WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:13.000 Auto Light and its 96,000 dealers present Suspense. 00:13.000 --> 00:20.800 Tonight, Auto Light brings you the story of a man who talked to death all those who stood 00:20.800 --> 00:22.400 in the way of what he wanted. 00:22.400 --> 00:32.100 A story we call Death Pitch, starring Mr. Jack Carson. 00:32.100 --> 00:35.600 Hey there's Sam, my friendly Auto Light spark plug man. 00:35.600 --> 00:36.600 Hiya Sam. 00:36.600 --> 00:37.600 Shhh. 00:37.600 --> 00:38.600 Hello Mr. Wilcox. 00:38.600 --> 00:39.600 What are you doing? 00:39.600 --> 00:40.600 Hunting. 00:40.600 --> 00:41.600 Hunting for what? 00:41.600 --> 00:43.520 For cars that have lost their pep and power. 00:43.520 --> 00:45.880 Cars that are slow and jerky in traffic. 00:45.880 --> 00:47.600 Cars that are not up to par on the hill. 00:47.600 --> 00:49.080 Ah, you can't kid me Sam. 00:49.080 --> 00:53.280 I know you're looking for worn out spark plugs because they're usually the cause of all those 00:53.280 --> 00:54.280 troubles. 00:54.280 --> 00:55.280 You bet I am Harlow. 00:55.280 --> 00:59.400 And when I'm through, you ought to see those cars zoom out of here with the smoothness 00:59.400 --> 01:01.160 of a trout going after a meal. 01:01.160 --> 01:05.200 Well Sam, that's because all Auto Light spark plug dealers have the exclusive Auto Light 01:05.200 --> 01:09.680 plug check indicator to help recommend the best type of spark plug for every car and 01:09.680 --> 01:11.240 every style of driving. 01:11.240 --> 01:16.000 Plus all the tools and equipment to offer the best spark plug service money can buy. 01:16.000 --> 01:19.480 And when replacements are needed, Auto Light spark plug dealers are the only ones that 01:19.480 --> 01:23.280 can offer you Auto Light standard or resistor type spark plugs. 01:23.280 --> 01:27.000 The spark plugs that are ignition engineered to work as a perfect team with your car's 01:27.000 --> 01:28.000 ignition system. 01:28.000 --> 01:32.000 So friends, look for your friendly Auto Light spark plug dealer this week. 01:32.000 --> 01:35.840 And remember, you're always right with Auto Light. 01:35.840 --> 01:41.240 And now with Death Pitch and the performance of Mr. Jack Carson, Auto Light hopes once 01:41.240 --> 01:47.240 again to keep you in suspense. 01:47.240 --> 01:52.080 That morning I decided to talk to death all those between me and what I wanted. 01:52.080 --> 01:55.320 I would talk and they would listen and die. 01:55.320 --> 01:56.320 Words. 01:56.320 --> 01:59.640 Words are what makes the world go round. 01:59.640 --> 02:03.480 People dangle on words like marionettes and a string. 02:03.480 --> 02:07.160 Step a little closer folks and they step a little closer. 02:07.160 --> 02:11.440 Each is skilled three chances per dime and they pay their dimes. 02:11.440 --> 02:16.320 Hurry, hurry, hurry and they do hurry to obey. 02:16.320 --> 02:18.120 Words. 02:18.120 --> 02:21.760 That morning I was standing as I often stood just inside the entrance to the big top. 02:21.760 --> 02:24.880 My head back watching and that's rehearsed. 02:24.880 --> 02:27.480 I love to watch trapeze artists. 02:27.480 --> 02:30.720 What ease, what confidence. 02:30.720 --> 02:34.360 But so far above me, out of my reach in more ways than one. 02:34.360 --> 02:39.400 But if I own the show, yes I Nick Arnold. 02:39.400 --> 02:40.400 If I own the show. 02:40.400 --> 02:42.640 Nick, Nick snap out of it. 02:42.640 --> 02:44.640 Always dreaming all the time in the fog. 02:44.640 --> 02:46.000 Meet Peter Falentin, Peter the Great. 02:46.000 --> 02:47.000 He's with it now. 02:47.000 --> 02:48.000 Pete, my brother Nick. 02:48.000 --> 02:49.000 Hello there. 02:49.000 --> 02:52.680 Peter the, oh yes, yes I think I caught your act in Dallas last season. 02:52.680 --> 02:55.200 Escape artist, wriggle out of change in handcuffs. 