Hallmark Cards. When you clean up to send the very best. Presents Julie Harris, Boris Karloff, Eli Wallach, and special guest star Basil Rathbone. In Jean Anouilh's The Lark. Also starring Denham Elliott and Jack Warden. Produced and directed by George Schaefer on the Hallmark Hall of Fame. Hallmark Cards presents this program as part of a series of fine plays to bring you the respected writings of the world's most famous authors. Performed by some of the outstanding people of the theater. Hallmark hopes you will enjoy these classics brought to you in the truest form possible on television. You wouldn't run across a pair like this just anywhere. Their recent arrivals on the American scene to set off the sophisticate and to delight the droll. They're two of the fascinating characters who inhabit the smart modern new world of Hallmark Contemporary Cards. The cards with a delightful new sense of humor for any occasion. For a birthday for instance, send this little man to tip his hat. Or this contemporary card carries greetings from one fair lady to another. Happy birthday. You'll find Hallmark Contemporary Cards too, like this cheerful get well card that says, cheer up, it could have been bubonic plague. Or this modest anniversary proclamation, you've got something no other woman has, me. For the not so special occasion too, there are smart Hallmark Contemporary Cards like this one for the delinquent letter writer. Sorry I haven't written, but I've been swamped. Or this one which simply says, before I met you I was a lonely social outcast, now I'm no longer lonely. While this excited animated character carries your wishes for a happy Monday. You'll find these contemporary cards say what you want to say with a fresh new sense of humor. And if you want to say it with beauty, you'll always find Hallmark Cards of unusual beauty and distinction. Like this happy birthday card. This charming card for a new baby. Or this lovely wedding bell card. Whichever card you choose, they all bear the added compliment on the back. The Hallmark and crown, the symbol you look for when you care enough to send the very best. In the city of Paris, in the Place Saint-Augustin, there is a statue of a soldier in full armor, seated astride a fine horse, sword raised, head high. Nothing very remarkable perhaps, except that the face beneath the helmet's visor is the gentle, serious face of a young girl. A memory which sometimes induces passersby to consult the words engraved on a tablet at the statue's base. Joan of Arc, 1412-1431. At the age of 17 years, undertook to drive the enemy out of France. She raised the siege of Orleans, crushed the English army at Patey, escorted Charles VII to Reims, and saw him anointed king. Wounded, attempting to deliver Paris, she was captured before Compiègne and burned alive by the English at Rouen. She was 19 years old. Joan of Arc, 1421-1431. Are we all here? Good. Then let the trial begin at once. The sooner the judgment and the burning, the better for all of us. No, sire. The whole story must be played. Your Amy, the Boise, she knows. I'm not here to watch that children's story of the warrior virgin dressed in white armor, white standards, streaming in the wind. If they have time to waste, they can make the statues that way in days to come. Let us worry only about this minute of time. I'm Beecham, Earl of Warwick. I have a dirty witch girl tucked away on a litter of straw on the depths of a prison here in Rouen. Technically, she's a military prisoner, but for reasons of policy, His Merit's government will allow her to be tried by an ecclesiastic tribunal. Her offense is a military, but her judgments must be religious. And here she is, the maid. The famous Joan, the maid. Yes, well, obviously we paid too much for her, so put her on trial and burn her and be finished. No, sire. She must play out her whole life first. It's a short life. It won't take very long. If you insist. Englishmen obviously have a long life. It won't take very long. If you insist. Englishmen are patients. And for the purposes of this trial, I am all English. Joan, you may begin. Can I begin any place I want to? Yes. I'll start at the beginning. It's always nicer at the beginning. I'll begin with my father's house when I was small. I was never happy enough with my mother, my brothers, my father. I'm in the meadow now watching my sheep. I'm not thinking of anything. Then suddenly, something touches my shoulder. I know very well that no one is behind me. I turn. And there is a great blinding light. The voice was grave and sweet, and I was frightened. It just said, be a good girl and go off into church. That's all. Then came the second time. It was the moon, Angelus. A light came over the sun and was stronger than the sun. And I saw him, an angel, in a beautiful clean robe with two great white wings. He didn't tell me his name that day, but later I found out he was Monseigneur the Blessed St. Michael. We know all this. Is it necessary to let her go over that nonsense again? It is necessary, sire. Blessed St. Michael, excuse me, but you are in the wrong village. I can't save France. I don't even know how to ride a horse. I could never send men to their death. Blessed St. Michael, forgive me, but I must go home now. Have pity on me. Have pity, Messiah. Well, he didn't. And that day I was saddled with France and my work on the farm. What's she up to? She's in the field, dreaming under the lady tree. She looks as if she's waiting for something. It isn't the first time. Why didn't you tell me? She's waiting for someone, not something. She has a lover. Joan is as clean as a baby. I'll find her. If she's with someone, I'll beat her. I was with someone, and he was very worried that day. St. Michael said the kingdom of France was in great misery, and that God said that I should wait no longer. Why didn't you make the sign of the cross? I did, and so did he. Why didn't you cry out, Varda retro Satanis? I don't know any Latin, Messiah. Don't be a fool. The devil understands French. You could have said, go away, you filthy devil. I don't talk like that to the blessed St. Michael, Messiah. He couldn't have been the devil. He was beautiful. The devil is beautiful. Messiah! In real life, the devil waits for a soft, sweet summer night, and he comes on a gentle wind in the form of a beautiful girl without a stitch of clothes. Canon! Pray let us not get mixed up with our private devils. Continue, Joan. Then another time, it was St. Marguerite and St. Catherine who came to me, and they too were beautiful. Were they naked? Messiah, do you think our Lord can afford to buy clothing for a saint? You make us all smile with your questions, Messiah, but you forget who you are and who we are. We are your priests, your masters, and your judges. Beware of your pride, Joan. I know I'm proud, but I am a daughter of God. If he did not want me to be proud, why did he send me a saint so dressed in light? Why did he promise me that I should wear a suit of beautiful white armor, the gift of my king, and a sword, and that I should lead brave soldiers into battle while riding a fine white horse? If he had left me alone, I would never have become proud. Take care of your words, Joan. You are accusing our Lord. God forbid. I say only that his will be done. Even if it means making me proud and then damning me for it, that too is his right. What are you saying? Could God