1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,000 Suspense. 2 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:13,520 Tonight's suspense brings you as star Miss Marsha Hunt. 3 00:00:13,520 --> 00:00:20,120 But first, an important reminder that wherever hospitality is the last word in luxury, the 4 00:00:20,120 --> 00:00:26,000 first name in wines is the R-E-S-T-A. 5 00:00:26,000 --> 00:00:30,560 C-L-A-N-C-A. 6 00:00:30,560 --> 00:00:31,800 Cresta Blanca. 7 00:00:31,800 --> 00:00:33,400 Cresta Blanca. 8 00:00:33,400 --> 00:00:40,720 Yes, you'll find Cresta Blanca wines featured in the smartest hotels, exclusive clubs, and 9 00:00:40,720 --> 00:00:42,680 discriminating homes. 10 00:00:42,680 --> 00:00:48,440 That's because these treasured wines are favored by people who know wine perfection. 11 00:00:48,440 --> 00:00:54,560 Let magnificent Cresta Blanca California wines distinguish your hospitality too. 12 00:00:54,560 --> 00:01:01,000 Enjoy a choice Cresta Blanca selection of Sherry, Port, or Muscatel, Chenle's Cresta 13 00:01:01,000 --> 00:01:04,520 Blanca Wine Company, Livermore, California. 14 00:01:04,520 --> 00:01:12,080 And now, Chenle brings you Radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 15 00:01:12,080 --> 00:01:15,640 Presented by Roma Wines, that's R-O-M-A. 16 00:01:15,640 --> 00:01:22,040 Roma Wines of Fresno, California, and starring Marsha Hunt in Self-Defense, a suspense play 17 00:01:22,040 --> 00:01:25,040 produced for Chenle by William Spear. 18 00:01:25,040 --> 00:01:35,080 It was such a wonderful vacation, and it couldn't have been pleasanter. 19 00:01:35,080 --> 00:01:38,640 I really think it was the fastest divorce I've ever had. 20 00:01:38,640 --> 00:01:42,120 It always amuses me to hear you talk about your divorces, Mimi. 21 00:01:42,120 --> 00:01:44,600 You discuss them as if they were hairdressing appointments. 22 00:01:44,600 --> 00:01:48,840 Don't look now, darling, but a young man has been staring at you all through lunch. 23 00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:49,840 Oh, don't be silly. 24 00:01:49,840 --> 00:01:50,840 But I tell you, he has. 25 00:01:50,840 --> 00:01:51,840 Oh, really? 26 00:01:51,840 --> 00:01:52,840 Oh, he's coming this way now. 27 00:01:52,840 --> 00:01:53,840 Well, just ignore him. 28 00:01:53,840 --> 00:01:54,840 I'm sure he won't bother us. 29 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:55,840 I beg your pardon. 30 00:01:55,840 --> 00:01:56,840 Hello, Bobby. 31 00:01:56,840 --> 00:01:57,840 Why, Fred. 32 00:01:57,840 --> 00:01:58,840 Oh, this is a surprise. 33 00:01:58,840 --> 00:01:59,840 I'm happy when I hope... 34 00:01:59,840 --> 00:02:00,840 He's staring at you. 35 00:02:00,840 --> 00:02:01,840 Oh, why, of course. 36 00:02:01,840 --> 00:02:02,840 Oh, Mimi, this is Fred Dexter, Mimi Carlisle. 37 00:02:02,840 --> 00:02:03,840 Fred's a very old friend of mine. 38 00:02:03,840 --> 00:02:04,840 Hello. 39 00:02:04,840 --> 00:02:05,840 How do you do? 40 00:02:05,840 --> 00:02:06,840 Do sit down, Fred. 41 00:02:06,840 --> 00:02:07,840 Mimi was just telling me about a mysterious man staring at me. 42 00:02:07,840 --> 00:02:08,840 Well, I guess I was staring, but I wasn't sure if it was you. 43 00:02:08,840 --> 00:02:09,840 Oh, I'm sorry. 44 00:02:09,840 --> 00:02:10,840 I'm sorry. 45 00:02:10,840 --> 00:02:11,840 I'm sorry. 46 00:02:11,840 --> 00:02:12,840 I'm sorry. 47 00:02:12,840 --> 00:02:13,840 I'm sorry. 48 00:02:13,840 --> 00:02:14,840 I'm sorry. 49 00:02:14,840 --> 00:02:15,840 I'm sorry. 50 00:02:15,840 --> 00:02:16,840 I'm sorry. 51 00:02:16,840 --> 00:02:21,840 I'm sorry. 52 00:02:21,840 --> 00:02:24,840 I'm-I'm talking nonsense. 53 00:02:24,840 --> 00:02:32,880 You don't have to. 54 00:02:32,880 --> 00:02:37,880 I must go. I have to see that wonderful lawyer of mine, and I know you two must have a lot to talk about. 55 00:02:37,880 --> 00:02:40,880 Oh, don't bother to get up. Nice to meet you, Mr. Dexter. 56 00:02:40,880 --> 00:02:42,880 It's my pleasure, Miss Carlisle. 57 00:02:42,880 --> 00:02:44,880 I'll call you during the week, Bobbie. 58 00:02:44,880 --> 00:02:46,880 Please do, darling. Bye now. 59 00:02:47,880 --> 00:02:49,880 Well, Fred, where shall we start? 60 00:02:49,880 --> 00:02:53,880 I'd like to start where we left off six years ago. 61 00:02:53,880 --> 00:02:55,880 You still turn a nice face. 62 00:02:55,880 --> 00:02:58,880 And you're still the most beautiful woman in the world. 63 00:02:58,880 --> 00:03:01,880 Funny that you should feel that way after what happened. 64 00:03:01,880 --> 00:03:05,880 Oh, I was hurt deeply at first. Call it pride. 65 00:03:06,880 --> 00:03:09,880 Are you happy? Was it really worth it, Bobbie? 66 00:03:09,880 --> 00:03:10,880 Oh, here's our coffee. 