U.S. Steel Hour: "The Thief" (1/4/1955)

[Theme music] [Blast furnace noise] [Announcer] This is, "The United States Steel Hour." [Driving theme music] [Announcer] Only steel can do so many jobs so well. [Announcer] And the United States Steel trademark, USS, stands for quality steel. [Theme music] [Announcer] Steel for industry. [Theme music heavy on drums] [Announcer] Steel for transportation. [Theme music heavy on drums] [Announcer] Steel for the farm. [Announcer] Steel for the home. Quality steel. United States Steel. [Theme music] [Theme music, old fashioned] [Marionette music, continues through opening credits] [Segue to waltz music] [Dramatic music] [Laughter] [Charles Lagarde's voice] Get me my jacket, will you darling? [Laughter, gay conversation] [Isabelle Lagarde] Fernand. [Fernand Lagarde] Hello, Isabelle. [Isabelle] Were you looking for something upstairs? [Fernand] No. [Isabelle] But you never come to the tower, you never come to visit your father and me here. [Fernand] Excuse me. [Isabelle] Wouldn't you like to join your father and the others in the billiard room? [Isabelle] I'm sure he'd be pleased if you did. [Fernand] No. [Fernand] Thank you very much. [Isabelle] Fernand, wait. [Isabelle] Ha, ha. What are we to do you and I? [Isabelle] Usually it's a woman's privilege to be pursued, but here am I trying to make friends with you and making absolutely no headway. [Isabelle] Must it be war, Fernand. [Isabelle] Please, a truce. [Isabelle] There you smiled. [Fernand] Did I? [Laughter] [Isabelle] Fernand, are you angry with your father for having married again, or is it just me? [Fernand] Maybe it's me. [Isabelle] You're very important to your father's happiness. And his happiness is very important to me so we share something. [Isabelle] In a way, you hold both of us in your hand. [Fernand] Isabelle? [Isabelle] Yes dear? [Fernand] I shouldn't like to talk about it. Excuse me. [Apprehensive music] [Sound of billiard balls striking each other] [Charles] There! [Followed by disgruntled comments] [Marie Louise Voyson] No more alibis, Charles! [Charles] It's no wonder I missed this easy shot. [Marie Louise] You show him, darling. [Philippe] Very well. [Marie Louise] Bravo, Philippe! [Charles] I hate to ask where you spent your youth. [Philippe laughs] [Charles] Why you're so proficient at billiards. [Marie Louise] I will tell you, Charles. From music halls and saloons. [Marie Louise] On the boulevards. A chance meeting for the weekend. [Marie Louise] Chasing beautiful women until you caught up with them. Hmm. Didn't you darling? [Philippe] How did you know? Were you hidden under the children's table somewhere? [Marie Louise] I was a little girl with long ears and I heard all the gossip. [Charles] Charm comes in very handy in my business. That's why I hired him Marie Louise. Well. Have you never heard of elderly female stockholders? [Marie Louise] I want a sworn statement that they're all over seventy. [Isabelle] Here's your jacket, Charles. [Charles] Oh, thank you, darling. Please see if Monsieur D'Arnault will have some Armagnac. [Isabelle] Monsieur. [D'Arnault Olivier] Thank you. [Isabelle] Philippe? [Philippe's voice] I'd like to but, ah [Marie Louise] But, what? [Philippe] I'm chained down. [Isabelle] Let him go, Marie Louise, just for the moment. [Marie Louise] You'll have to kiss me first. [Philippe] But, certainly. [Kissing sounds] [Philippe] You see what my life is like, Monsieur? Married to her for a year and still the attack continues. [Marie Louise] Attack, you call it? Attack? [Marie Louise] Is that what you think? Attack? [Philippe laughing] I surrender! I surrender! [Isabelle] You see, Monsieur. Our Marie Louise is a child. She thinks that being grown up and married, is a wonderful new game, invented just for her. [Marie Louise] It's wonderful. [Charles] Ah, Fernand, come join us now my boy, we need an umpire. I, I somehow cannot win when Philipe keeps the score. [Fernand] I'd like to very much, Father, but I have two chapters. It's my summer required reading. [Charles] Oh well, then. Then go to it my boy by all means. [Charles] Maybe some day soon you will be a doctor of philosophy. [Charles] After all there must be a first time for every family. [Fernand] Thank you, Father. Ah, will you excuse me? [Charles] Yes, of course. [Fernand] This is the book I spoke about this noon. I marked the place. [Marie Louise] Thank You, Fernand. [Charles] Now, don't read too late. You'll tire your eyes. [Fernand] I won't, Father. Good night. [Charles] Good night. [Fernand] Good night. [Charles] My son is not very sociable. I'm sorry. [Philippe] Oh nonsense, Charles, come on. [Charles] You know he used to be so interested and, and now suddenly, [Isabelle's voice] And, and he spends so much time by himself. [Marie Louise] I'm feeling a bit chilly. I'll just go upstairs and get a wrap. [Philippe's voice] Never mind, dear. I'll close the window. [Marie Louise] No darling. It's a new one. I, I want you to be able to see it. [Charles voice] Now come on, Philippe, let's get on with the game. Monsieur D'Arnault, will you keep an eye on my partner? [Laughter] [Charles voice] Let's let's go for who, who breaks. [Philippe's voice] All right. [Music] [Marie Louise] Fernand. [Fernand] I'm here. [Fernand] I'm so happy you could come. [Fernand] You read my note. [Marie Louise] I went to my room as the book mark told me. And I found your letter under my pillow. [Marie Louise] Suppose my husband had found it. [Fernand] But I knew he was playing billiards with Father. [Chuckle] [Marie Louise] Fernand, this has gone on long enough. [Fernand] Marie ?. [Marie Louise] Don't. Stop calling me by that childish nick name. We're not children together anymore. [Marie Louise] And? [Fernand] Nor am I. [Marie Louise] Fernand, you're such a baby. [Fernand] I am one, one year younger than you. [Marie Louise] You're a boy. I'm a married woman. And you must stop writing me these burning declarations. [Marie Louise] Come on, suppose someone had seen you go into the tower. [Marie Louise] Everyone knows you never visit this side and the only other room there is mine. And Philippe's. [Fernand] Marie. [Marie Louise] You know what I do with your letters, don't you? Well, I tear them into a hundred pieces. [Fernand] You don't. [Fernand] Oh