wish to damn a human soul? How can you listen to without shuddering, Messiah? I see here the germ of a frightful heresy that can tear the church. Messiah. Joan, listen well to what I must ask you. At this moment, do you believe that you are in a state of grace? Messiah, that is a fearful question for a simple girl who sincerely believes that God has chosen her. Do not hold her answer against her. She is in great danger and she is confused. Silence. At this moment, are you in a state of grace? At which moment is that, Messiah? Everything is so mixed up. I no longer know where I am. Are you in a state of grace? If I am not, God will put me there. If I am, God will keep me there. Well said, Joan. And the devil would have the same clever answer. Messiah, I have no doubt these questions are very interesting to you gentlemen of the church. However, the object of his majesty's government is to tell the whole Christian world that the coronation of the idiot child was managed by a heretic, a sorceress, a camp follower. Whatever the girl is or has been, she will now be stripped and degraded. Messiah, I remind you again that this is a court of the church. We are met here only to judge the charge of heresy. My dear bishop, I understand that. But the fine points of ecclesiastic judgment might be a little too distinguished for my soldiers and indeed for his majesty's government. Personally, I'm coming to like the girl. I admire the way she stands up to all of you. And she rides beautifully. I've seen her. It's rare to find a woman who rides that way. I should like to have known her in other circumstances, in happier times. But come, let's get on with her story. She'll be forgotten soon enough. Where were we? The moment when her father finds her under the lady tree. What are you doing? You are crying out for someone. Who was it? Who was it? Answer me! Answer me or I'll beat you to salt, mad! I was talking to the blessed Saint Michael. I'll teach you to lie to your father. No. I swear to you before God I'm telling the truth. It's been happening for a long time, for three years now. And always at the noon or evening in Angerus. The saints appear to me. They speak to me. They tell me Francis is at the last moment of danger. My voices tell me I can save her. You? What's the matter with you? I must go to the side of Bortrecourt and ask him to give me an armed escort to the Dauphin Chino. I'll talk to the Dauphin and make him fight. I'll take the army to Orléans, then we'll push the English into the sea. Do you think I raised you, sacrificed everything for you to have you run off to live with soldiers? I'll kill you first! Father! Father, stop! Stop him! Stop him! He's hurting her! We cannot rob a lad from you. We do not know, Joe. You forget we first meet her at the trial. We can only play our roles, good or bad, just as they were. And we will hurt her far more than he does, you know that. Ugly, isn't it, this family scene? There's no rat! You want to save France? Joe, Joe. He hurt you badly. Mother, somebody must understand. I can't do it alone. Joan, your father's a good and honest man, but... Joan, I've saved a little of the house money. If you'd like it, I'll buy you a broidered kerchief at the very next sale. I don't need a kerchief. I won't ever be pretty, Mama. Who is it, Joan? Is he from our village? I don't want to marry, Mama. That's not it. Then, blessed St. Michael says that I must put on man's clothes. He says that I must save France. I forbid you to talk like that. A man's clothes. But I'll have to if I'm to ride horse with my soldiers. Your soldiers? Oh, you bad girl. I'd rather see you dead first. Now I'm talking like your father, running after soldiers. Oh, you'll kill me. No, Mama, no. No, Senor St. Michael. It cannot be done. Nobody will ever understand. Then St. Michael's voice grew soft, the way it does when he's angry. And he said that I must take the first step. He said if a mountain should rise ahead of me, it would only be because God was busy and trusted me to climb the mountain. Even if I tore my hands and broke my legs, and my face might run with blood. All right, I'll go. And so I walked a long way west, then south, then to the west again, and east. I was on my way to the first group I had to deal with. And I had plenty of them to deal with. I'll go now! What's the matter with you, young woman? You've been carrying on like a bad girl, standing outside the door, ragging at my sentries for three days. I want a horse. I want the dress of a man in an armed escort to Chinon to see the dopa. Of course. And I'll also keep you in the place of the dopa. Of course. And I'll also keep you in the place that will do you the most good. All right. If I can have my horse afterwards. That's a new idea. A horse. Do you know who I am? What I usually want? Did the village girls tell you? I have been sent by the blessed Saint Michael. Don't mix the saints up in this kind of thing. That talk was good enough to get you past my sentries, but it's not good enough to get you a horse. A horse costs more than a woman. You're a country girl. You should know that. I want more than a horse, sir. You're greedy. But I like that something. I say a good thing should cost a lot. It pleases me in a girl. Do you understand what I mean? No, sir. That's good. I don't like clear thinking women. Do you understand what I mean? No, sir. Well, I don't like idiots either. What is it you're up to? What else besides a horse? Just as I said, an armed escort as far as Chinon. Now stop that kind of talk. I'm the master here. I can have you sent back to where you came from with no better present than the lashes of a whip. Why do you want to go to Chinon? To find Monseigneur the Dauphin. Well, you are on a high road. Why? I want an army, messiah. An army to march on Ordio. But don't throw some cold water on this girl and send her back to her father. But don't beat her. Now it's bad luck to beat a mad woman. You won't beat me. You're a kind man, messiah, and you're very intelligent, which is sometimes even better than being kind. But when a man is intelligent and kind, then that's the very best combination on God's fine earth. Yes. You're a strange girl. You want a little wine? Why? Why do you think I'm intelligent? Well, it shows in your face. You're handsome, messiah. Well, 20 years ago I wouldn't have said no. Of course, I've tried not to get old too fast. There are men who get better looking with age. I should like to know what connection you see between beauty and intelligence. Now, usually people say that handsome men are stupid. Hunchbacks talk that way and people with long noses. God has the power to create a perfect man. Sometimes he uses his power. You can look at it that way, of course. You take me, for example. I'm not ugly, but sometimes I wonder if I'm intelligent. No, no, don't protest. I tell you, there are times I have problems that just seem too much for me. They ask me to decide something, a tactical or an administrative point. And all of a sudden my head, it acts like it's gone someplace else. I can't even understand the words that people are saying. But I never short. I roar out an order no matter what happens. That's the main thing in an army, make a decision. Good or bad, just make it. Things will turn out almost the same anyway. My people, they think I'm a great man. But they've never known anybody else. Like every other man, I