WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:01.000 Suspense. 00:30.000 --> 00:42.000 This is the Man in Black, here again to introduce Columbia's program, Suspense. 00:42.000 --> 00:48.000 Tonight in one of her rare radio appearances, we bring you one of Hollywood's most idolized personalities, 00:48.000 --> 00:54.000 Miss Dolores Costello. With such noteworthy and distinguished players as Mr. Martin Koslik, 00:54.000 --> 01:02.000 Mr. George Zuko, and Mr. Ian Wolfe, Miss Costello appears in a story of today played against the background of the new order in Europe, 01:02.000 --> 01:10.000 the story of an oppressed people who use strange and effective methods in dealing with their oppressors and with traitors. 01:10.000 --> 01:17.000 The story tonight is called The King's Birthday and was written by Corporal Lewis Pelletier, AUS. 01:17.000 --> 01:25.000 And with the performances of Dolores Costello as the Danish Countess Elsa, of Martin Koslik as the Nazi go-lighter, 01:25.000 --> 01:32.000 Reitman, of George Zuko as Dr. Ericsson, and of Ian Wolfe as old Peter of Cronwald Castle, 01:32.000 --> 01:40.000 we again hope to keep you in. Suspense. 01:40.000 --> 01:48.000 They come to the castle almost every day now, the Gestapo trying to question me. But it seems I'm very stupid. 01:48.000 --> 01:54.000 Somehow I don't give the right answer. Perhaps it's my advanced age. 01:54.000 --> 02:02.000 When they question me about the night of the king's birthday, I get confused. I ramble on in the fashion of old people. 02:02.000 --> 02:12.000 Gentlemen, Cronwald Castle is 300 years old. For all those years, Cronwald has been a symbol of Danish liberty. 02:12.000 --> 02:19.000 Gentlemen, the sea waves beat against the rocks of Cronwald. The sea is deep. 02:19.000 --> 02:24.000 Ah, the sea knows everything. Ask her. 02:24.000 --> 02:30.000 Stop babbling nonsense, you old fool. Ask her my question. Did you know about those notes? 02:30.000 --> 02:34.000 But of course, Herr Lieutenant, everybody in the district knows about them. 02:34.000 --> 02:39.000 The notes said Count Victor would kill himself on the night of the king's birthday. 02:39.000 --> 02:40.000 Did you see the notes? 02:40.000 --> 02:46.000 Oh, no, Herr Lieutenant. But the notes said that Count Victor would kill himself because of his great shame. 02:46.000 --> 02:52.000 That I do know. And the notes said the exact time, 12 midnight. 02:52.000 --> 02:54.000 So, so you know the exact time. 02:54.000 --> 03:01.000 Yes, yes, I'm fond of clocks, you see. My father had a clock that told the time with a bird jumping out. 03:01.000 --> 03:04.000 The bird whistled like this. 03:04.000 --> 03:08.000 Stop that insane chirping. 03:08.000 --> 03:10.000 Yes, Herr Lieutenant. 03:10.000 --> 03:16.000 I'll take care of you later. Perhaps I'll have something that will improve your memory. Stay there till I call you. 03:16.000 --> 03:21.000 Yes, Herr Lieutenant. 03:21.000 --> 03:26.000 There's nothing to matter with my memory. I could tell them a thing or two if I wanted. 03:26.000 --> 03:29.000 I could tell them how it all happened. 03:29.000 --> 03:33.000 It began two days before the king's birthday. 03:33.000 --> 03:39.000 That was the day the new Nazi Gauleiter, Herr Reichmann, came to the castle to see the Countess Elsa. 03:39.000 --> 03:42.000 I was told to show him to the library. 03:42.000 --> 03:50.000 It was cold and gray, and the sea was pounding on the rocks, very angry, like it always is in November. 03:50.000 --> 03:56.000 The new Gauleiter sat by the fireplace and warmed his hands and called for a glass of brandy. 03:56.000 --> 03:58.000 And bring some soda, too, please. 03:58.000 --> 04:00.000 Yes, Herr Reichmann. 04:00.000 --> 04:02.000 How soon did your mistress say she would see me? 04:02.000 --> 04:04.000 In a few minutes, Herr Reichmann. 04:04.000 --> 04:06.000 You told her it was most urgent. 04:06.000 --> 04:09.000 Yes, yes, I told her. She'll be with you soon. 04:09.000 --> 04:16.000 I doubt it. Most women's idea of soon is the best part of an hour. In my country, we train our women to... 04:16.000 --> 04:17.000 The brandy, Herr Reichmann. 04:17.000 --> 04:21.000 Oh, thank you. Yes, in Germany, we... 04:21.000 --> 04:25.000 Hmm, Courvoisier. Ready to get brandy like this. 04:25.000 --> 04:29.000 Count Victor can get many things that are forbidden to his countrymen, Herr Reichmann. 04:29.000 --> 04:31.000 Count Victor's cellar is well-stocked. 04:31.000 --> 04:32.000 Is it really? 04:32.000 --> 04:39.000 Yes. We have meat at the castle. Nobody in Denmark has meat. Only Kronwall Castle. 04:39.000 --> 04:40.000 You're lucky. 