In this captivating episode, we delve into a mysterious tale set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the enigmatic Shangri La. The story begins aboard a steamship shrouded in midnight fog, where a pianist named Rudolf Siefkin plays haunting melodies. As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to Conway, a man suffering from amnesia, who slowly regains his memory and recounts a surreal journey. He recalls being part of a group that was kidnapped and taken to the secluded and mystical Shangri La, a place of beauty and tranquility hidden in the Tibetan mountains.
Conway's story reveals the secrets of Shangri La, a sanctuary preserving the world's treasures and knowledge against the chaos of the outside world. The high lama of Shangri La entrusts Conway with the future of this utopia, foreseeing a time when the world will seek refuge in its wisdom. As Conway grapples with the decision to stay or leave, he faces the challenges of love, loyalty, and the allure of eternal life. This episode explores themes of memory, destiny, and the eternal quest for peace in a tumultuous world.
Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon
Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
[00:00:00]
Unknown:
Every sandwich has bread. Every burger has a bun. But these warm, golden, smooth steamed buns, these are special, reserved for the very best. The Filet O Fish and
[00:00:14] Unknown:
you. You can have them too. And you can have it all at two for $6, like a Filet O Fish, Big Mac, 10 piece McNuggets, or large fries. Limited time only. Price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Single item at regular price.
[00:00:30] Unknown:
Book presents Hollywood.
[00:00:55] Unknown:
Far out in the Pacific,
[00:00:57] Unknown:
a steamship moves slowly through the midnight fog. Shrouded in mist, her huge hulk glides ghost like over a glassy sea.
[00:01:11] Unknown:
In the lounge, almost deserted and heavy with shadows,
[00:01:15] Unknown:
a man is seated at the piano. His face is thin and pale. He plays very softly, absently. His eyes fixed far ahead as if seeing into the future or trying to remember the past.
[00:01:31] Unknown:
Long day ahead of us tomorrow. Don't you think you'd better turn it all, ma'am? It's rather late. Conway, don't you hear me? Conway,
[00:01:40] Unknown:
anything you say? Please don't stop playing, please. That last selection was quite beautiful. May I inquire the name of it?
[00:01:47] Unknown:
Well, what was it, Conway? The name of that selection. I don't know. It's something I
[00:01:54] Unknown:
owe something Beautiful.
[00:02:00] Unknown:
Beautiful. Oh, I beg your pardon. My name is Rudolf Siefkin. Siefkin? The pianist? You know me? I've heard you play many times.
[00:02:09] Unknown:
My name is Rutherford. This gentleman is mister Conley. How do you do?
[00:02:14] Unknown:
Oh, no. Don't stop. Go on, please. Thank you. Yeah. Superb, but I can't quite place it.
[00:02:24] Unknown:
I remember now it's by Chopin. Chopin?
[00:02:28] Unknown:
No. No. No. No. Not Chopin. Very much in his style, but definitely not Chopin. I know it's by Chopin. Really? But I flat to myself that I know everything of Chopin's. Everything that was ever published. Oh, this wasn't published. So? Then how do you happen to know it?
[00:02:44] Unknown:
It was taught to me a few months ago by one of Chopin's pupils.
[00:02:48] Unknown:
Mister Conway chooses to have a joke with me. Not only a pupil, but a friend. Mister Conway, may I remind you of one thing? This friend of Chopin's, do you realize that to be alive today, he would have to be somewhere in the neighborhood of, say, 30
[00:03:03] Unknown:
years of age? Yes. He was with Chopin the night he died in 1849. Rutherford, I I believe I'll take a walk around the deck. Good night.
[00:03:17] Unknown:
Perhaps mister Conway resented my intrusion. You'll have to forgive my friend, sir. He's being quite ill. Or? Yes. I'm taking him home to England. You see, he's had a very severe case of amnesia. Oh, I am sorry. I'd better go along with him. Excuse me, Conwy? Conwy, is that you? Well, I'm afraid you've insulted the eminent mister Seaking. He was quite pleased. I suppose it sounded very absurd. Well, a man a 30 years old. It was rather hard to believe. Yes. The more so because it's true. You don't believe me either. I'm a writer, Conway. I am capable of believing almost anything. Rutherford,
[00:04:05] Unknown:
how did you happen to find me? Oh, purely by accident.
[00:04:09] Unknown:
I was traveling from Hankau to Chungking by train. I made the acquaintance of a very charming lady, mother superior of some French sisters of charity. She told me of a case they had in the hospital at Chungking, a fever patient who'd been brought in some weeks ago. She said he seemed to be English but spoke excellent Chinese.
[00:04:28] Unknown:
Naturally, I was interested. When I went to the hospital with her, I recognized you at once. And I didn't recognize you? The doctor said you'd been under considerable strain. Yes. But I do recognize you now. You mean your memory is coming back? For the past two days, I've been remembering little things. Tonight, it all came back to me. That is all except a few days when, Rutherford, when you went to the hospital,
[00:04:52] Unknown:
did they mention how I had come there? Yes. You were picked up on the road about 60 miles from Chungking. Alone? No. There was someone with you. A woman. A Chinese woman? Yes.
[00:05:03] Unknown:
And
[00:05:04] Unknown:
what happened to her? Why they brought her in too, of course. But she was pretty far gone. She died that night. Died? Can't be. I'm glad your memory has returned,
[00:05:18] Unknown:
but I'm sorry if already you wish it hadn't. I don't know what I wish. I only know that Rutherford, you said you were capable of leaving almost anything. Could you believe the impossible? It happened to me. Go on. I I don't know just where to begin. How long is it since I've seen you? Oh, about 1921. As I remember it, you were at Oxford. Yes. That's right. I'd gone back there after the war. I was making a study of oriental languages. Well, soon after that, I went into the consular service. So I heard. You were sent to India, weren't you? Yes. To Basquiat. I was the consul there up until last May. Then there was a revolt of sorts in Bascul, and we thought it's safer to evacuate the civilians to Peshawar on the Northwest frontier.
We had some planes for the purpose. And I myself left Bascul with four passengers and a pilot. With With me was my vice counsel, a young fellow named Mallinson, a missionary woman, miss Brinkler, and Henry Barnard, an American businessman. We took off from Bascul at about three in the afternoon and should have landed in Peshawar about 05:30. We never arrived at our destination.
[00:06:32] Unknown:
Conway? I said, Conway, you asleep? Mhmm.
[00:06:35] Unknown:
Oh, what's the matter, Madison? Anything wrong? I'm not sure, but didn't you tell me that Fama was piloting us? Yes. No. The chap on his head just now, and I swear it wasn't Fama. I thought they must have changed their minds and given to someone else. Yes. But who is he? My dear boy, how should I know? When we arrive in Peshawar, you can ask him all about himself. At this rate, we won't get Peshawar at all. The man's off his course, and we're an hour overdue at least. What? You've been asleep. It's after 06:30.
[00:06:57] Unknown:
And look down there, nothing but mountains as far as you can see.
[00:07:00] Unknown:
I don't recognize this part of the world at all. I'd say you were right, Mallinson. The man lost his way. What's that, Conway? You say we were lost? What? How good he is? Oh, it's quite alright, mister Bingo. There's nothing to be upset about. I'm sure. I'm not so sure. Flying over the mountains of India with night coming on isn't exactly my idea of a pleasant time. Where would you say we were? I don't know, mister Bannock. Well, we might ask the pilot, you know. But if we're lost, he won't either, will he? Oh, I'm not yet certain that we are lost. Still, there's nothing like finding out, is there? Alright. I'll ask him. Hey. You there, pilot. Open the panel.
Open up, will you? I want to speak to you. I advise you ask no questions, please. Oh, certainly. Look here. We wanna know where we are. I advise that you be seated. I will not be seated. I wanna No. Mallinson, I don't know whether you've noticed it, but there's the barrel of a revolver pointing directly at my chest. What? Under the circumstances, I think you'd better do as the gentleman suggests. Thank you. It would be pity if I had to resort to force. I don't suppose you would care to answer, but might I ask just where we're going? You will know that tomorrow when we arrive.
What the depth did he mean? You're supposed to be kidnapped? As good any. He wouldn't have dared to shoo. It was probably just bluff. Quite, but I'd rather leave it to you to make sure. Well, I I I do feel that you ought to put up some sort of a fight. We can't just give in like this. Putting up a fight without a decent chance of winning is a poor game, and I'm not that sort of a hero. Good for you, sir. When a man's got you by the short hairs, you may as well give him pleasantly and admit it. But do what are we going to do? Since we're going to be flying all night and since there seems to be nothing we can do at the moment, I suggest we try and get some sleep. For hours, we sat in the darkness of the plane, each of us pretending to sleep.
From all I could make out, we were flying northeast over a range of mountains, the Karakoram. In the moonlight, I fancied I could pick out the crest of K 2, the second highest mountain in the world, beyond Lake Tibet. Then I must have fallen asleep. For how long, I don't know. Suddenly, the plane lurched sharply. There's a loud rushing sound in my ears, and I realized that we were coming down. But fast. Much too fast. We stumbled from the plane, the four of us, badly shaken but uninjured. We found ourselves on a snow covered plateau surrounded by towering cliffs, and I knew we must be somewhere in Tibet, a vast, uninhabited and unexplored region, A land of frozen wastes and bitter cold. Then a strange thing happened. The wind died suddenly, and the moon swung over the edge of a precipice high above.
