WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:06.000 Merry Christmas, ladies and gentlemen, from Hollywood, the Colgate-Palmolet Peak Company, 00:06.000 --> 00:09.000 makers of Colgate Tooth Powder and Halo Shampoo. 00:09.000 --> 00:13.000 Take pleasure in bringing you one of America's favorite actors, Edward Arnold, 00:13.000 --> 00:16.000 in a special Christmas story, The Messiah. 00:16.000 --> 00:22.000 Edward Arnold stars as narrator and as George Frederick Handel 00:22.000 --> 00:30.000 in our special Christmas legend, The Messiah. 00:37.000 --> 00:40.000 On this, our first peacetime Christmas in all too many years, 00:40.000 --> 00:44.000 the Colgate Halo Theater of Romance presents its annual musical drama, 00:44.000 --> 00:51.000 an original by Gene Holloway, based on the life of a man who truly captured the moving spirit of this day. 00:51.000 --> 00:56.000 Our storyteller for today is the distinguished American actor, Edward Arnold. 00:56.000 --> 01:02.000 With him, you will hear the Christmas chorus and orchestra, directed by Lud Gluskin. 01:02.000 --> 01:23.000 In 1740, people were saying that George Frederick Handel could no longer write music. 01:23.000 --> 01:28.000 His enemies were saying that he never had been able to compose anything of great note. 01:28.000 --> 01:35.000 His friends were apologizing that he had been ill and that worry over money had kept him from writing the things that were inside him. 01:35.000 --> 01:44.000 He was 55 years old, and yet actually grief and pain had made him much older. 01:44.000 --> 01:53.000 He walked uncertainly down the street, his shoulders sagging on the Christmas Eve of this most important year of his life. 01:53.000 --> 01:57.000 People went by, some spoke, but he did not heed them. 01:57.000 --> 02:02.000 He was looking into an abyss that was dark and empty and without ending, 02:02.000 --> 02:09.000 the lifetime that had yawned ahead of him, a lifetime without music, and he knew he could not face it. 02:09.000 --> 02:13.000 He passed the church of the Blessed Madonna. He had no intention of pausing, but— 02:13.000 --> 02:17.000 Mr. Handel! Mr. Handel! Did you call me father? 02:17.000 --> 02:25.000 Yes, Mr. Handel. Won't you come into the church a moment? We have it all decorated for Christmas. You haven't been inside for some time now. 02:25.000 --> 02:29.000 No, I haven't had much interest in religion. 02:29.000 --> 02:37.000 Those are strange words from your lips, Mr. Handel. Some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard in our church you played yourself at the organ. 02:37.000 --> 02:41.000 Well, I'll play no more music, father. I'm finished with music forever. 02:41.000 --> 02:49.000 That would be a great loss to the world, were it true. For your music has sometimes seemed, well, almost like the voice of God. 02:49.000 --> 02:55.000 It was so beautiful, so sacred. Please, come in for a moment, Mr. Handel. 02:55.000 --> 03:00.000 No, father, I have no religion anymore. I have no God. 03:00.000 --> 03:03.000 Oh, my friend, listen to me. 03:03.000 --> 03:09.000 I'm not interested in a sermon, father. Good night. Oh, uh, Merry Christmas. 03:09.000 --> 03:21.000 The good father stood there a moment, looking after Handel, and then he went inside to pray that this lamb that had strayed would find his way back to the flock. 03:21.000 --> 03:27.000 There was a little park next to the church, and Handel rounded into it, toward a bench. 03:27.000 --> 03:37.000 He was tired, he was heart sick, he was cold, he was lonely. And suddenly, for the first time in his life, he wanted to die. 03:37.000 --> 03:44.000 Death seemed to beckon him through the snow, offering release and peace. And then he saw the woman coming toward him. 03:44.000 --> 03:52.000 A woman who seemed to move to music. A woman so beautiful that tears stung his eyes when she smiled at him. 03:52.000 --> 03:54.000 Good evening, Mr. Handel. 03:54.000 --> 03:56.000 I beg your pardon? 03:56.000 --> 03:58.000 I said good evening, Mr. Handel. 03:58.000 --> 04:00.000 You know my name? 04:00.000 --> 04:05.000 Everyone who loves music knows your name, Mr. Handel. May I sit here by you for a moment? 04:05.000 --> 04:12.000 It's quite cold. I was just leaving. I'm not very good company, I'm afraid. 