WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:11.200 Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Herbert Marshall in tonight's presentation 00:11.200 --> 00:19.040 of Suspense. 00:19.040 --> 00:24.120 Tonight Auto Light presents a story of justice as we examine a man who was suspected of having 00:24.120 --> 00:26.240 committed a perfect crime. 00:26.240 --> 00:36.240 It's called Murder by Jury, our star Mr. Herbert Marshall. 00:36.240 --> 00:37.440 This is Harlow Wilcox. 00:37.440 --> 00:42.320 Would you like to be responsible for your local church or hospital getting a big share 00:42.320 --> 00:44.560 of $100,000 in cash? 00:44.560 --> 00:51.820 Well, a total of $100,000 will go to the recognized charities chosen by the 25 persons selected 00:51.820 --> 00:54.480 in the Auto Light family, Charity Drawing. 00:54.480 --> 00:59.000 To enter is as simple as signing your name and address, and that's all you do. 00:59.000 --> 01:03.880 Now it's our privilege to have you hear what the head of one of America's finest health 01:03.880 --> 01:07.440 organizations says about this great event. 01:07.440 --> 01:14.320 Here is Mr. Mark H. Harrington, president of the National Tuberculosis Association. 01:14.320 --> 01:17.760 Auto Light is performing a wonderful service. 01:17.760 --> 01:24.000 If you're one of the 25 selected, I hope you'll remember the National Tuberculosis Association, 01:24.000 --> 01:28.200 which needs your help to conquer our number one infectious killer. 01:28.200 --> 01:32.200 Good luck in this Auto Light family Charity Drawing. 01:32.200 --> 01:37.240 Fill out a registration form at any of the following Auto Light family car dealers, DeSoto, 01:37.240 --> 01:43.600 Hudson, Plymouth, Studebaker, Dodge, Willis, Nash, Packard, Kaiser, or Chrysler, and sign 01:43.600 --> 01:46.000 up tomorrow. 01:46.000 --> 01:52.320 And now Auto Light presents Murder by Jury, starring Mr. Herbert Marshall, hoping once 01:52.320 --> 01:57.000 again to keep you in suspense. 01:57.000 --> 02:02.560 Pardon me, sir. 02:02.560 --> 02:12.880 To be sure I understood you, you did say a snake. 02:12.880 --> 02:15.000 Yes, sir, a snake. 02:15.000 --> 02:18.480 Possibly, Mr. Mason, you could describe the snake. 02:18.480 --> 02:19.480 Yes. 02:19.480 --> 02:24.160 It was gray with a sort of red mottling, dark plum colored. 02:24.160 --> 02:25.160 I see. 02:25.160 --> 02:27.360 Go on, Piers. 02:27.360 --> 02:30.920 Underneath, it was raised up toward me, you know, its head ready to strike. 02:30.920 --> 02:35.720 Well, underneath was grayish, but lighter, almost white in the center. 02:35.720 --> 02:41.240 Now, was there anything else you remember about this snake, Mr. Mason? 02:41.240 --> 02:43.000 It was big. 02:43.000 --> 02:47.300 It was as thick as my two wrists put together. 02:47.300 --> 02:51.280 And then, according to your statement to the police, you seized the snake just below its 02:51.280 --> 02:53.480 head with both hands. 02:53.480 --> 02:56.560 Would you kindly show the jury the position of your hands? 02:56.560 --> 02:58.840 Yes, thank you. 02:58.840 --> 03:02.040 You say that you squeezed with your fingers and dug in with your thumbs. 03:02.040 --> 03:03.040 Is that correct? 03:03.040 --> 03:04.040 Yes, that's about it. 03:04.040 --> 03:08.480 And I felt the snake twisting and squirming underneath, trying to get away, you know. 03:08.480 --> 03:10.200 And then you woke up? 03:10.200 --> 03:12.960 Yes, sir, I woke up. 03:12.960 --> 03:15.880 I was kneeling beside my bed. 03:15.880 --> 03:21.320 And with my wife's neck, which was in my hands, with her throat, I was squeezing. 03:21.320 --> 03:23.320 What did you do when you realized this? 03:23.320 --> 03:24.680 There was nothing I could do. 03:24.680 --> 03:26.120 She was already dead. 03:26.120 --> 03:37.000 I'd killed her. 03:37.000 --> 03:42.320 His name was Edward Mason, and he was on trial for the murder of his wife, Frieda. 03:42.320 --> 03:44.240 I was counsel for the Crown in those days. 03:44.240 --> 03:47.960 It was just about the nastiest case I'd ever had. 03:47.960 --> 03:50.520 One should, I suppose, begin at the beginning. 03:50.520 --> 03:53.360 That was on the first day of the trial. 03:53.360 --> 03:58.760 McCray was defending the accused, and he began his defense by questioning the police inspector 03:58.760 --> 04:01.520 who was in charge of the case. 04:01.520 --> 04:05.640 The inspector was normally a witness for the Crown. 04:05.640 --> 04:09.520 Would you give us a brief account of your investigations, inspector? 