Episode 616 - The Envelope Please… (Rex Saunders, Johnny Dollar, Bold Venture, & Sherlock Holmes)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Episode: 616 - The Envelope Please… (Rex Saunders, Johnny Dollar, Bold Venture, & Sherlock Holmes)
Release Date: March 2, 2025
Host: John Gielgud

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Introduction

In Episode 616 of Down These Mean Streets, host John Gielgud presents four classic Old Time Radio detective stories, each featuring iconic characters portrayed by Academy Award-winning actors. The episode commemorates Oscar night by showcasing tales starring Edmund O'Brien as Johnny Dollar, Rex Harrison as Rex Saunders, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in Bold Venture, and John Gielgud alongside Ralph Richardson as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

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1. Johnny Dollar: "George Farmer Matter"

Timestamp Highlights:

• [07:35] Edmund O'Brien introduces the case of George Farmer, an insurance policyholder who mysteriously burns to death.
• [17:08] Encounter with Mrs. Virginia Gregg, George Farmer’s wife, who denies any foul play.
• [28:37] Johnny Dollar uncovers discrepancies in the insurance claim, suspecting Mrs. Farmer’s complicity.
• [30:02] Revelation that Mrs. Farmer collaborated with Mr. Camp Phillips to murder her husband and eliminate the insurance investigators.
• [33:00] Conclusion with Johnny Dollar successfully solving the case and ensuring policy compliance.

Notable Quotes:

• Edmund O'Brien (Johnny Dollar): "Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave." [00:00]
• Virginia Gregg (Mrs. Farmer): "Cause I didn't feel like it this year. He's been going to Catskills every year for the past 15 years, and I was getting tired of it." [17:23]
• Johnny Dollar: "Your husband wouldn't take out a large policy on himself. So with someone's help, you took one out for him and planned his death." [29:30]

Summary:

Johnny Dollar is called to investigate the suspicious death of George Farmer, who was insured under a double indemnity clause. Despite Mrs. Farmer’s insistence on the policy, Dollar uncovers that her husband’s wrist was recently broken—a fact inconsistent with the insurance claim. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes evident that Mrs. Farmer conspired with Mr. Camp Phillips to murder George to collect the insurance money. The plot thickens with the murder of Dr. Evans and insurance agent Martin Ames to silence them. In a climactic confrontation, Mrs. Farmer admits her guilt, leading to her arrest and the resolution of the case.

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2. Rex Saunders: "A Trip to the Death House"

Timestamp Highlights:

• [33:47] Introduction to Rex Saunders, navigating political corruption.
• [35:23] Rex Saunders receives a case involving the disappearance of Helen in Chicago.
• [40:10] Saunders confronts Nora Wheeler about missing affidavits critical to indicting Big Jim Cochran.
• [50:00] Saunders discovers Ernie Rigo, who holds key information against Cochran.
• [58:02] Saunders manipulates evidence to secure Cochran’s indictment.
• [73:43] Saunders returns to thwart further corruption, ensuring justice is served.

Notable Quotes:

• Rex Harrison (Rex Saunders): "Your overlord days in this town are near an end." [40:03]
• Nora Wheeler: "Because I am of you, like you. A killer too." [84:45]
• Rex Saunders: "I'll stay on the case until I get the evidence for the State Attorney." [40:42]

Summary:

Rex Saunders tackles a complex case involving political corruption and organized crime led by Big Jim Cochran. When a key witness, Ernie Rigo, returns to town seeking vengeance, Saunders orchestrates a plan to extract his testimony. Through strategic manipulation and leveraging alliances, Saunders ensures Rigo collaborates, culminating in Cochran’s downfall. The narrative weaves through deception, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of justice, highlighting Saunders' determination to dismantle Cochran’s illicit operations.

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3. Bold Venture: "Signor Rufio's Legacy of Dark Death"

Timestamp Highlights:

• [63:25] Introduction to Bold Venture, featuring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall as adventurers in Havana.
• [66:14] A mysterious death involving Senor Rufio on a carousel brings intrigue to Shannon's Place.
• [72:45] A series of murders linked to stallions and sinister plans unravels the mystery.
• [78:00] Lauren Bacall’s character uncovers a bomb plot, leading to a high-stakes confrontation.
• [85:08] Final confrontation reveals the true antagonist and resolves the carousel murders.

Notable Quotes:

• Humphrey Bogart: "She floats on air and gives up misty vapors." [76:45]
• Lauren Bacall: "I killed Rufio." [85:08]
• Humphrey Bogart: "The mortal becomes the martyr." [77:15]

Summary:

In Bold Venture, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall navigate the tropical mysteries of Havana and the Caribbean. The episode centers around the enigmatic Senor Rufio, whose brutal death on a carousel sets off a chain of events filled with deception and danger. As the protagonists delve deeper, they uncover a web of revenge and hidden motives tied to corruption and past grievances. The climax reveals that Bacall’s character orchestrated the murders to avenge wrongs, culminating in a dramatic showdown where justice prevails, and the mysteries of Shannon’s Place are finally unraveled.

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4. Sherlock Holmes: "The Golden Pince"

Timestamp Highlights:

• [83:16] Introduction to the Sherlock Holmes narrative with Sir John Gielgud as Holmes and Ralph Richardson as Dr. Watson.
• [89:02] A baffling murder case involving Professor Coram and secretary Willoughby Smith.
• [95:00] Holmes meticulously examines the crime scene, focusing on peculiar clues like the gold-rimmed spectacles.
• [100:58] Holmes deduces the murderer’s identity using subtle evidence and logical reasoning.
• [103:40] The revelation of the true culprit and the resolution of the mystery.

Notable Quotes:

• Sherlock Holmes (John Gielgud): "It hinges from the outset on the pince nez." [103:58]
• Dr. Watson (Ralph Richardson): "The game has blown itself out." [111:07]
• Professor Coram: "I am your prisoner... I confess it all." [105:38]

Summary:

In the Sherlock Holmes segment, Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the mysterious murder of Willoughby Smith in Professor Coram’s study. The victim is found with a stiletto nearby and a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles clutched in his hand. Holmes meticulously analyzes the scene, focusing on the peculiarities of the glasses and the arrangement of the crime environment. Through his keen observational skills, Holmes deduces that the murderer mistook a corridor, leading to the unexpected conclusion that the professor himself was complicit in the crime. The case culminates in the dramatic admission of guilt and the unraveling of the intricate plot, showcasing Holmes' unparalleled detective prowess.

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Conclusion

Episode 616 of Down These Mean Streets masterfully blends four distinct detective tales, each enriched by stellar performances from Hollywood legends. From Johnny Dollar’s insurance investigations and Rex Saunders’ political crusades to the adventurous escapades of Bogart and Bacall in Bold Venture and the intellectual mastery of Sherlock Holmes, this episode offers listeners a nostalgic journey through the Golden Age of Radio. The inclusion of notable quotes and meticulously structured storytelling ensures an engaging and comprehensive experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• Edmund O'Brien: "Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave." [00:00]
• Rex Harrison: "Your overlord days in this town are near an end." [40:03]
• Sherlock Holmes (John Gielgud): "It hinges from the outset on the pince nez." [103:58]
• Humphrey Bogart: "You're a never ending source of delight, Slate." [66:44]
• Lauren Bacall: "I killed Rufio." [85:08]

These quotes encapsulate the essence of each story, highlighting themes of deception, justice, and the relentless pursuit of truth that define the Golden Age of Radio detectives.

Transcript

[Edmund O'Brien]

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.

[Vincent Price]

The man with the action packed expense.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Rex Harrison]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[John Gielgud]

Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets and more old time radio detectives and crime solvers. It's Oscar night as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will award the year's best films and best performances. So in honor of the occasion today I've picked four Old Time radio mysteries, each starring an actor who took home Oscar gold for some of their big screen work. First up is Edmund O'Brien, a two time best supporting actor nominee who brought home the prize for his performance in the Barefoot Contessa. Of course, on this show we know Mr. O'Brien as yours truly Johnny Dollar and we'll hear him in the George Farmer Matter. Originally aired on CBS on June 9, 1951. Now a quick programming note. If you're a Richard diamond fan, this story of a suspicious death by fire and a doctor who suspects foul play may sound familiar. It's because writer Blake Edwards dusted off a script he wrote for Dick Powell and repurposed it as a Johnny Dollar adventure. If you want to compare them, the Richard diamond episode in question is from August 23rd, 1950 and you can give it a listen on episode 578 of this very podcast. Next is Rex Harrison who won best Actor for My Fair lady in an episode of his short lived detective series the Private Files of Rex Saunders. We'll hear him in A Trip to the Death House originally aired on NBC on June 13, 1951. Our third show has two big stars above the title. Humphrey Bogart, who was nominated three times as best actor but won only once for the African Queen. And Lauren Bacall herself a nominee for best supporting actress for the Mirror Has Two Faces. They were one of Hollywood's most famous couples and together they starred in the syndicated tropical mystery drama Bold Venture. We'll hear them today in an episode known as Signor Rufio's Legacy of Dark Death and will close with another two hander featuring a pair of acting powerhouses playing Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Watson is Ralph Richardson who was twice nominated as best supporting actor and Holmes is brought to life by John Gielgud who earned a pair of nominations and ultimately won Best Supporting Actor for Arthur. Together, they star in a radio adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic Holmes mystery, the Golden Pince. Nez four mysteries and four Oscar winners. We'll kick things off with Edmund O'Brien as Johnny Dollar right after these mess.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Recently, in a big Eastern city, a group of trained men and women called on thousands of housewives and asked this simple question. What kind of container do you prefer for the food you buy? An overwhelming majority of housewives said they preferred to buy food packed in glass. Among them were a great many mothers of small children, and by a ratio of more than eight to one, these mothers said they insisted on prepared baby foods packed in glass. They gave many reasons, as you might expect, but here are the three reasons mentioned most frequently. First, glass lets you see what you buy before you buy it. Second, you can heat, serve and store leftover portions of prepared baby food in the same glass container. And third, these young mothers agreed that sterilized glass containers are cleaner and more sanitary. You can buy an increasing number of the better brands of food packed in glass, and all of the better brands of prepared baby food come to you in Anchor Glass containers sealed with Tampa Proof Anchor Vacuum Capsule, both products of Anchor Hawking. All work and no play makes Jill a tired housekeeper, but any homemaker can have enjoyable leisure time to spend as she likes when she depends on the three great Linux home Brighteners, those efficient new shortcuts to the care of woodwork, furniture and floors Linax Clear Gloss, the modern brush on finish line X Cream polish for fine furniture and Linax Self Polishing Wax, the amazing new quick drying wax product. Yes, the three great Linax home brighteners are the modern way to save household drudgery. They'll do your work in record time and do it with spic and spam thoroughness. So start now to enjoy new leisure. Ask your hardware, paint or department store for the three great Linax home brighteners. The efficient shortcuts to new home beauty.

[Virginia Gregg]

Little you know about the little white tablets in the little green pocket rol just awaiting for the moment when you need them to bring your acid indigestion under control. Tums are the little white tablets in the little green pocket roll. Tums for the tummy T u m s bring relief quicker than you'd ever guess. Best for any kind of acid distress. Keep em handy in the pocket ro your tummy under tummy control.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Tums are fast, effective and safe. Tums relieve the discomfort of acid indigestion quickly with no danger of acid rebound sometimes caused by harsh alkalizers. Always carry Tums 10 cents. Three roll pack a quarter new Tum 6 roll pack with free metal carrier 49 cents.

[Virginia Gregg]

Winston tastes good like a cigarette should.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Winston tastes good like a cigarette should. Winston gives you real flavor. Full, rich tobacco flavor.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Winston's easy drawing too.

[Edmund O'Brien]

The flavor comes right through to you.

[Lauren Bacall]

Winston tastes good like a cigarette should.

[Edmund O'Brien]

A modern filter.

[Rex Harrison]

Sure, Winston has it. But that's only the beginning of a Winston up front, up where it really counts. Winston pack's exclusive filter blend. Light, flavorful tobaccos Specially selected and specially processed for filter smoking. Filter blend that's why it's fun to smoke. Winston America's best selling filter cigarette Winston.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Tastes good like a cigarette Should.

[Edmund O'Brien]

I.

[Lauren Bacall]

Dedicate this program to the fight against crime. Not merely crimes of violence and crimes.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Of dishonesty, but crimes of intolerance, discrimination and bad citizenship.

[Lauren Bacall]

Crimes against America.

