Original subtitles

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome once again to the Johnson's Wax

Program. Tonight you'll see what we believe to be an unusual story.

It's about an actor retired against his will, an English inn by the sea, and a

woman loved by two men.

I'll be back in a moment.

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Ladies and gentlemen, your producer and host for Johnson's Wax, Robert

Montgomery. The Ringmaster was adapted for television by Alvin Sappinsley from

a play by Keith Winter.

It's not a circus story, as you might think from its title, but the title is

significant. as you'll soon see, and significant too are the words Johnson's

Wax. They stand for the finest in wax products for home and industry.

Tonight we have a really outstanding cast of players. We are most proud to

welcome to our series Vincent Price, whose standout performances in such

films as Leave Her to Heaven, Song of Bernadette and Laura, as well as many

other films and stage plays have placed him at the top of the acting fraternity.

To Vincent we say welcome. I hope this will be the first of many appearances

with us.

Also starred tonight is Anna Lee, whom you'll remember, I'm sure, for her

outstanding performance in our recent production of The Truth About Blades. We

say welcome back to Anna, and to Robert Coote, whose fine work in Stay Away to

Heaven, Sheppey, and Cashel Byron's profession on this series make his

return visit also a very welcome one.

Now to our story.

It opens somewhere on the coast of Devon, England, where a man named George

Amberwell is having a bit of trouble.

Here's your trouble, sir.

The fuel pump.

Afraid it's had it?

Well, I'm afraid I've had it.

Tell me, excuse my ignorance on this matter, but how far can I go without a

fuel pump?

You don't know much about your own motor car, do you? Well, in the first place,

it's not my car. It was loaned to me by somebody I considered to be a friend.

And its condition was vouched for.

Now, in the second place, without this fuel pump thing you call, can I get to

Torquay on the remaining instruments, or have they had it too?

Well, I don't know.

She's not such an heavy job, and Torquay's only 20-odd miles from here.

If your wind's in good condition, you might be able to push her there in a

couple of days.

A couple of days?

You mean it won't go at all?

Not under our own power, not with the fuel pump gone. Perfectly ridiculous.

I mean, there's a whole hood full of instruments and one goes wrong and the

rest has had it. I mean, absolutely. Well, what are we going to do?

Leave it with me, sir. I'll have a writer's reign by tomorrow evening.

Oh, tomorrow evening? No sooner than that. Afraid not.

So happens I don't have a pumping stock to fit you. Have to wait till I drive

into Exeter tomorrow afternoon.

Soon as I get the part, it won't take a minute getting it in there. Very

inconvenient, I must say.

Well, as it looks as if I'm going to spend the next day here, would you mind

telling me where I am and what arrangements can be made for eating,

washing the hands and sleeping?

Oh, as to where we are, we're nowhere in particular.

We're a few miles between Exmouth and Tainmouth and a little bit south of

Newton Avenue, places called Lime Ferris.

Lime Ferris? Oh, well, there must be a Lime Ferris Hotel.

Oh, there's an inn, sir.

A Red Rope, it's called. But I can't rightly recommend it, never having been

inside the place myself.

As a matter of fact, this is the first year it's been open. Oh, well, how do I

get there? It's called Red Roof, is it? Yes, I'll show you. Right.

Take this road you're on, and follow it down about a quarter of a mile or so.

You come on another road, not concrete like this one, but tar leading off to

the right.

It's called Phantom's Lane. Because way back in the old days, when the smugglers

used to... Oh, yes, I'm sure, yes, I can see the whole point here. Phantom, yes,

rather, very good, very funny.

Now, all right, we go down the road, yes? Well, you follow it down about 100

yards or so down towards the sea.

You can't miss Red Roof. There's a sign outside, and... And it's the only out on

the left as you face the beach.

It's got a steeple on the seaside and a green rope.

A green rope?

Yes, sir, that's it, a red rope. Only, as I say, this is the first year it's

been open and I'd be lying if I said I could recommend it. Yeah, thanks very

much. Well, I'll get along, all right. Oh!

Are you an actor, sir?

Actor? Certainly not. I'm a stage manager.

Actors are flighty, unreasonable people with little more than a nodding

acquaintance with the truth.

It was an actor who lent me that car.

Goodbye. I'll see you tomorrow evening, sir.

Right along this road, sir, about a quarter of a mile, then you're right

down towards the sea.

Red Roof, it's called. You can't miss it.

This way, sir.

Put your bags down.

Wait in here, sir.

I'll fetch Mrs.

Hammond. Mrs. Hammond is the proprietress of Red Room.

Well, I only want a room for a night, you know. My car broke down and... Yes,

sir. Mrs.

Hammond will take care of you.

Oh, you're not full up, are you? I'll fetch Mrs.

Hammond.

Yes, sir, I understand you'd like a... Oh!

By Jove!

George Amberwell!

Oh, it is impossible. You can't be here. Well, of course, it's completely

possible for you to be here. Anne Hammond!

In person?

Oh, no, no.

It's been years, absolutely years.

Oh, you're the last person I expected to find in my room.

Well, of course, it's completely commonplace to find you here.

Anne Hammond. Oh, no, really.

However, did you manage to find him? I'm sure he was my last intentions in the

world. I was on my way to Torquay in my car. Oh, forget that. What are you doing

here? Running a hotel.

Oh, you're not.

You'll think differently, young man, when you get your bill in the morning.

