WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:07.360 Suspense. 00:07.360 --> 00:27.080 Mortal Light and its 96,000 dealers presents Miss Marlena Dietrich in Murder Strikes Three 00:27.080 --> 00:31.080 A suspense play produced and edited by William Spear. 00:31.080 --> 00:40.920 Friends, for snappy starting on zippy, snippy days, there's nothing better than a set of 00:40.920 --> 00:44.080 the famous ignition engineered auto light spark plugs. 00:44.080 --> 00:46.360 Mr. Wilcock, sounds like a speech. 00:46.360 --> 00:47.360 Speech? 00:47.360 --> 00:48.600 This is no speech, Debbie. 00:48.600 --> 00:53.240 This is the free flow of fervent feeling for the newest addition to the complete line of 00:53.240 --> 00:55.960 ignition engineered spark plugs made by auto light. 00:55.960 --> 00:58.520 The wide gap auto light resistor spark plugs. 00:58.520 --> 01:03.200 Mr. Wilcock, are you trying to say that auto light resistor spark plugs offer car owners 01:03.200 --> 01:04.520 special advantages? 01:04.520 --> 01:09.760 Precisely, my pedantic pretty, because auto light builds an exclusive 10,000 ohm resistor 01:09.760 --> 01:12.900 right into every auto light resistor spark plug. 01:12.900 --> 01:17.240 And this makes practical a wider initial gap setting, the advantages of which have long 01:17.240 --> 01:19.400 been recognized by automotive engineers. 01:19.400 --> 01:21.160 I never knew that, Mr. Wilcock. 01:21.160 --> 01:22.160 Tell me more. 01:22.160 --> 01:27.360 My girl, auto light resistor spark plugs give double life under equal conditions as compared 01:27.360 --> 01:29.560 to spark plugs without the built in resistor. 01:29.560 --> 01:34.420 Yes, sirree, this newest addition to the complete auto light ignition engineered spark plug line 01:34.420 --> 01:38.840 is the only spark plug that will give you smoother performance on leaner gas mixtures 01:38.840 --> 01:41.120 and greater gas savings. 01:41.120 --> 01:46.040 So see your auto light spark plug dealer tomorrow for a set of the famous ignition engineered 01:46.040 --> 01:47.640 auto light spark plugs. 01:47.640 --> 01:52.040 And remember, whether you choose the regular type or the resistor type, you'll be right 01:52.040 --> 01:55.240 because you're always right with auto light. 01:55.240 --> 02:00.560 And now with murder strikes three times and the performance of Marlene Dietrich, auto 02:00.560 --> 02:04.760 light hopes once again to keep you in suspense. 02:04.760 --> 02:11.800 And so John L. Lewis and the soft coal mine operators will be getting down to specific 02:11.800 --> 02:13.600 cases soon. 02:13.600 --> 02:18.600 And now the exclusive that I promised you earlier in the program, a report so sensational 02:18.600 --> 02:21.680 that I am going to devote all of my remaining time to it. 02:21.680 --> 02:26.100 I have before me a copy of a document delivered in person today to the district attorney's 02:26.100 --> 02:28.960 office by one Fredonia Bell. 02:28.960 --> 02:34.120 Fredonia Bell was the trusted personal maid of Laura Starling Morton, who you will remember 02:34.120 --> 02:38.600 from the widely publicized murder trial of two years ago. 02:38.600 --> 02:43.320 This document is a statement written by Laura Starling Morton in her own hand. 02:43.320 --> 02:50.160 And it begins as follows, quote, I only regret that it will be impossible for me to be present 02:50.160 --> 02:52.400 when this is read aloud. 02:52.400 --> 02:56.160 What I shall relate here concerns three men. 02:56.160 --> 03:01.960 Of these three men, it is not on behalf of my husband, Robert, that I write, nor on behalf 03:01.960 --> 03:04.400 of my husband, Charles. 03:04.400 --> 03:05.400 This is for Elmer. 03:05.400 --> 03:09.880 But I do not think that Elmer will ever see it. 03:09.880 --> 03:15.760 For Elmer too is going to die. 03:15.760 --> 03:20.440 Laura, Laura. 03:20.440 --> 03:23.440 Yes, Robert? 03:23.440 --> 03:24.440 Where's my electric razor? 03:24.440 --> 03:27.440 In the medicine cabinet where it always is. 03:27.440 --> 03:28.440 Oh. 03:28.440 --> 03:32.600 Robert, I wish you wouldn't shave while you're in the bathtub that way. 03:32.600 --> 03:34.800 What's the difference where I shave? 03:34.800 --> 03:36.760 I like to shave in the bathtub. 03:36.760 --> 03:40.640 I just don't like to see you meddling with electricity while you're in there. 03:40.640 --> 03:42.760 You might get a shock or something. 03:42.760 --> 03:43.760 Oh, sure, sure. 03:43.760 --> 03:44.760 Mrs. Thomas Edison. 03:44.760 --> 03:46.800 All right, go ahead. 03:46.800 --> 03:48.520 I don't care. 03:48.520 --> 03:51.160 I like to shave in the bathtub. 03:51.160 --> 03:53.880 I'm relaxed in the bathtub. 03:53.880 --> 03:54.880 I read in the bathtub. 03:54.880 --> 03:55.880 I think in the bathtub. 03:55.880 --> 03:59.920 I'm not going to change my habits for you. 03:59.920 --> 04:00.920 I know, dear. 04:00.920 --> 04:02.920 I suppose that is a lot to expect. 04:02.920 --> 04:03.920 Oh, for heaven's sake. 04:03.920 --> 04:04.920 I don't really understand. 04:04.920 --> 04:05.920 Robert! 04:05.920 --> 04:06.920 Robert! 04:06.920 --> 04:20.280 It was a good loud scream. 04:20.280 --> 04:23.400 Then I stood in the door of the bathroom and looked. 