[Edmund O'Brien]

From Hollywood. It's time now for Edmund O'Brien as Johnny Dollar. Mitchell Dollar. Oh, swell. Take some warm milk. You'll be asleep in an hour. I'm sorry to wake you up, but this is important. Okay. How fast can you get to New York? Pretty fast. If you let me get out of bed and slip on some clothes, I might make it in a couple of hours. Well, it's 5:30. Get to the New York office by the time it opens. Unless I get a 40 mile tailwind, you're gonna be an awful liar. What's this all about? Double indemnity. A man named Farmer burned to death. He has a wife. She gets $100,000 unless she likes fires. Okay, I'll get out of bed. Edmund O'Brien in another adventure of the man with the action. PA expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to home office Great Eastern Life Insurance Company, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the George Farmer matter. Expense account item one, $5.80 for gas and a cup of coffee between Hartford and your New York office. Oh, come in, Mr. Dollar. Mr. Mitchell called me this morning, 5:00. Said you'd be here. He called me at 5:30. He must have been very sure you'd take the job. He's familiar with my bank account. Here are the briefs on the case. Mr. Farmer was on his vacation in the Catskills. Place called the Sportsman's Retreat. This is the correct address on the wife. Yes.

[Rex Harrison]

Excuse me.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Yes? Who? Oh, put him on. Yes. Hello. Dr. Evans. Yes. Farmer George Farmer? Yes, that's right. Our investigators here now. All right, I'll have him come right over. Sir, this is Dr. William Evans, one of our insurance doctors. He says he has some information on the Farmer case. Oh, he was the one that okayed Farmer for the policy. He's in the Equitable Building.

[Lauren Bacall]

You better go on over.

[Edmund O'Brien]

He says it's rather important. Expense account. Item 2. A dollar for cab fare and tip to the Equitable Building. You may ask why I didn't use my car. In which case, I may ask if you've ever been absurd enough to wheel your own car through early morning New York traffic. As my cab pulled up at the entrance of the Equitable Building, I spotted a large crowd. Several police cars and an ambulance. All right, just keep it back, okay? You. Where do you think you're going? What happened? Some guy jumped eight floors. Dr. Evans? I don't know. Makes you think it was this doctor. I haven't had an easy case in two years. Why did you bet his name's Evans? Hey, Jake. Any identification? Yeah, some doctor worked the billing. Name's Evans. Hey, be glad you're not a betting man, sergeant. Wait just a minute, Joel. Sure. Hey, Jake, come here. Where is it? This guy knew who the guy was who jumped? Yeah, Knew who it was before he ever saw him. Didn't even know the guy had jumped till I told him. He just up and down. It was this Dr. Evans. What's your name? Johnny Dollar. I think you better come up and see a lieutenant. I think I better too. Jake followed me into the building and took me up to the eighth floor where I met Lieutenant William Briggs, a nice guy who worked for Homicide and had done me a few favors in the past. Hi, darling. Hello, Bill. You know this guy, lieutenant? Yeah, why? Where'd you find him? He knew the guy who jumped. I made a guess. Evans called my office on an insurance matter. Who pushed him? What makes you think he was pushed? Why call me then? Take an 84 dive? I don't know. You got any ideas? Anybody see him jump? A couple of people who came out of the window feet first. They didn't see anybody give him a hand. Well, let me know if you find anybody who might have, huh? I'd appreciate the information. I'd appreciate some too. Expense account. Item three, one five zero for another cab for the home of Mrs. George Farmer. On the way over, I tried to put the first pieces together. A man named Farmer burned to death. A doctor named Evans had examined him and had some information. Evans winds up dead. On the sidewalk. Answer. Maybe Mrs. Palmer had it.

[Virginia Gregg]

Come in, Mr. Dollar.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Thank you.

[Virginia Gregg]

It's going to be another hot day. I think everybody should have air conditioning, don't you?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Definitely.

[Virginia Gregg]

Just make yourself comfortable. Can I get you something cold?

[Edmund O'Brien]

No, thank you. I'd like to ask you some questions, Mrs. Palmer.

[Virginia Gregg]

About my husband's death?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Yes.

[Virginia Gregg]

I've already talked to Mr. Arthur from your office. I've told the police everything I know.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Do you know Dr. Evans?

[Virginia Gregg]

Dr. Evans? No, I don't know when he's Dr. Evans.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Your husband never mentioned him?

[Virginia Gregg]

No. What's he got to do with my husband?

[Edmund O'Brien]

He examined him for his policy. Do you know who sold your husband this policy?

[Virginia Gregg]

I thought you were from the company.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Late hunch. Thought you might save me the trouble of checking.

[Virginia Gregg]

No, I don't remember who sold him the policy.

[Edmund O'Brien]

All right, Mrs. Farmer. Thank you very much.

[Virginia Gregg]

Is that all?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Yes, Mrs. Farmer. That's all for now. Expense account, item four. $1.15 for another cab. Back to the offices of Great Eastern Insurance. But I looked up the name of the agent who sold Palmer his policy. He was Martin Ames, and he lived on the east side. Item 5. 10 cents by subway to the east side. Not conscience stricken. Just tired of cabs.

[Virginia Gregg]

Yes, what is it?

[Edmund O'Brien]

I'm looking for Martin. Names? Hey. Hey, take it easy. What's wrong?

[Humphrey Bogart]

I'm Mrs. Ames.

[Virginia Gregg]

I was just on my way to the hospital.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Martin's been in an automobile accident.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Expense account, item 6. $8 for a cab, fast and necessary. $3 for the necessary. 5 for the tip to make it fast.

[Virginia Gregg]

Nurse.

[Rex Harrison]

Yes?

[Virginia Gregg]

Ay, Mrs. Ames. I was told my husband. Oh, yes, Mrs. Ames. If you'll just have a seat.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Who's in charge of the case?

[Virginia Gregg]

Dr. Gerson. I'll call him, but I want to see my husband.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Can't I see him?

[Virginia Gregg]

You'll have to see Dr. Gerson first. But I want to know how serious it is. I should be with my husband if it's serious. Just be patient for a moment. I'll get Dr. Tully.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Come on, Mrs. Ames. Let's sit down over here.

[John Gielgud]

Come on.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Now, just try and take it easy. Everything's going to be all right.

[Virginia Gregg]

Dr. Gerson, third floor reception. Dr. Gerson, third Floor reception, please.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Hello, darling. Hello, Bill.

[Virginia Gregg]

Dr. Gerson?

[Edmund O'Brien]

No, this is Lieutenant Briggs, Mrs. Ames.

[Virginia Gregg]

Police officer.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Just a friend.

[Virginia Gregg]

Nothing about my husband.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Dr. Gerson's the man you want to see. Can I talk with you, darling? Yeah, sure. You'll excuse me, Mrs. Ames?

[Virginia Gregg]

Yes, of course.

[Edmund O'Brien]

You'll be all right?

[Virginia Gregg]

I'LL be all right.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Okay, Lieutenant. This is far enough. Out of husband? Yeah. Died five minutes ago. Accident? No. Hit and run. Before he died, he told us a car ran him off the road. He went down a 20 foot embankment and right into a cement retaining wall. Wall stopped him from going any further, but it broke his neck. Any lead on the other car? Lonely stretch of road. No one else saw it. And it happened too fast for Ames to see much. One of your company salesmen, wasn't he? Yeah. Oh, there's Dr. Gerson. I don't envy him.

[Rex Harrison]

Oh, no.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Oh, dear.

[Vincent Price]

Good.

[Rex Harrison]

No.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Come on, Briggs. This is turning into a rotten mess.

[Virginia Gregg]

Yes?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Oh, good afternoon, Mrs. Farmer. This is Lieutenant Briggs.

[Virginia Gregg]

More questions?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Afraid so.

[Virginia Gregg]

Come in. Sit down.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Thank you. Now, this Farmer. Two men have been killed today. Both of them knew your husband.

[Virginia Gregg]

What are you getting at, Lieutenant?

[Edmund O'Brien]

I'm not sure. Where were you at the time of your husband's death?

[Virginia Gregg]

Right here. Right in this apartment.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Why didn't you go with him to the Catskills?

[Virginia Gregg]

Cause I didn't feel like it this year. He's been going to Catskills every year for the past 15 years, and I was getting tired of it. Are you trying to imply that my husband's death was not an accident?

[Edmund O'Brien]

We're just trying to find out why two men were killed.

[Virginia Gregg]

What have these two men got to do with my husband? Who are they?

[Edmund O'Brien]

One was the doctor I mentioned this morning.

[Virginia Gregg]

I told you, I never heard of him.

[Edmund O'Brien]

The other was the insurance man who sold your husband this policy.

[Virginia Gregg]

I don't know anything about him. I never met him.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Your husband started the fire by smoking in bed and then falling asleep?

[Virginia Gregg]

I guess so. How would I know?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Was he in the habit of doing that?

[Virginia Gregg]

He's done it once or twice over a period of 15 years. Mr. Dollar, it seems to me your company is trying its best to get out of paying the money that's due to me.

[Edmund O'Brien]

We're always allowed a certain time for an investigation.

[Virginia Gregg]

A representative from your company went up to the lodge and made an investigation. What more do you want?

[Edmund O'Brien]

You were here in town at the time of your husband's death.

[Virginia Gregg]

Yes, and I can. Now, if you have any further questions, I suggest you take them up with my attorney. I'm sick and tired of this whole thing. You've had absolutely no consideration for me. My husband is dead and you persist in foolish, tiring questions. Now, please leave. I. I can't stand much more.

[Edmund O'Brien]

All right, Mrs. Farmer. Don't bother showing us to the door.

[Virginia Gregg]

I'm entitled to that money, Mr. Dollar. I hope it won't be necessary to take legal action.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Oh, want to take a run up to Sportsman's Retreat, Lieutenant? Why? I'm just interested in knowing how Mrs. Farmer knew one of our investigators had already been up there. We will return you to the second act of yours, Julie. Johnny Dollar. In just a moment, a brilliant orchestra leader and a rising young singing star will be found at CBS the Stars address. Starting tomorrow, Guy Lombardo and his famous orchestra are taking the place of Jack Benny and Mario Lanza. The sensational tenor of records and films will be heard on most of these same stations. In place of Edgar BERGEN and Charlie McCarthy, you're listening for their programs every Sunday, won't you? Now, with our star, Edmund O'Brien, we return you to the second act of yours truly, Johnny Dol. Briggs and I climbed into the squad car and started the long drive for the Catskills. Around 7 in the morning, we turned off the main highway and onto a dirt road. A sign reading Sportsman's Retreat two miles pointed the way and 20 minutes later we were pulling up in front of the main lodge. I got a stiff neck, man coming out of the line. Good morning. All right, suppose you could. Oh, police car. Yeah. I'm Lieutenant Briggs. This is Mr. Dollar. Oh, Mr. Dweller. Howdy. Are you up here about Mr. Farmer's death? Unofficially. You run the place? Well, yes. I'm the foreman. Name's Pop. Pop Sloan. Everybody just calls me Pop. We thought we'd stay a while, Pop. Can you put us up? Well, sure. How long you fear on being around? Not long. Well, come on in.

[Rex Harrison]

Come in, come in.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Breakfast was an hour ago. If you're hungry, I can have a cook rustle up some old salad, bacon and eggs. Oh, it sounds good. Many people staying here, pop? Oh, about 14. 14? The same crowd comes up every year. Sort of a club, you might call it. How many years did George farmer come up? 12, 15 years, I guess. Who owns the place? Why, Mr. Camp Phillips. He ain't here now. He phoned and said he'd been sometime this afternoon. Say, how. How come you fellas are interested in Mr. Farmer's death? We had the sheriff investigate. Some insurance fellow was up here for three days. You're a little late, ain't you? Well, a few things we haven't cleared up, Pop. Sure appreciate some help. Well, I'll give you all the help I can. I'll go get some breakfast for you and then we can gabble. Hop went back to the kitchen and we relaxed in a Couple of big leather chairs in front of a large window that looked out on a row of cabins. That last cabin must have been farmers. Yeah, nothing much left of it. Beautiful up here, isn't it, Johnny? Look at those trees with the sun shining through them, Lieutenant. Yeah. Your soul is showing. It was beautiful all right. The cabin stood in a clearing fronted by well kept pads and backed by tall trees. Pop came in with enough bacon and eggs to feed a platoon of tapeworms. And we talked. Where is everybody, Pop? Out fishing. We get up about 4:30 around here. Many of the men bring their wives. Bring their wives? Well, some of them. The farmer used to bring his up every year. He was the most good. Fine looking woman. Mrs. Farmer didn't come up this year though. Too bad too. Oh, really? Why? Why? Might have saved him. Maybe she'd have been here. She might have caught him with a cigarette before he went to sleep. Well, who discovered the fire?

