WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:10.440 Suspense! 00:10.440 --> 00:16.280 On the wine lists of America's most distinguished hotels and restaurants, the honored wine featured 00:16.280 --> 00:19.280 is CRESTA. 00:19.280 --> 00:21.840 V-L-A-N-C-A. 00:21.840 --> 00:23.840 Cresta. 00:23.840 --> 00:26.480 Blanca. 00:26.480 --> 00:28.480 Cresta Blanca. 00:28.480 --> 00:35.360 Yes, Cresta Blanca wines are featured in America's smartest dining places because these treasured 00:35.360 --> 00:40.560 wines are favorite selections of those who know fine cuvees. 00:40.560 --> 00:46.360 Let Cresta Blanca California wines lend gracious distinction to your dining too. 00:46.360 --> 00:52.960 Enjoy delightful Cresta Blanca Burgundy, Sauveterne, or any Cresta Blanca table wine soon. 00:52.960 --> 00:57.680 Shanley's Cresta Blanca Wine Company, Livermore, California. 00:57.680 --> 01:05.680 Now, Shanley brings you Radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense! 01:05.680 --> 01:07.520 Presented by Roma Wines. 01:07.520 --> 01:09.560 That's R-O-M-A. 01:09.560 --> 01:13.240 Roma Wines for your everyday enjoyment. 01:13.240 --> 01:19.640 Tonight, Roma Wines of Fresno, California bring you Jerome Cowan in Mortmain, a suspense 01:19.640 --> 01:25.680 play produced, edited, and directed for Shanley by William Spear. 01:25.680 --> 01:34.680 Sitting in a chair across the table from me was a dead man. 01:34.680 --> 01:45.280 His stiff cold fingers still touched the shotgun he thought would safeguard his life. 01:45.280 --> 01:47.320 Police Chief Martin couldn't seem to sit still a minute. 01:47.320 --> 01:51.720 He kept pacing the floor behind me, back and forth, back and forth. 01:51.720 --> 01:55.320 We've been waiting a couple of hours already for the coroner to arrive and examine Screed's 01:55.320 --> 01:56.320 body. 01:56.320 --> 02:00.800 Meanwhile, every cop in the city was out looking for George Perry, the obvious murderer. 02:00.800 --> 02:02.720 Where the devil was that coroner? 02:02.720 --> 02:06.080 You know, it's not the pleasantest thing in the world to sit around a dirty kitchen with 02:06.080 --> 02:09.920 nothing to do but stare into the face of a dead man and think. 02:09.920 --> 02:14.080 Think how it all started that day less than three years ago when George Perry, my law 02:14.080 --> 02:17.600 partner at the time, walked into our office and told me the good news. 02:17.600 --> 02:19.600 Sam, oh boy, congratulate me. 02:19.600 --> 02:20.600 What for? 02:20.600 --> 02:22.600 You're looking at the next district attorney. 02:22.600 --> 02:23.600 What? 02:23.600 --> 02:24.600 You? 02:24.600 --> 02:25.600 It's in the bag. 02:25.600 --> 02:28.720 I've just come from a talk with Harry Polk and he told me that when the committee holds 02:28.720 --> 02:32.440 its meeting next month, they're going to nominate none other than yours truly. 02:32.440 --> 02:33.440 I see. 02:33.440 --> 02:35.040 And that's as good as election in this town. 02:35.040 --> 02:36.040 Yeah, but I thought... 02:36.040 --> 02:38.040 You thought you were going to get it, huh? 02:38.040 --> 02:39.320 I'm sorry, Sam. 02:39.320 --> 02:41.240 I just assumed you did get it, really. 02:41.240 --> 02:45.520 I didn't go looking for it, you know that, but they picked me for some reason. 02:45.520 --> 02:47.400 And what's the difference, Sam? 02:47.400 --> 02:48.840 What's good for me is good for you. 02:48.840 --> 02:50.640 We're partners, aren't we? 02:50.640 --> 02:51.640 And we'll stay partners. 02:51.640 --> 02:54.480 Oh yes, yes, of course. 02:54.480 --> 02:55.480 What difference, George? 02:55.480 --> 02:57.920 You don't really mind, do you, about the nomination? 02:57.920 --> 02:59.760 Oh no, no, it doesn't matter. 02:59.760 --> 03:01.200 I thought so. 03:01.200 --> 03:04.400 After all, my being the DA will bring the firm a lot of business, Sam. 03:04.400 --> 03:06.440 Well, I've got to go tell Alice. 03:06.440 --> 03:08.440 She'll be tickled pink to hear the news. 03:08.440 --> 03:10.080 But keep it under your hat, Sam. 03:10.080 --> 03:11.720 It's not official until the committee meeting. 03:11.720 --> 03:18.480 I understand. 03:18.480 --> 03:20.480 I watched George leave the office. 03:20.480 --> 03:25.080 George, the smiling and the debonair, the most popular lawyer in town. 03:25.080 --> 03:28.480 But it was my work that made him look good in court, my brain that brought him every 03:28.480 --> 03:30.520 easy success at the bar. 03:30.520 --> 03:34.760 And I hated him for having so easily gotten what I'd have given half my life for. 03:34.760 --> 03:38.040 He'd gotten himself engaged to Alice, the girl I wanted almost as much as I wanted to 03:38.040 --> 03:39.120 live. 03:39.120 --> 03:43.120 Now he'd taken the first step in a political career that could lead anywhere. 03:43.120 --> 03:46.840 I'd tried by fair means to get the same things and failed. 03:46.840 --> 03:49.640 Now I would try other means. 03:49.640 --> 03:51.440 I picked up my hat and walked out of the office. 03:51.440 --> 04:00.000 I went down to the waterfront to see a certain Mr. Scree. 