Guiding Light Transcript Thursday 1/25/07

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Provided by Suzanne
Proofread by Tanya

This is the special 70th anniversary episode where Guiding Light actors played old GL characters and production staff to recreate the history.  They did not put names on the closed-captioning.

Reverend Ruthledge: The flame of remembrance never dies. There is no real death. Our loved ones never really leave us. A thousand sweet memories are holding them fast to the places they blessed with their presence and their love. We remember the work that they left. We remember the books that they read, the words they said, the songs they sang. All these become a part of our thoughts and our daily lives. And you know, and I know, that no thought can be lost, and no memory can be blotted out. The spirits of our loved ones stay with us. There is no death.

[Reverend Ruthledge closes his book and nods to his parishioners.]

And who is this approaching? Mr. Nobody from nowhere, Ellis Smith.

Ellis: Very eloquent speech, Reverend.

Reverend Ruthledge: You enjoyed it, Ellis.

Ellis: I didn't say that. Why do you bother? These people don't hear you. They come here because they feel they must.

Reverend Ruthledge: They come here because they see my light in the window and because they need guidance in their lives. They need to know they aren't alone.

Ellis: But they are alone. We all are. Alone, selfish, weak. We'd be better off if everyone would simply admit it.

Reverend Ruthledge: Some day you'll learn, Ellis. Yes, there is greed and hate and strife and struggle. There are many injustices in this world, but among that, there is faith and there is hope.

Ned Holden confesses his love to his adoptive sister, Mary Ruthledge in our next dramatic episode. Brought to you by new Save All. It's all in Save All. This is Hugh Downs wishing you a good day, and hoping we'll see you tomorrow on "The Guiding Light."

I haven't seen her yet.

She'll be here.

Maybe she is working on one of the other shows today.

She'll be here.

I messed up on that line yesterday.

It happens to all of us.

The things she said to me.

Don't let it hurt you, all right? She didn't mean it.

She means everything she says.

Yes, but not because she doesn't like you. She cares about the characters, and she cares about the words.

And I slaughter them.

You didn't slaughter them, all right? You were great.

All right, everyone, listen up. We can start our run-through now.

Is she here?

No, not yet, but we can begin. Hugh?

(Clears throat) And now "The Guiding Light," brought to you by Save All.

Mary, we must tell your father.

I'm afraid, Ned. I'm afraid of what we feel. It's wrong.

But does it feel right to you?

It... it feels... it feels... it feels...

It feels as if I sent my script to the butcher. Let me see that.

Irna Philips not only created "The Guiding Light" in 1937; she's widely regarded as the inventor of the soap opera. She ruled with heart, warmth and an iron fist.

Do you have a cold?

I don't think so.

Your voice sounds throaty. If you come in here and infect us all--

I'm not sick.

Drink some tea or go home. Is this going to be a daily occurrence for you now?

I'm sorry. I'm just having trouble with this one line, Irna.

Do you know why you're having trouble? Why you're all having trouble?

I didn't know we were all having trouble.

Trust me, you are. You're having trouble because you don't believe it. You're acting too much. This isn't Hollywood. These people are real! To me, anyway. Falling in love with the wrong man, trying to find out who you are and what you believe in, that's real. The Reverend's words are real to me. And to the people listening at home. Dear, you'll be fine.

Thank you.

Arthur...

Yes.

You're rushing your sermon. Do you have somewhere to be?

How long have you been here?

Long enough to hear you bouncing along like a six year old girl. Keep going.

Thank you.

Keep going, please. Pretend I'm not here.

Mary, we must tell your father.

But Ned, I'm afraid. What we feel, it's wrong.

Irna Philips had a unique way of scripting dialogue. She didn't write her scripts so much as act them. It was up to her sidekick, Rose, to follow along.

Thursday's episode, ready?

Ready.

Reverend Ruthledge returns home from a long night visiting the Kransky's. Mary, are you home? Hello, Dad. You were up late. I'm sorry. The Kransky’s wanted me to sit and talk to Rose. Is she all right? She's not a bad person. But she makes bad decisions, and her parents do not understand her. Knock, knock. Who could that be at the door at this hour. Hello, Reverend. It's Ellis Smith. I need to speak to you. Okay, read that back to me.

