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Narrator/Announcer
Lux presents Hollywood. Deluxe Radio Theater brings you William Powell and Olivia de Havilland in Suspicion. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille.
Cecil B. DeMille
Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Not long ago, a noted editor sat down to figure out what he called the basic elements of human interest. That is, the things that interest people most and motivate their thoughts and actions. Love, of course, was at the top of the list. And close after love came fear. And then curiosity. Tonight, in the Lux Radio Theatre play, the RKO screen hit Suspicion. We have a mixture of these elements. Two people very much in love, whose lives are shadowed by a dark fear and bitter curiosity. And out of this combination comes what I think you'll agree is one of the most absorbing dramas of our time. And to do full justice to it, we have as our stars that able master of mystery, William Powell and the ever versatile and lovely Olivia de Havilland. In just a moment we'll start to satisfy your curiosity. But first, don't forget that we want you to satisfy our curiosity on an important matter. Our 10th anniversary celebration, four weeks from today. We'd like you to help us select the play and stars you want to hear on that eventful date, October 16th. Write your choice on a postcard. Address it to me at Post Office Box 9, Hollywood 28, California. Your suggestions and your interests are what makes the Lux Radio Theater a truly national institution. Just as your purchases of Lux toilet soap help raise this curtain for you every Monday night, so you really get two prizes in one package. A fine product and fine entertainment. The clock is pointing now to curtain time. And here's the first act of Suspicion. Starring William Powell as Johnny and Olivia de Havilland as Lena. With Charles Irwin as Beaky.
Lena Aysgarth
Let me go. Let me go.
Johnny Aysgarth
Don't be a little fool. What's the matter with you?
Lena Aysgarth
Let me go.
Cecil B. DeMille
On a hilltop overlooking the English countryside, the trees bend low before the moaning wind. Smoke gray clouds weave swiftly across a smoke gray sky. Against this sky are silhouetted the figures of a man and a woman. The man's arms are about her shoulders. She struggles wildly, frantically, then breaks away again. His arms reach out. Her hands are caught and held as in a vise.
Johnny Aysgarth
What did you think I was trying to do, kill you? Nothing less than murder could justify such a violent self defense. Look at you.
Lena Aysgarth
Let me go.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, I'm just beginning to understand. You thought I was going to kiss you, didn't you?
Lena Aysgarth
Weren't you?
Beaky
Of course not.
Johnny Aysgarth
I was merely reaching around you, trying
Narrator/Announcer
to fix your hair.
Isabel
What's wrong with my hair?
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, I'm glad you asked me that. It would have been extremely discourteous for me to bring the subject up.
Isabel
Are you serious?
Johnny Aysgarth
Of course I'm serious.
Isabel
You always give me the feeling that you're laughing at me.
Johnny Aysgarth
No, I give you my word.
Isabel
What's wrong with my hair?
Johnny Aysgarth
Let me show you. Don't back away. I'm not going to hurt you. Let me see. Yes, this will do it. What are you thinking of?
Isabel
A week ago, I'd never even seen you.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh. Now here we are on a Sunday morning, missing church while I unbraid your hair.
Isabel
I think you've done enough fooling with my hair.
Beaky
Yeah.
Johnny Aysgarth
Got a mirror? You look splendid.
Isabel
I must be quite a novelty by contrast to the women you're photographed with.
Lena Aysgarth
Hmm?
Isabel
In the newspapers.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh. Well, how do you like your hair? Don't screw your face up like that. You look like a monkey. What does your family call you? Monkey face.
Isabel
I'll have to go now. I shall be late for luncheon anyway. If my father saw me come home both late and beautiful, he might have a stroke.
Johnny Aysgarth
Are you sure Ms. Lena isn't in her room, Burton?
Narrator/Announcer
I knocked her just before I announced lunch.
Lena Aysgarth
She said she was going to church.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh. What were you saying just before, my dear?
Isabel
About Lena. I do wish she'd get married, Stanley.
Johnny Aysgarth
I don't believe Lena will ever marry. She's not the marrying sort. Anyway, she's no need to worry. There'll be enough to take care of her.
