
Our heroes this week encounter hypnosis and meet those who have fallen under its spell and who have used it to try and conceal their crimes. First, Boston Blackie suspects a woman's murder confession was driven by hypnosis rather than guilt. Then, a...
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Vincent Price
Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the Adventures of the Saint starring Vincent Price. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
Unknown Host
Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets and more old time radio detectives and crime solvers. The theme of this week's show is hypnosis. So just listen to the sound of my voice and when I snap my fingers, you'll have enjoyed a quartet of radio mysteries involving that mysterious skill and those who have fallen under its power. First up is an adventure of Boston Blackie where a woman accuses Blackie of helping her cover up a murder. The woman is an old friend of Blackie's girlfriend Mary Wesley, and they suspect she may have been hypnotized and instructed to share her strange story. Richard Calmer stars as Blackie with Leslie woods as Mary and Maurice Tarplin as Inspector Faraday. Then we'll hear a story courtesy of the Crime Club. Its Cupid Can Be Deadly, the final episode of this mystery anthology and it originally aired on Mutual on October 16, 1947. In this one, hypnosis is employed to solve a murder when a woman has been killed with a bow and arrow and another woman has strange cupid tinged dreams from the night of the crime up. Third today is a mystery starring Frank Chandler, better known as Chandu the Magician. Tom Collins stars as Chandu around here. We also know him as international insurance investigator Frank Race. Chandler became Chandu when he mastered occult secrets in India and he began to use his powers to battle the forces of evil. We'll hear him do so in the episode the Voice of Darkness. Now, for much of his run on radio, Chandu appeared in serialized adventures. Collins himself played Chandu in serialized adventures through 1948 and 1949. But in the spring of that year the show was revamped into a weekly half hour format with self contained stories. And it's from that run that the Voice of Darkness comes from. It originally aired on Mutual on April 14, 1949 and it finds Chandu investigating a bombing in Cairo, one that his old friend witnessed. Unfortunately, she's been hypnotized and she now has no memory of the culprit or the crime. And finally today, Bob Bailey stars as George Valentine in 11:00 from Let George, do it. In this episode that aired on Mutual on July 17, 1950, George and his Girl Friday, Brooksie, come to the aid of a woman whose recent odd behavior is causing concern among her friends. And it may all be tied to the strange work in hypnosis being done by a psychology professor. Right about now, you should be feeling very relaxed. The perfect state of mind to enjoy old time radio mysteries. We'll kick things off with Boston Blackie right after these messages.
Vincent Price
The doctors we heard from had this to say. A laxative should be effective, gentle, close to natural acting. A medicine that can be used with complete confidence. Now, Ex Lax has been popular with many doctors and millions of people over the years because chocolate and Ex Lax is effective overnight. It helps you toward your normal regularity. Ex Lax is so gentle, so close to natural acting, there's no upset. That's why many doctors and millions of people use Ex Lax with complete confidence. The laxative that helps you toward your normal regularity. Gently overnight. Next time you refresh, enjoy a frosty, ice cold Pepsi Cola.
Unknown Character
Sociability, Charlie.
Vincent Price
All right, Kay. How's this? Pepsi is light. Refreshes without filling. You like to refresh? Have a Pepsi right now.
Unknown Character
We'll offer it to everybody. Charlie.
Vincent Price
I will enjoy Pepsi at the fountain. It's delicious at home, too. Have one at lunch or with a snack.
Unknown Character
Charlie.
Vincent Price
At the beach or at dinner. Wherever you go, wherever you're thirsty, Pepsi is there.
Unknown Character
It's here too, in our be sociable sound. Be sociable, look smart, Keep up to date with Pepsi. Drink light, refreshing Pepsi. Stay young and fair and get or mayor.
Vincent Price
Be sociable. Have a Pepsi for the weekend. Have plenty of Pepsi around. Pick up an extra carton today. CK I'm sociable with Pepsi.
Unknown Character
Everyone is.
Vincent Price
Ed Stevens of Long Beach, California is the Whistler fan who receives a $20 signal gasoline book this week as a token of our appreciation for sending in this limerick. There once was a driver named Abbott whose car took off like a rabbit Signal Ethel said He is the fuel for me from now on I'll make it a habit Signal Signal Signal Gasoline youe car will go far with Go Father Gasoline if, like our friend Abbott, you like pickup that's quick as a rabbit, then Signal Ethel is a gasoline for you. But flashing pickup, mind you, is only one of the improvements you'll discover when you power your car with this super fuel. In addition, you'll enjoy Signal Ethyl's extra power that makes cars fairly fly up hills and makes passing safer. And you'll be amazed at Your engine's contented. Ping free. Purr for signal. Ethyl is scientifically engineered to bring out the very peak of performance your car is capable of regardless of age. So why not discover how much fun driving can be? Next time, treat your car to a tank full of the gasoline that's packed with more gold. Next time, fill up with signal. Ethel. I dedicate this program to the fight against crime. Not merely crimes of violence and crimes of dishonesty, but crimes of intolerance, discrimination and bad citizenship. Crimes against America. Open up in there. Open up. This is the police. Are you sure this is John Thompson's room, Inspector Farley? Sure I'm sure. Maybe she committed suicide, inspector. Hey. Huh? Say, you might be right. Come on, let's break down the door. Yeah. Hotter, Owens. Hotter. Did she do it? That did it. Come on, let's go in quick. I don't smell no gas. Where's the light switch? Don't ask me. I'm a stranger here myself. Hey, hold it. Somebody's over there crying. Here's the light switch. Hey, miss. You Joan Thompson?
Unknown Character
Yes. Joan. Joan Thompson. Jo?
Vincent Price
Are you Joan Thompson? Are you the cigarette girl on the Boulevard Slap?
Unknown Character
Yeah.
Vincent Price
You wanted for the murder of Henry Brighton?
Unknown Character
No.
Vincent Price
You left the club with him tonight, didn't you?
Unknown Character
Yes, I did.
Vincent Price
Took him home in your car, didn't you? Yes.
Unknown Character
Yes, I did.
Vincent Price
Okay. We found Brighton's body on a country road a couple of hours ago. There are blood stains in your car. Explain that. All right.
Unknown Character
I killed him. I did it. I did it.
Vincent Price
That's better. What did you do with the gun? You gave it to somebody who o.
Unknown Character
D?
Vincent Price
Look around, see what you can find. Rollins. Yeah, I'm looking, inspector. What did you do with that gun, Ms. Thompson?
Unknown Character
I don't know. I don't know.
Vincent Price
Hey, inspector, Here's a telephone number that may mean something. Look right here on the top of this pad. Let's have a look. Well, I'll say it means something. You know that number, Inspector Hank? Know it? I could dial it in my sleep. That phone number is Boston Blackies. Now meet Richard Kalmer's Boston Blackie. Enemy to those who make him an enemy. Friend to those who have no friend. Look, Ms. Thompson, crying isn't gonna do you any good. You're gonna answer my question if it takes forever.
Unknown Character
I told you everything I know. I killed Henry Brighton, I admit it.
Vincent Price
But where's the gun?
Unknown Character
Leave me alone. I told you Blackie was here.
Vincent Price
Yeah, but when and for how long? And why was he here?
Unknown Character
Oh, please leave Me alone.
Vincent Price
Did you give Blackie your gun?
Unknown Character
I don't remember.
Vincent Price
Well, start remembering. Did you give your gun to Blackie?
Unknown Character
Yes, I gave it to him.
Vincent Price
Okay, Ms. Thompson, that's all I wanted to know. Give me a hand. Rollins, we're taking this girl to headquarters. Okay, lady, let's go. I expected his doll. Don't look too good, eh? Okay, so maybe she doesn't feel well. Maybe she needs a doctor. And maybe Blackie won't feel well either when he finds out. He's gonna need a lawyer. Inspector Faraday speaking. Hello, Faraday. This is Blackie. Blackie, I've been looking for you. So I hear. That's why I called. Yeah. Well, how does it feel to be a murder suspect? Completely natural. Now, what have I done? Made a fool out of yourself. Well, I had good material. And besides, I was tired of being so different from you. You won't be able to wisecrack your way out of this one, Frankie. I'm pinning this on you, Faraday. You have trouble pinning your badge on yourself. Okay, be a smart aleck if you want to, but why did you do it, Frankie? Why did I do it? I don't even know what I've done. You're always so shy about telling me those. You took John Thompson's gun. Oh, that dare, that. The Thompson girl admits she killed Henry Bryson. Now, why did you have to get mixed up in it by taking a gun? Now you're an accessory after the fact. And you're a cop after the accessory. The cycle's complete. All right, Frankie, I've given you a chance to square yourself. You won't, so I'm coming to get you. Come on. It'll be nice seeing you again, Blankie. Listen to me. Stop clowning for once and tell me, why did you do it? It's so simple. Maybe after a few translations into baby talk, even you can understand it. Joan Thompson used to be Mary Wesley's best friend. Since when does knowing Mary Wesley make an angel out of anybody? Mary Wesley's qualities are catching. Wait a minute, Barney. Fold your wings, Mary. They're fluttering, Can.
Unknown Character
When they're unfolded like this, they dust the walls so nicely.
Vincent Price
Frankie, is that Ms. Wesley with you now? And you ought to see her, Faraday. She looks lovely. Maybe I will see her behind bars with you. She could be mixed up in this, too, you know. Look, Faraday, Mary didn't send me up there to take the gun away from the Thompson girl. I did that on my own. I don't trust your ballistics department by the way, what caliber bullet killed Henry Brightson? None of your business. Well, I'm going to make it mine to keep you in business. So long, Faraday. When I have your killer, I'll deliver him to you. All wrapped up. Blackie, you listen to me. Well, times certainly haven't changed, Mary. Neither is Faraday. He thinks I had something to do with Henry Brighton's murder.
Unknown Character
Oh, Blackie, it's all my fault for calling you. But when Joan called me, I didn't know who else to turn to.
Vincent Price
If you never know who else to turn to, that's fine with me.
Unknown Character
Yes, but now you're in trouble.
Vincent Price
Is that unusual?
Unknown Character
No, but I certainly wish it were. Oh, Blackie, what are we going to do?
Vincent Price
Prove Joan Thompson didn't kill Henry Brighton.
Unknown Character
But how? She admits she killed him.
Vincent Price
I think she's admitting that to cover up somebody.
Unknown Character
Why, of course. Why didn't I think of that?
Vincent Price
Because. Because you're not a genius. Called Boston, Blackie.
Unknown Character
Well, Genius. What now?
Vincent Price
Now I think we'll go out and make a night of it.
Unknown Character
A night of what?
Vincent Price
Oh, festivities at the Boulevard Club where your friend Joan Thompson works.
Unknown Character
But with. Why do we go there?
Vincent Price
To see if we can pick up a couple of clues before Faraday picks up a couple of us. As you can see, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Williams is completely in my power.
Unknown Character
Hypnotized Here. Fake.
Vincent Price
The rest of the Boulevard Club is phony enough, Mary, but I think the floor show is legitimate. Ladies and gentlemen, you will remember that before the subject was hypnotized, he could not correctly add 27 and 47. Who can now, while he's hypnotized, I will give the subject three figures to add, and his subconscious mind will calculate the answers with the speed of machinery.
Unknown Character
If this works, I should have been hypnotized in school.
Vincent Price
Won't you? Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Williams. 257, 349, 581. Add those numbers together and give me the answer. 1187, ladies and gentlemen. Add those figures yourself and you'll see that the answer is correct. I don't know. I'm still working on it.
Unknown Character
Darling, don't write on the.
Vincent Price
Ladies and gentlemen, I think our subject should wake up. Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams, wake up.
Unknown Character
Wake up.
Vincent Price
Four. Yeah, sure. Now, Mr. Williams, give me the correct sum of 257, 349 and 581. Quickly. Are you kidding? This man would get through life better if you were hypnotized.
Unknown Character
Me, too.
Vincent Price
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. And thank you, Mr. Williams, you've been a good sport.
Unknown Character
Oh, shucks. Isn't that the end of the floor show?
Vincent Price
Seems to be.
Unknown Character
Blackie, what's that medal of free?
Vincent Price
I don't know.
Unknown Character
Well, here comes that Mr. Williams. Let's ask him about it, huh?
Vincent Price
All right. Say, Williams, you call me. Yes. Have you got a minute? I'm awful sorry. I've got an awful memory for names and faces. I don't think I remember. Oh, you don't know us, Mr. Williams, but we'd like to ask you what it was like to be hypnotized.
Unknown Character
Were you really hypnotized?
Vincent Price
I'm afraid I was. Then there's really something to it, huh? Well, I'm not a professional stooge, if that's what you're thinking. I'm just a paying guest, same as you.
Unknown Character
You added those figures so quickly. Aren't you good with numbers?
Vincent Price
Normally terrible. I took math in high school for three years and just got by. I can hardly add two and two.
Unknown Character
Well, how is it that you could add on to hypnosis, then?
Vincent Price
I have to ask a psychologist about that. Excuse me, please. I got people waiting at my table. Good night. Thanks for coming over.
Unknown Character
Well, that mentalist is really on the level then, isn't he, Blackie?
Vincent Price
Yes, I suppose there is scientific explanation for hypnosis. It's part of the applied psychology course at colleges.
Unknown Character
Oh, golly. I think we better watch the class. It's getting late, darling.
Vincent Price
Oh, all right. There's a way down. Wait a minute.
Unknown Character
Blackie, why don't you ask the waiter a few questions about Henry Brighton?
