1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:08,000 And now, Roma Wines, R-O-M-A, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 2 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:10,000 Roma Wines presents... 3 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:12,000 Suspense! 4 00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:19,000 Tonight, Roma Wines bring you The Man Who Thought He Was Edward G. Robinson. 5 00:00:19,000 --> 00:00:25,000 A suspense play produced, edited, and directed for Roma Wines by William Spear. 6 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:35,000 Suspense! Radio's outstanding theater of thrills is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. 7 00:00:35,000 --> 00:00:43,000 That's R-O-M-A. Roma Wines. Those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live. 8 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:48,000 To your happiness in entertaining guests, to your enjoyment of everyday meals. 9 00:00:48,000 --> 00:00:55,000 Yes, right now, a glass full would be very pleasant as Roma Wines bring you Edward G. Robinson. 10 00:00:55,000 --> 00:01:03,000 As both himself and as a certain Mr. Homer J. Hubbard, a man who thought he was Edward G. Robinson in this remarkable tale of... 11 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:05,000 Suspense! 12 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:10,000 The Man Who Thought He Was Edward G. Robinson 13 00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:19,000 Mm-hmm. Yeah. 14 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:23,000 And I'm making this statement in accordance with a promise to a very dear friend. 15 00:01:23,000 --> 00:01:29,000 It is a complete statement in every detail, even including those matters which are to me personally incriminating. 16 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:34,000 Because my trust in my friend is such that I haven't the slightest concern on that score, or any other. 17 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:37,000 What follows concerns primarily two persons. 18 00:01:37,000 --> 00:01:42,000 Myself, Homer J. Hubbard, and my wife, Ada Sampsy Hubbard. 19 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:48,000 Even when I was courting Ada, I was aware that hers was a strong and domineering personality, to say the least. 20 00:01:48,000 --> 00:01:57,000 And after we were married, well, at first I put up with Ada's constant nagging and petty persecutions as best I could. 21 00:01:57,000 --> 00:02:01,000 I put up with them for five long years. 22 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:08,000 It wasn't until a memorable evening in 1930 that the first-day mouth lines of an escape and finally a plan began to take shape in my mind. 23 00:02:08,000 --> 00:02:17,000 Ada and I had gone to the movies to see a picture called Little Caesar, with an actor in it whom I had never heard of before. 24 00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:27,000 Oh, so you thought you'd rat on me, huh? Well, get this, nobody rats on Little Caesar, see? 25 00:02:34,000 --> 00:02:40,000 The moment I saw that face on the screen, the minute I heard that voice, the world of reality around me simply ceased to exist. 26 00:02:40,000 --> 00:02:44,000 I lived that picture. I was Little Caesar. I was Edward G. Robinson. 27 00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:53,000 I was dimly conscious that my voice was like his, that even my face without my spectacles and with my hair parted differently might have been mistaken for his. 28 00:02:53,000 --> 00:02:58,000 But it was more than that. It was his personality that fascinated me and that I assumed. 29 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:05,000 Calm, assured, tough, the kind of a man who made people do what he wanted done the way he wanted it done. 30 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:10,000 Walking out of the movie theater, I knew something had happened that was going to change my whole life. 31 00:03:10,000 --> 00:03:17,000 There, there's the man. Little Caesar, they call him, and well, they may. What's his name? Edwin G. Robinson? 32 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:18,000 No, no, no, Edward G. Robinson. 33 00:03:18,000 --> 00:03:24,000 Oh, Edward G. Robinson. Well, I'll wait to be hearing plenty about him from now on. He's no Caspar Milktoast. 34 00:03:24,000 --> 00:03:25,000 Yes, dear. 35 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:30,000 Is that all you have to say? Yes, dear. What does it take to arouse a little enthusiasm in you anyway? 36 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:36,000 Well, here you've seen a fine performance, a picture that would get anybody in the world excited, and all you can say is, yes, dear. 37 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:37,000 Yes, dear. 38 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:40,000 Oh, I wish you were half the man that Robertson is. 39 00:03:45,000 --> 00:03:49,000 Yes, but from that moment, I no longer really cared what Ada wished or thought. 