Isabel
I suppose you're right. I'm afraid she is rather spinsterish.
Beaky
What's wrong with that?
Narrator/Announcer
The old maid's a respectable institution.
Johnny Aysgarth
And Lena has intellect and a fine, solid character.
Lena Aysgarth
Sorry I'm late.
Isabel
Oh, Lena, dear. Come and sit down.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, Lena.
Isabel
What kept you so long at church, dear? I didn't go to church. I went for a walk.
Libby Collins
A walk?
Isabel
With a man. A man? Yes. His name's John. John Aysgarth. Tom Aysgarth Boy.
Johnny Aysgarth
How did you meet him? Fitty. He's turned out so wild.
Beaky
Rough luck on Tom, what do you mean?
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, he was turned out of some club for cheating at cars, wasn't he?
Isabel
I don't know.
Johnny Aysgarth
I didn't ask him something unpleasant. Anyway, what's he doing down here?
Isabel
He's staying at Pen's Hayes. I shouldn't have thought Lord Middleham would have had him there if he'd ever been turned out of a club for cheating.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, perhaps it was a woman. He was co respondent or something, I believe. Or ought to have been correspondent.
Isabel
Well, anyway, I'm going to see him again this afternoon. He's calling for me at three.
Johnny Aysgarth
Ms. Lena, you're wanted on the telephone.
Isabel
Oh, thank you. Bergen, Tanley. She seems quite excited. Do you suppose.
Lena Aysgarth
Hello?
Isabel
Oh, hello, Johnny.
Lena Aysgarth
What?
Isabel
Oh, yes, a long time ago.
Lena Aysgarth
When are you coming at?
Isabel
Oh, you can't. Oh, yes, of course, I understand. Yes, please write and thank you for calling.
Lena Aysgarth
Goodbye.
Isabel
Hello? Yes, this is Ms. Mclaydough. A telegram. Will you read it, please? I will.
Lena Aysgarth
See you. Yes.
Isabel
Thursday.
Lena Aysgarth
Yes, at beecham.
Isabel
Hunt ball sign, johnny.
Lena Aysgarth
Yes, I have it. Oh, johnny.
Johnny Aysgarth
I believe this is our dance, isn't it? Hello, monkey face.
Isabel
Hello.
Johnny Aysgarth
Hello, monkey face.
Lena Aysgarth
Hello, Johnny.
Johnny Aysgarth
Come on, we're getting out of here.
Isabel
But we can't.
Johnny Aysgarth
Of course we can. This way, monkey face.
Lena Aysgarth
Johnny, where are we going?
Johnny Aysgarth
Which is your car?
Lena Aysgarth
This is ridiculous.
Isabel
It's over there.
Johnny Aysgarth
Good. Come on. Tell me, have you ever been kissed in a car before?
Isabel
Johnny.
Johnny Aysgarth
Johnny. Watch.
Lena Aysgarth
You mustn't joke with me. I'm no good at joking. I don't know how to flirt.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, I'm not joking. I'm serious. Have you ever been kissed in a car?
Libby Collins
Never.
Johnny Aysgarth
Would you like to be yes. Well, you're the first woman I've met who says yes when she means yes.
Isabel
What do the others say?
Johnny Aysgarth
I know. Anything but yes.
Isabel
But I kiss you.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, usually.
Lena Aysgarth
Have there been?
Johnny Aysgarth
Have there been what, monkey face?
Isabel
Have there been many?
Johnny Aysgarth
I'm afraid so. Quite a few.
Isabel
Are you always frank with them like this?
Johnny Aysgarth
No, no, not particularly.
Isabel
Then why are you frank with me?
Lena Aysgarth
Because I'm different?
Johnny Aysgarth
No, it isn't that. I'm honest. Because with you I think it's the best way to get results.
Isabel
Johnny, I hope I'm not saying the wrong thing, but I love you.
Johnny Aysgarth
No, you haven't said the wrong thing. Monkey face. I think I'm falling in love with you too. But I don't quite like it. That's why I stayed away from you for a week. I was afraid of you. I never thought it would happen like this.
Isabel
Neither Did I,
Inspector Hodgson
Dear?
