Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Richard Widmark in tonight's presentation
of Suspense.
Tonight, as suspense begins its eleventh year on the air, Auto Light presents the dramatic
recreation of an exciting historical event, A Message to Garcia, our star, Mr. Richard
Widmark.
Hello Harlow, how was your vacation?
Ah, swell, Hap, and I never had to fill my battery once.
You must have an Auto Light stay full, Harlow.
You know it, Hap, the famous battery that needs water only three times a year in normal
car use.
And how are you feeling, Harlow?
As alive and alert as an Auto Light stay full, the battery that's full of pep and ready to
work in a wink.
Fiberglass retaining mats protect every positive place to reduce shedding and flaking, and
give the Auto Light stay full longer life, as proved by tests conducted according to
accepted life cycle standards.
And where did you vacation, Harlow?
Why at my Auto Light battery dealers, of course.
He's an expert on servicing all makes of batteries.
To quickly locate him, call Western Union by number and ask for operator 25.
I'll gladly tell you the name of your nearest Auto Light battery dealer, where you can get
an Auto Light stay full, the battery that needs water only three times a year in normal
car use.
And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light.
And now, Auto Light presents Transcribed, a message to Garcia, starring Mr. Richard
Woodmark, hoping once again to keep you in suspense.
In 1898 on Havana Way, the battleship Maine in the harbor did lay.
One February night there was a terrible boom.
Two hundred sixty sailor boys met their doom.
His family heard, said, we are not to blame.
The Americans cried, remember the Maine.
The insults flew very thick and fast.
Till obviously the peace couldn't last.
On the island of Jamaica were some brave Cuban men.
So Lieutenant Andrew Rowan was sent to see them.
Oh, Rowan, over this way.
I was just beginning to wonder if you'd gotten lost.
Hello, Mr. Carter.
Hello.
Thank you.
I'd like a drink before dinner.
Best rum in Jamaica.
Thanks.
Well, this looks like quite a place.
American consul's job to see that tourists are introduced to interesting places and to
point out interesting people.
This is a sort of diplomatic hangout.
Well, that's the German consul over there and the Spanish
Spanish's affair at that table.
I see.
The only other person you should know is the man sitting by himself near the window.
He's Cuban, an exiled patriot.
His name is Dr. Jose Rubio.
Now, pick up your menu.
I've got a good look.
He's the one.
I'm not positive, but everything I've found out points to Rubio.
It'll take more time to make sure.
How much more time?
I'm sure he'll be here by the time you walk past us.
I guess he liked his dinner.
He looked quite satisfied.
Maybe he's had good news.
He's usually a poker face.
Anyway, I hope he gets hot for him.
Jamaica was the edge of it.
My desk in the War Department back in Washington seemed a million miles away.
It had taken two days to sift through the Cubans in Jamaica and come up with Dr. Rubio.
When it got dark, I left my tourist hotel and I went to Perch Street.
I hadn't had time to feel scared.
I knew my orders weren't simple, but it began to catch up to me now.
Yes?
Dr. Jose Rubio?
Yes?
My name is Rowan, sir.
American?
Yes, sir.
May I speak to you privately?
Won't you come in?
I hope you will pardon this clutter of papers about the room.
My work habits are not the tiniest.
You're alone?
Can we be over her?
Over her?
No.
Good.
These are my credentials.
Andrew Rowan, Lieutenant, United States Infantry.
I've been sent here to contact you.
I have information that you work for the freedom of Cuba, that you maintain certain relations
with the Cuban guerrilla forces fighting the Spanish, General Garcia's forces.
Lieutenant Rowan, I am a doctor of philosophy.
Jamaica is a British possession.
The British frown on such activities.
Yes, I understand, sir, but this is urgent.
Is there a way a man could be sent to Cuba, to General Garcia?
If such a thing were possible, why would it be so urgent?
Well, I'll say it plainly, doctor.
We've got to know the strength of the Spanish.
What supplies General Garcia needs, and if you cooperate with an American army of invasion.
Invasion?
Yes, sir.
The declaration of war between the United States and Spain is very close.
When?
A week, 10 days.
The information General Garcia has will govern the whole strategy of our army and navy.
You should have come a long time ago, Lieutenant, when the cause of Cuban independence first
needed help.
Maybe so, sir, but I don't make policy.
I will tell you truthfully, I do not know of what assistance I can be.
The Spanish have certainly become very strong.
They used this new force to press General Garcia to remember him.
Well, if you could get me to him, sir, I'm sure that-
I want to get you to him, Lieutenant.
I have received no word from Cuba in six weeks.
I am not sure where General Garcia is.
