June 6, 2024 • 29 mins
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(00:03):
The National Broadcasting Company presents Radio CityPlayhouse Attraction seventeen. Here is your director
(00:32):
and host on Radio City Playhouse,Harry W. Jenkin. Thank you,
Bob One, Ladies and gentlemen.All week long, letters have been pouring
in congratulating us on last week's broadcastand thanking John Larkin for his magnificent performance
as Lloyd Bruckner. It's impossible forme to tell you how well how much
(00:54):
these letters mean to us. Buton behalf of John Larkin, on behalf
of the rest of the play staff, on behalf of Dick McDonough, our
supervisor, on behalf of Monroe Lawrence, our brilliant young engineer, and Jerry
McGee are invaluable sound man. Avery sincere thanks for writing Tonight we change
(01:15):
our pace and offer you a comedy. The script was written by Ernest Conoy
and is this outstanding young author's fourthcontribution to the series. It is called
Temporarily Purple and stars and Potoniac andLamont Johnson. Here is Radio City Playhouse
Attraction seventeen, Temporarily Purple by ErnestConnoy. High above Midtown, New York,
(01:53):
the Center Building towers into the airon the forty eighth floor, high
above the street are the offices ofthe Porpoise Herb Barrett President. The nap
on the carpet is ankled deep,the chromium furniture sits around the office like
small metallic spider webs, and thedeep dream of peace pervades the reception room,
(02:19):
but in the inner offices. No, I don't care, I say
absolutely no, no, no,My resignation will be in as soon as
I feel my peasant pain at therisk of a temple negative. No,
not never, gentleman, gentleman,no use losing our tempers. But after
all, Misteribbetic Porpois Priss has areputation to I know, yes, I
(02:46):
no reputation, but not my chelsegentlemen. For a month, I've looked
at enough read ink to fill everythermometer between here and Seattle. This company
is not only short of funds,bankrupt, deficient and credit, but also
flat broke on its face. Wehave made a profit since we pirated an
edition of McKinley's memoirs, but wehave published the most important books in American
(03:06):
literary history. Clifton Federman said ShawHymn Show York University, awarded US this
year's scroll for the best volume ofpost expressionist, non objective, neo Paleolithic
poetry. Unfortunately, yes, unfortunately, mister Perks, we can't list scrolls
under cash assets. Other trouble withporpoise presses that it it just isn't printing
(03:27):
what the public wants to read.Just look at our spring list through the
Upper Zambezi River with gun and camera, a revised list of Colonel George Custer's
executive officers in the campaign of eighteensixties and sixteen. The life and mating
cycle of the Australian that built Platypus. Brilliant. But don't you see nobody
(03:49):
wants to read a gentleman. Whatwe need our adventurous stories, blood and
thunder, cloak and dagger, dollarsand cents. The public wants historical novels
with romance, beautiful women with plungenecklines, wash buckling, swordsman, murder,
intrigue. Yes, well, webetter start publishing some of the finance
company's going to be around and repossessthe rugs we've got to put to publish
(04:10):
a best seller. In the nextmonth, we'll all be on unemployment insurance
so we haven't had a popular novelon our list since Harriet Beat Your Stone.
Well, then we'll have to makea best seller. Gentlemen. Where's
that manuscript that came in last week? And this one Social Customs and Traditions
of the French Court under Louis Pilippe. Color excellent, Intrea exactly. Now
(04:30):
listen, gentlemen, in this manuscript, we've got every detail on one of
history's wildest periods. Now we're goingto take this and we're going to make
it into the roughest, raciest,wildest novel they hit the bookstands. What's
that? But the author? Afterall? You don't you worry about the
author? We've got him signed upto one of our regular contracts. Yes,
to accept all editing. The authorcan't kick got his name right here
(04:54):
on the dotted line. And seewhat's the signature. Michael Ferrell, York
University, Billy's Creek, New York. What's the writing? Who's going?
I am, gentlemen, get methree stenographers and I'll have it done in
a week, temporarily purple. What'sthat? That's that's the title. That's
(05:14):
all I've got so far, buta little cell a million copies with the
right picture on the cover of fivemillion. I'll bring on those stenographers,
ready, miss Barrett, Okay?Chapter one and a small hut on the
outskirts of Versailles, where the sweepof a dying French feudalism splashed vivid colors
(05:38):
against the ruins of a recent revolution. There lived a girl whose dark purple
beauty flashed amid the false swash,he said, panting with emotion. Louise
suspects purple, he said, brushingher scruples aside, his dark brows,
(06:02):
flashing I love you. Their lipsmet in a passionate kiss. She fell,
her soul melt within her deep purpleflashes swam before her eyes, and
her senses reeled row of asterisks.Suddenly, the door burst open, and
(06:28):
Louis stood rape her in hand,turn sir, or you die. Swords
rang, and the flickering can no, no, no, No'm gonna may
make that. Swords clashed, andthe flickering candlelight, And somebody give me
some black coffee? Are you here? Was I? The ring of steel
filled the Parisian night. Purple's ruffleswere stained with a slow creeping crimson,
(06:54):
and no sugar in that coffee fellow. Then, sweeping down the grand staircase,
Purple smiled at the populace and wavedher hand. Come by, dear,
said Louis. The people await theirqueen. It's finished, six days,
(07:24):
three hours, A masterpiece Temporarily Purpleby Michael Farrell. Somebody get me
from bed. Oh the fantastic.All right, gentlemen, order please,
(07:48):
gentlemen. I've got the sales reportsin for Temporarily Purple tink a list in
New York five hundred thousand. That'sChicago four hundred thousand, Los Angeles three
hundred and fifty thousand, Boston wonone. Yeah, the vice squad bought
a copy. They're having a band. We're all set. I still don't
(08:09):
feel right about it. Relax,well you Hollywood offered half a million for
it. But the author, that'sright, the author, Michael Farrell.