wanted to be brilliant and remarkable. But I end up hanging a few poor fools who deserted from a broken army. I wanted to shake a nation. Now, why am I telling you all this? You can't help me and you're crazy. They told me you would speak this way. They told you? Now listen to me, nice, good Robert. You will be brilliant and remarkable. You will shake a nation because I will do it for you. Your name will go far outside this village. What are you talking about? Now, Robert, you don't think anymore about my being a girl. That just confuses everything now. You'll find plenty of girls who are prettier and will give more pleasure and will not ask as much. You don't want me. Oh, I don't know. You've got a pleasant face. The weather's nice. And... No, I don't want you anymore than that. Good. Now that we've got that out of the way, let's pretend that you've given me the clothes of a boy. And that we're sitting here, but like two comrades talking good sense. All right. Yeah? Have a little wine. Kind, sweet Robert. Great things are about to begin for you. No, no, listen. You know the English are everywhere. Our army, our good army of brave boys is tired and sick. They believe that the English will always be strong and that there's no sense to it anymore. And when an army thinks that way, the end is near. But I'll put a stop to that. You'll put a stop to it. Our best soldiers are like angry bulls. They always want to attack. To act fine for the history books. They don't know how to use their cannon and they get people killed for nothing. That's what they did at Agincourt. When it comes to dying, they're all ready to volunteer. But what good is it to die? You must be smart to win a war. You must think and be smart. I've always said it. I've always said it. No one thinks anymore. I used to be a thinker. Nobody paid any attention. They will. They will because you've just had an idea that will probably save all of us. I've had an idea. Well, you're about to have it. Nobody can get in its way now. You are the only man in France who at this minute can see the future. What is it I see? You know your soldiers. You know they will leave you soon. You know that to keep them, you must give them faith. You've nothing else to give them now. Too late. A girl comes before you. A farm girl who says that God is on her side. The girl came a long, hard way and she got as far as you and she has convinced you. Yes, I have. Why have I convinced so intelligent a man? Because I tell the truth. It takes a smart head to know the truth. Where is this idea you said I had? Coming, coming. You are saying to yourself, if she has convinced me, why shouldn't she convince the Dauphin? And do you know why? The archbishop, as for my soldiers, she will say to them, English heads are just like all others. You hit them hard enough and at the right time. And you march over them to Orleans. But how can we... But you must move fast. At this minute you are saying to yourself, if the troops will believe that this girl has come from God, what difference does it make whether she has or not? I will send her to Porsche tomorrow with the courier. Ah, the courier does leave tomorrow with a secret packet. How did you know that? Give me six good soldiers and a fine white horse. I want a white horse, please. I will do the rest. But give me a quiet horse because I don't know how to ride. You'll break your neck. I'll have to bless Saint Michael to keep me in the saddle. I'll make you a bet, Robert. I'll bet you a man's dress that if you have two horses brought now and we both ride you to Gallop, I won't fall off. If I stay on, then will you believe in me? All right? All this thinking makes a man weary. I had other plans for this afternoon. About any kind of exercise is good, I guess. Come on. He made that idiot believe that he wasn't an idiot. It was a man-woman scene, a little coarse for my taste. Coarse for your taste? The trick of making him believe what she put into his head is exactly what I do in my trade and what you do in yours. In any case, you'll have to do better than that with Charles. To the little palace that she know, then. I can't say I respect your foolish little dolphin, but I always find him amusing. Very hard. Everything is hard for you, dear. It's a new dance, very fashionable. Influenced by the Orient, they say. Come, we'll teach you. I won't be going to the ball. Well, we'll be going. We must dance better than anybody else and look better than anybody else. And I'm not going in this old thing. Have a little pride. A mistress must be better dressed than anyone, you know that. And so much wiser. I mean, better dressed than otherwise. The Queen of France in last year's headdress. What do you think they'll say, Charles? They will say, that poor little queen is married to a king who hasn't a sue. They'll be wrong. I have a sue. I've been hoarding it. I can hear them all the way to London. The Duchess of Bedford and the Duchess of Gloucester. We set the styles and the English send spies to steal the latest models. Fortunately, they're so ugly that nothing looks very well. With cows to feed and pigs for hands. We want new headdresses. Are you the king of France or are you not? No, I'm not. Oh, Charles. One has to have a little pleasure in life. And Mama and the Archbishop and Lord Tremwee and all wise people tell us that the end is here anyway. And this will be the last date ball. How much do they cost? Well, I flirted with the man in a nice way. He's going to let us have them for 6,000 francs. Six? Where would I get 6,000 francs, you little fool? 12,000 francs, Charles. I'm here. That's enough to pay Dunois' army the six months' wages I owe them. You're dreaming, my little kittens. My dear mother-in-law, please talk to these children. Leave me out of it. I feel ill. And if I feel ill, it will certainly be for a whole week. You'll be very bored without me. Sign a treasury bond. Treasury's empty. You know it. Well, we'll worry about that later. Yes? Come, my little majesty. The pink one for you. The green for me. We'll make fools of those London ladies, you'll see. It'll be a great victory for France. It'll be a great victory for France. She talks like an army captain. I'm sick of such talk. France will be victorious, and you will be a great king. I'm a poor frightened nothing with a lost kingdom and a broken army. When will they understand that? I understand it, Charles. Do you? You've never said that to me before. I say it now because I want you to see this girl. For three days now I've had her brought here waiting for you. I'm ridiculous enough without playing games with village mystics. Really, mother. There's something strange about this girl. Something remarkable. Or so everybody thinks, and that's what matters. You know, La Trame, we would never allow me to see the girl. Why not? It's time they understood that a peasant at their council table might do a little good. A measure of common sense from humble people might bring us all... To ruin! None of the people who have been at council table before have even become kings. It is a time of massacre and mistake. At least I'm harmless. Please stop playing at billboard game, Charles. Oh, leave me alone. I like this game. The ball misses the cup, it hits me in the nose, and that hurts nobody but me. But if I were to sit up in my throne with a ball in one hand and a stick in the other, I might start