1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,000 And now, Roma Wines, R-O-M-A, Roma Wines presents... 2 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Suspense. 3 00:00:11,000 --> 00:00:16,000 Tonight, Roma Wines bring you Robert Taylor, in the house in Cypress Canyon. 4 00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:21,000 A suspense play produced, edited, and directed for Roma Wines by William Spear. 5 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:28,000 Suspense. Radio's outstanding theater of thrills is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. 6 00:00:28,000 --> 00:00:31,000 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. 7 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:37,000 Those better tasting California wines enjoyed by more Americans than any other wine. 8 00:00:37,000 --> 00:00:40,000 For friendly entertaining, for delightful dining. 9 00:00:40,000 --> 00:00:43,000 Yes, right now, a glass full would be very pleasant, 10 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:47,000 as Roma Wines bring you Robert Taylor, star of nightly shows. 11 00:00:47,000 --> 00:00:53,000 A very pleasant, as Roma Wines bring you Robert Taylor, star of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's undercurrent, 12 00:00:53,000 --> 00:00:55,000 in a remarkable tale of... 13 00:00:55,000 --> 00:00:57,000 Suspense. 14 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:08,000 Merry Christmas, Jerry. How's the real estate business? 15 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:10,000 Kind of early with your greeting, aren't you, Sam? 16 00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:14,000 Well, I gotta get them in sometime. I may not see you again until next Christmas. 17 00:01:14,000 --> 00:01:18,000 If the real estate racket gets any crazier, I'll be dead by next Christmas. 18 00:01:18,000 --> 00:01:20,000 I'm glad you could get up here, though, Sam. 19 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:22,000 What's on your mind, Jerry? 20 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:26,000 You'll probably shoot me when you hear it, Sam, because I'm probably nuts. 21 00:01:26,000 --> 00:01:30,000 But, dog on it, you're a detective and you're my pal, and I just had to tell somebody. 22 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:32,000 You sound like it's serious. 23 00:01:32,000 --> 00:01:35,000 That's just it. I don't know what it is, Sam, but... 24 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:39,000 Now, listen, you know we're agents for a group of houses up in Cypress Canyon, 25 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:42,000 those places that were started before the war and never got finished? 26 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:46,000 Oh, yeah. All they got in were the foundations, just concrete and a couple of beams. 27 00:01:46,000 --> 00:01:48,000 Well, they've been finished now. 28 00:01:48,000 --> 00:01:51,000 In fact, I'm putting up the for rent on the last of them today. 29 00:01:51,000 --> 00:01:53,000 What do you want, police protection from the mob? 30 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:59,000 Yeah. Listen, Sam, this house that I'm talking about, it's got a number now, 2256. 31 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:03,000 But before, when the men went back to work on it about three months ago, 32 00:02:03,000 --> 00:02:07,000 well, they just started when the foreman on the job brought me a shoe box 33 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:09,000 that he'd found up on a beam. 34 00:02:09,000 --> 00:02:15,000 And this box had a, what do you call it, a manuscript in it, a story kind of, all written out. 35 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:20,000 Well, he gave me the thing. I read it. I didn't think much about it. I put it in my desk. 36 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:24,000 But the other day, and I happened to drive by there, I saw the number on the house 37 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:28,000 and what the house looked like. I thought of this manuscript. 38 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:31,000 Well, I don't like it. That's all. There's something funny about it. 39 00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:33,000 What's funny about it? 40 00:02:33,000 --> 00:02:37,000 Well, mind you, this thing was found in an unfinished house in Cypress Canyon, 41 00:02:37,000 --> 00:02:39,000 a house that was only just started building. 42 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:45,000 Well, listen, Sam, I want to read it to you if you've got the time, and you'll see what I mean. 43 00:02:45,000 --> 00:02:46,000 All right, shoot. 44 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:48,000 Well, here's how it begins. 45 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:53,000 To whom it may concern, my reasons for setting down on paper what follows here 46 00:02:53,000 --> 00:02:59,000 will be abundantly clear to anyone into whose possession it may fall. 47 00:02:59,000 --> 00:03:03,000 First, let me say that I'm a very ordinary person. 48 00:03:03,000 --> 00:03:08,000 My name is James A. Woods. I'm 35 years old, by profession a chemical engineer. 49 00:03:08,000 --> 00:03:14,000 My wife, Ellen, was a schoolteacher when I met and married her in Indiana seven years ago. 50 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:19,000 There's nothing in the past life of either one of us to suggest remotely any cause or reason 51 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:22,000 for the dreadful thing that has invaded our lives. 52 00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:25,000 Our married life has been in no way different from that of millions of other 53 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:29,000 averaged, reasonably happy, and congenial families. 54 00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:34,000 Three months ago, I was ordered by my firm to take charge of a rather minor project 55 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:37,000 in Los Angeles, Hollywood to be exact. 56 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:38,000 The order was a sudden one. 57 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:42,000 There had been no time to secure accommodations, and conditions being what they are, 58 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:45,000 the inevitable result was that until the day before yesterday, 59 00:03:45,000 --> 00:03:50,000 we'd been living in the cramped quarters of one of those characteristic California motels. 60 00:03:50,000 --> 00:03:55,000 Needless to say, most of our spare time had been devoted to a search for something more 61 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:59,000 permanent and comfortable, but the fruits of these efforts had been financially, 62 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:03,000 and in every other way, a geometrical progression of discouragement. 63 00:04:03,000 --> 00:04:07,000 Until last Saturday afternoon, only four days before Christmas, 64 00:04:07,000 --> 00:04:11,000 we were driving into town on our way to a movie when Ellen saw it. 65 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:12,000 Jim, look! 66 00:04:12,000 --> 00:04:13,000 What? 67 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:15,000 That sign in front of that real estate office. 