04:00.000 --> 04:02.760 Yes? 04:02.760 --> 04:07.560 Oh, hello. 04:07.560 --> 04:10.000 Let me in quick. 04:10.000 --> 04:11.000 I don't want to be seen. 04:11.000 --> 04:12.000 Yeah, sure, sure. 04:12.000 --> 04:13.000 Come in, come in. 04:13.000 --> 04:14.000 Are you alone? 04:14.000 --> 04:15.000 I always am. 04:15.000 --> 04:18.680 It ain't quite right, is it, Mr. Boston? 04:18.680 --> 04:21.320 You're going to see the foreman on a case you're going to try tomorrow? 04:21.320 --> 04:23.080 I'm not going to try that case tomorrow. 04:23.080 --> 04:25.600 I know I picked the jury today, but I won't be at the trial. 04:25.600 --> 04:27.120 My partner will be trial counsel. 04:27.120 --> 04:29.280 Oh, it still ain't right, it seems to me. 04:29.280 --> 04:30.880 Never mind that, Screed. 04:30.880 --> 04:33.360 I think you and I can get along. 04:33.360 --> 04:34.360 Always aim to get along. 04:34.360 --> 04:37.680 Not that I got rich at it, but I ain't complaining. 04:37.680 --> 04:38.680 Not too much. 04:38.680 --> 04:41.320 Listen, Screed, I know you're hard up. 04:41.320 --> 04:43.520 It ain't no secret. 04:43.520 --> 04:45.200 I guess everyone in the city knows that. 04:45.200 --> 04:48.240 I can put $10,000 in your way, Screed. 04:48.240 --> 04:49.240 How much? 04:49.240 --> 04:50.240 $10,000? 04:50.240 --> 04:53.160 Hey, that case don't rate no $10,000. 04:53.160 --> 04:55.240 Why, you could buy the complaining witness for a tenth of that. 04:55.240 --> 04:58.920 I know I'm not interested in the case as a case, but I am interested in you being the 04:58.920 --> 05:00.560 foreman of that jury. 05:00.560 --> 05:01.880 I don't get it. 05:01.880 --> 05:04.040 First, let's understand each other. 05:04.040 --> 05:07.800 I'm offering you $10,000 for certain services. 05:07.800 --> 05:09.280 Are you interested? 05:09.280 --> 05:10.280 You kidding? 05:10.280 --> 05:13.560 Why, for 10 grand, I'd just about commit murder. 05:13.560 --> 05:15.880 I thought I had the right man. 05:15.880 --> 05:16.880 Now listen. 05:16.880 --> 05:19.880 I'm not interested. 05:19.880 --> 05:29.320 Hear ye, hear ye, all persons having business before this honorable court of criminal sessions. 05:29.320 --> 05:31.280 Draw near and give your attention. 05:31.280 --> 05:32.760 You shall be heard. 05:32.760 --> 05:36.000 First case on the calendar, people against Henry Baron. 05:36.000 --> 05:38.040 Both sides ready. 05:38.040 --> 05:39.040 Your honor, please. 05:39.040 --> 05:42.240 There's been a substitution of counsel for the defendant. 05:42.240 --> 05:46.360 I will try this case in place of Mr. Boston, who was taken ill yesterday afternoon. 05:46.360 --> 05:47.360 Very well, Mr. Perry. 05:47.360 --> 05:49.880 The clerk will note your appearance. 05:49.880 --> 05:52.080 Is the assistant district attorney ready to proceed? 05:52.080 --> 05:53.080 Ready, your honor. 05:53.080 --> 05:54.080 Call your first witness. 05:54.080 --> 05:55.640 Just a minute, judge. 05:55.640 --> 05:57.440 What is it, Mr. Screed? 05:57.440 --> 06:00.480 Before this case begins, I've got something to say. 06:00.480 --> 06:02.600 Does it pertain to this trial? 06:02.600 --> 06:06.040 You're not seeking to be excused from jury duty at this late hour, are you? 06:06.040 --> 06:07.960 Well, that depends, your honor. 06:07.960 --> 06:09.440 Maybe I'd better not serve on this jury. 06:09.440 --> 06:10.440 Why not? 06:10.440 --> 06:13.360 Because the defendant's attorney tried to bribe me last night. 06:13.360 --> 06:14.360 What? 06:14.360 --> 06:15.360 That's a lie. 06:15.360 --> 06:16.360 If I were your partner, would you know such things? 06:16.360 --> 06:18.800 I ain't talking about your partner. 06:18.800 --> 06:21.160 I'm talking about you, George Perry. 06:21.160 --> 06:22.160 What? 06:22.160 --> 06:25.360 Come out of that jury box, Mr. Screed. 06:25.360 --> 06:26.360 Step up here. 06:26.360 --> 06:27.360 Clerk, swear him. 06:27.360 --> 06:31.240 You soundly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, to help your 06:31.240 --> 06:32.240 God? 06:32.240 --> 06:33.240 I do. 06:33.240 --> 06:35.680 You charge Mr. Perry with an attempted bribe, Mr. Screed? 06:35.680 --> 06:36.680 I do. 06:36.680 --> 06:37.680 Your honor, I protest. 06:37.680 --> 06:38.680 This ought to be discharged. 06:38.680 --> 06:42.560 You have your opportunity to defend yourself, Mr. Perry, in the proper place and at the 06:42.560 --> 06:43.560 proper time. 06:43.560 --> 06:46.000 Just now, I'm interested in discharge. 06:46.000 --> 06:49.360 Mr. Screed, you understand you're under oath. 06:49.360 --> 06:51.400 I want your entire story. 06:51.400 --> 06:55.320 Well, there ain't much to tell. 06:55.320 --> 06:58.720 Last night about 10 o'clock, I was home having some coffee. 06:58.720 --> 07:01.640 I heard a knock at the door and I go to answer it. 07:01.640 --> 07:03.520 It's Mr. Perry. 07:03.520 --> 07:08.120 He comes in and he tells me that his partner is sick and that he's taking over the case. 07:08.120 --> 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 07:12.000 --> 07:13.880 be all right. 07:13.880 --> 07:17.520 So I let him talk just to see what's in the wind. 07:17.520 --> 07:19.200 I was never at his house. 