taking myself seriously. Then the ball will fall on the nose of France, and the nose of France won't like it. Charles, come on, early on. Let me remind you that where God is concerned, one must always risk everything. Archbishop, don't speak to me of risks. My business is to... I know the nature in this. I say that very... Did you request an audience? Can't you see I'm busy with my orb and scepter? This is hardly the time for your nonsense. We have a new miracle every day. The girl walked to the village church to say her prayers. A drunken soldier yelled an insult at her. To curse his wrong, she said. You will soon appear before our lord. An hour later, the drunkard stumbled into a well and was drowned. It's turned the town into a roaring holiday. They're marching here now, shouting that God commands you to receive this girl. He hasn't said a word to me, my dear Latrenouille. Put up that toy, your majesty. You'll have the rest of your life to devote to it. Allow him to see this girl. And throw open the palace to every charlatan, every bonesetter, every faith healer in the land. But if he might see her, it would give the people hope for a few days. I'm tired of hearing about the girl. Bring her in and let's have it ended. Wait. I've just thought of a marvelous joke. You, come here. Come here. Sit here. He looks better than I do. I'll lose myself in the crowd. God's messenger will deliver her urgent dispatches to a page boy. Isn't that delicious? You must kneel before the king, child. What do you want with me, mademoiselle? Gentle daughter, I am Joan the maid. I'm a very busy man. I... The king of heaven has sent me here. I am to take you to Rase and have you anointed and crowned king of the land. I'm not a maid. I'm a servant. I'm a servant. I'm a servant. I'm to take you to Rase and have you anointed and crowned king of France. Fine. Well, that's splendid. But Rase is in the hands of the English as far as I know. How shall we get there? We shall fight our way there, noble Dauphin. First we'll take Orleans, then Rase. I am commander of the army, madame. We could not take Orleans. I will do it, sire, with the help of our lord God who is my only commander. So the lord needs you to do his errands. Yes, sire. How did you recognize me? I'm not wearing a crown. Who told you? God told me, gentle Dauphin. All very interesting. But this is a delicate matter. A commission of learned doctors will now examine her. We will review their findings in council. Come, my child. No! You, don't move. Leave me alone with her. Your king commands you! They went. It's the first time anyone's ever obeyed me. You haven't come here to kill me, have you? No. No, of course not. You have an honest face. I've lived so long amongst these crowds. I've lived so long amongst these people. I've lived so long amongst these cutthroats. I've almost forgotten what an honest face looks like. Are there many people in my kingdom with honest faces? Many, sire. I never see them. Brutes and harlots, that's all I ever see. Oh, there's my little queen. She's nice, but she's stupid. All right, all right, start boring me. Tell me I ought to be a great king. Yes, Charles. Listen, if you want to make an impression on the archbishop on La Tramouille, we're going to have to stay in this room for an hour. If you're going to talk to me about God and the kingdom of France, I'll never live through the hour. Do you know how to play cards? I don't know what it is. It's an amusing game invented to distract Papa when he was ill. I'll show you. Those pigs have stolen them. I'll issue a wri- Oh, no, here they are. Papa was crazy, did you know that? Sometimes I wish I weren't his son. Then I wouldn't be so frightened of going mad. And sometimes I wish I were his son. Then I'd know I was meant to be a real king. Of the two, which would you prefer, Charles? Are you calling me Charles? How marvelous. Which would I prefer, did you say? Well, on the days when I have a lot of courage, I'd risk going crazy. On the days when I have no courage at all, I'd rather chuck the whole business. Today, Charles, is just one of the days when you have courage. Today? I think I have a little bit. Not much, but a little bit. I was sharp with the archbishop. You will have courage every day, beginning now. You have the secret for that? Yes. Are you a witch? You can tell me. No, but I have the secret. Sell it to me without telling the others. I'll give it to you, Charles, for nothing. Then I don't want it. What you get free costs too much. I act like a fool so people will leave me alone. But don't think you can catch me so easily. I know a little about the world. You know too much. You're too smart. I have to defend myself against these cutthroats. My head is harder than theirs. I'm clung to my throne by using it. I would like to defend you against them, Charles. I would give my life to do it. You mean that? Yes. I'm strong. I'm not afraid of anything. You're lucky. Or else you're a liar. Sit down. Sit down and I'll teach you to play. All right. You teach me this game and I'll teach you another. What game do you know? How not to be too smart. And how not to be afraid. You see these cards? They have pictures painted on them. Kings, queens and knaves. Just as in real life. Now, which one would you say is the most powerful? Which one could take all the rest? The king. Wrong. This large heart can take the king. Do you know what it's called? I know it's called God. Because God is more powerful than kings. Will you leave God alone for a minute? It's called the ace. Are you running this game? God this and God that. You talk as if you dined with him last night. Did anyone ever tell you the English also say their prayers to God? Everyone thinks God is on his side. The rich and powerful know he is. He's not. He's on the side of the brave. God doesn't like frightened people. Then he certainly doesn't like me. And if he doesn't like me, why should I like him? He could have given me courage. I wanted it. God, your nurse. Couldn't you have tried to do a little better? Even with those legs. I'm sorry to know that my legs have already come to your attention. Did he have to give me knobby knees at the same time? You can't be sad about everything. God gave you sense inside, there. And what do you do with it? You play cards. You bounce a ball in the air and you play baby tricks with the archbishop. And you act a fool for all to see. What else can I do? I'm glad just to be alive. I've already told you the truth. I'm afraid. I always have been and I always will be. And I'll tell you the truth. I'm also afraid. You look at Latour-Mouille there. Now, he's never afraid. You know why? Because he's strong? Because he's stupid. It takes brains to be afraid. It takes imagination. Coming here, I was in danger every minute of the way. And every minute of the way, I was frightened. What do you do when you get scared? I act as if I wasn't. It's that simple. You try. Save yourself. Yes, I'm afraid, but it's nobody else's business. So go on, go on. And you do go on. Where do you go? To the English outside Orleans. And when you get there, and you see the cannon and the archers, and you know that you're outnumbered, well, you say, all right. They are stronger than I am and that frightens me as well it should. But I'll march right through because I had sense enough to get frightened first. See, that's my secret. The witch's secret. Will