1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:11,440 Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Edmund O'Brien in tonight's presentation 2 00:00:11,440 --> 00:00:16,440 of Suspense. 3 00:00:16,440 --> 00:00:24,760 Tonight, Auto Light presents a true story as we dramatize the diary of a man whose unfortunate 4 00:00:24,760 --> 00:00:31,400 task it was to set down a report on the death of his friends, ordeal in Donner Pass. 5 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:35,120 Our star, Mr. Edmund O'Brien. 6 00:00:35,120 --> 00:00:41,120 Well, Harlow, tomorrow's the day. 7 00:00:41,120 --> 00:00:45,220 Yes, Senator, the day when a lot of people will step on the starter and find that their 8 00:00:45,220 --> 00:00:49,840 batteries are as dry as a campaign speech because they forgot to keep them properly 9 00:00:49,840 --> 00:00:50,880 filled with water. 10 00:00:50,880 --> 00:00:53,040 I mean election day, Harlow. 11 00:00:53,040 --> 00:00:57,920 Right, right, the day when thousands of wise drivers will elect to get an Auto Light stay 12 00:00:57,920 --> 00:01:02,080 full, the battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. 13 00:01:02,080 --> 00:01:03,800 I'll vote for that. 14 00:01:03,800 --> 00:01:07,360 And that Auto Light stay full is a long time in office. 15 00:01:07,360 --> 00:01:12,240 Fiberglass retaining mats protect every positive plate to reduce shedding and flaking and give 16 00:01:12,240 --> 00:01:17,720 that conscientious candidate longer life as proved by tests conducted according to accepted 17 00:01:17,720 --> 00:01:19,520 life cycle standards. 18 00:01:19,520 --> 00:01:24,640 So friends, after you vote, visit your Auto Light battery dealer, the expert on all makes 19 00:01:24,640 --> 00:01:30,320 of batteries, to quickly locate him, phone Western Union by number, and ask for operator 20 00:01:30,320 --> 00:01:31,320 25. 21 00:01:31,320 --> 00:01:35,560 I'll tell you where to get an Auto Light stay full, the battery that needs water only three 22 00:01:35,560 --> 00:01:37,800 times a year in normal car use. 23 00:01:37,800 --> 00:01:43,340 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 24 00:01:43,340 --> 00:01:50,180 And now, Auto Light presents, Ordeal in Donner Pass, starring Mr. Edmund O'Brien, hoping 25 00:01:50,180 --> 00:02:04,520 once again to keep you in suspense. 26 00:02:04,520 --> 00:02:09,400 My name is Patrick Breen, and I am a God-fearing man who loves his family and tries to do right 27 00:02:09,400 --> 00:02:10,880 by his fellow man. 28 00:02:10,880 --> 00:02:16,680 If in the months that followed after we started to take the hasting shortcut to California, 29 00:02:16,680 --> 00:02:24,840 if in those months from November of 1846 to March of 1847, I was selfish, there were men 30 00:02:24,840 --> 00:02:26,960 guilty of worse. 31 00:02:26,960 --> 00:02:28,960 I'd done what I was able. 32 00:02:28,960 --> 00:02:35,080 I'd done what was the most any man could. 33 00:02:35,080 --> 00:02:42,600 If we had have read the signs right, it wouldn't have happened maybe. 34 00:02:42,600 --> 00:02:46,160 When Keesburg left the old man, Mr. Hardcoup, behind to die. 35 00:02:46,160 --> 00:02:50,680 When Snyder attacked Mr. Reed and Reed killed him and got banished from the caravan, sent 36 00:02:50,680 --> 00:02:53,320 out alone without wife and child. 37 00:02:53,320 --> 00:02:58,200 If we saw the signs of losing all those cattle and trucky meadows, and the Indians sneaking 38 00:02:58,200 --> 00:03:07,280 up and killing half the rest, we would have seen the hand of nature working against us. 39 00:03:07,280 --> 00:03:12,600 And the crazy task of clearing a road through the Sierra Mountain wilderness by hand, 30 40 00:03:12,600 --> 00:03:14,180 miles of road. 41 00:03:14,180 --> 00:03:19,680 We should have seen the signs, but the Donner Party only saw Missouri where they came from 42 00:03:19,680 --> 00:03:22,480 and California where they was going. 43 00:03:22,480 --> 00:03:23,760 We didn't see in between. 44 00:03:23,760 --> 00:03:25,800 Well, what's the trouble? 45 00:03:25,800 --> 00:03:26,800 What's the matter? 46 00:03:26,800 --> 00:03:27,800 Something go wrong again? 47 00:03:27,800 --> 00:03:28,800 What's the matter? 48 00:03:28,800 --> 00:03:30,600 Mr. Eddie is for trying to get over the pass again. 49 00:03:30,600 --> 00:03:32,600 I say it's crazy. 50 00:03:32,600 --> 00:03:33,860 Temperature must be near to freezing. 