Vincent Price
What, and get thrown out? Mary, in places like this, the only question you ask is how much is the check? Oh, now, if the waiter mentions Brighton first, that's different. Then I could probably. You want something, sir? The check, please. Yes, sir. Here you are. Thanks. Enjoy the floor show Very much. Almost had a little unscheduled show here last night. Our cigarette girl killed Henry B. You read about it? Yes, we did. Sure was exciting. Police all over the place. Say, tell me, did the place. Did they ever find the man Brightson came in with last night? I don't know. Why not? Dr. James Harris does not have to hide from anybody. He left a long time before Brighton did. Why would the police think Doctor killed Bryce? I don't know. That they do. Say, how did that cigarette girl. What's her name? Joan Thompson. How did she get mixed up with Brighton? Well, when Brighton was about to. Don't ask questions yet, sir, because we do not Know the answers. Oh, sorry. I'm sorry, sir, but we have a policy here never to talk about our customers. Important people come here, and it is not right. I'm sorry I asked. That's okay. Here. This should take care of the check. Thank you, sir. I'll be right back. Never mind. Keep it. Thank you.
Unknown Character
Quacky.
Vincent Price
What's the matter, Mary? You look surprised.
Unknown Character
How did you know Brighton came in with someone else?
Vincent Price
I didn't. It was just a shot in the dark.
Unknown Character
Well, let's stay here until they turn out the lights and maybe you can shoot for the answer to everything.
Vincent Price
Oh, no. We're getting out of here.
Unknown Character
Why?
Vincent Price
See that man over there? He's Edwards, the boss of this joint.
Unknown Character
Oh, he looks like the boss of a chain gang.
Vincent Price
Why not? He used to be a member of one. Look at those mugs he's talking to.
Unknown Character
And look at them. Look at us.
Vincent Price
I think they're going to close in for a better look too. That waiter must have told them that I was asking questions, Blackly.
Unknown Character
And those questions didn't do you any good either, did they?
Vincent Price
I know it. No. Come on. I'm gonna see Joan in jail to try and put the pieces of this puzzle together before Edwards and his pals get the notion that we ought to be taken apart. That is a doctor to see you, Ms. Thompson.
Unknown Character
A doctor? I don't want a doctor.
Vincent Price
A friend of yours often to see you, Mrs. Thompson. You want me to come in a cell with your doc? She's kind of violent, this one. No, thank you, officer. I'll be all right. Okay. There you are, Doc. Thank you. Just lock this door. Just call me when you're through and I'll let you out. Hey. Thank you. I will. Yes. Just sit where you are, Ms. Thompson.
Unknown Character
I tell you, I don't want a doctor.
Vincent Price
Just sit quietly, Ms. Thompson.
Unknown Character
I don't need a doctor.
Vincent Price
I hope not, John, because I'm no doctor.
Unknown Character
What?
Vincent Price
But I'm what the doctor ordered. Boston. Blackie.
Unknown Character
Blackie. Blackie. I gave you the gun. What else do you want?
Vincent Price
Shh. The police ran for me, too. That's the reason for the whiskers in my doctor's kit.
Unknown Character
I don't understand. Why are you here?
Vincent Price
To help you.
Unknown Character
Nobody can help me.
Vincent Price
Look, Joan, I've just come from the Boulevard Club. Something's wrong there. Now, before you left last night, did anyone force you to do anything at all?
Unknown Character
No. When I got through, I got my hat and my usual cup of coffee left.
Vincent Price
You're covering up for somebody, Jones. No. Who? Who killed Henry Beitzen?
Unknown Character
I did.
Vincent Price
Joan, will you stop lying? Who's forcing you to say that?
Unknown Character
I killed Henry Bryson. I killed him. I killed him. I killed him. I admit it. Leave me alone.
Vincent Price
Joan, don't do this to me. I've hidden your gun because I thought you were innocent. Now tell me the truth.
Unknown Character
Will you go away? I killed Henry Brighton. I admit it. I killed him. What more do you worry?
Vincent Price
All right, Joan, if there's nothing more you can say, there's nothing more I can do. Joan Thompson, cigarette girl in the Boulevard Club and friend of Mary Wesley, has confessed to the murder of Henry Brightson. But Blackie and Mary, convinced she is merely covering up for the real killer, try to help her, but learn only that Brightson came to the club with a Dr. Harris left with Joan Thompson, was later found dead. Blackie's last hope of proving Joan's innocence died later when in jail, Joan insisted she did kill Brighton. As we return to our story, Black is driving Mary to his apartment to pick up the murder gun.
Unknown Character
Blackie, what are you thinking?
Vincent Price
A whole catalog of things, Mary.
Unknown Character
What's on page one?
Vincent Price
I've never been faced with anything like this before. I know I'm licked. If Joan killed Bryson, she killed him and that's that.
Unknown Character
Page two.
Vincent Price
I still want to do something for her, but I don't know what.
Unknown Character
Well, first you're going to do something for yourself. You're going to get that gun out of your apartment.
Vincent Price
Yeah, that's what I'm going to do now. And send it to Faraday. Then what? Then I don't know what. Well, here's my street.
Unknown Character
Blackie, is that a police car in front of your apartment house?
Vincent Price
It's worse than that. It's Faraday's private cruiser. We're getting out of here.
Unknown Character
Hey, hey. Keep all four wheels on the ground, please.
Vincent Price
Shoot. Sorry, Mary, but that was Faraday himself on the sidewalk, and I. I know what he's after. You, of course. First, Joan Thompson's gun in my apartment. His men are probably looking for it right now.
Unknown Character
Will they find it?
Vincent Price
I don't think so. But this means we have to find something ourselves.
Unknown Character
What?
Vincent Price
Well, remember that waiter at the Boulevard Club said Brightson arrived with a Dr. James Harris?
Unknown Character
Yes.
Vincent Price
Dr. Harris is a well known drug specialist. He could tell me something important.
Unknown Character
What?
Vincent Price
Well, the real reason he left the club before Brighton did. That's one thing he could tell me.
Unknown Character
And what's another thing?
Vincent Price
Whether or not Joan Thompson can be under the influence of a drug that Makes her believe she committed murder.
Unknown Character
And if he gives you that information, what'll you have?
Vincent Price
A prescription for murder to be filled at the nearest police station. Well, yes, Blackie, I know Harry Brightson from Inspector Faraday with the police just a little while ago. Well, Faraday's really making an effort to earn his pay these days. But I'm sure there are a couple of questions he didn't ask you. Dr. Harris? Yes. You came to the club with Brighton last night. Why didn't you leave with him? I. I had an emergency call. I can check on that, you know. Well. Well, all right, then. Greichin and I went to the Boulevard Club for a little private game with the owner, Jim Edwards. I dropped out. Because you ran out of money? No. I left because that game wasn't on the level and I knew it. Who was crooked? Brightson. I told him so and left. Then what did you do? I came straight home, got a gun, went back to the Boulevard Club, waited for Brighton to come out, followed him, then killed him. Now, look here. I didn't kill Brighton, I tell you. Yes, I know. That's what you tell me. You can't drag me into this. You. You can't. All I want to do is drag the truth out of you. But I've told you the whole truth. All right, let's forget the possibility that you might have killed Brighton for the moment. Aren't you a specialist in drugs? So what? Is there a drug that would make Joan Thompson, the cigarette girl, believe she killed Branson? No. Drugs don't make people think they've done something they haven't done. Under the influence of drugs. People do forget, though. In other words, drugs don't enter into this at all. Being drugged would not make her confess to something she didn't do. I'll stake my reputation on that. Those are pretty high stakes, Dr. Harris. Let's just hope that before this is over, you don't have to pull them up. Hello, Mary, this is Blackie. I've just seen Dr. Harris, and drugs are out.
Unknown Character
Oh, dear.
Vincent Price
But something else is in. And if my hunch is right, I'm in, too.
Unknown Character
What do you mean?
Vincent Price
Question. Why did Brighton leave the club and Jones car when his own was parked in a lot outside the club?
Unknown Character
Answer.
Vincent Price
His car broke down. Oh, Blackie, Joan told us that. Yes, but we're going to have a look at that car of his, because if it didn't break down, it's going to break up this case. Here's Brighton's car in the parking lot. Apparently Right where he left it.
Unknown Character
How will you know whether or not there's something wrong with it? You're no mechanic.
Vincent Price
Well, I can try to be one, can I? Guess we'll have a look under the hood. That's where mechanics always start.
Unknown Character
Why aren't you observant? What do you see in there?
Vincent Price
Come over and you can look at it, too. It's an engine.
Unknown Character
You don't say.
Vincent Price
Eight cylinders.
Unknown Character
That bad?
Vincent Price
You're a big help.
Unknown Character
Well, you're the one that's pretending to be a mechanic. Oh, See something?
Vincent Price
See those marks on the top of the engine block?
Unknown Character
Yeah. Yeah. The little lines in the three.
Vincent Price
Those were made when the contact wires to the spark plugs were removed.
Unknown Character
Couldn't they adjust the dog?
Vincent Price
All of them at once? No, pet. Somebody was kidding around with this engine. Only he wasn't kidding. Good evening, sir. Good evening, me. Good evening.
Unknown Character
Oh, you're the same waiter we had here last night. How nice.
Vincent Price
I'm glad you like the Boulevard Club enough to come back the second night. Oh, yes, we enjoyed it last night.
Unknown Character
Especially the floor shelf.
Vincent Price
Oh, I hope you have not come to see the mentally. As a matter of fact, we have. We hoped we might be able to volunteer as subjects. Awfully sorry, sir, he is not here any longer.
Unknown Character
Oh, we missed him.
Vincent Price
But we have a new act that. That is excellent. I'm sure you will like it. Yes, I'm sure we will. Now, what would you like for dinner this evening? We haven't decided yet. Could you give us a few more minutes? Let's go. All the time you want, sir. All the time you want.
Unknown Character
Well, Blackie, there goes your theory.
Vincent Price
And here I go to the telephone.
Unknown Character
What for?
Vincent Price
To call Faraday.
Unknown Character
Oh, Blackie, a little setback isn't going to make you give up, is it?
Vincent Price
No, Mary, a little information is going to make me give out. Inspector Faraday speaking. Inspector, this is Blackie. Where are you, Blackie? I've been looking all over town for you. Well, thanks for the flattery, Inspector, but I don't need it right now. I don't need you at any time, Blackie, but I'm coming to get you. Don't bother with me, Faraday. You have another body on your hands if you can find it. I've already found it. And guess who it is. The hypnotist at the Boulevard Club. Oh, so you killed him, too. I didn't kill him either. Yeah, and how did you know he was dead? I have a sixth sense. And so does a horse. Then if you had any horse Sense you'd know who killed Wildner and why. Okay. Seabiscuit, who did kill the Mentalist? Okay. Also, Rand, the same guy who killed Brighton. Answer. Is that the right one? Mikey, you know what I'm going to do? Sure. Exactly what I tell you to do. First, get a doctor for Joan Thompson. She's been drugged and hypnotized. Get her out of it and she'll stop insisting she killed Brighton. Yeah. Now what are you gonna do? What I always do, Faraday. Get you your killer. You want to do business with me, Blakey? That's right, Edwards. I am over some people every day and want to buy into this club of mine. I don't accept it. Oh, I'm not interested in your club, Edwards. But I am interested in your activities. Meaning what? I think you killed Henry Brightson. I'm not interested in what you think. I also think you killed Wildner, the hypnotist. I'm still not interested. I also think your gun killed them both. Oh, you do? Don't reach for your gun, Edwards. I need only one, and mine's quite handy. You're very fast on the draw. You're very slow on the take. I'm accusing you of two murders, and you don't seem the least bit concerned. By the way, hand over that gun, will you? I have a permit for this pistol. But the permit doesn't say that you can kill with it. Hand it over. I want to look at it. All right. Here. Now, you can sit down and make yourself comfortable, because what I'm going to say to you will make you uncomfortable. That gun of mine did not kill Brighton. It did not kill Wilner. Hasn't been fired in months. I can tell that by looking at it. Are you satisfied? Yeah. Yeah, you can have it now. Now, will you be so kind as to put your gun away? Of course. Much. Now, Edwards, I'm not going to ask you to kill Brighton and Wilner. I'm going to tell you you did and why. Can you just listen? Brighton caught you cheating at cards and threatened to go to the police. You couldn't afford that. You fixed his car so it wouldn't run and sent him home in Joan Thompson's car. Then Joan Thompson was the last to see him alive, so she must have killed him. Joan Thompson was drugged when she had her usual cup of coffee before leaving the club. And you went along with her until the drug took effect, then stopped the car, shot Brighton. Joan Thompson admits she killed Brighton. Of course, under hypnosis, she would admit anything. After killing Brightson you brought Joan back here, had Wilner hypnotize her and impress on her subconscious that she had killed Brighton. You can prove that you helped prove it yourself by killing Wilner so he could never blackmail you. The final proof will come when a doctor tells the police that Joan Thompson has been bothered and hypnotized ever since she was found in her room. Don't move, Blackie. I wouldn't give orders if I were you, Edwards. Then I'll let my gun speak for me. Speaks sort of softly, doesn't it? Stay back, Blackie. My gun's just missing. When it's. I'll say it's missing. Edwards. It's missing its bullets. What? I took them out when I pretended to look at you again. Why, you dirty. Oh, no, Edwards. Please don't call me names. It isn't fair, because from now on, all anybody will be able to call you is a number. Everything checked, Mary. The police found out that our friend Joan had been drugged.
Unknown Character
And Joan was made to believe she killed Bryson because she was hypnotized. I still can't believe it.
Vincent Price
Look into my eyes. You are going to sleep. Oh, look into my eyes.
Unknown Character
Yes.
Vincent Price
Now put your arms around me. Yes. Now lift your face up to mine like this. And now. Now this.
Unknown Character
Do you think I'm hypnotized?
