WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:06.000 Now, the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California presents... 00:06.000 --> 00:10.000 Suspense! 00:10.000 --> 00:25.000 Tonight, I had an alibi starring Keenan Wynn. 00:25.000 --> 00:29.000 Suspense is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. 00:29.000 --> 00:33.000 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. 00:33.000 --> 00:38.000 Those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live. 00:38.000 --> 00:40.000 To your happiness and entertaining guests. 00:40.000 --> 00:43.000 To your enjoyment of everyday meals. 00:43.000 --> 00:49.000 Yes, right now a glass full would be very pleasant, as Roma Wines bring you... 00:49.000 --> 00:51.000 Suspense! 00:51.000 --> 00:56.000 This is the Man in Black, here for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. 00:56.000 --> 01:00.000 Who tonight from Hollywood bring you as star, Mr. Keenan Wynn. 01:00.000 --> 01:04.000 Who is soon to be seen in the Metro-Golden-Mail production between two women. 01:04.000 --> 01:11.000 Tonight, Mr. Wynn details for us the dramatic narrative of a gentleman who studied thoroughly the art of murder. 01:11.000 --> 01:16.000 And who, like certain others, whose ventures are now and again recorded on the front pages of our newspapers, 01:16.000 --> 01:20.000 evolved his own formula for the perfect crime. 01:20.000 --> 01:23.000 And so with, I had an alibi. 01:23.000 --> 01:27.000 And with the performance of Keenan Wynn, we again hope to keep you in... 01:27.000 --> 01:29.000 Suspense! 01:29.000 --> 01:38.000 ["Suspense!" plays.] 01:38.000 --> 01:40.000 Miss Lamson? 01:40.000 --> 01:41.000 Yes? 01:41.000 --> 01:43.000 Come in, come in. 01:43.000 --> 01:46.000 Sit down. 01:46.000 --> 01:49.000 Ever take dictation for a writer before? 01:49.000 --> 01:50.000 No. 01:50.000 --> 01:55.000 Well, that's okay. I've never written a novel before that I finished. 01:55.000 --> 01:58.000 I hope you don't mind working in a place like this. 01:58.000 --> 02:02.000 I don't mind working anywhere that I'm paid to work. 02:02.000 --> 02:04.000 Oh, don't let that worry you. 02:04.000 --> 02:09.000 I came into quite a piece of change not long ago. Maybe you heard about it. 02:09.000 --> 02:11.000 Yes. 02:11.000 --> 02:14.000 Well, you're not exactly the talkative type, are you? 02:14.000 --> 02:18.000 I didn't think you'd have much time for talking, Mr. Eichner. 02:18.000 --> 02:23.000 Yeah, I checked. Eleven days to make my deadline. 02:23.000 --> 02:25.000 Ready to start? 02:25.000 --> 02:26.000 Yes. 02:26.000 --> 02:30.000 Title. I had an alibi by Joseph Eichner. 02:30.000 --> 02:33.000 Oh, by the way, this will all be in the first person. 02:33.000 --> 02:35.000 Yes. 02:35.000 --> 02:37.000 Chapter one. 02:37.000 --> 02:40.000 I first met Belle Schaffner when I went to work for the Herald. 02:40.000 --> 02:43.000 She was a sob sister and a good one. 02:43.000 --> 02:47.000 I was a police reporter and no bum in the business myself. 02:47.000 --> 02:50.000 With Belle and me, it happened almost right away. 02:50.000 --> 02:54.000 We talked the same language, thought the same way, wanted the same things. 02:54.000 --> 02:57.000 We were that kind of a team. 02:57.000 --> 03:02.000 But for a while, there were a couple of notions in the back of my mind that I hadn't even told Belle. 03:02.000 --> 03:08.000 Because sometimes a woman in love can be practical only just so far. 03:08.000 --> 03:15.000 The door came out one night in the office after I'd been there about six months. 03:15.000 --> 03:21.000 Hello, handsome. 03:21.000 --> 03:22.000 Hi, sugarpuss. 03:22.000 --> 03:23.000 Busy? 03:23.000 --> 03:24.000 Uh-uh. 03:24.000 --> 03:25.000 Can I see? 03:25.000 --> 03:26.000 Why not? 03:26.000 --> 03:34.000 Dimly through the gray curtain of fog, Alice saw the phantom figure. 03:34.000 --> 03:36.000 It was closer now. 03:36.000 --> 03:39.000 She tried to scream, but her throat... 03:39.000 --> 03:42.000 Is Alice still having trouble with her throat? 03:42.000 --> 03:44.000 She's been trying to scream for two weeks now. 03:44.000 --> 03:46.000 Look, I know, I know. 03:46.000 --> 03:49.000 There's the reason right there. 03:49.000 --> 03:51.000 City desk, Eichner. 03:51.000 --> 03:53.000 Yeah. 03:53.000 --> 03:54.000 Uh-huh. 03:54.000 --> 03:55.000 Yeah. 03:55.000 --> 03:56.000 Yeah, yeah. 03:56.000 --> 03:58.000 What's the address again? 03:58.000 --> 04:00.000 Okay, I'll go right down. 04:00.000 --> 04:02.000 I'm going to tell you. 04:02.000 --> 04:03.000 President want to see you? 04:03.000 --> 04:05.000 Some guy carved up his wife. 04:05.000 --> 04:09.000 I have to cover one more family brawl ends fatally for this sheet. 04:09.000 --> 04:10.000 What's the matter? 