1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:18,600 Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers present Suspense. 2 00:00:18,600 --> 00:00:22,520 Tonight Auto Light presents a special program for this holiday season. 3 00:00:22,520 --> 00:00:28,480 The unusual dramatization of Twas the Night Before Christmas starring Ms. Greer Garson, 4 00:00:28,480 --> 00:00:31,760 who appears by arrangement with MGM, producers of the new color picture, 5 00:00:31,760 --> 00:00:36,720 Knights of the Round Table, in Cinemascope starring Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner and Mel Ferrer. 6 00:00:36,720 --> 00:00:45,400 Good evening, this is Harlow Wilcock speaking for Auto Light. 7 00:00:45,400 --> 00:00:50,600 Tonight as a special Christmas presentation from the worldwide Auto Light family, 8 00:00:50,600 --> 00:00:57,680 we bring you Ms. Greer Garson in a story about a certain little girl on a certain Christmas Eve. 9 00:00:57,680 --> 00:01:03,240 And now Auto Light presents Transcribed Twas the Night Before Christmas, 10 00:01:03,240 --> 00:01:32,240 hoping once again to keep you in suspense. 11 00:01:32,240 --> 00:01:37,240 Cathy, Cathy honey, come on wake up. 12 00:01:37,240 --> 00:01:41,240 Wake up Cathy, it's the day before Christmas. 13 00:01:41,240 --> 00:01:43,240 Oh, and there's so much to do. 14 00:01:43,240 --> 00:01:45,240 Miss Buff, it's right out already. 15 00:01:45,240 --> 00:01:48,240 You said you were going to wake me really early today, 16 00:01:48,240 --> 00:01:50,240 so we could go to the airport and meet them. 17 00:01:50,240 --> 00:01:53,240 Come on, up you get, let's get you dressed. 18 00:01:53,240 --> 00:01:57,240 Buffy, they're going to be waiting for me and you didn't wake me. 19 00:01:57,240 --> 00:02:00,240 I know what, they're home already. 20 00:02:00,240 --> 00:02:02,240 Cathy. 21 00:02:02,240 --> 00:02:06,240 Mommy, daddy where are you? 22 00:02:06,240 --> 00:02:10,240 Daddy, mommy. 23 00:02:10,240 --> 00:02:13,240 Buffy, they're not in their bedroom. 24 00:02:13,240 --> 00:02:14,240 Where are they? 25 00:02:14,240 --> 00:02:15,240 Cathy. 26 00:02:15,240 --> 00:02:19,240 I know, I'll bet they're in the kitchen already having their coffee. 27 00:02:19,240 --> 00:02:26,240 Mom. 28 00:02:26,240 --> 00:02:27,240 Miss Buff, they're not home. 29 00:02:27,240 --> 00:02:29,240 I know honey. 30 00:02:29,240 --> 00:02:31,240 The clock in the kitchen said 8.30. 31 00:02:31,240 --> 00:02:35,240 Cathy, here put this on dear, you told me you wanted to wear this dress today. 32 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:36,240 So that's why I ironed it for you. 33 00:02:36,240 --> 00:02:37,240 Miss Buff. 34 00:02:37,240 --> 00:02:38,240 Yes dear. 35 00:02:38,240 --> 00:02:39,240 Why aren't they here? 36 00:02:39,240 --> 00:02:40,240 Oh, they'll be here. 37 00:02:40,240 --> 00:02:43,240 But when I talked to mommy on the telephone yesterday, 38 00:02:43,240 --> 00:02:46,240 she said she would be here at six this morning. 39 00:02:46,240 --> 00:02:49,240 And I promised her I'd meet her at the airport, her and daddy. 40 00:02:49,240 --> 00:02:50,240 I know, I know. 41 00:02:50,240 --> 00:02:54,240 And daddy said he had a surprise he was bringing for me all the way from Paris. 42 00:02:54,240 --> 00:02:56,240 It's 8.30 Buffy. 43 00:02:56,240 --> 00:02:58,240 Let's go out to the airport now. 44 00:02:58,240 --> 00:03:00,240 Oh, but there's so many things to do first. 45 00:03:00,240 --> 00:03:04,240 You've got to get your breakfast and we have to finish decorating the tree. 46 00:03:04,240 --> 00:03:06,240 And oh, there's so many things I want you to help me with. 47 00:03:06,240 --> 00:03:08,240 Oh, everything can wait Buffy. 48 00:03:08,240 --> 00:03:10,240 Hurry, I promised to meet them. 49 00:03:10,240 --> 00:03:12,240 No dear. 50 00:03:12,240 --> 00:03:13,240 Why not Buff? 51 00:03:13,240 --> 00:03:16,240 Well, I think we'll wait for them here. 52 00:03:16,240 --> 00:03:17,240 Cathy. 53 00:03:17,240 --> 00:03:18,240 Yes. 54 00:03:18,240 --> 00:03:20,240 You remember what you promised your mommy and dad? 55 00:03:20,240 --> 00:03:23,240 That you'd do everything I ask you while they were away. 56 00:03:23,240 --> 00:03:24,240 Yes. 57 00:03:24,240 --> 00:03:27,240 Then we'll wait for them here. 58 00:03:27,240 --> 00:03:28,240 Alright Buffy. 59 00:03:28,240 --> 00:03:29,240 Yes. 60 00:03:51,240 --> 00:03:52,240 It's noon Buffy. 61 00:03:52,240 --> 00:03:53,240 I know. 62 00:03:53,240 --> 00:03:57,240 Don't you think they might have called and told us they'd be late? 63 00:03:57,240 --> 00:03:58,240 Oh, I'll go and make our lunch. 