1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,000 Suspense. 2 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:34,000 This is the man in black. 3 00:00:35,000 --> 00:00:39,000 Here again to introduce Columbia's program, Suspense. 4 00:00:40,000 --> 00:00:46,000 Our star tonight is Bela Lugosi, playing the part of Professor Antonio Basile, a psychologist. 5 00:00:47,000 --> 00:00:53,000 The story is by J. Donald Wilson, who calls it, The Doctor Prescribed Dead. 6 00:00:53,000 --> 00:01:04,000 If you have been with us on these Tuesday nights, you will know that Suspense is compounded of mystery and suspicion and dangerous adventure. 7 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:18,000 This series of tales is calculated to intrigue you, stir your nerves, offer you a precarious situation, and then withhold the solution until the last possible moment. 8 00:01:18,000 --> 00:01:27,000 And so it is with The Doctor Prescribed Dead and Bela Lugosi's performance, we again hope to keep you in... 9 00:01:28,000 --> 00:01:30,000 Suspense. 10 00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:37,000 Professor Antonio Basile has a theory, but let him tell you about it. 11 00:01:38,000 --> 00:01:41,000 As a psychologist, I have worked out a theory. 12 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:44,000 A theory I know to be sound. 13 00:01:44,000 --> 00:01:54,000 I contend that a person who has decided to kill himself can very easily be turned from this desire to the desire of taking the life of another. 14 00:01:55,000 --> 00:02:01,000 I can prove my theory, and if necessary, that is exactly what I will do. 15 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:11,000 Yes, Professor Antonio Basile has a theory, but only a theory. 16 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:20,000 And he's worried about what his publisher will say, so he visits the editor whose name is Hellman. 17 00:02:21,000 --> 00:02:25,000 Hellman finishes the manuscript and tosses it on the desk. 18 00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:28,000 Professor Basile leans forward eagerly and... 19 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:30,000 Well, Hellman, what do you think? 20 00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:35,000 Professor Basile is purely conjecture, simply a theory, and I wouldn't advise publishing it. 21 00:02:36,000 --> 00:02:40,000 I worked on that theory for a long time. I'm positive of it. I know it'll work. 22 00:02:41,000 --> 00:02:45,000 Suppose it will. What good is it? What good have you accomplished if you can prove it'll work? 23 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:47,000 Are you laughing at me, Hellman? 24 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:53,000 It's so silly. An ordinary human being, a suffered reverser, is sick of it all. He wants to leave it all behind. 25 00:02:54,000 --> 00:02:56,000 And you say he can be changed to want to kill someone else. 26 00:02:56,000 --> 00:03:03,000 I do. Self-destruction and the destruction of other life are closely related in the mind. 27 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:06,000 The dividing line is very thin. 28 00:03:07,000 --> 00:03:09,000 It's ridiculous. And you won't publish it? 29 00:03:10,000 --> 00:03:10,000 Granger would fire me. 30 00:03:11,000 --> 00:03:11,000 Why? 31 00:03:12,000 --> 00:03:14,000 He told me that in his opinion you should be in the asylum. 32 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:18,000 Mr. Granger said that? Does he think I'm insane? 33 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:20,000 How do I know? 34 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:25,000 Hellman, Mr. Granger didn't say that. It's you who thinks I'm crazy. 35 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:30,000 You never liked me. For some reason, you are trying to tear me down. 36 00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:34,000 Well, we'll see, Mr. Hellman. We'll see. 37 00:03:35,000 --> 00:03:36,000 Wait a minute. 38 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:40,000 I'll show you whether my works are illogical. I'll show you whether I'm insane. 39 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:42,000 Oh, calm down. 40 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:51,000 I'm going to make you eat those words. I know you don't like me, but I'm going to prove that my theory is sound. 41 00:03:52,000 --> 00:03:53,000 Good night. 42 00:03:53,000 --> 00:03:54,000 Wait a minute. Basile, wait. 43 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:56,000 You wait, Hellman. You wait. 44 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:04,000 Yes, wait, Hellman. Wait. 45 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:10,000 Professor Basile, seething with resentment, rushes from the office and strides angrily down the street. 46 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:20,000 Insane, huh? I'll prove my theory. I'll find a subject. I'll find someone who wants to take his own life. 47 00:04:21,000 --> 00:04:31,000 And so Basile goes home late for dinner. He finds a note from his wife, Myra, saying she's decided to attend the opera and will be home around 11.30. 48 00:04:31,000 --> 00:04:40,000 Then Professor Basile gets an inspiration. He goes to the bridge over the deep canyon, the bridge called Suicide. 49 00:04:41,000 --> 00:04:51,000 And strangely enough, he hasn't long to wait. As he stands against the railing in the fog, a figure appears a few feet beyond, stops, prepares to leap. 50 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:54,000 Don't do it. Wait a minute. 