1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,060 Now, the Romo Wine Company of Fresno, California presents... 2 00:00:06,060 --> 00:00:09,060 Suspense. 3 00:00:09,060 --> 00:00:23,300 Tonight, in response to requests from many thousands of listeners, Romo Wines bring you 4 00:00:23,300 --> 00:00:29,700 the Metro Golden Mayor star, Miss Agnes Moorhead, in Sorry Wrong Number, a suspense play produced 5 00:00:29,700 --> 00:00:36,240 and edited and directed for Romo Wines by William Spear. 6 00:00:36,240 --> 00:00:39,560 Suspense. 7 00:00:39,560 --> 00:00:45,840 Radio's outstanding theater of thrills is presented for your enjoyment by Romo Wines. 8 00:00:45,840 --> 00:00:49,480 That's R-O-M-A, Romo Wines. 9 00:00:49,480 --> 00:00:54,180 Those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live, 10 00:00:54,180 --> 00:01:00,080 to your happiness and entertaining guests, to your enjoyment of everyday meals. 11 00:01:00,080 --> 00:01:05,740 Before we bring you Agnes Moorhead and our suspense play, here's a message from Romo 12 00:01:05,740 --> 00:01:07,240 Wines. 13 00:01:07,240 --> 00:01:13,600 Today, big transports were warped into piers on both sides of the continent. 14 00:01:13,600 --> 00:01:17,880 Thousands of Americans came home, home for good. 15 00:01:17,880 --> 00:01:22,760 If you are waiting for someone to come running up your steps, you must have filled your pantry 16 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:25,600 with good things to enjoy. 17 00:01:25,600 --> 00:01:32,080 One of the good things to enjoy is Roma California Sherry, as first called a dinner or later 18 00:01:32,080 --> 00:01:33,720 in the evening. 19 00:01:33,720 --> 00:01:39,480 In the words of famed hostess Elsa Maxwell, there is nothing friendlier, nothing more 20 00:01:39,480 --> 00:01:43,080 heartwarming than delicious Roma Sherry. 21 00:01:43,080 --> 00:01:49,240 A good and happy wine, gold and amber with a rich nut-like taste. 22 00:01:49,240 --> 00:01:51,160 Serve cool. 23 00:01:51,160 --> 00:01:58,080 Roma Sherry, like all famous Roma wines, is made from carefully selected grapes from California's 24 00:01:58,080 --> 00:02:00,080 choicest vineyards. 25 00:02:00,080 --> 00:02:05,680 Grapes gathered at the peak of their flavor goodness when every grape is hanging firm 26 00:02:05,680 --> 00:02:13,880 and full on the vine, quickly but gently pressed, then by a process as slow as time, brought 27 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:20,520 to delicious liquid perfection and bottled in Roma's famed wineries. 28 00:02:20,520 --> 00:02:27,120 Is unvaryingly good, yet Roma wines cost only pennies a glass. 29 00:02:27,120 --> 00:02:35,200 Remember because of uniformly fine quality at reasonable cost, more Americans enjoy Roma 30 00:02:35,200 --> 00:02:37,720 than any other wine. 31 00:02:37,720 --> 00:02:40,800 R-O-M-A, Roma wines. 32 00:02:40,800 --> 00:02:47,480 Yes, right now a glass full would be very pleasant as Roma wines bring you a remarkable 33 00:02:47,480 --> 00:02:49,800 tale of suspense. 34 00:02:49,800 --> 00:02:55,480 And with sorry wrong number, Lucille Fletcher's incomparable study in Terra and with the performance 35 00:02:55,480 --> 00:03:03,320 of Miss Agnes Moorhead, Roma wines hope indeed to keep you in suspense. 36 00:03:03,320 --> 00:03:22,120 Oh dear. 37 00:03:22,120 --> 00:03:36,000 Your call please. 38 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:40,880 Operator I've been dialing Murray Hill 40098 now for the last few quarters of an hour and 39 00:03:40,880 --> 00:03:42,160 the line is always busy. 40 00:03:42,160 --> 00:03:44,240 I don't see how it could be busy that long. 41 00:03:44,240 --> 00:03:45,600 Will you try it for me please? 42 00:03:45,600 --> 00:03:48,080 I will be glad to try that number for you. 43 00:03:48,080 --> 00:03:49,080 One moment please. 44 00:03:49,080 --> 00:03:52,640 I don't see how it could be busy all this time. 45 00:03:52,640 --> 00:03:53,640 It's my husband's office. 46 00:03:53,640 --> 00:03:56,360 He's working late tonight and I'm all alone here in the house. 47 00:03:56,360 --> 00:03:59,560 My health is very poor and I've been feeling so nervous all day. 48 00:03:59,560 --> 00:04:04,560 Ringing Murray Hill 40098. 49 00:04:04,560 --> 00:04:07,560 Hello? 50 00:04:07,560 --> 00:04:09,560 Hello? 51 00:04:09,560 --> 00:04:11,560 Hello? 52 00:04:11,560 --> 00:04:16,560 Is Mr. Stevenson there? 53 00:04:16,560 --> 00:04:17,560 Hello? 54 00:04:17,560 --> 00:04:18,560 Hello? 55 00:04:18,560 --> 00:04:19,560 George? 56 00:04:19,560 --> 00:04:20,560 Yes sir, this is George speaking. 57 00:04:20,560 --> 00:04:21,560 Hello, who's this? 58 00:04:21,560 --> 00:04:22,560 What number am I calling please? 59 00:04:22,560 --> 00:04:23,560 I'm here with our client. 60 00:04:23,560 --> 00:04:24,560 Oh, good. 61 00:04:24,560 --> 00:04:25,560 Is everything okay? 62 00:04:25,560 --> 00:04:26,560 Is the coast clear for tonight? 63 00:04:26,560 --> 00:04:27,560 Yes George, he says the coast is clear for tonight. 64 00:04:27,560 --> 00:04:28,560 Okay, okay. 65 00:04:28,560 --> 00:04:29,560 Where are you now? 66 00:04:29,560 --> 00:04:30,560 In a phone booth. 67 00:04:30,560 --> 00:04:31,560 Don't worry, everything's okay. 68 00:04:31,560 --> 00:04:32,560 Very well. 69 00:04:32,560 --> 00:04:33,560 You know the address. 70 00:04:33,560 --> 00:04:34,560 I know, I know. 71 00:04:34,560 --> 00:04:35,560 At 11 o'clock the police are coming. 