1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:10,440 Suspense! 2 00:00:10,440 --> 00:00:16,280 On the wine lists of America's most distinguished hotels and restaurants, the honored wine featured 3 00:00:16,280 --> 00:00:19,280 is CRESTA. 4 00:00:19,280 --> 00:00:21,840 V-L-A-N-C-A. 5 00:00:21,840 --> 00:00:23,840 Cresta. 6 00:00:23,840 --> 00:00:26,480 Blanca. 7 00:00:26,480 --> 00:00:28,480 Cresta Blanca. 8 00:00:28,480 --> 00:00:35,360 Yes, Cresta Blanca wines are featured in America's smartest dining places because these treasured 9 00:00:35,360 --> 00:00:40,560 wines are favorite selections of those who know fine cuvees. 10 00:00:40,560 --> 00:00:46,360 Let Cresta Blanca California wines lend gracious distinction to your dining too. 11 00:00:46,360 --> 00:00:52,960 Enjoy delightful Cresta Blanca Burgundy, Sauveterne, or any Cresta Blanca table wine soon. 12 00:00:52,960 --> 00:00:57,680 Shanley's Cresta Blanca Wine Company, Livermore, California. 13 00:00:57,680 --> 00:01:05,680 Now, Shanley brings you Radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense! 14 00:01:05,680 --> 00:01:07,520 Presented by Roma Wines. 15 00:01:07,520 --> 00:01:09,560 That's R-O-M-A. 16 00:01:09,560 --> 00:01:13,240 Roma Wines for your everyday enjoyment. 17 00:01:13,240 --> 00:01:19,640 Tonight, Roma Wines of Fresno, California bring you Jerome Cowan in Mortmain, a suspense 18 00:01:19,640 --> 00:01:25,680 play produced, edited, and directed for Shanley by William Spear. 19 00:01:25,680 --> 00:01:34,680 Sitting in a chair across the table from me was a dead man. 20 00:01:34,680 --> 00:01:45,280 His stiff cold fingers still touched the shotgun he thought would safeguard his life. 21 00:01:45,280 --> 00:01:47,320 Police Chief Martin couldn't seem to sit still a minute. 22 00:01:47,320 --> 00:01:51,720 He kept pacing the floor behind me, back and forth, back and forth. 23 00:01:51,720 --> 00:01:55,320 We've been waiting a couple of hours already for the coroner to arrive and examine Screed's 24 00:01:55,320 --> 00:01:56,320 body. 25 00:01:56,320 --> 00:02:00,800 Meanwhile, every cop in the city was out looking for George Perry, the obvious murderer. 26 00:02:00,800 --> 00:02:02,720 Where the devil was that coroner? 27 00:02:02,720 --> 00:02:06,080 You know, it's not the pleasantest thing in the world to sit around a dirty kitchen with 28 00:02:06,080 --> 00:02:09,920 nothing to do but stare into the face of a dead man and think. 29 00:02:09,920 --> 00:02:14,080 Think how it all started that day less than three years ago when George Perry, my law 30 00:02:14,080 --> 00:02:17,600 partner at the time, walked into our office and told me the good news. 31 00:02:17,600 --> 00:02:19,600 Sam, oh boy, congratulate me. 32 00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:20,600 What for? 33 00:02:20,600 --> 00:02:22,600 You're looking at the next district attorney. 34 00:02:22,600 --> 00:02:23,600 What? 35 00:02:23,600 --> 00:02:24,600 You? 36 00:02:24,600 --> 00:02:25,600 It's in the bag. 37 00:02:25,600 --> 00:02:28,720 I've just come from a talk with Harry Polk and he told me that when the committee holds 38 00:02:28,720 --> 00:02:32,440 its meeting next month, they're going to nominate none other than yours truly. 39 00:02:32,440 --> 00:02:33,440 I see. 40 00:02:33,440 --> 00:02:35,040 And that's as good as election in this town. 41 00:02:35,040 --> 00:02:36,040 Yeah, but I thought... 42 00:02:36,040 --> 00:02:38,040 You thought you were going to get it, huh? 43 00:02:38,040 --> 00:02:39,320 I'm sorry, Sam. 44 00:02:39,320 --> 00:02:41,240 I just assumed you did get it, really. 45 00:02:41,240 --> 00:02:45,520 I didn't go looking for it, you know that, but they picked me for some reason. 46 00:02:45,520 --> 00:02:47,400 And what's the difference, Sam? 47 00:02:47,400 --> 00:02:48,840 What's good for me is good for you. 48 00:02:48,840 --> 00:02:50,640 We're partners, aren't we? 49 00:02:50,640 --> 00:02:51,640 And we'll stay partners. 50 00:02:51,640 --> 00:02:54,480 Oh yes, yes, of course. 51 00:02:54,480 --> 00:02:55,480 What difference, George? 52 00:02:55,480 --> 00:02:57,920 You don't really mind, do you, about the nomination? 53 00:02:57,920 --> 00:02:59,760 Oh no, no, it doesn't matter. 54 00:02:59,760 --> 00:03:01,200 I thought so. 55 00:03:01,200 --> 00:03:04,400 After all, my being the DA will bring the firm a lot of business, Sam. 56 00:03:04,400 --> 00:03:06,440 Well, I've got to go tell Alice. 57 00:03:06,440 --> 00:03:08,440 She'll be tickled pink to hear the news. 58 00:03:08,440 --> 00:03:10,080 But keep it under your hat, Sam. 59 00:03:10,080 --> 00:03:11,720 It's not official until the committee meeting. 60 00:03:11,720 --> 00:03:18,480 I understand. 61 00:03:18,480 --> 00:03:20,480 I watched George leave the office. 62 00:03:20,480 --> 00:03:25,080 George, the smiling and the debonair, the most popular lawyer in town. 63 00:03:25,080 --> 00:03:28,480 But it was my work that made him look good in court, my brain that brought him every 64 00:03:28,480 --> 00:03:30,520 easy success at the bar. 65 00:03:30,520 --> 00:03:34,760 And I hated him for having so easily gotten what I'd have given half my life for. 66 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:38,040 He'd gotten himself engaged to Alice, the girl I wanted almost as much as I wanted to 67 00:03:38,040 --> 00:03:39,120 live. 68 00:03:39,120 --> 00:03:43,120 Now he'd taken the first step in a political career that could lead anywhere. 69 00:03:43,120 --> 00:03:46,840 I'd tried by fair means to get the same things and failed. 70 00:03:46,840 --> 00:03:49,640 Now I would try other means. 71 00:03:49,640 --> 00:03:51,440 I picked up my hat and walked out of the office. 72 00:03:51,440 --> 00:04:00,000 I went down to the waterfront to see a certain Mr. Scree. 73 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:02,760 Yes? 74 00:04:02,760 --> 00:04:07,560 Oh, hello. 75 00:04:07,560 --> 00:04:10,000 Let me in quick. 