Marie. You promised me. [Marie Louise] No. No, I've kept my promise. But that's what I want you to do. [Fernand] You have never talked to me like this before, Marie. [Marie Louise] Take them. [Marie Louise] Go on take them. I don't want them. [Fernand] But why not? Has anything happened? [Marie Louise] Nothing has happened. And nothing is going to happen. [Marie Louise] Fernand, if my husband knew of this little absurdity he'd, he'd be very angry with you. [Fernand] I'm not afraid of your husband. [Marie Louise] But it is absurd now isn't it? [Marie Louise] Don't you see, Fernand, this is just another game were playing. [Fernand] Don't talk to me as if I were a child. [Fernand] Stop smiling. [Laughter] [Marie Louise] It's funny, isn't it? We have known each other forever. [Marie Louise] Now, suddenly this summer you decide, [Fernand] To have this summer. [Fernand] I'm 19. [Fernand] And suddenly, I know that I love you more than any man possibly could. Even more than Philippe. [Fernand's voice] And there's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Marie. Nothing. [Marie Louise] What am I going to do with you? It's so sweet and so intense. [Marie Louise] Fernand, you can't be that much in love now can you? [Marie Louise] I saw you at the races on Thursday, with very charming company. [Fernand] Oh that girl. [Marie Louise] Yeah, well who, who is she? [Fernand] Her name is Denise. [Marie Louise] Yes? And? [Fernand] She's in the company at the Madelein. [Marie Louise] She's an actress! [Marie Louise] Bravo for her. [Fernand] She has a car of her own. She has money. She likes to go to the races. That's, that's, [Marie Louise] Now listen, do you know what I want you to do? I want you to fall very much in love with this little actress, [Fernand] Stop it, Marie! [Fernand] Oh Marie, [Fernand] Don't you see? It's you. It's you. [Fernand] When I'm not with you, not seeing you, not looking at you. I feel shut off, alone in the world. [Marie Louise] Well, you're not alone. [Marie Louise] Your father worships you. [Marie Louise] He's just married a charming woman who adores you. [Fernand] I never think of my father. I never think of Isabelle. All, I don't think of anyone at all, except you, Marie. [Marie Louise] Really. [Marie Louise] I must apologize to you. [Marie Louise] I have flirted with you. I admit it. [Marie Louise] It pleased me and perhaps excited me a little bit. I had no idea you were so naive. [Fernand] You must have meant it. [Marie Louise] It meant nothing. It just meant absolutely nothing. [Marie Louise] I've never given any man a serious thought except my husband. [Marie Louise] I love Philippe. [Marie Louise] Do you understand that? I love him even more than I seem to. [Fernand] You must listen to me. It's because you haven't, have never taken me seriously. [Fernand] You see, now you must, [Marie Louise] I must get back to him. [Fernand] You've been afraid to listen to me. [Marie Louise] In a few weeks time, you will have forgotten me. [Fernand] No, no, Marie. [Fernand] Please I'll tear up the letters, but you must come back here. I must talk with you. [Marie Louise] Good night. [Fernand] I'll wait, I'll wait, I'll wait an hour, two hours. [Marie Louise] No! No! [Fernand] Marie! [Fernand] Oh, my. [Isabelle] Oh, four, ? [Isabelle] Ha, ha. [D'Arnault] That's it. [D'Arnault] I know when I'm beat. [Philippe] Another one, Charles? [Charles] No, thank you. Maybe Monsieur D'Arnault will be the next sacrifice. [Isabelle] Sacrifice? How do you know Charles, perhaps we have someone here who can finally beat Philippe? [D'Arnault] I'm sorry madam, but billiards is not my game. [Charles] Oh, what is your game D'Arnault? [D'Arnault] Ah. [Charles] You are more respected, eh? [D'Arnault] Thank you. [Isabelle] Oh, charming my dear. [Marie Louise] What? [Isabelle] Your new scarf. Isn't she lovely, Monsieur. [D'Arnault] Oh Monsieur Philippe is very fortunate. [Philippe] When I first met her, Monsieur, she was fifteen, with freckles. That was five years ago. [Philippe] And then the summers come and go, according to custom. And one day, I look around, and behold, a woman. [Marie laughs] [Philippe] Well, I said to myself. Well! [Marie Louise] I couldn't imagine what had come over him. [Philippe] Oh, you should have seen her that day. [Philippe] She wore something yellow. [Marie Louise] A ? I don't believe you would have noticed me if it hadn't been for that dress. [Philippe] A dress? A trap! [Philippe] And because of that trap, I've been slaving in the office of The Guardian Company ever since. [Phillipe] And for what? Just to support the dress makers of Paris. [Marie Louise] Oh Philippe, You know I get all my things from little ? Aileen. [Isabelle] Your wife is a marvel Philippe. She dresses as well as anyone I know, and spends so little on it. [Marie Louise] There, you see. [Isabelle] I know of at least one frock at Lyonnaise, couldn't have cost less than eight hundred francs. She had it copied perfectly and spent 250 for it. [Philippe] Yes, I know I've just received one of Little? Aileen's bills. [Marie Louise] And? [Philippe] Oh no, no complaints. No, very reasonable. [Charles] Oh, ah, yes? [Michel] Monsieur D'Arnault? [Charles] Yes, that's, [Michel] May I see you outside? [D'Arnault] Oh certainly. Monsieur Lagarde, I may wish to speak with you in a minute. [Charles] Oh. [D'ARnault] Excuse me. [Philippe] Secrets Charles? [Charles] Well, ah, [Charles] I assume that, ah, you've been, wondering about Monsieur D'Arnault. [Philippe] Yes, I've been a little curious, yes. [Charles] I owe an apology to both of you, because your, your fellow guest this week, Monsieur D'Arnault, is a detective. [Marie Louise] A detective? [Isabelle] It's all my fault. [Isabelle] Goodness knows, I'm careful with money, but twelve thousand francs. [Charles] Yes, exactly. It's not only the money. There would be simply no living in this house with a thief running around loose. [Marie Louise] Oh, Charles, do you? Do you mean to say that this man came here to catch a thief. [Charles] Yes, and he already caught up with the culprit. [Isabelle] Who? [Charles] Oh, he's going to tell me, but first he has to check up some details with Michel. [Philippe] Ah, the man who's been posing as his valet. [Charles] Yes. [Philippe] Well, what