Lady Esther Presents Orson Welles (CBS) The Happy Prince. 411222

Three kings kneeling, with stars in the background.

Reading from Luke chapter 2, Orson Wells presents the story of the nativity. Carolers sing as Orson shares traditional features of the holiday. Mistletoe, kisses, holly, Christmas trees, Santa, chimneys, stockings, and worm greetings of good will.

The happy prince was a statue clothed in gold leaf, and beloved by all. Why is he weeping then? A little swallow delays in migrating to take a gem stone to a poor seamstress to help her sickly boy. Other missions are requested of the little swallow, and the prince sends another gem stone. A playwright in need, a girl who sells matches, but will the bird leave the statue of the prince?

The rich make merry, the beggars go hungry, and as the statue of the prince gives himself over to help the poor, the bird has stayed too long to make his migration. What will be the reward for the sacrifice of the prince, and the bird?

To close, Orson gives credit to his cast and crew of the Mercury theater, and they return their holiday greetings. His final sentiment is in a reading of a short poem by GK Chesterton.