1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,000 Now, the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California presents... 2 00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Suspense! 3 00:00:18,000 --> 00:00:23,000 Tonight, Roma Wines bring you Mr. Lloyd Nolan as star of Murderful Myra, 4 00:00:23,000 --> 00:00:30,000 a suspense play produced, edited and directed for Roma Wines by William Spear. 5 00:00:33,000 --> 00:00:39,000 Suspense! Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. 6 00:00:39,000 --> 00:00:43,000 That's R-O-M-A. Roma Wines. 7 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:47,000 Those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live, 8 00:00:47,000 --> 00:00:52,000 to your happiness and entertaining guests, to your enjoyment of everyday meals. 9 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:56,000 Yes, right now a glass full would be very pleasant, 10 00:00:56,000 --> 00:01:00,000 as Roma Wines bring you Lloyd Nolan in a remarkable tale of... 11 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:02,000 Suspense! 12 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:04,000 Suspense! 13 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:26,000 It was raining hard. I was on the bus for Hollywoodland. Myra had said... 14 00:01:26,000 --> 00:01:30,000 Take the last bus, Ernie. That'll get you to the house at about 1.30, 15 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:34,000 and I'll see to it that His Highness and I don't get home from the party until after two. 16 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:36,000 That ought to give you plenty of time to get set. 17 00:01:36,000 --> 00:01:42,000 Well, I had taken the last bus, and it was 1.10, and we were coming to Beachwood Drive. 18 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:46,000 Don't ride all the way. Get off at Beachwood and Franklin and walk up, just in case. 19 00:01:46,000 --> 00:01:50,000 I pulled the cord. I was following Myra's instruction to the letter. 20 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:54,000 It was raining harder than ever when I got off the bus. 21 00:01:54,000 --> 00:01:59,000 I turned up my coat collar and started up the hill. It was four blocks to the house. 22 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:04,000 When I got to Midway, I stopped under a tree. I was soaked to the skin. 23 00:02:04,000 --> 00:02:08,000 Then I saw the headlights of the car coming down the hill. I got behind the tree. 24 00:02:10,000 --> 00:02:13,000 One of the past, I struck out again. 25 00:02:13,000 --> 00:02:19,000 The house was dark. I walked up the driveway to the rear. 26 00:02:19,000 --> 00:02:22,000 Go in through the kitchen door. I'll leave it unlocked. 27 00:02:22,000 --> 00:02:26,000 I tried the door. It opened. I stepped in. 28 00:02:27,000 --> 00:02:31,000 I stood still, listening to sound. 29 00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:33,000 Then I closed the door. 30 00:02:34,000 --> 00:02:36,000 Don't turn on the light. Remember now. 31 00:02:36,000 --> 00:02:38,000 Then I looked out the window. 32 00:02:38,000 --> 00:02:43,000 Then I closed the door. Don't turn on the light. Remember now. 33 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:46,000 Then I looked at the lipstick on the table. I struck a match. 34 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:48,000 The lipstick was on the table. 35 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:51,000 The lipstick meant that the way was clear for me to go upstairs. 36 00:02:51,000 --> 00:02:55,000 The match went out. I stuck the burned end in my pocket. 37 00:02:55,000 --> 00:02:58,000 There was a puddle of water on the floor where I'd been standing. 38 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:00,000 I got a kitchen towel and wiped it up. 39 00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:03,000 Then I rung out the bottom of my trousers and wiped the floor again. 40 00:03:03,000 --> 00:03:06,000 I took off my coat, went to the sink and rung out my coat too. 41 00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:09,000 I looked at my watch. It was 1.55. 42 00:03:09,000 --> 00:03:13,000 Didn't have any too much time. Myra and the old man would be returning any minute now. 43 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:17,000 So I walked into the next room. It was the dining room. 44 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:19,000 The door on the other side of the room was open. 45 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:22,000 Right into the hall I could see the stairs. 46 00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:24,000 I walked into the hall and started upstairs. 47 00:03:24,000 --> 00:03:26,000 And the match went out. 48 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:29,000 When I got to the top I lit another. 49 00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:32,000 Our bedroom's the first door on your right. 50 00:03:32,000 --> 00:03:35,000 I opened the door. 51 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:38,000 Saw the twin beds. 52 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:41,000 I'll keep him late at the party. 53 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:45,000 So that by the time we get home he ought to be pretty knocked out and fall asleep in no time. 54 00:03:45,000 --> 00:03:47,000 He'll have been up since 6 a.m. 55 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:50,000 And there was the closed closet. 