67 00:03:10,880 --> 00:03:13,880 Oh, thank you. The usual one lump of sugar? 68 00:03:13,880 --> 00:03:17,880 No, but thanks for remembering. A black'll be fine. 69 00:03:18,880 --> 00:03:20,880 You haven't told me if it was worth it. 70 00:03:20,880 --> 00:03:23,880 I have everything I ever wanted. 71 00:03:23,880 --> 00:03:25,880 Are you happy with it, Bobbie? 72 00:03:25,880 --> 00:03:28,880 Please, Fred, let's not talk about it. 73 00:03:28,880 --> 00:03:30,880 What are you doing here in Florida? 74 00:03:30,880 --> 00:03:32,880 I just got in a few days ago. Business. 75 00:03:32,880 --> 00:03:36,880 Sort of a troubleshooting job. Probably be here a few months. 76 00:03:36,880 --> 00:03:38,880 Did you come alone? 77 00:03:38,880 --> 00:03:41,880 If you mean, am I married? No, I haven't found a girl rich enough. 78 00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:43,880 I guess I deserve that. 79 00:03:43,880 --> 00:03:45,880 Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. 80 00:03:45,880 --> 00:03:48,880 It's getting late, Fred. It's almost two o'clock. 81 00:03:48,880 --> 00:03:51,880 I'm afraid I must be going. It's been wonderful seeing you. 82 00:03:51,880 --> 00:03:52,880 Will I see you again? 83 00:03:52,880 --> 00:03:53,880 Yes. 84 00:03:53,880 --> 00:03:54,880 When? When? 85 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:55,880 Oh, I can't say for sure. 86 00:03:55,880 --> 00:03:57,880 Oh, how about lunch tomorrow? We'll meet here at one o'clock, huh? 87 00:03:57,880 --> 00:04:00,880 Well, you talked me into it. See you then. 88 00:04:07,880 --> 00:04:11,880 I must admit it was quite a surprise meeting Fred Dexter. 89 00:04:11,880 --> 00:04:16,880 When I left Chicago, he was the one person I never thought I'd see again. 90 00:04:16,880 --> 00:04:21,880 But I couldn't decide whether or not I was happy that he was here. 91 00:04:21,880 --> 00:04:25,880 At dinner that evening, it was like any other night in my marriage. 92 00:04:25,880 --> 00:04:30,880 The usual business group was there, big cigars stuck in their flabby faces, 93 00:04:30,880 --> 00:04:35,880 all nodding in unison as Jonathan recited the day's news from Wall Street. 94 00:04:35,880 --> 00:04:42,880 I knew the speech by heart. Cotton up three points, sweet up one, steel up two. 95 00:04:42,880 --> 00:04:48,880 Tonight it annoyed me more than usual, but I just smiled and remained the perfect hostess. 96 00:04:48,880 --> 00:04:54,880 I'm sure it wouldn't have bothered me as much had I known then what Jonathan was going to tell me later. 97 00:04:54,880 --> 00:04:58,880 I was sitting in my room when he knocked on the door. Come in. 98 00:04:58,880 --> 00:05:04,880 Oh, this is a delightful dinner, Barbara. You're charming as always. 99 00:05:04,880 --> 00:05:06,880 Thank you, Jonathan. I'm glad it pleased you. 100 00:05:06,880 --> 00:05:09,880 I have a bit of news for you, my dear. 101 00:05:09,880 --> 00:05:10,880 News? 102 00:05:10,880 --> 00:05:14,880 Yes. Sure it won't depress you too much, but I must leave on a business trip to South America. 103 00:05:14,880 --> 00:05:16,880 Oh, when are you leaving? 104 00:05:16,880 --> 00:05:18,880 My plane reservation's up for tomorrow morning. 105 00:05:18,880 --> 00:05:19,880 Oh, you'll be gone long? 106 00:05:19,880 --> 00:05:22,880 Probably two or three months. We're opening a new branch office, 107 00:05:22,880 --> 00:05:26,880 and naturally I'll have to see that everything is organized and properly launched. 108 00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:31,880 I'll cable you when I arrive. If you have a spare moment, I'd like to hear from you. 109 00:05:31,880 --> 00:05:32,880 I'll write you, Jonathan. 110 00:05:32,880 --> 00:05:35,880 Thank you, Barbara. Good night, my dear. 111 00:05:42,880 --> 00:05:46,880 Jonathan was right. I wasn't at all depressed that he was leaving. 112 00:05:46,880 --> 00:05:48,880 In fact, I could hardly believe it. 113 00:05:48,880 --> 00:05:54,880 This would be the first time in five years that we had been separated for more than just a few days. 114 00:05:54,880 --> 00:06:00,880 It was a new-found freedom, and now I decided I was happy that Fred had arrived in town. 115 00:06:00,880 --> 00:06:06,880 The next few weeks passed quickly, and I saw Fred regularly, so we had to be careful where we met. 116 00:06:06,880 --> 00:06:10,880 It was a complete change for me, and it was wonderful to feel alive again. 117 00:06:10,880 --> 00:06:16,880 But for Fred, it just meant that he was falling more deeply in love with me. 118 00:06:16,880 --> 00:06:22,880 Perhaps it wasn't right to encourage him, but I was enjoying myself thoroughly. 119 00:06:22,880 --> 00:06:28,880 One evening, just before Jonathan was to return, Mimi phoned and invited me to a party. 