MUSIC:

DRUM ROLL

ANNOUNCER:

The National Broadcasting Company presents RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE, Attraction Twenty-Five.

MUSIC:

ORCHESTRA ... UP FOR THEME ... THEN OUT

ANNOUNCER:

Ladies and gentlemen, here is the director of RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE, Harry W. Junkin.

HOST:

Thanks, Bob. (TO ALL) Friends, the story we have for you tonight is ... not a nice story. It is, however, a true story, as it deals with the truth in a human situation, and we feel that, once in a while, radio can do with true and realistic stories. Our star is Miss Elspeth Eric, one of New York's most talented actresses. She plays the very difficult and penetrating role of Martha Hillman. Here then -- with Elspeth Eric as Martha and Adelaide Kline as her mother -- is tonight's play, "Machine," Attraction Twenty-Five on RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE.

MUSIC:

INTRODUCTION ... GRIM, RELENTLESS ... FOR AN ASSEMBLY LINE ... THEN MORE HUMAN BEHIND NARRATOR--

NARRATOR:

Martha Hillman works in a factory. It's a good factory -- good pay, good working conditions. Martha's job consists of soldering together two copper wires, which protrude from an aluminum ring. The ring, after several additional operations, may end up in any one of a dozen electrical devices. All Martha knows is this one job. She is a human machine -- efficient, quiet, dependable. A big, overweight, 24-year-old, bad-complexioned machine. She is also generous and kind, and the hardest worker in her department.

SOUND:

FACTORY BACKGROUND ... MACHINERY RUMBLES ... THEN WHISTLE BLOWS

JEAN:

(YELLS) Okay, girls! Lunch! That's it!

SOUND:

MACHINERY GRINDS TO A HALT ... WORKERS MURMUR AND BUSTLE AS THEY LEAVE FOR LUNCH BEHIND NARRATOR--

NARRATOR:

Martha goes on working for a few minutes, then turns off her soldering iron, puts down her work gloves, and finds herself at the end of the line of girls checking out their worksheets before going to lunch. She waits, patiently, her turn at the supervisor's window.

BISHOP:

Mary Bishop, four thirty-two, sixteen defective.

JEAN:

(BUSINESSLIKE) Bishop, four thirty-two, sixteen. Okay!

MARTHA:

Martha Hillman, six forty-five, four defective.

JEAN:

(MORE FRIENDLY) Hi, Martha. You the last one?

MARTHA:

Yeah.

JEAN:

(WRITES IT DOWN) Six-four-five, four defective. (UP) Well, I don't know how you do it. That Bishop kid took all mornin' to do four hundred and thirty-two.

MARTHA:

She's new, isn't she?

JEAN:

Yeah. Hear she's leavin' to get married.

MARTHA:

(MOVING OFF) Well, be seein' you, Jean.

JEAN:

Hey, just a second, Martha!

MARTHA:

(OFF) Huh?

JEAN:

Mrs. Forrest, up in personnel, wants to see ya.

MARTHA:

(IN CLOSE) See me?

JEAN:

Yeah. She phoned down this mornin'. Wants you to drop into her office before you go to lunch.

MARTHA:

What for?

JEAN:

I don't know.

MARTHA:

Gee, I haven't done anything.

JEAN:

Look, kid, all I know is that Mrs. Forrest just wants to see ya. Better go up before you eat. It's on the fourth floor, Room Four-Two-Eight. Okay?

MARTHA:

Okay. (MOVING OFF, HALF TO HERSELF) Sure can't understand why she wants to see me.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

SOUND:

CLATTERING OF TYPEWRITERS, IN BG ... MARTHA'S STEPS TO OFFICE DOOR ... KNOCKS

MRS. F:

(BEHIND DOOR) Come in.

SOUND:

OFFICE DOOR OPENS ... MARTHA'S STEPS INTO OFFICE

MRS. F:

Oh, hello, Martha. Come in.

SOUND:

DOOR CLOSES, SHUTTING OUT TYPEWRITERS ... MARTHA'S STEPS IN

MRS. F:

Er, sit down, Martha.

MARTHA:

Thanks, Mrs. Forrest.

SOUND:

CHAIR SCRAPES AS MARTHA SITS

MRS. F:

Martha, we've some news for you. Some good news.

MARTHA:

Good news?

MRS. F:

We're going to promote you.

MARTHA:

Promote me?

MRS. F:

Don't you think it's about time?

MARTHA:

Well, I - I don't know.

MRS. F:

We're planning to send you up to the 34th Street warehouse. You'll be working under Mr. Ralph up there -- traffic and shipping. You'll have five girls under you, and there's an increase of seven dollars a week.

MARTHA:

34th Street?

MRS. F:

Yes. (BEAT) Well, don't look so sad, Martha. It's a promotion.

MARTHA:

Would that mean I'd never get down here at all?

MRS. F:

(AMUSED, LIGHTLY) Not unless you visit the night shift.

MARTHA:

I can't go, Mrs. Forrest.

MRS. F:

(SURPRISED) What did you say, Martha?

