year and a half!

CHRIS:

She's got nicer hair, bluer eyes, and better teeth.

PEGGY:

Well, thank you.

CHRIS:

(RELUCTANTLY) Maybe I'm wrong about the teeth.

PEGGY:

(ICILY) If you'll forgive me for reminding you, you are not buying a horse, Mr. Morgan.

CHRIS:

Not much difference.

PEGGY:

Oh, isn't there?

CHRIS:

Come to think of it, there is. You can always sell a horse.

PEGGY:

(A SLIGHT PAUSE ... THEN REALIZING) This car. It's Susan's, isn't it?

CHRIS:

Sure. I took it out of the garage. Mine was low on gas.

PEGGY:

You were eloping with my sister in her car?

CHRIS:

Why not? It's her wedding. Or it was going to be. If I'd known you were coming, I'd have brought yours instead.

PEGGY:

(A VERY SLIGHT PAUSE) Mr. Morgan, before this goes any further, there's one thing you really ought to know, as a confirmed fortune hunter, I mean. You are a confirmed fortune hunter, I take it?

CHRIS:

(AGREEING) You take it.

PEGGY:

Well, it so happens that if either Susan or I marry without father's consent we're automatically disinherited.

CHRIS:

Yeah?

PEGGY:

Yeah.

CHRIS:

Your nose is shiny. Fix it. (SLIGHT PAUSE) And you're a liar!

PEGGY:

What? Don't you talk to me like that!

CHRIS:

Both of you inherited 3 million apiece from your grandmother. Your old man hasn't anything to say about it.

PEGGY:

(SORE BECAUSE HE'S RIGHT) Well! You certainly haven't left any stones unturned.

CHRIS:

Can't afford to. I only intend to get married once, so I want to be sure it's the right proposition.

PEGGY:

Proposition?

CHRIS:

What do you call it? Marriage is a business, pure and simple.

PEGGY:

I see. And that little element called love?

CHRIS:

Look at the people who married for love. Where do they end up? In the divorce courts.

PEGGY:

But how about the marriages that last? Some do, you know.

CHRIS:

Economic, practically every one of them. Two people meet, like you and me, say. They see it's to their mutual advantage to go into a business partnership.

PEGGY:

Hm. But in your case, why should you plan only one "partnership," as you call it? There are lots of girls with money. And there's always Reno.

CHRIS:

(SORE) What do you think I am, a chiseler?

PEGGY:

(GRINNING) You're asking me?

CHRIS:

What are you kicking about? I've got every qualification you need in a husband. I can play bridge. I can juggle a teacup. I can dance, fence, ride, swim, bowl, ski, play tennis, badminton, and Chinese checkers. I can fly a plane, drive a car, and sail a boat. What more can you ask, for 3 million?

PEGGY:

I might ask if you ever work.

CHRIS:

Work?

PEGGY:

Yes. You've heard of the word, perhaps. It's an old custom, especially among self-respecting men.

CHRIS:

Do you work?

PEGGY:

Of course not!

CHRIS:

Well, the women in China are hod carriers. And in certain native tribes of Africa, the woman who even lets her husband lift his hand in manual labor has her ears lopped off.

PEGGY:

But this isn't Africa, Mr. Morgan.

CHRIS:

No. But we can learn.

PEGGY:

Then after this wedding tonight, you have no plans except, of course, to live on my money?

CHRIS:

Why not? That's what you're doing.

PEGGY:

I suppose the fact that it's mine has nothing to do with it.

CHRIS:

Whaddayamean, yours? Did you ever work for it?

SOUND:

THE CAR IS SLOWED TO A STOP ... ANTICIPATE.

CHRIS:

Here we are. Justice of the peace.

PEGGY:

The lights are on. He's up.

CHRIS:

Sure, and waiting. I believe in having things organized. Come on, let's go in and get this over. I told you before, I want to get some sleep.

MUSIC:

BRIEF TRANSITION.

JUSTICE:

Yep, stand right here, please. Now, as soon as we make out this license... Your name, Miss.

CHRIS:

Her name's Turner, Peggy Turner.

PEGGY:

(WITH A TOUCH OF SARCASM) I can tell him my own name, "darling." Do you mind? My name is Margaret Evelyn Turner, and I live at Shore Beach.

