WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:19.520 Suspense! 00:19.520 --> 00:25.800 Auto Light and its 96,000 dealers present Mr. James Mason in Banquo's Chair, a suspense 00:25.800 --> 00:33.360 play produced and edited by William Spear. 00:33.360 --> 00:37.200 Harlow Wilcox, you happy huckster, welcome me home. 00:37.200 --> 00:38.200 Why, half fuels! 00:38.200 --> 00:41.480 What's the greatest spark plug engineering miracle in years, Harlow? 00:41.480 --> 00:45.040 Well, the Wide Gap Auto Light Resistor Spark Plug, of course. 00:45.040 --> 00:46.040 Why? 00:46.040 --> 00:50.480 Because this newest addition to the complete line of regular, transport, aviation, resistor, 00:50.480 --> 00:55.640 marine and model spark plugs, ignition engineered by Auto Light, offers special money saving 00:55.640 --> 01:00.720 advantages like double life under equal conditions compared to spark plugs without the built 01:00.720 --> 01:01.720 in resistor. 01:01.720 --> 01:02.720 Right, Wilcox. 01:02.720 --> 01:08.160 Why, these sensational Wide Gap Auto Light Resistor Spark Plugs give greater gas savings, 01:08.160 --> 01:13.560 smoother performance, faster starts in cold weather, and it's all due to the 10,000 ohm 01:13.560 --> 01:18.720 exclusive Auto Light Resistor, built right into every Auto Light Resistor Spark Plug, 01:18.720 --> 01:21.160 which makes practical a wider initial gap setting. 01:21.160 --> 01:22.400 Now tell them, Harlow. 01:22.400 --> 01:27.080 So friends, see your friendly Auto Light Spark Plug dealer tomorrow and have him replace 01:27.080 --> 01:32.100 worn out spark plugs with a set of ignition engineered Auto Light Spark Plugs. 01:32.100 --> 01:36.280 And whether you choose the resistor type or the regular type, you'll be right because 01:36.280 --> 01:38.920 you're always right with Auto Light. 01:38.920 --> 01:44.400 And now with Banquo's chair and the performance of James Mason, Auto Light hopes once again 01:44.400 --> 01:50.920 to keep you in suspense. 01:50.920 --> 01:54.560 I will begin by reading to you a recent newspaper cutting about myself. 01:54.560 --> 01:57.840 It has a bearing upon the story I'm about to tell you. 01:57.840 --> 01:59.440 Please listen. 01:59.440 --> 02:04.720 The recent retirement of Sir William Brent from the English Criminal Investigation has 02:04.720 --> 02:08.200 given great joy to all the lawbreakers in our land. 02:08.200 --> 02:13.080 For more than two decades, Sir William has terrorized the underworld. 02:13.080 --> 02:20.540 The ex-head of the English Criminal Investigation has been the scourge of thieves and murderers. 02:20.540 --> 02:26.160 And but one single solitary instance has he been known to confess defeat or to express 02:26.160 --> 02:29.600 dissatisfaction with the outcome of his prosecution. 02:29.600 --> 02:34.600 This was the now famous Bedford murder case. 02:34.600 --> 02:38.680 That news item was written by Arthur Grange, a reporter who had been covering crime trials 02:38.680 --> 02:42.000 for years and whom I knew very well indeed. 02:42.000 --> 02:45.920 I had not, of course, given up the Bedford case. 02:45.920 --> 02:48.480 That too is now over. 02:48.480 --> 02:51.440 But that the case should be resolved as it was. 02:51.440 --> 02:54.840 No one on earth could have foreseen. 02:54.840 --> 03:00.040 I'd already made my arrangements with May Wakefield and, of course, with Bedford. 03:00.040 --> 03:02.240 Arthur Grange's call came on Wednesday. 03:02.240 --> 03:04.480 I just received your wire. 03:04.480 --> 03:05.480 I hope you're coming. 03:05.480 --> 03:09.960 Well, I am scheduled to go up to Woodsbury on Friday and dine with my sister. 03:09.960 --> 03:11.560 How important is this dinner? 03:11.560 --> 03:14.800 I don't think you will ever forget it as long as you live. 03:14.800 --> 03:18.640 Isn't Turret House the place where Bedford murdered his aunt? 03:18.640 --> 03:19.640 You have a good memory. 03:19.640 --> 03:21.320 What's it all about? 03:21.320 --> 03:22.320 Will you be here, Arthur? 03:22.320 --> 03:24.880 You make it sound so mysterious. 03:24.880 --> 03:25.880 It will be. 03:25.880 --> 03:27.360 Can I bring my revolver? 03:27.360 --> 03:30.080 Yes, I think you should, Arthur. 03:30.080 --> 03:31.080 Good night. 03:31.080 --> 03:54.600 It rained all day Friday and by evening a gusty November wind began to drive the rain 03:54.600 --> 03:58.040 hard against the exposed wall of Turret House. 03:58.040 --> 04:02.600 This mansion is a huge red brick, ugly product of Queen Victoria's time. 04:02.600 --> 04:07.920 It did not stand gracefully but squatted at the back of a private road almost hidden from 04:07.920 --> 04:10.760 view by several dripping pine trees. 04:10.760 --> 04:11.760 The neighborhood was in decline. 