[Rex Harrison]

Who?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Just why, we all saw it. But it was too late when we got there. The whole place was burning. By the time we got the hoses going, there wasn't much left. You say you all saw it. Where were you? Where were we? Why, we was up to Willow Peak cooking out. It's about three miles from camp. See it right from here. You see that tall peak there to the left of those trees?

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Edmund O'Brien]

How come Farmer didn't go along? Oh, he never went on many hikes. Trouble his legs. Anyone stay here in the camp besides farming? No, everybody was up at Willow Peak. Who examined the body? Why, Doc Combs from Evanston come up and looked at the body. Where is Evanston? Well, Evanston is about 50 miles east. But if you want to talk to the doc, you'll have to wait until he comes in for fishing. He's up here now? Yeah, he come up last night. Going to stay awake. Patient, huh? Well, good morning, Mr. Phillips. Didn't you expect you this afternoon? This is Mr. Phillips, the owner. How are you? Hello. Some more police fellows, Mr. Phillips? Oh, about Mr. Thomas, dad. Johnny Dollo. Yeah. I'm an insurance investigator. This is Lieutenant Briggs. He's the policeman. I thought you both. I've got some bags in the car park. Would you get them, please? Where'd you get them? Well, yeah, sure. We just wanted to ask a couple of questions, Mr. Phillips. I thought the authorities were satisfied. Where were you when the accident occurred, Mr. Phillips? I was on my way here from the city. I arrived about an hour later. You live in the city? I have a house there. I divide my time between there and the lodge. Tell us something about farmer, Mr. Phillips. What kind of a man was he? You fellows want any more breakfast? No. No, thanks, pam. Go ahead, Mr. Phillips. Well, there really isn't much to tell. Farmer was a nice sort of guy. Quiet. Do you have any trouble with him? Smoking in bed several times. Nearly started a fire two years ago. Wouldn't that make you watch him a little more closely? His wife came up with him every year. But this one, she was usually near enough to prevent any trouble. Isn't your company satisfied, Mr. Dolan? Routine. How long did Farmer usually stay here? Oh, a week, 10 days, however long his vacation lasted. He was in the advertising business, wasn't he? Yeah, I believe so. How much did it cost him to come up here every year? Oh, anywhere from two to 300. He was tight as the devil known for it. This was the only luxury he allowed himself. He tell everyone he'd save all year just to come up here and relax for the week. Here comes Doc Holmes. What's he got, his limit? You interested in talking to the doctor? Yeah. Pop tells us he was the one who examined the body. Hey, what did you get, Doc? Hi, Pop. Got my limit. Well, good for you. Come on over here. Talk to me. Well, how are you, Phil? Pop said you weren't doing till this afternoon. I'm fine, doc. This is Lieutenant Briggs and Mr. Dollar. How are you? Doctor? Doctor. Police? Him. The other's an insurance investigator. I want to ask you a few questions, Ted up a few things about George Farmer getting burned. All right. Thanks, Pop.

[Lauren Bacall]

What have you.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Hey, how about having a cook clean up those fish, Pop? The fish. Well, all right. Sure. I don't think I could tell you much more than I've already told the sheriff. Did you know George Farmer prior to his death? Yes, over a period of 10 years. Did you identify the body? Well, not at first. It was pretty badly burned. Not at first. Well, how are you able to identify it later? Well, when they told me that George had a broken wrist, I found the broken section of bone and identified it. Broken wrist? Yes, Mr. Dallas. When George arrived, his lower arm was in a cast. He told her that he'd broken his wrist the week before. What day did he arrive? Tuesday of last week. Which wrist was broken? The right one. Would you say he could move his fingers well enough to write? Depends on how recent the accident. What are you getting at, Dollar? Do either of you know where Farmer had his wrist treated? No. Dollar, would you mind letting me know? Riggs, can you call the precinct and have A man check and find out where Farmer had that wrist treated. Sure, but I don't see why. George Farmer had to sign that insurance policy, didn't he? Well, he could have done it with his left hand. Go find out when he broke that wrist and I think I can show you that George Farmer was murdered. Murdered? We all waited while Briggs put in a call to his precinct and sent a man out to check on where George Farmer had his wrist treated. Around noon, the call came in. George Farmer broke his Wrist on the 26th of last month. That tears it. Was treated at the Olive Hospital three weeks ago. Stayed one night at the hospital and went home. What day did he arrive here, Mr. Phillips? Not the fourth. Two weeks after the accident. He died on the 11th. That's right. Been here about a week. Would you mind telling me just what you're driving at? The insurance policy went into effect the 22nd of last month. The first claim on George Farmer's policy was the double indemnity clause. Not an accident claim for a broken wrist. Come on, Briggs, let's go back to town, talk to Mrs. Farmer.

[Virginia Gregg]

All right. What is it this time?

[Edmund O'Brien]

We'd better talk about it inside.

[Virginia Gregg]

I promise you, Mr. Dollar, if you.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Can kill, we're coming in. Why?

[Virginia Gregg]

Well, all right.

[Edmund O'Brien]

We think your husband was murdered.

[Virginia Gregg]

Murdered? That's ridiculous.

[Edmund O'Brien]

We feel that you were an accomplice, Mrs. Farmer.

[Virginia Gregg]

Are you serious?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Larry, we just had the lab make a check on the insurance policy. The signature and the fingerprints were from the right hand.

[Virginia Gregg]

Of course they were.

[Edmund O'Brien]

So your husband didn't have a broken wrist at the time?

[Virginia Gregg]

No. He did that sometime later.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Would you swear it's his signature on the policy?

[Virginia Gregg]

Of course it's his signature. I went to the doctor with him.

[Edmund O'Brien]

I thought you said you didn't know Dr. Evans.

[Virginia Gregg]

I don't.

[Edmund O'Brien]

He was the insurance doctor.

[Virginia Gregg]

Well, I'd never seen him before or since. How could you expect me to remember?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Your husband didn't turn in a claim for his broken wrist.

[Virginia Gregg]

That was his business, wasn't it?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Don't you think it's rather strange to take out an accident policy and not turn in a claim on your first accident?

[Virginia Gregg]

I don't know. I didn't bother with my husband's affairs.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Is this your husband's driver's license?

[Virginia Gregg]

Yes. Where did you get that?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Motor Vehicle Department. The signature on his license is not the same as the one on the insurance policy.

[Virginia Gregg]

What do you mean?

[Edmund O'Brien]

He means that the signature on the policy is a very clever forgery. Who forged it, Mrs. Farmer?

[Virginia Gregg]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Who went to that doctor's office representing your husband?

[Virginia Gregg]

No one. Why in the world would anyone do that? Why would someone represent my husband for.

[Edmund O'Brien]

A hundred thousand dollar insurance claim?

[Virginia Gregg]

That's awful. Get out of here. That's not true. I'll sue you for saying that.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Your husband wouldn't take out a large policy on himself. So with someone's help, you took one out for him and planned his death. Who was in on it with you? Who killed your husband up at the lodge?

[Virginia Gregg]

Get out.

[Lauren Bacall]

Get out.

[Edmund O'Brien]

It had to be someone at the lodge who knew what cabin he was in. No, no, no, no. The insurance salesman and the doctor were both killed because they could identify the man who took out the policy as not being your husband. No. Your husband was going to take this trip, so you planned his death and stayed home for an alibi. The man killed the doctor and the insurance agent. Someone strong enough to run a car off the road and lift an unconscious man out of a window feet first. Who killed them, Mrs. Farmer?

[Lauren Bacall]

I did.

[Virginia Gregg]

Phil.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Good evening, Mr. Phillips.

[Virginia Gregg]

Why did you come out? Why didn't you stay in the other room?

[Edmund O'Brien]

They've worn you down. Sooner or later. The car's in the back. Hurry up. You did some fast driving. Left the lodge right after you did. Go on, Lorna.

[Virginia Gregg]

All right.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Stay right where you are, Mrs. Sponge. I don't think you're in any position to be giving orders, Lieutenant. Sure he is. We expected you. Told you where we were going. Gave you enough time to get here. And what are you going to do about it? Take you, Bill. Forgetting my gun. You're forgetting ours. Think you can shoot both of us before we get. Get them out. I can try and try, Bill. No. Get out of the way, Dolly. Okay. Just a little scared. Girl's hit. Phillips is pretty dead, Mrs. Farmer.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Yes.

[Edmund O'Brien]

I'll get an ambulance. You want to tell me about him?

[Virginia Gregg]

All right. Don't make any difference now.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Phillips killed your husband and the other two men.

[Virginia Gregg]

Yeah, we fell in love three summers ago. But he planned it. The whole thing was his idea.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Sure, I know the state is pretty narrow minded about those things. Honey, a guy like that gets ideas and gets dead for it. If you like his ideas, you just have to get into some kind of trouble along the way. Expense account. Item six, $11. Dinner for two. The good Lieutenant Briggs deserved all the stroke in our P8. Item seven, $5.10 for gas back to Hartford. Expense account, total $33.65. Remarks? Mrs. Farmer will probably get second degree for complicity. Great. Easton can cancel payment in accordance with the specifications set forth in said policy. Additional item, 12 hours. Good solid sleep for yours truly, Johnny Do. Yours truly, Johnny dollar stars Edmund O'Brien in the title role and was written by Blake Edwards with music by Wilbur hatch. Edmund O'Brien can soon be seen in the Paramount Pictures production War Path. Featured in tonight's cast were High Everback, John McIntyre, Herb Butterfield, Harry Lang, Jeanette Nolan and Virginia Gregg. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is produced and directed by Jaime Del Valle. This is Dick Cutting inviting you to join us next week at this time when Edmund O'Brien returns as yours truly, Johnny Dollar. It's the case of the uninvited guest that'll bring you true police adventures on Gangbusters. This evening. Your narrator will be San Francisco's police chief. Gangbusters is heard every Saturday on most of these same CBS stations. Stay tuned now for five minutes of the latest news which follows immediately over most of these same CBS stations. This is cbs, where you meet Adventure with Charlie. Wild Sunday is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Rex Harrison]

Rex Harrison stars in another intriguing adventure transcribed from the private files of Rex Thunder. Concerning political corruption. When bullets are exchanged for ballots, a trip to the death house is the usual actuality. And now the private files of Rex Thunder. RCA Victor, world leader in radio, first in recorded music and first in television, brings you the celebrated star of stage and screen, Rex Harrison. In another exciting story taken from the private files of Brex Thunders, radio's newest man of mystery. We hope you enjoy these weekly stories of intrigue and adventure. And for another adventure in home entertainment, we suggest you try RCA Victor's fine line of radio and television products now on display at your RCA Victor daily. Now for our story.

[Edmund O'Brien]

The girl in.

[Rex Harrison]

The black silk dress sat opposite my desk, her face partially hidden behind a veil. She said her name was Peggy Lawford and if you'd come to see me on business. When Ms. Lawford pulled the veil from her face, there was a brief moment of silence during which I came to the firm conclusion that she was unusually attractive. The silence was broken by the snap of the clasp on Ms. Lawford's pocketbook. Mr. Sanders, which is yours? Thousand dollar bill. Mine, huh? If you take my case, Ms. Mufford, I have a thousand dollar bill.

[Virginia Gregg]

I could make it more, maybe fifteen.

[Rex Harrison]

Hundred dollars, two thousand. I'm afraid you don't understand. I'm an amateur in this business. Amateur strictly.

[Virginia Gregg]

Oh, but you don't act like an amateur.

[Rex Harrison]

Only where money isn't there. And that's. You see, protection is a full time pastime with me. But this is very urgent.

[Virginia Gregg]

It's a matter of life and death.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Who?

[Virginia Gregg]

My sister Helen in Chicago.

[Rex Harrison]

She's disappeared. I'm afraid something terrible has happened to her. Well, I suggest you try the police.

[Virginia Gregg]

No, this isn't a matter for the police. If you come to Chicago with me, I'm sure that you can handle it.

[Rex Harrison]

I told you.

[Virginia Gregg]

Mr. Saunders.

[Rex Harrison]

Yes?

[Virginia Gregg]

If it isn't money, what is it.

[Rex Harrison]

That makes you take a coach? Intrigued? It has to appeal to me.

[Virginia Gregg]

Well, don't I appeal to you?

[Rex Harrison]

You're a blunt young lady. You don't answer my question. You're forcing me to a quick decision.

[Humphrey Bogart]

You should be used to that.

[Virginia Gregg]

In your business, every moment counts.

[Rex Harrison]

Will you help me?

[Virginia Gregg]

I'm leaving on the 8 o'clock train to Chicago.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Rex, I'm.

[Rex Harrison]

That's more data on pot ran on.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Oh.

