WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:05.900 In just a moment, Auto Light presents Suspense, starring Miss Agnes Moorhead in 00:05.900 --> 00:10.000 radio's most famous play, Sorry, Wrong Number. 00:10.000 --> 00:13.500 Say, Harlow, have you seen State's football team? 00:13.500 --> 00:14.500 They're terrific. 00:14.500 --> 00:18.840 Speaking of terrific teams, Hap, my friend, the one that ignition engineered those Auto 00:18.840 --> 00:21.540 Light resistor spark plugs is Tops. 00:21.540 --> 00:24.780 You know, the Auto Light people got together with many of the nation's leading car and 00:24.780 --> 00:29.900 truck manufacturers, and they ignition engineered a 10,000 ohm resistor right into the Auto 00:29.900 --> 00:34.920 Light spark plug that permits a wider spark gap setting and maintains it far longer than 00:34.920 --> 00:36.840 was ever possible before. 00:36.840 --> 00:38.520 You know what that means to your car? 00:38.520 --> 00:39.520 Smooth. 00:39.520 --> 00:41.560 That's the word for State's football team. 00:41.560 --> 00:42.560 Smooth. 00:42.560 --> 00:43.560 Right you are. 00:43.560 --> 00:44.560 Smooth. 00:44.560 --> 00:49.080 Thanks to the wide gap, Auto Light resistor spark plugs help your engine idle smooth as 00:49.080 --> 00:50.240 silk. 00:50.240 --> 00:55.000 And that's only one of the simple, sound, solid, splendid advantages of those sensational 00:55.000 --> 00:56.440 Auto Light resistor spark plugs. 00:56.440 --> 00:58.080 You got it all off your chest, Harlow? 00:58.080 --> 00:59.080 Sure have, Hap. 00:59.080 --> 01:02.680 You're not going to hear one more word out of me till we've heard the whole suspense 01:02.680 --> 01:03.680 show. 01:03.680 --> 01:04.680 No? 01:04.680 --> 01:05.680 No middle commercial tonight, Hap. 01:05.680 --> 01:10.720 Auto Light doesn't want us to interrupt Agnes Moorhead's performance in that famous drama, 01:10.720 --> 01:12.200 Sorry, Wrong Number. 01:12.200 --> 01:18.080 Okay, Harlow, let's hear suspense. 01:18.080 --> 01:22.560 Suspense. 01:22.560 --> 01:40.160 Auto Light and its 60,000 dealers and service stations bring you radio's outstanding theater 01:40.160 --> 01:41.920 of thrills. 01:41.920 --> 01:48.040 Starring tonight, Miss Agnes Moorhead in Anton Lido's production of Lucille Fletcher's famous 01:48.040 --> 01:52.520 suspense play, Sorry, Wrong Number. 01:52.520 --> 01:59.520 That tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 01:59.520 --> 02:07.800 Oh dear. 02:07.800 --> 02:24.760 Your call, please. 02:24.760 --> 02:29.440 Operator, I've been dialing Murray Hill 40098 now for the last three quarters of an hour 02:29.440 --> 02:30.680 and the line is always busy. 02:30.680 --> 02:32.280 I don't see how it could be busy that long. 02:32.280 --> 02:33.680 Will you try it for me, please? 02:33.680 --> 02:36.760 I will be glad to try that number for you. 02:36.760 --> 02:37.760 One moment, please. 02:37.760 --> 02:39.720 I don't see how it could be busy all this time. 02:39.720 --> 02:40.720 It's my husband's office. 02:40.720 --> 02:43.280 He's working late tonight and I'm here all alone in the house. 02:43.280 --> 02:49.640 My health is very poor and I've been feeling so nervous all day. 02:49.640 --> 02:53.600 Ringing Murray Hill 40098. 02:53.600 --> 02:54.600 Hello? 02:54.600 --> 02:55.600 Hello? 02:55.600 --> 02:58.600 Hello, is Mr. Stevenson there? 02:58.600 --> 02:59.600 Hello, hello? 02:59.600 --> 03:00.600 Hello, hello, George? 03:00.600 --> 03:01.600 Yes, sir. 03:01.600 --> 03:02.600 Hello, hello, George? 03:02.600 --> 03:03.600 Hello, hello, hello, George? 03:03.600 --> 03:04.600 Hello, hello, hello, hello, George? 03:04.600 --> 03:05.600 Hello, hello, hello, hello, George? 03:05.600 --> 03:06.600 Hello, hello, hello, hello, George? 03:06.600 --> 03:07.600 Hello, hello, hello, hello, George? 03:07.600 --> 03:08.600 Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, George? 03:08.600 --> 03:09.600 Hello? 03:09.600 --> 03:10.600 Hello, sir, this is George speaking. 03:10.600 --> 03:11.600 Hello, who's this? 03:11.600 --> 03:12.600 What number am I calling, please? 03:12.600 --> 03:13.900 I'm here with our client, George. 03:13.900 --> 03:14.900 Oh, good. 03:14.900 --> 03:15.900 Is everything okay? 03:15.900 --> 03:16.900 Is the coast clear for tonight? 03:16.900 --> 03:17.900 Yes, George. 03:17.900 --> 03:18.900 He says the coast is clear for tonight. 03:18.900 --> 03:19.900 Okay, okay. 03:19.900 --> 03:20.900 Where are you now? 03:20.900 --> 03:21.900 In a phone booth. 03:21.900 --> 03:22.900 Don't worry, everything's okay. 03:22.900 --> 03:23.900 Hey, well, you know the address. 03:23.900 --> 03:24.900 I know, I know. 03:24.900 --> 03:25.900 At 11 o'clock, the private patrolman was leaving. 03:25.900 --> 03:26.900 At 11 o'clock, the private patrolman was leaving. 03:26.900 --> 03:27.900 What do you mean? 03:27.900 --> 03:28.900 We've got to get out of here, George. 03:28.900 --> 03:30.500 Everything's okay. 03:30.500 --> 03:32.700 Hey, well, you know the address. 03:32.700 --> 03:34.600 I know, I know. 03:34.600 --> 03:39.600 At 11 o'clock, the private patrolman goes around to the bar on Second Avenue for a beer. 03:39.600 --> 03:41.100 That's right, 11 o'clock. 