1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:11,200 Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Herbert Marshall in tonight's presentation 2 00:00:11,200 --> 00:00:19,040 of Suspense. 3 00:00:19,040 --> 00:00:24,120 Tonight Auto Light presents a story of justice as we examine a man who was suspected of having 4 00:00:24,120 --> 00:00:26,240 committed a perfect crime. 5 00:00:26,240 --> 00:00:36,240 It's called Murder by Jury, our star Mr. Herbert Marshall. 6 00:00:36,240 --> 00:00:37,440 This is Harlow Wilcox. 7 00:00:37,440 --> 00:00:42,320 Would you like to be responsible for your local church or hospital getting a big share 8 00:00:42,320 --> 00:00:44,560 of $100,000 in cash? 9 00:00:44,560 --> 00:00:51,820 Well, a total of $100,000 will go to the recognized charities chosen by the 25 persons selected 10 00:00:51,820 --> 00:00:54,480 in the Auto Light family, Charity Drawing. 11 00:00:54,480 --> 00:00:59,000 To enter is as simple as signing your name and address, and that's all you do. 12 00:00:59,000 --> 00:01:03,880 Now it's our privilege to have you hear what the head of one of America's finest health 13 00:01:03,880 --> 00:01:07,440 organizations says about this great event. 14 00:01:07,440 --> 00:01:14,320 Here is Mr. Mark H. Harrington, president of the National Tuberculosis Association. 15 00:01:14,320 --> 00:01:17,760 Auto Light is performing a wonderful service. 16 00:01:17,760 --> 00:01:24,000 If you're one of the 25 selected, I hope you'll remember the National Tuberculosis Association, 17 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:28,200 which needs your help to conquer our number one infectious killer. 18 00:01:28,200 --> 00:01:32,200 Good luck in this Auto Light family Charity Drawing. 19 00:01:32,200 --> 00:01:37,240 Fill out a registration form at any of the following Auto Light family car dealers, DeSoto, 20 00:01:37,240 --> 00:01:43,600 Hudson, Plymouth, Studebaker, Dodge, Willis, Nash, Packard, Kaiser, or Chrysler, and sign 21 00:01:43,600 --> 00:01:46,000 up tomorrow. 22 00:01:46,000 --> 00:01:52,320 And now Auto Light presents Murder by Jury, starring Mr. Herbert Marshall, hoping once 23 00:01:52,320 --> 00:01:57,000 again to keep you in suspense. 24 00:01:57,000 --> 00:02:02,560 Pardon me, sir. 25 00:02:02,560 --> 00:02:12,880 To be sure I understood you, you did say a snake. 26 00:02:12,880 --> 00:02:15,000 Yes, sir, a snake. 27 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:18,480 Possibly, Mr. Mason, you could describe the snake. 28 00:02:18,480 --> 00:02:19,480 Yes. 29 00:02:19,480 --> 00:02:24,160 It was gray with a sort of red mottling, dark plum colored. 30 00:02:24,160 --> 00:02:25,160 I see. 31 00:02:25,160 --> 00:02:27,360 Go on, Piers. 32 00:02:27,360 --> 00:02:30,920 Underneath, it was raised up toward me, you know, its head ready to strike. 33 00:02:30,920 --> 00:02:35,720 Well, underneath was grayish, but lighter, almost white in the center. 34 00:02:35,720 --> 00:02:41,240 Now, was there anything else you remember about this snake, Mr. Mason? 35 00:02:41,240 --> 00:02:43,000 It was big. 36 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:47,300 It was as thick as my two wrists put together. 37 00:02:47,300 --> 00:02:51,280 And then, according to your statement to the police, you seized the snake just below its 38 00:02:51,280 --> 00:02:53,480 head with both hands. 39 00:02:53,480 --> 00:02:56,560 Would you kindly show the jury the position of your hands? 40 00:02:56,560 --> 00:02:58,840 Yes, thank you. 41 00:02:58,840 --> 00:03:02,040 You say that you squeezed with your fingers and dug in with your thumbs. 42 00:03:02,040 --> 00:03:03,040 Is that correct? 43 00:03:03,040 --> 00:03:04,040 Yes, that's about it. 44 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:08,480 And I felt the snake twisting and squirming underneath, trying to get away, you know. 45 00:03:08,480 --> 00:03:10,200 And then you woke up? 46 00:03:10,200 --> 00:03:12,960 Yes, sir, I woke up. 47 00:03:12,960 --> 00:03:15,880 I was kneeling beside my bed. 48 00:03:15,880 --> 00:03:21,320 And with my wife's neck, which was in my hands, with her throat, I was squeezing. 49 00:03:21,320 --> 00:03:23,320 What did you do when you realized this? 50 00:03:23,320 --> 00:03:24,680 There was nothing I could do. 51 00:03:24,680 --> 00:03:26,120 She was already dead. 52 00:03:26,120 --> 00:03:37,000 I'd killed her. 53 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:42,320 His name was Edward Mason, and he was on trial for the murder of his wife, Frieda. 54 00:03:42,320 --> 00:03:44,240 I was counsel for the Crown in those days. 55 00:03:44,240 --> 00:03:47,960 It was just about the nastiest case I'd ever had. 56 00:03:47,960 --> 00:03:50,520 One should, I suppose, begin at the beginning. 57 00:03:50,520 --> 00:03:53,360 That was on the first day of the trial. 58 00:03:53,360 --> 00:03:58,760 McCray was defending the accused, and he began his defense by questioning the police inspector 59 00:03:58,760 --> 00:04:01,520 who was in charge of the case. 60 00:04:01,520 --> 00:04:05,640 The inspector was normally a witness for the Crown. 61 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:09,520 Would you give us a brief account of your investigations, inspector? 