Screen Directors Playhouse: Lets Live a Little

The NBC Theater presents... ...the real deal assignment. Production lets Live a Little. Director Richard Wallace. Star Robert Cummings. This is the Screen Director's Guild presentation of United California Productions' Sparkly New Comedy.

Let's Live a Little. Starring Robert Cummings in his original role. And introducing the director of the film, Richard Wallace. The three main elements which go into a motion picture production are the star, the story, and the director.

Tonight's star is Robert Cummings, and the story Let's Live a Little is ready for your enjoyment. But first, here's the screen director, the man who welded star and story into a perfect unity, and the director of such memorable films as Shop-Worn Angel, The Little Minister, and Kiss and Tell.

Mr. Richard Wallace. Thank you. Thank you very much. The comedy you're about to hear is a far cry from the old days of Max Senate when I first learned his business of picture making. Our play tonight, Let's Live a Little, throws a series of gentle jabs at the advertising business, and especially our current concern with the state of our nerves.

In short, it's the kind of a story that says, brother, don't take yourself too seriously. That's why it was fun to make and fun to do again here on the NBC Theater. Now for the first time on the air, here's Let's Live a Little, starring Bob Cummings in his the original role of Duke Crawford.

Quiet and serenity all have nothing whatsoever to do with Duke who happens to be an advertising executive. Michelle Bennett, his most important client, has already changed her mind three times on the theme of his current campaign.

That is why, at the moment, if his nerves were to make a noise, they'd sound something like this. Now let's see.

Here, arrange for the Hawaiian band for the radio show, the hula dancer for the convention exhibit. Mr. Crawford. What are you doing in my office? Remember me. I'm your secretary. Oh, yes. I'll almost add him.

Yes, I'm sorry. Why don't you answer the phone? Because it isn't ringing, Mr. Crawford. Certainly it's ringing. It is. It is. It isn't. It isn't? No. Ms. Adams, why don't you go away? Why don't you just go away?

Yes, Mr. Crawford. Funny, out of sworn, I heard a telephone. Oh, well. I guess I'm just tired. Oh, that's just my imagination. Now don't pick it up, just don't pick it up. All alone by the telephone.

It isn't New Year's Eve, Mr. Crawford. I was ringing your phone. You were? I mean, what do you want? It's your fiance, Michelle Bennett. She wants to see you. My former fiance, Ms. Adams. Now throw her out.

Mr. Crawford, Ms. Bennett's a client. Please, Ms. Adams, no favor, Tiff. Tell her I'm not here. Tell her I'm... You'll keep her highly. Oh, well, Michelle. The strange thing, I'm just thinking about you. Kiss me, Dukey.

Yeah, you can see. I've got the new contract right here. I've switched all the backgrounds from Paris to Hawaii just like you wanted to. Oh, Dukey, you're not going to insist on talking business, are you?

Now look, it's your business, Michelle. If you want to sell cosmetic, you've got to sign a contract. You know, Duke, I have a feeling that once the contract is signed, I won't be seeing much of you.

Why? That's ridiculous, Michelle. I've got an idea. An idea? Now, Michelle, please don't have any more ideas. I can't stand any more change. I know, darling, and I appreciate all the nice work you've done on that Hawaiian campaign.

Michelle, don't say it, please, Michelle. But I don't want Hawaii. I want Sun Valley. Sun Valley? Sun Valley? Sun Valley? Sun Valley! Mr. Montgomery, I quit. Michelle Bennett, women. Women. I hate women. Yes, yes, I know, Duke. I've heard all about it.

Why can't I work on men's accounts? Tough, hard-boiled, straight-shooting, he-blooded man. Women. Deliver me from women. Get yourself another boy money. I can't send it anymore. Duke, even though this is a million-dollar account, I'm gonna take you off it for a while. Women. I hate...

What'd you say? Yeah, take a few weeks off. Get a good rest. And look, you might read this book while you're at it. It's called... Let's live a little. Let's live a little. That's an original idea. What's it about?

