1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Fred McMurray in a story based on fact. 2 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:17,000 Tonight's presentation of Suspense. 3 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:24,000 Tonight, a story of courage. 4 00:00:24,000 --> 00:00:29,000 The routine operational mission of a B-29 bomber over Korea. 5 00:00:29,000 --> 00:00:33,000 Auto Light presents the flight of the Bumblebee. 6 00:00:33,000 --> 00:00:37,000 Our star, Mr. Fred McMurray. 7 00:00:37,000 --> 00:00:42,000 Heya, Wilcox. 8 00:00:42,000 --> 00:00:47,000 Well, call me out if it's not Stan, the chipper and chirpy baseball manager. 9 00:00:47,000 --> 00:00:51,000 Not so chipper, Wilcox. My car battery's out of water, dead as a pop-fly. 10 00:00:51,000 --> 00:00:54,000 Well, Stan, you should have an Auto Light stay full battery. 11 00:00:54,000 --> 00:01:00,000 The peppy pitcher of potent power that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. 12 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:02,000 A real good starter, huh, Wilcox? 13 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:06,000 Well, Stan, it's the best. And that Auto Light stay full needs no relief, either. 14 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:11,000 It gives longer life as proved by tests conducted according to accepted life cycle standards. 15 00:01:11,000 --> 00:01:15,000 Why, money just can't buy a better battery than an Auto Light stay full. 16 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:18,000 Where do I pick up this prize package, Wilcox? 17 00:01:18,000 --> 00:01:20,000 From your neighborhood Auto Light battery dealer. 18 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:26,000 He services all makes of batteries and has an Auto Light stay full for your car if a replacement is needed. 19 00:01:26,000 --> 00:01:31,000 To quickly learn his location, just call Western Union by number and ask for... 20 00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:36,000 Operator 25, that's me and I'll gladly tell you where you can get an Auto Light stay full. 21 00:01:36,000 --> 00:01:40,000 The battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. 22 00:01:40,000 --> 00:01:46,000 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 23 00:01:46,000 --> 00:01:52,000 And now with the flight of the Bumblebee and the performance of Mr. Fred McMurray, 24 00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:55,000 Auto Light hopes once again to keep you in... 25 00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:58,000 Suspense! 26 00:02:09,000 --> 00:02:13,000 On any given day in any given newspaper, you can find a squib about a B-29 group 27 00:02:13,000 --> 00:02:16,000 carrying out a routine strategic bombing in Korea. 28 00:02:16,000 --> 00:02:20,000 This is the story of one of those routine bombings and how it affected me, 29 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:23,000 Lieutenant Colonel Hutchinson Stone and the crew of the Bumblebee, 30 00:02:23,000 --> 00:02:26,000 leadership of the 236th Wing. 31 00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:28,000 The mills of the guards began to grind, I would say, 32 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:44,000 while we were completing our engine run-up at the head of the runway. 33 00:02:49,000 --> 00:02:50,000 Finished with the run-up, Murph? 34 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:55,000 There's a 75 RPM drop on the front mags and number two, but it shouldn't bother us any. 35 00:02:55,000 --> 00:02:58,000 We'll get them back okay. 36 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:00,000 Let's go, Frank. Flaps. 37 00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:01,000 25 degrees. 38 00:03:01,000 --> 00:03:02,000 Brim tabs. 39 00:03:02,000 --> 00:03:03,000 Set. 40 00:03:03,000 --> 00:03:04,000 Autopilot. 41 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:05,000 Off. 42 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:06,000 Windows and hatches. 43 00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:08,000 We're going escape hatch closed. 44 00:03:08,000 --> 00:03:09,000 Turbos. 45 00:03:09,000 --> 00:03:10,000 Number eight. 46 00:03:10,000 --> 00:03:11,000 Propellers. 47 00:03:11,000 --> 00:03:12,000 High RPM. 48 00:03:12,000 --> 00:03:15,000 Call from Army, 3605. Over. 49 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:17,000 Over to you, 3605. 50 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:19,000 Ready to take off. Over. 51 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:22,000 Clear on runway 26. 52 00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:25,000 Wind 25 miles, 45 degrees. Out. 53 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:27,000 Prepare for takeoff. 54 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:29,000 Prepare for takeoff. 55 00:03:44,000 --> 00:03:46,000 90. 56 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:49,000 100. 57 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:52,000 110. 58 00:03:53,000 --> 00:03:55,000 120. 59 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:58,000 Airborne. 60 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:02,000 135. 61 00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:04,000 Gear up. 62 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:09,000 Airborne. 63 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:16,000 Hard condition, too. 64 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:20,000 Manifold pressure 43.5. Prop pitch 2400. 65 00:04:20,000 --> 00:04:23,000 Climbing at 500 feet per minute. 66 00:04:25,000 --> 00:04:27,000 Raise flaps easy. 67 00:04:27,000 --> 00:04:35,000 How's the cylinder head temperature, Murph? 68 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:38,000 Holdin' steady at 235 degrees. 69 00:04:38,000 --> 00:04:40,000 Okay, try to keep it there. 70 00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:42,000 We're going to 18,000 feet this time. 71 00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:44,000 I hope you can read that cruise control chart. 