[Rex Harrison]

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were busy. No go. Right. Alec. Ms. Lawford and I have completed our business.

[Virginia Gregg]

But Mr. Saunders.

[Rex Harrison]

Oh, Alec. Yes? Get our things packed. What? We're leaving for Chicago. But this evidence we're collecting against Big Jim Cochran. It can wait. I'm on another case now, one that appeals to me more. I don't understand. This morning you were so intent upon bringing Cochrane to justice. My interest's been pleasantly sidetracked by Ms. Lawford.

[Virginia Gregg]

Peggy, rest.

[Rex Harrison]

Peggy, call the depot immediately for a reservation on the 8 o'clock train tonight. All right.

[Virginia Gregg]

It won't be necessary to call the depot?

[Rex Harrison]

No, no. I've already taken the liberty of making the reservation for you too.

[Virginia Gregg]

So I said, well, Mr. Saunders, don't I appeal to you?

[Rex Harrison]

And then Mr. Cochrane, he gives me that once over.

[Virginia Gregg]

Not so lightly.

[Rex Harrison]

You should have seen him. He fell for it like a ton of bricks.

[Lauren Bacall]

Oh, short figure.

[Rex Harrison]

He's a very smart girl. Now, you keep Sanders out of town till this investigation goes over. Don't worry.

[Virginia Gregg]

I've got him all tied up at.

[Rex Harrison]

The end of the spring. And you keep him fired up in Chicago with that phony missing sister act until I give you the sign to cut him loose. Sorry I'm late, Alex. Oh, I was getting worried. Our train leaves in eight minutes. Where have you been? Attending to business. Is our luggage on board? All American. Well, hurry and get it off the train. What? We're not going to Chicago. But Rex, where's Ms. Lawford? Well, in her compartment, number 38. It's the first one inside the door in this car. She's waiting there for you. She says there's been an important new development. Yes, I was expecting something like this. That this case of Ms. Lawford's missing sister is taking on surprising twists. What twist? I'll explain later. Get our baggage off the train and meet me back here on the platform. Right. And in the meanwhile, I'm going to Ms. Lawford's compartment. About the important development. Rex.

[Virginia Gregg]

Oh, helly. Please come in, Peggy.

[Rex Harrison]

What's the matter? You're trembling.

[Virginia Gregg]

I thought you'd never get here.

[Rex Harrison]

I'm so frightened. Why did you have your door locked? What happened? It's this moat, like.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Look at it.

[Rex Harrison]

If you know what's good for you, don't look for your sister. You might not get to Chicago alive.

[Virginia Gregg]

They'll kill me.

[Rex Harrison]

I expected something like this.

[Virginia Gregg]

You did?

[Rex Harrison]

Mm. I received a similar warning over the phone to stay off this case. What are we going to do now? Now, don't you worry, Peggy. I see that everything will be all right.

[Virginia Gregg]

Oh, you'll stay on the case?

[Rex Harrison]

I'll stay on the case. Now, do you feel better?

[Virginia Gregg]

Much. Especially with your arm around me.

[Rex Harrison]

Just an extra service I extend to my clients. It doesn't affect my amateur standing.

[Virginia Gregg]

Nice.

[Rex Harrison]

It's very comforting. Convenient, too. What do you mean? Well, holding you this way was the most convenient manner of getting your compartment key out of the door lock. I'm going to need this key, Peggy.

[Virginia Gregg]

What for?

[Rex Harrison]

Peggy. I don't like your friends.

[Virginia Gregg]

My friends?

[Rex Harrison]

I always make a habit to do a little checking up on my clients.

[Virginia Gregg]

What are you talking about?

[Rex Harrison]

Cochrane. I'm talking about Big Jim Cochrane. And as I said, I'm staying on the case. Only it's the State Attorney's case against Cochrane.

[Virginia Gregg]

What are you talking about?

[Rex Harrison]

You asked that before. You. You can drop the act. I know all about you. Cochrane hired you to sidetrack me. Could have been a beautiful trip. Sorry. That's my cue.

[Virginia Gregg]

Give me that thing.

[Rex Harrison]

Get us that c. I'm sorry. I don't usually do this in the case of natives, but you forced me to make an exception. What? You've got a long s it off to a bad start?

[Virginia Gregg]

Oh, no.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Then don't worry.

[Rex Harrison]

I'll explain everything to Big Tim Cochran. Hello, Clandest. You seem surprised to see me here, Cochrane. Why should I be surprised? I thought perhaps you had an idea that I'd left town. I don't know what you're talking about. And business owners.

[Edmund O'Brien]

What do you want?

[Rex Harrison]

I just dropped around to tell you that Peggy Lawford is on her Way to Chicago. I saw her off personally. Don't you know, Cochrane, you should never send a woman to do a man's job. I thought I'd go there. Anything else? I told you this before, Cochrane, but frankly I enjoy repeating it. Your overlord days in this town are near an end. There's a new administration in power, so they say. It's a good, clean administration that's going to sweep your racket right from under you ever investigated before. This will be your last. This administration's investigation will succeed. Not a chance. Nobody can touch me. Administrations come and go, but Big Jim Cochrane stays on. Not much longer. You can try all the tricks up your sleeve, but none of them will work this time. And as for me, Cochrane, I'm keeping after you until I get the evidence for the State's attorney that's going to put you where you belong. Behind bars. You can buy it for a song. Yes, for as little as 12.95. You can now own the wonderful, economical RCA Victor 45 attachment. This neat, compact, easy to play record changer can be attached to and play through your present radio, phonograph or television set. And think of it, with no trouble at all. You can load up to 14 records on your 45 attachments. There are no posts or clamps to adjust. Then press a button, relax and listen to the clear distortion free music of your choice. Wonderful music.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Yes.

[Rex Harrison]

The RCA Victor 45 system sounds better and plays easier than any other system of recorded music. What's more, you'll find an enormous selection of 45 records to choose from. Now you can hear all your favorite recording stars on handy, non breakable 7 inch records. So as soon as you can, be sure to see and to hear this superb, low cost RCA Victor 45. I received the message to rush over here to the State's Attorney office. Something startling develop. Jason, you remember Ernie Riggles, I think? Certainly do. And he used to be Big Jim Cochran's chief lieutenant until they had a falling out several years ago. And we just got word along the grapevine that Rigo's back in town. My boys are trying to locate him. You think Annie will talk with the proper inducement? Rigo's just aching to get back at Cochrane. He knows Big Jim's racket set up from top to bottom. Now if Ernie opens up, we'll get an indictment from the grand jury. Just like that. Where do I come in? Rigo's not likely to listen to anyone from this office. You're the man to deal with him. What do you say? I say we'll find him as soon as possible. I told you, there's nothing to worry about. You haven't got a chance of getting the grand jury to return in the indictment against you. What makes you so sure of it? Well, I needed my way into that job in the state's attorney's office, didn't I? And I got ways of needling out information, too. I. I didn't tell you I'd become the ladies man, did I? Vic Conway, Lady Kennedy.

[H]

Luke.

[Rex Harrison]

That's what I am. Come on. Come on. What are you getting at? Nation secretary Nora Wheeler, Estate's attorney trusts in Nora. She keeps his confidential file. I'm sorry. That's it, huh? That's it. No, I kind of goes with Bakers. She's better than that. She is ugly. You said she couldn't even get a whistle past me. Old men. So I'm saying to her father, I'm probably the first thing parents has ever given her any attention. And you said she handles the confidential file. That's what I said. And Jim, we're going to have the inside track on that file. Just as long as I keep Nora Wheeler floating on a white cloud. I feel as if I'm working on air going on. I always dreamed of it, but I.

[Virginia Gregg]

Thought it would never come true.

[Rex Harrison]

And why not?

[Virginia Gregg]

Well, I. I'm not like most of the other girls. I'm not very pretty.

[Rex Harrison]

Hey, hey, wait a minute now. Stop that. You think just because the others smear a ton of makeup on their faces and because they spend half their time in beauty parlor, do you think that makes them pretty? Well, it doesn't. They can't hold a candle to you.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Nora.

[Virginia Gregg]

Come here.

[Rex Harrison]

Hey, maybe I shouldn't be in your office like this. That's all right.

[Virginia Gregg]

I'll be able to get going for the day.

[Rex Harrison]

Yeah, but those papers on your desk. Maybe that's confidential stuff I shouldn't see.

[Virginia Gregg]

Don't be silly. Those papers couldn't be of any interest to you. Besides, if I couldn't trust you, who could I trust? Okay, I'll put these back in the fire, then we can go to dinner.

[Rex Harrison]

I'll get my hat and be right back. You know, I suppose it isn't a.

[Virginia Gregg]

Very wise question for a woman to ask, but.

[Rex Harrison]

What are you sorry?

[Virginia Gregg]

Did you pick me up? Why did you choose me from among all the others?

[Rex Harrison]

Why? Because I know. I know you can give me everything I want. And this is Jason. Yes, Jason.

[Edmund O'Brien]

We located on Eureka.

[Rex Harrison]

Oh, fine. He's in a roomy house.

[Lauren Bacall]

On Waterfront street, number 234.

[Rex Harrison]

He's using the name Region. 234, Waterfront Street. All right, Jason. I'll see if I can prevail upon Ernie Rigo to become the state star witness in his case against Big Jim Cochrane. And the storekeepers in the districts were forced by James Cochran pay an established protection sum each month. All right, Rex. I have that. Well, riga. What else, Mr. Simon? That seems to be plenty. This testimony ought to get an indictment from the grand jury. No doubt about that, Alec. Now add this. Ready? I solemnly swear in the presence of the undersigned witnesses that this statement is true and was made by me without force or duress. Without force or durette. Here you are. All right, we go. And you sign here. Okay, Captain Frank. Out about this. That thing I just signed is like. That's one. You're gonna give me the protection. I promise you'll be all right. If you just stay in this room until next week. And then I come and take you before the grand jury. We can be a long time, Mrs. Sonny. Cochran's got this sign sewed up no longer. His stitches are becoming fast undone. Yeah, but what if he gets Linden? Don't worry about Cochrane. The first he'll hear about this will be in the jury room next week. After which he'll be placed in police custody. There's no way he can find out about you. Rigo before the grand jury convenes next Tuesday. Rigo's in town? Well, the function downright so often he's going to spill to the grand jury next week. You're crazy. That little crumb wouldn't open his mouth. He knows better than that. Jim, listen to me. When they call you before the jury, you won't have a chance. Rigo's going to give you the works up and down. What are you talking about? I got it out of Norah Wheeler. He's got Rigo's sworn statement in the file. Rotten dub of coffin. What is it? They're keeping them undercover in a dump on Waterfront State until the jury meets on Tuesday. What happens if Rigo doesn't show next Tuesday? The state's attorney still has Rigo's affidavit. When he produces that, you're finished. But it's still in the office file. Nora Wheeler still handles that file. Yeah, okay. You take care of your end with Nora. I'll take care of my friend.

[Lauren Bacall]

Danny Regal.

[Rex Harrison]

Hello, R. What is it? Rigo?

[Virginia Gregg]

Finn Spartan.

[Rex Harrison]

Me. I can see it from my window. He's been looking up here for almost an hour. Better get down there first. You recognize him?

[Virginia Gregg]

Yeah, I think it's.

[Rex Harrison]

Well, Jason, as far as I'm concerned, there's no doubt that Cochrane was instrumental in Rigo's murder. No doubt. But that has to be proved. You'll have the opportunity to prove many things about Cochrane after the grand jury returns the indictment against him on Tuesday. I'm not taking the case to the grand jury. Tuesday.

[Edmund O'Brien]

What?

[Rex Harrison]

That's why I sent for you, Thomas. To tell you I haven't had a case. Now, what do you mean? Rego's testimony on Cockroach is missing from our files? Ms. Wheeler, I realize that you've been through a trying day, but I'd like to talk to you for a few moments about the missing affidavit.

[Virginia Gregg]

Of course, Mr. Fonda.

[Rex Harrison]

Mr. Dawson explained to me that you're one of the most trustworthy and reliable employees in the office.

[Virginia Gregg]

I've always tried to be. I can't understand how this terrible thing happened. The affidavit was in the file when I opened it this morning.

[Rex Harrison]

I want you to think back a little about any new or sudden friends that you may have acquired recently.

[Virginia Gregg]

What do you mean?

[Rex Harrison]

Well, have you discussed the Cochrane case with anyone outside the office?

[Virginia Gregg]

No. No, not with anyone outside the office.

[Rex Harrison]

I see. I thought perhaps there may have been someone who cultivated your friendship for the purpose of gaining inside information. But you don't know any person who would do a thing like that, Ms.