"Reverend Ruthledge returns home from a long night visiting the Kransky’s. Mary, are you home?"

He is calling out.

"Calling out. Mary, are you home. Hello, father, you were out late. " 

She embraces him.

Of course she does.

Reverend Ruthledge returns home from a long night visiting the Kransky’s.

Mary, are you home?

Hello, Dad. You were out late.

I'm sorry. The Kransky’s wanted me to sit and talk to Rose.

Is she all right?

She's a good person, but she makes bad decisions. (Knocking on the door) Who could that be at the door at this hour? Oh, hello.

Reverend, it's Ellis Smith. I need to speak with you.

Good afternoon, Howie.

Well, hello, Mrs. Smith, what can I do for you?

I'm here to pick up my husband's shirts. Are they ready?

Oh, I've got them right here.

Well, how do you do it, Howie? How do you get these shirts so white and smelling so fresh.

Well, Mrs. Smith, I'll let you in on a little secret. We always use honest to goodness soap, not detergents. Our shirts are soap and water clean, the way our customers, like you, like it.

So should I use soap in my automatic washer?

No, not just any soap. But rich, safe Save All. It makes a difficult stain disappear and saves all your fine clothing from the effects of harsh detergent.

And it's 25% cheaper than other laundry soaps, so I can save all that money. (Laughter)

Get your clothes clean like eight out of ten laundries do. Use Save All. It saves you all of your fine clothing and keeps them looking like new. Remember, it's all in Save All.

(Knock on the door)

Oh, Irna, Irna, you look great, great today. Heard the show today? Wonderful, absolutely wonderful.

Good.

I wonder if we could have a little chat?

A chat?

About creative direction.

All right, what do my corporate friends have to say about creative direction of "The Guiding Light."

Now, Irna, it's not that we don't love the stories and the characters. We love them, everybody loves them.

I know.

Have you listened to Helen Trench recently?

No.

She's so much fun, very much fun. She has a wonderful job, all kinds of money and her friends aren't her friends. Very amusing.

Good for her.

She's very popular, very popular, indeed, and she doesn't have to deal with so many... issues.

You mean reality?

I'm talking about the war and the abuse and the religion and... the incest.

At least I know you're listening to my show.

I just wish, Irna, it didn't have to be about struggle, constant struggle.

Then it wouldn't be about life.

It is a radio show.

Not to me it isn’t. You think some rich debutante sitting around dating one boar after another is entertaining or relevant? Life is about struggle. More importantly, it's about struggling. Listen to the show, Jack. Listen to the show.

Ned, are you all right? You're white as a sheet.

Everything in my life has changed, Mary.

I know that you're upset about your parents.

My father came to claim me as his son. My mother was a murderer.

She was trying to protect you.

Terrible people.

You're nothing like them.

Thanks to you. Everything good in my comes from knowing you, loving you.

I'll do anything to help you get through this. We can go to my father, we can tell him the truth. We'll tell him we're in love and we want to be married. I'm ready to face him. What is it, Ned?

What is it, Ned? Why are you turning away from me? You know we can get through everything together. I love you. And I've loved you all my life. He slowly turns back towards Mary, but he can't meet her questioning eyes. He is haunted by guilt and shame. Mary takes a step toward him, but reacts in shock when he backs away. Ned, what is it? Why are you looking at me like you've never seen me before? More like I'm afraid. I will never see you again.

Don't say that.

I'm so sorry, Mary. I wish I could change things. Go back.

We can't go back, but we can go forward together.

I wish. I can't marry you.

You can't marry me?

I didn't know what to do when all this happened. I felt like I was alone in the world. I didn't know where to go for comfort.

No!

I turned to someone else, Mary.

No!

Yes.

I don't know how to say this any other way. I married another woman.

Don't look at me that way, Mary. I was half crazy, filled with bitterness--

And anger. I wanted to forget who I was and start over. That's why.

That's why I did it.

Do you love her?

No. I barely know her. I love you, Mary. I will always love you.

You were right, Ned,

Everything has changed.

Throughout the '30s and '40s, "The Guiding Light" was as popular as any radio show on the air. But changes were afoot. Irna felt it was time for a fresh interpretation of "The Guiding Light." In 1948, she created a new family led by an immigrant carpenter who dreamed of a better life for his children and grandchildren.