72 00:04:35,560 --> 00:04:36,560 I'll be there in a minute. 73 00:04:36,560 --> 00:04:37,560 I'll be there in a minute. 74 00:04:37,560 --> 00:04:38,560 I'll be there in a minute. 75 00:04:38,560 --> 00:04:39,560 I'll be there in a minute. 76 00:04:39,560 --> 00:04:40,560 I'll be there in a minute. 77 00:04:40,560 --> 00:04:41,560 I'll be there in a minute. 78 00:04:41,560 --> 00:04:42,560 I'll be there in a minute. 79 00:04:42,560 --> 00:04:43,560 I'll be there in a minute. 80 00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:48,560 Very well, you know the address. 81 00:04:48,560 --> 00:04:49,560 I know, I know. 82 00:04:49,560 --> 00:04:52,560 At 11 o'clock the private patrolman goes around to the bar on 2nd Avenue for a beer. 83 00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:53,560 That's right, 11 o'clock. 84 00:04:53,560 --> 00:04:54,560 Okay. 85 00:04:54,560 --> 00:04:59,560 Be sure that all the lights downstairs are out. 86 00:04:59,560 --> 00:05:02,560 There should be only one light visible from the street. 87 00:05:02,560 --> 00:05:03,560 Okay, okay. 88 00:05:03,560 --> 00:05:04,560 What's that? 89 00:05:04,560 --> 00:05:05,560 Just a minute George. 90 00:05:05,560 --> 00:05:11,560 Oh, our client tells me that at 11.15 a train crosses a bridge. 91 00:05:11,560 --> 00:05:15,560 It makes a noise in case a window is open and she should scream. 92 00:05:15,560 --> 00:05:17,560 Oh, hello, what number is this please? 93 00:05:17,560 --> 00:05:19,560 Okay, I understand. 94 00:05:19,560 --> 00:05:20,560 What? 95 00:05:20,560 --> 00:05:22,560 That's 11.15 the train. 96 00:05:22,560 --> 00:05:23,560 Yes. 97 00:05:23,560 --> 00:05:25,560 Do you remember everything else George? 98 00:05:25,560 --> 00:05:26,560 Yes. 99 00:05:26,560 --> 00:05:29,560 I'll make it quick, as little blood as possible. 100 00:05:29,560 --> 00:05:34,560 Because our client does not wish to make her suffer as long. 101 00:05:34,560 --> 00:05:35,560 That's right. 102 00:05:35,560 --> 00:05:36,560 You'll use a knife? 103 00:05:36,560 --> 00:05:39,560 Yes, a knife will be okay. 104 00:05:39,560 --> 00:05:45,560 Then afterwards I'll remove the rings and bracelets and the jewelry in the bureau drawer. 105 00:05:45,560 --> 00:05:50,560 Because our client wishes it to look like simple robbery. 106 00:05:50,560 --> 00:05:53,560 Don't worry, everything's okay. 107 00:05:53,560 --> 00:05:54,560 I never... 108 00:05:54,560 --> 00:05:58,560 Oh, how awful, how unfeasibly awful. 109 00:05:58,560 --> 00:05:59,560 I never... 110 00:05:59,560 --> 00:06:00,560 Your call please. 111 00:06:00,560 --> 00:06:02,560 Operator, I've just been cut off. 112 00:06:02,560 --> 00:06:04,560 I'm sorry, what number were you calling? 113 00:06:04,560 --> 00:06:09,560 Why, it was supposed to be Murray Hill 40098, but it wasn't, some wires must have got crossed. 114 00:06:09,560 --> 00:06:15,560 I was caught in the wrong number and I just heard the most dreadful thing, something about a murder. 115 00:06:15,560 --> 00:06:18,560 Operator, you'll simply have to retrace that call at once. 116 00:06:18,560 --> 00:06:22,560 I beg your pardon, I don't quite... may I help you? 117 00:06:22,560 --> 00:06:26,560 Well, I know it was a wrong number and I had no business listening, but these two men, 118 00:06:26,560 --> 00:06:29,560 they were cold-blooded fiends and they were going to murder somebody. 119 00:06:29,560 --> 00:06:33,560 Some poor innocent woman who was all alone in a house near a bridge. 120 00:06:33,560 --> 00:06:35,560 We've got to stop them, we just got to. 121 00:06:35,560 --> 00:06:37,560 What number are you calling, please? 122 00:06:37,560 --> 00:06:38,560 Well, that doesn't matter. 123 00:06:38,560 --> 00:06:42,560 This was a wrong number and you dialed it for me and we've got to find out what it was immediately. 124 00:06:42,560 --> 00:06:44,560 What number did you call? 125 00:06:44,560 --> 00:06:46,560 Oh, why are you so stupid? 126 00:06:46,560 --> 00:06:48,560 What time is it? 127 00:06:48,560 --> 00:06:51,560 Do you mean to tell me you can't find out what that number was just now? 128 00:06:51,560 --> 00:06:54,560 I'll connect you with the chief, Operator. 129 00:06:54,560 --> 00:06:56,560 Oh, I think it's perfectly shameful. 130 00:06:56,560 --> 00:07:00,560 Now look, it was obviously a case of some little slip of the finger. 131 00:07:00,560 --> 00:07:05,560 I told you to try Murray Hill 40098 for me and you dialed it, but your finger must have slipped 132 00:07:05,560 --> 00:07:10,560 and I was connected with some other number and I could hear them, but they couldn't hear me. 133 00:07:10,560 --> 00:07:14,560 Now, I simply failed to see why you couldn't make that same mistake again on purpose 134 00:07:14,560 --> 00:07:19,560 why you couldn't try to dial Murray Hill 40098 in the same sort of careless way. 135 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:24,560 Murray Hill 40098, I will try to get it for you. 136 00:07:24,560 --> 00:07:34,560 Oh, thank you. 137 00:07:34,560 --> 00:07:39,560 I am sorry, Murray Hill 40098 is busy. 138 00:07:39,560 --> 00:07:41,560 I will call you as soon as I get it. 139 00:07:41,560 --> 00:07:43,560 Operator, Operator, Operator. 140 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:44,560 You're currently... 