[Virginia Gregg]

W. No, Mr. Saunders, I don't know anyone who would do a thing like that.

[Rex Harrison]

But, look, why are you going to keep an eye on Ms. Wheeler? I thought it rather obvious, but she was telling the truth. I don't know, Alex. I thought it rather obvious that Ms. Wheeler was telling only the half truth. Nora, what are you doing here?

[Virginia Gregg]

I've got to talk to you, Vic.

[Rex Harrison]

Hey, look, baby, I. I've got a friend inside business. I'll see you in the morning, okay? No, we can't wait till morning. Yet.

[Virginia Gregg]

You stole that appetite.

[Rex Harrison]

Yeah. Yes.

[Virginia Gregg]

He was there when I unlocked that file this morning. You were the only other person there.

[Rex Harrison]

While it was opened. Come on in. Nara Nar. You were saying that why you were.

[Virginia Gregg]

So nice to me. That's why you paid attention to me.

[Rex Harrison]

Just to get information. That's right.

[Virginia Gregg]

I thought you really.

[Rex Harrison]

You thought I really was felt for you. We fell for you. If you ever take a look at yourself, a good look, go ahead, look in that mirror there. Look at yourself. You're the ugliest thing I ever Laid eyes on. Go ahead. Look. Yeah, even you can't stand the sight of it. Let me.

[Virginia Gregg]

Stop.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Wait.

[Rex Harrison]

You think you're going.

[Virginia Gregg]

Let go of me.

[Rex Harrison]

Go to the. You mean you're going to turn me in?

[Virginia Gregg]

No, no, no. I promise you I won't.

[Rex Harrison]

I never want to see you again. Don't worry. After tonight you won't see me again. Hey Jeff. I had everything.

[Lauren Bacall]

The other one.

[Rex Harrison]

This stands a lucky break. What do you mean lucky break? He's committing fur attack.

[Virginia Gregg]

What?

[Rex Harrison]

Once you get it Jake, she's still there for David. She couldn't stand the thought of being mob food. So she takes a dive into the river. That ends the whole thing. You see. Only you go along river to make sure she takes that dive. Back to the climax of our story in a moment. It's RCA Victor's most brilliant achievement. The outstanding value of them all. The fine new 9x571. Yes. RCA Victor's 9x571 brings you everything you could ever want in a table model radio. Yet it's priced so low it's bound to fit your budget. And think of it. A powerful 8 inch speaker gives you tone usually found only in expensive consoles. A built in antenna brings in unbelievably fine reception all the time. And the RCA Victor golden throat tone system. And the beautifully styled plastic cabinet with a fine wood effect makes the RCA Victor 9x571 an unheard of value. It looks like a million dollars. And you can buy it at a price so low it will amaze you. RCA Victors 9x571 is the name to remember. See and hear and buy the wonderful new RCA Victor table model radio. The 9X571. Yes. There's a man with a car. Now get our car started. We're following Ms. Wheeler and her friend wherever they go. Come on. Get out.

[Virginia Gregg]

I won't. I promise.

[Rex Harrison]

Said get out. Then we'll walk to the end of this pool.

[Virginia Gregg]

Listen to me, please.

[Rex Harrison]

A nice foggy night that. Guys.

[Virginia Gregg]

Please don't do that to me. I give you my bed off under the tail on.

[Humphrey Bogart]

You can believe me.

[Rex Harrison]

Shut up. Shut up.

[Virginia Gregg]

Come on, Alec.

[Rex Harrison]

They must have been out on the pier.

[Virginia Gregg]

That's Mr. Simon.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Shut up.

[Rex Harrison]

That movie over way we're getting behind his chef.

[Humphrey Bogart]

The other side of the fear attic.

[Rex Harrison]

Watch your right. Coming this way I will make one more piece. Just one more and I choke this ugly throat of your.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Sir.

[Rex Harrison]

What did you get? No. Cochrane Thunders. It always seems that you're a bit Surprised by my presence? Perhaps Mr. Cochran was expecting someone else. What do you want now, Thunders? I'm still after the same thing. Cochrane. You. Unfortunately, the state determines case against you hasn't been going so well up until now. You took a more optimistic action. About an hour ago. I finally got the kind of evidence I was looking for. Why don't you turn it to the state? September I thought you'd be interested in looking over my Exhibit A first. Alex. Yes? Exhibit a, please. Gladly, Ms. Wheeler. Step this way, please.

[Edmund O'Brien]

What?

[Rex Harrison]

Ms. Wheeler, is this the man?

[Virginia Gregg]

No, he's the one.

[Rex Harrison]

Thank you, Ms. Wheeler. That's all for now. Mr. Cochrane seems to have been rendered speechless. Well, after all, Alex, there's been a decided twist in events. Cochrane, about that dive you planned for Ms. Wheeler. Your friend Vic Conway took it in her stead. But only a temporary one. You see, I was forced to cool off his heated resistance to me. But when we fished him out, he was much calmer and highly cooperative. Yes, we had a long, very interesting conversation about you. Now, Cochran, shall we get along? I've made another date for you with the grand jury. And this time you're keeping it. In a moment, Rex Harrison will return to tell you about next week's story. First, an invitation from RCA Victor. Next chance you get, drop into your dealers and look over the wide variety of RCA Victor home instruments designed to bring you the very finest in home entertainment. We know you'll find just the right instrument for families. Fun at a price that will fit your family budget. Fine instruments with world famous RCA Victor quality built into every feature and detail. See them tomorrow at your RCA Victor dealer. And now, here is Rex Harrison, internationally famous star of stage and screen, to tell you about next week's adventure. Transcribe from the Private Files of Rex. On next week, it's Concerning a Mardi Gras. Concerning a Mardi Gras. A joyous festival hides a sorrow deep in people's souls. Unfortunately, an author can feel a murder deep in a killer's mind.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Foreign.

[Rex Harrison]

You have been listening to another intriguing adventure Transcribed from the Private Files of Rex Saunders. Written by Ed Addison. In the cast were Leon Jenny as Alex and Anne Seymour at Nora. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is Jenna Bangard speaking for RCA Victor. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Bold Venture. Adventure, Adventure, intrigue, mystery, romance. Starring Humphrey Bogard and Lauren Bacall together in the sultry setting of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean. Bold Venture. Once again, the magic names of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall bring you bold venture and a tale of mystery and intrigue.

[Lauren Bacall]

We've had our share of characters at Shannon's Place, Senor Rufio. I remember one visiting school teacher from South Carolina.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Oh, you're just bitter because you flunked. Sand pile on the beach with us. Late.

[Virginia Gregg]

I am sure this holds not the slightest interest for Senor Rufio. Please to show us to our rooms.

[Lauren Bacall]

Been a while, Senorita Magan. What I'm trying to say is a lot of people have passed through here for sleep, for fun, for whatever reasons they had to make Shannon's Place a stop on the road. As far as I know. Never a reason like Senor Rufio. I am honest enough to admit I.

[Rex Harrison]

Wish to use your accommodations to hide.

[Humphrey Bogart]

What you do, kid. Heist you, a hood, a gun. You tool a hot heap down the alley and wind up at Shannon.

[Rex Harrison]

In the Bahamas.

[Lauren Bacall]

I am feared, hated.

[Rex Harrison]

I walk in the streets and children make the mark of death on me. On my shadow.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Just a stinker, huh? I thought you tooled hot heaps.

[Lauren Bacall]

What are you running away from, Senor Ruvio?

[Rex Harrison]

From my conscience. I'm getting old. I wish a place to hide from my sins and grieve for them.

[Virginia Gregg]

Say nor you are weary. I will take you to your room.

[Lauren Bacall]

All you want to do is hide from your sins, huh? Can you give me a guarantee one of your hometown citizens won't suddenly show and, well, you know, kill you? Beat you to death?

[Humphrey Bogart]

A fair question if I ever heard one.

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah. I gotta know these things, senor.

[Virginia Gregg]

Senor Rufio is a man of great wealth. He will pay well for accommodations. Please, Senor Shannon, as the nurse of him, I ask you, please.

[Lauren Bacall]

All right. As you said with such a medicinal pucker. Right this way, kitties.

[Virginia Gregg]

Johnny. Johnny.

[Rex Harrison]

Hey.

[Virginia Gregg]

Hi.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Alita.

[Lauren Bacall]

Rita, baby, how are you?

[Virginia Gregg]

Happy to see me, John?

[Lauren Bacall]

Happy?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Listen to that carousel, honey.

[Lauren Bacall]

Background music for the way I feel.

[Virginia Gregg]

Walk with me away from this place. I wish to talk to you.

[Rex Harrison]

I can't, baby.

[Virginia Gregg]

Give the customers a long ride. Johnny. Walk with me.

[Rex Harrison]

Look, Johnny, what you tell me to.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Do is what I do.

[Rex Harrison]

Did Rufio. Come again?

[Virginia Gregg]

Listen to me, Johnny.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Huh?

[Virginia Gregg]

Kill him.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Don't start that again, baby.

[Virginia Gregg]

For me, Johnny. Kill him.

[Rex Harrison]

But. But kill a man. I don't know how to kill a man.

[Virginia Gregg]

I will show you how. The man must die. He is evil. All right, Johnny. Johnny.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Okay, okay. I said I'd do it.

[Virginia Gregg]

Now let's go back.

[Rex Harrison]

It's time for the end of the long, long.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Guess who, slave?

[Lauren Bacall]

Take your hands off my eyes, Benson. I'd know you any place.

[Humphrey Bogart]

You're a never ending source of delight, Slate. A girl gets girlish, does a frothy like putting her hands over a fella's eyes and says, guess who she gets called a Benson.

[Lauren Bacall]

Worried about something? What are you worried about, baby? That girl. That Senorita Magan.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Oh, I don't like the way you've been looking at her, slave.

[Lauren Bacall]

Forget it.

[Humphrey Bogart]

She is beautiful. Sometimes, when I'm not watching you, do you look at me like that?

[Lauren Bacall]

I said forget it.

[Humphrey Bogart]

I. Slate. Why don't we do that sometime?

[Lauren Bacall]

Do what sometime?

[Humphrey Bogart]

Take a horseback ride in the moonlight.

[Lauren Bacall]

Now, whatever made you think of that?

[Humphrey Bogart]

Because it's moonlight and because I hear hoofbeats. Someone's riding probably around that curve of beach. Why don't we do that?

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah, why don't we, Sailor? Come on, Sailor. Maybe you'd better not. Look at this.

[Humphrey Bogart]

What? What happened?

[Lauren Bacall]

Well, it's like he said. Violent, brutal, ugly. Senor Rufio. He's dead, Sailor. Kicked to death.

[Rex Harrison]

Sit down, Senor Shannon. Why do you not sit down?

[Lauren Bacall]

Give me four walls in a small room and I've got to pace it off. It's a quirk with me. When are the taxpayers going to come up with a king size office for you, Lasalle?

[Rex Harrison]

The requirements of an inspector of the police are modest, senor. Needs only a desk, a shaded light bulb, a phone. What more conveniences to receive the shadows of the violent dead.

[Humphrey Bogart]

And we're just the kids to bring them to you, huh, Sal?

[Rex Harrison]

I see you have brought me many more than is in the priority code.

[Edmund O'Brien]

For the allotment of discoverers of the newly dead.

[Lauren Bacall]

Now what do we do about it, La Salle? Sit here and philosophize on the aesthetic aspects of finding a man who's been killed by a horse. That's the new police method.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Come off it, slice. You want to play super sleuth? I'll send in a box top. You'll get a badge and a compass ring. But you'll have to get your own mission.

[Lauren Bacall]

That's right, Sailor, laugh it up. Make a murder funny with a yak. Go on, Sailor. You're just the girl who can do it.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Please, please.

[Lauren Bacall]

You too.

[Rex Harrison]

You're domestic sprat spratte.

[Edmund O'Brien]

In another place here, there's another matter to consider.

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah, the murder of Senor Rufio. I'm glad it finally dawned on you, Lasalle.

[Rex Harrison]

The death I will concede, by the.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Trampling of a Horse.

[Rex Harrison]

But murder.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Because Senor Rufio told us it would come to him like that. Maybe not exactly this way. But brutal, violent, like it did.

[Rex Harrison]

It is known here in Havana, senorita, how Rufio deserves such dying.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Because he made Jumento Key a feudal tyranny.

[Rex Harrison]

He owned the land, the homes, the water, the power. The very people themselves. A tyranny of copper mines, of private zoos. And in some, the men were the animals.

[Lauren Bacall]

Well, maybe he was all that. But he was murdered. That fits it square into your little niche, doesn't it, Lasalle?

[Rex Harrison]

The hoof prints of the horse were washed away by the surf, Senor Shannon.

