The Cavalcade of America presented by DuPont, maker of better things for better living through chemistry. We'd like to tell you tonight about a man named Davy Crockett, part history and part legend. He and men like him gave their lives to build this nation where once the winds were lonely and the earth silent. Some gave it a spirit. Once in a while they themselves became legends. The Cavalcade players bring you the story of one of them, Davy Crockett, in a radio play written by Peter Lyon and starring John McIntyre. Our orchestra and the original musical score are under the direction of Don Burys. DuPont, maker of better things for better living through chemistry, presents John McIntyre as Davy Crockett on the Cavalcade of America. Tucked away in a pleasant corner of space, away where time has no meaning, there's a part of the promised land reserved for Americans where all comers are allowed to wander anywhere they want, anywhere that is except on one cloud. On just this one cloud there's a sign which says, reserved, and another, keep off this cloud, and still another saying, only legends allowed here. That's the cloud where John Henry lives and Paul Bunyan and Huckleberry Finn and Pecos Bill and Daniel Boone. Not recently, Davy Crockett climbed aboard that cloud. He had a hard job though. Why shouldn't I be allowed on this cloud? I am as much a legend as most of the folks around here, more than some. Listen here, go to legend as you are, John Henry. What, you put yourself up against John Henry the natural man? Boy, you ever been sought up for firewood? I has, I'm John Henry the natural man, and when I laugh the ocean stops slapping on the shore, and the winds all say to the little waves, hush your mouth waves, cause John Henry is laughing his big laugh all the way across the world. Well, I'm as much a legend as Daniel Boone. What? Or you Johnny Appleseed. Hey, Pop. What is it, Huckleberry? If you want to stay, you gotta prove you're a legend, just like the rest of us all have done. So, start in talking, proof is what we want. That's right. That all. All right, everybody. Now just listen for yourself. When my ears for a heel tapper before I get through, you don't say Davy Crockett is a sure enough all wool ready. So here go. As the boy said when he run by himself, I'll haul off and tell you my whole life, right from when I was just a youngster. Had a pretty tough upbringing, but I reckon hunting come natural to me. My pappy was a stern man, but he was kind hearted. He taught me to find my way around all right. I was down in Tennessee, what's now Jefferson County. When I was full-grown, I started courting. Polly. Polly Fiddler, that was her name. With all the hills about there were pure gold and all belong to me. I'd give them if I could just talk to her as I want. Mr. Crockett, ain't you feeling well? You speak so little this evening. Well, Miss Polly, trouble is whenever I think of anything to say to you, my heart begins to flutter like a duck in a puddle. Oh, oh, honest? Why, why that's funny, Mr. Crockett. And then when I outdo my heart and speak, it gets right smack up my throat and chokes me like a cold potato. You seem to be talking clear like now. Well, Polly, Miss Polly, my ma was telling me that what I should say is that you're the darling object of my soul and body and that I must have your else, I shall find down to nothing and just die away. Oh, Davy, Davy, I had no idea you felt like that. Oh, if only ma'd. Your ma promised you to somebody else, did she, Polly? Well, there was some talk of it. But you prefer me, Polly? Oh, yes, Davy. Oh, listen, Polly, I'll ride by next Thursday and bring a horse and bridle and saddle for you. You be ready to go. We'll be married despite your ma. Oh, down, now, oh, down. Afternoon, Mr. Crockett. Oh, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Davy, Oh, down, now, oh, down, afternoon, Miss Henry. Afternoon, Mr. Henry. Afternoon, Davy. You appear to be all in a labyrinth. Yes, you're Polly ready? I come for her. Oh, you have then, have you? Well, you can just hit away again before I clutch your nose anyway. No, no, then dear, don't, don't do it. Oh, you have to stay out of this boo. Oh, wait a minute, no. I'll not have my girl married any good for nothing, Rolling Stone, no matter what you say. Oh, I'm afraid you're pardoned, ma'am. But Polly and I talked about it, didn't we? Yes, sir. But don't you worry about it. But Polly and I talked it over and we agreed. I don't intend even to dismount here. I'm just here to get Polly. Polly, you ready? I'm ready, Davey. What? Coming in here, look at the light. Simmer down, simmer down now, Mrs. Finley. Your daughter's not going for it. Just do the justice of the peace. Off you go, Polly. Goodbye, Davey, and then good luck. I'll be back. Well, we ain't heard much legendary yet, Davey. You take taller talking than that to get you a place on this cloud. Hold on, boy. I'm just warming up. I ain't. In fairness to your chances, Davey Crockett, you better tell us some pretty live things if you want to be a legend. Now, remember, wars again, the Indians don't count for much. Why, Dan, well, I'm just going to tell you how I met the Creek Indians in 23. Skip it. All right, Dan. I'll just say that after it was all over, we made some peace treaties and settled down for quite a bell. Seemed like we're in first season of happiness. Always that way, just before something