WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:06.320 Suspense. 00:06.320 --> 00:11.020 Tonight's Suspense brings you an all-star cast of Hollywood's finest radio players, 00:11.020 --> 00:13.260 in 100 In The Dark. 00:13.260 --> 00:19.240 But first, wherever hospitality is a gracious art, and entertaining is the last word in 00:19.240 --> 00:24.920 luxury, the first name in wines is C-R-E-S-T-A. 00:24.920 --> 00:29.520 B-L-A-N-C-A. 00:29.520 --> 00:32.120 Cresta Blanca. 00:32.120 --> 00:33.800 Cresta Blanca. 00:33.800 --> 00:40.840 Yes, that's Cresta Blanca wines, a symbol of perfect taste, of gracious living. 00:40.840 --> 00:47.000 To pay your guests a sincere compliment, distinguish your holiday dining by serving a fine Cresta 00:47.000 --> 00:50.400 Blanca California Burgundy or Sauternes. 00:50.400 --> 00:56.400 When you pour these proud Cresta Blanca wines from the finest of the vines, you enjoy the 00:56.400 --> 00:57.400 best. 00:57.400 --> 01:01.560 This is Shenley's Cresta Blanca Wine Company, Livermore, California. 01:01.560 --> 01:08.200 And now Shenley brings you Radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 01:08.200 --> 01:13.400 Presented by Roma Wines, that's R-O-M-A. Roma Wines, for your enjoyment. 01:13.400 --> 01:19.920 Tonight, Roma Wines of Fresno, California, presents 100 In The Dark, a study in suspense, 01:19.920 --> 01:23.320 produced, edited, and directed for Shenley by William Spear. 01:23.320 --> 01:32.240 Oh, that was a fine meal indeed. 01:32.240 --> 01:33.680 Me for the club any time. 01:33.680 --> 01:35.520 Yeah, you can all sit here, Queenie. 01:35.520 --> 01:36.520 Oh, yes, yes. 01:36.520 --> 01:38.480 If you'll just draw up that chair for Mr. Peters. 01:38.480 --> 01:39.480 There you are, Peters. 01:39.480 --> 01:40.480 Thank you. 01:40.480 --> 01:41.480 You all know Peters? 01:41.480 --> 01:42.480 Oh, this is Mr. Steingarl. 01:42.480 --> 01:43.480 How do you do? 01:43.480 --> 01:44.480 Glad to know you. 01:44.480 --> 01:45.480 Mr. DeGaulia. 01:45.480 --> 01:46.480 I believe we've met. 01:46.480 --> 01:47.480 Yes, how are you? 01:47.480 --> 01:48.640 You know each other. 01:48.640 --> 01:50.520 And the one who drew up your chair, Mr. Rankin. 01:50.520 --> 01:51.520 How's the chair? 01:51.520 --> 01:53.520 Well, I guess we're all acquainted. 01:53.520 --> 01:56.920 Now, to get back to our table discussion. 01:56.920 --> 01:58.480 Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes. 01:58.480 --> 01:59.760 Oh, how about some coffee? 01:59.760 --> 02:00.760 All of us, eh? 02:00.760 --> 02:01.760 Oh, fine. 02:01.760 --> 02:02.760 Oh, John, John. 02:02.760 --> 02:08.640 Well, now, Steingarl, as I said, there are only half a dozen stories in the world. 02:08.640 --> 02:10.360 What is more to the point, there's every... 02:10.360 --> 02:11.360 Yes, sir? 02:11.360 --> 02:12.360 Yeah. 02:12.360 --> 02:14.600 Oh, yes, yes, coffee, John. 02:14.600 --> 02:15.600 Anything else, anybody? 02:15.600 --> 02:16.600 No, not for me. 02:16.600 --> 02:17.600 I don't think I care. 02:17.600 --> 02:18.600 Yes, sir. 02:18.600 --> 02:19.600 Now, where was I? 02:19.600 --> 02:20.600 Oh, yes. 02:20.600 --> 02:25.480 Well, human relations are so simple and yet so fundamental that they can be eternally 02:25.480 --> 02:30.280 played upon, redressed and reinterpreted in every language, in every age. 02:30.280 --> 02:33.480 They remain inexhaustible in the possibility of variations. 02:33.480 --> 02:35.040 Well, that's true, of course. 02:35.040 --> 02:36.040 Yeah, well, that's very possible. 02:36.040 --> 02:37.040 Fair now. 02:37.040 --> 02:38.040 But you... 02:38.040 --> 02:41.800 Take the eternal triangle, two men and a woman or two women and a man. 02:41.800 --> 02:44.960 Its variations extend into the thousand. 02:44.960 --> 02:45.960 That right, Rankin? 02:45.960 --> 02:46.960 Well, in a way, yes. 02:46.960 --> 02:47.960 But... 02:47.960 --> 02:48.960 Oh, yes, coffee. 02:48.960 --> 02:49.960 Yes, yes, set them right down here. 02:49.960 --> 02:53.600 I'm afraid we can't see eye to eye, Quinny. 02:53.600 --> 02:59.560 Now, I believe there are situations, original situations, that are independent of your human 02:59.560 --> 03:00.560 emotions. 03:00.560 --> 03:04.960 They exist just because they are situations, accidental and nothing else. 03:04.960 --> 03:06.560 Now, as for instance... 03:06.560 --> 03:07.560 Well, I... 03:07.560 --> 03:13.040 I've sighted just an ordinary one that happens to come to my mind. 03:13.040 --> 03:14.040 Well? 03:14.040 --> 03:18.280 Now, you're taking in a group of five men, such as we are here. 03:18.280 --> 03:21.800 A theft takes place. 03:21.800 --> 03:23.720 One man is the thief. 03:23.720 --> 03:24.720 Which one? 03:24.720 --> 03:27.800 Now, I'd like to know what emotion that interprets. 03:27.800 --> 03:29.680 And yet, it certainly is an original theme. 03:29.680 --> 03:31.160 It's at the bottom of the whole literature. 03:31.160 --> 03:32.160 No, no, no. 03:32.160 --> 03:33.160 Detective story. 