13 Old Time Radio Shows With Dark Storylines! #RetroRadio Stories! EP0282 #WeirdDarkness
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Present, Suspense! I am the Whistler.

Welcome, Weirdos! I'm Darren Marlar and this is Weird Darkness' Retro Radio. Here I have the privilege of bringing you some of the best dark, creepy, and macabre old-time radio shows ever created. If you're new here, welcome to the show! While you're listening, be sure to check out WeirdDarkness.com for merchandise, sign up for my free newsletter, connect with me on social media, listen to free audiobooks I've narrated, visit other podcasts I produce.

You can also visit the Hope in the Darkness page if you're struggling with depression, dark thoughts, or addiction. You can find all of that and more at WeirdDarkness.com. Now, bolt your doors, lock your windows, turn off your lights, and come with me into Weird Darkness' retro radio!

The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents... Come in. Welcome. I'm E.G. Marshall. As a teller of mysterious tales, I'm often asked, how much is fact and how much fiction? Almost as often, the answer is another question. Who really knows?

And if I'm going to be asked about the story you're going to hear now, let the asker be forewarned. The answer will be that question. Who really knows? You may believe it's all fiction if you choose to.

But I'd like to see you prove it. Has your husband definitely decided to join the executive? Oh, has he ever? If he's accepted, wild horses couldn't keep him out. Oh, he'll be accepted, no question about that. And you don't look like a wild horse to me. I beg your pardon? Julie, I came here this morning to advise you as strongly as I can. If you have it in your power, by any means whatever...

Keep your husband out of the executive club. I see. No. No, you don't see. It's not the snobbish kind of thing you're thinking. It's for his own good, Julie. His and yours. You'll be sorry for the rest of your life if you let him join that club.

Our mystery drama, The Widow's Auxiliary, was written especially for the Mystery Theater by Hilden Farrington and stars Lenka Peterson. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and by the Florida Orange Growers. I'll be back shortly with Act One. There are special days in everyone's life.

Sad days, days of elation, ordeal, decision. In short, pivotal days. Carl Sims has awakened to such a day. His perfectly good breakfast scarcely tasted. He's pacing the floor, waiting until it's time to leave to catch his train into the city.

Julie, the lovely wife who prepared the uneaten breakfast, thinks he's overdoing it. Honestly, Carl, I've never seen you so jumpy. But the executive club, Julie, don't you know what that means? Well, I know that the meeting isn't until 8.30 tonight. If you carry on like this all day, you'll be a litter case by then. So I'm nervous. I'll be all right. But I can't understand what makes you so nervous. Mr. Lathrop asked you to join the club, didn't he? He asked me if he might put my name up for membership. Well, then...

Can't you see this isn't just another club, Julie? Every member of the executive club is an important man. And if he isn't important when he joins, he gets important. I like you just the way you are. My boss, J.D. Mason, the president of Gotham Engineering, in case you've forgotten, is a member of the executive club. Can't you see what that means, Julie? What I can see is that you're going to miss your train if you don't take off. Oh, yes, I better go. I'll be home as early as I can. We'll want an early dinner and...

Yes, I'd better get going. How about a little kiss for luck? Oh, yeah. Don't forget, early dinner. Carl! Carl, you forgot your briefcase. I hope he remembers which train he's supposed to take. Good morning. You're Julie Sims, aren't you? Yes. I'm Rose Lathrop. I'm the director of the

I hope you don't mind my barging in like this without any notice or anything. Of course not. Come in. Thank you. I know it's outrageously early, but I wanted to be sure to catch you before you went out or something. It's perfectly all right. Won't you sit down?

Are you Mrs. Alfred Lathrop? Your husband's the executive club man? That's right. Mrs. Sims, would you mind if I called you Julie? Of course not. And I'm Rose. Julie, how do you feel about your husband joining the executive club? Well, frankly, Mrs. Lathrop... Rose. It doesn't make much difference to me one way or the other. If Carl wants it, I guess I'm glad. Well, I came here this morning to advise you...

As strongly as I can, keep your husband out of the executive club. I see. No. No, you don't see it all. It's not the snobbish kind of thing you're thinking. It's for his own good. His and yours.

You'll be sorry for the rest of your life if you let him join that club. And yet, apparently, you let your husband join. And I'm sorry. Why? I can't tell you why. At this point, I'm afraid to. Afraid? Yes. Oh, and please don't mention any of this to your husband. I mean that I've been here, what I've said, any of it. We don't have many secrets from each other, Carl and I. Well, please keep this one. I can't tell you why just yet, but it's very important to me.

All right, if you say so. Thank you. Does the executive club have anything like a woman's auxiliary? Oh, no, no, nothing at all of that kind. I wouldn't call it the woman's auxiliary, even if there was one. I think it might be better named the widow's auxiliary. Widows? Oh, you mean like golf widows, that kind of thing? No, my dear. I'm afraid I don't mean that at all. I mean exactly what I say. Oh.

Yes, Clara, what is it? Mr. Lathrop is here to see you, Mr. Mason. Oh, all right, Clara. Send him in, please. Not interrupting anything, am I, J.D.? No, no, no, not at all, Alfred. Sit down. I've been wanting to talk to you anyway about our man Sims. Carl Sims, yes. I'm putting him up for membership in the club tonight, you know. Yes, and you won't be sorry. I really think he'll work out well. Tractable.

Knows how to handle himself. I think I'll put him in charge of Project Overlook if he passes muster tonight. Fine. I don't think there'll be any trouble about getting him in. It's mostly my recommendation, you know. Yes. Any news at all from upstairs? Myra Seven? I don't think it's wise to use that name even here, though I'm sure you're not bugged. No, I have not been in touch with...

Upstairs? Not for a couple of weeks now. Hmm. Well, I'm just wondering what they think of our progress on Project Overlook. We've been working hard. His Excellency has been alerted that I'll be requesting an audience tonight. If there's time and if he seems, you know, in the right mood, I'll ask him. Yes. Yes, well, don't push it. Tell him, if you want to, that I absolutely endorse Carl Simms...

Might make a difference. I'll tell him if I get the chance. But he makes up his own mind. You know that. Oh, yes. As he should. As he should. Carl, eat it. It's steak. I almost had to take out a second mortgage. Very good, too. Done just right. Then eat it. Sure, sure. Carl, if you're accepted tonight in the club, you know...

That doesn't mean you absolutely have to join, does it? Have to? Why on earth wouldn't I want to? I don't know. I've just been thinking about it, that's all. Doesn't it seem to you that anything that offers so many advantages as you think this club does, well, mightn't there be some disadvantages, too? Name me one. Well, I can't, of course. It's just that nothing is perfect. I'm looking for the catch, that's all. How would it be, Julie, if you just left that to me? I think I'm perfectly capable...

Always the phone at dinner time. Want me to get it? No, I'll go. If it's Alfred Lathrop, tell him I'm ready any time he is. Hello? Julie, this is Rose Lathrop. Oh, hi. Alfred says Carl's going to stop by and pick him up so they can go to the meeting together. Oh, Carl didn't mention it. So why don't you come with him? The two of us can sit here together and wait out the decision. Oh, that's very sweet of you. Yes, I'd like to. Good.

Is Carl still... Determined? Yes. Yes. That's the way it goes. Eh? See you later. Was that Lathrop? Is he ready to go? No, it was his wife. She suggested that I drive over with you and the two of us wait at her house till the meeting's over. Hey, that's terrific. Yes, that was very thoughtful of her. Oh, I don't mean that. What I mean is, if she did that, then Lathrop must be pretty sure I'm going to get in. He wouldn't go out on a limb like that if he weren't pretty sure. Hmm.

I can't remember. Have you ever met Mrs. Lathrop? Oh, I've seen her. Mr. Lathrop? No. Just wanted to get it straight before... Good evening, Carl. Good evening. I'd like you to meet my wife, Julie, Mr. Lathrop. How do you do? Hello. Won't you step inside? Rose! Hello. I'm Rose Lathrop. Mr. and Mrs. Sims, Rose. How nice to meet you. Carl...

How would you like to walk over to the club? It's only a few blocks. Sure, fine with me. It's a big thing with us at the club. Keep the body fit. It has a brain to serve. We won't be late, Rose. See you later, Julie. I'll call you as soon as I know anything. Okay, good luck. Good luck. Not a chance, Julie.

He'll be accepted. You know, if you're going to keep on saying things like that, I think you ought to explain. Yes, you're right. And I will explain just as soon as we're absolutely sure Carl's joining the club. I think you've met all the members now, Carl.

What do you think of us? I'm impressed. Very distinguished, and yet... very friendly. Fine group of men, Carl. Mr. Latham... I think it's about time you started calling me Alfred. Don't you? All right. What I was going to ask you...

Are they all here? I expected a much larger group. Oh, we're a very exclusive club, Carl. Yes, yes, they're all here. All, that is, except your boss, J.D. Mason. I was wondering about that. Oh, he had to go to Chicago tonight. He called me around 7.30, gave me his proxy for tonight's meeting, and that's two you can count on. I'll need more than that. Now, don't fret, Carl. You're the sort of man we want. Getting close to time, Alfred. I'll be right with you.

That's Jim Corning. He's the club secretary. Now, this won't take long, I promise you, Carl. You just relax. Have a drink. A bar is all yours. I think I'd fall flat on my face if I did. Well, then don't. I'll see you later. THE END

You know, I'm really taking a terrible chance with you, Julie. What do you mean? Well, I've done this twice before. I had this kind of talk with two other women when their husbands joined the club...

Didn't get me anywhere, but at least I didn't get hurt. Hurt? How could you get hurt? They might have told their husbands. Their husbands would certainly have told Alfred. Oh, I could have been hurt, all right. You know, honestly, you're frightening me. I'm sorry. As soon as we hear from Alfred or Carla, I'll tell you the whole thing. Not that you'll be any less frightened when you hear it. ♪♪

Has the equipment been checked out, Jim? Oh, okay, Alfred. Isn't it about time for contact? Yeah, just... Sol 3 calling Myra 7. Sol 3 calling Myra 7. Come in, Myra 7. Myra 7 here. You may proceed, Sol 3. Okay, Alfred. Remember, three seconds before you answer. I know, I know. Sol 3.

This is Earthling 4825D. Earth designation, Alfred Lathrop. I request audience with His Excellency, Algus 2J. Audience granted. Proceed. Your Excellency, I wish to place in nomination for enrollment in your service the Earthling locally designated Carl Sims.

Communication with another planet? Another planetary system altogether? From a scientific standpoint, it's not impossible. We can bounce messages off satellites and send them halfway around the Earth without distortion. What if we didn't bounce them off a satellite, just sent them on out? Wouldn't they simply continue on through space until they found a receiver?

I shall return shortly with Act Two. There are many people, some of them very wise too, who are firmly convinced that we are not alone in the universe. These wise men also believe that our intelligence is not necessarily unique.

And there's logic in what they say. It's a very large universe to boast only one minor planet, which has been overrun by creatures who call themselves humans. Alfred Lathrop is engaged in a two-way radio conversation which seems to confirm these wise men. The Earthling, Carl Sims, is a young man with great potential for service to our cause.

He will be, if he receives your approval... groomed for the presidency of the Gotham Engineering Corporation... which is dedicated to our purposes. He has the endorsement of Earthling 4164B... Earth designation J.D. Mason... who is now president... and will soon become chairman of the board of Gotham. I personally guarantee the success... of the Carl Sims conversion...

Permission is granted to convert Earthling Carl Sims. His working designation will be 5129. Get that down, Jim. Do not install entrant as Gotham president without approval here. This communication is at an end. All right, Jim. Let's go out to the common room.

You give me a minute alone with Carl, and then we'll have a customary drink to celebrate and adjourn the meeting. First, don't you think we ought to set the time for the initiation? Oh, yes, yes. You're quite right. I think tomorrow evening. Right. I have a feeling about this one, and I don't want to waste any time. Right. Tomorrow evening at 8.30.

Congratulations, Carl. You're in. No kidding. They... I've been accepted? Unanimously, my boy. Let me shake your hand. You're one of us now. Wow. When... There's an initiation, isn't there? Oh, yes, yes, of course. It'll be soon. Now, you hold yourself ready at any time. Well, now, come on in and have a drink with your new fellow members. Will it be all right if I just make a fast phone call to Julie first? I promised I would.

That's it. That must be Carl. Do you want to answer it? If you don't mind. Hello? Is that you, Julie? Yes, Carl. What happened? I'm in, Julie. It was unanimous. I'm a member. I can't believe it. I'm a member of the executive club. Congratulations. As long as that's what you want. Is that all you have to say? I said congratulations. Congratulations?

Will you and Mr. Lathrop be home soon? I can't stand all this enthusiasm. Yes, we're just going to have a drink and then leave. Twenty minutes or so. All right. I'm sorry if I... Oh, forget it. See you later. Okay. He's been accepted? Unanimously. Well, we did expect it, didn't we? I poured you a brandy. You're going to need it. Thanks. I hope now you'll tell me what this is all about. Well, there...

They're all robots. What did you say? Alfred and all the rest of them, every member of the executive club, they're all robots. Oh, come on, Rose. I know, I know how it must sound when I just hit you with it. I've had years to grow accustomed to it, as accustomed as you can get. Well, there isn't any such thing as robots, Rose. I mean, not that look and talk and act like people...

There just isn't any such thing. Androids. Robots. I don't know whether there's a proper word for them or not. Former people. Whatever you call them, they're not human anymore. I just can't believe... They're controlled by something alien. Alien? I mean, not of this Earth. Oh, it's just too much. You know that, don't you? Oh, it's too much, all right. But that doesn't keep it from being true.

Alfred is one of the charter members of the executive club. I have been living with a robot for, I guess, almost 12 years now. Well, let's say it's true.

Why do you live with him? What would you suggest? Divorce? Your Honor, on the grounds that my husband is a robot. He'd have me in a straitjacket in no time. Rose, I'm so sorry. Let's try not to let it happen to you. As I said, they're controlled by something alien, something not only not of this earth, but I'm convinced not even on it.

And they're all very, very important men. I'm sure your husband has mentioned that. Yes, he keeps on and on about it. They're powerful. They're rich and powerful, and they use their power, all their resources, to further the designs of the aliens who control them. I don't know exactly what their purpose is, those alien creatures and their robot lackeys, but it's against us, Julie. It's against the people of this earth. I

I'm trying, Rose. Honestly, I'm trying, but... You don't know how all this sounds. I've lived with it for years, and I'm still as horrified as you are. Now listen to the rest of it, and then decide whether or not you can believe it. All right. Go on. Well, this isn't the only club.

There are at least a dozen of them around this country. They work in all different areas, industry, finance, politics, science, the arts. I don't know what all, but they cooperate like parts of a single machine. And maybe that's what they are. Sooner or later, they're going to take over. Take over what? Us.

Everybody, everything. The earth. Does anybody else suspect all this? Any of the other wives? I don't know. Some of them must, surely. I've been afraid to approach them. Afraid? Why? Well, if the men, including Alfred... Oh, God, including Alfred. If they considered me a threat, I'm convinced they'd simply eliminate me. Rose. Like a shot. Without a scruple. Do you actually know all this?

I mean, is it just a suspicion you have? I know. Take my word for it, I know. Alfred's told me. Oh, not the whole story, of course. There are areas that seem to be pretty well sealed off. But he's told me enough. I thought it was so secret it seemed strange he'd tell you if none of the other husbands told their wives. I know how to make him talk, that's all. I figured out a way to...

Short circuit his computer. His computer? The thing they put where his brain used to be. Beautiful evening. I'm glad we decided to walk. I feel...

You can't imagine how good I feel. Oh, sure I can. It's a wonderful thing for a young man becoming a member of the executive club. More wonderful even than you know, Carl. Oh, I do know. I really think I do. You won't really know until after the initiation. Do you have any idea when the initiation will be? I know exactly, but you won't know until the day comes. The End

So, you know as much as I do now. Julie, what do you think? To tell you the truth, I just plain don't know what to think. Oh, it's a pretty fantastic story. Too fantastic for me to have made up. Oh, I don't think you're lying. Unless you believe me, you have to think I'm deranged. Those are the alternatives.

I... I think I believe you. Not because it's a plausible story, but because I don't think you're lying and I don't think you're off your rocker. So what can I do but believe? It's true. Honest to God, Julie, it's true. What about Carl? When will they do it? They haven't already, have they? Oh, no, no, no, my dear. He's still all right. Don't worry about that. He'll be safe until the night of the initiation.

Julie, I have a plan. To help Carl? Yes. And to put a stop to all of it. Put an end to the executive club. Before they do anything to Carl? If it works. I've had this plan for a long time, but I can't manage it without help. This is the first time anybody's even been willing to listen to me.

Will you help me, Julie? Oh, yes. I don't want to see Carl made into... Yes, I'll help. It could be dangerous. All right. I thought I'd never... Julie, thank you. We'll do it. I know we'll do it. Now, the night of the initiation...

We'll do it. When will they have the initiation? I don't know yet. They keep it a secret. The date of the initiation is never known to anyone but the members. Carl himself won't get more than a few hours' notice. Well, then how can we... Well, I can find out when it's going to be. I'll ask Alfred tonight. And he'll just tell you? I can make him tell me...

See, they're minds are computers, Julie. If you overload them, they get confused. And when they're confused, they're inhibitors or whatever you want to call them. They simply stop functioning. You can get most anything out of them. I've learned the technique very well. Alfred? Alfred? What? Are you awake? Uh...

Yes, I am now. I brought you a glass of warm milk. You brought me... You woke me up to give me a glass of warm milk? What for? To help me... help me sleep? That's crazy. Well, you were tossing and turning and muttering and talking. Talking? In my sleep? Yes.

What did I say? Oh, nothing anybody could understand. Just mumbling and moaning and groaning. I just thought maybe a glass of warm milk would help you get some decent sleep. Well... And me too. Here, come on now, drink the milk before it gets cold. All right, all right, thank you. Talking in my sleep. Muttering. Alfred, who all was at the meeting tonight?

Well, you know, Carl Sims and the members. All but J.D. Mason. He couldn't... Did you remember to call the plumber about the kitchen drain today? The plumber? Why, I thought you were going... Well, those kids next door have been running through our yard, Alfred, and my zinnias are just a mess.

I think you ought to go over and have a talk with Mr. Torrance about it. Well, Mr. Torrance can hardly be expected to do anything about our kitchen drain after... The kids... Oh, Alfred, have you heard from that cousin of yours out in Wyoming who was going to have the operation? Alice? Well, she doesn't have any kids, and even if she did, they wouldn't be running through our yard messing up your... Alfred, Alfred, are you going to write that check to the cancer fund, or did you want me to do it? Cancer...

No, no, no. Alice's operation was for gallstones. I think it was gallstones. Alfred, I saw the most beautiful pantsuit at Randall's today. Would you mind if I bought it? Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Alice doesn't wear... Oh, did you remember to have your driver's license renewed? Now, I know it runs out either this month or next. You shouldn't neglect things like that. Listen, Alice, I mean Rose and...

If she wants to wear a pantsuit, I don't see what business I'd... Alfred, Alfred, when is Carl Sims going to be initiated into the club? And the Torrance children are too young to drive anyway, so why should I go over there? When is Carl Sims going to be initiated into the club? And as far as the kitchen sink is concerned, Alex, I mean, Rose... When is Carl Sims going to be initiated into the club? Tomorrow night, meeting 8.30. Finish your milk, Alfred. You must be sleepy.

People with computers for brains. Another concept that isn't easy to believe. But then, the extraordinary is always hard to accept. The radio on which you're listening to this story was once considered some mad inventor's dream. So was the bright little bulb in the lamp at your elbow.

So, here we have a mechanized brain housed in a human body. Don't call it totally beyond the realm of possibility before you hear what happens when I return shortly with Act Three. Aggression is not unusual in this world.

It's characteristic of the individual, the tribe, the clan, the community, and perhaps especially the nation. And since it is so widespread among mankind, I don't believe we ought to be too surprised when at last we contact alien intelligence to find it present there as well.

According to Rose Lathrop, there is such an intelligence which has taken over the executive club and is controlling its members in such a way as to further its own selfish and aggressive ends. Carl Sims has been approved for membership in the club. Julie doesn't like it, and they've quarreled. Your toast is ready, Carl. I don't want any breakfast. All right. Pout. Pout.

I'll get that. Go ahead. Hello? Alfred Lathrop here. Well... All right, answer noncommittally. You understand? Yeah, sure. The initiation is set for tonight. Already? Well, I thought... Just yes or no. The meeting's for 8.30 at the clubhouse. Have dinner together at the Red Barn and go straight to the meeting from there. You won't be home for dinner. Well, all right, but... That's the way it's been arranged. Okay, fine.

I guess I can manage. And not a word about the initiation. That's important. I understand. See you then. And remember, not a word. Right. Well, that was pretty cryptic. I better go if I don't want to miss my train. I'll be late tonight. Don't wait dinner for me. I'll pick up a bite in the city.

You have to work late? Yes. They've run into a snag on a special project I've been working on, and if we don't get it straightened out tonight, we'll fall behind schedule. Was that the office calling? Yes. Yes, that was Mr. Mason himself. It wasn't Alfred Lathrop? I told you who it was. What are you doing, calling me a liar now? All right. How late will you be? I've no idea. After I finish the job, whatever time that is, I'll come home.

I've got to run, Julie. Maybe that's exactly what you should do. Run. Oh, Julie, come in. Rose, Carl got a phone call just before he left for the office. And it was just a yes or no conversation from his end, and he...

I think the initiation's going to be tonight. Yes, you're right. Sit down, Julie. You don't look well at all. It is tonight? Yes. I forced it all out of Alfred. Can I get you anything? No, I'm all right. I'm scared, that's all. I'm scared to death. I think it's going to be all right. Now, he and Alfred will have dinner somewhere and then go to the meeting. What are we going to do? I told you. I have a plan. For tonight? Will it work tonight? As well as any other night. What?

It's a very simple plan, really. The timing is pretty delicate, of course, but I'll take care of that. Here's what we have to do. It's almost 8.30. Shouldn't we hurry? No, no, we're just about right. They won't go into the inner room until a few minutes past 8.30. We don't want to get there until after that. The inner room. Is that where the initiation... Is that where they do it? Yes, but they won't this time. Not if we can help it. I don't see how you can... Trust me.

I really do know what I'm doing. It's... It's surgery, you said. Yes. There's a Dr. Lane who's a member of the club, and I assume he performs the surgery. Although I've never quite been able to get it out of Alfred. That part seems to be pretty thoroughly locked in. Dr. Lane? You've heard of him, probably. He's just about the best brain surgeon there is anywhere. And why shouldn't he be? He's programmed for it. I'm so scared.

It's going to work, Julie. I know it's going to work. You don't really know, though, do you? There's a power switch somewhere. There has to be.

If their brains, their computers are mechanical, and I know they are, then there's got to be a power source. And if you can turn power on, you can turn it off. It has to be that way. You've never asked Alfred? Oh, a million times. They've really got that one sealed off. Well, then what makes you think you can get somebody else to tell you? Well, when they go into the inner room, they'll leave one man in the common room to guard the door. The Tyler, they call him. Huh.

Isn't that sweet and old-fashioned? But if Alfred won't tell you... That Tyler, whoever it is tonight, has never experienced the kind of short-circuiting I'm going to hit him with. Now, I'm depending on the shock to break him all the way down. And if it doesn't, what have we got to lose? Now, Carl, we're almost ready to go into the inner room where the initiation will take place. Takes me back to my college days. Except that there's nothing frivolous about this.

Will one of you men hang up your shirt and jacket, please? All right, Carl. Sit here. Okay. I thought it was going to be in the inner room. That part comes later. Ready, Jim? All ready. Go ahead. Ouch! What was that? He stuck a needle in my arm. Nothing to be concerned about, Carl. You're too tense. You need to relax. It was just a mild tranquilizer.

It's going to relax you and make you feel sleepy. Very contented and at peace with the world. You are getting sleepy, aren't you? See? Your eyes are closing. And it feels so good just to rest and let the tension drain out of you. And sleep. Rest. And relax. Rest. And sleep. Carl? Yes? Yes.

Do whatever I tell you to do, but only what I tell you. Do you understand that? I do what you tell me to do, but only what you tell me to do. The executive club which you have the honor of joining this evening is controlled by a civilization which is ages older and infinitely more advanced than what we call civilization here on Earth. The beings who make up that civilization are...

are our masters. They live on the seventh planet of a star known to Earthlings as Myra. They're in urgent need of our mineral and other resources. We serve them. They are our masters. We have been, as you will be tonight, partially mechanized, the better to serve them in all things. Eventually, all Earth people will be their servants. To us has been granted the privilege of pioneering in this...

Is that all clear to you, Carl? Yes. Clear. All right. Is Dr. Lane ready, Jim? All set. He's waiting. I'll stay out here. I drew Tyler duty tonight. You will come with me now, Carl. Into the inner room. All right, Julie. Let's go inside. I thought you said there was going to be a doorman or whatever you called him. Tyler.

No, no, this door goes into the common room. He'll be guarding the door between the common and the inner room. Are you ready? Ready as I can get. Who's that? Oh, just us, Mr. Oh, it's Jim, Jim Corning, isn't it? Mrs. Lathrop?

Well, you're not supposed to be in here, you know. Oh, this is Julie Sims. Her husband is being initiated this evening. Well, I'm glad to know you, Mrs. Sims. But you're not supposed to be here either, are you? Oh, that's a silly rule. Oh, didn't I hear that your wife was going out to the coast to visit her sister, Jim? Well, the membership always felt...

My wife doesn't have a sister. She has a brother. Oh, that must have been Addie Clark. Is it true what I hear, that Addie and her husband are on point of separating? Her brother isn't even married, so... Addie Clark? Well, yes, she's married. Oh, your son Bobby was so good in that high school play last spring, Jim. Is he planning to be an actor when he grows up? I never heard if there was any trouble between Jerry and Addie. And no, no, Bobby's...

my son, not Jerry's. I have two sons, Bobby and... Oh, I'll bet if your wife's sister was here, she'd start a women's auxiliary. My wife isn't an actor, and the membership has always felt that... Now, what's

the source of the power that keeps all of you going, Jim? It's just never seemed to be a good idea in a woman's auxiliary because... What power source do you all use, Jim? And my wife's brother isn't an actor. He's a professor of English. What's your power source, Jim? Solar energy.

They showed us. Jim, what college did you go to? Harvard Law. Did you ever meet Clarence Thorpe? He went there. And before that Penn State. I never heard of a Thorpe College. Your wife's sister married a dentist.