JUSTICE:

(IMPRESSED) Turner? Well! Well! Not the Turners?

CHRIS:

(IRASCIBLY) Let's go.

JUSTICE:

Oh, sure, sure. Occupation, Miss Turner?

PEGGY:

Just put down "saving Susan."

JUSTICE:

What's that?

CHRIS:

Leave it blank.

JUSTICE:

Now you, mister ...

CHRIS:

I'm Christopher Morgan. Address, the Jezebel, New York.

PEGGY:

(A TAKE) The Jezebel! You would live in a hotel with a name like that!

CHRIS:

Oh, would I? Well, it just happens, the Jezebel is a boat.

JUSTICE:

A boat, eh? Well, let's get on with it. Occupation, mister?

PEGGY:

(QUICKLY) Fortune hunter.

JUSTICE:

Huh?

CHRIS:

She called it.

JUSTICE:

Hm. Well, things are bad all over. Let's go then. (CALLING) Ma! Emmy! stick your heads out here and witness this.

WOMAN:

(SIGHING ... YAWNING OFF) All right, pa, we're witnessin'.

JUSTICE:

Join hands. Do you, Christopher Morgan, take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?

CHRIS:

I do.

JUSTICE:

Hm. And do you, Margaret Evelyn Turner, take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?

PEGGY:

(MATTER OF FACTLY) I do not.

JUSTICE:

Then by the power vested in me... (DOUBLE TAKE) What'd you say?

PEGGY:

(VERY POSITIVELY) I said "I do not"!

JUSTICE:

That's what I thought you said. Well, certainly can't marry you folks. (SIGHING) Go back to bed, ma.

SOUND:

DOOR SLAMS ... OFF.

CHRIS:

Wait a minute! (TO PEGGY) What's the idea?

PEGGY:

(ACCUSINGLY) You would have done it! You actually would have gone through with the marriage!

CHRIS:

Certainly I would. Why not?

PEGGY:

You weren't joking? You really are everything you said you were!

CHRIS:

Sure I am.

PEGGY:

(ALMOST SPEECHLESS) Oh! Of all the arrogant, conceited, self-centered, weak-kneed excuses for a man! Marry you? Why, I wouldn't marry you, if...

CHRIS:

If I were the last man on earth. I know the line. Now look! Cut out the dramatics.

PEGGY:

Let go of me!

CHRIS:

Quit it, I said!

JUSTICE:

Look here, mister. You're not gonna hit nobody in this house. I'll...

CHRIS:

Do I look like a guy who'd hit a woman before I was married to her?

JUSTICE:

(VERY SLIGHT PAUSE) But, Mr. Morgan...

CHRIS:

Get out of here! You heard me! Beat it!

JUSTICE:

(MEEKLY) I heard you.

SOUND:

DOOR CLOSES ... OFF.

PEGGY:

(FURIOUS) You let go of me!

CHRIS:

What's the idea, jilting me at the altar? I suppose you think I'll stand for that!

PEGGY:

Jilting you? I never said I'd marry you. You never even asked me! And I won't! I won't! I won't!

CHRIS:

(SUDDENLY) All right. You won't. Then come on.

PEGGY:

Where are we going?

CHRIS:

To get your sister.

PEGGY:

(UNBELIEVING) You wouldn't! You wouldn't still marry her tonight, after ... after ...

CHRIS:

Certainly I would. Why not? Don't argue. Let's go.

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES ... LIGHT TRAFFIC NOISES LOW IN BACKGROUND.

PEGGY:

(PROTESTING VAINLY) But--but, the man in there. The license. You didn't pay him.

CHRIS:

Why should I? We didn't use it.

PEGGY:

That doesn't matter, Chris Morgan. I still refuse to be a party to cheating an old man out of $2. I know! You wait in the car. I'll be right out. (CONCERNED) You will wait? You won't go without me?

CHRIS:

Maybe I will, maybe I won't. But you'll never find out just standing there in the door. Go on!

PEGGY:

(ANGRILY) Oh ...

SOUND:

DOOR SLAMS.

CHRIS:

(LAUGHS)

MUSIC:

TRANSITION.

SOUND:

CAR RUNNING.

