WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:06.600 In just a moment, CBS will present its weekly program of the world's outstanding thrillers, Suspense. 00:06.600 --> 00:11.760 Before we begin, the producer feels it incumbent upon him to reply herewith 00:11.760 --> 00:15.340 to the many inquiries concerning the solution of last week's story 00:15.340 --> 00:19.680 of the woman on the telephone called Sorry Wrong Number. 00:19.680 --> 00:25.600 Due to a momentary confusion in the studio, an important line cue was delivered at the wrong time, 00:25.600 --> 00:29.560 and some of our listeners were uncertain as to the outcome of the story. 00:29.560 --> 00:34.960 For them, be it known that the woman, so remarkably played by Miss Agnes Moorhead, 00:34.960 --> 00:39.800 was murdered by a man whom her husband had hired to do the job. 00:39.800 --> 00:43.680 We should also like to announce that in response to many hundreds of requests, 00:43.680 --> 00:47.160 this Suspense play will be repeated within a few weeks. 00:47.160 --> 00:54.400 And now, this is the man in black, here again to introduce our performance tonight of Suspense. 00:54.400 --> 01:22.600 Our stars this evening are two distinguished gentlemen from the Hollywood Sound stages, 01:22.600 --> 01:26.000 Mr. Donald Crisp and Mr. John Loder. 01:26.000 --> 01:31.600 Mr. Crisp and Mr. Loder are here to enact for us a strange and startling drama 01:31.600 --> 01:36.600 in which they, in the interest of justice, made use of an unusual method 01:36.600 --> 01:39.760 to wring a confession of guilt from a criminal. 01:39.760 --> 01:45.680 The story is by Rupert Croft Cooke and is called Benquo's Chair. 01:45.680 --> 01:50.920 And so with Benquo's Chair and the performances of Donald Crisp as Sir William Brent 01:50.920 --> 01:56.320 and John Loder as Arthur Grange, Sir William's friend who relates the story to us, 01:56.320 --> 02:12.960 we again hope to keep you in Suspense. 02:12.960 --> 02:15.560 I would like you to look at this photograph. 02:15.560 --> 02:21.120 It's the picture of Sir William Brent, ex-head of the English Criminal Investigation. 02:21.120 --> 02:24.320 I knew Sir William well and he always terrified me. 02:24.320 --> 02:27.920 Not in the sense that he was brutal or evil, he was none of that. 02:27.920 --> 02:32.120 But look at that cold face, particularly his eyes. 02:32.120 --> 02:34.360 When he looked at you, you flushed with guilt. 02:34.360 --> 02:38.320 Every misdeed you ever committed in your life floated over your face. 02:38.320 --> 02:41.840 A glance from him made you feel as if you were stark naked. 02:41.840 --> 02:45.200 He saw you with all your defenses down. 02:45.200 --> 02:51.520 Sir William was the scourge of criminals, coldly unemotional, utterly without fear or passion. 02:51.520 --> 02:55.920 He tracked them down mercilessly and never lost a case. 02:55.920 --> 03:03.640 There was no feeling in him, no pity, no hate, nothing but terrifying cold intelligence. 03:03.640 --> 03:06.640 And he was deadly to everyone he went after. 03:06.640 --> 03:11.440 I'm going to tell you about his last case, a case that, well, even recalling it sends 03:11.440 --> 03:13.560 real shudders through me. 03:13.560 --> 03:15.440 I swear it's true. 03:15.440 --> 03:17.520 I saw it with my own eyes. 03:17.520 --> 03:19.480 I wish I never had. 03:19.480 --> 03:23.280 I witnessed it in all its dreadful details. 03:23.280 --> 03:26.560 One night at the club, about 11 o'clock, a boy came up to me. 03:26.560 --> 03:30.040 Telegram for you, sir. 03:30.040 --> 03:32.480 I ripped open the envelope and read the telegram. 03:32.480 --> 03:38.000 Dear Arthur, will you come and dine with me at Turret House, Sydenham on Thursday? 03:38.000 --> 03:42.920 There will be several guests and I think I can promise you an unforgettable evening. 03:42.920 --> 03:45.520 It was signed by Sir William Brent. 03:45.520 --> 03:46.520 I was annoyed. 03:46.520 --> 03:50.160 I don't like to receive telegrams so late in the evening and Sir William could easily 03:50.160 --> 03:55.940 have phoned, unless he didn't want to go into details with me. 03:55.940 --> 03:59.720 I decided to phone him. 03:59.720 --> 04:01.960 Hello? 04:01.960 --> 04:05.360 Hello? 04:05.360 --> 04:08.120 This is Arthur Grange calling. 04:08.120 --> 04:09.120 Yes, I know. 04:09.120 --> 04:10.120 Did you receive my telegram? 04:10.120 --> 04:11.120 Yes, Sir William. 04:11.120 --> 04:12.120 What's all the mystery about it? 04:12.120 --> 04:13.960 Well, I'll tell you about it on Thursday. 04:13.960 --> 04:14.960 Are you coming? 04:14.960 --> 04:15.960 Yes, I'll be there. 04:15.960 --> 04:16.960 Very good. 04:16.960 --> 04:18.600 I particularly want you to be there. 04:18.600 --> 04:19.600 You sound so mysterious. 04:19.600 --> 04:22.160 I'm thinking of coming armed or bringing several bodyguards. 04:22.160 --> 04:27.880 No, it won't be necessary to bring any bodyguards, but you'd better come armed, well armed. 04:27.880 --> 04:33.680 Yes, bring a revolver. 04:33.680 --> 04:39.800 Good night. 