62 00:04:09,520 --> 00:04:12,360 I will, sir. 63 00:04:12,360 --> 00:04:18,640 The accused was residing with his wife at the Clendonian Hotel at Chaffam on Sea in 64 00:04:18,640 --> 00:04:19,640 Norfolk. 65 00:04:19,640 --> 00:04:26,440 On the night in question, the manager, two servants, and some guests were aroused by 66 00:04:26,440 --> 00:04:31,160 horrible screams, enigmatic from the Mason room. 67 00:04:31,160 --> 00:04:37,640 On reaching said room, they found it to be opened by Mr. Edward Mason, who appeared in 68 00:04:37,640 --> 00:04:39,400 a state of great excitement. 69 00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:41,400 I'll continue, inspector. 70 00:04:41,400 --> 00:04:42,400 Yes, sir. 71 00:04:42,400 --> 00:04:48,240 He was in a state of great excitement, and while looking, he kept looking at his hands 72 00:04:48,240 --> 00:04:53,800 and saying over and over again, I killed her, or I strangled her. 73 00:04:53,800 --> 00:04:55,480 One or the other, inspector? 74 00:04:55,480 --> 00:04:56,480 No, sir. 75 00:04:56,480 --> 00:04:58,640 He said both, over and over. 76 00:04:58,640 --> 00:05:02,120 Then he never attempted to deny that he had killed his wife. 77 00:05:02,120 --> 00:05:04,320 No, sir, he did not. 78 00:05:04,320 --> 00:05:05,320 Thank you, inspector. 79 00:05:05,320 --> 00:05:06,320 That's all. 80 00:05:06,320 --> 00:05:10,320 Cross examination. 81 00:05:10,320 --> 00:05:13,880 You have before you the statement made by the accused, inspector. 82 00:05:13,880 --> 00:05:15,320 Yes, sir. 83 00:05:15,320 --> 00:05:20,600 I call your attention to the following remarks made by the accused during your questioning. 84 00:05:20,600 --> 00:05:22,880 Yes, sir. 85 00:05:22,880 --> 00:05:26,460 I had had a dream about a snake. 86 00:05:26,460 --> 00:05:32,240 I tried to strangle it, and when I woke up, I found I had strangled my wife. 87 00:05:32,240 --> 00:05:36,920 This was a dream that I'd had before, but I'd never done anything like this. 88 00:05:36,920 --> 00:05:40,800 I'd never killed anyone. 89 00:05:40,800 --> 00:05:43,600 Those are the words of Mr. Edward Mason, are they not? 90 00:05:43,600 --> 00:05:45,280 Yes, sir, they are. 91 00:05:45,280 --> 00:05:48,320 What was your reaction when you heard them? 92 00:05:48,320 --> 00:05:49,880 I thought it was a lot of rubbish. 93 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:51,880 Objection, my lord. 94 00:05:51,880 --> 00:05:53,680 Objection sustained. 95 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:58,200 Kindly contain your remarks to a dignity fitting this court, inspector. 96 00:05:58,200 --> 00:05:59,960 I'm sorry, my lord. 97 00:05:59,960 --> 00:06:03,560 I am of the opinion, my lord, that before the Crown's case is concluded, the accused 98 00:06:03,560 --> 00:06:07,160 carefully prepared statement will be termed just such. 99 00:06:07,160 --> 00:06:10,720 A tissue of lies and a complete fabrication. 100 00:06:10,720 --> 00:06:12,320 Thank you, inspector. 101 00:06:12,320 --> 00:06:23,400 That will be all. 102 00:06:23,400 --> 00:06:26,600 Then Mrs. Mason's brother was put in the box. 103 00:06:26,600 --> 00:06:30,680 He was a hefty chap with a bald neck and hands like a pair of warming pans covered with red 104 00:06:30,680 --> 00:06:32,320 hair. 105 00:06:32,320 --> 00:06:37,040 His name was Hector Easterday, and we knew that he didn't like his brother-in-law. 106 00:06:37,040 --> 00:06:40,240 Didn't like him at all. 107 00:06:40,240 --> 00:06:43,920 I thought he was going to be a strong witness for the prosecution, and for a time it looked 108 00:06:43,920 --> 00:06:46,080 as though he would be. 109 00:06:46,080 --> 00:06:50,760 Very well, Mr. Easterday, now tell us, were the police made aware of the fact that Mason 110 00:06:50,760 --> 00:06:53,440 had insured his wife's life for 10,000 pounds? 111 00:06:53,440 --> 00:06:54,440 They knew. 112 00:06:54,440 --> 00:06:58,120 And if you'd known Edward Mason, you'd have realized it was just like him. 113 00:06:58,120 --> 00:07:00,440 He knew what he was going to do to her a long time ago. 114 00:07:00,440 --> 00:07:03,240 Do you think that she had any idea of it, Mr. Easterday? 115 00:07:03,240 --> 00:07:04,240 Objection, my lord. 116 00:07:04,240 --> 00:07:06,240 Counsel is leading the witness. 117 00:07:06,240 --> 00:07:09,160 Counsel will kindly refrain from leading the witness. 118 00:07:09,160 --> 00:07:10,680 Sorry, my lord. 119 00:07:10,680 --> 00:07:14,640 Mr. Easterday, had she ever confided any fears to you? 120 00:07:14,640 --> 00:07:18,120 Well, I wouldn't say that, but she knew. 121 00:07:18,120 --> 00:07:19,600 She knew all right. 122 00:07:19,600 --> 00:07:24,240 And last year there was another woman, and between that and the money, that's why he 123 00:07:24,240 --> 00:07:25,240 killed her. 124 00:07:25,240 --> 00:07:26,240 Thank you, Mr. Easterday. 125 00:07:26,240 --> 00:07:27,240 That will be all. 126 00:07:27,240 --> 00:07:37,800 You spoke of a life assurance policy, Mr. Easterday. 127 00:07:37,800 --> 00:07:38,800 I did. 128 00:07:38,800 --> 00:07:41,280 Did you know that they had each insured the other's life? 129 00:07:41,280 --> 00:07:44,600 Not an uncommon practice for married couples these days. 130 00:07:44,600 --> 00:07:46,880 Also that the insurance was by no means recent. 131 00:07:46,880 --> 00:07:51,280 It was taken out when they were first married and had been successively increased. 