04:10.000 --> 04:13.000 You like to write about murders, and here they pay you for it. 04:13.000 --> 04:15.000 Not the kind of money I want they don't. 04:15.000 --> 04:18.000 Have you any idea what they pay a guy like James M. Kane? 04:18.000 --> 04:22.000 A James M. Kane girl never has any trouble screaming when she wants to. 04:22.000 --> 04:24.000 Now, you listen, Joe. 04:24.000 --> 04:27.000 You'll never write a decent book until you get down to something you know about. 04:27.000 --> 04:28.000 Well, this stuff sells, doesn't it? 04:28.000 --> 04:29.000 Agatha Christie sells. 04:29.000 --> 04:30.000 Leslie Charteris sells. 04:30.000 --> 04:33.000 Yeah, yeah, but that's not your racket, Joe. 04:33.000 --> 04:35.000 You've seen plenty of the real thing. 04:35.000 --> 04:37.000 Write about that. 04:37.000 --> 04:38.000 Stick to your trade. 04:38.000 --> 04:40.000 Oh, yeah, well, look what it's got me. 04:40.000 --> 04:43.000 You just can't be a writer and a newspaper reporter at the same time, Belle. 04:43.000 --> 04:44.000 That's all. 04:44.000 --> 04:45.000 All right, quit. 04:45.000 --> 04:47.000 On what, relief? 04:47.000 --> 04:52.000 Well, darling, it isn't leap year, but I'll always support you. 04:52.000 --> 04:54.000 I can't even live on my own salary. 04:54.000 --> 04:56.000 How are we going to both live on yours? 04:56.000 --> 04:59.000 Well, listen, Belle, you know how I am about you. 04:59.000 --> 05:03.000 Well, a girl always thinks she has ways of knowing. 05:03.000 --> 05:05.000 I'm giving you plenty of ways of knowing. 05:05.000 --> 05:09.000 But before we do anything like that, we've got to have money, lots of money. 05:09.000 --> 05:11.000 We're that kind of people. 05:11.000 --> 05:14.000 And there are ways. 05:14.000 --> 05:15.000 Like what? 05:15.000 --> 05:18.000 Well, like marriage, for instance. 05:18.000 --> 05:20.000 You're going to marry the boss's daughter, huh? 05:20.000 --> 05:21.000 Why not? 05:21.000 --> 05:26.000 If the boss has left her a million dollars and she has a bad cough. 05:26.000 --> 05:29.000 Well, I don't have a million dollars, but... 05:29.000 --> 05:31.000 All right, you think I'm kidding. 05:31.000 --> 05:33.000 But they exist. You read about them in the papers all the time. 05:33.000 --> 05:35.000 That's right, you do. 05:35.000 --> 05:36.000 Well, what's that? 05:36.000 --> 05:38.000 Just a picture of a girl. 05:38.000 --> 05:39.000 And what about her? 05:39.000 --> 05:41.000 I'm supposed to go out and interview her tonight. 05:41.000 --> 05:43.000 It's a very, very sad story. 05:43.000 --> 05:44.000 Yeah? 05:44.000 --> 05:45.000 Uh-huh. 05:45.000 --> 05:48.000 She's got not one million dollars, but five. 05:48.000 --> 05:49.000 And she's an orphan. 05:49.000 --> 05:52.000 And she's got something the matter with her heart. 05:52.000 --> 05:54.000 So they only give her six months to live. 05:54.000 --> 05:59.000 And she's just come out here to spend her last days in the glorious sunshine of California. 05:59.000 --> 06:02.000 It's a very sad story. 06:02.000 --> 06:03.000 Yeah. 06:03.000 --> 06:06.000 You want the assignment, Romeo? It's yours. 06:06.000 --> 06:07.000 Hmm? 06:07.000 --> 06:11.000 Oh, uh, say, loan me a couple of dollars, will you, Belle? 06:11.000 --> 06:13.000 What? Poker? 06:13.000 --> 06:16.000 No, no, no. Flowers. 06:16.000 --> 06:34.000 Tonight for Suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you as star Mr. Keenan Wynne, whom you've heard in the prologue to I Had an Alibi, a radio play by Mindred Lord. 06:34.000 --> 06:37.000 Tonight's tale of suspense. 06:37.000 --> 06:40.000 This is Truman Bradley for Roma Wines. 06:40.000 --> 06:50.000 And we have an interesting idea for you tonight from the keen and sensible mind of America's famed expert on parties and smart entertaining, Miss Elsa Maxwell. 06:50.000 --> 07:02.000 And we quote, Serving a nice table wine when friends come to dinner or with everyday meals is one of the smartest, most sensible and truly moderate pleasures of the world. 07:02.000 --> 07:10.000 And one which any family can regularly enjoy since the cost of delicious Roma burgundy is very little. 07:10.000 --> 07:13.000 Just serve your Roma burgundy well cooled. 07:13.000 --> 07:18.000 Enjoy it with any food and don't worry about special glasses. 07:18.000 --> 07:21.000 Any glasses available are perfectly correct. 07:21.000 --> 07:25.000 The goodness of the wine, the added enjoyment of your food. 07:25.000 --> 07:28.000 These are the best dishes for you tonight. 07:28.000 --> 07:32.000 The goodness of the wine, the added enjoyment of your food. 07:32.000 --> 07:34.000 These are the things that count. 07:34.000 --> 07:42.000 Miss Maxwell expresses perfectly what we have Roma believe in Roma California burgundy and all Roma wines. 07:42.000 --> 07:48.000 You enjoy the glorious color, aroma and flavor of superb, sun ripe grapes. 07:48.000 --> 08:00.000 The more noted wineries located in California's choicest vineyard areas assure you of flavor and quality which are always good, never varying, always delightful. 