76 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:11,000 I don't want to be seen. 77 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:12,000 Yeah, sure, sure. 78 00:04:12,000 --> 00:04:13,000 Come in, come in. 79 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:14,000 Are you alone? 80 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:15,000 I always am. 81 00:04:15,000 --> 00:04:18,680 It ain't quite right, is it, Mr. Boston? 82 00:04:18,680 --> 00:04:21,320 You're going to see the foreman on a case you're going to try tomorrow? 83 00:04:21,320 --> 00:04:23,080 I'm not going to try that case tomorrow. 84 00:04:23,080 --> 00:04:25,600 I know I picked the jury today, but I won't be at the trial. 85 00:04:25,600 --> 00:04:27,120 My partner will be trial counsel. 86 00:04:27,120 --> 00:04:29,280 Oh, it still ain't right, it seems to me. 87 00:04:29,280 --> 00:04:30,880 Never mind that, Screed. 88 00:04:30,880 --> 00:04:33,360 I think you and I can get along. 89 00:04:33,360 --> 00:04:34,360 Always aim to get along. 90 00:04:34,360 --> 00:04:37,680 Not that I got rich at it, but I ain't complaining. 91 00:04:37,680 --> 00:04:38,680 Not too much. 92 00:04:38,680 --> 00:04:41,320 Listen, Screed, I know you're hard up. 93 00:04:41,320 --> 00:04:43,520 It ain't no secret. 94 00:04:43,520 --> 00:04:45,200 I guess everyone in the city knows that. 95 00:04:45,200 --> 00:04:48,240 I can put $10,000 in your way, Screed. 96 00:04:48,240 --> 00:04:49,240 How much? 97 00:04:49,240 --> 00:04:50,240 $10,000? 98 00:04:50,240 --> 00:04:53,160 Hey, that case don't rate no $10,000. 99 00:04:53,160 --> 00:04:55,240 Why, you could buy the complaining witness for a tenth of that. 100 00:04:55,240 --> 00:04:58,920 I know I'm not interested in the case as a case, but I am interested in you being the 101 00:04:58,920 --> 00:05:00,560 foreman of that jury. 102 00:05:00,560 --> 00:05:01,880 I don't get it. 103 00:05:01,880 --> 00:05:04,040 First, let's understand each other. 104 00:05:04,040 --> 00:05:07,800 I'm offering you $10,000 for certain services. 105 00:05:07,800 --> 00:05:09,280 Are you interested? 106 00:05:09,280 --> 00:05:10,280 You kidding? 107 00:05:10,280 --> 00:05:13,560 Why, for 10 grand, I'd just about commit murder. 108 00:05:13,560 --> 00:05:15,880 I thought I had the right man. 109 00:05:15,880 --> 00:05:16,880 Now listen. 110 00:05:16,880 --> 00:05:19,880 I'm not interested. 111 00:05:19,880 --> 00:05:29,320 Hear ye, hear ye, all persons having business before this honorable court of criminal sessions. 112 00:05:29,320 --> 00:05:31,280 Draw near and give your attention. 113 00:05:31,280 --> 00:05:32,760 You shall be heard. 114 00:05:32,760 --> 00:05:36,000 First case on the calendar, people against Henry Baron. 115 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:38,040 Both sides ready. 116 00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:39,040 Your honor, please. 117 00:05:39,040 --> 00:05:42,240 There's been a substitution of counsel for the defendant. 118 00:05:42,240 --> 00:05:46,360 I will try this case in place of Mr. Boston, who was taken ill yesterday afternoon. 119 00:05:46,360 --> 00:05:47,360 Very well, Mr. Perry. 120 00:05:47,360 --> 00:05:49,880 The clerk will note your appearance. 121 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:52,080 Is the assistant district attorney ready to proceed? 122 00:05:52,080 --> 00:05:53,080 Ready, your honor. 123 00:05:53,080 --> 00:05:54,080 Call your first witness. 124 00:05:54,080 --> 00:05:55,640 Just a minute, judge. 125 00:05:55,640 --> 00:05:57,440 What is it, Mr. Screed? 126 00:05:57,440 --> 00:06:00,480 Before this case begins, I've got something to say. 127 00:06:00,480 --> 00:06:02,600 Does it pertain to this trial? 128 00:06:02,600 --> 00:06:06,040 You're not seeking to be excused from jury duty at this late hour, are you? 129 00:06:06,040 --> 00:06:07,960 Well, that depends, your honor. 130 00:06:07,960 --> 00:06:09,440 Maybe I'd better not serve on this jury. 131 00:06:09,440 --> 00:06:10,440 Why not? 132 00:06:10,440 --> 00:06:13,360 Because the defendant's attorney tried to bribe me last night. 133 00:06:13,360 --> 00:06:14,360 What? 134 00:06:14,360 --> 00:06:15,360 That's a lie. 135 00:06:15,360 --> 00:06:16,360 If I were your partner, would you know such things? 136 00:06:16,360 --> 00:06:18,800 I ain't talking about your partner. 137 00:06:18,800 --> 00:06:21,160 I'm talking about you, George Perry. 138 00:06:21,160 --> 00:06:22,160 What? 139 00:06:22,160 --> 00:06:25,360 Come out of that jury box, Mr. Screed. 140 00:06:25,360 --> 00:06:26,360 Step up here. 141 00:06:26,360 --> 00:06:27,360 Clerk, swear him. 142 00:06:27,360 --> 00:06:31,240 You soundly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, to help your 143 00:06:31,240 --> 00:06:32,240 God? 144 00:06:32,240 --> 00:06:33,240 I do. 145 00:06:33,240 --> 00:06:35,680 You charge Mr. Perry with an attempted bribe, Mr. Screed? 146 00:06:35,680 --> 00:06:36,680 I do. 147 00:06:36,680 --> 00:06:37,680 Your honor, I protest. 148 00:06:37,680 --> 00:06:38,680 This ought to be discharged. 149 00:06:38,680 --> 00:06:42,560 You have your opportunity to defend yourself, Mr. Perry, in the proper place and at the 150 00:06:42,560 --> 00:06:43,560 proper time. 151 00:06:43,560 --> 00:06:46,000 Just now, I'm interested in discharge. 152 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:49,360 Mr. Screed, you understand you're under oath. 153 00:06:49,360 --> 00:06:51,400 I want your entire story. 154 00:06:51,400 --> 00:06:55,320 Well, there ain't much to tell. 155 00:06:55,320 --> 00:06:58,720 Last night about 10 o'clock, I was home having some coffee. 156 00:06:58,720 --> 00:07:01,640 I heard a knock at the door and I go to answer it. 157 00:07:01,640 --> 00:07:03,520 It's Mr. Perry. 158 00:07:03,520 --> 00:07:08,120 He comes in and he tells me that his partner is sick and that he's taking over the case. 159 00:07:08,120 --> 00:07:12,000 I tell him maybe he oughtn't to be talking to me, but he winks at me and he says it'll 160 00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:13,880 be all right. 