And there, soaring into the heavens, appeared the loveliest mountain on Earth. It was an almost perfect cone of snow. So radiant, so serenely poised that I wondered for a moment if it were real at all. Conway, come here. Something a matter with this pilot fellow. Hello? I think he's in or something. I can't get a word out of him. It's the pilot. Well, now we are in a fix. Loosen his helmet. Now he's still breathing any heart. Got a match, Barnett? Not very many. Here we are. I'll keep lighting them. His pulse is pretty weak. I can hardly feel it. What do you suppose? What happened to him? Oh, possibly a heart attack brought under the altitude. There's not very much we can do for him out here. Garnet. Garnet. Another match. Mallinson, what's the matter with you? What's the matter with you? You look at this. A lot of fools striking matches over a corpse. There was little we could do for the man. We watched his breathing grow more and more labored. Eventually, he opened his eyes and began to speak in touch, a kind of Chinese that I shouldn't understand very well.
Toward the end, he half lifted himself and looked towards that shiny precipice towering above us. With a great effort, he raised his hand and pointed. Then as the early rays of the sun caught the summit of the mountain, the man died. What did he say? He must have told you something. Very little, I'm afraid. Merely that we are in Tibet, which is obvious. But he did say something about a laminar area here along the Valley. Shangri La, he called it. He was most emphatic that we should go there. There doesn't seem to be any reason at all why we should. What if it's a trap? We got any guarantee that we won't be murdered?
[00:11:33] Unknown:
None at all. Can't we? Well? I've just been looking at that mountain.
[00:11:37] Unknown:
Am I seeing things? Or are those men coming towards us? They were men, a party of a dozen or more, crawling like ants across the white face of the mountain. As they drew near, we saw they carried among them a hooded chair and in it a robed figure. An elderly, Chinese, gray hair, clean shaven. Slowly, they came toward us. The Chinese gave an order.
[00:12:10] Unknown:
I am from the Llama area, Shangri La. My name is Chang. You, sir, would you be good enough to present me to your friend?
[00:12:19] Unknown:
Of course. This is miss Brinklow, mister Barnett, and mister Mallinson.
[00:12:24] Unknown:
My name is Conway. How do you do? We observe from the mountain that you have had a severe
[00:12:31] Unknown:
accident. Your ship is beyond repair? Yes. I'm afraid so. And anyway, our pilot is dead. So? As a matter of fact, we were just setting out to find your armory. If you could give us directions for the journey There is no need for that. I shall be delighted to act as your guide. Oh, but you must have just come from there. And if it isn't very far, we could It is not far, but it is not easy either.
[00:12:52] Unknown:
I shall assume it and honor to accompany you and your friend. Oh, but really I must insist. Well, thank you. Our stay won't be long and we'll pay for anything we have. And we'd like to hire some of your prodders to help us on the journey back. We want to return to civilization as soon as possible. Are you so certain you are away from it?
[00:13:11] Unknown:
You are contemplating the mountain, mister Conway? Yes.
[00:13:15] Unknown:
Yes. It's a beautiful sight. It has a name, I suppose. It is called Caracao. I don't think I ever heard of it. Is it very high? Over 28,000
[00:13:23] Unknown:
feet. Do we have to climb it to get your lot of service? There is a path at 20,000.
[00:13:44] Unknown:
Can't be much closer than this, Kenneth. We've been climbing for hours. That is quite Quite certain we can never have found the way ourselves. Well, would we been missing much? What sort of a hell's kitchen are we making for?
[00:13:55] Unknown:
What's our plan of action when we get there? What do we do? Man, I think there are times in life when the most comfortable thing is to do nothing at all. Things have happened for you and so you just let them happen. That's that's a bit too philosophic for me. I'm suspicious about all this.
[00:14:09] Unknown:
They're they're getting us into a corner. Have you anything else to suggest? No.
[00:14:13] Unknown:
Try and make the best of it. I'm sorry. I I don't know what's the matter with me. The whole world seems to have gone completely mad. No. They don't. They think. We seem to be at the top. We shall rest here a moment before we descend into the valley.
[00:14:27] Unknown:
The dangers of our journey are quite over. If you will look below, toward the head of the valley, you can see the llamasery of Shangri La.
[00:14:40] Unknown:
Shangri La. It was a strange and incredible sight. A group of colored pavilions clinging to the mountain side, like flower petals impaled upon the crags. It was superb and exquisite. The eye was carried upward from the milk blue roofs to the gray rock looming tremendously overhead. Beyond that, in a dazzling pyramid sawed Caracao. It was the most beautiful and the most terrifying mountain escape in the world. I don't remember how we arrived at the Lamassery. The thin air had a dream like texture. And with every breath, I took in a deep anesthetizing tranquility.
But I do remember a strange sensation, half mystical, half visual, of having reached at last some place that was an end, a finality.
[00:15:44] Unknown:
At the rail of the ocean liner, Conway continues his story. A strange tale of a journey to a strange place, the Lamothee of Shangri La.
[00:15:57] Unknown:
From the stormy cliffs of Caracao to the serene peace and quiet of Shangri La was like a descent into another world. How long we would have to stay, we didn't know. But I can't pretend that I was worried or even annoyed. Or here in this lovely place, I enjoyed a strange sensation, a pleasant mingling of physical ease and mental alertness. It seemed to me, of all sensations, the most truly civilized. At dinner our first night there, I noticed that the food was cooked and served in Chinese fashion.
[00:16:28] Unknown:
You will excuse me if I do not have my dinner with you. My diet is very restricted. I'm obliged to take care of myself. Of course. Of course. If there is anything you wish, please do not hesitate to ask. I'm sure we can supply it. You seem to be a fortunate community here and very hospitable to strangers.
[00:16:44] Unknown:
I don't imagine though that you will receive them often. Seldom indeed.
[00:16:48] Unknown:
It is not a terrible part of the world. Yes. It is to put it mildly.
[00:16:52] Unknown:
As we came up, I thought it's the most isolated spot I had ever had eyes on. And yet Yes. And yet you run this place as though we're a first rate European hotel. Isn't that what you mean, come where? Or an American hotel for that matter. We even have bathtubs. Yes.
[00:17:05] Unknown:
We are less, barbarian than you expected. Will you tell us about the monastery, please? It will give me the greatest pleasure, madam, so far as I am able.
[00:17:15] Unknown:
What exactly do you wish to know? First of all, how many harbor are you here and, what nationality do you belong to? Those of us
[00:17:23] Unknown:
in full Lamahoot number 50. As for our racial origins, there are representatives of a great many nations. Though it is perhaps natural that Tibetans
[00:17:33] Unknown:
and Chinese make up the majority. I see. It's really a native monastery then. Is your head lama a Tibetan?
[00:17:41] Unknown:
No. A Chinese?
[00:17:43] Unknown:
No, madam.
[00:17:44] Unknown:
Well, I'm sure you can't be English. Oh, do you have any English here? Several. Tell me that. She's very remarkable.
[00:17:51] Unknown:
And now tell me what you all believe in. That's rather a big question, miss Pinklow. Of course, I believe in the true religion. But I'm broad minded enough to admit that other people,
[00:18:01] Unknown:
foreigners, Eileen, are quite often sincere in their views. If I were to put it into very few words, I should say that our prevalent belief is in moderation. We believe in the virtue of avoiding excess of all kinds. In the valuable order are several thousand inhabitants living under the control of our order. We rule with moderate strictness, and in return, we are satisfied with moderate obedient. And I think I can claim that our people are moderately sober, moderately faithful, and,
[00:18:31] Unknown:
moderately honest. Well, were those the Valley people who arrived with you this morning? Yes. Well, they're all gonna be excellent guides. Why can't they take us back tomorrow?
[00:18:38] Unknown:
We'll make it worth their while, of course. I am sorry, but that is beyond my province. I cannot help you, sir. You mean you won't, Mallon? If you refuse to help us, we'll help ourselves. You will you have maps, I suppose? Yes. We have many. Well, then we'll borrow some of them if you don't mind.
[00:18:53] Unknown:
How far away is the nearest telegraph line? I do not know. Well, where do you send it when you want nipping? Anything civilized, I mean. When you had all these these modern bars installed, how did they get here? Oh, you what? You won't tell me then. It's part of the mystery like everything else, I suppose. Conway, I must say, I think you're devilish slack. Well, where did you get at the truth? I I'm all in for the time being, but Tomorrow, mind you, we we must get away tomorrow at Central Rock. Mallinson.
[00:19:17] Unknown:
Hand me your hand here. Easy, man. Are you are you alright, Mallinson?
[00:19:21] Unknown:
I feel
[00:19:23] Unknown:
I don't know. Tomorrow, he will be much better. The air here is difficult for the stranger at first, but one soon becomes acclimatized. Yes. I expect we're all feeling it somewhat darn it. Look after Mallinson, will you? And I'm sure you're in need of some rest too, miss Brinklow. Yes. Yes. I am. Good night. Good night, madam. Come on, Allison. Just leave your way on me. That's the boy. Shall I call for someone to help you? We'll manage.