120 00:06:28,880 --> 00:06:33,880 It was a typical Mimi Carlyle affair with bright lights and dull people. 121 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:38,880 Bobby, darling, I want you to meet Alex Maynard. That's he playing the piano. 122 00:06:38,880 --> 00:06:42,880 Oh, he's a perfect dream. Come, you must meet him this instant. 123 00:06:42,880 --> 00:06:49,880 Alex, Alex, I'd like you to meet a very dear friend of mine, Mrs. Jonathan Newell, Alex Maynard. 124 00:06:49,880 --> 00:06:51,880 Bobby to you, Alex. 125 00:06:51,880 --> 00:06:52,880 How do you do? 126 00:06:52,880 --> 00:06:53,880 Hello. 127 00:06:53,880 --> 00:06:57,880 And now you must excuse me. I'm going to practice my smile on my guests. 128 00:06:57,880 --> 00:07:00,880 I'll see you both later. 129 00:07:00,880 --> 00:07:03,880 I hope we didn't interrupt your play. 130 00:07:03,880 --> 00:07:06,880 You're not. I was just noodling around. 131 00:07:06,880 --> 00:07:09,880 Well, don't stop, please. I love Gershwin. 132 00:07:09,880 --> 00:07:12,880 Oh, he's my favorite, too. 133 00:07:17,880 --> 00:07:19,880 You play beautifully. 134 00:07:19,880 --> 00:07:24,880 Thanks. It's sort of a hobby. Something to do with dull parties. 135 00:07:24,880 --> 00:07:27,880 What do you do if there's no piano? 136 00:07:27,880 --> 00:07:32,880 I find a beautiful young woman like you, talk to her. 137 00:07:32,880 --> 00:07:37,880 Maybe somebody else would like to play for her. 138 00:07:37,880 --> 00:07:40,880 Maybe you're right. 139 00:07:48,880 --> 00:07:52,880 I thought it could never happen to me, but it did. 140 00:07:52,880 --> 00:07:59,880 The moment I saw Alex Maynard, I knew that for the first time in my life, I was in love. 141 00:07:59,880 --> 00:08:04,880 I spent every moment I could with him, but it was still necessary to see Fred occasionally. 142 00:08:04,880 --> 00:08:11,880 I lied about why I hadn't been with him much lately, because I knew he'd make trouble if he found out about Alex. 143 00:08:11,880 --> 00:08:15,880 Everything was going along beautifully, and I was so happy. 144 00:08:15,880 --> 00:08:19,880 But I knew it would all end the minute Jonathan returned. 145 00:08:19,880 --> 00:08:28,880 I couldn't bear the thought of living without Alex, and I decided to explain how I felt to Jonathan in the hope that he'd give me my freedom. 146 00:08:28,880 --> 00:08:32,880 It was strange, but I didn't even want any of his money. 147 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:35,880 I only wanted Alex. 148 00:08:40,880 --> 00:08:47,880 I knew that Jonathan might not be willing to give me a divorce, and the thought kept pressing on my mind. 149 00:08:47,880 --> 00:08:51,880 So I began thinking of other ways to get rid of him. 150 00:08:51,880 --> 00:09:03,880 I even thought of murder. 151 00:09:05,880 --> 00:09:11,880 For Suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you Marsha Hunt in Self-Defense. 152 00:09:11,880 --> 00:09:24,880 Roma Wines presentation tonight in Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrills, Suspense. 153 00:09:24,880 --> 00:09:30,880 Suspense, Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrills, is being brought to you by Roma Wines. 154 00:09:30,880 --> 00:09:38,880 That's R-O-M-A, Roma California Wines, from the world's greatest reserves of fine wine. 155 00:09:38,880 --> 00:09:47,880 High food prices, meatless Tuesdays and eggless Thursdays, puts the American homemaker on her metal to create tempting menus with inexpensive dishes. 156 00:09:47,880 --> 00:09:55,880 But millions of women have discovered an easy way to transform the simplest meals into adventures of enjoyment. 157 00:09:55,880 --> 00:10:02,880 The secret? At dinnertime, simply serve robust Roma Burgundy or delicate Roma Sauternes. 158 00:10:02,880 --> 00:10:10,880 Even the plainest dishes take on new glamour with Roma Burgundy or Roma Sauternes to bring out all hidden flavor goodness. 159 00:10:10,880 --> 00:10:14,880 So try this easy recipe for mealtime pleasure. 160 00:10:14,880 --> 00:10:16,880 Serve tempting Roma Wines. 161 00:10:16,880 --> 00:10:22,880 Remember, more Americans enjoy Roma Wines than any other wine. 162 00:10:22,880 --> 00:10:26,880 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. 163 00:10:26,880 --> 00:10:37,880 And now Roma Wines bring back to our Hollywood Soundstage, Marsha Hunt as Barbara Newell in Self-Defense, a play well calculated to keep you in Suspense. 164 00:10:37,880 --> 00:10:57,880 It wasn't long after I'd met Alex that Jonathan arrived home and immediately surrounded himself with his associates. 165 00:10:57,880 --> 00:11:02,880 It seemed that the two of us were never alone long enough to bring up the subject of divorce. 