1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,000 Now, Roma Wines presents... 2 00:00:04,000 --> 00:00:12,000 Suspense! 3 00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:25,000 Tonight, Banquo's Chair, starring Donald Crisp and John Loder. 4 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:33,000 Suspense is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. 5 00:00:33,000 --> 00:00:43,000 Those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live, to your happiness and entertaining guests, to your enjoyment of everyday meals. 6 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:48,000 Yes, right now a glass full would be very pleasant, as Roma Wines bring you... 7 00:00:48,000 --> 00:00:52,000 Suspense! 8 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:56,000 This is the Man in Black, here to introduce this weekly half hour of... 9 00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:58,000 Suspense! 10 00:00:58,000 --> 00:01:06,000 This evening, Roma Wines bring you as stars two distinguished gentlemen from the Hollywood Sound stages, Donald Crisp and John Loder. 11 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:20,000 Mr. Crisp and Mr. Loder are here to enact for us a strange and startling drama, in which they, in the interests of justice, made use of an unusual method to wring a confession of guilt from a criminal. 12 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:30,000 But before we raise the curtain on Rupert Croft Cook's story, Banquo's Chair, which is tonight's study in Suspense, here is a message from your host. 13 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:38,000 Let us picture a scene beneath a radiant Caribbean moon, at the fashionable Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana. 14 00:01:38,000 --> 00:01:47,000 An American dinner guest has just raised his glass in a toast to Havana. Its traditions, its beauty, the superb dinner, the wine. 15 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:55,000 His Cuban host replies, true, the traditions, the scenery, and the food you enjoy, they are Cuban. 16 00:01:55,000 --> 00:02:04,000 But the wine of which you speak so highly, that is of your country. It is the famed Roma Wine, made in your own California. 17 00:02:04,000 --> 00:02:14,000 Yes, it may surprise you that California produces Roma Wines of such uniformly superb quality, that they are imported by many foreign countries. 18 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:21,000 But millions of Americans do know and enjoy the excellence of Roma Wines daily, with meals and when entertaining. 19 00:02:21,000 --> 00:02:33,000 These millions have made Roma America's largest selling wines. They know too that Roma Wines are amazingly inexpensive, only pennies a glass, for wines of such distinguished character. 20 00:02:33,000 --> 00:02:46,000 That's because here in America you pay no high import duty, no expensive shipping charges for Roma Wines that combine age-old winemaking skill with modern testing and quality control. 21 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:56,000 So ask for R-O-M-A, Roma Wines, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 22 00:02:56,000 --> 00:03:13,000 And now with Banquo's chair, and with the performances of Donald Crisp as Sir William Brent, and John Loder as Arthur Grain, Sir William's friend who relates the story to us, we again hope to keep you in suspense. 23 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:31,000 I would like you to look at this photograph. It's the picture of Sir William Brent, ex-head of the English Criminal Investigation. 24 00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:43,000 I knew Sir William well, and he always terrified me. Not in the sense that he was brutal or evil, he was none of that, but look at that cold face, particularly his eyes. 25 00:03:43,000 --> 00:03:56,000 When he looked at you, you flushed with guilt. Every misdeed you ever committed in your life floated over your face. A glance from him made you feel as if you were stark naked. He saw you with all your defenses down. 26 00:03:56,000 --> 00:04:14,000 I'm going to tell you about Sir William's last case, a case that, well, even recalling it sends real shudders through me. I swear it's true. I wish I never had, but I saw it with my own eyes. I witnessed it in all its dreadful details. 27 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:28,000 One night about 11 in the evening at the club, a boy came up to me, telegram for you, sir. I ripped open the envelope and read the telegram. Dear Arthur, will you come and dine with me at Turret House, Sydenham on Thursday? 28 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:38,000 There will be several guests, and I think I can promise you an unforgettable evening, signed William Brent. I was annoyed. I don't like to receive telegrams so late in the evening. 29 00:04:38,000 --> 00:04:46,000 And Sir William could easily have phoned, unless he didn't want to go into details with me. I decided to phone him. 30 00:04:46,000 --> 00:04:53,000 Hello? Hello? 31 00:04:53,000 --> 00:04:54,000 This is Arthur Grange calling. 32 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:56,000 Yes, I know. Did you receive my telegram? 33 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:59,000 Yes, Sir William. What's all the mystery about? 34 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:01,000 I'll tell you about that on Thursday. Are you coming? 35 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:02,000 Yes, I'll be there. 36 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:04,000 Very good. I particularly want you to be there. 37 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:08,000 You sound so mysterious. I'm thinking of coming armed or bringing a couple of bodyguards. 38 00:05:08,000 --> 00:05:26,000 No, it wouldn't be necessary to bring bodyguards. But you had better come armed, well armed. Yes, bring a revolver. Good night. 39 00:05:26,000 --> 00:05:37,000 Early Thursday evening I made my way to Turret House. A windy November rain slashed at the streets. Turret House is a huge red brick, unpleasantly somber mansion. 