04:39.800 --> 04:43.320 Early Thursday evening I made my way to Turret House. 04:43.320 --> 04:47.120 A windy November rain slashed at the streets. 04:47.120 --> 04:53.880 Turret House is a huge red blick, unpleasantly somber mansion, an ugly product of Queen Victoria's 04:53.880 --> 04:54.880 time. 04:54.880 --> 05:01.600 There it's squatted, back of the road, almost hidden to view by several dripping pine trees. 05:01.600 --> 05:05.200 The neighborhood had known better days. 05:05.200 --> 05:12.120 I walked up along the unkept path until I reached the great open door. 05:12.120 --> 05:15.920 I let the knocker fall once or twice and the door opened. 05:15.920 --> 05:18.720 Good evening, Mr. Grange. 05:18.720 --> 05:20.920 I was waiting for you. 05:20.920 --> 05:21.920 Hello, Lane. 05:21.920 --> 05:25.480 Nasty night, sir, isn't it? 05:25.480 --> 05:26.480 There's not much warmer in here. 05:26.480 --> 05:29.200 There's a fire in the dining room, sir. 05:29.200 --> 05:31.800 What ever made Sir William move into this drafty dungeon? 05:31.800 --> 05:33.920 Oh, we haven't moved in, sir. 05:33.920 --> 05:35.320 It's only temporary. 05:35.320 --> 05:37.000 Sir William just rented it. 05:37.000 --> 05:38.680 We still live in the West End. 05:38.680 --> 05:39.680 Oh, I see. 05:39.680 --> 05:41.080 Have any of the other guests arrived? 05:41.080 --> 05:42.600 Yes, Mr. Grange. 05:42.600 --> 05:43.600 Miss Stone is here. 05:43.600 --> 05:44.600 Miss Stone? 05:44.600 --> 05:46.760 Yes, the mystery writer. 05:46.760 --> 05:48.400 This way, Mr. Grange. 05:48.400 --> 05:49.880 I'll show you to the dining room. 05:49.880 --> 05:53.160 Sir William will be down shortly. 05:53.160 --> 05:56.400 Oh, hello. 05:56.400 --> 05:57.400 I'm Roberta Stone. 05:57.400 --> 05:58.600 How do you do? 05:58.600 --> 06:00.520 I'm Arthur Grange, an old friend of Sir William. 06:00.520 --> 06:01.720 Yes, I know. 06:01.720 --> 06:04.360 I've read some of your mystery stories and enjoyed them very much. 06:04.360 --> 06:06.760 Thank you, Mr. Grange. 06:06.760 --> 06:08.600 Just what is going on here tonight? 06:08.600 --> 06:09.600 I don't know. 06:09.600 --> 06:11.480 Sir William sounded awfully mysterious. 06:11.480 --> 06:14.680 But then I've known Sir William for a long time. 06:14.680 --> 06:16.080 He never lets anyone down. 06:16.080 --> 06:17.680 If anything, he understates. 06:17.680 --> 06:18.880 I know. 06:18.880 --> 06:20.240 He told me to come armed. 06:20.240 --> 06:21.960 He told me the same thing. 06:21.960 --> 06:22.960 Here's my gun. 06:22.960 --> 06:26.040 I must admit, I've never fired it in my life. 06:26.040 --> 06:29.880 This house is certainly a proper background for anything unpleasant. 06:29.880 --> 06:31.640 It's already been the scene of a crime. 06:31.640 --> 06:33.240 Oh, what crime? 06:33.240 --> 06:34.240 Murder. 06:34.240 --> 06:36.040 A particularly unpleasant one. 06:36.040 --> 06:37.040 Really? 06:37.040 --> 06:39.440 I must say the murderer couldn't have picked a more ideal spot. 06:39.440 --> 06:41.080 Isn't it a fact? 06:41.080 --> 06:42.920 You know, I once wrote a story... 06:42.920 --> 06:44.400 Good evening, Roberta. 06:44.400 --> 06:45.400 Arthur. 06:45.400 --> 06:46.640 I'm glad you're both on time. 06:46.640 --> 06:47.640 Hello, Sir William. 06:47.640 --> 06:48.640 Hello. 06:48.640 --> 06:49.640 Nice apartment you have here. 06:49.640 --> 06:53.640 A sort of mausoleum and dining room combined. 06:53.640 --> 06:55.240 You're a bit afraid, aren't you? 06:55.240 --> 06:56.240 Of course not. 06:56.240 --> 06:57.960 Why should I be? 06:57.960 --> 06:59.520 Your eyes give you away. 06:59.520 --> 07:00.520 What's all this about? 07:00.520 --> 07:04.160 Invite us to this god-versaicone dungeon and tell us to come armed? 07:04.160 --> 07:05.520 Don't be upset, Arthur. 07:05.520 --> 07:07.360 I'm sure you'll come out of this all right. 07:07.360 --> 07:09.360 You mean we may be in some danger? 07:09.360 --> 07:11.840 Naturally, I wouldn't tell you to come armed otherwise. 07:11.840 --> 07:14.520 Who is this other guest, Sir William? 07:14.520 --> 07:16.760 There are two more guests. 07:16.760 --> 07:19.920 But first we'll have a drink and then I'll tell you both all about it. 07:19.920 --> 07:20.920 Lane. 07:20.920 --> 07:22.280 Yes, Sir William? 07:22.280 --> 07:23.280 Will you serve the drinks? 07:23.280 --> 07:24.280 Yes, Sir. 07:24.280 --> 07:27.400 Now, I'll tell you what's going to happen tonight. 07:27.400 --> 07:32.480 This house, Turrett House, was the scene of the Sydenham murder, a very famous case. 07:32.480 --> 07:33.720 Yes, I know about it. 07:33.720 --> 07:34.720 That's right. 07:34.720 --> 07:37.960 No offense, old man, but wasn't it the only case you never solved? 07:37.960 --> 07:39.200 You're wrong, Arthur. 07:39.200 --> 07:43.840 I solved the Sydenham case, but I couldn't bring the criminal to justice because of insufficient 07:43.840 --> 07:44.840 evidence. 07:44.840 --> 07:46.440 You mean you knew who the murderer was? 07:46.440 --> 07:47.440 Oh, yes, of course. 