04:23.400 --> 04:25.680 Good long look. 04:25.680 --> 04:27.360 Then I called a doctor. 04:27.360 --> 04:29.560 The doctor called the police. 04:29.560 --> 04:32.480 The police called the district attorney. 04:32.480 --> 04:38.080 And I found myself confronted by a young man with red hair and glasses who gave the immediate 04:38.080 --> 04:43.680 impression of being clever, unscrupulous, and objectionable. 04:43.680 --> 04:46.880 That was Elmer. 04:46.880 --> 04:53.040 Mrs. Williams, I'm Elmer Garner of the district attorney's office. 04:53.040 --> 04:54.320 How do you do, Mr. Garner? 04:54.320 --> 04:57.720 I thought you and I had better have a little private chat. 04:57.720 --> 04:59.400 What about, Mr. Garner? 04:59.400 --> 05:00.960 About your husband. 05:00.960 --> 05:02.640 What about my husband? 05:02.640 --> 05:07.520 Mrs. Williams, I'm going to be very frank with you on a number of counts. 05:07.520 --> 05:10.000 I am what is known as an assistant district attorney. 05:10.000 --> 05:13.320 Mr. Garner, I have just lost my husband. 05:13.320 --> 05:14.320 I hardly think... 05:14.320 --> 05:15.320 I'm coming to that, Mrs. Williams. 05:15.320 --> 05:18.800 Now, the district attorney has put me on this case because... 05:18.800 --> 05:21.000 Well, he thinks he doesn't have a case. 05:21.000 --> 05:23.040 Routine investigation. 05:23.040 --> 05:27.360 Now maybe it's because the DA is essentially a nice man with nice instincts, and I am not, 05:27.360 --> 05:30.360 but I don't agree with him. 05:30.360 --> 05:31.360 About what? 05:31.360 --> 05:32.600 About not having a case. 05:32.600 --> 05:35.840 Because I can smell him, Mrs. Williams. 05:35.840 --> 05:38.640 I can smell him a mile away. 05:38.640 --> 05:41.760 What can you smell, Mr. Garner? 05:41.760 --> 05:42.760 Murder. 05:42.760 --> 05:44.760 Oh, I see. 05:44.760 --> 05:45.760 Good. 05:45.760 --> 05:49.040 Well, your attitude is very good. 05:49.040 --> 05:51.560 No phony hysteria, no fake indignation. 05:51.560 --> 05:52.560 Realistic. 05:52.560 --> 05:54.520 Oh, I like that. 05:54.520 --> 05:55.520 I'm that way myself. 05:55.520 --> 05:59.920 Mr. Garner, I'm trying my best to maintain my composure under trying circumstances. 05:59.920 --> 06:04.360 I must say your extraordinary insinuation does not make it any easier. 06:04.360 --> 06:08.200 Now, look, I know you killed him, and you know that I know you killed him. 06:08.200 --> 06:09.200 Mr. Garner. 06:09.200 --> 06:13.280 Now, as I said, I was going to be very frank with you, Mrs. Williams, and I am. 06:13.280 --> 06:17.360 On your side of the story is the fact that although I know you killed him, it may be 06:17.360 --> 06:19.520 a little difficult to prove that you killed him. 06:19.520 --> 06:21.400 Not too difficult, but a little. 06:21.400 --> 06:22.400 I should think it might. 06:22.400 --> 06:24.720 It seems it is utterly untrue. 06:24.720 --> 06:28.100 Now, let's see what cards I hold. 06:28.100 --> 06:31.920 You are a laboratory technician, or you were before you were married, right? 06:31.920 --> 06:32.920 Right. 06:32.920 --> 06:36.840 And your technical knowledge would have told you that a man using a faulty electrical appliance 06:36.840 --> 06:41.160 while sitting in a tub full of water stood an excellent chance of electrocuting himself. 06:41.160 --> 06:45.600 I also know that a man firing a bullet into his head would stand an excellent chance of 06:45.600 --> 06:47.920 killing himself. 06:47.920 --> 06:50.640 The insulation in the cable of that electric razor was frayed. 06:50.640 --> 06:54.320 Now, that might have happened through normal wear, but it also might have happened because 06:54.320 --> 06:57.160 it was tampered with by you. 06:57.160 --> 07:00.640 And then again, as you say, it might not. 07:00.640 --> 07:05.040 Would it surprise you to know that we've got your fingerprints all over that razor? 07:05.040 --> 07:07.240 It would surprise me more if you hadn't. 07:07.240 --> 07:10.680 Or on everything else in the house for that matter, Mr. Garner. 07:10.680 --> 07:11.680 Uh-huh. 07:11.680 --> 07:16.560 Oh, you're a very intelligent woman, Mrs. Williams. 07:16.560 --> 07:17.560 You're right. 07:17.560 --> 07:18.560 It would have looked funny. 07:18.560 --> 07:20.840 You were smart not to wipe off those prints. 07:20.840 --> 07:21.840 Very smart. 07:21.840 --> 07:22.840 Thank you. 07:22.840 --> 07:27.920 So much for the means, now for the motive. 07:27.920 --> 07:30.720 We can establish, of course, that you and your husband didn't get along. 07:30.720 --> 07:34.600 Unfortunately, you can establish that about many husbands and wives. 07:34.600 --> 07:38.520 And that your husband was insured for $50,000 in your favor. 07:38.520 --> 07:41.240 And that there's about $50,000 more in community property. 07:41.240 --> 07:42.920 And that you inherit, right? 07:42.920 --> 07:43.920 Naturally. 07:43.920 --> 07:48.200 Well, $100,000 is quite a nice little motive, Mrs. Williams. 07:48.200 --> 07:51.160 But it doesn't prove anything, does it, Mr. Garner? 07:51.160 --> 07:54.800 It depends on how it's used by the prosecuting attorney. 07:54.800 --> 07:56.760 And that's me, you know. 07:56.760 --> 07:57.760 I know. 07:57.760 --> 08:01.640 Tell me, do you have a lawyer, Mrs. Williams? 