03:41.100 --> 03:42.100 Okay. 03:42.100 --> 03:44.800 Now, be sure that all the lights downstairs are out. 03:44.800 --> 03:47.200 There should be only one light visible from the street. 03:47.200 --> 03:49.100 Okay, okay. 03:49.100 --> 03:52.000 Just a minute, George. 03:52.000 --> 03:56.800 Oh, our client tells me that at 11.15 a train crosses the bridge. 03:56.800 --> 04:00.500 It makes a noise in case a window's open and she should scream. 04:00.500 --> 04:02.500 Oh, hello, what number is this, please? 04:02.500 --> 04:04.400 Okay, I understand. 04:04.400 --> 04:07.700 That's 11.15, the train. 04:07.700 --> 04:10.200 Yeah, you remember everything else, George? 04:10.200 --> 04:14.600 Yes, I'll make it quick, as little blood as possible. 04:14.600 --> 04:18.800 Because our client does not wish to make her suffer long. 04:18.800 --> 04:21.500 That's right, you'll use a knife? 04:21.500 --> 04:24.000 Yes, the knife will be okay. 04:24.000 --> 04:31.200 Then afterwards, I remove the rings and bracelets and the jewelry in the bureau drawer because 04:31.200 --> 04:36.300 our client wishes it to look like simple robbery. 04:36.300 --> 04:40.000 Don't worry, everything's okay. 04:40.000 --> 04:41.900 I never... 04:41.900 --> 04:46.700 Oh, how awful, how unspeakably awful. 04:52.000 --> 04:52.900 Your call, please. 04:52.900 --> 04:54.800 Operator, I've just been cut off. 04:54.800 --> 04:57.400 I'm sorry, what number were you calling? 04:57.400 --> 05:00.500 Why, it was supposed to be Murray Hell 40098, but it wasn't. 05:00.500 --> 05:01.800 Some wires must have got crossed. 05:01.800 --> 05:06.300 I was cut into a wrong number and I've just heard the most dreadful thing, something about a murder. 05:06.300 --> 05:08.900 Operator, you simply got to retrace that call at once. 05:08.900 --> 05:11.400 I beg your pardon, may I help you? 05:11.400 --> 05:15.200 Oh, I know it was a wrong number and I had no business listening, but these two men, 05:15.200 --> 05:17.400 they were cold-blooded fiends and they were going to murder somebody, 05:17.400 --> 05:20.700 some poor innocent woman who was all alone in a house near a bridge. 05:20.700 --> 05:22.500 And we've got to stop them, we've just got to. 05:22.500 --> 05:24.800 What number are you calling, please? 05:24.800 --> 05:25.700 Well, that doesn't matter. 05:25.700 --> 05:31.000 This was a wrong number and you dialed it for me and we've got to find out who what was immediately. 05:31.000 --> 05:32.500 What number did you call? 05:32.500 --> 05:34.900 Oh, why are you so stupid? 05:34.900 --> 05:36.200 What time is it? 05:36.200 --> 05:39.100 Do you mean to tell me you can't find out what that number was just now? 05:39.100 --> 05:41.500 I'll connect you with the chief operator. 05:41.500 --> 05:44.100 Oh, I think it's perfectly shameful. 05:44.100 --> 05:47.500 Now, now, now look, it was obviously a case of some little slip of the finger. 05:47.500 --> 05:51.200 I told you to try Murray Hill 40098 for me and you dialed it, 05:51.200 --> 05:53.900 but your finger must have slipped and I was connected with some other number 05:53.900 --> 05:56.400 and I could hear them, but they couldn't hear me. 05:56.400 --> 06:00.900 Now, I simply failed to see why you couldn't make that same mistake again on purpose. 06:00.900 --> 06:05.600 Why you couldn't try to dial Murray Hill 40098 in the same sort of careless way. 06:05.600 --> 06:09.400 Murray Hill 40098. 06:09.400 --> 06:11.100 I will try to get it for you. 06:11.100 --> 06:24.500 Well, thank you. 06:24.500 --> 06:25.800 I am sorry. 06:25.800 --> 06:30.700 Murray Hill 40098 is busy. 06:30.700 --> 06:31.900 I will call you in 20 minutes. 06:31.900 --> 06:34.000 Operator, operator. 06:34.000 --> 06:35.200 Your call, please. 06:35.200 --> 06:37.300 You didn't try to get that wrong number at all. 06:37.300 --> 06:40.000 I asked you explicitly and all you did was dial correctly. 06:40.000 --> 06:42.400 I am sorry. What number are you calling? 06:42.400 --> 06:46.700 Well, can't you for once forget what number I'm calling and do something for me? 06:46.700 --> 06:48.300 Now, I want to trace that call. 06:48.300 --> 06:51.000 It's my civic duty and it's your civic duty to trace that call 06:51.000 --> 06:52.600 and apprehend those dangerous killers. 06:52.600 --> 06:53.300 And if you don't... 06:53.300 --> 06:55.500 I will connect you with the chief operator. 06:55.500 --> 06:58.200 Well, please. 06:58.200 --> 07:01.900 This talk can't make everyone understand. 07:01.900 --> 07:03.500 This is the chief operator. 07:03.500 --> 07:08.000 Chief operator, I want you to trace a call, a telephone call immediately. 07:08.000 --> 07:10.100 I don't know where it came from or who was making it, 07:10.100 --> 07:12.200 but it's absolutely necessary that it be tracked down 07:12.200 --> 07:15.400 because it was about a murder that someone's planning. 07:15.400 --> 07:19.700 A terrible cold-blooded murder of a poor innocent woman tonight at 1115. 07:19.700 --> 07:20.600 I see. 07:20.600 --> 07:21.500 Well, can you trace it for me? 07:21.500 --> 07:22.700 Can you track down those men? 07:22.700 --> 07:24.600 I am not certain. It depends. 