fierce happens to you. Polly, my Polly was took sick and died. I was left with three children, two sons and the youngest daughter, just a baby. After about a year, I come to the conclusion I'd have to have another wife. There was a widower lady living in the neighborhood. I'd begun to pay my respects to her in earnest. But I was a sly about it as a fox when he's robbing a hen. Morning, Colonel Crockett. Morning. Where's the pattern? Buddy couldn't ask for better weather. Well, I reckon not. Well, how's everything coming along over your way? Oh, pretty good. All things considered. Must be quite a chore, a lone woman like you, raising two children all by yourself and all. Oh, I manage all right. Not proving too much for you? No. Oh, and you manage your farming and all, and all by yourself. Yeah? Good little farm, too, don't you think? Yeah. Not bad. Heard you had your trouble. Sorry about your wife, Colonel. Yeah. Find yourself lonely, do you? Why, no. Not at all. Oh? Well, a little, maybe. I thought maybe. Matter of fact, Mrs. Patton, I'm thinking about getting married again, maybe. Do tell. Well, say, you must invite me to the do-ing, swan, as an eff. Oh, I meant to. Well, what I was thinking of was, listen, Mrs. Patton, we've always been good friends, ain't we? Oh? Yeah, so I thought, well, you're a lone widow and me a widower, so I thought. This proposal, Colonel? That's what I had on my mind, yeah. Well, seems like a likely idea to me. Good for you, ma'am. I'll write for the justice right away. David, seem like all you're telling us is that you had two wives. You got to do more than that to qualify as a legend. Don't worry, John Henry, I will. Well, to resume, good arrangement that was. Turned out, couldn't have been better for either party. We didn't stay where we was, of course. Too many traitors kept moving in and settling where we were. We went to Shoal Creek, about 80 mile west. For many bad characters begun to rock in on us, we had to set up some sort of government. They made me one of the magistrates. All went very well until the government made us part of Giles County. And we had to get more formal. Had to write out our warrants and everything. David, now that you've been appointed magistrate by the assembly, there's a law. You've got to draw up the warrants in writing. Sign them, you know, to make it proper. Warrants on a piece of paper? Yeah, that's what I was told, David. You're supposed to keep a book and write down all the court proceedings in it. But listen, Jim, you know I can't write my own name. Yeah, that's why I might worry, David. Fellas in the assembly might want to see your book. Well, if that ain't a huckleberry over my persimmon. I ain't never had a decision of mine reversed yet. Why should I have to write it down? Yeah, that's the law, David. Jim, can you write any? I can write some, David. Could you write my name, maybe, or teach me the way? Reckon I could teach you? Well, I'll tell you what. If there's any trouble, don't you bother looking me up to sign any warrants. You just make one out and go ahead and sign it. Then, well, if there's any mistakes, I can fix them up during the trial. But, David, can you read? How will you know if I make mistakes? Huh? Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Jim. Well, we've done all right, even if I did have to learn to write my name. My judgments were never appealed from, because I relied on natural born sense and not on law. Never read a page in a law book in all my life. Any case from being magistrate, they got to talking about my being in the state's legislature. After I'd served a couple of terms there, they began booming me for the Senate of the United States. So you think being in Congress makes you a legend, huh? Huck Finn, you listen to how I got there. You ever hear a voice like this? Sure, it's a guinea hen. Okay. Now, you listen to how them hens got me elected. Yeah? I run against two other powers. They thought my being a candidate was a mere matter of sport. Didn't think for a moment that they was in any danger from a backwood to by-hunter. I recollect a political meeting. My first, Colonel Alexander spoke first. My friends, good neighbors of the fair state of Tennessee, I'm not paused to take up your time for more than a reference to my only true competitor, General Arnold, our state's attorney general. No other man, for all intents and purposes, can consider himself a candidate of any importance. Yeah! Now, let us consider the case of General Arnold. Good soldier, better lawyer. But don't the voters of this fair state feel it'd be more advisable to keep him as a lawyer? Yeah! Thank you. Thank you, fellow citizens of the great state of Tennessee. And I wish to thank my esteemed rival for Congress, Colonel Alexander. I may say my only rival, for there can be no doubt... Eh? There can be no doubt in your... Ha ha ha! What the deuce is that infernal noise? Sounds like a Guinea hen, General! You don't appear to like your speech making, General! You over here, drive him away, will you? Excuse me, General. Yes, what is it? Maybe I should introduce myself. Since you and Alexander act like you don't know I'm running for Congress against them. Ha ha ha! I'm David Crockett, General. And Guinea hens love to listen to my speech making. Well... Ha ha ha! What's saying, old General, you're the first man I ever seen that understood the language of power. Ha ha ha! When you didn't have the politeness to mention my name and your speech, my little friends, the Guinea hens all started in the call. Ha ha ha! What they're saying is Crockett, Crockett, Crockett! Ha ha ha! I'm going to drive my little friend away! You give us a speech, Stevie! Ha ha ha! Who is that down there? You bet your boots, Stevie! Well, I'll tell you, Lamb, I'm like the fella beating on an empty barrel of cider. I ain't had none either. I had a speech in me a while back, but I don't know if it's still there, and anyway if it is still there, I don't think I can get it out. Well, I'm driving the powder on. Take your time. We all want to whistle a little. Yeah! Don't let the Dan Crockett over there! Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha! Well, boys, them sort of tactics and little common friends, well, I beat my competitors 2748 boats. Quite a landslide, all the folks said. So I went to Washington. Ever go to Washington City, Huckman? Of course not! No legends ever goes to Washington? No, Washington's no place for us. Well, it's a funny place. Folks stared at me like they'd never seen a barren-skinned calf before in their eyes. Boys, I fit the political machine the whole time I was there. But they ganged up on me when I got back home, beat me 232 votes, contrary to all expectations. My wife, Sarah, met me when I come home that day in late fall. Hat fits you better, Davey. Why? Why wouldn't it? Understand you lost the election. They ganged up on me, Sary. And I say if they get satisfaction out of winning with them kind of tactics, why then, they're very welcome to be in Congress. Yeah, you let them know, Davey. I told them, Sary, I told the senators what I thought of them while I was there, anyway. Got right up on my feet and let it go. Yeah, I said, just hear it, just to clear. Mr. Speaker, I said, Mr. Speaker, I've just got a few words to get off my chest. Davey, Davey, you ain't in Washington City now, Davey. Only living things around here that has the time to listen to your speech of fine as those chickens over yonder. Chickens? Yeah, those chickens. You want to tell anybody what you told the senators, you mosey on over and just tell them chickens. Don't bother me. And don't frighten the young of us. Well, it was a hard blow losing that election. You don't, don't figure that makes you a legend now, do it? Oh, Daniel Boone, that's what I'm going to tell you now. Because it was at this time I figured I'd cut and quit the states, head down, help the Texans get their independence. Said goodbye to my wife and the children. They'd almost grown big enough to take care of themselves by then. And headed west. Reached San Antonio in December 1835. Went right up to the commander. Oh, yes sir. What can I do for you? Name's Colonel Crockett sir. Davy Crockett, come to offer my services. Davy Crockett? Well, I'm Colonel Jim Boy. Glad you're with us, we'll need you. Any adventure in the wind? Colonel, we've had news. They're marching on us from Monterey with 5,000 men. We're only 150. But we have a good stout mission for a fort, the Alamo. Count me in, Colonel Boy. Do whatever I can. Morning of February 23rd, we held a little council of war. The enemy was on the outskirts of the town. So we decided we better hightail back into the fort. Around noon, they marched into the town, the red flag in front. Showed they didn't intend to give any quarter. Well, neither did we. That afternoon a messenger come to parley with Colonel Travis in command of the Alamo. You are in command here? I am. Speak up quick. We don't like your kind around here. My general has instructed me to demand complete and unconditional surrender. And to say that if you refuse, every man will be put to the sword. He demands your immediate answer. Gunner. Yes, sir. Fire your cannon. Yes, sir. Fire your cannon. Fire your cannon. That's your answer. Now get them. Get fast. Music All right, men. It's midnight now, the ninth day we've been holding them off. This Alamo church here is as good a place as any to tell you that in a few days, perhaps within a few hours, we must be in eternity. But I ask you to do all in your power to withstand the assault of the enemy. I ask you to fight for liberty. We shall fight them when they storm the fort. Fight them when they scale those walls out there. Fight them until our arms are powerless to lift our swords in defense of ourselves, our comrades in our country. Men, I draw this line across the floor with my sword. Those of you who want to escape, better take your chance now. Those who want to remain and fight that fight, step across this line to my side. Out of my way, boys. I'm going over. We're with you, Davy. Come on. Last one across loads the muskets tonight. You're brave men, all of you. Colonel Crockett, I ask you to take charge of these men. Take them back to their posts. The enemy will attack at daylight. Let them come. Let them come. Let them come. Let them come. There are only a couple of muskets, Ben. Yes, sir. Hey, Colonel, don't you think they're getting a wee mite too close? Makes it easier, eh? Watch. Golly, Colonel, two shots and two dead. Ah, it's just a fire I've raised. But who said? Tell me, Lee. You see a crowd riding up over there? Ah, it's a band they're bringing up from the left. For the victory march, I guess. Victory march? What do you mean? That's Bowie's field. Why don't these men shoot them all? Colonel