40 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:56,000 I had begun my escape into a dream world of my own making, a world in which I was Edward G. Robinson. 41 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:59,000 As the weeks went by, I began to identify myself with him more and more. 42 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:06,000 I imagined myself in countless dangerous situations, and when no one was looking, I imitated him and affected his mannerisms. 43 00:04:06,000 --> 00:04:12,000 I spent our day dreaming at my desk, wondering what the other people in the office would think if I suddenly exposed this hidden side of my personality. 44 00:04:12,000 --> 00:04:14,000 Good heavens! Is Hubbard gone mad? 45 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:15,000 What's up with this ho? 46 00:04:15,000 --> 00:04:16,000 Mad, crazy, jokey. 47 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:21,000 Okay, okay, everybody, now stay where you are. Hold your hands over your head. I don't want any monkey business, see. 48 00:04:21,000 --> 00:04:23,000 Now stand back there, Ryan. I need plenty of stuff from you, and I'll let you have it. 49 00:04:23,000 --> 00:04:28,000 Hubbard, this is preposterous. What do you mean by such behavior? Is this your idea of a joke? 50 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:33,000 You'll see whether it's a joke or not if you make one false move. This isn't a water pistol I'm holding here, you know. 51 00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:35,000 Hubbard, go fire! Leave this office immediately! 52 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:42,000 Oh, don't make me laugh. I'm getting out all right, but I'm not fired, see. I'm even well-heeled, and that's why you come in, Mr. Ryan. 53 00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:43,000 Oh, look, Hubbard, what did he say? 54 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:44,000 Please, please, Hubbard. No, no, no, be reasonable. 55 00:04:44,000 --> 00:04:50,000 Oh, shut up and do what I tell you. Keep your hands up in the air and walk over to that safe. Open it up. Get all the money out of it. 56 00:04:50,000 --> 00:04:51,000 Look, I'm falling. 57 00:04:51,000 --> 00:04:53,000 Put it right here on the desk in front of me. I get going. 58 00:04:53,000 --> 00:04:54,000 All right, all right. 59 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:58,000 I don't want to have any trouble with you, Ryan. I'm going to count three, and if you're not moving when I finish, you'll never move again. 60 00:04:58,000 --> 00:04:59,000 Hubbard. 61 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:00,000 See? Hubbard. 62 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:01,000 One, two. 63 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:02,000 Hubbard. 64 00:05:02,000 --> 00:05:03,000 Hubbard. 65 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:04,000 Huh? 66 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:09,000 What are you daydreaming about? You better get busy or I shall be forced to report you to Mr. Pamberton again. 67 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:18,000 Oh, oh, oh. I'm sorry, Mr. Ryan. I'm terribly sorry. I can't understand why you could have come over me. 68 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:27,000 Well, that's the way it went. At the office, walking down the street, riding home on the bus. 69 00:05:27,000 --> 00:05:36,000 My life outwardly, calm, well-ordered, possibly even dull, was actually 24 hours of harrowing adventure with myself as the central figure. 70 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:39,000 I saw every Edward G. Robinson picture that came out. 71 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:44,000 It was the day after seeing Brother Orchard for the third time that Ada finally caught me. 72 00:05:44,000 --> 00:05:47,000 I was shaving that morning and talking to myself. 73 00:05:48,000 --> 00:05:53,000 Okay, okay, all right. You asked for it. If you don't come out, we're coming in and get you, see? 74 00:05:53,000 --> 00:05:56,000 And we're coming in shooting. What's that? 75 00:05:56,000 --> 00:06:02,000 Oh, yeah? And only a dirty yellow rat would say that. Okay, boys, let them have it. 76 00:06:02,000 --> 00:06:09,000 Well, of all the fool performances I ever heard of, this beats all. What the world are you jabbering about in here? 77 00:06:09,000 --> 00:06:17,000 Oh, it's really nothing, dear. I was just sort of trying to imitate Edward G. Robinson. 78 00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:18,000 You were what? 79 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:19,000 Yes, I was. 80 00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:20,000 Edward G. Robinson! 81 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:21,000 That's right. 