08:00.000 --> 08:04.000 And so Roma quality is preferred everywhere. 08:04.000 --> 08:10.000 And you are able to enjoy these fine Roma wines at modest prices, only pennies a glass full. 08:10.000 --> 08:17.000 Remember, more Americans enjoy Roma than any other wines. 08:17.000 --> 08:20.000 OMA, Roma wines. 08:20.000 --> 08:25.000 And now it is with pleasure that we bring back to our sound stage our star Mr. Keenan Wynn. 08:25.000 --> 08:33.000 Who as one Joe Eichner prepares to continue dictation on his first and only novel, I Had an Alibi. 08:33.000 --> 08:37.000 A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 08:37.000 --> 08:42.000 The Story of the Woman 08:45.000 --> 08:48.000 You're sure you don't mind coming here Miss Lamson? 08:48.000 --> 08:49.000 No. 08:49.000 --> 08:51.000 Well we'd better go on with the dictation. 08:51.000 --> 08:55.000 I've only got nine more days. 08:55.000 --> 08:56.000 I'm ready. 08:56.000 --> 08:58.000 Chapter four. 08:58.000 --> 09:04.000 Belle Schaffner was a good sob sister all right even if she did have one weakness which was me. 09:04.000 --> 09:08.000 The story she'd given me about the girl was the real McCoy. 09:08.000 --> 09:15.000 Her name was Linda Vale and she did have five million dollars and just six months to live. 09:15.000 --> 09:17.000 I went out to her house that night. 09:17.000 --> 09:21.000 She was living in a big place in Beverly Hills that she'd taken over from some broken down movie star. 09:21.000 --> 09:25.000 You know, swimming pool, tennis course, riding stables, the works. 09:25.000 --> 09:28.000 And not a soul around. 09:28.000 --> 09:30.000 I'd been worried about that. 09:30.000 --> 09:38.000 I thought maybe she might be having a last fling and working out at 24 hours a day, you know, with a lot of nosy sponges hanging on to her all the time. 09:38.000 --> 09:43.000 There was just one light on in a room upstairs in a hall light. 09:43.000 --> 09:47.000 I went up to the door, knocked and waited. 09:52.000 --> 09:53.000 Yes sir? 09:53.000 --> 09:55.000 I'd like to see Miss Vale please. 09:55.000 --> 09:58.000 I'm sorry sir but Miss Vale has given orders that... 09:58.000 --> 10:01.000 Would you just give her these please? I'll wait. 10:01.000 --> 10:03.000 Very well sir. 10:03.000 --> 10:08.000 A press card will break the ice with almost anyone and I knew the flowers would do the rest. 10:08.000 --> 10:09.000 Oh, what a surprise. 10:09.000 --> 10:11.000 Pretty soon I heard steps and a voice. 10:11.000 --> 10:13.000 The flowers are simply lovely but who... 10:13.000 --> 10:14.000 Miss Vale? 10:14.000 --> 10:15.000 Yes? 10:15.000 --> 10:17.000 Well my name is Joseph Eichner. 10:21.000 --> 10:25.000 Yeah, she was a nice enough kid and lonely. 10:25.000 --> 10:32.000 Because like a lot of people on a spot like that, the thing she was afraid of most was having anybody pity her. 10:32.000 --> 10:35.000 That's the mistake that nearly everybody made. 10:35.000 --> 10:37.000 But not me. 10:37.000 --> 10:39.000 I played it for a switch. 10:39.000 --> 10:41.000 I'd figured every move for days I had. 10:41.000 --> 10:42.000 Joe? 10:42.000 --> 10:43.000 Yes? 10:43.000 --> 10:45.000 What's the matter? 10:45.000 --> 10:47.000 Oh, nothing. 10:47.000 --> 10:50.000 You've been awfully subdued lately. 10:50.000 --> 10:52.000 You've always been so... gay. 10:52.000 --> 10:54.000 Well and I? 10:54.000 --> 10:56.000 Well I've got to go away. 10:56.000 --> 10:57.000 Go away? 10:57.000 --> 11:00.000 Linda, I've been trying to keep it from you but... 11:00.000 --> 11:06.000 Gee, you must know how I feel about you and seeing you every day and knowing that... 11:06.000 --> 11:07.000 Oh Joe. 11:07.000 --> 11:09.000 It's not fair to you Linda. 11:09.000 --> 11:11.000 And well I can't take it anymore. 11:11.000 --> 11:12.000 Joe? 11:12.000 --> 11:13.000 Yes? 11:13.000 --> 11:15.000 I don't want you to go. 11:15.000 --> 11:17.000 I don't want to. 11:17.000 --> 11:18.000 I don't want to Linda but... 11:18.000 --> 11:19.000 Then promise me. 11:19.000 --> 11:21.000 Promise me you won't leave me. 11:21.000 --> 11:23.000 Just with a little time that's left. 11:23.000 --> 11:24.000 Oh Linda. 11:24.000 --> 11:26.000 For my sake. 11:26.000 --> 11:28.000 Alright Linda. 11:28.000 --> 11:29.000 For your sake. 11:33.000 --> 11:35.000 After that it was quick and easy. 11:35.000 --> 11:37.000 Three days later we went to see her doctor. 11:37.000 --> 11:39.000 The best heart specialist in California. 11:39.000 --> 11:41.000 Dr. Malcolm, you must be frank with us. 11:41.000 --> 11:43.000 Doctor, we're in love. 11:43.000 --> 11:44.000 I see. 11:44.000 --> 11:45.000 And we want to be married. 11:45.000 --> 11:48.000 Look doctor, if I could make Linda happier. 11:48.000 --> 11:51.000 If I could give her all the love and tenderness. 11:51.000 --> 11:53.000 Well isn't it just possible... 