51 00:03:33,860 --> 00:03:35,840 And it gets worse near the summit, up near the pass. 52 00:03:35,840 --> 00:03:38,780 Well, I got my wife and children to think about, Mr. Donner. 53 00:03:38,780 --> 00:03:40,240 And so do I, Mr. Graves. 54 00:03:40,240 --> 00:03:41,600 And think about them. 55 00:03:41,600 --> 00:03:42,600 Don't stop here. 56 00:03:42,600 --> 00:03:45,120 You'll save her lives if you don't stop. 57 00:03:45,120 --> 00:03:46,840 It's colder and colder, Mr. Eddie. 58 00:03:46,840 --> 00:03:49,840 I tell you, get out of these mountains now. 59 00:03:49,840 --> 00:03:51,720 We'd have to leave most of our goods behind. 60 00:03:51,720 --> 00:03:52,800 And leave your goods. 61 00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:53,800 Leave our goods? 62 00:03:53,800 --> 00:03:55,040 As well leave our money. 63 00:03:55,040 --> 00:03:56,040 And your money. 64 00:03:56,040 --> 00:03:57,280 You talk madness, Mr. Eddie. 65 00:03:57,280 --> 00:03:59,800 What would we start our lives with in California? 66 00:03:59,800 --> 00:04:00,800 Don't be fooled. 67 00:04:00,800 --> 00:04:03,320 Mr. Eddie, you'll make trouble for yourself. 68 00:04:03,320 --> 00:04:05,040 Look at the health of our party. 69 00:04:05,040 --> 00:04:06,440 The exhaustion, Mr. Eddie. 70 00:04:06,440 --> 00:04:07,440 Look at it. 71 00:04:07,440 --> 00:04:10,040 Look at dead bodies if you don't move on. 72 00:04:10,040 --> 00:04:11,040 I know. 73 00:04:11,040 --> 00:04:12,980 I know that. 74 00:04:12,980 --> 00:04:15,680 But it's always been what could happen. 75 00:04:15,680 --> 00:04:19,680 Only some of my children, they complain. 76 00:04:19,680 --> 00:04:21,280 They need rest in a regular camp. 77 00:04:21,280 --> 00:04:22,280 And mine too. 78 00:04:22,280 --> 00:04:23,280 And my wife. 79 00:04:23,280 --> 00:04:25,500 The last bluff we lowered our wagons over. 80 00:04:25,500 --> 00:04:27,160 We didn't have the energy to keep them right. 81 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:29,120 Someone crashing down supplies an oil. 82 00:04:29,120 --> 00:04:31,720 The men just don't have the heart for it. 83 00:04:31,720 --> 00:04:32,720 You'll die. 84 00:04:32,720 --> 00:04:35,080 There's no going back to the Salt Lake. 85 00:04:35,080 --> 00:04:36,080 Some died there already. 86 00:04:36,080 --> 00:04:37,080 Try. 87 00:04:37,080 --> 00:04:39,120 At least try going over the pass again. 88 00:04:39,120 --> 00:04:40,720 Hastings route was a pack of lies. 89 00:04:40,720 --> 00:04:41,960 We'll take another route. 90 00:04:41,960 --> 00:04:43,080 Look up, Mr. Eddie. 91 00:04:43,080 --> 00:04:44,800 Look up to the face of the summit. 92 00:04:44,800 --> 00:04:45,800 Snow. 93 00:04:45,800 --> 00:04:46,800 Solid snow. 94 00:04:46,800 --> 00:04:48,640 No marks or signs. 95 00:04:48,640 --> 00:04:49,640 It's snowing again. 96 00:04:49,640 --> 00:04:52,520 And if we stay, it'll swallow us up. 97 00:04:52,520 --> 00:04:54,440 And look at the faces. 98 00:04:54,440 --> 00:04:57,360 One body can only work so much, Mr. Graves. 99 00:04:57,360 --> 00:04:58,960 And no more. 100 00:04:58,960 --> 00:05:00,640 Only so much. 101 00:05:00,640 --> 00:05:02,040 It calls for a vote. 102 00:05:02,040 --> 00:05:03,040 No, not yet. 103 00:05:03,040 --> 00:05:04,040 Why a vote? 104 00:05:04,040 --> 00:05:05,040 No more argument. 105 00:05:05,040 --> 00:05:06,040 It wastes time. 106 00:05:06,040 --> 00:05:07,540 No, you gotta listen. 107 00:05:07,540 --> 00:05:08,540 We gotta talk some more. 108 00:05:08,540 --> 00:05:09,540 You gotta understand. 109 00:05:09,540 --> 00:05:10,540 Take your hands off me. 110 00:05:10,540 --> 00:05:11,540 Tom, stop it. 111 00:05:11,540 --> 00:05:12,540 Stop it. 112 00:05:12,540 --> 00:05:13,540 All right. 113 00:05:13,540 --> 00:05:19,040 All right, call your vote. 114 00:05:19,040 --> 00:05:21,040 Call the vote, Mr. Breen. 115 00:05:21,040 --> 00:05:22,040 Listen. 116 00:05:22,040 --> 00:05:27,880 The question is, do we go on for another try over the pass or stay? 117 00:05:27,880 --> 00:05:29,440 There's no going back. 118 00:05:29,440 --> 00:05:31,480 Mr. Donner? 119 00:05:31,480 --> 00:05:32,480 To stay. 120 00:05:32,480 --> 00:05:34,240 Mr. Graves? 121 00:05:34,240 --> 00:05:35,240 To stay. 122 00:05:35,240 --> 00:05:39,000 Mrs. Reed, with your husband gone, you have a man's vote. 123 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:42,200 To stay, I suppose. 