07:19.200 --> 07:20.200 The man's lying. 07:20.200 --> 07:21.200 Quiet. 07:21.200 --> 07:22.200 Proceed, Mr. Screed. 07:22.200 --> 07:25.840 He tells me he's out to make a reputation for himself. 07:25.840 --> 07:29.980 And while this case is peanuts, still he wants to win it. 07:29.980 --> 07:34.120 He knows he can't unless he's got someone on the jury to cooperate. 07:34.120 --> 07:36.520 And he thinks maybe I'm his man. 07:36.520 --> 07:38.920 He offered me 200 bucks to hold out for an acquittal. 07:38.920 --> 07:39.920 Did you take the money? 07:39.920 --> 07:40.920 Well, sure. 07:40.920 --> 07:41.920 Sure. 07:41.920 --> 07:42.920 I played right along, Your Honor. 07:42.920 --> 07:45.080 I told him I'd do what he wanted. 07:45.080 --> 07:47.400 But all the time, all the time, I was just kidding him. 07:47.400 --> 07:51.040 See, I was going to tell you what happened just as soon as court opened. 07:51.040 --> 07:52.640 Here, here, here, Your Honor. 07:52.640 --> 07:53.640 Here's the 200. 07:53.640 --> 07:55.440 Brand new hundred dollar bills. 07:55.440 --> 07:57.440 Why didn't you notify the authorities sooner? 07:57.440 --> 08:00.600 Well, there wasn't no hurry, was there, Judge? 08:00.600 --> 08:02.400 He wasn't going to run away. 08:02.400 --> 08:06.360 And I knew I could spill the beans this morning instead of wasting half the night down at 08:06.360 --> 08:07.360 headquarters. 08:07.360 --> 08:08.600 Your Honor, may I question that man? 08:08.600 --> 08:09.600 You may not. 08:09.600 --> 08:11.440 But he's crucifying me with a wicked lie. 08:11.440 --> 08:14.080 I should have the right to defend myself, to course examine him. 08:14.080 --> 08:17.000 You will have that right in the proper forum. 08:17.000 --> 08:19.680 I declare a mistrial in the case before me. 08:19.680 --> 08:23.480 The assistant district attorney will obtain a copy of the minutes or preparation for the 08:23.480 --> 08:25.080 presentation to the grand jury. 08:25.080 --> 08:28.680 Bailiff, you will place Mr. Perry under arrest. 08:28.680 --> 08:35.040 Court's adjourned. 08:35.040 --> 08:38.560 I showed the proper expected astonishment at the news. 08:38.560 --> 08:40.840 I expressed my sympathy in a hundred different ways. 08:40.840 --> 08:44.480 I even arranged bail and took on my partner's defense personally. 08:44.480 --> 08:48.880 And when I spoke to George, already half broken under the strain, until Alice, filled with 08:48.880 --> 08:53.640 worry and doubt, I was as calm and assured as a retired bank president. 08:53.640 --> 08:55.760 Why it's as plain as the nose on your face, George. 08:55.760 --> 08:57.040 It's a political trick. 08:57.040 --> 09:00.520 The opposition somehow heard about your being the next DA and were out to spike you before 09:00.520 --> 09:01.560 you even got started. 09:01.560 --> 09:02.680 But who did it? 09:02.680 --> 09:03.680 You leave that to me. 09:03.680 --> 09:06.480 I'll get him, whoever he is, and when I do, the case will fall apart. 09:06.480 --> 09:08.760 Sam, I don't know what we'd do without you. 09:08.760 --> 09:12.400 You've been like, like a rock of Gibraltar to both of us. 09:12.400 --> 09:14.000 If we didn't have you to turn to, I... 09:14.000 --> 09:15.440 You leave everything to Sam, Alice. 09:15.440 --> 09:17.680 He'll get your George out of this jam and know the reason why. 09:17.680 --> 09:19.280 I know it, Sam. 09:19.280 --> 09:21.680 Darling, you see, everything will be all right. 09:21.680 --> 09:23.560 But we haven't gotten anywhere, Sam. 09:23.560 --> 09:25.920 Not a single clue to the man who's behind this. 09:25.920 --> 09:26.920 Something will turn up. 09:26.920 --> 09:28.440 We still have three weeks before the trial. 09:28.440 --> 09:32.400 Now, if you're innocent, George, you're not going to jail. 09:32.400 --> 09:37.120 If I'm innocent, there's no question of that in your mind, is there? 09:37.120 --> 09:39.600 Well, that doesn't really matter. 09:39.600 --> 09:41.560 You're going to beat this rat, now don't you worry. 09:41.560 --> 09:43.640 No, Sam, no, you can't believe it. 09:43.640 --> 09:45.360 You can't really think I tried to bribe him. 09:45.360 --> 09:46.680 You know me better than that, Sam. 09:46.680 --> 09:47.840 Sure, George, sure. 09:47.840 --> 09:49.160 I don't believe it. 09:49.160 --> 09:53.160 Now, I'm naturally going to give my full time to getting up your defense, and Alice can 09:53.160 --> 09:54.160 help me. 09:54.160 --> 09:56.440 Oh, Sam, I don't know how to thank you for standing by us. 09:56.440 --> 09:57.800 I'll never forget this. 09:57.800 --> 09:58.800 Never. 09:58.800 --> 10:00.440 Would you do the same for me, wouldn't you? 10:00.440 --> 10:02.280 All right now, you two, don't worry. 10:02.280 --> 10:10.560 You've got an awfully good lawyer, you know. 10:10.560 --> 10:13.800 I got George to go away up to Fieldstone for a few weeks. 10:13.800 --> 10:17.720 I spent a lot of time driving Alice around in search of nonexistent witnesses. 10:17.720 --> 10:20.040 My zeal and devotion to George were unbounded. 10:20.040 --> 10:25.320 And if I failed to find any proof of his innocence, it hurt me as much as it did Alice. 