04:11.760 --> 04:14.440 Its best days were over. 04:14.440 --> 04:18.080 Perhaps mine were too, I thought as I came down the stairs. 04:18.080 --> 04:23.800 But after tonight it won't matter. 04:23.800 --> 04:28.800 Oh, good evening, Miss Green. 04:28.800 --> 04:29.800 Hello, Lane. 04:29.800 --> 04:30.800 Last tonight is good, sir. 04:30.800 --> 04:31.800 It's miserable. 04:31.800 --> 04:33.800 It's not much warmer in here. 04:33.800 --> 04:35.800 There's a fire in the library. 04:35.800 --> 04:36.800 How are you, Sir William? 04:36.800 --> 04:37.800 Quite well, Arthur. 04:37.800 --> 04:40.760 What made you move into this drafty old dungeon? 04:40.760 --> 04:41.760 I don't live here. 04:41.760 --> 04:42.760 It's my temporary quarters. 04:42.760 --> 04:45.440 I still live over there in the West End. 04:45.440 --> 04:48.080 And here is Miss Stone, Miss Roberta Stone. 04:48.080 --> 04:49.080 This is Mr. Arthur Grange. 04:49.080 --> 04:50.080 Pleased to meet you. 04:50.080 --> 04:51.080 How do you do? 04:51.080 --> 04:53.080 Roberta is the famous mystery story writer. 04:53.080 --> 04:54.080 Oh, yes. 04:54.080 --> 04:55.520 I've read your books and enjoyed them. 04:55.520 --> 04:56.520 Oh, thank you, Mr. Grange. 04:56.520 --> 05:00.280 Perhaps you can tell me, Miss Stone, what mysterious event is going to take place here 05:00.280 --> 05:01.280 this evening. 05:01.280 --> 05:03.280 I was told to come armed. 05:03.280 --> 05:04.280 He told me the same thing. 05:04.280 --> 05:05.280 He has my gun. 05:05.280 --> 05:08.160 I've never fired this monstrous ugly thing in all my life. 05:08.160 --> 05:09.840 You're pointing it at me, Roberta. 05:09.840 --> 05:11.240 That's not at all polite. 05:11.240 --> 05:13.000 I'm sorry, Sir William. 05:13.000 --> 05:17.480 This house, Roberta, was the scene of a particularly unpleasant crime, as Mr. Grange can tell you. 05:17.480 --> 05:18.480 Oh, yes. 05:18.480 --> 05:21.560 In this very house, John Bedford murdered his aunt, Miss Martha Ferguson. 05:21.560 --> 05:22.560 Oh, how nice. 05:22.560 --> 05:25.480 Mr. Bedford couldn't have picked a more ideal place. 05:25.480 --> 05:27.240 Sir William, you must tell us what you're up to. 05:27.240 --> 05:30.080 We'll have a drink first, and then I'll tell you both all about it. 05:30.080 --> 05:31.600 Lane, will you serve the drinks? 05:31.600 --> 05:33.600 Oh, yes, Sir William. 05:33.600 --> 05:34.600 Good. 05:34.600 --> 05:38.080 Now I can tell you that tonight I am going to close the Bedford case. 05:38.080 --> 05:39.080 Mr. Grange? 05:39.080 --> 05:40.080 Oh, thank you, Lane. 05:40.080 --> 05:41.840 You're going to close the Bedford case tonight? 05:41.840 --> 05:45.240 I'll give you the facts in an orderly fashion. 05:45.240 --> 05:50.200 I never arrested John Bedford for the murder of his aunt, Miss Ferguson, for two reasons. 05:50.200 --> 05:53.320 First, he had an absolute and perfect alibi. 05:53.320 --> 05:55.360 Arresting him would only be a waste of time and money. 05:55.360 --> 05:59.480 And secondly, according to English law, a man discharged can never be arrested again 05:59.480 --> 06:01.520 on the same murder charge. 06:01.520 --> 06:03.080 What's going to happen tonight? 06:03.080 --> 06:08.120 In a short while, John Bedford will be here to dine with us. 06:08.120 --> 06:11.880 And, oh, yes, his victim, Miss Ferguson. 06:11.880 --> 06:15.240 You mean Miss Ferguson wasn't actually murdered? 06:15.240 --> 06:18.680 Miss Ferguson is most thoroughly dead and has been dead for years. 06:18.680 --> 06:22.520 So you're going to have the body of old Miss Ferguson here while we... 06:22.520 --> 06:25.560 Please don't anticipate me. 06:25.560 --> 06:29.680 As you both know, I've never lost a case except the Bedford murder. 06:29.680 --> 06:31.480 I'm an egotist. 06:31.480 --> 06:36.200 I've resigned from the criminal investigation for the sole reason of trapping John Bedford. 06:36.200 --> 06:39.880 Well, I must say you have a great amount of patience, Sir William. 06:39.880 --> 06:42.600 Yes, I am infinitely patient. 06:42.600 --> 06:45.240 For three years I've been planning for this night. 06:45.240 --> 06:48.400 This is a moment of considerable triumph for me. 06:48.400 --> 06:54.240 I wanted to have some witnesses, a writer who will record this event and an admirer 06:54.240 --> 06:58.520 who will appreciate the skill with which I will bring a notorious murderer to his proper 06:58.520 --> 06:59.520 end. 06:59.520 --> 07:01.680 I have an uncanny feeling that this is going to be gruesome. 07:01.680 --> 07:02.680 Come. 07:02.680 --> 07:04.680 You'd be ashamed to run away, wouldn't you? 07:04.680 --> 07:05.680 I'll stay, of course. 07:05.680 --> 07:08.440 So will I, as long as I have my weapon. 07:08.440 --> 07:09.440 Splendid. 07:09.440 --> 07:13.520 But before I tell you about my diabolical scheme, let me first acquaint Roberta with 07:13.520 --> 07:16.320 the details of the murder. 