51 00:04:55,000 --> 00:04:56,000 Listen. 52 00:04:57,000 --> 00:04:59,000 That's very silly. 53 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:00,000 Let go of me. 54 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:04,000 Oh, no. I couldn't do that. I need you. 55 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:06,000 I don't need you. 56 00:05:07,000 --> 00:05:08,000 Don't you know this is against the law? 57 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:11,000 You're not an officer. You can't stop me. 58 00:05:12,000 --> 00:05:16,000 It's 500 feet to those tracks below. Hard steel rails. 59 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:25,000 And don't believe what they all tell you about not being conscious of what happened. You'd know. People don't die instantly. 60 00:05:26,000 --> 00:05:27,000 Let loose. 61 00:05:27,000 --> 00:05:32,000 They're in agony for minutes and sometimes for an hour. It's a horrible death, I know. 62 00:05:32,000 --> 00:05:33,000 How do you know? 63 00:05:33,000 --> 00:05:34,000 I'm a doctor. 64 00:05:34,000 --> 00:05:35,000 Doctor? 65 00:05:35,000 --> 00:05:40,000 Yes. I can tell you much simpler ways, much less painful ways and quicker. 66 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:51,000 You're a nice young girl, an intelligent girl. You wouldn't want it to happen this way. Maybe after I talk to you a while, you wouldn't want to do this at all. 67 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:53,000 No. 68 00:05:53,000 --> 00:05:54,000 No. 69 00:05:54,000 --> 00:06:01,000 Come on. Let's talk it over. Maybe a few minutes talk will change the entire picture for you. 70 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:03,000 What could you do to help me? 71 00:06:03,000 --> 00:06:11,000 If you'll come, I'll tell you. There's a motive bag of you wanting to do this and I'd like to know what it is. 72 00:06:11,000 --> 00:06:12,000 Nothing doing. 73 00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:16,000 And you any relatives? Any loved ones you'd like to do something for? 74 00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:18,000 Yes. 75 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:24,000 Then if you talk with me for a while, maybe I can find my way clear to help those people. 76 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:25,000 You sound crazy. 77 00:06:25,000 --> 00:06:26,000 Oh no. 78 00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:30,000 All right. Where? 79 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:31,000 My apartment. 80 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:32,000 Let's go. 81 00:06:41,000 --> 00:06:45,000 Well, here we are. Come in, please. 82 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:47,000 Well, what do you want to know? 83 00:06:47,000 --> 00:06:51,000 Sit down first. Are you hungry? 84 00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:53,000 No, I'm not that broke. It isn't pop. 85 00:06:53,000 --> 00:06:56,000 I knew that. I could tell by your voice. 86 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:02,000 Now first, why did you come here? 87 00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:05,000 Why? Why, because you talked me into it. 88 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:08,000 I see. You're not afraid of me? 89 00:07:08,000 --> 00:07:15,000 Afraid? In my frame of mind. What could I lose? 90 00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:18,000 Suppose I told you that I really brought you here to kill you. 91 00:07:18,000 --> 00:07:20,000 Kill me? 92 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:26,000 You know, you're a very pretty girl, don't you? 93 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:30,000 Yeah. That doesn't always mean so much. 94 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:32,000 The right man it might. 95 00:07:32,000 --> 00:07:36,000 That's what I thought. But I found out it didn't mean a thing. 96 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:40,000 Ah, then it was because of a man. I knew it. 97 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:43,000 Really? How did you guess? 98 00:07:43,000 --> 00:07:46,000 I'm a student of psychology. I'm Professor Antonio Basile. 99 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:50,000 I see. And you want to know what makes me tick. 100 00:07:50,000 --> 00:07:54,000 You want to know the reason behind my action tonight. 101 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:58,000 That's right. I would like to know what happened to make you want to kill yourself. 102 00:07:58,000 --> 00:08:01,000 Suicide is a mental aberration. 103 00:08:01,000 --> 00:08:02,000 Yeah. 104 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:06,000 I'd like to know what preceded the decision to destroy yourself. 105 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:10,000 What you thought about until the moment I stopped you on the bridge. 106 00:08:10,000 --> 00:08:12,000 What good will that do me? 107 00:08:12,000 --> 00:08:17,000 You said you weren't broke. But you also said you had some loved ones you'd like to do something for. 108 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:23,000 I meant I wasn't broke to the point of being hungry. I have a few dollars. 109 00:08:23,000 --> 00:08:27,000 But you suggested help for someone in larger terms. 