WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:07.000 Suspense! 00:07.000 --> 00:27.520 Tonight, Auto Light and its 96,000 dealers present Mr. John Lund in Experiment 6R, a 00:27.520 --> 00:31.720 suspense play produced and edited by William Spear. 00:31.720 --> 00:40.080 Friends, I know you've enjoyed trouble-free summer driving if you've replaced those old 00:40.080 --> 00:44.760 style narrow gap spark plugs with wide gap auto light resistor spark plugs. 00:44.760 --> 00:46.640 Tell them why, Harlow, tell them why. 00:46.640 --> 00:50.760 Because auto light resistor spark plugs with the exclusive built in 10,000 ohm auto light 00:50.760 --> 00:55.280 resistor give you a full even spark all along the line of fire. 00:55.280 --> 00:56.680 Keep going, Harlow, you're doing great. 00:56.680 --> 01:00.600 Well, your engine idles smoother with auto light resistor spark plugs, performs better 01:00.600 --> 01:03.880 on leaner gas mixtures, actually saves you gas. 01:03.880 --> 01:05.480 You're getting better all the time. 01:05.480 --> 01:10.120 Auto light resistor spark plugs cut down radio and television interference too, so insist 01:10.120 --> 01:12.120 on auto light resistor spark plugs. 01:12.120 --> 01:14.520 Okay, Harlow, give them the old punch line. 01:14.520 --> 01:17.760 Don't be satisfied with spark plugs supposed to be just as good. 01:17.760 --> 01:20.760 Get genuine auto light resistor spark plugs. 01:20.760 --> 01:23.280 You're always right with auto light. 01:23.280 --> 01:27.120 And here's a reminder, suspense may be seen on television in many parts of the country 01:27.120 --> 01:29.880 every Tuesday night. 01:29.880 --> 01:35.600 And now with experiment 6R and with the performance of John Lund as Morris Brandt, auto light 01:35.600 --> 01:42.960 hopes once again to keep you in suspense. 01:42.960 --> 01:47.240 Entirely fitting somehow that here in the Carlton Plaza Hotel where he spent so much 01:47.240 --> 01:52.400 of his life, we should honor this hero of science and pay him our humble gratitude. 01:52.400 --> 01:57.800 Mr. Brandt is, as you know, at this moment in our special clinic. 01:57.800 --> 02:02.680 And it's from there that he will address us on the subject of experiment 6R, a page in 02:02.680 --> 02:06.920 the progress of science with which his name will forever be associated. 02:06.920 --> 02:12.240 When I received his letter and heard the thrilling news that unknown to any of us, a human volunteer 02:12.240 --> 02:18.080 had actually, well, it was of course inevitable that I should call this distinguished gathering 02:18.080 --> 02:19.720 together. 02:19.720 --> 02:24.040 I won't speak any longer now because minutes are precious. 02:24.040 --> 02:26.400 We're ready. 02:26.400 --> 02:33.480 Will you speak to us now, Mr. Brandt? 02:33.480 --> 02:34.480 Ladies and gentlemen. 02:34.480 --> 02:41.000 Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Morris Brandt. 02:41.000 --> 02:42.000 Brandt speaking. 02:42.000 --> 02:47.520 I don't know exactly how you good people of science are going to take my little story, 02:47.520 --> 02:51.320 the history of my own part in experiment 6R. 02:51.320 --> 02:56.680 When I finish my story, if I finish it, you will wonder perhaps why I wish to tell it 02:56.680 --> 02:58.280 at all. 02:58.280 --> 03:03.000 Well, something about the irony of this situation appeals to me. 03:03.000 --> 03:06.080 I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. 03:06.080 --> 03:11.360 You know, even the fact that somebody just now pressed a buzzer and I jumped to attention 03:11.360 --> 03:15.020 and started speaking is ironic. 03:15.020 --> 03:19.920 Because I guess that's how experiment 6R began a couple of months ago. 03:19.920 --> 03:28.800 Yes, just like that. 03:28.800 --> 03:29.800 Brandt speaking. 03:29.800 --> 03:31.880 Coffee, Mr. Brandt. 03:31.880 --> 03:32.880 Very well, sir. 03:32.880 --> 03:42.760 It was precisely 3.15 and 3.15 was the time for Mr. Paul Koblenz's afternoon coffee. 03:42.760 --> 03:48.240 Naturally, it was beneath the dignity of the manager of the Carlton Plaza Hotel to have 03:48.240 --> 03:53.120 the coffee served by anyone less than me, the assistant manager. 03:53.120 --> 03:59.520 And so each day the coffee tray with its silver urn, silver sugar and creamer, silver spoons 03:59.520 --> 04:05.440 and graceful limousine cups was left on my desk by a waiter ready for the humiliating 04:05.440 --> 04:06.440 ceremony. 04:06.440 --> 04:08.240 I picked it up and went in. 04:08.240 --> 04:15.120 Ah, Mr. Brandt, you'll join me, of course. 