He doesn't know it, but he'swritten the biggest thing in publishing since Uncle
Tom's cabin. When he gets aload of his royalty checked, Michael Farrell's
going to be plenty glad. Hismanuscript went to the Porpoise Press. Where
is he? Where is he?I just want to get my head hey
(08:30):
here, now, let's help him. So help me here your pardon him,
lady. We're having a conference here. This is the press. Yeah,
I'm looking for mister Herbert Barrett.You're sure you're Barrett? Certainly?
Well, that's just fine. Heywhat I'm Michael Farrell? Oh this check
is uh but you're your girl?You can't, I can't and I am.
(08:54):
And here's your check in fine,delicate, infinitesimal pieces. How dare
you? How dare you? Iturned in a careful piece of research on
Louis Philippe and you turn it intoa cheap, treasy Oh. If I
hadn't signed that contract, I'd sueyou for everything, right down to your
(09:15):
hearts, farrel. Can't we talkthis over? Perhaps drink only drink i'd
have in your presence, mister Barrett, would be at a wake with you
as guest of honor. After all, I changed it aloo by the only
thing left of mine was the dateof Louis Philippe's birth and you even changed
that from Sunday to Wednesday. Whoa, I'd horsewhip you, But father's all
(09:37):
the buggy for a miss. Don'tyou give me any more of your slick
alibis. There's only one more thingbefore I go. Yes, just this,
gentlemen, the author pluck left yefree muck. Gentlemen, we're in
(10:01):
a jam. You know, shecan't sue us, but if the papers
find out that we fake that bookis going to be plenty of trouble.
And besides, she destroyed a Porpoisepress check. We've been Insulta're right on
her ish come from. We've beendefinitely sal to mention the soul on the
president. Oh, if she everspills that story to the press, Clifton
(10:22):
Fatimin is gonna laugh us clean outof the algonquin bar and Simon will whisper
to Shuster, who'll be drummed outof the book of the month. Horrors,
gentlemen, We've got to get busy. Where's that address here? It
is Michael Farrell, York University ofBillis Creek, New York. Gentlemen,
pack your bags. The Porpoise Pressis on the march. I beg your
(10:54):
pardon, sir, Can you showme why? For Heaven's sake, young
man, this is the lie ofthe York University. I'm sorry. I
was told I could find a missMichael Farrell doing some research here. I
want us to be perfect quiet.You know, I wonder if anybody shouted,
there'd never be any worktime. No, but that's musty hush. You
know I'm looking for miss Way.Everybody talk, that'd be chaos, just
(11:16):
chaos. Yeah, look, couldyou tell me why we insist upon complete
side? Look I want miss MichaelFarrell. That's setting me nothing to shout
about. She's right over there bythe catalog. Thanks. Remember now,
there's absolutely no reason for any collodions. Missus Ferrell is. Oh it's
(11:41):
you. What do you mean byfollowing me? It's not allow? This
is the library of definitely hush.You know, haven't you done enough?
What's the idea of coming up here? I've got an academic reputation to uphold.
Why I ought to slap you?Not again? I had enough of
that yesterday. Hey, look,has anybody ever told you you pack a
(12:01):
mighty wallop for an adequarian h likeSamson? You know, hope it broke
your jaw bone? Oh? Sure, Samson and the job on him and
hey, exactly miss a little quiet? Please? Oh I'm sorry. Strange
women call me up to accuse meof contributing to juvenile delinquency. Every day
(12:24):
somebody asks if Purple was autobiographical,and a man rode on a bicycle all
the way from the home of Falls, Michigan to propose marriage to me.
He's got me confused with Purple andthose newspaper reporters. They keep bothering me
to pose in tight dresses. I'mWindy Hills. You haven't talked to meet,
you haven't told them my name.No, come on, let's go
(12:48):
go What are you talking about?Go wear what? Well? That's the
last straw you, you egotistical,self centered with Herald have warned you twice
we simply cannot have noise in thelibrary. I would not stand for.
I am terribly sorry, mister.No excuses. I have taken all that
(13:09):
mortal men possibly can stand. Nowyou will have to do. I insist
upon perfect silence in the library.Besides, you've got me positively fevery should
all this is this arguing? Come, come, come, come on.
I'll see you out, and Idon't ever want to see you skulking in
(13:35):
the library again. Don't let mecatch you even sticking around the magazine.
Right, but I'm miss Ferrell,so far as the library is concerned you
have a vicious, communicable tropical plague. Goodbye. Oh no, I haven't
say, don't start crying. Ohno, I won't be able to finish
(13:56):
all those lovely Middleish manuscripts with theonly complete cross index outside of the British
Museum. I'm sorry, and it'sall your fault, you with your cheap
novel and that horrid heroine. Ohshe's a stupid name for a character,
(14:20):
Purple, what's wrong? At leastjust got color anyway, I kind of
like purple. Here, take myhandkerchief me. You know that red hair.
She even reminds me of you.Oh oh look, miss fellow Michael
Mike Nicky, Nicky. I'm reallysorry about this, but it isn't as
(14:46):
bad as all that. The PorpoisePress has a lot of influence with libraries.
