WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:05.000 Yes, Roma wines taste better. 00:05.000 --> 00:11.720 Better because only Roma selects from the world's greatest wine reserves for your pleasure. 00:11.720 --> 00:15.320 And now, Roma wines, R-O-M-A. 00:15.320 --> 00:19.400 Roma wines present Suspense. 00:19.400 --> 00:28.440 Tonight, Roma wines bring you Mr. Hume Cronin in Make Mad the Guilty, a suspense play produced, 00:28.440 --> 00:33.440 edited, and directed for Roma wines by William Spear. 00:33.440 --> 00:41.680 Suspense, radio's outstanding theater of thrills, is presented for your enjoyment by Roma wines. 00:41.680 --> 00:43.520 That's R-O-M-A. 00:43.520 --> 00:49.760 Roma wines, those better tasting California wines enjoyed by more Americans than any other 00:49.760 --> 00:51.600 wine in the world. 00:51.600 --> 00:54.920 And tonight, Roma has great news for you. 00:54.920 --> 01:00.200 Great money saving news that will let you serve Roma wine more often without increasing 01:00.200 --> 01:05.240 your budget for friendly entertaining for delightful everyday dining. 01:05.240 --> 01:13.920 Now, Roma wines bring you Hume Cronin in a remarkable tale of Suspense. 01:13.920 --> 01:16.720 Bert. 01:16.720 --> 01:22.120 Yes, my dear. 01:22.120 --> 01:24.080 Well, have you found anything? 01:24.080 --> 01:25.720 I'm looking, my dear. 01:25.720 --> 01:27.720 On the theatrical page, I suppose. 01:27.720 --> 01:29.160 Of course, my dear. 01:29.160 --> 01:30.160 Looking. 01:30.160 --> 01:32.200 You've been doing that kind of looking for six months. 01:32.200 --> 01:33.680 Give me that paper. 01:33.680 --> 01:36.960 I bet I'll find your job in about six minutes. 01:36.960 --> 01:41.520 Yes, my dear. 01:41.520 --> 01:47.080 It is true that the theatrical season, particularly in San Francisco, particularly for Shakespearean 01:47.080 --> 01:49.600 actors, was inclined to be sluggish. 01:49.600 --> 01:55.840 But it is true that I had never had the great leading roles, Hamlet, Othello, Lear, although 01:55.840 --> 02:00.040 my success in supporting parts amongst amateur groups had been little short of dazzling. 02:00.040 --> 02:05.040 It is also true that these successes were of some 15 seasons past. 02:05.040 --> 02:09.680 Still, the talent of your true artist is not to be thwarted or denied. 02:09.680 --> 02:14.760 But this was a matter which I had never properly succeeded in demonstrating to my wife, Elizabeth. 02:14.760 --> 02:18.720 Until at last, perforce, I was persuaded that the poor creature's life was dominated by 02:18.720 --> 02:20.760 only the most mercenary considerations. 02:20.760 --> 02:22.720 Face it, little man. 02:22.720 --> 02:25.880 You were washed up as an actor before you started. 02:25.880 --> 02:28.280 You've just been looking in the wrong part of this paper. 02:28.280 --> 02:29.280 Merciful heavens, desist! 02:29.280 --> 02:35.320 Have I not, in deference to your penurious concern, found you a border, young Longstreet? 02:35.320 --> 02:36.320 Him. 02:36.320 --> 02:38.920 A sublime specimen of lusty manhood. 02:38.920 --> 02:40.120 Don't try to change the subject. 02:40.120 --> 02:41.120 Yes, my dear. 02:41.120 --> 02:42.120 Oh, hey, here's something. 02:42.120 --> 02:43.120 Listen to this. 02:43.120 --> 02:44.120 Yes, my dear. 02:44.120 --> 02:51.280 A man with personality, poise, presence, to appear before the public, must be able to 02:51.280 --> 02:53.840 dress and act the part of impeccable good taste. 02:53.840 --> 02:55.840 What do you think of that? 02:55.840 --> 02:57.280 Why, sounds most promising. 02:57.280 --> 03:00.440 All right, little man, the job is practically yours. 03:00.440 --> 03:01.720 What is the nature of the position? 03:01.720 --> 03:04.000 Floorwalker at Burdock's department store. 03:04.000 --> 03:05.000 Floorwalker? 03:05.000 --> 03:06.000 My dear, that's impossible. 03:06.000 --> 03:09.400 But listen, I'm through supporting you as of today, understand? 03:09.400 --> 03:10.480 Yes, my dear, but then... 03:10.480 --> 03:12.840 And you'll take the job and like it. 03:12.840 --> 03:21.480 Yes, my dear. 03:21.480 --> 03:24.120 With deep misgivings, I accepted the position. 03:24.120 --> 03:29.560 Nevertheless, I carried my role with dignity, undismayed by the tittering clerks who found 03:29.560 --> 03:32.240 in my wing collar a curious novelty. 03:32.240 --> 03:35.200 Months passed. 03:35.200 --> 03:37.960 Uncomplainingly, I bore the yoke of my disgrace. 03:37.960 --> 03:42.640 But the strain of long hours began to tax my strength. 03:42.640 --> 03:46.840 One day I was feeling particularly unwell. 03:46.840 --> 03:51.080 I left the store early and picked up my car in the parking lot. 03:51.080 --> 03:54.480 My only thought was to reach the haven of our modest residence on the opposite side 03:54.480 --> 03:58.360 of San Francisco Bay, but even driving was an effort. 03:58.360 --> 04:02.840 I was faint by the time I reached the checking station on the approach to the Golden Gate 04:02.840 --> 04:03.840 Ridge. 