64 00:03:58,240 --> 00:04:00,240 You must be very hungry. 65 00:04:00,240 --> 00:04:01,240 No I'm not. 66 00:04:01,240 --> 00:04:02,240 Oh, you didn't eat your breakfast, Cathy. 67 00:04:02,240 --> 00:04:04,240 Miss Buff, I'm not hungry. 68 00:04:04,240 --> 00:04:05,240 Look. 69 00:04:05,240 --> 00:04:07,240 Oh look, it's snowing honey. 70 00:04:07,240 --> 00:04:10,240 We'll have a nice warm lunch and then we'll go out for a long walk. 71 00:04:10,240 --> 00:04:12,240 They should have called. 72 00:04:12,240 --> 00:04:14,240 I'll tell you what Cathy, we'll take our walk first. 73 00:04:14,240 --> 00:04:15,240 We'll see the shops. 74 00:04:15,240 --> 00:04:17,240 We'll visit. 75 00:04:17,240 --> 00:04:19,240 We'll go and see Johnny and your aunt and uncle. 76 00:04:19,240 --> 00:04:21,240 Maybe if it snows hard enough we can all build a snowman. 77 00:04:21,240 --> 00:04:22,240 Wouldn't you like that? 78 00:04:22,240 --> 00:04:24,240 Yes, that would be fun. 79 00:04:24,240 --> 00:04:26,240 Well go get your coat and hat and galoshes dear. 80 00:04:26,240 --> 00:04:27,240 Alright. 81 00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:30,240 And when we come back mommy and daddy will be home. 82 00:04:30,240 --> 00:04:32,240 Well you go and get your things now. 83 00:04:32,240 --> 00:04:33,240 Oh I'll get it. 84 00:04:33,240 --> 00:04:35,240 I'll get it Buffy. 85 00:04:35,240 --> 00:04:36,240 Mommy. 86 00:04:36,240 --> 00:04:38,240 Oh who's this daddy? 87 00:04:38,240 --> 00:04:43,240 He's um, oh from a newspaper. 88 00:04:43,240 --> 00:04:45,240 I see. 89 00:04:45,240 --> 00:04:47,240 It's a man Buff. 90 00:04:47,240 --> 00:04:49,240 He says he wants to talk to an older person. 91 00:04:49,240 --> 00:04:51,240 Here. 92 00:04:51,240 --> 00:04:53,240 Hello? 93 00:04:53,240 --> 00:04:55,240 Yes, this is the Harper residence. 94 00:04:55,240 --> 00:04:57,240 I'm the housekeeper. 95 00:04:57,240 --> 00:04:58,240 I... 96 00:04:58,240 --> 00:05:00,240 Well just a moment please. 97 00:05:00,240 --> 00:05:01,240 Cathy. 98 00:05:01,240 --> 00:05:02,240 Who is it? 99 00:05:02,240 --> 00:05:03,240 Someone wants to talk to me honey. 100 00:05:03,240 --> 00:05:04,240 Will you go get your things? 101 00:05:04,240 --> 00:05:05,240 No. 102 00:05:05,240 --> 00:05:07,240 Who are you talking to Buffy? 103 00:05:07,240 --> 00:05:09,240 Never mind dear, go and get your things. 104 00:05:09,240 --> 00:05:10,240 No. 105 00:05:10,240 --> 00:05:12,240 No I won't. 106 00:05:12,240 --> 00:05:14,240 Hello? 107 00:05:14,240 --> 00:05:16,240 I see. 108 00:05:16,240 --> 00:05:19,240 Yes, yes I saw the papers. 109 00:05:19,240 --> 00:05:22,240 Yes, yes that was the daughter. 110 00:05:22,240 --> 00:05:24,240 Yes the only child. 111 00:05:24,240 --> 00:05:27,240 No she doesn't. 112 00:05:27,240 --> 00:05:30,240 No, no, no I wish she wouldn't. 113 00:05:30,240 --> 00:05:32,240 Please don't hear. 114 00:05:32,240 --> 00:05:34,240 No. 115 00:05:34,240 --> 00:05:36,240 Who was it? 116 00:05:36,240 --> 00:05:38,240 Just a man honey. 117 00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:40,240 It was from the newspapers. 118 00:05:40,240 --> 00:05:41,240 Why? 119 00:05:41,240 --> 00:05:42,240 What did he want? 120 00:05:42,240 --> 00:05:43,240 Nothing. 121 00:05:43,240 --> 00:05:45,240 He asked about me didn't he? 122 00:05:45,240 --> 00:05:46,240 Why? 123 00:05:46,240 --> 00:05:47,240 Honestly honey it was nothing. 124 00:05:47,240 --> 00:05:49,240 It was about mommy and daddy. 125 00:05:49,240 --> 00:05:50,240 Wasn't anything important? 126 00:05:50,240 --> 00:05:51,240 Buff. 127 00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:54,240 Yes dear? 128 00:05:54,240 --> 00:05:57,240 I don't know. 129 00:05:57,240 --> 00:05:59,240 Look at that snow coming down Cathy. 130 00:05:59,240 --> 00:06:27,240 Get your things dear, go on. 131 00:06:27,240 --> 00:06:29,240 Don't they sing beautifully Cathy? 132 00:06:29,240 --> 00:06:30,240 Very lovely. 133 00:06:30,240 --> 00:06:34,240 The street and all the decorations and the singers. 134 00:06:34,240 --> 00:06:42,240 It's very lovely Miss Buff. 135 00:06:42,240 --> 00:06:46,240 Honey here, give this to the man. 136 00:06:46,240 --> 00:06:51,240 Oh thank you, thank you Missy. 137 00:06:51,240 --> 00:06:52,240 Let's go home now. 138 00:06:52,240 --> 00:06:54,240 In a little while don't you remember? 