72 00:04:44,000 --> 00:04:45,000 Don't worry. 73 00:04:45,000 --> 00:04:47,000 You fly this heap according to my figures, 74 00:04:47,000 --> 00:04:49,000 and you'll have plenty of fuel left when we get back. 75 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:50,000 How much is plenty? 76 00:04:50,000 --> 00:04:51,000 About 300 gallons. 77 00:04:51,000 --> 00:04:52,000 Oh, big deal. 78 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:55,000 Just enough for one trip around the pattern. 79 00:04:55,000 --> 00:04:57,000 Hey, Max. 80 00:04:57,000 --> 00:04:58,000 Yeah, Hutch? 81 00:04:58,000 --> 00:04:59,000 Come on up and see the view. 82 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:00,000 Might as well. 83 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:03,000 Not much damage I can do to water. 84 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:05,000 Hey, what's the matter with you? 85 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:06,000 I don't know. 86 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:07,000 Gettin' to me, I guess. 87 00:05:07,000 --> 00:05:09,000 Relax, boy. Take it easy. 88 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:11,000 How does an instrument of death take it easy? 89 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:13,000 By thinking how lucky he is. 90 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:14,000 Lucky? Me? 91 00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:15,000 Yeah, you. 92 00:05:15,000 --> 00:05:17,000 You're clean shaven. You're well fed. 93 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:20,000 You don't have to grub for your life in some filthy foxhole 94 00:05:20,000 --> 00:05:22,000 hoping some sniper doesn't blast you 95 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:24,000 while you're opening up a can of rations. 96 00:05:24,000 --> 00:05:25,000 What's the point? 97 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:27,000 The point's this. 98 00:05:27,000 --> 00:05:29,000 In addition to living well, we never come into contact, 99 00:05:29,000 --> 00:05:31,000 personal contact, that is, with the enemy. 100 00:05:31,000 --> 00:05:34,000 We do our job and never see close at hand the damage we do. 101 00:05:34,000 --> 00:05:36,000 There's one way of looking at it. 102 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:37,000 There's one other way. 103 00:05:37,000 --> 00:05:38,000 And that is? 104 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:39,000 The more efficient we are now, 105 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:42,000 the sooner you can get back to doing what you were doing before all this. 106 00:05:42,000 --> 00:05:45,000 But I don't want to be a soda jerk again. 107 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:46,000 Go look at the scenery. 108 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:49,000 Okay, but you still haven't convinced me. 109 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:53,000 Colonel Stone, sir. 110 00:05:53,000 --> 00:05:55,000 What is it, Sergeant? 111 00:05:55,000 --> 00:05:56,000 Big one tonight? 112 00:05:56,000 --> 00:05:58,000 Yeah, pretty big. Railroad center. 113 00:05:58,000 --> 00:05:59,000 How many groups? 114 00:05:59,000 --> 00:06:01,000 Just us. 115 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:02,000 Expect any trouble? 116 00:06:02,000 --> 00:06:05,000 Well, what's the matter? Are you worried? 117 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:08,000 Oh, no, not me. Not exactly. 118 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:10,000 What do you mean, not exactly? 119 00:06:10,000 --> 00:06:14,000 Well, my kid brother is coming in with a replacement unit tomorrow. 120 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:17,000 I'd sort of like to be on the welcoming committee. 121 00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:18,000 Oh. 122 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:20,000 Hey, anybody want to play some cards? 123 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:21,000 Come on down here. 124 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:23,000 I don't have anything to do for a while. 125 00:06:23,000 --> 00:06:24,000 Yes, sir. 126 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:25,000 Hey, how about casino? Penny a point. 127 00:06:25,000 --> 00:06:27,000 Take off a big can of big dudes. 128 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:28,000 You're on. 129 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:32,000 Frank. 130 00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:33,000 Yeah? 131 00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:34,000 Fly for a while. 132 00:06:34,000 --> 00:06:35,000 I'm going to grab some sac time. 133 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:36,000 Okay. 134 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:37,000 And don't forget to pressurize. 135 00:06:37,000 --> 00:06:38,000 I won't. 136 00:06:38,000 --> 00:06:40,000 And have Murph check the auxiliary electrical unit. 137 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:41,000 Didn't look too great when we left. 138 00:06:41,000 --> 00:06:43,000 You're not going to need the putt-putt. 139 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:44,000 Relax. Go to sleep. 140 00:06:44,000 --> 00:06:45,000 Okay. 141 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:46,000 Wait me in an hour, huh? 142 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:56,000 Good night. 143 00:06:56,000 --> 00:06:59,000 Before I fell asleep, I thought of my ship and its crew. 144 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:03,000 The thrill of being master of 135,000 pounds of airplane. 145 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:06,000 And I thought of the words in the preface of my pilot's handbook. 