you pay me for it now? What do you want? The army of France. Believe in God and give me the army. Tomorrow, I'll have time to get ready. Oh, right now, you are ready. Come on, Charlie. Should I send for the archbishop and Latour-Moui? And tell him I've decided to give the army to you? It'd be fun to see their face. Well, call them. No, I'm frightened. Are you as afraid as you ever can be? I think so. Good. Good, then the worst is over. Now, by the time they get scared, you'll be all over the horse. Now, if you're as sick as you can get, I'll call them. Monsieur de Latour-Moui, Monseigneur, the archbishop, please come to the dopa. I'm very sick. God is smiling. He's saying, look at that little Charles. He's sicker than he's ever been in his life. He's calling his enemies and we'll face them. Hang on, Charles, and we'll be in Orléans. We'll march right up. You sent for us, your highness? I've made a decision. The royal army is now under the command of Joan the Maid, here present. If you don't like it, Latour-Moui, you can hand over your sword. You're under arrest. You see how simple it is? Look at their faces. You're getting better looking, Charles. Oh, my God, I thank you. Give us your blessing. We haven't a moment to lose. On your knees, sire. Now that we've all been scared half to death, we must take Orléans. In real life, it didn't work out exactly that way. As always, there were long discussions in the French fashion. The council met, desperate, frightened, with nothing to lose. They decided to dress the girl in battle flags and let her go forth as a symbol of something or other. It worked well. A simple girl inspired simple people to get themselves killed for simple ideals. In a moment, we return to the second act of the Lark on the Hallmark Hall of Fame. In the year 1415, right after the Battle of Agincourt, the young Duke of Orléans was a prisoner of the British. On February 14th, he wrote a love message in rhyme to his sweetheart. And that was the first rhymed couplet to be called a valentine. Later in England, a court perfumer named Rimmel created elaborate perfume valentines that sold for $15 to $20 a piece. So only a few could afford them. Today, by walking into a fine store that features Hallmark cards, we all can enjoy this age-old valentine custom. For as little as a nickel, a dime, or a quarter, you'll find Hallmark valentines that seem made to order for every person on your list. It may be a sparkling Hallmark gem card for that lifelong valentine, your mother. Or it may be a bright, bold card for a husband with a message he'll read with pride. Or this beautiful Hallmark dream castle to set a mood of romance for your wife on Valentine's Day. And you'll discover just the right Hallmark valentine for every member of your family, from brother to grandmother, even for baby's first valentine. They all like to be remembered on Valentine's Day. And there are humorous new Hallmark contemporary valentines. This one is foolishly yours, while the pigtailed miss says, Who loves you truly? I doly. And this gentleman admits, you really get me, right here. This giant contemporary card will bring a big smile as it tells your valentine, you'd stand out in any crowd. It's one of the towering Hallmark jumbo valentines. Imagine the surprise of receiving one of these jumbos in its huge envelopes on February 14th. This one features a friendly hippo who asks coyly, how can you resist me? The mail that day will bring wonderful surprises for children, too. For Valentine's Day is an especially exciting occasion for youngsters. And Hallmark valentines, like this colorful money tree filled with bright new dimes, will add to the fun of their day. To provide hours of play for youngsters, you'll find a wonderful assortment of new Hallmark make-your-own valentine kits. Boys and girls take added pride in presenting valentines they've assembled themselves. Like these gay three-dimensional figures. They're so easy to assemble. Not even paste or scissors are needed. They come in a kit of 20 Hallmark valentines and envelopes for just 59 cents. You'll find kits of Hallmark valentines for boys to send and receive. Others, just for girls. And here's a really intriguing new Hallmark idea. A valentine with an added treat. A real lollipop. These lollipop valentines come 12 in a handy box with a heart-shaped handle so youngsters can carry their valentines to school. And here's a wonderfully inexpensive way for children to exchange valentines with their whole class. Famous Hallmark penny valentines. 30 assorted cards with envelopes for only 29 cents. Yes, you'll find that Hallmark valentines cost no more. No more than ordinary valentines. No more than Hallmark valentines cost 50 years ago. And each one bears the added compliment on the back. The Hallmark and crown. The symbol you look for when you carry enough to send the very best. We shall return to the Lark immediately following station identification. Can her boss take orders? See Robert Montgomery presents in color Monday. She was in the field. From that moment, laws of strategy no longer made any difference. We began to lose. They say that Joan worked no miracles at all the ends. They say that our plan of isolated fortresses was absurd, but that isn't true. By all military laws, those fortified positions could not have been broken. They could not have been broken. Except by... Well, by what? What should we call it even now? The unknown, the unguessed, gods, if that's the way you think. The girl was a Lark, singing in the skies of France high above the heads of her soldiers. For Frenchmen, she was the soul of France. She was to me, too. Personally, I like France. Of course, you have your fair share of fools and blackguards. But every once in a while, a Lark appears in your sky, and then everything evil and foolish is forgotten. Yes, I like France very much. Your guns prove your affection. Oh, Monseigneur, if you... Oh, no, it's too difficult to explain to a man of your simple piety. Come, let's get on with the trial. The Lark has been captured. The king she crowned, the royal court she saved, for a moment at least, are about to abandon their little girl. Charles. Charles! I didn't want to send the letter. I tell you, I have a feeling... As necessary, sire, we must get rid of the girl now. She's dangerous to us. I didn't like the letter. Yesterday, Charles disavowed you in a letter sent to all his cities. Well, he is still my king, and he is your king. No, he is not my king. We are loyal subjects of Henry of Lancaster, king of England, king of France. Joan, we love France as much as you do, but we believe that English Henry will put an end to this terrible war. That is why we have taken him as king. But Charles is the king God gave you. He is a poor, skinny, miserable thing, but given a little time... This is not a political trial. We are here only to restore a lost girl to the bosom of the sainted mother church. Oh, you're not stupid, Joan. You can understand what we think. You swear that you heard voices. And if on the morning of an attack one of your soldiers had suddenly heard voices which ordered him not to follow you, what would you have done with him? The senior bishop is a priest. He has never been close to you, my soldiers. A good army fights, drinks, curses, but they don't hear voices. You know that a disobedient soldier in your army, in any army in this world, would