110 00:08:27,000 --> 00:08:32,000 Yes, I did. Who is the loved one? 111 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:33,000 My mother. 112 00:08:33,000 --> 00:08:35,000 You are her only means of support? 113 00:08:35,000 --> 00:08:36,000 Yes. 114 00:08:36,000 --> 00:08:39,000 And you intend to kill yourself? 115 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:40,000 Yes. 116 00:08:40,000 --> 00:08:42,000 That's being selfish, isn't it? 117 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:43,000 Selfish? 118 00:08:43,000 --> 00:08:46,000 Yes. You are concentrating solely on self. 119 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:47,000 You think so? 120 00:08:47,000 --> 00:08:51,000 What else? The first law of human nature is self-preservation, right? 121 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:52,000 I suppose so. 122 00:08:52,000 --> 00:08:54,000 The second law is the preservation of family. 123 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:55,000 Yeah. 124 00:08:55,000 --> 00:08:58,000 So you decide to deny the first law and destroy yourself. 125 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:03,000 And as a consequence, deny the second and leave your mother alone and in need. 126 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:05,000 You indicate a form of insanity. 127 00:09:05,000 --> 00:09:06,000 What would be normal? 128 00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:10,000 To destroy the other person. The one who has done you wrong. 129 00:09:10,000 --> 00:09:11,000 Have you hurt him? 130 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:12,000 No. 131 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:18,000 Then the one who has done wrong should be the one to suffer. 132 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:21,000 You have no legal recourse? 133 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:24,000 Legal recourse? No, I haven't. 134 00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:26,000 I'm sorry to say. 135 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:31,000 And you would kill yourself to let your poor mother suffer because of the wrong of another. 136 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:34,000 Why shouldn't he be the one to suffer? 137 00:09:34,000 --> 00:09:37,000 I suppose you're right. Why shouldn't he? 138 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:43,000 What happened after all? Why not tell me about it? Were you married? 139 00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:48,000 No. He never seemed to find time to get around marriage. 140 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:49,000 What's your name? 141 00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:52,000 Gladys. Gladys Tanner. 142 00:09:52,000 --> 00:09:54,000 How long have you known him? 143 00:09:54,000 --> 00:09:56,000 Almost four years. 144 00:09:56,000 --> 00:09:58,000 And you always thought he meant to marry you? 145 00:09:58,000 --> 00:10:02,000 Yes. Until three weeks ago. 146 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:03,000 Yes? 147 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:07,000 On July 1st, he had to leave town for a week on business. 148 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:10,000 Said he was going to Kansas City. 149 00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:14,000 When he came back, he seemed to be too busy to see me. 150 00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:19,000 Then a week ago, I found a snapshot along with several others in his desk in his home. 151 00:10:19,000 --> 00:10:21,000 May I see it? 152 00:10:21,000 --> 00:10:26,000 Certainly. It's a picture of him and another woman. 153 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:28,000 But the picture was not taken in Kansas City. 154 00:10:28,000 --> 00:10:29,000 It wasn't? 155 00:10:29,000 --> 00:10:32,000 No. It was taken on the beach at Atlantic City. 156 00:10:32,000 --> 00:10:35,000 And it's dated by the finish of July 3rd. 157 00:10:35,000 --> 00:10:38,000 Since he returned, he's refused to see me. 158 00:10:38,000 --> 00:10:43,000 Yesterday, he finally said he didn't care to see me anymore. 159 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:45,000 But I'd better forget him. 160 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:47,000 But it isn't so easy as that, is it? 161 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:51,000 No. I figured I'd done something. 162 00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:53,000 And blame myself. 163 00:10:53,000 --> 00:10:55,000 Do you... 164 00:10:57,000 --> 00:11:02,000 Do you know this blonde woman in this snapshot? 165 00:11:02,000 --> 00:11:03,000 No. 166 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:08,000 Then it must be a woman he has met recently. 167 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:12,000 You've known him for four years. 168 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:15,000 I don't think you have to blame. 169 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:17,000 He's the one in the wrong. 170 00:11:17,000 --> 00:11:19,000 And he should be made to suffer. 171 00:11:19,000 --> 00:11:21,000 How? 172 00:11:21,000 --> 00:11:23,000 You were going to kill yourself. 173 00:11:23,000 --> 00:11:24,000 Why should you? 174 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:25,000 Kill him instead. 175 00:11:25,000 --> 00:11:28,000 He double-crossed you. He deserves it. 176 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:31,000 Now let me go a little deeper into the situation. 