1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:21,000 Suspense! 2 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:28,000 Radio's outstanding theater of thrills brings you an hour, a full 60 minutes of suspense. 3 00:00:28,000 --> 00:00:35,000 Tonight, starring Mr. John McIntyre in a play entitled, The House by the River by A.P. Herbert, 4 00:00:35,000 --> 00:00:43,000 directed by Anton M. Lieder and produced by Robert Montgomery. 5 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:45,000 Mr. Montgomery. 6 00:00:45,000 --> 00:00:49,000 True wit is nature to advantage dressed. 7 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:52,000 What oft was thought but ne'er so well expressed. 8 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:56,000 Alexander Pope was speaking about poetry when he said that. 9 00:00:56,000 --> 00:01:00,000 And most of us when we think about poetry, think of it in much the same way. 10 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:04,000 As beauty caught and held captive in a skein of words. 11 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:08,000 As something soft and lovely and without violence. 12 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:10,000 But that's not always true. 13 00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:16,000 Poetry can be violent and hard and dark with tales of terror and horror. 14 00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:22,000 The popular idea that a poet is always a soft and fragile fellow is also untrue. 15 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:27,000 Poetry grows from the stuff of life and the poet is heir to all the ills of other men. 16 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:33,000 He's a frequent walker upon the dark paths of life as well as in the sunlit fields. 17 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:39,000 And finally it's not true either that a poet worth that name must live in a lonely garret in obscure poverty, 18 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:43,000 sleeping on the stacks of his unread rhymes. 19 00:01:43,000 --> 00:01:49,000 Some poets find fame and fortune early and live richly in comfort and adulation. 20 00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:53,000 In fact, that's the kind of a poet we have in our story tonight. 21 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:59,000 Stephen Burns, who at 35 was already being compared with Keats and Shelley, 22 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:07,000 who had in a few slender volumes made himself the voice and the conscience of all England. 23 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:14,000 His home, standing on the bank of the Thames, was known to a million Englishmen as the house by the river. 24 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:22,000 Here he lived in peace and contentment with his wife Marjorie and his brother John, a civil servant in London. 25 00:02:22,000 --> 00:02:29,000 Here on the breast of the great sluggish river he lived and studied and worked until... 26 00:02:33,000 --> 00:02:37,000 the evening of June 15th last summer. 27 00:02:37,000 --> 00:02:41,000 Marjorie was out of the house visiting her people in Cornwall. 28 00:02:41,000 --> 00:02:45,000 John was not yet home from work, it was Cook's night out. 29 00:02:45,000 --> 00:02:53,000 Stephen stood at dusk in his garden, watching the water beneath him turn black as night came on with a rush. 30 00:02:53,000 --> 00:02:59,000 His neighbour, Mrs Ambrose, was watering her tulips in the garden next to his. 31 00:02:59,000 --> 00:03:02,000 The scene was set for a strange adventure. 32 00:03:02,000 --> 00:03:10,000 Tonight Mr John McIntyre returns to our cast following his sensational performance three weeks ago in Donovan's Brain. 33 00:03:10,000 --> 00:03:16,000 With him is a new young star from the Abbey Players in Dublin, Mr Dan O'Hurley. 34 00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:25,000 And so with the performances of John McIntyre as Stephen Burns and Dan O'Hurley as John Burns in A.B. Herbert's The House by the River, 35 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:27,000 we again hope to keep you in... 36 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:29,000 SUSPENSE! 37 00:03:33,000 --> 00:03:34,000 Anything wrong Mrs Ambrose? 38 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:36,000 Look at that Stephen! 39 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:41,000 Why? It's a cat! A dead cat! 40 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:48,000 Much as I love living on the river Stephen, this is what it casts up on our property. This and worse. 41 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:53,000 Yes I know. I've seen it passing up and down the river for weeks. 42 00:03:53,000 --> 00:04:01,000 Yes, what's happened to the world Mrs Ambrose? And it can become so indifferent, so menacing and cruel to a little yellow kitten. 43 00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:05,000 I'm sure I don't know about the world, but I do think a letter to the authorities would help. 44 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:07,000 Yes it might, it's there. 45 00:04:07,000 --> 00:04:11,000 Oh is that Marjorie up there in the house? I thought she was away for the evening. 46 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:14,000 She is. No that must be the new maid. 47 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:18,000 Oh, Emily Gaunt. Seems like a very nice girl. 48 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:23,000 Well she's a nice clean girl at any rate. She's probably in the bath right now. 49 00:04:23,000 --> 00:04:27,000 Well, I'll have to get someone to take that cat away. 50 00:04:27,000 --> 00:04:28,000 Good night Mrs Ambrose. 51 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:30,000 Good night. 52 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:40,000 Yes, cruel, menacing, indifferent world. Even to a tiny yellow innocent little kitten. 53 00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:43,000 Good evening Mr Burns. 54 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:46,000 Good evening Emily. Have a nice bath? 55 00:04:46,000 --> 00:04:49,000 Yes thank you sir. Very nice. 56 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:52,000 Are you looking for something Emily? 57 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:55,000 I just thought I'd pop my hair up tonight. 58 00:04:55,000 --> 00:05:00,000 You have very pretty hair Emily. I don't wonder you tend it so carefully. 59 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:03,000 It's the bottom more than anything else it is sir. 60 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:06,000 Men are so lucky when it comes to things like that. 61 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:11,000 As a matter of fact Emily, you're a very pretty girl. 62 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:13,000 Thank you sir. 63 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:14,000 Pretty enough to kiss. 64 00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:15,000 Oh sir. 65 00:05:15,000 --> 00:05:17,000 Would you mind if I kissed you Emily? 66 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:18,000 You must be joking sir. 67 00:05:18,000 --> 00:05:20,000 No Emily, I'm not joking. 68 00:05:20,000 --> 00:05:22,000 Please sir. What would Mrs Burns say? 69 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:25,000 Never mind Mrs Burns Emily. Never mind. Come here. 70 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:26,000 Oh no, please. 71 00:05:26,000 --> 00:05:30,000 Cry at you little fool. I'm not going to hurt you. Hasn't a man ever kissed you before? 72 00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:32,000 Oh. 73 00:05:32,000 --> 00:05:34,000 Would you be quiet? 74 00:05:34,000 --> 00:05:36,000 Oh no, you hurt me. 75 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:40,000 Listen to me. You're perfectly safe Emily. I'm sorry I was a fool. I didn't mean to hurt you. 76 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:43,000 Alright then I'm going to let you go. But I want you to be quiet. 77 00:05:43,000 --> 00:05:44,000 Help. 78 00:05:44,000 --> 00:05:49,000 Would you be quiet you fool. You wake everyone. You have anyone here? My wife, my neighbors. 79 00:05:49,000 --> 00:05:53,000 Stop it. Stop it. Do you hear? Stop it. 80 00:05:55,000 --> 00:05:58,000 There. That's better. 81 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:02,000 Emily? 82 00:06:02,000 --> 00:06:04,000 Emily? 83 00:06:04,000 --> 00:06:06,000 Emily? 84 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:11,000 Anybody home? Open up. It's John. 85 00:06:13,000 --> 00:06:14,000 John. 86 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:18,000 It's about time. What kept you so long? You know I've got to stop forgetting my key like this. 87 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:20,000 Come in. Come in quick. 88 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:21,000 Is anything wrong? 89 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:24,000 I... I... I need your help. I'm in a hole. 90 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:26,000 Alright. What's the tr... 91 00:06:28,000 --> 00:06:31,000 It's our mate. It's Emily Gaunt. 92 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:33,000 I'm afraid she's dead. 93 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:39,000 Why haven't you picked her up? Why haven't you called a doctor? 94 00:06:39,000 --> 00:06:43,000 Listen to me John. I say she's dead. 95 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:45,000 Emily... dead? 96 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:48,000 Yes. 97 00:06:48,000 --> 00:06:50,000 You ought to throw something over her. 98 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:53,000 What? Oh I... I didn't think. 99 00:06:54,000 --> 00:06:57,000 Alright. How did it happen? 100 00:06:57,000 --> 00:07:02,000 I... how do I know? I was playing the fool. I was pretending I was going to kiss her. 101 00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:03,000 Go on. 102 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:06,000 Well she got frightened. She thought I meant it. And then she bumped her head. 103 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:09,000 I had to keep her quiet. It was a scandal. She didn't seem to understand. Lost her nerve. 