WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:01.000 Suspense. 00:01.000 --> 00:13.520 Tonight's suspense brings you as star Miss Marsha Hunt. 00:13.520 --> 00:20.120 But first, an important reminder that wherever hospitality is the last word in luxury, the 00:20.120 --> 00:26.000 first name in wines is the R-E-S-T-A. 00:26.000 --> 00:30.560 C-L-A-N-C-A. 00:30.560 --> 00:31.800 Cresta Blanca. 00:31.800 --> 00:33.400 Cresta Blanca. 00:33.400 --> 00:40.720 Yes, you'll find Cresta Blanca wines featured in the smartest hotels, exclusive clubs, and 00:40.720 --> 00:42.680 discriminating homes. 00:42.680 --> 00:48.440 That's because these treasured wines are favored by people who know wine perfection. 00:48.440 --> 00:54.560 Let magnificent Cresta Blanca California wines distinguish your hospitality too. 00:54.560 --> 01:01.000 Enjoy a choice Cresta Blanca selection of Sherry, Port, or Muscatel, Chenle's Cresta 01:01.000 --> 01:04.520 Blanca Wine Company, Livermore, California. 01:04.520 --> 01:12.080 And now, Chenle brings you Radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 01:12.080 --> 01:15.640 Presented by Roma Wines, that's R-O-M-A. 01:15.640 --> 01:22.040 Roma Wines of Fresno, California, and starring Marsha Hunt in Self-Defense, a suspense play 01:22.040 --> 01:25.040 produced for Chenle by William Spear. 01:25.040 --> 01:35.080 It was such a wonderful vacation, and it couldn't have been pleasanter. 01:35.080 --> 01:38.640 I really think it was the fastest divorce I've ever had. 01:38.640 --> 01:42.120 It always amuses me to hear you talk about your divorces, Mimi. 01:42.120 --> 01:44.600 You discuss them as if they were hairdressing appointments. 01:44.600 --> 01:48.840 Don't look now, darling, but a young man has been staring at you all through lunch. 01:48.840 --> 01:49.840 Oh, don't be silly. 01:49.840 --> 01:50.840 But I tell you, he has. 01:50.840 --> 01:51.840 Oh, really? 01:51.840 --> 01:52.840 Oh, he's coming this way now. 01:52.840 --> 01:53.840 Well, just ignore him. 01:53.840 --> 01:54.840 I'm sure he won't bother us. 01:54.840 --> 01:55.840 I beg your pardon. 01:55.840 --> 01:56.840 Hello, Bobby. 01:56.840 --> 01:57.840 Why, Fred. 01:57.840 --> 01:58.840 Oh, this is a surprise. 01:58.840 --> 01:59.840 I'm happy when I hope... 01:59.840 --> 02:00.840 He's staring at you. 02:00.840 --> 02:01.840 Oh, why, of course. 02:01.840 --> 02:02.840 Oh, Mimi, this is Fred Dexter, Mimi Carlisle. 02:02.840 --> 02:03.840 Fred's a very old friend of mine. 02:03.840 --> 02:04.840 Hello. 02:04.840 --> 02:05.840 How do you do? 02:05.840 --> 02:06.840 Do sit down, Fred. 02:06.840 --> 02:07.840 Mimi was just telling me about a mysterious man staring at me. 02:07.840 --> 02:08.840 Well, I guess I was staring, but I wasn't sure if it was you. 02:08.840 --> 02:09.840 Oh, I'm sorry. 02:09.840 --> 02:10.840 I'm sorry. 02:10.840 --> 02:11.840 I'm sorry. 02:11.840 --> 02:12.840 I'm sorry. 02:12.840 --> 02:13.840 I'm sorry. 02:13.840 --> 02:14.840 I'm sorry. 02:14.840 --> 02:15.840 I'm sorry. 02:15.840 --> 02:16.840 I'm sorry. 02:16.840 --> 02:21.840 I'm sorry. 02:21.840 --> 02:24.840 I'm-I'm talking nonsense. 02:24.840 --> 02:32.880 You don't have to. 02:32.880 --> 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. 02:37.880 --> 02:40.880 Oh, don't bother to get up. Nice to meet you, Mr. Dexter. 02:40.880 --> 02:42.880 It's my pleasure, Miss Carlisle. 02:42.880 --> 02:44.880 I'll call you during the week, Bobbie. 02:44.880 --> 02:46.880 Please do, darling. Bye now. 02:47.880 --> 02:49.880 Well, Fred, where shall we start? 02:49.880 --> 02:53.880 I'd like to start where we left off six years ago. 02:53.880 --> 02:55.880 You still turn a nice face. 02:55.880 --> 02:58.880 And you're still the most beautiful woman in the world. 02:58.880 --> 03:01.880 Funny that you should feel that way after what happened. 03:01.880 --> 03:05.880 Oh, I was hurt deeply at first. Call it pride. 03:06.880 --> 03:09.880 Are you happy? Was it really worth it, Bobbie? 03:09.880 --> 03:10.880 Oh, here's our coffee. 