139 00:06:54,240 --> 00:06:56,240 We were going visiting too. 140 00:06:56,240 --> 00:06:59,240 Mommy and daddy are probably home right now waiting for me. 141 00:06:59,240 --> 00:07:00,240 Wondering where I am. 142 00:07:00,240 --> 00:07:03,240 And we'll build a snowman together like I said. 143 00:07:03,240 --> 00:07:09,240 Come on honey. 144 00:07:09,240 --> 00:07:13,240 I remember when I was a little girl how excited I get. 145 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:15,240 All the wonderful things to see. 146 00:07:15,240 --> 00:07:19,240 The sights and the smells and the sounds. 147 00:07:19,240 --> 00:07:22,240 Pretty shop windows and snow. 148 00:07:22,240 --> 00:07:25,240 To be a little girl at Christmas time. 149 00:07:25,240 --> 00:07:28,240 To be young at Christmas time. 150 00:07:28,240 --> 00:07:30,240 And happy. 151 00:07:30,240 --> 00:07:33,240 What's the matter Buffy? 152 00:07:33,240 --> 00:07:35,240 Oh Cathy. 153 00:07:35,240 --> 00:07:36,240 Buffy. 154 00:07:36,240 --> 00:07:37,240 Let me hold you. 155 00:07:37,240 --> 00:07:40,240 Oh Cathy darling. 156 00:07:40,240 --> 00:07:42,240 Buffy you're crying. 157 00:07:42,240 --> 00:07:44,240 I'm just silly I guess. 158 00:07:44,240 --> 00:07:47,240 Why look there Santa Claus watching us. 159 00:07:47,240 --> 00:07:49,240 Let's say hello to him. 160 00:07:49,240 --> 00:07:50,240 You were crying. 161 00:07:50,240 --> 00:07:51,240 Hello Santa. 162 00:07:51,240 --> 00:07:53,240 Merry Christmas. 163 00:07:53,240 --> 00:07:55,240 Oh Merry Christmas little girl. 164 00:07:55,240 --> 00:07:56,240 Merry Christmas. 165 00:07:56,240 --> 00:07:58,240 You're a pretty little girl. 166 00:07:58,240 --> 00:07:59,240 What's your name? 167 00:07:59,240 --> 00:08:00,240 Cathy. 168 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:03,240 That's a nice name for a nice little girl like you. 169 00:08:03,240 --> 00:08:04,240 Thank you. 170 00:08:04,240 --> 00:08:06,240 And I can tell you you've been a good little girl. 171 00:08:06,240 --> 00:08:08,240 I saw the way your mommy was holding you. 172 00:08:08,240 --> 00:08:09,240 She's Miss Buff. 173 00:08:09,240 --> 00:08:11,240 My mommy's away. 174 00:08:11,240 --> 00:08:12,240 Daddy too. 175 00:08:12,240 --> 00:08:15,240 We're taking a walk to make them come home. 176 00:08:15,240 --> 00:08:17,240 Oh and where are they? 177 00:08:17,240 --> 00:08:20,240 I don't know. 178 00:08:20,240 --> 00:08:22,240 I don't know. 179 00:08:22,240 --> 00:08:24,240 I don't know. 180 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:26,240 I don't know. 181 00:08:26,240 --> 00:08:28,240 Oh. 182 00:08:51,240 --> 00:08:52,240 Cathy. 183 00:08:52,240 --> 00:08:54,240 Cathy come in darling. 184 00:08:54,240 --> 00:08:55,240 And Miss Buff. 185 00:08:55,240 --> 00:08:56,240 Come in. 186 00:08:56,240 --> 00:08:57,240 Mother. 187 00:08:57,240 --> 00:08:59,240 Mother guess who's here. 188 00:08:59,240 --> 00:09:00,240 What? 189 00:09:00,240 --> 00:09:02,240 Cathy and Miss Buff. 190 00:09:02,240 --> 00:09:03,240 Hello Aunt. 191 00:09:03,240 --> 00:09:04,240 Hello Mrs. Cleveland. 192 00:09:04,240 --> 00:09:06,240 Take your things off. 193 00:09:06,240 --> 00:09:08,240 We've got a big fire in the living room. 194 00:09:08,240 --> 00:09:10,240 And wait till you see our Christmas tree Cathy. 195 00:09:10,240 --> 00:09:12,240 I'm sure it's very beautiful. 196 00:09:12,240 --> 00:09:15,240 I'll bet Cathy came to see her cousin Johnny didn't she? 197 00:09:15,240 --> 00:09:17,240 Yes I did Uncle Ted. 198 00:09:17,240 --> 00:09:19,240 I would like to see him very much. 199 00:09:19,240 --> 00:09:21,240 Do you know what that boy of mine did Miss Buff? 200 00:09:21,240 --> 00:09:22,240 No. 201 00:09:22,240 --> 00:09:23,240 He found the train. 202 00:09:23,240 --> 00:09:24,240 Oh he did? 203 00:09:24,240 --> 00:09:25,240 Yes I did. 204 00:09:25,240 --> 00:09:27,240 I took so much trouble to hide them out in the garage he found them. 205 00:09:27,240 --> 00:09:30,240 So of course I had to set them up for him. 206 00:09:30,240 --> 00:09:33,240 Well it's the day before Christmas. 207 00:09:33,240 --> 00:09:37,240 He's in his room now Cathy. 208 00:09:37,240 --> 00:09:39,240 Yes I would like to play with the trains. 209 00:09:39,240 --> 00:09:40,240 Of course you would. 210 00:09:40,240 --> 00:09:41,240 Johnny. 211 00:09:41,240 --> 00:09:43,240 I can't come now Daddy I'm busy. 212 00:09:43,240 --> 00:09:45,240 Cathy's here. 213 00:09:45,240 --> 00:09:47,240 Hey come on out and play with my trains Cathy. 214 00:09:47,240 --> 00:09:48,240 You ought to see. 215 00:09:48,240 --> 00:09:50,240 I've got them all hitched up now. 216 00:09:50,240 --> 00:09:51,240 Go on Cathy. 