03:33.160 --> 03:37.960 I can answer that the situation you give can be traced back to the commonest of human emotions, 03:37.960 --> 03:38.960 curiosity. 03:38.960 --> 03:39.960 I think we have to do that, Rankin. 03:39.960 --> 03:40.960 Yes. 03:40.960 --> 03:44.880 Why, the whole art of a detective story consists of the statement of the problem. 03:44.880 --> 03:45.920 Why, anyone can do it. 03:45.920 --> 03:46.920 I can do it. 03:46.920 --> 03:47.920 Steingalt can do it. 03:47.920 --> 03:50.320 Rankin, I believe even you can do it. 03:50.320 --> 03:51.320 Yes, thank you. 03:51.320 --> 03:53.120 The solution doesn't count. 03:53.120 --> 03:54.120 It's usually banal. 03:54.120 --> 03:55.680 It should be prohibited. 03:55.680 --> 03:58.520 What interests us is, can we guess it? 03:58.520 --> 04:00.080 Yes, I suppose that's true. 04:00.080 --> 04:05.880 Now, every crime expresses itself in the terms of the picture puzzle that you feed your six-year-old. 04:05.880 --> 04:08.360 It's only the variation that is interesting. 04:08.360 --> 04:12.800 You know, the well-known instance of the visitor at a club and the rare coin, for example. 04:12.800 --> 04:15.000 Of course, you all know that one. 04:15.000 --> 04:16.000 No, I don't. 04:16.000 --> 04:17.000 I don't. 04:17.000 --> 04:18.000 I don't. 04:18.000 --> 04:19.000 Very well known. 04:19.000 --> 04:22.360 Seems a distinguished visitor is brought into a club. 04:22.360 --> 04:25.680 Doesn't men say present at dinner, long table? 04:25.680 --> 04:29.520 Conversation finally veers around to curiosities and relics. 04:29.520 --> 04:33.600 One of the members then takes from his pocket what he announces is one of the rarest coins 04:33.600 --> 04:34.600 in existence. 04:34.600 --> 04:36.840 Passes it around the table. 04:36.840 --> 04:38.600 Coin travels back and forth. 04:38.600 --> 04:39.960 Everyone examines it. 04:39.960 --> 04:41.960 And the conversation goes to another topic. 04:41.960 --> 04:47.240 Who say the influence of the automobile on civilian life or some other such intellectual 04:47.240 --> 04:49.480 club topic, you know. 04:49.480 --> 04:52.760 All at once the owner calls for his coin. 04:52.760 --> 04:54.120 There's nowhere to be found. 04:54.120 --> 04:55.720 Yes, yes, precisely. 04:55.720 --> 04:57.320 Everyone looks at everyone else. 04:57.320 --> 04:59.440 First they suspect a joke. 04:59.440 --> 05:00.600 Then it becomes serious. 05:00.600 --> 05:02.240 The coin is immensely valuable. 05:02.240 --> 05:03.800 Now, who has taken it? 05:03.800 --> 05:06.360 The owner, as a gentleman, does the correct idiotic thing. 05:06.360 --> 05:07.920 Of course, laughs. 05:07.920 --> 05:10.720 Says he knows someone is playing a practical joke on him. 05:10.720 --> 05:13.640 And that the coin will be returned tomorrow. 05:13.640 --> 05:16.520 The others refuse to leave the situation so. 05:16.520 --> 05:20.120 One man proposes they all submit to a search. 05:20.120 --> 05:23.960 Everyone gives his consent until it comes to the stranger. 05:23.960 --> 05:26.000 I refuse to allow me person to be searched. 05:26.000 --> 05:29.520 He is very firm, very proud, very English. 05:29.520 --> 05:31.680 And I refuse to give the reason for my action. 05:31.680 --> 05:33.600 Well, there's another silence. 05:33.600 --> 05:36.520 The men eye him and then glance at one another. 05:36.520 --> 05:38.280 Now, what's to be done? 05:38.280 --> 05:39.280 Nothing. 05:39.280 --> 05:40.360 Oh, nothing. 05:40.360 --> 05:44.760 There is etiquette, that magnificent inflated blue. 05:44.760 --> 05:47.480 The visitor evidently has the coin. 05:47.480 --> 05:49.920 He is their guest and etiquette protects him. 05:49.920 --> 05:52.040 Oh, nice situation, eh? 05:52.040 --> 05:53.640 Well, the table is clear. 05:53.640 --> 05:56.480 A waiter removes a dish of fruit and there, 05:56.480 --> 05:59.600 under the ledge of the plate, where it had been pushed, 05:59.600 --> 06:00.440 is the coin. 06:00.440 --> 06:01.440 Well, I heard a different explanation. 06:01.440 --> 06:02.880 Yes, of course, by now, explanation. 06:02.880 --> 06:04.320 I know, I know, I know. 06:04.320 --> 06:06.240 Solutions always should be. 06:06.240 --> 06:08.920 At once, everyone is profuse with apologies. 06:08.920 --> 06:11.160 Whereupon, the visitor rises and says, 06:11.160 --> 06:15.560 now, I can give you the reason for my refusal to be searched. 06:15.560 --> 06:19.120 There are only two known specimens of the coin in existence. 06:19.120 --> 06:22.680 And the second happens to be here, in my best pocket. 06:22.680 --> 06:23.800 Eh-heh-heh. 06:23.800 --> 06:25.720 Of course, the story is very well invented, 06:25.720 --> 06:27.800 but the turn to it is very nice, very nice indeed. 06:27.800 --> 06:30.320 Well, I do like that story, but the ending, 06:30.320 --> 06:32.960 the ending, though, is too obvious to be invented. 06:32.960 --> 06:33.800 I think so. 06:33.800 --> 06:37.680 The visitor should have had on him, not another coin, 06:37.680 --> 06:40.720 but something absolutely different, something, 06:40.720 --> 06:44.880 well, destructive, say, to a woman's reputation. 