40 00:05:37,000 --> 00:05:46,000 An ugly product of Queen Victoria's time. There it squatted, back of the road, almost hidden from view by several dripping pine trees. 41 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:53,000 The neighborhood had seen better days. I walked up along the unkept path until I reached the great oak and gall. 42 00:05:53,000 --> 00:06:01,000 Good evening, Mr. Grange. I was waiting for you. 43 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:05,000 Hello, Len. Nasty night, sir, isn't it? 44 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:07,000 It's not much warmer in here. 45 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:08,000 There's a power in the dining room. 46 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:11,000 Good. What ever made Sir William move into this drafty dungeon? 47 00:06:11,000 --> 00:06:18,000 Oh, we haven't moved in, sir. It's only temporary. Sir William just rented it. We still live in the West End. 48 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:20,000 Oh, I see. Have any of the other guests arrived? 49 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:23,000 Yes, Mr. Grange. Miss Stone is here. 50 00:06:23,000 --> 00:06:24,000 Oh, hello there. 51 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:27,000 Oh, you must be Roberta Stone, the mystery writer. I'm Arthur Grange. 52 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:29,000 How do you do, Mr. Grange? 53 00:06:29,000 --> 00:06:31,000 I've read all of your stories, Miss Stone, and enjoyed them tremendously. 54 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:34,000 Oh, that's very nice of you. Thank you so much. 55 00:06:34,000 --> 00:06:36,000 Listen, just what's going on here tonight? 56 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:39,000 I don't know. Sir William sounded awfully mysterious. 57 00:06:39,000 --> 00:06:42,000 Didn't he, though? He told me to come armed. 58 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:50,000 He told me the same thing. Here's my gun. I must admit I've never fired it in my life. It scares me to death. 59 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:53,000 Why do you suppose he picked a spot like this to give a dinner party? 60 00:06:53,000 --> 00:06:56,000 Oh, it's the scene of the crime. 61 00:06:56,000 --> 00:06:58,000 Huh? What crime? 62 00:06:58,000 --> 00:07:01,000 Murder. A particularly unpleasant one. 63 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:05,000 Really? I must say the murderer couldn't have picked a more ideal setting. 64 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:10,000 Well, good evening, Roberta. Arthur. I'm glad you're both on time. 65 00:07:10,000 --> 00:07:11,000 Hello, Sir William. 66 00:07:11,000 --> 00:07:16,000 What a nice apartment you have here. A sort of mausoleum and dining room combined. 67 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:18,000 You're a bit afraid, aren't you? 68 00:07:18,000 --> 00:07:20,000 Of course not. Why should I be? 69 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:22,000 Your eyes give you away. 70 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:26,000 What's all this about? You invite us to this godforsaken damp dungeon and tell us to come armed? 71 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:29,000 Now, don't be upset, Arthur. It's only a precaution. 72 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:31,000 Who's the other guest, Sir William? 73 00:07:31,000 --> 00:07:35,000 Well, there are two more guests. But first, I'll tell you all about it. 74 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:36,000 Lane, will you serve the drinks? 75 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:38,000 Yes, Sir William. 76 00:07:38,000 --> 00:07:45,000 I'll tell you what's going to happen tonight. This house, Turrett House, was the scene of the Sydenham murder, a very famous case. 77 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:46,000 Yes, of course. I remember it. 78 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:51,000 That's right. No offense, old man, but wasn't it the only case you never solved? 79 00:07:51,000 --> 00:07:58,000 Arthur, I solved the Sydenham case, but I couldn't bring the criminal to justice because of insufficient evidence. 80 00:07:58,000 --> 00:08:00,000 You mean you knew who the murderer was? 81 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:02,000 Yes, of course. It was the nephew. 82 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:04,000 The nephew? Then why in the world didn't you put him in... 83 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:08,000 Because the nephew had an absolute and unimpeachable alibi. 84 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:13,000 To have arrested him would have meant a waste of time and money, and a release in the end. 85 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:19,000 Besides, according to English law, a man acquitted can never be arrested again on the same murder charge. 86 00:08:19,000 --> 00:08:26,000 The nephew, John Bedford, will be here to dine with us. And, oh yes, the victim, Miss Ferguson. 87 00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:31,000 What? Hey, wait. Do you mean Miss Ferguson wasn't actually murdered? 88 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:34,000 Miss Ferguson is quite dead. Has been dead these two years. 89 00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:39,000 You mean you're going to have the body of Miss Ferguson here while we eat? 90 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:42,000 Well, this promises to be a very gay dinner. 91 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:54,000 Now, see here, as you both know, I've never lost a case except the Sydenham murder, which will be finished tonight. 92 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:59,000 Now, I'm an egotist. I don't believe there's a criminal in all England that can outwit me. 93 00:08:59,000 --> 00:09:05,000 And as a matter of fact, I've resigned from the criminal investigation for the sole purpose of trapping Mr. John Bedford. 94 00:09:05,000 --> 00:09:07,000 You have an awful lot of patience. 