MARTHA:

I - I'd rather not take the other job. The, er, promotion.

MRS. F:

Why, dear girl, you're not serious?

MARTHA:

Yes. I - I'd rather not.

MRS. F:

But-- I don't understand. This is a promotion. A raise of seven dollars a week. We've liked your work here. You've been steady and reliable and punctual--

MARTHA:

Just don't wanna go up to 34th Street, that's all.

MRS. F:

But, Martha, it's closer to where you live. It's a shorter ride in the subway. Better pay, nicer work. It's a promotion, Martha, don't you understand that? A raise of seven dollars a week.

MARTHA:

I don't need the money.

MRS. F:

But, Martha, why? I thought you'd be delighted. Thought you'd be thrilled.

MARTHA:

You've always been very nice to me, Mrs. Forrest, but-- (BEAT) I don't wanna go.

MRS. F:

Is it, er, some personal reason?

MARTHA:

Yes.

MRS. F:

At home perhaps? Is there some trouble at home? I don't mean to intrude, Martha, but it's so, er-- Well, it's such a good chance, I hate to see you just - just turn it down.

MARTHA:

Do I have to go?

MRS. F:

You don't have to, no. But I'll be very disappointed in you if you let me down.

MARTHA:

You wouldn't fire me if I didn't go?

MRS. F:

(AMUSED) Well, of course not. Martha, how can you talk that way? Nobody wants to fire you.

MARTHA:

Then I'll just stay where I am.

MRS. F:

Martha, I wish you'd be frank with me.

MARTHA:

(TEARFUL) Don't wanna go, that's all.

MRS. F:

Oh, now, Martha, you mustn't cry about it. If you don't want to go, why, that's all there is to it. Look, supposing you think it over till tomorrow at noon. I'll keep the job open till then.

MARTHA:

(QUICKLY) I won't change my mind.

MRS. F:

But you'd meet new people, make new friends. It's a wise step in your career.

MARTHA:

I don't wanna meet any new people.

MRS. F:

But, my dear girl--

MARTHA:

(INTERRUPTS) I don't want to make any new friends. I want to stay here. I like it here.

MRS. F:

(RESIGNED) All right, Martha, if that's the way you want it. I'll keep the job open till tomorrow noon. If you change your mind, come in and let me know. That's all, Martha.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS ... MARTHA'S STEPS IN ... DOOR CLOSES ... MARTHA'S STEPS TO MOTHER, IN BG--

MA:

(OFF) That you, Martha?

MARTHA:

H'llo, ma!

MA:

(CLOSER) Hello, baby.

SOUND:

PITCHER ON GLASSES ... LEMONADE POURED ... IN AGREEMENT WITH FOLLOWING--

MA:

I just made us a nice pitcher of lemonade. I thought it would cool us off.

MARTHA:

Boy, does it ever feel good to sit down.

MA:

I'll bet.

MARTHA:

Gee, what a day. Was it ever hot. I'm boiled, aren't you? Absolutely boiled.

MA:

I was, till I washed my hair; I feel better now. Here, have a nice glass of cold lemonade.

MARTHA:

Isn't there any beer?

MA:

No, baby, I, er-- We just didn't have enough money this week to buy any beer.

MARTHA:

Okay. Okay, lemonade's fine. Thanks, ma.

MA:

Tastes good, doesn't it, huh?

MARTHA:

Yeah. Yeah, it's swell. (SWALLOWS) Mmm, swell.

MA:

(AWKWARD PAUSE, CLEARS THROAT) Martha--?

MARTHA:

(BEAT) What's the matter, ma?

MA:

Well, baby, a Mrs. Forrest phoned me from the plant this afternoon. She's a personnel lady. She told me all about this, um-- 'bout this new job. She seemed to think you ought to take it. She said she hoped I, er, didn't mind her phoning, but that she couldn't understand why you didn't want to go.

MARTHA:

Just don't want to go.

MA:

Don't pick at your face, Martha. Why don't you want to go?

MARTHA:

'Cause I don't.

MA:

Well, that's no reason, honey.

MARTHA:

(SHRUGS) Okay, that's no reason.

MA:

But 34th Street's closer, and a raise! Seven dollars a week; that pays the rent!

MARTHA:

(UNCARING) So it pays the rent. We can pay the rent on what I make now.

MA:

It's at times like this I sure wish your father was alive.

MARTHA:

I'll bet!

MA:

Martha--

MARTHA:

(INTERRUPTS) Oh, now let's not get into a row, ma.

MA:

But I'm only tryin' to advise ya; to help ya.

MARTHA:

I know.

MA:

(EXHALES) Leave your face alone, Martha. You'll make it bleed if you keep pickin' at it.

MARTHA:

Look, ma, I'm tired. Let's have dinner, huh?

MA:

Why? Why?! Just answer me that one question and I'll keep quiet.

MARTHA:

Because I don't want to. Now let's drop it.

MA:

No, I won't drop it, Martha Hillman. You've just got to come to your senses! I never heard of anything so silly in my life. You're behaving like a-- Like a silly kid.

