1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,600 You are about to hear a story suggested by actual events. 2 00:00:05,600 --> 00:00:10,600 So that no innocent person shall suffer, names and places have been changed. 3 00:00:10,600 --> 00:00:21,600 Auto Light and its 96,000 dealers bring you a story from the front pages of our great 4 00:00:21,600 --> 00:00:23,440 metropolitan newspapers. 5 00:00:23,440 --> 00:00:25,760 A story taken from life. 6 00:00:25,760 --> 00:00:30,760 Tonight's presentation of Suspense. 7 00:00:30,760 --> 00:00:40,120 Tonight, Auto Light presents Mr. James Mason as the greatest thief in the world. 8 00:00:40,120 --> 00:00:44,760 An astounding case drawn from the unclosed files of Scotland Yard. 9 00:00:44,760 --> 00:00:49,760 Si, si, come in, sita, si. 10 00:00:49,760 --> 00:00:50,760 Hi, Pepito. 11 00:00:50,760 --> 00:00:51,760 Why the worried look? 12 00:00:51,760 --> 00:00:52,760 Oh, Senor Wilcox, I'm sorry. 13 00:00:52,760 --> 00:00:57,760 Well, my car, she's jerky and my wife come and sita, he's mad. 14 00:00:57,760 --> 00:00:59,760 Oh, maybe it's worn out spark plugs. 15 00:00:59,760 --> 00:01:01,760 Come and sita the spark plug? 16 00:01:01,760 --> 00:01:02,760 No, no, no. 17 00:01:02,760 --> 00:01:06,760 I mean, if your car's spark plugs are worn out, it's liable to hop the highway like a 18 00:01:06,760 --> 00:01:10,760 hiccuping hippo and start sluggish as a sleepy snail. 19 00:01:10,760 --> 00:01:12,760 Ah, but what to do, Senor? 20 00:01:12,760 --> 00:01:16,760 Why, get that badly behaving buggy to your nearest Auto Light spark plug dealer. 21 00:01:16,760 --> 00:01:21,760 His exclusive Auto Light plug check indicator is a little bit more than a little bit more 22 00:01:21,760 --> 00:01:22,760 than a spark plug. 23 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:25,760 That plug check indicator will show the exact condition of your spark plugs and whether 24 00:01:25,760 --> 00:01:27,760 they're right for your type driving. 25 00:01:27,760 --> 00:01:31,760 If cleaning or adjustments are needed, he's got all the equipment to give you the best 26 00:01:31,760 --> 00:01:34,760 spark plug service money can buy. 27 00:01:34,760 --> 00:01:35,760 Si, si. 28 00:01:35,760 --> 00:01:37,760 But what if they are worn out? 29 00:01:37,760 --> 00:01:41,760 Then your Auto Light spark plug dealer will install a set of standard or resistor type 30 00:01:41,760 --> 00:01:47,760 ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs to give you smoother performance, quick starts, 31 00:01:47,760 --> 00:01:48,760 and gas savings. 32 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:55,760 See your Auto Light spark plug dealer soon, because you're always right with Auto Light. 33 00:01:55,760 --> 00:02:02,760 And now, with the greatest thief in the world and the performance of Mr. James Mason, Auto 34 00:02:02,760 --> 00:02:17,760 Light hopes once again to keep you in suspense. 35 00:02:17,760 --> 00:02:23,760 Files of criminal record office in Scotland Yard contain two bulky folders, one relating 36 00:02:23,760 --> 00:02:28,760 to the evidence against Peter Marriott, the other against a criminal known only as the 37 00:02:28,760 --> 00:02:30,760 Squire. 38 00:02:30,760 --> 00:02:34,760 Concerning Peter Marriott, we are in possession of a number of facts. 39 00:02:34,760 --> 00:02:40,760 Some we gain through our own investigations, others through interested parties. 40 00:02:40,760 --> 00:02:43,760 Concerning the Squire, we know a good deal less. 41 00:02:43,760 --> 00:02:48,760 That for some five years he committed jewel thefts amounting to half a million pounds 42 00:02:48,760 --> 00:02:49,760 is common knowledge. 43 00:02:49,760 --> 00:02:55,760 That at no time until the end did we find one scrap of evidence is further stated in 44 00:02:55,760 --> 00:02:56,760 the file. 45 00:02:56,760 --> 00:03:01,760 The question that the Yard has not been able to satisfactorily answer is whether Peter 46 00:03:01,760 --> 00:03:05,760 Marriott and the Squire are one and the same. 47 00:03:05,760 --> 00:03:08,760 The case is a mathematical fantasy. 48 00:03:08,760 --> 00:03:13,760 For example, we know that Peter Marriott attended a shooting party in West Riding as 49 00:03:13,760 --> 00:03:16,760 the guest of Sir Leslie and Lady Bandridge. 50 00:03:16,760 --> 00:03:31,760 We know the gist of what transpired, but was the Squire present at that time? 51 00:03:31,760 --> 00:03:32,760 Good shooting, Marriott. 52 00:03:32,760 --> 00:03:33,760 Thank you, sir. 53 00:03:33,760 --> 00:03:35,760 Blessed if I know how you do it. 54 00:03:35,760 --> 00:03:38,760 Every time I get a shot at them, those blinking parties seem to know it's me. 55 00:03:38,760 --> 00:03:39,760 It's just bad luck, sir. 56 00:03:39,760 --> 00:03:40,760 It'll get better. 57 00:03:40,760 --> 00:03:41,760 But they do, you know. 58 00:03:41,760 --> 00:03:43,760 They fly off screaming with laughter. 59 00:03:43,760 --> 00:03:44,760 It's old Bandridge. 