95 00:09:07,000 --> 00:09:15,000 Infinite patience. I devoted two years to this case, and now that my moment of triumph has arrived, I wanted to have some witnesses. 96 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:22,000 A writer who will record the event, and an admirer who will applaud with awe the cleverness of my scheme. 97 00:09:22,000 --> 00:09:25,000 If it's as gruesome as I think it is, I won't be here to watch it. 98 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:30,000 Oh, I think you will. Horror has a way of fascinating and hypnotizing people. 99 00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:35,000 Besides, Arthur, you'd be ashamed to run out now. 100 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:36,000 I'll stay, of course. 101 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:37,000 So will I. 102 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:45,000 Oh, good. Now, before I tell you my scheme, let me first acquaint you with the details of the murder. 103 00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:53,000 Well, exactly two years ago tonight, in this very house, 104 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:55,000 Oh, Miss Ferguson. 105 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:07,000 Hilda. Hilda, where are you? Oh, where is that foolish maid? 106 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:08,000 Yes, Miss Ferguson. 107 00:10:08,000 --> 00:10:10,000 Why don't you answer when I call? 108 00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:11,000 Well, I was in the kitchen, Mum. 109 00:10:11,000 --> 00:10:14,000 It's after ten o'clock. You should be on your way home. 110 00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:17,000 Well, I was just about to leave. Has my nephew called? 111 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:22,000 No, Mum. Mr. Bedford hasn't called since yesterday. I told him he couldn't come in, just like you said. 112 00:10:22,000 --> 00:10:28,000 I don't ever want to see him again. He's no good. He's an evil man who will come to an evil end. 113 00:10:28,000 --> 00:10:30,000 You're never to let him in here, Hilda. 114 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:32,000 He won't ever come in this house if I can help it. 115 00:10:32,000 --> 00:10:33,000 No, Mum. 116 00:10:33,000 --> 00:10:37,000 Now you'd better run along and make sure all the doors are bolted. 117 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:38,000 Yes, Mum. 118 00:10:38,000 --> 00:10:43,000 Hmm. I'll change my will. Won't leave him a penny, I won't. 119 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:44,000 Good night, Miss Ferguson. 120 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:46,000 Oh, good night, Hilda. 121 00:10:46,000 --> 00:10:47,000 Good night. 122 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:52,000 Who does he think he is? In the morning I'll change the will. That's what I... 123 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:54,000 Who's there? Who is it? 124 00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:58,000 It's I, Aunt Martha, your own affectionate nephew. 125 00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:00,000 What are you doing in my house? 126 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:04,000 You're not at all pleased to see me. You're only living relative, too. 127 00:11:04,000 --> 00:11:07,000 I'd like you to leave at once or I'll call the police. 128 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:10,000 I'd rather not, Auntie. I want to have a talk with you. 129 00:11:10,000 --> 00:11:13,000 You don't want to talk to me. All you want is money. 130 00:11:13,000 --> 00:11:16,000 Yes, Auntie. I want money and lots of it. 131 00:11:16,000 --> 00:11:19,000 You've got all the money you'll ever get out of me. 132 00:11:19,000 --> 00:11:22,000 You won't even get a penny after I die. I'll see to that. 133 00:11:22,000 --> 00:11:27,000 Perhaps you'll appreciate the value of money after you've worked for it. 134 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:29,000 Why are you wearing gloves? 135 00:11:29,000 --> 00:11:31,000 I've made up my mind, Auntie. 136 00:11:31,000 --> 00:11:34,000 What are you doing? Keep away! 137 00:11:34,000 --> 00:11:39,000 You're an old woman, Auntie. All that money is no good for you. You can't ever use it. 138 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:43,000 I'm young. Money means life to me, a rich and gay life. 139 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:46,000 You're old, Auntie, and you're going to die soon anyway. 140 00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:49,000 No! It can't be! You're not going to do that! 141 00:11:49,000 --> 00:11:51,000 Yes, Auntie, I am! 142 00:11:51,000 --> 00:11:55,000 You don't want to live anyway, Auntie. You're lonely, sick and old. 143 00:11:55,000 --> 00:11:57,000 I'm doing you a favour! 144 00:11:59,000 --> 00:12:02,000 Nobody can hear you, Auntie. 145 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:06,000 I'm your heir, your only heir, Auntie. Your next of kin. 146 00:12:06,000 --> 00:12:13,000 Your stage is going to be mine, Auntie. All of it. 147 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:20,000 Now, don't you worry, Auntie. We'll have a fine funeral for you. 148 00:12:20,000 --> 00:12:22,920 The 149 00:12:23,000 --> 00:12:26,000 The 150 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:29,000 The 151 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:31,000 The 152 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:36,000 Yes, yes, that's pretty much the way old Mrs Ferguson was murdered. 153 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:38,000 Hilda found the body the next morning. 154 00:12:38,000 --> 00:12:43,000 I immediately went to work on the case. All the evidence pointed to John Bedford. 155 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:47,000 Everyone believed he committed the crime. He almost admitted it himself. 156 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:50,000 I had him brought into my office for questioning. 157 00:12:50,000 --> 00:12:52,000 How do you do, Sir William? 