be silenced. The church militant is also an army of this earth, and we, her priests, do not believe in the divine origin of your disobedience. You are strong and you are stubborn, but that is not a sign that God is on your side. Something's black. I can't say it's white. What spell did you cast upon the man you call your king? By what means did you force him to give his armies to you? I told you I cast no spell upon him. Your secret has a name. We want to know what it is. I gave him courage. That's the only word I know for what was between us. When a girl says one word of good sense and people listen to her, that's proof that God is present. And no strange spells or miracles are needed. That is a good and humble answer, Messiah, an answer that cannot be held against her. I do not agree. You're saying she does not believe in the miracles as they are taught in our holy book. No, I say true miracles are not tricks performed by gypsies in a village square. True miracles are created by men, and they use the courage and intelligence that God gave them. You are saying to us, to us, that the real miracle of God on this earth is man? Man who is nothing but sin and error. No, senor. Joan speaks an awkward language, but she speaks from the heart. Perhaps we risk making her say what she doesn't mean. Do you believe that man is the greatest miracle of God? Yes, Messiah. You blaspheme! Man is impurity and lust! Yes, Messiah. And he is also strength and courage and splendor. Even in his worst moments, that makes God happy, because God made him for just this contradiction. We are good and we are evil, and that is what was meant. I have as yet not spoken. I speak to you now. I represent here the Holy Inquisition, of which I am the vicar for France. I have arrived from the south of Spain. I have little knowledge of the French and English war. It does not concern me. The Holy Inquisition fights in the dark world of the night against an enemy it alone can recognize. Our enemy is a great enemy and has a great name. Do you know his name? No, Messiah. I don't understand you. You will understand me. Stand up. You will answer now to me. Are you a Christian? Yes, Messiah. As a child you were pious. You were a tender little girl and you were a tender woman. You cried for the wounded in every battle. Yes, I cried for the wounded. They were French. And you cried for the English. You stayed with the wounded English soldier who screamed through a night of pain. You held him until he died, calling him your child and offering him a hope of heaven. You know that, Messiah? Yes. The Holy Inquisition knows much of you, Joan. A great talk was given to you. And they sent me here to judge you. Ah, my masters, what strange things concern you all. Your business is to defend the faith. But you see the kind eyes of a young girl and you are overwhelmed. Messiah, our Lord loved with kindness and charity. He said to the sinners... Go silent, brother L'Avenue. You are young and inclined to generosity. Be silent and be seated. You were very young when you first heard your voices. Yes, Messiah. I'm going to shock you. There is nothing very exceptional about the voices you heard in those days. Our archives are full of such cases. There are many young visionaries. Girls frequently experience a crisis of mysticism. It passes. But with you... My voice has told me to go and save the kingdom of France. A strange message to an ignorant peasant girl. Not so strange, Messiah, because it turned out to be the truth. Your insolence is not suited to my taste. She did not mean that, Messiah. It would have been more suitable for a girl who had spent her life in prayer and penance. And in such a way, obtained from heaven, the promise that the English would be defeated. I did all that. I think you have to first pray and then strike. That's how God wants it. It was God in the dawn, riding from one place to another with friends. To the kill. Did your voices instruct you to kill? I never killed a man, but war is war. You love war, Joan. Yes. And this is one of the sins from which God will have to absolve me. But I don't like pain or death. At night in the battlefield, I would weep for the dead. You would weep at night for the dead. But by morning, you were shouting for a new battle. I say, God did not wish one Englishman to remain in France. That's not so hard to understand, is it? We had to do our work, that's all. Isn't that true, Laila? The morning has come, Madame Joan. The night was cold, Laila. Cold, Laila. Great Laila. You've really come to help me as I knew you would. Come to help? I was sleeping 50 feet from you, Madame Joan. Watching over you as I was watching over you. I was watching you. I was watching you. I was sleeping 50 feet from you, Madame Joan. Watching over you as I always do. Don't come too close. I stink of wine and onions. No, no, you smell fine. Usually you tell me I stink too much to be a Christian. You say that I'm a danger to the army. Because if the wind is behind me, the English won't know where we are. Oh, Laila, I was so stupid in those days. You know how girls are. You smell good because you smell like a man. I can't stand a man who washes in the field. Because to me a man like that isn't a man. I was brought up on an onion in the morning. I know you think it's a sin. A breakfast onion is not a sin. Nothing that is true is a sin, Laila. I'm sorry I tormented you. Oh, you smell so good. Sweat, onions, wine. And you curse, you kill, and you think of nothing but women. Me? You. But I tell you that with all your sins, you are like a bright new coin in the hand of God. I've had a stinking life. But when I go into battle, I say my prayers. I say, God, I hope you'll help me as much as I would help you if you faced those dirty, blood-sucking... Lainilio. To tell you the truth, I'm frightened of what will happen to me if I get killed. Paradise will happen to you. They're looking forward to having you with them. That gives me heart, Madam Joan. I've always wanted to go to paradise. But if it's all full of saints and bishops, I might not be too happy there. It's full of men like you. It's the others who I kept waiting at the gates. The gates. The gates of Orio. They're ahead of us. The day has come, Lainilio. To horse, my boy, to horse. I'll kill 20 English pigs today. Dear God. He is as good as bread. I answer for him. He's my friend. The last word will not be spoken at this trial. Lainilio will come to deliver me. He will bring 300 lances, I know them all. And they'll take me from my prison. Yes, they came to deliver you, Joan. Where are they? I knew they would come. They came to the gates of the city. When they saw how many English soldiers were here, they turned and went away. They turned and went away. Without fighting. Oh, yes, of course it was... It was I who taught them to do just that. I would say, have a little sense, it doesn't cost a sou. Learn not to be brave when you're outnumbered in us. That's what they did. They went to get reinforcements for us. No, your friends will not return. That's not true. Have I ever lied to you, Joan? You have been abandoned. Humble yourself, and the church will take your hand. In your heart, you're a child of the church. Yes. For that which is of the faith, I turn to the church as I've always done. What? What I am, I will not denounce. What I have done, I will not deny. Out of her own mouth, she's condemned