08:01.640 --> 08:02.640 Not yet. 08:02.640 --> 08:03.640 Uh-huh. 08:03.640 --> 08:04.640 Uh-huh. 08:04.640 --> 08:07.440 Oh, you are a very intelligent woman. 08:07.440 --> 08:11.040 That would have looked bad, too, if you'd had a lawyer right on path. 08:11.040 --> 08:14.280 But you're going to need a lawyer, you know. 08:14.280 --> 08:15.280 So it would appear. 08:15.280 --> 08:16.280 All right. 08:16.280 --> 08:17.280 How about me? 08:17.280 --> 08:18.280 You? 08:18.280 --> 08:19.280 Sure. 08:19.280 --> 08:20.280 Sure. 08:20.280 --> 08:21.280 I'm a lawyer. 08:21.280 --> 08:26.080 You have just finished telling me that you would be the prosecuting attorney. 08:26.080 --> 08:27.960 Well, that's just the point. 08:27.960 --> 08:31.320 Why spend a lot of money on a lawyer who probably can't get you off anyway when you can spend 08:31.320 --> 08:32.960 it on me and have a sure thing? 08:32.960 --> 08:33.960 You see? 08:33.960 --> 08:34.960 Yes. 08:34.960 --> 08:35.960 I see. 08:35.960 --> 08:38.960 All I want is half. 08:38.960 --> 08:39.960 $50,000. 08:39.960 --> 08:40.960 No. 08:40.960 --> 08:42.960 It's a matter of too much? 08:42.960 --> 08:43.960 No. 08:43.960 --> 08:47.080 Now, look, sister, you don't seem to realize that I'm in a position, depending on how I 08:47.080 --> 08:49.480 handle this case, either to set you free or to hang here. 08:49.480 --> 08:51.600 That, Mr. Garner, is where we disagree. 08:51.600 --> 08:53.640 You mean you're willing to gamble that I can't do it? 08:53.640 --> 08:55.000 If you wish to put it that way. 08:55.000 --> 08:56.000 All right. 08:56.000 --> 08:57.600 But $50,000 will look cheap. 08:57.600 --> 08:58.600 Cheap. 08:58.600 --> 09:01.000 When they slip that noose around your neck. 09:01.000 --> 09:12.280 There she sits, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, cold, calm, emotionless, the same Laura 09:12.280 --> 09:18.480 Williams who carefully calculated, carefully planned and premeditated the murder of her 09:18.480 --> 09:19.480 daughter. 09:19.480 --> 09:21.720 I ask the death penalty. 09:21.720 --> 09:23.680 I must ask it. 09:23.680 --> 09:28.280 For ponder well, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, if you set her free, if you set her 09:28.280 --> 09:34.280 free, believe me, this will not be the last accident to mark the bloody trail through 09:34.280 --> 09:36.520 life of Laura Williams. 09:36.520 --> 09:42.720 And when that accident occurs, when the next victim is struck down, his innocent blood 09:42.720 --> 09:44.720 will be upon your hands. 09:44.720 --> 09:58.280 Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? 09:58.280 --> 09:59.280 We have. 09:59.280 --> 10:00.280 What is your verdict? 10:00.280 --> 10:08.200 On the grounds of insufficient evidence, we find the defendant not guilty. 10:08.200 --> 10:18.560 Well, Mrs. Williams, I guess the sporting thing to say is congratulations. 10:18.560 --> 10:19.560 Congratulations. 10:19.560 --> 10:20.560 Thank you, Mr. Garner. 10:20.560 --> 10:22.560 Say one thing, you've got what it takes. 10:22.560 --> 10:24.960 The jury was evenly divided that whole first day. 10:24.960 --> 10:25.960 Did you know that? 10:25.960 --> 10:26.960 Yes, I knew it. 10:26.960 --> 10:29.080 Yes, I wasn't too far wrong at that, was I? 10:29.080 --> 10:30.080 Just far enough, Mr. Garner. 10:30.080 --> 10:34.120 Say, listen again, just as a sporting proposition, tell me, did you? 10:34.120 --> 10:35.120 Did I what? 10:35.120 --> 10:38.200 Oh, come on, we're alone here anyway, it doesn't matter, because you can't be tried 10:38.200 --> 10:39.200 twice for the same thing. 10:39.200 --> 10:40.200 You know that, don't you? 10:40.200 --> 10:41.200 Yes, I know it. 10:41.200 --> 10:43.200 Well, did you? 10:43.200 --> 10:44.200 Yes. 10:44.200 --> 10:47.720 You cheap, contemptible blackmailer, yes. 10:47.720 --> 10:48.720 I killed him. 10:48.720 --> 10:50.040 How do you like that? 10:50.040 --> 10:53.040 I killed him. 10:53.040 --> 10:57.360 Yes, I told him. 10:57.360 --> 10:59.500 Told him the truth. 10:59.500 --> 11:02.760 Just to see the smirk fall from his face. 11:02.760 --> 11:08.480 Just to see him actually snarl with frustration, knowing that I'd gotten away with murder and 11:08.480 --> 11:10.480 he couldn't do anything about it. 11:10.480 --> 11:17.400 Yes, I couldn't have resisted telling him then, even though it meant I'd die of it, 11:17.400 --> 11:28.480 which I will. 11:28.480 --> 11:34.280 Auto Light is bringing you Marlene Dietrich in Murder Strikes Three Times, tonight's production 11:34.280 --> 11:41.360 in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 11:41.360 --> 11:49.960 Debbie, my dear director of elocution, you interest me strangely. 11:49.960 --> 11:53.120 First you're hoity-toity, then you're hoity-poloity. 11:53.120 --> 11:54.120 How come? 11:54.120 --> 11:56.800 Mr. Wilcox, I am leading a double life. 11:56.800 --> 12:00.960 Double life? say that's just what the new Wide Gap Auto Light Resistor spark plugs offer 12:00.960 --> 12:03.000 car owners everywhere. 12:03.000 --> 12:07.160 Double life under equal conditions as compared to spark plugs without the built-in resistor. 12:07.160 --> 12:09.440 Gently, Mr. Wilcox, gently. 