His name is Frederick, but everyone calls him papa. His wife is very sick. They have three children.

What is their last name?

Sorry, didn't I say it? Bauer. They're the Bauer’s. Papa Bauer was born in Germany, but fled to America before the great war. He's tough and irascible, but he believes in the basic goodness of people and he loves his family. Papa's son, Bill, is first generation American, still working hard to fulfill his father's dreams, and not always succeeding. And life isn't any easier for Bill's troubled and trouble making sister, Meta. But Bill has met the woman he wants to marry, the warm and witty Bertha. His beloved Bert

Hi, I'm Cherita Bauer.

Sonny.

Mother.

Oh, good to have you home. Boy, are you dusty. Come in, let's get you cleaned up. Take off that grimy shirt and we'll wash it.

Mother, are you still using powdered detergent?

Shouldn't I?

You could probably use something more powerful, yet gentler on your fine clothing.

Does such a laundry product exist?

Yes, Save All laundry soap.

Meta is insane with grief as she walks in the door. All she can think about is her poor little Chuckie, how its Ted’s fault he's gone. Where have you been? Meta reaches into her purse and pulls out a gun. You gasped.

I'm sorry.

It's good that you gasped, you're supposed to gasp.

Keep going.

Meta reaches into her purse, pulls out a gun, and fires.

(Gunshot)

Oh. Meta.

For Chuckie, for my little boy.

Oh, my. Oh, my.

Ted isn't moving. Meta stands stark still, hardly realizing what she has done.

No, no!

Meta drops the gun, and rushes from the house.

So how do you get out of this one? Meta has to go to jail, doesn't she?

Would you like her to go to jail?

No, no. She wasn't in her right mind. She had just lost her child and she was insane with grief. And it was Ted’s fault. He was the reason. But it's not up to me.

But it could be.

Oh, I just write down what you tell me.

No, I mean it could be up to everybody.

I don't understand.

Let's put together the world's biggest jury.

But I don't even remember doing it, I swear.

Tell it to the jury.

That is exactly what she is doing, Officer. You see, it's up to you, America. You are the jury. Meta's trial begins next week. You'll hear testimony and arguments from the prosecution and defense. And afterwards, you'll vote to decide whether Meta is guilty or innocent. CBS will count your votes, and we will honor your verdict.

How many letters do you think I can write in a week?

You're not going anywhere. They love you.

I hope they hire a good actor to play my lawyer.

Hello.

Irna, the jury's back.

Who is this?

You know who it is.

I don't usually like to talk to you before I've eaten.

You're curious. Admit it Irna, you're curious.

You would make a great executioner if we ever needed one on the show. Do we need one on the show?

See, see, see? You do want to know.

How many letters did we get?

Letters? Lots of letters Irna.

And what did they say?

Innocent, by a ratio of 100:1, Meta is a free woman.

No kidding.

That's the least part of it Irna. We got ratings that are soaring, soaring I'm telling you. This little stunt of yours, Irna, has everybody listening and talking.

Was there ever any doubt?

No, I suppose not.

Thank you for calling.

You're welcome, Irna. I'll let you get back to work.

Oh, Jack, one more thing before you go. I want to move the show to television. I have lovely paintings that I can stare at if I'm interested in killing time. Say what you have to say, Jack.

Irna, it is not the same audience.

Why not?

Nobody has been able to bring a soap from the radio to television.

Good. I'll be the first.

Irna, women are used to listening while they do household chores. They don't have to pay attention.

They don't have to, but they do.

You know what I mean. Sitting down to watch? It's a whole other game.

You wouldn't have come here if you were going to say no.

All right. All right. But for the record, I would like to say--

Yes, yes, yes, we all heard you. It's going to be a colossal failure. Won't last a year. You'll see.

Has anybody told the actors yet?

Why are you looking at me like that?

It's a good face.

My face?

People like it.

That's nice to hear.

Do you know the name of a good tailor? Because you might want to have that suit tapered a bit.

Why would I want to do that?

Why don't you tell us why you're acting so odd. Are we being cancelled?

No, hardly.

You should know the secrecy is not clever, not amusing. We can live without surprises.

