Would You Accept a “GIFT FROM THE DEAD?”: 10 Creepy #RetroRadio Stories! EP0278 #WeirdDarkness
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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 that 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. Terror is our business, and we're about to take care of business in an unusual way.

You're going to hear a story about a very contemporary sort of terror. It's a tale that takes place not in some dark dungeon with rattling chains, but in swank bistros and penthouse apartments where the closest thing to clanking chains are jangling charm bracelets and the tinkle of ice in highball glasses. But in this setting...

You'll hear shocking words like... Look what you did to him, Inga. Look at his eye, how swollen it is. All black and swollen. Cory, let go of me. You're hurting my arm. You shouldn't have done it, Inga. Now you'll have to kiss it. What? I'm sorry, Inga. Kiss his eye. You hurt it, now you have to kiss it. Cory!

Our mystery drama, The Slave, was written especially for the Mystery Theater by Henry Slessor and stars Mandel Kramer and Fred Gwynn. It is sponsored in part by Anheuser-Busch Incorporated, Brewers of Budweiser, and Sinoff, the sinus medicines. I'll be back shortly with Act One. ♪♪

There's a very special sound to a really elegant restaurant. An orchestration of noise composed of good china, fine crystal and silver, murmuring waiters, and chattering patrons.

We're in the Windward Restaurant on East 55th Street in Manhattan. And as soon as your eyes become accustomed to the dim light, you'll see a very handsome couple in a booth. The man's name is Corey. The woman is named Inger. If you were able to overhear their conversation, you might gather that tonight may be a very special occasion for both of them.

It's kind of hard to believe that it's only a matter of weeks. What is? Since we first met. Does it seem longer to you? That's what I call a trick question. If I say it seems long, you'll think all the newness has gone out of it. If I say it seems short... All right, all right. I withdraw the question. No, no, I'm willing to answer it, Inga. Inga, it seems like I've known you all my life. But what's more important...

Well, go on. That's one of those sentences that demand finishing. Well, I've never spoken these words before. I never wanted to. As a matter of fact... Corey, what is it? Nothing. Nothing. Well, you were staring at something. I just thought I saw someone I knew, that's all. Blonde or brunette? Not a woman, a man.

Guy I know. All right, so you saw someone you know. I could have sworn he was out of town. Is that the one? Where? That man crossing the room. It looks like he's heading right for us. Good Lord, it is. It's Ray. Well, well, well. What a delightful surprise, Corey. What an absolutely charming surprise. I thought you were still out of town, Ray. Yeah.

Just got back. Just got back. Been eating in so many two main bars, I couldn't wait to get back to civilized cooking again. Well, do I get an introduction? Oh, sure. Sure. This is Inga Williams, Inga. This is Ray Chaffee. Hello. Aren't you lovely, Miss Williams? Why, thank you. Troy hasn't been wasting any time since I've been gone. Have you, Troy? We haven't known each other very long, Ray. I know.

As a matter of fact, we were just discussing that very subject. I'll bet he's been keeping you hidden, hasn't he? Been taking you to nothing but nice, dark places where nobody can see you unless they look very, very close. And you're worth looking closely at, Miss Williams. Corrie, didn't you say that you wanted to get the check? Oh, yes. Yes, that's right. We were just finishing up, Ray. We're about to leave. Oh, gee, what a shame. But you were lucky at that, weren't you, Corrie?

I might have spotted you before the main course. What did you have? Did you try the blanket to bow? It was very good, but I suppose you had the steak. You never did have much imagination. We both had the steak, Mr. Chaffee. I don't have much imagination either. That's very sweet, Miss Williams. Very sweet of you. And now, Corey, you can leave.

Heaven's sake, Ray. You heard me, Corey. Get out. Oh, your credit rating's still good at the windward, isn't it? Would you stop at the desk and tell them to add my bill to your account? Go on, Corey. Move. Will somebody please tell me what this is all about? Hang on. I'm sorry. I've got to leave. I'll call you later at home. You'll do what? I'll phone you later tonight. No, Corey.

No, no. No more calls tonight. You just go home and go Betty by. Tomorrow. Well, we'll see about tomorrow. Cory, where are you going? What do you think you're doing? Please sit down, Miss Williams. You don't have to leave. There's no use you're sitting here alone, is there? Well, I am leaving. Cory wouldn't want you to do that. Would you, Cory? Tell Miss Williams that you want to stay. Ingram...

Please stay. I'll talk to you sometime tomorrow. Good night. I just don't believe this. Relaxing, dear. You don't mind my calling you Inga, do you? Now that we're nice and cozy. Get your hand off my arm or I'll start screaming.

See what that does to your credit rating. Wait. Don't go. Good night, Mr. Chaffee. Hello? Inga, it's Cory. Fuck. Dead. Inga, please don't hang up. Please listen to me. It's very important. You can listen to me instead.

I have never, repeat, never been treated that way by any man. I've never been so humiliated. If you'll listen to me, maybe you'll understand what happened. Don't you even want to know?

Yes, I do want to know. I want to know very much. I don't blame you for being angry. Look, I can't tell you all about it just yet, but I will, I promise. I didn't know Chaffee would be there. I didn't even know he was in town. I've been rid of him for six weeks. His company sent him on a sales trip. Corey, it's 8 o'clock in the morning. Last night was a very bad joke, but I am not awake enough to listen to any apology. Eagle, will you have lunch? No. Please, I have to see you. It's important to me.

Well, I don't feel like it. We still have some unfinished business from last night. Oh, all right. I'm too sleepy to argue. Tell me something, Corey. Are you hiding from that man? Why do you say that? This grotto you picked for lunch. It looks like a place frequented only by Portuguese leather tanners or something. I mean, did you pick it because of your friend? Oh, now, don't be silly.

It would be nice if you could explain. It's so stupid that it almost defies explanation. Well, try anyway. Well, it's a kind of bet. A what? A bet. A running joke that I have with Chaffee. Well, who is Chaffee? Do you work for him? Is he your boss? No, no, no, no. He's just a friend. We went to college together. Chaffee, me, a few other guys. We had a poker club, you see. But a couple of marriages broke it up. You know.

No, I don't know a thing. All I know is that man ordered you out of the restaurant and you went. I must have looked like a dope, I admit, but it had to be that way. It was...

It was part of a game. A game? I mean, is that how you described last night? Listen, there was something much more important about last night. A lot more important than Ray Chaffee. Now, can we forget about him for a while, please? Well, how do you expect me to? Please, here, look at this. It's a... a box. Yes, a small velvet box. Remember me telling you about that half-wit that I was engaged to last year? Yeah.

Leela. Yes, Leela. Remember I said she returned my engagement ring? Now, wait a minute. Now, look what's inside the box. Go ahead. You see? Nothing. I don't get it. No, you don't get Leela's ring. I stopped at the jeweler's this morning and I made a deal for a clean swap. Now, you can go there any time and pick out the one you like. If you want to. You look shocked.

I am. Excuse me, Mr. Jensen? Hmm? Are you Mr. Corey Jensen? Yes, yes, that's me. A telephone call for you, sir. It's already plugged in. Well, there must be some mistake. No, sir. It's for you. Excuse me again. Hello? Ladybug, Ladybug, fly away home.

Your house is on fire. Your children will burn. Ray. Get going, Corey. Vamoose. Scram. Exit. How did you know I was here? Are you following me again? I want you out of there. Your presence in that place offends me. What's going on? I'm right across the street in the phone booth. I'll expect to see you under the canopy in the next two minutes. All right. I'll give you three. Corey, hang up on him. Ray, please, for the love of... You heard the command, Corey.

Yes, I heard it. Inga, I've got to go. Oh, no, don't tell me. Not again. I've got to, Inga. It's something that I can't help. Corey, if you walk out of here and don't tell me why... Look, Inga, order some lunch. Have the roast beef, darling. It's good here. And I'll call you. If you go now, I don't want you ever to call me. Corey! Corey!

Go ahead, slam the door in my face. I really should do exactly that. And I wouldn't blame you. On the other hand, if you let me in, I'll tell you the whole story. I wanted to tell you the whole thing before, but I couldn't. That was part of the deal. I had to get Ray's approval. So I went to him this afternoon and he okayed it. Well, how nice of Ray. He even liked the idea of your knowing. I'm his slave, Inga.

What did you say? No, don't repeat it. I heard it. I just don't believe it. I'm Ray Chaffee's personal slave. Now, I know that sounds wild, but it's not as crazy as you think. I don't mean he bought me on the open market or that we've got some kind of a nutty kind of sex thing going. What I mean is I have to do everything he tells me to do. Well, practically everything anyway. I mean, he can't cause me physical harm. He can't tell me to jump out the window, for instance. That would be against the rules. The rules? Yes.

I've been his slave for nine, ten months now. And I've got less than two months before it's over. And I can tell you these last few weeks have been the roughest. Because of you. Because of me. I almost decided that I shouldn't keep on seeing you. Not until this year was up. But with Chaffee away on that selling trip, I thought I could take a chance. A chance on what?

Look, about ten months ago, Chaffee and I and a couple of other guys, this little poker club I told you about, we were all sitting around one night putting away a fair amount of booze, and somehow we got on the subject of slavery. Present-day slavery, I mean. Nice topic for a poker game. Well, slavery still exists, you know. I mean, there's quite a slave trade in the Middle East, you know, places like that. Anyway, we all agreed that slavery was bad. But we also agreed that slavery was bad only for the slave. It was terrific for the master.

My, such insight. Well, when you put all the moral considerations aside, what was so bad about having two or three slaves to do anything you want them to do?

Ray Chaffee even found a quotation by Tolstoy about it. I think he looked it up, though, after the bet. The bet? You said something about a bet before. Well, you know about Tolstoy. He was some kind of Russian saint about individual freedom. Only he wrote in his diary that slavery is an evil, but an extremely nice evil. But it is evil. Sure, because it's involuntary. Slavery is an evil, but an extremely nice evil.

Slaves don't want to be slaves if it were voluntary, if you closed that moral gap. Is that what you did, volunteered to be a slave? Well, in a way. That's how the evening ended, in a kind of bet that Chaffee and I made with each other. Chaffee bet that I couldn't survive as his personal slave for a solid year. Now that year's almost over. I win, he loses, and things go back to normal. But I can't quit now, Inga, don't you see?

You can't go on like this. You can't, Cory. I've stood it for ten months. I just can't throw away those ten months. Chaffee made me see hell, and he may get worse, but I won't give him the satisfaction of quitting before the year is up. Not even if I asked you to? No, Inga, not even if you asked me. I'm his slave, Inga, and I'm going to be Chaffee's slave for the next ten weeks, even if you never see me again.

Well, who would have thought that slavery was still alive? Right in the heart of New York City. We've heard of wage slaves, love slaves, and other varieties. But Corey Jensen seems to be the genuine article. The question is, will Ray Chaffee want him to survive the next ten weeks of slavery? What will he do to make him change his mind? I'll be back shortly with Act Two.

Corey Jensen, a modern young bachelor, has just shocked his girlfriend, Inger, by revealing himself in an ancient condition, the condition of servitude.

Inger Williams is having a lot of trouble handling this information, but perhaps Corey can make her understand. It didn't start out too badly. Chaffee wasn't used to having a slave. At first, he asked me to do things. You know, he was polite. He used the word please, and all his commands were petty. You know, like running errands, going to the library, finding him taxis. It was easy.

And then he changed? Well, he couldn't ask me to do anything that would endanger my health or cost me my job or involve money or anything like that. But he could humiliate you. He could do that. Nothing that would get me picked up by the police. But anything else, I would have to do them or I wouldn't be his slave, would I? I mean, a slave gives unquestioned obedience. That's the heart and soul of it. The inability to refuse the master's orders. But it took Chaffee a long time, almost half a year, to find the joy in it. The joy? Yes. Yes.

There is a joy in it, Inga. Almost an ecstasy. It's more than the convenience of someone doing your bidding. It's power. More direct, more satisfying than any other kind. The raw, immediate power of one human being over another. You know what I think? I think you're children. Two stupid kids who ought to be spanked. Anyway...

After six months, his commands started getting tougher and more frequent. That's when we stopped being friends and became what we are now. Master and slave. Nothing but that. And that's when he started to really enjoy it. Corey. Yes? Do you love me? Inga, don't ask me to quit. Please. It's not possible. I mean, do you think those restaurant things were bad?

There have been worse. I've done every kind of dirty job for Chaffee. I've been his valet, his butler, his cleaning woman. He's broken me up with every girl I've dated. He even tried to take them over. He even told one of them what I was to him. I thought the ground ruled. They only apply to me, not to him. The master doesn't have to keep secrets. Only the slave. And he told this half-wit girl... Leela? Yes. Maybe Chaffee did me a favor there, but I won't forget the way he walked in on us.

And told her that you were his slave? He told her and he proved it. Made me crawl in front of her. That half-wit liar.

She thought it was funny. Hilarious. She asked Chaffee for a piece of the action. She wanted to play, too. And for the rest of the night, I was her slave as well, because that's part of the bargain. If you've got one master, you're the slave of the whole human race. Oh, Cory, how could you? I would have smashed his face. Sure, slaves revolt. That's part of the fun. But I had too much invested. Who'd be calling me this late? I don't know. Should I answer it?

Do you think it might be him? He knows I'm here. All right. Hello? Hello, baby. How are you? Here's our little boy crying his heart out to you. Hello, Mr. Chaffee. I'm delighted you called. Delighted. It gives me a chance to tell you what I think of you. Save it. Let me talk to Corey. Not until you hear me first. Sweetie, you bug me and I bug him, dig?

Corey, you better take it. Hello? Did you tell her yet? Yes, I told her the whole thing. About the bet. You said I could. That's not what I'm talking about. You know what I mean. No, I haven't told her. Do it then. Right now. Let me hear you do it. All right. Inga? Yes? Ray wants me to leave now, but he, uh... He doesn't want you to be lonely. He says he'll be glad to come up here and keep you company. He says, uh... Go on, Corey. He says he knows a way to...

Keep you warm and happy. Corey. Inga, I'd appreciate it if you would. I can't force you, but I'd look at it as a real favor if you'd let Ray come up now. Corey, get out of here. Get out of here right now. Hello? It's me, Inga.

Well, what do you know? I thought your master had sent you to Timbuktu or someplace. It's been more than a week. Inga, can you meet me? I'm in the phone booth at the corner of Madison and 64th, right near the jewelry store I told you about. And where's your master? In the store? Oh, no. This time I turned the tables. I've been spying on him. I saw him pull his car out of the garage ten minutes ago. It's safe for us to meet. Well, it may be safe, but that doesn't mean I want to. Please. All right. All right.

I'll be there. Nine more weeks, Inga. That's all. Just nine weeks and it'll be over. Now, here's what I figured out. I won't see you again until then. I won't even try. But it's so unfair. It's the only way. I'll tell him we've broken up. Then he'll leave us, leave you alone after that unless...

Unless you've met someone else in the meantime. Oh, you fool. Do you think that I want someone else? Darling, let's go to that jewelry store. Let's go right now. Maybe if you have that ring on your finger, it'll make a difference. Oh, Corey. It's just so beautiful. I can't stop looking at it. I can't stop looking at you looking at it. Oh, look at the way it catches the light from the street lamp. It's catching the light from your eyes. Oh, Corey. Corey.

I love you so much. I love you too, darling. Uh-oh. What is it? A car in front of your apartment house. Is it his? Yes. I'd better go. Please, don't.

He might be waiting in the lobby or upstairs in the hall. I'm afraid of him, Corrie. You don't have to be, darling. He doesn't have any hold over you. If he starts anything, tell him you'll call the police. If he threatens me, tell him you don't give a damn that we've broken up. It's all so horrible. I'll call you later, darling. Good evening, Miss Williams. I wonder if you've seen our friend. No, I haven't seen your friend. And I don't want to see him. Ah, then maybe you're in the market for a new friend.

Good night, Mr. Chaffee. Don't go yet, Miss Williams. Please. Tell me where you're keeping the laddie. I know you two are still together. Where is he? Hiding under your bed? All right, why don't you come inside and see for yourself? There's something that I want to ask you anyway. Well, now, that's a very kind offer. You don't have to search the place. You can take my word for it. Corey isn't here. I'm perfectly willing to believe you.

Then are you perfectly willing to do something else? What's that? I want you to call off this bet that you have with Corey. Really? You want me to free the slave? Issue an emancipation proclamation? Yes. He's had enough of the joke, and I think you have too. You know something? You're right. What? It's become a burden.

Not just to poor old Corey, but to me. It's a job, having a slave, you know that? It's a responsibility. Like inheriting a lot of money. You're driven to do something about it all the time. Mr. Chaffee, I'm willing to make you a deal. I beg your pardon? You're scared silly that you're going to lose this bet, aren't you? Do I look worried? You know that Corey is determined to make it through the year. I mean, he's only got nine weeks left, and you can't dream up things horrible enough to make him quit.

But I've got a claim on Corey, too. And if you do what I say, I'll see that you get your money back. Is that an offer? If you call this thing off right now, I promise you, you will get back every cent that Corey wins. My, you really believe you can twist the laddie around your finger? Why is that? Because I've got this around my finger. Well, don't tell me you're engaged.

That's right. Isn't that nice? I never thought old Corey would finally break down and marry the girl. Must be a reason, Miss Williams. You must really have something. I have Corey. And I swear to you, you won't lose a thing if you call off this nonsense. Money, money, money. You really think that's all I care about? Why not try another form of persuasion?

Stay away from me. I'd certainly like to know what it is about you that Cory finds so irresistible. Let go of me. Be nice, darling. Be nice to the master. I can promise you the master is superior to the slave. Let go of me. Strong little girl, aren't you? If you don't let go, I'll... I warn you. That ring...

You cut my eye. Get out of here! My eye? You could have blinded me, you stupid woman. You better go have it taken care of, Mr. Chaffee. And you better go right now! All right. All right, I'm coming. What are you doing here? Let us in, Inga. Inga?

I don't want him here. You heard the man, Miss Williams. We're a team. You can't break up a team. Inga, please. Cory, what is this? Why did you bring him here? Because I had to. You mean because he ordered you to? Yes, that's right. Well, this game of yours does not include me. I am not one of your players.

And I am certainly not Mr. Chaffee's slave. No. You're not a slave, Miss Williams. But you could be something else if I'm willing to press charges. Charges? For what? Inga, look at his eye. You almost put out his eye. You mean I didn't? I'm sorry. I meant to. I've been to an eye specialist. He says I was very lucky. But I may have to wear this patch for two months. Well, I'm sure it's very distinguished. You shouldn't have done it, Inga. But you don't know what happened. He attacked me. She's a liar.

It's the truth. He attacked me right here in this room. You still shouldn't have done such a thing to him. Look at it, Miss Williams. I'll take the patch off so you can see what you did. There. Oh, I don't care. If you want to call the police, go ahead. I will tell them exactly how it happened. Inga, please listen to me. Look, I'm sorry about this, but... Corey.

We got engaged this morning, remember? Engaged to be married. And yet you come here and talk to me like this. Tell her, Corey. Tell her what she has to do. You can't go around putting people's eyes out, Inga. That's not what the ring is for. Tell her who she hurt, Corey. The master. You hurt the master. Oh, please. Get out. Both of you. Look what you did to him. Please. Don't touch me. Darling, don't be angry at me. Absolutely not.

After tonight, I... I won't... I mean, Ray has promised that there's no more. Not after tonight. He'll leave us alone. He swore it. He'll leave us alone after you do it. Do what? Kiss his eye.

Are you crazy? Look how swollen it is. It's all black and swollen. Oh, Corey, let go of me. You're hurting my arm. You shouldn't have done it, Inger. Now you have to kiss it. Let me go. Kiss it, Inger. Kiss his eye. You heard it. Now you have to kiss it. Get out of here. I will call the police. Do you hear me? I'll have you both arrested.

It's all right, laddie. You did your best. I know that. Come on. Let's go home. Ed, don't you come back. I don't want to see you again, Corey. Never! They say one of the most destructive forces in romance is a triangle.

But the triangle responsible for this romantic disaster is unusual indeed. One girl, one slave, one master. But are Corey Jensen and Inga Williams really finished? Will love find a way despite the chains of slavery? I'll be back shortly with Act Three. Act Three

The time is eight weeks later. These have been difficult weeks for Inga Williams. And the memory of that night in her apartment is as vivid an injury as Ray Chaffee's swollen eye. But in all likelihood, Mr. Chaffee's wound has healed by now. Inger's hasn't. Come on, Inger. I know you want to talk about it. Why else did you ask me to dinner? I wanted company, that's why. You usually prefer male companionship.

Did you and Corey break up? Yes. Weeks ago. And you never said a word to me. I've hardly said a word to anyone on any subject. I've been living the life of a hermit. But why? I mean, was it really rough? Did he throw you over for some other woman? No. Not another woman.

We just decided to call it quits. If you think that's enough of an explanation, I doubt that you'll believe the real explanation. He's somebody's slave, Sylvia. What?

He made a bet with a friend of his that he could stand being his personal slave for one whole year. Go through all the humiliation of it, of jumping through hoops for him, obeying every order no matter how crazy or embarrassed. Good Lord! I mean, I don't know how much money is at stake. A lot, I suppose. And Corey is probably going to win it. I hope he is happy with his prize. Inga, you're not making this up, are you? It's true!

I have been living with this nightmare for almost three months. No, that isn't quite true. I've been out of it for the past couple of months. I haven't seen Corey all this time. I've only heard from him once. I still carry the letter with me. Do you want to see it? If you want to show it to me. Here, read it. Dear Inger, I know you hate me now...

Does it make any sense to say that I love you? The chains come off on Sunday, October 28th. I'll call you then. I won't blame you for anything you say to me. Cory. The chains? That's what I said. Cory's been wearing those chains. That's why I am not wearing his engagement ring anymore. Ingrid, don't you think that was kind of foolish of you?

What do you mean? Breaking up with him over a silly bet. There was nothing silly about it. It was the most disgusting thing I've ever witnessed. You've no idea how horrible it was. All right, so Cory's still a college boy at heart. But he's really cute, Inger. And he's a bachelor. And he earns good money. He'll earn even more money on October 28th, but I don't care. October 28th? That's tomorrow. Oh.

Yes. Then the whole thing will be over. What's to stop you two from getting back together again? I can't, Sylvia. Believe me. After what's happened, it would be impossible. But why? I mean, don't you like him anymore? Were you in love with a guy or weren't you?

Yes. I was in love with him. And you still are. I can tell you're still crazy about him. Forget it, Sylvia, please. You haven't forgotten him, obviously. I have. I try not to think of Cory at all. Honey, can I ask you just one question? What? Why did you ask me to dinner?

Well, why not? I mean, why choose tonight? Is it because of tomorrow? Because Corey is going to phone you tomorrow?

I've no idea if he's going to call. His master may have sent him to Africa by now. He's going to call you. He said so in his letter. Well, that was written weeks ago. You want to know what to do when he does call. You want somebody to tell you what to do. No, Sylvia, I've already made up my mind about it. You want someone like me to tell you not to be stupid. To tell you that men like Corey Jensen don't grow on trees.

Well, listen carefully, honey. Men like Corey Jensen don't grow on trees. Hello? Hi, Inga. It's Sylvia. Oh. Hold on a sec. I want to shut off the radio. Hi, Sylvia. How are you? I'm fine. How are you?

All right. Oh, that doesn't sound so good. I told you, I'm fine. He hasn't called, has he? No.

He hasn't. It's almost three, according to my watch. It's closer to 3.30. I just don't understand it. He said he'd call. Sylvia, I told you that I wasn't going to hold my breath. I mean, nothing Corey Jensen says can be taken seriously. I mean, you can't believe a slave. But he's not a slave anymore. Today's the 28th, isn't it? Yes. Emancipation Day, right?

Who knows? Maybe Mr. Chassie extended the contract. Do you know what I'd do if I were you? I'd call him. Oh, absolutely not. You're crazy if you don't. You're throwing away your whole future, that's what you're doing. And if you really want my advice, you'll phone Cory the second I hang up, which is right now. Oh, well.

Three, four, six, one, one, two. I wonder if he's trying to reach me. No, the phone would have rung by now. Four, six, one, one, two.

Oh, damn. Are you still talking to me? Hello, Sylvia. Has anything happened? Yes, I've practically worn out my finger dialing Mr. Corey Jensen's number. And guess what? All I've gotten is a busy signal. You're kidding.

Maybe the phone's off the hook. No, I had the number verified. The operator said there was someone talking. Man or woman? They don't give out that kind of information. For Pete's sake. Well, you're not going to let that spoil things, are you? Well, what can I do about it? That's simple. You can go over there. What? You know where Corey lives. You can go to his apartment. You can ring the doorbell.

Inga?

Hello, Corey. I'm sorry to surprise you this way. No, no, it's okay. It's okay. It's just that I'm on the phone right now. Come in. Come in. I just feel like an idiot coming over here, but you did say that you would call me today. Yes, I was going to call you. I was going to call you just as soon as I got some things straightened out. Look, I've been on the phone for hours. I know you have. Please, darling, I can't talk just now. I have to get back to the phone. Go ahead. Don't mind me. Oh, thanks. Hello, are you still there? Yeah.

Damn it, they hung up. Look, I'll have to call them back. Why don't you fix yourself a drink or something? Corey, if you'd rather I left, I will. No, no, no, I don't want you to leave. I didn't come over here expecting a big hug and a kiss, Corey. I still have your ring, you know, and I had to find out what you wanted me to do with it. Inga, sit down. Please wait while I make this call. Corey, what is it? You don't look well. Inga, please. It's just that I haven't had a chance to shave today. I know I look a mess, but...

Oh, hello. Hello, is this Martha? Martha, it's Corey. Look, this is only a long shot, but have you seen Ray? Oh, no, I don't mean anything by that. I just wanted to know if... No, don't bother. If you don't know where Ray is, he sure as hell won't. No, no, I can't talk now. I'm running late. Goodbye, Martha.

Corey, you said one phone call. I didn't say that. Look, if you haven't got one minute between phone calls for me, maybe I'd better leave. You don't understand. I'm trying to find him. He's not at his apartment. Even his maid doesn't know where he is. Who? Your master? Ray? He's gone, Inga. I think he may be running away. You mean because of the bet? Because you want it? Yeah. Hello? Yes, I'm Mr. Jensen. I placed the call. Good. Hello, Mr. Balders.

Yes. Yes, it's urgent that I locate Mr. Chaffee. Look, I think he's taking a Panagra flight today, but I don't know which one. It's a matter of life or death. It's a member of his family. Very ill. I know, I know. It's against the rules. But, yes, just one moment while I pick up a pencil here. Okay, let me have it. Flight 33, leaving at 6.30.