06:44.880 --> 06:47.160 And a great tragedy should have been threatened 06:47.160 --> 06:48.920 with a casual misplacing of the coin. 06:48.920 --> 06:52.320 I've heard the same story told in a dozen different ways. 06:52.320 --> 06:54.520 Oh, it's happened a hundred times. 06:54.520 --> 06:57.040 It must be continually happening. 06:57.040 --> 06:59.360 I, uh, know one extraordinary instance, 06:59.360 --> 07:02.160 in fact, the most extraordinary instance 07:02.160 --> 07:03.400 of the sort I've ever heard. 07:03.400 --> 07:05.160 Why, Peter, you rascal. 07:05.160 --> 07:08.240 I see you've quietly been letting us dress the stage for you. 07:08.240 --> 07:13.040 Well, it's, uh, not a story that'll please everyone. 07:13.040 --> 07:14.160 Oh, why not? 07:14.160 --> 07:16.880 Because you'll want to know what no one can ever know. 07:16.880 --> 07:18.640 It has no conclusion, then, huh? 07:18.640 --> 07:20.600 Uh, yes and no. 07:20.600 --> 07:22.240 As far as it concerns a woman, however, 07:22.240 --> 07:24.840 quite the most remarkable woman I've ever met, 07:24.840 --> 07:25.760 the story is complete. 07:25.760 --> 07:27.880 Ah, it concerns a woman. 07:27.880 --> 07:29.560 A woman and a crime. 07:29.560 --> 07:32.400 A crime of fever, as such as we've been just now. 07:32.400 --> 07:34.040 A crime of fever, yes. 07:34.040 --> 07:35.000 Quite a story. 07:35.000 --> 07:37.760 I think, uh, yes, I, uh, have just time 07:37.760 --> 07:39.760 before I catch my train to tell it to you. 07:39.760 --> 07:42.760 ["Suspense and Romer Wines"] 07:49.960 --> 07:52.120 For Suspense, Romer Wines are bringing you 07:52.120 --> 07:53.880 100 in the Dark. 07:53.880 --> 07:55.520 Romer Wines presentation tonight 07:55.520 --> 07:59.440 in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 07:59.440 --> 08:06.440 Suspense, radio's outstanding theater of thrills, 08:08.440 --> 08:10.400 is presented by Romer Wines. 08:10.400 --> 08:14.640 That's R-O-M-A, Romer Wines, selected for better taste 08:14.640 --> 08:18.760 from the world's greatest reserves of fine wines. 08:18.760 --> 08:22.100 Next week, Americans everywhere will celebrate Thanksgiving, 08:22.100 --> 08:24.260 and in millions of homes, families and friends 08:24.260 --> 08:25.600 will give a toast of thankfulness 08:25.600 --> 08:29.400 with better tasting Romer California wines. 08:29.400 --> 08:32.640 That's because Romer wines are America's favorite wines 08:32.640 --> 08:36.600 for festive occasions, as well as everyday enjoyment. 08:36.600 --> 08:39.200 No matter what you're planning for Thanksgiving dinner, 08:39.200 --> 08:43.480 there's a fine Romer wine to make every morsel a taste delight. 08:43.480 --> 08:45.200 Glorify the flavor of your turkey 08:45.200 --> 08:48.480 with golden hue, delicate Romer Saturn. 08:48.480 --> 08:53.120 Or if you're having meat, enjoy robust, full-bodied Romer Burgundy, 08:53.120 --> 08:56.400 the perfect flavor mate of your favorite roast. 08:56.400 --> 08:59.640 That's why more Americans enjoy Romer wines. 08:59.640 --> 09:06.400 That's R-O-M-A, Romer wines than any other wines. 09:06.400 --> 09:10.080 And now, Romer wines bring us back to the Artists and Writers Club, 09:10.080 --> 09:13.400 where five club members regaling themselves over after dinner coffee 09:13.400 --> 09:16.040 are settling down to hear a story told by a guest, 09:16.040 --> 09:18.160 a certain Mr. Peters. 09:18.160 --> 09:21.680 His is a narrative well calculated to keep his listeners in... 09:21.680 --> 09:22.680 Suspense. 09:22.680 --> 09:30.160 Er, Quinney, before I start, I wonder, would you ask the, er, John, 09:30.160 --> 09:31.160 I believe his name? 09:31.160 --> 09:32.160 Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes. 09:32.160 --> 09:33.160 Er, John? 09:33.160 --> 09:34.160 Yes, gentlemen? 09:34.160 --> 09:35.800 Er, John, I have a train to catch. 09:35.800 --> 09:38.720 Would you be good enough to get me out of here in exactly 15 minutes? 09:38.720 --> 09:40.200 In 15 minutes, sir. 09:40.200 --> 09:41.200 Thank you. 09:41.200 --> 09:42.680 Well, you have our attention, Peter. 09:42.680 --> 09:43.680 It concerns a woman. 09:43.680 --> 09:45.240 Do I know the woman? 09:45.240 --> 09:46.240 Possibly. 09:46.240 --> 09:49.280 Er, probably, I should say, but no more than anyone else. 09:49.280 --> 09:50.280 Ah, an actress. 09:50.280 --> 09:52.920 Er, what she's been in the past, I don't know. 09:52.920 --> 09:55.160 A promoter would better describe her. 09:55.160 --> 09:58.280 A very feminine woman, and yet, as you shall see, 09:58.280 --> 10:02.320 with an unusual, instantaneous masculine power of, er, decision. 10:02.320 --> 10:03.320 Oh, well... 10:03.320 --> 10:04.880 Peters, you're destroying your story. 10:04.880 --> 10:06.920 Your preface will bring an anticlimax. 10:06.920 --> 10:07.920 You shall be the judge. 10:07.920 --> 10:11.120 Of course, it, er, should be particularly interesting to you, 10:11.120 --> 10:14.240 because I believe most of you are acquainted with the people involved. 10:14.240 --> 10:17.280 The names, er, I shall use, of course, are disguises. 