60 00:03:44,760 --> 00:03:45,760 Come on, you chaps. 61 00:03:45,760 --> 00:03:46,760 Nothing to worry about. 62 00:03:46,760 --> 00:03:47,760 Really, sir. 63 00:03:47,760 --> 00:03:48,760 Oh, well, perhaps tomorrow. 64 00:03:48,760 --> 00:03:49,760 I'm for a drink. 65 00:03:49,760 --> 00:03:50,760 Right, sure. 66 00:03:50,760 --> 00:03:53,760 By the way, I've been meaning to ask you ever since you got here. 67 00:03:53,760 --> 00:03:54,760 I kept slipping my mind. 68 00:03:54,760 --> 00:03:57,760 Anything new in London about that Squire chap? 69 00:03:57,760 --> 00:04:00,760 I don't think so, sir, not since his last haul. 70 00:04:00,760 --> 00:04:03,760 You've heard about him up here, too, eh? 71 00:04:03,760 --> 00:04:05,760 Who doesn't hear about him? 72 00:04:05,760 --> 00:04:07,760 It's a disgrace, I tell you. 73 00:04:07,760 --> 00:04:09,760 I've written a letter to the Times. 74 00:04:09,760 --> 00:04:10,760 Parliament should do something. 75 00:04:10,760 --> 00:04:12,760 I understand Scotland Yards up a tree. 76 00:04:12,760 --> 00:04:13,760 Duff bunglers. 77 00:04:13,760 --> 00:04:14,760 Not like the old days. 78 00:04:14,760 --> 00:04:16,760 Catch the man, give him a horse-whipping. 79 00:04:16,760 --> 00:04:18,760 Then send him to Dartmoor. 80 00:04:18,760 --> 00:04:19,760 That's what we would have done. 81 00:04:19,760 --> 00:04:21,760 They say he's quite clever. 82 00:04:21,760 --> 00:04:22,760 Clever? 83 00:04:22,760 --> 00:04:23,760 Nonsense. 84 00:04:23,760 --> 00:04:25,760 They were making a hero of the Blighter. 85 00:04:25,760 --> 00:04:26,760 The Squire. 86 00:04:26,760 --> 00:04:27,760 Impudent Squire. 87 00:04:27,760 --> 00:04:28,760 Ha! 88 00:04:28,760 --> 00:04:29,760 Man is not a gentleman. 89 00:04:29,760 --> 00:04:31,760 Just a blasted little jewel thief. 90 00:04:31,760 --> 00:04:35,760 I don't imagine the Honourable Percy Pindell considers him little. 91 00:04:35,760 --> 00:04:37,760 Oh, yes, that was the last one, wasn't it? 92 00:04:37,760 --> 00:04:40,760 According to the paper, 20,000 pounds. 93 00:04:40,760 --> 00:04:42,760 An emerald necklace and two diamond rings. 94 00:04:42,760 --> 00:04:43,760 Percy's a fool. 95 00:04:43,760 --> 00:04:44,760 I always told him so, too. 96 00:04:44,760 --> 00:04:47,760 A child could have opened that safe of his. 97 00:04:47,760 --> 00:04:50,760 I'd like to see this Squire try his game with me. 98 00:04:50,760 --> 00:04:52,760 Be a different story, I can tell you. 99 00:04:52,760 --> 00:04:54,760 I imagine that it would. 100 00:04:54,760 --> 00:04:58,760 By the way, didn't you tell me that you used to dabble in the diamond market? 101 00:04:58,760 --> 00:04:59,760 A few years ago, sir. 102 00:04:59,760 --> 00:05:01,760 Nothing much. 103 00:05:01,760 --> 00:05:05,760 This evening, I must show you one or two nice little things I bought Lady Pamela in Italy. 104 00:05:05,760 --> 00:05:07,760 I'd love to see them, sir. 105 00:05:14,760 --> 00:05:18,760 Two days after the shooting party, Sir Leslie Banbridge reported that jewels, 106 00:05:18,760 --> 00:05:23,760 a magic to the sum of 8,000 pounds, had been stolen from his safe. 107 00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:25,760 It was the Squire's work. 108 00:05:25,760 --> 00:05:28,760 No prints, just the unmistakable. 109 00:05:28,760 --> 00:05:33,760 It's just the unmistakable method that had tantalized us for five years. 110 00:05:33,760 --> 00:05:36,760 At that time, there was no more reason to suspect Peter Marriott 111 00:05:36,760 --> 00:05:40,760 than the other 18 guests, all of whom had seen the jewels in question. 112 00:05:40,760 --> 00:05:45,760 We know now that there was a girl in Peter Marriott's life. 113 00:05:45,760 --> 00:05:59,760 A girl whom we felt to be a rather odd acquaintance for a man in his position. 114 00:05:59,760 --> 00:06:00,760 Hello, Ginny. 115 00:06:00,760 --> 00:06:01,760 Where have you been? 116 00:06:01,760 --> 00:06:03,760 Thought you was coming by last week. 117 00:06:03,760 --> 00:06:04,760 I'm sorry, I was away. 118 00:06:04,760 --> 00:06:05,760 With brass knobs on. 119 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:10,760 Honestly, I brought you a present. 120 00:06:10,760 --> 00:06:11,760 You have? 121 00:06:11,760 --> 00:06:13,760 You are a duck. 122 00:06:13,760 --> 00:06:15,760 I've missed you. 123 00:06:15,760 --> 00:06:16,760 Forgive me? 124 00:06:16,760 --> 00:06:21,760 Don't I always give us a kiss? 125 00:06:21,760 --> 00:06:25,760 You have missed me, haven't you? 126 00:06:25,760 --> 00:06:26,760 Where's the present? 127 00:06:26,760 --> 00:06:30,760 Here. 128 00:06:30,760 --> 00:06:32,760 Oh, Peter. 129 00:06:32,760 --> 00:06:35,760 Oh, it's lovely. 130 00:06:35,760 --> 00:06:37,760 Thanks ever so. 131 00:06:37,760 --> 00:06:38,760 Is it real? 132 00:06:38,760 --> 00:06:39,760 Absolutely. 133 00:06:39,760 --> 00:06:41,760 You couldn't find a better ruby anywhere. 134 00:06:41,760 --> 00:06:43,760 It doesn't look real. 135 00:06:43,760 --> 00:06:45,760 Take my word for it, it is. 136 00:06:45,760 --> 00:06:47,760 How lovely. 