04:40.000 --> 04:43.000 So they say. Shall I leave the brandy, sir? 04:43.000 --> 04:48.000 Yes, but you stay here a minute. Tell me, what's your name? 04:48.000 --> 04:49.000 Peter, sir. 04:49.000 --> 04:56.000 Ah, yes, Peter. You have been at Kronwall since you were a child. Sixty-three years. Am I correct? 04:56.000 --> 04:58.000 Why, why, yes. How did you... 04:58.000 --> 05:03.000 It's my business to know a lot of things, Peter. You don't approve of Count Victor, do you? 05:03.000 --> 05:05.000 It's not my place, sir, to... 05:05.000 --> 05:12.000 Three days ago in the marketplace, you were heard to make an indiscreet remark concerning Count Victor's collaboration with Berlin. 05:12.000 --> 05:15.000 I think a word very close to traitor was used. 05:15.000 --> 05:16.000 Was it, sir? 05:16.000 --> 05:18.000 What do you think? 05:18.000 --> 05:25.000 I think, Herr Reichmann, the fire is in need of some more wood. If you'll excuse me, I'll get some. 05:25.000 --> 05:27.000 Do by all means. And Peter. 05:27.000 --> 05:28.000 Yes, sir? 05:28.000 --> 05:33.000 Tell your mistress that I do not intend to spend all afternoon here. My business is urgent and I... 05:33.000 --> 05:36.000 You may tell the Countess yourself, sir. 05:36.000 --> 05:37.000 Herr Reichmann. 05:37.000 --> 05:40.000 Countess Elster, excuse me. I was just saying... 05:40.000 --> 05:43.000 That's quite all right here, Reichmann. Sit down, please. 05:43.000 --> 05:44.000 Thank you. 05:44.000 --> 05:48.000 Peter told me your business was urgent. I hope I haven't kept you. 05:48.000 --> 05:55.000 No, not at all. My business is urgent. But as a new garliter of this district, I am at combined social pleasure with business and... 05:55.000 --> 05:57.000 Oh, that's very kind of you. 05:57.000 --> 05:59.000 I had hoped that my wife, Frau Reichmann... 05:59.000 --> 06:01.000 Oh, of course. You must ask her to call sometime. 06:01.000 --> 06:08.000 Yes, I will. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Count Victor, it would be a great honor if we may call as soon as he returns from Berlin. 06:08.000 --> 06:10.000 Certainly, Herr Reichmann. 06:10.000 --> 06:11.000 Thank you. 06:11.000 --> 06:13.000 And this urgent business? 06:13.000 --> 06:17.000 Yes, we come to that. Do you mind if I smoke? 06:17.000 --> 06:18.000 Not at all. 06:18.000 --> 06:22.000 A good cigar always makes unpleasant things easier to tell. 06:22.000 --> 06:26.000 Sounds almost as if you had rehearsed that line on the way to the castle, Herr Reichmann. 06:26.000 --> 06:30.000 I did. And since it was ineffective, I'll be blunt, Countess. 06:30.000 --> 06:31.000 I'd prefer it. 06:31.000 --> 06:43.000 Three days ago, Countess, to be exact, on the day I arrived at Kronwald to begin my duties as garliter of this district, I found this note on my desk. Read it, please. 06:43.000 --> 06:49.000 Count Victor of Kronwald will kill himself on the night of the King's birthday. 06:49.000 --> 06:55.000 That note was on my desk in the morning. At noon I found this one. Read it, please. 06:55.000 --> 07:04.000 Count Victor of Kronwald will repudiate his Nazi collaborators. He will choose the night of the King's birthday for his death. 07:04.000 --> 07:11.000 I thought at first it was some crank, but the notes kept coming. Then I heard that everybody in the district believed what the note said. 07:11.000 --> 07:18.000 In every house and shop and farm, they are saying that Count Victor is going to kill himself. You see why I said my business was urgent. 07:18.000 --> 07:20.000 Yes, yes, I see. 07:20.000 --> 07:27.000 It's not that I have the slightest fear for the Count's safety, but the writer of these notes must be found and treated with severest penalties. 07:27.000 --> 07:29.000 You have no fear for my husband's safety? 07:29.000 --> 07:34.000 Of course not. Certainly no anonymous letter writer could force a Count to take his own life. 07:34.000 --> 07:36.000 Hmm. I wonder. 07:36.000 --> 07:37.000 What do you mean? 07:37.000 --> 07:39.000 You wish me to be frank with you. 07:39.000 --> 07:41.000 Naturally. 07:41.000 --> 07:44.000 You know that my husband is hated by the whole countryside? 07:44.000 --> 07:47.000 What of it? People here are too stupid to know what's good for them. 07:47.000 --> 07:53.000 Perhaps. But the writer of these notes seems to be a little less than stupid. 07:53.000 --> 07:55.000 You think so? 07:55.000 --> 08:04.000 If you knew Danish history here, Reichmann, you might agree. For hundreds of years, the night of the King's birthday has been a special occasion at Grunwald. 08:04.000 --> 08:10.000 On that night, the Castle renews its pledge of loyalty to the King and to Denmark's freedom. 08:10.000 --> 08:12.000 Hmm. A very theatrical gesture. 