03:10.880 --> 03:13.880 Oh, thank you. The usual one lump of sugar? 03:13.880 --> 03:17.880 No, but thanks for remembering. A black'll be fine. 03:18.880 --> 03:20.880 You haven't told me if it was worth it. 03:20.880 --> 03:23.880 I have everything I ever wanted. 03:23.880 --> 03:25.880 Are you happy with it, Bobbie? 03:25.880 --> 03:28.880 Please, Fred, let's not talk about it. 03:28.880 --> 03:30.880 What are you doing here in Florida? 03:30.880 --> 03:32.880 I just got in a few days ago. Business. 03:32.880 --> 03:36.880 Sort of a troubleshooting job. Probably be here a few months. 03:36.880 --> 03:38.880 Did you come alone? 03:38.880 --> 03:41.880 If you mean, am I married? No, I haven't found a girl rich enough. 03:41.880 --> 03:43.880 I guess I deserve that. 03:43.880 --> 03:45.880 Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. 03:45.880 --> 03:48.880 It's getting late, Fred. It's almost two o'clock. 03:48.880 --> 03:51.880 I'm afraid I must be going. It's been wonderful seeing you. 03:51.880 --> 03:52.880 Will I see you again? 03:52.880 --> 03:53.880 Yes. 03:53.880 --> 03:54.880 When? When? 03:54.880 --> 03:55.880 Oh, I can't say for sure. 03:55.880 --> 03:57.880 Oh, how about lunch tomorrow? We'll meet here at one o'clock, huh? 03:57.880 --> 04:00.880 Well, you talked me into it. See you then. 04:07.880 --> 04:11.880 I must admit it was quite a surprise meeting Fred Dexter. 04:11.880 --> 04:16.880 When I left Chicago, he was the one person I never thought I'd see again. 04:16.880 --> 04:21.880 But I couldn't decide whether or not I was happy that he was here. 04:21.880 --> 04:25.880 At dinner that evening, it was like any other night in my marriage. 04:25.880 --> 04:30.880 The usual business group was there, big cigars stuck in their flabby faces, 04:30.880 --> 04:35.880 all nodding in unison as Jonathan recited the day's news from Wall Street. 04:35.880 --> 04:42.880 I knew the speech by heart. Cotton up three points, sweet up one, steel up two. 04:42.880 --> 04:48.880 Tonight it annoyed me more than usual, but I just smiled and remained the perfect hostess. 04:48.880 --> 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. 04:54.880 --> 04:58.880 I was sitting in my room when he knocked on the door. Come in. 04:58.880 --> 05:04.880 Oh, this is a delightful dinner, Barbara. You're charming as always. 05:04.880 --> 05:06.880 Thank you, Jonathan. I'm glad it pleased you. 05:06.880 --> 05:09.880 I have a bit of news for you, my dear. 05:09.880 --> 05:10.880 News? 05:10.880 --> 05:14.880 Yes. Sure it won't depress you too much, but I must leave on a business trip to South America. 05:14.880 --> 05:16.880 Oh, when are you leaving? 05:16.880 --> 05:18.880 My plane reservation's up for tomorrow morning. 05:18.880 --> 05:19.880 Oh, you'll be gone long? 05:19.880 --> 05:22.880 Probably two or three months. We're opening a new branch office, 05:22.880 --> 05:26.880 and naturally I'll have to see that everything is organized and properly launched. 05:26.880 --> 05:31.880 I'll cable you when I arrive. If you have a spare moment, I'd like to hear from you. 05:31.880 --> 05:32.880 I'll write you, Jonathan. 05:32.880 --> 05:35.880 Thank you, Barbara. Good night, my dear. 05:42.880 --> 05:46.880 Jonathan was right. I wasn't at all depressed that he was leaving. 05:46.880 --> 05:48.880 In fact, I could hardly believe it. 05:48.880 --> 05:54.880 This would be the first time in five years that we had been separated for more than just a few days. 05:54.880 --> 06:00.880 It was a new-found freedom, and now I decided I was happy that Fred had arrived in town. 06:00.880 --> 06:06.880 The next few weeks passed quickly, and I saw Fred regularly, so we had to be careful where we met. 06:06.880 --> 06:10.880 It was a complete change for me, and it was wonderful to feel alive again. 06:10.880 --> 06:16.880 But for Fred, it just meant that he was falling more deeply in love with me. 06:16.880 --> 06:22.880 Perhaps it wasn't right to encourage him, but I was enjoying myself thoroughly. 