158 00:12:52,000 --> 00:12:54,000 Cigarette. Thank you. 159 00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:57,000 Well, how does it feel to kill your own aunt? 160 00:12:57,000 --> 00:13:00,000 May I have a light, please? Yes, of course. 161 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:07,000 Thank you. I wouldn't know, Sir William. You see, I never killed anyone. Have you? 162 00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:10,000 I have, Mr Bedford. I've sent quite a few to the gallows. 163 00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:12,000 So I understand. 164 00:13:12,000 --> 00:13:15,000 What was your relationship to Miss Ferguson? 165 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:18,000 She was my aunt. Don't be slippant. 166 00:13:18,000 --> 00:13:21,000 Well, to tell you the truth, sir, my aunt didn't like me. 167 00:13:21,000 --> 00:13:25,000 She thought I was a spendthrift and a useless parasite, and she was quite right. 168 00:13:25,000 --> 00:13:30,000 Now, I believe it's customary to ask the accused his whereabouts on the night of the crime. 169 00:13:30,000 --> 00:13:32,000 Yes, it is. And won't you tell me? 170 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:37,000 In jail. I had a little too much and got into a bit of a tiff with someone. 171 00:13:37,000 --> 00:13:39,000 That's quite an alibi. Quite a fact. 172 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:44,000 It was hardly possible for me to be in jail and kill my aunt at the same time. 173 00:13:44,000 --> 00:13:48,000 Unless, of course, my aunt came into my cell and allowed me to murder her, 174 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:52,000 after which she walked back to the Tullet House as a ghost dragging her body behind her. 175 00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:54,000 Hardly possible. 176 00:13:54,000 --> 00:13:56,000 Don't you think you ought to check my story? 177 00:13:56,000 --> 00:14:00,000 I already have. You've done a very skillful job. 178 00:14:00,000 --> 00:14:03,000 Too bad you couldn't use your talents for something constructive. 179 00:14:03,000 --> 00:14:05,000 Well, then, why don't you arrest me, Sir William? 180 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:09,000 No, Mr Bedford, I have time. Plenty of time. 181 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:11,000 Well, you'd better work fast. 182 00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:16,000 If you get around to me, I'll have spent all of my aunt's beautiful money. 183 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:21,000 It's not the money we're after. It's you and your beautiful life. 184 00:14:21,000 --> 00:14:23,000 Good day, Mr Bedford. 185 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:35,000 That's how the matter stood. I refused to let my men arrest him. 186 00:14:35,000 --> 00:14:38,000 But how in the world could he have murdered his aunt when he was in jail? 187 00:14:38,000 --> 00:14:41,000 Perhaps he bribed the prison guard to let him out for an hour. 188 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:45,000 That's excellent, Roberta. I believe that's exactly what happened. 189 00:14:45,000 --> 00:14:47,000 Unfortunately, the guard died of pneumonia soon afterwards, 190 00:14:47,000 --> 00:14:49,000 which left us no further source of evidence. 191 00:14:49,000 --> 00:14:53,000 As far as I can see, Sir William, you haven't a leg to stand on. 192 00:14:53,000 --> 00:14:55,000 You're quite right, Arthur. I haven't. 193 00:14:55,000 --> 00:15:00,000 Except that every man, particularly a criminal, has an Achilles heel. 194 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:02,000 I discovered John Bedford's weakness. 195 00:15:02,000 --> 00:15:04,000 Sounds like I'm going to have a good story. 196 00:15:04,000 --> 00:15:05,000 What is it? 197 00:15:05,000 --> 00:15:07,000 He's very superstitious. 198 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:09,000 How did you learn that? 199 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:12,000 I've never suffered a defeat in my life. 200 00:15:12,000 --> 00:15:14,000 John Bedford was the first setback. 201 00:15:14,000 --> 00:15:18,000 Here was a clever, calloused criminal who laughed at me. 202 00:15:18,000 --> 00:15:20,000 No one had ever done that before. 203 00:15:20,000 --> 00:15:24,000 Bedford knew I could do him no harm, and he made the most of it. 204 00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:27,000 Carefully and patiently, I thought it over. 205 00:15:27,000 --> 00:15:31,000 I looked upon Bedford as you would look upon a Chinese puzzle. 206 00:15:31,000 --> 00:15:34,000 There is no such thing as an impregnable defense. 207 00:15:34,000 --> 00:15:37,000 A few months later, I went to visit Bedford. 208 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:48,000 Sir William, what a surprise. Would you come in, please? 209 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,000 Thank you, Mr. Bedford. 210 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:54,000 I'm really honored to have the great Sir William Brent pay me a visit. 211 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:56,000 You're not after any more clues, I hope. 212 00:15:56,000 --> 00:15:58,000 It does get rather tedious. 213 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:00,000 Not at all. I know when I'm licked. 214 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:03,000 I don't want to appear smug, sir, but everyone has his Waterloo. 215 00:16:03,000 --> 00:16:05,000 Would you have a drink? 216 00:16:05,000 --> 00:16:09,000 No, thanks. I suppose you're curious about why I came here. 217 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:12,000 Well, I hardly imagined it was a friendly visit. 218 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:14,000 I've resigned from the criminal investigation. 219 00:16:14,000 --> 00:16:16,000 I'm a private citizen now. 220 00:16:16,000 --> 00:16:18,000 Yes, I heard about that. 221 00:16:18,000 --> 00:16:20,000 You know, most people misunderstand me. 222 00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:23,000 It wasn't my love for justice that made me pursue my profession 223 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:26,000 with such tenacity and success. 