10:17.280 --> 10:24.920 No! 10:24.920 --> 10:27.400 Mrs... er, well, er... 10:27.400 --> 10:33.080 Mrs Rita Kildare inhabited a charming bachelor girl studio, 10:33.080 --> 10:35.560 very elegant of the duplex pattern, 10:35.560 --> 10:38.640 in one of the buildings just off Central Park West. 10:38.640 --> 10:42.800 She knew pretty nearly everyone in that indescribable society in New York 10:42.800 --> 10:44.360 that is drawn from all levels, 10:44.360 --> 10:47.040 and it imposes but one condition for membership, 10:47.040 --> 10:48.520 and that is to be amusing. 10:48.520 --> 10:50.320 Ah, good phrase that Peter, good phrase. 10:50.320 --> 10:52.680 She had a certain amount of money, 10:52.680 --> 10:55.880 she knew a certain number of men in Wall Street affairs, 10:55.880 --> 10:59.840 and her studio was furnished with taste and even distinction. 10:59.840 --> 11:01.400 She was of any age, 11:01.400 --> 11:04.640 she might have suffered everything or nothing at all. 11:04.640 --> 11:06.160 In this mingled society, 11:06.160 --> 11:07.920 her invitations were eagerly sought, 11:07.920 --> 11:09.880 her dinners were spontaneous, 11:09.880 --> 11:12.400 and the discussions, though gay and usually daring, 11:12.400 --> 11:17.440 were invariably under the control of wit and good taste. 11:17.440 --> 11:19.360 On the Sunday night of this adventure, 11:19.360 --> 11:22.360 she had, according to her invariable custom, 11:22.360 --> 11:23.920 sent away her Filipino butler 11:23.920 --> 11:26.680 and invited to an informal chaffing dish supper 11:26.680 --> 11:29.200 seven of her more congenial friends. 11:29.200 --> 11:31.240 At seven o'clock, having finished dressing, 11:31.240 --> 11:32.680 she put in order her bedroom, 11:32.680 --> 11:35.160 which formed a sort of free passage between the studio 11:35.160 --> 11:37.880 and a small dining room to the kitchen beyond. 11:37.880 --> 11:40.600 Then, going into the studio, she struck a match 11:40.600 --> 11:42.520 and was about to light the candlesticks, 11:42.520 --> 11:44.000 which illuminated the room. 11:44.000 --> 11:46.960 When the bell rang and a Mr Flanders, 11:46.960 --> 11:50.560 a broker, in fact, nervously alive, well-groomed, 11:50.560 --> 11:52.160 was waiting as she opened the door. 11:52.160 --> 11:53.600 Well, you're early. 11:53.600 --> 11:55.640 On the contrary, dear lady, you are late. 11:55.640 --> 11:58.840 Well, in any case, hello, and come on inside. 11:58.840 --> 12:00.320 Here, let me take your things. 12:00.320 --> 12:02.040 Thank you. 12:02.040 --> 12:04.120 I, uh, I'm the first, I suppose. 12:04.120 --> 12:05.400 Of course. 12:05.400 --> 12:07.760 And since you are, you can be a good boy 12:07.760 --> 12:08.920 and help me light the candles. 12:08.920 --> 12:10.760 Delighted. 12:10.760 --> 12:12.160 Who's to be here tonight? 12:12.160 --> 12:13.280 The Enos Jacksons. 12:13.280 --> 12:14.880 Oh, I thought they were separated. 12:14.880 --> 12:15.880 Not yet. 12:15.880 --> 12:16.920 How interesting. 12:16.920 --> 12:18.920 Only you, dear lady, would dream of serving us 12:18.920 --> 12:19.920 a couple on the verge. 12:19.920 --> 12:21.280 Well, it is interesting, isn't it? 12:21.280 --> 12:22.360 Assuredly. 12:22.360 --> 12:23.640 Where did you know the Jacksons? 12:23.640 --> 12:25.440 Through the wearings. 12:25.440 --> 12:28.480 Uh, Jackson's a rather doubtful person, isn't he? 12:28.480 --> 12:30.360 Mmm, let's call him a very sharp lawyer. 12:30.360 --> 12:31.320 Oh. 12:31.320 --> 12:33.840 They tell me, though, he's been gambling pretty much in deep. 12:33.840 --> 12:35.040 Oh, how about yourself? 12:35.040 --> 12:36.080 Who, me? 12:36.080 --> 12:37.760 I'm a bachelor, and if I lose my shirt, 12:37.760 --> 12:38.720 it makes no difference. 12:38.720 --> 12:39.760 Oh, is that possible? 12:39.760 --> 12:40.640 Probable, even. 12:40.640 --> 12:41.640 Oh. 12:41.640 --> 12:43.560 Ah, who else is coming? 12:43.560 --> 12:44.840 Oh, Maud Lyle. 12:44.840 --> 12:45.440 You know her. 12:45.440 --> 12:46.320 No, I don't think so. 12:46.320 --> 12:47.160 You do, too. 12:47.160 --> 12:48.440 You met her here some time ago. 12:48.440 --> 12:49.000 A journalist. 12:49.000 --> 12:49.560 Oh, yes, yes. 12:49.560 --> 12:50.360 I forgot. 12:50.360 --> 12:52.520 Mr. Harris, a club man, is coming. 12:52.520 --> 12:53.600 And the Stanley Cheevers. 12:53.600 --> 12:54.320 Stanley Cheevers? 12:54.320 --> 12:54.800 Uh-huh. 12:54.800 --> 12:55.480 Hm. 12:55.480 --> 12:56.360 Are we going to gamble? 12:56.360 --> 12:57.520 Well, don't tell me you object. 12:57.520 --> 12:58.880 Certainly not. 12:58.880 --> 13:01.680 Only the Cheevers, they play quite a game. 13:01.680 --> 13:05.320 Well united, and they have an unusual streak of good luck. 13:05.320 --> 13:07.120 Say, by the way, it's Jackson, isn't it, 13:07.120 --> 13:09.320 who's so attractive to Mrs. Cheevers? 13:09.320 --> 13:10.240 Quite right. 13:10.240 --> 13:11.720 Well, what a charming party. 13:11.720 --> 13:12.640 Mm-hm. 13:12.640 --> 13:15.120 And where does Maud Lyle come in? 13:15.120 --> 13:16.440 Oh, don't joke. 13:16.440 --> 13:18.120 She's in a desperate way. 13:18.120 --> 13:18.840 And young Harris? 