Thank you. No, no, no. A message at the airport won't do it. He might think it was a mistake. I can get there on time if I leave right away. Thank you very much. It's true. He's cheating me. Did you hear that? He got himself an assignment in South America. South America? You remember that selling trip Ray went on? Well, it was a lie. He was in South America. I got it out of his secretary. He was setting up a job down there preparing his line of retreat in case he lost the bet.

Did he lose that much money? Look, Inga, I've got to go. I've got to get to the airport. But that's insane, Corey. I mean, giving up everything he has because of a stupid bet? Please don't hold me up. But why is he so desperate? Corey, how much money was involved? Who said it was money? But you bet, Ray Chaffee. You told me about the bet that you two had. Yes, there was a bet, but I never mentioned money. That was your conclusion. But it wasn't what you're thinking. It was more like a swap.

What? A swap, a bargain, an exchange. Oh, good Lord. Oh, now you really think I'm sick, don't you? Well, think what you want. Only I'm telling you this, Inga. He's not getting away with it. He's had his year and now I get mine. A year? You mean he is your slave now for a year? That's right. Chaffee's going to pay his debt. He made me pay. Now it's his turn. Now I've got the hoop and the whip and he's going to jump.

Oh, Cory, don't do this. Let him go. You can't...

You can't do to him what he did to you. It's too awful. It isn't human. Stop it, Inga. It's a long drive to the airport, and I want to beat the traffic. Corrie, do you still want to marry me? You know I do. But how could... How could I while you're doing such a thing? I couldn't stand another year like this. But it wouldn't be the same this time, don't you see? This time he's the slave. I'm the master. That wouldn't make any difference. There's no difference between either one. I couldn't marry you like this. And I wouldn't marry you, Corrie.

All right. All right, Inga, so you don't marry me. Cory. I'm sorry, but I can't help myself. There's nothing I can do now. It's too late. Cory, please come back. Cory. All right, go on. Go to your precious slave. I hope you'll be very happy with each other. And they will be.

That's the worst part of all. They will be happy. Yes, Inger Williams was right. Slavery makes slaves of the masters, too. That's why the system never worked so many years ago. But for Corey Jensen and Ray Chaffee, the system goes on, and they are welcome to it. I'll be back in a moment. The End

We're sorry that our love story has to come to an unhappy ending. But it isn't as unhappy as you think, because Inger Williams was right. Corey and Ray were meant for each other. And Inger, being the lovely, sensitive girl that she is, found someone else. Someone who gave her a genuine diamond ring, and not a slave bracelet.

Our cast included Mandel Kramer, Fred Gwynn, Patsy Bruder, and Mary Orr. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now, a preview of our next tale. Andy, in just one minute, a strange thing is going to happen to you. You won't be in this jail. No? Where? Where will I be?

I don't know. Because you will have lived a different life, I hope. And so you will be wherever that life has taken you. But where are you going to be? Where I'm supposed to be, Andy. Watching over you, trying to guide you. And what will I have become? What you claim you wanted. A writer. In 30 seconds...

You'll be 37 years old, just as you are now. But instead of being in a cell, you will be wherever your different life has led you. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Sinoff, the sinus medicines, and Anheuser-Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser. This is E.G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre.

Until next time, pleasant dreams. Hey, Weirdos! If you enjoy what you're hearing from me and 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.

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American Public University. Value for the whole family. Learn more at apu.apus.edu slash military. This podcast is sponsored by IQ Bar. What if I told you this holiday season you can stuff your face with tasty, craveable snacks and wait for it to feel great? Hi, I'm Will, founder of IQ Bar, the only plant protein bar formulated for your body and your brain. IQ Bar's brain-boosting nutrients are

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Learn more at apu.apus.edu slash military. This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself? Talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need.

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Today's story took place here in New York about two weeks ago. In the early evening of a bright spring day, a young lady climbed the four flights of stairs to the studio of a famous young artist in Greenwich Village. And not... Linda. Well, well, well. You act surprised to see me, Mark. Well, under the circumstances... What circumstances, Mark?

Why, the fact that I finished your picture. Oh, Mark, finished my picture. You're wonderful. What do you mean by that crack? You finished my picture three months ago, Mark, remember? Well? Twice a week for two of those months I've been coming here to your studio.

Well, there was a reason. I had some touching up to do. Yes. Yes, I remember. You weren't genius at inventing excuses, darling. Where are you going? My curiosities are out, darling. I'm dying to know whose portrait you've so carefully covered with your smarts. Let that alone. My, what a charming young lady. Who is she, darling? Never mind. Another conquest, I'll wager. No, she isn't another conquest. Her name is Diane Mayberry. She's a client, and that's all there is to it. And how long has Diane's picture been finished? A month. If he's been returning for the, uh...

That's in that treatment. Is that it, darling? Now, look here, Linda. I don't know what you're getting at. Is that it, Mark? You're rotten all the way through. Oh, I'm rotten. Now that you've had your say, will you get out of here and let me go on with my work? No. Did you think I came here just to talk, you fool? Oh, look, Linda. We had fun together. Now, why don't you forget it and go home? I wish I could, Mark. I wish I could forget. I guess I'm just one of those stupid women who play this game of love for keeps. All right, Linda. I hoped I could spare you this embarrassment. Your husband was here this afternoon. What did you say? Oh, quit play-acting, Linda. It isn't going to pay off.

Leo told me all about you. That's a lie. I haven't any husbands. Shall I prove it to you? You can't. Listen to this. You were married three years ago to a man named Leo Bunker. You lived together two years, and then you left him. You wanted excitement and romance, well, you found it with me. Now quit your squawking. That's not true. Leo and I were divorced. We never loved each other. It was all a mistake. Oh, so you do admit having a husband. What if I did? It isn't important. I was very young. Oh, sure, sure. Young and naive. Didn't know your way around.

Yes, you sold me the idea that you didn't know what the score was. Stop it, Mark. That isn't so. I fell in love with you. Fell in love with me? How many others have you told that to? There haven't been any others, Mark. There's never been anyone but you. You've got to believe me. Have I? Well, I'll show you how much I believe you. I'm going over to Diane's right now, and I'm going to ask her to marry me. I'm sick and tired of what...

What are you doing at that desk? You used to keep a gun in the drawer, Mark. How fortunate. It's still here. Put down that revolver, you little fool. I'm not going to marry anyone, Mark. No one else is going to have it. Put down that revolver, I said. Keep away from me, Mark. I won't. Give me that. Have you suddenly lost your mind? Yes. One more step and I'll kill you. Give me. You're not going to kill me. I killed him. I killed him.

Mark, I didn't want to kill you. The little fool. Thought I'd let her get away with shooting me, huh? Let's see now. Yes, there's the gun lying half under the van, just where she dropped it. Now I'll just check in here. Yep, there it is. Oh, what a perfect setup.

And now to set the final scene.

Hello? Hello. I'd like to speak to Miss Diane Mayberry, please. I'm sorry. Miss Mayberry went out an hour ago and hasn't returned. Went out? But that's impossible. She had a date with me tonight. Oh, is this Mr. Adrian? Oh, yes, it is. Did Diane leave any message? Diane said she was going to your studio, Mr. Adrian. She should have arrived long ago. She said she was coming here? Good heavens. Are you sure? I'm positive that's what she said, Mr. Adrian. Do you suppose something's happened? Uh, no. No, no, I'm positive everything's all right. Don't worry.

Goodbye. Goodbye. Good heavens, if she comes here. Oh, but that's nonsense. She'd have arrived long ago. Operator, get me police headquarters. I want to report a murder.

Oh, my God.

You know what, Bart? What, Inspector? Sometime when we start out to investigate one of these murders, I'd like to come sailing up in a squad car with a siren howling. Be kind of exciting, wouldn't it? I'm afraid you've seen too many movies, Inspector. Well, maybe you're right. The last one I saw was a thing called Dragon Lake.

Not bad. Well, here's the joint. Never met an artist till you refer to one of these Greenwich Village establishments as a joint, Inspector. Any apartment building is a joint to me unless it has an elevator. Oh, I see what you mean. Well, there's only one way to reach the top, Inspector, and that's keep climbing.

Holy smokes. How many more flights is it? One more, I think, Inspector. Getting tired? Oh, no. I like it. This sort of thing appeals to my sporting nature. Phew. Well, let's stop and rest a minute. I'm worn out. Oh, you don't have to stop for me. I can take it if you can. However, if you insist. I think it'll be a good idea if we're not out of breath when we walk into Mark Adrian's apartment. No telling what we'll find. According to the guy who called, we're going to find a corpse. Mm-hmm.

What are we complaining about? He'll be out of breath permanently. Inspector, this man has called. He said his name was Leo Bunker. Yeah, Leo Bunker. He used to be married to a babe who now calls herself Linda Stewart. Stewart? What did she say his name? I don't know. It is Bunker. It seems that Bunker's been away for a year doing some kind of research up in Alaska. He got back the day before yesterday. Yesterday? And what happened? We heard his wife was playing around with this artist guy, Mark Adrian.

He comes up here to Adrian's studio about an hour ago and finds a dead man lying on the floor. So? So he called the police. Yep. That's all there is to it. Well, are you rested enough to tackle the last flight? Yes, I think I can make it. Why the heck do artists have to live on top stories anyway? It makes their work lighter, Inspector. Well, there seems to be only one apartment up here. Must be Adrian's. Yep, there's a sign on the door that says so.

Well, didn't you say that Leo Bunker said he'd wait for us here, Inspector? That's what he said. Doesn't seem to be anyone here now. Let me try the knob.

The stunker were here. He apparently became frightened and decided to leave. The place is as black as ink. Wait a minute. There must be a light switch around someplace. Yep, there we are. I don't see any clothes lying around. Inspector, do you suppose that that telephone call came from one of your crackpot friends? I haven't got any crackpot friends except you. Oh. Hey. Oh, yes, that's it. A gun lying half under the bed, huh? I'll just pick up my handkerchief here and take a look.

Any shots fired? Yes, two. Well, maybe there's a stiff lying around someplace after all. I'll take a look in this room. Hey, Bart, come here. Find something, Inspector? Yeah, take a look. Well, our corpse, eh? Corpse is right. Bullet through his gizzard and blood all over the place. What's that in his hand? Looks like an artist's paintbrush, Inspector. By Jove, look down the floor. Yeah, he tried to write something with a paintbrush.

What's it say? Nothing much more than a scrawl. As soon as I can make out, it says, Linda killed Brun. That would clear off as though he'd been unable to finish it. Well, it's easy to figure out. He tried to write Bunker. Linda killed Bunker. He got as far as a B-U-N in Bunker, and he must have died. Yes, but that's odd, isn't it? Why? Looks plain enough to me. But I thought you said the man who called you on the phone was named Bunker. Huh?

I did, didn't I? Say, this is kind of a funny deal at that. Yes, very funny, Inspector. Look through his pockets and see if you find any marks of identification. Good idea. Let me see here. Here's a billfold. Good. Driving license made out to Leo Bunker. Identification card made out to Leo Bunker. Membership card of the Eastern Portrait Cultural Society made out to Leo Bunker.

I'm sold. This guy's Leo Bunker. Hmm. And it was Leo Bunker who called you on the phone. And Leo Bunker who wrote on the floor. Inspector, I think we'd better get busy. Linda Stewart, I imagine, will be expecting us. Oh. Oh, you're the police. That's right, Miss Stewart. We're the police. Come on in, Bart. How'd you know we were the police, lady? I've been expecting them.

You found out, haven't you? You guessed it. That's why we're here. Well, I'm glad. I was a fool to think I could get away with it. Well, this is something I didn't expect. Do you mean you're ready to make a full confession? Yes, I would have given myself up anyhow. Doesn't matter now. Nothing matters. Why not, Mrs. Bunker? Bunker? How did you know my name was Bunker? Isn't it? Yes, but for the past year I've been living under my maiden name of Linda Stewart. How did you know? Your husband told us. My husband? Yep.

Then Mark was telling the truth. What did you say about it? Mark said that Leo had come back and told him everything, but I didn't believe him. When Leo went away, he promised he'd never bother me again. Just a minute now. I'd better write this down. Let me see. First, you confessed to the murder. Yes, I confessed. And your reason was what? Well, I was terribly in love with Mark, but he'd become interested in someone else. Excuse me a moment, Inspector. Mr. Stewart, will you tell us exactly what happened tonight?

I went to Mark's studio. He'd found out about Leo. He wouldn't listen to my explanation. He said he was true with me. That he was going to marry a girl named Diane Mayberry. I guess I lost my head. And what exactly did you do? I've already told you. I knew there was a gun in Mark's desk drawer, and I found it and shot it. Hey, wait a minute. Let me get this straight. Why do you keep questioning me? Haven't I already confessed? I know you found the gun. My fingerprints were on it. It was a fool to leave it behind, but I wasn't thinking. I didn't care. Okay. Okay.

Oh, you shot your husband. Why? I've already told you, I... What did you say? I said you shot your husband. You've already admitted it. I... Leo? Yeah. Now, what I want to know is, what did you shoot him for if Mark Adrian had already given you the gold bar? I... Leo? What are you saying? I didn't shoot Leo. Oh, my gosh. I knew it couldn't be as easy as this. Look, lady. You've already confessed. I... Leo? Well, why would I want to shoot Leo? What have I done? What have you made me say?

The man I shot wasn't Leo. No? Who was it, Miss Stewart? It was Mark Adrian. Mark Adrian.

Having fun, Diane? Oh, yes, I like it here. And we're together. That's what's important, Mark. You better be. We'll always be together, won't we, Mark? I'm sure we'll. Just you and me, always having fun. Let's have another drink, huh? Not now, Mark. I want to talk about us. About after we're married. Yeah, always having fun. Waiter, come in.

Give us another round of drinks. Yes, sir. No more for me, Mark. I've had enough. No, you haven't. You've got to have another drink. All right, if you say so. Mark. Hmm? What's the matter? You're through with that other girl, aren't you? What other girl? Who are you talking about? The girl who's picture you painted. Linda something or other. Oh, her. Sure. All through with Linda. All washed up. See, we got your studio tonight. What do you say? Hmm? Linda and my studio? Yeah.

What do you mean? I saw her go into the building. I was coming up to surprise you, but she came along the street and I waited to see if she was going in. You're crazy. There's nobody at my place tonight. I haven't seen Linda for weeks. Don't lie to me, Mark. Please. I'm not lying. Linda wasn't at my apartment. Nobody was. Nobody. Understand that? All right, Mark. You don't believe me, huh? I believe you, Mark. I must have been imagining things. Oh, that's better. Here are your drinks, sis.

Never mind the drinks. Take them away. Yes, sir. Is something wrong, Mark? I don't know. My head's all jumbled up. Something's cocked somewhere. Well, perhaps you'd better go. No, I've got to think. Let me see now. There's something I've got to think about. Don't worry, darling. It can't be important. Mark, I do wish you'd explain. Keep quiet. I've got to think. Ah, it's all right. Listen, you just remember now.

You saw Linda come in at 7.30. But Martin said she wasn't there. How do I know whether she was there or not? I wasn't home. You weren't home? Of course not. I was at the club having a workout in the gym. Oh, yes. I was having a workout all by myself. Darling, why did you tell me? Well, it's true. This is something that's why I had to figure it out. Darling, you went to all that trouble just to prove to me that you weren't seeing Linda. Yes, yes.

I had to prove it to you. It wasn't suspicious. Oh, Mark, and I... I was worried. How foolish of me. There's no need to worry about old Mark. Just give him time and he'll figure things out. Well, let's go. But darling, you haven't touched your drink. I don't want it. I've had too much already. Come on.

We'll go up to my place and have a nice chat.

There's a cab pulling up in front of the studio building now, Inspector. Yeah, and two people getting out. Do you suppose that's Mark Adrian? I know it is, Inspector. He's quite a familiar figure. He's a better-known night spot. Yeah, well, I don't get around to the better-known night spots. Hey, there's a good-looking babe he's got with him. Yes? Well, let's go up, Inspector, and get this over with. Okay, I only hope you haven't missed the boat. Don't worry about the boat, Inspector. It's a murderer we're after. You didn't say Mark is terribly late. Huh? What did you say, Di? I said...

Mark, what in the world are you looking for? Looking? Oh, uh, nothing. Nothing. Why? You're acting so strangely, darling. When we first came in, you seemed almost surprised, as though you expected someone to be here. Oh, if you're imagining things again, my dear, whom would I expect to find here? I don't know, I'm sure. Oh, well, I'll put my coat in the bedroom. No. Mark, what's the matter? Never mind putting your coat on that robe.

Uh, leave it out here. But darling, I... Leave it here, I said. All right, if you want to act that way. What's that? Callers at this time of night, Mark? It's a mistake. No one will be coming here. Open up! Open up! Mark, who can it be? Probably some drunk. I'll find out. Who is it? What do you want? The police! Open up! The police? Mark, what in the world do they want here? Don't worry. It can't be anything important. Open up!

Yes, officer? How are you, sir? Your name Mark Adrian? Yes, my name's Adrian. Is something wrong? That's what we're here to find out. Come on in, Barton. I'm Inspector Noah Denton. This is Barton Drift. What's your name, miss? Don't answer him. I think you'd better tell us what this is all about, Inspector, before you start asking a lot of questions. Suppose you tell us. All I know is you got a call at headquarters saying there was a corpse lying around up here. You mean you're just getting... That's silly.

There's no corpse here. Of course there isn't. Who was it supposed to be, anyhow? Your boyfriend here, Mr. Adrian. Me? Well, that's a hot one. Do I look dead? Not yet. Bud, take a look in that bedroom, will you? Glad to, Inspector. Say, what is this? What's the idea? Don't get excited, Bud. Maybe it was some crackpot. You'd better come over here and take a look, Inspector. Okay, come along, you two. Oh, this is ridiculous. Someone's been playing jokes on Mark. Does that look like a joke? It's a man...

Who's that? Good heavens. Everyone's surprised, eh? Well, let's look him over. Is it anyone you recognize, Adrian? No. I mean, I'm not sure. He looks a little familiar. According to these letters, the gent's name is Leo Bunker. That name mean anything to you, Adrian? Why, no. No.

It seems as though I've heard it somewhere before, but I can't think where. Mark? Is something wrong, miss? Mark, that's the name of Linda's husband. By Jules, you're right. That's just who it is. And who is Linda? Well, she's a girl I know. I painted a picture. She and I, well, we became interested in each other for a short time. For a short time until her husband showed up and threw a monkey wrench in the works, eh? Well, crudely, that's it.

I didn't know she was married until he returned from Alaska. Uh-huh. Pot, do me a favor and take a look around here, will you? These kids and I can talk in the other room. Very well, Inspector. Come on, you two. Now, let's see. How he comes back and starts to beat because his wife is playing around and someone knocked him off. Well, that's the start, eh? Say, thought of something, son? Yeah.

Diane, tell the inspector what you saw at 7.30 tonight. Well, I was coming up here, but I saw Linda entering the building, so I changed my mind. Mark, you don't think Linda could have...

There's some writing on the floor beside the body. It states that Linda shot Bunker. Is that a fact? She must have lost her head when she found Leo here in my studio. Now, I wonder why she'd do that. Why? He probably accused her of coming here to see me. Well, was she up here to see you? I suppose so. She kept coming up in spite of the fact that I asked her not to. And what did Linda say when her husband accused her? Well, how should I know? I wasn't here. I was at my club having a workout in the gym.

Wasn't I, Diane? Yes, that's right. Were you with him, lady? Of course not. Then how did you know he was there? Well, he told me. Ah. Where'd you find that gun, boy? It was lying beside Bunker's body, Inspector. I picked it up without thinking, so I... Oh, you fool! Now you've obliterated a fingerprint. Whose fingerprint, Adrian? Linda's. They were on the gun. Are you sure? Of course I'm sure.

They'd have to be on the gun if she shot Leo, wouldn't they? Not necessarily. If she had any presence of mind, she'd have wiped the gun clean. Linda wasn't that type. She would have become panicky and thrown the gun away before she left the apartment. In that event, the gun would probably have been here in the living room, wouldn't it? Yeah, halfway under the van. Halfway under the... What the devil are you talking about? There's something else I'd like to bring to your attention, Inspector. Only one shot entered Bunker's body. Is that a fact? What is this? What are you trying to do?

Are you cops or arseholes? That's why we're here, son. Well, then why don't you get your experts up here? You'll find out that the bullet that killed Bunker came from that gun. And you'll find Linda's prints on the gun.

Now, what more proof do you want? You see, Inspector, it's paying off, isn't it? Yes, you're right at that point. What do you mean? What time did Bunker get here, Adrian? Seven o'clock. What time did Linda get here? How should I know? Why don't you ask her? You did. She said she was here at 6.45. Well, she's lying. She tried to save her own skin. Of course she was lying. I saw her entering the building at 7.30. Was she entering or leaving, Diane? Well, she was entering. I'm sure of it. What time did you leave the studio, Adrian? Five minutes after the girl. Somebody saw her. That's a lie. I stayed up here. Then you weren't at the club. No. No.

I got there before Linda came. How did you know Linda was here? Who fired the second shot, Adrian? Linda. She must have. Who said a second shot was fired? Great diddy, Doc said so. Then where's the bullet hole? I don't know. There must be one somewhere. Well, let's look. No use, Inspector. The second shot was a blank. You don't say. It couldn't have been a blank. Why not? Because it couldn't. I'm afraid that's the mistake you made, Adrian. What do you mean, mistake? There's the gun lying on the table, Adrian. Pick it up and look at the empty shells yourself. No. Why should I?

What do I care about the empty shelves? Your fingerprints are on them. They're not! I've wiped them! Well, I guess that ties it. I'll show you. So one shelf is blank, but the others are. Sorry, Adrian. I put the gun there so you would pick it up. There aren't any shelves in it at all. It's completely empty. Why, you... Oh, my... You'll never prove I did it. It was Linda. I fixed everything. There wasn't a chance of anything going wrong. I had all this...

I'll take your hand and I'll take... Oh, no.

Well, Inspector, here's my corner. Yeah. Everything's under control, isn't it? Yeah, everything's under control. Adrian confessed when he got to headquarters. Yes, and it's probably a big relief to him. Yeah. You know, guys like him make me feel kind of bad. Oh, why, Inspector? Well, he's smart. He was on the road to success. True.

What do you suppose made him figure he could outsmart the police? I think it was a matter of necessity, Inspector. You mean he didn't want to kill Bunker, eh? Probably that's the answer. Bunker came to his studio and accused him of alienating his wife's affection. So one of them pulled a gun, the gun went off, and Bunker came out of the dead. It was fortunate that Adrian made one mistake, wasn't it? Huh? Yeah. Uh,

Uh, say, uh, Bart. Yes, Inspector? Uh, just to refresh my memory, uh, what was the mistake he made? Why, Inspector, you saw it yourself. But I want to know what it meant to you. It was the scrawled message on the floor, Inspector. Let's see now. What did the message say? Linda shot Buns. Mm-hmm. Uh, that was to make us think that, uh,

Bunker had died before he completed the sentence. That's it, Inspector. Uh-huh. That's it. Yes. Now, where did you think he made the mistake? Inspector, I'm surprised. Bunker was supposed to have written the message, wasn't he? Yeah. Yeah. Well, he was supposed to. If Bunker had written the message, he would have said... He wouldn't have said Linda shot Bunker. No, no. He would have said Linda shot me. That's right, of course. You see what I mean, Inspector? I certainly do. Well, uh...

Good night, Bart. Good night, Inspector. Oh, Inspector. Yes? Stop me if you've heard this one before, but mystery is my hobby.

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.

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Petri Wine brings you...

Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invites you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting story about his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And we'd also like to tell you something you really ought to know.

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I'm telling you, when you add the luscious flavor of that Petri Burgundy to the flavor of your favorite foods, you're really living. You're finding out for the first time what good eating really means, on the level. So better keep a bottle of that Petri Burgundy right on the dining room table. And never forget, the best friend a good meal ever had is a glass of Petri wine. And now for our weekly visit with the good Dr. Watson.

May I come in, Doctor? No, no, no, Mr. Bartow. You know me better than that.

Of course you can come in. I'm expecting you. I always look forward to these Monday evenings together, you know. Me too, Doctor. In fact, I always say this is the one doctor's appointment that never scares me. Oh, that's very nice of you, my boy. Draw up your churn. Make yourself comfortable. Thanks. And what prescription do you have in mind for us tonight, Doctor? Oh, now, let me see. Take one measure of subterranean peril, one of aristocratic lady in distress, a sprinkling of assorted villains, a

A corpse or two, and a little more than a dash of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Shake the mixture well, and you have the case of the out-of-date murder. Well, how did the adventure begin, Doctor? Presently enough, it was in September of 1900. I remember that Holmes and I went to Eastbourne for a much-needed rest.

First couple of days we spent in soothing idleness. On the morning of the third day, Holmes, a dash of colour back in his cheek and a hint of the old sparkle in his eye, suggested that he should go and call on his good friend Evan Whitnall, curator of a nearby museum. And so, just after lunch on that September day, found the two of us talking to Professor Evan Whitnall in his private office at the museum. It only seems yesterday...

Professor, all your recent discoveries in this part of England have made you world famous instead of just nationally famous. My congratulations. Professor, I do wish you'd tell me about your discoveries. Oh, with pleasure, Dr. Watson. Less than two months ago, I was excavating on the downlands in this neighborhood when I was fortunate enough to discover...

A number of underground caves. Caves saturated with a heavy deposit of lime that gave clear evidence of having the property of rapidly mummifying any flesh, human or animal, deposited in them. Interesting. And what treasures have you unearthed, Professor? Well, a number of mummified specimens of animals clearly belonging to bygone eras.

My prized specimen is the body of a large wolfhound. The inscription on its collar identified the animal as having belonged to some local squire in the year 1748. Amazing. I didn't know that limestone had such qualities of preservation. Come in, come in. Yes, Alan, what is it? Lady Clevering, Professor.

He asked me to tell you that she was in the museum. Oh, yes, yes, yes, sir. Sure up here, will you, Alan? Very good, sir. Yes, sir. I'm most anxious for you both to meet her. And she, in turn, is even more anxious to meet you. Now, I dined with her last night. And when I told her that you were coming here today, she insisted on meeting me. Oh, wait, no, you scoundrel. There's a twinkle in your eye.

I suspect that Lady Claverick has yet to consult me in my professional capacity and that you engineered the meeting. Well, perhaps I might have dropped a hint. I warn you, Professor, Holmes can't become involved with another case.

He's completely run down. Well, don't worry, Doctor. All that Lady Clavering requires is a little advice. Advice? Oh, that's a different matter altogether. Yes, I know. I knew you wouldn't mind, Holmes. Ah, Helena, my dear. There you are. Come along in. Thank you, Alan. Allow me to introduce Lady Clavering, Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. How do you do, Lady Clavering? How are you, gentlemen? Now, there you are, my dear. Sit down here.