224 00:16:26,000 --> 00:16:27,000 Yes? 225 00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:30,000 Of course, with the sole exception of your case, of course. 226 00:16:30,000 --> 00:16:32,000 It was a game of skill to me. 227 00:16:32,000 --> 00:16:34,000 My wits against all comers. 228 00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:36,000 I lost in your case. 229 00:16:36,000 --> 00:16:38,000 But then we've all got to lose some time. 230 00:16:38,000 --> 00:16:40,000 I don't believe you, Sir William. 231 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:43,000 You're still after me. But I'm afraid it's no go. 232 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:46,000 I've kept out of trouble so far, Nuck Wood. 233 00:16:46,000 --> 00:16:49,000 That's an odd habit for a man like you, Bedford. 234 00:16:49,000 --> 00:16:51,000 You're not superstitious, are you? 235 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:53,000 Of course not. 236 00:16:53,000 --> 00:16:56,000 Well, now as to the reason for my visit. 237 00:16:56,000 --> 00:17:00,000 I noticed in the papers that you're looking for a tenant for Tarrant House. 238 00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:03,000 Why, yes, I am. I'd like to rent it. 239 00:17:03,000 --> 00:17:06,000 Well, the scene of the crime, huh? 240 00:17:06,000 --> 00:17:09,000 Well, of course, why not? There's no harm in it. 241 00:17:09,000 --> 00:17:12,000 As a matter of fact, I'll let you have it very cheaply. 242 00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:22,000 And that's how I rented this house. 243 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:24,000 The house where the murder was committed. 244 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:25,000 What's your plan? 245 00:17:25,000 --> 00:17:29,000 It had better be a good one. Mr. Bedford sounds like a hard customer. 246 00:17:29,000 --> 00:17:32,000 Yes, it's a strange plan, but an effective one. 247 00:17:32,000 --> 00:17:34,000 I saw Bedford frequently. 248 00:17:34,000 --> 00:17:37,000 Our acquaintance blossomed into a kind of friendship. 249 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:39,000 An armed friendship, of course. 250 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:42,000 He knew I was out to get him, and I wanted him to know that. 251 00:17:42,000 --> 00:17:47,000 He's vain, very vain. And this game intrigued him. 252 00:17:47,000 --> 00:17:51,000 I also learned he's a very superstitious. 253 00:17:51,000 --> 00:17:54,000 Tonight is the anniversary of the murder. 254 00:17:54,000 --> 00:17:57,000 And tonight Mr. Bedford dines with us at eight o'clock. 255 00:17:57,000 --> 00:17:59,000 It's nearly eight now. 256 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:02,000 Now, this is the plan. You and Rume Wakefield, of course. 257 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:04,000 Naturally, the Shakespearean actor. 258 00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:05,000 That's right. 259 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:08,000 Now, during dinner, Miss Wakefield will enter the room 260 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:12,000 in the precise likeness of Miss Ferguson, the murdered woman. 261 00:18:12,000 --> 00:18:14,000 We, of course, will pretend not to see her. 262 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:17,000 We remain outwardly unconscious of her. 263 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:20,000 Only Bedford will be aware of her presence. 264 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:22,000 I believe Bedford will confess. 265 00:18:22,000 --> 00:18:25,000 But this is the anniversary. I'd imagine you'd keep away on this night. 266 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:29,000 He's giddy with success on also the fact that Roberta Stone, 267 00:18:29,000 --> 00:18:31,000 the famous writer, is here with us. 268 00:18:31,000 --> 00:18:34,000 Tweaks his vanity. He'll be here and promptly. 269 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:36,000 I don't like this. 270 00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:38,000 Well, this is just like one of your stories. 271 00:18:38,000 --> 00:18:40,000 It doesn't become you to be frightened. 272 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:41,000 I won't run away. 273 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:43,000 Now, there's one more thing. 274 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:46,000 During dinner, the electric lights will be switched off at the main, 275 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:48,000 and candles will be lit. 276 00:18:48,000 --> 00:18:50,000 We must have the correct atmosphere. 277 00:18:50,000 --> 00:18:54,000 You understand now. You are not to see May Wakefield. 278 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:56,000 She doesn't exist for us. Is that clear? 279 00:18:56,000 --> 00:18:57,000 Well, I'll look right through her. 280 00:18:57,000 --> 00:18:59,000 Oh, it gives me the creeps. 281 00:18:59,000 --> 00:19:02,000 Ah, that's Bedford. 282 00:19:05,000 --> 00:19:09,000 The appearance of John Bedford suddenly made the whole scene grimly real. 283 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:12,000 He was a tall, well-built man in his late thirties, 284 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:15,000 immaculately dressed and perfectly groomed. 285 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:18,000 At first sight, his face seemed pleasant enough, 286 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:22,000 but on closer scrutiny, his gray eyes were hard and cold. 287 00:19:22,000 --> 00:19:26,000 He looked all of us over with arrogance and superiority. 288 00:19:26,000 --> 00:19:28,000 I heartily wished I was elsewhere. 289 00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:32,000 This was one scene I had no desire to witness. 290 00:19:32,000 --> 00:19:35,000 After the introductions were over, we sat down to dinner. 291 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:37,000 Is it still nasty outside, Mr. Bedford? 