137 00:06:47,760 --> 00:06:48,760 You shouldn't have, though. 138 00:06:48,760 --> 00:06:49,760 Must have cost a packet. 139 00:06:49,760 --> 00:06:52,760 You're my girl, aren't you? 140 00:06:52,760 --> 00:06:55,760 Look, you see this parcel I've got here? 141 00:06:55,760 --> 00:06:57,760 Will you keep this for me, just for a little while? 142 00:06:57,760 --> 00:06:59,760 Oh, what is it? 143 00:06:59,760 --> 00:07:00,760 Nothing important. 144 00:07:00,760 --> 00:07:01,760 You don't have to open it. 145 00:07:01,760 --> 00:07:02,760 I wouldn't. 146 00:07:02,760 --> 00:07:06,760 As a matter of fact, it's like the other parcel I gave you a few months ago. 147 00:07:06,760 --> 00:07:08,760 Go on, pictures. 148 00:07:08,760 --> 00:07:09,760 That's why. 149 00:07:09,760 --> 00:07:17,760 You'll get in trouble one of these days, you will. 150 00:07:17,760 --> 00:07:18,760 I don't believe you. 151 00:07:18,760 --> 00:07:20,760 I bet there's aren't pictures in there. 152 00:07:20,760 --> 00:07:21,760 Oh. 153 00:07:21,760 --> 00:07:23,760 What do you really do? 154 00:07:23,760 --> 00:07:24,760 I mean for a living. 155 00:07:24,760 --> 00:07:26,760 I've told you, nothing very much. 156 00:07:26,760 --> 00:07:27,760 Stock exchange. 157 00:07:27,760 --> 00:07:28,760 I have some money. 158 00:07:28,760 --> 00:07:29,760 Why? 159 00:07:29,760 --> 00:07:30,760 I just wondered. 160 00:07:30,760 --> 00:07:32,760 What made you wonder? 161 00:07:32,760 --> 00:07:35,760 I think maybe you're a bit shady. 162 00:07:35,760 --> 00:07:37,760 What an odd thought. 163 00:07:37,760 --> 00:07:38,760 Is it? 164 00:07:38,760 --> 00:07:39,760 What makes it so odd? 165 00:07:39,760 --> 00:07:41,760 Why don't you ever take me nowhere? 166 00:07:41,760 --> 00:07:44,760 Why do you always have to meet here, never go dancing, no nothing? 167 00:07:44,760 --> 00:07:46,760 Isn't it nicer this way? 168 00:07:46,760 --> 00:07:47,760 No, it ain't. 169 00:07:47,760 --> 00:07:50,760 You're ashamed of me because I'm not swell like you. 170 00:07:50,760 --> 00:07:52,760 Jenny, it isn't that. 171 00:07:52,760 --> 00:07:55,760 It's only that I want to be with you alone. 172 00:07:55,760 --> 00:07:57,760 What do you want me to say, then? 173 00:07:57,760 --> 00:07:58,760 I don't know. 174 00:07:58,760 --> 00:08:00,760 There's something funny about you. 175 00:08:00,760 --> 00:08:01,760 Oh. 176 00:08:01,760 --> 00:08:04,760 A man was here the other day. 177 00:08:04,760 --> 00:08:05,760 A man? 178 00:08:05,760 --> 00:08:06,760 Who? 179 00:08:06,760 --> 00:08:07,760 What do you mean? 180 00:08:07,760 --> 00:08:09,760 Oh, so there is something. 181 00:08:09,760 --> 00:08:12,760 Jenny, tell me about it. 182 00:08:12,760 --> 00:08:15,760 Well, he was just asking about the gent what visited me last time. 183 00:08:15,760 --> 00:08:17,760 That was you, Peter. 184 00:08:17,760 --> 00:08:18,760 What did he say? 185 00:08:18,760 --> 00:08:21,760 I told him I wasn't in the habit of gassing with strangers and off it. 186 00:08:21,760 --> 00:08:22,760 What did he look like? 187 00:08:22,760 --> 00:08:26,760 Look here, I don't like the way you're talking, like a ruddy copper. 188 00:08:26,760 --> 00:08:28,760 I don't think I'm going to tell you anything. 189 00:08:28,760 --> 00:08:29,760 I'm sorry, Jenny. 190 00:08:29,760 --> 00:08:31,760 Please, go on. 191 00:08:31,760 --> 00:08:33,760 No, I don't feel like it. 192 00:08:33,760 --> 00:08:37,760 Now, look, I've got to know. It's important. 193 00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:40,760 Well, 999, after please. 194 00:08:42,760 --> 00:08:44,760 I think you'd better tell me. 195 00:08:44,760 --> 00:08:45,760 You hit me. 196 00:08:45,760 --> 00:08:47,760 What did he look like? 197 00:08:49,760 --> 00:08:51,760 Jenny? 198 00:08:51,760 --> 00:08:56,760 Well, he was your height, maybe a little thinner, with black hair. 199 00:08:56,760 --> 00:08:57,760 How was he dressed? 200 00:08:57,760 --> 00:08:59,760 I don't know. 201 00:08:59,760 --> 00:09:00,760 All right, I suppose. 202 00:09:00,760 --> 00:09:03,760 Grey overcoat, bowler. 203 00:09:03,760 --> 00:09:06,760 He wasn't a copper, I don't think, if that's what you're worrying about. 204 00:09:06,760 --> 00:09:07,760 Too polite. 205 00:09:07,760 --> 00:09:08,760 Any name? 206 00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:09,760 No. 207 00:09:09,760 --> 00:09:12,760 Said he was a friend of yours from abroad. 208 00:09:12,760 --> 00:09:16,760 Said when I saw you to say something about Canada and you'd know what he meant. 209 00:09:16,760 --> 00:09:19,760 It can't be. He's dead. 210 00:09:19,760 --> 00:09:21,760 It can't be. 211 00:09:21,760 --> 00:09:25,760 Immediately following the Banbridge robbery, the Squire was inactive. 212 00:09:25,760 --> 00:09:31,760 We kept an eye out for the stolen jewels, but as in the past, there was no sign of them. 213 00:09:31,760 --> 00:09:39,760 However, we learnt one interesting fact, that Peter Marriott had attended several parties given by victims of the Squire. 