166 00:11:02,880 --> 00:11:11,880 It was beginning to upset me terribly. I was becoming nervous and irritable and Alex didn't make it any easier for me because he was continually asking about it. 167 00:11:11,880 --> 00:11:16,880 It was a Thursday night when I finally got to speak to Jonathan alone. 168 00:11:16,880 --> 00:11:22,880 The household help was off for the evening and Jonathan was in his study going over some papers. 169 00:11:22,880 --> 00:11:29,880 I thought he was wrapped up in his business plan, but I must say I was rather surprised he was thinking of me. 170 00:11:29,880 --> 00:11:32,880 After a long silence, he spoke. 171 00:11:32,880 --> 00:11:40,880 Barbara, you haven't been yourself since I've come back. You're jumpy and always on edge. Is there something on your mind? 172 00:11:40,880 --> 00:11:45,880 Yes, there is, Jonathan. I wanted to tell you about it, but I haven't been able to get you alone. 173 00:11:45,880 --> 00:11:47,880 Oh, we're alone now. 174 00:11:47,880 --> 00:11:50,880 Jonathan, I want a divorce. 175 00:11:50,880 --> 00:11:52,880 You know how I feel about that. 176 00:11:52,880 --> 00:11:56,880 But I don't want it because of your money. I swear I won't ask you for a penny. 177 00:11:56,880 --> 00:11:58,880 This doesn't sound like you, Barbara. 178 00:11:58,880 --> 00:12:02,880 I know it doesn't, but I'm not the same person you left three months ago. 179 00:12:02,880 --> 00:12:05,880 You see, I've fallen in love. 180 00:12:05,880 --> 00:12:08,880 Oh, come now, my dear. You don't expect me to believe that. 181 00:12:08,880 --> 00:12:10,880 It's true. You must believe it. 182 00:12:10,880 --> 00:12:11,880 Does he have more money than I? 183 00:12:11,880 --> 00:12:12,880 Of course not. 184 00:12:12,880 --> 00:12:15,880 Well, then you can't be in love with him, not you, Barbara. 185 00:12:15,880 --> 00:12:18,880 It's just an infatuation, like a summer romance. 186 00:12:18,880 --> 00:12:20,880 I'm sure you'll get over it shortly. 187 00:12:20,880 --> 00:12:24,880 I'm sure you're just tired and need a change. Why don't you take a trip to the Bahamas, Nassau? 188 00:12:24,880 --> 00:12:28,880 It's a world of good. And then when you come back, I'm sure you'll regain your perspective. 189 00:12:28,880 --> 00:12:31,880 I don't want a trip. I want a divorce. 190 00:12:31,880 --> 00:12:35,880 I thought we had an understanding, my dear, but apparently you've lost sight of it. 191 00:12:35,880 --> 00:12:37,880 But we don't love each other and we never will. 192 00:12:37,880 --> 00:12:40,880 I'm quite aware of that and I always have been. 193 00:12:40,880 --> 00:12:43,880 I'm sorry, my dear, but you can't raise any sympathy for me. 194 00:12:43,880 --> 00:12:47,880 You've gotten everything you wanted from this marriage and I don't owe you a thing. 195 00:12:47,880 --> 00:12:58,880 I'll give you a divorce under any circumstances. Good night, Barbara. 196 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:04,880 I knew all the time what Jonathan's answer would be, but I had to ask anyway. 197 00:13:04,880 --> 00:13:08,880 The next day I met Alex at our usual place in the park. 198 00:13:08,880 --> 00:13:14,880 It was a pretty little spot in a cove just off the lake, hidden from view by a row of hedges. 199 00:13:14,880 --> 00:13:17,880 He was charming and attentive as always. 200 00:13:17,880 --> 00:13:22,880 I just couldn't tell him that Jonathan had refused to give me a divorce. 201 00:13:22,880 --> 00:13:26,880 I needed more time to think and to plan. 202 00:13:26,880 --> 00:13:33,880 My mind kept wandering back to the night before and I guess I wasn't paying any attention to Alex because he became a little annoyed. 203 00:13:33,880 --> 00:13:39,880 Hey. Hey, remember me? I play the piano. 204 00:13:39,880 --> 00:13:42,880 Oh, I'm sorry, darling. I guess I was daydreaming. 205 00:13:42,880 --> 00:13:45,880 Well, do it on your own time, huh? 206 00:13:45,880 --> 00:13:48,880 What were you dreaming about? 207 00:13:48,880 --> 00:13:54,880 I was just thinking how nice it is being here with you. I wish we could stay here forever. 208 00:13:54,880 --> 00:13:57,880 I'd like it too. 209 00:13:57,880 --> 00:14:00,880 How long has it been since we've known each other? 210 00:14:00,880 --> 00:14:03,880 Oh, a couple of lifetimes. 211 00:14:03,880 --> 00:14:09,880 It does seem a long time, doesn't it? It's funny that when you're in love, a few weeks can seem like forever. 212 00:14:09,880 --> 00:14:10,880 Are you in love? 213 00:14:10,880 --> 00:14:12,880 Uh-huh. 214 00:14:12,880 --> 00:14:15,880 Anybody I know? 215 00:14:15,880 --> 00:14:20,880 Maybe. A funny looking fellow, name of Alex. 216 00:14:20,880 --> 00:14:27,880 Oh, he's a lucky guy. Yeah, I wish I knew him. I'm in love too. 217 00:14:27,880 --> 00:14:28,880 Anybody I know? 218 00:14:28,880 --> 00:14:32,880 Maybe. She's the most wonderful woman in the world. 