68 00:04:15,000 --> 00:04:16,000 Oh, yeah. 69 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:20,000 Don't you see what it says? For rent, furnished, two-bedroom house, close in, immediate occupancy. 70 00:04:20,000 --> 00:04:21,000 Yeah. 71 00:04:21,000 --> 00:04:22,000 Aren't you going to stop? 72 00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:26,000 Oh, Ellen, you know what a sign like that would mean right out in plain sight in front of a real estate office. 73 00:04:26,000 --> 00:04:27,000 Oh, yeah, but Jim... 74 00:04:27,000 --> 00:04:28,000 Either they want $600 a month or... 75 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:30,000 We'll never know until we ask. 76 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:33,000 If it's any good at all, there are probably 50 people fighting for it right back there now. 77 00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:35,000 Well, honey, there's no harm in trying now, is there? 78 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:36,000 You really want to go back? 79 00:04:36,000 --> 00:04:39,000 Oh, it's probably foolish, but what can we lose? 80 00:04:39,000 --> 00:04:40,000 Well, okay. 81 00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:43,000 Oh, darling, come on, cheer up. How do you know? Maybe our luck's changed. 82 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:57,000 Maybe fate's going to give us a nice new house for a Christmas present. 83 00:04:57,000 --> 00:05:03,000 Come in. 84 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:08,000 Oh, uh, we're sorry to bother you, but we just happened to see that for rent sign outside. 85 00:05:08,000 --> 00:05:10,000 Oh, yeah, I hung it outside just this minute. 86 00:05:10,000 --> 00:05:13,000 Is... is the house available? 87 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:15,000 Why, sure, sure it is. 88 00:05:15,000 --> 00:05:21,000 Uh, let me introduce myself. My name is James A. Woods, and this is my wife, Ellen. 89 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:24,000 Howdy-do. 90 00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:28,000 Wow. Looks like it's fixing to rain. 91 00:05:28,000 --> 00:05:40,000 Yes, so it does, doesn't it? 92 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:42,000 Well, it was one of those things. 93 00:05:42,000 --> 00:05:45,000 The real estate agent had just been authorized to rent the place by mail that morning, 94 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:50,000 and he'd hardly had time to look at it himself and put up his sign when we drove up. 95 00:05:50,000 --> 00:05:55,000 It was just an ordinary little California house about halfway up Cypress Canyon, 96 00:05:55,000 --> 00:06:01,000 number 2256, just an ordinary, undistinguished little house. 97 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:03,000 The agent didn't know much about it. 98 00:06:03,000 --> 00:06:07,000 Construction on it had been stopped by the war, and it had just been completed and furnished lately. 99 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:13,000 It had been vacant while somebody's estate was being settled, and now it was owned by a bank in Sacramento. 100 00:06:13,000 --> 00:06:14,000 Of course, we didn't... 101 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:17,000 We got this key in the mail along with the authorization to rent. 102 00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:20,000 Only one there is. Of course, you can have duplicates, May. 103 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:27,000 It seems to stick a little. Oh, no, there it is. 104 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:30,000 It doesn't sound as though that door had ever been opened. 105 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:32,000 Well, a little oil on the hinges will fix that all right. 106 00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:33,000 Oh, sure. 107 00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:35,000 Now, now here's your living room. 108 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:37,000 Furniture's a little dusty, of course. You've got to expect that. 109 00:06:37,000 --> 00:06:40,000 It's good furniture, though, you see? Benson Brothers. 110 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:41,000 Yes, uh-huh. 111 00:06:41,000 --> 00:06:46,000 Now, over here's a little den. Panel, you see? Radio, fireplace. 112 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:49,000 Really a very attractive little room, particularly for a man. 113 00:06:49,000 --> 00:06:50,000 Uh-huh, yeah. 114 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:55,000 Now, the bedroom's off the living room here. Everything's all on one floor, you understand? 115 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:58,000 It's quite nice, I think. Yes. 116 00:06:58,000 --> 00:07:03,000 You can see you get the morning sun here. There's a view of the canyon through these fun windows. 117 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:05,000 We got the cross-pens. 118 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:07,000 That's about all there was to it. 119 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:12,000 It wasn't the best place in the world. It was small and badly built, but what would you have done? 120 00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:15,000 We took it with as little inspection as that. 121 00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:18,000 It was the Saturday before Christmas. 122 00:07:18,000 --> 00:07:24,000 And the very same evening, we were struggling up the steps from the road with suitcases and boxes and armloads of clothes 123 00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:29,000 and all the endless bric-a-brac that people collect and never know they have until they move. 124 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:34,000 Ellen began unpacking, and I began moving things around and taking the worst of the pictures off the wall, 125 00:07:34,000 --> 00:07:40,000 doing all the little things that everybody does when they move into a new place and try to give it something of their own. 126 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:44,000 Don't be such a sourpuss. You know, it's a roof over our heads for Christmas. 127 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:46,000 That's more than we ever thought we'd get, isn't it? 128 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:50,000 Now, what in the world are we gonna do with those two pictures? 129 00:07:50,000 --> 00:07:52,000 Why don't we just leave them where they are? 130 00:07:52,000 --> 00:07:54,000 Jim, we can't. They're too awful. 131 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:56,000 Well, all right. Put them in the closet, then. 132 00:07:56,000 --> 00:07:58,000 I can't. Both the closets are jammed full. 133 00:07:58,000 --> 00:08:00,000 No, I mean the other one in the little alcove off the den. 134 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:03,000 At least there's a door there. I suppose it's a closet. I don't know. 135 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:06,000 That isn't a commentary on the housing problem, huh? 136 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:09,000 A woman moving into a house without even knowing where all the closets are. 137 00:08:09,000 --> 00:08:12,000 Take the pictures down, will you, honey? Bring them in here. 138 00:08:12,000 --> 00:08:14,000 Okay, okay. 139 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:17,000 Guess you'll have to help me with this door. I can't get it open. 140 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:19,000 Let me see it. 141 00:08:19,000 --> 00:08:21,000 Of course you can't, silly. It's locked. 