04:09.520 --> 04:12.360 I will, sir. 04:12.360 --> 04:18.640 The accused was residing with his wife at the Clendonian Hotel at Chaffam on Sea in 04:18.640 --> 04:19.640 Norfolk. 04:19.640 --> 04:26.440 On the night in question, the manager, two servants, and some guests were aroused by 04:26.440 --> 04:31.160 horrible screams, enigmatic from the Mason room. 04:31.160 --> 04:37.640 On reaching said room, they found it to be opened by Mr. Edward Mason, who appeared in 04:37.640 --> 04:39.400 a state of great excitement. 04:39.400 --> 04:41.400 I'll continue, inspector. 04:41.400 --> 04:42.400 Yes, sir. 04:42.400 --> 04:48.240 He was in a state of great excitement, and while looking, he kept looking at his hands 04:48.240 --> 04:53.800 and saying over and over again, I killed her, or I strangled her. 04:53.800 --> 04:55.480 One or the other, inspector? 04:55.480 --> 04:56.480 No, sir. 04:56.480 --> 04:58.640 He said both, over and over. 04:58.640 --> 05:02.120 Then he never attempted to deny that he had killed his wife. 05:02.120 --> 05:04.320 No, sir, he did not. 05:04.320 --> 05:05.320 Thank you, inspector. 05:05.320 --> 05:06.320 That's all. 05:06.320 --> 05:10.320 Cross examination. 05:10.320 --> 05:13.880 You have before you the statement made by the accused, inspector. 05:13.880 --> 05:15.320 Yes, sir. 05:15.320 --> 05:20.600 I call your attention to the following remarks made by the accused during your questioning. 05:20.600 --> 05:22.880 Yes, sir. 05:22.880 --> 05:26.460 I had had a dream about a snake. 05:26.460 --> 05:32.240 I tried to strangle it, and when I woke up, I found I had strangled my wife. 05:32.240 --> 05:36.920 This was a dream that I'd had before, but I'd never done anything like this. 05:36.920 --> 05:40.800 I'd never killed anyone. 05:40.800 --> 05:43.600 Those are the words of Mr. Edward Mason, are they not? 05:43.600 --> 05:45.280 Yes, sir, they are. 05:45.280 --> 05:48.320 What was your reaction when you heard them? 05:48.320 --> 05:49.880 I thought it was a lot of rubbish. 05:49.880 --> 05:51.880 Objection, my lord. 05:51.880 --> 05:53.680 Objection sustained. 05:53.680 --> 05:58.200 Kindly contain your remarks to a dignity fitting this court, inspector. 05:58.200 --> 05:59.960 I'm sorry, my lord. 05:59.960 --> 06:03.560 I am of the opinion, my lord, that before the Crown's case is concluded, the accused 06:03.560 --> 06:07.160 carefully prepared statement will be termed just such. 06:07.160 --> 06:10.720 A tissue of lies and a complete fabrication. 06:10.720 --> 06:12.320 Thank you, inspector. 06:12.320 --> 06:23.400 That will be all. 06:23.400 --> 06:26.600 Then Mrs. Mason's brother was put in the box. 06:26.600 --> 06:30.680 He was a hefty chap with a bald neck and hands like a pair of warming pans covered with red 06:30.680 --> 06:32.320 hair. 06:32.320 --> 06:37.040 His name was Hector Easterday, and we knew that he didn't like his brother-in-law. 06:37.040 --> 06:40.240 Didn't like him at all. 06:40.240 --> 06:43.920 I thought he was going to be a strong witness for the prosecution, and for a time it looked 06:43.920 --> 06:46.080 as though he would be. 06:46.080 --> 06:50.760 Very well, Mr. Easterday, now tell us, were the police made aware of the fact that Mason 06:50.760 --> 06:53.440 had insured his wife's life for 10,000 pounds? 06:53.440 --> 06:54.440 They knew. 06:54.440 --> 06:58.120 And if you'd known Edward Mason, you'd have realized it was just like him. 06:58.120 --> 07:00.440 He knew what he was going to do to her a long time ago. 07:00.440 --> 07:03.240 Do you think that she had any idea of it, Mr. Easterday? 07:03.240 --> 07:04.240 Objection, my lord. 07:04.240 --> 07:06.240 Counsel is leading the witness. 07:06.240 --> 07:09.160 Counsel will kindly refrain from leading the witness. 07:09.160 --> 07:10.680 Sorry, my lord. 07:10.680 --> 07:14.640 Mr. Easterday, had she ever confided any fears to you? 07:14.640 --> 07:18.120 Well, I wouldn't say that, but she knew. 07:18.120 --> 07:19.600 She knew all right. 07:19.600 --> 07:24.240 And last year there was another woman, and between that and the money, that's why he 07:24.240 --> 07:25.240 killed her. 07:25.240 --> 07:26.240 Thank you, Mr. Easterday. 07:26.240 --> 07:27.240 That will be all. 07:27.240 --> 07:37.800 You spoke of a life assurance policy, Mr. Easterday. 07:37.800 --> 07:38.800 I did. 07:38.800 --> 07:41.280 Did you know that they had each insured the other's life? 07:41.280 --> 07:44.600 Not an uncommon practice for married couples these days. 07:44.600 --> 07:46.880 Also that the insurance was by no means recent. 