We are putting you in nuts.

six it's quite a good room has a splendid view of the dunes would you

like to register the books i can't believe it is peter here well of course

he is why not yes of course why not how long oh about a year now you see we were

casting around wondering where to go and what to do and then finally peter said

why don't we take the money uh the money from the accident and set ourselves up

as a pair of innkeepers and i said why not and peter couldn't think of any why

not so we hunted around and Found red roof. Which you painted red. Green. It

always was green. Always green.

Well, why call it red roof? It must disturb you. I have the faintest idea.

Oh, but George, this is wonderful. It really is.

Oh, Peter will be delighted.

How is Peter?

Oh, never better.

He eats like a horse and sleeps like a drama critic.

So do I, for that matter. Give us the simple life any day, George.

Yes, now I look at you more closely, I can see that.

You look like a bucolic breakfast. Oh!

That's disgusting.

I, um... I was in the provinces when the accident happened.

Didn't get back to London till the lawsuit was on. Yes, well... Well, it's

all over and done with.

We're as happy as larks and up to our elbows in the hotel business.

Peter has great plans for expanding as soon as we get a few seasons under our

belts. How's business?

Oh, so-so just now.

As a matter of fact, we've only got Mrs. West and her son and Mrs. Lancaster with

her. Oh, but George, we can't let you run away like this. You must stay a week

at least. Guests are the manager.

Oh, but darling, look, I have to go to the Salisons in Torquay.

Nonsense. I can't phone.

What Peter knows that you're here, he won't think of letting you go under a

fortnight. Now, not another word. I'll go and find him. But, Alan, I must go.

I'm so sorry. I didn't know anybody. Oh, no, no. Come in, Mrs. Langer. This is an

old friend of mine, Mr.

Amarwell. How do you do? I haven't seen him in years, and I'm just getting my

breath back. Oh, how dreadful of me. This telegram came for you 20 minutes

ago. Oh, really? I was on my way to find you, and I ran slap into Mr. Amberworth.

I'm so sorry. It's quite all right. I can't think who could be sending me a

telegram. Well, I hope it's nothing worse than the decease of a particularly

unpleasant relative.

Oh, a wealthy unpleasant relative. Well, unfortunately, the Lancaster clan boasts

only one rich relative, and that's me.

You are partially right, though. It does concern a relative, though hardly a

deceased one. Oh? My niece.

Can't say I'm delighted at the prospect.

Oh, I say.

Oh, I should explain, Mr. Amberwell. You see, I'm Peggy's legal guardian, and I

was rather looking forward to her trip to Paris as a sort of vacation from the

duties of chaperonage.

I suppose you do have a spare room, don't you? Oh, any number of them, I'm

sorry to say. Oh, dear. Why is she coming back so soon? Well, measles has

broken out in the family she's with now, and so they're sending her to me.

Oh, I hope she's not going to bring her measles here. No,

Peggy's had measles, though I can't guarantee she won't get something else,

provided she can be sure of its creating.

Well, I'll go and have Mary get a room ready for her. And I'll tell Peter about

you. Oh, my goodness. Red Roof is experiencing a great increase in custom

all of a sudden.

I must start coping.

Excuse me, George. Mrs. Lancaster. Yes, Mrs. Lancaster. Don't be long, dear.

Tell me, Mr. Amberwell, are you a very old friend of the Hammonds? Oh, not

half, yes.

Absolutely bowled me over meeting Mrs. Hammond again. You know, the three of us

were together, oh, four or five years ago. The show at the Aldridge, six

months. Oh, then you're an actor, too.

No, no, stage manager. Oh, I see.

Well, then you knew Mr. Hammond before the... Oh, yeah, the accident. Oh, yes.

Dreadful, dreadful affair, yes. Brilliant career. Just wiped out in a

second. How did it happen? Well, the most ridiculous thing imaginable.

Crossing the road to get a newspaper to find his notices. The great success the

night before.

Unbelievable. One of his greatest performances.

Well, I was in the provinces at the time, because when I heard about it...

George!

They tell me you're suffering from stripped gears or some similar

automotive ailment.

Oh, George, it is good to see you, old boy. Ann tells me you're planning to go

on to Torquay tomorrow. Well, I won't hear of it. I shan't be satisfied with

anything less than a fortnight's stay.

Peter, I had no idea that... Oh, really, old boy?

Oh, well, don't let it upset you, George.

Why, this was the clincher at the trial.

The attorney for the bus company tried to save them a few shillings, but all

the jury had to do was take one look at me in my chair of pain, and they shouted

as a man, we fine for the plaintiff.

Oh, I say, you were away during the trial, weren't you? Oh, that's too bad.

It was my greatest performance by far.

Yes, I was in the provinces at the time. Oh, you know, the high point of the

trial was when I took the stand and they tried to back me into the corner.

I say, Hammond, that bus that alleged... struck you while you were crossing the

street. Which size bus would you say it was, sir?

Oh, I'd say it was one of the larger ones, sir. Oh, I believe you have... We

have you there, Mr. Hammond. All of the buses in London are the same size, are

they not?

No, sir. The ones that come at you are the larger.

I tell you, George, I was stellar. Absolutely stellar.

You were also stellar in West Wind's Fading. I read the notices. Yes, they

were good, weren't they? All except Dalrymple and the Express.

He said I lacked finish.

Lacked finish, eh? Well, he certainly lived to eat those words.

Plenty of finish around here. Nothing but finish. In fact, finished.

My dear Peter, I... Oh, George, I am sorry.

Please forgive me.

Mrs. Lancaster.

My friend Mr. Amberwell is embarrassed.

Would you be so good as to tell him the rules of the house, that all that

nonsense about pitying the poor innkeeper is out of date to say, nothing

about out of bounds.