07:24.600 --> 07:25.700 Depends on what? 07:25.700 --> 07:29.200 It depends on whether the call is still going on. 07:29.200 --> 07:32.200 If it's a live call, we can trace it on the equipment. 07:32.200 --> 07:32.500 Well... 07:32.500 --> 07:34.600 If it has been disconnected, we cannot. 07:34.600 --> 07:35.700 Disconnected? 07:35.700 --> 07:38.200 If the parties have stopped talking to each other. 07:38.200 --> 07:41.700 Oh, but of course they must have stopped talking to each other by now. 07:41.700 --> 07:43.100 That was at least five minutes ago 07:43.100 --> 07:45.900 and they didn't sound like the type who would make a long call. 07:45.900 --> 07:47.500 Well, I can try tracing it. 07:47.500 --> 07:49.100 May I have your name, please? 07:49.100 --> 07:51.800 Mrs. Stevenson. Mrs. Albert Stevenson. 07:51.800 --> 07:52.500 But listen... 07:52.500 --> 07:54.000 And your telephone number, please. 07:54.000 --> 07:56.600 Applausa 32099. 07:56.600 --> 07:58.800 But if you go on wasting all this time... 07:58.800 --> 08:00.900 Why do you want this call traced, please? 08:00.900 --> 08:03.000 Why? Oh... 08:03.000 --> 08:04.000 Well, no reason. 08:04.000 --> 08:08.500 I mean, I merely felt very strongly that something ought to be done about it. 08:08.500 --> 08:10.000 These men sounded like killers. 08:10.000 --> 08:13.000 They're dangerous. They're going to murder this woman at 11.15 tonight. 08:13.000 --> 08:14.500 And I thought the police ought to know. 08:14.500 --> 08:16.300 Have you reported this to the police? 08:16.300 --> 08:18.700 Well, no, not yet. 08:18.700 --> 08:21.600 You want this call checked purely as a private individual? 08:21.600 --> 08:23.100 Yes, yes, but meanwhile... 08:23.100 --> 08:24.700 I am sorry, Mrs. Stevenson, 08:24.700 --> 08:27.300 but I am afraid we couldn't make this check for you 08:27.300 --> 08:31.000 and trace the call just on your say-so as a private individual. 08:31.000 --> 08:31.500 But... 08:31.500 --> 08:33.300 We will have to have something more official. 08:33.300 --> 08:35.000 Oh, for heaven's sake! 08:35.000 --> 08:37.600 You mean to tell me I can't report that there's going to be a murder 08:37.600 --> 08:40.100 without getting tied up in all this red tape? 08:40.100 --> 08:42.600 Why, it's perfectly idiotic! 08:42.600 --> 08:44.500 Well, all right, I'll call the police. 08:44.500 --> 08:47.000 Thank you. I am sure that would be the best way... 08:47.000 --> 08:48.500 Oh, ridiculous! 08:48.500 --> 08:51.400 I never heard of such noises. 08:51.400 --> 08:55.000 Police department, I can't see why you have to go through all this... 08:55.000 --> 08:56.600 business. 08:56.600 --> 08:58.300 Oh... 08:58.300 --> 08:59.700 Your call, please. 08:59.700 --> 09:00.600 The police department! 09:00.600 --> 09:02.400 Get me the police department, please! 09:02.400 --> 09:03.800 Thank you. 09:03.800 --> 09:05.500 Ringing the police department. 09:05.500 --> 09:07.400 Oh dear, do you have to dial? 09:07.400 --> 09:09.300 Can't you ring them direct? 09:09.300 --> 09:12.300 All this time wasting... 09:12.300 --> 09:15.000 Police department, precinct 43, Sergeant Martins speaking. 09:15.000 --> 09:16.600 Police department, um... 09:16.600 --> 09:19.900 This is Mrs. Stevenson, Mrs. Albert Smythe Stevenson 09:19.900 --> 09:21.900 of 53 North Sutton Place. 09:21.900 --> 09:24.000 I'm calling up to report a murder. 09:24.000 --> 09:24.700 Huh? 09:24.700 --> 09:26.500 I mean, the murder hasn't been committed yet, 09:26.500 --> 09:29.100 but I just overheard plans for it over the telephone. 09:29.100 --> 09:31.600 Over a wrong number that the operator gave me. 09:31.600 --> 09:33.400 I've been trying to trace down the call myself, 09:33.400 --> 09:35.600 but everybody is so stupid! 09:35.600 --> 09:38.300 And I guess in the end, you're the only people who could do anything. 09:38.300 --> 09:39.300 Yes, ma'am. 09:39.300 --> 09:41.600 It was a perfectly definite murder. 09:41.600 --> 09:43.000 I heard their plans distinctly. 09:43.000 --> 09:44.400 Two men were talking, 09:44.400 --> 09:47.600 and they were going to murder some woman at 1115 tonight, 09:47.600 --> 09:50.300 and she lived in a house near a bridge. 09:50.300 --> 09:51.600 Are you listening to me? 09:51.600 --> 09:53.300 Uh, yes, yes, ma'am. 09:53.300 --> 09:55.600 And there was a private patrolman on the street. 09:55.600 --> 09:58.600 He was going to go around for a beer on Second Avenue, 09:58.600 --> 10:00.500 and there was some third man, 10:00.500 --> 10:03.300 a client who was paying to have this poor woman murdered. 10:03.300 --> 10:05.800 They were going to take her rings and bracelets and use a knife. 10:05.800 --> 10:09.100 Well, it's unnerved me dreadfully, and I'm not well. 10:09.100 --> 10:11.800 I see. Now, when was all this, ma'am? 10:11.800 --> 10:13.500 About eight minutes ago. 10:13.500 --> 10:16.300 Oh, then you can do something. You do understand. 10:16.300 --> 10:17.800 What is your name, ma'am? 10:17.800 --> 10:20.800 Mrs. Stevenson. Mrs. Albert Stevenson. 10:20.800 --> 10:22.000 And your address? 10:22.000 --> 10:23.000 53... 