04:03.840 --> 04:04.840 Hi, Mr. Matthews. 04:04.840 --> 04:05.840 Hey, you're early today. 04:05.840 --> 04:06.840 Hey, what's the matter? 04:06.840 --> 04:07.840 You look kind of... 04:07.840 --> 04:08.840 It's my head again, probably migraine. 04:08.840 --> 04:09.840 Ah, here's your check. 04:09.840 --> 04:12.840 You know, you ought to take better care of yourself, Mr. Matthews. 04:12.840 --> 04:13.840 Now if I was you... 04:13.840 --> 04:14.840 Yes, I'll be all right. 04:14.840 --> 04:15.840 Die, Mr. Matthews. 04:15.840 --> 04:16.840 Tell me, say it, will you? 04:16.840 --> 04:17.840 You... 04:17.840 --> 04:30.240 As I drove slowly across the great high span of the bridge and on through the Marin County 04:30.240 --> 04:37.680 Hills, I knew by some sixth sense, perhaps, that this would be the day. 04:37.680 --> 04:38.680 The discovery. 04:38.680 --> 04:42.480 Elizabeth, my wife, and our aborder young Longstreet. 04:42.480 --> 04:45.800 A broad-shouldered, athletic nitwit. 04:45.800 --> 04:47.280 A swimming beach idol. 04:47.280 --> 04:51.760 I was returning early, you understand, and unexpectedly. 04:51.760 --> 04:54.800 Cautiously I avoided the flagstone walk. 04:54.800 --> 04:56.800 On the soft lawn, my footsteps were noiseless. 04:56.800 --> 04:59.800 Quietly I crossed the porch. 04:59.800 --> 05:02.800 I drew open the door. 05:02.800 --> 05:06.080 Sure enough, suitcases packed for flights stood ready on the floor. 05:06.080 --> 05:07.080 Oh, Bert, you... 05:07.080 --> 05:09.080 Oh, Mr. Matthews, I... 05:09.080 --> 05:10.080 Oh, shame! 05:10.080 --> 05:11.080 Oh, despair! 05:11.080 --> 05:12.080 Oh, nuts! 05:12.080 --> 05:13.080 Don't look so shocked. 05:13.080 --> 05:14.240 What did you expect? 05:14.240 --> 05:17.480 This is my burden of grief, my cross to bear. 05:17.480 --> 05:18.480 Oh, shame! 05:18.480 --> 05:20.200 Where is thy blush? 05:20.200 --> 05:22.560 Come down off your high horse, Bert. 05:22.560 --> 05:24.600 You wanted to get rid of me, didn't you, while I'm leaving? 05:24.600 --> 05:26.480 If you don't like it, you know what you can do. 05:26.480 --> 05:31.720 In silence I have suffered your petty deceptions, your taunts, your gross vulgarities. 05:31.720 --> 05:34.640 But now at long last the worm turns. 05:34.640 --> 05:35.640 Put down that gun. 05:35.640 --> 05:37.240 Hey, hold on a minute, Mr. Matthews. 05:37.240 --> 05:39.040 My heart has turned to stone. 05:39.040 --> 05:40.040 Bert, you're ridiculous. 05:40.040 --> 05:41.680 Don't make me laugh. 05:41.680 --> 05:42.680 Ridiculous? 05:42.680 --> 05:47.000 On the contrary, my dear wife, I am, for the first time in 15 years, a man. 05:47.000 --> 05:48.000 Now listen, Mr. Matthews... 05:48.000 --> 05:49.000 Look at him. 05:49.000 --> 05:52.160 Always the tragic actor, the great tragedian. 05:52.160 --> 05:55.000 You're positively silly with that revolver trembling in your hand. 05:55.000 --> 05:56.000 Give it to me. 05:56.000 --> 05:57.000 Keep your distance. 05:57.000 --> 05:58.000 I warn you. 05:58.000 --> 05:59.000 Now look here, Mr. Matthews, Betty and I have got... 05:59.000 --> 06:00.000 Don't worry, handsome. 06:00.000 --> 06:01.000 The little man won't shoot. 06:01.000 --> 06:02.600 I know him too well. 06:02.600 --> 06:03.600 Now give me that gun. 06:03.600 --> 06:04.600 I warned you. 06:04.600 --> 06:05.600 I said give me that gun. 06:05.600 --> 06:07.600 I told you that you had 40,000 lives. 06:07.600 --> 06:10.680 One is too poor, too weak for my revenge. 06:10.680 --> 06:11.680 Hey! 06:11.680 --> 06:12.680 Hit him, handsome. 06:12.680 --> 06:13.680 Well, we're on our way. 06:13.680 --> 06:14.680 Bring the suitcases, handsome. 06:14.680 --> 06:15.680 Should I hit him again, Betty? 06:15.680 --> 06:16.680 Oh, the little man won't bother us anymore. 06:16.680 --> 06:17.680 Oh, just one. 06:17.680 --> 06:18.680 For luck, huh? 06:18.680 --> 06:19.680 Suit yourself. 06:19.680 --> 06:20.680 Yeah. 06:20.680 --> 06:21.680 To remember me by. 06:21.680 --> 06:22.680 Be seeing you, little man. 06:22.680 --> 06:23.680 Wait. 06:23.680 --> 06:24.680 I'm sorry. 06:24.680 --> 06:25.680 I'm sorry. 06:25.680 --> 06:26.680 I'm sorry. 06:26.680 --> 06:27.680 I'm sorry. 06:27.680 --> 06:28.680 I'm sorry. 06:28.680 --> 06:29.680 I'm sorry. 06:29.680 --> 06:30.680 I'm sorry. 06:30.680 --> 06:31.680 I'm sorry. 06:31.680 --> 06:32.680 I'm sorry. 06:32.680 --> 06:33.680 I'm sorry. 06:33.680 --> 06:34.680 I'm sorry. 06:34.680 --> 06:35.680 Wait. 06:35.680 --> 06:36.680 So long, Matthews. 06:36.680 --> 06:37.680 Don't take any wooden nickels, huh? 06:37.680 --> 06:38.680 Elizabeth, wait. 06:38.680 --> 06:39.680 What for? 06:39.680 --> 06:40.680 We've got places to go. 06:40.680 --> 06:41.680 Please, Elizabeth. 06:41.680 --> 06:42.680 I...I am vanquished. 06:42.680 --> 06:43.680 It is I who must go. 06:43.680 --> 06:44.680 Pride compels it. 06:44.680 --> 06:45.680 I shall go far away. 06:45.680 --> 06:46.680 Disappear, vanish from your life forever. 06:46.680 --> 06:47.680 He's nuts. 06:47.680 --> 06:48.680 Quiet. 