04:15.120 --> 04:16.120 Thank you, Mr. Koblenz. 04:16.120 --> 04:18.160 A little coffee is very relaxing. 04:18.160 --> 04:21.760 It was relaxing for him. 04:21.760 --> 04:24.480 My duties only began with bringing in the coffee. 04:24.480 --> 04:30.200 I had to set the silver tray on his desk and then wait while Mr. Koblenz detached a small 04:30.200 --> 04:32.600 key from his vest chain. 04:32.600 --> 04:37.280 Then it was my job to take the key and open the small wall cabinet near the heavily draped 04:37.280 --> 04:41.600 window where Koblenz kept a supply of liquor. 04:41.600 --> 04:46.000 I would take out a bottle of expensive brandy and carry it over to the desk. 04:46.000 --> 04:49.120 Koblenz liked the dash of it in his coffee. 04:49.120 --> 04:51.960 Ah, thank you, Mr. Brandt. 04:51.960 --> 04:56.840 It was this part of the silly ritual that I hated most. 04:56.840 --> 05:01.720 That locked cabinet was a symbol of Koblenz's suspicion and distrust. 05:01.720 --> 05:06.560 No one but me was ever permitted to enter his sacred office and I didn't drink, but 05:06.560 --> 05:08.240 that made no difference. 05:08.240 --> 05:11.160 The liquor was expensive and might be stolen. 05:11.160 --> 05:12.520 By whom? 05:12.520 --> 05:13.520 By me. 05:13.520 --> 05:16.280 Mr. Brandt, I have been looking over the monthly accounts. 05:16.280 --> 05:19.840 Your latest innovation seems to be doing quite well. 05:19.840 --> 05:20.840 The stag room? 05:20.840 --> 05:22.560 Oh, that was a lucky guess. 05:22.560 --> 05:24.000 I think not. 05:24.000 --> 05:28.160 Your reasoning, I believe, was that businessmen like a place to lunch by themselves and quiet 05:28.160 --> 05:29.160 and comfort. 05:29.160 --> 05:33.760 It seems, Mr. Brandt, that you have the rare talent of knowing what people want. 05:33.760 --> 05:35.360 Well, I hope so. 05:35.360 --> 05:42.280 Especially when giving people what they want can be so profitable and lead to give you 05:42.280 --> 05:43.280 what you want. 05:43.280 --> 05:49.720 Yes, indeed, Mr. Brandt, you have a very successful record during your twelve years here. 05:49.720 --> 05:50.720 Perhaps too successful. 05:50.720 --> 05:51.720 Why? 05:51.720 --> 05:53.120 What do you mean? 05:53.120 --> 05:57.240 Success has the habit of making a man crave something further. 05:57.240 --> 06:00.480 I think we shall have to have a talk some day soon, Mr. Brandt. 06:00.480 --> 06:01.600 But that will be all for today. 06:01.600 --> 06:04.200 You may replace the brandy. 06:04.200 --> 06:06.800 He handed me the little key to the cabinet. 06:06.800 --> 06:10.840 He had finished with me for the day. 06:10.840 --> 06:14.960 Back in my office, I thought of what Mr. Koblenz had said. 06:14.960 --> 06:17.360 Too successful meant only one thing. 06:17.360 --> 06:23.360 He thought that I was ambitious to hold his job, my only possible advancement. 06:23.360 --> 06:26.020 Mr. Koblenz was quite correct. 06:26.020 --> 06:28.800 I would do anything to have that job. 06:28.800 --> 06:29.800 Anything. 06:29.800 --> 06:34.400 Now, after twelve years of it, I was determined to have that job. 06:34.400 --> 06:41.920 Not because it was a better job, but because it was his. 06:41.920 --> 06:47.640 I didn't sleep well that night in my cramped inside room, thinking of Mr. Koblenz in his 06:47.640 --> 06:49.920 penthouse suite. 06:49.920 --> 06:56.680 But finally it was morning and the hotel came to life again with all its problems. 06:56.680 --> 07:00.960 There were the usual two or three bad checks accepted by the night clerk and all the other 07:00.960 --> 07:04.200 boring commonplace irritants. 07:04.200 --> 07:07.480 The only drama of the day was brought in by the housekeeper. 07:07.480 --> 07:10.040 May I speak to you a moment, Mr. Brandt? 07:10.040 --> 07:11.240 Yes, Mrs. Oven. 07:11.240 --> 07:13.420 It's about 1402, Mr. Brandt. 07:13.420 --> 07:14.520 What seems to be the trouble? 07:14.520 --> 07:16.240 The maids won't make up 1402. 07:16.240 --> 07:17.240 Why? 07:17.240 --> 07:22.480 The room, I know it sounds crazy, but that room is full of rats. 07:22.480 --> 07:23.480 Live rats? 07:23.480 --> 07:24.480 Oh, nonsense. 07:24.480 --> 07:26.480 The maids are imagining things. 07:26.480 --> 07:28.280 It's true, I saw it myself. 07:28.280 --> 07:30.920 Very well, Mrs. Ovenman, I'll see about it. 07:30.920 --> 07:37.240 Everyone's afraid to go in 1402, so I hope you can get them out of there. 07:37.240 --> 07:41.640 Well, thank you very much, Mr. Brandt. 