WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:18.000 Suspense! 00:18.000 --> 00:24.160 Presented by Roma Wines, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 00:24.160 --> 00:25.160 Salute! 00:25.160 --> 00:26.160 Your health, sir. 00:26.160 --> 00:28.200 Roma toast the world. 00:28.200 --> 00:35.480 The wine for your table is Roma, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 00:35.480 --> 00:42.400 This is the Man in Black, here for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California, to introduce 00:42.400 --> 00:46.560 this weekly half hour of Suspense! 00:46.560 --> 00:50.600 Tonight in Hollywood, Roma brings you as star Mr. Peter Lorre. 00:50.600 --> 00:54.720 The Suspense play which stars Mr. Lorre, and which is produced and directed by William 00:54.720 --> 00:58.880 Spear is called Back for Christmas. 00:58.880 --> 01:05.520 In this series, Roma brings you tales calculated to intrigue you, stir your nerves, to offer 01:05.520 --> 01:12.480 you a precarious situation, and then withhold the solution until the last possible moment. 01:12.480 --> 01:17.000 And so with Back for Christmas, and with the performance of Peter Lorre, we again hope 01:17.000 --> 01:25.680 to keep you in Suspense! 01:25.680 --> 01:46.240 Yes, Maria? 01:46.240 --> 01:48.040 What on earth are you doing down here in the cellar? 01:48.040 --> 01:50.400 Oh, just doing a little digging. 01:50.400 --> 01:55.720 And why, may I ask, have you chosen this day of all days to dig up the cellar floor? 01:55.720 --> 02:00.320 Oh, I thought because the weather has been so damp, this would be a good time to plant 02:00.320 --> 02:03.640 that little devil's garden I told you about. 02:03.640 --> 02:04.640 Devil's garden? 02:04.640 --> 02:06.600 Whatever nonsense is that? 02:06.600 --> 02:09.440 Don't you remember that was my little joke about it? 02:09.440 --> 02:16.240 You see, I've managed to get hold of the spores of several unclassified wild orchids. 02:16.240 --> 02:21.040 In their wild state, they bloom under damp masses of leaf mold. 02:21.040 --> 02:26.560 The South American Indians call them devil flowers because they appear to bloom under 02:26.560 --> 02:27.560 the ground. 02:27.560 --> 02:31.000 Well, I'm sure the South American Indians would be very interested if you succeed in 02:31.000 --> 02:34.240 growing these ridiculous flowers under the cellar floor. 02:34.240 --> 02:36.840 Whom else it will interest, I can't imagine. 02:36.840 --> 02:39.200 Oh, what's that terrible smell? 02:39.200 --> 02:45.080 Oh, that's the leaf mold, chemically, identically with the earth blanket they grow under in 02:45.080 --> 02:46.480 their wild state. 02:46.480 --> 02:49.880 And I want to get these started before we close the house. 02:49.880 --> 02:54.520 Do you realize that we're sailing for America a week from today and you've made no arrangements 02:54.520 --> 02:55.520 whatever? 02:55.520 --> 02:57.880 Unless you call digging a hole in the cellar making arrangements. 02:57.880 --> 02:58.880 I certainly don't. 02:58.880 --> 02:59.880 Devil's garden, indeed. 02:59.880 --> 03:04.120 Sometimes I think you're going soft in the head, Hubert. 03:04.120 --> 03:06.840 Oh, I suppose it is inconsiderate of me. 03:06.840 --> 03:12.520 You see, I've been wanting to try this experiment for a long time, but with all those lectures 03:12.520 --> 03:16.560 and seminars at the university, there never seemed to be enough time. 03:16.560 --> 03:19.360 Well, there certainly isn't any time for it now. 03:19.360 --> 03:23.520 I suppose you've forgotten I made an appointment for you at the barbers this afternoon. 03:23.520 --> 03:25.440 Must I shave my beard off, Hermione? 03:25.440 --> 03:27.800 I thought we'd been through all that. 03:27.800 --> 03:28.880 Of course you must. 03:28.880 --> 03:31.040 They don't wear beards in America. 03:31.040 --> 03:33.000 Bad enough you're speaking with that accent. 03:33.000 --> 03:34.880 They'll probably think we're Germans as it is. 03:34.880 --> 03:38.640 Oh, I should think it would be quite easy just to explain it, I'm Swiss. 03:38.640 --> 03:41.560 Now, Hubert, don't be argumentative. 03:41.560 --> 03:45.320 Go and get your jacket on and do as I tell you. 03:45.320 --> 03:46.320 Yes, Hermione. 03:46.320 --> 03:47.320 And don't forget to take your umbrella. 03:47.320 --> 03:48.320 It looks like rain. 03:48.320 --> 03:49.320 Yes, Hermione. 03:49.320 --> 03:52.320 And don't look so put-upon, Hubert. 03:52.320 --> 03:55.280 Someone has to plan things in this house. 03:55.280 --> 03:58.320 Never even get to the university in time for your lectures, much less make arrangements 03:58.320 --> 03:59.600 for a trip to America. 