219 00:14:32,880 --> 00:14:34,880 Who is she? 220 00:14:34,880 --> 00:14:36,880 My landlady. 221 00:14:36,880 --> 00:14:38,880 You know you're silly. 222 00:14:38,880 --> 00:14:39,880 You know I love you very much. 223 00:14:39,880 --> 00:14:41,880 Oh, and I love you, darling. 224 00:14:41,880 --> 00:14:44,880 Yeah, that's the way it's always going to be, huh? 225 00:14:44,880 --> 00:14:47,880 Have you spoken to your husband about her? 226 00:14:47,880 --> 00:14:51,880 No, no, I haven't had a chance yet. 227 00:14:51,880 --> 00:14:55,880 He's been so busy since he came back, I haven't been able to get him alone for a minute. 228 00:14:55,880 --> 00:14:57,880 But you must speak to him, darling. 229 00:14:57,880 --> 00:15:03,880 How long can we go on like this? Look, I don't want to see you just one or two days a week in the park. 230 00:15:03,880 --> 00:15:05,880 I want to be with you every day of my life. 231 00:15:05,880 --> 00:15:08,880 Don't you think I want that too? 232 00:15:08,880 --> 00:15:12,880 Why don't we see him together? Have it out once and for all. 233 00:15:12,880 --> 00:15:13,880 I know we can make him understand. 234 00:15:13,880 --> 00:15:17,880 Oh, no, Alex, we mustn't do that. You don't know Jonathan. 235 00:15:17,880 --> 00:15:18,880 It's better that we do it my way. 236 00:15:18,880 --> 00:15:20,880 Well, I have a share in this too. 237 00:15:20,880 --> 00:15:22,880 And it isn't right that you should have to face him alone. 238 00:15:22,880 --> 00:15:23,880 Let me go with you. 239 00:15:23,880 --> 00:15:28,880 Oh, please, darling, let me take care of it. Just be patient a little longer. 240 00:15:28,880 --> 00:15:39,880 I know that Jonathan won't stand in our way. 241 00:15:39,880 --> 00:15:46,880 Yes, I knew that Jonathan would no longer be a problem because now I had the answer. 242 00:15:46,880 --> 00:15:50,880 I thought about it for several days and then decided I'd go through with it. 243 00:15:50,880 --> 00:15:55,880 It was a desperate plan, but a woman in love will do desperate things. 244 00:15:55,880 --> 00:16:05,880 You see, the plan included Fred Dexter and murder. 245 00:16:05,880 --> 00:16:10,880 I meant to see you soon, Fred, but it's the first chance I've had to get away since my husband returned. 246 00:16:10,880 --> 00:16:12,880 Oh, I didn't know he was back. 247 00:16:12,880 --> 00:16:14,880 He got back last week. 248 00:16:14,880 --> 00:16:17,880 Are things still the same between you? 249 00:16:17,880 --> 00:16:23,880 Yes, still the same. I don't love him and I'm sure he's not in love with me. 250 00:16:23,880 --> 00:16:26,880 It would have been different had you married me, Bobby. 251 00:16:26,880 --> 00:16:31,880 I know that, Fred, and I've been thinking about it lately. 252 00:16:31,880 --> 00:16:36,880 I had a lot of plans for it. It was going to be an ideal marriage. 253 00:16:36,880 --> 00:16:39,880 And then you decided that money was more important. 254 00:16:39,880 --> 00:16:43,880 I'm sorry because I know I would have made you happy. 255 00:16:43,880 --> 00:16:50,880 You know, Fred, when you're young, you have to do many things that you regret later in life. 256 00:16:50,880 --> 00:16:55,880 Sometimes if you're lucky, you can correct those mistakes. 257 00:16:55,880 --> 00:16:57,880 Would you like to try, Bobby? 258 00:16:57,880 --> 00:17:00,880 Oh, Fred, that's what I want more than anything, but it's so difficult. 259 00:17:00,880 --> 00:17:03,880 Come here. Come here. Sit next to me. 260 00:17:03,880 --> 00:17:08,880 Oh, you know how I feel about you. You're the only thing I've ever cared about. You're all I've ever wanted. 261 00:17:08,880 --> 00:17:10,880 I can't bear to see you unhappy, darling. 262 00:17:10,880 --> 00:17:17,880 Oh, Fred, I've been such a fool. I guess I've always loved you. There's never been anyone else. 263 00:17:17,880 --> 00:17:21,880 It's not too late. We'll go to your husband and we'll explain it to him. 264 00:17:21,880 --> 00:17:23,880 I'm sure he'll understand. He's got to understand. 265 00:17:23,880 --> 00:17:25,880 That won't work, Fred. 266 00:17:25,880 --> 00:17:27,880 Have you asked him already? 267 00:17:27,880 --> 00:17:30,880 Remember the first day we met in the cafe? 268 00:17:30,880 --> 00:17:34,880 I knew then that I wanted you and that I must get away from my husband. 269 00:17:34,880 --> 00:17:37,880 I asked him for a divorce that very night and he refused me. 270 00:17:37,880 --> 00:17:40,880 I kept thinking about it all the time he was away. 271 00:17:40,880 --> 00:17:44,880 And when he returned, I begged him again, but the answer is still no. 272 00:17:44,880 --> 00:17:48,880 He says he will not divorce me under any circumstances. 