[00:19:47] Unknown:
Are you retiring also, mister Conway? I'd like a word with you first, if I may. Yes. I want to know this morning when you found us, were you setting out on a journey? No. Then it was not a chance meeting. You came there deliberately to intercept us. That suggests that you must have known about arrival beforehand. The interesting question is
[00:20:08] Unknown:
how? You are very clever but not entirely correct. Therefore, I should counsel you not to worry your friends with these,
[00:20:16] Unknown:
abstract discussions. Oh, they want something more concrete. They want to know exactly how long you're going to keep us here. There will be certain
[00:20:24] Unknown:
unavoidable delays. How long? The difficulties of the trip, securing the necessary porters. How long, please?
[00:20:31] Unknown:
You may tell your friend a few months. But you don't guarantee it. Is that what you mean? Very well. For myself, I can't say I shall mind a great deal. It's a new all interesting experience. In times have come, you may find it even more interesting.
[00:20:44] Unknown:
Good night.
[00:20:49] Unknown:
In the days that followed at Shangri La, I gave myself over to a rich and growing enchantment. In the petal colored buildings which started the mountain, I recognized treasures of art that museums and millionaires alike would have bargained for. Paintings and sketches, exquisite ceramics, and tinted ink drawings preserved for more than a thousand years. And then I discovered the library, lofty and spacious, with a quiet atmosphere more of wisdom than of learning. Here was housed all the great literature of the present and of centuries past and all the scientific knowledge of the world.
One morning, I stood beside a lotus pool in an open pavilion of the lamasery. Presently, I became conscious of the music that seemed to come from an archway behind me. It was a harpsichord, and it had begun so softly that I wasn't even aware of listening. A girl was playing, a girl in Chinese dress. She had the high cheekbones and the eggshell pallor of the manchu. Her jet black hair was drawn tightly back and braided. Her mouth was small and pink. She was like a delicately painted miniature. That was very lovely. You are pleased, sir? More than pleased. Chang said it would be so. Oh, did Chang send you here? To play for you? Oh, that is very nice of him. My name is Hugh Conway.
[00:22:16] Unknown:
They call me Lotzin. Lotzin.
[00:22:19] Unknown:
Are you do you live below in the valley? No. I live here.
[00:22:24] Unknown:
At the llama, sir? Yes. But as yet, I have not attained the full llamahood.
[00:22:29] Unknown:
You mean you are a llama? Yes. I'm a bit confused. I didn't realize by fault that only men could be llamas.
[00:22:38] Unknown:
They will tell you when you have been here longer that in the llama hood, there are no distinctions between a man and a woman. But you,
[00:22:46] Unknown:
you're hardly more than a child. Shall I play for you again? Oh, please. Good morning. Oh, Chang. You are pleased with Lhotep? She plays magnificently.
[00:23:01] Unknown:
One of our greatest students of music.
[00:23:04] Unknown:
She has studied for a great many years. But she couldn't. She she's only Chang. How old is it, Nodse?
[00:23:13] Unknown:
I am afraid I cannot tell you.
[00:23:27] Unknown:
Two whole weeks. Not a word yet about when we have to leave. Has Chang spoken to you, Conway? Chang has been rather vague on the subject. Vagueness seems to be his principal stock in trade, but I imagine he'll break down a bit before long. Well, the prospect of being marooned here doesn't seem to worry you a great deal, Barnet. Well, frankly, it doesn't. The outside world has certain attractions, of course, but it also has some definite disadvantages. Well, I'm surprised to hear that from you, from Conway I might have expected. You you seem possibly intrigued by the face, Conway, or are you intrigued mainly by the little Chinese girl? I've always been a lover of music. I enjoy her company. Hardly an excuse, is it? Oh, I don't know. You don't care for music, do you? No. And yet if you'll forgive my saying so, you seem to enjoy her company too. Don't you think that's rather clever? Oh, no. I merely think she's rather beautiful. And I know that you're only 24. Well, you're not very old yourself, you know. True. True. Speaking of age, I've been sort of puzzled about this fellow Chang. How old would you say he was, Conway? Chang? Well, that's rather difficult. With a rough guess, I'd say, oh, anywhere from 49 to a 49.
[00:24:36] Unknown:
Conway, are you awake? Conway. What is it? I've got to see you. Come in. Listen. I just found out why our friend Barnard is so willing to stay on here. He dropped his pocketbook tonight. A lot of newspaper clippings fell out. Well The clippings say that he's wanted back in America for embezzlement and fraud.
[00:24:57] Unknown:
When Mallinson had done, I walked out on the terrace and stood looking across the valley of the blue moon. Suddenly, I became aware of a figure standing in the bright square of the pavilion.
[00:25:07] Unknown:
Good evening, sir. Oh, is that you, Chang? I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour, but I bring you important news. Well? I congratulate you, sir. And I am happy to think that I am in some measure responsible for the high llama's decision. Decision? High llama? It is extraordinary and unprecedented. A fortnight ago, you had not arrived. Tonight, you are to be received by him. You will follow me, please.
[00:25:38] Unknown:
As I followed Chang through the Lamasserie that night, I knew I was on the threshold of some great discovery. Pattering in front of me, we mounted a great spiral staircase to a door which opens noiselessly before us. Inside, the atmosphere was dry and tingling warm. The the airlessness increased as we passed through the dim hall. And then at last, we stopped.
[00:26:03] Unknown:
The high lava, we'll see you alone.
[00:26:08] Unknown:
Chang left me silently. And I stood breathing an atmosphere that was sultry and full of dusk. As I became accustomed to the gloom, I saw sitting before me a small and wrinkled man. He was motionless. A fading antique portrait in Chinese dress that stays thin and drawn tight over the frame of his skull. And his eyes, I felt dizzy beneath the gaze of those ancient eyes.
[00:26:35] Unknown:
You are mister Conway? I am. It is a pleasure to see you, mister Conway. Please sit down beside me and have no fear. I am an old man and can do no one any harm.
[00:26:49] Unknown:
I feel it's a great honor that will be received by you. Thank you.
[00:26:53] Unknown:
I trust you have been comfortable at Shangri La since you are arrived. Extremely so. I am glad. Cheng tells me you have been asking many questions about our community and this affairs.
[00:27:05] Unknown:
Oh, yes. I am very much interested in them.
[00:27:07] Unknown:
Then if you can spare me a little time, I shall be pleased to give you a brief account of our foundations. There's nothing. The history of Shangri La begins rightly in the significance in the year 1719. For it was then that four friars set out on a long and perilous journey into the hinterland. They traveled Southwest for many months by Lanzhou and Nokona, facing many hardships. Three died on the way. And the fourth was not far from death when, by accident, he stumbled into the rocky defile that remains today the only practical approach to our valley of the blue moon. There, to his joy and surprise, he found a friendly population who made haste to display what I have always regarded as our oldest tradition that of hospitality to strangers Quickly, he recovered his health and began to preach his mission His name was father Pero, and he was, by birth, a Luxembourger.
He was something of a scholar, but he was also physically sturdy. For more than half a century, he labored with his hands like any other man, tilling his own garden and learning from the inhabitants as well as teaching them. Then in the year 1789, news descended to the valley that Farah Tero was dying at last. He lay in this room where he could see from the window the white blur that was all his failing eyesight gave him a caracal. He gathered his friends and servants round him and bade them all farewell, but the end was not yet.
He lay for many weeks without speech or movement, and then he began to recover. He was then a hundred and eight.
[00:29:24] Unknown:
The ancient glamour paused, his eyes closed as if the discourse had tired him. What he had told me was not the unbelief, but as he went on, I was held speechless with wonder. Father Peril's recovery, he told me, was not in any sense temporary. No. He plunged immediately into a rigorous self discipline which would have killed another man of that age. It was in 2100 that a wanderer found his way to the valley of the blue moon, an Austrian named Henschel. The great friendship sprang up between the two and Henschel stayed on. It was then that they had a wild and fantastic dream to preserve for all time the transient and perishable beauties of the world, to starve on the Shangri La, and keep them safe against the brutalities and ravages of war, their heritage to cherish and bequeen.
Then when the strong had devoured each other, the Christian ethic might at last be fulfilled, and the meek might inherit the earth. So with the valleys gold, they purchased our treasures from Europe and Asia. They filled the library with a great literature of all the ages. Then later on, it was decided to admit travelers and strangers who had lost their way.
[00:30:38] Unknown:
Strangers who had lost their way. Strangers might come as feely as they wished, but with one important. And what was that? In the years that followed, strangers did come. More than one part of explorers lost in these hills encountered messengers bearing a cordial invitation, and one that was rarely declined. Meanwhile, under the watchful eyes of father Pharaoh and Henshall, the anniversary had begun to acquire many of its present characteristics. It was almost completed when Henshall died. He died? Yes. It was very sudden. He was killed in the year 1910.
Nineteen '10. Just before his death, a Chinese artist had sketched him. There is his picture
[00:31:33] Unknown:
on the wall behind you. But this is the portrait of a young man. If he died in the year you said He did. And he came here in 2100? Yes. He he was killed you said? Yes.
[00:31:47] Unknown:
A traveler shot
[00:31:48] Unknown:
him. What was the cause of it?
[00:31:51] Unknown:
There had been a cause of us and porters. Hence, shall I just told him of the important proviso that governs our reception of guests? Perhaps you are wondering, my dear Conway, what that proviso may be?
[00:32:06] Unknown:
I think I can already guess. We have to stay here all of our lives.
[00:32:14] Unknown:
And can you guess anything else after this long and curious story of mine?
[00:32:20] Unknown:
It seems impossible, and yet impossible as it may be. I know it's the truth.