03:59.600 --> 04:01.760 I know, but what about my specimens? 04:01.760 --> 04:07.200 There'll be plenty of time to plant your precious devil's garden when we get home from America. 04:07.200 --> 04:08.760 We're not going to be gone forever, you know. 04:08.760 --> 04:09.760 We'll be back here for Christmas. 04:09.760 --> 04:10.760 Yes, of course. 04:10.760 --> 04:11.760 Back for Christmas. 04:11.760 --> 04:12.760 I've forgotten. 04:12.760 --> 04:15.200 We'll try to remember it. 04:15.200 --> 04:18.040 And if you can't do that, just do as I tell you. 04:18.040 --> 04:20.920 I've been making the plans in this house for 20 years. 04:20.920 --> 04:25.560 And if there's any digging to be done, I'll manage that as well. 04:25.560 --> 04:26.560 You understand, Hubert? 04:26.560 --> 04:27.560 Yes, Hermione. 04:27.560 --> 04:28.560 Good. 04:28.560 --> 04:32.320 Now, you have just 20 minutes to clean up this mess down here and keep your appointment 04:32.320 --> 04:33.400 at the barbers. 04:33.400 --> 04:36.160 And when you're finished there, I want you to come straight home. 04:36.160 --> 04:37.160 All right. 04:37.160 --> 04:38.160 Oh, oh, oh. 04:38.160 --> 04:41.200 I'll go up at Miss Markham's and pick up some books I ordered. 04:41.200 --> 04:42.200 Well, all right. 04:42.200 --> 04:46.040 But don't loiter there the whole afternoon moiling over those old books the way you usually 04:46.040 --> 04:47.040 do. 04:47.040 --> 04:48.040 Now hurry and clear up this rubbish. 04:48.040 --> 04:50.400 Get rid of that smelly stuff. 04:50.400 --> 04:52.920 And no more digging, my joke. 04:52.920 --> 04:55.920 No more digging. 04:55.920 --> 04:58.120 I'll show her. 04:58.120 --> 05:04.480 I'll have my devil's garden and if I... no more digging, eh? 05:04.480 --> 05:06.480 No more digging. 05:06.480 --> 05:11.240 Oh, 15 men on a dead man's chest. 05:11.240 --> 05:12.240 Yoo-hoo! 05:12.240 --> 05:15.240 You'll win a battle of the run. 05:15.240 --> 05:18.240 Good evening, sir. 05:18.240 --> 05:23.240 Good evening, Miss Markham. 05:23.240 --> 05:29.600 Why, it is Professor Schumacher, isn't it? 05:29.600 --> 05:31.440 Do you like me better this way? 05:31.440 --> 05:33.920 You look ever so much younger without the beard. 05:33.920 --> 05:34.920 Twenty years at least. 05:34.920 --> 05:35.920 Twenty years. 05:35.920 --> 05:38.680 Oh, you'll be glad to know those books you ordered have finally arrived. 05:38.680 --> 05:40.680 Twenty... oh, yes, the books. 05:40.680 --> 05:46.800 Let me see, the Phytotomy of Phthaloid Gametophytes and Coniferous Shrubs of North America. 05:46.800 --> 05:48.200 Those are the ones you ordered, aren't they? 05:48.200 --> 05:49.200 Oh, really good. 05:49.200 --> 05:50.200 Yes, thank you. 05:50.200 --> 05:51.200 You're very kind, Miss Markham. 05:51.200 --> 05:52.200 Why kind, Professor Schumacher? 05:52.200 --> 05:58.400 Well, not many young ladies in bookshops would go out of their way to look up a rare books 05:58.400 --> 06:00.520 for an old professor of botany. 06:00.520 --> 06:02.520 Why, you're not old, Professor Schumacher. 06:02.520 --> 06:03.520 Really, you look... 06:03.520 --> 06:04.520 What do I look like? 06:04.520 --> 06:06.600 And besides, I adore botany. 06:06.600 --> 06:08.160 It's my particular hobby. 06:08.160 --> 06:09.160 Oh, really? 06:09.160 --> 06:11.480 You've never told me that before, Miss Markham. 06:11.480 --> 06:12.880 Well, I was afraid to. 06:12.880 --> 06:16.080 You look so imposing with the beard and all. 06:16.080 --> 06:22.600 Oh, Miss Markham, forgive me if this sounds foolish, but since talking with you today, 06:22.600 --> 06:28.440 I feel that shaving off my beard is the most important thing I've done for twenties. 06:28.440 --> 06:29.840 Oh, it is. 06:29.840 --> 06:30.840 I'm sure it is. 06:30.840 --> 06:31.840 For twenties. 06:31.840 --> 06:36.000 I'm so sorry that I've been so distant with you all this time. 06:36.000 --> 06:39.280 Oh, there were times when I almost spoke up. 06:39.280 --> 06:43.440 Times when you came in here, tired, after a day with your students at the university. 06:43.440 --> 06:47.840 You seem so alone, the way I'm alone in the world. 06:47.840 --> 06:52.600 I'd like to have asked you to stay a while and talk with me, but some way or other, I 06:52.600 --> 06:55.640 always wound up giving you your change and letting you go on your way. 06:55.640 --> 06:58.680 Say you, you're alone in the world? 06:58.680 --> 06:59.680 Since my father died. 06:59.680 --> 07:04.240 Oh, Miss Markham, did you never think of marrying? 07:04.240 --> 07:06.880 My father was a very remarkable man. 07:06.880 --> 07:11.880 I never found anyone who seemed to measure up to what he led me to expect of men. 07:11.880 --> 07:12.880 Miss Markham. 