13:18.840 --> 13:21.640 Oh, he's to make the salad and cream the chicken. 13:21.640 --> 13:24.040 Oh, I see the whole party. 13:24.040 --> 13:26.560 I, of course, am to add the element of respectability. 13:26.560 --> 13:28.080 Of what? 13:28.080 --> 13:28.880 I apologize. 13:28.880 --> 13:31.640 That's better. 13:31.640 --> 13:33.360 No one, of course, knows who's coming. 13:33.360 --> 13:37.320 No one, of course. 13:37.320 --> 13:47.320 The Stanley Cheevers entered, a short, fat man 13:47.320 --> 13:52.440 with a vacant fat face and a slow moving eye, and his wife, 13:52.440 --> 13:55.360 voluble, nervous, overdressed, and pretty. 13:55.360 --> 14:02.840 Mr. Yes, Mr. Harris came with Maud Lyle, a woman, straight, 14:02.840 --> 14:06.160 dark, Indian, with great masses of somber hair, 14:06.160 --> 14:09.160 held in a little too loosely for neatness, 14:09.160 --> 14:11.600 with thick, quick lips and eyes that rolled away 14:11.600 --> 14:14.000 from the person that was talking to her. 14:14.000 --> 14:17.720 The Enos Jacksons were late and still agitated as they entered. 14:17.720 --> 14:19.920 His forehead had not quite vanished the scowl, 14:19.920 --> 14:21.920 nor her eyes the scorn. 14:21.920 --> 14:23.800 He was of the type that never lost his temper, 14:23.800 --> 14:26.160 but caused others to lose theirs. 14:26.160 --> 14:28.040 Mrs. Jackson seemed fastened to her husband 14:28.040 --> 14:29.640 by an invisible leash. 14:29.640 --> 14:31.560 You looked at her curiously and wondered 14:31.560 --> 14:33.400 what such a nature would do in a crisis, 14:33.400 --> 14:36.240 with a lurking sense of a woman who carried with her 14:36.240 --> 14:38.600 her own impending tragedy. 14:38.600 --> 14:40.240 As soon as the company had been completed 14:40.240 --> 14:42.600 and the incongruity of the selection had been perceived, 14:42.600 --> 14:44.440 a smile of malicious anticipation 14:44.440 --> 14:47.240 ran the rounds, which the hostess cut short. 14:47.240 --> 14:50.600 Well, well, now everyone is here. 14:50.600 --> 14:52.440 This is the order of the night. 14:52.440 --> 14:54.160 You can quarrel all you want. 14:54.160 --> 14:55.440 You can whisper all the gossip you 14:55.440 --> 14:56.800 can think of about one another. 14:56.800 --> 15:00.360 But everyone is to be amusing. 15:00.360 --> 15:03.120 Also, also, everyone is to help with the dinner, 15:03.120 --> 15:03.960 if you please. 15:03.960 --> 15:06.280 Nothing formal and nothing serious. 15:06.280 --> 15:09.960 We may all be bankrupt tomorrow, divorced or dead. 15:09.960 --> 15:11.760 But tonight we'll be gay. 15:11.760 --> 15:14.200 That is the invariable rule of this house. 15:14.200 --> 15:15.040 All right? 15:15.040 --> 15:15.880 Thank you. 15:15.880 --> 15:16.720 Thank you. 15:16.720 --> 15:17.560 Come on. 15:18.960 --> 15:21.320 Now, me for the cooking apron. 15:21.320 --> 15:23.080 Ophairus, you are to go into the kitchen 15:23.080 --> 15:24.160 and bring in the hors d'oeuvre. 15:24.160 --> 15:25.000 Right you are. 15:25.000 --> 15:25.840 May I be of any help? 15:25.840 --> 15:27.320 Oh, thank you, maud, darling. 15:27.320 --> 15:28.160 Of course. 15:28.160 --> 15:29.000 Mrs. Cheever? 15:29.000 --> 15:29.840 Yes, dear. 15:29.840 --> 15:30.680 Oh, you too? 15:30.680 --> 15:31.960 Oh, do you want me? 15:31.960 --> 15:32.800 Yes. 15:38.400 --> 15:39.720 There now. 15:39.720 --> 15:42.280 Oh, darling, please tie me up in the back, will you? 15:42.280 --> 15:43.720 Oh, yes. 15:43.720 --> 15:44.560 There you are. 15:44.560 --> 15:45.720 Fine, thank you. 15:45.720 --> 15:47.280 Now to get these rings off. 15:48.160 --> 15:50.280 Soap and water always seem to do it. 15:50.280 --> 15:51.120 Oh. 15:52.080 --> 15:52.920 There. 15:53.800 --> 15:55.440 Your rings are so beautiful. 15:55.440 --> 15:56.280 Oh, thank you. 15:56.280 --> 15:57.280 They're very nice. 15:57.280 --> 15:58.960 But there's only one that's very valuable. 15:58.960 --> 16:00.320 The sapphire. 16:00.320 --> 16:01.160 It's beautiful. 16:01.160 --> 16:02.640 Oh, let me see. 16:03.920 --> 16:05.600 Oh, it must be very valuable. 16:05.600 --> 16:06.440 Mm-hmm. 16:06.440 --> 16:08.240 Of course, 10,000 six years ago. 16:08.240 --> 16:10.480 It's been my talisman ever since. 16:10.480 --> 16:12.920 For the moment, however, I am cook. 16:12.920 --> 16:16.400 Wait, are you going to leave the rings out like that? 16:16.400 --> 16:17.440 Of course, silly. 16:17.440 --> 16:18.520 Temptation, you know. 16:18.520 --> 16:21.840 Oh, now I am the cook. 16:21.840 --> 16:24.000 Maudlisle, you are scullery maid. 16:24.000 --> 16:27.280 Harris is the chef and we're all under his orders. 16:27.280 --> 16:28.760 Mrs. Cheever. 16:28.760 --> 16:30.640 Did you ever peel onions? 16:30.640 --> 16:32.480 Good heavens, no. 16:32.480 --> 16:33.600 Ha ha ha ha. 16:33.600 --> 16:35.120 There are no onions to peel. 16:35.120 --> 16:37.040 All you have to do is help set the table. 