1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Auto Light and its 96,000 dealers present Suspense. 2 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:20,800 Tonight, Auto Light brings you the story of a man who talked to death all those who stood 3 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:22,400 in the way of what he wanted. 4 00:00:22,400 --> 00:00:32,100 A story we call Death Pitch, starring Mr. Jack Carson. 5 00:00:32,100 --> 00:00:35,600 Hey there's Sam, my friendly Auto Light spark plug man. 6 00:00:35,600 --> 00:00:36,600 Hiya Sam. 7 00:00:36,600 --> 00:00:37,600 Shhh. 8 00:00:37,600 --> 00:00:38,600 Hello Mr. Wilcox. 9 00:00:38,600 --> 00:00:39,600 What are you doing? 10 00:00:39,600 --> 00:00:40,600 Hunting. 11 00:00:40,600 --> 00:00:41,600 Hunting for what? 12 00:00:41,600 --> 00:00:43,520 For cars that have lost their pep and power. 13 00:00:43,520 --> 00:00:45,880 Cars that are slow and jerky in traffic. 14 00:00:45,880 --> 00:00:47,600 Cars that are not up to par on the hill. 15 00:00:47,600 --> 00:00:49,080 Ah, you can't kid me Sam. 16 00:00:49,080 --> 00:00:53,280 I know you're looking for worn out spark plugs because they're usually the cause of all those 17 00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:54,280 troubles. 18 00:00:54,280 --> 00:00:55,280 You bet I am Harlow. 19 00:00:55,280 --> 00:00:59,400 And when I'm through, you ought to see those cars zoom out of here with the smoothness 20 00:00:59,400 --> 00:01:01,160 of a trout going after a meal. 21 00:01:01,160 --> 00:01:05,200 Well Sam, that's because all Auto Light spark plug dealers have the exclusive Auto Light 22 00:01:05,200 --> 00:01:09,680 plug check indicator to help recommend the best type of spark plug for every car and 23 00:01:09,680 --> 00:01:11,240 every style of driving. 24 00:01:11,240 --> 00:01:16,000 Plus all the tools and equipment to offer the best spark plug service money can buy. 25 00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:19,480 And when replacements are needed, Auto Light spark plug dealers are the only ones that 26 00:01:19,480 --> 00:01:23,280 can offer you Auto Light standard or resistor type spark plugs. 27 00:01:23,280 --> 00:01:27,000 The spark plugs that are ignition engineered to work as a perfect team with your car's 28 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:28,000 ignition system. 29 00:01:28,000 --> 00:01:32,000 So friends, look for your friendly Auto Light spark plug dealer this week. 30 00:01:32,000 --> 00:01:35,840 And remember, you're always right with Auto Light. 31 00:01:35,840 --> 00:01:41,240 And now with Death Pitch and the performance of Mr. Jack Carson, Auto Light hopes once 32 00:01:41,240 --> 00:01:47,240 again to keep you in suspense. 33 00:01:47,240 --> 00:01:52,080 That morning I decided to talk to death all those between me and what I wanted. 34 00:01:52,080 --> 00:01:55,320 I would talk and they would listen and die. 35 00:01:55,320 --> 00:01:56,320 Words. 36 00:01:56,320 --> 00:01:59,640 Words are what makes the world go round. 37 00:01:59,640 --> 00:02:03,480 People dangle on words like marionettes and a string. 38 00:02:03,480 --> 00:02:07,160 Step a little closer folks and they step a little closer. 39 00:02:07,160 --> 00:02:11,440 Each is skilled three chances per dime and they pay their dimes. 40 00:02:11,440 --> 00:02:16,320 Hurry, hurry, hurry and they do hurry to obey. 41 00:02:16,320 --> 00:02:18,120 Words. 42 00:02:18,120 --> 00:02:21,760 That morning I was standing as I often stood just inside the entrance to the big top. 43 00:02:21,760 --> 00:02:24,880 My head back watching and that's rehearsed. 44 00:02:24,880 --> 00:02:27,480 I love to watch trapeze artists. 45 00:02:27,480 --> 00:02:30,720 What ease, what confidence. 46 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:34,360 But so far above me, out of my reach in more ways than one. 47 00:02:34,360 --> 00:02:39,400 But if I own the show, yes I Nick Arnold. 48 00:02:39,400 --> 00:02:40,400 If I own the show. 49 00:02:40,400 --> 00:02:42,640 Nick, Nick snap out of it. 50 00:02:42,640 --> 00:02:44,640 Always dreaming all the time in the fog. 51 00:02:44,640 --> 00:02:46,000 Meet Peter Falentin, Peter the Great. 52 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:47,000 He's with it now. 53 00:02:47,000 --> 00:02:48,000 Pete, my brother Nick. 54 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:49,000 Hello there. 55 00:02:49,000 --> 00:02:52,680 Peter the, oh yes, yes I think I caught your act in Dallas last season. 56 00:02:52,680 --> 00:02:55,200 Escape artist, wriggle out of change in handcuffs. 57 00:02:55,200 --> 00:02:56,600 That's a good act. 58 00:02:56,600 --> 00:02:58,000 Pete's wagon ready for him Nick. 59 00:02:58,000 --> 00:02:59,640 Well don't go blank on me. 60 00:02:59,640 --> 00:03:01,000 Didn't I tell you to get a wagon ready for him? 61 00:03:01,000 --> 00:03:02,440 Where's he gonna bunk if he has no wagon? 