07:12.880 --> 07:16.680 Oh, it's been so long since anyone called me by my first name. 07:16.680 --> 07:18.600 I'd like you to, if you want to. 07:18.600 --> 07:19.600 It's Marion. 07:19.600 --> 07:20.600 Marion. 07:20.600 --> 07:21.600 Oh, how nice. 07:21.600 --> 07:22.600 And yours? 07:22.600 --> 07:28.040 Well, Hubertus, but in English, Hubert sounds better. 07:28.040 --> 07:29.600 How long have you been alone, Hubert? 07:29.600 --> 07:30.600 Alone? 07:30.600 --> 07:31.600 I knew you were a widower, of course. 07:31.600 --> 07:32.600 The first time I saw you. 07:32.600 --> 07:33.600 A widower? 07:33.600 --> 07:34.600 I can always tell. 07:34.600 --> 07:40.200 There's a certain sadness in a man's eyes, a sweet sadness, I think, when he's been married 07:40.200 --> 07:41.200 and then lost. 07:41.200 --> 07:42.200 A widower. 07:42.200 --> 07:44.960 I never thought of it in quite that way. 07:44.960 --> 07:46.040 Oh, I'm sorry. 07:46.040 --> 07:51.160 I shouldn't have been talking like this, I suppose, but I've often wondered what she must 07:51.160 --> 07:52.160 have been like. 07:52.160 --> 07:53.160 Your wife, I mean. 07:53.160 --> 07:54.160 Hermione? 07:54.160 --> 07:57.880 Not an easy woman to forget. 07:57.880 --> 07:58.880 Very strong. 07:58.880 --> 07:59.880 Always managing things. 07:59.880 --> 08:00.880 The house, my wardrobe, my friends. 08:00.880 --> 08:05.880 Even when we dined at a restaurant, she even then ordered my food. 08:05.880 --> 08:10.880 She was always managing things. 08:10.880 --> 08:13.000 Her whole life. 08:13.000 --> 08:16.000 Managed herself to death. 08:16.000 --> 08:18.400 Poor woman. 08:18.400 --> 08:19.680 She must have loved you very much. 08:19.680 --> 08:22.160 But you needn't have put herself out so. 08:22.160 --> 08:24.640 It's plain to see you don't need things managed for you. 08:24.640 --> 08:25.640 No. 08:25.640 --> 08:27.400 You need companionship, I think. 08:27.400 --> 08:29.000 I'm sympathetic with your work. 08:29.000 --> 08:31.520 But the last thing on earth you need is a manager. 08:31.520 --> 08:33.280 How well you put it. 08:33.280 --> 08:37.360 The last thing on earth. 08:37.360 --> 08:39.360 Operator. 08:39.360 --> 08:45.720 Operator, are you there? 08:45.720 --> 08:47.520 I'm still waiting on that call to Salisbury. 08:47.520 --> 08:49.520 Well, put them on quickly. 08:49.520 --> 08:50.520 Hello? 08:50.520 --> 08:53.960 Is this Paul Houlton, sons? 08:53.960 --> 08:54.960 It's Mrs. Hubert Schumacher. 08:54.960 --> 08:56.960 Did you receive my letter? 08:56.960 --> 08:57.960 Good. 08:57.960 --> 09:02.680 Now, remember, we'll be back for Christmas and I want the job done without fail. 09:02.680 --> 09:03.680 What's that? 09:03.680 --> 09:04.680 No. 09:04.680 --> 09:08.440 No, I'm sure he doesn't suspect anything. 09:08.440 --> 09:11.040 Send it to me in New York as I instructed you. 09:11.040 --> 09:13.560 Addressed in my name, of course. 09:13.560 --> 09:14.560 Yes. 09:14.560 --> 09:16.440 I've already put them in the mail. 09:16.440 --> 09:18.280 You'll get them tomorrow. 09:18.280 --> 09:19.280 Thank you. 09:19.280 --> 09:20.280 Thank you so much. 09:20.280 --> 09:23.280 Oh, here you are, Hubert. 09:23.280 --> 09:25.280 Where have you been? 09:25.280 --> 09:26.280 Oh, back stairs. 09:26.280 --> 09:27.280 I dismissed the servants. 09:27.280 --> 09:28.280 Dismissed the servants? 09:28.280 --> 09:29.280 Mm-hmm. 09:29.280 --> 09:35.280 But I've asked some friends of mine into a farewell lunch and go and tell them it's 09:35.280 --> 09:36.280 a mistake. 09:36.280 --> 09:38.520 Well, I'm afraid it's too late now. 09:38.520 --> 09:40.720 They've packed and gone. 09:40.720 --> 09:42.480 You have messed things up properly. 09:42.480 --> 09:44.960 How many times have I told you to leave things to me? 09:44.960 --> 09:46.960 I make the plans around here. 09:46.960 --> 09:47.960 Yes, Hermione. 09:47.960 --> 09:51.600 You have to do better than this when I plan the trip home or we'll never in the world 09:51.600 --> 09:53.060 be back for Christmas. 09:53.060 --> 09:54.960 Back for Christmas. 09:54.960 --> 09:56.560 Back for Christmas. 09:56.560 --> 09:58.560 Must you keep saying that? 09:58.560 --> 10:00.080 Why not? 10:00.080 --> 10:02.160 We are coming back for Christmas, aren't we? 10:02.160 --> 10:06.920 Oh, supposing I were offered a professorship in one of those wealthy American universities. 10:06.920 --> 10:07.920 Nonsense. 10:07.920 --> 10:09.200 Americans care nothing for botany. 10:09.200 --> 10:11.560 Well, Luther Burbank was an American, wasn't he? 10:11.560 --> 10:12.560 That's different. 