06:48.680 --> 06:49.680 What's this you're trying to say, Bert? 06:49.680 --> 06:50.680 You're offering to disappear? 06:50.680 --> 06:51.680 Vanish? 06:51.680 --> 06:52.680 Scram? 06:52.680 --> 06:53.680 Precisely. 06:53.680 --> 06:54.680 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 06:54.680 --> 06:55.680 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 06:55.680 --> 06:56.680 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 06:56.680 --> 06:57.680 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 06:57.680 --> 06:58.680 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 06:58.680 --> 06:59.680 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 06:59.680 --> 07:00.680 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:00.680 --> 07:05.680 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:05.680 --> 07:07.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:07.120 --> 07:08.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:08.120 --> 07:09.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:09.120 --> 07:10.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:10.120 --> 07:11.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:11.120 --> 07:12.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:12.120 --> 07:13.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:13.120 --> 07:14.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:14.120 --> 07:15.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:15.120 --> 07:16.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:16.120 --> 07:17.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:17.120 --> 07:18.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:18.120 --> 07:19.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:19.120 --> 07:20.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:20.120 --> 07:21.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:21.120 --> 07:22.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:22.120 --> 07:23.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:23.120 --> 07:24.120 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:24.120 --> 07:07.480 Your hand wasors and you speak trying to 07:07.480 --> 07:22.480 put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:22.480 --> 07:25.640 Put down the suitcases, handsome. 07:25.640 --> 07:27.840 Twenty thousand dollars. 07:27.940 --> 07:29.640 Not an inconsiderable sum. 07:29.740 --> 07:31.240 Say, I'd forgotten about that. 07:31.340 --> 07:34.940 Yes, but softly, dear wife, softly let me finish. 07:35.040 --> 07:38.640 I was thinking rather of other advantages you would derive. 07:38.740 --> 07:40.640 My sudden death, presumptive of course, 07:40.740 --> 07:44.140 would give you freedom to marry your healthy milkweed. 07:44.240 --> 07:45.940 This handsome nonentity. 07:46.040 --> 07:47.940 Hey, hey, watch yourself, Matthews. 07:48.040 --> 07:49.340 I don't like that stuff. 07:49.440 --> 07:52.240 My deepest apologies, handsome. 07:52.340 --> 07:54.840 Now Elizabeth, the subject of the insurance. 07:54.840 --> 07:58.140 Even in my far off oblivion, I'll have need of money. 07:58.240 --> 08:00.340 I thought perhaps you would collect the money and... 08:00.440 --> 08:01.740 And what? 08:01.840 --> 08:03.140 Forward it to me. 08:03.240 --> 08:05.940 Oh, so that's it. 08:06.040 --> 08:07.440 You're not the fool I thought you were. 08:07.540 --> 08:10.540 There are mutual advantages, as I have indicated. 08:10.640 --> 08:12.840 I would have the twenty thousand dollars, 08:12.940 --> 08:15.240 a trifling reward for my sacrifice. 08:15.340 --> 08:19.540 You would have a well furnished home and, uh, handsome. 08:19.640 --> 08:21.540 Maybe you've got something. 08:21.640 --> 08:22.540 Let me think it over. 08:22.640 --> 08:23.540 I don't get it at all. 08:23.540 --> 08:25.440 You will, handsome, you will. 08:31.640 --> 08:33.940 Elizabeth agreed as I knew she would. 08:34.040 --> 08:36.440 She was in fact delighted. 08:36.540 --> 08:37.940 Longstreet gave us brief pause, 08:38.040 --> 08:41.440 but in the end my charming wife persuaded him. 08:41.540 --> 08:42.940 Due to early training in the theater, 08:43.040 --> 08:46.140 the strategy of my demise was masterful. 08:46.240 --> 08:48.340 After three days rehearsal with my two accomplices, 08:48.440 --> 08:51.140 I drove to the checking station of the Golden Gate Bridge. 08:51.140 --> 08:54.440 I was careful to enter the gate manned by my acquaintance. 08:54.540 --> 08:56.340 Ah, how you feeling today, Mr. Matthews? 08:56.440 --> 08:58.740 I protest, sir, with emphatic emphasis. 08:58.840 --> 08:59.740 Ah, I don't get you. 08:59.840 --> 09:03.140 This toll levy upon the use of a public thoroughfare by my conscience, 09:03.240 --> 09:05.640 it's unsocial, immoral, a downright swindle. 09:05.740 --> 09:07.340 Hey, hey, hey, what's got into you? 09:07.440 --> 09:08.440 Come on, pay your fare. 09:08.540 --> 09:10.440 I know you not, magpie. 09:10.540 --> 09:11.040 Huh? 09:11.140 --> 09:11.940 Are you carrion? 