56 00:03:50,000 --> 00:03:54,000 I opened the closet door and stepped in. 57 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:59,000 You'll find the hammer on the top shelf. I'll hide it behind some old hats of mine. 58 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:04,000 I was groping for the hammer when I heard a car turning into the driveway. 59 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:06,000 My first impulse was to run to get out of the house. 60 00:04:06,000 --> 00:04:09,000 Now that the time had come I was afraid. I was deathly afraid. 61 00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:10,000 I started for the door and... 62 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:12,000 You've got to go through with it, darling. It's the only way. 63 00:04:12,000 --> 00:04:14,000 It's his life or mine. Don't you see? 64 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:16,000 If you'll love me you'll do it. 65 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:19,000 I took hold of myself. 66 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:23,000 I stepped back into the closet and closed the door. 67 00:04:26,000 --> 00:04:28,000 I recalled thinking. 68 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:30,000 This can't be me. 69 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:34,000 Ernie's car. I'm hiding in the dark with a hammer in my hand waiting to kill a man I don't know. 70 00:04:34,000 --> 00:04:36,000 A man I've never even seen. 71 00:04:36,000 --> 00:04:39,000 Waiting to murder him and asleep. 72 00:04:39,000 --> 00:04:41,000 This must be somebody else. 73 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:56,000 For suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you as star Lloyd Nolan 74 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:59,000 in Murder for Myra by Lee Horton and Paul Bernard. 75 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:05,000 Roma Wines presentation tonight in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 76 00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:19,000 Elsa Maxwell's ideas on gracious entertaining are followed by women all over America. 77 00:05:19,000 --> 00:05:23,000 The other day she said this about Roma Wine. 78 00:05:23,000 --> 00:05:27,000 One of my favorite wines is distinguished Roma California Sherry. 79 00:05:27,000 --> 00:05:33,000 A glorious gold and amber wine. Delightfully light and nut-like in taste. 80 00:05:33,000 --> 00:05:38,000 Roma Sherry is ideal for any occasion. Before dinner with appetizers. 81 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:41,000 Or during the friendly evening hours. 82 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:46,000 Yes, good Roma Sherry, like all Roma wines, is always unvaryingly good. 83 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:49,000 The goodness of carefully selected grapes. 84 00:05:49,000 --> 00:05:53,000 Brought to perfection in California's choicest vineyards. 85 00:05:53,000 --> 00:06:00,000 Gently pressed, then unhurriedly, guided to flavor richness by Roma's ancient wine making skill. 86 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:05,000 Yet all this goodness is yours for only pennies a glass. 87 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:10,000 Remember, because of uniformly fine quality at reasonable cost. 88 00:06:10,000 --> 00:06:14,000 More Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine. 89 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:18,000 R-O-M-A. Roma Wines. 90 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:25,000 And now Roma Wines bring back to our Hollywood sound stage, Lloyd Nolan in Murder for Myra. 91 00:06:25,000 --> 00:06:28,000 A narrative well calculated to keep you in... 92 00:06:28,000 --> 00:06:30,000 Suspense. 93 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:35,000 I stood in the closet and waited. 94 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:40,000 I could hear voices outside in the driveway and a slam of a car door. 95 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:44,000 The hangers loaded with clothes are poking me in the back, tipping me off balance. 96 00:06:44,000 --> 00:06:34,580 I was standing on a pair of 97 00:06:48,580 --> 00:06:51,000 shoes and a pair of glasses. 98 00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:55,000 I was standing on a pair of glasses and a pair of glasses. 99 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:58,000 I was standing on a pair of glasses and a pair of glasses. 100 00:06:58,000 --> 00:07:01,000 Tipping me off balance. I was standing on a pair of man's shoes. 101 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:02,000 His shoes. 102 00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:06,000 I kicked the shoes out of the way and shoved the hangers back in closer together. 103 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:12,000 I listened for some sound from below. 104 00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:15,500 But everything was quiet again. 105 00:07:15,500 --> 00:07:21,000 And then I remembered Myra saying they shared the driveway with the folks next door. 106 00:07:21,000 --> 00:07:23,000 I put down the hammer. 