07:47.440 --> 07:48.480 It was the nephew. 07:48.480 --> 07:49.740 The police knew it too. 07:49.740 --> 07:52.160 And why in the world didn't you bring the case to a conclusion? 07:52.160 --> 07:55.840 Because the nephew had an absolute and unimpeachable alibi. 07:55.840 --> 08:00.000 To have arrested him would have meant a waste of time and money and a release in the end. 08:00.000 --> 08:05.320 Besides, according to English law, a man discharged can never be arrested again on the same murder 08:05.320 --> 08:06.320 charge. 08:06.320 --> 08:08.320 Well, this is all very fascinating. 08:08.320 --> 08:10.360 Has it anything to do with our being here tonight? 08:10.360 --> 08:12.720 Yes, Roberta, it has. 08:12.720 --> 08:17.480 In a short while, the nephew, John Bedford, will be here to dine with us. 08:17.480 --> 08:21.960 And, oh yes, the victim, Miss Ferguson. 08:21.960 --> 08:22.960 What? 08:22.960 --> 08:24.300 Well, wait. 08:24.300 --> 08:26.760 You mean Miss Ferguson wasn't actually murdered? 08:26.760 --> 08:28.480 Miss Ferguson is quite dead. 08:28.480 --> 08:30.160 Has been dead these two years. 08:30.160 --> 08:33.800 You mean you're going to have the body of Miss Ferguson here at dinner? 08:33.800 --> 08:36.300 Oh, this is a little too much. 08:36.300 --> 08:38.440 If you'll excuse me, I'll dine elsewhere tonight. 08:38.440 --> 08:40.160 Not so fast, Roberta. 08:40.160 --> 08:43.000 Perhaps you'd better wait until you hear the rest of the story. 08:43.000 --> 08:45.200 This promises to be a very gay dinner. 08:45.200 --> 08:46.200 Oh, yes. 08:46.200 --> 08:51.680 Now, as you both know, I've never lost a case except the Sydenham murder, which will 08:51.680 --> 08:52.680 be finished tonight. 08:52.680 --> 08:54.960 Now, I'm an egotist. 08:54.960 --> 08:58.800 I don't believe there's a criminal in all England that can outwit me. 08:58.800 --> 09:03.480 As a matter of fact, I've resigned from the criminal investigation for the sole reason 09:03.480 --> 09:05.920 of trapping Mr. John Bedford. 09:05.920 --> 09:06.920 It's hard to believe. 09:06.920 --> 09:09.440 Well, I told you I was an egotist. 09:09.440 --> 09:12.840 No criminal has beaten me yet, and no one ever will. 09:12.840 --> 09:14.640 You have an awful lot of patience. 09:14.640 --> 09:16.540 Oh, infinite patience. 09:16.540 --> 09:21.640 I devoted two years to this case, and now that my moment of triumph has arrived, I wanted 09:21.640 --> 09:22.960 to have some witnesses. 09:22.960 --> 09:30.520 A writer who will record the event and an admirer who will applaud with awe the trickiness 09:30.520 --> 09:31.520 of my scheme. 09:31.520 --> 09:35.200 Well, if it's as gruesome as I think it is, I won't be here to watch it. 09:35.200 --> 09:37.080 Oh, yes, you will. 09:37.080 --> 09:40.080 Horror has a way of fascinating and hypnotizing people. 09:40.080 --> 09:43.040 Besides, Arthur, you'd be ashamed to run out now. 09:43.040 --> 09:44.040 I'll stay, of course. 09:44.040 --> 09:45.040 So will I. 09:45.040 --> 09:46.040 Good. 09:46.040 --> 09:56.240 Now, before I tell you my scheme, let me first acquaint you with the details of the murder. 09:56.240 --> 10:01.240 Exactly two years ago tonight, old Miss Ferguson. 10:01.240 --> 10:08.840 Where is that foolish maid? 10:08.840 --> 10:10.360 Yes, Miss Ferguson? 10:10.360 --> 10:12.000 Why don't you answer when I call? 10:12.000 --> 10:13.000 I was in the kitchen, ma'am. 10:13.000 --> 10:14.320 It's after 10 o'clock. 10:14.320 --> 10:15.800 You should be on your way home. 10:15.800 --> 10:17.360 I was just about to leave. 10:17.360 --> 10:18.720 Has my nephew called? 10:18.720 --> 10:19.720 No, ma'am. 10:19.720 --> 10:21.440 Mr. Bedford hasn't called since yesterday. 10:21.440 --> 10:24.680 I told him he couldn't come in, just like you said. 10:24.680 --> 10:27.240 I don't ever want to see him again. 10:27.240 --> 10:28.240 He's no good. 10:28.240 --> 10:31.480 He's an evil man who will come to an evil end. 10:31.480 --> 10:33.520 You're never to let him in here, Hilda. 10:33.520 --> 10:35.960 He won't ever come in this house if I can help it. 10:35.960 --> 10:36.960 No, ma'am. 10:36.960 --> 10:41.280 Now you'd better run along and make sure all the doors are bolted. 10:41.280 --> 10:42.280 Yes, ma'am. 10:42.280 --> 10:43.280 Good night, Miss Ferguson. 10:43.280 --> 10:44.280 Good night, Hilda. 10:44.280 --> 10:49.480 A pity about that nephew of mine. 10:49.480 --> 10:50.480 I'll change my will. 10:50.480 --> 10:52.280 I won't leave him a penny. 10:52.280 --> 10:53.280 I won't. 10:53.280 --> 10:56.880 In the morning, I'll change the will that's... 10:56.880 --> 10:57.880 Who's there? 10:57.880 --> 10:58.880 Who is it? 10:58.880 --> 11:03.400 It's I, Aunt Martha, your own affectionate nephew. 11:03.400 --> 11:04.680 What are you doing in my house? 11:04.680 --> 11:07.320 You're not at all pleased to see me. 11:07.320 --> 11:09.080 You're only living relative, too. 11:09.080 --> 11:13.120 I'd like you to leave at once or call the police, I suppose. 11:13.120 --> 11:14.360 I'd rather not, Auntie. 