141 00:07:44,560 --> 00:07:46,560 You didn't try to get that wrong number at all. 142 00:07:46,560 --> 00:07:49,560 I asked you explicitly and all you did was dial correctly. 143 00:07:49,560 --> 00:07:51,560 I am sorry, what number are you calling? 144 00:07:51,560 --> 00:07:54,560 Well, can't you for once forget what number I'm calling and do something for me? 145 00:07:54,560 --> 00:07:56,560 Now, I want to trace that call. 146 00:07:56,560 --> 00:07:59,560 It's my civic duty and it's your civic duty to trace that call 147 00:07:59,560 --> 00:08:01,560 and apprehend those dangerous killers and if you won't... 148 00:08:01,560 --> 00:08:03,560 I will connect you with the Chief Operator. 149 00:08:03,560 --> 00:08:06,560 Well, please. 150 00:08:06,560 --> 00:08:08,560 Talk. 151 00:08:08,560 --> 00:08:11,560 Is anyone here speaking? 152 00:08:11,560 --> 00:08:12,560 This is the Chief Operator. 153 00:08:12,560 --> 00:08:14,560 Oh, a Chief Operator. 154 00:08:14,560 --> 00:08:17,560 I want you to trace a call, a telephone call, immediately. 155 00:08:17,560 --> 00:08:19,560 I don't know where it came from or who was making it, 156 00:08:19,560 --> 00:08:21,560 but it's absolutely necessary that it be tracked down 157 00:08:21,560 --> 00:08:23,560 because it was about a murder that someone's planning, 158 00:08:23,560 --> 00:08:28,560 a terrible cold-butted murder of a poor innocent woman tonight at 1115. 159 00:08:28,560 --> 00:08:29,560 I see. 160 00:08:29,560 --> 00:08:31,560 Well, can you trace it for me? Can you track down those men? 161 00:08:31,560 --> 00:08:33,560 I'm not certain. It depends. 162 00:08:33,560 --> 00:08:34,560 Depends on what? 163 00:08:34,560 --> 00:08:36,560 It depends on whether the call is still going on. 164 00:08:36,560 --> 00:08:39,560 If it's a live call, we can trace it on the equipment. 165 00:08:39,560 --> 00:08:41,560 If it's been disconnected, we can. 166 00:08:41,560 --> 00:08:42,560 Disconnected? 167 00:08:42,560 --> 00:08:44,560 If the parties have stopped talking to each other. 168 00:08:44,560 --> 00:08:48,560 Oh, well, of course they must have stopped talking to each other by now. 169 00:08:48,560 --> 00:08:49,560 That was at least five minutes ago, 170 00:08:49,560 --> 00:08:52,560 and they didn't sound like the pilot would make a long call. 171 00:08:52,560 --> 00:08:55,560 Well, I can try tracing it. May I have your name, please? 172 00:08:55,560 --> 00:08:58,560 Mrs. Stevenson. Mrs. Albert Stevenson. 173 00:08:58,560 --> 00:08:59,560 But listen... 174 00:08:59,560 --> 00:09:00,560 And your telephone number, please. 175 00:09:00,560 --> 00:09:03,560 Plaza 32098. 176 00:09:03,560 --> 00:09:04,560 But if you go all the way... 177 00:09:04,560 --> 00:09:06,560 Why do you want to try trace, please? 178 00:09:06,560 --> 00:09:10,560 Why? Oh, well, no reason. 179 00:09:10,560 --> 00:09:15,560 I mean, I merely felt very strongly that something ought to be done about it. 180 00:09:15,560 --> 00:09:17,560 These men sounded like killers. They're dangerous. 181 00:09:17,560 --> 00:09:20,560 They're going to murder this woman at 11.15 tonight, 182 00:09:20,560 --> 00:09:21,560 and I thought the police ought to know. 183 00:09:21,560 --> 00:09:23,560 Have you reported this to the police? 184 00:09:23,560 --> 00:09:26,560 Well, no, no, not yet. 185 00:09:26,560 --> 00:09:28,560 You want this call checked purely as a private individual? 186 00:09:28,560 --> 00:09:30,560 Yes, yes, but meanwhile... 187 00:09:30,560 --> 00:09:33,560 Well, I'm sorry, Mrs. Stevenson, but I'm afraid we couldn't make this check for you 188 00:09:33,560 --> 00:09:36,560 and trace the call just on your say-so as a private individual. 189 00:09:36,560 --> 00:09:37,560 But I... 190 00:09:37,560 --> 00:09:38,560 We can't have something more official. 191 00:09:38,560 --> 00:09:40,560 Oh, for heaven's sake. 192 00:09:40,560 --> 00:09:42,560 You mean to tell me I can't report that there's going to be a murder 193 00:09:42,560 --> 00:09:45,560 without getting tied up in all this red tape? 194 00:09:45,560 --> 00:09:47,560 Why, it's perfectly idiotic. 195 00:09:47,560 --> 00:09:50,560 Well, all right, all right. I'll call the police. 196 00:09:50,560 --> 00:09:52,560 Thank you. I'm sure that'll be the best way to... 197 00:09:52,560 --> 00:09:55,560 Ridiculous. I never heard of this. 198 00:09:55,560 --> 00:09:58,560 The police department? 199 00:09:58,560 --> 00:10:00,560 Do we have to go... 200 00:10:06,560 --> 00:10:07,560 Your call, please. 201 00:10:07,560 --> 00:10:10,560 The police department. Get me the police department, please. 202 00:10:10,560 --> 00:10:12,560 Thank you. Ringing, the police department. 203 00:10:12,560 --> 00:10:16,560 Oh, dear, do you have to die? Why can't you ring them direct? 204 00:10:16,560 --> 00:10:18,560 Oh, it's... 205 00:10:18,560 --> 00:10:20,560 Wait. 206 00:10:26,560 --> 00:10:30,560 Police station, precinct 43, Sergeant Martin speaking. 207 00:10:30,560 --> 00:10:33,560 Police department, this is Mrs. Stevenson. 208 00:10:33,560 --> 00:10:37,560 Mrs. Elbert Smy Stevenson of 53 North Sutton Place. 209 00:10:37,560 --> 00:10:39,560 I'm calling up to report a murder. 210 00:10:39,560 --> 00:10:42,560 I mean, the murder hasn't been committed yet, 211 00:10:42,560 --> 00:10:45,560 but I just overheard plans for it over the telephone 212 00:10:45,560 --> 00:10:48,560 over a wrong number that the operator gave me, 213 00:10:48,560 --> 00:10:50,560 and I've been trying to trace down the call myself, 214 00:10:50,560 --> 00:10:53,560 but everybody is so stupid, and I guess in the end 215 00:10:53,560 --> 00:10:55,560 you're the only people who could do anything. 