CHRIS:

You took long enough. Another 2 minutes and I wouldn't have waited.

PEGGY:

The man had to wake his wife to get change. I only had a $20 bill.

CHRIS:

(SNORTS DISAPPROVINGLY) Huh!

PEGGY:

(BRIDLING) What did you say?

CHRIS:

I said "huh"! Any objections? Why did you have to mix up in this, anyway? Except for you, whatshername and I would be married now.

PEGGY:

Her name is Susan! And you'll only marry her over my dead body.

CHRIS:

Sounds a little messy to me for a wedding ceremony, but any way you say.

SOUND:

OVER ABOVE ... A SIREN FADES IN IN THE DISTANCE.

PEGGY:

Listen, Chris Morgan! You needn't think ... (SHE BREAKS OFF AS SHE HEARS THE SIREN)

CHRIS:

(SMILINGLY GRIMLY) I'm listening.

SOUND:

CAR SPEED INCREASES.

PEGGY:

(BEGINNING TO BE SCARED ... LAUGHING FEEBLY) You're, er, going pretty fast.

CHRIS:

Only the beginning.

SOUND:

CAR VEERS AROUND CURVE ... TIRES SKID.

PEGGY:

(STIFLES A SCREAM) Look! Don't you hear a siren behind us?

CHRIS:

I do.

PEGGY:

It couldn't be a motorcycle cop?

CHRIS:

It could, and it is. Two of them.

SOUND:

CAR RUNNING FASTER ... ANOTHER TIRE SCREAMS TURN ... MORE SIRENS.

PEGGY:

(SCARED) Oh, please, please, Chris! Don't drive so fast. We'll ...

CHRIS:

Haven't really opened up yet. Never open up till there are at least six cops on my tail. Ah, now there are four.

PEGGY:

(A MOAN OF FRIGHT) Ohhhh!

CHRIS:

(OVER THE SOUND OF THE MOTOR) What did you say?

PEGGY:

I said you're a lunatic!

CHRIS:

(ENJOYING THIS) So you wanted to pay the old man his $2? You really went back to phone, didn't you? Who to? Your father, or straight to the police?

PEGGY:

I don't know what you're talking about!

SOUND:

THERE ARE NOW MORE SIRENS IN THE DISTANCE.

CHRIS:

Well! Two more of our friends. That makes the six. Now we'll really travel.

SOUND:

CAR OPENS UP FULL.

PEGGY:

(TERRIFIED) No! No, Chris! You can't go faster! Please! You'll ... Chris! Ahead there! The road's blocked!

CHRIS:

Jeepers creepers! Ambushed!

SOUND:

TRIES SCREAM AS CAR CAREENS TO A STOP.

CHRIS:

(ANGRY) A fine sense of sportsmanship those cops have. Incidentally, Miss Turner, you're going to be sorry you started this.

PEGGY:

Oh, am I?

SOUND:

THROUGH THESE SPEECHES ... SIRENS COMING UP TO STOP, ETC.

OFFICER:

(COMING IN HURRIEDLY) Is that you, Miss Turner? And are you all right?

CHRIS:

Look here, officer! What's the idea of ...

PEGGY:

(INTERRUPTING) Yes, officer, I am all right, now that you've caught up with "Killer Morgan" here.

OFFICER:

(ASTONISHED) Killer Morgan!!!

CHRIS:

(EVEN MORE ASTONISHED) Killer Morgan?

PEGGY:

(QUICKLY AND POSITIVELY) Killer Morgan. Alias Chris the Crook, alias Morgan the Mugg, alias Slugface Benedict. Those are his names. He told me so!

CHRIS:

(GRINNING) Oh, I told you that, did I?

OFFICER:

Never mind the lip, Morgan. You're comin' along with us. Miss Turner, what's the charge?

CHRIS:

(CHALLENGING) Yes, Miss Turner, what is the charge?

PEGGY:

The charge? Well, officer, I do want you to go easy on him--but he was guilty of speeding--and reckless driving--and I don't think he has a license. He's obviously drunk--he stole this car--and--oh, yes--I almost forgot--he kidnaped me!

MUSIC:

FIRST ACT CURTAIN. APPLAUSE.