11:14.360 --> 11:16.080 I won't ever talk with you. 11:16.080 --> 11:18.080 You don't want to talk to me. 11:18.080 --> 11:19.080 All you want is money. 11:19.080 --> 11:22.920 Yes, Auntie, I do want money and lots of it. 11:22.920 --> 11:25.760 You've got all the money you'll ever get out of me. 11:25.760 --> 11:28.000 You won't even get a penny after I die. 11:28.000 --> 11:29.000 I'll see to that. 11:29.000 --> 11:32.680 Perhaps you'll appreciate the value of money after you've worked for it. 11:32.680 --> 11:33.680 You know, Auntie... 11:33.680 --> 11:37.400 You're... you're wearing gloves. 11:37.400 --> 11:38.400 What are you up to? 11:38.400 --> 11:39.400 I've made up my mind. 11:39.400 --> 11:40.400 What are you doing? 11:40.400 --> 11:41.400 Keep away! 11:41.400 --> 11:43.520 You're an old woman. 11:43.520 --> 11:44.840 All that money's no good for you. 11:44.840 --> 11:45.840 You can never use it. 11:45.840 --> 11:48.040 I'm young and money means life to me. 11:48.040 --> 11:50.000 A rich and gay life. 11:50.000 --> 11:51.840 You're old and you're going to die soon anyway. 11:51.840 --> 11:52.840 No! 11:52.840 --> 11:53.840 No, it can't be! 11:53.840 --> 11:54.840 You're not going to do that! 11:54.840 --> 11:55.840 Yes, Auntie, I am. 11:55.840 --> 11:56.840 You don't want to live anywhere. 11:56.840 --> 11:58.880 You're lonely, you're sick and you're old. 11:58.880 --> 12:02.800 I'm going to do you a favour. 12:02.800 --> 12:05.080 Nobody can hear you now. 12:05.080 --> 12:06.080 I'm your heir. 12:06.080 --> 12:07.080 Your only heir, Auntie. 12:07.080 --> 12:08.080 You're next of kin. 12:08.080 --> 12:09.080 The estate is going to be mine. 12:09.080 --> 12:10.080 All of it. 12:10.080 --> 12:11.080 Now, don't you worry, Auntie. 12:11.080 --> 12:33.920 We'll have a fine funeral for you. 12:33.920 --> 12:36.520 That's pretty much the way old Miss Ferguson was murdered. 12:36.520 --> 12:38.000 Oh, how ghastly. 12:38.000 --> 12:40.200 Still to found the body the next morning. 12:40.200 --> 12:42.640 I immediately went to work on the case. 12:42.640 --> 12:45.240 All the evidence pointed to John Bedford. 12:45.240 --> 12:47.400 Everyone believed he committed the crime. 12:47.400 --> 12:49.800 He almost admitted it himself. 12:49.800 --> 12:52.360 I had him brought to my office for questioning. 12:52.360 --> 12:56.040 Oh, hello, Bedford. 12:56.040 --> 12:57.040 Come in. 12:57.040 --> 12:58.040 Thank you, sir. 12:58.040 --> 12:59.040 How do you do, sir, will you? 12:59.040 --> 13:00.040 Cigarette? 13:00.040 --> 13:01.040 Oh, thank you. 13:01.040 --> 13:04.720 Well, how does it feel to kill your own aunt? 13:04.720 --> 13:06.720 May I have a light, please? 13:06.720 --> 13:08.320 Of course. 13:08.320 --> 13:10.840 Thank you. 13:10.840 --> 13:11.840 I wouldn't know, sir, William. 13:11.840 --> 13:13.480 You see, I never killed anyone. 13:13.480 --> 13:15.080 Have you? 13:15.080 --> 13:19.320 I have, Mr. Bedford, and I've sent quite a few to the gallows. 13:19.320 --> 13:21.780 Oh, so I understand. 13:21.780 --> 13:24.120 What was your relationship to Miss Ferguson? 13:24.120 --> 13:25.320 She was my aunt. 13:25.320 --> 13:27.320 Don't be flippant. 13:27.320 --> 13:28.320 Flippancy only proves your guilt. 13:28.320 --> 13:30.840 Well, to tell you the truth, sir, my aunt didn't like me. 13:30.840 --> 13:34.800 She thought I was a spendthrift and a useless parasite, and she was quite right. 13:34.800 --> 13:38.160 Would you mind telling me where you were the night your aunt was murdered? 13:38.160 --> 13:39.680 Oh, not at all. 13:39.680 --> 13:40.680 In jail. 13:40.680 --> 13:43.920 I had drunk a little too much and gotten into a bit of a tiff with someone, as well. 13:43.920 --> 13:45.800 Have you ever been arrested for drunkenness before? 13:45.800 --> 13:46.800 Never, sir, William. 13:46.800 --> 13:47.800 This was my first offence. 13:47.800 --> 13:48.800 That's quite an alibi. 13:48.800 --> 13:50.560 Quite a fact. 13:50.560 --> 13:54.280 It would hardly be possible for me to be in jail and kill my aunt at the same time, you 13:54.280 --> 13:58.040 know, unless, of course, my aunt came into my cell and allowed me to murder her, after 13:58.040 --> 14:03.160 which she walked back to Turret House as a ghost, dragging her body behind her. 14:03.160 --> 14:06.360 According to my reports, Mr. Bedford, you drink very little. 14:06.360 --> 14:09.440 No one who knows you has ever seen you drunk before. 14:09.440 --> 14:13.040 You probably got drunk in joyful anticipation of murdering your aunt. 14:13.040 --> 14:16.920 As a thoroughgoing criminal investigator, don't you think you ought to check my story? 14:16.920 --> 14:18.680 I already have. 14:18.680 --> 14:20.960 You've done a very skillful job. 14:20.960 --> 14:23.520 Too bad you couldn't use your talents for something constructive. 14:23.520 --> 14:26.120 Well, why don't you arrest me, sir, William? 14:26.120 --> 14:29.320 No, Mr. Bedford, I have time. 14:29.320 --> 14:30.320 Plenty of time. 14:30.320 --> 14:31.320 Well, you'd better work fast. 14:31.320 --> 14:34.720 By the time you get around to me, I'll have spent all of my aunt's beautiful money. 