104 00:07:09,000 --> 00:07:13,000 I kept trying to quiet and then she bumped her head. I... I said that didn't I? 105 00:07:13,000 --> 00:07:15,000 Shall we call the police? 106 00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:19,000 You don't understand John. It's... it's murder. 107 00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:21,000 Yes. It is. 108 00:07:21,000 --> 00:07:23,000 What am I going to do? 109 00:07:23,000 --> 00:07:26,000 I don't know. I... I don't know. 110 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:33,000 I... I was thinking. The river. Slip out on a rowboat and do it now. It would be easy that way. Take only a few minutes. 111 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:35,000 Emily Gaunt? In the river? 112 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:40,000 We've got to get her out of here. Marjorie will be home. Anyone could walk in. I want you to help me John. If you don't I'm finished. 113 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:44,000 Couldn't you throw it over the wall? Into the water? 114 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:48,000 No, no, no. The tide would throw it up again in the morning. You... you... 115 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:50,000 It's got to go out John. It's got to be sunk. 116 00:07:50,000 --> 00:07:52,000 All right. Let's get it over with. 117 00:07:52,000 --> 00:07:53,000 I knew you'd help. 118 00:07:53,000 --> 00:07:54,000 Let's get it over with. 119 00:07:54,000 --> 00:08:17,000 Yes, yes, you're right. I'll just run down to the basement for a moment. We have a large sack there. 120 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:22,000 This is far enough. 121 00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:24,000 What are you doing now? 122 00:08:24,000 --> 00:08:28,000 It's got to sink. Don't you understand? The anchor will do it. 123 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:30,000 Hurry up Stephen. Hurry up. 124 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:32,000 Godspeed. 125 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:33,000 I'll leave you ready. 126 00:08:33,000 --> 00:08:35,000 I... I'm ready. 127 00:08:35,000 --> 00:08:37,000 All right. Now. Together. 128 00:08:37,000 --> 00:08:48,000 Push. 129 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:53,000 It's a quarter after ten. Beverly's been dead an hour. 130 00:08:53,000 --> 00:08:58,000 John. What have I done to you? 131 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:01,000 Nothing. I'll be all right. 132 00:09:01,000 --> 00:09:02,000 Are you sorry? 133 00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:06,000 Of course I'm sorry. What do you take me for? But it... it couldn't be helped. 134 00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:07,000 Thanks. 135 00:09:07,000 --> 00:09:09,000 Don't talk about it anymore. 136 00:09:09,000 --> 00:09:11,000 The sack is missed. 137 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:13,000 I'll take the responsibility. I'll see how I last. 138 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:16,000 No, no. I won't have you involved anymore. Besides, it won't be necessary. 139 00:09:16,000 --> 00:09:23,000 Let's go home. 140 00:09:23,000 --> 00:09:25,000 Stop the minute. 141 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:26,000 What is it now? 142 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:27,000 I just remembered. 143 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:28,000 Huh? 144 00:09:28,000 --> 00:09:42,000 My name and address are stenciled on that sack. 145 00:09:42,000 --> 00:09:44,000 Good morning Mr. Burns. 146 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:46,000 Oh. Morning Mr. Beech. 147 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:47,000 If you please sir. 148 00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:48,000 Yes. What is it? 149 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:50,000 It's Emily sir. 150 00:09:50,000 --> 00:09:52,000 Anything wrong with her? 151 00:09:52,000 --> 00:09:54,000 I don't know sir. She's not in the house. 152 00:09:54,000 --> 00:10:00,000 It was my night out yesterday and when I came in this morning I noticed as though her bed wasn't slept in. 153 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:02,000 I think she's been gone all night. 154 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:03,000 Really? 155 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:05,000 Gone without her Macintosh too. 156 00:10:05,000 --> 00:10:10,000 I wondered as though maybe you'd seen her sir or sent her on a heron like. 157 00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:12,000 No. No. There was no heron. 158 00:10:12,000 --> 00:10:20,000 Oh youth will have its fling they say. I hope you won't be too hard on her Mr. Burns. Emily's really a good girl. 159 00:10:20,000 --> 00:10:23,000 Yes. Nonetheless it's a naughty thing for her to have done. 160 00:10:23,000 --> 00:10:27,000 I'll speak to her when she comes in. Thank you sir. 161 00:10:27,000 --> 00:10:45,000 Yes. Well it's begun. 162 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:47,000 Care for some toast John? 163 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:48,000 No thanks. 164 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:49,000 Stephen? 165 00:10:49,000 --> 00:10:50,000 No darling. 166 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:51,000 I'll drink for some fresh. 167 00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:52,000 Don't bother. I'm not very hungry. 168 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:55,000 What's come over you two the last few days? 169 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:58,000 Anything wrong with your egg Stephen? Stephen? 170 00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:12,000 Oh no. No dear. No. I'm thinking that's all. Poets are like hens. They brood before they produce. I haven't written in days. 171 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:21,000 It's always darkest before the sun it... Well I know it wasn't a very good joke but you might smile. 172 00:11:21,000 --> 00:11:29,000 It's no use mum. It's doing the work of two that's made me so mumpish and that detective fella poking around in my kitchen under my feet all day. 173 00:11:29,000 --> 00:11:30,000 What detective? 174 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:38,000 Oh the one who's been nosing round the back door asking after Emily. Wicked girl. She's probably off with some toff she is. 175 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:39,000 What did you tell him? 176 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:47,000 Nothing at all. But Mr. Burns here, he joshed him he did. Told him Emily's liked to be off to Venice with a gentleman friend. 177 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:48,000 We don't know that. 178 00:11:48,000 --> 00:11:51,000 We don't know anything really but she was a flighty little thing. 179 00:11:51,000 --> 00:11:52,000 That's a lie. 180 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:55,000 She'll turn up again but until she does he can't help to talk about it. 181 00:11:55,000 --> 00:11:59,000 Nobody's maligning Emily just because the girl ran off with somebody. 182 00:11:59,000 --> 00:12:00,000 You didn't see her do it did you? 183 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:04,000 Don't be a fool John. Certainly not. 184 00:12:04,000 --> 00:12:05,000 Then... 185 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:07,000 Then leave her in peace. 186 00:12:07,000 --> 00:12:12,000 That's all cook. Thank you. Oh not at all mum. 187 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:15,000 Pass the coffee will you darling? 188 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:23,000 You know John one would almost think you were sweet on the girl. You weren't were you? 189 00:12:23,000 --> 00:12:24,000 Shut up Stephen. 190 00:12:24,000 --> 00:12:28,000 You're both too grumpy for me. I think I'll go and cut some flowers. 191 00:12:28,000 --> 00:12:34,000 Don't go too far. It's just a joke. Forget it. 192 00:12:34,000 --> 00:12:41,000 Forget it? How can I? Every time someone speaks to me, every time someone looks at me I see the same thing in their eyes. 193 00:12:41,000 --> 00:12:45,000 Where's Emily Gaunt? What's happened to the girl? Why did you do it? 194 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:49,000 Forget it. I believe you almost have. 195 00:12:49,000 --> 00:12:54,000 I wish I could. I wish I could. 196 00:13:04,000 --> 00:13:05,000 Blast it! 197 00:13:05,000 --> 00:13:06,000 What's that darling? 198 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:08,000 I said blast it! 199 00:13:08,000 --> 00:13:10,000 Finished writing. 200 00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:11,000 I can't start. 201 00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:13,000 Oh I'm sorry. 202 00:13:13,000 --> 00:13:19,000 I wish it were a tap and I could turn it off and on but I can't. 203 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:26,000 I've carried an idea in my head for a month now. It's been growing and swelling and clamouring to be born but I... 204 00:13:26,000 --> 00:13:28,000 You'll get it Stephen. 205 00:13:28,000 --> 00:13:30,000 Not in this room. I'm going out in the river. 206 00:13:30,000 --> 00:13:32,000 Does that help? 207 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:42,000 I need the river. It seems to flow through my life just as it does through the heart of London. 208 00:13:42,000 --> 00:13:43,000 Anyway it's good exercise. 209 00:13:43,000 --> 00:13:45,000 Darling I'll come with you. 210 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:46,000 I'd rather go alone. 211 00:13:46,000 --> 00:13:47,000 Oh. 212 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:48,000 If you don't mind. 213 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:50,000 No. I don't mind. 214 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:52,000 Well then. 215 00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:53,000 Stephen. 216 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:55,000 What? 217 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:58,000 Nothing Stephen. Nothing. 