MARTHA:

Ma, will you lay off?! Honest, I'm tired out! Now let's drop it!

MA:

Seven dollars a week! A raise of seven dollars a week, and you're being airy-fairy. (LAUGHS DARKLY) Well, you'll learn, young lady. I suppose you think you should have Mrs. Forrest's job. Seven dollars a week isn't good enough for you.

MARTHA:

I don't want to talk about it.

MA:

Opportunity only knocks once, remember that! Besides it isn't as though you were so crazy about this job you got now.

MARTHA:

I like it fine!

MA:

One day you like it; next day ya hate it. Why don't you make up your mind? And will you please leave your face alone?! Bad enough now without you pickin' at it all the time.

MARTHA:

(SAVAGELY) Will you shut up, ma?! For heaven's sake, lay off of me!

MA:

Why don't you make up your mind? Since you're not gettin' married, you might as well get ahead in your work, because if you don't--

MARTHA:

(INTERRUPTS) Shut up! Will you shut up, ma?!

MA:

Well, are you gettin' married? Do I ever see any boys around here? When I was your age, I was married for three years. If you don't wanna get married and you don't want to be a success in your job, what do you want?

MARTHA:

I just want to be left alone! Now will you stop it before I get mad?!

MA:

Don't you talk to me that way, young lady, and stop pacing up and down! And be careful with that lemonade; you'll spill it all over yourself!

MARTHA:

Will you shut up?!

SOUND:

SMASH! OF GLASS THROWN AT WALL

MA:

(GASPS) Have you gone crazy?!

MARTHA:

No, but I'm tellin' you, if you don't shut your mouth and get dinner, I - I'll--!

MA:

You could have hit me with that glass! You might have hurt me!

MARTHA:

I'm sick and tired of you yap-yap-yap-yappin' about this job! I worked hard all day! You make me sick with your yap-yap-yap-yap! Now just shut up and leave me alone!

MA:

You're an ungrateful, rude, nasty girl -- that's what you are. An ungrateful, stupid, rude, nasty--

MARTHA:

(INHALES, WITH EFFORT AS--)

SOUND:

MARTHA SMACKS MOTHER IN THE FACE

MA:

(STUNNED) Oh! Martha-- You struck me. My own daughter!

MARTHA:

Ma, shut up, will ya? (TEARFUL) As if I haven't got enough to put up with without havin' to listen to you all night. Make me sick, sittin' around all day; nothin' to do but wash your hair-- (WEEPS HORRIBLY, CONTINUES IN BG)

MA:

You struck me. You struck me. My own daughter struck me.

MARTHA:

(BAWLS LOUDLY, CONTINUES IN BG)

MA:

There's no use just throwin' yourself on that couch and kickin', Martha Hillman. You're a nasty, horrible-tempered girl. I don't care what you do. You can stay in that job until you rot for all I care.

MARTHA:

(STOPS BAWLING, TEARFUL) Oh, leave me alone! Leave me alone! I wish I was dead!

MA:

Well, I should think ya would.

MARTHA:

Please, ma. Please, leave me alone. (BEAT, SOBS) Oh, what's the use anyway?! I wish I was dead!

MA:

(BEAT) You shouldn't talk like that, Martha.

MARTHA:

Well, I - I do. I - I - I hate that job. I hate the factory. And I hate Mrs. Forrest. (SAVAGELY) I hate this stinkin' hot flat! And I hate everything! Now go away and leave me alone! (WEEPS MISERABLY, CONTINUES IN BG)

MA:

(SYMPATHETIC) You - you'll make your face all red if you cry--

MARTHA:

So what?! So what if it's red? So what? Does it make any difference if it's red, blue, or green? (WEEPS) Oh, I wish I was dead.

MA:

Martha, please stop it. Stop cryin' like that.

MARTHA:

Well, I - I-- All the time this goes on. Sure, I go to night school. So what? Sure, I work hard at the factory. What good does it do me? What good does it do me when I--? When I'm like this? When I'm so fat that I--? (BEAT) Pimples all over my face!

MA:

Martha, please don't. Please, baby.

MARTHA:

Creams and stuff, all the time, never do me any good--

MA:

(QUICKLY) It's because you're so nervous; that's what the doctor said!

MARTHA:

Nervous! Wouldn't you be nervous? Always lookin' like yer stabbed with needles? (WILDLY) I just can't stand it any more! That's all, I just can't stand it any more. I'm - I'm gonna go away someplace and never ever come back here again!

MA:

(SOOTHING) Baby--

MARTHA:

(TEARFUL) I - I'll just go away somewhere! I'm not gonna go on working and working, with never anything to show for it! Never! And I never get any thinner! If I stopped eating altogether, I'd never get any thinner!

MA:

Baby, please don't go on so; it's bad for ya.

MARTHA:

Never go on dates, never go to dances, never do anything! I - I - I want to go out. I want to have dates. Why can't I be like June McCawley?

MA:

Baby--

MARTHA:

Why can't I? Because I'm fat, and I've got pimples, and I'm too tall and too big!