142 00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:23,000 Where are those keys we found in the desk? 143 00:08:23,000 --> 00:08:25,000 Here they are. 144 00:08:25,000 --> 00:08:27,000 Hmm. 145 00:08:27,000 --> 00:08:29,000 Nope. Not this one. 146 00:08:29,000 --> 00:08:31,000 Sure, this one won't work. 147 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:35,000 Well, feels like an awful solid door for a closet. 148 00:08:35,000 --> 00:08:37,000 Oh, and that's one solid door in the house. 149 00:08:37,000 --> 00:08:39,000 Well, this one won't do it either. 150 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:42,000 Well, we'll just have to get a locksmith up here on Monday. 151 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:44,000 I'll put the pictures behind the desk, okay? 152 00:08:44,000 --> 00:08:46,000 Yeah, yeah, all right. 153 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:48,000 Jim, if you could just help me move this armchair, huh? 154 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:51,000 Oh, Ellen, will you let it go until tomorrow? You know what time it is? 155 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:53,000 Oh, but, honey, I'd like to get the place looking just a little bit. 156 00:08:53,000 --> 00:08:56,000 Yeah, but it's almost midnight. In fact, it's exactly... 157 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:58,000 What was that? 158 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:01,000 Tomcat, I guess, out in the brush somewhere. 159 00:09:01,000 --> 00:09:03,000 Sounded near. 160 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:06,000 Oh, hope that doesn't go on all night. 161 00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:08,000 There's much we can do about it. 162 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:10,000 Come on, Ellen, I'm dead tired. 163 00:09:10,000 --> 00:09:12,000 All right, Jim, all right. 164 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:14,000 Where'd you put the toothpaste, honey? 165 00:09:14,000 --> 00:09:16,000 It's right in the medicine cabinet. 166 00:09:16,000 --> 00:09:18,000 Oh, yeah. 167 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:20,000 Jim, we ought to get some firewood tomorrow. 168 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:23,000 You know I fire in that living room and make all the difference in the world. 169 00:09:23,000 --> 00:09:25,000 Make can, Sunday. 170 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:27,000 Well, Monday, then. 171 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:29,000 Jim, I think red curtains are what we need, don't you? 172 00:09:29,000 --> 00:09:31,000 Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. 173 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:33,000 You know, just at least for the living room. 174 00:09:33,000 --> 00:09:35,000 Anyway, the ones in there now have just got to come down. 175 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:37,000 Yeah, I suppose they do. 176 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:39,000 What do you think of red? 177 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:41,000 Well, I guess it's all... 178 00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:43,000 Jim. 179 00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:45,000 That's some Tomcat. 180 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:47,000 Jim, it... 181 00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:49,000 it sounded in the house. 182 00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:51,000 Oh, now, how could it be in the house, Ellen? 183 00:09:51,000 --> 00:09:53,000 We've been over every inch of the house. 184 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:55,000 Except the closet. 185 00:09:55,000 --> 00:09:57,000 Now, how could a cat or anything else be in a closet 186 00:09:57,000 --> 00:09:59,000 that's been locked up for over a year? 187 00:09:59,000 --> 00:10:01,000 Oh, I don't know. 188 00:10:01,000 --> 00:10:03,000 It's probably under the house of a wildcat or mountain lion or something. 189 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:05,000 I hear they have them in California. 190 00:10:05,000 --> 00:10:07,000 Jim, I don't like it. 191 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:09,000 Well, neither do I like it, 192 00:10:09,000 --> 00:10:11,000 but there's nothing we can do about it tonight. 193 00:10:11,000 --> 00:10:13,000 Well, maybe we ought to call somebody, the police or some neighbors. 194 00:10:13,000 --> 00:10:15,000 Oh, don't be silly, Ellen. You act like a kid. 195 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:17,000 Come on, let's go to bed, huh? 196 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:19,000 Well, all right. I suppose it is silly. 197 00:10:19,000 --> 00:10:21,000 Jimmy, did you lock the door? 198 00:10:21,000 --> 00:10:23,000 Yeah, yeah, yeah. 199 00:10:23,000 --> 00:10:25,000 Can I turn out the lights now? 200 00:10:25,000 --> 00:10:27,000 Yeah, all right. 201 00:10:27,000 --> 00:10:29,000 Good night, Ellen. Sleep tight. 202 00:10:29,000 --> 00:10:31,000 Good night, Jim. 203 00:10:31,000 --> 00:10:33,000 I don't know what time it was. 204 00:10:33,000 --> 00:10:35,000 Perhaps an hour, perhaps only a half hour later. 205 00:10:35,000 --> 00:10:37,000 My mind was in that hazy borderland 206 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:39,000 between sleep and a dream. 207 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:41,000 It's still part of consciousness. 208 00:10:41,000 --> 00:10:43,000 Then I was awake. 209 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:47,000 Ellen, are you all right? 210 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:49,000 Yes. 211 00:10:49,000 --> 00:10:51,000 Did you have a nightmare or something? 212 00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:53,000 No. 213 00:10:53,000 --> 00:10:55,000 I heard it, too. 214 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:57,000 Well, that didn't sound like any cat. 215 00:10:57,000 --> 00:10:59,000 Put on the light. 216 00:10:59,000 --> 00:11:01,000 Yeah. 217 00:11:01,000 --> 00:11:03,000 It seemed to be out there, Jim, 218 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:05,000 in the house somewhere. 219 00:11:05,000 --> 00:11:07,000 I'm going to look into this. 220 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:09,000 Jim, you be careful. 221 00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:11,000 Come on. Where's my shotgun? 222 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:13,000 In the den, I think. 223 00:11:13,000 --> 00:11:15,000 Jim. 224 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:17,000 What? 225 00:11:17,000 --> 00:11:19,000 There's something wet. 226 00:11:19,000 --> 00:11:21,000 What? Wet? 227 00:11:21,000 --> 00:11:23,000 Running from under the closet door. 228 00:11:23,000 --> 00:11:25,000 Sticky. 229 00:11:25,000 --> 00:11:27,000 Ellen, don't. Don't touch it. 230 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:29,000 I had to. 231 00:11:29,000 --> 00:11:31,000 Jim, 232 00:11:31,000 --> 00:11:33,000 it's blood. 