07:16.320 --> 07:21.000 I think I can recreate the circumstances for you quite accurately. 07:21.000 --> 07:24.480 Very well then. 07:24.480 --> 07:27.240 Exactly three years ago tonight. 07:27.240 --> 07:30.400 Almost three. 07:30.400 --> 07:32.400 Hilda? 07:32.400 --> 07:37.760 Hilda, where are you? 07:37.760 --> 07:43.480 Oh, where is that foolish maid, never around? 07:43.480 --> 07:44.480 Yes, Saget. 07:44.480 --> 07:46.720 Why don't you answer when I call? 07:46.720 --> 07:48.520 I was in the kitchen, ma'am. 07:48.520 --> 07:49.840 It's after ten o'clock. 07:49.840 --> 07:51.440 You should be on your way home. 07:51.440 --> 07:53.240 I'm just about to leave. 07:53.240 --> 07:55.040 Has my nephew called? 07:55.040 --> 07:56.040 No, ma'am. 07:56.040 --> 07:58.960 Mr Bedford hasn't called since yesterday. 07:58.960 --> 08:02.480 I told him he couldn't come here anymore, just like you told me. 08:02.480 --> 08:05.600 I don't ever want to see him again. 08:05.600 --> 08:09.920 He's no good, an evil man who will come to an evil end. 08:09.920 --> 08:12.160 You're never to let him in here, Hilda. 08:12.160 --> 08:15.360 He won't ever come in this house, not if I can help it. 08:15.360 --> 08:20.800 Now you'd better run along and make sure all the doors are bolted before you leave. 08:20.800 --> 08:21.800 Yes, ma'am. 08:21.800 --> 08:23.680 Good night, Miss Ferguson. 08:23.680 --> 08:26.680 Good night, Hilda. 08:26.680 --> 08:35.600 Oh, pity about my nephew, John. 08:35.600 --> 08:39.440 Such a pity about him. 08:39.440 --> 08:41.800 Such a... 08:41.800 --> 08:42.800 Who's there? 08:42.800 --> 08:43.800 Who is it? 08:43.800 --> 08:48.120 It's John, Aunt Martha, your own affectionate nephew. 08:48.120 --> 08:49.640 What are you doing in my house? 08:49.640 --> 08:52.440 You're not at all pleased to see me. 08:52.440 --> 08:54.840 You're only living relative, too. 08:54.840 --> 08:57.720 I'd like you to leave at once or I'll call the police. 08:57.720 --> 09:00.120 Well, I'd rather not, Auntie. 09:00.120 --> 09:02.240 I won't ever talk with you. 09:02.240 --> 09:04.760 You don't want to talk to me. 09:04.760 --> 09:06.960 All you want is my money. 09:06.960 --> 09:10.520 You're putting the whole subject on a very vulgar level. 09:10.520 --> 09:14.280 You've had all the money you will ever get out of me. 09:14.280 --> 09:17.600 You won't get tuppence after I die. 09:17.600 --> 09:23.000 And it may interest you to know that I'm changing my will tomorrow. 09:23.000 --> 09:24.880 So I hear, Auntie. 09:24.880 --> 09:28.320 You're wearing gloves that... 09:28.320 --> 09:30.320 Yes, Auntie. 09:30.320 --> 09:31.320 Keep away from me! 09:31.320 --> 09:33.600 Oh, no, you're an old woman, Auntie. 09:33.600 --> 09:35.280 All that money's no good for you. 09:35.280 --> 09:36.600 You can't ever use it. 09:36.600 --> 09:40.400 But to me, money is life. 09:40.400 --> 09:42.440 And you're going to die soon anyway. 09:42.440 --> 09:44.440 No, no, you're not going to do that! 09:44.440 --> 09:47.400 Oh, yes, Auntie, I am, and I'd be doing you a favour. 09:47.400 --> 09:49.400 You're old and ill and lonely. 09:49.400 --> 09:50.400 Help! 09:50.400 --> 09:55.400 Please, not screaming, Auntie. 09:55.400 --> 10:05.760 They must strike. 10:05.760 --> 10:08.680 And don't you worry, Auntie. 10:08.680 --> 10:20.840 We'll have a fine funeral for you. 10:20.840 --> 10:24.040 That's pretty much the way old Miss Ferguson was murdered. 10:24.040 --> 10:27.160 Her maid, Hilda, found the body the next morning. 10:27.160 --> 10:29.600 I immediately went to work on the case. 10:29.600 --> 10:31.240 All the evidence pointed to John Bedford. 10:31.240 --> 10:32.960 He almost admitted it himself. 10:32.960 --> 10:36.080 I had him brought to my office for questioning. 10:36.080 --> 10:39.720 How do you do, Sir William? 10:39.720 --> 10:40.720 Oh, hello. 10:40.720 --> 10:41.720 Please come in. 10:41.720 --> 10:42.720 Oh, thank you. 10:42.720 --> 10:43.720 Cigarette? 10:43.720 --> 10:44.720 Oh, thank you. 10:44.720 --> 10:52.320 Well, how does it feel to kill your aunt? 10:52.320 --> 10:55.320 May I have a light, please? 10:55.320 --> 10:58.640 Yes, of course. 10:58.640 --> 11:00.080 I wouldn't know, Sir William. 11:00.080 --> 11:02.200 You see, I never killed anyone. 11:02.200 --> 11:03.200 Have you? 11:03.200 --> 11:08.480 Yes, I've shot and killed lawbreakers who tried to get away. 11:08.480 --> 11:10.320 And I've sent many of them to the gallows. 11:10.320 --> 11:13.360 Eh, so I understand. 11:13.360 --> 11:16.120 What was your relationship to your aunt? 11:16.120 --> 11:17.120 I was her nephew. 11:17.120 --> 11:20.120 Very amusing. 11:20.120 --> 11:22.200 She didn't like you, did she? 11:22.200 --> 11:23.520 I'm a truthful man. 11:23.520 --> 11:24.520 She didn't. 11:24.520 --> 11:27.360 She thought I was a spendthrift and a parasite. 