14:34.720 --> 14:36.720 It's not the money we're after. 14:36.720 --> 14:40.240 It's you, your beautiful life. 14:40.240 --> 14:43.240 Good day, Mr. Bedford. 14:43.240 --> 14:53.240 That's how matters to it. 14:53.240 --> 14:55.000 I refuse to let any of my men arrest him. 14:55.000 --> 14:57.880 But how in the world could he have murdered his aunt while he was in jail? 14:57.880 --> 15:00.480 Perhaps he bribed the prison guard to let him out for an hour. 15:00.480 --> 15:02.280 Yes, Roberto, I believe he did. 15:02.280 --> 15:06.960 Unfortunately, the guard died of pneumonia soon afterwards, which left us no further source 15:06.960 --> 15:07.960 of evidence. 15:07.960 --> 15:11.760 As far as I can see at the moment, sir William, you haven't a leg to stand on. 15:11.760 --> 15:14.440 You're quite right, Arthur, I haven't. 15:14.440 --> 15:20.240 Except that every man, particularly a criminal, has an Achilles heel. 15:20.240 --> 15:22.240 I discovered John Bedford's weakness. 15:22.240 --> 15:24.500 What is it? 15:24.500 --> 15:26.500 He's superstitious. 15:26.500 --> 15:31.920 And it annoyed me tremendously that John Bedford was my first failure. 15:31.920 --> 15:35.880 He was a clever, calloused criminal who laughed at me. 15:35.880 --> 15:38.800 No one had ever done that before. 15:38.800 --> 15:42.440 Bedford knew I could do him no harm, and he made the most of it. 15:42.440 --> 15:45.040 Carefully and patiently, I thought it over. 15:45.040 --> 15:49.080 I looked upon Bedford as you would look on a Chinese puzzle. 15:49.080 --> 15:52.480 There is no such thing as an impregnable defense. 15:52.480 --> 15:56.760 A few months later, I went to visit Bedford. 15:56.760 --> 16:01.400 Well, Sir William Brent. 16:01.400 --> 16:02.400 What a surprise. 16:02.400 --> 16:04.360 Won't you come in, please? 16:04.360 --> 16:05.360 Thank you, Mr. Bedford. 16:05.360 --> 16:10.000 Well, I'm honored to have the great Sir William Brent pay me a visit. 16:10.000 --> 16:11.000 You're not after any more clues. 16:11.000 --> 16:12.720 I hope it gets rather tedious, you know. 16:12.720 --> 16:13.840 No, not at all. 16:13.840 --> 16:14.840 I know when I'm licked. 16:14.840 --> 16:17.680 Well, I don't want to appear smug, sir, but everyone has his Waterloo. 16:17.680 --> 16:19.040 Would you have a drink? 16:19.040 --> 16:20.040 No, thanks. 16:20.040 --> 16:22.640 I suppose you're curious about why I came here. 16:22.640 --> 16:25.320 Well, I'd hardly imagine it was a friendly visit. 16:25.320 --> 16:27.520 On the contrary, it is. 16:27.520 --> 16:31.120 You see, I admire brilliant people, no matter what they're calling. 16:31.120 --> 16:33.800 Oh, you're very flattering, Sir William. 16:33.800 --> 16:36.760 I've resigned from the incriminate investigation. 16:36.760 --> 16:37.960 I'm a private citizen now. 16:37.960 --> 16:39.880 Yes, I've heard about that. 16:39.880 --> 16:42.280 Most people misunderstand me. 16:42.280 --> 16:47.160 It wasn't my love for justice that made me pursue my profession with such tenacity and 16:47.160 --> 16:48.160 Success? 16:48.160 --> 16:54.360 No, with the sole exception of your case, of course, it was a game of skill to me, my 16:54.360 --> 16:56.560 wits against all comers. 16:56.560 --> 16:59.000 I lost in your case. 16:59.000 --> 17:01.600 But then we've all got to lose some time, haven't we? 17:01.600 --> 17:03.480 I don't believe you, Sir William. 17:03.480 --> 17:04.840 You're still out to get me. 17:04.840 --> 17:07.520 Well, there isn't much of a chance, is there? 17:07.520 --> 17:08.960 I'm afraid not, Sir William. 17:08.960 --> 17:10.800 I've kept out of trouble so far. 17:10.800 --> 17:11.800 Knock wood. 17:11.800 --> 17:12.800 Hmm. 17:12.800 --> 17:17.960 That's an odd habit for a man like you, knocking on wood. 17:17.960 --> 17:19.760 You're not superstitious, are you? 17:19.760 --> 17:20.760 Of course not. 17:20.760 --> 17:22.480 Just a habit since I was a child. 17:22.480 --> 17:23.480 I see. 17:23.480 --> 17:26.600 Well, now to the reason for my visit. 17:26.600 --> 17:29.720 I noticed in the papers that you're looking for a tenant for Turret House. 17:29.720 --> 17:31.960 Oh, yes, I am. 17:31.960 --> 17:33.600 I'd like to rent it. 17:33.600 --> 17:36.880 Well, the scene of the crime, huh? 17:36.880 --> 17:38.600 Well, of course, why not? 17:38.600 --> 17:39.600 There's no harm in it. 17:39.600 --> 17:50.240 As a matter of fact, I'll let you have it very cheaply. 17:50.240 --> 17:53.680 That's how I rented this house, the house where the murder was committed. 17:53.680 --> 17:54.680 Well, what's your plan? 17:54.680 --> 17:56.320 It had better be a good one. 17:56.320 --> 17:58.400 Mr. Bedford sounds like a hard customer. 17:58.400 --> 18:02.160 Yes, it's a strange plan, but an effective one. 18:02.160 --> 18:04.080 I saw Bedford frequently. 18:04.080 --> 18:08.540 Our acquaintance blossomed into a kind of friendship, an armed friendship, of course. 