[Edmund O'Brien]

They could have led us to someone.

[Rex Harrison]

Perhaps to a murderer. Perhaps only to a frightened horse. Who threw his rider. Who maddened with fear, trampled, kicked.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Until.

[Rex Harrison]

Until.

[Lauren Bacall]

Oh, come on, sailor. Man wants to call it an accident, let him. The man's tired, so let him.

[Rex Harrison]

Si, senor, what the senorita said. You want to play sleuth?

[Edmund O'Brien]

Send in a box top. We will all live longer this way.

[Rex Harrison]

Adios. And no thank you for what you have brought me.

[Humphrey Bogart]

With you in a minute, sir.

[Lauren Bacall]

Let's get with it, sister.

[Rex Harrison]

I'm in a hurry.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Maybe you've come to the wrong hotel. Shannon's place is dedicated to leisurely living. For people slow with a buck.

[Lauren Bacall]

I got the right place.

[Rex Harrison]

Wesley Channon.

[Humphrey Bogart]

What do you want him for?

[Lauren Bacall]

You're the type that answers questions with questions, sis.

[Rex Harrison]

Try the civil tongue.

[Edmund O'Brien]

It's important.

[Rex Harrison]

Leslie Channel.

[Humphrey Bogart]

He's got a bug in his carburetor. He's fixing his boat.

[Rex Harrison]

Who are you?

[Humphrey Bogart]

Some call me Benson.

[Lauren Bacall]

Look, sis, I don't have a lot.

[Rex Harrison]

Of time for quirky people.

[Edmund O'Brien]

I want to tell Sate Shannon a.

[Rex Harrison]

Little tale about a horse.

[Humphrey Bogart]

A horse, huh? One that tramples people to death.

[Lauren Bacall]

Just about a horse. I run a riding stable. It's about one of my horses.

[Rex Harrison]

One that doesn't do anything but ride people up and down the seashore.

[Lauren Bacall]

Kind of stupid horse who only knows one thing.

[Rex Harrison]

How to find his way home in the dark.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Wait a minute. Be with you. Enough. Hey, what's the matter with you? You got a thing against phone?

[Rex Harrison]

I don't want you to call anybody. Especially police types. You work calling a copper, huh?

[Humphrey Bogart]

Why shouldn't I? Man was murdered last night. You walk in here and tell me it was done by your horse?

[Rex Harrison]

That nag didn't have anything to do with it. That's why I came here.

[Lauren Bacall]

Deal?

[Rex Harrison]

I don't want the cops coming down to my stables and asking Questions?

[Edmund O'Brien]

You want to listen?

[Humphrey Bogart]

The deal means I just listen. And no cops, is that it?

[Rex Harrison]

That's it, sis. All right.

[Lauren Bacall]

A man I know named Johnny Brackett.

[Rex Harrison]

Runs the carousel out of the amusement park. Got a shack there too.

[Lauren Bacall]

He likes to go horseback riding. He rented a horse for me last night.

[Humphrey Bogart]

How do you know? He went riding on the beach.

[Lauren Bacall]

The knight comes home alone. Also, there's wet sand between his hoof and his shoe.

[Rex Harrison]

I give you all this because he had welts on his hide. We'd been whipped. Tell Shannon, sis.

[Edmund O'Brien]

He'd want to know.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Nothing like a closed down carnival to bring on the lonely, is there, Slade?

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah. Step up real close, lady, and I'll give you a rundown on all the good times we had here together.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Yeah. Remember when I had to break it up between you and the tattooed lady?

[Lauren Bacall]

Well, maybe you shouldn't have done that, Sailor. He promised me the good life, all the tattooing I could handle.

[Humphrey Bogart]

And I said if it was a question of having needlework done on you, you didn't have to have any. What's the matter, Slade? You taking a moment to regret?

[Lauren Bacall]

Go home, Sailor.

[Humphrey Bogart]

What's with you? The sight of a deserted carousel brings back such tender memories that. That man lying there on the carousel, he looks.

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah, doesn't he? I told you to go home.

[Humphrey Bogart]

He's dead, isn't he?

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah. Trampled like the other one. This time with a twist under the hoof of a merry go round horse plate.

[Humphrey Bogart]

It can't be like that. It can't.

[Lauren Bacall]

Go argue with the dead. Go ask them why they die the way they die. The end of the ride, Sailor. Go home.

[Edmund O'Brien]

To Shannon's place. Come a new arrival. A man who doubt his own survival. He take a stroll on the beach for fun. His life is hammered out by a stallion. So Shannon go to amusement park. Find another man with stallion's mark. Cause of death. The truth I tell was a wooden beast on a carousel. Those unhappy times.

[Virginia Gregg]

Please tell him to stop, King.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Yes, Mr.

[Rex Harrison]

Slate.

[Lauren Bacall]

However, you must tell her.

[Rex Harrison]

I do not make my song for m. Rather it is my way of grieving.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Ms. McGann understands. King.

[Virginia Gregg]

Have they discovered who this man was? The new Shannon? He of the amusement park?

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah, it was pretty easy. He was the boy who ran the carousel named Johnny Brackett. Drifter did our jobs, keep himself out of hockey.

[Virginia Gregg]

But Senor, you have told me that this Johnny Bracket has a mark of hooves on his body. Even as did Senor Rufio. What madness is happening? Senor like to have been thrust Upon a vicious dream like to be.

[Lauren Bacall]

I've got a shoulder for this sort of thing, Lita. Here, use it better, please.

[Virginia Gregg]

Thank you. The most of you. I will be all right. And Senor Channel.

[Lauren Bacall]

Just name it.

[Virginia Gregg]

Take me back to home and to he you have a boat. Take me to home on the key. You will understand. I cannot stay here.

[Lauren Bacall]

The bold venture's got a carburetor. It's been acting up, but it'll get us there.

[Humphrey Bogart]

All of us.

[Virginia Gregg]

You?

[Humphrey Bogart]

You and me.

[Lauren Bacall]

I'll take care of you, leader. Don't worry about a thing. This Orlando Key is a dismal place. Huh, sailor?

[Humphrey Bogart]

You too, baby. You're a dismal boy. I don't like what that girl's done to you.

[Lauren Bacall]

What's she done to me? She's a girl with a big hurt and a big scare. Don't leave her alone. She's a good kid.

[Humphrey Bogart]

So am I. Got a shoulder for me?

[Lauren Bacall]

Oh, you jealous, baby?

[Humphrey Bogart]

What do you want me to do, lie to you? I'm jealous. And if you want to know something else.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Hola, senor. Senor.

[Lauren Bacall]

You mean me, sailor.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Senor. Senor, por favor. Wait. Gracias.

[Lauren Bacall]

You are the man with the beautiful body.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Vol.

[Lauren Bacall]

Venture.

[Edmund O'Brien]

See? See?

[Lauren Bacall]

Let me shake your hand. Sure. What's on your mind?

[Rex Harrison]

What is on my mind is nothing but grasses. But thankfulness for what you have accomplished.

[Lauren Bacall]

Which is what?

[Edmund O'Brien]

The death of Senor Rufio. Rufio the tyrant Rufio. The reason those of us on Jumento Key live as dogs of the street.

[Humphrey Bogart]

We hate to disillusion you, senor. But we had nothing to do with Rufio's death.

[Edmund O'Brien]

As you wish it. But we know, we of Jumento Key know for a certainty.

[Rex Harrison]

That you have assisted the Senoritza Margan in the death of him. For what he has done to us.

[Lauren Bacall]

This chico's flip, sailor. He doesn't know what he's talking about.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Let's listen to him a little longer, shall we?

[Lauren Bacall]

Not me, baby. I'm going to Havana. You coming?

[Humphrey Bogart]

What's the hurry, big man? What are you running away from?

[Lauren Bacall]

You like hermano sailors? Stay in it, buy it, curl up in it, wear it for a sarong. They haven't passed the law yet that says I gotta take you back to Havana with me. So off the arm, huh?

[Humphrey Bogart]

You're leaving something out, kiddo.

[Lauren Bacall]

You want to tell me on the boat? Or you want to throw it to me as a farewell kiss from the shore?

[Humphrey Bogart]

I'll kiss you with it on the boat. After you lover.

[Lauren Bacall]

There's a slight fee for passengers, buster. You want a moonlight cruise to Havana, you gotta work. Get on that.

[Humphrey Bogart]

I know what you're running away from. Slate that girl, that litre. She sobs, she goes helpless, all in a heap. She kills a man they say wronged her father and another man for who knows what reason. That's the technique, huh, kiddo? How to win a lover in two easy killings.

[Lauren Bacall]

Honest lady, the visiting period is over. A clever saying we have, we mariners. All ashore that's going ashore.

[Humphrey Bogart]

You're going to slug me, big man? Throw me overboard because you can't live with it. Your new girl's a killer.

[Lauren Bacall]

You coming with me, sailor? Are you going to stand there and give a performance? Me? I want to check that carburetor again. Didn't like the way she acted coming over. Hey, sailor.

[Humphrey Bogart]

You want me to watch, Captain? I'll be.

[Lauren Bacall]

Hey, look. This thing rigged to the carburetor. A bomb, sailor. I'd have given her the choke to start the motor. We'd have been killed.

[Humphrey Bogart]

So it's back to Jumento Keith, our lover.

[Lauren Bacall]

Me, not you. You wait here with the bomb. I'm going to find the fus.

[Virginia Gregg]

You. You have come back to me. For what reason?

[Lauren Bacall]

It'll be easier to tell you if you put that gun away, Lita.

[Virginia Gregg]

This gun. I am frightened of things that have happened. You have come back alone.

[Lauren Bacall]

What troubles me, I. I don't need help. You and I can settle it here, like this.

[Virginia Gregg]

This is the method, the farewell repeated. Say goodbye, son. Again, because now there is a gun at your heart.

[Lauren Bacall]

It doesn't have to be like that, leader. Not between you and me.

[Virginia Gregg]

Your lips are much sweetness. And they are also of things I do not understand.

[Lauren Bacall]

Goodbye could be one word we never spoke to each other.

[Virginia Gregg]

And the other girl? You will let her go away from you. You will stay with me here.

[Lauren Bacall]

I'll stay if you want. Because you changed all that. You killed Rufio. And you changed all that.

[Virginia Gregg]

You think of me? I killed Rufio.

[Lauren Bacall]

Doesn't everybody? I'm the type that strings along with the crowd, baby.

[Virginia Gregg]

And if I said to you I am no murderess, I do not heal. If I said to you I am a woman who grieves when death lays its cloak in her path, weeps as others weep. What then, Shannon?

[Lauren Bacall]

Then I'd say I hit every light on the pinball machine.

[Virginia Gregg]

But still you must rid yourself of the other one. Wipe her tears as you did mine. But rid yourself.

[Lauren Bacall]

Like I said, leader. Whatever you want. Because you want it. When I get back, we won't need the gun anymore, will we, Leader Taylor?

[Humphrey Bogart]

I'm here on the boat, Slate, where you left me.

[Lauren Bacall]

I'll stay there. Come here, Shirley. When I say come here, I mean right up close. That's right.

[Humphrey Bogart]

What was that for?

[Lauren Bacall]

Because you're a sailor, De Val. And that's what I do when you get up close.

[Humphrey Bogart]

This is your day to be the great lover, huh, Lover? What'd you do when Lita got up close?

[Lauren Bacall]

I looked in her eyes.

[Humphrey Bogart]

You made passes like this in front of her face. She floated on air and gave up misty vapors.

[Rex Harrison]

I betcha she's a killer.

[Lauren Bacall]

I think I've known that all along.

[Humphrey Bogart]

And she planted that bomb because she wanted you dead too.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Could be.

[Humphrey Bogart]

What are you going to do?

[Lauren Bacall]

I'm going to make sure. Where's my gun, Taylor?

[Humphrey Bogart]

What do you want it for?

[Lauren Bacall]

Stay close, baby, and I'll tell you. Just stay close.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Come in.

[Virginia Gregg]

Have you done it?

[Lauren Bacall]

Gotten rid of Sailor? Yeah, I have. Baby, I've got to ask you something.

[Virginia Gregg]

What is it?

[Lauren Bacall]

I've got to know, Leader. Did you kill Rufio?

[Virginia Gregg]

No.

[Lauren Bacall]

Johnny Brackett?

[Edmund O'Brien]

No.

[Lauren Bacall]

Okay.

[Virginia Gregg]

How would I kill them? As I have heard, a horse struck them down.

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah, that's got me puzzled too.

[Virginia Gregg]

And that settles it. And what more do you need to know of me?