07:41.640 --> 07:42.640 Live rats. 07:42.640 --> 07:43.640 What next? 07:43.640 --> 07:45.760 Room clerk, please. 07:45.760 --> 07:48.520 Hello, Brandt speaking. 07:48.520 --> 07:50.360 Who is the occupant of 1402? 07:50.360 --> 07:51.360 Dr. Tomlinson? 07:51.360 --> 07:54.360 Is he in his room? 07:54.360 --> 07:57.760 Well, when he returns to the hotel, please let me know. 07:57.760 --> 08:01.760 I shall have to speak with him. 08:01.760 --> 08:03.760 Rats. 08:03.760 --> 08:12.240 Well, it was fairly typical of the kind of problem which is automatically relayed to 08:12.240 --> 08:18.040 the assistant manager, being hardly glamorous nor important enough for the manager to be 08:18.040 --> 08:19.040 bothered with. 08:19.040 --> 08:24.080 Some difficult and taxing assignment, like greeting Greer Garson, maybe, would be more 08:24.080 --> 08:29.320 fitting use for the time and talents of Paul Koblenz. 08:29.320 --> 08:36.360 As I thought about it, and him, I began to hear a sound in my head like a clock ticking. 08:36.360 --> 08:40.280 I recognized that it was almost 3.15. 08:40.280 --> 08:46.560 As busy as I was, I could sense, without looking at the clock, that it was nearly 3.15. 08:46.560 --> 08:52.040 It was time for the buzzer on my desk to sound out the call which symbolized all the tyranny, 08:52.040 --> 08:55.960 all the pompous authority and the warped sadistic soul of... 08:55.960 --> 08:56.960 Brandt speaking. 08:56.960 --> 08:57.960 Coffee, Mr. Brandt. 08:57.960 --> 08:58.960 Very well, sir. 08:58.960 --> 09:09.360 Again, the humiliating ritual, performing the services of a waiter to satisfy Paul Koblenz 09:09.360 --> 09:11.480 of his authority. 09:11.480 --> 09:15.720 And today, he began the talk with me that he had been promising for so long. 09:15.720 --> 09:18.240 Mr. Brandt, you have been with us for 12 years. 09:18.240 --> 09:19.240 Is that correct? 09:19.240 --> 09:20.240 Yes, Mr. Koblenz. 09:20.240 --> 09:21.240 12 years and two months. 09:21.240 --> 09:26.800 And you have always impressed me as an ambitious man, a competent man. 09:26.800 --> 09:28.200 Thank you, sir. 09:28.200 --> 09:34.000 But you must realize that you have come as far up the ladder as is possible, at least 09:34.000 --> 09:35.000 while I am alive. 09:35.000 --> 09:36.740 Well, I don't think... 09:36.740 --> 09:39.800 And I am a very healthy man for my age, Mr. Brandt. 09:39.800 --> 09:44.920 Eventually, you may replace me, but it will be a long time to wait, I'm afraid. 09:44.920 --> 09:46.640 A very long time indeed. 09:46.640 --> 09:49.160 Well, I'm really awfully busy, Mr. Koblenz. 09:49.160 --> 09:53.840 I have observed certain signs of restlessness in you during the last year or so. 09:53.840 --> 09:54.840 Restlessness? 09:54.840 --> 09:58.160 You are not satisfied to be merely the assistant manager. 09:58.160 --> 10:01.320 You dream of occupying this desk someday. 10:01.320 --> 10:02.320 My desk. 10:02.320 --> 10:03.960 Will that be all, Mr. Koblenz? 10:03.960 --> 10:06.920 I will tell you when you may go. 10:06.920 --> 10:11.160 You would like to have my salary, which is very considerable, instead of your own, which 10:11.160 --> 10:14.400 is a good deal smaller. 10:14.400 --> 10:20.240 I must say that no one is so well qualified, if anything should happen to me, you would 10:20.240 --> 10:23.240 automatically be appointed manager of the hotel. 10:23.240 --> 10:24.240 Mr. Koblenz, I'm sure I never... 10:24.240 --> 10:26.200 We will not discuss the matter further. 10:26.200 --> 10:34.240 I just wanted you to know that I know, as they say, what the score is. 10:34.240 --> 10:38.880 Have you finished your coffee, Mr. Koblenz? 10:38.880 --> 10:40.720 I have finished my coffee, Mr. Brandt. 10:40.720 --> 10:41.720 Good afternoon. 10:41.720 --> 10:49.680 It was exactly 3.30 as Koblenz handed me the little key to the cabinet and I replaced 10:49.680 --> 10:50.680 the brandy. 10:50.680 --> 10:56.080 I took the coffee things back into my own office and closed the door. 10:56.080 --> 10:58.000 I knew exactly what Koblenz had meant. 10:58.000 --> 11:03.280 He had actually said, I know you would like to eliminate me in some way and I warn you, 11:03.280 --> 11:04.560 I'm on the alert. 11:04.560 --> 11:07.440 Don't try anything funny if you know what's good for you. 11:07.440 --> 11:10.960 As if there were the slightest chance. 11:10.960 --> 11:17.880 As much as I hated him, there was nothing I could do. 11:17.880 --> 11:18.880 Mr. Brandt speaking. 11:18.880 --> 11:22.600 You asked me to call when Dr. Tomlinson returned to the hotel, Mr. Brandt. 