Vincent Price
Well, maybe you aren't, but I am. Let's do that again. Broadcasting System presents Hello. I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. I'm the librarian. Cupid Can Be Deadly. Yes, we have that story for you. Come right over. Ah, you're here. Good. Take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? The manuscript is on this shelf. Here it is. Cupid Can Be Deadly. The very unusual story of a dream that was made of the stuff that killed. Let's look at it under the reading lamp. The house in the hills of Westchester was big and rambling like a medieval castle. And it was owned by the beautiful and temperamental Linda Barry, the celebrated actress. It was late Saturday night, and Paul Palmer, a Broadway columnist and one of the weekend guests, came quickly down the stairs. And as he made the right angle turn toward the library, he met Professor Caldwell, a psychologist, and another one of the guests. Oh, excuse me, Mr. Palmer. I didn't hear you coming. I'll walk on my toes. Have you seen Toby? Toby? Miss Randolph? Oh, yes. No, I haven't seen her in quite a while. Where can that girl be? Have you looked in her room? Just now. Well, I'm going out for a drive with Sam Winslow, that phony private detective. I look around outside if I should see Ms. Randall. Yeah. Tell her about me. Of course. In the meantime, you might ask Ms. Barry. Where is she? In the library. Now, if you don't mind. I don't. Thank you. I asked Mr. Winslow to be ready in 10 minutes. It's almost that now. Good luck, Mr. Palmer. Why don't I stay home for a change?
Unknown Character
Paul.
Vincent Price
Linda. Have you seen.
Unknown Character
Yes.
Vincent Price
What's the idea of the gun?
Unknown Character
You'll find out.
Vincent Price
Ah, the lady's mad.
Unknown Character
You've got no idea how mad.
Vincent Price
Honey, you're sizzling.
Unknown Character
Don't be clever.
Vincent Price
I can't help it. Give me the gun.
Unknown Character
No.
Vincent Price
Give it to me. You can sizzle without it.
Unknown Character
You have no right to do that.
Vincent Price
Paul, it's done. Shall we go before an arbitration board?
Unknown Character
You. You keyhole people.
Vincent Price
Oh, a big one. From a column. Linda Berry slaps a guest in her own house. And who was that guest? Your Broadway reporter.
Unknown Character
That ought to make me the toast of the world. You can go home now anytime you want.
Vincent Price
Wait a minute.
Unknown Character
I haven't got time.
Vincent Price
We'll give it to you. Who was going to get that bullet?
Unknown Character
Take your hand off that door.
Vincent Price
Was it going to be your manager and half a heartthrob? Wally Brooks?
Unknown Character
Paul.
Vincent Price
Ah, then it was for the other half a heartthrob, Sam Winslow.
Unknown Character
No.
Vincent Price
You'll have to suck me again, honey. You're not leaving this room until. Oh, the lady smiling.
Unknown Character
Oh, you're such a fool.
Vincent Price
Don't tell the guys in the other papers.
Unknown Character
That bullet was for your girlfriend, Toby Randolph. It's no use trying to talk me out of it, Wally. I'm going to get away from this place as soon as I can find Paul.
Vincent Price
All right, Toby. You want to go, you can go. But why?
Unknown Character
I don't like it here.
Vincent Price
Meaning me?
Unknown Character
No.
Vincent Price
The house?
Unknown Character
No.
Vincent Price
Professor Caldwell's been lecturing you about mine.
Unknown Character
He doesn't bother me, Wally.
Vincent Price
Then it must be on account of Sam Winslow. Well, that no good for Flusher.
Unknown Character
Not the reason, Wally. Oh, I can handle him.
Vincent Price
Say, you're not running away from Linda, are you? I am. But why?
Unknown Character
I don't like the way she creeps up on me. That's too bad, honey.
Vincent Price
Huh?
Unknown Character
See what I mean? Walking in the garden, on and on But a rosy picture.
Vincent Price
What's this all about, Linda?
Unknown Character
I'll bet you couldn't find such a beautiful setting anywhere. Even the moon is perfect tonight.
Vincent Price
What on earth are you talking about?
Unknown Character
Excuse me, Wally. I'm not sticking around the fire. You're sticking around Toby. And you want to find out how I really feel about you.
Vincent Price
So am I.
Unknown Character
Here. You're not going to leave this place alive.
Vincent Price
Let's go. Up her. Linda, you take out of this one.
Unknown Character
Get her out of my hair. She's killing me.
Vincent Price
I said let's go of her, Linda. Let's go.
Unknown Character
Breaking my fingers.
Vincent Price
I'll break them, Linda, if you don't get your hands off.
Unknown Character
All right, all right, all right, all right. Let go of me now. Thanks, Wa. Now I'll give her a sample of my brand.
Vincent Price
No, you don't.
Unknown Character
But she got me from behind.
Vincent Price
I don't care how she got you, but I want to know why. Well, Linda, why?
Unknown Character
Nobody's making a fool out of me. Nobody has to. What's that?
Vincent Price
That's enough.
Unknown Character
Just let me get at her. I'll show her how to pull hair.
Vincent Price
Copy it. That goes for both of you.
Unknown Character
Listen, Wally, anytime we need a referee.
Vincent Price
Shut up, Toby, and stand over by that tree.
Unknown Character
What about her?
Vincent Price
I'll take care of her. All right, Linda, how was Toby making a fool out of you?
Unknown Character
She wouldn't leave you alone.
Vincent Price
What?
Unknown Character
From the minute she got here with Paul, she's been trying to get her claws into you. And you.
Vincent Price
Are you nuts?
Unknown Character
You didn't do a thing to stop her. I've been watching you. Both of you.
Vincent Price
You are nuts.
Unknown Character
It took you a long time to find out, Wally.
Vincent Price
Shut up, Toby, and stay that way until I got this thing settled. Now, Linda, since when do I have to sign the book every time I look at another girl?
Unknown Character
You only look.
Vincent Price
There's nothing between Toby and me. She's got Paul, and from what I know, she's completely satisfied. Am I right, Toby?
Unknown Character
You're right.
Vincent Price
Yeah. But you are not completely satisfied with me, Linda, are you?
Unknown Character
I never said I wasn't.
Vincent Price
Well, you never had to. We've been engaged for exactly one year. How many proteges have you had in that year?
Unknown Character
Don't be loath.
Vincent Price
5. And now it's that cheap chiseling Sam Winslow. A private detective. The worst of the lot. I like to help people, sure, but why are they always men?
Unknown Character
It's coincidence.
Vincent Price
Oh, cut it out, will you? You're not talking to someone behind a bib.
Unknown Character
Darling, I didn't know you were jealous.
Vincent Price
I'm not. I've never said a thing to you.
Unknown Character
Third party here. Can we wait?
Vincent Price
No. I don't care who's listening. I'm fed up and I'm. Yes, and you can get Yourself. Another manager, too. The less I see of you, the better.
Unknown Character
You're raving.
Vincent Price
We'll see about that. Come on, Toby. Let's find Paul and get out of here.
Unknown Character
I'm on our way. Just a minute, Wally. You're not walking out on me.
Vincent Price
Save your friend.
Unknown Character
I said you're not, dear. When there's any air to be given, I give it. And, Wally, I'm not giving you the air yet.
Vincent Price
You don't seem to get the idea. Linda.
Unknown Character
I happen to like you, darling. Enough to marry you tomorrow. You either marry me tomorrow or you go to prison.
Vincent Price
What's that?
Unknown Character
I'll repeat it for you slowly.
Vincent Price
What have you got up your sleeve?
Unknown Character
The ace of trumps. And it's been there for a long time.
Vincent Price
Show it.
Unknown Character
You're a thief, Wally.
Vincent Price
What?
Unknown Character
And I'm the only one who could keep you out of jail.
Vincent Price
You'd better start explaining, Linda.
Unknown Character
All right, if you don't mind the.
Vincent Price
Crowd, let Toby hear it.
Unknown Character
You've been forging my name to checks.
Vincent Price
Have I?
Unknown Character
$70,000 worth. You know, my signature. And you've been doing a perfect job.
Vincent Price
Where are those checks?
Unknown Character
You see them in court.
Vincent Price
I see them now. Where are they, Linda?
Unknown Character
Well, stop it.
Vincent Price
You're twisting my arm, baby. Produce.
Unknown Character
You'll never get them, Wally. You could kill me, but you'll never get those checked.
Vincent Price
Well, it's about time, Professor. What? I didn't realize you were waiting. Mr. Winslow said ten minutes, didn't we? I've been sitting in this car for 20. I'm sorry, but I met Mr. Palmer and he was agitated about the disappearance of his lady friends. So I tried some psychology. Not quite. I looked around for. Just to be helpful. You're the type, aren't you? Well, yeah. Okay, let's go for that drive. Mr. Winslow, would you mind if we didn't? What's the idea? It's rather late, and I can talk to you here just as well. Okay. It's about. Well, I think you know me and Linda. Yes. You don't approve? Ms. Barry is my patient. Her welfare is my concern. I'm not good for it. Hon, I think you ought to leave at once. I'm sorry. I was only trying to relieve a delicate situation. Ms. Barry and Mr. Brooks are engaged to be married. I read that in Paul Palmer's column a year ago. They should be married, Mr. Winslow, but as long as you're in the picture. Stop right there, Paul. Well, if Linda wants to wash me out, she can do it anytime. Well, the fact is she wants me in. So that's where I stay. Would you marry her? You won't. You don't love her. No, I'm not exactly indifferent to her charms, Professor. She has a lot of money. You catch on fast, don't you? Suppose I were to tell her that. You want to live, don't you, Mr. Winslow? Are you want to go right on psychologizing dames for big? You can't do that when you're dead. You're not threatening me, young man. I know Ms. Barry has given you money. And I know that she's made you the beneficiary of one of her largest life insurance policies. You know a lot, Klaus. I also know that you've been poisoning her mind against Mr. Brooks. But you'll never get another chance when I get through telling Ms. Barry the truth about you. Nice speech, Professor. Now take a deep breath. What? Hold it. Hold it. It might have to last you a lifetime. Here's your room, Toby. Good night. I'll see you in the morning.
Unknown Character
Paul. I don't know why I listened to you after what Linda said and did to me tonight.
Vincent Price
She's a crackpot. But she's loaded with material. At least two columns out of one weekend.
Unknown Character
All right, but I don't like the idea of sleeping in her house.
Vincent Price
Good night, sweetheart. Pleasant dream. Who's there?
Unknown Character
It's me, Paul. Let me in.
Vincent Price
Hello? What's the matter to him?
Unknown Character
Don't ask me now. Just let me in.
Vincent Price
Wait a minute, wait a minute. I'm getting my bathroom.
Unknown Character
Won't you please hurry?
Vincent Price
I'm doing my best to. I can. Even getting into a bathrobe takes time. All right.
Unknown Character
Oh, Paul, darling, what's the matter? I had the most awful dream. What? I dreamed I was Cupid riding a black horse.
Vincent Price
Toby, do you realize it's only 5 o'clock in the morning?
Unknown Character
Couldn't sleep a wink after that. Every time I closed my eyes, there was that black horse and Linda.
Vincent Price
Oh, my aching life, it was terrible.
Unknown Character
I was sitting on the horse and I kept shooting arrows into her heart. Yeah, yeah, poisoned arrows. Every time I took one out of the quiver, I dipped it into a bottle of cyanide that was tied around the horse's neck.
Vincent Price
Go. Go back to bed, sugar. What you need is some sleep.
Unknown Character
I can't, darling. Oh, you've got to help me. Let's go down to the living room.
Vincent Price
But honey, why?
Unknown Character
That's where the dream took place.
Vincent Price
You expect to find a black horse down there?
Unknown Character
I don't know what I expect to find. But if you don't come with me.
Vincent Price
Get that look out of your eyes, Angela.
Unknown Character
Paul, I'm desperate. I've never been so upset before.
Vincent Price
Take my arm, Cupid. We're off to catch a dream.
Unknown Character
I wouldn't bother you ordinarily.
Vincent Price
Sometimes I wish you would. Hunting we will go Hunting we will go. Watch your step. The stairs.
Unknown Character
Thanks. I could only be as calm as you.
Vincent Price
My arm would feel fine. You're digging your nails into it. And it's not even responsible for your dreams.
Unknown Character
I'm sorry.
Vincent Price
I bet you are.
Unknown Character
But I am.
Vincent Price
You never like this arm anyway. Now tell me the truth.
Unknown Character
Paul. That light.
Vincent Price
Where?
Unknown Character
Under the living room door.
Vincent Price
Okay, okay. So you're crazy about my arm. Stay here. Oh, you want to get knocked down by a horse Going with you. Good Lord.
Unknown Character
Linda on the floor with an arrow in her chest. I killed her, Paul. Don't try to tell me I didn't.
Vincent Price
You didn't.
Unknown Character
Oh, what's the use? You'd say anything to make me feel good. Now listen, honey, I'm a killer and no amount of coaxing is going to convince me that I'm not.
Vincent Price
But dreams don't make murderers.
Unknown Character
How do you know I was dreaming?
Vincent Price
You said so.
Unknown Character
Maybe that's what I thought, but actually. Goodbye, Paul. It's been nice knowing you.
Vincent Price
Where you're going, the police will have.
Unknown Character
To know about this. And I'm going to phone.
Vincent Price
No, you're not. Put it down, Toby.
Unknown Character
I've got to give myself up.
Vincent Price
Okay, then I'll put it. Sorry. Your hand was in the way. Now you'll do me one favor. Don't tell anyone about your dream.
Unknown Character
We're going to have the police in on this, aren't we?
Vincent Price
Sure, but not until I've got you straightened out. Come on out for a walk. Let somebody else find, huh? Ah, Professor Caldwell. Up bright and early, aren't we? I always say there's nothing like the country air to. Good heavens. Behind you, Ms. Barry. We found her that way. An arrow in her chest. Her pulse. Mr. Palmer, do you realize she's been murdered? I'm beginning to. Who did this? We don't know I did, Professor Obey you, Ms. Randolph.
Unknown Character
You'd better send for the police. I'll tell them everything.