happened Charles? [Charles] Well you see all summer, I was aware that something was wrong. [Charles] Every few days my Isabel ran out of money and had to get checks. [Charles] So about ten days ago, I had my bookkeeper go over her account, and, [Charles] he, he found that, over and above, [Charles] any expenditure that she could have possibly made, thirty thousand francs were not accounted for. [Charles] It just disappeared as if, as if, as if without any trace. [Isabelle] I kept the money locked in a drawer in my, in my little boudoir table. [Charles] Oh, that's an antique. A, a child could have forced that lock with a penknife. [Charles] Well here, here, come this way, D'Arnault. [Isabelle] Monsieur D'Arnault. It isn't my maid, Desiree, is it? [D'ARnault] I beg your pardon. [Charles] Well, ah, Monsieur D'Arnault, I told them. [D'Arnaultr] Oh, but Monsieur Lagarde. I'm not accustomed to this. Our understanding was clear. [Charles] Oh now come, Monsieur D'Arnault, you said that it was all over, and you knew who the, [D'ARnault] Monsieur Lagarde, I asked you not to speak of this inquiry to anyone. One never knows who will be hurt in these things. [Charles] Well, I owe it to my guests, who are also my very best friends. Well? [D'Arnault] You're positive you wish me to speak now. [Charles] Yes of course. [D'Arnault] Very well. [Charles] What! [Charles] But that is impossible. [D'Arnault] Believe me, I'm sorry. [Charles] You are insane. You are making it up! [Isabelle's voice] Charles. [Charles] This is it. It's for naught. [D'Arnault] I will give you the evidence. That is if Monsieur still wishes it. [Charles] Well of course, I wish it. And I intend to disprove it, every word of it. [D'Arnault] This is the background. As a gentlemen of the world you will recognize the possibilities. [D'Arnault] A boy of 19 and a pretty young actress. [Charles] What pretty, young actress. [D'Arnault] Her name and address will be given to you Monsieur. [Charles] Well, what of it. He was probably, was in love with her. That doesn't prove anything. [D'Arnault] Did you know Monsieur that your son goes to the races? [Charles] Of course with my permission every Thursday and Sunday. [D'Arnault] Oh good. [D'Arnault] Did you know that he bets? [Charles] He's probably putting up ten francs. [D'Arnault] Last Thursday the 27th, he bet three thousand francs on the fourth race, a horse named Kashmir, window 22, the horse was beaten. I don't believe it. And four thousand francs on the last race. Window 19, horse named Tobacco Pouch, also beaten. I don't believe it. [D'Arnault's voice] Oh but, Monsieur one of my men followed your son, step by step. Now one question, and a very important one. What reason would your son have to go into that part of the chateau where you and Madame have your suite? [Charles] In the tower, you mean? [D'Arnault's voice] Yes, yes, yes. [Charles' voice] None. He's never been there. That, that is not since I, er, [Isabelle] What my husband means, Monsieur, is that, Fernand has not come up there, since his father and I were married. He doesn't approve of me. [Charles] Oh my dear. That's not at all the reason. It's only the tower associates the memory with his mother. [Clearing throat] Is it correct, Monsieur, that there's only one staircase leading to the tower. [Charles' voice] Yes. [D'Arnault] Then your son has been there many, many times. [Charles' voice] And I say that he hasn't, not once all summer. [D'Arnault] I believe there's someone in this room who can confirm my statement. [Charles' voice] Who? [D'Arnault's voice] Madame Lagarde. [Isabelle] I? No. [D'Arnault's voice, sighing] Oh, please, Madame, it would save time. [Isabelle] No, I have never seen him in that part of the house. Never. [D'Arnault's voice] Very well, if you insist, I shall be forced to produce the testimony. [D'Arnault] Michel! Come in here, come in. [D'Arnault] Let us hear your report for this evening. [Michel] Tonight after dinner, I'm in the recess at the end of the gallery. [D'Arnault] Yes. [Michel] I see, Monsieur Fernand pass upstairs. I hear him enter a room. On his way down, he meets Madame Lagarde. [D'Arnault] Is that correct? [D'Arnault] Huh. All right, Michel, go back. [Marie Louise] Monsieur D'Arnault? [D'Arnault] Yes, Madame. [Maire Louise] I went to the tower tonight to our rooms. Did you see? [D'Arnault] Yes, yes, yes. At 10:22, Michel saw you pass upstairs. A moment later, there was the sound of a little crash. [Marie Louise] Yes, yes, I dropped my atomizer. [D'Arnault] You see, we neglect nothing. Oh, and there's another matter. Early this afternoon, [D'Arnault] I asked Monsieur Lagarde, as he will tell you later, [D'Arnault] for two thousand francs, hmm. [Charles' voice] Yes. [D'Arnault] These I marked with indelible ink. And at 7:30, while you were all down here, I went up to the tower and hid those marked bills in that famous drawer. A few minutes ago while we were all down here. After Monsieur Fernand and both ladies came back downstairs, Michele ran to the tower and looked again. He found the two thousand francs, gone! [D'Arnault's voice] It was then I told Monsieur that I thought the investigation was nearly finished. [Charles] My son? [Isabelle] I won't believe it. I won't believe it. [D'Arnault] Ah. You're all aware of the unfortunate facets of his character. [Charles] There's nothing unfortunate about his character. He's, he's, he's shy. He's polite. He is introspective. He's ? very fortunate as a Frenchman, at 19. [Isabelle] Charles, where are you going? [Charles] To Fernand's room. [Marie Louise] Monsieur Lagarde, wait! He's not in his room. I, I think he's down at the pavilion. [Charles] Well, I'm going to find him. And you will see that, he's going to tear this story apart. [Charles] Fernand is an honorable boy. [Charles] Fernand is a decent boy. [Charles] Isabelle, is it possible that Fernand has grown away from me so far that this could happen? [Isabelle] There must be some explanation. [Charles] But how can I ask him for it? How would I get the words out of my mouth? [Charles] If, it. Once I accuse him, no matter how this comes out, [Marie Louise] Monsieur Lagarde, please let me help you. Let me go and find him. [Marie Louise] Fernand and I have known each other since we were children. [Marie Louise] I