I'll get I'll get that straightened outfor you. Aft in our whole
wing of Etruscan poetry. Do youthink you can no wing? No?
As a matter of fact, allmy money's tied up in tempor early Purple,
and the sales receipts haven't come inyet. I owe everybody, even
my analyst. If I miss onemore payment, it'll have the finance company
(15:07):
repossess my psyche. You're still that'sabsolutely ridiculous, I know, but it
stops you from crying. Hey,look, what do you say we go
writing somewhere? I should say thatmy car down the black maybe with the
wind blowing in your face, wecan talk this whole thing over. Sensibly,
I think you're forgetting mister Barrett,that I despise you and everything connected
(15:28):
with you, I know, buttell me about it in the car.
I will not. I wouldn't gowriting in your car for all the money
in the world, honestly, makingI feel like a heel about the whole
(15:50):
thing. I mean, the troubleabout the book and you're being thrown out
of the library and all. Well, I guess you were just trying to
do your job, but it reallyis so exactly. You know, you're
very pretty when you're man. Well, are you trying to say that you
deliberately annoy me just for that onaesthetic grounds? No, not exactly.
(16:11):
It's just that blasted coincidence. Somethingnew. I mean, my making up
the most fascinating, dangerous, irresistiblewoman I could think of purple, and
then you turn out to look justlike her red hair and all. Ugh,
it's red and purple. They clash. How but you do look like
oh I do not well. Youdo have a loose turtleneck sweater on,
(16:33):
but outside of that, the imageis spitting. You have a charming way
of putting things. But I'm notin the least amusing. No, don't
mind. It's just intellectual patter.I learned it as a child, teething
on a barstool at the store.You're crazy, it's neurotic, you know.
I think the Porpoise Press Board ofDirectors is going to stay in Billery's
Creek a long time. Right takesWhy I can take you out to dinner
(16:56):
every night, every night. Oh, don't worry, I'll put it down
the expense account. But mister Bennett, you can't spend old wicked Billish Creek.
(17:17):
Can just come down to New Yorkon weekend. Mister Fuddy and I
are at a loss. We've neverpublished anything like Temporarily Purple before. No
one never had to take it easy. Boys, Everything's all right, It'll
be about one more week. Youjust keep busy on your publicity campaigns and
the yes, yes, I've hada wonderful idea why not have Miss Federer
marry five orchestral leaders in rapid succession. It's the very latest thing for Lady
(17:41):
Orphane. They invariably make the firstpage after the second divorce. Ah,
that'll take too long. I'm workingon a much bigger project. I hope
there's no risk involved. Sometimes Iwish we were back publishing McKinley's memoirs.
So do I fundy, don't worryfuddy. You know perfectly well at everything
I do is bound to be absolutelysafe. Her I really hate to bring
(18:15):
it up, But don't you thinkdriving with one hand is just a little
dangerous? I guess so, yeah, there's only one answer. Stop driving.
It's been fast as nimickey, itcertainly has. That's what I don't
(18:36):
like about it about us? Whatdo you mean pattern? It's just like
a Saturday Evening post story. Wemeet cute, that's the first step,
we fight, second step we makeup. Third we fall in love and
we get married at the end.But but herb, is that, by
some stretch of the imagination a proposal? I guess you could call it there.
(19:00):
You certainly do put things oddly well. I suppose it would be a
shame to spoil your storyline? Isthat by the same stretch of the imagination
on acceptance a two way stretch?Oh no, I withdraw my right,
all right, I won't do itagain. Really no, there's only one
(19:22):
question when. Oh, let's see, it can be this week. I'm
all jamed up with literary cocktail parties. That's right. Can't be the Sunday
after I'm on the offer meets thecritic. It's going to be a tough
broadcast. We're at a disadvantage.They'll have read the book. Monday,
I'm on with Murray Margaret McBride.Tuesday you're going to be on Texan Jinks
me, Oh no, I'm not. I would have got against Texan Jinks
(19:45):
nothing for all. I know they'rea fine couple, but I'm not going
on the radio with them. Andthat's final. I'm not going on the
radio for anyone. What are yougetting so excited about, honey, It's
only publishity, that's it. HerbBarrett, I will not of my married
life inside a fish bowl. Now, if there's to be any of your
wild press agents stunts, you cancall the whole thing off right now and
(20:07):
I'll tell the newspaper's all about templarmake it. You wouldn't I would,
so I'm pigheaded. Well, look, I'm sure we can iron it all
out. You don't have to worryabout a thing. No, no publicity.
You promise, I promise to thefuture, missus Barron in Sicknish engine
(20:41):
hand death do us party? Thankyou, gentlemen, thank you, And
I'm sure the four of us willbe very happy together. And will you
be taking a honeymoon, Miss Farrow? Yes, we're not sure. Where
are we here? No, notnot yet. But Herb and I have
a great many plans. Ah.Yes, mister Barrett's plan. He was
telling me about them this morning.The whole publicity campaign. Yes, go
(21:08):
on, py, No attention tothe money. This promotion for purpose press,
that's all means absolutely nothing. I'mnot so sure. No, go
on, mister Perks. You interestme strange. There we go again.
