| Of Human Bondage | 8 | 1944-03-07 | An adaption of Somerset Maugham classic novel. Phillip (performed by Hans Conried) feels an outsider due to a congenital disability with his foot, falls in love with Mildred (performed by Bette Davis). Mildred scorns Phillip and departs with a Mr. Miller. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Miller leaves Mildred, who is pregnant. Phillips pays for Mildred's expenses. 'I'm crazy for you,' he confesses. 'Crazy wanting to be with you.' He doubles down as he responds to Mildred's hostility. 'You're coming with me to Paris and you're going to marry me on Saturday or take the consequences.' 'Don't make me laugh,' Mildred says. 'I wouldn't let you touch me now if I were starving. I'm through with you.' In a following scene Mildred wheedles funds from Phillip under false pretenses and runs away with someone name Harry. Mildred returns to Phillip, and he invites her to live in his apartment. Her attempt to win back Phillip's good will is in vain. 'You disgust me,' he says. Mildred departs and falls ill. Her disease, clearly syphilis, is of course not identified in the adaptation. Does Mildred change as a character? Or does she double down? Mildred and Phillip struggle against larger forces beyond their control. The story raises bold questions about resilience, gender, privilege, and authentic love and kindness. A copy of Maugham's novel is available online. |
| Blithe Spirit | 18 | 1944-05-16 | The program begins with host Ronald Coleman stating 'Tonight Loretta Young and Edna Best join me in presenting the radio premiere of Noel Coward's gay comedy 'Blithe Spirit'. It is being broadcast by short wave to all the America armies in New Guinea.' The first scene opens at the home of Charles Kent and his second wife Ruth. Kent's first wife died 7 years ago, and he has been happily married to Ruth for 5. Charles is being haunted by the spirit of Elvira, who was his first wife, and one evening becomes so agitated by her appearance (only he can see and hear her) that he spills the brandy Ruth has poured for him. Ruth leaves him and goes upstairs to bed as he stares vacantly into space. Then Elvira's spirit appears and tells Charles that she has not been completely dead. He finds it 'strangely peaceful' to see her apparition. He tells her the next morning that she has returned 'from the other place.' We then learn that it was Mrs. McCarthy, a medium, who summoned Elvira from 'the other place,' and when she comes to the house the next evening Elvira pleads with her to take her back because she has been accused in the meantime of deliberately causing Ruth's death. Mrs. McCarthy then attempts to cast a spell that will get rid of her but fails when she decides she really wants to stay. It seems that Ruth really is dead. When Elvira finally leaves, Charles tells himself that for the first time in years he is free to do anything he pleases, no longer being encumbered by a wife. After the story concludes, the stars speak to two soldiers in New Guinea via shortwave radio.' |