know what to say to him, so he won't be hurt. He'll never even guess that he's under suspicion. [Marie Louise] Oh, please let me find the way. [Charles] I only wish you could. [Marie Louise] I'll bring him back. [Marie Louise] Fernand! [Marie Louise] Fernand! [Marie Louise] Fernand, It's me, Marie. [Marie Louise] Fernand! [Dramatic music] [Theme music] [Announcer] This is "The United States Steel Hour." [Announcer] In just a moment, Act Two of, "The Thief." [Announcer] But first, here speaking for United States Steel, is George Hicks. [George Hicks] America is in the midst of a record construction boom. [Hicks] Big buildings. [Hicks] Small homes. [HIcks] And sprawling factories. All are part of a dramatic story of industrial progress, making for better living conditions. Tonight I'd like to take you to Chicago. And show you how they're building a modern skyscraper, and how United States Steel's, American Bridge Division, solved its special engineering problems. [Hicks] And here it is. The 41 story Mid-America Home Office of the Prudential Insurance Company. [Hicks] It towers 601 feet above the shores of Lake Michigan. [Hicks] Chicago's tallest building, [Hicks] and American Bridge, hand-tailored it. [Hicks] You're seeing some of its 150 men on this job, who are putting in place 31,000 tons of steel. [Hicks] Raising and riveting gangs, [Hicks] dericks, crane men, joiners and many others, all working closely together. [Hicks] Beams and columns for each day's work arrive on flatcars, as needed. [Hicks] Are hoisted into place, [Hicks] welded and riveted to make this one of the world's strongest, finest structures. [Hicks] It had to be erected over the tracks of the busy, Illinois Central Railroad. [Hicks] Another test of skill. [Hicks] Yet, commuter service rode, day and night without interruption. [Hicks] The Prudential building will be the second tallest office building outside of New York City. [Hicks] The structure rests on 253 massive steel caissons, [Hicks] sunk to the equivalent of eleven stories down to bedrock, [Hicks] by the foundation contractor. [Hicks] This is how a challenge was met, by the American Bridge Division of U. S. Steel. And it has met others. The Empire State Building. The United Nations building. And the new Sunshine Skyway over Tampa Bay, to name a few. Another example, of how the combined teamwork of United States Steel, contributes materially to the well-being of a community, and leaves it in some way a better place in which to live. [Theme music] [Theme music] [Marie Louise] I couldn't find him, Charles. He's not in the garden at all. [Charles] Are you sure? [Marie Louise] Oh yes, yes, I looked everywhere. I called and called. He must have gone to his room. [Charles] Oh. [Philippe] Charles, nothing has been proved yet. [Philippe] As far as I'm concerned, I believe Fernand implicitly, no matter what he says. [Isabelle] And I, too. Fernand is not a liar. [Fernand] Father, I just came in to say good night. [Charles] Yes, Fernand, come. There is something very important. [Fernand] Yes. [Charles] Ah, and, you must tell me. [Fernand] Yes, Father. [Charles] Now, you see I am, I am forced to ask this. [Charles] Have, [Fernand] Yes? [Charles] Impossible. [Charles] No, Fernand, good night. [Fernand] Good night. [D'Arnault] Now, wait young man. [D'Arnault] Monsieur Lagarde, I would warn you that if you drop this matter now, [D'Arnault] you'll have to live with uncertainty the rest of your life. Now is the time and if you cannot, please let me. [Charles] Very well. [D'Arnault] Monsieur Fernand. [D'Arnault] Perhaps I should tell you why I'm here. I'm a detective. There's been a robbery at the Chateau. [Fernand] A robbery? [D'Arnault] Yes, quite a bit of money. I thought perhaps you could help us. [D'Arnault] Ah, do you think perhaps, the butler? [Fernand] Louis? [Fernand] No, Louis would not steal. [D'Arnault] Oh, thank you. [D'Arnault, clearing throat] Now, about your relationship with this young actress, Mademoiselle Denise, would you like to tell us something about that? [Fernand] No. [D'Arnault] You would not? [Fernand] No. [D'Arnault] Mm, hmm. But, ah, you cannot deny that you lost a great deal of money at the races last week. [Fernand coughs] [D'Arnault] You deny that? Oh, very well. What were you doing up at the tower this evening? The tower? [D'Arnault's voice] In the suite of your father and stepmother. You were seen going up there, at a quarter past nine. I was not there. [D'Arnault's voice] You have been there many times recently. Look at me. [D'Arnault] Especially in your stepmother's boudoir. [Fernand] I can't remember, sir. I, I don't. No, never. [D'Arnault chuckles] [D'Arnault's voice] Your allowance is small. [D'Arnault's voice] You're friendly with an actress. You lose great sums of money at the racetrack. You were seen in the tower. It was you that took the money out of the drawer. No. [D'Arnault's voice] It's useless to deny it. Your whole manner condemns you. Come young man. [D'Arnault's voice] Tell us the truth. [Fernand] No. [Charles] Fernand! [Charles] There must be some mistake, Father. But boy, but, don't you see that the very tone of your voice is, ah? Well, ah, show some some sense of, of outrage at, at least. [D'Arnault's voice] Look at your father, see what it's doing to him. [Music] [Fernand] Yes, I stole the money. [D'Arnault's voice] You forced the drawer with a letter opener. Where did you hide the two thousand you took out? [Fernand] Here, in this book. [D'Arnault's voice] Yes, these are my marks. [Marie Louise] Charles? [Philippe] Charles, I, I can't tell you how, Come, dear. [D'Arnault's voice] Now, young man, exactly how much money did you take? [Fernand] Twelve thousand, four hundred francs. [D'Arnault] Mm, hmm. And the date? When did you begin? [Fernand, sighing] Beginning of the summer. [Door opening, slamming shut] [Philippe] That boy. That incredible idiot. [Marie Louise] That's what you must remember, darling, Fernand is just a boy. [Marie Louise] What idiotic things did you do at his age? [Philippe] I'm not thinking of Fernand, I'm thinking of Charles. Suddenly he looked like an old man. You're exaggerating, dear. Charles will forgive him. [Marie Louise] In three months time, [Philippe's voice interrupts] There must be something more to