Cathy and Elliott Lewis - Candide

Kathy and Elliott Lewis on stage. Kathy Lewis Elliott Lewis, two of the most distinguished names in radio, appearing each week in their own theater, starring in a repertory of Franz Brod's stories of their own and your choosing radio's foremost players in radio's foremost plays, Ladies and Gentlemen, Elliott Lewis, good evening, May I present my wife Kathy Good Evening during this series on stage.

We haven't done a classic until tonight.

We've done a hymn Mary James' Story, a novel by Leonard Merrick east Lynne and our American cousin, but we haven't done what we've all learned to consider a.

Classic until tonight.

Until tonight, because tonight you are going to hear Candide or the Optimist by Voltaire, and that's a real, honest to goodness classic.

And to tell you the story, we have a guest.

His name is Larry thor So, first fred Steiner and then Larry thor To tell you the story of Candide.

It happened a long time ago in Germany in the castle of Baron Thunderton Frank lived. They used the dal with the most gentle character. He was honest by instinct and very simple minded, which accounted for his being named Candide.

The baron was very rich and powerful.

The baroness weighed three hundred fifty pounds, and therefore was very respective. The baron's daughter, Cunigonde, was young, well formed, and very beautiful.

It was only natural for.

Candide to fall in love with Mademoiselle Quinegonde, but because of his.

Character, he was never bold enough to tell her so.

The most intelligent person in the castle was doctor Pengloss, the tutor. Candide listened to his teachings with reverence and respect.

Everything is made for an inn, since this is the best of all possible rules.

Everything is made for the best inn. Is that claar Madmoiselle.

Kunegarm, Yes, doctor Pangloss, very clear?

Is it clear, Candy?

It's stupid of me, But not exactly, sir. We then observe, noses were made to wear.

Spects, and so we had spects.

Legs obviously leave clothing, and so we have riches. And as pigs were made to be easy, we had poured all year around. Consequently, those who say all is well talk nansense. What they should say, is all's.

For the guest? Now do you see? Yes, it's all clear now, sir, thank you.

Candide was happy and, in his innocent way, considered himself extremely fortunate.

He had a roof over his head.

He could see Mademoiselle Cunegonde every day, and he was taught by doctor Pendloss, the greatest philosopher in the province and therefore the whole world. But it was not to last. One day, Cunigond was walking in the garden.

What a lovely day. It's good to be alive.

She felt very aware, and for the first time in her life noticed the birds.

And the beads.

How lovely they are. I wonder what.

Attracts them to the flowers. It's scientific. I suppose Candide might know. I'll ask him after supper.

After supper, Cunigund found herself a long with Candide.

Candy asked, Mademoiselle Cunigon you wish to speak to me?

Yes, I will you see I you dropped your handkerchief.

You may pick it up if you like. Thank you.

You may kiss my hand if you like, Cunigond, how nice you kiss my hand just like a bird at a flower. Do it again, Cunigond, you may kiss me on the lips too.

Shuni gone, father, my lord the baron.

I was just asking Candide to question Father.

I listen to my lord. I was just please, my Lord.

I was on it.

Please come from me.

Oh, Cunigon, I am parted from you, expelled from paradise.

What will become of me?

Candy picked himself up and started blocking. He wandered aimlessly until the next morning, shivering and pennilessly came to an end. Two soldiers dressed in blue noticed him.

And ask him to have something to eat. Gentlemen, I'm honored, but I have no money to pay.

Ah, sir, persons of your merit.

Never pay anything.

Are you not? A well built young man.

Over five feet long five feet ten perfect. We'd never let a man like you be short of money. Men were made to help each other.

Yes, that is what doctor Pangloss was always telling me. I see that everything is for the best.

Of course.

Tell me do you love?

Oh? Yes, I love Mademoiselle Cunigon.

No, no, Oh, What I mean is do you love the King of the Bulgarian?

Not a bit. I've never seen him. Why, he's the most charming of kings. You must drink his health. Oh gladly, that's enough.

Bring out the leg irons.