11:53.000 --> 11:58.000 My boy, all that medical science can do is go on the basis of experience. 11:58.000 --> 12:01.000 We can't make certain prophecies. 12:01.000 --> 12:05.000 But on the basis of experience the prognosis for Linda remains unchanged. 12:05.000 --> 12:09.000 But doctor, once you told me that anything is possible... 12:09.000 --> 12:11.000 And I say it again my dear. 12:11.000 --> 12:13.000 Anything is possible. 12:13.000 --> 12:14.000 That's enough for me Joe. 12:14.000 --> 12:15.000 Yeah me too. 12:15.000 --> 12:17.880 The 12:19.000 --> 12:22.000 Do you Joseph take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife... 12:22.000 --> 12:24.000 To have her to hold in sickness and health... 12:24.000 --> 12:26.000 For better for worse, for richer for poorer... 12:26.000 --> 12:29.000 Forsaking all others until death do you part? 12:29.000 --> 12:30.000 I do. 12:30.000 --> 12:32.000 Do you Linda take this man to be your lawful wedded wife? 12:38.000 --> 12:39.000 Hello baby. 12:39.000 --> 12:41.000 Oh hello Romeo. 12:41.000 --> 12:44.000 On a belway off will you? 12:44.000 --> 12:45.000 Sorry. 12:45.000 --> 12:47.000 I'm just nervous I guess. 12:47.000 --> 12:48.000 Anything wrong? 12:48.000 --> 12:51.000 Well that ex-husband of mine is loose again. 12:51.000 --> 12:52.000 What of it? 12:52.000 --> 12:53.000 What of it? 12:53.000 --> 12:55.000 Remember the song and dance he led me the last time don't you? 12:55.000 --> 12:58.000 Alright so he gets rough you just haven't committed again that's all. 12:58.000 --> 12:59.000 Yeah. 12:59.000 --> 13:01.000 Yeah I suppose so. 13:02.000 --> 13:03.000 Belle. 13:03.000 --> 13:04.000 No please. 13:04.000 --> 13:05.000 I don't feel like... 13:05.000 --> 13:06.000 Well what's the matter? 13:06.000 --> 13:08.000 Well what do you think? 13:08.000 --> 13:11.000 Oh now Belle you know I come around here as often as I can. 13:11.000 --> 13:12.000 Sure. 13:12.000 --> 13:14.000 Sometimes as often as twice a week. 13:14.000 --> 13:16.000 Well I see other places. 13:16.000 --> 13:18.000 Anyway I can't help it. 13:18.000 --> 13:21.000 And when I do come well gee you might at least... 13:21.000 --> 13:22.000 Alright. 13:22.000 --> 13:23.000 Skip it. 13:24.000 --> 13:26.000 How's the writing coming along? 13:26.000 --> 13:27.000 Oh I don't know. 13:27.000 --> 13:29.000 I just can't seem to get started. 13:29.000 --> 13:31.000 So you're not even getting that done. 13:31.000 --> 13:34.000 Well how can I get down to work when all I'm thinking about is... 13:34.000 --> 13:35.000 Joe. 13:35.000 --> 13:36.000 How long is this going to go on? 13:36.000 --> 13:38.000 Well how do I know it's bound to happen soon? 13:38.000 --> 13:40.000 That's what you said a year ago. 13:40.000 --> 13:41.000 A year ago. 13:41.000 --> 13:42.000 Belle it's all set. 13:42.000 --> 13:44.000 She made out the will and my name and everything. 13:44.000 --> 13:46.000 All we have to do is wait. 13:46.000 --> 13:49.000 Just wait for the heart of hers to quit. 13:49.000 --> 13:50.000 Well I'm tired of waiting. 13:50.000 --> 13:52.000 Now what do you think of that? 13:52.000 --> 13:53.000 Well what else can we do? 13:53.000 --> 13:54.000 You mean what else can I do? 13:54.000 --> 13:57.000 There are a few guys around loose with five million bucks too you know. 13:57.000 --> 13:58.000 Oh now Belle. 13:58.000 --> 13:59.000 Oh you... 13:59.000 --> 14:01.000 For all we know she's liable to live to be a hundred. 14:01.000 --> 14:02.000 Now that's impossible. 14:02.000 --> 14:03.000 A doctor said... 14:03.000 --> 14:04.000 Yes and doctors have been wrong. 14:04.000 --> 14:07.000 Well what do you want me to do about it? 14:08.000 --> 14:09.000 Well... 14:09.000 --> 14:12.000 You think you're a mystery writer. 14:12.000 --> 14:14.000 What do you mean by that? 14:14.000 --> 14:15.000 I mean... 14:15.000 --> 14:19.000 If you're supposed to be able to think up mysteries... 14:19.000 --> 14:21.000 Start thinking one up. 14:21.000 --> 14:22.000 Oh. 14:22.000 --> 14:25.000 And don't think about it too long either. 14:25.000 --> 14:26.000 Say Belle... 14:26.000 --> 14:28.000 I mean it Joe. 14:28.000 --> 14:29.000 Okay. 14:29.000 --> 14:32.000 Because I'm not going to wait like this forever. 14:32.000 --> 14:39.000 Okay. 14:39.000 --> 14:43.000 Well that was when I first began to think about it. 14:43.000 --> 14:46.000 Then all of a sudden I began writing again. 14:46.000 --> 14:49.000 Linda was a little surprised but I kept right at it and... 14:49.000 --> 14:51.000 Every so often I'd show her what I'd done. 14:51.000 --> 14:53.000 It was pretty terrible but... 14:53.000 --> 14:57.000 It didn't matter because nobody but her was ever going to see it anyway. 14:57.000 --> 14:59.000 After about two weeks of this... 14:59.000 --> 15:01.000 I was ready. 15:01.000 --> 15:05.000 That night I came out of the study and went into the drawing. 15:05.000 --> 15:06.000 Hello there darling. 