it. [Philippe's voice] This isn't just one crime, but a whole series of crimes. All well calculated, well-planned. That's why, Charles, [Marie Louise interrupts, yelling] Philippe! [Philippe] Yes, dear? [Marie Louise] Take me in your arms. [Philippe] Ah. Darling. [Marie Louise] Kiss me. Nicely, please. [Philippe] You know in a curious sort of way, I'm rather fond of you. [Marie Louise] You don't show it. [Marie Louise] I show it all the time. Even in front of the detective. [Sound of drawer closing] [Philippe] What are you locking up in the drawer? [Marie Louise] You know very well. [Philippe, laughing] Don't tell me, you still carry my picture. [Marie Louise] Well, all the time. Wherever I go. [Philippe laughs] [Marie Louise] Unhook me, please? [Philippe] With pleasure. [Philippe] This is a very pretty dress. [Marie Louise] Do you like it? Mmm. Who designed it? [Marie Louise] Lyonnaise. Aileen copied it. [Marie Louise] Oh, how I hate to hear you talk about women's things. [Philippe] Why, my pet? [Marie Louise] Because it reminds me of the women you, you knew before you married me. That's why. [Philippe] Jealous. [Marie Louise] No. No, you were taking long walks. [Marie Louise] And cold showers. [Philippe laughs] [Music] Oh darling. [Marie Louise's voice] Yes, dear? [Philippe] How did he say Fernand forced that drawer? [Marie Louise's voice] I don't remember. [Marie Louise's voice] What should I wear to town, tomorrow, darling? A lemon yellow ? Huh? [Prying sounds] [Marie Louise's voice] No, I noticed ? [Marie Louise] It's perfectly, ? [Marie Louise] Philippe, what are you doing? [Philippe] I was just trying it. This commode is very like Isabelle's. [Marie Louise] I don't want you down here. [Philippe] No, I just want to see if, [Marie Louise] I don't want you to. [Philippe] Wait a minute, I'm almost getting it. [Marie Louise] It's stuck. Don't be so stupid. [Philippe] There, you see what splendid locks they have in this house. [Marie Louise] All right now, [Philippe] Oh, what interesting little bits of fluff. [Marie protests] Oh, look! [Philippe] A case with my sacred photo. [Marie Louise] Don't touch that, please. I forbid you to! [Philippe] Oh you do. [Philippe] Madam, I think you're concealing the photo of your lover in this case and I intend to find out who it is. [Philippe] And I shall challenge him to a duel at dawn. [Philippe] Oh, what an ugly looking character. [Marie Louise] You're not a bit funny, darling. Give it to me. [Philippe] Why is it so thick? [Philippe] What have you got tucked in behind the picture? [Marie Louise] Give it to me. [Philippe] Oh love letters no doubt. [Marie Louise] It's mine. [Philippe] Well, we shall soon find out. [Marie Louise] It's nothing, it's just money. [Marie Louise] Well, I told you, didn't I? [Philippe] Twenty three hundred francs. [Marie Louise] It's what I've saved by economizing and by being careful. [Philippe] You saved that much money. [Philippe] But only yesterday you said you were running short. [Marie Louise] Aren't you satisfied with the way I manage my affairs? Am I extravagant? Am I foolish? [Philippe] No, but, [Marie Louise] No, it's just that I have my own way of managing. That's all. Now, give it to me darling. [Philippe] Now, wait a minute. [Marie Louise] Why are you making such a fuss. I have a headache. All this, [Philippe] I said wait a minute. Isn't that perfectly clear? [Philippe] Where did you get this money? [Marie Louise] My poor darling, I told you, [Philippe] Now, stop it. No lies. No deceit. [Philippe] You didn't save twenty three hundred francs. You couldn't have. Not on our income. [Philippe] Where did you get the money from to buy that frilly stuff? All that Brussels lace? [Philippe] There's hats and coats and dresses by the trunk full. [Marie Louise] I told you. I economized. [Philippe] You accused me of living a different sort of life before I married you, well I did. [Philippe] I should have known the cost of a wardrobe like yours, but you my little innocent, had me up on a cloud somewhere. [Philippe] Every time I look at you, I'd stop thinking. [Philippe] Well, I'm back to earth now. [Philippe] And I want an answer. [Knocking at door] [Marie Louise] Shhh! [Marie Louise] I'm right here. [Philippe] Come in. I'm sorry my friends for the intrusion. I just, just came to apologize for the events of this evening. D'Arnault is driving back to Paris and Fernand, [Philippe's voice] Did you not speak to him? Yes. [Philippe's voice] Did he say anything else? Just, yes. Yes, he, bet on the races. Yes, he, was involved with the girl in Paris. [Charles' voice] Yes, he needed the money. [Charles' voice] Yes, he took it from that drawer. Yes, yes. [Door closing] [Philippe] You were mixed up in this weren't you? [Philippe] Answer me. [Philippe] Fernand didn't steal that money for himself, did he? You were in it too! Well, answer me! [Marie Louise] Fernand didn't steal. [Philippe] Then why did he say that, [Marie Louise] He said he did it to save me. I stole the money. I did it. [Marie Louise] Because I had to have beautiful things to make myself attractive to you. [Marie Louise] Oh, Philippe, help me. [Philippe] Help you! [Marie Louise] Believe me. I stole the money, but I did it because I love you. [Marie Louise] Now, listen to me. [Marie Louise] Ever since the, when the miracle happened and you fell in love with me. I've had only one thought in my mind. [Marie Louise] I must not lose him. No matter what I do, I must not lose him. [Philippe] Words! [Marie Louise] I've always been, [Philippe] I don't want to talk. [Marie Louise] Then listen to me. Just listen. [Marie Louise] It started with that first beautiful dress the ? [Marie Louise] It was a Worth original and stunning and I wouldn't let my mother rest until she bought it for me. [Marie Louise] I wore it to this ? to a big weekend party and you saw me coming down the stairs. And you stopped and you stared. [Marie Louise] And you came over to me, and you whispered, "Marie, [Marie Louise] "I've discovered something. [Marie Louise] "I've been waiting for you to grow up." [Marie Louise] And then there was another time just after we were married. [Marie Louise] My aunt sent me a blue ? for my birthday. [Marie Louise] I wore it to a dinner party at the ? and you sat across the table from