06:22.880 --> 06:28.880 One evening, just before Jonathan was to return, Mimi phoned and invited me to a party. 06:28.880 --> 06:33.880 It was a typical Mimi Carlyle affair with bright lights and dull people. 06:33.880 --> 06:38.880 Bobby, darling, I want you to meet Alex Maynard. That's he playing the piano. 06:38.880 --> 06:42.880 Oh, he's a perfect dream. Come, you must meet him this instant. 06:42.880 --> 06:49.880 Alex, Alex, I'd like you to meet a very dear friend of mine, Mrs. Jonathan Newell, Alex Maynard. 06:49.880 --> 06:51.880 Bobby to you, Alex. 06:51.880 --> 06:52.880 How do you do? 06:52.880 --> 06:53.880 Hello. 06:53.880 --> 06:57.880 And now you must excuse me. I'm going to practice my smile on my guests. 06:57.880 --> 07:00.880 I'll see you both later. 07:00.880 --> 07:03.880 I hope we didn't interrupt your play. 07:03.880 --> 07:06.880 You're not. I was just noodling around. 07:06.880 --> 07:09.880 Well, don't stop, please. I love Gershwin. 07:09.880 --> 07:12.880 Oh, he's my favorite, too. 07:17.880 --> 07:19.880 You play beautifully. 07:19.880 --> 07:24.880 Thanks. It's sort of a hobby. Something to do with dull parties. 07:24.880 --> 07:27.880 What do you do if there's no piano? 07:27.880 --> 07:32.880 I find a beautiful young woman like you, talk to her. 07:32.880 --> 07:37.880 Maybe somebody else would like to play for her. 07:37.880 --> 07:40.880 Maybe you're right. 07:48.880 --> 07:52.880 I thought it could never happen to me, but it did. 07:52.880 --> 07:59.880 The moment I saw Alex Maynard, I knew that for the first time in my life, I was in love. 07:59.880 --> 08:04.880 I spent every moment I could with him, but it was still necessary to see Fred occasionally. 08:04.880 --> 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. 08:11.880 --> 08:15.880 Everything was going along beautifully, and I was so happy. 08:15.880 --> 08:19.880 But I knew it would all end the minute Jonathan returned. 08:19.880 --> 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. 08:28.880 --> 08:32.880 It was strange, but I didn't even want any of his money. 08:32.880 --> 08:35.880 I only wanted Alex. 08:40.880 --> 08:47.880 I knew that Jonathan might not be willing to give me a divorce, and the thought kept pressing on my mind. 08:47.880 --> 08:51.880 So I began thinking of other ways to get rid of him. 08:51.880 --> 09:03.880 I even thought of murder. 09:05.880 --> 09:11.880 For Suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you Marsha Hunt in Self-Defense. 09:11.880 --> 09:24.880 Roma Wines presentation tonight in Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrills, Suspense. 09:24.880 --> 09:30.880 Suspense, Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrills, is being brought to you by Roma Wines. 09:30.880 --> 09:38.880 That's R-O-M-A, Roma California Wines, from the world's greatest reserves of fine wine. 09:38.880 --> 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. 09:47.880 --> 09:55.880 But millions of women have discovered an easy way to transform the simplest meals into adventures of enjoyment. 09:55.880 --> 10:02.880 The secret? At dinnertime, simply serve robust Roma Burgundy or delicate Roma Sauternes. 10:02.880 --> 10:10.880 Even the plainest dishes take on new glamour with Roma Burgundy or Roma Sauternes to bring out all hidden flavor goodness. 10:10.880 --> 10:14.880 So try this easy recipe for mealtime pleasure. 10:14.880 --> 10:16.880 Serve tempting Roma Wines. 10:16.880 --> 10:22.880 Remember, more Americans enjoy Roma Wines than any other wine. 10:22.880 --> 10:26.880 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. 10:26.880 --> 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. 10:37.880 --> 10:57.880 It wasn't long after I'd met Alex that Jonathan arrived home and immediately surrounded himself with his associates. 10:57.880 --> 11:02.880 It seemed that the two of us were never alone long enough to bring up the subject of divorce. 11:02.880 --> 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. 11:11.880 --> 11:16.880 It was a Thursday night when I finally got to speak to Jonathan alone. 