Corporal, what what are you doing? You are now the defender, the hero of the Blue Bulgarians. You are now in the army with your fortune and gloria.

Shot attention. Huh.

The two soldiers cook can lead to a regiment. He was taught to drill, to shoot, and given thirty strokes with a stick. The next day he did better and was given only twenty strokes. On the third day, the King of the Bulgarians went to war with the King of the Abaris. Tundy couldn't quite understand how he happened to be in the middle of it, so he decided to go elsewhere.

He left the war and.

Headed for Holland, where he arrived starving and in ranks. A kind merchant, observing the plight of a fellow creature, took him in, cleaned him up.

And fed him.

Even orfered to teach him how to make.

Persian jewelry, which is made in Holland.

A month later he met a beggar covered with sores and dirt.

To that, sir, just a penny.

Here you are, my good man. Thank you sir.

Wheat, it can't be Candy.

Yes, that is my name. Don't you recognize me?

Doctor Pangloss, you, my dear master, in this horrible steak.

What's happened to you?

Tragedy, my boy, exhausting physical tragedy. In fact, your face is the first happy sight I've seen since the castle was destroyed.

The castle destroyed.

Utterly, the Bulgarians came, not a stone left standing, or even a chicken left alive.

And Mademoiselle Cunigon.

Junigone, the pearl of young ladies, that masterpiece of nature.

She's dead.

They have dispeared by one of the soldiers.

They broke the baron's head when he tried to defend her, sliced up the baroness, and skewed.

The baron's son. Cunigon dead, best of all worlds? Where are you?

They left me alone only because I have the pox.

No one will have anything to do with me.

Oh, I'm almost dead myself.

Not when we've just found each other. You must be cured, can I have? I will take you to my benefactor, a good kind merchant, and tell him everything. He cannot help, but have compassion for you as he did for me.

Such people still exist. I can't believe him. Come, I will show you.

And within the hour doctor Pandluss learned one such person did exist.

The good kind merchant paid for a cure out of his own pocket.

Doctor Pendluss explained the candied how these amazing events proved his philosophy.

If I had not had the pox, the soldiers.

Would have killed me.

I've never been digging.

On the streets where you found me, which resulted in my cure. And therefore, if one catches the pox, it can only be for the best.

Some weeks later, the merchant found it necessary to go to Lisbon on business, and took his two philosophers with him. Just as they stepped off the boat, the earth began to tremble under their feet. A tidal wave smashed all the ships, and the houses crashed in the streets.

Pangloss.

Our benefactor completely buried under that house.

And why how can it be for the best? There was not another man like him.

It can only be that he was just too good to live. He will never be tempted to do a wrong thing, so he will remain good forever. Not many of us are that fortune they come, we must search for food.

There seems to be a light over there. Hello, Hello, do you need help? Have you any food?

You're serving?

Soup and bread just thrown, But two more this way, gentlemen, We.

Thank you very kindly.

Ah smells im compliments of the city officials.

A terrible disaster.

Yes, our benefactor was killed most immediately, my sympathy. This horror can only be the work of the devil. Something must be done the survivor. They're in an ugly mood.

If they understood philosophy would be clearer than that.

All this is for the best.

Oh, doctor Pangloss is the greatest philosopher in the world, said I am his disciple. Oh, then you must be strangers to our city. You don't believe our desired. That will be evil begging.

Your Excellency's pardoned. But not in this case.

It is impossible for things not to happen.

When they do.

Therefore, all happenings must be accepted for the best.

But then you wouldn't agree that a public hanging is the only preventative for earthquakes. Public hanging, with all the frills and ceremony, of course, I don't quite see how it would serve any purpose except to take the people's minds off their own misery for a while. Precisely, especially if those who are hanged happen to be strangers, have no local importance to your.

Planning such a spectacle. Precisely when will it take place?

Almost immediately, gods, In almost no time, Candid and Pangloss were shackled together and marched outside. A procession was formed, with a few musicians at the head, and they marched off to the public squares. A gibbet had already been erected, and the waiting crowd brinted, the strangers warmer. It was all according to custom and very colorful. I can't believe this is happening. It must be a bad dream. Cage my boy, farewell, Pangloss.