216 00:10:55,560 --> 00:10:56,560 Yes, ma'am. 217 00:10:56,560 --> 00:10:59,560 Well, it was a perfectly definite murder. 218 00:10:59,560 --> 00:11:01,560 I heard their plans distinctly. 219 00:11:01,560 --> 00:11:03,560 Two men were talking, and they were going to murder 220 00:11:03,560 --> 00:11:05,560 some woman at 1115 tonight. 221 00:11:05,560 --> 00:11:07,560 She lived in a house near a bridge. 222 00:11:07,560 --> 00:11:09,560 Are you listening to me? 223 00:11:09,560 --> 00:11:11,560 Huh? Oh, yes, ma'am, yes, ma'am. 224 00:11:11,560 --> 00:11:14,560 And there was a private patrolman on the street. 225 00:11:14,560 --> 00:11:16,560 He was going to go around for a beer on Second Avenue, 226 00:11:16,560 --> 00:11:19,560 and there was some third man, a client, 227 00:11:19,560 --> 00:11:21,560 who was paying to have this poor woman murdered. 228 00:11:21,560 --> 00:11:23,560 They were going to take her rings and bracelets 229 00:11:23,560 --> 00:11:24,560 and use a knife. 230 00:11:24,560 --> 00:11:27,560 Well, it's unnerving me dreadfully, 231 00:11:27,560 --> 00:11:29,560 and I'm not well. I'm very nervous. 232 00:11:29,560 --> 00:11:32,560 I see, I see, and when was all this, ma'am? 233 00:11:32,560 --> 00:11:34,560 Well, about eight minutes ago. 234 00:11:34,560 --> 00:11:37,560 You can do something. You do understand. 235 00:11:37,560 --> 00:11:38,560 What is your name, ma'am? 236 00:11:38,560 --> 00:11:41,560 Mrs. Stevenson. Mrs. Elbert Stevenson. 237 00:11:41,560 --> 00:11:43,560 Uh-huh. And your address? 238 00:11:43,560 --> 00:11:46,560 5353 North Sutton Place. 239 00:11:46,560 --> 00:11:49,560 That's near a bridge, the Queensboro Bridge, you know, 240 00:11:49,560 --> 00:11:52,560 and we have a private patrolman on our street, 241 00:11:52,560 --> 00:11:54,560 and Second Avenue is the next street. 242 00:11:54,560 --> 00:11:56,560 And what was the number you were calling, please? 243 00:11:56,560 --> 00:12:00,560 Murray Hill 40098. 244 00:12:00,560 --> 00:12:02,560 But that wasn't the number I overheard. 245 00:12:02,560 --> 00:12:05,560 I mean, Murray Hill 40098 is my husband's office. 246 00:12:05,560 --> 00:12:06,560 Well, I... 247 00:12:06,560 --> 00:12:07,560 Well, he's working late tonight, 248 00:12:07,560 --> 00:12:10,560 and I was trying to reach him to ask him to come home. 249 00:12:10,560 --> 00:12:14,560 I'm an invalid, you know, and it's the midnight off, 250 00:12:14,560 --> 00:12:16,560 and I hate to be alone even though he says I'm perfectly safe 251 00:12:16,560 --> 00:12:19,560 as long as I have the telephone right beside my bed. 252 00:12:19,560 --> 00:12:21,560 Well, we'll look into it, Mrs. Stevenson, 253 00:12:21,560 --> 00:12:24,560 and see if we can check it with the telephone company. 254 00:12:24,560 --> 00:12:26,560 But the telephone company said they couldn't check the call 255 00:12:26,560 --> 00:12:27,560 if the parties had stopped talking. 256 00:12:27,560 --> 00:12:29,560 I've already taken care of that. 257 00:12:29,560 --> 00:12:30,560 Oh, you have? 258 00:12:30,560 --> 00:12:32,560 Yes, I have, and personally, 259 00:12:32,560 --> 00:12:35,560 I feel you ought to do something far more immediate and drastic 260 00:12:35,560 --> 00:12:36,560 than just check the call. 261 00:12:36,560 --> 00:12:37,560 Whatever you see... 262 00:12:37,560 --> 00:12:39,560 What good is checking the call if they stop talking? 263 00:12:39,560 --> 00:12:40,560 By the time you track it down, 264 00:12:40,560 --> 00:12:42,560 they'll already have committed the murder. 265 00:12:42,560 --> 00:12:44,560 Well, we'll take care of it now, don't you worry. 266 00:12:44,560 --> 00:12:46,560 I'd say the whole thing calls for a search, 267 00:12:46,560 --> 00:12:48,560 a complete and thorough search of the whole city. 268 00:12:48,560 --> 00:12:49,560 Yes, but... 269 00:12:49,560 --> 00:12:52,560 I'm very near the bridge, and I'm not far from Second Avenue, 270 00:12:52,560 --> 00:12:54,560 and I know I'd feel a whole lot better 271 00:12:54,560 --> 00:12:56,560 if you sent around a radio card to this neighborhood at once. 272 00:12:56,560 --> 00:12:59,560 And what makes you think the murder's going to be committed 273 00:12:59,560 --> 00:13:00,560 in your neighborhood, ma'am? 274 00:13:00,560 --> 00:13:02,560 Well, I... I don't know. 275 00:13:02,560 --> 00:13:05,560 Only, you know, the coincidence is so horrible. 276 00:13:05,560 --> 00:13:08,560 Second Avenue is a patrolman, the bridge... 277 00:13:08,560 --> 00:13:11,560 Uh-huh. Well, look, you see, 278 00:13:11,560 --> 00:13:13,560 Second Avenue is very long street, ma'am. 279 00:13:13,560 --> 00:13:14,560 Well, I know that. 280 00:13:14,560 --> 00:13:17,560 You know how many bridges there are in the city of New York alone. 281 00:13:17,560 --> 00:13:18,560 Yes. 282 00:13:18,560 --> 00:13:23,560 Not to mention Brookwood, Staten Island, Queens, and the Bronx. 283 00:13:23,560 --> 00:13:27,560 And how do you know that there isn't some little house on Staten Island 284 00:13:27,560 --> 00:13:30,560 on some little Second Avenue you never heard about? 285 00:13:30,560 --> 00:13:33,560 How do you know they were even talking about New York at all? 286 00:13:33,560 --> 00:13:36,560 But I heard the call on the New York dialing system. 