11:27.360 --> 11:29.080 She was quite right. 11:29.080 --> 11:32.040 Where were you on the night of the murder? 11:32.040 --> 11:33.720 In jail. 11:33.720 --> 11:39.360 I drunk a little too much and got into a bit of a tiff with the police. 11:39.360 --> 11:40.560 Quite an alibi. 11:40.560 --> 11:41.560 Quite a fact. 11:41.560 --> 11:46.920 Now, it was hardly possible for me to be in jail and kill my aunt at the same time, unless, 11:46.920 --> 11:52.680 of course, my aunt came into my cell and allowed me to murder her, after which she walked back 11:52.680 --> 11:58.360 to Turret House as a ghost, dragging her body behind her. 11:58.360 --> 11:59.360 That's hardly possible. 11:59.360 --> 12:02.400 Don't you think you ought to check, my darling? 12:02.400 --> 12:03.400 I already have. 12:03.400 --> 12:05.440 You're a skillful fellow. 12:05.440 --> 12:08.600 Why don't you arrest me then, dear? 12:08.600 --> 12:10.440 No, no, Mr. Bedford. 12:10.440 --> 12:11.960 I have time and patience. 12:11.960 --> 12:14.040 Oh, you'd better work fast. 12:14.040 --> 12:18.440 By the time you get round to me, I'll have spent all of my aunt's beautiful money. 12:18.440 --> 12:20.320 It's not her money I'm after. 12:20.320 --> 12:21.320 It's your life. 12:21.320 --> 12:24.320 Your beautiful life, Mr. Bedford. 12:24.320 --> 12:29.800 Good day. 12:29.800 --> 12:36.160 Yes, and tonight I shall have him. 12:36.160 --> 12:43.800 Tonight, in your presence, he will commit that murder again, and this time I shall arrest 12:43.800 --> 12:44.800 him for it. 12:44.800 --> 13:02.600 Auto Light is bringing you James Mason in Banquo's Chair, tonight's production in Radio's 13:02.600 --> 13:08.280 outstanding theatre of thrills, Suspense. 13:08.280 --> 13:18.720 Say, Harlow, while I was on vacation, I used nothing but those miraculous new Wide Gap Auto 13:18.720 --> 13:21.000 Light Resistor Spark plugs in my car. 13:21.000 --> 13:23.000 And what a performance. 13:23.000 --> 13:25.880 That's the Wide Gap Auto Light Resistor Spark plug for you. 13:25.880 --> 13:30.160 They're the newest addition to the complete line of regular transport, aviation, resistor, 13:30.160 --> 13:34.040 marine and model spark plugs, ignition engineered by Auto Light. 13:34.040 --> 13:38.440 Harlow, let me tell you how those Wide Gap Auto Light Resistor Spark plugs worked like 13:38.440 --> 13:39.440 a charm. 13:39.440 --> 13:42.240 Why, of course they did, Hap, just as any Auto Light spark plug. 13:42.240 --> 13:46.360 But with Auto Light Resistor Spark plugs, you do get special advantages, such as smoother 13:46.360 --> 13:50.840 performance on leaner gas mixtures, greater gas savings, even double life under equal 13:50.840 --> 13:54.840 conditions as compared to spark plugs without the built-in resistor. 13:54.840 --> 13:59.200 And it's all due to the 10,000 ohm exclusive Auto Light Resistor built right into every 13:59.200 --> 14:01.400 Auto Light Resistor Spark plug. 14:01.400 --> 14:05.400 So friends, see your neighborhood Auto Light spark plug dealer tomorrow and have worn out 14:05.400 --> 14:09.560 spark plugs replaced with ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs. 14:09.560 --> 14:13.680 Whether you choose the resistor type or the regular type, you'll be right because you're 14:13.680 --> 14:15.840 always right with Auto Light. 14:15.840 --> 14:22.080 And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage, our star, James Mason, in Banquo's 14:22.080 --> 14:23.080 Chair. 14:23.080 --> 14:31.760 A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 14:31.760 --> 14:33.880 That's how matters stood. 14:33.880 --> 14:35.880 I refused to let my man arrest him. 14:35.880 --> 14:39.080 But how in the world could he have murdered his aunt while he was in jail? 14:39.080 --> 14:42.080 Well, he might have bribed the prison guard to let him out for an hour. 14:42.080 --> 14:43.080 You're right, Roberta. 14:43.080 --> 14:45.320 I believe that's exactly what he did. 14:45.320 --> 14:51.200 Unfortunately, the guard in question died of pneumonia soon afterwards and left us no 14:51.200 --> 14:52.200 further source of evidence. 14:52.200 --> 14:55.840 Well, as far as I can see, Sir William, you haven't a leg to stand on. 14:55.840 --> 14:57.960 You can't touch Bedford. 14:57.960 --> 15:02.680 Every man, particularly a criminal, has an Achilles heel. 15:02.680 --> 15:05.200 I sat down at my desk and plotted him out on paper. 15:05.200 --> 15:10.520 I decided I didn't know enough about him, his personal habits, his real character. 15:10.520 --> 15:22.800 A month ago, I went to visit him. 15:22.800 --> 15:23.800 Sir William, what a surprise. 15:23.800 --> 15:24.800 Want to invite me in? 15:24.800 --> 15:25.800 Oh, of course, sir. 15:25.800 --> 15:26.800 Please come in. 15:26.800 --> 15:27.800 Thank you, Mr. Bedford. 