82 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:23,000 Oh, that's rich. Oh, no, I can't believe it. 83 00:06:23,000 --> 00:06:24,000 Well, I was. 84 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:26,000 You were trying to imitate Edward G. Robinson. 85 00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:27,000 Yeah. 86 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:33,000 I can't stand it. But don't stop. Oh, no. Don't let me interrupt the performance, Mr. Movie Star. 87 00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:34,000 Don't laugh at that. 88 00:06:34,000 --> 00:06:36,000 Come on. Do your act for me. 89 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:40,000 Well, dear, I don't see anything so funny about it. 90 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:43,000 Maybe you don't, but you're the only person in the world who wouldn't. 91 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:50,000 Well, I'll leave you to your rehearsing. But why don't you imitate Donald Meek or Shirley Temple? 92 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:55,000 I think you'd find it easier. 93 00:06:55,000 --> 00:07:09,000 It was right then that I decided to kill her. 94 00:07:09,000 --> 00:07:14,000 For suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you The Man Who Thought He Was Edward G. Robinson, 95 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:16,000 a radio play by Leslie Raditz. 96 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:29,000 Roma Wines' presentation tonight in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 97 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:33,000 Between the acts of suspense, this is Ken Niles with a friendly suggestion. 98 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:40,000 When friends make you feel perfectly at home, no matter how unexpected your visit, that's hospitality. 99 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:46,000 Such is the hospitality of millions of Americans who always keep Roma Wines on hand. 100 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:51,000 For there's a Roma California Wine to please any guest on every occasion. 101 00:07:51,000 --> 00:07:55,000 For friendly entertaining, serve Roma Sherry or Muscatel. 102 00:07:55,000 --> 00:07:59,000 For gracious dining, enjoy Roma Burgundy or Sauterne. 103 00:07:59,000 --> 00:08:05,000 Whichever Roma Wine you choose, you're sure of finer taste every time. 104 00:08:05,000 --> 00:08:11,000 For to bring you better tasting wines, Roma Master Vintners, with America's finest wine making resources, 105 00:08:11,000 --> 00:08:16,000 guide California's choicest grapes to tempting taste perfection. 106 00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:26,000 Then, along with Roma Wines of years before, this rich taste treasure awaits selection from the world's greatest wine reserves for your pleasure. 107 00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:30,000 That's why Roma Wines are always better tasting. 108 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:36,000 Proof? More Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine. 109 00:08:36,000 --> 00:08:45,000 So insist on Roma. R-O-M-A. Roma Wines. Largest selling wines in all history. 110 00:08:45,000 --> 00:08:54,000 And now, Roma Wines bring back to our Hollywood sound stage, Edward J. Robinson, appearing as both himself and as Homer J. Hubbard, 111 00:08:54,000 --> 00:09:01,000 the man who thought he was Edward G. Robinson, in a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 112 00:09:10,000 --> 00:09:14,000 I might have decided to have mercy on her if she'd only let me alone. 113 00:09:14,000 --> 00:09:20,000 But Ada could never leave anyone alone. She really killed me at home and in front of our friends. 114 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:25,000 Sometimes she would let a few weeks go by without saying anything and I would think that perhaps she'd forgotten. 115 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:31,000 No, but Ada never forgot. She would wait until we were in a group of people and then she would come out with it. 116 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:37,000 Why, my dear, you mean I haven't told you about Homer's dream world? He thinks he's Edward G. Robinson. 117 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:46,000 Tell us, Mr. Homer G. Robinson, when you think you'll be getting your next contract from Hollywood. 118 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:54,000 Oh, you folks at that home are all wrong. He's a killer at heart. Just a cold-blooded killer. 119 00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:09,000 I want to buy a gun. 120 00:10:09,000 --> 00:10:12,000 Sure, bud. What kind of a gun? 121 00:10:12,000 --> 00:10:19,000 Well, I don't know much about guns, but that one looks all right. 122 00:10:19,000 --> 00:10:23,000 Yeah, that's a nice little gun. 2850. 