132 00:07:51,280 --> 00:07:52,880 Yes, but... 133 00:07:52,880 --> 00:07:56,960 You spoke of another woman, Mr. Easterday. 134 00:07:56,960 --> 00:07:59,760 Did Mrs. Mason tell you about that? 135 00:07:59,760 --> 00:08:03,000 Not, not exactly, but I knew. 136 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:04,000 Oh? 137 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:05,080 And how did you know? 138 00:08:05,080 --> 00:08:06,080 I could tell. 139 00:08:06,080 --> 00:08:07,200 Oh, you could tell. 140 00:08:07,200 --> 00:08:09,080 You are then clairvoyant. 141 00:08:09,080 --> 00:08:11,520 You could tell. 142 00:08:11,520 --> 00:08:14,160 Possibly you hired detectives to follow Mr. Mason. 143 00:08:14,160 --> 00:08:24,040 Possibly you followed him yourself. 144 00:08:24,040 --> 00:08:28,200 The defense counsel tore him to bits, made him sound like a nasty-minded, prurient, busy 145 00:08:28,200 --> 00:08:33,840 body who had never liked the accused and never lost the opportunity to blacken his character. 146 00:08:33,840 --> 00:08:38,840 Nevertheless, making a fool out of a witness is a two-edged weapon, and I could see that 147 00:08:38,840 --> 00:08:44,160 the jury, although not in sympathy with Easterday, still felt that there might be more than a 148 00:08:44,160 --> 00:08:47,200 word of truth in what he'd implied. 149 00:08:47,200 --> 00:08:50,880 You couldn't argue away insurance. 150 00:08:50,880 --> 00:08:56,880 He did stand to collect 10,000 pounds by his wife's death, but did he murder? 151 00:08:56,880 --> 00:08:57,880 That's what they were thinking. 152 00:08:57,880 --> 00:09:00,720 You could see it. 153 00:09:00,720 --> 00:09:03,880 And they waited for him to take the witness box. 154 00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:12,720 When my turn came for cross-examination, I made him go through the whole thing again. 155 00:09:12,720 --> 00:09:15,760 When I woke up, I was kneeling beside my bed. 156 00:09:15,760 --> 00:09:20,400 It was my wife's neck, it was in my hands, and it was her throat I was squeezing. 157 00:09:20,400 --> 00:09:22,240 What would you do when you saw this? 158 00:09:22,240 --> 00:09:23,520 There was nothing I could do. 159 00:09:23,520 --> 00:09:26,120 She was already dead, and I had killed her. 160 00:09:26,120 --> 00:09:27,120 I see. 161 00:09:27,120 --> 00:09:31,000 Now, you have admitted small quarrels between yourself and your wife. 162 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:32,000 I have married. 163 00:09:32,000 --> 00:09:33,000 Life is like that. 164 00:09:33,000 --> 00:09:34,520 You live together, you have differences, and then you make them up. 165 00:09:34,520 --> 00:09:35,520 Most people do. 166 00:09:35,520 --> 00:09:40,280 But there were quarrels which were more serious, perhaps less likely to be made up. 167 00:09:40,280 --> 00:09:41,280 No. 168 00:09:41,280 --> 00:09:42,280 We were happy. 169 00:09:42,280 --> 00:09:43,960 I loved my wife. 170 00:09:43,960 --> 00:09:45,840 You loved your wife, but you killed her. 171 00:09:45,840 --> 00:09:46,840 Quite so. 172 00:09:46,840 --> 00:09:52,840 Now, as far as the insurance is concerned, you gradually increased it until it reached 173 00:09:52,840 --> 00:09:55,680 the amount of 10,000 pounds on your wife's life. 174 00:09:55,680 --> 00:09:56,680 Yes, I did. 175 00:09:56,680 --> 00:10:01,640 As a matter of fact, it was about three or four years ago that I had done rather well 176 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:03,760 in business, and that's when I increased the premiums. 177 00:10:03,760 --> 00:10:08,200 But more recently, you have been in some difficulty, financially, I mean. 178 00:10:08,200 --> 00:10:10,520 Things have become rather slow, yes. 179 00:10:10,520 --> 00:10:13,080 I couldn't afford to buy any more insurance, I know that. 180 00:10:13,080 --> 00:10:14,760 But you hadn't reduced the amount on your wife. 181 00:10:14,760 --> 00:10:18,440 No, sir, that would have been unsound, quite unsound, and uneconomical. 182 00:10:18,440 --> 00:10:21,880 In fact, then, your business position would have improved considerably in the event of 183 00:10:21,880 --> 00:10:24,760 your wife's death and the money received from the insurance. 184 00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:26,280 I did not say that, sir. 185 00:10:26,280 --> 00:10:28,640 But is it not the case, Mr. Mason? 186 00:10:28,640 --> 00:10:30,920 Nothing could be worth the loss of my wife. 187 00:10:30,920 --> 00:10:31,920 But you did kill her. 188 00:10:31,920 --> 00:10:32,920 Yes, I did. 189 00:10:32,920 --> 00:10:38,400 Do you know the woman referred to by Mr. Easterday? 190 00:10:38,400 --> 00:10:40,120 There was no woman. 191 00:10:40,120 --> 00:10:44,160 Do you wish to refresh your memory, Mr. Mason? 192 00:10:44,160 --> 00:10:46,560 Last year, perhaps it escapes you. 193 00:10:46,560 --> 00:10:48,240 There was no other woman. 194 00:10:48,240 --> 00:10:51,840 You still maintain that the cause of your wife's death was due to the recurrent dream 195 00:10:51,840 --> 00:10:52,840 you had. 196 00:10:52,840 --> 00:10:55,840 Yes, I do. 197 00:10:55,840 --> 00:11:02,960 It went on like that, and I couldn't shake him. 198 00:11:02,960 --> 00:11:06,760 He never contradicted himself and never sounded too glib. 199 00:11:06,760 --> 00:11:11,680 If he was lying, I knew that the court was of the opinion that it was some of the most 200 00:11:11,680 --> 00:11:16,080 perfect and painstaking lying they'd ever heard. 