15:06.000 --> 15:07.000 Working hard? 15:07.000 --> 15:08.000 Yeah. 15:08.000 --> 15:10.000 Say Linda... 15:10.000 --> 15:11.000 You want to do me a favor? 15:11.000 --> 15:12.000 Of course I do. 15:12.000 --> 15:17.000 Well you know the place in my story where Lillian pretends to commit suicide and leaves the note? 15:17.000 --> 15:18.000 Uh huh. 15:18.000 --> 15:23.000 Look I suddenly thought why not have the note reproduced right in the book as... 15:23.000 --> 15:24.000 As though we're in her own handwriting. 15:24.000 --> 15:26.000 You know exhibit A. 15:26.000 --> 15:28.000 You know along with the map of the grounds and so on. 15:28.000 --> 15:30.000 Well that would be good. 15:30.000 --> 15:31.000 Yeah. 15:31.000 --> 15:35.000 Only of course it's got to be in a woman's handwriting. 15:35.000 --> 15:37.000 Do you want to write it for me? 15:37.000 --> 15:40.000 You mean my handwriting is going to come out in a book? 15:40.000 --> 15:41.000 Oh exciting. 15:41.000 --> 15:44.000 It sure is if I can get a publisher and I think I've got a nibble. 15:44.000 --> 15:47.000 Here you can write it on your own stationery. 15:47.000 --> 15:50.000 I'll cut that letterhead off at the top later. 15:50.000 --> 15:51.000 Alright. 15:51.000 --> 15:53.000 What does it say? 15:53.000 --> 15:54.000 Uh... 15:54.000 --> 15:55.000 Darling. 15:55.000 --> 15:57.000 Darling? 15:57.000 --> 16:02.000 You know I can't go on like this. 16:02.000 --> 16:04.000 Huh? 16:04.000 --> 16:07.000 It's got to end sometime. 16:07.000 --> 16:14.000 It's got to end sometime. 16:14.000 --> 16:20.000 It will be easier for both of us if I end it now. 16:20.000 --> 16:25.000 If I end it now. 16:25.000 --> 16:30.000 Please try to forgive me and sign it L. 16:30.000 --> 16:31.000 L? 16:31.000 --> 16:32.000 Wouldn't you sign... 16:32.000 --> 16:35.000 Oh no no you see all Lillian's letters to Dick are signed L. Remember? 16:35.000 --> 16:37.000 Oh yes yes I remember now. 16:37.000 --> 16:38.000 There. 16:38.000 --> 16:39.000 Well thanks darling. 16:39.000 --> 16:40.000 Is it alright? 16:40.000 --> 16:41.000 Oh sure. 16:41.000 --> 16:44.000 It's perfect. 16:44.000 --> 16:45.000 Hello? 16:45.000 --> 16:46.000 Hello Belle? 16:46.000 --> 16:47.000 Yeah. 16:47.000 --> 16:48.000 Now listen baby it's all set. 16:48.000 --> 16:49.000 Did you get the note? 16:49.000 --> 16:50.000 Oh sure sure she wrote it tonight. 16:50.000 --> 16:52.000 Now how soon can you leave for Palm Springs? 16:52.000 --> 16:53.000 Anytime. 16:53.000 --> 16:54.000 Tomorrow morning? 16:54.000 --> 16:55.000 Alright. 16:55.000 --> 16:57.000 Now listen when you check in down there make plenty of fuss about it. 16:57.000 --> 16:58.000 I will. 16:58.000 --> 17:00.000 I'll leave here at exactly 9.30 tomorrow night. 17:00.000 --> 17:05.000 I'll stop at a couple of places so you leave Palm Springs about fifty miles from here. 17:05.000 --> 17:06.000 Alright. 17:06.000 --> 17:07.000 I'll see you tomorrow. 17:07.000 --> 17:08.000 Alright. 17:08.000 --> 17:09.000 I'll see you tomorrow. 17:09.000 --> 17:10.000 Alright. 17:10.000 --> 17:11.000 I'll see you tomorrow. 17:11.000 --> 17:12.000 Alright. 17:12.000 --> 17:13.000 I'll see you tomorrow. 17:13.000 --> 17:14.000 I'll see you tomorrow. 17:14.000 --> 17:15.000 I'll see you tomorrow. 17:15.000 --> 17:16.000 I'll see you tomorrow. 17:16.000 --> 17:17.000 I'll see you tomorrow man. 17:17.000 --> 17:18.000 So the next time you come don't forget to check in at Palm Springs about fifteen minutes 17:18.000 --> 17:19.000 later or 9.45. 17:19.000 --> 17:20.000 Okay. 17:20.000 --> 17:21.000 Better check your watch at Western Union. 17:21.000 --> 17:22.000 I'll do the same. 17:22.000 --> 17:23.000 Okay. 17:23.000 --> 17:24.000 Hey be sure to bring plenty of stuff. 17:24.000 --> 17:25.000 Everything you can lay your hands on. 17:25.000 --> 17:26.000 Oh don't worry I will. 17:26.000 --> 17:27.000 You remember the place don't you? 17:27.000 --> 17:28.000 Remember? 17:28.000 --> 17:29.000 You know the second turn after you leave Riverside. 17:29.000 --> 17:30.660 Well how far is it about? 17:30.660 --> 17:33.760 Well it's exactly half way between the springs in here. 17:33.760 --> 17:34.760 Say sixty miles. 17:34.760 --> 17:35.760 I'll be there. 17:35.760 --> 17:36.760 Okay baby. 17:36.760 --> 17:37.760 Tomorrow night. 17:37.760 --> 17:45.760 What time is it, Linda? 17:45.760 --> 17:47.040 It's just about nine thirty. 17:47.040 --> 17:49.200 Well, I guess I'd better be going. 17:49.200 --> 17:52.840 Gee, darling, I hate to have to leave you this way on such short notice. 17:52.840 --> 17:53.840 It's all right, dear. 17:53.840 --> 17:56.560 I'll be going to sleep in a few minutes anyway. 17:56.560 --> 18:00.440 You know, I don't know why this guy has to see me in such a rush and pop springs of all 18:00.440 --> 18:01.440 places. 