12:09.440 --> 12:13.240 You see, friends, Wide Gap Auto Light Resistor spark plugs are the newest addition to the 12:13.240 --> 12:17.600 complete line of ignition engineered spark plugs made by Auto Light. 12:17.600 --> 12:21.480 They offer money-saving advantages, smoother performance, greater gas savings, quicker 12:21.480 --> 12:22.880 starting in cold weather. 12:22.880 --> 12:25.840 Mr. Wilcox, your diff songs are showing. 12:25.840 --> 12:27.960 Thank you, my little lecturer. 12:27.960 --> 12:31.520 Next time you stop at your favorite service station, ask your dealer to install a set 12:31.520 --> 12:35.200 of ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs in your car. 12:35.200 --> 12:39.640 And whether you choose the regular type or the resistor type spark plugs, you'll be right 12:39.640 --> 12:43.040 because you're always right with Auto Light. 12:43.040 --> 12:49.080 And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage, our star Marlene Dietrich and 12:49.080 --> 12:53.560 featuring Hans Conrad as Elmer in Murder Strikes Three Times. 12:53.560 --> 13:03.640 A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 13:03.640 --> 13:05.640 Perhaps I gambled too recklessly with Elmer. 13:05.640 --> 13:09.000 I have since had cause to wonder. 13:09.000 --> 13:12.520 But there were things I could not foresee as well as Elmer. 13:12.520 --> 13:18.520 Suffice it to say that after my acquittal with $100,000 from Roberts Estate, I moved 13:18.520 --> 13:23.000 to another city and took up my life again under another name. 13:23.000 --> 13:30.040 But there, as Laura's darling, I met and married Charles Morton, a charming and eccentric man 13:30.040 --> 13:34.440 whose genius as a research chemist accounted not only for those qualities which endeared 13:34.440 --> 13:39.680 him to me, but for a very considerable personal fortune as well. 13:39.680 --> 13:43.200 I was quite happy and completely in love. 13:43.200 --> 13:53.400 And as the years went by, I had seen, I thought, the last of Elmer. 13:53.400 --> 13:54.400 Charles? 13:54.400 --> 13:55.400 Oh, Charles? 13:55.400 --> 13:56.400 Yes, my dear? 13:56.400 --> 13:57.400 I have your coffee. 13:57.400 --> 13:58.400 Coffee? 13:58.400 --> 13:59.400 You said you wanted coffee. 13:59.400 --> 14:00.400 It's ready now. 14:00.400 --> 14:01.400 But I have some coffee. 14:01.400 --> 14:02.400 You took that out there three hours ago. 14:02.400 --> 14:03.400 Now come in and get your coffee. 14:03.400 --> 14:04.400 Yes, in a moment, my dear. 14:04.400 --> 14:05.400 As soon as I finish... 14:05.400 --> 14:06.400 Charles! 14:06.400 --> 14:07.400 Yes, my dear? 14:07.400 --> 14:08.400 I'm sorry. 14:08.400 --> 14:09.400 I'm sorry. 14:09.400 --> 14:10.400 I'm sorry. 14:10.400 --> 14:11.400 I'm sorry. 14:11.400 --> 14:12.400 I'm sorry. 14:12.400 --> 14:13.400 But I... 14:13.400 --> 14:16.440 Charles, you come out of that smelly laboratory and have your coffee. 14:16.440 --> 14:18.760 Besides, I have a surprise for you. 14:18.760 --> 14:19.760 You have? 14:19.760 --> 14:21.240 Well, I'll be right in, dear. 14:21.240 --> 14:23.800 And bring the other coffee cup with you. 14:23.800 --> 14:25.000 Yes, yes. 14:25.000 --> 14:29.720 Now, what's on the list about a surprise? 14:29.720 --> 14:30.720 Look. 14:30.720 --> 14:31.720 What? 14:31.720 --> 14:32.720 Oh, yes. 14:32.720 --> 14:33.720 I seem to have left my glasses in the laboratory. 14:33.720 --> 14:35.220 Oh, Charles, you're simply priceless. 14:35.220 --> 14:36.220 It's a cake. 14:36.220 --> 14:37.800 It's a cake. 14:37.800 --> 14:39.600 This is our anniversary, darling. 14:40.720 --> 14:42.760 Our fourth wedding anniversary. 14:42.760 --> 14:44.280 Is it? 14:44.280 --> 14:45.460 So it is. 14:45.460 --> 14:47.120 Laura, this is so thoughtful of you. 14:47.120 --> 14:50.240 I'm afraid I'm hopeless, my dear. 14:50.240 --> 14:52.560 I know it's the husband who should be thoughtful, but I- 14:52.560 --> 14:54.080 You're just you, darling. 14:54.080 --> 14:56.200 Now sit down and relax for a while. 14:56.200 --> 14:57.400 Yes. 14:57.400 --> 14:59.200 Oh, here's your cup. 14:59.200 --> 15:00.720 Thank you. 15:00.720 --> 15:02.640 Charles, what's in that cup? 15:02.640 --> 15:03.960 Coffee. 15:03.960 --> 15:06.280 Charles, I'm sure that even in the atomic age, 15:06.280 --> 15:09.320 coffee does not come in the form of white crystals. 15:09.320 --> 15:10.360 Hmm? 15:10.360 --> 15:11.080 Oh. 15:11.080 --> 15:12.120 Oh, yes, yes. 15:12.120 --> 15:13.800 I finished my coffee. 15:13.800 --> 15:15.560 Charles, what is it? 15:15.560 --> 15:17.080 Thyoclorate. 15:17.080 --> 15:18.200 You see, at the moment, I'm looking- 15:18.200 --> 15:19.360 Charles! 15:19.360 --> 15:20.000 What? 15:20.000 --> 15:21.920 That's deadly poison. 15:21.920 --> 15:23.360 So it is. 15:23.360 --> 15:24.000 You see, the time I've- 15:24.000 --> 15:26.680 Oh, Charles, I wish you wouldn't mix things up in the cups 15:26.680 --> 15:27.920 and dishes that way. 15:27.920 --> 15:28.800 It's dangerous. 15:28.800 --> 15:29.600 Dangerous? 15:29.600 --> 15:31.560 Suppose you got the cups mixed up. 15:31.560 --> 15:32.200 Suppose you drank- 15:32.200 --> 15:34.680 Heavens, Laura, half the stuff you use in chemistry 15:34.680 --> 15:36.440 is dangerous if you go to drink it. 15:36.440 --> 15:37.760 But who's going to do that? 15:37.760 --> 15:40.520 It's like eating soap. 15:40.520 --> 15:42.000 You wash your hands with it every day, 15:42.000 --> 15:43.400 but who'd think of eating it? 15:43.400 --> 15:45.720 You take that cup right back out of the lavatory 15:45.720 --> 15:47.920 and empty it and wash it out. 15:47.920 --> 15:49.480 All right. 