146 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:10,000 You are the commander of a combat force all your own, I said. 147 00:07:10,000 --> 00:07:12,000 A small but specialized army. 148 00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:17,000 And you as airplane commander will be responsible for the welfare and morale of that army. 149 00:07:17,000 --> 00:07:18,000 Morale. 150 00:07:18,000 --> 00:07:21,000 I thought briefly about Max and the serge. 151 00:07:21,000 --> 00:07:25,000 This momentary concern of theirs was perfectly normal to a fighting man with a conscience. 152 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:29,000 I decided that my army was doing all right and dropped off to sleep. 153 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:32,000 When Frank woke me, I relieved him and he grabs him shut-eye. 154 00:07:32,000 --> 00:07:34,000 And so it went. 155 00:07:34,000 --> 00:07:42,000 The hours vibrated by. 156 00:07:42,000 --> 00:07:43,000 Hey, Hodge. 157 00:07:43,000 --> 00:07:44,000 Talk to me, Willie. 158 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:48,000 My trusty computer tells me you'd better correct two degrees left 159 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:52,000 and increase your indicated airspeed five miles an hour 160 00:07:52,000 --> 00:07:55,000 if you expect to lead these guys to the initial point on time. 161 00:07:55,000 --> 00:07:57,000 Will do. Where are we? 162 00:07:57,000 --> 00:08:00,000 Should hit the coastline in about three minutes. 163 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:01,000 Guaranteed? 164 00:08:01,000 --> 00:08:02,000 Guaranteed. 165 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:05,000 Hey, what's the name of that town we're using for the initial point for the run? 166 00:08:05,000 --> 00:08:06,000 Sanyaki. 167 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:11,000 With the prevailing winds, it should give us a run of about 170 seconds. 168 00:08:11,000 --> 00:08:14,000 Think you can get synchronized in 170, Max? 169 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:16,000 When I was a cadet, I scored a shack. 170 00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:17,000 Bullseye to you. 171 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:20,000 From 12,000 with a run of 25 seconds. 172 00:08:20,000 --> 00:08:21,000 Answer your question. 173 00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:24,000 No. It means you got lucky once. 174 00:08:24,000 --> 00:08:25,000 Aren't you, Driftmater? 175 00:08:25,000 --> 00:08:32,000 Settle down. We're assembling. 176 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:34,000 Our group assembled. 177 00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:37,000 67-ton birds of destruction flying almost 600 miles 178 00:08:37,000 --> 00:08:39,000 to lay their lethal eggs on the enemy. 179 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:41,000 My job was almost over. 180 00:08:41,000 --> 00:08:46,000 Control would soon pass from my hands to the two synchronizing knobs of Max's bombsight. 181 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:49,000 He would fly us down the path to the target, 182 00:08:49,000 --> 00:08:51,000 the path from which there was no turning. 183 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:55,000 A man's got to be a little frightened when he approaches something like this. 184 00:08:55,000 --> 00:08:57,000 I wouldn't want a man in my crew who said he wasn't. 185 00:08:57,000 --> 00:09:01,000 Because when a man doesn't scare in a situation like this, he's a fool. 186 00:09:01,000 --> 00:09:08,000 And a B-29 is no place for a fool. 187 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:10,000 Two minutes to the initial point. 188 00:09:10,000 --> 00:09:12,000 Then you get your 170 seconds, Max. 189 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:13,000 Roger. 190 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:14,000 Depressurize. 191 00:09:14,000 --> 00:09:16,000 How about not doing it this time, Hutch? 192 00:09:16,000 --> 00:09:18,000 I hate to put my mask on for just a few seconds. 193 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:22,000 Yeah, Hutch, they haven't had any flak or interceptors out here for at least three weeks. 194 00:09:22,000 --> 00:09:24,000 Besides, we're only at 18,000. 195 00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:26,000 Can't hurt much even if we got a hole or two. 196 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:29,000 Well, okay. But if we get clobbered, don't say I didn't warn you. 197 00:09:29,000 --> 00:09:31,000 Approaching point. Autopilot engaged. 198 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:33,000 All but the elevator controls. 199 00:09:33,000 --> 00:09:35,000 I can give you better altitude control doing it manually. 200 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:38,000 Okay, but don't give me more than 25 feet plus or minus. 201 00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:40,000 What's the corrected altitude? 202 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:44,000 18,150. 203 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:45,000 Bombay's open. 204 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:53,000 Bombay's open. 205 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:56,000 Okay, Max, you got it. Frank, check the gunners. 206 00:09:56,000 --> 00:10:00,000 Right gunner. Left gunner. 207 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:03,000 Tail gunner. Radar. 208 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:04,000 Murph? 209 00:10:04,000 --> 00:10:05,000 Yeah, Hutch? 210 00:10:05,000 --> 00:10:06,000 Everything check okay? 211 00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:08,000 Fine. 212 00:10:08,000 --> 00:10:11,000 You know, it's too quiet here. 213 00:10:11,000 --> 00:10:13,000 Yeah. 214 00:10:13,000 --> 00:10:15,000 Hope we got the right place. 215 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:16,000 I keep thinking. 216 00:10:16,000 --> 00:10:18,000 Max, 3 o'clock high and closing fast. 217 00:10:18,000 --> 00:10:20,000 Well, start shooting. We can't move now. 218 00:10:20,000 --> 00:10:22,000 There's a whole mess up ahead in right force. 