Johnny Aysgarth
Mother and Father. Johnny and I were married last night.
Libby Collins
Married?
Johnny Aysgarth
We're off for a month's honeymoon on the continent.
Beaky
Please forgive me. I love him very, very much.
Johnny Aysgarth
Just put those scripts there, darling. How do you like your new house?
Isabel
Oh, dar.
Johnny Aysgarth
Because if you don't like it, just blame it all on Mr. Bailey here. He rented the house while we were on our honeymoon.
Inspector Hodgson
Yes, sir.
Johnny Aysgarth
He even decorated the place. But if you do like it.
Isabel
Oh, I adore it. I'm mad about it.
Johnny Aysgarth
Ah, well, in that case, you are talking to the right man. Because I engaged Mr. Bailey. Didn't I, Mr. Bailey? Quite right, Mrs. Asgart.
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, Johnny, you're a genius.
Inspector Hodgson
Mr. Asgarth, I shall have to be getting along now. So what shall I do about the bill?
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, just drop it on that pretty little table on your way out, old boy.
Inspector Hodgson
Oh, yes. Thank you, Mr. Haysgart.
Johnny Aysgarth
Thank you, Mr. Bailey.
Isabel
Oh, Johnny, I never dreamt I'd ever have such a gorgeous place.
Lena Aysgarth
Are you sure you can afford it?
Johnny Aysgarth
Yeah. Look, just press that button there on the phonograph. There we are. My dance, I believe.
Isabel
Oh, yes.
Johnny Aysgarth
Where are we?
Isabel
At the Hunt Ball, where else?
Lena Aysgarth
In Venice.
Isabel
Ann and Naples and Capri and Nice and Paris.
Johnny Aysgarth
Paris?
Lena Aysgarth
I beg your pardon, sir.
Johnny Aysgarth
Yes? Oh. Oh, darling, this is. Oh, I've forgotten your name.
Isabel
Ethel, sir.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, yes. Well, Ethel.
Isabel
A telegram for you, sir.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, thank you, Ethel. What do you think of Ethel?
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, she seems perfect.
Beaky
Hmm.
Libby Collins
Hmm.
Isabel
It isn't bad news, is it?
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, no, no. It's from an old friend of mine. Stupid fellow. He wants a thousand pounds. You couldn't spare a thousand, could you?
Isabel
A thousand? What does he want it for?
Johnny Aysgarth
Hanged if I know. Probably because I borrowed it from him.
Lena Aysgarth
You borrowed it?
Isabel
Why?
Johnny Aysgarth
Because I was going on a honeymoon with the loveliest girl in the world. I wanted her to be happy.
Isabel
Didn't you have any money of your own?
Johnny Aysgarth
No, not a shilling.
Lena Aysgarth
But I thought. I had the impression.
Isabel
Johnny, are you.
Lena Aysgarth
Are you broke your face?
Johnny Aysgarth
I've been broke all my life.
Isabel
Why didn't you tell me? And whatever made you take this extravagant house?
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, I didn't think you'd want to live in a shack. A girl like you who's going to come into plenty of money someday.
Isabel
Wait a minute.
Lena Aysgarth
I can't quite get this into my head.
Isabel
Were you thinking of my inheritance when you. Oh, I don't know what to say.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, my darling, really. Isn't it silly to spend the best years of our lives waiting? Why not be comfortable now, Johnny, I'M
Isabel
just beginning to understand you.
Lena Aysgarth
You're a baby. Oh, I know.
Isabel
You can marry me for my money, but my income will never pay for all this.
Libby Collins
Never.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, what about your father?
Isabel
But I couldn't possibly ask my father or even mother.
Lena Aysgarth
You saw how restrained she was when
Isabel
she met us at the station.
Lena Aysgarth
Anyway, you wouldn't actually want to live
Isabel
on your wife's allowance, would you?
Beaky
Of course not.
Lena Aysgarth
Do well, then.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, I suppose if the worst comes to the worst and there was no other way out of it, well, I suppose I'd have to.
Libby Collins
What?
Johnny Aysgarth
Borrow some more? I haven't touched old Middleham yet. You ought to be good for a month or two's housekeeping.