10:25.320 --> 10:35.080 In time, even she began to wonder, to have a gnawing doubt. 10:35.080 --> 10:36.560 Doesn't look good, does it? 10:36.560 --> 10:37.560 No, not too good. 10:37.560 --> 10:39.560 Sam, what are we going to do? 10:39.560 --> 10:41.440 Oh, now don't you get to worrying Alice. 10:41.440 --> 10:43.760 A smart lawyer can do a lot, even without witnesses. 10:43.760 --> 10:48.000 Don't forget, the law assumes that a man is innocent until he's proved to be guilty, beyond 10:48.000 --> 10:49.000 a reasonable doubt. 10:49.000 --> 10:51.440 Sam, I've never asked you this. 10:51.440 --> 10:55.880 I've always wanted to go on thinking that George was innocent. 10:55.880 --> 10:58.840 But I must know, did he do it? 10:58.840 --> 10:59.840 Alice. 10:59.840 --> 11:01.280 Did he, Sam? 11:01.280 --> 11:02.280 You would know. 11:02.280 --> 11:07.080 No, I, oh, if I did know, I wouldn't tell you. 11:07.080 --> 11:09.200 Why, Sam? 11:09.200 --> 11:11.080 Why should he have done a thing like that? 11:11.080 --> 11:12.680 It wasn't an important case. 11:12.680 --> 11:14.400 It didn't really matter if he lost it. 11:14.400 --> 11:17.260 Well, he'd just been offered the nomination for district attorney. 11:17.260 --> 11:18.480 Maybe that had something to do with it. 11:18.480 --> 11:19.480 Who knows? 11:19.480 --> 11:22.200 All I can say is I'll do my best to get him off. 11:22.200 --> 11:24.760 Sam, you've been just wonderful. 11:24.760 --> 11:28.120 I've never really known how wonderful you could be until this past month. 11:28.120 --> 11:29.480 You've worked so hard. 11:29.480 --> 11:32.760 You've been so understanding, so sympathetic. 11:32.760 --> 11:35.120 That meant for you I couldn't have gone on. 11:35.120 --> 11:41.000 No matter how this turns out, I want you to know I'll always be grateful. 11:41.000 --> 11:42.000 Thanks, Alice. 11:42.000 --> 11:46.640 Well, tomorrow is our big day in court, and I want to be on my toes, for George and for 11:46.640 --> 11:47.640 you. 11:47.640 --> 11:55.920 I've got an idea. 11:55.920 --> 11:58.040 I was brilliant in court that day. 11:58.040 --> 12:01.480 Every legal dodge, every technicalities that the law allowed, I made use of. 12:01.480 --> 12:04.560 From the last spectator in the last crowded road to the judge on the bench. 12:04.560 --> 12:07.520 They all knew that I was putting up the greatest legal fight they'd ever witnessed. 12:07.520 --> 12:12.300 But I couldn't break the keystone of the prosecution, the testimony of Screed. 12:12.300 --> 12:16.160 No matter how much I went over his testimony, his story stood up, became stronger with every 12:16.160 --> 12:18.200 question I had at home. 12:18.200 --> 12:22.840 And when I put George Perry on the stand in his own defense, he still had no alibi for 12:22.840 --> 12:25.720 the hours during which he was supposed to have visited Screed. 12:25.720 --> 12:30.120 His story that he'd been riding in his car seemed almost ridiculous. 12:30.120 --> 12:36.280 When the jury came in with its verdict, I knew very well what it would be. 12:36.280 --> 12:39.380 Gentlemen of the jury, have you agreed upon a verdict? 12:39.380 --> 12:40.380 We have, your honor. 12:40.380 --> 12:42.560 And how do you find guilty or not guilty? 12:42.560 --> 12:46.080 We find defendant George Perry guilty as charged. 12:46.080 --> 12:47.840 No, I'm innocent. 12:47.840 --> 12:48.840 I'm innocent. 12:48.840 --> 12:49.840 Quiet, George. 12:49.840 --> 12:50.840 And so say you all. 12:50.840 --> 12:51.840 And so say we all. 12:51.840 --> 12:54.600 The clerk will record the verdict. 12:54.600 --> 12:56.520 George Perry, rise and face the bench. 12:56.520 --> 12:59.000 Your honor, this is a grave miscarriage of justice. 12:59.000 --> 13:03.520 The court fully appreciates, Mr. Boston, your tireless energy and diligence on behalf of 13:03.520 --> 13:05.320 your partner and friend. 13:05.320 --> 13:11.360 However, George Perry, you have been found guilty of bribery of a judicial officer under 13:11.360 --> 13:17.440 Section 371 of the penal code, which defines a juror as a judicial officer. 13:17.440 --> 13:22.560 As provided by law, you are subject to imprisonment for not more than 10 years and fine of not 13:22.560 --> 13:25.360 more than $5,000. 13:25.360 --> 13:31.080 Because of your previous record of good conduct, I shall impose no fine and shall not subject 13:31.080 --> 13:33.960 you to the full term of imprisonment. 13:33.960 --> 13:37.560 But you are sentenced to serve five years in the state's prison. 13:37.560 --> 13:53.720 You're remanded to the custody of the warden of such prison at once. 13:53.720 --> 13:58.400 For Suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you Jerome Kahn in Mortmain. 13:58.400 --> 14:07.960 Roma Wines presentation tonight in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 14:07.960 --> 14:16.440 Suspense, radio's outstanding theater of thrills is being brought to you by Roma. 14:16.440 --> 14:23.600 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines, America's largest selling wines. 