201 00:11:16,080 --> 00:11:19,920 Then Mason's sister was called as a witness. 202 00:11:19,920 --> 00:11:25,760 She was a gray haired, middle class intellectual about two years older than the defendant. 203 00:11:25,760 --> 00:11:28,920 Didn't take long for her to come to her brother's defense. 204 00:11:28,920 --> 00:11:33,240 Will you state in your own words the event that took place between you and your brother, 205 00:11:33,240 --> 00:11:34,240 please? 206 00:11:34,240 --> 00:11:35,240 Indeed, I most certainly will. 207 00:11:35,240 --> 00:11:37,240 I think that it's criminal. 208 00:11:37,240 --> 00:11:39,240 Objection, my lord. 209 00:11:39,240 --> 00:11:40,240 Objection sustained. 210 00:11:40,240 --> 00:11:45,680 Miss Mason, strict adherence to facts is the object of the court. 211 00:11:45,680 --> 00:11:49,880 Kindly abstain from all subjective feeling, if you will. 212 00:11:49,880 --> 00:11:55,880 Well, I was going to say that when we were children, he was eight then, I was only ten, 213 00:11:55,880 --> 00:11:57,800 we slept in the same room. 214 00:11:57,800 --> 00:12:02,480 And one night, it was after we'd gone to see Peter Pan, and Edward was frightened by the 215 00:12:02,480 --> 00:12:03,480 crocodile. 216 00:12:03,480 --> 00:12:07,320 You, you probably remember how frightening that was. 217 00:12:07,320 --> 00:12:11,800 It was that night that he awakened, and he was dreaming that a crocodile was chasing 218 00:12:11,800 --> 00:12:15,160 him, and he tried to strangle it. 219 00:12:15,160 --> 00:12:20,200 And when he woke up, he was strangling me. 220 00:12:20,200 --> 00:12:25,080 It was perfect timing. 221 00:12:25,080 --> 00:12:30,320 The accused gave way, buried his face in his hands and sobbed as though his heart would 222 00:12:30,320 --> 00:12:31,320 break. 223 00:12:31,320 --> 00:12:37,240 The jury, even Mr. Justice Forepaw, were visibly shaken. 224 00:12:37,240 --> 00:12:42,080 I could see the case for the crown disappearing down the drain. 225 00:12:42,080 --> 00:13:06,720 More than that, I could begin to see a man who had committed a perfect murder going scot-free. 226 00:13:06,720 --> 00:13:12,600 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Herbert Marshall in Murder by Jury, tonight's presentation 227 00:13:12,600 --> 00:13:20,760 in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 228 00:13:20,760 --> 00:13:32,600 Say, here's a new 54 Willis. 229 00:13:32,600 --> 00:13:34,440 Stunning, isn't it, Mr. Wilcox? 230 00:13:34,440 --> 00:13:35,440 Oh, hi, Miss Drake. 231 00:13:35,440 --> 00:13:36,440 Is this yours? 232 00:13:36,440 --> 00:13:38,000 It sure is. 233 00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:40,460 When I saw this car, I fell in love with it. 234 00:13:40,460 --> 00:13:43,280 And when I saw the price tag, I just couldn't resist. 235 00:13:43,280 --> 00:13:47,600 Well, we're privileged to salute Willis as a member of our Auto Light family. 236 00:13:47,600 --> 00:13:50,800 So, let's hear more about your new Willis, Miss Drake. 237 00:13:50,800 --> 00:13:56,800 Well, it's not only beautiful and economical, but that wonderful hurricane engine is a bundle 238 00:13:56,800 --> 00:13:58,100 of power. 239 00:13:58,100 --> 00:14:00,720 Much more power than ever before. 240 00:14:00,720 --> 00:14:01,920 What model is this? 241 00:14:01,920 --> 00:14:04,480 It's the brand new Aero Lark. 242 00:14:04,480 --> 00:14:11,160 And Willis also has the luxury hard top Aero Eagle and the lovely Aero Ace with that unmatched 243 00:14:11,160 --> 00:14:13,040 Willis visibility. 244 00:14:13,040 --> 00:14:18,760 And don't forget the famous Jeep and the first all steel bodied station wagon. 245 00:14:18,760 --> 00:14:23,200 And of course, you know that all Willis cars come equipped with Auto Light products. 246 00:14:23,200 --> 00:14:24,400 I sure do. 247 00:14:24,400 --> 00:14:32,520 And Auto Light is proud of its long association with Willis and Willis dealers everywhere. 248 00:14:32,520 --> 00:14:38,160 And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage, Mr. Herbert Marshall in Elliot 249 00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:41,360 Lewis's production of Murder by Jewry. 250 00:14:41,360 --> 00:15:03,080 A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 251 00:15:03,080 --> 00:15:07,800 Mr. Edward Mason was given half an hour to recover following his outburst. 252 00:15:07,800 --> 00:15:09,720 Then the trial continued. 253 00:15:09,720 --> 00:15:13,120 His sister remembered every detail of the matter. 254 00:15:13,120 --> 00:15:17,800 And even when I made a go through her story again, she remembered. 255 00:15:17,800 --> 00:15:21,040 He was an awfully strong boy, you know, even at eight. 256 00:15:21,040 --> 00:15:22,300 Very strong. 257 00:15:22,300 --> 00:15:26,740 And I'm sure if nurse hadn't come in when she did, well, I don't really care to think 258 00:15:26,740 --> 00:15:28,780 about what might have happened. 259 00:15:28,780 --> 00:15:32,680 Would you mind telling the court your age, Miss Mason? 260 00:15:32,680 --> 00:15:36,240 Oh, is that necessary, my lord? 261 00:15:36,240 --> 00:15:38,580 Is it necessary, counsel? 