177 00:11:31,000 --> 00:11:46,000 Whenever a person has reached the conclusion... 178 00:11:50,000 --> 00:11:52,000 You are sure you have made up your mind, Miss Tanner? 179 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:53,000 Positive. 180 00:11:53,000 --> 00:11:57,000 Now, if you're careful, you won't be caught. 181 00:11:57,000 --> 00:11:58,000 No. 182 00:11:58,000 --> 00:12:03,000 But whether you are or not, I am giving you this check for a thousand dollars made out to cash... 183 00:12:03,000 --> 00:12:09,000 to be sent to your mother only after the man is dead. 184 00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:13,000 Write his name on this pad. 185 00:12:13,000 --> 00:12:15,000 There you are. 186 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:17,000 I will know what has happened by the newspapers. 187 00:12:17,000 --> 00:12:22,000 And I will withhold payment until I learn that you have gone through with it. 188 00:12:22,000 --> 00:12:24,000 It'll happen tonight. 189 00:12:24,000 --> 00:12:26,000 Very well. 190 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:29,000 You are sure? You are determined? 191 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:32,000 Absolutely. Nothing could stop me. 192 00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:33,000 Very good. 193 00:12:33,000 --> 00:12:35,000 But... 194 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:38,000 Just what would happen if I did get caught? 195 00:12:38,000 --> 00:12:43,000 You won't get caught if you follow my instructions. I know. 196 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:47,000 Now, here is a small revolver. 197 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:50,000 It'll fit easier in your purse. That's all you need. 198 00:12:50,000 --> 00:12:53,000 Be sure to wipe your fingerprints off. 199 00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:56,000 And leave the gun near the body. 200 00:12:56,000 --> 00:12:58,000 Yeah. 201 00:12:58,000 --> 00:13:02,000 Well, goodbye, Dr. Basile. 202 00:13:02,000 --> 00:13:05,000 Goodbye, Gladys. And good luck. 203 00:13:09,000 --> 00:13:15,000 Professor Basile watches Gladys as she crosses the street to the dimly lighted bus stop. 204 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:20,000 Then he rushes to his car and drives away. 205 00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:23,000 A few minutes later he comes to a stop at Hellman's house. 206 00:13:23,000 --> 00:13:28,000 Hellman, the editor who ridiculed his theory. 207 00:13:29,000 --> 00:13:31,000 Just a minute. 208 00:13:34,000 --> 00:13:37,000 Oh. Hello, Basile. 209 00:13:37,000 --> 00:13:39,000 Good evening, Hellman. 210 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:41,000 Thought I had the power to have a little chat with you. 211 00:13:41,000 --> 00:13:45,000 Well, why this time of night? It's kind of late, isn't it? 212 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:48,000 Eleven. Didn't think that was late for you. 213 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:50,000 No? 214 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:51,000 Come in. 215 00:13:51,000 --> 00:13:53,000 Thanks. 216 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:55,000 Sit down. What's on your mind? 217 00:13:55,000 --> 00:14:02,000 I want to talk to you about my theory you ridiculed so definitely. My theory about suicide. 218 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:05,000 Well, I just don't believe it, that's all. 219 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:07,000 And I said I'd prove it, didn't I? 220 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:10,000 Yes, but what are you getting at? 221 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:16,000 It's going to be proved. My theory is going to be proved tonight. 222 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:20,000 Well, that's fine. Go right ahead and prove it. 223 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:26,000 I don't like you, Hellman. I'd never like you. And I know you don't like me. 224 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:29,000 I can't help that, Basile. 225 00:14:29,000 --> 00:14:31,000 What are you staring at? 226 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:32,000 Is there someone here with you? 227 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:33,000 Certainly not. Why? 228 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:36,000 That's a woman's purse on the Davenport. 229 00:14:36,000 --> 00:14:40,000 Oh, my secretary dropped by earlier this evening with a manuscript. She must have forgotten it. 230 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:41,000 She's not here now? 231 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:42,000 Of course not. 232 00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:49,000 I found a subject. A girl who was ready to commit suicide because a man jilted her. 233 00:14:49,000 --> 00:14:59,000 In a few hours I was successful in changing her thoughts from suicide to homicide, and she is going to kill the man tonight. 234 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:01,000 What do you think of that? 235 00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:03,000 Maybe a dozen murders tonight. 236 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:08,000 Ah, but you'll know which one I mean. You'll know about this murder. 