62 00:03:02,440 --> 00:03:04,520 You didn't tell me Duke, you told Lee to take care of it. 63 00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:06,280 If I don't do everything myself nothing gets done. 64 00:03:06,280 --> 00:03:09,160 As if I didn't have my hands full already, now I have to drop everything and find an 65 00:03:09,160 --> 00:03:10,160 empty wagon. 66 00:03:10,160 --> 00:03:12,680 Pete, you wait here, we'll see about your wagon. 67 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:13,680 Come on, come on Nick. 68 00:03:13,680 --> 00:03:14,680 See you around Pete. 69 00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:15,680 Yeah. 70 00:03:15,680 --> 00:03:16,680 Come on, come on walk. 71 00:03:16,680 --> 00:03:17,680 Walk a little faster. 72 00:03:17,680 --> 00:03:18,680 I don't have all day. 73 00:03:18,680 --> 00:03:23,040 Lee, the fine partner that loopy rum hound is. 74 00:03:23,040 --> 00:03:25,000 Gets half the profits and leaves me all the grief. 75 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:26,560 Yeah, he'd be lost without you Duke. 76 00:03:26,560 --> 00:03:27,960 I gotta do this, I gotta do that. 77 00:03:27,960 --> 00:03:30,800 Fire, fire, square the badges, everything. 78 00:03:30,800 --> 00:03:31,800 And does he cooperate? 79 00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:32,800 Bring back those wonderful things. 80 00:03:32,800 --> 00:03:33,800 Hear that, he's barreled again. 81 00:03:33,800 --> 00:03:34,800 Bring back those wonderful things. 82 00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:35,800 Lee. 83 00:03:35,800 --> 00:03:36,800 What's the matter Duke? 84 00:03:36,800 --> 00:03:37,800 Are you mad about something? 85 00:03:37,800 --> 00:03:38,800 You lush, you rum dumb. 86 00:03:38,800 --> 00:03:39,800 The Star Rack joins the outfit and there's no wagon ready for him. 87 00:03:39,800 --> 00:03:40,800 Oh man, I'm sorry about that Duke, it just slipped my mind. 88 00:03:40,800 --> 00:03:41,800 Really, you're sorry huh, it's just dandy. 89 00:03:41,800 --> 00:03:42,800 Look, I'm finished. 90 00:03:42,800 --> 00:03:43,800 One of us has to get out. 91 00:03:43,800 --> 00:03:44,800 I want you to sell your half to me. 92 00:03:44,800 --> 00:03:45,800 Sell? 93 00:03:45,800 --> 00:03:46,800 Yeah. 94 00:03:46,800 --> 00:03:47,800 Why, I don't know I can do that Duke. 95 00:03:47,800 --> 00:03:48,800 This show has always belonged to my family, my friends. 96 00:03:48,800 --> 00:03:49,800 I'm sorry. 97 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:50,800 I'm sorry. 98 00:03:50,800 --> 00:03:51,800 I'm sorry. 99 00:03:51,800 --> 00:03:52,800 I'm sorry. 100 00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:53,800 I'm sorry. 101 00:03:53,800 --> 00:03:54,800 I'm sorry. 102 00:03:54,800 --> 00:03:55,800 I'm sorry. 103 00:03:55,800 --> 00:03:56,800 I'm sorry. 104 00:03:56,800 --> 00:04:01,840 Well, well I don't know I can do that Duke, this show has always belonged to my family, 105 00:04:01,840 --> 00:04:03,440 my grandfather started it. 106 00:04:03,440 --> 00:04:05,140 It belonged to my father. 107 00:04:05,140 --> 00:04:10,160 I broke into show business with his circus as a lion tamer. 108 00:04:10,160 --> 00:04:11,160 Mr.pping the sore.... 109 00:04:11,160 --> 00:04:12,160 I couldn't sell it. 110 00:04:12,160 --> 00:04:15,040 It don't impress me, the fine lion tamer you must have been. 111 00:04:15,040 --> 00:04:17,520 You get claws once, your nerve breaks and you don't go near a cat for 15 years. 112 00:04:17,560 --> 00:04:19,600 That's not true, I was a good lion tamer. 113 00:04:19,800 --> 00:04:21,880 Why did you give it up then? 114 00:04:21,880 --> 00:04:26,320 Because of my other responsibility, yes. 115 00:04:26,320 --> 00:04:31,320 Running this show and looking after my wife and raising my son Robbie. 116 00:04:31,320 --> 00:04:35,320 Not pro to the sparrows. You don't run this show. I do. 117 00:04:35,320 --> 00:04:38,320 You don't look after Nora. She looks after you. Yeah. 118 00:04:38,320 --> 00:04:40,320 She's a better tamer than you ever was. 119 00:04:40,320 --> 00:04:42,320 Because she's got the muck. 120 00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:45,320 No! Please leave me something. 121 00:04:45,320 --> 00:04:51,320 Incredible. A few words, mere whims, and a grown man powers like a whip dog. 122 00:04:51,320 --> 00:04:53,320 Oh, words. 