Vincent Price
Well, as long as you've gone this far, why not tell it to Professor Caldwell? He's a psychologist. This a problem in psychology. She had a dream.
Unknown Character
It was more than that, Paul. I saw the whole thing. The living room, Linda and I was shooting arrows into a heart.
Vincent Price
But you were Riding on a black horse. Professor, do you see a black horse in this room? Very, very interesting. She was also dressed up as Cupid. She was? Forget it. H. Miss Randolph, you had a dream in which you saw yourself as cupid murdering Ms. Barry.
Unknown Character
So I thought.
Vincent Price
But there was no romantic conflict between you and Ms. Barry?
Unknown Character
Who said there wasn't?
Vincent Price
Toby, for Pete's sake. Let her talk, Mr. Palmer. She'll hang herself. You'll see about that. Go on, Ms. Sanders.
Unknown Character
Last night Linda accused me of trying to take Wally Brooks away from her. We had a hair pulling match.
Vincent Price
Amazing. The most unusual dream coincidence I've ever heard of. Professor. Don't be alarmed, Mr. Palmer. This young lady is quite innocent.
Unknown Character
You mean it couldn't have happened as I told it?
Vincent Price
Certainly not. You're not Cupid and there's no horse. But yes. Well, on the other hand, Ms. Barry is dead. There is an arrow through her heart. This young lady is quite innocent.
Unknown Character
You mean it couldn't have happened as I told it?
Vincent Price
Certainly not. You're not Cupid and there's no horse. But yes. Well, on the other hand, Ms. Barry is dead. There is an arrow through her heart. That can only mean that if you're guilty, Ms. Randolph, then you must be a somnambule.
Unknown Character
Oh, good Lord.
Vincent Price
But now, Toby.
Unknown Character
Paul, as a child I used to walk in my sleep regularly.
Vincent Price
You don't care what you do to yourself. Listen, Professor, I've got an idea. I'm afraid we need one, Mr. Palmer. If you hypnotized Toby, we could really find out what she did last night, couldn't we? We could. All right then, hypnotize. Sit down, Toby. Going to work.
Unknown Character
But Paul, I told her I want.
Vincent Price
To know the truth. And I've got it.
Unknown Character
You mean I don't have to be hypnotized?
Vincent Price
No. All you've got to do is remember what happened after Linda pulled your hair last night.
Unknown Character
She. She what?
Vincent Price
You told me just before you went to your room.
Unknown Character
Wally said he was through and she.
Vincent Price
Of course, he accused Wally of forging her name to checks. Mr. Palmer, do you realize what you're saying? I'm saying what Toby said, Linda said and she was there. Come on. Well, that's Wally. Don't notice yourselves out. Kitty. Sam. Yeah? I'll bet she never expected to die that way off stage. How long have you been here, Sam? Not long enough to embarrass anybody. Why? What made you come down? It's only 6:00. I get restless sometimes. Why? You've got a Reputation for waking up with a dinner bell. Oh, you think it was me, huh? It could have been. Mr. Winslow. I'm gonna hear from the professor. Mr. Palmer, this man is the beneficiary of a $50,000 insurance policy taken out by Ms. Barry.
Unknown Character
Well, I'll be.
Vincent Price
Not anymore, Toby. Okay, Sam, you tell me. I had influence with the babe. I was her type. That not telling me, pal. She hired me to find out where a DOE was going checks she didn't remember signing. Then she took a shine to me.
Unknown Character
What was I going to do?
Vincent Price
Now, listen, that's exactly what I did after I found out who was signing those with Linda's Johanna Hancock. It was her boyfriend, Wally Brooks. I know all about that. Great. Now, here's something you don't know. Where's Wally? What? His room's next to mine. I heard him going out about 10 minutes ago. That's what woke me up. That's ridiculous. Mr. Brooks has a car in the garage and we heard no car. There it is, Professor. Well, you say, Paul, they'll send for the police. They know all the answers. Oh, well, how about some breakfast, Toby?
Unknown Character
No, thanks, Paul.
Vincent Price
It'll be an hour before we hit New York, and I. Oh, look, there's a nice quiet place just around the next intersection. The food's good.
Unknown Character
I don't feel like eating.
Vincent Price
Paul, what's the matter with you?
Unknown Character
Why didn't you let me tell the police about my dream?
Vincent Price
Oh, it's that dream again.
Unknown Character
I killed Linda.
Vincent Price
Listen, honey, the police know how to analyze a crime and they suspect Wally.
Unknown Character
Just because he disappeared?
Vincent Price
He didn't take a thing that belonged to him, not even his socks.
Unknown Character
It doesn't prove he's a murderer.
Vincent Price
He's been forging Linda's name to check since she found him out.
Unknown Character
He wouldn't have killed her for that. She was ready to marry him.
Vincent Price
Now, listen.
Unknown Character
I won't. Wally's not a killer. And I don't believe he was ever a thief.
Vincent Price
But the police found the checks.
Unknown Character
What's the use? You've made up your mind to cheat the law and you don't care who dies, as long as it isn't me.
Vincent Price
You don't know what you're talking about. And I'm going to prove it once and for all.
Unknown Character
If you only could.
Vincent Price
We'll turn around and then we'll hit right for police headquarters. Why, in your dream, Cupid was dipping the arrows into a bottle of cyanide?
Unknown Character
Yes.
Vincent Price
So far there's been no mention of cyanide. But the Police or the coroner, I'm going to insist on a lab test of the arrow point.
Unknown Character
Fair enough.
Vincent Price
Yeah, but while that's being done, angel, you keep your mouth shut about that dream, understand? That's a very unusual request, Mr. Palmer. I'm an unusual guy, Captain. Yeah, you read my column sometimes and you want to know how I work. I do a thorough job on everything and everybody. Yeah.
Unknown Character
Captain, it wouldn't take much of your time to do a lab test on that arrow. Please.
Vincent Price
Why should you be interested? Ms. Randolph, I. Well, you see, frankly, I don't.
Unknown Character
Paul. I'm going to tell him, Moby. I can't live with it anymore. I've got to talk.
Vincent Price
You've done too much already. Let's get out of here. Now wait a minute. She's got to talk and I'm here to listen. Go ahead, lady.
Unknown Character
I think I killed Linda Barry.
Vincent Price
Uh huh.
Unknown Character
Paul and Professor Caldwell have been trying to tell me I couldn't have done it. But I know differently.
Vincent Price
Sure. Here's a pencil and some paper. You write it down. Nothing doing, Captain. Now you stay out of this, Mr. Palmer. But you don't understand. You can't take a confession from her. You wait outside. Oh, for Pete's sake, why don't you listen outside, mister? All right, but you'll never convict her. She claims there was cyanide on the tip of the arrow. There was. What? Here's the coroner's report. You want to read it? Good Lord. But she only dreamed about it. Now listen, you. If you make one more attempt to influence this lady, I gotta use that phone. Are you getting out of here? Yes, yes, but let me call Professor Caldwell, the psychologist. He's an expert on dreams. Call him from the other room. Okay, but hold up that confession until he gets here, will you? The other room, mister. Now here's the dog. Thanks for the assist, Captain. I never would have made it without your help. Hurry up. Hurry up. Hello? Now, Professor Caldwell is Paul Palmer. Oh, Mr. Palmer, I'm so glad you phoned. How soon can you get here? No, I can't. I want you here. Mr. Brooks came in a few minutes ago. What? And without a word of warning, he began to beat up Mr. Winslow. If you don't get out here as soon as you can, there'll be another murder in this house. Wally. He came back, Mr. Palmer. As soon as you can. It'll take me at least 15 minutes. That won't do any good. It'll have to. Listen, professor, don't let Wally get away. I wanted to Meet a certain captain of the police with a firsthand story of why he disappeared. Is that you, Mr. Palmer? It's me, Professor. Where's Wally? You said you'd be here in 15 minutes. It's more than half an hour since you called. I had a flap. Where's Wally Brooks? We took him up to his room about half an hour ago. You. You took him up? He means we dragged him up. Sam, what are you doing on your feet? But professor, you told me. You're phenomenal, Mr. Palmer. I went back to the living room after I spoke to you and there was. I couldn't believe it. Yeah, I was standing and Wally wasn't. But I thought so. It seemed pal. He took me by surprise. But all I had to get over was one punch. And when that was settled. Okay, let's go up and have a talk with him if he's conscious. Ah, Sam, don't flatter yourself. You don't hit that hard, my pal. Not by any stretch of the imagination. Professor, would you say that Sam is human? Definitely not. A species of two legged animal. If I had my way. Which you haven't. Okay, we'll settle this later. Listen, Wally. Hey, what do you know? The guy came too. Not so as you can notice it. We left him on the bed. If he didn't come too, how'd he get in that chair? Come here, professor. What seems to be wrong, Mr. Palmer? Check him. I've got an idea he's dead. Dead, Mr. Winslow? But don't look at me. I couldn't have killed him with one punch. I don't hit that hard. He is dead, mister. Now wait a minute. Shut up, Sam. How can the guy tell without a stethoscope? Mr. Brooks has no pulse and there's no action in his heart that I can hear. Let's call a doctor. I'm a doctor, Mr. Winslow. My specialty happens to be psychology. But that doesn't mean that I. Never mind that, Professor. I know what killed Wally. What's that? Poison from this tiny bottle. Bottle That I. I don't see. He's clutching it in his hand and man, he's got a grip on it I can't break. Leave him alone. Tomorrow I committed suicide. I want the cops to find that bottle in his hand. But I've got to know whether it contains cyanide. Come on, professor, you should know how to flex muscles. I'm afraid it would be impossible in this case, Mr. Palmer. Why? Obviously rigor mortis is set in. I'm not giving up. If that bottle Contains cyanide. Then what did you say, professor? Rigor mortis, Mr. Palmer. The rigidity of the muscles that occurs after death. Yeah. Sam, close the door. What's the idea? Close it. I want to ask the professor a few questions. With no way out. Okay, You've got me guessing, pal. Mr. Palmer, what is the meaning of this? I'll let you know, Professor. Sam, get on that phone. Call the Medical Society of New York. What? Don't look so dumb. Ask them if they got a member by the name of Professor Caldwell. What's your name, professor? You're very clever, Mr. Palmer. It's about time. But it didn't take you long to get that gun out of your pocket, did it? Does it matter? Why did you kill Linda? She made a startling discovery. The checks were forged. They weren't forged, Mr. Palmer. Mala. Oh, no, I see what you mean. She signed them herself. Or she was under your influence. What goes with this guy, an electric chair? Sam, he's a phony psychologist. And Linda was one of his patients. Each time she came to his office, he got her just in the right mood to be hypnotized. Then he'd tell her to write a check and sign it. They were all made out to cash, weren't they, Professor? Of course. And she cast them for me while she was in that right mood. Why did you kill her? I told you. Can't you figure it out, pal? She accused Wally. I suppose she had the guy arrested. You think DA's are dumb? No. They investigate everybody. And what did they find out? This guy's a phony. Doctor. Yeah? Remind me to like you the next time we meet. Thanks. Now, professor, about Toby. You hypnotized her, too. And you induced her to have that dream. Why? The young lady was a perfect subject after her quarrel with Miss Barry. But how did you get to her? I took her to the door of the room and I saw her go in. She came out later. The poor child was very disturbed. Naturally, she knew. Take it easy, Paul. It's done. Yeah. You. You changed your mind about Toby, Professor. When Wally disappeared, when he came back, you set him up as the perfect suicide. It's quite simple. Such an easy way out. No trial, no investigation. The suspect committed suicide. Q, E D. Q, E D. Well, yeah. So that's why you tried to get rid of me, Professor. I think I'll go now. Gentlemen. You didn't want a private detective around while you were fixing a murder and a framer. Goodbye, Mr. Winslow. Even tried to put the frame around me. You know professor, that makes me mad. Do you? Would you like me to put you out of your misery? I'm standing here by the door, Professor. If you want to get out, you'll have to come through me. You insist on being a fool, don't you? No. Professor. Mr. Farmer. Present. You shouldn't have forgotten about me, not even for a minute. Bad psychology. Paul. I'll take the gun. I'll take it, Sam. One more twist. Now, Professor. I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Palmer. He doesn't like me, Sam. I'm sick about it. You think I ought to kill myself? You're a hard nut to crack, chum. Okay, you take one arm and I'll take the other. We'll give this guy a lift down to police headquarters. That won't exactly psychological.
Unknown Character
Thing.
Vincent Price
We will go hunting. We will go. Yeah. Yes.
Unknown Character
Toby, how did you decide that Professor Caldwell was the murderer?
Vincent Price
He said rigor mortis.
Unknown Character
Yes, that's what you told me before. But how did you really decide?
Vincent Price
Wally couldn't have been dead more than half an hour. Rigor mortis takes from six to eight hours to set in. Any doctor knows that.
Unknown Character
Any real doctor. But what made Wally so rigid?
Vincent Price
Hypnotism.
Unknown Character
Hmm.
Vincent Price
Did you ever see people hypnotized?
Unknown Character
Several times. But of course, their bodies become so rigid they couldn't even be bent.
Vincent Price
There you have it.
Unknown Character
Thanks. I don't want it.
Vincent Price
Death doesn't relax those muscles. They stay that way.
Unknown Character
I still don't want it.
Vincent Price
You're hard to please, young lady. What do you want?
Unknown Character
I do really like to know.
Vincent Price
Sure.
Unknown Character
I want something to eat. I'm hungry.