[00:32:27] Unknown:
What is, my son?
[00:32:30] Unknown:
That you are still alive,
[00:32:33] Unknown:
father Bell.
[00:32:51] Unknown:
Once again, as his friend Rutherford listens intently, Conway takes up the thread of his narrative. Dawn is breaking over the calm Pacific. Conway's voice is low, keyed to the tune of another world, the peaceful world of Shangri La.
[00:33:13] Unknown:
I learned one of the secrets of Shangri La that night, the secret of prolonged human life. For the high Lama who sat beside me had been born in 1683. He had lived for nearly two and a half centuries. He confirmed my suspicion that our coming was no accident. You had been no traveler to Shangri La for twenty years. Many llamas had died, and our pilot has been sent out into the world to bring new life to the llamasery.
[00:33:40] Unknown:
Yes, my son. There is death at Shangri La. There are many of us who live no more than a hundred years.
[00:33:48] Unknown:
And those who do live more, when do they begin to grow old in appearance? Cases differ.
[00:33:55] Unknown:
Some retain their youth for a century or more, but they must never leave the valley of the Blue Moon.
[00:34:02] Unknown:
And if one of your llamas were to leave the valley, he would die.
[00:34:06] Unknown:
His years would fall on his shoulders like a great burden, and he would die very soon. An old, old man.
[00:34:24] Unknown:
You
[00:34:26] Unknown:
have seen the high lama?
[00:34:29] Unknown:
You must help me. When I spoke with him, I understood everything. And now And now
[00:34:36] Unknown:
you are not sure again. That will pass. Will it? You will be happy as all of us have been. Lutzen,
[00:34:44] Unknown:
how did you come here? How long ago?
[00:34:47] Unknown:
I was betrothed to a prince of Turkish then. We were traveling to Kashgar to meet him when my carriers lost their way in the mountain.
[00:34:57] Unknown:
When did this happen?
[00:34:59] Unknown:
In 1864. I was 18. 18. Well, then now you The missionaries of Shangri La found us. They brought us here. Yes. Yes. It must have been very difficult for you, your wedding journey. I had never seen the man I was to marry. It was the custom of our land.
[00:35:17] Unknown:
Then in all these years, you have never known the meaning of love? L'Odsen, is there no love for Shangri La? Is there no room for love for Shangri La, L'Odsen? She did not answer, but I thought I saw a faint flush rising in her ivory cheek, and my heart seemed to leak inside me. And then I was aware that someone had entered the pavilion and was standing watching us. It was Malinty. In the next few weeks, I was summoned often by the Hyliana. I learned to expect his call and I seemed to sense when it would come. One night, I heard the ballet people chanting far below.
I thought it strange for I had not heard it since we arrived. It was midnight when I stood in the presence of the high Rama.
[00:36:18] Unknown:
Tell me my son, have you been happy at Shangri La? Quite happy father Perot. What have you been doing?
[00:36:26] Unknown:
Something very unusual. I have been learning new pieces by Chopin.
[00:36:30] Unknown:
Ah, then you have met Alphonse Vriac. Oh, yes. He was a great friend of Chopin. He was with him the night he died in 1849.
[00:36:40] Unknown:
And so he told me. It was fascinating.
[00:36:43] Unknown:
My son, I know that you are content here but I worry about your friends. Will they learn to be content also?
[00:36:54] Unknown:
I'm sure that two of them will. Miss Brinkler is going to convert you.
[00:36:58] Unknown:
Or rehearse. Does it matter?
[00:37:02] Unknown:
What of mister Barnard? No, he's found a project too. He wants to mine your gold. For himself? No, for you. He's discovered that you use it to bring supplies from outside.
[00:37:12] Unknown:
And he wishes to help us. Lindy. And now,
[00:37:17] Unknown:
Melanson.
[00:37:19] Unknown:
He's going to be a problem. Yes. I must say he's going to be your problem. Why mine? Because my son, I am going to die. You are going to. Father Pero. Yes. We are all mortal even here in the valley of the blue moon, but I must feel at rest before I die. That is why I sent for you tonight.
[00:37:48] Unknown:
You do me a great honor, father.
[00:37:51] Unknown:
I have in mind to do much more than that. I have waited for you, my son, for over a long time. My colleagues have grown old and wise, but you who are still young in years are as wise already. My son, there is a great storm gathering in the world. A black fury which will not spend itself for many years. There will be no safety in arms. No answer in science. It may rage till every flower of culture is trampled, and all human things are leveled in vast chaos. Such was my vision when Napoleon was still a name unknown, and I see it now more clearly with each hour.
Do you say I am mistaken? No. A crash such as that came once before, and then there were the dark ages lasting five hundred years. The dark ages that will come will cover the Earth like a pole, but I believe that you will live through the storm. Beyond that, my vision weakens. But I see at great distance, a new world stirring in the ruins, seeking its lost and legendary treasures. And they will all be here, my son, hidden behind the mountains in the Valley of the blue moon. And you will be here to give them to the hopeful world. My son, I place in your hands the heritage and destiny of Shangri La.
[00:39:35] Unknown:
The highlama stopped speaking. The glow in his eyes faded. Presently, it came to me as in a dream. The highlama was dead. Conway. Conway. I've been waiting for you. I've got some news. I say, what's the matter, Conway? You ill? Ill. No. I I don't think so. Just time. Well, where were you all the while? I I was visiting the high line. Oh, him. Well, that's for the last time anyhow. Yes. The last time. Put yourself together, ma'am. The plotters are waiting for us. Potters? Yes. It's all arranged. We've gotta start immediately. We can't. Oh, don't be a fool. They've even been paid. They're gonna take us back to Beshoa. The Brinkler and Barnard are staying, so it's just you and I and Oh, and who who who's been making all these plans? Who? L'Ossen. She's with the Porters now. She's waiting. Waiting? Yes. She's coming with us. That's impossible. Why is it impossible? You must take my word for it. L'Ossen must never leave here. Because you want to stay. Because you're in love with her. That's it, isn't it? That's it. Listen. I will join love with her. What if I am? That's why I tell you she must say. You have no right to say that. Oh, Conway. Listen. There isn't much time. You've got to come with us. I want to go back to get away from this place. And Lhotsen too. She's she's young. Doesn't that count? Lhotsen is not young. Not young. Not young. Dotson came to Shangri La in 1864.
You're a raving man. It's the truth. Her beauty is a fragile thing. It can only live where fragile things are loved. Take her away from this valley and she will fade away like an echo. Conway, I'm not gonna waste any more time. Are you coming with us or not? Mallinson, listen to me. I tried then to tell him about the secret of Shangri La. He looked at me as though I were mad. And as I read the disbelief in his eyes, I began to doubt myself. When he left me, I wanted to cry out to him to wait that I had been mad. But the thing was too incredible even for me to believe. I waited in torture all night.
And then toward dawn,
[00:41:28] Unknown:
Mallinson returned. I couldn't do it. I I didn't have the nerve. Mallinson. Well, that place where we were right together on the cliff. You remember? I I got as far as that, and I couldn't manage it. I I was afraid. I was afraid. Half the year. You've got to go. I can't do it without you. I I depended on you. I depended on your help in everything. You you've got to help me to get out of this place. Tell me something.
[00:41:47] Unknown:
Are you in love with Lotzen?
[00:41:50] Unknown:
Yes. And she's in love with me.
[00:41:55] Unknown:
Where is she? Lutzen.
[00:41:57] Unknown:
I'm here. Lutzen.
[00:41:59] Unknown:
Do you wish to leave Shangri La? We have tried to go. We tried to leave tonight. You know. You understand the risk.
[00:42:07] Unknown:
I love him. If he is not with me,
[00:42:11] Unknown:
I would die here. Conway, you see, don't you? Do you think you could manage that tricky bit with the rope if I were with you? You mean you'll come? Yes. Not saying that you're here. He's coming. He's coming with us. We made the descent that morning, Mallinson, the girl, and I. For weeks, we traveled toward the East, and then our potters began to desert. One by one, they disappeared until there were just the three of us, creeping like snails across a desert wilderness. Then for a long while, we were only two. Mallinson had died.
Go on. There must be more, can we? What's the rest of the story? I don't know the rest of it. Perhaps you can help me, Rutherford. Hi. You found me in the hospital at Chungking. A woman had come with me. Yes. Did you ask? Did they tell you? Was she a young woman?
[00:43:20] Unknown:
No. They said she was old. The oldest woman they had ever seen.
[00:43:35] Unknown:
And then ashore and bank is down. And then ashore.
[00:43:42] Unknown:
Conway, are you in there? The boat stopped, Conway.
[00:43:46] Unknown:
Conway, answer me. I I beg your pardon, sir. Are you mister Rutherford Pierce? Mister Conway asked me to deliver this note for you. Well, where is it? We arrived quite early, sir. He went ashore in the tent.
[00:44:00] Unknown:
My dear Rutherford, when this letter reaches you, I will be gone. Thank you for everything that you have done.
[00:44:08] Unknown:
When this letter reaches you, I will be gone. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I can never repay Tomorrow, I hope to find passage back to Shanghai. Somewhere beyond Lhasa, near the foothills of the Himalayas, I seem to picture in my mind a long plateau running north. It seems to me that from the end of this plateau, I can see a mountain far away rising fight against the sky. I hope to find it again, for this I think is Caracao, and beyond is Shangri La, and the Valley Of The Blue Horn.