123 00:04:53,320 --> 00:04:57,320 Okay. You won't sell out to me? Buy me out. 124 00:04:57,320 --> 00:05:00,320 No, Duke, please. Take your sloppy hands off me. 125 00:05:00,320 --> 00:05:05,320 Oh, please. You're the only one who can run the show. 126 00:05:05,320 --> 00:05:06,320 What's going on here? 127 00:05:06,320 --> 00:05:09,320 Nora, Nora. I said what's going on? 128 00:05:09,320 --> 00:05:10,320 I'm talking to you, Duke. 129 00:05:10,320 --> 00:05:12,320 I don't talk business with them. 130 00:05:12,320 --> 00:05:15,320 I've still got a performer out there waiting for a wife. 131 00:05:15,320 --> 00:05:18,320 I'll see about that right now. 132 00:05:18,320 --> 00:05:20,320 Go ahead, Lee. I'll take care of it. 133 00:05:20,320 --> 00:05:25,320 I'll take care of it myself, but I have to get away. 134 00:05:25,320 --> 00:05:27,320 All right. 135 00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:31,320 No dice, Nora. He won't buy and he won't sell. 136 00:05:31,320 --> 00:05:33,320 I told you he wouldn't. 137 00:05:33,320 --> 00:05:37,320 Duke. Duke, don't bear down too hard on him. 138 00:05:37,320 --> 00:05:40,320 He really used to be something at once. 139 00:05:40,320 --> 00:05:45,320 I'm sorry. Working with him is like trying to crack a whip underwater. I lose my temper. 140 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:48,320 You look tired, baby. 141 00:05:48,320 --> 00:05:51,320 Well, I've been trying to work Jezebel all morning. 142 00:05:51,320 --> 00:05:55,320 It's no use. She's turned killer cat. We'll have to shoot her. 143 00:05:55,320 --> 00:05:57,320 Come here and give me a kiss. 144 00:05:57,320 --> 00:06:01,320 Duke. That's only Nick. 145 00:06:01,320 --> 00:06:06,320 You're going to fade into the background once too often, brother. 146 00:06:06,320 --> 00:06:08,320 Feed it. 147 00:06:08,320 --> 00:06:10,320 Lee. 148 00:06:10,320 --> 00:06:13,320 I decided then to start with Lee. 149 00:06:13,320 --> 00:06:17,320 With Lee gone, Duke would have Nora and the show for himself. 150 00:06:17,320 --> 00:06:20,320 It would fatten him like a chrysalis turkey. 151 00:06:20,320 --> 00:06:23,320 And then, the axe. 152 00:06:23,320 --> 00:06:24,320 Hi, Nick. 153 00:06:24,320 --> 00:06:26,320 Oh, hello. Hello. And that way you're going? 154 00:06:26,320 --> 00:06:28,320 To the cookhouse. Walk me over. 155 00:06:28,320 --> 00:06:30,320 Was that you down there watching me rehearse this morning? 156 00:06:30,320 --> 00:06:31,320 Yeah. 157 00:06:31,320 --> 00:06:32,320 What do you think? 158 00:06:32,320 --> 00:06:33,320 You're getting big. 159 00:06:33,320 --> 00:06:35,320 I'm going to go get some food. 160 00:06:35,320 --> 00:06:38,320 Here comes Robbie. Pretend we don't see him. 161 00:06:38,320 --> 00:06:40,320 But if I own the show, I'd make you the... 162 00:06:40,320 --> 00:06:43,320 Hello, dreamy eyes. You got a smile for Robbie? 163 00:06:43,320 --> 00:06:45,320 You grab my arm again and I'll... 164 00:06:45,320 --> 00:06:48,320 When are you going to give me the green light, dreamy eyes? 165 00:06:48,320 --> 00:06:50,320 Come on. 166 00:06:50,320 --> 00:06:53,320 I hate that... that... 167 00:06:53,320 --> 00:06:55,320 Just because Lee's his father, he thinks... 168 00:06:55,320 --> 00:06:58,320 Always trying to play footsie under the table in the cookhouse. 169 00:06:58,320 --> 00:07:00,320 I hate that. 170 00:07:00,320 --> 00:07:02,320 I hate that. 171 00:07:02,320 --> 00:07:05,320 Always trying to play footsie under the table in the cookhouse. 172 00:07:05,320 --> 00:07:07,320 Want me to take care of him? 173 00:07:07,320 --> 00:07:10,320 You. I can take care of myself. 174 00:07:10,320 --> 00:07:12,320 Look, they're rolling a new wagon next to mine. 175 00:07:12,320 --> 00:07:16,320 Yeah, we have a new star act. Peter the Great. Escape artist. 176 00:07:16,320 --> 00:07:19,320 Oh. Well, see you later, Nick. 177 00:07:22,320 --> 00:07:25,320 Well, that night, sitting in the dark in the steps of my wagon, 178 00:07:25,320 --> 00:07:28,320 I saw Laura and Duke pass arm in arm. 179 00:07:28,320 --> 00:07:32,320 A little later, Robbie on his way to town. 180 00:07:32,320 --> 00:07:35,320 I finished my cigarette and stretched. 181 00:07:35,320 --> 00:07:37,320 It was time. 182 00:07:37,320 --> 00:07:40,320 Bring back those wonderful days. 183 00:07:40,320 --> 00:07:43,320 Bring back those wonderful days. 184 00:07:43,320 --> 00:07:45,320 Hello, Lee. 185 00:07:45,320 --> 00:07:47,320 Oh, you. Have a drink? 186 00:07:47,320 --> 00:07:49,320 Thanks, thanks. 187 00:07:49,320 --> 00:07:51,320 Hey, what's that? A photograph album? 188 00:07:51,320 --> 00:07:53,320 Yeah, I'm looking through some old pictures. 189 00:07:53,320 --> 00:07:56,320 Here's me the day I first did my lion painting. 190 00:07:56,320 --> 00:07:58,320 Good-looking costume. 191 00:07:58,320 --> 00:08:01,320 It wasn't a big success. Stopped so cold. 192 00:08:01,320 --> 00:08:03,320 I'll bet you did. Did you join me? 193 00:08:03,320 --> 00:08:05,320 Good. 194 00:08:05,320 --> 00:08:07,320 See this picture? Me and my cat. 195 00:08:07,320 --> 00:08:12,320 This big one's name was Rondo. Mean cat. But I tanned him. 196 00:08:12,320 --> 00:08:14,320 How many did you work? 197 00:08:14,320 --> 00:08:18,320 30 at one time. And then five tigers. 