My wife's brother is... His name isn't Clarence. Where's the switch that turns off the solar energy, Jim? His name is Frank, or there was a Harry I used to know, but I don't... Where's the solar energy power switch, Jim? But he never belonged to the... The membership has always felt that... The power switch, Jim. Where is it? Over there. There.

Behind the portrait. Oh, good. Good. I was afraid it would be in the inner room. Jim! Jim, what was the founder's name? He was never married to my wife's sister. She doesn't even have a... Where does Bobby plan to go to college? The founder's name wasn't Bobby. It was something more like... Did you go home for dinner tonight? Bobby's my son. He wouldn't be the founder because he's only... I'm going to get the combination, Julie. Now take it down. I think the founder was...

and anyway, the membership has always felt... What's the combination to the safe, Jim? And besides, Bobby's too young to join the club. You have to be... What's the combination, Jim? My wife doesn't have a brother. I mean, a sister. Give me the combination, Jim. 36 right, 7 left, 18 right, 30 left. Got it, Julie. Yes. Open it. I've got to...

I've got such a headache. I'm sorry, Jim. How's it going, Julie? Eighteen right, thirty left. Oh, I've got it. It's open. You ladies shouldn't be in here.

In here at all, because... Do you see the switch? It's in here. The side wall of the safe. Pull it. But, Rose, your husband... My husband's been dead for years. Cut the switch. I keep telling you ladies that... He's done for. Let's get inside. Damn them. They've locked the door. Rose, it's opening. Rose.

Carl! They were going to... My head. They were going to... Catch him! They gave me a shot. It was... I'll be all right now. They're all finished. All of them. Alfred, too? Years ago. I've already done my grieving. Are they dead? They're turned off. Like a vacuum when you've finished with it. Did they...

They didn't do anything to you, did they, Carl? No. No. But they were going to. They were going to. All right. This is cleaned up. All we have to worry about now is the dozen or so other clubs scattered around the country. I hope my list is complete. When you throw a switch and what appears to be a man collapses, you have to believe, don't you?

The executive club is defunct due to a sudden shortage of members. But what about those other clubs? The one in Washington, for example. Wall Street. The Kremlin. Not a thing you like to dwell on, is it? I'll be back shortly. Carl Sims now has his own firm of engineering consultants.

Gotham Engineering is out of business, and although Carl isn't quite the important man he once thought he might become, he's not unimportant, and he's not a robot. This gives both him and Julie a great deal of comfort, although they do have memories to shudder over.

Our cast included Lenka Peterson, Gordon Gould, Carol Tytel, Arnold Moss, and Court Benson. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now, a preview of our next tale. We'll light a match when we need one. But we can feel our way. It isn't that far down. How do you know that? I don't know. I just know. There's the start of it.

Keep your hand on my shoulder. I'll lead the way. You sound as if you know it. I feel as though I'm beginning to remember. Remember what? The match went out. Where I came from. What I was meant for. Where I must go. Come, Father. They are waiting. Light a match, Maria. None left.

It doesn't matter. I know the way. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by the Florida Orange Growers and Buick Motor Division. This is E.G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dreams.

We all dream, but for some people, what should be a time for their bodies and minds to rest turns into a nightmare from which they cannot escape. Our next Weird Darkness live stream is Saturday night, December 28th on the Weird Darkness YouTube channel, and during the live broadcast I'll share some of these chilling nighttime stories.

Tales of shadow people, sleep paralysis, and demons who stalk their victims in that place between dreams and reality. I'll share true tales of prophetic dreams, some joyful, some not. Sleepwalking incidents that are both amusing and disturbing. I'll also share real stories of night terrors so horrifying that sleep

became something to fear and dread for those victimized by the night. You might not want to sleep after joining our next live-screen. It's Saturday, December 28th at 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, 8pm Eastern. On the lighter side, I'll also be responding to comments and questions live on the air and doing a giveaway of some Weird Darkness merch.

Prepare yourself for our next live-screen for chilling tales of what some people must endure in an attempt to get some sleep. Find the details on the live-screen page at WeirdDarkness.com.

When it's PCS time, you know the drill. Pack, research to new base, get the kids in school, because family supports family. At American Public University, we support military families with flexible, affordable online education that moves with you. As a military spouse, your tuition rate is the same as your partner's, just $250 per credit hour. American Public University, education that moves with you.

Learn more at apu.apus.edu slash military. This is an ad by BetterHelp. What's your perfect night? Maybe you're settled at home alone or with loved ones, covered in blankets, about to watch your favorite show. It's cozy, it's calm, and you're ready for a perfect night in. Therapy can feel a bit like that. A place for comfort. A time when you replenish your energy and take care of yourself. And hey, you can even do it without leaving that same cozy couch.

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That's BetterHelp, H-E-L-P dot com. This is an ad by BetterHelp. What's your perfect night? Maybe you're settled at home alone or with loved ones, covered in blankets, about to watch your favorite show. It's cozy, it's calm, and you're ready for a perfect night in. Therapy can feel a bit like that. A place for comfort. A time when you replenish your energy and take care of yourself. And hey, you can even do it without leaving that same cozy couch.

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Are you one of the frightened?

Careful now. Please don't walk under the ladder that someone has placed so carelessly against the building wall there. Possibly a sign painter is working there, but that ladder can only bring you trouble. Did you ever hear of the tale of the two robbers? It was in the days of medieval history, the days of darkness and gothic gloom and death.

Their names were Gaspar and Francois. They were young men, but old in the ways of treachery, villainy. They cut throats for fun as well as money. But one April night, Gaspar and Francois rousted and reveled in the infamous tavern of the Côte d'Or. They'd been idle for days, and so had taken recourse in drunken debauchery. Their fingers etched for their curious profession. They hungered to ply their wicked trinkets.

And so when a fat wealthy merchant left the tavern, after announcing loudly to one and all his riches in his little house at the end of the town, Gaspar and Francois lurched in pursuit. The Paris streets were dark and ill-lit, but the two drunken thieves followed their prey with eyes long used to the dark. Happily the distance was not far. Soon the fat merchant turned into a cobbled courtyard,

and entered a stone, ivy-covered building. Gaspar and Francois waited patiently, and when candlelight flickered in a second-story window, they made their plans. It was the work of a second to climb the walls surrounding the house, and in the darkness of the courtyard, they found a crude wooden ladder propped near the barn door. Gaspar placed it gently against the vines until the top rung rested directly below the fat merchant's windows.

Francois licked his lips greedily and his dirty fingers tightened about the dagger in his hand. He would make short work of the fat merchant. But Gaspar was already mounting the ladder as stealthily as a cat. His knife gleamed in the dark. He had very nearly reached the top rung.

when the casement windows flew open and there was the fat merchant thrusting a lighted torch into his face. Gaspar screamed terribly, lashing out with his knife. But this fat merchant had been rich too long and stayed fat because he'd known how to take care of himself and his money. The long sword in his fat fingers buried itself in Gaspar's chest up to the hilt.

At the bottom of the ladder, Francois panicked and scrambled off the rungs, coming around behind the ladder and hiding underneath it, hugging the wall. He stared up above him as the great bulk of Gaspar's dead body sagged against the rungs. The merchant was shouting for the police at the top of his lungs. Francois was frozen where he stood, the drunkenness of the evening still boiling in his blood.

His eyes flashed about the courtyard looking for the best avenue of escape and then Gaspar's body, unevenly balanced on the ladder, toppled through the space of one set of rungs and landed heavily on his partner Francois. Francois' eyes bulged with surprise and a bloody moan bubbled from his dirty throat as the point of the sword jutting from Gaspar's back knifed into his heart.

When the police arrived to see what the commotion was, they found Gaspar and Francois huddled behind the ladder, jammed against the wall, like two frightened children locked in each other's arms against the cold. And there you are. Legend has it, of course, that Francois walked under a ladder and died terribly, but, well, you've heard the story, so please be careful. You never can tell, can you?

Well, upon myself. Here comes the sign painter to get his ladder, and do you know, my friend, you've been standing under it for the longest. Hey, weirdos. If you enjoy what you're hearing from me in the Weird Darkness podcast throughout the year, may I ask for a Christmas gift from you? It's an easy one, and it's free to give.

This month, just invite two or three people you know to give Weird Darkness a listen. That is truly the greatest gift you could ever give to me. Letting your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and others know about the podcast is incredibly valuable to me, my bride Robin, and our cat, Miss Mocha Monster. That's it – tell someone about the show!

Drop a link to Weird Darkness in your social media. Maybe send a text to a few folks to wish them a very scary Christmas with a link to the show in that text. It doesn't matter how you do it, but it does make a huge impact when you do. From all of us here at Marlar Manor, thank you, and Merry Christmas.

When you're part of a military family, you understand sacrifice and support. At American Public University, we honor your dedication by extending our military tuition savings to your extended family. Parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents all qualify for APU's preferred military rate of just $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's level programs.

American Public University. Value for the whole family. Learn more at apu.apus.edu slash military. This is an ad by BetterHelp. What's your perfect night? Is it curling up on the couch for a cozy, peaceful night in? Therapy can feel a bit like that. Your comfort place where you replenish your energy. With BetterHelp, get matched with a therapist based on your needs, entirely online. It's convenient and suited to your schedule.

Find comfort this season with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com to learn more and save 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp, H-E-L-P, dot com. This is an ad by BetterHelp. What's your perfect night? Maybe you're settled at home alone or with loved ones, covered in blankets, about to watch your favorite show. It's cozy, it's calm, and you're ready for a perfect night in. Therapy can feel a bit like that. A place for comfort.

a time when you replenish your energy and take care of yourself. And hey, you can even do it without leaving that same cozy couch. This season is the perfect time to give therapy a try, right from the comfort of home. With BetterHelp, get matched with a tailored therapist based on your needs and preferences, entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a therapist and switch therapists at any time for no additional charge.

Find comfort this season with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com to learn more and save 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp, H-E-L-P, dot com.

When you're part of a military family, you understand sacrifice and support. At American Public University, we honor your dedication by extending our military tuition savings to your extended family. Parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents all qualify for APU's preferred military rate of just $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's level programs.

American Public University. Value for the whole family. Learn more at apu.apus.edu slash military. This is an ad by BetterHelp. What's your perfect night? Is it curling up on the couch for a cozy, peaceful night in? Therapy can feel a bit like that. Your comfort place where you replenish your energy. With BetterHelp, get matched with a therapist based on your needs, entirely online. It's convenient and suited to your schedule.

Find comfort this season with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com to learn more and save 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp, H-E-L-P dot com. Hey there. Ritual here to give a big shout out to you for making it through the hectic holiday season. The magic of those family moments? That was you. And now there's new milestones to prep for in 2025. This new year, check clean, quality pregnancy nutrient support off your to-do list with Ritual.

We've done the research to create science-backed pregnancy support like our prenatal multivitamin, natal choline, and fertility support, all designed to be taken alongside each other. But don't just take our word for it. They're also third-party tested for microbes and heavy metals and Clean Label Project certified. So whether you're trying, thinking about trying, or already there, we don't have to tell you that prioritizing yourself can be the hardest part.

That's why we're helping you get started today with 30% off a three-month supply for a limited time at ritual.com slash podcast. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The year was 1829. The sleepy town of Newcastle, Massachusetts was bearing the grunt of a particularly harsh winter snowstorm.

Mary Brown had just turned sweet 16 and was sitting down for a humble supper with her family, thanking the good Lord for sparing their house in this harsh weather and providing them with enough food. All were in a festive mood. Then the unexplainable happened.

Before Mary even took her first bite, her entire body went into violent convulsions. She started choking. Her parents tried to save her, but to no avail. Mary was dead within minutes. Six weeks to the day after Mary's mysterious death, the Browns awoke early in the morning to loud knocks on their door. It was Mary's best friend, Sarah.

In a panic, she told the couple that she'd just seen Mary floating down Main Street, her toes inches from the ground. Mary's ghost was smiling and laughing, said Sarah, as it aimlessly roamed about town. In the following days, many similar stories were heard around Newcastle.

The Browns, who had rapidly aged from their grief and misery, soon became very ill and both died just a single day apart. The Brown extended family, 21 of them, were a mainstay in Newcastle, simple farmers who've lived there since the inception of the town.

Over the following year, they had all mysteriously started getting very ill. Then, one after the other, all of them, with the exception of Peter, a distant cousin, had died. Without exception, all the bodies had horrible teeth marks on their necks, though no blood was apparent. The townspeople knew that the spirit of Mary still roaming about was involved.

Rumor had it that some members of the Brown family awoke in the middle of the night to see Mary standing over their beds, grinning down at them before throttling their necks in a death grip and sucking for blood. The people of Newcastle were at a loss. Jeremiah Buckner, the notorious witch hunter and vampire expert from Salem, the next town over, was summoned in a last-ditch effort to end the horror.

After meeting with the town elders, he set up a rendezvous for the following week, on the very day Mary had died one year earlier. The day had arrived. The clock struck midnight. Jeremiah, the elders, and Peter, now horribly ill, all gathered at the town cemetery gate.

Peter could barely hold up his frail body. Everyone was expecting him to die within days, as the violent and horrifying pattern of the browns indicated. The ritual they were about to perform that night was not for the faint of heart. As they arrived at Mary's grave, they started slowly digging until the coffin was unraveled. The elders were not prepared for what they would see next.

Opening the coffin, they found Mary looking much like before she had died. Her flesh was pink and full of life. Her hair and fingernails grown and her lips were full and red. Jeremiah then poked her chest with his pocket knife. Mary bled. This was not by any stretch of the imagination an ordinary dead body. Jeremiah then proceeded to cut open her skin.

reached in and pulled out her bloody heart. Just at that moment, Peter gasped in relief. His body felt rejuvenated. It seemed his mysterious illness had all but disappeared in a matter of seconds. From that moment on, the sightings of Mary completely vanished. Peter, his health regained, would soon marry and have three children.

The Brown family bloodline was once again revived. Though the town of Newcastle was now back to normal, to this day, its residents claim to see the ghosts of the dead Browns floating about with blank stares in their eyes.

Hey Weirdos, our next Weirdo Watch Party is Saturday, January 18th and sci-fi film host and all-around nice guy Jukesua is back with another terrible B-movie. This one from the infamously inept Roger Corman. From 1958 it's "War of the Satellites." "And yet you propose to follow this tenth failure with another attempt?"

Using more of your volunteers? An unknown force declares war against planet Earth when the United Nations disobeys warnings to cease and desist in its attempts at assembling the first satellite in the atmosphere. We are obviously in the grip of a force stronger than we can oppose.

There it is, the barrier.

Sea Shadows somehow being cast onto the backdrop that is supposed to be outer space. You'll even see actors wearing the same clothes day after day after day because...

Who knows? War of the Satellites! Join us online as we all watch the film together on January 18th at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm Eastern on the Monster Channel page at WeirdDarkness.com. The Weirdo Watch Party is always free to watch – just tune in at showtime and watch the movie with me and other Weirdo family members

and even join in the chat during the film for more fun. We're always cracking jokes during the movie, usually at the actor's or director's expense, but hey, it's all worthy of criticism. It's Jukesua presenting Roger Corman's War of the Satellites from 1958.

You can see a trailer for the film now and watch horror hosts and B-movies for free anytime on the Monster Channel page at WeirdDarkness.com. That's WeirdDarkness.com slash TV and we'll see you Saturday, January 18th for our Weirdo Watch Party!

When you're part of a military family, you understand sacrifice and support. At American Public University, we honor your dedication by extending our military tuition savings to your extended family. Parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents all qualify for APU's preferred military rate of just $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's level programs.

American Public University. Value for the whole family. Learn more at apu.apus.edu slash military. This is an ad by BetterHelp. What's your perfect night? Is it curling up on the couch for a cozy, peaceful night in? Therapy can feel a bit like that. Your comfort place where you replenish your energy. With BetterHelp, get matched with a therapist based on your needs entirely online. It's convenient and suited to your schedule.

Find comfort this season with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com to learn more and save 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp, H-E-L-P, dot com. Hey there. Ritual here to give a big shout out to you for making it through the hectic holiday season. The magic of those family moments? That was you. And now there's new milestones to prep for in 2025. This new year, check clean, quality pregnancy nutrient support off your to-do list with Ritual.

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That's why we're helping you get started today with 30% off a three-month supply for a limited time at ritual.com slash podcast. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

When you're part of a military family, you understand sacrifice and support. At American Public University, we honor your dedication by extending our military tuition savings to your extended family. Parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents all qualify for APU's preferred military rate of just $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's level programs.

American Public University. Value for the whole family. Learn more at apu.apus.edu slash military. This is an ad by BetterHelp. What's your perfect night? Is it curling up on the couch for a cozy, peaceful night in? Therapy can feel a bit like that. Your comfort place where you replenish your energy. With BetterHelp, get matched with a therapist based on your needs, entirely online. It's convenient and suited to your schedule.

Find comfort this season with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com to learn more and save 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp, H-E-L-P dot com. Hey there. Ritual here to give a big shout out to you for making it through the hectic holiday season. The magic of those family moments? That was you. And now there's new milestones to prep for in 2025. This new year, check clean, quality pregnancy nutrient support off your to-do list with Ritual.

We've done the research to create science-backed pregnancy support like our prenatal multivitamin, natal choline, and fertility support, all designed to be taken alongside each other. But don't just take our word for it. They're also third-party tested for microbes and heavy metals and Clean Label Project certified. So whether you're trying, thinking about trying, or already there, we don't have to tell you that prioritizing yourself can be the hardest part.

That's why we're helping you get started today with 30% off a three-month supply for a limited time at ritual.com slash podcast. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If I live one more day, or if I live to be 100, to me, the night sky will never be the same again. Somewhere out there where no other man has ever been.

He's the only man who ever chose the world he wanted to live in. I saw his eyes. They were blinded with starlight. But they were brighter than the eyes I ever saw. I heard his voice. It was a whisper, but clearer than any voice I ever heard. I have a message. I have a message for all mankind. And then it broke. But I can't remember. I can't remember what it was. What was the message?

He's out there now, somewhere beyond time. Theater 5 presents Outside Time.

the same couple. Watching this old Betty Grable movie. Watching an old Betty Grable movie? Yeah, on a little portable TV. I had it sitting up there in the dashboard. I know, but you can't... All of a sudden, this commercial comes on. The guy in the white coat says, Now watch this amazing demonstration. And? I watched

Next thing I knew, pow! Look, you can't watch television commercials while you commute. I found that out. You can't read a newspaper. The only thing you can do while you're driving is listen to the radio. Yeah, well, that's all I intend to do, boy, just as soon as I get out of traction. Ooh! Listen to radio. No matter if it's summer, winter, spring or fall. Ooh!

Radio, only 150 million people. That's all. Radio.

Off the record, General, what's your biggest thrill in being in command of the space shot tomorrow? The liftoff, the moment of orbit, what? Actually, Colonel, my big moment, my biggest thrill is right now, before the event. How do you mean? Well, tomorrow we're going out a little further than man has ever gone before. Not just further into space, but further into man's experience. Tomorrow I'll be busy in my own small way behind the scenes.

But tonight I can marvel at the endless hours of preparation that make this possible. Why, it's the culmination of all of mankind's ingenuity since he learned to make crude instruments out of stone, to control fire, to put the atom. I see what you mean, sir. Yes, the real thrill is in the awareness of all the preparation. The feeling of being a part of this marvelous precision. The feeling that we're prepared for even the unexpected.

How about you, Captain Durrell? You're making the flight. Well, I guess I feel about the same, like everything's been done that can be done. Tomorrow? Just going along for the ride. All clear. All clear. Control tower now operational. Confirmation to lock in. Primary ground control units confirmed.

Secondary control coordinates confirmed. Tertiary coordinates confirmed. Data relay units confirmed. Telemeter confirmed. Captain Turrell confirmed. Confirmed and affirmative, sir. Good luck. Thank you, sir. All operational units are confirmed. Lock in. Final countdown. T minus five. Good luck. Three, two, one. T minus five.

Perfect. Execution perfect. Drell? Binary coordinates correct and exact. General, five seconds to boost. Open audio. Report. Second booster A-OK. Secondary coordinates correct and exact. Report. Third booster A-OK. Tertiary coordinates correct and exact. Pinpoint.

Officer. Captain Terrell, General Pearson speaking. Everything's perfect. Pinpoint precision. Report. Thank you, General. Affirmative and operational. Our instruments will be tracking you from here on in. Colonel Winter, Dr. Markson, and Professor Miradal are here to handle your report. Report now to our psychiatrist, Dr. Markson.

Captain, describe your sensations and emotions. Moderate exhilaration, general calmness, no functional impairment. Regarding exhilaration, any dizziness? No, sir. Describe your exhilaration both subjectively and objectively. Subjectively, lightness, pleasure. Objectively, non-symptomatic. All nonsense about that, young man. Your thoughts? Technical thoughts.

And pleasure of being the center of attraction. He's entitled to that. A feeling of, well, here I am. Approaching high point, sir. You are approaching the outer edge of your orbit. Do you feel strange in any way? No, sir. 18 point maximum. Tell us your sensations, Captain. Well, sir, at this moment I feel perfectly... Terrell?

Terrell, where are you? He's disappeared. Tracking, tracking. It's off-screen, General. That's impossible. Terrell, this is General Pearson. Come in. That's impossible.

Something wrong here? No, General. All ground instruments are operational. Are you sure? Positive, sir. It's a capsule. It disappeared. Well, it can't simply disappear. Mirdoff, Professor, what could have happened? My needle jumped off the graph, General. There was no explosion. It's simply gone. It can't be. It can't. Well, it's gone. Simply gone. You mean it vanished into thin air? It would be more correct to say into empty space. Thin air, empty space. Well, it has to be somewhere. Where?

Could somebody have a secret weapon, a way to dissolve our capsule in orbit? No. No, not unless they've made some unbelievable advancement. No, impossible. Professor, are you sure this thing couldn't have crashed to Earth? Impossible. It would have been on our tracking all the way down. It never went down. Well, it either went down or it stayed up.

Where's the capsule? It must have entered some radiation belt with properties we're unaware of. The intensity of the vibrations was so great that my needle jumped off the ground. A split second later, the capsule was swept out of the universe. Along with Captain Turrell. Well, maybe he'll report he's out there somewhere. Captain Turrell. General Pearson, take it easy. Someone shut off that monstrous clock. Shut off everything. We've got to think. Now, we're not a bunch of schoolboys. We're not going to panic. We're not going to lose our heads.

we're going to proceed in an orderly fashion good heavens what is it it's too riled captain torrent catch him he's got a ball sit down sit down over here now let me help you all right this can't be it just can't be i turned my head and he's here how is that possible i was facing the door all the time it never opened

Check security on that. Wait, wait. He's trying to speak. He wants to say something. Now, now, take it easy. Take it easy, everyone. Doctor. Dr. Markson, take charge there. You must have a full medical report. A full medical report. You understand? Captain, I want you to try to focus your eyes on my finger. Can you do that? Now, now, what actually happened...

exactly what happened here. Colonel? Well, sir, he... he just... just appeared in the middle of the room. Out of nothing. Out of nowhere. His pulse is rapid and his breathing is shallow, but he seems to be all right. We must have maximum security here. Nobody enters or leaves this room. Cut off all communications. Heal off communications until we can make a coherent report. Now, now, send out one message.

Say that we're in communication with Captain Terrell. That's true, in a way. Wait, wait. He's still trying to say something. I can't understand. His pupils are not dilating properly. I don't believe he's able to see. He is blind. No, he says he can't see. He says he can see everything. He's very excited, sir. He's very, I suppose. Lots of a full psychiatric report, too.

Can't call anyone in for consultation. At least not yet. We've got to have information security until we know where we stand. He seems to be excited and hysterical, but in some strange way, very calm. We must handle all of this in an orderly fashion. Our first obligation is to this man's physical well-being.

Is he in physical danger, Doctor? I don't think so, General. Wait, wait. He's saying something about a message. A message from where he's been. He's obviously too upset and disturbed to know what he's doing or saying. Doctor, I hope you're prepared to make a report on your observation. Yes, sir, but it's all very inconclusive so far. Myrtle, what's your theory about this? Theory?

I have no theory. This is something that never happened before. Well, we'd better get a theory. The whole world will be waiting for some kind of an explanation. I have to say... Sir, sir, I think he wants to speak to you. I have to... What do you think, Doctor? May I question him? It would be better if he could remain calm. Who can be calm at a time like this? Captain Terrell. Terrell. Son, I'm your commanding officer. Listen to me. Sir...

I have a message. I can see it now. His eyes are staring, but he can't see a thing. Now, don't try to get up, Captain. Try to be calm and sit back. Listen. Listen to me. Everything's going to be all right. Listen before it's too late. First, we have to get this whole thing straightened out. Now, Professor Myrdal, do you have any theories at all? Captain, how did you get here? And what happened to your craft? The message...

The message brought me here. I have a message for all mankind. Of course, of course. But we've got to know what happened. Just answer our questions one by one and everything will be understood in due time.

Just answer our questions one by one and everything will be understood in due time. You've got to release a report sometime. I've got to tell... I think he's becoming more coherent, sir. I've got to tell you while I can still see. His eyes are becoming clearer, sir. Will you give the message to everyone? As soon as I can make a report, Captain. Now, what was the very first thing that happened to you, Captain? The first thing that happened was that I was suddenly...

There. Well, you were where? Now try to answer me. Captain, what were your surroundings? I had no surroundings. Well, where was your ship? I had no ship. You were floating alone in space? I wasn't in space. Well, then where were you? Where was I? I... I was there. Well, while you were there, did you by any chance see what happened to your spacecraft? It seemed very unimportant.

Unimportant? Well, did it dissolve or disappear? General, it simply ceased to be, obviously, because there it could not see. Couldn't see? A capsule is a machine, not a life. It can't see it. It has no soul. Soul? Well, I suppose not. Captain, how did this ability to, as you say, see, manifest itself? What exactly did you see?

I can't tell you everything because I saw everything. I saw everything I thought about my childhood. Lincoln at Gettysburg. The birth of the human race. The whole thing. Past, present, and future. That's where I got the message. Now, when your capsule disappeared, how did you come back? Did you do it by willing it? Willing it? Yes. I could go anywhere, but I...

Came here. I can still go anywhere. Gentlemen, I don't think we should examine this man anymore and his condition. He's obviously emotionally overwrought. Emotionally overwrought? We're all emotionally overwrought. We've got to put together some kind of a story. Yes, but if you encourage him in these fantasies, you may make it impossible for him to return to a normal state of mind. I can't go anywhere, but I...