217 00:09:51,240 --> 00:09:55,240 Alright. 218 00:09:55,240 --> 00:10:02,240 I've been on the phone since seven this morning Miss Buff and there just isn't any word at all about the plane. 219 00:10:02,240 --> 00:10:04,240 Look, look, look. 220 00:10:04,240 --> 00:10:07,240 A man from the newspaper called the house I told him to stay away. 221 00:10:07,240 --> 00:10:10,240 Did the child know? 222 00:10:10,240 --> 00:10:13,240 I think she does. 223 00:10:13,240 --> 00:10:14,240 What did you tell her? 224 00:10:14,240 --> 00:10:15,240 Nothing. 225 00:10:15,240 --> 00:10:18,240 How do you tell a child Mrs. Cable? 226 00:10:18,240 --> 00:10:19,240 Look at it go. 227 00:10:19,240 --> 00:10:22,240 What I can't understand is why no word at all. 228 00:10:22,240 --> 00:10:28,240 The plane took off from Paris on time and there was radio contact over Ireland from what I could find out. 229 00:10:28,240 --> 00:10:31,240 But since then nothing. 230 00:10:31,240 --> 00:10:32,240 You'd better tell her John. 231 00:10:32,240 --> 00:10:33,240 Tell me what? 232 00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:36,240 Well there was a storm. 233 00:10:36,240 --> 00:10:37,240 Over the ocean. 234 00:10:37,240 --> 00:10:38,240 Pretty bad storm. 235 00:10:38,240 --> 00:10:42,240 They said. 236 00:10:42,240 --> 00:10:44,240 Miss Buff. 237 00:10:44,240 --> 00:10:46,240 Yes darling. 238 00:10:46,240 --> 00:10:49,240 I've just figured out something. 239 00:10:49,240 --> 00:10:51,240 It's about mommy and daddy. 240 00:10:51,240 --> 00:10:53,240 Cathy. 241 00:10:53,240 --> 00:10:57,240 They're not coming home. 242 00:10:57,240 --> 00:11:14,240 They're not ever coming home. 243 00:11:14,240 --> 00:11:22,240 Auto Light is bringing you Miss Greer Garson with Anne Whitfield as Cathy in Twas the Night Before Christmas. 244 00:11:22,240 --> 00:11:38,240 Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 245 00:11:38,240 --> 00:11:46,240 This is Harlow Wilcox again with a message from Mr. Royce G. Martin, President and Chairman of the Electric Auto Light Company. 246 00:11:46,240 --> 00:11:53,240 It is presented in the name of the Auto Light family, which includes some 30,000 Auto Light men and women and their families, 247 00:11:53,240 --> 00:11:58,240 18,000 people who have invested a portion of their savings in Auto Light, 248 00:11:58,240 --> 00:12:06,240 as well as 98,000 dealers and the greatest names in the industry who use Auto Light products as original equipment. 249 00:12:06,240 --> 00:12:09,240 This is the message from Mr. Martin. 250 00:12:09,240 --> 00:12:15,240 In our America, we are especially blessed this Christmas with a free country. 251 00:12:15,240 --> 00:12:20,240 We are surrounded with freedom loving people who appreciate the word Christmas. 252 00:12:20,240 --> 00:12:27,240 We are grateful for what this day means to all of us and for what it meant to our great forefathers. 253 00:12:27,240 --> 00:12:32,240 We will never forget the one whose holy birthday we are about to celebrate. 254 00:12:32,240 --> 00:12:38,240 We thank him for the word freedom and the happiness that he has given us. 255 00:12:38,240 --> 00:12:46,240 We of the Auto Light family wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with health and happiness. 256 00:12:46,240 --> 00:12:57,240 And now Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage, Miss Greer Garson in Elliot Lewis's production of Twas the Night Before Christmas. 257 00:12:57,240 --> 00:13:04,240 A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 258 00:13:04,240 --> 00:13:09,240 Oh, it's going to be good to get inside of the house, Kathy. 259 00:13:09,240 --> 00:13:13,240 Oh, look at you. You look almost like the snowman you and Johnny built. 260 00:13:13,240 --> 00:13:16,240 Here, let me brush you off a bit before we go inside. 261 00:13:16,240 --> 00:13:18,240 Oh, I'm sorry. 262 00:13:18,240 --> 00:13:20,240 Oh, I'm sorry. 263 00:13:20,240 --> 00:13:22,240 Oh, I'm sorry. 264 00:13:22,240 --> 00:13:24,240 Oh, I'm sorry. 265 00:13:24,240 --> 00:13:26,240 Oh, I'm sorry. 266 00:13:26,240 --> 00:13:28,240 Oh, I'm sorry. 267 00:13:28,240 --> 00:13:30,240 Oh, I'm sorry. 268 00:13:30,240 --> 00:13:32,240 Oh, I'm sorry. 269 00:13:32,240 --> 00:13:35,240 Let me brush you off a bit before we go inside. 270 00:13:35,240 --> 00:13:37,240 There's a man there. 271 00:13:37,240 --> 00:13:38,240 What did you say, darling? 272 00:13:38,240 --> 00:13:41,240 Right there, standing by the door. 273 00:13:41,240 --> 00:13:43,240 A man. 274 00:13:43,240 --> 00:13:44,240 Hello. 