Isabel
I think you must be mad.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, now, darling, let's not.
Isabel
Johnny, listen to me. Well, there's going to be no more borrowing.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, what else is there to do?
Lena Aysgarth
You've got to go to work. Yes, work.
Johnny Aysgarth
You mean put on old clothes and go out with a shovel?
Isabel
Don't be flippant.
Johnny Aysgarth
What do you mean? I'm afraid you're a bit of a dreamer, darling. You realize that in order to be a plumber or a carpenter or an electrician. Darling, you haven't been around.
Isabel
There are all sorts of jobs, Johnny.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, I'm broad minded.
Narrator/Announcer
Let's have some tea and talk it over.
Johnny Aysgarth
We can make out a list of jobs. Might be fun. Who's that? It's right there behind you, darling.
Isabel
Hello. Oh, hello, Mother.
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, yes, yes, it's wonderful.
Isabel
A most beautiful house. Would you tell father how badly I felt?
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, he is? Oh, wait. Wait a minute till I tell Johnny.
Libby Collins
Johnny.
Beaky
Yes?
Lena Aysgarth
Father is sending us a wedding present.
Beaky
No.
Lena Aysgarth
Mother told him how happy I looked and.
Isabel
Oh, I can't tell you how much this means to me.
Johnny Aysgarth
Me too.
Lena Aysgarth
Yes, Father.
Johnny Aysgarth
Yes, go on, ask him when he's sending it.
Isabel
It's coming right away by messenger.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, invite them over for dinner and if you can slip it in, just say that we were in the throes of job hunting when he telephoned.
Isabel
Oh, Johnny, really, you are the linnet.
Lena Aysgarth
What, Father? Yes, Johnny and I were just discussing
Isabel
that very subject and he had several
Lena Aysgarth
interesting ideas on the kind of job
Libby Collins
he'd like to do.
Isabel
There's a messenger from General McLeod.
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, it's just come, Father. Hold on.
Isabel
Bring it in, Ethel. Yes, ma'.
Beaky
Am.
Isabel
I think I know what it is.
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, Johnny, you'll be thrilled. In here, please. Oh, it is. Oh, how wonderful. Johnny looks.
Johnny Aysgarth
What? What is the thing?
Lena Aysgarth
It's a chair, darling. A Queen Anne chair. Oh, we had them in the family
Isabel
before I was born.
Lena Aysgarth
Here's another one, ma'. Am.
Johnny Aysgarth
How many more, for heaven's sake?
Lena Aysgarth
Just these two, sir.
Isabel
He sent us both of them. Oh, Johnny. These are our first heirlooms to be handed down to our children and then to their children.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, that's the thing to do with them all right.
Lena Aysgarth
I must tell him. Oh, Father, Father, you're so good to me that it makes me want to cry. Yes, you've made me very happy. Oh, you've made Johnny very happy too.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, yes.
Lena Aysgarth
Wait a minute, Father. He wants to say something to you.
Johnny Aysgarth
No, I don't.
Isabel
Say something very nice.
Lena Aysgarth
These chairs really belong in a museum.
Isabel
Go on.
Narrator/Announcer
Hello, General.
Isabel
Hey everybody.
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Isabel
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Johnny Aysgarth
Yes, yes, but really, shouldn't you have sent them to a museum? Well, naturally, we're thrilled. A job? Oh yes, yes, Lena and I were just going into that. Well, I have several excellent opportunities. I just received a letter from my cousin, Captain Melbeck. He wants someone to manage his estate for him. I thought I'd take the job. Well, I'm glad you approved. Yes, yes, we'll get together soon. Goodbye, sir.
Isabel
That is a sib about Captain Malbeck, wasn't it?
Johnny Aysgarth
Was it? Listen to this letter. We'll give your idea the fullest consideration. Let me know if you would like to take the job. Yours sincerely, George Melbeck.
Isabel
Did you have this letter all the time I did. Why didn't you tell me?
Johnny Aysgarth
Because, dear, I never dreamed I'd be using it any more than I ever dreamed that we'd be receiving these two beautiful chairs.