11:22.600 --> 11:23.600 What? 11:23.600 --> 11:26.600 Oh, oh yes, thank you. 11:26.600 --> 11:28.600 Yes? 11:28.600 --> 11:35.960 Oh, yes sir. 11:35.960 --> 11:40.080 I am Mr. Brandt, doctor, the assistant manager of the hotel. 11:40.080 --> 11:42.040 May I step in for a moment? 11:42.040 --> 11:45.800 Yes, come right in. 11:45.800 --> 11:46.800 What can I do for you? 11:46.800 --> 11:50.680 Well, I suppose you noticed your room hasn't been straightened. 11:50.680 --> 11:55.080 And of course it's not difficult to see the reason why. 11:55.080 --> 11:56.680 You have them caged, I see. 11:56.680 --> 11:58.480 Oh yes, yes, you mean my rats. 11:58.480 --> 12:00.960 They're beautiful specimens, aren't they? 12:00.960 --> 12:01.960 Beautiful. 12:01.960 --> 12:03.520 How did you get them into the hotel? 12:03.520 --> 12:06.400 Oh, the cage fits into a leather carrying case. 12:06.400 --> 12:08.000 Rather clever, isn't it? 12:08.000 --> 12:09.000 I see. 12:09.000 --> 12:12.960 Well, I'm sorry, Dr. Tomlinson, but I'm afraid those rats will have to go. 12:12.960 --> 12:14.960 Yes, dear me, I was afraid of that. 12:14.960 --> 12:17.040 It would only be for another day, Mr. Brandt. 12:17.040 --> 12:19.280 I'll be returning to New York tomorrow. 12:19.280 --> 12:20.400 I can't leave them now. 12:20.400 --> 12:23.960 They're the subject of an experiment that may lead to the cure of an extremely deadly 12:23.960 --> 12:27.680 disease which, for scientific purposes, we refer to as 6R. 12:27.680 --> 12:28.680 Well, I'm sure, doctor. 12:28.680 --> 12:29.680 Let me show you something here. 12:29.680 --> 12:30.680 You see this yellow powder? 12:30.680 --> 12:31.680 Take a look at this label. 12:31.680 --> 12:32.680 Paradymethyl... 12:32.680 --> 12:33.680 Doctor, I really don't know what that is. 12:33.680 --> 12:34.680 Paradymethyl... 12:34.680 --> 12:35.680 Paradymethyl... 12:35.680 --> 12:36.680 Paradymethyl... 12:36.680 --> 12:37.680 Paradymethyl... 12:37.680 --> 12:39.160 Doctor, I really don't have... 12:39.160 --> 12:40.920 Paradymethylamino asbenzamine. 12:40.920 --> 12:43.400 It's commonly called a butter yellow, Mr. Brandt. 12:43.400 --> 12:48.040 You see, when a rat gets a bit of this daily in his food, he develops 6R within four months, 12:48.040 --> 12:52.040 a spreading internal growth which insidiously destroys vital tissues. 12:52.040 --> 12:56.360 And by the time the results are evident, the rat is past all hope and in a very short time 12:56.360 --> 12:57.360 it's dead. 12:57.360 --> 13:00.120 Yes, doctor, it's very fascinating, I'm sure. 13:00.120 --> 13:03.240 But I'm afraid... 13:03.240 --> 13:08.600 Oh, will this powder induce 6R in a human being, too? 13:08.600 --> 13:11.320 Almost certainly, but naturally we haven't been able to try it. 13:11.320 --> 13:12.320 No volunteers. 13:12.320 --> 13:15.880 I don't suppose it requires very large doses either. 13:15.880 --> 13:16.880 To develop 6R? 13:16.880 --> 13:17.880 Oh, no, indeed. 13:17.880 --> 13:21.640 Just a very tiny bit daily and then... 13:21.640 --> 13:25.560 Mr. Brandt Schiller, you understand the importance of this work and why I must have the rats 13:25.560 --> 13:27.840 with me constantly? 13:27.840 --> 13:31.600 But if you insist, I shall move to another hotel, of course. 13:31.600 --> 13:32.680 No, doctor. 13:32.680 --> 13:35.640 I represent the management and I ask you to stay. 13:35.640 --> 13:37.520 And I'll see that your room is straightened. 13:37.520 --> 13:41.720 Well, I must say that's wonderful of you, Mr. Brandt. 13:41.720 --> 13:43.720 Are you interested in science? 13:43.720 --> 13:44.720 Not until now. 13:44.720 --> 13:45.720 That's wonderful. 13:45.720 --> 13:48.840 Oh, by the way, please tell the maid not to go near the cages. 13:48.840 --> 13:52.520 Sometimes the rats might bite and it might be that they could transmit 6R that way. 13:52.520 --> 13:55.360 We're not sure you understand, but it's better not to take any chances. 13:55.360 --> 13:57.000 Yes, I understand. 13:57.000 --> 13:58.000 Is that powder... 13:58.000 --> 13:59.900 I won't attempt to pronounce it. 13:59.900 --> 14:01.600 Is it quite safe in here? 14:01.600 --> 14:03.360 Oh, yes, yes, see? 14:03.360 --> 14:04.560 No one could find it here. 14:04.560 --> 14:05.560 I see. 14:05.560 --> 14:06.960 And besides, no one would know what it was. 14:06.960 --> 14:09.600 If some got lost, it looks just like yellow dust. 14:09.600 --> 14:10.960 It would only be thrown away. 14:10.960 --> 14:12.760 I have more for the experiments. 