02:55.200 --> 02:56.600 That's a good act. 02:56.600 --> 02:58.000 Pete's wagon ready for him Nick. 02:58.000 --> 02:59.640 Well don't go blank on me. 02:59.640 --> 03:01.000 Didn't I tell you to get a wagon ready for him? 03:01.000 --> 03:02.440 Where's he gonna bunk if he has no wagon? 03:02.440 --> 03:04.520 You didn't tell me Duke, you told Lee to take care of it. 03:04.520 --> 03:06.280 If I don't do everything myself nothing gets done. 03:06.280 --> 03:09.160 As if I didn't have my hands full already, now I have to drop everything and find an 03:09.160 --> 03:10.160 empty wagon. 03:10.160 --> 03:12.680 Pete, you wait here, we'll see about your wagon. 03:12.680 --> 03:13.680 Come on, come on Nick. 03:13.680 --> 03:14.680 See you around Pete. 03:14.680 --> 03:15.680 Yeah. 03:15.680 --> 03:16.680 Come on, come on walk. 03:16.680 --> 03:17.680 Walk a little faster. 03:17.680 --> 03:18.680 I don't have all day. 03:18.680 --> 03:23.040 Lee, the fine partner that loopy rum hound is. 03:23.040 --> 03:25.000 Gets half the profits and leaves me all the grief. 03:25.000 --> 03:26.560 Yeah, he'd be lost without you Duke. 03:26.560 --> 03:27.960 I gotta do this, I gotta do that. 03:27.960 --> 03:30.800 Fire, fire, square the badges, everything. 03:30.800 --> 03:31.800 And does he cooperate? 03:31.800 --> 03:32.800 Bring back those wonderful things. 03:32.800 --> 03:33.800 Hear that, he's barreled again. 03:33.800 --> 03:34.800 Bring back those wonderful things. 03:34.800 --> 03:35.800 Lee. 03:35.800 --> 03:36.800 What's the matter Duke? 03:36.800 --> 03:37.800 Are you mad about something? 03:37.800 --> 03:38.800 You lush, you rum dumb. 03:38.800 --> 03:39.800 The Star Rack joins the outfit and there's no wagon ready for him. 03:39.800 --> 03:40.800 Oh man, I'm sorry about that Duke, it just slipped my mind. 03:40.800 --> 03:41.800 Really, you're sorry huh, it's just dandy. 03:41.800 --> 03:42.800 Look, I'm finished. 03:42.800 --> 03:43.800 One of us has to get out. 03:43.800 --> 03:44.800 I want you to sell your half to me. 03:44.800 --> 03:45.800 Sell? 03:45.800 --> 03:46.800 Yeah. 03:46.800 --> 03:47.800 Why, I don't know I can do that Duke. 03:47.800 --> 03:48.800 This show has always belonged to my family, my friends. 03:48.800 --> 03:49.800 I'm sorry. 03:49.800 --> 03:50.800 I'm sorry. 03:50.800 --> 03:51.800 I'm sorry. 03:51.800 --> 03:52.800 I'm sorry. 03:52.800 --> 03:53.800 I'm sorry. 03:53.800 --> 03:54.800 I'm sorry. 03:54.800 --> 03:55.800 I'm sorry. 03:55.800 --> 03:56.800 I'm sorry. 03:56.800 --> 04:01.840 Well, well I don't know I can do that Duke, this show has always belonged to my family, 04:01.840 --> 04:03.440 my grandfather started it. 04:03.440 --> 04:05.140 It belonged to my father. 04:05.140 --> 04:10.160 I broke into show business with his circus as a lion tamer. 04:10.160 --> 04:11.160 Mr.pping the sore.... 04:11.160 --> 04:12.160 I couldn't sell it. 04:12.160 --> 04:15.040 It don't impress me, the fine lion tamer you must have been. 04:15.040 --> 04:17.520 You get claws once, your nerve breaks and you don't go near a cat for 15 years. 04:17.560 --> 04:19.600 That's not true, I was a good lion tamer. 04:19.800 --> 04:21.880 Why did you give it up then? 04:21.880 --> 04:26.320 Because of my other responsibility, yes. 04:26.320 --> 04:31.320 Running this show and looking after my wife and raising my son Robbie. 04:31.320 --> 04:35.320 Not pro to the sparrows. You don't run this show. I do. 04:35.320 --> 04:38.320 You don't look after Nora. She looks after you. Yeah. 04:38.320 --> 04:40.320 She's a better tamer than you ever was. 04:40.320 --> 04:42.320 Because she's got the muck. 04:42.320 --> 04:45.320 No! Please leave me something. 04:45.320 --> 04:51.320 Incredible. A few words, mere whims, and a grown man powers like a whip dog. 04:51.320 --> 04:53.320 Oh, words. 