214 00:09:39,760 --> 00:09:43,760 Although it was a very slight chance and quite possibly coincidental, 215 00:09:43,760 --> 00:09:48,760 we felt it advisable to wait until the next morning to see if he had been killed. 216 00:09:48,760 --> 00:09:51,760 Although it was a slight possibility and quite possibly coincidental, 217 00:09:51,760 --> 00:09:55,760 we felt it advisable to assign a plainclothesman to watch him. 218 00:09:55,760 --> 00:10:01,760 On September 7th, 1949, the detective made his routine report. 219 00:10:01,760 --> 00:10:05,760 Followed suspect to Larnes Tea Shop, Notting Hill Gate. 220 00:10:05,760 --> 00:10:08,760 He sat at a corner table, alone. 221 00:10:08,760 --> 00:10:11,760 Five minutes later, he was joined by another man. 222 00:10:11,760 --> 00:10:19,760 Hello, Peter Marriott. 223 00:10:19,760 --> 00:10:23,760 Hello. Sit down. 224 00:10:23,760 --> 00:10:29,760 I don't think I'd have recognized you. You've had quite a job done on your face, haven't you? 225 00:10:29,760 --> 00:10:30,760 Yes. 226 00:10:30,760 --> 00:10:33,760 Well, rather like old times, huh? 227 00:10:33,760 --> 00:10:35,760 What happened? I thought you... 228 00:10:35,760 --> 00:10:38,760 No, not now, my dear fellow. It's a long story. Don't worry, you'll hear about it. 229 00:10:38,760 --> 00:10:40,760 How long have you been in London? 230 00:10:40,760 --> 00:10:43,760 Oh, ages. Nearly six years. 231 00:10:43,760 --> 00:10:45,760 Funny you took so long getting in touch. 232 00:10:45,760 --> 00:10:49,760 Isn't it? You look prosperous, I must say. 233 00:10:49,760 --> 00:10:51,760 So do you. 234 00:10:51,760 --> 00:10:54,760 I suppose that girl told you I'd been inquiring. 235 00:10:54,760 --> 00:10:55,760 Yes. 236 00:10:55,760 --> 00:10:59,760 I thought it best to make sure one doesn't want to make mistakes, does one? 237 00:10:59,760 --> 00:11:02,760 Look here, get to the point. What do you want? 238 00:11:02,760 --> 00:11:08,760 Same dear fellow, aren't you? All right. First, what about my name? 239 00:11:08,760 --> 00:11:13,760 I thought you were dead. No harm there. You know, I couldn't use my own name after I left Canada. 240 00:11:13,760 --> 00:11:18,760 Yes, but my dear fellow, Peter Marriott. Well, there can't be two of us, you know. 241 00:11:18,760 --> 00:11:19,760 Why not? 242 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:25,760 Well, because when I found out five years ago that you were calling yourself that, I had to change my name to something else. 243 00:11:25,760 --> 00:11:26,760 Well? 244 00:11:26,760 --> 00:11:29,760 Well, now I think I want my own back. 245 00:11:29,760 --> 00:11:32,760 You can have it. There must be more than a few Peter Marriott's in the world. 246 00:11:32,760 --> 00:11:38,760 Definitely. But we're special, you and I. Very special. 247 00:11:38,760 --> 00:11:39,760 Go on. 248 00:11:39,760 --> 00:11:45,760 You see, I've been reading a lot about you. You're quite a top. Races, hunt balls and all that. 249 00:11:45,760 --> 00:11:52,760 Oh yes, I followed you very closely. You can be of great help to me, old man. Great help indeed. 250 00:11:52,760 --> 00:11:54,760 What's the game? 251 00:11:54,760 --> 00:11:58,760 We can do business together. Just like old times. 252 00:11:58,760 --> 00:12:00,760 I don't think so. 253 00:12:00,760 --> 00:12:05,760 But I do. You and I. And the squad. 254 00:12:12,760 --> 00:12:18,760 For the next month, well into October, Peter Marriott, as a suspect, became a dud. 255 00:12:18,760 --> 00:12:24,760 He led an exemplary life. And we began to feel that once again we'd made a mistake. 256 00:12:24,760 --> 00:12:28,760 He attended several parties and no robbery attempts followed. 257 00:12:28,760 --> 00:12:36,760 However, it was two days after a ball given by a wealthy sportsman that our detective assigned to Marriott made his report. 258 00:12:36,760 --> 00:12:43,760 October 28th. Suspect left his flat at 5.30 p.m. and walked towards Tube Station. 259 00:12:43,760 --> 00:12:50,760 Followed but lost him. Cannot be certain whether this move was purposeful or not on his part. 260 00:12:51,760 --> 00:12:53,760 Is that the house? 261 00:12:53,760 --> 00:12:54,760 Yes. 262 00:12:54,760 --> 00:12:56,760 Well, you're not going to drive up to it, are you? 263 00:12:56,760 --> 00:12:58,760 Okay. I didn't ask you to come along, you know. 264 00:12:58,760 --> 00:13:01,760 Well, I suppose you know what you're doing. 265 00:13:03,760 --> 00:13:05,760 You can stay here. 266 00:13:05,760 --> 00:13:08,760 There are lights on in there. 267 00:13:08,760 --> 00:13:10,760 Sevens quarter. 268 00:13:10,760 --> 00:13:12,760 What do I say if a bobby comes along? 269 00:13:12,760 --> 00:13:16,760 See that switch under the dash? Flick it. Then step on the starter. 270 00:13:16,760 --> 00:13:19,760 The motor won't catch. You can say you're having motor trouble. 271 00:13:19,760 --> 00:13:26,760 All right. 