161 00:07:13,880 --> 00:07:17,520 So I let him talk just to see what's in the wind. 162 00:07:17,520 --> 00:07:19,200 I was never at his house. 163 00:07:19,200 --> 00:07:20,200 The man's lying. 164 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:21,200 Quiet. 165 00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:22,200 Proceed, Mr. Screed. 166 00:07:22,200 --> 00:07:25,840 He tells me he's out to make a reputation for himself. 167 00:07:25,840 --> 00:07:29,980 And while this case is peanuts, still he wants to win it. 168 00:07:29,980 --> 00:07:34,120 He knows he can't unless he's got someone on the jury to cooperate. 169 00:07:34,120 --> 00:07:36,520 And he thinks maybe I'm his man. 170 00:07:36,520 --> 00:07:38,920 He offered me 200 bucks to hold out for an acquittal. 171 00:07:38,920 --> 00:07:39,920 Did you take the money? 172 00:07:39,920 --> 00:07:40,920 Well, sure. 173 00:07:40,920 --> 00:07:41,920 Sure. 174 00:07:41,920 --> 00:07:42,920 I played right along, Your Honor. 175 00:07:42,920 --> 00:07:45,080 I told him I'd do what he wanted. 176 00:07:45,080 --> 00:07:47,400 But all the time, all the time, I was just kidding him. 177 00:07:47,400 --> 00:07:51,040 See, I was going to tell you what happened just as soon as court opened. 178 00:07:51,040 --> 00:07:52,640 Here, here, here, Your Honor. 179 00:07:52,640 --> 00:07:53,640 Here's the 200. 180 00:07:53,640 --> 00:07:55,440 Brand new hundred dollar bills. 181 00:07:55,440 --> 00:07:57,440 Why didn't you notify the authorities sooner? 182 00:07:57,440 --> 00:08:00,600 Well, there wasn't no hurry, was there, Judge? 183 00:08:00,600 --> 00:08:02,400 He wasn't going to run away. 184 00:08:02,400 --> 00:08:06,360 And I knew I could spill the beans this morning instead of wasting half the night down at 185 00:08:06,360 --> 00:08:07,360 headquarters. 186 00:08:07,360 --> 00:08:08,600 Your Honor, may I question that man? 187 00:08:08,600 --> 00:08:09,600 You may not. 188 00:08:09,600 --> 00:08:11,440 But he's crucifying me with a wicked lie. 189 00:08:11,440 --> 00:08:14,080 I should have the right to defend myself, to course examine him. 190 00:08:14,080 --> 00:08:17,000 You will have that right in the proper forum. 191 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:19,680 I declare a mistrial in the case before me. 192 00:08:19,680 --> 00:08:23,480 The assistant district attorney will obtain a copy of the minutes or preparation for the 193 00:08:23,480 --> 00:08:25,080 presentation to the grand jury. 194 00:08:25,080 --> 00:08:28,680 Bailiff, you will place Mr. Perry under arrest. 195 00:08:28,680 --> 00:08:35,040 Court's adjourned. 196 00:08:35,040 --> 00:08:38,560 I showed the proper expected astonishment at the news. 197 00:08:38,560 --> 00:08:40,840 I expressed my sympathy in a hundred different ways. 198 00:08:40,840 --> 00:08:44,480 I even arranged bail and took on my partner's defense personally. 199 00:08:44,480 --> 00:08:48,880 And when I spoke to George, already half broken under the strain, until Alice, filled with 200 00:08:48,880 --> 00:08:53,640 worry and doubt, I was as calm and assured as a retired bank president. 201 00:08:53,640 --> 00:08:55,760 Why it's as plain as the nose on your face, George. 202 00:08:55,760 --> 00:08:57,040 It's a political trick. 203 00:08:57,040 --> 00:09:00,520 The opposition somehow heard about your being the next DA and were out to spike you before 204 00:09:00,520 --> 00:09:01,560 you even got started. 205 00:09:01,560 --> 00:09:02,680 But who did it? 206 00:09:02,680 --> 00:09:03,680 You leave that to me. 207 00:09:03,680 --> 00:09:06,480 I'll get him, whoever he is, and when I do, the case will fall apart. 208 00:09:06,480 --> 00:09:08,760 Sam, I don't know what we'd do without you. 209 00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:12,400 You've been like, like a rock of Gibraltar to both of us. 210 00:09:12,400 --> 00:09:14,000 If we didn't have you to turn to, I... 211 00:09:14,000 --> 00:09:15,440 You leave everything to Sam, Alice. 212 00:09:15,440 --> 00:09:17,680 He'll get your George out of this jam and know the reason why. 213 00:09:17,680 --> 00:09:19,280 I know it, Sam. 214 00:09:19,280 --> 00:09:21,680 Darling, you see, everything will be all right. 215 00:09:21,680 --> 00:09:23,560 But we haven't gotten anywhere, Sam. 216 00:09:23,560 --> 00:09:25,920 Not a single clue to the man who's behind this. 217 00:09:25,920 --> 00:09:26,920 Something will turn up. 218 00:09:26,920 --> 00:09:28,440 We still have three weeks before the trial. 219 00:09:28,440 --> 00:09:32,400 Now, if you're innocent, George, you're not going to jail. 220 00:09:32,400 --> 00:09:37,120 If I'm innocent, there's no question of that in your mind, is there? 221 00:09:37,120 --> 00:09:39,600 Well, that doesn't really matter. 222 00:09:39,600 --> 00:09:41,560 You're going to beat this rat, now don't you worry. 223 00:09:41,560 --> 00:09:43,640 No, Sam, no, you can't believe it. 224 00:09:43,640 --> 00:09:45,360 You can't really think I tried to bribe him. 225 00:09:45,360 --> 00:09:46,680 You know me better than that, Sam. 226 00:09:46,680 --> 00:09:47,840 Sure, George, sure. 227 00:09:47,840 --> 00:09:49,160 I don't believe it. 228 00:09:49,160 --> 00:09:53,160 Now, I'm naturally going to give my full time to getting up your defense, and Alice can 229 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:54,160 help me. 230 00:09:54,160 --> 00:09:56,440 Oh, Sam, I don't know how to thank you for standing by us. 231 00:09:56,440 --> 00:09:57,800 I'll never forget this. 232 00:09:57,800 --> 00:09:58,800 Never. 233 00:09:58,800 --> 00:10:00,440 Would you do the same for me, wouldn't you? 234 00:10:00,440 --> 00:10:02,280 All right now, you two, don't worry. 235 00:10:02,280 --> 00:10:10,560 You've got an awfully good lawyer, you know. 236 00:10:10,560 --> 00:10:13,800 I got George to go away up to Fieldstone for a few weeks. 237 00:10:13,800 --> 00:10:17,720 I spent a lot of time driving Alice around in search of nonexistent witnesses. 238 00:10:17,720 --> 00:10:20,040 My zeal and devotion to George were unbounded. 