275 00:13:44,240 --> 00:13:45,240 Good evening, Miss. 276 00:13:45,240 --> 00:13:48,240 Hello, little girl. Is this your house? 277 00:13:48,240 --> 00:13:49,240 Yes, I live here. 278 00:13:49,240 --> 00:13:50,240 Who are you? What do you want? 279 00:13:50,240 --> 00:13:53,240 Well, then you'd be the Harper's little girl, wouldn't you? 280 00:13:53,240 --> 00:13:54,240 Yes. 281 00:13:54,240 --> 00:13:55,240 I asked you, who are you? 282 00:13:55,240 --> 00:13:57,240 Now, don't worry about it, ma'am. 283 00:13:57,240 --> 00:13:59,240 I just want to take a picture of the little girl. 284 00:13:59,240 --> 00:14:01,240 You want your picture taken, little girl? 285 00:14:01,240 --> 00:14:04,240 You're the reporter I talked to this morning, aren't you? 286 00:14:04,240 --> 00:14:07,240 And we'll want one of you, too, ma'am. 287 00:14:07,240 --> 00:14:09,240 Here, get in the house, Kathy. 288 00:14:09,240 --> 00:14:10,240 Don't stand there, dear. Get in the house. 289 00:14:10,240 --> 00:14:14,240 I'll be in in a moment. 290 00:14:14,240 --> 00:14:17,240 It's Christmas Eve, Mr. Reporter. 291 00:14:17,240 --> 00:14:18,240 Did you know that? 292 00:14:18,240 --> 00:14:19,240 Oh, now look, ma'am, I've got to get... 293 00:14:19,240 --> 00:14:21,240 It's Christmas Eve. 294 00:14:21,240 --> 00:14:22,240 Where is your heart? 295 00:14:22,240 --> 00:14:23,240 Oh, look, you've got to understand. 296 00:14:23,240 --> 00:14:24,240 I talked to you on the phone. 297 00:14:24,240 --> 00:14:27,240 It was almost 10 hours ago, before noon. 298 00:14:27,240 --> 00:14:28,240 It's nighttime already. 299 00:14:28,240 --> 00:14:31,240 There still isn't any word about the plane. 300 00:14:31,240 --> 00:14:33,240 I represent a newspaper, ma'am. 301 00:14:33,240 --> 00:14:35,240 We've got to assume... 302 00:14:35,240 --> 00:14:38,240 Well, you know, I don't want to say it any more than you do. 303 00:14:38,240 --> 00:14:39,240 Oh, just go away. 304 00:14:39,240 --> 00:14:41,240 Oh, now, really, I've got to... 305 00:14:41,240 --> 00:14:45,240 Were you ever lonely on Christmas Eve? 306 00:14:45,240 --> 00:14:48,240 Alone in a house that's empty? 307 00:14:48,240 --> 00:14:50,240 While outside, other people were singing, 308 00:14:50,240 --> 00:14:53,240 when there was warmth and love and joy. 309 00:14:53,240 --> 00:14:56,240 But outside... 310 00:14:56,240 --> 00:14:57,240 I'm just trying to... 311 00:14:57,240 --> 00:15:00,240 Christmas Eve, the snow is falling. 312 00:15:00,240 --> 00:15:07,240 Christmas Eve, and the child is grieving. 313 00:15:07,240 --> 00:15:10,240 Yeah, I'm sorry. 314 00:15:10,240 --> 00:15:12,240 Good night. 315 00:15:18,240 --> 00:15:19,240 Kathy. 316 00:15:19,240 --> 00:15:21,240 I'm in the living room, Barthie. 317 00:15:21,240 --> 00:15:24,240 I just had a wonderful thought. 318 00:15:24,240 --> 00:15:25,240 Yes? 319 00:15:25,240 --> 00:15:27,240 Let's have a secret. 320 00:15:27,240 --> 00:15:28,240 What, Barthie? 321 00:15:28,240 --> 00:15:30,240 Let's not wait till tomorrow. 322 00:15:30,240 --> 00:15:31,240 What do you mean? 323 00:15:31,240 --> 00:15:34,240 We'll go to our tree and open some of our presents now. 324 00:15:34,240 --> 00:15:36,240 Maybe just one. 325 00:15:36,240 --> 00:15:38,240 We'll choose the one with the most beautiful wrapping. 326 00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:40,240 You can open it, and you can play with it now. 327 00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:42,240 While I go and fix something for you to eat. 328 00:15:42,240 --> 00:15:44,240 I'm not hungry, Barth. 329 00:15:44,240 --> 00:15:45,240 Honestly, I'm not... 330 00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:47,240 Or just some milk and cookies, honey. 331 00:15:47,240 --> 00:15:48,240 You haven't eaten since... 332 00:15:48,240 --> 00:15:49,240 All right. 333 00:15:49,240 --> 00:15:51,240 Well, well, let's choose. 334 00:15:51,240 --> 00:15:53,240 Go ahead, pick one. 335 00:15:53,240 --> 00:15:55,240 All right. 336 00:15:55,240 --> 00:15:57,240 That one. 337 00:15:57,240 --> 00:16:01,240 It's from Mr. and Mrs. Anderson next door. 338 00:16:01,240 --> 00:16:02,240 Open it. 339 00:16:02,240 --> 00:16:04,240 You open it, Barthie. 340 00:16:04,240 --> 00:16:06,240 There you are. 341 00:16:06,240 --> 00:16:09,240 Oh, look. 342 00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:10,240 Very nice. 343 00:16:10,240 --> 00:16:11,240 A carousel. 