287 00:13:36,560 --> 00:13:38,560 Well, maybe it was a long-distance call you overheard. 288 00:13:38,560 --> 00:13:39,560 Oh, I... 289 00:13:39,560 --> 00:13:40,560 You know, telephone's a funny thing. 290 00:13:40,560 --> 00:13:41,560 But I did... 291 00:13:41,560 --> 00:13:42,560 Now, look, lady, look. 292 00:13:42,560 --> 00:13:45,560 Why don't you look at it this way? 293 00:13:45,560 --> 00:13:49,560 Now, supposing you hadn't broken in on that telephone call, 294 00:13:49,560 --> 00:13:52,560 suppose you got your husband the way you always do. 295 00:13:52,560 --> 00:13:54,560 Now, you wouldn't be so upset, would you? 296 00:13:54,560 --> 00:13:57,560 Well, I... No, I suppose not. 297 00:13:57,560 --> 00:13:59,560 Only it sounded so inhuman, so... 298 00:13:59,560 --> 00:14:03,560 A lot of murders are plotted in this city every day, ma'am, 299 00:14:03,560 --> 00:14:05,560 and we manage to prevent almost all of them. 300 00:14:05,560 --> 00:14:08,560 But a clue of this kind is so vague, ma'am, 301 00:14:08,560 --> 00:14:11,560 that it ain't much more used to us than no clue at all. 302 00:14:11,560 --> 00:14:13,560 Well, surely you can und... 303 00:14:13,560 --> 00:14:17,560 Unless, of course, you have some reason for thinking this call was a phony 304 00:14:17,560 --> 00:14:21,560 and that someone may be planning to murder you. 305 00:14:21,560 --> 00:14:22,560 Me? 306 00:14:22,560 --> 00:14:25,560 Oh, no, no, I hardly think so. 307 00:14:25,560 --> 00:14:27,560 I mean, why should anybody? 308 00:14:27,560 --> 00:14:28,560 Well, you... 309 00:14:28,560 --> 00:14:30,560 I'm alone all day and night. 310 00:14:30,560 --> 00:14:33,560 I see nobody except my maid, Eloise. 311 00:14:33,560 --> 00:14:35,560 She's a big girl. She weighs 200 pounds. 312 00:14:35,560 --> 00:14:36,560 Uh-huh. 313 00:14:36,560 --> 00:14:38,560 She's too lazy to bring up my breakfast tray. 314 00:14:38,560 --> 00:14:41,560 And the only other person is my husband, Albert. 315 00:14:41,560 --> 00:14:44,560 He's crazy about me. He just adores me. 316 00:14:44,560 --> 00:14:46,560 He waits on me hand and footies. 317 00:14:46,560 --> 00:14:49,560 He hardly left my side since I took sick 12 years ago. 318 00:14:49,560 --> 00:14:53,560 Uh-huh. Well, then, then there's nothing for you to worry about, is there, huh? 319 00:14:53,560 --> 00:14:57,560 Now, if you'll just leave the rest to us, we'll take care of it. 320 00:14:57,560 --> 00:15:00,560 But what will you do? It's so late. It's nearly 11 now. 321 00:15:00,560 --> 00:15:01,560 We'll take care of it. 322 00:15:01,560 --> 00:15:04,560 Will you broadcast it all over the city and send out squads 323 00:15:04,560 --> 00:15:06,560 and warn your radio cars to watch out, 324 00:15:06,560 --> 00:15:08,560 especially in suspicious neighborhoods like mine? 325 00:15:08,560 --> 00:15:10,560 Lady, lady, I said we would take care of it. 326 00:15:10,560 --> 00:15:14,560 Now, just now I've got a couple of other matters here on my desk 327 00:15:14,560 --> 00:15:16,560 that require immediate attention. 328 00:15:16,560 --> 00:15:18,560 Good night, ma'am, and thank you. 329 00:15:18,560 --> 00:15:21,560 Oh, you, you idiot! 330 00:15:23,560 --> 00:15:26,560 Oh, now, why did I hang up the phone like that? 331 00:15:27,560 --> 00:15:29,560 Now he'll think I am a fool. 332 00:15:31,560 --> 00:15:35,560 Oh, why doesn't Albert come home? Why doesn't he? 333 00:15:36,560 --> 00:15:37,560 Why does... 334 00:15:42,560 --> 00:15:43,560 How are you? 335 00:15:45,560 --> 00:15:46,560 Why doesn't he? 336 00:15:46,560 --> 00:15:48,560 Your call, please. 337 00:15:48,560 --> 00:15:50,560 Operator, operator, for heaven's sake, 338 00:15:50,560 --> 00:15:53,560 will you ring that Murray Hill 40098 number again? 339 00:15:53,560 --> 00:15:55,560 I can't think what's keeping him so long. 340 00:15:55,560 --> 00:15:57,560 I will try it for you. 341 00:15:57,560 --> 00:16:00,560 Well, try, try. I don't see why he doesn't answer. 342 00:16:08,560 --> 00:16:13,560 I'm sorry, Murray Hill 40098 is busy. I will call you. 343 00:16:13,560 --> 00:16:16,560 I can hear it. You don't have to tell me. I know it's busy. 344 00:16:19,560 --> 00:16:24,560 Oh, if I could only get out of this bed for a little while. 345 00:16:25,560 --> 00:16:28,560 If I could get a breath of fresh air, 346 00:16:28,560 --> 00:16:32,560 or just lean out the window and see the street. 347 00:16:33,560 --> 00:16:37,560 Hello, Albert? Hello? Hello? Hello? 348 00:16:37,560 --> 00:16:42,560 Hello? Oh, what's the matter with this phone? Hello? Hello? 349 00:16:45,560 --> 00:16:50,560 Hello? Hello? Oh, for heaven's sake, who is this? Hello? Hello? Hello? 350 00:16:51,560 --> 00:16:53,560 Why is he trying to call me? 351 00:16:54,560 --> 00:16:56,560 Why is he doing this to me? 352 00:17:00,560 --> 00:17:01,560 Your call, please. 353 00:17:01,560 --> 00:17:04,560 Hello, operator. I don't know what's the matter with this telephone tonight, 354 00:17:04,560 --> 00:17:06,560 but it's positively driving me crazy. 355 00:17:06,560 --> 00:17:09,560 I've never seen such inefficient, miserable service. 356 00:17:09,560 --> 00:17:13,560 Now, look. Look, I'm an invalid, and I'm very nervous, 357 00:17:13,560 --> 00:17:15,560 and I'm not supposed to be annoyed. 358 00:17:15,560 --> 00:17:17,560 But if this keeps on much longer... 