Oh, it's about your nerves, serenity of mind. It's just a thing for you. Yeah. Yeah, let's have a look at it. Ah, let's live a little by Dr. J. O. Lauren. Who's he? I'm a famous neurologist.

Say, let's live a little. You know, Marty, we might work up a swell publicity campaign on this. Oh, no, Duke, you need a rest. Rest? Rest? Nothing. Marty, this could be sensational. I can see it now.

What a slogan. Why not live a little before you die a lot? Every day and every way, let's live a little longer. Give me the phone, Chief. I want my Secretary. I want the Heather Radio Department. I want five artists.

Have you an appointment to see Dr. Lorring? No, I haven't got time for a point. Yes, I can see you're a busy man. Yes, well, what are you looking at? Your breast pocket? My breast pocket? That's just my hand kit, my hand.

It looks like a pair of socks, doesn't it? Yes, it does. Well, I'm here to talk over the publicity on Dr. Lorring's book. Let's live a little. My name is is Duke Crawford. Yes, Mr. Crawford your secretary called the doctors expecting you. Let's go right in Anybody here? Well, I guess I put on these socks

Hello counting your piggies What? Oh, no, no, no, I'm just putting on my socks. I mean... I see. You usually wait until you come downtown in the morning to put your socks on? Well, what's wrong with putting on your socks?

Perfume. It's funny. I smell perfume. Yes. And I suppose you use beauty cream, mascara, eye, shadow and pancake makeup too, huh? Not then. A woman. A man. Yes, and I'm glad to be one. Oh, you don't like women.

Definitely not. The most gorgeous, glamorous creature in the world could be right here in this room and I could throw my arms around her and kiss her. Yes, yes, kiss her. Right on the lips and absolutely nothing.

No, I just laugh at her like this. Ha ha ha ha ha. That I'd like to see. Well, you would, huh? No, Mr. Crawford. Mr. Crawford, don't... See? I mean, see? I'm laughing. But a remarkable sense of humor.

Yeah, yeah. Well, is Dr. Lauren in there? No, that always belongs to my associate doctor for you. I was the doctor for you. Oh, I thought... You're a associate? Yes. I'm Dr. Lorring. You are?

I mean, you are? That's funny. I thought I was going to see a man. Why? Does it make that much difference to you? Well, no, it's just that... Well, I found women clients extremely difficult to do business with.

With your approach, I can well imagine. Dr. Lorring, could I see you a minute, please? Of course, Richard. Mr. Crawford, this is Dr. Field. Hi. How do you do? Yes. Joe, I just wanted to make sure we were going to hear Professor Birkow's next student.

I'd be ready, it says. I don't want to interrupt you, but isn't anybody going to answer the phone? The phone. What phone? Well, the phone that's ringing. Mr. Crawford, you mustn't let yourself become excited.

Excited? Who's excited? Just answer the phone. Excuse me, Dr. I'll leave you with your own patient. Call me if he gets violent. I was your patient. It didn't ring. Give me your hand, Mr. Crawford.

Please, Dr. Lorring, you're... Your pulse, Mr. Crawford. Tommy, do you drink? Thanks, Doc. Not right now. Excuse me. What is your first name? Joel, have you read my book yet? No, I just sell them. I don't read them.

You're really sure John Oves are in terrible condition. Do you ever hear strange voices? Do you have a strange voices? Voices. Look, there's nothing wrong with me. I'm fine. You'll be hearing voices soon, Mr. Crawford. That's your next step.

Next step. Oh, look, this is ridiculous. I'm just a little unstrong business, you know. Would you like to talk about it? There's a balcony off my office and it's such a lovely day. Look up.

Isn't it beautiful out here? What do you see? Trouble? No blue sky. No, just trouble. A woman? Yeah, it's a woman. Michelle Bennett. Oh, the cosmetician? Yeah, we were sort of engaged for a while, for business reasons.

Tell me about it. Tell me all about it, Mr. Crawford. Yeah, well, you see, her company has a million dollar contract up for renewal. She keeps stringing me along about signing it. Is she very attractive?