18:08.540 --> 18:12.480 He knew I was out to get him, and I wanted him to know that. 18:12.480 --> 18:14.600 He's vain, very vain. 18:14.600 --> 18:16.720 And this game intrigued him. 18:16.720 --> 18:22.920 I also learned that he was very superstitious, although he denied it vigorously. 18:22.920 --> 18:29.040 Tonight is the anniversary of the murder, and tonight Mr. Bedford dines with us at eight 18:29.040 --> 18:30.040 o'clock. 18:30.040 --> 18:31.040 It's nearly eight now. 18:31.040 --> 18:33.480 Now, this is the plan. 18:33.480 --> 18:34.480 You know May Wakefield. 18:34.480 --> 18:35.480 Of course. 18:35.480 --> 18:37.160 She's the famous Shakespearean actress. 18:37.160 --> 18:38.160 That's right. 18:38.160 --> 18:43.720 During dinner, she will enter the room in the precise likeness of Miss Ferguson, the 18:43.720 --> 18:44.720 murdered woman. 18:44.720 --> 18:47.880 We, of course, will pretend not to see her. 18:47.880 --> 18:50.520 We remain outwardly unconscious of her. 18:50.520 --> 18:52.920 Only Bedford will be aware of her presence. 18:52.920 --> 18:54.360 I believe Bedford will confess. 18:54.360 --> 18:58.000 I'd imagine he'd keep away on this night, especially if it's the anniversary. 18:58.000 --> 18:59.000 He's giddy with success. 18:59.000 --> 19:03.400 And also, the fact that Roberta Stone, the famous writer, is here with us, tweaks his 19:03.400 --> 19:04.400 vanity. 19:04.400 --> 19:05.400 He'll be here promptly. 19:05.400 --> 19:06.760 Oh, I don't like this. 19:06.760 --> 19:08.560 Well, this is just like one of your stories. 19:08.560 --> 19:10.400 It doesn't become you to be frightened. 19:10.400 --> 19:11.400 Oh, I won't run away. 19:11.400 --> 19:13.800 Well, there's one more thing. 19:13.800 --> 19:17.280 During dinner, the electric lights will be switched off at the main, and candles will 19:17.280 --> 19:18.280 be lit. 19:18.280 --> 19:19.280 Oh. 19:19.280 --> 19:20.280 We must have the correct atmosphere. 19:20.280 --> 19:21.840 You understand now? 19:21.840 --> 19:23.280 You're not to see May Wakefield. 19:23.280 --> 19:24.780 She doesn't exist for us. 19:24.780 --> 19:25.780 Is that clear? 19:25.780 --> 19:26.960 I'll look right through her. 19:26.960 --> 19:31.880 Oh, it gives me the creeps. 19:31.880 --> 19:39.120 That I am sure is our Mr. Bedford. 19:39.120 --> 19:43.360 The appearance of John Bedford suddenly made the whole scene grimly real. 19:43.360 --> 19:49.280 He was a tall, well-built man in his late 30s, immaculately dressed and perfectly groomed. 19:49.280 --> 19:52.080 At first sight, his face seemed pleasant enough. 19:52.080 --> 19:56.200 But on closer scrutiny, his gray eyes were hard and cold. 19:56.200 --> 20:00.680 He looked us over, all of us, with arrogance and superiority. 20:00.680 --> 20:02.920 I heartily wished I was elsewhere. 20:02.920 --> 20:06.040 This was one scene I had no desire to witness. 20:06.040 --> 20:08.560 After the introductions were over, we sat down to dinner. 20:08.560 --> 20:11.120 Is it still nasty outside, Mr. Bedford? 20:11.120 --> 20:12.120 Yes, and getting worse. 20:12.120 --> 20:14.120 Looks like we're in for a few days, are they? 20:14.120 --> 20:15.120 Too bad. 20:15.120 --> 20:16.120 I was going to do some writing tomorrow. 20:16.120 --> 20:17.120 The soup is excellent. 20:17.120 --> 20:18.120 Yes, your cook should be congratulated, son. 20:18.120 --> 20:19.120 The soup's a masterpiece. 20:19.120 --> 20:20.120 Poor Alice. 20:20.120 --> 20:21.120 She's been my cook for 20 years. 20:21.120 --> 20:29.120 But she's given me notice, absolutely refuses to stay here, says this house is haunted. 20:29.120 --> 20:30.120 So? 20:30.120 --> 20:32.080 Sir, this might make an interesting story for you. 20:32.080 --> 20:33.080 Yes, Sir William. 20:33.080 --> 20:34.680 You should speak to her. 20:34.680 --> 20:38.640 Alice swears that she has seen the figure of an elderly lady with finger marks on her 20:38.640 --> 20:40.640 throat walking about this house. 20:40.640 --> 20:43.240 Come now, Sir William. 20:43.240 --> 20:45.760 This is too good. 20:45.760 --> 20:49.040 Such an obvious attempt to frighten me. 20:49.040 --> 20:51.600 Sir William is convinced that I murdered my aunt. 20:51.600 --> 20:54.440 Please, Sir William, a little more subtlety. 20:54.440 --> 20:55.440 Surely I deserve it. 20:55.440 --> 20:58.000 Perhaps the cook did see the figure. 20:58.000 --> 21:00.880 As you very well know, Mr Bedford, I don't believe in ghosts. 21:00.880 --> 21:03.920 And I'm sure my cook never saw this elderly figure. 21:03.920 --> 21:04.920 It's all in her mind. 21:04.920 --> 21:08.800 Well, I'm afraid your little attempt didn't work, sir, but I must admire your graceful 21:08.800 --> 21:09.800 admittance of its failure. 21:09.800 --> 21:12.080 Well, I suppose I'd better give up, shouldn't I? 21:12.080 --> 21:13.400 Oh, no, no, no, never give up. 21:13.400 --> 21:15.360 If at first you don't succeed, you know. 21:15.360 --> 21:18.480 Do you live very far from here, Mr Bedford? 21:18.480 --> 21:21.060 Thank you, Miss Stone, but there's no need to change the topic. 