For better things, for better living through chemistry, present the cavalcade of America, dedicated to those men and women in every walk of life who have shaped the destiny of America in the past, and to the youth of today who will shape the destiny of America in the future. Tom Paine, a man, an idea, a pen. It was that brilliant pamphleteer of 18th century America whose conception of the dignity and freedom of mankind knew no territorial boundaries, who gave a voice to a young America groping toward a realization of the ideal of freedom. With a well-known radioactive Frank Reddick in the title role, the cavalcade of America presents the story of Tom Paine. London, the year 1774. Late one afternoon at the Cheshire Cheese, two men are talking. The older, England's great 18th century poet and dramatist, Oliver Goldsmith. The younger, a man of medium height with brilliant piercing eyes, Tom Paine. You say you were visiting the Houses of Parliament this morning, Mr. Paine? Yes. I say I go as often as I can, Dr. Goldsmith. But at the same time, I find it a stimulating and aggravating experience. Yes, I know, sir. The current of ideas, the free expression of convictions. I always find it a vital evidence of freedom, evidence of freedom. It's not enough. Freedom should be made a fact. It should be lived. Any sense of the man in London today would agree with you on that score, Mr. Paine. Dr. Goldsmith, on such an elusive topic as freedom, it would be difficult to find many persons who would understand or agree that the principle of freedom could be worked out as a practical philosophy in government. But Paine, England, believes in freedom. We've had a glorious tradition of liberty. In early England in the 13th century, when the rest of Europe was sunk in wholesale despotism, we gave the world England's first great triumph over arbitrary power. Yes, I know. Magna Carta. Then, of course, there's the long struggle at Parliament against the continual exercise of ruthless power. And that struggle culminated in England's Bill of Rights in 1688. In times like these, Mr. Paine, it's reassuring to recall the contributions of England toward the liberation of mankind. It's a precious thing, liberty. It's one thing to achieve it. It's another to hold it. And thus, free men are constantly alert before they know it they've lost these rights. Liberty is a responsibility. Quite true, Mr. Paine. For even a watchword should be eternal vigilance. And there are men today diverting their efforts to that end. Dr. Framson, for example. Have you met him? Oh, yes, yes. We had some very interesting discussions along those lines. Speaking of Dr. Franklin, sir, we all know why he's in London. Yes, America. We know, as he knows, that the conception of liberty is fundamental among our peoples, and that conception must be preserved against whatever threats may be launched today. And yet, Dr. Goldsmith, how does our government answer the legitimate petitions and protests of the colonies against unreasonable taxation? And then, Mr. Paine, is the tragedy of our years. I've hardly pros and assertion that we stand for freedom and the kindred rights of the people that cause for grievance. Imagine how an Englishman like myself feels knowing Dr. Franklin and calling on him. You must remember the men in power, Mr. Paine. They're a handful, but they control Parliament regardless of popular feeling. They're not England. Who would you say is our greatest statesman today? I should say that Burke was. Edmund Burke, so should I. Yesterday, several of us were sitting right here at this very table. Garrick, Boswell, and Dr. Johnson. Edmund Burke was here, too. Now, there is a man who knows the public opinion in England. Naturally, word. The seat in Parliament. Burke does, but many do not. And Burke said, in the way a handful of officials are treating America, is absolutely deplorable and inconsistent with the majority feeling throughout England. I personally know other statesmen who feel the same way. Why can't this stony heart of treatment of the colony stop? I hope it will before it's too late. Burke and the men of his stature in Parliament regard it as a tragic affront to the idea of freedom that really unites England with America. And he's right. That is, Burke's unfailing virtue. He said we might lose America as a consequence because of the error and folly of a few myopic scapegoats in Whitehall. But that between our peoples there will be an understanding, a bond of freedom that will never be broken, come whatever challenges there might be in the future. Well, Dr. Goldsmith, the time has come. Englishmen and Americans believe in freedom. Now it's up to our generation to perpetuate it, to make it work in the world, not only for our time, but for all time. Amen to that, Mr. Payne. Another bottle of coffee. Oh, no, no, thank you, Dr. Goldsmith. It's dark already. I must be getting back to my lodgings. Good night, sir. Good night. Oh, it's you, Mr. Strumble. And who did