198 00:08:18,320 --> 00:08:21,320 Greatest thing he ever saw. I think Nora's good. 199 00:08:21,320 --> 00:08:25,320 Should have seen me. I'm as good as I ever was. 200 00:08:25,320 --> 00:08:28,320 Matter of fact, want a note on it? 201 00:08:28,320 --> 00:08:31,320 I'm thinking of going back to it. 202 00:08:31,320 --> 00:08:33,320 Really? Let's have a drink on that. 203 00:08:33,320 --> 00:08:35,320 You know, great, sir. 204 00:08:35,320 --> 00:08:41,320 Never would have left it, you know, if I didn't have more important responsibilities. 205 00:08:41,320 --> 00:08:45,320 Well, it's true. It's true, you'll see. I didn't lose my nerve. 206 00:08:45,320 --> 00:08:51,320 Sure, sure, of course. Why, I bet you could even handle a killer cat like Jezebel. 207 00:08:51,320 --> 00:08:57,320 Jezebel? I could have Jezebel purring inside of five minutes. 208 00:08:57,320 --> 00:09:01,320 Used to work 30 at one time, I tell you. And then five tigers. 209 00:09:01,320 --> 00:09:04,320 Give me that well. 210 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:07,320 I'd build him in a pyramid. It was me. 211 00:09:07,320 --> 00:09:10,320 And it was me. Who hold it? 212 00:09:10,320 --> 00:09:16,320 Now you. You five. And you. And you and you and you. 213 00:09:16,320 --> 00:09:22,320 And there they'd be, with the audience screaming themselves crazy. 214 00:09:22,320 --> 00:09:25,320 I'd like to see an action. Anytime, anytime at all. 215 00:09:25,320 --> 00:09:31,320 Well, how about now? With just Jezebel. 216 00:09:31,320 --> 00:09:34,320 Yeah, that's it, sure. Come on, here. 217 00:09:34,320 --> 00:09:37,320 I'll show you. 218 00:09:37,320 --> 00:09:42,320 You know something? When I'm done with Jezebel, gonna have a little talk with Nora. 219 00:09:42,320 --> 00:09:47,320 Getting out of hand lately. Some women have to be tamed. 220 00:09:47,320 --> 00:10:05,320 Well, I'm the bully boy who can tame them. I can tame anything. Anything, anything at all. 221 00:10:05,320 --> 00:10:13,320 Look at that. Back and forth. Back and forth. 222 00:10:13,320 --> 00:10:17,320 You Jezebel, you. Mean looking, isn't it? 223 00:10:17,320 --> 00:10:19,320 They don't come too mean for you. 224 00:10:19,320 --> 00:10:22,320 You watch me work her over. 225 00:10:22,320 --> 00:10:25,320 I remember the way it used to be. 226 00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:33,320 The ringmaster used to say, ladies and gentlemen, the greatest of them all, Lee Duncan. 227 00:10:33,320 --> 00:10:41,320 And I'd be standing there in the spotlight, all shiny and proud. 228 00:10:41,320 --> 00:10:47,320 Ladies and gentlemen, the greatest of them all, Lee Duncan. 229 00:10:47,320 --> 00:10:52,320 Yeah. You Jezebel, you. 230 00:10:52,320 --> 00:10:57,320 Go ahead, Lee. 231 00:10:57,320 --> 00:10:58,320 I must. 232 00:10:58,320 --> 00:11:00,320 No, no, no, that's not your fault. It's a loose board. 233 00:11:00,320 --> 00:11:08,320 You watch me, Nick. Watch a man. 234 00:11:08,320 --> 00:11:12,320 Take a good look, Jezebel. Take a good look. 235 00:11:12,320 --> 00:11:16,320 I'm, I'm going. 236 00:11:16,320 --> 00:11:20,320 Back, Jezebel. Back. Back. 237 00:11:20,320 --> 00:11:36,320 What am I doing? No, no, Nora. 238 00:11:36,320 --> 00:11:38,320 We buried Lee the next day. 239 00:11:38,320 --> 00:11:42,320 The month later, Duke married Nora and became the sole owner of the circus. 240 00:11:42,320 --> 00:11:52,320 The money made exhibiting Jezebel the man killer almost paid for the banners and posters advertising the Duke Arnold show. 241 00:11:52,320 --> 00:11:55,320 The Duke Arnold show. 242 00:11:55,320 --> 00:12:05,320 I'd see my brother staring at those four little words for minutes at a time, his eyes filled with their wonder and their glory. 243 00:12:05,320 --> 00:12:07,320 Yeah, Duke was a happy man. 244 00:12:07,320 --> 00:12:10,320 Except for one or two little things. 245 00:12:10,320 --> 00:12:12,320 I could kill you, you little punk. 246 00:12:12,320 --> 00:12:14,320 Mom, mom. Stop it, Duke. 247 00:12:14,320 --> 00:12:15,320 What's Robbie done? 248 00:12:15,320 --> 00:12:18,320 I'll tell you what your little Robbie has done. He's made three of the coach kids hand in their notices. 249 00:12:18,320 --> 00:12:22,320 They're leaving. Walking out on the show in the middle of the season because he's been throwing his weight around. 250 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:24,320 Mom, I was only having a little fun. 251 00:12:24,320 --> 00:12:27,320 Fun? Is that what you call it? 252 00:12:27,320 --> 00:12:30,320 Putting me to the trouble and expense of bringing three more girls down if I can find them? 253 00:12:30,320 --> 00:12:34,320 You stay away from my performance, you hear me, panty waist. Leave them alone. 