MA:

Martha baby, please stop crying. Please.

MARTHA:

Well, you just don't know what it's like. (BEAT) One time I went to the company dance. I sat! I sat all night! All night long I just sat there and had to be good-natured and pretend like I was enjoying it.

MA:

Baby--

MARTHA:

Sure, they think I'm good-natured. Just like an old cow! And nobody danced with me! Nobody! Not one of those dirty, mean, nasty, stuck-up guys would ask me even once! Not one of 'em, except Bob.

MA:

Bob?

MARTHA:

He's a guy in shipping.

MA:

Oh. Oh.

MARTHA:

He lives on the same street and he's sorry for me. He was the only one with enough decency-- With enough common ordinary-- Common ordinary-- (WILDLY) Oh, dear God, I wish I was dead!

MA:

Oh, my poor, poor baby.

MARTHA:

Oh, go and make supper, ma, and leave me alone.

MA:

Baby, it's not as bad as that. Please. You're not so fat. You're - you're big-boned. You're just a big girl.

MARTHA:

Will ya stop it? I can't stand it! Will you stop it, ma, please?

MA:

Honey, this - this Bob fella; you like him?

MARTHA:

Well, of course I like him.

MA:

(THOUGHTFUL) Uh-huh.

MARTHA:

Oh, I don't like him that way, if that's what you mean. I don't care if he's-- (BEAT, WEAKLY, HER ANGER SPENT) Ma, please get supper and lay off of me.

MA:

(WARMLY) You got nice hair, baby.

MARTHA:

(SARCASTIC) Yeah.

MA:

So naturally curly. And you're a good girl, Martha. You're kind and good and smart.

MARTHA:

(UNCONVINCINGLY) Yeah.

MA:

Don't you care about those dances and - and everything.

MARTHA:

(EXHALES WEARILY)

MA:

You're just the kind, if he had any sense at all, he'd pick for a wife!

MARTHA:

(QUIETLY) Okay. (BEAT) Okay. (BEAT) I'm sorry, ma. I - I'm real tired. I don't know what got into me.

MA:

That's all right, baby. You're upset. (BRISKLY) Let's have supper and maybe go to a movie. We'll talk about it in the morning. In the morning, huh?

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

MA:

More toast, baby?

MARTHA:

No, thanks, ma.

MA:

Coffee?

MARTHA:

No, thanks.

MA:

Aw, you should eat more breakfast. Work all morning on one slice of toast and one cup of coffee.

MARTHA:

I'm fine. Got time for a cigarette?

MA:

(YES) Mm hm. It's quarter to eight.

MARTHA:

So I'll have a smoke?

MA:

Sure, take your time, honey. (BEAT) Um, Martha--?

MARTHA:

Hm?

MA:

You're my own daughter, Martha, and-- Well, honey, I'd do anything that would help to make you feel happy.

MARTHA:

(BEAT) I know you would, ma. So would I.

MA:

Look, Martha, can't we just say everything we're thinkin', real honest and straight from the shoulder? Can't we?

MARTHA:

(BEAT, TIGHTLY) All right. Go ahead.

MA:

Well, look, honey-- Have you always felt like this? I mean, have you always felt sort of--? Well, self-conscious about not being as pretty as some girls?

MARTHA:

Yep.

MA:

And - and have you--? Well, have you wanted--? (BREAKS OFF) It's awful hard for me to say all this, Martha.

MARTHA:

It was your idea.

MA:

Yeah, I know. Well, have you always wanted to have more dates with fellas?

MARTHA:

Yep.

MA:

And this Bob fella? If--? Well, supposing he asked you to marry him.

MARTHA:

(BEAT) I'd drop dead.

MA:

Now, Martha, you promised we'd be real honest. I'm only tryin' to help. If he asked you to marry him, what would you say?

MARTHA:

(BEAT) I'd say yes.

MA:

You like him, huh? Is he the reason you didn't want this promotion? So that you could stay where you might see him once in a while?

MARTHA:

Yep.

MA:

You - love him maybe?

MARTHA:

(BEAT) Maybe.

MA:

Well-- Well, then you've got to-- You've got to--

MARTHA:

To what?

MA:

Well, if you never try-- If you just sit around and never try--

MARTHA:

What do you want me to do, hog-tie him?

MA:

But why make yourself--? I mean-- Well, how do you think I got your father to propose?

MARTHA:

(DARKLY) You didn't weigh a hundred and fifty-eight.

MA:

But you're big in the bones, baby. You're not fat. You're just a big girl!

MARTHA:

All over. Big all over.

MA:

Couldn't you just--? You say he lives here on Tremont?

MARTHA:

That's right.

MA:

Couldn't you just kind of meet him accidentally some night?

MARTHA:

"Accidentally" is right.

MA:

And maybe ask him in for supper?

MARTHA:

In here?

MA:

Well, why not? Why not? I'm a good cook. We'll use all the best china and--

MARTHA:

Probably he'd think I'd gone nuts.

MA:

Well, at least you could try, baby. I'm only trying to help. A mother doesn't like to see her baby miserable.