I'm here because of the message. Listen... I can't be responsible if you continue this. Listen... Catch him. He's training. I've got him. Help me with him over to that car. He's in a coma. What do you think, Doctor? His pulse is still strong. I don't understand it. Let him rest here. Let me see what happened. Maintain maximum security.

How is he, Doctor? He's just coming to. His eyesight seems to be normal now. Can I speak to him? Yes, but we'll watch for his reaction. Captain, do you recognize me? Yes, General. That's the doctor and the professor. But how did I get here? How did you get here? That's what we'd like to know. Well, all I know is that something must have happened to me in orbit. I guess I passed out.

Then you must have had me brought down. I'm sorry, sir. I don't know what happened to me. Can you remember anything after you left orbit? I'm sorry, but I must have just passed out. The medics checked me out in good condition. I don't know why I'd do a thing like that. Are you saying that you don't remember a thing from the time you passed out in orbit until you came to on this cut? Yeah, well, that's about it, sir. We did not bring you down, Captain. You came down by yourself, without a spaceship.

In fact, you didn't come down. You simply materialized in the control tower. You were babbling about having some sort of an urgent message for all mankind. Captain, are you listening? Yes, sir, but I can't remember. He doesn't understand a word we're saying. Do you? Yes, I must have been out of my head. But you've got to remember.

Now, try. Really, try. Please, asking the captain to remember this is like trying to force someone to remember a dream. We're a psychiatrist. Can't you get it out of him? I can try. But the process may be lengthy. And there will be no clear proof that what he recalls will be the original fantasy instead of a totally new fantasy. Fantasy, doctor? I don't believe it was a fantasy. Yes, a message. We've got to get that message.

We've lost a message that may mean more than life and death to all mankind. It may be highly irregular, but perhaps we should send another astronaut up right away. That's it. Immediately, under the same conditions. The twin launching pad is operational. We can do it in hours. Get it ready at once, regardless of security. Sir, you can't do that without causing a sensation. Surely you want to clear it with someone. This is no time to worry about ordinary procedures. We've got to find out at any cost. I'll take the consequences. If we send up another astronaut...

In my opinion, it should be Terrell. Another man might lack some necessary characteristic or element of sensitivity to enter the dimension he was in. What do you think, Doctor? I really don't know. I guess it would be up to him. We don't know if the same thing would happen to any other man. We don't even know for sure it'll happen to him. With my bumbling, I may have destroyed the whole future of mankind. But that's not his fault. No. I can't permit him to go up again. But I'd like to go up again, sir.

I've got to go up again. Five, four, three, two, one, zero. How do you feel, Captain? Affirmative and functional, sir. No element of your memory returning yet? No, sir, nothing. I'm sorry.

Well, this time we're better prepared for it. You're about to enter the final phase of your original orbit. Set the automatic cameras. Set, sir. Now remember, from the moment it happens, if it happens, you are to continuously recite aloud all your impressions into the tape recorder on your throat. Even if sounds don't come out, we'll reconstruct your accents and the vibrations.

Approaching point maximum, General. All right, start talking now, Captain, and whatever you do, don't stop. Well, sir, right now I feel perfectly... Well, General, it happened. Yes. Yes, it happened. Professor Rudolph. Yes, sir? Do you think he's coming back this time? No, he's not coming back. Then he's lost? Lost? No. Perhaps he returned to... there. There.

and he chose not to come back this time. It may be that we waited too long, General. Those few hours after he got the message may have been an infinity in the world outside time. It may be that it's just too late for the message, and that perhaps we are the ones who are lost. ♪♪

Theater 5 has presented Outside Time, written by Lawrence Weinberg and directed by Ted Bell. In the cast, Al Hodge, George Petrie, Jack Rimes, Maurice Tarplin, and Richard Keefe.

Audio engineer Marty Folia. Sound technician Ed Blaney. Script editor Jack C. Wilson. Original music by Alexander Vlasdotsenko. Orchestra under the direction of Glenn Oster. ♪♪ Executive producer for Theater 5, Edward A. Byron. ♪♪

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and caffeinate larger with IQ Bar. Go to eatiqbar.com and enter code audio to get 25% off all IQ Bar products plus free shipping. Again, go to eatiqbar.com and enter code audio. Now's the time to tell tales of the unaccountable, of apparitions by night and phantoms in shadow.

Time to tell strange stories of fantasy and the supernatural. Theater 1030 presents Trespassers Will Be Experimented Upon, a horror story told in the inimitable style of Anthony Lee Flanders.

With John Scott as Nigel, Donna Miller as Vanessa, and Sandy Webster as the wicked, wicked Baron. Trespassers, beware. This could happen to you. Of course it's all your fault, Nigel. You suggested we drive across the slanted country just because it's your homeland. I know it's very pleasant to go back and all that. Nigel, really, all across Canada. Vanessa, my love, perhaps it wasn't the wisest decision of my life

However, I've often maintained in the international press that I love my native Canada...

And how would it look if I just whizzed in and out again? Frankly, I don't give a damn how it looks. At least we could have avoided these tedious prairies. This flatness, this barren wasteland, where no event of nature rises up to a cross-pied jaded eye, with a delightful new audio-visual experience. Just this endless, infinite flatness. And at night, oh, Nigel is positively eerie. Don't you see that? Vanessa, darling...

It's here on this undulating prairie my first scientific discovery occurred. It eventually led to my Nobel Prize, which led to my second, third, fourth, and fifth Nobel Prize. It, of course, led me to you, Vanessa. You're the most beautiful of all women.

internationally acclaimed sex symbol, object of desire in the eyes of a hundred million auto-manipulative men. But it's nice on the prairies. And it frightens me, Nigel. It'll be frightened, my little passion flower, my petite dejeu, my pearl of the prairies. Oh, Nigel, you're so strong, so masterful. I, Nigel Herdstrom, winner of five Nobel Prizes for scientific endeavors, pursuits, discoveries, and what not, I of all people,

Understand the forces of the natural and the supernatural. Oh, Nigel, hear that. Smuggle up beside me, my little love. I'm truly frightened. There's nothing to fear. I myself used to walk alone on the prairies on nights like this, with the rising wind howling across these bleak and barren misty fields. I don't like it here, Nigel.

Oh, it sounded so adventuresome. I mean, it was also camp in Calcutta when we planned it. But now, well, Nigel, frankly speaking, I wish I was back in Calcutta. You must understand. One must listen to things like the wind. The wind has a message for those who listen. Well, then, my husband, companion, and lover, what then is the wind saying to you on this night of night? This is the night I am to meet him. Who?

A man. Pray tell what man might this be. All my life, I've been smarter, stronger, braver, quicker, cleverer, more cunning, more brilliant than all the others. Sure. Like I'm a crashing ball. I can't stand it, facing another day, knowing that I'll be right in everything I say and do. You see, I have been waiting for him. Nigel, my man, my husband, father of my unborn children. Do you mean... Yes. Tonight, I will meet my equal. How do you know this? The wind is telling me.

You're never wrong. The car. What is it? Are we out of gas? No, Vanessa, my wife, the genitor of my future offspring. It is the way of things. Can you fix it? The engine, I mean. I don't want to fix it. Oh, Nigel, you're a scientific genius. You can fix a simple thing like an internal combustion engine. Do it. Get the hell out of here. I'm petrified. What? What?

And are part of the greatest challenge of my life. The opportunity to face, face to face, to face him. I'm afraid. You were right to be afraid. This is to be the toughest test of my career. Come to this space of challenge. Stop. You know we're coming.

I find it strange, Nigel, that a storm of such magnitude should die so quickly. Very strange. That is the night of the ball, praise my love. Storms come and go very quickly here. You see, now there is the mist. Yes, Nigel. It can even trick me as a child. I can plainly see there is mist. What? My God. A great castle rising out of the mist.

Silhouetted against the moon and the clouds. He is damnably clever. And those great birds circling about the towers. That ominous gale running over the victim. Must you be so pretentious, Vanessa? This is the sketch one. There isn't a newspaper for 500 miles, let alone a reporter, to note every word which drips from your sensuous lips. I insist that we leave this very moment. We will not leave, Vanessa.

We will never go backward. We will only go forward. It is the scientific way. But to go forward, please. Yes, to the castle. She is having the drawbridge, Lord. Yes, I can plainly see that now, George. Come on.

Oh, look, Vanessa. Huh? Down there in the water. The piranhas. Oh, yes. My, they are so cute, Nigel. It is amazing. Rip. Yes? Yes. They still feel a little bone in 30 seconds. We must send some to Mrs. Wallace. Oh, no.

The door is open. Obviously, we're expected. How does... How does he... How does he know we're here? The wind. The wind has told him. The wind has things to say to those who listen.

Let's go in. Do you mean enter? Semantically speaking, yes. Yes, that's what I mean. Don't be frightened. It's only a young woman. But that sound. It can only be one thing. I've seen it only once before. In the backlands of Peru, an evil immigrant Amazon practices to honor slaves. Split the tongue, clip it to the teeth with a platinum pin. Ah!

He wants us to follow. No, we mustn't. There's no going back now. Lead on, young woman.

She seems a remarkably well-formed young woman. Yes, indeed she does. If it were not for my intimate knowledge of you, I would say the best woman I've ever seen. Oh, her face is beautiful. Indeed it is.

The only flaw I see in the woman is that her tongue being as it is ruins her kissing. On the contrary. You see, you merely unclipped both parts of the tongue. I think you'll find my assistant's French kisses are twice as good as the average. So, we meet. Yes, we meet. Who are you? In good time, you shall know. Did you see? Did you see that, Nacho? Yes, he swirled his cape about himself and disappeared into it.

Last time I saw that gun was in Mount Pisgah. Somaliland, I think. Cunning devil. Perhaps too cunning for us. And therein lies the challenge. Why, look. It's a table set for dinner. With the best of food, the best wine, the best of just about everything in Saskatchewan. Ah!

Ah, it's the most pleasant repast. But... Of course, I expected nothing less than the ultimate. The very new sea is a sense of style. I admire that in a man. Not only does he accomplish the most fantastic feats, he makes it all appear so simple.

Yes, yes, of course, young woman. You may clear this up. Nigel, how did you know what she wanted? During the meal, I began to learn something of her language. It's relatively simple. It consists of one syllable pronounced a-ri-u-ri-u-r. One must decipher the intention from the inflection. To a sensitive man such as myself, it's an easy matter.

Yes, he wishes to show us to our rooms. Come, Vanessa, to bed. Is it safe? Did you take a pill? No, no, no. I meant with the Baron and all. Of course it's safe. Even if it wasn't, do you think we have much of a choice? No. Nothing more for the present, thank you. These chambers are perfectly comfortable. Charming even. We shall speak soundly. You may go.

Nigel, I shall never forgive you for getting us into this situation. This is a little much. Vanessa, my sweet, you must become more adaptable. Your inflexibility has caused us to quarrel on more than one occasion.

You know how I loathe to quarrel with one as beautiful as yourself? Oh, my, Johnny. You scallywag, you. You're such a rascal. Your approach to this entire situation should be one of interest. Is your husband really the smartest man in the world? Or is there a greater one here? An interesting problem, don't you think? I do, anyway.

Perhaps the most interesting of my life. And just who is this man? This man, as you call him, is none other than Baron von Schenck. No. Yes. The same Baron von Schenck you spoke of, lo, these many nights, as we lay entwined upon our homy hearth before the great fire in the great fireplace, you with your brandy, I with my craindemant. Indeed, the same Baron von Schenck.

You knew all along. You expected this. Dear, I see it. You even planned it. You discovered my little secret. He thinks he planned it. But that is still no consequence. It is. It matters not who planned it. Only that it happened. Mind you, it was inevitable. Neither of us could resist this confrontation. I fear this Baron von Schenk is no stranger to you. You are quite correct. The Baron and I are old, old friends.

Many years ago, when I was but a youth, I would lie in my lonely bed in the attic. That's where my bed was. In the farmhouse in which my family dwelt. There was no heat for the room, and I would huddle under the weight of the great patch quilt my aunt had made me for Christmas. And yet, no matter how I huddled, no matter how many times I folded the patch quilt over me, no matter how many pairs of long johns I put on, I was never warm. I would lie there shivering. Mist could ooze through the room and settle upon the bed.

striking to the very marrow of my bones. The giant tree beside the house would sway in the breeze, the branches scraping the roof which was just above my head, and the wind would speak to me, compelling me to come, come out, out into the night, out into the chill, the mist onto the prairies. But the hypnotic force of a majestic power, it could not be resisted.

And so, I would cast aside the quilt and step from my bed. Those were the only times the floor never creaked. Once risen, I walked to the window, threw open the shutters, climbed up to the giant tree, and down to the ground. I was not cold. The impact of the ground had lost on its height, and I was in my bare feet, wearing only my nightshirt. And your long johns. Oh, my long johns. I was growing warmer and warmer.

I was drawn across the yard, moving slowly at first. I put Prince Paul and Steen behind me. To the fence I'd go. And there, there at the gate, was a tall man. A huge man. A giant man. The Baron. He took my hand. You are not afraid, he said. No, I'm not. I'm not afraid. Good, he said.

Do you understand the wind has things to say to those who listen? We must go. There is little time for this. And then he led me by the hand. I, the willing victor. He took me to his castle in the mist. And there, there, there he taught me all the things the wind has to teach. You never told me. I never told anybody. You would have laughed at me, all of you. Nobel Prize to a crackpot.

Every great contribution to science, every acknowledged advance, every discovery, I learned from the wind under the tutelage of the Baron. But why have you come back here? The Baron and I had a falling out. You see, the things that the wind told me, I saw them as useful, useful in the world. And I was of the world. The Baron is not, was not, and never will be. He wanted to keep the secrets of the wind from the world. When I left, I broke the contact between the Baron and I.

He swore to exact revenge. I was the only friend he ever had. The only one who wasn't afraid of him. He trusted me. He shared his secret with me. And I, I took it to the world. What will he do? What can he do? He can do a great deal. His powers are amazing. Incredible. Yet, we have one hope. What hope can there possibly be? That I have listened more attentively than he. That I know more than he. This we must discover. And we shall.

This is the last test. I must face him now. Only the defeat of the Baron will set me free and make me a man to myself. It begins tomorrow. There'll be no wind tonight. I know this and more. But a wind has told me a secret.

We are all rested, I see. How good to see you, Baron. And you, young Nigel. It has been a long time. And yet curiously not long, not long at all. As you say, Baron. And you are, of course, none other than Vanessa Hurdstrom, the most beautiful of the beautiful, the seductress's seductress, as it were. She is none other. May I kiss your hand? Nigel! Allow the Baron. He is above all else a gentleman. Enchanté, madame. That's great. Indeed. Baron. Baron.

You're looking very well. You seem not to have changed over these many years. But you have, haven't you, young Nigel? You have grown to manhood. You've won laurels and honors in the world. I must say you wear them well. And I am honored that you have not forgotten your humble teacher. I'm perhaps not so humble. But yes, my teacher. And it has come to this. The pupil is challenging the master. It is the way of things. I had hoped it could be otherwise, sir.

It is a foolhardy thing you do, and you well know it. I do it nonetheless. I offer you the opportunity to change your mind. Now that you approximate me in wisdom, talent, and wit, you could be a delightful companion even more so than in your youth. Ah, that is a gracious offer, I do admit indeed, Baron. I, too, regret the loss of our former companionship. You were the only person in the world who knew more than I did. But I'm afraid we had this basic difference. My worldliness set against your isolation.

A difference that wounds indeed the fatal flaw in our friendship. Have it as you will, young Nigel. You are the one I have allowed to retain his free will.

But before we begin, let me show you the castle. I've had it redone since you were last here. Follow me. Come on.

Remember, young Nigel, your favorite room, the dungeon. Ah, yes, exactly as I remembered it. This I kept quite the same as it was. For you, memories, eh? Ah, good times.

Hardly remember. Yes, yes. And here. The rack. This was where you did the schoolmaster who failed you in mathematics, was it not? Yes, I had the answer right, but he said I didn't put the method down that I used to arrive at it. The conventional man.

And he died conventionally, screaming. And here, the whipping post, and there, the swinging razor. Elementary and crude, but fun. What? Crucible and fun, yes. Of course, you advanced so quickly, it was no time at all till you were into voodoo. Here, the first dolls you made, how crude they were. You played with dolls? Very special dolls, my love. Very special. You see, my cruel uncle...

Hard. Clay came down with a splitting headache, didn't he? Yes, split his head. Of course, there are no mementos of the latest things. It's all done with the mind, then. Sometimes I often regret that.

Very little left for nostalgia, Nigel. If you want a little nostalgia, I could simply project a memory on the wall. Say, perhaps the little sex pot who refused to dance with you. I thought that slightly cruel of you. But she was so outrageously cruel to me. You needn't justify it to me, Nigel. I admired all you did. You were a delightful student, so quick and so perceptive.

Are you sure you won't change your mind? Restore the good old days. Take up residence here and toy with the local inhabitants. Perhaps topple an empire or two, fun and games, whining and wenching like the good old days, eh? Positive? Well, then, I suppose we'd better get at it. At what? You'll see.

It's done! I have you! Prisoner! Cool not with the falcons, lest ye can fly. I can't move! Nor I. You've trapped us in the force of his superior willpower. I cannot stop you. I'll try.

It's no use. I can't break his force. Is he stronger than you? Yes. His will is stronger. But perhaps I'm cleverer.

I have a plan. But I must wait for the proper moment to use it. I'm frightened. With good cause. Yeah, with good cause. You see, you're completely in my power. I can do with you as I wish. Something simple, perhaps. Turn you into frogs. Or something complicated like hurling you into the void for an eternity. You are never needlessly cruel, Baron. You have committed the ultimate sin, Nigel. The violation of friendship.

That sin alone justifies any cruelty. But Vanessa, she's committed no sin. Let her go there and she hasn't harmed you. True. Nevertheless, I have need of her.

She fits supremely into my plans. Yes, Vanessa Kirtstrom. The most beautiful of all women I have planned for you. No! No! No! No! We must prepare everything. It will be difficult, this one. It must be done perfectly from start to finish.

Come, my dotish assistant. What does he mean, prepare? I don't know. Usually he doesn't mean to prepare anything. He simply wills it to happen, and it happens. This bodes no good for us, Vanessa. You mean it bodes ill? Yes, that's what it bodes. Nigel, at this time, I should like to say...

You have been a good husband to me. I forgive you your trespasses. I love you with my very heart and soul. If I must die, then I wish it to be here at your side. Fear not. I shall extricate us. Perhaps we ask too much, Nigel. I mean, we have so much. I, the most beautiful, you, the most brilliant. Do we need everything to be perfect? Talk to the Baron. We'll leave him alone if he leaves us alone.

Things are never quite that simple. Oh, try. I can't. Why not? Honor forbids it. By all means. Honor. At all costs. Honor.

Oh, Nigel, I only want the best for us. You need only be your beautiful self. I will determine what's best for us. Yes, Nigel, as you say. Bring it in here. Well, that's fine, fine. Well, Nigel, here you see it. The machine. Can you guess what it is? Match force fields.

Incision insertors, tubing, bottles, the standard medical paraphernalia. Yes, I'd say a transplant device of some kind. Ah, so clever, my pupil, so clever. True, it's a transplant device, but of what kind? An unusual kind, I would say. Yes, the only one in the world. Large and complicated.

Must have taken you ages to design and construct. Yes. Well, I can't keep you in suspense any longer. This device concerns you, Vanessa. And you, Nigel. I thought as much. So perceptive. You taught me. You may prepare the device, assistant. Let me present the problem and we'll see if you can decipher the solution. For years I have suffered from an ailment which can only be described as acute loneliness. Oh.

You needn't feel pity for me. I thought I had a solution with you, Nigel, and for a while it worked. But then you deserted me, and that set me to thinking. I discovered the last frontier. The one thing that has never been done. The one thing that seems virtually impossible. But if it could be done, it would solve my problem. I begin to suspect...

I think you're going too far this time, Baron. We shall see. In any case, I have little to lose. Perhaps more than you think. Nigel, tell me, what is he planning? There is one thing the world is lacking. An intelligent, beautiful woman. The very thing I feared. I am going to create one and she will be my companion. A worthy mate for myself. Vanessa. Vanessa.

I'm going to transplant Nigel's brain into your body. That's impossible. Not at all. This device, this machine, will infuse all of Nigel's wisdom, knowledge, wit, and charm into your head. I'll make only one slight alteration. I shall program you to an absolute loyalty to me. Stop him, Nigel! I can't! Nobody can stop me!

Stop me! Nobody! Are we ready? Good! Let us begin! He's dead. How? What happened? The assistant pushed him into the forest field. It disintegrated him. How awful! Why did she? Why? Jealousy.

You see, the wind told me she loved him. But she killed him. Rather than see him with another woman. One possessing more than she had. I don't understand. I do. You see, the Baron was never content. If only he could have accepted her. Beautiful, though dull as she was. He could have been perfectly happy. That was his fatal error. To dream of an intelligent, beautiful woman. I have never made that error. Come, Vanessa. Come.

They're free now. I don't understand. It is not necessary for you to understand. Well, I don't understand. Nigel! Nigel, I don't understand. Nigel? Theater 1030 has presented Trespassers Will Be Experimented Upon.

A light-hearted and somewhat disrespectful tale of the supernatural, devised by Anthony Lee Flanders. John Scott was heard as Nigel Herdstrom. Donna Miller as Vanessa, his charming wife. With Sandy Webster as the villainous Baron von Schenk. And Peg Dixon as his tongue-tied assistant. Sound effects were by John Sliz. Technical operation, Robert Burt. Theater 1030 is a CBC Toronto presentation.

This is Bill Loren speaking. ♪♪ ♪♪

The End

This is the CDC Radio Network.

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The Whisperer. The Whisperer. The Whisperer.

Mendoza speaking. Mendoza, listen fully. Find Patricia Folsom. Patricia Folsom? What is her address? That you must find for yourself. Okay, can do. What else? You will kidnap her and hold her until further instruction. I know this, babe.

I could fall in love with this job. If she attempts to escape, kill. Presenting The Whisperer, starring Carlton Young.

The Whisperer, a brilliant man who, losing his voice in an accident which crushed his vocal cords, worked his way deep within the crime syndicate to help destroy it from within. To the underworld, his familiar rattling hiss is the voice of authority to be obeyed without question.

Then a miracle of surgery performed by Dr. Benjamin Lee restored his natural voice, enabling him to resume his real identity. Now as Philip Galt's aggressive young attorney, he skirts the thin edges of death living his dual role. For as the whisperer, he sets in motion the forces of the syndicate in Central City. Then as Philip Galt uses his knowledge to fight the organized network of crime which seeks to control the fate of millions in cities and towns across the nation.

The only person besides Dr. Lee who knows the Whisperer's real identity is the doctor's nurse, Ellen Norris. Now she listens as Philip Gault, using his Whisperer's voice, reports back to his superiors in the syndicate. Instruction given to Mendoza. When he has completed the first part of his assignment, he will call you. Where is she to be detained? This information is being purposely withheld.

Now you're making war on women? The syndicate makes war on anyone who gets in its way, Ellen. Step on one tentacle and the other seven converge and squeeze you to death. Who's Patricia Folsom? Wife of Barney Folsom, former syndicate trigger man. Former trigger man? Yes, he's marked for death. Come on, I'll tell you as we go.

I purposely didn't tell Mendoza where Patricia Folsom lives because I want to get there first and take her to safety. Can't you call her as a whisperer and warn her? She wouldn't believe it. And besides, she may have heard that her husband's orders always come from the whisperer. If she has, she'd spot the double cross in a minute. Why kidnap her? Barney Folsom is a killer, hoodlum, and hoppy. Unfortunately, he's a very handsome man.

Like most, he's very vain. Last week, he was sent to San Francisco to do a rub-out for the syndicate. He met some little cutie and bungled the job. The little cutie identified him to the police, and so he has to die. If he stays undercover, won't he be saved? No. Sooner or later, the police will pick him up. Then he'll be minus one daily ingredient, which he has to have. Oh. When the craving comes, he'll talk his head off. Yes, and that's why the syndicate has to kill him before the police find him. Well, what did his wife say?

do? She's the only thing Barney Folsom loves more than himself. When word gets around that she's being held, he'll show himself and... And two more people die. That's right. Barney deserves anything that comes his way. But I hear that his wife is a pretty regular woman who happens to love the wrong guy. It's happened before. And it'll happen again.

Bill, when are you going to get out of this horrible syndicate? You know what happens to people who try that. But you can't fool them forever. Ellen, I'm in until they discover I double-crossed them or until the people awaken to the danger and wipe it out. Do you know Mendoza? No. He's probably from out of town.

He seems to know Patricia Folsom, and that makes his job easier. He slips into town, kills her husband and her if necessary, and grabs a train out of town, and ten hours later he's in Cuba, New York, or even Europe. Oh, Phil, step on it. I don't want that to happen if we can stop it.

Yes? Mrs. Folsom? Yes? I'm Philip Galt, and this is Miss Norris. Hello, Mrs. Folsom. How do you do? Will you come in? Thank you. Please be seated. Now, what can I do for you? Mrs. Folsom, I'm a lawyer. Oh, am I in trouble? I'm afraid you are. And you're here to help me? Yes.

I'm sorry you've wasted a trip, Mr. Galt. When I need your services, I will call you. Close the door, Mrs. Folsom. Unless you want the neighbors to hear how your husband bungled a murder. That's enough. I don't like the kind of life I lead. I don't like some of the things my husband does. But we're both several rungs above the slimiest creature that crawls on the earth.

How much do you want? Mrs. Folsom, we're not here to blackmail you. No? To save your life, if you'll listen. I'll listen, but I won't answer questions. All right.

Suppose that recently a man, perhaps your husband, Barney Folsom, went out of town. He did go out of town. His employer sent him on business. Who was his employer, Mrs. Folsom? The Cato Insurance Company. As a lawyer, I happen to know that as a front for a network of organized crime known as the Syndicate. You seem to know a lot of things, Mr. Galt. I also know that this man was sent to do murder. That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of.

Barney's no murderer. That's beside the point. The syndicate feels that he bungled the job and therefore has to die. No. Surely you're wrong, Mr. Galt. Barney doesn't let anyone run over him. And you know what would happen if the police picked him up and kept him several days in solitary. But he's tried so hard. I know. The syndicate intends to kidnap you and hold you until he tries to rescue you. And then... That's enough.

What do you want me to do? I want to hide you in a safe place. Phil, my apartment. No one would think of that. That'll do nicely, Ellen. Then I want to get word through to the underworld for your husband to call a certain telephone number. You can use mine. He wouldn't do it. He'd suspect a trap. Not if you gave Phil some little pet phrase that you call each other. If he heard that, he'd know the message had something to do with you. Yes, that would do it. You must have a pet phrase we can use. We do. Of course, it sounds silly to anyone else. Never mind that. What is the phrase?