07:46.880 --> 07:51.280 It was taken out when they were first married and had been successively increased. 07:51.280 --> 07:52.880 Yes, but... 07:52.880 --> 07:56.960 You spoke of another woman, Mr. Easterday. 07:56.960 --> 07:59.760 Did Mrs. Mason tell you about that? 07:59.760 --> 08:03.000 Not, not exactly, but I knew. 08:03.000 --> 08:04.000 Oh? 08:04.000 --> 08:05.080 And how did you know? 08:05.080 --> 08:06.080 I could tell. 08:06.080 --> 08:07.200 Oh, you could tell. 08:07.200 --> 08:09.080 You are then clairvoyant. 08:09.080 --> 08:11.520 You could tell. 08:11.520 --> 08:14.160 Possibly you hired detectives to follow Mr. Mason. 08:14.160 --> 08:24.040 Possibly you followed him yourself. 08:24.040 --> 08:28.200 The defense counsel tore him to bits, made him sound like a nasty-minded, prurient, busy 08:28.200 --> 08:33.840 body who had never liked the accused and never lost the opportunity to blacken his character. 08:33.840 --> 08:38.840 Nevertheless, making a fool out of a witness is a two-edged weapon, and I could see that 08:38.840 --> 08:44.160 the jury, although not in sympathy with Easterday, still felt that there might be more than a 08:44.160 --> 08:47.200 word of truth in what he'd implied. 08:47.200 --> 08:50.880 You couldn't argue away insurance. 08:50.880 --> 08:56.880 He did stand to collect 10,000 pounds by his wife's death, but did he murder? 08:56.880 --> 08:57.880 That's what they were thinking. 08:57.880 --> 09:00.720 You could see it. 09:00.720 --> 09:03.880 And they waited for him to take the witness box. 09:03.880 --> 09:12.720 When my turn came for cross-examination, I made him go through the whole thing again. 09:12.720 --> 09:15.760 When I woke up, I was kneeling beside my bed. 09:15.760 --> 09:20.400 It was my wife's neck, it was in my hands, and it was her throat I was squeezing. 09:20.400 --> 09:22.240 What would you do when you saw this? 09:22.240 --> 09:23.520 There was nothing I could do. 09:23.520 --> 09:26.120 She was already dead, and I had killed her. 09:26.120 --> 09:27.120 I see. 09:27.120 --> 09:31.000 Now, you have admitted small quarrels between yourself and your wife. 09:31.000 --> 09:32.000 I have married. 09:32.000 --> 09:33.000 Life is like that. 09:33.000 --> 09:34.520 You live together, you have differences, and then you make them up. 09:34.520 --> 09:35.520 Most people do. 09:35.520 --> 09:40.280 But there were quarrels which were more serious, perhaps less likely to be made up. 09:40.280 --> 09:41.280 No. 09:41.280 --> 09:42.280 We were happy. 09:42.280 --> 09:43.960 I loved my wife. 09:43.960 --> 09:45.840 You loved your wife, but you killed her. 09:45.840 --> 09:46.840 Quite so. 09:46.840 --> 09:52.840 Now, as far as the insurance is concerned, you gradually increased it until it reached 09:52.840 --> 09:55.680 the amount of 10,000 pounds on your wife's life. 09:55.680 --> 09:56.680 Yes, I did. 09:56.680 --> 10:01.640 As a matter of fact, it was about three or four years ago that I had done rather well 10:01.640 --> 10:03.760 in business, and that's when I increased the premiums. 10:03.760 --> 10:08.200 But more recently, you have been in some difficulty, financially, I mean. 10:08.200 --> 10:10.520 Things have become rather slow, yes. 10:10.520 --> 10:13.080 I couldn't afford to buy any more insurance, I know that. 10:13.080 --> 10:14.760 But you hadn't reduced the amount on your wife. 10:14.760 --> 10:18.440 No, sir, that would have been unsound, quite unsound, and uneconomical. 10:18.440 --> 10:21.880 In fact, then, your business position would have improved considerably in the event of 10:21.880 --> 10:24.760 your wife's death and the money received from the insurance. 10:24.760 --> 10:26.280 I did not say that, sir. 10:26.280 --> 10:28.640 But is it not the case, Mr. Mason? 10:28.640 --> 10:30.920 Nothing could be worth the loss of my wife. 10:30.920 --> 10:31.920 But you did kill her. 10:31.920 --> 10:32.920 Yes, I did. 10:32.920 --> 10:38.400 Do you know the woman referred to by Mr. Easterday? 10:38.400 --> 10:40.120 There was no woman. 10:40.120 --> 10:44.160 Do you wish to refresh your memory, Mr. Mason? 10:44.160 --> 10:46.560 Last year, perhaps it escapes you. 10:46.560 --> 10:48.240 There was no other woman. 10:48.240 --> 10:51.840 You still maintain that the cause of your wife's death was due to the recurrent dream 10:51.840 --> 10:52.840 you had. 10:52.840 --> 10:55.840 Yes, I do. 10:55.840 --> 11:02.960 It went on like that, and I couldn't shake him. 11:02.960 --> 11:06.760 He never contradicted himself and never sounded too glib. 11:06.760 --> 11:11.680 If he was lying, I knew that the court was of the opinion that it was some of the most 11:11.680 --> 11:16.080 perfect and painstaking lying they'd ever heard. 