219 00:10:22,000 --> 00:10:23,000 Hurry up, Max. 220 00:10:23,000 --> 00:10:25,000 Hutch, there's a couple coming this way. 1 o'clock. Move it, move it. 221 00:10:25,000 --> 00:10:26,000 Drop them, Max. Drop them. 222 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:32,000 I need 15 more seconds. 223 00:10:32,000 --> 00:10:33,000 Hutch, here they come. 224 00:10:33,000 --> 00:10:38,000 Sarge, get them. Get them. 225 00:10:38,000 --> 00:10:45,000 I can't stop them. 226 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:51,000 Good hit. Sound of the bombs. 227 00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:53,000 Bombay's closed. Let's get out. 228 00:10:53,000 --> 00:10:55,000 Frank, report from the aft compartment. 229 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:56,000 Murph, we're reading on the damage. 230 00:10:56,000 --> 00:11:00,000 I'm sorry. I couldn't stop him. I hit him. I hit him. 231 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:02,000 Take it easy. Settle down. 232 00:11:02,000 --> 00:11:03,000 Emergency power on 1 and 2. 233 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:09,000 Come on up. 234 00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:11,000 What's the score, Frank? Quick, before they make another pass at us. 235 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:12,000 Number 3 and 4 engine direct. 236 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:15,000 Have the right flaps gone. No fire that the scanners can notice. 237 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:18,000 Willie, we're losing 120 feet a minute with full power. 238 00:11:18,000 --> 00:11:20,000 Indicated airspeed is 180. 239 00:11:20,000 --> 00:11:24,000 I have to keep that right wing up and I can't drop my airspeed too much chance of stalling. 240 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:26,000 How far can we get before we hit the briny? 241 00:11:26,000 --> 00:11:27,000 I'll have it for you in a minute. 242 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:28,000 What have you got for me, Murph? 243 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:31,000 Cylinder head temperature on 1 and 2 running a little high. 244 00:11:31,000 --> 00:11:35,000 Started fuel transfer from number 4 tank to number 1 and 3 to 2. 245 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:38,000 Got to run engines in auto rich to keep them cool. 246 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:41,000 Manifold pressure 36 RPM 2100. 247 00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:42,000 Can we feather the bad ones? 248 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:44,000 Both prop pumps smashed blades bent. No chance. 249 00:11:44,000 --> 00:11:45,000 Anything yet, Willie? 250 00:11:45,000 --> 00:11:48,000 We're just getting it now. 251 00:11:48,000 --> 00:11:50,000 I think this is about right. 252 00:11:50,000 --> 00:11:53,000 Assuming we maintain our present speed and rate of descent 253 00:11:53,000 --> 00:11:55,000 and don't run into any wind trouble, 254 00:11:55,000 --> 00:12:00,000 we should hit the briny about 240 miles this side of home. 255 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:02,000 Well, I guess that doesn't... 256 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:04,000 I hate to do this to you guys, but I think we better break out. 257 00:12:04,000 --> 00:12:06,000 Colonel Stone from Curly and the Tail. Over. 258 00:12:06,000 --> 00:12:07,000 Go ahead, Curly. 259 00:12:07,000 --> 00:12:09,000 They're back. Meigs. 260 00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:11,000 Five o'clock. Four of them. 261 00:12:11,000 --> 00:12:13,000 Stand by. They're back. 262 00:12:13,000 --> 00:12:15,000 They know we're crippled. 263 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:17,000 Now, do you want to fight or take your chances on bailing out? 264 00:12:17,000 --> 00:12:19,000 We bail out. We're good target practice. 265 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:20,000 Let's fight. 266 00:12:20,000 --> 00:12:21,000 I want another chance at them, Colonel. 267 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:22,000 What do you say, Murph? 268 00:12:22,000 --> 00:12:24,000 You guys shoot the guns. I'll keep a running. 269 00:12:24,000 --> 00:12:25,000 Me too. 270 00:12:25,000 --> 00:12:26,000 Okay then, let's fight. 271 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:27,000 Curly? 272 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:27,000 Yes, sir. 273 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:29,000 Your gear operating back there? 274 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:30,000 Yes, sir. 275 00:12:30,000 --> 00:12:33,000 Then use it. We're going to see if the bumblebee still has her sting. 276 00:12:49,000 --> 00:12:52,000 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Fred McMurray 277 00:12:52,000 --> 00:12:55,000 in The Flight of the Bumblebee. 278 00:12:55,000 --> 00:12:58,000 Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills 279 00:12:58,000 --> 00:13:00,000 suspense. 280 00:13:13,000 --> 00:13:15,000 Well, Stan, have you won that pennant already? 281 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:17,000 I feel that way, Wilcox. 282 00:13:17,000 --> 00:13:19,000 It's that new Auto Light stay full battery of mine. 283 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:22,000 It's quick as a short stop, eager as a rookie, 284 00:13:22,000 --> 00:13:24,000 and powerful as a slugger. 285 00:13:24,000 --> 00:13:27,000 And best of all, the Auto Light stay full needs water 286 00:13:27,000 --> 00:13:30,000 only three times a year in normal car use. 287 00:13:30,000 --> 00:13:33,000 And you know, Stan, that Auto Light stay full has more protection 288 00:13:33,000 --> 00:13:36,000 than a whole league of catchers. 