Love dumpling. Love dumpling? I said it sounds silly when anyone else says it, but to Bonnie and me, it has a very special meaning. Can't be helped. We'd better get moving, Mrs. Folsom. Believe me, the danger is very real and possibly very near. I'll pack some things. Ellen will loan you what you need. You take my car. I'll meet you later. What are you going to do? Stay here and get a look at... Oh, no. Oh, yes. Now, don't argue. Get going now. Phil, I don't want to leave you. Please, Miss Norris. Let's do as he says.

Suddenly, I'm very much afraid. All right. I'll call you later. Hello, Richard.

Yes? I'm looking for a friend of mine. You must have the wrong apartment. Never slam a door in my face. Do I look like a friend named Patricia? How do you know her name? I don't, but you blurted it out when I opened the door. This is apartment 308. It is indeed, but I'm not your friend. In fact, the more I see of you, the less I like you. Now break it out before I learn to hate you. Maybe my friend is inside. I'm looking sick.

Maybe in the closet, huh? Do all your friends live in the woodwork? Schmatson. I just moved in today. You're a schmatson. Look, the people I sub-leased from said they had to leave town in a hurry. You're still a schmatson. What is this schmatson business? I'll explain it to you. When you meet one, there's only one cure for a schmatson. And it goes like this. No, you...

Next time, forget the schmutz and pay attention to your judo. Schmutz. I got a present for you when I get time. Schmutz. Beth? Ellen? Are you all right? Except that I'm a schmutzin'. Schmutzin'. I'll tell you all about it later. Let me speak with Mrs. Folsom. Just a sec.

Hello, Mr. Goss. Mrs. Folsom, where's the best place to drop the word for your husband to contact me? Uh, Sarah Joe's. 16th Street and 54th Place. Right. Oh, just a minute. Ellen wants you. Bill, why do you want Barney Folsom to contact you? To try and convince him that it's safer to give up to the police and face the charge of attempted murder. I think he'll do it to save his wife. Once the police have him, she's safe from the syndicate. I'll call you in an hour.

What does a man have to do to get a drink in this place? Keep his tongue civil so he can live long enough to tell me what he wants. There's the list. Prices, too. Yeah, Panther Punch, 30 cents. Carbolic Cocktail, 40 cents. Mickey Finn on the house. I'll have some Stratton Sour Mash with a Jigger of May to the morning and soda. Huh? You don't have it. I never even heard of it. That's too bad. That's all I drink. But I do parlor tricks. Yeah? What kind? Give me a glass of water. Okay. Okay.

There. Now, I take this $50 bill, fold it twice, place it on the bottom of the glass, and drink. You nuts or something? Now, with a little help from you, I can make that $50 stick to the bottom of the glass. No. And no one but you can get it off. Well, let's try it. Helping hand is my middle name. All right.

If Barney Folsom... Right now. Pocket your 50 and blow. Now, let me finish. Mate, you just did, and I'll beat it before I heave you. All right, but wrapped in this 50 is a telephone number. If a certain party calls it in 24 hours, the twin to this 50 will be in the mail. I'm not saying anything, but supposing the gent in question gets a scuppers above water, who would he ask for? Love Dumpling. What? Love Dumpling?

I love dumpling. Oh, that's rich. I love dumpling. Joe's place. Joe, Mendoza, don't say nothing. Yeah, okay, shoot. There's a schmutz in at your bar. Tall, wavy hair. Joe, written all over it. Yeah. I'm telling him. If he asks you questions, give him answers. Okay. I'll match anything he gives you. That's a deal. Where are you? I'm in your back room.

Give me a knock when he flies. Well, now, matey, what was you saying? Your attitude changed mighty sudden. Oh, I've been thinking while I was listening. Pass the word. Just pass the word. All right, but I got a hunch you just threw away five sawbugs. Jeff. Joe.

Well, I haven't seen you in town for more than a year, man. And you don't see me now. Right. Okay, Spill. He lipped about Barney Folsom. Barney? Yeah. Quick, lay down the line. I can't let him get away. Well, he left me this card in a 50 and promised another half to see if Barney calls Love Dumpling at Crandall 4213. Give me that card. Here. Here's a C. Well, he only gave me 50. That extra 50 makes up for the one that Schmutz won't live long enough to give to you. Who is it? Bill. Oh. Oh.

You're late. I was afraid something had happened. It took longer than I expected. Mr. Galt, any news of my husband? Not unless someone called this number before I got here. They didn't. I've been thinking about what you said, Mr. Galt, about Barney. If he's what you say he is...

I didn't know it. Well, I have no proof, Mrs. Folsom. Our job is to get him safely to the police, and from there on, it's up to them. Thank you. I happen to love him. And that works both ways, that the syndicate wouldn't use you as the bait to draw him out of hiding. He'd do anything for me. And this time, I wish he wouldn't. I'll get it. Hello? Hello, Dumpling? No, this is... Come on, I'll be right up. Wait! I...

He hung up. Was it Barney? Yes, he said he'd be right up, so he must have called from somewhere in the building. Are you sure it was Barney Folsom? Positive. He asked for love dumplings. It's Barney, all right. He's still alive. Oh, Mr. Galt, if we both talk to him, he'll see that it's best to give himself up and throw himself on the mercy of the court. Oh, he's here, safe at last. Mrs. Folsom, let me... Barney! Oh, Barney! Take it easy. The rest of you get him up. Mendoza. That was a bad slip, Schmartzen. Schmartzen? I'll explain it to you sometime.

Now, how did you know my name? Well, I... One time I saw your picture in the paper and I remembered. I see. Pat, keep your mouth shut and I'll take my hand away. Sorry I'm the one to do this. But if things were reversed, Barney would do the same to me. Oh, no. Barney's not a killer. Get wise, Pat. He's no good. Never has been. Never will be. Now, schmutzin', you've played cute at the apartment. Too cute. You admire me. No, you're stupid.

I tailed you and you didn't tumble. From here, I can take it without prompting. From here on, you'll take it, period. How do you tie into this deal? I'm a lawyer. What do you want with Barney Folsom? He's well known and, well, I thought if he'd give himself up... You defend him and grab off a slug of cash and a big slice of publicity. You ambulance chasers are all alike. You're all schmatzens. All right, you want publicity, you will get it.

Turn around. I'm fresh out of tricks. Looks like I do as you say. Now you're showing your high IQ. You want to see Bonnie Fulton? Okay. I'll just make sure you'll be here when he falls. Bill! You've killed him. I assure you it was purely intentional. Now, girls, take your last look at the body. You won't be seeing much of him anymore. Or for that matter, anyone else.

You are listening to The Whisperer, the story of Philip Galt who skirts the thin edges of death living his dual role. The Whisperer

The Whisperer has ordered Mendoza to kidnap Patricia Folsom and hold her captive. If she attempts to escape, Mendoza is to kill her. In his real identity of Philip Galt, Phil is trying to help Patricia. But Mendoza learns of his plans and strikes him on the head with the butt of his pistol. Taking Ellen and Patricia with him, Mendoza forces them to enter his car. Meanwhile, in Ellen's apartment, an hour passes. Phil still lies without movement.

A second hour, and then a third hour passes, and the door of the apartment is stealthily opened and a man enters. Patiently, he sits, waiting for the first sign of life. All right, snap out of it. I said snap out of it! Who are you? You sent for me? You ought to know. Folsom? Yeah. Yeah.

Now tell me what you've done with Pat or I'll cave in every rib you own. I don't know where she... Don't give me that! You do that again and you'll never find her. I'll do it several times and you'll be glad to talk. Where'd you learn our pet name? She told me. I'm Phil Gaul, a lawyer. I heard the syndicate was going to kidnap her. So I'd come out of hiding where they could rub me out, huh? All right, go on. I sent her here, but Mendoza... Mendoza? He's doing a job? Yes. Yes.

He always liked Pat, but he'd kill her without batting an eye. Who's this friend you mentioned? Ellen Norris. After Mendoza tapped me, he must have taken her, too. Oh, that gives you a stake in this. Yes. All right, any ideas? I can find where they're being held, but I'll have to make a call in private. No, so? You'll have to trust me. Why should I? I'll give Joe a ring and find out myself. Joe knows me. I can trust him.

Doss, you head under that water cooler. You don't look so good. Yeah. Easy. You're no good if you're out on your feet. Joe's place. Sailor Joe speaking. Joe. Barney? Yeah. I got your message through the grapevine. Where are you? Dame's apartment. Friend in the telephone company tipped me to the address. Did you get Mendoza? No, he's got Pat. Where are they holding her? They ain't tipped it yet. Not till the trap is ready for you. All right, I'll stay here till you call me. Good. Any luck? None.

Look, Galt, I've got no choice but to trust you. I'll wait outside the door, but don't try anything. I won't. Ellen's involved in this, too. Operator, get me Circle 1798, New York City. I'll wait. Thank you. Go ahead. Central City. Go ahead, Central City. Mendoza has completed first part of assignment.

I have been contacted by Barney Folsom. Where is his wife being held? In the Maida Mist Flower Warehouse at 9th and Grace. Do not give Folsom this information for one hour. We will be ready for him by that time.

Earl? Yes. Where is she? The Maida Miss Flower Warehouse on 9th and Grace. All right, give me that phone. Yeah. I know that joint. Office is in the front and the warehouse in the back. All right.

Joe's place. Sailor Joe speaking. Joe, listen. I know where they're holding Pat. Where? I'm not saying yet. I need your help. Just keep me clean. I'm your boy. All right. Can you lay hands on a pulley that doesn't squeak in 150 feet of rope? The pulley, yeah. The rope, no. But I got 60 feet in the back room. All right. I'll make that, too. Grab the rope and pulley and meet me at the corner of Marquette and Alvarado in half an hour. You're going with me. I'll take care of that, but going with you, I ain't. All right. All right. Half an hour. All right.

Feeling any better, Galt? Yeah, a little. All right, come on. I got a car downstairs. It's going to take both of us to get the girls out of that flower warehouse. Marquette and Alvarado Street. And there's Joe. Good. He brought the gear. Joe will do anything for money, as long as it's safe. And this is safe the way I'll play it.

Stowed in the back seat, Joe. Yeah. This is heavy. All right, now get in. Hey, but I told you... And I told you, get in. Don't shoot. I won't. You won't get hurt. Well...

Joe? Yeah? Can you still climb a 50-foot rope hand over hand? Might not get up, but I can go down it. If you can, there's a sea in it for you. Balsam, you're beginning to sound like Buck Rogers. Wish I had his ray gun. I could use it about now. Are you familiar with this warehouse? Every inch. They'll hold the girls in the front part in one of the offices. Ha!

They'll expect me from the front. You have a different entrance picked out? Sure. What's with the rope and pulley? The roof. They're watching the front. We surprise them from the rear. But a 60-foot rope and a 50-foot roof? For that, you need 100 feet of rope. You should have studied engineering instead of law. It's a matter of balance and counterbalance. Oh. Beginning to get the picture going? Yes, yes. How many sacks of flour equal a little less than my weight? Smart boy.

It's too bad I met you so late in your life. A few minutes later, the black sedan parked in the dark of the warehouse. Three figures stole silently toward the back of the towering structure. Cautiously, they merged in the shadows and then began their ascent of the ladder which led to the roof. Careful prying and the skylight opened was quickly put aside. Across the huge beams, the pulley was fastened and the rope fed through it until one end rested on the dim floor of the warehouse.

She's down. I tied a big knot in this end. Can't possibly slip through. Here, Phil. Yeah. Yeah, that'll hold. All right. Now let yourself down hand over hand. At the bottom, tie the slack around four 100-pound sacks of flour. Does he know which sacks are 100 pounds? Well, I loaded a million pounds of flour. That's why I took a barkeeper. All right, in you go, Joe. Now take it easy. Give a tug when you're ready. Yeah, I got you. Don't you make no noise while I'm down there. Don't worry, we won't.

You may be wrong in your weights, Folsom. I weigh 195. I tip at 215. With 400 pounds on the other end, we'll have 10 pounds advantage. That ought to let us down slow enough. Would have been easier to let me go down hand over hand. I'm taking no chances on you, Galt. We go down together. Visit that. I hope he has 400 pounds on the other end of this rope. If he doesn't, we'll take a fast trip to the floor. There's only one way to find out. I'd get a hold of the rope. And no funny business. Ready? All set. Here I come. Yes.

Are we going down awfully fast? Too late to worry about that now. Can't judge the distance. All right, we're down. Don't turn loose. You think I'm crazy? That 400 pounds of flour would land right on our heads. Joe? Right here. I couldn't see in the dark. All right, find something to snub the rope to. Gotcha.

Doesn't seem to be anything. We can't hang on here all night. You find something? Yeah, the bin wall is top of the six-by-six. Tie it good. Yeah, I'm using a slipknot. Might want to get out in a hurry. Well, a slipknot holds 400 pounds at the top. This one will. All right, you can cut loose now. When you want to go up, you just pull on the tag end and that's all there is. All right. Here's your C.

When the shooting starts, slip out that side door and get lost. Gotcha. Till then, keep quiet. Hands reading to cramp. All right, Galt. Now, from here on, no talking. Understand? We'll work our way through the warehouse into the offices. All right, touch my shoulder and follow me. Section is dark. Shh. We'll try the next one. It's awesome. There's a light under that door. Look, Galt. I can't let you have the gun, but I'm going in there.

If I go down, make your play. That light's too obvious. Let's try something. What? There ought to be a light switch in this corridor. There is. Right here. You stay here. I'll break through that door. One will get you 500. The girls are in there. And Mendoza and the others will become swarming out of the dark rooms. Let's risk a try. If you're wrong, it's your neck. I'll risk it. When I snap out the room light, flip this one on in the hall. Ready? Go ahead. I'll make enough noise to let them know I'm here.

Ellen! Phil! It's a trick! Turn around, Barney. It's all yours. No! No! Wrong boy, Mendoza. Go! But where's Barney? I'm behind you, Mendoza. Turn off that light! Mickey! Bruno! He's in here! Get his gun! I've got it! There are two men outside! I hear him. Stay where you are, Pat. As soon as they run that... Try again, Mickey! Barney...

Oh, Barney. It's all right. It's all over, Pat. Bruno got me in the shoulder, but I got him dead center. All right, you can come out now. Bill, are you all right? Not a scratch. All right, Gold. Drop it. Oh, no. Sorry, Gold. I hate to do this, but... Barney, he saved my life. I know, but it's him or me. He knows too much. You can give yourself up and be safe. I'll never be safe. I'll have a better chance with him gone, though.

All right, come on. Move back down that hall. Barney! I've never believed all the things they said about you. Quiet, Pat. I've never believed them, Barney. Please, please don't make them come true. Keep moving. Folsom, you're not in over your head yet. All they can prove is attempted manslaughter. That may mean a few years, but this means the hot seat. Turn left out in the warehouse. He's right, Barney. Give yourself up. I'll wait for you. Snap on those lights, Cole. Phil, what's he going to do?

Look up at the roof. Dangling on the end of that rope. They look like bags of flour. 400 pounds of flour to the ounce. But I don't understand. See that rope snubbed at the cribbing on the floor? Put a loop around my neck, pull that slipknot, and I'll break my neck against the roof. Barney, you wouldn't do that. I got to. But that's far enough. Stand right there. Pat, there's a noose in the end of that slack rope. Put it around their necks. Leave Ellen out of this. No. Barney, you can't do this. Do as I say!

That flower will give you a quick trip up to eternity, Galt. Barney, I can't. Barney, give it to me and I'll do it. You're really going through with this. What do you think? All right, toss me the rope. Mr. Galt. Yes? I'm tossing him the rope. You fool, not over my head. Thanks for the warning. No, don't do it. No, no, no. No, no, no.

Ben, how awful. It was what he planned for us, Ellen. But how did the rope come untied? It was a slipknot, Ellen. Somewhere, I don't know how, it accidentally came loose. No, Mr. Galt. I untied it. Come on, Ellen. Let's get her down to the police station where she'll be safe. Come on.

Phil, ages ago, before this horrible day was half over, you mentioned that you were a schmutzin. Huh? Oh, so I did, Ellen, so I did. Well, what is a schmutzin? Well, when you find a schmutzin, according to Mendoza, there's only one way to treat it. Here, stand up and I'll show you. All right. First, you seize the schmutzin firmly here and here, and then you... Oh! Hey!

Oh, Phil, I didn't mean to hurt you. Oh, you poor lamb. Well, you got a nasty bump on your forehead. Oh, let Ellen kiss it off. Mm, Mr. Galt. You like that? Very much. Let's do it again. Oh, no. Oh.

Oh, darn. Let it ring. I can't. That's my private line to the syndicate. Shh. Where have you been, Central City? We've been trying to reach you for more than an hour. I was away on business. Your only business is the syndicate. You slipped up on this, Central City. Mendoza and Folsom were both killed less than an hour ago.

We know that. The police are holding Patricia Folsom in protective custody. We have no further interest in her. But a word of warning to you. Watch yourself. Your district is becoming a headache. Try and do better. See that you do. For further instructions, call Dallas at midnight. Dallas at midnight. The whisper.

The End

The Whisperer, starring Carlton Young, is based upon characters created by Stetson Humphrey, and any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. Betty Moran plays Ellen. Others in the cast were Edith Takna, Paul Freese, Harry Gardino, and Larry Dobkin. Today, The Whisperer was written, produced, and directed by Bill Karn. Original music by Johnny Duffy. This is Don Rickles inviting you to join us again next Sunday for another adventure with The Whisperer!

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I'm John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan. Everybody who comes to our firm at their time of need is a somebody. I grew up poor, but my grandmother was like a queen to us. At Morgan & Morgan, our goal is to level the playing field for you and your family at your time of need. The insurance company has unlimited money and resources. You need a firm who can fight them toe-to-toe. For right at 30 years, we have fought them in courtrooms throughout America.

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2000 plus science fiction adventures in the world of tomorrow. 2000 plus presents The Other Man. The Other Man

Mira. Hey, darling, you home? Hey, when I come home, I want my wife to be here. Marianne, here... Hey, didn't you hear me? Scotty! Oh, my darling. Scotty. Scotty. Mira, have a say. What's the matter? When did you escape? How did you get away? Escape? Would you mind telling you? Quiet. I thought I heard someone. Just a moment, darling. Oh.

There, now. We can talk. Oh, Scotty, I couldn't understand what had happened to you. I was so worried. I couldn't believe it. Mira, I hate to stand here like an idiot. I just can't go on repeating your silly phrases after you. What are you talking about? Then you didn't kill the man in the blue turban? Where was I supposed to have killed him? In Cairo. Cairo? When? This morning.

Look, darling, I know this is the year 2000 plus 120, but even in this age of super science, there's no jet plane fast enough to fly me from Cairo, Egypt to metropolitan city USA that fast. Scotty, I'm telling you the truth. Look, I'll show you. It's all over the front pages of this facsimile newspaper. See? There's the whole story in headlines. And your picture, too. Read it. Read it! The World Security Police and the Daring Action in Cairo, Egypt...

Today captured Scott Douglas, chief of the Eastern Zone Security Police Section, as the chief criminal behind a worldwide black market operation running into millions of dollars annually. In the struggle preceding his arrest...

Mr. Douglas shot and killed a mysterious stranger wearing a blue turban. You see, darling, it is true. Not only in the papers, but all day in the televox news. I've seen it, Scotty, with my own eyes. Being taken to the police, to the airport, it was you, Scotty. I tell you this is not true. It's not me. Look, call my office. Ask for the chief. Ask him what this is all about. They know you've escaped. They'll come here. They'll capture you again. They won't do any such thing because none of it's true.

Look, if you're worried about it, don't tell him I'm here. If he asks, you deny it. But for heaven's sake, call him. All right, Scotty. All right. Mr. Enright? Hello, Mira. I was rather expecting you to call...

You want to know about Scotty, don't you? I can't understand it, Mr. Enright. I've seen it in the papers, on the telephones, but I can't believe it. I'm afraid it's true, Mira. But are you certain it's Scotty? There's no doubt of it. But how do you know? By the obvious methods. It looks like Scotty. It talks like Scotty. It's wearing Scotty's clothes, carrying Scotty's wallet with your picture, and there's private papers in it. Small birthmark on the left arm, same blood type, same fillings in the teeth. And the fingerprints are exactly Scotty's.

I had everything double-checked by audio from Egypt against Scotty's personal identification file here. And to top it all off, Mira, I talked to him by audio phone just a few minutes before the jet plane took off. I'm sorry. I see. Thank you, Mr. Allen. Oh, just one thing more, Mira. Scotty is due to land in about three hours. I'll send someone over in a little while to pick you up. I know you'll want to see him. Thank you. Thank you. It's unbelievable.

It's fantastic. Mira, I can't... Who are you? Who are you? Who am I? I'm your husband. I'm Scott Douglas. I'm going to call the police. Oh, stop it. I am Scotty. Look at me, Mira. I am your husband. No one can fool you about that. Look at me. Good Lord, Mira, look, look. Look, here's my wallet. The one he talked about, see? It is mine. You know it. Look. Touch it. Thumb through it. There's a picture.

There's the stitching where I had it repaired last October. Remember, Mira? When I didn't want to throw it away for sentimental reasons because we bought it that night last summer at the little bazaar? Who would know that, Mira, except your husband? Who would remember that except me? Here, look at this. Pull my sleeve up. The birthmark on my left arm. Nobody could fake that ugly thing. You know that mark, every twist of it. Fingerprints, fingerprints. I'll give you all you want. Have them checked any way you want. I am Scott Douglas. I am your husband. Then who...

Who is the other man? That's the police, Scotty. They're here to pick me up. And take you to the airport to meet your husband. Oh, Scotty, I'm frightened. You must never let anyone know that. It's the only way I'll ever be able to figure this thing out.

I'll try, darling. Just a moment, I'm coming. Oh, darling. Now, remember, this whole thing may be a trick. I don't know why or for what reason, but there's always the possibility that this was a deliberate deception. But they can't fool me. They did fool you, Mira. You believed all the publicity, all the newspaper reports, everything you saw on the telebox.

That's what I can't understand. This whole thing's being carried out so openly, so boldly. They act as if they're so sure of themselves. I've got to go now. They'll be suspicious. Yes, yes. Now, remember our plan. After you leave, I'll get out of here. I don't know where I'll go, but I'll get in touch with you from time to time. You'll always know it's me and not the other man because I'll use the code word bizarre. I know, darling. You don't have to tell me again. All right, and act toward this other man as if he really were me. At least do that for a while. It's obviously what they expect of you. Yes, yes, Scotty. You've told me a dozen times. I know what to do.

Goodbye, darling. Yes, what is it? Plane from Cairo with Douglas aboard coming in, sir. Okay.

Over here, Mira. We can see the plane land from this window. It'll be landing over there by that ramp. Who are those men? Security police. I'm sorry, Mira, but we can't take any chance of Scotty escaping. We've taken great care ever since his arrest. The plane's coming in now. Taxiing. I wonder what he'll look like. A little tired, perhaps, but it's Scotty. I told you that. The plane stopped.

You'll see him in a moment, Mira. Now, look, when he comes in here, don't break down. He's going to need all the courage and help you can give him. There, look. It does look like Scotty. Yes? Prison's coming up, sir. Bring him in the moment he arrives. Yes, sir. Would you like a drink, Mira? No, no thanks. Cigarette? Nothing, please. Okay.

Oh, here they are. All right, men, outside. Leave Douglas with me. Hello, Scotty. Hello, Chief. Hello, Mira. Hello. Uh, I think I'll, uh... Look, I'll leave you two alone for a while. Thanks, Chief. I'm glad you're here, Mira. I was wondering if you would be. Were you? Mira, what's the matter? I'm sorry.

It's so cold, so distant. Darling, I don't understand. Don't you want to talk to me, Mira? I don't know. I'm... I don't know. It's all been a terrible shock to you, hasn't it? What did you learn? Did the chief call you? No. I first learned in the newspaper, then the televox. You mean it's been published, broadcast? Good Lord, everybody knows then. That's right. Oh, darling, I'm sorry.

I hardly know what happened myself. The last few days were a blur, a blank. All I remember is a room in a hotel in Cairo, a man with a blue turban, the police. I became panic-stricken. There was a fight, a shot, and then the arrest. And the talk about the black market. I don't know what that means. Mary, you look so strange. For heaven's sake, what's the matter? Don't touch me! Don't touch you?

I'm your husband. Are you not, my darling? Oh, darling, darling. I can't pretend. You're not Scotty. You're not. I'm... I'm not Scotty. Now, Mira, stop this hysteria at once. What do you mean I'm not Scotty? It's a trick. It's a cruel hoax. I think you're serious. Call them in. Tell them I know. Mira, what have they done to you? Said to you? I could ask you those questions.

And I could also ask you, who are you? Who am... This is crazy. Let me see your birthmark. What? All right. Look. It's me, darling. You know that's real. But I... I... Let me see the wallet. You mean this? There it is. Your picture. Even the stitching I had done when I wouldn't throw it away. You remember, darling. It is the wallet. It looks just like it. What did you expect? They could fake it. They have ways.

A wallet could be faked. Look, Mira, I don't understand all this, but I am your husband. I am Scotty. Let me prove it to you. Ask me anything about us, anything. Where did we go last summer? To Paris for two weeks. We stayed at the Hotel George V. What did we do when we first got there? We opened the window and sang a silly song about Paris. We made it up as we went along, and then I kissed you.

We were alone. No one could have seen. We went out, had a drink. You ordered champagne in the afternoon. The waiter tried to talk you out of it. Stop it! Stop it! I don't know how you know these things.

You seem to be Scotty, and yes. Oh, darling, darling. It can't be. I saw you only a few hours ago at home. But I was on the plane. You saw that. You were home. Home. All right, all right, darling. If you say so. Take it easy, honey. Don't cry. Don't, don't. There, now. If you say Scotty was at home, then that's where I was. Home.

I've got the reports from Cairo, Chief. Complete? As complete as they'll ever be. They just came in via high-frequency telebox, and we had photo prints made. Here they are. Never mind. Just give me the highlights. Well, the man in the blue turban was Mustafa Cornelius...

He made his living in art, sold pictures and things. What was he doing in Scotty's room? Oh, probably picking up some stuff. You know, the place was filled with pictures. Yeah, and Scotty said he doesn't know how they got there. He said that even when we showed him Egyptian police reports that he and Mustafa had been followed for two days. And on several occasions, Scotty was carrying pictures himself. So he was lying. No, he wasn't. We gave him a lie detector test and he came through 100%. I didn't know that. But it's true.