273 00:17:48,880 --> 00:17:53,880 There must be something we can do. He has no right to stand in the way of our happiness. 274 00:17:53,880 --> 00:17:57,880 Do you think I want the rest of my life to be as empty as the past six years? 275 00:17:57,880 --> 00:18:03,880 I don't know what to say, darling. I don't see how we can possibly get rid of him. 276 00:18:03,880 --> 00:18:08,880 That's it. That's it. That's it. That's it. Exactly. We'll get rid of him. 277 00:18:08,880 --> 00:18:11,880 Fred. Fred, what are you thinking? 278 00:18:11,880 --> 00:18:15,880 Oh, I'm just thinking of you, darling. I want you and I'm going to have you at any cost. 279 00:18:15,880 --> 00:18:17,880 Oh, Fred, I love you so much. 280 00:18:17,880 --> 00:18:19,880 Oh, my darling. 281 00:18:24,880 --> 00:18:28,880 It was so easy, I almost laughed and Fred's face. 282 00:18:28,880 --> 00:18:34,880 He sat there like a lovesick sophomore, swallowing every word I said like a sugar-coated pill. 283 00:18:34,880 --> 00:18:38,880 When he kissed me, it made me ill, but I didn't mind. 284 00:18:38,880 --> 00:18:43,880 Because I knew this would be the last time I'd ever kiss anyone but Alex. 285 00:18:43,880 --> 00:18:48,880 My performance was so convincing that I didn't even have to suggest the murder myself. 286 00:18:48,880 --> 00:18:53,880 It was all Fred's idea, just as I wanted it to be. 287 00:18:53,880 --> 00:18:57,880 It would take place on a Thursday night when the household help would be off. 288 00:18:57,880 --> 00:19:00,880 Fred was to be hiding in the shrubbery at the side of the house. 289 00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:04,880 He would have the poker from the fireplace in our library. 290 00:19:04,880 --> 00:19:09,880 I wasn't worried about his being seen because the house was in an isolated neighborhood. 291 00:19:09,880 --> 00:19:14,880 When Jonathan came home at 7.30, as he always did, I was to pretend I had a headache 292 00:19:14,880 --> 00:19:17,880 and get him to go to the drugstore for some Aspen. 293 00:19:17,880 --> 00:19:21,880 Fred was to kill him with the poker and bring the body into the library. 294 00:19:21,880 --> 00:19:25,880 Meanwhile, I was to open the library wall safe and disarrange the furniture. 295 00:19:25,880 --> 00:19:29,880 We wanted to give the impression that a struggle was taking place. 296 00:19:29,880 --> 00:19:33,880 I would then go to the drugstore myself and make a purchase to establish an alibi. 297 00:19:33,880 --> 00:19:38,880 When I returned, I would call the police and tell them there had been a robbery while I was out 298 00:19:38,880 --> 00:19:41,880 and that my husband had been murdered. 299 00:19:41,880 --> 00:19:47,880 Simple, wasn't it? A nice, neat plan with no loopholes. 300 00:19:47,880 --> 00:19:53,880 This was the first time in my marriage to Jonathan Newell that I wanted him to be home on time. 301 00:19:53,880 --> 00:19:58,880 It was exactly 10 minutes to 7 on the night we had set and the doorbell rang. 302 00:19:58,880 --> 00:20:04,880 As I opened the door, I was thinking it was rather nice of Jonathan to be early for his own murder. 303 00:20:04,880 --> 00:20:05,880 Bobby. 304 00:20:05,880 --> 00:20:08,880 Alex, what are you doing here? 305 00:20:08,880 --> 00:20:09,880 Where is he? 306 00:20:09,880 --> 00:20:10,880 Where's who? 307 00:20:10,880 --> 00:20:13,880 Your husband. I can't stand this anymore. I've got to talk to him. 308 00:20:13,880 --> 00:20:16,880 Oh, Alex, you promised you'd leave this to me. You're acting like a child. 309 00:20:16,880 --> 00:20:19,880 But I haven't seen you all week. How much longer do you think I can wait? 310 00:20:19,880 --> 00:20:22,880 Please, darling, this is no time to discuss it. 311 00:20:22,880 --> 00:20:27,880 Jonathan will be home any minute and if he sees you here, it'll ruin any hope we have. 312 00:20:27,880 --> 00:20:29,880 Maybe he should see me here. 313 00:20:29,880 --> 00:20:31,880 But that's not the way. It won't help. 314 00:20:31,880 --> 00:20:34,880 I promise you that after tonight, everything will be all right. 315 00:20:34,880 --> 00:20:38,880 Bobby, that's what you said the last time. 316 00:20:38,880 --> 00:20:43,880 You've got to believe in me, Alex. Just give me tonight. 317 00:20:43,880 --> 00:20:48,880 All right. I guess you're right. It's just that I love you so much. 318 00:20:48,880 --> 00:20:54,880 I understand and I love you. But please, you must go now. He'll be here any minute. 319 00:20:54,880 --> 00:20:57,880 Okay, I'll go. Call me in the morning, huh? 320 00:20:57,880 --> 00:20:59,880 I will, Alex. Good night. 321 00:20:59,880 --> 00:21:01,880 Goodbye, Bobby. 322 00:21:12,880 --> 00:21:15,880 Poor darling thought he was doing the right thing. 323 00:21:15,880 --> 00:21:19,880 But actually, he almost spoiled any chance we would ever have for happiness. 