10:23.000 --> 10:25.900 53 North Sutton Place. 10:25.900 --> 10:27.500 That's near a bridge. 10:27.500 --> 10:29.000 The Cleansborough Bridge, you know, 10:29.000 --> 10:31.000 and we have a private patrol on the R Street, 10:31.000 --> 10:32.700 and Second Avenue is the next street... 10:32.700 --> 10:34.700 And what was that number you were calling? 10:34.700 --> 10:38.000 Murray Hill 40098. 10:38.000 --> 10:40.000 But that wasn't the number I overheard. 10:40.000 --> 10:43.700 I mean, Murray Hill 40098 is my husband's office. 10:43.700 --> 10:44.800 He's working late tonight, 10:44.800 --> 10:47.800 and I was trying to reach him to ask him to come home. 10:47.800 --> 10:51.100 I'm an invalid, you know, and it's the maid's night off, 10:51.100 --> 10:54.200 and I hate to be alone even though he says I'm perfectly safe 10:54.200 --> 10:56.600 as long as I have the telephone right beside my bed. 10:56.600 --> 10:59.000 Well, we'll look into it, Mrs. Stevenson, 10:59.000 --> 11:01.100 and see if we can check it with the telephone company. 11:01.100 --> 11:03.100 But the telephone company said they couldn't check the call 11:03.100 --> 11:04.400 if the parties had stopped talking. 11:04.400 --> 11:06.100 I've already taken care of that. 11:06.100 --> 11:07.200 Oh, you have? 11:07.200 --> 11:10.000 Yes, and personally, I feel you ought to do something 11:10.000 --> 11:12.600 far more immediate and drastic than just check the call. 11:12.600 --> 11:13.600 Well, now you see... 11:13.600 --> 11:15.200 What good is checking the call do if they stop talking? 11:15.200 --> 11:17.800 By the time you track it down, they've already committed the murder. 11:17.800 --> 11:19.700 Well, we'll take care of it, don't you worry. 11:19.700 --> 11:21.900 I'd say the whole thing calls for a search. 11:21.900 --> 11:24.600 A complete and thorough search of the whole city. 11:24.600 --> 11:28.300 Well, I'm very near the bridge, and I'm not far from Second Avenue, 11:28.300 --> 11:30.000 and I know I'd feel a whole lot better 11:30.000 --> 11:32.500 if you sent around a radio car to this neighborhood at once. 11:32.500 --> 11:35.000 And what makes you think the murder's going to be committed 11:35.000 --> 11:36.300 in your neighborhood, ma'am? 11:36.300 --> 11:38.500 Well, I... I don't know. 11:38.500 --> 11:41.300 Only, the coincidence is so horrible. 11:41.300 --> 11:44.500 Second Avenue and the patrolman and the bridge. 11:44.500 --> 11:47.200 Well, Second Avenue's a very long street, ma'am, 11:47.200 --> 11:50.300 and you know how many bridges there are in the city of New York, 11:50.300 --> 11:54.100 well, not to mention Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and the Bronx. 11:54.100 --> 11:58.400 How do you know there isn't some little house on Staten Island, 11:58.400 --> 12:01.800 on some little Second Avenue you've never heard about? 12:01.800 --> 12:04.800 How do you know they were even talking about New York at all? 12:04.800 --> 12:07.400 But I heard the call on the New York dialing system. 12:07.400 --> 12:10.100 Well, maybe it was a long distance call you overheard. 12:10.100 --> 12:12.400 Telephones are funny things now. 12:12.400 --> 12:14.600 Now, look, lady, why don't you look at it this way? 12:14.600 --> 12:17.600 Supposing you hadn't broken in on that telephone call, 12:17.600 --> 12:20.600 supposing you'd got your husband the way you always do, 12:20.600 --> 12:22.400 you wouldn't be so upset, would you? 12:22.400 --> 12:27.100 Well, I know, I suppose not, only it sounded so inhuman, so cold-blooded. 12:27.100 --> 12:30.300 A lot of murders are plotted in this city every day, ma'am. 12:30.300 --> 12:33.100 We manage to prevent almost all of them. 12:33.100 --> 12:35.300 The clue of this kind is so vague, 12:35.300 --> 12:37.700 it isn't much more used to us than no clue at all. 12:37.700 --> 12:38.500 But surely you... 12:38.500 --> 12:42.800 Unless, of course, you have some reason for thinking this call was phony 12:42.800 --> 12:45.700 or that someone may be planning to murder you. 12:45.700 --> 12:50.100 Me? Oh, no, I hardly think so. 12:50.100 --> 12:52.800 I mean, why should anybody? 12:52.800 --> 12:54.300 I'm alone all day and night. 12:54.300 --> 12:57.700 I see nobody except my maid, Eloise, and she's a big girl. 12:57.700 --> 12:59.700 She weighs 200 pounds. 12:59.700 --> 13:01.700 She's too lazy to bring up my breakfast tray, 13:01.700 --> 13:04.300 and the only other person is my husband, Albert. 13:04.300 --> 13:06.500 He's crazy about me. He just adores me. 13:06.500 --> 13:08.500 He waits on me hand and foot. 13:08.500 --> 13:11.300 Has scarcely left my side since I took sick 12 years ago. 13:11.300 --> 13:13.700 Well, then, there's nothing for you to worry about. 13:13.700 --> 13:16.800 Now, if you'll just leave the rest of this to us, we'll take care of it. 13:16.800 --> 13:20.000 But what will you do? It's so late. It's nearly 11 now. 13:20.000 --> 13:21.800 We'll take care of it, lady. 13:21.800 --> 13:25.600 Well, will you broadcast it all over the city and send out squads 13:25.600 --> 13:27.500 and warn your radio cars to watch out, 13:27.500 --> 13:29.600 especially in suspicious neighborhoods like mine? 13:29.600 --> 13:32.200 Lady, I said we'd take care of it. 13:32.200 --> 13:34.800 Just now, I've got a couple of other matters here on my desk 13:34.800 --> 13:37.200 that require immediate attention. 