10:12.560 --> 10:15.920 What have you ever done except muck around in the dirt with a lot of roots and tubers? 10:15.920 --> 10:18.440 Well, they asked me to lecture, didn't they? 10:18.440 --> 10:19.440 All right. 10:19.440 --> 10:20.440 All right. 10:20.440 --> 10:23.720 Now, there's no use getting yourself in a state about this, Hubert. 10:23.720 --> 10:28.000 No doubt this extra money will come in very handy when we arrive back for Christmas. 10:28.000 --> 10:30.000 Back for Christmas, I know. 10:30.000 --> 10:31.000 Precisely. 10:31.000 --> 10:32.000 No good to make a joke of it. 10:32.000 --> 10:35.520 Heaven knows where you'd be today if I hadn't got a sense of time. 10:35.520 --> 10:36.520 Yes, Hermione. 10:36.520 --> 10:40.640 And as you've been so foolish as to dismiss the servants, you may empty the ashtrays and 10:40.640 --> 10:43.560 straighten up this room while we're waiting for the guests to arrive. 10:43.560 --> 10:45.400 I'm going in to have my bath. 10:45.400 --> 10:46.400 Call me when they get here. 10:46.400 --> 10:54.160 Marion, it's Hubert. 10:54.160 --> 10:59.080 No, no, darling. 10:59.080 --> 11:01.920 No, nothing is wrong. 11:01.920 --> 11:05.800 My plans are the same, unless you have changed. 11:05.800 --> 11:06.800 No? 11:06.800 --> 11:09.480 We'll meet in New York then and be married there. 11:09.480 --> 11:11.840 I'll explain to you why later. 11:11.840 --> 11:13.800 You just have to trust me. 11:13.800 --> 11:14.800 Yes. 11:14.800 --> 11:15.800 Yes, madame. 11:15.800 --> 11:16.800 Hubert? 11:16.800 --> 11:17.800 I'm so sorry. 11:17.800 --> 11:18.800 I can't talk any longer. 11:18.800 --> 11:19.800 Yes, I'll meet you in New York without fail. 11:19.800 --> 11:20.800 Au revoir, madame. 11:20.800 --> 11:21.800 Hubert, were you talking on the phone just now? 11:21.800 --> 11:22.800 Yes, yes, Hermione. 11:22.800 --> 11:23.800 Whoever was it? 11:23.800 --> 11:24.800 Oh, Freddie. 11:24.800 --> 11:25.800 Freddie Sinclair. 11:25.800 --> 11:26.800 Didn't I hear you say something about meeting somebody in New York? 11:26.800 --> 11:27.800 Why, yes. 11:27.800 --> 11:30.800 Freddie said he might possibly get over there before we even leave. 11:30.800 --> 11:35.800 And I said, of course, we'd meet him there if he decided to go. 11:35.800 --> 11:47.840 That seems very peculiar. 11:47.840 --> 11:49.800 But then all of your friends are peculiar. 11:49.800 --> 11:50.800 Yes, Hermione. 11:50.800 --> 11:53.240 And just look at your jacket. 11:53.240 --> 11:55.040 Have you been digging in that cellar again? 11:55.040 --> 11:56.040 Yes, Hermione. 11:56.040 --> 11:57.520 Well, there's no need for it. 11:57.520 --> 12:01.800 You can't possibly get that devil's garden thing finished before we sail for America. 12:01.800 --> 12:03.800 Go and change your clothes before the guests arrive. 12:03.800 --> 12:04.800 Oh, never mind. 12:04.800 --> 12:05.800 I see somebody coming up the walk now. 12:05.800 --> 12:06.800 Go and let them in. 12:06.800 --> 12:07.800 Yes. 12:07.800 --> 12:08.800 Uh, Hubert. 12:08.800 --> 12:09.800 Yes? 12:09.800 --> 12:10.800 Look out the window. 12:10.800 --> 12:15.800 There's Professor and Mrs. Goodenow, but who's that with them? 12:15.800 --> 12:16.800 Well, who... 12:16.800 --> 12:17.800 Precisely. 12:17.800 --> 12:18.800 Freddie Sinclair. 12:18.800 --> 12:19.800 Peculiar. 12:19.800 --> 12:25.800 You should have been talking to him on the phone not three minutes ago, and now here 12:25.800 --> 12:26.800 he is. 12:26.800 --> 12:27.800 Yes, isn't him? 12:27.800 --> 12:32.800 But then, as you see, Hermione, all of my friends are peculiar. 12:32.800 --> 12:36.240 Not half so peculiar as you. 12:36.240 --> 12:39.560 Digging in the cellar the very day we leave for America. 12:39.560 --> 12:41.880 Just look at yourself. 12:41.880 --> 12:43.800 And now that I think of it... 12:43.800 --> 12:44.800 Yes? 12:44.800 --> 12:45.800 Oh, never mind. 12:45.800 --> 12:46.800 Go and let them in. 12:46.800 --> 12:52.360 Oh, you were going to ask me something, Hermione, about the hole I'm digging in the cellar. 12:52.360 --> 12:55.680 Good heavens, stop rolling your eyes about that way. 12:55.680 --> 12:58.800 One would think you were digging a grave down there instead of a storage bin. 12:58.800 --> 12:59.800 Yes, Hermione. 12:59.800 --> 13:00.800 What's that? 13:00.800 --> 13:02.800 I said, yes, Hermione. 13:02.800 --> 13:07.800 Father, open the door and please stop saying yes, Hermione. 13:07.800 --> 13:15.800 I think, my dear, I have said it for the last time. 13:15.800 --> 13:26.800 A professor of botany, his loving wife, and an oblong pit in the cellar, just the right 13:26.800 --> 13:31.720 size for his botanical specimens, his devil's garden. 