Mr. Hammond ought to be on display, really he ought. You know, I've often

suggested to him that he form himself into some kind of exhibit to be shown at

hospitals and homes for the crippled. Sure, I should go on brooding about it,

I always say. In fact, I always was a lazy lad, rather sit down than stand up

any day.

I'm so sorry for people who have to be cooped up.

Oh, Mrs. West, we were having some kind of a reunion. Old friends that pass in

the night like ships, you know.

May I introduce you to the latest addition to the... Red Roof Household,

Mr. Amberwell, Mrs. West, and Julian West.

How do you do? Are you an actor, Mr.

Amberwell? No, I'm a stage manager.

Julian's a budding young author, George. Oh, really? Yes, I've read some of his

things today.

Oh, now, Peter, I don't think you ought to talk... Oh, really, really, Julian,

they're quite good, really quite good. They lack a bit of finish, I should say,

but that's easy enough to fix up.

Finish is very important, eh, George?

Oh, you've been very kind to Julian, but I don't know whether to thank you or

not, Mr. Hammond. You see, we've never had an author in the West family before.

We've always been in trade. But Mrs. Westy shows a great deal of promise.

In fact, I doubt if there's an inn in all of England that has more talent

crammed into it. There's Anne and Julian and George and myself, to a certain

extent, to say nothing of your prowess with the knitting needles.

What is your talent, Mrs. Lancaster?

Oh, Mr. Hammond, I have no talents. I simply buy the tickets to see the plays

and patronize the bookseller to read the books. But there would be no art without

an audience, would there, Mr. Hammond? Certainly not. That's a very important

talent, Mrs.

Lancaster. Patronage. Now, what would the artist do without a patron?

Now do you understand what I'm driving at?

Really, Mr. Hammond, you're speaking in riddles today.

Well, here we all are. Oh, Anne, darling, hello. I thought we'd have tea

out on the terrace. It's such a lovely day.

Well, everything's taken care of. Your room's all ready for you, George. And,

Mrs. Lancaster, there's a room waiting for Peggy whenever she arrives. Oh,

thank you. Peggy, your niece?

Yes, my niece. Is she coming here?

Oh, that'll be wonderful.

From all you've told me about her, I'm looking forward to meeting her. Yes.

Are you, Julian?

You should find Peggy very charming. She can be charming when she likes.

Just like you, Julian.

Will you excuse me, please?

What was that? Did you offend Mrs.

Lancaster, Julian? How should I know?

I'd better go and apologize at any rate.

Well, my dears, would you call me for tea? I think I'll go up to my room for a

while. Welcome to Red Roof. I hope you'll stay for a while. Don't worry, he

will.

Do I sense a situation?

Oh, it's horrible. That spoiled boy and that desperate widow trying to buy back

20 years of life.

No!

And, of course, he doesn't know about it. Personally, though, that innocent

child is planning to make a million pounds off of Hilda's declining years.

He knows a good thing when he sees it. She's planning to publish his short

stories, George. I think you encourage it. Oh, now, really. Well, you won't

deny that you're constantly buttering the boy up about his stories, when

actually they're nothing but miserable examples of public school prose.

Oh, the lengths one has to go to find amusement down here. But I am

anticipating an increase of merriment hourly.

Oh, what now?

Peggy Lancaster. I understand she's a very attractive young thing and just

about Julian's age.

Oh, no wonder she resents the proposed visitation. Oh, nonsense. No, it isn't

nonsense, Anne.

Oh, Peggy Lancaster is going to bring Julian a breath of all that he's been

missing in life. And it'll be very amusing to watch the reaction on Julian

and on Mrs. Lancaster.

Just as George has suddenly brought you a breath of all you've been missing.

I don't know what you mean.

May I reiterate Mrs.

West's greeting?

Welcome to Red Roof, George.

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Man confined to a wheelchair has plenty of time to think.

In Peter Hammond's case, it has made his mind a sharp weapon and a dangerous one,

as you will see in Act II of The Ringmaster.

Starring Vincent Price and Anna Lee.

Didn't you hear me? Yes, I heard you. I was beginning to worry about you. You've

gone so long.

There's a storm coming up.

Yes. Great billowing clouds and the sun shining grey through them.

And the wind.

Peter, we ought to go home. It's only an hour till dinner.

It's a pity nature didn't provide music with her storms. Very remiss of her,

don't you think?

Well, unfortunately, nature didn't have the benefit of a movie soundtrack when

she invented thunderstorms. Oh, that's very witty of you, Anne, very sharp.

Sounds almost like the old Anne.

Really? Well, I wasn't aware that I'd become a new Anne. Oh, yes, these things

happen almost imperceptibly. You sounded like Miss Anne Hammond, character

ingenue just then.

Must be George's influence, a taste of the old time.

Oh, Peter, I thought that wild notion had died a warning. You haven't

mentioned it since that first night.

It occurs to me now and again.

Are you brooding about it?

My dear Anne, I stopped brooding when I stopped walking.

Speaking of walking, did you and George have a good walk today? Well, George

might have. I didn't. Didn't enjoy it? I didn't go.

Oh, now, look. Must be a good walker, George. Strong pair of legs. Oh, Peter,

once and for all.

Well, how is our triangle coming along with Hilda and Julian and Peggy? I have

no idea. My duty is here a landlady, not housemother. I'm not required to

interfere. And neither are you, Peter. Are you inferring that I'm interfering?

Wildly and irresponsibly. Well, my dear Anne. My dear Peter, it's none of your

business. I assure you, I couldn't care less.