124 00:05:42,200 --> 00:05:44,880 I don't know. 125 00:05:44,880 --> 00:05:46,960 I cast no vote, Mr. Breen. 126 00:05:46,960 --> 00:05:48,960 Mr. Murphy? 127 00:05:48,960 --> 00:06:00,160 Keesburg? 128 00:06:00,160 --> 00:06:01,840 We built three houses. 129 00:06:01,840 --> 00:06:03,680 One was already standing. 130 00:06:03,680 --> 00:06:05,720 The Graves family next to the Reeds. 131 00:06:05,720 --> 00:06:08,040 Our family in Keesburg's next door. 132 00:06:08,040 --> 00:06:10,960 The Eddie and Murphy families in the adjoining cabins. 133 00:06:10,960 --> 00:06:14,260 And five miles down, the Donners. 134 00:06:14,260 --> 00:06:17,080 No windows and one door to each cabin. 135 00:06:17,080 --> 00:06:22,280 And like sentinels from October 31st, half our slaughtered oxen, dressed and ready, split 136 00:06:22,280 --> 00:06:35,880 in half, stood frozen next to our cabins. 137 00:06:35,880 --> 00:06:40,600 On Friday, November 20th, 1846, I began my journal. 138 00:06:40,600 --> 00:06:45,000 We now had killed most part of our cattle, having to stay here until next spring and 139 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:48,120 live on poor beef without bread or salt. 140 00:06:48,120 --> 00:06:51,040 It snowed during the space of eight days with little interruption. 141 00:06:51,040 --> 00:06:54,760 The remainder of time up to this day was clear and pleasant. 142 00:06:54,760 --> 00:06:58,520 Freezing at night, the snow had nearly gone from the valleys. 143 00:06:58,520 --> 00:06:59,520 Hello! 144 00:06:59,520 --> 00:07:01,840 My wife, my children asleep. 145 00:07:01,840 --> 00:07:06,680 They could not have attempted the crossing with Mr. Eddie, who started out with 22. 146 00:07:06,680 --> 00:07:08,880 My wife thought it better to wait. 147 00:07:08,880 --> 00:07:09,880 Hello! 148 00:07:09,880 --> 00:07:10,880 We're off! 149 00:07:10,880 --> 00:07:15,720 What, what is it? 150 00:07:15,720 --> 00:07:18,400 It's Mr. Eddie taking a group for another try. 151 00:07:18,400 --> 00:07:20,040 Oh, I wonder. 152 00:07:20,040 --> 00:07:22,000 It's no time for doubt. 153 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:24,000 A doubt can mean terrible things. 154 00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:26,440 Do you think they'll make it? 155 00:07:26,440 --> 00:07:29,200 I've no facts to go by. 156 00:07:29,200 --> 00:07:33,040 Mr. Eddie's a courageous and daring man. 157 00:07:33,040 --> 00:07:34,700 Will they make it? 158 00:07:34,700 --> 00:07:38,400 It's only a feeling and it's the only guide we have. 159 00:07:38,400 --> 00:07:40,520 Will they make it? 160 00:07:40,520 --> 00:07:44,320 I say no. 161 00:07:44,320 --> 00:07:54,680 On November 26th, I slaughtered my last team of oxen. 162 00:07:54,680 --> 00:07:58,360 After this beef was gone, maybe Mrs. Eddie would sell me some of hers. 163 00:07:58,360 --> 00:08:07,920 There were some mules, there were dogs, and we waited. 164 00:08:07,920 --> 00:08:18,160 Monday, December 1st, snowing fast, wind west, snow about four or five feet deep, no drifts, 165 00:08:18,160 --> 00:08:21,360 looks as likely to continue as when it commenced. 166 00:08:21,360 --> 00:08:28,480 No living thing without wings can get about. 167 00:08:28,480 --> 00:08:37,760 Tuesday, December 2nd, still snowing, wind west, snow now about five and a half to six 168 00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:39,480 feet deep. 169 00:08:39,480 --> 00:08:53,840 Difficult to get wood, no going from the house, completely closed in. 170 00:08:53,840 --> 00:08:58,600 Great days of storm and not seeing or hearing a word of life or death. 171 00:08:58,600 --> 00:09:04,560 Snow bound so that even the people in the next cabin were like a thousand miles away. 172 00:09:04,560 --> 00:09:08,840 We couldn't get out to kill the pack animals and after the sixth day our ration was barely 173 00:09:08,840 --> 00:09:10,880 enough to keep a baby alive. 174 00:09:10,880 --> 00:09:14,900 And then the storm stopped. 175 00:09:14,900 --> 00:09:16,840 We got to have meat. 176 00:09:16,840 --> 00:09:18,960 I'll go out. 177 00:09:18,960 --> 00:09:19,960 Slaughter the mules. 178 00:09:19,960 --> 00:09:20,960 Aye, the mules. 179 00:09:20,960 --> 00:09:21,960 Here. 180 00:09:21,960 --> 00:09:24,160 Help me with these boxes. 181 00:09:24,160 --> 00:09:29,200 The door is jammed. 