233 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:45,000 For Suspense, 234 00:11:45,000 --> 00:11:47,000 Roma Wines are bringing you Robert Taylor 235 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:49,000 in the house in Cypress Canyon. 236 00:11:49,000 --> 00:11:51,000 Roma Wines presentation tonight in radio's 237 00:11:51,000 --> 00:11:53,000 outstanding theater of thrills, 238 00:11:53,000 --> 00:11:57,000 Suspense. 239 00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:03,000 Between the acts of Suspense, 240 00:12:03,000 --> 00:12:05,000 this is Ken Niles for Roma Wines. 241 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:07,000 These days before Christmas 242 00:12:07,000 --> 00:12:09,000 are busy ones indeed. 243 00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:11,000 Yet smart hostesses everywhere 244 00:12:11,000 --> 00:12:13,000 find time for shopping 245 00:12:13,000 --> 00:12:15,000 and distinguished home entertaining later. 246 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:17,000 The secret? 247 00:12:17,000 --> 00:12:19,000 Magnificent grand estate wines. 248 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:21,000 Presented by Roma, 249 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:23,000 America's greatest vintner, 250 00:12:23,000 --> 00:12:25,000 grand estate wines add distinction 251 00:12:25,000 --> 00:12:27,000 to your hospitality on a moment's notice. 252 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:29,000 Make your holiday welcome, 253 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:31,000 effortless, and in perfect taste. 254 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:33,000 The brilliant clarity, 255 00:12:33,000 --> 00:12:35,000 full fragrance, and mellow taste 256 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:37,000 of grand estate wines 257 00:12:37,000 --> 00:12:39,000 please discriminating people everywhere. 258 00:12:39,000 --> 00:12:41,000 For grand estate wines, 259 00:12:41,000 --> 00:12:43,000 limited bottleings by Roma 260 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:45,000 are born of choicest grapes, 261 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:47,000 then patiently guided to 262 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:49,000 superb taste richness 263 00:12:49,000 --> 00:12:51,000 by Roma Vintner Skill, 264 00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:53,000 necessary time, and America's 265 00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:55,000 finest winemaking resources. 266 00:12:55,000 --> 00:12:57,000 Delight your guests 267 00:12:57,000 --> 00:12:59,000 with grand estate California wines 268 00:12:59,000 --> 00:13:01,000 for entertaining, medium sherry, 269 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:03,000 ruby port, or golden muscatel. 270 00:13:03,000 --> 00:13:07,000 For dining, burgundy or sotern. 271 00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:11,000 So insist on grand estate wines 272 00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:13,000 and enjoy the crowning achievement 273 00:13:13,000 --> 00:13:15,000 of Vintner Skill. 274 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:17,000 And now Roma Wines 275 00:13:17,000 --> 00:13:19,000 bring back to our Hollywood sound stage 276 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:21,000 Robert Taylor as James A. Woods 277 00:13:21,000 --> 00:13:23,000 with Kathy Lewis as his wife Ellen 278 00:13:23,000 --> 00:13:25,000 in the house in Cypress Canyon. 279 00:13:25,000 --> 00:13:27,000 A tale well calculated 280 00:13:27,000 --> 00:13:29,000 to keep you in suspense. 281 00:13:29,000 --> 00:13:43,000 It cannot be too difficult to understand 282 00:13:43,000 --> 00:13:45,000 from the foregoing 283 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:47,000 why I've taken the pains to set down 284 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:49,000 in writing the events related here. 285 00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:51,000 To find in one's newly rented house 286 00:13:51,000 --> 00:13:53,000 a closet which cannot be opened 287 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:55,000 is in itself certainly no great cause 288 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:57,000 for alarm. But to be awakened 289 00:13:57,000 --> 00:13:59,000 in the stillness of the night by unearthly 290 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:01,000 cries within that house, 291 00:14:01,000 --> 00:14:03,000 to find oozing from under that 292 00:14:03,000 --> 00:14:05,000 closet door something that is 293 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:07,000 unquestionably blood, 294 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:09,000 that's another matter. 295 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:11,000 Perhaps others might have been braver 296 00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:13,000 than we. Suffice it only to say 297 00:14:13,000 --> 00:14:15,000 that we got out of the house in something very close 298 00:14:15,000 --> 00:14:17,000 to a panic and only returned when we 299 00:14:17,000 --> 00:14:19,000 had the moral support of two stalwart 300 00:14:19,000 --> 00:14:21,000 Los Angeles policemen. You just moved in here 301 00:14:21,000 --> 00:14:23,000 you say? That's right officer. You can see we're 302 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:25,000 still unpacking. And the place has been 303 00:14:25,000 --> 00:14:27,000 empty right along before that? Yeah, I don't know much 304 00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:29,000 about that part of it. You could check all that with a real estate 305 00:14:29,000 --> 00:14:31,000 agent though. Well, where is 306 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:33,000 this closet? Oh, it's right 307 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:35,000 in here officer. 308 00:14:35,000 --> 00:14:37,000 And the blood, the blood is... 309 00:14:37,000 --> 00:14:39,000 Where? Where's the blood? 310 00:14:39,000 --> 00:14:41,000 Jim? 311 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:43,000 Sir, I swear to you there was blood on the floor less than an hour ago. 312 00:14:43,000 --> 00:14:45,000 I saw it. 313 00:14:45,000 --> 00:14:47,000 It was running out from under that door. 314 00:14:47,000 --> 00:14:49,000 We heard that noise and we got up and then we saw it. 315 00:14:49,000 --> 00:14:51,000 The door was locked. Locked huh? 316 00:14:53,000 --> 00:14:55,000 Well, it seems to be alright now. 317 00:14:55,000 --> 00:14:57,000 Hey, 318 00:14:57,000 --> 00:14:59,000 you folks aren't trying to be funny are you? 319 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:01,000 Isn't there 320 00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:03,000 anything in it? No ma'am, 321 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:05,000 there is not. Look officer, we're 322 00:15:05,000 --> 00:15:07,000 reputable people. You can call my firm, they'll tell you all about me. 323 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:09,000 There's nothing wrong with this closet. 324 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:11,000 The walls are solid. 325 00:15:11,000 --> 00:15:13,000 No trap doors. You think I'm lying? 326 00:15:13,000 --> 00:15:15,000 I didn't say that mister. 