WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:05.000 Now, the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California presents... 00:12.000 --> 00:13.000 Suspense! 00:18.000 --> 00:23.000 Tonight, Roma Wines bring you Mr. Lloyd Nolan as star of Murderful Myra, 00:23.000 --> 00:30.000 a suspense play produced, edited and directed for Roma Wines by William Spear. 00:33.000 --> 00:39.000 Suspense! Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. 00:39.000 --> 00:43.000 That's R-O-M-A. Roma Wines. 00:43.000 --> 00:47.000 Those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live, 00:47.000 --> 00:52.000 to your happiness and entertaining guests, to your enjoyment of everyday meals. 00:52.000 --> 00:56.000 Yes, right now a glass full would be very pleasant, 00:56.000 --> 01:00.000 as Roma Wines bring you Lloyd Nolan in a remarkable tale of... 01:00.000 --> 01:02.000 Suspense! 01:02.000 --> 01:04.000 Suspense! 01:21.000 --> 01:26.000 It was raining hard. I was on the bus for Hollywoodland. Myra had said... 01:26.000 --> 01:30.000 Take the last bus, Ernie. That'll get you to the house at about 1.30, 01:30.000 --> 01:34.000 and I'll see to it that His Highness and I don't get home from the party until after two. 01:34.000 --> 01:36.000 That ought to give you plenty of time to get set. 01:36.000 --> 01:42.000 Well, I had taken the last bus, and it was 1.10, and we were coming to Beachwood Drive. 01:42.000 --> 01:46.000 Don't ride all the way. Get off at Beachwood and Franklin and walk up, just in case. 01:46.000 --> 01:50.000 I pulled the cord. I was following Myra's instruction to the letter. 01:50.000 --> 01:54.000 It was raining harder than ever when I got off the bus. 01:54.000 --> 01:59.000 I turned up my coat collar and started up the hill. It was four blocks to the house. 02:00.000 --> 02:04.000 When I got to Midway, I stopped under a tree. I was soaked to the skin. 02:04.000 --> 02:08.000 Then I saw the headlights of the car coming down the hill. I got behind the tree. 02:10.000 --> 02:13.000 One of the past, I struck out again. 02:13.000 --> 02:19.000 The house was dark. I walked up the driveway to the rear. 02:19.000 --> 02:22.000 Go in through the kitchen door. I'll leave it unlocked. 02:22.000 --> 02:26.000 I tried the door. It opened. I stepped in. 02:27.000 --> 02:31.000 I stood still, listening to sound. 02:31.000 --> 02:33.000 Then I closed the door. 02:34.000 --> 02:36.000 Don't turn on the light. Remember now. 02:36.000 --> 02:38.000 Then I looked out the window. 02:38.000 --> 02:43.000 Then I closed the door. Don't turn on the light. Remember now. 02:43.000 --> 02:46.000 Then I looked at the lipstick on the table. I struck a match. 02:46.000 --> 02:48.000 The lipstick was on the table. 02:48.000 --> 02:51.000 The lipstick meant that the way was clear for me to go upstairs. 02:51.000 --> 02:55.000 The match went out. I stuck the burned end in my pocket. 02:55.000 --> 02:58.000 There was a puddle of water on the floor where I'd been standing. 02:58.000 --> 03:00.000 I got a kitchen towel and wiped it up. 03:00.000 --> 03:03.000 Then I rung out the bottom of my trousers and wiped the floor again. 03:03.000 --> 03:06.000 I took off my coat, went to the sink and rung out my coat too. 03:06.000 --> 03:09.000 I looked at my watch. It was 1.55. 03:09.000 --> 03:13.000 Didn't have any too much time. Myra and the old man would be returning any minute now. 03:13.000 --> 03:17.000 So I walked into the next room. It was the dining room. 03:17.000 --> 03:19.000 The door on the other side of the room was open. 03:19.000 --> 03:22.000 Right into the hall I could see the stairs. 03:22.000 --> 03:24.000 I walked into the hall and started upstairs. 03:24.000 --> 03:26.000 And the match went out. 03:26.000 --> 03:29.000 When I got to the top I lit another. 03:29.000 --> 03:32.000 Our bedroom's the first door on your right. 03:32.000 --> 03:35.000 I opened the door. 03:36.000 --> 03:38.000 Saw the twin beds. 03:38.000 --> 03:41.000 I'll keep him late at the party. 