WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:04.000 Now, Roma Wines presents... 00:04.000 --> 00:12.000 Suspense! 00:12.000 --> 00:25.000 Tonight, Banquo's Chair, starring Donald Crisp and John Loder. 00:25.000 --> 00:33.000 Suspense is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. 00:33.000 --> 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. 00:43.000 --> 00:48.000 Yes, right now a glass full would be very pleasant, as Roma Wines bring you... 00:48.000 --> 00:52.000 Suspense! 00:52.000 --> 00:56.000 This is the Man in Black, here to introduce this weekly half hour of... 00:56.000 --> 00:58.000 Suspense! 00:58.000 --> 01:06.000 This evening, Roma Wines bring you as stars two distinguished gentlemen from the Hollywood Sound stages, Donald Crisp and John Loder. 01:06.000 --> 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. 01:20.000 --> 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. 01:30.000 --> 01:38.000 Let us picture a scene beneath a radiant Caribbean moon, at the fashionable Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana. 01:38.000 --> 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. 01:47.000 --> 01:55.000 His Cuban host replies, true, the traditions, the scenery, and the food you enjoy, they are Cuban. 01:55.000 --> 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. 02:04.000 --> 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. 02:14.000 --> 02:21.000 But millions of Americans do know and enjoy the excellence of Roma Wines daily, with meals and when entertaining. 02:21.000 --> 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. 02:33.000 --> 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. 02:46.000 --> 02:56.000 So ask for R-O-M-A, Roma Wines, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 02:56.000 --> 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. 03:13.000 --> 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. 03:31.000 --> 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. 03:43.000 --> 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. 03:56.000 --> 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. 04:14.000 --> 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? 04:28.000 --> 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. 04:38.000 --> 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. 04:46.000 --> 04:53.000 Hello? Hello? 04:53.000 --> 04:54.000 This is Arthur Grange calling. 04:54.000 --> 04:56.000 Yes, I know. Did you receive my telegram? 04:56.000 --> 04:59.000 Yes, Sir William. What's all the mystery about? 04:59.000 --> 05:01.000 I'll tell you about that on Thursday. Are you coming? 05:01.000 --> 05:02.000 Yes, I'll be there. 05:02.000 --> 05:04.000 Very good. I particularly want you to be there. 05:04.000 --> 05:08.000 You sound so mysterious. I'm thinking of coming armed or bringing a couple of bodyguards. 05:08.000 --> 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. 05:26.000 --> 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. 05:37.000 --> 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. 05:46.000 --> 05:53.000 The neighborhood had seen better days. I walked up along the unkept path until I reached the great oak and gall. 05:53.000 --> 06:01.000 Good evening, Mr. Grange. I was waiting for you. 06:01.000 --> 06:05.000 Hello, Len. Nasty night, sir, isn't it? 06:05.000 --> 06:07.000 It's not much warmer in here. 06:07.000 --> 06:08.000 There's a power in the dining room. 06:08.000 --> 06:11.000 Good. What ever made Sir William move into this drafty dungeon? 06:11.000 --> 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. 06:18.000 --> 06:20.000 Oh, I see. Have any of the other guests arrived? 06:20.000 --> 06:23.000 Yes, Mr. Grange. Miss Stone is here. 06:23.000 --> 06:24.000 Oh, hello there. 06:24.000 --> 06:27.000 Oh, you must be Roberta Stone, the mystery writer. I'm Arthur Grange. 06:27.000 --> 06:29.000 How do you do, Mr. Grange? 06:29.000 --> 06:31.000 I've read all of your stories, Miss Stone, and enjoyed them tremendously. 06:31.000 --> 06:34.000 Oh, that's very nice of you. Thank you so much. 06:34.000 --> 06:36.000 Listen, just what's going on here tonight? 06:36.000 --> 06:39.000 I don't know. Sir William sounded awfully mysterious. 