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, good afternoon, ma'.
Johnny Aysgarth
Am.
Isabel
Hello, Ethel. Mr. A scarf at home yet? No, ma', am, but there's a gentleman waiting for him in the drawing room. Oh, thank you, Ethel.
Beaky
Hello. I say, nice place old Johnny's got here. Oh, I'm Vicky3. You must be old Johnny's wife.
Isabel
Yes, I am.
Beaky
Didn't he ever tell you about me?
Lena Aysgarth
Vicky? Oh, you're Vicky.
Beaky
I happen to be driving by. I thought I'd just pop in for a cup of tea.
Isabel
I've heard so much about you, Mr. Thwaite.
Johnny Aysgarth
Johnny told me about you, too.
Beaky
Ran into him at Newbury Races last week.
Lena Aysgarth
The races?
Beaky
Oh, put my foot into it as usual, eh? What I misses didn't he tell you?
Isabel
Well, Johnny has a job. He couldn't have been at the races. Besides, he's given up betting.
Beaky
Oh, he has, has he? But don't you believe it. Not Johnny. He's a great lad, he is. You mustn't mind Johnny cutting up. That's what makes him Johnny. Besides, he thinks you're a topper.
Isabel
Won't you sit down, Mr. Thwaite?
Lena Aysgarth
I'm sure, Johnny.
Isabel
Oh.
Beaky
Something wrong?
Isabel
Yes. There were two chairs here this morning before I left.
Beaky
Chairs? Disappeared, have they?
Isabel
Yes, apparently.
Beaky
Were they expensive?
Isabel
Yes, they were. They were museum pieces.
Beaky
Queen Anne, Johnny. He'll be the death of me. Don't you understand?
Isabel
No, I don't.
Beaky
I bet you 20 to 1 old Johnny has sold them.
Isabel
Sold them?
Libby Collins
What for?
Johnny Aysgarth
For money, of course.
Beaky
Fellow's got to pay his racing debts, hasn't he? You know these bookies don't trust a chap for long. Not a chap like Johnny, that is.
Isabel
I don't believe you. I don't believe a word you say.
Beaky
Oh, put my foot in it again, have I? My dear, you mustn't take it so seriously.
Lena Aysgarth
After all, it's Johnny.
Beaky
Wonderful chap, Johnny.
Isabel
Well, he couldn't have sold them. He wouldn't without asking me.
Johnny Aysgarth
Mrs. Hyde at home, Ethel.
Lena Aysgarth
Yes, sir.
Beaky
Here he comes. Now, don't tell him a word I've said, but if you want to see Johnny at his very best, you just say something about chairs.
Johnny Aysgarth
Vicky.
Libby Collins
Johnny.
Inspector Hodgson
How are you?
Johnny Aysgarth
All been well? Fine. What are you doing here?
Beaky
Just popped in to see you, old boy.
Inspector Hodgson
Good, good.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, how's my little monkey face, hmm? What's the matter, darling?
Lena Aysgarth
Nothing.
Isabel
Why?
Beaky
You sure your Wife seems to be missing some chairs, old boy.
Johnny Aysgarth
Dickie, your pipe's not lit. Let me give you a match.
Beaky
Thanks, old boy. About those chairs, old bean.
Johnny Aysgarth
Huh?
Beaky
The missing chairs, old man.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, yes, yes, the chairs. Well, I suppose that American must have come for them this morning.
Isabel
What American?
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, didn't I tell you, darling? Oh, so stupid of me. Well, he dropped by about a week ago. Friend of Melbeck's.
Beaky
Go on, old man.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, anyway, he. He admired the chairs, offered a hundred apiece for them. Anybody would take that.
Isabel
I wouldn't.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, wouldn't you really, dear? Well, that never occurred to me.
Isabel
Why didn't you mention it?
Johnny Aysgarth
I'm sorry, darling. I thought I did.
Isabel
Oh, that's all right. They're gone. They're gone.
Beaky
They're gone. All right.
Lena Aysgarth
Shall we change for dinner?
Johnny Aysgarth
You're an angel. Hold on a minute.