182 00:09:29,200 --> 00:09:30,200 Step aside now. 183 00:09:30,200 --> 00:09:35,720 When I pull back the last hide, snow will fall through. 184 00:09:35,720 --> 00:09:39,360 Mr. Graves? 185 00:09:39,360 --> 00:09:41,880 They're gone. 186 00:09:41,880 --> 00:09:42,880 They're gone. 187 00:09:42,880 --> 00:09:43,880 What are you talking about? 188 00:09:43,880 --> 00:09:44,880 We didn't tie the stock. 189 00:09:44,880 --> 00:09:45,880 They ran off. 190 00:09:45,880 --> 00:09:46,880 The stock. 191 00:09:46,880 --> 00:09:47,880 Oh, no, no. 192 00:09:47,880 --> 00:09:48,880 They couldn't have gone far enough. 193 00:09:48,880 --> 00:09:53,160 They couldn't have gone far enough in the storm. 194 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:55,160 They've got to be here. 195 00:09:55,160 --> 00:09:56,760 Look for the trash. 196 00:09:56,760 --> 00:09:57,760 Trash should be gone. 197 00:09:57,760 --> 00:09:58,760 Cover it up. 198 00:09:58,760 --> 00:09:59,760 We should have tied them. 199 00:09:59,760 --> 00:10:04,760 Yeah, we should have tied them up. 200 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:05,760 I can't dig anymore. 201 00:10:05,760 --> 00:10:11,440 Mr. Green, Mr. Graves, Bayless Williams is dead. 202 00:10:11,440 --> 00:10:14,640 Will someone help take him from our cabin? 203 00:10:14,640 --> 00:10:17,480 Graves, will you help? 204 00:10:17,480 --> 00:10:19,080 I cannot. 205 00:10:19,080 --> 00:10:21,400 I've got to save my strength. 206 00:10:21,400 --> 00:10:22,400 I cannot. 207 00:10:22,400 --> 00:10:24,920 Come, Mrs. Reed. 208 00:10:24,920 --> 00:10:33,240 We'll give Bayless Williams the final rest, poor man. 209 00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:37,640 Mr. Green, have you any ox meat for my children? 210 00:10:37,640 --> 00:10:39,520 There's almost none. 211 00:10:39,520 --> 00:10:40,520 A little. 212 00:10:40,520 --> 00:10:43,600 Just a little for my children. 213 00:10:43,600 --> 00:10:45,840 We have children too, Mrs. Reed. 214 00:10:45,840 --> 00:10:46,840 Sorry. 215 00:10:46,840 --> 00:10:49,280 It's starting to snow again. 216 00:10:49,280 --> 00:10:50,880 I'm sorry. 217 00:10:50,880 --> 00:10:54,000 And getting colder. 218 00:10:54,000 --> 00:11:14,080 Maybe we should call him Fortunate, Mr. Williams. 219 00:11:14,080 --> 00:11:20,400 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Edmund O'Brien in Ordeal in Donner Pass, tonight's presentation 220 00:11:20,400 --> 00:11:28,320 in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 221 00:11:28,320 --> 00:11:38,680 Say, Harlow, who do you think will win tomorrow? 222 00:11:38,680 --> 00:11:42,120 Why, the man with the auto light stay full battery, Senator. 223 00:11:42,120 --> 00:11:46,440 You just can't lose with that rare, rugged and reliable battery that states right on 224 00:11:46,440 --> 00:11:47,440 the case. 225 00:11:47,440 --> 00:11:50,160 Needs water only three times a year in normal car use. 226 00:11:50,160 --> 00:11:53,760 But both candidates have an auto light stay full, Harlow. 227 00:11:53,760 --> 00:11:57,600 Then they have long-term power insurance, Senator. 228 00:11:57,600 --> 00:12:02,320 Fiberglass retaining mats protect every positive plate to reduce shedding and flaking and give 229 00:12:02,320 --> 00:12:07,200 that auto light stay full longer life, as proved by tests conducted according to accepted 230 00:12:07,200 --> 00:12:08,520 life cycle standards. 231 00:12:08,520 --> 00:12:11,800 Yes, but who are you voting for, Harlow? 232 00:12:11,800 --> 00:12:13,960 Why, for my auto light battery dealer. 233 00:12:13,960 --> 00:12:16,600 He's the expert on all makes of batteries. 234 00:12:16,600 --> 00:12:20,480 And if a replacement is needed, he'll recommend an auto light stay full. 235 00:12:20,480 --> 00:12:24,720 The battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. 236 00:12:24,720 --> 00:12:30,200 To quickly locate him, phone Western Union by number and ask for operator 25. 237 00:12:30,200 --> 00:12:31,200 That's right. 238 00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:33,960 Call me Western Union operator 25. 239 00:12:33,960 --> 00:12:39,400 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with auto light. 240 00:12:39,400 --> 00:12:45,480 And now, auto light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage, Mr. Edmund O'Brien in Elliot Lewis's 241 00:12:45,480 --> 00:12:49,160 production of Ordeal in Donner Pass. 242 00:12:49,160 --> 00:13:06,820 A true report, well calculated to keep you in suspense. 