107 00:07:23,000 --> 00:07:26,000 It must have been when he was coming home. 108 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:29,000 I opened the closet door and stepped out. 109 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:32,000 Still a little time yet. 110 00:07:32,000 --> 00:07:36,000 In the darkness I noticed that when I looked one of the windows open it was raining in. 111 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:40,000 I crossed the room and closed it. 112 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:45,000 There was a nightstand by each bed and an alarm clock on one of them. 113 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:50,000 I never heard a clock that made so much noise. Just ticking. 114 00:07:50,000 --> 00:07:54,000 It was cold and damp and I was shaking from head to foot. 115 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:58,000 I couldn't tell whether it was from the cold or from fear. 116 00:07:58,000 --> 00:08:02,000 I sat down on the edge of one of the beds. 117 00:08:09,000 --> 00:08:12,000 Then I decided to have another look at the hammer. 118 00:08:12,000 --> 00:08:14,000 In a few minutes I was going to have to use that hammer. 119 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:24,000 It's a big heavy one Ernie. It'll do the trick alright. 120 00:08:24,000 --> 00:08:27,000 I felt along the floor of the closet for the hammer. 121 00:08:27,000 --> 00:08:31,000 Then I hefted it experimentally. 122 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:34,000 It was big and heavy. 123 00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:38,000 The kind that would smash a human skull. 124 00:08:38,000 --> 00:08:41,000 A pulp. 125 00:08:41,000 --> 00:08:45,000 I looked at clothes hanging there. Many of them his clothes. 126 00:08:45,000 --> 00:08:48,000 In the flickering light of the match one garment caught my eye. 127 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:54,000 Probably because it was long and white and had big gaudy flowers on it. 128 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:57,000 It was Myra's negligee. 129 00:08:57,000 --> 00:09:12,000 She had been wearing it that morning when I first met her five months ago. 130 00:09:16,000 --> 00:09:18,000 Hello. What can I do for you? 131 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:21,000 Oh good morning. I hope you'll excuse me for bothering. 132 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:23,000 You see I'm taking a poll of homeowners. 133 00:09:23,000 --> 00:09:25,000 What kind of poll? 134 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:28,000 Well it has to do with your post war plans. 135 00:09:28,000 --> 00:09:31,000 I don't have any. My husband does the planning in this family. 136 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:33,000 I just go along for the ride. 137 00:09:33,000 --> 00:09:38,000 Oh I see. Well still if you're not too busy I would like to ask you a few questions. 138 00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:42,000 Why not? I'm just sitting around twiddling my thumbs. Come on in. 139 00:09:42,000 --> 00:09:44,000 Thanks. Thank you. 140 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:47,000 It's a beautiful day outside isn't it? 141 00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:50,000 Is it? I hadn't noticed. 142 00:09:50,000 --> 00:09:53,000 I sat down on the sofa and opened my portfolio. 143 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:55,000 I felt ill at ease. 144 00:09:55,000 --> 00:10:05,000 Bear emotions do that to me and Myra's emotions that morning were as bears as a throat in that low cut negligee. 145 00:10:05,000 --> 00:10:08,000 I knew right away that she'd had a row with her old man. 146 00:10:08,000 --> 00:10:12,000 In my business you get so you can figure out things like that. 147 00:10:12,000 --> 00:10:15,000 And it was as plain as the nose on my face. 148 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:21,000 My nose was pretty obvious that day. I'd been to the beach and I was burned to a fiery red and my nose was peeling. 149 00:10:21,000 --> 00:10:25,000 She laughed then at me I guess. 150 00:10:25,000 --> 00:10:28,000 You got quite a case of sunburn Mr. 151 00:10:28,000 --> 00:10:31,000 Cobb. Ernest Cobb. Yes I have haven't I. 152 00:10:31,000 --> 00:10:34,000 That's too much beach I guess. 153 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:36,000 I haven't been to the beach in two years. 154 00:10:36,000 --> 00:10:37,000 Oh don't you like it? 155 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:40,000 Sure but what difference does that make? His Highness doesn't. 156 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:41,000 Who? 157 00:10:41,000 --> 00:10:44,000 My husband. Let's have the quiz. 158 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:47,000 Oh yeah. Yes of course. Now first your name is? 159 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:51,000 Blair Myra Blair. His name is Ray. 160 00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:53,000 And his business? 161 00:10:53,000 --> 00:10:56,000 He's an aircraft engineer. A scientist. 162 00:10:56,000 --> 00:10:58,000 And you don't work? 163 00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:02,000 No no I'm just the housewife. The little homemaker. 164 00:11:02,000 --> 00:11:06,000 You don't sound as though you fancy the role Mrs. Blair. 165 00:11:06,000 --> 00:11:08,000 I hate and despise it. 166 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:11,000 Oh that's a shame. Any children? 167 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:15,000 Yes a daughter of four named Julie. She's at nursery school. 