Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Jack Benny in tonight's presentation of
Suspense.
Tonight Auto Light presents the story of a successful bank robbery including the astounding
history of the unhappy man who perpetrated the crime.
Called The Face is Familiar, our star in his first dramatic appearance of the season, Mr.
Jack Benny.
This is Harlow Wilcock speaking for the world famous Auto Light family.
Tonight we announce the $100,000 Auto Light family charity drawing.
During the next 11 weeks all of you 18 years of age or over can take part in this greatest
of all charitable events and here's how.
Just visit the showroom of any Auto Light family car dealer and sign your name and address
on the registration form he gives you.
Ask him to sign the receipt portion.
That's all, nothing else to do, no need to buy a thing.
And yet you may be one of 25 selected to name the recognized charities that will receive
a total of $100,000 in cash on the 1st of June.
Think of it, thousands of dollars in cash to be given to your favorite recognized charity
or charities if you are one of the favorite persons.
So go tonight, go tomorrow to Auto Light family car dealers and sign your name and address
to the registration form he gives you.
Later on I'll tell you the names of the Auto Light family car dealers who are participating
in this great Auto Light family charity event.
And now Auto Light presents Transcribed The Face is Familiar starring Mr. Jack Benny,
hoping once again to keep you in suspense.
I still can't understand why they picked me of all people.
Me of all people.
That's why it's so hard to believe.
That it all happened I mean.
But it did.
It really did.
Just because I like to go to the railroad station, walk around, look at the trains,
study faces.
I never forget a face.
I never forget a train either.
But it's easier to forget a face.
But a matter of fact I remember some faces that would be a lot better for me to forget.
Like Harry Edmonds face for instance.
That's the day it all started.
The day I saw Harry Edmonds way across on the other side of the terminal.
At the station.
He was talking to a big fellow.
Harry's face I remembered right away.
I never saw the big fellow before.
But I get going Harry.
But you can't pull off the job.
I stuck up a bank before.
Yeah sure and they'd spot you in a minute you walked in.
I know you too.
This is your home town.
Oh sure neither one of us is right.
Let the boss decide.
Come on.
I thought about it on the train down.
We need somebody new.
We're not splitting this thing with anybody else.
It goes three ways now.
Look if we have to we have to and if we wait too long we gotta let the whole thing go until
next month.
Then we wait.
Not for me.
This town is too hot for me.
Somebody is liable to recognize me.
Yoo hoo Harry.
Harry Edmonds.
Who's that?
Where?
Over there.
Some guy calling you.
Harry.
Harry Edmonds.
You old son of a gun.
Brush this guy.
Well well.
Good old Harry Edmonds.
You got me mixed up with somebody else mister.
No.
No I haven't.
I know who you are.
Yeah?
Harry Edmonds.
You used to live on 12th street and 2nd avenue.
What city?
This city.
Here.
Don't you remember me Harry?
Can't say as I do so long.
Harry.
Oh Harry Edmonds.
Harry.
Hey Harry.
No kidding.
You don't remember me don't you?
Seriously Harry.
You remember Pinky Smith?
He had a wart on his finger.
And Alan Davenport.
He had a birthmark on his neck.
Well I'm Tom Jones.
I have nothing.
I'm clean.
Brush him.
Get rid of him.
No no no wait.
I think we got our answer.
I think we got the itching paint and the
handle some of our bank business.
Harry Harry try to remember.
Go ahead now.
Try to remember.
Yeah.
12th street and 2nd avenue.
That's right.
Well I used to live around there somewhere but I still can't.
Let me give you a hint.
Go ahead.
Remember Gordon's candy store on the corner?
And remember the great bunch of guys who used to hang out there?
Yeah.
Remember those pesty kids who used to tag along nagging nagging saying let us in.
Can we come too?
Always pesty.
Always trying to horn in.
Well one of them was me.
Tom Jones.
Remember me now Harry?
What did you say your name was again?
Jones.
Tom Jones.
The name sounds very familiar.
We grew up together.
Yeah.