I'm not sure even that my communications are still secret.
Is there any proof that they're not?
No, unless silence is proof.
I want to help you, Lieutenant, but you must know the risk to me, to you, to General Garcia.
I'm ordered to get to the General, sir.
If you're the only way-
You like to fish, Lieutenant?
How's that, sir?
Fish.
Out to sea and in boat.
I have a friend who knows all the best fishing places between here and Cuba.
Oh, yes, sir.
I like to fish.
When can you be ready?
I'm ready now, sir.
How about tonight?
It takes 36 hours for a fishing boat to cross to Cuba.
I burned my identification papers and we left the house.
The night was warm.
There was a moon and the streets were empty.
We walked toward the waterfront and Dr. Rubio told me all he could.
The place you will land is called Gran Rincon.
Just into the jungle is a house.
I make difficulties in my own mind, but since I have no word-
The Spanish know this place?
That is the reasonable assumption, I'm afraid.
Back in Washington, they told me it wouldn't be easy.
Six weeks ago, it would have been a simple matter.
The insurrectors held this part of the coast.
Garcia would have been easy to reach.
Where are the lines now?
The hills, the jungle, the east, is all I can tell you.
At Gran Rincon.
The people there will know-
Yes, there is word from the Canary Islands.
But one thing you can be sure of, where the guns are firing,
that is where you will find Alisto Garcia.
Where the guns are firing?
We go this way now, across the plaza.
Right.
The third fishing boat, that is my friend.
Even if you couldn't see it, you could smell it.
I'm here.
Where?
In the woods.
Can you send as long as there is wood?
That man?
To Gran Rincon.
Rincon?
I will take him then.
What?
I sure will.
It is urgent.
It must be done.
I will go.
I'll go.
It must be done.
He is American.
This country sent them to Garcia for landmark.
Americano, come aboard.
Nice.
Good bye, Lieutenant.
And success.
This is my first trip to Cuba, doctor.
I'll have beginner's luck.
First trip to Cuba, doctor.
I'll have beginner's luck.
The Vassio hoisted the big single sail.
It caught the wind easily,
an ordinary fisherman in an ordinary sea.
But I remembered what Cotton said.
Everyone knows Jamaica's been jumping off this.
And there was a moon.
The dark dropped behind us and Rubio's white suit faded into the dark.
I felt the boat take the main swell of the ocean.
And then something caught my eye.
There's not much of comfort on this boat.
What do you look at?
That light at the edge of town, the way it blinks.
Huh?
Huh.
The shimmer of the air.
I watched it.
Maybe it was my eye that the blink seemed more than just a shimmering and damp night air.
Then it went out.
And somewhere behind us.
The Vassio, you hear it?
I steam alone.
Supply boat for one of the plantations.
You sleep.
I will sail.
I stretched out on a pile of fish nets and I listened.
The stow disappeared in the night.
And we were alone on an empty sea.
The morning of the second day Cuba began to grow on the horizon.
By late afternoon we were close in shore sailing eastward.
I watched the jungle.
It looked cool and comfortable.
There was no sign of war.
Americano.
What is it, Savasio?
Watch this sail.
I come about now.
You're in Cuba, Americano.
Thanks, Savasio.
Ah, it feels good.
There is a cloud that leads into the jungle.
I see it.
Then I leave you quickly.
Spanish patrol boats hiding in the coast.
Thanks.
It is all for one, Americano.
Cuba libre.
Our eyes held for a moment and I pushed the boat away from the dock.
She caught the wind and curved out.
And then I felt the nakedness of standing there and I started toward the jungle.
My imagination was very good.
And I was sure that a thousand eyes were watching me.
I looked for some movement, something, somewhere ahead.
And then I reached the cool, balded overhang of the first trees.
There was a house.
I walked toward it.
Hello.
Anybody here?
Hello.
Is anybody here?
Put up your hands.
What?
Put up your hands.
Look, I'm not armed.
You don't need that gun.
For three years I carry a gun.
I will decide if I need it.
I was told the people at this house would help me.
Help you how?
Who told you this?
Dr. Jose Rubio.
Come in.
Who is it, duration?
He says Rubio sent him.
Rubio?
I watched you come from the boat.
You were playing close but you walked like a soldier.
How do I know you come from Rubio?
If you let me put my hands down, maybe I could prove it.
Do it slowly, soldier.
Here, look.
These coins.
This one's British, Jamaica.
And this one's American.
You see, United States of America.
And on this side, liberty.
You are American, no?
Yes.
Why does Rubio send you?
To see your general, Calixto Garcia.
Garcia?