11:16.080 --> 11:19.920 Then Mason's sister was called as a witness. 11:19.920 --> 11:25.760 She was a gray haired, middle class intellectual about two years older than the defendant. 11:25.760 --> 11:28.920 Didn't take long for her to come to her brother's defense. 11:28.920 --> 11:33.240 Will you state in your own words the event that took place between you and your brother, 11:33.240 --> 11:34.240 please? 11:34.240 --> 11:35.240 Indeed, I most certainly will. 11:35.240 --> 11:37.240 I think that it's criminal. 11:37.240 --> 11:39.240 Objection, my lord. 11:39.240 --> 11:40.240 Objection sustained. 11:40.240 --> 11:45.680 Miss Mason, strict adherence to facts is the object of the court. 11:45.680 --> 11:49.880 Kindly abstain from all subjective feeling, if you will. 11:49.880 --> 11:55.880 Well, I was going to say that when we were children, he was eight then, I was only ten, 11:55.880 --> 11:57.800 we slept in the same room. 11:57.800 --> 12:02.480 And one night, it was after we'd gone to see Peter Pan, and Edward was frightened by the 12:02.480 --> 12:03.480 crocodile. 12:03.480 --> 12:07.320 You, you probably remember how frightening that was. 12:07.320 --> 12:11.800 It was that night that he awakened, and he was dreaming that a crocodile was chasing 12:11.800 --> 12:15.160 him, and he tried to strangle it. 12:15.160 --> 12:20.200 And when he woke up, he was strangling me. 12:20.200 --> 12:25.080 It was perfect timing. 12:25.080 --> 12:30.320 The accused gave way, buried his face in his hands and sobbed as though his heart would 12:30.320 --> 12:31.320 break. 12:31.320 --> 12:37.240 The jury, even Mr. Justice Forepaw, were visibly shaken. 12:37.240 --> 12:42.080 I could see the case for the crown disappearing down the drain. 12:42.080 --> 13:06.720 More than that, I could begin to see a man who had committed a perfect murder going scot-free. 13:06.720 --> 13:12.600 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Herbert Marshall in Murder by Jury, tonight's presentation 13:12.600 --> 13:20.760 in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 13:20.760 --> 13:32.600 Say, here's a new 54 Willis. 13:32.600 --> 13:34.440 Stunning, isn't it, Mr. Wilcox? 13:34.440 --> 13:35.440 Oh, hi, Miss Drake. 13:35.440 --> 13:36.440 Is this yours? 13:36.440 --> 13:38.000 It sure is. 13:38.000 --> 13:40.460 When I saw this car, I fell in love with it. 13:40.460 --> 13:43.280 And when I saw the price tag, I just couldn't resist. 13:43.280 --> 13:47.600 Well, we're privileged to salute Willis as a member of our Auto Light family. 13:47.600 --> 13:50.800 So, let's hear more about your new Willis, Miss Drake. 13:50.800 --> 13:56.800 Well, it's not only beautiful and economical, but that wonderful hurricane engine is a bundle 13:56.800 --> 13:58.100 of power. 13:58.100 --> 14:00.720 Much more power than ever before. 14:00.720 --> 14:01.920 What model is this? 14:01.920 --> 14:04.480 It's the brand new Aero Lark. 14:04.480 --> 14:11.160 And Willis also has the luxury hard top Aero Eagle and the lovely Aero Ace with that unmatched 14:11.160 --> 14:13.040 Willis visibility. 14:13.040 --> 14:18.760 And don't forget the famous Jeep and the first all steel bodied station wagon. 14:18.760 --> 14:23.200 And of course, you know that all Willis cars come equipped with Auto Light products. 14:23.200 --> 14:24.400 I sure do. 14:24.400 --> 14:32.520 And Auto Light is proud of its long association with Willis and Willis dealers everywhere. 14:32.520 --> 14:38.160 And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage, Mr. Herbert Marshall in Elliot 14:38.160 --> 14:41.360 Lewis's production of Murder by Jewry. 14:41.360 --> 15:03.080 A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 15:03.080 --> 15:07.800 Mr. Edward Mason was given half an hour to recover following his outburst. 15:07.800 --> 15:09.720 Then the trial continued. 15:09.720 --> 15:13.120 His sister remembered every detail of the matter. 15:13.120 --> 15:17.800 And even when I made a go through her story again, she remembered. 15:17.800 --> 15:21.040 He was an awfully strong boy, you know, even at eight. 15:21.040 --> 15:22.300 Very strong. 15:22.300 --> 15:26.740 And I'm sure if nurse hadn't come in when she did, well, I don't really care to think 15:26.740 --> 15:28.780 about what might have happened. 15:28.780 --> 15:32.680 Would you mind telling the court your age, Miss Mason? 15:32.680 --> 15:36.240 Oh, is that necessary, my lord? 15:36.240 --> 15:38.580 Is it necessary, counsel? 