She is an attractive young thing, though, Peggy Lancaster. I wonder if

Julian's really spitting. Oh, Peter.

Oh, of course. Hilda would never allow it. She just, she gets wild every time

she even sees them together.

I wonder what she'll do about it.

There are two ways of playing that scene, you know. Oh, Peter, I'm not

interested. Either she can fly into a rage and send Peggy away, which will

solve nothing and only convince the children that they're madly in love, or

she can bide her time patiently.

And then just when they come to her for her blessing, she can say quite quietly,

Peggy, my dear, guess what your young man has been up to before he met you?

Oh, Julian's been up to nothing except a little mild embezzlement. And don't you

just know that Hilda kept all of the cancelled checks. She's too good a

businesswoman not to keep books.

Peggy's a clean-minded, bright-eyed young thing. The picture of her young

man living off the largesse of an older woman.

would present a particularly distasteful picture to her.

Peter, I didn't come here to talk about that.

I want to talk about George.

Yes, I thought you would.

Not the way you think. So it's still there, is it?

Some tug at the heart, some not-quite-dead emotion.

The attraction's still there. There's no attraction. There never was.

Oh, very well.

If you say so, I thought you wanted to talk about it.

You're making George very uncomfortable.

Yes, I dare say.

It's an uncomfortable situation.

Inexcusable in an innkeeper, but so human, Anne.

Are you human? Sometimes I wonder.

Down to the waist, I'm quite human.

Oh, don't be too hard on me, Anne. He has such a good pair of legs. Call me

inhuman if you like, but I'm human enough to envy them. Oh, Peter.

I'm supposed to be the model cripple. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

Come and see the man with no legs. He laughs, he jokes, he pretends. It

doesn't matter.

Oh, Anne.

That bus had every chance in the world. Why didn't it do a complete job?

Oh, Peter, Peter, Peter.

Don't be too upset.

Don't take me too seriously.

Consider how frustrated I am. I can't take revenge on a bus.

Do you know I love you?

I thought so.

I do.

Say you love me and then we can all go home home.

Say I love you.

I love you. There, you see?

End of quarrel, quick curtain.

Aunt Hilda, I thought you'd be in bed by this time. Yes, I dare say you did. You

should come along, Mrs. Bankster. Did you enjoy the film?

Enjoyed it? Oh, absolutely awful. No, dreadful, dreadful. Most comforting,

really. I couldn't have borne them otherwise.

You're back rather late. I didn't think it could have lasted that long. No, we

persuaded George to drive us on into Torquay for a little music and dancing.

How accommodating of George. Oh, not at all. No, no, no. It was a bit messy when

the rain started. Otherwise, it was most pleasant.

Let's hope you all don't come down with a cold by morning.

Peggy, I suggest you get out of those wet clothes immediately and go to bed.

Oh, I'm all right. My concern is to see that you stay all right.

Peggy and I are planning a little game of table tennis before we turn in. But

I'm sure you'll excuse Peggy. I'm not sure I want to be excused. Peggy, I'd

rather not discuss this just now.

I must say I'm a little surprised at your attitude.

Under the circumstances, I'll excuse it.

Under what circumstances?

Well, I've just had a wire from your Aunt Sarah.

Oh, is she well?

Quite well, and looking forward to your visit.

My visit? Peggy, you didn't tell me that you... She didn't know.

I wrote to Aunt Sarah a few days ago, and she just replied saying she'd be

delighted to have you come and stay with her. Now, I suggest that a good time to

go would be tomorrow. I think it will be a horrid time. They live on a blasted

heath in Scotland. I'm not going.

Peggy, you're expected.

Oh, that's too bad.

Telegrams go in both directions. But the matter's settled.

The matter isn't settled. Or perhaps it is. I'm not going to Aunt Sarah's

tomorrow or at any other time. Peggy, I absolutely refuse to discuss this any

longer.

I've had enough of your adolescent rebellion for one evening.

The matter is settled.

You will go to bed now and you will go to your Aunt Sarah tomorrow.

Now, is that clear? Is it clear, Peggy?

Good night, all.

It's been charming. I'll see you up. The corridor is well lighted and the

staircase is quite safe.

I'm sure Peggy can see herself up.

I'm sorry, Mr. Amberwell-Pease. Oh, no, no, not at all. No, it's quite all

right. Quite all right.

I, um... Well, I think I'll go to bed now.

You may be right about that code. Come along. Good night.

Good night. Good night, Julian.

Good night, George.

That was rather crude.

I don't think you're in a position to use that word.

Peggy hasn't harmed you.

Peggy is not my concern at the moment.

Cinema, music, dancing.

Very lavish, very extravagant. Must have been expensive, Julian.

I'm entitled to a little fun.

And there's no reason to treat Peggy so brutally.

You're hardly in a position to tell me about that.

You're too young.

You mustn't blame me for being young, Hilda.

And I'm afraid sending her away isn't going to solve anything.

What do you mean by that? I mean that I'm liable to follow her if you do.

Julian! I'm in love with Peggy.

I have reason to believe that she's in love with me.

I'm sorry if it hurts you.

Well, I must say you're being very thoughtful.

I want to marry her.

Do you expect me to permit it? I don't expect you to try to prevent it. You

don't? Why should you?

Oh, just because you've lent me a little money. Lent you?

You'll be repaid.

I don't care about the money.

You sound as though you care very much.

Don't you know why I...

Give new things?

I know this.

That you're probably not too anxious to have everyone know your reasons.

Your real reasons.

How dare you?

I'm only trying to tell you that you don't own me completely.

I'm afraid you've been thinking you did.