239 00:10:20,040 --> 00:10:25,320 And if I failed to find any proof of his innocence, it hurt me as much as it did Alice. 240 00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:35,080 In time, even she began to wonder, to have a gnawing doubt. 241 00:10:35,080 --> 00:10:36,560 Doesn't look good, does it? 242 00:10:36,560 --> 00:10:37,560 No, not too good. 243 00:10:37,560 --> 00:10:39,560 Sam, what are we going to do? 244 00:10:39,560 --> 00:10:41,440 Oh, now don't you get to worrying Alice. 245 00:10:41,440 --> 00:10:43,760 A smart lawyer can do a lot, even without witnesses. 246 00:10:43,760 --> 00:10:48,000 Don't forget, the law assumes that a man is innocent until he's proved to be guilty, beyond 247 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:49,000 a reasonable doubt. 248 00:10:49,000 --> 00:10:51,440 Sam, I've never asked you this. 249 00:10:51,440 --> 00:10:55,880 I've always wanted to go on thinking that George was innocent. 250 00:10:55,880 --> 00:10:58,840 But I must know, did he do it? 251 00:10:58,840 --> 00:10:59,840 Alice. 252 00:10:59,840 --> 00:11:01,280 Did he, Sam? 253 00:11:01,280 --> 00:11:02,280 You would know. 254 00:11:02,280 --> 00:11:07,080 No, I, oh, if I did know, I wouldn't tell you. 255 00:11:07,080 --> 00:11:09,200 Why, Sam? 256 00:11:09,200 --> 00:11:11,080 Why should he have done a thing like that? 257 00:11:11,080 --> 00:11:12,680 It wasn't an important case. 258 00:11:12,680 --> 00:11:14,400 It didn't really matter if he lost it. 259 00:11:14,400 --> 00:11:17,260 Well, he'd just been offered the nomination for district attorney. 260 00:11:17,260 --> 00:11:18,480 Maybe that had something to do with it. 261 00:11:18,480 --> 00:11:19,480 Who knows? 262 00:11:19,480 --> 00:11:22,200 All I can say is I'll do my best to get him off. 263 00:11:22,200 --> 00:11:24,760 Sam, you've been just wonderful. 264 00:11:24,760 --> 00:11:28,120 I've never really known how wonderful you could be until this past month. 265 00:11:28,120 --> 00:11:29,480 You've worked so hard. 266 00:11:29,480 --> 00:11:32,760 You've been so understanding, so sympathetic. 267 00:11:32,760 --> 00:11:35,120 That meant for you I couldn't have gone on. 268 00:11:35,120 --> 00:11:41,000 No matter how this turns out, I want you to know I'll always be grateful. 269 00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:42,000 Thanks, Alice. 270 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:46,640 Well, tomorrow is our big day in court, and I want to be on my toes, for George and for 271 00:11:46,640 --> 00:11:47,640 you. 272 00:11:47,640 --> 00:11:55,920 I've got an idea. 273 00:11:55,920 --> 00:11:58,040 I was brilliant in court that day. 274 00:11:58,040 --> 00:12:01,480 Every legal dodge, every technicalities that the law allowed, I made use of. 275 00:12:01,480 --> 00:12:04,560 From the last spectator in the last crowded road to the judge on the bench. 276 00:12:04,560 --> 00:12:07,520 They all knew that I was putting up the greatest legal fight they'd ever witnessed. 277 00:12:07,520 --> 00:12:12,300 But I couldn't break the keystone of the prosecution, the testimony of Screed. 278 00:12:12,300 --> 00:12:16,160 No matter how much I went over his testimony, his story stood up, became stronger with every 279 00:12:16,160 --> 00:12:18,200 question I had at home. 280 00:12:18,200 --> 00:12:22,840 And when I put George Perry on the stand in his own defense, he still had no alibi for 281 00:12:22,840 --> 00:12:25,720 the hours during which he was supposed to have visited Screed. 282 00:12:25,720 --> 00:12:30,120 His story that he'd been riding in his car seemed almost ridiculous. 283 00:12:30,120 --> 00:12:36,280 When the jury came in with its verdict, I knew very well what it would be. 284 00:12:36,280 --> 00:12:39,380 Gentlemen of the jury, have you agreed upon a verdict? 285 00:12:39,380 --> 00:12:40,380 We have, your honor. 286 00:12:40,380 --> 00:12:42,560 And how do you find guilty or not guilty? 287 00:12:42,560 --> 00:12:46,080 We find defendant George Perry guilty as charged. 288 00:12:46,080 --> 00:12:47,840 No, I'm innocent. 289 00:12:47,840 --> 00:12:48,840 I'm innocent. 290 00:12:48,840 --> 00:12:49,840 Quiet, George. 291 00:12:49,840 --> 00:12:50,840 And so say you all. 292 00:12:50,840 --> 00:12:51,840 And so say we all. 293 00:12:51,840 --> 00:12:54,600 The clerk will record the verdict. 294 00:12:54,600 --> 00:12:56,520 George Perry, rise and face the bench. 295 00:12:56,520 --> 00:12:59,000 Your honor, this is a grave miscarriage of justice. 296 00:12:59,000 --> 00:13:03,520 The court fully appreciates, Mr. Boston, your tireless energy and diligence on behalf of 297 00:13:03,520 --> 00:13:05,320 your partner and friend. 298 00:13:05,320 --> 00:13:11,360 However, George Perry, you have been found guilty of bribery of a judicial officer under 299 00:13:11,360 --> 00:13:17,440 Section 371 of the penal code, which defines a juror as a judicial officer. 300 00:13:17,440 --> 00:13:22,560 As provided by law, you are subject to imprisonment for not more than 10 years and fine of not 301 00:13:22,560 --> 00:13:25,360 more than $5,000. 302 00:13:25,360 --> 00:13:31,080 Because of your previous record of good conduct, I shall impose no fine and shall not subject 303 00:13:31,080 --> 00:13:33,960 you to the full term of imprisonment. 304 00:13:33,960 --> 00:13:37,560 But you are sentenced to serve five years in the state's prison. 305 00:13:37,560 --> 00:13:53,720 You're remanded to the custody of the warden of such prison at once. 306 00:13:53,720 --> 00:13:58,400 For Suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you Jerome Kahn in Mortmain. 307 00:13:58,400 --> 00:14:07,960 Roma Wines presentation tonight in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 308 00:14:07,960 --> 00:14:16,440 Suspense, radio's outstanding theater of thrills is being brought to you by Roma. 309 00:14:16,440 --> 00:14:23,600 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines, America's largest selling wines. 