16:37.040 --> 16:37.880 Well. 16:45.880 --> 16:47.800 Under their hostess's gay guidance, 16:47.800 --> 16:50.280 the seven guests began to circulate busily 16:50.280 --> 16:51.880 through the rooms, laying the table, 16:51.880 --> 16:53.880 grouping the chairs, arranging the flowers, 16:53.880 --> 16:56.960 and preparing the material for the chafing dishes. 16:56.960 --> 16:59.960 Mrs. Kildare in the kitchen ransacked the icebox 16:59.960 --> 17:02.240 and with her own hands shredded the chicken 17:02.240 --> 17:04.000 and measured the cream. 17:04.000 --> 17:05.040 Flanders? 17:05.040 --> 17:06.000 Oh, please. 17:06.000 --> 17:06.840 Flanders. 17:06.840 --> 17:07.680 Yes? 17:07.680 --> 17:08.520 Here, carry this in carefully. 17:08.520 --> 17:09.360 Now don't. 17:09.360 --> 17:10.200 I've got it with my life. 17:10.200 --> 17:11.040 Oh, good boy. 17:11.040 --> 17:12.480 Oh, Cheever, stop watching your wife 17:12.480 --> 17:14.480 and put that salad bowl on the table. 17:15.880 --> 17:17.000 Everything ready, Harris? 17:17.000 --> 17:17.840 All set. 17:17.840 --> 17:19.400 Good, all right, all right now. 17:19.400 --> 17:21.160 Everyone, everyone sit down. 17:21.160 --> 17:27.440 I'll be right in. 17:27.440 --> 17:29.400 She went into her bedroom, took off her apron, 17:29.400 --> 17:30.400 and hung it in the closet. 17:30.400 --> 17:31.680 Then going to her dressing table, 17:31.680 --> 17:33.840 she drew the hat pin around which were her rings 17:33.840 --> 17:35.320 from the pin cushion and carelessly 17:35.320 --> 17:37.280 slipped them on her fingers. 17:37.280 --> 17:40.200 All at once she frowned and looked quickly at her hand. 17:42.880 --> 17:44.240 Only two rings were there. 17:44.240 --> 17:46.440 The third ring, the sapphire, was missing. 17:46.440 --> 17:47.280 Stupid. 17:47.280 --> 17:50.200 She returned to her dressing table. 17:50.200 --> 17:51.960 Immediately she stopped. 17:51.960 --> 17:54.440 She remembered quite clearly putting the hat pin 17:54.440 --> 17:55.880 through the three rings. 17:56.880 --> 17:58.520 She made no attempt to search further, 17:58.520 --> 17:59.800 but remained without moving, 17:59.800 --> 18:01.600 her fingers slowly drumming on the table, 18:01.600 --> 18:02.680 her head to one side, 18:02.680 --> 18:05.080 her lips drawn in a little between her teeth, 18:05.080 --> 18:08.440 listening with a frown to the babble from the outer room. 18:08.440 --> 18:10.120 Who had taken the ring? 18:10.120 --> 18:12.800 Each of her guests had had a dozen opportunities 18:12.800 --> 18:14.440 in the course of the time that she'd been busy 18:14.440 --> 18:15.280 in the kitchen. 18:15.280 --> 18:16.920 Too much time to think about it. 18:16.920 --> 18:18.680 Time before the mirror, dear lady. 18:18.680 --> 18:20.280 Well, it's not Flanders. 18:21.920 --> 18:23.120 Then she reconsidered. 18:23.120 --> 18:24.160 Why not? 18:24.160 --> 18:25.000 He's clever. 18:25.000 --> 18:27.520 Oh, I've got to think. 18:29.240 --> 18:31.800 To gain time, she walked back slowly to the kitchen, 18:31.800 --> 18:34.160 her head bowed and thumped between her teeth. 18:35.160 --> 18:36.560 Who has taken it? 18:37.640 --> 18:39.640 She ran over the characters of her guests 18:39.640 --> 18:42.080 and their situations as she knew. 18:42.080 --> 18:44.440 Strangely enough, at each her mind stopped 18:44.440 --> 18:46.240 upon some reason that might explain 18:46.240 --> 18:47.400 a sudden temptation. 18:47.400 --> 18:49.440 Well, I'll find out nothing this way. 18:49.440 --> 18:51.320 That's not the important thing to me, dear sir. 18:51.320 --> 18:54.600 The important thing is to get that ring back. 18:54.600 --> 18:56.200 And slowly, deliberately, 18:56.200 --> 18:57.840 she began to walk back and forth, 18:57.840 --> 19:00.600 her clenched hand beating the deliberate rhythmic measure 19:00.600 --> 19:01.440 of her journey. 19:04.040 --> 19:07.120 Five minutes later, as Harris installed his chef 19:07.120 --> 19:09.120 over the chafing dish, was giving directions, 19:09.120 --> 19:11.600 spoon in the air, Mrs. Kildare came into the room 19:11.600 --> 19:13.080 like a lengthening shadow. 19:13.960 --> 19:15.560 Her entrance had been made with scarcely 19:15.560 --> 19:18.840 perceptible sound, and yet each guest was aware of it 19:18.840 --> 19:21.280 at the same moment with a little nervous start. 19:22.480 --> 19:26.720 Oh, Ms. Kildare, you came in on us like a Greek tragedy. 19:26.720 --> 19:28.520 What is it you have for us, a surprise? 19:28.520 --> 19:30.960 I have something to say to you. 19:32.600 --> 19:33.920 Mr. Enos Jackson. 19:33.920 --> 19:35.440 Yes, Mrs. Kildare. 19:35.440 --> 19:36.640 Kindly do as I ask you. 19:36.640 --> 19:38.160 My sir. Go to the door. 19:38.160 --> 19:39.600 Go to the door. Please. 19:42.120 --> 19:43.400 Yes. 19:43.400 --> 19:45.520 Lock it and bring me the key, please. 19:46.360 --> 19:47.440 Some kind of a game. 19:48.760 --> 19:49.760 There you are. 19:49.760 --> 19:51.600 Thank you. And now the bedroom door. 19:51.600 --> 19:52.440 Would you do the same? 19:52.440 --> 19:53.280 Of course. 19:57.480 --> 19:58.640 Thank you, Mr. Jackson. 19:59.640 --> 20:00.480 Mr. Cheever. 