Well, the plans are remarkable.They will make you the sensation of the
literary world. I see anything else. Mister Barrett wants a picture of you
(21:32):
in a Wedgewood chiral on the backcover of every copy in historical period you
Now, we'll have Hatch named afteryou the Mickey Farrell close the only hat
that tells time. No hock tailsnamed after you, the Mickey Farrell Finn
go on, we range to haveyou voted by the Columbia Senior Clash as
the girl I like most to standnext to on the Van Cortland Express.
(22:00):
How utterly charged? Try it tobe the greatest personal publicity campaign since Barnum
built up Jenny Lynde. And it'sall mister bennettses. It is all mister
Barrett's side, down to the lastexciting photograph. They weren't so exciting her,
Barrack, I, oh something wrong? You promised, you promised we'd
(22:21):
have privacy, that we'd live anormal married life, and then behind my
back, with a wolf pulled overmy eyes, you stab a knife in
my heart metaphor showing her. Now, don't you try to get me to
laugh, because I won't do ither, Barretts, you are an unprincipled,
unmitigated, unethical monster and I'm throughwith you, you intellectual Amba the
(22:45):
devil. Did Ambas get into this? For Heaven's sake? Mickey, I'm
a man and you're a woman.Exactly we have nothing in common. Look
Mickey, you don't realize that eventhe best things today have to be publicized
and promoted. Authors like Hemingway tomy Sman huts t s Eliot, why
were that publicity? No one wouldread them at all. That's right,
miss Ferrell. Why we even hadto publicize McKinley's memoir The Great Masters of
(23:07):
the pastor read more often than everbefore because of modern promotion methods. Honey.
Even Shakespeare, if he were alivetoday, without publicity, he'd end
up writing writing toothpaste ads. Mozartwould be composing soap jingles. Let me
see, Mickey, honey, isit on again? Well, all right,
(23:32):
I guess so. But honestly,her problem? Oh that post steady?
Thank you? Say? When isthe wedding? Don't you read your
own paper? Come on, Mickey, it's tomorrow morning and it's going to
be the biggest wedding and publishing history. Congratulations. Why what's the matter,
(24:07):
miss birth? He always cries thetrain tickets for me, fuddy, Oh
yes, yes, that's old.Here look this way, mister Barrett television
cameras. Hey kiss her now,that's right. That's all boys will have
to go. We're gonna miss ourtrain. Come on, Mickey, we're
gonna miss our train. I'm soglad that's over. I was never so
(24:38):
glad to see a train in allmy life. It's gonna set the bags
on. Reporter can put him awaywhen he makes up for birth about ten
minutes. Oh, it's a lovelywedding, girl, But couldn't it have
been no more private? Blok,honey, that wedding's gonna sell a hundred
thousand copies of purple. That's allI wanted to know. Seeah, that's
good to be alone, you know, honey. I don't know quite what
(25:03):
to say. Now. You neverreally told me that you love me?
Well, I guess it's a littlelate now. Oh, no, her,
please tell me, won't you please? How about that poem? How
do I love THEE? Let mecount the way? That's lovely? I
love THEE to the breadth and heightmy soul can reach? Say? Do
(25:26):
you hear something? Humming? Humming? No? No, let me the
air conditioning go on? Her,that's view. I mean to make you
every word of it. Kiss me, darling, wildly passionately. Sure,
honey, I'll kiss you the wayno woman was ever kissed before comming maky
(25:48):
That humming comes from the next drawing. No, I'm in that door.
I'll be all right, mister Barrett. We're finished with the motion pictures.
Ready for the still that was goingon? Who are these people? We're
off from Life magazine? Mister Lifeman? Shall we set up the lights?
Dear? You were so convincing aboutpublicity that I arranged to have Life
(26:08):
go on? Honey, you're arranged, Yes, dear, they've got everything
down on film. Oh you meanyou let me? You trapped me with
silence and part of the great left. Oh lord, a little outside?
Oh you beat it? Whoa buton our contract, missus Barrett's been doing
her half of the honeymoon, notmine. Outside Mister Luce won't like this,
(26:34):
oh Mickey, dragging our honeymoon onthe desk with all those profaning Haven't
you got any respect for our marriage? Planning a sound camera reporters? It's
infamous? It's Oh no, Istill think all right. I guess she
(26:56):
taught me a lesson. Yeah,I guess you can have too much publicisty
Oh mackey, will you forgive me? Darling? And you were a good
sport about me. I wouldn't thinkof really having life along for our honeymoon.
I were sure that I'd kiss youright now. You don't have to
(27:18):
worry no more publicity on this honeymoon. No one will interrupt us now then
come here, Well, what doyou want? Where shall I set up
the camera for the pictures of misterBarrett in his pajamas. They're all set
for Life's cover in full, ColonelNo, You have just heard Temporarily Purple
(27:48):
by Ernest Cannoy Attraction seventeen on RadioCity Playhouse. Laman Johnson was Herb Barrett
and Potniac Mickey Farrow. Other membersof the cast included Bill Keane, Cameron
Andrews and Arthur Cole. The entireproduction was under the direction of Harry W.
Duncan. The music was composed andconducted by doctor Roy Shield. Radio
(28:12):
City Playhouse is supervised for the NationalBroadcasting Company by Richard P. McDonough.
(28:41):
This is Harry Jonkon Again next Week, a gripping and dramatic story of the
strange friendship that occurred between a writerand a young man found guilty of murder.
The script is five extra newses byCharles Lee Hutchings. We think you'll
enjoy it. And we hope you'llbe with us. Good Night, everybody.
