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Welcome, Weirdos! I'm Darren Marlar and this is Retro Radio – Old Time Radio in the Dark, brought to you by WeirdDarkness.com. Here I have the privilege of bringing you some of the best dark, creepy and macabre old time radio shows ever created.

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Turn off your lights and come with me into tonight's retro radio, old-time radio in the dark. The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents... Come in. Welcome. Welcome.

I'm E.G. Marshall. I've been waiting for you all day with a story of sheer horror. Don't look for dismal mansions or ghostly cries in the night. Our story of horror takes place in New York City. From the glittering atmosphere of Carnegie Hall to the fashionable shops of Fifth Avenue and the exclusive penthouses of Park Avenue.

To Hilda Turner, these were so far above her reach, she hardly dared dream about them. But then, all of us have our dreams. They cost us nothing, and they do make a pleasant change of pace when reality becomes a treadmill. Hilda Turner dreamed, and something happened. I wonder where I am. Strange. Strange.

I have a feeling people are looking at me. I can just make out the shapes. Yes, they're people looking through the glass. And the light's shining on me. This is so odd. Why am I here? I can't remember. I can't remember anything at all. I don't know why I'm here. But worse, I don't know where I am. Ah!

Our mystery drama, What a Change in Hilda, was written especially for the Mystery Theater by Bob Juran and stars Lois Nettleton.

It is sponsored in part by Jovan Collections for women and for men and Buick Motor Division. I'll return shortly with Act One. Everyone wants more out of life. Did you ever meet someone totally satisfied?

The more we have, the more we want, it seems. But then there are those who've resigned themselves to mediocrity. They know they'll go no further and settle down to what Henry David Thoreau called lives of quiet desperation. Hilda Turner is just such a woman.

At 30, she is plain, unglamorous, and married to a man who loves her and whom she loves, but there's little money from his taxi cab job. And her salary at Hobbs Department Store, just about, but not quite, makes up the difference between red and black each month. Hilda doesn't really regret or resent her life. It just bores her. What time is it, Brad? Ten o'clock.

Want to watch the news? No. I'll just put up my hair and go to bed. You finished with the paper? Yeah, yeah. Oh, I'll just look at the headlines. One cup of coffee? Yeah, if you're having some. Yeah, might as well. Instant okay or should I make a pot? Instant. Brad. What? I can't believe this. What? You remember Grace Hutchins? The girl I used to work with at Bradley's?

Grace, Grace, uh, yeah, yeah, sort of. Short, short, blonde hair. She used to come up to the place lots of times. I haven't seen her for, uh, oh, I don't know, a year or so. Not since I left to work for Hobbs. Yeah, yeah, I remember. So what? It says here she's making her singing debut at Carnegie Hall this Sunday evening. I didn't know she sang. She didn't. That's why I don't believe it.

She used to talk about wanting to sing, but she didn't have the voice. She was terrible. Even she admitted it. Well, then it's not the same Grace Hutchins. Her picture's right here. Look, look. Now, that's the same Grace Hutchins I work with. Uh-huh. I haven't seen her in a year. So she found a good teacher. Brad, it takes years to sing good enough to sing at Carnegie Hall. You don't do it in one year. She's doing it. It's just unbelievable.

Brad, we've got to go. What? We've got to go to that recital. Me? At Carnegie Hall? I wouldn't miss this for the world.

I've got to go and see and hear this for myself. Well, go with Audrey. Oh, no. Please, Brad. I want to go with you. Well, okay. But I'm not going to enjoy it. Oh, gee. I sort of wish I had a fur to wear. Maybe Mrs. McCloskey would lend me her fox. Oh, come on, Hilda. It's bad enough to be going to Carnegie Hall without dressing up. You've got no style, Brad. But I love you anyway.

Yeah, I'll ask Mrs. McCloskey tomorrow. Okay. And you stop and get the tickets. I just can't wait to hear Grace Hutchins sing and see the inside of Carnegie Hall. Brad, isn't this thrilling? Look at the earrings on that blonde. I'll bet they're real diamonds.

Oh, I wish I had a diamond. What's that on your finger? Glass? No, no, no. I meant... Oh, you know. But I'm glad I borrowed Mrs. McCloskey's fur. Makes me feel special. Honey, you look as good as any of them. Thanks. Hey, hey, everyone's going in. Come on. Let's get our seats. Oh, my God.

I'm right. That's the Grace Hutchins. I think you're right. I know I am. I can't believe what I'm hearing. It's good. Shh, shh. Shh.

That was fantastic. Not bad. Come on, come on. I'm going to go up and try to see her. What do you mean? I'm going backstage. Not me, not me. Oh, we're friends. She'll remember me. She'll appreciate it. Yeah, well, okay. I'll have a smoke in the lobby. Oh, all right, all right. I'll meet you in a few minutes. Okay. Greg? Honey? Remember me?

Hildy! Hildy Turner! How good of you to come. I couldn't believe it was you, Grace. Oh, well, I can't either sometimes. Well, Hildy, did you enjoy the recital? Oh, you're terrific! How did it happen? You always said you couldn't sing. Well, it's been like a dream ever since I met Dr. Sadlow. Who? Dr. Sadlow.

The Center for Transposition Science. Oh, dear, they're waving at me. Look, Hildy, I've got to run. But I'll call you. I have a hectic schedule, but I'll call, I promise. Are you still at the same place? Yes. Well, I'll call. I just can't believe it. Hello? Oh, Hildy, dear, it's Grace. Grace! Grace!

Thank you for calling. I didn't think you... Well, I said I would. Oh, it was good to see you again. Grace, would you come to dinner? Spend an evening, please. I want so much to know how you've been. Talk about your success. My reviews were marvelous, weren't they? Oh, I didn't see them. Of course I'll come. I'm always glad to talk about transposition science. Is tomorrow night all right?

I have a concert in Philadelphia on Thursday, and I'm going to Vermont for the weekend. Yeah, tomorrow's fine. Come at seven. Oh, it's really good to see you again, Hildy. Where's Brad? Playing poker. He sends his regards, but he thought we could enjoy old times better without him hanging around. Well, it's still the same charming place I remember. It's so delightfully simple. Yes. And you still have the linden tree out there. Mm-hmm.

You remember when the super wanted to cut it down and you climbed up and sat in it until he came up? Oh, that tree and the birds are my only touch with nature in this second floor walk-up. Well, do you still feed the birds? Winter and summer. But it's you I want to talk about, Grace, not me. The last time I saw you was a year and a week ago. I looked it up in the calendar.

How could you do all this in one year? Well, I found a new life through transposition science. Yeah, you mentioned that backstage. Well, actually, it's the Center for Transposition Science run by Dr. Satlu. Oh, he is fabulous. Oh, one of those cults? Oh, no, not what you think. Not at all. You see, Dr. Satlu has a very practical approach to changing your life. I put myself in his hands and here I am.

Of course, I had to work. It wasn't overnight. But he introduced me to a fantastic voice coach, one of his disciples. You know, I couldn't believe the progress I made. It's almost like a miracle. It's all in how you think and meditate. His meditation sessions are the key. You bring yourself out of yourself.

He must be expensive. $100? You're kidding. No, that's all. Hildy, are you interested? Is there something you'd like to change in your life? Oh, no, no, no. No, I'm fine. Oh, everybody wants something, I guess. But no, no. No, I wouldn't dream of it. You don't say that as though you meant it. Look, I'll give you his address. He likes referrals from fellowship members. No, I don't think so. Well, honey, think it over, huh?

He says, quote, Everyone's heart's desire can be theirs if only you believe. Unquote. Well, it's a little clumsy, but then he's a little strange. Well, you're the living example of a miracle. I've only just begun to live. And you could too, Hildy. If there's something you really want, want enough to believe in Dr. Satlu, think it over. The End

Brad? Yeah, honey, it's me. Brad, what's the matter? Uh, you better forget about going out to dinner tonight. I just got fired. Nice anniversary present for us, huh? Why? Other guys with more seniority than me. Fares are down, expenses are going up. They had to let 12 drivers go. Damn, I missed it by one. Bonnie Tucker only had one month on me.

So he stays, I go. Oh, well... Maybe it's temporary. Maybe they'll hire you back. Eating is not temporary. I'm working. I'll get something else. I'm not going to sit around. But it sure burns. Well, it's not going to spoil our night. Heaven knows we get little enough going out. Some celebration, huh? We're not celebrating your job. We're celebrating us. I'm sorry, hon. I'm sorry.

You're right. I'm lucky to have you. Oh, don't worry about it, Brad. Things are going to get better for us. I promise. Hello, Grace? I've thought it over. Will you introduce me to Dr. Satlu? Park Avenue penthouse yet? How does he do it for $100 a client? Well, he practices what he preaches.

Oh, Hilda, I'm glad you decided to see him. You'll change. You'll see. Here we are. Good grief. Come on. It's absolutely empty. It's not a stick of furniture. Oh, Dr. Setlow believes material things cloud the mind. He'll explain. Now follow me and don't say anything. We're going to his chamber. There he is. He's meditating, but he knows we're here.

Come in, dear Grace. Come in. Oh, Dr. Satlu, this is Hilda Turner. Dear Hilda, it's good of you to come. Dear Grace tells me you wish to join the fellowship. Oh, yes. Sit down, please. On the floor, here with me. I don't use furnishings or trappings, as you can see, because that's just what they are, traps to draw our attention away from the real truth of existence, of beauty, of life.

Yes, I understand. But don't be afraid. So many people are afraid of the truth. Oh, Dr. Sattler, I'll leave now. I have a lesson with Professor Rice. Go in peace, dear Grace, and sing like a bird. I'll call you tonight, Hilda. Thanks for everything. Now, dear Hilda, let's begin with a moment of meditation. Empty your mind, dear Hilda. Empty your mind.

Empty. Empty. To be refilled with truth. Believe in me. Believe in me and you will receive all you desire. Empty. Empty. Empty. Tell me what it is you want to achieve with transposition science. Well, um, this may sound dumb, but, uh, I want...

Things. Things don't necessarily make us happy. Oh, I know that. I'm not unhappy. I love my husband. We have a good life. But I'm... I'm so bored. I just... I just want some excitement. I'm not ashamed to admit that I... I want a fur coat. Jewelry. Real jewelry. I want...

I want some glamour. Not such a tall order. Oh, for me it is. There's no getting out of a rut. That's why I thought you could help me. After what you did for Grace. Yes. Dear Grace has almost achieved her heart's desire. Almost? I'd say she's there now. Oh, there's more for her. Because she believes. Can you help me, Dr. Sutlow? I can show you the way. Let me meditate a day or two...

Then we shall know just which path to take. Your husband knows of your intent? Not yet. I'll have to tell him. I shall expect you on Saturday at 1 p.m. Yes. I'll arrange to take the afternoon off. Then welcome, dear Hilda. Welcome to a new life. Oh!

Well, if Satlu can do for Hilda what he did for Dear Grace, it looks as though Hilda and Brad's troubles are over. It's true that faith can move mountains, and Hilda seems to have faith. But I wonder, I wonder. We'll see which path Dr. Satlu suggests for Dear Hilda when I return with Act Two. ♪♪

Hilda Turner has placed herself in the hands of Dr. Satlow in hopes of improving her life. Dr. Satlow promises her heart's desire, but whether it's the best thing for Hilda remains to be seen. The child who eyes and eats too much of the chocolate cake pays the penalty of a sick stomach.

In one way or another, Hilda will pay a penalty for achieving her dream. After all, you never get anything for nothing. Now, dear Hilda, I've decided the way for you is modeling. Modeling? Certainly. You want excitement, glamour. You want to wear furs, expensive clothes, jewels...

A fashion model is the logical course. And models make $60, $80, $100 an hour. You must be kidding. With my looks and my figure? Ah, but we're going to change those. We are going to turn you into a model. I do have connections. A fashion model. Oh, that's really far out. Dear Hilda, do you think it's appealing? Oh, yes. Yes.

The last thing I'd ever see me as is a model. Dear Grace had no singing voice when she came to me, but she did have two essential things, desire and faith. I'm not sure you have either one now. Oh, please, I'll try. It's just all taken me by surprise. I really want to change. I'll try. I hope you will. You are a beautiful person. Underneath, deep down, where beauty counts...

That's what I want to get at, your inner goodness and beauty. When I have those, then you will have the beautiful face and figure. When we start to study, you'll realize that my secret is really nothing but truth. You'll see, dear Hilda. You'll see. Hildy. Hildy, where have you been all afternoon? You weren't at work. I went to Hobbs. They told me you took the afternoon off. Yes, sir.

Yes, I did, Brad. Why? Okay, you've got to know. I told Dr. Satlu I'd have to tell you. Dr. Satlu? The man who did so much for Grace Hutchins. I went to see him. What for? To help me. It's called the Center for Transposition Science. Oh, brother, he's just a phony after your money, Hilde. Show him what's in your bank book and he'll slam the door in your face. I've got to feed the birds. Oh.

It just so happens his entire cost is $100. For what? For showing you how to get things. Things I want. All I want is for you to forget it. I don't want you messing around with some freaky cult. It can't do any harm. There you are.

Come on. Come and get... Those guys get your thinking all mixed up. We got enough problems with me out of work as it is. Oh, there's our first Robin. Oh, hello, Robin. But that's why I'm doing it, Brad. Look what happened to Grace Hutchins. From a nothing to a concert singer-

Oh, no.

When did it happen? Yeah, yeah, that's a shocker. How's his wife taking it? Sure, sure, sure. I'll be in. Eight o'clock tonight. Yeah, okay, Max. Brad, what happened? Barney Tucker was killed in an accident today. Oh, terrible. A drunk plowed through the divider on the drive. A real head-on. The drunk walks away and Barney's dead. Oh, no.

Anyway, Max wants me in for the night shift tonight. Well, I got my job back. Good morning, dear Hilda. Good morning, Dr. Sutler. And so we begin our study. Much of the work will depend on you. I'm not a miracle worker. I show the way, but you must follow. The first thing I want you to do when you get home today is remove every mirror from your home.

What? No mirrors. Because the first thing we must get rid of is vanity. As the deep, beautiful, real you comes to the surface, your looks will begin to change. If you notice it, dwell on it, your vanity will stand in the way of our work. Does that present a problem? No, I guess not. Brad doesn't shave. He wears a beard. But he's not going to like it.

He wasn't too keen on my taking up this... the science. But I'll convince him. He's working double shifts at the cab company. He's not home much anyway. Very well. We'll try it. Now, this book is the Bible of transposition science. I want you to start reading one chapter a day. We'll meet once each week for meditation together. The book shows you how to meditate daily by yourself. But our sessions together...

That's where the real meaning is. I'll be here next Saturday, then. Yes. And now for our first meditation. Empty your mind, Hilda. All thought must leave. Only emptiness. Whiteness. Open to the spirit. The truth. Only emptiness. To fill yourself with the truth. Empty. Empty. Empty. Hilda?

Doda. Oh, Dr. Sutlew. What happened? We were meditating. How do you feel? As though I wasn't here. Good. Deep meditation. You'll be all right. Rest a moment, and then you can leave. Yes. Georgette, I'm having one of my disciples help you to a cab. Go home, rest, and stop reading. Yes, Doctor.

I'll be back next Saturday. You called, Doctor. Georgette, this is dear Hilda. Help her get a cab, please. Certainly. Thank you. We're going to be very successful, dear Hilda. Very successful. Are you all right? Yes. Fine. I can really go myself. No trouble.

Do you work for Dr. Satlu? In a way, I'm a disciple. Is that what I am? No, you're a student. You're a friend of Grace Hutchins? Yes, Grace introduced me to Dr. Satlu. He is good. You've made a wise decision. I'm looking forward to studying with Dr. Satlu. I want better things for Brad and me.

And after I saw what he did for Grace... She is quite an example. There are plenty of cabs on Park Avenue. Oh, there's one. Cab! I'll see you next week, Hilda. Good luck. Thank you.

Hildy, what the devil are you doing here? Who is that, Dane? What's going on? I never expected... Well, I went to see Dr. Sattler again. I thought you weren't going to mess around with that baloney. This where he lives? Up in the penthouse. Yeah, well, he's got a good neighborhood. I'll say that for him. But you told me... I didn't promise anything, Brad. I said I just wanted to see. Oh, please, please go along with me, Brad. If it starts to hurt...

If it starts to hurt us, I'll give it up. I just hope you don't get in too deep to give it up. Empty, Hilda. Empty your mind to nothingness. Whiteness. Let the truth come through. Ah!

Oh, I'm bushed. Coming to bed, Hildy? No, no, I'm going to study some more. You were up till four this morning. I put up with the crazy idea of getting rid of the mirrors, but this thing's taking all your time. I'm interested. I've got to read through this chapter before my meditation tomorrow. All right, I've got to be up at six. Working two shifts is murder. It sure brings in the dough. Oh.

You're almost ready, Hilda. The beauty within is coming to the surface, coming out for everyone to see. Soon, soon now, we'll have our heart's desire.

Now, I want Georgette to work with you on makeup and posture. We must enhance that natural beauty that's coming out. And I'm really going to be a fashion model? Well, we're trying. One day, dear Hilda, you'll wear more furs and jewels than you could hope for. You'll be the envy of every woman. I don't believe it. You like what you see?

You're a knockout, all right. But you sure ain't Hilda. Of course I am. Then I'm not. Not the old Hilda, anyway. Takes some getting used to. Dr. Satlu's method works. I'm dying to see Grace's reaction. Yeah, you're different, all right. Beautiful. But somehow, Hilda, I... What? Well, I mean, where's my wife? You'll get used to me, Brad. What?

And just wait till I start making some real money. We'll move out of this... This place is okay. Don't get snooty on me now. Hello? Hello?

Oh, Hildy, it's Grace. How are you? Grace! I was going to call you. How about lunch on Monday? Love it! I can spring my surprise. Oh, I was going to do the same thing. Well, how are you making out with Dr. Satinu? Isn't he fabulous? He is. Just wait till you see. Monday at 1? I'll have to make it at 12. Is that okay? Oh, sure. I'll meet you at the Beverly. The Beverly? Well, we are coming up in the world. The Beverly

© BF-WATCH TV 2021

Grace? Over here. I beg your pardon? Grace! It's me, Hilda. Hilda? You're not Hilda. Ah, yes, I'm Hildy, little old Hildy Turner. Wait, it's just startling. Now I see it really is you. It's all because of Dr. Sataloo. But you said you had a surprise. Oh, yes, but... Oh, honey, after seeing you, mine isn't all that much. What is it?

I'm going on tour. Worldwide. Oh, Grace, that is exciting. Dr. Satlu says I should sing to the world. Where are you going? Oh, I don't know yet. The bookings haven't all been worked out, but I'm so excited. I guess we both are. Oh, here comes the waitress. Let's order a big drink and toast Dr. Satlu. Oh, my God.

You are ready, dear Hilda, to try for a modeling career. Don't you agree, Georgette? The Fisher Agency will take her in a minute. I'm so nervous.

Things never bothered me before. And you're starting an exciting new life. I feel like Grace must feel starting out on a concert tour. Ah, yes. Dear Grace has told you of our plans. She said you told her to sing to the world. I think that's nice. And you, dear Hilda, will be admired by the world. Why don't you go home now, get some rest, and be sure to meditate.

Georgette will be in touch with you after she sets up the appointment. She'll tell you what to do. All right. I'll try not to be nervous. You'll hear from me, Hilda.

She'll make it. She's perfect. Of course she will. She ought to have some fun first. She will, just as Grace has had her fun. Now Grace must get down to serious work. Yes, her tour. Dear Grace is going to sing her heart out. Wouldn't it be grand to be able to get whatever it is you want? Some people do and are happy with it.

Others do and find they didn't want it after all. Grace and Hilda are both about to get what they've always wanted. But in their case, it's not quite what they expected. We'll find out just what happens when I return shortly with Act Three. Act Three

Hilda Turner is on her way to fulfilling her fondest wishes to be glamorous, have an exciting life, furs, jewels. Dr. Satlu and his disciple Georgette have already helped her to a physical transformation. Now she seems on the threshold of a modeling career. Not bad for a girl who only a few months ago was a plain housewife with a job at Hobbs' department store. Knock, knock.

Huh? Hildy? That you? Of course. Who were you expecting? I was just catching a couple of winks between shifts.

What are you doing home at three o'clock? You're supposed to be at work. If you're referring to that insipid little job in that loathsome department store, I am finished with that. I gave them my notice today. Wait a minute, wait a minute. What's with this five dollar a word stuff? What do you mean? Insipid, loathsome. What the devil do they mean? Don't you understand English? English, yeah, sure. How come the fancy talk all of a sudden, Hildy? Hey, are you all right? Of course.

I don't like the look in your eye, Hildy. I think this crazy doctor or whatever he is is filling your head with a lot of bull. Dumb talk.

Did you quit your job? Oh, Brad, for heaven's sake, I'm starting work next week as a model. A model? At $60 an hour. $75 when I'm better known, they said. I had my interview today and I got my first assignment next Tuesday. Modeling what? Jewelry for Bradstone's. It's a photo session. There's something here I don't like. You get $60 an hour? Yes, next Tuesday. Over my dead body. I

I know what goes on in those photo sessions. Oh, Brad, don't be disgusting. They're face and hand shots of jewelry. Come on, Hilda, wake up. This phony medicine man's taking you for a ride. Brad, this is something I've never dared dream about. Me, a fashion model. And now I've got it, and I am going to do it. Yeah, well, this guy says no. And who is this guy? A little cabbie who never made any more than $80 a month. I'm making $100. Now, you just wait a minute, Hilda.

We never talked like this to each other before. You never talked like this to anyone. Now, what's happening to you? For the first time in my life, I am going somewhere. Excitement, glamour, looks. You always look good to me. Oh, Brad, how can you say that? I was a mousy little nothing and you know it.

No. No, I'm getting what I want. I'm going to wear fur, diamonds, fine clothes. Oh, boy. Have my hair done every day. And it won't be long before I'll have the money to own those things. That fake's got you thinking crazy. That's what it is, crazy. We'll see who's crazy. Yeah, we'll see.

I gotta get back to work. And when I'm done, we'll talk this out. Brad! Wait! Go feed your birds! Damn the birds. I don't care what he thinks. I'm getting tired of that know-it-all cabbie. Shut up! That's strange. All the birds are gone but that one. Hello, pretty nightingale.

Don't you want any seed? No? You just want to sing. Go ahead, you beautiful thing. Sing your little heart out. So, next Tuesday, you begin your career. Oh, I'm so excited, Dr. Satteloo. It's a dream come true. Of course. I called Grace Hutchins to tell her the news, but someone answered and said she'd gone on tour already. Ah, yes. Grace is flitting about.

Singing to the world. I thought she'd call to say goodbye. Perhaps she was so busy she forgot. And Hilda, don't you forget to meditate daily. Particularly when you go for your first job. Yes, this is Hilda Turner. Oh, you'll have to talk with my agent, Pat Smith at the Fisher Agency. I'm booked pretty solid for the next two months, I think.

Lunch on Friday? I'd love it. But I think I have a show at the Waldorf. I'll call you back. Stop worrying, darling. My husband works till 1 a.m. Pour some more wine. We have three whole hours. Your what? I'm through, Brad. I'm moving out. I don't know why I've stayed as long as this. Zip it.