20:00.480 --> 20:01.520 Yes. 20:01.520 --> 20:02.880 Would you blow out all the candles, 20:02.880 --> 20:04.480 except the candelabrum on the table? 20:04.480 --> 20:05.360 Blow out all the candles? 20:05.360 --> 20:07.200 Except the candelabrum. 20:07.200 --> 20:09.040 For goodness sakes, Mrs. Kildare, what is it? 20:09.040 --> 20:10.640 I'm getting terribly worked up. 20:10.640 --> 20:11.480 My nerves. 20:11.480 --> 20:12.880 Maud Lyle. Yes. 20:12.880 --> 20:14.240 Put the candelabrum on this table. 20:14.240 --> 20:15.680 Here. No, no, wait a minute. 20:15.680 --> 20:16.720 Mr. Jackson. Yes. 20:16.720 --> 20:18.280 First, clear off the table, please. 20:18.280 --> 20:19.200 I want nothing on it. 20:19.200 --> 20:20.040 Mrs. Kildare. 20:20.040 --> 20:21.040 That's it. 20:21.040 --> 20:24.800 Now, now, please put down the candelabrum. 20:33.920 --> 20:37.440 Well, that's the last candle. 20:37.440 --> 20:38.280 All right. 20:39.160 --> 20:40.000 Now listen. 20:40.000 --> 20:42.680 My sapphire ring has just been stolen. 20:42.680 --> 20:43.520 What? 20:43.520 --> 20:44.360 Oh, you're joking. 20:44.360 --> 20:45.200 Why, why, why? 20:45.200 --> 20:46.520 What do you mean, Mrs. Kildare? 20:46.520 --> 20:50.400 The ring has been taken within the last 20 minutes. 20:50.400 --> 20:51.760 I'm not going to mince words. 20:51.760 --> 20:55.440 The ring has been taken and the thief is among you. 20:55.440 --> 20:56.280 What? 20:56.280 --> 20:57.120 Mrs. Kildare. 20:57.120 --> 20:57.960 Stolen? 20:57.960 --> 21:00.160 But, Mrs. Kildare, is it possible? 21:00.160 --> 21:01.600 Absolutely, Mrs. Cheever. 21:01.600 --> 21:03.080 There's not the slightest doubt. 21:03.080 --> 21:04.520 Three of you were in my bedroom 21:04.520 --> 21:06.280 when I placed my rings on the pincushion. 21:06.280 --> 21:08.760 Each of you has passed through there a dozen times since. 21:08.760 --> 21:12.920 My sapphire ring is gone and one of you has taken it. 21:12.920 --> 21:13.760 Oh, I don't know. 21:13.760 --> 21:15.200 Oh, that's quite true. 21:15.200 --> 21:16.680 I was in the room when she took them off. 21:16.680 --> 21:18.160 The sapphire ring was on time. 21:18.160 --> 21:19.520 Now listen. 21:19.520 --> 21:20.680 I'm not going to mince words. 21:20.680 --> 21:22.960 I'm not going to stand on ceremony. 21:22.960 --> 21:24.760 I'm going to have that ring back. 21:24.760 --> 21:25.600 Now, dear lady. 21:25.600 --> 21:27.080 Listen to me. 21:27.080 --> 21:29.040 I'm going to have that ring back 21:29.040 --> 21:31.960 and until I do, not a soul shall leave this room. 21:31.960 --> 21:33.280 I don't care who's taken it. 21:33.280 --> 21:34.640 All I want is my ring. 21:35.600 --> 21:37.160 Now, I'm going to make it possible 21:37.160 --> 21:38.800 for whoever took it to restore it 21:38.800 --> 21:40.240 without possibility of detection. 21:40.240 --> 21:42.360 The doors are locked and they'll stay locked. 21:42.360 --> 21:45.400 I am going to blow out the remaining candles 21:45.400 --> 21:46.640 in the candelabrum 21:46.640 --> 21:50.640 and I am going to count to 100 slowly. 21:50.640 --> 21:52.440 It will be in absolute darkness. 21:52.440 --> 21:54.000 No one will know or see what is done. 21:54.000 --> 21:56.520 But if at the end of that time 21:56.520 --> 21:58.800 the ring is not here on this table, 21:59.680 --> 22:00.760 I shall telephone the police 22:00.760 --> 22:02.800 and have everyone in this room searched. 22:02.800 --> 22:03.640 Am I quite clear? 22:03.640 --> 22:06.480 I just can't believe it. 22:06.480 --> 22:09.480 Everyone take his place about the table, please. 22:09.480 --> 22:10.480 Excuse me, please. 22:10.480 --> 22:12.480 That will do very nicely. 22:12.480 --> 22:15.480 Now, I will blow out the candles and count 100. 22:15.480 --> 22:16.680 No more, no less. 22:16.680 --> 22:19.880 Remember, either I get that ring 22:19.880 --> 22:37.680 or everyone in this room will be searched. 22:37.680 --> 22:42.880 One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 22:42.880 --> 22:46.280 eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, 22:46.280 --> 22:50.080 seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty- One, twenty two, 22:50.080 --> 22:52.280 twenty-three, twenty four, twenty five, 22:52.280 --> 23:09.080 twenty six, twenty seven, twenty eight, twenty nine, thirty, 23:09.080 --> 23:10.280 fifty-five, fifty six, fifty seven, fifty eight, 23:10.280 --> 23:13.280 fifty nine, fifty five, fifty six, ninety seven, 23:13.280 --> 23:28.720 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 23:28.720 --> 23:42.840 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 23:42.840 --> 24:09.240 victory 100, execution 100, roll call 100, Divine 24:09.240 --> 24:16.240 and there 24:16.520 --> 24:20.360 there you are gentle like i say it is a boy that's not all 24:20.360 --> 24:24.040 absolutely story and that story ends there 24:24.040 --> 24:26.440 but uh... who took the ring 24:26.440 --> 24:28.560 what was never found out never 24:28.560 --> 24:30.680 no clothes 24:30.680 --> 24:32.400 i'm not sure i like the story 24:32.400 --> 24:36.760 