06:39.000 --> 06:42.000 Didn't he, though? He told me to come armed. 06:42.000 --> 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. 06:50.000 --> 06:53.000 Why do you suppose he picked a spot like this to give a dinner party? 06:53.000 --> 06:56.000 Oh, it's the scene of the crime. 06:56.000 --> 06:58.000 Huh? What crime? 06:58.000 --> 07:01.000 Murder. A particularly unpleasant one. 07:01.000 --> 07:05.000 Really? I must say the murderer couldn't have picked a more ideal setting. 07:05.000 --> 07:10.000 Well, good evening, Roberta. Arthur. I'm glad you're both on time. 07:10.000 --> 07:11.000 Hello, Sir William. 07:11.000 --> 07:16.000 What a nice apartment you have here. A sort of mausoleum and dining room combined. 07:16.000 --> 07:18.000 You're a bit afraid, aren't you? 07:18.000 --> 07:20.000 Of course not. Why should I be? 07:20.000 --> 07:22.000 Your eyes give you away. 07:22.000 --> 07:26.000 What's all this about? You invite us to this godforsaken damp dungeon and tell us to come armed? 07:26.000 --> 07:29.000 Now, don't be upset, Arthur. It's only a precaution. 07:29.000 --> 07:31.000 Who's the other guest, Sir William? 07:31.000 --> 07:35.000 Well, there are two more guests. But first, I'll tell you all about it. 07:35.000 --> 07:36.000 Lane, will you serve the drinks? 07:36.000 --> 07:38.000 Yes, Sir William. 07:38.000 --> 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. 07:45.000 --> 07:46.000 Yes, of course. I remember it. 07:46.000 --> 07:51.000 That's right. No offense, old man, but wasn't it the only case you never solved? 07:51.000 --> 07:58.000 Arthur, I solved the Sydenham case, but I couldn't bring the criminal to justice because of insufficient evidence. 07:58.000 --> 08:00.000 You mean you knew who the murderer was? 08:00.000 --> 08:02.000 Yes, of course. It was the nephew. 08:02.000 --> 08:04.000 The nephew? Then why in the world didn't you put him in... 08:04.000 --> 08:08.000 Because the nephew had an absolute and unimpeachable alibi. 08:08.000 --> 08:13.000 To have arrested him would have meant a waste of time and money, and a release in the end. 08:13.000 --> 08:19.000 Besides, according to English law, a man acquitted can never be arrested again on the same murder charge. 08:19.000 --> 08:26.000 The nephew, John Bedford, will be here to dine with us. And, oh yes, the victim, Miss Ferguson. 08:26.000 --> 08:31.000 What? Hey, wait. Do you mean Miss Ferguson wasn't actually murdered? 08:31.000 --> 08:34.000 Miss Ferguson is quite dead. Has been dead these two years. 08:34.000 --> 08:39.000 You mean you're going to have the body of Miss Ferguson here while we eat? 08:39.000 --> 08:42.000 Well, this promises to be a very gay dinner. 08:46.000 --> 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. 08:54.000 --> 08:59.000 Now, I'm an egotist. I don't believe there's a criminal in all England that can outwit me. 08:59.000 --> 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. 09:05.000 --> 09:07.000 You have an awful lot of patience. 09:07.000 --> 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. 09:15.000 --> 09:22.000 A writer who will record the event, and an admirer who will applaud with awe the cleverness of my scheme. 09:22.000 --> 09:25.000 If it's as gruesome as I think it is, I won't be here to watch it. 09:25.000 --> 09:30.000 Oh, I think you will. Horror has a way of fascinating and hypnotizing people. 09:30.000 --> 09:35.000 Besides, Arthur, you'd be ashamed to run out now. 09:35.000 --> 09:36.000 I'll stay, of course. 09:36.000 --> 09:37.000 So will I. 09:37.000 --> 09:45.000 Oh, good. Now, before I tell you my scheme, let me first acquaint you with the details of the murder. 09:47.000 --> 09:53.000 Well, exactly two years ago tonight, in this very house, 09:53.000 --> 09:55.000 Oh, Miss Ferguson. 10:02.000 --> 10:07.000 Hilda. Hilda, where are you? Oh, where is that foolish maid? 10:07.000 --> 10:08.000 Yes, Miss Ferguson. 10:08.000 --> 10:10.000 Why don't you answer when I call? 10:10.000 --> 10:11.000 Well, I was in the kitchen, Mum. 10:11.000 --> 10:14.000 It's after ten o'clock. You should be on your way home. 10:14.000 --> 10:17.000 Well, I was just about to leave. Has my nephew called? 