324 00:21:19,880 --> 00:21:25,880 It's a good thing he left when he did because just a few minutes later, Jonathan came home. 325 00:21:25,880 --> 00:21:30,880 I was sitting in the living room with an ice pack on my head as I heard the door open. 326 00:21:30,880 --> 00:21:32,880 Is that you, Jonathan? 327 00:21:32,880 --> 00:21:34,880 Yes, Barbara. 328 00:21:34,880 --> 00:21:37,880 Well, what's the matter with you? 329 00:21:37,880 --> 00:21:39,880 I have a splitting headache. 330 00:21:39,880 --> 00:21:42,880 Oh, but we're having dinner with the Vanders tonight. 331 00:21:42,880 --> 00:21:46,880 I really don't feel up to it. You go without me and give them my apologies. 332 00:21:46,880 --> 00:21:49,880 But Charlie's very important to me. I... 333 00:21:49,880 --> 00:21:51,880 Oh, well, if you'd rather... 334 00:21:51,880 --> 00:21:54,880 Oh, there is one thing you can do for me, Jonathan. 335 00:21:54,880 --> 00:21:57,880 We don't have an aspirin in the house and the servants are all gone. 336 00:21:57,880 --> 00:22:00,880 Would you mind going to the drug store and getting some? 337 00:22:00,880 --> 00:22:02,880 No, not at all. I'll go as soon as I dress. 338 00:22:02,880 --> 00:22:05,880 Would it be too much trouble to go now, Jonathan? 339 00:22:05,880 --> 00:22:08,880 Pain is unbearable. It will only take you minutes. 340 00:22:08,880 --> 00:22:10,880 All right, if you insist, my lady. 341 00:22:10,880 --> 00:22:19,880 Thank you. 342 00:22:19,880 --> 00:22:23,880 As soon as Jonathan left, I went to the library and set the stage. 343 00:22:23,880 --> 00:22:26,880 Then I returned to the living room and waited. 344 00:22:26,880 --> 00:22:30,880 I suppose I should have felt his sense of guilt, but I didn't. 345 00:22:30,880 --> 00:22:36,880 I only felt a warm glow, knowing that I would soon have Alex forever. 346 00:22:36,880 --> 00:22:41,880 In a few minutes, Fred opened the back door and dragged the body through the kitchen. 347 00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:47,880 He was carrying out the plan perfectly, and I could hear him placing Jonathan in the library. 348 00:22:47,880 --> 00:22:53,880 When he finished, he came into the living room where I was sitting. 349 00:22:53,880 --> 00:22:56,880 Well, it's done. 350 00:22:56,880 --> 00:22:58,880 Did everything go all right? 351 00:22:58,880 --> 00:23:04,880 I had some trouble unlocking the back gate. It took a little time, but I... I finally managed it. 352 00:23:04,880 --> 00:23:06,880 Did you put the poker in the room with him? 353 00:23:06,880 --> 00:23:11,880 Yes. Yes, and it's a very pretty picture. Would you care to see it? 354 00:23:11,880 --> 00:23:13,880 I'll take your word for it. 355 00:23:13,880 --> 00:23:21,880 You know, Bobbie, I've read about things like this, but I never thought I would wind up doing it. 356 00:23:21,880 --> 00:23:22,880 Are you sorry? 357 00:23:22,880 --> 00:23:26,880 Oh, no. No, it's not that, darling. You know, I'd do anything, anything for you with no regrets. 358 00:23:26,880 --> 00:23:29,880 That's the way I feel, Fred. No regrets. 359 00:23:29,880 --> 00:23:34,880 I guess when you do something for the one you love, you're never sorry. 360 00:23:34,880 --> 00:23:37,880 I know just what you mean. 361 00:23:37,880 --> 00:23:42,880 Well, I'd better be getting out of here so that you can get to the drugstore. 362 00:23:42,880 --> 00:23:44,880 I'm not going to the store, Fred. 363 00:23:44,880 --> 00:23:46,880 Why not? Did you change the plan? 364 00:23:46,880 --> 00:23:49,880 Yes. There's something I didn't tell you. 365 00:23:49,880 --> 00:23:51,880 What is it? 366 00:23:51,880 --> 00:23:53,880 This. 367 00:23:53,880 --> 00:23:56,880 What are you doing with that gun? 368 00:23:56,880 --> 00:23:59,880 I'm going to kill you. 369 00:23:59,880 --> 00:24:03,880 Oh, look, Bobbie, look, we're both upset and I'm in no mood for jokes. Come on, let's finish what we have to do and get... 370 00:24:03,880 --> 00:24:07,880 I'm not joking, Fred. I'm going to kill you. 371 00:24:07,880 --> 00:24:11,880 Bobbie, you know what you're saying? This is what you wanted, what we both wanted. 372 00:24:11,880 --> 00:24:13,880 Your husband's out of the way. We're free. We can be married. 373 00:24:13,880 --> 00:24:15,880 I intend getting married, but not to you. 374 00:24:15,880 --> 00:24:17,880 But I thought... 375 00:24:17,880 --> 00:24:23,880 Of course that's what you thought because that's what I wanted you to think. I've never loved you. I never could. 