me. And you smiled. [Marie Louise] You smiled just for me. [Marie Louise] And I was so proud. [Marie Louise] And I was so happy. [Marie Louise] And, when we got home that night you took me in your arms, and you said, "Marie, your husband adores you." [Marie Louise] And from that night on, I wouldn't wear anything that didn't come from the very best dress maker. [Marie Louise] You wouldn't understand that a woman would, [Philippe] You thought my love depended upon the clothes you wore? [Marie Louise] Yes! [Marie Louise] I didn't know and I'm still not sure. [Marie Louise] But when I was a little girl, I saw you with so many lovely women. But, I'm not beautiful. [Marie Louise] Well, so that's why I found Ailene. [Marie Louise] At first I had her copy originals of Worth, but nothing ever turned out right and I was miserable. [Marie Louise] And so she introduced me to her sideline. [Philippe] Her what? [Marie Louise] She works with Madam ? the lingerie woman as a sort of money lender. They, they pay your bills at the big dress makers. [Marie Louise] And they send you other more reasonable ones to show your husband. [Philippe] What!? Well, what happens about the money you owe them? [Marie Louise] You pay interest, of course. [Marie Louise] And then they began to demand payment on the principle. [Marie Louise] And they torment you. [Marie Louise] And they threaten to call your lawyers. [Marie Louise] And they pick up the telephone to call your husband and so one day, [Philippe] Why didn't you stop? One day I was in this room. I just had a terrible conversation with Ailene. A few minutes later, I walked into Isabelle's boudoir. I saw her throw several thousand francs into a table drawer. She left. I stared at the drawer. Ah, something happened. I walked over to it. I tried to open it. It wouldn't open. But there was a paper knife lying there. And I picked it up, Why didn't you come to me and tell me? I was ashamed. Because I was frightenend. [Philippe's voice] Frightened? [Marie Louise] Because ? [Marie Louise] You must understand. [Philippe] I do, I suppose. [Marie Louise] Oh, I know I've hurt everyone. I've hurt you and, and Charles. [Marie Louise] And Fernand. And Isabelle. Yes, Fernand. Why, why did he say he would do that for you? Do what? [Philippe's voice] Why did he say he would steal the money? Because I asked him to. You asked him to? When? [Marie Louise] Tonight when I went up to talk to him. [Philippe] But you came back and said he wasn't there, you couldn't find him. I lied. You fixed it all up between you. It was all calculated. How long has this, this been going on. Why were you so sure that that he would do it for you? I had no one else to turn to. [Philippe] But, why? Because he's in love with me. Fernand? Calf love. School boy love. Well, maybe I encouraged him, but he, [Philippe] It's very curious. At your request, this boy who is pride personified, publicly admits to a crime he doesn't commit. Fernand is capable of very deep feeling deep feelings. Deep feelings. I thought you just said it was just calf love. You're you're mixing me up. How long has this been, this, this calf love with such deep feeling been going on? All summer since we've been here. Well, naturally, I knew it couldn't mean anything, I thought, [interrupting] Well, naturally. You have only to read his letters to know that there was nothing between us. [Philippe] So! [Marie Louise] Just nothing. [Philippe] You carried on a correspondence with him to. Where, where are the letters? [Marie Louise's voice] What? [Philippe] The letters. Where are they? {Marie Louise] I haven't got them. [Philippe] I see! [Marie Louise's voice] I gave them back to Fernand only tonight. [Philippe] Only tonight! [Philippe] Odd, isn't it. [Philippe, striking fist on table] Have you quite done making a fool of me? [Marie Louise] What are, what are you saying? [Philippe] I know why a boy of 19 sacrifices himself. I was nineteen once. [Marie Louise] Stop it! [Marie Louise] I stole the money. You can do anything you want to about that. You can make it public. You can turn it over to the police. [Marie Louise] But I did it because I love you. [Philippe] Love? All you're capable of is indulging yourself. You were never in love. [Marie Louise hysterical mumbling] [Philippe] I've nothing more to say. I'll handle this in my own way. Good night. [Drmatic Music] [Marie Louise, sobbing] Ah! [Dramatic theme music] [Announcer] This is "The United States Steel Hour." [Announcer] In just a moment, Act Three of "The Thief," but now, let's join Mary Kay and Johnny. Got a new watch. It's made of stainless steel. You know, stainless steel is amazing. Why it's almost everywhere these days. And you will find that the same high-quality stainless steel that's in this watch, is in, well, it's in this combination door for instance. Or, ah, or, [Mary Kay] Johnny, or my stainless steel sink. [Johnny] Come to think of it you're absolutely right, Mary Kay. No matter how much of a beating you give anything made of stainless steel, [Johnny] It'll always keep its shiny new look. Now take my wristwatch for example, [Mary Kay] But the best example of all is my stainless steel sink. [Mary Kay] Just think for a minute of all the things you do right here at your kitchen sink. [Mary Kay] You stack pots and pans. You scour utensils. You chop vegetables. [Mary Kay] Dozens of things. But you don't have to worry about the scuffs or scratches. [Mary Kay] They won't spoil the beauty of your stainless steel sink. [Mary Kay] You can even leave a a boiling hot kettle on it and never worry about blistering or scorching anything. [Johnny] Thank you, Mary Kay. Now to get back to stainless steel watches. [Mary Kay, clearing throat] Um, ah, I hadn't quite finished yet. [Johnny] Oh, sorry. [Mary Kay] Also stainless steel sinks are sanitary because they're so easy to keep clean. [Mary Kay] Look, you can see the reason why. There's not a single crevice. [Mary Kay] Not a single seam. Never a scratch for food particles or germs to collect in. That's why stainless sinks are preferred in the hospitals and the finest restaurants. In fact, every place that really has to be clean. Now to get back to stainless steel watches. They make them in so many different styles today. [Mary Kay's voice] Well, stainless