262 00:15:38,580 --> 00:15:40,960 There is a point involved, my lord. 263 00:15:40,960 --> 00:15:41,960 Very well. 264 00:15:41,960 --> 00:15:47,560 Recognizing the delicacy of the question, the witness is still directed to answer. 265 00:15:47,560 --> 00:15:49,560 I'm not ashamed of it, of course. 266 00:15:49,560 --> 00:15:50,560 I just... 267 00:15:50,560 --> 00:15:53,000 And your age, Miss Mason? 268 00:15:53,000 --> 00:15:54,000 Fifty-four. 269 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:56,040 Thank you. 270 00:15:56,040 --> 00:16:00,080 Now, you have every detail of your brother's attack firmly in your mind. 271 00:16:00,080 --> 00:16:01,080 That is so, isn't it? 272 00:16:01,080 --> 00:16:04,080 If I live to be eighty, I shall never forget it. 273 00:16:04,080 --> 00:16:08,800 Yet this was forty-four years ago, and you ask us to believe that the incident is still 274 00:16:08,800 --> 00:16:10,920 indelibly etched in your mind. 275 00:16:10,920 --> 00:16:12,440 Indelibly, sir. 276 00:16:12,440 --> 00:16:13,680 Absolutely. 277 00:16:13,680 --> 00:16:18,560 It was a long time ago, but such an experience is not likely to be forgotten. 278 00:16:18,560 --> 00:16:20,160 Of course I forgave Edward. 279 00:16:20,160 --> 00:16:22,520 It wasn't his fault, and furthermore... 280 00:16:22,520 --> 00:16:26,520 How fortunate that you are still alive to forgive him, Miss Mason. 281 00:16:26,520 --> 00:16:30,160 His wife, more as the pity is not. 282 00:16:30,160 --> 00:16:31,800 No further questions, my lord. 283 00:16:31,800 --> 00:16:34,720 The witness may step down. 284 00:16:34,720 --> 00:16:43,520 It was a telling point for the defense. 285 00:16:43,520 --> 00:16:48,440 They had proved to the jury, at least, that the accused had, years ago, repeated the act 286 00:16:48,440 --> 00:16:52,160 of strangulation during a dream. 287 00:16:52,160 --> 00:16:56,080 The next witness I'd like to forget. 288 00:16:56,080 --> 00:16:59,480 She was a surprise to the Crown and a rather nasty one. 289 00:16:59,480 --> 00:17:05,800 Her name was Amy Burke, an extremely self-possessed young lady in her early thirties. 290 00:17:05,800 --> 00:17:11,320 She had already made a tremendous impression on the court. 291 00:17:11,320 --> 00:17:12,560 Correct me if I am wrong, Miss Burke. 292 00:17:12,560 --> 00:17:18,400 You stated in this court of justice that three years ago you met the accused, Mr. Edward 293 00:17:18,400 --> 00:17:21,240 Mason, at a seaside resort, Broadstairs. 294 00:17:21,240 --> 00:17:23,400 Yes, sir, I did. 295 00:17:23,400 --> 00:17:25,480 Was his wife aware of this meeting? 296 00:17:25,480 --> 00:17:26,480 I don't know. 297 00:17:26,480 --> 00:17:28,080 Well, I don't think so. 298 00:17:28,080 --> 00:17:29,880 She wasn't with him. 299 00:17:29,880 --> 00:17:33,640 Like I told the other gentleman, he was there alone for a few days. 300 00:17:33,640 --> 00:17:34,640 Quite so. 301 00:17:34,640 --> 00:17:39,920 Now, for my benefit, would you repeat the incident which occurred during your first 302 00:17:39,920 --> 00:17:40,920 meeting? 303 00:17:40,920 --> 00:17:42,240 I'd be ever so glad to. 304 00:17:42,240 --> 00:17:44,560 We were walking on the sand. 305 00:17:44,560 --> 00:17:46,040 It was very nice. 306 00:17:46,040 --> 00:17:48,440 Perfectly all right, don't you know? 307 00:17:48,440 --> 00:17:53,080 Talking about his wife, as I remember, she was with friends in Devon. 308 00:17:53,080 --> 00:17:54,080 Yes. 309 00:17:54,080 --> 00:17:55,080 Go on, please. 310 00:17:55,080 --> 00:17:58,360 Well, it was a hot day and we sat down for a bit. 311 00:17:58,360 --> 00:18:01,040 The next thing I knew, he was asleep. 312 00:18:01,040 --> 00:18:04,080 I believe you said with his head in your lap. 313 00:18:04,080 --> 00:18:05,080 Oh, no. 314 00:18:05,080 --> 00:18:07,880 I put his head in my lap while he was sleeping. 315 00:18:07,880 --> 00:18:09,640 He was getting sand in his hair. 316 00:18:09,640 --> 00:18:12,360 Well, it was all perfectly proper and all. 317 00:18:12,360 --> 00:18:13,360 He didn't even know it. 318 00:18:13,360 --> 00:18:14,360 I'm sure of that. 319 00:18:14,360 --> 00:18:15,360 Please continue. 320 00:18:15,360 --> 00:18:21,360 Well, I got a bit drowsy myself and next thing I knew, I was asleep too. 321 00:18:21,360 --> 00:18:23,760 With Mr. Mason's head still in your lap. 322 00:18:23,760 --> 00:18:24,760 That's right. 323 00:18:24,760 --> 00:18:25,760 It was all very proper. 324 00:18:25,760 --> 00:18:28,240 Mr. Mason is a gentleman. 325 00:18:28,240 --> 00:18:29,240 What took place then? 326 00:18:29,240 --> 00:18:31,880 Well, he started to choke me. 327 00:18:31,880 --> 00:18:34,000 It was something horrible. 328 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:39,160 When I woke up, he was leaning over me with his hands about my throat and I couldn't breathe. 329 00:18:39,160 --> 00:18:41,160 But you managed to fight him off. 330 00:18:41,160 --> 00:18:42,160 Oh, yes. 331 00:18:42,160 --> 00:18:43,400 I managed. 332 00:18:43,400 --> 00:18:45,360 What did he say to you after that? 333 00:18:45,360 --> 00:18:49,040 Well, it was like he was just waking up, you know? 334 00:18:49,040 --> 00:18:51,480 And he was terribly upset. 335 00:18:51,480 --> 00:18:53,360 Tell me about a dream, a snake in it. 336 00:18:53,360 --> 00:18:57,000 Of course, I was dreadfully angry and frightened, you can imagine. 