MARTHA:

I'm not miserable now, ma. That was last night. I'm fine. Forget it.

MA:

But couldn't you try? Couldn't you just kind of happen to meet him on the way home from work and just casually ask him in for dinner?

MARTHA:

I'm not gonna lurk at the subway every night for a month and pounce on him, if that's what you mean.

MA:

But you'll try, huh, baby? Please?

MARTHA:

It's nearly eight o'clock. Goodbye, ma, and thanks for-- (EXHALES) Well, thanks.

MA:

But you'll try, baby?

MARTHA:

(QUICKLY) Sure. Sure, ma. I'll try. (BEAT, SLOWLY) Maybe I could ask him to supper some night. (BEAT) Maybe I could.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

SOUND:

CITY TRAFFIC BACKGROUND ... MARTHA ADOPTS A FORCED LIGHTNESS TO HER TONE FOR MOST OF THE SCENE, FREQUENTLY OVERDOING IT

MARTHA:

(APPROACHES, FEIGNS SURPRISE) Well, Bob Lawson!

BOB:

(ABSENTLY) What?

MARTHA:

(LAUGHS GAILY) What are you doing in this neck of the woods?

BOB:

Oh, hiya, Martha. How are ya?

MARTHA:

What are you doing way out here?

BOB:

Well, I live here. On Tremont.

MARTHA:

You do?!

BOB:

Yeah.

MARTHA:

Well, isn't it a small world after all? (CHUCKLES)

BOB:

(CHUCKLES)

MARTHA:

You walkin' my way?

BOB:

Well-- Sure.

SOUND:

THEIR FOOTSTEPS ON SIDEWALK, IN BG

MARTHA:

Aren't those subways awful? Honestly.

BOB:

Yeah.

MARTHA:

'S cooler today, though. Honest, that hot spell two weeks ago, we nearly died in our department.

BOB:

Yeah. I sure will be glad to get out of that joint.

MARTHA:

(SURPRISED) Oh?

BOB:

Yeah, I'm quittin'. Gettin' another job over in Jersey. Ah, my brother-in-law's got a garage over there; wants me to go in with him.

MARTHA:

(STUNNED) Jersey?!

BOB:

Yeah.

MARTHA:

(FORCED ENTHUSIASM HIDING DISMAY) Well! Isn't that just fine?!

BOB:

(CHUCKLES) Well, I figured I wasn't gettin' anywhere with old Jorgeson.

MARTHA:

(QUICK, SERIOUS) Everybody says you're twice as smart as Jorgeson.

BOB:

Oh, yeah?

MARTHA:

(DEFINITELY) If they had any sense, they'd fire him and give you his job.

BOB:

Well, it doesn't matter now. I'm leavin' the end of this week.

MARTHA:

(LIGHTLY AGAIN) This week?

BOB:

Mm hm. Gave my notice Monday.

MARTHA:

(BEAT) So you're leavin'?

BOB:

Yeah.

MARTHA:

Gee whiz, the shippin' department'll fall apart. (CHUCKLE) Honest, Frank Yemmy says you're the strongest man they ever had in shipping.

BOB:

Yeah?

MARTHA:

Sure, that's true. Says you do more boxes in a day than any other guy they got.

BOB:

(JOKINGLY) Aw, it's just my good livin'!

MARTHA:

Ha ha! I'll bet!

BOB:

(CHUCKLES) That's a fact.

MARTHA:

(TEASING, FLIRTING) I'll bet you're not so good livin'.

BOB:

Oh, yeah?

MARTHA:

I'll bet you're a wild one.

BOB:

Oh, you think so, huh?

MARTHA:

I can tell.

BOB:

(CHUCKLES) Yeah?

MARTHA:

Ah, you men.

BOB:

(CHUCKLES, BEAT) Uh-- You, uh--? You live around here, Martha?

SOUND:

THEIR FOOTSTEPS STOP WITH--

MARTHA:

(UNCONVINCINGLY SURPRISED) Wha--?! Now doesn't that beat everything? I've walked clean past our place!

BOB:

(CHUCKLES)

MARTHA:

(CHUCKLES) It's your fascinatin' conversation.

BOB:

Oh, yeah? (CHUCKLES)

MARTHA:

Well, the least you can do is walk back with me. It's only half a block.

BOB:

Well, look, I sort of have to--

MARTHA:

(INTERRUPTS) Come on, it's only a step.

BOB:

Well-- (LONG BEAT, WANTS TO BE POLITE) Okay, Martha.

SOUND:

THEIR FOOTSTEPS RESUME

BOB:

Gee, women sure are queer. Nothing'd ever make me forget where I live.

MARTHA:

That's what you get for being so attractive.

BOB:

Who, me?

MARTHA:

Well, you are. Jean Milton -- that's our supervisor -- she thinks you're the best-lookin' guy in the plant.

BOB:

Jean Milton? Who's she?

MARTHA:

She's our supervisor.

BOB:

Mmm, I don't know her.