Beaky
You say he offered you a hundred apiece for him?
Johnny Aysgarth
That's right.
Beaky
Let's have a look at the cheque.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, he'll send it along.
Beaky
I bet you £10 to a shilling you wouldn't dare. Let your wife pick up the telephone and ask old Melbeck or whatever his name is, if he ever saw this American.
Isabel
Are you implying that my husband is a liar, Mr. Thwait?
Johnny Aysgarth
Now, monkey face. Don't mind Beaky. He's only joking.
Isabel
Well, I prefer jokes on other subjects. Are you staying for dinner, Mr. Thwaite?
Beaky
Dinner? I'm spending the weekend unless you throw me out.
Isabel
Johnny's friends are always welcome as long as they remain Johnny's friends.
Narrator/Announcer
In a few minutes, Mr. DeMille and our stars William Powell and Olivia de Havilland will be back with act two of Suspicion. And now, Libby Collins, our Hollywood Reporter. Tell us, Libby, what's the latest?
Isabel
Hats, Mr. Kennedy. Hats.
Libby Collins
Something new and quite different in hats.
Narrator/Announcer
You mean the wind blown Hatless Vogue is out, Libby.
Libby Collins
It will be when women try on these new styles. Toques, they call them, with their close fitting trimmings of flowers or feathers. Well, they're so utterly feminine, no woman can resist them. And no man either, I might add.
Narrator/Announcer
If that's a toque you're wearing right now, Libby, I believe you.
Libby Collins
Why, thank you, Mr. Kennedy.
Isabel
You know, styles are going to be
Libby Collins
very soft and feminine this year. Frills and frou frou are the vogue. Irene Dunn, one of the loveliest and best dressed stars in Hollywood, has one of these little toques.
Narrator/Announcer
Seems to me, Libby, that kind of hat is bound to be a winner if it's combined with a soft, lovely complexion. A real luxe complexion.
Libby Collins
I should say so.
Isabel
In fact, this kind of hat is artful.
Libby Collins
It's actually designed to set off a nice complexion.
Narrator/Announcer
Well, Libby, Hollywood stars like Irene Dunn know just how to keep their skin soft. And with daily luxe toilet soap facials they can be sure their precious complexions get gentle cherishing care.
Libby Collins
Yes, those facials are quick and easy, but so effective.
Narrator/Announcer
Lovely luxe complexions everywhere are proof of that, Libby. And I'd like to point out that recent tests of Lux soap facials showed that actually three out of four complexions improved in a short time. So here's a Hollywood tip. For skin that's truly feminine, soft and appealing, why not use this gentle Soap recommended by 9 out of 10 famous screen stars? You'll find it's a beauty care that really works. If ever your dealer happens to be out of stock due to wartime conditions, he'll surely have more soon. Remember, luxe toilet soap is worth waiting for. And now Mr. DeMille returns to the microphone.
Cecil B. DeMille
Act two of Suspicion. Starring William Powell as Johnny and Olivia de Havilland as Lena. With Charles Irwin as Beaky.
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Cecil B. DeMille
A week has passed, but in Lena's mind there is still a dim shad of doubt, a faint indefinable fear. The dawning of suspicion. Now in the quiet main street of the town, she meets the local celebrity, a writer of mystery stories.
Libby Collins
Lena, dear.
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, hello, Isabel.
Isabel
I've just been admiring your display in the bookshop.
Libby Collins
Murder on the Footbridge. Yes, they're doing very well by it. How's Johnny?
Isabel
Oh, he's fine. He's nodded an admirer of yours.
Lena Aysgarth
I don't believe there's one of your
Isabel
stories he hasn't read.
Libby Collins
Splendid. By the way, have you seen Tellbrook's window?
Isabel
The antique shop?
Libby Collins
Not lately. Well, my dear, they've got the most beautiful things.
Isabel
Two lovely old Queen Anne chairs.
Libby Collins
I'd give my soul to own them.
Isabel
Chairs.
Libby Collins
Lovely.
Lena Aysgarth
Well, goodbye, dear.
Libby Collins
I'll see you for dinner soon.
Isabel
Yes, of course.