14:23.600 --> 14:29.120 This last day of July is a warm reminder that after a hot day's work or play, the tasty 14:29.120 --> 14:35.640 refreshment of a tall frosty Roma Wine and Soda is so cool to come home to. 14:35.640 --> 14:41.240 Yes, Roma Wine and Soda gives you quick thirst quenching pleasure on the hottest day. 14:41.240 --> 14:46.060 A cooling treat that your family and friends will cheer to the echo. 14:46.060 --> 14:52.800 To prepare, simply half fill glasses with robust Roma California Burgundy. 14:52.800 --> 14:57.240 Or delicate Roma Sauternes or any Roma Wine. 14:57.240 --> 15:01.200 Fill with ice and sparkling water, sweeten to taste. 15:01.200 --> 15:07.000 In less time than it takes to tell, you're enjoying America's smartest summer drink. 15:07.000 --> 15:13.560 For delicious low cost refreshment or entertainment, enjoy Roma Wine and Soda. 15:13.560 --> 15:19.520 Made with better tasting Roma Wine, America's favorite wine. 15:19.520 --> 15:25.320 Now Roma Wines bring back to our Hollywood sound stage, Jerome Cowan as Sam Boston in 15:25.320 --> 15:26.320 Mortmain. 15:26.320 --> 15:40.680 A play well calculated to keep you in suspense. 15:40.680 --> 15:43.920 So I lost the case, but losing that one of course helped me. 15:43.920 --> 15:47.180 I gained a swift popularity not only with the public, but with the politicians who have 15:47.180 --> 15:49.320 an eye open for brilliant lawyers. 15:49.320 --> 15:53.280 It wasn't long before I was having a little talk with Harry Polk and was being offered 15:53.280 --> 15:56.360 the nomination that should have been mine in the first place. 15:56.360 --> 15:57.960 The next thing I wanted was Alice. 15:57.960 --> 16:03.320 For the next year and a half I was after her until finally she said yes and our engagement 16:03.320 --> 16:04.320 was announced. 16:04.320 --> 16:09.560 The whole town congratulated us and then George, with time off the good behavior, came home 16:09.560 --> 16:11.400 from prison. 16:11.400 --> 16:13.320 One afternoon I went to call on Alice. 16:13.320 --> 16:14.320 He was there. 16:14.320 --> 16:15.320 Hello Sam. 16:15.320 --> 16:19.240 George, you're crazy to have come back here. 16:19.240 --> 16:22.080 You should have gone where you're not known, started new, where your record won't be held 16:22.080 --> 16:23.080 against you. 16:23.080 --> 16:24.080 I don't want to start new. 16:24.080 --> 16:29.240 I came back here for a purpose and that I'm going to find the man who framed me and when 16:29.240 --> 16:30.400 I do I'll kill him. 16:30.400 --> 16:31.880 Well that's not good. 16:31.880 --> 16:32.880 Not good to talk that way, George. 16:32.880 --> 16:34.560 I know you both think I'm guilty. 16:34.560 --> 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 16:38.380 --> 16:39.380 rest of my life. 16:39.380 --> 16:40.380 How are you going to live? 16:40.380 --> 16:41.380 No job, no money. 16:41.380 --> 16:42.380 I'll get something to do. 16:42.380 --> 16:43.760 No shine shoes if I have to. 16:43.760 --> 16:45.560 Oh, I wish I could help you, George. 16:45.560 --> 16:46.560 But you realize my position. 16:46.560 --> 16:48.200 I'm not looking for help from anyone. 16:48.200 --> 16:50.320 Okay, George, but if you want my advice... 16:50.320 --> 16:51.720 I'm not taking advice anymore, Sam. 16:51.720 --> 16:53.480 Not from you or anyone else. 16:53.480 --> 16:57.840 I'm in this on my own and I'll get him. 16:57.840 --> 17:00.880 Alice, you mustn't see George. 17:00.880 --> 17:01.880 Why not? 17:01.880 --> 17:02.920 I can't allow it, Alice. 17:02.920 --> 17:05.080 My fiancee consorting with a jailbird. 17:05.080 --> 17:06.800 My reputation doesn't permit such things. 17:06.800 --> 17:09.160 George may have been in jail, but he's not a jailbird. 17:09.160 --> 17:11.080 Would it amount to the same thing? 17:11.080 --> 17:12.960 I demand you stop seeing him. 17:12.960 --> 17:13.960 Sam. 17:13.960 --> 17:14.960 What? 17:14.960 --> 17:17.960 I'm going to break our engagement. 17:17.960 --> 17:18.960 George needs me. 17:18.960 --> 17:21.040 He needs me desperately and I want to help him. 17:21.040 --> 17:23.200 Alice, you can't mean you're still in love with him. 17:23.200 --> 17:24.200 Oh, I don't know. 17:24.200 --> 17:27.000 After all these months, it's hard to say whether I'm in love with him or not. 17:27.000 --> 17:29.440 But he needs help and I'm the only one he can turn to. 17:29.440 --> 17:30.920 Well, what about me? 17:30.920 --> 17:32.440 You don't need me, Sam. 17:32.440 --> 17:36.320 I don't need you the way he does for a prop and a consolation prize. 17:36.320 --> 17:38.460 I love you, isn't that enough? 17:38.460 --> 17:40.560 You don't love me, Sam. 17:40.560 --> 17:42.720 I've always been second to your career. 17:42.720 --> 17:44.800 And now you're doing your best to ruin that career for me. 17:44.800 --> 17:45.800 How so? 17:45.800 --> 17:47.200 Don't you see what it'll mean? 17:47.200 --> 17:50.040 You're breaking your engagement at this time just while I'm about to get the nomination 17:50.040 --> 17:51.160 for judgeship. 17:51.160 --> 17:54.120 Nobody respects a man who's been jilted. 