243 00:13:06,820 --> 00:13:12,760 Maybe you say it was cruel of me to turn aside Mrs. Reed, but I had eight mouths to feed. 244 00:13:12,760 --> 00:13:14,800 She only had five. 245 00:13:14,800 --> 00:13:17,400 Figuring life and death in numbers. 246 00:13:17,400 --> 00:13:25,760 What else could we do? 247 00:13:25,760 --> 00:13:30,200 December 31st, 1846, last of the year. 248 00:13:30,200 --> 00:13:34,240 With God's help, we spend the coming year better than the past, which we propose to 249 00:13:34,240 --> 00:13:35,240 do. 250 00:13:35,240 --> 00:13:38,240 We're blessed to have a good time. 251 00:13:38,240 --> 00:13:39,240 Burger died, Reinhardt also. 252 00:13:39,240 --> 00:13:47,240 If only almighty God will deliver us from our terrible situation, which is our prayer. 253 00:13:47,240 --> 00:13:48,240 Amen. 254 00:13:48,240 --> 00:13:56,200 Morning, cloudy again, wind east by south for three days past freezing hard every night. 255 00:13:56,200 --> 00:13:58,960 Looks like another snowstorm. 256 00:13:58,960 --> 00:14:00,800 Snowstorms are awful to us. 257 00:14:00,800 --> 00:14:02,440 Snow is so deep now. 258 00:14:02,440 --> 00:14:05,120 So very cold. 259 00:14:05,120 --> 00:14:07,760 Some of the children too weak to get from bed. 260 00:14:07,760 --> 00:14:20,680 Nothing but hides in the children's starving dog. 261 00:14:20,680 --> 00:14:26,280 Sunday January 3rd, 1847, freezing at night, wind about east. 262 00:14:26,280 --> 00:14:30,320 Mrs. Reed talks of crossing the mountains with one of her older children, leaving others 263 00:14:30,320 --> 00:14:31,320 behind. 264 00:14:31,320 --> 00:14:33,160 Provisions cast. 265 00:14:33,160 --> 00:14:36,440 I have no right to ask you, but it's for their sake. 266 00:14:36,440 --> 00:14:37,440 I must go. 267 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:38,440 No, not alone. 268 00:14:38,440 --> 00:14:39,440 Mrs. Reed. 269 00:14:39,440 --> 00:14:40,440 With milk. 270 00:14:40,440 --> 00:14:41,440 No. 271 00:14:41,440 --> 00:14:42,440 And Eliza in Virginia. 272 00:14:42,440 --> 00:14:43,440 10 strong mountain men couldn't do it now. 273 00:14:43,440 --> 00:14:44,440 I must, I must. 274 00:14:44,440 --> 00:14:47,440 There isn't enough for all of us. 275 00:14:47,440 --> 00:14:50,440 Can I leave James with you? 276 00:14:50,440 --> 00:14:53,800 I'm going for bread, Tommy. 277 00:14:53,800 --> 00:14:56,800 Get bread for you and everybody. 278 00:14:56,800 --> 00:14:57,800 Child. 279 00:14:57,800 --> 00:14:58,800 What of Tom? 280 00:14:58,800 --> 00:14:59,800 To the graves. 281 00:14:59,800 --> 00:15:00,800 Will they take him in? 282 00:15:00,800 --> 00:15:01,800 I can only imagine. 283 00:15:01,800 --> 00:15:04,800 Will you help me take him over? 284 00:15:04,800 --> 00:15:20,200 Hurry, hurry, Mr. Breen, for God's sake, hurry. 285 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:33,800 You come seeking help, Mrs. Reed? 286 00:15:33,800 --> 00:15:35,840 The fine and dandy Mrs. Reed? 287 00:15:35,840 --> 00:15:40,520 I only ask you with some charity. 288 00:15:40,520 --> 00:15:41,880 Take in my baby, Tom. 289 00:15:41,880 --> 00:15:44,800 We've got nothing to share with the son of your husband. 290 00:15:44,800 --> 00:15:46,280 Cut out your tongue, Mr. Graves. 291 00:15:46,280 --> 00:15:48,280 This isn't your concern, Mr. Breen, none of it. 292 00:15:48,280 --> 00:15:49,280 I've taken in James. 293 00:15:49,280 --> 00:15:51,160 And it's your bad luck. 294 00:15:51,160 --> 00:15:53,080 How can you talk so selfish? 295 00:15:53,080 --> 00:15:55,480 For all of us, one problem, all to help each other. 296 00:15:55,480 --> 00:15:57,480 We're more alone than ever, alone. 297 00:15:57,480 --> 00:16:02,120 From the man who fights the hardest, wins his life and life for his family. 298 00:16:02,120 --> 00:16:03,680 You ask a price? 299 00:16:03,680 --> 00:16:07,360 There's still some animal hides on the roof of your hut. 300 00:16:07,360 --> 00:16:09,880 I thought to share them for all the children. 301 00:16:09,880 --> 00:16:13,320 Let the others care for your precious baby. 302 00:16:13,320 --> 00:16:14,320 Mr. Breen? 303 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:16,960 He can have some of them you give me. 304 00:16:16,960 --> 00:16:18,280 And the silverware you brought. 