327 00:15:15,000 --> 00:15:17,000 Oh, you probably 328 00:15:17,000 --> 00:15:19,000 did hear some sort of a noise and you got a little 329 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:21,000 panicky and... What about the blood? 330 00:15:21,000 --> 00:15:23,000 It got on my hand. 331 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:25,000 It isn't there now, is it? 332 00:15:25,000 --> 00:15:27,000 Yes. 333 00:15:27,000 --> 00:15:29,000 Why? 334 00:15:29,000 --> 00:15:31,000 I feel it. 335 00:15:31,000 --> 00:15:33,000 Now you folks just take it easy. 336 00:15:33,000 --> 00:15:35,000 You know you're liable to hear all kinds of 337 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:37,000 noises up in these canyons at night? 338 00:15:37,000 --> 00:15:39,000 You're from the East you say? 339 00:15:39,000 --> 00:15:41,000 Yeah, 340 00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:43,000 I'm sorry officer. 341 00:15:43,000 --> 00:15:45,000 That's alright, that's alright. 342 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:47,000 If you have any real trouble, call on us anytime. 343 00:15:47,000 --> 00:15:49,000 Alright. Well, good night. 344 00:15:49,000 --> 00:15:51,000 Good night. Good night. 345 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:53,000 Hey, 346 00:15:53,000 --> 00:15:55,000 you ought to have this door 347 00:15:55,000 --> 00:15:57,000 fixed. That's enough to scare 348 00:15:57,000 --> 00:15:59,000 you. Yeah, we're going to have it 349 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:07,000 fixed. 350 00:16:07,000 --> 00:16:09,000 We didn't say much 351 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:11,000 about it after that. There wasn't much that could 352 00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:13,000 be said. The next 353 00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:15,000 day I went down to a lot and bought a little 354 00:16:15,000 --> 00:16:17,000 Christmas tree and some trimmings and we tried 355 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:19,000 to pretend we were cheerful, but 356 00:16:19,000 --> 00:16:21,000 there was an uneasiness between us that had never 357 00:16:21,000 --> 00:16:23,000 been there before. Ellen 358 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:25,000 seemed tired and listless. 359 00:16:25,000 --> 00:16:27,000 Several times during the day I noticed 360 00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:29,000 her washing her hands with a 361 00:16:29,000 --> 00:16:31,000 brush, scrubbing the one that had 362 00:16:31,000 --> 00:16:33,000 touched the blood. 363 00:16:33,000 --> 00:16:35,000 That night we each took a sleeping pill and 364 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:37,000 went to bed. 365 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:45,000 It was sometime after midnight when 366 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:47,000 I was suddenly wide awake and staring 367 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:49,000 into the darkness. In 368 00:16:49,000 --> 00:16:51,000 some way I knew at once and instinctively 369 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:53,000 what had awakened me. Ellen 370 00:16:53,000 --> 00:16:55,000 was not in her bed nor in the room. 371 00:16:55,000 --> 00:16:57,000 The nameless thing I feared 372 00:16:57,000 --> 00:16:59,000 gripped at my heart until I could scarcely breathe. 373 00:16:59,000 --> 00:17:01,000 I 374 00:17:01,000 --> 00:17:03,000 opened the bedroom door and started through the house putting 375 00:17:03,000 --> 00:17:05,000 on every light that I could find. 376 00:17:05,000 --> 00:17:07,000 There was not much to search but I searched thoroughly. 377 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:09,000 The living room, the kitchen, bathroom, 378 00:17:09,000 --> 00:17:11,000 day and even the garage. 379 00:17:11,000 --> 00:17:13,000 And all the time the dread of looking 380 00:17:13,000 --> 00:17:15,000 where I knew at last I must look. 381 00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:17,000 For I think I knew from the 382 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:19,000 very first time where I'd find her. 383 00:17:21,000 --> 00:17:23,000 It must have been a full minute that I 384 00:17:23,000 --> 00:17:25,000 stood before that closet door. 385 00:17:25,000 --> 00:17:27,000 Then 386 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:29,000 I opened it. 387 00:17:29,000 --> 00:17:31,000 She stood there 388 00:17:31,000 --> 00:17:33,000 rigid, her arms at her sides, 389 00:17:33,000 --> 00:17:35,000 the fingers extended like claws. 390 00:17:35,000 --> 00:17:37,000 Her hair was over her face, her eyes stared out 391 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:39,000 of it. Her lips were drawn back in 392 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:41,000 a grin like an animal at bay. 393 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:43,000 For a moment I was frozen with the horror 394 00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:45,000 of it. I 395 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:47,000 stretched out my hand. 396 00:17:47,000 --> 00:17:49,000 Very deliberately she turned her 397 00:17:49,000 --> 00:17:51,000 head and sunk her teeth until they met into the flesh 398 00:17:51,000 --> 00:17:53,000 of my forearm. 399 00:17:53,000 --> 00:17:55,000 I'd raised my hand to strike at her 400 00:17:55,000 --> 00:17:57,000 but already she'd relaxed her 401 00:17:57,000 --> 00:17:59,000 hold and gone utterly limp. 402 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:01,000 She would have fallen unless I'd caught her. 403 00:18:01,000 --> 00:18:03,000 I carried her 404 00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:05,000 into the bedroom and laid her on the bed. 405 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:07,000 Strangely at that moment my only 406 00:18:07,000 --> 00:18:09,000 thought was how I might revive her. 407 00:18:09,000 --> 00:18:11,000 Until I saw that it was 408 00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:13,000 not a faint but a sleep that she'd 409 00:18:13,000 --> 00:18:15,000 fallen into. Sleep as 410 00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:17,000 deep and heavy as though she'd been drugged. 411 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:19,000 And so I left her. 412 00:18:19,000 --> 00:18:21,000 But for me 413 00:18:21,000 --> 00:18:23,000 that night there 414 00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:25,000 was no sleep. 415 00:18:35,000 --> 00:18:37,000 Jim? 416 00:18:37,000 --> 00:18:39,000 Yes, Ellen? 417 00:18:39,000 --> 00:18:41,000 Oh, 418 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:43,000 what are you doing up so early? 419 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:45,000 Oh, I got a little restless. I'd make some coffee. 420 00:18:45,000 --> 00:18:47,000 Oh. 421 00:18:47,000 --> 00:18:49,000 Oh. 422 00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:51,000 I had the most wonderful 423 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:53,000 sleep. 424 00:18:53,000 --> 00:18:55,000 And I feel so rested. 425 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:57,000 Do you? 426 00:18:57,000 --> 00:18:59,000 Jim. 427 00:18:59,000 --> 00:19:01,000 What? What's the matter with your arm? 428 00:19:01,000 --> 00:19:03,000 Oh, I just hurt it. 429 00:19:03,000 --> 00:19:05,000 Well, honey, it's terribly swollen. 