21:21.060 --> 21:23.480 I hope you find this game as amusing as I do. 21:23.480 --> 21:27.560 I'm sorry, Mr Bedford, but this isn't my idea of pleasant dinner conversation. 21:27.560 --> 21:30.200 Oh, we'll talk of pleasant things. 21:30.200 --> 21:32.240 I saw a very exciting play last night. 21:32.240 --> 21:33.240 Excuse me a moment. 21:33.240 --> 21:34.680 It's really fearfully hot in here. 21:34.680 --> 21:36.560 Do you mind if we get a little air, please? 21:36.560 --> 21:37.560 Oh, I'm sorry. 21:37.560 --> 21:38.560 It is rather warm. 21:38.560 --> 21:40.960 Lane, open one of the windows, please. 21:40.960 --> 21:43.000 Yes, sir. 21:43.000 --> 21:44.360 Awful weather, isn't it? 21:44.360 --> 21:45.360 Yes. 21:45.360 --> 21:46.360 I don't know how we're going to get home, really. 21:46.360 --> 21:47.880 It's a bad month of the year. 21:47.880 --> 21:49.760 I'd intended to go to the Riviera for... 21:49.760 --> 21:50.760 What's the matter? 21:50.760 --> 21:51.760 Honest. 21:51.760 --> 21:53.600 Lane, what on earth is wrong with the lights? 21:53.600 --> 21:54.600 I don't know, sir. 21:54.600 --> 21:56.240 Well, don't stand there. 21:56.240 --> 21:57.240 Light the candles. 21:57.240 --> 21:59.360 Sit here in the darkness and get the chauffeur. 21:59.360 --> 22:00.960 He knows something about electric lights. 22:00.960 --> 22:03.760 I'll call the chauffeur right away, sir. 22:03.760 --> 22:05.360 I'm terribly sorry about this. 22:05.360 --> 22:07.400 We've had trouble with the wiring before. 22:07.400 --> 22:09.680 The chauffeur will have it fixed in a few moments. 22:09.680 --> 22:11.480 Now, let's get on with our dinner. 22:11.480 --> 22:13.520 If this is one of your tricks, Sir William, I... 22:13.520 --> 22:15.720 Oh, have some more wine, Mr Bedford. 22:15.720 --> 22:18.200 It was a tense and terrible moment. 22:18.200 --> 22:19.960 I looked at Roberta. 22:19.960 --> 22:21.520 She was pale and frightened. 22:21.520 --> 22:24.960 Bedford, for all his poise, was uneasy. 22:24.960 --> 22:26.760 He didn't know whether Sir William was planning anything 22:26.760 --> 22:29.200 or whether this was really an accident. 22:29.200 --> 22:34.160 My heart was pounding away and my palms were moist with perspiration. 22:34.160 --> 22:35.680 Only Sir William appeared cool. 22:35.680 --> 22:38.440 There was not a trace of emotion in his face. 22:38.440 --> 22:41.640 Oh, Mr Bedford, you were saying about visiting the Riviera. 22:41.640 --> 22:42.640 Yes. 22:42.640 --> 22:44.840 It's quite a change from England at this time of year. 22:44.840 --> 22:49.240 I suppose I'll make the trip next month, but no... 22:49.240 --> 22:50.240 What's the matter, Mr Bedford? 22:50.240 --> 22:51.240 Nothing. 22:51.240 --> 22:52.240 Nothing at all. 22:52.240 --> 22:53.920 I wish we could have some light. 22:53.920 --> 22:54.920 It's rather difficult to see. 22:54.920 --> 22:58.360 I'm terribly sorry this had to happen just at dinner. 22:58.360 --> 22:59.760 Have a little more wine, Mr Bedford. 22:59.760 --> 23:02.520 Yes, yes, thank you. 23:02.520 --> 23:05.200 The figure of a woman had entered the room. 23:05.200 --> 23:08.160 She had come in silently, like a ghost. 23:08.160 --> 23:13.480 We all saw her, but not one of us moved or made a sign of recognition. 23:13.480 --> 23:17.360 In the dim candlelight, she looked ghostly and unreal. 23:17.360 --> 23:21.480 Bedford looked at all of us to see if we also had seen the figure, 23:21.480 --> 23:23.320 but we ate our dinner grimly. 23:23.320 --> 23:28.640 He looked again, then shook his head and gulped more wine. 23:28.640 --> 23:30.520 Don't any of you see anything? 23:30.520 --> 23:31.880 See what, Mr Bedford? 23:31.880 --> 23:33.640 This is another one of your tricks. 23:33.640 --> 23:36.200 Can't any of you see her? 23:36.200 --> 23:37.520 What's got into you, Bedford? 23:37.520 --> 23:39.040 It's my aunt. 23:39.040 --> 23:40.720 My aunt! 23:40.720 --> 23:43.000 Perhaps you've had too much to drink. 23:43.000 --> 23:44.880 Your aunt's dead, Mr Bedford. 23:44.880 --> 23:47.640 You're not seeing ghosts, I hope. 23:47.640 --> 23:48.640 Perhaps I drank too much. 23:48.640 --> 23:51.960 Yes, of course. 23:51.960 --> 23:53.760 She's coming toward me. 23:53.760 --> 23:54.760 Calm yourself. 23:54.760 --> 23:56.680 I've never seen you like this. 23:56.680 --> 23:58.400 There's no one else here. 23:58.400 --> 23:59.400 Do you see anyone, Roberta? 23:59.400 --> 24:01.400 No, no, Sir William. 24:01.400 --> 24:03.360 I don't either. 24:03.360 --> 24:04.560 I'm leaving. 24:04.560 --> 24:06.680 I can't make you out, Bedford. 24:06.680 --> 24:07.680 You don't seem to be drunk. 24:07.680 --> 24:12.680 You're not wearing your gloves today, John. 24:12.680 --> 24:13.680 She's real. 24:13.680 --> 24:15.160 Can't any of you see her? 24:15.160 --> 24:16.800 Can't you hear her? 24:16.800 --> 24:17.800 What's come over you, Bedford? 24:17.800 --> 24:18.800 I'm leaving here. 24:18.800 --> 24:19.800 She's at the door. 24:19.800 --> 24:20.800 She won't let me out now. 24:20.800 --> 24:25.040 I'm an old woman. 