289 00:13:36,000 --> 00:13:39,000 Why, it has fiberglass retaining mats around each positive plate 290 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:42,000 to reduce shedding and flaking and give the Auto Light stay full 291 00:13:42,000 --> 00:13:45,000 longer life, as proved by tests conducted according to 292 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:47,000 accepted life cycle standards. 293 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:50,000 That Auto Light stay full has made a hit with me, Wilcox. 294 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:54,000 Why, money just can't buy a better battery than the Auto Light stay full. 295 00:13:54,000 --> 00:13:57,000 So, friends, to quickly locate your nearest Auto Light battery 296 00:13:57,000 --> 00:14:00,000 dealer, who services all makes of batteries, 297 00:14:00,000 --> 00:14:02,000 just call Western Union by number and... 298 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:05,000 Ask for me, Operator 25. 299 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:08,000 I'll gladly tell you the location of your nearest Auto Light 300 00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:11,000 battery dealer, where you can get an Auto Light stay full. 301 00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:14,000 The battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. 302 00:14:14,000 --> 00:14:17,000 And remember, from bumper to tail light, 303 00:14:17,000 --> 00:14:20,000 you're always right with Auto Light. 304 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:24,000 And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage 305 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:28,000 Mr. Fred McMurray in Elliot Lewis's production of 306 00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:30,000 The Flight of the Bumblebee. 307 00:14:30,000 --> 00:14:33,000 A dramatic report well calculated to keep you in... 308 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:36,000 Suspense! 309 00:14:45,000 --> 00:14:47,000 It wasn't much of a decision to make. 310 00:14:47,000 --> 00:14:50,000 We all knew that to bail out meant we'd be target practice. 311 00:14:50,000 --> 00:14:52,000 So we prepared for the fight. 312 00:14:52,000 --> 00:14:55,000 With number three and four engines knocked out, we were short three generators, 313 00:14:55,000 --> 00:14:59,000 which meant there wasn't enough electrical power to drive the gun turrets and the computers. 314 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:02,000 I ordered the putt-putt, the auxiliary electrical unit, 315 00:15:02,000 --> 00:15:04,000 on the line and dropped to 10,000 feet. 316 00:15:04,000 --> 00:15:07,000 Then, without pressurization, the three remaining generators 317 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:11,000 plus the power generated by the putt-putt might be enough to do the job. 318 00:15:11,000 --> 00:15:14,000 This, of course, assumed the auxiliary unit was working properly. 319 00:15:14,000 --> 00:15:17,000 Also, diving down to 10,000 gave us enough excess speed to eliminate, 320 00:15:17,000 --> 00:15:22,000 for all practical purposes, the possibility of more than one tail pass by the enemy. 321 00:15:22,000 --> 00:15:26,000 The men took up their positions and waited, but not for long. 322 00:15:29,000 --> 00:15:31,000 Here they come. Four of them. 323 00:15:31,000 --> 00:15:35,000 Now, listen, I don't want the gunners to start the turrets moving until it's absolutely necessary. 324 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:36,000 We haven't got enough power. 325 00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:39,000 Wait till they're right on us before you pour the juice to them. 326 00:15:39,000 --> 00:15:40,000 Okay, Skipper Rooks, roger, sir. 327 00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:44,000 And keep the crosstalk to a minimum. 328 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:46,000 Right gunner to pilot, over. 329 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:47,000 Go ahead, Marty. 330 00:15:47,000 --> 00:15:50,000 Can you drop your right wing a little? It makes an awful blind spot for me. 331 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:53,000 I can't do it. Got to keep these dead engines high. Sorry. 332 00:15:53,000 --> 00:15:54,000 Okay, sir. 333 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:57,000 But if you really need it, I mean really, yell and I'll drop it for you. 334 00:15:57,000 --> 00:15:59,000 They'll probably come in that way at least once. Maybe we can trap them. 335 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:01,000 Right, sir. 336 00:16:03,000 --> 00:16:05,000 Look out, Al. Coming at you. 337 00:16:05,000 --> 00:16:10,000 I see them. 338 00:16:10,000 --> 00:16:11,000 You got them now, Sarge. 339 00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:14,000 Little to the right, sir. 340 00:16:14,000 --> 00:16:33,000 Number two coming in. 341 00:16:33,000 --> 00:16:35,000 Three o'clock low, coming in. 342 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:40,000 Coming around to my range. 343 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:47,000 Some of them had temperature on one or two over the red line. 344 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:50,000 Over the car. If the car flaps another two degrees, cool them off. 345 00:16:50,000 --> 00:16:51,000 It'll slow us down. 346 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:56,000 I can't help it. These engines have got to get us back. 347 00:16:56,000 --> 00:17:01,000 Here's number four. 348 00:17:01,000 --> 00:17:13,000 Hold it right there, Colonel. He's making a pass head on. 349 00:17:13,000 --> 00:17:14,000 Max has hit. 350 00:17:14,000 --> 00:17:15,000 Take care of him, Willie. 351 00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:19,000 I got him, sir. I got him. 352 00:17:19,000 --> 00:17:22,000 No power on my turret, Colonel. Number one's coming back. 353 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:24,000 We haven't got much juice. The generators are overloaded. 