03:41.000 --> 03:45.000 So that by the time we get home he ought to be pretty knocked out and fall asleep in no time. 03:45.000 --> 03:47.000 He'll have been up since 6 a.m. 03:47.000 --> 03:50.000 And there was the closed closet. 03:50.000 --> 03:54.000 I opened the closet door and stepped in. 03:54.000 --> 03:59.000 You'll find the hammer on the top shelf. I'll hide it behind some old hats of mine. 03:59.000 --> 04:04.000 I was groping for the hammer when I heard a car turning into the driveway. 04:04.000 --> 04:06.000 My first impulse was to run to get out of the house. 04:06.000 --> 04:09.000 Now that the time had come I was afraid. I was deathly afraid. 04:09.000 --> 04:10.000 I started for the door and... 04:10.000 --> 04:12.000 You've got to go through with it, darling. It's the only way. 04:12.000 --> 04:14.000 It's his life or mine. Don't you see? 04:14.000 --> 04:16.000 If you'll love me you'll do it. 04:16.000 --> 04:19.000 I took hold of myself. 04:19.000 --> 04:23.000 I stepped back into the closet and closed the door. 04:26.000 --> 04:28.000 I recalled thinking. 04:28.000 --> 04:30.000 This can't be me. 04:30.000 --> 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. 04:34.000 --> 04:36.000 A man I've never even seen. 04:36.000 --> 04:39.000 Waiting to murder him and asleep. 04:39.000 --> 04:41.000 This must be somebody else. 04:52.000 --> 04:56.000 For suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you as star Lloyd Nolan 04:56.000 --> 04:59.000 in Murder for Myra by Lee Horton and Paul Bernard. 04:59.000 --> 05:05.000 Roma Wines presentation tonight in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 05:14.000 --> 05:19.000 Elsa Maxwell's ideas on gracious entertaining are followed by women all over America. 05:19.000 --> 05:23.000 The other day she said this about Roma Wine. 05:23.000 --> 05:27.000 One of my favorite wines is distinguished Roma California Sherry. 05:27.000 --> 05:33.000 A glorious gold and amber wine. Delightfully light and nut-like in taste. 05:33.000 --> 05:38.000 Roma Sherry is ideal for any occasion. Before dinner with appetizers. 05:38.000 --> 05:41.000 Or during the friendly evening hours. 05:41.000 --> 05:46.000 Yes, good Roma Sherry, like all Roma wines, is always unvaryingly good. 05:46.000 --> 05:49.000 The goodness of carefully selected grapes. 05:49.000 --> 05:53.000 Brought to perfection in California's choicest vineyards. 05:53.000 --> 06:00.000 Gently pressed, then unhurriedly, guided to flavor richness by Roma's ancient wine making skill. 06:00.000 --> 06:05.000 Yet all this goodness is yours for only pennies a glass. 06:05.000 --> 06:10.000 Remember, because of uniformly fine quality at reasonable cost. 06:10.000 --> 06:14.000 More Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine. 06:14.000 --> 06:18.000 R-O-M-A. Roma Wines. 06:18.000 --> 06:25.000 And now Roma Wines bring back to our Hollywood sound stage, Lloyd Nolan in Murder for Myra. 06:25.000 --> 06:28.000 A narrative well calculated to keep you in... 06:28.000 --> 06:30.000 Suspense. 06:30.000 --> 06:35.000 I stood in the closet and waited. 06:35.000 --> 06:40.000 I could hear voices outside in the driveway and a slam of a car door. 06:40.000 --> 06:44.000 The hangers loaded with clothes are poking me in the back, tipping me off balance. 06:44.000 --> 06:34.580 I was standing on a pair of 06:48.580 --> 06:51.000 shoes and a pair of glasses. 06:51.000 --> 06:55.000 I was standing on a pair of glasses and a pair of glasses. 06:55.000 --> 06:58.000 I was standing on a pair of glasses and a pair of glasses. 06:58.000 --> 07:01.000 Tipping me off balance. I was standing on a pair of man's shoes. 07:01.000 --> 07:02.000 His shoes. 07:02.000 --> 07:06.000 I kicked the shoes out of the way and shoved the hangers back in closer together. 07:06.000 --> 07:12.000 I listened for some sound from below. 07:12.000 --> 07:15.500 But everything was quiet again. 