09:12.040 --> 09:12.540 Who, me? 09:12.640 --> 09:15.740 Are you fowl, flesh or fish? 09:15.840 --> 09:18.140 Here, vulture, your pound of flesh. 09:18.240 --> 09:19.440 Hey, look, Mr. Matthews, 09:19.440 --> 09:21.140 you better see a doctor. 09:21.240 --> 09:27.940 Doctor indeed. 09:28.040 --> 09:30.140 But the fellow would remember me. 09:30.240 --> 09:32.740 I drove slowly, watching in the rearview mirror, 09:32.840 --> 09:35.840 near the center of the great bridge, high above the foaming sea. 09:35.940 --> 09:38.840 Longstreet and Elizabeth pulled in behind me. 09:38.940 --> 09:40.440 A brake came in the traffic. 09:40.540 --> 09:41.940 I signaled Longstreet. 09:42.040 --> 09:44.540 He pulled his car alongside mine. 09:44.640 --> 09:46.540 Quickly, I leaped his car, leaving mine abandoned 09:46.640 --> 09:48.740 at the very center of the bridge. 09:48.740 --> 09:51.440 The abandoned car, the suicide note I'd left on the seat, 09:51.540 --> 09:54.440 would bear mute testimony to my tragic fate. 09:54.540 --> 09:57.240 And by my conscience, the word of the fellow at the checking 09:57.340 --> 09:59.740 station would tempt the scales. 09:59.840 --> 10:02.840 There remained but to vanish from the eyes of all who'd known me, 10:02.940 --> 10:06.440 and my desperate deed was done. 10:06.540 --> 10:08.440 Elizabeth and Longstreet drove me to Sacramento. 10:08.540 --> 10:10.640 I boarded the train for Mexico. 10:10.740 --> 10:14.840 The frail, meek little floor walker was no more. 10:14.940 --> 10:16.240 I was dead. 10:16.340 --> 10:17.240 Gone. 10:17.240 --> 10:18.740 Caput! 10:18.840 --> 10:20.340 Presumptive death indeed. 10:20.440 --> 10:22.340 In truth, I was reborn. 10:22.440 --> 10:25.840 And on some not too distant tomorrow, I would return. 10:25.940 --> 10:30.940 And the lives of Elizabeth and Hansom would be forfeit. 10:43.040 --> 10:46.240 For suspense, Roma wines are bringing you Hume Cronin 10:46.240 --> 10:49.740 in Make Mad the Guilty, Roma wines presentation tonight 10:49.840 --> 10:53.840 in radio's outstanding theater thrills, Suspense. 11:00.440 --> 11:03.140 Between the acts of suspense, this is Truman Bradley 11:03.240 --> 11:05.140 for Roma wines. 11:05.240 --> 11:08.340 There's a big reason why more Americans enjoy Roma 11:08.440 --> 11:10.340 than any other wines. 11:10.440 --> 11:13.840 It's because Roma gives you an extra pleasure dividend. 11:13.840 --> 11:17.940 In fuller bouquet, richer body, and better taste. 11:18.040 --> 11:21.740 And Roma gives you still another extra dividend. 11:21.840 --> 11:25.040 Now you can buy Roma wine at Hansom Savings. 11:25.140 --> 11:27.740 Now you can enjoy the delicious taste luxury 11:27.840 --> 11:31.940 of your favorite Roma wines and get extra change 11:32.040 --> 11:34.340 from a single dollar bill. 11:34.440 --> 11:40.440 Yes, you can now save up to 20% on finer tasting Roma wines. 11:40.540 --> 11:43.240 Take advantage of these big Roma savings. 11:43.240 --> 11:45.440 Buy Roma by the case. 11:45.540 --> 11:48.840 Enjoy delicious Roma wine more often with meals 11:48.940 --> 11:52.940 or when you entertain and save money on every bottle. 11:53.040 --> 11:59.140 Ask for Roma, R-O-M-A, Roma wines for extra good taste 11:59.240 --> 12:02.040 and extra cash savings. 12:02.140 --> 12:05.140 And now Roma wines bring back to our Hollywood soundstage 12:05.240 --> 12:08.340 Hume Cronin in Make Mad the Guilty. 12:08.340 --> 12:13.240 A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 12:13.340 --> 12:28.240 Yes, the frail and meek little floor walker was no more. 12:28.340 --> 12:31.240 In Mexico, a new man wore my shoes. 12:31.340 --> 12:33.740 I became a man of purpose and daring. 12:33.840 --> 12:35.740 Through the art of makeup and disguise, 12:35.740 --> 12:39.640 I gave myself a villainous and frightful appearance, 12:39.740 --> 12:42.140 corresponding to my new character. 12:42.240 --> 12:44.140 I returned boldly to San Francisco 12:44.240 --> 12:46.440 with no fear of recognition. 12:46.540 --> 12:48.440 Thus was I privileged to read in the local papers 12:48.540 --> 12:50.940 of my own suicide and later of my wife's marriage 12:51.040 --> 12:52.840 to young Longstreet. 12:52.940 --> 12:54.740 Weeks passed. 12:54.840 --> 12:57.440 I learned Elizabeth had received the insurance money. 12:57.540 --> 12:59.440 I was well aware, of course, that she had no intention 12:59.540 --> 13:01.640 of giving me any part of it. 13:01.740 --> 13:05.140 The moment of final settlement had arrived. 13:05.140 --> 13:09.540 Late at night, as befits one returning from the grave, 13:09.640 --> 13:15.540 I rang the bell at the cottage I once called home. 13:15.640 --> 13:18.040 It is I, your lately deceased husband. 13:18.140 --> 13:20.040 Bird, you... Hanson! 13:20.140 --> 13:22.040 May the dead enter with the quick. 13:22.140 --> 13:24.040 Permit me to force my entry. 13:24.140 --> 13:25.040 Hanson! 13:25.140 --> 13:27.040 On my word, you're frightened. 