310 00:14:23,600 --> 00:14:29,120 This last day of July is a warm reminder that after a hot day's work or play, the tasty 311 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:35,640 refreshment of a tall frosty Roma Wine and Soda is so cool to come home to. 312 00:14:35,640 --> 00:14:41,240 Yes, Roma Wine and Soda gives you quick thirst quenching pleasure on the hottest day. 313 00:14:41,240 --> 00:14:46,060 A cooling treat that your family and friends will cheer to the echo. 314 00:14:46,060 --> 00:14:52,800 To prepare, simply half fill glasses with robust Roma California Burgundy. 315 00:14:52,800 --> 00:14:57,240 Or delicate Roma Sauternes or any Roma Wine. 316 00:14:57,240 --> 00:15:01,200 Fill with ice and sparkling water, sweeten to taste. 317 00:15:01,200 --> 00:15:07,000 In less time than it takes to tell, you're enjoying America's smartest summer drink. 318 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:13,560 For delicious low cost refreshment or entertainment, enjoy Roma Wine and Soda. 319 00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:19,520 Made with better tasting Roma Wine, America's favorite wine. 320 00:15:19,520 --> 00:15:25,320 Now Roma Wines bring back to our Hollywood sound stage, Jerome Cowan as Sam Boston in 321 00:15:25,320 --> 00:15:26,320 Mortmain. 322 00:15:26,320 --> 00:15:40,680 A play well calculated to keep you in suspense. 323 00:15:40,680 --> 00:15:43,920 So I lost the case, but losing that one of course helped me. 324 00:15:43,920 --> 00:15:47,180 I gained a swift popularity not only with the public, but with the politicians who have 325 00:15:47,180 --> 00:15:49,320 an eye open for brilliant lawyers. 326 00:15:49,320 --> 00:15:53,280 It wasn't long before I was having a little talk with Harry Polk and was being offered 327 00:15:53,280 --> 00:15:56,360 the nomination that should have been mine in the first place. 328 00:15:56,360 --> 00:15:57,960 The next thing I wanted was Alice. 329 00:15:57,960 --> 00:16:03,320 For the next year and a half I was after her until finally she said yes and our engagement 330 00:16:03,320 --> 00:16:04,320 was announced. 331 00:16:04,320 --> 00:16:09,560 The whole town congratulated us and then George, with time off the good behavior, came home 332 00:16:09,560 --> 00:16:11,400 from prison. 333 00:16:11,400 --> 00:16:13,320 One afternoon I went to call on Alice. 334 00:16:13,320 --> 00:16:14,320 He was there. 335 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:15,320 Hello Sam. 336 00:16:15,320 --> 00:16:19,240 George, you're crazy to have come back here. 337 00:16:19,240 --> 00:16:22,080 You should have gone where you're not known, started new, where your record won't be held 338 00:16:22,080 --> 00:16:23,080 against you. 339 00:16:23,080 --> 00:16:24,080 I don't want to start new. 340 00:16:24,080 --> 00:16:29,240 I came back here for a purpose and that I'm going to find the man who framed me and when 341 00:16:29,240 --> 00:16:30,400 I do I'll kill him. 342 00:16:30,400 --> 00:16:31,880 Well that's not good. 343 00:16:31,880 --> 00:16:32,880 Not good to talk that way, George. 344 00:16:32,880 --> 00:16:34,560 I know you both think I'm guilty. 345 00:16:34,560 --> 00:16:38,380 Everyone else thinks so, but I know I'm innocent and I'm going to prove it if it takes me the 346 00:16:38,380 --> 00:16:39,380 rest of my life. 347 00:16:39,380 --> 00:16:40,380 How are you going to live? 348 00:16:40,380 --> 00:16:41,380 No job, no money. 349 00:16:41,380 --> 00:16:42,380 I'll get something to do. 350 00:16:42,380 --> 00:16:43,760 No shine shoes if I have to. 351 00:16:43,760 --> 00:16:45,560 Oh, I wish I could help you, George. 352 00:16:45,560 --> 00:16:46,560 But you realize my position. 353 00:16:46,560 --> 00:16:48,200 I'm not looking for help from anyone. 354 00:16:48,200 --> 00:16:50,320 Okay, George, but if you want my advice... 355 00:16:50,320 --> 00:16:51,720 I'm not taking advice anymore, Sam. 356 00:16:51,720 --> 00:16:53,480 Not from you or anyone else. 357 00:16:53,480 --> 00:16:57,840 I'm in this on my own and I'll get him. 358 00:16:57,840 --> 00:17:00,880 Alice, you mustn't see George. 359 00:17:00,880 --> 00:17:01,880 Why not? 360 00:17:01,880 --> 00:17:02,920 I can't allow it, Alice. 361 00:17:02,920 --> 00:17:05,080 My fiancee consorting with a jailbird. 362 00:17:05,080 --> 00:17:06,800 My reputation doesn't permit such things. 363 00:17:06,800 --> 00:17:09,160 George may have been in jail, but he's not a jailbird. 364 00:17:09,160 --> 00:17:11,080 Would it amount to the same thing? 365 00:17:11,080 --> 00:17:12,960 I demand you stop seeing him. 366 00:17:12,960 --> 00:17:13,960 Sam. 367 00:17:13,960 --> 00:17:14,960 What? 368 00:17:14,960 --> 00:17:17,960 I'm going to break our engagement. 369 00:17:17,960 --> 00:17:18,960 George needs me. 370 00:17:18,960 --> 00:17:21,040 He needs me desperately and I want to help him. 371 00:17:21,040 --> 00:17:23,200 Alice, you can't mean you're still in love with him. 372 00:17:23,200 --> 00:17:24,200 Oh, I don't know. 373 00:17:24,200 --> 00:17:27,000 After all these months, it's hard to say whether I'm in love with him or not. 374 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:29,440 But he needs help and I'm the only one he can turn to. 375 00:17:29,440 --> 00:17:30,920 Well, what about me? 376 00:17:30,920 --> 00:17:32,440 You don't need me, Sam. 377 00:17:32,440 --> 00:17:36,320 I don't need you the way he does for a prop and a consolation prize. 378 00:17:36,320 --> 00:17:38,460 I love you, isn't that enough? 379 00:17:38,460 --> 00:17:40,560 You don't love me, Sam. 380 00:17:40,560 --> 00:17:42,720 I've always been second to your career. 381 00:17:42,720 --> 00:17:44,800 And now you're doing your best to ruin that career for me. 382 00:17:44,800 --> 00:17:45,800 How so? 383 00:17:45,800 --> 00:17:47,200 Don't you see what it'll mean? 384 00:17:47,200 --> 00:17:50,040 You're breaking your engagement at this time just while I'm about to get the nomination 385 00:17:50,040 --> 00:17:51,160 for judgeship. 386 00:17:51,160 --> 00:17:54,120 Nobody respects a man who's been jilted. 387 00:17:54,120 --> 00:17:55,560 Just keep on going with me. 388 00:17:55,560 --> 00:17:57,560 It's the only thing that happened. 