07:15.500 --> 07:21.000 And then I remembered Myra saying they shared the driveway with the folks next door. 07:21.000 --> 07:23.000 I put down the hammer. 07:23.000 --> 07:26.000 It must have been when he was coming home. 07:26.000 --> 07:29.000 I opened the closet door and stepped out. 07:29.000 --> 07:32.000 Still a little time yet. 07:32.000 --> 07:36.000 In the darkness I noticed that when I looked one of the windows open it was raining in. 07:36.000 --> 07:40.000 I crossed the room and closed it. 07:40.000 --> 07:45.000 There was a nightstand by each bed and an alarm clock on one of them. 07:45.000 --> 07:50.000 I never heard a clock that made so much noise. Just ticking. 07:50.000 --> 07:54.000 It was cold and damp and I was shaking from head to foot. 07:54.000 --> 07:58.000 I couldn't tell whether it was from the cold or from fear. 07:58.000 --> 08:02.000 I sat down on the edge of one of the beds. 08:09.000 --> 08:12.000 Then I decided to have another look at the hammer. 08:12.000 --> 08:14.000 In a few minutes I was going to have to use that hammer. 08:14.000 --> 08:24.000 It's a big heavy one Ernie. It'll do the trick alright. 08:24.000 --> 08:27.000 I felt along the floor of the closet for the hammer. 08:27.000 --> 08:31.000 Then I hefted it experimentally. 08:31.000 --> 08:34.000 It was big and heavy. 08:34.000 --> 08:38.000 The kind that would smash a human skull. 08:38.000 --> 08:41.000 A pulp. 08:41.000 --> 08:45.000 I looked at clothes hanging there. Many of them his clothes. 08:45.000 --> 08:48.000 In the flickering light of the match one garment caught my eye. 08:48.000 --> 08:54.000 Probably because it was long and white and had big gaudy flowers on it. 08:54.000 --> 08:57.000 It was Myra's negligee. 08:57.000 --> 09:12.000 She had been wearing it that morning when I first met her five months ago. 09:16.000 --> 09:18.000 Hello. What can I do for you? 09:18.000 --> 09:21.000 Oh good morning. I hope you'll excuse me for bothering. 09:21.000 --> 09:23.000 You see I'm taking a poll of homeowners. 09:23.000 --> 09:25.000 What kind of poll? 09:25.000 --> 09:28.000 Well it has to do with your post war plans. 09:28.000 --> 09:31.000 I don't have any. My husband does the planning in this family. 09:31.000 --> 09:33.000 I just go along for the ride. 09:33.000 --> 09:38.000 Oh I see. Well still if you're not too busy I would like to ask you a few questions. 09:38.000 --> 09:42.000 Why not? I'm just sitting around twiddling my thumbs. Come on in. 09:42.000 --> 09:44.000 Thanks. Thank you. 09:44.000 --> 09:47.000 It's a beautiful day outside isn't it? 09:47.000 --> 09:50.000 Is it? I hadn't noticed. 09:50.000 --> 09:53.000 I sat down on the sofa and opened my portfolio. 09:53.000 --> 09:55.000 I felt ill at ease. 09:55.000 --> 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. 10:05.000 --> 10:08.000 I knew right away that she'd had a row with her old man. 10:08.000 --> 10:12.000 In my business you get so you can figure out things like that. 10:12.000 --> 10:15.000 And it was as plain as the nose on my face. 10:15.000 --> 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. 10:21.000 --> 10:25.000 She laughed then at me I guess. 10:25.000 --> 10:28.000 You got quite a case of sunburn Mr. 10:28.000 --> 10:31.000 Cobb. Ernest Cobb. Yes I have haven't I. 10:31.000 --> 10:34.000 That's too much beach I guess. 10:34.000 --> 10:36.000 I haven't been to the beach in two years. 10:36.000 --> 10:37.000 Oh don't you like it? 10:37.000 --> 10:40.000 Sure but what difference does that make? His Highness doesn't. 10:40.000 --> 10:41.000 Who? 10:41.000 --> 10:44.000 My husband. Let's have the quiz. 10:44.000 --> 10:47.000 Oh yeah. Yes of course. Now first your name is? 10:47.000 --> 10:51.000 Blair Myra Blair. His name is Ray. 10:51.000 --> 10:53.000 And his business? 10:53.000 --> 10:56.000 He's an aircraft engineer. A scientist. 10:56.000 --> 10:58.000 And you don't work? 10:58.000 --> 11:02.000 No no I'm just the housewife. The little homemaker. 11:02.000 --> 11:06.000 You don't sound as though you fancy the role Mrs. Blair. 