305 00:16:18,280 --> 00:16:20,240 A foul mind and a foul body. 306 00:16:20,240 --> 00:16:23,760 No father than the stink of your own cabin, living like animals. 307 00:16:23,760 --> 00:16:24,760 But you become one. 308 00:16:24,760 --> 00:16:28,440 And then there's a golden bracelet my wife saw you wear. 309 00:16:28,440 --> 00:16:29,440 You can have it. 310 00:16:29,440 --> 00:16:30,440 And fine linen cloth. 311 00:16:30,440 --> 00:16:31,440 Any other... 312 00:16:31,440 --> 00:16:32,440 Enough! 313 00:16:32,440 --> 00:16:33,440 Shut up! 314 00:16:33,440 --> 00:16:35,440 You ask for another thing and I turn my hand against you. 315 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:37,440 I'll kill you if you ask for another thing! 316 00:16:37,440 --> 00:16:38,920 Please, Mr. Breen. 317 00:16:38,920 --> 00:16:40,920 I got all I want. 318 00:16:40,920 --> 00:16:41,920 I've got all I need. 319 00:16:41,920 --> 00:16:55,360 Monday, January 4th, Mrs. Reed, Milt, Virginia and Eliza started about a half hour ago with 320 00:16:55,360 --> 00:16:58,160 a prospect of crossing the mountain. 321 00:16:58,160 --> 00:17:00,160 May our God of Mercy help them. 322 00:17:00,160 --> 00:17:14,880 It was difficult for Mrs. Reed to get away from the other children. 323 00:17:14,880 --> 00:17:18,920 Friday, January 8th, wind east, froze hard last night. 324 00:17:18,920 --> 00:17:20,840 Very cold this morning. 325 00:17:20,840 --> 00:17:23,480 Mrs. Reed and company came back this morning. 326 00:17:23,480 --> 00:17:26,040 Could not find their way on the other side of the mountain. 327 00:17:26,040 --> 00:17:35,200 They have nothing but a few hides to live on. 328 00:17:35,200 --> 00:17:39,840 From January 10th to the 14th, it snowed without stop. 329 00:17:39,840 --> 00:17:41,960 Difficult to get wood even after the storm broke. 330 00:17:41,960 --> 00:17:48,480 There is little energy for much but sitting. 331 00:17:48,480 --> 00:17:56,160 Saturday, 23rd, blew hard and snowed all night. 332 00:17:56,160 --> 00:17:59,080 The worst storm we experienced this winter. 333 00:17:59,080 --> 00:18:01,080 The sun came out a while. 334 00:18:01,080 --> 00:18:03,400 No sign of any game. 335 00:18:03,400 --> 00:18:04,920 No birds. 336 00:18:04,920 --> 00:18:06,660 No Indians. 337 00:18:06,660 --> 00:18:12,760 Even they leave us to our fate. 338 00:18:12,760 --> 00:18:16,560 January 31st, Glander Murphy died. 339 00:18:16,560 --> 00:18:32,120 The sun don't shine out brilliant this morning and it froze pretty hard last night. 340 00:18:32,120 --> 00:18:36,800 February 21st, 1847, we sat in our cabin. 341 00:18:36,800 --> 00:18:41,160 The hides was rotting from the heat inside and snow on top of them. 342 00:18:41,160 --> 00:18:43,440 But even those we boil and eat. 343 00:18:43,440 --> 00:18:46,600 We hear from the Donners up the trail. 344 00:18:46,600 --> 00:18:49,320 Old Jacob Donner is dying. 345 00:18:49,320 --> 00:18:52,320 Many were dying. 346 00:18:52,320 --> 00:18:57,600 Patrick, how long can we last? 347 00:18:57,600 --> 00:19:03,200 Not long if all we talk of is death. 348 00:19:03,200 --> 00:19:05,320 What was that? 349 00:19:05,320 --> 00:19:08,880 Something, something's happened. 350 00:19:08,880 --> 00:19:10,840 Gone mad? 351 00:19:10,840 --> 00:19:11,840 Have some gone mad? 352 00:19:11,840 --> 00:19:13,840 Oh no, I think it's more. 353 00:19:13,840 --> 00:19:15,840 Who are they? 354 00:19:15,840 --> 00:19:17,840 Are we saved? 355 00:19:17,840 --> 00:19:22,840 Oh God, dear God, are we saved? 356 00:19:22,840 --> 00:19:27,840 Are you, are you an angel or are you real? 357 00:19:27,840 --> 00:19:28,840 We're real. 358 00:19:28,840 --> 00:19:31,840 My name is Rhodes. 359 00:19:31,840 --> 00:19:32,840 Who sent you? 360 00:19:32,840 --> 00:19:35,560 How have you come to us? 361 00:19:35,560 --> 00:19:36,560 Reed told us. 362 00:19:36,560 --> 00:19:38,560 He got us to come. 363 00:19:38,560 --> 00:19:39,560 Reed? 364 00:19:39,560 --> 00:19:42,240 The man we banished, God forgive us, the man we cast out. 365 00:19:42,240 --> 00:19:43,240 You, you, you brought food. 366 00:19:43,240 --> 00:19:44,240 Some flour, some salt. 367 00:19:44,240 --> 00:19:45,240 We had to leave a lot behind. 368 00:19:45,240 --> 00:19:46,240 Enough to get us over the mountain? 369 00:19:46,240 --> 00:19:47,240 How many are there? 370 00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:48,240 Maybe 40, including children. 