08:12.000 --> 08:17.000 Hmm. Quite. But if anyone wished to remind Count Victor... 08:17.000 --> 08:21.000 If someone wished to remind the Count that he had chosen our glorious Fuhrer for his leader... 08:21.000 --> 08:29.000 Yes. The night of the King's birthday would be, shall we say, the psychologically correct time to do it. 08:29.000 --> 08:30.000 You reason well, Countess. 08:30.000 --> 08:32.000 I know my countrymen. 08:32.000 --> 08:33.000 Evidently. 08:33.000 --> 08:36.000 I can see how these notes would inflame their imagination. 08:36.000 --> 08:45.000 If Count Victor would have taken his own life as a public repudiation of his present political bonds, the whole country would be stirred to its depths. 08:45.000 --> 08:51.000 I see. You seem to view the possibility of your husband's death rather calmly, Countess. 08:51.000 --> 08:58.000 Like you, Herr Reichmann, I have no fear for his safety. I am only presenting the political possibilities. 08:58.000 --> 09:05.000 Quite so. And since you grasp the full significance of the notes, you understand that I must take certain liberties... 09:05.000 --> 09:07.000 ...in order to track down the writer. 09:07.000 --> 09:08.000 Liberties? 09:08.000 --> 09:12.000 Yes. I shall ask your permission to talk with Dr. Erickson. 09:12.000 --> 09:14.000 Oh, Dr. Erickson? 09:14.000 --> 09:16.000 I'm told he lives here at the castle. 09:16.000 --> 09:17.000 Yes, but... 09:17.000 --> 09:19.000 I should like to talk with Dr. Erickson. 09:19.000 --> 09:24.000 As you wish. Peter will show you to the doctor's study. However, I assure you... 09:24.000 --> 09:29.000 My time is short, Countess. I understand that Dr. Erickson is one of your country's able psychiatrists. 09:29.000 --> 09:35.000 And the standard of Dr. Erickson is an authority on mass suggestion. His health should be invaluable. 09:48.000 --> 09:50.000 Dr. Erickson! 09:50.000 --> 09:54.000 Yes, Peter. Show the gentleman in. 09:54.000 --> 10:03.000 Sit down, Herr Reichmann. Don't be alarmed about these mice. I'll remove them just as soon as Herman here gets through the maze. 10:03.000 --> 10:09.000 Watch him. He's really quite clever. I've been trying him on liver extract and... 10:09.000 --> 10:17.000 Ah, he made it. Good night, Herman. Now off to bed. 10:17.000 --> 10:22.000 I've been expecting you, Herr Reichmann. Please sit down. 10:22.000 --> 10:23.000 Thank you. 10:23.000 --> 10:26.000 You've come to see me about the notes, am I right? 10:26.000 --> 10:27.000 Yes, you're right, Doctor. 10:27.000 --> 10:36.000 When I first heard about them, I said to myself, the new goleiter will want my theory concerning the type of mind which would be prompted to write such notes. 10:36.000 --> 10:38.000 I'll tell you my theory, Herr Reichmann. 10:38.000 --> 10:42.000 I don't want your theory, Doctor. I want you to answer some questions. 10:42.000 --> 10:46.000 Oh, so it's like that. And perhaps you want a sample of my handwriting, too. 10:46.000 --> 10:47.000 I'm not a fool, Doctor. 10:47.000 --> 10:49.000 That's very possible. 10:49.000 --> 10:53.000 How long have you been treating Count Victor for a certain nervous disorder? 10:53.000 --> 10:54.000 Five years. 10:54.000 --> 10:56.000 What would you say is his condition now? 10:56.000 --> 10:59.000 You've never met Count Victor, have you, Herr Reichmann? 10:59.000 --> 11:00.000 No. 11:00.000 --> 11:07.000 When you talk with him, you'll see no outward sign of his malady. It manifests itself only during periods of despondency. 11:07.000 --> 11:11.000 In the last few years, I am happy to say that these periods have been infrequent. 11:11.000 --> 11:14.000 Count Victor depends a good deal on you, doesn't he, Doctor? 11:14.000 --> 11:17.000 Perhaps. I've almost cured him. 11:17.000 --> 11:21.000 In return, he's given me this laboratory and money for my experiments. 11:21.000 --> 11:24.000 But you do have a great deal of influence on his mental processes. 11:24.000 --> 11:28.000 Yes, Herr Reichmann, I do. 11:28.000 --> 11:36.000 In fact, if I decided to, shall we say, liquidate Count Victor, I would have written the notes exactly as the people say they are written. 11:36.000 --> 11:41.000 Like all nervous people, the Count would be highly susceptible to such mental attack. 11:41.000 --> 11:43.000 That's what you wanted me to say, isn't it? 11:43.000 --> 11:44.000 Yes. 11:44.000 --> 11:45.000 We know, then, where we stand. 11:45.000 --> 11:49.000 Almost. One thing more I'll ask you, Doctor. 11:49.000 --> 11:54.000 Count Victor had a brother who left Kronberg and Denmark was occupied by our troops. 11:54.000 --> 11:58.000 That brother, Christian, is now known to be working with the Danish Underground. 