376 00:24:23,880 --> 00:24:25,880 And why did you lie to me? 377 00:24:25,880 --> 00:24:31,880 Because you were interesting for a while. After five years of Jonathan, anybody would have looked good. 378 00:24:31,880 --> 00:24:33,880 It just happened to be you. 379 00:24:33,880 --> 00:24:37,880 But then I met someone else. Someone I loved very much. 380 00:24:37,880 --> 00:24:42,880 And I realized I needed you more than ever. But for this. 381 00:24:42,880 --> 00:24:44,880 But you don't have to kill me. 382 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:48,880 I'm afraid I do, Fred. You might lose your head and do something stupid. 383 00:24:48,880 --> 00:24:53,880 You might even go to the police and give us both up because you can't have me. 384 00:24:53,880 --> 00:24:55,880 I can't take that chance. 385 00:24:55,880 --> 00:24:56,880 You'll never get away with it. 386 00:24:56,880 --> 00:25:00,880 I'm sure I will. I figured this out very carefully. 387 00:25:00,880 --> 00:25:05,880 You see, my husband is dead in the library, murdered by a jealous lover who forced his way into our house. 388 00:25:05,880 --> 00:25:06,880 Oh, no. 389 00:25:06,880 --> 00:25:08,880 I'm afraid I'll have to shoot you and self-defend you. 390 00:25:08,880 --> 00:25:11,880 You're insane. They'll never believe you. 391 00:25:11,880 --> 00:25:14,880 Look, Bobbie, look. I'll go away. I'll never tell a soul. You'll be clear. 392 00:25:14,880 --> 00:25:23,880 I promise I'm not... 393 00:25:34,880 --> 00:25:37,880 Operator, give me the police. 394 00:25:37,880 --> 00:25:47,880 I'd like to report a murder. 395 00:25:47,880 --> 00:25:51,880 I knew exactly what I was going to say to the police when they arrived. 396 00:25:51,880 --> 00:25:57,880 Yes, for a moment I was very happy and quite pleased with Barbara Newell. 397 00:25:57,880 --> 00:26:01,880 Everything had gone smoothly, exactly as I had planned it. 398 00:26:01,880 --> 00:26:07,880 Except for one thing. I should have looked at the body of my husband. 399 00:26:07,880 --> 00:26:26,880 If I had, I might not have been convicted of murder. 400 00:26:26,880 --> 00:26:35,880 You see, my scheme would have worked perfectly, but I overlooked a very important point. 401 00:26:35,880 --> 00:26:40,880 It hadn't occurred to me that Fred had never seen my husband, Jonathan, 402 00:26:40,880 --> 00:26:59,880 and the man he killed coming out of the house was Alex Maynard. 403 00:26:59,880 --> 00:27:01,880 Suspense. 404 00:27:01,880 --> 00:27:05,880 Self-Defense, starring Marsha Hunt, presented by Roma Wines. 405 00:27:05,880 --> 00:27:11,880 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines, America's largest selling wine. 406 00:27:11,880 --> 00:27:16,880 When you serve your favorite Roma wine, you enjoy the rich reward of nature's treasure. 407 00:27:16,880 --> 00:27:22,880 Selected California grapes, gently pressed at their peak of goodness. 408 00:27:22,880 --> 00:27:26,880 Then, with ancient skills and unmatched wine-making resources, 409 00:27:26,880 --> 00:27:33,880 Roma master ventners guide these natural juices unhurriedly to tempting taste perfection. 410 00:27:33,880 --> 00:27:38,880 These Roma California wines are placed with other Melo-Roma wines 411 00:27:38,880 --> 00:27:45,880 to await later selection from the world's greatest reserves of fine wines for your pleasure. 412 00:27:45,880 --> 00:27:49,880 If you are expecting friends this weekend, give everybody a treat. 413 00:27:49,880 --> 00:27:56,880 Serve glorious nut-like Roma sherry, fruity Roma port, or Melo-Roma muscatel. 414 00:27:56,880 --> 00:28:02,880 Enjoy the better taste that has made Roma wines America's favorite wines. 415 00:28:02,880 --> 00:28:06,880 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. 416 00:28:06,880 --> 00:28:11,880 Marsha Hunt may currently be seen in the United Artists Film, Carnegie Hall. 417 00:28:11,880 --> 00:28:16,880 Tonight's Suspense play was by Arthur Julian and Howard Lee. 418 00:28:16,880 --> 00:28:23,880 Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Dennis O'Keefe as star of Suspense, 419 00:28:23,880 --> 00:28:30,880 produced by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. 420 00:28:30,880 --> 00:28:34,880 This is Truman Bradley with today's reminder from Roma. 421 00:28:34,880 --> 00:28:39,880 Your community chest supports supervised children's recreational centers 422 00:28:39,880 --> 00:28:42,880 in neighborhoods and youth organizations. 423 00:28:42,880 --> 00:28:47,880 These are red feather services needed by every boy and girl. 424 00:28:47,880 --> 00:28:50,880 Keep them going. Give now. 425 00:28:50,880 --> 00:28:53,880 Give generously to your community chest. 426 00:28:53,880 --> 00:29:08,880 In the coming weeks, Suspense will present such stars as Louis Jourdan, June Havoc, and others. 427 00:29:08,880 --> 00:29:15,880 Make it a point to listen each Thursday to Suspense, radio's outstanding theater of thrills. 428 00:29:15,880 --> 00:29:23,880 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.