I am despicable!

Good morning, Mary.

Good morning, sir.

Cleared up beautifully, didn't it? Oh, yes, sir.

I laid breakfast out here. I thought it would be preferred.

As always, your judgment in these matters is impeccable.

Where is Mrs. Hammond? Is she in the kitchen?

No, sir. She's gone swimming.

Swimming? Oh, surely not. Before breakfast?

Yes, sir. I saw her go down toward the water about half an hour ago. That Mr.

Amberwell was with her. I expect they're both swimming.

Thank you, Mary.

Yes, sir.

I'll have my breakfast now.

Yes, sir. Would you like kippers or egg?

I'll leave that entirely up to you.

Yes, sir. I'll bring you a bit of both.

Morning, Peter.

What a glorious morning.

One shouldn't mind the rain, should one, considering what it does to the world

after it gets finished.

You must have gotten yourself... Sir, thoroughly soaked last night. Why do you

say that?

Because your radiance absolutely dims out nature.

Why, Peter.

Nobody else down yet?

No, it appears not.

Would you like to have breakfast with me this morning, Peggy? I'd love to.

Well, there you are. Forgive my not getting up.

Don't give it a second thought.

Bravo, Peggy.

What now?

You don't shock easily, do you?

That's most admirable and most unusual.

You wanted to shock me. That's why I didn't shock.

I believe you really like to shock people.

I believe you've found me out.

You've heard about the row with my aunt last night?

Yes.

May I tell you something, Peggy?

You can be the ringmaster in your life, if you choose.

Or you can be just one of the acts, in the spotlight for a few minutes and then

back to the cage for the rest of your days.

You've got to make up your mind now.

Oh, good morning, Mr. Hammond. Good morning. Good morning, Aunt Hilda.

Peggy, shouldn't you be packing?

I don't think so, Aunt Hilda.

You see, I'm not going anywhere. Not going?

Peggy, I told you last night... Mr. Hammond, you haven't been trying to

influence her, have you? Why, Mrs.

Lancaster, what a thing.

Good morning, darling.

Good morning. Wonderful morning.

Everybody down? Everybody except the West. Well, did you have a good swim?

Oh, it was wonderful. Do you realize we've been here since May, and this is

the first time I've thought about going swimming before breakfast?

It's George's influence. I'd expect he's brought about a lot of changes since he

arrived. No, as a matter of fact, it was Anne's idea. I was on my way down to

breakfast, and I ran into her. These chance meetings could be most revealing.

Well, as a matter of fact, I had the sniffles coming on, and she said salt

water was the best thing in the world for me.

wife has very definite views on medical science, and I suppose you felt the

sniffles coming on too, eh, Anne?

No. George wouldn't go unless I went too. And so you went, all in the spirit

of good, clean health and well-being.

Well, I hope you don't mind, huh? No, on the contrary, I'm delighted.

I'm overjoyed whenever I see that radiant, ecstatic look on Anne's face,

almost as though she'd seen the Holy Grail.

You're in a very agreeable mood this morning. Oh, I bloom in all my colors

after the storm, just like the trees and the grass.

I think I'll go and change.

Well, there's no need to make an uncomfortable exit.

George? As far as I'm concerned, the incident is closed. I wasn't aware there

was an incident to close. Now, that, of course, is problematical. I see nothing

problematical about it. My dear Anne, our guests are becoming embarrassed.

Now, look here, old man. Oh, really, George, please, not old man. It makes me

feel as though Granville Barker were peering over my shoulder.

Good morning, everybody.

Isn't it going to be a perfect day?

Certainly starting out that way, Mrs. West. Good morning, Julian.

Good morning, Peter. Mrs. Hammond, George.

Hello, Peggy. Hello, Julian. Good morning, Julian.

Hello, Hilda.

Now, look here, Hammond. Oh, that's much better, George.

Now, please sit down, all of you, and have your breakfast.

I understand there's a choice between kippers and eggs.

Feel free to order both if you're hungry enough.

If you don't mind, I won't stay.

Peter!

You're not amusing me.

I'm so sorry.

Does George amuse you more? What are you doing? What's this game you're playing?

You look very lovely in your bathing suit, Anne.

How does George look in shorts?

Well set up, muscular, and how are his legs? Have you gone completely insane?

They seem to me like common enough questions. Extremely common.

I know you want your gains, Peter. I know how you like to amuse yourself.

But this is the first time you seem fit to make me the butt of your twisted

sense of humor. I was just trying to be generous. I didn't want you to go

overboard pitying the poor cripple.

If you want George... I don't want George! Does he want you?

The subject's never been mentioned.

It's very clean-minded of both of you. It has nothing to do with clean

-mindedness. There's never been any cause, any reason.

Oh, Peter, this is ridiculous.

Out of nothing at all, out of an innocent word, a gesture, you've built

up something that's nothing but a lie from beginning to end.

And I know why you're doing it. You don't even believe it yourself.

It just amuses you to exert power, to toy with people's lives, ruin them if

necessary, just so long as it provides you with a diverting half hour or so.

Please go on.

This is most entertaining. It may be entertaining to you, but to me it's a

bore. A bore?

Yes, a bore.

Anyone who isn't a real person is a bore, and you're not a real person at

all. You haven't had a sincere thought in your life, Peter, and it's made you

dull. Yes, dull, dull.

Dull beyond dreams.

You really mean that, don't you? Yes, I do.

So I'm dull, am I?

Well, I hope this doesn't bore you, Anne, because if it does, you're going

to be bored for quite some time to come.

I shouldn't have done that.

But I'm not sorry.