Yeah yeah.
Well well what are you doing these days?
Oh a little bit of everything.
And you?
Banking.
Oh money huh?
Yeah.
Well that's a nice feel.
Well I gotta go look at the people.
It was good talking over old times with you Harry.
Hey come on.
Oh wait a minute wait a minute.
Look you you mind waiting a minute?
What's what's your name again?
Tom Jones.
Remember?
Oh yeah yeah Tom.
Yeah well wait a minute.
Well I'm kind of busy.
What's important is that.
Oh I like talking over old times with you Tom.
Maybe we could have a drink and dinner.
Well on me.
Oh well yeah good good.
Except that Joe has an appointment.
Joe couldn't you break it?
Wait here a second.
Uh uh Tom.
Tom Jones.
Tom yeah.
Joe come here.
Let me talk to you a second.
What?
I know I got the answer.
I know I found the pigeon who's gonna do it for us.
Let the boss figure that out.
I tell you I got it figured.
Look at that guy.
Yeah.
He is it.
Him.
He don't look like nothing.
Right he's nothing.
It's not what we want.
Nobody that anybody ever saw before.
Nobody that anybody would ever think of looking at twice.
Job's ready.
And if we don't pull it this afternoon we lose another whole month so come on.
Oh Joe can make it he is gonna join us.
Joe I forgot to introduce you.
Have you met?
Uh.
It's Jones.
For heaven's sake.
Yeah.
Tom Jones.
Tom Jones yeah.
Well Tom meet Joe and don't get so off.
As a kid I grew up with Joe.
We're gonna have a great time talking over old times you know.
Secondary.
That's right and your name is Tom Jones.
Yeah.
Uh huh.
And it is a difficult name to remember because it's so common.
Don't you think so?
Oh yeah I sure do.
Oh it'll certainly be nice talking over old times.
Oh yeah I haven't talked over old times in a long time.
Well well.
Harry Edmonds.
Yes sir and good old uh.
Tom.
Tom yeah.
Better get started.
Where to?
I want you to meet another old friend of mine.
Harry must have been doing very well.
Very well.
I mean for a man in the money game.
He had a brand new sedan with real leather upholstery.
I know it was real leather because that used to be my game.
Leather upholstery.
Not much money you know at least not for me.
But I didn't let Harry know that.
No sir.
What if he ran into another old friend from Second Avenue and the other old friend said
how's old Tom Jones doing?
And Harry said not very well.
Not very well at all.
Well that can hurt a man once it gets around.
And then what happened?
Well when I came back to the main office I said I want 40 percent commission from now
on.
Really?
But of course that would have made me a partner the boss said.
After all Harry I'm not the kind of guy who can be cooped up in an office.
I've been a road man.
The lure of the open road.
Oh yeah.
The call of the open streets.
See I'm an outdoor type of salesman.
Something of the pioneer kind.
You know pioneer?
Yeah pioneer.
You see there are those salesmen who are made for offices and those of us who get out and
break the plane so to speak.
Tom you surprise me.
I could keep going for hours Harry.
Literally hours.
Yeah well why don't you hold on to something till we have dinner.
Oh sure sure.
Hey I bet you never expected that pasty little kid who always used to hang around to get so
big in his field.
Oh I certainly didn't.
We could sure use somebody like you in our outfit Tom.
Really?
Yeah.
Well that's very flattering but I'm not sure it's right for me.
I bet I could get you I don't know maybe ten thousand a year to start with.
Ten thousand a year you say?
Yeah.
Well what would you like to think about it?
You talk to my boss maybe he can convince you.
I'm willing to listen Harry.
I'm willing to listen all right.
The business Harry was in was mighty successful if the home of his boss was any indication.
It was a beautiful big yellow house with a lovely green front door and you could tell
it was the home of a man who had worked his way up and knew what to do with what he had.
Inside it was very homey.
Two fireplaces in the living room that looked like they were burning.
Beautiful plaid carpet that must have been a real oriental and they wanted me in the
business.
Me Tom Jones of all people.