168 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:24,000 And now for the questionnaire. Are you planning... I mean do you know whether or not your husband is planning any extensive repairs or remodeling on your home after the war? 169 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:28,000 I haven't the foggiest notion. It's like I told you I'm part of the decorations here. 170 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:30,000 But I think and how I feel doesn't count. 171 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:31,000 Oh. 172 00:11:31,000 --> 00:11:34,000 I suppose you think I'm talking out of turn. Well I am. 173 00:11:34,000 --> 00:11:41,000 I'm sick and tired of the whole mess. He comes home and smokes his filthy pipes and tinkers around his workshop down in the cellar and I just sit here. 174 00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:44,000 Night after night it's the same thing. 175 00:11:44,000 --> 00:11:47,000 Look at me. Am I so hard to take? 176 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:50,000 Well he's probably just got his mind another thing. 177 00:11:50,000 --> 00:11:53,000 Yeah yeah I know. Planes, planes, planes. That's all I hear. 178 00:11:53,000 --> 00:11:56,000 That's the war Mrs. Blair. He, Fooey. 179 00:11:56,000 --> 00:11:59,000 The same before the war started. 180 00:11:59,000 --> 00:12:02,000 I'm not getting any younger. I want to have some fun. 181 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:04,000 Do you blame me? 182 00:12:04,000 --> 00:12:09,000 No no. I think everyone's entitled to some fun and good times Mrs. Blair. 183 00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:12,000 Call me Myra. I never did like being called Mrs. Blair. 184 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:14,000 How about the questionnaire? Now perhaps you can answer me. 185 00:12:14,000 --> 00:12:17,000 Oh Fooey to the questionnaire. 186 00:12:17,000 --> 00:12:20,000 I'm sorry. 187 00:12:20,000 --> 00:12:27,000 I'm just in a nasty mood that's all. I had a fight with him last night and another one this morning. I had to blow my top to someone. 188 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:29,000 You just happen to be it. 189 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:31,000 Oh that's all right. 190 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:36,000 About your questions honestly I don't have the answers. It's like I said. 191 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:39,000 Sunburn of yours. You better do something about it. 192 00:12:39,000 --> 00:12:43,000 Well it does burn pretty much all right. 193 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:49,000 My hands are cold. Does this feel good? 194 00:12:49,000 --> 00:12:54,000 She bent out over me and I could feel a breath in my ear. 195 00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:59,000 One lock of her hair fell away from the forehead and it brushed my nose. 196 00:12:59,000 --> 00:13:06,000 Then her fingers touched my face and I did something crazy. I reached up and grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her on the mouth. 197 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:17,000 And the next thing I knew she was in my arms. She was kissing me and sobbing and a sort of a spelling over of emotions that left me scared and limp as a dish rag. 198 00:13:17,000 --> 00:13:20,000 Oh there, there. 199 00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:23,000 You're going to change things aren't you big boy? 200 00:13:23,000 --> 00:13:24,000 Sure. 201 00:13:24,000 --> 00:13:25,000 You will help me? 202 00:13:25,000 --> 00:13:46,000 Sure I'd do anything for you. Anything. 203 00:13:46,000 --> 00:13:51,000 The match went out. The negligee merged back into the other clothes there. 204 00:13:51,000 --> 00:14:00,000 I stuffed the hammer back into the corner and came out into the room again to wait for Myra and His Highness to come home from the party. His Highness. 205 00:14:00,000 --> 00:14:06,000 He's unbearable Ernie. Every time he puts his filthy paws on me I go all raw inside. 206 00:14:06,000 --> 00:14:10,000 No matter what we did or where we went he was always there in her mind. 207 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:16,000 We had another fight this morning Ernie. Do you want me to show you the black and blue marks? 208 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:25,000 And then one night when we were having dinner it all spilled out. 209 00:14:25,000 --> 00:14:28,000 There's only one answer Ernie. I got to get rid of him. 210 00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:31,000 Well that's what I've been saying all along. You've got to divorce him. 211 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:34,000 No Ernie. That isn't what I mean. 212 00:14:34,000 --> 00:14:35,000 Well then what? 213 00:14:35,000 --> 00:14:38,000 I mean I'm going to have to do away with him. 214 00:14:38,000 --> 00:14:43,000 Myra. What? You're out of your mind. You don't know what you're saying. 215 00:14:43,000 --> 00:14:46,000 No yes I do. I thought it all out. 216 00:14:46,000 --> 00:14:52,000 Myra. Don't say such a thing. Don't even think. What you're suggesting is murder. 217 00:14:52,000 --> 00:14:55,000 Murder Ernie. That's right. Murder. 218 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:07,000 I couldn't sleep that night. And yet worried as I was that the idea didn't seem real to me. 219 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:13,000 Murder. It was something you read about. Something for gangsters and madmen to traffic in. 220 00:15:13,000 --> 00:15:17,000 It wasn't a thing that could touch me, Ernest Cobb or Myra. 221 00:15:17,000 --> 00:15:23,000 She didn't say anything about that. The next time we were together I thought she'd come to her senses. 