MARTHA:

She's a nice girl. (BEAT) Gosh, I'm hungry!

BOB:

Yeah?

MARTHA:

Ma always has swell dinners. I always say a good home-cooked meal tastes better than anything ya ever get the Waldorf Astoria.

BOB:

(SURPRISED) You go there?

MARTHA:

(LYING BADLY) Oh, not for-- Not for weeks and weeks. There's this, er-- This guy from out of town; he always takes me there, but-- Honestly, he's such a jerk, I nearly die.

BOB:

Yeah?

MARTHA:

I'd rather have one of Ma's home-cooked meals than anything. (BEAT) You eat out much?

BOB:

Yeah, all the time.

MARTHA:

Must get tired of it.

BOB:

Oh, I don't mind it.

MARTHA:

Don't you ever get real anxious for a good old-fashioned home-cooked meal?

BOB:

Oh, I go to my sister's in Jersey on weekends.

MARTHA:

(FORCED INTENSITY, FAST) Hey, Bob! I got a swell idea!

BOB:

What?

MARTHA:

Why don't you come in and have supper with us? Why don't you?

BOB:

What, tonight?

MARTHA:

Sure, why not? If you're leavin' the plant, I won't ever get a chance to ask you again and, er--

BOB:

Well, gee, Martha-- (CHUCKLES) That's nice of ya, but I sort of have a previous engagement. I was thinkin'--

MARTHA:

(INTERRUPTS, UNCONVINCINGLY) Well, I'm busy later myself.

BOB:

Well--

MARTHA:

(LYING BADLY, HALTINGLY) Not anything I couldn't break, but I did promise a guy that I'd go to a show with him--

BOB:

Yeah, but--

MARTHA:

--tonight. So you could come in and eat, and leave just as soon as you want to. This is our place here.

BOB:

Oh, yeah?

MARTHA:

What do you say?

SOUND:

THEIR FOOTSTEPS STOP

BOB:

Well-- Well, I - I guess it'd be all right. I can't stay, though. I--

MARTHA:

Well, fine! (CHUCKLES) I mean, not fine that you can't stay!

BOB:

(CHUCKLES)

MARTHA:

(LYING BADLY AGAIN) But I've really got to go to the show with this guy anyhow, so-- (ALMOST PLEADING) It'll be fine, won't it? Come on!

BOB:

(BEAT) Okay, Martha.

SOUND:

THEIR FOOTSTEPS TO DOOR BEHIND--

MARTHA:

Ma'll be tickled to death.

SOUND:

FRONT DOOR OPENS ... THEIR STEPS IN

MARTHA:

She never gets tired of me bringin' guys home for meals.

SOUND:

DOOR CLOSES, SHUTS OUT CITY TRAFFIC ... THEIR STEPS IN

MARTHA:

(CALLS) Mother?! It's me! (LOW, TO BOB) Come on in.

BOB:

Thanks.

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS, OFF

MA:

(CALLS, FROM OFF) Martha?! Don't sit in the living room! I washed the slipcovers and they're still wet! (APPROACHES) Honestly, I never saw such a wash in my life as we had today! I thought I'd never-- (SEES BOB, STOPS SHORT) Oh.

MARTHA:

Ma, this is Bob Lawson. Bob, this is my mother.

BOB:

How do you do, Mrs. Hillman?

MA:

(CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY) Well-- Well, Mr. Lawson, this is a surprise.

MARTHA:

Bob's coming for dinner, Ma. Hope you got somethin' wonderful.

MA:

(TAKEN ABACK) Oh. (RECOVERS, LIGHTLY) Well, isn't that silly? I wash the slipcovers on our Chesterfield suite, and I-- Well, we'll just sit on 'em anyway.

BOB:

Well, look, don't go to any trouble, Mrs. Hillman. We can sit anywhere.

MA:

(LIGHTLY) Well, uh-- They're really pretty wet.

MARTHA:

Couldn't we bring in the kitchen chairs, Ma?

BOB:

Well, why can't we sit in the kitchen?

MARTHA:

Oh, no! That's awful. Uh, suppose we bring in the kitchen chairs, Ma?

BOB:

Well, I'll get 'em.

MA:

Oh, no, no, no, Mr. Lawson, I'll get them. (MOVING OFF) You children go on into the living room and I'll bring the chairs.

BOB:

(CHUCKLES)

MARTHA:

(FORCED GAIETY HIDING BITTERNESS) Wouldn't this be the day Ma would wash everything?!

BOB:

Yeah.

MARTHA:

Honestly, she's the most particular housekeeper I ever saw. Honestly, you could eat off the floor. (BEAT, AWKWARDLY) Well, this is "home sweet home."

BOB:

Oh, it's real nice.

MARTHA:

(AT A LOSS FOR WORDS) Gee, those slipcovers are still pretty damp. Guess we'll just have to sit on the kitchen chairs.

BOB:

(CHUCKLES) Yeah.

MA:

(APPROACHES) Well, here we are. Here we are. Isn't this the silliest thing? But those slipcovers were so filthy.