13:37.200 --> 13:38.900 Good night, ma'am, and thank you. 13:38.900 --> 13:41.600 Oh, you, you idiot! 13:41.600 --> 13:44.300 Oh, no. 13:44.300 --> 13:47.700 Why did I hang up the phone like that? 13:47.700 --> 13:51.700 Now you'll think I am a fool. 13:51.700 --> 13:54.700 Oh, why doesn't Albert come home? 13:54.700 --> 13:57.700 Oh, why doesn't he? 13:57.700 --> 14:00.700 I'm the operator again. 14:04.200 --> 14:05.500 Your call, please. 14:05.500 --> 14:09.700 Operator, for heaven's sake, will you ring that Murray Hill 40098 number again? 14:09.700 --> 14:11.900 I can't think what's keeping him so long. 14:11.900 --> 14:13.700 I will try to get it for you. 14:13.700 --> 14:18.700 You will try, try. I don't see why he doesn't answer. 14:26.700 --> 14:28.200 I am sorry. 14:28.200 --> 14:32.500 Murray Hill 40098 is busy. 14:32.500 --> 14:33.500 I will call you. 14:33.500 --> 14:35.400 I can hear it. You don't have to tell me. 14:35.400 --> 14:38.600 I know it's busy. 14:38.600 --> 14:43.400 Oh, if I can only get out of this bed for a little while. 14:43.400 --> 14:45.900 If I can get a breath of fresh air and just 14:45.900 --> 14:49.500 lean out of the window and see the street. 14:49.500 --> 14:53.500 Hello, Albert? Hello? Hello? Hello? 14:53.500 --> 14:58.500 Oh, what's the matter with his phone? Hello? Hello? 14:58.500 --> 15:01.700 Hello? Hello? Oh, for heaven's sake, who is it? 15:01.700 --> 15:04.500 Hello? Hello? Hello? 15:04.500 --> 15:07.500 He's trying to call me. What are they trying to tell me? 15:07.500 --> 15:09.500 Oh! 15:11.500 --> 15:13.500 Your call, please. 15:13.500 --> 15:16.000 Hello, operator. I don't know what's the matter with this phone tonight, 15:16.000 --> 15:18.000 but it's positively driving me crazy. 15:18.000 --> 15:20.500 I've never seen such inefficient, miserable service. 15:20.500 --> 15:23.500 Now, look, look, I'm an invalid, and I'm very nervous, 15:23.500 --> 15:25.500 and I'm not supposed to be annoyed. 15:25.500 --> 15:27.000 But if this keeps on much longer... 15:27.000 --> 15:28.500 What seems to be the trouble? 15:28.500 --> 15:30.000 Well, everything's wrong. 15:30.000 --> 15:33.000 I haven't had one bit of satisfaction out of one call I've made this evening. 15:33.000 --> 15:35.000 The whole world could be murdered for all you people care, 15:35.000 --> 15:38.500 and now my phone keeps ringing and ringing and ringing every five seconds, 15:38.500 --> 15:40.000 and when I pick it up, there's no one there. 15:40.000 --> 15:43.500 I am sorry. If you will hang up, I will test it for you. 15:43.500 --> 15:45.000 I don't want you to test it for me. 15:45.000 --> 15:48.000 I want you to put that call through, whatever it is, at once. 15:48.000 --> 15:49.500 I'm afraid I cannot do that. 15:49.500 --> 15:52.500 You cannot? Well, why? Why, may I ask? 15:52.500 --> 15:54.500 The dial system is automatic. 15:54.500 --> 15:55.500 Oh, I... 15:55.500 --> 15:58.000 If someone is trying to dial your number, 15:58.000 --> 16:02.500 there is no way to check whether the call is coming through the system or not, 16:02.500 --> 16:05.500 unless the person is trying to reach you, 16:05.500 --> 16:07.500 complains to his particular operator. 16:07.500 --> 16:10.000 Oh, of all the stupid... 16:10.000 --> 16:12.000 And meanwhile, I've got to sit here in my bed, 16:12.000 --> 16:15.000 suffering every time that phone rings, imagining everything. 16:15.000 --> 16:17.000 I will try to check the trouble for you. 16:17.000 --> 16:20.000 Check it! Check it! That's all anybody can do. 16:20.000 --> 16:23.000 Oh, what's the use of talking to you? You're so stupid. 16:23.000 --> 16:26.000 Oh, I'll fix her. 16:26.000 --> 16:29.000 Of all the idiot... How dare she speak to me like that? 16:29.000 --> 16:32.500 I can't do any sad things. 16:32.500 --> 16:35.500 Why does it take so long? 16:39.500 --> 16:41.500 Your call, please. 16:41.500 --> 16:43.500 Young woman, I don't know your name, 16:43.500 --> 16:45.500 but there are ways of finding you out. 16:45.500 --> 16:47.500 And I'm going to report you to your superiors 16:47.500 --> 16:49.500 for the most unpardonable rudeness and insolence 16:49.500 --> 16:51.500 that has ever been my privilege. 16:51.500 --> 16:53.500 Give me the business office at once. 16:53.500 --> 16:55.500 You may dial that number direct. 16:55.500 --> 16:56.500 Dial it direct? 16:56.500 --> 16:59.000 I'll do no such thing. I don't even know the number. 16:59.000 --> 17:01.000 The number is in the directory, 17:01.000 --> 17:04.000 or you may secure it by dialing information. 17:04.000 --> 17:06.000 Listen here, you... 17:06.000 --> 17:08.000 Oh, what's the use? 17:08.000 --> 17:10.000 Oh, dear. 17:10.000 --> 17:12.500 Oh, for heaven's sake, I'm going out of my mind. 17:12.500 --> 17:14.500 I'm going out of my mind. 17:14.500 --> 17:16.500 Hello? Hello, stop ringing me. Do you hear? 17:16.500 --> 17:19.000 Answer me. Who is this? Do you realize you're driving me crazy? 