389 00:17:57,560 --> 00:18:00,080 Afterward we can break off gradually. 390 00:18:00,080 --> 00:18:01,080 Yes. 391 00:18:01,080 --> 00:18:03,440 All right, Sam. 392 00:18:03,440 --> 00:18:17,080 Now I think you'd better go. 393 00:18:17,080 --> 00:18:18,960 Good evening, Mr. Prosecutor. 394 00:18:18,960 --> 00:18:19,960 Come in. 395 00:18:19,960 --> 00:18:23,080 All right, Screed, what is it? 396 00:18:23,080 --> 00:18:24,080 Can I talk? 397 00:18:24,080 --> 00:18:25,200 Ain't nobody going to hear me. 398 00:18:25,200 --> 00:18:26,360 No, the servants are off tonight. 399 00:18:26,360 --> 00:18:27,360 You can talk. 400 00:18:27,360 --> 00:18:28,360 Yeah. 401 00:18:28,360 --> 00:18:31,440 He's, uh, he's been around to see me. 402 00:18:31,440 --> 00:18:32,440 George? 403 00:18:32,440 --> 00:18:33,440 Perry? 404 00:18:33,440 --> 00:18:34,440 Mm-hmm. 405 00:18:34,440 --> 00:18:36,360 He wants to know who was behind it. 406 00:18:36,360 --> 00:18:38,840 Well, naturally you sent him about his business. 407 00:18:38,840 --> 00:18:39,840 Not quite. 408 00:18:39,840 --> 00:18:43,160 Said I might have something for him, maybe. 409 00:18:43,160 --> 00:18:44,720 What do you mean? 410 00:18:44,720 --> 00:18:46,760 He showed me a roll of bills. 411 00:18:46,760 --> 00:18:48,720 Came close to 5,000. 412 00:18:48,720 --> 00:18:51,360 It was mine for just one name. 413 00:18:51,360 --> 00:18:53,340 That's all he wanted, just the name. 414 00:18:53,340 --> 00:18:56,560 Do you know what would happen to you if you so much as hinted at it? 415 00:18:56,560 --> 00:18:59,480 I know I'd get $5,000 from Mr. Perry. 416 00:18:59,480 --> 00:19:02,160 And 10 years in jail for perjury and accepting a bribe. 417 00:19:02,160 --> 00:19:05,680 I still have your written statement, you know, right here in my safe. 418 00:19:05,680 --> 00:19:07,560 You couldn't use it. 419 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:08,680 Oh, couldn't I? 420 00:19:08,680 --> 00:19:09,680 Why not? 421 00:19:09,680 --> 00:19:13,280 A confession that you'd been bribed to frame Perry, bribed by an unknown man representing 422 00:19:13,280 --> 00:19:14,920 Perry's political opponents. 423 00:19:14,920 --> 00:19:17,800 How would you explain you're not using it before this? 424 00:19:17,800 --> 00:19:20,000 Oh, very easily, Mr. Screed. 425 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:22,040 It just came into my possession. 426 00:19:22,040 --> 00:19:23,240 Came to me in the mail. 427 00:19:23,240 --> 00:19:26,240 I still don't think you'd use it. 428 00:19:26,240 --> 00:19:29,880 You see, I kind of figure you'd be dead before that. 429 00:19:29,880 --> 00:19:32,640 That, uh, that Perry, he means business. 430 00:19:32,640 --> 00:19:34,880 Got it all figured out, haven't you? 431 00:19:34,880 --> 00:19:35,880 Mm-hmm. 432 00:19:35,880 --> 00:19:37,880 Yes, I reckon I'm sitting pretty... 433 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:38,880 All right. 434 00:19:38,880 --> 00:19:39,880 How much? 435 00:19:39,880 --> 00:19:41,920 Well, now, I won't be a hog. 436 00:19:41,920 --> 00:19:43,360 Let's, uh, let's say another 10. 437 00:19:43,360 --> 00:19:46,000 Ah, you can scrape that much together, I reckon. 438 00:19:46,000 --> 00:19:47,000 On one condition. 439 00:19:47,000 --> 00:19:48,000 Oh, yeah? 440 00:19:48,000 --> 00:19:49,000 What's that? 441 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:50,000 That you go away and never come back. 442 00:19:50,000 --> 00:19:51,600 Oh, I like it here. 443 00:19:51,600 --> 00:19:52,600 Then it's no deal. 444 00:19:52,600 --> 00:19:55,000 Okay, I can still get that 5,000. 445 00:19:55,000 --> 00:19:56,000 Wait, wait, wait. 446 00:19:56,000 --> 00:19:57,000 Heh. 447 00:19:57,000 --> 00:20:00,400 I know I'm a fool to give it to you, but there's nothing else I can do. 448 00:20:00,400 --> 00:20:02,880 Uh, when do you have your appointment with Perry? 449 00:20:02,880 --> 00:20:03,880 I don't have one. 450 00:20:03,880 --> 00:20:06,320 I told him I'd get in touch with him. 451 00:20:06,320 --> 00:20:08,640 Uh, I'll have the money for you tomorrow night. 452 00:20:08,640 --> 00:20:09,640 Don't come here. 453 00:20:09,640 --> 00:20:11,640 Uh, I'll bring it to your house. 454 00:20:11,640 --> 00:20:13,600 Don't try any cute tricks. 455 00:20:13,600 --> 00:20:16,720 I'll see you tomorrow night, okay? 456 00:20:16,720 --> 00:20:17,720 Okay. 457 00:20:17,720 --> 00:20:26,520 Good night, Mr. Prosecutor. 458 00:20:26,520 --> 00:20:30,000 After he left, I wore the rug in my library while I thought about it. 459 00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:31,800 I knew this payment was only the beginning. 460 00:20:31,800 --> 00:20:34,920 Scree would go on with his blackmail until he bled me white. 461 00:20:34,920 --> 00:20:35,920 Something had to happen. 462 00:20:35,920 --> 00:20:36,920 And it did. 463 00:20:36,920 --> 00:20:37,920 I've got to talk to you. 464 00:20:37,920 --> 00:20:41,880 George, sure, come in. 465 00:20:41,880 --> 00:20:46,440 Well, it's on your mind. 466 00:20:46,440 --> 00:20:47,440 Two things. 467 00:20:47,440 --> 00:20:50,440 Alice, I'm the man who framed me. 468 00:20:50,440 --> 00:20:51,440 Yes? 469 00:20:51,440 --> 00:20:54,440 I, I know how it is with you and Alice, Sam. 470 00:20:54,440 --> 00:20:57,740 She told me you'd let her out of her engagement after the election. 471 00:20:57,740 --> 00:20:58,740 What else could I do? 472 00:20:58,740 --> 00:21:01,600 Well, it was decent of you not to put up a fuss. 473 00:21:01,600 --> 00:21:03,200 Well, where would that get me? 474 00:21:03,200 --> 00:21:05,120 But, uh, what about the man you say framed you? 475 00:21:05,120 --> 00:21:06,400 Do you have anything on that? 476 00:21:06,400 --> 00:21:08,600 Well, I've been putting the pressure on Screed. 477 00:21:08,600 --> 00:21:09,600 I think he'll talk. 478 00:21:09,600 --> 00:21:12,120 But I need 5,000 to pay him. 479 00:21:12,120 --> 00:21:14,600 Oh, you know, I don't have that kind of money. 