13:27.140 --> 13:30.040 Oh, that ridiculous makeup you have on. 13:30.140 --> 13:33.040 Why do you have to go around like a scarecrow frightening people? 13:33.140 --> 13:34.540 Hey, what goes on here? 13:34.540 --> 13:35.940 Curly Bird's here! 13:38.540 --> 13:40.240 Ah, handsome. 13:40.340 --> 13:42.840 In night shirt and armed with a kitchen knife. 13:42.940 --> 13:44.440 A heroic figure, to be sure. 13:44.540 --> 13:45.840 Matthews! 13:45.940 --> 13:47.040 Gosh, your face! 13:47.140 --> 13:49.040 The face of Lazarus, risen from the dead, 13:49.140 --> 13:51.040 transformed by the chemistry of death. 13:51.140 --> 13:52.840 Don't be funny, Bird. What do you want? 13:52.940 --> 13:54.140 The insurance money. 13:54.240 --> 13:56.040 Twenty thousand dollars. Are you surprised? 13:56.140 --> 13:57.940 Oh, you had no way to come back, Matthews. 13:58.040 --> 13:59.340 A bargain is a bargain. 13:59.440 --> 14:01.740 Here's all the money I have in the closet. 14:01.840 --> 14:03.040 Take it. 14:03.140 --> 14:03.940 Now will you go? 14:03.940 --> 14:06.840 May I repeat, a bargain is a bargain. 14:06.940 --> 14:09.140 Oh, Stan, you stupid. What are you waiting for? 14:09.240 --> 14:10.640 What do you want me to do, Benny? 14:10.740 --> 14:11.540 You shall I... 14:11.640 --> 14:13.940 The knife gleams in the hand of the shirt-tail killer. 14:14.040 --> 14:14.940 Get him, handsome. 14:15.040 --> 14:16.240 Now, Matthews, I mean I... 14:16.340 --> 14:17.340 Ah! 14:18.740 --> 14:22.540 Ah, you've observed this automatic in my hand. 14:22.640 --> 14:25.940 Also observe as I remove the safety catch. 14:26.040 --> 14:28.540 I see your face grows pale. 14:28.640 --> 14:30.340 Now, wait a minute, Bird. 14:30.440 --> 14:31.540 What do you want? 14:31.640 --> 14:33.340 Dear me, hadn't I made that clear? 14:33.340 --> 14:34.640 I thought I had. 14:34.740 --> 14:36.440 I want my twenty thousand dollars. 14:36.540 --> 14:37.940 Now, listen, Matthews, take it easy. 14:38.040 --> 14:39.140 We only collected it yesterday. 14:39.240 --> 14:40.040 Precisely. 14:40.140 --> 14:42.040 Hence my timely arrival this evening. 14:42.140 --> 14:42.840 Well? 14:42.940 --> 14:44.140 Bird, I can't give it to you. 14:44.240 --> 14:45.940 Tonight, I mean, I haven't got it. 14:46.040 --> 14:47.740 You forget, my dear, that I have lived with you 14:47.840 --> 14:50.540 in apparent connubial bliss for nearly 15 years. 14:50.640 --> 14:52.640 I know your habits all too well. 14:52.740 --> 14:55.140 I would venture to say that not only have you the money in cash, 14:55.240 --> 14:56.440 but that I know where you've hidden it. 14:56.540 --> 14:58.640 Oh, no, no. I know she didn't do that. 14:58.740 --> 14:59.740 No? 14:59.740 --> 15:01.240 And what is this? 15:01.340 --> 15:03.240 So you're dead. 15:03.340 --> 15:04.040 Why, you... 15:04.140 --> 15:06.440 I could have told you that she wasn't to be trusted. 15:06.540 --> 15:09.440 Dear me, you have so much to learn, handsome. 15:09.540 --> 15:11.440 And so little time to learn. 15:11.540 --> 15:13.040 No, no, Matthews, wait. 15:13.140 --> 15:14.040 Wait! 15:14.140 --> 15:15.240 Bird! 15:15.340 --> 15:17.440 Bird, you've killed him! 15:17.540 --> 15:19.440 Not I, dear wife. 15:19.540 --> 15:22.040 I, as you remember, have no existence. 15:22.140 --> 15:23.640 I am dead. 15:23.740 --> 15:24.640 But you... 15:24.740 --> 15:25.640 Bird! 15:25.740 --> 15:26.740 Good night. 15:26.840 --> 15:28.240 Parting is over. 15:28.240 --> 15:31.340 Good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow. 15:31.440 --> 15:34.740 Would I could stay to see you explain this whole thing to the police 15:34.840 --> 15:36.740 when it be morrow? 15:42.840 --> 15:45.140 Perhaps you see it now, eh? 15:45.240 --> 15:50.340 Perhaps now you fully understand the sweep and majesty and genius of it. 15:50.440 --> 15:52.740 For you must know I had planned it. 15:52.840 --> 15:56.540 Yes, planned it every step of the way from the day I introduced Elizabeth 15:56.540 --> 16:01.640 to Longstreet until the poor wretch was found hovering over his corpse. 16:01.740 --> 16:06.040 Had ever a man played and conceived so magnificent a role 16:06.140 --> 16:08.640 and in no tawdry theatre for the make-believe, 16:08.740 --> 16:12.840 but in the vast arena of life itself, 16:12.940 --> 16:15.340 there was but one thing lacking, 16:15.440 --> 16:20.540 that one ingredient so essential to the full savoring by the artist of his creative genius, 16:20.640 --> 16:22.040 an audience. 16:22.140 --> 16:23.540 And even that I have foreseen. 16:23.640 --> 16:26.240 I had my audience ready-made. 16:26.240 --> 16:27.540 Elizabeth. 16:27.640 --> 16:29.140 Elizabeth should be my audience. 16:29.240 --> 16:31.340 Her frantic protestations of innocence, 16:31.440 --> 16:35.440 her unbelieved cries and lamentations that the ingenuity of my pot 16:35.540 --> 16:39.240 would be meat and drink and the very breath of life to me. 16:44.640 --> 16:48.040 By a slight alteration of my appearance, I was able to attend her trial. 