254 00:12:34,320 --> 00:12:36,320 And if I catch you annoying the night again, I'll. 255 00:12:36,320 --> 00:12:38,320 Just calm down. They can hear you all over the lot. 256 00:12:38,320 --> 00:12:40,320 Let them. I'm the boss. 257 00:12:40,320 --> 00:12:42,320 Yeah, and how'd you get to be boss? 258 00:12:42,320 --> 00:12:43,320 You little. 259 00:12:43,320 --> 00:12:45,320 Duke! Duke! 260 00:12:51,320 --> 00:12:55,320 Brother of the owner of the show, I was coming up in the world. 261 00:12:55,320 --> 00:13:01,320 And that began to look at me as though say me for the first time, but it needed more. It wasn't enough. 262 00:13:01,320 --> 00:13:04,320 And then a name popped into my head. 263 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:07,320 Robbie. Yes, Robbie. 264 00:13:07,320 --> 00:13:10,320 Robbie and Duke's murderous temper. 265 00:13:10,320 --> 00:13:13,320 The next afternoon I was in the office working. 266 00:13:13,320 --> 00:13:14,320 Seen Mom? 267 00:13:14,320 --> 00:13:16,320 Ah, come in, Robbie, come in. 268 00:13:16,320 --> 00:13:17,320 Seen Mom? 269 00:13:17,320 --> 00:13:20,320 You know, I've seen someone else. Come on in. 270 00:13:20,320 --> 00:13:21,320 What's up? 271 00:13:21,320 --> 00:13:25,320 I have a message for you from Annette. 272 00:13:25,320 --> 00:13:27,320 No kidding. What? 273 00:13:27,320 --> 00:13:32,320 Ah, you're a lucky guy. She wants to see you in her wagon after tonight's show. 274 00:13:32,320 --> 00:13:33,320 No fool. 275 00:13:33,320 --> 00:13:34,320 Huh? 276 00:13:34,320 --> 00:13:36,320 What do you know about that? 277 00:13:36,320 --> 00:13:42,320 Well, it's about time. That's all I have to say. It's about time. 278 00:13:42,320 --> 00:13:43,320 She sure... 279 00:13:43,320 --> 00:13:47,320 Wait a minute. Are you sure she said Robbie? 280 00:13:47,320 --> 00:13:48,320 Last time I spoke to her... 281 00:13:48,320 --> 00:13:54,320 That's the way some women are. Take their own sweet time. You know what I mean? 282 00:13:54,320 --> 00:13:58,320 Yeah. Thanks a lot, Nick. See you around. 283 00:13:58,320 --> 00:14:00,320 Don't mention it. So long. 284 00:14:00,320 --> 00:14:04,320 In her wagon after tonight's show. 285 00:14:04,320 --> 00:14:07,320 Words. 286 00:14:19,320 --> 00:14:24,320 Autolite is bringing you Mr. Jack Carson in Death Pitch. 287 00:14:24,320 --> 00:14:29,320 Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 288 00:14:29,320 --> 00:14:52,320 I stood in the shadows that night and watched Robbie get ready for his date with Annette. 289 00:14:52,320 --> 00:15:00,320 He spent at least 15 minutes in front of his mirror tying the knot in his tie just so and plastering his hair down with goo. 290 00:15:00,320 --> 00:15:04,320 There was no doubt about it. He was going to make an elegant corpse. 291 00:15:04,320 --> 00:15:06,320 He even winked at himself in the mirror. 292 00:15:06,320 --> 00:15:12,320 He put on his gaudy jacket, took a large box of candy from the table and put out the light. 293 00:15:12,320 --> 00:15:23,320 He came down the steps whistling and swaggering down the line to Annette's wagon. I followed. 294 00:15:23,320 --> 00:15:27,320 Come in. 295 00:15:27,320 --> 00:15:32,320 Hello, dreamy eyes. Here's your Robbie. 296 00:15:32,320 --> 00:15:36,320 Oh, feed it or I'll tell your mother on you. 297 00:15:36,320 --> 00:15:44,320 Look, candy. For you. Five bucks worth. That's the way I am. 298 00:15:44,320 --> 00:15:47,320 How about a little kiss for Robbie? 299 00:15:47,320 --> 00:15:49,320 Go away, little boy. 300 00:15:49,320 --> 00:15:53,320 Sure, sure. You don't have to pretend with Robbie. 301 00:15:53,320 --> 00:15:54,320 See how I mean? 302 00:15:54,320 --> 00:15:55,320 Pretend? 303 00:15:55,320 --> 00:16:04,320 You know. The don't come near me act. For the others, yeah, sure. Why not? But not for little Robbie. 304 00:16:04,320 --> 00:16:06,320 How about that kiss? 305 00:16:06,320 --> 00:16:12,320 If you could only see how funny you look, trying to act like a grown-up man of the world. 306 00:16:12,320 --> 00:16:15,320 Go away, Robbie. Go away. 307 00:16:15,320 --> 00:16:18,320 Come on. Give me a kiss. 308 00:16:18,320 --> 00:16:20,320 You little... 309 00:16:20,320 --> 00:16:21,320 Come here. 310 00:16:21,320 --> 00:16:25,320 Let me go. Let me go. Let me go. 311 00:16:25,320 --> 00:16:28,320 Duke! Duke, over here! 312 00:16:28,320 --> 00:16:29,320 What's going on? 313 00:16:29,320 --> 00:16:30,320 Annette! 314 00:16:30,320 --> 00:16:31,320 Who's your what? 315 00:16:31,320 --> 00:16:33,320 Annette and her wagon. Robbie! 