10:17.000 --> 10:22.000 No, Mum. Mr. Bedford hasn't called since yesterday. I told him he couldn't come in, just like you said. 10:22.000 --> 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. 10:28.000 --> 10:30.000 You're never to let him in here, Hilda. 10:30.000 --> 10:32.000 He won't ever come in this house if I can help it. 10:32.000 --> 10:33.000 No, Mum. 10:33.000 --> 10:37.000 Now you'd better run along and make sure all the doors are bolted. 10:37.000 --> 10:38.000 Yes, Mum. 10:38.000 --> 10:43.000 Hmm. I'll change my will. Won't leave him a penny, I won't. 10:43.000 --> 10:44.000 Good night, Miss Ferguson. 10:44.000 --> 10:46.000 Oh, good night, Hilda. 10:46.000 --> 10:47.000 Good night. 10:47.000 --> 10:52.000 Who does he think he is? In the morning I'll change the will. That's what I... 10:52.000 --> 10:54.000 Who's there? Who is it? 10:54.000 --> 10:58.000 It's I, Aunt Martha, your own affectionate nephew. 10:58.000 --> 11:00.000 What are you doing in my house? 11:00.000 --> 11:04.000 You're not at all pleased to see me. You're only living relative, too. 11:04.000 --> 11:07.000 I'd like you to leave at once or I'll call the police. 11:07.000 --> 11:10.000 I'd rather not, Auntie. I want to have a talk with you. 11:10.000 --> 11:13.000 You don't want to talk to me. All you want is money. 11:13.000 --> 11:16.000 Yes, Auntie. I want money and lots of it. 11:16.000 --> 11:19.000 You've got all the money you'll ever get out of me. 11:19.000 --> 11:22.000 You won't even get a penny after I die. I'll see to that. 11:22.000 --> 11:27.000 Perhaps you'll appreciate the value of money after you've worked for it. 11:27.000 --> 11:29.000 Why are you wearing gloves? 11:29.000 --> 11:31.000 I've made up my mind, Auntie. 11:31.000 --> 11:34.000 What are you doing? Keep away! 11:34.000 --> 11:39.000 You're an old woman, Auntie. All that money is no good for you. You can't ever use it. 11:39.000 --> 11:43.000 I'm young. Money means life to me, a rich and gay life. 11:43.000 --> 11:46.000 You're old, Auntie, and you're going to die soon anyway. 11:46.000 --> 11:49.000 No! It can't be! You're not going to do that! 11:49.000 --> 11:51.000 Yes, Auntie, I am! 11:51.000 --> 11:55.000 You don't want to live anyway, Auntie. You're lonely, sick and old. 11:55.000 --> 11:57.000 I'm doing you a favour! 11:59.000 --> 12:02.000 Nobody can hear you, Auntie. 12:02.000 --> 12:06.000 I'm your heir, your only heir, Auntie. Your next of kin. 12:06.000 --> 12:13.000 Your stage is going to be mine, Auntie. All of it. 12:15.000 --> 12:20.000 Now, don't you worry, Auntie. We'll have a fine funeral for you. 12:20.000 --> 12:22.920 The 12:23.000 --> 12:26.000 The 12:26.000 --> 12:29.000 The 12:29.000 --> 12:31.000 The 12:31.000 --> 12:36.000 Yes, yes, that's pretty much the way old Mrs Ferguson was murdered. 12:36.000 --> 12:38.000 Hilda found the body the next morning. 12:38.000 --> 12:43.000 I immediately went to work on the case. All the evidence pointed to John Bedford. 12:43.000 --> 12:47.000 Everyone believed he committed the crime. He almost admitted it himself. 12:47.000 --> 12:50.000 I had him brought into my office for questioning. 12:50.000 --> 12:52.000 How do you do, Sir William? 12:52.000 --> 12:54.000 Cigarette. Thank you. 12:54.000 --> 12:57.000 Well, how does it feel to kill your own aunt? 12:57.000 --> 13:00.000 May I have a light, please? Yes, of course. 13:01.000 --> 13:07.000 Thank you. I wouldn't know, Sir William. You see, I never killed anyone. Have you? 13:07.000 --> 13:10.000 I have, Mr Bedford. I've sent quite a few to the gallows. 13:10.000 --> 13:12.000 So I understand. 13:12.000 --> 13:15.000 What was your relationship to Miss Ferguson? 13:15.000 --> 13:18.000 She was my aunt. Don't be slippant. 13:18.000 --> 13:21.000 Well, to tell you the truth, sir, my aunt didn't like me. 13:21.000 --> 13:25.000 She thought I was a spendthrift and a useless parasite, and she was quite right. 13:25.000 --> 13:30.000 Now, I believe it's customary to ask the accused his whereabouts on the night of the crime. 13:30.000 --> 13:32.000 Yes, it is. And won't you tell me? 13:32.000 --> 13:37.000 In jail. I had a little too much and got into a bit of a tiff with someone. 