344 00:16:11,240 --> 00:16:14,240 Well, I wind it for you. 345 00:16:14,240 --> 00:16:17,240 And we put it down here. 346 00:16:17,240 --> 00:16:20,240 Now. 347 00:16:20,240 --> 00:16:22,240 Oh, my sweet. 348 00:16:22,240 --> 00:16:23,240 You watch it. 349 00:16:23,240 --> 00:16:25,240 When it runs down, you can wind it up again. 350 00:16:25,240 --> 00:16:27,240 I'm going into the kitchen. 351 00:16:40,240 --> 00:16:42,240 Kathy, here's your... 352 00:16:42,240 --> 00:16:44,240 Kathy. 353 00:16:44,240 --> 00:16:47,240 Kathy, honey, where are you? 354 00:16:47,240 --> 00:16:48,240 Kathy? 355 00:16:48,240 --> 00:16:51,240 Your milk and cookies are on the table. 356 00:16:51,240 --> 00:16:54,240 Kathy? 357 00:16:54,240 --> 00:16:57,240 Are you in your room, Kathy? 358 00:16:57,240 --> 00:17:00,240 Kathy? 359 00:17:00,240 --> 00:17:03,240 Kathy, honey? 360 00:17:03,240 --> 00:17:06,240 Kathy? 361 00:17:06,240 --> 00:17:25,240 Kathy! 362 00:17:25,240 --> 00:17:27,240 Where's Miss Barth? 363 00:17:27,240 --> 00:17:29,240 Mr. Anderson, is Kathy here? 364 00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:31,240 Well, I know who she is. 365 00:17:31,240 --> 00:17:34,240 Would you mind asking Mrs. Anderson if Kathy's here? 366 00:17:34,240 --> 00:17:36,240 She came in through the back way. 367 00:17:36,240 --> 00:17:39,240 Mrs. Anderson and I have been sitting in the living room for the last hour. 368 00:17:39,240 --> 00:17:41,240 Why, what's the matter, Miss Buff? 369 00:17:41,240 --> 00:17:42,240 Kathy ran out of the house. 370 00:17:42,240 --> 00:17:44,240 Oh, poor child. I can imagine how she must feel. 371 00:17:44,240 --> 00:17:46,240 I thought she might have come over here next door. 372 00:17:46,240 --> 00:17:48,240 She just ran out of the house. I don't know where she is. 373 00:17:48,240 --> 00:17:50,240 Oh, a child like that. And what's happened to her today? 374 00:17:50,240 --> 00:17:53,240 Wait. I'll get my coat, Miss Buff. I'll come with you. 375 00:17:53,240 --> 00:17:55,240 I'll be right back. 376 00:18:03,240 --> 00:18:05,240 Paul! Paul! 377 00:18:05,240 --> 00:18:07,240 Want a sled ride, Miss Buff? 378 00:18:07,240 --> 00:18:08,240 Paul, listen. 379 00:18:08,240 --> 00:18:10,240 Hi, Mr. Anderson. Want a ride? 380 00:18:10,240 --> 00:18:12,240 You can go all the way down the hill for three bucks. 381 00:18:12,240 --> 00:18:13,240 They've got it roped off. 382 00:18:13,240 --> 00:18:15,240 But Paul, have you seen Kathy? 383 00:18:15,240 --> 00:18:16,240 Sure. 384 00:18:16,240 --> 00:18:17,240 Where is she? 385 00:18:17,240 --> 00:18:18,240 I don't know. 386 00:18:18,240 --> 00:18:19,240 Where is she, Paul? 387 00:18:19,240 --> 00:18:20,240 Where did she go? 388 00:18:20,240 --> 00:18:21,240 How am I supposed to know where she went? 389 00:18:21,240 --> 00:18:23,240 But you saw her, didn't you? 390 00:18:23,240 --> 00:18:25,240 Sure. She was running down the block. 391 00:18:25,240 --> 00:18:27,240 I yelled at her to come on over, but she kept running. 392 00:18:27,240 --> 00:18:28,240 Which way, Paul? 393 00:18:28,240 --> 00:18:31,240 Down there, I guess. Where the stores are. 394 00:18:31,240 --> 00:18:32,240 Thank you. 395 00:18:32,240 --> 00:18:34,240 Sure. Merry Christmas, Mr. Anderson. 396 00:18:34,240 --> 00:18:36,240 Merry Christmas, Miss Buff. 397 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:38,240 Hey, watch. 398 00:18:46,240 --> 00:18:49,240 She hasn't been in my store, Miss Buff, and I... 399 00:18:49,240 --> 00:18:51,240 I'm the only one on the block who's open. 400 00:18:51,240 --> 00:18:53,240 Last-minute Christmas rush, you know. 401 00:18:53,240 --> 00:18:54,240 Thank you, Mr. Rockston. 402 00:18:54,240 --> 00:18:57,240 Say, now that kid and what happened to that plane today, 403 00:18:57,240 --> 00:18:59,240 I'd sure let the police know she was missing. 404 00:18:59,240 --> 00:19:01,240 I think he's right, Miss Buff. 405 00:19:01,240 --> 00:19:03,240 Call them, please. Call them. 406 00:19:03,240 --> 00:19:05,240 Oh, use this phone, Mr. Anderson. 407 00:19:05,240 --> 00:19:07,240 Thank you. 408 00:19:11,240 --> 00:19:13,240 Hello, operator. 409 00:19:13,240 --> 00:19:15,240 Give me the police. 410 00:19:16,240 --> 00:19:18,240 Oh, hello, police. 411 00:19:18,240 --> 00:19:21,240 I want to report a little girl who's missing. 412 00:19:21,240 --> 00:19:23,240 Kathy Harper. 413 00:19:23,240 --> 00:19:26,240 Well, she's got blonde hair and blue eyes. 414 00:19:27,240 --> 00:19:29,240 Oh, wait a second. I'll find out. 415 00:19:43,240 --> 00:19:45,240 No, you just go in the house, Miss Buff. 416 00:19:45,240 --> 00:19:47,240 I'm sure they'll find her. 417 00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:50,240 It's 10 o'clock. They've been looking for three hours. 