272 00:14:19,760 --> 00:14:21,760 Come on. Did you get it? 273 00:14:21,760 --> 00:14:23,760 Come on. She won't catch. 274 00:14:23,760 --> 00:14:25,760 The ignition, you bloody fool. 275 00:14:25,760 --> 00:14:28,760 Oh. Did you get it? 276 00:14:28,760 --> 00:14:31,760 You don't think I went in there for a cup of tea, do you? 277 00:14:31,760 --> 00:14:50,760 Of course I got it. 278 00:15:01,760 --> 00:15:11,760 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. James Mason with Pamela Colino in The Greatest Thief in the World. 279 00:15:11,760 --> 00:15:17,760 Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 280 00:15:27,760 --> 00:15:29,760 Hey, Senor Wilcott. 281 00:15:29,760 --> 00:15:38,760 Well, Pepito, from the smooth, salubrious and satisfying sound of that engine, you must have visited your Auto Light spark plug dealer. 282 00:15:38,760 --> 00:15:44,760 Si, si. He took out the worn out spark plugs and put in Auto Light spark plugs. 283 00:15:44,760 --> 00:15:48,760 Now my car is happy as a turtle dove and so is my wife. 284 00:15:48,760 --> 00:15:55,760 Why sure, because those ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs are the hep, hardy and harmonious hustlers 285 00:15:55,760 --> 00:16:04,760 designed by the same Auto Light engineers who build complete ignition systems for many leading makes of our finest cars, trucks and tractors. 286 00:16:04,760 --> 00:16:07,760 For a ride sweet as a Sunday siesta. 287 00:16:07,760 --> 00:16:13,760 Right you are. So friends, have your spark plugs checked regularly by your neighborhood Auto Light spark plug dealer. 288 00:16:13,760 --> 00:16:17,760 He's the expert on spark plug cleaning and adjustments. 289 00:16:17,760 --> 00:16:23,760 And he'll replace worn out spark plugs with world famous ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs, 290 00:16:23,760 --> 00:16:30,760 either standard or resistor type for smoother performance, quick starts and gas savings. 291 00:16:30,760 --> 00:16:37,760 You said it, Mrs. Pepito. You're always right with Auto Light. 292 00:16:37,760 --> 00:16:43,760 And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage, Mr. James Mason, 293 00:16:43,760 --> 00:16:48,760 in Elliot Lewis's production of The Greatest Thief in the World. 294 00:16:48,760 --> 00:16:54,760 A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 295 00:17:07,760 --> 00:17:15,760 Once again the squire had struck, this time to the tune of 14,000 pounds in Oriental jewels. 296 00:17:15,760 --> 00:17:21,760 Once again the resources of Scotland Yard were unable to discover one shred of evidence. 297 00:17:21,760 --> 00:17:27,760 It was useless to bring Peter Marriott in for questioning because we had no proof of his complicity. 298 00:17:27,760 --> 00:17:33,760 There was nothing to do but intensify our surveillance and hope that a piece of the stolen jewelry would turn up, 299 00:17:33,760 --> 00:17:37,760 or that one of our informers would uncover something. 300 00:17:37,760 --> 00:17:45,760 On November 26, 1949, Marriott drove down to Kent and the estate of Lord Simon Leddington. 301 00:17:45,760 --> 00:17:51,760 Again, we had no knowledge of the conversation that took place during that visit. 302 00:17:51,760 --> 00:17:57,760 I say Joan. Hello. Just running over to Paddock Wood. Want to come? Love to. 303 00:17:57,760 --> 00:17:59,760 Hop in. 304 00:17:59,760 --> 00:18:07,760 Headache? Murderous. Too much for me last night. 305 00:18:07,760 --> 00:18:09,760 Take an aspirin. You'll need it for tonight. 306 00:18:09,760 --> 00:18:12,760 If I have one more hot-buttered rum, I'll die. 307 00:18:12,760 --> 00:18:17,760 Not you, Peter. I say, Daddy was furious with me this morning. 308 00:18:17,760 --> 00:18:19,760 Oh? Why? 309 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:21,760 Well, for behaving the way I did with you. 310 00:18:21,760 --> 00:18:26,760 He saw us kissing in the playroom. Said I had no right to lead you on, 311 00:18:26,760 --> 00:18:29,760 but you were a very nice young man and deserved a better fate. 312 00:18:29,760 --> 00:18:31,760 His lordship was a discerning man. 313 00:18:31,760 --> 00:18:33,760 Peter? 314 00:18:33,760 --> 00:18:36,760 What were you doing in the library this morning? 315 00:18:36,760 --> 00:18:38,760 Nothing. Why? 316 00:18:38,760 --> 00:18:43,760 Well, I saw you looking at the safe. Just like a burglar. Very suspicious. 317 00:18:43,760 --> 00:18:47,760 Rubbish. Probably nothing in it, anyway. 318 00:18:47,760 --> 00:18:51,760 Besides, no self-respecting cracksman would touch a thing like that. It's too easy to open. 319 00:18:51,760 --> 00:18:53,760 I bet the Squire would. 320 00:18:53,760 --> 00:18:57,760 He was a very frank amateur. He learned everything from me. 321 00:18:57,760 --> 00:18:59,760 Do you want anything in the village? 322 00:18:59,760 --> 00:19:02,760 Drop me at a pillow box. I've got a couple of cards to post. 323 00:19:02,760 --> 00:19:05,760 Right. I'll meet you in half an hour outside the cinema. 