237 00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:09,000 What do you mean? 238 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:13,000 Because I'm going to tell you who the victim is going to be. 239 00:15:13,000 --> 00:15:16,000 You know who the intended victim is? Why don't you stop it? 240 00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:22,000 But then I wouldn't have proved my theory. If you put this girl up to it, you're as guilty as she is. 241 00:15:22,000 --> 00:15:25,000 You're insane, Basile, hopelessly insane. 242 00:15:25,000 --> 00:15:26,000 You think so, Hellman. 243 00:15:26,000 --> 00:15:29,000 The whole idea is mad, too utterly ridiculous for words. 244 00:15:29,000 --> 00:15:35,000 No sane man would ever think of such a useless, senseless idea. And for heaven's sake, stop laughing. 245 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:39,000 I'm thinking about the victim when he learns. 246 00:15:39,000 --> 00:15:40,000 Who is the victim? 247 00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:41,000 Martin Hellman. 248 00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:42,000 Me? 249 00:15:42,000 --> 00:15:43,000 Yes, you. 250 00:15:43,000 --> 00:15:47,000 I don't believe you. You will this time. 251 00:15:47,000 --> 00:15:52,000 Who is this girl? I know no girl who'd want to kill me. This one does, now. 252 00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:58,000 Oh, nonsense. However, I wouldn't put a past you to hire someone to do something like this. 253 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:03,000 No, no, this girl is no fake. This girl is serious, deadly serious. 254 00:16:03,000 --> 00:16:08,000 You probably hypnotized some poor woman, figuring she'd never remember what happened. 255 00:16:08,000 --> 00:16:11,000 Oh, Hellman, you underestimate me. 256 00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:16,000 Maybe I do underestimate your evil mind. But believe me... 257 00:16:16,000 --> 00:16:20,000 Put up your hands, Hellman. Get away from the desk. 258 00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:24,000 I'll just take care of the gun, Hellman. 259 00:16:24,000 --> 00:16:25,000 That's better. 260 00:16:25,000 --> 00:16:29,000 Well, since when did you start carrying a gun, Basile? 261 00:16:29,000 --> 00:16:36,000 I a gun? Don't be silly. This isn't a gun in my pocket. It's just my pipe. See? 262 00:16:36,000 --> 00:16:42,000 Well, what do you hear, Hellman? 263 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:43,000 Nothing. 264 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:48,000 Oh, yes, you do. I heard it, too. The sound on the porch. I leave now. 265 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:54,000 The back way. I put your gun in the kitchen. And I'll be very careful to remove all my fingerprints. 266 00:16:54,000 --> 00:17:03,000 You insane fool. Fancy you. You, Hellman, you are going to help prove my theory. 267 00:17:03,000 --> 00:17:11,000 Good night, Hellman. 268 00:17:11,000 --> 00:17:19,000 Crazy devil. I'll have him locked up before he gets across town. 269 00:17:19,000 --> 00:17:21,000 Good evening, Mr. Hellman. 270 00:17:21,000 --> 00:17:25,000 Huh? How did you get in here? 271 00:17:25,000 --> 00:17:27,000 Through the patio door. 272 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:28,000 What do you want? 273 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:31,000 I wanted to talk to you. 274 00:17:31,000 --> 00:17:34,000 Very strangely. 275 00:17:34,000 --> 00:17:36,000 You're just imagining things. 276 00:17:36,000 --> 00:17:37,000 And what are you doing here? 277 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:39,000 I wanted to tell you something. 278 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:41,000 Yeah? What? 279 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:46,000 When you first indicated to me that you were through with me, I was terribly hurt. 280 00:17:46,000 --> 00:17:50,000 I thought all along that we were to be married. I couldn't understand. 281 00:17:50,000 --> 00:17:54,000 I tried and tried to think of something I'd done to cause our breakup. 282 00:17:54,000 --> 00:17:57,000 Then I happened to find this snapshot in your desk. 283 00:17:57,000 --> 00:17:58,000 Snapshot? 284 00:17:58,000 --> 00:18:05,000 Take a look at it. Kansas City. No, Atlantic City, New Jersey. You and a blonde. 285 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:11,000 And the date is stamped on the back. A business trip. Ha! 286 00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:14,000 Well, what about it? 287 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:20,000 I just wanted you to know that you weren't so slick. 288 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:25,000 I wanted you to know that I knew about the blonde. That I knew you'd lied. 289 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:27,000 Now that you've told me, what good does it do you? 290 00:18:27,000 --> 00:18:31,000 A lot of good. 291 00:18:31,000 --> 00:18:34,000 First, I thought you came here for money. 292 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:36,000 How could you think such a thing? 293 00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:41,000 Well, I think you'd better go now. 294 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:46,000 I'm going. Goodbye, Morton. 295 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:49,000 And good luck in your new venture. 296 00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:51,000 What venture? 297 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:52,000 This one. 298 00:18:52,000 --> 00:18:58,000 Gladys! Gladys! 