I may as well tell you, Helena, that our little plot has already been discovered. Oh, dear. And I was just getting ready to exert all my feminine wiles in an attempt to persuade you to help me, Mr. Holmes. I'm certain that he found you utterly irresistible, my dear Lady Clavering. You flatter me, Doctor. No, no, no, I mean it. The Professor tells me that you're in need of a little advice, Lady Clavering. Yes, Mr. Holmes. I'll put my questions simply.

Five years ago, my husband, Sir George Clavering, left me. Left you? It is me. How stupid are you? I haven't seen or heard tell of him since.

I now wish to remarry. But of course I couldn't do that without having my husband declared legally dead. My dear Lady Clavering, I can't help feeling that a lawyer is the proper man to consult, not a detective. But you're suggesting that there was foul play in connection with your husband's disappearance. Oh, no, Dr. Watson. The Claverings are a strange family, self-willed and headstrong. George and I were not happy together...

I think he disappeared deliberately. You reported his disappearance to the police, of course. Well, yes, Mr. Holmes. But they've never been able to trace him. This kind of thing has happened in the family before, Holmes.

Tell him about Sir Nigel, Helena. He was one of my husband's ancestors. He walked out one day in 1777 and was never seen again. The only family who was disappearing. Dorn knew the legend. He often threatened to do the same thing himself. But your problem, Lady Clavering, is not that of your husband's fate, but rather of your own freedom. Yes, Mr. Herman. Well, I'm afraid my advice can be of little consolation to you.

The law has specified a number of years that must elapse before anyone disappearing can be declared legally dead. I would suggest that you possess your soul in patience until that period has elapsed. Oh, dear. And I was hoping you'd be able to think of some terribly clever way of getting round the law, Mr. Holmes. Lady Clavering, sometimes perhaps my methods may be unorthodox, but I assure you that getting round the law, as you put it, is a procedure I do not indulge in. Oh.

Oh, dear me. Now, I've offended you, Mr. Holmes. And it's the last thing on earth I'm meant to do, I assure you. My friend's a little touchy about matters concerning his professional honor, you know, Lady Cameron. Oh, nonsense, my dear Watson. I'm not touchy and I'm not offended. And now, may I suggest we all examine the professor's latest treasures. And after that, perhaps, he'll take us for a stroll on the Downs. I'm most anxious to examine those lime pits of his. THE END

The lime pits are about a mile from here. It's a nice walk across the cliff tops. I'm sorry Lady Clavering didn't want to come with us. She's a charming woman, even though she did rub you up the wrong way. A beautiful woman, Watson, but I must confess her charm eludes me. Her lack of concern about her husband's fate seemed completely unnatural. Not if you'd known her husband, Sir George Clavering. He was a tyrant and a bully, both in his home life and in the village.

Who's this coming towards us? It's Timmy. Gaff Timmy, they call him in these parts. He isn't quite right in the head, poor fellow, but he's perfectly harmless. Has two passions in life, birds and bonfires. Hello, Timmy. I've got something beautiful to show you. Oh, it's so beautiful. Well, what is it, Timmy? Look, it's in my cap. See? Ah!

Oh, isn't it lovely? Robin's egg. I found it when I was bird nesting. Did you ever see such a blue egg? It's a beauty to me. Where did you find it, my boy? Down by the lime pits.

Oh, I'm going to build a lovely fire on the Downs tonight. I'll let you come and watch it, if you give me a shilling. Oh, you be careful, Timmy, or you'll be in trouble again. Timmy doesn't get in trouble anymore now, not since he had Sir George carried away. Sir George Clavering used to whip Timmy when he found him on the land. Timmy, tell me, how did you have Sir George, as you put it...

carried away. I told my birds about him. I told them how he used to beat poor Timmy. And they said they'd carry him off and drop him over the cliffs. And that's what they did. Because he never came back again.

Oh, Lord, here comes Harry, Sir George's brother. Now there'll be trouble. Timmy, you'd better run. Oh, no. No, Timmy can't run. He'll break his pretty blue egg. Timmy! Timmy! Get off my land. If I catch you here again, I'll take my riding prop to you. Timmy hasn't done anything. Go on, be off with it, you hear? I'll tell my birds about you. That's what I'll do. Oh, don't forget my bonfire. Infernal scoundrel.

Hello, Whitnall. Hello, Harry. Have you met Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson? Oh, Sherlock Holmes. The professional nosy parker, eh? Yes, yes. Helena was just telling me about you. I'm very angry with her for talking to you about my brother. Private affair, and I intend it should remain one. You understand, Holmes? Oh, pardon my soul. The devil with your brother, sir. And with you.

I'd advise you to remember that you're not addressing a half-witted villager who can't defend himself. If you know what's good for you, you do what I say. Here, Fitz.

Inpertinent brute, he spoke to you as if you were a stable boy at home. Oh, really. He was quite refreshing. I'm reminded of an apposite quotation of my young friend James Elroy Flecker. Thine impudence hath a monstrous beauty, likened to the hindquarters of an elephant. He's almost as much disliked as his brother before him. Tell me, does he succeed to the title when his brother is declared legally dead? Yes, and what's more, he's Helena's unofficial fiancée, worse luck.

I see. Personally, I'm beginning to get a trifle bored with the affairs of the Chaplin family. Let's go on to the lime cave, shall we?

These caves are amazing. They must be 50 feet below the level of the ground, aren't they, Whitnall? Well, more than that, I should say. Rock formation is most unusual. A series of caves connected by a veritable honeycomb of tunneling. Yes, yes. I think I'll light the lantern now. It's pretty dark in here, and I haven't explored this particular cave before. And so I've had a wall cave in on me a couple of times, so you'd better watch where you're walking.

Now we can see better. Let's go deeper, shall we? But do watch your step. It's eerie down here, isn't it? Hello. What's this in the cup is here?

Looks like a mummified bird of some kind. It is a beautiful specimen. Judging by its markings, a black streak here and bars of white material, I'd say it was a peregrine. That's exactly what it is, a falcon. Taking back a couple of hundred years, I should say. And in a perfect state of preservation. This is a treasure, but...

Come on. Let's explore deeper. There's another cave over here. Hold the lantern up a little. Oh, I see. Good Lord, the whole wall's collapsed. Watson, you're not hurt, are you? No, no, no, Holmes. I'm all right. Why, you've unearthed another cave, Dr. Watson. Let's go in. I think we can just manage to crawl through. I'm...

Great. Now then. I don't believe my eyes. Magnificent. Whitmore. This is a pleasure indeed. A perfectly preserved body dressed in 18th century costume, powdered with an oar. Yes. And

And there's no mistaking who it is. Look at that typical weak profile. It's a clabbering, and it isn't hard to identify which one. You mean the one that Lady Heralda told us about this afternoon? Exactly. Without doubt, this is the body of Sir Nigel Clavering, who disappeared in 1777. Let's search his pockets. We might find some identification. Here's a snuffbox of the period, and some coins. Yes, the inscription of George III is still visible on them.

Hello, here's... here's this diary. This is unbelievable. What are you up to, Holmes? I'm examining the body, Watson. This man was murdered. Murdered? With his wound just above the heart. Obviously infected with a sharp instrument, probably a dagger. This is interesting. An entirely new experience for me. The opportunity of solving an unsuspected murder committed well over a hundred years ago. Come on, do that diary, Watson, will you, old chap? Let's see if the poor devil suspected his fate. Oh...

Hard to read. All the S's look like F's. The familiarity of the 18th century writing. They are saying, I should have been saying, they are saying in the coffee houses that my brother, Harry, has been coveting my wife. This is amazing, Holmes.

See how history repeats itself. It's an exact parallel of the situation existing today. Harry is coveting his brother's wife, Helena, and Sir George has not been seen for five years. What an extraordinary incident. If it were one...

As it is, it's one of the most ingenious frauds I've ever seen. The clothing appears authentic, so do the coins and the faded ink. The paper of the diary, and due to the peculiar mummification of the body, it would be almost impossible to say how long it's been here. Nevertheless, I am convinced that this is a recent corpse, and undoubtedly that of Sir George Clavering. Well, what makes you so sure, Holmes? Writing the diary. Eighteenth century, used an S that looked like an F. It is true, but never at the end of a word. You will recall, Watson...

that you were reading H-A-F, Hap, for H-A-S, Hap. That's perfectly true, I was. Well, that would be incorrect and genuine 18th century writing. Now, obviously, this is an extremely clever attempt to disguise the comparatively recent murder of Sir George Clavering. That's incredible, Holmes.

And yet I believe you're right. I'm sure of it. Well, what are you going to do about it? Do? You and I all chapel in Mount Garda with the body. You, my dear Whitnall, if you don't mind, will be good enough to go and fetch the police. Holmes. Yes, old chap? What do you suppose is keeping the police? Whitnall must have gone over an hour. And the lantern with him. Here we are crouching in the dark in a smelly cave, 50 feet under the cliffs, with a mummified corpse. You're too wise to provide us.

uh-huh here comes the lantern it must have went on and the police that's your witness that lantern's blinding me is that you with no answer can't you

Dr. Watson's story will continue in just a second. And I'm going to take that second to ask you what you think of when I say good food.

When you say good food to me, I can see myself really going down on a piece of fried chicken, but really fried. You know, crisp and sort of a light brown. When I see that chicken, I sure want to see some Petri California Sauternes. Because, believe me, Petri Sauternes is a white wine that's the wine for chicken. That Petri Sauternes has a delicate kind of flavor. Delicate like its pale gold color. But what a flavor and what a wine.

If you want a swell white wine, you certainly want Petri Sauternes. Try it and see. And now back to Dr. Watson and tonight's story, The Case of the Out-of-Date Murder.

Well, Doctor, you certainly had me on the edge of my chair during the first part of the story. Oh, I'm glad of that, my boy. Say, what happened when Sherlock Holmes yelled out at you in the cave? I was struck from behind with a spade and knocked out. A second later, the same thing happened to Holmes. You see, we were blinded by the lantern and couldn't protect ourselves. When we came to, we found we were at the bottom of a pit. The walls were narrow and vertical, and I saw no earthly way of our getting out of the trap. But as usual, Holmes had something of his own. Whistling

Never mind that for the moment, old chap. Get the coat off and your shirt. Come on, come on, off with it, old boy. Come on, off with it. I've already removed mine and tied them together. Oh, dear me, that blow on your head must have been unusually severe. I'm trying to make a kind of rope, Watson, a rope to get us out of here. Oh, what's the good of a rope unless there's someone on the ledge above us to haul us out? If you think you're performing the Indian rope trick, you get it? Mind you, Watson, this is no time for your rather heavy-handed humour.

Why do you keep whistling, I've heard? You've been doing it for the past 20 minutes. I'm whistling for help. Why not shout? Whistle carries further. Oh, dear. Who's going to hear that? That, Timmy, I hope. Remember, he was having a bonfire on the tip-top tonight. My whistle is that of a nightingale, a song unheard in Sussex at this time of the year. If he does answer it, I'm sure it'll bring him down here. Oh, dear. Well, I hope you're all right. Seems to me that Whitlow and...

The police will never find us here. We shall mummify just as a filthy murderer intended us to. It's worked! It's Timmy! He's cutting a burning log. We're down here, Timmy! Nightingale? Pretty birdie? What are you doing down there? Timmy! I've tied these clothes together to make a rope. I'm going to throw them up. You ready? Catch! Good. He's caught it. Now, Timmy! Timmy!

Lower it to us. Oh, I shouldn't do this. They'll whip me. No, no, no. Nobody will whip you, Timmy. And we both want to give you a shilling to come up and see your bonfire. Oh, that's different. Two shiny shillings. I'll lower the rope. Here it comes. That's it. All right, look. You first. All right, Timmy. Pull away. Here I go. Here I go.

Splendid. I'm up home. Now look, for you. All right. I've got it. Look out now. Here I come.

Thank goodness we got out of that place all right. I don't see the Nightingale. Oh, you must have him inside your coat. Well, never mind. We'll all go up to my bonfire and get warm. It's such a pretty bonfire. Oh, my God.

Did you ever see a finer bonfire? No, but to me it's lovely. It's the most comforting sight I've seen for the last couple of hours. Oh, just one thing's bad, though. Somebody tried to burn a book in my lovely fire. Must have been when I was off getting more wood. I found it when I came back, and I pulled it out of the fire and stamped on it. See? Here it is. Let's have a look.

Hello, it's the guy that we found on the body in the lime pit. Precisely, Watson. Now I begin to see daylight. People shouldn't burn books. Books are nice. Books are like birds and bonfires. But they're nice to be near. Oh, your nightingale must be cold. I'll get some more twigs to burn. That fellow's gone away for a moment. I can see why we'll attack tonight.

The murderer knew that we were going to the caves. He was afraid that his devilish plot wouldn't stand up under your scrutiny. So he watched us. When we discovered the body and sent Whitman off to the police, he knew he'd got to get rid of us. And who do you think that somebody is, old fellow? Well, that's easy. Only one person strong enough to have knocked us both out and shifted our bodies.

The dead Sir George's brother. Harry Clavering. I think not, old fellow. Didn't you observe as we entered the caves that pickaxes and wheelbarrows were much in evidence? Yes, that's right. They were, of course. Strength was not required under the circumstances.

We were extremely vulnerable in the darkness. Any man with a modicum of cunning could have disposed of us, or any woman, for that matter. Good Lord, you're not suggesting that... Watson! Oh, no! Why, thank heaven you're safe. I've had the police with me for the last hour, but we couldn't find you.

You went where I left you. True. Whitnell, I want you and the police to take me to Lady Clavering's house at once. After that, I wish to lodge information and make a charge of assault and possibly a charge of murder. Thank you.

And that lady clavering is the story of how we found your husband's body. Horrible, Mr. Holmes. Horrible. But who in thunder could have planned such a devilish plot? And why did the murderer attack you and Watson? There, my dear Whitnall, you have the key to the murderer's identity. The man who so cunningly conceived and executed the murder of Sir George could never have bungled the job of disposing of Watson and myself unless he had meant to bungle it. You mean he didn't mean to kill us? Exactly.

He merely wished us out of the way while the incriminating evidence was removed. You mean the diary? Of course I do. You will recall we found it partially burnt in Timmy's bonfire. Then it was Timmy who... No, no, no, my dear fellow. Surely it's obvious. One person and only one. Knew that the diary was the key to the murderer's identity. The man who was present when we discovered it and detected the fraud. Great Scott, Professor Whitnall. Whitnall, you murdered my brother. Evan. Evan, you. Oh, no. I did it because I love you, haven't I?

All these years has been nothing in my life that meant anything but you. How could you? I thought that if George were out of the way, I could make you care for me. And when I realized that you loved Harry, I... I was mad with jealousy. And so I planned to conceal George's body forever.

It was a clever plan. You said so yourself, Holmes. If it hadn't been for you, it would have worked. Yes, it was diabolically clever, Whitmore, but I'm afraid that no amount of cleverness now can prevent you from paying for your crime. Sir George, I suggest that you instruct the police to come in. Our work is done. Holmes, Holmes, look there on the point. Timmy's bonfire is still burning away. Yes.

Him is a simple fellow with simple tastes. Why are you so gloomy? You solved the case brilliantly. My dear fellow, my faith in human nature has been sadly shaken, oh, Captain. Evan Whitmore was a good friend and an old one. Hard to be instrumental in sending him to the gallows. Well, he richly deserved it. Yes, yes, I know he did. That's quite true, but...

It's depressing just the same. Come on. Let's continue our walk home across the Downs. I heard Sir Harry offering you a fee. Did you take it? No, I didn't, but I did accept his offer of an acre of land on the Downs over there near the Abbey ruins. You can see them silhouetted against the sky. An acre of land? What on earth would you do with that? Well, when I retire...

And I shall retire soon. I've often thought of bee farming. This would be a heavenly spot for such a venture. I can't imagine you would be, keeper. Why not? After a life spent unraveling the tangled affairs of human beings, it would be soothing in the twilight of one's days to study the exact and predictable behavior of bees. Singing masons. Building roofs of gold. Oh, well. One day, perhaps. Perhaps. One day.

The End

Well, Doctor, that was a swell story. You know, I'm sure glad we get together like this once a week. Oh, thank you very much. Next week, why not come over a little earlier for dinner? Oh, no, I wouldn't think of having you go through all that trouble. Oh, well, of course, if you feel that way. Well, say, aren't you going to coax me? To tell you the truth, I knew I wouldn't have to coax you. Mr. Bartell, I was...

Just going to show you the two thick steaks that I've got frozen in my refrigerator. Oh, no. Oh, yes. I'll also put aside a bottle of Petri Burgundy. Well, in which case, I'll bring along a very hearty appetite. If you'll pick the steak, I know it's good, and when it's Petri wine, you know that's got to be good, too. Because the Petri family has been making fine wine for generations. They've owned and operated the Petri business ever since its inception, way back in the 1800s.

During all that time, they've sure learned plenty about the fine art of turning luscious grapes into clear, fragrant, delicious wine. And they've been able to take this experience and hand it on down from father to son, from father to son. That's why when you want a wine for any occasion, you can't go wrong with a Petri wine. Because Petri took time to bring you good wines.

Now, Dr. Watson, what story do you have lined up for us next week? Well, now, let me see. Next week, Mr. Bartell, I'm going to tell you an adventure that occurred to Holmes and me in the shadowy depths of the Limehouse District in London. It's a strange tale of death and terror. I call the story...

The eyes of Mr. Layton. Well, Doctor, we'll be sure not to miss it. And meanwhile, don't you forget you promised to contribute to the National War Fund. National War Fund? Of course, Mr. Bartell. It's a must. The money you give to your war fund not only helps the men and women in our armed forces, and it not only helps our allies, but that money goes to work right in your own community, helping make possible many relief and welfare agencies in your own hometown. So let's all be generous in victory. Give to your community war fund.

Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and is based on an incident in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures, where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series.

The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. Oh, the Petri family took the time to bring you such good wine. So when you eat and when you cook, remember Petri wine. To make good food taste better, remember... Pet... Petri...

This is Harry Bartell saying goodnight for the Petri family. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System. Thank you.

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.

"All those men in that satellite will die." Sea shadows somehow being cast onto the backdrop that is supposed to be outer space. "Sigma barrier dead ahead. Crash emergency. All hands secure for blast." 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!

Eat, save, and be merry with low prices and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh. Whether you're looking for sweet deals on holiday treats or your dream gingerbread house, outshine the tree with holiday deals delivered right to your doorstep. Prime members save even more with deals on thousands of grocery items and up to 50% off on weekly favorites. Celebrate the holiday season with savings and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh.

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. Since 1981, Unbound has connected people like you with families worldwide on their self-directed paths out of poverty. A brighter future is possible for these families when we all walk together. Sponsor a child today and you'll help a family take the first steps on their path.

Change their future in just one click. Start walking with your new friend today at unbound.org slash walk.

Eat, save, and be merry with low prices and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh. Whether you're looking for sweet deals on holiday treats or your dream gingerbread house, outshine the tree with holiday deals delivered right to your doorstep. Prime members save even more with deals on thousands of grocery items and up to 50% off on weekly favorites. Celebrate the holiday season with savings and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh.

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. From the moon landing to the birth of the internet, America has always led the way. At Noble Reach, a nonpartisan nonprofit, we're committed to driving government innovation for the next generation.

We believe our nation's most significant challenges can only be addressed by bringing together the government scale, the private sector's innovation, and groundbreaking research from academia. We talk about all of this and more in our national bestseller, Venture Meets Mission. Learn more at noblereachfoundation.org. ♪♪

Post, makers of Post Corn Toasties, welcomes you to the House of Mystery. This is Roger Elliot, otherwise known as the Mystery Man.

inviting you to join us for another storytelling session here at the House of Mystery.

Well, Johnny, how was that picnic last week? Well, just well. Oh, it was wonderful, Miss Jean Anne. Simply wonderful. I'm glad to hear it. I hope you're all remembering to stay outdoors as much as you can. Getting lots of air, sunlight, and exercise. Yeah, and post-coronadosis. Huh? I'm sorry, Johnny. I don't think I understand that. Oh, that's easy. Get lots of air, sunshine, exercise, and post-coronadosis.

I thought you said your mother wouldn't take post-corn toasties on picnics. Well, at first she wouldn't. But you found a way. Yeah. I'll find a way, all right. Without dishes and spoons, too, Mr. Inez. Well, how can you eat post-corn toasties without a bowl and a spoon? I give up. I give up.

Right out of the Fresh Protection box. Just like Post Corn Toasties was nuts. Or candy or popcorn. Post Corn Toasties are delicious that way. That's a wonderful idea. No fuss, no bother, but still you can take Post Corn Toasties with you on your picnic, automobile trips, or swimming party.

Just tuck a fresh protective box of Post Corn Toasties in with your luggage and eat those tender, crisp, golden brown flakes as you would nuts or candy right out of the box. And you can be sure of one thing. The special fresh protective box will keep Post Corn Toasties fresh and crisp until the last golden flake has been eaten. Thank you, Ruth and Johnny, for a wonderful suggestion. And now I see it's time for today's mystery. ♪

The story I call, A Gift from the Dead. It began in a hotel in San Francisco, where I'd taken a room to wait for Paul Sheldon, an old friend of mine who was flying in from Kansas City to join me. Some weeks ago, Paul and I had been invited by his sister, Jane Kovarak, to spend a few days at her home in the beautiful but rugged Big Sur country, 150 miles south of San Francisco.

We'd accepted Jane's invitation with enthusiasm as evidence of her complete recovery from the shock of her husband's death. For my thoughts were miles away when the bellboy knocked on my door and handed me a letter. It was from Jane. I opened it and began to read, but I was hardly beyond the first line when a vague feeling of uneasiness crept over me. The note was brief and to the point. She was canceling her invitation. ♪♪

As the day wore on, I re-read the letter several times, each time feeling more uneasy. By afternoon, I found myself pacing restlessly back and forth, impatient for Paul's arrival. I was about to leave for the airport to meet his plane when a long-distance telephone call stopped me.

It was a woman, her voice tight with panic. Mr. Roger Elliott? Yes, who's this? My name is Craig, Miss Alma Craig. Yes? I'm Mrs. Kovrack's housekeeper. I see. Mr. Elliott, you must come at once. Mrs. Kovrack needs help. But I just got a letter from her canceling the invitation. I know that's why I'm calling. We're in danger, Mr. Elliott. You must come. What kind of danger, Miss Craig? The master of this house has returned. We've heard him. He's here. Basil Kovrack has come back.

Mr. Elliott, he's come back from the dead. With a sharp click of the receiver, Miss Craig's voice was gone. Something had to be done, quickly. I packed my bag, checked out of the hotel, and drove at once to the airport. Paul's plane landed as I arrived, and from the gate I watched the passengers unload. As Paul hurried toward me, a messenger handed him a telegram. He stopped to read it, and the smile of greeting quickly vanished from his face. I went through the gate to meet him.

Roger, read this. It's from Jane. Paul, I am canceling invitation. Please do not come. Explanation follows. Jane. What do you make of it, Roger? I fly over 2,000 miles to visit her, and then she tells me to stay away. Well, you're not going to. We're going to see Jane. And I think we'd better hurry. Jane.

A bank of heavy clouds hung over the ocean to the west as we turned onto Highway 101 and started toward the Big Sur country. As the miles clicked by, I told Paul about the letter I had received from Jane and the frantic phone call from her housekeeper. When I repeated what she'd told me about Basil Kovarik, Paul's eyes grew hard and he spoke with an undertone of bitterness. Roger, I opposed that marriage from the first moment I met Basil Kovarik.

I could understand why Jane was so completely infatuated. He was handsome, wealthy, and thoroughly educated. But to me, there was something cold and brutal about him. Something odd and difficult to define. And he was proud, almost insanely proud. The Kovarak name is an old one. A titled European family, wasn't it? Yes, that's almost a count or something. The last heir, I believe.

Well, immediately after the marriage, he took Jane to live in the house where she is now. Oh, it's a strange place, Roger. Huge and rambling. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Nothing modern in it except the telephone. Kovarak kept it exactly like an ancient feudal castle. Was he in business, Paul? How did he spend his time? Near as I can tell, he devoted all of it to preserving the Kovarak family tradition. He had no other interest. He and Jane lived there alone.

No one else but the two servants, Miss Craig and the handyman... was ever permitted on the place. Not even I. That's strange. Certainly doesn't sound like Jane. Ah, Jane's rotten. Why, when they'd been married about three years... I visited her unexpectedly. Would you believe it? She refused to see me. Sent word she wasn't feeling well. But I saw a battle. He came out of his library while I was waiting at the door...

He looked at me with those strange, dark eyes of his. Then he approached me. I got the coldest reception of my life. Mr. Paul Sheldon. Hello, Basil. You have come to see my wife, I presume? Yes, I plan to see my sister. Mrs. Kovarik does not wish to be disturbed. And I, for my part, do not wish the routine of my household disrupted.

We have nothing in common here with the outside world, and it is not our wish to change. But I don't understand. I've come a long way. There's no need to pursue the matter further, Mrs. Kovarik, and I do not wish to be intruded upon. Miss Craig, please show Mr. Sheridan out. Oh, there was nothing for me to do but go away. And that's a pretty accurate picture of Basil Kovarik, Roger.

He had Jane so completely cowed that she saw no one. Even her letters became stiff and cold. Well, Paul, you said Basil died a year ago. How? It seems that he and the handyman, a fellow named Christopher, were both killed when their car plunged over a cliff and fell into the sea. Roger, I'll say this. If it's possible for any man to come back from the dead...

That man would be Basil Kovarek. Paul fell silent. It was dark when he reached the coast of Monterey, and soon the road became a shelf with the Pacific Ocean far below on the right and the Santa Lucia Mountains rising sharply on the left. The highway twisted painfully along the jagged coast.

And then, I saw it. The house built by Basil Kovarak, hunched up from the granite that surrounded it like a malignant fungus growing out of a stone. It was dark and seemingly deserted. We stopped the car, got out, and ran up a path to the entrance. Paul was about to knock when the heavy door inched open.

Miss Craig? Oh, thank heaven it's you, Mr. Sheldon. And this is... This is Roger Elliott. Hello, Miss Craig. Oh, Mr. Elliott, it was wrong of me to call you. My mistress has ordered that no one be admitted. I don't know what to do. I'm sure it was wrong of me to call you. Don't worry. You did the right thing, Miss Craig. How is my sister? She's all right, isn't she? Well, sir, she's hardly... Miss Craig! Hello, sis! Jane! Jane!

I turned and saw a woman standing in a wide hallway with a lamp in her hand. For a long moment, I stared, refusing to believe that this could be Jane Sheldon. She was drawn and thin. The muscles of her face were held firm against any show of emotion, but her eyes glistened with a cold, unspoken terror. Oh, Roger! Roger!