316 00:16:33,320 --> 00:16:36,320 I'll kill that little punk. 317 00:16:36,320 --> 00:16:42,320 Duke! Duke! Duke! Duke! Please! Duke! 318 00:16:42,320 --> 00:16:44,320 Let Duke come back here! 319 00:16:44,320 --> 00:16:47,320 Stop him! Stop him! Stop him! 320 00:16:51,320 --> 00:16:58,320 I ran after them. In the lights of the wagons all down the line, I could see Robbie running, dodging, stumbling over tent ropes, heading straight for Nora and Duke pounding after him. 321 00:16:58,320 --> 00:17:03,320 When I got to her wagon, Robbie was inside, hiding behind her while she tried to keep Duke back with her whip. 322 00:17:03,320 --> 00:17:08,320 Duke, get back! Get back! Get back! 323 00:17:08,320 --> 00:17:10,320 Don't hit me! Don't hit me! 324 00:17:10,320 --> 00:17:17,320 I'll kill him! I'll kill him! Get out of my way! I'll kill him! Get out of my way! 325 00:17:17,320 --> 00:17:19,320 Get off! I'm doing it! 326 00:17:21,320 --> 00:17:26,320 I told you! I told you! I told you! I told you! 327 00:17:26,320 --> 00:17:28,320 Please, please, help me! 328 00:17:28,320 --> 00:17:31,320 Duke! Duke! Nora! Where are you going? 329 00:17:31,320 --> 00:17:32,320 My gun. 330 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:35,320 You wouldn't listen! You wouldn't listen! You wouldn't listen! 331 00:17:41,320 --> 00:17:42,320 Nora! 332 00:17:42,320 --> 00:17:55,320 I couldn't help thinking. In the beginning was the word. 333 00:18:00,320 --> 00:18:05,320 Robbie strangled to death, Duke shot to death, Nora in the jail for manslaughter. Bingo. 334 00:18:05,320 --> 00:18:08,320 All good things come in threes. 335 00:18:08,320 --> 00:18:12,320 That was good to be boss of the Duke Arnold Sergis. 336 00:18:12,320 --> 00:18:16,320 You see, I kept the name in memory of my dear brother. 337 00:18:16,320 --> 00:18:19,320 But Annette wasn't turning to me as I'd planned. 338 00:18:19,320 --> 00:18:23,320 She was growing more and more attractive to Peter Villeneca, Peter the Great. 339 00:18:23,320 --> 00:18:27,320 He had a sureness about him and a cockerous strut that some women find attractive. 340 00:18:27,320 --> 00:18:34,320 If it were possible to describe Peter in one word, that word would be egotist. 341 00:18:34,320 --> 00:18:37,320 He was top star of our show and aware of it. 342 00:18:37,320 --> 00:18:41,320 It wasn't hard to think of the words to use. 343 00:18:41,320 --> 00:18:43,320 You wanted to see me, Nick? 344 00:18:43,320 --> 00:18:45,320 Yeah, yeah, sit down, Pete. 345 00:18:47,320 --> 00:18:52,320 Pete, I was wondering how you'd feel if I gave Annette star billing along with you. 346 00:18:52,320 --> 00:18:54,320 She's getting to be a big drawing card. 347 00:18:54,320 --> 00:18:57,320 Sure, give it to her. She deserves it. I don't mind. 348 00:18:57,320 --> 00:18:59,320 In fact, I'm glad for her. 349 00:18:59,320 --> 00:19:03,320 Is she a bigger draw than me, do you think? 350 00:19:03,320 --> 00:19:05,320 Well, she's right up there with you. You know how it is. 351 00:19:05,320 --> 00:19:09,320 The Marks always like something new and different and she keeps adding new routines. 352 00:19:09,320 --> 00:19:11,320 Yeah, I know. She's good all right. 353 00:19:11,320 --> 00:19:15,320 You think I ought to change my routine a little? 354 00:19:15,320 --> 00:19:18,320 No, no, no, you have a good routine, but... 355 00:19:18,320 --> 00:19:20,320 Well, if I may suggest... 356 00:19:20,320 --> 00:19:21,320 Sure, go ahead. 357 00:19:21,320 --> 00:19:23,320 Your act isn't sensational enough. 358 00:19:23,320 --> 00:19:27,320 After all, even though you are the best of them, escape artists haven't been too much of a novelty since Houdini. 359 00:19:27,320 --> 00:19:29,320 You need some kind of a flash stunt. 360 00:19:29,320 --> 00:19:33,320 Something that'll make the yaps ears flap back and forth with excitement. 361 00:19:33,320 --> 00:19:36,320 Houdini? What did he do I can't do? 362 00:19:36,320 --> 00:19:40,320 Underwater escapes? I can do underwater escapes. 363 00:19:40,320 --> 00:19:41,320 You can? 364 00:19:41,320 --> 00:19:44,320 Well, sure. Don't give me Houdini. 365 00:19:44,320 --> 00:19:47,320 Well, say, how about something like this. 366 00:19:47,320 --> 00:19:53,320 Now, let's say you're handcuffed and then after a thorough search for hidden keys, you get into a crate of some sort. 367 00:19:53,320 --> 00:19:57,320 The crate is sealed and lowered beneath the surface of the water. 368 00:19:57,320 --> 00:20:00,320 A couple of minutes later, your head appears above the surface. 369 00:20:00,320 --> 00:20:04,320 You're out of the cuffs and you're free of the crate, something like that. Could you do it? 370 00:20:04,320 --> 00:20:08,320 Oh, sure. It's just a question of chucking in the cuffs. The rest is only trimming. 371 00:20:08,320 --> 00:20:11,320 Okay, let's do it that way. 372 00:20:11,320 --> 00:20:14,320 Now, you're sure you can handle it? I don't want you to try if it's too dangerous. 373 00:20:14,320 --> 00:20:18,320 I mean, maybe you're not good enough to escape from... 374 00:20:18,320 --> 00:20:20,320 I can escape from anything. 375 00:20:20,320 --> 00:20:25,320 All right, then. By the way, how will you get out of the cuffs, or is that a strict secret? 