13:31.720 --> 13:37.560 With these ingredients for a story of a perfect crime, Back for Christmas by John Collier 13:37.560 --> 13:42.800 and starring Peter Lorre, the Roma Wine Company closes the curtain for a moment on another 13:42.800 --> 13:54.920 breathless study in suspense. 13:54.920 --> 13:59.040 In this brief intermission in the play, it's pleasant to think about the holidays. 13:59.040 --> 14:03.960 Not everyone celebrates the holidays against a background of snow and pine trees. 14:03.960 --> 14:08.520 Somewhere south of the Gulf in the Caribbean, in a gracious home surrounded by palm trees 14:08.520 --> 14:15.960 and the warm sun, you might find holiday dinners ending this way. 14:15.960 --> 14:18.840 One moment, please. 14:18.840 --> 14:23.480 Our North American guest wishes to propose a toast. 14:23.480 --> 14:25.000 Yes, mis amigos. 14:25.000 --> 14:30.400 I drink a toast in gratitude to you for your gracious hospitality and the enjoyment you've 14:30.400 --> 14:33.680 given me, an American so far from home. 14:33.680 --> 14:37.080 It is only a fair exchange, my friend. 14:37.080 --> 14:43.480 This wine in which you drink your toast, it brings enjoyment to us from your country, 14:43.480 --> 14:44.480 from America. 14:44.480 --> 14:48.000 It is Roma wine made in your own California. 14:48.000 --> 14:53.240 Yes, and when you choose the wine for your holiday table, remember this. 14:53.240 --> 14:57.960 Only a few wines are so fine that many countries of the world import them. 14:57.960 --> 15:05.480 And among these greatly enjoyable wines are the wines of Roma, R-O-M-A, made in California 15:05.480 --> 15:08.320 for enjoyment throughout the world. 15:08.320 --> 15:13.800 Yet here in America, we are truly fortunate, for we may buy Roma wines at a very low cost 15:13.800 --> 15:18.100 since we don't have to pay import duty or costly shipping charges. 15:18.100 --> 15:23.100 So serve Roma wine with pride on any and all holiday occasions. 15:23.100 --> 15:26.560 And Roma too for everyday dinners, you can afford to. 15:26.560 --> 15:32.560 Ask your dealer tomorrow for your favorite Roma wine, America's largest selling wine. 15:32.560 --> 15:38.920 But before you buy wine, buy War Bonds. 15:38.920 --> 15:44.040 And now it is with pleasure that we bring back to our sound stage Mr. Peter Lorre in 15:44.040 --> 15:52.200 Act Two of Back for Christmas, a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 15:52.200 --> 16:02.560 Back for Christmas. 16:02.560 --> 16:04.720 Back for Christmas. 16:04.720 --> 16:11.320 Hermione was so positive we would be back for Christmas that last afternoon, pouring 16:11.320 --> 16:16.200 tea out for a few friends who had come in to see her last-minute farewells, she kept 16:16.200 --> 16:17.560 reiterating it. 16:17.560 --> 16:21.560 Now mind you, Hermione, don't let those Americans lure your husband with one of their 16:21.560 --> 16:23.360 fat university jobs. 16:23.360 --> 16:25.720 We absolutely must have you with us for Christmas. 16:25.720 --> 16:27.520 He shall be back, I promise you. 16:27.520 --> 16:29.920 Well, it's not absolutely certain, of course. 16:29.920 --> 16:31.920 Hubert, now what do you mean it's not certain? 16:31.920 --> 16:32.920 Of course it's certain. 16:32.920 --> 16:36.760 After all, Hubert's old boy, you've consented to lecture for only three months. 16:36.760 --> 16:39.840 Oh, that's quite right, but then of course anything may happen. 16:39.840 --> 16:42.240 Hubert adores being unpredictable. 16:42.240 --> 16:47.120 Now what other man would decide the day, the very day mind you, before leaving for America 16:47.120 --> 16:49.960 to dig a great hole in the floor of the cellar? 16:49.960 --> 16:50.960 In the cellar? 16:50.960 --> 16:51.960 Yes. 16:51.960 --> 16:55.880 He's going to put some unclassified wild orchids down there. 16:55.880 --> 16:58.440 A devil's garden, if you please. 16:58.440 --> 17:00.880 It sounds so mysterious. 17:00.880 --> 17:02.360 That's Hubert, though. 17:02.360 --> 17:06.760 It's really quite simple, however, once you find out what he's up to. 17:06.760 --> 17:10.360 Now take the telephone call he put through to you a few minutes ago, Freddy. 17:10.360 --> 17:11.360 To me? 17:11.360 --> 17:12.360 Of course. 17:12.360 --> 17:16.240 Now Hubert wanted to surprise me about your plan to meet us in New York next month. 17:16.240 --> 17:17.920 Wasn't that why he called? 17:17.920 --> 17:19.920 To ask you not to mention it? 17:19.920 --> 17:24.120 My dear Hermione, Hubert couldn't possibly have telephoned me within the past hour. 17:24.120 --> 17:26.680 I've been walking in the park since three. 