04:53.320 --> 04:57.320 Okay. You won't sell out to me? Buy me out. 04:57.320 --> 05:00.320 No, Duke, please. Take your sloppy hands off me. 05:00.320 --> 05:05.320 Oh, please. You're the only one who can run the show. 05:05.320 --> 05:06.320 What's going on here? 05:06.320 --> 05:09.320 Nora, Nora. I said what's going on? 05:09.320 --> 05:10.320 I'm talking to you, Duke. 05:10.320 --> 05:12.320 I don't talk business with them. 05:12.320 --> 05:15.320 I've still got a performer out there waiting for a wife. 05:15.320 --> 05:18.320 I'll see about that right now. 05:18.320 --> 05:20.320 Go ahead, Lee. I'll take care of it. 05:20.320 --> 05:25.320 I'll take care of it myself, but I have to get away. 05:25.320 --> 05:27.320 All right. 05:27.320 --> 05:31.320 No dice, Nora. He won't buy and he won't sell. 05:31.320 --> 05:33.320 I told you he wouldn't. 05:33.320 --> 05:37.320 Duke. Duke, don't bear down too hard on him. 05:37.320 --> 05:40.320 He really used to be something at once. 05:40.320 --> 05:45.320 I'm sorry. Working with him is like trying to crack a whip underwater. I lose my temper. 05:45.320 --> 05:48.320 You look tired, baby. 05:48.320 --> 05:51.320 Well, I've been trying to work Jezebel all morning. 05:51.320 --> 05:55.320 It's no use. She's turned killer cat. We'll have to shoot her. 05:55.320 --> 05:57.320 Come here and give me a kiss. 05:57.320 --> 06:01.320 Duke. That's only Nick. 06:01.320 --> 06:06.320 You're going to fade into the background once too often, brother. 06:06.320 --> 06:08.320 Feed it. 06:08.320 --> 06:10.320 Lee. 06:10.320 --> 06:13.320 I decided then to start with Lee. 06:13.320 --> 06:17.320 With Lee gone, Duke would have Nora and the show for himself. 06:17.320 --> 06:20.320 It would fatten him like a chrysalis turkey. 06:20.320 --> 06:23.320 And then, the axe. 06:23.320 --> 06:24.320 Hi, Nick. 06:24.320 --> 06:26.320 Oh, hello. Hello. And that way you're going? 06:26.320 --> 06:28.320 To the cookhouse. Walk me over. 06:28.320 --> 06:30.320 Was that you down there watching me rehearse this morning? 06:30.320 --> 06:31.320 Yeah. 06:31.320 --> 06:32.320 What do you think? 06:32.320 --> 06:33.320 You're getting big. 06:33.320 --> 06:35.320 I'm going to go get some food. 06:35.320 --> 06:38.320 Here comes Robbie. Pretend we don't see him. 06:38.320 --> 06:40.320 But if I own the show, I'd make you the... 06:40.320 --> 06:43.320 Hello, dreamy eyes. You got a smile for Robbie? 06:43.320 --> 06:45.320 You grab my arm again and I'll... 06:45.320 --> 06:48.320 When are you going to give me the green light, dreamy eyes? 06:48.320 --> 06:50.320 Come on. 06:50.320 --> 06:53.320 I hate that... that... 06:53.320 --> 06:55.320 Just because Lee's his father, he thinks... 06:55.320 --> 06:58.320 Always trying to play footsie under the table in the cookhouse. 06:58.320 --> 07:00.320 I hate that. 07:00.320 --> 07:02.320 I hate that. 07:02.320 --> 07:05.320 Always trying to play footsie under the table in the cookhouse. 07:05.320 --> 07:07.320 Want me to take care of him? 07:07.320 --> 07:10.320 You. I can take care of myself. 07:10.320 --> 07:12.320 Look, they're rolling a new wagon next to mine. 07:12.320 --> 07:16.320 Yeah, we have a new star act. Peter the Great. Escape artist. 07:16.320 --> 07:19.320 Oh. Well, see you later, Nick. 07:22.320 --> 07:25.320 Well, that night, sitting in the dark in the steps of my wagon, 07:25.320 --> 07:28.320 I saw Laura and Duke pass arm in arm. 07:28.320 --> 07:32.320 A little later, Robbie on his way to town. 07:32.320 --> 07:35.320 I finished my cigarette and stretched. 07:35.320 --> 07:37.320 It was time. 07:37.320 --> 07:40.320 Bring back those wonderful days. 07:40.320 --> 07:43.320 Bring back those wonderful days. 07:43.320 --> 07:45.320 Hello, Lee. 07:45.320 --> 07:47.320 Oh, you. Have a drink? 07:47.320 --> 07:49.320 Thanks, thanks. 07:49.320 --> 07:51.320 Hey, what's that? A photograph album? 07:51.320 --> 07:53.320 Yeah, I'm looking through some old pictures. 07:53.320 --> 07:56.320 Here's me the day I first did my lion painting. 07:56.320 --> 07:58.320 Good-looking costume. 