Lena Aysgarth
I'll phone you. Lena, the chairs. He said he'd Sold them to an American. He lied to me.
Beaky
Why?
Lena Aysgarth
Why did he lie to me?
Beaky
Hello, old girl. Back so soon?
Isabel
Beaky, I owe you an apology.
Libby Collins
Good.
Beaky
I mean, what for?
Isabel
I'll explain to you later.
Beaky
Oh, you seem to be rather hot under the collar. Must be about old Johnny. My dear, you mustn't be angry with Johnny. It's a waste of time. Now, if you want to get sore with me, that's different. I annoy everybody. Almost did.
Cecil B. DeMille
Lena.
Johnny Aysgarth
Beaky, where are you? Hello?
Inspector Hodgson
Hello.
Johnny Aysgarth
I. Don't move, either of you. I must watch the expressions on your faces.
Beaky
So, what have you got in those packages, old bee? Beaky.
Johnny Aysgarth
This is a red letter day, Nina. Look, do you remember that little necklace you admired in Regent Street? Here.
Inspector Hodgson
Well.
Johnny Aysgarth
And Beaky, here's a little present for you.
Beaky
What has it, old bean? Oh, shake.
Johnny Aysgarth
Darling, do you remember this coat? I saw the hungry eye you gave it the last time we were up in London. It's yours. Well, what you say, Johnny?
Isabel
I don't understand. What made you do all this?
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, now, dear. Don't be angry, Johnny.
Isabel
I want to know what this is all about.
Johnny Aysgarth
Yes, what's it all about, old baby? One of my friends, I have the pleasure of announcing that the good old Couples run today and I happen to have backed the winner. A ten to one shot, ladies and gentlemen. And I had £200 on him.
Beaky
£200 at ten to one? Why, that's 2,000 quid.
Johnny Aysgarth
Darling, what's happened to your tongue? I suppose you disapprove of my betting. Oh, come on, darling, smile.
Isabel
Johnny, where did you get the £200?
Beaky
Why so girl, that's not a very tactful question.
Isabel
Where did you get it?
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, you know very well there was no American. I got it for the chairs, of course.
Isabel
You sold the chairs to gamble all your money on a horse?
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, not exactly. I owed the bookies some money. I got the £200 to pay them off, but then along came this hot tip. Oh, darling, give us a smile.
Narrator/Announcer
Come on, old girl.
Beaky
Oh, I know what you tickle a chin and I'll make a noise like a duck.
Johnny Aysgarth
No, no good, biggie.
Beaky
No good, no.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, I forgot something. Darling, look. This is a receipt from a certain antique shop. Paid in full for a certain pair of chairs. They'll deliver within the hour.
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, Johnny.
Johnny Aysgarth
There, she's smiling.
Beaky
By Jove, so she is.
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, Johnny, darling.
Beaky
Well done, old bit. I say, what about celebrating?
Narrator/Announcer
Uh huh.
Johnny Aysgarth
Trust Beaky to say the right thing at the right time. Look at me. Darling happy?
Beaky
Yes, of course she is. Here you are, Lena. This is yours, old girl.
Lena Aysgarth
Thank you, Beaky.
Beaky
Here's yours, old bean. Ah, now for a tub.
Johnny Aysgarth
So wait a minute, Beaky.
Beaky
What are you drinking?
Johnny Aysgarth
Brandy.
Beaky
Oh, justice runs, old bean.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, you know that's not good for you.
Beaky
All right.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, maybe just this once. Oh, thanks, monkey face. I drink to the last bet that will ever be made by Johnny Hazgot.
Beaky
The last bet, old bean. Bottoms up, eh,
Johnny Aysgarth
Dickie?
Isabel
What's the matter with him?
Johnny Aysgarth
Sit down, Dickie.
Lena Aysgarth
Here, Johnny, get some water, quick.
Johnny Aysgarth
No, it won't help.
Narrator/Announcer
I've seen this happen before.
Johnny Aysgarth
There's nothing much you can do about it.
Lena Aysgarth
Well, open his collar. He can't breathe.
Johnny Aysgarth
No use, darling.