324 00:19:10,760 --> 00:19:16,760 Our man followed Marriott when he left Lady Joan Leadington's car in Paddock Wood. 325 00:19:16,760 --> 00:19:21,760 He posted two cards, then strolled down the road to the Hotel Rackham. 326 00:19:21,760 --> 00:19:25,760 When he went into the tavern, our man remained outside. 327 00:19:28,760 --> 00:19:29,760 What'll you have, sir? 328 00:19:29,760 --> 00:19:30,760 Double scotch. 329 00:19:30,760 --> 00:19:31,760 Johnny Walker, sir? 330 00:19:31,760 --> 00:19:32,760 All right. 331 00:19:32,760 --> 00:19:34,760 Right, cheer water. 332 00:19:35,760 --> 00:19:38,760 Bit of pre-Christmas cheer, huh? 333 00:19:38,760 --> 00:19:42,760 I don't like this. Outside. See? In the mirror. 334 00:19:42,760 --> 00:19:44,760 Ah. 335 00:19:44,760 --> 00:19:47,760 I think the man from the yard. I've noticed him hanging about. 336 00:19:47,760 --> 00:19:50,760 That won't do at all. What does it look like in the house? 337 00:19:50,760 --> 00:19:53,760 The devil should I know. Give me time, can't you? 338 00:19:53,760 --> 00:19:55,760 A bit touchy, aren't you? 339 00:19:55,760 --> 00:19:59,760 My dear old boy, in this business one can't get nerdy. You ought to know that. 340 00:19:59,760 --> 00:20:01,760 You should have stayed in London. 341 00:20:01,760 --> 00:20:05,760 No, it's better this way. We can keep an eye on one another. 342 00:20:05,760 --> 00:20:07,760 Oh, that's not a buck you have. 343 00:20:07,760 --> 00:20:09,760 Double scotch, sir. 344 00:20:09,760 --> 00:20:13,760 On November 30th, Marriott returned to London. 345 00:20:13,760 --> 00:20:18,760 We had an idea that he'd contacted someone in Rackham Hotel Tavern. 346 00:20:18,760 --> 00:20:23,760 Possibly the elusive stranger we knew to be meeting Marriott from time to time. 347 00:20:23,760 --> 00:20:26,760 In any event, we kept a man at Paddock Wood. 348 00:20:26,760 --> 00:20:30,760 No attempt was made during the next three weeks upon Lord Lettington's house. 349 00:20:30,760 --> 00:20:33,760 And we kept a man at the house. 350 00:20:33,760 --> 00:20:40,760 On December 21st, it was noted that Peter Marriott visited Virginia Hibbert in Hammersmith at a late hour. 351 00:20:40,760 --> 00:20:44,760 You really have no consideration for me at all, really. 352 00:20:44,760 --> 00:20:46,760 You haven't found time the night to come calling. 353 00:20:46,760 --> 00:20:49,760 I'm sorry, Ginny, but I had to talk to you. 354 00:20:49,760 --> 00:20:51,760 Oh? What's up? 355 00:20:51,760 --> 00:20:55,760 Please listen. I may have to go away. 356 00:20:55,760 --> 00:20:58,760 I'm sorry, Ginny, but I had to talk to you. 357 00:20:58,760 --> 00:21:00,760 Oh? What's up? 358 00:21:00,760 --> 00:21:05,760 I may have to go away. I may not be able to see you again. 359 00:21:05,760 --> 00:21:06,760 Not ever? 360 00:21:06,760 --> 00:21:10,760 Ever. You're a good girl. 361 00:21:10,760 --> 00:21:14,760 Sometimes I haven't been kind, but I've always known that I could trust you. 362 00:21:14,760 --> 00:21:16,760 It hasn't just been making use of you. 363 00:21:16,760 --> 00:21:18,760 I hope not. 364 00:21:18,760 --> 00:21:22,760 Ginny, that man who came to ask you about me... 365 00:21:22,760 --> 00:21:24,760 Has he got something to do with it? 366 00:21:24,760 --> 00:21:27,760 Yes. I knew him a long time ago in Canada. 367 00:21:27,760 --> 00:21:28,760 Oh. 368 00:21:28,760 --> 00:21:30,760 We worked together. 369 00:21:30,760 --> 00:21:32,760 It was in a mining town. 370 00:21:32,760 --> 00:21:35,760 One night there was a game, a poker game. 371 00:21:35,760 --> 00:21:37,760 It ended in a fight. 372 00:21:37,760 --> 00:21:40,760 My face was badly slashed and I... I shot a man. 373 00:21:40,760 --> 00:21:41,760 Lummy. 374 00:21:41,760 --> 00:21:45,760 I ran away and a doctor did a plastic surgery job on my face. 375 00:21:45,760 --> 00:21:47,760 I changed my name too. 376 00:21:47,760 --> 00:21:50,760 The bloke who came back, is he the one you... 377 00:21:50,760 --> 00:21:53,760 No, no, no. The man I shot was a miner. 378 00:21:53,760 --> 00:21:56,760 The fellow who came back was the one I worked with. 379 00:21:56,760 --> 00:21:58,760 I thought he'd been killed in the fight. 380 00:21:58,760 --> 00:21:59,760 Oh. 381 00:21:59,760 --> 00:22:02,760 Now you see why I was afraid when you told me about him. 382 00:22:02,760 --> 00:22:04,760 He knows about that man that I killed. 383 00:22:04,760 --> 00:22:06,760 The dirty rotter blackmailing you, eh? 384 00:22:06,760 --> 00:22:08,760 Yes, that's right, Ginny. 385 00:22:08,760 --> 00:22:10,760 I'm going to have to do something about it. 386 00:22:10,760 --> 00:22:12,760 The police are following me. 387 00:22:12,760 --> 00:22:15,760 So you see, I can't let this thing go on. 388 00:22:15,760 --> 00:22:17,760 There's some money in here. I want you to take it. 389 00:22:17,760 --> 00:22:19,760 You don't have to do that. You've treated me all right. 