354 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:30,000 Curly and Marty, lay out. I'm going to give you the shot, Al. 355 00:17:30,000 --> 00:17:34,000 A little more to the left, sir. 356 00:17:34,000 --> 00:17:37,000 I think I can... 357 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:39,000 Al? Al? 358 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:41,000 Take care of them, somebody. 359 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:42,000 They're heading for my blind spot. 360 00:17:42,000 --> 00:17:44,000 Tell me when you want that right wing down, Marty. 361 00:17:44,000 --> 00:17:45,000 Yes, sir. 362 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:48,000 Now don't miss, Marty. We want to get home. 363 00:17:48,000 --> 00:17:52,000 Now hold the crosstalk. 364 00:17:52,000 --> 00:17:57,000 Here he comes. Not yet. Not yet. 365 00:17:57,000 --> 00:18:00,000 Now, Colonel, drop it. Drop it now. 366 00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:03,000 Here you are, Marty. 367 00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:05,000 I hit him. I hit him. He's a flamer. 368 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:08,000 There they go. Come on back and fight. 369 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:11,000 I never did get a good shot. Come on back. 370 00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:14,000 There they go, Hutch. We made it. 371 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:16,000 Take over, Frank. I want to take a look at Max. 372 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:23,000 Got it. 373 00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:24,000 How is he, Willie? 374 00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:27,000 I've got a Carlisle bandage on on the bleeding stop. 375 00:18:27,000 --> 00:18:29,000 I think he may be going into shock. 376 00:18:29,000 --> 00:18:30,000 Did you use the salvo ointment? 377 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:33,000 Yes, but I didn't know what to do about the ribs. 378 00:18:33,000 --> 00:18:36,000 Just a minute. 379 00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:39,000 Max. Max. 380 00:18:39,000 --> 00:18:40,000 Hi, Hutch. 381 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:42,000 How do you feel, Ken? 382 00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:44,000 Not too bad. 383 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:47,000 I'm afraid to give you morphine. Your respiration's kind of slow. 384 00:18:47,000 --> 00:18:51,000 It's okay. I can make it. What about it? 385 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:53,000 Well, let me know if it gets too tough, will you? 386 00:18:53,000 --> 00:18:55,000 I will. 387 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:57,000 Is it very bad? 388 00:18:57,000 --> 00:19:00,000 No, no. Not too bad. 389 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:04,000 Get me back. I don't want to die out here. 390 00:19:04,000 --> 00:19:06,000 Please, get me back. 391 00:19:06,000 --> 00:19:09,000 You're not going to die, Max. Just try to lie quiet. 392 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:10,000 Willie. 393 00:19:10,000 --> 00:19:11,000 Right here. 394 00:19:11,000 --> 00:19:13,000 Put his oxygen mask on. Auto-mix off. 395 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:15,000 Get a couple of chutes and put them under his legs. 396 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:17,000 Do you know how to get plasma? 397 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:18,000 Sure. 398 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:19,000 I'll do it. Put a couple of blankets over him. Keep him warm. 399 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:20,000 Roger. 400 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:21,000 Hutch. 401 00:19:21,000 --> 00:19:22,000 Yeah? 402 00:19:22,000 --> 00:19:28,000 Remember what I said before about being an instrument of death? 403 00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:30,000 Forget it. Don't worry. 404 00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:33,000 No, wait. I... 405 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:35,000 I... 406 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:39,000 What I want to say is I don't care anymore. 407 00:19:39,000 --> 00:19:44,000 I wouldn't even care if I could see all the damage I do. 408 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:47,000 Just lie quiet. I've got to go now. 409 00:19:47,000 --> 00:19:50,000 What... what are you going to do? 410 00:19:50,000 --> 00:19:52,000 I'm going to get you home. 411 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:02,000 When I said that, I didn't have the slightest idea of how I was going to do it. 412 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:05,000 I went up and talked to Murph and found that nothing we could possibly do to the engine 413 00:20:05,000 --> 00:20:08,000 was going to keep us from losing about a hundred feet a minute. 414 00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:10,000 We looked at each other like a couple of stupid fools for a while, 415 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:13,000 and then Murph made a suggestion that gave me an idea. 416 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:17,000 He said that if we were anywhere near basic weight, we could maintain altitude. 417 00:20:17,000 --> 00:20:21,000 First we tried to figure out how we could dump some fuel, but that would have been defeating ourselves. 418 00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:23,000 Then I got the idea why not drop everything over the side 419 00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:26,000 that wasn't absolutely essential to keep the bumblebee in the air. 420 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:28,000 That might get us down to near basic weight. 421 00:20:28,000 --> 00:20:30,000 But how do you know it'll work? 422 00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:32,000 What have we lost if it doesn't? 423 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:34,000 Nothing. What are we waiting for? 424 00:20:34,000 --> 00:20:37,000 Okay, you fly for a while. I've got work to do. 425 00:20:40,000 --> 00:20:41,000 Sarge? 