123 00:10:23,000 --> 00:10:25,000 Do I have to have a license? 124 00:10:25,000 --> 00:10:31,000 Not unless you're going to carry it on your person. Otherwise we just register it for the police records under your name. What's the name? 125 00:10:31,000 --> 00:10:34,000 Edward G. Robinson. 126 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:42,000 You heard me, Mug. Edward G. Robinson. See? 127 00:10:42,000 --> 00:10:50,000 Oh, I had made my plans very carefully. My plan was that her murder would look like suicide. 128 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:54,000 It would be a night when the moon was full so that I could see ahead on the pillow and aim carefully. 129 00:10:54,000 --> 00:11:00,000 I would fire the shot, quickly wipe my fingerprints from the handle of the gun, then push it into her hand. 130 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:07,000 Then, as the shocked and bereaved husband, I would call Dr. Wallace. The police wouldn't come until later, and when they did, I would be ready for them. 131 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:12,000 I was so busy laying my plans that I hadn't been reading the papers and had to be told the big news. 132 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:19,000 Homer, oh, I beg your pardon. Mr. Robinson, would you mind passing the spinach? 133 00:11:19,000 --> 00:11:24,000 That is, if you're not too preoccupied and planning your next murder. 134 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:28,000 Yeah, you held up any banks like me, Homer? 135 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:31,000 Here you are, dear. 136 00:11:31,000 --> 00:11:35,000 Oh, say, say, that reminds me. All kidding to one side, as the fellow says. 137 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:38,000 Did you know that he's going to be here in town next week? 138 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:39,000 Who? What? 139 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:43,000 Edward G. Robinson. He's going to address the hobbyist convention. 140 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:44,000 Is that so? 141 00:11:44,000 --> 00:11:45,000 Yes. 142 00:11:45,000 --> 00:11:47,000 My, my, I'd like to hear him. 143 00:11:47,000 --> 00:12:01,000 I would, too. I'd like to see what a real he-man is like, not just a poor imitation. 144 00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:10,000 We went, and at first it was the most terrible disappointment of my life, because he wasn't tough or hard-boiled or anything like it. 145 00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:20,000 He seemed to be a mild-mannered man, a little shy, almost like me. And he talked about orchids and modern art. 146 00:12:20,000 --> 00:12:25,000 They were his hobbies, he said, raising orchids and collecting paintings, modern paintings. 147 00:12:25,000 --> 00:12:31,000 But as the lecture went on, I began to understand, and by the time it was over, I knew. 148 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:34,000 And so, ladies and gentlemen, I consider myself twice blessed. 149 00:12:34,000 --> 00:12:40,000 Every man is blessed who has a hobby, but I am among the fortunate few who has two hobbies. 150 00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:43,000 And as the fellow said, whose fiancé had a twin sister... 151 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:51,000 Oh, I see you already know it. I love them both. Thank you very much. 152 00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:53,000 Ah, it's hard! 153 00:12:53,000 --> 00:13:03,000 Later that evening, I made an excuse to get away from Maida and went down to the hotel where I knew Mr. Robinson was staying. 154 00:13:03,000 --> 00:13:08,000 I brined the bellboy a dollar seventy-five to tell me which was his room. 155 00:13:08,000 --> 00:13:13,000 I went down the hall and knocked at the door of 708. 156 00:13:13,000 --> 00:13:19,000 Yeah? Western Union! Come on in! 157 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:27,000 Just put it on the... Well, say, Western Union dresses their boys up pretty snappy in this town, don't they? 158 00:13:27,000 --> 00:13:34,000 Well, I must apologize for adopting the subterfuge, Mr. Robinson, but I have something of the utmost importance to discuss with you. 159 00:13:34,000 --> 00:13:38,000 And I was afraid you might not see me since we had never been formally introduced. 160 00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:44,000 Formally introduced? Well, that's all right. What is it, autograph? 161 00:13:44,000 --> 00:13:48,000 I'm afraid it's something a good deal more serious than that, Mr. Robinson. 