Honey, I haven't seen anything of you in three weeks. But you're still my wife. I'm about to change that, too. What? Don't be stupid, Brad. Can't you see I've outgrown you? You're a small-time hack driver, satisfied with a newspaper and a can of beer. I'm just... I'm tired of you, and I'm tired of this cheese box we call an apartment. I'm taking a place in Dr. Satlu's building. I'm moving with a whole new crowd. Yeah.

Yeah, yeah. That's the whole trouble with you, Dr. Satlu. Well, I'm going to fight him for you. You are stupid. You think you're going to win me like a prize? You're a caveman. You even look like one. You're not hurting me. I'm going to Satlu and stop this crazy stuff right now. You can't. Oh, yes, I can. Just watch me. You can't ruin my career.

There's nothing you can do. I know where he lives. I picked you up in front of his building. I'm going to kill him. Brad, don't be stupid. If you say that once more, I'll kill you. Now, don't try to stop me. I'm going there now, right now. And you stay here till I get back. I'm going to take care of that guy. Then I'm going to move Hilda out of here. Get her away from New York and her crazy ideas. It was parked between 88 and 89. Yeah, step on it. I'm going to beat that light.

Watch out, you crazy devil! I suppose I should feel something, but I don't. Not a thing. Transposition science gives us the strength to face life's trials. My husband is dead, and I don't feel a thing. Well, I was getting ready to leave him anyway.

I was thinking of taking an apartment here in your building. Splendid. We can continue our work. Dear Hilda, that part of your life is over. Think only of yourself, your beauty, your career. Hello, Pat? Hilda. Yes, I know. That's why I'm calling. I can't make it. It's stiff all over. Must be coming down with the flu. Oh.

No, no, you'd better cancel for the next couple of days. Hello, Georgette? Has Dr. Satlu called for me? Yes, Hilda. He's in the prayer room. Come. You look disturbed. Something wrong? I'm not feeling too well. Ah, Hilda. Come in. I was meditating about you. I haven't been well, Dr. Satlu. I thought it was the flu. Aches, stiffness. It's been all week. I'm sorry.

Those things usually last only a day or two. Sit down. If I can. So stiff. I have been meditating, dear Hilda, because there's one last thing we must do to ensure your career. Well, I haven't worked for a week because of this flu. It is not the flu, dear Hilda. It's a change in your body, necessary to make sure that your beauty never fades. What? What do you mean?

We are even, dear Hilda. You promised to believe in me, and you did. I promised you beauty, furs, jewels, glamour. We both have what we wanted. You have your heart's desire, and I have your soul. My soul? My soul? Yes, your soul. I took it from you and put it on your face, and there, dear Hilda, it shall remain forever. Ah!

I wonder where I am. It's strange. I have the feeling people are looking at me. I can just make out the faces. Yes, there are people behind the glass. And the lights. This is so odd. I don't feel uncomfortable. But why am I here? I can't remember anything at all. I don't know why I'm here. Worse...

I don't know where I am. I can't seem to move. I'm out of muscle. I can't even turn my head. Someone's coming in. No. Maybe I'll know. Why do they want to change the window again? We just dressed this new mannequin yesterday. Ronnie decided the sable and the turquoise didn't go together. I could have told him that in the first place. You can't tell Ronnie anything. When his mind's made up,

Pull the drapes and let's get going. It was a lot easier when these things were abstract wire shapes. They showed off the styles better, too. These lifelike figures attract too much attention to themselves. This one's sure lifelike. I wonder where Ronnie had it made. Ah!

When we try to be something we're not, we often end up losing what little we had to begin with. Grace Hutchins doomed herself to an eternity of singing from the treetops. Hilda Turner to an eternity of frozen beauty in a department store window. Satan or Lucifer, take your pick.

as Dr. Satlow was happy to give both women their heart's desire. In return, of course, for the one thing the devil cherishes more than anything else, a human soul. A chill just went through me. We'll warm up when I return shortly. ♪♪

If you're longing for something, be careful how you go about getting it. Trying the easy way out may prove to be a hard road to follow, particularly if you don't know whom you're dealing with. The road to you-know-where is paved with good intentions, but you-know-who always seems to be waiting.

You never get anything for nothing. Well, there's one exception. Our mystery theater plays. You can enjoy them for nothing more than your attention and your imagination.

Our cast included Lois Nettleton, Robert L. Green, Bryna Rayburn, and Nat Polin. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Allied Van Lines and True Value Hardware Stores. This is E.G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dreams.

Thank you.

Chef's kitchen, vaulted ceilings. It's a spectacular property. I guess. Look, this house is perfect. We're just not feeling it, you know? Guess I'll keep hunting. Mind if we stop at the BMO down the street? There's a BMO down the street? Why didn't you say so? I didn't think it was a big deal. It's a huge deal. BMO customers have access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. That's more than the two largest U.S. banks combined. So you'll take the house? We'd like to see the BMO first. BMO.

Welcome to It Takes Energy, presented by Energy Transfer, where we talk all things oil and natural gas. Oil and gas drive our economy, ensure our country's security, and open pathways to brighter futures.

When it comes to meeting the world's energy needs, more is better. What we mean is our world needs a wide range of energy sources to meet our increasing needs. Just wind or solar won't get us there, as the sun doesn't always shine and the wind doesn't always blow. With our growing population and the increasing use of energy-demanding technologies like AI, reliability is key.

and the reliability of natural gas is unmatched by wind and solar. That doesn't mean we all can't work together, but natural gas is vital to ensuring we meet our energy needs. Look around, and you'll see the essential role oil and gas plays in our lives. Our world needs oil and gas, and people rely on us to deliver it. To learn more, visit energytransfer.com.

Welcome to It Takes Energy, presented by Energy Transfer, where we talk all things oil and natural gas. Oil and gas drive our economy, ensure our country's security, and open pathways to brighter futures. What do you know about oil and natural gas? You likely associate them with running your car or heating your home. But these two natural resources fuel so much more than that. More than 6,000 consumer products that we rely on every day are made using oil and gas.

Before you even step out the door in the morning, you've already used more products made possible because of oil and gas than you realize. From the toothpaste you brush your teeth with, the soap you washed your face with, and the sheets you slept on. Not to mention your makeup, contact lenses, clothes, and shoes. Oil and gas are vital parts of all these products and so many more.

Look around and you'll see the essential role oil and gas plays in our lives. Our world needs oil and gas and people rely on us to deliver it. To learn more, visit energytransfer.com. No.

No, stay where you are. Do not break the stillness of this moment, for this is a time of mystery. A time when imagination is free and moves forward swiftly, silently. This is The Haunting Hour.

The Skyscraper Mystery The Skyscraper Mystery

It is lunch hour on a crowded downtown street of a great American city. Come on, Sadie. Let's go into this store. I've simply got to get a dress today. Oh, gee, Hazel, I'd love to. I'm sorry. I'd love to. But I've been out of the office an hour now.

My boss will be awful mad if I don't get back. Oh, come on, Sadie. It'll only take me a minute. I hear they got some wonderful pies. Maybe you can pick up something yourself. Well, I do need another dress. I simply haven't a thing to wear. I went... Hey, don't! Oh, what is it? There's a man in the corner of that building! Oh, my God!

Regional Insurance Company Executive Office. One moment, please. I'll connect you.

Regional Insurance Company, Executive Office. I'm sorry, sir. Mr. Sanford is making no appointments today. Yes, sir. I'll be glad to see him. I wonder why B.S. himself wants to talk to us, Maggie. I have the faintest idea, Steve, but it must be important. Otherwise, we wouldn't be called up to the front office like this. Mr. Daly? Oh, yes. Miss West? Yes, that's right. Mr. Sanford will see you now. Come on, Maggie. And keep your fingers crossed. Mm-hmm.

Sit down. Thank you, Mr. Stanford. I've been informed that you two are the best special investigators on the company staff. Oh, well, I... I've got a special assignment I want you two to work on right away. Yes, Mr. Stanford? I want you to look into these window cleaner accidents. They've cost our company a lot of money in claims already, and we may have to pay much more. Then you think they may not be accidental? I don't know, Miss West. That's what I want you and Mr. Daly here to find out. Oh!

Steve, I just got the report. No window cleaner has died by accidental fall in over ten years. Thank you, Maggie. Yeah. And yet three of the poor devils hit the pavement in the last two weeks. It could be coincidence. It could.

Could be something else. Look, Maggie, add this up now. There are only two big contract window cleaning companies in town, InterCity and Superba. They're bitter competitors. Between them, they handle all the skyscraper business in town, and the business runs into millions of dollars. Well? Well, doesn't it strike you as peculiar that all the accidents that happen to the InterCity company, the firm we insure, are none to Superba? Oh, I don't know. That could be coincidence, too. Yeah, that's just it.

Case is full of coincidences, too full. What are we going to do about it? I think we ought to drop down to the intercity company and have a little talk with the man in charge.

Do you understand, Mr. Daly? Miss West, I'm just the superintendent of InterCity Company. The firm is actually owned by hundreds of stockholders and operated by a board of directors. I see. Do you mind if we ask you a few questions, Mr. Cooper? Not at all. I'll do anything, anything, if it will help stop these terrible accidents. And you think they were accidents? I'm afraid they were, Miss West.

I don't understand why they happened, but they couldn't have been anything else. Why do you say that, Mr. Cooper? Well, when the men fell from the windows, they were wearing their safety belts. And they were in perfect condition. Yes, that's right. That's what the police report said. Well, what about the bolts on the sides of the windows where the cleaners hook in their belts? They hadn't been tampered with. They were in perfect shape. Then you think your men plunged to their death just through carelessness? I don't like to admit it, Mr. Daly, but I can't see what else it could have been. But aren't your men trained to be careful? Yes, they're trained to be very careful. They have to be.

That's what I don't understand.

These three men were old-timers for the inner-city company. I knew them all well. Knew their wives and their families, too. I... Well, it's hit me pretty hard personally, Mr. Daly. They were friends of mine. Oh, of course. I can understand that. Well, how have these accidents affected the company's business, Mr. Cooper? We're taking a beating, Miss West. We've lost two big contracts to Suburba already. We may lose a third. If that one goes over to our competitor, well, I... I don't see how we can stay in business.

You see, the skyscraper people in town don't like all that unfavorable publicity. Yes, I read that the Exchange Building and Midtown Towers went over to Suburba. That's only one of our troubles, Mr. Daly. We're losing men to Suburba, too. We can't hire any more. What do you mean? The window cleaners think our company is jinxed. They're very superstitious. We're having all kinds of trouble hanging on to them. Of course, you insurance people are in on the picture now, too. Not that I blame you. We're just trying to get to the bottom of these tragedies. Of course. All of us would like to.

I've been in this business 20 years, and I've never seen a mess like this. If this keeps up, well, we'll have to sell out the Superba for a song. They've got our backs to the wall now. Excuse me, please. Hello? Oh, yes, Mr. Bates. Yes. Yes, I'll be right down. More bad news. What is it? The board of directors is holding a special meeting, and they want me to appear.

It looks as though they're going to put me on the carpet. I'll be lucky if I have a job when I come out. Good luck, Mr. Cooper. Thanks, Miss West. Oh, if there was only something I could tell them. If there was only something I could do to straighten out this mess. I don't know what I'm having at this point.

Taxi! Hey, taxi! Where are we going now, Steve? Back to the office? No, Maggie. Taxi! Where to, mister? The corner of 4th and River Street, driver. Okay. Corner of 4th and River? What's there, Steve? The Superba Company, Maggie. Mr. Carney, we'll see you now. Oh, thank you. Thank you.

You asked for a minute of my time. That's all I can spare. What is it? Uh, Mr. Carney, my name is Daly, and this is Miss West. If you're a salesman, you're supposed to see our purchasing agent. We're not salesmen, Mr. Carney. Well, well, what is it? Speak up. I'm a busy man. We represent the regional insurance company. Insurance? So you're agents? When will you fellas learn to stop pestering me? I'm not in the market for any more insurance. That's final. Now get out. Just a minute, Mr. Carney. You may own the Superba Company, but you can't talk to me like that. Just a minute, Steve. Just a minute. Mr. Carney.

Mr. Carney, we're not insurance agents. We're investigators. Well, what do you want of me? It concerns the little matter of those intercity company window cleaners suddenly dropping from skyscrapers. I see. But why come here to Superba? Our window cleaners aren't suffering any accidents. Why don't you go to see the intercity people? We've already been there. That still doesn't explain why you came to see me. We, um, we don't quite understand, Mr. Carney, why their men are having all the accidents and not yours.

Look here, Daly, what are you implying? Why, nothing, Mr. Garnett. We just thought that you might have an idea. I haven't any idea. I run my own business, a superb company. What's going on at Intercity doesn't concern me, and I'm not interested. Is that clear? It's clear enough, but we've heard that you may be interested in the Intercity company very shortly.

What do you mean? Well, it's common knowledge that the inner city people have lost several contracts to you. If they lose a few more, they may be forced to sell out to you. I'm not in the habit of discussing my business with anybody. I haven't any information to give you, and I wouldn't if I could. Now get out. I'm a busy man. Come on.

Phew, just a nice, sweet, lovable man, this Mr. Carney. Yeah, isn't he? We certainly didn't get very far with him, Maggie. In fact, we haven't gotten very far anywhere. Steve, what are we going to say to the boss? I don't know. Looks like we're licked. We just haven't got a lead to go on. But we just can't go into the boss to Mr. Stanford and tell him the only reason we found for the accidents was carelessness. Wait for us! Yes, I guess we would.

But, Maggie, what other reason could there be? The men slip and fall. Their equipment checks okay. The police put every one of them down as accidental death. Who are we to say no? Still... Still what? Well, I just can't get over those statistics. No window cleaner falls in ten years. Then in two weeks, three of them drop. And all with the intercity company, too. Oh, it must be coincidence. Yes, maybe. Well, you're right. Is the regional insurance bill in, mister? Huh? Oh, okay, driver.

Here you are. Keep the change. Thanks. Well, Steve, I suppose we might as well report to the front office. Yes. Steve! What is it? Up there, that window in our old building. Hey, look out! Oh!

Oh, he smacked right through the awning and onto the sidewalk. Oh, how horrible. Hey, it's another window for you. All right, Maggie, it's all right. Pull yourself together, Maggie. We've got work to do. Steve, that's... Come on, we're going up into our building and find the office that poor devil dropped for us.

So you know the office this window cleaner dropped from Harrison? Yes, Mr. Daly. I passed by it not five minutes ago and saw him doing the window. This is a 30-second story. Of course, I want to have a chance. I'll say you didn't.

Oh, did you find out anything by talking to the elevator boys, Maggie? No. None of them delivered anybody in this floor or picked anybody up in the last five minutes. You see, Mr. Daly, there hasn't been any business done on this floor in the past month. The whole bookkeeping department used to be here, but they moved it down two floors. Here's the office. Hey.

Maggie. Yes? Now, there's a faint odor in here. The odor of some chemical? Why, yes. That's funny. It's kind of a... It's kind of a hospital smell. I'd say it was some kind of cleaning antiseptic, Miss West. You see, the scrub women were in here a half hour ago. Oh, I see. Well, then it must have been the soap or cleaning solution they use. Anyway, it's not familiar to me. Oh, Steve, look. There's the window washer's pail and sponge on the windowsill just as he left it. Yes.

Hey, wait a minute. That's funny. What's funny? The pails on the outside sill of the window. What of it? Well, look at the window, Maggie. It's already been washed on the outside. The man was working on the inside when he was...

and he was interrupted he must have been good heavens mr daly then how could he fall out it's just what i'd like to know the fact that it took place in an empty office is interesting too just the place for a nice quiet maggie i want you to do a little research for me in a hurry what check back on every accident of this kind that's happened find out which offices these poor devils fell from then call me the moment you're through but steve why it's just a hunch i've got maggie

But if it's true... Okay, Steve, I'm on my way. Hello? Steve, this is Maggie. I think I've got something. Yes? Every one of those accidents took place from the window of an empty office. Just what I thought. What, Steve? Murder, Maggie. Murder.

Steve Daly and Maggie West, special investigators for the Regional Insurance Company, have been sent out to determine the cause of a series of mysterious accidents which have taken place among the skyscrapers of the city.

In the short space of two weeks, four window cleaners have plunged to their deaths. Now, the two investigators have discovered that the men did not plunge far down into the street by accident, but were murdered. From that point on, they hit a blind wall. Well, here we are again, Maggie. Look, we know these men were murdered. The window in our building and the fact that all the offices from which these window washers fell were empty proves that. Yes.

Naturally, the killer would pick a time when the cleaners were working in empty offices. We knew he wouldn't be disturbed. Gee, I wonder who he is, Steve. Well, if we knew that, we'd know everything.

At least the motive seems to be a simple one, to ruin our client, the inner-city company. And incidentally, to ruin us. We're paying out claims in four of these accidents now. The boss is raving. Yes, I know. He wants results. And quick. But good heavens, Steve, we can't watch every skyscraper in the city. Of course we can, Maggie. We're looking for a needle in a haystack.

Now, as I see it, we've got only one chance. What's that? Did you ever hear the old saying, if the mountain doesn't come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain? Mm-hmm. But I don't see where it applies here. What do you mean, Steve? I don't know.

I mean that I'm going to ask Cooper at the Intercity Company for a job. Washing windows. What? Yes. If I can't find this skyscraper killer, maybe he'll look me up. Oh, now, Steve. For heaven's sake, you must be out of your mind. Maybe. But it might work. But you don't know the first thing about window cleaning. Well, I could learn. It doesn't look very complicated. Oh, now, listen, Steve. I won't let you do it. Steve.

sticking your neck out like that. Why, it's... Well, it's perfectly ridiculous. What isn't only the chance you'll be taking running into the murderer, it's the idea of working 30 and 40 stories above the street. Don't worry, Maggie. High places don't bother me. Why, I used to be a champion high diver when I was a kid. Oh, my God!

Daly, I can't give you a job with my outfit. This idea of yours, well, it's fantastic. Perhaps, Cooper, but it might work. And it's our only chance. But you've never had any experience. Oh, now, how long does it take a green man to break into this business? Well, a couple of weeks.

But it isn't the work itself. It's the idea of being careful. Now, don't you worry about that, Cooper. I'll be careful. Believe me. Taking a nosedive from a skyscraper into a hard street isn't exactly my idea of a nice way to leave this mortal coil. You'd be running a dangerous risk. Not just from the work alone, but if, as you say, there's a killer running around loose. Well, your own men are running the same risk every day. Yes, I know. All right, then. How about that job?

Okay, Daly, I'll give you the job. But it's against my better judgment. I... Well, I just want to say that you've got plenty of courage to stick your neck out like this. I admire you for it. Thanks. Oh, who's the man I report to, Thor? Oh, Jolene, our crew boss. I was wanting to put you on and report to him here at eight tomorrow. Fine. And, uh...

I wouldn't tell him who I am. As far as Lane is concerned, I'm just an unemployed looking for a job as a window cleaner. All right. There's only one thing I'm asking you to do, Daly. Yes? What's that? Be careful. Be very careful. Morning. Are you Joe Lane? Yep. My name's Daly, Steve Daly. Oh, yeah. The boss told me about you.

So you want to be a window cleaner, huh? Well, yes, I could use the job. Well, you don't look like a man that can do hard work. A window washing's hard work, Daly. Oh, I'm not afraid of it. You know, I hear they're hiring laborers to work on that new subway. Maybe you'd like that kind of work better, huh? No, I like it out on the open air. Look, bud, I'm just trying to tip you off to something. Tip me off? To what?

It ain't healthy to work for this office. We're in the city right now. We've had quite a few accidents. Well, I suppose accidents will happen. Okay, suit yourself. You want to work for us, we can use you. I'll break in on the ground floor windows first, and then you work upward. They're as green as they come, but I haven't any choice. I'm just telling you one thing. Yes? What's that? Be careful. Be careful.

Hey. Yes, Maggie? You've hardly touched your food. Oh, I know. I'm too tired, I guess. I've been using a lot of muscles that never belonged to me. By the way, young lady, you've hardly touched your food, either. I'm too scared. Scared about what? About you.

I haven't had a good night's sleep in the three weeks you've been working for Inner City. Oh, now, wait a minute, Maggie. And last night I had a terrible dream. I dreamed that you were a human fly. A what? A human fly. You were climbing up the wall of a new skyscraper a hundred stories high and there was one little window at the top you had to clean before you quit. Well, it looked like a little evil eye shining down at you, mocking you. Well, there you were climbing up

the side of that blank wall and you'd almost reached the little window when you started to slide back down. You slid further and further and then suddenly you couldn't hang on anymore and fell into thin air. Oh, that's a great place to stop. What happened then? I don't know. I... Well, I woke up while you were still falling down. Oh. Oh,

Steve, why don't you quit? Nothing's happened to you. Let's keep it that way. No, nothing's happened to me, but we've got one result anyway. What's that? There hasn't been an accident in three weeks. Oh, then you think the killer's lying low. Yes, but only for the time being. I'm quite sure he'll strike again. Mm-hmm, and you may be just the one he's looking for. Well, if he's interested, he'll find me on the 40th floor of the syndicate building tomorrow. Oh.

Well, that's the outside. Now for the inside of this window. Don't turn around, Daly. Keep facing that window. So, you're the man I've been looking for.

Not exactly. You're the man I've been looking for. No, keep your hands up or I'll drill you with this gun. I see you picked a nice empty office where you wouldn't be interrupted. Naturally, my friend. Naturally. What are you going to do now? Don't you know, Daly? You're going for a ride. A one-way ride. You'll never get away with this, Cooper. Oh, so you recognize my voice. You'll never get away with it. They'll get you sooner or later. Oh, no, my friend. I disagree.

When you have slipped and fallen to the street below, the police will call it an accident. They always do. You see, your body will be so crushed that they will... No one will think otherwise. After all, we're 40 stories up. That's pretty high. Why are you doing this, Cooper? Why are you undermining and ruining your own company? I see no harm in telling you daily. I'm quite sure it won't get any farther. You see, Intercity will have to sell out the Superba for a song.

And then I'll get a dividend from Superba for my work. Yes, sir. Quite a dividend. So Connie of the Superba is paying you for these killings, huh? Killings? Oh, that's such a crude word, Mr. Daly. You mean, um, accidents. However, this is no time for talk. Work to be done.

I have a new cleaning fluid here in this little bottle. I'm going to demonstrate it to you. Chloroform, huh? You're very clever, Daly. You called your man inside the office on the pretext of demonstrating a new window cleaning fluid. Then you knocked him out with the chloroform and dumped the poor devils out of the window.

And you knew that even if there were a coroner's inquest, nothing would come of it. Because chloroform is almost impossible to detect in an autopsy. You're too clever, Mr. Daly. Much too clever. Naturally, I knew you'd never fall for a pretext like that. That's why I brought this gun, just to be sure.

I wouldn't turn around if I were you. You'll feel no pain. It's just like going to sleep. My eyes! My eyes! Try to blind me with that sponge, will you?

You missed, Cooper. There goes your gun. Now it's either you or me. I can't see you, but I can hear you, Daly. Once I get my hands on you... Cooper, look out! The window! I'll strangle you to death, Daly! Cooper! I'll strangle you to...