04:12.000 --> 04:19.000 I know why you're unhappy, Mr. Handel. I heard you talking to Father Stanley. That's really why I spoke to you. 04:19.000 --> 04:29.000 I wanted to tell you that you're wrong about your music. You've written some great music. And I wanted to tell you too that you have yet to write your greatest music. 04:29.000 --> 04:35.000 Indeed, madam. Well, let me tell you something now. I've written the last note I ever intend to write. 04:35.000 --> 04:42.000 You can't stop writing music. You might as well say to the snow, don't fall tonight on London. 04:42.000 --> 04:51.000 You might as well say to the winds, pass London by tonight. You might as well say to the stars, shine no more on England. 04:51.000 --> 04:58.000 Say to the world, I will write no more music. God has given you a great gift, and you must use it. 04:58.000 --> 05:00.000 No, God has forsaken me. 05:00.000 --> 05:07.000 God never forsakes anyone. People may forsake God, but they are never forsaken by him. 05:07.000 --> 05:19.000 Go into that church and make your peace with God, Mr. Handel, and then go home and bring that music to life that is waiting to be born. 05:19.000 --> 05:25.000 All at once he wanted to get away from the woman. There was something in her eyes that made him ashamed and uncomfortable. 05:25.000 --> 05:30.000 A challenge, enough fire in them that made him feel lacking and inadequate. 05:30.000 --> 05:36.000 Once more his torment took hold of him, bitterness and an anguish and a frustrated grief closed in about him. 05:36.000 --> 05:44.000 And he walked, now fast, now slow. And at last he found himself by the river, and once more death beckoned. 05:44.000 --> 05:48.000 He walked over to the edge of the bridge. He clutched the rail a moment, stepped back to leave the bridge. 05:48.000 --> 05:51.000 That's not the way, Mr. Handel. 05:51.000 --> 05:55.000 He stared at her a moment, and then his anger left all bounds. 05:55.000 --> 05:56.000 What are you doing here? 05:56.000 --> 05:57.000 I followed you. 05:57.000 --> 06:01.000 How dare you follow me? What I do is my own concern and no one else's. 06:01.000 --> 06:09.000 No, you're wrong. What you do is the concern of all mankind, because there are still things you must do. 06:09.000 --> 06:16.000 Man lives for a purpose, Mr. Handel, not for his own pleasure. And it is for God to say when he has completed that purpose. 06:16.000 --> 06:21.000 Another few things a man can choose for himself is death, if he wants to take Madison to his own hands. 06:21.000 --> 06:23.000 You have no right to interfere. 06:23.000 --> 06:30.000 You're tired and it's late. Why don't you go home and rest? 06:30.000 --> 06:37.000 He stood there an instant looking at her, and then he turned without a word and stamped off towards home. 06:37.000 --> 06:41.000 When he reached there, his man Charles was waiting at the door. 06:41.000 --> 06:45.000 I'm so glad you're home, sir. I was quite worried. 06:45.000 --> 06:49.000 Well, I'm going to bed. I don't want to be disturbed until morning. 06:49.000 --> 06:51.000 Very well, sir. Good night, sir. 06:51.000 --> 06:53.000 Merry Christmas. 06:53.000 --> 06:56.000 Oh, Merry Christmas to you, Charles. 06:56.000 --> 07:05.000 He went to his room, shut the door, and leaned weirdly against it for a moment. His eyes closed. 07:05.000 --> 07:09.000 He wanted to cry, but he didn't know how to cry. 07:09.000 --> 07:17.000 He walked over to the organ where he composed much of his music, put the lid down, definitely and finally. 07:17.000 --> 07:23.000 Then he sat down at his desk and started a letter to one of his best friends. 07:23.000 --> 07:35.000 My dear friend, when you receive this note, I shall be gone from this world and from this life. 07:35.000 --> 07:44.000 I feel that I have accomplished all that I can accomplish, and somehow all the music is gone. 07:44.000 --> 07:52.000 There is nothing left inside me. Knowing this, I cannot bear to leave. 07:52.000 --> 07:55.000 Yes, Charles, come in. 07:55.000 --> 07:57.000 You? 07:57.000 --> 08:00.000 Good evening, Mr. Handel. We meet again. 08:00.000 --> 08:05.000 What are you doing in my house? How did you get here? What do you want? 08:05.000 --> 08:11.000 I would like to show you something that I think might mean music to you. Something I believe may mean your salvation. 08:11.000 --> 08:18.000 Now, please, this concern over my salvation is becoming something of a nuisance. Would you please go and leave me alone? 08:18.000 --> 08:26.000 You will find some beautiful words here, Mr. Handel. I think you could set these words to music beyond any music that has ever been written. 