you think it would be on a day like this? Mr. Payne, I've come for the rent, and I take cash, not punishments. Oh, I'm a man of my word. Oh, I'm a man without promise, Mr. Strumble, and with precious little cash into the bargain. Do I get my rent, Mr. Payne? Oh, you'll get your rent. Here, here's a shilling that was to feed me. Here's one that was to clothe me. Here's one I'd put aside against just such a rainy day as this. May I come in, Mr. Payne? Oh, Dr. Franklin. I find your stairs quite tall, and my breath quite short. I'm sorry, doctor. I'm sorry, too, you've come on me well. Well, you're paying your rent, I should say, from the look of your companion. What sort of joke is that, sir? No joke at all, my good mistress. It's a tribute to the virtue that's writ on your every line. Well, I have only this to say to you, sir. Good night. It's a long time since you've been to see me, Mr. Payne. I've missed your good talk and your quick mind. Oh, you're very kind, doctor, but I have observed a hungry man makes a poor guest. A hungry man platters his host or his cook. Dr. Franklin, you've been in England for some time. May I ask if you're entirely satisfied with the way things are going? No, I'm not. You see, a crisis is on the wing. Mr. Payne, what are your plans? Well, I'm planning on staying alive, Dr. Franklin, but for the life of me, I couldn't tell you how. Have you thought of using your pen? The other day, Dr. Goldsmith showed me a copy of a petition you wrote to Parliament. It would be a sinful waste if the force and clarity that went into it were allowed to go rusty through disuse. Dr. Goldsmith and I were talking about freedom this afternoon. How deeply it's needed in the world. Mr. Payne, why don't you go to America? Well, the thoughts never cross my mind. Well, it has now, Mr. Payne. We in America are seeking the kind of freedom you mean. We need a voice to crystallize that feeling. America is a new world that wants new ideas. You're needed there. Needed as much as freedom is. Mr. Payne, you'll be heard in America. Will this table do, Mr. Carvin? Yes, fine, thank you. Oh. Good day, Mr. Scarface. Good day, gentlemen. Mr. Payne, how do you like our fine Philadelphia Springs? I'm not keeping you from your work on the magazine. No, indeed. Just a little hungry for supper. Not too early, are we? Oh, you sit right down here by the window, and now I have Meg fetch it. Thank you. Meg? Meg? Yes, ma'am? Good girl, it's all about mutton and pudding for the gentlemen. Very well, ma'am. Thank you, Mrs. Oh, I see you have quite a few guests here today. Well, sure, so I'm talking about the same thing. Let's see what happens up in Boston as their own affair. The way they're talking, you think Philadelphia was right across the field from it. Well, we can't stand for unjust oppression. That's fundamental, Mr. Scarface. Well, myself, I'm most sorry that I saved my mother dear before me. I can't stand for things turned topsy-turvy. Why can't we keep on as we are? I serving you and other gentlemen at Bestdale in Philadelphia, and all of us royal subjects of his majesty. Hear that, Coleman? Yes. That's the stagecoach from New York, isn't it? Aye, comes from Boston, too. They'll be bringing news. Aye. Let's go outside and see for ourselves, girls. But you suck, my gentlemen. They just about have it ready. Now you just calm and just entertain us. Well, you keep it warm. We'll be right back. Oh, driver, have you any news? I have indeed, sir. The redcoat spy on the men in Lexington and marched to Concord. The countryside's turned out in a ruck. Why, does some fool always have to fire a musket at the wrong time? Perhaps there's still a chance of reconciliation with the guy. Oh, not now, Coleman. I thought there was once. Not after this affair at Lexington. From here on, there's no telling what will happen. But I know this. Freedom will take root in America. It's the cause of God and humanity. It's common sense. Plain common sense. Come on. Let's go back to the office. I want a ride. Mr. Payne, wait. Wait. Here's the beauty of men's supper. Take it back, Meg. I guess Mr. Payne and his friends are set. Maybe they're not hungry anymore. Well, now put him down. I'm hungry enough myself. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry. I'm not hungry enough myself. Thanks to God for simple pleasures, ain't Meg? Yes, ma'am. You always know what's best, ma'am. Excuse me, General Washington. If you are occupied. No, Lieutenant. I've just finished reading a pamphlet by compromise. reading a pamphlet by Thomas Paine of Philadelphia. Indeed, sir? Well, sir, here are the orders of the day. Oh, yes, of course. Have you by any chance seen Mr. Paine's pamphlet yet, lieutenant? Why, no, sir, I have not. What is it? It's a pamphlet called Common Sense, lieutenant. And it is plain common sense. It deserves to be read by every corporal's guard in the Continental Army. And if necessary, I'll issue an order to that effect. Yes, sir. I wish and