Well, Steve, they caught Connie at the airport. He booked passage for the west, trying to make a getaway. Well, that seems to have tied it all up, Maggie. Especially where Cooper was concerned. When a person falls 40 stories to the street... Well, there wasn't any doubt. And I think it was a good idea to make a getaway.

You know, there's one thing I don't understand, though. Cooper was walking up to you with a gun and a cough soaked in chloroform, isn't that right? That's right. Well, then how did you manage to turn around and close with him before he could fire that gun? Well, you see, Maggie, I was facing the window when I saw his reflection in the glass. My hands were up and the sponge was in my right hand. It was soaked with soapy water and ammonia. Ammonia? Yes. Oh, and I saw Cooper coming at me from behind. I had to take a long chance.

He was about three feet away from me when I flipped the sponge backward. Luckily, it caught him square in the face and blinded him temporarily. And the rest, you know. Hello? Oh. Yes. Yes.

We'll be right up. Who's that? The boss, B.S. Sanford. Probably wants us to start on another investigation. Well, if he does, I hope it's in a nice, deep subway this time. THE END

From shadows and stillness, mystery weaves a spell of strangest fascination, charging the mind with doubts and fears. For mystery is a strange companion, a living memory in the haunting hour. The Haunting Hour

© BF-WATCH TV 2021

Now, there's a new way to share weird darkness with the weirdos in your life. It's a skill on your Amazon Echo device. Just say, play Weird Darkness, and you'll immediately start hearing the newest episode. With your Amazon Echo or smart device, you can let me keep you company all day and all night. And it's easy to tell your friends how to tune in, too. Just tell your Amazon device, play Weird Darkness, to start listening. Hold the kaleidoscope to your eye.

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You don't eat here in Carton Kitchen? Oh, no. Oh, no? Where we go then? Oh, Hey Boy knows. Good little cafe. Lots of good food, good drink. Edge of Chinatown. Run by Uncle of Hey Boy. Sounds very nice. Okay, we go. But first must run find Mr. Paladin. Have message for him. But I find him very quick and be back. You wait, okay? Okay. Hmm, huh.

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Oh, glad to find you at last, Mr. Paladin. Look all over for you. I told you I'd be right here in the square. Yes, but difficult to locate you in black of night. You know, there's something exciting and adventurous about San Francisco on a night like this. There is? Down there, the bay, and around this hill, the city, stretching away unseen in all directions. The city filled with people working hard.

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Well, I'll be back at the hotel in a little while, hey, boy. I'll decide then. Oh, I know you, Mr. Paladin. You decide already. You go.

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Find out how this low-cost protection can help you. Right Mutual of Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska. As it turned out, North Fork was two days' stage ride from San Francisco, and it consisted of three framed buildings on one side of a rutted and dusty road, a livery stable, a saloon, and a general store. I figured the store would be the best place to start looking for this T. Buchanan.

Inside, a tall man with a full beard and dark clothes was having trouble with the storekeeper. A rather pretty girl stood quietly to one side, listening. As long as I own this store, you Mennonites buy nothing here. We work hard, we mind our own business. You make me sick. When the Indians rode through last week, where were you? Our religion forbids us to raise our hands against any man. You Mennonites cause trouble wherever you go. Now that's not true.

Who are you? My name's Paladin. In Pennsylvania, the Mennonites are model citizens. I've been there since before the Revolution. Well, this ain't Pennsylvania. Black hat, black coat, got a beard like a billy goat. That's a filthy thing to say. Patildi, please. Let her talk up, Blackbeard.

Tildy always was one to say what was on her mind. Or maybe she don't do that no more now that you stole her away. Take that back, Judd Polk. Nobody stole me away. I wanted to live with the Mennonites. They're decent people. I suppose you think they're better than me, huh? Or better than your own pa, maybe. Pa's a drunken old man with no... Please, Tildy, it's no good quarrel. Let her talk up, you hymn-singing rabbit. You let a man slap you and do nothing? I forgive thee.

Forgive me good, then, and turn your other cheek, Blackbeard. No. No, you leave him alone. You ain't forgot how to fight, have you, Tilly? Leave her alone. What did you say, mister? I said leave her alone. Now, wait a minute. There'll be no shooting in here. You want to go outside? Now, look, mister. All right, then, get out. What? Get out. I thank thee, friend, for helping me.

I am Bruckner. It's my pleasure, Mr. Bruckner. And this is Tildy Buchanan. T. Buchanan? Yes, Mr. Paladin. I'm T. Buchanan. Yes, I sent for you. Mr. Bruckner wouldn't approve if he knew, but I didn't know what else to do. Mr. Paladin, what's going to become of these people? Well, it's hard to say, Tildy. They're not easy people to defeat. A lot of it. The way folks feel about them is my fault because I joined them.

Judd, the one you almost fought, he thinks he loves me and he hates them for taking me in. I suppose he has reason. My father sold me to Judd for $50 a month ago. Sold you? When he was drunk. When I ran away, no one would take me in but the Mennonites, and now it's horrible for them. Last week their fields were burnt. And somebody fired them? Yes.

Mr. Bruckner insists that it was a heavenly messenger, but I found a coal oil can near the fence. How bad was the damage? All the corn, hay fields, and the only thing left is five acres of wheat. And that's probably blight-infested like all the rest of the wheat I've seen around here. No, it's not. Well, Mr. Bruckner... The wheat stands strong and green, Mr. Paladin. We've never been bothered with blight. Our seed comes from the old country, the Crimea. But five acres is pitifully small and...

We've had a meeting and decided to sell our lands to Culligan and move on. No, Mr. Bruckner, you can't. We have little choice. Selling to Culligan? He's wanted to buy this land for a long time. Mr. Bruckner, would you do me a great favor? Of course. Let me do your dealing with Culligan. You must promise there will be no violence, Mr. Paladin. Well, I can only promise you this, Mr. Bruckner. If there is any violence, it won't be my making. No!

The following message is brought to you by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company. So long. Have a nice trip. Don't forget to...

When you're away from home this summer, put long distance to work. Most people do. Like this couple. Mmm, smell that mountain air. I'm so glad we telephoned ahead for reservations, George, aren't you? Oh, uh, sure. Sure, dear. Oh, George, now you're not worrying about business. Well, I... Why not call the office then? Get it off your mind so you can enjoy yourself. No doubt about it. Look, George, I'm sorry.

Long Distance helps you have a carefree vacation. Call now while long distance rates are lowest. Remember, whenever, wherever you go this summer, go first by Long Distance. The next morning I rode into North Fork ahead of Mr. Bruckner and the others. As I passed field after field of blighted wheat burning under the sun, I kept thinking of how the Mennonites had endured silently and patiently without raising their voices or their hands.

And I told myself that I would try, try very hard, to remember their feelings about violence. Ten cents a bushel. Well, we didn't come here to have our crops stolen. You want to eat blighted wheat yourself? Go do it. Ten cents a bushel. Take it or leave it. I reckon we got no choice. Come on inside. Hey, mister. I want to talk to you. Who are you?

Marty Buchanan, Judy's father. I want to talk to you about her. You want to sell her to me now? Is that what you want? No, look here. She put in with them Mennonites and now you... You make me sick, mister. Hey, now! All right, first, here's your money. Well, there's nowhere near enough, Culligan, and you know it. Take it or leave it. Okay. Well, what do you want? I want to talk to you. Say what you got to say.

The Mennonites have decided to sell. Bruckner says you offered $5 an acre. I'm representing them. That offer included the stand and crops. Now that the corn's all burnt, I'll pay $3, not a cent more. You're a disgrace to your fellow man. You stir up prejudice that makes a mockery of everything a decent man holds valuable. And while you're a vulture who can't wait to pick a meal from the dead, I just heard you with that man Ferris. You gonna sell it or not? No, but I'll tell you what I'm going to do, Culligan. I'm gonna break you.

There's a lot of people here who are ripe to tear you down, and all they need is a good enough reason. And I'm going to give them that reason. The people here will stick with me. I helped them build this town right from the start. You think you can listen to a stranger, a traveling gunslinger? I promised a man that I wouldn't commit violence. I have never found it harder to keep my word. My talk with Culligan had been bluff, and I knew it hadn't worked.

I had no idea yet what my next move should be, but I knew that the trouble at North Fork was bound to explode. It had to explode. And there was bound to be violence when it did. In the saloon, I found a corner table and sat there, nursing a drink and a three-penny cigar. Oh, Mr. Paladin, I... I gotta talk to you, Mr. Paladin. We don't have much to talk about. Oh, uh, can I... can I, uh...

Another glass or two won't make much of a difference. Sit down and help yourself. Oh, thank you. Thank you. You're not a pretty sight, Buchanan. You don't like me, Paladin. And there ain't no reason why you should. That's right. But believe me, it ain't all my fault. Oh, it never is. You said you had to talk to me. Judd pokes out to get you.

Oh? He just left Culligan's place. He's hired a gunfighter. He says you'll never leave town alive. Why are you telling me this? Why are you concerned with Judd Polk's plans for me? Because, Paladin, you're Tildy's last hope. What are you talking about? Tildy's caught right in the middle. The Mennonites won't fight Fern.

I can't. I don't have the spirit for it anymore. I was drowned in a thousand whiskey barrels. What do you want me to do? You've got to help Tilly find some kind of happiness. She'd kill herself before she'd marry Judd Polk. Please, Mr. Paladin, will you help? Will you do something? All right, I will. And I want you to do your part. I will. You just tell me what I can do. I'll try hard, and I'll do it. Then find as many farmers as you can, tell them to come here, and hurry. Hurry!

Constipation can be a problem for anyone, even doctors. And when constipation occurs, it's interesting to see just what doctors consider important about a laxative they might use or recommend. Well, a majority of the doctors we heard from had this to say. A laxative should be effective, gentle, as close to natural acting as possible, and a medicine that can be used with complete confidence.

Now, X-lax has been popular with many doctors and millions of people over the years because chocolate at X-lax is effective. Overnight, it helps you toward your normal regularity. X-lax is gentle. Next morning, it gives you the closest thing to natural action. And that's why many doctors and millions of people use X-lax with complete confidence. X-lax, the laxative that helps you toward your normal regularity gently. Overnight.

Is Exlax in your medicine cabinet? Oh, Mr. Paladin. Hello, Mr. Bruckner. Tilde. Hello, Mr. Paladin. We've been looking for you. Did you talk with Mr. Culligan? Yes, he's trying to steal your place at $3 an acre. Oh, no. That's less than we paid for it. Well, don't worry. He won't get it for that. For that matter, he may not get it at all. I don't understand. You will. Later. Mr. Paladin.

I told the farmers. I told every last one of them. And they'll be here. They'll... Hello, Tildy. What are you doing here, Pa? I'm trying to help Mr. Paladin. I don't trust you, Pa. Oh, Tildy, I... I've done a lot of wrong things, but I do love you. And...

I wouldn't do you no more harm. You nor any of the good people. You've been for driving us out of the country, Mr. Buchanan. That's right, I have. Here, you see, you admit it. Tildy, please, let him explain. The way I figured it, Tildy, your only chance for a decent life was to get away from North Fork and from me. What? I hope that if the Mennonites left, you'd go with them. Then you'd be free of everything here. Pa...

I don't care if you believe me or not, any of you, but just help Tildy get away. Look out! Mr. Paladin, are you all right? Yeah. You shot at that man. You killed him. I know. That's the gunfighter Judd Polk hired to kill him. Mr. Paladin, there's Judd. Hold it, Polk. Right where you are. Now, wait a minute, Paladin. Wait.

You don't want to kill me. Not over a worthless piece of trash like her. Judd, this is for a lot of people. I've never seen a sorrier collection of people trying to call itself a town. You're not a town. You're a mob. And you'll always be a mob until you start thinking for yourselves. You, Ferris, how did the blight affect you this year?

I lost most of my crop. Had to sell it for fodder. And the rest of these people, how'd they do? A lot of them lost everything. Yeah, that's what I heard. Now, these Mennonites whom you've been trying to drive out of town have got seed that resists blight. Yeah? I never heard of blight-free wheat. There are five acres of it on the Mennonite farm. What good does that do us? How much would you charge for seed, Mr. Bruckner? Mr. Paladin...

We came here hoping it'd be our new home. We want to be good neighbors. Good neighbor never acts like a businessman. We have plenty of this seed, enough to give some to everybody so that they can develop seed of their own. Anyone who takes that offer can start looking for another place to get their supplies. We'll take our chances, Culligan. And you go out of business in no time, because no one will deal with you.

and somebody else will open a decent store here to replace you. Mr. Bruckner, I'm Tom Ferris. That's Bill Holy over there, and Carl Runyon there, and Ed Tatum over there. Well, what I'm saying is we haven't been very good neighbors, Mr. Bruckner, but we'd like to be. ♪

Uh, Mr. Paladin, you've been back from North Fork three days now. That's right. And every day since you've been back, we take a walk. Right. Yes, uh, one day along Nobby Hill, one day through Chinatown. And today we walk from one end of Embarcadero to other. What I want to know is why. I like this town, A-boy. The more I see of other places...

The more I like San Francisco. Oh, yes, but I like San Francisco too, but not when I run all over it. We're not running all over it. Oh, maybe not you, but hey boy does the keep up. Oh, I'll slow down. There. That better? Oh, oh, oh, yes, thank you very much. Oh, say, hey boy, how's your romance coming along? Oh, romance? Oh.

Miss Wong. Not too good, no. Take her to dinner nightly for North Fork. Don't see her again for two days. What happened? Started out to have dinner at restaurant of uncle, but change your mind. Go to Italian restaurant instead. Eat lots of food, drink wine, laugh, tell jokes. Next day, Miss Wong in bed with sad stomach.

Oh, cannot digest elaborate food. Oh, she mad at me. Oh, she said, hey, boy, next time we go to dinner, we go to a nice Chinese restaurant, eat nice and plain Chinese food, like egg roll, almond duck, sweet sour pork, water chestnut, a bird's nest soup, wonton, sumai, cheeky soup gum, fried shrimp, soy sauce, moo moo, gai jing. Oh,

Car owners, have you ever heard of K-Side Smooth Seal? Why no. Why no. Is it new? What's it do? Well, this is off the record. Just between us boys, your automatic transmission, does it ever make a noise? You mean a little kind of grinding? Does that little chatter matter? I hear a very weird whir sometimes. It doesn't sound good, boys, but let's be sure. When you're sitting at the light and it goes to green, you put your foot down hard. Have you ever felt a sort of a jerk, a kind of a jar, or heaven help you, a real thorn in the back?

Oh, I've felt it. Ah, me too. I've had it, stranger. What do we do? Well, don't buy a horse and don't trade your car. Just get yourself some new K-Side Smooth Seal. New K-Side Smooth Seal? New K-Side Smooth Seal. New K-Side Smooth Seal? How will that help? Why, it's made to soften those shrunken seals, which are apt to leak when there's power on the wheels. It stops those stud bumps, jerks, and jars that are apt to creep into these modern cars. Why, this K-Side Smooth Seal in one application can

pack them all off on a long vacation and it's less than two dollars at your service station. A little new K-Site smooth seal, boy? Come on. I'll go. And if it doesn't work? You get double your money back. Have Gun. Will Travel. Created by Herb Meadow and Sam Rolfe. Is produced and directed by Norman MacDonald. And stars John Daner as Paladin with Ben Wright as Hayboy.

Tonight's story was written by Irving Rubine and adapted for radio by John Dawson. Featured in the cast were Lou Krugman, Joseph Kearns, Jess Kirkpatrick, Harry Bartell, and Vic Perrin. Congratulations to station WDBJ, Roanoke, Virginia, which celebrated its 35th anniversary on the air June 20, 1959. This is Hugh Douglas inviting you to join us again next week for Have Gun, Will Travel.

Do you like my horror-able humor episodes called Mind of Marler? If so, and you'd like more, it now has its very own podcast. Comedic creeps, sarcastic scares, frivolous frights, macabre madness. Every week I dive into strange history, twisted true crime, and paranormal weirdness. All the stuff you'd expect from me on Weird Darkness, but delivered with dark comedy, satire, and just the right amount of absurdity.

Monsters, myths, mysteries, mirth, and more every Monday with Mind of Marler. I like alliteration, can you tell? You can find a list of where you can subscribe to the podcast at weirddarkness.com under the menu tab for podcasts. The mummers in the little theater of the air. Now, the hermit. Those stories.

Weird stories. And murder still. The hermit knows of them all. Turn out your lights. Turn them out. Have you heard the story Notebook on Murder? Then listen while the hermit tells you the story. The End

Who is it? Who is in my room? Someone's in my room! Hubert! Hubert! Hubert, come to my room!

Gilbert! Gilbert, Albert, where are you? Come here, Gilbert! Robert! Berkley! What in the world is it, Cora? Oh, Gilbert. Turn on the light by your bed, Cora. There, now, what's all the racket about? Well, stop crying and tell me what it is. Gilbert!

There was someone in my room. Oh, you've been dreaming. No, no. I woke up and heard my door creaking open. I could feel it.

There was someone standing in my room, and then I heard them run down the stairs after I called out. Hubert, you've got to go downstairs and look. Of course I'll look, but you don't think there's going to be anyone in the house after all your screaming, do you? Oh, Hubert, wait a minute. I'm going with you. You'd better stay right in bed, Cora. No, I'm afraid. You said you heard someone go downstairs. I know, but I won't stay here alone. All right, come on. I think you just had a nightmare. Oh, no.

That's a nice way to wake a guy up out of a sound sleep. All the screaming. Oh, you'd have screamed too. Not much. I tried to nab whoever it was. Careful, Hubert. The burglar may have a gun. I can't find the light switch here in the living room. I'll get it. What? Look. The rug is kicked up. Someone was in here.

And look, the things on the table have all been disturbed. Yeah. Hubert, where are you going? Well, to look through the house. Oh, wait for me. Hubert, the dining room window. I see it.

Well, bye, George. I came in through the dining room window. Well, it should have been locked. I thought it was. I haven't had these windows open for ages, not since I've been home. Well, I'll be... Where are you going? I'm going to phone the police. There sure has been someone in this house. Mm-hmm.

Looks like they used this window for entrance and escape, all right. Hal, find any footprints outside the window? No, not a darn one. Maybe they didn't use the window. Well, there's a cement drive outside this window. It's possible they could have stepped on the cement both entering and leaving. We'll take fingerprints of the window. Now, let's see, a few questions.

You were the only one who heard the noise, Mrs. Armour? Yes. I heard the door to my bedroom open slowly, then close, and then someone running downstairs. And the first thing you heard? My wife screaming. How far is your room from hers? Just across the hall. Are you a sound sleeper, Mr. Armour? Well, I guess so. I rarely wake up during the night. And you, Mrs. Armour? I don't sleep so well.

You see, I've been ill and in the hospital. I'm not well at all. Now, Cora, everything's all right. My wife had a nervous breakdown recently, officer. Oh, I see.

Well, just a few more questions and then we'll let you go back to bed. Any valuables in the house? No valuables exactly. I usually have quite a bit of money on me. Why is that? I don't bank anymore. Cash my salary checks and what I don't put into bonds I use to pay bills. How about tonight? All the money's safe in my room. How do you know, Hubert? Silly, I looked when you yelled burglar.

Who knows that you carry a good sum of money around with you, Armour. Oh, I don't know. Some of the boys around the office, I guess. I may have mentioned it in the bar. They got those fingerprints, Hal? All set. They won't disturb you anymore tonight. Obviously, there's no one here now. They didn't get anything this time, and they may not disturb you again. Oh, I hope not.

It was awful. My nerves can't stand it. Go back and get a good night's rest. That is, what's left of it. You won't have any visitors again tonight. Good morning, Mrs. Armour. Remember me?

Oh, yes. You're one of the policemen who was here last night. Mind if I come in? I'd like to ask you a few questions. No, come in. I was just out in the kitchen finishing up the breakfast dishes. Well, then we'll go out there. I can talk to you while at work. Uh, did you sleep after we left? Well, yes, sir, I did. And you know...

This morning, I can't remember much of what happened last night. That's all? But I don't remember things well at all. Not since I've been sick. Lots of times, things are foggy with me. How long were you in the hospital, Mrs. Armand? Let's see. It was... Well, it was a long time, over a month, I guess. What brought on your illness, Mrs. Armand? Well, sir, I don't know exactly. Were you unhappy? No.

Yes, sir, I was. What about? Well, Hubert got so he didn't pay any attention to me. That so? Stayed out a lot nights? Yes, he did. He was never home. But since I've been in the hospital, he's been wonderful to me. Kind and good and home every night. Oh, came to his senses, didn't he? Yes, sir. There's been a great change in Hubert. That's good. Yes. I feel like I can get well now. Of course, the burglar coming has upset me.

Coming into my room like that and standing there in the darkness. Hubert says if it wasn't for that window being open in the dining room, we might just think of it as a bad dream I had. Well, Mrs. Alma, we're going to keep an eye on the house. And we want you to help us. All right.

What do you want me to do? If you see any strange persons hanging around here in the daytime or night, you call the 4th Street Station and report it. Here's the telephone number. Or anything strange that happens, you remember and tell us. Sure I will.

The best I can. You know, it might be a good thing, Mrs. Armour, if you wrote things down in a notebook. As long as you can't recall things very well. What should I write down? Oh, anything odd that happens. And what's more, Mrs. Armour, you keep this notebook a secret. Just between you and me. Think you could do this? Why, sure, I guess so. Not even tell your husband? No.

I could keep it from him. Good. Now, let's see. Suppose you keep these notes under the mattress of your bed. Only you and I will know that they're there. Write down anything you want to and keep it for me. There was a peddler at the door this afternoon. He had funny eyes. I thought he might be the burglar come back again. Didn't let him in.

He went to Mrs. Joyce's next door. She didn't let him in either. Hubert read to me tonight about a burglary on the south side of town. This burglar got in through a window too, the basement window. He took money and silverware. We haven't got any good silverware. It's 15 minutes to 12 midnight.

I just woke up, and I'm scared. Awful scared. I'm writing in this notebook because I've sort of got accustomed to doing it. And it steadies my nerves a little. I've been writing in it for a couple of weeks now. But the policeman called Hal hasn't been around to see it. Maybe it's because I haven't called or had anything to tell him. But I'm scared tonight.

It was at supper that Hubert said... You aren't frightened of burglars anymore, are you, Cora? Sometimes I'm afraid of him coming back again. Oh, fiddlesticks. There won't be any more disturbance after all this time has passed. I hope you're right. Of course I am. Anyhow, I have to go out tonight. Oh, Hubert. Now, don't cloud up and cry, baby. No one's going to hurt you.

What's more, we'll see that all the windows are locked and the doors. Why do you have to go out, Hubert? A buyer. Boss asked me to see him tonight. I'm afraid. Terribly afraid. Now, listen. There's nothing to be afraid of. Before I go, I'll see that you're safely tucked in your bed. Well, you were complaining before supper about being tired. So you can take a little sleeping pill and go to bed early. Then I'll lock all the doors and you'll be as safe as a bug in a rug. What's more, I'm going to be home early...

I told the boss I couldn't leave my wife for too long a time. So Hubert got me all fixed up. And after taking the pill, I did fall asleep. But a little while ago, something must have woke me up. It's exactly 12 and Hubert isn't home yet. I know because I just called out and he didn't answer me. It must have been about 10 or 15 minutes ago that I woke up and heard something outside my room. Oh.