292 00:19:37,000 --> 00:19:39,000 Oh, getting worse. 293 00:19:39,000 --> 00:19:41,000 Looks like we're in for a few days of this. 294 00:19:41,000 --> 00:19:42,000 That's too bad. 295 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:44,000 I was going to do some writing tomorrow. 296 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:46,000 Mmm, the soup is excellent. 297 00:19:46,000 --> 00:19:49,000 Oh, yes, yes, indeed. Your cook should be congratulated, sir. 298 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:51,000 The soup is a masterpiece. 299 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:54,000 Poor Alice. She's been my cook for 20 years, 300 00:19:54,000 --> 00:19:56,000 but she's given me notice. 301 00:19:56,000 --> 00:19:58,000 Absolutely refuses to stay here. 302 00:19:58,000 --> 00:20:00,000 Says this house is haunted. 303 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:03,000 Roberta, you might make an interesting story for you. 304 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:04,000 You might speak to her. 305 00:20:04,000 --> 00:20:05,000 Oh, really? 306 00:20:05,000 --> 00:20:09,000 Alice swears that she's seen the figure of an elderly lady 307 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:13,000 with finger marks on her throat walking about the house. 308 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:17,000 Come now, Sir William. This is too good. 309 00:20:17,000 --> 00:20:20,000 What an obvious attempt to frighten me. 310 00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:23,000 Sir William is convinced that I murdered my aunt. 311 00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:25,000 But please, Sir William, a little more subtlety. 312 00:20:25,000 --> 00:20:27,000 Surely I deserve it. 313 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:29,000 Perhaps the cook did see the figure. 314 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:31,000 It might interest you to know, Mr. Bedford, 315 00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:33,000 that I don't believe in ghosts. 316 00:20:33,000 --> 00:20:36,000 And I'm sure my cook never saw this elderly figure. 317 00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:37,000 It's all in her mind. 318 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:40,000 I am afraid your little attempt didn't work, sir, 319 00:20:40,000 --> 00:20:43,000 but I must admit your graceful admission of its failure. 320 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:46,000 Yes, I suppose I'd better give up, shouldn't I? 321 00:20:46,000 --> 00:20:48,000 Oh, no, no, no, never give up. 322 00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:51,000 If at first you don't succeed, you know... 323 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:53,000 Do you live very far from here, Mr. Bedford? 324 00:20:53,000 --> 00:20:54,000 Thank you, Miss Stone. 325 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:56,000 There's really no need to change the topic. 326 00:20:56,000 --> 00:20:59,000 I hope you find this game as amusing as I do. 327 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:00,000 I'm sorry, Mr. Bedford, 328 00:21:00,000 --> 00:21:03,000 but this isn't my idea of pleasant dinner conversation. 329 00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:05,000 Well, we'll talk of pleasant things, then, eh? 330 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:07,000 I saw a very exciting play last night. 331 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:09,000 Excuse me a moment. It's really fearfully hot in here. 332 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:11,000 Do you mind if we get a little air, sir? 333 00:21:11,000 --> 00:21:13,000 Oh, I'm sorry. It is rather warm. 334 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:15,000 Lane, open the windows, please. 335 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:18,000 Yes, sir. 336 00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:21,000 What terrible weather. 337 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:23,000 I don't know how we'll ever get home in this. 338 00:21:23,000 --> 00:21:24,000 It's a bad month of the year. 339 00:21:24,000 --> 00:21:27,000 I had intended to go to the Riviera after the season, but you... 340 00:21:27,000 --> 00:21:30,000 Lane, what on earth is wrong with the lights? 341 00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:32,000 I don't know, sir. 342 00:21:32,000 --> 00:21:34,000 Well, don't stand there. Light the candles. 343 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:36,000 We can't sit here in the darkness. 344 00:21:36,000 --> 00:21:37,000 And get the chauffeur. 345 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:39,000 He knows something about the electric lights. 346 00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:41,000 I'll call the chauffeur right away, sir. 347 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:43,000 Yes, I'm terribly sorry about this. 348 00:21:43,000 --> 00:21:45,000 We've had trouble with the wiring before. 349 00:21:45,000 --> 00:21:47,000 The chauffeur will have it fixed in a few minutes. 350 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:49,000 Now, let's go on with our dinner. 351 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:51,000 This is one of your tricks, Sir William. 352 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:53,000 Have some more wine, Mr. Bedford. 353 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:55,000 Thank you. 354 00:21:56,000 --> 00:21:58,000 It was a tense and terrible moment. 355 00:21:58,000 --> 00:22:01,000 I looked at Roberta. She was pale and frightened. 356 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:04,000 Bedford, for all his poise, was uneasy. 357 00:22:04,000 --> 00:22:07,000 He didn't know whether Sir William was planning anything, 358 00:22:07,000 --> 00:22:09,000 or whether this was really an accident. 359 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:11,000 My heart was pounding away, 360 00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:13,000 and my palms were wet with perspiration. 