08:26.000 --> 08:30.000 I'm not interested in seeing any words or writing any music. Do you understand that? 08:30.000 --> 08:40.000 I think you will be interested when you read these words. This is a sacred story, Mr. Handel. It is called Messiah. Will you look at it? 08:40.000 --> 08:42.000 No, I will not look at it. 08:42.000 --> 08:50.000 I'll just leave it open here on the desk. I think one day you will thank me for that, Mr. Handel, on your knees. 08:50.000 --> 08:56.000 There it is when you're ready for it. Good night. 08:56.000 --> 09:04.000 Left alone, Handel barely glanced at the manuscript lying on his desk. 09:04.000 --> 09:10.000 He added a line or two to his letter, and then he put things in order and laid down to rest. 09:10.000 --> 09:16.000 But he couldn't rest. He tossed from one side to the other, got up and closed the door. 09:16.000 --> 09:22.000 He paced the floor. He laid down again, then got up and walked again. 09:22.000 --> 09:29.000 He couldn't keep away from that manuscript on the desk. Twice he reached for it, and then let his hand fall. 09:29.000 --> 09:34.000 Finally he bent over it and read a line. 09:34.000 --> 09:47.000 He was despised, despised and rejected. 09:47.000 --> 09:52.000 The line sang itself. He could hear the music each time he said it. 09:52.000 --> 09:58.000 Reluctantly, unwillingly, he turned to the opening page and read the opening lines. 09:58.000 --> 10:04.000 And the words were music. 10:04.000 --> 10:08.000 The music came surging up from his heart and soul. 10:08.000 --> 10:14.000 Music that was joy and sorrow, heartbreak, ecstasy, faith and hope, and resurrection. 10:14.000 --> 10:16.000 Music that was God. 10:16.000 --> 10:21.000 And the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee named Nazareth 10:21.000 --> 10:26.000 to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph of the house of David. 10:26.000 --> 10:29.000 And the virgin's name was Mary. 10:29.000 --> 10:37.000 And the angel came in unto her and said, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favor with God. 10:37.000 --> 10:43.000 And, behold, thou shalt bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 10:43.000 --> 10:47.000 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, 10:47.000 --> 10:51.000 and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. 10:51.000 --> 10:54.000 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, 10:54.000 --> 10:57.000 and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 10:57.000 --> 11:02.000 Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word. 11:02.000 --> 11:24.000 O God, our servant, who found us the sight, who found us the sight, and who died unto Zion. 11:24.000 --> 11:46.000 All right, all right, lay unto the cities of Judah, behold your God, behold the glory of the Lord. 11:46.000 --> 11:57.000 Lay with men upon thee all the best helleth, good tidings to Zion. 11:57.000 --> 12:17.000 Lay unto the cities of Judah, behold, behold the glory of the Lord. 12:17.000 --> 12:34.000 The glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 12:47.000 --> 12:51.000 If you please, sir, we are desperately in need of a place to rest. 12:51.000 --> 12:52.000 We have no room. 12:52.000 --> 12:56.000 We've asked at almost every house in Bethlehem for shelter. 12:56.000 --> 13:03.000 My wife is ill. We must rest somewhere. 13:03.000 --> 13:08.000 I'd like to help you, but every room is full. 13:08.000 --> 13:13.000 There is a stable in back of the inn. Perhaps you could sleep the night there. 13:13.000 --> 13:18.000 Thank you, thank you. I am most grateful. 13:18.000 --> 13:24.000 And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 13:24.000 --> 13:32.000 And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, 13:32.000 --> 13:35.000 because there was no room for them in the inn. 13:35.000 --> 13:51.000 For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given, unto us a child is given. 13:51.000 --> 14:01.000 For unto us a child is born, and his name shall be calling, Wonderful, 14:01.000 --> 14:12.000 Councilor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. 14:12.000 --> 14:24.000 And the government, the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be calling, Wonderful, 14:24.000 --> 14:35.000 Councilor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. 