(29:33):
This program came to you from ourRadio City studios in New York,
Robert Warren speaking. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company,
The National Broadcasting Company presents Radio CityPlayhouse Attraction seventeen. Here is your director
(00:32):
and host on Radio City Playhouse,Harry W. Jenkin. Thank you,
Bob One, Ladies and gentlemen.All week long, letters have been pouring
in congratulating us on last week's broadcastand thanking John Larkin for his magnificent performance
as Lloyd Bruckner. It's impossible forme to tell you how well how much
(00:54):
these letters mean to us. Buton behalf of John Larkin, on behalf
of the rest of the play staff, on behalf of Dick McDonough, our
supervisor, on behalf of Monroe Lawrence, our brilliant young engineer, and Jerry
McGee are invaluable sound man. Avery sincere thanks for writing Tonight we change
(01:15):
our pace and offer you a comedy. The script was written by Ernest Conoy
and is this outstanding young author's fourthcontribution to the series. It is called
Temporarily Purple and stars and Potoniac andLamont Johnson. Here is Radio City Playhouse
Attraction seventeen, Temporarily Purple by ErnestConnoy. High above Midtown, New York,
(01:53):
the Center Building towers into the airon the forty eighth floor, high
above the street are the offices ofthe Porpoise Herb Barrett President. The nap
on the carpet is ankled deep,the chromium furniture sits around the office like
small metallic spider webs, and thedeep dream of peace pervades the reception room,
(02:19):
but in the inner offices. No, I don't care, I say
absolutely no, no, no,My resignation will be in as soon as
I feel my peasant pain at therisk of a temple negative. No,
not never, gentleman, gentleman,no use losing our tempers. But after
all, Misteribbetic Porpois Priss has areputation to I know, yes, I
(02:46):
no reputation, but not my chelsegentlemen. For a month, I've looked
at enough read ink to fill everythermometer between here and Seattle. This company
is not only short of funds,bankrupt, deficient and credit, but also
flat broke on its face. Wehave made a profit since we pirated an
edition of McKinley's memoirs, but wehave published the most important books in American
(03:06):
literary history. Clifton Federman said ShawHymn Show York University, awarded US this
year's scroll for the best volume ofpost expressionist, non objective, neo Paleolithic
poetry. Unfortunately, yes, unfortunately, mister Perks, we can't list scrolls
under cash assets. Other trouble withporpoise presses that it it just isn't printing
(03:27):
what the public wants to read.Just look at our spring list through the
Upper Zambezi River with gun and camera, a revised list of Colonel George Custer's
executive officers in the campaign of eighteensixties and sixteen. The life and mating
cycle of the Australian that built Platypus. Brilliant. But don't you see nobody
(03:49):
wants to read a gentleman. Whatwe need our adventurous stories, blood and
thunder, cloak and dagger, dollarsand cents. The public wants historical novels
with romance, beautiful women with plungenecklines, wash buckling, swordsman, murder,
intrigue. Yes, well, webetter start publishing some of the finance
company's going to be around and repossessthe rugs we've got to put to publish
(04:10):
a best seller. In the nextmonth, we'll all be on unemployment insurance
so we haven't had a popular novelon our list since Harriet Beat Your Stone.
Well, then we'll have to makea best seller. Gentlemen. Where's
that manuscript that came in last week? And this one Social Customs and Traditions
of the French Court under Louis Pilippe. Color excellent, Intrea exactly. Now
(04:30):
listen, gentlemen, in this manuscript, we've got every detail on one of
history's wildest periods. Now we're goingto take this and we're going to make
it into the roughest, raciest,wildest novel they hit the bookstands. What's
that? But the author? Afterall? You don't you worry about the
author? We've got him signed upto one of our regular contracts. Yes,
to accept all editing. The authorcan't kick got his name right here
(04:54):
on the dotted line. And seewhat's the signature. Michael Ferrell, York
University, Billy's Creek, New York. What's the writing? Who's going?
I am, gentlemen, get methree stenographers and I'll have it done in
a week, temporarily purple. What'sthat? That's that's the title. That's
(05:14):
all I've got so far, buta little cell a million copies with the
right picture on the cover of fivemillion. I'll bring on those stenographers,
ready, miss Barrett, Okay?Chapter one and a small hut on the
outskirts of Versailles, where the sweepof a dying French feudalism splashed vivid colors
(05:38):
against the ruins of a recent revolution. There lived a girl whose dark purple
beauty flashed amid the false swash,he said, panting with emotion. Louise
suspects purple, he said, brushingher scruples aside, his dark brows,
(06:02):
flashing I love you. Their lipsmet in a passionate kiss. She fell,
her soul melt within her deep purpleflashes swam before her eyes, and
her senses reeled row of asterisks.Suddenly, the door burst open, and
(06:28):
Louis stood rape her in hand,turn sir, or you die. Swords
rang, and the flickering can no, no, no, No'm gonna may
make that. Swords clashed, andthe flickering candlelight, And somebody give me
some black coffee? Are you here? Was I? The ring of steel
filled the Parisian night. Purple's ruffleswere stained with a slow creeping crimson,
(06:54):
and no sugar in that coffee fellow. Then, sweeping down the grand staircase,
Purple smiled at the populace and wavedher hand. Come by, dear,
said Louis. The people await theirqueen. It's finished, six days,
(07:24):
three hours, A masterpiece Temporarily Purpleby Michael Farrell. Somebody get me
from bed. Oh the fantastic.All right, gentlemen, order please,
(07:48):
gentlemen. I've got the sales reportsin for Temporarily Purple tink a list in
New York five hundred thousand. That'sChicago four hundred thousand, Los Angeles three
hundred and fifty thousand, Boston wonone. Yeah, the vice squad bought
a copy. They're having a band. We're all set. I still don't
(08:09):
feel right about it. Relax,well you Hollywood offered half a million for
it. But the author, that'sright, the author, Michael Farrell.