218 00:13:58,000 --> 00:14:02,000 I'll be back late. 219 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:17,000 Office of Transport. 220 00:14:17,000 --> 00:14:20,000 Mr John Burns please. 221 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:24,000 Hello? 222 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:26,000 John this is Marjorie. 223 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:27,000 Oh is anything wrong Marjorie? 224 00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:31,000 No I don't think so but I've just had a brainstorm. 225 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:33,000 Would you like to take a pretty girl to lunch? 226 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:36,000 Sounds wonderful but I don't know any pretty girls. 227 00:14:36,000 --> 00:14:41,000 Yes you do. Me. I'll come in by the tube. Be there in an hour. 228 00:14:51,000 --> 00:14:56,000 It's lovely here. Who'd think there was such a beautiful spot right in the middle of the city. 229 00:14:56,000 --> 00:14:59,000 I think they designed this park for lovers primarily. 230 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:02,000 Sometimes when I walk here I feel like an intruder. 231 00:15:02,000 --> 00:15:07,000 But you're acting the part quite nicely. Luncheon at Pym's. Corsage of Valus. 232 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:11,000 You're getting the grand treatment. After all this is our first date. 233 00:15:11,000 --> 00:15:14,000 I've kept you a terribly long time. Won't they mind? 234 00:15:14,000 --> 00:15:16,000 I don't care if they do. 235 00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:18,000 John you're very nice. 236 00:15:18,000 --> 00:15:20,000 Yes like mint tea when you have a cold. 237 00:15:20,000 --> 00:15:23,000 No like a friend. 238 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:25,000 Be careful Marjorie. I'll hold you to that. 239 00:15:25,000 --> 00:15:27,000 I want you to. 240 00:15:27,000 --> 00:15:29,000 What's the trouble? Trouble? 241 00:15:29,000 --> 00:15:32,000 You didn't come all the way into the city just to have lunch with me. 242 00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:38,000 I suppose I wanted to talk but somehow now it doesn't seem so important. 243 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:41,000 Is it something about Stephen? 244 00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:48,000 Yes. You must have noticed that our marriage hasn't been exactly perfect. 245 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:51,000 Oh you. You mustn't let Stephen's moods upset you. 246 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:55,000 It's more than that. No woman has a chance with Stephen. 247 00:15:55,000 --> 00:15:58,000 His only real love is his work. 248 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:01,000 I sometimes wonder why he ever married me at all. 249 00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:04,000 Perhaps because he needed you. 250 00:16:04,000 --> 00:16:09,000 Perhaps? And you John. Don't you need anyone? 251 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:13,000 Me? That's the other way around. It seems nobody needs me. 252 00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:21,000 Except Mr. Forsythe at the office. Come on. I'll take you to the tube station. 253 00:16:26,000 --> 00:16:28,000 Hello there. 254 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:30,000 Hello. 255 00:16:30,000 --> 00:16:34,000 You're Stephen Burns the poet aren't you? My name's Muriel. 256 00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:37,000 That's nice. Where did you spring from? 257 00:16:37,000 --> 00:16:41,000 Just the next garden over. I'm Mr. Dimple's niece. 258 00:16:41,000 --> 00:16:43,000 Down for the summer. 259 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:45,000 You like it here. 260 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:49,000 I know who you are. I've read all your poetry. 261 00:16:49,000 --> 00:16:54,000 Have you? I'm an artist myself. I've been sketching the view from up here. 262 00:16:54,000 --> 00:16:57,000 I bet it's ever so much finer out on the river. 263 00:16:57,000 --> 00:16:59,000 Yes it is. 264 00:16:59,000 --> 00:17:03,000 I see you're going out there. That's right. 265 00:17:03,000 --> 00:17:05,000 Take me with you. 266 00:17:05,000 --> 00:17:07,000 I think not. 267 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:10,000 Do take me with you. 268 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:14,000 Don't worry Muriel. One day I'll let you catch up with me. 269 00:17:14,000 --> 00:17:18,000 Hello Stephen. I see you two have met. 270 00:17:18,000 --> 00:17:21,000 Just a minute. I didn't know you had a niece. 271 00:17:21,000 --> 00:17:25,000 I hardly knew it myself until she was there with her baggage on my doorstep. 272 00:17:25,000 --> 00:17:30,000 I'm neglecting my painting. But I'll keep you to your promise Mr. Burns. 273 00:17:30,000 --> 00:17:33,000 Yes. Do that Muriel. 274 00:17:33,000 --> 00:17:35,000 See you later uncle. 275 00:17:35,000 --> 00:17:40,000 Fine girl. 276 00:17:40,000 --> 00:17:42,000 Going boating? 277 00:17:42,000 --> 00:17:46,000 Yes. It'll be cool out there in the water. 278 00:17:46,000 --> 00:17:50,000 If only there wasn't so much refuse always floating about. 279 00:17:50,000 --> 00:17:55,000 Garbage Mr. Dimple. Garbage from everybody's lives. 280 00:17:55,000 --> 00:18:01,000 Yes it's so. Disgorging if you'll excuse the expression, onto our gardens. 281 00:18:01,000 --> 00:18:04,000 Not at all right for an English river. 282 00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:08,000 Go out and make friends with it. Then you won't mind. 283 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:11,000 As you've done you mean? Well I can't. 284 00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:17,000 Seasick you know. How many secrets are out there? 285 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:19,000 What? 286 00:18:19,000 --> 00:18:22,000 Oh yes. It is a secret river. 287 00:18:22,000 --> 00:18:24,000 Like the Nile. 288 00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:28,000 Mystery hidden deep within it and passion. 289 00:18:28,000 --> 00:18:30,000 Especially at night. 290 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:34,000 Don't you think that makes it beautiful Dimple? And exciting? 291 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:43,000 I suppose so. I like to sit by my window and watch it. Watch it. 292 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:46,000 Do you do a lot of watching Dimple? 293 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:50,000 Yes Dimple. A great deal. 294 00:18:50,000 --> 00:19:03,000 Hello? John is that you? 295 00:19:03,000 --> 00:19:06,000 Yes. Who the devil is this? 296 00:19:06,000 --> 00:19:08,000 It's Stephen. What is it Stephen? 297 00:19:08,000 --> 00:19:10,000 John listen to me carefully. Alright I am. 298 00:19:10,000 --> 00:19:15,000 I was talking to Dimple this afternoon down on our pier and looking out on the river. 299 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:19,000 Suddenly as I was looking out. I can't hear you very well. It's a bad connection. 300 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:24,000 Speak up. John I am trying to tell you it's come up. Do you understand? 301 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:27,000 John are you there? 302 00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:29,000 Yes. 303 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:33,000 It's come up. Do you hear me? 304 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:49,000 I hear you. I am coming home. 305 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:51,000 Alright tell me Stephen. Tell me quickly. 306 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:53,000 No luck. I couldn't find it. 307 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:54,000 How could you lose it? How? 308 00:19:54,000 --> 00:19:56,000 I chased it six miles but the tide was running too fast. 309 00:19:56,000 --> 00:19:58,000 How could it get loose from the anchor? 310 00:19:58,000 --> 00:20:01,000 I don't know. Maybe the nut wasn't very... I don't know. 311 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:03,000 And what happens now? 312 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:07,000 Now? Now it will be passing up and down the river until it's found. 313 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:10,000 Up and down the river in plain view with 50,000 Londoners. 314 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:13,000 Sucked at by liners and churned up by tugs. 315 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:15,000 It would only escape out to sea. 316 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:17,000 Not much chance. 317 00:20:17,000 --> 00:20:18,000 This might go on for weeks. 318 00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:20,000 Don't think about it. 319 00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:21,000 It might. 320 00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:27,000 But if it does, can you hold out John? Can you? I am not sure you can. 321 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:29,000 As long as you can. 322 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:31,000 I'll be out on the river from now on. 323 00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:33,000 I am going to watch for it. 324 00:20:33,000 --> 00:20:49,000 I am going to watch for Emily. 325 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:51,000 Were you looking for me? 326 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:54,000 Sorry to trouble you sir. It will just be a few minutes. 327 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:56,000 I am a police officer. 328 00:20:56,000 --> 00:20:58,000 Quite alright inspector. Won't you sit down? 329 00:20:58,000 --> 00:21:00,000 I don't think so thank you. 330 00:21:00,000 --> 00:21:03,000 Can you tell me anything about this sack? 331 00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:06,000 Can't say. Sacks are very much alike. 