[00:45:02] Unknown:
This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood.
[00:45:13] Unknown:
And this is your announcer, John m Kennedy, responding Free. Yes. Absolutely free. A sample of VIM, the new low cost vitamin mineral tablet. Ladies, if you haven't tried yet, VIM, now's the time. Just send your name and address to this station. You'll soon receive a free sample of VIM. Remember, write to this station. Ask for your free VIMS today. This is the Columbia Broadcasting
Every sandwich has bread. Every burger has a bun. But these warm, golden, smooth steamed buns, these are special, reserved for the very best. The Filet O Fish and
[00:00:14] Unknown:
you. You can have them too. And you can have it all at two for $6, like a Filet O Fish, Big Mac, 10 piece McNuggets, or large fries. Limited time only. Price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Single item at regular price.
[00:00:30] Unknown:
Book presents Hollywood.
[00:00:55] Unknown:
Far out in the Pacific,
[00:00:57] Unknown:
a steamship moves slowly through the midnight fog. Shrouded in mist, her huge hulk glides ghost like over a glassy sea.
[00:01:11] Unknown:
In the lounge, almost deserted and heavy with shadows,
[00:01:15] Unknown:
a man is seated at the piano. His face is thin and pale. He plays very softly, absently. His eyes fixed far ahead as if seeing into the future or trying to remember the past.
[00:01:31] Unknown:
Long day ahead of us tomorrow. Don't you think you'd better turn it all, ma'am? It's rather late. Conway, don't you hear me? Conway,
[00:01:40] Unknown:
anything you say? Please don't stop playing, please. That last selection was quite beautiful. May I inquire the name of it?
[00:01:47] Unknown:
Well, what was it, Conway? The name of that selection. I don't know. It's something I
[00:01:54] Unknown:
owe something Beautiful.
[00:02:00] Unknown:
Beautiful. Oh, I beg your pardon. My name is Rudolf Siefkin. Siefkin? The pianist? You know me? I've heard you play many times.
[00:02:09] Unknown:
My name is Rutherford. This gentleman is mister Conley. How do you do?
[00:02:14] Unknown:
Oh, no. Don't stop. Go on, please. Thank you. Yeah. Superb, but I can't quite place it.
[00:02:24] Unknown:
I remember now it's by Chopin. Chopin?
[00:02:28] Unknown:
No. No. No. No. Not Chopin. Very much in his style, but definitely not Chopin. I know it's by Chopin. Really? But I flat to myself that I know everything of Chopin's. Everything that was ever published. Oh, this wasn't published. So? Then how do you happen to know it?
[00:02:44] Unknown:
It was taught to me a few months ago by one of Chopin's pupils.
[00:02:48] Unknown:
Mister Conway chooses to have a joke with me. Not only a pupil, but a friend. Mister Conway, may I remind you of one thing? This friend of Chopin's, do you realize that to be alive today, he would have to be somewhere in the neighborhood of, say, 30
[00:03:03] Unknown:
years of age? Yes. He was with Chopin the night he died in 1849. Rutherford, I I believe I'll take a walk around the deck. Good night.
[00:03:17] Unknown:
Perhaps mister Conway resented my intrusion. You'll have to forgive my friend, sir. He's being quite ill. Or? Yes. I'm taking him home to England. You see, he's had a very severe case of amnesia. Oh, I am sorry. I'd better go along with him. Excuse me, Conwy? Conwy, is that you? Well, I'm afraid you've insulted the eminent mister Seaking. He was quite pleased. I suppose it sounded very absurd. Well, a man a 30 years old. It was rather hard to believe. Yes. The more so because it's true. You don't believe me either. I'm a writer, Conway. I am capable of believing almost anything. Rutherford,
[00:04:05] Unknown:
how did you happen to find me? Oh, purely by accident.
[00:04:09] Unknown:
I was traveling from Hankau to Chungking by train. I made the acquaintance of a very charming lady, mother superior of some French sisters of charity. She told me of a case they had in the hospital at Chungking, a fever patient who'd been brought in some weeks ago. She said he seemed to be English but spoke excellent Chinese.
[00:04:28] Unknown:
Naturally, I was interested. When I went to the hospital with her, I recognized you at once. And I didn't recognize you? The doctor said you'd been under considerable strain. Yes. But I do recognize you now. You mean your memory is coming back? For the past two days, I've been remembering little things. Tonight, it all came back to me. That is all except a few days when, Rutherford, when you went to the hospital,
[00:04:52] Unknown:
did they mention how I had come there? Yes. You were picked up on the road about 60 miles from Chungking. Alone? No. There was someone with you. A woman. A Chinese woman? Yes.
[00:05:03] Unknown:
And
[00:05:04] Unknown:
what happened to her? Why they brought her in too, of course. But she was pretty far gone. She died that night. Died? Can't be. I'm glad your memory has returned,
[00:05:18] Unknown:
but I'm sorry if already you wish it hadn't. I don't know what I wish. I only know that Rutherford, you said you were capable of leaving almost anything. Could you believe the impossible? It happened to me. Go on. I I don't know just where to begin. How long is it since I've seen you? Oh, about 1921. As I remember it, you were at Oxford. Yes. That's right. I'd gone back there after the war. I was making a study of oriental languages. Well, soon after that, I went into the consular service. So I heard. You were sent to India, weren't you? Yes. To Basquiat. I was the consul there up until last May. Then there was a revolt of sorts in Bascul, and we thought it's safer to evacuate the civilians to Peshawar on the Northwest frontier.
We had some planes for the purpose. And I myself left Bascul with four passengers and a pilot. With With me was my vice counsel, a young fellow named Mallinson, a missionary woman, miss Brinkler, and Henry Barnard, an American businessman. We took off from Bascul at about three in the afternoon and should have landed in Peshawar about 05:30. We never arrived at our destination.
[00:06:32] Unknown:
Conway? I said, Conway, you asleep? Mhmm.
[00:06:35] Unknown:
Oh, what's the matter, Madison? Anything wrong? I'm not sure, but didn't you tell me that Fama was piloting us? Yes. No. The chap on his head just now, and I swear it wasn't Fama. I thought they must have changed their minds and given to someone else. Yes. But who is he? My dear boy, how should I know? When we arrive in Peshawar, you can ask him all about himself. At this rate, we won't get Peshawar at all. The man's off his course, and we're an hour overdue at least. What? You've been asleep. It's after 06:30.
[00:06:57] Unknown:
And look down there, nothing but mountains as far as you can see.
[00:07:00] Unknown:
I don't recognize this part of the world at all. I'd say you were right, Mallinson. The man lost his way. What's that, Conway? You say we were lost? What? How good he is? Oh, it's quite alright, mister Bingo. There's nothing to be upset about. I'm sure. I'm not so sure. Flying over the mountains of India with night coming on isn't exactly my idea of a pleasant time. Where would you say we were? I don't know, mister Bannock. Well, we might ask the pilot, you know. But if we're lost, he won't either, will he? Oh, I'm not yet certain that we are lost. Still, there's nothing like finding out, is there? Alright. I'll ask him. Hey. You there, pilot. Open the panel.
Open up, will you? I want to speak to you. I advise you ask no questions, please. Oh, certainly. Look here. We wanna know where we are. I advise that you be seated. I will not be seated. I wanna No. Mallinson, I don't know whether you've noticed it, but there's the barrel of a revolver pointing directly at my chest. What? Under the circumstances, I think you'd better do as the gentleman suggests. Thank you. It would be pity if I had to resort to force. I don't suppose you would care to answer, but might I ask just where we're going? You will know that tomorrow when we arrive.
What the depth did he mean? You're supposed to be kidnapped? As good any. He wouldn't have dared to shoo. It was probably just bluff. Quite, but I'd rather leave it to you to make sure. Well, I I I do feel that you ought to put up some sort of a fight. We can't just give in like this. Putting up a fight without a decent chance of winning is a poor game, and I'm not that sort of a hero. Good for you, sir. When a man's got you by the short hairs, you may as well give him pleasantly and admit it. But do what are we going to do? Since we're going to be flying all night and since there seems to be nothing we can do at the moment, I suggest we try and get some sleep. For hours, we sat in the darkness of the plane, each of us pretending to sleep.
From all I could make out, we were flying northeast over a range of mountains, the Karakoram. In the moonlight, I fancied I could pick out the crest of K 2, the second highest mountain in the world, beyond Lake Tibet. Then I must have fallen asleep. For how long, I don't know. Suddenly, the plane lurched sharply. There's a loud rushing sound in my ears, and I realized that we were coming down. But fast. Much too fast. We stumbled from the plane, the four of us, badly shaken but uninjured. We found ourselves on a snow covered plateau surrounded by towering cliffs, and I knew we must be somewhere in Tibet, a vast, uninhabited and unexplored region, A land of frozen wastes and bitter cold. Then a strange thing happened. The wind died suddenly, and the moon swung over the edge of a precipice high above.