15:49.480 --> 15:50.200 Charles? 15:50.200 --> 15:51.080 Yes? 15:51.080 --> 15:53.920 I was wondering, since it's our anniversary- 15:53.920 --> 15:54.720 Yes? 15:54.720 --> 15:57.040 Let's go out to dinner and celebrate. 15:57.040 --> 15:57.920 Why, yes. 15:57.920 --> 16:00.720 I think that's a splendid idea. 16:00.720 --> 16:01.840 Oh, my goodness. 16:01.840 --> 16:03.000 What? 16:03.000 --> 16:04.880 Oh, I completely forgot. 16:04.880 --> 16:06.640 My brother is coming to see us today. 16:06.640 --> 16:07.520 Your brother? 16:07.520 --> 16:08.760 Well, my half-brother. 16:08.760 --> 16:09.720 I meant to tell you- 16:09.720 --> 16:12.000 Charles, I never knew you had a brother. 16:12.000 --> 16:13.000 Didn't you? 16:13.000 --> 16:15.680 Well, you see, he's been in the army for about five years. 16:15.680 --> 16:17.120 He just got back a short time ago, 16:17.120 --> 16:20.280 and I got a wire yesterday saying he'd be passing through town 16:20.280 --> 16:21.360 and he'd like to see me. 16:21.360 --> 16:21.720 So- 16:21.720 --> 16:23.760 Does he know you're remarried? 16:23.760 --> 16:25.200 Well, I suppose. 16:25.200 --> 16:27.160 I suppose he doesn't. 16:27.160 --> 16:29.880 As a matter of fact, we've never been very close. 16:29.880 --> 16:32.280 Neither of us much of a lesson, righty? 16:32.280 --> 16:33.200 And so on. 16:33.200 --> 16:35.160 But he's the only relative I've got. 16:35.160 --> 16:37.440 And all the sympathy I've wasted on you, 16:37.440 --> 16:40.120 because I thought you were an orphan or something. 16:40.120 --> 16:41.640 Oh, I was, but privately. 16:41.640 --> 16:42.680 When is he coming? 16:42.680 --> 16:45.960 By this afternoon sometime, I think. 16:45.960 --> 16:47.760 Well, I guess there's your answer. 16:47.760 --> 16:48.920 I am sorry, my dear. 16:48.920 --> 16:50.120 My child, that's all right. 16:50.120 --> 16:53.040 Maybe your brother would like to go out and celebrate with us. 16:53.040 --> 16:54.360 Well- 16:54.360 --> 16:55.360 Right in there, dear. 16:55.360 --> 16:56.520 Hello, there. 16:56.520 --> 16:57.680 Hello, Charles. 16:57.680 --> 16:59.440 Come in, come in. 16:59.440 --> 17:01.320 And I want you to meet my wife. 17:01.320 --> 17:04.800 Laura, this is my brother, Elmer. 17:10.320 --> 17:13.200 There was no doubt that it was Elmer. 17:13.200 --> 17:16.320 There was no doubt that he recognized me. 17:16.320 --> 17:18.560 And there was no doubt in my mind as to how he intended 17:18.560 --> 17:21.880 to play his hand this time either. 17:21.880 --> 17:25.040 For he gave no public sign of recognition, 17:25.040 --> 17:29.600 but simply looked straight at me and smiled, 17:29.600 --> 17:31.960 and smiled and smiled. 17:31.960 --> 17:34.760 So you've gone into private practice, eh, Elmer? 17:34.760 --> 17:36.200 Criminal law, I suppose. 17:36.200 --> 17:37.960 Yeah, there's no appreciation in this country of men 17:37.960 --> 17:39.920 who hold public office, financially at least. 17:39.920 --> 17:43.120 Oh, Elmer, you always did have your eye on the dollar, 17:43.120 --> 17:43.960 didn't you? 17:43.960 --> 17:45.400 What about your racket, Charlie? 17:45.400 --> 17:46.320 What have you been up to? 17:46.320 --> 17:49.400 Oh, just puttering around here in my laboratory. 17:49.400 --> 17:50.960 You mean right here at home? 17:50.960 --> 17:52.120 Of course. 17:52.120 --> 17:54.960 Oh, I guess that's new, since you were here last. 17:54.960 --> 17:57.760 There's a lot that's new since I was here last. 17:57.760 --> 18:00.600 It's right in there, right through those doors. 18:00.600 --> 18:03.720 Isn't that sort of a nuisance for a wife, or isn't it? 18:03.720 --> 18:04.920 Not in the least. 18:04.920 --> 18:05.760 Why should it be? 18:05.760 --> 18:08.560 Now, Laura, don't try to cover up my feelings. 18:08.560 --> 18:10.320 Just before you came, she was scolding me 18:10.320 --> 18:13.960 for carrying thioclorate around in the family coffee cup. 18:13.960 --> 18:15.680 Isn't that interesting? 18:15.680 --> 18:17.600 Isn't that a coincidence? 18:17.600 --> 18:18.440 Why? 18:18.440 --> 18:21.880 Now, I was just thinking, what a fine setup for a murder. 18:21.880 --> 18:24.520 Somebody poisons a chemist in his own laboratory, 18:24.520 --> 18:26.680 and it looks just like an accident. 18:26.680 --> 18:27.520 Neat, huh? 18:27.520 --> 18:30.040 You will find that Elmer has a morbid mind, my dear. 18:30.040 --> 18:32.480 He used to try people for murder back in Illinois. 18:32.480 --> 18:35.000 And I tried some beauties, too. 18:35.000 --> 18:36.600 Oh, well, I've got to get going. 18:36.600 --> 18:38.640 I'm sorry I can't accept your invitation for the night. 18:38.640 --> 18:40.440 But you are staying over a few days, are you? 18:40.440 --> 18:42.440 Oh, yes, yes, I'll see you again. 18:42.440 --> 18:43.280 Good. 18:43.280 --> 18:44.280 Good, good. 18:44.280 --> 18:45.960 Now, don't bother to come to the door with me, Charles. 