[Lauren Bacall]

Nothing. I'll get it.

[Virginia Gregg]

No, not me. I will send whoever it is over here.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Any old boyfriends? Lady, I'm coming around to collect.

[Virginia Gregg]

You lied to me, Corazon. It is she of the hotel and vote.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Yeah, it sure is she. Of all that stuff. Hi, Slate.

[Lauren Bacall]

Get out of here, Sailor.

[Humphrey Bogart]

I've been thinking it over, kiddo. It's not going to be that easy. That's for your hope chest, baby.

[Lauren Bacall]

You want me to toss you through that door?

[Humphrey Bogart]

In a little while. But first if going to be my pleasure.

[Rex Harrison]

Like this Wildcat, huh?

[Lauren Bacall]

Okay, Wildcat. Out of my life once and for all. Well, she's dead, Leader.

[Virginia Gregg]

You. You kill so easily, Cor.

[Lauren Bacall]

You wanted me to get rid of Alita. She's rid of you.

[Virginia Gregg]

Killed. Killed. I'm so easily. I like that. It is pleasing to me. Hold me. Hold me.

[Lauren Bacall]

No.

[Virginia Gregg]

You did this for me. Now you do not want me.

[Lauren Bacall]

Why all of a sudden I'm a fugitive. What kind of life is that for you?

[Virginia Gregg]

For me it is pleasure. Because. Because I am of you, like you. A killer too.

[Lauren Bacall]

Now don't lie to me, Leader.

[Virginia Gregg]

The killer Rufio me, because I swore it. For what he has done. To all of us here in Jumento, the killer of Johnny Bracket me because he became a weakling and would not kill for me. Because weaklings must die. It's a killer's world. Yours is mine.

[Lauren Bacall]

You planted that bomb, huh?

[Virginia Gregg]

Yes. I was almost the killer of you because I feared you suspected what I had done.

[Lauren Bacall]

Those men were trampled to death. How could you have killed them?

[Virginia Gregg]

We'd be sure of a stallion nailed to a club who was not such clever meows.

[Lauren Bacall]

On your feet, sailor.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Hi, leader. Look what came back from the dead.

[Virginia Gregg]

Slater. Slate, what have you done?

[Lauren Bacall]

Fired a blanket, sailor, so she'd be quiet and lie down and listen to what you had to confess.

[Edmund O'Brien]

To me.

[Rex Harrison]

Trick me.

[Edmund O'Brien]

I'll be a fool.

[Virginia Gregg]

Treat me.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Save the tears for the jury, honey. Slate, get her a cup. I'm tired and I want to go home.

[Lauren Bacall]

There they are, sailor, the lights of Havana. Beautiful, huh?

[Humphrey Bogart]

Who's looking at lights?

[Lauren Bacall]

You got something else to look at? What?

[Humphrey Bogart]

You.

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah, I've been told I wouldn't call you handsome.

[Humphrey Bogart]

I wouldn't say you are romantic looking. You never send me flowers, you always give me grief. Why do I hang around you?

[Lauren Bacall]

Come here, I'll show you why. That's why.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Do it again.

[Lauren Bacall]

All right.

[Humphrey Bogart]

Late. The lights just went out all over Havana.

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah, I know. Come here.

[Humphrey Bogart]

It's okay, baby. It just went on again.

[Edmund O'Brien]

And so our two stars, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, have brought to a close our latest Bold Venture story. Special music was composed and conducted by David Rose. May we invite you to listen again next week at this time for another exciting adventure starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall together in Bold Venture the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. With Sir John Gielgud as Sherlock Holmes and Sir Ralph Richardson as our storyteller, Dr. James Watson.

[H]

It was a wild, tempestuous night towards the close of November, 1894. Holmes and I sat together in silence all the evening.

[Rex Harrison]

Evening?

[H]

Outside, the wind howled down Baker street whilst the rain beat fiercely against the windows. On such a night, we were not at all pleased to hear a cab draw up at our door and a ring at the bell.

[Lauren Bacall]

Ah, come in.

[Vincent Price]

Hopkins, I hope you know professional designs upon us on a night like this. Draw up a chair, won't you, and warm your toes.

[I]

Thank you, Mr. Holmes.

[Lauren Bacall]

My Swiss.

[Vincent Price]

It must be something important to bring you here at this hour and in such a gale.

[I]

It is indeed, Mr. Holmes. I've had a bustling afternoon, I promise you. On the Yoxley case I caught the last train back to town and Came straight on by cab from Charing Cross.

[Lauren Bacall]

Yeah dear.

[Vincent Price]

That means, I suppose that you're not quite clear about the case.

[I]

I can make neither head nor tail of it. There's no motive Mr. Holmes and that's what bothers me. A man killed and no reason on earth why anyone should wish him any harm.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Very well, let's hear about it.

[I]

It happened in the house of an old man called Professor Coram. He's a semi invalid, keeps to his bed half the time. An elderly housekeeper and a maid look after him, both of excellent character. The professor's writing a book on Coptic manuscripts and keeps a secretary to help him. The last, Mr. Willoughby Smith, was the third. He's had a young man straight from the university, quiet hard working fellow. Yet this was the lad who met his death this morning in the professor's study under circumstances that can only point to murder. It was between 11, 11 and 12 this morning. Susan Tarleton, the maid, was hanging some curtains in the upstairs front bedroom. Professor Coram was still in bed. He seldom rises before midday. The housekeeper was busy at the back of the house. Willoughby Smith had been in his bedroom which he uses as a sitting room. The maid heard him come out of his room, go along the passage and downstairs to the study at the room below her. A minute or two later there was a dreadful cry from that room. A wild horse scream. At the same instant there was a heavy thud which then silence. The maid stood petrified for a moment. Then recovering her courage she ran downstairs. The study door was shut and she opened it. Inside Mr. Willoughby Smith was stretched on the floor and blood was pouring from a wound in his neck. On the floor nearby was a blood stained stiletto. She recognized it as one the professor kept on his desk and used as a paper knife.

[Vincent Price]

I take it that the young man was already dead.

[I]

At first the maid thought so but when she poured some water over his father he opened his eyes for a second.

[Virginia Gregg]

What happened? Oh tell me, tell me.

[Rex Harrison]

The professor. It was she.

[Vincent Price]

Those were his last words.

[I]

He tried desperately to say something else. Then he fell back dead. The housekeeper arrived just after he died. Leaving Susan with the body. She hurried to the professor's room. He was sitting up in bed, terribly agitated. The housekeeper told him what had happened.

[Vincent Price]

You've questioned the professor of course?

[Rex Harrison]

Oh yes.

[I]

He says he heard the distant cry but knows nothing more. His first action was to send for the police. I've been put in charge of the case, Mr. Holmes But I'm so baffled I've. I've come to you As a friend.

[Vincent Price]

Well, well, well, we must see what we can do. Can you give me some idea as.

[I]

To the disposition of the rooms?

[Vincent Price]

You say the study door was closed. Was that the only door to that room?

[H]

There were three doors to the study. The one by which the maid and Willoughby Smith had entered and two other doors at the opposite ends of the room. Of these one led by way of a corridor to the professor's room. The other led by a similar corridor to the back door of the house which was unlocked. There could be little doubt but that the murderer had entered this way and there was no other way by which he or she could possibly have left without meeting the maid at one door or running into the professor's bedroom by way of the other.

[Rex Harrison]

The past in the back door was.

[I]

Saturated with rain and would certainly have shown any footmarks. My examination showed me that I was dealing with a cautious and expert criminal. For there were no footmarks to be.

[Rex Harrison]

Found on the path.

[I]

But the grass verge was trodden down and my inquiries prove that it could only have been trodden down by the murderer.

[Rex Harrison]

Well, well, well.

[Vincent Price]

Now these tracks on the grass, coming.

[I]

Or going or both, it was impossible to say. There was never any outline, large footprints or small ones. I wasn't able to make them out.

[Vincent Price]

Well it's been pouring with rain and blowing a hurricane ever since. They'll be harder to read tomorrow morning.

[I]

Anything else in the study? There's a desk, a bureau and a cupboard. The professor assures me that nothing is missing. So it seems certain that robbery was not the murderer's aim.

[Vincent Price]

How about the wound on the body?

[I]

The stab was on the right side of the neck and from behind. So that it's almost impossible it could have been self inflicted.

[Vincent Price]

Unless he felt on the knife.

[I]

Exactly the idea crossed my mind. But the knife was some feet away and there are the man's dying words. But most important of all, the dead man had a small object tightly grasped in his right hand.

[Vincent Price]

Well Watson, what do you make of these?

[H]

The object was a pair of gold rimmed spectacles or more properly a golden pince Nez, a type of glass which clip onto the bridge of the nose. From them hung two broken ends of black silk cord. Holmes examined the glasses with the greatest attention. He held them on his nose. He tried to read through them. He looked out of the window. Window. And then he handed them back to Hopkins with a chuckle.

[Vincent Price]

Well my dear, Hopkins wanted a woman of good address, attired like a lady. She has a remarkably thick nose with eyes that are Set close upon either side of it, a puckered forehead, appearing expression and probably rounded shoulders. As she has been to an optician at least twice during the last few months, it should be easy enough to trace her.

[I]

But how did you find all that out?

[Vincent Price]

Simplicity itself. From their delicacy and the dying man's last words, I deduced they belong to a woman. Anybody who wore such expensive and elegant glasses would be pretty sure to be well dressed. The width of the clips tells me she has a broad nose. And the position of the lens tells me that her eyes are set closely together. You will see that the glasses are of unusual strength. A lady whose vision is so contracted is sure to have the physical characteristics of such vision. That forehead, the eyelids and shoulders.

[H]

But how do you arrive at the double visit to the optician?

[Vincent Price]

The clips are lined with tiny bands of cork, one newer than the other, both comparatively new. They exactly correspond. So I presume that the lady went to the same optician for both. Well, Hopkins, if you've nothing more to tell me, I suggest we all turn in for the night. You'll be quite comfortable on this sofa, I believe. And in the morning we can make an early start.

[H]

The game has blown itself out. Next day. But it was a bitter morning when we started upon our journey. We saw the cold winter sun rise over the dreary marshes of the Thames and the long southern reaches of the river. Well, at last we reached the end of our journey.

[I]

This is the garden path of which I told you, Mr. Holmes.

[Vincent Price]

And which side were the marks on the grass verge?

[I]

This side. You can't see them now I'm afraid, but they were clear enough yesterday.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, yes, yes, I can see someone has walked along it. The lady must have picked her way very carefully, mustn't she? Not very wide. And you say she must have come back the same way?

[I]

She must have done. There was no other way open to her.

[Vincent Price]

A remarkable performance. Quite remarkable. One thing we can be sure of, the murder was not premeditated or the lady would have brought some weapon with her rather than picking up that paper knife off the desk. Well, let us go into the house.

[H]

We entered the back door and advanced along the corridor to the door of the study. As the floor was covered with coconut matting, there was nothing to be learned from it. When we reached the study, Holmes conducted his usual thorough examination of the walls, floor and furniture. Before the bureau he paused.

[Rex Harrison]

Hello.

[Vincent Price]

Scratch on the lock of this bureau. Pray ring for the maid, will you? My dear Watson, why didn't you tell me about this Hopkins.

[I]

Your lord always find scratches around a keyhole, surely?

[Vincent Price]

Yes, yes, yes, but this is quite a recent one. Ah.

[Virginia Gregg]

Did you ring, sir?

[Vincent Price]

Yes, I did. When was this room dusted last?

[Virginia Gregg]

Oh, yesterday morning, sir. I did it myself.

[Vincent Price]

Did you notice this scratch?

[Virginia Gregg]

No, sir, I didn't.

[Vincent Price]

I'm sure you didn't. The duster would have swept away those shreds of varnish. I can see through my glass. Who has the key to this bureau?

[I]

The professor keeps it on his watch. Check it was in his bedroom with him at the time of the murder.

[Vincent Price]

Very good. We seem to be making a little progress. Our lady enters the room, advances to the bureau and either opens it or tries to do so while she's thus engaged. Willoughby Smith enters the room in her hurry to withdraw the key. She makes the scratch near the lock. He seizes the intruder and she is snatching up the nearest object which happens to be the stiletto. Strikes him in the neck to make him let go his hold. Smith is fatally wounded, falls to the floor and his assailant escapes either with or without the object for which she came. Now then, Susan, could anyone have got away through that door over there at the time you heard the cry?

[Virginia Gregg]

Oh no, sir, it's impossible. I'd have seen them in the passage.

[Vincent Price]

Thank you. Then you were quite right about the exit, Hopkins. The lady must have gone out the way she came in. But what about this third door I think you said that leads to the Professor's room. There's no other exit by it from the house that way?