11:58.000 --> 12:02.000 Formerly he was one of your students at the University. Is that right? 12:02.000 --> 12:05.000 Christian was one of my most brilliant students. 12:05.000 --> 12:06.000 Do you know where he is now? 12:06.000 --> 12:13.000 No, I don't. And neither does your Gestapo. That's the only thing we share in common. 12:13.000 --> 12:15.000 You are a very outspoken man, Doctor. 12:15.000 --> 12:17.000 I find it the best form of deception. 12:17.000 --> 12:21.000 Do you think it wise to try to deceive the lawful government of your country? 12:21.000 --> 12:25.000 Lawful government? You have a quaint sense of humor, Herr Reichmann. 12:25.000 --> 12:29.000 You may not find it so quaint if Count Victor ever removes his protection from you. 12:29.000 --> 12:37.000 He won't. When you've informed him of his impending suicide, as I presume you will, you'll see he'll need me more than ever. 12:37.000 --> 12:39.000 You do intend to show the notes to the Count, don't you? 12:39.000 --> 12:44.000 Yes. I will present myself to His Excellency tonight on his return from Berlin. 12:44.000 --> 12:47.000 His reactions to the notes will be most interesting. 12:47.000 --> 12:51.000 Would it inconvenience you if I would be present on the occasion? 12:51.000 --> 12:56.000 Oh, not at all, Doctor. I'd be delighted. Your own reactions should be most interesting too. 13:04.000 --> 13:07.000 Dad, that's what the people think, eh? They think they can kill me with words. 13:07.000 --> 13:09.000 They can't do that to me, can they, Doctor? 13:09.000 --> 13:11.000 Easy, Count Victor, easy. 13:11.000 --> 13:15.000 This childish note. Count Victor will kill himself on the night of the King's birthday. 13:15.000 --> 13:19.000 Because of his great shame here, I'll great shame them all right. They'll see that... 13:22.000 --> 13:25.000 Doctor, Doctor, a little of the brandy, please. 13:25.000 --> 13:28.000 Yes, of course, Count Victor. Now, you mustn't upset yourself. 13:28.000 --> 13:32.000 Who's upset? The whole thing is completely nonsensical, completely. 13:32.000 --> 13:37.000 Of course it is. Ask Herr Reichmann. His police have practically caught the writer of the notes, haven't they, Herr Reichmann? 13:37.000 --> 13:40.000 Practically, Doctor. You have nothing to worry about, Count Victor. 13:40.000 --> 13:41.000 You see? 13:41.000 --> 13:44.000 Doctor, tonight, if I need a sedative... 13:44.000 --> 13:45.000 Certainly, Count Victor. 13:45.000 --> 13:49.000 I'll show them. I'll give them a dinner here on the night of the King's birthday. Everyone will hear about it. 13:49.000 --> 13:51.000 They'll see who's afraid. I'll give a dinner. 13:51.000 --> 13:54.000 Herr Reichmann, will you be my guest at dinner? 13:54.000 --> 13:55.000 With pleasure, Count Victor. 13:55.000 --> 13:58.000 I'll light up this whole castle like a... like a Christmas tree. 13:58.000 --> 14:01.000 And also you'll wear that gown you wore at the palace in your jewels. 14:01.000 --> 14:03.000 You understand? You'll wear all your jewels. 14:03.000 --> 14:04.000 Yes, Victor. 14:04.000 --> 14:07.000 Kill me with words, eh? If it's words, after all, I'll give them words. 14:07.000 --> 14:11.000 Herr Reichmann, I'll... I'll make a statement to your newspapers on the night of the King's birthday. 14:11.000 --> 14:13.000 I'll stuff words down the people's throat. 14:13.000 --> 14:17.000 Yes. And there's someone in particular who'll read what I have to say. 14:17.000 --> 14:21.000 My brother, Christian. I want him especially to read it. 14:22.000 --> 14:25.000 Herr Reichmann. Have you ever seen my brother? 14:25.000 --> 14:26.000 No, Count Victor. 14:26.000 --> 14:29.000 His picture was in that empty frame up there next to mine. 14:29.000 --> 14:30.000 I destroyed his picture! 14:30.000 --> 14:33.000 Victor, you're getting excited. Dr. Erickson! 14:33.000 --> 14:37.000 Yes, you're right, Elsa. Sometimes the strain of my work is too much. 14:37.000 --> 14:42.000 Dr. Erickson, you'll... you'll talk to me for a while before I go to bed, won't you? 14:42.000 --> 14:44.000 Of course. Talk to you, Count Victor? 14:44.000 --> 14:47.000 Yes. The doctor has a way of calming my nerves. 14:47.000 --> 14:49.000 It's slightly hypnotic, isn't it, Doctor? 14:49.000 --> 14:51.000 You might call it that, Count Victor. 14:51.000 --> 14:52.000 Count Victor, I'd strongly advise... 14:52.000 --> 14:55.000 No, no. It's the only thing that helps me, eh? 14:55.000 --> 14:58.000 Just go quietly to sleep while the doctor talks. 14:58.000 --> 14:59.000 But, Count Victor... 14:59.000 --> 15:03.000 Good night, Herr Reichmann. I'll expect you here for dinner on the night of the King's birthday. 