162 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:54,000 Yeah? Well, you caught me right in the middle of shaving, as you say, but if you don't mind my finishing the job while you talk. 163 00:13:54,000 --> 00:13:56,000 Oh, come right along inside. Tell me all about it. 164 00:13:56,000 --> 00:13:58,000 Thank you. 165 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:05,000 Well, now, what's on your mind? 166 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:14,000 Well, Mr. Robinson, I have a problem. I followed your career since its earliest pain, and that is why I feel that you'll be able to tell me what to do. 167 00:14:14,000 --> 00:14:17,000 Uh-huh. Well, what is the problem? 168 00:14:17,000 --> 00:14:27,000 Well, Mr. Robinson, I suppose this is purely hypothetical, of course, but suppose you were going to kill somebody. 169 00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:28,000 Kill somebody? 170 00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:35,000 Yes, yes, in your own home. Somebody who was, shall we say, related to you. 171 00:14:35,000 --> 00:14:40,000 Yeah, now hold on a minute, Mr. Hubbard. Homer J. Hubbard. 172 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:47,000 Mr. Hubbard, I may look like a bad guy on the screen, but when I'm not working, I'm just a plain piece of living citizen, just like anybody else. 173 00:14:47,000 --> 00:14:58,000 Oh, you can fool people like that audience tonight with all that talk about orchids and modern art, and it was very good, and I quite understand why you do it. 174 00:14:58,000 --> 00:15:01,000 A man in your position must have a front, of course. 175 00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:11,000 Yes, but you didn't fool me. I know. Rather, I knew that I could come to you and be perfectly frank. 176 00:15:11,000 --> 00:15:12,000 What about? 177 00:15:12,000 --> 00:15:15,000 Why, about the murder. 178 00:15:15,000 --> 00:15:16,000 About the what? 179 00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:35,000 Well, look at me, Mr. Robinson. I'm a shy, inhibited, weak, utterly ineffectual person. I've none of your assurance, your hardness, your ability to cope with any situation the directly ruthless way. 180 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:46,000 How many times I wished I had, because for 20 years my life has been made horribly, unbearably miserable by one person, my wife. 181 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:50,000 Oh, so that's the way it is. 182 00:15:50,000 --> 00:16:01,000 Yes, yes, for years I bore it as best I could, and then one day I thought, how would you have coped with it? And of course I knew at once you would kill her. 183 00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:09,000 And now, wait a minute, wait a minute, are you kidding me? Oh no, no, Mr. Robinson, I wouldn't think of such a thing. Look here, look here, I even secured a gun to do it with. 184 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:16,000 Yeah, you better give me that. No, no, no, don't point it. Hand it to me by the barrel. I'll put it over here. Save it, you know. 185 00:16:16,000 --> 00:16:23,000 Yes, I must admit, I know very little about firearms, and they're quite distasteful to me. 186 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:31,000 Yes, you and me both. I mean, small arms like that. Of course, a tommy gun, that's different. That's the only thing to use. 187 00:16:31,000 --> 00:16:41,000 Yes, I suppose you're right, but I didn't know where to get a tommy gun, and I was afraid even if I did, I'd never master the art of using it. 188 00:16:41,000 --> 00:16:45,000 Yes, well, now you want to kill your wife, is that it? You want me to help you? 189 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:52,000 If you would, Mr. Robinson, if you could, if you could spare the time. I can't tell you how grateful I'd be. 190 00:16:52,000 --> 00:17:01,000 Well, you know, Mr. Hubbard, you look like a pretty nice little guy. Your wife must really be an old battle axe to have got you in a frame of mind like this. 191 00:17:01,000 --> 00:17:10,000 All right, I'll tell you what I'll do. I will help you. Oh, Mr. Robinson, yes, but it's got to be done my way, see? It's got to be done right. You've got to plan these things. 192 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:21,000 Now, take this gap, for instance. That's no kind of a rot to kill your wife with. Why, the caliber is all wrong. The ballistics would be all wrong. The dicks would be on your tail just like that. 193 00:17:21,000 --> 00:17:28,000 Now, I got to get home. That's perfect for this job, get me? I've knocked off Humphrey Bogart, Orson Welles, Jimmy Cagney. Oh, I don't know how many guys with it. 194 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:36,000 Now, the first thing when I get home, I'll send it to you, parcel post. Would you, Mr. Robinson? Oh, sure, sure. Now, when you get it, you just lay low, see? Now, don't do a thing till you hear from me. 195 00:17:36,000 --> 00:17:52,000 I'll lay this thing out with some of my boys, and then I'll get in touch with you, okay? Oh, Mr. Robinson, I don't know how to thank you. Oh, forget it, pal, forget it. What's a little murder between friends? 