480 00:21:14,600 --> 00:21:16,960 I could get it from Alice, but I'd rather not. 481 00:21:16,960 --> 00:21:19,680 You, uh, you want me to give it to you, would you? 482 00:21:19,680 --> 00:21:21,200 Now listen to me, George. 483 00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:24,560 If I thought paying him 5,000 would do any good, I'd let you have it. 484 00:21:24,560 --> 00:21:25,560 But it won't. 485 00:21:25,560 --> 00:21:27,080 He'll just take your money and give you a runaround. 486 00:21:27,080 --> 00:21:28,080 But Sam, if... 487 00:21:28,080 --> 00:21:29,080 Let me finish. 488 00:21:29,080 --> 00:21:30,760 You know what would happen to him if you shot off his mouth? 489 00:21:30,760 --> 00:21:31,800 He'd be killed. 490 00:21:31,800 --> 00:21:33,160 He knows that too. 491 00:21:33,160 --> 00:21:35,680 He's not going to talk for 5,000 to 50,000. 492 00:21:35,680 --> 00:21:36,680 Not at George. 493 00:21:36,680 --> 00:21:38,640 Well, maybe you're right, Sam. 494 00:21:38,640 --> 00:21:39,640 I just thought... 495 00:21:39,640 --> 00:21:41,880 I know, I know you're willing to grab at any straw. 496 00:21:41,880 --> 00:21:43,200 And there's another thing. 497 00:21:43,200 --> 00:21:45,320 Your loose talk about killing the man who framed you. 498 00:21:45,320 --> 00:21:46,320 The police know about it. 499 00:21:46,320 --> 00:21:49,040 And if it weren't for me, you would have been picked up. 500 00:21:49,040 --> 00:21:52,280 I understand you've gone and bought yourself a gun. 501 00:21:52,280 --> 00:21:54,680 Yes, I... 502 00:21:54,680 --> 00:21:56,120 I did. 503 00:21:56,120 --> 00:21:57,120 Give it to me. 504 00:21:57,120 --> 00:21:59,560 I'll turn it in. 505 00:21:59,560 --> 00:22:02,160 All right, Sam. 506 00:22:02,160 --> 00:22:03,160 Here it is. 507 00:22:03,160 --> 00:22:04,800 Uh, just put it on the desk. 508 00:22:04,800 --> 00:22:06,760 Now, you follow my advice. 509 00:22:06,760 --> 00:22:07,760 Get out of town. 510 00:22:07,760 --> 00:22:08,760 Leave as soon as you can. 511 00:22:08,760 --> 00:22:11,560 Oh, I've been a fool. 512 00:22:11,560 --> 00:22:14,960 Sam, someone promised me a job out on the coast. 513 00:22:14,960 --> 00:22:16,600 I'll go tomorrow night. 514 00:22:16,600 --> 00:22:18,880 Alice can follow me after election. 515 00:22:18,880 --> 00:22:21,960 And Sam, thanks. 516 00:22:21,960 --> 00:22:24,320 Thanks for pounding some sense into my head. 517 00:22:24,320 --> 00:22:27,280 Oh, you know how I feel about you, George. 518 00:22:27,280 --> 00:22:28,960 Yes, I know. 519 00:22:28,960 --> 00:22:31,840 And I wish you every success in the election, Sam. 520 00:22:31,840 --> 00:22:33,520 I know you'll make a good judge. 521 00:22:33,520 --> 00:22:36,680 Goodbye, George, and luck to you. 522 00:22:36,680 --> 00:22:44,080 You'll need it. 523 00:22:44,080 --> 00:22:47,360 It was shortly after 10 the following night that I drove out to Screed's with George's 524 00:22:47,360 --> 00:22:49,880 gun wrapped in a handkerchief in my pocket. 525 00:22:49,880 --> 00:22:53,040 I parked the car a short way down the road and walked quietly toward the house. 526 00:22:53,040 --> 00:22:57,080 I looked into the kitchen window and saw Screed sitting at the table. 527 00:22:57,080 --> 00:22:59,120 His chin was on his chest. 528 00:22:59,120 --> 00:23:02,240 He was breathing slowly and regularly through his sleep. 529 00:23:02,240 --> 00:23:05,880 He was prepared for me, waiting with a shotgun in his hands. 530 00:23:05,880 --> 00:23:08,680 But I wouldn't ring the doorbell to wake him. 531 00:23:08,680 --> 00:23:10,000 Oh, no. 532 00:23:10,000 --> 00:23:14,440 I quietly opened the kitchen door, tiptoed across the floor, and placed George's gun, 533 00:23:14,440 --> 00:23:22,880 which I held in my handkerchief against the back of Screed's head. 534 00:23:22,880 --> 00:23:24,720 His head bobbed forward, and that was all. 535 00:23:24,720 --> 00:23:26,440 His body didn't move. 536 00:23:26,440 --> 00:23:30,960 His finger remained motionless on the cock trigger of the shotgun resting on the table. 537 00:23:30,960 --> 00:23:33,520 Well, that was that. 538 00:23:33,520 --> 00:23:35,840 Two birds with one stone. 539 00:23:35,840 --> 00:23:37,160 Scream dead. 540 00:23:37,160 --> 00:23:38,800 George Perry, the obvious murderer. 541 00:23:38,800 --> 00:23:41,120 I dropped the revolver on the floor and went out. 542 00:23:41,120 --> 00:23:43,400 When I got home, I phoned Chief Martin. 543 00:23:43,400 --> 00:23:44,400 He said... 544 00:23:44,400 --> 00:23:45,400 What's on your mind, Sam? 545 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:46,400 Martin, I'm worried. 546 00:23:46,400 --> 00:23:49,800 George Perry has been over at my house making all sorts of wild threats about killing the 547 00:23:49,800 --> 00:23:51,320 man who testified against him. 548 00:23:51,320 --> 00:23:53,920 I wish you'd send someone out there and get the old man to take precautions. 549 00:23:53,920 --> 00:23:54,920 Sure, Mr. Bossen. 550 00:23:54,920 --> 00:23:55,920 I'll do that right away. 551 00:23:55,920 --> 00:23:56,920 I heard about Perry's talking wild. 552 00:23:56,920 --> 00:23:59,920 It'd be hard to lock him up just to be on the safe side. 553 00:23:59,920 --> 00:24:02,000 Oh, I don't think you can. 554 00:24:02,000 --> 00:24:03,260 Not enough to hold him. 555 00:24:03,260 --> 00:24:06,720 But it might be a good idea to give Screed a bodyguard until I can have another talk 556 00:24:06,720 --> 00:24:07,720 with Perry. 557 00:24:07,720 --> 00:24:15,560 I'll tend to it right away. 558 00:24:15,560 --> 00:24:16,840 And then I went to bed. 559 00:24:16,840 --> 00:24:19,840 I didn't have very long to wait. 560 00:24:19,840 --> 00:24:20,840 Hello? 561 00:24:20,840 --> 00:24:24,320 Mr. Bossen, I've got some bad news for you. 562 00:24:24,320 --> 00:24:26,240 Our man got out there too late. 563 00:24:26,240 --> 00:24:27,240 What do you mean? 564 00:24:27,240 --> 00:24:28,240 Screed's dead. 565 00:24:28,240 --> 00:24:29,240 Shot right through the head. 566 00:24:29,240 --> 00:24:30,240 Oh, gee heavens. 