299 00:18:58,000 --> 00:19:01,000 And wish me luck in mine. 300 00:19:06,000 --> 00:19:09,000 Gladys stands, staring a moment at the body of Hellman. 301 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:14,000 Then lights off the gun, drops it to the floor, takes the professor's check from her purse, 302 00:19:14,000 --> 00:19:17,000 steps to Hellman's desk and writes a note. 303 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:24,000 Then she puts the note in an envelope with the check, addresses it, stamps it, turns out the lights, 304 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:27,000 and steps out into the dark street. 305 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:33,000 At the corner, she drops the envelope in the mailbox and disappears. 306 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:37,000 Professor Barseil heard the shots. His theory worked. 307 00:19:37,000 --> 00:19:39,000 Hellman will torment him no more. 308 00:19:39,000 --> 00:19:42,000 The perfect crime. 309 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:48,000 So he can go home to his wife now and go to sleep. 310 00:19:48,000 --> 00:19:51,000 Myra! 311 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:52,000 Myra! 312 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:56,000 Huh? What? Oh, Antonio. 313 00:19:56,000 --> 00:19:59,000 What are you doing asleep on the Davenport? 314 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:00,000 You know what time it is? 315 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:03,000 Must be after midnight. I've been waiting for you. 316 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:04,000 How was the opera? 317 00:20:04,000 --> 00:20:06,000 Fair. Nothing to brag about. 318 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:07,000 Who sang the lead? 319 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:09,000 Belchiotti. He wasn't very good. 320 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:10,000 Belchiotti? 321 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:12,000 He's a poor Othello. 322 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:16,000 Othello? I thought they were doing Aida tonight. 323 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:20,000 No, they switched because someone was ill. 324 00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:21,000 I just as soon as stayed home. 325 00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:22,000 Good night, myra. 326 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:26,000 No thanks. I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed. 327 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:36,000 I belong presently. Good night. 328 00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:39,000 Then the night passes and the morning comes. 329 00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:43,000 The professor rises cheerfully and prepares for breakfast. 330 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:46,000 Then... 331 00:20:46,000 --> 00:20:51,000 I'll get it, myra. 332 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:52,000 Yes? 333 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:53,000 Are you Professor Barseil? 334 00:20:53,000 --> 00:20:54,000 Yes. 335 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:56,000 May we come in? We'd like to talk with you. 336 00:20:56,000 --> 00:21:00,000 Of course. What is it you want? 337 00:21:00,000 --> 00:21:01,000 Is your wife in? 338 00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:02,000 Yes. 339 00:21:02,000 --> 00:21:04,000 We'd like to see her, too. 340 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:05,000 Who are you? 341 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:07,000 Oh, I'm Lieutenant Davis. 342 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:09,000 Detective headquarters. 343 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:10,000 Well, what do you want? 344 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:12,000 Would you call your wife? 345 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:14,000 Why, uh... 346 00:21:14,000 --> 00:21:16,000 I'm sorry. 347 00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:18,000 Myra! 348 00:21:18,000 --> 00:21:19,000 What is all about? 349 00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:21,000 What is it, Antonio? 350 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:25,000 These men are from detective headquarters. They want to talk to us. 351 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:26,000 Really? What about? 352 00:21:26,000 --> 00:21:28,000 May I ask where you were last night, Mrs. Barseil? 353 00:21:28,000 --> 00:21:30,000 Certainly. I went to the opera. 354 00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:31,000 What time did you get home? 355 00:21:31,000 --> 00:21:34,000 I imagine it was around eleven. I was shortly after. 356 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:36,000 Were you at home last evening, Professor? 357 00:21:36,000 --> 00:21:40,000 Well, I was at the club and got home about twelve-thirty. 358 00:21:40,000 --> 00:21:43,000 By the way, do you know Morton Hellman? 359 00:21:43,000 --> 00:21:44,000 Certainly. 360 00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:45,000 What about him? 361 00:21:45,000 --> 00:21:46,000 He's been murdered. 362 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:47,000 Murdered? 