196 00:17:52,000 --> 00:18:05,000 I could scarcely maintain my composure in the two days that followed. The second day, sure enough, the gun arrived. It was a great heavy thing, the kind that is referred to, I think, as an automatic. 197 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:16,000 Yes, that's it. Remembering its history, I handled it with the utmost care and reverence. I hid it in the garage where I keep my pipe, but Ada won't let me smoke. 198 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:26,000 It was the next afternoon, Saturday, that the phone rang. I rushed into the bedroom to answer it and close the door after me, so Ada wouldn't hear in case it was. 199 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:34,000 Hello, Homer? Yes? Well, this is Eddie. Eddie? Yeah, yeah, Eddie Robinson. 200 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:40,000 Oh, yes, Mr. Eddie. Did you get the package I sent you? Yes, I got it. 201 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:48,000 Okay now, but don't fool around with it, see? Until the time comes, it's kind of tricky. No, no, no, I won't. Now listen, we're going to do this the sooner the better. The deadline's tomorrow night, midnight. 202 00:18:48,000 --> 00:18:58,000 Now, here's the layout. You go to bed just the same as you always do, but have that gat handy and leave the front door open. Oh, say, I meant to ask you, is it safe to talk where you are? 203 00:18:58,000 --> 00:19:06,000 Oh, yes, yes, the phone is in the bedroom and the door is closed. Oh, the bedroom, eh? Well, that's swell. Now listen, now, a little before midnight, now you get up. 204 00:19:06,000 --> 00:19:12,000 She's asleep, of course. Now you take a spot just outside the bedroom door where you can keep an eye on her and on the front door too, see? Yes. 205 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:21,000 At midnight, I'll contact you. We'll do the job and make a quick getaway and you can hole up in the hideout I got until the heat's off. Get it? Tomorrow night. Midnight. 206 00:19:21,000 --> 00:19:30,000 I'll do everything just as you say, Eddie. 207 00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:35,000 I followed his instructions to the letter. 208 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:43,000 Well, it seemed hours before Ada went to sleep that night. It seemed days until my watch finally crept around towards midnight. 209 00:19:43,000 --> 00:19:54,000 But at last, the time had come. I crept out of bed, got the gun out of my coat pocket and took my position on the landing outside the bedroom door as he had told me to. 210 00:19:54,000 --> 00:20:01,000 And then suddenly the stillness was shattered by the ringing of the phone. Oh, I was in utter panic. 211 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:07,000 This is one of those unforeseen things that can ruin even the best of plans, even plans made by Edwidgee Robinson. 212 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:13,000 I rushed back into the bedroom hoping against hope that I could catch it before Ada woke up, but she already had the light on. 213 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:18,000 Homer! What in the world are you doing prowling around at this time and nice little gun in your head? 214 00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:21,000 Why, I, I, I thought I heard a burglar. 215 00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:22,000 Burglar? 216 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:23,000 Yes. 217 00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:27,000 When I've answered this phone, I want to talk to you, Homer Jeremiah Hubbard. 218 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:28,000 Yes dear. 219 00:20:28,000 --> 00:20:29,000 Hello. 220 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:30,000 Yes? 221 00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:35,000 What? Oh, Homer, there is a burglar. 222 00:20:35,000 --> 00:20:37,000 Someone just saw him trying to get into the house. 223 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:38,000 Are you sure? 224 00:20:38,000 --> 00:20:41,000 Of course I am. Somebody just phoned that they saw him. 225 00:20:41,000 --> 00:20:44,000 Well, don't stand there. You've got a gun. Go down there and stop him. 226 00:20:44,000 --> 00:20:45,000 Oh, but Ada... 227 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:47,000 Go on. You want us to be killed in our beds? Go on, I say. 228 00:20:47,000 --> 00:20:51,000 Oh, Ada, why do you have to spoil everything? 229 00:20:55,000 --> 00:20:57,000 Go on, go on. Go. 230 00:20:57,000 --> 00:21:03,000 She pushed me out. There was nothing to do but go. I crept down the stairs in the darkness. 231 00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:05,000 I knew what Edward G. Robinson would have done. 232 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:08,000 He would have gone down and captured the burglar without the slightest trouble 233 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:11,000 and turned him over to the police after giving him the beating he deserved. 