15:38.580 --> 15:40.960 There is a point involved, my lord. 15:40.960 --> 15:41.960 Very well. 15:41.960 --> 15:47.560 Recognizing the delicacy of the question, the witness is still directed to answer. 15:47.560 --> 15:49.560 I'm not ashamed of it, of course. 15:49.560 --> 15:50.560 I just... 15:50.560 --> 15:53.000 And your age, Miss Mason? 15:53.000 --> 15:54.000 Fifty-four. 15:54.000 --> 15:56.040 Thank you. 15:56.040 --> 16:00.080 Now, you have every detail of your brother's attack firmly in your mind. 16:00.080 --> 16:01.080 That is so, isn't it? 16:01.080 --> 16:04.080 If I live to be eighty, I shall never forget it. 16:04.080 --> 16:08.800 Yet this was forty-four years ago, and you ask us to believe that the incident is still 16:08.800 --> 16:10.920 indelibly etched in your mind. 16:10.920 --> 16:12.440 Indelibly, sir. 16:12.440 --> 16:13.680 Absolutely. 16:13.680 --> 16:18.560 It was a long time ago, but such an experience is not likely to be forgotten. 16:18.560 --> 16:20.160 Of course I forgave Edward. 16:20.160 --> 16:22.520 It wasn't his fault, and furthermore... 16:22.520 --> 16:26.520 How fortunate that you are still alive to forgive him, Miss Mason. 16:26.520 --> 16:30.160 His wife, more as the pity is not. 16:30.160 --> 16:31.800 No further questions, my lord. 16:31.800 --> 16:34.720 The witness may step down. 16:34.720 --> 16:43.520 It was a telling point for the defense. 16:43.520 --> 16:48.440 They had proved to the jury, at least, that the accused had, years ago, repeated the act 16:48.440 --> 16:52.160 of strangulation during a dream. 16:52.160 --> 16:56.080 The next witness I'd like to forget. 16:56.080 --> 16:59.480 She was a surprise to the Crown and a rather nasty one. 16:59.480 --> 17:05.800 Her name was Amy Burke, an extremely self-possessed young lady in her early thirties. 17:05.800 --> 17:11.320 She had already made a tremendous impression on the court. 17:11.320 --> 17:12.560 Correct me if I am wrong, Miss Burke. 17:12.560 --> 17:18.400 You stated in this court of justice that three years ago you met the accused, Mr. Edward 17:18.400 --> 17:21.240 Mason, at a seaside resort, Broadstairs. 17:21.240 --> 17:23.400 Yes, sir, I did. 17:23.400 --> 17:25.480 Was his wife aware of this meeting? 17:25.480 --> 17:26.480 I don't know. 17:26.480 --> 17:28.080 Well, I don't think so. 17:28.080 --> 17:29.880 She wasn't with him. 17:29.880 --> 17:33.640 Like I told the other gentleman, he was there alone for a few days. 17:33.640 --> 17:34.640 Quite so. 17:34.640 --> 17:39.920 Now, for my benefit, would you repeat the incident which occurred during your first 17:39.920 --> 17:40.920 meeting? 17:40.920 --> 17:42.240 I'd be ever so glad to. 17:42.240 --> 17:44.560 We were walking on the sand. 17:44.560 --> 17:46.040 It was very nice. 17:46.040 --> 17:48.440 Perfectly all right, don't you know? 17:48.440 --> 17:53.080 Talking about his wife, as I remember, she was with friends in Devon. 17:53.080 --> 17:54.080 Yes. 17:54.080 --> 17:55.080 Go on, please. 17:55.080 --> 17:58.360 Well, it was a hot day and we sat down for a bit. 17:58.360 --> 18:01.040 The next thing I knew, he was asleep. 18:01.040 --> 18:04.080 I believe you said with his head in your lap. 18:04.080 --> 18:05.080 Oh, no. 18:05.080 --> 18:07.880 I put his head in my lap while he was sleeping. 18:07.880 --> 18:09.640 He was getting sand in his hair. 18:09.640 --> 18:12.360 Well, it was all perfectly proper and all. 18:12.360 --> 18:13.360 He didn't even know it. 18:13.360 --> 18:14.360 I'm sure of that. 18:14.360 --> 18:15.360 Please continue. 18:15.360 --> 18:21.360 Well, I got a bit drowsy myself and next thing I knew, I was asleep too. 18:21.360 --> 18:23.760 With Mr. Mason's head still in your lap. 18:23.760 --> 18:24.760 That's right. 18:24.760 --> 18:25.760 It was all very proper. 18:25.760 --> 18:28.240 Mr. Mason is a gentleman. 18:28.240 --> 18:29.240 What took place then? 18:29.240 --> 18:31.880 Well, he started to choke me. 18:31.880 --> 18:34.000 It was something horrible. 18:34.000 --> 18:39.160 When I woke up, he was leaning over me with his hands about my throat and I couldn't breathe. 18:39.160 --> 18:41.160 But you managed to fight him off. 18:41.160 --> 18:42.160 Oh, yes. 18:42.160 --> 18:43.400 I managed. 18:43.400 --> 18:45.360 What did he say to you after that? 18:45.360 --> 18:49.040 Well, it was like he was just waking up, you know? 18:49.040 --> 18:51.480 And he was terribly upset. 18:51.480 --> 18:53.360 Tell me about a dream, a snake in it. 18:53.360 --> 18:57.000 Of course, I was dreadfully angry and frightened, you can imagine. 