hope every man, woman, and child from New Hampshire to Georgia will read this pamphlet. It's the best kind of common sense. The sun never shone on a cause of greater worth. Every spot of the old world is overrun with oppression. Ye that oppose tyranny, stand forth. Europe regards you as a stranger. Oh, America, receive the fugitive and prepare an asylum for mankind. Now is the sea time of Continental Union. Now is the time for faith and honor. Now is the time for freedom. Now is the time for independence. Independence, off with the yoke. Independence, we are in the days of death. Independence, in the days of death. Independence, in the days of death. Independence, in the days of death. Independence, in the days of death. So be it, Mr. Jefferson. We hold these truths to be self-evident. That all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive in the hands of the people... Mr. Jefferson! Mr. Jefferson! Yes? Oh, good day in Spain. Congratulations, Mr. Jefferson. Thank you. Well, we've bravely declared independence. Yes? Now we must make it a fact. Oh, we must. I have a carriage, sir, if you'd care to ride to your lodging. Well, well, thank you very much. I am a little tired. Then this way, sir. Good. After you, sir. Thank you. All right, Sam, go ahead. Yes, sir. You too. These people on the streets, Mr. Payne, do you think they know what independence really means? That it means responsibility as well as liberty. Oh, they will, sir. After reading your declaration, you can be proud of it. You have as good a better right to be proud yourself. Your pamphlet, Common Sense, prepared the way. It made people ready to declare their freedom. But I'm sure of one thing, Mr. Payne. What's that, Mr. Jefferson? Once given freedom, people must fight to keep it. And they must be reminded constantly of the blessings of their liberty, or it's lost. America is a young country, Mr. Jefferson. We're at the hope and courage of youth. We're the strength, and now we have the will for freedom. Despotism is a curse of mankind, and now we have the chance to destroy it for all time in the United States. The United States. That was your phrase too, Mr. Payne. We need men like you, Prince Presby. I hope you'll continue to write. Oh, that can wait, Mr. Jefferson. When the need arises, I'll write again. As you say, we must all fight to keep our liberty. Right now, we need soldiers. We've had enough talking and writing for a while. Now, there's a chance to become General Washington's adjutant. I'm going to enlist, sir. Halt. Who goes there? A friend. Advanced friend and be recognized. Thomas Payne, volunteer adjutant to General Green, and cash to General Washington's staff. Returning to duty. In this cold and on Christmas Eve, you must be daft. Nay, Sentry. Too many others are deserting already. Where'd we be if we all left? Well, mayhap we'd be warm and cozy, like them Hessian pigs cross the river in Trenton. I wouldn't trade places with them. Would you? Mayhap you're not as cold and hungry as me, Ed. We're all cold and hungry and ragged, Sentry. But if we've lost heart, we've lost all. I ain't telling you to desert, adjutant. But if you did, I wouldn't blame you any more than the others. A warm home's the best place to be on a night like this. Nor do I blame you, Sentry, for thinking you're home. But it is our very home, your home and mine, that we're fighting for. And I'd like to enjoy them as freeborn Americans. Our liberties are all right for them as believes it. With my belly empty, I ain't sure. You must believe it, Sentry. Else why do you stand here? That's what I've been asking myself. You must believe it. You shall, Sentry. Good night. God bless your Christmas. Thank you, adjutant. But I ain't saying how much more we can stand. What is that? Oh, it's you, General Washington. I saw your fire, adjutant. Thought you were writing. We might at least provide you a desk instead of a drum to write on. And out of the cold, too. Well, the drum was handy, General, and I wanted to feel the cold. I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to. I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to. I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to. The drum was handy, General, and I wanted to feel the cold, like the sentry felt it. The sentry who challenged me a little while ago. I wanted to feel it freeze the marrow of my bones and see how we can keep it from chilling his heart. If this pamphlet is like your other, adjutant, it will give our army new heart and courage, if anything can. What did this sentry say? Oh, it was cold, hungry, ragged, like all the rest. He wasn't sure just how much longer he could last. I know. What can we do, adjutant? Many times everything seems as hopeless to me as it does to them. If things continue, I'll be a general without an army. The worst of it is, sir, that the poor fellows have lost hope and liberty. Yes. I wonder if there's a victory left in them. What do you call this new pamphlet? The crisis. The crisis. We have a crisis indeed. Do you mind if I see it? No, General, although it's not quite finished. Here it is, sir. Thank you, adjutant. These are the times the tribe men fold. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country. But he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and women. Liberty's all right for them as believes it. I ain't sure how much more we can stand. These are the times the tribe men fold. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country. But he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and women. These are the times the tribe men fold. These are the times the tribe men fold. These are the times the tribe men fold. I ain't sure how much more we can stand. Journey like hell is not easily conquered. What we obtain too cheap we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only that gives everything its value. By perseverance and fortitude we have the prospect of a growing efficiency. By cowardice and submission, the sad voice of a ravaged country, a depopulated city, habitation without safety and slavery, without hope. These are the times the tribe men fold. Liberty's all right for them as believes it. I ain't sure how much more we can stand. These are the times the tribe men fold. Let it be told that the future will be, and in a depth of legend, there's nothing but hope and virtue but to buy it. A city and country alarmed at one common danger. Come forth to meet us and to repose. October 19th, 1781. The Gentleman, one more cup before we go out to the playground. To our glorious victory. To General Hamilton. To General Washington, our commander. And in eternal memory of this day here at Yorktown. A toast to General Washington. Thank you much, you don't offer yet. Thank you. May I call your attention to the music? Perhaps you in France are not acquainted with the brave old tune, The World Turned Upside Down. Well, it certainly turned our world right side up. I think we should be praying that today. We've done more than defeat my Lord Cornwallis, gentlemen. The crisis is over. We've won our cause. And now we have our freedom. Before this, we had nothing we could call our own. Now we're no longer dependent and disunited. Independent and united States of America. Well, here's the last step, sir. And here's my room. After you, Dr. Franklin. Thank you. Sit down, sir. Thank you, Tom. My breath still comes short when I think of your other staircase. Every time you climb stairs to see me, something happens, Doctor. Fair enough, Tom. In London, it meant you're coming here to the new world. And now I hear you're leaving us to go back to the old. Why? I must, Dr. Franklin. But the war is over. We've won. Why not enjoy the fruits of your labor? No. My usefulness is here is over. Now Europe needs someone to speak out against tyranny and for freedom. Tom, have you forgotten that it's not easy in Europe to speak at all? You can't stifle an idea, Dr. Franklin. The flame of liberty lighted in America will never be snuffed out. I mean in Europe. America may be a crude land, Tom, but I couldn't live happily anywhere else. Dr. Franklin, I think I would be unhappy here. Unhappy? No, Tom. Think of the freedom. Where liberty is, there is my country. Where liberty is not, there is my country. Music All his life, Tom Paine was a champion of the rights and freedom of humanity everywhere. And so he will be remembered by the world. But because it was America that gave him his first call, and because he inspired in America the will to be free, Tom Paine takes an honored place in the cavalcade of America. Music Thank you, Frank Reddick. And now the cavalcade of America's historian, Dr. Frank Monahan of Yale University. Music Next week, cavalcade presents the story of Nancy Hanks, the mother of Abraham Lincoln. I think we will all agree that Abraham Lincoln was, in the exact meaning of the word, a great man. What are the things that make men great? Is it heredity, or environment, or circumstance? Certainly the mother of Lincoln exercised a decisive influence upon him. Nancy Hanks knew the hardships of the frontier, but in the midst of scrubbing and spinning and mending, she kept her eyes lifted to the horizon and beyond. She lived close to the earth in the smell of wild, earthy things. She took certain comfort in the promise of the future. She had no formal education, and her constant advice to her son was, Abe, you go to school now and learn all you can. Although Nancy Hanks could not sign her own name, she made a significant mark in American history, because she was the inspiration of Abraham Lincoln. ["The Star-Spangled Banner"] In our story of Nancy Hanks next week, the cavalcade of America presents in a title role the well-known radio actress, Agnes Moorhead. The orchestra and original musical effect on the cavalcade of America are under the direction of Don Horace. This is Battle Ryddale saying good night and best wishes from DuPont. ["The Star-Spangled Banner"]