Vincent Price
And so closes tonight's story. Cupid Can Be Deadly. Stedman Coles wrote the radio script. Roger Bauer produced and directed. Sydney Smith played the part of Paul Palmer. Virginia Dwyer was Toby Randolph. Cameron Pludum was Professor Caldwell. Helen Shields played Linda Barry. Larry Haynes was Sam Winslow. And Shirley Oliver was heard as Wally Brooks. Oh, I beg your pardon. Hello. I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is a crime club. I'm the librarian. Next week. I'm sorry, we won't be here next week. No, this is the last program in the current series. Yes, we're sorry, too. Of course there'll be something here next week. Racket Smashers. Yes, at the same time and over most of these same stations, you'll be listening. Fine. I'll tell them to look for you. This program came from New York. This is the last broadcast in the current Crime Club series. In its place, the Mutual Broadcasting System will present the exciting real life crime drama Racket Smashers. Don't fail to tune in at this time next week over most of these stations for the true criminal cases of Racket smashers. Stay tuned now for another Mutual favorite, quiet, please. Which follows in just a moment. This is the world's largest network, serving more than 450 radio stations. The Mutual Broadcasting System. Since time began, men and women have had strange experiences for which there is no explanation. Except in the secrets the ancient magicians knew. But for centuries, their secrets have been guarded in the hidden places of the Far East. Today, perhaps, Frank Chandler has discovered them. As people say, he is called Chandu the Magician. Can you be sure it isn't true? The makers of White King granulated soap. Present for your enjoyment every week at this hour. Chandu the Magician. Cairo. The great stone house at the edge of the Nile. The home of Princess Naji and of her ancestors for uncounted generations. Lights glow in the drawing room, but they do not dispel the overpowering sense of fear Charm do the magician.
Unknown Character
So, where were you? You sent me to bring your cloak, Amigurat. The cloth. Give me the gloves. I will put them on later. I cannot drive a motorcar wearing white gloves. You drive yourself, amirat? Yes. Tonight I wish to drive myself. What is it? Abu Ben?
Vincent Price
Say it is waiting with the most.
Unknown Character
Yes, I am coming. Oh, say that I am out, Abu. And that you do not know when I will return.
Vincent Price
As you say. This is Mr. Chandler. Sabah Malkair, Yasidi Lazar. It is the offended Chandler.
Unknown Character
Why did you not do it? I took very well. Yes, Chandu.
Vincent Price
How are you, Nadi?
Unknown Character
Very well, thank you.
Vincent Price
I wanted to let you know an old friend of ours is back in Egypt.
Unknown Character
Yes, who is it?
Vincent Price
Roger Gaylord.
Unknown Character
I remember Captain Gaylord.
Vincent Price
He's out of the army now and he's come to Egypt to raise cotton. A more unlikely farmer, I can't imagine. He's bought a place between here and Fayoum.
Unknown Character
Yes, I know.
Vincent Price
Oh, have you heard from him too?
Unknown Character
Yes. Chando, you must excuse me. I'm late for an engagement.
Vincent Price
Oh, I'm sorry, Nadi. I'll call you tomorrow.
Unknown Character
Chandu, you must.
Vincent Price
What is it, darling?
Unknown Character
I'm late. I will speak to you tomorrow.
Vincent Price
Is something wrong?
Unknown Character
Good night. Chandu. Why did you call me to come out of the house?
Vincent Price
Captain Gaylord does not know I called you, does he?
Unknown Character
What do you want?
Vincent Price
When you heard that music, you had a mental impulse to walk out into the garden, eh?
Unknown Character
Yes, yes, but I knew you would be out here. Quite so, Dr. Shaw. I am a dinner guest in Captain Gellert's house. If you have something to say to me, say it and go away.
Vincent Price
You are difficult this evening, Nadji. Come with me farther from the house.
Unknown Character
What is it? What is it?
Vincent Price
I am only taking this precaution to save your life.
Unknown Character
Save my life?
Vincent Price
Quite. Stand here. The tree will protect you.
Unknown Character
From what?
Vincent Price
You see this box on the ground? It is a detonator. When I push the plunger down, Captain Gaylord's house will cease to exist. And so will he.
Unknown Character
Captain Gaylord.
Vincent Price
Excellent. It will burn rapidly, too. I'll leave you now. You're too shocked to speak, are you? Apple? Pass. When you find it necessary to explain why you came out of the house before the accident. But you won't remember I was here, Najee. You were alone.
Unknown Character
I was here alone especially.
Vincent Price
You will not speak of me to Frank Chander. He used to think you killed Gaylord. That. That will be a most interesting situation. I am sure. In just a moment it will be time once again to raise the curtain on our story of terror and magic. May we remind you about Chandu's exciting carnation plant offered the offer that brings you three live, growing carnation plants for 35 cents and one white king granulated soap box top. Yes, Here is a thrilling springtime offer for every home gardener and flower lover. Imagine getting three live, growing carnation plants that will bear huge double blossoms with delicately fringed petals. Imagine a sweet, spicy carnation bouquet like an exotic perfume. Imagine these plants blossoming lavishly in three brilliant carnation hues of cardinal red, snow white and a new variegation that blends carmine, rose and creamy yellow. And just imagine getting these three well rooted carnation plants for only 35 cents and one white king soap box top mailed to chandu, Los Angeles 21. For an additional saving, mail a $1 bill and three white king soap box tops to chandu, Los Angeles 21. And chandu will send you three sets of carnation plants. Nine plants altogether. Postpaid. Please allow two weeks for delivery. And remember, nothing washes like soap. There is no soap like White King. Yes, indeed. For washing clothes or dishes, you'll love White King. Egypt Night. Captain Gaylord's garden dimly lighted now by the dying flames of the burning house. A car turns in from the lonely road and stops. We return you to Chandu the magician. Nestor. Naji. Naji.
Unknown Character
I'm here. Chandu.
Vincent Price
Oh, thank heaven. I saw your carpet parked outside the gates. Where's Gaylord. He.
Unknown Character
He was in the house.
Vincent Price
Good Lord. What happened? Where are the servants?
Unknown Character
I have not seen them, Chandler.
Vincent Price
But didn't any of them try to put out the fire?
Unknown Character
It was impossible from the first.
Vincent Price
It almost looks as if the house had blown up. Tiles from the roof clear over here. Nad. Who was here beside you and Gaylord?
Unknown Character
No one.
Vincent Price
Benzade must have driven you out.
Unknown Character
I drove the car myself, Chandler.
Vincent Price
You did? Why?
Unknown Character
Please do not ask me all this question, darling.
Vincent Price
I'm sorry. I know what a shock you had. But the whole thing's so strange.
Unknown Character
I did not expect you to come here tonight.
Vincent Price
Gaylord invited me to dinner, too.
Unknown Character
You did not Tell me.
Vincent Price
You didn't give me a chance. If you'd said you were coming, I'd have driven you. Why did you come out here so early?
Unknown Character
You must stop these questions, Chandu.
Vincent Price
The police will ask them, darling, and others.
Unknown Character
Police?
Vincent Price
Yes, you know Ahmed Hussein. Very sharp, old boy.
Unknown Character
You, John Doe. You do not believe I killed Captain Gaylord?
Vincent Price
You know I don't. Just tell me one thing and I won't ask you another question. Why did you park your car outside the gate?
Unknown Character
I do not know, John, do. I beg you.
Vincent Price
All right, let it go. But you're not going to drive back to Cairo alone. Get in, Najee. Gaylord didn't tell me he'd invited you to Chandu.
Unknown Character
I must tell you. He was playing the gramophone, A special record when. When?
Vincent Price
Naji, what is it?
Unknown Character
No, even you will not understand why I should have walked out into the garden one moment before they happen.
Vincent Price
You mean you saw something or heard someone outside? Tell me.
Unknown Character
I cannot. I can tell you nothing. Oh, Chandu, please take me home.
Vincent Price
Don't, darling, don't. We'll talk the whole thing over tomorrow.
Unknown Character
Wear the silver earrings, Mother. They look marvelous with that dress. All right, dear. Go and put on your hat. It's almost 4:00. Bob had better hurry if he's going to Najee's with us. Why? Where is he? He went to see about getting a man to fix that beat up photograph downstairs. Uncle Fay.
Vincent Price
Mom.
Unknown Character
In my room, Bob. Sometime you might try just coming to the door instead of standing in the hall and shouting.
Vincent Price
Who's the guy down in the library with Uncle Frank?
Unknown Character
His name's Prescott. He's from Canada. He told me. Isn't he wonderful looking?
Vincent Price
He didn't get that tan in Canada. Hey, do you suppose he's the Prescott that rounded up those spies up there?
Unknown Character
Well, I don't know. And it's time for us to go. Put that package in your room, son.
Vincent Price
I'm gonna take it with me. I bought some records. Nadji won't mind if we play them there, will she?
Unknown Character
I'll mind.
Vincent Price
Well, they aren't jive. They're Egyptian or Arabian or something. Wait till you hear them.
Unknown Character
Put them in the car, Bob. If Najee wants to hear them, there they'll be.
Vincent Price
Yeah. Oh, I almost forgot. Uncle Frank wants to see you before you go, Mom.
Unknown Character
Oh, you and Betty can wait for me in the car. I won't be long.
Vincent Price
I'd sure like to know what's going on around here. Uncle Frank looks like the roof had fallen in on him. You know that? Well, that's the story, Mr. Prescott. Gaylord met Naji here in Cairo during the war. I understand Naji. Why, yes. Gaylord came here with a message for me from British headquarters during the North African fighting. You can imagine what it was like here then. Swarming with spies you never knew who might be an enemy agent. Yes, indeed. Nadji and I worked together because we knew the country. And when Gaylord turned up, well, it was a little irregular, but he had a week's leave and offered to help. We sent him on a tricky mission into the desert. He pulled it off like an old hand. He brought a letter from you when he finally came home to Canada. He'd taken his discharge here in Egypt, you know. Well, no. I went to India as soon as the war ended. Oh. Well, Gayle has been with us ever since. Until he resigned a few weeks ago. He hadn't been like himself for some time. Worried. I thought I might have known it was because of Nadji. He never forgot her. You really think Nadji killed him? Why, she told you herself there was no one else out there. I suppose if I hadn't just happened to be in Lisbon and decided to fly down and see Gaylord, the whole thing would have been dropped. Prescott, I know Nadji had nothing to do with it. She must be quite a siren. I tell you, she had no reason to kill him. Even the police are willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. I talked to Ahmed Hussein last night. Isn't that what's called obstructing justice? Certainly not. Look here, Prescott. I'm as anxious as you are to get to the bottom of this. Well, what do you suggest? An open mind, for one thing. Assume Nadi knew nothing about it. All right, then what? Then what was worrying Gaylord before he left Canada? Or who who put the cotton raising idea in his head? It's fantastic for Gaylord. Well, if it wasn't his own idea, I suppose it could have been a friend of his named Shaw. He was a doctor Gaylord had met in the army. Was Gaylord ill? Not that I knew of. Anyway, now that I think of it, Dr. Shaw disappeared. From where? From England, I suppose. That's where he lived. I remember Gaylord saying he'd had several letters returned marked address the unknown here, or something of the sort. But, Mr. Chandler, this whole idea of yours is utterly ridiculous. We have to start somewhere. I can't believe Naji. Come in, Dot.
Unknown Character
Bob said you wanted to see me.
Vincent Price
Yes. Sit down when you're done.
Unknown Character
Is this about Nadji?
Vincent Price
Yes. You know her, Mrs. Regent?
Unknown Character
Yes, very well. Frank, what's the matter? When I talked to her on the phone this morning, she was so upset. I thought we shouldn't go there to tea this afternoon, but she insisted on it.
Vincent Price
Mr. Chandler. You haven't told your sister? No. And Nadji knows I haven't told me what? What happened at Gaylord's last night. Dot, I want you to see if Nadji will tell you. For some reason, she's afraid to tell me. I'm not surprised, but you were there yourself, Frank. Not until later. I'm not trying to be mysterious, Doc. I just want you to talk to Nadia as if nothing at all had happened.
Unknown Character
Well, all right.
Vincent Price
There's just one thing. Be sure to ask her if she knows a Dr. Shaw. Be casual about it, but ask her. I've always heard your methods were peculiar, Mr. Chandler. I see why now. I'll send a cable asking London to trace Dr. Shaw. But in the meantime. I agree. There's no time to waste. And, Dot, tell Nadgy I've been delayed. I'll drop in later.
Unknown Character
I will, Frank.
Vincent Price
Do your best for me, will you? It's literally a matter of life and death. Nobody at home has records like this, Vance.
Unknown Character
Bob, for heaven's sake, turn that record down a little.
Vincent Price
Okay, Mom.
Unknown Character
They're all weird, Bob. I hope they don't get broken before we go back to California. If they do, I will send some to replace them. Betty. Well, I just assume you wouldn't, Najee. They're too weird for my taste. Now, what were you saying, Dorothy? Oh, well, I was going to say I'm glad you're feeling better. I was worried about you this morning. It was nothing. When Frank came home this noon, he said you looked ill. Are you sure you shouldn't see a doctor? I'm not ill, Dorothy. Oh, by the way, Nadji, do you happen to know a Dr. Shaw? Dr. Ian Shaw. Naji, you are ill. Is there something I can do? No, no. Just let me sit here quietly for a moment. Oh, we better go. I'll call you. No, please, Dorothy. No one must know.
Vincent Price
Hey, Betts, I didn't see this one.
Unknown Character
It must be one of Nadji's. Put it on, Bob. Let's see what it sounds like. Nadji, tell me, what's the matter? Only I could remember. I went to Captain Gaylord's last. Dr. Shaw must have been there. Must have been? Don't you know? No. I've lived a lifetime since last night. There are moments when I know why this thing is happening to me. But then I forget. Help me, Dorothy. Is this what you were afraid to tell Frank? It's music. I cut mgelo's record. Naughty. Why do you look so serious, Dorothy? What? Why? Oh, thank heaven. There's Frank.
Vincent Price
Hi, Uncle Frank.
Unknown Character
You are too late for tea, Chandu. It is not flattering to a hostess.
Vincent Price
Turn off that music, Bob.
Unknown Character
What? They are only amusing themselves because the gramophone in your house is broken.