17:54.120 --> 17:55.560 Just keep on going with me. 17:55.560 --> 17:57.560 It's the only thing that happened. 17:57.560 --> 18:00.080 Afterward we can break off gradually. 18:00.080 --> 18:01.080 Yes. 18:01.080 --> 18:03.440 All right, Sam. 18:03.440 --> 18:17.080 Now I think you'd better go. 18:17.080 --> 18:18.960 Good evening, Mr. Prosecutor. 18:18.960 --> 18:19.960 Come in. 18:19.960 --> 18:23.080 All right, Screed, what is it? 18:23.080 --> 18:24.080 Can I talk? 18:24.080 --> 18:25.200 Ain't nobody going to hear me. 18:25.200 --> 18:26.360 No, the servants are off tonight. 18:26.360 --> 18:27.360 You can talk. 18:27.360 --> 18:28.360 Yeah. 18:28.360 --> 18:31.440 He's, uh, he's been around to see me. 18:31.440 --> 18:32.440 George? 18:32.440 --> 18:33.440 Perry? 18:33.440 --> 18:34.440 Mm-hmm. 18:34.440 --> 18:36.360 He wants to know who was behind it. 18:36.360 --> 18:38.840 Well, naturally you sent him about his business. 18:38.840 --> 18:39.840 Not quite. 18:39.840 --> 18:43.160 Said I might have something for him, maybe. 18:43.160 --> 18:44.720 What do you mean? 18:44.720 --> 18:46.760 He showed me a roll of bills. 18:46.760 --> 18:48.720 Came close to 5,000. 18:48.720 --> 18:51.360 It was mine for just one name. 18:51.360 --> 18:53.340 That's all he wanted, just the name. 18:53.340 --> 18:56.560 Do you know what would happen to you if you so much as hinted at it? 18:56.560 --> 18:59.480 I know I'd get $5,000 from Mr. Perry. 18:59.480 --> 19:02.160 And 10 years in jail for perjury and accepting a bribe. 19:02.160 --> 19:05.680 I still have your written statement, you know, right here in my safe. 19:05.680 --> 19:07.560 You couldn't use it. 19:07.560 --> 19:08.680 Oh, couldn't I? 19:08.680 --> 19:09.680 Why not? 19:09.680 --> 19:13.280 A confession that you'd been bribed to frame Perry, bribed by an unknown man representing 19:13.280 --> 19:14.920 Perry's political opponents. 19:14.920 --> 19:17.800 How would you explain you're not using it before this? 19:17.800 --> 19:20.000 Oh, very easily, Mr. Screed. 19:20.000 --> 19:22.040 It just came into my possession. 19:22.040 --> 19:23.240 Came to me in the mail. 19:23.240 --> 19:26.240 I still don't think you'd use it. 19:26.240 --> 19:29.880 You see, I kind of figure you'd be dead before that. 19:29.880 --> 19:32.640 That, uh, that Perry, he means business. 19:32.640 --> 19:34.880 Got it all figured out, haven't you? 19:34.880 --> 19:35.880 Mm-hmm. 19:35.880 --> 19:37.880 Yes, I reckon I'm sitting pretty... 19:37.880 --> 19:38.880 All right. 19:38.880 --> 19:39.880 How much? 19:39.880 --> 19:41.920 Well, now, I won't be a hog. 19:41.920 --> 19:43.360 Let's, uh, let's say another 10. 19:43.360 --> 19:46.000 Ah, you can scrape that much together, I reckon. 19:46.000 --> 19:47.000 On one condition. 19:47.000 --> 19:48.000 Oh, yeah? 19:48.000 --> 19:49.000 What's that? 19:49.000 --> 19:50.000 That you go away and never come back. 19:50.000 --> 19:51.600 Oh, I like it here. 19:51.600 --> 19:52.600 Then it's no deal. 19:52.600 --> 19:55.000 Okay, I can still get that 5,000. 19:55.000 --> 19:56.000 Wait, wait, wait. 19:56.000 --> 19:57.000 Heh. 19:57.000 --> 20:00.400 I know I'm a fool to give it to you, but there's nothing else I can do. 20:00.400 --> 20:02.880 Uh, when do you have your appointment with Perry? 20:02.880 --> 20:03.880 I don't have one. 20:03.880 --> 20:06.320 I told him I'd get in touch with him. 20:06.320 --> 20:08.640 Uh, I'll have the money for you tomorrow night. 20:08.640 --> 20:09.640 Don't come here. 20:09.640 --> 20:11.640 Uh, I'll bring it to your house. 20:11.640 --> 20:13.600 Don't try any cute tricks. 20:13.600 --> 20:16.720 I'll see you tomorrow night, okay? 20:16.720 --> 20:17.720 Okay. 20:17.720 --> 20:26.520 Good night, Mr. Prosecutor. 20:26.520 --> 20:30.000 After he left, I wore the rug in my library while I thought about it. 20:30.000 --> 20:31.800 I knew this payment was only the beginning. 20:31.800 --> 20:34.920 Scree would go on with his blackmail until he bled me white. 20:34.920 --> 20:35.920 Something had to happen. 20:35.920 --> 20:36.920 And it did. 20:36.920 --> 20:37.920 I've got to talk to you. 20:37.920 --> 20:41.880 George, sure, come in. 20:41.880 --> 20:46.440 Well, it's on your mind. 20:46.440 --> 20:47.440 Two things. 20:47.440 --> 20:50.440 Alice, I'm the man who framed me. 20:50.440 --> 20:51.440 Yes? 20:51.440 --> 20:54.440 I, I know how it is with you and Alice, Sam. 20:54.440 --> 20:57.740 She told me you'd let her out of her engagement after the election. 20:57.740 --> 20:58.740 What else could I do? 20:58.740 --> 21:01.600 Well, it was decent of you not to put up a fuss. 21:01.600 --> 21:03.200 Well, where would that get me? 21:03.200 --> 21:05.120 But, uh, what about the man you say framed you? 21:05.120 --> 21:06.400 Do you have anything on that? 21:06.400 --> 21:08.600 Well, I've been putting the pressure on Screed. 21:08.600 --> 21:09.600 I think he'll talk. 21:09.600 --> 21:12.120 But I need 5,000 to pay him. 21:12.120 --> 21:14.600 Oh, you know, I don't have that kind of money. 21:14.600 --> 21:16.960 I could get it from Alice, but I'd rather not. 21:16.960 --> 21:19.680 You, uh, you want me to give it to you, would you? 21:19.680 --> 21:21.200 Now listen to me, George. 