that's not sorry at all permit me it is a story and it is complete 24:36.760 --> 24:38.900 in fact i consider it unique 24:38.900 --> 24:41.720 because it has none of the abilities of a solution 24:41.720 --> 24:45.120 leaves the problem even more confused than at the start 24:45.120 --> 24:49.320 i don't see of course you don't like iraq and you do not see that any 24:49.320 --> 24:51.320 solution would be commonplace 24:51.320 --> 24:52.800 whereas no solution 24:52.800 --> 24:54.880 needed to intellectual problem 24:54.880 --> 24:55.800 also 24:55.800 --> 24:57.120 in the first place 24:57.120 --> 24:59.720 i would have the situation actually happened not what is in itself a 24:59.720 --> 25:01.080 military reality 25:01.080 --> 25:05.360 peter's has told it in a masterly way the brutal which is that he may be this 25:05.360 --> 25:06.320 it's a good 25:06.320 --> 25:10.320 each person present might have taken the ring and as a broker just come up 25:10.320 --> 25:11.120 proper 25:11.120 --> 25:15.320 mod lial a woman on the ragged side of life in desperate means 25:15.320 --> 25:18.560 either mister mrs cheever suspected of being caught chopped 25:18.560 --> 25:20.520 and a very good touch that to be just 25:20.520 --> 25:24.360 mister enos jackson a sharp lawyer or his wife about to be divorced 25:24.360 --> 25:28.000 even harris concerning whom very cleverly peter's is that absolutely 25:28.000 --> 25:31.480 nothing to make him quite the most suspicious of all 25:31.480 --> 25:35.560 there are therefore seven solutions all possible all logical 25:35.560 --> 25:36.700 but beyond this 25:36.700 --> 25:40.040 is left a great intellectual problem also 25:40.040 --> 25:43.800 was it a feminine or a masculine action to restore the ring when threatened with 25:43.800 --> 25:44.740 the search 25:44.740 --> 25:46.680 knowing that mrs killed as clever x 25:46.680 --> 25:48.800 begin to throw in the room in the darkness 25:48.800 --> 25:50.280 made detection impossible 25:50.280 --> 25:53.320 or was it a woman who lacked the necessary courage to continue 25:53.320 --> 25:56.780 or was it a man who repented his first impulse 25:56.780 --> 25:58.300 is a man or is a woman 25:58.300 --> 26:02.900 a great natural criminal that's simple clearly a woman don't have gone on the 26:02.900 --> 26:04.560 contrary was a man 26:04.560 --> 26:06.760 for the first action was more difficult 26:06.760 --> 26:11.760 first man certainly restoration the ring was a logical decision i recognize most 26:11.760 --> 26:15.280 of those characters features mrs killed their courses all you say 26:15.280 --> 26:16.280 extraordinary woman 26:16.280 --> 26:18.680 stories quite characteristic 26:18.680 --> 26:21.760 friend is a not quite sure what i think i know him to 26:21.760 --> 26:23.000 i'm positive i do 26:23.000 --> 26:24.640 that did it really happen 26:24.640 --> 26:28.240 exactly as i've told you know what i don't recognize it 26:28.240 --> 26:29.680 harris 26:29.680 --> 26:32.240 your humble servant 26:32.240 --> 26:33.560 you peter's 26:33.560 --> 26:39.480 you were there 26:39.480 --> 26:41.840 on the general always uh... what is it done 26:41.840 --> 26:43.440 mr peter said you're trained 26:43.440 --> 26:47.100 you told me to remind us thank you i don't know so i can 26:47.100 --> 26:48.880 you don't want me 26:48.880 --> 26:51.020 uh... yes of course 26:51.020 --> 26:56.840 i sort of much of all 26:56.840 --> 26:58.200 curious chap 26:58.200 --> 27:01.080 short 27:01.080 --> 27:03.880 i wonder 27:03.880 --> 27:10.880 i wonder if we're wondering the same thing gentleman 27:10.880 --> 27:17.880 uh... 27:27.200 --> 27:28.720 saucepan 27:28.720 --> 27:30.960 and so close as one hundred in the dark 27:30.960 --> 27:34.240 peter's was played by howard duff and the other club members were joseph 27:34.240 --> 27:38.240 kerns frank albertson john mcintyre dick ryan and harvest willard 27:38.240 --> 27:41.440 therese a martial was really killed there and at her party were janet no 27:41.440 --> 27:42.000 lind 27:42.000 --> 27:45.600 while a mayor mary jane croft jerry housen and grace gillian 27:45.600 --> 27:47.520 tonight study and suspense 27:47.520 --> 27:49.480 resided by a role in 27:49.480 --> 27:51.200 that's are all m a 27:51.200 --> 27:54.840 role well and america's favorite lines 27:54.840 --> 27:57.700 if you could see 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roma port 28:36.000 --> 28:39.480 roma port is a truly distinguished entertainment line 28:39.480 --> 28:40.520 ruby red 28:40.520 --> 28:41.640 bull body 28:41.640 --> 28:43.080 clear as a bill 28:43.080 --> 28:44.900 be sure to ask for roma 28:44.900 --> 28:46.760 that's are all m a 28:46.760 --> 28:51.980 roma winds america's largest selling winds 28:51.980 --> 28:55.160 tonight suspense radio play was adapted by jack think 28:55.160 --> 28:59.520 for short story by all in johnson 28:59.520 --> 29:03.600 produced and directed by williams bear for the roma wine company of fresno 29:03.600 --> 29:09.000 california 29:09.000 --> 29:30.000 this is cbs the columbia broadcasting system