And why was Scotty in Cairo anyway? He had no orders to go there. How do you explain that? He didn't. He said he couldn't remember. Well, this is one for the books. Sounds like two other guys. That's not so funny. What do you mean, that's not so funny? When Scotty got off the plane and came in here, I turned on the intercom and left him and Murrow together. I listened to their conversation from the outer office. Learned anything? I don't know.

Except that Mira seemed to doubt it was Scotty. Now, now, wait a minute. It was Scotty. I know it was Scotty and you know it was Scotty. But why wouldn't Scotty's own wife know it was Scotty? I don't know. I don't either. Two other guys, huh? Well, we know that the Scotty who got off the plane is safely locked up in this building. You and I are going to see his wife and try to figure this puzzle out. Come on.

Hello, Mira. Mr. Enright. I want to talk to you. Close the door, Paul. Right. You... You shouldn't have come here. Why not? I have some questions to ask you. I'm expecting someone. Please go. It'll only take a few minutes, Mira. I want to help Scotty, but I can't do it alone. I'll come to your office. But the chief wants some answers now, Mrs. Douglas.

Oh. Then come in here. Thanks. When my visitor comes, I must ask you to stay in here. Of course. I'm sorry to have disturbed you like this, but there are some very strange things about this man. Strange? What do you mean, strange? Why didn't you believe that was Scotty in my office? Then he told you that he isn't Scotty. He told me nothing. He...

I listened in. And it was Scotty. It's the Scotty I know. Now, why don't you believe that? That's one of the things that puzzles me. One of the strange things. Where's Scotty now? That's your doorbell. The person you're expecting. Where's Scotty now? He's at the detention house in a cell. Why aren't you answering the door? You stay here. Please stay here until I get back.

Chief, she's as nervous as a radar scope. Shh, quiet. Put your ear to the door and listen. It's a man. Can't make out what they're saying. Something vaguely familiar. Oh, no, it can't be. What do you mean, Chief? Take your gun. All right, now, just don't move. Hello, Chief. Mary was just telling me you were here. Scotty, I don't know how you did it, but escaping from detention is a very serious... I didn't escape. I've never been there. I've never been to Cairo.

I don't know what's going on, Enright, but I'm glad you're here so this whole mess can be cleared up. Just don't move, Scotty. Get on the audio phone, Paul. Yes, sir. Call headquarters. Have them check on Scotty. Right. Scotty, you and I have been friends for ten years. Now, what kind of a game are you playing? I don't think friends hold a gun. Well, what do you want me to do, let you get away again? Mr. Enright, I told you... You're as mixed up as I am. Admit it.

You see, Scotty, I overheard the conversation you and Mira had at headquarters. But I wasn't there. Let's not argue about it. We'll know in a moment. Hey, Chief. Yes, what is it? I talked to headquarters, Chief. Well? Scotty is still there in a cell. What? Still there? Now, wait a minute. That's what they said. Get them to put Scotty on the phone. Yes, sir. We'll get to the bottom of this pretty quickly now. Let's go into the other room. Come on. Yeah, Chief wants to talk to him. Yeah, that's right. Yeah, all right. Hold the line. Chief wants to talk to you.

Here he is. Keep them covered. Hello? Yes, Chief. That you, Scotty? Yes, sir. I just wanted to be sure. Chief, what on earth is going on? You don't have to talk to me to be sure. Not when you've got me locked in a cell that dynamite couldn't blow over. Okay, Scotty. Scotty? Who are you talking to? To Scott Douglas, who got off the plane from Cairo this morning. But I'm Scott Douglas. Chief, have you seen Mira? I want to talk to her again. Just hang on a moment.

Now, just repeat after me. I am Scott Douglas of the World Security Police. Now, look, you... Oh, all right. I am Scott Douglas of the World Security Police. Okay, let's hear you say that. Chief, are you crazy? Say what I tell you. I am Scott Douglas of the World Security Police. You sound exactly alike. Now, what do I do? Sing Mother McCree? What you do is what you've been doing all day. You wait for me in your cell.

And you're coming along with me. What are you going to do? Mrs. Douglas, I'm going to take you and your husband to meet your husband. He's out here, Chief. Bring him in. Mira, Scotty, you stand over there. All right, Chief. Now, once and for all, tell... Mira. Oh, darling, I'm glad... Good Lord. Mr. Enron, I...

I can't believe it. It's absolutely incredible. He looks just like me. What is this, Chief? What is... Have either of you two ever seen each other before? Every morning in the mirror. What kind of a gag is this? Now, be quiet, both of you. Yes, Chief. Have you got those reports? About two minutes. Let me know. Now, one of you two is an imposter. I will say this. The resemblance is fantastic.

You, the one we had in the cell. We got your fingerprints, teeth identifications, birthmark, and so on when you were arrested. They all verified that you are the real Scott Douglas. I've told you that all along. I'm Scott Douglas, Chief. Whatever is going on here... We'll know who you are in a few minutes. We'll have the results of the fingerprint and identification check we had you take before I brought Scotty up from downstairs.

Yes? I've got the report, Chief. Well? Everything checks, sir. Now, come on. Talk sense, will you? What do you mean, everything checks? Fingerprints, teeth identification, birthmarks, everything checks, sir. They're both Scott Douglas. All right. Now, remember, don't interrupt me. The only way I can tell you two apart is by the clothes you wear.

You. You're wearing a tropical suit. The one you had on when we picked you up in Cairo. Yes, sir. Well, I'm going to call you Tropical. And you with the tweed. That's your name. Tweed. Is that clear? Right, Chief. The last two hours of questioning has revealed that the memory of your lives is exactly the same up to four days ago. Whatever questions you were asked separately, you both answered the same. Intimate questions, family questions, every kind.

But, as of four days ago, the police interrogators report that you, Tropical, you are hazy. Almost blank until the arrest and murder in Cairo. That's right, sir. On the other hand, you, Tweed, you have a clear memory except for a few hours three days ago. Now, here, let me read it.

Pursuant to file 198, I was ordered to visit a Mr. David Eitner suspected of dealing in black market paintings at 223 West 18th Street and to pose as a buyer of rare paintings. Mr. Eitner conducted himself in a reasonable and normal manner and exhibited several paintings allegedly genuine old masters. During our conversation, I heard a faint oscillating sound in the room and inquired whether it was the air conditioning unit. And then I blacked out. Now, at this point, your two memories separate.

You both remember everything up to the moment Scott Douglas blacked out. But after that, Tweed's memory does not pick up until two hours has passed. Then he reports, the next thing I knew, I awoke lying on the floor. I thought I'd been slugged, but subsequent examination by police medical authority showed no injury of any sort.

The assumption was that I had fainted, but no reason for this possibility was advanced. The paintings, together with Mr. Eitner, were nowhere to be found when I regained consciousness. Subsequent police investigation failed to reveal any trace of Mr. Eitner or his paintings. So, there it is.

And you, Tropical, you remember nothing for the next several days until we picked you up in Cairo. I remember that report very well. I wrote it. But he couldn't have known about the first part of that report. I went alone. No one else. I was there. That was my report. Stop it, you two. It's bad enough seeing Double without you two talking Double and remembering Double. Two hours. Two hours. What happened in those two hours?

Chief, I've got an idea. What is it? Probably nothing to it after three days, but why don't we visit 223 West 18th Street again? Let's see whether Mr. Aitner possibly left something behind when he fled with the paintings. The End

This is the place. Looks pretty empty now. This is where he had several old paintings hanging on the wall. This is where I was standing when I blacked out. That's right, Chief. I walked over there from here and then it happened. What's that? That sound? Came from over there. That closet. Go on. Go out of there.

Come on or I'll shoot. Do not shoot, Sahib. No, do not kill me. Who are you? Do not kill me, Sahib. What are you doing here in this room? Talk. Talk. Do not kill me, Sahib. I beg you. If you don't talk, I make no promises. I have children. I have a wife. And I've got a gun. Well? If I talk, you let me live. Talk. I come to destroy the instrument.

What instrument? It is in here, Sahib. The instrument of Mustafa Cornelius. The man in the blue turban. I swear to come back and destroy it if he ever died. It is built into this closet behind this secret panel. It make Mustafa and me very rich. Let's see that instrument. Open the panel. Looks like a control board.

What does it do? I do not know the words to describe it. Only Mustafa knew because he was very wise and very scientific. Do you know how to operate this? Oh, yes, sahib. Mustafa show me what to do. And I work long hours doing that for our both becoming very rich. Show us what it does. And remember, if any danger results, this man has a gun. You'll be the first to die. I understand, sahib.

Give me something for the instrument. What do you mean, give you something? I try to explain. Give me something, a picture, perhaps. There are no pictures here. Then a ring, perhaps a watch, or a shoe, a dog, anything. Does this make any sense? Play along with him, Chief. Here. Here's a ring and a watch. Thank you, Sahib.

I place them in here and close the small door. I turn on the instrument. That's the sound. The sound I heard. He's right, Chief. The sound before I blacked out. Now what do you do? A moment until the bell sound. It is finished. Now you see.

There are now two watches, two rings. Let me see them. Great. Dynamo's of Niagara. They're exactly alike. Even the scratches, the dirt marks, everything. Let me see them. You're right. Identical. Perfect copies. No, no, Sahib. They are not copies. All are original. But that can't be. The ones I gave you were the originals. The others are the copies. That's right. Just a minute, Chief. Look at this marking.

Molecular duplicator. What did you say? Molecular duplicator? That's right. That means that somehow, well, it's possible theoretically, but it means that the molecules and atoms of the originals are perfectly duplicated. And we know that if somehow the atoms and molecules could be exactly arranged, you'd actually have two originals.

Where only one existed before. Yes. Yes, Sahib. That is what Mustafa say. Those are the words that I do not know how to use. All right, now listen to me, you desert rat. Does this machine work on anything other than inanimate objects? Inanimate? I do not understand, Sahib. Does it work on living things? Dogs? Birds?

Human beings? It has worked on a dog, sahib. Mustafa, he had a dog he liked so much, he make himself another dog like it with this instrument. Then it would work on human beings too. But the dog, one of them, I do not know which one of them, the dog, he die very horribly, sahib.

What do you mean, died horribly? One day, about a month after the first dog become two dogs... One day, the dog bark and whine...

It is in agony, Sahib. And before my eyes, it... I do not know how to say. It is disappear slowly as if it fall apart. And in a little while, there is nothing left. Nothing. Molecular disintegration. On living flesh, the effect of the machine lasts only a limited time. Chief...

Which one of us? Him or me? Which one of us is Scott Douglas? Next week, 2000 Plus presents another exciting melodrama from the world of tomorrow. For thrilling, for thrillers that are different, join us again next week and every week.

© BF-WATCH TV 2021

The orchestra was conducted by Emerson Buckley. Music composed by Elliot Jacoby. Sound, Walt Shaver and Adrian Penner. Engineer, Ed Formica. This is Ken Marvin speaking.

The End

2000 Plus is a regular presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service.

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The Unexpected. The Unexpected. Life is filled with the unexpected. Romantic, tragic, and mysterious endings to our most ordinary actions. Dreams come true, or dreams are shattered by sudden twists of fate. In The Unexpected. The Unexpected.

But first, a word from your announcer. ♪♪

And now, Jack Holt, outstanding screen star in Shipwreck, a drama of the unexpected. Hey, mister, can you let me have a dime for a cup of coffee? Just a dime. Oh, don't be cheap.

How about a dime, lady? You'll never miss it. Okay, okay, don't get tough. I'll move on. Got a quarter you can spare, buddy? You have? What? Yeah, that's right. I'm Mike Kendall. Do I know you? Oh, sure, sure, I remember. You used to go out on the mermaid in the summer. Yeah, she was quite a boat. I'd still have her if it wasn't for Aggie. A woman can make a fool out of a man. An awful big fool.

Well, at least that's what Aggie did to me. If you buy me a cup of Java, I'll tell you about it. Sure was funny the way the whole thing happened. There I was, sitting on top of the world, owning the best darn fishing boat off the Keys. Everything was blue skies and clear sailing until that night in Red Sam's place. And Aggie holed into sight like a big, soft, blonde cloud.

She looked mighty good. But there was a trail storming behind her. Oh, Skipper. Mind if I drop my anchor here? The bar is empty. Pull up the stool and take the load off yourselves. Thanks, Skipper.

I'm afraid this old tug needs refueling. You don't say. Hey, Red, another of the same, only double. Put it on the captain's bill. I don't remember offering to buy you a drink, lady. Listen, any man that calls me a lady is going to buy me a drink. Okay, you win. Thanks.

They christened me Aggie. Yeah? With a bottle of champagne? No, with a case of beer. Hey, that's a good one. Christened you with a case of beer. You've got quite a sense of humor, big boy. Guess we ought to get better acquainted. What does your crowd call you? I haven't got a crew, but the handle's Mike. Oh.

Well, here's to you, Mickey. Here's mud in your eye. Want another? That's a question you don't need to ask, Mike. Don't waste time with unnecessary questions. You know I like you, Aggie. Just say what you mean.

Come on, let's get out of here. Well, sir, hurry. You promised me another drink. Don't you keep your promises? Sure, Aggie, sure. But we don't have to do all our drinking here. Oh, yes, we do. I ain't the kind of a girl to leave a bar with a strange man. I wouldn't hurt a nice little girl like you. Then buy me another drink. You got the money to buy me another drink, huh? I got enough money to buy the whole bar if I wanted to.

See that, Aggie? $500. Gee, is all that dough really yours? Right now it's mine.

But tomorrow, well, why kid about it? Tomorrow it goes to Lucky Gordon. The guy who runs a gambling boat? Yeah. Well, how come you owe him? How come deuces roll up four times in a row? Yeah, ain't it the truth? Come on, let's get out of here. Let's go places. Well, why didn't you ask me before? I don't like this bar. Let's move on down the street. I don't see why you didn't ask me before.

I had my arm most the way around Aggie's waist as we staggered out in the street. Most the way was all I could reach. When we got to an alleyway, she stopped suddenly and turned around. I had just time to see that she was cold sober. Okay, Mike, hand it over. What do you mean? The dough.

Hand it over. Stop kidding, Aggie. You're drunk. You don't know what you're saying. I ain't that drunk, Mike. Oh, you foolin'. You got a great sense of humor. You remember? I said you had a great sense of... Yeah, mister, you guessed it. I came to about five hours later with a bump on my head. The size of a steamer funnel. Oh, sure, she got the $500.

And I got a big bump on my head and a big lump of fear in the pit of my stomach. That's right, Lucky Gordon. I owed him 500 bucks, and I had promised to pay him back that day. And I didn't think he'd give me an extension. You don't really expect me to believe this story about the blonde bombshell. You're too big a boy, Mike, to be spinning yarns like that.

It's the truth, Lucky. I swear it's the truth. Well, then I got to take your word for it. Oh, thanks. That's mighty nice of you. Yeah, I believe you, but I still want my money. Lucky, I don't know how long it'll take me to raise it. This $500 took me a month. It was hard work. Oh, a month's a long time. I might give you a day or two, but no more. No more? Two days. Then I want the money. Well, I don't want to frighten you.

But how can I raise it, Lucky? I wouldn't know. Maybe your girlfriend... She's blown town. Well, I don't have any other suggestions. I'll leave it up to you. Just get the money, Mike. Get that money. As I steered the mermaid away from Lucky Gordon's gambling ship with her left wheel paid in her stern...

I had a strange weakness running down my arms, making my fingers limp. At first, I couldn't tell what it was. But then after a moment, I knew it was fright. Sheer fright. I had seen what some of Lucky's men had done to men that they'd worked over. Or rather, I'd seen what was left of them. I couldn't let this happen to me. I couldn't. I had to get that money some way, somehow. I had to get that money.

I sailed the mermaid in the dock at the city pier and made her fast. I looked up the weather station on the dock and saw the storm warning. They didn't sink in for a minute. And then they hit me, like the U.S. Missouri plowing into a heavy sea. Suddenly I knew where I'd get that money for Lucky Gordon. The little colored flags flooded in the freshening bleeds. Little flags that said, hurricane on the way.

But it wasn't going to be an ill wind. No, it was blowing me good. The one thing I had paid up was the insurance on the mermaid. And now that was going to pay lucky. There was always ships wrecked in the hurricane off the Keys, and this time mine would be one of them. Because when the storm was at its height, I'd scuttle the mermaid. Suddenly the wind fell slack. I pulled into a little cove about ten miles down the coast.

And then the air became still as death. I knew I didn't have much time, so I had to work fast. I wired a half a dozen sticks of dynamite together, fixed them to alarm clock, and set it so it would go off in about an hour. Then I raised the anchor and let it drift and pulled away in a rowboat.

I had just reached the shore as the storm broke. And in an instant, I was soaking wet. But I laughed under my half-frozen skin, laughed because I knew that in the middle of this howling night, the mermaid was going to blow herself skyward and then go down in a thousand pieces. It was a cinch now. Tomorrow, I collect that money. Play lucky. Get another boat and start again. It was a cinch. Believe me.

The next day, the paper headlines read, Hurricane Destroys All Coastal Ships. There it was. Everything worked out exactly as I planned. ♪♪ You think the story is over, don't you? But wait. Fate takes a hand. Wait for the unexpected. ♪♪

♪♪ ♪♪

THE END

And now for the surprising conclusion of Shipwreck, starring Jack Holt, a Hamilton Whitney production written by Robert Libet and Frank Burt and directed by Frank K. Danzig. I had my story all figured out when I walked into the insurance office the next morning and I tried to keep the smile off my face as I spun the yarn to Mr. Jackson, the claimant's adjuster.

I had to wait till the poor mermaid went down and then I rose shore. It was tragic, I tell you, sir, to lose a ship like that. Yes. Yes, you have my sympathy, Mr. Kendall. You say you saw the ship go down? Yes, sir. About four miles offshore. Couldn't get her to the coast. Very interesting. Very interesting. You see, the mermaid was found this morning. Found? Well, I should say what was left of her. The wind changed last night and carried your craft ashore.

Before the dynamite you said had time to explode. What? Yes, the evidence is all there. We're going to have to prosecute. But I... Too bad you tried this, Kendall. If the mermaid had been docked at her pier, she'd have been destroyed last night. What? What do you mean? The hurricane destroyed everything along the waterfront. Every ship went down. If yours had been there, we'd have paid off, of course. Too bad, Kendall.

Well, I didn't wait for the slow process of the law or the quick process of Lucky Gordon. I left town and, well, here I am. Thanks for the coffee. And say, if you got any change you can spare, I could use it. You see, I'm saving up to buy a boat.

Shipwreck starred Jack Holt. Listen soon for another of your favorite motion picture stars in a drama of The Unexpected. This program was transcribed in Hollywood.

The End

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No purchase necessary. VGW Group. Void where prohibited by law. 18 plus. Terms and conditions apply. Recently, a new client called me and started by saying, Mr. Morgan, I really need your help, but I'm just a nobody. Those words stunned me, and I immediately called him back. And we're now helping him and his family after a terrible accident. I'm John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan. Everybody who comes to our firm at their time of need is a somebody.

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Our results speak for themselves. And always remember this. Everybody is a somebody and nobody is a nobody. Visit ForThePeople.com to learn about our firm. Morgan & Morgan. For the people. Injured? Visit ForThePeople.com for an office near you.

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Recently, a new client called me and started by saying, Mr. Morgan, I really need your help, but I'm just a nobody. Those words stunned me, and I immediately called him back. And we're now helping him and his family after a terrible accident. I'm John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan. Everybody who comes to our firm at their time of need is a somebody.

I grew up poor, but my grandmother was like a queen to us. At Morgan & Morgan, our goal is to level the playing field for you and your family at your time of need. The insurance company has unlimited money and resources. You need a firm who can fight them toe-to-toe. For right at 30 years, we have fought them in courtrooms throughout America. Our

Our results speak for themselves. And always remember this. Everybody is a somebody and nobody is a nobody. Visit ForThePeople.com to learn about our firm. Morgan & Morgan. For The People. Injured? Visit ForThePeople.com for an office near you. KMA 907, Sacramento Police. Unit 99. Are you in the clear?

Unit 99 to KMA 907. Unit 99, Sergeant Meredith, 909, in service, on the air. This is Sergeant Dan Meredith of Unit 99 at headquarters, police department, city of Sacramento, California. My detail is to ride in Unit 99, our tape recorder-equipped radio car, and to respond whenever the dispatcher transmits a signal to one of our other units on duty somewhere in the city. At the scene, we make the recordings for this program.

Now, to tell you more about Unit 99, here is our chief, James V. Hicks, Sacramento Police. We have provided Unit 99 of the Sacramento Police Department the tape recorder it carries and the officer in charge, Sergeant Meredith, so that you, who depend on your police for protection, can hear them in action, on duty. And what you hear on this radio program is real.

No question about it. The suspects are real. The victims are real. Bear this in mind as you hear these cases. Now to Unit 99 and Sergeant Dan Meredith on duty. Unit 99. 99, go ahead. 924, Detective 99. 924, coming in. KME 907. The detective bureau is down here at the end of the hall. Let's go in.

Hi, Mr. Stewart. Hi, Soski. I just got a 924 to come up here to the detective bureau. I understand you and Mohanovich might have something. What is it? Yeah, we, I think it was on the 4th, Saturday, or the 5th of April, we received a call from the victim stating to the effect that she had received a threatening letter. You have that letter that was written? Yeah. The letter states...

Have you got fire insurance? I asked one of the kitchen help for a sandwich and he ignored me. That little item will cost you $315.05. A little kerosene or gasoline spread around the back door with paper and soaked rags should demolish that little lunchroom. Of course, you can avoid all this needless loss and confusion by getting this money and putting it in a small paper bag.

and simply place the bag with the money in it on the floor of the public phone booth, adjacent to your place of business. I will look for it at 8:00 a.m. If it isn't there before or after 8:00, that will mean fire and disaster. If you aren't foolish, you will complete this transaction, let's say Tuesday, April 9, 1957. After receiving this letter and talking with the victim, what did you proceed to do?

Well, we proceeded to get some money. As a matter of fact, Steve, not money, but paper. Steve cut up some newspaper. Your partner? Yeah, my partner. And he placed it in a paper bag, and then he took it out to the victim and gave her instructions as to comply with the stipulations of this letter.

And about quarter to eight this morning, we were, my partner and I, Steve, were parked under the municipal parking lot, which is just north of this business establishment. And we observed this gentleman initially on the corner of 10th and I Street. And then he started going east and toward the pantry restaurant.

And as he got right close to the telephone booth, he took a long look into the interior of the phone booth, and about that time, I was ready to jump out of the car. And Steve says, hey, wait a minute. He says, take it easy. He says, he hasn't gone in there yet. And about the time he said that, the fellow proceeded to go east on I Street.

And we observed him until he got to 11th and I, and he made a right turn on 11th and went south and out of our sight. And then in about five minutes, five or ten minutes expired, and Steve says, say, that same fellow there, you were ready to jump out of the car a short time ago, is back there on a corner. And sure enough, he came up slowly and

About the time he got to the telephone booth again, he opened the door suddenly and snatched the paper bag and he started walking in a normal fashion, I would say. Wouldn't you, Steve? Yes, I was. It wasn't too rapid, no. Yeah, and he started walking in the southwest direction through the standard station parking lot that's directly on the corner there of 10th and I Street. And in the meantime, he put the paper bag in his left side pocket of his jacket

And then about that time, we were out to the car and up on him, and he looked around and says, what was that comment he made, Steve? Where'd you guys come from, the first comment he made? Did he offer any resistance? No, no, he didn't at all. He was very cooperative up to this point. We intend to take and interrogate him as to some of the aspects of this and...

Where is he now? He's on the third floor. We're just in the process of booking him for extortion. Sir, do you understand in connection with this matter your constitutional rights? Oh yes. Now in connection with this extortion letter, could you tell us about the time that you wrote this letter or about the first time this thought entered your mind in obtaining some money from these people through this manner?

Well, I'd say about Wednesday or Thursday, I asked this fella for a sandwich and he turned me down. He didn't turn me down, he just ignored me. I got burned up about it. Were you actually going to carry this threat through? No, of course not. It'd be too much. I'll tell you one thing, there's gas stations all around there. No, I'd never think of doing it.

You ever in the past done this sort of a thing before? Well, no, I've written about it, but I never did what you call the accomplished act. I tried to extort money twice already. Well, did you get anything on these previous occasions? No, sir. Well, how many times was that? Was it one time previous to this or two times? Could you explain a little bit, go into detail? Yeah, of course. One time I was up in Portland, Oregon. I tried to get $500.

And I got locked up. I got one year out of that. And then in Frisco, I got, tried to get $5,000. I was a federal beef, and I got two years. When you put the bag in your pocket, did you think that your act was successful? I certainly did. A few fellas appeared there. Were you concerned about whether or not the party that you wrote the letter to, whether or not they would notify the police?

Well, of course, but that's just something you've got to take, you know. But I looked all around, I didn't see anybody, so I figured there was nothing to it. Matter of fact, when I walked through that standard station, I thought I was in. You know, it seems kind of strange to me as to why you would pick a telephone booth to have the person place the money in. Well, I'll tell you, that's quite simple. I figured that the hour, it was 8 o'clock, and I figured there wouldn't be nobody messing around calling up.

And I'd pass that phone booth at a particular place quite a number of times. It was always vacant. Matter of fact, I'd try to tap the slot a few times. There was a stray diamond there, and there was nothing in there. Now, in connection with this extortion, it seems to me as though you had an occasion to attempt it three times. And on each occasion, you haven't succeeded. Do you think you're going to change your avocation this time, or are you going to discontinue crime entirely?

Well, I don't know about discontinuing crime because it's hard to get a job, but I'm definitely going to quit the extortion. The apprehension of this extortionist was not what you would call a difficult or puzzling case. The man was a bungling criminal with a record of failure in two previous extortion attempts. His latest arrest, if nothing else, persuaded him that he was in the wrong line. And while he is not convinced that crime does not pay, he very definitely is giving up extortion. Unit 4A.

2-11 at 12th Avenue and Franklin Boulevard service station. No details yet. Just had a stick up in Franklin Boulevard. Unit 4 has been dispatched on the call. We'll cover it. K-97 to Unit 4. Further information on 2-11 at 12th and Franklin. Suspect was last seen going east.