21:21.200 --> 21:24.560 If I thought paying him 5,000 would do any good, I'd let you have it. 21:24.560 --> 21:25.560 But it won't. 21:25.560 --> 21:27.080 He'll just take your money and give you a runaround. 21:27.080 --> 21:28.080 But Sam, if... 21:28.080 --> 21:29.080 Let me finish. 21:29.080 --> 21:30.760 You know what would happen to him if you shot off his mouth? 21:30.760 --> 21:31.800 He'd be killed. 21:31.800 --> 21:33.160 He knows that too. 21:33.160 --> 21:35.680 He's not going to talk for 5,000 to 50,000. 21:35.680 --> 21:36.680 Not at George. 21:36.680 --> 21:38.640 Well, maybe you're right, Sam. 21:38.640 --> 21:39.640 I just thought... 21:39.640 --> 21:41.880 I know, I know you're willing to grab at any straw. 21:41.880 --> 21:43.200 And there's another thing. 21:43.200 --> 21:45.320 Your loose talk about killing the man who framed you. 21:45.320 --> 21:46.320 The police know about it. 21:46.320 --> 21:49.040 And if it weren't for me, you would have been picked up. 21:49.040 --> 21:52.280 I understand you've gone and bought yourself a gun. 21:52.280 --> 21:54.680 Yes, I... 21:54.680 --> 21:56.120 I did. 21:56.120 --> 21:57.120 Give it to me. 21:57.120 --> 21:59.560 I'll turn it in. 21:59.560 --> 22:02.160 All right, Sam. 22:02.160 --> 22:03.160 Here it is. 22:03.160 --> 22:04.800 Uh, just put it on the desk. 22:04.800 --> 22:06.760 Now, you follow my advice. 22:06.760 --> 22:07.760 Get out of town. 22:07.760 --> 22:08.760 Leave as soon as you can. 22:08.760 --> 22:11.560 Oh, I've been a fool. 22:11.560 --> 22:14.960 Sam, someone promised me a job out on the coast. 22:14.960 --> 22:16.600 I'll go tomorrow night. 22:16.600 --> 22:18.880 Alice can follow me after election. 22:18.880 --> 22:21.960 And Sam, thanks. 22:21.960 --> 22:24.320 Thanks for pounding some sense into my head. 22:24.320 --> 22:27.280 Oh, you know how I feel about you, George. 22:27.280 --> 22:28.960 Yes, I know. 22:28.960 --> 22:31.840 And I wish you every success in the election, Sam. 22:31.840 --> 22:33.520 I know you'll make a good judge. 22:33.520 --> 22:36.680 Goodbye, George, and luck to you. 22:36.680 --> 22:44.080 You'll need it. 22:44.080 --> 22:47.360 It was shortly after 10 the following night that I drove out to Screed's with George's 22:47.360 --> 22:49.880 gun wrapped in a handkerchief in my pocket. 22:49.880 --> 22:53.040 I parked the car a short way down the road and walked quietly toward the house. 22:53.040 --> 22:57.080 I looked into the kitchen window and saw Screed sitting at the table. 22:57.080 --> 22:59.120 His chin was on his chest. 22:59.120 --> 23:02.240 He was breathing slowly and regularly through his sleep. 23:02.240 --> 23:05.880 He was prepared for me, waiting with a shotgun in his hands. 23:05.880 --> 23:08.680 But I wouldn't ring the doorbell to wake him. 23:08.680 --> 23:10.000 Oh, no. 23:10.000 --> 23:14.440 I quietly opened the kitchen door, tiptoed across the floor, and placed George's gun, 23:14.440 --> 23:22.880 which I held in my handkerchief against the back of Screed's head. 23:22.880 --> 23:24.720 His head bobbed forward, and that was all. 23:24.720 --> 23:26.440 His body didn't move. 23:26.440 --> 23:30.960 His finger remained motionless on the cock trigger of the shotgun resting on the table. 23:30.960 --> 23:33.520 Well, that was that. 23:33.520 --> 23:35.840 Two birds with one stone. 23:35.840 --> 23:37.160 Scream dead. 23:37.160 --> 23:38.800 George Perry, the obvious murderer. 23:38.800 --> 23:41.120 I dropped the revolver on the floor and went out. 23:41.120 --> 23:43.400 When I got home, I phoned Chief Martin. 23:43.400 --> 23:44.400 He said... 23:44.400 --> 23:45.400 What's on your mind, Sam? 23:45.400 --> 23:46.400 Martin, I'm worried. 23:46.400 --> 23:49.800 George Perry has been over at my house making all sorts of wild threats about killing the 23:49.800 --> 23:51.320 man who testified against him. 23:51.320 --> 23:53.920 I wish you'd send someone out there and get the old man to take precautions. 23:53.920 --> 23:54.920 Sure, Mr. Bossen. 23:54.920 --> 23:55.920 I'll do that right away. 23:55.920 --> 23:56.920 I heard about Perry's talking wild. 23:56.920 --> 23:59.920 It'd be hard to lock him up just to be on the safe side. 23:59.920 --> 24:02.000 Oh, I don't think you can. 24:02.000 --> 24:03.260 Not enough to hold him. 24:03.260 --> 24:06.720 But it might be a good idea to give Screed a bodyguard until I can have another talk 24:06.720 --> 24:07.720 with Perry. 24:07.720 --> 24:15.560 I'll tend to it right away. 24:15.560 --> 24:16.840 And then I went to bed. 24:16.840 --> 24:19.840 I didn't have very long to wait. 24:19.840 --> 24:20.840 Hello? 24:20.840 --> 24:24.320 Mr. Bossen, I've got some bad news for you. 24:24.320 --> 24:26.240 Our man got out there too late. 24:26.240 --> 24:27.240 What do you mean? 24:27.240 --> 24:28.240 Screed's dead. 24:28.240 --> 24:29.240 Shot right through the head. 24:29.240 --> 24:30.240 Oh, gee heavens. 