14:35.000 --> 14:47.000 The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. 14:47.000 --> 14:53.000 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night, 14:53.000 --> 15:00.000 and lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, 15:00.000 --> 15:04.000 and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, 15:04.000 --> 15:11.000 Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 15:11.000 --> 15:17.000 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 15:17.000 --> 15:19.000 And this shall be a sign unto you. 15:19.000 --> 15:23.000 He shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 15:23.000 --> 15:28.000 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God. 15:28.000 --> 15:50.000 Glory to God, glory to God in the highest, and the peace on earth. 15:50.000 --> 15:57.000 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, 15:57.000 --> 16:05.000 Let us go now even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16:05.000 --> 16:23.000 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. 16:23.000 --> 16:27.000 I must listen to Mr. Handel play that organ. I have never heard music like that in my life. 16:27.000 --> 16:31.000 I'm worried about Mr. Handel. He's hardly been out of the room for four weeks. 16:31.000 --> 16:35.000 Every time I've gone in, he's been playing the organ, or writing music on paper. 16:35.000 --> 16:38.000 When I've taken him food, he's barely glanced at it. 16:38.000 --> 16:53.000 I don't think he even sees me when I go in and out. 16:53.000 --> 16:59.000 He's stopped. Listen. Mr. Handel, is there something I can do for you, sir? 16:59.000 --> 17:00.000 No, no, no. I'm going out. 17:00.000 --> 17:02.000 Or is there something I can get you, sir? 17:02.000 --> 17:06.000 No, no, no. I'm going out. There's a woman I've got to find. 17:06.000 --> 17:08.000 A woman I want to get down on my knees and thank. 17:08.000 --> 17:09.000 A woman, sir? 17:09.000 --> 17:13.000 Yes. She brought me this, this music, these words. 17:13.000 --> 17:18.000 She brought me this work, Messiah. You saw her. You let her in on Christmas Eve. 17:18.000 --> 17:20.000 No woman was here on Christmas Eve. 17:20.000 --> 17:22.000 She was here, I tell you. She brought me this manuscript. 17:22.000 --> 17:25.000 No, sir. I brought you that manuscript. 17:25.000 --> 17:28.000 It's the poem Mr. Charles Jennings brought here and left for you. 17:28.000 --> 17:31.000 I put it on your desk while you were asleep. 17:31.000 --> 17:35.000 You? You brought it to me? 17:35.000 --> 17:39.000 Yes, sir. You brought it to me. 17:46.000 --> 17:49.000 George Frederick Handel turned and ran from the house. 17:49.000 --> 17:53.000 He ran through the streets holding the music of the Messiah tight against him. 17:53.000 --> 17:58.000 He never paused, although it was some distance until he reached the church of the Blessed Madonna. 17:58.000 --> 18:04.000 He went up the steps and inside the church, slowly, hesitantly. 18:04.000 --> 18:07.000 Tears rolling down his face. 18:07.000 --> 18:10.000 He stumbled down the aisle to the altar. 18:10.000 --> 18:18.000 He had no money to light a candle, but he took one and lit it before the statue of the Madonna. 18:18.000 --> 18:23.000 And he laid his Messiah on the altar for payment. 18:23.000 --> 18:32.000 And then George Frederick Handel got down on his knees and gave thanks. 18:32.000 --> 18:53.000 Hallelujah! 18:53.000 --> 19:00.000 For the Lord God will live forever and reigneth. 19:00.000 --> 19:06.000 Hallelujah! 19:06.000 --> 19:13.000 For the Lord God will live forever and reigneth. 19:13.000 --> 19:18.000 Hallelujah! 19:18.000 --> 19:29.000 God's kingdom on his world, here he comes. 19:29.000 --> 19:39.000 The kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ, and of his crown. 19:39.000 --> 19:52.000 And he shall reign forever and ever. 19:52.000 --> 19:59.000 King of kings, hallelujah, hallelujah! 19:59.000 --> 20:07.000 And Lord of lords, hallelujah, hallelujah! 20:07.000 --> 20:15.000 King of kings, hallelujah, hallelujah! 20:15.000 --> 20:23.000 And Lord of lords, hallelujah, hallelujah! 20:23.000 --> 20:31.000 King of kings, hallelujah, hallelujah! 20:31.000 --> 20:39.000 And Lord of lords, hallelujah, hallelujah! 20:39.000 --> 20:49.000 King of kings, and Lord of lords, king of kings, and Lord of lords. 20:49.000 --> 21:01.000 And he shall reign forever and ever. 21:01.000 --> 21:07.000 Hallelujah! 21:07.000 --> 21:19.000 Hallelujah! 