430 00:19:05,000 --> 00:19:07,000 Let me see it. 431 00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:09,000 No, it's all right, Ellen. Oh, it isn't all right. 432 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:11,000 You've got to see Dr. Wesley right away. 433 00:19:11,000 --> 00:19:13,000 Sure, I will. No, now you promised me, Jim, 434 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:15,000 that you'll go the first thing this morning. 435 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:17,000 How'd it happen? 436 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:19,000 Why, uh, there was a dog. 437 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:21,000 A dog? Yeah, I 438 00:19:21,000 --> 00:19:23,000 heard him trying to chew through the screen door. 439 00:19:23,000 --> 00:19:25,000 I went out to chase him away and he 440 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:27,000 bit me. 441 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:29,000 You mean there 442 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:31,000 was all that racket and I didn't even 443 00:19:31,000 --> 00:19:33,000 wake up? 444 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:35,000 No, Ellen, you didn't even wake up. 445 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:37,000 It was clear to me that 446 00:19:37,000 --> 00:19:39,000 Ellen knew nothing of what had transpired 447 00:19:39,000 --> 00:19:41,000 the night before. 448 00:19:41,000 --> 00:19:43,000 I went to my office that morning and 449 00:19:43,000 --> 00:19:45,000 made a pretense of going over routine 450 00:19:45,000 --> 00:19:47,000 business, if only to restore my mind to 451 00:19:47,000 --> 00:19:49,000 some semblance of calm by the sight 452 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:51,000 and sound of common familiar things. 453 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:53,000 Pain in my arm had become a persistent, 454 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:55,000 dull throbbing. 455 00:19:55,000 --> 00:19:57,000 I made a late appointment with Dr. Wesley. 456 00:19:57,000 --> 00:19:59,000 He treated my arm with something as 457 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:01,000 simple as a needle. 458 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:03,000 I was told that the pain was 459 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:05,000 nothing. He treated my arm with something 460 00:20:05,000 --> 00:20:07,000 of an arched eyebrow and he said 461 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:09,000 Well, I've never seen 462 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:11,000 anything quite like it before. 463 00:20:11,000 --> 00:20:13,000 That is such a rapid onset of 464 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:15,000 infection. 465 00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:23,000 It was dark when I left his office. I hadn't 466 00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:25,000 realized it was so late. 467 00:20:25,000 --> 00:20:27,000 Driving home my car seemed sluggish 468 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:29,000 until I saw the needle on the dashboard 469 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:31,000 and realized that I was pushing it to the utmost of its 470 00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:33,000 speed. I was racing home to prevent 471 00:20:33,000 --> 00:20:35,000 something before it was 472 00:20:35,000 --> 00:20:37,000 too late, before the darkness had conspired 473 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:39,000 against me. For somehow 474 00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:41,000 I already knew with certainty that it was the 475 00:20:41,000 --> 00:20:43,000 darkness and the night that I had to fear. 476 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:45,000 The curves of the canyon 477 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:47,000 seemed endless. 478 00:20:47,000 --> 00:20:49,000 And then the cold fear leaked up inside 479 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:51,000 me. My house 480 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:53,000 too was dark. 481 00:20:53,000 --> 00:20:55,000 I went slowly up the stone steps 482 00:20:55,000 --> 00:20:57,000 from the road, looking, praying 483 00:20:57,000 --> 00:20:59,000 for some sign of light or light. 484 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:01,000 There was none. 485 00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:03,000 The house was empty. 486 00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:05,000 Ellen was gone. 487 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:07,000 I looked with the same 488 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:09,000 self-torturing thoroughness, and in that 489 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:11,000 closet first of all, knowing as I did 490 00:21:11,000 --> 00:21:13,000 so that was hopeless. 491 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:15,000 And so, alone 492 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:17,000 in that empty house, I waited. 493 00:21:17,000 --> 00:21:19,000 Powerless and helpless 494 00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:21,000 now. Deadened 495 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:23,000 in thought and will, empty as the 496 00:21:23,000 --> 00:21:25,000 house itself. 497 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:27,000 Save only for the overwhelming sense of a terrible 498 00:21:27,000 --> 00:21:29,000 foreboding. 499 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:31,000 For some time in the early hours of the 500 00:21:31,000 --> 00:21:33,000 morning, I snapped on the radio, 501 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:35,000 shortwave. 502 00:21:35,000 --> 00:21:37,000 Why, surely a minor question 503 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:39,000 now. I only know that I did. 504 00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:41,000 And then I heard it. 505 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:43,000 Car 58, Car 58, go to 506 00:21:43,000 --> 00:21:45,000 Laurel Canyon, the 4000 block. 507 00:21:45,000 --> 00:21:47,000 A report that a man has been injured or 508 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:49,000 attacked. The condition thought to be critical. 509 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:51,000 Ambulance will follow. 510 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:53,000 That is all. 511 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:55,000 I was there almost before the police, 512 00:21:55,000 --> 00:21:57,000 edging my way through the little crowd, staring down 513 00:21:57,000 --> 00:21:59,000 at the man lying there in his white uniform under 514 00:21:59,000 --> 00:22:01,000 the streetlight. Yeah, the milkman 515 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:03,000 poor guy. I heard him scream, but when I got 516 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:05,000 here, just like this, it's nothing 517 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:07,000 but assault. Stand back, stand back, please, 518 00:22:07,000 --> 00:22:09,000 please stand back. 519 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:11,000 Well, you again. I heard it on the 520 00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:13,000 radio. I lived just down the road. Yeah, 521 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:15,000 yeah, I remember. What 522 00:22:15,000 --> 00:22:17,000 happened? Well, take a look. 523 00:22:17,000 --> 00:22:19,000 Maybe you can tell us. 524 00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:23,000 He was dead. And he was lying on 525 00:22:23,000 --> 00:22:25,000 his back. And his throat had been 526 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:27,000 torn out as though by the fangs 527 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:29,000 of some wild animal. 