sinks do too. [Mary Kay] And they're all so beautiful. You can get a single bowl sink or a double bowl model like this one. [Mary Kay] But no matter what model suits you, whether you're building a new home or remodeling your kitchen, be sure to give yourself all of the advantages of stainless. [Mary Kay] The place to get it is from your local plumbing dealer or a kitchen supply store. [Knocking on window] [Johnny] Mary Kay. [Mary Kay] Oh, Johnny what did you want to tell us about your watch? [Johnny] Well there isn't time now. It's time to say only one thing. [Mary Kay] Only what? [Johnny] Only steel can do so many jobs so well. [Theme music] [Theme music] [Marie Louise] Why have you asked? to condemn me? [Marie Louise] Well, what are you going to do? [Philippe] I'm going to handle this in my own way. [Philippe] I want the truth. Not just a little bit of it, but all of it. [Philippe] Morning Charles. [Isabelle] You must talk sense to Charles. You must tell him to stop. [Philippe] Stop him from what? [Charles] I've made up my mind. [Charles] I'm going to send Fernand away, out of the country, to Brazil. [Isabelle's voice] It's just useless cruelty. You will be miserable without the boy, and what possible good can it do Fernand? [Isabelle] Just when he needs his father most. [Philippe] You're sending him to the plantations? [Charles] For two years, 'til he comes of age. [Charles] The first petticoat in his life floored him. I'm going to get him out of Paris to a safe and healthy place. [Isabelle's voice] Nonsense. He needs you now can't you see? [Marie Louise] Charles. [Charles] Yes? [Marie Louise] I'm, [Fernand] Father. Good morning. [Charles] Good morning. Fernand. [Fernand] You sent for me? [Charles] Yes, I. Come. Come, ah, sit down. [Charles' voice] Don't be afraid of me. [Charles] You will not hear, recriminations from me. What's done is done? [Charles' voice] What I'm concerned, is the future. Your future. And, I have made a plan. [Charles' voice] From today on, you will be a member of the firm. A businessman with salary. A salary that will, you will earn, by your own effort, so you can repay the money you took. Is that fair? Yes, of course [Charles' voice] And I think that you had better begin your apprenticeship away from Paris, in our plantations in Brazil. Are you sending me away? [Charle's voice] Yes. [Fernand's voice] What? Are, are you turning me out? Is that what you mean? You are my son. How can I turn you out? What I do, I do for you. [Fernand's voice] How long will I be in Brazil? Two years. [Fernand's voice] Two years. [Fernand's voice] Father, if I, I swear that in the [Charles interrupting] Now, don't make it more difficult for me. [Charles] Our Paris office will handle your transportation from Bordeaux. [Fernand] Two years. Father, I've never been away from you. [Charles] Come back to me a, fine man. [Patting on back] [Charles] Now, say goodbye, Fernand, to your friends. [Fernand] Goodbye, Isabelle. [Isabelle] God bless you, my dear. [Fernand] Goodbye, Philippe. [Fernand] Good bye, Marie Louise. [Marie Louise sobbing] [Charles' voice] Marie Louise, what is it? [Marie Louise sobbing] Stop him, stop! [Charles] But, my dear, now, what. [Marie Louise] Stop. [Charles] What, what, what? [Marie Louise] I'm the thief. I'm the one who took the money. [Charles] You what? [Marie Louise] I took the money. [Charles] What is she saying? [Philippe] The truth. I found out last night. [Charles] But, why? [Philippe] For me. I, I can't explain. It's beyond apology. Go after him, Charles, go after him. [Isabelle's voice] Marie Louise, my dear. [Phillipe] Isabelle, if you don't mind. I want to speak to my wife alone. [Isabelle] No, Philippe. [Isabelle] Go on upstairs my dear and lie down. I'll be up in a moment. Go on now. [Isabelle] Philippe, you will remain here. You will leave her to me. In one hour you may come up and see her, but not before. The masculine ego has done enough damage in this house. You. My husband. That Detective. All so sure you were right. [Music] What are you thinking? [Philippe] How well my plan worked. Your plan? [Philippe's voice] Last night you tried to hide your guilt. You begged and you pleaded and you clung to me. But this morning at the first sign your, young friend was leaving you, burst out and accused yourself at the top of your voice. Well, I wanted to see the truth, and I saw it. I'll tell you what I saw. I saw that boy standing there with his face white. Charles. Oh. I couldn't keep quiet. I couldn't. Well, it's all over anyway. I'll arrange to repay Charles, somehow. As for you and me well, we're leaving here. You can start packing our things. And then? Philippe? [Marie Louise] Last night, you were able to read my eyes, and you forced the truth out of me. [Marie Louise] Can't you see the truth now? [Philippe] I saw the truth, an hour ago. [Marie Louise] If you won't listen to me. Will you at least listen to Fernand? [Philippe] Fernand. [Marie Louise] Unless I can convince you, they'll always be doubt between us. You know that. Doubt and suspicion for the rest of our days. [Marie Louise] Now, I beg you. Please let me call him. [Philippe] Do what you like. [Footsteps] [Door opens] Fernand. Could you come in a moment, please? He's in the other bedroom. Do you want me to talk to him? I'll talk to him. [Fernand] Did you send for me? [Marie Louise] Yes. We both want to see you. [Fernand] If there's anything I, I can do I'd be glad to do it for her. Anything she asks, I'll do. [Philippe] I can understand that. [Marie Louise] Fernand, Philippe is going to ask you some questions about us, and I want you to answer them truthfully. [Marie Louise] Because everything I want, depends on it. My marriage. [Marie Louise] And my whole future. [Fernand] Do you want the truth? [Marie Louise] Yes. [Fernand's voice] Uh, about you and me? [Philippe] Yes. [Fernand] Well, I don't know, I don't know what to say that he'll believe. The letters, [Marie Louise] You have them. [Fernand] I didn't tear them up. Please read them. [Fernand] I'm not ashamed. It says I love your wife. That I want her to come away with me. [Philippe] And what does she answer. [Fernand] She didn't answer. She never answered any of my letters. [Marie Louise] Because there was no answer to give. [Marie Louise] I