Didn't you get my message? Yes, as a matter of fact, Jane, that's why we came. Miss Craig, leave us at once, please. Very well. I'll be in my room if you want me. Paul, you and Roger must leave at once. Now, Jane, we want to help you, and if you'll forgive me, you look as if you need it. I... I don't want your help. You told me you were fixing the house over, but everything's exactly as Basil always kept it. Yes, except the cast. Cast?

Basil had a pair of Siamese cats. He loved them. I gave them away after he was buried. Now I can't locate them. And Basil's coming back. Jane, dear, please. Basil Kovarak is dead. He's coming back, I tell you. Tomorrow's our wedding anniversary. And he's coming back. But, Jane, you saw him buried. Surely you don't think... Listen. What's that? Hold it. What music?

Off with it. The jewel box. The Kovarak jewel box. Vagil is in this house right now. Jane was terrified. She swayed and almost fainted as Paul and I helped her to a chair. When she'd recovered, we urged her to tell us what was troubling her. She spoke slowly as if she dreaded the sound of her own voice. That music you heard is the Kovarak music box.

It was filled with cut gems when Basil gave it to me. The day he died, it disappeared, and now he's brought it back. Jane, will you tell us exactly what happened the day he gave you the jewel? Well, Miss Craig and Christopher had gone to town for supplies. I was sitting outside on the terrace when Basil called me into the library. I went in, and on the desk was an exquisitely carved casket I'd never seen before.

He closed the door and looked at me a long time before he spoke. We are alone, Jane. I'm going to show you something. An infallible secret. Promise me you will keep it always. Of course. Today is our fifth wedding anniversary. In token of the occasion, I make you this gift. Oh, beautiful. One moment, Jane, before you open it.

Contained in this box is the lifeblood of the Kovarak family. The key to Kovarak wealth and power. It is a grave responsibility. You may open it now. Jewels! Yes. Look at them, Jane. Sparkling, flashing. See, they blaze with a life all their own.

The undying fire in those stones has been the symbol of immortality for countless generations of my ancestors. The jewels are yours now. And through them, you are bound forever to the Kovaraks. They must be priceless. Oh, I'm afraid to keep them here. We must put them in a vault. No. They will stay here in this house.

Under your care... But Basil, they're so valuable, I'd be afraid... It's a timeless tradition that the wife of the Kovarak heir keep the casket of jewels. We will not break that tradition. Someday you may come to realize in what sense that box of precious stones means immortality to the Kovaraks. Basil placed the box of gems in my hands and walked out of the library.

I took the box to my room and hid it in the bottom of the trunk in my closet. And always before I went to bed, I checked to see if it was safe. After those accidents, I went to look at the jewel box. It was gone! A few nights ago, I'd heard it playing. Basil, the last of the Kovacs were coming back from the grave. Jane was trembling as she finished her grim story.

Paul tried to reassure his sister, but he was little comfort to her fear-ridden mind. The flickering lamps and fantastic shadows dancing through the vast, dark hall as he led Jane to a room. I called Miss Craig, who was greatly relieved to know we were staying overnight. As I got ready for bed, I turned the curious facts over in my mind. I tried to reason and answer, but there was none. Finally, worn out from the long drive, I fell asleep. How long I slept, I had no idea.

At first, I thought I was dreaming. Then I realized something definite had awakened me. The music was playing again. Somewhere in the house, the fatal jewel box had been opened. I jumped out of bed and ran out into the hall. Paul's door flew open a second later. In the wavering light of his lamp, we stood listening intently. At last, the music stopped. A breathless, waiting silence hung in the air. And then...

Roger! That's Jane. Come on. We ran for her door, thrust it open, and there she stood in the center of the room, staring in frozen fascination at her dressing table. As my eyes followed her gaze, in spite of myself, a wave of sudden horror made my scalp crawl. For I saw, lying on the dressing table, glittering with blood-red malevolence, a huge, square ruby.

Needless to say, the rest of the night was spent without sleep. At last, morning came, gray and damp. I was waiting in the dining room when I heard Jane and Paul come down the stairs. Paul smiled a weak greeting, but Jane, haggard from the sleepless night and exhausted by fear, came directly to me and seized my hand. Roger, Paul, don't listen to me, but you must. I implore you to leave this house.

This is my wedding anniversary, and I know Basil will come back tonight. If you and Paul are here, something dreadful will happen. Jane, dear, that's enough. You're in trouble, and I intend to stay and look after you. If Kovac comes, I'll be here to face him. Paul, where's the ruby which appeared last night? Right still on the dressing table. Would you mind getting it for me? I'd like to see it. Not at all. I'll be right back. Jane, I want to ask a favor of you.

I know that strange and awful things have been happening here, things for which there are no, there's no apparent explanation. Now, you know I firmly believe no man can return from the dead. Please don't give in, Jane. I want you to give me until tomorrow morning to find the answer. Roger, I'm afraid. Here it is, Roger. Here's the ruby. Oh, thanks. Jane, I think you'd better get some rest now. Don't worry. Leave everything to Paul and me. All right, Roger.

Ultron. Poor James. This thing's getting her. Me too. Oh, nothing gross there about this, Paul. A genuine ruby, all right, and from its size it must be worth thousands. I'd say so. Roger, how did it get on James' dressing table? I beg your pardon, shall I serve breakfast now? In a minute, Miss Craig. Miss Craig, did you ever see this ruby before? See what, Mr. Elliott? This ruby. It was left on Mrs. Kovarak's dressing table last night. Oh, no.

Oh, Mr. Elliot, I've got to get out of this house now. When he comes back, he'll get his revenge on me for not telling... Not telling what, Miss Craig? You know something about the roomie? Yes, sir. You see, Christopher and I, we were sort of planning on being married some day. But he always had big ideas. One day he came to me in the kitchen and whispered that he'd seen a box of wonderful jewels. Did he say where? He wouldn't tell me, Mr. Sheldon. But he said he was going to steal them and run away. He wanted me to go with him.

What did you say? I begged him not to do it, Mr. Elliott. I was afraid. What happened then? That very night, the car ran over the cliff and he was killed along with Mr. Kovarak. Miss Gregg, do you think Christopher stole the jewels? I don't know. I knew something was wrong the way Mrs. Kovarak kept searching and searching, so I went through all of Christopher's things, but I never saw any jewels until Mr. Elliott showed me the ruby.

Oh, Mr. Elliott. I should have told you before, but I was afraid. I've got to leave here. I can't stay in this house another night. With considerable difficulty, we persuaded the badly frightened woman to stay on and look after her mistress. Jane remained in bed most of the day, but as night approached, her courage began to crumble.

We gave her a sedative and promised to watch over her through the night. I at her window and Paul in the hall outside the door. Nothing could induce Miss Craig to sleep, and she'd already established a vigil in her room when I took my post outside Jane's window. The storm had cleared and a few stars were visible, but I shivered from the dampness as the hours crept by in slow silence. It was nearly midnight when I heard the jewel box. Paul entered the room immediately and the music stopped.

He came over and spoke to me. Roger, you see anything? Nothing. I heard the music box, that's all. James stirring, but he's still asleep. I don't like it, Roger. I don't like it at all. Again, silence descended. Already half the night had passed, and we were no closer to an answer than when we started it.

I racked my brain for a clue. I felt that at one time something had been mentioned and forgotten which now fitted into the picture. But cry as I would, it escaped me. I started back in my mind over everything that had happened. When suddenly my train of thought was shattered. I rushed into the room. Paul was bending over Jane, shaking her. Jane, wake up. Wake up, you're having a nightmare. My God.

I saw Basil. Jane, Jane, dear, you must have dreamed it. You were asleep. I've been outside the door all the time. No, no, I saw him. He walked through the room. Well, it must have been a dream, Jane. Your mind is overwrought. It was here, I tell you. Look. Paul and I turned to follow Jane's trembling finger. On her dressing table, in the same spot the ruby had appeared, there now lay a great green emerald. I watched fear creep into Paul's eyes.

Then he stepped close to me and whispered in my ear, Roger, let's get out of here. All of us. You and I were guarding this room, yet Kovarak got in here and left an emerald. Let's go while we have a chance. Wait a minute, Paul. Now look here. There's something different about the things on this table. They're not the same as before. An emerald's been added. Yes, the emerald's been added, but something... Wait a minute, I've got it. Did either of you touch anything on this table tonight? No, no. Not me, Roger. George, I think I've got the answer.

Jane, let me have some of your face powder. Face powder? It's in that box, but what... Roger, are you out of your mind? Not a bit. We're going to use powder to catch our ghost. Here, you hold this emerald. Now, I want you and Jane to go to my room. I'll stay here and wait for the ghost. Now, let's see. I'll need something... Yes, this will do. This brass bottle stopper. Roger, please tell us what this is all about. Later, Jane. Just do as I ask, please. Wait in my room and be very quiet. And remember, don't come until I call you.

No matter what happens. Reluctantly, Paul and Jane left me alone in what they thought was a haunted room. As soon as they'd gone, I went to work. In a few minutes, I was ready. I turned out the lamp and the room was plunged into darkness. An hour of motionless waiting passed. My back ached from the strain. But I knew that the slightest move might upset my entire plan. Then it began.

Slow, somber, terrible. The Kovarak jewel box had opened. Suddenly, the music stopped. I held my breath and listened. I knew that whatever had opened the jewel box was here in this room with me. For a long moment, nothing happened. Then I became aware of a faint, soft stirring from the direction of the dressing table. Something clicked against the glass surface.

I must have moved then, for the chair in which I sat creaked loudly. There was a frenzied rustling and thumping. I jumped up from the chair and lit the lamp. There on the table was a flashing blue diamond, and the brass bottle cap was gone. I ran to the door and called out to Paul and Jane. In a moment, they and Miss Craig hurried into the room. Roger, are you all right? We heard the jewel fall. The ghost, Mr. Elliott. Where's the ghost? Did you get him? Well, I haven't called him yet, but I know who he is and where to look for him.

Here, Paul, give me a hand with this bookcase. All right. Unless I'm mistaken, we'll find a small hole back here somewhere. That's enough. Hold the lamp closer. Yes, here it is. A crack in the wall in the corner. Bring that poker over, Paul. Let's rip out part of this wall. All right. Along here? That's my guess. That should be enough. Now let me get my arm in there. Yes, here it is. The cover's been sprung. Listen. It's the jewel box.

You mean it's there in the wall? Yes. Just a minute now. It's wedged in. Ah. Here it is. The cover at Jewel. Good heavens. Look at them. A fortune. Roger, I don't understand. How did you know they were here? You see this powder on the table and the floor? Well, I sprinkled it. Why, there's a trail of tiny footprints through it. Like an animal. Exactly. And it leads straight to that corner by the bookcase.

That's the answer. What seemed to be the ghost of Basil Kovarak returning from the dead was actually the work of a notorious kleptomaniac, the pack rat. A pack rat? Why, I can't believe it. It's incredible, Roger. Then Christopher must have stolen the jewels and hid them in the wall when he was making repairs in here. No doubt. And he intended to return for them later, but died before he could carry out his plan. But, Roger...

I thought pack rats always took things away instead of returning them. They do. They're natural-born thieves. Now, this section of the wall lies between the pantry and the pack rat's nest. Each time he made a trip to steal food, he was attracted by the jewels. He nuzzled his way into the box, and that's when the music played. Then, as he got bolder, he came out into the room here, where he was again tempted by the bright, shiny objects on the dressing table.

Having no sense of value, he gladly traded this priceless diamond here for a brass bottle cap. The same thing happened with the ruby and the emerald. I got my first real clue when I noticed that your nail file was missing, Jane, when the emerald appeared. And then I remembered the caps. When you got rid of them, you left the way wide open for the pack rat. Oh, Roger. I don't know what to say. I've been such a fool. No, you haven't, Jane. You've got a very vivid imagination, that's all.

The fear in your own mind was all that distorted the pranks of a mischievous pack rat into a gift from the dead. THE END

And that was the mystery I call A Gift from the Dead. Golly, imagine looking on your table and seeing a big ruby or a diamond or something. Golly. Yes, but Johnny, imagine if you thought they were put there by a ghost. Why wouldn't I? I don't believe in no ghost. Good for you.

You know, even though I don't believe in ghosts either, I saw goose pimply all over when I heard that music box. It sounded so, uh, so ghostly. Well, I suppose that's why we always have to go on proving ghosts don't exist. But if you're feeling a little weak, Ruth, how about a pick-me-up? Hey, uh, I'm feeling weak, too. You've sounded, Johnny. Really, you don't have to be weak or even hungry to enjoy an extra bowl of delicious post-corn toasties.

Post corn toasties are so light, so delicate and crisp. They make a refreshing taste treat any time of day or evening. Shall I go to the kitchen now? Well, don't you want to hear about next week's story? Yeah, but I want to... But at the moment, the thing you want most is post corn toasties. Yeah. Well, Johnny, I can't say I blame you. So after I've thanked Horace Brayham, Vera Allen, Peggy Carnegie, and Barry Kroger for helping me tell my story for the day, I'll tell you in just a few words.

That next week, you will hear one of the most baffling experiences in my entire ghost-chasing career when I solve the mystery of the disappearing plane. I know you won't want to miss it, so be sure to be with us next week at this same time and for our radio listeners this same station. I'll be waiting for you at the House of Mystery.

This is Roger Elliott, your mystery man, saying goodbye until next week.

and reminding you to try the new Post Corn Toasties, the most delicate cornflakes, extra thin and tender crisp. ♪♪

Mother, doctors agree, never serve children coffee. Why? Because caffeine is a drug, a stimulant. While many people can drink coffee without ill effect, others suffer nervousness, indigestion, sleepless nights. So remember, your children's future is in your hands. Avoid tomorrow's caffeine habits. Start them on Postum now. They'll love its hearty, grain-rich flavor. And good customs like Postum last a lifetime.

Postum contains no caffeine or other drug. It's America's ideal family beverage. Hardy, wholesome Postum. ♪♪ This program came from New York. Stay tuned to two detective mysteries which follows in a moment. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System. ♪♪

Eat, save, and be merry with low prices and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh. Whether you're looking for sweet deals on holiday treats or your dream gingerbread house, outshine the tree with holiday deals delivered right to your doorstep. Prime members save even more with deals on thousands of grocery items and up to 50% off on weekly favorites. Celebrate the holiday season with savings and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh.

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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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. Ah, the sizzle of McDonald's sausage. It's enough to make you crave your favorite breakfast. Enough to head over to McDonald's. Enough to make you really wish this commercial were scratch and sniff.

And if you're a sausage person, now get two satisfyingly savory sausage McGriddles, sausage biscuits, or sausage burritos for just $3.33. Or mix and match. Price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer or combo meal. Single item at regular price. It is said that Banshees were abroad the night before the strange disappearance of the two young sons of Mario Pansini, a prominent architect of Bari, Italy.

But even the presence of banshees scarcely explains this event. For banshees foretell the coming of death, and there was no question of death involved, only a question of incredible speed through time and space. On a certain January morning in the year 1901, the streets of Bari were flooded with water.

And so it was natural that Giuseppe and Niccolo, the two young sons of Signor Pansini, should have been eager to sail their toy boats in the gutter in front of their house. We could play for a little while. Well, suppose you play for half hour. How would that be? We'll come back in at 9.30 sharp, Father. But when 9.30 arrived, the boys failed to appear. Somewhat annoyed over their lack of responsibility, Signor Pansini went out to find them. By the time he had searched the whole block, he was thoroughly angry. As he approached his home again, he heard the telephone ring.

Hello? Signor Ponzini? Yes? Signor, my name is Father Venetti. I am calling you from the Capuchin Monastery here in Malfatti. I wanted to tell you not to be worried about your sons.

They are here at the monastery with us. Oh, but you must be mistaken, Father. My boys were here in Bari a half hour ago. They could scarcely have run 30 miles in 30 minutes. And so, Signor Pansini rode the 30 miles to Malfatti. And there, standing frightened and bewildered in the reception hall of the monastery... his two sons awaited him. Oh, when there happens a name, you get him. We don't know, Father.

We remember stepping out of the house with our boats, and then we don't remember anything else after that. All the way back to Bari, Signor Pansini remained strangely silent. Donny's face was written both wonder and fear. When he arrived home, he asked the boys to stay in the house for the rest of the day. Reluctantly, they went into their room and closed the door behind them. A few minutes later, their father stood outside that same door, calling them. Giuseppe, Nicola!

Boys, when I call you, why don't you... Go on. At that very same moment, the signor's brother, Gregorio Pansini, was sitting in the living room of his home in Trani, a town some 50 miles from Bari, when he heard... Well, this is a pleasant surprise. My two nephews come all the way from Bari to call on me. Boys, what's the matter with you? Where are we? How did we get here?

Who are you? Once again, Giuseppe and Nicola Pansini were in a state of profound hypnosis. Once again, they had moved through space at an unbelievable speed, a speed which no vehicle was capable of attaining in the year 1901. And no key has ever been provided to this strange riddle. It belongs in a long list of mysteries, incredible but true. ♪♪

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Eat, save, and be merry with low prices and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh. Whether you're looking for sweet deals on holiday treats or your dream gingerbread house, outshine the tree with holiday deals delivered right to your doorstep. Prime members save even more with deals on thousands of grocery items and up to 50% off on weekly favorites. Celebrate the holiday season with savings and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh.

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. At Walden University, we get the W. We come here for more than just a degree. We come here to make an impact. We step up when everything is on the line and we create opportunities.

At Walden University, we learn the skills to get us to the next level. Plus, with flexible online learning, we can do it on our time. Now it's your time. Get the W. Walden University, set a course for change. Visit waldenu.edu to learn more. Certified to operate by Chev. Lipton Tea and Lipton Soup presents Inner Sanctum Mystery, starring Simone Simone.

Good evening, friends of the Inner Sanctum. This is, of course, Raymond, your host. Please come in, won't you? Make yourself comfortable in any gloomy corner.

We had intended to have a real surprise for you tonight. Instead of myself, we were going to have a guest ghost act as host. But, uh, unfortunately, this real ghost caught pneumonia, and he's in a very grave condition. The doctors have given up all hope. He's, uh, going to become alive.

Well, Mr. Raymond, I must admit, I'm glad that that ghost couldn't come. It's difficult enough to talk to you, but heavens, I wouldn't know what to say to a ghost. Oh, well, that's simple, Mary. All you have to do is find out whether it's a he-ghost or a she-ghost. And if it's a she...

Oh, then you compliment her on her appearance. You say, darling, what a divine sheet you're wearing. That's right, Mr. Raymond. The ladies are always interested in something new to wear. And right now, I'm going to tell them about something they'll all want. It's a lovely piece of jewelry. A real sterling silver medallion about an inch in diameter. It's the kind of jewelry you find at those smart shops on Fifth Avenue in New York. But the only way you can get it is from Lipton's.

The medallion is decorated with a Chinese inscription, and it's hung on a narrow black rayon satin ribbon. That's the height of fashion this year, you know.

And here's how you get the medallion. Just send 25 cents and the box top from a package of Lipton's, the tea with the brisk flavor, to the Lipton Tea People, Box 92, New York City. Yes, that's Box 92 in New York City. And now it's time to begin. Our story is called The Black Art. The Black Art

It's an original tale by Milton Lewis. And our star tonight is that glamorous motion picture star, Simone Simone, who played the role of Claudine. So gather close and get ready to hear a sweet little tale that'll make you wake up screaming for at least the next two weeks. You all set? Now remember, if you don't want your hair to stand on end, get someone to...

Sit on your head. Okay? All right, now, let's hear Larry Gifford tell you his story in his own words. I wish I never heard that scream. I wish I never saw a body living there. Blood all over the room. The knife on the floor near her throat. I'll never forget it. I'll never forget how I picked up the knife.

I'll never forget the sweat that came creaming out all over me when I heard the door slam. Stand where you are. If you make a move, I'll blow your head off. Don't shoot, copper. Not that knife. Okay. What's your name? Larry. Larry Gifford. Look, I'm from Chicago. Stranger, huh? Yeah, what of it? What's her name? Her? I don't know. I never saw her before. Look, you don't have to frisk me. I haven't got a gun. Shut up.

Listen, I know it looks bad, but you see, my room's downstairs. I heard a scream and I... Give me back that wallet. Get your hands off. Roll papers. Whatever. So I'm an ex-con, so what? You don't know her, huh? No, I don't. I... What have you got there? Just a picture I found in your wallet, mister. A picture of her to Larry. With all my love, Nancy. I reckon you forgot about this. Yeah, but look, I didn't kill her. I... Shut up. You think I heard that screaming come up here without your hands? Sure. Sure.

You can have him. Here. Come back here. Come back. I didn't get far. Crowded streets, Natalie. Begat it when they heard the shots and screamed. I was dumped in jail. Well, this was a little bird in the bio country not far from New Orleans. I was the biggest thing that hit the town since Ripley's Believe It or Not. For them jerks, my trial was a bigger show than Carmen Miranda and Gypsy Rose Lee doing a trapeze act.

No time at all. They sentenced me to be hung. It was the night before they were going to take me to the state pen for the necktie party. I was sleeping, dreaming I was in Africa. They were beating them drums. Tom-toms. Suddenly I woke up. Moonlight was shining through the bars of my cell. I listened. Someone was beating like a tom-tom on the wall of my jail. Who is it?

Who's doing that? Larry Gifford. Yeah, that's me. Were you beating on the wall? Yes. I'm under your cell window. What do you want? Drop one end of your tie so we've got it. What are you doing? Pull up your tie. Okay. Got it? A gun. Yeah, yeah, I got it. Good luck. Thanks, baby. Whoever you are. What's going on there, Gifford? Oh, nothing. Why? I heard talking. Oh, I was talking in my sleep. You've never done that before. I never was going to be hung before.

What are you holding there? Come here. I'll show you. It's a gun. Yeah, and it's got enough bullets to fill your head with lead. Come on, man. Open that door. Open that door. I'll give it to you between the eyes. Go on. Don't shoot. Okay. Okay. Now take your gun. Give me those keys. See how you like it in there for a while. Come on. Stop him. He's going to escape. Let me out. He's going to escape. Let me out.

The Blue Bottle Bar. Someone told me it was a good joint where they don't ask any questions. It was. I had a few drinks. I was leaning on the bar, looking at a paper. What are you drinking? Scotch. Buy me one. I gave it once over.

I know something about Dave since she was dynamite with class. She was something. Well? Set up another, Charlie. Cigarette? Here. Thank you. It's a nice cigarette holder. Must cost at least a C. You know a lot, don't you? Enough. I know you. Do you? Sure. There's something about... Wait a second. Here. Here in this evening's paper, your picture...

It's not a very good picture, is it? After seeing you, no. Claudine Lussan, recently returned from France, elected head of art committee. Miss Lussan, member of one of New Orleans' oldest and wealthiest families. I've read it. Turn the page. Why? I want to show you something.

Okay. There. Larry Gifford of Chicago wanted for murder is sought by police after sensational jailbreak. I do not read any more. Why? Feel something against your side? It's a gun. I'm holding it in my pocket. Don't be afraid. I won't give you away. Got a light? Yeah.

What do you want? Listen to that music. That tapping. What about it? The way you're tapping your cigarette holder against your glass. I'm just keeping time to the music. I heard that tapping before. Yeah, sure, in the cell. And I heard your voice before. Did you? You gave me the gun. Shh, let me hear you. I...

What's this all about? You'll find out. Relax. I can't. I guess I hit a few too many. My head, I feel like I'm spinning around, getting dizzy. Two green eyes. Pink with blood around the edges looked at me out of a queer, furry head. It was the head of a bat. It smiled.

It had sharp little bat teeth that had pink on them. There was an ache in my throat. I looked again. It wasn't a bat's face. It was hers. Claudine's. I was dreaming. Larry? Hmm? Oh, well, where am I? My suite at the hotel. Ah, how did I get here? You passed out at the Blue Bottle. I brought you here. When? Two hours ago. Oh, I must have been sleeping. I...

I had the queerest dream. I thought... What's the matter? My throat. That pain. Like a knife. Those green eyes of yours. That red mouth. And those white teeth. Look, we're going to have a showdown right now. Where's my gun? I took it. Look, what do you want with me? Nothing you don't want to do yourself. Don't talk in riddles.

Have you ever been in love? Sure, dames are always falling for me. Why? I guess that's what happened to me. Are you kidding? No. Do you think I'd get you out of jail if I were? But I never saw you before. I saw you at the trial. That's where it happened. How can a dame like you go for a guy like me? I don't know. But it happened. I don't believe it. I'm sorry. Come here. Yes? I'm going to kiss you, baby. Larry...

Oh, Larry. It's a funny thing to do. Kiss a guy on the neck. Better wipe that lipstick off. What's the matter? My handkerchief. That ain't lip rouge on my neck. It's blood. No, you're making a mistake. My neck's bleeding. What kind of a dame are you, anyway? I'm getting out. No, don't. If you go, I'll tell them who you are. Oh, you will. Yes, and I... Ow! Ow!

You won't tell them for a while, baby. Margrady's joint in the old city of New Orleans was just the place. She'd never find me in that dump. Nobody'd ever find you there. I got a room. I went to sleep. I was safe. Then I heard it again. That same rhythm. It woke me up. I heard it, but I couldn't believe it. How could she know I was here?

Oh, was it her? There was nobody in the room. I opened the door. Nobody outside. I slammed it. The beating stopped. I turned around. I was looking into the muzzle of a gun. Sit down, Larry. How'd you get here? My Grady ran to the room next to you. There's a connecting door. What's the idea of a gun? Can't you guess? You gonna kill me? Maybe. Maybe.

Well, you're going to a lot of trouble to bump off a guy who's going to be hung anyway. Do you want to die? No. There is a way you can live. How? By coming with me. Yeah? What else have I got to do? Marry me. You're right over your head. You hate me? No. No, I don't. I don't hate you. I'm scared of you. Yeah, I've never been scared of anybody the way I'm scared of you. Scared enough to do as I say? Maybe. I had hoped you would love me.

Maybe I do. You're lying. No. No, baby. It's no use. What are you going to do? Kill you? No, put the gun down. Give me a break. Don't. Man, that Claudine's a kid of her words.

When she tells someone she's gonna kill him, she does it. She'd make a wonderful wife for some Frankenstein monster. She's attractive, a good killer, and she has a well-developed taste for blood.

Why should I hand her over to some other guy? She's just a gal for me. Nonsense, Mr. Raymond. Why, Mary Bennett, I believe you're jealous. I am not. Yes, you are. You're thinking what a handsome couple you and I would make... strolling down the avenue, me dressed in a shroud... and you wearing your new sterling silver medallion. Now, don't you go making fun of my lovely medallion... because I want all the ladies to send in for one.

I know they're going to enjoy wearing it because it's made of solid sterling silver and it's really a fine piece of jewelry. Besides, there's a true story behind this medallion, an inspiring story. It seems that the original was given to an American flyer by Chinese guerrillas who rescued him after he'd bailed out over enemy territory. The flyer was told that the Chinese characters on the medallion would identify him and bring him safely through the lines.

