What happens
Bishop Thomas Armstrong sits by the fire on Christmas Eve in New York as his grandson Gerald announces plans to marry Lucille Anderson, an actress. The old bishop recalls his own youth, when, as rector of St. Giles, he met the famous Italian opera singer Rita Cavallini at a party in 1888. Their friendship grows as they plan a charity concert together, while Tom's friend Susan watches with concern and Cornelius Ventile hopes Susan and Tom will marry. Lux Radio Theatre presents this adaptation of Edward Sheldon's play Romance, with Herbert Marshall and Madeleine Carroll starring, broadcast on February 21, 1938, and produced by Cecil B. DeMille.
Washington Square, New York, Christmas Eve, and New York in 1888
Characters: Bishop Thomas Armstrong, Gerald, Rita Cavallini, Tom Armstrong, Cornelius Ventile, Susan, Joseph
Listen for: The bishop's recollection of his romance with Rita Cavallini and the choice facing Tom Armstrong
Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.