222 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:29,000 She'd just been upset. And then one night we went rowing in Westlake Park. 223 00:15:29,000 --> 00:15:38,000 He's bought a gun. He's threatening to kill me. 224 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:39,000 He wouldn't dare. 225 00:15:39,000 --> 00:15:41,000 It's him or me Ernie. I've got to get rid of him. 226 00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:43,000 Well get rid of him. Yes but not that way. 227 00:15:43,000 --> 00:15:45,000 What other way is there? 228 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:46,000 I don't know but... 229 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:48,000 What other way is there? Name it. 230 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:52,000 Well how are you going to do it Myra? 231 00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:56,000 I'm going to poison it. You'll help me won't you? 232 00:15:56,000 --> 00:15:58,000 No. I couldn't. 233 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:02,000 I'm not asking you to feed it to him. You can help me get a little poison can't you? 234 00:16:02,000 --> 00:16:05,000 I don't know anything about poison. I don't know anything about murder. 235 00:16:05,000 --> 00:16:09,000 Well you can learn can't you? If you're that dumb maybe I can find someone else. 236 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:10,000 Myra. 237 00:16:10,000 --> 00:16:11,000 There are others who'd be glad to help. 238 00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:14,000 Please don't talk like that Myra. 239 00:16:14,000 --> 00:16:15,000 Well. 240 00:16:15,000 --> 00:16:19,000 You know I'd do anything for you. I just... 241 00:16:19,000 --> 00:16:21,000 There's a better way Ernie. 242 00:16:21,000 --> 00:16:22,000 What? 243 00:16:22,000 --> 00:16:26,000 He's got a big heavy hammer down in his workshop Ernie. 244 00:16:26,000 --> 00:16:28,000 You could do the trick easy. 245 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:33,000 Oh no. No Myra. Not me. I'd do anything in the world for you Myra. Anything. 246 00:16:33,000 --> 00:16:35,000 But the one thing that'd help me out of this mess. 247 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:38,000 It's his life or mine Ernie if you love me you'd do it. 248 00:16:38,000 --> 00:16:40,000 I can't do that. I can't. 249 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:41,000 You'd leave it for me to do. 250 00:16:41,000 --> 00:16:42,000 No. No. I... 251 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:46,000 It'd be a cinch Ernie. You could sneak into the house some night when we were out and hide until we get home. 252 00:16:46,000 --> 00:16:49,000 With that hammer to be all over in a second. 253 00:16:49,000 --> 00:16:51,000 And then we'd say a burglar came and... 254 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:53,000 No Myra. No. 255 00:16:53,000 --> 00:16:55,000 Oh you don't love me really. It's all just talk. 256 00:16:55,000 --> 00:16:59,000 No. No it isn't. You know better than that. I worship you Myra. I couldn't live without you. 257 00:16:59,000 --> 00:17:02,000 Ernie if you want me you've got to do it. 258 00:17:02,000 --> 00:17:05,000 You've got to Ernie. 259 00:17:05,000 --> 00:17:08,000 Alright Myra. 260 00:17:08,000 --> 00:17:10,000 I... 261 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:12,000 I suppose I knew I'd have to. 262 00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:15,000 It's just a little hard. 263 00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:25,000 Get used to the idea that's all but I'll do it. 264 00:17:25,000 --> 00:17:37,000 I looked at my watch. It was ten past two. 265 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:39,000 They'd be home soon. 266 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:43,000 I lost my nerve once. I started downstairs and someone walked past the house. That's all. 267 00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:45,000 Just walked past the house. 268 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:51,000 I ran back up into that bedroom with my heart pounding so that I drowned out the sound of the clock. 269 00:17:51,000 --> 00:17:54,000 Then the headlights of a car flashed across the wall. 270 00:17:54,000 --> 00:17:57,000 A car that was turning into their driveway. 271 00:17:57,000 --> 00:18:00,000 There was no mistaking it this time. This was it. 272 00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:03,000 I could hear the voices of a man and a woman. 273 00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:05,000 The woman's voice was Myra's. 274 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:07,000 Slam of the car door. 275 00:18:07,000 --> 00:18:10,000 Footsteps on the cement driveway. 276 00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:12,000 I eased back into the closet once more. 277 00:18:12,000 --> 00:18:16,000 Felt for the hammer on the floor and closed the door. 278 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:19,000 All but a little crack. 279 00:18:19,000 --> 00:18:22,000 Then I heard the front door open and close. 280 00:18:22,000 --> 00:18:28,000 Somebody walking upstairs. 281 00:18:28,000 --> 00:18:31,000 Come on Julie. Wake up. Wake up now darling. Come on. 282 00:18:31,000 --> 00:18:32,000 We've got to get undressed. 283 00:18:32,000 --> 00:18:35,000 It was Myra. The kid was asleep and she was carrying her. 284 00:18:35,000 --> 00:18:37,000 That's the girl. That's the girl. Stand up. That's it. 285 00:18:37,000 --> 00:18:40,000 Turn around darling. So mommy get on button your dress. 