Oh sure, she's beautiful in a financial sort of way. And she's in love with you, but you always talk business when you're together. Yeah, yeah, something like that. Have you tried doing a little more attentive, Mr. Crawford?

Attending, how? Champagne, soft lights, walls, prep-sickress. And I don't think I'd mind if the contract would fairly mention just after the walls. Have you ever been in the pink champagne room? champagne it sounds lovely Joe would you like to see it tonight tonight it would be wonderful one for Mr. Crawford I was speaking purely as a doctor oh yeah

okay well funny your prescriptions except that I I take Michelle to the pink champagne room tonight yes Michelle but Mr. Crawford yes if I yes nothing Mr. Crawford, you won't forget the walls. No, no, I won't forget it.

Well, see you later. Bye. Bye. Yeah, good afternoon to you, Dr. Field. Wouldn't you be more comfortable if you put your shoes on? Oh, shoes? Shoes? Oh, yes, thanks. You know, I'll put them on when I get back to the office.

Strange case, that croven. Richard, wouldn't it be nice if we went dancing tonight instead of going to that dry old lecture? I was under the impression of you. Someplace like the pink champagne room. Oh, Dookie. You was beautifully darling.

I love the soft lights. The violins. The soft light of your eyes and the sweet music of your smile, Michelle. You're so charming and attentive. I can't resist you when you're like this. You can't? I mean, I'm so glad you're having a nice time.

I have caused you a lot of trouble, haven't I? Trouble? Why, no, it's been fun. No, I'm sorry, darling. I'll sign the contract now if you want. Contract? What, what, what contract? Duke, why are you looking at that woman?

Woman? Oh, well, that's no woman, that's my doctor. Well, stop staring at her. And she wouldn't come with me. Come where? She's beautiful. Duke? She's lovely. She's lovely. Duke! You give, oh, oh, oh, yes.

The contract is right here, Michelle. The contract. I'll teach you about contracts. You... But Michelle, put on that champagne bucket. Don't, don't, Michelle! It should be or not to be. I hate women. Ask the phone.

Get me a doctor. Ask the phone. NBC Theater is presenting the Screen Director's Guild production of Let's Live a Little, starring Robert Cummings as Duke Crawford with Betty Lou Gerson as Dr. Joe Lorry and introducing screen director Richard Wallace. Look at the moonlight on the water. I never knew Shady Lake Lodge. It's beautiful. It'd be a lot more beautiful if you hadn't brought that

Crawford for a long. Frankly, Joe, I don't like him. He isn't just a fellow, Richard. He's a patient. His nerves need a rest. Yes, so I've noticed. Well, well, well, the doctor and the doctor. Well, be professional. Somebody ask me how I'm feeling. How are you feeling?

No, no, I don't think I'll tell you. My doctor here might take it as a breach of competence. Then I'll ask you. Are you feeling better too? I'm ready for business. I'd like to discuss your book with you for a few minutes.

Then let's all go back to the judge. Joe, I thought that you and I might take a canoe ride while we talk things over. I still think the judge will be very soothing to me, Joe, very soothing.

All right, Duke. Yeah, what were you saying now, Phil? Let's all go back to the lawn. So I loved it, but you see, I have a date. Coming, Joe. But, but, but. Joe, tell me, do you believe in all those things you've preached since we've been up here?

Naturally. About letting nothing stop me from obtaining a worthwhile objective? Duke, I... And you want me to believe it? Duke, we better go back to the show. You don't really mean that. I'm your doctor.

This is ridiculous. This is... You said you hated women. Well, that was three other guys. Dude, we can't keep this up. We can try. No, no, wait, I'm gonna don't move. You'll tip over the canoe.