He doesn't know it, but he'swritten the biggest thing in publishing since Uncle
Tom's cabin. When he gets aload of his royalty checked, Michael Farrell's
going to be plenty glad. Hismanuscript went to the Porpoise Press. Where
is he? Where is he?I just want to get my head hey
(08:30):
here, now, let's help him. So help me here your pardon him,
lady. We're having a conference here. This is the press. Yeah,
I'm looking for mister Herbert Barrett.You're sure you're Barrett? Certainly?
Well, that's just fine. Heywhat I'm Michael Farrell? Oh this check
is uh but you're your girl?You can't, I can't and I am.
(08:54):
And here's your check in fine,delicate, infinitesimal pieces. How dare
you? How dare you? Iturned in a careful piece of research on
Louis Philippe and you turn it intoa cheap, treasy Oh. If I
hadn't signed that contract, I'd sueyou for everything, right down to your
(09:15):
hearts, farrel. Can't we talkthis over? Perhaps drink only drink i'd
have in your presence, mister Barrett, would be at a wake with you
as guest of honor. After all, I changed it aloo by the only
thing left of mine was the dateof Louis Philippe's birth and you even changed
that from Sunday to Wednesday. Whoa, I'd horsewhip you, But father's all
(09:37):
the buggy for a miss. Don'tyou give me any more of your slick
alibis. There's only one more thingbefore I go. Yes, just this,
gentlemen, the author pluck left yefree muck. Gentlemen, we're in
(10:01):
a jam. You know, shecan't sue us, but if the papers
find out that we fake that bookis going to be plenty of trouble.
And besides, she destroyed a Porpoisepress check. We've been Insulta're right on
her ish come from. We've beendefinitely sal to mention the soul on the
president. Oh, if she everspills that story to the press, Clifton
(10:22):
Fatimin is gonna laugh us clean outof the algonquin bar and Simon will whisper
to Shuster, who'll be drummed outof the book of the month. Horrors,
gentlemen, We've got to get busy. Where's that address here? It
is Michael Farrell, York University ofBillis Creek, New York. Gentlemen,
pack your bags. The Porpoise Pressis on the march. I beg your
(10:54):
pardon, sir, Can you showme why? For Heaven's sake, young
man, this is the lie ofthe York University. I'm sorry. I
was told I could find a missMichael Farrell doing some research here. I
want us to be perfect quiet.You know, I wonder if anybody shouted,
there'd never be any worktime. No, but that's musty hush. You
know I'm looking for miss Way.Everybody talk, that'd be chaos, just
(11:16):
chaos. Yeah, look, couldyou tell me why we insist upon complete
side? Look I want miss MichaelFarrell. That's setting me nothing to shout
about. She's right over there bythe catalog. Thanks. Remember now,
there's absolutely no reason for any collodions. Missus Ferrell is. Oh it's
(11:41):
you. What do you mean byfollowing me? It's not allow? This
is the library of definitely hush.You know, haven't you done enough?
What's the idea of coming up here? I've got an academic reputation to uphold.
Why I ought to slap you?Not again? I had enough of
that yesterday. Hey, look,has anybody ever told you you pack a
(12:01):
mighty wallop for an adequarian h likeSamson? You know, hope it broke
your jaw bone? Oh? Sure, Samson and the job on him and
hey, exactly miss a little quiet? Please? Oh I'm sorry. Strange
women call me up to accuse meof contributing to juvenile delinquency. Every day
(12:24):
somebody asks if Purple was autobiographical,and a man rode on a bicycle all
the way from the home of Falls, Michigan to propose marriage to me.
He's got me confused with Purple andthose newspaper reporters. They keep bothering me
to pose in tight dresses. I'mWindy Hills. You haven't talked to meet,
you haven't told them my name.No, come on, let's go
(12:48):
go What are you talking about?Go wear what? Well? That's the
last straw you, you egotistical,self centered with Herald have warned you twice
we simply cannot have noise in thelibrary. I would not stand for.
I am terribly sorry, mister.No excuses. I have taken all that
(13:09):
mortal men possibly can stand. Nowyou will have to do. I insist
upon perfect silence in the library.Besides, you've got me positively fevery should
all this is this arguing? Come, come, come, come on.
I'll see you out, and Idon't ever want to see you skulking in
(13:35):
the library again. Don't let mecatch you even sticking around the magazine.
Right, but I'm miss Ferrell,so far as the library is concerned you
have a vicious, communicable tropical plague. Goodbye. Oh no, I haven't
say, don't start crying. Ohno, I won't be able to finish
(13:56):
all those lovely Middleish manuscripts with theonly complete cross index outside of the British
Museum. I'm sorry, and it'sall your fault, you with your cheap
novel and that horrid heroine. Ohshe's a stupid name for a character,
(14:20):
Purple, what's wrong? At leastjust got color anyway, I kind of
like purple. Here, take myhandkerchief me. You know that red hair.
She even reminds me of you.Oh oh look, miss fellow Michael
Mike Nicky, Nicky. I'm reallysorry about this, but it isn't as
(14:46):
bad as all that. The PorpoisePress has a lot of influence with libraries.