16:48.140 --> 16:49.940 Like a spectator at my own play, 16:50.040 --> 16:52.040 I could not have directed the performers better myself. 16:52.140 --> 16:53.640 And then, 16:53.640 --> 16:56.340 then this remarkable woman, 16:56.440 --> 17:01.940 with the murder weapon still figuratively reeking in her hand, 17:02.040 --> 17:06.240 has the temerity to tell this court and this jury 17:06.340 --> 17:09.840 that the crime was committed by a former husband 17:09.940 --> 17:12.840 who conveniently rose from the dead 17:12.940 --> 17:17.040 and then disappeared once more into limbo. 17:17.140 --> 17:18.040 Ha ha ha. 17:18.140 --> 17:20.940 Now, now, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, 17:21.040 --> 17:22.640 she is guilty. 17:22.640 --> 17:26.240 And the state asks that you find her guilty 17:26.340 --> 17:29.540 with full knowledge and consent to the penalty 17:29.640 --> 17:32.440 with which that guilt entails. 17:32.540 --> 17:33.640 The penalty of death. 17:33.740 --> 17:37.040 No, no, no, he's alive, he's alive. 17:48.840 --> 17:51.640 Now, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? 17:51.640 --> 17:52.640 We have. 17:52.740 --> 17:55.140 I'll find you the defendant, Elizabeth Longstreet. 17:55.240 --> 17:56.540 Guilty or not guilty? 17:56.640 --> 17:57.640 Guilty. 18:08.540 --> 18:10.040 Dispatch this wire, please. 18:10.140 --> 18:11.140 All right. 18:11.240 --> 18:14.140 Mrs. Elizabeth Longstreet, death row. 18:14.240 --> 18:15.040 Oh. 18:15.140 --> 18:16.540 You can deliver it, can you not? 18:16.640 --> 18:18.540 Oh, sure, sure. 18:18.640 --> 18:20.740 You have a rendezvous with death. 18:20.740 --> 18:23.040 From the depth of experience, can assure you 18:23.140 --> 18:25.440 he is by no means an unfriendly companion. 18:25.540 --> 18:26.540 Unfriendly. 18:26.640 --> 18:27.640 Oh, unfriendly companion. 18:27.740 --> 18:31.140 Heartfelt sympathy, courage, courage. 18:31.240 --> 18:36.240 Uh, 39 words, let's see, that'll be 78 cents. 18:36.340 --> 18:37.340 Out of the dollar. 18:37.440 --> 18:38.640 Thank you. 18:38.740 --> 18:40.640 Really is sad when you come to think of it. 18:40.740 --> 18:42.040 I guess you were a friend of hers, huh? 18:42.140 --> 18:43.040 Hmm? 18:43.140 --> 18:44.940 No, in a sense, to be sure. 18:45.040 --> 18:45.940 Yes, in a sense. 18:46.040 --> 18:47.740 Oh, wait a minute, you didn't sign it. 18:47.840 --> 18:50.240 Just sign it, little man. 18:50.240 --> 18:51.240 No, I didn't. 18:55.340 --> 18:58.140 The next day I eagerly scanned the papers for the outburst 18:58.240 --> 19:01.640 that this sensational communication must certainly cause. 19:01.740 --> 19:03.240 But there was nothing. 19:03.340 --> 19:06.140 So I sent a letter, something a little more direct. 19:06.240 --> 19:08.140 I scanned the press and you. 19:08.240 --> 19:09.640 But still no sign. 19:09.740 --> 19:13.140 No single word to tell me how she had received it. 19:13.240 --> 19:14.640 What was it? 19:14.740 --> 19:16.140 A conspiracy of silence? 19:16.240 --> 19:19.140 I was like a player performing to a cold and empty house. 19:19.140 --> 19:22.040 Clearly some stronger medicine was needed. 19:25.640 --> 19:26.640 Yes, sir? 19:26.740 --> 19:30.040 Ah, lilies, the symbol of purity and death. 19:30.140 --> 19:32.040 They are lovely, aren't they? 19:32.140 --> 19:33.540 Fresh cut this morning, too. 19:33.640 --> 19:35.040 Sweet poetry of flowers. 19:35.140 --> 19:39.240 A most delicate yet firm reminder of my unwavering concern. 19:39.340 --> 19:41.540 Do you wish to make a purchase, sir, or? 19:41.640 --> 19:43.040 Oh, decidedly. 19:43.140 --> 19:44.240 Give me all you have. 19:44.340 --> 19:46.040 I wish them sent by special messenger. 19:46.140 --> 19:47.640 The season is propitious. 19:47.640 --> 19:49.540 Yes, sir. 19:49.640 --> 19:51.040 Where to, sir? 19:51.140 --> 19:53.040 To Mrs. Elizabeth Longstreet. 19:53.140 --> 19:54.540 To Hatchipi Prison. 19:54.640 --> 19:55.540 The death house. 19:55.640 --> 19:57.540 Mrs. Elizabeth? 19:57.640 --> 19:59.240 And would you mind writing a card? 19:59.340 --> 20:02.540 As you can see, my right hand has suffered a slight injury. 20:02.640 --> 20:05.040 Very well, sir. 20:05.140 --> 20:07.040 What do you wish me to write? 20:07.140 --> 20:11.540 Just say, from the little man who wasn't there. 20:11.540 --> 20:18.440 And sign it, Burt. 20:18.540 --> 20:20.440 My own name, you see. 20:20.540 --> 20:22.440 That surely would bring results. 20:22.540 --> 20:24.440 But no, nothing. 20:24.540 --> 20:26.440 Once again, nothing. 20:26.540 --> 20:27.440 I saw it now. 20:27.540 --> 20:29.440 She was playing with me, deliberately playing with me, 20:29.540 --> 20:32.440 concealing my communications from her jailers. 20:32.540 --> 20:34.440 And my time was running out. 20:34.540 --> 20:36.440 The execution was within the week. 20:36.540 --> 20:38.440 But I would move her. 20:38.440 --> 20:43.340 I'd move her in such wise as she would drown the stage with tears 20:43.440 --> 20:46.340 and cleave the general ear with hurried speech. 