359 00:17:17,560 --> 00:17:19,560 What seems to be the trouble, please? 360 00:17:19,560 --> 00:17:20,560 Well, everything's wrong. 361 00:17:20,560 --> 00:17:23,560 I haven't had one bit of satisfaction out of one call I've made this evening. 362 00:17:23,560 --> 00:17:25,560 The whole world could be murdered for all you people care, 363 00:17:25,560 --> 00:17:28,560 and now my phone keeps ringing and ringing and ringing and ringing 364 00:17:28,560 --> 00:17:30,560 every five seconds or so, and I'm going to pick it up. There's no one there. 365 00:17:30,560 --> 00:17:33,560 I am sorry. If you will hang up, I will test it for you. 366 00:17:33,560 --> 00:17:37,560 I don't want you to test it for me. I want you to put that call through whatever it is and what. 367 00:17:37,560 --> 00:17:39,560 I'm afraid I cannot do that. 368 00:17:39,560 --> 00:17:41,560 You can't? And why? Why, may I ask? 369 00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:43,560 The dial system is automatic. 370 00:17:43,560 --> 00:17:47,560 If someone is trying to dial your number, there's no way to check 371 00:17:47,560 --> 00:17:49,560 whether the call is coming through the system or not, 372 00:17:49,560 --> 00:17:54,560 unless the person who is trying to reach you complains to his particular operator. 373 00:17:54,560 --> 00:17:56,560 Oh, well, how all this stupid. 374 00:17:56,560 --> 00:18:02,560 And meanwhile, I've got to sit here in my bed suffering every time that phone rings, imagining everything. 375 00:18:02,560 --> 00:18:04,560 I will try to check the trouble for you. 376 00:18:04,560 --> 00:18:06,560 Check it! Check if that's all anybody can do. 377 00:18:06,560 --> 00:18:10,560 Oh, what for you for talking to you? You are so stupid! 378 00:18:10,560 --> 00:18:13,560 Oh, God, it's her. 379 00:18:13,560 --> 00:18:16,560 I'm only impotent and... 380 00:18:16,560 --> 00:18:21,560 How dare she speak to me like that? How dare she speak to me like that? 381 00:18:21,560 --> 00:18:33,560 Oh, why did it take so long? 382 00:18:33,560 --> 00:18:35,560 Your call, please. 383 00:18:35,560 --> 00:18:39,560 Young woman, I don't know your name, but there are ways of finding you out, 384 00:18:39,560 --> 00:18:43,560 and I'm going to report you to your superiors for the most unpardonable rudeness and insolence 385 00:18:43,560 --> 00:18:45,560 that's ever been my privilege. 386 00:18:45,560 --> 00:18:47,560 Give me the business office at once. 387 00:18:47,560 --> 00:18:49,560 You may dial that number direct. 388 00:18:49,560 --> 00:18:52,560 Dial it direct? I'll do no such thing. I don't even know the number. 389 00:18:52,560 --> 00:18:57,560 The number is in the directory, or you may secure it by dialing information. 390 00:18:57,560 --> 00:19:02,560 Listen here, you... Oh, what's the use? 391 00:19:02,560 --> 00:19:05,560 Oh, dear. 392 00:19:05,560 --> 00:19:09,560 Oh, for heaven's sake, I'm going out of my mind. 393 00:19:09,560 --> 00:19:12,560 Hello! Hello, stop ringing me. Do you hear? Answer me. Who is this? 394 00:19:12,560 --> 00:19:15,560 You realize you're driving me crazy? You're calling me. What are you doing it for? 395 00:19:15,560 --> 00:19:17,560 Now, stop it, stop it, stop it, I say. 396 00:19:17,560 --> 00:19:22,560 Hello, hello, you don't stop ringing me. I'm going to call the police. Do you hear? The police! 397 00:19:22,560 --> 00:19:32,560 Oh, if... if Albert would only come home... 398 00:19:32,560 --> 00:19:37,560 Oh, let it ring. Let it ring. Let it go on ringing. Get the trick of some kind. 399 00:19:37,560 --> 00:19:43,560 Get the trick of some kind. I won't answer. I won't, even if it goes on ringing all night. I won't. 400 00:19:43,560 --> 00:19:48,560 I won't answer. Yes. Now what's the matter? 401 00:19:48,560 --> 00:19:51,560 Why did they stop ringing all of a sudden? 402 00:19:51,560 --> 00:19:57,560 What time is it? Where's my clock? Oh, why did I put it? 403 00:19:57,560 --> 00:20:01,560 It's five to eleven. They've decided something. They're sure I'm home. 404 00:20:01,560 --> 00:20:04,560 They've heard my voice. I answered them just now. That's why they've been ringing me. 405 00:20:04,560 --> 00:20:07,560 Why no one has answered me? 406 00:20:07,560 --> 00:20:15,560 Oh, where is she? Where is she? Why doesn't she answer? 407 00:20:15,560 --> 00:20:20,560 Oh, Anne. Anne? 408 00:20:20,560 --> 00:20:25,560 Your call, please. Where were you just now? Why didn't you answer it once? 409 00:20:25,560 --> 00:20:28,560 Give me the police department. 410 00:20:28,560 --> 00:20:32,560 Oh. 411 00:20:32,560 --> 00:20:36,560 I'm sorry. The line is busy. I will call you... 412 00:20:36,560 --> 00:20:41,560 Busy? But that's impossible. The police department can't be busy. There must be other lines available. 413 00:20:41,560 --> 00:20:44,560 The line is busy. I will try to get them for you later. 414 00:20:44,560 --> 00:20:48,560 No, no. I've got to speak to them now. It may be too late. I've got to talk to someone. 415 00:20:48,560 --> 00:20:50,560 What number do you wish to speak to, please? 416 00:20:50,560 --> 00:20:55,560 I don't know, but there must be someone to protect people inside the police department. 417 00:20:55,560 --> 00:21:00,560 A detective agency. You will find agencies listed in the classified directory. 418 00:21:00,560 --> 00:21:06,560 But I don't have a classified. I mean, I'm too nervous to look it up, and I don't know how to use the directory. 