Vincent Price
Get your things, Dot. You two kids.
Unknown Character
But you have just arrived.
Vincent Price
I've been standing in the hall for five minutes.
Unknown Character
Then you heard what Naji said. But I said nothing to cause Naji. Yes, John? Do.
Vincent Price
I'll be back here in a little while. In the meantime, don't go out anywhere. Don't go out of the house, Frank.
Unknown Character
I don't like to leave her here alone.
Vincent Price
It won't be for long, Dot. I know now what I'll have to do. And when I looked into the crystal, you told me to come to you here in Tibet. My son, thou hast overcome the illusions of time and space to come here in. And yet thy heart is filled with fear. I'm afraid for Naji. Why ask your help, my teacher? The power is always at thy command. Must I have called thee here to this place to remind thee once again? I do know. And yet, when I realize what's happening. Tell me, my son. Someone somehow has gained control over Naji's mind. At times, she seems to know it. But then she forgets again. You must know what it could mean. You fear she will betray the secrets of the work you do together. She can't help it. But that's not all. If thou believest Naji would take a life as men say, thou hast indeed lost much that I have taught thee. I know she didn't kill Gaylord of her own will. But she could have been forced to do it in thy fear thou hast put thy knowledge from thee. What shall I do, my teacher? Thou hast within thyself the power to defeat this thing, this evil thing, and to remove it from all who have listened. Listen to the voice of darkness. The voice of Darkness? And there are others beside Nadji. The moment is to come when thou wilt hear it. If at that moment thou shalt listen. Even I cannot save thee. Death will fall upon thee like a black shadow. Farewell, my son. Farewell. In a moment, we'll bring you the outcome of tonight's macabre story in the life of Chandu the magician. For just 35 cents and one box top from a package of White King granulated soap, you get three live, growing carnation plants. You home gardeners will welcome this chance to save on the most beautiful and beloved of flowers. Right now, three of these choice Hollywood Star carnation plants would cost you up to $1.35 or more at any nursery or greenhouse. Moreover, these well rooted plants will produce quantities of big, showy, double petaled blossoms on strong, wiry stems. They'll bloom all summer long and again next year. And there are three glorious carnation colors in each assortment. Snow white, cardinal red and a dainty new variegation of carmine rose and creamy yellow. So hurry, order your carnation plants at once. Mail 35 cents in coin and one white King soap box top to Chandu, Los Angeles 21. That address again is Chandu. C H A N D U Los Angeles 21. Please print your name and put sufficient postage on your envelope. And remember too, nothing washes like soap. And there is no soap like White King. Cairo. An underground room in the home of Princess Naji. A room where once the priests of ancient Egypt committed to parchment the secret of their timeless wisdom. We return you to Chandu the Magician.
Unknown Character
If only I can find the incantation. Oh, spirits of the unforgotten ones, show me the way. Show me the way. Dr. Shaw.
Vincent Price
You were so absorbed in those old parchments, you did not hear me open the door.
Unknown Character
How did you come to this room?
Vincent Price
You have forgotten.
Unknown Character
What is it now?
Vincent Price
You have forgotten. You told your servant to bring me to the door.
Unknown Character
Did I? No. No one comes to this room but me.
Vincent Price
You have forgotten, Naji. You do not remember.
Unknown Character
But how could I know you would wish to come here?
Vincent Price
I am interested in whatever interests you, Naji.
Unknown Character
Are you?
Vincent Price
For instance, why are you looking through these parchments? What do you hope to find secret?
Unknown Character
The secrets of ancient Egypt are more powerful than you, Dr. Shaw.
Vincent Price
So you have discovered what has happened to your mind, eh? It's too late now, Jeannie. Much too late.
Unknown Character
No, I will not believe it. Only this afternoon I almost broke free.
Vincent Price
But then you heard the music.
Unknown Character
Music?
Vincent Price
That record was my gift to you. I left it with your servant.
Unknown Character
But it was only by chance I heard it. The children played it.
Vincent Price
What children?
Unknown Character
The niece and nephew of Chandler.
Vincent Price
Who you're speaking of Chandler, I suppose.
Unknown Character
Yes, I. Oh, if I could only tell him.
Vincent Price
Nachi, look at me.
Unknown Character
No.
Vincent Price
Look straight into my eyes. No. Listen. I'm going to tell you precisely what is to happen. You hear me?
Unknown Character
I hear you, Dr. Shaw.
Vincent Price
Chander has responded exactly as I had hoped. He's taken no action about Gaylord's death. Because of you. Because he loves you. But tomorrow morning, the full story will be made public. You understand, Naji?
Unknown Character
I understand. Chandu will be disgraced because of me.
Vincent Price
That is true. But I can still save you. Are you ready to give me the information I want?
Unknown Character
No, Dr. Shaw. It is secret.
Vincent Price
Of course. There is still another way open to you. I brought this knife, Naji. It is quite sharp. You are to believe you must choose between giving me the information and death. Nothing, Mr. Chandler. Who are you? Don't you know me? I know I am Dr. Shaw. Look at me again well, more closely. Straight into my eyes. You remember me now, surely, I don't think. A friend. A friend, Mr. Chandler. Dr. Shaw. A friend. Chando.
Unknown Character
No. Do not listen.
Vincent Price
Be silent. Nachi. You do trust me, Mr. Chandler? Yes, I trust you, Dr. Shaw.
Unknown Character
Chandu, you must not.
Vincent Price
You see how simple it is not. He will do whatever I tell him now.
Unknown Character
It cannot be possible. Chandu. Chandu.
Vincent Price
Speak to her, Chandler. Admit it. The forces of darkness are too strong for you. I do not understand. The forces. Forces of darkness, Chanda. The forces that I have studied so long. You know of them. Admit it. It's useless to go on fighting him, Naji. He's right.
Unknown Character
Oh, I have brought this terrible thing upon you. But if I die, that is what he wants. Then he will release you, Dr. Shaw. Give me the knife, Naji.
Vincent Price
Couldn't you see what I was doing? Give me that, Chandler. You, General, you should be ashamed to call yourself a doctor.
Unknown Character
No.
Vincent Price
In the thousand years of dull, respectable practice in London I could never have known the power that I have now.
Unknown Character
Do you know him?
Vincent Price
All right, Dr. Shaw. Tell her. Tell her. When I was in Egypt with the British Army, I met a man who taught me the black secrets of ancient Egypt. You see now why I was so amused at the thought that you could use them against me, Najee. Go on. Let's hear it all. You doomed. All of you in every country's secret agents. With your minds in my power. Whatever you learn, you'll confide in me. And I have found a market for.
Unknown Character
Stop him, Chandu. Stop him, you must.
Vincent Price
What about Gaylord Shaw? He came to Egypt under my influence. I admit I was a bit afraid of you, Chandler. You and your magic. So I arranged a more conventional way of removing you accessory to a murder. I see. You'll be charged with that tomorrow. And now if you will excuse me, I will call on Nadji under less disturbing circumstances.
Unknown Character
Chandu, why did you let him go? How will we ever be free? Free of him?
Vincent Price
Because two can play that game of his. And I've been playing it my way. Listen.
Unknown Character
Let me go.
Vincent Price
It is Chandler you want.
Unknown Character
Who is it out there?
Vincent Price
The provincial police and Ralph Prescott may heard it all. But no one except Shaw himself will hear this. Open your mind to me, Dr. Shaw. The story you told me without realizing what you said said is to be repeated openly wherever you go. Wherever you go, men will distrust you. Your power for evil is broken from this time on. Forever. That's why I killed him. I killed. Dear Lord, I killed him.
Unknown Character
It is like a miracle, these things you do.
Vincent Price
We needed a miracle this time. Nazi. Darling, when are you going to marry me so I can take care of you? Can't you trust me even yet?
Unknown Character
It is not that charm. Do I?
Vincent Price
There's one way to keep you from saying no again, darling. John do the Magician is based on the original radio drama created by Harry A. Earnshaw and is written by Vera Oldham. Frank Chandler is played by Tom Collins. Dorothy Regent is played by Irene Tedrow. Betty by Joy Terry and Bob by Lee Millar. Bob Griffin is Dr. Shaw and Princess Naji is played by Lillian Bayev. Special musical effects are by Korla Pandit. The program is produced and directed by Cyril Armbrister. We invite you to listen again next week at this hour when the makers of White King bring you mystery, romance and intrigue in Chandu the Magician. Our Culver speaking. This is the Mutual Don Lee Broadcasting System. Personal notice changes my stock and trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you got a job for me. George Valentine. Write full details. Standard Oil Company of California on behalf of independent Chef gas stations and standard stations throughout the west invite you to let George do it. 11:00. Another adventure of George Valentine.
Unknown Character
Who is Mr. Valentine? Estella? Who's Mr. Valentine? Hey, book of the month. Unglue yourself, I said, who's Mr. How should I know? He's a man. Just like that, she says it. Oh, don't talk like a girl's college, Maggie. This is your alma mater, dear, not mine. I don't know how you stand it. Oh, I don't mean it hasn't been nice for summer session, but for an aging school teacher like me. I know, I know. Give you a handy football team every time you like all the rest of the man happies around this place. I just wondered why I was coming here, that's all. I don't know. Been to my uncle's, I guess. Be here this morning, Valentine. Somebody named Ms. Brooks? I don't know. Just coming. I thought you had a class this morning. Educational Psych 110. I don't know how you stand all that garbage. Leave your mind alone, I say. Your mind's for wearing hats on, not hocus pocus and psychology110. Hey, that's Ferris though, isn't it? Yeah, the teeth. Seen my scarf anywhere? Estella, why don't you tell me what goes with him and that blonde drawl down the hall? Not interested. Who cares? Women never talk about. Oh, I know you can't stand him, but you know, don't you? The girls always tell you so things and somebody said they go horseback riding together and he's married too, did you know that? I mean, Vicky the blonde was an undergraduate here herself, wasn't she? So you want to know what's a big secret anyway? What's with this guy Ferris? What's so mysterious about him? What time is it? H oh, 11:00. Where are you going? 11:00. Aren't you going to wait for Mr. Valentine? I must go someplace. Well, hey, at least take your books for you 11:30 a Stella. What's the matter with you? I don't want to see Mr. Valentine. There's too much to do. I'm not going to class. What? Oh, listen, you never missed a class in your life. Stella, let go of me. But you look sick. Oh, I always said you worked too hard. I promised her I wouldn't tell. I promised the other honey. Wait a minute. No, now I'm going. I have to go. Ferris told me to. What?
Vincent Price
Goodbye, Maggie.
Unknown Character
Estella, look out. Oh, that girl's not going to live very long.
Vincent Price
That was my car, Mrs. Ferris. We almost hit her.
Unknown Character
But what does that have to do with me? We didn't. It was at the time we weren't going fast.
Vincent Price
Crazy kid didn't even look up. After which she just kept on walking. In fact, she ran. I yelled at her, but she wouldn't stop.
Unknown Character
Oh, well, that's Estelle. Estelle? Estella Blair. It's your last name. Oh. Oh, yes. And somebody wrote to you about her, Mr. Valentine?
Vincent Price
Her uncle, Mrs. Ferris. I explained that to you. I wanted to see your husband, the professor, about it. But you.
Unknown Character
Oh, well, he's in class. Good heavens, there are so many in Somerset. Some of his classes are 70 and 80. Regular tent shows. And in psychology too. The poor thing.
Vincent Price
Now, look, Mrs. Ferris, it was this Estella's roommate who suggested we come right over here. A girl named Maggie.
Unknown Character
Well, I don't miss. Maggie was scared to death about her. She's out looking for her now. She can't find.
Vincent Price
She said Estella suddenly started acting so strangely and ran out saying that your husband had told her to go someplace.
Unknown Character
I can't imagine where. Or maybe she meant she told my husband to go someplace. Oh, look here, Mr. Valentine, I really don't understand what you're doing.
Vincent Price
Okay, Here, take a look.
Unknown Character
Letter. Oh. Oh, the uncle. Dear Mr. Valentine, would appreciate it if you dropped by to see my niece, Estella Blair. I'm her guardian and now too busy to see her very often. But I've been worried the way she's acted lately. Her last few visits. She's finished studying for her degree at summer session. Well, that makes it so clear. Some sort of a woman's counselor, are you Dorothy Dick? Oh, I'm afraid now I'm really baffled, Mrs. Ferris.
Vincent Price
I talked to her uncle on the phone. He's worried about the girl because he feels she's hiding something. Something to do with your husband, Professor Ferris.
Unknown Character
Oh, excuse my underestimating you. You do go straight to the point, don't you? You think this girl and my husband. So you come to me. Well, come in, come in. Like some iced tea? Awfully hot. I'd give you something cooler if I thought you wouldn't tell. No, thanks. You're wrong, Mrs. Ferris. Nobody thinks that at all. If we did, we wouldn't be so tactical. If you'd seen the girl. I'm sure you wouldn't. I remember her now. A little too dull, I'm afraid, for the teeth.
Vincent Price
The teeth?
Unknown Character
That's what the girls call my husband, you know, the teeth. He smiles so beautifully. And it's everyone. No, no, I understand. You're worried and blunt because you think the next car might not stop as quickly as yours did. You almost killed a girl and you think she's still in danger and out.
Vincent Price
Lost something and we want to know about her fast.
Unknown Character
Well, it's a logical enough conclusion though, thinking of my husband that way. Every girl in college is always in love with him, you know. But you just picked the wrong girl, that's all. Now, if it had been a redheaded research student named Mrs. Sarah Jensen who keeps his notes for him, bless her heart.
Vincent Price
Look, look, Mrs. Ferris.
Unknown Character
No, you look. I'm not just talking. I think you should know that my husband and I don't have much in common except it's a. If it weren't inconvenience, we'd be separated. So none of what I'm talking about means anything to me. My husband is a perfectly harnessed research psychologist in love with nothing but his deep dark work. And that's quite all right with me. This is the way I stole gossip, you see. I tell people first. But. But did all this happen about 11:00?