07:58.320 --> 08:01.320 It wasn't a big success. Stopped so cold. 08:01.320 --> 08:03.320 I'll bet you did. Did you join me? 08:03.320 --> 08:05.320 Good. 08:05.320 --> 08:07.320 See this picture? Me and my cat. 08:07.320 --> 08:12.320 This big one's name was Rondo. Mean cat. But I tanned him. 08:12.320 --> 08:14.320 How many did you work? 08:14.320 --> 08:18.320 30 at one time. And then five tigers. 08:18.320 --> 08:21.320 Greatest thing he ever saw. I think Nora's good. 08:21.320 --> 08:25.320 Should have seen me. I'm as good as I ever was. 08:25.320 --> 08:28.320 Matter of fact, want a note on it? 08:28.320 --> 08:31.320 I'm thinking of going back to it. 08:31.320 --> 08:33.320 Really? Let's have a drink on that. 08:33.320 --> 08:35.320 You know, great, sir. 08:35.320 --> 08:41.320 Never would have left it, you know, if I didn't have more important responsibilities. 08:41.320 --> 08:45.320 Well, it's true. It's true, you'll see. I didn't lose my nerve. 08:45.320 --> 08:51.320 Sure, sure, of course. Why, I bet you could even handle a killer cat like Jezebel. 08:51.320 --> 08:57.320 Jezebel? I could have Jezebel purring inside of five minutes. 08:57.320 --> 09:01.320 Used to work 30 at one time, I tell you. And then five tigers. 09:01.320 --> 09:04.320 Give me that well. 09:04.320 --> 09:07.320 I'd build him in a pyramid. It was me. 09:07.320 --> 09:10.320 And it was me. Who hold it? 09:10.320 --> 09:16.320 Now you. You five. And you. And you and you and you. 09:16.320 --> 09:22.320 And there they'd be, with the audience screaming themselves crazy. 09:22.320 --> 09:25.320 I'd like to see an action. Anytime, anytime at all. 09:25.320 --> 09:31.320 Well, how about now? With just Jezebel. 09:31.320 --> 09:34.320 Yeah, that's it, sure. Come on, here. 09:34.320 --> 09:37.320 I'll show you. 09:37.320 --> 09:42.320 You know something? When I'm done with Jezebel, gonna have a little talk with Nora. 09:42.320 --> 09:47.320 Getting out of hand lately. Some women have to be tamed. 09:47.320 --> 10:05.320 Well, I'm the bully boy who can tame them. I can tame anything. Anything, anything at all. 10:05.320 --> 10:13.320 Look at that. Back and forth. Back and forth. 10:13.320 --> 10:17.320 You Jezebel, you. Mean looking, isn't it? 10:17.320 --> 10:19.320 They don't come too mean for you. 10:19.320 --> 10:22.320 You watch me work her over. 10:22.320 --> 10:25.320 I remember the way it used to be. 10:25.320 --> 10:33.320 The ringmaster used to say, ladies and gentlemen, the greatest of them all, Lee Duncan. 10:33.320 --> 10:41.320 And I'd be standing there in the spotlight, all shiny and proud. 10:41.320 --> 10:47.320 Ladies and gentlemen, the greatest of them all, Lee Duncan. 10:47.320 --> 10:52.320 Yeah. You Jezebel, you. 10:52.320 --> 10:57.320 Go ahead, Lee. 10:57.320 --> 10:58.320 I must. 10:58.320 --> 11:00.320 No, no, no, that's not your fault. It's a loose board. 11:00.320 --> 11:08.320 You watch me, Nick. Watch a man. 11:08.320 --> 11:12.320 Take a good look, Jezebel. Take a good look. 11:12.320 --> 11:16.320 I'm, I'm going. 11:16.320 --> 11:20.320 Back, Jezebel. Back. Back. 11:20.320 --> 11:36.320 What am I doing? No, no, Nora. 11:36.320 --> 11:38.320 We buried Lee the next day. 11:38.320 --> 11:42.320 The month later, Duke married Nora and became the sole owner of the circus. 11:42.320 --> 11:52.320 The money made exhibiting Jezebel the man killer almost paid for the banners and posters advertising the Duke Arnold show. 11:52.320 --> 11:55.320 The Duke Arnold show. 11:55.320 --> 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. 12:05.320 --> 12:07.320 Yeah, Duke was a happy man. 12:07.320 --> 12:10.320 Except for one or two little things. 12:10.320 --> 12:12.320 I could kill you, you little punk. 12:12.320 --> 12:14.320 Mom, mom. Stop it, Duke. 12:14.320 --> 12:15.320 What's Robbie done? 12:15.320 --> 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. 12:18.320 --> 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. 