11:16.880 --> 11:22.880 The household help was off for the evening and Jonathan was in his study going over some papers. 11:22.880 --> 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. 11:29.880 --> 11:32.880 After a long silence, he spoke. 11:32.880 --> 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? 11:40.880 --> 11:45.880 Yes, there is, Jonathan. I wanted to tell you about it, but I haven't been able to get you alone. 11:45.880 --> 11:47.880 Oh, we're alone now. 11:47.880 --> 11:50.880 Jonathan, I want a divorce. 11:50.880 --> 11:52.880 You know how I feel about that. 11:52.880 --> 11:56.880 But I don't want it because of your money. I swear I won't ask you for a penny. 11:56.880 --> 11:58.880 This doesn't sound like you, Barbara. 11:58.880 --> 12:02.880 I know it doesn't, but I'm not the same person you left three months ago. 12:02.880 --> 12:05.880 You see, I've fallen in love. 12:05.880 --> 12:08.880 Oh, come now, my dear. You don't expect me to believe that. 12:08.880 --> 12:10.880 It's true. You must believe it. 12:10.880 --> 12:11.880 Does he have more money than I? 12:11.880 --> 12:12.880 Of course not. 12:12.880 --> 12:15.880 Well, then you can't be in love with him, not you, Barbara. 12:15.880 --> 12:18.880 It's just an infatuation, like a summer romance. 12:18.880 --> 12:20.880 I'm sure you'll get over it shortly. 12:20.880 --> 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? 12:24.880 --> 12:28.880 It's a world of good. And then when you come back, I'm sure you'll regain your perspective. 12:28.880 --> 12:31.880 I don't want a trip. I want a divorce. 12:31.880 --> 12:35.880 I thought we had an understanding, my dear, but apparently you've lost sight of it. 12:35.880 --> 12:37.880 But we don't love each other and we never will. 12:37.880 --> 12:40.880 I'm quite aware of that and I always have been. 12:40.880 --> 12:43.880 I'm sorry, my dear, but you can't raise any sympathy for me. 12:43.880 --> 12:47.880 You've gotten everything you wanted from this marriage and I don't owe you a thing. 12:47.880 --> 12:58.880 I'll give you a divorce under any circumstances. Good night, Barbara. 12:58.880 --> 13:04.880 I knew all the time what Jonathan's answer would be, but I had to ask anyway. 13:04.880 --> 13:08.880 The next day I met Alex at our usual place in the park. 13:08.880 --> 13:14.880 It was a pretty little spot in a cove just off the lake, hidden from view by a row of hedges. 13:14.880 --> 13:17.880 He was charming and attentive as always. 13:17.880 --> 13:22.880 I just couldn't tell him that Jonathan had refused to give me a divorce. 13:22.880 --> 13:26.880 I needed more time to think and to plan. 13:26.880 --> 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. 13:33.880 --> 13:39.880 Hey. Hey, remember me? I play the piano. 13:39.880 --> 13:42.880 Oh, I'm sorry, darling. I guess I was daydreaming. 13:42.880 --> 13:45.880 Well, do it on your own time, huh? 13:45.880 --> 13:48.880 What were you dreaming about? 13:48.880 --> 13:54.880 I was just thinking how nice it is being here with you. I wish we could stay here forever. 13:54.880 --> 13:57.880 I'd like it too. 13:57.880 --> 14:00.880 How long has it been since we've known each other? 14:00.880 --> 14:03.880 Oh, a couple of lifetimes. 14:03.880 --> 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. 14:09.880 --> 14:10.880 Are you in love? 14:10.880 --> 14:12.880 Uh-huh. 14:12.880 --> 14:15.880 Anybody I know? 14:15.880 --> 14:20.880 Maybe. A funny looking fellow, name of Alex. 14:20.880 --> 14:27.880 Oh, he's a lucky guy. Yeah, I wish I knew him. I'm in love too. 14:27.880 --> 14:28.880 Anybody I know? 14:28.880 --> 14:32.880 Maybe. She's the most wonderful woman in the world. 14:32.880 --> 14:34.880 Who is she? 14:34.880 --> 14:36.880 My landlady. 14:36.880 --> 14:38.880 You know you're silly. 14:38.880 --> 14:39.880 You know I love you very much. 14:39.880 --> 14:41.880 Oh, and I love you, darling. 