11:06.000 --> 11:08.000 I hate and despise it. 11:08.000 --> 11:11.000 Oh that's a shame. Any children? 11:11.000 --> 11:15.000 Yes a daughter of four named Julie. She's at nursery school. 11:15.000 --> 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? 11:24.000 --> 11:28.000 I haven't the foggiest notion. It's like I told you I'm part of the decorations here. 11:28.000 --> 11:30.000 But I think and how I feel doesn't count. 11:30.000 --> 11:31.000 Oh. 11:31.000 --> 11:34.000 I suppose you think I'm talking out of turn. Well I am. 11:34.000 --> 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. 11:41.000 --> 11:44.000 Night after night it's the same thing. 11:44.000 --> 11:47.000 Look at me. Am I so hard to take? 11:47.000 --> 11:50.000 Well he's probably just got his mind another thing. 11:50.000 --> 11:53.000 Yeah yeah I know. Planes, planes, planes. That's all I hear. 11:53.000 --> 11:56.000 That's the war Mrs. Blair. He, Fooey. 11:56.000 --> 11:59.000 The same before the war started. 11:59.000 --> 12:02.000 I'm not getting any younger. I want to have some fun. 12:02.000 --> 12:04.000 Do you blame me? 12:04.000 --> 12:09.000 No no. I think everyone's entitled to some fun and good times Mrs. Blair. 12:09.000 --> 12:12.000 Call me Myra. I never did like being called Mrs. Blair. 12:12.000 --> 12:14.000 How about the questionnaire? Now perhaps you can answer me. 12:14.000 --> 12:17.000 Oh Fooey to the questionnaire. 12:17.000 --> 12:20.000 I'm sorry. 12:20.000 --> 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. 12:27.000 --> 12:29.000 You just happen to be it. 12:29.000 --> 12:31.000 Oh that's all right. 12:31.000 --> 12:36.000 About your questions honestly I don't have the answers. It's like I said. 12:36.000 --> 12:39.000 Sunburn of yours. You better do something about it. 12:39.000 --> 12:43.000 Well it does burn pretty much all right. 12:43.000 --> 12:49.000 My hands are cold. Does this feel good? 12:49.000 --> 12:54.000 She bent out over me and I could feel a breath in my ear. 12:54.000 --> 12:59.000 One lock of her hair fell away from the forehead and it brushed my nose. 12:59.000 --> 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. 13:06.000 --> 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. 13:17.000 --> 13:20.000 Oh there, there. 13:20.000 --> 13:23.000 You're going to change things aren't you big boy? 13:23.000 --> 13:24.000 Sure. 13:24.000 --> 13:25.000 You will help me? 13:25.000 --> 13:46.000 Sure I'd do anything for you. Anything. 13:46.000 --> 13:51.000 The match went out. The negligee merged back into the other clothes there. 13:51.000 --> 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. 14:00.000 --> 14:06.000 He's unbearable Ernie. Every time he puts his filthy paws on me I go all raw inside. 14:06.000 --> 14:10.000 No matter what we did or where we went he was always there in her mind. 14:10.000 --> 14:16.000 We had another fight this morning Ernie. Do you want me to show you the black and blue marks? 14:16.000 --> 14:25.000 And then one night when we were having dinner it all spilled out. 14:25.000 --> 14:28.000 There's only one answer Ernie. I got to get rid of him. 14:28.000 --> 14:31.000 Well that's what I've been saying all along. You've got to divorce him. 14:31.000 --> 14:34.000 No Ernie. That isn't what I mean. 14:34.000 --> 14:35.000 Well then what? 14:35.000 --> 14:38.000 I mean I'm going to have to do away with him. 14:38.000 --> 14:43.000 Myra. What? You're out of your mind. You don't know what you're saying. 14:43.000 --> 14:46.000 No yes I do. I thought it all out. 14:46.000 --> 14:52.000 Myra. Don't say such a thing. Don't even think. What you're suggesting is murder. 14:52.000 --> 14:55.000 Murder Ernie. That's right. Murder. 15:00.000 --> 15:07.000 I couldn't sleep that night. And yet worried as I was that the idea didn't seem real to me. 15:07.000 --> 15:13.000 Murder. It was something you read about. Something for gangsters and madmen to traffic in. 15:13.000 --> 15:17.000 It wasn't a thing that could touch me, Ernest Cobb or Myra. 15:17.000 --> 15:23.000 She didn't say anything about that. The next time we were together I thought she'd come to her senses. 