You will be, George.

There are two ways of putting a protective wax job on your car.

One way is to do it like Richard here. He's using an old-fashioned wax. You

know, the hard rubbing kind.

While the other way to wax a car is to do what Joe is doing.

He's using Johnson's Car Plate, the 20-minute no-rubbing auto wax.

First, with long, easy strokes, Joe wipes Car Plate onto his car's clean

finish. Notice Joe just spreads it lightly.

While Richard continues to rub and rub and rub.

About ten minutes later and Joe's covered the whole car with car plate.

Now he's ready for the next step.

While Richard still rubs and rubs and rubs to bring up a polish.

Notice on Joe's car that car plate has dried to a light haze. You see?

During the drying, a tough coat of wax bonded itself to the car's finish.

Joe wipes off the haze and uncovers a brilliant wax shine.

In 20 minutes, the waxing job is done, and Joe has given his car the brightest,

longest-wearing waxing it's ever had.

While here's Richard still rubbing.

Gee, maybe we ought to tell him.

Richard?

Richard, did you know you could have completely waxed your car with Johnson's

Car Plate in 20 minutes with no rubbing?

Poor Richard.

Next time, get a can of Johnson's Car Plate at your service station or wax

dealers. And for a perfect cleaning job before you wax, get Johnson's new Car

Plate Cleaner.

You get this can of Johnson's chrome cleaner as a gift with your purchase of

Johnson's auto products.

See your dealer.

Peter's accusations about Anne and George have caused a rift in the

serenity of Red Roof.

And evidently from his threat to George, Peter Hammond planned something else.

As we continue with Act Three of The Ringmaster, starring Vincent Price and

Anna Lee, we see still another guest in Red Roof in the state of preparation.

Now, tell me, tell me if I've got this right.

It's at the 409, 613, 925.

Right there. Oh, and where do the, where do the buses leave from?

Listening, Peter?

Like a hawk.

That's the expression.

Sometimes I'm not quite sure which side you're on.

I've made flattering remarks about your writing.

Oh, very friendly remarks.

Very flattering.

Peggy's been more friendly. Oh, she doesn't like them. Oh, she says that I

can do better. They're unworthy of me. Oh, but then she's in love with you.

Does that mean she's not being honest with me?

Oh, I dare say as honest as you are being with her.

I'm planning, to be honest.

You mean about Hilda and you?

Oh, that was only... Only money, yes, I know. And your motives in accepting it

were as pure as can be. But what about her motives in giving it? And what about

the chances of her telling Peggy?

I think you had better tell Peggy yourself, Julian, first.

Yes, I know.

But... but afterwards.

You heard me just now. You know what we're planning to do.

Hilda insists that Peggy leave.

Well, if she does, I'm going with her.

Bravo, Julian.

And what about money?

Peggy has some. Oh, no, that would never do. Don't start out married life as a

gigolo. Well, I certainly have none of my own.

Oh, very well.

Oh, no, Peter, you can't do that. Here you go. It's something to start with.

It'll get you as far as London anyway.

Oh, that's terribly good of you.

Why are you doing this?

I hate grubby little gestures.

You're going to break somebody's heart, Julian.

For heaven's sakes, do it in style.

Peggy, what exactly does Julian mean to you?

He means everything to me.

And you mean everything to him?

Yes.

Peggy, I know Julian better than you.

You've known him longer. Better.

And let me tell you, to him, you're just a holiday amusement, nothing else. He's

never going to really care about anyone.

You're entitled to your own views.

Hello, you two.

Nearly ready? Almost.

How does that concern you, Julian?

Why, Hilda, you don't expect... Peggy to lug these heavy suitcases down to the

bus stop herself, do you? Well, I was going to get Mr. Amberwell to take her

down in his car. I'm afraid that's out.

George is going up to London. He's leaving very soon. George is leaving?

Why? Oh, he says they're starting rehearsals a fortnight earlier than

planned. However, from the look on his face at lunch today, I would say that

something's going on. He was looking glum, now you mention it. So was Mrs.

Hammond, as a matter of fact. Yesterday's been rather a grim one so

far. What have you two been up to?

Who? We've been spending a not-too-profitable few minutes

discussing you, Julian.

How alarming.

From what aspect?

Are there so many?

It might be biological, spiritual, intellectual... Or financial.

What does she know about your hidden past, Julian?

More than I do, apparently.

Peggy, don't dawdle. You don't want to miss your bus.

I'll be downstairs.

Jesus, we are, Julian.

You're not backing out, are you? No, of course not.

But it does seem a shame that other people have to be hurt.

Julian. What, darling?

What does Hilda know about you?

She knows... Yes?

What I really am.

And what are you, really?

I'm mean, selfish, and revoltingly weak.

Who's that?

What do you mean, oh, that?

For a minute, I thought it was something serious.

Suppose it were.

What?

Something serious.

Such as?

Such as... Nothing. Come on.

Let's hurry. We've got to catch that bus.

Are you sure? Now, look, here's the plan. Very simple, very casual. I'm just

being the gentleman, seeing you down to the bus stop with your luggage. Are you

sure nobody knows? Only Peter, and he's on our side.

Darling.

Whatever happens, whatever you may come to think of me, I'll always love you,

Peggy.

Bye.

I wanted to see you before I left.

Are you really going?

Well, I don't see how I can stay after... Why didn't you tell me before?

Tell you what?

That he was like that.

Oh, he isn't always.

Always? When everyone adores him, no one can be nicer. But they mustn't stop, not

for a moment.

Charming for you.

Oh, it isn't really so bad.