371 00:19:48,240 --> 00:19:49,240 But don't you know for sure? 372 00:19:49,240 --> 00:19:50,240 Every night there's less. 373 00:19:50,240 --> 00:19:51,240 We hardly see each other for days at a time. 374 00:19:51,240 --> 00:19:52,240 Hey, keep that man away from the pack. 375 00:19:52,240 --> 00:19:53,240 You want food? 376 00:19:53,240 --> 00:19:54,240 Flour, I've got to have food. 377 00:19:54,240 --> 00:19:55,240 You'll kill yourself if you eat too much. 378 00:19:55,240 --> 00:19:56,240 Put a guard on the food. 379 00:19:56,240 --> 00:19:57,240 We'll give out what we can. 380 00:19:57,240 --> 00:19:58,240 Not all of it. 381 00:19:58,240 --> 00:19:59,240 There's got to be enough left. 382 00:19:59,240 --> 00:20:00,240 We've got to get out of here. 383 00:20:00,240 --> 00:20:01,240 We've got to get out of here. 384 00:20:01,240 --> 00:20:02,240 We've got to get out of here. 385 00:20:02,240 --> 00:20:10,280 We've got to get out of here. 386 00:20:10,280 --> 00:20:17,280 We've got to get out of here. 387 00:20:17,280 --> 00:20:25,660 We've got to get out of here. 388 00:20:25,660 --> 00:20:34,280 Twenty-four went with the brave seven men. 389 00:20:34,280 --> 00:20:37,920 And those who were left moved into only two cabins. 390 00:20:37,920 --> 00:20:40,400 We lived like animals then. 391 00:20:40,400 --> 00:20:53,480 We was little more. 392 00:20:53,480 --> 00:21:10,920 They said I lived more than they could see. 393 00:21:10,920 --> 00:21:12,920 if we go outside. 394 00:21:13,920 --> 00:21:18,920 Build a fire on the snow. 395 00:21:19,920 --> 00:21:23,920 If the others help, we can. 396 00:21:23,920 --> 00:21:49,920 At least, not to live in a room with the dead. 397 00:21:49,920 --> 00:21:52,920 We come from built-up country and cities. 398 00:21:52,920 --> 00:21:57,920 We didn't know that to build a fire on snow, you've got to cross tree trunks and put the fire on them. 399 00:21:58,920 --> 00:22:02,920 We built it on snow, and it cut a well into the snow. 400 00:22:02,920 --> 00:22:05,920 We all moved down to it, like a cave. 401 00:22:05,920 --> 00:22:09,920 We was too weak to move from the wet ground, too sick to care. 402 00:22:09,920 --> 00:22:12,920 At least it protected us from the wind. 403 00:22:12,920 --> 00:22:16,920 Fourteen of us was all that was left alive. 404 00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:20,920 My wife Peggy, Mrs. Graves, and her baby. 405 00:22:22,920 --> 00:22:26,920 What do you have there? 406 00:22:26,920 --> 00:22:28,920 Nothing. 407 00:22:28,920 --> 00:22:29,920 Nothing? 408 00:22:29,920 --> 00:22:35,920 You hid something under your shawl. 409 00:22:35,920 --> 00:22:38,920 I didn't hide anything. 410 00:22:38,920 --> 00:22:43,920 You put something to your mouth. 411 00:22:43,920 --> 00:22:44,920 No. 412 00:22:44,920 --> 00:22:50,920 You got some food. 413 00:22:50,920 --> 00:22:56,920 You've been holding up some food. 414 00:22:56,920 --> 00:22:58,920 Come back Peggy, leave her be. 415 00:22:58,920 --> 00:23:01,920 I won't. 416 00:23:01,920 --> 00:23:04,920 Under her shawl. 417 00:23:04,920 --> 00:23:06,920 No, stop, stop now. 418 00:23:06,920 --> 00:23:08,920 Give it back. 419 00:23:08,920 --> 00:23:09,920 Give it. 420 00:23:09,920 --> 00:23:10,920 Give me. 421 00:23:10,920 --> 00:23:11,920 My baby. 422 00:23:11,920 --> 00:23:14,920 It was only a bleached out bone, Peggy. 423 00:23:14,920 --> 00:23:21,920 She ate all that was on it. 424 00:23:21,920 --> 00:23:23,920 She ate. 425 00:23:23,920 --> 00:23:26,920 Don't, Mrs. Graves, don't. 426 00:23:26,920 --> 00:23:28,920 She held out. 427 00:23:28,920 --> 00:23:30,920 It was only an empty bone. 428 00:23:30,920 --> 00:23:32,920 It had been boiled over and over. 429 00:23:32,920 --> 00:23:34,920 Held out. 430 00:23:34,920 --> 00:23:37,920 An empty, empty bone. 431 00:23:37,920 --> 00:23:38,920 Held out. 432 00:23:38,920 --> 00:23:49,920 An empty. 433 00:23:49,920 --> 00:23:54,920 Mrs. Graves' baby died that night, and in the morning, a five-year-old son. 434 00:23:54,920 --> 00:23:59,920 Life went from her altogether, she died by the time the sky was light. 435 00:23:59,920 --> 00:24:11,920 We did not have energy to take them out of the pit, because we didn't have no energy to get out ourselves. 436 00:24:11,920 --> 00:24:13,920 There was eleven left. 437 00:24:13,920 --> 00:24:15,920 Close to ninety started. 