15:23.000 --> 15:29.000 She'd just been upset. And then one night we went rowing in Westlake Park. 15:29.000 --> 15:38.000 He's bought a gun. He's threatening to kill me. 15:38.000 --> 15:39.000 He wouldn't dare. 15:39.000 --> 15:41.000 It's him or me Ernie. I've got to get rid of him. 15:41.000 --> 15:43.000 Well get rid of him. Yes but not that way. 15:43.000 --> 15:45.000 What other way is there? 15:45.000 --> 15:46.000 I don't know but... 15:46.000 --> 15:48.000 What other way is there? Name it. 15:48.000 --> 15:52.000 Well how are you going to do it Myra? 15:52.000 --> 15:56.000 I'm going to poison it. You'll help me won't you? 15:56.000 --> 15:58.000 No. I couldn't. 15:58.000 --> 16:02.000 I'm not asking you to feed it to him. You can help me get a little poison can't you? 16:02.000 --> 16:05.000 I don't know anything about poison. I don't know anything about murder. 16:05.000 --> 16:09.000 Well you can learn can't you? If you're that dumb maybe I can find someone else. 16:09.000 --> 16:10.000 Myra. 16:10.000 --> 16:11.000 There are others who'd be glad to help. 16:11.000 --> 16:14.000 Please don't talk like that Myra. 16:14.000 --> 16:15.000 Well. 16:15.000 --> 16:19.000 You know I'd do anything for you. I just... 16:19.000 --> 16:21.000 There's a better way Ernie. 16:21.000 --> 16:22.000 What? 16:22.000 --> 16:26.000 He's got a big heavy hammer down in his workshop Ernie. 16:26.000 --> 16:28.000 You could do the trick easy. 16:28.000 --> 16:33.000 Oh no. No Myra. Not me. I'd do anything in the world for you Myra. Anything. 16:33.000 --> 16:35.000 But the one thing that'd help me out of this mess. 16:35.000 --> 16:38.000 It's his life or mine Ernie if you love me you'd do it. 16:38.000 --> 16:40.000 I can't do that. I can't. 16:40.000 --> 16:41.000 You'd leave it for me to do. 16:41.000 --> 16:42.000 No. No. I... 16:42.000 --> 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. 16:46.000 --> 16:49.000 With that hammer to be all over in a second. 16:49.000 --> 16:51.000 And then we'd say a burglar came and... 16:51.000 --> 16:53.000 No Myra. No. 16:53.000 --> 16:55.000 Oh you don't love me really. It's all just talk. 16:55.000 --> 16:59.000 No. No it isn't. You know better than that. I worship you Myra. I couldn't live without you. 16:59.000 --> 17:02.000 Ernie if you want me you've got to do it. 17:02.000 --> 17:05.000 You've got to Ernie. 17:05.000 --> 17:08.000 Alright Myra. 17:08.000 --> 17:10.000 I... 17:10.000 --> 17:12.000 I suppose I knew I'd have to. 17:12.000 --> 17:15.000 It's just a little hard. 17:15.000 --> 17:25.000 Get used to the idea that's all but I'll do it. 17:25.000 --> 17:37.000 I looked at my watch. It was ten past two. 17:37.000 --> 17:39.000 They'd be home soon. 17:39.000 --> 17:43.000 I lost my nerve once. I started downstairs and someone walked past the house. That's all. 17:43.000 --> 17:45.000 Just walked past the house. 17:45.000 --> 17:51.000 I ran back up into that bedroom with my heart pounding so that I drowned out the sound of the clock. 17:51.000 --> 17:54.000 Then the headlights of a car flashed across the wall. 17:54.000 --> 17:57.000 A car that was turning into their driveway. 17:57.000 --> 18:00.000 There was no mistaking it this time. This was it. 18:00.000 --> 18:03.000 I could hear the voices of a man and a woman. 18:03.000 --> 18:05.000 The woman's voice was Myra's. 18:05.000 --> 18:07.000 Slam of the car door. 18:07.000 --> 18:10.000 Footsteps on the cement driveway. 18:10.000 --> 18:12.000 I eased back into the closet once more. 18:12.000 --> 18:16.000 Felt for the hammer on the floor and closed the door. 18:16.000 --> 18:19.000 All but a little crack. 18:19.000 --> 18:22.000 Then I heard the front door open and close. 18:22.000 --> 18:28.000 Somebody walking upstairs. 18:28.000 --> 18:31.000 Come on Julie. Wake up. Wake up now darling. Come on. 18:31.000 --> 18:32.000 We've got to get undressed. 