14:12.760 --> 14:14.480 Don't worry, Mr. Brandt. 14:14.480 --> 14:18.800 Well, I'm sorry if we've inconvenienced you, doctor. 14:18.800 --> 14:20.760 Oh, have you had dinner? 14:20.760 --> 14:22.800 Why, no, as a matter of fact. 14:22.800 --> 14:23.800 Would you join me? 14:23.800 --> 14:25.040 Seven o'clock in the grill room? 14:25.040 --> 14:26.880 Well, I should be very pleased. 14:26.880 --> 14:27.880 Good. 14:27.880 --> 14:28.880 We'll talk some more. 14:28.880 --> 14:35.680 You know, I should think that someone who, well, is desperately ill, let us say, would 14:35.680 --> 14:38.400 be honored to be your volunteer. 14:38.400 --> 14:43.320 I know in similar circumstances, I should be proud. 14:43.320 --> 14:46.320 Until seven, doctor. 14:46.320 --> 14:53.400 You wish to see me, Mr. Brandt? 14:53.400 --> 14:54.900 Yes, Mrs. Overman. 14:54.900 --> 14:58.040 It is very important that Dr. Tomlinson finish his stave. 14:58.040 --> 14:59.040 Yes, sir. 14:59.040 --> 15:03.880 I will meet the chambermaid in his rooms promptly at seven fifteen and see to it that the rats 15:03.880 --> 15:05.360 don't frighten them. 15:05.360 --> 15:11.560 Thank you, Mr. Brandt. 15:11.560 --> 15:13.560 The doctor arrived exactly at seven. 15:13.560 --> 15:18.680 And at seven ten, while he was still sipping his sherry, I excused myself and went up to 15:18.680 --> 15:19.680 fourteen oh two. 15:19.680 --> 15:24.520 When the chambermaid was taking the soiled linens to the laundry wagon in the hall, leaving 15:24.520 --> 15:29.920 me alone in Dr. Tomlinson's room, I filled the hotel envelope with a deadly yellow powder. 15:29.920 --> 15:33.200 I was back downstairs before the soup was served. 15:33.200 --> 15:35.800 I have never enjoyed a dinner more. 15:35.800 --> 15:39.840 Dr. Tomlinson prattled on, but I didn't even hear. 15:39.840 --> 15:45.800 I was thinking what a pleasure it was going to be to have coffee at three fifteen tomorrow 15:45.800 --> 15:59.920 afternoon with Mr. Paul Copeland. 15:59.920 --> 16:05.360 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. John Lund in Experiment 6R, tonight's production in radio's 16:05.360 --> 16:16.840 outstanding theater of thrills, Suspends. 16:16.840 --> 16:22.120 Say Hap, my nephew went to camp this summer and they taught him a lot of useful things, 16:22.120 --> 16:25.180 like how to send smoke signals with a brush fire and blanket. 16:25.180 --> 16:28.320 You should see the lovely charred hole in our living room rug. 16:28.320 --> 16:32.600 Yes, but did they teach him about the new wide gap auto light resistor spark plugs? 16:32.600 --> 16:33.640 No, Hap, they didn't. 16:33.640 --> 16:35.200 So I had a man to man talk with him. 16:35.200 --> 16:40.120 I told him, replace old style narrow gap spark plugs with wide gap auto light resistor spark 16:40.120 --> 16:44.560 plugs for easier starting in cold temperatures, for smoother idling, for better performance 16:44.560 --> 16:46.000 on leaner gas mixtures. 16:46.000 --> 16:47.920 They actually save you gas. 16:47.920 --> 16:48.920 That's useful information. 16:48.920 --> 16:49.920 Right. 16:49.920 --> 16:53.160 I told him confidentially of course, that every auto light resistor spark plug has an 16:53.160 --> 16:56.560 exclusive built in ten thousand ohm auto light resistor. 16:56.560 --> 17:00.040 I said, insist on auto light resistor spark plugs now. 17:00.040 --> 17:02.840 Don't accept spark plugs that are supposed to be as good. 17:02.840 --> 17:03.840 That's telling him. 17:03.840 --> 17:08.720 Boy, that mighty mite, that auto light resistor explains why auto light resistor spark plugs 17:08.720 --> 17:13.160 mean easier starting in cold temperatures, smoother idling, better performance on leaner 17:13.160 --> 17:14.380 gas mixtures. 17:14.380 --> 17:16.360 They actually save you gas. 17:16.360 --> 17:19.920 So insist on auto light. 17:19.920 --> 17:25.960 And now auto light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage, John Lund in experiment 6R. 17:25.960 --> 17:28.400 A tale well calculated to keep you in. 17:28.400 --> 17:29.400 Suspended. 17:29.400 --> 17:34.240 Coblentz. 17:34.240 --> 17:35.240 Brandt speaking. 17:35.240 --> 17:36.240 Coffee Mr. Brandt. 17:36.240 --> 17:37.240 Yes, Mr. Coblentz. 17:37.240 --> 17:44.240 A waiter had just brought the tray, set it on my desk and left. 17:44.240 --> 17:46.240 My door was locked. 