15:03.000 --> 15:04.000 Of course, Count Victor. 15:04.000 --> 15:05.000 Elsa. 15:05.000 --> 15:06.000 Yes, Victor. 15:06.000 --> 15:08.000 They can't hurt me with words, can they? 15:08.000 --> 15:09.000 No, Victor. 15:09.000 --> 15:13.000 They can't hurt me if I don't listen, can they? If I shut my ears, I'll be all right. 15:13.000 --> 15:16.000 That's it. Shut my ears. 15:16.000 --> 15:20.000 I won't listen. I won't listen. 15:20.000 --> 15:31.000 I won't listen. I won't listen. I won't listen. 15:31.000 --> 15:32.000 Herr Gauleiter. 15:32.000 --> 15:33.000 Yes, Lieutenant? 15:33.000 --> 15:34.000 While you were out to lunch. 15:34.000 --> 15:36.000 You needn't tell me. It's another note. 15:36.000 --> 15:37.000 Yes, Herr Gauleiter. 15:37.000 --> 15:39.000 Where did you find it this time? 15:39.000 --> 15:41.000 I... I hesitate to... 15:41.000 --> 15:43.000 Speak up! Speak up! 15:43.000 --> 15:49.000 I found it, Herr Gauleiter, in the pocket of my own tunic when I was about to go on duty. 15:49.000 --> 15:53.000 Never mind the details. I found one of them under my pillow this morning. 15:53.000 --> 15:56.000 Count Victor called me and said there was one delivered with his morning paper. 15:56.000 --> 16:00.000 A farmer came in here at eight o'clock. He found one near to his door. 16:00.000 --> 16:02.000 Lieutenant, it has got to stop! 16:02.000 --> 16:03.000 Yes, Herr Gauleiter. 16:03.000 --> 16:07.000 Just as our Fuhrer says, if you tell a lie often enough, everybody believes it. 16:07.000 --> 16:09.000 That's true, Herr Gauleiter. 16:09.000 --> 16:10.000 Is it? 16:10.000 --> 16:11.000 Well, as the Gauleiter says... 16:11.000 --> 16:13.000 Do you believe Count Victor will kill himself? 16:13.000 --> 16:15.000 Oh, no, Herr Gauleiter. 16:15.000 --> 16:19.000 Rather do I. But the Countess was right about one thing. 16:19.000 --> 16:24.000 If he did kill himself after all these notes, the effect on the people would be electrifying. 16:24.000 --> 16:25.000 But you just said that... 16:25.000 --> 16:28.000 I am talking about effects, Lieutenant. 16:28.000 --> 16:32.000 From what I have seen of the Count, he is too much of a coward to take his own life. 16:32.000 --> 16:36.000 But if someone else killed him and made it look like suicide... 16:36.000 --> 16:39.000 Yes, yes, it could be done, but how? 16:39.000 --> 16:43.000 How? I don't know. There will be four of us at dinner. 16:43.000 --> 16:46.000 I have ordered 50 guards to patrol the grounds. 16:46.000 --> 16:49.000 Four guards will be stationed in the dining room while we eat. 16:49.000 --> 16:52.000 No one can get near the Count. It's impossible to kill him. 16:52.000 --> 16:55.000 But in this strange country, you can't even trust the impossible. 17:01.000 --> 17:03.000 They say the castle is guarded tonight. 17:03.000 --> 17:04.000 Fifty soldiers. 17:04.000 --> 17:07.000 They say the Count locked himself in his room all day writing. 17:07.000 --> 17:09.000 A message to the people, they say. 17:09.000 --> 17:12.000 They say the Gauleiter has five Gestappelmen at the castle besides the soldiers. 17:12.000 --> 17:14.000 One Gestappelman is watching the food for poison. 17:19.000 --> 17:20.000 Wait a minute, you. 17:20.000 --> 17:23.000 Taste that wine before you bring it into the dining room. 17:23.000 --> 17:24.000 What did you say, sir? 17:24.000 --> 17:26.000 I said, taste that wine. 17:26.000 --> 17:29.000 Oh, oh, taste it. Why, of course. 17:31.000 --> 17:33.000 Ah, it's very good, sir. 17:33.000 --> 17:35.000 Did you doubt its quality? 17:35.000 --> 17:36.000 Don't be insolent. 17:37.000 --> 17:38.000 All right. 17:38.000 --> 17:39.000 Let me take it in. 17:39.000 --> 17:40.000 Thank you, sir. 17:40.000 --> 17:42.000 And if there's any left after that through... 17:42.000 --> 17:44.000 I'll take care of you, sir. 17:47.000 --> 17:49.000 Ah, more wine. Good boy, Peter. 17:49.000 --> 17:50.000 Set it right here. 17:50.000 --> 17:52.000 We'll drink another toast to the King. 17:52.000 --> 17:54.000 Oh, Victor, I think we've drunk enough. 17:54.000 --> 17:56.000 Oh, nonsense. This is the King's birthday dinner. 17:56.000 --> 17:57.000 We've got to drink to the King. 17:57.000 --> 17:58.000 Oh, Peter. 17:58.000 --> 17:59.000 Yes, sir? 17:59.000 --> 18:02.000 Did they make you taste that wine before you brought it in? 18:02.000 --> 18:03.000 Yes, doctor, they did. 18:03.000 --> 18:04.000 What's this? 18:04.000 --> 18:06.000 What's this about tasting wine? 18:06.000 --> 18:08.000 A simple precaution of mine, Convictor. 18:08.000 --> 18:09.000 I hope you don't mind. 18:09.000 --> 18:12.000 Mind? No, no, I don't mind, but you don't think that... 18:12.000 --> 18:14.000 Now, Victor, don't get upset. 