NAGEL:

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure you're all looking forward to the second act of our story tonight; but before the Silver Curtain rises again, may I ask you to look backward with me to a New England Christmas 92 years ago! There's new fallen snow on the ground outside, and inside, the house is fragrant with fresh-picked pine and laurel and spruce. There's a log roaring in the fireplace, and children's plump Christmas stockings hang from the mantelpiece. There are gifts under the Christmas tree for everybody from grandmother down, and for the young bride-to-be, a case of 12 silver spoons that are the envy and admiration of the whole household! And this is why!

JOY:

You see, ladies and gentlemen, those 12 silver spoons came from the brand-new house of 1847 Rogers Brothers! They possessed a beauty of design that surpassed any silver plate yet made, a perfection of craftsmanship that was to make the silversmiths who created them the most famous craftsmen in America! And you'll find that today, 92 years later, silver plate that bears the name 1847 Rogers Brothers is still the grandest gift of all for Christmas! This is especially true since the creation of their new and lovely "Adoration" pattern. For "Adoration" has the look of solid silver! Its ornament is more deeply etched, more highly raised than ever before in silver plate! Yes, "Adoration" is as exquisite as the first star at night! And it has a lasting loveliness that will gleam as gloriously many years from now as it does on Christmas morning! So see it ... and choose it ... this latest and greatest of silver-plate patterns ... 1847 Rogers Brothers. "Adoration"!

MUSIC:

SECOND ACT CURTAIN RAISER.

NAGEL:

Again the house lights dim, and the Silver Curtain rises on the concluding act of "For Richer--for Richer," starring Clark Gable as Chris Morgan, with Mary Taylor as Peggy Turner.

MUSIC:

SEGUE TO NARRATION BACKGROUND ... JAIL THEME.

NAGEL:

Four days have passed since the would-be elopement. But since Peggy has failed to sign a formal complaint, Chris is still star boarder in the local county jail. At the moment he's playing cribbage through the bars of his cell with Jeff Barnes, his more than sympathetic jailor ...

CHRIS:

(COUNTING) Fifteen-two, fifteen-four, fifteen-six.

JEFF:

Beats me what a guy with your luck is doin' in jail, Chris.

CHRIS:

Politics, Jeff, my boy! Politics!

PEGGY:

(SLIGHTLY OFF ... SARCASTICALLY) Is that so!

JEFF:

Miss Turner! Gee whillikens!

PEGGY:

Sheriff, I'd like to speak to your prisoner.

JEFF:

Sure ... (FADING) Go right ahead. I'll be seein' about dinner, Chris.

SOUND:

DOOR CLOSES OFF.

PEGGY:

Well!

CHRIS:

Very well, thank you. How about you? (LITTLE PAUSE) Care to play a hand? Name your game. Penny ante, blackjack, pinochle, fan-tan, Russian bank or, oh, I have it! Old maid!

PEGGY:

(A LITTLE MOCKING LAUGH) Very amusing, Mr. Morgan. (SIGHS) I wish you could see the charming picture you make through those bars.

CHRIS:

That's the Slugface Benedict in me.

PEGGY:

(COOLLY) Mr. Morgan, I've come today to give you a final offer. At least you can't say I'm not generous.

CHRIS:

Can't I?

PEGGY:

(GOING ON) If you will promise to forget this whole idea.

CHRIS:

You mean marrying whatshername?

PEGGY:

(ANNOYED) Her name is Susan! If you'll swear never even to see her again, I'll dismiss all charges against you.

CHRIS:

Couldn't be interested.

PEGGY:

Oh, you couldn't? Do you realize that if I press those charges you'll probably go to jail for 10 years? Kidnaping is ...

CHRIS:

Kidnaping is exactly what I want you to charge me with. Remember, Miss Turner, we got a license from that justice. That's proof that you went there intending to marry me.

PEGGY:

I did not!

CHRIS:

Try to tell a court that. You go right ahead with your charges. They'll laugh the case out of court. Then I'll sue you for half a million for false arrest, illegal restraint of liberty, and defamation of my character.

PEGGY:

(FURIOUS ... REALIZING HE'S GOT HER) You! You haven't got any character!

CHRIS:

I haven't much, have I? Isn't it unfortunate? Come to think of it, I could sue now. Who's a good lawyer?