24:25.040 --> 24:28.040 Money is no good for me. 24:28.040 --> 24:31.040 I'm lonely, John. 24:31.040 --> 24:34.040 I'm lonely. 24:34.040 --> 24:37.000 Let me buy a mother out of my way. 24:37.000 --> 24:38.000 There's no one in your way, Bedford. 24:38.000 --> 24:39.000 Come, sit down. 24:39.000 --> 24:40.000 Get away from that door. 24:40.000 --> 24:41.000 I'll murder you again. 24:41.000 --> 24:42.000 Give me a mother. 24:42.000 --> 24:43.000 I'll murder you again. 24:43.000 --> 24:44.000 You always shall murder you again. 24:44.000 --> 24:45.000 All right. 24:45.000 --> 24:46.000 I'm leaving. 24:46.000 --> 24:47.000 I'm leaving. 24:47.000 --> 24:48.000 I'm leaving. 24:48.000 --> 24:49.000 I'm leaving. 24:49.000 --> 24:50.000 I'm leaving. 24:50.000 --> 24:51.000 I'm leaving. 24:51.000 --> 24:52.000 All right. 24:52.000 --> 24:53.000 Switch on the lights. 24:53.000 --> 24:54.000 Oh, Officer Graham. 24:54.000 --> 24:55.000 Come along. 24:55.000 --> 24:56.000 Arrest him. 24:56.000 --> 24:57.000 You've heard the confession. 24:57.000 --> 24:58.000 Put the handcuffs on him. 24:58.000 --> 24:59.000 I've got him, sir. 24:59.000 --> 25:03.000 I have never seen anything so horrible. 25:03.000 --> 25:07.000 Well, Bedford, it seems that I've finally caught up with you. 25:07.000 --> 25:08.000 I'll kill her again. 25:08.000 --> 25:09.000 I'll kill her again. 25:09.000 --> 25:10.560 That wasn't your aunt. 25:10.560 --> 25:12.000 It was May Wakefield, the actress. 25:12.000 --> 25:13.000 I'll kill her again. 25:13.000 --> 25:15.000 I'll kill her again. 25:15.000 --> 25:16.000 Take him away, Graham. 25:16.000 --> 25:20.000 He's in a state of shock. 25:20.000 --> 25:23.000 Well, shall we continue with our dinner? 25:23.000 --> 25:26.000 I hope you're fully satisfied, Sir William. 25:26.000 --> 25:27.000 Quite. 25:27.000 --> 25:30.000 It's been a long job, but it has ended as I knew it would. 25:30.000 --> 25:32.000 I'm most grateful to you both for your help. 25:32.000 --> 25:34.000 I thought it was a pretty grim affair. 25:34.000 --> 25:36.000 Oh, your methods repel me. 25:36.000 --> 25:38.000 But I suppose you know your job. 25:38.000 --> 25:40.000 May Wakefield certainly knew hers. 25:40.000 --> 25:42.000 That was the finest piece of acting I've ever seen. 25:42.000 --> 25:44.000 Her makeup was incredibly good. 25:44.000 --> 25:46.000 We must congratulate her. 25:46.000 --> 25:47.000 She's probably gone to her room. 25:47.000 --> 25:48.000 Lane! 25:48.000 --> 25:49.000 Yes, sir? 25:49.000 --> 25:50.000 Please call Miss Wakefield. 25:50.000 --> 25:52.000 Miss Wakefield, sir? 25:52.000 --> 25:54.000 Yes, the lady who's been assisting us this evening. 25:54.000 --> 25:57.000 Well, I'll look for her, sir. 25:57.000 --> 25:59.000 Tell her to come down and join us. 25:59.000 --> 26:00.000 We have a fine dinner waiting for her. 26:00.000 --> 26:01.000 Excuse me, sir. 26:01.000 --> 26:03.000 This telegram came a little while ago. 26:03.000 --> 26:06.000 I didn't want to disturb you during dinner. 26:06.000 --> 26:08.000 Oh, yes, let me have it. 26:12.000 --> 26:13.000 Good heavens. 26:13.000 --> 26:15.000 Sir William, what's wrong? 26:17.000 --> 26:19.000 I'll read it to you. 26:20.000 --> 26:26.000 Severe influenza makes it impossible for me to leave my bed tonight. 26:27.000 --> 26:29.000 Will tomorrow night do. 26:30.000 --> 26:33.000 Signed, May Wakefield. 26:36.000 --> 26:38.000 Lord, help us. 26:38.000 --> 26:43.000 If it wasn't May Wakefield, then who was that figure here tonight? 26:44.000 --> 26:46.000 There was no answer. 26:46.000 --> 26:49.000 I looked at Sir William, staring at the telegram. 26:49.000 --> 26:51.000 His face was gray and stony. 26:51.000 --> 26:54.000 On his left temple, a crooked blue vein stood out. 26:54.000 --> 26:58.000 It twitched once or twice and then was motionless. 26:58.000 --> 27:00.000 He looked? 27:00.000 --> 27:08.000 He looked as though he'd seen a ghost. 27:12.000 --> 27:17.000 And so closes Banquo's Chair, starring Donald Crisp and John Loder. 27:17.000 --> 27:22.000 Tonight's tale of suspense. 27:24.000 --> 27:29.000 Now you may want to make a note of a change of time in these programs. 27:29.000 --> 27:34.000 Beginning next Tuesday, suspense will be heard a half hour later, 27:34.000 --> 27:38.000 or 10 to 10.30 Eastern War time. 27:43.000 --> 27:48.000 This is your narrator, the man in black, who conveys to you Columbia's invitation 27:48.000 --> 27:53.000 to spend this half hour in suspense with us at our new time next Tuesday, 27:53.000 --> 27:59.000 when Vincent Price, Ona Munson and Osa Masson will star in the suspense play 27:59.000 --> 28:02.000 Five Canaries in the Room. 28:02.000 --> 28:07.000 The producer of these broadcasts is William Spear, with Ted Bliss, the director, 28:07.000 --> 28:11.000 Lud Gluskin and Lucian Marowick, conductor and composer, 28:11.000 --> 28:32.000 and Edmund Miller, the radio author, collaborated on tonight's suspense. 28:32.000 --> 28:47.000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.