286 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:42,000 There. You can go in your own room dear. Take off your shoes. 287 00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:43,000 Mommy will be right in. 288 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:47,000 I heard her walking toward the closet. 289 00:18:47,000 --> 00:18:50,000 Ernie. Ernie are you there? 290 00:18:50,000 --> 00:18:54,000 Yes. I knew she was standing there but I couldn't see her. 291 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:56,000 I groped for her in the darkness. 292 00:18:56,000 --> 00:18:59,000 My hand touched her shoulder and then she was in my arms. 293 00:18:59,000 --> 00:19:01,000 Her body pressed against mine and I was kissing her. 294 00:19:01,000 --> 00:19:03,000 Did you find the hammer? 295 00:19:03,000 --> 00:19:04,000 Oh Myra. I do. 296 00:19:04,000 --> 00:19:06,000 Did you find the hammer? 297 00:19:06,000 --> 00:19:07,000 Yeah. The hammer. Yes. 298 00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:08,000 He's putting up the car. He'll be up in a minute. 299 00:19:08,000 --> 00:19:10,000 Myra it's all off. I can't do it. 300 00:19:10,000 --> 00:19:11,000 You've got to. I can't. I can't do it. 301 00:19:11,000 --> 00:19:12,000 Ernie listen to me. 302 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:13,000 I can't. I tell you I can't. 303 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:15,000 Shut up and listen to me. 304 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:16,000 Ernie you say you love me. 305 00:19:16,000 --> 00:19:18,000 Oh you know I do. I worship the Lord. 306 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:19,000 And you want me don't you? 307 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:20,000 More than anything in the world. 308 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:22,000 Alright then if you want me you've got to do it. 309 00:19:22,000 --> 00:19:24,000 Mommy. Mommy. 310 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:27,000 Coming darling. 311 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:29,000 Quick Ernie you'll do it. 312 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:30,000 I'll do it. Of course I'll do it. 313 00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:32,000 I knew you would. 314 00:19:32,000 --> 00:19:33,000 Mommy. 315 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:38,000 She kissed me and closed the door. 316 00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:43,000 And then I heard him coming upstairs. 317 00:19:43,000 --> 00:19:47,000 He came into the room and switched on the light. 318 00:19:47,000 --> 00:19:50,000 I heard him moving around. 319 00:19:50,000 --> 00:19:54,000 I figured he was undressing and getting ready for bed. 320 00:19:54,000 --> 00:19:55,000 Well is she asleep? 321 00:19:55,000 --> 00:19:57,000 She will be in a minute. 322 00:19:57,000 --> 00:19:59,000 That kid isn't getting enough sleep Myra. 323 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:01,000 Now don't start that again please. 324 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:03,000 Where are you going? 325 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:07,000 To the clothes closet to get my pajamas. Why? 326 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:09,000 I held my breath. 327 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:12,000 I'll get them for you. 328 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:14,000 I flat myself against the wall. 329 00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:15,000 She opened the door. 330 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:17,000 Reached for the pajamas. 331 00:20:17,000 --> 00:20:18,000 Her eyes met for an instant. 332 00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:20,000 And she was gone. The door closed. 333 00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:22,000 Here. Here you are. 334 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:25,000 Oh thanks. 335 00:20:25,000 --> 00:20:27,000 What are you hiding in there? 336 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:28,000 What do you mean hiding? 337 00:20:28,000 --> 00:20:30,000 Well the way you made a dive for that door I thought... 338 00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:32,000 Nuts. What would I be hiding? 339 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:33,000 I don't know. I just said... 340 00:20:33,000 --> 00:20:35,000 What are you doing? 341 00:20:35,000 --> 00:20:37,000 What's the matter with you tonight Myra? 342 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:38,000 There's nothing the matter with me. Why? 343 00:20:38,000 --> 00:20:39,000 You're so jumpy. 344 00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:41,000 Can't I ask you what you're doing? 345 00:20:41,000 --> 00:20:42,000 Fooling with the clock? 346 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:44,000 Sure. But why jump out of your skin? 347 00:20:44,000 --> 00:20:45,000 I'm just setting the alarm. 348 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:46,000 It's already set. 349 00:20:46,000 --> 00:20:49,000 I'm setting it ahead for four o'clock. 350 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:50,000 Why? 351 00:20:50,000 --> 00:20:52,000 Because I've got to be at the plant at five this morning. 352 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:55,000 I've got a trial run. 353 00:20:55,000 --> 00:20:56,000 Oh. 354 00:20:56,000 --> 00:20:57,000 This was something we hadn't figured out. 355 00:20:57,000 --> 00:20:59,000 I looked at my watch. 