332 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:08,000 We had one in our basement once but... 333 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:10,000 And what happened to it? 334 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:12,000 I don't know. 335 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:15,000 Perhaps my brother John could... 336 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:17,000 I don't know. Mind if I look at it in a moment? 337 00:21:17,000 --> 00:21:20,000 Not at all. 338 00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:22,000 Stephen Burns. 339 00:21:22,000 --> 00:21:24,000 House by the river W6. 340 00:21:24,000 --> 00:21:25,000 Why that... it's mine. 341 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:27,000 Very curious sir. 342 00:21:27,000 --> 00:21:29,000 Any idea what might have happened to it? 343 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:31,000 Not in the world. 344 00:21:31,000 --> 00:21:33,000 Did anyone in the house ever use it? 345 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:36,000 I believe we use it for gathering kindling wood. 346 00:21:36,000 --> 00:21:38,000 That's not in my department though. 347 00:21:38,000 --> 00:21:41,000 I see. Whose department would it be sir? 348 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:45,000 My brother John usually takes care of that. 349 00:21:45,000 --> 00:21:48,000 Well I am much obliged to you inspector for bringing it back. 350 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:49,000 Where did you find it? 351 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:51,000 If you don't mind sir I'd like to keep it a while longer. 352 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:53,000 A little matter we are clearing up. 353 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:56,000 Certainly as long as you like. I must remember to tell John it's been found. 354 00:21:56,000 --> 00:21:58,000 Does he happen to be home now? 355 00:21:58,000 --> 00:22:01,000 John? Oh no he's at his office in the city. 356 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:04,000 Well then I won't be bothering you any more sir. 357 00:22:04,000 --> 00:22:05,000 Not at all. 358 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:08,000 However it seems I must speak to your brother John. 359 00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:09,000 Suit yourself inspector. 360 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:11,000 Good day. 361 00:22:14,000 --> 00:22:17,000 My brother John inspector. 362 00:22:17,000 --> 00:22:27,000 My brother John. 363 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:32,000 Do you see Mrs Beach when your Emily Gaunt disappeared? 364 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:37,000 It was not to go off with the young man rather it was to go straight into the river. 365 00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:39,000 Yes Mr Coroner. 366 00:22:39,000 --> 00:22:43,000 And do you have nothing further to tell this inquest concerning that disappearance? 367 00:22:43,000 --> 00:22:45,000 I've told it all sir. 368 00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:47,000 Sit down please. 369 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:50,000 Mr Henry Dimple. 370 00:22:54,000 --> 00:22:57,000 How long have you lived on the river Mr Dimple? 371 00:22:57,000 --> 00:23:01,000 On the river? 18 years this fall. 372 00:23:01,000 --> 00:23:04,000 You've known the two Burns brothers all that time? 373 00:23:04,000 --> 00:23:06,000 Ever since they were boys. 374 00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:08,000 What's been your impression of them? 375 00:23:08,000 --> 00:23:10,000 Impression? 376 00:23:10,000 --> 00:23:14,000 If you'll pardon me one gathers more than an impression in 18 years. 377 00:23:14,000 --> 00:23:17,000 I have known them to be excellent men. 378 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:22,000 In addition to which I may need not add that Mr Stephen Burns is England's foremost young poet. 379 00:23:22,000 --> 00:23:25,000 Yes you're being very helpful Mr Dimple. Suppose we go on? 380 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,000 I all mean sir. 381 00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:31,000 We've already proven that this sack belongs to Stephen Burns. 382 00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:34,000 Can you tell us if you've ever seen it before? 383 00:23:34,000 --> 00:23:37,000 Yes I have. 384 00:23:37,000 --> 00:23:42,000 After a party last Christmas I borrowed his sack to... 385 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:46,000 ...to dispose of a rather large number of empty bottles. 386 00:23:46,000 --> 00:23:50,000 I don't drink myself but... 387 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:54,000 ...there were so many young people down for the holidays. 388 00:23:54,000 --> 00:23:57,000 And then did you return the sack immediately? 389 00:23:57,000 --> 00:23:58,000 I did. 390 00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:05,000 The river is a rather small community and a person living on it might be expected to know a great deal about what goes on. 391 00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:07,000 Do you think that's true? 392 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:09,000 Oh yes. Indeed it is. 393 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:14,000 And you yourself Mr Dimple. You might be in a position to observe a great deal. 394 00:24:14,000 --> 00:24:18,000 I think I know everything that happens on the river. 395 00:24:18,000 --> 00:24:21,000 Then what do you know of this tragedy? 396 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:22,000 Nothing. 397 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:25,000 Are you quite sure Mr Dimple? 398 00:24:25,000 --> 00:24:28,000 Quite sure. Nothing at all. 399 00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:31,000 Alright. Step down please. 400 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:34,000 Call the next witness. 401 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:40,000 Stephen Burns. 402 00:24:40,000 --> 00:24:44,000 Mr Burns. You recognise this sack of course? 403 00:24:44,000 --> 00:24:47,000 Yes I bought it at Selby three years ago. 404 00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:50,000 And it is hung in your basement ever since? 405 00:24:50,000 --> 00:24:54,000 Well except for brief loans yes. 406 00:24:54,000 --> 00:24:59,000 Now according to the testimony this sack was used for the collection of kindling wood. 407 00:24:59,000 --> 00:25:03,000 As I understand it you people living on the river simply go out on your boats... 408 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:07,000 and the wood is part of the general refuse that floats on the water. 409 00:25:07,000 --> 00:25:13,000 You select what you like as always enough and you generally use a large sack for the purpose. 410 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:14,000 That's right. 411 00:25:14,000 --> 00:25:21,000 Now in your household that job, the collection of firewood, has usually been your brother's task? 412 00:25:21,000 --> 00:25:25,000 Yes. John collects the wood. 413 00:25:25,000 --> 00:25:30,000 Therefore in your house it was your brother who used the sack. 414 00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:31,000 Well... 415 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:35,000 Tell me Mr Burns when was the last time your brother went out for wood? 416 00:25:35,000 --> 00:25:37,000 Some weeks ago. It's hard to say. 417 00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:39,000 Would you say two weeks ago? 418 00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:42,000 What you mean is about the time Emily Gaunt disappeared. 419 00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:45,000 I must ask you not to mind what I mean Mr Burns. 420 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:48,000 Would you say two weeks ago? 421 00:25:48,000 --> 00:25:51,000 I couldn't be... I couldn't be sure. 422 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:54,000 Thank you Mr Burns. That will be all. 423 00:25:54,000 --> 00:25:56,000 I think he knows something about that. 424 00:25:56,000 --> 00:26:00,000 Mr John Burns. 425 00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:03,000 Mr Burns. 426 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:07,000 You're the bachelor living in the house by the river with your brother and sister-in-law? 427 00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:09,000 That's right. 428 00:26:09,000 --> 00:26:12,000 What day did you last collect kindling wood Mr Burns? 429 00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:16,000 And how close was that day to the disappearance from your household of Emily Gaunt? 430 00:26:16,000 --> 00:26:18,000 I don't remember. 431 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:22,000 The collection of firewood, unlike a marriage or a birthday, is not a festive moment in my life. 432 00:26:22,000 --> 00:26:24,000 I do not fix those days in my brain. 433 00:26:24,000 --> 00:26:25,000 Yes, yes sir. 434 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:30,000 And yet it strikes me as a rather unique activity for the middle of the summer. 435 00:26:30,000 --> 00:26:31,000 It may strike you as it likes. 436 00:26:31,000 --> 00:26:34,000 Evenings on the river are cool, summer and winter. 437 00:26:34,000 --> 00:26:35,000 I like a fire in my room. 438 00:26:35,000 --> 00:26:38,000 Let us come to the sack Mr Burns. 439 00:26:38,000 --> 00:26:40,000 You said that you lost it. 440 00:26:40,000 --> 00:26:42,000 How does one lose a sack? 441 00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:43,000 How? 442 00:26:43,000 --> 00:26:46,000 By having it one moment and not the next. 443 00:26:46,000 --> 00:26:48,000 By losing it. 444 00:26:48,000 --> 00:26:51,000 I'm aware it seems a little thing but I promise you it isn't. 445 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:53,000 Could you be more specific? 446 00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:57,000 Well, it must have slipped off the boat. 447 00:26:57,000 --> 00:26:58,000 Yes, of course. 448 00:26:58,000 --> 00:27:05,000 And then perhaps it was found by someone else who used it to contain the body of the poor innocent girl who was once Emily Gaunt. 