You see, I'm usually able to adore him quite adequately for his purposes.

What about for your purposes?

Oh, don't misunderstand me, George.

I love Peter.

Does he love you?

I'm his most valuable possession.

He couldn't get along without me.

Couldn't he?

He's just a child, really.

Yes, he has some very unattractive childish tricks, too.

Anne. Yes, George?

Something I must tell you.

My real reason for leaving.

Well, I should think it was obvious.

Peter's decided we're in love. We're not.

But it's quite impossible to convince him.

The situation's become impossible.

It's more impossible than you think, you see.

Something put the idea into Peter's head. Oh, just his imagination, nothing

else. No, it's not as simple as all that.

Something did put the idea into his head.

I'm afraid it was I. What do you mean?

Because, you see, it's true.

I do love you.

Oh, George.

I... I loved you... from the day that you married Peter six years ago.

Oh, my dear, I'm sorry. I didn't know.

Oh, of course.

Peter must have seen it even then.

Now he's trying to get it back at you.

Perhaps he has a right to.

Because, you see, I... I've never really given up hope.

And I... just...

There's only chance that... I'm sorry, George.

None whatever.

You see, Peter needs me.

I see.

The red roof is taking on the aspect of Paddington Station.

I hope you're going to stay on for a bit, Mrs. West and Mrs. Lancaster.

I see no reason to cut short my visit.

Nor I.

Although I'm sorry your niece is leaving so soon.

She and Julian seem to get on. so well. Yes, so I noticed. I was hoping they

might become friends.

Julian has so few friends, especially girls his own age. I don't know why.

Well, perhaps you underestimate him, Mrs. West. Oh, do you think so? Well,

what I mean is perhaps he gets more out of his friendships with, um, older

people. Yes, I dare say you may be right. I'd never thought of that.

His writings, now. Maybe they indicate something.

You've always said that they... Yes, one of the duties of an innkeeper is to try

to please his guests, is it not?

Do you mean that... I'm very much afraid, Mrs. West, that Julian's

writings, as you call them, are grammatically accurate and very little

else. Why are you saying this now?

But you've always said... I'm well aware of what I've always said.

I'm also well aware that I didn't ask to read the stories. Well, George, you must

be on your way, eh? Yes, I am. Be sure to remember me to a couple of hundred

people up in London.

You're not worth remembering to. You're well remembered as it is.

Well, you really think so? Isn't that nice?

I suppose you and Anne have been out taking a last look at the ocean, eh?

Yes, Peter.

You know, my wife has a very personal interest in the ocean. She always keeps

a constant eye on it to be sure that the tides don't become confused and start

moving in the wrong way. Peter, there's one thing. Yes, George. I want to make

clear. Well, I think your leaving makes several things clear, George. Now, look

here. I'm looking, George.

Peggy!

Ah, trains leaving on Platform 17, Great Western Express, talkie extra experts,

Reading and London Bork.

You're mad, Peter. No, I'm just doing my part. So many sudden departures taking

place. Well, not so many. Only Peggy and George.

Oh, of course. What am I thinking of? Oh, I see. Now, why should Peggy take

that... Oh, bus ride into Torquay and then take the train up to London when

George is driving straight up from here. What do you say, George? You have plenty

of room for Peggy, haven't you? Yes, of course. It didn't occur to me. Peter,

don't. What's the matter, Julian? Why are you making those ridiculous faces?

Well, surely you would like the company, wouldn't you, George? Peter, it's very

kind of you. I'm sure Mr. Amberwell doesn't mind. Peggy would be delighted.

But it's impossible.

Impossible? Why impossible?

Only a two-seater.

Well, so it is. And there are only two of them going up.

Peggy and George. One, two, three.

Peter! Julian, dear, why are you being so tense about it? Surely it's a matter

just between Mr. Amberwell and Peggy. Well, that's what I was about to say.

Well, I am right, aren't I? There are only two people going up to London

today. Well, how many people are going up to London today? Well, am I mistaken

or am I not? Are there more than two people going up to London today?

Perhaps I should have hired a bus.

I don't know what this is all about, but I'll be very glad to take Miss Lancaster

if she's agreeable. Ah, there we are. So it's all settled. What are you trying to

do? My dear Peggy, is that any way to talk to me after I've just saved you a

train fare?

If you persist in using that tone with me, I shall feel obliged to ask Julian

to return the ten pounds I lent him. Peter! Yes, Julian?

Never mind.

It'll come to you later.

You lent Julian ten pounds? Why, whatever for? Oh, it was nothing,

Mother. Just... A few bills, that's all. Well, then why didn't you ask me? You

know I don't like you to borrow money from other people. Don't you? I rather

thought you did.

But then I suppose you would be reluctant to lend him money if you knew

what he intended to do with it. What did you intend to do with it? Why, didn't

you know? He's going to be married.

Stop it!

Is this some sort of joke?

Well, that depends upon one's sense of humor. Well, then I think you'd better

explain.

Shall I, Peggy?

Shall I, June?

Well, I take it that your silence means assent. Well, very well.

Peggy and Julian are running away to get married.

Isn't it fun?

It isn't true, Julian. No, of course it doesn't. There isn't a word of truth in

it. Then why were you so tense about it? And why were you putting your clothes in

Peggy's bag so they wouldn't be found? Peter. And why were you looking up bus

schedules just now?

Julian, were you really going to do this?

Yes.

I can't believe you'd do anything so loathsome.

I love Peggy.

Mrs. Hilda!

Are you ready to go with me now?

Yes.

Let's go then. Stay where you are.