Footsteps. There would be one step. And then a long pause. And then another. For a minute, I was so scared I couldn't even breathe. Somehow, I just seemed to know that whoever was coming down the hall was coming to my room. And for me... For a few seconds, I couldn't move. Just sort of paralyzed with fear.

And then I got brave enough to reach out and turn on my dead lamp. The person must have been real close to my room when the light went on. There was one more step, and then they stopped. Officer Hal, as true as I'm writing, they stopped right outside my door. I heard a board creak. Then all was very, very still for almost a year, it seems.

And then I heard, very quietly, as if someone was tiptoeing, footsteps leaving my room. A light. The light has frightened them away. Oh, I'm so certain that it was someone coming for me, but what am I going to do? I'm too truly afraid to go downstairs and phone for the police. I'm going to call out to Hubert again. Hubert! Hubert! No. Hubert isn't home yet. Or perhaps...

Perhaps whoever has come into this house has done something to Hubert. Hubert! Hubert! What if... What if he's killed by Hubert? Oh, opposite. Writing in this notebook doesn't give me strength enough to leave my room and find out. Wait. Wait.

Wait, I hear something. There's someone outside my door. I know it. Someone just moved outside my door. I'm going to hide this notebook under the mattress like you told me to do. And then I shall scream out the window for help. Oh, no, don't! Don't leave! Don't leave!

Just after Cora Armour puts the notebook under the mattress, she goes to the window, opens it, and is ready to scream for help. The door to her bedroom opens, and she calls out in terror. She sees a man standing there with a gun in his hand. One pleading cry, and then... No! No!

Korra Arma has been shot, murdered. Will the police be able to find her assassin? The hermit will tell you before the night is done. We hear a key turn in the door. The door unlocks.

swings open and closes. Then the light switch is clicked on. Hubert Armour stands in the hallway of his home. He steps over to the mirror hanging on the wall. He looks himself over carefully, brushes his hair with his hands. Now he looks at the stairs leading up to Cora's rooms.

He pauses for a few seconds. Then he walks into the living room, turns on the lamp beside his chair, sits down. From his pocket, takes the early morning edition of the paper, scans it, dropping the paper all around his chair.

Now he rises, turns off the lamp, walks into the hall. He calls Cora's name. Cora! Cora, are you awake? Naturally, there's no answer, for Cora lies murdered in a bedroom. A large red stain soaking the carpet on the floor. The blood is dripping slowly.

Slowly, a crimson pool is collecting there. Hubert calls again. Cora! Cora, I'm home. And now he looks about him into the darkened room leading off from the hallway. Now there's a startled look of apprehension, fear on his face as he begins to mount the stairs. Cora, are you awake? Cora!

Hubert pauses outside a door, just as a murderer did only a little time before. He listens, and now his hand reaches out for the door knob. Cora! Cora! She's dead. Blood. She's dead. Dead! Cora!

Operator, get me police headquarters, please. Hello, police headquarters. This is Hubert Armour, 9786 Fort Crawford Street. Cup at once. Hurry, it's my wife. She's been murdered. All right, Armour. Suppose you tell your story over again, just as you told it before.

And you left the house when? At 7.30, officer. And where did you go then? I went directly to the office where I was to meet Mrs. Davis. Was she there when you arrived? Oh, yes, sir. She was waiting in her car outside the office building. And this was approximately at what time? Well, I think it must have been about 8 o'clock. 8 o'clock. Mrs. Davis will be able to verify this? Oh, yes, of course, officer. But why are you grilling me so carefully? That isn't going to help us find out who killed my wife. Go on with your story. Well, I...

Suggested to Mrs. Davis that we drop into the Greenbrier Club to discuss her insurance policy, and she agreed. Yes? Go on. So we left her car standing near the office, and she got into mine, and we drove to the Greenbrier Club. The doorman took care of your car? Yes, sir, and he'll remember that. Well, you can check all of this that I'm telling you. We will.

Go on. Well, there isn't any more to tell. We sat there and talked, had a bite to eat. What time did you leave the club? A little after ten, I think. Then what did you do? Well, I took Mrs. Davis over to her car. Then? I drove straight home, put the car in the garage. What time did you get home, Mr. Armour? I didn't look at my watch, but it must have been a little after eleven. But you didn't call us about the murder of your wife until twenty minutes after midnight.

Why was that? I didn't know. My wife was murdered, officer. I called out to her when I came home, but she seemed to be sleeping. She'd taken the sleeping pill before I left tonight, so naturally I thought she was still asleep. So what did you do then? I went into the living room with a paper, sat there and read a while. All the while until I went upstairs and discovered my wife's murder. I don't know what time it was I called you. We know. And we know other things, Hubert Ammer. We know at what time your wife was murdered. She told us. What?

What do you mean, she told you? She told us just as much as if she were alive now. I don't understand what you're driving at. No? And when your wife told us at what time she was murdered, she also told us who murdered her. Who? Who did it? You were very clever, Hubert Armour, from the very start, when you planned this crime. When you called us here to hunt for a burglar who was no one but yourself. That's a lie. You built this thing up slowly. Tonight, you carefully accounted for your time up to the 11 o'clock.

The remainder of your alibi was weak. It might have been strong enough if Cora Armour had not left us a notebook on crime.

What? I asked her to keep a notebook. To tell me all the strange things that happened in this house. She did. She kept it faithfully. Midnight tonight, you, according to her own writing, were not home. She called out to you, but you didn't answer. But you were here. You came in. You crept to the door of her room. You lost your nerve. You came back at midnight. Shot her. Left the house to dispose of the gun...

returned, sat down on your chair and looked at the paper, then went upstairs to look in her room and to report her murder. Yes, Armour, you had it all planned very carefully. But you didn't reckon with Cora Armour's notebook. There's someone outside my door. I know it.

Someone just moved outside my door. I'm going to hide this notebook under the mattress like you told me to do. And then I shall scream out the window for help. You heard the scream, didn't you, Hubert Armour? You heard it? No. No, I didn't. You heard the scream, all right. She made it when you opened the door, when you lifted the gun to fire on her. She didn't scream. She just called out, don't please. I admit it. I killed her.

She was a stone around my neck, nagging never well. I hated her. I wanted freedom. She wasn't well because she feared you, Hubert. She feared you all the while. It was fear that sent her down to a sanitarium. In her heart, Cora Armour feared death at your hands. And yet, without her notebook, you might have gone free of the crime of murdering her. Whistle Whistle

And thus did a notebook kept by a woman right up until the second of her death bring a murderer to justice. A notebook which spoke as strongly as if Cora had returned from the spirit world to point her finger at the guilty one.

Yes. Turn on your lights. Turn them on. I'll be back. Pleasant dreams. All characters, places, and occurrences mentioned in the Hermit's Cave are fictitious and similarity to persons, places, and occurrences is purely accidental.

Mystery is my hobby. Inspector Danton and I have gone again to the Welcome You Ranch on the Arizona desert for a short vacation. The day after our arrival, we set out on horseback to explore the country.

Hey, Bart. Yes, Inspector? It's certainly good to get away from it all for a while, isn't it? Get away from what, Inspector? Oh, the ham-jam, the hurly-burly, the howler-skelter, the murders. Yes, I see what you mean, Inspector. This is the life for me. Thank you.

Sunshine, fresh air, the wide open spaces and a good horse underneath. And no murders. Yeah, I said that. No murders. Well, what do you say we turn around and head back for the welcome you? A good meal? A good night's sleep? We're back. Come, Inspector. We've only been away from the ranch a half hour. A half hour? That's right. Is that a fact? Seems to me like we've been gone all day. Hey. Hey.

What's the matter? What are we stopping for? Look over there, Inspector. Huh? Over where? I don't see anything. There's something lying on the ground near that giant cactus. Ah, so there is. Must be a fallen log or something. There are no logs in this country, fallen or otherwise, Inspector. And once I'm greatly mistaken, that's the body of a man. I was afraid you'd say that. Come on, Inspector. Let's have a look. Come on, boy. Whoa. Whoa, boy. Easy now. Yeah, it's a man, all right. So I see.

Get off your horse, Inspector. No. Okay, why is it that these murders have to follow us all over the country? Let's not assume that this is a murder yet, Inspector. By Joe, he looks done in, doesn't he? Yeah, let's roll him over. Right. Say, look at the whiskers. He's an old man. Yes, and quite dead. Now, I wonder... Suppose he was hit by an automobile? That's a brilliant, Inspector. Imagine the nearest automobile road isn't more than 20 miles away. I was just supposing. Let's see.

No marks of violence. Suppose he died of heart failure. I doubt it, Inspector. Why, for crying out loud, can a man die of heart failure if he wants to? That's odd. What's odd? The boots. Our friend here is wearing a pair of brand new boots.

Yet the rest of his costume consists of a patched pair of jeans and a faded shirt. Now, look, Bart, do you have to try and make something out of nothing? The guy just died. Let him lie in peace. How old would you say the gentleman was, Inspector? How old? Who cares? Seventy, maybe? Yes, at least seventy.

And those brown stains on his beard, would you say they were tobacco stains, Inspector? Yeah, tobacco stains. Now that we've reached those amazing conclusions, let's go back and report to the local sheriff. Probably he was a prospector, wouldn't you say, Inspector? Yeah, out here they call them desert rats. Right. What are you doing? I'm removing this poke from the old man's pocket.

Uh-uh. You see, it's full of gold dust. There's a small fortune in this boat, Inspector. There is, eh? Yes. Now, consider the inconsistency. Here is a man carrying a fortune of gold around with him. The only thing he has to indicate such wealth is a pair of new boots. Okay, okay. Now, look, Bud. Suppose... Inspector, this is one of the most interesting cases we've come across in a long while. What do you mean, case? A guy dies a heart failure. Oh!

Hey, there's a babe on a horse. Yeah, and a very attractive-looking young lady. Another inconsistency. With that, I can agree, but what's a good-looking babe like that doing way out here? We'll probably know in a minute, Inspector. Here she is. Whoa, whoa, whoa, boy. Whoa. Well, this is a surprise. Imagine finding two civilized-looking men way out here. We were just thinking the same thing, lady. By the way...

What's the matter? Is that a man? Why, for goodness sake. Is he someone you know, miss? It's Hard Jack Wiggins. What's the matter with him? He's dead. Well, well. So they caught up with the old boy at last, did they? Caught up with him? Who? Oh, one of the bunch was after his gold.

I imagine it was either Oliver or Matt who murdered him. Murdered him? Look, lady, he wasn't murdered. He died a heart failure. You want to bet? What? Now, wait a minute. We... Open his shirt, good-looking. And if you don't find a knife wound, I'll never make another wager. Go ahead, Bart. Open the old guy's shirt. Some people have just got to be shown. I think that might be a good idea, Inspector. There. By Jules.

There is a knife wound. Of course there is. There had to be. Why did there have to be, miss? Because Hardtack couldn't have died of heart failure. Why not? Because yesterday he was examined by Doc Sandbar in Coyote Wells. And the doc said that Hardtack was in perfect health. Well, I'll be... Lady, you seem to know a lot about what's going on around here. Naturally I do. What's wrong with that? What's wrong? Nothing. Not a thing.

Except that the way I look at it, you're sticking your neck into a noose. I suppose by that you mean that you think I murdered old Hardtack. Yeah, you're quick to catch on. That's exactly what I mean. How naive you are, darling. Darling, now look. Inspector, I told you this was one of the most interesting cases we've run across in a long time. Pardon me, miss.

Were you, uh, well acquainted with Hardtack? Well acquainted? That's right. My dear boy. Hardtack was my husband. Hardtack?

How much farther is it? I'm getting doggone tired of carrying this dead body around in my lap. It isn't much farther. Want me to spell you for a while, Inspector? No, I'll keep them. Somehow I feel more natural when I'm lugging a corpse around. Here's the jackknife.

Down in that little hollow. Doc is right. Don't tell me that you and this, I mean, your husband actually lived there. Of course not, Inspector. You don't really think that I could abide a hover like that, do you? I don't know. I don't know. The way things are shaping up, I'm willing to believe most anything. How long had you and Hardtack been married, Mrs. Wiggins? No, not very...

Not very long. Oh? The city hall in Coyote Wells opened at 9 o'clock this morning. And we were married 15 minutes later. This morning? Well, for crying out loud, if this isn't a screw you're in, stay away. Tell me, Mrs. Wiggins... Oh, darling, would you mind not calling me Mrs. Wiggins? Here's me to creep. What shall I call you? Shirley, darling. Very well. I'll compromise. Stop calling me darling, and I'll call you Shirley. That goes for me, too. Well, what strange men you two are.

Most men, my love. Yeah, but we are not most men. And if you think we are strange, you better get out a mirror and take a gander at yourself. Now that that's settled, I'd still like to ask a question. But of course, Barton. How long have you known the Hardtack before you married him, Mrs. Bush? Two days. Two days? Things happen fast down here, don't they?

I've read about this romance on the range, Doctor. Oh, Inspector, let's face it. You know as well as I do that there wasn't any romance connected with my marriage to Hartek. We're quite aware of that, Shirley. But suppose you tell us why you did marry him. He was lonesome. Oh, come, Shirley. He was lonesome and he wanted someone to help him spend his money. Now we're getting places. Well, I'm certainly not going to pretend that I married Hartek for any other reason than the fact that he was wealthy.

I'd be a hypocrite if I did. I don't know which is worse, being a hypocrite or being a murderer. Oh, don't be silly. I didn't murder the old billy goat. Shirley, what makes you so sure that Hardtack was wealthy? Because he discovered a pocket of gold two weeks ago. And the assay was appraised at value at half a million dollars. Half a million bucks. And all the poor guy got out of it was a pair of new boots. Yes, isn't it a pity? Poor dear.

Been wanting a pair of new boots for so long, but up till now he couldn't afford them. Bought them for his honeymoon, eh? I suppose so. Hardtack's been poor for so long that he just didn't know how to spend his money. I imagine you planned to help him out on that score, eh, Shirley? Oh, Barton, you're so cute. Exactly what I planned on doing.

Oh, my goodness. What's the matter now? Those two horses standing in front of the shack. They belong to Matt and Oliver. And who are Matt and Oliver? Matt Palmer. He's the son of Hardack's dead partner, Chris Palmer. I see. And who is Oliver, Shirley? Oh, Oliver's last name is Runyon. He's Hardack's nearest neighbor. They're both terrible people. What's terrible about them? You'll see. Well, here they are now. They heard us coming. Yes, and by the expression on their faces, they're rather unhappy about something. It's about time you got back here, Shirley Milton.

By golly, you needn't think you're going to get away with this. Not by a jug pull, you're not. Hey, look. Look at what's reached across that step. Yeah. Why, it's hard, Ted. What's the matter with him? He's dead, Bob. Stuck with a knife. Know anything about it? Dead? You mean the old coot's really dead? Oh, don't act so surprised, Oliver. You know he's dead. It was you who killed him. Me? Dad, bless you, girl. I'll wring your neck if you say that again.

I never laid a hand on the old codger. Sounds convincing, doesn't he, by the way, Inspector? Let them talk. This is interesting. Now I see it. I see it all. Surely you married him because you were afraid we'd get some of the money. How quick you are, Matt, darling. And I suppose you murdered him for the same reason. I murdered him? Are you crazy? What good would it do for me to murder him? No more good than it do me. There's only one who would benefit from hard tax death...

his legal heir. How sweet of you to admit that I am my dear husband's legal heir, Oliver. I anticipate some trouble for you, really, I have. And you're going to get it. By gum you are. I was with Hardtack when he discovered the pocket. I helped him. Half that there gold belongs to me. Belongs to you? That's a hot one. Listen, my old man was Hardtack's legal partner. So what if he was? I'm my old man's heir. Half of what Hardtack found is supposed to be mine.

Any court in the country... Boys, boys, aren't you forgetting that since I am Hardtack's widow, all of what he had will go to me. I ain't forgetting nothing. I know my rights. And I know mine. Any court in the country will back me up. Well, Barton, now do you understand what I meant when I said they were terrible people? Yes, yes, I understand a lot of things. Has it occurred to any of you that giving Hardtack a decent burial would be your chief concern at the moment? He'll be buried. Don't fret about that. Sir?

Say, who be you two anyway? We be policemen now. What do you think of that? We don't think anything of it. We don't believe it.

Shirley, where'd you pick up these dudes? I didn't. They picked me up. They're staying at the Welcome Mule. Dudes, huh? Well, dudes, you can leave us hard-tacked, buddy, and get out. We don't like dudes. And we don't like murderers. Inspector, when Sheriff Tanner deputized you this morning, did he give you the authority to arrest any suspicious characters? Huh? What does that find? Oh, yes. Yes.

Fine. There's no doubt in our minds that one of the three people standing here in front of us murdered Hardtack Wiggins. Now, look here, you. And? That's right, isn't it, Inspector? Huh? One of them murdered... Oh, sure, sure. No doubt about it at all. We got the proof. Haven't we, fine? We certainly have, Inspector. We know which one of these three thrust a knife into the heart of Hardtack Wiggins. Huh? We know why and how and when.

Yeah, yeah, sure we do. We got the evidence to prove it, too. Have we, Byron? We have, Inspector. And by virtue of the authority vested in you by Sheriff Jim Tanner of Cactus County, Arizona, I demand that you arrest the guilty person. Oh!

Hey, Bob. Yes, Inspector? You don't think that tying that guy up and leaving him back there in a hard-tack shack is going to do any good, do you? Not a bit, Inspector. Then for crying out loud, why did you tell me to do it? We had to do something to convince them you had the authority to make an arrest, Inspector. Yeah, but look...

Why didn't we just take the guy and lug him into town and turn him over to the sheriff and charge him with the murder of Hardtack Wiggins? Because Hardtack wasn't murdered, Inspector. Hardtack wasn't, huh? But for the love of Joshua, what are you talking about? Oh, come, Inspector. You know as well as I that that knife wound was made after Hardtack was dead. I do?

How long have I known it? Ever since you examined the wound and saw there was no blood, Inspector. Oh, no blood, eh? Say, I did notice that, didn't I? Now that you mention it. You know as well as I that blood doesn't flow from a wound that is made after death. Sure, sure. I've known that for years. Was there anything else that I noticed when we examined the body part? Yes.

We both noticed the hard-tack shirt didn't have a hole in it. So we wondered how the knife wound could have been made unless someone had first opened the old man's shirt. Say, that's an angle. What does it prove? I don't know, Inspector. It might prove a lot of things. Well, here we are. We're there. Whoa. Oh, boy. We've arrived, have we?

Where are we? Inspector, I'm surprised. This is the spot where we found Hardtack's body, remember? Well, well, so it is. What do we do now? We get off our horses and look around. Oh. Okay. But I don't know what you expect to find. There's the depression in the ground where Hardtack lay...

And there is footprints, clearly outlined in the sand. Yeah, I see them. Sand. Yes, by the looks of those footprints, it appears as though poor old Hardtack was pretty close to exhaustion, doesn't it? Hardtack? Oh, let's give him the benefit of the doubt, Inspector. Come along. Where are we going? Let's backtrack on the trail a bit and read signs. Read signs? Say, where'd you pick up that expression? I listened to the Lone Ranger program, Inspector. Listen to... Jumping. Judas, look out! There's a snake! It's a rattler. Get your gun, Inspector. Don't worry. I'll get it out. Ah!

Nice work, Inspector. You shot its head off. Sure I did. It was its head I was aiming at. Oh, I see. Pardon me for the compliment.

Well, come on, let's get going. You don't have to apologize, Bart. I can't help it if I'm a good shot. What's the matter? Look there. Isn't that an empty whiskey bottle? Yeah, yeah, that's exactly what it is. Well, I guess for once the old inspector was right, eh, Bart? How do you mean, Inspector? With a staggering footprint, the empty whiskey bottle, the guy was drunk just like I said. Hmm. What do you mean, he's...

Oh, stop saying who for crying out loud. And don't start telling me I'm wrong. Doggone it. It's as plain as... Yes, Inspector, this is certainly the most interesting case we've come across in a long time. Come on. We're going back to the shack. Why? Why are we going back there for? Because the evidence that proves how Hardtack died and who murdered him is there. Oh.

Those crazy fools.

Tying me up and leaving me here? What do you care? I can't prove that you murdered Hardtack. I didn't murder him. I've already told you that. Well, it wasn't your fault, though, was it, darling? You tried hard enough. Don't get cute, beautiful. I'm not in the mood for it. Okay, okay. So you didn't murder the old codger. So what are you getting in such an uproar about? Don't be a dope.

If Greg proves I stuck the knife into Hardtack, that'll be just as bad as proving it was me who killed him. So? So we're heading for the border right now. Now, just a minute, good-looking. Take it easy. We're going to an awful lot of trouble to get our hands on old Hardtack's dough, and we're not going to run... Listen, baby, get smart. The dough won't do us any good once we're sitting in the gas chamber. What do you mean, once we are sitting in the gas chamber? That's it, baby. I said we, and I mean we.

You're in this as much as I am. Well, you're crazy. It was you who handled that knife. And it was you who married Hardtack after first making a deal with me to knock him off on your wedding day. Remember? Why, you lousy bum. I'll... You'll what? Matt, just... Don't look at me like that. You'll what, baby? Matt, I... Matt, don't. Call me a bum.

Try to make me take the rat for knocking off that old billy goat? Please, Matt. Oh, Matt. Matt, don't hit me again. I didn't mean it. I...

Ernest, I'll go with you. You bet your life you will. Now get your stuff together and let's get out of here. All right, Matt. Don't hit me anymore. Matt, what are you doing? I'm borrowing your husband's new boots. The only thing he had was any good. And I'm taking them. Oh, Matt. I can't wait for those boots so long. Shut up. What good are they doing now? I'm going to get something out of this deal. Okay, Matt. Okay. I...

Only stealing a dead man's boots will bring you bad luck. Whoa, boy. Whoa. Wacky boy. Whoa. Well, the track looks just the same, doesn't it, Inspector? Yep. It looks as though the birds have flown the coop. Oh, I see. Both the horses are gone, huh? Well, let's get out, go inside and have a look. Yes.

Well, they're gone, all right. The door's wide open. Yes, just as I expected. Shirley came back and released Matt Palmer. There are the cut ropes lying on the floor, Inspector. And by the way, things are scattered around. They got out in a hurry. Come on over here, Inspector. Uh-oh. What's the matter? Look, there's Hardback lying on the bunk where we left him. Only someone removed his boots. Probably Shirley.

You see the boots lying around anywhere, Inspector? No, but... Which means they were stolen, probably by Matt. Come on, Inspector. We've got to catch those two before they reach the border. Come on.

Matt. Matt. Huh? What's the matter? What's the matter with you? For the past 15 minutes, you've been drooping in your saddle like a dish rag. Nothing. Nothing wrong with me. How much farther is the border? Ten miles, maybe. Say, what's eating you, anyhow? You look half-shot. Oh, there's nothing the matter with me, I tell you. Come on. Let's get going.

Hurry, Inspector. They can't be much farther ahead. They better not be much farther ahead, and I'm going to quietly lie down and expire. Oh, you're all right, Inspector. Just hang on and grit your teeth. Grit my teeth? My teeth were all shaken loose an hour ago. Look, Bart, how do we know we're even going the right direction? Why, we're reading sign, Inspector. See? The trail is right there on the sand as plain as Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue. Oh, what a beautiful story. Ha, ha, ha.