449 00:27:05,000 --> 00:27:08,000 But I'd like to leave that day for a moment. 450 00:27:08,000 --> 00:27:15,000 Ordinarily, after you'd picked the wood out of the water, would you stuff it into the sack then and there in your boat? 451 00:27:15,000 --> 00:27:18,000 No, I'd just throw it into the bottom of the boat. 452 00:27:18,000 --> 00:27:19,000 I see. 453 00:27:19,000 --> 00:27:21,000 When would you put the wood in the sack? 454 00:27:21,000 --> 00:27:24,000 In the garden just before I took it indoors. 455 00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:34,000 Mr Burns, ordinarily you carried the wood out of the boat and in the garden you put it into the sack. 456 00:27:34,000 --> 00:27:45,000 Then, Mr Burns, would you be kind enough to tell me why it was that the last time you went for wood you found it necessary to take the sack out on the river at all? 457 00:27:45,000 --> 00:27:59,000 It seems I just forgot. 458 00:27:59,000 --> 00:28:09,000 And we the jury find that the death of Emily Gaunt is willful murder by person or persons unknown. 459 00:28:09,000 --> 00:28:12,000 This inquest is adjourned. 460 00:28:12,000 --> 00:28:15,000 Mr Burns, Mr Stephen Burns, please. 461 00:28:15,000 --> 00:28:16,000 Yes? 462 00:28:16,000 --> 00:28:19,000 Marta, you and John go. I'll be along, President. 463 00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:20,000 Yes, Stephen. 464 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:24,000 Yes, Coroner, what is it? 465 00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:28,000 I just want to tell you that this case is far from being closed. 466 00:28:28,000 --> 00:28:32,000 Are you sure you have nothing more you'd like to say to us? 467 00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:33,000 Nothing? 468 00:28:33,000 --> 00:28:39,000 I can understand your feelings, Mr Burns, after all the man is your brother. 469 00:28:39,000 --> 00:28:40,000 My brother? 470 00:28:40,000 --> 00:28:44,000 If there's any further light you could throw on this particular... 471 00:28:44,000 --> 00:28:49,000 There's nothing now. But if I should find anything, I'll get in touch with you immediately. 472 00:28:49,000 --> 00:29:03,000 You see, Coroner, I want justice done, no matter who may be involved. 473 00:29:03,000 --> 00:29:13,000 In tonight's full hour of suspense, Mr John McIntyre appears as Stephen Burns and Mr Dan O'Hurley as John Burns in The House by the River. 474 00:29:13,000 --> 00:29:23,000 Tonight's study in Suspense. 475 00:29:23,000 --> 00:29:26,000 In just a moment we will return with Act Two of Suspense. 476 00:29:26,000 --> 00:29:30,000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. 477 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:55,000 And now back to our Hollywood soundstage and to our producer, Mr Robert Montgomery, for Act Two of The House by the River, starring John McIntyre in a narrative well calculated to keep you in suspense. 478 00:29:55,000 --> 00:30:10,000 Stephen Burns walked home slowly after the inquest, down the main street of the little suburb, past the greengrocers, past the lending library, past the tube station with its roar of express trains racing down from London. 479 00:30:10,000 --> 00:30:13,000 Down the little street toward his house by the river. 480 00:30:13,000 --> 00:30:23,000 John and Marjorie had gone on ahead of him, and he was alone, listening to his heels clicking on the pavement, listening to his thoughts whispering in his head. 481 00:30:23,000 --> 00:30:26,000 The police felt John was guilty, that was evident. 482 00:30:26,000 --> 00:30:30,000 Hadn't Stephen been hoping for this, secretly, in his heart? 483 00:30:30,000 --> 00:30:38,000 Hadn't he nudged suspicion gently toward John by a raised eyebrow one time and deliberate inflection of his voice another time? 484 00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:47,000 Those were his thoughts as he walked home, now and then looking up to the sky that had suddenly turned so black and glowering, forecasting a heavy summer rain. 485 00:30:47,000 --> 00:30:52,000 Then, almost at his elbow, someone was calling his name. 486 00:30:52,000 --> 00:30:54,000 Stephen! Stephen Burns! 487 00:30:54,000 --> 00:30:57,000 Oh, hello, Miriam. 488 00:30:57,000 --> 00:31:00,000 Why don't you stop a while? 489 00:31:00,000 --> 00:31:03,000 Your wife and brother just went by. 490 00:31:03,000 --> 00:31:04,000 Oh, did they? 491 00:31:04,000 --> 00:31:06,000 I hope you're in no hurry. 492 00:31:06,000 --> 00:31:08,000 No, I'm not. 493 00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:10,000 It's awfully hot, isn't it? 494 00:31:10,000 --> 00:31:12,000 I like it this way. 495 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:14,000 I don't. I'm stifling. 496 00:31:14,000 --> 00:31:19,000 You don't look it. In fact, you look very cool and fresh. 497 00:31:19,000 --> 00:31:21,000 Thank you, Stephen. 498 00:31:21,000 --> 00:31:23,000 What I need is a cold drink. 499 00:31:23,000 --> 00:31:25,000 Make one for me. 500 00:31:25,000 --> 00:31:29,000 All right. Come on in. 501 00:31:31,000 --> 00:31:34,000 Won't you sit down? I'll only be a minute. 502 00:31:34,000 --> 00:31:35,000 All right. 503 00:31:35,000 --> 00:31:38,000 You might look at that scrapbook. It's got all kinds of interesting clippings. 504 00:31:38,000 --> 00:31:40,000 Hmm? 505 00:31:40,000 --> 00:31:56,000 Mystery in Stephen Burns' house. She went out into the world, innocent and fresh, to help her family in the battle of life with the few poor shillings she could earn by menial labor in a strange house. 506 00:31:56,000 --> 00:32:03,000 And for this, she was brutally, horribly murdered by an unknown man whose vicious tongue... 507 00:32:03,000 --> 00:32:07,000 Isn't it rotten? There wasn't any ice. 508 00:32:07,000 --> 00:32:10,000 It'll be a few minutes. 509 00:32:10,000 --> 00:32:13,000 Are you keeping this scrapbook? 510 00:32:13,000 --> 00:32:16,000 There? Well, it's uncle's. 511 00:32:16,000 --> 00:32:25,000 Why should Mr. Dimple be so interested in the Emily Gantt case, to the extent of cutting clippings from the newspapers and making a special little book? 512 00:32:25,000 --> 00:32:27,000 Do you know why, Muriel? 513 00:32:27,000 --> 00:32:32,000 Oh, I think he's a little morbid. But let's not talk about him. 514 00:32:32,000 --> 00:32:36,000 Ah. What would you like to talk about? 515 00:32:36,000 --> 00:32:40,000 I don't want to talk at all. 516 00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:42,000 It's so hot. 517 00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:43,000 Yes. 518 00:32:43,000 --> 00:32:47,000 It's hard enough just trying to breathe. 519 00:32:47,000 --> 00:32:50,000 Do you like it here, Muriel? 520 00:32:50,000 --> 00:32:52,000 Here? With you? 521 00:32:52,000 --> 00:32:57,000 No. Here on the river. Are you enjoying your vacation? 522 00:32:57,000 --> 00:33:00,000 There's nothing much to do here, is there? 523 00:33:00,000 --> 00:33:03,000 Not much. For anyone as young as you. 524 00:33:03,000 --> 00:33:08,000 You're young, too. You can't be writing your poetry all day and all night. 525 00:33:08,000 --> 00:33:10,000 How do you manage? 526 00:33:10,000 --> 00:33:12,000 I suppose I don't. 527 00:33:12,000 --> 00:33:15,000 Oh, that's a shame. 528 00:33:15,000 --> 00:33:17,000 You know what, Stephen? 529 00:33:17,000 --> 00:33:19,000 What? 530 00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:23,000 I think I've caught up with you at last. 531 00:33:23,000 --> 00:33:25,000 What was that? 532 00:33:25,000 --> 00:33:29,000 It's only thunder. 533 00:33:29,000 --> 00:33:33,000 Yes, you see how we spend our days, our time on Earth? 534 00:33:33,000 --> 00:33:40,000 Going around under a blue English sky, safe and blunted, half alive. 535 00:33:40,000 --> 00:33:48,000 And all of the time the storm is there, waiting to explode, waiting to rip and bend down and twist. 536 00:33:48,000 --> 00:33:53,000 But there's new storm in here. 537 00:33:53,000 --> 00:34:19,000 Isn't there? 538 00:34:19,000 --> 00:34:21,000 What can we keep you, Stephen? 539 00:34:21,000 --> 00:34:22,000 I beg your pardon? 540 00:34:22,000 --> 00:34:25,000 Nothing. It wasn't important. 541 00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:32,000 Did you notice, after the inquest today, how people were looking at me? 542 00:34:32,000 --> 00:34:34,000 Don't you know why? 543 00:34:34,000 --> 00:34:36,000 No. No, I don't. 544 00:34:36,000 --> 00:34:40,000 They think you killed Emily Gaunt. 545 00:34:40,000 --> 00:34:41,000 How can they believe that? 546 00:34:41,000 --> 00:34:43,000 They don't have to believe it. 547 00:34:43,000 --> 00:34:48,000 Oh, I know you think because they're neighbors and you've lived among them for years that they like you. 548 00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:52,000 Well, it's not true. They like their nasty little back-stairs secrets better. 549 00:34:52,000 --> 00:34:54,000 I should have moved out long ago. 550 00:34:54,000 --> 00:34:59,000 There must be one empty flat in London. I'll have to see an agent tomorrow. 551 00:34:59,000 --> 00:35:00,000 Don't run away from them. 552 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:01,000 I'm not running from them. 553 00:35:01,000 --> 00:35:06,000 What then? Are you thinking of us? Stephen and I don't care what they say. 554 00:35:06,000 --> 00:35:12,000 I care what they say. I don't want any scandal linked with his name or yours. 555 00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:14,000 John. 556 00:35:14,000 --> 00:35:18,000 When we were boys, Stephen used to read his poems to me. 557 00:35:18,000 --> 00:35:22,000 I remember sitting on the bank by the river, watching him. 558 00:35:22,000 --> 00:35:25,000 Have you ever seen one child ape another? 559 00:35:25,000 --> 00:35:31,000 I did that. I used to shape the words with my mouth and pretend they were mine. 560 00:35:31,000 --> 00:35:34,000 It hasn't been easy for you, has it, John? 561 00:35:34,000 --> 00:35:39,000 Doesn't matter. It's not only that he's my brother. It's also that I admire him. 562 00:35:39,000 --> 00:35:41,000 And so you'll spare him the pain of having you around? 563 00:35:41,000 --> 00:35:46,000 Oh, that was a lie. I suppose if I told the truth I'd really hate him. 564 00:35:46,000 --> 00:35:52,000 Yes, I've got to go. I know what this place means to you, Marjorie. 565 00:35:52,000 --> 00:35:55,000 It'll be spoiled for you if I stay. I don't want that. 566 00:35:55,000 --> 00:35:59,000 But don't you see? Your going would only make it worse. 