18:45.960 --> 18:47.480 I know you want to get back to your work. 18:47.480 --> 18:48.320 Well. 18:48.320 --> 18:49.400 Perhaps Laura will, huh? 18:49.400 --> 18:51.880 Give us a little chance to get acquainted. 18:51.880 --> 18:53.120 Why, yes, of course. 18:53.120 --> 18:54.200 Call us, Elmer. 18:54.200 --> 18:55.920 You can depend on it, Charlie. 18:55.920 --> 18:56.760 Good, good. 18:59.240 --> 19:00.960 Well, well, well. 19:02.840 --> 19:05.000 Little Laura William. 19:05.000 --> 19:05.840 What do you want? 19:05.840 --> 19:09.160 What do you think old Charlie would say if he knew, huh? 19:09.160 --> 19:10.000 I asked your question. 19:10.000 --> 19:13.440 I suppose he'd go on loving you in his own peculiar fashion, 19:13.440 --> 19:16.280 but never be quite the same, would it? 19:16.280 --> 19:20.120 There'd always be that little gnawing doubt. 19:20.120 --> 19:22.720 Another accident, maybe. 19:22.720 --> 19:26.360 Oh, no, I'm afraid things are kind of under strain 19:26.360 --> 19:27.600 around here, Laura. 19:27.600 --> 19:30.320 You do have a price, I suppose. 19:30.320 --> 19:31.160 Am I? 19:32.320 --> 19:34.440 By the way, why are you so eager to pay it? 19:34.440 --> 19:36.000 I'm happy here. 19:36.000 --> 19:38.040 I'm at peace with myself and the world. 19:38.920 --> 19:40.960 I don't want anything to change. 19:40.960 --> 19:42.440 No other reason? 19:42.440 --> 19:44.800 What other reason would there be? 19:44.800 --> 19:46.840 I suppose all this property would go to you 19:46.840 --> 19:49.600 in the event of another little accident. 19:49.600 --> 19:50.800 You don't really believe that. 19:50.800 --> 19:53.600 No, the motive and the means. 19:53.600 --> 19:56.280 Money and poison. 19:56.280 --> 19:58.120 How much, Elmer? 19:58.120 --> 20:01.280 No, no, you got me wrong, Laura. 20:01.280 --> 20:02.720 I don't want money. 20:02.720 --> 20:03.920 When did that happen? 20:04.960 --> 20:07.640 Did it ever occur to you that I might simply be interested 20:07.640 --> 20:08.960 in my brother's welfare? 20:08.960 --> 20:10.440 No. 20:10.440 --> 20:12.480 All that has occurred to me so far is to wonder 20:12.480 --> 20:14.440 why I had to pick the one man in the world 20:14.440 --> 20:15.560 who was related to you. 20:15.560 --> 20:17.720 Do you want to hear my proposition? 20:17.720 --> 20:18.560 I'm waiting. 20:18.560 --> 20:20.640 The motive and the means. 20:20.640 --> 20:21.680 Now, there's always the means 20:21.680 --> 20:23.680 for an intelligent person like you. 20:23.680 --> 20:25.760 But if we took away the motive. 20:25.760 --> 20:26.600 The motive? 20:26.600 --> 20:27.760 The money, the will. 20:27.760 --> 20:30.200 No motive, no temptation, you see? 20:30.200 --> 20:31.040 I see. 20:31.040 --> 20:33.000 In a way, it's for your own protection, too. 20:33.000 --> 20:35.480 Because if Charlie so much as slipped on a banana peel 20:35.480 --> 20:36.720 and you inherited that money, 20:36.720 --> 20:38.560 there's no jury in the world that wouldn't convict you. 20:38.560 --> 20:40.520 Simply on your past record. 20:40.520 --> 20:41.960 You realize that, don't you? 20:41.960 --> 20:42.800 Yes. 20:42.800 --> 20:45.800 So, no motive, no case either, you see? 20:46.680 --> 20:48.080 What do you want me to do? 20:48.080 --> 20:49.760 What do you want me to do? 20:49.760 --> 20:51.760 Get him to change his will. 20:51.760 --> 20:54.960 In favor of his only living relative, I presume? 20:54.960 --> 20:56.240 Uh-huh. 20:56.240 --> 20:57.240 That's me. 20:57.240 --> 20:58.160 And then? 20:58.160 --> 20:59.240 That's all. 20:59.240 --> 21:00.680 And you're in the clear. 21:00.680 --> 21:02.800 Because after that, Charlie couldn't suspect you, 21:02.800 --> 21:04.800 even if I told him, probably wouldn't believe it. 21:04.800 --> 21:06.920 Throw me out of the house for persecuting his little bride. 21:06.920 --> 21:10.120 Maybe even change his will right back again, you see? 21:10.120 --> 21:10.960 All right. 21:12.280 --> 21:13.680 You can do it, can't you? 21:13.680 --> 21:14.800 I suppose so. 21:14.800 --> 21:16.000 Oh, I know you can. 21:16.000 --> 21:17.200 I know you'd better. 21:17.200 --> 21:18.120 I suppose so. 21:18.120 --> 21:18.960 I suppose so. 21:18.960 --> 21:19.800 I suppose so. 21:19.800 --> 21:20.640 I suppose so. 21:20.640 --> 21:21.460 I suppose so. 21:21.460 --> 21:22.300 I suppose so. 21:22.300 --> 21:23.120 I suppose so. 21:23.120 --> 21:23.960 I suppose so. 21:23.960 --> 21:24.800 I suppose so. 21:24.800 --> 21:25.620 I suppose so. 21:25.620 --> 21:26.460 I suppose so. 21:26.460 --> 21:27.300 I suppose so. 21:27.300 --> 21:28.120 I suppose so. 21:28.120 --> 21:29.920 It seems such a strange request to me. 21:29.920 --> 21:31.440 Darling, I don't want your money. 21:31.440 --> 21:32.280 I only want you. 21:32.280 --> 21:33.720 I know, dear, but after all, 21:33.720 --> 21:35.680 I'm considerably older than you are, my dear, 21:35.680 --> 21:37.040 and chances are that someday... 21:37.040 --> 21:39.120 No, the whole idea of losing you 21:39.120 --> 21:42.000 and then profiting by it, it's just hateful. 21:42.000 --> 21:43.880 Who else would I leave it to? 21:43.880 --> 21:44.840 Leave it to your brother. 21:44.840 --> 21:45.680 Elmer? 