SOUND:

CHAIRS SET DOWN

MA:

(LIGHTLY) Well, I'm afraid you'll just have to have a straight-back chair, Mr. Lawson.

BOB:

Oh, well, look, that's all right, Mrs. Hillman. Martha, you sit on this one.

MARTHA:

No, no, no, no, you sit on it. I'll - I'll get the other chair. (MOVING OFF) Mother, you keep Bob company for a while.

MA:

All right, dear. (TO BOB) Er, er-- Sit down, Mr. Lawson.

BOB:

Well, what about you, Mrs. Hillman?

MA:

Oh, no, no, sit down, sit down. I have to see about dinner anyway in a minute. Sit down!

BOB:

Okay. (EXHALES AS HE SITS)

MA:

(AWKWARD PAUSE) Uh-- Uh, Martha said you lived just up the street a bit.

BOB:

(SURPRISED) Oh?

MA:

Yeah. (REALIZES SHE'S SAID SOMETHING WRONG) Oh--

BOB:

Oh, yeah, yeah, that's - that's right.

MA:

Well, I'm real glad you came!

BOB:

Yeah, me, too.

MA:

(STUTTERING NERVOUSLY) Well, if you'll excuse me just a moment--

BOB:

Well, sure, Mrs. Hillman.

MA:

I'll just see about dinner. There's some magazines right there next to you, right there.

BOB:

(FADING OUT, REASSURING) Okay, Mrs. Hillman. Take your time; I'm okay.

SOUND:

KITCHEN DOOR OPENS, CLOSES ... MARTHA AND MA'S VOICES ARE LOW, FAST, AND INTENSE--

MA:

What a night you pick, Martha! Wash day!

MARTHA:

What have you got for dinner?

MA:

We've got nothing. Good night, Martha, couldn't you let me know?

MARTHA:

I met him at the subway.

MA:

And those slipcovers -- soakin' wet. And I look such a mess. I washed the whole afternoon.

MARTHA:

Any beer?

MA:

No, I'll go down and get some. And we got no meat, either.

MARTHA:

No meat?!

MA:

No, I thought we'd just have eggs tonight.

MARTHA:

Ma, we can't give him eggs! Is there a can of somethin'?

MA:

I'll go right down to the supermarket.

MARTHA:

They're closed; it's nearly six-thirty. What about Bernstein's?

MA:

It's a Jewish holiday and they're closed, too. I phoned this morning; Mrs. Leipzig told me.

MARTHA:

Can't just stand here.

MA:

No.

MARTHA:

He'll wonder what we're doin'.

MA:

Well, you go on in and I'll manage. You go on and put on your black pumps, dear.

MARTHA:

Yeah, all right. And use the good dishes.

MA:

Yeah, I will, I will.

MARTHA:

(BITTERLY) Oh, wouldn't you know you'd wash those slipcovers! Honestly, I could die!

MA:

Will you get in there? Get in there. He'll wonder what we're doin'. Go on! I'll get dinner; I'll get something.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

SOUND:

LIGHT CLATTER OF DISHES AND UTENSILS, IN BG

MA:

Some raspberries, Mr. Lawson? I put them up myself.

BOB:

Oh. Aw, well, no, thanks, Mrs. Hillman; they make my eyes swell up.

MA:

They what?!

BOB:

(LIGHTLY) Yeah, isn't it silly? Heh! I'm allergic to raspberries.

MA:

Ohhhhh.

BOB:

(CHUCKLES)

MARTHA:

(A LITTLE DESPERATE; TRYING TOO HARD) I've got a friend who's allergic to dog hair!

BOB:

Yeah?

MARTHA:

(AWKWARDLY) Yeah, honestly, every - every time she comes within a mile of a dog, she gets sore eyes and - sneezes. It's awful.

MA:

What about coffee, Mr. Lawson?

BOB:

Well, no, but I tell you, I'd sure like a glass of milk if you have any.

MARTHA:

(TOO QUICKLY) Sure, Bob! Mother, would you get Bob some milk?

MA:

Well-- (SLIGHTLY HYSTERICAL LAUGH) Well, I'm afraid I - I used the last of the milk in the scrambled eggs!

BOB:

Well, look, that's okay; I'll have some water.

MA:

All right, pass your glass.

BOB:

Okay.

SOUND:

WATER POURED FROM PITCHER

MA:

Not very cold; I'll get some ice.

BOB:

Oh, no, this is fine. Honest, I'm fine.

MARTHA:

Maybe the slipcovers'd be dry.

MA:

We can take these chairs back to the living room. It's cooler in there.

BOB:

Well, look, honest, folks, I gotta be going. I got another previous engagement.

MARTHA:

(QUICK, BARELY DISGUISED BITTERNESS) You should go then; you might as well.

MA:

(ADMONISHES) Martha--

MARTHA:

(SHRUGS, UNCARING) If he's got a date, he's got a date.

MA:

I know, but you shouldn't make him hurry.

BOB:

(DELICATELY) Well, I do have to go. And-- Well, it's - it's been swell, thanks very much, Martha, and Mrs. Hillman.