21:19.000 --> 21:24.000 Here is Edward Arnold, star of the Colgate-Halo presentation of the Messiah. 21:24.000 --> 21:29.000 I should like to read you what the poet Hyné wrote about a certain book. 21:29.000 --> 21:36.000 He said it is plain, it's a plain old book, modest as nature itself and simple too. 21:36.000 --> 21:44.000 A book of unpretending workday appearance, like the sun that warms us or the bread that nourishes us. 21:44.000 --> 21:48.000 And the name of this book is simply the Bible. 21:48.000 --> 21:52.000 Many of us have read passages from the Bible today. 21:52.000 --> 21:55.000 But why not make Bible reading a daily habit? 21:55.000 --> 22:00.000 Between the covers of this plain old simple book you'll find peace of soul, 22:00.000 --> 22:12.000 and very often the solution of many a disturbing mental problem. 22:12.000 --> 22:17.000 Colgate Toothpowder and Halo Shampoo join in thanking Mr. Edward Arnold, 22:17.000 --> 22:20.000 who appeared through the courtesy of Metro-Golden-Mayer, 22:20.000 --> 22:23.000 the entire cast and the theater of Romance singers, 22:23.000 --> 22:27.000 and musicians for an impressive Christmas presentation. 22:27.000 --> 22:31.000 We have a lot of Christmas presents to open for all the audiences of theater romance, 22:31.000 --> 22:34.000 so I'd like first to call on Kathy Lewis, 22:34.000 --> 22:39.000 who's been the Colgate-Halo leading lady for Robert Walker, John Garfield, and Joe Cotton. 22:39.000 --> 22:44.000 Oh, Frank, this looks like a wonderful gift. I've got to open it right now. 22:44.000 --> 22:48.000 Look, look, it's dated January 1st. 22:48.000 --> 22:53.000 Mark it on all your calendars. It's Gregory Peck starring here next week in Intermezzo. 22:53.000 --> 22:55.000 Thanks so much for this wonderful gift. 22:55.000 --> 22:59.000 And here's Lou Marrow, who's done such splendid work on our theater of romance 22:59.000 --> 23:02.000 with Jimmy Stewart, Van Johnson, and Robert Taylor. 23:02.000 --> 23:06.000 I'll take this one, if I may. It's dated January 8th. 23:06.000 --> 23:10.000 Well, this is an exciting gift to theater of romance fans. 23:10.000 --> 23:16.000 Douglas Fairbanks Jr. marking his return to Hollywood with a romantic interpretation of, 23:16.000 --> 23:19.000 well, just wait till January 8th. 23:19.000 --> 23:22.000 Here's Haris Brin, who's been on many theater of romance shows. 23:22.000 --> 23:25.000 Open this one, honey. It's dated January 15th. 23:25.000 --> 23:29.000 Oh, no, not just for me. Everyone has to share this. 23:29.000 --> 23:32.000 Cary Grant in The Ghost Goes West. 23:32.000 --> 23:36.000 Gee, and I have to wait till January 15th. Oh, but what a gift. 23:36.000 --> 23:38.000 Here's one of the favorite players of theater of romance. 23:38.000 --> 23:42.000 Come on, Jack McCarthy, here's a gift for you to open. 23:42.000 --> 23:46.000 Oh, it seems kind of heavy. Give me a hand, will you, Frank? 23:46.000 --> 23:50.000 Well, now, would you look at that. A gift for the audience of January the 22nd. 23:50.000 --> 23:54.000 Wayne Morris, the Hollywood flyer who has so many Jap planes to his credit. 23:54.000 --> 23:57.000 And with him, a leading lady who's a honey, Claire Trevor. 23:57.000 --> 24:01.000 And it's a double feature in Kid Gala Hand. Frank, I bet that'll be a knockout. 24:01.000 --> 24:03.000 Oh, well, Mr. Arnold, will you open this one? 24:03.000 --> 24:09.000 Indeed I will. Let me see. January the 29th. Oh, my, it looks lovely. 24:09.000 --> 24:16.000 It is lovely. A delightful presentation starring one of America's most charming young ladies, Shirley Temple. 24:16.000 --> 24:21.000 What a nice gift to give to the Colgate-Halo audience of theater of romance. 24:21.000 --> 24:24.000 There's your theater of romance list, ladies and gentlemen. 24:24.000 --> 24:31.000 Six great stars during January, all for you from Colgate Toothpoudre and Halo Shampoo. 24:31.000 --> 24:39.000 Charles Vandes Productions of Theater of Romance come to you because of your enthusiastic recognition of Colgate Toothpoudre and Halo Shampoo. 24:39.000 --> 24:42.000 Keep a date with Theater of Romance for all the weeks to come. 24:42.000 --> 24:45.000 You'll always hear your favorite stars. 24:45.000 --> 24:53.000 This is your host, Frank Graham, saying Merry Christmas and wishing you love, happiness and romance. 24:53.000 --> 25:10.000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.