13:37.000 --> 13:39.000 That's quite an alibi. Quite a fact. 13:39.000 --> 13:44.000 It was hardly possible for me to be in jail and kill my aunt at the same time. 13:44.000 --> 13:48.000 Unless, of course, my aunt came into my cell and allowed me to murder her, 13:48.000 --> 13:52.000 after which she walked back to the Tullet House as a ghost dragging her body behind her. 13:52.000 --> 13:54.000 Hardly possible. 13:54.000 --> 13:56.000 Don't you think you ought to check my story? 13:56.000 --> 14:00.000 I already have. You've done a very skillful job. 14:00.000 --> 14:03.000 Too bad you couldn't use your talents for something constructive. 14:03.000 --> 14:05.000 Well, then, why don't you arrest me, Sir William? 14:05.000 --> 14:09.000 No, Mr Bedford, I have time. Plenty of time. 14:09.000 --> 14:11.000 Well, you'd better work fast. 14:11.000 --> 14:16.000 If you get around to me, I'll have spent all of my aunt's beautiful money. 14:16.000 --> 14:21.000 It's not the money we're after. It's you and your beautiful life. 14:21.000 --> 14:23.000 Good day, Mr Bedford. 14:32.000 --> 14:35.000 That's how the matter stood. I refused to let my men arrest him. 14:35.000 --> 14:38.000 But how in the world could he have murdered his aunt when he was in jail? 14:38.000 --> 14:41.000 Perhaps he bribed the prison guard to let him out for an hour. 14:41.000 --> 14:45.000 That's excellent, Roberta. I believe that's exactly what happened. 14:45.000 --> 14:47.000 Unfortunately, the guard died of pneumonia soon afterwards, 14:47.000 --> 14:49.000 which left us no further source of evidence. 14:49.000 --> 14:53.000 As far as I can see, Sir William, you haven't a leg to stand on. 14:53.000 --> 14:55.000 You're quite right, Arthur. I haven't. 14:55.000 --> 15:00.000 Except that every man, particularly a criminal, has an Achilles heel. 15:00.000 --> 15:02.000 I discovered John Bedford's weakness. 15:02.000 --> 15:04.000 Sounds like I'm going to have a good story. 15:04.000 --> 15:05.000 What is it? 15:05.000 --> 15:07.000 He's very superstitious. 15:07.000 --> 15:09.000 How did you learn that? 15:09.000 --> 15:12.000 I've never suffered a defeat in my life. 15:12.000 --> 15:14.000 John Bedford was the first setback. 15:14.000 --> 15:18.000 Here was a clever, calloused criminal who laughed at me. 15:18.000 --> 15:20.000 No one had ever done that before. 15:20.000 --> 15:24.000 Bedford knew I could do him no harm, and he made the most of it. 15:24.000 --> 15:27.000 Carefully and patiently, I thought it over. 15:27.000 --> 15:31.000 I looked upon Bedford as you would look upon a Chinese puzzle. 15:31.000 --> 15:34.000 There is no such thing as an impregnable defense. 15:34.000 --> 15:37.000 A few months later, I went to visit Bedford. 15:45.000 --> 15:48.000 Sir William, what a surprise. Would you come in, please? 15:48.000 --> 15:50.000 Thank you, Mr. Bedford. 15:50.000 --> 15:54.000 I'm really honored to have the great Sir William Brent pay me a visit. 15:54.000 --> 15:56.000 You're not after any more clues, I hope. 15:56.000 --> 15:58.000 It does get rather tedious. 15:58.000 --> 16:00.000 Not at all. I know when I'm licked. 16:00.000 --> 16:03.000 I don't want to appear smug, sir, but everyone has his Waterloo. 16:03.000 --> 16:05.000 Would you have a drink? 16:05.000 --> 16:09.000 No, thanks. I suppose you're curious about why I came here. 16:09.000 --> 16:12.000 Well, I hardly imagined it was a friendly visit. 16:12.000 --> 16:14.000 I've resigned from the criminal investigation. 16:14.000 --> 16:16.000 I'm a private citizen now. 16:16.000 --> 16:18.000 Yes, I heard about that. 16:18.000 --> 16:20.000 You know, most people misunderstand me. 16:20.000 --> 16:23.000 It wasn't my love for justice that made me pursue my profession 16:23.000 --> 16:26.000 with such tenacity and success. 16:26.000 --> 16:27.000 Yes? 16:27.000 --> 16:30.000 Of course, with the sole exception of your case, of course. 16:30.000 --> 16:32.000 It was a game of skill to me. 16:32.000 --> 16:34.000 My wits against all comers. 16:34.000 --> 16:36.000 I lost in your case. 16:36.000 --> 16:38.000 But then we've all got to lose some time. 16:38.000 --> 16:40.000 I don't believe you, Sir William. 