I'm sorry. I don't mean to be so cloak and dagger. I wanted you all to know I got a call today.

And?

How do you feel about television?

Did you say we're moving to television?

We're going to give it a try. And all of you will be coming along. As I get the details, I'll pass them on to you. Unfortunately, there's no budget. So you'll be wearing all of your own clothes and doing your own hair?

I... I don't believe I can do my own hair. (Laughter)

What if we don't look the way people think we look in their heads?

Yeah, people think you are blonde and petite.

And what do they think I am?

Oh, you match your voice.

Thanks. The audience sees us as their family, people they know.

Then they'll be in for a shock.

Maybe, but just imagine what we'll be able to do. They'll be able to see your tears.

I don't cry that often. Now they'll be able to see my makeup run.

We'll be able to connect with the audience in a whole new way if it works.

If it works.

Just think, we could really be on to something. We'll have to buy new dresses. (Giggling)

How does my hair look?

Pretty good, considering.

You think if we acted really, really well, they'll get us a hairstylist.

Dare to dream.

How much time do we have?

We go live in one hour.

I don't think that's what she means.

How long after we finish shooting in the television studio do we have to get to the radio studio?

Don't worry about it. You have plenty of time.

How much time?

45 minutes.

45 minutes?

45 minutes. Ladies, ladies, don't worry about a thing. We'll be on air from 12:45 to 1:00, and then you'll saunter over to the other studio. It's only a couple of blocks.

No problem.

Sure. Maybe we can perform it on stage every night.

Well, good, I'll pitch it to Irna.

And now "The Guiding Light," brought to you by Save All.

Oh Mother Kramden, I just don't know what to do. I have tried everything. But Russ keeps saying, you'll never get my undershirts as soft as mother did.

Now, now dear, boys will be boys. You mustn't be so upset.

But I want to be a good wife, the best wife, just like you. Can you help me, please?

Okay, dear.

Really? You'll tell me the secret to perfect laundry?

It's really quite simple. The secret is all in this box.

Save All, laundry soap? But I've spent lots of money trying dozens of detergents.

Now you can save your money with brand new Save All. It's not a laundry detergent, it's a laundry soap. With whiteners, softeners, cleaning boosters, and even has new stain attacker. It's all jam-packed in all new Save All.

All of those things in one product?

Yes, Lydia, it's all in Save All.

Oh, Mother Kramden, thank you. Russ will be so happy.

Lydia, my Save All. Thank goodness I always get an extra box. Use new Save All. It saves all of your fine clothing and makes them like new. Remember, it's all in Save All.

Bill, you should have seen that son of yours. He drank his milk down quick like a bunny and fell fast asleep.

So what does Meta say?

Is that a telegram?

Yes.

Oh, I hope it's not from...

No, no, it's from Meta.

Meta?

Yes, she is flying in tomorrow.

What?

Yes, she wants me to pick her up at the airport tomorrow evening.

Well, now that's surprising because I have a letter from Trudy today, I forgot to tell you about it Bill.

Yeah.

And she is under the opinion that Meta was planning on staying in New York indefinitely.

Oh.

I wonder what made her change her mind?

Same thing what I am wondering. Why does she want you to meet her at airport?

Gee, I don't know.

Why not Joe? He is her husband.

I suppose she has her reasons for not wanting Joe to meet her.

Naturally.

Does it say what time her flight comes in?

Yes, yes, of course.

I suppose she'll be staying with you, Papa Bauer. Of course it's perfectly all right if she'd like to stay here with us.

Meta ain't staying with me.

You're own daughter?

You don't understand it.

No, no, I'm afraid I don't understand it.

It's none of my business she shouldn't stay with you either. Willie, you go straight to the phone, you tell Joe, Meta comes home tomorrow, he shall stay at the airport and meet her.

But Papa Bauer, if Meta doesn't want--

I know what I'm talking about.

But papa?

But papa, but papa, but papa, but papa. The foot I am putting down. You let Meta's husband know.

Papa, how can I?

Bill's right Papa Bauer.

Then I'm wrong, so I will telephone Joe.

And we're out.

We all set?

We're all set.

So, what do you fellows have planned for this afternoon?

I can't think of anything, you?

I heard about this radio show, you know? I thought maybe we go by.