15:27.800 --> 15:33.920 Well, I'm really honored to have the great man pay me a visit. 15:33.920 --> 15:35.520 You're not after any more clues, I hope. 15:35.520 --> 15:37.520 It does get rather tedious, though, with you. 15:37.520 --> 15:38.520 Oh, no. 15:38.520 --> 15:39.520 No, not at all. 15:39.520 --> 15:40.520 I know when I'm beaten. 15:40.520 --> 15:44.960 Well, I don't want to appear smug, sir, but everyone has his water, Luke. 15:44.960 --> 15:45.960 Would you have a drink, Sir William? 15:45.960 --> 15:46.960 Thank you. 15:46.960 --> 15:52.080 I don't know whether you've heard that I have resigned from the criminal investigation. 15:52.080 --> 15:53.560 I'm a private citizen now. 15:53.560 --> 15:56.240 Oh, yes, I heard something about that. 15:56.240 --> 15:57.240 I couldn't believe it. 15:57.240 --> 16:01.680 Oh, it wasn't my love for justice that made me pursue my profession with such tenacity 16:01.680 --> 16:06.720 and success, with the sole exception of your case, of course. 16:06.720 --> 16:10.640 It was a game of skill with me, my wits against all comers. 16:10.640 --> 16:15.520 I lost in your case, but then we all have to lose sometimes, don't we? 16:15.520 --> 16:17.640 I don't believe you, Sir William. 16:17.640 --> 16:19.640 You're still out to get me. 16:19.640 --> 16:20.640 There isn't much chance, is there? 16:20.640 --> 16:22.680 I'm afraid not, Sir William. 16:22.680 --> 16:25.520 I've kept out of trouble so far, knock on wood. 16:25.520 --> 16:30.440 I had no idea you were superstitious, Mr. Bedford, a sophisticate like you. 16:30.440 --> 16:33.920 Oh, I think it's just a habit since I was a child. 16:33.920 --> 16:34.920 I see. 16:34.920 --> 16:37.040 Now, before I go, there's just one thing. 16:37.040 --> 16:41.200 I noticed in the papers that you're looking for a tenant for a carried house. 16:41.200 --> 16:42.200 Oh, yes, I am. 16:42.200 --> 16:43.200 I'd like to rent it. 16:43.200 --> 16:44.200 The scene of the crime? 16:44.200 --> 16:45.200 Of course, why not? 16:45.200 --> 16:46.200 There's no harm in it. 16:46.200 --> 16:47.200 As a matter of fact, it's perfect. 16:47.200 --> 16:48.200 And what's more, I'll let you have it very cheaply, for old time's sake. 16:48.200 --> 17:09.560 I saw Bedford frequently. 17:09.560 --> 17:14.240 Our acquaintance developed into friendship, an armed friendship, of course. 17:14.240 --> 17:17.320 He knew I was out to get him, and I wanted him to know that. 17:17.320 --> 17:23.640 But he was so pleased, so vain, that he bested me, that it gave him delight to see me. 17:23.640 --> 17:26.160 And that's how I got to know him pretty well. 17:26.160 --> 17:29.680 Fundamentally, he's superstitious and afraid. 17:29.680 --> 17:31.360 He's uncomfortable in the dark. 17:31.360 --> 17:32.800 He's an insomniac. 17:32.800 --> 17:36.480 He finds himself utterly unable to read horror novels. 17:36.480 --> 17:42.880 His sneering self-assurance is a mask for a nature that's subject to deathly fears. 17:42.880 --> 17:49.400 Well, tonight is the anniversary of the murder, and tonight Mr. Bedford dines with us, at 17:49.400 --> 17:50.400 eight o'clock. 17:50.400 --> 17:54.000 I asked you two to be here early, so that we could have a talk. 17:54.000 --> 17:55.280 It's nearly eight now. 17:55.280 --> 17:56.280 Now, this is the plan. 17:56.280 --> 17:58.320 You both know May Wakefield? 17:58.320 --> 17:59.600 Shakespearean May Wakefield? 17:59.600 --> 18:00.600 Oh, yes, yes, yes. 18:00.600 --> 18:01.600 Of course. 18:01.600 --> 18:02.600 Wonderful. 18:02.600 --> 18:03.600 The greatest Lady Macbeth I ever saw. 18:03.600 --> 18:04.600 That's right. 18:04.600 --> 18:08.080 Now, during dinner, she will enter the room in the precise likeness of Miss Ferguson, 18:08.080 --> 18:09.080 the murdered woman. 18:09.080 --> 18:11.320 We, of course, will pretend not to see her. 18:11.320 --> 18:13.960 We will remain outwardly unconscious of her. 18:13.960 --> 18:16.160 Only Bedford will be aware of her presence. 18:16.160 --> 18:18.160 Hamlet, the play's the thing. 18:18.160 --> 18:19.160 Exactly. 18:19.160 --> 18:22.480 Now, during dinner, the electric light will be switched off at the main, and candles will 18:22.480 --> 18:23.480 be lit. 18:23.480 --> 18:25.240 We must have the correct atmosphere. 18:25.240 --> 18:26.360 You understand now? 18:26.360 --> 18:28.880 You are not to see Miss Wakefield. 18:28.880 --> 18:30.360 She doesn't exist for us. 18:30.360 --> 18:31.560 Is that clear? 18:31.560 --> 18:36.920 I'll look right through her. 18:36.920 --> 18:37.920 That will be Bedford. 18:37.920 --> 18:53.480 Ah, my dear Mr. Bedford. 18:53.480 --> 18:54.760 Good of you to come in this weather. 18:54.760 --> 18:56.760 Well, I never miss a meeting with you, sir, William. 