I hardly think that's possible. The canoe won't paddle across dry land, Robert. You've been beached here for five minutes. Well, what do you know? I hadn't noticed it. noticed it. Oh Richard help me up. I'm driving you back to the city first thing in the morning Joe. It doesn't seem to be anything wrong with Mr. Crawford's nerve

now. Good morning money. Come on in. Are you living a little today? Well Duke, Duke, my boy. What's happened to you? I'm in love just in love that's all. Oh Michelle Bennett fair that's fine Duke. Fine. Who said anything about Michelle? Say that was a great little job you did in a loring book. Now Duke listen I want you to drop

everything get back to the Bennett account. What? You can't mean that. I do mean it. That's your assignment, Duke. Bennett. Always Michelle Bennett. I'd like to take Michelle Bennett. Yes, Miss Adam. There's a doctor field here to see you. Doctor Field? Oh yes, any men. Oh hello doctor. Sit down. What can I do for you?

Crawford, I'll be frank and brief. I've had a long talk with Dr. Lorring and I think there's something you should know. I should. It's not uncommon for a person in in your former physical state to attempt to center his emotions upon an attractive woman.

In this case, your doctor. What about it? Frequently, such a phenomenon has a beneficial result. Dr. Lorring felt it was her duty to find out if it would affect the cure in your case. What are you talking about?

In short, Mr. Crawford, in Dr. Lorring's eyes, you have been, shall we say, a guinea pig. Guinea pig? A guinea pig? I'm sure you'll realize that this is all for your old girls. guinea pig.

I'll teach her. I'll teach her who's a guinea pig. No, wait, I gotta stay calm. Miss Adams! Miss Adams! Yes, sir? Bring me a guinea pig. No, I'm killed. I will. Oh, where's that Bennett contract?

What color? What color, what? guinea pig. I am not! I want that Bennett contract and send Miss Bennett a dozen organs. Michelle. Michelle dear I'm I'm back how it's you yes it's me well I see you I see got the orchids yeah well I always think of you dear when I see a beautiful orchid

well it was quite an exciting evening we had the pink champagne room wasn't it there I mean so many things happened all at once and I'm Michelle not the No, don't hit me with a vase, not again.

Michelle! Howling, are you hurt, dearest? No. I'm getting so I kind of like it. Youky, look, I've got my fountain pen. I'll sign the contract right now. Contract? The contract? Give it to me. Right here.

There it is. All signed. Oh, let me have it. Not until after the wedding. Wedding? Oh, why not? All right. You win, Michelle. Mr. Duke Crawford, please. Duke? All right.

I just wanted to congratulate you. Why? You're coming marriage I read about it in the papers. Oh, yes, sir. Well, thanks. Is the book something all right? Yeah, fine. Fine. I suppose you're all right.

All right. Oh, he does fine. Fine. No more ringing. Oh. Well, I don't suppose there's anything else to say. No. No, I guess not. Good luck, Duke. Thanks. Thanks, Joe. Bye. Bye. Joe, I've... Joe, you look ghastly.

Well, that's funny. You look like Richard. But you sound like Duke. Oh, come now. Duke, is it you? Joel, this is Richard. You're hearing things. Richard, why don't you enter the phone? But Joel. It isn't ringing.

Oh, oh. Well, that settles it. You need a rest. Now, I'm canceling our appointment and I'm taking you up to Shady Lake. A few days there and you'll feel like a new woman. All right, Richard.

Whatever you say, Duke. Yeah? Do you cancel your publicity campaign for Dr. Lorring? Well, what's that got to do with you? I've taken Dr. Lorring to the shady lake lodge for a much-needed rest. And there's her doctor, I'm in full charge.

In full charge? What are you, Joe's husband or something? I hope some days you will become Mrs. Villar. Well, that's ridiculous. I'm coming out there to talk to Joe myself. If you show your face around here, I'll be delighted to punch your head.

And I assure you I can do it. Oh, you can, huh? We'll see about that. Okay, what's been keeping you? We're doing the ministers in half an hour. Oh, don't wait for me because I won't be there.

And go and stick your head in a jar of your vanishing grip. And take your contract with you. Oh, no, you don't. Little Michelle has plans for you. Well, here's your room, Joe. Have a good night, sleep.