24:30.240 --> 24:31.240 Better come out here. 24:31.240 --> 24:32.240 I'll be there in half an hour. 24:32.240 --> 24:33.240 Perry sneaked up on him and shot him. 24:33.240 --> 24:34.240 Screed must have been tipped off that Perry was out to get him. 24:34.240 --> 24:35.240 He sat up waiting with the shotgun. 24:35.240 --> 24:36.240 Have you found Perry yet? 24:36.240 --> 24:37.240 No, I have a dragnet out for him, though. 24:37.240 --> 24:38.240 He won't get away. 24:38.240 --> 24:39.240 I'm having the gun traced and examined for prints. 24:39.240 --> 24:40.240 We'll have the report pretty soon. 24:40.240 --> 24:41.240 When is the coroner coming? 24:41.240 --> 24:42.240 In a couple of hours. 24:42.240 --> 24:43.240 He's tied up. 24:43.240 --> 24:44.240 But you don't have to wait. 24:44.240 --> 24:45.240 I may as well while I'm here. 24:45.240 --> 25:08.280 I sat down on the kitchen chair across from Screed. 25:08.280 --> 25:10.040 Now he'd never talk. 25:10.040 --> 25:14.880 And Alice, any last vestige of feelings she had for George who disappeared with his arrest. 25:14.880 --> 25:16.360 Everything was working out fine. 25:16.360 --> 25:18.120 I looked at Screed. 25:18.120 --> 25:20.000 His position hadn't changed. 25:20.000 --> 25:24.760 His hands still clutched the shotgun and I smiled, thinking how much he'd like to pull 25:24.760 --> 25:27.080 that trigger if he was still alive. 25:27.080 --> 25:29.680 And even as the smile crossed my face. 25:29.680 --> 25:31.680 Mr. Bosson. 25:31.680 --> 25:33.680 Mr. Bosson. 25:33.680 --> 25:37.800 Oh my gosh, what's happened? 25:37.800 --> 25:38.800 Gun went off. 25:38.800 --> 25:39.800 My chest. 25:39.800 --> 25:40.800 What's going on here? 25:40.800 --> 25:41.800 Let's have a look. 25:41.800 --> 25:47.560 Oh my. 25:47.560 --> 25:48.560 Give it to me straight doc. 25:48.560 --> 25:50.560 Will I live or won't I? 25:50.560 --> 25:53.600 A couple of hours more or less. 25:53.600 --> 25:54.600 You're certain? 25:54.600 --> 25:56.600 I'm sorry Mr. Bosson. 25:56.600 --> 25:59.200 Okay I've got something to say. 25:59.200 --> 26:00.200 Get a sonographer. 26:00.200 --> 26:09.200 Take it all down. 26:09.200 --> 26:11.120 All right Bosson, we got it all. 26:11.120 --> 26:12.560 I don't want to talk anymore. 26:12.560 --> 26:18.640 So old Screed got to use his shotgun after all. 26:18.640 --> 26:19.640 Mort main. 26:19.640 --> 26:21.600 What's that? 26:21.600 --> 26:22.760 Mort main. 26:22.760 --> 26:24.800 The dead hand. 26:24.800 --> 26:26.360 It's a lawyer's joke doc. 26:26.360 --> 26:27.360 You wouldn't understand. 26:27.360 --> 26:29.160 Can't say I do. 26:29.160 --> 26:31.780 Oh never mind. 26:31.780 --> 26:32.980 By the way what was it? 26:32.980 --> 26:35.760 Some sort of miracle? 26:35.760 --> 26:38.360 Divine justice acting through a corpse? 26:38.360 --> 26:45.400 If you want to call it that, really just tightening of the finger muscles that cause the trigger 26:45.400 --> 26:46.960 to be pulled back. 26:46.960 --> 27:05.680 We doctors call it rigor mortis. 27:05.680 --> 27:07.720 Suspend. 27:07.720 --> 27:12.560 Mort main starring Jerome Cowan and presented by Roma Wines. 27:12.560 --> 27:17.160 That's R-O-M-A, Roma California Wines. 27:17.160 --> 27:23.000 Selected from the world's greatest reserves of fine wines for your pleasure. 27:23.000 --> 27:28.760 If you were to see how Roma wines are grown, you would readily understand why Roma is America's 27:28.760 --> 27:30.600 favorite wine. 27:30.600 --> 27:37.000 First, you would see how Roma selects and presses the choicest California grapes. 27:37.000 --> 27:43.640 Then how these finer natural juices are guided unhurriedly with ancient skills and America's 27:43.640 --> 27:48.280 greatest winemaking resources to peak taste richness. 27:48.280 --> 27:54.560 Finally, you would see these Roma wines placed with mellow Roma wines of years before to 27:54.560 --> 27:58.480 await later selection for your pleasure. 27:58.480 --> 28:05.100 Only a few can see how Roma creates better tasting wines, but everyone can enjoy this 28:05.100 --> 28:07.000 better taste. 28:07.000 --> 28:13.360 Whether your favorite wine is nut-like Roma California Sherry, Ruby Roma Port, or Golden 28:13.360 --> 28:21.160 Roma Muscatel, you'll find any Roma wine your best buy in better taste for everyday enjoyment, 28:21.160 --> 28:22.960 for friendly entertaining. 28:22.960 --> 28:27.720 So when you buy wine tomorrow, insist on Roma. 28:27.720 --> 28:33.320 Jerome Cowan may currently be seen in the 20th Century Fox production, Miracle on 34th 28:33.320 --> 28:34.320 Street. 28:34.320 --> 28:38.280 Tonight's suspense play was by George and Gertrude Fass. 28:38.280 --> 28:45.800 Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Walter Abel as star of Suspense, produced and directed 28:45.800 --> 29:15.320 by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. 29:15.320 --> 29:20.840 In the coming weeks, Suspense will present such stars as Donald O'Connor, John Lund, 29:20.840 --> 29:24.400 Edmund O'Brien, Lloyd Nolan, and others. 29:24.400 --> 29:30.440 Make it a point to listen each Thursday to Suspense, radio's outstanding, Peter of 29:30.440 --> 29:37.260 Thrills. 29:37.260 --> 29:49.240 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.