18:56.760 --> 18:58.960 Oh, Lane, will you take Mr. Bedford's things? 18:58.960 --> 18:59.960 Yes. 18:59.960 --> 19:00.960 Miserable weather. 19:00.960 --> 19:01.960 Oh, indeed. 19:01.960 --> 19:02.960 This way to the dining room. 19:02.960 --> 19:03.960 Thank you. 19:03.960 --> 19:06.840 I almost forgot my way around in this ugly old place. 19:06.840 --> 19:10.920 Perhaps you have unpleasant memories associated with Turret House. 19:10.920 --> 19:23.920 Perhaps I have. 19:23.920 --> 19:29.600 John Bedford looked us over with his characteristic arrogance and superiority. 19:29.600 --> 19:35.240 I made the proper introductions, and then we all set out to dinner. 19:35.240 --> 19:38.280 Is it still nasty outside, Mr. Bedford? 19:38.280 --> 19:39.280 Oh, it's getting worse. 19:39.280 --> 19:42.080 It looks as if we're in for a few days of this weather. 19:42.080 --> 19:43.080 Too bad. 19:43.080 --> 19:49.040 I'm thinking of doing some riding tomorrow. 19:49.040 --> 19:50.040 The soup. 19:50.040 --> 19:51.040 It is excellent. 19:51.040 --> 19:53.240 Oh, yes, sir, William. 19:53.240 --> 19:55.080 Your cook is to be congratulated. 19:55.080 --> 19:56.080 The soup is a masterpiece. 19:56.080 --> 19:57.080 Poor Alice. 19:57.080 --> 20:01.240 She's been my cook for over 20 years, but she's given me notice. 20:01.240 --> 20:04.400 Absolutely refuses to stay here any longer. 20:04.400 --> 20:05.400 Why? 20:05.400 --> 20:07.560 She says this house is haunted. 20:07.560 --> 20:10.080 Roberta, this might make an interesting story for you. 20:10.080 --> 20:11.080 You should speak to her. 20:11.080 --> 20:14.360 She can give you a detailed description of the ghosts. 20:14.360 --> 20:18.600 Alice swears that she's seen the figure of an elderly woman with finger marks on her 20:18.600 --> 20:21.600 throat walking about the house. 20:21.600 --> 20:26.040 Oh, come now, sir William. 20:26.040 --> 20:27.040 This is just too good. 20:27.040 --> 20:30.600 Such an obvious attempt to frighten me. 20:30.600 --> 20:34.560 Sir William is convinced that I murdered my aunt. 20:34.560 --> 20:37.240 No, please, sir William, a little more subtlety. 20:37.240 --> 20:38.240 Surely I deserve it. 20:38.240 --> 20:41.840 Perhaps, perhaps the cook did see the figure. 20:41.840 --> 20:45.520 It might interest you to know, Mr. Bedford, that I don't believe in ghosts. 20:45.520 --> 20:50.160 And I'm sure my cook never saw this elderly figure except in her frightened imagination. 20:50.160 --> 20:52.820 I am afraid, sir, that your little attempt did not work. 20:52.820 --> 20:56.720 But I must admire your graceful acknowledgement of its failure. 20:56.720 --> 20:59.200 I suppose I should give up plaguing you, shouldn't I? 20:59.200 --> 21:01.840 Oh, no, no, sir William, never give up. 21:01.840 --> 21:04.600 I may have a weak spot somewhere you never can tell. 21:04.600 --> 21:08.200 If at first you don't succeed, you know. 21:08.200 --> 21:14.760 Do you, do you live far from here, Mr. Bedford? 21:14.760 --> 21:17.560 Thank you, Miss Stern, there's really no need to change the subject. 21:17.560 --> 21:21.520 I hope you find this game as amusing as I do. 21:21.520 --> 21:24.760 I saw a very exciting play last night. 21:24.760 --> 21:25.760 Hey, Mark. 21:25.760 --> 21:26.760 Excuse me a moment. 21:26.760 --> 21:27.760 It's really, really hot in here. 21:27.760 --> 21:30.360 Do you mind, sir William, if we get a little fresh air? 21:30.360 --> 21:31.920 I'm sorry, it is stuffy in here. 21:31.920 --> 21:33.920 Elaine, open one of the windows, please. 21:33.920 --> 21:34.920 Yes. 21:34.920 --> 21:37.440 Hey, it is awful weather. 21:37.440 --> 21:38.440 Simply awful. 21:38.440 --> 21:40.840 Yes, I don't know how we will ever get home. 21:40.840 --> 21:42.640 I can't stand this weather myself. 21:42.640 --> 21:44.160 I think I'll go to the Riviera next week. 21:44.160 --> 21:45.160 I'm always... 21:45.160 --> 21:46.160 Oh. 21:46.160 --> 21:48.840 Elaine, what on earth's wrong with the lights? 21:48.840 --> 21:49.840 I don't know, sir. 21:49.840 --> 21:51.160 Well, don't stand around. 21:51.160 --> 21:52.160 Fetch some candles. 21:52.160 --> 21:53.960 We can't sit here in the darkness. 21:53.960 --> 21:54.960 And get the chauffeur. 21:54.960 --> 21:56.200 He knows something about electric lights. 21:56.200 --> 21:57.880 I'll call the chauffeur right away, sir. 21:57.880 --> 21:59.320 I'm terribly sorry about this. 21:59.320 --> 22:00.800 We've had trouble with the wiring before. 22:00.800 --> 22:03.240 We'll have it fixed up in a few minutes. 22:03.240 --> 22:06.240 Let's get on with our dinner. 22:06.240 --> 22:08.200 Have some more wine, Mr. Bedford. 22:08.200 --> 22:09.200 I've had enough. 22:09.200 --> 22:10.200 Thank you. 22:10.200 --> 22:11.200 It was a tense moment. 