18:32.000 --> 18:35.000 It was Myra. The kid was asleep and she was carrying her. 18:35.000 --> 18:37.000 That's the girl. That's the girl. Stand up. That's it. 18:37.000 --> 18:40.000 Turn around darling. So mommy get on button your dress. 18:40.000 --> 18:42.000 There. You can go in your own room dear. Take off your shoes. 18:42.000 --> 18:43.000 Mommy will be right in. 18:43.000 --> 18:47.000 I heard her walking toward the closet. 18:47.000 --> 18:50.000 Ernie. Ernie are you there? 18:50.000 --> 18:54.000 Yes. I knew she was standing there but I couldn't see her. 18:54.000 --> 18:56.000 I groped for her in the darkness. 18:56.000 --> 18:59.000 My hand touched her shoulder and then she was in my arms. 18:59.000 --> 19:01.000 Her body pressed against mine and I was kissing her. 19:01.000 --> 19:03.000 Did you find the hammer? 19:03.000 --> 19:04.000 Oh Myra. I do. 19:04.000 --> 19:06.000 Did you find the hammer? 19:06.000 --> 19:07.000 Yeah. The hammer. Yes. 19:07.000 --> 19:08.000 He's putting up the car. He'll be up in a minute. 19:08.000 --> 19:10.000 Myra it's all off. I can't do it. 19:10.000 --> 19:11.000 You've got to. I can't. I can't do it. 19:11.000 --> 19:12.000 Ernie listen to me. 19:12.000 --> 19:13.000 I can't. I tell you I can't. 19:13.000 --> 19:15.000 Shut up and listen to me. 19:15.000 --> 19:16.000 Ernie you say you love me. 19:16.000 --> 19:18.000 Oh you know I do. I worship the Lord. 19:18.000 --> 19:19.000 And you want me don't you? 19:19.000 --> 19:20.000 More than anything in the world. 19:20.000 --> 19:22.000 Alright then if you want me you've got to do it. 19:22.000 --> 19:24.000 Mommy. Mommy. 19:24.000 --> 19:27.000 Coming darling. 19:27.000 --> 19:29.000 Quick Ernie you'll do it. 19:29.000 --> 19:30.000 I'll do it. Of course I'll do it. 19:30.000 --> 19:32.000 I knew you would. 19:32.000 --> 19:33.000 Mommy. 19:33.000 --> 19:38.000 She kissed me and closed the door. 19:38.000 --> 19:43.000 And then I heard him coming upstairs. 19:43.000 --> 19:47.000 He came into the room and switched on the light. 19:47.000 --> 19:50.000 I heard him moving around. 19:50.000 --> 19:54.000 I figured he was undressing and getting ready for bed. 19:54.000 --> 19:55.000 Well is she asleep? 19:55.000 --> 19:57.000 She will be in a minute. 19:57.000 --> 19:59.000 That kid isn't getting enough sleep Myra. 19:59.000 --> 20:01.000 Now don't start that again please. 20:01.000 --> 20:03.000 Where are you going? 20:03.000 --> 20:07.000 To the clothes closet to get my pajamas. Why? 20:07.000 --> 20:09.000 I held my breath. 20:09.000 --> 20:12.000 I'll get them for you. 20:12.000 --> 20:14.000 I flat myself against the wall. 20:14.000 --> 20:15.000 She opened the door. 20:15.000 --> 20:17.000 Reached for the pajamas. 20:17.000 --> 20:18.000 Her eyes met for an instant. 20:18.000 --> 20:20.000 And she was gone. The door closed. 20:20.000 --> 20:22.000 Here. Here you are. 20:22.000 --> 20:25.000 Oh thanks. 20:25.000 --> 20:27.000 What are you hiding in there? 20:27.000 --> 20:28.000 What do you mean hiding? 20:28.000 --> 20:30.000 Well the way you made a dive for that door I thought... 20:30.000 --> 20:32.000 Nuts. What would I be hiding? 20:32.000 --> 20:33.000 I don't know. I just said... 20:33.000 --> 20:35.000 What are you doing? 20:35.000 --> 20:37.000 What's the matter with you tonight Myra? 20:37.000 --> 20:38.000 There's nothing the matter with me. Why? 20:38.000 --> 20:39.000 You're so jumpy. 20:39.000 --> 20:41.000 Can't I ask you what you're doing? 20:41.000 --> 20:42.000 Fooling with the clock? 20:42.000 --> 20:44.000 Sure. But why jump out of your skin? 20:44.000 --> 20:45.000 I'm just setting the alarm. 20:45.000 --> 20:46.000 It's already set. 20:46.000 --> 20:49.000 I'm setting it ahead for four o'clock. 20:49.000 --> 20:50.000 Why? 20:50.000 --> 20:52.000 Because I've got to be at the plant at five this morning. 