PEGGY:

I can't believe you're as much of a heel as you're making yourself out to be.

CHRIS:

You'll find out when I bring suit.

PEGGY:

But you can't! I mean, you mustn't! Please!

CHRIS:

(GENEROUSLY) Well, suppose I got big-hearted and dropped the suit; how about my going ahead and marrying whatshername?

PEGGY:

Her name is Susan.

CHRIS:

That's it. Susan.

PEGGY:

(TROUBLED) Well, before you do, won't you at least come and talk to my father? He's a very reasonable man. Maybe between you, you can work something out. Please, Chris--I mean Mr. Morgan.

CHRIS:

(RELUCTANTLY) Okay. Okay. But I'm getting a little fed up with all this bother. As far as I can see, no woman is worth it.

MUSIC:

BRIEF TRANSITION.

TURNER:

Er, sit down, Mr. Morgan.

CHRIS:

Thanks, Mr. Turner.

TURNER:

(SLIGHT PAUSE) I understand you want to marry my daughter.

CHRIS:

That's right.

TURNER:

Which one?

CHRIS:

Any one you say. You know them better than I do. Which one would you recommend?

TURNER:

(LAUGHS) Very funny. Peggy told me you were quite a character.

CHRIS:

Oh, she did? She told me I didn't have any!

TURNER:

Now, let's quit this nonsense. You want to marry Susan.

CHRIS:

Have it your way.

TURNER:

What are your prospects?

CHRIS:

Excellent. I'm about to come into 3 millions.

TURNER:

Really. A relative?

CHRIS:

Yes. A wife.

TURNER:

Now, see here, young man.

CHRIS:

Suppose you see here. This meeting wasn't my idea. Your daughter thought talking to you might straighten this thing out.

TURNER:

Susan suggested it?

CHRIS:

Who said anything about Susan? I'm talking about Peggy!

TURNER:

But you said you wanted to marry Susan.

CHRIS:

(DISGUSTED) Of all the guys for putting words in somebody's mouth. You said I wanted to marry Susan. Personally, I don't care which one it is. I just want somebody to make up his mind.

TURNER:

(TAKEN BACK) Now wait a minute, Mr. Morgan. Are you admitting you want to marry into my family for--for money?

CHRIS:

Can you think of a better reason?

TURNER:

My daughters have had lots of men after their money, but you're the first one who ever admitted it. Such honesty deserves appreciation.

CHRIS:

Glad you look at it that way.

TURNER:

(ALMOST APOLOGETICALLY) But, er, there are still appearances. Maybe I can find a place for you, as a--as a vice- president in charge of something.

CHRIS:

(SORE) No you don't. I've got to draw the line somewhere. Nobody's gonna make me a vice-president!

TURNER:

Hmm. Well, some kind of a managership, then?

CHRIS:

(SHRUGGING) Sorry! Wouldn't work out.

TURNER:

You wouldn't take a job?

CHRIS:

Nope!

TURNER:

Just my money.

CHRIS:

That's all.

TURNER:

And my daughter.

CHRIS:

I can't help that part of it. Well, how about it?

TURNER:

You seem in pretty much of a hurry.

CHRIS:

Sure, I am. The eighteenth is the dead line.

TURNER:

The dead line?

CHRIS:

Yeah. For the kids.

TURNER:

The kids? Now, look here, young man. I thought at least you were single.

CHRIS:

No! The kids at Morgan Memorial. You've heard of the Morgan Memorial Hospital, haven't you?

TURNER:

Why, of course. Then ... ?

CHRIS:

My family has been endowing the place for generations. But I've been traveling lately; and when I got back last month I found the hospital all ready to fold up. The investment securities went bust. So I had to figure out some way to keep it going.

TURNER:

I see.

CHRIS:

I tried every other angle I knew to raise the dough, even selling my boat.

TURNER:

But why couldn't you get someone else to endow the hospital? I'd even help myself. If 50 thousand or so would ...

CHRIS:

You will not! Morgans have kept that hospital running for 92 years, and they're not stopping now.

PEGGY:

(SUDDENLY FADING IN) Of course they're not! He's right, dad.

TURNER:

(ACCUSINGLY) Peggy, you've been listening!