It was pure providence.

The crowd panicked and ran. Candide was struck by some falling stones and terrified. Bewildered and bleeding, he crawled away, young.

Man, why, old woman? What is it? My son?

Follow me?

I'm too weak, clean on me? Why are you? Why are you so kind?

Just come along and don't speak a word. Your new suit of clothes fits quite well. I had to guess at the size.

Please tell me whose house am I in who has inspired you with so much kindness.

Now that you're presentable, you shall see.

Cuney gun, Candy.

It's impossible this time I am dreaming.

No, it is I but Pangloss assured me that you had been speared.

Yes, but a spearing is not always fatal.

It's a miracle. Tell me.

When the soldiers came to the castle, one of them found me and took me as his prisoner.

I did his shirts and cooking. Then he lost all his money and got tired of me, and I was sold to a marriage broker who.

Brought me here. How terrible for you.

One day the chief official of the city noticed me and asked for my hand. You're marriage No, since the marriage broker has gone to some expense.

To show me off, they're still bargaining. Thank heaven, Thank heaven.

But how did you find me?

The chief official invited me to the ceremony. I had an excellent seat. When I saw that you and doctor Pangloss were the strangers.

I couldn't believe it when our teacher was yes, terrible, dear sweet.

Candy, ah my heavens, it's the chief official.

Why did I fighting for your have This is what goes on behind my back is it's social, You scoundrels.

Please, Candid run stand behind.

Me, cueing a gun. So you think you're gonna fight.

Indeed you cured him, you who were always so, My dear Cunigon.

When a man is in love, jealous, and almost been hung to prevent earthquakes, there is a tendency to lose one's temper.

But he is the chief official. If the police come, we're lost.

If you don't mind my suggesting, there are three horses in the stable. We could ride to the nearest seaport and take ship for another country.

That's wonderful. We'd better hurry.

They rolled thirty miles to the nearest seaport and found a ship that was leaving for the New World. Soldiers were needed for one of the garrisons in South America, so Candide went through the Bulgarian drill for the general and was made a captain on the spot. The three went on board and the ship sailed. We are going to a new world, my Cunigon.

I look forward to it, for one might lament a little over the happenings in our own world.

I was beginning to believe Panglass lied to us when he said everything is for the best. It must be the new one that is the best of all possible worlds.

You are listening to Kathy and Elliott Lewis on stage tonight's play Cande Tonight, making radio history, CBS Radio presents a broadcast direct from the nation's capital.

President Dwight D.

Eisenhower will be heard addressing his news conference in Washington, d C. With CBS Radio's White House correspondent George Hermann introducing this historic special event. To make this presidential news conference broadcast possible, CBS Radio has canceled tonight's episode of Rogers of the Gazette starring Will Rogers Jr.

The voyage to the New World was without incident or miss o. The sea air was very invigorating, and Candide Cunigonde and the Old Woman landed in South America much refreshed.

Following the custom, they went to call on the Royal.

Governor, Don Fernando I Figueroa E Lomparda si Suza.

A man with an appreciation for the finer things in life, including women charming. Oh yes, mademoiselle, what.

Was it, Mademoiselle Cunegonde, Your Excellency.

Cunigone, Yes, indeed married.

Mademoiselle Cunegon has done me the honor of accepting my proposal, Your excellency, it would be a double honor to have you present at the wedding.

Yes, you're a captain, aren't you, young man? I have some troops outside. How would you like to inspect them?

I'd be very happy to your excellency this afternoon.

Now you go out that door there that door, yes, sir, Thank you, sir.

Mademoiselle, your excellency. For some reason, I find myself very interested.

In your welfare.

You are, sir, a woman of your charm and perfection most certainly should be married.

But not to a captain, my dear.

What you need is a man of position who can do things for you.

Yes, your excellency, but you see it, ah ah.

It is impolite to interrupt governors.

Excuse me.