Brandy Mr. Jones?
No thanks thanks for my dinner.
Cigar?
Well.
All clear Havana.
Oh I can see that.
I can always tell a good cigar just by looking at it.
I don't cigars and paces and trains.
And you're a very well informed man Mr. Jones.
Well you're kind of unusual yourself.
Why?
Well you remember my name.
Don't most people?
Most people don't even recognize me.
People I've known for years.
Is that so?
Now don't get me wrong it's an asset in my business.
See people who tell me no when I try to sell them something say come back next year.
But I come back next week and they don't even remember I was in the first time.
Maybe a face like mine doesn't come along every day.
I like you Tom.
Mind if I call you Tom?
Certainly not Mr.
Just call me Boss.
Everybody calls me that.
Especially people I like and I like you.
I like you too Boss.
Then you're interested in coming into the organization?
Oh I might give it a whirl.
Let's put it that way.
I wouldn't want it any other way.
A trial for both of us.
And the pay Harry mentioned?
Oh I told him a starting salary boy.
Let's talk about that at dinner.
Come on we'd better get started.
Isn't a quarter to three in the afternoon a little early for dinner?
We have a few errands to do.
Excuse us just a minute.
Oh of course, of course.
You like the idea?
Of course.
Nobody will ever remember him.
I couldn't even describe to you what he looks like.
Where's the satchel?
Right here Boss.
I thought you put the note inside.
We wanted you to okay it first here reading.
You are being covered by a gun from two different places in this bank.
Do not send an alarm or you will be killed.
Put $50,000 in the satchel.
That's it and a note.
How will you get them to take it in?
I always come up with the answer don't I?
Yes sure Boss.
Come on let's go.
Oh we talked it over and the Boss likes you a lot.
For the last time it's Jones.
Tom Jones.
Yeah well I was only kidding Tom.
Well all right we better get started.
Where to first?
To the bank Tom.
That's very kind but completely unnecessary.
I don't need my salary in advance.
I told you this is a high class outfit.
To the bank.
Gee.
Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Jack Benny in The Face is Familiar.
Tonight's presentation in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense.
This is Harlow Wilcox again.
Tonight the worldwide auto light family is privileged to salute a distinguished member,
the DeSoto division of Chrysler Corporation.
So I've stopped in at my local DeSoto Plymouth dealers to learn all about the wonderful DeSotos
454.
Oh you're right about the new DeSoto automatics Mr. Wilcox.
They are wonderful and for many reasons.
For instance there's the great DeSoto 170 horsepower Fire Dome V8 engine.
The world's most efficient engine design.
Well explain why Mr. Dealer.
The secrets in the hemispherical design of the combustion chamber.
That's where your fuel is exploded to give you power.
This design squeezes every last drop of power out of your fuel.
But you use regular gasoline for real economy.
This plus DeSoto's fully automatic power flight transmission, power steering, power brakes
and auto light electrical equipment are just a few of the many reasons why the 1954 DeSoto
automatics put you ahead automatically.
Thank you Mr. Dealer.
Auto light is proud of its long connection with DeSoto and DeSoto Plymouth dealers everywhere.
And now auto light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage Mr. Jack Benny.
In Elliot Lewis's production of The Face is Familiar.
A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.
Gee isn't it funny how you wait a long time for your ship to come in.
There I was watching a train and my ship came in.
Just because I recognized Harry's face.
Boy you gotta keep on your toes in this world.
Because when opportunity knocks at your door you gotta be all set to open it.
Anyway I'd opened the door before I knew it.
We were downtown.
The bank already?
I hardly noticed we were moving.
Had you mind waiting a few minutes?
Oh not at all.
I like you Tom.
Let me tell you I like you too.
I'm certainly glad Harry met you after all these years.
And I'm glad too.
I like Harry.
And I like you too Tom.
You know I feel like I've known all of you.
Just all of you since second avenue.
Boss I even feel like I grew up with you.
That's very nice of you Tom.
Well who's going to get the payroll?
Is that why we stopped at the bank?