16:40.000 --> 16:43.000 You're still after me. But I'm afraid it's no go. 16:43.000 --> 16:46.000 I've kept out of trouble so far, Nuck Wood. 16:46.000 --> 16:49.000 That's an odd habit for a man like you, Bedford. 16:49.000 --> 16:51.000 You're not superstitious, are you? 16:51.000 --> 16:53.000 Of course not. 16:53.000 --> 16:56.000 Well, now as to the reason for my visit. 16:56.000 --> 17:00.000 I noticed in the papers that you're looking for a tenant for Tarrant House. 17:00.000 --> 17:03.000 Why, yes, I am. I'd like to rent it. 17:03.000 --> 17:06.000 Well, the scene of the crime, huh? 17:06.000 --> 17:09.000 Well, of course, why not? There's no harm in it. 17:09.000 --> 17:12.000 As a matter of fact, I'll let you have it very cheaply. 17:20.000 --> 17:22.000 And that's how I rented this house. 17:22.000 --> 17:24.000 The house where the murder was committed. 17:24.000 --> 17:25.000 What's your plan? 17:25.000 --> 17:29.000 It had better be a good one. Mr. Bedford sounds like a hard customer. 17:29.000 --> 17:32.000 Yes, it's a strange plan, but an effective one. 17:32.000 --> 17:34.000 I saw Bedford frequently. 17:34.000 --> 17:37.000 Our acquaintance blossomed into a kind of friendship. 17:37.000 --> 17:39.000 An armed friendship, of course. 17:39.000 --> 17:42.000 He knew I was out to get him, and I wanted him to know that. 17:42.000 --> 17:47.000 He's vain, very vain. And this game intrigued him. 17:47.000 --> 17:51.000 I also learned he's a very superstitious. 17:51.000 --> 17:54.000 Tonight is the anniversary of the murder. 17:54.000 --> 17:57.000 And tonight Mr. Bedford dines with us at eight o'clock. 17:57.000 --> 17:59.000 It's nearly eight now. 17:59.000 --> 18:02.000 Now, this is the plan. You and Rume Wakefield, of course. 18:02.000 --> 18:04.000 Naturally, the Shakespearean actor. 18:04.000 --> 18:05.000 That's right. 18:05.000 --> 18:08.000 Now, during dinner, Miss Wakefield will enter the room 18:08.000 --> 18:12.000 in the precise likeness of Miss Ferguson, the murdered woman. 18:12.000 --> 18:14.000 We, of course, will pretend not to see her. 18:14.000 --> 18:17.000 We remain outwardly unconscious of her. 18:17.000 --> 18:20.000 Only Bedford will be aware of her presence. 18:20.000 --> 18:22.000 I believe Bedford will confess. 18:22.000 --> 18:25.000 But this is the anniversary. I'd imagine you'd keep away on this night. 18:25.000 --> 18:29.000 He's giddy with success on also the fact that Roberta Stone, 18:29.000 --> 18:31.000 the famous writer, is here with us. 18:31.000 --> 18:34.000 Tweaks his vanity. He'll be here and promptly. 18:34.000 --> 18:36.000 I don't like this. 18:36.000 --> 18:38.000 Well, this is just like one of your stories. 18:38.000 --> 18:40.000 It doesn't become you to be frightened. 18:40.000 --> 18:41.000 I won't run away. 18:41.000 --> 18:43.000 Now, there's one more thing. 18:43.000 --> 18:46.000 During dinner, the electric lights will be switched off at the main, 18:46.000 --> 18:48.000 and candles will be lit. 18:48.000 --> 18:50.000 We must have the correct atmosphere. 18:50.000 --> 18:54.000 You understand now. You are not to see May Wakefield. 18:54.000 --> 18:56.000 She doesn't exist for us. Is that clear? 18:56.000 --> 18:57.000 Well, I'll look right through her. 18:57.000 --> 18:59.000 Oh, it gives me the creeps. 18:59.000 --> 19:02.000 Ah, that's Bedford. 19:05.000 --> 19:09.000 The appearance of John Bedford suddenly made the whole scene grimly real. 19:09.000 --> 19:12.000 He was a tall, well-built man in his late thirties, 19:12.000 --> 19:15.000 immaculately dressed and perfectly groomed. 19:15.000 --> 19:18.000 At first sight, his face seemed pleasant enough, 19:18.000 --> 19:22.000 but on closer scrutiny, his gray eyes were hard and cold. 19:22.000 --> 19:26.000 He looked all of us over with arrogance and superiority. 19:26.000 --> 19:28.000 I heartily wished I was elsewhere. 19:28.000 --> 19:32.000 This was one scene I had no desire to witness. 19:32.000 --> 19:35.000 After the introductions were over, we sat down to dinner. 19:35.000 --> 19:37.000 Is it still nasty outside, Mr. Bedford? 19:37.000 --> 19:39.000 Oh, getting worse. 19:39.000 --> 19:41.000 Looks like we're in for a few days of this. 19:41.000 --> 19:42.000 That's too bad. 19:42.000 --> 19:44.000 I was going to do some writing tomorrow. 