419 00:21:06,560 --> 00:21:10,560 I will connect you with information. Perhaps they will be able to help you. 420 00:21:10,560 --> 00:21:14,560 No, no, no. 421 00:21:14,560 --> 00:21:22,560 Oh, you're being spiteful, aren't you? You don't care, do you, what happens to me? I could die in you when you can. 422 00:21:22,560 --> 00:21:26,560 Oh, stop it! Stop it! I can't stand it anymore! 423 00:21:26,560 --> 00:21:28,560 Hello, what do you want? Stop ringing, will you? Stop it! 424 00:21:28,560 --> 00:21:31,560 Hello? Is this Plaza 32099? 425 00:21:31,560 --> 00:21:38,560 Yes. Yes. Yes, I'm sorry. This is... This is Plaza 32099. 426 00:21:38,560 --> 00:21:44,560 This is Western Union. I have a telegram here for Mrs. Albert Stevenson. Is there anyone there to receive the message? 427 00:21:44,560 --> 00:21:47,560 Hello? I'm Mrs. Stevenson. 428 00:21:47,560 --> 00:21:53,560 The telegram is as follows. Mrs. Albert Stevenson, 53 North Sutton Place, New York, New York. 429 00:21:53,560 --> 00:21:57,560 Darling, terribly sorry. Tried to get you for last hour, but lying busy. 430 00:21:57,560 --> 00:22:05,560 Leaving for Boston 11 p.m. tonight on urgent business. Back tomorrow afternoon. Keep happy. Love. Signed, Albert. 431 00:22:05,560 --> 00:22:06,560 Oh, no. 432 00:22:06,560 --> 00:22:09,560 Do you wish us to deliver a copy of the message? 433 00:22:09,560 --> 00:22:12,560 No. No, thank you. 434 00:22:12,560 --> 00:22:14,560 Thank you, madam. Good night. 435 00:22:14,560 --> 00:22:17,560 Good night. 436 00:22:17,560 --> 00:22:23,560 Oh, no! No, I don't believe it. I don't believe it. He couldn't do it. 437 00:22:23,560 --> 00:22:30,560 He couldn't do it! Not when he knows I'll be on the Lord. It's something... It's something... something... 438 00:22:30,560 --> 00:22:33,560 Something... 439 00:22:39,560 --> 00:22:41,560 Your call, please. 440 00:22:41,560 --> 00:22:47,560 Operator, try that Murray Hill 4-0 die-in-mate number for me just once more, please. 441 00:22:47,560 --> 00:22:49,560 You may dial that number direct. 442 00:22:49,560 --> 00:22:51,560 Oh. 443 00:22:51,560 --> 00:23:06,560 Oh, no. 444 00:23:06,560 --> 00:23:18,560 Oh, no. 445 00:23:18,560 --> 00:23:27,560 He's gone. Oh, Albert, how could you? How could you? 446 00:23:27,560 --> 00:23:34,560 I can't be alone tonight. I can't. If I'm alone one more second, I'll go mad. 447 00:23:34,560 --> 00:23:50,560 I don't care what he says or what the expense is. I'm a sick woman. I'm entitled as I'm getting sick of rages. 448 00:23:50,560 --> 00:23:52,560 This is information. May I help you? 449 00:23:52,560 --> 00:23:56,560 I want the telephone number of Henschli Hospital. 450 00:23:56,560 --> 00:23:58,560 Henschli Hospital? Do you have the street address? 451 00:23:58,560 --> 00:24:08,560 No, no. It's somewhere in the 70s. It's a very small, private and exclusive hospital where I had my appendix out two years ago. Henschli H-E-N-C. 452 00:24:08,560 --> 00:24:09,560 One moment, please. 453 00:24:09,560 --> 00:24:11,560 Well, please hurry and please. What is the time? 454 00:24:11,560 --> 00:24:17,560 You may find out the time by dialing Meridian 7-1-2-1-2. 455 00:24:17,560 --> 00:24:19,560 Oh, for heaven's sake, I've no time to be dialing. 456 00:24:19,560 --> 00:24:27,560 The number of Henschli Hospital is Butterfield 8-9-9-7-0. 457 00:24:27,560 --> 00:24:29,560 Oh, my God. 458 00:24:51,560 --> 00:24:53,560 Henschli Hospital, good evening. 459 00:24:53,560 --> 00:24:54,560 Nurse's registry. 460 00:24:54,560 --> 00:24:56,560 Who was it you wished to speak to, please? 461 00:24:56,560 --> 00:25:01,560 I want the nurse's registry at once. I want a trained nurse. I want to hire her immediately for the night. 462 00:25:01,560 --> 00:25:04,560 I see. And what is the nature of the case, madam? 463 00:25:04,560 --> 00:25:09,560 Nerves. I'm very nervous. I need soothing and companionship. You see, my husband is away and I'm all... 464 00:25:09,560 --> 00:25:12,560 Have you been recommended to us by any doctor in particular, madam? 465 00:25:12,560 --> 00:25:21,560 No, but I really don't see why all this catechizing is necessary. I want a trained nurse. I was a patient in your hospital two years ago, and after all, I do expect a paid-if person for attending me. 466 00:25:21,560 --> 00:25:26,560 We quite understand that, madam, but we're not completely back on a peacetime basis, you know. 467 00:25:26,560 --> 00:25:27,560 I know that. 468 00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:38,560 Registered nurses are very scarce just now, and our superintendent has asked to send people out only on cases where the physician in charge feels it is absolutely necessary. 469 00:25:38,560 --> 00:25:47,560 Well, it is absolutely necessary. I'm a sick woman. I'm very upset, very. I'm alone in this house and I'm an invalid, and tonight I overheard a telephone conversation that upset me dreadfully. 470 00:25:47,560 --> 00:25:54,560 A woman's going to be killed when a train comes. In fact, if someone doesn't come at once, I'm afraid I'll go out of my mind. 471 00:25:54,560 --> 00:25:58,560 I see. Well, I'll speak to Miss Phillips as soon as she comes in. 472 00:25:58,560 --> 00:25:59,560 Miss Phillips. 473 00:25:59,560 --> 00:26:00,560 And what is your name, madam? 474 00:26:00,560 --> 00:26:02,560 Miss Phillips. When do you expect her in? 475 00:26:02,560 --> 00:26:06,560 I really couldn't say. She went out to Stubborn at 11 o'clock. 