14:41.880 --> 14:44.880 Yeah, that's the way it's always going to be, huh? 14:44.880 --> 14:47.880 Have you spoken to your husband about her? 14:47.880 --> 14:51.880 No, no, I haven't had a chance yet. 14:51.880 --> 14:55.880 He's been so busy since he came back, I haven't been able to get him alone for a minute. 14:55.880 --> 14:57.880 But you must speak to him, darling. 14:57.880 --> 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. 15:03.880 --> 15:05.880 I want to be with you every day of my life. 15:05.880 --> 15:08.880 Don't you think I want that too? 15:08.880 --> 15:12.880 Why don't we see him together? Have it out once and for all. 15:12.880 --> 15:13.880 I know we can make him understand. 15:13.880 --> 15:17.880 Oh, no, Alex, we mustn't do that. You don't know Jonathan. 15:17.880 --> 15:18.880 It's better that we do it my way. 15:18.880 --> 15:20.880 Well, I have a share in this too. 15:20.880 --> 15:22.880 And it isn't right that you should have to face him alone. 15:22.880 --> 15:23.880 Let me go with you. 15:23.880 --> 15:28.880 Oh, please, darling, let me take care of it. Just be patient a little longer. 15:28.880 --> 15:39.880 I know that Jonathan won't stand in our way. 15:39.880 --> 15:46.880 Yes, I knew that Jonathan would no longer be a problem because now I had the answer. 15:46.880 --> 15:50.880 I thought about it for several days and then decided I'd go through with it. 15:50.880 --> 15:55.880 It was a desperate plan, but a woman in love will do desperate things. 15:55.880 --> 16:05.880 You see, the plan included Fred Dexter and murder. 16:05.880 --> 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. 16:10.880 --> 16:12.880 Oh, I didn't know he was back. 16:12.880 --> 16:14.880 He got back last week. 16:14.880 --> 16:17.880 Are things still the same between you? 16:17.880 --> 16:23.880 Yes, still the same. I don't love him and I'm sure he's not in love with me. 16:23.880 --> 16:26.880 It would have been different had you married me, Bobby. 16:26.880 --> 16:31.880 I know that, Fred, and I've been thinking about it lately. 16:31.880 --> 16:36.880 I had a lot of plans for it. It was going to be an ideal marriage. 16:36.880 --> 16:39.880 And then you decided that money was more important. 16:39.880 --> 16:43.880 I'm sorry because I know I would have made you happy. 16:43.880 --> 16:50.880 You know, Fred, when you're young, you have to do many things that you regret later in life. 16:50.880 --> 16:55.880 Sometimes if you're lucky, you can correct those mistakes. 16:55.880 --> 16:57.880 Would you like to try, Bobby? 16:57.880 --> 17:00.880 Oh, Fred, that's what I want more than anything, but it's so difficult. 17:00.880 --> 17:03.880 Come here. Come here. Sit next to me. 17:03.880 --> 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. 17:08.880 --> 17:10.880 I can't bear to see you unhappy, darling. 17:10.880 --> 17:17.880 Oh, Fred, I've been such a fool. I guess I've always loved you. There's never been anyone else. 17:17.880 --> 17:21.880 It's not too late. We'll go to your husband and we'll explain it to him. 17:21.880 --> 17:23.880 I'm sure he'll understand. He's got to understand. 17:23.880 --> 17:25.880 That won't work, Fred. 17:25.880 --> 17:27.880 Have you asked him already? 17:27.880 --> 17:30.880 Remember the first day we met in the cafe? 17:30.880 --> 17:34.880 I knew then that I wanted you and that I must get away from my husband. 17:34.880 --> 17:37.880 I asked him for a divorce that very night and he refused me. 17:37.880 --> 17:40.880 I kept thinking about it all the time he was away. 17:40.880 --> 17:44.880 And when he returned, I begged him again, but the answer is still no. 17:44.880 --> 17:48.880 He says he will not divorce me under any circumstances. 17:48.880 --> 17:53.880 There must be something we can do. He has no right to stand in the way of our happiness. 17:53.880 --> 17:57.880 Do you think I want the rest of my life to be as empty as the past six years? 17:57.880 --> 18:03.880 I don't know what to say, darling. I don't see how we can possibly get rid of him. 18:03.880 --> 18:08.880 That's it. That's it. That's it. That's it. Exactly. We'll get rid of him. 18:08.880 --> 18:11.880 Fred. Fred, what are you thinking? 