390 00:22:19,760 --> 00:22:22,760 I don't want your money. I don't want you to go away. 391 00:22:22,760 --> 00:22:25,760 It's for you. There's a thousand pounds here. 392 00:22:25,760 --> 00:22:26,760 No. 393 00:22:26,760 --> 00:22:29,760 Take you, Ginny, and get out of London. 394 00:22:29,760 --> 00:22:31,760 Go to some nice little town and get married. 395 00:22:31,760 --> 00:22:33,760 No. I want to be with you. 396 00:22:33,760 --> 00:22:36,760 Take me with you. I could learn to be a lady. 397 00:22:36,760 --> 00:22:37,760 Honest, I'd try. 398 00:22:37,760 --> 00:22:40,760 You are. Don't worry about that. 399 00:22:40,760 --> 00:22:42,760 Dear Ginny. 400 00:22:45,760 --> 00:22:48,760 Don't go, Peter. Don't go, please. 401 00:22:48,760 --> 00:22:50,760 Maybe I'll come back. 402 00:22:50,760 --> 00:22:52,760 And if I do, I'll look for you. 403 00:22:52,760 --> 00:22:53,760 Truly? 404 00:22:53,760 --> 00:22:55,760 Truly. 405 00:22:55,760 --> 00:22:57,760 Give us a kiss. 406 00:23:06,760 --> 00:23:09,760 On the morning of December 22, 1949, 407 00:23:09,760 --> 00:23:13,760 our file on Peter Marriott was still inconclusive. 408 00:23:13,760 --> 00:23:16,760 He was a strong suspect, 409 00:23:16,760 --> 00:23:20,760 but there was the other man whom we knew he had seen from time to time. 410 00:23:20,760 --> 00:23:25,760 There was now the possibility that he was the squire. 411 00:23:25,760 --> 00:23:28,760 We expected an attempt on Lord Lettington's house 412 00:23:28,760 --> 00:23:31,760 and kept our detective in Parrock Wood. 413 00:23:31,760 --> 00:23:33,760 That same night, on the 22nd, 414 00:23:33,760 --> 00:23:35,760 Lord Lettington's safe was opened 415 00:23:35,760 --> 00:23:39,760 and a large amount of currency, as well as jewelry, was stolen. 416 00:23:39,760 --> 00:23:42,760 The plain clothesman we'd left to guard the estate 417 00:23:42,760 --> 00:23:45,760 was later found unconscious in some bushes. 418 00:23:47,760 --> 00:23:49,760 You were an idiot to come back to the hotel. 419 00:23:49,760 --> 00:23:51,760 They'll be looking for you. 420 00:23:51,760 --> 00:23:52,760 Or you. 421 00:23:52,760 --> 00:23:54,760 Quite a haul. 422 00:23:54,760 --> 00:23:56,760 I like the paper best. 423 00:23:56,760 --> 00:24:00,760 Diamonds are pretty, but there are bloody nuisances to get rid of. 424 00:24:00,760 --> 00:24:02,760 You won't have to worry about that any more. 425 00:24:02,760 --> 00:24:03,760 Oh? 426 00:24:03,760 --> 00:24:05,760 I'm fed up. 427 00:24:05,760 --> 00:24:07,760 Things were all right with me before you showed up. 428 00:24:07,760 --> 00:24:10,760 But think how much nicer it is for me. 429 00:24:10,760 --> 00:24:11,760 You've been such a help. 430 00:24:11,760 --> 00:24:13,760 I can do so much better business with you. 431 00:24:13,760 --> 00:24:14,760 It's finished. 432 00:24:14,760 --> 00:24:17,760 Come on, now. You'll do better after a drink. 433 00:24:17,760 --> 00:24:19,760 Well, I'll have to get away from here. 434 00:24:19,760 --> 00:24:20,760 At least you'll have to. 435 00:24:20,760 --> 00:24:22,760 I imagine half of Scotland Yard will be here soon. 436 00:24:22,760 --> 00:24:24,760 What about that detective? 437 00:24:24,760 --> 00:24:25,760 I put him out. 438 00:24:25,760 --> 00:24:27,760 He'll live. 439 00:24:27,760 --> 00:24:29,760 Not a very nice Christmas present, I'm afraid. 440 00:24:30,760 --> 00:24:32,760 Ah, here we are. 441 00:24:32,760 --> 00:24:34,760 Cheers. 442 00:24:35,760 --> 00:24:37,760 I meant it, you know. 443 00:24:37,760 --> 00:24:38,760 About us. 444 00:24:38,760 --> 00:24:40,760 No. No, you didn't. 445 00:24:40,760 --> 00:24:43,760 Because you wouldn't like people to know, would you? 446 00:24:43,760 --> 00:24:44,760 It doesn't matter. 447 00:24:44,760 --> 00:24:46,760 Oh, but it does. 448 00:24:46,760 --> 00:24:48,760 What do they do to murderers in Canada? 449 00:24:48,760 --> 00:24:50,760 Hang them? 450 00:24:50,760 --> 00:24:52,760 Or that delightful American system? 451 00:24:52,760 --> 00:24:53,760 Electricity? 452 00:24:53,760 --> 00:24:55,760 You're a fool. 453 00:24:55,760 --> 00:24:57,760 Do you think I've spent these years getting where I have 454 00:24:57,760 --> 00:24:59,760 to allow you to come along and mug it up? 455 00:24:59,760 --> 00:25:01,760 You've had it too soft, Peter. 456 00:25:01,760 --> 00:25:02,760 You're spoiled. 457 00:25:02,760 --> 00:25:04,760 You're the one who's had it soft. 458 00:25:04,760 --> 00:25:06,760 I could talk, too. 459 00:25:06,760 --> 00:25:09,760 You know, I have an idea that you're threatening me. 460 00:25:09,760 --> 00:25:11,760 That's not very healthy, is it? 461 00:25:11,760 --> 00:25:13,760 No. 462 00:25:13,760 --> 00:25:14,760 I shouldn't try it, Peter. 463 00:25:14,760 --> 00:25:16,760 Whatever you're thinking. 464 00:25:17,760 --> 00:25:19,760 Turn around. 465 00:25:19,760 --> 00:25:20,760 Why? 466 00:25:20,760 --> 00:25:22,760 I don't want to shoot you in the back. 467 00:25:22,760 --> 00:25:24,760 Is that what you're going to do? 468 00:25:24,760 --> 00:25:26,760 Kill me? 469 00:25:26,760 --> 00:25:28,760 Turn around. 