18:01.440 --> 18:03.360 But, if he wants to publish my book... 18:03.360 --> 18:04.720 Of course, you have to go. 18:04.720 --> 18:09.040 Well, I'll be back tomorrow afternoon, maybe even earlier. 18:09.040 --> 18:10.040 You won't worry, will you? 18:10.040 --> 18:11.040 No, I won't. 18:11.040 --> 18:13.240 Uh, door's under the terrace locked. 18:13.240 --> 18:17.000 Yep, yeah, they're all right. 18:17.000 --> 18:19.600 You know, I know how nervous you are sometimes when I'm away for the evening. 18:19.600 --> 18:21.960 I think you're the one that's nervous. 18:21.960 --> 18:24.760 Yeah, yeah, maybe I am at that. 18:24.760 --> 18:26.120 Well, good night, darling. 18:26.120 --> 18:27.120 Good night, Joe. 18:27.120 --> 18:28.120 Oh, uh, Saunders. 18:28.120 --> 18:29.120 Yes, sir? 18:29.120 --> 18:30.120 Come in, sir? 18:30.120 --> 18:34.840 Look, Saunders, I've got to drive down to Palm Springs tonight. 18:34.840 --> 18:37.480 Oh, excuse me just a second. 18:37.480 --> 18:38.480 Linda? 18:38.480 --> 18:39.480 Yes? 18:39.480 --> 18:43.640 Linda, you'd better put the snap lock on your door from the inside, just in case. 18:43.640 --> 18:44.640 I've got the key. 18:44.640 --> 18:45.640 Oh, all right. 18:45.640 --> 18:46.640 There you are. 18:46.640 --> 18:47.640 Okay, darling, good night. 18:47.640 --> 18:48.640 Good night. 18:48.640 --> 18:49.640 Saunders, uh, let me see. 18:49.640 --> 18:50.640 Oh, yes. 18:50.640 --> 18:57.640 I wonder if you'd mind checking the doors for Mrs. Eichner's room onto the terrace to 18:57.640 --> 18:59.640 see if they're locked from the outside. 18:59.640 --> 19:00.640 Very good, sir. 19:00.640 --> 19:03.080 Little later, when she's asleep, so as not to disturb her. 19:03.080 --> 19:05.960 You know, she gets nervous sometimes when I'm not here. 19:05.960 --> 19:06.960 Yes, sir. 19:06.960 --> 19:08.880 Saunders, you won't forget, will you? 19:08.880 --> 19:09.880 Oh, no, sir. 19:09.880 --> 19:12.880 I shan't forget, sir. 19:12.880 --> 19:24.640 Uh, five gallons? 19:24.640 --> 19:26.640 Yes, sir. 19:26.640 --> 19:29.840 Say, uh, that ought to get me to Palm Springs. 19:29.840 --> 19:32.560 Oh, sure, easy. 19:32.560 --> 19:35.800 By the way, have you got a road map for Palm Springs? 19:35.800 --> 19:38.240 I think I've got one inside here. 19:38.240 --> 19:39.240 Oh, thanks. 19:39.240 --> 19:42.400 Say, I don't suppose you'd cash a small check, would you? 19:42.400 --> 19:43.400 I missed the bank today. 19:43.400 --> 19:46.480 Well, the boss might, but, uh, he ain't here. 19:46.480 --> 19:48.920 Well, I got identification, plenty of it. 19:48.920 --> 19:53.360 See, Joseph Eichner, license, Social Security card. 19:53.360 --> 19:54.360 Joseph Eichner. 19:54.360 --> 19:56.440 Yes, yes, I see, son, I see. 19:56.440 --> 20:03.440 And unless the boss was here, I wouldn't cash a check for Henry Morgenthau. 20:03.440 --> 20:05.440 Belle? 20:05.440 --> 20:07.960 Joe. 20:07.960 --> 20:12.440 Hello, baby. 20:12.440 --> 20:18.160 Well, what's the matter? 20:18.160 --> 20:19.160 You're shaking all over. 20:19.160 --> 20:20.160 Oh, I don't know. 20:20.160 --> 20:21.160 Everything, I guess. 20:21.160 --> 20:24.120 And I thought I saw that ex-husband of mine down in Palm Springs today. 20:24.120 --> 20:25.120 What? 20:25.120 --> 20:26.120 What would he be doing down there? 20:26.120 --> 20:27.840 Oh, I must be seeing things. 20:27.840 --> 20:28.840 Oh, I'm sure you are. 20:28.840 --> 20:29.840 Oh, Joe. 20:29.840 --> 20:32.360 Joe, I'm scared just the same. 20:32.360 --> 20:34.960 Are you sure nobody's gonna get nosy about this? 20:34.960 --> 20:35.960 Let them. 20:35.960 --> 20:36.960 It's a set up. 20:36.960 --> 20:37.960 The room's locked from the inside. 20:37.960 --> 20:39.640 The butler knows it. 20:39.640 --> 20:44.000 Nobody could have done what's going to happen in that room tonight except Linda or me. 20:44.000 --> 20:46.760 I couldn't have done it because I couldn't be there and at Palm Springs with you at the 20:46.760 --> 20:47.760 same time, right? 20:47.760 --> 20:48.760 Oh, yeah, I guess so. 20:48.760 --> 20:52.840 I've already left the trail to Palm Springs a mile wide. 20:52.840 --> 20:53.840 Did you get away all right? 20:53.840 --> 20:55.280 Yeah, out the back of the hotel. 20:55.280 --> 20:56.280 Nobody saw me. 20:56.280 --> 20:57.280 Everything else go okay? 20:57.280 --> 20:58.280 Oh, yeah. 20:58.280 --> 21:00.080 I got the maid in this afternoon and raised a fuss. 21:00.080 --> 21:03.520 Then I gave her five dollars and made her polish everything till she was blue in the 21:03.520 --> 21:04.520 face. 21:04.520 --> 21:05.520 She'll never forget it. 21:05.520 --> 21:06.520 That's swell. 21:06.520 --> 21:07.520 You got the stuff? 21:07.520 --> 21:09.880 Yeah, my big suitcase and the trunk rack. 21:09.880 --> 21:10.880 All packed in cotton. 21:10.880 --> 21:13.880 Okay, let's take a look at it. 21:13.880 --> 21:17.360 Here we are. 21:17.360 --> 21:21.040 Look at this. 21:21.040 --> 21:24.760 Glasses, water pitcher, ashtrays. 