20:52.000 --> 20:55.000 I've got a trial run. 20:55.000 --> 20:56.000 Oh. 20:56.000 --> 20:57.000 This was something we hadn't figured out. 20:57.000 --> 20:59.000 I looked at my watch. 20:59.000 --> 21:02.000 It's three now. You won't get much sleep. 21:02.000 --> 21:04.000 I know it but I can't help it. 21:04.000 --> 21:06.000 Don't put the clock on my table. 21:06.000 --> 21:08.000 Put it on your side where it always is. 21:08.000 --> 21:12.000 Oh. Okay. But so important. 21:12.000 --> 21:13.000 Hey. 21:13.000 --> 21:16.000 How did all this water get on the floor here? 21:16.000 --> 21:18.000 Through the window I suppose. 21:18.000 --> 21:20.000 No. But it's closed. 21:20.000 --> 21:22.000 I closed it when I came up. 21:22.000 --> 21:24.000 We left it open. 21:24.000 --> 21:25.000 Oh. 21:25.000 --> 21:30.000 Well, if you're getting up at four, you better get to sleep, don't you think? 21:30.000 --> 21:32.000 Oh, yes, I'll. 21:32.000 --> 21:34.000 I heard them get into bed. 21:34.000 --> 21:36.000 Well, good night. 21:36.000 --> 21:38.000 Good night, Marlin. 21:38.000 --> 21:41.000 The stage was set. 21:41.000 --> 21:42.000 I breathed easy. 21:42.000 --> 21:46.000 Now I'd only have to wait for him to... 21:46.000 --> 21:49.000 Then the thought struck me. 21:49.000 --> 21:52.000 Suppose he doesn't fall asleep right away. 21:52.000 --> 21:54.000 Suppose he doesn't fall asleep at all. 21:54.000 --> 21:56.000 He isn't so tired. 21:56.000 --> 21:58.000 Even if it is late. 21:58.000 --> 22:00.000 He doesn't sound knocked out to me. 22:00.000 --> 22:03.000 Before he can get to sleep, then the alarm will go off and he... 22:03.000 --> 22:05.000 I looked at my watch. 22:05.000 --> 22:08.000 It was exactly five minutes past three. 22:08.000 --> 22:10.000 Man, this will never do. 22:10.000 --> 22:12.000 I thought I got to get a hold of myself. 22:12.000 --> 22:17.000 I've got nearly an hour yet and in that time he ought to... 22:17.000 --> 22:21.000 I listened. 22:21.000 --> 22:23.000 I couldn't hear a sound. 22:23.000 --> 22:26.000 He might be, but I didn't know. 22:26.000 --> 22:28.000 I had to be sure. 22:28.000 --> 22:33.000 I'd wait half an hour and if I didn't hear anything by then, 22:33.000 --> 22:37.000 I could be pretty certain he was. 22:37.000 --> 22:40.000 The minutes dragged on and I listened. 22:40.000 --> 22:43.000 When the half hour was up and I hadn't heard a sound, 22:43.000 --> 22:48.000 I sat down on the floor, took off my shoes, 22:48.000 --> 22:53.000 and I picked up the hammer and turned the door knob. 22:53.000 --> 22:59.000 I turned it very slowly. 22:59.000 --> 23:02.000 It made no sound. 23:02.000 --> 23:07.000 Then I opened the door and stepped into the room. 23:10.000 --> 23:12.000 Who's there? 23:12.000 --> 23:14.000 Who's there? 23:14.000 --> 23:17.000 Daddy, I want to drink water. 23:17.000 --> 23:20.000 Oh, it's you. 23:20.000 --> 23:22.000 All right, baby, just a minute. 23:22.000 --> 23:24.000 What? What's the matter? 23:24.000 --> 23:26.000 It's the kids. She wants to drink water. 23:26.000 --> 23:29.000 No, don't get up. Go back to sleep. I'll get it. 23:29.000 --> 23:32.000 I stepped back into the closed closet and closed the door. 23:32.000 --> 23:34.000 I felt the blood drain from my head. 23:34.000 --> 23:36.000 I leaned against the wall. 23:36.000 --> 23:39.000 I heard Myra go into the kids' room. 23:39.000 --> 23:48.000 Then I slid to the floor. 23:48.000 --> 23:53.000 I guess I must have passed out then or faded or something 23:53.000 --> 23:56.000 because the next thing I remembered was sitting up, startled, 23:56.000 --> 23:58.000 wondering where I was. I looked at my watch. 23:58.000 --> 24:00.000 It was three minutes to four. 24:00.000 --> 24:03.000 I remembered now where I was and what I was there for. 24:03.000 --> 24:04.000 I was in the closet. 24:04.000 --> 24:07.000 There was a man on the other side of the door 24:07.000 --> 24:09.000 that I had to kill before an alarm went off, 24:09.000 --> 24:11.000 and the alarm went off at four. 24:11.000 --> 24:15.000 I remember that I had to be very quiet because the man was asleep. 