But haven't you anything to say, Mrs. Lancaster?

Haven't you?

Very well, then I'll say it for you.

What your aunt is trying to say, Peggy, and can't, is why you should be so

determined to elope with her...

What shall we call him, Mrs. Lancaster? Her paid companion.

Julian, what does he mean?

What I mean, Mrs. West, is that Mrs. Lancaster has been giving your son large

sums of money all summer, and she's naturally reluctant to see her niece

running away with her investment.

No, you couldn't have taken money from Mrs.

Lancaster. Couldn't he? Look at his face, Mrs. West.

You too, Peggy.

If you say any more, I think I'll kill you.

Julian, it's not true. It is true, Peggy. I try to warn you. Don't talk to

me. Peggy, it all happened before I met you.

I love you. You must believe me.

Believe you?

There's no sense in believing anything anymore.

Peggy! You'd better follow her, though. The cliffs are dangerous and there's a

fog rolling in.

I know what you're thinking.

You can sneer all you want, all of you.

Just wait.

Wait until you see the only thing you've ever wanted leaving you.

You'll try to buy it back.

Or steal it.

Oh, Peggy, it's just the way I am.

Peggy! Peggy!

Julian! No, Julian.

It'll be all right.

You'll see.

It'll be all right.

Why did you do all this?

We've never done you any harm.

Perhaps I'm trying to buy something that money's not any good for either, Mrs.

West. Come upstairs, Julian.

Satisfied now, Peter? You haven't any guts, Julian. No, I haven't. If I had,

I'd have thrashed you right here and now.

Please feel perfectly free. Hitting cripples has become the thing to do

around here lately.

George, I'm sorry. You'll have to drive up to London all alone.

No, he won't, Peter.

If you're ready to leave, I'll meet you outside in five minutes.

I'll be there.

Oh, I was right.

George and you, I was right.

I ought to feel sorry for you, Peter. I really ought.

You strike out in every direction, but the only person you hit is yourself.

Whom have you hurt?

Julian and his mother?

They'll recover.

Hilda and Peggy?

They'll recover, too.

George will get over this incident, and so will I.

But you won't, Peter.

You are the only one who's been destroyed.

No one else.

I'm going, Peter.

I don't know where or what to do, but I'm leaving.

And you won't even have the satisfaction of knowing this is with George, because

it isn't.

You'll be back.

Oh, no, I won't, Peter.

Not this time.

Yes, you'll be back. I'm a cripple and you've got a conscience. You won't

believe me.

Do you think that's the only reason I've stayed with you all these years?

Of course. Why else? If it weren't for that, you'd have gone off with George a

long time ago.

You're mad, Peter. Am I?

I'll never give you a divorce, Annie.

Goodbye, Peter.

Anne? Anne, wait!

It's annoying, isn't it, Peter?

The ringmaster cracks his whip.

But the animals have all left the cages.

Anne?

Anne, you can't leave me. It would be wicked to leave me.

Goodbye, Peter.

Anne?

Anne!

Oh,

Anne! Anne, somebody!

Help me! Help me!

I can't move.

Oh, help me.

I can't be left alone like this.

Oh, please.

Help me. Help me.

In just a moment, I will tell you about the star and story of our next

presentation, and we'll have a chance to talk to tonight's stars, Vincent Price

and Anna Lee.

As you know, our show is sponsored alternately by the makers of Lucky

Strike cigarettes and Johnson's Wax.

Next week's program comes to you through the courtesy of our co-sponsor, Lucky

Strike. And here is Dorothy Collins, the sweetheart of Lucky Strike.

Friends, seeing is believing.

And you can actually see for yourself why Luckys taste better. Yes, you can

see with your own eyes that Luckys are made better to taste better. Watch

closely now and listen carefully.

Yes, tear and compare.

From a newly opened pack, take a cigarette made by any other manufacturer

and carefully remove the paper by tearing down the seam from end to end.

You'll find some cigarettes are so loosely packed they fall apart.

Others have air spaces, hot spots that smoke harsh and dry.

Now do the same thing with a Lucky Strike.

Then compare.

In the Lucky, you'll find a perfect cylinder of fine tobacco.

So round, so firm, so fully packed, so free and easy on the draw, it smokes

smoothly, evenly, always tastes fresh and clean and mild.

So be happy. Go Lucky. Try a carton of Luckys. You'll find Luckys taste better.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Vincent Price and Miss Anna Lee.

And I'm sure that you will want to join with me in thanking them for two

perfectly splendid performances. Thank you very much, Anna. Thank you so much.

Thank you. That's a wonderful job.

What plans have you got for the future? What are you going to do? Some more TV?

Well, I hope lots more television, because I love it. You really like it,

don't you? I really like it. Well, it shows.

How about you, Vincent? Oh, so do I, Bob. I'm crazy about TV. I'm going to do

some summer stock, I think, pretty soon. Good for you. What are you going to do

in summer stock? Oh, I don't know. A couple of plays. A couple of plays. And

you're going to stay on here and do some TV in the meantime? Yes, that's right.

Good for you. Well, we hope to have you both back before very long. Thank you.

It was a great pleasure being with you. Good. It was lovely.

Ladies and gentlemen, remember one week from tonight you'll see Robert Sterling

in Candles for Therese, a strange story of love against a background of fear and

vengeance. Remember, one neat week from tonight, Candles for Therese, starring

Robert Sterling, and also remember the name to look for in wax is Johnson.

Thank you very much for being with us and good night.

Next week at this time...

Robert Montgomery presents Candles for Therese starring Robert

Sterling on your Lucky Strike Theater.