376 00:20:25,320 --> 00:20:28,320 Master key. I use a master key. 377 00:20:28,320 --> 00:20:32,320 Yeah, but you'll be wearing only bathing trunks. There'll be a search from head to foot. 378 00:20:32,320 --> 00:20:34,320 What do you do? Hide it in your mouth? 379 00:20:34,320 --> 00:20:40,320 They can look at my mouth all they want. No, there's one place they never think of looking, the soles of the feet. 380 00:20:40,320 --> 00:20:43,320 I fasten the key to my arch with flesh-colored tape. 381 00:20:43,320 --> 00:20:45,320 I always wanted... 382 00:20:45,320 --> 00:20:48,320 Well, I'll start working on it right away. Some kind of advanced buildup. 383 00:20:48,320 --> 00:20:50,320 Our next date is Scutterville. 384 00:20:50,320 --> 00:21:03,320 Now, there's a bridge across a pretty large stream right across the street from the fairgrounds. 385 00:21:03,320 --> 00:21:05,320 One of the most outstanding feats ever performed. 386 00:21:05,320 --> 00:21:11,320 You will see Peter, Peter the Great, wild-hand-carved through the impossible right before your very eyes. 387 00:21:11,320 --> 00:21:14,320 Now, folks, you have just seen your Chief of Police search Peter thoroughly. 388 00:21:14,320 --> 00:21:20,320 Chief, come up here, tell the folks, did you discover any keys, pick-lots, or other concealed devices? 389 00:21:20,320 --> 00:21:21,320 I did not. 390 00:21:21,320 --> 00:21:26,320 Thank you. There you are, folks. And now, Peter, step into the casket. 391 00:21:26,320 --> 00:21:27,320 All set, Peter? 392 00:21:27,320 --> 00:21:32,320 Yeah. Nick, you double-check the winch and the rope. I don't want any slip-ups there. 393 00:21:32,320 --> 00:21:34,320 That current's like a runaway horse. 394 00:21:34,320 --> 00:21:37,320 Unless this casket is anchored to the bridge, I am a gun-bidgin'. 395 00:21:37,320 --> 00:21:38,320 I attend it to it personally. 396 00:21:38,320 --> 00:21:43,320 Okay. And remember, if I'm not above water in three minutes, pull me up fast. 397 00:21:43,320 --> 00:21:44,320 Oh. 398 00:21:44,320 --> 00:21:51,320 Hold it, brother, hold it. As you see, the casket containing Peter the Great is being lowered into the raging rapids below. 399 00:21:51,320 --> 00:21:56,320 Will he be able to perform this stupendous feat? Will he be able to wake his self free? 400 00:21:56,320 --> 00:21:59,320 If he does not, the joke is on us. 401 00:22:02,320 --> 00:22:05,320 And there you are, folks. He is now below water. 402 00:22:05,320 --> 00:22:10,320 The casket will soon be resting on the bed of the stream, 54 feet below water. 403 00:22:10,320 --> 00:22:18,320 Notice the strong pull of the current. Let me draw your attention to the manner in which the rope from the casket to the winch is being straightened. 404 00:22:18,320 --> 00:22:20,320 And also notice that... 405 00:22:20,320 --> 00:22:21,320 Ah! 406 00:22:21,320 --> 00:22:25,320 Do something, somebody! Do something! The rope's starting! Do something! 407 00:22:32,320 --> 00:22:36,320 Of course the rope snapped. I attended to it personally. 408 00:22:36,320 --> 00:22:40,320 I turned my back on the crowd and left the bridge a happy man. 409 00:22:40,320 --> 00:22:45,320 There's no greater satisfaction than that afforded by the knowledge of a good job well done. 410 00:22:45,320 --> 00:22:50,320 I had the show. There was only a question of time before I had Annette as well. 411 00:22:50,320 --> 00:22:55,320 She would come to me for guidance, lean on me more and more, and... 412 00:22:55,320 --> 00:22:57,320 Pleasant prospects. 413 00:22:57,320 --> 00:23:06,320 Meanwhile, let us work, we've got it. 414 00:23:06,320 --> 00:23:11,320 A letter to Billboard informing that Bible of the carny world of the unfortunate occurrence of the Scudderville Bridge. 415 00:23:11,320 --> 00:23:14,320 And an ad for a new escape artist for the Duke Arnold Circus. 416 00:23:14,320 --> 00:23:17,320 Ha, ha, words, words. 417 00:23:17,320 --> 00:23:23,320 I draw them to me by words, move them like marionettes in the strings of words. By words I send them away. 418 00:23:23,320 --> 00:23:27,320 It's words that make the world go round. 419 00:23:27,320 --> 00:23:31,320 I sat back in my chair and looked into the future. 420 00:23:31,320 --> 00:23:33,320 The possibilities were infinite. 421 00:23:33,320 --> 00:23:39,320 Stretching far beyond the canvas walls of a small carny show, why I could conquer the world. 422 00:23:39,320 --> 00:23:44,320 Time seemed always to be ripe for a man like me, a man who can manipulate people. 423 00:23:44,320 --> 00:23:49,320 The earth is filled with fools who are open to...suggestion? 424 00:23:49,320 --> 00:23:53,320 If one knows the proper words they listen. 425 00:23:53,320 --> 00:23:54,320 Nick. 426 00:23:54,320 --> 00:23:55,320 Peter? 427 00:23:55,320 --> 00:23:57,320 Surprised, huh? 428 00:23:57,320 --> 00:23:59,320 There's your rope. 429 00:23:59,320 --> 00:24:02,320 The one you attended to personally. 