18:11.880 --> 18:15.880 Oh, I'm just thinking of you, darling. I want you and I'm going to have you at any cost. 18:15.880 --> 18:17.880 Oh, Fred, I love you so much. 18:17.880 --> 18:19.880 Oh, my darling. 18:24.880 --> 18:28.880 It was so easy, I almost laughed and Fred's face. 18:28.880 --> 18:34.880 He sat there like a lovesick sophomore, swallowing every word I said like a sugar-coated pill. 18:34.880 --> 18:38.880 When he kissed me, it made me ill, but I didn't mind. 18:38.880 --> 18:43.880 Because I knew this would be the last time I'd ever kiss anyone but Alex. 18:43.880 --> 18:48.880 My performance was so convincing that I didn't even have to suggest the murder myself. 18:48.880 --> 18:53.880 It was all Fred's idea, just as I wanted it to be. 18:53.880 --> 18:57.880 It would take place on a Thursday night when the household help would be off. 18:57.880 --> 19:00.880 Fred was to be hiding in the shrubbery at the side of the house. 19:00.880 --> 19:04.880 He would have the poker from the fireplace in our library. 19:04.880 --> 19:09.880 I wasn't worried about his being seen because the house was in an isolated neighborhood. 19:09.880 --> 19:14.880 When Jonathan came home at 7.30, as he always did, I was to pretend I had a headache 19:14.880 --> 19:17.880 and get him to go to the drugstore for some Aspen. 19:17.880 --> 19:21.880 Fred was to kill him with the poker and bring the body into the library. 19:21.880 --> 19:25.880 Meanwhile, I was to open the library wall safe and disarrange the furniture. 19:25.880 --> 19:29.880 We wanted to give the impression that a struggle was taking place. 19:29.880 --> 19:33.880 I would then go to the drugstore myself and make a purchase to establish an alibi. 19:33.880 --> 19:38.880 When I returned, I would call the police and tell them there had been a robbery while I was out 19:38.880 --> 19:41.880 and that my husband had been murdered. 19:41.880 --> 19:47.880 Simple, wasn't it? A nice, neat plan with no loopholes. 19:47.880 --> 19:53.880 This was the first time in my marriage to Jonathan Newell that I wanted him to be home on time. 19:53.880 --> 19:58.880 It was exactly 10 minutes to 7 on the night we had set and the doorbell rang. 19:58.880 --> 20:04.880 As I opened the door, I was thinking it was rather nice of Jonathan to be early for his own murder. 20:04.880 --> 20:05.880 Bobby. 20:05.880 --> 20:08.880 Alex, what are you doing here? 20:08.880 --> 20:09.880 Where is he? 20:09.880 --> 20:10.880 Where's who? 20:10.880 --> 20:13.880 Your husband. I can't stand this anymore. I've got to talk to him. 20:13.880 --> 20:16.880 Oh, Alex, you promised you'd leave this to me. You're acting like a child. 20:16.880 --> 20:19.880 But I haven't seen you all week. How much longer do you think I can wait? 20:19.880 --> 20:22.880 Please, darling, this is no time to discuss it. 20:22.880 --> 20:27.880 Jonathan will be home any minute and if he sees you here, it'll ruin any hope we have. 20:27.880 --> 20:29.880 Maybe he should see me here. 20:29.880 --> 20:31.880 But that's not the way. It won't help. 20:31.880 --> 20:34.880 I promise you that after tonight, everything will be all right. 20:34.880 --> 20:38.880 Bobby, that's what you said the last time. 20:38.880 --> 20:43.880 You've got to believe in me, Alex. Just give me tonight. 20:43.880 --> 20:48.880 All right. I guess you're right. It's just that I love you so much. 20:48.880 --> 20:54.880 I understand and I love you. But please, you must go now. He'll be here any minute. 20:54.880 --> 20:57.880 Okay, I'll go. Call me in the morning, huh? 20:57.880 --> 20:59.880 I will, Alex. Good night. 20:59.880 --> 21:01.880 Goodbye, Bobby. 21:12.880 --> 21:15.880 Poor darling thought he was doing the right thing. 21:15.880 --> 21:19.880 But actually, he almost spoiled any chance we would ever have for happiness. 21:19.880 --> 21:25.880 It's a good thing he left when he did because just a few minutes later, Jonathan came home. 21:25.880 --> 21:30.880 I was sitting in the living room with an ice pack on my head as I heard the door open. 21:30.880 --> 21:32.880 Is that you, Jonathan? 