17:26.680 --> 17:28.360 He didn't telephone you? 17:28.360 --> 17:29.360 How could he? 17:29.360 --> 17:31.320 This is for my going to America. 17:31.320 --> 17:32.320 No, no, no, no, no. 17:32.320 --> 17:33.320 Come, Freddy, come. 17:33.320 --> 17:34.320 You may as well confess. 17:34.320 --> 17:37.320 Hermione has just found me out again. 17:37.320 --> 17:39.200 But Hubert's old chap I rarely do. 17:39.200 --> 17:41.000 You see what a poor liar Hubert makes. 17:41.000 --> 17:42.000 He's ready to beatroot. 17:42.000 --> 17:47.120 Aren't you ashamed of yourself, Professor, stringing poor Hermione along like that? 17:47.120 --> 17:51.280 And as for you, Freddy, I'm furious you said nothing to us about going to America. 17:51.280 --> 17:55.600 But look here, old girl, I've been trying to tell everyone here that I'm... 17:55.600 --> 17:56.600 Oh, stop the nonsense. 17:56.600 --> 17:57.960 The game's gone on long enough. 17:57.960 --> 17:59.520 Besides, we must start getting ready. 17:59.520 --> 18:02.800 Now it was marvelous of all of you to come in to say goodbye. 18:02.800 --> 18:05.040 And don't worry about Hubert's little jokes. 18:05.040 --> 18:07.080 I will bring him back for Christmas. 18:07.080 --> 18:13.120 You may rely on it. 18:13.120 --> 18:15.120 He all believed her. 18:15.120 --> 18:21.160 For years she had been promising me for dinner parties, garden parties, committees, and the 18:21.160 --> 18:24.640 promises had always been kept. 18:24.640 --> 18:27.560 This time they would not be. 18:27.560 --> 18:29.960 I had seen to that. 18:29.960 --> 18:32.160 The servants were gun for good. 18:32.160 --> 18:35.160 The farewells all said. 18:35.160 --> 18:40.160 I had time to the minute how long it would take to fill in a hole in a cellar. 18:40.160 --> 18:43.160 My devil's garden. 18:43.160 --> 18:46.880 Once in a bedroom I undressed and put on my old bathrobe. 18:46.880 --> 18:50.560 And then I opened the door into Hermione's room. 18:50.560 --> 18:53.760 Oh, Hermione, have you a moment to spare? 18:53.760 --> 18:54.760 Of course, dear. 18:54.760 --> 18:55.760 I'm just finished. 18:55.760 --> 18:57.560 Well, then, will you come in here for a moment, please? 18:57.560 --> 18:59.760 There's something rather extraordinary here. 18:59.760 --> 19:00.760 Oh, good heavens, Hubert. 19:00.760 --> 19:03.760 What are you lounging about in that filthy old bathrobe? 19:03.760 --> 19:05.320 For I told you to put it into the furnace. 19:05.320 --> 19:06.320 Oh, I'll do it. 19:06.320 --> 19:07.320 I'll do it today. 19:07.320 --> 19:08.320 Yes, I will. 19:08.320 --> 19:09.320 I promise. 19:09.320 --> 19:10.320 Well, high time. 19:10.320 --> 19:12.120 Now, what is it you want to show me? 19:12.120 --> 19:14.640 Oh, here, here, in the bathroom. 19:14.640 --> 19:15.640 Just look. 19:15.640 --> 19:19.480 Who in the world do you suppose dropped a gold chain down the bathtub drain? 19:19.480 --> 19:21.000 Nobody has, of course. 19:21.000 --> 19:22.280 Nobody wears such a thing. 19:22.280 --> 19:23.800 Then what is it doing in here? 19:23.800 --> 19:24.800 I don't see anything. 19:24.800 --> 19:25.800 Well, look. 19:25.800 --> 19:28.800 I'll hold this flashlight here for you. 19:28.800 --> 19:31.080 If you lean right over, you can see it shining. 19:31.080 --> 19:32.080 It's deep down. 19:32.080 --> 19:33.080 Oh, such a lot of nonsense. 19:33.080 --> 19:34.080 Just as well. 19:34.080 --> 19:35.080 Well, I don't see it, Hubert. 19:35.080 --> 19:38.080 Well, go on looking, Hermione, in just a moment. 19:38.080 --> 19:39.080 Hubert, I absolutely refuse. 19:39.080 --> 19:40.080 Hubert, what are you doing? 19:40.080 --> 19:43.080 Take your hands off my neck. 19:43.080 --> 19:49.520 I will, Hermione, just as soon as I've finished the arrangements for my trip to America. 19:49.520 --> 19:51.240 What are you talking about? 19:51.240 --> 19:56.200 You thought you were the only one who could plan things, didn't you? 19:56.200 --> 19:58.200 Didn't you, Hermione, huh? 19:58.200 --> 20:03.400 Well, I've been making some plans of my own this past week. 20:03.400 --> 20:09.240 In exactly two minutes and 16 seconds, you'll be dead. 20:09.240 --> 20:10.240 You see? 20:10.240 --> 20:14.000 You see, I've planned it very accurately. 20:14.000 --> 20:16.000 You'll never get away with it. 20:16.000 --> 20:22.040 Oh, I thought you would say that, Hermione, but I will get away with it. 20:22.040 --> 20:27.920 You won't mind the smell of the leaf mow down in the cellar when I take you down there today? 20:27.920 --> 20:28.920 Yes. 20:28.920 --> 20:35.720 That is where you are going, Hermione, right into my devil's garden. 