567 00:35:59,000 --> 00:36:00,000 Marjorie. 568 00:36:00,000 --> 00:36:02,000 Stay, John. I want you to. 569 00:36:02,000 --> 00:36:04,000 Why? 570 00:36:04,000 --> 00:36:07,000 Can't you see, John? Don't you know? 571 00:36:07,000 --> 00:36:09,000 I want to hear you say it. 572 00:36:09,000 --> 00:36:16,000 Hello, you two. Did you wait up for me? I waited for the rain to stop. 573 00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:19,000 I was just going to bed. Good night. 574 00:36:19,000 --> 00:36:24,000 Well, what's the matter with Marjorie? 575 00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:26,000 I need some air. 576 00:36:26,000 --> 00:36:28,000 And what's the matter with you? 577 00:36:28,000 --> 00:36:29,000 Nothing at all. 578 00:36:29,000 --> 00:36:30,000 Where are you going? 579 00:36:30,000 --> 00:36:31,000 Just for a walk. 580 00:36:31,000 --> 00:36:32,000 I think I'll come with you. 581 00:36:32,000 --> 00:36:33,000 You've just been. 582 00:36:33,000 --> 00:36:37,000 That's all right. There's a young lady I want to discuss with you. 583 00:36:37,000 --> 00:36:39,000 A Miss Emily Gant. 584 00:36:39,000 --> 00:36:41,000 Come along, then. 585 00:36:50,000 --> 00:36:52,000 It's starting to rain again. We'll be soaked through in a minute. 586 00:36:52,000 --> 00:36:53,000 Let's go back. 587 00:36:53,000 --> 00:36:55,000 Here's the tube. Let's duck down into the station. 588 00:36:55,000 --> 00:37:10,000 All right. This way. 589 00:37:10,000 --> 00:37:14,000 Well, we're alone. What have you got to say? 590 00:37:14,000 --> 00:37:17,000 John, do you feel it? 591 00:37:17,000 --> 00:37:18,000 Feel what? 592 00:37:18,000 --> 00:37:21,000 The difference in us since all this happened. 593 00:37:21,000 --> 00:37:23,000 Did you expect to stay the same? 594 00:37:23,000 --> 00:37:26,000 Did you think you could go on living as if nothing had happened? 595 00:37:26,000 --> 00:37:29,000 Poor John. I think you've suffered. 596 00:37:29,000 --> 00:37:31,000 Of course I have. Every minute, every day. 597 00:37:31,000 --> 00:37:34,000 But don't you feel anything else? 598 00:37:34,000 --> 00:37:37,000 Yes. I'm scared and sick. 599 00:37:37,000 --> 00:37:42,000 That isn't what I mean. With me it's as though I can see better and smell and feel. 600 00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:45,000 Everything is so much sharper than it was. 601 00:37:45,000 --> 00:37:46,000 It took a murder to do that. 602 00:37:46,000 --> 00:37:50,000 Yes. A murder. That's the amazing thing. 603 00:37:50,000 --> 00:37:53,000 That's why I'm going to put it all into a poem. 604 00:37:53,000 --> 00:37:54,000 Here. 605 00:37:54,000 --> 00:37:55,000 What? 606 00:37:55,000 --> 00:37:58,000 That's right. A story of two men. 607 00:37:58,000 --> 00:38:03,000 The Black Knight and the White. It'll be called Death in the Woods. 608 00:38:03,000 --> 00:38:05,000 What happens? 609 00:38:05,000 --> 00:38:08,000 The Black Knight meets a girl in the forest. 610 00:38:08,000 --> 00:38:11,000 During the encounter, by mistake, he kills her. 611 00:38:11,000 --> 00:38:14,000 He's torn with grief. 612 00:38:14,000 --> 00:38:16,000 Now the White Knight is his best friend. 613 00:38:16,000 --> 00:38:18,000 He comes upon the scene after the tragedy. 614 00:38:18,000 --> 00:38:24,000 And he helps the Black Knight hide the girl's white, mutilated body. 615 00:38:24,000 --> 00:38:29,000 They carry her to a dark, mysterious lake in the heart of the forest. 616 00:38:29,000 --> 00:38:32,000 Just within the boundaries of the Black Knight's castle. 617 00:38:32,000 --> 00:38:36,000 And here, in the lake, they put her corpse. 618 00:38:36,000 --> 00:38:39,000 You must be out of your head. You must be insane. 619 00:38:39,000 --> 00:38:43,000 Why? You think you're being clever? It's transparent. 620 00:38:43,000 --> 00:38:47,000 Ten million English readers would look at the first page and know who killed Emily Garner. 621 00:38:47,000 --> 00:38:51,000 No one would. I'm not going to have it published. I just write it. 622 00:38:51,000 --> 00:38:52,000 Why? 623 00:38:52,000 --> 00:38:56,000 Because I have to. No matter how terrible a thing is he carries in his head. 624 00:38:56,000 --> 00:38:59,000 If a man is a writer, he can somehow get rid of it. 625 00:38:59,000 --> 00:39:02,000 He can write it out of his system and be rid of its nagging forever. 626 00:39:02,000 --> 00:39:05,000 Whether it's a love affair or a disease or a... 627 00:39:05,000 --> 00:39:08,000 Or a murder. He can be rid of it. 628 00:39:08,000 --> 00:39:09,000 It's not that easy. 629 00:39:09,000 --> 00:39:10,000 It is for me. 630 00:39:10,000 --> 00:39:12,000 Don't do it, Stephen. You know how you are. 631 00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:15,000 You'll show it to someone. After a while, you'll want to. 632 00:39:15,000 --> 00:39:16,000 Don't worry about me. 633 00:39:16,000 --> 00:39:18,000 Shouldn't I? 634 00:39:18,000 --> 00:39:22,000 How did it feel, Stephen, when you were lying about me? 635 00:39:22,000 --> 00:39:25,000 About you? 636 00:39:25,000 --> 00:39:27,000 But you're imagining things. 637 00:39:27,000 --> 00:39:30,000 Suppose a policeman were to come up to us here right now. 638 00:39:30,000 --> 00:39:33,000 Suppose he were to ask which of us two gentlemen killed Emily Garner. 639 00:39:33,000 --> 00:39:35,000 Do you know what would happen? 640 00:39:35,000 --> 00:39:36,000 Tell me. 641 00:39:36,000 --> 00:39:38,000 You'd point to me. 642 00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:41,000 John. 643 00:39:41,000 --> 00:39:43,000 John, let me ask you. 644 00:39:43,000 --> 00:39:46,000 Which of us two would the world miss the most? 645 00:39:46,000 --> 00:39:48,000 The world! Blast the world! 646 00:39:48,000 --> 00:39:50,000 I care about me. 647 00:39:50,000 --> 00:39:54,000 Me, John Burns, who's never written a poem in his life and looks like anybody else in the street. 648 00:39:54,000 --> 00:39:56,000 What are you going to do about it? 649 00:39:56,000 --> 00:39:58,000 Nothing. 650 00:39:58,000 --> 00:40:00,000 I'm not going to do a thing. 651 00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:03,000 But you can do as you like. 652 00:40:03,000 --> 00:40:05,000 No. 653 00:40:05,000 --> 00:40:07,000 I won't do anything either. 654 00:40:07,000 --> 00:40:09,000 You're not afraid, are you? 655 00:40:09,000 --> 00:40:11,000 I'm in love with your wife. 656 00:40:11,000 --> 00:40:13,000 So that's it. 657 00:40:13,000 --> 00:40:15,000 Very convenient, isn't it? 658 00:40:15,000 --> 00:40:16,000 Is it? 659 00:40:16,000 --> 00:40:18,000 And does she love you? 660 00:40:18,000 --> 00:40:19,000 I don't know. 661 00:40:19,000 --> 00:40:21,000 Doesn't matter. 662 00:40:21,000 --> 00:40:23,000 You could have had her, you know. 663 00:40:23,000 --> 00:40:27,000 I might have been on the gallows by now and you could have had her. 664 00:40:27,000 --> 00:40:31,000 Instead you come down into the pit with me and help me. Why? 665 00:40:31,000 --> 00:40:35,000 We've been through all that because you're my brother. 666 00:40:35,000 --> 00:40:38,000 We've been here long enough. 667 00:40:38,000 --> 00:40:40,000 Are you coming with me? 668 00:40:40,000 --> 00:40:42,000 All right, I'll go alone. 669 00:40:47,000 --> 00:40:51,000 You tried to push me off the platform in front of the train. 670 00:40:51,000 --> 00:40:53,000 You tried to kill me. 671 00:40:53,000 --> 00:40:56,000 You were mistaken, John. You slipped. I was trying to catch your arm. 672 00:40:56,000 --> 00:40:58,000 I see. 673 00:40:58,000 --> 00:41:00,000 Then you were trying to save me. 674 00:41:00,000 --> 00:41:02,000 That's right. 675 00:41:02,000 --> 00:41:04,000 I must thank you for that. 676 00:41:04,000 --> 00:41:10,000 John, not at all. 677 00:41:31,000 --> 00:41:33,000 How much longer do we play this game? 678 00:41:33,000 --> 00:41:35,000 I beg your pardon. 679 00:41:35,000 --> 00:41:37,000 You've been following me since I got off the train. 680 00:41:37,000 --> 00:41:38,000 That's right. 681 00:41:38,000 --> 00:41:40,000 You're a police officer? 682 00:41:40,000 --> 00:41:41,000 Yes. 683 00:41:41,000 --> 00:41:43,000 How long have you been following me? 684 00:41:43,000 --> 00:41:45,000 Since the day after Emily Gaunt disappeared. 685 00:41:45,000 --> 00:41:48,000 You mean you've been with me since then? 686 00:41:48,000 --> 00:41:51,000 All these weeks, every day, every minute? 687 00:41:51,000 --> 00:41:53,000 You're an active young man, Mr. Burns. 688 00:41:53,000 --> 00:41:55,000 You've got a long stride. 689 00:41:55,000 --> 00:41:58,000 But me? Why me? 690 00:41:58,000 --> 00:42:02,000 I take my assignments from Scotland Yard. They don't always tell me the reasons. 691 00:42:02,000 --> 00:42:04,000 I tell you there is no reason this time. 692 00:42:04,000 --> 00:42:06,000 As you say, Mr. Burns. 693 00:42:06,000 --> 00:42:07,000 No, you leave me alone. 694 00:42:07,000 --> 00:42:09,000 No, Mr. Burns. 695 00:42:28,000 --> 00:42:29,000 Is that you, John? 696 00:42:29,000 --> 00:42:30,000 Yes. 697 00:42:30,000 --> 00:42:32,000 Come to the study, Mo. 698 00:42:33,000 --> 00:42:35,000 You're up late. What are you doing? 699 00:42:35,000 --> 00:42:36,000 Working. 700 00:42:36,000 --> 00:42:38,000 Let me see. 701 00:42:39,000 --> 00:42:41,000 Death in the Woods. 702 00:42:41,000 --> 00:42:44,000 A romance by Stephen Burns. 703 00:42:44,000 --> 00:42:46,000 You're really writing it? 704 00:42:46,000 --> 00:42:48,000 I'm really writing it. 705 00:42:48,000 --> 00:42:49,000 I'm done in. 706 00:42:49,000 --> 00:42:50,000 What did you want? 707 00:42:50,000 --> 00:42:52,000 I just wondered why you'd been so late. 708 00:42:52,000 --> 00:42:53,000 Did you? 709 00:42:53,000 --> 00:42:54,000 Yes, it worried me. 710 00:42:54,000 --> 00:42:55,000 Did it? 711 00:42:55,000 --> 00:42:58,000 Did you think I'd finally cracked and gone to the police? 712 00:42:58,000 --> 00:43:00,000 I'd just like to know where you are. 713 00:43:00,000 --> 00:43:02,000 Don't bother about me. 714 00:43:02,000 --> 00:43:05,000 Did you know the house is being watched day and night? 715 00:43:05,000 --> 00:43:08,000 Yes. I can see them from my window here. 716 00:43:08,000 --> 00:43:10,000 I just wanted to be sure you knew. 717 00:43:10,000 --> 00:43:12,000 Good night, Stephen. 