17:19.000 --> 17:21.000 Who's calling me? What are you doing it for? 17:21.000 --> 17:23.000 Now, stop it! Stop it! Stop it, I say! 17:23.000 --> 17:25.000 Hello? If you don't answer, I'll call the police. 17:25.000 --> 17:27.500 Hello? If you don't stop ringing me, I'm going to call the police. 17:27.500 --> 17:29.500 Do you hear? The police! 17:29.500 --> 17:32.500 Oh, Albert, would only come home. 17:34.500 --> 17:37.000 Oh, let it ring. Let it go on ringing. 17:37.000 --> 17:39.000 It's a trick. At some point, I won't answer it. 17:39.000 --> 17:41.000 I won't, even if it goes on ringing all night. 17:41.000 --> 17:43.500 Just ring all night! I don't care. 17:49.500 --> 17:51.500 What's the matter? 17:51.500 --> 17:53.500 Why did they stop ringing all of a sudden? 17:53.500 --> 17:56.500 Oh, what time is it? Where's my clock? 17:56.500 --> 17:58.500 Where is it? When did I put it? 17:58.500 --> 18:00.500 Five to eleven? 18:00.500 --> 18:03.500 Oh, they've decided something. They're sure I'm home. 18:03.500 --> 18:05.500 They heard my voice answer them just now. 18:05.500 --> 18:07.500 That's why they've been ringing me. Why? No one is answering me. 18:07.500 --> 18:10.500 Oh, call the operator again. 18:13.500 --> 18:16.500 Oh, where... Oh, where is she? 18:16.500 --> 18:18.500 Why doesn't she answer? 18:18.500 --> 18:19.500 Your call, please. 18:19.500 --> 18:21.500 Where were you just now? Why didn't you answer it once? 18:21.500 --> 18:23.500 Give me the police department! 18:28.500 --> 18:32.500 I am sorry. The line is busy. I will call you. 18:32.500 --> 18:34.500 Busy? But that's impossible. 18:34.500 --> 18:37.500 The police department can't be busy. There must be other lines available. 18:37.500 --> 18:40.500 The line is busy. I will try to get them later. 18:40.500 --> 18:43.500 No, no! I've got to speak to them now or it may be too late. 18:43.500 --> 18:45.500 I've got to get to someone! 18:45.500 --> 18:47.500 What number do you wish to speak to? 18:47.500 --> 18:50.500 Well, I don't know, but there must be someone to protect people beside the police department. 18:50.500 --> 18:52.500 The detective agencies... 18:52.500 --> 18:56.500 You will find detective agencies listed in the classified directory. 18:56.500 --> 18:58.500 But I don't have a classified... 18:58.500 --> 19:01.500 I mean, I'm too nervous to look it up and I don't know how to use it. 19:01.500 --> 19:05.500 I will connect you with information. Perhaps they will be able to help you. 19:05.500 --> 19:08.500 Oh, no! No! 19:08.500 --> 19:11.500 Oh, you're being spiteful, aren't you? 19:11.500 --> 19:14.500 You don't care, do you, what happens to me? 19:14.500 --> 19:17.500 I could die and you wouldn't care. 19:17.500 --> 19:21.500 Oh, stop it! Stop it! I can't stand anymore! 19:21.500 --> 19:24.500 Hello! What do you want? Stop ringing with me! Stop it! 19:24.500 --> 19:27.500 Hello, is this Plaza 32099? 19:27.500 --> 19:30.500 Yes. Yes, I'm sorry. 19:30.500 --> 19:33.500 This is Plaza 32099. 19:33.500 --> 19:37.500 This is Western Union. I have a telegram here for Mrs. Elbert Stevenson. 19:37.500 --> 19:39.500 Is there anyone there to receive the message? 19:39.500 --> 19:41.500 I am Mrs. Stevenson. 19:41.500 --> 19:43.500 The telegram is as follows. 19:43.500 --> 19:48.500 Mrs. Elbert Stevenson, 53 North, Sutton Place, New York, New York, darling. 19:48.500 --> 19:52.500 Terribly sorry, tried to get you for last hour, but line busy. 19:52.500 --> 19:55.500 Leaving for Boston 11 p.m. tonight on urgent business. 19:55.500 --> 19:58.500 Back tomorrow afternoon. Keep happy, love, signed Elbert. 19:58.500 --> 20:00.500 Oh, no. 20:00.500 --> 20:02.500 You wish us to deliver a copy of the message? 20:02.500 --> 20:04.500 No. No, thank you. 20:04.500 --> 20:06.500 Thank you, madam. Good night. 20:06.500 --> 20:08.500 Good night. 20:08.500 --> 20:12.500 No. No, I don't believe it. 20:12.500 --> 20:14.500 He couldn't do it. He couldn't do it. 20:14.500 --> 20:18.500 Not when he knows I'll be all alone in some trick, some phony trick. 20:18.500 --> 20:20.500 It's so... 20:24.500 --> 20:25.500 Your call, please. 20:25.500 --> 20:31.500 Operator, try that Murray Hill 40098 number for me just once more, please. 20:31.500 --> 20:33.500 You may dial that number direct. 20:33.500 --> 20:35.500 Oh. 20:35.500 --> 20:37.500 Emma. 20:37.500 --> 20:39.500 You. 20:39.500 --> 20:41.500 4... 20:41.500 --> 20:43.500 Oh. 20:43.500 --> 20:45.500 Oh. 20:45.500 --> 20:47.500 Sorry. 20:47.500 --> 20:49.500 Oh. 20:49.500 --> 20:51.500 Oh. 20:51.500 --> 20:53.500 Oh, no. 20:53.500 --> 20:55.500 Oh, he's gone. 20:55.500 --> 20:57.500 Oh, Elbert, how could you? 20:57.500 --> 20:59.500 How could you? 20:59.500 --> 21:03.500 Oh, but I can't be alone tonight. I just can't. 21:03.500 --> 21:07.500 If I'm alone one more second, I'll go mad. 21:07.500 --> 21:11.500 I don't care what he says or what the expense is. 21:11.500 --> 21:13.500 I'm a sick woman. 21:13.500 --> 21:17.500 I'm entitled to some consideration. 21:23.500 --> 21:25.500 This is information. May I help you? 21:25.500 --> 21:28.500 I want the telephone number of Hinchley Hospital. 