Garcia was driven from this part of the country six weeks ago.
Can you take me to him?
Thank you.
Yes.
There are many Spanish between here and Garcia.
Now, look, believe this or not,
the United States will land an army to help Garcia if you can get me to him.
You know nothing of this kind of war.
Well, I'm here to learn, to help you.
But I can't help unless I get to Garcia as quickly as possible.
We wouldn't need horses.
No, don't let me in.
This man needs the help.
Cuba needs the help.
Good, good.
Where do we get horses?
The Spanish of the morgue.
We take from the Spanish.
I go with you.
You?
I do not stay here alone.
Well, yes, but I can't...
Well, what I mean is that we...
Because I am a woman?
You know nothing of this kind of war.
The sun was almost down when we left in the jungle
and filled with shadows.
I walked between them,
Domingo in front, Teresa behind.
Domingo carried a machete.
He hacked into the jungle in front of us expertly.
If we were going in any definite direction, I couldn't tell.
Americano, do you have a name?
My name is Rowan.
And like Garcia, you are the general of this army of yours?
No, no, the general sent me.
I'm a lieutenant.
Ha, teniente.
I was a capitán.
Well, where do we find these horses?
The jungle ends soon.
There is a body.
The Spanish have removed our cavalrymen.
Wait.
Look, this guy behind us.
Fire.
They're burning the house.
Who is it?
Spanish.
You are not so secret, Americano.
They know you are here.
Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Richard Widmark in A Message to Garcia,
tonight's presentation in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense.
Well, Harlow, I guess everybody needs a vacation.
Not the Auto Light's day full battery half.
That energetic instigator gives quick dependable starts day in and day out in heat and cold,
and needs water only three times a year in normal car use.
The Auto Light's day full leaves a long life and a happy one, eh, Harlow?
Yes, sir, Hap.
Fiberglass retaining mats protect every positive plate to reduce shedding and flaking,
and give that Auto Light's day full longer life,
as proved by tests conducted according to accepted life cycle standards.
This battery money can buy, right, Harlow?
Right, Hap.
So, friends, visit your nearest Auto Light battery dealer and have him test your battery.
If you need a new battery, be sure you get an Auto Light's day full.
The battery that says right on the case needs water only three times a year in normal car use.
You can quickly locate your nearest Auto Light battery dealer,
phone Western Union by number, and ask for operator 25.
And I'll gladly tell you the name of your nearest Auto Light battery dealer.
And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light.
And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage, Mr. Richard Widmark,
in Elliot Lewis's production of A Message to Garcia,
a dramatic recreation well calculated to keep you in suspense.
Who is it?
Stop the arrest.
Teresa?
I'm all right.
We tried here before. They won't find us.
They think they're shooting at us out there.
Rowan?
Yeah?
I'm sure you are not the general of your army.
You seem to be very important to them.
I don't understand. How could they have found out about this?
How about you?
The Spanish are more clever than you think.
Yes.
I'm very sorry about the house.
In this war, a burning house is nothing.
We waited there as the sun set.
It was the first contact with Spanish war.
They knew I was in Cuba. They were looking for me, and they were strong.
What safety there was would be in the night.
Finally, the shadows combined into a velvet black cream.
Dominguin listened to the sounds in the jungle and said it was safe to go.
We left the jungle in another mile and came out of the valley.
Then we walked along a dirt road until Dominguin stopped.
There was the smell of horses in the damp night air.
I know that. It's just through those trees.
Teresa, wait for us here.
Give me the gun, Teresa.
No, no gun.
Row me a few cards. If it is necessary, I use them as shit.
She'll be all right.
Teresa? She can take care of herself.
Four horses. Saddled and ready to go.
The license is from the King of Spain.
You take yours. I will lead the races.
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Dominguin.
What?
A soldier.
Here, let me drag him out of the way.
Why do you wait? Get the horses.
I, I... Yes.
You learn about the war?
Yes, I learn.
Easy, easy.
We rode for three nights through burned cane fields, jungle, and the tall Cuban grass.
Garcia had done a lot of retreating in six weeks.
Then on the fourth morning, just before daybreak, Dr. Rubio's words came back to me.
The guns are firing. That's where you'll find Calixto Garcia.
I cannot see where they are shooting.
Just so long as it isn't in this direction.
Go in there where I am. We are escorted to the... No more jungle to hide us.
Is Garcia there in the town?
I think so, yes.
Then we've got to go.
We bent low and raced for the town.
And as soon as we rode into the open, the Spaniards saw us.
Little puffs of dirt kicked up all around us.
I felt as if the town would never get close.
And then finally...