528 00:22:39,000 --> 00:22:41,000 It is now Christmas Eve. 529 00:22:41,000 --> 00:22:43,000 Or rather, Christmas morning, 530 00:22:43,000 --> 00:22:45,000 for it's a little after midnight. 531 00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:47,000 I've been waiting here. 532 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:49,000 Here in 533 00:22:49,000 --> 00:22:51,000 the stillness of this empty house for nearly 534 00:22:51,000 --> 00:22:53,000 24 hours, waiting for the end. 535 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:57,000 Already once tonight, I've heard that dreadful 536 00:22:57,000 --> 00:22:59,000 wailing cry somewhere in the hills. 537 00:23:01,000 --> 00:23:03,000 I've nailed up the closet door, but that I 538 00:23:03,000 --> 00:23:05,000 know is childish, useless. 539 00:23:07,000 --> 00:23:09,000 My arm is horribly swollen and turning 540 00:23:09,000 --> 00:23:11,000 black, but 541 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:13,000 that's nothing. It's another 542 00:23:13,000 --> 00:23:15,000 end that I foresee, as surely 543 00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:17,000 as other men foresee the rising of the sun. 544 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:19,000 I hear the cry again. 545 00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:21,000 It's nearer now. 546 00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:23,000 I shall leave these notes in a sealed 547 00:23:23,000 --> 00:23:25,000 envelope and put it in a shoebox, 548 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,000 in the hope that someone will give 549 00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:29,000 credence to these dark and terrible 550 00:23:29,000 --> 00:23:31,000 events, if indeed such nameless 551 00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:33,000 horrors can ever yield to mortal 552 00:23:33,000 --> 00:23:35,000 understanding. 553 00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:37,000 As for myself, 554 00:23:37,000 --> 00:23:39,000 I feel no longer any fear 555 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:41,000 or even sorrow. 556 00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:43,000 Only a desire that the end 557 00:23:43,000 --> 00:23:45,000 and the thing that I must do 558 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:47,000 may come soon. 559 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:49,000 And it will be soon, 560 00:23:49,000 --> 00:23:51,000 I know. 561 00:23:51,000 --> 00:23:53,000 Yes. 562 00:23:53,000 --> 00:23:55,000 But there is someone at the door. 563 00:23:55,000 --> 00:23:57,000 Sam! 564 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:09,000 Someone at the door. 565 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:11,000 What do you make of it, Sam? 566 00:24:11,000 --> 00:24:13,000 It's quite a yarn. 567 00:24:13,000 --> 00:24:15,000 But what of it? 568 00:24:15,000 --> 00:24:17,000 That's what I'm for. Now listen, that's not 569 00:24:17,000 --> 00:24:19,000 quite all of it. 570 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:21,000 Clip to it's a newspaper clip. 571 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:23,000 Listen, Hollywood December 572 00:24:23,000 --> 00:24:25,000 the 26th. Police reported 573 00:24:25,000 --> 00:24:27,000 what was apparently a case of murder 574 00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:29,000 and suicide in Cypress 575 00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:31,000 Canyon, sometime in the early 576 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:33,000 hours of the morning. 577 00:24:33,000 --> 00:24:35,000 The victims were James A. Woods, 578 00:24:35,000 --> 00:24:37,000 a chemical engineer, and his 579 00:24:37,000 --> 00:24:39,000 wife Ellen. Preliminary 580 00:24:39,000 --> 00:24:41,000 investigation indicates that Mrs. 581 00:24:41,000 --> 00:24:43,000 Woods was killed by the blast 582 00:24:43,000 --> 00:24:45,000 of a shotgun in the hands 583 00:24:45,000 --> 00:24:47,000 of her husband, who then turned the weapon 584 00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:49,000 upon himself. That she fought 585 00:24:49,000 --> 00:24:51,000 desperately for her life, however, 586 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:53,000 was evidenced by the disorder of the room 587 00:24:53,000 --> 00:24:55,000 and the severe lacerations 588 00:24:55,000 --> 00:24:57,000 inflicted upon her husband about 589 00:24:57,000 --> 00:24:59,000 the neck and arms. 590 00:24:59,000 --> 00:25:01,000 This is the second tragedy to be reported 591 00:25:01,000 --> 00:25:03,000 in Cypress Canyon within 24 592 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:05,000 hours, the other being the 593 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:07,000 unexplained death of Frank Polanski, 594 00:25:07,000 --> 00:25:09,000 a milkman. 595 00:25:09,000 --> 00:25:11,000 Well, no such murders or whatever 596 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:13,000 they were ever occurred, if that's what's worrying 597 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:15,000 you. The clipping, well, 598 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:17,000 you have those things printed up, you know. 599 00:25:17,000 --> 00:25:19,000 Oh, no, it's not that, Sam. That story was 600 00:25:19,000 --> 00:25:21,000 found in an unfinished house in Cypress 601 00:25:21,000 --> 00:25:23,000 Canyon. No number, no nothing, just 602 00:25:23,000 --> 00:25:25,000 a framework. Now 603 00:25:25,000 --> 00:25:27,000 that house is finished. When I drove by 604 00:25:27,000 --> 00:25:29,000 it today, but that's what stopped me, 605 00:25:29,000 --> 00:25:31,000 Sam, because it all fits. 606 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:33,000 Now that it's finished, it is the house 607 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:35,000 in the story, the same construction, the same 608 00:25:35,000 --> 00:25:37,000 vines and creepers on the lawn, even the 609 00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:39,000 numbers. So what, a guy who knows roughly 610 00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:41,000 what this house is going to be like, writes a yarn 611 00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:43,000 and loses it or something. Did he know the place 612 00:25:43,000 --> 00:25:45,000 was going to be listed for rental today, the 613 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:47,000 Saturday before Christmas? Oh, Jerry, 614 00:25:47,000 --> 00:25:49,000 coincidence. 