PEGGY:

Certainly I have! And I found out what I wanted to know. I'm sorry I backed out of the wedding, Mr. Morgan. But I'll make up for it now.

CHRIS:

You will, huh? And this time you mean it?

PEGGY:

This time I mean it.

CHRIS:

Strictly a business proposition?

PEGGY:

Strictly and absolutely.

CHRIS:

When?

PEGGY:

Would tomorrow do?

CHRIS:

Why not?

PEGGY:

Good! And if you'll stay for dinner we can talk over the, er, business arrangements.

CHRIS:

Guess I can make it.

TURNER:

Well, maybe I'm old-fashioned (FADE), but all this is too much for me.

SOUND:

DOOR SLAMS OFF.

PEGGY:

Poor dad. He still thinks being in love should have something to do with marriage. Isn't that absurd?

CHRIS:

Sure it is. Did I say it wasn't?

MUSIC:

TRANSITION.

SOUND:

DISSOLVE IN NIGHT GARDEN SOUNDS.

PEGGY:

And you really should see this garden. It's the loveliest part of the whole place.

CHRIS:

Yeah. Not bad.

MUSIC:

COMES IN LOW IN BACKGROUND WITH "YOU AND THE NIGHT AND THE MUSIC" ... FILTER.

PEGGY:

(ON CUE) Oh, do you mind the radio? I can go back in and turn it off.

CHRIS:

No. It's okay.

PEGGY:

(HESITANTLY) I--I hope you enjoyed dinner. If not, we can get a new cook after the--the wedding.

CHRIS:

The dinner was all right.

PEGGY:

That's good. (A LITTLE PAUSE)

CHRIS:

What's that song?

PEGGY:

"You and the Night and the Music."

CHRIS:

(HE SNORTS DISAPPROVINGLY) Huh. Don't like it.

PEGGY:

Don't you? (LITTLE PAUSE) I--I'm glad everything's all set. Dad turns over $200,000 to you on the day we're married. Right?

CHRIS:

Right.

PEGGY:

And then?

CHRIS:

Then?

PEGGY:

I was wondering where we might go on our honeymoon.

CHRIS:

Look. We won't talk about that now.

PEGGY:

All right. (LITTLE PAUSE) Nice night.

CHRIS:

Huh! (GRUNTS)

PEGGY:

Do you like my hair this way, Chris? I remembered you said you liked Susan's better, so I tried doing mine just like hers. (REMEMBERING) Oh, about Susan, I didn't tell you. She's going to marry Freddie after all.

CHRIS:

Am I supposed to cheer?

PEGGY:

Funny, when she found out you were a fortune hunter, she was almost angry with you. But then Susan's like dad, a conservative. (LITTLE PAUSE) I'm sorry. Maybe--maybe you still would prefer Susan. Would you, Chris?

CHRIS:

(SHARPLY ... ALMOST ANGRILY) No!

PEGGY:

Chris?

CHRIS:

I wouldn't prefer anyone! (A LITTLE PAUSE ... HE GOES ON SOFTLY) And I'll tell you where we're going on our honeymoon. There's an island in the Indies, south of Java, an island so small you'd never find it on a map. But I've been there. And I promised myself that someday I'd go back, but not alone.

PEGGY:

(IN HIS TONE) Chris! Chris, tell me about it.

CHRIS:

Tell you? No one could do that. You'll have to see it yourself. (HE VISUALIZES IT AGAIN AS HE DESCRIBES IT) See the waves breaking far out on a reef and rolling up to a beach that's whiter than snow. You'll have to steer a boat at night by the Southern Cross and smell the ginger blossoms on the trade winds. You'll have to ... (HE BREAKS OFF)

PEGGY:

(ASTONISHED AT THIS QUALITY IN HIM) Chris! Oh, Chris, darling.

CHRIS:

(LOW) Peggy! You're a fool to marry me.

PEGGY:

Maybe I am, but I don't care. Oh, Chris! (THERE IS A PAUSE)

CHRIS:

(ABRUPTLY, SORE) Hey! What's the matter with us?

PEGGY:

What's wrong?

CHRIS:

Wrong? Everything's wrong. The whole business is messed up now.

PEGGY:

But it's all set, the wedding, everything.