337 00:18:57,000 --> 00:18:58,000 Oh, yes. 338 00:18:58,000 --> 00:19:03,080 But after he paid you 10 pounds to soothe your feelings, the anger subsided, did it 339 00:19:03,080 --> 00:19:04,080 not? 340 00:19:04,080 --> 00:19:06,040 He was a gentleman about it, if that's what you mean. 341 00:19:06,040 --> 00:19:09,000 So much so that you didn't pursue the matter further. 342 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:13,320 A stranger tries to murley when pays you 10 pounds not to report the matter to the police. 343 00:19:13,320 --> 00:19:15,480 No, it wasn't the 10 pounds. 344 00:19:15,480 --> 00:19:16,480 He was sorry. 345 00:19:16,480 --> 00:19:20,480 It wasn't well and I could see that and I felt sorry for him. 346 00:19:20,480 --> 00:19:23,720 This took place three years ago, miss Burke. 347 00:19:23,720 --> 00:19:24,720 That's right. 348 00:19:24,720 --> 00:19:28,480 And yet here you are today, nobly springing to his defense. 349 00:19:28,480 --> 00:19:32,360 The event must have made quite an impression on you or perhaps Mr. Mason did. 350 00:19:32,360 --> 00:19:34,240 Mr. Mason is a gentleman. 351 00:19:34,240 --> 00:19:35,880 He didn't want me to come here at all. 352 00:19:35,880 --> 00:19:39,080 I said I had to after I read about what happened. 353 00:19:39,080 --> 00:19:42,080 Mr. mccray over there talked him into letting me come here. 354 00:19:42,080 --> 00:19:44,320 He's a gentleman, he is. 355 00:19:44,320 --> 00:19:49,760 I put it to you, miss Burke, that your whole story is a lie, that it never happened. 356 00:19:49,760 --> 00:19:52,040 Although I don't doubt that you are familiar with the accused. 357 00:19:52,040 --> 00:19:57,440 I put it to you that your testimony has been bought and paid for and that you have deliberately 358 00:19:57,440 --> 00:19:59,040 purged yourself in the witness box. 359 00:19:59,040 --> 00:20:00,040 It's a ruddy insult. 360 00:20:00,040 --> 00:20:01,040 Colonel Mallor, I protest. 361 00:20:01,040 --> 00:20:04,160 The council is badgering the witness most unfairly. 362 00:20:04,160 --> 00:20:05,800 Silence in the court. 363 00:20:05,800 --> 00:20:11,640 Mr. Payton, you will confine yourself to stated fact and refrain from badgering the 364 00:20:11,640 --> 00:20:12,640 witness. 365 00:20:12,640 --> 00:20:13,640 Yes, Mallor. 366 00:20:13,640 --> 00:20:15,120 Can I go now? 367 00:20:15,120 --> 00:20:18,320 Not for a moment, miss Burke. 368 00:20:18,320 --> 00:20:21,800 Did you see Mr. Edward Mason again after that day? 369 00:20:21,800 --> 00:20:25,880 I never set eyes on him again till today in court, and that's the truth. 370 00:20:25,880 --> 00:20:31,480 And you ask us to believe that this story you just told us is given of your own volition, 371 00:20:31,480 --> 00:20:36,280 that you at no time given a prepared statement by interested parties that this event actually 372 00:20:36,280 --> 00:20:37,280 took place. 373 00:20:37,280 --> 00:20:39,400 I wouldn't be likely to forget it. 374 00:20:39,400 --> 00:20:41,400 It's true, every word of it. 375 00:20:41,400 --> 00:20:42,400 Very well. 376 00:20:42,400 --> 00:20:43,880 That's all, miss Burke. 377 00:20:43,880 --> 00:20:46,200 The witness is excused. 378 00:20:46,200 --> 00:20:55,840 Dr. Regal, to the witness box, please. 379 00:20:55,840 --> 00:20:56,840 McCray had us. 380 00:20:56,840 --> 00:20:58,320 I knew what was coming. 381 00:20:58,320 --> 00:20:59,320 It was perfect. 382 00:20:59,320 --> 00:21:03,040 And there wasn't a thing that I could do to prevent it. 383 00:21:03,040 --> 00:21:08,520 Dr. Regal was a small, intense little man with heavy glasses. 384 00:21:08,520 --> 00:21:11,840 The jury looked at him and they were impressed. 385 00:21:11,840 --> 00:21:14,560 When he said he'd tell the truth and nothing but the truth, they believed him. 386 00:21:14,560 --> 00:21:18,400 They would have believed him even if he'd been the biggest liar on earth, which unhappily 387 00:21:18,400 --> 00:21:19,400 he wasn't. 388 00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:24,800 Dr. Regal, will you tell us if you recognize anyone in this courtroom? 389 00:21:24,800 --> 00:21:27,080 Yes, sir. 390 00:21:27,080 --> 00:21:28,080 That young lady over there. 391 00:21:28,080 --> 00:21:29,080 Miss Burke. 392 00:21:29,080 --> 00:21:31,320 I believe that is her name. 393 00:21:31,320 --> 00:21:32,320 Anyone else? 394 00:21:32,320 --> 00:21:33,600 The gentleman there. 395 00:21:33,600 --> 00:21:35,120 The accused, Mr. Mason? 396 00:21:35,120 --> 00:21:36,120 Yes, sir. 397 00:21:36,120 --> 00:21:39,800 Will you tell the court upon what occasion you had the opportunity of meeting these two 398 00:21:39,800 --> 00:21:40,800 people? 399 00:21:40,800 --> 00:21:43,880 Well, it was about three years ago. 400 00:21:43,880 --> 00:21:45,560 I have the date in my attendance diary. 401 00:21:45,560 --> 00:21:48,560 Just a moment. 402 00:21:48,560 --> 00:21:51,600 Ah, the 16th of July. 403 00:21:51,600 --> 00:21:52,600 That was it. 404 00:21:52,600 --> 00:21:55,280 Mr. Mason brought the young lady to my office during the afternoon. 405 00:21:55,280 --> 00:21:56,280 Miss Burke? 406 00:21:56,280 --> 00:21:57,280 Yes, sir. 407 00:21:57,280 --> 00:21:58,280 It was half past three. 408 00:21:58,280 --> 00:21:59,800 He asked me to look at her throat. 