21:32.880 --> 21:34.880 Yes, Barbara. 21:34.880 --> 21:37.880 Well, what's the matter with you? 21:37.880 --> 21:39.880 I have a splitting headache. 21:39.880 --> 21:42.880 Oh, but we're having dinner with the Vanders tonight. 21:42.880 --> 21:46.880 I really don't feel up to it. You go without me and give them my apologies. 21:46.880 --> 21:49.880 But Charlie's very important to me. I... 21:49.880 --> 21:51.880 Oh, well, if you'd rather... 21:51.880 --> 21:54.880 Oh, there is one thing you can do for me, Jonathan. 21:54.880 --> 21:57.880 We don't have an aspirin in the house and the servants are all gone. 21:57.880 --> 22:00.880 Would you mind going to the drug store and getting some? 22:00.880 --> 22:02.880 No, not at all. I'll go as soon as I dress. 22:02.880 --> 22:05.880 Would it be too much trouble to go now, Jonathan? 22:05.880 --> 22:08.880 Pain is unbearable. It will only take you minutes. 22:08.880 --> 22:10.880 All right, if you insist, my lady. 22:10.880 --> 22:19.880 Thank you. 22:19.880 --> 22:23.880 As soon as Jonathan left, I went to the library and set the stage. 22:23.880 --> 22:26.880 Then I returned to the living room and waited. 22:26.880 --> 22:30.880 I suppose I should have felt his sense of guilt, but I didn't. 22:30.880 --> 22:36.880 I only felt a warm glow, knowing that I would soon have Alex forever. 22:36.880 --> 22:41.880 In a few minutes, Fred opened the back door and dragged the body through the kitchen. 22:41.880 --> 22:47.880 He was carrying out the plan perfectly, and I could hear him placing Jonathan in the library. 22:47.880 --> 22:53.880 When he finished, he came into the living room where I was sitting. 22:53.880 --> 22:56.880 Well, it's done. 22:56.880 --> 22:58.880 Did everything go all right? 22:58.880 --> 23:04.880 I had some trouble unlocking the back gate. It took a little time, but I... I finally managed it. 23:04.880 --> 23:06.880 Did you put the poker in the room with him? 23:06.880 --> 23:11.880 Yes. Yes, and it's a very pretty picture. Would you care to see it? 23:11.880 --> 23:13.880 I'll take your word for it. 23:13.880 --> 23:21.880 You know, Bobbie, I've read about things like this, but I never thought I would wind up doing it. 23:21.880 --> 23:22.880 Are you sorry? 23:22.880 --> 23:26.880 Oh, no. No, it's not that, darling. You know, I'd do anything, anything for you with no regrets. 23:26.880 --> 23:29.880 That's the way I feel, Fred. No regrets. 23:29.880 --> 23:34.880 I guess when you do something for the one you love, you're never sorry. 23:34.880 --> 23:37.880 I know just what you mean. 23:37.880 --> 23:42.880 Well, I'd better be getting out of here so that you can get to the drugstore. 23:42.880 --> 23:44.880 I'm not going to the store, Fred. 23:44.880 --> 23:46.880 Why not? Did you change the plan? 23:46.880 --> 23:49.880 Yes. There's something I didn't tell you. 23:49.880 --> 23:51.880 What is it? 23:51.880 --> 23:53.880 This. 23:53.880 --> 23:56.880 What are you doing with that gun? 23:56.880 --> 23:59.880 I'm going to kill you. 23:59.880 --> 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... 24:03.880 --> 24:07.880 I'm not joking, Fred. I'm going to kill you. 24:07.880 --> 24:11.880 Bobbie, you know what you're saying? This is what you wanted, what we both wanted. 24:11.880 --> 24:13.880 Your husband's out of the way. We're free. We can be married. 24:13.880 --> 24:15.880 I intend getting married, but not to you. 24:15.880 --> 24:17.880 But I thought... 24:17.880 --> 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. 24:23.880 --> 24:25.880 And why did you lie to me? 24:25.880 --> 24:31.880 Because you were interesting for a while. After five years of Jonathan, anybody would have looked good. 24:31.880 --> 24:33.880 It just happened to be you. 24:33.880 --> 24:37.880 But then I met someone else. Someone I loved very much. 24:37.880 --> 24:42.880 And I realized I needed you more than ever. But for this. 24:42.880 --> 24:44.880 But you don't have to kill me. 24:44.880 --> 24:48.880 I'm afraid I do, Fred. You might lose your head and do something stupid. 