438 00:24:15,920 --> 00:24:17,920 Half died. 439 00:24:17,920 --> 00:24:26,920 And on the sixth day, in that cave of snow and the ground, sitting like animals in the mud, not caring or even hearing. 440 00:24:26,920 --> 00:24:29,920 I can't pray. 441 00:24:29,920 --> 00:24:30,920 Don't. 442 00:24:30,920 --> 00:24:31,920 No, ma. 443 00:24:31,920 --> 00:24:33,920 Don't say that. 444 00:24:33,920 --> 00:24:43,920 You can't even remember my prayers. 445 00:24:43,920 --> 00:24:46,920 They, they come back. 446 00:24:46,920 --> 00:24:48,920 Call. 447 00:24:48,920 --> 00:24:51,920 I've got to call them. 448 00:24:51,920 --> 00:24:53,920 Help. 449 00:24:53,920 --> 00:24:58,920 We're, we're here. 450 00:24:58,920 --> 00:25:00,920 Help. 451 00:25:00,920 --> 00:25:08,920 Go up to them. 452 00:25:08,920 --> 00:25:13,920 I can't move. 453 00:25:13,920 --> 00:25:17,920 Help. 454 00:25:17,920 --> 00:25:23,920 They'll go, they're not here. 455 00:25:23,920 --> 00:25:26,920 They'll go. 456 00:25:26,920 --> 00:25:31,920 We'll die down here. 457 00:25:31,920 --> 00:25:38,920 If we, maybe if we all try to shout, shout to them. 458 00:25:38,920 --> 00:25:40,920 Come on. 459 00:25:40,920 --> 00:25:44,920 Help. 460 00:25:44,920 --> 00:25:47,920 Help. 461 00:25:47,920 --> 00:25:49,920 Hear it? 462 00:25:49,920 --> 00:25:50,920 Come over there. 463 00:25:50,920 --> 00:25:52,920 Come on. 464 00:25:52,920 --> 00:25:54,920 Here. 465 00:25:54,920 --> 00:25:59,920 Down here in this hole. 466 00:25:59,920 --> 00:26:07,920 Oh, no. 467 00:26:07,920 --> 00:26:10,920 We'll take you out. 468 00:26:10,920 --> 00:26:12,920 Don't worry. 469 00:26:12,920 --> 00:26:22,920 We'll take you out. 470 00:26:22,920 --> 00:26:25,920 We lived in that place five months. 471 00:26:25,920 --> 00:26:27,920 We left the camp. 472 00:26:27,920 --> 00:26:29,920 We will never forget. 473 00:26:29,920 --> 00:26:31,920 Some of us were selfish. 474 00:26:31,920 --> 00:26:39,920 We will never forget that no matter what we'd done that was wrong, a lot of us tried to be decent. 475 00:26:39,920 --> 00:26:42,920 I'd done what I was able. 476 00:26:42,920 --> 00:26:45,920 I'd done what was the most any man could. 477 00:26:45,920 --> 00:27:12,920 April, 1847. 478 00:27:12,920 --> 00:27:19,920 Suspense. 479 00:27:19,920 --> 00:27:28,920 Harlow Wilcox again speaking for Auto Light, the world's largest independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment in 28 plants from coast to coast, 480 00:27:28,920 --> 00:27:34,920 where Auto Light makes over 400 products for cars, trucks, tractors, planes, boats, and industry. 481 00:27:34,920 --> 00:27:45,920 These products include horns, bumpers, recording thermometers, and batteries such as the famous Auto Light Stay Full, ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs, both standard and resistor types, 482 00:27:45,920 --> 00:27:56,920 voltage regulators, wire and battery cable, Auto Light bullseye sealed beam units, and Auto Light original service parts for all Auto Light electrical systems. 483 00:27:56,920 --> 00:28:05,920 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. 484 00:28:05,920 --> 00:28:11,920 Next week, a true story taken from Captain Walter Kerrig's Battle Report Korea. 485 00:28:11,920 --> 00:28:16,920 The facts concerning the mine clearing operations in Wonsan Harbor. 486 00:28:16,920 --> 00:28:18,920 Needle in the haystack. 487 00:28:18,920 --> 00:28:20,920 Our star, Mr. William Holden. 488 00:28:20,920 --> 00:28:25,920 That's next week on Suspense. 489 00:28:25,920 --> 00:28:31,920 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis, with music composed by Lucian Morawick and conducted by Lud Bluskin. 490 00:28:31,920 --> 00:28:35,920 Ordeal and honor pass was adapted for Suspense by Arthur Ross. 491 00:28:35,920 --> 00:28:42,920 Featured in tonight's cast were Paula Winslow, Mary Lansing, Charlotte Lawrence, John Danaer, Joseph Kearns, Harry Bartel, and Parley Bear. 492 00:28:42,920 --> 00:28:47,920 Edmund O'Brien may soon be seen in The Bigamist, co-starring Joan Fontaine and Ida Lupino. 493 00:28:47,920 --> 00:28:56,920 And remember next week, Mr. William Holden in Needle in the Haystack. 494 00:28:56,920 --> 00:29:05,920 You can buy Auto Light stay full batteries, Auto Light standard or resistor type spark plugs, and Auto Light original service parts at your neighborhood Auto Light dealers. 495 00:29:05,920 --> 00:29:11,920 Switch to Auto Light. Good night. 496 00:29:11,920 --> 00:29:26,920 This is the CBS Radio Network.