We made it. Welcome to Vallamo.
You, you people.
Hello.
You crazy? You never should have made it across that field.
We didn't have much choice. I want to see General Garcia.
You want to fight, I will give you gone.
This man is Americano. He's seen by his enemies to see ours.
Americano?
All right, Americano.
Come with me.
Repair the situation while we wait for Mendulce.
Send your men to the front position.
Promise I want to report on the ammunition.
Please tell me I should make time for you. You are American, you want to see me?
Yes, sir.
Lieutenant Rowan, United States Infantry.
You have aroused the whole Spanish army. Did you have to bring them with you?
My orders were to get to you, sir.
I'm instructed to tell you that the United States is prepared to enter the war against Spain.
The War Department requests your knowledge of the Spanish army,
and wishes to know if you will cooperate with our forces.
The destruction of your battleship, is that it?
That, sir, and the Spanish treatment of your people.
When will this war be declared?
It might be already declared.
When I left Washington, they told me the Spanish would declare on us,
or we on them, in a week to ten days.
And that is why the Spanish drive me so hard.
To destroy the insurrectos quickly so you will have no base.
I will need supplies before your army gets here.
Guns, ammunition, food. I need them quickly.
They'll be sent to you, sir.
The guns, lieutenant. What kind will you send?
Our standard guns, sir.
Then I will show you something.
Can they compare with this?
Mousy.
It's German, and it fires a clip, five shots by working the bolt.
A man does not have to reload by hand.
And our guns fire single shots.
Each man who has one is made into two.
The Spanish are armed with Mausers.
But we don't have anything like it.
Then send me your automatic guns, the Colt, the Gatling, and make many more.
Tell your generals they come to no simple war.
Yes, sir. I see.
May I take this with me?
Take it, and get to your generals quickly.
General Sanchez, I want you to escort Lieutenant Rowan as quickly as possible to the north.
See that he leaves the shores of Cuba safely.
Yes, general.
I trust you are the forefront of your army, lieutenant, for Cuba libre.
General Sanchez took me to food, and again there was the waiting for the night.
I watched the Mauser in action, and the Spanish knew how to use it.
It was no simple war.
As the shadows began to lengthen, the fighting died down.
Sanchez picked three men, and we started north.
There was luck, and we reached the ocean in two days.
The boat is not much, but at least it does not leak.
Thanks, Sanchez.
With a good wind, you should make the British island of Inawa tomorrow.
We will be waiting for your army.
It will be here, Cuba libre.
The winds were fair as he sailed all night.
This he was friendly to the Cuban flight.
He reached Inawa safe and sound, and for soon on another boat homeward bound.
The general also told what he had to say, and it all brought the victory of Cuba libre.
Suspense presented by Auto Light.
Tonight's star, Richard Woodmark, will return in just a moment.
This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for Auto Light, the world's largest independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment.
In 28 plants from coast to coast, Auto Light makes over 400 products for cars, trucks, tractors, planes, boats, and industry.
These products include batteries, such as the famous Auto Light Stay Full, ignition engineered Auto Light Spark plugs, both standard and resistor types,
Auto Light starting motors, generators, coils, distributors, voltage regulators, wire and battery cable, and Auto Light original service parts for all Auto Light electrical systems.
Auto Light is proud to serve the greatest names in the industry.
So from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light.
And now I'd like to present Richard Woodmark and our producer director, Elliot Lewis.
Thank you, Harlow.
Dick, I'm happy to inform you that for the second consecutive year, you've been voted Auto Light's Golden Mic Award for the best male performance of the year on Suspense.
Congratulations, and here, this is for you.
Thanks very much, Elliot. That's a very handsome trophy.
And now, if I may, I'd like to tell your audience that next week, the First Lady of Suspense, Agnes Moorhead, will star in a very special show called The Empty Chair.
It salutes the American Automobile Association and its wonderful traffic safety program.
I highly recommend that all of you listen next week to Suspense.
Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed by René Garagank and conducted by Lud Gluskin.
Portions of this program were transcribed.
A message to Garcia was adapted for Suspense by Richard Chandley, featured in tonight's cast were Anthony Barrett, Joseph Kearns, Lillian Byatt, Jack Crouchon, Ted DeCourcier, and Edgar Barrier.
Our singer was Ernest Newton.
Richard Woodmark appeared through the courtesy of 20th Century Fox, producers of the Technicolor production The Robe in Cinemascope.
No special glasses needed.
World premiere in New York, September 16th in Los Angeles on the 24th.
And remember next week, Miss Agnes Moorhead in The Empty Chair.
This is the CBS Radio Network.