I'll get I'll get that straightened outfor you. Aft in our whole
wing of Etruscan poetry. Do youthink you can no wing? No?
As a matter of fact, allmy money's tied up in tempor early Purple,
and the sales receipts haven't come inyet. I owe everybody, even
my analyst. If I miss onemore payment, it'll have the finance company
(15:07):
repossess my psyche. You're still that'sabsolutely ridiculous, I know, but it
stops you from crying. Hey,look, what do you say we go
writing somewhere? I should say thatmy car down the black maybe with the
wind blowing in your face, wecan talk this whole thing over. Sensibly,
I think you're forgetting mister Barrett,that I despise you and everything connected
(15:28):
with you, I know, buttell me about it in the car.
I will not. I wouldn't gowriting in your car for all the money
in the world, honestly, makingI feel like a heel about the whole
(15:50):
thing. I mean, the troubleabout the book and you're being thrown out
of the library and all. Well, I guess you were just trying to
do your job, but it reallyis so exactly. You know, you're
very pretty when you're man. Well, are you trying to say that you
deliberately annoy me just for that onaesthetic grounds? No, not exactly.
(16:11):
It's just that blasted coincidence. Somethingnew. I mean, my making up
the most fascinating, dangerous, irresistiblewoman I could think of purple, and
then you turn out to look justlike her red hair and all. Ugh,
it's red and purple. They clash. How but you do look like
oh I do not well. Youdo have a loose turtleneck sweater on,
(16:33):
but outside of that, the imageis spitting. You have a charming way
of putting things. But I'm notin the least amusing. No, don't
mind. It's just intellectual patter.I learned it as a child, teething
on a barstool at the store.You're crazy, it's neurotic, you know.
I think the Porpoise Press Board ofDirectors is going to stay in Billery's
Creek a long time. Right takesWhy I can take you out to dinner
(16:56):
every night, every night. Oh, don't worry, I'll put it down
the expense account. But mister Bennett, you can't spend old wicked Billish Creek.
(17:17):
Can just come down to New Yorkon weekend. Mister Fuddy and I
are at a loss. We've neverpublished anything like Temporarily Purple before. No
one never had to take it easy. Boys, Everything's all right, It'll
be about one more week. Youjust keep busy on your publicity campaigns and
the yes, yes, I've hada wonderful idea why not have Miss Federer
marry five orchestral leaders in rapid succession. It's the very latest thing for Lady
(17:41):
Orphane. They invariably make the firstpage after the second divorce. Ah,
that'll take too long. I'm workingon a much bigger project. I hope
there's no risk involved. Sometimes Iwish we were back publishing McKinley's memoirs.
So do I fundy, don't worryfuddy. You know perfectly well at everything
I do is bound to be absolutelysafe. Her I really hate to bring
(18:15):
it up, But don't you thinkdriving with one hand is just a little
dangerous? I guess so, yeah, there's only one answer. Stop driving.
It's been fast as nimickey, itcertainly has. That's what I don't
(18:36):
like about it about us? Whatdo you mean pattern? It's just like
a Saturday Evening post story. Wemeet cute, that's the first step,
we fight, second step we makeup. Third we fall in love and
we get married at the end.But but herb, is that, by
some stretch of the imagination a proposal? I guess you could call it there.
(19:00):
You certainly do put things oddly well. I suppose it would be a
shame to spoil your storyline? Isthat by the same stretch of the imagination
on acceptance a two way stretch?Oh no, I withdraw my right,
all right, I won't do itagain. Really no, there's only one
(19:22):
question when. Oh, let's see, it can be this week. I'm
all jamed up with literary cocktail parties. That's right. Can't be the Sunday
after I'm on the offer meets thecritic. It's going to be a tough
broadcast. We're at a disadvantage.They'll have read the book. Monday,
I'm on with Murray Margaret McBride.Tuesday you're going to be on Texan Jinks
me, Oh no, I'm not. I would have got against Texan Jinks
(19:45):
nothing for all. I know they'rea fine couple, but I'm not going
on the radio with them. Andthat's final. I'm not going on the
radio for anyone. What are yougetting so excited about, honey, It's
only publishity, that's it. HerbBarrett, I will not of my married
life inside a fish bowl. Now, if there's to be any of your
wild press agents stunts, you cancall the whole thing off right now and
(20:07):
I'll tell the newspaper's all about templarmake it. You wouldn't I would,
so I'm pigheaded. Well, look, I'm sure we can iron it all
out. You don't have to worryabout a thing. No, no publicity.
You promise, I promise to thefuture, missus Barron in Sicknish engine
(20:41):
hand death do us party? Thankyou, gentlemen, thank you, And
I'm sure the four of us willbe very happy together. And will you
be taking a honeymoon, Miss Farrow? Yes, we're not sure. Where
are we here? No, notnot yet. But Herb and I have
a great many plans. Ah.Yes, mister Barrett's plan. He was
telling me about them this morning.The whole publicity campaign. Yes, go
(21:08):
on, py, No attention tothe money. This promotion for purpose press,
that's all means absolutely nothing. I'mnot so sure. No, go
on, mister Perks. You interestme strange. There we go again.