24:15.000 --> 24:19.000 Everything I did from that time on was automatic. 24:19.000 --> 24:21.000 I acted like a man in a dream. 24:21.000 --> 24:24.000 I picked up the hammer and stood up. 24:24.000 --> 24:28.000 I opened the door. He crept into the room. 24:28.000 --> 24:31.000 I could see the hands of the clock by his bed. 24:31.000 --> 24:34.000 It was almost four. 24:34.000 --> 24:36.000 I didn't breathe. 24:36.000 --> 24:54.000 I only listened. 24:54.000 --> 24:58.000 I touched the foot of the bed. 24:58.000 --> 25:05.000 I felt along the side of it until I reached the headboard. 25:05.000 --> 25:08.000 I was standing over it. 25:08.000 --> 25:12.000 I raised the hammer over my head and swung down, 25:12.000 --> 25:17.000 and I hear him again and again and again. 25:17.000 --> 25:20.000 Then I yelled, Myra, Myra, turn it off. 25:20.000 --> 25:22.000 Will you turn the alarm? 25:22.000 --> 25:25.000 Myra, hold your horn. 25:25.000 --> 25:31.000 Myra. 25:31.000 --> 25:33.000 Then the light went on, 25:33.000 --> 25:36.000 and I was looking at a man sitting up in the other bed, 25:36.000 --> 25:38.000 and he was pointing a gun at me. 25:38.000 --> 25:42.000 Hello, Ernie. I moved the clock. 25:42.000 --> 25:44.000 You saved me a lot of trouble. 25:44.000 --> 25:47.000 I looked down at the bed. I was standing over it, 25:47.000 --> 25:57.000 and I saw Myra, and blood, and the hammer. 25:57.000 --> 26:03.000 Suddenly I felt an insane desire to live, 26:03.000 --> 26:09.000 and then a sob caught in my throat. 26:09.000 --> 26:14.000 I couldn't control myself. 26:14.000 --> 26:18.000 I started to laugh. 26:18.000 --> 26:45.000 I couldn't stop. 26:45.000 --> 26:50.000 Roma Wines have brought you Lloyd Nolan as star of Murder for Myra. 26:50.000 --> 26:57.000 Tonight's study in Suspense. 26:57.000 --> 27:03.000 This is Truman Bradley for Roma Wines, the sponsor of Suspense. 27:03.000 --> 27:09.000 August, one of the warmest months, calls for tall frosty iced drinks, 27:09.000 --> 27:12.000 and famous hostess Elsa Maxwell recently said, 27:12.000 --> 27:15.000 I've discovered the perfect hot weather drink, 27:15.000 --> 27:17.000 wonderfully cooling and refreshing, 27:17.000 --> 27:20.000 one that guests really go for. 27:20.000 --> 27:23.000 I mean, Roma Wine and Soda, 27:23.000 --> 27:28.000 made with distinguished Roma, California Burgundy, or Sauterne. 27:28.000 --> 27:32.000 Yes, Roma Wine and Soda is simple to prepare. 27:32.000 --> 27:36.000 Half-fill tall glasses with Roma Burgundy or Sauterne. 27:36.000 --> 27:40.000 Add ice cubes, sparkling water, and a bit of sugar, 27:40.000 --> 27:44.000 and for a decorative touch, garnish with cherries or fruit. 27:44.000 --> 27:49.000 And be sure to use Roma Wine, always uniformly good, 27:49.000 --> 27:54.000 yet costs only pennies a glass, so you can serve it often. 27:54.000 --> 27:59.000 And next time you use vermouth, choose Roma Vermouth, sweet or dry. 27:59.000 --> 28:04.000 Zestful, full flavored Roma Vermouth is blended and developed 28:04.000 --> 28:08.000 with all the traditional winemaking skill of Roma Wineries. 28:08.000 --> 28:11.000 Made and bottled in the heart of California's famous vineyards, 28:11.000 --> 28:13.000 yet surprisingly low priced. 28:13.000 --> 28:16.000 Try Roma Vermouth soon, won't you? 28:16.000 --> 28:20.000 Lloyd Nolan appeared through the courtesy of 20th Century Fox, 28:20.000 --> 28:24.000 and will soon be seen in their production Captain Eddie. 28:24.000 --> 28:28.000 Next Thursday, three of radio's most distinguished actors, 28:28.000 --> 28:32.000 whom you have heard often in this series, will be stars of... 28:32.000 --> 28:34.000 Suspense! 28:34.000 --> 28:38.000 Radio's outstanding theatre of thrill. 28:38.000 --> 28:41.000 Presented by Roma Wines. 28:41.000 --> 28:43.000 R-O-M-A. 28:43.000 --> 28:45.000 Made in California. 28:45.000 --> 28:48.000 For enjoyment throughout the world. 28:48.000 --> 29:15.000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.