21:28.500 --> 21:31.500 Hinchley Hospital? Do you have the street address? 21:31.500 --> 21:33.500 No, it's somewhere in the 70s. 21:33.500 --> 21:36.500 It's a very small private and exclusive hospital 21:36.500 --> 21:38.500 where I had my appendix out two years ago. 21:38.500 --> 21:40.500 Hinchley H-E-N-C-A... 21:40.500 --> 21:41.500 One moment, please. 21:41.500 --> 21:44.500 Please hurry. And please, what is the time? 21:44.500 --> 21:49.500 You may find out the time by dialing Meridian 7-1-2-1-2. 21:49.500 --> 21:51.500 For heaven's sake, I have no time to be dialing. 21:51.500 --> 22:01.500 The number of Hinchley Hospital is Butterfield 89970. 22:01.500 --> 22:03.500 You... 22:03.500 --> 22:04.500 Eight... 22:04.500 --> 22:05.500 Nine... 22:05.500 --> 22:07.500 This is nine... 22:07.500 --> 22:09.500 Seven... 22:09.500 --> 22:11.500 Oh... 22:16.500 --> 22:18.500 Hinchley Hospital, good evening. 22:18.500 --> 22:20.500 Give me the nurse's registry. 22:20.500 --> 22:22.500 What is it you wish to speak to, please? 22:22.500 --> 22:24.500 I want the nurse's registry at once. 22:24.500 --> 22:25.500 I want a trained nurse. 22:25.500 --> 22:27.500 I want to hire immediately for the night. 22:27.500 --> 22:30.500 I see. And what is the nature of the case, madam? 22:30.500 --> 22:31.500 Nerves. I'm very nervous. 22:31.500 --> 22:33.500 I need soothing and companionship. 22:33.500 --> 22:35.500 You see, my husband is away and I'm all alone. 22:35.500 --> 22:39.500 Have you been recommended to us by any doctor in particular, madam? 22:39.500 --> 22:42.500 No, but I really don't see why all this catechizing is necessary. 22:42.500 --> 22:43.500 I want a trained nurse. 22:43.500 --> 22:45.500 I was a patient in your hospital two years ago 22:45.500 --> 22:48.500 and after all, I do expect to pay this person for attending me. 22:48.500 --> 22:50.500 I understand that, madam, 22:50.500 --> 22:53.500 but registered nurses are very scarce just now. 22:53.500 --> 22:56.500 Our superintendent has asked us to send people out 22:56.500 --> 22:59.500 only on cases where the physician in charge 22:59.500 --> 23:01.500 feels it is absolutely necessary. 23:01.500 --> 23:03.500 Well, it is absolutely necessary. 23:03.500 --> 23:06.500 I'm a sick woman. I'm very upset. Very. 23:06.500 --> 23:08.500 I'm alone in this house and I'm an invalid 23:08.500 --> 23:10.500 and tonight I overheard a telephone conversation 23:10.500 --> 23:11.500 that upset me dreadfully. 23:11.500 --> 23:14.500 A woman's going to be killed when a train comes. 23:14.500 --> 23:16.500 In fact, if someone doesn't come at once, 23:16.500 --> 23:18.500 I'm afraid I'll go out of my mind. 23:18.500 --> 23:22.500 I see. Well, I will speak to Miss Phillips as soon as she comes in. 23:22.500 --> 23:23.500 Miss Phillips? 23:23.500 --> 23:24.500 And what is your name, madam? 23:24.500 --> 23:26.500 When do you expect her in? 23:26.500 --> 23:30.500 I really couldn't say. She went out to supper at 11 o'clock. 23:30.500 --> 23:33.500 Eleven o'clock? Oh, but it's not eleven yet. 23:33.500 --> 23:38.500 Oh, my clock has stopped. I thought it was running down. 23:38.500 --> 23:40.500 What time is it? 23:40.500 --> 23:44.500 Just fifteen minutes past eleven. 23:44.500 --> 23:46.500 What was that? 23:46.500 --> 23:48.500 What was what, madam? 23:48.500 --> 23:51.500 That click just now in my own telephone, 23:51.500 --> 23:53.500 as though someone had lifted the receiver off the hook 23:53.500 --> 23:55.500 off the extension telephone downstairs. 23:55.500 --> 23:58.500 I didn't hear it, madam. Now about the nurse. 23:58.500 --> 24:00.500 But I did. I did. 24:00.500 --> 24:02.500 There's someone in this house, someone downstairs in the kitchen, 24:02.500 --> 24:04.500 and they're listening to me now. 24:04.500 --> 24:08.500 I won't pick it up again. I won't let them hear me. 24:08.500 --> 24:10.500 I'll be quiet and then they'll feel... 24:10.500 --> 24:13.500 What if I don't call someone now while they're still down there? 24:13.500 --> 24:16.500 There'll be no time. I've got to get to that operator. 24:16.500 --> 24:19.500 I've got to get to that operator. 24:19.500 --> 24:21.500 That operator. 24:21.500 --> 24:23.500 Oh, answer. 24:23.500 --> 24:25.500 Your call, please. 24:25.500 --> 24:27.500 Operator, I'm in desperate trouble. 24:27.500 --> 24:31.500 I am sorry. I cannot hear you. Please speak louder. 24:31.500 --> 24:34.500 I don't dare. There's someone listening. 24:34.500 --> 24:36.500 Can you hear me now? 24:36.500 --> 24:37.500 I am sorry. 24:37.500 --> 24:39.500 Oh, but you've got to hear me. Oh, please. 24:39.500 --> 24:41.500 Please, you've got to help me. There's someone in this house, 24:41.500 --> 24:43.500 someone who's going to murder me, 24:43.500 --> 24:46.500 and you've got to get in touch with the police. 24:46.500 --> 24:49.500 Oh, there. There it is. Did you hear it? 24:49.500 --> 24:52.500 He's put it down. He's put down the extension phone. 24:52.500 --> 24:55.500 He's coming up the... He's coming up the stairs. 24:55.500 --> 24:57.500 Oh, give me the police department. 24:57.500 --> 24:59.500 Give me the police department. 