Well, the plans are remarkable.They will make you the sensation of the
literary world. I see anything else. Mister Barrett wants a picture of you
(21:32):
in a Wedgewood chiral on the backcover of every copy in historical period you
Now, we'll have Hatch named afteryou the Mickey Farrell close the only hat
that tells time. No hock tailsnamed after you, the Mickey Farrell Finn
go on, we range to haveyou voted by the Columbia Senior Clash as
the girl I like most to standnext to on the Van Cortland Express.
(22:00):
How utterly charged? Try it tobe the greatest personal publicity campaign since Barnum
built up Jenny Lynde. And it'sall mister bennettses. It is all mister
Barrett's side, down to the lastexciting photograph. They weren't so exciting her,
Barrack, I, oh something wrong? You promised, you promised we'd
(22:21):
have privacy, that we'd live anormal married life, and then behind my
back, with a wolf pulled overmy eyes, you stab a knife in
my heart metaphor showing her. Now, don't you try to get me to
laugh, because I won't do ither, Barretts, you are an unprincipled,
unmitigated, unethical monster and I'm throughwith you, you intellectual Amba the
(22:45):
devil. Did Ambas get into this? For Heaven's sake? Mickey, I'm
a man and you're a woman.Exactly we have nothing in common. Look
Mickey, you don't realize that eventhe best things today have to be publicized
and promoted. Authors like Hemingway tomy Sman huts t s Eliot, why
were that publicity? No one wouldread them at all. That's right,
miss Ferrell. Why we even hadto publicize McKinley's memoir The Great Masters of
(23:07):
the pastor read more often than everbefore because of modern promotion methods. Honey.
Even Shakespeare, if he were alivetoday, without publicity, he'd end
up writing writing toothpaste ads. Mozartwould be composing soap jingles. Let me
see, Mickey, honey, isit on again? Well, all right,
(23:32):
I guess so. But honestly,her problem? Oh that post steady?
Thank you? Say? When isthe wedding? Don't you read your
own paper? Come on, Mickey, it's tomorrow morning and it's going to
be the biggest wedding and publishing history. Congratulations. Why what's the matter,
(24:07):
miss birth? He always cries thetrain tickets for me, fuddy, Oh
yes, yes, that's old.Here look this way, mister Barrett television
cameras. Hey kiss her now,that's right. That's all boys will have
to go. We're gonna miss ourtrain. Come on, Mickey, we're
gonna miss our train. I'm soglad that's over. I was never so
(24:38):
glad to see a train in allmy life. It's gonna set the bags
on. Reporter can put him awaywhen he makes up for birth about ten
minutes. Oh, it's a lovelywedding, girl, But couldn't it have
been no more private? Blok,honey, that wedding's gonna sell a hundred
thousand copies of purple. That's allI wanted to know. Seeah, that's
good to be alone, you know, honey. I don't know quite what
(25:03):
to say. Now. You neverreally told me that you love me?
Well, I guess it's a littlelate now. Oh, no, her,
please tell me, won't you please? How about that poem? How
do I love THEE? Let mecount the way? That's lovely? I
love THEE to the breadth and heightmy soul can reach? Say? Do
(25:26):
you hear something? Humming? Humming? No? No, let me the
air conditioning go on? Her,that's view. I mean to make you
every word of it. Kiss me, darling, wildly passionately. Sure,
honey, I'll kiss you the wayno woman was ever kissed before comming maky
(25:48):
That humming comes from the next drawing. No, I'm in that door.
I'll be all right, mister Barrett. We're finished with the motion pictures.
Ready for the still that was goingon? Who are these people? We're
off from Life magazine? Mister Lifeman? Shall we set up the lights?
Dear? You were so convincing aboutpublicity that I arranged to have Life
(26:08):
go on? Honey, you're arranged, Yes, dear, they've got everything
down on film. Oh you meanyou let me? You trapped me with
silence and part of the great left. Oh lord, a little outside?
Oh you beat it? Whoa buton our contract, missus Barrett's been doing
her half of the honeymoon, notmine. Outside Mister Luce won't like this,
(26:34):
oh Mickey, dragging our honeymoon onthe desk with all those profaning Haven't
you got any respect for our marriage? Planning a sound camera reporters? It's
infamous? It's Oh no, Istill think all right. I guess she
(26:56):
taught me a lesson. Yeah,I guess you can have too much publicisty
Oh mackey, will you forgive me? Darling? And you were a good
sport about me. I wouldn't thinkof really having life along for our honeymoon.
I were sure that I'd kiss youright now. You don't have to
(27:18):
worry no more publicity on this honeymoon. No one will interrupt us now then
come here, Well, what doyou want? Where shall I set up
the camera for the pictures of misterBarrett in his pajamas. They're all set
for Life's cover in full, ColonelNo, You have just heard Temporarily Purple
(27:48):
by Ernest Cannoy Attraction seventeen on RadioCity Playhouse. Laman Johnson was Herb Barrett
and Potniac Mickey Farrow. Other membersof the cast included Bill Keane, Cameron
Andrews and Arthur Cole. The entireproduction was under the direction of Harry W.
Duncan. The music was composed andconducted by doctor Roy Shield. Radio
(28:12):
City Playhouse is supervised for the NationalBroadcasting Company by Richard P. McDonough.
(28:41):
This is Harry Jonkon Again next Week, a gripping and dramatic story of the
strange friendship that occurred between a writerand a young man found guilty of murder.
The script is five extra newses byCharles Lee Hutchings. We think you'll
enjoy it. And we hope you'llbe with us. Good Night, everybody.
(29:33):
This program came to you from ourRadio City studios in New York,
Robert Warren speaking. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company,
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