[I]

No sir.

[Vincent Price]

And nobody could have hidden in the corridor without being found by the housekeeper when she ran to tell the professor what had happened. Well, let us go and make the Professor's acquaintance. Oh, this corridor also is lined with coconut matting. I see.

[I]

What of that? Do you think it's important?

[Vincent Price]

Well, well, I don't insist upon it, but no doubt I'm wrong, but it seems to me to be suggestive. Come along. I'm anxious to meet the Professor.

[H]

We passed down the passage which was the same length as that which led to the garden as Hopkins knocked at the door.

[Rex Harrison]

Come in.

[I]

Good morning, professor. May I present Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson?

[H]

It was a large room and books that had overflowed from their shelves lay in piles on the floor and around the bed and were stacked in heaps at the side of a huge bookcase. The bed was in the center of the room and on it, propped up with pillows, was the owner of the house. The cigarette glowed amid the tangle of his white beard. The air of the room was stable with tobacco smoke. As he held out his hand to Holmes, I perceived that it also was stained yellow with nicotine.

[Rex Harrison]

Well, well, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. This is a surprise. A smoker, Mr. Holmes. Pray take a cigarette. And you, sir?

[H]

No, no thanks.

[Rex Harrison]

I can recommend them for I have them specially prepared by ionides of Alexandria. He sends me a thousand at a time, but I grieve to say I have to arrange for a fresh supply every fortnight.

[H]

Though Holmes was much addicted to his briar pipe, I'd never known him accept a cigarette before. Indeed, he seemed on the point of refusing it on this occasion when, changing his mind, he accepted it and began to smoke with a strange nervous rapidity.

[Rex Harrison]

Tobacco and my work, but now only tobacco. Alas, what a fatal interruption to my book. Who could have foreseen such a terrible time. Tragedy so estimable. A young man, I assure you that after a few months training he was an admirable assistant. What do you think of the matter, Mr. Holmes?

[Vincent Price]

I'm afraid I've not yet made up my mind, Professor.

[Rex Harrison]

I shall indeed be indebted to you if you can throw light where all is dark to us. To a poor bookworm, an invalid like myself, such a blow is paralyzing.

[Vincent Price]

Well, I will do everything in my power to clear it up. By the way, I find these cigarettes unusually good. Might I?

[Rex Harrison]

Oh, but of course. Please help yourself.

[Lauren Bacall]

Thank you.

[Vincent Price]

Thank you. Most delightful. To the palace. Quite a refreshing change for me, Watson.

[H]

And smoking with a rapidity I'd never seen before, Sherlock Holmes began to pace up and down the bedroom. Holmes continued to pace up and down the room, still smoking feverishly as he listened to the sonorous flow of speech.

[Rex Harrison]

That pile of papers on the table there is my magnum Oprah work which will cut deep into the very foundations of revealed religion.

[Vincent Price]

I won't trouble you with any length across examination. Since I gather you were in bed here when the crime was committed and could not possibly know anything about it. I would only ask this. What do you imagine the poor fellow meant by his last words? The professor, it was she.

[Rex Harrison]

Susan is a country girl, Mr. Holmes, and you know the incredible stupidity of the class. I fancy the poor fellow murmured some incoherent, delirious words and she twisted them into this meaningless message.

[Vincent Price]

I see you have no explanation yourself of the tragedy.

[Rex Harrison]

Possibly an accident, possibly a suicide.

[Vincent Price]

We must apologize for having disturbed you so long, Professor Coram. I promise we shan't intrude on you again until after luncheon. I'll have another look around the garden if I May, and at 2:00 report to you anything that may have emerged. In the meanwhile we withdrew from the.

[H]

Bedroom and made our way out into the garden. Holmes was curiously distray and we walked up and down for some time in silence. At last I broke in on his thoughts by asking him whether he'd found any clue.

[Vincent Price]

It all depends on these cigarettes I smoked. It's possible I'm quite mistaken, of course, but those cigarettes will show me, my.

[H]

Dear Holmes, how on earth.

[Vincent Price]

Well, you see for yourself. If not, there's no harm done. Ah, there's the housekeeper. I should like a word with her.

[Virginia Gregg]

Yes, Mr. Holmes. It's as you say, sir. He does smoke something terrible all day and sometimes all night, sir. And his health? Well, I don't know whether it's better or worse for the smoking.

[Vincent Price]

Aha, but smoking as much as that kills the epidite, doesn't it?

[Virginia Gregg]

Well, I don't know about that, sir.

[Vincent Price]

I mean, I suppose the professor eats hardly anything at all.

[Virginia Gregg]

Well, he's variable, I'll say that for him.

[Vincent Price]

I'll wager he took no breakfast this morning and won't face any lunch after all those cigarettes I saw him get.

[Virginia Gregg]

Through when you're out there, sir, as it happens, for he ate a remarkably big breakfast this morning. And I'm surprised myself, for since I came into that room yesterday and saw young Mr. Smith lying there on the floor, I couldn't bear to look at food. Oh, well, it takes all sorts to make a world.

[Vincent Price]

As you say, Mrs. Marker, it takes all sorts to make a world.

[H]

We loitered the rest of the morning away in the garden. Susan, who waited upon us at lunch, volunteered the information that Mr. Smith had been out for a walk the previous morning and had only returned some half an hour before the tragedy occurred.

[Vincent Price]

Two o'clock, gentlemen. We can now go up and have it out with our friend the professor.

[Rex Harrison]

Well, Mr. Holmes, have you solved this mystery yet? Another cigarette after your lunch.

[Vincent Price]

Ah, thank you, I. Oh dear, how careless of me. Let me pick them up.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Yes.

[Vincent Price]

Wonderful how far they roll, isn't it? Yeah, I think that's the lot. No harm done. As to the mystery. Yes, I've solved it.

[I]

You have?

[H]

In indeed.

[Rex Harrison]

Out in the garden?

[Vincent Price]

No, no, no, in here.

[Rex Harrison]

Very well, Mr. Holmes, I shall be very interested.

[Vincent Price]

Yesterday a lady entered your study. She came with the intention of possessing herself of certain documents which were in your bureau. She had a key of her own. I've had an opportunity of Examining yours, as you may remember, but I didn't find that slight discoloration which a scratch made upon the varnish of the bureau would have produced, so you weren't an accessory. And she came, as far as I can read the evidence, to rob you without your knowledge in the first place. She was seized by your secretary whilst relocking the bureau and stabbed him with a knife in order to escape. I fancy the stabbing was an unhappy accident, but I am convinced the lady had no intention of injuring him seriously. A murderess doesn't come unarmed. But horrified by what she had done, she rushed wildly away from the scene of the tragedy. Unfortunately for her, she had lost her glasses in the scuttle and as she was extremely short sighted, she was really helpless without them. She ran down a corridor as she thought the one by which she had entered the study, and only when it was too late did she realize that she'd taken the wrong door and the wrong passage and that her retreat was cut off behind her.

[I]

What was she to do?

[Vincent Price]

She couldn't go back, she couldn't remain where she was, she must go on. And she went on. She went through the corridor, pushed open the door and found herself in this room.

[Rex Harrison]

All very fine, Mr. Holmes, but there is one little flaw in your splendid theory. I was myself in this room and I never left it during the whole day.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, I'm quite aware of that, Professor Cora.

[Rex Harrison]

And you mean to say I could lie in bed and not be aware that a woman had entered my room?

[Vincent Price]

I never said so. You were aware of it, you spoke to her, you recognized her, you aided her to escape.

[Rex Harrison]

You're mad, you're talking insanely. I helped her to escape. Where is she now?

[Vincent Price]

There.

[H]

Even as Holmes spoke, a woman stepped out from behind the big bookcase. I saw at once that she had the exact physical characteristics that Holmes had divined. What was her short sight and the sudden bright light that blinded her? She stood as one, dazed, blinking about her to see who we were.

[Virginia Gregg]

I give myself up to you, sir. I am your prisoner. From where I stood I could hear everything and I know that you have learned the truth. I confess it all. It was I who killed the young man. I have only a little time here, but I would have you know the whole truth. I am this man's wife. He is a Russian, but his name I will not tell.

[Rex Harrison]

God bless you, Anna.

[Virginia Gregg]

Why should you cling so hard to that wretched life of yours, Sergios? It has done harm to many and good to none, not even to yourself. However, it is not for me to give you away. I have enough already, upon my soul, since I crossed the threshold of this cursed house.

[H]

The story she told us was almost incredible in its characters and setting. Russia, Siberian prison camps and nihilists. Both the professor and she, his wife, had been engaged in revolutionary activities many years before. Along with their comrades, they had been arrested. In order to save his own life, her husband had betrayed not only his friends, but her as well. She and the others had been sent to Siberia. The professor had been set free and had come to England under an assumed name. What? Content with that little piece of villainy, he had let an innocent man suffer along with the guilty.

[Virginia Gregg]

He was noble, unselfish, loving. All that my husband was not. He hated violence and wrote forever dissuading me from such a cause. Those letters of his would have saved him. So would my diary, in which I had written about him and our secret love. My husband found and kept both the diary and the letters. He hid them and he tried to swear away the young man's life. In this he failed. But Alexis was sent to Siberia, where he's still working in a salt mine. When my sentence had been served, I followed my husband to England and after months of searching, I discovered where he was living. My one aim was to get my hands upon those letters in the diary and give them to the Russian government to make them release my innocent friend. Yesterday I took the papers. The rest is as you said.

[Vincent Price]

Two points are not yet quite clear to me, Madame. How did you come to have a duplicate key to the Bureau?

[Virginia Gregg]

I had employed a private inquiry agent to take a position as my husband's secretary. It was your last secretary, Sergius, who left so suddenly. He told me where the papers must be kept and he gave me a wax impression of the key. But he would go no further.

[Vincent Price]

I understand. And yesterday, as you were coming to get those papers, you met a young man in the street.

[Virginia Gregg]

It was. It was the young man I I killed. I asked him the way to the Professor's house.

[Edmund O'Brien]

I did not realize who he was.

[Vincent Price]

Ah, that explains it all. Smith had told you about the meeting, professor, hadn't he? As soon as he came in. And that was what he meant afterwards, by his dying words. He was trying to say who his assailant was. That woman he had told you about some few minutes before. But stop her.

[H]

Alas, we were too late to save her. Even as Holmes saw the glint of the gun, she had shot herself in the breast. With her dying breath she charged him with seeing that the little packet of letters and a diary should be given to the Russian Embassy in London, which in due course they were. And as we traveled back to Baker street that night, Holmes at last condescended to explain how the mystery had been solved.

[Vincent Price]

A simple case, yet in some ways an instructive one. It hinged from the outset on the pince nez. It was clear to me from the strength of the glasses that the wearer would be almost blind. Without them she would certainly not have been able to pick her way a hundred yards along a narrow grass verge to the gate. As there was no other way that she could have escaped, it occurred to me that perhaps she hadn't escaped at all. When I saw that both corridors were covered with coconut matting, I began to wonder whether she hadn't mistaken one for the other and burst in on the professor in his room. So I examined that room thoroughly. I noticed that although books were piled all over the floor, they were not piled in front of that big bookcase in the corner. And I began to wonder whether the mysterious lady might not still be hiding behind it since she had no possible chance of escaping later with the police guard in the premises. So I spilled a lot of cigarette ash just in front of the bookcase. You remember how many cigarettes I smoked and waited until the professor had had his lunch. Then I upset his box of cigarettes in order to examine the ash. I'd been right. It was trodden down by someone who had stepped from behind the bookcase while we were at our lunch. In fact, I was not at all surprised to find how hearted the professor had been eating since the tragedy, for he had needed to order Enough the.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Tool.

[John Gielgud]

We just heard. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. The Private files of Rex Saunders, Bold Venture and Sherlock Holmes. That will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much much for joining me. I hope you'll be back next week for more Old Time Radio Crime solvers. In the meantime, you can check out Stars on Suspense, my other Old Time Radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out every Thursday. 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 by now. I'll be back next week with more Old Time Radio Mystery. But until then, good night and happy listening.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Now here is our star, Vincent Price.

[Lauren Bacall]

Ladies and gentlemen. In a prejudice filled America, no one.

[Rex Harrison]

Would be secure in his job, his.

[Lauren Bacall]

Business, his church or his home.

[Rex Harrison]

Yet racial and religious antagonisms are exploited.

[Lauren Bacall]

Daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life.

[Edmund O'Brien]

Refuse to listen to or spread rumors.

[Lauren Bacall]

Against any race or religion. Help to stamp out prejudice in our country. Let's judge, we judge, our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or origin.