And there, soaring into the heavens, appeared the loveliest mountain on Earth. It was an almost perfect cone of snow. So radiant, so serenely poised that I wondered for a moment if it were real at all. Conway, come here. Something a matter with this pilot fellow. Hello? I think he's in or something. I can't get a word out of him. It's the pilot. Well, now we are in a fix. Loosen his helmet. Now he's still breathing any heart. Got a match, Barnett? Not very many. Here we are. I'll keep lighting them. His pulse is pretty weak. I can hardly feel it. What do you suppose? What happened to him? Oh, possibly a heart attack brought under the altitude. There's not very much we can do for him out here. Garnet. Garnet. Another match. Mallinson, what's the matter with you? What's the matter with you? You look at this. A lot of fools striking matches over a corpse. There was little we could do for the man. We watched his breathing grow more and more labored. Eventually, he opened his eyes and began to speak in touch, a kind of Chinese that I shouldn't understand very well.
Toward the end, he half lifted himself and looked towards that shiny precipice towering above us. With a great effort, he raised his hand and pointed. Then as the early rays of the sun caught the summit of the mountain, the man died. What did he say? He must have told you something. Very little, I'm afraid. Merely that we are in Tibet, which is obvious. But he did say something about a laminar area here along the Valley. Shangri La, he called it. He was most emphatic that we should go there. There doesn't seem to be any reason at all why we should. What if it's a trap? We got any guarantee that we won't be murdered?
[00:11:33] Unknown:
None at all. Can't we? Well? I've just been looking at that mountain.
[00:11:37] Unknown:
Am I seeing things? Or are those men coming towards us? They were men, a party of a dozen or more, crawling like ants across the white face of the mountain. As they drew near, we saw they carried among them a hooded chair and in it a robed figure. An elderly, Chinese, gray hair, clean shaven. Slowly, they came toward us. The Chinese gave an order.
[00:12:10] Unknown:
I am from the Llama area, Shangri La. My name is Chang. You, sir, would you be good enough to present me to your friend?
[00:12:19] Unknown:
Of course. This is miss Brinklow, mister Barnett, and mister Mallinson.
[00:12:24] Unknown:
My name is Conway. How do you do? We observe from the mountain that you have had a severe
[00:12:31] Unknown:
accident. Your ship is beyond repair? Yes. I'm afraid so. And anyway, our pilot is dead. So? As a matter of fact, we were just setting out to find your armory. If you could give us directions for the journey There is no need for that. I shall be delighted to act as your guide. Oh, but you must have just come from there. And if it isn't very far, we could It is not far, but it is not easy either.
[00:12:52] Unknown:
I shall assume it and honor to accompany you and your friend. Oh, but really I must insist. Well, thank you. Our stay won't be long and we'll pay for anything we have. And we'd like to hire some of your prodders to help us on the journey back. We want to return to civilization as soon as possible. Are you so certain you are away from it?
[00:13:11] Unknown:
You are contemplating the mountain, mister Conway? Yes.
[00:13:15] Unknown:
Yes. It's a beautiful sight. It has a name, I suppose. It is called Caracao. I don't think I ever heard of it. Is it very high? Over 28,000
[00:13:23] Unknown:
feet. Do we have to climb it to get your lot of service? There is a path at 20,000.
[00:13:44] Unknown:
Can't be much closer than this, Kenneth. We've been climbing for hours. That is quite Quite certain we can never have found the way ourselves. Well, would we been missing much? What sort of a hell's kitchen are we making for?
[00:13:55] Unknown:
What's our plan of action when we get there? What do we do? Man, I think there are times in life when the most comfortable thing is to do nothing at all. Things have happened for you and so you just let them happen. That's that's a bit too philosophic for me. I'm suspicious about all this.
[00:14:09] Unknown:
They're they're getting us into a corner. Have you anything else to suggest? No.
[00:14:13] Unknown:
Try and make the best of it. I'm sorry. I I don't know what's the matter with me. The whole world seems to have gone completely mad. No. They don't. They think. We seem to be at the top. We shall rest here a moment before we descend into the valley.
[00:14:27] Unknown:
The dangers of our journey are quite over. If you will look below, toward the head of the valley, you can see the llamasery of Shangri La.
[00:14:40] Unknown:
Shangri La. It was a strange and incredible sight. A group of colored pavilions clinging to the mountain side, like flower petals impaled upon the crags. It was superb and exquisite. The eye was carried upward from the milk blue roofs to the gray rock looming tremendously overhead. Beyond that, in a dazzling pyramid sawed Caracao. It was the most beautiful and the most terrifying mountain escape in the world. I don't remember how we arrived at the Lamassery. The thin air had a dream like texture. And with every breath, I took in a deep anesthetizing tranquility.
But I do remember a strange sensation, half mystical, half visual, of having reached at last some place that was an end, a finality.
[00:15:44] Unknown:
At the rail of the ocean liner, Conway continues his story. A strange tale of a journey to a strange place, the Lamothee of Shangri La.
[00:15:57] Unknown:
From the stormy cliffs of Caracao to the serene peace and quiet of Shangri La was like a descent into another world. How long we would have to stay, we didn't know. But I can't pretend that I was worried or even annoyed. Or here in this lovely place, I enjoyed a strange sensation, a pleasant mingling of physical ease and mental alertness. It seemed to me, of all sensations, the most truly civilized. At dinner our first night there, I noticed that the food was cooked and served in Chinese fashion.
[00:16:28] Unknown:
You will excuse me if I do not have my dinner with you. My diet is very restricted. I'm obliged to take care of myself. Of course. Of course. If there is anything you wish, please do not hesitate to ask. I'm sure we can supply it. You seem to be a fortunate community here and very hospitable to strangers.
[00:16:44] Unknown:
I don't imagine though that you will receive them often. Seldom indeed.
[00:16:48] Unknown:
It is not a terrible part of the world. Yes. It is to put it mildly.
[00:16:52] Unknown:
As we came up, I thought it's the most isolated spot I had ever had eyes on. And yet Yes. And yet you run this place as though we're a first rate European hotel. Isn't that what you mean, come where? Or an American hotel for that matter. We even have bathtubs. Yes.
[00:17:05] Unknown:
We are less, barbarian than you expected. Will you tell us about the monastery, please? It will give me the greatest pleasure, madam, so far as I am able.
[00:17:15] Unknown:
What exactly do you wish to know? First of all, how many harbor are you here and, what nationality do you belong to? Those of us
[00:17:23] Unknown:
in full Lamahoot number 50. As for our racial origins, there are representatives of a great many nations. Though it is perhaps natural that Tibetans
[00:17:33] Unknown:
and Chinese make up the majority. I see. It's really a native monastery then. Is your head lama a Tibetan?
[00:17:41] Unknown:
No. A Chinese?
[00:17:43] Unknown:
No, madam.
[00:17:44] Unknown:
Well, I'm sure you can't be English. Oh, do you have any English here? Several. Tell me that. She's very remarkable.
[00:17:51] Unknown:
And now tell me what you all believe in. That's rather a big question, miss Pinklow. Of course, I believe in the true religion. But I'm broad minded enough to admit that other people,
[00:18:01] Unknown:
foreigners, Eileen, are quite often sincere in their views. If I were to put it into very few words, I should say that our prevalent belief is in moderation. We believe in the virtue of avoiding excess of all kinds. In the valuable order are several thousand inhabitants living under the control of our order. We rule with moderate strictness, and in return, we are satisfied with moderate obedient. And I think I can claim that our people are moderately sober, moderately faithful, and,
[00:18:31] Unknown:
moderately honest. Well, were those the Valley people who arrived with you this morning? Yes. Well, they're all gonna be excellent guides. Why can't they take us back tomorrow?
[00:18:38] Unknown:
We'll make it worth their while, of course. I am sorry, but that is beyond my province. I cannot help you, sir. You mean you won't, Mallon? If you refuse to help us, we'll help ourselves. You will you have maps, I suppose? Yes. We have many. Well, then we'll borrow some of them if you don't mind.
[00:18:53] Unknown:
How far away is the nearest telegraph line? I do not know. Well, where do you send it when you want nipping? Anything civilized, I mean. When you had all these these modern bars installed, how did they get here? Oh, you what? You won't tell me then. It's part of the mystery like everything else, I suppose. Conway, I must say, I think you're devilish slack. Well, where did you get at the truth? I I'm all in for the time being, but Tomorrow, mind you, we we must get away tomorrow at Central Rock. Mallinson.
[00:19:17] Unknown:
Hand me your hand here. Easy, man. Are you are you alright, Mallinson?
[00:19:21] Unknown:
I feel
[00:19:23] Unknown:
I don't know. Tomorrow, he will be much better. The air here is difficult for the stranger at first, but one soon becomes acclimatized. Yes. I expect we're all feeling it somewhat darn it. Look after Mallinson, will you? And I'm sure you're in need of some rest too, miss Brinklow. Yes. Yes. I am. Good night. Good night, madam. Come on, Allison. Just leave your way on me. That's the boy. Shall I call for someone to help you? We'll manage.
[00:19:47] Unknown:
Are you retiring also, mister Conway? I'd like a word with you first, if I may. Yes. I want to know this morning when you found us, were you setting out on a journey? No. Then it was not a chance meeting. You came there deliberately to intercept us. That suggests that you must have known about arrival beforehand. The interesting question is
[00:20:08] Unknown:
how? You are very clever but not entirely correct. Therefore, I should counsel you not to worry your friends with these,
[00:20:16] Unknown:
abstract discussions. Oh, they want something more concrete. They want to know exactly how long you're going to keep us here. There will be certain
[00:20:24] Unknown:
unavoidable delays. How long? The difficulties of the trip, securing the necessary porters. How long, please?