Crockett, sir. Well? Colonel Bowie and his men are all dead, sir. You and five of us are all that's still alive in the Alamo. Oh. Ben, load me some guns. Yes, sir. So they're bringing up a band, eh? I think it's all over. What tune do you suppose they're serenading with? We can guess, Colonel. Probably de Guelio. It means no mercy. Well, boys, that's just what they'll get from the six of us, eh? No mercy. I'd rather give them a little tune myself. Come tyrants, shake your iron rods and slavery plank her gallant chains. We fear you not. We trust in God and freedom right... Colonel Crockett, sir. What? My boys? They got me. That rascal. I'll aim on it. Well, boys, that's my story. Plugs bang in the middle of the saw. And that was the end of the Alamo. But the beginning of independence in Texas. Well, does that get me a place on this cloud? Pretty fair tale, Davy. What do you say, John Henry? Does Davy Crockett get a place on this cloud reserved for us legends? Right smart story. And you excuse me, Colonel Crockett. Speak up, Danilbo. Now, these things all has got to be conducted with respect for proprieties. Anybody making a motion relative to Colonel Crockett, Jeff? I move he be allowed to become a legend. You're a minor, Hawk. You've got no vote. I'll make the motion, Colonel Boone. I second it, Danil. Who's that? Paul Butcher. Moved and seconded Davy Crockett be allowed to become a legend. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? None. Davy, we make you welcome to the cloud reserved for American legends. Davy Crockett. They voted him in and rightfully he belongs to the immortals. But there's another part of him, something in Davy Crockett's gallant spirit, that has never left America. That's why we know he also belongs to us. The Last Post To John McIntyre and the Cavalcade players, our thanks for their performance of the story of Davy Crockett on the Cavalcade of America. And now DuPont brings you news of chemistry at work in our world. Potters and glassmakers used to hand down their secrets from father to son. It was a spirit that produced beautiful pieces now and then, but it discouraged new ventures and held back general knowledge. And out of many pieces that went into the kiln, only a few came out with real beauty of form and color. Because so little was known of the science of heat control, and still less was known of chemistry. Today, exact chemical science gives us beautiful vanadium yellows, uranium oranges, and molybdenum whites that were unknown to potters and glassmakers yesterday. The ceramic color plant of the DuPont company at Firth Amboy can match thousands of colors. You may have wondered how color is put on a glass water tumbler. Glass colors have two things in them, pigment to give the color and flux to give the finish. The flux is clear glass. It's melted in a high-temperature furnace and dropped hissing into cold water, where it shatters into the proverbial million pieces. These pieces are dried and put into a mill in which thousands of small porcelain balls tumble around and around. They grind the flux to a fine powder and at the same time pound the pigment color into it. It takes from eight hours to three days to grind it fine enough. What comes out is an enamel, you might say, made with fine ground glass. Suppose a factory wants to make a glass water tumbler with a purple stripe around it. The stripe is painted on by hand or machine, and when the tumbler is fired in a kiln, the stripe actually melts into it and becomes part of it. It's a delicate operation. A few degrees too much heat and the tumbler will melt. Or if the purple stripe contracts more rapidly than the tumbler, it'll tighten like an iron band around an egg and crack it. With the new ceramic colors made by DuPont, beauty is not a matter of price. On the one hand, we have craftsmen of 20, 30, and 40 years' experience turning out the finest American china, as fine as any made in the world. And on the other hand, we turn out pottery under mass production in America so cheaply that you can step into a store near your home and buy a cup and saucer for a dime. Yet both the finest china and the most inexpensive pottery make use of DuPont ceramic colors. There aren't any grade A or grade B colors. They're simply the best ones chemistry knows how to make. Another good thing about scientifically made ceramic colors is that they don't vary. When you bought open stock dinnerware a few years ago, you could never be sure of matching the color when you replaced a broken cup. Nowadays, a red is always the same red. A green is always the same green. Colorful glass, china, and pottery within everyone's reach are something else we owe largely to the chemist, bringing us, in the words of the DuPont pledge, better things for better living through chemistry. And now the star of next week's program, Carl Swenson of the Cavalcade Players. Most people know Johns Hopkins as the name of a great medical center and university, but very few know about the man who founded it. Behind the life of Johns Hopkins was a deep and secret sorrow, and it made him wise, compassionate, and generous. One of the great humanitarians who served America medical science and the world. And we hope that you'll listen to his story on next week's Cavalcade of America. On the Cavalcade of America, your announcer is Clayton Collier, sending best wishes from DuPont. This is the National Broadcasting Company.