12:22.320 --> 12:24.320 Mom, I was only having a little fun. 12:24.320 --> 12:27.320 Fun? Is that what you call it? 12:27.320 --> 12:30.320 Putting me to the trouble and expense of bringing three more girls down if I can find them? 12:30.320 --> 12:34.320 You stay away from my performance, you hear me, panty waist. Leave them alone. 12:34.320 --> 12:36.320 And if I catch you annoying the night again, I'll. 12:36.320 --> 12:38.320 Just calm down. They can hear you all over the lot. 12:38.320 --> 12:40.320 Let them. I'm the boss. 12:40.320 --> 12:42.320 Yeah, and how'd you get to be boss? 12:42.320 --> 12:43.320 You little. 12:43.320 --> 12:45.320 Duke! Duke! 12:51.320 --> 12:55.320 Brother of the owner of the show, I was coming up in the world. 12:55.320 --> 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. 13:01.320 --> 13:04.320 And then a name popped into my head. 13:04.320 --> 13:07.320 Robbie. Yes, Robbie. 13:07.320 --> 13:10.320 Robbie and Duke's murderous temper. 13:10.320 --> 13:13.320 The next afternoon I was in the office working. 13:13.320 --> 13:14.320 Seen Mom? 13:14.320 --> 13:16.320 Ah, come in, Robbie, come in. 13:16.320 --> 13:17.320 Seen Mom? 13:17.320 --> 13:20.320 You know, I've seen someone else. Come on in. 13:20.320 --> 13:21.320 What's up? 13:21.320 --> 13:25.320 I have a message for you from Annette. 13:25.320 --> 13:27.320 No kidding. What? 13:27.320 --> 13:32.320 Ah, you're a lucky guy. She wants to see you in her wagon after tonight's show. 13:32.320 --> 13:33.320 No fool. 13:33.320 --> 13:34.320 Huh? 13:34.320 --> 13:36.320 What do you know about that? 13:36.320 --> 13:42.320 Well, it's about time. That's all I have to say. It's about time. 13:42.320 --> 13:43.320 She sure... 13:43.320 --> 13:47.320 Wait a minute. Are you sure she said Robbie? 13:47.320 --> 13:48.320 Last time I spoke to her... 13:48.320 --> 13:54.320 That's the way some women are. Take their own sweet time. You know what I mean? 13:54.320 --> 13:58.320 Yeah. Thanks a lot, Nick. See you around. 13:58.320 --> 14:00.320 Don't mention it. So long. 14:00.320 --> 14:04.320 In her wagon after tonight's show. 14:04.320 --> 14:07.320 Words. 14:19.320 --> 14:24.320 Autolite is bringing you Mr. Jack Carson in Death Pitch. 14:24.320 --> 14:29.320 Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 14:29.320 --> 14:52.320 I stood in the shadows that night and watched Robbie get ready for his date with Annette. 14:52.320 --> 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. 15:00.320 --> 15:04.320 There was no doubt about it. He was going to make an elegant corpse. 15:04.320 --> 15:06.320 He even winked at himself in the mirror. 15:06.320 --> 15:12.320 He put on his gaudy jacket, took a large box of candy from the table and put out the light. 15:12.320 --> 15:23.320 He came down the steps whistling and swaggering down the line to Annette's wagon. I followed. 15:23.320 --> 15:27.320 Come in. 15:27.320 --> 15:32.320 Hello, dreamy eyes. Here's your Robbie. 15:32.320 --> 15:36.320 Oh, feed it or I'll tell your mother on you. 15:36.320 --> 15:44.320 Look, candy. For you. Five bucks worth. That's the way I am. 15:44.320 --> 15:47.320 How about a little kiss for Robbie? 15:47.320 --> 15:49.320 Go away, little boy. 15:49.320 --> 15:53.320 Sure, sure. You don't have to pretend with Robbie. 15:53.320 --> 15:54.320 See how I mean? 15:54.320 --> 15:55.320 Pretend? 15:55.320 --> 16:04.320 You know. The don't come near me act. For the others, yeah, sure. Why not? But not for little Robbie. 16:04.320 --> 16:06.320 How about that kiss? 16:06.320 --> 16:12.320 If you could only see how funny you look, trying to act like a grown-up man of the world. 16:12.320 --> 16:15.320 Go away, Robbie. Go away. 16:15.320 --> 16:18.320 Come on. Give me a kiss. 16:18.320 --> 16:20.320 You little... 16:20.320 --> 16:21.320 Come here. 16:21.320 --> 16:25.320 Let me go. Let me go. Let me go. 16:25.320 --> 16:28.320 Duke! Duke, over here! 16:28.320 --> 16:29.320 What's going on? 16:29.320 --> 16:30.320 Annette! 16:30.320 --> 16:31.320 Who's your what? 16:31.320 --> 16:33.320 Annette and her wagon. Robbie! 