will not go away with you, Fernand, now or ever. No matter what Philippe decides to do with me. [Marie Louise] But I will go away with you. For two years or for the rest of our lives. [Philippe] Please, forgive me. [Philippe] We men make one mistake, we, we make the women we love think that, [Philippe] pleasing us is their only reason for being. [Philippe] It's our fault. We have no excuse. [Philippe] So in return, we, we must believe in them. [Philippe] I'll leave you to say goodbye. [Philippe] Fernand, you've been a hero, and a young imp. [Fernand] You're going away from me. [Marie Louise] Fernand ? [Marie Louise] Oh, Fernand, I'll never forget what you did for me, never. Where ever I go and as long as I live, [Fernand] You're going away from me. [Fernand] It will be like a second honeymoon, I, [Fernand] I trust you have a very good time. [Marie Louise] Fernand. [Marie Louise] Don't be angry with me. [Fernand] But you're going away from me, forever. [Marie Louise] I'm afraid for you. You mustn't do anything foolish. Now, do you promise me? [Fernand] Do you know, what my love for you is like? Do you know, now. [Fernand] Marie? Do you? [Marie Louise] Yes. [Fernand] Then don't be afraid. [Fernand] Because I can, I'll be all right, I promise you. [Marie Louise] Goodbye. [Marie Louise] I must go now. [Marie Louise] My husband is waiting. [Sad, romantic music] [Theme music] [Announcer] You have just seen, "The Thief," on, "The United States Steel Hour." [Announcer] And here, once again, for United States Steel, are Mary Kay and Johnny. [Johnny] I bet you think that preparing a beautiful feast like this, takes hours and hours. Or else, more servants than Henry the Eighth had. [Johnny] Well, Mary Kay did the whole thing in a matter of minutes. [Johnny] And she did it all by herself too. [Mary Kay] It's really easy because of today's tremendous variety of wonderful food in cans. [Mary Kay] Doesn't it all look delicious? Salads, meat, casserole. [Mary Kay] Everything from soup to nuts. It was all prepared in a jiffy. And it was prepared from canned foods. [Mary Kay] Let me show you how I did it. There is no more appetizing way to start a meal, than with tempting cream of mushroom soup. [Mary Kay] Perfectly seasoned, just as it comes from the can. [Pouring, plopping noises] I've, I've had my eye on this big platter of cold cuts. [Mary Kay] Uh, uh, uh, ah! [Mary Kay] It's tender juicy, ham, tongue and corned beef, all cooked to perfection. [Mary Kay] I just take them out of the can and slice them. [Mary Kay] There's no carving problem, because there's no bone, no waste. That makes canned meats economical too. Mm-hmm, Mary. This salad of yours is a special favorite of mine. [Mary Kay] It's a favorite with our guests too. A tart and tangy vegetable salad. [Mary Kay] Made with marinated beets, green beans, young asparagus tips, [Mary Kay] and garnished with colorful strips of canned pimento. And it's a cinch to prepare too. [Johnny] And what do we have for dessert? [Mary Kay] A real treat. [Mary Kay] Chocolate nut roll with whipped cream. [Mary Kay] You know, it looks homemade and it tastes homemade too. [Mary Kay] When you serve this, you can expect your guests to ask for a second helping. Well, that's how I did it. With canned foods on your shelf, you're always ready for anything. And canned foods are the easiest of all to store. And they're so fresh tasting and delicious. [Johnny] Well no wonder. All the flavor of the food is sealed in right at the peak of freshness. [Johnny] All the juices and vitamins too. [Mary Kay] What's more. Canned foods help to keep down your food budget all year long. It's low in cost and it's all food. There's no waste. Everything considered, a tin can, which is really 99% steel, is the ideal container for food. [Mary Kay] Well, of course. After all, only steel can do so many jobs, so well. [Theme music] [Announcer] Next week, "The Elgin Hour," will star John Ireland, Kim Stanley and Jarmila Novotna, [Announcer] in, "The Bridge," written for television by Joseph Schull. [Announcer] "The Bridge," is an exciting, romantic drama about an embittered French girl and an American engineer, [Announcer] who struggle to find love in war-torn France. [Announcer] Don't miss, "The Elgin Hour," produced by Herbert Brodkin, one week from tonight. [Announcer] And now a word from, Elgin. [Announcer] On the face of this handsome Lord Elgin, [Announcer] and on this lovely Wadsworth. As on every Elgin and Wadsworth watch, you find this symbol. [Announcer] It stands for durapower, the famous Elgin miracle mainspring guaranteed to never, never break. [Announcer] Now watch this acid test. Here's a vessel filled with a strong corrosive acid. [Announcer] First, we put in a durapower mainspring, then an ordinary mainspring. [Announcer] Notice the ordinary mainspring. In a few seconds, it's eaten away. Completely destroyed. [Announcer] But the unbreakable durapower mainspring is undamaged. It's amazingly durable. [Announcer] And as a result it completely eliminates mainspring failure, the greatest source of watch trouble. [Announcer] And because it won't rust or lose its springiness, the durapower mainspring helps your watch keep accurate time longer. [Announcer] So always look for this symbol. [Announcer] You'll find it on every beautiful Elgin watch. Be sure it's an Elgin. The beautiful way to tell time. [Clock chimes continue under announcer] [Announcer] Two weeks from tonight, "The United States Steel Hour," will star Celeste Holme and Robert Preston, in a stark melodrama of terror, [Announcer] "The Bogeyman." [Announcer] produced by, The Theater Guild." [Theme music continues under credits] [Announcer] For a full century, "The Young Women's Christian Association," has been performing many noteworthy services for girls and young women all over the world. [Announcer] Join us in saluting the YWCA, upon this worthwhile organization's centennial anniversary. [Theme music] [Announcer] Remember, only steel can do so many jobs, so well. [Announcer] Your guide to quality steel is this trademark, USS. [Announcer] The best possible steel, at the lowest possible price. [Announcer] The proud achievement of, United States Steel. [Theme music] [Announcer] "Ponds Theatre," commences Thursday on ABC television network.