21:45.680 --> 21:46.520 Why not? 21:46.520 --> 21:47.720 It doesn't matter, but... 21:47.720 --> 21:48.800 Well... 21:48.800 --> 21:51.160 Please, darling, for me. 21:51.160 --> 21:52.000 All right, my dear, 21:52.000 --> 21:53.880 if it really makes a difference to you, 21:53.880 --> 21:55.480 now don't you worry about it anymore. 21:55.480 --> 21:56.640 I'll take care of it sometime. 21:56.640 --> 21:59.360 No, I want you to do it now, right away, today. 21:59.360 --> 22:01.360 Well, I'd have to get in touch with my lawyer. 22:01.360 --> 22:02.640 I'll call him for you. 22:02.640 --> 22:03.960 I'll get him on the phone right now. 22:03.960 --> 22:05.560 My goodness, Laura. 22:05.560 --> 22:09.200 You act as though it were a matter of life and death. 22:09.200 --> 22:16.200 And death. 22:25.920 --> 22:27.280 Ambassador Hotel? 22:27.280 --> 22:28.680 Mr. Elmer Garner, please. 22:28.680 --> 22:32.800 Thank you. 22:32.800 --> 22:34.720 This is Laura. 22:34.720 --> 22:35.560 It's all right. 22:35.560 --> 22:37.200 It's all arranged. 22:37.200 --> 22:38.800 Yes, the lawyer's coming tomorrow. 22:38.800 --> 22:40.560 Did he tell the lawyer the changes he wanted made? 22:40.560 --> 22:41.840 Yes, he did. 22:41.840 --> 22:43.640 Not that I think you'd ever tell a lie, Laura, 22:43.640 --> 22:45.400 but how do I know all this? 22:45.400 --> 22:46.240 Haven't he told you? 22:46.240 --> 22:47.400 No. 22:47.400 --> 22:49.440 Then perhaps you'd better drop in this evening. 22:49.440 --> 22:50.840 That's more like it. 22:50.840 --> 22:53.000 I'll expect you after dinner. 22:53.000 --> 22:54.000 I'll be there. 23:01.160 --> 23:03.720 Elmer arrived this evening, 23:03.720 --> 23:06.000 less than an hour ago. 23:06.000 --> 23:08.240 We were having coffee in the living room. 23:08.240 --> 23:11.720 Earlier, Charles had been showing him through the laboratory. 23:11.720 --> 23:15.120 It was not until after that that I had a moment to speak to him alone. 23:15.120 --> 23:18.040 The wonderful fellow, old Charlie. 23:18.040 --> 23:19.680 So trusting. 23:19.680 --> 23:20.400 Did he tell you? 23:20.400 --> 23:21.480 About what? 23:21.480 --> 23:22.040 The will. 23:22.040 --> 23:22.880 Oh, that. 23:22.880 --> 23:23.560 Yeah. 23:23.560 --> 23:28.000 It seems to me that I'm to be to old Charlie's beloved heir. 23:28.000 --> 23:30.040 He still can't understand it. 23:30.040 --> 23:32.240 Are you satisfied then? 23:32.240 --> 23:34.400 My dear Laura, 23:34.400 --> 23:37.680 I was never more satisfied in my life. 23:37.680 --> 23:39.800 Almost even things up, doesn't it? 23:39.800 --> 23:40.560 Almost. 23:40.560 --> 23:42.640 You never forgot that, did you? 23:42.640 --> 23:43.240 That you lost. 23:43.240 --> 23:44.800 Lost? Who says I lost? 23:44.800 --> 23:47.560 Game isn't over till the last card is played, sister. 23:47.560 --> 23:48.960 It is for you. 23:48.960 --> 23:49.840 Now get out of here. 23:49.840 --> 23:50.840 OK. 23:50.840 --> 23:54.320 OK. All in good time. 23:54.320 --> 23:55.480 Sorry I had to leave you, 23:55.480 --> 23:57.600 but those reactions have to be checked every hour. 23:57.600 --> 23:59.080 Oh, that's all right, Charlie. 23:59.080 --> 24:03.360 Laura and I were just going over old times in Illinois. 24:03.360 --> 24:05.360 You didn't know we both came from Illinois, did you? 24:05.360 --> 24:06.640 No, no, I hadn't realized. 24:06.640 --> 24:09.080 I'm sure I told you, Charles, you must have forgotten. 24:09.080 --> 24:10.240 Oh, yes, probably. 24:10.240 --> 24:10.920 Coffee ready? 24:10.920 --> 24:11.960 Yes. 24:11.960 --> 24:13.280 Will you have coffee with us, Elmer? 24:13.280 --> 24:14.480 Oh, you bet I will. 24:14.480 --> 24:15.120 Anything in it? 24:15.120 --> 24:16.920 No, nothing in mine. 24:16.920 --> 24:18.640 Charles always takes his black two. 24:18.640 --> 24:21.080 Laura does make the best coffee. 24:21.080 --> 24:24.800 Well then, here's to Laura's coffee. 24:28.800 --> 24:31.280 There was something about his smile when he said it. 24:31.280 --> 24:33.200 That smile. 24:33.200 --> 24:35.360 And then all of a sudden I saw it. 24:35.360 --> 24:37.400 I saw the whole terrible thing. 24:37.400 --> 24:39.280 Don't, don't drink it, Charles. 24:43.680 --> 24:46.440 Charles! 24:46.440 --> 24:50.720 Well, well, well, old Charlie seems to have keeled over. 24:50.720 --> 24:53.600 Wouldn't be surprised if that was thiocluride poison. 24:53.600 --> 24:55.680 Charles, Charles. 24:55.680 --> 24:57.560 The motive and the means. 24:57.560 --> 25:00.080 And the motive's a real beaut this time, Laura, 25:00.080 --> 25:02.720 because you had to kill him before he changed his will. 25:02.720 --> 25:03.600 Neat, huh? 25:03.600 --> 25:04.400 You killed him. 25:04.400 --> 25:06.480 Sure, but that's not what the jury's going to say. 25:06.480 --> 25:07.200 No! 25:07.200 --> 25:09.280 And of course, I'll get the money anyway. 25:09.280 --> 25:11.080 You couldn't very well collect it, 25:11.080 --> 25:12.840 because they're going to hang you. 25:12.840 --> 25:14.000 No! 25:14.000 --> 25:15.600 No! 25:15.600 --> 25:16.080 No! 25:28.720 --> 25:31.600 Elmer's downstairs in the living room. 25:31.600 --> 25:33.680 I'm in my study. 25:33.680 --> 25:36.640 And once more I'm waiting for the police. 25:36.640 --> 25:38.840 There's no escape for me, of course. 