20:35.720 --> 20:37.320 That annoyed you so much. 20:37.320 --> 20:39.440 My friends all expect me back for Christmas. 20:39.440 --> 20:40.440 They do. 20:40.440 --> 20:42.400 If they don't hear from me, they'll start asking questions. 20:42.400 --> 20:50.200 No, they won't, because you'll write them letters, Hermione, on the typewriter, as you 20:50.200 --> 20:51.680 always do. 20:51.680 --> 20:56.320 They'll be signed each in that neat, corrupting way. 20:56.320 --> 20:58.800 You always sign your notes to your friends. 20:58.800 --> 21:00.800 Here, let me up now. 21:00.800 --> 21:01.800 No! 21:01.800 --> 21:03.240 It won't work, Hubert. 21:03.240 --> 21:05.320 You were never any good at planning things. 21:05.320 --> 21:06.320 Oh, but I have changed. 21:06.320 --> 21:10.520 I have learned from watching you all these years. 21:10.520 --> 21:14.800 The lecture people in America, they'll expect you to be traveling with your wife. 21:14.800 --> 21:20.560 I will be traveling with my wife, but not my present wife, Hermione. 21:20.560 --> 21:21.560 Hubert! 21:21.560 --> 21:23.720 It won't work, I tell you. 21:23.720 --> 21:25.080 That pit you dug in the cellar? 21:25.080 --> 21:26.080 Oh, it will work. 21:26.080 --> 21:28.080 It'll serve its purpose well. 21:28.080 --> 21:29.080 Hubert! 21:29.080 --> 21:32.080 No, no, I'm sorry, dear. 21:32.080 --> 21:37.160 This thing has to be done exactly as planned. 21:37.160 --> 21:40.920 You have just five seconds to say your prayers. 21:40.920 --> 21:42.920 Hubert, you must listen. 21:42.920 --> 21:44.920 The cellar, it... 21:44.920 --> 21:46.920 Don't do it, Hubert! 21:46.920 --> 21:47.920 Hubert! 21:47.920 --> 22:02.720 Hermione! 22:02.720 --> 22:03.720 Oh, uh, Stuart? 22:03.720 --> 22:04.720 Yes, sir? 22:04.720 --> 22:07.160 Oh, my wife, she's in this post. 22:07.160 --> 22:09.160 She'll be taking her meals in our stateroom. 22:09.160 --> 22:10.640 For the whole voyage, sir? 22:10.640 --> 22:16.440 Yes, for the whole voyage. 22:16.440 --> 22:19.680 I trust your wife is feeling better this morning, Professor Schumacher? 22:19.680 --> 22:20.680 A little. 22:20.680 --> 22:22.960 Not yet well enough to leave her cabin. 22:22.960 --> 22:23.960 Oh, what a shame. 22:23.960 --> 22:24.960 Oh, Professor Schumacher? 22:24.960 --> 22:25.960 Yes? 22:25.960 --> 22:28.640 Here's a copy of the radiogram you sent for your wife last evening. 22:28.640 --> 22:29.640 Oh, thank you. 22:29.640 --> 22:30.640 I'll just check it over. 22:30.640 --> 22:33.640 Oh, but, but, look, look here. 22:33.640 --> 22:36.080 Why, what's the matter? 22:36.080 --> 22:38.080 Did the typist make a mistake? 22:38.080 --> 22:39.080 No, no. 22:39.080 --> 22:42.080 It's nothing important. 22:42.080 --> 22:48.600 She can correct it later. 22:48.600 --> 22:55.720 For a moment, I had a feeling that Hermione had been leaning over my shoulder again, correcting 22:55.720 --> 22:59.520 what I had written as she always did. 22:59.520 --> 23:03.400 I had written a radiogram to Professor Goodenough and his wife. 23:03.400 --> 23:08.960 Haven't been out of my cabin the whole beastly trip, Hubert, well. 23:08.960 --> 23:12.280 Now, doubt will be back for Christmas. 23:12.280 --> 23:22.000 But the operator had left out the W and, and it read, no doubt will be back for Christmas. 23:22.000 --> 23:25.800 Exactly what Hermione would have written. 23:25.800 --> 23:32.360 Well, the rest of the trip was uneventful. 23:32.360 --> 23:37.520 Marion and I met in New York just as we had planned. 23:37.520 --> 23:53.440 Just as we had planned. 23:53.440 --> 23:55.920 Professor and Mrs. Schumacher, we have reservations, I believe. 23:55.920 --> 23:57.600 Oh, yes, we've been expecting you, sir. 23:57.600 --> 24:01.200 Boy, take Professor and Mrs. Schumacher's luggage up to their suite. 24:01.200 --> 24:03.520 You know, Mrs. Schumacher, you're quite a surprise. 24:03.520 --> 24:06.120 Your letter reserving the rooms was so thorough. 24:06.120 --> 24:10.000 I was expecting an older, more forbidding sort of person, frankly, man. 24:10.000 --> 24:11.000 No. 24:11.000 --> 24:14.080 As a matter of fact, we're just married, but I... 24:14.080 --> 24:15.400 My letter was reserving the rooms. 24:15.400 --> 24:19.760 Oh, I wrote the letter, my dear, and I signed it Mrs. Hubert Schumacher. 24:19.760 --> 24:20.760 Just a joke. 24:20.760 --> 24:23.560 What a cunning old fox you are, Hubert. 24:23.560 --> 24:25.040 Now that I think of it, I... 24:25.040 --> 24:26.040 Oh, I almost forgot. 24:26.040 --> 24:27.040 Letter for you, Mrs. Schumacher. 24:27.040 --> 24:28.040 That's peculiar. 24:28.040 --> 24:29.040 I wonder who on earth... 