[00:20:31] Unknown:
You may tell your friend a few months. But you don't guarantee it. Is that what you mean? Very well. For myself, I can't say I shall mind a great deal. It's a new all interesting experience. In times have come, you may find it even more interesting.
[00:20:44] Unknown:
Good night.
[00:20:49] Unknown:
In the days that followed at Shangri La, I gave myself over to a rich and growing enchantment. In the petal colored buildings which started the mountain, I recognized treasures of art that museums and millionaires alike would have bargained for. Paintings and sketches, exquisite ceramics, and tinted ink drawings preserved for more than a thousand years. And then I discovered the library, lofty and spacious, with a quiet atmosphere more of wisdom than of learning. Here was housed all the great literature of the present and of centuries past and all the scientific knowledge of the world.
One morning, I stood beside a lotus pool in an open pavilion of the lamasery. Presently, I became conscious of the music that seemed to come from an archway behind me. It was a harpsichord, and it had begun so softly that I wasn't even aware of listening. A girl was playing, a girl in Chinese dress. She had the high cheekbones and the eggshell pallor of the manchu. Her jet black hair was drawn tightly back and braided. Her mouth was small and pink. She was like a delicately painted miniature. That was very lovely. You are pleased, sir? More than pleased. Chang said it would be so. Oh, did Chang send you here? To play for you? Oh, that is very nice of him. My name is Hugh Conway.
[00:22:16] Unknown:
They call me Lotzin. Lotzin.
[00:22:19] Unknown:
Are you do you live below in the valley? No. I live here.
[00:22:24] Unknown:
At the llama, sir? Yes. But as yet, I have not attained the full llamahood.
[00:22:29] Unknown:
You mean you are a llama? Yes. I'm a bit confused. I didn't realize by fault that only men could be llamas.
[00:22:38] Unknown:
They will tell you when you have been here longer that in the llama hood, there are no distinctions between a man and a woman. But you,
[00:22:46] Unknown:
you're hardly more than a child. Shall I play for you again? Oh, please. Good morning. Oh, Chang. You are pleased with Lhotep? She plays magnificently.
[00:23:01] Unknown:
One of our greatest students of music.
[00:23:04] Unknown:
She has studied for a great many years. But she couldn't. She she's only Chang. How old is it, Nodse?
[00:23:13] Unknown:
I am afraid I cannot tell you.
[00:23:27] Unknown:
Two whole weeks. Not a word yet about when we have to leave. Has Chang spoken to you, Conway? Chang has been rather vague on the subject. Vagueness seems to be his principal stock in trade, but I imagine he'll break down a bit before long. Well, the prospect of being marooned here doesn't seem to worry you a great deal, Barnet. Well, frankly, it doesn't. The outside world has certain attractions, of course, but it also has some definite disadvantages. Well, I'm surprised to hear that from you, from Conway I might have expected. You you seem possibly intrigued by the face, Conway, or are you intrigued mainly by the little Chinese girl? I've always been a lover of music. I enjoy her company. Hardly an excuse, is it? Oh, I don't know. You don't care for music, do you? No. And yet if you'll forgive my saying so, you seem to enjoy her company too. Don't you think that's rather clever? Oh, no. I merely think she's rather beautiful. And I know that you're only 24. Well, you're not very old yourself, you know. True. True. Speaking of age, I've been sort of puzzled about this fellow Chang. How old would you say he was, Conway? Chang? Well, that's rather difficult. With a rough guess, I'd say, oh, anywhere from 49 to a 49.
[00:24:36] Unknown:
Conway, are you awake? Conway. What is it? I've got to see you. Come in. Listen. I just found out why our friend Barnard is so willing to stay on here. He dropped his pocketbook tonight. A lot of newspaper clippings fell out. Well The clippings say that he's wanted back in America for embezzlement and fraud.
[00:24:57] Unknown:
When Mallinson had done, I walked out on the terrace and stood looking across the valley of the blue moon. Suddenly, I became aware of a figure standing in the bright square of the pavilion.
[00:25:07] Unknown:
Good evening, sir. Oh, is that you, Chang? I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour, but I bring you important news. Well? I congratulate you, sir. And I am happy to think that I am in some measure responsible for the high llama's decision. Decision? High llama? It is extraordinary and unprecedented. A fortnight ago, you had not arrived. Tonight, you are to be received by him. You will follow me, please.
[00:25:38] Unknown:
As I followed Chang through the Lamasserie that night, I knew I was on the threshold of some great discovery. Pattering in front of me, we mounted a great spiral staircase to a door which opens noiselessly before us. Inside, the atmosphere was dry and tingling warm. The the airlessness increased as we passed through the dim hall. And then at last, we stopped.
[00:26:03] Unknown:
The high lava, we'll see you alone.
[00:26:08] Unknown:
Chang left me silently. And I stood breathing an atmosphere that was sultry and full of dusk. As I became accustomed to the gloom, I saw sitting before me a small and wrinkled man. He was motionless. A fading antique portrait in Chinese dress that stays thin and drawn tight over the frame of his skull. And his eyes, I felt dizzy beneath the gaze of those ancient eyes.
[00:26:35] Unknown:
You are mister Conway? I am. It is a pleasure to see you, mister Conway. Please sit down beside me and have no fear. I am an old man and can do no one any harm.
[00:26:49] Unknown:
I feel it's a great honor that will be received by you. Thank you.
[00:26:53] Unknown:
I trust you have been comfortable at Shangri La since you are arrived. Extremely so. I am glad. Cheng tells me you have been asking many questions about our community and this affairs.
[00:27:05] Unknown:
Oh, yes. I am very much interested in them.
[00:27:07] Unknown:
Then if you can spare me a little time, I shall be pleased to give you a brief account of our foundations. There's nothing. The history of Shangri La begins rightly in the significance in the year 1719. For it was then that four friars set out on a long and perilous journey into the hinterland. They traveled Southwest for many months by Lanzhou and Nokona, facing many hardships. Three died on the way. And the fourth was not far from death when, by accident, he stumbled into the rocky defile that remains today the only practical approach to our valley of the blue moon. There, to his joy and surprise, he found a friendly population who made haste to display what I have always regarded as our oldest tradition that of hospitality to strangers Quickly, he recovered his health and began to preach his mission His name was father Pero, and he was, by birth, a Luxembourger.
He was something of a scholar, but he was also physically sturdy. For more than half a century, he labored with his hands like any other man, tilling his own garden and learning from the inhabitants as well as teaching them. Then in the year 1789, news descended to the valley that Farah Tero was dying at last. He lay in this room where he could see from the window the white blur that was all his failing eyesight gave him a caracal. He gathered his friends and servants round him and bade them all farewell, but the end was not yet.
He lay for many weeks without speech or movement, and then he began to recover. He was then a hundred and eight.
[00:29:24] Unknown:
The ancient glamour paused, his eyes closed as if the discourse had tired him. What he had told me was not the unbelief, but as he went on, I was held speechless with wonder. Father Peril's recovery, he told me, was not in any sense temporary. No. He plunged immediately into a rigorous self discipline which would have killed another man of that age. It was in 2100 that a wanderer found his way to the valley of the blue moon, an Austrian named Henschel. The great friendship sprang up between the two and Henschel stayed on. It was then that they had a wild and fantastic dream to preserve for all time the transient and perishable beauties of the world, to starve on the Shangri La, and keep them safe against the brutalities and ravages of war, their heritage to cherish and bequeen.
Then when the strong had devoured each other, the Christian ethic might at last be fulfilled, and the meek might inherit the earth. So with the valleys gold, they purchased our treasures from Europe and Asia. They filled the library with a great literature of all the ages. Then later on, it was decided to admit travelers and strangers who had lost their way.
[00:30:38] Unknown:
Strangers who had lost their way. Strangers might come as feely as they wished, but with one important. And what was that? In the years that followed, strangers did come. More than one part of explorers lost in these hills encountered messengers bearing a cordial invitation, and one that was rarely declined. Meanwhile, under the watchful eyes of father Pharaoh and Henshall, the anniversary had begun to acquire many of its present characteristics. It was almost completed when Henshall died. He died? Yes. It was very sudden. He was killed in the year 1910.
Nineteen '10. Just before his death, a Chinese artist had sketched him. There is his picture
[00:31:33] Unknown:
on the wall behind you. But this is the portrait of a young man. If he died in the year you said He did. And he came here in 2100? Yes. He he was killed you said? Yes.
[00:31:47] Unknown:
A traveler shot
[00:31:48] Unknown:
him. What was the cause of it?
[00:31:51] Unknown:
There had been a cause of us and porters. Hence, shall I just told him of the important proviso that governs our reception of guests? Perhaps you are wondering, my dear Conway, what that proviso may be?
[00:32:06] Unknown:
I think I can already guess. We have to stay here all of our lives.
[00:32:14] Unknown:
And can you guess anything else after this long and curious story of mine?
[00:32:20] Unknown:
It seems impossible, and yet impossible as it may be. I know it's the truth.
[00:32:27] Unknown:
What is, my son?
[00:32:30] Unknown:
That you are still alive,
[00:32:33] Unknown:
father Bell.
[00:32:51] Unknown:
Once again, as his friend Rutherford listens intently, Conway takes up the thread of his narrative. Dawn is breaking over the calm Pacific. Conway's voice is low, keyed to the tune of another world, the peaceful world of Shangri La.