You think they'll ever say it again, Bob? Well, we won't unless you stop complaining and get a little speed out of that nag you're riding. Come on, Matt. Matt. Matt, wake up. Huh? Huh? What? Is something wrong? Oh, there will be. And something wrong unless you snap out of it. The border's still a good five miles away. Five miles. Ah, too far. I can't make it. What do you mean you can't make it? You've got to make it. Oh.

Matt, Matt, you're falling out of your travel. Oh, I've got to lie down. Matt? I've got to lie down. Matt! Matt, what's the matter? Matt, Matt, Matt, get up, get up. What's happened? Matt, open your eyes. Oh. Matt. You've got to reach the border. Matt, get up. A murder goes far back. I killed him. I killed him. Matt.

I'm a murderer. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. Someone will... Oh, man, here they come. Here come Drake and Denton. Get up, man. Get up. Oh, terrible thing. Terrible.

I guess I'm going to die. No. I guess I'm going to... Matt. Oh, Matt. Go there. Whoa, boy. Whoa. Something happen to your boyfriend, Mrs. Wiggins? Hey, Bob, look. He's got hard-packed boots on. You were right. He did steal them. I told him. I told him it was bad luck to steal a dead man's boots. I told him. A pity Matt wasn't as suspicious as you, Mrs. Wiggins.

I'm afraid your erstwhile lover is dead. Dead? How do you know? What'd he die of? Matt Palmer, Inspector, died of snake poisoning. Oh!

Well, Inspector, there's the welcome you down there in the valley. Which is all right with me. A welcome you is a welcome sight to these tired old eyes. Come, come, Inspector. You should be in better spirits. We've just completed one of our most interesting cases. Yeah, well, give me the details, Bart. Well, there aren't many details, Inspector.

You see, Matt didn't discover that Hardtack was dead until after he'd driven that knife into him. Then he covered up the wound with Matt's shirt, hoping that whoever discovered the body would think Matt died of snakebite, which, of course, he did. Yeah, but why did Hardtack have his shirt open in the first place? Why, that's obvious, Inspector. Hardtack apparently stepped on the raffler, and the snake struck him. And Hardtack killed the snake? Yes, by trampling the raffler to death.

Incidentally, Inspector, that was the same snake that you shot. Whoa! You mean I shot a dead snake? Yes, I'm afraid you did, Inspector. Well, I'm a bang-tailed maverick. Get out!

You see, Inspector, the men at Hardtack realized he'd been struck. He finished off that bottle of whiskey we found lying beside the trail. Wanted to die with a jag on, eh? No, there are still some old-timers who believe that whiskey is an antidote for snakebite, Inspector. But the fact is that just the opposite is the case. So the bulls only made him worse, eh? Yes, I'm afraid so. He staggered along, probably suffering horribly.

When he finally collapsed, he must have clutched at his shirt in his anguish and torn it open. The poor old guy. Then Matt Palmer came along and stuck a knife in him, eh? That's what happened, Inspector. And Matt died the same way, eh? Almost. It was Hardpack's new boots that killed Matt. The boots?

What are you talking about? When the snake struck hard, Jack, the old man apparently spliced down at it with a stick or some other object he was carrying. The blow broke off the rattler's fangs while they were still embedded in the soft leather of the boots. Well, I'll be... And when Matt put on the boots, the fangs were still there, eh? That's it, Inspector. You see, the boots fitted Matt snugly.

And there was enough venom left in the fangs to work into his bloodstream and after a period of time to kill him. By golly, what do you know about that? Just like the girl said, it's bad luck to steal boots from a dead man. Say, what about the girl? Oh, we'll have to let Sheriff Tanner settle that for us, Inspector.

And, uh, by the way... Yeah? When we reach to welcome you, I think you'd better not mention our experience of the day. No, why not? Well, Inspector, we're out here on a vacation, and I just assume that the folks didn't know that... Mystery is my hobby. THE END

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 adventure he shared with his old friend at Master Detective Sherlock Holmes.

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And now I'm sure our good friend Dr. Watson's waiting for us. Let's go and talk.

There you are, Mr. Bartell. Good evening, Doctor. All alone tonight, huh? Yes, my boy. You can call a man alone when he's got his pipe, his books, and a glass of good port at his elbow. Take a cut off. The fellow in the joinment. Thanks, Doctor. Help yourself to the port. There's some rather special tobacco in the jar over there. Fine. And now, Doctor, are you ready to tell us tonight's new Sherlock Holmes adventure? I am, Mr. Bartell, and I think you'll find it a most unusual story.

It began on a winter's night in 1896. Holmes and I had gone to a theater on the east end of London to see a performance of a famous old English melodrama called Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barmer of Fleet Street. That's a good bloodthirsty title, Doctor. Demon Barber.

He sounds as though he specialized in close shaves. If you'll be gracious with me, Mr. Bartle, that's almost unforgivable. He was a murderer of voracious appetite who faced his victims in a specially constructed barber's chair, cupped their throats, and then pressed the lever that would swing the chair over and decant the unfortunate victim into a horrible cellar beneath his shop.

This is only a stage play you're talking about, Doctor. As my story begins, we were seated in a private box watching one of the closing scenes. Holmes was leaning forward in his chair, following the action on the stage with an obvious delight, while I sat beside him equally engrossed. An actor by the name of Mark Humphreys was playing the part of Sweeney Todd, and no one could deny that he was playing it...

Where are you going, Tobias? To the nearest magistrate, Twinny Todd. To be known to the fiendish cruel, cold-blooded murderer. You have pronounced your doom. Into the chair with you. And over and down into the deck. Ah, there. Whence comes this apparition?

Tis the ghost of another customer of mine. The yawning grave yields up his ghastly inmates to prove me guilt. Blood will have blood. See, he is there. He comes to accuse me of his murder. Oh, save me. T'was not I that slew you. Let me leave, or it will kill me. Let me leave.

Oh, upon my soul, Holmes, that fellow Mark Humphreys is the most florid actor that I've ever seen on a stage. I find him enchanting, Watson. It seems to me he's really got the flavor of this murderous monster piece. After all, a restrained performance for Barber Sweeney Tart would be unthinkable. Yes, I suppose it would. I must say, his makeup seems rather overdone. No barber would wear such an enormous beard. It would be most impractical. Probably get in the customer's faces. By the way, um...

A note from the program that Mark Humphreys, as well as being the principal actor, is also the owner of the company. Yes, the current trend towards the actor-manager is a very healthy sign, I think. Come in. Excuse me, but is one of you gentlemen Mr. Sherlock Holmes? Yes, I am. I was asked to give you this note. Thank you. Now, who on earth knows that you're at the theatre, Holmes? We'll soon find out. Ah, this note is from Mark Humphreys.

our actor manager. What's it say? Dear Mr. Holmes, I recognize you in your box. Please come to my dressing room after the performance. My sanity, and even the safety of London, perhaps, depends on your compliance. Oh, my sanity and the safety of London.

I wonder what on earth he means. That, my dear fellow, we can only discover by going backstage to meet him. As it is, the curtain's going up on the last scene I see. For a little longer, we must possess our souls and patience. THE END

Mr. Sherlock Holmes? Yes, sir? Oh, my name is Lindsay. Derek Lindsay. I'm the business manager. Mr. Humphreys asked me to meet you at the stage door. Take you to his dressing room. Thank you very much. This is my colleague, Dr. Watson. How do you do? Oh, how are you, doctor? Will you follow me, please?

Excuse me asking, Mr. Lindsay, but surely you must be related to that distinguished actor of some years back, Lytton Lindsay. He was my father, Mr. Holmes. Ah, indeed. The resemblance is extraordinary. Such a heritage, Mr. Lindsay. You must love the theatre. It'll probably sound like heresy, but I hate it. However, it's the only thing I was trained for, and there's good money to be made in it, sometimes. And money's the thing I both like and want.

Mr. Holmes, I do hope you'll be able to help Mark Humphreys. He certainly needs it. I know what seems to be his trouble. He'll have to tell you that for himself. But his wife and I think there's Mrs. Humphreys now. Maria! Maria, this is Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Mrs. Mark Humphreys. Hello. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I'm so grateful that you're going to see Mark. He's in such a dreadful state.

There have been times lately when Mr. Lindsay and I have been afraid he's going out of his mind. Haven't we, Derek? Indeed we have. We're both dreadfully worried about him. In that case, I hope I can be of service. Which is his dressing room? Number one, next door to mine. Derek, I think it'll be better if Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson go in alone. I'm sure Mark will speak more freely if we're not in the room. I think perhaps that is a good idea, Mrs. Humphries. We'll see you later on. Come on, fellow. Come in, come in.

Thank heaven you're here. Close the door. Now, Mr. Humphries, this is Dr. Watson. Watson, eh? Yes, I know of you two. How do you do, sir? Sit down, won't you, gentlemen? You're wondering why I asked you to come back and see me, of course. Naturally, sir. Well, I won't beat about the bush and waste your time. I come straight to the point. I'm going mad. Oh. I know, I know. It sounds fantastic, but it's true. I've often heard of actors beginning to live their parts off the stage. They play on it. Well, it's happening to me.

I'm turning into another Sweeney Todd, the character I'm portraying on the stage. Are you suggesting, sir, that you're a potential murderer? Yes, I am. What reason do you have for holding that belief? Reason? Listen to this. Three times in the past week, I've wakened in the morning to find my boots covered with mud and my razor...

Stained with blood. You've had no recollection of any untoward events during the night? None. Have you ever been addicted to the unfortunate habit of sleepwalking, sir? Not to my knowledge, doctor. And if I had been, surely my wife would have told me about it. Your wife? Where do you live, Mr. Humphreys? We have a flat here, above the theatre. Above the theatre, eh? Mr. Humphreys, you say that on three separate occasions on waking in the morning, you have found a blood-stained razor and mud-covered boots. Can you show us this proof? No. No, I can't.

I was always so frightened that my wife would see that I had cleaned them before she had the opportunity of finding them. It would have been very valuable clues in a case like this. I couldn't risk my wife seeing evidence like that, Doctor. She'd know the truth. But at night times, while she's asleep, some devilish, unconscious urge has overcome me. An urge that causes me to prowl the streets of London, raise her in hand, looking for a victim. Mr. Holmes, you've got to help me. I'm certain that without knowing it, I've...

I've been committing murder, and if you don't help me, I'll go on and on. Mr. Humphreys, please. I'll undertake the case. It's a very unique assignment. In effect, I'm being engaged by a possible murderer to prove him guilty. Mr. Humphreys.

Well, Mr. Holmes, I've been through all the records we have here at Scotland Yard. What have you found, Inspector Gregson? In the last two months, we haven't had one case of an unsolved killing with a razor. Any mysterious disappearances, Inspector? Bless you, our doctor. There's never a day that passes without one or two of them. Here's a list of them, Mr. Holmes, if it's any use to you. Thanks. Come on, Watson. In the morning, we can go back to the theater and set our friend's mind at rest. I'm much obliged to you, Gregson. Care to be of service, Mr. Holmes?

We examined the homicide records at Scotland Yard after leaving you last night, Mr. Humphreys.

There have been no unsolved razor murders in London during the past fortnight. And therefore I think you may rest easy on that, Scorser. But it proves nothing. Remember that in the place Sweeney Todd's victims are never found either. Yes, thanks to his singularly horrible ingenuity in disposing of them. But this is real life, Mr. Humphrey. Then how do you account for the bloodied razors and the muddied boots? Well, now, are you sure that they aren't just in your imagination, sir?

You admit that your wife's never seen them? The whole thing could be, shall we say, an overdose of... Well, I admit that I'm suffering from a surfeit of that. And why not drop the fate in your repertoire? Manager Derek Lindsay won't let me. He's our best moneymaker. He's always got a keen eye to business. Mr. Holmes, I can see that you still don't believe my story. Though I've saved some evidence for you. Evidence that I found this morning.

Look at these. Now what do you say? Do you still think it's my imagination? Cutter, blood-stained razor and boots covered with mud. Splendid. At last some real clues to where the... How can it be so calm, Holmes? It happened again last night.

Do you realize that I'm a murderer? I'm a menace to society? For heaven's sake, lock me up before I do some more damage. No, no, no, no, no, sir. Don't get too excited. Mr. Humphreys, I would like to take these objects back to Baker Street where I can perform some chemical tests. You have no objections, I hope? Objections? Good heavens, no. Excellent. You've told no one of this fresh discovery of yours. No one. Not even Derek Lindsay. Derek Lindsay, that's your manager, isn't it? Yes. The best friend I ever had.

Except for his father before him. Derek, who helped me back on my feet, Taylor, too. Yes, two years ago, when I put on that disastrous production of Macbeth. Don't know where I'd be today if it weren't for him. You lost a great deal of money on that production, sir. Nearly every penny I had. Indeed. By the way, where is your wife, Mr. Humphrey? She's in that dressing room next door. We have a matinee today. I'd like a word with her. Watch an old chap. Wait here for me, will you? I won't be a moment. Right, Sherlock Holmes. Who is it? Sherlock Holmes.

You want to talk to me, Mr. Holmes? For a moment. May I come in, Mrs. Humphreys? Well, couldn't we talk on the stage? It's empty. I should prefer to come into your dressing room, if you don't mind. What I have to say is confidential. Very well, then. Come in.

Holmes, may I introduce Signor Vanelli, our musical director. How do you do, sir? It is a great honor to meet the so great Signor Holmes. I have so admired you. Often I have envied you. Many times I say to myself, Mr. Vanelli, if you don't mind, I wish to speak to Mrs. Humphreys alone. Oh, I quite understand. Excuse me, Signor. Adios, Madame Maria.

Mr. Holmes, I'm really awfully glad of this opportunity to talk to you. Tell me truthfully, please, what's your opinion of my husband? I haven't formed a definite opinion yet, except that it's possible that he's the victim of a fraud. I just wanted to ask you a couple of questions, if you don't mind. Of course not, Mr. Holmes. Has your husband ever shown evidence of being a sleepwalker? A sleepwalker? Oh, no, never. I see. Are you a light sleeper? Yes, I am. Exceptionally so.

Why? Oh, I was just curious. You're being very mysterious, mister. Can't you tell even me what's going on? I promised your husband the answer to that question before tonight's performance. I'm afraid I can't tell you anymore until then. Oh. And now may I ask a question? Oh, certainly. Though I won't promise to answer it. You said just now that my husband might be the victim of a fraud. What did you mean? Again, I'm afraid you must wait for the specific answer to that question. However...

There's another fraud being practiced on him that I can speak of now. What fraud? The fraud that you are indulging in, Mrs. Humphrey. What do you mean? Of course, this particular fraud is none of my business, but when I almost force my way into your dressing room and find your musical director, a punty of rice powder on one shoulder and suggestions of rouge on his cheek, it doesn't take a great deal of intelligence to deduce that your husband is being deceived.

Get out of here at once. That's exactly what I propose doing. Good day to you, madam. No doubt I shall see you later on. Well, Holmes, what does the microscope tell you about the mud on the boots and the bloodstains on the razor? It's on a bank on the mud, old chap.

It's been the common type found in most parts of London. And the blood? I'm examining that now. It's as strange a case as ever I remember, Holmes. Here you are trying to prove a man innocent when he insists that he's guilty. Why, George Watson, here's the answer. What? This blood is definitely not human blood. It's probably canine.

Now, a swing-a-tod madness would hardly drive its victim to kill dogs. Therefore, it's obvious that Mark Humphreys is the victim of a devilish plot. And he's not a murderer. No, come on, old fellow. Let's go to the theater at once and give him the good news. THE END

Why doesn't he answer? It's been an hour before the curtain time. It must be in his dressing room. I'll knock again. Come on, Watson. Let's go in. Holmes, look. Look, he's trumpled over his dressing table. I hope we're not too late. Here, give me a hand with him. We are too late. His throat's been cut. Good devil. I promised him a solution to his troubles before the night was over. Little did I think that the solution would be...

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Well, Dr. Watson, what happened next? Well, Phil, I think I'll pick up the story exactly where I left off. Holmes and I were standing in Mark Humphrey's dressing room, looking with horror at the flashed throat of the actor-manager. There was a bitter, self-accusing note in Holmes' voice. I promised him a solution to his troubles before tonight was over. I told him that I think that solution would be death. He didn't worry over his supposed madness.

caused him to commit suicide. Suicide rubbish, old fellow. It's murder. Look at the razor cut from his hand. And that was replaced there by the murder before Rigor Mortis had a chance to set in. In any case, scrutinize the wound. Would that look as if it had been done by the hand of a suicide? No, don't see. Why not? Look, personal chap. The depth of the wound is even. Whereas a suicide cut always wavers towards the end. No, this is murder, Watson. And I think I know who did it. But I have little evidence. I must lay a trap. What kind of a trap, Holmes? I've got time to tell you now, fellow. Every moment counts.

Off with you to Scotland Yard and get Inspector Gregson. Bring him back here as fast as you can. And Watson. Yes? Tell absolutely no one except Gregson that Mark Humphrey's dead. Say that he's still alive and well and that his problems are solved. It's the performance of the play. Don't you worry about that, old chap. Off with you to Scotland Yard.

I'm sorry it took so long to find me, Dr. Watson. I was out on another case yesterday. Oh, that's all right, Inspector. Performance, if there is one, must be nearly over by now. Here's the stage door, sir. Yes, here we are.

Here, here, you can't go on the stage. Who says I can't? I'm Inspector Gregson of Scotland Yard. Oh, sorry. What's going on? I wonder who the devil's playing Sweeney Todd. Come along, come along. Let's stand here in the wind. It's impossible. There's Mark Humphreys on the stage. I saw him in this throat cut. I don't believe in ghosts, Doctor. Great heavens, it's Holmes. Who's this?

Ah, it's true, Mr. Summers. Somebody seems to cut their throat for a penny. No more beer pints. Don't be meek about who cut their throat, dearie, and she'll cut their throat too. He'll revenge you while you burn down there in hell, dearie. He'll revenge you!

Here he comes now, Gregson. Amazing disguise. I never recognized him. You're both here. Holmes, what are you up to? Surely that's apparent. I disguised myself as the dead man, hoping to force the murderer's hand. You're running a terrible risk, Mr. Holmes. Part of my profession, Gregson. Here comes Signor Vanelli, the musical director. My dear fellow, I had to leave the orchestra pit to come and congratulate you. Never have you given a finer performance. Bravissimo, bravissimo. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

But it is true. You hardly seem the same person. Your performance, she's incomparable. Keep it up, Mark. Keep it up. I think he's spotted you, Holmes. Yes, sir. I didn't like his look as he said that. Well, whoever it is, I've got to show the hand soon. Kurt's going up on the last scene. Keep your eyes open and suspect everyone. Hello.

Look, my lord, Judd is by your side. Do not be surprised when your army's lobe is stained with blood. Sweeney Todd, what dark deeds tested on your frontier. Was a dark, foul deed. But heed not what you hear, Lord Judd, nor what you see. Still the figure sits there. I fear to come to this. It is useless to deny my guilt. The very dead rise from their settlements to prove Sweeney Todd a murderer.

George, what an actor he's a made doctor. Yes, what an actor he is, Gregson. I'll be hanged if I know how he remembers the lines, though, even if he has seen the play half a dozen times. Here he comes now. Bravo, Holmes. You did splendidly. But it didn't work once, and it didn't work once, part of it. The murderer still hasn't dipped his hand.

Have I underestimated him? Looks as if you have, sir. And if you don't mind my saying so, I think you'd have been a lot wiser to let me handle the case as soon as you found his body, instead of going in for all this dressing up stuff. Oh, but of course. Now I see it. Only one person could have killed Mark Humphreys. Who, Holmes? Do as I say and I'll show you.

I'm going to Humphrey's dressing room now, alone. Give me a few moments start and then follow me. Out of sight but within ear shot. Dr. Watson, why does Mr. Holmes always have to be so blooming mysterious? Why can't he just say who the murderer is and take us to him? Well, I've been with Mr. Holmes on a great many cases, Gregson, and yet I can't answer that question.

Come along. He's got a big enough start now. Let's follow him. I'm very fond of Mr. Holmes, you know, Doctor, and yet there are times when I get so angry with him. He shouldn't risk his life like that. Well, you know Mr. Holmes, he'll never change. And if he don't, one of these days he's going to wake up and find himself dead.

Someone inside with him. You devil, Humphreys! How many times do I have to kill you? Great Scottish Derek Lindsay, the business manager. Come along, Gregson. No, Lindsay! You succeeded in killing Humphreys, but you won't kill me. Grab his arm. Look out for that razor. Here you go. Let go of me! No, you don't.

Ah, very neat, Gregson. Are you all right, Holmes? Perfectly, thanks, old chap, though I'm a little tired. Gregson, my dear fellow, will you take over from here? I think I've had enough melodrama for one day. Ah, how pleasant, Watson. The deck of Baker Street again, a crafting fire, my dressing gown and your company combined to make a soothing ending...

It was a somewhat violent day. In the most unusual case, Holmes, I still don't entirely understand it. The original plot, of course, was to try and drive Mark Humphreys mad by making him think that he was a murderer. That accounted for the boots and the bloodstained razor. Precisely, my dear fellow. And the killer, having conditioned his victim by this trickery, then murdered him, trying to make it appear a suicide.

Now, who had a motive? Three people. Mrs. Humphreys, her lover, Signor Vanelli, and Derek Lindsay. I must say that I suspected the wife. So did I for a while, and yet it was illogical. She knew, and we may therefore presume that her lover knew, and that I was suspicious of her. She must have known that you promised her husband a solution to his troubles before the night was out.

It seems highly improbable that she or Signor Vanelli would have faked his suicide at that point. Quite right, my dear fellow. So I investigated Derek Lindsay's affairs and I found that what Humphreys had referred to as the kindly act of a friend in helping him back onto his feet was in reality the mortgaging of his entire theatrical effects. Lindsay stood to inherit the theatre on Humphreys' death. Therefore, I was convinced that he was the killer. And then, after he'd murdered him, he saw what he thought to be Mark Humphreys on the stage.

Ah, that's what I was slow and stupid, old chap.

I couldn't imagine what motive gave the cold, clear nerve to suppress all reactions when he saw his supposed victim revived on the stage. Only at that moment did I realize. What was the motive that made him hold his hand? The characteristic that ruled his life, Watson. Avarice. A morbid love of money. You see, if he'd attacked me during the performance, he'd have had to refund the money to the audience. His greed conquered all other passions. It made him wait until the performance was finished before he attempted my life. You know, Holmes...

Now that the case is solved, I'll tell you something in confidence. Please do, old fellow. What is it? At the end of the play tonight, I was afraid that you'd made a mistake, that you'd slipped up on the case. Gregson thought so, too. And I, Watson, will tell you something in confidence. Oh, what is it? There were three of us that felt the same way. Now you're being modest, Holmes. Oh, Holmes.

I assure you I'm not, my dear chap. In fact, in the future, if it should strike you that I am more well getting a little overconfident of my powers or perhaps giving less pains to a face than it deserves, kindly whisper...