19:44.000 --> 19:46.000 Mmm, the soup is excellent. 19:46.000 --> 19:49.000 Oh, yes, yes, indeed. Your cook should be congratulated, sir. 19:49.000 --> 19:51.000 The soup is a masterpiece. 19:51.000 --> 19:54.000 Poor Alice. She's been my cook for 20 years, 19:54.000 --> 19:56.000 but she's given me notice. 19:56.000 --> 19:58.000 Absolutely refuses to stay here. 19:58.000 --> 20:00.000 Says this house is haunted. 20:00.000 --> 20:03.000 Roberta, you might make an interesting story for you. 20:03.000 --> 20:04.000 You might speak to her. 20:04.000 --> 20:05.000 Oh, really? 20:05.000 --> 20:09.000 Alice swears that she's seen the figure of an elderly lady 20:09.000 --> 20:13.000 with finger marks on her throat walking about the house. 20:13.000 --> 20:17.000 Come now, Sir William. This is too good. 20:17.000 --> 20:20.000 What an obvious attempt to frighten me. 20:20.000 --> 20:23.000 Sir William is convinced that I murdered my aunt. 20:23.000 --> 20:25.000 But please, Sir William, a little more subtlety. 20:25.000 --> 20:27.000 Surely I deserve it. 20:27.000 --> 20:29.000 Perhaps the cook did see the figure. 20:29.000 --> 20:31.000 It might interest you to know, Mr. Bedford, 20:31.000 --> 20:33.000 that I don't believe in ghosts. 20:33.000 --> 20:36.000 And I'm sure my cook never saw this elderly figure. 20:36.000 --> 20:37.000 It's all in her mind. 20:37.000 --> 20:40.000 I am afraid your little attempt didn't work, sir, 20:40.000 --> 20:43.000 but I must admit your graceful admission of its failure. 20:43.000 --> 20:46.000 Yes, I suppose I'd better give up, shouldn't I? 20:46.000 --> 20:48.000 Oh, no, no, no, never give up. 20:48.000 --> 20:51.000 If at first you don't succeed, you know... 20:51.000 --> 20:53.000 Do you live very far from here, Mr. Bedford? 20:53.000 --> 20:54.000 Thank you, Miss Stone. 20:54.000 --> 20:56.000 There's really no need to change the topic. 20:56.000 --> 20:59.000 I hope you find this game as amusing as I do. 20:59.000 --> 21:00.000 I'm sorry, Mr. Bedford, 21:00.000 --> 21:03.000 but this isn't my idea of pleasant dinner conversation. 21:03.000 --> 21:05.000 Well, we'll talk of pleasant things, then, eh? 21:05.000 --> 21:07.000 I saw a very exciting play last night. 21:07.000 --> 21:09.000 Excuse me a moment. It's really fearfully hot in here. 21:09.000 --> 21:11.000 Do you mind if we get a little air, sir? 21:11.000 --> 21:13.000 Oh, I'm sorry. It is rather warm. 21:13.000 --> 21:15.000 Lane, open the windows, please. 21:15.000 --> 21:18.000 Yes, sir. 21:20.000 --> 21:21.000 What terrible weather. 21:21.000 --> 21:23.000 I don't know how we'll ever get home in this. 21:23.000 --> 21:24.000 It's a bad month of the year. 21:24.000 --> 21:27.000 I had intended to go to the Riviera after the season, but you... 21:27.000 --> 21:30.000 Lane, what on earth is wrong with the lights? 21:30.000 --> 21:32.000 I don't know, sir. 21:32.000 --> 21:34.000 Well, don't stand there. Light the candles. 21:34.000 --> 21:36.000 We can't sit here in the darkness. 21:36.000 --> 21:37.000 And get the chauffeur. 21:37.000 --> 21:39.000 He knows something about the electric lights. 21:39.000 --> 21:41.000 I'll call the chauffeur right away, sir. 21:41.000 --> 21:43.000 Yes, I'm terribly sorry about this. 21:43.000 --> 21:45.000 We've had trouble with the wiring before. 21:45.000 --> 21:47.000 The chauffeur will have it fixed in a few minutes. 21:47.000 --> 21:49.000 Now, let's go on with our dinner. 21:49.000 --> 21:51.000 This is one of your tricks, Sir William. 21:51.000 --> 21:53.000 Have some more wine, Mr. Bedford. 21:53.000 --> 21:55.000 Thank you. 21:56.000 --> 21:58.000 It was a tense and terrible moment. 21:58.000 --> 22:01.000 I looked at Roberta. She was pale and frightened. 22:01.000 --> 22:04.000 Bedford, for all his poise, was uneasy. 22:04.000 --> 22:07.000 He didn't know whether Sir William was planning anything, 22:07.000 --> 22:09.000 or whether this was really an accident. 22:09.000 --> 22:11.000 My heart was pounding away, 22:11.000 --> 22:13.000 and my palms were wet with perspiration. 22:13.000 --> 22:15.000 Only Sir William appeared cool. 22:15.000 --> 22:18.000 There was not a trace of emotion in his face. 22:18.000 --> 22:22.000 Oh, Mr. Bedford, you were saying about visiting the Riviera. 