24:59.500 --> 25:02.500 One moment, please. I will connect you. 25:02.500 --> 25:05.500 Hurry. Hurry. Oh, hurry. I can hear him. 25:05.500 --> 25:07.500 He's coming. He's coming here. 25:07.500 --> 25:09.500 Oh. Oh, no. 25:09.500 --> 25:11.500 Oh, what are you going to do to me? Oh, no. 25:11.500 --> 25:14.500 Oh, no. Don't come near me. I haven't done anything. Please. 25:14.500 --> 25:16.500 Oh, don't hurt me. Don't. Don't. 25:16.500 --> 25:18.500 Help. Help. Help. 25:18.500 --> 25:22.500 Oh, no. 25:36.500 --> 25:39.500 Police department, precinct 43, Sergeant Martenspiegel. 25:41.500 --> 25:44.500 Police department, precinct 43, Sergeant Martenspiegel. 25:44.500 --> 25:47.500 Hello, police department, precinct 43, Sergeant Martenspiegel. 25:48.500 --> 25:50.500 Police department? Yes. 25:50.500 --> 25:53.500 Oh, I'm sorry. 25:54.500 --> 25:56.500 Must have got the wrong number. 25:56.500 --> 26:14.500 Don't worry. Everything's okay. 26:20.500 --> 26:23.500 Thank you, Miss Agnes Moorhead, for another memorable performance. 26:23.500 --> 26:26.500 Miss Moorhead will return in just a moment. 26:26.500 --> 26:30.500 Say, Harlow, you got so wound up on auto light resistor spark plugs a while back, 26:30.500 --> 26:33.500 you never told me whether you saw the state football game last week. 26:33.500 --> 26:38.500 You bet I saw it. And say, did you notice the big gaps that state knocked in that enemy line? 26:38.500 --> 26:41.500 Yes. Reminded me of that wide gap in auto light resistor spark plugs. 26:41.500 --> 26:43.500 Now, Harlow. 26:43.500 --> 26:48.500 You know, when you replace your old narrow gap spark plugs with wide gap auto light resistor spark plugs, 26:48.500 --> 26:52.500 by Cornelius, your engine idles smoother, you have better luck with lean gas, 26:52.500 --> 26:55.500 and by luck with lean gas mixtures, actually save gas. 26:55.500 --> 26:57.500 Harlow, I'm talking about football. 26:57.500 --> 27:01.500 Oh, by the way, how'd you like the way states line cut down enemy interference? 27:01.500 --> 27:07.500 Great. Almost as good as the way auto light resistor spark plugs cut down spark plug interference with radio and television reception. 27:07.500 --> 27:09.500 What a team. What a team. 27:09.500 --> 27:15.500 Yes, friends, when it comes to team play, you really get it with those sensational new auto light resistor spark plugs. 27:15.500 --> 27:18.500 And other auto light engineering first. 27:18.500 --> 27:23.500 No wonder, for auto light resistor spark plugs are one of over 400 automotive, aviation, and marine parts 27:23.500 --> 27:26.500 made by the 26 nationwide auto light plants. 27:26.500 --> 27:30.500 All famous for auto light engineered dependability. 27:30.500 --> 27:36.500 So friends, don't dilly dally, dawdle, or delay, but hop down tomorrow to your friendly auto light dealer 27:36.500 --> 27:40.500 and get a set of wonderful new wide gap auto light resistor spark plugs. 27:40.500 --> 27:42.500 He's got just the type and size to fit your car. 27:42.500 --> 27:46.500 And friends, remember too, auto light means spark plugs. 27:46.500 --> 27:49.500 Ignition engineered resistor spark plugs. 27:49.500 --> 27:51.500 Auto light means battery. 27:51.500 --> 27:53.500 Stay full battery. 27:53.500 --> 27:55.500 Auto light means ignition system. 27:55.500 --> 27:57.500 The lifeline of your car. 27:57.500 --> 28:08.500 And now here again is Miss Agnes Moorhead. 28:08.500 --> 28:14.500 My thanks to producer Tony Leader for affording me this opportunity to play Lucille Fletcher's wonderful story once again. 28:14.500 --> 28:19.500 And my thanks to the cast and the musicians and sound men who helped make it successful. 28:19.500 --> 28:23.500 The Suspense program will always hold a special place in my affections. 28:23.500 --> 28:28.500 And I'll be listening with great interest next Thursday when radio's outstanding theater of thrills 28:28.500 --> 28:34.500 brings us little Margaret O'Brien starring in Ray Bradbury's story, The Screaming Woman. 28:34.500 --> 28:39.500 Another gripping study in Suspense. 28:39.500 --> 28:47.500 Agnes Moorhead has recorded Sorry Wrong Number in album form. Miss Moorhead may currently be seen in the Warner Brothers picture, Johnny Belinda. 28:47.500 --> 28:51.500 Music on tonight's Suspense play was composed by Lucian Moorweck and conducted by Lut Bluskin. 28:51.500 --> 28:54.500 The entire production was under the direction of Anton M. Leader. 28:54.500 --> 29:00.500 In the coming weeks, Suspense will present such stars as Ronald Coleman, Rosalind Russell, Claude Rains and William Bendix. 29:00.500 --> 29:05.500 Make it a point to listen each Thursday to Suspense, radio's outstanding theater of thrills. 29:05.500 --> 29:10.500 And next Thursday same time, hear Margaret O'Brien in The Screaming Woman. 29:10.500 --> 29:15.500 This is the Auto Light Suspense show. 29:15.500 --> 29:19.500 Volunteers are needed for the armed forces of the United States. 29:19.500 --> 29:23.500 Your nearest recruiting station will have complete information. 29:23.500 --> 29:26.500 Good night. Switch to Auto Light. 29:26.500 --> 29:41.500 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.