Sweeney, tada, my ear, will you? I shall be infinitely obliged to you. Doctor, that was a swell story. And a pretty narrow escape for Holmes. Yeah. He said he almost solved the case too late. Fortunately, it ended well. Mm-hmm.

The thing that sticks in my mind is the fact that this was one of the very rare occasions when Holmes almost made a serious mistake. Well, we all make mistakes at times, don't we? Not till I said we...

We all make mistakes at times. I suppose so. You mean to stand there and tell me that you never make a mistake? Well, not when it comes to choosing a wine, I don't, because I always choose Petri. Bartell, you'd bet me again. Could be. But honestly, Doctor, when you choose a Petri wine, you know it's a good wine. Because good wine is the only kind of wine the Petri family makes.

And it's easy to understand why when you realize that ever since they started the Petri business way back in the 1800s, the Petri family has handed on down from father to son, from father to son, the highly developed fine art of winemaking. Yes, the Petri family's been making wine for generations. That's why no matter what type of wine you prefer, for any occasion,

You can't go wrong with a Petri wine, because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, do you care to give us a clue about next week's Sherlock Holmes adventure? Oh, let me see. Next week, Mr. Bartell, next week. Yes, I'm going to tell you a colorful story that took place in a Parisian circus in 1890. It concerns a very exalted personage, a lady bareback rider, and a faint death.

But without warning. Boy, I can't miss that one, Doctor. Good. Well, now, before you go, I want to say something to all our friends. I want you just to think for a minute. Think of how terrible it is to see helpless little children stricken by infantile paralysis. And then realize that infantile paralysis can be beaten. It can be beaten in very many cases.

And your money, your dimes, can do it. Join the March of Dimes. Send your dimes to your local March of Dimes headquarters. Let's help little children walk. Let's help them live. Tonight's Sherlock Holmes adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in this Arthur Conan Doyle story, The Yellow Face. Music is by Dean Fossler.

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. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studio.

This is Harry Bartell saying good night for the Petri family. For a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas, listen every Monday on most of these same stations at 8 o'clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System. Throughout the British Isles, air raid shelters are a common sight. But in the town of Sheraton, there stands one older than the rest which was never used.

Those who knew of the terrors that lurked within it preferred to take their chances with Nazi bombs. Cornelius Jacques was Cheriton's justice of peace. On a certain day in the summer of 1918, when the First World War was approaching its end, Mr. Jacques summoned to his house one James Wyatt. My dear fellow, I want you to dig me an air raid shelter. Last month there were 13 planes over London.

Thirty-four people were killed and eighty-nine injured. If they can come to London, they can come to Cheriton. And so James Wyatt did. And then, a few mornings later, the workman appeared unexpectedly at his honor's door. What do you want, my dear fellow? I want me money. The money what's coming to me for two days' work. But you're not finished yet. I'll pay you when you're through. You're mistaken, your honor. I am through. There wasn't a soul in that dugout but meself. But somebody threw sand in me eye.

And James Wyatt was not to be reasoned with. He refused to return to the half-completed air raid shelter. And so the justice had no choice but to go out alone and investigate. Should have dug the thing myself. Hello in there.

Anybody inside? The justice opened the makeshift door and stepped into the gloom of the dugout. Not a sound, nothing stirred. And then suddenly... Well, that must have got his courage back. Come in, my good man, come in. But there was no response to his call. And so his honor turned and opened the door. That's strange. Not a soul in view. Some prankster, I'll wager. Come in, lad, wherever you are. Ha, ha, ha, ha.

Come in, come in. And this time, the justice did not call in vain. He received an answer. Good heavens, what was that? Where are you? Who's hiding in here? I demand that you help! And the justice had good reason to cry out in pain. For just at that moment, a large stone came hurtling through the air from the opposite wall and struck him squarely in his rather impressive midsection. Come on.

Raffian, whoever you are, I dare you to show your face. Ouch! Ouch! Stop throwing things at me, will you? The stones were coming from all directions now. They were stones no longer, but good-sized rocks. And then, just as his honor was ready to beat a hasty and somewhat undignified retreat, they stopped as abruptly as they had begun. The justice turned back, and the sight which greeted his eyes was even more astounding than anything that had happened so far. Good Lord! Good Lord!

It's pulling the stones out of the wall and piling them up on the floor. When Justice Jacques returned to the house, he paid James Wyatt quietly and let him go. And for some reason, he neither looked for a worker to replace Wyatt, nor did he carry out his vow to complete the dugout himself. He did, however, invite several of his neighbors to inspect it, and their experiences were not unlike his own.

The electrician of Cheritzen wore bandages around his head for several days afterward. And a Canadian soldier who visited the place at night came out screaming with terror. In all, there's been recorded the testimony of seven reliable witnesses. And all have sworn to the presence in the Justice's air raid shelter of a mysterious and supernormal force. A force incredible but true. ♪♪

Lipton Tea and Lipton Soup present Inner Sanctum Mysteries. Good evening, friends of the Inner Sanctum. This is your host to welcome you through the squeaking door. Draw up a tombstone and sit down. Don't mind the fact that we've carved your name on it. It's rather lonesome around here tonight, isn't it?

Yes, most of the folks who haunt the place are out tonight with their sleds. If it snowed near your house, you may find them ghosting down here. But, Mr. Host, ghosts don't go sledding, do they? Why, of course, Mary. Especially the ghosts of gangsters. They're used to being taken for a sleigh ride. Well, now, why don't you take your sled and join your friends and let me have a word with our Lipton listeners?

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Yes, friends, just compare Lipton's to any other tea. You'll find Lipton's gives you brisk flavor, and you'll find Lipton's wonderful brisk flavor gives you more contentment in every cup. All right, Mary. Now you go and touch yourself on that teapot over there and get ready to hear about The Dark Chamber. It's an original radio play by Robert Newman, who witnessed the story while peeking through a keyhole.

Yes, and our star tonight is Kenneth Lynch, who plays the role of Joel. Our story tonight is about death, violent death, and also about something which is even more terrifying, the unknown. You don't believe that anything can be more frightening than death, and you've never experienced the ultimate in fear, but you will within the next few minutes if you'll put out the lights, pull your chair up close, and listen to The Dark Chamber.

Yes, headquarters. Ryan Svegan. Hello, police. Listen, you've got to help me. You've got to. I don't know how you can, but... My name is Watson. Joe Watson. I'm a driver for the Acme Sanitary Hand Laundry. Address? Where I am? I don't know. That's part of the trouble. Hey, wait. Listen. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. Check the laundry. Check the veterans. I'm an XGI. They'll tell you I'm straight. Well, I'm in a room someplace. I don't know where it is or how I got here or what I'm here for.

I don't even know how long I've been here. It's a big room, but it's funny. No doors, no windows that I can see. It's just a couple of chairs and a table with this phone on it. I'm scared. What do you expect us to do? Find me. Find out what this is all about and get me out of here. Oh, listen, this isn't a gag. Can't you tell? You don't know what it's like just sitting here waiting, not knowing where or why or what's going to happen. Can't you trace this call or something? Oh, thank heaven. I was afraid. Listen...

I hear something. Someone's coming. I better hang up. I'll call you back later if I can. How do you do? Who are you? My name's Helming. Dr. John Helming. And your name? I don't have to tell you anything. That's very true. Although I didn't think you were aware of it. I think I already know everything about you that I'm interested in knowing. Like what? Name? Joseph Watson, age 26, occupation employee of the Acme Laundry...

honorably discharged from the army six months ago with the brown star and the purple heart. What the... So you cased me. Went through my pockets, huh? Well, if you know that much, you know I haven't got any dough. Money? I'm not interested in money. Well, what do you want then? Where is this place? The last thing I remember is making a delivery on Spruce Street, noticing that the lights were out in the hall and hearing a noise behind me. You or somebody slugged me. That's right.

Well, will you stop grinning like that and tell me what this is all about? Of course. I brought you here because I need your help in an experiment. An experiment whose details I've already worked out with mice and rabbits and cats and other animals. What kind of an experiment? An experiment in fear. Fear? Yes. You fought in the war. You were wounded.

That means you've probably known fear. And still, you won the Bronze Star, which means you overcame it. Now, the question is, can you overcome your present fears? What are you talking about? You're afraid. Nothing has happened to you yet, absolutely nothing, and yet you are afraid, aren't you? You're afraid because you're face to face with the unknown. Because you don't know what I want and what I'm planning to do. Um, which is as it should be.

And that's the way we'll leave it for the moment. Hey, wait a minute. Come back here. Come back, you kid. Hello, police. This is Joe Watson again. Listen, I got a little more dope. I don't know if it'll help, but there was a guy in here just now. Said his name was Helming, John Helming. That's probably a phony. He's about 50, tall, over six foot, white hair and gray eyes. No, I still don't know what it's all about or what he's after, but have you been able to trace this number yet? How long will it take? Okay, I'll hang on, but...

The lights just went out. The room's pitch dark and somebody's coming in again. I better stop. For Pete's sake, hurry! Who's that? Who just came in? Who are you? A girl. Keep away from me. Keep away, do you hear? Keep away? What's the angle now? Angle? Why did you bring me here? Wait a minute. You mean he put the snatch on you too? When I was on my way home, chloroform or something, and the next thing I knew...

Why are you pretending? You're in on it, too. You must be. It's a trap. It's a trap, all right. But I'm not in on it. I'm in it, along with you. My name is Watson. Joe Watson. I'm Betty Grant. You swear? I swear. What would I lie about it for? I wonder why he put you in here. Put us together. Who is he? What's he gonna do? I don't know. He said something about an experiment. An experiment in fear, but...

Hey, listen, we've got to get out of here somehow, someway. He might be listening. Very astute, my dear. Of course I'm listening. What the... Where are you? Right here in the dark. I've been here all the time. Where are you? No, Joe, don't. He must want you to go for him. He's probably got a gun. Right again, my dear. Not that I'll need it. This is stage two of the experiment. A new stimulus to action has been introduced.

Man against the unknown has become man and woman against the unknown. Look, let's get down to brass tacks. Be sensible about this. Thank you, Joe. That's why I won't need my gun. This new stimulus has been negated by an increased sense of responsibility. Responsibility towards the girl and therefore by increased fear. Blast you, gun or no gun, if I get my hands on you, I'll...

Where are you? Outside now, so you can relax. That was the final stimulus in this stage. In your pride. The discovery that I could read your innermost thoughts and knew exactly what you were going to do. But you mustn't let that bother you. I already know everything you're going to do from now on. Till the end. Listen, you. Helming. Helming. He's gone. Joe. I know. Hold on, baby. Don't let it get you.

There must be a way, some way. I suppose he's still listening. It's hard to say, but I'm going to take a chance. There's one thing he didn't figure on. The telephone. Here? Yes. If I can find it again in the dark. It was over in the... Here it is. I put through two calls already to the police. Told them what was happening and asked them to get me out of here. I had to hang up both times before they could trace the call and get this number, but this time... Hello. What? What?

No, this isn't the operator. You're on a busy wire. It doesn't matter. Thank heaven I got somebody. Ten minutes now. Hey, look, get off the line, will you? I've got to get through to the police. It's terribly important. What are you laughing at? Joe, what is it? What is it? I haven't got headquarters. I've got a guy in a... I'm sorry, Ben. It's no use. We're in the same boat you are.

A girl named Betty Grant and myself. Helming's got us locked up, too. You do? Yeah. He said he knew everything we were thinking, everything we were going to do. I did get through to the police before, but I guess he caught wise. We're talking to each other over an inside line. Yeah, we're through. No, Joe, don't say that. Don't even think it. Look, ask him exactly where he is. Just where are you, Ben? Do you know? It's hard to say. It's a kind of a...

Passageway. Cement floor. Ceiling. Stone wall or anything like that. That's what I thought here, too. But there must be one or how would he have gotten you in there? Listen, start looking. See if you can find it. That's true. If I do find the door and it opens into you, I... That's right. Three of us together. We'll surely be able to figure something out then. Hold on. Founding on the walls. You, see if you hear anything. Go ahead. What's he doing? He's going to knock on the walls to see if he's anywhere near us. And if he is, if he can find a door, we can get together.

Hear anything? I'm not sure. Maybe. I'm not sure either. Sounds awful far away, is it? There, listen. That wall right there. Hello. Hello, Ben. We heard you. You're right next to us. Now, Ben, you listen and Betty will knock back. Go ahead, Betty. That way, Ben, you'll be able to tell just which wall it is. Okay? Right. I hear it. I know where it is.

Find the door. If there is one, hold on. He's got it. He's going to see if there's a door. There must be one. There must be. Ben. Ben. Ben. Hello. What is it? I don't know. I thought I heard a moan. Joe, there is a door. It's opening. It's open. Dr. Helming. Why, yes. Were you expecting someone? No.

Well, now that you mention it, Doctor, there was someone we've been expecting and waiting for since we first heard about that cozy little place of yours. I think he's finally arrived. He's a tall, rather striking gentleman with a skull for a face, and his name is...

Mr. Host, that Dr. Helming is insane. He gives me the chills. Oh, maybe it's just because it's so cold tonight, Mary.

You know, it's getting so nippy these days that some of my friends are having fur collars put on their shrouds. Well, my friends are smarter. They know that the way to warm up in cold weather is with a hot cup of fragrant, delicious Lipton tea. A cup of tea in front of the fireplace just hits the spot these chilly days. But make it Lipton's and your pleasure's complete.

You brew up a pot of Lipton's, throw another log on the fire, and summer tiptoes right into the room. Let the wind blow and the snow pile up on the roof. There's all the magic of June in a cup of Lipton's, in its deep amber color, its tantalizing fragrance, and its rich, hearty flavor. Mmm, and what flavor that is. Never wishy-washy, always brisk and full and satisfying. Try it, folks.

You can let winter do its worst when you've got Lipton's in your cup. That's right, Mary. But I think it's time now for something a little more cold-blooded, such as a cold-blooded murder. We're having a juicy one here tonight. A tale of gore galore, so let's see what's happening in the dark chamber. It's just a moment later now.

Standing in the darkness of the strange room, Joe and Betty stare at the tall figure of Dr. Helming, silhouetted against the dim light from outside. I asked you whether you were expecting someone. Then it was just a trick. It was you on the phone all the time. Now, don't you think I'd know his voice? Where is he? Our friend, Mr. Lazare, right outside. What did you do to him? Answer me, what did you do to him? Don't you know? Sure I know, you killed him, you...

Did you kill him? Quite a state you've gotten yourself into. Why? Is it because you finally tried to do something about your predicament and failed? Or is it because you weren't sure whether I would kill or not, and because you still don't know? You're mad. Really mad. You'll be interested to know. You have not done, nor will you do, one thing that I did not foresee.

Every move you made, every emotion you felt was charted, outlined. What's that? That, I think, is probably the police. The police? Yes. I know that you're very anxious to talk to them and I'll see that you get a chance to. Soon. Good evening, officer. I'm looking for a guy named Helming. Dr. Helming. I'm Dr. Helming. Come in, won't you? Okay. Thanks.

This is kind of a funny business. It's about a phone call we got a while ago. Finally traced here. A guy who said he was a prisoner or something. That must have been Watson. Yeah, yeah, that's his name. Joe Watson. Do you know him? Of course.

I can't tell you how sorry I am. It was really very careless of me, and I'll see that it doesn't happen again. What do you mean? If you didn't need investigating, which I'm sure you did, then you know that I, um... Well, I don't run a sanitarium exactly, but I do take a few patients. Mental cases for treatment. Ah, so that's it. A nurse, eh? I wish you wouldn't say that.

Watson's case is particularly interesting. A 4F who wasn't able to enlist, and he developed a persecution mania. Thinks that everyone is down on him. Not everyone, exactly. His present fantasy is that he's an ex-GI and that I'm keeping him prisoner. Sure sounds plenty tough. Well, I guess I'll run along. I...

I'm sorry I bothered you. Don't you want to see them first, officer? Talk to them? Ah, there's no need for that, doctor. We get calls from cranks every day. We always investigate a cause. But I insist. After all, you only have my word for it. There's, um... Well, there's just one thing I'd like to caution you about. You should, I know. I'll play along. Here, madam. Splendid. Right in here. Hmm. It's quite a room. Joe! Look! It...

It's a cop, and that means that you did get my message. Sure, sure, Joe. It took a little time to trace a call, but everything's okay. Oh, thank heaven. It was such a screwy story, I was afraid that... Hey, wait a minute. Then why is he standing there like that? Why haven't you got the bracelets on him? After the ending? No need for any rough stuff. He said he'd come along quietly. What? You're lying. I don't know why, but there's something wrong here. Something... I know. You think we made the whole thing up.

But we're crazy. I know, I know, I know. It's true. He told you we were and you believed him. Of course not. Look, I... Stop it, will you? Stop saying that. Well, if I could only prove it somehow. Show you. I know. Lazeri. Joe. Murder. That'll open your eyes. Somewhere in that wall is a door. Make him open it. Show you what's behind it. I think maybe it better be gone, Doc. But there is a door there, officer. Just a second. I'll open it for you. Here we are. Body. It's gone. Here.

These doctors are always hiding the bodies. Returns up again later gives another ring, huh? Maybe I shouldn't have said that. Hey, can I go out this way, Doc? Down to the end of the corridor, then to your right. I'm sorry I gave you all this trouble. That'll be all right. Thank you for being so understanding. Quite all right. Goodbye. Goodbye, Doc. Well, children? Don't look that way, Joe. Don't. I know what you're thinking, and it's not true. We're not crazy.

There was a body there. You hid it when you went out to let the cop in. And the telephone, you left that here purposely. Wanted me to use it, get the police here. Obviously. I told you that this was to be an experiment in fear. What I didn't tell you was that in a sense, I was one of the subjects too. It was important for me to learn how I would function under pressure. And speaking objectively, I think I did rather well. Don't you? Why?

Why are you doing all this? What are you after? There's no reason why I shouldn't tell you. If anyone truly understands the nature of fear, is able accurately to forecast the actions and reactions of an individual, then he can use fear as a weapon. Society will react as the individual reacts. You see, society doesn't want to believe that anything can menace it. It doesn't want to take action to protect itself any more than the individual does.

This was something that Hitler and Mussolini understood intuitively. I understand it scientifically. They failed, but I shall succeed. You mean that you... I'm afraid that's all I have time for. As far as you two are concerned, the experiment is finished. Completely finished.

I have a few arrangements to take care of, and then I'll... Well, make the best of these last few minutes, for they will be your last. Joe, do you hear anything? Is he coming back? Not yet. He's going to kill us, isn't he? Just the way he killed Lazare. He's going to try to. Why are you sitting there like that?

Looking at me? I guess because it's the first chance I've had to look at you. How do you mean? When they first put you in here, it was all dark. So many things happened after that. It's funny. What is? The things that you can tell about a person, even in the dark. I kind of thought you were little, and I knew you were awful nice and had a lot of nerve, but I didn't think you'd be so pretty. I'm not so pretty, Joe. I'm not very brave either. I'm scared. I'm awful scared. And I don't want to die. I'm sorry.

Don't worry about it, baby. Don't think about it. Just sitting here like this, waiting, and there's nothing we can do. Every time we did try to do something, it was something he knew about. He was expecting us to do. Please, baby. Joe, something happened to you. You were scared before, too, but now... It was not knowing that was scary. Not knowing what was going to happen or why or what you could do about it. But once you do know, once you make up your mind, then you've got to forget about it.

Forget about everything. Make up your mind about what? This is going to sound kind of funny, especially now, but, well, do you have anyone special? A fellow, I mean. Why, oh, no. That's good. I mean, gee, it's a shame we never met before. If we had, we wouldn't be here now. I mean, we probably would have been out together someplace. What time do you get through work usually? About six.

The store closes at 5.30, but... Me too. I could have picked you up at about 6. Joe, I hear something. He's coming. Yeah. Okay, get up over in the corner of the room so that he'll see you as soon as he opens the door. What about you? I'll be waiting over here, behind the door. Joe, you're not going to... Yeah, I know I haven't got much of a chance, but wish me luck.

It'll be quick. Oh, no. Joe, please. All right, my young friend. Time. All my arrangements have been completed and I'm... Where's Watson? Right here. Joe, look out! It's okay, baby. It didn't get me. I got the barrel to the gun and... Good Lord. Got him. In the chest. Where's...

You couldn't have done that. You couldn't have. Outside, Betty. See if you can find another phone. Call the police again. And this time, tell them to bring an ambulance. But you couldn't have done it. It was all plotted, graphed, and worked out in detail. I knew just what you were going to do, how you would react. By this time, you were to be in a state of complete frustration, resigned, ready to die. Why did you do it?

Why? I don't know. I'll just take it easy. Well, I've got to know. You've got to tell me. Was it because of the girl? Out of desperation? Because you knew you were going to die anyway? I tell you, I don't know. I just know that, well, a guy will take just so much pushing around. THE END

Pushing around, eh? Well, it sounds to me as if one of our characters is going to get a lot of pushing around. At the end of a pitchfork and in a very warm climate. It's good old Helming's finished. He's got to be, if we're to have at least two corpses, the inner sanctum minimum. Oh, you think that's a little arbitrary? Not at all.

We've got to have at least two corpses to play our theme song, When a Body Meets a Body. Theme song? I didn't know we had one. Oh, Mary, we've got lots of them. Didn't you ever hear our skeleton song, I Ain't Got No Body? Mr. Host, let's be serious for a moment, because I want to talk about one of the most serious things in life, our health.

For instance, the war may eventually lead to an increase in tuberculosis. And that's why the makers of Lipton tea and Lipton soup have asked me to remind you of the annual sale of Christmas seals. Funds raised by this sale support tuberculosis control programs, x-rays, health education, and medical research. Remember, over a half million people in the United States and Canada suffer from this disease.

So buy as many Christmas seals as you can. No one is safe from tuberculosis until everyone is safe. And Christmas seals can save lives. And now, friends, here's a word of wholesome advice.

If you've had any murderous thoughts lately, give them up. It just doesn't pay. Well, I know a lady who killed off her husband, and you know, it just ruined her marriage. Yes, he grew very cold. Oh, by the way, this month's Inner Sanctum mystery novel is The Fearful Passage by H.C. Branson. Yes, and next week's Inner Sanctum story, directed by Hyman Brown, and brought to you by Lipton Tea and Lipton Soup,

Next week's story is about a vampire. He's a very stingy fellow. As when you go out with him, the drinks are always on you. Naturally, we're going to try to make him feel at home here, so I've just ordered a good supply of bats with green eyes, a coffin for him to sleep in, and a wooden stake to drive through his heart. I wouldn't stake my life on it, friends, but he may visit you before next Tuesday.

Until then, good night, pleasant dreams.

Easy to make and easy to take. That's Lipton's Noodle Soup. The perfect opening dish for your cold weather menus. Lipton's Noodle Soup has that real chickeny flavor your family likes so much. And it has that wonderful fresh cooked homemade goodness. You can prepare Lipton's Noodle Soup in a jiffy too. And it's oh so kind to your budget. Costs less and makes more than canned soups. So don't forget to serve Lipton's Noodle Soup.

And don't forget to tune in next Tuesday night for another Inner Sanctum mystery. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. 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. Try this one. Done in a second. No deception, ladies and gentlemen, just a trick.