Thank you, Richard. I am tired. Good night. Good night. Oh, open the window. I'm gonna shush my hair. So do bad. Joel. What? Yeah. It's me, Duke. Outside the window here. Duke. Oh, no, you're not.

You're my imagination. You're why? You're my imagination. I shouldn't even be talking to you. Oh, your pal, Phil, is out in front trying to keep your imagination from seeing you. Get your voice down. Yeah.

You're not there. You're not there. Here, wait a while. I'm the window. There. Oh, I must get control of myself. I got snow use. I still see him. Oh, so that's it. Hearing voices and saying things.

So I'm not here at all. Of course not. It's just my imagination. Mm-hmm. Well, then, if I'm just your imagination, I can't be blamed for doing this. Oh, talk about imagination. I brought him in front of your hands and...

Oh, I'm sorry, I was expecting someone else. Where are they? They? You can just... Dr. Lorring. You see the sleeve, he didn't show up. Oh, yeah, he was ten minutes ahead of me. You don't think he...

You don't know Duke. Well, if he's here, we'd better stop them before they do anything foolish. What's foolish about it? Come on. What? Joe, your nerves. Duke, you... You blew beard. Why, please, I'm very busy.

Joe, darling. Tell him to go away. Let me get my hands on that vase. Duke, where are you? I feel dizzy. Everyone looks like Duke. No, don't throw it at me. I'm not Duke. You're making mistakes.

You look like Duke. I know you're Duke. No, no, it's your nerves. He's there with Joe. Oh, oh, oh. Oh, oh, oh. Oh, my God. Oh, you're not, Duke. Why didn't you pretend to be Duke?

Why doesn't somebody answer the telephone? The telephone's ringing? Do you hear anything ringing there? No, nothing. Oh, it's funny. Every time I kiss you, it sounds like. The NBC Theater has presented the Screen Director's Guild production of Let's Live a Little, starring Robert Cummings and introduced by the director of the film, Richard Wallace.

In following weeks you will hear Robert Montgomery, Rosalind Russell and Irene Dunn. Next week the NBC Theater turns to romantic adventure to bring you Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in the exile. Now here again are tonight's star Robert Cummings and director Richard Wallace.

Dick, you're not afraid of the microphone are you? What are you so nervous about? I got a right to be nervous. I never want to go through an experience like that again. But you have no word to say since the start of the program.

That's the trouble. It makes me a nervous wreck to sit through a half hour of comedy without yelling cut. Not funny enough. Didn't catch you on fire. Let's do it again. Oh, no. I see.

So you weren't satisfied with the performance. I didn't say that. After all, you directed the film. I played the role the way you wanted it. Look, Dick, after all, we've been through so much together.

Now, how can you possibly? All right. You were wonderful. I was not. You know, I didn't play the first scene the way you told me to. Ladies and gentlemen, you are witnessing an example of why directors turn gray.

Dick, I'm only kidding. Seriously, here's my chance to do something that's been a long time coming. Express my thanks to that ingenious race of people, the screen directors. If it weren't for that guy behind the camera, the things that go on in front of the lens would be, well, they'd be pretty hopeless.

So thanks, Dick. Thanks for all your skill, all your experience, and all your understanding. Thank you, Bob. But all the thanks we want is to be able to keep right on creating films with actors as fine as yourself.

Good night folks. Good night. Good night, Dix. And good night to you Robert Cummings and Richard Wallace. Also heard on tonight's program were Betty Lou Gerson, Virginia Gregg, Tom Collins, Constance Crowder, John Tainer, Sarah Selby and Dan Ritz.

Script was by Richard Allen Simmons and original music was composed and conducted by by Henry Russell. Production was under the supervision of Howard Wiley, your announcer Frank Barton. Robert Cummings is currently being seen in The Accuives, a how well as production for Paramount. Listen again next week when the NBC theater presents Screen Director's Guild Assignment, Production's The Exile, Director Max Foote, Star Brothers

Fairbank Scinger. Don't miss an hour now of America's favorite music, old tunes and new hits over most of these stations. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.