25:38.840 --> 25:40.520 Elmer knows that. 25:40.520 --> 25:43.520 But there's one little thing that he has forgotten, 25:43.520 --> 25:45.800 the last play of the game. 25:45.800 --> 25:48.960 For I just have drawn up a will of my own, 25:48.960 --> 25:50.720 leaving my property and everything 25:50.720 --> 25:54.240 that I inherit from Charles to Elm. 25:54.240 --> 25:56.320 It is stated three days ago. 25:56.320 --> 25:58.560 This statement I shall give into the safe keeping 25:58.560 --> 26:01.560 of my personal maid, Fredonia Bell, 26:01.560 --> 26:04.720 who, after all, has said and done, has been the only true friend 26:04.720 --> 26:06.600 I've ever had. 26:06.600 --> 26:08.840 I shall give it to her with instructions 26:08.840 --> 26:11.640 for its eventual disposal, which I know 26:11.640 --> 26:14.280 she will follow to the letter. 26:14.280 --> 26:18.800 When that is done, I shall play the last card in the game. 26:18.800 --> 26:24.000 I don't think Elmer will find it possible to taunt that card, 26:24.000 --> 26:28.280 because you see, when the police come, 26:28.280 --> 26:34.080 it is Elmer who will have to do the explaining, not I. 26:34.080 --> 26:40.120 And he will have to explain to body, Charles and mine. 26:45.920 --> 26:49.600 Charles and mine, unquote. 26:49.600 --> 26:51.560 And as the world knows, Laura Morton 26:51.560 --> 26:54.120 was found dead, dead by the same means which 26:54.120 --> 26:56.840 caused her husband's death in that double tragedy two years 26:56.840 --> 26:57.640 ago. 26:57.640 --> 26:59.480 And now we have this document. 26:59.480 --> 27:01.640 And the irony of the document, ladies and gentlemen, 27:01.640 --> 27:04.720 the terrible irony is that it was delivered to the district 27:04.720 --> 27:09.200 attorney's office by Fredonia Bell this evening at 8 o'clock, 27:09.200 --> 27:10.800 two years later. 27:10.800 --> 27:13.800 And why did the good Fredonia wait until tonight? 27:13.800 --> 27:17.360 Because she was thus following explicitly the instructions 27:17.360 --> 27:19.840 of her mistress, Laura Starling Morton, 27:19.840 --> 27:23.200 who specified that the envelope be handed to the police 27:23.200 --> 27:29.320 exactly 24 hours after the execution of Elmer Garner. 27:29.320 --> 27:29.800 Good night. 27:29.800 --> 27:32.200 ["The Star-Spangled Banner"] 27:43.520 --> 27:46.880 Suspense presented by Auto Light, tonight 27:46.880 --> 27:50.880 starring Marlene Dietrich and featuring Hans Connery. 27:50.880 --> 27:53.440 Well, Deborah, are you satisfied with my diction? 27:53.440 --> 27:55.080 Completely, Mr. Wilcox. 27:55.080 --> 27:58.360 I've decided it is what you say that matters, not how you say it. 27:58.360 --> 28:01.040 Well, then let me say that Auto Light makes more than 400 28:01.040 --> 28:03.880 products for cars, trucks, planes, and boats in 28 plants, 28:03.880 --> 28:05.080 coast to coast. 28:05.080 --> 28:06.840 These include complete electrical systems 28:06.840 --> 28:09.600 used as original equipment on many makes of America's finest 28:09.600 --> 28:13.040 cars, spark plugs, batteries, generators, coils, distributors, 28:13.040 --> 28:15.720 starting motors, bulls-eye, sealed beam headlight. 28:15.720 --> 28:17.680 All engineered to fit together perfectly, 28:17.680 --> 28:20.680 work together perfectly, because they're a perfect team. 28:20.680 --> 28:22.960 So friends, don't accept electrical parts supposed 28:22.960 --> 28:25.720 to be as good, ask for and insist on Auto Light, 28:25.720 --> 28:28.280 original factory parts at your neighborhood service station, 28:28.280 --> 28:30.600 car dealer, garage, or repair shop. 28:30.600 --> 28:33.560 Remember, you're always right with Auto Light. 28:33.560 --> 28:36.040 ["The Star-Spangled Banner"] 28:39.440 --> 28:41.440 Next Thursday for Suspense, Dick Powell 28:41.440 --> 28:44.200 will be our star of the play is called Slow Burn. 28:44.200 --> 28:46.880 And it is, as we say, a tale well calculated 28:46.880 --> 28:50.880 to keep you in suspense. 28:50.880 --> 28:53.480 That suspense play was produced and edited by William Spear 28:53.480 --> 28:55.240 and directed by Norman MacDonald. 28:55.240 --> 28:57.520 Music for Suspense is composed by Lucian Morrowek 28:57.520 --> 28:59.320 and conducted by Lut Luskin. 28:59.320 --> 29:01.960 Murder Strikes Three Times is an original play for radio 29:01.960 --> 29:03.320 by John DeWitt. 29:03.320 --> 29:05.480 Marlena Dietrich will soon be seen in the Warner Brothers 29:05.480 --> 29:06.600 production, Stage Fright. 29:11.080 --> 29:13.480 You can buy Auto Light regular or resistor spark plugs, 29:13.480 --> 29:15.840 Auto Light staple batteries, Auto Light electrical parts 29:15.840 --> 29:17.560 at your neighborhood Auto Light dealer. 29:17.560 --> 29:18.720 Switch to Auto Light. 29:18.720 --> 29:19.720 Good night. 29:19.720 --> 29:21.840 There is still a tremendous job to be done 29:21.840 --> 29:23.560 in gaining new knowledge about the causes, 29:23.560 --> 29:25.880 prevention, treatment, and cure of heart diseases. 29:25.880 --> 29:27.400 Give to this worthy cause. 29:27.400 --> 29:29.840 Send your contribution to Heart, H-E-A-R-T, 29:29.840 --> 29:31.720 care of your local post office. 29:31.720 --> 29:34.040 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. 29:34.040 --> 29:44.040 Music