22:22.000 --> 22:25.000 It's quite a change from England at this time of year. 22:25.000 --> 22:28.000 Well, I suppose I'll make the trip next month, but I... 22:29.000 --> 22:31.000 What's the matter, Mr. Bedford? 22:31.000 --> 22:33.000 Nothing. Nothing at all. 22:33.000 --> 22:36.000 I wish we could have some light. It's rather difficult to see. 22:36.000 --> 22:39.000 Yes, I'm terribly sorry. I just had to have my... just a dinner. 22:39.000 --> 22:41.000 Have a little more wine, Mr. Bedford. 22:41.000 --> 22:43.000 Oh, yes. Here's, thank you. 22:45.000 --> 22:47.000 The figure of a woman had entered the room. 22:47.000 --> 22:50.000 She had come in silently, like a ghost. 22:50.000 --> 22:52.000 We all saw her, 22:52.000 --> 22:55.000 but not one of us moved or made a sign of recognition. 22:55.000 --> 22:59.000 In the dim candlelight, she looked ghostly and unreal. 22:59.000 --> 23:03.000 Bedford looked at all of us to see if we had also seen the figure before his eyes. 23:03.000 --> 23:05.000 But we ate our dinner grimly. 23:05.000 --> 23:07.000 He looked again, 23:07.000 --> 23:09.000 then shook his head and gulped more wine. 23:11.000 --> 23:13.000 Don't any of you see anything? 23:13.000 --> 23:15.000 See what, Mr. Bedford? 23:15.000 --> 23:17.000 There's another one of your tricks. 23:17.000 --> 23:19.000 Can't any of you see her? 23:19.000 --> 23:21.000 What's got into you, Bedford? 23:21.000 --> 23:24.000 It's my aunt. My aunt. 23:24.000 --> 23:26.000 Your aunt's dead, Mr. Bedford. 23:26.000 --> 23:28.000 You're not seeing ghosts, I hope. 23:28.000 --> 23:30.000 Maybe I had... 23:30.000 --> 23:32.000 She's... she's coming to old me. 23:32.000 --> 23:35.000 Now calm yourself. I've never seen you like this. 23:35.000 --> 23:37.000 There's no one else here. 23:37.000 --> 23:39.000 Do you see anyone, Roberta? 23:39.000 --> 23:41.000 No. No, Sir William. 23:41.000 --> 23:43.000 I don't either. 23:43.000 --> 23:45.000 Let me out of here. 23:45.000 --> 23:47.000 I can't make you out, Bedford. There's no one here. 23:47.000 --> 23:50.000 My nephew. 23:50.000 --> 23:55.000 You're not wearing gloves today, John. 23:55.000 --> 23:57.000 She's real. 23:57.000 --> 23:59.000 Can't any of you see her? Can't you hear her? 23:59.000 --> 24:01.000 What's come over you, Bedford? 24:01.000 --> 24:03.000 I'm leaving here. 24:03.000 --> 24:05.000 I'm going to the door. She won't let me out. 24:05.000 --> 24:08.000 I'm an old woman. 24:08.000 --> 24:12.000 Money is no good for me. 24:12.000 --> 24:16.000 I'm lonely, John. 24:16.000 --> 24:18.000 I'm lonely. 24:18.000 --> 24:21.000 Let me by, old Martha, out of my way. 24:21.000 --> 24:23.000 There's no one in your way, Bedford. Please sit down. 24:23.000 --> 24:26.000 Get away from that door! I'll murder you again! 24:26.000 --> 24:29.000 You hear that, Mother? I'll murder you again, you old witch! 24:29.000 --> 24:31.000 I'll murder you again! 24:31.000 --> 24:33.000 All right. Switch on the lights. 24:33.000 --> 24:35.000 I'll murder you again. 24:35.000 --> 24:37.000 Officer Graham, arrest him. 24:37.000 --> 24:39.000 You heard the confession. 24:39.000 --> 24:41.000 Put the handcuffs on him. 24:41.000 --> 24:45.000 I've never seen anything so horrible. 24:45.000 --> 24:47.000 Let me out of here. 24:47.000 --> 24:51.000 Well, Bedford, it seems that I've finally caught up with you. 24:51.000 --> 24:54.000 I'll kill her again. I'll kill her again! 24:54.000 --> 24:57.000 That wasn't your aunt. It was Miss Wakefield, the actress. 24:57.000 --> 25:01.000 I'll kill her again! I'll kill her again! 25:01.000 --> 25:05.000 Take him away, Graham. He's in a state of shock. 25:11.000 --> 25:13.000 Shall we continue with our dinner? 25:13.000 --> 25:16.000 I hope you're fully satisfied, Sir William. 25:16.000 --> 25:19.000 Quite. It's been a long job. 25:19.000 --> 25:22.000 But it has ended as I knew it would. 25:22.000 --> 25:24.000 I'm most grateful to you both for your help. 25:24.000 --> 25:26.000 I thought it was a pretty grim affair. 