24:29.040 --> 24:33.640 Oh, well, we'll soon find out in good time. 24:33.640 --> 24:34.640 Come along, darling. 24:34.640 --> 24:36.640 Oh, we are keeping the boy waiting. 24:36.640 --> 24:39.640 Come on. 24:39.640 --> 24:48.120 Oh, ah. 24:48.120 --> 24:51.000 Nothing like a cold, brisk shower to put a man to rest. 24:51.000 --> 24:52.000 Hubert, this letter. 24:52.000 --> 24:53.000 Oh, yes, the letter. 24:53.000 --> 24:55.000 Oh, dry my hair, will you, darling? 24:55.000 --> 24:56.000 Please. 24:56.000 --> 24:58.920 It seems to be a bill of some sort from a building contractor in Salisbury. 24:58.920 --> 24:59.920 Oh, really? 24:59.920 --> 25:00.920 Oh, bother. 25:00.920 --> 25:01.920 Dry your own hair. 25:01.920 --> 25:03.920 Oh, thank you, darling. 25:03.920 --> 25:05.680 I'd see this bill or whatever it is. 25:05.680 --> 25:07.680 It's very puzzling. 25:07.680 --> 25:10.600 Hubert, you were a widower, weren't you? 25:10.600 --> 25:13.360 I mean, Hermione isn't still alive. 25:13.360 --> 25:15.400 Good heavens, no. 25:15.400 --> 25:18.320 Well, let me read that. 25:18.320 --> 25:19.320 Mm-hmm. 25:19.320 --> 25:26.080 Dear Madame, this is to acknowledge your order, together with the keys to your house 25:26.080 --> 25:28.320 in Lonson Place. 25:28.320 --> 25:34.680 Our man had no difficulty in finding the place where your husband had begun the excavation 25:34.680 --> 25:40.120 in a cellar, but apparently he changed his mind at the last moment and filled it in again. 25:40.120 --> 25:41.120 What is it, Hubert? 25:41.120 --> 25:48.200 Our man will begin digging tomorrow, and the job will be completed in ample time for your 25:48.200 --> 25:49.200 surprise. 25:49.200 --> 25:52.040 Christmas present to your husband. 25:52.040 --> 25:59.160 We are happy to be conspirators with you in this thoughtful gesture and hope that Professor 25:59.160 --> 26:06.520 Schumacher will be pleased at the results of our work on his devil's garden, very truly 26:06.520 --> 26:11.280 yours, Paul Holtz's son's contractor's. 26:11.280 --> 26:16.520 What does it mean, Hubert? 26:16.520 --> 26:22.160 It means that Hermione was right. 26:22.160 --> 26:25.280 I will be back for Christmas. 26:25.280 --> 26:28.280 I will be back for Christmas. 26:28.280 --> 26:29.280 I will be back for Christmas. 26:29.280 --> 26:30.280 Back for Christmas. 26:30.280 --> 26:53.240 Yes, Hermione. 26:53.240 --> 27:04.800 And so closes Back for Christmas, starring Mr. Peter Lorry, tonight's tale of suspense. 27:04.800 --> 27:08.280 In just a moment, we shall hear again from Mr. Lorry. 27:08.280 --> 27:11.160 But first, just a word that seems appropriate. 27:11.160 --> 27:16.060 One of the world's oldest customs is the Christmas toast, and traditionally down through centuries 27:16.060 --> 27:20.820 of war and peace, the Christmas toast has been drunk in wine. 27:20.820 --> 27:25.280 This year, when the glasses are filled and raised once again, we know that in every home 27:25.280 --> 27:31.480 the toast will be to a speedy victory and a speedy return of those we love. 27:31.480 --> 27:36.000 And before we set the wine glasses down, let us all resolve to do everything within our 27:36.000 --> 27:39.520 power to help make that toast come true. 27:39.520 --> 27:45.720 Let us resolve to help supply the weapons of war by buying even more and more war bonds. 27:45.720 --> 27:49.520 Let us resolve to face our own inconveniences without complaining. 27:49.520 --> 27:54.920 And above all, let us resolve that when this war is at last over, each of us will exert 27:54.920 --> 28:01.480 all our effort to see that future Christmases truly express peace on earth, goodwill to 28:01.480 --> 28:02.940 men. 28:02.940 --> 28:07.280 This thought, together with our very best wishes of the season, is the Roma Wine Company's 28:07.280 --> 28:13.040 Christmas message for you, its friends, here in America and throughout the world. 28:13.040 --> 28:14.040 This is Peter Lorry. 28:14.040 --> 28:18.840 Thank you for listening to our suspense play this evening, and I know you are looking forward 28:18.840 --> 28:20.560 to next week's show as I am. 28:20.560 --> 28:27.720 It is called, uh, Finishing School, and its subtitle might be the famous quotation, the 28:27.720 --> 28:33.000 female of the species is more deadly than the male. 28:33.000 --> 28:40.200 Don't forget then, next Thursday, same time, for Margot, Elsa Lanchester, Janet Beecher, 28:40.200 --> 28:48.760 and a distinguished all-feminine cast in Suspense, presented by Roma Wines, R-O-M-A. 28:48.760 --> 29:04.240 Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 29:04.240 --> 29:19.880 This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.