Well, he did get through. And only then did he learn that the medallion said, good luck in Chinese. Now there's a story to tell your friends.

And to get this good luck charm, just like the one the flyer carried, all you have to do is send 25 cents and the box top from a package of Lipton's, the tea with the brisk flavor, to the Lipton Tea People, Box 92. That's Box 92, New York City. Now, let's get back to our star, Simone Simone, who seems to be making life hard for a guy named Larry. The last time we looked in, she had just shot him.

But I've got a tip that that's only the beginning of his troubles. How about it, Larry? What happened then? Went down in a heap when she fired. The bullets caught me in the thigh. I lay there. I made out like I was dead. Larry. Larry. She fell for it. She bent over me. The gun in her hand. Larry. Are you... Take it easy, kid. Let go of my hand. That'll get that gun. Let go. Let go. Get that gun or I'll have to break your arm. No. Okay. Got it now.

You shot me in the leg, but I'm still strong enough to get rid of you. Larry. I'm no angel, baby, but you're worse. You're something I heard about, but I never believed. How'd you know I'd be here? How'd you know I'd be in the blue bottle? Go on, answer me. I've got nothing to tell you. Oh, you don't have to. It was magic. Black magic. Somebody nobody'd believe if I ever told them. There's only one thing to do with you. Yes? Kill you. But I ain't taking any chances like you did with me. When I kill you, you're going to stay dead. Those tom-toms are going to stop forever. You think so, Larry? I know it. Come here. Larry, I... Shut up. No! No!

I knocked her out cold. She lay on the floor. I put the muzzle of the gun to her temple. She was so beautiful it made you shiver. I pulled the trigger. I looked. What I saw nearly made me pass out. A little blue vein in her temple was beating. There wasn't a scratch on her. A little curl of red hair was twisted around her ear. Was I seeing things? I aimed the gun at her heart. Nothing. Not a speck of blood. I stuck the muzzle between her eyes. Shot till the gun clicked empty.

I looked. The white skin on her face looked more beautiful than ever. I had to get away. Out of the same city where she was. Out of the same state. The same world. I led out for the open country. To the bayous on the river back in New Orleans. My wounds festered as I dragged myself through the swamps. And I got a fever. It was like a nightmare. In my head I kept hearing those tom-toms.

I couldn't take a train or a bus or go to a doctor. I'd be caught. One night I saw a big house shining in the moonlight. I decided to take a chance and knocked at the door.

What is it? Sorry, miss. I was hunting. I had an accident with my leg. Oh. If you'd let me come in and call a doctor, I'd be very grateful. You don't want to come into this house. Can't you see I need help? You'll never be helped here. There's nothing good here, only evil and fear. So go away, please. I'm warning you. Go away before my sister comes out. What's the matter with you? Don't you see I can hardly move? Go away while you still have the strength to crawl away. Now, believe me. Tell Mr. Gifford to come in and close the door, can't he? Yes.

That voice. That's my sister. Yes, your sister. Hardeen the son. Evening, Larry. I was wondering when you'd get here. You know him? Yes. Mr. Gifford and I are old friends. Friends. How can you have a friend? Now, Kathy. He's someone like you. You mustn't mind her, Larry. Kathy isn't quite well. I don't know who you are, Mr. Gifford.

but I do know that she's brought you here to kill me. Cassie? I knew it would happen on a night like this when the moon was full. She's been preparing for it for months. I've told everyone about it, but no one will believe me. I've told them again and again, and they say I'm insane. They think I've lost my mind. But she is going to murder me tonight while the moon is full. She's going to murder me. She's going to murder me. Go to your room, Cassie, immediately. Oh, yes, yes. I'll go. I'll go. How did you get here? I live here. Come, Larry. Come.

You must know by this time that you can't fight me. Yes, I... I thought I'd never see you again. I'm not well. I've got a fever. Hey, that tom-tom being in my brain. I can't stop it. It's getting louder and louder. I blacked out.

When I opened my eyes again, I was in a soft bed with clean sheets. Someone had dressed my wounds. The moonlight came into my room like a living yellow ghost. Then I heard it. Scream. Just like the one Nancy made when she was killed. I limped out of bed, went to the room next door. It was Kathy on the floor. Murdered. The knife was still in her neck. Then I heard it again. A tom-tom. Queer sounding this time. I felt myself beginning to sway to the rhythm like a dancer. Then I...

I did something I couldn't stop myself from doing. I put my hands down, threw out the knife. I wiped my bloody hand on my shirt. Suddenly I looked up. She was there. Claudine. Drop the knife, Larry. What? What have you got in your hands? These? These came from the skeleton of someone who was once alive. You're not a woman. You're a devil. I'm going to kill you. Don't come any closer, Larry. I don't want to kill you just yet. Just yet? Just yet.

So we're supposed to have payoffs. Yes. You're trembling, Larry. Who are you? There's no reason why I cannot tell you now. You don't believe, do you, that there are unseen powers that can be controlled by someone who knows how? I can believe anything about you. Thank you, Larry. Your heart is pounding like a throbbing drum, isn't it, Larry? You can feel death close, can't you? What have you got to say to me? I'm going to tell you a story, Larry. A story of a child...

who was brought up on this estate by a strange old woman, a conjoined woman. In her head were all the black arts of the world. She taught me. Why are you telling me this? It amuses me to watch you, a murderer, helpless and terrified. So terrified you can hardly breathe. I find it very exciting. Then...

It was blood I found on my high chair. Yes. It is one of the ways to gain complete power over a person. In a town town. Not a spell to make you do what I want. And the murder of your sister? You want me to be the patsy for that? You're beginning to understand. You see, Cassie and I inherited the estate. That is really not enough for both of us. You'll tell them I did it. Yes. And that I killed you in self-defense. What are you looking at me that way for?

I was remembering something. Remembering? Oh, that kiss, baby, wasn't it? You're a devil, but still a woman, ain't you? You didn't forget that kiss, did you? No. Well, what are you going to do? Come here. Closer. Well? Don't move.

You're going to let me live? Live when it's my life against yours, you fool. Oh, put that gun down. And I'm finished. Please, give me a break. I'm begging you. Begging you? I'll do anything you say. Just give me a chance, please. Here it comes, Larry. Between your eyes. How do you feel today, Gifford? Much better, officer. Leg's healing fine. We checked that crazy story you told us. It's all true. Tell me something.

How'd you know to come to the Lusanne place when you're dead? You arrived just in time. A second later and she would have killed me. Kathy, her sister, phoned us, told us to come out. I came in the room and saw her threatening you with a gun. I shot at her. I had to. Got her in the shoulder. You should have killed her. State will take care of that. Did you believe the story she told you at first? That I killed her sister and she was killing me in self-defense? No. You see, Gifford, we found out that you aren't a murderer. You didn't kill Nancy Warren. The man who did that confessed.

That made her whole story false. How did she do it, Captain? How did she find out where I always went? Police psychiatrist said she did it by post-hypnotic suggestion. She told you where to go while you were asleep and you never realized that you were always doing just what you wanted. But the bullets when I shot at her and tried to kill her, how'd she do that? It was all carefully planned. First shot she fired that you were real bullets. The others in the gun were blanks. She wanted to get you so thoroughly under her power that you think she couldn't be killed.

You see, all this so-called black magic has an explanation. Has it? I wonder. Oh, that black magic. Hmm.

I tell you what I'm going to do. Step right this way, friends, and get yourself a post-hypnotic suggestion. Spell it backwards and you get murder. What's that?

You can't spell. Ain't you lucky? Talking of luck, Mr. Raymond, I think Larry Gifford was mighty lucky to escape that awful woman. Oh, well, you see, ma'am, it's very simple. He probably wore one of your good luck medallions. Oh, now, that's plain silly. A man wouldn't wear a medallion on a black rayon satin ribbon. It's the ladies who like jewelry. Yes, that's why I know that they'll appreciate this solid sterling silver medallion that the Lipton people want to send them. And, ladies, here's how you get it.

Send just 25 cents, which includes tax and postage, with a box top from a package of Lipton's, the tea with the brisk flavor, to the Lipton Tea People, Box 92 in New York City. The moral for tonight's assault on your nerves is never marry a dame who sucks blood out of your throat. Such dames give you a pain in the neck.

And by the way, this month's Inner Sanctum Mystery Novel is The Red Right Hand by Joel Townsley Rogers.

Yes, and don't you dare miss next week's story directed by Hyman Brown and brought to you by Lipton Tea and Lipton Soup. Next week's story is about a pair of murderers who get scared to death. They're more frightened than the guy they're murdering. So if you hear some static on your radio next Tuesday, it'll just be their knees knocking together. Well, now, I guess it's really time to close that there squeaking door, so...

Good night. For real. Pleasant dreams. Folks, the next time you send a box of food to your boy overseas, be sure to include a package or two of Lipton's Noodle Soup Mix.

You see, Lipton's is just like a taste of home. Mm-hmm. It has the same homemade, chickeny taste as the soup you make yourself. The soup your boy's always been so fond of. That's why it's such a thoughtful, welcome little gift to send Lipton's. And as you know yourself, Lipton's Noodle Soup makes a grand snack. So remember, send a package or two to your boy.

And remember to tune in next Tuesday night for another Inner Sanctum mystery. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

Eat, save, and be merry with low prices and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh. Whether you're looking for sweet deals on holiday treats or your dream gingerbread house, outshine the tree with holiday deals delivered right to your doorstep. Prime members save even more with deals on thousands of grocery items and up to 50% off on weekly favorites. Celebrate the holiday season with savings and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh.

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. At Walden University, we get the W. We come here for more than just a degree. We come here to make an impact. We step up when everything is on the line and we create opportunities.

At Walden University, we learn the skills to get us to the next level. Plus, with flexible online learning, we can do it on our time. Now it's your time. Get the W. Walden University, set a course for change. Visit waldenu.edu to learn more. Certified to operate by Chev.

Eat, save, and be merry with low prices and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh. Whether you're looking for sweet deals on holiday treats or your dream gingerbread house, outshine the tree with holiday deals delivered right to your doorstep. Prime members save even more with deals on thousands of grocery items and up to 50% off on weekly favorites. Celebrate the holiday season with savings and same-day delivery from Amazon Fresh.

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.

At Walden University, we get the W. We come here for more than just a degree. We come here to make an impact. We step up when everything is on the line and we create opportunities. At Walden University, we learn the skills to get us to the next level. Plus, with flexible online learning, we can do it on our time. Now it's your time. Get the W. Walden University, set a course for change. Visit waldenu.edu to learn more. Certified to operate by Chev.

Every door has a key. There's a key to every situation. Behind every unopened door, there is a mystery. And the opening of this door introduces us to another in the series, the key. Barry, I want to talk to you. Come in, Vivian. You look awfully serious about something. What is it?

Would you mind taking your nose out of those papers for a minute? Looking at me? Sorry, darling. I've just got into a rather nutty problem, and you know how it is. Yes, I know how it is, only too well. That's the great thing about you, Vivian. You understand. I was a fortunate man who had married you.

Being married with Siders can be quite a strain, unless the wife sets out to understand. Yes. Anyway, I won't have to neglect you much longer. Once I get over this problem, the experiment will be underway. Vivian! My papers! What on earth's the matter with you? Why did you brush them off the desk like that? What are you doing? At long last, I can't understand anymore. I'm sick of your papers, your problems, and your experiments. And most of all, I'm sick of you. Vivian! For the last year, this marriage you talk about has been a farce.

Well, I just want you to know I've made up my mind what to do. You can marry your work. I want a divorce. I want a divorce.

A divorce? But Vivian, I don't follow. You shouldn't have any difficulty following it. I'm always having it impressed on me that you're such a clever man. Someone of your intelligence should... Well, you should follow a simple thing easily. I don't want to be your wife any longer. Why? I mean, I've no idea. Of course you wouldn't. If you'd spared me one thought in the last year, I'd be amazed.

What's happened these last 12 months? You've left home at 6 in the morning. You've come back at 8 or 9 at night. You've had dinner alone in here in your study. And you've worked till midnight on your infernal equations and diagrams. Then you've fallen into bed exhausted. That's happened seven nights a week for 52 weeks. And I won't stand it anymore. I can't stand it. Well, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was getting you down. Getting me down? I'm down so low now. Oh, it's impossible.

No one can be expected to live the sort of married life you make me lead. Well, I know I've been dreadfully busy, honey, and maybe it has seemed as though I've been over... I want you to come to the lawyers with me first thing in the morning. I won't ask for any more than my freedom. I don't want a settlement. I just want the opportunity to start again with some other man.

One who knows how to treat a wife. But you don't realize the only reason I've been working so hard is for our future. Once I finish this thing, we'll never have to worry about money or security again. Fitz, when has my only concern been money and security? Well, it's my main concern. I want to give you a good life, Vivian. I've been working hard to see you'll have everything you want. If this experiment comes off, and I know it will, why, I'll have every chance in the world of getting the Nobel. And once I have that, there'll be no looking back.

We'll be able to buy the house you've always dreamed about, the car. You'll be able to walk into a Fifth Avenue store and buy whatever clothes take your fancy. All I've ever wanted from you is a little attention, some affection. You've had that? Well, I mean, I haven't ignored you completely. You think again. I haven't. And, well, you must realize I don't slave away because I like it. It's for you. Oh, shut up. I tell you, I've had enough. I'll be ready to go to the lawyer at ten tomorrow.

Now, listen. Won't you both have just one more try? Compromise. Now, you, you, Barry. Give away this night work, and Vivian... I don't need any more advice, thank you, Alan. I've made up my mind what's the best course. And if you don't want to handle the kids, well, you've only to say so. Oh, I'll handle the thing if I have to, Vivian, but...

Well, I don't like it. I don't like it at all. I'm sure no one likes divorce. But the most unpleasant medicine is sometimes the best for you. Well? You've been married... What is it, five years now, six? Nearly six. Well, now...

You were happy enough until a few months ago, weren't you? I was happy right up until last night when Vivian told me. Yes, well, now listen. Don't you think, then, that all this is too premature? I don't want a divorce. Vivian knows I love her. Must we go through all this again? Vivian, I don't usually ask questions like this, but as you are friends of mine, well, I'm going to stick my neck out. Is there, well, some other man already?

Not that it's any business of yours, Alan, but no, there isn't any other man. I see. You've just completely lost your love for Barry. That should be quite clear. Sure, you couldn't have loved him very much in the first place then if a few months' dissatisfaction can make you want a divorce. You know my reason for wanting it.

We've been over them half a dozen times already, and I'm not going over them anymore. Oh, I didn't hear you. Of course, the judge has to decide whether divorce will be granted, you know. If Barry didn't want to let you go, if he explained things to the court as he's explained them to me, you could be ordered to try again. If any judge tries that, I'll desert Barry. So we can do it this way or wait a little longer. We still needn't divorce you for desertion, you know. If he wanted to, he could keep you married to him for the rest of your life. If you're determined to go, Vivian, I won't stop you.

I've never wanted anything more than your happiness in life. And if this is the only way to give it to you... Well, when can we get a hearing? Oh, well, in a week or so, I guess. I'll make out the papers. Thank you, Alan. I've made some coffee. Here. Thank you. I, um, I think I'll have mine in the kitchen. All right.

Barry, I want you to know I'm grateful you don't want to cause any trouble. Thank you for making things easy. There's still time to cancel the action, Vivian. I can ring Alan and tell him not to apply. He'd still be at the office. He probably wouldn't have got on the job straight away. It's only two hours ago that we saw him. I wish I could say, yes, go ahead, but it wouldn't be any use.

You might be able to make it go a bit if we try again, but I couldn't. Of course you couldn't. I'd do anything you want. When you suddenly realize your love is dead, nothing can revive it. I suppose this whole thing is my fault when it's all boiled down. I haven't enough strength of character or something. It'll be far better to leave things as they are. I guess we should never have married. Anyway, there are no kids. One good thing.

You'll find a woman who'll be right for you. And I expect I'll find the right man? No. No, I'll never marry again. There's only one person I want. Larry, I'm desperately sorry. All right, Vivian. I guess I'll go pack my things. I'm about to hotel. I can do that. No. No, this is your house. We're staying here. Okay. Larry. I'm going over to the laboratory.

How are things going, Frank? Oh, here you are. I was wondering when you'd get in, Chief. The message I got said you'd be in about 11. I got delayed. Huh? Something wrong? Yes. Sorry to hear it. Anything I can do? No, thank you. Well, if...

Anything does come up and I can help, just let me know. Thanks, but that won't happen. You're married, aren't you, Frank? Uh-huh. Four years. You and your wife quite happy? Sure. Does she mind all the late hours you keep? Sometimes she gets a bit snaky, but that's only natural. And she soon gets over it. She knows I've just got an eye on the future and she understands what I'm doing and why. You can tell your wife you won't be doing any more night work from now on.

There's no reason why a word should kill two marriages. But... Oh. My wife is divorcing me through this. I won't let you run the same risk. Chief, I... Well, I guess it doesn't mean much. But I'm sorry to hear it. So am I. Switch on more power with you, Frank. I'm going to add the B-12 mixture now. Right, Chief. Power up. Stay there. I may want more. And keep your fingers crossed. We get over this tricky bit, we're home and dry. Here goes.

Cut back the power. Cut it back. There's been a mistake. Cut it off.

Wait for me, will you? Mrs. Lester! Mrs. Lester!

I can only stay a minute. I'll have to get back to the lab and see what equipment is left. I couldn't get here sooner. After you rang, Frank, I had the devil's own job getting cabbed. Where is he? Where's Darren? They've just taken him away. Oh. He must have passed the ambulance and only left a minute ago. But where have they taken him? To the general hospital. They couldn't do enough for him here. Oh, is he badly hurt? I'm afraid so. I was lucky. I...

How does standing well out of the way when the thing exploded? He got the full force in him. Will he... Will he die? The doctors here aren't very hopeful. So what? He's still in one piece. In this case... I'll go straight over to the general hospital. Okay. I'll have to get back now before the firemen swap everything.

The general hospital. As quickly as you can get there. Who is it? Gertrude. I was wondering if you'd come over. I've been waiting all afternoon. They wouldn't let me see you until now.

Is there anyone else in the room? No. Why? I've got something to tell you. It's better if we're alone while you hear it. What is it? Of course you may know already. Have the doctor said anything to you? No, I couldn't get anything out of him. Well, they've let me know what I can expect. It's only fair that you should know, too. For a start, I'll never be able to see again. Oh,

They can operate, but the chances of success are so close to nil, they're not worth bothering about. And as a second thing, I won't be out of this hospital for at least 18 months, maybe two years, probably much longer. Oh, Barry. If and when I do get out, I'll still be rather remiss. So there you are. And now that that's over, I want the divorce as much as you do. Oh.

Things like this sometimes change a person's mind. I mean, you could have started to think along different lines now, but I'm thinking on different lines too. No woman could be saddled with what's left of me. I hope the divorce will go through as we both want it, and I don't want you to come here again, Vivian. Goodbye. Good luck. I hope you make a good life for yourself somewhere else.

Well, Barry, how are things? Feeling any easier? I feel all right. How are things with you, Alan? So-so. Any news about the divorce? Yes, yes. That's one of the things I came to tell you about. The nice eye was given this morning...

The absolute will be available in six months. I see. Well, I'm glad she went through with it. Yes, yes. Well, she did have a change of mind, you know. Yes, I somehow thought she might. Anyway, she did what I wanted, so that's the main thing. How is she? Well, she's not very well. What? As a matter of fact, she's just become a neighbor of yours. It happened an hour ago. What happened? What do you mean? She caught a cab from my office and...

Well, then, it was a crash. No, no. Unfortunately, it's more shock than anything, as far as I can make out. Although she did suffer some injuries, but from what I heard, it doesn't seem to be very serious. Vivian. Oh, how ghastly. But I don't want her coming here, Alan. Tell her when you see her again, when she's well again, she mustn't come here to see me. Yes, of course, if you say so, Barry, but why not? I just don't want her anywhere near me, that's all. Yes, you still love her a lot, don't you?

I love her more than anything in this world. But if she stays away from me, it won't seem so bad. Give her my regards. Tell her I hope she's up and about again soon. Yeah. Sure. Sure, Barry. I'll do that. Good morning, Professor Lester. Who are you? Your new nurse.

Nurse Baxter's been detailed to other duties, and I've been promoted to looking after you. Oh. It's quite a promotion, too. I've never had anyone as important as you to look after. What's your name? Jane Brandt. Very well, Nurse Brandt. Welcome to the dreariest room in the hospital. I'd like to say you'll have a pleasant time working here, but I'm afraid you won't. I think poor Baxter nearly went out of her mind trying to look after me. Oh? Well, I have a little surprise for you.

She was furious at being moved. Do tell. How do you look? Pardon? You'll have to describe yourself to me. I know Baxter was a pretty smart number. Are you in the same category? I don't really know. I'm five feet six, slim, dark hair. Short or long? Short. That's a pity. I like long hair. My wife had long... Anyway, that doesn't matter. What else?

Brown eyes, silly nose, a mouth that I think's too big, and that's about the end of it. You sound quite human. You may stay. Thank you. Will you be staying with me for very long? I don't know. That depends. Well, we'll see, speaking metaphorically. How much would you give to see again? I don't care for that question. I'm sorry, but I had a reason for asking it.

I've just been told they're going to perform another operation. What? Over the last six months, there have been three operations, none of them successful. They were right when they told me a long time ago that I wouldn't see again. They seem to have changed their minds. What? Sir Hartley Shaw, the English surgeon, is in New York. He came here for a holiday, but he's been asked to see what he can do for you.

I understand by current estimates he's the best eye man in the world. Sure, but he would cost a fortune. I couldn't afford it. Your firm's paying for him. Oh. But perhaps I'm telling you too much. I only overheard all this. I expect they'll tell you soon. And when they do, for heaven's sake, act surprised. Don't let on you've heard. Do you know any more? Well... Tell me. Tell me everything you can. I want to know. Well...

The only other thing I heard is that the people who worked with you have a fund going. I understand there'll be enough in it by the end of the month to get Dr. Lewis Martin for you. Lewis Martin's the best plastic surgeon in the country. That's what they say. Oh, but this is fantastic. Why should they do this for me? It seems there are people around who like you very much, who admire you for what you are and what you've done. Now they want to do something for you. It's...

Well, of course, it's wonderful, but hard to believe. A lot of people believe in you, Professor. They want to see you well again. They'll make sure you get back to where you were before. There's not much more in the paper. They just seem to be filling up the columns with a lot of nonsense these days.

Do you want to hear why Hollywood's reigning movie queen eats yogurt for breakfast? No, thank you. I didn't think you would. And that concludes this latest news bulletin. Ah, thanks for reading the paper to me again, Jane. That's all right. I wonder how many papers I've read you since I've been on duty here. It seems like thousands. You know, I think I'll miss it when I can't read any more to you. When the time comes that you can read them for yourself again.

You're so certain this last operation sure will be a success? Of course. Sure certain of it, so the rest of us should be, too. To see again. It'll be quite a day when these bandages are taken off. It'll be a great day. You've so much to look forward to now. The plastic surgery a success? The eye operation undoubtedly the same. I'll be able to see and move about in a world of my own. Why do you say...

Of your own? That's just the way it'll be. Do you still want to see her again, your ex-wife? No, no. I don't want to see her. I really couldn't stand up to that, but do I still love her, if you ask me that? Oh, I'm sorry, Jane. I'm burbling on. If this final operation turns out all right, I'll get back to my work and...

I guess if I go about it in the right way, I can make that take the place of everything in time. Are you ready, Professor? Yes, Sir Hartley. I'm ready. When the bandages are removed, open your eyes slowly. There's nothing to worry about. You'll see. Nurse...

Remove the bandages, please. I... Sir, how did I... Please, the bandages. Yes. What's the matter, Jane? Too nervous? I'm sorry. I guess I am. Here we go. Now, I'll find out when you've given me an accurate description of yourself, Jane. Yes. How long does this unwinding go on? There. You can open your eyes now. Vivian! Vivian! Forgive me for tricking you like this, Barry. That it was the only way I could do it.

You wouldn't have accepted my realization that I made a dreadful mistake asking you for a divorce. I cancelled the application. As soon as I left this room on that first day you were brought here, I went to Alan's office and told him not to apply for a hearing. We're still married? Yes, you understand. We all had to deceive you. Oh, Vivian. It was easy to carry out the deception. That car accident. Something happened to my vocal cords. My voice changed.

And I had to work at something, so... As I was a nurse before you married me... I wish you'd told me. I wish that... If we told you, you would have ordered me out, thinking you were doing the kindest thing for me. No. This was the only way it could be handled. Oh, Barry, I was another fool. But I think I've paid for it now. The dreadful suspense of waiting and wondering whether you'd get over this has been a ghastly punishment.

But now we can start again. I do love you. There'll be no more mistakes. Only a time of making up for everything we've missed. A closing door finishes a story. Next week, another key will open another door to another story. Mystery, romance, or adventure all start when a door is unlocked by the key.

The End

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Ironized Yeast presents... Lights Out, everybody. It is later than you think. Lights Out brings you stories of the supernatural and the supernormal, dramatizing the fantasies and the mysteries of the unknown. We tell you this frankly, so if you wish to avoid the excitement and tension of these imaginative plays...

We urge you calmly, but sincerely, to turn off your radio now. This is Arch Obler. Tonight's is a story that's happening because a very long time ago I found myself in the sub-sub-basement of a huge department store. A strange subterranean world of half-lights and half-darknesses. So, to you who thrill to whatever might be beneath the earth, I bring you a tale of Sub-Basement.

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But of course I can run an elevator. I was just asking. And I told you. Well, here we are. All right. All right. Are you getting out? I suppose so. Suppose so. For ten years, that's all I've heard. Where do you work? What do you do? Why don't you let me see it? Don't get angry. Oh, I'm not angry. I'm just telling you. Come on, this way. Such a big basement. You don't know the half of it.

Like a whole city down here. A person goes to a department store and doesn't know all this is underneath. Say that again. And you're in charge of everything down here? That's another fact. Here, look at these. What are they? Furnaces? Oil burning. Heats and air conditions, the whole building up above. Twenty stories. But where is everybody? Nothing but a watchman at this hour of the night. Everything's shut down. Help! What's the matter with you?

Nothing. What did you do that for? Oh, I just wanted to hear my voice. It's like a big cave down here. You're going out like that. Won't you ever grow up? Don't be angry, Arnie. All right, come on. Yes, Arnie. Come on, in here. Another elevator? Well, you want to see everything, don't you? Yes, yes, I do. Down some more? Yeah, all right. Another basement. Yeah, go ahead.

Plenty of light to see behind. What's down here? Come on over here. I'll show you. There, in the wall. Is it a tunnel? That's what it is. But a tunnel down here? See those tracks? Yeah. Where do they go? How do you think all the merchandise is brought to all the stores here in the business section? Tunnel system, that's how. Right under the city streets. I had no idea. Mighty few people have. Trains run on those tracks, bring the stuff right in.