18:14.000 --> 18:17.000 Well, so for the love of heaven, stop repeating that inane phrase. 18:17.000 --> 18:19.000 I'm saying that all through dinner. I'm not upset, not upset. 18:19.000 --> 18:23.000 I... just want to know what's going on. 18:23.000 --> 18:25.000 What have I got to be upset about? 18:25.000 --> 18:29.000 I, uh... you... you're more nervous than I am. 18:29.000 --> 18:31.000 I can understand the Countess's feeling. 18:31.000 --> 18:34.000 This is the first dinner I've ever had with four soldiers 18:34.000 --> 18:36.000 observing my digestive processes. 18:36.000 --> 18:38.000 Don't you think, Herr Reichmann? 18:38.000 --> 18:40.000 I must insist, doctor, that the soldiers remain. 18:40.000 --> 18:42.000 Well, at least ask them to sit down. 18:42.000 --> 18:43.000 Refleiter. 18:43.000 --> 18:44.000 Yes, Herr Gauleiter. 18:44.000 --> 18:45.000 Your men may be seated. 18:45.000 --> 18:47.000 Thank you, Herr Gauleiter. 18:47.000 --> 18:49.000 Yes, sir. And Peter. 18:49.000 --> 18:52.000 Peter, go get some wine for the soldiers. 18:52.000 --> 18:53.000 Yes, sir. 18:53.000 --> 18:54.000 Yes. 18:54.000 --> 18:55.000 Everyone will have more wine, Peter. 18:55.000 --> 18:57.000 We're going to toast the King. 18:57.000 --> 18:58.000 The... 18:58.000 --> 18:59.000 What time is it, doctor? 18:59.000 --> 19:02.000 Five minutes to twelve, Count Victor. 19:02.000 --> 19:05.000 And I'm still alive. Peter, it's five minutes to twelve, 19:05.000 --> 19:06.000 and I'm still alive. 19:06.000 --> 19:07.000 Go get the wine, Peter. 19:07.000 --> 19:08.000 Yes, sir. 19:08.000 --> 19:11.000 You know... you know, Peter... 19:11.000 --> 19:14.000 Peter tells me everything they say down at the village. 19:14.000 --> 19:16.000 The people say I have five minutes to live. 19:16.000 --> 19:19.000 So, Peter tells you the village gossip. 19:19.000 --> 19:20.000 Oh, yes. 19:20.000 --> 19:21.000 He knows everything. 19:21.000 --> 19:23.000 It was Peter who discovered most of the notes 19:23.000 --> 19:24.000 and brought them to me. 19:24.000 --> 19:25.000 He brought you the notes? 19:25.000 --> 19:28.000 Oh, yes, and the last one said that the... 19:28.000 --> 19:29.000 Now, what did it say? 19:29.000 --> 19:31.000 Victor, can't we talk about something else? 19:31.000 --> 19:33.000 Why? Ask the doctor. 19:33.000 --> 19:35.000 He and I discussed it for hours. 19:35.000 --> 19:37.000 Well, the doctor told me about some sect 19:37.000 --> 19:39.000 over in the West Indies that disposes of an enemy 19:39.000 --> 19:41.000 by simply writing the victim's name on a piece of paper 19:41.000 --> 19:43.000 and sending it to him. 19:43.000 --> 19:46.000 Same sort of nonsense being tried on me. 19:46.000 --> 19:48.000 Isn't that your theory, doctor? 19:48.000 --> 19:49.000 Well, I... 19:49.000 --> 19:50.000 Dr. Erickson, in view of the Count's 19:50.000 --> 19:51.000 nervous condition, don't you think... 19:51.000 --> 19:53.000 Herr Gauleiter, my private life is my own affair. 19:53.000 --> 19:55.000 I'm not going to tell you anything. 19:55.000 --> 19:58.000 When you work for the Reich, Victor, 19:58.000 --> 20:00.000 you have no private life. 20:00.000 --> 20:02.000 I repeat, Dr. Erickson, 20:02.000 --> 20:04.000 in view of the Count's nervous disorder... 20:04.000 --> 20:06.000 As the Count's personal physician, 20:06.000 --> 20:08.000 I prescribe my own remedies. 20:08.000 --> 20:10.000 To know the truth about our gold practices 20:10.000 --> 20:12.000 is the best way to guard against them. 20:12.000 --> 20:13.000 Surely you don't think that... 20:13.000 --> 20:15.000 In hiatus, Herr Reichman, 20:15.000 --> 20:17.000 I saw a man die after receiving a note 20:17.000 --> 20:19.000 with his name on it. 20:19.000 --> 20:22.000 I don't explain it. I tell you a fact. 20:22.000 --> 20:26.000 You see, it's possible. 20:26.000 --> 20:27.000 It's a fact. 20:27.000 --> 20:29.000 I could be murdered with pen and ink. 20:29.000 --> 20:31.000 It could be done in exactly 20:31.000 --> 20:33.000 three minutes of my watches, right? 20:33.000 --> 20:36.000 Yes. Three minutes to live. 20:36.000 --> 20:38.000 Where's Peter without wine? 20:38.000 --> 20:40.000 Victor, if you will excuse me. 20:40.000 --> 20:41.000 I have a headache. 20:41.000 --> 20:42.000 You stay here, Elsa. 20:42.000 --> 20:44.000 No one leaves this room till midnight. 20:44.000 --> 20:45.000 Herr Gauleiter. 20:45.000 --> 20:46.000 Yes, Herr Gauleiter. 20:46.000 --> 20:47.000 Lock the door. 20:47.000 --> 20:48.000 Hold all the windows. 20:48.000 --> 20:49.000 Yes, Herr Gauleiter. 20:49.000 --> 20:50.000 Chill, Jason. 20:50.000 --> 20:51.000 Yes, that's right, boy. 20:51.000 --> 20:53.000 Yes, that's right. Hold everything. 