363 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:49,000 Good Lord. When? 364 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:52,000 Around midnight last night. I found him this morning. 365 00:21:52,000 --> 00:21:54,000 How terrible. 366 00:21:54,000 --> 00:21:57,000 I have known him for years. 367 00:21:57,000 --> 00:22:00,000 He was editor-in-chief of the company publishing my writings. 368 00:22:00,000 --> 00:22:02,000 I'm a psychologist, you know. 369 00:22:02,000 --> 00:22:03,000 Yes, I know. 370 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:06,000 But what do you want to know from us? 371 00:22:06,000 --> 00:22:09,000 We weren't connected socially with Hellman. 372 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:10,000 Just in business. 373 00:22:10,000 --> 00:22:12,000 Did you know him, Mrs. Barseil? 374 00:22:12,000 --> 00:22:14,000 Yes, I knew him very slightly. 375 00:22:14,000 --> 00:22:17,000 Either of you know of anyone who'd have reason to kill him? 376 00:22:17,000 --> 00:22:20,000 Certainly not. Everyone thought highly of him. 377 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:22,000 Did you ever hear of a girl named Gladys Tanner? 378 00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:24,000 Lady Tanner? No. 379 00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:26,000 Did you know of a Gladys Tanner, Mrs. Barseil? 380 00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:27,000 No. 381 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:30,000 Is this your purse, Mrs. Barseil? 382 00:22:30,000 --> 00:22:32,000 Why, of course it is. 383 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:35,000 That's the one I gave you last Christmas, Myra. 384 00:22:35,000 --> 00:22:37,000 Oh, yes. I must have lost it downtown. 385 00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:38,000 Where did you find it, little tenant? 386 00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:40,000 At Hellman's home. 387 00:22:40,000 --> 00:22:42,000 Hellman's home? 388 00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:43,000 Well, how in the world? 389 00:22:43,000 --> 00:22:44,000 Good heavens, but how? 390 00:22:44,000 --> 00:22:45,000 We found it on the sofa. 391 00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:47,000 I can't imagine how it could get there. 392 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:50,000 And this is the revolver that killed Hellman, found on the floor beside him. 393 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:51,000 What? 394 00:22:51,000 --> 00:22:53,000 No fingerprints on it, however. 395 00:22:53,000 --> 00:22:55,000 May I see it? 396 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:58,000 Myra, this is your gun. 397 00:22:58,000 --> 00:23:02,000 I bought this for you two years ago when I went on the lecture tour. 398 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:05,000 Yes, I think it's mine, but it just doesn't make sense. 399 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:08,000 Did you have the gun in your purse when you lost it last time? 400 00:23:08,000 --> 00:23:11,000 Perhaps I did. I'm so confused now I can't remember. 401 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:13,000 Think, Myra. 402 00:23:13,000 --> 00:23:15,000 I don't think it is. It is terrible. 403 00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:17,000 Oh, I know. Oh dear, I feel ill. 404 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:19,000 Did you ever fire this gun? 405 00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:21,000 Yes, once last year up in the mountains. I wanted to see how it worked. 406 00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:22,000 Ever reloaded? 407 00:23:22,000 --> 00:23:25,000 No, I've never reloaded it. I just didn't think about it. 408 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,000 Maybe I did put it in my purse. 409 00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:32,000 Why, I don't know. And whoever found the purse may have used the gun to... 410 00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:34,000 Oh, I just can't seem to think. 411 00:23:34,000 --> 00:23:38,000 This gun misfired on the first two shots. The other three killed Hellman. 412 00:23:38,000 --> 00:23:41,000 This is the most amazing piece of coincidence I ever heard of. 413 00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:44,000 Why would my wife want to do such a thing? 414 00:23:44,000 --> 00:23:46,000 Why should she get to Hellman? 415 00:23:46,000 --> 00:23:48,000 She hardly knew him. 416 00:23:48,000 --> 00:23:50,000 Are you sure about that, Professor? 417 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:51,000 Of course. 418 00:23:51,000 --> 00:23:54,000 Well, sorry to say that I don't believe her. 419 00:23:54,000 --> 00:23:56,000 What? This is ridiculous. 420 00:23:56,000 --> 00:24:01,000 This is going to be a shock to you, Professor, but here's a snapshot we found on Hellman's desk. 421 00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:04,000 Taken in Atlantic City last July. 422 00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:07,000 Good heavens. 423 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:14,000 July? This is you, Myra. You and Hellman. 424 00:24:14,000 --> 00:24:18,000 You were at your mother's in Florida in July. 425 00:24:18,000 --> 00:24:21,000 Myra, look at me. What does this mean? 426 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:23,000 I can't. I can't. 427 00:24:23,000 --> 00:24:25,000 And I can't believe such a thing. 