418 00:19:50,240 --> 00:19:52,240 Oh, they have ways. They'll find her. 419 00:19:52,240 --> 00:19:54,240 We waited in that station house 420 00:19:54,240 --> 00:19:57,240 and all the policemen who phoned in, none of them. 421 00:19:57,240 --> 00:19:59,240 Well, you just go in the house. 422 00:19:59,240 --> 00:20:01,240 Now, I'll send Mrs. Anderson over. 423 00:20:01,240 --> 00:20:03,240 No, no, really. I'd rather you wouldn't. 424 00:20:03,240 --> 00:20:05,240 Well... 425 00:20:05,240 --> 00:20:17,240 Mr. Anderson, thank you. 426 00:20:17,240 --> 00:20:27,240 Oh, no. 427 00:20:43,240 --> 00:20:45,240 Yes? 428 00:20:45,240 --> 00:20:47,240 I'm a patrolman Reid, ma'am. 429 00:20:47,240 --> 00:20:49,240 Have you found Kathy? 430 00:20:47,240 --> 00:20:49,240 Yes, ma'am. 431 00:20:49,240 --> 00:20:51,240 Where is she? 432 00:20:51,240 --> 00:21:18,240 Oh, in heaven above. 433 00:21:18,240 --> 00:21:21,240 There she is, ma'am, in the second pill. 434 00:21:24,240 --> 00:21:26,240 Oh, careful, child. 435 00:21:37,240 --> 00:21:39,240 Yes, we see. 436 00:21:39,240 --> 00:21:41,240 The church should have been the first place. 437 00:21:41,240 --> 00:21:43,240 We should have looked for her. 438 00:21:43,240 --> 00:21:45,240 I'm sure she's in the house. 439 00:21:45,240 --> 00:21:48,240 The church should have been the first place. 440 00:21:48,240 --> 00:21:50,240 We should have looked for that kid. 441 00:21:50,240 --> 00:21:54,240 Kathy? 442 00:21:54,240 --> 00:21:56,240 Let's go home now, darling. 443 00:21:56,240 --> 00:22:06,240 Casting tears by the way. 444 00:22:15,240 --> 00:22:20,240 Kathy, let's go home now, darling. 445 00:22:20,240 --> 00:22:25,240 All right. 446 00:22:38,240 --> 00:22:41,240 There we are. All tucked in. 447 00:22:41,240 --> 00:22:43,240 It's almost Christmas, isn't it? 448 00:22:43,240 --> 00:22:45,240 Yes, darling. 449 00:22:45,240 --> 00:22:47,240 You're going to read to me? 450 00:22:47,240 --> 00:22:50,240 Of course. You just lie there. 451 00:22:50,240 --> 00:22:52,240 Kathy. 452 00:22:52,240 --> 00:22:54,240 Yes, darling? 453 00:22:54,240 --> 00:22:57,240 Nothing. Just read to me. 454 00:23:04,240 --> 00:23:12,240 It was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was staring. 455 00:23:12,240 --> 00:23:16,240 Not even the mouse. 456 00:23:16,240 --> 00:23:24,240 The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. 457 00:23:24,240 --> 00:23:32,240 The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. 458 00:23:32,240 --> 00:23:41,240 And Mama and her catch, and I and my cap, had just settled down for a long winter's nap, 459 00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:48,240 when out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. 460 00:23:48,240 --> 00:23:54,240 Way to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw open the sash. 461 00:23:54,240 --> 00:24:02,240 The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow gave a luster of midday to objects below. 462 00:24:02,240 --> 00:24:13,240 When what to my wondering eyes should appear but a miniature sleigh, an eight tiny reindeer with a little old briar, 463 00:24:13,240 --> 00:24:18,240 so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. 464 00:24:18,240 --> 00:24:26,240 More rapid than eagles his courses became, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name. 465 00:24:26,240 --> 00:24:34,240 Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Bronson and Vixen, on Comet, on Cupid, on Dunder and Blitzen, 466 00:24:34,240 --> 00:24:42,240 to the tops of the porch, to the top of the wall, now Dasher away, Dasher away, Dasher away all. 467 00:24:46,240 --> 00:24:48,240 Oh, Bobby! 468 00:24:48,240 --> 00:24:51,240 Oh, Lord! 469 00:24:53,240 --> 00:24:57,240 Mommy! Daddy! Merry Christmas, Kathy! 470 00:24:57,240 --> 00:24:59,240 Kathy, baby! 471 00:25:00,240 --> 00:25:04,240 Hey, hey, it's Christmas. We don't cry on Christmas. 472 00:25:04,240 --> 00:25:06,240 I thought so. 473 00:25:06,240 --> 00:25:08,240 Baby, baby. 474 00:25:08,240 --> 00:25:11,240 Hey, how about a big hug for me? 475 00:25:11,240 --> 00:25:12,240 Oh, Daddy. 476 00:25:12,240 --> 00:25:14,240 Ah, that's my girl. 477 00:25:14,240 --> 00:25:16,240 Where's Miss Buff? 478 00:25:16,240 --> 00:25:19,240 I was in bed. She was reading to me. 479 00:25:19,240 --> 00:25:22,240 In bed's the place for you. Come on, I'll carry you. 480 00:25:22,240 --> 00:25:26,240 Buff! It's Mommy! It's Daddy! 