615 00:25:49,000 --> 00:25:51,000 Two bits you find the guy next door is a 616 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:53,000 ghost story writer or something, and he's been wondering 617 00:25:53,000 --> 00:25:55,000 for a year what happened to that thing he wrote. 618 00:25:55,000 --> 00:25:57,000 OK. 619 00:25:57,000 --> 00:25:59,000 OK, coincidence. 620 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:03,000 I'm sorry I bothered you, Sam. 621 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:05,000 Don't be silly, I liked it. It's a good yarn. 622 00:26:05,000 --> 00:26:07,000 Is that the 623 00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:09,000 for rent sign you were talking about? 624 00:26:09,000 --> 00:26:11,000 Oh, yeah, yeah, I'm going to put it up outside now. 625 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:13,000 Uh-huh. 626 00:26:13,000 --> 00:26:15,000 Well, so long, Jerry, and Merry Christmas again. 627 00:26:15,000 --> 00:26:17,000 Well, thanks, Sam. 628 00:26:17,000 --> 00:26:19,000 I guess I was kind of 629 00:26:19,000 --> 00:26:21,000 silly, all right. Listen, when a 630 00:26:21,000 --> 00:26:23,000 guy named whatever it is Woods 631 00:26:23,000 --> 00:26:25,000 with a wife named Ellen comes in to rent 632 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:27,000 that place from you, then you can start 633 00:26:27,000 --> 00:26:29,000 worrying. Yeah. 634 00:26:29,000 --> 00:26:35,000 So long, Sam. So long, Jerry. 635 00:26:35,000 --> 00:26:37,000 Come in. 636 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:41,000 Oh, we're sorry to bother 637 00:26:41,000 --> 00:26:43,000 you, but we just happened to see that for rent 638 00:26:43,000 --> 00:26:45,000 sign outside. Yeah, I hung 639 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:47,000 it out just this minute. Is 640 00:26:47,000 --> 00:26:49,000 the house available? 641 00:26:49,000 --> 00:26:51,000 Oh, sure, sure it is. 642 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:53,000 Let me introduce myself. My 643 00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:55,000 name is James A. Woods, and 644 00:26:55,000 --> 00:26:57,000 this is my wife, Ellen. 645 00:26:57,000 --> 00:26:59,000 How do. 646 00:26:59,000 --> 00:27:01,000 Wow. 647 00:27:01,000 --> 00:27:03,000 Looks like it's fixed into 648 00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:05,000 rent. Yes, 649 00:27:05,000 --> 00:27:29,000 it does, doesn't it? 650 00:27:29,000 --> 00:27:31,000 Suspense. 651 00:27:31,000 --> 00:27:33,000 Presented by 652 00:27:33,000 --> 00:27:35,000 Roma Wines, R-O-M-A, 653 00:27:35,000 --> 00:27:37,000 Roma Wines, selected for your 654 00:27:37,000 --> 00:27:39,000 pleasure from the world's greatest reserves 655 00:27:39,000 --> 00:27:41,000 of fine wines. 656 00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:43,000 Tonight's show marks the third 657 00:27:43,000 --> 00:27:45,000 birthday of Suspense on the Air, 658 00:27:45,000 --> 00:27:47,000 and this is Ken Niles asking our star 659 00:27:47,000 --> 00:27:49,000 of the evening, Robert Taylor, to help us celebrate. 660 00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:51,000 Why didn't you tell me before, Ken, if I'd 661 00:27:51,000 --> 00:27:53,000 only known I'd have baked a cake. Well, Bob, 662 00:27:53,000 --> 00:27:55,000 all suspense parties are surprise 663 00:27:55,000 --> 00:27:57,000 parties. As an old hand on 664 00:27:57,000 --> 00:27:59,000 suspense, you know that in our 665 00:27:59,000 --> 00:28:01,000 plays the tables are usually turned 666 00:28:01,000 --> 00:28:03,000 on the star. So tonight, 667 00:28:03,000 --> 00:28:05,000 although it's our birthday, we're going to give you 668 00:28:05,000 --> 00:28:07,000 a present. Here it is, a 669 00:28:07,000 --> 00:28:09,000 gift basket of Grand Estate California 670 00:28:09,000 --> 00:28:11,000 wines from Roma, 671 00:28:11,000 --> 00:28:13,000 America's greatest vintner, 672 00:28:13,000 --> 00:28:15,000 to our distinguished anniversary guest, 673 00:28:15,000 --> 00:28:17,000 Robert Taylor. Thanks, Ken, you turn a nice 674 00:28:17,000 --> 00:28:19,000 table. And you can set a nice 675 00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:21,000 table with Grand Estate Burgundy 676 00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:23,000 in your basket, Bob, for 677 00:28:23,000 --> 00:28:25,000 Grand Estate Burgundy means rare 678 00:28:25,000 --> 00:28:27,000 dining pleasure, adds 679 00:28:27,000 --> 00:28:29,000 memorable distinction to holiday dinner. 680 00:28:29,000 --> 00:28:31,000 Even everyday 681 00:28:31,000 --> 00:28:33,000 meals are outstanding in taste 682 00:28:33,000 --> 00:28:35,000 when Grand Estate Burgundy is served. 683 00:28:35,000 --> 00:28:37,000 Yes, all Grand Estate 684 00:28:37,000 --> 00:28:39,000 wines presented by Roma 685 00:28:39,000 --> 00:28:41,000 are limited bottlings of outstanding 686 00:28:41,000 --> 00:28:43,000 taste excellence. That I know about 687 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:45,000 Grand Estate wines, Ken. But did you know 688 00:28:45,000 --> 00:28:47,000 that for Grand Estate wines, Roma 689 00:28:47,000 --> 00:28:49,000 selects only the choicest grapes. 690 00:28:49,000 --> 00:28:51,000 Then the ancient skill of Roma 691 00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:53,000 master vintners, necessary 692 00:28:53,000 --> 00:28:55,000 time, and America's finest 693 00:28:55,000 --> 00:28:57,000 winemaking resources, guide 694 00:28:57,000 --> 00:28:59,000 the cuvee of this grape treasure to 695 00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:01,000 rich taste luxury. 696 00:29:01,000 --> 00:29:03,000 That's why discriminating wine users 697 00:29:03,000 --> 00:29:05,000 everywhere look to Grand Estate 698 00:29:05,000 --> 00:29:07,000 wines as the crowning achievement 699 00:29:07,000 --> 00:29:09,000 of vintner skill. Reason enough. 700 00:29:09,000 --> 00:29:11,000 And now, Ken, who's all set to star 701 00:29:11,000 --> 00:29:13,000 on Suspense next Thursday? It's that 702 00:29:13,000 --> 00:29:15,000 very wonderful actress and wonderful girl, 703 00:29:15,000 --> 00:29:17,000 Miss Susan Peters. Susan 704 00:29:17,000 --> 00:29:19,000 will appear as a young lady in straitened 705 00:29:19,000 --> 00:29:21,000 circumstances, who finds herself mistaken 706 00:29:21,000 --> 00:29:23,000 for a very rich young lady, 707 00:29:23,000 --> 00:29:25,000 and who is forced into continuing the 708 00:29:25,000 --> 00:29:27,000 deception with murder 709 00:29:27,000 --> 00:29:29,000 as a result. I'll certainly make it a point to listen. 710 00:29:29,000 --> 00:29:31,000 And before I go, I'd like to thank 711 00:29:31,000 --> 00:29:33,000 this really great company of actors who have 712 00:29:33,000 --> 00:29:35,000 played with me tonight, and particularly Kathy 713 00:29:35,000 --> 00:29:37,000 Lewis, who played Ellen. Thank you, Bob. 714 00:29:37,000 --> 00:29:39,000 Tonight's original Suspense play 715 00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:41,000 was written by Robert L. Richards. 716 00:29:41,000 --> 00:29:43,000 Next Thursday, same time, 717 00:29:43,000 --> 00:29:45,000 you will hear Miss Susan Peters as 718 00:29:45,000 --> 00:29:47,000 star of Suspense. 719 00:29:49,000 --> 00:29:51,000 Produced by William Spear for 720 00:29:51,000 --> 00:29:53,000 the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, 721 00:29:53,000 --> 00:29:55,000 California. 722 00:29:55,000 --> 00:29:57,000 This is CBS, the Columbia 723 00:29:57,000 --> 00:30:23,000 Broadcasting System.