The Humanitarian Urge: Stories of Compassion and Justice

This powerful Christmas Day episode of The Cavalcade of America explores two stories that highlight America’s evolving concern for children and their rights. The first part, The Mary Ellen Case, is set in 1874 New York City. Mrs. Etta Wheeler, a voluntary missionary, is confronted with the disturbing plight of a young girl being beaten by her father. At that time, the law offered no protection for children against abusive parents, but Mrs. Wheeler’s determination to help leads her to a lawyer known for his work protecting animals. Together, they take on this landmark case, which ultimately paves the way for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The second part, The Juvenile Court Story, focuses on the present day (1935), where a juvenile court judge works tirelessly to offer a wayward boy, caught in the grip of gang violence, a second chance. This story emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation and compassion in the American justice system, reflecting a growing awareness of youth welfare. Actors: • Ann Barley (writer) • Arthur Pryor (producer) • Frank Singiser (commercial spokesman) • Kenneth Webb (director) • Dwight Weist (announcer) SEO Keywords: child protection, mary ellen case, juvenile justice, american compassion, cavalcade of america 1935, christmas radio broadcast, etta wheeler, society for prevention of cruelty to children, historical radio drama Join us for this heartwarming and inspiring episode of The Cavalcade of America, where compassion and justice take center stage in two moving stories about protecting the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.