22:11.200 --> 22:12.200 I looked at Roberta and Arthur. 22:12.200 --> 22:13.200 They were both pale and uneasy. 22:13.200 --> 22:16.200 And so was Bedford for all his poise. 22:16.200 --> 22:23.200 I believe that the only calm person in the room was myself. 22:23.200 --> 22:30.200 Oh, Mr. Bedford, you were saying something about visiting the Riviera. 22:30.200 --> 22:33.200 It must be lovely at this time of year. 22:33.200 --> 22:34.200 It is. 22:34.200 --> 22:35.200 I've been there before. 22:35.200 --> 22:36.200 You know, I... 22:36.200 --> 22:39.200 What's the matter, Mr. Bedford? 22:39.200 --> 22:40.200 Nothing. 22:40.200 --> 22:41.200 Nothing at all. 22:41.200 --> 22:42.200 I... 22:42.200 --> 22:44.200 I wish we could have some more light. 22:44.200 --> 22:45.700 It's rather difficult to see. 22:45.700 --> 22:47.320 I'm really terribly sorry. 22:47.320 --> 22:50.160 This had to happen just at dinner. 22:50.160 --> 22:51.760 Please have a little more wine, Mr. Bedford. 22:51.760 --> 22:52.760 No. 22:52.760 --> 22:53.760 I didn't drink much. 22:53.760 --> 22:58.240 The figure of a woman had entered the room. 22:58.240 --> 23:00.120 She'd come in silently like a ghost. 23:00.120 --> 23:04.560 It was done so softly, so skillfully, that her presence seemed completely unreal. 23:04.560 --> 23:05.560 It was a superb entrance. 23:05.560 --> 23:06.560 We all saw her, but we made no sign of recognition. 23:06.560 --> 23:07.560 In the dim candlelight, she looked ghastly. 23:07.560 --> 23:08.560 It was an incredible piece of makeup. 23:08.560 --> 23:09.560 Bedford looked at all of us to see if we'd seen the figure standing a few feet away from 23:09.560 --> 23:10.560 him. 23:10.560 --> 23:11.560 He looked at us and said, 23:11.560 --> 23:12.560 I'm going to go and see if you can see me. 23:12.560 --> 23:13.560 I said, no, I'm going to go and see if you can see me. 23:13.560 --> 23:14.560 I said, no, I'm going to go and see if you can see me. 23:14.560 --> 23:15.560 I said, no, I'm going to go and see if you can see me. 23:15.560 --> 23:22.640 Bedford looked at all of us to see if we'd seen the figure standing a few feet away from 23:22.640 --> 23:23.640 him. 23:23.640 --> 23:24.640 But we ate our dinner calmly. 23:24.640 --> 23:31.160 He looked again, shook his head, and then gulped the wine in front of him. 23:31.160 --> 23:32.160 Don't any of you see anything? 23:32.160 --> 23:33.160 See what, Mr. Bedford? 23:33.160 --> 23:34.160 You look perfectly well, what? 23:34.160 --> 23:35.160 There she is, just as plain as... 23:35.160 --> 23:36.160 What's got into you, Bedford? 23:36.160 --> 23:37.160 It's my aunt. 23:37.160 --> 23:38.160 My aunt! 23:38.160 --> 23:39.160 You've had too much wine. 23:39.160 --> 23:40.160 Your aunt is dead. 23:40.160 --> 23:41.160 You're not seeing ghosts, I hope. 23:41.160 --> 23:42.160 You're not seeing ghosts, I hope. 23:42.160 --> 23:43.160 You're not seeing ghosts, I hope. 23:43.160 --> 23:44.160 You're not seeing ghosts, I hope. 23:44.160 --> 23:45.160 You're not seeing ghosts, I hope. 23:45.160 --> 23:46.160 You're not seeing ghosts, I hope. 23:46.160 --> 23:47.160 Oh, yes. 23:47.160 --> 23:48.160 Oh, yes, that's it. 23:48.160 --> 23:49.160 I drank too much. 23:49.160 --> 23:50.160 I'm not used to drinking. 23:50.160 --> 23:51.160 You know? 23:51.160 --> 23:52.160 Yes, yes, yes. 23:52.160 --> 23:53.160 Why? 23:53.160 --> 23:55.320 Yes, she... she's coming towards me. 23:55.320 --> 23:56.760 Calm yourself, Bedford. 23:56.760 --> 23:59.160 I've never seen you like this. 23:59.160 --> 24:00.160 There's no one else here. 24:00.160 --> 24:02.120 Do you see anyone, Roberta? 24:02.120 --> 24:05.260 No, no, I don't see anyone. 24:05.260 --> 24:07.400 No, neither do I. 24:07.400 --> 24:09.480 I can't stand this. 24:09.480 --> 24:11.480 I'm getting out of here. 24:11.480 --> 24:15.360 I'm not wearing gloves today, John. 24:15.360 --> 24:16.360 Look, she's real! 24:16.360 --> 24:17.360 God, I didn't see her! 24:17.360 --> 24:18.360 I can't hear her! 24:18.360 --> 24:19.360 Let's come over here! 24:19.360 --> 24:20.360 She... she's touching me! 24:20.360 --> 24:21.360 She's touching me! 24:21.360 --> 24:22.360 Get out, Bedford! 24:22.360 --> 24:23.360 She's gone to the door! 24:23.360 --> 24:24.360 She won't let me out! 24:24.360 --> 24:25.360 I'm an old woman. 24:25.360 --> 24:26.360 Money is no good for me. 24:26.360 --> 24:27.360 I'm lonely, John. 24:27.360 --> 24:28.360 Let me by, Aunt Martha! 24:28.360 --> 24:29.360 Out of my way! 24:29.360 --> 24:30.360 Out of my way! 24:30.360 --> 24:31.360 Get away from that door! 24:31.360 --> 24:32.360 I'm going to die! 24:32.360 --> 24:33.360 Oh, my God! 24:33.360 --> 24:34.360 I'm going to die! 24:34.360 --> 24:35.360 Oh, my God! 24:35.360 --> 24:36.360 Oh, my God! 24:36.360 --> 24:37.360 Oh, my God! 24:37.360 --> 24:38.360 Oh, my God! 24:38.360 --> 24:39.360 Oh, my God! 24:39.360 --> 24:40.360 Oh, my God! 24:40.360 --> 24:41.360 Get away from that door! 24:41.360 --> 24:42.360 I'll murder you again! 