234 00:21:11,000 --> 00:21:15,000 But somehow I didn't feel much like Edward G. Robinson just then. 235 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:20,000 It was at that moment that the terrible thought occurred to me that maybe it wasn't the burglar. 236 00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:26,000 Maybe this was Edward G. Robinson. I had no time to pursue the thought further. 237 00:21:26,000 --> 00:21:34,000 There he is. 238 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:38,000 Suddenly, suddenly there was a barrage of shots and a confused yelling of voices. 239 00:21:38,000 --> 00:21:41,000 In my terror, I suppose I must have squeezed the trigger of my own gun 240 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:44,000 because it began jumping and flaming in my hand. 241 00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:48,000 I tripped on something and the next thing I knew I was coming headlong down the stairs. 242 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:59,000 And that was the last I remembered. 243 00:21:59,000 --> 00:22:04,000 When I woke up, Ada was holding my head in her arms and she was crying. 244 00:22:04,000 --> 00:22:09,000 They made me stay in bed for a couple of days, but I really didn't mind. 245 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:15,000 They were reporters to see me and take my picture for the paper and all kinds of people. 246 00:22:15,000 --> 00:22:18,000 Even Mr. Ryan and Mr. Pemberton came to see me. 247 00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:22,000 And Ada? Well, Ada was simply a changed person. 248 00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:27,000 Nothing was too good for me. My slightest wish was literally her command. 249 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:29,000 Yet the whole thing hadn't been an accident. 250 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:36,000 If I planned it that way, it couldn't have turned out better. 251 00:22:36,000 --> 00:22:42,000 And then there was a final climax that afternoon when the phone rang by my bed. 252 00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:49,000 Yes? Oh, oh, yes. Mr. Eddy. You did, eh? 253 00:22:49,000 --> 00:22:50,000 Who is it? 254 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:53,000 Oh, it was nothing, really. 255 00:22:53,000 --> 00:22:55,000 Yes, well, about that, things have changed. 256 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:56,000 Who is it? 257 00:22:56,000 --> 00:22:58,000 Quiet now. Will you be quiet when I'm talking to somebody else? 258 00:22:58,000 --> 00:22:59,000 Don't give me all the time. Excuse me. 259 00:22:59,000 --> 00:23:00,000 Hello, dear. Hello, dear. 260 00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:02,000 Mr. Eddy. Yes, they have changed quite a lot. 261 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:05,000 I don't think we'll have to go through with it. 262 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:10,000 That's right. Oh, sure, sure. She's right here. Just a minute. 263 00:23:10,000 --> 00:23:12,000 Eddie wants to talk to you. 264 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:13,000 Eddie? 265 00:23:13,000 --> 00:23:17,000 Yeah, sure. Eddie Robinson. Quite a pal of mine. 266 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:19,000 You mean Edward G. Robinson? 267 00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:22,000 Oh, yes. The robber. You know, we had quite a little chat that night. 268 00:23:22,000 --> 00:23:25,000 He was in town after I let you in. Got pretty chummy. 269 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,000 Here, she's going to talk to you. 270 00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:36,000 Yes, yes. Hello. Oh, yes. Yes, Mr. Robinson. Oh, I know he is. 271 00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:39,000 Oh, I certainly will, Mr. Robinson. 272 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:44,000 Oh, I know I'm lucky. All right, Mr. Robinson. Goodbye. 273 00:23:44,000 --> 00:23:48,000 Oh, Homer. He knew all about it. He'd seen it in the papers. 274 00:23:48,000 --> 00:23:49,000 Yeah, yeah. So he said. 275 00:23:49,000 --> 00:23:55,000 And he said you were a hero, a real hero. Bigger than any movie hero that ever was. 276 00:23:55,000 --> 00:23:56,000 He did, huh? 277 00:23:56,000 --> 00:23:58,000 Oh, Homer. 278 00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:11,000 Well, if Eddie Robinson says I'm a hero, I guess maybe I am. 279 00:24:11,000 --> 00:24:16,000 It couldn't have turned out better, Eddie, and you know how grateful I am. 280 00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:22,000 I'm a regular little Caesar around town now. My married life is all I've ever wanted it to be. 281 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:26,000 Of course, there are some things about the whole thing that confuse me a little. 