361 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:15,000 Only Sir William appeared cool. 362 00:22:15,000 --> 00:22:18,000 There was not a trace of emotion in his face. 363 00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:22,000 Oh, Mr. Bedford, you were saying about visiting the Riviera. 364 00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:25,000 It's quite a change from England at this time of year. 365 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:28,000 Well, I suppose I'll make the trip next month, but I... 366 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:31,000 What's the matter, Mr. Bedford? 367 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:33,000 Nothing. Nothing at all. 368 00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:36,000 I wish we could have some light. It's rather difficult to see. 369 00:22:36,000 --> 00:22:39,000 Yes, I'm terribly sorry. I just had to have my... just a dinner. 370 00:22:39,000 --> 00:22:41,000 Have a little more wine, Mr. Bedford. 371 00:22:41,000 --> 00:22:43,000 Oh, yes. Here's, thank you. 372 00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:47,000 The figure of a woman had entered the room. 373 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:50,000 She had come in silently, like a ghost. 374 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:52,000 We all saw her, 375 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:55,000 but not one of us moved or made a sign of recognition. 376 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:59,000 In the dim candlelight, she looked ghostly and unreal. 377 00:22:59,000 --> 00:23:03,000 Bedford looked at all of us to see if we had also seen the figure before his eyes. 378 00:23:03,000 --> 00:23:05,000 But we ate our dinner grimly. 379 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:07,000 He looked again, 380 00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:09,000 then shook his head and gulped more wine. 381 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:13,000 Don't any of you see anything? 382 00:23:13,000 --> 00:23:15,000 See what, Mr. Bedford? 383 00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:17,000 There's another one of your tricks. 384 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:19,000 Can't any of you see her? 385 00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:21,000 What's got into you, Bedford? 386 00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:24,000 It's my aunt. My aunt. 387 00:23:24,000 --> 00:23:26,000 Your aunt's dead, Mr. Bedford. 388 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:28,000 You're not seeing ghosts, I hope. 389 00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:30,000 Maybe I had... 390 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:32,000 She's... she's coming to old me. 391 00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:35,000 Now calm yourself. I've never seen you like this. 392 00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:37,000 There's no one else here. 393 00:23:37,000 --> 00:23:39,000 Do you see anyone, Roberta? 394 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:41,000 No. No, Sir William. 395 00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:43,000 I don't either. 396 00:23:43,000 --> 00:23:45,000 Let me out of here. 397 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:47,000 I can't make you out, Bedford. There's no one here. 398 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:50,000 My nephew. 399 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:55,000 You're not wearing gloves today, John. 400 00:23:55,000 --> 00:23:57,000 She's real. 401 00:23:57,000 --> 00:23:59,000 Can't any of you see her? Can't you hear her? 402 00:23:59,000 --> 00:24:01,000 What's come over you, Bedford? 403 00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:03,000 I'm leaving here. 404 00:24:03,000 --> 00:24:05,000 I'm going to the door. She won't let me out. 405 00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:08,000 I'm an old woman. 406 00:24:08,000 --> 00:24:12,000 Money is no good for me. 407 00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:16,000 I'm lonely, John. 408 00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:18,000 I'm lonely. 409 00:24:18,000 --> 00:24:21,000 Let me by, old Martha, out of my way. 410 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:23,000 There's no one in your way, Bedford. Please sit down. 411 00:24:23,000 --> 00:24:26,000 Get away from that door! I'll murder you again! 412 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:29,000 You hear that, Mother? I'll murder you again, you old witch! 413 00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:31,000 I'll murder you again! 414 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:33,000 All right. Switch on the lights. 415 00:24:33,000 --> 00:24:35,000 I'll murder you again. 416 00:24:35,000 --> 00:24:37,000 Officer Graham, arrest him. 417 00:24:37,000 --> 00:24:39,000 You heard the confession. 418 00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:41,000 Put the handcuffs on him. 419 00:24:41,000 --> 00:24:45,000 I've never seen anything so horrible. 420 00:24:45,000 --> 00:24:47,000 Let me out of here. 421 00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:51,000 Well, Bedford, it seems that I've finally caught up with you. 422 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:54,000 I'll kill her again. I'll kill her again! 423 00:24:54,000 --> 00:24:57,000 That wasn't your aunt. It was Miss Wakefield, the actress. 424 00:24:57,000 --> 00:25:01,000 I'll kill her again! I'll kill her again! 425 00:25:01,000 --> 00:25:05,000 Take him away, Graham. He's in a state of shock. 426 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:13,000 Shall we continue with our dinner? 427 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:16,000 I hope you're fully satisfied, Sir William. 428 00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:19,000 Quite. It's been a long job. 429 00:25:19,000 --> 00:25:22,000 But it has ended as I knew it would. 430 00:25:22,000 --> 00:25:24,000 I'm most grateful to you both for your help. 431 00:25:24,000 --> 00:25:26,000 I thought it was a pretty grim affair. 