On 12th Avenue, towards Stockton Boulevard. 50 Studebaker, Sedan. Tan in color. He was MWA with thick curly red hair, a tan overcoat. He's about 30 feet 8, weighs about 150 pounds. He was wearing horn-rimmed glasses. We're at the station now and there's a correction on that. He is heading north on 33rd Street at Oak Park. Check for him.

K-Man on a 7 to all units. Information on 211 at 12th and Franklin. Culprit was last seen going north on 33rd Street to Oak Park. Hi, Coyote, what do you got? This is a stick-up, and these two people here witnessed the... They've seen the man leave the station just after it happened. You want to tell me just what happened? Well, as we were approaching the intersection here at 12th Avenue and Franklin Boulevard, we...

spotted this man running out of the service station to his car over here that was... The door on the driver's side was open and the lights were on. Tracked our attention to him. And he took off down 12th Avenue right behind our car and passed us at such a high rate of speed and down 33rd towards Oak Park that it made us suspicious. We turned around and came back to see if the service station attendant was alright. Do you think you'd be able to recognize this man again if you've ever seen him?

Yes, I think so. Officer Coyote and Reynolds are questioning the service station operator in regard to what happened. Okay, you want to tell us just what happened now from the moment the man walked in until he left, just related as it happened? Well, I was just closing up and Tan Studebaker pulled up on the 12th Avenue Island and pulled ahead of the island a little bit and I couldn't see it from inside.

I walked out the door and there was a man with a lot of curly red hair and a tan overcoat standing there. And as I walked out, he was lifting his collar and tucking it in front. I had an idea there might be something the matter when I first walked out. And then as I walked up to him, he says, give me all the receipts.

I said, what did you say? He says, give me all the receipts for the day. He says, just walk ahead of me and walk inside the building. So I walked to the side door, and I'd already locked it. And he says, well, then walk around the front. So I walked around in front. Pardon me, was that his exact words?

Give me the receipts. Yes. Did he say anything about this as a stick-up or anything? No, he just put his hand in his pocket and simulated a gun. What did he say when he put his hand in his pocket? Did he say anything? He didn't say anything. He just simulated a gun like this and said, all right, now give me all of today's receipts. And he says, don't turn around. That's exactly what he said. That's the exact words. Now what happened? And so I walked inside and

He says, now just act as if you were going to give change. And I opened it up and he says, all right, now just lay out all the currency out there on the till. And I laid out about half of it and then he gave me a $5 bill. And all crumpled up, he just pulled out his pocket. He straightened it out and he says, here, now put this in the till. So I put it in the till and he says, now take it out as if you were giving me change. So I did that and then I said, you want the coin? He says, no. And he says, where's your telephone? I said, well, there's a booth right out there.

He says, "Well, don't try to go out and make a call." I said, "Don't worry, I won't, because I don't have a dime." And then as he ran for the car, I ran around the side and came in here and used this phone. And then he took off. Do you think you could recognize the man if you'd seen him again? Oh, yes. You're sure? Definitely. You can positively identify him? Oh, yes. That's about it. Unit 4. Units 268 and 284. 940 at 35th and 4th Avenue. Regarding the 211 at 12th and Franklin,

There's a suspect they believe is in the Oak Park area. Terry, the officer on the beat, has the man under surveillance. He's asked for the cars to meet him at 4th Avenue and 35th Street. Unit 4 has come in from the back of the

One of the officers is running around the back. Two of the officers are standing in front. Let's get out and see what it is. Cars believe parked in the back of a bar on 4th Avenue, Oak Park. The detective's office, Detective Oaks, has a man in custody. Bringing him out of the bar onto the street. Taking him around the back of the...

Establishment. Right here. I had some trouble with my wife tonight, and that's why I got all the clothes in my car. I was just talking to a friend in there. How long have you been in there? I don't know. Were you ever arrested before? Yes. For what? For forgery. That's all. Where have you been tonight?

I was out the house, and I come down here, and that's all. In fact, I was just getting ready to play in there. Can I put this in my hand pocket? Sure. Are you shaking him down, Oak? Yeah, I am. Well, you didn't shake me down, Oak. You know me. I know you. Yes, I do. Where'd you get all this dough? I had a check the other day for $170. I got one today for $35. Where did you get the fish dough? I had it all in the evening.

What's this? Officer Oaks. What's the deal with this? Detective Oaks has found a large wad of currency in the suspect's pocket. What kind of shakeout? You're under arrest for armed robbery. What do you think of that? If I am, I'm under arrest. But I never did nothing. Well, if you didn't do anything, then you've got nothing to worry about, have you? That's right. All right. Put him on.

I don't know what's happening here. What's happening here? What's the matter here? You know what's the matter. I do not. Officer Oaks just told you what the trouble was. Well, he says I'm under arrest for armed robbery. I don't understand. What do you mean you don't understand? Where did you just come from? Is this your car here? Yes, this is my car. Where did you just come from? I just come from Stockton Boulevard. Where in Stockton?

I come off of Wallace. I was right up at, uh, right off of, uh, I was on my own street. We're going to take him in, Sergeant.

And we'll bring the victim and the witnesses in. We have an identification here on the spot. He has been identified? On the spot, yeah. We'll meet you in the station. Officer Carey, I understand you spotted the suspect in his car, is that right? Yes, he was coming down 33rd and he turned right on 4th Avenue and I saw him parking in the parking lot behind Steens. And I didn't know at the time, I didn't know if it was the 211th.

And I walked, continued on my beat, and a squad car stopped me and told me that a tan Studebaker had been used in a stick-up. And then I remembered singing. I came down here and called in the station and told them to get registrations on the car and to send help out. Did you know where the suspect was at that time? I went into the bar, and I asked the bartender if anybody had came in, and he said just the guy in the red shirt with the glasses. So then I took off and called the station and told them about it.

and they sent the other officers out here. That's fine. That was a good piece of work. We're in the detective bureau. They're preparing to have a lineup on this stick-up man. We have two witnesses and the victim. They've brought four men down from the jail who answer the description of the suspect. They're going to put them in a cell that we have on the second floor here.

Then they'll have the victim and the two witnesses try to identify. The suspect has been placed in the cell. They're bringing the victim out. He's going in now and see if he can identify the man. I've got a window here. If you look through it, they can't see you. It's on the way glass. I don't want anybody to face you. You can talk or anything. Why speak up? That's him. Which one? The one with the red shirt.

The victim has just made a positive identification of the suspect. He was identified as the third man in the line from the left.

Bring one of the witnesses in and have him look at the lineup. Anybody you recognize, speak up and tell me what order in mind or anything. Yeah, this boy in the red shirt. What number? He'll be third from the left.

That's the guy. No question in your mind at all. In the last description, that's the guy. That's the one that she identified at the back of the Steens corner there in Oak Farm. Now the third witness is approaching the window. That's the third gentleman right before me here. How's he dressed? Red shirt, has horn-rimmed glasses.

Detective Rallis has just finished the lineup. Do you want to tell us what happened? Well, the usual procedure, we bring four or five persons down with them, place them in the lineup. Persons of similar height and description, we place them all in the lineup and the victims...

who came in one at a time to look at him, picked the culprit out. Each one picked the same culprit. So apparently he's responsible for our robbery over there at 12th Avenue and Franklin Boulevard. The arrest of this holdup suspect resulted from alertness by both citizens and police. The description of the getaway car led directly to the arrests.

Although this man was picked out of a lineup by two witnesses and the holdup victim, he continues to deny his guilt and is awaiting trial for armed robbery. This is Unit 99, presented in cooperation with Station KFBK in Sacramento, California.

These on-the-scene tape recordings were provided by the Sacramento Police Department and were made on duty by Sergeant Dan Meredith in Unit 99. Your host is Chief James V. Hicks of the Sacramento Police Department. KMA 907, Sacramento Police. Unit 99, are you in the clear? Unit 99 to KMA 907. Unit 99, Sergeant Meredith, 909, in service, on the air. ♪

Unit 99 has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

When it's PCS time, you know the drill. Pack, research to new base, get the kids in school, because family supports family. At American Public University, we support military families with flexible, affordable online education that moves with you. As a military spouse, your tuition rate is the same as your partner's, just $250 per credit hour. American Public University, education that moves with you.

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Recently, a new client called me and started by saying, "Mr. Morgan, I really need your help, but I'm just a nobody." Those words stunned me and I immediately called him back and we're now helping him and his family after a terrible accident. I'm John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan. Everybody who comes to our firm at their time of need is a somebody.

I grew up poor, but my grandmother was like a queen to us. At Morgan & Morgan, our goal is to level the playing field for you and your family at your time of need. The insurance company has unlimited money and resources. You need a firm who can fight them toe-to-toe. For right at 30 years, we have fought them in courtrooms throughout America. Our

Our results speak for themselves. And always remember this. Everybody is a somebody and nobody is a nobody. Visit ForThePeople.com to learn about our firm. Morgan & Morgan. For The People. Injured? Visit ForThePeople.com for an office near you.

When you're part of a military family, you understand sacrifice and support. So at American Public University, we honor your dedication by extending our military tuition savings to your extended family. Parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents all qualify for APU's preferred military rate of just $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's level programs. American Public University, value for the whole family. Learn more at apu.apus.edu slash military.

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Recently, a new client called me and started by saying, Mr. Morgan, I really need your help, but I'm just a nobody. Those words stunned me, and I immediately called him back. And we're now helping him and his family after a terrible accident. I'm John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan. Everybody who comes to our firm at their time of need is a somebody.

We'll be right back.

Our results speak for themselves. And always remember this, everybody is a somebody and nobody is a nobody. Visit ForThePeople.com to learn about our firm. Morgan & Morgan, For The People. Injured? Visit ForThePeople.com for an office near you. ♪♪ Unsolved mystery. ♪♪

Down the ages, man has been seeking the answer to the riddle, what happens in the unseen realm beyond? With all our science, we're as far from answering that question as man was in the beginning. But with the accumulated records of the past, the conviction is borne strongly upon some that there is a link. Joining us mortals with those who have passed this way before.

♪♪

♪♪

The scene is the famous American newspaper correspondent's home. It is evening, and a group of guests are seated around the table enjoying their after-dinner coffee and cigars.

Long fire casts a ruddy glow over the room, and the soft candlelight throws grotesque shadow shapes on the walls and ceiling as the guests settle themselves more comfortably in their chairs. But seriously, Bert. Well, that was a good story. Well told. You don't really believe in ghosts. Before I answer that question, let me ask you one. Go ahead. Do you completely, wholly, and absolutely disbelieve in them? Oh, when you put it that way, I'm not sure that I can answer you, Bert. Hmm.

I suppose in their heart of hearts, most men, while they won't admit it, do have a secret belief in ghosts or something similar. What do you say, Jackson? You're a newspaper man of wide experience. Have you ever run into what you might call a true ghost story in your newspaper work? Yes, I have. An experience of my own and one impact which I owe my life. Exactly, Jackson.

It was that experience of yours that I had in mind. What is that, Jackson? Something we haven't heard about? I didn't tell it to many people. But you were able to tell it to us. Why don't you, Jackson? It's going to be published next month anyway. All right. Now, you fellows know I was foreign correspondent for the Skeps Mirror Group. One of my assignments was to interview celebrities before they became celebrities. Well, I had to make a quick trip to England.

It looked very much as if the act of government was about to fall, and that Lloyd George would be in the saddle. So I had to interview Lloyd George before the news broke. I concluded my interview and was all ready to leave when I met an old friend. He had become a lord since I first knew him, but that made no difference to him. And the result was that I found myself in their Northumberland home, being greeted by her ladyship and her very charming daughters.

Cheerio there, Major. Hello, sir. I want you both to meet a very old friend of mine, Jackson. Well, not me, Mr. Jackson. The very same. I'm so glad to meet you, Mr. Jackson. Keith has spoken of you so much. And I'm delighted to meet Keith's mother and sister. Come, Evelyn dear. We mustn't keep Mr. Jackson standing in the cold. We shan't want to carry him any more tonight, Don. Very good, sir. All right. Jackson, we'll take your caps up.

Come right into the hall and get your bones thrown out. Thanks, old man. It is a bit chilly out. Riding up to the house here in the carriage is an experience to one accustomed to riding in a closed car. We don't use the car much up here. And tonight Arthur has it down in the village, getting him some supplies. It was charming, even if chilly. But then there's open fire and they've got for all the cold. Can't get to the plank, dear. Say, Len. Thanks. Thanks.

Oh, sit down. Oh, did you boys have dinner tonight? Thank you, we did, on the train. And by the way, I take back all I've ever thought or said about dinner on an English train. That was one of the best meals I ever had. Possibly you were more hungry than usual. There's something I must say. Even if all the books ever written on etiquette say that it's contrary to good taste. What is that, Mr. Jackson? I'm sure we'll forgive you. Your home. It is without question the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

Why, when we were driving up the hill, it looked like some picture out of a children's storybook. A picture of an old medieval castle. The drawbridge, the portcullis, the moat, the towers and the turrets. It is somewhat of a medieval castle. The north wing was built in the day that ended the second. And each generation since has added its little bit. And we have...

We added electric lights and plumbing. The plumbing was the devout approval of the family. The electric lights against my own most ardent objection. Well, electric lights and plumbing. I can't think of anything more to be desired. We even have one of the best ghosts in all England. Yes? My Joseph, you might at least give a chap time to warm his feet before you drag out the family's chitin. Our ghost is not a skeleton.

You shouldn't say things like that. You must forgive Evelyn, Mr. Jackson. But Lady Evelyn's ghost is, well, almost an obsession with Evelyn. Well, I'm sure that if Lady Evelyn's ghost is half as charming as you are, Miss Evelyn, then she's a ghost I'd like very much to meet. Oh, thank you. Let's go to the gallery and show Mr. Jackson Lady Evelyn's portrait. Now, now, my dear. I'd be delighted, really, if it isn't too much trouble. No trouble at all, Jackson.

In fact, we're all tired since the gallery's on the way to the bedroom. Come along, Mr. Jackson. You come with me. You see, Mr. Jackson, Lady Evelyn's ghost is a very special ghost. She always warns us of any impending disaster. And do you always heed her warning? We do now, since she warned Mother about Father. Father paid no attention. He was killed.

Best as the ghost warned Mother, he would be. Is that the only answer? No. It's a family tradition dating back several hundred years. Here's the gallery. I'll switch on the lights.

Oh, no need to tell me which one. There she is. Yes. Why, she could be as important as you. I say, old man, don't take too much attention to what Evelyn tells you about the family skeleton, you know. Casey is quite right, Mr. Jackson. Evelyn is unruly enthusiastic. She's not any more enthusiastic than I am. I'm enjoying the whole thing immensely.

Fact is, I'd rather like to meet this ghost, Lady Evelyn. Then why don't you sleep in the haunted wing? Oh, my dear, my dear. Yes, I'd joke. Invite a fellow up here, and the first night you want to sleep in the haunted wing. But Jackson did sleep in the haunted wing. The wind howled dismally among the turrets and along the roof leads. The oak-paneled walls creaked as night wore on and the cold became more intense.

One by one, the sounds in the old castle died away. And soon Jackson fell into a sound sleep. He wakened with the feeling that someone was in the room. Sat up in the big four-poster bed. A woman stood against the far wall. Miss Evelyn, dressed in old-fashioned clothes, playing a part of the ghost. But the figure shook its head, turned a pair of luminous eyes on him, and started to write on the wall.

For a moment, the warning message blazed out in letters of fire. Jackson closed his eyes and looked again. A trick. He's riding with porters or something. Again, the figure shook its head, gave him a searching look that went right through him, and turning, walked out of the room through the three-foot stone wall.

Hi, George. Eight o'clock. I didn't realize I was taking so long to tell this story. We'll be late for the theater. Oh, hang the theater. Finish the story. Sure. Well, I did my best to disregard the ghost warning. His lordship drove me to the boat. I could say he tried to, but the car broke down.

I missed the boat, and two days later, Keith, with a face as white as a sheet, handed me the morning paper. In glaring headlines, I read, Steam Ship Titanic sunk. All on board lost. I thought that was an exaggeration, but I might have been one of the more than thousand who were lost. Good Lord. What did the warning that was written on the wall say? Beware of the Titanic. Nothing more.

I told her ladyship next morning, and she was the one who instructed the chauffeur when she found I was determined to sail. She instructed him to break the car if necessary to prevent my sailing on the Titanic. Now, do you fellows believe in ghosts? Imagination and objection, old boy. We're glad you missed the Titanic, and we're darn glad you're here to be our host at the dinner party. We've got time for one toast and off to the theater. Out of deference to people who are still alive,

Character names in these unsolved mysteries have been changed. Inasmuch as any solution must of necessity be supposition, liberties of time, place, and character exist in the solution that will be presented after you have heard from your sponsor. ♪♪

© BF-WATCH TV 2021

Ladies and gentlemen, the solution for which you have been waiting.

Of course I don't blame you for believing in ghosts after an experience like that. But just the same, you can't really explain it. I think I can. I'd like to hear you. Have you ever met a perfect stranger and had the strange sensation of having met him somewhere before? Yes, certainly. Well, the same thing applies to buildings.

And the older these buildings are, the more vibration of previous happenings there will be to make their effect upon you. You mean to say that if I go into a building where a murder has been committed, I'll be aware of a strange feeling? You will, if you're sufficiently sensitive. I'll agree there, but that doesn't explain actually seeing what is generally called a ghost. If you've ever tried lying down in perfect ease and comfort, allowing your imagination to drift back to some particularly memorable scene...

The picture will come to you as vividly as if it had happened yesterday. Or take an author writing a story. The characters are just as real in his mind as any group of living people about whom he has only read. I'll agree to all that very well. Don't you think that if, over a period of centuries, people living in a certain house are all agreed that the ghost of a beautiful woman haunts the house,

Don't you think that that impression will impress itself very strongly upon a stranger who sleeps in the so-called haunted room? Yes, I think that's perfectly reasonable. I really do think that if a sufficient number of people all think along one line, something is going to result. And of course, you were thinking of your trip on the Titanic as well as the ghost. So you're willing to admit that concentrated thinking will produce a manifestation?

And if that's the case, why deny that an extremely emotional incident would produce a similar manifestation? There, there's something to that, isn't there? You've got me almost convinced. But just the same, I'll have a stronger belief in ghosts when I meet one face to face. Well, if I ever meet a ghost, I hope it will be like the ghost of the Lady Evelyn.

One that will have such good intentions read in it that even if I'm a stranger, it will warn me of any impending disaster. Of course, the ghost of Lady Evelyn would have warned anyone who had been in the room whether or not they had had any intention of sailing on the Titanic. That part of it, I think, is coincident. Do you? No.

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Over the minds of mortal men come many shadows. Shadows of greed and hate, jealousy and fear. Shadows which fog the minds of men and women, which urge them on into their venture in the dark.

Dark Avenger. Dark Avenger.

The American Broadcasting Company presents Dark Venture, written by Larry Marcus, directed by William T. Johnson, and featuring an all-star cast. And now, your host for tonight's Journey Into Darkness, John Newland. ♪♪

Tonight, the city has a fable to unfold for those who would follow us through the summer darkness. It is not quite 11 o'clock in the city. The street lamps are glowing targets for mosquitoes and moths. The endless miles of neon tubing slashing the darkness with garish reds and blues and greens. Traffic moves quickly down the street. The sidewalks are filled with sleepless citizens, fruitlessly searching for some wayward breeze.

But here, where our story begins, here in this dark alley, there is only George, a skinny, scrawny bum, whose bed for tonight is a strip of cobblestones behind a row of trash. It would be interesting to wonder what the old bum dreams about as he sleeps in the alley. But there is no time, for now suddenly, George is no longer alone.

Get out, Joe. Hey, now listen. Get out. Listen to me. You got me all wrong. Get out. No, but wait, listen to me. Start walking down the alley. Harry, I'm begging you. Give me a break, Harry. I'm begging you. I'm begging you. Start walking. Harry, listen to me. This is a dark alley. Maybe you can get away. Harry. Harry.

You mean you'll let me get away? You mean you'll tell the boss you couldn't help her? Is that what you mean, Harry? You never can tell. Oh, Harry, I always said you were okay. I always knew it. Go on, start down the alley. Sure, sure. And the boss will believe you too, Harry. It's a dark alley. Faster, Joe. Walk faster. Yeah. Go on, Harry. And thanks. Run, Joe. Run. Yeah, run. Harry!

Harry...

Joe falls and dies, almost at the scrawny bum's feet. The car races away, and now George the bum is alone in the alley with the dead man. Gotta get out of here. Can't be found with this guy. They might blame me. Gotta get out. Gotta get out. Hey, but wait. Use your head, George. Look at the clothes this guy's wearing. Even in the dark, you can see how classy they are. Eh.

He's really got a role in his wallet, and he don't need it anymore. Now, hurry. Can't waste any time. Here. Here's his wallet. Here.

Hey, don't stop. I think they came from this alley. Come on. Ouch. Got to get out of here. But as George turns to run, the wallet drops from his nervous fingers. The money scatters across the cobblestones. He has no time to look for it in the dark. The police are already coming up the alley. He grabs the first bill his fingers touch and then starts running. Oh.

George doesn't stop running till half a dozen blocks separate him from the alley and the dead man and the police. Now finally he slows down to a walk, aware that people on the street are staring at him. Fearful that they might wonder what he clutches so tightly in his fist, he steps into a doorway, opens his hand...

By the dim hallway light, he looks. A $10 bill. Now, I bet there was 50 of them in that wallet, and all I got was one. Well, no use crying about it now. Anyway, there's still a lot of things a guy can do with a $10 bill. Whoa!

A $10 bill. But this is a very special $10 bill. And you are not to lose sight of it for an instant. For in a sense, you might say, the hero of our journey into darkness tonight is this $10 bill.

Now George folds the bill into a pocket, heads across Fifth Avenue to Charlie's Tavern. Not many in Charlie's place tonight, the usual crowd. Everybody's edgy, it's hot. It's too hot tonight to get much of a kick out of seeing old George mosey in. Hiya, fellas.

Hot night, isn't it? And here's Charlie, the best darn bartender that ever scraped a head off a glass of cold beer. I don't think none of the boys is in the mood to set you up tonight, George. Why don't you, Peter? Just a minute. Just a minute. How many times would you say I mooched

Well, I'll give you a drink, so if you fellas, huh? Yeah, yeah, yeah, too many times, but I always give you a laugh, didn't I? Old George always give you a laugh for setting him up. George, go on, feed it. All Old George had to do was say, this is a fine end for a fella who studied business administration at Princeton University. And then y'all had a good laugh at Old George. Well...

Tonight's gonna be different. Look, will you scram out of here? Tonight, old George is gonna set him up for you boys. Every one of you. Ten dollars worth. And this time, when he tells you about Princeton, this time, you're not gonna laugh at all. Set him up, Charlie. Anything you want. Ten bucks worth. That's all that does it. Get out of here. What are you talking about? I told you to set him up. And I told you to get out, you drunken bum. What are you trying to pull ten bucks worth off?

I got the money. Get up. No, hey. So before George can pull the $10 bill out of his pocket, he finds himself sitting on the sidewalk. And through the screen door come the laughs and taunts of those inside. He picks himself up, shakes his head, starts shuffling down the street.

Old drunken bum. Laughing at me like that. Not even giving me a chance to show them my money. What do they think they are? Old drunken bums. And suddenly George stops. He is looking into a store window where orange-faced dummies gracefully display the very latest fashion in second-hand clothing. But George is not looking at the dummies or the clothing. He is watching his own reflection.

This torn, faded shirt, his baggy pants patched, food-stained and greasy. Old bum. Old bum. You interested in some nice garments, mister? Huh? I seen you standing there looking at the display. Oh. Why don't you come inside and look around? Don't hurt to look. But I can't. Sure, you can't buy. You can't buy. Look, between me and you, I ain't had a customer inside the store for so long...

Even a guy just looking would be a relief. Well, all right. Sit by myself. All I do is think. What do I think about? How the lousy business has ruined my nerves. How I treat my wife, Eva. It's like she was a dog. Well, maybe I do want to buy... I mean, I could use some clothes, I guess. And I got a little money. How little?

Ten dollars? A little money. Mister, for ten dollars you could get dressed from head to bottom and maybe have a couple of bucks left. What? I got good values. Only today who buys secondhand clothes. Here, take a look at this suit. Feel the material. Sixty percent wool wears like iron.

And in a very short time, George the old bum finds himself in the washroom behind the store, changing into his new second-hand clothes. Then he finds a razor on the sink. He shaves himself, combs back his hair. After that, he walks out.

Say, that looks more like it. Look, look at yourself in the mirror. Well, yeah, looks pretty good, doesn't it? Pretty good, terrific. You really look like something. Well, well, you know, I wasn't always a bum. Once I was headed for big things. I even studied business administration at Princeton University. Yeah? Say, that's a pretty good college. Yeah.

You believe me? Why, shouldn't I believe you? You look like a man who has a head for that stuff. I got side-checked. That's all. A lot of bad luck and then...

Everything went to pieces. So what? The guy can bounce back. Look, I bet you could go out tomorrow. If you told people about this Princeton deal, I'll bet you could name your own job. You really think so? Sam Bernstein never says anything you don't think. Life's too short. It'll be $8 even. Here's a $10 bill.

Here you are. Your change. You wouldn't know of any fairly good hotel around here, would you? Well, yes, certainly. It's a place down the street where you get a room for a buck and a half. So it's not fancy, but it's clean. Fine. I want to get a good night's sleep. I got a lot of things to do tomorrow. Come on.

Good night. Oh, say, mister. Wait a second. Yes? What do you want me to do with your clothes? Do anything you want. What would I have used for them? Those clothes are only good for an old phone. And George leaves the second-hand store and disappears into the night. Maybe tomorrow night he'll sell his new clothes for a pint of gin. Then

Then again, let's hope he won't. It's almost 11.30 when Sam closes the store. He walks down the street toward the bus stop. The $10 bill is in his pocket with the other money. The bus is late and he waits in the doorway of the Pearson flower shop. Mr. Pearson is closing up and taking the flowers out of the window. Sam watches him and remembers how long it has been since he brought Eva, his wife, anything.

Before he knows it, he's going inside the shop. Yeah, hello. I just got a minute before I catch my bus. I thought maybe I'd like to buy their little flower. I'm sorry, but I'm closed for the night. Yeah, but look, I want to bring my wife home a little something, you know. Why don't you come back tomorrow? I don't want it tomorrow. I want it now. I'm sorry. Say, look, buddy, that flower there on the desk. Now what does it take to put it in a little box and give it to me? How about it, huh? That's an orchid. Orchid? Yes, it's pretty expensive. Six dollars.