MA:

Really, I'm sorry about the wine. I don't know what happened to it. It was wonderful when we had it last Christmas. I guess it must have fermented too much, huh?

BOB:

Yeah. Well-- Well, look, I - I guess I better run along now.

MARTHA:

(QUICK AND CURT) Guess you had.

BOB:

(BEAT, SOLDIERS ON POLITELY) I - I certainly enjoyed those scrambled eggs.

MARTHA:

(QUICK, UNCARING) That's good.

BOB:

And - and I certainly was pleased to meet you, Mrs. Hillman.

MA:

Same here, Mr. Lawson.

MARTHA:

(QUICK, IMPATIENT) If you're gonna go, go!

MA:

(ADMONISHES) Martha--

MARTHA:

(QUICK) Why doesn't he go, if he's going?

BOB:

(POLITE TO THE END) Well-- Well, so long, everybody. (MOVING OFF) Don't bother, Mrs. Hillman, I can find the door.

MA:

(MOVING OFF, QUICKLY) Oh, that's all right. I'll show ya to the door. Been real nice having you, Mr. Lawson.

BOB:

(OFF) Yeah, it was nice.

MA:

(OFF) Come again.

BOB:

(OFF, CALLS) G'bye, Martha!

MA:

(OFF) Goodbye, Mr. Lawson.

BOB:

(OFF) Bye.

SOUND:

FRONT DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS AS BOB EXITS

MARTHA:

(IMMEDIATELY BEGINS TO SOB, CONTINUES IN BG)

MA:

(APPROACHES, RAPIDLY RAMBLING ON) He's a real nice fella, that Bob. (IN CLOSE) Oh, Martha baby, I'm real sorry about the wine. I never thought to get beer today with Bernstein's closed.

MARTHA:

(BROKENLY) Doesn't matter.

MA:

I'm sorry if everything wasn't just right, but, honestly, honey, I washed the whole afternoon. If you'd only let me know--

MARTHA:

(INTERRUPTS, MISERABLE) Stop it, Ma.

MA:

Oh, and those slipcovers! (CLICKS TONGUE) If I'd known, I could have washed them any day! Honestly, I nearly died when you both came in, 'cause I thought right away about the slipcovers, and that it'd be awful, all sitting on straight chairs and everything.

MARTHA:

(QUIETLY TEARFUL) Will you stop it, Ma? Will you stop this?

MA:

But eggs! Honestly, tomato soup and eggs! Huh! Some dinner! And no milk and no beer and wet slipcovers. Honestly, I'm so ashamed--

MARTHA:

It doesn't matter. Can't you understand that? (BEAT, HELPLESSLY TEARFUL) If we'd had turkey and plum pudding-- Can't you get it through your head? Doesn't matter.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR--

NARRATOR:

When the lunch whistle blows Martha doesn't hear it. The constant noise about her has trained her to shut her ears. (SOUND: LUNCH WHISTLE BLOWS) She goes on working for a few minutes, then turns off her soldering iron, puts down her work gloves, and finds herself at the end of the line of girls checking out their worksheets before going to lunch. Martha waits patiently for her turn at the supervisor's window.

SOUND:

WORKERS MURMUR ... THEN IN BG

BISHOP:

Mary Bishop, three-eleven; twenty defective.

JEAN:

Mary Bishop, three-eleven; twenty defective. Well, it's a good thing you're gettin' married, Mary. You're sure not much use around here.

BISHOP:

Just think, Jean -- after the end of this week I'll never ever have to touch a soldering iron as long as I live.

JEAN:

(CHUCKLES)

BISHOP:

(MOVING OFF) Oh, brother, am I glad!

MARTHA:

(FLATLY) Martha Hillman, seven-oh-two; no defectives.

JEAN:

Hi, Martha. (SURPRISED) Seven-oh-two; no defectives? (ADMIRINGLY) Boy, Martha, at the rate you work, it's a wonder to me you're not president of this joint!

MARTHA:

(UNENTHUSIASTIC) Yeah. (BEAT) Yeah, sure.

MUSIC:

GRIM, RELENTLESS ASSEMBLY LINE THEME ... FOR CURTAIN

ANNOUNCER:

You have just heard "Machine," as written and directed by Harry W. Junkin. The part of Martha was played by Elspeth Eric. Ma was Adelaide Klein. Other players included Grace Keddy, Phil Sterling, and Ann Pitoniak. The music was composed and conducted by Dr. Roy Shield. RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE is supervised for the National Broadcasting Company by Richard P. McDonough.

MUSIC:

CLOSING THEME ... THEN BEHIND HOST--

HOST:

This is Harry Junkin again. Next week on RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE, Stephen Vincent Benet's great story "Elementals." It is the story of a young man who made a bet of ten thousand dollars that love was stronger than hunger. Be with us next week for "Elementals," Attraction Twenty-Six on RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE. Good night, everybody.

MUSIC:

UP FOR THEME ... THEN OUT

ANNOUNCER:

Bob Warren speaking. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

MUSIC:

NBC CHIMES