You pick up your own payroll?
Sure why not?
For how much?
Fifty thousand dollars.
Fifty thousand dollars?
And you pick it up yourself?
It's my money and I work hard for it.
It's my way.
And if you don't like my way of doing things Tom.
No no no no not at all.
I've always felt personally and I've always felt that people should pick up their own
money.
Always.
Especially if it's fifty thousand dollars or more.
Besides armored cars haven't been doing too well in the past few years.
I like the way you think.
Well maybe we should all pick up the payroll.
Wouldn't that make us a little too conspicuous?
Hmm.
Yes.
And besides I want to discuss you a little more.
I think you'll work out.
Fine.
Say maybe Harry can pick up the money while we talk.
I wanted to discuss you with Harry.
Oh.
Well how about Joe?
Joe picked it up last time.
I don't like the same man going in twice in a row.
See not Harry.
Not Joe.
Or you.
Me?
I hate to ask you.
You're not really part of my organization yet and I don't like to see a man work unless
he gets paid for it.
Well I'd be happy to.
Just delighted.
Besides I'm going to have to get used to large sums of money and I guess there's no time to
start like the present.
Just take this satchel up to the window and give it to the teller.
The withdrawal slip is inside.
The teller will know exactly what to do.
Fine.
Oh sure of course.
Now boss you've got to wait until he's in.
Did you call me?
No.
I'm sorry.
My my it's certainly crowded.
So many people waiting in line.
Yeah.
People certainly must be doing well these days.
Yeah.
I'm very busy myself.
So?
I have some friends waiting for me outside.
Good.
I was just wondering if you weren't in a hurry would you mind.
No.
Oh.
These lines certainly move slowly don't they?
Yeah.
Well he certainly took long enough at that window.
Yeah.
I hate people who dawdle over money don't you?
I guess.
Your transaction isn't going to take very long is it?
Nope.
Good good.
That big bag you're carrying had me worried.
Yeah.
What sort of business are you in?
Penny vending machines.
Pennies?
All those are pennies?
Something wrong with pennies?
Oh no.
No of course not.
Excuse me.
I think I'll I'll try that other line.
My my it's certainly crowded.
I beg your pardon.
I say it's crowded.
There's such a big day.
Wouldn't you think they'd have more tellers?
I certainly do.
I mean one say to handle pennies and so forth you know.
Well there's one gone.
I like the way that teller works.
I suppose.
Will your transaction take long?
Oh no.
Good.
I'm in a terrible hurry.
Some friends are waiting for me on the outside.
Next please.
Yes madam.
Well in 1950 my husband opened an account in his name a savings account.
Then he transferred it to a checking account.
Then we split up that money and opened a joint savings account and joint checking account.
But we found out we didn't really close the other savings account.
Of course we thought we did.
So some of our checking deposits have been.
Look don't don't you think you should see the manager instead of taking this teller's
time.
I'll handle this sir if you don't mind.
Oh no not at all.
Not at all.
Madam would you please take this up with the manager.
But if you don't mind may I get to the window.
Yes.
The withdrawal slip is in the bag.
Oh a withdrawal.
Next window please.
Now just a minute.
You in there teller.
Open up.
Yes sir.
You see I've been moving from line to line and I insist you handle this.
I'm sorry sir I can't violate the rules for anyone.
But this is a very important matter you know.
This isn't just some piddling sum.
How much are you withdrawing sir?
Well I believe it's fifty thousand dollars.
Oh you're quite right that is a lot of money.
Now will you please remove this bag and go to the next window.
Well.
All right.
At least the lines are getting shorter.
Yes they are.
Wouldn't you think a bank this size could afford a few extra tellers.
How do you mean?
Like say one kind of teller to handle only pennies and another kind to handle matters
of fifty thousand dollars or more.
I beg your pardon.
I suppose that sounds a little strange but you'd be surprised how it would speed things
up.
Oh I'm sure.
And it needs it.
Yeah I came in feeling fine just fine.
Now I'm nervous from waiting and waiting and waiting.