16:33.320 --> 16:36.320 I'll kill that little punk. 16:36.320 --> 16:42.320 Duke! Duke! Duke! Duke! Please! Duke! 16:42.320 --> 16:44.320 Let Duke come back here! 16:44.320 --> 16:47.320 Stop him! Stop him! Stop him! 16:51.320 --> 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. 16:58.320 --> 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. 17:03.320 --> 17:08.320 Duke, get back! Get back! Get back! 17:08.320 --> 17:10.320 Don't hit me! Don't hit me! 17:10.320 --> 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! 17:17.320 --> 17:19.320 Get off! I'm doing it! 17:21.320 --> 17:26.320 I told you! I told you! I told you! I told you! 17:26.320 --> 17:28.320 Please, please, help me! 17:28.320 --> 17:31.320 Duke! Duke! Nora! Where are you going? 17:31.320 --> 17:32.320 My gun. 17:32.320 --> 17:35.320 You wouldn't listen! You wouldn't listen! You wouldn't listen! 17:41.320 --> 17:42.320 Nora! 17:42.320 --> 17:55.320 I couldn't help thinking. In the beginning was the word. 18:00.320 --> 18:05.320 Robbie strangled to death, Duke shot to death, Nora in the jail for manslaughter. Bingo. 18:05.320 --> 18:08.320 All good things come in threes. 18:08.320 --> 18:12.320 That was good to be boss of the Duke Arnold Sergis. 18:12.320 --> 18:16.320 You see, I kept the name in memory of my dear brother. 18:16.320 --> 18:19.320 But Annette wasn't turning to me as I'd planned. 18:19.320 --> 18:23.320 She was growing more and more attractive to Peter Villeneca, Peter the Great. 18:23.320 --> 18:27.320 He had a sureness about him and a cockerous strut that some women find attractive. 18:27.320 --> 18:34.320 If it were possible to describe Peter in one word, that word would be egotist. 18:34.320 --> 18:37.320 He was top star of our show and aware of it. 18:37.320 --> 18:41.320 It wasn't hard to think of the words to use. 18:41.320 --> 18:43.320 You wanted to see me, Nick? 18:43.320 --> 18:45.320 Yeah, yeah, sit down, Pete. 18:47.320 --> 18:52.320 Pete, I was wondering how you'd feel if I gave Annette star billing along with you. 18:52.320 --> 18:54.320 She's getting to be a big drawing card. 18:54.320 --> 18:57.320 Sure, give it to her. She deserves it. I don't mind. 18:57.320 --> 18:59.320 In fact, I'm glad for her. 18:59.320 --> 19:03.320 Is she a bigger draw than me, do you think? 19:03.320 --> 19:05.320 Well, she's right up there with you. You know how it is. 19:05.320 --> 19:09.320 The Marks always like something new and different and she keeps adding new routines. 19:09.320 --> 19:11.320 Yeah, I know. She's good all right. 19:11.320 --> 19:15.320 You think I ought to change my routine a little? 19:15.320 --> 19:18.320 No, no, no, you have a good routine, but... 19:18.320 --> 19:20.320 Well, if I may suggest... 19:20.320 --> 19:21.320 Sure, go ahead. 19:21.320 --> 19:23.320 Your act isn't sensational enough. 19:23.320 --> 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. 19:27.320 --> 19:29.320 You need some kind of a flash stunt. 19:29.320 --> 19:33.320 Something that'll make the yaps ears flap back and forth with excitement. 19:33.320 --> 19:36.320 Houdini? What did he do I can't do? 19:36.320 --> 19:40.320 Underwater escapes? I can do underwater escapes. 19:40.320 --> 19:41.320 You can? 19:41.320 --> 19:44.320 Well, sure. Don't give me Houdini. 19:44.320 --> 19:47.320 Well, say, how about something like this. 19:47.320 --> 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. 19:53.320 --> 19:57.320 The crate is sealed and lowered beneath the surface of the water. 19:57.320 --> 20:00.320 A couple of minutes later, your head appears above the surface. 20:00.320 --> 20:04.320 You're out of the cuffs and you're free of the crate, something like that. Could you do it? 20:04.320 --> 20:08.320 Oh, sure. It's just a question of chucking in the cuffs. The rest is only trimming. 20:08.320 --> 20:11.320 Okay, let's do it that way. 20:11.320 --> 20:14.320 Now, you're sure you can handle it? I don't want you to try if it's too dangerous. 