17:46.240 --> 17:52.040 I took out the envelope with the powder, put a pinch of it into one of the costly limoish 17:52.040 --> 17:57.520 cups, filled both cups with coffee from the silver pot. 17:57.520 --> 18:03.120 And carried the tray into the sumptuous office next door. 18:03.120 --> 18:09.080 The office that would soon become my own. 18:09.080 --> 18:11.720 You will join me, of course, Mr. Brandt. 18:11.720 --> 18:12.720 Of course, Mr. Coblentz. 18:12.720 --> 18:13.720 Of course I would. 18:13.720 --> 18:14.720 I always had. 18:14.720 --> 18:19.720 But beginning with today, I would enjoy it. 18:19.720 --> 18:23.720 There was not the slightest alteration in the usual ridiculous routine. 18:23.720 --> 18:28.840 Coblentz removed the little key from his chain and handed it to me. 18:28.840 --> 18:31.600 I got the brandy from the cabinet. 18:31.600 --> 18:36.920 Coblentz poured a bit of the brandy into his cup and took a sip. 18:36.920 --> 18:37.920 Hmm. 18:37.920 --> 18:41.120 Exceptional good coffee today, Brandt. 18:41.120 --> 18:42.120 They make it yourself? 18:42.120 --> 18:43.120 What? 18:43.120 --> 18:44.120 Why? 18:44.120 --> 18:45.120 How do you mean? 18:45.120 --> 18:47.520 Oh, don't take me so seriously, Brandt. 18:47.520 --> 18:51.240 But knowing your efficiency in all matters of the hotel, I'm sure you could prepare 18:51.240 --> 18:54.440 a very unusual cup of coffee. 18:54.440 --> 18:57.960 Well, that's very nice of you to say, Mr. Coblentz. 18:57.960 --> 19:00.720 But I know you haven't time to waste making coffee. 19:00.720 --> 19:06.240 Too busy thinking of ways you can work your way into my job, aren't you? 19:06.240 --> 19:09.400 And as I told you before, you won't get it while I live. 19:09.400 --> 19:13.840 And I come from a very long-lived family. 19:13.840 --> 19:17.120 Yes, surely. 19:17.120 --> 19:18.120 More coffee, sir? 19:18.120 --> 19:22.560 Yes, please. 19:22.560 --> 19:25.000 Nothing could possibly go wrong. 19:25.000 --> 19:29.640 I had found out enough from Dr. Tomlinson to know that humans, and I stretched a point 19:29.640 --> 19:35.360 to include Paul Coblentz, that humans responded to drugs in very much the same way as rats. 19:35.360 --> 19:39.920 That was the reason rats were used for experiments in medical research. 19:39.920 --> 19:43.320 Almost invariably, the drugs that could kill a rat could kill a man. 19:43.320 --> 19:45.520 But the powder would never be detected. 19:45.520 --> 19:47.520 Only its effect. 19:47.520 --> 19:52.160 Even after months of tiny doses, Coblentz would suddenly learn that he was harboring 19:52.160 --> 19:55.000 the hidden killer, Sixar. 19:55.000 --> 19:59.080 I kept the powder in my jacket pocket. 19:59.080 --> 20:04.080 As the weeks passed, it became a matter of routine to put some in Paul Coblentz's daily 20:04.080 --> 20:05.080 coffee. 20:05.080 --> 20:08.840 But try as I would to remain calm. 20:08.840 --> 20:12.880 Sometimes the excitement of it would become almost unbearable, particularly at the moments 20:12.880 --> 20:17.880 when I serve the coffee. 20:17.880 --> 20:25.240 Mr. Brent, I can't tell you what pleasure this afternoon cup of coffee gives me. 20:25.240 --> 20:29.040 And of course, it gives me one of the few chances I get during the day to see my busy 20:29.040 --> 20:32.400 and trusted assistant. 20:32.400 --> 20:34.120 That is a pleasure, too. 20:34.120 --> 20:35.120 Thank you, Mr. Coblentz. 20:35.120 --> 20:39.600 Oh, I received a letter a few days back from a Dr. Ernst Tomlinson. 20:39.600 --> 20:40.600 Tomlinson? 20:40.600 --> 20:43.120 He was a guest here, I believe, for several days. 20:43.120 --> 20:44.120 Oh, really? 20:44.120 --> 20:45.120 Well, I don't... 20:45.120 --> 20:47.480 Surely you haven't forgotten. 20:47.480 --> 20:52.920 He wished specifically to be remembered to you, the gentleman with the rats. 20:52.920 --> 20:53.920 Rats? 20:53.920 --> 20:56.400 Oh, yes, I do recall something. 20:56.400 --> 20:57.400 Yes, of course. 20:57.400 --> 21:01.760 I realize, Mr. Brent, that I have allowed many of my managerial duties to fall on your 21:01.760 --> 21:03.560 capable shoulders. 21:03.560 --> 21:08.000 Which action has perhaps given you a mistaken opinion of your authority on these premises. 21:08.000 --> 21:10.720 Not really, Mr. Brent, live rats in a room. 21:10.720 --> 21:11.800 The animals were caged? 21:11.800 --> 21:14.280 I think I should have been consulted. 21:14.280 --> 21:19.200 Fortunately, our other guests were not cognizant of the fact that we were for two days zoo 21:19.200 --> 21:21.040 keepers of a sort. 21:21.040 --> 21:25.560 If they had known, I'm afraid Mr. Fenwick should have immediately replaced you. 21:25.560 --> 21:26.560 I'm sorry, Mr. Coblentz. 