Six bucks for one flower? Yeah. Okay, wrap it up. Give it to me. Well, all right. I suppose I can. Will this box be all right? Sure, sure. You don't even have to tie it. Here, here's ten dollars. Well, don't you have anything smaller? No.

I put all the money in the safe. I've only got a dollar. Hey, look, that's my bus coming down the street. I got my own store block away. Just give me the dollar. I'll pick up the rest tomorrow. All right. If that's all right with you. Yeah, sure, sure, sure. Coming here with a $10 bill and all I got to show for it is one buck and a flower. I don't know. I guess maybe it's fluff. Oh.

And now the florist has the $10 bill. He folds it into a tiny square and stuffs it into his watch pocket. He yawns and finishes putting the flowers into the icebox, and by 10 to 12, he's finished. He washes up and back, straightens his tie, turns out the lights, and starts for the front of the store.

In the darkness, someone is waiting for him. Who is it? Never mind. Just stay where you are. I'm not kidding with this gun. Gun? Yeah. Yeah, just handle the door, mister. Money's in the safe. Then open the safe. I can't. It's automatic. It can only be opened by... Look, maybe you think I'm kidding with this gun. Maybe you think I won't use it if I have to. Take it easy. Take it easy. I told you the safe was... Never mind the safe. Give me what you got on you. I haven't got a penny. You look wise, guy. I'm telling you. I'm going to kill you.

Maybe you think I ain't got the guts. Maybe that's what you think. No, I... Hand over your dough. I told you, I don't have a penny. Okay, I'm gonna show you. Wait. I forgot. Do you have some money? Ten dollars. Hand it over, quick. It's in my watch pocket. It is. Okay, mister. That's better. Maybe I ought to let you kiss this dough before I take it. It just saved your life. Oh.

So now our $10 bill is in the hands of a young thief, running now down a dark side street. His face plastered with sweat, his heart beating wildly against his ribs. I knew I could do it. I knew I could do it. Even in the darkness, it's easy to see his youthfulness. The slender, undeveloped shoulders, the smooth, unshaven face, the kid mouth sagged open, gasping in the air as he runs. Not so bad for my first job. So was that guy scared. Yeah.

Old man was east yet. What is not apparent in the darkness are the years that brought the boy to this street on this night with a gun in his pocket and a stolen $10 bill. The poverty, the loneliness, the many hungers. Now the boy slows down, standing under a street lamp, puts the $10 bill into his wallet.

At this moment, a little man in a doorway, biting a toothpick, smiles and glides out of the shadows. Hey, buddy. Huh? What do you want? Hey, uh, buddy, you wouldn't by any chance be having a match for my cigarette, now, would you? Oh, yeah. Here's a pack. Keep it. Oh, thank you. Thank you very kindly. But John Forrest is not a man to keep what ain't his under no circumstances. No, sir. So I'll just strike one of your fine matches. I'll eat my cigarette.

And deposit the book of matches right in the same pocket that you took them out of. Hey. And now, begging your pardon, sir, I will proceed on my way. Good night and thank you. Yeah. Yeah, beat it. The young thief continues down the dark street, not quite sure where he's going, but glorying in his newfound courage. Then just ahead, he sees a pair of headlights coming his way.

The cops. Got to get out of here. Got to get rid of the gun. Stop or I'll shoot. Okay, okay. What do you want from me? I didn't do nothing. Just stand still. What are you doing that for? I don't carry no gun, if that's what you're looking for. Come on over to the squad car with me. Sure. The only reason I ran, I got kind of rattled. Yeah. All right, Mr. Pearson.

Take a good look at him. Was he the one who held you up? Uh, I don't know. Like I said, I didn't see much of his face in the dark. How about his voice? The fellow who held me up was pretty excited. I...

No, no. Well, he's not carrying a gun. I don't know any other way. Oh, wait. Yeah? Look at his wallet. See if he has a $10 bill. Oh, hang on. What would that prove? Well, if he doesn't have a 10 spot, at least it proves he isn't the one. If he does, well, I don't know. He might be. Let me see what kind of money you're carrying, son. No. You ain't got no right to search me. Okay, I'll find it myself. Stand still. Hey, you. All right. Now...

This isn't our man. He don't have a dime on him. Did you look in his wallet? He doesn't have a wallet. Go on, buddy. Beat it. This is one time when it's lucky not to have a $10 bill. Oh, no.

Two blocks away, a spindly-legged little man, still smiling, throws away an empty wallet and pockets our $10 bill. Eh, punk kid. He really thought I was drunk. Eh, could have picked his pocket with my teeth. The little man walks through the night humming to himself, his eyes darting up and down the dark streets, till suddenly he stops.

like a man who suddenly beholds an image of unbelievable loveliness. Hey, a liquor store. Open this light. It's locked. But all the lights are on. And there's a fellow working inside. Hey, hey, open up, young fella. Open up. No, I ain't gonna go away. Open up. Hey.

Don't you believe a locked door? When you see it, we're closed. What, with all the lights burning and you in your shirt sleeve? I'm taking inventory, that's all. Come back tomorrow. Oh, no, wait, no, wait. Tomorrow, that's a poor word. What is tomorrow but a great big question mark? Yeah, yeah, okay, good night. No, no, wait, no, wait a minute. Take your foot out of the door. Oh, man, can't you see? I'm ready to drop.

Just for a little teeny bottle or something or other, huh? Sorry, sorry. But, but, but, I got money. Look, a $10 bill. It's after three in the morning. I can't sell you anything. Didn't you ever hear about the law? Law. That's another word that don't bring no joy to my heart. Look, pal...

I only work here. I'm tired. I want to go home. Yeah, look, hey, that bottle of bourbon standing over there. Yeah? You could just reach back and grab it without even stretching your little finger. Now, look, I told you, didn't I? It's marked $6 plus tax, right? Now, I'll just give you this $10 bill for it, and I won't even complain a bit. In fact, I'll be the happiest guy in the world.

Pal, you picked the right man. You know, guess it's like they say. Takes a heel to know a heel. Hand over the tent. One more.

So by 3.20, our $10 bill is owned by a clerk in a liquor store, a clerk named Eddie. And by a quarter to four, Eddie's locking the store, starting his walk across town to his rented room in 4th Street. But at this time of night, Eddie doesn't mind that walk so much. In the darkness, Eddie can relax. He even drops a scowl that's his defense against whatever life might do to him. Eddie's never had much faith in life, and what little he had, he lost in the mud before casino. Now,

Now Eddie's out to get whatever he can, any way he can. He's thinking about that now as he reaches the bridge that spans the North River. Then he sees the girl standing near the middle of the bridge, looking down. Hey, what's she doing here? Maybe she's lonely. Maybe I'll say hello. Hey, what's she trying to do? Hey, lady, don't do that. Get off that ledge.

Get off that ledge. Leave me alone. Call me. Hey, Kitty. Call me. Call me. You're not going to stop me. Yeah, yeah, I am going to stop you. Come on, now, relax. I'll slug you right on that chin. Why don't you leave me alone? It's none of your business. Hey, hey, hey, Peggy. I think that's a prowl car coming across the bridge. I threw you in the can for trying something like this. Oh, no. Here, make like we just stopped to light a cigarette here. That's a prowl car, all right. Hey.

Okay, it's past. You're not going to stop me. Nobody's going to stop me. As soon as you leave, I'm going to do it anyway. That's your business. That's right. I don't know why a good-looking dame like you wants to do something like this. You know, if you wasn't so skinny, you'd really be something to write home about. What's the trouble? Go on. Beat it. Sure, I'll beat it. You can jump nice as you please.

Only I got a nice long way to walk till I get to my room, and I always like to have something to think about while I walk. So you tell me why a swell-looking dame like you has to kill herself, and I'll think about that. Yeah. And if I tell you, maybe you'll even help me, since I'm such a swell-looking dame. Sure. Sure, you can't tell. Everybody's always willing to help a swell-looking dame. And all they want in return is...

Maybe a little gratitude. Well, after all, it's only humor. Yeah, sure. Go on. Leave me alone. Uh-uh. Now you got me really interested. That'd be like leaving a good movie right before the best part. Oh, please, leave me alone. You tell me, and then I'll go. Look, it won't be so bad. We can finish these cigarettes. It's a nice night. Besides, what does a couple of minutes mean to you? One way or the other. Okay, Mr. Bigshot. Yeah. Yeah.

I'll tell you fast and sweet, and all I need is a couple violins playing softly in the background. Which version do you want? Annie, the sewing machine girl, a little Nell making paper flowers in her dark bedroom. Or maybe you want to hear about Helen. That's me, the big blonde who was going to come to the city and set it on fire, sing and dance and act, and you name it. It's right up Helen's alley. Maybe you want to hear about her. Or maybe she found out that setting the city on fire wasn't such a lead pipe cinch after all. Not when the city was starting to look cold to you.

Am I holding your interest? Yeah, yeah. Go on. You're doing fine. Oh, it gets better as it goes along. Maybe you want to follow our Helen through all the neon dives she worked in. Maybe you'd like to see her. Oh, my God.

And the girl tells Eddie everything. And she's right. There should have been violins playing in the background. Because it's really a very trite little story. About a pretty blonde kid getting no place fast. About the late hours, the stale cigarette smoke, the sandwiches grabbed on the run, finally taking their toll. Yep, and like all trite little stories, there's even a doctor in it. And he says what the doctor in the story always says. Mild TB. But it'll kill you if you don't get away.

And of course, there's a sister in Arizona who'll put her up till she gets well, if she'll only grab a bus and come right out. And all that stands in the way is $37. But in three months of trying, she hasn't been able to make it. When she passed the bridge, she wasn't thinking about suicide, but then... then suddenly she was very tired. And jumping into the water seemed the only sensible thing in this world to do.

Finally, the girl finishes. The two stand in the dark for a very long time. Well? I don't believe any of it. Hey, now. I think you're a cheap little shill trying to talk me out of some dough. Good for you. Now you can be on your way. Good night. Wait. I'm not finished. Yeah. Sure, that's what I believe. Then I'm a guy that's all twisted up like a pretzel.

And because I believe it, that doesn't have to make it so. How much dough do you need? Oh, now listen. Look, Curly, get it fast before I start thinking about it. How much dough do you need? How much dough? Get a bus out of here in just two hours. It'll take me all the way for $37. That's with meals. I mean, I got about $6. You need 31 more. Yeah. This is your lucky night. Usually I wouldn't have that much with me, but a guy slipped me an extra 10.

Come on. You said the bus leaves in two hours. We've got to be getting down to the station. At 6 a.m., a sleepy little crowd have gathered around the door of a bus marked Phoenix. The girl is the last to get off. Well, I guess I'd better get my feet, Eddie. Yeah. Good night, kiddo. I don't know what to say, except thank you. Oh, it's okay. Me and Rock are probably, you know... Go on. You'd better get on the bus. Yeah. Good.

I'll be going. So long. So long. Hey, Helen, wait a minute. Don't get on the bus yet. Oh, thanks, Daddy. You know, I'm always thinking someday I might go out to the West Coast. Bill. Just a second. Eddie, you were saying? And if I do, well, I got to go to Phoenix. And maybe, well, maybe if you give me your sister's address, maybe...

Maybe I'll look you up. Oh, Eddie, just look in the phone book. It's listed under Amelia Benson. Amelia Benson. Amelia Benson. She's the only one in the book. That is, uh, this is if you want me to look you up. Oh, yes. Oh, yes, I do want you to look me up. I do, Eddie. I do. I do. I do. And so it is dawn in the city.

And as the sky lightens, an old man in a hotel room on 4th Street has just awakened and is carefully putting on his new suit. In a flat on Harrison Street, an orchid rests, still fresh, in an icebox put there by a grateful wife. Across town, in a Wentworth Street studio, a florist stirs in his sleep as if suddenly reliving his moments with the gunman in the dark and the $10 bill that saved his life.

In a small bedroom near Logan Square, a young kid is thinking about that $10 bill too. And wondering how he could have lost it, but thankful that he did because losing it has given him another chance. In a store doorway on 12th Street, the pickpocket is sleeping off a drunk, dreaming of a happy world he's never known. Down 6th Street, Eddie is walking toward his room, whistling to himself and wondering if maybe by next month he'll be able to buy his bus ticket for Arizona.

And on the outskirts of the city, in a fast-moving bus, a girl looks out the window. She sees a reflection in the glass and realizes that for a very long time, she's been smiling. Only at the ticket window of the bus company is there any real unhappiness as the cashier shakes his head and yells to his assistant, Hey, Frank, where'd you get this bill? Huh? I don't know. Why? Counterfeit, that's why. Huh? Yeah, as phony as they come.

What are you going to do with it? What can you do with it? I guess there's nothing in the world as worthless as a phony $10 bill. Moral? Oh, I kind of think you've already figured out the moral for tonight's story. And I guess it goes something like this.

In this life, nothing is ever counterfeit that brings people happiness. Of course, that doesn't mean you should go right out and start printing $10 bills. Good night, folks. See you next week. Listen next week for another Dark Venture with John Newland.

Starring in tonight's story were Jack Moyles as Harry, Jack Edwards Jr. as Joe, Norman Field was George, the old bum, David Ellis was Eddie, Sam Edwards was the thief, Wilms Herbert as Mr. Pearson, the florist, Eddie Marr was Sam, Herb Viger in the pickpocket, and Virginia Gregg as the girl. Original music by Rex Corey. George Fenneman speaking. ♪

This is ABC, the American Broadcasting Company. The two friends smiled genially at each other. Then Latimer suddenly started pacing nervously up and down the length of the room. I don't know why I came to you, Doctor.

You're the last person in the world I'd expect to believe in psychic phenomena. I don't know about that. What's bothering you, Latimer? Well, it's... it's all so incredible. Frankly, I don't expect you to believe me. Why don't you stop pacing the floor, sit down quietly in a chair and tell me the whole story. Here, sit down here. Well, I had a vision, a premonition, a warning. The veil of the future lifted and I saw into it.

Are you sure? Yes, I'm sure. No, I'm not insane. There's never been any insanity in my family. Ask my father. He'll tell you. The Hemings are constitutionally solid as a rock. Yes, yes, I know. Tell me more about this lifting of the veil, this premonition. Well, the first time it occurred was about three years ago, shortly before Bertha and I were married. The first time, eh, Latimer? Yes, it's... well, it's recurrent. It...

It comes again and again. Oh. Go on. Well, I see the face of a woman. She's lying in bed. Her face is a death mask. You choose nice visions. Please don't make fun of me. Oh, I'm sorry. Well, anyway, suddenly the woman sits upright in bed, points an accusing finger at me and says, You killed one man, and you'll kill another. And then, laughing hysterically, she falls back in the bed. Mm-hmm.

And then what happens? Well, then the vision becomes hazy and disappears. Now, don't tell me I've been working too hard. I've never done an honest day's work in my life. I'd say forget the whole thing. Yes, that's what I was afraid of. I've been trying to dismiss it from my mind, Dr. Meunier, but... Well, the other day... The other day, my wife hired a new maid, a person by the name of Archer Bernard. What's so extraordinary about that? She has the exact same face as the face in my vision...

A perfect replica. Oh. What'll I do, Doctor? Shall I tell Bertha? Shall I force her to discharge the maid? You know how practical Bertha is. She'll think I've lost my mind. Yes, she will. I don't know how to advise you, Latimer. But if this Archer girl threatens your peace of mind, there's only one thing to do. You mean dismiss her? Yes. But I wouldn't tell Bertha the real reason.

Any excuse will do. Yes, of course. Don't make an issue out of it, Latimer. Women get stubborn at times. Yes, how well I know that. Doctor, would you do me a favor? Why, certainly. You're a good friend of Inspector Kane at headquarters. Would you have him do a little checking up on Archer? Yes. Yes, I'll do it. No harm in investigating the woman, I suppose. Stranger visions than this one of yours, my boy, have come to my attention. Well...

I'll see you at dinner tonight. At dinner? Yes, your wife invited me. Oh. And frankly, I'm rather curious to see this new maid, Archer Bernard, myself. Well, good night, Doctor. Good night. And thanks. Thanks tremendously. Archer? Archer? Yes? Answer the doorbell, will you? Of course. Right away, madam. Archer?

Good evening, Mr. Hemming. Oh, good evening, Archer. I'm sorry, I forgot my keys. Is my wife in? In the living room, sir. Oh, thank you. Hello, darling. I'm sorry I'm so late. You are late, Latimer. Shame on you. There'll be guests for dinner this evening. What kept you so long? I dropped by Dr. Muneer's office. Aren't you feeling well? No, not too well. Oh, poor pet. Is my father coming over this evening? Yes, and please be nice to him.

I'll be charming to him. That is, if he'll just stop trying to run my entire life for me. You can't really blame him, Latimer, if he's impatient to become a grandfather. I don't mind wishful thinking, but he's pretty insistent on my having a son. Just keep humoring him. After all, he's worked hard all his life and built up a large fortune. He just wants to be sure there'll be heirs to carry on the name. Bertha. Yes? What is it, dear? You know that new maid, Archer? I ought to know.

I hired her. Bertha, Bertha, I wish you'd get somebody else in her place. She, she's incompetent. I find her exceedingly capable. Well, she's impudent. Well, I'll talk to her about it. Please, Bertha, if you don't mind. I'd just as leave you to... Darling, if you had any idea how much trouble I've gone to to get, well, any kind of help at all out here, you'd realize what a perfect jam archer is.

You concentrate on your father and let me worry about the servant's pet. Yes, but... I won't hear another word about it, Latimer. Now go upstairs and get dressed. Your father and the doctor will be here within the hour, and if you're not prompt, your father will take out his temper on me. So hurry, dear, please. I won't be long. Hurry, dear. You always dawdle so long. I'll hurry. I wonder, perhaps if I told Bertha the truth...

Maybe it's all in my mind anyway, but the vision, the premonition, so recurrent. I might try talking to the girl myself. Oh, no, that wouldn't be right. Oh! What are you doing in this room, Archer? I, uh, well, I... Well, you what? I was just straightening up a bit, sir. I thought you straightened my room this morning. It needed straightening again. Oh, did it indeed. I found it quite an order after you were through the first time.

What's this? That, sir? This package. Oh, give it to me, sir. I almost forgot it. Oh, no, no, no. Don't unwrap it. Please. Why? Well, I... Poison? Yes. Rat poison. What for? Rats. In the basement. Your wife asked me to get it. She did. Well, this isn't the basement, Arch. I know, sir. I'm sorry, sir. I... Take that rat poison and stay out of my room. Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.

I wonder, I wonder, Archer Bernard, the face in my dream, my evil genius.

I'm sorry I'm late, Father. I'll be sorry. I warned him not to be late, Dad. Latimer has never been on time for anything in his life. I speak with authority. I'm sorry, Father. I'm sorry. Hello, Doctor. Your wife has been entertaining us very well in your absence, Latimer. Do you think so, Doctor? I'm sure of it, my dear. You've more charm than the law allows, anyway. You are nice, Doctor. Thank you.

Sometimes, though, I think you're afraid of me. What's this? What's this, doctor? Afraid of my daughter-in-law? Nonsense. Complete nonsense. But there was only joking, Father. Joking? Why? What was funny about it? I'm sorry if I don't see the point. We Hemmings have always had a very highly developed sense of humor. Constitutionally speaking, anyway. What? I don't hardly hear you. Dinner is served, Mrs. Hemming. Thank you, Archer.

Well, come along, all of you. I think we need a new topic of conversation. Yes, obviously, Bertha. Go ahead, Father. Yes, Father.

You sit next to me, Dad. Doctor, over here. Thank you. And you at the foot of the table, Latimer. Such is ever the husband's lot. What? What? Do you know, Dr. Meunier, we've been hearing a lot about you lately in the village. Ah, that's why I've been invited over this evening. Your feminine curiosity has been aroused, eh? Frankly, yes. About what, Doctor? About what?

Mrs. Hemming is curious, I think, about the experiments I've been performing. What experiments are those? Well, I've been experimenting with a new serum. I have the typical doctor's age-old hope of bringing the dead back to life. Oh, is that why your office is so littered with mice and rabbits? Yes, quite. Have you succeeded? No, not completely. But I've had some interesting results. If I inject my serum into the veins of a dead animal, I... well...

I can bring back a heartbeat for a period of ten seconds or so, at least under certain conditions. It sounds barbaric. What are the conditions? If the animal has died of poison. I don't think this is dinner conversation. I think it's fascinating, Bertha. You would, dear. I don't believe it. Mr. Hemming will carve the roast, Archer. Yes, ma'am. Doctor...

What is the procedure you usually go through in this experiment? I, um... Well, usually I feed the animal, preferably a white rat, regular rat poison. It works very fast and painlessly. I disguise the poison in milk, which I feed my victim. Archer, really? I'm sorry, ma'am, awfully sorry. I didn't mean to drop the plate. Go on with your theory, doctor.

Then I use the serum. I wait approximately one half hour. Then I go ahead. How do you inject the serum, doctor? Are you really interested, Bertha? Yes, very. By hypodermic. I have one in my medical bag in case you'd like to see it. Don't bother. Don't bother. I have one in my medical bag.

I don't believe you can bring a dead man back to life by injection. I don't believe it. There's no convincing father, Doctor. You might as well give up. Talking of poison reminds me. I didn't know you had any rats in the cellar, Bertha. What are you talking about, Latimer? Archer told me the house was infested and you ordered her to buy rat poison this afternoon. Nonsense, Latimer. Will you care for gravy on your meat, Doctor? No, thanks. Just as is. None for me, either.

I'm a man who doesn't believe in gravies. Never have. Never have. I know you will, Latimer. Archer. Yes, ma'am? The gravy for Mr. Hemming. Yes, ma'am. Am I the only gravy eater in the house? Obviously, darling. And I had Archer prepare a special gravy for you. It's very good for you. Latimer loves cream gravies, doctor. He's like a child about them.

Here you are, sir. Oh, thank you, Archer. Cream gravies. Mmm. Be careful not to get any rat poison in that, Latimer. Or you might be my first human experiment. And I'm looking for one. Well, I hope I don't fit the qualifications, Doctor. I shouldn't enjoy the prospect of being a corpse. It's been a very enjoyable evening, Bertha. A very enjoyable evening.

Nothing I enjoy so much as discussing life. Yes, discussing life. You must drop over soon again, Father. Latimer? I wonder where he's gone. Probably to the kitchen. He raids iceboxes at midnight. I'll get him, Bertha. Never mind. He'll come out eventually. If Dad doesn't mind waiting. No, I'll go get him. I don't see how you put up with him at times, Bertha. A lovely girl like yourself must have a lot of patience to stand for my son's nonsense. He's my husband.

Well, you scared me for a minute, Doctor. Did I, Latimer? Your family is asking for you. What are you doing? I'm collecting some of this cream gravy for you in this little bottle. Would you test it at the laboratory? It tasted funny to me and I've been feeling slightly ill. Come, come. Don't be a slave of your imagination. Will you examine this gravy anyway tonight, please? Of course, my boy, of course.

If you don't feel well later on, I'll give you a pill to take, just in case. I hope I have some with me. Yes, I hope you do, too. Oh, yes, here they are.

Right in my right-hand pocket. You're a walking hospital. I always carry three things with me. My hypodermic with serum in case somebody should die of poison, my pills for emergencies such as this, and a good pouch of tobacco. I never like anybody else's. Oh, thank you, Doctor. I'll drop by in the morning, and you can give me the report on this gravy. Do that, Latimer. Yes, indeed. Do that. I'd better put the bottle in my pocket so no one sees it. Hal, come along. Let's go back to the living room. All right.

Well, Doctor, did you finally dig Latimer out of the kitchen? Yes, indeed. Well, I must be going, Latimer. Good night, Father. Come again soon. I will. I will. And I hope the next time I come, you too will have joyous news for me. Yes, Father. I'll walk you home, Mr. Hemming. Fine, Doctor. Good night, Latimer. Good night, my dear. Good night, Father. I'll see you in the morning, Latimer, eh? Yes, Doctor, in the morning.

It's been a long evening, and a very dull one. Yes, very dull. I'm tired. So am I. Bertha, about Archer... Latimer, are you going to start that again? Yes. She lied to me about the rat poison, and frankly, I don't trust the girl. It's just your imagination. I'll talk to her in the morning. I wouldn't worry if I were you. If I don't get a satisfactory explanation, I promise I'll discharge her immediately. Yes, I wish you would, dear.

I'd feel much better about the whole thing, if you would. Very much better. I'm very tired, Bertha. I'm going upstairs to bed. Ah, good morning, Latimer. Good morning. You keep your word, don't you? Up at the very break of dawn. I didn't sleep very well last night, Doctor. I don't wonder. Come in, come in. You see, as soon as my wife and I were upstairs, I had a recurrence of the premonition. You did? Yes. Hmm. That's very strange. Why? Why?

Sit down, Latimer, and I'll show you why. Sit down over here near these two test tubes. Over here? Yes, that's right. Now look. Here are two test tubes with colorless liquid inside of them. Yes? In this little box next to the first test tube is some rat poison. Now as I drop some into the first test tube, what happens? The liquid is turning red. Very good so far. Now, in this jar is the cream gravy you were served last night. As I drop some into this tube, what happens?

It turns pink. Which means only one thing. That a small amount of rat poison is present in the gravy. A small amount? Just enough to make you ill, not to kill you. It's a cute little trick. Progressive illness. Nobody would ever suspect poison in that case. It would take about seven months before you die. Nice girl, aren't you, huh? Yes, very nice. But why has this been tried? That's what interests me.

Why? Doctor, I haven't the faintest idea. What did you find out about Archer Bernard? Well, I asked Inspector Kane and he suggested I drop in this morning. Could you go over with me right away? Yes, of course. He has all the information we'll want. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go. Come in, come in, come in. Good morning, Inspector Kane. Morning. This is Latimer Hemming, the gentleman I told you about. Yes, yes, yes. How do you do? How do you do, sir? Sit down, gentlemen.

I understand you've inquired about a certain Archer Bernard. Yes, I did. What do you know about her? We ask you first. Well, we've already made quite a thorough investigation of the lady in question. Yes? Her name is not Archer Bernard, but Doreen Macefield. Macefield? Why, that's my wife's maiden name. Doreen Macefield? Why, this Archer woman must be my wife's... Sister, yes. She's her sister.

Dr. Bertha once told me about her sister... Yes, Doreen Maysfield was arrested five years ago for petty theft. She was released from prison only a few months back. Well, why are you looking for her now? Because at that time she was also suspected of murder. Poisoning? Exactly. The victim was a man, was a friend of your wife. Well, what happened, Inspector? The evidence was insufficient to indict her at the time, but conclusive proof fell into our hands quite by accident the other day. Your call was coincidental.