20:53.000 --> 20:54.000 They won't come in here after me. 20:54.000 --> 20:55.000 They won't touch me. 20:55.000 --> 20:57.000 Victor, you're being absurd. I ask you. 20:57.000 --> 20:58.000 Countess, I think it best to comply 20:58.000 --> 20:59.000 with Count Victor's wishes. 20:59.000 --> 21:02.000 Humor me, my dear. Humor me. 21:02.000 --> 21:03.000 You'd never forgive yourself 21:03.000 --> 21:04.000 if you treated me unkindly 21:04.000 --> 21:07.000 during the last two minutes of my life. 21:07.000 --> 21:09.000 Especially since you wished me dead 21:09.000 --> 21:10.000 so many times. 21:10.000 --> 21:11.000 Victor. 21:11.000 --> 21:12.000 It's the truth, isn't it? 21:12.000 --> 21:13.000 Count Victor. 21:13.000 --> 21:14.000 Two minutes to live, doctor. 21:14.000 --> 21:15.000 This is a good time to hear Elsa's confession. 21:15.000 --> 21:16.000 I may say a word. 21:16.000 --> 21:18.000 You may not. 21:18.000 --> 21:20.000 Elsa, it's the truth, isn't it? 21:20.000 --> 21:21.000 Isn't it? 21:21.000 --> 21:23.000 Isn't it? 21:23.000 --> 21:25.000 Yes, Victor. 21:25.000 --> 21:27.000 It's the truth. 21:27.000 --> 21:29.000 I wish you were dead. 21:29.000 --> 21:33.000 I hate every minute I live under your roof. 21:33.000 --> 21:35.000 I hate the thing you've become. 21:35.000 --> 21:37.000 A Nazi puppet. 21:37.000 --> 21:40.000 I hate your sniveling goose-stepping mind 21:40.000 --> 21:42.000 just as I loathe this fat specimen 21:42.000 --> 21:44.000 of the super race you've invited to dinner. 21:44.000 --> 21:45.000 Herr Gauleiter, I... 21:45.000 --> 21:47.000 No, no, let her finish, Herr Gauleiter. 21:47.000 --> 21:49.000 Go on, Elsa. 21:49.000 --> 21:51.000 I despise you as a man. 21:51.000 --> 21:53.000 Your countrymen despise you. 21:53.000 --> 21:55.000 Even before the Nazis came, 21:55.000 --> 21:57.000 you were planning to sell us out. 21:57.000 --> 21:59.000 All that Kronvold has fought for 21:59.000 --> 22:01.000 down through the years. 22:01.000 --> 22:04.000 That Dane should be a proud and free people. 22:04.000 --> 22:08.000 You sold all that for a cast iron Nazi cross. 22:08.000 --> 22:11.000 I wish you were dead, Victor. 22:11.000 --> 22:14.000 I wish your soul were rotting in the grave 22:14.000 --> 22:17.000 that's waiting for all these mad men of Europe. 22:17.000 --> 22:23.000 Doctor, listen. 22:23.000 --> 22:27.000 Five o'clock. 22:33.000 --> 22:36.000 May God grant wisdom to our king 22:36.000 --> 22:38.000 and freedom to our people. 22:38.000 --> 22:42.000 May Kronvold always keep the faith. 22:42.000 --> 22:44.000 Who turned out the lights? 22:44.000 --> 22:47.000 Who turned out the lights? 22:47.000 --> 22:49.000 Herr Gauleiter, I hear a door opening. 22:49.000 --> 22:51.000 No, Herr Gauleiter, my hand is on the door. 22:51.000 --> 22:53.000 It is not moving. 22:53.000 --> 22:55.000 Victor. 22:55.000 --> 22:56.000 Yes? 22:56.000 --> 22:57.000 Herr Gauleiter. 22:57.000 --> 22:59.000 Come, Victor of Kronvold. 22:59.000 --> 23:01.000 I hear you. 23:01.000 --> 23:02.000 Who is speaking? 23:02.000 --> 23:06.000 Victor, this is your time. 23:06.000 --> 23:08.000 Are you ready? 23:08.000 --> 23:09.000 I am ready. 23:09.000 --> 23:12.000 Now you die like a soldier, Victor. 23:12.000 --> 23:16.000 But your name will live on. 23:16.000 --> 23:18.000 Victor, don't do it, Victor. 23:18.000 --> 23:19.000 Goodbye, Elsa. 23:19.000 --> 23:21.000 Victor! 23:31.000 --> 23:33.000 Have they found the body? 23:33.000 --> 23:35.000 They say the body was washed out to sea. 23:35.000 --> 23:37.000 But yesterday on the rocks they found the count's wristwatch 23:37.000 --> 23:39.000 and a handkerchief with the initial V on it. 23:39.000 --> 23:41.000 They'll never find it. 23:41.000 --> 23:43.000 They'll never find the body. 23:43.000 --> 23:44.000 Say what you will. 23:44.000 --> 23:46.000 Count Victor was a brave man to take his own life. 23:46.000 --> 23:50.000 Yes, he showed those Nazis a dame could die for honor. 23:50.000 --> 23:52.000 You know what the Nazis say? 23:52.000 --> 23:54.000 They say someone forced the count to kill himself. 23:54.000 --> 23:55.000 How could you force him? 23:55.000 --> 23:56.000 That's what the Nazis say. 23:56.000 --> 23:59.000 And listen, they've arrested old Peter. 23:59.000 --> 24:01.000 They're trying to make old Peter talk. 24:01.000 --> 24:04.000 Peter won't talk, but if he did, 24:04.000 --> 24:11.000 I bet he could tell them a thing or two. 24:11.000 --> 24:14.000 Yes, I could tell them a thing or two. 24:14.000 --> 24:16.000 I could tell them why they'll never find 24:16.000 --> 24:18.000 Count Victor's body. 24:18.000 --> 24:19.000 You know why? 24:19.000 --> 24:22.000 Because Count Victor didn't jump out of the window. 