I'll be through in a minute.
Well it's terribly important.
You see some people are waiting for me outside.
Next please.
Here you are.
Twenty thirty forty.
Thank you.
Next please.
Yes yes.
Oh wait just a minute.
Something wrong.
I'll be back in a minute.
My friends are calling me.
Did you fellas call me.
No no go back.
But someone hunk the horn.
I saw somebody else wave.
A mistake.
Yes turn around and go back.
We'll be here.
Oh sure sure of course.
All right sir here's the bag.
Your deposit slip sir.
A withdrawal.
The slip is on the inside.
Is this a joke mister.
Listen you.
I've had enough now you can read can't you.
Yes sir.
Then don't dawdle.
Do what it says.
That's fine.
That's much better.
Yes sir.
Come on come on come on.
Go get it.
Here's the money.
Hey hey Harry.
Where are you going.
Stop.
Where are you what are you doing.
Harry.
That got him.
All right Jenkins take some rope down there and tie their hands.
I set off the alarm as fast as I could officer.
Come on let's get down there.
You can show me which one of those guys held you up.
All right officer I'm sure I'll remember him.
This is terrible.
Step back buddy.
But it was me.
It was you what.
It was me officer.
I took the bag in and I didn't know.
Are you kidding.
Tell her.
Tell her look at me.
I am.
You must be nuts.
No I'm not nuts it's me.
Don't you recognize my face.
Look at her.
Nothing like it.
What did the fellow look like.
Well he had a lean face or slightly fat.
No lean and brown eyes.
No gosh I don't know.
It was me.
Look blue eyes see me.
And I'm sorry I'm terribly sorry.
I'll beat it bud.
Think hard.
I am but it was the most nondescript face I've ever seen.
Well that's pretty nasty if you ask me.
Tell me what you remember.
I can.
I was standing there.
I just counted out forty dogs.
And I walked up to the window.
It wasn't you.
This fellow was about six feet tall or five and a half.
Five feet eight.
I'm five feet eight.
And he had a real menacing look.
No I was smiling.
See look look look I'm smiling.
Look now do you remember.
Now look here get out of here before I run you in.
Yes sir.
I remember now he was six feet tall.
He had red hair.
He was carrying a gun.
He had a handkerchief over the lower part of his face.
And he carried a cane.
Well that's what happened.
That was an eyewitness account of a bank robbery.
From the man who did it.
Here I walked into the bank robbed them of fifty thousand dollars.
Didn't even know I was doing it.
Imagine.
Hmm.
And nobody recognized me.
He didn't know my face.
You know I bet I could walk into another bank and do the same thing.
Nah I better not.
Suspense presented by auto light tonight star Mr. Jack Benny.
Be sure you take part in the great auto light family charity drawing now at your auto light
family car dealers.
No need to buy a thing.
Just sign your name to the registration form he gives you.
Ask him to sign the receipt portion.
You may be one of 25 selected to name the recognized charities that will share a total
of this one hundred thousand dollar cash distribution on June 1st.
Here are the car dealers in your territory who have the auto light family charity drawing
registration forms.
The Soto Hudson Dodge Nash Packard Plymouth Kaiser Studebaker Willis and Chrysler.
Sign with them tomorrow.
Fill out a registration form.
Do your part to help favorite charities in your community share in this one hundred thousand
dollar cash distribution.
Next week a story based on fact.
The dramatization of one man's deadly way of earning his living.
All he needed was the morning newspaper a telephone and a gun.
It's called want ad.
Our star Mr. Robert Cummings.
That's next week on suspense.
Spence is transcribed and directed by Elliott Lewis music composed by Lucien Morawick and
conducted by Lud Bluskin.
The face is familiar was written for suspense by Arthur Ross.
In tonight's story Sheldon Leonard was heard as Harry and Clayton Post as Joe.
Featured in the cast were Joseph Kearns Herb Butterfield Jean Wood Hi Aberback and Stanford
R. The Jack Benny Show may be heard every Sunday
on the CBS radio network.