Trains? Oh, Arnie. You think all I've got to do is make jokes? You think the only kind of a train's a big one? Well, I just don't know. These are little ones. They run on electric batteries, just like they have down in the mines. Come on, I'll show you. Where? In the tunnel. But it's so dark. There are lights every little ways. Come on. I don't think so. What's the matter with you? I'm afraid. Oh, for John's sake. For years you've pestered me and pestered me to see you come along on me. You understand? All right.

Arnie, the... This is fine now. Oh, for John's sake, what's the matter with you now? I don't know. Come on, there's one of the little engines parked down at the end of the tunnel. You might as well see it. Keep walking. I think I'd like to... Down this way, you'll see the train. Yes, but Arnie, the light... Arnie, where are you? Right here. What's the matter? Matter? Why are you standing so close to me? I'm your husband.

Arnie, don't be silly. Emma, I'm going to tell you something. Arnie, what's the matter with you? Listen to me for the last time. Last time? Arnie, what's the matter with you? Do you know that you can't get out of here? What? You can't get out of here. Arnie, what are you talking about? What are you talking about? Oh, Arnie.

You haven't made a joke like that in years. The last time you tried to scare me was right after we were married. Remember? With that fur piece you made off with the dead animal that had gotten in the bedroom. You remember? I remember. Come along further, Irma. As long as I know what you're up to, I don't mind. How far are we going? A long way. All right, Arnie. Anything you say. Don't I know it.

All right. All right? What? This is as far as we're going. Oh. I feel funny. I've never been under the ground so far in so long. It was very nice of you, Arnie, to take me down here. So interesting. Very nice of you. Arnie, why don't you say something? Arnie, is something the matter? Arnie, really, you can't frighten me. Not now, you know. Arnie, are we waiting for someone? No.

If we are, I think I hear him. Hear him? Well, yes, don't you? No. But I heard, so... I tell you, there's no one down. All right. All right, if you say so, Arnie. If I say so, if I say so, if I say so. Can't you say something else but that even now? Now? Yes. Irma, I'm going... There, I heard it again. What? Are there trains running this late at night? Trains? If it's a train, we ought to get out of here. Tunnel so narrow, Arnie, please. Shut up. Let me listen. Hear it? Will you shut up? Who's there? Who's there? Who's there?

Isn't there supposed to be anyone? Of course not. I saw to it. Is that you? Is that you, Tom? Who is Tom? Tom, are you down here? One of the watchmen? I told him I'd pull these boxes tonight. I told him. Tom! Hey, Tom! What's wrong? Tom, what's the matter with you? Come on out here. Do you hear me?

Come out right away or I'm firing you. Tom! Is he playing jokes, too? Fool, I'll break his neck. Get my hands on that. No, Arnie, don't leave me. Arnie, where did you go? Arnie, it's so dark, the tunnel. Arnie, where are you? Arnold, was that you? Arnold, it is you. Did you cry out? Stay back. You, that man. Who...

From what's left of his face, I think it's Tom. What? What happened? The train ran over him? Arnold Anthony, was it? Train? No. Something's torn out his throat. Come on. We've got to get out of here. Oh, yes. Something down here. Honey. Honey, wait. I can't go so fast. Police. I'll get the police. Please, honey. Wait.

Honey, what's the matter? Honey, why are you just standing here? Why don't you open the door? The door wasn't closed before. Well, open it. It won't open. It won't open! Ladies and gentlemen, a moment of turning away from this strange story of sub-basement...

Yes, and in this moment of turning away from adventure, let's go to an entirely different scene. An office busy with the pressure of wartime work. Sure, I'd like to put in more overtime and make more money, the same as the other fellows. I should be able to do it, but it's all I can do to keep working eight hours a day. Often at night, I feel too tired to enjoy my food. I'm jittery, I can't relax, losing sleep, losing weight.

How it's going to end up, I don't know. Well, if vitamin B1 and iron shortage is your trouble, try ironized yeast tablets. They supply both vital substances. But what makes them so vital? Why, when you don't get enough vitamin B1 from the food you eat, you

You may lose your appetite, not eat all you need, lose weight, lose pep and energy. And without enough iron, you may be weak and pale. You may feel only half alive. And you say ironized yeast tablets supply both of them? You bet they do. It's this two-way help that's been of such benefit to any number of people with these deficiencies.

So if you are short on vitamin B1 and iron, get ironized yeast tablets right away. Then see if pretty soon you don't say, Oh, it's sure great to feel like myself again. That fagged out feeling is gone. I eat and sleep as I should once more. I'm sure glad I took ironized yeast. Now back to our lights-out story of Sub-Basement.

A man and his wife are far beneath the city streets in the tunnel leading to the sub-basement of a large department store.

All right. All right. We'll be there in a minute. But are you sure we're... I'd tell you it's an emergency exit. It's always kept open. Why was that door locked? Stop asking me that. I don't know. And that watchman? Stop talking, will you? I don't know anything. I...

Barney, why did you stop talking? And why stop? You said the emergency exit. That's it. What? Behind those timbers. It's blocked off. You understand? It's blocked off.

What do we do? We can't just stand here. Arnold, that man was killed. There's someone down here, I'm afraid. Oh, Arnold, get me out of here. Oh, wait a minute, wait a minute. I've got to think. Think? Now, whoever killed Tom, not down here necessarily. You don't think so, Arnold? Why should he be? Nothing to steal down here.

Tom is always borrowing money from people.

Somebody. He didn't pay back. Yeah, that's it. But the doors. Well, he got out and closed the doors. What other? We can get out. Come on. Where? I told you, these tunnels lead to the buildings all over the business section. Follow the tunnel to the next sub-basement to the next building. We'll get out. That's all. Honey, don't get too far ahead of me. No, just walk fast, will you? Oh, honey, I look forward so very much to tonight.

It had been so long since you'd even thought about me. I knew that. And tonight, when you called me up and told me to meet you here, and then when you tried to play those crazy, scary jokes before, even then I... Then I... Irma, you... You too? I...

He's in after us. Don't talk. Run. Oh, my side. It's hurting. That's too bad. Arnie, don't leave me behind. Arnie, I can't run any fast. Arnie, wait. Arnie. Arnie, watch. Oh, Arnie. I'm coming. Arnie, watch. Your leg. Oh.

Broken. Broken. Oh, honey, come on. Hold on to me, will you? No, no, I can't. But you can't lie here, that thing. Is this coming? I don't know. I can't see it. I was running a rock under my foot. Arnold, over here, a pile of boxes. What? Hide behind them. If I help you, could you go over there? Yes, hide, hide. Give me your arm. Yes, I will. Oh, come on. Hold on to me. If you hold my arm tight. Come. Get

Get over there. Come on. I'll help you. Take it easy, will you? That's it. That's it. We're getting there. Where? Back here. There. Oh. Now help me down. Yes. Easy. Here you are. Oh, honey. There. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. We'll be all right. Oh. Oh.

Can you... Can you see it? No. No, it's gone. Just don't think about it, Arnie. What was it? Irma, do you hear me? What was it? Well, you went to school. You studied things like that. That thing. What was it? Irma, didn't you hear me? What was it?

Yes. I heard you. What was it? What was it? Was it a lizard? Yes. Some kind of a lizard. That's it. It was a lizard. Some kind of a lizard. Why do you say it that way? I saw it good, Arnie. Well? In school, one of the books, there was an animal like that.

How did it get down here? A lizard that big? Oh, no, you don't understand. Geology book. The thing wasn't a lizard, exactly. Huh? It was a dinosaur. Are you crazy? No. I'm telling you what I saw. It sort of sat up on its hind feet, just like the picture in the book. What are you trying to do? Make me crazy, too? Why, those things died millions of years ago. Arnie, look. Huh? Way down the tunnel. Oh.

By the light. It is the dinosaur. Don't move. Arnie, it is the dinosaur. Has it gone away? I don't know. It's been so long. Just don't move. It just looked at us. Yeah. Why doesn't it come after us? Why? Huh? Maybe... Maybe it didn't see us. What? Well, it was...

It was like something that had been in the dark for a long, long time. Yes. Don't move around. There's a little room back here. Would you rather go out there? Don't be angry with me, Ernie. Angry? Why should I be angry? Ernie, you went to school. You studied those things. You called it a... Dinosaur. Yeah. All these hours, I've been thinking...

How could a thing like that, which was supposed to have passed out of the world so many years ago, how could it be alive now? I don't know. Irma, listen, I know. This tunnel under the business district, they were putting on an extension, blasting in the rock. Maybe that thing came out from inside the earth. Maybe. Yeah. You're not frightened, are you? No. Why not? Because I'm like you.

If it came back, what could I do for you? It's just being with you. I keep thinking... Of what? That poor watchman. Yeah, it'll really be something when it's morning and everyone finds out about it. What do you think they'll do? They'll hunt it down. The police will get it soon enough. Arnold. Yeah? Arnold, what if it won't be here then? Huh? It's been hours since we last saw it standing down there. What if it's gone back where it came from? That's all right with me.

But what if they're not... They'll hunt it down. They'll find it. Arnold, what's that? It's all right. Everything's all right. But what was... Six o'clock. That was the bell back in the basement. The day engineer turned off one of the sprinkler alarms. Oh. Oh, honey. Come on. Come on, I'll help you. Wait. What you said to do with... Look. Over there. That...

It's back. Help! Help! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't! Don't

I live it. Live it can hardly see. That's it, Emma. That's it. What? It's blind. That thing is blind. It's lived under the earth so long it can't see.

But it's still coming this way. Oh, Arnie, come on. I can't. Hold on to me. Let me alone. Go ahead. No, try. I'll carry you. Are you crazy? You can't carry me. I will. Go ahead, Emma. Go ahead. I tell you. I won't go. Go on. Don't stay here. I tell you. Go on. Arnie, please listen to me. Why should you stay here with me? I wanted to kill you tonight. Do you hear me? I brought you down here to kill you. Oh, Arnie, no. You're only saying that. I'm telling you the truth. I brought you down here to kill you. No, Arnie. I'll stay with you. I won't let you. Listen to me. I brought

I brought you down here to kill you. Now, that's the truth. Look at me and believe it because it's the truth. That's why you... That's why I suddenly got so wonderful. I was sick and tired of you. I was sick and tired of living. So I brought you down here to kill you and then kill myself. Arnie. Look. Look at it out there. It's feeling its way along. Well, he'll take care of me, but you've got to get out of here, Irma. No. You've got to get out. I deserve to die, but Irma, not you. Irma.

You're so blasted good. I guess that's why I got tired of you, but that's no reason for you to die. Irma, stop looking at me like that. You've got to get out. Run straight down the tunnel. Keep running and you'll get away. Irma, just don't look at me. Get going. No, I'm... Why don't you say what you've always said to me all these years? Just as you say, Arnie. Just as you say. Oh, Irma. Irma, will you get out of here? I'll slowly get moving. Irma! Irma!

It is blind. Yes, you look. Will you listen to me? Will you go? You've got to go or they'll think I've killed you. No, they won't. They won't. Yes, they will. I left a note back home to the police. I told them I had killed you. If that thing kills you and me, they'll still think I was the one who did it. Now, do you want me to be a murderer? Do you want that? You left a note? Yes, yes.

Don't you remember I turned back after you went out the door on the dining room table? Irma, get out of here and get that note. Don't make them think I killed you and I didn't and I don't want to. You're such a good... You're too good for me. I was tired and I was crazy. Don't make me a murderer, Irma. Barney...

Goodbye. Goodbye? Yes, I'm... Yes, hurry. Run fast. Straight ahead. He won't get you, I promise. Go. All right. You blind thing, you. Here I am. Here I am. Here. I'm not scared. Come and get me.

All right, Mr. Obler. You'll never get me down to my sub-basement again. On the contrary, Frank, I should imagine tonight's story would make you extremely curious about subterranean matters. Remember at the very start of the play I said something about the play happening because of something that had happened to me a very, very long time ago? Yes, of course I do.

Well, the fact of the matter is, Frank, it happened when I was just a child. My going down into that sub-basement and the memory of it stayed with me all these years. It's those deep impressions we get as children which are truly wonderful.

For a child sees with young untired eyes and thinks with a young untired mind. A child is constantly seeing the wonder of the world, the sweet water falling out of the heavens, people's faces, no one of them exactly alike, and green things growing out of the earth with colors hanging over them, and the wonder of things being born out of nothingness, and the equal wonder of sleep and awakening and dying. These are the things which our older tired mind, well, the eyes forget to see and forget

the tired head forgets to think and marvel at. Now, do you have anything to tell us so we can anticipate next week's play, Mr. Obler? Yes, I think I can say without qualification that it's a play close to the thoughts of everyone listening in. But first, a word from you, Frank. Friends, would you give a few pennies a day to regain your old-time pep and sparkle? Regain the pounds you need to feel and look like your old-time self?

Then if, as with many others, vitamin B1 and iron shortage is all that's wrong, get ironized yeast tablets. Now, a run-down condition may stem from other causes. If in doubt, see your doctor. But if you're simply short vitamin B1 and iron, remember, ironized yeast tablets supply both vital substances. They cost but a few pennies a day, and you don't risk even those few pennies.

For if you don't begin to eat better, to look and feel stronger, peppier, and more alive, the cost of the first bottle will be refunded to you in full by Ironized Yeast, Box IY, Broadway, New Jersey. And now, what about next week, Mr. Oberlin? Well, Frank, to live forever. To live forever. Which one among us has not thought of that? To live forever. Through these years, and the next, and the next, and all through space, and all through time.

That's what our play is about next week, and it's titled The Immortal Gentleman. But that, as usual, is next week. Yes, tune in next Tuesday again for Arch Obler's eerie story, The Immortal Gentleman.

And if you need more vitamin B1 and iron, be sure to try ironized yeast. But remember, there's only one ironized yeast. You'll know it instantly by the yellow and orange package and by the big letters IY on the container and on each tablet. It is later than you think.

Ladies, if some of last night's dancing partners danced more on than off of your white shoes, forgive them, of course. Then get a bottle of the shoe white that does more than just whiten the surface. Energene shoe white. Energene shoe white cleans as well as whitens, and it conditions the surface. So it goes on your shoes quickly and easily, makes them a smooth all-over white. Ask for Energene shoe white. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. ♪

♪♪♪

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At Walden University, we learn the skills to get us to the next level. Plus, with flexible online learning, we can do it on our time. Now it's your time. Get the W. Walden University, set a course for change. Visit waldenu.edu to learn more. Certified to operate by Chev. Ladies and gentlemen, by transcription, we take you now behind the scenes of a police headquarters in a great American city.

where under the cold, glaring lights will pass before us the innocent, the vagrant, the thief, the murderer. This is The Lineup. The Lineup

Gee, Lieutenant, I didn't figure I was getting into all this. I thought all I had to do was to tell you what I saw in White Gate Park last night. That is all you have to do, Sidney. Here, sit down. It'll only take a few minutes. We want to see if you can identify the man in the park who walked past the bench where you and your girl were, that's all. We picked up someone who fits the description you gave us. Oh, yeah, sure. Well, like I said, Lieutenant, Gloria, my girl, that is, was repairing her lipstick when this guy saundered by. Boy, imagine me putting a finger on a murder. Now, hold it, Sidney.

Just look and listen, huh? You people out there on the other side of the wire in the audience room, may I have your attention, please? Thank you. My name is Greb, Sergeant Matt Greb. I'll explain the line after you. Each of the suspects you will see will be numbered. I'll call off a number, their name and charge. If you have any questions or identification, please remember the number assigned to the prisoner as I call his name. If you're sure or not too sure of the suspect, have him held. The officers who took your name will assist you. They're seated among you.

Why do I tell the guys in the block about this, huh, Lieutenant? When the prisoners leave here, they are sent to the bathroom and dressed back into their jail clothes. It makes it quite difficult to bring them back after they leave here. The questions I ask these suspects are merely to get a natural tone of voice. So do not pay too much attention to their answers as they often lie. Bring on the line. All right, boys, all right, let's move this way over to the end of the stage. That's it. Now turn and face the front.

Hands to your sides. Look straight ahead. Number one, Charles Hudson, assault. Why are we fighting, Charles? It was self-defense, he said. He wished I was dead. Talk up, Charles. It was self-defense, he said. He wished I was dead. Witnesses say you started it, Charles. Same witnesses. I talk like I am. It's his money. Number two, Maurice Calder, drug and disorderly on private property.

Where do you live, Maurice? It all depends on the weather. Why did you start at the Stirling's in the theater lobby? I was drunk, I guess. Anyhow, when I got inside, I found out I'd already seen the picture and they wouldn't give me my 40 cents back. Number three, Jimmy Vedder of Ingrancy. How long have you been in town, Vedder? 61 years, Sergeant. I don't know if I was born here. There, Lieutenant. That one. Like I told you, bald and with a nose that's flat as a pancake. Sergeant Graham. Yes, Lieutenant. Number three, hold for interrogation. ♪♪

Okay, Vedder, right in here. I'll be back in a few minutes, Ben. Okay, Matt. Come in, Vedder. Sit down over there. Yes, sir. We want a few facts, Vedder. Early this morning, an unidentified woman of about 60 was found choked to death in the park. A nice-looking unidentified woman of about 60, Vedder. Nice-looking until she was strangled. So? So the coroner says she was murdered sometime between 9 and 11 last night. Shh.

I don't get it, Lieutenant. This morning I'm picked up in an alley sleeping off a snoot foot. Now this, where's the connection? A kid who was necking in the park last night, not 50 feet away from the dead woman. That's the connection, Vedder. A kid who read about the killing in this morning's paper and came in and gave us a description of the man he saw in the park at a little after 11. I still don't get it. Well, then try this. The description the kid gave us was a bald man with a nose flat as a pancake who keeps sniffing all the time.

That, better, is the reason we picked you up. Not for sleeping in an alley. No, no. And just to make it all real tight, five minutes ago, the kid identified you in the lineup. No, no, that ain't so. He couldn't have. It was dark there in the parking. Okay, Lieutenant, I was in the park, all right. I might as well save us both a lot of time and tell you the rest. You killed a venom? A stick-up that got out of hand when she started to yell? No, Lieutenant. She was dead when I got there. Could I have a smoke, Lieutenant? Yeah. Come on.

I was walking through the park, Lieutenant, looking for a good spot to flop for the night when I saw something shiny off in the bushes away. This here, house key. I bent down to pick it up. I saw the body. She was dead like a doornail. And there was no one around? You sure of that? Positive. I looked good. Anyhow, I was flat broke, so I went through her pockets. She didn't have no pocketbook. Just a buck and a half and change and a coat. That's all I took, and I beat it. I walked slow past those kids in the vents so they wouldn't be suspicious. That's all, Lieutenant, the truth, so help me.

The lineup's finished, Ben. Is there anything I can do? Yeah. Turn Vedder here over to Sergeant Quine, will you, Matt? We're going to hold him on suspicion of murder. Lieutenant, I already told you. Let's go, Vedder. Be right back, Ben. Right. Hi, Becker. Hi, Matt. Morning, Lieutenant. Here's the first report on that body in Highgate Park. Not much. No identification yet, Becker. Mm-hmm. And it may be a while. Most of the stuff she was wearing was homemade and home-washed, so no labels and no laundry marks. Mm-hmm. Also, there's no record of her prints here or in Washington. Mm-hmm.

The coroner's office is checking on her dental work now. Call you as soon as we get something, Lieutenant. All right. See you, Matt. Yeah. Well, Ben, what did Becker have? Does it look like Jimmy Vedder? Maybe. I don't know. He says he was walking through the park, spotted this key, and then the body. Admits robbing it. No more. Well, where do we go from here, Ben? Well, until we get something on the body. This key, I guess. Come on, let's check with Harrison on the robbery detail. Get a listing of locksmiths.

Lieutenant, you may be lucky at this key. How's that, Harrison? One thing, the number punched on it, but the locksmith who turned it out, this G-104 here, is a local serial number. Get the name and address out of the file in a minute. But better than that, the key itself is for a Brasso Dunlap lock.

Pretty rare in this part of the country, so the locksmith may remember who he made it for. Of course, on a Yale or Master padlock wouldn't stand a chance. Well, don't locksmiths have to keep a record on each key they turn out, Harrison? No, no, Sergeant. Only keep a record when they make a key for a specific lock, not when they make a key for a key. Well, let's see who G-104 is. G-F-G-80-95-1-103-104. Here we are.

Uh, Wallerman Key Shop, 3920 South Plymouth Avenue. You right with it, gents? Fine. Well, cross your fingers, Matt, and hope he's part elephant. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Now, gents, what can I do for you? We're from the police department, Mr. Wallerman. I'm Lieutenant Guthrie to Sergeant Greb. We'd like to ask you about a key. Oh, a key I made? Yeah. This key, Mr. Wallerman.

Do you happen to know who you made it for? Hmm. Brasso Dunlop, huh? Don't often make one of these. Once, twice a year. Good luck, all right. But it's unusual. What is it, Mr. Wallerman? You remember something? Yeah.

Bad temper? Sure. About two months ago, officer. Guy with nice clothes and nice way of talking until he got sore. Yeah, I remember now. Said I took too long. I was a blundering idiot. That's it. You know this man's name? Uh-uh. His address? No, I don't. But he does live in the neighborhood. How do you know that? Because I've seen him a couple of three times at Tommy Lowe's place. Tommy runs a Chinese hand laundry over the next block. This bird must be a customer of his. What does this man look like?

Oh, he's kind of tall, thin face, sharp nose, but don't worry. Tommy Lowell know him, officer. Just mention his temper. ♪♪ Yes, Lieutenant. No man you speak of very well. His name, Mr. Leonard Elster. He live 105 Duane Boulevard. ♪♪

Yes? Mrs. Elsener? That's right. We're from the police department, Mrs. Elsener. I'm Lieutenant Guthrie. This is Sergeant Greb. How do you do? Mrs. Elsener. Mrs. Elsener, is your husband at home? We'd like to talk to him. Yes, he's inside listening to the radio. Just a moment, and I'll call him. Excuse me. Sure. See if that key fits, will you, ma'am? Yeah, yeah. Yeah? It works all right, Ben. Uh-huh. Here's Elsener. Now, Mr. Elsener, I'm Lieutenant Guthrie. This is Sergeant Greb.

We'd like a few words with you, please. Very well. The living room is this way, gentlemen. Thank you. Oh, uh, Miss Ellison, if you don't mind, we'd like to talk to your husband alone. Of course. All right, dear. Sit down, gentlemen. Frankly, I'm curious to know what this is about. Do you mind telling me? Well, it's about a woman, Miss Ellison. An elderly, unidentified woman who was found choked to death in the park last night. What? Woman choked to death? I don't understand. You want to talk to me about that? That's right.

Tell me, Mr. Elstner, did you read about this in the newspapers? No, I haven't seen the papers today. Do you mind telling us what you did last night? I stayed home. All evening, Mr. Elstner? Yes, all evening. Now, what is this all about? Mr. Elstner, do you recognize this key? Of course. My house key. One just like it. Do you have your house key with you now, Mr. Elstner? I do. Together with all my keys. Here. How many house keys are there? For everyone who lives here, I mean.

Three, four, five, maybe. I don't know. They're all around. Does the maid have one? She does. At least she let herself in with one a few minutes before you arrived. And your wife, Miss Delsma, she has a key, of course? Of course. Now, look here, enough of this. Why all these stupid questions about house keys? What, if anything, do they have to do with the woman who was strangled in Whitegate Park last night?

Well, this key was found near the body, Mr. Elstner, and there were signs of a struggle. Which could mean that whoever killed the woman dropped this key. Your key. But I have my house key. I just showed it to you. And I'm sure my wife does, too. And what about extra keys? Are they around? I couldn't say. House keys are famous for getting lost...

Did you ever lose one? Since you've been in this house? Yes, yes. About two or three months ago. Where'd you lose it? Here at home, in the street. I don't know. It wouldn't be lost if I did. Leonard, darling, your temper, please. Control yourself, please. I'm sorry. Excuse me. I'll be glad to answer your questions. Here, you'd better leave it there. No, that won't be necessary, Mr. Ellison. Now, about last night. You say you were here...

Yes. Carol here went to Bazaar. What was it again, dear? The Women's Auxiliary of the North Point Country Club. I'm chairman. We're raising money to build a new clubhouse next spring. Mm-hmm. I see. Miss Delsma, did you have any callers last night? Any visitors of any kind? Yes, I did. Can you remember them specifically? I think so. There was the newsboy who was making his weekly collection about nine, I'd say. For what paper, Miss Delsma?

The Evening Star. And anyone after that, Mr. Osler? Two people. Along about ten, a delivery boy from the liquor store, a king. He brought two bottles of scotch. At ten-thirty, a friend of my wife's dropped in looking for her, Ruth Millard. She lives at the park, Netherlands. She stayed about twenty minutes. We watched a television show together, a quiz show called Number, Please. A Brooklyn housewife won the jackpot. Some question about Steinitz. Then in...

Gentlemen, at 11, I had a long-distance person-to-person call from a Mr. Saul Meadow, toy jobber in Des Moines, Iowa. I manufacture toys. Now, is there anything else? No, sir. Not right now, anyway. We'll be in touch. Good night, Mrs. Elsener. Good night. Good night, Sergeant. Good night, ma'am. Good night, Mr. Elsener. Good night. You know, Matt, Mr. Elsener said he didn't read about the killing in the paper.

So? So I'd like to know how he knew what happened in White Gate Park. We never mentioned the park by name. Next Sunday, CBS brings you an exciting, timely appraisal of the world situation and some of the answers when ten top CBS correspondents are heard in a special broadcast entitled The Challenge of the Fifties, Years of Crises.

For the past month, these famous CBS reporters have been interviewing world leaders. On next Sunday's broadcast, you'll hear on special recordings what these leaders predict. Edward R. Murrow will be the moderator. Don't miss this unusual, significant broadcast, The Challenge of the Fifties, next Sunday afternoon on most of these same CBS stations. Did you get that, Willis? On Walnut, yes.

King's Liquor Store. They're supposed to have sent two bottles of scotch to Elsinore last night about 10.20. And get a hold of the newsboy who collects for that route, will you? It's the Evening Star. Yeah, that's right. And put a tracer on a person-to-person call. Elsinore claims he got it at 11 from a Saul Meadows in Des Moines. Yeah. I want every bit of that alibi checked. Right. You know, Ben, personally, I think you're wasting your time.

What, checking Elsinore's alibi? Yeah, yeah, it sounds good to me. Too many people involved to be a phony. Well, we'll see. There's something wrong there someplace, Matt. Well, the keymaker backs up Elsinore in his story about losing the key. For my money, you're reaching quite a ways to tie a well-to-do guy like Elsinore into a threadbare old lady dead in a public park. Why would he do it, Ben? That's what beats me. Why? Why?