476 00:26:06,560 --> 00:26:16,560 Eleven o'clock? But it's not 11 yet. Oh, my clock has stopped. I thought it was running now. What time is it? 477 00:26:16,560 --> 00:26:19,560 Just fifteen minutes past eleven. 478 00:26:19,560 --> 00:26:21,560 What was that? 479 00:26:21,560 --> 00:26:23,560 What was what, madam? 480 00:26:23,560 --> 00:26:31,560 That click just now in my own telephone. As though someone has lifted the receiver off the hook off the extension telephone downstairs. 481 00:26:31,560 --> 00:26:33,560 I didn't hear it, madam. Now about the- 482 00:26:33,560 --> 00:26:39,560 But I did! There's someone in this house. Someone downstairs in the kitchen that are listening to me now. 483 00:26:39,560 --> 00:26:50,560 I won't pick it up. I won't let them hear me. I'll be quiet and they'll think, oh, but I don't call from now while they're still down there. There'll be no time. 484 00:26:50,560 --> 00:27:07,560 I've got to get that operator. I've got to get that operator. Operator. Answer me. Answer me. Please. Please. Operator. 485 00:27:07,560 --> 00:27:09,560 Your call, please. 486 00:27:09,560 --> 00:27:12,560 Operator. Operator, I'm in desperate trouble. I- 487 00:27:12,560 --> 00:27:15,560 I am sorry. I cannot hear you. Please speak louder. 488 00:27:15,560 --> 00:27:20,560 I don't dare. I- there's someone listening. Can you hear me now? 489 00:27:20,560 --> 00:27:21,560 I am sorry. 490 00:27:21,560 --> 00:27:29,560 But you've got to hear me. Oh, please. Please, you've got to help me. There's someone in this house. Someone who's going to murder me. And you've got to get in touch with it. 491 00:27:29,560 --> 00:27:39,560 Just hear it. There it is. Just put it down. Just put down the extension phone. He's coming up. He's coming up with this. 492 00:27:39,560 --> 00:27:42,560 Give me the police department. The police department. 493 00:27:42,560 --> 00:27:44,560 One moment, please. I will connect you. 494 00:27:44,560 --> 00:27:57,560 I can hear him. Please hurry. Please hurry. Oh, please hurry. What are you going to do? Oh, don't come near me. 495 00:27:57,560 --> 00:28:05,560 I don't have another chance. I don't have another chance. Please don't. Oh, no. Oh, no. 496 00:28:05,560 --> 00:28:34,560 Police department, please sing 43. Sergeant Martin speaking. Hello. 497 00:28:34,560 --> 00:28:40,560 Hello. Hello. Police department, please sing 43. Sergeant Martin speaking. 498 00:28:40,560 --> 00:28:41,560 Police department? 499 00:28:41,560 --> 00:28:42,560 Yeah. 500 00:28:42,560 --> 00:29:07,560 Oh, I'm sorry. Must have got the wrong number. Don't worry. Everything's OK. 501 00:29:13,560 --> 00:29:22,560 And so closes Sorry Wrong Number, in which Roma Wines have brought you Miss Agnes Moorhead, the star of tonight's study in Suspense. 502 00:29:22,560 --> 00:29:26,560 Suspense is produced, edited, and directed by William Spear. 503 00:29:26,560 --> 00:29:34,560 Before Miss Moorhead returns to the microphone, this is Truman Bradley with a word for Roma Wines, the sponsor of Suspense. 504 00:29:34,560 --> 00:29:54,560 This is the time of year when the air is clear and the hills look as if they had been burnished in gold. At dusk, the color glory of Indian summer paints the countryside, a perfect setting for a simple supper with friends, for a meal brightened by distinguished Roma California Burgundy. 505 00:29:54,560 --> 00:30:09,560 In the words of famed hostess Elsa Maxwell, next time you have friends for dinner, add to their enjoyment of the food and give the occasion a gracious festive touch by serving delightful Roma Burgundy. 506 00:30:09,560 --> 00:30:19,560 My guests especially enjoy the fruity, robust tart piquancy of Roma Burgundy, a simple way to lend enchantment to dining. 507 00:30:19,560 --> 00:30:32,560 Yes, like all Roma wines, you'll enjoy Roma Burgundy, delightful, delicious, distinguished, wine at its best, in uniform fine quality. 508 00:30:32,560 --> 00:30:48,560 And here's a hint on how to make better cocktails. Make them with zestful, full-flavored Roma Vermouth, the Vermouth of almost a hundred rare herbs, made and bottled in the heart of California's famous vineyards. 509 00:30:48,560 --> 00:30:54,560 Yet surprisingly low price. Try Roma Vermouth soon, won't you? 510 00:30:54,560 --> 00:31:02,560 This is Agnes Moorhead. It goes without saying that it has been a major thrill to appear again on Suspense with Sorry Wrong Number. 511 00:31:02,560 --> 00:31:13,560 If you enjoyed it, I'm sure you won't want to miss next Thursday's Suspense Show, which Mr. Spear tells me will present the premiere of Lucille Pletcher's very newest suspense play. 512 00:31:13,560 --> 00:31:19,560 It is called The Furnished Floor, and in it you will hear Mildred Natwick and Don Dufour. 513 00:31:19,560 --> 00:31:27,560 Agnes Moorhead appeared through the courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and is one of the stars in their forthcoming production, Our Vines Have Tender Grapes. 514 00:31:27,560 --> 00:31:36,560 Next Thursday, you will hear Mildred Natwick and Don Dufour as stars of Suspense, Radio's outstanding theater thrill. 515 00:31:36,560 --> 00:31:44,560 This is read by Roma Wines, R-O-M-A, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 516 00:31:44,560 --> 00:32:12,560 CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. AMX Columbia.