481 00:25:26,240 --> 00:25:28,240 I know, darling, I know. 482 00:25:28,240 --> 00:25:30,240 Hello, Buffy. Merry Christmas. 483 00:25:30,240 --> 00:25:32,240 Merry Christmas, Buff. 484 00:25:32,240 --> 00:25:37,240 We had to make an emergency landing in Newfoundland. Small field communications were shot. That storm. 485 00:25:37,240 --> 00:25:40,240 Yes, yes. Let's not talk about it anymore now. 486 00:25:40,240 --> 00:25:46,240 Buffy was reading me a wonderful thing about the night before Christmas. 487 00:25:46,240 --> 00:25:49,240 Here. I'll put you in bed, Kathy. 488 00:25:49,240 --> 00:25:53,240 There. There you are. 489 00:25:54,240 --> 00:25:58,240 Read it to us, Buffy. To all of us. 490 00:25:58,240 --> 00:26:00,240 Oh, well, I, um... 491 00:26:00,240 --> 00:26:02,240 That's my place. 492 00:26:02,240 --> 00:26:05,240 Read it, Buffy. 493 00:26:05,240 --> 00:26:12,240 As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. 494 00:26:12,240 --> 00:26:17,240 So up to the housetop the courses they flew with a sleigh full of toys. 495 00:26:17,240 --> 00:26:20,240 And St. Nicholas, too. 496 00:26:20,240 --> 00:26:25,240 And then in a twinkle I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. 497 00:26:25,240 --> 00:26:32,240 As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney, St. Nicholas came with a band. 498 00:26:32,240 --> 00:26:39,240 He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. 499 00:26:39,240 --> 00:26:45,240 A bundle of toys he had flung on his back and looked like a peddler just opening his back. 500 00:26:45,240 --> 00:26:53,240 His eyes, how they twinkled. His dimples, how merry. His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry. 501 00:26:53,240 --> 00:26:59,240 His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow. 502 00:26:59,240 --> 00:27:06,240 The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath. 503 00:27:06,240 --> 00:27:13,240 He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly. 504 00:27:13,240 --> 00:27:19,240 He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him in spider myself. 505 00:27:19,240 --> 00:27:27,240 A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. 506 00:27:27,240 --> 00:27:34,240 He spoke but a word that went straight to his work and filled all the stockings, 507 00:27:34,240 --> 00:27:41,240 then turned with a jerk and laying his finger aside of his nose and giving a nod up the chimney he rose. 508 00:27:41,240 --> 00:27:51,240 He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down on a thistle. 509 00:27:51,240 --> 00:28:04,240 Then I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night. 510 00:28:04,240 --> 00:28:24,240 His wife and son, he lived, never, for a man. 511 00:28:24,240 --> 00:28:28,240 Ladies and gentlemen, you have just heard Miss Greer Garson in a dramatization of 512 00:28:28,240 --> 00:28:36,240 T'was the Night Before Christmas, tonight's production in Auto Lights, Suspense. Miss Garson will return in just a moment. 513 00:28:36,240 --> 00:28:44,240 Next week on Suspense, our star will be Mr. James Mason, who has Lord Essex plots to capture Elizabeth's throne. 514 00:28:44,240 --> 00:28:47,240 It's called The Queen's Ring. 515 00:28:47,240 --> 00:28:54,240 Suspense is transcribed and directed by Elliot Lewis, with music composed by Lucian Morrowick and conducted by Lud Gluskin. 516 00:28:54,240 --> 00:28:56,240 Chorus was under the direction of Roger Wagner. 517 00:28:56,240 --> 00:29:01,240 T'was the Night Before Christmas was written for Suspense by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. 518 00:29:01,240 --> 00:29:05,240 In tonight's story, Anne Whitfield was heard as Cathy. 519 00:29:05,240 --> 00:29:17,240 Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel, Irene Tedrow, Mary Lansing, Charles Calvert, Howard McNeer, Herb Butterfield, Johnny McGovern, Sydney Miller, Joseph Kearns, and John Ramsey Hill. 520 00:29:17,240 --> 00:29:21,240 And here once again is our lovely star, Miss Garson. 521 00:29:21,240 --> 00:29:31,240 Harlow, thank you very much, and thank you, Anne Whitfield. While I have these few moments, may I join the Auto Lights family in sending holiday greetings to our friends everywhere. 522 00:29:31,240 --> 00:29:33,240 Merry Christmas, Harlow. 523 00:29:33,240 --> 00:29:37,240 Merry Christmas, Greer. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. 524 00:29:37,240 --> 00:29:39,240 This is the CBS Radio Network. 525 00:29:39,240 --> 00:29:53,240 Chorus.