567 00:24:30,240 --> 00:24:31,240 Better come out here. 568 00:24:31,240 --> 00:24:32,240 I'll be there in half an hour. 569 00:24:32,240 --> 00:24:33,240 Perry sneaked up on him and shot him. 570 00:24:33,240 --> 00:24:34,240 Screed must have been tipped off that Perry was out to get him. 571 00:24:34,240 --> 00:24:35,240 He sat up waiting with the shotgun. 572 00:24:35,240 --> 00:24:36,240 Have you found Perry yet? 573 00:24:36,240 --> 00:24:37,240 No, I have a dragnet out for him, though. 574 00:24:37,240 --> 00:24:38,240 He won't get away. 575 00:24:38,240 --> 00:24:39,240 I'm having the gun traced and examined for prints. 576 00:24:39,240 --> 00:24:40,240 We'll have the report pretty soon. 577 00:24:40,240 --> 00:24:41,240 When is the coroner coming? 578 00:24:41,240 --> 00:24:42,240 In a couple of hours. 579 00:24:42,240 --> 00:24:43,240 He's tied up. 580 00:24:43,240 --> 00:24:44,240 But you don't have to wait. 581 00:24:44,240 --> 00:24:45,240 I may as well while I'm here. 582 00:24:45,240 --> 00:25:08,280 I sat down on the kitchen chair across from Screed. 583 00:25:08,280 --> 00:25:10,040 Now he'd never talk. 584 00:25:10,040 --> 00:25:14,880 And Alice, any last vestige of feelings she had for George who disappeared with his arrest. 585 00:25:14,880 --> 00:25:16,360 Everything was working out fine. 586 00:25:16,360 --> 00:25:18,120 I looked at Screed. 587 00:25:18,120 --> 00:25:20,000 His position hadn't changed. 588 00:25:20,000 --> 00:25:24,760 His hands still clutched the shotgun and I smiled, thinking how much he'd like to pull 589 00:25:24,760 --> 00:25:27,080 that trigger if he was still alive. 590 00:25:27,080 --> 00:25:29,680 And even as the smile crossed my face. 591 00:25:29,680 --> 00:25:31,680 Mr. Bosson. 592 00:25:31,680 --> 00:25:33,680 Mr. Bosson. 593 00:25:33,680 --> 00:25:37,800 Oh my gosh, what's happened? 594 00:25:37,800 --> 00:25:38,800 Gun went off. 595 00:25:38,800 --> 00:25:39,800 My chest. 596 00:25:39,800 --> 00:25:40,800 What's going on here? 597 00:25:40,800 --> 00:25:41,800 Let's have a look. 598 00:25:41,800 --> 00:25:47,560 Oh my. 599 00:25:47,560 --> 00:25:48,560 Give it to me straight doc. 600 00:25:48,560 --> 00:25:50,560 Will I live or won't I? 601 00:25:50,560 --> 00:25:53,600 A couple of hours more or less. 602 00:25:53,600 --> 00:25:54,600 You're certain? 603 00:25:54,600 --> 00:25:56,600 I'm sorry Mr. Bosson. 604 00:25:56,600 --> 00:25:59,200 Okay I've got something to say. 605 00:25:59,200 --> 00:26:00,200 Get a sonographer. 606 00:26:00,200 --> 00:26:09,200 Take it all down. 607 00:26:09,200 --> 00:26:11,120 All right Bosson, we got it all. 608 00:26:11,120 --> 00:26:12,560 I don't want to talk anymore. 609 00:26:12,560 --> 00:26:18,640 So old Screed got to use his shotgun after all. 610 00:26:18,640 --> 00:26:19,640 Mort main. 611 00:26:19,640 --> 00:26:21,600 What's that? 612 00:26:21,600 --> 00:26:22,760 Mort main. 613 00:26:22,760 --> 00:26:24,800 The dead hand. 614 00:26:24,800 --> 00:26:26,360 It's a lawyer's joke doc. 615 00:26:26,360 --> 00:26:27,360 You wouldn't understand. 616 00:26:27,360 --> 00:26:29,160 Can't say I do. 617 00:26:29,160 --> 00:26:31,780 Oh never mind. 618 00:26:31,780 --> 00:26:32,980 By the way what was it? 619 00:26:32,980 --> 00:26:35,760 Some sort of miracle? 620 00:26:35,760 --> 00:26:38,360 Divine justice acting through a corpse? 621 00:26:38,360 --> 00:26:45,400 If you want to call it that, really just tightening of the finger muscles that cause the trigger 622 00:26:45,400 --> 00:26:46,960 to be pulled back. 623 00:26:46,960 --> 00:27:05,680 We doctors call it rigor mortis. 624 00:27:05,680 --> 00:27:07,720 Suspend. 625 00:27:07,720 --> 00:27:12,560 Mort main starring Jerome Cowan and presented by Roma Wines. 626 00:27:12,560 --> 00:27:17,160 That's R-O-M-A, Roma California Wines. 627 00:27:17,160 --> 00:27:23,000 Selected from the world's greatest reserves of fine wines for your pleasure. 628 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:28,760 If you were to see how Roma wines are grown, you would readily understand why Roma is America's 629 00:27:28,760 --> 00:27:30,600 favorite wine. 630 00:27:30,600 --> 00:27:37,000 First, you would see how Roma selects and presses the choicest California grapes. 631 00:27:37,000 --> 00:27:43,640 Then how these finer natural juices are guided unhurriedly with ancient skills and America's 632 00:27:43,640 --> 00:27:48,280 greatest winemaking resources to peak taste richness. 633 00:27:48,280 --> 00:27:54,560 Finally, you would see these Roma wines placed with mellow Roma wines of years before to 634 00:27:54,560 --> 00:27:58,480 await later selection for your pleasure. 635 00:27:58,480 --> 00:28:05,100 Only a few can see how Roma creates better tasting wines, but everyone can enjoy this 636 00:28:05,100 --> 00:28:07,000 better taste. 637 00:28:07,000 --> 00:28:13,360 Whether your favorite wine is nut-like Roma California Sherry, Ruby Roma Port, or Golden 638 00:28:13,360 --> 00:28:21,160 Roma Muscatel, you'll find any Roma wine your best buy in better taste for everyday enjoyment, 639 00:28:21,160 --> 00:28:22,960 for friendly entertaining. 640 00:28:22,960 --> 00:28:27,720 So when you buy wine tomorrow, insist on Roma. 641 00:28:27,720 --> 00:28:33,320 Jerome Cowan may currently be seen in the 20th Century Fox production, Miracle on 34th 642 00:28:33,320 --> 00:28:34,320 Street. 643 00:28:34,320 --> 00:28:38,280 Tonight's suspense play was by George and Gertrude Fass. 644 00:28:38,280 --> 00:28:45,800 Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Walter Abel as star of Suspense, produced and directed 645 00:28:45,800 --> 00:29:15,320 by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. 646 00:29:15,320 --> 00:29:20,840 In the coming weeks, Suspense will present such stars as Donald O'Connor, John Lund, 647 00:29:20,840 --> 00:29:24,400 Edmund O'Brien, Lloyd Nolan, and others. 648 00:29:24,400 --> 00:29:30,440 Make it a point to listen each Thursday to Suspense, radio's outstanding, Peter of 649 00:29:30,440 --> 00:29:37,260 Thrills. 650 00:29:37,260 --> 00:29:49,240 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.