430 00:24:02,320 --> 00:24:04,320 Peter, listen to me, let me explain. 431 00:24:04,320 --> 00:24:11,320 You're naturally upset and excited and I understand what you must be thinking, but please give me a chance to explain, will you? 432 00:24:11,320 --> 00:24:14,320 I just did it to make it look good, I mean more exciting, you know? 433 00:24:14,320 --> 00:24:16,320 You understand, don't you? 434 00:24:16,320 --> 00:24:22,320 I knew the cask would hold a lot of air and enough to give you plenty of time to escape even without the rope, see? 435 00:24:22,320 --> 00:24:23,320 You see what I mean? 436 00:24:23,320 --> 00:24:27,320 Peter, Peter tell me you understand. 437 00:24:27,320 --> 00:24:29,320 Well Annette, you understand, don't you? 438 00:24:29,320 --> 00:24:32,320 Annette, tell him to listen to me. 439 00:24:32,320 --> 00:24:36,320 He can't listen to you, Nick. He can't listen to anyone. 440 00:24:36,320 --> 00:24:38,320 He can't hear at all. 441 00:24:38,320 --> 00:24:40,320 The water pressure down there broke his ear drum. 442 00:24:40,320 --> 00:24:45,320 You can't hear me? You mean my words? 443 00:24:45,320 --> 00:24:47,320 I'm going to kill you. 444 00:24:47,320 --> 00:24:49,320 No, no please stay where you are. 445 00:24:49,320 --> 00:24:52,320 I'll give you half the show. You can have it all. 446 00:24:52,320 --> 00:24:54,320 Don't come any closer. Can't you hear me? 447 00:24:54,320 --> 00:24:56,320 The show, Peter, the show will belong to you. 448 00:24:56,320 --> 00:24:59,320 The show I killed Leifor and Robbie and Duke. 449 00:24:59,320 --> 00:25:02,320 Peter, can't you hear me? Listen to me. 450 00:25:02,320 --> 00:25:22,320 Can't you hear me? 451 00:25:22,320 --> 00:25:28,320 Suspense presented by Auto Light. Tonight's star Mr. Jack Carson. 452 00:25:28,320 --> 00:25:37,320 Friends, this is Harlow Wilcox again to remind you that Auto Light makes over 400 fine products for cars, trucks, planes and boats in 28 plants from coast to coast. 453 00:25:37,320 --> 00:25:43,320 These include complete ignition systems used as original factory equipment on many leading makes of our finest cars. 454 00:25:43,320 --> 00:25:50,320 Generators, coils, distributors, electric windshield wipers, voltage regulators, wire and cable, starting motors and many more. 455 00:25:50,320 --> 00:25:57,320 They're all engineered to fit together perfectly, work together perfectly because they're all part of the Auto Light team. 456 00:25:57,320 --> 00:26:00,320 So friends, don't accept electrical parts supposed to be as good. 457 00:26:00,320 --> 00:26:07,320 Ask for and insist on Auto Light original factory parts at your neighborhood service station, car dealer, garage or repair shop. 458 00:26:07,320 --> 00:26:10,320 Remember, you're always right with Auto Light. 459 00:26:10,320 --> 00:26:18,320 Next week on Suspense you will hear in his first appearance on this program and only dramatic appearance of the season, America's favorite comedian Mr. Jack Benny. 460 00:26:18,320 --> 00:26:25,320 And in weeks to come you will hear such famous stars as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, James Stewart and Ann Baxter. 461 00:26:25,320 --> 00:26:29,320 All on Suspense. 462 00:26:29,320 --> 00:26:35,320 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed by Lucian Morrowick and conducted by Lud Bluskin. 463 00:26:35,320 --> 00:26:38,320 Death Pitch was written for Suspense by Walter Newman. 464 00:26:38,320 --> 00:26:48,320 In tonight's cast, Ed Max was heard as Duke, Francis Chaney as Nora, Georgia Ellis as Annette, Dick Krenna as Robbie, Herb Butterfield as Lee and Joseph Kearns as Peter. 465 00:26:48,320 --> 00:26:51,320 Others in the cast were Eddie Marr and Byron King. 466 00:26:51,320 --> 00:26:56,320 Jack Carson may soon be seen in the universal international picture, The Groom Warspur. 467 00:26:56,320 --> 00:27:05,320 And remember next week on Suspense, Mr. Jack Benny as a man who found $25,000 and death in Murder in G-flat. 468 00:27:05,320 --> 00:27:20,320 You can buy world famous Auto Light resistive type or standard type spark plugs, Auto Light safe hold batteries, 469 00:27:20,320 --> 00:27:23,320 Auto Light electrical parts at your neighborhood Auto Light dealers. 470 00:27:23,320 --> 00:27:26,320 Switch to Auto Light. Good night. 471 00:27:26,320 --> 00:27:29,320 Strengthen your future as America strengthens hers. 472 00:27:29,320 --> 00:27:31,320 Join the National Guard. 473 00:27:31,320 --> 00:27:34,320 You'll be well trained with and by men from your own hometown. 474 00:27:34,320 --> 00:27:36,320 And you'll be well paid. 475 00:27:36,320 --> 00:27:40,320 If you're over 17, get the story from your nearest National Guard headquarters. 476 00:27:40,320 --> 00:27:57,320 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.