18:57.000 --> 18:58.000 Oh, yes. 18:58.000 --> 19:03.080 But after he paid you 10 pounds to soothe your feelings, the anger subsided, did it 19:03.080 --> 19:04.080 not? 19:04.080 --> 19:06.040 He was a gentleman about it, if that's what you mean. 19:06.040 --> 19:09.000 So much so that you didn't pursue the matter further. 19:09.000 --> 19:13.320 A stranger tries to murley when pays you 10 pounds not to report the matter to the police. 19:13.320 --> 19:15.480 No, it wasn't the 10 pounds. 19:15.480 --> 19:16.480 He was sorry. 19:16.480 --> 19:20.480 It wasn't well and I could see that and I felt sorry for him. 19:20.480 --> 19:23.720 This took place three years ago, miss Burke. 19:23.720 --> 19:24.720 That's right. 19:24.720 --> 19:28.480 And yet here you are today, nobly springing to his defense. 19:28.480 --> 19:32.360 The event must have made quite an impression on you or perhaps Mr. Mason did. 19:32.360 --> 19:34.240 Mr. Mason is a gentleman. 19:34.240 --> 19:35.880 He didn't want me to come here at all. 19:35.880 --> 19:39.080 I said I had to after I read about what happened. 19:39.080 --> 19:42.080 Mr. mccray over there talked him into letting me come here. 19:42.080 --> 19:44.320 He's a gentleman, he is. 19:44.320 --> 19:49.760 I put it to you, miss Burke, that your whole story is a lie, that it never happened. 19:49.760 --> 19:52.040 Although I don't doubt that you are familiar with the accused. 19:52.040 --> 19:57.440 I put it to you that your testimony has been bought and paid for and that you have deliberately 19:57.440 --> 19:59.040 purged yourself in the witness box. 19:59.040 --> 20:00.040 It's a ruddy insult. 20:00.040 --> 20:01.040 Colonel Mallor, I protest. 20:01.040 --> 20:04.160 The council is badgering the witness most unfairly. 20:04.160 --> 20:05.800 Silence in the court. 20:05.800 --> 20:11.640 Mr. Payton, you will confine yourself to stated fact and refrain from badgering the 20:11.640 --> 20:12.640 witness. 20:12.640 --> 20:13.640 Yes, Mallor. 20:13.640 --> 20:15.120 Can I go now? 20:15.120 --> 20:18.320 Not for a moment, miss Burke. 20:18.320 --> 20:21.800 Did you see Mr. Edward Mason again after that day? 20:21.800 --> 20:25.880 I never set eyes on him again till today in court, and that's the truth. 20:25.880 --> 20:31.480 And you ask us to believe that this story you just told us is given of your own volition, 20:31.480 --> 20:36.280 that you at no time given a prepared statement by interested parties that this event actually 20:36.280 --> 20:37.280 took place. 20:37.280 --> 20:39.400 I wouldn't be likely to forget it. 20:39.400 --> 20:41.400 It's true, every word of it. 20:41.400 --> 20:42.400 Very well. 20:42.400 --> 20:43.880 That's all, miss Burke. 20:43.880 --> 20:46.200 The witness is excused. 20:46.200 --> 20:55.840 Dr. Regal, to the witness box, please. 20:55.840 --> 20:56.840 McCray had us. 20:56.840 --> 20:58.320 I knew what was coming. 20:58.320 --> 20:59.320 It was perfect. 20:59.320 --> 21:03.040 And there wasn't a thing that I could do to prevent it. 21:03.040 --> 21:08.520 Dr. Regal was a small, intense little man with heavy glasses. 21:08.520 --> 21:11.840 The jury looked at him and they were impressed. 21:11.840 --> 21:14.560 When he said he'd tell the truth and nothing but the truth, they believed him. 21:14.560 --> 21:18.400 They would have believed him even if he'd been the biggest liar on earth, which unhappily 21:18.400 --> 21:19.400 he wasn't. 21:19.400 --> 21:24.800 Dr. Regal, will you tell us if you recognize anyone in this courtroom? 21:24.800 --> 21:27.080 Yes, sir. 21:27.080 --> 21:28.080 That young lady over there. 21:28.080 --> 21:29.080 Miss Burke. 21:29.080 --> 21:31.320 I believe that is her name. 21:31.320 --> 21:32.320 Anyone else? 21:32.320 --> 21:33.600 The gentleman there. 21:33.600 --> 21:35.120 The accused, Mr. Mason? 21:35.120 --> 21:36.120 Yes, sir. 21:36.120 --> 21:39.800 Will you tell the court upon what occasion you had the opportunity of meeting these two 21:39.800 --> 21:40.800 people? 21:40.800 --> 21:43.880 Well, it was about three years ago. 21:43.880 --> 21:45.560 I have the date in my attendance diary. 21:45.560 --> 21:48.560 Just a moment. 21:48.560 --> 21:51.600 Ah, the 16th of July. 21:51.600 --> 21:52.600 That was it. 21:52.600 --> 21:55.280 Mr. Mason brought the young lady to my office during the afternoon. 21:55.280 --> 21:56.280 Miss Burke? 21:56.280 --> 21:57.280 Yes, sir. 21:57.280 --> 21:58.280 It was half past three. 21:58.280 --> 21:59.800 He asked me to look at her throat. 21:59.800 --> 22:01.080 I see. 22:01.080 --> 22:03.600 And what did you find when you looked at her throat? 