You got me. Well, anyway, I'd go easy if I were you. Elson is the kind of bird that really blows his lid over a false arrest. In fact, there was a... Come in.

Hi, Lieutenant. Matt. Hi, Baker. Well, we got an identification on the old lady in White Gate Park. Good. We traced the shoes. They'd been half sold lately, and we finally located the shoemaker. A guy way out in the Henning District. He just now identified the body. Well, who is she? Edna Clooney, 4412 Durbin Street. That's a walk up and a check's out. Who'd you talk to there, Baker? A landlady, a Mrs. Peters. She says Mrs. Clooney's had a room there for about six months. Let's go, man. Let's go.

I just can't believe it. She was such a sweet little old thing. My, terrible, that's what it is. Down this way, gentlemen. Thank you. When did you say it happened? Last night, Mrs. Peters. Sometime between 9 and 11. Didn't you notice she was gone today, ma'am? No, I didn't, Sergeant. Sometimes I go a week or more without seeing all my tenants. Especially the quiet ones. This is her door here. All right. Duffy in here. I'd better open the window. No, I wouldn't bother. We won't be here long. Yeah, we just want to look around.

Maybe she kept a date book or a diary or something. If she did, it'd be over there in that table with the drawer. Oh, here, huh? Well, she was sure a tidy housekeeper. She was a nice, sweet woman, Sergeant. One of the best tenants I ever had. I can't imagine... Now, this picture, Mrs. Peters, who is it, do you know? Why, yes, that's her... Oh, my goodness. Now, what's the matter? That's Jim, her son. Why, that boy doesn't even know yet that his mother was...

He's dead. Is he here in town? Well, as far as I know, he lives over on the south side someplace. Works in a mill over there. A stamping mill, I think. You wouldn't know the name then, huh? Could it be McLennan and Land? She's got a metal ashtray here and a letter opener, both stamped with the compliments of McLennan and Land, 1024 South Market. Well, let's try it. Now, Mrs. Peters, leave everything just as it is and keep this room locked, will you? We may be back. ♪♪

This must be him, Ben. You're the fellas who wanted to see me? I'm Jim Clooney. Yeah, let's go inside here, Jim. Out of this noise where we can talk. Go ahead, Jim. I'm Lieutenant Ben Guthrie. This is Sergeant Greb. I'm from the police department, Jim. Police? What do you want with me? No, wait, wait, wait. I'm afraid we've got some bad news for you.

It's your mother. We... Mom? What's happened to her? Is she hurt? It's worse than that, fella. She's dead, Jim. Dead? It happened last Sunday night. Her body was found in White Gate Park. What? But how? She was murdered, Jim. Murdered? Who did it? We don't know. But maybe you can help us. Just answer some questions. Sure. Go ahead. I'm okay. What do you want to know? When did you see your mother last, Jim? Yesterday afternoon. About one o'clock, I guess.

Buddy drove me out to her place. Lieutenant, I don't get this. Mom never went out at night. Oh, maybe once or twice to a movie, but the park, she never went in there. When you were with her, did she seem upset about anything? No, not a bit. We just sat around and talked like always. And what did you talk about? Anything special? No, the same old things. My job, draft, my gas station. You've got a gas station, Jim? Yes.

Oh, it's not really mine. It's one I'd like to have. It's out on grand. The guy's going to sell out and retire. We used to talk about me buying it and going into business for myself. I'll never have that kind of money. Yesterday, Mom was kidding around that she was going to borrow the down payment for me. She ran into a wealthy old friend, she said. Now, who was that, Jim? Some guy she knew 25 years ago. Worked for the same company up in Evanston for a while after my dad died. Uh-huh.

She hadn't seen this guy since then, but, well, she ran into him on the street last week and recognized him. She got a big kick out of it. Did she mention his name? Yeah, it was Melvin something. Melvin, um, Melvin Berry it was. You know where we can get in touch with him? No. Why do you want him? Well, maybe your mother wasn't kidding about borrowing the money. I mean, mothers are funny where their kids are concerned, you know. Oh, by the way, did you ever hear of a Leonard Elsner?

Lives up on Duane Boulevard? Leonard Elstner. No. Wait a minute. That's funny. What's funny, Jim? That you mentioned that Duane Boulevard. Why? What about it? Why, Mom used to go up there quite a bit. She used to take a bus to the library up there. And what, Jim? I think she said that that's where she was, coming out of the library when she ran into this Melvin Berry.

St. Becker, you seen Lieutenant Guthrie? Yep, about 30 minutes ago, Matt. He was on his way down to the file. Oh, okay, thanks. Yeah, back here, Matt. Any luck? Yeah. We had to dig back into the dust for this one. Have a look. Melvin Berry escaped from state penitentiary February 1930. Uh-huh. Evanston had him for embezzlement. Tried and convicted up there in December 1929. Got five years.

He's a nice-looking guy. Pretty dapper with that mustache. Matt, do you see what I see? Huh? No, I guess not. Well, look. Skip the mustache. Forget it. The eyes, Matt. The eyes. Holy smoke. You weren't wasting your time checking on that alibi after all, Ben. Lieutenant Guthrie. Good. Put him on. Yeah, yeah. Go ahead, Willis. What? The checks? All of it? You sure? Okay. Okay, Willis. That's all.

Don't tell me. Yeah, Elsner's alibi is airtight. That's almost impossible. But it's a fact. Let's go, Matt. Go where? To the Elsner residence, 105 Duane Boulevard. But you just said... I know what I said. Let's go. Now look, Lieutenant Guthrie, when you fellas were here before, I tried my best to co-opt... I know, I know. But we found out a few things since then. We want to find out a few more. Like what? Well, for one thing...

There are four parks in this city. That's an interesting bit of information. So how did you know the murder took place at White Gate? You said you hadn't read about it? Neither of us mentioned White Gate. Perfectly natural assumption. That's the largest park in town, I simply assume. For another thing, we had a long talk with Jim Clooney today. He's the dead woman's son. He told us how his mother ran into an old friend right out here on Duane Boulevard. She hadn't seen the man in 25 years. So what? If you've got a point, get to it or get out of here. Leonard...

Leonard, please. I'll get to it, Mr. Elstner. The man's name was Melvin Berry. Leonard. Be quiet. Go on, Gutsman. We checked on him. He was convicted of embezzlement up in Evanston back in 1929. Escaped from prison in 1930. He was never caught. Of course, we have his picture in prints. It won't be any trouble. I don't know what you're talking about. If this is some crazy way of accusing me of murder, then arrest me. Go on. Go on. Nobody's accusing you of murder, Elstner. We know you didn't do it. But you... Of course not.

You were home here. Your alibi checked all the way. That's right. But there are all the circumstances. We can't ignore them in spite of a perfect alibi. You know, Mrs. Elsen, a life like that Melvin Berry lives must be a... well, must be pretty miserable. Constantly afraid that the next time he turns around, somebody will recognize him. Always under a shadow of fear. No matter how successful he is, there's always the dread that sometime, someplace, someone will know him. Don't you think so, Mrs. Elsen?

Must be even worse for a woman who loves a guy like that, wouldn't you say, Mrs. Elsa? She could never escape it, could she? The more she stood to lose, like wealth and social position, the worse it got until finally... Until finally, finally Edna Clooney was murdered. Edna Clooney ran up against a person like that just because she recognized an old friend who had a secret. She didn't know about the secret, but she did want to borrow money. That's all it took, wasn't it? The killer could only figure one way, blackmail.

Everything was ruined. Suddenly, all the fears and all the suspicions that had been piling up for years broke loose, didn't they? Didn't they? Yes. Carol, don't. Yes. Yes, Lieutenant. I can't take anymore. I had to do it. I had to kill her. I knew it from the instant Leonard told me she'd recognized him as Melvin Barry. No other way out. No other way. I left the bazaar. Ranged to meet her in the park. When she said she wanted money, I grabbed her. Choked her. Leonard didn't know anything about it. I mean...

Okay. Give her some help, Elsa, until she gets hold of herself. And we'll all go downtown and put it on paper. The Line Up. Where before you pass the innocent, the vagrant, the thief, the murderer. Listen again next week when we again bring you The Line Up. Your attention, please. You people out there on the other side of the wire in the audience room. May I have your attention, please?

Thank you. My name is Greb, Sergeant Matt Greb. I'll explain the lineup to you. Each of the suspects you will see will be numbered. I'll call off a number and then name and charge. If you have any questions or identification, please remember the number assigned to the prisoner as I call his name. If you're sure or not too sure of the suspect, that is...

The lineup starring Bill Johnstone as Lieutenant Ben Guthrie and Wally Mayer as Sergeant Matt Greb is written by Gene Levitt and Bob Mitchell with music by Eddie Dunstetter. Featured in tonight's cast were Gil Stratton, Ted Osborne, Parley Bear, Herb Butterfield, Robert Griffin, and Virginia Gregg. The lineup was transcribed in Hollywood by Jaime Del Valle.

The big postseason football game of the year, the Rose Bowl contest between Michigan and California, will be broadcast next Monday, New Year's Day, over most of these same CBS stations. For action, color, excitement, be sure you're on hand for this great sports event, the Rose Bowl game between Michigan and California. Dan Coverley speaking. This is CBS, where you find songs for sale every Friday night at the Columbia Broadcasting System.

...

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If you're a maintenance supervisor for a commercial property, you've had to deal with everything from leaky faucets to flickering light bulbs. But nothing's worse than that ancient boiler that's lived in the building since the day it was built 50 years ago. It's enough to make anyone lose their cool. That's where Grainger comes in. With industrial-grade products and dependable fast delivery, Grainger can help with any challenge, from worn-out components to everyday necessities. Call Grainger.

Click Grainger.com or just stop by. Grainger, for the ones who get it done. Lux presents Hollywood. Lever Brothers Company, the makers of Lux Toilet Soap, bring you the Lux Radio Theater. Starring Ray Moland, Ruth Roman, and Frank Lovejoy in Strangers on a Train.

Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William Keeley. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Travel by train, ship, or plane usually puts us in the mood to be kind to strangers. A question which would ordinarily receive a courteous but unencouraging answer is almost welcomed when we find ourselves in strange surroundings without the security of friendly conversation.

It's a commendable custom, but at times may lead to unexpected and terrifying complications, as our stars tonight are about to portray. Ray Moland and Frank Lovejoy, who are the strangers on a train, and Ruth Roman, who recreates her starring role.

Not only was this Warner Brothers picture directed by that noted master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, but one of the major roles was played by his daughter, Patricia Hitchcock. And we're happy that Patricia could appear tonight in her original part in Strangers on a Train. I'm sure there are no strangers in our audience to the improving qualities of Lux Toilet Soap as a beauty care.

because Luxe facials are the daily companions of lovely ladies who know they can depend on Luxe soap for the complexion care that leaves their skin lovelier. Here's Strangers on a Train, starring Ray Milland as Guy Haynes, Ruth Roman as Anne Morton, and Frank Lovejoy as Bruno Antony, with Patricia Hitchcock as Barbara. ♪♪

A few moments ago, a northbound train left Washington, D.C. Among the passengers settling down in the club car are two young men. I beg your pardon. Hmm? I hate to interrupt your reading, but aren't you Guy Haynes? That's right. I'm quite a tennis fan. I saw your match last season in South Orange against Faraday. Oh, that was one of my lucky days. I certainly admire people who do things. By the way, my name is Anthony, Bruno Anthony. How do you do? I'm Guy Haynes.

I guess you want to get back to your book. You go ahead and read. Thanks. You know, it must be pretty exciting to be so important. What? A tennis player isn't so important? Oh, but people who do things are important. Now, me, I never seem to do anything. I suppose you're going to Southampton for the doubles, hmm? You certainly read the sport page, don't you? I wish I could be there to watch you, but I've got to be back in Washington tomorrow. Cigarette? No, not now, thanks. You don't happen to have a match? Yeah.

Oh, a lighter. Thank you. Oh, my, that's elegance engraved, too, from A to G. I bet I can guess who A is. Ann, Ann Morton. Oh, wait a minute. Oh, it's simple. See, sometimes I turn the sports page and look at the society section. Pictures, too. She's very beautiful, Senator Morton's daughter. You're quite a reader, Mr. Anthony. Yes, I am. You ask me anything, I've got the answer. Even about people I don't even know. Like, uh...

Like who would like to marry whom when his wife gets a divorce? Maybe you read too much. Well, there I go again. I meet somebody I like and admire, and I say the wrong thing. Oh, forget it. I guess I'm just a little jittery. Oh, there's a cure for that. Waiter, scotch and plain water, please. A pair, doubles. That's the only kind of doubles I play. I'm afraid you'll have to drink both of them. And I can do it. When's the wedding?

What? Oh, you and Ann Morton. The wedding. It was in the papers. Well, it shouldn't have been unless they've legalized bigamy. It's wonderful, you know, having your company all the way to New York. As a matter of fact, I'm getting off at Metcalf. Metcalf? Who'd want to stop at Metcalf? It's my hometown. Oh, I get it. A little chat with your wife about the divorce.

Here's luck, Mr. Haynes. Drink up, then we'll have lunch sent to my compartment. Thanks very much, but I think I'll go to the dining car. Oh, that's filled up. There's no seats for about 20 minutes. Well, how about lunch in my compartment? Oh, I wouldn't think of that. Come along, Mr. Haynes. You know, this is a real pleasure. And all told, I went to three different colleges. I got kicked out each time. Drinking and gambling. Not like you, huh, guy? Yeah.

All right, so I'm a bum. Who said you were? My father. He hates me. With all the money he's got, he thinks I ought to punch a time clock somewhere and work my way up selling paint or something. Well, I think possibly he's... I hate him, too. I tell you, I get so sore at him sometimes, I want to kill him. You know, I don't think you know what you want. Well, I want to do something and everything. You know, I've got a theory you should do everything before you die.

Have you ever driven a car blindfolded at 150 miles an hour? No, not lately. Well, I did. Flew a jet plane, too. Man, what a thrill. Almost blew the sawdust out of my head. Say, what are you trying to prove? Well, I'm not like you, guy. You're lucky and you're smart. First of all, you're a wonderful tennis player. On top of that, you've got a swell job. Assistant to a United States senator. And on top of that, you're going to marry the boss's daughter.

Makes a nice shortcut to a career, doesn't it? Marrying the senator's daughter's got nothing to do with it. Take it easy, guy. I'm your friend. Remember, I like you. I'd do anything for you. Look, we'll be stopping soon, and I've got to change trains. Yes, that's right. Metcalf. What did you say her name was? Your wife's? Miriam. Miriam. I suppose she played around a lot, huh? Skip it, Bruno. Okay. Say, want to hear one of my ideas for a perfect murder? Murder? Yeah.

Look, I may be old-fashioned, but I thought it was still against the law. Well, what's a life or two? Some people are better off dead. Someone like your wife and my father, for instance. Now, let's say that you'd like to get rid of your wife. You know, you've got quite a sense of humor, Bruno. No, no, no, no, seriously. Let's say that you had a very good reason to want her dead. But you'd be afraid to kill her, and you know why? You'd be caught. What would trip you up? The motive.

Now, here's my idea. I'm afraid I don't have time to listen. Oh, it's so simple, too. Two fellows meet accidentally, like you and me here on the train. No connection between them at all. They never even saw each other before. But now each one has somebody that he'd like to get rid of. So they, uh, they swap murders. Swap murders? Each fellow does the other fellow's murder. There's nothing to connect them. Each one has murdered a total stranger, like you do my murder and I do yours. They're coming into my station. For example...

Your wife and my father. Crisscross. What? Yes, we do talk the same language, don't we? Thanks for the lunch, Bruno. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Think my theory's okay, huh, Guy? You like it? Sure. Sure. Got some great ideas. Nice meeting you. Good luck at Southampton, Guy. Bet I got some great ideas. Oh, Guy, your lighter. You forgot your cigarette lighter. Huh. From A to G. I'll send it to him sometime.

Yes, I must send it to him, sir. I hope you don't mind meeting you in the park, guy. No, Miriam. No, this is fine. I couldn't very well meet you in the store, could I? I arranged to take my lunch hour later.

You looking well, Miriam? So are you. You got a nice tan playing tennis with all your rich friends. When can we see your lawyer? What's your hurry, guy? You know, I think you're handsomer than ever. I think it's pretty late to start flirting with a discarded husband. Now let's see your lawyer and get this over with. Did you bring the money? Lawyers are expensive. It's in this envelope. Here. Thanks.

You know, if I'd have known that you'd start doing so well, I wouldn't have run out on you. What are you trying to say, Miriam? I got a big surprise for you. I'm not getting a divorce. But it's what you've wanted. That's all you've been harping about for more than a year. It's a woman's

privilege to change your mind. Now, I can buy some pretty clothes. I wouldn't want you to be ashamed of me in Washington. What's that supposed to mean? Don't look so mad, guy. You always smile when you have your picture taken for the newspapers, especially when Ann Morton's hanging on your arm. Let's not talk about Ann Morton. Well, you can throw all your little dreams about her right in the ash can and make a real pretty story, wouldn't it? The senator's daughter all involved with a married man.

What's happened, Miriam? Your boyfriend run out on you? No man runs out on me, Guy. Not even you. Just get one thing straight. I never want to see or hear of you again. I could be very pathetic in a courtroom, Guy. The poor, deserted little wife. Better think it over, honey. I'm warning you, Miriam. Either we go ahead with the divorce or I'll... I wish I had time to listen to you, Guy, but I've got to get back to work. I'll see you in Washington in two weeks. Hello? Hello?

Hello, operator. I have your party now, sir. Go ahead, please. Guy, is that you? Anne? Hello, darling. Where are you? I'm in Metcalfe. Oh, then you've seen Miriam. Guy, did everything go all right? No. Everything went all wrong. She doesn't want the divorce. It's unbelievable. I mean, after all these months, but what did she say? Does it make any difference what she said? Oh, I'm sorry, Anne. It's just that I feel so... Yes, darling, I know how you

But you sound so savage, Guy. I'd like to break her neck. I'd like to break her foul, useless little neck. There's no use talking like that, dear. I know. I suppose I'd try to see her again, but I've got to get to Southampton. My train will be here in a moment. Then write me. Please write me. Sure, I'll write on the train. And don't worry, darling. We've waited this long. We can wait a little longer. I don't know what I'd do without you. I love you, Guy. I've got to rush, dear. My train's coming. I'll see you on Thursday? Yeah, sure. Good luck, darling.

Guy, this is Bruno. How are you, Guy? Who? Who'd you say this was? Bruno. Bruno Anthony, don't you remember? On the train? Oh, yes. I would have called you sooner, but the operator had a little trouble finding you in Southampton. Look, would you mind telling me why you're phoning? How are the matches going, Guy? I don't play until the morning. Oh.

Now, Guy, about your visit in Metcalf. Are you getting a divorce? Oh, now, wait a minute, Bruno. She won't give it to you, right? Miriam won't give you a divorce? She double-crossed you. You gonna see her again? Now, Bruno, why don't you just... I told you I liked you, Guy. I'm your friend. You should never forget that. You just leave Miriam to me. What are you talking about? You'll find out, Guy. Just be patient, that's all. You just be patient. I don't care what Bruno's doing. I said I wanted to talk to him.

Well, if you're talking about me, Father, I had to call a friend of mine long distance. Really, Charles? Must you always take this tone with Bruno? Oh, it's all right, Mother. I'm used to his tone by now. You can wipe that injured look off your face right now. You were out last night, weren't you? Well, I'm a big boy, Father. I go out at night all the time. You had another accident. You hit another car. Charles, really? Now it's hit-and-run driving. And you knew about it all the time. But, dear, it was a parked car. No one was in it. Why don't you tell that to the police? Well, they...

They won't do anything to Bruno. This was the last time, Eunice. So help me, I'll never lift a finger for him again. It's all right, Mother. Now, now, now, dear. You know I can't stand to see you crying.

Is there anything else you want to say to me, Father? Yes. Get out of my sight. Get out of my sight before I... I'll be back tomorrow, Mother. Bruno, where are you going? Oh, just a little trip, Mother. It's something for a friend of mine. Oh, you just don't understand him, Charles. You just don't understand him. What's he going to do next? Tell me, what's he going to do next? Nothing. Nothing at all. It's not normal.

If it's the last thing I do, I'm going to have that boy taken care of. If necessary, put under restraint. I'll never permit it. Never. Never. It can't go on, Eunice. Things like this just can't go on. Guy? Over here, Guy. Well, hello. Bruno? That's right, Guy. How are you? What are you doing here at this time of night? I was waiting for you to get back to Washington. I...

I thought of meeting you at the station, but then I figured this might be better here in front of your apartment. Now, look, it's one o'clock in the morning and I'm... You don't seem very pleased to see me. Would you mind telling me what this is all about? Oh, I, uh, I just come back from Metcalfe, Guy. I brought you a little present. See, it's a pair of glasses. You didn't tell me that Miriam wore glasses. You've seen Miriam? Oh, it was very quick, Guy. She wasn't hurt in any way. It was all over in no time. What are you trying to tell me? I knew you'd be surprised. I'm sorry.

Nothing for us to worry about, either. Nobody saw me. Only Miriam. I was very careful, Guy. Even when I dropped your cigarette lighter, I went right back and picked it up. Cigarette light... Why, you maniac! Guy, we planted on the train together. You wanted it, you remember? Where are you going? Where do you think I'm going? I don't believe you, but I'm going to call the police just to say... Oh, you can't, Guy. We'd both be arrested for murder.

You're just as much in it as I am. We planned it together, crisscross. Why, you crazy fool. Do you think you can get away with that? Oh, Cobb, now, Guy, why should I go to Metcalfe to kill a total stranger... unless it was part of the plan and you were in on it? You're the one who benefits, Guy. I didn't even know the girl. But if you go to the police now, you'll just be turning yourself in as an accessory, you see. You had the motive. You crazy fool, I... Ah, you must be tired. I know I am. I've had a strenuous evening...

I gotta talk to you about my father. I've done my part, now you'll do yours. Shut up. We have to arrange things. Get away from me before I... Oh, Guy, you're not yourself. Now, when you think things over, you'll see that I'm right. Tomorrow we can... I don't know you. I never saw you before and I never want to see you again. Your lighter, Guy. The one that Anne gave you. You left it on the train. Don't you even miss it? Give it to me, Bruno. Give me that lighter. I don't have it, Guy. That is, I don't have it with me.

Well, as I said, we can arrange everything tomorrow. Hello? Anne? Oh, I'm sorry, darling, but I just got in. Of course I'm all right. But you sound upset. Anything wrong? All right, darling. Yes, I'll come over right away. Thanks for coming over, darling. Anne. Anne, what is it? You're trembling. I wonder if you know how much I love you.

Come along, Guy. Father and Barbara, they're waiting in the library. I thought we might be alone, Guy, but Anne insisted and so did Barbara. Now, really, Daddy, if I'm going to be Guy's sister-in-law, the least I can do is stay. Just sit down and keep quiet. Guy, we wouldn't have called you at this hour if it weren't important. It's about your wife. Miriam? What about her, sir? I'm sorry to be the one to tell you she's been killed, Guy.

Murdered. The police have been trying to locate you everywhere. You ought to call headquarters in Metcalf. Miriam. Murdered. Tonight about nine o'clock she... she was strangled. In a few moments we'll return with Act Two of Strangers on a Train.

But now, here's our Hollywood reporter, Libby Collins, with the Lux Movie News of the Week. The big news here, John, is the premiere of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Technicolor production of Quo Vadis. Most every celebrity in Hollywood was there. All Hollywood is still talking about it. And everyone thought Robert Taylor was magnificent as Marcus, the pagan Roman warrior.

His love scenes with Deborah Carr playing Lydia, the gentle Christian hostage, provide some of the most compelling drama ever seen on the screen. And Leo Ganna's Petronius turns in a terrific performance. Every moment of Quo Vadis is really epic drama.

The chariot races at the Colosseum, the spectacular burning of Rome, the martyred Christians at the mad tyrant Nero orders thrown to the lions. I understand that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer built an entire city outside of Rome for the picture. And spent two years filming it. Lovely Deborah Carr's costumes are certainly gorgeous. Just right for her exciting kind of beauty. Her milk-white skin against her copper-colored hair is something.

Well, John, Deborah Carr's complexion is something special. It's truly Luxe Lovely. Yes, when you see a lovely complexion like hers, you realize why screen stars are devoted to the gentle, protecting care of Luxe Toilet Soap. They know it's easy to be Luxe Lovely, John.

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If you haven't tried it, why not start your active lather facials tomorrow? Be luxe lovely, like nine out of ten screen stars who use fragrant white luxe toilet soap. Now our producer, Mr. William Keeley. Act two of Strangers on a Train, starring Ray Moland as Guy Haynes, Frank Lovejoy as Bruno Antony, and Ruth Roman as Anne Morton. ♪♪

Twenty minutes ago, on a street corner, Guy Haynes listened to Bruno Antony tell an incredible story of how he had murdered Guy's wife. And now, in Senator Morton's home, Guy learns that Bruno's fantastic report is completely true. It happened in an amusement park, Guy. Some sort of lover's lane, I believe.

Terrible. Apparently, she'd gone there with some other people. Two of the young men found her. It was done by someone else. They don't even have a suspect, Guy, except you, probably. Barbara, I wish you'd keep quiet. But the police will say that Guy wanted Miriam out of the way so he could marry Anne. She's right, Senator. But if you have an alibi, you have nothing to worry about. You can tell them where you were at about 9 o'clock tonight. Well, I was on my way here. I was on the train. Well, there you are. Who saw you? Did you speak to anyone? You need a witness. Yes, I did.

Yes, I did speak to someone. He was the only other passenger in the club car. Someone you know? No. No, he said his name was Collier or Collins or something. Said he was a professor at Delaware Tech. He'd been drinking. Drinking? Yeah, had been to some meeting, had a couple of drinks. But he was on the train. He saw you. Then everything's all right. He'll still have to answer some questions. It's a dreadful business. Dreadful. Poor, unfortunate girl. Miriam was rotten. She was a human being. Father, it's getting late and Guy looks so tired. Of course.

Well, you two, now you can be married right away. Think of it. You're free. You won't forget to phone the Metcalfe police guy, Captain Turley. Yes, sir. Good night, Senator. Good night, Barbara. I still think it would be wonderful to have a man love you so much he'd kill for you. You know, I kept saying over and over again I was being silly, Guy. But there was one horrible moment tonight when the news came through. I...

I kept remembering what you said on the phone for Metcalf after you'd seen her. That I could break her neck? No, no, don't even say it. Forget you ever said it. And there was something even more terrifying than the murder itself. The horrible thought that if you had anything to do with it, we'd... Anything to do with it? We'd have to be separated, perhaps forever. I couldn't stand that guy. I couldn't bear it. Anne! Anne, you don't think that I... No, darling, no, of course not. Just hold me, guy. Just hold me.