CHRIS:

The wedding's off. And don't ask me why. I said it's off. And I'm leaving! (FADES) Good-by!

MUSIC:

TRANSITION.

SOUND:

DISSOLVE IN HARBOR NOISES.

CHRIS:

(CALLING) Cap! Cap Norback!

CAPTAIN:

(SLIGHT SWEDISH ACCENT ... FADING IN) Yah, hello, Chris. You come aboard the Jezebel at last, huh?

CHRIS:

All right, Cap. Get her underweigh.

CAPTAIN:

Yah, Chris. I get your message, but it ain't true. You ain't sold the Jezebel.

CHRIS:

(GRIMLY) No? We deliver her to the new owners in Norfolk tomorrow. I'll be in my cabin.

CAPTAIN:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Chris?

CHRIS:

Yeah?

CAPTAIN:

I'm mighty sorry you lose the Jezebel. No foolin'.

CHRIS:

Maybe you think I'm cheering. Thanks, Cap. Let's get going.

CAPTAIN:

(FADING) Yah. Sure. (HE SHOUTS ORDERS IN THE DISTANCE ... "Cast off, there. Up anchor," ETC. ... AD LIBS)

SOUND:

FOOTSTEPS ALONG DECK ... CABIN DOOR OPENS ... CLOSES.

PEGGY:

(BLITHELY) Hello, Chris.

CHRIS:

Peggy! (HIS FIRST IMPULSE WAS TO TAKE HER IN HIS ARMS ... NOW HE SUDDENLY REMEMBERS HE'S SORE) What are you doing here?

PEGGY:

Waiting for Christopher Morgan, a man who claims to be allergic to work. Funny. This doesn't say that at all.

CHRIS:

What are you talking about?

PEGGY:

This clipping. From "Who's Who." Listen! (SHE READS) "Morgan, Christopher, Jr.: oceanologist and explorer, owner of the motor ship Jezebel, most complete floating marine laboratory under American registry. In the past few years Mr. Morgan has devoted much of his personal fortune to exploring little known sea lanes of the globe." (LITTLE PAUSE) Well, don't look at me. That's what it says, Chris.

CHRIS:

You get back ashore.

SOUND:

MOTOR SHIP'S AIR HORN.

PEGGY:

(SIGHING) It's too late. Hear that? We've started already. I guess I'm just a Jezebel aboard the Jezebel.

CHRIS:

Don't talk like a fool. We'll put about and land you.

PEGGY:

Why? Why can't I go along?

CHRIS:

Because--because women are bad luck on a ship.

PEGGY:

Any worse than on shore?

CHRIS:

Besides, I don't own the Jezebel any more.

PEGGY:

(SURPRISED) You sold your ship? Chris! Who bought her?

CHRIS:

How do I know? Somebody named Renrut.

PEGGY:

For how much?

CHRIS:

Two hundred thousand. (A SLIGHT PAUSE ... PEGGY STARTS TO LAUGH) Say, what is this? What are you laughing at?

PEGGY:

You!

CHRIS:

Me?

PEGGY:

Uh huh. You're such a dope.

CHRIS:

A dope? Me?

PEGGY:

(STILL LAUGHING) You look at everything backwards except the one thing you should see that way.

CHRIS:

Backwards?

PEGGY:

Renrut, Chris. Did you ever think of that in reverse?

CHRIS:

Reverse? R-E-N-R-U-T. T-U-R-N-E-R. Turner. Wait a minute!

PEGGY:

Don't be angry, Chris. Please. But when I found out you were selling the boat, well, I knew you needed the money for the hospital, and, well (A NOTE OF DESPERATION) ... Maybe ... maybe I wanted to explore a few unknown sea lanes of the globe, too. (A PAUSE ... HE DOESN'T ANSWER) Why did you run away the other night, Chris?

CHRIS:

You know why. It messes everything up just as I said it did.

PEGGY:

What does?

CHRIS:

Love, that's what! I'm in love with you. How could I marry a girl I'm in love with? It's against my principles.

PEGGY:

Your ancestor didn't worry about things like that. Principles never bothered him in the least.

CHRIS:

My ancestor?

PEGGY:

Henry Morgan, the pirate. What he wanted, he took, principles or no principles. (A LITTLE DEPRECATING LAUGH) But then maybe the Morgans today aren't what they used to be.