24:22.000 --> 24:24.000 How could he? 24:24.000 --> 24:32.000 Count Victor was dead six days before the king's birthday. 24:32.000 --> 24:34.000 No, I didn't kill him. 24:34.000 --> 24:37.000 He was shot through the head by his own brother, Christian, 24:37.000 --> 24:40.000 the night he came home unexpectedly from Berlin, 24:40.000 --> 24:43.000 six days before the king's birthday. 24:43.000 --> 24:45.000 Yes, I worked with the underground, 24:45.000 --> 24:48.000 and so did the countess and Dr. Erickson. 24:48.000 --> 24:51.000 That's why Christian came here to see us. 24:51.000 --> 24:53.000 When the count returned unexpectedly, 24:53.000 --> 24:56.000 Christian decided to try to reason with him. 24:56.000 --> 24:58.000 They quarreled, and well, 24:58.000 --> 25:01.000 Christian eliminated the slimmiest traitor, 25:01.000 --> 25:03.000 Denmark has ever known. 25:03.000 --> 25:06.000 It was then that Dr. Erickson got the idea for the notes. 25:06.000 --> 25:08.000 Christian, we've got to try it. 25:08.000 --> 25:11.000 This new gulleter has never seen Count Victor. 25:11.000 --> 25:14.000 You'll pose as the count, and we'll stage your suicide. 25:14.000 --> 25:16.000 The moral effect on the people will be tremendous. 25:16.000 --> 25:19.000 Christian agreed, and we started sending the notes. 25:19.000 --> 25:21.000 The rest was easy. 25:21.000 --> 25:24.000 We all played our parts, and Dr. Erickson coached us 25:24.000 --> 25:27.000 on the exact thing to do at 12 midnight. 25:27.000 --> 25:29.000 At the last book of 12, 25:29.000 --> 25:32.000 Peter will turn out the lights from downstairs. 25:32.000 --> 25:34.000 You've got that, Peter? Yes, Doctor. 25:34.000 --> 25:35.000 Then what do you do? 25:35.000 --> 25:38.000 I go through the passageway that leads to the hidden door 25:38.000 --> 25:40.000 in the dining room fireplace. 25:40.000 --> 25:42.000 I open the door and call out, 25:42.000 --> 25:46.000 Count Victor, this is your time. 25:46.000 --> 25:48.000 Are you ready? 25:48.000 --> 25:51.000 And you, Christian? I say, I am ready. 25:51.000 --> 25:55.000 I call out, don't do it, Victor, don't do it. 25:55.000 --> 25:57.000 Then I break one of the windows. 25:57.000 --> 25:59.000 And you, Christian? I go through the fireplace door 25:59.000 --> 26:01.000 and disappear. Yes. 26:01.000 --> 26:06.000 And Count Victor of Kronwald has died for his country. 26:13.000 --> 26:15.000 Well, that's how it was done. 26:15.000 --> 26:17.000 We planned it well, even to putting 26:17.000 --> 26:19.000 Count Victor's wristwatch and handkerchief on the rock 26:19.000 --> 26:21.000 where the Nazis would find them. 26:21.000 --> 26:24.000 Presently, the gulliter will question me some more, 26:24.000 --> 26:28.000 but soon, soon there will be a note on his desk 26:28.000 --> 26:30.000 and I can hear him saying... 26:30.000 --> 26:35.000 Lieutenant, lieutenant, how did this note get on my desk? 26:35.000 --> 26:37.000 A note? I don't know, Herr Gulliter. 26:37.000 --> 26:39.000 What does it say? 26:39.000 --> 26:41.000 It says, it says, 26:41.000 --> 26:45.000 remember the night of the king's birthday. 26:45.000 --> 26:48.000 Your turn is next, Herr Gulliter. 26:48.000 --> 26:54.000 Your turn is next. 27:06.000 --> 27:08.000 And so closes the king's birthday, 27:08.000 --> 27:10.000 starring Dolores Costello with Martin Koslack, 27:10.000 --> 27:12.000 George Zuko and Ian Wolf. 27:12.000 --> 27:16.000 Tonight's tale of suspense. 27:16.000 --> 27:18.000 The producer of these broadcasts is William Spear, 27:18.000 --> 27:20.000 who with Ted Bliss, director, 27:20.000 --> 27:23.000 Lud Gluskin and Lucien Marowick, conductor and composer, 27:23.000 --> 27:25.000 and Corporal Lewis Pelletier, radio author, 27:25.000 --> 27:28.000 collaborated on tonight's Suspense. 27:28.000 --> 27:30.000 This is your narrator, the man in black, 27:30.000 --> 27:32.000 who conveys to you Columbia's invitation 27:32.000 --> 27:37.000 to spend this half hour in suspense with us again next week. 27:37.000 --> 27:40.000 Suspense will be heard at a new time, 27:40.000 --> 27:42.000 Thursdays at 10.30 Eastern wartime 27:42.000 --> 27:45.000 and 7.30 Pacific wartime. 27:45.000 --> 27:47.000 Perhaps you will want to note this down. 27:47.000 --> 27:49.000 The new time for Suspense will be Thursdays 27:49.000 --> 27:53.000 beginning next Thursday at 10.30 Eastern wartime 27:53.000 --> 27:57.000 and 7.30 Pacific wartime. 27:57.000 --> 27:59.000 Our play next Thursday will be The Singing Walls 27:59.000 --> 28:02.000 based on a story by Cornell Woolrich. 28:02.000 --> 28:12.000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.