herself. Not you. Not you. Not you. And not you, Bishop of Beauvais. I have spoken of the great enemy, but not even now do you know his name. His name is Natural Man. Can you not see that this girl is the symbol of that which is most to be feared? She is the enemy. She is man as he stands against us. Look at her. Does her misery make her a suppliant, begging God for mercy and light? No, she raises her eyes not to God, but to man's image of himself. I have need to remind you, Masters, that he who loves man does not love God. It cannot be! God himself became man! Senor Bishop, I must ask you to send your young assessor from this courtroom. I will consider after this session whether he may remain, or if I will bring charges against him. Against him? Or any other? Any other. I would bring charges against myself, if God should let me lose my way. Leave us, brother lad. Messiah Inquisitor, I owe you obedience. I will not speak again. But I will pray to our Lord Jesus that you remember the weakness of your small enemy. Do you have need to question further? What she has done is of less importance than why she did it. The answers? Less important than the one answer. You wish to say it again? Say it. What I am? I will not denounce. What I have done I will not deny. You have heard it! Down through the ages, from dungeon, from torture chamber, from the fire of the stake. This is what they say. All of them. The insolent breed. The men who dare are God. The girl is only a monstrous symbol of the idea in peril, so long as there remains one man who will not be broken to the will of the Mother Church. The idea, even though it dominates the rest of the Christian world, will be in danger of perishing. Therefore I now demand her immediate punishment. I demand that she be excommunicated from the church. I demand that she be returned to secular authority, there to receive her punishment. You know this man. Master executioner. Is the wood for the stake dry and ready to burn? All is ready. Things will go according to custom. But this time I will not be able to help the girl. What do you mean, help her, Master? We let the first flames rise. Then in the smoke I climb up behind the victims and strangle them. It's easier and quicker for everybody. But this time I've had special instructions to make the fire very high. I will not be able to reach her for the act of mercy. Do you hear that? Yes. Joan, for the last time I offer you the great saving hand of your Mother Church. Confess your sins and return to us. We will save you. I wish to return to the church. I want the Holy Communion. I've asked for it over and over again, but they've refused to give it to me. It can't be your confession when you've begun your penance. We will give it to you. Are you not afraid to die? Yes, I'm afraid. I would rather have you cut off my head seven times over than burn me in this way. Joan, we cannot believe in the divinity of your voices. If we are wrong, and certainly that thought has crossed our minds, if we are wrong, then we will have committed a monstrous sin of ignorance and we will pay the rest of our eternal lives. But we are the priests of your church. Trust our belief that we are writers as you trusted your good village priest. Place yourself in our hands. You will be at peace. Why do you torture me so gently, sire? I would rather you beat me. I speak to you thus because my pride is less than yours. Joan, look at me. I am an old man. I have killed people in the defense of my beliefs. I am so close to death myself. I do not wish to kill again. I do not wish to kill a little girl. Be kind. Help me to save you. What do you want me to say? Please tell me in simple words. I am going to ask you three questions. If you answer yes three times, that is all. Do you entrust yourself with humility to our holy Roman and apostolic church, to our holy father, the Pope, and to his bishops? Do you make the complete and total act of submission? Yes, but I don't want to say the opposite of what my voice has told me. I don't ever want to bear false witness against Charlie. I fought so hard for the glory of his consecration. Oh, that was a day when he was crowned. The sun was out and... It was a nice day. I'll always remember it. But I'd rather not think of it as a divine miracle. I'd rather people didn't think God sent you to me. Because now that you're a prisoner, thought to be a sorceress and a heretic, they will think that God has abandoned me. I'm in bad enough trouble without that kind of gossip. Just forget about me and go your way. Do you wish me to repeat the question? Are you mad? You must realize now that we are your only protectors. And this is the last thing that I can do for you. You are an impudent girl and I now become angry with you. You should be on your knees to the church who has offered to hide you in her robes. Messiah, deep in your heart, you believe our Lord wishes me to submit to the judgment. I so believe. Then... I submit. You renounce forever the bearing of arms. But Messiah, there's still so much to do. Nothing more will ever be done by you. An intruder. I renounce forever the bearing of arms. You renounce forever the wearing of that brazen uniform. You've asked me that over and over again. The uniform doesn't matter. My voice has told me to put it on. I said that if you put me in a church prison, I will take off this uniform. You will not bargain. Put aside that dress and no matter who feels otherwise, you will be declared a sorceress. I'm not alone in prison. Two English soldier guards are in the cell with me night and day. The nights are long. I'm in chains. I try hard not to sleep, but sometimes I'm too tired. In this uniform, it's easier for me to defend myself. Have you had so to defend yourself since the beginning of this trial? Every night since I've been captured. Why haven't you told us this before? Because the soldiers told me they would be hanged if I said anything. They were right. It's disgusting. I've learned such things since they came to France. It may be all right in the French army, but not in mine. I'm sorry, madame. The church will protect you from now on. I promise you. Then I agree to put on this dress. Thank you, my child. That's all. Messire Inquisitor, when you drew up the act of renunciation, do I have your permission to recall it here? The girl has said yes, so the man has said yes. If the girl has said yes, she has fulfilled the only condition that concerns me. I'm sorry. I prayed for you. I will help you, Joe. I will help you. You have been saved. We, your judges, in mercy and mitigation, now condemn you to spend the remainder of your days in prison. There you will do penance for your sins. You will eat the bread of sorrow and drink the water of anguish until, through solitary contemplation, you repent. Under these conditions of penance, we declare you delivered of the danger of excommunication. You may go in peace. Take her away. There were several times, messire, when I thought I would have to interfere. My king must have what he paid for. But you were right and I was wrong. The making of a martyr is a dangerous business. But the apologies of a hero are sad and degrading. You did well, sire. I did not mean to earn your praise. Blessed St. Michael, I'm in prison. Come to me, find me. I need you now. I didn't want you to sacrifice yourself for me, Joan. I know you loved me, but I don't want people