McGill's Wonderlock, and it's as simple as any of them. He won't thank you for breaking it. Danny, something tells me McGill is really after you this time. He has been ever since I opened that first mortis lock of his. Really after you? The full vengeance job? I think he'd kill you if he could. Clodagh, I would him. In fact, I think we'll have a grand reckoning, the big showdown. Ruining his business isn't going to make him any friendlier. He started it.

He's challenged me so often, I'm tired of it. I'll challenge him, and I'll wipe him off for good and all. The big grudge fight, no-holds-barred, and to the death. You joke. But will he? Danny, you've opened so many locks of his that there comes a time when he's got to remove you. Remove? You're a one-man act. He's a multiple business. You're an income, but he's an empire. He's big and self-made and ruthless. You find it amusing. He hasn't got a sense of humor. Give it up.

All right. All right, Clodagh, I'll give it up. I'll give it up after this one final death struggle. Escapologist or Big Tycoon, the Little Man or the Monstrous Cartel, roll up, roll up and see the tussle of the century. Can the redoubtable Danny Cash escape from the new McGill lock or will this contest end in his humiliation? Will he... Danny, Danny, don't joke about it. What?

But once in my life, I'm scared. And if you're going to do it, don't waste time ranting and raving. Get on practicing. Yes, miss. It's closed. It's open. It's closed. It's open. Closed. It's open. That's it. It's easier than the clasp on a necklace. Good.

One week, and McGill chews dust. McGill, the maker of putty locks. His locks may be putty, but he isn't. Has anything happened, Danny? Happened? No, why should it? That burglar alarm? Oh, that. That was fixed. Well, you never know. Snoopers and spies and pale white things trying to find out more than they should.

Clodagh, I may be light-hearted, but I'm not a fool. Aren't you? Houdini might have found the tank a little difficult, but there's no reason why I should. A bath. I must remember to have the water heated. Houdini nearly died.

Danny, did you know I've been followed yesterday and today? The price you pay for being the wife of a celebrity. It wasn't that sort of following. It was the most unpleasant little man who glittered. His eyes glittered and he wore a tie pin as big as a paperweight. Ah, cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war. The watchdog, the spy, McGill scared. I must make the bet $20,000. $30,000, $40,000. What's it matter? Make it $50,000. Danny, please don't.

The signal. The pale little glittering man is on his way up. Glitter, glitter, little man, how I wonder who I am. Relax, dear, take it easy. Leave it all to the luck of the Irish. A trap for the unwary. And who is so unwary as the trapper trapped? I call the tune, and you, my darling cloder, string along. First the door ajar. Not open so as to give suspicion, but not quite closed. Finesse in everything.

And now, my brother. Dear brother, do come in. My brother Danny.

I reckon only a Murray could stand between us. Brother Finnegan, you're so right. But, brother, we must be careful. We must advance with caution. We are beset by spies, glittering spies. Spies like the morning dew after smog has passed by. Brother, what is all this? We've done a double act for years. Why should anyone find out now? Ah, there is double dealing and treachery afoot. Big men, big men.

Men, if you get my meaning, would give a fortune to know that Danny Cash, the amazing, the incredible Danny Cash, does all his amazing feats of escape with the aid of a brother, a double, a twin, an identical spit. I'll not say brother. Caution. The word is have a care and trust nobody. Fair Clodagh, I would kiss that fairer mouth, but alas, you might not know I'm me and think I was the other brother. But have no fear. Our double treachery and treacherously doubling to fool the audience is a secret between us.

If so small a thing as a secret could come between us. A secret? What is it? A whispered word. An endearment. A coziness engendered merely by knowing something others do not. Your lips are... Brother. Alas, who can blame me for wishing to taste a bitten apple? Twins are the same in love and need and want. My heart beats the self-same rhythm. The exact music. And Blarney. Touché.

A hit. A palpable hit. No more. Finnegan, we are here for business. Ah, enchanting business. Will you stop making love to my wife and listen to me? This is very important. McGill is really after us this time. No holds barred. And if he should find out that we pulled a gag on him and the public by switching, he'd... Well, he'd wipe us off the face of the earth. For 20 years, my dear brother Danny, we've gotten away with it. Well, I hope you're getting away with it this time. And I hope you know what you're doing. But of course.

Enemy, jealous lover, brother, all in one. Danny's right. And you are too, Clodagh. We must be very careful this time. Caution. Forethought, track covering, and still more caution. Twin and identical brothers fooling the public. Oh, five. And, Finnegan, remember, if McGill should find out, it'd be more than five. It'd be as good as putting our necks in a noose. So, caution, care...

I'll see you back safely to your hideout. Follow me. And see you in a week at the theater. Well, so much for that. And look at me, not in awe. Such cleverness comes to me naturally. Pride comes before a fall. How prettily you coin a phrase. And... Ah, our glittering friend has gone. Well, now we relax. And... Wait. Wait, dear Clodagh, for that phone to ring.

Ah, patience brings its own rewards. Bet you a dollar it's McGill. Hello? One dollar. Don't tell me, let me guess, why a voice like a rusty lock could only belong... Cash. Listen to me, Cash.

$100,000 on the outcome of a week tonight. My dear fellow, make it two, three, four if you like. I'll tell you what, let's make it the round half million. You haven't got half a million. I so will have. Let me see. All right, done. I'll give it to the papers. You've gone too far this time, Danny Cash. And talking of cash, we'll make it cash. Cash on the nail. Cash at the theater. Cash at the theater.

You come to the theater with $500,000 in cash, Cash. Your cash this time. Goodbye. Rush in, sweet McGill. Rush in. Danny, you haven't got half a million. Oh, this apartment, the furniture, my insurance and yours, the car, jewelry...

Oh, I think we'll make half a million. You'll make it without me. I've made that jewelry by hard work, keeping you from spending it. And you haven't got any insurance. They wouldn't. And as for the car and the apartment, they're mine. You gave them to me. Honey, lover, lamb, what we have is ours. Oh, it's no good, Danny. The dawn and the morning, I don't keep that from you. You sleep. The silver of the moon and the music we've shared. Clodagh, darling, this is me, your own husband, the light of your eyes asking you.

No. Honey lamb, I've never asked you for anything. You know the world, the gold and the silver, and all I have is yours for the asking and my love. My love in my heart that overflows. Clodagh, darling, ask me and I'll snatch a star to put in your hair. I'll waft clouds around your shoulder and have the night to cloak you in midnight and make all the... Why, hello there, shapeless.

Now, fancy bumping into you when you were the last person in the world I was looking for. And how are you?

Oh, not so well, Danny. It is hard enough for a poor old man to make a living without half the police following him. And them Irish, too. But what do you care for the police, a man who can open any safe in the world? I should have followed your bent. Getting people to see locks opened is a good deal better off than the one who opens them in secret and hopes to find the pay inside. Ah, how true, how true.

Of course, should a man know, know there is no danger whatsoever, then maybe to open a safe would be a pleasure.

It would be a glory. I happen to have heard that a certain McGill, that black-hearted key shopper, will not be in his office at about seven o'clock on a night one week from this day. Is that so? Is that so? And shameless, I happen to hear that should anybody open his safe one week from tonight, he would find a thousand dollars inside it. Ah, me, what a pity. It is a great pity indeed.

The McGill lock is one of the most intricate in the world. It defies all cracksmen and would not be worth the trouble for $1,000. Oh, it would not be worth the trouble at all. Silly of me. You know how I mention $1,000 when I really mean two? Danny, you moan to me and you hum.

Would you not be after singing now? 2,500, and that's my top note. And beautiful it is, true and sweet. Mr. McGill's safe, if it had not hinges, would be an uncorked bottle. This night in one week's time. About seven, you say? About seven. I'll be after going and getting a little practice. Sure, it's a formidable assignment to be open, Mr. McGill's personal safe.

Good, Mansell, good. I'm sure, but Mr. McGill, I heard them both talking. Danny Cash is a four-flusher, eh? Double act. I'm surprised I didn't tumble to it before, though I had my suspicions. Of course, Mr. McGill. Switches. Oh, I wonder when he does it. Mansell, there's half a million dollars resting on this and so much publicity, I can't let him win. Mansell, I'm not going to let him win. No, Mr. McGill. I want you to go to Danny Cash. Say to him, McGill's scared.

Tell him I want to see him here in my office. Tell him I'm willing to call the whole thing off and give him a cash bonus into the bargain. Yes, Mr. McGill. Tell him to be here one week from tonight, 5 o'clock. And, Mansell, I want to show you just how this safer mine works. I want you to study it well. It closes like this. ♪♪

It's fast, Danny, but it may be more than dexterity you need to beat McGill. His luck is punk, and he's beaten already. Clodidia, every man has his price, and every man his pattern.

McGill has kept more than one man quiet by a device you'd expect him to use. He'll beat you. So he will. But being beaten doesn't matter, so long as you win. And the loser of this little epic will lose the lot. An escapologist or a lockmaker, neither of us could stand up to the publicity blast, should he lose. Therefore, I'm not going to lose. If you lose, we won't have the clothes we stand up in. As good an excuse as any to go to bed. Now, don't you worry. Clota Love, tonight you'll be worth one million dollars.

Goodbye, sweetheart. Where are you going? McGill, the great man has spoken. He wants me at his office. What for? He says because he's scared and wants to pull out. I say because he's scared and wants me to pull out. Pull out? Put out. Like a candle. Snuffed. Don't go, Danny. Stay. Don't go to McGill or the theater. In light of my love, I've got to. There's nothing so poor as a frightened man. Besides, I'd like to retire before anybody discovers how I do my escapes.

Now, don't you worry. You'll be at the theater at eight and watch your Danny live up to his name. See you later, sweetheart. Come in. Good evening to you, Mr. McGill. To you, Mr. Manson. Sit down, Cash. I'll stand. A standing man has the quicker getaway. Cash, you're a dangerous man to me. And danger, if it can't be avoided, must be eliminated.

A big business can't afford to be held to ransom by one man. Then pay me. Pay me and let me go. I'm not greedy. I'll take the $500,000 you're going to lose tonight anyway. I sent for you because I know you are greedy. If you weren't, you wouldn't have come. And I also know you'll be scared after I tell you a few facts. Yes, in a moment, Mansell. So to get over your greed and the scare that's going to come to you, I'm willing to pay you $5,000.

For that, all you have to do is announce that you're ill, that you can't go ahead with tonight's performance. And if I won't? Then I'll have to scare you. If it's your face you're thinking of, I've got used to it. Tell him, Mansell. Mr. Cash, you're a fraud. You do your escape act by using a double, your own brother. Identical twins, I believe. Somehow, during the performance, you switch so that one of your peers appears to have escaped.

I suppose the other removes his chains or padlock or whatever it is at his leisure. Unmasked? Quite so. So I think it's all perfectly plain. Either you take Mr. McGill's very generous offer, or you, or your brother, dies tonight. You couldn't do it.

You couldn't be such fiends. The safety of the McGill commercial empire is far more important than a mere individual. But to let my brother die horribly suspended headfirst in a tank of water would be too inhuman, too ghastly, even if the water is warmed. I don't think we need bother about all that, Cash. Take my offer and get out. No. No, I owe it to my public. The show must go on. Nonsense. Cash, you don't seem to realize the seriousness of my intentions.

To uphold the McGill name, I warn you I don't mind what lengths I have to go to. Be wise, Mr. Cash. No. Sorry. I'm always ready to bargain with sensible people. But as you're not, then I have no alternative. Will you walk into my safe, or do Mansell and I have to carry you? No. No, not that. Please, Cash, no shouting. The staff have all gone, and beyond us three, there is nobody. All right.

All right, you win. Oh, sorry, Cash. You've had your chance. I never go back once my mind is made up. The safe, please. Reconsider. Think. My wife... You should have thought of her before. The safe, please. I'll fight. You'll have to beat me first. Manson. Can't I persuade you, Mr. Cash? As Mr. McGill says, once his mind is made up... Very well. But you haven't heard the last of this...

Will I be able to breathe? It has been occupied before. The last man was still alive after 12 hours. We'll let you out after you fail to appear at the theater. I close the door, Mansell. Pleasure. I warn you, I can escape from anything. I can... Think we're being wise, Mr. McGill? After all, if his brother does go ahead...

and gets drowned. Don't be silly. Would you if you were his brother? No. There's no danger. With him locked up, there's no danger to McGill Incorporated either. Come on. Mr. McGill. Mrs. Cash. I've come to warn you to call the whole thing off. One of the brothers, I don't know whether it's Danny or the other, won't be appearing tonight.

If the other brother was so stupid as to go ahead, he'd most certainly die in that tank of water. Danny would never forgive me. If he were dead, he hardly could. I have half a million dollars to protect, and now I know Danny pulls the switcheroo, I'm going to protect it at any cost.

Oh, mind you, I've no objection to taking Danny's money. With half a million, I could open a new branch. And if you lost, you'd have to close more than an old branch. No, Mr. McGill. Danny wants to go ahead, and I'm not going to stop him. Very well, Mrs. Cash. I win. I only hope you don't lose a great deal more than cash. Good evening. Oh, come, come, my beauty. I'm treating you tenderly enough. Come now, open up.

"'Oh, sure, and what do you want to be difficult for? Give up your secret. Be generous now. Oh, tis gentle I've been, and as careful as you were a gardenia petal, and I'm there now. It wasn't so hard, was it?'

And a very good evening to you, Danny boy. And the same to you, Seamus. Very nice. Were you comfortable? A man can sleep here. It's quiet. And one place a wife, a wife could not get at him.

Thank you, Seamus. You'll pardon me, but I have an important date at the theater. Of course. After a little matter of $3,000 has been settled. $2,500, Seamus. Oh, yes. But what is $500? Nothing, Seamus. That's why you're not getting it. $100, $2, $3. Ladies and gentlemen, as you know, I challenged Danny Cash that he could not open my latest lock.

He, in fact, was so sure he could, he agreed to try while suspended headfirst in this glass tank submerged in water. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry to say Danny must have had a change of heart because he hasn't turned up. As you see, on this side under guard is my half million saying Danny couldn't.

On that side, his half million saying he could. Well, as he hasn't turned up under the rules of the cottage... Ladies and gentlemen, a slight delay, but nothing of importance. With your kind permission, I will now demonstrate just how ineffectual Mr. McGill's lock is. Thank you.

Where'd you get to, Danny? McGill's been making awful threats. Don't worry about that, darling. There's something else on my mind. What, dear? What is it? Has that water been heated? Wish me luck. Luck, luck, luck.

Mrs. Cash. Mrs. Cash. He's not really going ahead with it. If he's not, he's putting up quite a show. But I happen to know, Mrs. Cash, his brother isn't here. He won't be able to switch. How he was going to, I wouldn't know. But, Mrs. Cash, you've got to stop him. There'll be a terrible tragedy. Mr. McGill, when it comes to a million dollars, I don't interfere with anybody. And it'll be too late now, anyhow. Oh, dear. He'll never do it. Never. He'll drown.

Five seconds. Ten. Upside down in a glass tank. He hasn't got a chance. Not a chance. He can't do it. Half a minute. Oh, dear. Oh, dear. He's done it. He's done it. Darling, darling, I never thought you'd do it. Give me my dressing gown. Oh, thanks. Gee, I thought I was going to die in there. Die? The water wasn't heated. Hello, Miguel. Thought I couldn't do it, eh? That's half a million of your money says I did. I get it. I get it. A frame.

You're yourself. You never had a brother. Got out of the safe, eh? Came here. All right, you pulled a clever one. Let Mansell think you had a brother. Let him tell me and let me bet half a million. Clever, all right. Let me tell you I'll fight you to the death, beyond if need be. Somehow I'll get squared with you. If it's the last thing I do, I'll get you, Danny Cash. He will. He means it. Doesn't matter. From now on, I'm retired. Hey, get those guards around that million.

I've a guard until the armored car comes to take it to the safe deposit. Come on, honey. Get changed and let's get out of here. I've never been so scared. Nor has McGill. He thought he'd murdered you. I wasn't too happy myself. If Seamus hadn't been a real master locksmith, it might have ended differently. A million. We always said we'd make a million. And we have. And don't try to make it two. No fear. It's Europe for us. And an everlasting holiday. No more dressing rooms. No more escapes. We've really freed us of this time.

Hello, Danny. Then again, get me out of these padlocks. McGill's made a good job, Rick, and the only way I'll get free is by a hacksaw. I only just made it. Another two minutes and I'd have been too late to make the switch. Here, try Seamus' master key. Maybe that'll unlock these. 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. It clicked. It clicked. It clicked. What clicked? It clicked.

The Eversharp Schick Injector Razor, made by Eversharp. Manufacturers of Eversharp Schick Injector Razors and Blades and famous Eversharp Precision Writing Instruments. Hideous things come out of the darkness to prowl the tortured earth. Evil hands stretch forth to seas. Evil eyes are watching. Unholy voices whisper and quarrel in the fearful silence. Death stalks loathsome, horrible death.

Dare you put out your lights and listen to Boris Karloff and the story of horror in the deepening darkness? Dare you listen to Lights Out! Lights Out!

I'm glad you brought up the question of ethics, Ed. Sometimes I think science is too ethical. Stands in the way of research. I don't know, David. Take your work, for example. It's wonderful, but you have to be very cautious. I think working with monkeys is about as far as you should go right now. Oh, but Ed, David has passed that stage. Why not show Ed the one you worked on today, darling? If you'd like to see it, Ed...

It's right in the lab. Yes, I would. I saw it last night after you injected the poison. I'll get it, David. Thank you, dear. It's in the second cage. Ruth's a wonderful girl, David. Must be a big help to you in your work. Don't know what I'd do without her. But if she ever gets too interested in pure science, I'm going to lock her out of the lab and just make her go back to being a wife.

How do you find time for a wife? Now, look here. All you practicing surgeons think the research man is a machine. Not me, Ed. Ruth means more to me than all the discoveries I might make. Her happiness is all I live and work for. Well, I can't say that I blame him. She's a very charming person. Here he is. Same one you saw last night, Ed. Stone dead. And there he is, just as healthy and alive as any other monkey. Why, it's amazing, David.

Naturally, I've followed all the experiments along this line, but you seem to have progressed much farther. David can't go any farther with animals. He's ready for the next step, and he can do it. Well, I'm all for research, David. But you have a moral obligation in this sort of thing.

How do you know it'll work with human beings? Oh, you're a surgeon yourself, Ed. You know that human beings are animals just like all the subjects I've used. I know it'll work. Well, knowing it won't get you far with society. You'll have to submit proof. I know that, and I've tried every way I can think of to get a human being to demonstrate on. He's tried insane asylums, penitentiaries, everywhere. No one will listen to me. Well, in a way, you can't blame them. Even to me, with my training, the idea seems, well...

My dear Ed, you can't stop scientific progress because of a so-called moral concept. Besides, what could be less blasphemous than a triumph over death? I'm sorry, but I can't see it that way. I wouldn't want to try it on me. When I'm dead, I want to stay dead. Oh, that's foolish, Ed.

If I die first, I want David to use me for a subject. Ruth, don't look so startled, Ed. She's always been my strongest supporter. But I'm not going to use her as a subject. I like her too well as a wife. Still, it gives me the shivers to hear you talk that way, Ruth. Why? I've seen David's work grow to where the technique is perfect. Before long, his experiments will be recognized by the whole medical world. And if I can help him achieve that goal, I'm willing to do anything. Living or dead.

I mean it. She said she wanted to do it, Ed. Living or dead. David, you're surely not going to hold her to that. Not now. Of course I am. She meant it. But... I called you over here tonight, Ed, because I need help.

Don't tell me that... That I want you to help me bring Ruth's... To bring her here? That's exactly what I mean.

David... Will you help me? Or must I bribe some stranger? David, why don't you give this thing up? It's... it's inhuman. Ed, if I succeed, I'll have Ruth back. Don't you see how much it means? Well, yes, if you're successful. Oh, I've no doubt about that. Look, I've got my laboratory records. 714 times I've performed the experiment on guinea pigs, rabbits, monkeys. 714 times it's been successful. Don't you see?

But, David, this is no laboratory experiment. Ruth was your wife. She is my wife. The only woman I ever loved. That's why I want to bring her back here and start her breathing and living again. That's an ugly name for what you're asking me to do, David. I know. Grave robbery. But there's a better name for it, Ed. Death robbery. We'll rob old man death. Death robbery.

Kick the door shut. There. On the operating table. I must say you are completely equipped. It's surgery just as well as a lab. Everything we need is here. Well, it's done. Not yet. You mean you want me to stay? Ed, listen. Ever since Ruth... Well, I guess I've leaned on you for everything.

I won't ask you to stay, but I do need you. Just a little longer. All right, David. I'll stay. Ruth will be the first to thank you when we succeed. David, I'll always doubt this until I see Ruth living, breathing, smiling again. It won't be long. Just a matter of 15 or 20 minutes. If nothing happens. What will you do if your operation doesn't work? Then you'll have just one more job to do as my friend. And that...

would be to bury both of us. Oh, now, look, David. If Ruth isn't alive again within a few minutes, I'll have lost her forever. And I'll have proved that my whole life's work is useless. I'll have reason enough to use any of a dozen tricks that any good surgeon knows. End the whole business.

Oh, but don't look so horrified, Ed. We won't fail. Let's begin. I should remind you once more, David, that you're usurping powers that belong to God Almighty. I like to think that Providence has wisely held back the knowledge of things like this until we knew how to use them. And I know how. Hand me that large beaker. All right. I'm not going to back out on you, David.

What shall I do? Do your work as you haven't worked in surgery before. Thank heavens I've got your skill on my side. Now then, first strap the spigot manometer on her arm. I just happened to think of something. Keep moving. This is all a matter of timing. But, David... Here are your instruments. I want the incision right here where I'm shaving the hair.

Make a small incision just at the fontanelle while I prepare the solution. David, have you considered... Please, work fast. But, Dave, what? She was embalmed, you know. Of course I know that. I have something to replace the blood and counteract the fluid. Yes, finish the cut. I know what I'm doing.

Well, that's all for the incision, but after all... That'll work. Nice. Now cut away the dura mater. Entirely? Leave the brain exposed? Yes, yes, I'll fix that. I've done it 700 odd times. This is no guinea pig or monkey. Well, I hardly need reminding. Sorry. What's that? A compound I've synthesized myself. What is it? I call it digamma paradiamine. Oh, I know that isn't chemically correct, but it's as close as I can get to it.

I knew that something like it must exist. Took three years to track it down. Took me that long to make the first drop of it. You know what you're doing, all right. Yes, I do. Now then, if you're finished, take the leads from that storage battery there and attach the positive to the silver plate on the shelf. Put that at her feet. I feel as if I were doing something unholy. Place the tip of the negative in the incision you made in the skull. Be sure the tip of the wire actually...

Actually penetrates the pia mater. David, what if you bring her back? I will bring her back. But what if you bring her back and find she comes back without her soul? What? Her soul? Yes. You're a surgeon and you believe in a soul? I hesitate to say there is no such thing. You've seen a good many deaths, haven't you? Have you ever seen any evidence that the soul escapes a death? Perhaps I couldn't recognize the evidence. Let's put it this way, then.

If there is any soul, it either leaves the body or stays with it at death. Now, no reputable surgeon or physician has ever been able to report the slightest evidence of the soul having left the body. So, the soul, if there is a soul, must stay with the body, a part of it. I'm ready now. If you've finished. Everything's set. Good. Close that switch, then, at the battery. Watch the meter and keep the current between plus and minus five of 150.