22:03.600 --> 22:04.600 Bruises. 22:04.600 --> 22:07.120 They were not dangerous, but I treated them. 22:07.120 --> 22:08.120 And after that? 22:08.120 --> 22:09.400 I never saw them again. 22:09.400 --> 22:10.400 The bill was paid? 22:10.400 --> 22:12.360 Yes, Mr. Mason paid. 22:12.360 --> 22:13.800 In cash before he left. 22:13.800 --> 22:14.800 Thank you, doctor. 22:14.800 --> 22:16.200 That will be all. 22:16.200 --> 22:17.200 Cross-examine. 22:17.200 --> 22:18.200 No questions. 22:18.200 --> 22:19.200 That was all. 22:19.200 --> 22:32.200 There wasn't any use in cross-examining what was so obvious in truth. 22:32.200 --> 22:36.000 Counselor of the defense made a brilliant and short summation. 22:36.000 --> 22:41.400 I made a not so short, and I'm afraid far from brilliant summation, for the Crown. 22:41.400 --> 22:46.400 Mr. Justice Forebaugh gave his instructions, and the jury never hesitated. 22:46.400 --> 22:49.120 They retired for only a few moments. 22:49.120 --> 22:55.160 With your worship's permission, we have already reached a verdict. 22:55.160 --> 22:56.520 Very well. 22:56.520 --> 22:57.520 What is your verdict? 22:57.520 --> 23:01.520 We find the accused, Mr. Edward Mason, not guilty of the charge. 23:01.520 --> 23:02.520 What? 23:02.520 --> 23:03.520 He's guilty! 23:03.520 --> 23:04.520 He's a dirty murderer! 23:04.520 --> 23:05.520 He killed my sister, and I say he's guilty! 23:05.520 --> 23:06.520 He ought to be hanged! 23:06.520 --> 23:07.520 Sergeant Adonis, put that man under arrest. 23:07.520 --> 23:08.520 Silence! 23:08.520 --> 23:11.520 Silence! 23:11.520 --> 23:26.240 The dead woman's brother thought that Mason was guilty, and I knew he was one of the most 23:26.240 --> 23:30.760 cold-blooded, successful murderers we ever failed to hang. 23:30.760 --> 23:36.480 It was about six months later that we found the proof, and then it was too late. 23:36.480 --> 23:40.120 I talked it over with the director of public prosecutions in his office. 23:40.120 --> 23:42.200 There's nothing we can do. 23:42.200 --> 23:47.040 I suppose had I been on the jury, I should have brought in the same verdict. 23:47.040 --> 23:48.600 We have to assume the man was innocent. 23:48.600 --> 23:49.600 He was guilty, sir. 23:49.600 --> 23:54.280 My dear fellow, surely Mason didn't start to plot the murder of his wife at the age of 23:54.280 --> 23:55.280 eight? 23:55.280 --> 23:56.280 My dear fellow, you must... 23:56.280 --> 23:57.280 No, no. 23:57.280 --> 24:02.560 But he did decide to about three years ago, and he took a precaution before he did so. 24:02.560 --> 24:03.820 I don't follow. 24:03.820 --> 24:08.280 He knew his sister remembered the strangling incident during their childhood, and all he 24:08.280 --> 24:12.760 had to do was to repeat the dream strangling with someone else. 24:12.760 --> 24:14.320 The Burke woman? 24:14.320 --> 24:15.320 But how did she... 24:15.320 --> 24:16.320 Oh, from her point, it was all quite innocent. 24:16.320 --> 24:18.360 She didn't know what was in his mind. 24:18.360 --> 24:24.120 He didn't go too far with her, just enough to produce some convincing bruises. 24:24.120 --> 24:26.880 Then he took her to the doctor and paid the bill. 24:26.880 --> 24:27.880 That was all true. 24:27.880 --> 24:28.880 Well? 24:28.880 --> 24:34.600 You remember, he admitted at that time doubling his wife's insurance. 24:34.600 --> 24:38.600 Then he sat back to wait until he felt the moment had come to kill her. 24:38.600 --> 24:43.960 Assuming you're right, there's the Burke woman. 24:43.960 --> 24:47.800 If he never saw her again, how did he know where to find her to appear for him? 24:47.800 --> 24:50.100 He didn't look for her, sir. 24:50.100 --> 24:54.880 She was telling the truth, but he knew where to find her right. 24:54.880 --> 24:57.840 Those three witnesses did the job for him. 24:57.840 --> 24:59.520 His sister he could always find. 24:59.520 --> 25:03.120 The doctor, easily traceable, a medical directory, but Miss Burke. 25:03.120 --> 25:05.240 A girl like that might... 25:05.240 --> 25:08.720 Well, she might move about a great deal. 25:08.720 --> 25:10.160 She did. 25:10.160 --> 25:14.800 So the method he adopted to keep in touch with her was to send her 10 pounds a month 25:14.800 --> 25:17.300 anonymously. 25:17.300 --> 25:21.120 So long as she kept him notified as to her whereabouts, he would continue to send her 25:21.120 --> 25:22.320 the money. 