718 00:43:12,000 --> 00:43:14,000 Good night, John. 719 00:43:19,000 --> 00:43:23,000 While moonlight glinted on her body there, 720 00:43:23,000 --> 00:43:28,000 while waves washed gently o'er her body fair. 721 00:43:42,000 --> 00:43:44,000 Do you like the rose, Stephen? 722 00:43:44,000 --> 00:43:46,000 I'm not very hungry, I'm afraid. 723 00:43:46,000 --> 00:43:49,000 You look exhausted. Is the poem finished? 724 00:43:49,000 --> 00:43:51,000 Yes. All finished. 725 00:43:51,000 --> 00:43:53,000 You don't look very happy about it. 726 00:43:53,000 --> 00:43:54,000 It's good. 727 00:43:54,000 --> 00:43:56,000 When can I see it? 728 00:43:56,000 --> 00:43:58,000 I'm not going to show it to anyone. 729 00:43:58,000 --> 00:44:02,000 I see. We used to share things. 730 00:44:02,000 --> 00:44:05,000 This is different. I'll probably destroy it anyway. 731 00:44:05,000 --> 00:44:06,000 Stephen. 732 00:44:06,000 --> 00:44:08,000 Yes? 733 00:44:08,000 --> 00:44:10,000 What about us? 734 00:44:10,000 --> 00:44:12,000 What about us? 735 00:44:12,000 --> 00:44:15,000 We don't seem to have very much of a marriage. 736 00:44:15,000 --> 00:44:16,000 You must have noticed that. 737 00:44:16,000 --> 00:44:18,000 Yes, I suppose I have. 738 00:44:18,000 --> 00:44:21,000 I've discovered something important about you. 739 00:44:21,000 --> 00:44:23,000 You live your life on paper. 740 00:44:23,000 --> 00:44:25,000 The things you feel and know. 741 00:44:25,000 --> 00:44:27,000 Even the people you love. 742 00:44:27,000 --> 00:44:29,000 They're all raw material. 743 00:44:29,000 --> 00:44:31,000 And when you get them into a poem, 744 00:44:31,000 --> 00:44:33,000 you're finished with them. 745 00:44:34,000 --> 00:44:36,000 When we were first married, 746 00:44:36,000 --> 00:44:39,000 you composed a lovely sonnet sequence. 747 00:44:39,000 --> 00:44:41,000 Songs for Marjorie. 748 00:44:41,000 --> 00:44:43,000 And when you'd done it, 749 00:44:43,000 --> 00:44:45,000 you didn't need me anymore. 750 00:44:45,000 --> 00:44:47,000 Stephen, aren't you listening? 751 00:44:47,000 --> 00:44:49,000 It's about time he came down to dinner. 752 00:44:49,000 --> 00:44:50,000 What's he sulking about? 753 00:44:50,000 --> 00:44:52,000 Do you mean John? He went out some time ago. 754 00:44:52,000 --> 00:44:53,000 Where did he go? 755 00:44:53,000 --> 00:44:55,000 He didn't say. 756 00:44:55,000 --> 00:44:58,000 Anyway, we were talking about us. 757 00:44:58,000 --> 00:45:00,000 Stephen, where are you going? 758 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:02,000 Bring him back. 759 00:45:02,000 --> 00:45:06,000 Death in the Woods by Stephen Burns. 760 00:45:06,000 --> 00:45:08,000 Part One. 761 00:45:08,000 --> 00:45:33,000 The Murder. 762 00:45:33,000 --> 00:45:35,000 Well, I couldn't find him. 763 00:45:35,000 --> 00:45:38,000 Why should you want to? 764 00:45:38,000 --> 00:45:39,000 Care for a drink, Marjorie? 765 00:45:39,000 --> 00:45:42,000 No, not at the moment. 766 00:45:46,000 --> 00:45:48,000 That's better. 767 00:45:48,000 --> 00:45:49,000 We were talking about us 768 00:45:49,000 --> 00:45:51,000 before I made that sudden exit. 769 00:45:51,000 --> 00:45:53,000 Yes. 770 00:45:53,000 --> 00:45:56,000 As a matter of fact, you ought to know about it. 771 00:45:56,000 --> 00:45:57,000 There's another woman. 772 00:45:57,000 --> 00:45:59,000 Her name's Muriel. 773 00:45:59,000 --> 00:46:01,000 A rather silly little thing. 774 00:46:01,000 --> 00:46:03,000 Is that so? 775 00:46:03,000 --> 00:46:05,000 Not even a little bit jealous? 776 00:46:05,000 --> 00:46:07,000 No, Stephen. 777 00:46:07,000 --> 00:46:11,000 You're never jealous of someone you don't love. 778 00:46:11,000 --> 00:46:13,000 You make it sound very final. 779 00:46:13,000 --> 00:46:14,000 It is. 780 00:46:14,000 --> 00:46:16,000 Just like that. 781 00:46:16,000 --> 00:46:18,000 Should I say I'm sorry? 782 00:46:18,000 --> 00:46:19,000 There's no need. 783 00:46:19,000 --> 00:46:21,000 I know it doesn't matter to you. 784 00:46:21,000 --> 00:46:23,000 You're in some kind of a mood tonight. 785 00:46:23,000 --> 00:46:25,000 I can sense it. 786 00:46:25,000 --> 00:46:27,000 Why are you so strange, Marjorie? 787 00:46:27,000 --> 00:46:29,000 While you were out looking for John, 788 00:46:29,000 --> 00:46:31,000 I read some poetry. 789 00:46:31,000 --> 00:46:33,000 Was it mine? 790 00:46:33,000 --> 00:46:35,000 It was signed by you. 791 00:46:35,000 --> 00:46:37,000 I went into the study. 792 00:46:37,000 --> 00:46:39,000 It was lying on the desk. 793 00:46:39,000 --> 00:46:40,000 I read it. 794 00:46:40,000 --> 00:46:41,000 Did you like it? 795 00:46:41,000 --> 00:46:42,000 Did I like it? 796 00:46:42,000 --> 00:46:44,000 How can you ask that? 797 00:46:44,000 --> 00:46:45,000 Why not? 798 00:46:45,000 --> 00:46:46,000 You can appreciate a thing aesthetically 799 00:46:46,000 --> 00:46:47,000 quite apart from what it says. 800 00:46:47,000 --> 00:46:48,000 No, you can't. 801 00:46:48,000 --> 00:46:49,000 Not when it says... 802 00:46:49,000 --> 00:46:51,000 Not when it says... 803 00:46:51,000 --> 00:46:53,000 That you're a murderer. 804 00:46:53,000 --> 00:46:55,000 Yes, it's true. 805 00:46:55,000 --> 00:46:57,000 I thought I might have disguised it a bit, 806 00:46:57,000 --> 00:46:59,000 but you read between the lines, 807 00:46:59,000 --> 00:47:01,000 didn't you? 808 00:47:01,000 --> 00:47:03,000 And you dragged John into it, too. 809 00:47:03,000 --> 00:47:04,000 John's been wonderful. 810 00:47:04,000 --> 00:47:05,000 He's kept a secret very well. 811 00:47:05,000 --> 00:47:07,000 Why? Why should he? 812 00:47:07,000 --> 00:47:09,000 He's very old-fashioned, really. 813 00:47:09,000 --> 00:47:11,000 He believes in chivalry. 814 00:47:11,000 --> 00:47:14,000 And you see, he loves you. 815 00:47:14,000 --> 00:47:16,000 I know. 816 00:47:16,000 --> 00:47:18,000 Then we all know. Splendid. 817 00:47:18,000 --> 00:47:20,000 I must have another. 818 00:47:25,000 --> 00:47:26,000 You remember in the poem 819 00:47:26,000 --> 00:47:27,000 I made John the White Knight? 820 00:47:27,000 --> 00:47:29,000 That was a nice touch. 821 00:47:29,000 --> 00:47:32,000 The man who locked the secret fast in his heart. 822 00:47:32,000 --> 00:47:34,000 But you, Marjorie, 823 00:47:34,000 --> 00:47:35,000 would you keep the secret? 824 00:47:35,000 --> 00:47:37,000 After all, you're not in love with me. 825 00:47:37,000 --> 00:47:38,000 It would be unfair. 826 00:47:38,000 --> 00:47:40,000 I couldn't expect you to, could I? 827 00:47:40,000 --> 00:47:42,000 Yes, Stephen, you could. You could. 828 00:47:42,000 --> 00:47:44,000 I'd have to take your word. 829 00:47:44,000 --> 00:47:45,000 Is your word good, Marjorie? 830 00:47:45,000 --> 00:47:47,000 Do you want to tell me about it? 831 00:47:47,000 --> 00:47:48,000 Would that help? 832 00:47:48,000 --> 00:47:50,000 Yes, that's an excellent idea. 833 00:47:50,000 --> 00:47:52,000 Come here. 834 00:47:52,000 --> 00:47:54,000 Yes, Stephen. 835 00:47:54,000 --> 00:47:56,000 Now, turn around. 836 00:47:56,000 --> 00:47:58,000 Turn around. 837 00:47:58,000 --> 00:48:00,000 That's right. Face the steps. 838 00:48:00,000 --> 00:48:01,000 That's where it happened. 839 00:48:01,000 --> 00:48:02,000 Stephen. 840 00:48:02,000 --> 00:48:05,000 She was coming down from her bath 841 00:48:05,000 --> 00:48:07,000 and we met at the foot of the stairs. 842 00:48:07,000 --> 00:48:09,000 She looked rather pretty, 843 00:48:09,000 --> 00:48:12,000 and I wanted to kiss her, and so I did. 844 00:48:12,000 --> 00:48:14,000 It frightened her, I think, because she screamed. 845 00:48:14,000 --> 00:48:16,000 I kissed her again, and she screamed even louder. 846 00:48:16,000 --> 00:48:17,000 I had to stop that. 847 00:48:17,000 --> 00:48:19,000 I put my hands on her throat to shake her out of it. 848 00:48:19,000 --> 00:48:21,000 She tried to break away, still screaming, 849 00:48:21,000 --> 00:48:23,000 and I had to hold tighter. 850 00:48:23,000 --> 00:48:25,000 It was ridiculous. 851 00:48:25,000 --> 00:48:28,000 It would be how many minutes the neighbors would hear. 852 00:48:28,000 --> 00:48:30,000 Let me see. 853 00:48:30,000 --> 00:48:33,000 Just exactly where was she standing? 854 00:48:33,000 --> 00:48:36,000 Right about where you are now, Marjorie. 855 00:48:36,000 --> 00:48:40,000 That's right. Exactly the same spot. 856 00:48:40,000 --> 00:48:43,000 Then I put my hands around her throat 857 00:48:43,000 --> 00:48:46,000 with my thumbs on her windpipe like this. 858 00:48:46,000 --> 00:48:47,000 Stephen! 859 00:48:47,000 --> 00:48:49,000 Just like this, and I began to press harder. 860 00:48:49,000 --> 00:48:51,000 Stephen, they'll know. 861 00:48:51,000 --> 00:48:53,000 They'll know. 862 00:48:53,000 --> 00:48:55,000 They'll know. 863 00:48:55,000 --> 00:48:57,000 What do you mean? 864 00:48:57,000 --> 00:48:59,000 I mean your poem. 865 00:48:59,000 --> 00:49:01,000 The manuscript? 866 00:49:01,000 --> 00:49:03,000 Where is it? What have you done? 867 00:49:03,000 --> 00:49:05,000 It should be at the publishers by now. 868 00:49:05,000 --> 00:49:07,000 I called a messenger and had it sent around. 869 00:49:07,000 --> 00:49:09,000 You did that? To me? 870 00:49:09,000 --> 00:49:11,000 Yes, while you were gone. 871 00:49:11,000 --> 00:49:13,000 All right. 872 00:49:13,000 --> 00:49:15,000 Let them publish it. Let the whole world read it. 873 00:49:15,000 --> 00:49:17,000 What could those fools ever know? 874 00:49:17,000 --> 00:49:19,000 Two nights kill a girl by accident in a wood. 875 00:49:19,000 --> 00:49:22,000 They lay her body in a lake at the foot of a castle. 876 00:49:22,000 --> 00:49:24,000 What can they make of that? 877 00:49:24,000 --> 00:49:27,000 A fairy tale called Death in the Woods? 878 00:49:27,000 --> 00:49:31,000 I took the liberty of making a change in your manuscript. 879 00:49:31,000 --> 00:49:33,000 You did? 880 00:49:33,000 --> 00:49:35,000 I wrote a new title. 881 00:49:35,000 --> 00:49:38,000 What did you call it, Marjorie? 882 00:49:38,000 --> 00:49:41,000 I called it Emily Gaunt, 883 00:49:41,000 --> 00:49:45,000 a confession of murder. 884 00:49:48,000 --> 00:49:50,000 Go to your room. 885 00:49:50,000 --> 00:49:52,000 Now. 886 00:49:52,000 --> 00:49:54,000 Stephen, I'm sorry. 887 00:49:54,000 --> 00:49:56,000 You frighten me so. 888 00:49:56,000 --> 00:49:58,000 Stephen. 889 00:49:58,000 --> 00:50:00,000 Go to your room, Marjorie. 890 00:50:00,000 --> 00:50:29,000 Yes, Stephen. 891 00:50:29,000 --> 00:50:33,000 This is to certify 892 00:50:33,000 --> 00:50:37,000 that I, Stephen Burns, 893 00:50:37,000 --> 00:50:41,000 strangled Emily Gaunt. 