Yes, Fortunately for you, I am unmarried at the present time, and for your benefit, I'm willing to marry you myself.

That's very kind of you. Could I be allowed a few.

Moments to discuss your considerations for me with the old woman who.

Came with us.

Of course, I wouldn't think of rushing you take all the time you like minutes.

Junigonde went quickly to the old woman and started to tell her of the governor's kindness.

The old woman could.

Hardly wait for her to finish.

Excellent, mademoiselle, it solves a very awkward situation of which I have just learned. We have been followed here to the.

New World, followed by the authorities. Their ship just arrived.

They are looking for the persons responsible for the death of the chief official.

For good heavens, then we must all flee. There is no need.

With the governor in love with you.

He's the most powerful man of South America.

They wouldn't dare touch you. But Candid the governor won't save him. I must run and warn him quickly.

You are fifteen minutes a almost up.

You run back to the Governor.

I will warn Captain Candide.

The old woman ran to Candid and warned him there was not a moment to lose. Candid rushed to find his manservant, who had been hired just before.

They left Europe. His name was Cacambo, and he.

Was just the man for such an occasion.

Experienced, well traveled and He loved his master because he knew Candy to be a good man. Where are you taking me? Where are we going through the back country? They are shooting bridemaster Bride. Candide had never ridden so fast in his life. They flew until the road came to an end in the jungle. The horses collapsed with fatigue, so they went on foot, living on wild fruit, wandering deeper and deeper until they came to a little river. There they built a canoe. Then they drifted, watching.

The river get wider and wider.

Finally it disappeared under an arch of towering rocks. When they saw daylight again, they were in a country surrounded by giant mountains.

It was very beautiful.

Candide and Cacambo landed at the first village where they saw some children at play. What are those children playing with those red, green and yellow stones that sparkle? So here are some the ground master, look, gold emeralds, rubies all over the place.

This country is much better than west failure. But where are we? What country can this be? There is a house, maybe there is someone who can tell us. It was one of the plainer houses.

The paneling was only gold studded with rubies, but done with taste, which are torn for the simplicity.

An old man welcomed them and began to talk.

This kingdom is the ancient country of the Incas. Since we are surrounded by impossible mountains, we know little of the outside world.

That is why we live so simply. Well, yes, that's very understandable, sir. The Spaniards have a vague knowledge of us.

They call our country El Dorado. I believe it means place of great wealth. Ridiculous, isn't This simple life is the best. That's why we are all very happy. We have no jails because there is nothing to steal, no mad people, because there is nothing to drive us crazy.

So you see, we.

Are no different than anyone else. I hope I'm not boring you.

Oh no, sir, Please go on.

When they had finished their conversation, the old man made arrangements for the two travelers to be received at court. A carriage arrived, drawn by six red sheep.

They all got in and rolled on to the capitol. The city was magnificent.

Everything was beautiful and useful, and everyone smiled. The king greeted them with hospitality beyond belief. At the end of the month, Candide had a talk with Cacambo. They sat by a pool of twenty year old.

Brandy and dropped diamonds into it. Watching the circles.

They made, Cacambo, Yes, Master, this is all very pleasant, But Cunegonde is not here.

Isn't there someone you love? There's a girl in Europe.

If we returned to our own world with only six sheep laden with these pebbles, we'd be richer than all the kings put together.

We'd have nothing to fear.

Yes, I've never thought of that, and we could easily regain Mademoiselle Cunegon.

Then let's do it. Let us go ask the old man to ask the king if.

We may go.

Sure, there were no laws against foreigners leaving, and the king agreed to give them. The sheep loaded with pebbles.

And yellow men. They could not go out the way they.

Came in, so the scientists were ordered to invent a machine to carry them over the mountains. It was a hard journey, and four sheep were lost with their heavy burdens. Even so, they still had plenty when they got to the nearest town.

There is the tom Master. We are at the end of our troubles.

And the beginning of happiness.

This is what you must do, since I am still wanted for killing the chief official in self defense. Yes, Master, you are more clever than I.