24:48.880 --> 24:53.880 You might even go to the police and give us both up because you can't have me. 24:53.880 --> 24:55.880 I can't take that chance. 24:55.880 --> 24:56.880 You'll never get away with it. 24:56.880 --> 25:00.880 I'm sure I will. I figured this out very carefully. 25:00.880 --> 25:05.880 You see, my husband is dead in the library, murdered by a jealous lover who forced his way into our house. 25:05.880 --> 25:06.880 Oh, no. 25:06.880 --> 25:08.880 I'm afraid I'll have to shoot you and self-defend you. 25:08.880 --> 25:11.880 You're insane. They'll never believe you. 25:11.880 --> 25:14.880 Look, Bobbie, look. I'll go away. I'll never tell a soul. You'll be clear. 25:14.880 --> 25:23.880 I promise I'm not... 25:34.880 --> 25:37.880 Operator, give me the police. 25:37.880 --> 25:47.880 I'd like to report a murder. 25:47.880 --> 25:51.880 I knew exactly what I was going to say to the police when they arrived. 25:51.880 --> 25:57.880 Yes, for a moment I was very happy and quite pleased with Barbara Newell. 25:57.880 --> 26:01.880 Everything had gone smoothly, exactly as I had planned it. 26:01.880 --> 26:07.880 Except for one thing. I should have looked at the body of my husband. 26:07.880 --> 26:26.880 If I had, I might not have been convicted of murder. 26:26.880 --> 26:35.880 You see, my scheme would have worked perfectly, but I overlooked a very important point. 26:35.880 --> 26:40.880 It hadn't occurred to me that Fred had never seen my husband, Jonathan, 26:40.880 --> 26:59.880 and the man he killed coming out of the house was Alex Maynard. 26:59.880 --> 27:01.880 Suspense. 27:01.880 --> 27:05.880 Self-Defense, starring Marsha Hunt, presented by Roma Wines. 27:05.880 --> 27:11.880 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines, America's largest selling wine. 27:11.880 --> 27:16.880 When you serve your favorite Roma wine, you enjoy the rich reward of nature's treasure. 27:16.880 --> 27:22.880 Selected California grapes, gently pressed at their peak of goodness. 27:22.880 --> 27:26.880 Then, with ancient skills and unmatched wine-making resources, 27:26.880 --> 27:33.880 Roma master ventners guide these natural juices unhurriedly to tempting taste perfection. 27:33.880 --> 27:38.880 These Roma California wines are placed with other Melo-Roma wines 27:38.880 --> 27:45.880 to await later selection from the world's greatest reserves of fine wines for your pleasure. 27:45.880 --> 27:49.880 If you are expecting friends this weekend, give everybody a treat. 27:49.880 --> 27:56.880 Serve glorious nut-like Roma sherry, fruity Roma port, or Melo-Roma muscatel. 27:56.880 --> 28:02.880 Enjoy the better taste that has made Roma wines America's favorite wines. 28:02.880 --> 28:06.880 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. 28:06.880 --> 28:11.880 Marsha Hunt may currently be seen in the United Artists Film, Carnegie Hall. 28:11.880 --> 28:16.880 Tonight's Suspense play was by Arthur Julian and Howard Lee. 28:16.880 --> 28:23.880 Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Dennis O'Keefe as star of Suspense, 28:23.880 --> 28:30.880 produced by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. 28:30.880 --> 28:34.880 This is Truman Bradley with today's reminder from Roma. 28:34.880 --> 28:39.880 Your community chest supports supervised children's recreational centers 28:39.880 --> 28:42.880 in neighborhoods and youth organizations. 28:42.880 --> 28:47.880 These are red feather services needed by every boy and girl. 28:47.880 --> 28:50.880 Keep them going. Give now. 28:50.880 --> 28:53.880 Give generously to your community chest. 28:53.880 --> 29:08.880 In the coming weeks, Suspense will present such stars as Louis Jourdan, June Havoc, and others. 29:08.880 --> 29:15.880 Make it a point to listen each Thursday to Suspense, radio's outstanding theater of thrills. 29:15.880 --> 29:23.880 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.