I'm Captain Turley, Mr. Haynes. It's good of you to come down here so quickly. I'm just as anxious as you are, Captain. Well, we've managed to locate the gentleman you spoke with on the train. Well, Professor, this is Mr. Haynes. Well, I... I can't tell you how foolish I feel, Captain. I... I really don't remember meeting this gentleman. You don't remember? But you... Just a moment, Mr. Haynes. Unfortunately, I remember very little of my trip. You see, we...

We had a little celebration. I'm not a drinking man, and just one or two drinks... But we were sitting opposite each other. You were going over some speech you made about calculus, mathematics or something. I'm very sorry, Mr. Haynes.

I certainly must have been celebrating. If you'll wait outside, Professor. Yes. Yes, of course. Is it so important whether he remembers me or not? Surely the important thing is that I've been able to name a man who was on the train with me. Now, you've been able to find him. Isn't that proof of where I was last night? Yes, I'd say. You were in the clear, but there is a little more checking I'd like to do. But if I'm in the clear... Take it easy, Mr. Haynes. You're free to go back to Washington right now. Thank you, Captain. Thank you.

Then the police verified his alibi, Father, and said he could go. Isn't that about it, dear? Except that when an alibi is full of scotch, it casts a little doubt. Then the professor was Boyle. He didn't remember me. But he knew you were on the train. Wasn't that enough to prove that that's where you were? I wish I knew. For sure, I mean. Oh, everything's all right, Ann. The police are just being thorough. What's your next move, Guy? Whatever it is, the police will know about it. Take a look out the window. My guardian angel...

What guy? You're being tailed. That's Detective Leslie Hennessey. He works 16 hours a day. Someone named Hammond takes over for the next eight.

As a matter of fact, Hennessy seems like a pretty nice fellow. For your own peace of mind, Guy, perhaps... Well, perhaps if you worked here at the house for the next few days, well, it would be less embarrassing for you. It would be less embarrassing for you, sir, if I resigned as your assistant. That's ridiculous. Of course it is. Besides, don't you have to play in the tennis tournament? I'm withdrawing.

But wouldn't it look awkward if you suddenly cancelled all your plans? Father's right, Guy. You've got to go on as though nothing had happened. Escorted by Mr. Hennessy. I beg your pardon? What is it, Bessie? A telephone from Mr. Haines, Miss. They say it's urgent. Oh, you can take it right there, Guy. Huh? Oh, oh yeah. Hello? Mrs. Bruno. I was hoping you'd call me before I had... What's the matter? Must have been some mistake. Wasn't for me. Hello?

I'm learning more and more things about you, Guy. I never dreamed you were so interested in paintings. Well, I feel a very warm attachment for this art gallery. For the first time all week, we've actually been alone for an hour. By the way, where's Hennessy? Waiting out front. Haven't we better be leaving? I suppose so. I wonder if we'll ever... Uh, Guy! Have a minute, Guy? Come on, we'll find Hennessy and get a cab. But that man, he's calling you, Guy. Oh, excuse me, dear. I'll see what he wants.

It's hard to have to follow you here, guy. Will you stop pestering me? You never even answered my note. For the last time, Bruno. You're spoiling everything. You're making me come out in the open. Why didn't you call me? My father's leaving for Florida next week. There's not much time. The detective outside. He'll see us together. Isn't that Anne Morton that you're with? Slight improvement over Miriam.

Agai? I'm telling you to stay away from me. Who is Agai? Oh, just some tennis fan. Never saw him before. That's funny. Funny? I mean, I saw him yesterday. Where? He was at the tennis club watching you practice.

He was sitting with Mr. and Mrs. D'Aville. He must be very amusing. He had them in stitches most of the time. Who were the D'Avilles? Oh, he's connected with the French embassy. You'll meet them tomorrow night, darling. They'll be at the party. Oh, yeah. Yes, the party. Anne, do you really think I should be there? But I thought we settled that, dear. Of course you should be there. He's watching us, Guy, that man. Come along, dear. Let's go home. Ha, ha, ha!

Who is he, Barbara, that young Frenchman with the Davy? Oh, he's not French, Daddy. They just introduced me to him. His name's Antony, Bruno Antony. Doesn't he look interesting? Why is he looking at you? Daddy, not so loud. He's coming over here. Oh, this is my father, Mr. Antony. I'm delighted to meet you, Senator. How do you do? Oh, it's a wonderful party, sir.

You know, sometime I'd like to talk to you about my idea for harnessing the life force. It'll make atomic power look like the horse and buggy. Well, I'm sure... I'm already developing my faculty for seeing millions of miles. Senator, can you imagine being able to smell a flower on the planet Mars? I'd like to have lunch with you someday soon, sir, and tell you more about it. I'll see you later, won't I? That'll be fine. Later, yes.

I still don't remember inviting that young man. I told you, Daddy, the Darvilles just brought him along. Just a minute, Barbara. Where are your glasses? My glasses? You're supposed to wear glasses, Barbara. Oh, but, Daddy, even at parties... Not another word. Get your glasses and put them on. Oh, my God!

What are you so concerned about, Guy? If the Darvilles brought him, well, what difference does it make? He shouldn't be here. But you said you don't even know him. Well, I just don't like his looks. I don't like the way he's been staring at Barbara. Well, I'm not so sure I blame him. Barbara's very cute, especially when she wears glasses. Besides, he seems to be talking to Judge Donahue right now. Judge Donahue? Now, come on, let's go to dinner. Oh!

There's something else that I want to ask you, Judge Donahue. After you've sentenced a man to the chair, isn't it difficult to go out and eat your dinner after that? Really, young man? Well, when a murderer's been convicted, he must be sentenced. When he's sentenced to death, he must be executed. Oh, quite impersonal, isn't it? Besides, it doesn't happen every day. So few murderers are caught. If you don't mind, I believe I'm being paged.

Mr. Anthony, you seem very interested in the subject of murder. Well, no more than anyone else, madam. No more than you, for instance. Me? Oh, no, I'm not interested in murder. Oh, come now, everyone's interested. Surely you're not going to tell me there hasn't been a time that you didn't want to dispose of someone. Good heavens, no. You mean to tell me there wasn't a tiny moment when you were made very angry? Well... What did you say? Oh!

Well, there you are, you see. There you are. Now you've decided to commit a murder. How would you plan to do it? Oh, I didn't get your name. Mrs. Cunningham. Well, Mrs. Cunningham, how will you do it? Well, I suppose I'd have to get a gun from somewhere. Oh, no, Mrs. Cunningham. Bang, bang, bang all over the place and blood everywhere. Well, what's your idea, Mr. Anthony? I don't know.

Well, I have the best way and the best tools. Yes? My two hands. Simple, silent, and it's quick. Why, of course. You must be very strong, Mr. Anthony. Now, let me show you what I mean. You don't mind if I borrow your neck for a moment, do you? That's so silly. Very well. Go ahead. Now, watch what I'm doing. Uh-huh.

When I nod my head, you just try to cry out. Yes. I'll bet you won't be able to make a sound. I'm ready. All right, now. Just wait till I nod my head.

She'll be all right, Father. Mrs. Anderson's with her and Judge Donahue. They're up in the bedroom. But Mrs. Cunningham, what happened? How could he have choked? Well, I don't know for sure. Mrs. Anderson thinks they were playing some sort of game. Then when Bessie screamed, he fainted. Where is he, Anne? Where's Anthony? Guy took him into the study. Then tell Guy to get him out of here as soon as he can. This is a nice item for the gossips.

Well, I'd better get back to the gates. Anne! Anne! Barbara, what's the matter? It was awful. I saw him. What was he trying to do to her? You saw him? I was standing in the doorway. His hands were on her throat, but he kept staring at me. Anne, he was strangling me. What do you mean? He went into sort of a trance.

I was horrible. Thought he was murdering me. But why, Anne? Why me? Don't be silly, dear. You're upset. That's all. Now go find Father. What happened, Guy? I fainted, didn't I? I started getting so dizzy. You mad, crazy maniac. You ought to be locked up. Will you get out of here now and let me alone? But, Guy, I like you.

Now we've got to talk about my father. You promised to... You shouldn't have done that, Guy. You shouldn't have hit me. Maybe that'll knock a little sense into you. You have a car here? Yes, it's outside. It's down the block. Come on, we'll go out the back way. Guy? Did he leave? Anne? I didn't mean to startle you, dear. He has left. Yes. Anne, why'd you come out here? I had to talk to you. Yesterday at the art gallery. That wasn't the first time you met Bruno, was it? What makes you say that? I don't know. Guy...

What did Miriam look like? But I've told you. I want you to tell me again. Well, she was dark, not too tall, sort of pretty. What else? What else is there? She wore glasses, didn't she? Yes. Barbara wears glasses, too. And Barbara looks something like Miriam, doesn't she? Doesn't she? No. No, no, not at all. How did you get him to do it, Guy? Get him to do it? He killed Miriam, didn't he?

Tell me. Didn't he? Yes. Yes, he's a maniac. I met him on the train going to Metcalfe. He had some crazy scheme about exchanging murders. If I do his murder, he'd do mine. What do you mean, your murder? Well, he'd read about me in the papers. He knew about Miriam, about you. You must have known he was talking nonsense. But he wasn't. And now a lunatic wants me to kill his father. Too fantastic. You've known about Miriam all this time? Yes. Yes.

Why don't you call the police? And have them say what you did? How did you get him to do it? If we could only talk to Father or someone about it. It's no good, Ann. I can't drag anyone else into this. Guy, what are we going to do? I don't know. I don't know. Bruno? Bruno, this is Guy. I've decided to do what you want about your father. Yes, I want to get it over with. Detective? Oh, don't worry about Hennessy. There's a way out across the roof here to the next apartment.

Does anyone know you've come home? Then you'd better go out again and stay out until after daylight. I'll be there in 40 minutes. Before we return with Act 3 of Strangers on a Train, I'm going to introduce my guest for tonight. She's very special, a blue-eyed blonde who's to be congratulated on playing the leading role in the very first picture she's made.

When I tell you her name, you'll know she sings, she dances like a dream. Here she is, Miss Aileen Stanley, Jr. Name for my aunt, Aileen Stanley, who starred in so many Broadway musical comedies. I only hope that... That you'll live up to the Aileen Stanley name? You've certainly made a fine start. Well, I have Warner Brothers to thank for the opportunity and for casting me opposite a star like Gordon McRae. We'll all be watching for you, Aileen.

Aren't you sorry you won't be in New York on Thursday for the world premiere of Warner Brothers' new musical? Oh, you mean, uh, I'll see you in my dreams? That's it. That song is the title of their new picture, portraying the story of the famous songwriter Gus Kahn.

The cast has Danny Thomas playing Conn, Frank Lovejoy as his collaborator, Walter Donaldson, and Doris Day as his wife, Grace Conn, sings his wonderful songs, Making Whoopee, Pretty Baby, Nobody's Sweetheart. And there's something more to make I'll see you in my dreams a picture to watch for. That's Patrice Wymore's Dancing.

Patrice is lovely as the dancing star of a Ziegfeld musical that features con songs. Patrice Wymore is always someone to see. She has that fresh, luxe, lovely look. Yes, she's a luxe girl, all right. In fact, Patrice tells me that after a day of strenuous dancing rehearsals, she really appreciates her luxe beauty bath. And I certainly agree. It's the most refreshing pickup I know. Yes, a daily luxe beauty bath is Hollywood's way to all-over loveliness.

Luxe Active Lather makes your daily bath a real beauty bath. It leaves skin so soft and smooth. The delicate Luxe fragrance really clings, makes you sure of skin that's sweet. Thank you, Aileen Stanley Jr., for coming here tonight. Now, here's a suggestion for lovely women everywhere.

Tomorrow, get this generous satin smooth bath cake. You'll delight in the creamy, rich lather, abundant even in hardest water. It leaves your skin really fresh. Luxe lovely all over. Nine out of ten screen stars use fragrant white luxe toilet soap. We pause now for station identification. This is the CBS Radio Network. ♪♪

The curtain rises on Act Three of Strangers on a Train, starring Ray Moland as Guy Haynes, Ruth Roman as Anne Morton, and Frank Lovejoy as Bruno Antony.

To Guy Haynes, there is only one way out. Now, in the quiet of the night, Guy has entered the Anthony home. With the key in the map of the house that Bruno sent him, Guy has no trouble finding Mr. Anthony's bedroom. Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, don't be alarmed. I must talk to you about your son, about Bruno, Mr. Anthony. Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Anthony, Mr

Wouldn't you feel more at home with a light-armed guy? Bruno? My father isn't home. I was about to tell you that over the phone, but you made such a sudden decision. I wondered why. Well, I thought your father would be interested to know he has a lunatic son. Then you have no intention of going ahead with our little arrangement? I never had. Bruno, look. You're terribly sick.

I don't know much about these things, but why don't you go where you can get some kind of treatment? Not only for your own sake, but you can't go on causing more and more... I don't like to be double-crossed, Guy. I have a murder on my conscience. I killed your wife. But it's not just my murder. It's yours, too, isn't it? I guess it's no use trying to talk to you, Bruno. I'll leave. Yes, that man from the police who's supposed to be watching you. You mustn't let him get suspicious, Guy. You can put that gun away, Bruno. Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to shoot you, Guy.

Hello?

Hello, I'd like to speak to Mrs. Antony, please. Bruno Antony's mother. This is Bruno's mother? I'm Anne Morton, Mrs. Antony. Senator Morton's daughter. Oh, Miss Morton, good morning. How nice of you to call. I'd like to see you, Mrs. Antony, just as quickly as possible. Why, that would be lovely. Do come over, do. Thank you. I'll leave right away. Oh, yes.

And no one knows I've come here, Mrs. Antony, but I simply had to tell you. Oh, Miss Morton, really. I know Bruno's been in some very awkward scrapes, but nothing so ridiculous as a murder. But you have to make him do something about this. Don't you see that just one word from him would get Guy out of a dreadful situation? Well, but how can you take this seriously? It's just some practical joke, dear. Bruno's so terribly irresponsible. Oh, he gets into all sorts of escapades. But you don't seem to understand.

Your son's responsible for a woman's death. Did Bruno tell you this? Well, no, of course not. Well, there you are. Well, now, it was very nice of you to call, Miss Morton. Do come and see us again sometime, won't you? I'm afraid Mother wasn't very much help, was she? If you don't mind, I think I'd better leave. Mother hasn't been too well for some time. She's a little, well, how shall I say it? She's confused.

You know, I'm very upset with Guy. He shouldn't have sent you. Guy doesn't know I'm here, Mr. Anthony. He's at the tennis club, isn't he? He will be. Yes, he's playing Reynolds this afternoon. It's a very important match. He must be very desperate to try to involve me. Try to involve you? Well, I've been protecting Guy ever since he told me how much he hated his wife.

Do you know, Miss Morton, that Guy tried to get me to go back to that amusement park some night after dark and look for his cigarette lighter? What's a cigarette lighter got to do with it? Why, he dropped it there right after he... Well, after that night. You see, all the police are waiting for is one piece of evidence to convict Guy for the murder. I can't tell you how worried I am. Please stop. Miss Morton, I do sympathize with you, but I just couldn't do what he asks. Why, that would make me an accessory. Oh, no.

Then I left his house and came straight here to the club, Guy. You shouldn't have gone there, darling. Bruno told me if the police ever found your lighter there, that's all they'd need. Something to prove you were there when she was murdered. Bruno has my lighter. I know, you told me. That lie about my wanting him to get it back, that means he's going back to Metcalfe, back to the amusement park.

He's going to drop it there, somewhere where they'll find it. Oh, Guy, I wanted so to help, but I'm afraid all I did is make things worse. He said last night he'd think of something. Well, give him credit, he certainly has. Well, you've got to get to Metcalf before he does. You haven't time to play. You better tell them now. No. If I try to avoid this match, Hennessy's bound to get suspicious. I haven't been out of his sight all day. Then I'll go. There's a train in an hour. You stay right here.

I'll try to give Hennessy the slip right after the match. But darling, that'll be too late. Didn't Bruno say I wanted him to go there some night after dark? Yes. Well, he won't expose himself in daylight. If I can finish off this match, I'll still have time. All ready, guy. You go on in a few minutes. I'll be right out there. Now look, Anne, here's what you better do. Get hold of Barbara just as soon as possible. Isn't he wonderful, Mr. Hennessy? Huh?

How are you, Barbara? Oh, this here's Mr. Hammond. Mr. Hammond, this here's the senator's other daughter. Oh, yes, I've seen Mr. Hammond outside the house. He's a detective, too. You and he take turns, don't you? Yeah, something like that. But if he's your relief man, why would the two of you be here together? Look, you're a nice kid, Barbara. Now watch him hit the little ball and don't ask him any questions. Oh, come on. He's a great man.

I've got it all arranged, Ann. The cab's outside waiting to take Guy to the station. I gave him $10. But what about those two detectives? They're still over there near the dressing rooms waiting for Guy to finish the match. Come on.

Gosh, I've never seen Guy play so fast in my life. He's got to get on that train. Barbara, now once again, as soon as the match is over, Guy's going to run out through the clubhouse. Just do your best to delay those detectives from coming after him. All Guy will need is a few seconds. Just leave it to me, Ann. Oh, I'm real good at getting in people's way. Oh, I'm real good at getting in people's way.

Looks like we're out of luck, Hammond. Haynes beat us to it by about two minutes. The guy says he bought a ticket to Metcalf. Well, what are we waiting for? The train just pulled out. We can still have him flag it down before he's... Ah, relax. Let him go to Metcalf. We'll phone Captain Turley and let them take over at that end. That nutty little thing. Ah, Barbara's a nice kid. Maybe it was an accident. Pushing you in the fish pond? Just one thing that puzzles me. What's Haynes' big rush to get to Metcalf? What's he going back for? Come on, Hennessy. Let's phone Turley.

Ever since that girl got murdered.

People want to see the scene of the crime. Oh. Well, where did it happen? Right over there. Them picnic grounds across to the goon. Lovers Lane. Yes, sir. They sure have been cleaning up.

I don't think it's a very nice way to make money. These folks got to eat, too, ain't they? For a while, the smoochers wouldn't go near the place. I'm afraid I don't know what a smoocher is. Okay, so I ain't educated. Wait a minute. Mr. Yeats, you got a match? No. Well, you got a lighter. Keep fooling with that lighter in your hand. Oh, it's just a... Here, buy yourself a box of matches. Characters. Places full of characters. Characters.

Hello, this is Sergeant Adams. I'm phoning from the station. Put Captain Turley on the phone. This is Turley. Haynes just got off the train, sir. He took a cab. He told the driver to take him to the amusement park. All right, come in and go to the park. I'll take a group from here. We'll be waiting for him. That's all, Adams. Hello, Bruno. I've been looking all over for you. You shouldn't have come here, guy.

This could be very dangerous for you. It would be more dangerous if I left you here alone, wouldn't it, Bruno? But this is where it happened, Guy. This is really where it happened. They try to make people believe it happened near the concessions. They figure it'll make more money that way. I came after my cigarette lighter. I want that lighter, Bruno. Don't be foolish, Guy. You're just proving a theory for them. Murderer returning to the scene of his... Give it to me! Give it to me before I... Get where you are, heads!

I've got the man you want right here. He's... Stop him! Stop him and get away! Don't make a move, Haynes, or we'll shoot! He's getting away! I can't let him get away! Oh, my God!

This way, Captain Turley. The roller coaster. They ran toward the roller coaster. All right, just watch your fire. There are too many people here. Keep those people back. All right. This man here. He's not Haynes. It's the one we want. It's the other one. The one who ran. What do you mean it isn't Haynes? I remembered him. I seen him here that night when the girl was killed. Two young fellas were with her. And this one, he kept following. He kept looking at her. I remember real plain. You realize what you're saying? I've been talking to him before. I asked him for a match. It's the same one. All right, you men, surround the area. Over here, Captain. The roller coaster. Over here, Captain.

They're under the roller coaster, under the tracks. Well, shut it off. Turn off the roller coaster. It's out of order. It's closed down. Who turned it on? He did. The one who was running away. Turned the switch and kept the keys. That's one way of keeping us out of there. But the track is being repaired. When those cars come down there, they're scattered all over the place. All right, find the main switch and turn it off. Stay where you are, guys.

Don't come any closer. Well, you're one to now, Bruno. They're all around here. The police, Bruno. They won't get me not alive. I've got a gun. That's not for you, Bruno. You're much too clever to use a gun. I'll kill you and then I'll kill myself. I'll kill you. You better start talking, Haynes. What's this all about? Well, he...

He had my cigarette lighter. He came back here tonight to plant it, to pin the whole thing on me. Cigarette lighter, huh? Let me talk to him, please. All right, take it easy now. Over here. He's in a pretty bad way, Captain. Can't you lift that stuff off him? We've done everything we can until the crane comes. Hello, Guy. Who is that with you? This is Captain Turley, Bruno. Police. Oh, they got you at last, huh, Guy? Tell him, Bruno. Tell him you have my lighter. But I haven't got it, Guy.

Must still be over there where you dropped it that night. He dropped it, huh? I'm sorry, Guy. I want to help you. I don't know what I can do. Captain Turley, may I go through his pockets? No, of course you can't. Besides, he says he hasn't got it. But if he dies before he... There's no more of it. This man's dead, Captain. His hand. He's got something in his hand. See what it is, Mac. It's a lighter, Captain. A cigarette lighter. Here, let me see that.

From A to G. From N to Guy. Looks like you were right, Haynes. Well, I better keep this for a while. How about staying in town overnight? I imagine there's a lot you may want to tell me. Yes, I imagine there is. Captain, may I use the telephone? Sure, go ahead. There's one up near the entrance. Say, who was he, mister? That guy. His name was Bruno Anthony. A very clever fellow. The End

Oh, yes, Guy. Yes, darling. Well, of course I'll be there. I'll leave right away. Father, Barbara, it was Guy. He's safe and he's free. Guy? Yes, dear? That man across the aisle, he keeps looking at you. Oh? He's a minister. I...

I didn't know you knew any ministers. I beg your pardon, but aren't you Guy Haynes? I'm sorry, sir, but when I was a very little boy, my mother warned me, never speak to strangers on a train. We want you to meet our stars in person, and Mr. Keeley will tell you about next week's show. In the meantime, here's a tip from lovely Maureen O'Hara.

With her shining dark hair and flawless white skin, Maureen is a real Irish beauty. She says, yes, indeed, I'm a luxe girl. I've found regular luxe care does wonders for my complexion. Makes it softer, smoother, really lovelier. Why don't you take Maureen O'Hara's advice? Here's all you do. Simply work luxe soaps rich, active lather well in. The lather's so creamy, it agrees with delicate skin. Then rinse with warm water, splash of cold.

Right away, your skin looks fresher, prettier. So try Hollywood's own beauty soap tomorrow. You'll find it's easy to be luxe lovely. Nine out of ten screen stars are luxe girls. Now here's Mr. Keeley with our stars. And we call them back for another bow. Ray Moland, Frank Lovejoy, and Ruth Roman.

Ray, what have you been doing since we worked together on our latest picture? Well, I liked it so well at Walters that I've just finished a Cagney production there called Bugles in the Afternoon. In the afternoon? I thought bugles were for early morning. Well, Frank, stories about the U.S. Cavalry's continual fights with the Indians, which caused a great deal of...

Bugle blowing back in the 1870s. How about you, Ruth? What part of the Warner Brothers cast you in recently? A rather unusual role. I could play myself. And so does Frank Lovejoy. The picture is called Starlift. Oh, of course. Based on the actual trips Hollywood stars make to the airbase where the boys take off for Korea. Yes, that's right. We play two of the stars who go to the base to entertain the boys. They really should have called it the Luxe Starlift, Bill, because the actresses who go in the Starlift are naturally Luxe girls.

Including yourself. Including yourself, of course, says Ray. Certainly. I'm a luxe girl. It's my favorite beauty care. You know, by a happy coincidence, Ray is just about to leave on a star lift of his own all the way to Alaska to entertain our troops for the holidays. Well, it's a privilege to do so, Bill. The only trouble is, what if they're expecting a luxe girl? Won't that be a bit of a disappointment? Well, you would be to me, Ray. But remember, the boys are star for entertainment. They'll really appreciate you. And speaking of entertainment, how about next week's show? Oh, it'll be great entertainment, Ruth.

starring on one of our most popular comedians, a fellow who also spends a great deal of his time entertaining the armed forces, Bob Hope, and as his co-star, glamorous Marilyn Maxwell. We will present them in the Paramount picture Laugh Riot, The Lemon Drop Kid. I hate to miss that one, Bill. Good night. Good night. Good night, and don't talk to any strangers.

How would you like double the wear from every pair of stockings you own? Then take this tip from the people who make them. Always wash nylons in luxe. Yes, over 90% of the makers of stockings recommend luxe. Why? Because the luxe way makes stockings last twice as long. Strain tests prove it.

No other soap, no suds of any kind, can make stockings last longer. And what's more, new luxe enriched with color freshener keeps colors clearer, makes stockings look sheerer than ever. It's the stocking care famous Hollywood screen stars insist on for their own glamorous nylons. Get a big box of new luxe with color freshener tomorrow. Give your stockings, all your lovely washables, that brightest new luxe look.

Lever Brothers Company, the makers of Lux Toilet Soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening when the Lux Radio Theater presents Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in The Lemon Drop Kid. This is William Keeley saying goodnight to you from Hollywood. ♪♪

Frank Lovejoy can soon be seen in the Milton Sperling production for Warner Brothers, entitled Retreat Hell. Heard in our cast tonight were Patricia Hitchcock as Barbara, Ed Begley as Father, Martha Wentworth as Mother, and Gene Bates, Herb Butterfield, Norma Varden, Bill Conrad, Norman Field, Ted DiCorsia, Wally Mayer, Bill Johnstone, Olin Soule, Ralph Moody, Eddie Marr, Margie List, Brad Brown, and Alan Wood.

Our play was adapted by S.H. Barnett and our music was directed by Rudy Schrager. This is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to join us again next Monday night to hear The Lemon Drop Kid starring Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell. This is the CBS Radio Network.

Thanks for listening! If you like what you heard, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes. If you like the show, please, share it with someone you know who loves old-time radio or the paranormal or strange stories, true crime, monsters, or unsolved mysteries like you do. You can email me and follow me on social media through the Weird Darkness website,

WeirdDarkness.com is also where you can listen to free audiobooks I've narrated, get the email newsletter, visit the store for creepy and cool Weird Darkness merchandise. You can find other podcasts that I host. Plus, it's where you can find the Hope in the Darkness page if you or someone you know is struggling with depression, addiction, or thoughts of harming yourself or others. You can find all of that and more at WeirdDarkness.com.

I'm Darren Marlar. Thanks for joining me for this episode of Weird Darkness' Retro Radio.

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