[00:33:13] Unknown:
I learned one of the secrets of Shangri La that night, the secret of prolonged human life. For the high Lama who sat beside me had been born in 1683. He had lived for nearly two and a half centuries. He confirmed my suspicion that our coming was no accident. You had been no traveler to Shangri La for twenty years. Many llamas had died, and our pilot has been sent out into the world to bring new life to the llamasery.
[00:33:40] Unknown:
Yes, my son. There is death at Shangri La. There are many of us who live no more than a hundred years.
[00:33:48] Unknown:
And those who do live more, when do they begin to grow old in appearance? Cases differ.
[00:33:55] Unknown:
Some retain their youth for a century or more, but they must never leave the valley of the Blue Moon.
[00:34:02] Unknown:
And if one of your llamas were to leave the valley, he would die.
[00:34:06] Unknown:
His years would fall on his shoulders like a great burden, and he would die very soon. An old, old man.
[00:34:24] Unknown:
You
[00:34:26] Unknown:
have seen the high lama?
[00:34:29] Unknown:
You must help me. When I spoke with him, I understood everything. And now And now
[00:34:36] Unknown:
you are not sure again. That will pass. Will it? You will be happy as all of us have been. Lutzen,
[00:34:44] Unknown:
how did you come here? How long ago?
[00:34:47] Unknown:
I was betrothed to a prince of Turkish then. We were traveling to Kashgar to meet him when my carriers lost their way in the mountain.
[00:34:57] Unknown:
When did this happen?
[00:34:59] Unknown:
In 1864. I was 18. 18. Well, then now you The missionaries of Shangri La found us. They brought us here. Yes. Yes. It must have been very difficult for you, your wedding journey. I had never seen the man I was to marry. It was the custom of our land.
[00:35:17] Unknown:
Then in all these years, you have never known the meaning of love? L'Odsen, is there no love for Shangri La? Is there no room for love for Shangri La, L'Odsen? She did not answer, but I thought I saw a faint flush rising in her ivory cheek, and my heart seemed to leak inside me. And then I was aware that someone had entered the pavilion and was standing watching us. It was Malinty. In the next few weeks, I was summoned often by the Hyliana. I learned to expect his call and I seemed to sense when it would come. One night, I heard the ballet people chanting far below.
I thought it strange for I had not heard it since we arrived. It was midnight when I stood in the presence of the high Rama.
[00:36:18] Unknown:
Tell me my son, have you been happy at Shangri La? Quite happy father Perot. What have you been doing?
[00:36:26] Unknown:
Something very unusual. I have been learning new pieces by Chopin.
[00:36:30] Unknown:
Ah, then you have met Alphonse Vriac. Oh, yes. He was a great friend of Chopin. He was with him the night he died in 1849.
[00:36:40] Unknown:
And so he told me. It was fascinating.
[00:36:43] Unknown:
My son, I know that you are content here but I worry about your friends. Will they learn to be content also?
[00:36:54] Unknown:
I'm sure that two of them will. Miss Brinkler is going to convert you.
[00:36:58] Unknown:
Or rehearse. Does it matter?
[00:37:02] Unknown:
What of mister Barnard? No, he's found a project too. He wants to mine your gold. For himself? No, for you. He's discovered that you use it to bring supplies from outside.
[00:37:12] Unknown:
And he wishes to help us. Lindy. And now,
[00:37:17] Unknown:
Melanson.
[00:37:19] Unknown:
He's going to be a problem. Yes. I must say he's going to be your problem. Why mine? Because my son, I am going to die. You are going to. Father Pero. Yes. We are all mortal even here in the valley of the blue moon, but I must feel at rest before I die. That is why I sent for you tonight.
[00:37:48] Unknown:
You do me a great honor, father.
[00:37:51] Unknown:
I have in mind to do much more than that. I have waited for you, my son, for over a long time. My colleagues have grown old and wise, but you who are still young in years are as wise already. My son, there is a great storm gathering in the world. A black fury which will not spend itself for many years. There will be no safety in arms. No answer in science. It may rage till every flower of culture is trampled, and all human things are leveled in vast chaos. Such was my vision when Napoleon was still a name unknown, and I see it now more clearly with each hour.
Do you say I am mistaken? No. A crash such as that came once before, and then there were the dark ages lasting five hundred years. The dark ages that will come will cover the Earth like a pole, but I believe that you will live through the storm. Beyond that, my vision weakens. But I see at great distance, a new world stirring in the ruins, seeking its lost and legendary treasures. And they will all be here, my son, hidden behind the mountains in the Valley of the blue moon. And you will be here to give them to the hopeful world. My son, I place in your hands the heritage and destiny of Shangri La.
[00:39:35] Unknown:
The highlama stopped speaking. The glow in his eyes faded. Presently, it came to me as in a dream. The highlama was dead. Conway. Conway. I've been waiting for you. I've got some news. I say, what's the matter, Conway? You ill? Ill. No. I I don't think so. Just time. Well, where were you all the while? I I was visiting the high line. Oh, him. Well, that's for the last time anyhow. Yes. The last time. Put yourself together, ma'am. The plotters are waiting for us. Potters? Yes. It's all arranged. We've gotta start immediately. We can't. Oh, don't be a fool. They've even been paid. They're gonna take us back to Beshoa. The Brinkler and Barnard are staying, so it's just you and I and Oh, and who who who's been making all these plans? Who? L'Ossen. She's with the Porters now. She's waiting. Waiting? Yes. She's coming with us. That's impossible. Why is it impossible? You must take my word for it. L'Ossen must never leave here. Because you want to stay. Because you're in love with her. That's it, isn't it? That's it. Listen. I will join love with her. What if I am? That's why I tell you she must say. You have no right to say that. Oh, Conway. Listen. There isn't much time. You've got to come with us. I want to go back to get away from this place. And Lhotsen too. She's she's young. Doesn't that count? Lhotsen is not young. Not young. Not young. Dotson came to Shangri La in 1864.
You're a raving man. It's the truth. Her beauty is a fragile thing. It can only live where fragile things are loved. Take her away from this valley and she will fade away like an echo. Conway, I'm not gonna waste any more time. Are you coming with us or not? Mallinson, listen to me. I tried then to tell him about the secret of Shangri La. He looked at me as though I were mad. And as I read the disbelief in his eyes, I began to doubt myself. When he left me, I wanted to cry out to him to wait that I had been mad. But the thing was too incredible even for me to believe. I waited in torture all night.
And then toward dawn,
[00:41:28] Unknown:
Mallinson returned. I couldn't do it. I I didn't have the nerve. Mallinson. Well, that place where we were right together on the cliff. You remember? I I got as far as that, and I couldn't manage it. I I was afraid. I was afraid. Half the year. You've got to go. I can't do it without you. I I depended on you. I depended on your help in everything. You you've got to help me to get out of this place. Tell me something.
[00:41:47] Unknown:
Are you in love with Lotzen?
[00:41:50] Unknown:
Yes. And she's in love with me.
[00:41:55] Unknown:
Where is she? Lutzen.
[00:41:57] Unknown:
I'm here. Lutzen.
[00:41:59] Unknown:
Do you wish to leave Shangri La? We have tried to go. We tried to leave tonight. You know. You understand the risk.
[00:42:07] Unknown:
I love him. If he is not with me,
[00:42:11] Unknown:
I would die here. Conway, you see, don't you? Do you think you could manage that tricky bit with the rope if I were with you? You mean you'll come? Yes. Not saying that you're here. He's coming. He's coming with us. We made the descent that morning, Mallinson, the girl, and I. For weeks, we traveled toward the East, and then our potters began to desert. One by one, they disappeared until there were just the three of us, creeping like snails across a desert wilderness. Then for a long while, we were only two. Mallinson had died.
Go on. There must be more, can we? What's the rest of the story? I don't know the rest of it. Perhaps you can help me, Rutherford. Hi. You found me in the hospital at Chungking. A woman had come with me. Yes. Did you ask? Did they tell you? Was she a young woman?
[00:43:20] Unknown:
No. They said she was old. The oldest woman they had ever seen.
[00:43:35] Unknown:
And then ashore and bank is down. And then ashore.
[00:43:42] Unknown:
Conway, are you in there? The boat stopped, Conway.
[00:43:46] Unknown:
Conway, answer me. I I beg your pardon, sir. Are you mister Rutherford Pierce? Mister Conway asked me to deliver this note for you. Well, where is it? We arrived quite early, sir. He went ashore in the tent.
[00:44:00] Unknown:
My dear Rutherford, when this letter reaches you, I will be gone. Thank you for everything that you have done.
[00:44:08] Unknown:
When this letter reaches you, I will be gone. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I can never repay Tomorrow, I hope to find passage back to Shanghai. Somewhere beyond Lhasa, near the foothills of the Himalayas, I seem to picture in my mind a long plateau running north. It seems to me that from the end of this plateau, I can see a mountain far away rising fight against the sky. I hope to find it again, for this I think is Caracao, and beyond is Shangri La, and the Valley Of The Blue Horn.
[00:45:02] Unknown:
This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood.
[00:45:13] Unknown:
And this is your announcer, John m Kennedy, responding Free. Yes. Absolutely free. A sample of VIM, the new low cost vitamin mineral tablet. Ladies, if you haven't tried yet, VIM, now's the time. Just send your name and address to this station. You'll soon receive a free sample of VIM. Remember, write to this station. Ask for your free VIMS today. This is the Columbia Broadcasting