21:26.560 --> 21:27.560 Yes, I am sure. 21:27.560 --> 21:30.960 The good doctor seemed quite taken by you, Mr. Brent. 21:30.960 --> 21:34.400 Have you a personality side you've never shown me? 21:34.400 --> 21:39.360 I've always considered you rather dull. 21:39.360 --> 21:41.600 Will that be all, Mr. Coblentz? 21:41.600 --> 21:43.240 You're angry. 21:43.240 --> 21:45.440 Well, no matter. 21:45.440 --> 21:47.160 See, yes, that will be all. 21:47.160 --> 21:48.160 I'm rather tired today. 21:48.160 --> 21:49.160 Go, please. 21:49.160 --> 21:56.160 Dr. Tomlinson had written, but only to compliment me. 21:56.160 --> 21:57.160 That was good. 21:57.160 --> 22:00.160 He hadn't missed any of the yellow powder. 22:00.160 --> 22:06.560 As far as Coblentz's insulting behavior was concerned, well, there wouldn't be much more 22:06.560 --> 22:07.560 of it. 22:07.560 --> 22:11.280 Dr. Tomlinson had said there were no outward effects to 6R. 22:11.280 --> 22:16.120 The tiny admission of fatigue on Paul Coblentz's part was, I felt it. 22:16.120 --> 22:23.120 I watched Paul Coblentz grow progressively more pettier and sultry. 22:23.120 --> 22:33.040 Two weeks into the fourth month of experiment 6R, and in a way I didn't expect, the last 22:33.040 --> 22:35.000 scene began. 22:35.000 --> 22:39.520 Under the insurance laws of our state, all employees participating in group insurance 22:39.520 --> 22:42.040 had a yearly physical examination. 22:42.040 --> 22:46.640 The four months Dr. Tomlinson had considered necessary to allow the growth of 6R were almost 22:46.640 --> 22:47.640 completed. 22:47.640 --> 22:52.520 By now, 6R would have taken hold of Paul Coblentz sufficiently to be recognized in a medical 22:52.520 --> 22:59.320 examination and sufficiently to be at that point incurably fatal. 22:59.320 --> 23:04.160 Even at this late date, there were outwardly no signs of Coblentz's illness, which would 23:04.160 --> 23:07.320 make the announcement by the insurance doctor even more shocking. 23:07.320 --> 23:15.520 It was a nervous moment. 23:15.520 --> 23:16.520 Brandt speaking. 23:16.520 --> 23:22.400 Mr. Brandt, I have set aside 2.30 as the time for my visit to the insurance doctors. 23:22.400 --> 23:28.720 That should get me back to my office for coffee, after which if you have no pressing duties, 23:28.720 --> 23:29.720 you may... 23:29.720 --> 23:34.720 Yes, Mr. Coblentz. 23:34.720 --> 23:38.920 At three o'clock, I heard him come back into his office next door. 23:38.920 --> 23:40.920 He walked rather heavily, I thought. 23:40.920 --> 23:45.240 I wanted desperately to see him at once, to see the reaction he must have to the news 23:45.240 --> 23:47.640 the insurance doctors had given him. 23:47.640 --> 23:50.040 But I waited. 23:50.040 --> 23:53.440 Suddenly it was 3.15. 23:53.440 --> 23:54.440 Brandt speaking. 23:54.440 --> 23:55.440 Coffee, Mr. Brandt. 23:55.440 --> 23:58.360 Yes, Mr. Coblentz. 23:58.360 --> 24:01.000 The waiter had brought the coffee tray as usual. 24:01.000 --> 24:04.000 I carried it in. 24:04.000 --> 24:09.440 Coblentz sat quietly at his desk, his face partially in the shadow from the drawn blinds. 24:09.440 --> 24:11.960 You'll join me, of course, Mr. Brandt. 24:11.960 --> 24:14.080 Oh, thank you, Mr. Coblentz. 24:14.080 --> 24:15.080 Here's the key. 24:15.080 --> 24:21.040 I set the tray down, took the little key to the liquor cabinet which stood against the 24:21.040 --> 24:23.720 wall and bent over to open it. 24:23.720 --> 24:31.600 There was a new mirror above the cabinet, and what I saw in it made me drop the bottle. 24:31.600 --> 24:33.320 Anything wrong, Mr. Brandt? 24:33.320 --> 24:34.320 You seem startled. 24:34.320 --> 24:35.320 The cups. 24:35.320 --> 24:36.320 The cups. 24:36.320 --> 24:40.040 You've turned absolutely white as death. 24:40.040 --> 24:41.600 But then I meant to talk to you. 24:41.600 --> 24:44.080 You haven't been looking well for some time. 24:44.080 --> 24:46.240 You... you changed... 24:46.240 --> 24:48.760 I beg your pardon? 24:48.760 --> 24:52.200 You switched the coffee cups while I turned away to get your brandy. 24:52.200 --> 24:53.800 I always do. 24:53.800 --> 24:55.720 It is an old custom in my family. 24:55.720 --> 24:56.720 An old German custom. 24:56.720 --> 24:57.720 A very old custom. 24:57.720 --> 25:02.480 A very old and long-lived family. 25:02.480 --> 25:04.840 Have you all this time? 25:04.840 --> 25:07.560 Yes, Mr. Brandt. 25:07.560 --> 25:09.600 All this time. 25:09.600 --> 25:11.160 Operator. 25:11.160 --> 25:15.600 Connect me with the insurance doctors, please. 