409 00:21:59,800 --> 00:22:01,080 I see. 410 00:22:01,080 --> 00:22:03,600 And what did you find when you looked at her throat? 411 00:22:03,600 --> 00:22:04,600 Bruises. 412 00:22:04,600 --> 00:22:07,120 They were not dangerous, but I treated them. 413 00:22:07,120 --> 00:22:08,120 And after that? 414 00:22:08,120 --> 00:22:09,400 I never saw them again. 415 00:22:09,400 --> 00:22:10,400 The bill was paid? 416 00:22:10,400 --> 00:22:12,360 Yes, Mr. Mason paid. 417 00:22:12,360 --> 00:22:13,800 In cash before he left. 418 00:22:13,800 --> 00:22:14,800 Thank you, doctor. 419 00:22:14,800 --> 00:22:16,200 That will be all. 420 00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:17,200 Cross-examine. 421 00:22:17,200 --> 00:22:18,200 No questions. 422 00:22:18,200 --> 00:22:19,200 That was all. 423 00:22:19,200 --> 00:22:32,200 There wasn't any use in cross-examining what was so obvious in truth. 424 00:22:32,200 --> 00:22:36,000 Counselor of the defense made a brilliant and short summation. 425 00:22:36,000 --> 00:22:41,400 I made a not so short, and I'm afraid far from brilliant summation, for the Crown. 426 00:22:41,400 --> 00:22:46,400 Mr. Justice Forebaugh gave his instructions, and the jury never hesitated. 427 00:22:46,400 --> 00:22:49,120 They retired for only a few moments. 428 00:22:49,120 --> 00:22:55,160 With your worship's permission, we have already reached a verdict. 429 00:22:55,160 --> 00:22:56,520 Very well. 430 00:22:56,520 --> 00:22:57,520 What is your verdict? 431 00:22:57,520 --> 00:23:01,520 We find the accused, Mr. Edward Mason, not guilty of the charge. 432 00:23:01,520 --> 00:23:02,520 What? 433 00:23:02,520 --> 00:23:03,520 He's guilty! 434 00:23:03,520 --> 00:23:04,520 He's a dirty murderer! 435 00:23:04,520 --> 00:23:05,520 He killed my sister, and I say he's guilty! 436 00:23:05,520 --> 00:23:06,520 He ought to be hanged! 437 00:23:06,520 --> 00:23:07,520 Sergeant Adonis, put that man under arrest. 438 00:23:07,520 --> 00:23:08,520 Silence! 439 00:23:08,520 --> 00:23:11,520 Silence! 440 00:23:11,520 --> 00:23:26,240 The dead woman's brother thought that Mason was guilty, and I knew he was one of the most 441 00:23:26,240 --> 00:23:30,760 cold-blooded, successful murderers we ever failed to hang. 442 00:23:30,760 --> 00:23:36,480 It was about six months later that we found the proof, and then it was too late. 443 00:23:36,480 --> 00:23:40,120 I talked it over with the director of public prosecutions in his office. 444 00:23:40,120 --> 00:23:42,200 There's nothing we can do. 445 00:23:42,200 --> 00:23:47,040 I suppose had I been on the jury, I should have brought in the same verdict. 446 00:23:47,040 --> 00:23:48,600 We have to assume the man was innocent. 447 00:23:48,600 --> 00:23:49,600 He was guilty, sir. 448 00:23:49,600 --> 00:23:54,280 My dear fellow, surely Mason didn't start to plot the murder of his wife at the age of 449 00:23:54,280 --> 00:23:55,280 eight? 450 00:23:55,280 --> 00:23:56,280 My dear fellow, you must... 451 00:23:56,280 --> 00:23:57,280 No, no. 452 00:23:57,280 --> 00:24:02,560 But he did decide to about three years ago, and he took a precaution before he did so. 453 00:24:02,560 --> 00:24:03,820 I don't follow. 454 00:24:03,820 --> 00:24:08,280 He knew his sister remembered the strangling incident during their childhood, and all he 455 00:24:08,280 --> 00:24:12,760 had to do was to repeat the dream strangling with someone else. 456 00:24:12,760 --> 00:24:14,320 The Burke woman? 457 00:24:14,320 --> 00:24:15,320 But how did she... 458 00:24:15,320 --> 00:24:16,320 Oh, from her point, it was all quite innocent. 459 00:24:16,320 --> 00:24:18,360 She didn't know what was in his mind. 460 00:24:18,360 --> 00:24:24,120 He didn't go too far with her, just enough to produce some convincing bruises. 461 00:24:24,120 --> 00:24:26,880 Then he took her to the doctor and paid the bill. 462 00:24:26,880 --> 00:24:27,880 That was all true. 463 00:24:27,880 --> 00:24:28,880 Well? 464 00:24:28,880 --> 00:24:34,600 You remember, he admitted at that time doubling his wife's insurance. 465 00:24:34,600 --> 00:24:38,600 Then he sat back to wait until he felt the moment had come to kill her. 466 00:24:38,600 --> 00:24:43,960 Assuming you're right, there's the Burke woman. 467 00:24:43,960 --> 00:24:47,800 If he never saw her again, how did he know where to find her to appear for him? 468 00:24:47,800 --> 00:24:50,100 He didn't look for her, sir. 469 00:24:50,100 --> 00:24:54,880 She was telling the truth, but he knew where to find her right. 470 00:24:54,880 --> 00:24:57,840 Those three witnesses did the job for him. 471 00:24:57,840 --> 00:24:59,520 His sister he could always find. 472 00:24:59,520 --> 00:25:03,120 The doctor, easily traceable, a medical directory, but Miss Burke. 473 00:25:03,120 --> 00:25:05,240 A girl like that might... 474 00:25:05,240 --> 00:25:08,720 Well, she might move about a great deal. 475 00:25:08,720 --> 00:25:10,160 She did. 476 00:25:10,160 --> 00:25:14,800 So the method he adopted to keep in touch with her was to send her 10 pounds a month 477 00:25:14,800 --> 00:25:17,300 anonymously. 478 00:25:17,300 --> 00:25:21,120 So long as she kept him notified as to her whereabouts, he would continue to send her 479 00:25:21,120 --> 00:25:22,320 the money. 