CHRIS:

(BELLIGERENTLY) Oh, they're not, huh? Come here!

PEGGY:

(SURPRISED) Chris!

CHRIS:

Come here!

PEGGY:

(HAPPILY) Oh, Chris. (A PAUSE FOR A KISS) Oh, darling, I was wrong. And even if she is better looking than I am, I'm so glad you didn't marry (GROPING FOR THE NAME) uh, whatshername?

CHRIS:

Whatshername? Her name's Susan!

MUSIC:

CURTAIN. (APPLAUSE)

NAGEL:

Ladies and gentlemen, Clark Gable will be back for a friendly word for you in just a moment. During that moment, we have a friendly invitation for you. (Three second pause for cut-in) All right, Dick.

JOY:

It's an invitation to go to your silverware dealer's tomorrow, Monday, ladies and gentlemen. Visit his silverware department and just see the many wonderful silver-plate gifts he has, all bearing the proud name 1847 Rogers Brothers! There's a service for 8, 62 thrillingly beautiful pieces in a luster-walnut cabinet, that costs only 59 dollars and 75 cents! There's a thirty-six piece set for only $39.75. And there are smaller and larger services, priced to fit almost any purse! Many of the sets are created in the glorious "Adoration" pattern, that newest and greatest triumph of the house of 1847 Rogers Brothers, which brings the miracle of sterling silver craftsmanship to finest silver plate! See them all. Learn from your silverware dealer what easy, convenient payment terms can be arranged, and make your selection. Then, on that day of days, watch her face when she opens your package, when she sees the exquisite loveliness of that Adoration pattern, when she realizes that here is silver plate with the design prestige of America's first great craftsmen--
1847 Rogers Brothers!

MUSIC:

THEME SNEAK IN AND TAG.

NAGEL:

Thanks, Dick. And now, the star of our Silver Theatre, Clark Gable!

SOUND:

APPLAUSE.

NAGEL:

Clark, as usual you did a grand job. And thanks.

GABLE:

Thank you, Conrad.

NAGEL:

Tell me, what's the latest on "Gone with the Wind"?

GABLE:

Well, it opens this Friday in Atlanta, Georgia, and I'm going to fly down to be there.

NAGEL:

And I'll certainly be on hand when it opens in Hollywood. I hear the picture's packed with action and with romance, too.

GABLE:

Yes, it is. But there's bound to be plenty of romance in almost any story of the '50's and '60's.

NAGEL:

Ah, there was plenty of romance in the forties, too, Clark. Don't forget, it was in 1847 that Rogers Brothers started making 1847 silver plate. And the story of how they started is really a romantic one.

GABLE:

No doubt, Conrad. But it would be pretty tough for me to handle the part of a silversmith. I'm much more at home playing the Rhett Butler type, I hope.

NAGEL:

Don't worry, Clark, the Hollywood grapevine says that David Selznick has really produced a terrific picture, and that your performance is tops!

GABLE:

Before I start getting embarrassed, I'd better beat it. So long, Conrad.

NAGEL:

So long. (APPLAUSE) Clark Gable appeared on Silver Theatre through the courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

MUSIC:

THEME.

NAGEL:

And now for that news about next Sunday's Silver Theatre production. Our star will be Kay Francis, who will be supported by a great cast in the unusual drama "Pot Luck." I'll be waiting to welcome you. And so, good friends, this is Conrad Nagel, saying good evening and thank you. See you next Sunday.

JOY:

In the meantime, if you want solid silver, you want International Sterling. If you want silver plate, you want 1847 Rogers Brothers, both proudly created by International Silver Company.

MUSIC:

THEME.

JOY:

Today's radio play, "For Richer--for Richer," was written especially for Silver Theatre by True Boardman. Original music was scored and conducted by Felix Mills. Dick Joy speaking.

MUSIC:

THEME ... IF NEEDED.

HOWELL:

(ON CUE) All names and designations of persons and of organizations used in the dramatic portions of this broadcast are entirely fictitious, and no actual organization or living person is thereby designated. Silver Theatre originates at Columbia Square in Hollywood.

This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

MUSIC:

THEME TO FILL.