25:22.320 --> 25:28.280 Well, if she had to notify him when she moved, surely she must have known who he was. 25:28.280 --> 25:29.760 Not at all, sir. 25:29.760 --> 25:33.200 A post office box under an assumed name. 25:33.200 --> 25:36.560 He kept it up for three years and she didn't ask any questions. 25:36.560 --> 25:37.560 Why should she? 25:37.560 --> 25:40.280 Blas, you're certain of all this? 25:40.280 --> 25:41.280 I'm afraid I am, sir. 25:41.280 --> 25:44.560 Well, it seems a pity you didn't have the information during the trial. 25:44.560 --> 25:48.080 We didn't know anything about her until McCray brought her in. 25:48.080 --> 25:52.360 And we can't try Mason again for the same offense. 25:52.360 --> 25:54.120 He's done it, Peyton. 25:54.120 --> 25:57.120 The perfect murder. 25:57.120 --> 26:07.880 It was about two months later that I saw the paragraph hidden away on an inside page of 26:07.880 --> 26:08.880 the Times. 26:08.880 --> 26:13.800 I made a telephone call and then went to the office of the director of public prosecutions. 26:13.800 --> 26:14.800 I'll be blown. 26:14.800 --> 26:19.120 It appears that Mr. Edward Mason had been staying at a little hotel in Cornwall. 26:19.120 --> 26:24.840 And yesterday when the maid came in with his morning tea, she found the window unlatched 26:24.840 --> 26:26.680 and the balcony rail broken. 26:26.680 --> 26:29.960 It's a 50 foot drop to the rocks below. 26:29.960 --> 26:30.960 Mason? 26:30.960 --> 26:33.600 He wasn't in his room. 26:33.600 --> 26:35.160 We found the body below. 26:35.160 --> 26:37.520 I'll be blessed. 26:37.520 --> 26:38.520 Justice. 26:38.520 --> 26:41.520 I'll be blessed. 26:41.520 --> 26:42.520 Is it your side, you think? 26:42.520 --> 26:43.520 I don't know. 26:43.520 --> 26:45.520 Probably an accident. 26:45.520 --> 26:51.840 Since there was no sign of foul play, possibly he stumbled and fell. 26:51.840 --> 26:54.160 But there is one curious coincidence. 26:54.160 --> 26:56.480 What's that? 26:56.480 --> 26:59.880 The dead woman's brother, Hector Easterday. 26:59.880 --> 27:00.880 Yes? 27:00.880 --> 27:06.080 Well, it's a rather curious coincidence. 27:06.080 --> 27:29.960 Hector Easterday occupied the room next door. 27:29.960 --> 27:32.480 Suspense presented by Auto Light. 27:32.480 --> 27:35.360 Tonight's star, Mr. Herbert Marshall. 27:35.360 --> 27:37.360 This is Harlow Wilcox again. 27:37.360 --> 27:43.160 Remember, you now have a wonderful opportunity to do your favorite local or national recognized 27:43.160 --> 27:46.480 charity the favor of a lifetime. 27:46.480 --> 27:51.840 If you're one of the 25 persons selected in the huge Auto Light family charity drawing, 27:51.840 --> 27:59.480 you can name any recognized charity you wish to receive a big share of $100,000 in cash. 27:59.480 --> 28:05.640 Those charities can be schools, hospitals, churches, the National Tuberculosis Association, 28:05.640 --> 28:07.960 or any other recognized charity. 28:07.960 --> 28:14.280 So if you're 18 years or over, visit any of the following Auto Light family car showrooms. 28:14.280 --> 28:21.640 De Soto, Hudson, Plymouth, Studebaker, Dodge, Willis, Nash, Packard, Kaiser, or Chrysler. 28:21.640 --> 28:25.820 Print your name and address on the drawing registration form and have the car dealer 28:25.820 --> 28:26.820 sign it. 28:26.820 --> 28:27.820 That's all. 28:27.820 --> 28:30.520 You can try, try, or solve. 28:30.520 --> 28:42.440 So visit any Auto Light family car showroom and sign up tomorrow. 28:42.440 --> 28:44.720 Next week, a story based on fact. 28:44.720 --> 28:49.840 The search for an animal capable of destroying a city whose bite, if not immediately treated, 28:49.840 --> 28:52.100 is 100% fatal. 28:52.100 --> 28:54.120 It's called The Barking Death. 28:54.120 --> 28:56.440 Our star, Mr. William Powell. 28:56.440 --> 29:01.960 It's next week on Suspense. 29:01.960 --> 29:07.360 Murder by Jury was written by Michael Gilbert and adapted for suspense by Anthony Ellis. 29:07.360 --> 29:11.520 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed by Lucian Morawick 29:11.520 --> 29:13.080 and conducted by Lut Bluskin. 29:13.080 --> 29:17.920 Featured in the cast were Joseph Kearns, Ben Wright, William Johnstone, Herb Butterfield, 29:17.920 --> 29:21.200 Richard Peel, Norma Varden, Betty Harford, and Keith McConnell. 29:21.200 --> 29:26.040 Herbert Marshall may soon be seen co-starring with Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis in the Universal 29:26.040 --> 29:29.800 International Cinemascope Technicolor picture, Men of Iron. 29:29.800 --> 29:34.120 And remember, next week, Mr. William Powell in The Barking Death. 29:34.120 --> 29:57.080 This is the CBS Radio Network.