20:46.440 --> 20:49.340 Make mad the guilty. 20:49.440 --> 20:51.340 Okay, next. 20:51.440 --> 20:54.340 It's my understanding that the state law requires the presence of witnesses 20:54.440 --> 20:56.340 to a prison execution. 20:56.440 --> 20:57.340 I therefore request... 20:57.440 --> 20:58.340 Okay, who do you want to see go? 20:58.440 --> 20:59.340 Mrs. Elizabeth Longstreet. 20:59.440 --> 21:00.340 Let me see. 21:00.440 --> 21:01.340 That's Friday morning. 21:01.440 --> 21:02.340 What's your name? 21:02.440 --> 21:04.340 Bertram Mason. 21:04.440 --> 21:05.340 Let me see some identification. 21:05.440 --> 21:06.340 Driver license, anything you got. 21:06.440 --> 21:07.340 Identification? 21:07.340 --> 21:09.240 Anything, anything at all. 21:09.340 --> 21:10.240 Well, you see, I'm not... 21:10.340 --> 21:12.240 I'm sorry, but we've got to know who we invite to this party some other time. 21:12.340 --> 21:13.240 Hold on, sir. 21:13.340 --> 21:14.240 I demand... 21:14.340 --> 21:15.240 I said some other time. 21:15.340 --> 21:16.240 Now beat it, you hear me? 21:16.340 --> 21:22.240 She was slipping from my grasp, don't you see? 21:22.340 --> 21:25.240 The curtain was already beginning to descend. 21:25.340 --> 21:28.240 And still there was no audience to hear my curtain lies. 21:28.340 --> 21:32.240 That night I paced the streets in a torment of indecision. 21:32.340 --> 21:35.240 Then as dawn was breaking, I realized what I must do. 21:35.240 --> 21:38.140 A drastic, desperate measure. 21:38.240 --> 21:39.140 But I must take it. 21:39.240 --> 21:41.140 The execution was the following morning, 21:41.240 --> 21:45.140 and at the earliest moment I presented myself at the prison gate. 21:45.240 --> 21:46.140 Yeah? 21:46.240 --> 21:47.140 What did I do for you? 21:47.240 --> 21:49.140 It's imperative, absolutely imperative, 21:49.240 --> 21:51.140 that I be present at the execution of Elizabeth Longstreet. 21:51.240 --> 21:52.140 I'm sorry, mister. 21:52.240 --> 21:53.140 Now, wait. 21:53.240 --> 21:54.140 You don't understand. 21:54.240 --> 21:55.140 Can't be done. 21:55.240 --> 21:57.140 Now, if you were the relative saying you... 21:57.240 --> 21:58.140 That's it. 21:58.240 --> 21:59.140 That's what I'm trying to tell you. 21:59.240 --> 22:00.140 I am. 22:00.240 --> 22:01.140 I am related. 22:01.240 --> 22:02.140 Yeah? 22:02.240 --> 22:03.140 Well, that might be different. 22:03.240 --> 22:04.140 How are you related to it? 22:04.140 --> 22:05.040 I am her husband. 22:05.140 --> 22:06.040 Her husband? 22:06.140 --> 22:07.040 Oh. 22:07.140 --> 22:09.040 Now, don't try to get funny, mister. 22:09.140 --> 22:10.040 It just so happened she murdered her husband. 22:10.140 --> 22:11.040 No, no. 22:11.140 --> 22:12.040 Not him. 22:12.140 --> 22:13.040 Her former husband. 22:13.140 --> 22:16.040 The man whose name was mentioned so often at the trial. 22:16.140 --> 22:18.040 They thought I was dead, but I'm not. 22:18.140 --> 22:19.040 I am Burt Matthews. 22:19.140 --> 22:20.040 Oh, crackpot. 22:20.140 --> 22:22.040 Save it for a soapbox, brother. 22:22.140 --> 22:23.040 Now, wait. 22:23.140 --> 22:24.040 I can prove it. 22:24.140 --> 22:25.040 She will recognize it. 22:25.140 --> 22:26.040 Sure, sure. I know. 22:26.140 --> 22:27.040 Now, run along. 22:27.140 --> 22:28.040 I implore you. 22:28.140 --> 22:29.040 I beg you, call the warden. 22:29.140 --> 22:30.040 Tell him that there's a man here. 22:30.040 --> 22:30.940 What was that? 22:31.040 --> 22:32.940 It's not now she won't recognize you. 22:33.040 --> 22:33.940 What do you mean? 22:34.040 --> 22:34.940 I mean, that's it. 22:35.040 --> 22:35.940 It's all over. 22:36.040 --> 22:36.940 Finished. 22:37.040 --> 22:37.940 Oh, no. 22:38.040 --> 22:38.940 No. 22:39.040 --> 22:39.940 Not dead. 22:40.040 --> 22:40.940 That's right, brother. 22:41.040 --> 22:41.940 He's dead. 22:49.040 --> 22:50.940 Suddenly my life was empty. 22:51.040 --> 22:53.940 And all my plans of triumph were as ashes in my mouth. 22:54.040 --> 22:55.940 Hers had been the triumph, not mine. 22:56.040 --> 22:57.940 And I was the one who was going to die. 22:57.940 --> 22:59.840 Hers had been the triumph, not mine. 22:59.940 --> 23:01.840 Hers the tragic spectacle. 23:01.940 --> 23:03.840 Hers the hour upon the stage. 23:03.940 --> 23:06.840 Now in truth was I really dead. 23:06.940 --> 23:08.840 For who now would applaud my artistry? 23:08.940 --> 23:12.840 Who would believe my tale or even recognize my face? 23:12.940 --> 23:16.840 Only tragedy and death gain recognition. 23:16.940 --> 23:17.840 Yes. 23:17.940 --> 23:20.840 And therein was my answer. 23:20.940 --> 23:23.840 Therein at last would I breach the portals of undying fame, 23:23.840 --> 23:27.740 leaving behind me a manuscript setting forth the facts in full detail. 23:27.840 --> 23:30.740 I would actually die. 23:30.840 --> 23:36.740 The first man in history to die and come to life and die again since Lazarus. 23:42.840 --> 23:46.740 I searched the streets until I found a car with the keys and the ignition lock. 23:46.840 --> 23:47.740 I stole it. 23:47.840 --> 23:49.740 I drove to the Golden Gate Bridge. 