24:42.360 --> 24:43.360 To hear Aunt Martha! 24:43.360 --> 24:44.360 I'll kill you again, you old witch! 24:44.360 --> 24:45.360 Please let me go! 24:45.360 --> 24:46.360 All right, switch on the lights. 24:46.360 --> 24:47.360 Officer Graham, come out. 24:47.360 --> 24:48.360 Arrest him. 24:48.360 --> 24:49.360 You heard his confession. 24:49.360 --> 24:50.360 Sir, I did put the handcuffs on you. 24:50.360 --> 24:51.360 I've got him, sir. 24:51.360 --> 24:52.360 Well, Bedford, it seems that I've finally caught up with you. 24:52.360 --> 24:53.360 I'll kill her again. 24:53.360 --> 24:54.360 I'll kill her again. 24:54.360 --> 24:55.360 I'll kill her again. 24:55.360 --> 24:56.360 That wasn't your aunt. 24:56.360 --> 24:57.360 That was May Wakefield. 24:57.360 --> 24:58.360 That was my aunt. 24:58.360 --> 24:59.360 That was my aunt. 24:59.360 --> 25:00.360 That was my aunt. 25:00.360 --> 25:01.360 That was my aunt. 25:01.360 --> 25:02.360 That was my aunt. 25:02.360 --> 25:03.360 That was my aunt. 25:03.360 --> 25:04.360 That was my aunt. 25:04.360 --> 25:05.360 That was my aunt. 25:05.360 --> 25:06.360 That was my aunt. 25:06.360 --> 25:14.360 That was my aunt. 25:14.360 --> 25:23.360 That was my aunt. 25:23.360 --> 25:37.360 That was my aunt. 25:37.360 --> 25:57.360 That was my aunt. 25:57.360 --> 26:08.360 That was my aunt. 26:08.360 --> 26:35.360 That was my aunt. 26:35.360 --> 26:39.360 That was my aunt. 26:39.360 --> 26:48.360 That was my aunt. 26:48.360 --> 26:51.360 I did not answer. 26:51.360 --> 26:53.360 I looked at the staring faces of Roberta and Arthur. 26:53.360 --> 26:55.360 And then I turned away. 26:55.360 --> 26:56.360 A vein in my temple began to throb. 26:56.360 --> 26:58.360 I put my hand to it. 26:58.360 --> 26:59.360 And it stopped. 26:59.360 --> 27:00.360 I... 27:00.360 --> 27:01.360 I think I'll have some wine. 27:01.360 --> 27:02.360 No. 27:02.360 --> 27:03.360 Len? 27:03.360 --> 27:04.360 Yes, sir? 27:04.360 --> 27:09.600 Fetch a bottle of brandy and pour three stiff drinks. 27:09.600 --> 27:11.600 Better make it four. 27:11.600 --> 27:31.120 I think you need one, too. 27:31.120 --> 27:34.200 Suspense presented by Auto Light. 27:34.200 --> 27:36.640 Tonight's star, James Mason. 27:36.640 --> 27:39.880 Well, Hap, it's great to have you back. 27:39.880 --> 27:42.360 Me and those 400 Auto Light products. 27:42.360 --> 27:47.400 Yes, you and over 400 products made by Auto Light for cars, trucks, planes and boats in 27:47.400 --> 27:49.920 28 plants coast to coast. 27:49.920 --> 27:53.640 These include complete electrical systems used as original equipment on many makes of 27:53.640 --> 27:55.480 America's finest cars. 27:55.480 --> 27:59.960 Spark plugs, batteries, generators, coils, distributors, starting motors, and bullseye 27:59.960 --> 28:02.200 sealed beam headlights. 28:02.200 --> 28:06.040 All engineered to fit together perfectly, work together perfectly because they're a 28:06.040 --> 28:07.840 perfect team. 28:07.840 --> 28:11.760 So friends, don't accept electrical parts supposed to be as good. 28:11.760 --> 28:16.000 Ask for and insist on Auto Light original factory parts at your neighborhood service 28:16.000 --> 28:18.960 station, car dealer, garage or repair shop. 28:18.960 --> 28:28.040 Remember, you're always right with Auto Light. 28:28.040 --> 28:31.400 Next Thursday for Suspense, our star will be Alan Land. 28:31.400 --> 28:37.640 The play is called Motive for Murder and it is, as we say, a tale well calculated to keep 28:37.640 --> 28:40.320 you in suspense. 28:40.320 --> 28:47.480 Tonight's Suspense play was produced and edited by William Spear and directed by Norman MacDonald. 28:47.480 --> 28:53.120 Music for Suspense is composed by Rene Garagank and Lucian Morawek and conducted by Lud Bluskin. 28:53.120 --> 28:58.280 Franco's Chair was adapted for radio by Sigmund Miller from a short story by Rupert Croft 28:58.280 --> 28:59.280 Cook. 28:59.280 --> 29:03.640 James Mason can soon be seen in the Universal International Picture one-way street. 29:03.640 --> 29:07.960 In the coming weeks, you will hear such stars as Ronald Reagan and Ginger Rogers. 29:07.960 --> 29:12.640 Don't forget, next Thursday same time, Auto Light will present Suspense starring Alan 29:12.640 --> 29:13.640 Land. 29:13.640 --> 29:21.440 You can buy Auto Light resistor or regular spark plugs, Auto Light staple batteries, 29:21.440 --> 29:24.400 Auto Light electrical parts at your neighborhood Auto Light dealer. 29:24.400 --> 29:25.920 Switch to Auto Light. 29:25.920 --> 29:26.920 Good night. 29:26.920 --> 29:53.520 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.