We were about to go to your house to pick her up. Well, why don't you come along with us, Inspector? Yes, my carriage is waiting outside. Splendid, Doctor, splendid. Poor Bertha, spending her lifetime trying to protect her sister just because she loves her. Why didn't she confide in me? When we see Bertha and her sister together, we'll have the answer to many things.

Hello, darling. Are you all right? Of course I'm all right. This is Inspector Kane, Mrs. Hemming. How do you do? What's this all about? Come in, Inspector. Thank you. Latimer. Darling, it's about Archer. Archer? Just what is this? Bertha, I know the truth about Archer. Why didn't you tell me? Latimer, Archer is my problem. I didn't want to burden you. Now, Mrs. Hemming, don't you worry. Just call in your sister, please.

I can't, Inspector. I can't. The Inspector's not going to hurt her, dear. He just wants to talk to her. There's nothing for you to be afraid of. Latimer. You've protected your sister all your life, Bertha, you poor darling. Go ahead, Mrs. Hemming. Call her. Archer. Archer. Look, Doctor, look.

Her face is bloodless. It's ghastly, like the face I see in my vision. Archer, she's sick. Quickly. The wound's going to faint. Help me, Inspector. It's ugly, of course. Oh, I never... I never wanted... Archer. Doctor. Doctor, save... Save... Archer. Oh, Doreen. Oh, Doreen, my darling. Speak to me. It's no use, Bertha. Archer committed suicide. She's...

Dead? Oh, no. No. Inspector, help me carry her into her room. I want to examine the body. Certainly. My sister. My darling sister. I loved her, Latimer. What she did, I loved her. Of course you did, Bertha. Of course you did. Take her feet very gently, Inspector. Which way is her room, Mrs. Hemmings? At the head of the stairs. Ready, Doctor? Ah!

No, no, Mrs. Hemming. No, Bertha. Why don't you go to your room and rest? If we need you, we'll call you. But I... Please, please, do as I say. I'm still your doctor, remember. All right. Latimer, as soon as you can, join me in Archer's room. Yes, doctor, as soon as possible. Oh, Latimer, will you forgive me? Forgive you, Bertha? There's nothing to forgive. You're a very honest, faithful person. Now, come...

Come along, darling. Lie down and rest. This has all been such a frightful shock to you. Dear Latimer, so understanding. So understanding. My wife is resting now, Doctor. Good. And you can give us some help here. The half hour is almost over. You mean you're... Archer died of rat poisoning.

I feel that this first human experiment will be a definite benefit to the future of science. Yes, but this is not a scientific laboratory, Doctor. No, I realize that, but this opportunity comes once in a lifetime. The doctor is quite right, Mr. Hemming. Give him permission to go ahead. If my wife ever found out, she'd die of horror. There's no need for her ever to know. The half hour is drawing to a close, Latimer. Have I your permission? I should say, has science your permission? Yes, of course, Doctor. Go ahead. Inspector, help me roll up the sleeve. Certainly. Now... What are you going to do?

It's a good thing I always carry this with me. Well, first I draw some of my own blood. This way. Doctor. It's not as painful as it looks. Now, I mix my blood with a serum. Like this. Fascinating, doctor. How much longer have we got till the half hour is completed, inspector? Three more seconds. Oh. All right, doctor. Now, I inject the serum into her arm. Like this.

What are you doing, Doctor? Bertha, stay out of this room. Don't you dare experiment on my sister. Don't you dare. Hold her back, Inspector. Easy, my dear, easy. There, look. Look, she's beginning to breathe again. It works. Oh, no. Oh, Bertha. Bertha, I hate you. No, Sister, no. I went to jail for you five years ago because I loved you. And you were... No, Archer.

No, no, darling. It was I that took the blame for everything you did. No, sister, no. Admit it, Bertha. Admit you killed one man. And you wanted to kill another because you hated him. She wanted to kill you, Latimer, rather than have a child. Kill you, yes. Yes, and get your father's money. I was going to tell you, but she...

She poisoned me first. Sister! Sister! Archer! Archer! Oh, I can sustain her life no longer. Archer! Archer! Oh, I... I'm sorry. Archer Bernard is dead. She lied! She lied! She lied! I won't try to leave the room, Mrs. Hemming. You'll be wanted at headquarters. It's not true, Inspector. It's not true. I'm afraid it is, Latimer.

When the dead return to life, they have too short a time to lie. Bertha, you... I'm sorry to have to tell you, Mr. Hemming, but we have suspected your wife for a long time. We could have proved her guilt without a voice from the grave. Come along, Mrs. Hemming. Bertha. Doctor. The veil. The lifted veil. The premonitions come true.

From the time-worn pages of the past, we have brought you the immortal tale, The Lifted Veil. Bellkeeper, toll the bell.

You're one of the country's greatest magicians, Cartier, so I'll give you a good trick to do. I'll give you till Saturday to get that money. I don't like your attitude, Grohlberg. I'll pay you that money when I get good and ready. Sunday night, and again, CBS presents The Whistler.

I, the Whistler, know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. And so I tell you tonight the strange story, The Nemesis. The Nemesis

A big railroad station in America's biggest city. Many people here, many lonely people, many desolate souls, many strange people. Look over there, standing beside that exit, a beautiful girl with blue eyes and blonde hair. Lovely creature. Beside her stands a man, a dark, silent man. The blonde and the silent man search the crowd from the incoming trains feverishly. Then suddenly the beautiful blonde speaks.

Lou, there he is. That's Cartier. Where? The swanky one with the Homburg hat and the cane. Oh, yeah. I see. Okay, Sandra. I'll get him. See you later. You know what to do. Yeah, I know. So long, Sandra.

Lou, the dark, silent one, slips quickly through the crowd and steps up behind the man in the Homburg hat. Sure name Cartier? What? Cartier the Great, the magician? Why, that's right. Who are you? Doesn't matter. Just start walking. What'd you say? Out the door. That's a gun in your ribs, Mr. Cartier, so just keep walking. What does this mean? I demand an explanation. Just keep walking to that cab at the curb. Where are you taking me? You'll be surprised.

Yes, Cartier, you will be surprised. You're going to the very place you planned not to go. But here you are, Cartier, right in front of it. A tall office building on 42nd Street. All right, get out, Cartier. You know where you are now. Grover. It's Grover. Get out. And no funny moves. I'll go along with you.

Careful Cartier. Very careful across the walk into the elevator and up to the seventh floor. Well, here we are, the seventh floor. All right, I'll leave you here, Cartier. Go on in. What does he want? What does Kloberg want? I don't know, buddy. But go on in. You'll find out. See you later.

Oh, there you are, Grohlberg. Well, what a surprise. I really didn't expect to find you here this time of night. And why did you come? Oh, I wanted to see you. Did you? I sent someone to see that you did come. Now, wait a minute. I resent this. I'm getting a new manager tomorrow. No, no, you're not. Not tomorrow or any other day. Wait a minute. Are you threatening me, Grohlberg? That depends. Where is it? What? The $2,000 you owe me. Oh, well, I had a little trouble. You used that the last trip.

Well, I'm sorry to say I haven't a cent, but I'll get it now. Give me a little time. I've given you two years. You'll get it. You act as though I was trying to beat you out of it. You would if you got half a chance. Now, get this. I need that money, and I need it right away. I'm giving you exactly five days to dig it up. But I haven't got it. Then get it. I'll be waiting here at six o'clock next Saturday night. And believe me, Cartier, you'd better have it. And if I don't? Then I'll black boil you in every agency in the country. I'll see that you never work in vaudeville again. You wouldn't dare. Wouldn't I? I would.

Goldberg, I'll pay you that 2,000. When I get ready. Saturday night. No bushy-haired fat face like you is going to threaten me. I don't need you. I can get a booking any day in the week. Try it. I don't like your nasty attitude. Good night, Goldberg. Wait a minute, Cartier. Would you like to dig up 3,000 instead of 2? What do you mean? Take a look at this. Ever see this check before? George Wilton. 1,000 dollars. Notice. Your signature. And see what it says? No account in this bank.

You know, you shouldn't pay gambling debts with rubber checks. Where'd you get that? Georgie Welton needed some money, so I took it off his hands. Georgie's my partner now. What are you gonna do with it? Keep it till six on Saturday night. You don't hand over the money, this goes to the D.A. Six o'clock, Cartier. You're a swine, Grover. You'll get the money? No. No, not by Saturday, not ten years from Saturday. That final? Yes, that final. Okay, too bad.

This is the end of a great career. You can go to the devil.

Better get booking. Who'll I see first? Matt Rubicam. Well, here you are, Cartier, standing in his office. It's Tuesday morning. You've got till Saturday. Good morning. May I help you? Yes, I'd like to see Mr. Rubicam. Cartier is the name. Mr. Cartier to see you, Mr. Rubicam. Oh, yes, sir. He says he can't see you, Mr. Cartier. He's in conference. Why?

I'm sorry. Nat Bromley, there's a swell guy. He tried to sign me up for years. It's Wednesday now. Not much time left. Hurry, Cartier. Nat, how are you? I'm busy. Look, I want to talk to you about a booking. Leave your number with the boy.

Bromley, I wouldn't let you handle me if you begged me on your knees. I'm caught here to grace. I'm big time. I'll show him. It's Wednesday now. Only two days left. Harry Masnick. Tackle him.

Hello, Harry. How goes it? Oh, hello, Cuddy. I want to talk over that offer you made me. What offer? Why, any one of the ten you made me last year. You don't seem to remember any offer. What?

Are you kidding? What do you do? Now, wait a minute. Get down off your high horse, Harry. Sorry, magic ain't going this season. I could place a dog act. If I didn't think you were kidding, I'd take a poke at you. It's Grohlberg. Grohlberg, that dirty rat. I didn't think he'd do it. Cut me out as clean as a whistle.

This is Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday, and the next day is... What was it Grauberg said? The end of a great career.

This is Saturday. Not much time now. Time, time. That's what you want, Cartier. Time, remember? Hurry. It's five till six. Grohlberg's waiting. Hello, Grohlberg. Oh, hello. Now, look, Grohlberg, have a heart. What do you want? I didn't think you'd go through with it. I can't get booked in any place. Now, how do you expect me to pay you back? You said you didn't intend to. I know, but I've got a proposition to make about that check. Nothing doing. You made your choice. Now, you're not really going to turn it over to the DA? With pleasure. I see.

Hey, what's that gun on your desk for? Gun? Oh. I figured you'd be coming back, but I wasn't sure just what frame of mind you'd be in. You expect me to believe that? I don't care whether you do or not. You know what I think? I'm listening. I think your back's against the wall. I think you're broke and you're facing something unpleasant. Well, if I am, you aren't helping much. I might. How? I've got a ring here that's worth at least 2,000. Oh, I don't want any ring. Now, wait a minute. Take a look at it. It's a cat's eye. Yeah? Yeah, it looks four miles deep. Notice the cut, the coloring, the depth of it?

Yeah? This ring is worth money, Rolberg. A lot more than that check. I can't pay you all I owe, and maybe you can't pay all you owe, but a little would help us both. Yeah? You notice the fire in it? You see? You notice how it flares? Yeah. You're broke, Rolberg. You're broke. That's it. You're a failure. You're having a chance. You're through. Look at this ring. This ring for the check. Okay. Give me the ring. It's only one way out for you, Rolberg.

Better take that gun on your desk and use it for a one-way ticket. That's the best way out for you. You're a failure. You're washed up. You're through. A failure. Washed up. Through. Sorry, Grover. Good night. Huh? Oh, Mr. Cartier. What time is it? Uh, five after six. Thanks. Good night.

See you in the morning. Yes, sir. Hello there, Billy. Give me a hand with these buckets, will you? Ah, sure. Well, what four are you starting on tonight? Seven. Mamie's taking them up to six. There we are. Let's get it. Ah.

Work, work, work. At 65, I should have a place to be owned with a garden. And here I am, slaving away at $12 a week. Ain't much. But I only make 17, and I got a wife who likes clothes. I heard that before. Here you are. Thanks. I'll ring when I'm ready for the next floor. Oh, what's that? A shot. Come from right across the hall. Kronberg's office. Come on.

Gee whiz. It's Stronberg. Shot himself. Holy mother, get the police. Now the same night and we are standing at an open window, eight flights up, still in Manhattan. That wide space out there is Washington Square. Yes, we're on Washington Square South, Greenwich Village. Artists, sculptors, models, actors, poets and paupers.

Behind you in this cheap apartment, a party's in progress. Oh, come on, folks. How about another drink? Okay, make mine a Tom Collins. I'll have a Cuba Lima. Help yourself in the kitchen. That's the best way. What's wrong with you, Sandra? Nothing. Nothing's wrong. Why? Oh, come on now. Why more? Cheer up. Hey, Jerry. Who else is coming tonight? Oh, quite a crowd. Do you know who I like? No, who? That big, good-looking football player from Oklahoma.

You know, the one he laughs all the time. Ralph Brent? Yeah, I like him. He's Ralph, isn't he? Oh, that is why you like him. Who else is coming? Well, remember Cartier, the magician? Oh, yeah. He said he'd try to come. Oh, maybe he'll do some of his tricks again. Oh, golly, it's hot in here. Ricardo, open that window in the kitchen. Get a breeze in there, huh? Oh, somebody's at the door.

Hello, Cartier. Glad you could make it. You know everybody. Make yourself at home. Refreshments in the kitchen. Help yourself. Thanks. Hello, everybody. I think you know everybody. Sandra. Sandra Hale. Cartier the Great. Oh, yes. The magician. Yes, I should say I do know him. Hello, Sandra. How are you? Will you help me in the kitchen? Why, can't you pull your drinks out of your hat? Yeah, yeah, but it's awful stuff. Come along, then.

Now, let's see. What have we? Oh, yes, yes. This is for me. How have you been, Sandra? I hear you've been on the road a year. That's right. Didn't you miss me? What have you been doing? Modeling. Modeling? Here, watch. There.

Drink right out of your sleeve. Ever see that one? Yes. Too often. Better save your tricks for the crowd. They'll be jealous. Come on, let's join them. All right. Come on, Cartier. We're waiting to be hoodwinked. What have you got in your bag this time? Oh, a few oldies, a couple of new ones. We don't care. I love them all. Okay. Okay. Now, wait a minute. You see the scarf? Uh-huh. Wait a minute. All right, here's the scarf. Now, nothing in it. I wave it twice in the air, pass it around the room, and then I place it gently on Bella's head. Now, I remove the scarf and...

There you are. What is it? What happened? Feel the top of your head, Bella. Ain't it there? Oh, feel, feel. Okay. That's a dirty trick. Oh, she'll get over it. It was a white mouse. Come on in here, Sandra. I want to talk to you.

Tell me, who do you model for, Sandra? I did do some fashion photographs. Did? Yes, but lately it's been slow. How lately? Well, as a matter of fact, I worked only four times this year. Only four times? Mm-hmm. My books show $100 in the past year. Really? Well, why don't you try something else? Why waste time modeling? What, for instance? Well, why don't you marry me, Sandra? You know I love you.

I've always loved you. Why don't you give me a job? As what? An assistant. Say, you know, I believe you've got something there. I'd like that. Good. When do we start rehearsal? Right now. Now? Oh, this is so sudden. Oh, there's a lot to learn. It takes several months of hard work. I don't mind. Yeah.

You know, I've got several new ideas for next season, but I haven't decided on anything definite. We could do a hypnotist act. I could be a stooge. Hey, Cartier, come out of the kitchen. Big championship fight's on tonight. You want to listen? The preliminaries are on. Okay, just a minute. We're busy. We can sure see that. Sandra, have you ever been hypnotized? Never. Why? Well, it would make a terrific act. How do you know you can hypnotize me? I could try. Okay, try it. All right. Here's a ring.

Now you gaze into it. Don't look away. Just keep gazing. Yeah, we're going to sleep. The ring. You're getting drowsy. You can hear no sound but my voice. Repeat what I say. I am going to sleep. I am getting drowsy. I can hear no sound but your voice. No sound but my voice. Take this pad and pencil. Write. Jerry is a simpleton. Now.

Wake up. Sandra. Huh? What? Oh, uh, how do you know you can? Can what? Hypnotize me. I've just done it. Isn't this your writing? Well, yes, but... Well, I didn't write this. Oh, but you did, you did. I saw you, and very good. Say... But I wouldn't write anything like this. Wait, wait, let's try it again. Here, here, look in the light. Sleep. Sleep. My voice. My voice. You can only hear my voice. And now asleep.

Do you see Madison Square Garden? There's a fight going on. What round is it? Two. If one man falls, tell me. One falls. Which one? Which one? Maria, cats. Cats. They hold up the other's hand. Sandra, wake up. Wake up. Oh. What did I do? Oh, nothing very important. Come with me, hmm?

Ladies and gentlemen, quiet, quiet, please, please. I wish to make an announcement. Go ahead and make it. From this day on, the act of Cartier the Great shall be billed as Cartier and Sandra. Yes, yes, I've discovered a new partner. She is clairvoyant to the nth degree. I shall develop my new hypnotism act and Sandra is to be my assistant. All right, okay. Come here, Sandra, take this ring.

Sit down. I'm going to show you pig-head something. All right, now, Jerry, Jerry, now, I don't know who you've invited here tonight, and if I did, there's no way of our telling who'll walk in the door next. Is that right? Well, I'm going to hypnotize Sandra, and she's going to describe the one who'll enter next. All right, now, quiet. Wait a minute. Quiet, please. Sandra, sleep. Sleep. Drowsy. Drowsy. Look into the future. Tell her, Sandra, describe the person who will enter that door next. Speak. A man. A man.

A small, thin man. Curly hair. A slight mustache. Eyes close together. Sunken chest. And he walks with a slight limp. Hey, that's Georgie. Georgie Welton. He's coming tonight. That's him exactly. Did you say Georgie Welton? Sure. You know him. Yes, I know him. He's the man. She's saying something else. The man. Oh, there's something wrong with him.

He's in danger, in trouble. Yes, he doesn't know it, but he's approaching something terrible. Sandra, Sandra, wake up. Wake up! What happened this time? What did I say? Why is everybody staring at me so strangely?

Oh, it's Georgie. For the love of Mike, where you been? I've been busy. Sandra was right. She guessed it. It was you. Hey, what was me? Oh, she sure hit it. Oh, it is uncanny. How do you do it, Sandra? What are you talking about? That's what I want to know. Oh, nothing, Georgie. Forget it. Go on out in the kitchen. Help yourself. Anything you want. Yeah, thanks. Well, what's out here? Hello, Georgie.

Cut it. What's the matter, Georgie? You look a bit pale. What are you doing here? Waiting for you, Georgie. Where have you been hiding? What do you want? I want to make a little deal about that check I gave you. I'd like to get it squared up. What kind of a deal? Well, you see, I'm a little short of cash right now, and I knew you could use some, so I thought I might give you this ring. It's worth a couple of thousand. It'd be a good deal. How about it? Well, I...

You see, I ain't got the check no more. Where is it? I sold it to Grohlberg. Why'd you do that? I needed the dough. Well, you can get it back and still have some left. Yeah, I could, only... What's the matter with you? Well, didn't you heard? Heard what? Grohlberg's dead. Dead? Dead. When did this happen? Well, this evening at his office. So he committed suicide. What do you know? Poor old Grohlberg. I guess he got up against the wall, huh? Yeah. Gee, I... What's wrong? I feel kind of sick and...

I'm getting dizzy. It's pretty hot tonight. Come on over to the window. The air will help you. Here, drink this. Thanks. Thanks. Now, about this check. I'd like to have it. Take a look at this ring. This ring would make it more than worth your efforts in getting that check into my hands. You understand. I don't want anything like that hanging over me when I can possibly afford it. I don't want anything like that hanging over me when I can possibly afford it.

Everybody happy? Who's that? Who's that? That's him, that's Ralph. Oh, my football hero. Ralph, where have you been? Ralph?

Well, I got delayed over in Jersey. Hiya, gang! You know everybody. Yeah, sure. Say, has the fight started yet? I got to hear that. Oh, it's on now. Red Deer's in the bedroom. First round's just over. Yeah, well, I'm betting kind of heavy on cats. Say, anybody want to bet? I'm offering ten to one. How much did you say you were offering? Ten to one. I'll take some of that. Okay. How much? Oh, I've got 200 to put on Murray. Oh!

Well, now, that's a bet. Are you sure you can spare? I'm worrying about you. Oh, don't worry about me.

Very sad. What's wrong, Scotty? Well, turn it up. I want to hear it. They come into the ring dancing. There goes Katz. He's a little groggy after that last one, but you're working hard now. Uh-huh, there. Katz lands the left of the jaw. A right, a left, onto the... Oh, a hard left to Murray's stomach. And Murray looks a little tired, but he's in there punching. Yes, he's in there. Yes. Oh, he landed the left of Katz's button. And he's following it right through and up to the jaw. Another one, another one. And there he goes. Katz is down. He's down three.

Four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. He's out. Murray is the winner. Turn it off. Well, you win, fella. Here you are. Thank you. Thank you. Say, where'd you get that hunch, Cartier? I don't know, Jerry. I'm sure I don't know. I don't know.

Oh, somebody else coming late, ain't they? Yes? What's going on here? A party. Come on in, join us. Thanks. Come on in, Murphy. Any of you people know George Welton? Sure, we all do. You know where he is? He's here. Oh, yeah, he's been here for some time. Where is he? Why, he's...

Hey, who are you? What do you want? Police headquarters. Police? What's he done? I didn't say he'd done anything. Where is he? Georgie! Hey, where is Georgie? He was out in the kitchen. Well, get him, fella. What's he done, officer? You've been here all evening. Hey, Gary, he's here. Look in the bedroom. He's not

He's not here either. But how on earth did he get out? You want to know? Why keep us in the dark? He went out through the window. That's ridiculous. There's no fire escape. That's right. We just found him eight stories below on the sidewalk. What? We found this note on him. Said he was sick and he was going to end it all. That makes it a clear case of suicide. Suicide, huh? I thought he was acting funny. Poor George. What a shame. I can't imagine what came over him. Well, gee, she told us it was going to happen. I thought...

I thought she was kidding. Yeah? Who told you? Well, Sandra over there. She told us before George came in the room that he was approaching something terrible. That he was in trouble. How'd she know that? I don't know. We were kidding and Cartier hypnotized her and she described George as the next one to enter and then she told about something going to happen to him. Oh, is that so? Well, who is she? Sandra Hale. Sandra Hale.

Are you Cartier? That's right. What do you know about this Sandra Hale? Well, I found that she was a very easy subject to hypnotize. Hey! I'll bet that's how he knew who was going to win that fight tonight. Yes, that's right. Under hypnosis, she has an uncanny power to see into the future. What's the matter with her now? Why is she sitting over there in the corner? Yeah, what's she staring at? Oh.

You'd better ask her a few questions. I'd rather you didn't just now. Oh, yes? Why not? Well, I hypnotized her and... Yeah? Why? I wanted to see if she could tell me the winner in the derby tomorrow, and well, and you came in, and that sort of broke my control. I found it very difficult to snap her out of it quickly. I'll let her alone for a few minutes, and I'll get her out. What's she staring at? What's she got in her hand? She's mumbling something. Wait a minute.

Whose ring is this she's holding? It's mine. In order to put the subject under, he must stare into a shining object. Miss Hale. Miss Hale. I asked you not to bother her. Yeah? Miss Hale. Why, she's in a trance. Miss Hale, did you see George Welton in trouble? Falling through space. Dying. He's dead. Did he jump? Yes. No. He's being forced. Forced to do something. Against his will? Yes. He's writing. He's writing.

Writing something. Joe, give me that suicide note quick. Miss Hale, take this. Is he writing this note? Yes, but he doesn't know it. Someone is dictating to him. I'm dictating to him. You? What else do you see? A shining object. It's blinding. Go on. Now, now he's sitting behind a desk. The thin man? George? No. He is bushy-haired and fat. He's high up.

He is bushy-haired and fat, with a large nose, a mustache. Sandra, wake up. Wake up. Will you leave her alone? She's in bad shape. I tell you something might happen to her. A bushy-haired fat man at a desk. What's he doing? There's a gun on the desk. He's staring at something. Something bright. He's saying something. No. Someone else is saying something.

I am saying something to him. Does this fat man have a gold front tooth? Gold front tooth. Yes. Hey, that's a perfect description of Kohlberg, Georgie's partner. Certainly is. He shot himself tonight. Is someone dictating to him? Yes, I am. You? Are you in the same room? No. I am standing on the curb below.

I'm looking up and mumbling. What are you mumbling? Pick up gun. Only way out. Against your temple. Fire. Let her alone. You're killing her. Sandra. Sandra. What was the bright object he was staring at? I don't know. Yes. I see it. I see it now. Is it a ring? Yes, a ring.

A shining cat's eye. I must escape. The same ring the thin man saw before he fell? The same. I must escape. The same you're staring at now? The same, the same, the same. Cat's eye, cat's eye. Cookie, cookie, I'm cookie. I kill the boos. I don't know about this. Oh, I know. She knows. Well, Cartier, how do you like that? Hey.

Hey, where is he? Wait, wait. Wake up, Jay. He's gone. Go, why didn't you stay at the door? Hey, anybody leave this room, Murphy? Well, yeah, a fellow went upstairs, but nobody went down. Upstairs, that's him. Murphy, downstairs and cover the elevator. Come on, Joe. He's probably making for the roof. We'll go after him. Come on.

Time. More time. One more floor. I need time. Time. Time. One more floor. There it is. The door to the roof. Fifteen feet to that other roof. I can make it. I've got to make it. Fifteen feet or fifteen stories straight down. Fifteen feet or fifteen stories. Frankie! Stop! Don't go! Ah! Ah!

Well, Cartier, there you are, 15 stories down. This is one trick you must. Maybe this is what Grohlberg meant when he said, The end of a great career. Too bad, Cartier, that you didn't know what I know. A woman was your nemesis, Cartier. Yes, a woman. A beautiful blonde with blue eyes.

Remember Sandra? Yes, Sandra. You really hypnotized Grohlberg and Georgie, and Sandra too, the first time, but not the second time. Sandra was faking then. She was too strong-willed for you. She was faking. She suspected you, and for good reason. She had married Grohlberg a month ago. It was Sandra who pointed you out to the man at the station.

Yes, Cartier. A woman was your nemesis. CBS has presented The Whistler. The Whistler.

Original music for this production was composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. The Whistler is written and directed by J. Donald Wilson and originates from Columbia Square in Hollywood. Next week, same time, I, the Whistler, will return to tell you another unusual tale. Good night. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

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