25:26.000 --> 25:28.000 I must say you know your job. 25:28.000 --> 25:30.000 May Wakefield certainly knew hers. 25:30.000 --> 25:33.000 That was the finest piece of acting I've ever seen. 25:33.000 --> 25:36.000 Yes. Her make-up was incredibly good. 25:36.000 --> 25:39.000 I must congratulate her. She's probably gone to her room. 25:39.000 --> 25:40.000 Oh, Elaine. 25:40.000 --> 25:41.000 Yes, Sir? 25:41.000 --> 25:42.000 Please call Miss Wakefield. 25:42.000 --> 25:43.000 Miss Wakefield, Sir? 25:43.000 --> 25:45.000 Yes, the lady who's been assisting us this evening. 25:45.000 --> 25:48.000 I haven't seen her, Sir, but I look for her, Sir. 25:48.000 --> 25:50.000 Yes, well, tell her to come down and join us. 25:50.000 --> 25:52.000 We have a fine dinner waiting for her. 25:52.000 --> 25:55.000 Oh, excuse me, Sir, but this telegram came a little while ago. 25:55.000 --> 25:58.000 I didn't want to disturb you during dinner. 25:58.000 --> 26:00.000 Let me have it. 26:06.000 --> 26:08.000 Sir William, what's wrong? 26:08.000 --> 26:09.000 Good. 26:11.000 --> 26:13.000 I'll read it to you. 26:14.000 --> 26:16.000 Extremely sorry. 26:16.000 --> 26:22.000 Severe influenza makes it impossible for me to leave my bed tonight. 26:22.000 --> 26:25.000 Will tomorrow night do. 26:25.000 --> 26:28.000 Signed, May Wakefield. 26:29.000 --> 26:31.000 Lord, help us. 26:31.000 --> 26:36.000 If it wasn't May Wakefield, then who was that figure here tonight? 26:37.000 --> 26:39.000 There was no answer. 26:39.000 --> 26:42.000 I looked at Sir William staring at the telegram. 26:42.000 --> 26:45.000 His face was gray and stony. 26:45.000 --> 26:48.000 On his left temple a crooked blue vein stood out. 26:48.000 --> 26:51.000 It twitched once or twice, and then was motionless. 26:51.000 --> 26:53.000 He looked. 26:53.000 --> 26:56.000 He looked as though he'd seen a ghost. 27:07.000 --> 27:11.000 And so closes Banquo's Chair, starring Donald Crisp and John Loder. 27:11.000 --> 27:15.000 Tonight's tale of Suspense. 27:15.000 --> 27:19.000 Suspense is produced and directed by William Spear. 27:19.000 --> 27:25.000 Have you discovered, as thousands have, how much Roma wines add to the enjoyment of your meals? 27:25.000 --> 27:30.000 How their superb flavor makes special occasion feasts out of everyday meals? 27:30.000 --> 27:32.000 Well, find out for yourself. 27:32.000 --> 27:37.000 Start off the meal with that delightful appetizer, Roma California Sherry. 27:37.000 --> 27:41.000 Then place on the table a well-chilled bottle of Roma California table wine. 27:41.000 --> 27:46.000 Delicate Sauternes, Hearty Burgundy, or Tarte Tasty Claret. 27:46.000 --> 27:51.000 You'll be amazed at the tremendous difference Roma wine makes in the enjoyment of your foods. 27:51.000 --> 27:56.000 Now don't overlook this easy, inexpensive way to add thrilling extra enjoyment to everyday living. 27:56.000 --> 28:00.000 Remember, Roma wines cost only pennies a glass. 28:00.000 --> 28:06.000 So take a tip from the millions who enjoy Roma wines at meals or when entertaining. 28:06.000 --> 28:10.000 Ask for R-O-M-A, Roma wines. 28:10.000 --> 28:17.000 America's largest selling wines, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 28:17.000 --> 28:19.000 This is John Loder. 28:19.000 --> 28:23.000 There is no program that Mr. Crisp and I admire more than Suspense. 28:23.000 --> 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. 28:28.000 --> 28:34.000 Now, with the request of our government, I want to pass this information along on behalf of the Merchant Marine. 28:34.000 --> 28:39.000 Six ships a day instead of five soon will be coming off the ways of our shipyards. 28:39.000 --> 28:43.000 The United States shipbuilding program is being increased rather than cut. 28:43.000 --> 28:48.000 A few days ago, contracts were awarded for 262 additional new ships. 28:48.000 --> 28:54.000 Every one of them must be manned by 40 to 50 men, most of them with previous sea experience. 28:54.000 --> 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. 29:06.000 --> 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. 29:15.000 --> 29:22.000 Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Mr. Charles Lawton as star of Suspense. 29:22.000 --> 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. 29:32.000 --> 29:36.000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.