470 00:25:28,760 --> 00:25:30,760 Don't do it, old boy. 471 00:25:30,760 --> 00:25:32,760 I have a gun, too. 472 00:25:32,760 --> 00:25:34,760 I'll count three. 473 00:25:34,760 --> 00:25:36,760 One. 474 00:25:36,760 --> 00:25:38,760 I was always a better shot than you, remember? 475 00:25:38,760 --> 00:25:40,760 Two. 476 00:25:40,760 --> 00:25:42,760 Last chance. Put down your gun. 477 00:25:42,760 --> 00:25:44,760 Three. 478 00:26:12,760 --> 00:26:16,760 We found the body of Peter Marrett in the bedroom of the hotel 479 00:26:16,760 --> 00:26:18,760 raccoon, Paddock Wood Kent. 480 00:26:18,760 --> 00:26:20,760 He'd been shot once through the head, 481 00:26:20,760 --> 00:26:23,760 and the pistol lay by his side. 482 00:26:23,760 --> 00:26:26,760 The jewels stolen from Lord Leadington's safe were on the 483 00:26:26,760 --> 00:26:27,760 dressing table. 484 00:26:27,760 --> 00:26:29,760 The currency was missing. 485 00:26:29,760 --> 00:26:34,760 However, there were one or two points still left unanswered. 486 00:26:34,760 --> 00:26:37,760 The gun was devoid of fingerprints. 487 00:26:37,760 --> 00:26:41,760 The deceased was not wearing gloves at the time his body 488 00:26:41,760 --> 00:26:43,760 was discovered. 489 00:26:43,760 --> 00:26:47,760 There was further the question of an open window and marks on 490 00:26:47,760 --> 00:26:49,760 the sill. 491 00:26:49,760 --> 00:26:54,760 Scotland Yard still is not certain who went through that 492 00:26:54,760 --> 00:27:00,760 window, an unknown assailant or the squire. 493 00:27:00,760 --> 00:27:25,760 Suspense presented by Auto Light. 494 00:27:25,760 --> 00:27:28,760 Tonight's star, Mr. James Mason. 495 00:27:28,760 --> 00:27:32,760 Friends, this is Harlow Wilcox again to remind you that Auto 496 00:27:32,760 --> 00:27:36,760 Light is the world's largest independent manufacturer of 497 00:27:36,760 --> 00:27:38,760 automotive electrical equipment. 498 00:27:38,760 --> 00:27:41,760 Auto Light makes over 400 products for cars, trucks, 499 00:27:41,760 --> 00:27:46,760 tractors, planes, and boats in 28 plants from coast to coast. 500 00:27:46,760 --> 00:27:50,760 These products include world-famous ignition-engineered 501 00:27:50,760 --> 00:27:54,760 Auto Light spark plugs, which are carried by your neighborhood 502 00:27:54,760 --> 00:27:56,760 Auto Light spark plug dealer. 503 00:27:56,760 --> 00:28:00,760 See him soon and have worn-out spark plugs replaced with 504 00:28:00,760 --> 00:28:04,760 ignition-engineered Auto Light resistor-type or standard-type 505 00:28:04,760 --> 00:28:07,760 spark plugs for smoother performance, quick starts, 506 00:28:07,760 --> 00:28:09,760 and gas savings. 507 00:28:09,760 --> 00:28:13,760 And remember, you're always right with Auto Light. 508 00:28:13,760 --> 00:28:25,760 Next week on Suspense, another play suggested by actual events. 509 00:28:25,760 --> 00:28:27,760 The case for Dr. Singer. 510 00:28:27,760 --> 00:28:32,760 The story, atomic spies in the United States today, how they 511 00:28:32,760 --> 00:28:35,760 operate, how they are caught. 512 00:28:35,760 --> 00:28:43,760 Presented on Suspense. 513 00:28:43,760 --> 00:28:46,760 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with 514 00:28:46,760 --> 00:28:49,760 music composed by Lucian Moraweck and conducted by 515 00:28:49,760 --> 00:28:50,760 Ludd Gluskin. 516 00:28:50,760 --> 00:28:53,760 The greatest thief in the world was written for suspense by 517 00:28:53,760 --> 00:28:55,760 Anthony Ellis. 518 00:28:55,760 --> 00:28:59,760 Featured in tonight's play were Pamela Colino, Joseph Kerns, 519 00:28:59,760 --> 00:29:02,760 Ben Wright, Eileen Erskine, Raymond Lawrence, and Ted 520 00:29:02,760 --> 00:29:03,760 Osborne. 521 00:29:03,760 --> 00:29:06,760 James Mason will soon be seen in his own production, 522 00:29:06,760 --> 00:29:15,760 Lady Possessed, in which he appears with Pamela Colino. 523 00:29:15,760 --> 00:29:21,760 Remember, next week on Suspense, a tale we call the case for 524 00:29:21,760 --> 00:29:30,760 Dr. Singer. 525 00:29:30,760 --> 00:29:33,760 You can buy world famous Auto Light resistor or standard 526 00:29:33,760 --> 00:29:36,760 type spark plugs, Auto Light staple batteries, Auto Light 527 00:29:36,760 --> 00:29:39,760 electrical parts at your neighborhood Auto Light dealers. 528 00:29:39,760 --> 00:29:41,760 Switch to Auto Light. 529 00:29:41,760 --> 00:29:42,760 Good night. 530 00:29:42,760 --> 00:29:44,760 Do you have friends or relatives living abroad? 531 00:29:44,760 --> 00:29:47,760 If so, write them frequently telling of the advantages and 532 00:29:47,760 --> 00:29:50,760 liberties you enjoy as Americans. 533 00:29:50,760 --> 00:29:53,760 Your letters are an effective weapon against hostile 534 00:29:53,760 --> 00:29:56,760 propaganda that seeks to give the wrong impression of our 535 00:29:56,760 --> 00:29:57,760 country. 536 00:29:57,760 --> 00:30:01,760 Do your part with your letters from America. 537 00:30:01,760 --> 00:30:21,760 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.