to love me. It makes for obligations. This filthy prison air is wet and stinks. Don't they ever clean these places? Make them give you some fresh water. Goodbye, Charlie. You must stop calling me Charlie. Ever since my coronation, I'm careful to make everyone say, sire. Goodbye. You were weeping. No more fear. I'm sorry to disturb you. I only came to say that I'm glad you're saved. That kind of martyrdom, you know, is very painful and very unattractive. And above all, it's quite useless. Yes, I congratulate you. Well, that's all. I only came to offer my hand the way one does after a contest or a game well played. It's rather difficult to say in my language, but the plain fact is I like you. You're the greatest horsewoman I've ever seen. Yes, well, I see I'm intruding on you. Please don't hesitate to let me know, madame, if there is ever anything that I can do for you. Oh, seigneur, I've done wrong, and I don't know how or why I did it. I swore against myself. That's a great sin. I still believe in all that I did, and yet I swore against it. God can't want that much left for me. Well, certainly they're not going to make you a gay life. Not at first, but things work out. And in time, even your nasty little Charles might show you a speck of loyalty. Yes, when I'm no longer dangerous. He might even give me a small pension and a servant's room at court. Madame, there will be no court. And I will wear cast or brocade and put jewels in my hair and grow old. I will be happy that few people remember my warrior days. And when I die, I will be remembered as a crazy girl who rode into battle for what she said she believed and ate the dirt of lies when she was faced with punishment. That's the best that I can have if my little Charles remembers me at all. If he doesn't, there will be a prison dungeon and filth and darkness. What good is life, by the way? It's good any way you can have it. We all try to save a little honor, of course, but the main thing is to be here. Oh! Oh, Lord. I was only born the day you first spoke to me. My life only began on the day when you told me what I must do. You are silent, dear my God, because you are sad to see me frightened and craving. Dear my God, forgive me. Forgive me and take me back for what I am. Call your soldiers, Warwick. I deny my confession. Joan, no nonsense, please. Things are all right as they are. I don't want anything to do with your death. You have a funny little gentleman's face, but you are kind. Soldiers! Englishmen! Give me back my warrior clothes! Or when I put them on, call back all the priests! Please, God, help me now! The cross! Please, please, give me a cross! No cross will be given a witch! Then why not? There is your cross, daughter. She's right, your cross! Just the same as anybody else! Jesus! Quick, get the smoke hider! Be quick, master, be quick! The flames will reach us soon. Courage, Joan! We pray for you! My God, forgive us all. What does she do? What does she say? Is it over? She is quiet. Is her head bowed? No, Messiah. Her head is high. She falters now? No. It is a terrible and noble sight, Messiah. You should turn and see. I have seen it all before. You were fools to burn Joan of Arc. We have committed a sin, a monstrous sin. Yes, it was a grave mistake. We turned a lark into a giant bird. We will travel the skies of the world long after our names are forgotten. I knew the girl and I loved her. We can't let it end this way. If you do, it won't be the true story of Joan. That is right. The true story of Joan is not the hideous agony of a girl tied to a burning stake. It is the story of Joan and all her glory. Yes, the day she saw Charles Crown. You said the whole story would be played. You have forgotten the coronation. Joan has a right to the coronation. It was her happiest day. That is true. I knew it. I knew they would forget. Everyone always forgets about my coronation. It cost me plenty, I can tell you. All that ermine. The story of Joan. The story of my friend. The story of Joan. The story of my friend. I don't believe it. Watching holy oil being poured on that mean, sly little head. This couldn't have been your happiest day, Joan. If they are pleased to think so, then let's end with it. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter what they do to a girl like me while they can get their hands on me. But afterwards, when she's ashes and a dream, then it matters. Oh, then it matters very much. That's all I care about. What do they do to me when the fires cool down and somebody says, I believe in her, that's the man I'm interested in. Come on, all of you, let's crown Charlie. We have to end it some way, and that's as good as any. Because actually, there isn't any ending. Beginnings are always nicer anyway. In a moment, we return to bring you the names of tonight's wonderful cast and an exciting announcement. Arabella, the beautiful Duchess of Richmond, according to Mr. Peep's diary, in 1667 received a valentine worth $1,500. But she was disappointed, for another admirer had sent her a necklace worth $4,000 the previous valentine's day. And it was the custom then to judge a valentine gift solely by its cost. Today, we are more interested both in the thoughtfulness that prompts a gift and the manner in which it's presented, and an especially appropriate gift this valentine's day is the new Hallmark Thoughtfulness album. For here is a gift that helps spread friendliness and thoughtfulness throughout the year. This handsome album has monthly calendar pages where you jot down dates of birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and all other occasions to remember each month. There's a pocket too on each page where you file an appropriate card for each occasion and then have it on hand all ready for mailing. For just $2.50, the Hallmark Thoughtfulness album alone is a wonderful gift. And as a special offer, you can get the album plus a $2.50 selection of 17 distinctive Hallmark cards for different occasions, together a $5 value, for just $3.75. And when you present the Thoughtfulness album for an added touch that means so much, wrap it in a Hallmark gift wrap like this one with its appropriate valentine heart design. Right now at the fine stores that feature Hallmark gift wraps, you'll find a veritable rainbow of colorful new gift wraps in eye-pleasing designs that give any gift a touch of spring beauty and freshness. And to top off these well-dressed gifts, it's now easier than ever before to create eye-catching bows like this thanks to a remarkable new Hallmark Hall Sheen Ribbon. It's the same on both sides and sticks to itself when moistened, so you can make bows without tying any knots at all. Among the beautiful bows you can create with Hall Sheen Ribbon are these lovely floral effects, a rosebud, a nosegay of violets, colorful carnations, and perfect for the valentine gift, these cupid arrows. To learn how easy it is to make these extremely effective bows, get a copy of this exciting new book, The Art of Gift Wrapping by Kay King, Hallmark gift wrapping stylist. With 32 pages in full color, it's brimming over with more than 100 gift wrapping ideas. And it shows you how to wrap gifts of all shapes and sizes in intriguing and original ways. You can get The Art of Gift Wrapping for only 25 cents at fine stores that feature Hallmark gift wraps. The added touch that means so much. ♪♪♪ That's what I've been trying to get on.