480 00:25:22,320 --> 00:25:28,280 Well, if she had to notify him when she moved, surely she must have known who he was. 481 00:25:28,280 --> 00:25:29,760 Not at all, sir. 482 00:25:29,760 --> 00:25:33,200 A post office box under an assumed name. 483 00:25:33,200 --> 00:25:36,560 He kept it up for three years and she didn't ask any questions. 484 00:25:36,560 --> 00:25:37,560 Why should she? 485 00:25:37,560 --> 00:25:40,280 Blas, you're certain of all this? 486 00:25:40,280 --> 00:25:41,280 I'm afraid I am, sir. 487 00:25:41,280 --> 00:25:44,560 Well, it seems a pity you didn't have the information during the trial. 488 00:25:44,560 --> 00:25:48,080 We didn't know anything about her until McCray brought her in. 489 00:25:48,080 --> 00:25:52,360 And we can't try Mason again for the same offense. 490 00:25:52,360 --> 00:25:54,120 He's done it, Peyton. 491 00:25:54,120 --> 00:25:57,120 The perfect murder. 492 00:25:57,120 --> 00:26:07,880 It was about two months later that I saw the paragraph hidden away on an inside page of 493 00:26:07,880 --> 00:26:08,880 the Times. 494 00:26:08,880 --> 00:26:13,800 I made a telephone call and then went to the office of the director of public prosecutions. 495 00:26:13,800 --> 00:26:14,800 I'll be blown. 496 00:26:14,800 --> 00:26:19,120 It appears that Mr. Edward Mason had been staying at a little hotel in Cornwall. 497 00:26:19,120 --> 00:26:24,840 And yesterday when the maid came in with his morning tea, she found the window unlatched 498 00:26:24,840 --> 00:26:26,680 and the balcony rail broken. 499 00:26:26,680 --> 00:26:29,960 It's a 50 foot drop to the rocks below. 500 00:26:29,960 --> 00:26:30,960 Mason? 501 00:26:30,960 --> 00:26:33,600 He wasn't in his room. 502 00:26:33,600 --> 00:26:35,160 We found the body below. 503 00:26:35,160 --> 00:26:37,520 I'll be blessed. 504 00:26:37,520 --> 00:26:38,520 Justice. 505 00:26:38,520 --> 00:26:41,520 I'll be blessed. 506 00:26:41,520 --> 00:26:42,520 Is it your side, you think? 507 00:26:42,520 --> 00:26:43,520 I don't know. 508 00:26:43,520 --> 00:26:45,520 Probably an accident. 509 00:26:45,520 --> 00:26:51,840 Since there was no sign of foul play, possibly he stumbled and fell. 510 00:26:51,840 --> 00:26:54,160 But there is one curious coincidence. 511 00:26:54,160 --> 00:26:56,480 What's that? 512 00:26:56,480 --> 00:26:59,880 The dead woman's brother, Hector Easterday. 513 00:26:59,880 --> 00:27:00,880 Yes? 514 00:27:00,880 --> 00:27:06,080 Well, it's a rather curious coincidence. 515 00:27:06,080 --> 00:27:29,960 Hector Easterday occupied the room next door. 516 00:27:29,960 --> 00:27:32,480 Suspense presented by Auto Light. 517 00:27:32,480 --> 00:27:35,360 Tonight's star, Mr. Herbert Marshall. 518 00:27:35,360 --> 00:27:37,360 This is Harlow Wilcox again. 519 00:27:37,360 --> 00:27:43,160 Remember, you now have a wonderful opportunity to do your favorite local or national recognized 520 00:27:43,160 --> 00:27:46,480 charity the favor of a lifetime. 521 00:27:46,480 --> 00:27:51,840 If you're one of the 25 persons selected in the huge Auto Light family charity drawing, 522 00:27:51,840 --> 00:27:59,480 you can name any recognized charity you wish to receive a big share of $100,000 in cash. 523 00:27:59,480 --> 00:28:05,640 Those charities can be schools, hospitals, churches, the National Tuberculosis Association, 524 00:28:05,640 --> 00:28:07,960 or any other recognized charity. 525 00:28:07,960 --> 00:28:14,280 So if you're 18 years or over, visit any of the following Auto Light family car showrooms. 526 00:28:14,280 --> 00:28:21,640 De Soto, Hudson, Plymouth, Studebaker, Dodge, Willis, Nash, Packard, Kaiser, or Chrysler. 527 00:28:21,640 --> 00:28:25,820 Print your name and address on the drawing registration form and have the car dealer 528 00:28:25,820 --> 00:28:26,820 sign it. 529 00:28:26,820 --> 00:28:27,820 That's all. 530 00:28:27,820 --> 00:28:30,520 You can try, try, or solve. 531 00:28:30,520 --> 00:28:42,440 So visit any Auto Light family car showroom and sign up tomorrow. 532 00:28:42,440 --> 00:28:44,720 Next week, a story based on fact. 533 00:28:44,720 --> 00:28:49,840 The search for an animal capable of destroying a city whose bite, if not immediately treated, 534 00:28:49,840 --> 00:28:52,100 is 100% fatal. 535 00:28:52,100 --> 00:28:54,120 It's called The Barking Death. 536 00:28:54,120 --> 00:28:56,440 Our star, Mr. William Powell. 537 00:28:56,440 --> 00:29:01,960 It's next week on Suspense. 538 00:29:01,960 --> 00:29:07,360 Murder by Jury was written by Michael Gilbert and adapted for suspense by Anthony Ellis. 539 00:29:07,360 --> 00:29:11,520 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed by Lucian Morawick 540 00:29:11,520 --> 00:29:13,080 and conducted by Lut Bluskin. 541 00:29:13,080 --> 00:29:17,920 Featured in the cast were Joseph Kearns, Ben Wright, William Johnstone, Herb Butterfield, 542 00:29:17,920 --> 00:29:21,200 Richard Peel, Norma Varden, Betty Harford, and Keith McConnell. 543 00:29:21,200 --> 00:29:26,040 Herbert Marshall may soon be seen co-starring with Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis in the Universal 544 00:29:26,040 --> 00:29:29,800 International Cinemascope Technicolor picture, Men of Iron. 545 00:29:29,800 --> 00:29:34,120 And remember, next week, Mr. William Powell in The Barking Death. 546 00:29:34,120 --> 00:29:57,080 This is the CBS Radio Network.