Vincent Price
11:00? Well, yes, in a way. Estella ran out of the dormitory at 11, started acting strangely then.
Unknown Character
Just what do you mean, Mr. Ferris? I don't quite know, but there is something peculiar. I don't mean to Cecile Jensen I spoke of. But see, the campus stables are right up the lane from here. And another girl did. Becky, who goes riding sometimes with my husband, is quite innocent, really. Oh, I know this is so confusing. There are so many women around.
Vincent Price
Well, go on, go on. What was it you started to say, George?
Unknown Character
Listen. Well, just that this other girl beside your Estella was cutting my husband's class too. At 11:30 I met her on the sidewalk. She had a job put down. Just look right past me. But she said very quietly, she wasn't going to class, she was going riding. Look, George, it's an am. Riding. It's going up the lane. Mr. Valentine. The stables. Hurry out this way.
Vincent Price
It was Vicky, Mrs. Ferris. That blonde girl goes riding with the professor. You know the one. It was the square nose that threw. Calm down, will you calm down. Just tell me what happened. They don't even know whether she's going to live or not. She took a terrible spill. She was thrown, mister, don't you understand me? By one of my gentlest horses too. I. I thought it was funny, Mrs. Ferris, when she came here this time of day. But she said she had to go riding because it was 11:00.
Unknown Character
There now. I told you, Mr. Valentine, that's what she said to me and what Estella said.
Vincent Price
All right, all right. Okay. Come here, friend. Come here. Now, what choice was it? The square nose, he came galloping in by himself. I called an ambulance ride. All right, never mind, never mind. Just stop shaking, will you? You've seen riding accidents before. Now, what's the rest of it? Well, it's just that I. I don't know what I should do, mister. Who I should call. What do you mean, call? Well, here. This strap holds the cinch. Now, that girl, that Vicky, she always saddles up herself, has her own stuff. She's a good rider, too, but. But anybody would have been thrown with this, see? Yeah. Yeah, I see. Strap's been cut. Cut halfway through. Then it broke the rest of the way, I suppose, when the horse galloped. That's what I figure, sir. Well, I mean, what should I do? She came here and she said. Professor Ferris told me to go riding at 11 o'clock. What? Only. Only looks more like somebody wanted to kill her at 11 o'clock.
Unknown Character
It's so confusing, so many women around. But somehow they all seem to be tied up together. George.
Vincent Price
You mean tied up with the same guy, Brooksy, in the same time?
Unknown Character
And the Stella, George, she did all the same things and said all the same things that this girl.
Vincent Price
Okay, get the police. They can find her fast in the weekend, George. Me, I got a date with a professor. Right. Well, I'm glad you liked my little show. Perhaps I should go on the stage. But of course, in an educational class. Excuse me. Is psychology 110, isn't it? Isn't that. Professor, I said, excuse me. Look, young lady, it can't be that fascinating. Center stage seems to be up this way, doesn't it? You. They're all staring at Ms. Jensen. Jensen. Wait a minute. Sure, but are you visiting me?
Unknown Character
I'm sorry, I have to leave early. Excuse me.
Vincent Price
Because she's heard the chimes, hasn't she? The 12 o'clock chimes. Yes. There she goes. Where are you going, Cecile? Ms. Jensen.
Unknown Character
I'm sorry, professor, but I have to leave early.
Vincent Price
Well, but we were Talking about hypnosis, Ms. Jensen. I had to. Very interesting things to say about. Things people can be made to do through hypnosis.
Unknown Character
I know. Forgive me, sir, but I must go now. It's quite all right, really. Ferris told me.
Vincent Price
Ferris told me. All right, ladies, I guess we're a success. Those words were given to her yesterday. Classes missed. Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. There. Demonstration is all over, young man. Oh, no, it's not. Friend. Here, let me get by, will you excuse Me girl. I guess we scared another visitor. Later, ladies. I reassure you, sir, there's nothing to be frightened of. You've only stumbled into a very ordinary demonstration of posted. Yeah. Where'd you send that girl, Ms. Jensen? Oh, she won't even leave the building. It's only a joke. You see, a person can't be hypnotized into doing anything really dangerous or against his nature. She said Ferris told me to. Now, that's you. And that's what the others said. So you do all this hypnotizing stuff, huh? Of course. It's part of our class work in psychology. Did you hypnotize a Stella Blair too? And a blonde girl named Vicky? Well, naturally. Suggestions. Really? Under hypnosis, I give them suggestions on what they should do. You see, at 11 o'clock. For heaven's sake. Young man, there's nothing to be alarmed about. They don't know why, but they do what I tell them, that's all. And why those particular girls? Well, in demonstrations like this, I've given hypnotic suggestions to practically every woman in this class. We'll return to tonight's adventure of George Valentine in just a moment. When you get in your car and when start out for the high mountain country, make sure your car's engine has the extra protection of RPM motor oil. Those long, winding, steep grades mean extra work for your engine. A good chance for carbon to clog up rings and valve stems. But you can avoid carbon trouble by using RPM first choice. Where driving's toughest, it's specially compounded to prevent carbon formations. And that's why folks will tell you more people prefer RPM than any other motor oil. RPM also prevents the corrosion caused by acid laden moisture, sticks to engine hotspots and stops sludge trouble. In fact, it's the best engine insurance you can buy. So wherever you motor in the west, ask for RPM first choice. Where driving is toughest, ask for it at independent Chevron gas stations and standard stations where they say and mean we take better care of your car. Now back to tonight's adventure of George Valentine. 11:00. And Stella, the girl you came to this women's college campus to visit, walked out of her dormitory and disappeared at 11 o'clock too. Another girl, Vicki, a blonde, strangely decided to go horseback riding. And now Vicki is in a hospital because she was thrown from her horse. Only her saddle had been tampered with. Someone wanted to kill Vicki. Well, you found that there's a quite a simple explanation for 11 o'clock for the girl. Strange behavior they Were part of a demonstration in Professor Ferris psychology class. If your name is George Valentine, what you want to explain is attempted murder. But what has actually happened, Mr. Valentine? A cup strap, that's all. I can't believe there's any connection. Why this little exhibition of mine, there's nothing to it. Yeah, Post hypnotic suggestion. You call, I ask for volunteers. The whole class sees it. They all want to get in on it. I hypnotize the subject, tell her to do something the next day. Now that's the only difficult part the time. But after I've instructed her, I wake her up. She doesn't know what she's been told to do. But then the next day when she hears the chimes, that's the cue I use. The campus chime. 11:00 exactly. Then the subject is seized with a desire to do what I have previously told her. She still doesn't know why, of course. She's not in a trance or anything. She simply does it. Post hypnotic suggestion of all. Now please listen to me. You can instruct a person to do a harmful thing. To commit murder for instance. It can't be done. But you sent that girl Vicki straight away. I told Vicki to go riding at 11, that's all. She wasn't in a dream. She had all her faculties. What did you tell Estella to do? Oh, well, I have notes on all the suggestions I gave merely to cut the class. I think I noticed that girl had never missed one before. And so it occurred to me. A little vacation. I'll take it from your notes. Thank you. That one at 12 o'clock you said she was only to stand up and walk out just now. As she did. Oh, Cecile. The redhead. Come on, quickly. What? I'll show you. Oh no, no. Nothing is going to happen to her. Better not, buster. Yeah, just a couple of rooms down. A few of the girls are still there. I'll show you what sinister things I tell them to do.
Unknown Character
She's putting water in a bucket. You worried about the flowers to steal? Well, they need a little water, don't you think? Look at it.
Vincent Price
Hey, what's this all about? I wanted to water some flowers. Paper flowers. If you look closely, paper flowers. And she doesn't know why she's doing it. She won't question it until it's over. Oh, this is very, very funny. Yes, but you see, I'd scarcely send anyone to the brink of a presence. Okay, okay. So let's see the others. Those notes, of course. I have them right here. Some, please. Ah, yes, Here we are. Naturally, I want to take every precaution, but I assure you that Cecile's case there is a typical example of this.
Unknown Character
Did you see it? What happened? She just blew the water. Look at her face.
Vincent Price
Get away from that. I'll get her. Stand back, will you? Hey, get that flower fly. There we are. What in heaven's name. He can still save her. Call the fire department. Get a pull motor, quick. Why don't you stand there? She poured water on the flowers. Didn't you see? But look what was hidden in the middle of them. A live electric wire. Almost all the class. That demonstration. Almost all of them. Cecile will live, won't she? Electric shock is the rest of them. I said, Ms. Duval. No, no, no, no. We've got to her already, Ms. Perkins. She's gone somewhere by now to. Oh. Oh, good Lord, Valentine, I can't. The rest of them. I said now, assure. Somebody's using your harmless demonstration for murder. Well, we found three girls doing somersaults on the lawn, sir. Two others went out by the lake someplace. Oh, they got a doctor. Another one of them fancy birds. He claims he can help unsnap them from that suggestion thing. Oh, there's another girl went out for a walk someplace. And the ones who'd already left the class for lunch are scattered all over.
Unknown Character
George, look at this.
Vincent Price
What is it? Brooksine?
Unknown Character
Just a handkerchief, but I think it might explain.
Vincent Price
Look at the explanations. There are 14 girls still on the countertop.
Unknown Character
George, it's Estella's handkerchief. It was right in here. George. I didn't realize whose it was until that Maggie girl told me.
Vincent Price
It's a funny place to come walking though fresh, tall weeds.
Unknown Character
Maggie saw Estella tape this handkerchief with her purse when she left the dormitory.
Vincent Price
Professor Ferris insists he just told Estella to cut a shot. It was over this way. Brooksie.
Unknown Character
There she is.
Vincent Price
Hey, Estella, it's all right.
Unknown Character
Hey, Estella.
Vincent Price
Hey. Hey, kids, slow down. We're not gonna hurt you.
Unknown Character
That shot. Where did it come from? Who are you? Who are you?
Vincent Price
My name's Valentine. Now, you're not hurt, are you?
Unknown Character
No.
Vincent Price
Val.
Unknown Character
Mr. Valentine. You're coming to see me. You're. You're a friend of my uncle. The poor kid was scared to death. Gerard. Shot with a shot. I went for a walk, didn't I? Who was it? Estella, Somebody shot at you. Who was it? I don't know. I. I don't know.
Vincent Price
Come on, let's get out of here.
Unknown Character
The other way, George. It's only A short distance to the lane.
Vincent Price
Where?
Unknown Character
The lane.
Vincent Price
Yeah, I see what you mean. The writing stable.
Unknown Character
What?
Vincent Price
Come on, kid. You'll be all right.
Unknown Character
George. I meant it's right near the Ferris house.
Vincent Price
Well. Oh, you found her.
Unknown Character
That's Ms. Stella Blair, Professor Ferris.
Vincent Price
Oh, of course. Well, where on earth has she. Get on the phone. Come on. Tell the sergeant.
Unknown Character
All right, George.
Vincent Price
Come on now. Sit down, kid.
Unknown Character
I'm all right, young lady.
Vincent Price
We've been pretty worried, you know. We've. We've.
Unknown Character
I'm perfectly all right. My uncle sent Mr. Valentine to see me.
Vincent Price
Oh, hello, Charlotte.
Unknown Character
Oh, I was just. Mr. Valentine?
Vincent Price
Yes, yes, that's right, Mrs. Ferris. We found her.
Unknown Character
Oh, well, I. I was outside. You know. I've been looking for you too, Estelle. I. I thought I heard something out there.
Vincent Price
Yes, I don't doubt it.
Unknown Character
I get you something, my dear. Wouldn't you like to like.
Vincent Price
Oh, Charlotte. Ms. Blair is perfectly smart.
Unknown Character
Alex. Show off tricks. What so much fun telling all these poor girls what to do. Listening to them laugh at your wonderful demonstrations.
Vincent Price
Please.
Unknown Character
The big smiling teeth. Where were you? Up in human?
Vincent Price
Charlotte. Now stop it.
Unknown Character
And this is the girl they tell all their secrets to. I know. I've been finding out things today.
Vincent Price
Cut it out. Cut it out, both of you, will you?
Unknown Character
11 o'clock. 11.
Vincent Price
It was a legitimate demonstration. Mr. Valentine.
Unknown Character
Mr. Valentine came to see me. Oh, look at him. Look what he's done to her.
Vincent Price
Estella.
Unknown Character
She's still hypnotized.
Vincent Price
Don't be ridiculous. It doesn't work that way. Works any way you want it to. Doesn't it? Of course not. Now look at me, young lady. It was only for a few moments yesterday, Valentine, when the suggestions were given.
Unknown Character
I'm perfectly all right, my dear.
Vincent Price
There's no possible reason.
Unknown Character
No, really, I am. I just.
Vincent Price
Then why can't you look at me? Perhaps I'd better see her for a few moments alone. Valentine. Ms. Blair.
Unknown Character
Did you hear that? Did you? I'll tell you what I meant a minute ago, Mr. Valentine. I'll see you alone for a few minutes.
Vincent Price
Oh, go on, Mrs.
Unknown Character
The Magic Word. Oh, I don't mean he does anything that he isn't a beautiful moral specimen. It's his ego that gets tethered. And maybe their imaginations, every one of.
Vincent Price
Them will not stand for these.
Unknown Character
She was in love with him. And Cecile Jensen. Worse than any. That big smiling male in the middle of a woman's college. What he teaches isn't important. But every one of them. Every one of them. Everyone he Brings in front of he goes into making them fall.
Vincent Price
I've never so much as look twice at this girl.
Unknown Character
She knows what I don't know. You've looked. He said plenty of the others.
Vincent Price
Be quiet.