So you go to the governor. We each have five or six millions in diamonds. Offer him a million for Cunigon. If he is obstinate too, I will take ship for Venice.

There is nothing to fear there. I will wait for you to bring Cunigon. That is an excellent plan. We will part here.

I trust you, Cacambo, do not fear, master.

I will join you in Venice.

Gandid sold a few eldado pebbles and bought a ship to take him to Venice.

On the way, they were.

Attacked by pirates, and all of his treasure.

Except a handful of diamonds, was lost.

At last, he arrived in Venice and spent every day waiting at the docks. Three months went by, and one night, while Kandide was having his dinner, a man with a face of soot came up.

From behind and lean down. Get ready to come with us. Do not fail, what, Cacambo, where is Cunegonde? Take me to her.

Sh Kunegond is not here she is in Constantinople, Constantinople.

Does she still love me? How is she? She is the slave of a prince master, she works in his kitchen, and she has lost her beauty.

Beautiful or ugly. I shall always love her. But how did this happen? You had six millions? Ah, but did I not give two to the governor? And a pirate ship stripped me of the rest. These pirates old Cunegand and the old woman to the prince. And me, I am the slave of a dethroned sultan. What a chain of calamity. But I have a few diamonds left. I will buy you both. Candide paid a high rants and for kakam, and they went on board a Turkish galley.

My dear teacher. But I saw you hanged.

The rope was wet, my boy.

It wasn't a good job of hand.

I'd been through worse since I became a galley slave.

I will ransom you immediately, what fortune to find you. We are going to get Cunigund too, dear Pangloss. She's alive. After ransoming Panglas, there was just enough left to buy Cunigund, and the old woman from the face Tunigund was indeed quite huggy. In fact, Candide could hardly look.

Candy Candy, my love.

But since he was a man of honor, he married him, and they.

All settled down on a little farm, bought.

With the last diamonds.

It is natural to suppose they all lived happily ever after. But Cunigonde grew uglier every day.

The old woman was ailing and bad tempered.

Cacambo complained of being worked too hard, and Pangloss claimed he should be teaching in a universal My boy, all events are linked up for the best.

Please, Panangloss, We've got to work our fields.

Yes, but don't you realize if you had not been kicked out of the castle almost hung to prevent earthquakes, and had not traveled to the New World and found Eldorado, we would not be.

Eating candid sin Che and Pistacilis. Yes, well, haven't Julie I have learned?

We must work to make this the best of all possible worlds.

Let us grow something good in.

Our fields.

Candy starring Kathy and Elliott Lewis on stage. In a moment, mister and Missus Lewis will tell you about next week's play. The Graves family is having Grandmother for Christmas, but it's a surprise to them until tomorrow night, when Granny shows up on CBS Radio's Junior miss starring Barbara Whiting. Also tomorrow evening, over most of these same stations, there's pre Christmas buffoonery when you meet Millie. Elena Verdugo and the rest of the Millie Gang will be doing their Christmas show,

That was Richard Chandley's free translation of Voltaire's Candide or the Optimist.

Larry Thor told you the.

Story, which included sage advice from Pangloss, who was Howard mcneer.

Candide got into the army when he had.

A drink with a soldier who was Jack Khrusian.

His troubles multiplied when he met an official who was.

Ben Right, and he found his love again through the old woman who was Martha Wentworth.

Trouble reappeared when he met the governor of El Dorado, who was Edgar Barrier.

But his good right hand Cacambo stayed with him until the end and was Byron King.

We're very grateful to them all.

Next week at this time, there's a special holiday show here on CBS Radio. We'll be back two weeks from tonight.

And two weeks from tonight if being that time of the year, We're going to have rayin Noble as our guest again, and we're going to do our Happy Holidays album for you.

Until Happy Holidays. Thank you for listening, good Night, good night.

Music for tonight's story was composed and conducted by Fred Steiner. The Kathy and Elliott theme is by Ray Noble, and the program is transcribed and directed by mister Lewis George Walsh. Speaking weekday evenings, Beulah cooks up comedy on the CBS Radio network.