21:24.760 --> 21:25.760 And look at this. 21:25.760 --> 21:27.440 I even got doorknobs. 21:27.440 --> 21:29.320 I unscrewed them with a nail file. 21:29.320 --> 21:30.320 Hey, what do you know? 21:30.320 --> 21:32.280 Here's the one to the bathroom. 21:32.280 --> 21:34.280 This little one's from the medicine cabinet. 21:34.280 --> 21:36.240 And this one's the inside of the front door. 21:36.240 --> 21:40.440 Okay, I'll just put my fingerprints on them and you pack them back in cotton. 21:40.440 --> 21:42.800 Say you're sure you can get this stuff back into your room all right? 21:42.800 --> 21:43.800 Oh, sure. 21:43.800 --> 21:44.800 Better hurry then. 21:44.800 --> 21:46.800 Yeah, I know. 21:46.800 --> 21:47.800 There. 21:47.800 --> 21:51.280 With my fingerprints on that doorknob, just let anybody try to prove I wasn't with you 21:51.280 --> 21:52.760 in Palm Springs tonight. 21:52.760 --> 21:56.760 I told you that when you got down to something real, you'd hit the jackpot. 21:56.760 --> 21:57.760 Remember? 21:57.760 --> 22:00.520 Yeah, and you know what this pot is worth, don't you? 22:00.520 --> 22:10.440 Five million dollars. 22:10.440 --> 22:12.000 There were no hitches. 22:12.000 --> 22:13.920 I got back to town a little before two. 22:13.920 --> 22:18.320 I drove the car into a little side road about a half mile up the canyon and walked back. 22:18.320 --> 22:22.720 I didn't meet anybody and the places I passed were all dark. 22:22.720 --> 22:23.720 So was mine. 22:23.720 --> 22:29.480 I slipped through a hole in the hedge and crossed the lawn and went up onto the terrace. 22:29.480 --> 22:34.280 I checked to see if I had the suicide note in my pocket and then I pulled on a pair of 22:34.280 --> 22:40.720 gloves and opened the terrace door with my key and went inside. 22:40.720 --> 22:43.440 The gun was in my overcoat pocket. 22:43.440 --> 22:44.440 It was hers. 22:44.440 --> 22:46.800 I had the flashlight in my hand. 22:46.800 --> 22:51.800 I went over to the bedside and I flashed it on just for a second. 22:51.800 --> 22:54.480 She was lying on her side, turned away from me. 22:54.480 --> 23:00.760 I put the gun against her temple and pulled the trigger. 23:00.760 --> 23:03.000 She didn't make a sound. 23:03.000 --> 23:07.800 I reached over to put the gun in her hand and then it hit me. 23:07.800 --> 23:10.240 Her hand was stiff and cold as ice. 23:10.240 --> 23:11.440 I flashed the light in her face. 23:11.440 --> 23:12.440 It was blue. 23:12.440 --> 23:15.600 While I was away, she'd had her heart attack at last. 23:15.600 --> 23:22.800 For the last three or four hours, she'd been dead. 23:22.800 --> 23:25.480 For about ten seconds, I didn't know what to do. 23:25.480 --> 23:27.800 Then I realized I had to get out of there. 23:27.800 --> 23:29.800 Someone might have heard the shot. 23:29.800 --> 23:32.280 Before it wouldn't have mattered one way or the other because the coroner would have established 23:32.280 --> 23:33.680 the time of death anyway. 23:33.680 --> 23:37.000 Now it made all the difference in the world. 23:37.000 --> 23:39.400 I went out the terrace door and I locked it behind me. 23:39.400 --> 23:43.080 I crossed the grounds and I started walking up the canyon, walking, thinking. 23:43.080 --> 23:44.400 I don't know how long I walked. 23:44.400 --> 23:47.800 But what I was thinking was enough to drive me crazy. 23:47.800 --> 23:50.240 I'd planned the perfect suicide. 23:50.240 --> 23:53.000 I'd planned it so nobody could have fired that shot but Linda or me. 23:53.000 --> 23:55.400 And I had a perfect alibi. 23:55.400 --> 23:59.840 But now it had to be me that shot her because any fool of a doctor could tell she'd been 23:59.840 --> 24:01.520 dead when that shot was fired. 24:01.520 --> 24:04.640 And then it came to me. 24:04.640 --> 24:05.860 What was the difference? 24:05.860 --> 24:07.840 Let the Palm Springs alibi go. 24:07.840 --> 24:09.920 Let them think the shooting was an accident. 24:09.920 --> 24:11.760 Let them think anything they wanted to. 24:11.760 --> 24:13.500 I had the money. 24:13.500 --> 24:17.440 And what can you do to a man for shooting a dead body? 24:17.440 --> 24:24.640 It was almost daylight when I got back to the room. 24:24.640 --> 24:29.480 The house was still dark so Saunders hadn't heard anything. 24:29.480 --> 24:32.280 First I burned that suicide note. 24:32.280 --> 24:35.760 Then I turned on the lights and unlocked the door. 24:35.760 --> 24:41.000 Then I fired another shot into the wall for Saunders again just in case he was awake. 24:41.000 --> 24:43.920 Then I went over to the inner house phone. 24:43.920 --> 24:44.920 Hello? 24:44.920 --> 24:45.920 Saunders. 24:45.920 --> 24:50.920 Oh, oh yes sir. 24:50.920 --> 24:53.360 Saunders, there's been an accident. 24:53.360 --> 24:57.840 You better call the police. 24:57.840 --> 25:07.960 Well, have you seen everything you want to lieutenant? 