20:14.320 --> 20:18.320 I mean, maybe you're not good enough to escape from... 20:18.320 --> 20:20.320 I can escape from anything. 20:20.320 --> 20:25.320 All right, then. By the way, how will you get out of the cuffs, or is that a strict secret? 20:25.320 --> 20:28.320 Master key. I use a master key. 20:28.320 --> 20:32.320 Yeah, but you'll be wearing only bathing trunks. There'll be a search from head to foot. 20:32.320 --> 20:34.320 What do you do? Hide it in your mouth? 20:34.320 --> 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. 20:40.320 --> 20:43.320 I fasten the key to my arch with flesh-colored tape. 20:43.320 --> 20:45.320 I always wanted... 20:45.320 --> 20:48.320 Well, I'll start working on it right away. Some kind of advanced buildup. 20:48.320 --> 20:50.320 Our next date is Scutterville. 20:50.320 --> 21:03.320 Now, there's a bridge across a pretty large stream right across the street from the fairgrounds. 21:03.320 --> 21:05.320 One of the most outstanding feats ever performed. 21:05.320 --> 21:11.320 You will see Peter, Peter the Great, wild-hand-carved through the impossible right before your very eyes. 21:11.320 --> 21:14.320 Now, folks, you have just seen your Chief of Police search Peter thoroughly. 21:14.320 --> 21:20.320 Chief, come up here, tell the folks, did you discover any keys, pick-lots, or other concealed devices? 21:20.320 --> 21:21.320 I did not. 21:21.320 --> 21:26.320 Thank you. There you are, folks. And now, Peter, step into the casket. 21:26.320 --> 21:27.320 All set, Peter? 21:27.320 --> 21:32.320 Yeah. Nick, you double-check the winch and the rope. I don't want any slip-ups there. 21:32.320 --> 21:34.320 That current's like a runaway horse. 21:34.320 --> 21:37.320 Unless this casket is anchored to the bridge, I am a gun-bidgin'. 21:37.320 --> 21:38.320 I attend it to it personally. 21:38.320 --> 21:43.320 Okay. And remember, if I'm not above water in three minutes, pull me up fast. 21:43.320 --> 21:44.320 Oh. 21:44.320 --> 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. 21:51.320 --> 21:56.320 Will he be able to perform this stupendous feat? Will he be able to wake his self free? 21:56.320 --> 21:59.320 If he does not, the joke is on us. 22:02.320 --> 22:05.320 And there you are, folks. He is now below water. 22:05.320 --> 22:10.320 The casket will soon be resting on the bed of the stream, 54 feet below water. 22:10.320 --> 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. 22:18.320 --> 22:20.320 And also notice that... 22:20.320 --> 22:21.320 Ah! 22:21.320 --> 22:25.320 Do something, somebody! Do something! The rope's starting! Do something! 22:32.320 --> 22:36.320 Of course the rope snapped. I attended to it personally. 22:36.320 --> 22:40.320 I turned my back on the crowd and left the bridge a happy man. 22:40.320 --> 22:45.320 There's no greater satisfaction than that afforded by the knowledge of a good job well done. 22:45.320 --> 22:50.320 I had the show. There was only a question of time before I had Annette as well. 22:50.320 --> 22:55.320 She would come to me for guidance, lean on me more and more, and... 22:55.320 --> 22:57.320 Pleasant prospects. 22:57.320 --> 23:06.320 Meanwhile, let us work, we've got it. 23:06.320 --> 23:11.320 A letter to Billboard informing that Bible of the carny world of the unfortunate occurrence of the Scudderville Bridge. 23:11.320 --> 23:14.320 And an ad for a new escape artist for the Duke Arnold Circus. 23:14.320 --> 23:17.320 Ha, ha, words, words. 23:17.320 --> 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. 23:23.320 --> 23:27.320 It's words that make the world go round. 23:27.320 --> 23:31.320 I sat back in my chair and looked into the future. 23:31.320 --> 23:33.320 The possibilities were infinite. 23:33.320 --> 23:39.320 Stretching far beyond the canvas walls of a small carny show, why I could conquer the world. 23:39.320 --> 23:44.320 Time seemed always to be ripe for a man like me, a man who can manipulate people. 