356 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:02,000 It's three now. You won't get much sleep. 357 00:21:02,000 --> 00:21:04,000 I know it but I can't help it. 358 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:06,000 Don't put the clock on my table. 359 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:08,000 Put it on your side where it always is. 360 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:12,000 Oh. Okay. But so important. 361 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:13,000 Hey. 362 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:16,000 How did all this water get on the floor here? 363 00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:18,000 Through the window I suppose. 364 00:21:18,000 --> 00:21:20,000 No. But it's closed. 365 00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:22,000 I closed it when I came up. 366 00:21:22,000 --> 00:21:24,000 We left it open. 367 00:21:24,000 --> 00:21:25,000 Oh. 368 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:30,000 Well, if you're getting up at four, you better get to sleep, don't you think? 369 00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:32,000 Oh, yes, I'll. 370 00:21:32,000 --> 00:21:34,000 I heard them get into bed. 371 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:36,000 Well, good night. 372 00:21:36,000 --> 00:21:38,000 Good night, Marlin. 373 00:21:38,000 --> 00:21:41,000 The stage was set. 374 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:42,000 I breathed easy. 375 00:21:42,000 --> 00:21:46,000 Now I'd only have to wait for him to... 376 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:49,000 Then the thought struck me. 377 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:52,000 Suppose he doesn't fall asleep right away. 378 00:21:52,000 --> 00:21:54,000 Suppose he doesn't fall asleep at all. 379 00:21:54,000 --> 00:21:56,000 He isn't so tired. 380 00:21:56,000 --> 00:21:58,000 Even if it is late. 381 00:21:58,000 --> 00:22:00,000 He doesn't sound knocked out to me. 382 00:22:00,000 --> 00:22:03,000 Before he can get to sleep, then the alarm will go off and he... 383 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:05,000 I looked at my watch. 384 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:08,000 It was exactly five minutes past three. 385 00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:10,000 Man, this will never do. 386 00:22:10,000 --> 00:22:12,000 I thought I got to get a hold of myself. 387 00:22:12,000 --> 00:22:17,000 I've got nearly an hour yet and in that time he ought to... 388 00:22:17,000 --> 00:22:21,000 I listened. 389 00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:23,000 I couldn't hear a sound. 390 00:22:23,000 --> 00:22:26,000 He might be, but I didn't know. 391 00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:28,000 I had to be sure. 392 00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:33,000 I'd wait half an hour and if I didn't hear anything by then, 393 00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:37,000 I could be pretty certain he was. 394 00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:40,000 The minutes dragged on and I listened. 395 00:22:40,000 --> 00:22:43,000 When the half hour was up and I hadn't heard a sound, 396 00:22:43,000 --> 00:22:48,000 I sat down on the floor, took off my shoes, 397 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:53,000 and I picked up the hammer and turned the door knob. 398 00:22:53,000 --> 00:22:59,000 I turned it very slowly. 399 00:22:59,000 --> 00:23:02,000 It made no sound. 400 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:07,000 Then I opened the door and stepped into the room. 401 00:23:10,000 --> 00:23:12,000 Who's there? 402 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:14,000 Who's there? 403 00:23:14,000 --> 00:23:17,000 Daddy, I want to drink water. 404 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:20,000 Oh, it's you. 405 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:22,000 All right, baby, just a minute. 406 00:23:22,000 --> 00:23:24,000 What? What's the matter? 407 00:23:24,000 --> 00:23:26,000 It's the kids. She wants to drink water. 408 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:29,000 No, don't get up. Go back to sleep. I'll get it. 409 00:23:29,000 --> 00:23:32,000 I stepped back into the closed closet and closed the door. 410 00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:34,000 I felt the blood drain from my head. 411 00:23:34,000 --> 00:23:36,000 I leaned against the wall. 412 00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:39,000 I heard Myra go into the kids' room. 413 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:48,000 Then I slid to the floor. 414 00:23:48,000 --> 00:23:53,000 I guess I must have passed out then or faded or something 415 00:23:53,000 --> 00:23:56,000 because the next thing I remembered was sitting up, startled, 416 00:23:56,000 --> 00:23:58,000 wondering where I was. I looked at my watch. 417 00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:00,000 It was three minutes to four. 418 00:24:00,000 --> 00:24:03,000 I remembered now where I was and what I was there for. 419 00:24:03,000 --> 00:24:04,000 I was in the closet. 420 00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:07,000 There was a man on the other side of the door 421 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:09,000 that I had to kill before an alarm went off, 422 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:11,000 and the alarm went off at four. 423 00:24:11,000 --> 00:24:15,000 I remember that I had to be very quiet because the man was asleep. 