25:15.600 --> 25:18.640 In 308. 25:18.640 --> 25:22.400 Is it possible for you to see Mr. Brandt immediately, doctor? 25:22.400 --> 25:24.160 Thank you. 25:24.160 --> 25:34.680 It's urgent. 25:34.680 --> 25:39.000 And so, experiment 6R is finished. 25:39.000 --> 25:43.120 I am glad to have been of service to science. 25:43.120 --> 25:49.560 But I just couldn't die without sharing the credit with Mr. Koblenz. 25:49.560 --> 25:55.240 I am sorry, truly sorry, that he could not be there with you today in his old capacity 25:55.240 --> 25:58.000 as manager of the hotel. 25:58.000 --> 26:02.600 But Mr. Fenwick saw fit to discharge Mr. Koblenz when it was brought to his attention that 26:02.600 --> 26:08.160 live rats had been permitted to spend the night in one of our rooms. 26:08.160 --> 26:21.400 And now, thank you for your attention and goodbye. 26:21.400 --> 26:23.440 I was just bringing your order, Mr. Brandt. 26:23.440 --> 26:25.360 Your friend just phoned and told me. 26:25.360 --> 26:27.880 If you'd only mentioned it before... 26:27.880 --> 26:28.880 Friend? 26:28.880 --> 26:29.880 Mm-hmm. 26:29.880 --> 26:30.880 Mr. Koblenz. 26:30.880 --> 26:31.880 Koblenz? 26:31.880 --> 26:35.560 But I didn't order anything. 26:35.560 --> 26:36.880 Oh, no, Mr. Brandt. 26:36.880 --> 26:38.320 That's no trouble. 26:38.320 --> 26:40.240 We know now about your little custom. 26:40.240 --> 26:44.480 If you want coffee at 315 every day, you shall have it. 26:44.480 --> 26:45.480 Come now. 26:45.480 --> 27:02.880 It's just 315. 27:02.880 --> 27:04.960 Suspense presented by Auto Light. 27:04.960 --> 27:08.200 And star, John Lund, in experiment 6R. 27:08.200 --> 27:10.920 John, do you mind if I ask you a question? 27:10.920 --> 27:12.360 Why, of course not, Harlow. 27:12.360 --> 27:13.360 Okay. 27:13.360 --> 27:15.000 What do you think of Auto Light resistor spark plugs? 27:15.000 --> 27:17.040 Well, Harlow, let's put it this way. 27:17.040 --> 27:18.040 Yes? 27:18.040 --> 27:20.400 I can't imagine you selling anything but the best. 27:20.400 --> 27:21.400 Oh, well, now I... 27:21.400 --> 27:23.480 Now, don't be coy, Wilcox. 27:23.480 --> 27:28.640 You just keep right on telling people that Auto Light resistor spark plugs are the best. 27:28.640 --> 27:29.640 Any more questions? 27:29.640 --> 27:30.640 No, John, and thank you. 27:30.640 --> 27:35.080 I'll also tell people that in its 28 plants from coast to coast, Auto Light makes more 27:35.080 --> 27:40.560 than 400 products for cars, trucks, airplanes, and boats, including complete electrical systems 27:40.560 --> 27:46.560 for many makes of America's finest cars, batteries, spark plugs, generators, starting motors, coils, 27:46.560 --> 27:51.120 distributors, all engineered to fit together perfectly, work together perfectly because 27:51.120 --> 27:53.000 they're a perfect team. 27:53.000 --> 27:57.320 So friends, don't accept electrical parts supposed to be just as good. 27:57.320 --> 28:01.560 Just on and get Auto Light original factory parts at your neighborhood service station, 28:01.560 --> 28:03.840 car dealer, garage, or repair shop. 28:03.840 --> 28:14.280 Remember, you're always right with Auto Light. 28:14.280 --> 28:18.320 Next Thursday for Suspense, Charles Lawton and June Havoc will be our stars. 28:18.320 --> 28:22.120 The play is called Blind Date, and it is, as we say... 28:22.120 --> 28:29.080 A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 28:29.080 --> 28:34.100 Tonight's Suspense play was produced and edited by William Spear and directed by Norman MacDonald. 28:34.100 --> 28:38.520 Music for Suspense is composed by Lucian Morrowek and conducted by Lud Gluskin. 28:38.520 --> 28:43.480 Experiment 6R was a radio play by Donald Stubbs and Harold Cobb. 28:43.480 --> 28:47.400 John Lund may currently be seen in the Hal Wallace production for Paramount, My Friend 28:47.400 --> 28:48.400 Irma. 28:48.400 --> 28:52.880 In the coming weeks, you will hear such stars as Van Johnson, Edward Arnold, and Betty Davis. 28:52.880 --> 28:57.960 Don't forget, next Thursday, same time, Auto Light will present Suspense, starring Charles 28:57.960 --> 28:58.960 Lawton and June Havoc. 28:58.960 --> 29:09.960 You can buy Auto Light resistor spark plugs, Auto Light staple batteries, Auto Light electrical 29:09.960 --> 29:12.360 parts at your neighborhood Auto Light dealers. 29:12.360 --> 29:14.360 Switch to Auto Light. 29:14.360 --> 29:16.360 Good night. 29:16.360 --> 29:18.800 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.