23:44.320 --> 23:49.320 The earth is filled with fools who are open to...suggestion? 23:49.320 --> 23:53.320 If one knows the proper words they listen. 23:53.320 --> 23:54.320 Nick. 23:54.320 --> 23:55.320 Peter? 23:55.320 --> 23:57.320 Surprised, huh? 23:57.320 --> 23:59.320 There's your rope. 23:59.320 --> 24:02.320 The one you attended to personally. 24:02.320 --> 24:04.320 Peter, listen to me, let me explain. 24:04.320 --> 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? 24:11.320 --> 24:14.320 I just did it to make it look good, I mean more exciting, you know? 24:14.320 --> 24:16.320 You understand, don't you? 24:16.320 --> 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? 24:22.320 --> 24:23.320 You see what I mean? 24:23.320 --> 24:27.320 Peter, Peter tell me you understand. 24:27.320 --> 24:29.320 Well Annette, you understand, don't you? 24:29.320 --> 24:32.320 Annette, tell him to listen to me. 24:32.320 --> 24:36.320 He can't listen to you, Nick. He can't listen to anyone. 24:36.320 --> 24:38.320 He can't hear at all. 24:38.320 --> 24:40.320 The water pressure down there broke his ear drum. 24:40.320 --> 24:45.320 You can't hear me? You mean my words? 24:45.320 --> 24:47.320 I'm going to kill you. 24:47.320 --> 24:49.320 No, no please stay where you are. 24:49.320 --> 24:52.320 I'll give you half the show. You can have it all. 24:52.320 --> 24:54.320 Don't come any closer. Can't you hear me? 24:54.320 --> 24:56.320 The show, Peter, the show will belong to you. 24:56.320 --> 24:59.320 The show I killed Leifor and Robbie and Duke. 24:59.320 --> 25:02.320 Peter, can't you hear me? Listen to me. 25:02.320 --> 25:22.320 Can't you hear me? 25:22.320 --> 25:28.320 Suspense presented by Auto Light. Tonight's star Mr. Jack Carson. 25:28.320 --> 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. 25:37.320 --> 25:43.320 These include complete ignition systems used as original factory equipment on many leading makes of our finest cars. 25:43.320 --> 25:50.320 Generators, coils, distributors, electric windshield wipers, voltage regulators, wire and cable, starting motors and many more. 25:50.320 --> 25:57.320 They're all engineered to fit together perfectly, work together perfectly because they're all part of the Auto Light team. 25:57.320 --> 26:00.320 So friends, don't accept electrical parts supposed to be as good. 26:00.320 --> 26:07.320 Ask for and insist on Auto Light original factory parts at your neighborhood service station, car dealer, garage or repair shop. 26:07.320 --> 26:10.320 Remember, you're always right with Auto Light. 26:10.320 --> 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. 26:18.320 --> 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. 26:25.320 --> 26:29.320 All on Suspense. 26:29.320 --> 26:35.320 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed by Lucian Morrowick and conducted by Lud Bluskin. 26:35.320 --> 26:38.320 Death Pitch was written for Suspense by Walter Newman. 26:38.320 --> 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. 26:48.320 --> 26:51.320 Others in the cast were Eddie Marr and Byron King. 26:51.320 --> 26:56.320 Jack Carson may soon be seen in the universal international picture, The Groom Warspur. 26:56.320 --> 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. 27:05.320 --> 27:20.320 You can buy world famous Auto Light resistive type or standard type spark plugs, Auto Light safe hold batteries, 27:20.320 --> 27:23.320 Auto Light electrical parts at your neighborhood Auto Light dealers. 27:23.320 --> 27:26.320 Switch to Auto Light. Good night. 27:26.320 --> 27:29.320 Strengthen your future as America strengthens hers. 27:29.320 --> 27:31.320 Join the National Guard. 27:31.320 --> 27:34.320 You'll be well trained with and by men from your own hometown. 27:34.320 --> 27:36.320 And you'll be well paid. 27:36.320 --> 27:40.320 If you're over 17, get the story from your nearest National Guard headquarters. 27:40.320 --> 27:57.320 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.