424 00:24:15,000 --> 00:24:19,000 Everything I did from that time on was automatic. 425 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:21,000 I acted like a man in a dream. 426 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:24,000 I picked up the hammer and stood up. 427 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:28,000 I opened the door. He crept into the room. 428 00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:31,000 I could see the hands of the clock by his bed. 429 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:34,000 It was almost four. 430 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:36,000 I didn't breathe. 431 00:24:36,000 --> 00:24:54,000 I only listened. 432 00:24:54,000 --> 00:24:58,000 I touched the foot of the bed. 433 00:24:58,000 --> 00:25:05,000 I felt along the side of it until I reached the headboard. 434 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:08,000 I was standing over it. 435 00:25:08,000 --> 00:25:12,000 I raised the hammer over my head and swung down, 436 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:17,000 and I hear him again and again and again. 437 00:25:17,000 --> 00:25:20,000 Then I yelled, Myra, Myra, turn it off. 438 00:25:20,000 --> 00:25:22,000 Will you turn the alarm? 439 00:25:22,000 --> 00:25:25,000 Myra, hold your horn. 440 00:25:25,000 --> 00:25:31,000 Myra. 441 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:33,000 Then the light went on, 442 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:36,000 and I was looking at a man sitting up in the other bed, 443 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:38,000 and he was pointing a gun at me. 444 00:25:38,000 --> 00:25:42,000 Hello, Ernie. I moved the clock. 445 00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:44,000 You saved me a lot of trouble. 446 00:25:44,000 --> 00:25:47,000 I looked down at the bed. I was standing over it, 447 00:25:47,000 --> 00:25:57,000 and I saw Myra, and blood, and the hammer. 448 00:25:57,000 --> 00:26:03,000 Suddenly I felt an insane desire to live, 449 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:09,000 and then a sob caught in my throat. 450 00:26:09,000 --> 00:26:14,000 I couldn't control myself. 451 00:26:14,000 --> 00:26:18,000 I started to laugh. 452 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:45,000 I couldn't stop. 453 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:50,000 Roma Wines have brought you Lloyd Nolan as star of Murder for Myra. 454 00:26:50,000 --> 00:26:57,000 Tonight's study in Suspense. 455 00:26:57,000 --> 00:27:03,000 This is Truman Bradley for Roma Wines, the sponsor of Suspense. 456 00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:09,000 August, one of the warmest months, calls for tall frosty iced drinks, 457 00:27:09,000 --> 00:27:12,000 and famous hostess Elsa Maxwell recently said, 458 00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:15,000 I've discovered the perfect hot weather drink, 459 00:27:15,000 --> 00:27:17,000 wonderfully cooling and refreshing, 460 00:27:17,000 --> 00:27:20,000 one that guests really go for. 461 00:27:20,000 --> 00:27:23,000 I mean, Roma Wine and Soda, 462 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:28,000 made with distinguished Roma, California Burgundy, or Sauterne. 463 00:27:28,000 --> 00:27:32,000 Yes, Roma Wine and Soda is simple to prepare. 464 00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:36,000 Half-fill tall glasses with Roma Burgundy or Sauterne. 465 00:27:36,000 --> 00:27:40,000 Add ice cubes, sparkling water, and a bit of sugar, 466 00:27:40,000 --> 00:27:44,000 and for a decorative touch, garnish with cherries or fruit. 467 00:27:44,000 --> 00:27:49,000 And be sure to use Roma Wine, always uniformly good, 468 00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:54,000 yet costs only pennies a glass, so you can serve it often. 469 00:27:54,000 --> 00:27:59,000 And next time you use vermouth, choose Roma Vermouth, sweet or dry. 470 00:27:59,000 --> 00:28:04,000 Zestful, full flavored Roma Vermouth is blended and developed 471 00:28:04,000 --> 00:28:08,000 with all the traditional winemaking skill of Roma Wineries. 472 00:28:08,000 --> 00:28:11,000 Made and bottled in the heart of California's famous vineyards, 473 00:28:11,000 --> 00:28:13,000 yet surprisingly low priced. 474 00:28:13,000 --> 00:28:16,000 Try Roma Vermouth soon, won't you? 475 00:28:16,000 --> 00:28:20,000 Lloyd Nolan appeared through the courtesy of 20th Century Fox, 476 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:24,000 and will soon be seen in their production Captain Eddie. 477 00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:28,000 Next Thursday, three of radio's most distinguished actors, 478 00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:32,000 whom you have heard often in this series, will be stars of... 479 00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:34,000 Suspense! 480 00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:38,000 Radio's outstanding theatre of thrill. 481 00:28:38,000 --> 00:28:41,000 Presented by Roma Wines. 482 00:28:41,000 --> 00:28:43,000 R-O-M-A. 483 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:45,000 Made in California. 484 00:28:45,000 --> 00:28:48,000 For enjoyment throughout the world. 485 00:28:48,000 --> 00:29:15,000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.