25:07.960 --> 25:08.960 Yep. 25:08.960 --> 25:12.080 Well, you're living kind of different than you used to when you were a police reporter 25:12.080 --> 25:14.040 downtown, huh Joe? 25:14.040 --> 25:15.720 Yeah, yeah. 25:15.720 --> 25:18.120 I suppose you want to ask me some questions. 25:18.120 --> 25:19.680 Oh, a couple. 25:19.680 --> 25:22.480 I hear you were going to Palm Springs last night. 25:22.480 --> 25:24.160 Yeah, I was. 25:24.160 --> 25:25.160 Changed my mind. 25:25.160 --> 25:26.760 Who were you going to see down there? 25:26.760 --> 25:28.760 Anybody in particular? 25:28.760 --> 25:30.920 Oh, just a friend. 25:30.920 --> 25:35.560 It wouldn't have been your old friend, Bell Schaffner, would it? 25:35.560 --> 25:37.840 Oh, whatever, I didn't go. 25:37.840 --> 25:39.320 You could have had time to go though. 25:39.320 --> 25:41.120 Oh, all right, but I didn't. 25:41.120 --> 25:43.040 Anyway, what's all I've got to do with it? 25:43.040 --> 25:44.760 Oh, nothing, nothing, nothing, just routine. 25:44.760 --> 25:46.080 So you came back here? 25:46.080 --> 25:47.840 Yeah, that's right. 25:47.840 --> 25:48.840 And what happened? 25:48.840 --> 25:56.040 Well, I came in the house and I went up to the, our bedroom and I thought I heard a noise. 25:56.040 --> 25:57.800 I thought I saw a man moving around. 25:57.800 --> 26:01.080 Well, I was pretty jumpy and I fired. 26:01.080 --> 26:02.080 How many shots? 26:02.080 --> 26:03.080 Two. 26:03.080 --> 26:04.760 And one of them hit your wife? 26:04.760 --> 26:07.240 One of them hit what was my wife. 26:07.240 --> 26:09.640 All an accident, huh? 26:09.640 --> 26:11.880 Yeah, yeah, that's right. 26:11.880 --> 26:17.160 You, you're coming to quite a lot of money with her out of the way, don't you, Joe? 26:17.160 --> 26:18.160 Yeah, sure. 26:18.160 --> 26:20.160 What of it? 26:20.160 --> 26:21.160 Nothing. 26:21.160 --> 26:25.280 Only it's too bad you're not going to be able to spend it. 26:25.280 --> 26:26.280 Oh, nuts. 26:26.280 --> 26:30.560 What do you think you're going to do, charge me with a murder for firing a shot into a 26:30.560 --> 26:31.560 corpse? 26:31.560 --> 26:36.000 No, but it could be a pretty spectacular little alibi for just on the spur of the moment, 26:36.000 --> 26:37.000 couldn't it? 26:37.000 --> 26:38.000 For Belle Shaftner. 26:38.000 --> 26:39.000 What? 26:39.000 --> 26:54.880 Her throat was cut in Palm Springs last night and your fingerprints are all over the place. 26:54.880 --> 26:58.120 It was her ex-husband who killed her, of course. 26:58.120 --> 27:00.880 But what's the difference now? 27:00.880 --> 27:03.360 Bella was right about one thing though. 27:03.360 --> 27:07.480 You can't write a decent story unless it's something real. 27:07.480 --> 27:09.360 I know. 27:09.360 --> 27:10.360 The end. 27:10.360 --> 27:13.960 Well, Miss Lamps, we made it. 27:13.960 --> 27:14.960 Just. 27:14.960 --> 27:15.960 Yes? 27:15.960 --> 27:18.720 Do you believe it? 27:18.720 --> 27:19.720 Yes. 27:19.720 --> 27:22.840 Gee, that's funny. 27:22.840 --> 27:23.840 Nobody else did. 27:23.840 --> 27:28.280 The judge, the jury, not even my own lawyer. 27:28.280 --> 27:30.680 Maybe they believed what I believe. 27:30.680 --> 27:32.680 You ought to die for it anyway. 27:32.680 --> 27:33.680 Yeah, check. 27:33.680 --> 27:39.600 And I got a date for that right now. 27:39.600 --> 27:40.600 Right Warden? 27:40.600 --> 27:42.600 You ready, Ackmer? 27:42.600 --> 27:57.000 Yeah, yeah, let's go. 27:57.000 --> 28:03.000 And so close as I had an alibi starring Keenan Wynn, tonight's tale of Suspense. 28:03.000 --> 28:06.560 Suspense is produced, edited, and directed by William Spear. 28:06.560 --> 28:11.000 The other day, Elsa Maxwell told us about a friend who had lived many years in wine loving 28:11.000 --> 28:12.640 countries around the world. 28:12.640 --> 28:18.280 I gave him some of our delicious Roma California burgundy at dinner and he confessed to me that 28:18.280 --> 28:22.260 he thought it every bit as enjoyable as any he had ever had. 28:22.260 --> 28:28.120 So I say, you people who do not regularly serve Roma wine are missing one of the most 28:28.120 --> 28:31.160 delightful treats daily living can offer. 28:31.160 --> 28:35.400 It's so good, so smart, and yet so very simple. 28:35.400 --> 28:37.280 Take Miss Maxwell's advice. 28:37.280 --> 28:39.240 Enjoy Roma wine regularly. 28:39.240 --> 28:45.400 It's always good, unburyingly fine in flavor and quality, and only pennies a glass. 28:45.400 --> 28:50.600 Remember, more Americans enjoy Roma than any other wines. 28:50.600 --> 28:54.400 Roma, R-O-M-A, Roma wines. 28:54.400 --> 29:01.520 Next Thursday same time, Miss Nancy Kelly will be your star of Suspense. 29:01.520 --> 29:08.480 Presented by Roma wines, R-O-M-A, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 29:08.480 --> 29:21.200 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.