Sounds like a wonderful idea.

You took my father away from me, and now he's gone.

You blame me?

I blame you for the time I lost, the time you stole.

I loved him.

You both loved him. You need each other.

I need her to suffer.

I am suffering. My husband is dead and my life is changed forever.

Your life. Your life, that's all that matters to you.

Cathy picks up little Robin and starts for the door.

Where are you going, Cathy?

I need to go away. Away from you, from all of this.

And we're out. All right, that's a wrap. Thank you, young ladies.

Thanks, boss.

Did you see the script for tomorrow?

Which one?

TV?

I'm in the entire episode, aren't I?

Have a good night. See you at rehearsal.

(Laughs)

Anyone awake there. (Phone rings) Hello.

Irna, great episode today, great.

Shows what you know.

You didn't like it?

Does the word "loathe" mean anything to you?

Actually, it does.

Is that a joke?

I tried. Now this will run in USA weekend?

Mm-hmm. Next Saturday?

Keen.

Why are you calling?

Actually I have some mixed news, Irna, about the radio program?

Have the ratings slipped?

Of the 19 serials on the air, "Guiding Light" is number one, however this is 1956, and the era of radio is... television. Television is too strong.

Really? I never saw that coming.

Don't gloat. Now, starting in August, "Guiding Light" will be broadcast exclusively by CBS television, where we all know it will have a very bright future.

I have no doubts about that. Jack, I'm thinking about leaving the show.

You'll never leave, Irna.

I have other shows to run. I've been there a long time. But I will leave you with some very good stories.

I have no doubts about that.

Meta picks up the phone. Hello. Hello, Bruce. What's wrong? Meta listens, her face falls, the phone falls to the ground.

Why, who is on the phone?

She crosses to Robin. Who is that? It was Bruce calling from the hospital. Cathy, your mother, was involved in an accident. What kind of an accident?

What kind of an accident?

She was hit by a car. Her injuries were very severe. I'm sorry. She didn't make it.

You killed Cathy?

She's dead.

Oh, no. No, you can't kill her. I love Cathy. Everyone loves Cathy. She's a great character.

Rose, I've made up my mind.

Hello. Well, hello, Bruce. What's wrong?

Who was that?

It was Bruce calling from the hospital, Robin. Cathy, your mother, was involved in an accident.

What kind of accident?

She was hit by a car. Her injuries are very severe. I'm sorry, she didn't make it.

Oh!

(Phone ringing)

Hello.

They're furious.

Who is they?

Everyone, the fans! Everyone, Irna. All right, here. Let me read a couple of them to you. Irna, you listening? You still there? Here's one this is my favorite, it says, "Dear heartless bastards."

I get it.

Irna, I have thousands of these.

I'll take care of it.

What are you going to do?

I said I'll take care of it. Rose, take this down.

What is it?

A letter.

To whom?

A letter to the nation. As there is birth, there is also death. As there is happiness, there is also sorrow. You have only to look around you, read your daily papers to realize that we cannot, any of us, live with life alone. There are times when we must face the loss of a loved one. Illness, accidents, tragedy, death exists side by side with the wonderful experience of living. Love, marriage, family, birth. These are all a part of the great pattern woven and interwoven until we see the colorful tapestry of life itself, with it's life and shadows. Its beginning and its end. We hope that you will continue to watch "The Guiding Light" so that you may see reflected the wonderful moments there are in living, as well as the tragic.

Your family is here. Your family is here.

My good friend Luigi died not long ago. Last April he gave me a lamp he had made, the lamp I have in my study. The lamp of friendship, I call it. And I've heard it referred to as "The Guiding Light." Every time I see that lamp, I'm reminded that Luigi is still with me, still here. Along with others who have left. My wife has been gone for many years, and yet her spirit is with me always. I remember the things that she did, the things that she loved. I feel her love and her understanding around me always. Nothing will ever change that. She isn't gone, really. The grief that we feel over the death of a loved one is deeper than most of the sorrows that come to us. And it is difficult to try to reconcile ourselves to the loss that has left such an empty place in our lives. To those who today are mourning the loss of a loved one, may these words enter into their hearts and bring them peace. In the thought that there is no death. Only the body dies; the spirit remains with us. Always. There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.

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