432 00:25:26,000 --> 00:25:28,000 I must say you know your job. 433 00:25:28,000 --> 00:25:30,000 May Wakefield certainly knew hers. 434 00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:33,000 That was the finest piece of acting I've ever seen. 435 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:36,000 Yes. Her make-up was incredibly good. 436 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:39,000 I must congratulate her. She's probably gone to her room. 437 00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:40,000 Oh, Elaine. 438 00:25:40,000 --> 00:25:41,000 Yes, Sir? 439 00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:42,000 Please call Miss Wakefield. 440 00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:43,000 Miss Wakefield, Sir? 441 00:25:43,000 --> 00:25:45,000 Yes, the lady who's been assisting us this evening. 442 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:48,000 I haven't seen her, Sir, but I look for her, Sir. 443 00:25:48,000 --> 00:25:50,000 Yes, well, tell her to come down and join us. 444 00:25:50,000 --> 00:25:52,000 We have a fine dinner waiting for her. 445 00:25:52,000 --> 00:25:55,000 Oh, excuse me, Sir, but this telegram came a little while ago. 446 00:25:55,000 --> 00:25:58,000 I didn't want to disturb you during dinner. 447 00:25:58,000 --> 00:26:00,000 Let me have it. 448 00:26:06,000 --> 00:26:08,000 Sir William, what's wrong? 449 00:26:08,000 --> 00:26:09,000 Good. 450 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:13,000 I'll read it to you. 451 00:26:14,000 --> 00:26:16,000 Extremely sorry. 452 00:26:16,000 --> 00:26:22,000 Severe influenza makes it impossible for me to leave my bed tonight. 453 00:26:22,000 --> 00:26:25,000 Will tomorrow night do. 454 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:28,000 Signed, May Wakefield. 455 00:26:29,000 --> 00:26:31,000 Lord, help us. 456 00:26:31,000 --> 00:26:36,000 If it wasn't May Wakefield, then who was that figure here tonight? 457 00:26:37,000 --> 00:26:39,000 There was no answer. 458 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:42,000 I looked at Sir William staring at the telegram. 459 00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:45,000 His face was gray and stony. 460 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:48,000 On his left temple a crooked blue vein stood out. 461 00:26:48,000 --> 00:26:51,000 It twitched once or twice, and then was motionless. 462 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:53,000 He looked. 463 00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:56,000 He looked as though he'd seen a ghost. 464 00:27:07,000 --> 00:27:11,000 And so closes Banquo's Chair, starring Donald Crisp and John Loder. 465 00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:15,000 Tonight's tale of Suspense. 466 00:27:15,000 --> 00:27:19,000 Suspense is produced and directed by William Spear. 467 00:27:19,000 --> 00:27:25,000 Have you discovered, as thousands have, how much Roma wines add to the enjoyment of your meals? 468 00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:30,000 How their superb flavor makes special occasion feasts out of everyday meals? 469 00:27:30,000 --> 00:27:32,000 Well, find out for yourself. 470 00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:37,000 Start off the meal with that delightful appetizer, Roma California Sherry. 471 00:27:37,000 --> 00:27:41,000 Then place on the table a well-chilled bottle of Roma California table wine. 472 00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:46,000 Delicate Sauternes, Hearty Burgundy, or Tarte Tasty Claret. 473 00:27:46,000 --> 00:27:51,000 You'll be amazed at the tremendous difference Roma wine makes in the enjoyment of your foods. 474 00:27:51,000 --> 00:27:56,000 Now don't overlook this easy, inexpensive way to add thrilling extra enjoyment to everyday living. 475 00:27:56,000 --> 00:28:00,000 Remember, Roma wines cost only pennies a glass. 476 00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:06,000 So take a tip from the millions who enjoy Roma wines at meals or when entertaining. 477 00:28:06,000 --> 00:28:10,000 Ask for R-O-M-A, Roma wines. 478 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:17,000 America's largest selling wines, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 479 00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:19,000 This is John Loder. 480 00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:23,000 There is no program that Mr. Crisp and I admire more than Suspense. 481 00:28:23,000 --> 00:28:28,000 And I know I speak for him as well as myself in saying how thoroughly we have enjoyed our appearance here this evening. 482 00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:34,000 Now, with the request of our government, I want to pass this information along on behalf of the Merchant Marine. 483 00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:39,000 Six ships a day instead of five soon will be coming off the ways of our shipyards. 484 00:28:39,000 --> 00:28:43,000 The United States shipbuilding program is being increased rather than cut. 485 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:48,000 A few days ago, contracts were awarded for 262 additional new ships. 486 00:28:48,000 --> 00:28:54,000 Every one of them must be manned by 40 to 50 men, most of them with previous sea experience. 487 00:28:54,000 --> 00:29:06,000 The longer Pacific distances and expanding supply problems on every front will call for the continuous employment of large numbers of men and ships until Japan is totally defeated. 488 00:29:06,000 --> 00:29:15,000 The universal demand for a strong post-war Merchant Marine makes post-war opportunities in these jobs fully as great as in any American industry today. 489 00:29:15,000 --> 00:29:22,000 Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Mr. Charles Lawton as star of Suspense. 490 00:29:22,000 --> 00:29:32,000 Presented by the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California, Roma wines, R-O-M-A, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 491 00:29:32,000 --> 00:29:36,000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.