23:49.840 --> 23:52.740 For I would not only die twice, I would die twice in the same place 23:52.740 --> 23:54.640 and the same way. 23:54.740 --> 23:56.640 I drove past the gate man and on. 23:56.740 --> 23:57.640 Hey, wait. 23:57.740 --> 23:59.640 On the very highest part of the parapet. 23:59.740 --> 24:03.640 I would stand while horrified onlookers gazed helplessly. 24:03.740 --> 24:09.640 Then as eager hands reached out to save my life, I would leap. 24:09.740 --> 24:12.640 I was dimly conscious of the siren behind me, but paid no heed. 24:12.740 --> 24:16.640 I drove faster and faster to my splendid doom. 24:17.740 --> 24:19.640 Suddenly I heard a chop and another. 24:19.640 --> 24:25.540 The car was out of control, swerving, lurching, swerving like a crazy thing. 24:30.640 --> 24:33.540 I think for a moment I lost consciousness. 24:33.640 --> 24:35.540 And the next I knew what I was doing, I had crawled from the wreckage 24:35.640 --> 24:38.540 and was staggering towards the rim of the bridge. 24:38.640 --> 24:40.540 And I was being pursued. 24:40.640 --> 24:45.540 Even now at this late hour some monstrous fate seemed bent on thwarting my design. 24:45.640 --> 24:47.540 Stop! 24:47.640 --> 24:48.540 Stop, stop, we're showt... 24:48.540 --> 24:50.440 No, no, they would not stop me. 24:50.540 --> 24:52.440 I would not be thwarted. 24:52.540 --> 24:54.440 I staggered on. 24:55.540 --> 24:58.440 Searing pain in my shoulder. 24:58.540 --> 24:59.440 I fell. 24:59.540 --> 25:02.440 I struggled my feet again. 25:02.540 --> 25:06.440 The railing was almost within my grasp. 25:06.540 --> 25:11.440 I shot that wending, tearing agony up the bullet through my chest. 25:11.540 --> 25:13.440 I was on my knees again. 25:13.540 --> 25:16.440 But I must, I must... 25:16.440 --> 25:21.340 I clawed at the steel railing painfully, painfully lifting myself up for a moment. 25:21.440 --> 25:25.340 I balanced, swaying, and then... 25:25.440 --> 25:27.340 ...Oblivion. 25:36.440 --> 25:41.340 I heard their voices coming to me from a long way off, like voices of the dead. 25:41.440 --> 25:44.340 All right, stand back, stand back, stand back. 25:44.340 --> 25:47.240 Why, this guy's playing for heaven's... 25:47.340 --> 25:49.240 Same license number. 25:49.340 --> 25:51.240 I wonder why he ran. 25:51.340 --> 25:54.240 Yeah, it's tough and he looks like such a heartless old guy. 26:04.340 --> 26:10.240 Please, please, is there no one to believe me? 26:10.340 --> 26:12.240 Just one. 26:12.240 --> 26:17.140 The lowliest of men, the tiniest of lisping children. 26:17.240 --> 26:19.140 Just one. 26:19.240 --> 26:22.140 Before this stage is dark. 26:22.240 --> 26:27.140 Before I shuffle off this mortal coil. 26:27.140 --> 26:41.040 Before I die. 26:41.140 --> 26:43.040 Suspense. 26:43.140 --> 26:45.040 Presented by Roma Wines. 26:45.140 --> 26:47.040 R-O-M-A. Roma. 26:47.140 --> 26:49.040 America's favorite wines. 26:49.140 --> 26:53.040 This is Truman Bradley inviting you to try Roma Wines. 26:53.040 --> 26:57.940 To learn for yourself why more Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine. 26:58.040 --> 27:02.940 It's because only Roma selects from the world's greatest reserves of fine wines... 27:03.040 --> 27:05.940 ...to bring you better tasting wines. 27:06.040 --> 27:10.940 And now, you and your friends can enjoy delightful Roma wines more often... 27:11.040 --> 27:15.940 ...because Roma prices have been reduced as much as 20%. 27:16.040 --> 27:19.940 So, make a note tonight to stock up on Roma wines tomorrow. 27:19.940 --> 27:25.840 Take advantage of Roma's new low prices to enjoy more of Roma's premium quality. 27:25.940 --> 27:28.840 Ask for Roma. R-O-M-A. 27:28.940 --> 27:34.840 The greatest name in wine and your best buy in good taste. 27:34.940 --> 27:36.840 This is Hume Cronin. 27:36.940 --> 27:39.840 It's been a great pleasure appearing for you on Suspense. 27:39.940 --> 27:42.840 I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. 27:42.940 --> 27:45.840 And I know you'd like to hear about next week's Suspense show... 27:45.940 --> 27:48.840 ...when Roma Wines will bring you June Havoc... 27:48.840 --> 27:53.740 ...in the story of a girl whose fatal resemblance to a famous movie star leads to murder. 27:53.840 --> 27:56.740 I'll see you soon, I hope. Thank you. Good night. 27:56.840 --> 27:59.740 Hume Cronin appeared by arrangement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer... 27:59.840 --> 28:03.740 ...producers of Living in a Big Way, starring Gene Kelly and Marie McDonald. 28:03.840 --> 28:06.740 Tonight's Suspense play was by Irving Moore and Robert Richards... 28:06.840 --> 28:08.740 ...from an original story by Robert Rosson. 28:08.840 --> 28:15.740 Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Miss June Havoc as star of Suspense. 28:15.740 --> 28:20.640 Produced and directed by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California.