426 00:20:41,000 --> 00:20:42,000 Yes, sir? 427 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:43,000 I want you to start dismantling Max's gear up forward. 428 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:47,000 The bomb sight, the intervalometer, track down all the electrical cables and rip them out. 429 00:20:47,000 --> 00:20:49,000 The cables are all color-coded. Frank? 430 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:50,000 Yes, what is it? 431 00:20:50,000 --> 00:20:51,000 Do you have a set of technical orders aboard? 432 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:52,000 Got them right here. 433 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:55,000 Well, check through and give Sarge the letter coating and the color coating of the bomb equipment. 434 00:20:55,000 --> 00:20:56,000 Will do. 435 00:20:56,000 --> 00:20:58,000 I want everything pitched out. Now get started. 436 00:20:58,000 --> 00:21:00,000 It's practically out now. 437 00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:02,000 How's your gear, Willie? 438 00:21:02,000 --> 00:21:05,000 I can get rid of everything except my computer. 439 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:08,000 My drift meter got clobbered so I can't use it anyway. 440 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:11,000 The cabinet and my tables can go too. 441 00:21:11,000 --> 00:21:13,000 Fine. Keep one pencil. 442 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:14,000 Thanks. 443 00:21:17,000 --> 00:21:18,000 Colonel Stoddard Marty. Over. 444 00:21:18,000 --> 00:21:20,000 Yes, sir. This is Marty. 445 00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:21,000 How's Al doing? 446 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:24,000 Pretty good, sir. He's not going to be running around for a while, but he'll be in shape okay. 447 00:21:24,000 --> 00:21:27,000 Good. I'll be back there pretty soon. Out. 448 00:21:27,000 --> 00:21:29,000 Expect any more shooting? 449 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:30,000 No. Why? 450 00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:33,000 The armor plate comes off real easy. Just bolts and wing nuts. 451 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:36,000 So does the bullet-resistant glass behind the instrument panel. 452 00:21:36,000 --> 00:21:37,000 All right. Dump that out too. 453 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:38,000 How are you doing, Sarge? 454 00:21:38,000 --> 00:21:40,000 Oh, standing, Colonel. Just standing. 455 00:21:40,000 --> 00:21:43,000 Murph, toss the hot food unit out. Save some extra water. 456 00:21:43,000 --> 00:21:44,000 It hurts, but I'll do it. 457 00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:48,000 Willie, as soon as you finish with your stuff, you and Murph tear down the army. 458 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:50,000 Armor. I'm going aft. 459 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:03,000 It's a pretty good first aid job, Marty. 460 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:04,000 Thank you, sir. 461 00:22:04,000 --> 00:22:05,000 What happened to Al's turret? 462 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:06,000 No power. 463 00:22:06,000 --> 00:22:07,000 How come? 464 00:22:07,000 --> 00:22:09,000 Well, the auxiliary never did get started. 465 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:11,000 We didn't get one volt of power out of that putt-putt. 466 00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:12,000 Toss it out. 467 00:22:12,000 --> 00:22:13,000 Yes, sir. 468 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:16,000 Hey, wait a minute. Before you do that, do you know how to remove the lower turret? 469 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:17,000 Guns and all? 470 00:22:17,000 --> 00:22:18,000 Guns and all. 471 00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:20,000 Yes, sir. We can, but it's quite a job. 472 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:22,000 I don't care how big a job it is. Can we do it? 473 00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:24,000 Yes, sir. But I'll need some help. You'll get it. 474 00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:25,000 I'm going up front now. 475 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:26,000 Oh, Colonel. 476 00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:27,000 Yeah, Marty? 477 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:28,000 Can we toss out the putt-putt first? 478 00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:31,000 Yeah. Kick open the rear door and toss it out. 479 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:33,000 Drop the lower turret. And then anything else you can think of. 480 00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:35,000 You've got to get down to basic weight. 481 00:22:35,000 --> 00:22:39,000 If there's anything else you're in doubt of, why don't you call me in the intercom and I'll take you. 482 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:55,000 Oh, there it is. Prettiest runway in the world. Man, am I glad to see it. 483 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:58,000 Yeah, they're standing by on runway 26, notify crew. 484 00:22:58,000 --> 00:23:00,000 Prepare for landing. 485 00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:02,000 We'll dispense with the rest of the checklist. Gear down. 486 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:05,000 Gear coming down. 487 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:13,000 The gear lights didn't go on. Check with Marty. 488 00:23:13,000 --> 00:23:15,000 Frank to Marty. Over. 489 00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:17,000 Is the gear all the way down? 490 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:20,000 What? Check again. 