There's a rheostat on the edge of the table. All right? All right. Now, I'm going to inject ten cc's of adrenaline in the brachial artery. Adrenaline? Adrenaline and something else. There. God, she's beautiful, Ed. Yes, she was. She is. You'll see her in a few minutes, just as she was. I wonder what you'll have to tell us. Nothing. Death is only a transcendental sleep.

Do you really believe that? Oh, well, what's the difference? How's the current? Let's see. What? It's jumped to 180. Good. Bring it back to 150. That's the result of the injection. On a dead body? That's a suspended animation. There are still a few things in surgery you don't know, aren't there? I never dreamed of a reaction like that. I'll show you more.

Help me swing this lamp over here. But... Let the ammeter go. It'll hold steady for a minute now. But it might jump again. No, it won't. I've been all through this before.

The reactions are exactly the same as the others. Not the slant. X-rays? No, it's a modification of the cathode ray. And just another of my developments. I call these a theta rays. Why do you call them that? Well, most rays are named for the first few letters in the Greek alphabet. Alpha, beta, gamma, and so on. Well, that explains theta. Didn't you say a theta? Yes.

But Theta was called the letter of death for the ancient Greeks. Well, that's right. It was the first letter in the word thanatos. Death. I see. A Theta without death. Maybe I was too sentimental. Maybe. At least human for once. Let's not argue. Here goes the ray. Now, quickly. The solution. Inject it? No, pump it. I built this pump especially for it. There's the pump switch, Ed. Here? Yeah. Turn it on.

Watch the ammeter. Okay. It's jumping. How far? 155. Let it go. 160. 170. Hold it there. It'll stay there now. Listen carefully. Yes. As soon as I turn off the pump, I want stigma readings. But there won't be any blood pressure. Wait and see. Give me a reading each time I ask for it and take them carefully. Are you ready? This is fantastic. I'm ready. Okay. Okay.

Reading. Systolic zero. Diastolic zero. That's all right. It'll take a few seconds. Now. Forty. Diastolic. Hurry. Zero. My optic valve is still open. I'll turn off the ray. Reading. Forty-eight. Over forty-two. David, not yet.

Now the stopwatch. Seven seconds after I say go, I want the systolic. Now you have it? Right. Ready. Now, go. Sixty. Go. Just what it should be. Lord, look at my hands. I don't wonder. Move, darling, just a few more minutes. All right, Ed. Now the ray again.

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For the shave of your life, the rest of your life, switch to an Eversharp Schick injector razor. Get yours tomorrow. Push-pull, click-click. Buy an Eversharp Schick. How long do you use the ray this time, David? Not long.

Give me a reading. 68. Over 67. Now. 70. Diastolic. 68. Now. David. 118. 76. Close. Now. 120. That's it. 80. The status quo. What? Here. Here.

Listen. Still asleep? Yes, almost a coma. She's all right otherwise. As far as I can tell, her respiration's normal, pulse just a tiny bit fast, and the reflex is slow, but apparently all right.

David, I... I feel I must apologize to you. Apologize? Why? Well, for doubting you, I suppose. You've learned to believe me. I'm very calm in the face of all this. Do you realize that you've performed a miracle? A miracle? I brought my wife back to me, as I promised her. It's... it's an unholy thing, but... But we've conquered death. Is that unholy? We have conquered death. May God forgive us. We shall only wait now.

How long has she been asleep? Let me see. Eleven hours. Hasn't spoken at all? Not since that first scream when she fell asleep. Have you given her anything? Just a few drops of brandy. Have you tried to wake her? No, but I think I'll try now. Wait a minute before you do. Why? Well, I hate to keep harping on this business about a soul, David. I realize this is no place for a philosophic discussion.

But I can't help wondering why Ruth screamed when she first came back to life. I think there's a logical explanation. After all, it must have been a physical shock. That's true. It must also be true that there was a great mental shock involved. I think that's why she screamed and...

I'm wondering whether there's been a permanent effect on her mind. Nor is I prepared to think of it, so... Oh, you're simply borrowing trouble, Ed. I've never seen any sign of permanent damage in my other experiments. Don't forget that Ruth was a human being. Well, there's only one way to find out. I'm going to wait. You're not afraid? Afraid? Of what? Ruth. Ruth. Wake up, darling. Oh, Father.

Ruth, dear. It's David speaking. Wake up, dearest. Ruth. Ruth. Darling.

No wonder it scared a poor girl. Ruth, it's David, dear. I kept my promise and you're alive again. Oh, you're all right, honey. It's David, your... Ruth. Ruth! David, what's the matter? God is her mind. No, David. Her soul.

Oh, my God.

David, you'd better go out for a little exercise now. I'll stay here with her. I'll stay while you go out and walk around a bit. You've been there with her since 8 o'clock last night without any letter. Go on, I'll stay. Ed... I know, old boy. I'd give anything myself if we could undo what we've done, but... Ed, what can I do? Well, there may be something. Let's try an experiment when she wakes up again. What kind of an experiment? Well, let's see if we can talk to her, get her to say anything.

If we can get a flicker of intelligence, maybe we can teach her. Build up from a small fragment. Maybe it might work. I'm going to wake her up and try it. But not now. Why don't you take a walk? Relax a little. And get something to eat while you're out. Eat? I can't eat. I'm going to wake her. Ruth. Ruth. David. Why not let her sleep? She's waking up now. Ruth. Hello, Ruth. Are you waking up? Poor child. Ruth.

child. There. She repeats after me, a little. Maybe it will work, Ed. Ruth. Yes. David. Yes. It works. Seems to. Ruth, say I want a glass of water. Seems to. I want a glass of water. Water. It's too long for a... Ruth. Say, Ruth. Yes. Loves. Yes. David. Yes.

Ruth loves David. Ruth loves David. Ruth loves David. It's working in. Maybe. But what is she thinking? I don't know. No, no. Ruth, stop it. Stop it. Wait a minute, old man.

This is too much for you. You're tired as you are. Go on out and take a little walk, and I'll work with you for a while. You're nervous. I won't take much of this. I guess you're right, Ed. I can't think of it all. I'll be right there. Fine, fine. I'll take good care of him. See what I can find out. Be patient. Don't worry. I will. And you get something to eat while you're out. All right. I'll try.

Poor guy. This is really rough on him. Rough on him. Ruth. We're kidding ourselves. There's nothing there. She's a parrot. Never mind, Ruth. Ruth, put down that scalpel. Scalpel. You'll hurt yourself. Ruth, stay away. That'll put it down. Think of David. Dad. Dad.

Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed, for God's sake, what happened? Ruth. Scalpel. I'll get something and fix you right up. Wait. No use. Now look. Doctor. Order him. No hope. Ed. All right, Doctor.

Your diagnosis is correct. A minute or two left. Ruth's hiding. Watch out. No. No, Saul. She'll kill you too. What have I done, Ed? Everything I've done is wrong. Wonderful technique, Doctor. Congratulations. What about Saul? Ed. Ed. Ruth...

She's somewhere in the house. What if she gets out and scalpel in her hands? There's been enough damage. Ruth! Ruth! Basie, I'd better take a gun.

Ruth! Ruth! We shall have more light. Ruth! Ruth! Ruth, listen. Ruth, listen. Ruth, now give me that scalpel. You'll hurt yourself. Ruth! Ruth, come back! Ruth!

Hello? Yes? Oh, hello, Doctor. Well, I've been busy in the lab. No, there's nothing new. Just an experiment. No. Like so many experiments, it just didn't work out.

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Next week, Lights Out will bring you a story about the undead, the vampires who are doomed to wander alone through all eternity, seeking the blood of innocent ones. Be sure to listen next Wednesday night at this same time.

Lights Out is produced and directed by Bill Lawrence. The script is by Paul Pierce and Willis Cooper. This is Ken Niles speaking for Eversharp, manufacturers of Eversharp chicken detector razors and blades, and famous Eversharp precision writing instruments.

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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

Hi, Ben. How do I look, Wayne? Your man's in the front row, the middle there. Thanks. Big line? Yeah, about 22. I'll see you later. Yeah. Hello, Mr. Martin. Oh, hello, Lieutenant. How are you? Just fine. Been here long? Not long, no. Do you think you've got any of the men? There's no way of being sure until you point them out.

We picked up three or four on suspicion, past records, and close to your description. May I have 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 matter to you. Each of the suspects you will see will be numbered. I'll call off a number, their name and charge. At the end of each line, when I ask for questions or identifications, call off the number. Please be prompt with your questions or identifications.

When the prisoners leave here, they are sent to the washroom 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, keep it moving. Right over here to the end of the stage. Now turn face front, hands to your side. When I call out your name and number, step out, face the room, talk up so everybody can hear you.

All right, number one, Louis Foster, robbery. Where do you live, Louie? A hundred and eight and a half, North Lincoln Boulevard. What's your business? Uh, cabbie. You drive a cab? I used to. How long ago did you used to? I used to.

I used to a year ago. I got canned. I can't jockey caps no more. I'll be coming black bombing. You own a car? No, sir. Any weapons on you when you were arrested? No, sir. Anybody with you? Yeah. A guy named Bernie or something. Bernie what? Bernie, uh, I'm even sure of that. Don't know his last name. He's standing right back there.

Bernie King, number four. How long you known him? I met him three, four days. We got drinking and that's when we cooked up a job. Okay, step back.

Number two, William Small, assault. Where do you live, Bill? 333 South 103rd Street. What's your business? Bartender. Where do you work? The Domino, over on Jefferson. 46 West. You beat up a customer pretty bad? Yeah, he got out of line. I asked him to shut up, he don't shut up. I take it for about an hour, then I don't take it no more. You ask him to leave? Sure, like always. Guys get tanked up.

First I ask them to leave. I'm pretty big. Usually they don't give me no lip. This guy, he's pretty big, too.

He didn't want to leave? Nah. He gets very insulted. Starts calling me names he ain't gotten around to until then. I try to hustle him. Gentle, but I mean it, see? He don't hustle. Instead, he clobbers me one with his elbow. Right in the kisser, he clobbers me. So what else? I go to work. I rough him up good. I'm mad now, see? I really rough him up. You hit him with a table? Well, he had a bar stool. I had to hit him with something or he brains me for keeps.

Okay, step back. Sure. Assault, yeah. He don't get nothing, huh? Just a concussion. Number three, Homer Miller, robbery. Any of the men up there? Where do you live, Homer? No, no, no. 3.9 South Hill. What's your business? I ain't been working lately. I used to be a sleeper, Jack. How long have you been here? Six, seven years. I come from Detroit.

Hi, boy. Hello, man. That coffee hot? Yeah. Martin didn't make an identification, huh? Uh-uh. He's down looking at the mug file again. Here. Thanks. Well, you'd sure think with four men to find, he ought to be able to spot one of them. I don't know. Maybe they haven't got any records. They were pretty professional about it. We didn't even get a print. Yeah. And look at the M.O.,

Four guys go into a theater, stick it up. One look out. The other three guys go up to the manager's office. We've had theater hold up, sure, but not four guys working like this. Young guys. Martin says the three who came into his office couldn't have been over 22 or 23. Nobody in our files even comes close to the descriptions. Out of town? Maybe. Maybe their first job.

They acted like cowboys and Indians. Martin says he thought they were kidding until he saw the guns. Well, what have you done? Staked out the theaters. Guthrie? Yeah? Yeah? The Lincoln? Okay. Let's go. Something happened. Those four guys just held up the Lincoln Theater. Fitch was on stakeout, tried to stop him. Tried? He downed one, but got shut up doing it. He's on the way to the hospital. How bad? Pretty bad.

Hello, Ben. Matt. Hi, Asher. How's Fitch? No report yet. He's in the operating room. Who's the doctor? Gerson. Fitch caught one in the chest and one in the right leg. Family been... Yeah, they're in this room. What about the other one? No identification on him. Before he passed out, he said his name was Martinelli.

It really blew him up. Slug went in the right hand, up the arm, right through his body. Funny, huh? Up the arm like that and right through. Oh, here's Dr. Lundigan. He operated on Martinelli. Gentlemen, I suppose you're the police. That's right, Doctor. I'm Lieutenant Guthrie. This is Sergeant Graham. Hi, Doc. How do you do? How's Martinelli? I can't say just yet. He hasn't regained consciousness since we removed the bullet. We were hoping to question him. Well, you can wait in the room if you like. Thanks. It's 304 right there.

Well, let's go in. Sam. Hmm? I just came from the theater to cash your... Come on in the room and tell me, all right? Come on. We're police, nurse. Dr. Lundigan said we could wait in here. Well, all right, if he said so. I'll get another chair. Nice. Please try to talk quietly. Okay. He's working pretty hard at it. Yeah. Well...

What do you got, Quine? Well, the cashier at the theater saw the car and all she knew was it's blue sedan. Not much, but I put out an APB and descriptions tallied all the way around. Has to be the same punch. How's Fitch? He's still out, too. You want me to stick around? Yeah, for a while. Why, you got a date? No, I got nothing to do.

Here you are. Thanks. I'd better call the doctor. That's Dr. Lundy. He'll come at 3 or 4. That's that, huh? Yes. Klein, stay and get fingerprints on him. If anything comes up, you can get me at home. Let's go, Mac.

Hey, you got the lawn looking good. Oh, not bad for just Sunday labor. Well, good night. I'll see you in the morning. Want me to pick you up? No, I want to leave the car to be serviced. Say hello to Molly. Right. Night. Night. Good night.

What? Get his feet, Luke. Yeah. Johnny, dance these lights. Get the car started. Come on. Let's get him out of here. Heavy, ain't he? Come on.

There's a new Dollar Day on CBS. Mystery fans know that can mean only one thing. Edmund O'Brien as yours truly, Johnny Dollar. The insurance sleuth with a dynamite-loaded expense account, formerly heard Saturdays, now will be heard Wednesday nights on most of these same CBS stations. Johnny Dollar celebrates his move tomorrow night by solving the Malcolm Wish matter, a startling disappearance case. ♪♪

Don't see nobody. Okay, drag him out. I bet nobody ever kidnapped no cop before. All right, all right. Get him down to the shed. I can't. Where do you want him? Just dump him. All right. He's coming around. Give him time.

Saved him pretty good. Go ditch it, cop. Yeah. Don't feel so good, huh, cop? You want us to get some water or something and dump it on him? Why don't you just go sit down and shut your face? I'll take care of the cop. Okay, okay. Big deal. How about it, cop? Feel like sitting up? All right.

Sure, you can sit up. So sit up. He don't look so good. You messed him up. He needed messing. Come on, cop. Take it easy. What? Wake up. Okay, okay. I'll sit there. What's going on? You got beans.

No. You got bean good. Shut up. Okay, okay. Here, cop. Have a drink of water. No, thanks. Thank you.

You should have. Now you got yourself all wet. You punk, who do you think you're talking to? You! You won't talk to any way I want. He just don't get it. Big stupid cop, just don't get it. Like to know about it, big stupid cop? Want to know why you got your skull split, huh? Who are you? Martinelli. Oh. Tony Martinelli. One of your stinking cops shot my brother, you get it now? Yeah.

Anybody ever kidnap the cop before, huh? Anybody ever kidnap the lieutenant, a big, dumb lieutenant, huh? You gotta learn to answer when I ask you something. That theater job your first stick-up, Tony? What makes you think so? Because you pulled another one three days later. So what? Amateur. Smart hood would figure we'd stake out the theaters. I'm not smart, huh?

Not a bit. Smart enough to get 3,000? I told you to kick your face shut. All right. Car stitch. He's with us, huh? The boys are making a big mistake. Tell us how we're making a big mistake, huh? None of us got records in this town. Who's going to find us? They'll find you. Know the penalty for kidnapping in this state? They ain't going to find us, cop. My brother ain't going to say nothing. And if we got you along, even if they do find us, they ain't going to do nothing.

I'm getting hungry. I'll go out and get some sandwiches. Okay, what do you want? Hey, a liverwurst. Just get some, step on it. Okay. How about the copper? Oh, he ain't hungry. Get me some hamburgers. Okay. You know what we're going to do, Lieutenant? What? We're going to wait right here to see if my brother's going to be all right. Then we'll leave in a state. You're going to be sitting right in the front seat all the way.

What if your brother doesn't get all right? You're still sitting in the front seat. Until we get clear. Hi. Hi, where's Ben? He's not in yet. I was just swiping some coffee. Well, swipe me some.

What, uh, what'd you find out on Martinelli? Here. Oh, thanks. Uh, we ran down the fingerprints. Got him through the army. Full name, Julio Martinelli. 26 years old. Born in this country, Detroit. Don't know how long he's lived here. No record at all. What's Detroit say? I'm waiting on it now. Just heard from the army an hour ago. He's got a brother, Tony Martinelli. Family deceased. What kind of an army record does he have? Lousy. Both he and his brother were always in trouble. No overseas duty. Stationed in California.

I wonder where Ben is. Oh, are you supposed to pick him up? No, no. Oh, he's probably still having his car serviced. Here's a report from Detroit. Both the Martinellis have records. Minor offenses, but I bet you won't.

Both served small-time wraps a dozen times. Any report on the blue sedan? No, and here's something else. Detroit sent back these covering the descriptions of the other two guys with the Martinellis. Martinelli's brother, Tony, is essentially the guy who ran the stick-ups, and these two guys have been picked up with him a couple of times. Luke Johnson, Charlie Wren. Yeah, according to their records, they never pulled off anything this big, just petty stuff in the past. Well, you better have these circulated. Right. And where's Ben? I don't know. He sure is late.

What is it? It's Charlie. Give me the papers. Yeah, yeah, look. All our pictures on the front page. We better get out of here. What's the matter? Don't do rotten things.

Your kid? Yeah. Cop? Yeah. Julie's dead. Yeah. Died last night, 9 o'clock, before we got you. You knew it, huh? Uh-uh. You know what happens to you, cop. You know it, don't you, cop? I'm gonna do it to you. Tony, look, we're in it up to here now. You can't... Yeah, but they know who... So what? So what if they know? This big, dumb cop is gonna get us all.

And I'm gonna blow his brains out. Tony! I'm still running this thing! You're gonna do what I tell you to do. We stay right here till the night. You wanna get out of this? Quit killing the cops! You know what I was planning! But we know who we are! I'll kill him! After we get clear, I'll kill him. You don't have to do nothing to do it. I'll kill him all by myself and I'll love it. I'm gonna love every minute of it. I'm gonna love every minute of it.

The way free city is out of those pictures. Haven't got him yet? No. He been over to his house? I sent Cargill over. Here, it's 3.30 and no word yet. Ben's never stayed away without at least checking in. He didn't even go into the garage. Uh, did you check the hospital? Oh, we would have gotten some word by now.

I covered the morgues... Oh, nothing like that. Well, how do you know? I at least got a... Grab. What's the address? Okay. Asher thinks maybe he's got an identification on one of the men. Cafe down on River Street. 105 East. Do you want me to come along? No. No, you'd... You'd better stay here until Carger checks in about Ben. Let me know as soon as you hear anything, huh? Oh.

Hello, Matt. Hi. This is Mr. Forland, man. How do you do? How are you, Mr. Forland? He identified this one, Luke Johnston. Positive? He's pretty sure. Oh, yeah, yeah. I'm pretty sure this guy in the picture come in this morning and got some sandwiches. To take out? To take out, yeah. Liverwurst and six hamburgers. I remember because I ain't had too many customers today.

Did you notice whether he was in a car or not? No. Well, I mean, I noticed. I seen him walk away across the street that way. You see, we stay open all night, and he was my first customer. He walked that way right down there. What's he doing? Is he killing me? The river's down that way. Sure, probably lived down there by it. He kind of looked funny. I thought he looked funny when he first came in, like he was a gangster maybe, you know?

Looks just like a kid in this picture. Oh, sure, yeah. He's young. He's about my boy's age, maybe. But, oh, he looks tough and shifty. Oh, you know the type. He got coffee and sandwiches. Where's your phone? It's right there. It's a nickel. Sorry. Oh, he got his nickel back. How do you like that? Professional sacred. This is Greb. Let me talk to Waldo. Hello, Captain. We got an identification on Luke Johnson. I'll need every available man to cover this area, at least 15.

It's my guess Johnson is hauled up somewhere within walking distance of the river. Yes, sir. I'll keep in touch. Yeah, I know. Okay. Oh, the address is 105 East River. Right. Asher, you work with me. Right. Something big, eh? Those guys stuck up the theaters? Yeah, I read about that. Well, thank you for your help, Mr. Frohlein. Frohlein. Like on a golf course. For...

Ain't it dark enough yet, Tony? It's plenty dark, huh, Tony? All right, all right. Which way's the car? In the alley behind the charter house. Look, Tony, do we have to take this guy along? Can't you knock him off here? Knucklehead, he's insurance. Come on, Lieutenant, on your feet. Move. Tony, don't hit him no more. We'll have to carry him again. Go out the back way.

So help me cop one fancy move and I'll blow you apart. Hey, Lieutenant, you look awful. Thanks. Shut up. We only got about a half a tank of gas, Tony. That'll get us to the state line and more. We should have brought some food if we ain't gonna stop, Tony. There's your car. Hold it. I thought I saw something move. Get to me, you spacker!

Ben, you hit? No. Where'd he go? There he is. In between those buildings. Ben, we'll get her. Luke. He's lying back there next to Charlie, tough boy. Now come here. I got no gun, Tom. I don't shoot. I got no gun. I know you haven't, Tony. He can't get away, Ben. Go back to the car. He's calling. He sure is. All right, Tony. Come on out. Okay. Okay, come on. Don't shoot. I don't have a gun, Tony.

Come here. All right. Take it easy now, Lieutenant. Come here. No, go on. You win, please. You win. Take it easy, huh? Don't touch! Ben, get up, Tony. Please, get up. Come on, get up. I don't think he's going to. Well, wouldn't you know it. I'd like to beat that kid easy. Well, that's what happens when you lose your temper. I should have saved the Sunday punch for last.

The Lineup, where before you pass the innocent, the vagrant, the thief, the murderer. Listen again next week when we again bring you The Lineup. May I have 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 line-up for you.

Each of the suspects you will see will be numbered. I'll call out the number, then name and charge. At the end of each line, when I ask for questions or identifications, call out the number. Please be prompt with your questions or identifications. The lineup starring Bill Johnstone as Lieutenant Ben Guthrie and Wally Mayer as Sergeant Matt Greb is written by Blake Edwards and Dick Quine with music by Eddie Dunstetter.

Featured in tonight's cast were High Everback, Tony Barrett, Dick Ryan, Ted DiCorsia, Peter Leeds, Virginia Gregg, Howard McNair, and Clayton Post. The lineup is produced and directed in Hollywood by Jaime Del Valle. ♪♪

♪♪ Elation and syncopation are the main elements of tomorrow night's Bing Crosby Show over most of these same CBS stations. And no wonder the groaner himself vocalizes and informalizes. And Bing's guests include Tommy Dorsey with some fancy licks on a slight trombone, hot violinist Joe Venuti, and that equally torrid songbird Teresa Brewer. Tomorrow night on the Bing Crosby Show. ♪♪

Dan Coverley speaking. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

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