894 00:50:41,000 --> 00:50:44,000 On the 15th of June, 895 00:50:44,000 --> 00:50:49,000 John Burns had nothing to do with it. 896 00:50:49,000 --> 00:50:54,000 I am going to drown myself. 897 00:50:54,000 --> 00:50:58,000 Who's that? 898 00:50:58,000 --> 00:51:00,000 It's Dimple. 899 00:51:00,000 --> 00:51:04,000 Over here at the window. 900 00:51:04,000 --> 00:51:06,000 What do you want, Dimple? 901 00:51:06,000 --> 00:51:08,000 It's Tuesday night, dear boy. 902 00:51:08,000 --> 00:51:09,000 Didn't you know? 903 00:51:09,000 --> 00:51:10,000 What? 904 00:51:10,000 --> 00:51:12,000 I don't understand. 905 00:51:12,000 --> 00:51:13,000 Chess, Stephen. 906 00:51:13,000 --> 00:51:15,000 Tuesday night. Chess. 907 00:51:15,000 --> 00:51:17,000 Have you forgotten? 908 00:51:17,000 --> 00:51:19,000 You like your little games, don't you? 909 00:51:19,000 --> 00:51:21,000 Of course. 910 00:51:21,000 --> 00:51:23,000 I'm free of you, Dimple. 911 00:51:23,000 --> 00:51:25,000 You've been holding the secret in for a long time, 912 00:51:25,000 --> 00:51:26,000 but you can tell them now. 913 00:51:26,000 --> 00:51:27,000 Go on, tell them what you saw. 914 00:51:27,000 --> 00:51:30,000 You've played your last game with me. 915 00:51:30,000 --> 00:51:32,000 My word. 916 00:51:32,000 --> 00:51:33,000 Is your friend coming? 917 00:51:33,000 --> 00:51:35,000 No. 918 00:51:35,000 --> 00:51:38,000 No, evidently not. 919 00:51:38,000 --> 00:51:41,000 I don't know what's come over Stephen lately. 920 00:51:41,000 --> 00:51:44,000 He acts exactly as if I... 921 00:51:44,000 --> 00:51:45,000 I don't know. 922 00:51:45,000 --> 00:51:47,000 As if I've done him some harm. 923 00:51:47,000 --> 00:51:49,000 Erratic chap's poets. 924 00:51:49,000 --> 00:51:50,000 I suppose so. 925 00:51:50,000 --> 00:51:51,000 Too bad. 926 00:51:51,000 --> 00:51:53,000 I did want to meet him. 927 00:51:53,000 --> 00:51:55,000 The famous Stephen Burns. 928 00:51:55,000 --> 00:51:59,000 Well, I'll arrange it again sometime when he's in a better mood. 929 00:51:59,000 --> 00:52:02,000 Well, we'd better be getting to that game. 930 00:52:02,000 --> 00:52:06,000 By the way, how are all those scrapbooks of yours coming? 931 00:52:06,000 --> 00:52:08,000 Oh, first grade. 932 00:52:08,000 --> 00:52:11,000 I've been collecting these murder cases since I was a boy. 933 00:52:11,000 --> 00:52:13,000 It's an odd hobby you've got there. 934 00:52:13,000 --> 00:52:16,000 All hobbies are a bit odd, I suppose. 935 00:52:16,000 --> 00:52:20,000 At any rate, I've got 40 of them now with this Emily Gaunt affair. 936 00:52:20,000 --> 00:52:25,000 I dare say I'm the only one on the river interested in that sort of thing. 937 00:52:38,000 --> 00:52:40,000 John! John, is that you? 938 00:52:40,000 --> 00:52:41,000 Yes, it's John. 939 00:52:41,000 --> 00:52:44,000 Thank heavens you've come. Here, quickly. 940 00:52:44,000 --> 00:52:45,000 What's happened? 941 00:52:45,000 --> 00:52:47,000 John, I know... I know everything. 942 00:52:47,000 --> 00:52:49,000 You... what? 943 00:52:49,000 --> 00:52:52,000 Never mind now, it's Stephen. Look, I just found this note. 944 00:52:52,000 --> 00:52:55,000 I was in my room and I heard him go out 10 minutes ago. 945 00:52:58,000 --> 00:53:01,000 I... I am going to drown myself. 946 00:53:01,000 --> 00:53:05,000 I read the poem and I don't know why, but I hid it in my closet. 947 00:53:05,000 --> 00:53:08,000 And when he saw it was gone, I had to lie to him to save my life. 948 00:53:08,000 --> 00:53:10,000 I told him I'd sent it to the publishers. 949 00:53:10,000 --> 00:53:14,000 He thinks he'll be found out. That's why he's gone. 950 00:53:14,000 --> 00:53:16,000 I want you to destroy this note, Marjorie. 951 00:53:16,000 --> 00:53:18,000 Yes, John. 952 00:53:18,000 --> 00:53:20,000 I'll try to stop him if it's not too late. 953 00:53:20,000 --> 00:53:23,000 Wait. Let him go. It would be better than the police. 954 00:53:23,000 --> 00:53:26,000 No. I love you. 955 00:53:26,000 --> 00:53:32,000 And because I do, I've got to do everything I can to save him. 956 00:53:32,000 --> 00:53:37,000 All right. Go ahead. I'll wait here. 957 00:53:41,000 --> 00:53:46,000 Out on the river, John steered the tiny motorboat around in a wide circle 958 00:53:46,000 --> 00:53:49,000 and then slowly narrowed it, watching for the small rowboat, 959 00:53:49,000 --> 00:53:53,000 scanning the angry black water to the sign of a bobbing head. 960 00:53:53,000 --> 00:53:58,000 And then suddenly, just ahead of him, was the boat, empty. 961 00:53:58,000 --> 00:54:00,000 No. 962 00:54:01,000 --> 00:54:05,000 Stephen lay huddled in the bow of the boat like a trapped animal, 963 00:54:05,000 --> 00:54:08,000 his eyes gleaming in the darkness, his hair was plastered to his skull, 964 00:54:08,000 --> 00:54:10,000 his clothes heavy and sodden with water. 965 00:54:10,000 --> 00:54:14,000 He raised himself on an elbow and then lurched forward to his knees. 966 00:54:14,000 --> 00:54:17,000 I went over the side, John. I did. I went in. 967 00:54:17,000 --> 00:54:19,000 But I couldn't do it. I couldn't. 968 00:54:19,000 --> 00:54:24,000 Take me home, John. I want some dry clothes and some brandy. 969 00:54:24,000 --> 00:54:26,000 Take me home! 970 00:54:27,000 --> 00:54:30,000 John frantically shoved and pushed to move his boat back. 971 00:54:30,000 --> 00:54:34,000 Then he stood abruptly and dived into the water after Stephen. 972 00:54:34,000 --> 00:54:38,000 He went under for a long moment, battling the currents with all his strength, 973 00:54:38,000 --> 00:54:42,000 and then he came up again, Stephen his wet stick. 974 00:54:42,000 --> 00:54:47,000 In another moment his arms were flailing out, searching, grasping, looking for his brother. 975 00:54:47,000 --> 00:54:50,000 It may have been only moments, perhaps it was hours, 976 00:54:50,000 --> 00:54:53,000 but as he looked round desperately scanning the black expanse about him 977 00:54:53,000 --> 00:54:55,000 to the sight of a single struggling head, 978 00:54:55,000 --> 00:54:59,000 there was nothing but jet black water flowing swiftly. 979 00:55:01,000 --> 00:55:03,000 Stephen! 980 00:55:03,000 --> 00:55:05,000 Stephen! 981 00:55:05,000 --> 00:55:07,000 Stephen! 982 00:55:07,000 --> 00:55:12,000 Stephen! 983 00:55:12,000 --> 00:55:41,000 Marjorie! 984 00:55:41,000 --> 00:55:44,000 And where is John now, Mrs. Burns? 985 00:55:44,000 --> 00:55:48,000 Out on the river, helping them to look for the body. 986 00:55:48,000 --> 00:55:50,000 I see. 987 00:55:50,000 --> 00:55:53,000 Surely, surely you don't still suspect him? 988 00:55:53,000 --> 00:55:56,000 I have a few questions I want to ask him. 989 00:55:56,000 --> 00:56:00,000 He was out there with Mr. Burns on the river at the time, wasn't he? 990 00:56:00,000 --> 00:56:02,000 He went out to try to stop him. 991 00:56:02,000 --> 00:56:04,000 Stop him? 992 00:56:04,000 --> 00:56:05,000 John! 993 00:56:05,000 --> 00:56:06,000 Hello, Marjorie. 994 00:56:06,000 --> 00:56:07,000 Have they... 995 00:56:07,000 --> 00:56:08,000 Not yet. 996 00:56:08,000 --> 00:56:09,000 Mr. Burns, can I... 997 00:56:09,000 --> 00:56:10,000 Inspector, I want you to see this. 998 00:56:10,000 --> 00:56:11,000 Marjorie, no! 999 00:56:11,000 --> 00:56:14,000 I have to, John, don't you see? I have to. 1000 00:56:14,000 --> 00:56:23,000 This is to certify that I, Stephen Burns, strangled Emily Gaunt on the 15th of June. 1001 00:56:23,000 --> 00:56:26,000 John Burns had nothing to do with it. 1002 00:56:26,000 --> 00:56:29,000 I am going to drown myself. 1003 00:56:29,000 --> 00:56:32,000 Signed Stephen Burns. 1004 00:56:32,000 --> 00:56:34,000 I see. 1005 00:56:34,000 --> 00:56:36,000 Well, that's plain enough. 1006 00:56:36,000 --> 00:56:41,000 The case of Emily Gaunt is closed, and I won't be bothering you again. 1007 00:56:41,000 --> 00:56:44,000 Good night, Mrs. Burns. Mr. Burns. 1008 00:56:44,000 --> 00:56:47,000 Good night. 1009 00:56:47,000 --> 00:56:48,000 Marjorie. 1010 00:56:48,000 --> 00:56:50,000 I had no choice, John. 1011 00:56:50,000 --> 00:56:54,000 It was Stephen's reputation, or you. 1012 00:56:54,000 --> 00:57:21,000 And I love you. 1013 00:57:21,000 --> 00:57:23,000 This is Robert Montgomery. 1014 00:57:23,000 --> 00:57:28,000 Our congratulations and thanks go to John McIntyre and Dan O'Hurleyhy for their excellent 1015 00:57:28,000 --> 00:57:33,000 performances in The House by the River, and to all the other players for their fine support. 1016 00:57:33,000 --> 00:57:39,000 Next week, for suspense, we have selected the latest story by Dorothy B. Hughes, who 1017 00:57:39,000 --> 00:57:43,000 wrote The Fallen Sparrow and Ride the Pink Horse. 1018 00:57:43,000 --> 00:57:47,000 This one is a chilling mixture of many suspenseful ingredients. 1019 00:57:47,000 --> 00:57:52,000 A charming young man, as ordinary as the smiling gas station attendant around the corner. 1020 00:57:52,000 --> 00:57:55,000 A young lady who understood him too well. 1021 00:57:55,000 --> 00:57:58,000 Another who loved him too blindly. 1022 00:57:58,000 --> 00:58:01,000 A detective with a hunch he dreaded to follow up. 1023 00:58:01,000 --> 00:58:06,000 And a series of headline-crashing murders that terrorized a whole city. 1024 00:58:06,000 --> 00:58:12,000 With these ingredients, Dorothy B. Hughes, in a lonely place, adds up to a gripping hour 1025 00:58:12,000 --> 00:58:14,000 of suspense. 1026 00:58:14,000 --> 00:58:16,000 So be back with us next week, will you? 1027 00:58:16,000 --> 00:58:18,000 Good night. 1028 00:58:18,000 --> 00:58:22,000 John McIntyre may currently be seen in the Universal International Production, Ride the Pink Horse. 1029 00:58:22,000 --> 00:58:29,000 John McIntyre may currently be seen in the 20th Century Fox Production, called Northside 777. 1030 00:58:29,000 --> 00:58:34,000 The House by the River by A.P. Herbert was adapted for radio by Irving Ravitch and was 1031 00:58:34,000 --> 00:58:37,000 directed by Anton M. Leder. 1032 00:58:37,000 --> 00:58:42,000 Lud Gloskin is our musical director and conductor, and Lucian Moroweck composes the original scores. 1033 00:58:42,000 --> 00:58:49,000 Next week here, in a lonely place, on radio's outstanding theater of thrills, one hour of... 1034 00:58:49,000 --> 00:58:51,000 Suspense! 1035 00:58:51,000 --> 00:59:13,000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. 1036 00:59:21,000 --> 00:59:28,000 .