Unknown Character
I'll see you alone for a minutes. And whatever it is that might explain the terrible thing that you've been the cause of today would disappear in a pink cloud. Stop it. I can't stand to hear you fighting like that. It chimes 2:00. Only 2:00. Mr. Valentina, I do know something that might help, but I'm afraid I would rather tell it to the person professor first.
Vincent Price
George. Yeah.
Unknown Character
George, I talked to the sergeant.
Vincent Price
Yeah, looksie.
Unknown Character
Every one of the girls has been rounded up. They're all safe.
Vincent Price
Oh, thank heavenly. So that's that, Professor. A person can't be hypnotized unless he wants to be. Isn't that correct? Oh yes. But if we're going to find out what Estella has and everybody in your class yesterday heard that the others were told to do. Right. You also wrote it down in notes.
Unknown Character
Yes, of course.
Vincent Price
So whoever cut the saddle and rigged up the electric wire and fired the shot out here just now would have known what to arrange in advance. There was plenty of time. It's only by luck that they didn't turn out to be murders, Mr. Valentine. Take it easy, Stella. Now don't be frightened.
Unknown Character
But what are you driving at?
Vincent Price
Mr. Valentine, it's also possible for a person to resist hypnosis. You can't be hypnotized unless you want to be. But you could quite easily pretend to be hypnotized. That is possible, isn't it, Estella? I.
Unknown Character
Never mind.
Vincent Price
Never mind. Yesterday the professor gave a cue on which his suggestions would take effect. The campus chimes ringing 11 or 12 o'clock, whatever it was. Yes, that's right. It was the sound of the chimes. But Estella, that friend of yours, Maggie, told me that before the chime started ringing you said you had to go for a walk and cut your class because Ferris had told you to.
Unknown Character
It was a 11 o'clock.
Vincent Price
Yes. You knew what you were supposed to do, which you wouldn't have if you'd really been hypnotized yesterday. So you asked her the time and then because she said 11, you started acting strangely. Which a person acting out of post hypnotic suggestion also doesn't do. There's no dream, no trance, Mr. Valentine.
Unknown Character
Estella just couldn't.
Vincent Price
I'm afraid she did. Mrs. Ferris, the girl who always had to listen to the other girl's confidences. And they don't really generally confide in another pretty girl. I'm sorry, Estella. But, professor, you're not much of a psychologist, are you? She's been in your classes four years and you still have trouble remembering her name. You just now slapped her in the face, saying you wouldn't look at it twice. Though she kept up a great pose of disinterest. But that shot you mentioned that someone fired. That was my mistake. Well, Estella, your wild plan to attract attention even with the girls who really were on the smiling list, it scared you pretty badly when it started happening, didn't it? So badly you almost killed yourself or tried to, or had buck fever when you heard us coming.
Unknown Character
I love him. I love him. I can't help it.
Vincent Price
You're so mixed up you don't know what you're doing. But a minute ago, I thought you might be in danger if you went into the other room alone with Professor Ferris. You just finally realized what you wanted to do in the first place, didn't you?
Unknown Character
No, no, no, I didn't. I. I wouldn't.
Vincent Price
Because it was the other way around. He was the one in danger.
Unknown Character
Let go of me, please.
Vincent Price
I'm sorry, kid, but I have to have that gun in your purse.
Unknown Character
No, no, no. None of it's true. None of it.
Vincent Price
I did look out. Okay, Nobody's hurt. It's.
Unknown Character
Oh, George. That poor thing.
Vincent Price
And I think Professor Ferris, Mrs. Ferris was just jealous. Shot her mouth off because that sophisticated pose was a bluff. But he didn't actually do anything. Oh, sure, he was a little blind, a little egotistical. But how could he know what an unhappy, twisted up little girl Estella was behind the surface?
Unknown Character
Her uncle should have gotten somebody to help her a lot sooner.
Vincent Price
That's right. Well, at least nobody's dead. Whatever happens to her, she won't have murder hanging over her. Oh, what do you say we change the subject, huh?
Unknown Character
Okay, sure, George, but you know hypnotism.
Vincent Price
Oh, no. There we go again.
Unknown Character
George, how do you suppose it feels to be hypnotized?
Vincent Price
How should I?
Unknown Character
Haven't you ever wondered? What?
Vincent Price
Well, sure, I wondered about it. Hey, Roxy, look me straight in the eye. What? Yeah, go ahead. That's it. That's it. Now relax. Relax completely. That's fine. You're feeling drowsy, receptive. Your eyes are staring straight at mine. Staring? Staring.
Unknown Character
Yes, George. Well, what do you want me to do now?
Vincent Price
Whatever you want. I feel sort of sleepy. Good night, angel. Here's A word of advice about that big investment of yours, your automobile. The car saver men at standard stations and independent Chevron gas stations will tell you this. You can stretch the oil in your crankcase or you can stretch the life of your car, but you can't do both. Now as a matter of fact, the surest way to reduce the life of your car is to run the oil so long that it begins begins to do more harm than good. Contamination becomes excessive and the additives have little opportunity to control wear and protect the precision fitted engine parts from rust and harmful deposits. So to give your car best protection, have the crankcase drained and refilled with RPM motor oil every thousand miles. Ask for this car saver service at independent Chevron gas stations and standard stations where they say and mean we take better care of your car. Tonight's adventure of George Valentine has been brought to you by Standard Oil Co. Of California on behalf of independent Standard, Chevron gas stations and Standard stations throughout the West. Robert Daley is starred as George with Virginia Gregg as Brooksie. Let George do it is written by David Victor and Jackson Gillis and directed by Don Clark. Virginia Eyler was heard as Estella, Lorene Tuttle as Mrs. Ferris, Larry Dobkin as Ferris, Charlotte Lawrence as Maggie, Jane Webb as Cecile, and Bill Boucher as the groom. The music was composed and presented by Eddie Unsteader, your announcer, John Houston. Listen again next week, same time, same station to Let George Do It. This is the Mutual Don Lee Broadcasting System.
Unknown Host
We just heard Boston Blackie, Crime Club, Chandu the Magician and Let George Do It. And just like George, that will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I hope you'll be back next week for more Old Time radio sleuths. In the meantime, you can check out Starz on Suspense, my other Old Time Radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Thursdays. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show in Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buymeacoffee.com meanstotr I'll be back next time with more Old Time Radio Master Detectives. Until then, good night and happy listening.
Vincent Price
Now here is our star, Vincent Price. Ladies and gentlemen. In a prejudice filled America, no one would be secure in his job, his business, his church or his home. Yet racial and religious antagonisms are exploited daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life. Refuse to listen to or spread rumors against any race or religion. Help to stamp out prejudice in our country. Let's judge our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or origin.
Podcast Summary: Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives) – Episode 604: Hypnotized for Homicide
Introduction
In Episode 604 of Down These Mean Streets, hosted by Mean Streets Podcasts, listeners are treated to a captivating exploration of hypnosis-themed mysteries from the Golden Age of Radio. Titled "Hypnotized for Homicide," this episode delves into four enthralling stories featuring iconic detectives: Boston Blackie, Crime Club's "Cupid Can Be Deadly," Chandu the Magician's "The Voice of Darkness," and "Let George Do It." Released on November 10, 2024, the episode skillfully weaves together suspense, psychological intrigue, and classic detective work, offering both nostalgia and engaging narratives for fans and newcomers alike.
Plot Overview
The episode kicks off with an adventure featuring Boston Blackie, portrayed by Richard Kalmer. The story revolves around Joan Thompson, a cigarette girl who confesses to the murder of Henry Brighton. Blackie, alongside his girlfriend Mary Wesley (Leslie Woods) and Inspector Faraday (Maurice Tarplin), suspects that Joan's confession is a cover-up driven by hypnosis.
Key Events and Discussions
Investigation Begins: Blackie interrogates Joan, who admits to the murder but claims to have no memory of the crime or the gun used ([09:00]). Blackie remains unconvinced, believing Joan was coerced into confessing.
Hypnosis Demonstration: At the Boulevard Club, Blackie observes a hypnotism demonstration where a subject impresses unusual arithmetic skills under hypnosis ([14:24]). This serves as a pivotal clue, reinforcing Blackie’s suspicion of hypnosis being used manipulatively.
Confrontation with Inspector Faraday: Blackie challenges Inspector Faraday's assumptions, asserting that Joan's confession lacks credibility and hints at a larger conspiracy involving blackmail and manipulation ([19:38]).
Final Revelation: Blackie confronts the club owner, Jim Edwards, unraveling a scheme where Edwards used hypnosis to manipulate Joan into confessing and eliminate threats, ultimately exposing his crimes ([22:11]).
Notable Quotes
Vincent Price as Boston Blackie: "Prove Joan Thompson didn't kill Henry Brighton." ([20:21])
Joan Thompson: "I killed Henry Brighton. I did it." ([09:00])
Inspector Faraday: "I have trouble pinning my badge on myself." ([10:33])
Plot Overview
The second story, courtesy of the Crime Club, titled "Cupid Can Be Deadly," originally aired on Mutual in 1947. It unfolds in a grand house in Westchester, where Linda Barry, a celebrated actress, becomes embroiled in a murder mystery involving hypnotism and deadly dreams.
Key Events and Discussions
Mysterious Accusations: Paul Palmer, a Broadway columnist, encounters Professor Caldwell, a psychologist, and other guests at Linda Barry's residence. Suspense builds as hypnotism seems to play a central role ([34:42]).
Hypnotic Dreams: Toby Randolph experiences disturbing dreams where she believes she is Cupid, riding a black horse and committing murder. These dreams blur the line between reality and illusion, leading to real-life consequences ([43:34]).
Climactic Confrontation: As the plot thickens, Professor Caldwell's true intentions are revealed. It turns out he manipulated Toby’s subconscious to commit murders, leveraging ancient Egyptian secrets to control minds and eliminate obstacles ([89:08]).
Resolution: Detective Valentine intervenes, exposing Caldwell’s sinister manipulation. The story concludes with Caldwell's downfall and the restoration of order, highlighting the perils of unchecked psychological manipulation ([116:19]).
Notable Quotes
Toby Randolph: "I dreamed I was Cupid riding a black horse." ([43:34])
Professor Caldwell (Dr. Shaw): "You are a hard nut to crack, chum." ([89:11])
Paul Palmer: "I have to know whether Joan Thompson was drugged." ([22:40])
Plot Overview
The third narrative features Chandu the Magician, portrayed by Tom Collins, in "The Voice of Darkness." This story intertwines ancient magic with modern-day crime as Chandu confronts dark forces threatening his friend and the secrets of ancient Egypt.
Key Events and Discussions
Bombing Investigation: Chandu investigates a bombing in Cairo, prompted by his old friend Captain Gaylord's testimony. The case takes a supernatural turn as hypnosis and ancient rituals surface ([63:58]).
Encounter with Dr. Shaw: Dr. Shaw, revealed to be manipulating events through hypnotism and dark magic, seeks to control minds and harness ancient secrets for nefarious purposes. His confrontation with Chandu highlights the battle between good and evil ([84:17]).
Climactic Battle: In a dramatic showdown, Chandu uses his magical prowess to counter Dr. Shaw's manipulations, ultimately breaking the hold over Nadji's mind and exposing Dr. Shaw's true intentions ([88:36]).
Conclusion: The episode wraps up with Chandu thwarting Dr. Shaw's plans, restoring peace, and safeguarding the mystical secrets of ancient Egypt, emphasizing the triumph of magical virtue over dark manipulation ([89:45]).
Notable Quotes
Chandu the Magician: "The secrets of ancient Egypt are more powerful than you, Dr. Shaw." ([65:20])
Dr. Shaw: "You've been forging my name to checks." ([102:13])
Princess Naji: "I was here alone, especially." ([84:37])
Plot Overview
The final story, "Let George Do It," features George Valentine, a freelance insurance investigator, portrayed by Bob Bailey. Set in a women's college campus, George tackles a series of mysterious accidents and suspicious behaviors linked to hypnotism.
Key Events and Discussions
Mysterious Accidents: Multiple students at the college exhibit strange behaviors leading up to accidents, all timed around chimes at 11:00 AM. George Valentine is called upon to investigate these perplexing incidents ([96:08]).
Hypnotic Manipulation: Professor Ferris, revealed as the antagonist, uses post-hypnotic suggestions during his psychology classes to manipulate students into dangerous actions. George uncovers Ferris’s scheme of causing accidents by tampering with equipment ([103:39]).
Exposure of the Scheme: Through keen observation and deduction, George connects the dots between the hypnotized students and Ferris’s manipulations, presenting irrefutable evidence to the authorities and ensuring Ferris's arrest ([115:39]).
Final Twist: In a tense climax, George confronts Ferris, who attempts to use hypnotism to cover his tracks. However, George’s determination and understanding of psychology lead to Ferris’s defeat and the restoration of safety on campus ([118:24]).
Notable Quotes
George Valentine: "If your name is George Valentine, what you want to explain is attempted murder." ([100:37])
Professor Ferris: "Post hypnotic suggestion is all." ([112:56])
Estella Blair: "I think I killed Linda Barry." ([116:19])
Conclusion
Episode 604 of Down These Mean Streets masterfully intertwines themes of hypnosis and murder across four distinct stories, showcasing the ingenuity of Old Time Radio detectives. From Boston Blackie's shrewd investigations and Crime Club's psychological thrills to Chandu the Magician's mystical battles and George Valentine's methodical probing, each narrative offers a unique glimpse into the era's fascination with the enigmatic power of the mind. Notable performances, especially by Vincent Price, bring these classic tales to life, ensuring that both longtime aficionados and new listeners remain enthralled by these timeless mysteries.
Notable Final Quote
Additional Information
The episode also includes brief interludes for advertisements and announcements, seamlessly blending promotional content with storytelling without detracting from the main narratives. Listeners are encouraged to explore more episodes and related shows, continuing their journey through the captivating world of Old Time Radio detectives.