491 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:22,000 It is? Okay, out. 492 00:23:22,000 --> 00:23:23,000 Now what? 493 00:23:23,000 --> 00:23:26,000 The right wheel isn't fully down and locked. Might be a bent worm gear. 494 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:29,000 Yeah. 3605 to tower. Over. 495 00:23:29,000 --> 00:23:31,000 Go ahead, 3605. 496 00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:33,000 Right gear not fully down and locked. 497 00:23:33,000 --> 00:23:35,000 Tell the meat wagons and the fire boys to stand by. 498 00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:38,000 Can you go around once? We'll check your gear from the tower. 499 00:23:38,000 --> 00:23:40,000 I've got two wounded men and two engines. 500 00:23:40,000 --> 00:23:43,000 I know my gear isn't all the way down. I come in now or you'll pick us up in rubber sacks. 501 00:23:43,000 --> 00:23:45,000 Come on, get with it. 502 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:47,000 Roger, 3605. 503 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:50,000 All aircraft and pattern leave at once. Repeat. 504 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:53,000 All aircraft and pattern leave at once. 505 00:23:53,000 --> 00:24:01,000 3605, you are clear for emergency landing. 506 00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:05,000 Within a few seconds I could see the ambulance racing to where they figured the plane had stopped. 507 00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:09,000 Then I saw the Fulmite boys turn down the taxi strip that paralleled the runway. 508 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:14,000 I knew what the procedure would be. They'd start down the runway and start throwing the stuff at the engines the minute we touched the ground. 509 00:24:14,000 --> 00:24:20,000 They sure took chances, those fire boys. 510 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:24,000 Take your positions for a crash landing. Somebody take care of Max. 511 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:37,000 I've got him. 512 00:24:37,000 --> 00:24:38,000 Full flaps. 513 00:24:38,000 --> 00:24:42,000 Flaps coming down. Don't forget about the right flaps half gone. 514 00:24:42,000 --> 00:24:51,000 I'm trimmed for it. If the nose wheel holds together we'll be okay. 515 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:54,000 Call for the idle cutoff when you're ready. 516 00:24:54,000 --> 00:24:56,000 Right. Give me the count, Frank. 517 00:24:56,000 --> 00:25:15,000 Speed 138, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90. 518 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:16,000 Cut the switches, Murph. 519 00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:22,000 Right. 520 00:25:22,000 --> 00:25:46,000 On that ground. 521 00:25:52,000 --> 00:25:57,000 We didn't catch fire, we didn't turn over, we were just ground looped. 522 00:25:57,000 --> 00:26:00,000 And that was the end of our routine operational flight. 523 00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:05,000 Max and Al made it okay and the rest of us had ourselves a weekend in Tokyo. 524 00:26:05,000 --> 00:26:10,000 The Bumblebee, they had to junker. There wasn't enough left to make repairs worthwhile. 525 00:26:10,000 --> 00:26:31,000 Now if you'll excuse me I have to go to a briefing. Another routine operational flight. 526 00:26:31,000 --> 00:26:40,000 Suspense. Presented by Auto Light. Tonight's star, Mr. Fred McMurray. 527 00:26:40,000 --> 00:26:47,000 This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for Auto Light, world's largest independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. 528 00:26:47,000 --> 00:26:51,000 Auto Light is proud to serve the greatest names in the industry. 529 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:58,000 They are members of the Auto Light family, as well as are the 98,000 Auto Light distributors and dealers in the United States 530 00:26:58,000 --> 00:27:02,000 and thousands more in Canada and throughout the world. 531 00:27:02,000 --> 00:27:08,000 Our family also includes the nearly 30,000 men and women in 28 great Auto Light plants from coast to coast 532 00:27:08,000 --> 00:27:12,000 and in still other Auto Light plants in many foreign countries, 533 00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:18,000 as well as the 18,000 people who have invested a portion of their savings in Auto Light. 534 00:27:18,000 --> 00:27:25,000 Every Auto Light product is backed by constant research and precision built to the highest standards of quality and performance. 535 00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:43,000 So remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 536 00:27:43,000 --> 00:27:52,000 Next week, a story about fear and a man's difficult decision. Find yourself or die. 537 00:27:52,000 --> 00:28:10,000 The Death of Me, starring Mr. George Murphy. The program will be presented on Suspense. 538 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:18,000 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed by Lucian Morawick and conducted by Lud Gluskin. 539 00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:24,000 The Flight of the Bumblebee was written for Suspense by Ross Murray. 540 00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:36,000 Featured in tonight's cast were Joseph Kearns, Byron Cain, Glenn Vernon, Edgar Barrier, Billy Halep, Jack Crouchon, Charles Calvert, and Lee Millar. 541 00:28:36,000 --> 00:28:44,000 Fred McMurray may currently be seen in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production of Callaway Went That Away. 542 00:28:44,000 --> 00:28:59,000 And remember next week on Suspense, Mr. George Murphy in The Death of Me. 543 00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:07,000 For the location of your nearest Auto Light battery or Auto Light spark plug dealer or your nearest authorized Auto Light service station, 544 00:29:07,000 --> 00:29:15,000 phone Western Union by number and ask for operator 25. Switch to Auto Light. Good night. 545 00:29:15,000 --> 00:29:40,000 This is the CBS Radio Network.