428 00:24:25,000 --> 00:24:29,000 May I have the purse, the gun, and the photo? Thank you. 429 00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:31,000 I'm sorry, but I'll have to take her down to headquarters. 430 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:36,000 But I didn't kill him. I didn't. I wouldn't. I loved him. 431 00:24:36,000 --> 00:24:39,000 Myra. 432 00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:44,000 You'd better pull yourself together. You'll have to go back. 433 00:24:44,000 --> 00:24:46,000 They'll want photos and fingerprints. 434 00:24:46,000 --> 00:24:49,000 Yes. You'd better get ready, Myra. 435 00:24:49,000 --> 00:24:51,000 It certainly looks bad for her. 436 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:53,000 Afraid it does. Looks like an open and shut case. 437 00:24:53,000 --> 00:24:55,000 Oh, will you come along too, Professor? 438 00:24:55,000 --> 00:24:59,000 Certainly. 439 00:24:59,000 --> 00:25:03,000 And so it all worked out beautifully. 440 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:06,000 Not quite as the professor had planned. 441 00:25:06,000 --> 00:25:12,000 But then he changed his plan from the moment when Gladys Tanner showed him the snapshot taken in Atlantic City. 442 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:19,000 And he realized that the girl's fiancée was Hellman and the blonde was Myra, his wife. 443 00:25:19,000 --> 00:25:25,000 He had no intention of allowing Gladys Tanner to kill Hellman until he saw that snapshot. 444 00:25:25,000 --> 00:25:29,000 And when he recognized Myra's purse in Hellman's home, 445 00:25:29,000 --> 00:25:34,000 he decided to let Gladys kill him and the blame be placed on Myra. 446 00:25:34,000 --> 00:25:37,000 The perfect crime. 447 00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:41,000 But several hours later, after fingerprints and many questions, 448 00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:48,000 the professor is just about to be dismissed when Sergeant Rankin steps into the room and speaks quietly to Lieutenant Davis. 449 00:25:48,000 --> 00:25:49,000 What is it, Rankin? 450 00:25:49,000 --> 00:25:51,000 I stayed at the Seals' place, as you said. 451 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:52,000 Well? 452 00:25:52,000 --> 00:25:55,000 A few minutes ago, a special delivery letter came for the professor. 453 00:25:55,000 --> 00:25:57,000 This will knock your eye off. Read it. 454 00:25:57,000 --> 00:25:59,000 All right. 455 00:25:59,000 --> 00:26:03,000 Well, this fits perfectly with the writing we were trying to make out on Hellman's desk letter. 456 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:11,000 Professor, here's a letter sent special delivery to you a few minutes ago, postmarked last night. Read it. 457 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:15,000 Dear Professor Basile, your theory worked a certain degree. 458 00:26:15,000 --> 00:26:21,000 You convinced me I should kill him. 459 00:26:21,000 --> 00:26:29,000 I should kill him, but when that gun you gave me misfired twice, I almost quit. 460 00:26:29,000 --> 00:26:32,000 Go ahead, Professor. Read on. 461 00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:38,000 Then as I looked at him on the floor, the feeling of self-destruction came back. 462 00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:42,000 I'm going ahead with my plan. Here's your check. I won't need it. 463 00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:45,000 Besides, I lied to you. 464 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:47,000 I lost my mother long ago. 465 00:26:47,000 --> 00:26:51,000 But next time, I'll lock her up. 466 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:55,000 A half hour ago, they found her body under the suicide bridge. 467 00:26:55,000 --> 00:26:58,000 Well, Professor, your perfect crime has failed. 468 00:26:58,000 --> 00:27:00,000 Failed? Yes, failed. 469 00:27:00,000 --> 00:27:03,000 It's a wonderful setup on paper, but your theory backfired and you're up for murder. 470 00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:04,000 But I didn't kill him. 471 00:27:04,000 --> 00:27:08,000 But you planned it and you're as guilty as Gladys. She's paid her penalty, now it's your turn. 472 00:27:08,000 --> 00:27:12,000 No, no. I won't. I won't be hanged. Never! 473 00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:17,000 Drink and grab it. 474 00:27:19,000 --> 00:27:24,000 And now the doctor lies on the sidewalk 17 stories below. 475 00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:48,000 His entire theory worked in reverse. 476 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:54,000 And so closes the doctor prescribed death starring Bela Lugosi. 477 00:27:54,000 --> 00:28:01,000 Tonight's story of suspense. 478 00:28:01,000 --> 00:28:11,000 It came to you from Columbia Square in Hollywood. 479 00:28:11,000 --> 00:28:20,000 This is the man in black who conveys to you Columbia's invitation to spend this half hour in suspense with us again next Tuesday. 480 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:49,000 When we present the noted actor, Mr. Sidney Greenstreet in The Hangman Won't Wait. 481 00:28:49,000 --> 00:28:53,000 William Spear, the producer, Ted Bliss, the director, 482 00:28:53,000 --> 00:28:58,000 Ladd Glaskin, the musical director, Lucian Mahwick, the composer, 483 00:28:58,000 --> 00:29:21,000 and J. Donald Wilson, the author, collaborated on tonight's suspense. 484 00:29:21,000 --> 00:29:32,000 This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.