282 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:33,000 It has even occurred to me, I will confess, that you might have had more of a hand in it than was generally known. 283 00:24:33,000 --> 00:24:39,000 That the gun you sent me might have contained blanks, I believe you called them, don't you? 284 00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:43,000 Because in spite of all the shooting, there wasn't one bullet hole anywhere in the house. 285 00:24:43,000 --> 00:24:46,000 And the gun had disappeared, which confused the police somewhat, too. 286 00:24:46,000 --> 00:24:52,000 And that the burglars might have been some of your boys playing a little joke. 287 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:56,000 Yes, but I don't think you would do a thing like that to a pal, Eddie, would you? 288 00:24:56,000 --> 00:25:02,000 No, I don't even think you would use the statement that you asked me to send you to hold over my head as a guarantee that I wouldn't try to kill Eddie again. 289 00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:04,000 Not that I ever would. 290 00:25:04,000 --> 00:25:09,000 But even if you did all that, Eddie, I don't really mind. 291 00:25:09,000 --> 00:25:22,000 Because as you might say yourself, what's a little joke between pals? 292 00:25:22,000 --> 00:25:24,000 Suspense! 293 00:25:24,000 --> 00:25:31,000 Presented by Roma Wines, R-O-M-A. Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 294 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:40,000 And now, this is Ken Niles with a double helping of compliments for you, Mr. Robinson, for your excellent performances in both the roles you played tonight. 295 00:25:40,000 --> 00:25:42,000 And here's a note from the control room. 296 00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:47,000 Bill Spear, our producer-director, says you sounded remarkably authentic as Edward G. Robinson. 297 00:25:47,000 --> 00:25:50,000 And very sincere as the little man who wanted to be. 298 00:25:50,000 --> 00:25:54,000 Well, thank you very much, Mr. Niles, and a bow to you, Bill. 299 00:25:54,000 --> 00:26:00,000 And Eddie, since you're one of Hollywood's most celebrated hosts, we know you'll enjoy this gift basket of Roma California wines. 300 00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:03,000 Well, a handsome gift, Ken, and many thanks. 301 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:09,000 Here's the bottle of Roma Burgundy, Bill Spear suggested we serve tomorrow night if Mrs. Robinson can get any meat. 302 00:26:09,000 --> 00:26:18,000 Well, Eddie, during these shorty days when you rarely find a porterhouse steak or a juicy roast you want, Roma Burgundy rescues many a meal. 303 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:26,000 For robust Roma Burgundy with its tempting taste harmonies for hearty meals makes ordinary pot roast as flavorful as roast beef. 304 00:26:26,000 --> 00:26:34,000 Yes, the finer taste of Roma Burgundy brings out all the subtle hidden flavors in food, adds richly to mealtime pleasure. 305 00:26:34,000 --> 00:26:36,000 That sounds mighty good. 306 00:26:36,000 --> 00:26:44,000 Well, Roma Burgundy is mighty good because only Roma, America's greatest vintner, selects from the world's greatest reserves of fine wines. 307 00:26:44,000 --> 00:26:47,000 Only Roma possesses so vast a treasure. 308 00:26:47,000 --> 00:26:51,000 That's why every Roma wine is better tasting every time. 309 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:56,000 No wonder more Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine. 310 00:26:56,000 --> 00:27:01,000 Well, you've convinced me, Ken. And now tell me, who stars on Suspense next Thursday? 311 00:27:01,000 --> 00:27:04,000 It's that very lovely and very talented actress, Miss Susan Hayworth. 312 00:27:04,000 --> 00:27:05,000 Well, well. 313 00:27:05,000 --> 00:27:11,000 In a play about a wife, a husband, a blackmailer, and a remarkably ingenious murder plot. I think you'll want to listen, Eddie. 314 00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:16,000 Well, why should I want to be different from everybody else in the country, Ken? I certainly will listen. 315 00:27:16,000 --> 00:27:22,000 Good night. Good night, Eddie. And we're looking forward to seeing you in your new failure production, The Red House. 316 00:27:22,000 --> 00:27:28,000 Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Miss Susan Hayworth as star of Suspense. 317 00:27:30,000 --> 00:27:35,000 Produced and directed by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. 318 00:27:35,000 --> 00:27:43,000 In the coming weeks, Suspense will present such stars as Judy Garland, Jack Carson, Brian Dunleavy, Cary Grant, Roddy McDowell, and others. 319 00:27:43,000 --> 00:27:49,000 Make it a point to listen each Thursday to Suspense, radio's outstanding theater of thrill. 320 00:27:49,000 --> 00:28:09,000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.