Narrator/Announcer
It'll either kill him or it'll go away by itself.
Cecil B. DeMille
Sorry, old Bain.
Johnny Aysgarth
One of these days it will kill him.
Libby Collins
Oh, good afternoon, Mrs. Aysgart.
Isabel
Good afternoon. Is my husband in his office, Mr. Aysgart? Why, no. When do you expect him?
Libby Collins
Well, I really couldn't say.
Isabel
Perhaps you'd like to talk to Captain Melbeck. Yes, I would very much.
Libby Collins
Please, this way.
Isabel
Mrs. Aysgarth to see you, sir.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, come in.
Narrator/Announcer
Mrs. Aysgarth, what a pleasure to see you.
Isabel
Good afternoon, Captain Melbeck.
Narrator/Announcer
Do sit down.
Isabel
Thank you. Captain Melbeck, I don't want to impose on you, but you're Johnny's cousin as well as his employer. I thought I'd come in and see you.
Narrator/Announcer
Of course, I've been feeling very badly about Johnny ever since I had to discharge him.
Isabel
Discharge?
Narrator/Announcer
Now, don't worry, Mrs. Aysgarth. I told him I wouldn't prosecute.
Isabel
I don't understand.
Narrator/Announcer
I told him I wouldn't prosecute.
Isabel
What on earth are you talking about? When did you discharge him?
Narrator/Announcer
Six weeks ago. We had an unexpected audit. The account showed a deficit of £2,000. When I looked into Johnny's record. I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Aysgoth.
Johnny Aysgarth
He should have told you.
Isabel
Johnny, I am leaving you. It is very important that we never see each other again.
Johnny Aysgarth
Lena. Yes, Ethel told me. She packed your grips?
Isabel
Yes.
Johnny Aysgarth
Then you heard.
Isabel
Yes, I've heard.
Johnny Aysgarth
I'm so sorry, darling. Terribly sorry. This telegram just came from the doctor. Tell us how it happened.
Isabel
Telegram?
Johnny Aysgarth
Deeply regret. Your father died early this morning from heart failure. Your mother wishes you'd come at once. Tired, darling?
Beaky
A little.
Johnny Aysgarth
It's been a nasty week for you. I'll be glad to get you home. Nina, you ever have any regrets you married me?
Isabel
Why do you ask that?
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, I was Thinking of the will seems pretty obvious that your father would have left you a lot more than his portrait if you'd been anybody else but Mrs. John Azgoth.
Isabel
Oh, is that what you meant?
Johnny Aysgarth
You haven't answered my question.
Isabel
What about you? Have you any regrets?
Johnny Aysgarth
Monkey Face, marrying you is the one thing I've never changed my mind about.
Isabel
Do you really mean that?
Johnny Aysgarth
Yes, I really mean that. I want nothing but to spend the rest of my life with you. And if you were to die first, I'd never.
Isabel
I were to die first.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, listen, what about you?
Isabel
I couldn't stop loving you if I tried.
Johnny Aysgarth
Have you tried?
Isabel
Yes, once.
Johnny Aysgarth
When?
Isabel
And I found out you lost your job with Captain Melbeck.
Johnny Aysgarth
How long have you known?
Isabel
Since last Friday.
Johnny Aysgarth
Who told you?
Isabel
Captain Melbourne. I met him.
Johnny Aysgarth
Did he tell you why?
Isabel
No. Suppose you tell me why.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, well, we just didn't get along.
Cecil B. DeMille
I see.
Johnny Aysgarth
It's quite nice here. Shall we stop and look at the sea? See? Quite a drop off this cliff, wouldn't it?
Isabel
Why didn't you get along with Captain Milbeck?
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, I don't know. He's a bit of an old phony. You know, Monkey Face, I've always had the notion that the secret of success is to start at the top. The way to make money is to think in a big way. Look at all this land, for instance. Look at the view from these cliffs. Now, why isn't something done about it? If I had £10,000, or still better, 20,000, I could start a development here.
Isabel
All you need is £20,000.
Johnny Aysgarth
No, but 30 next. 10,000 wouldn't hurt a bit. £30,000, that's all I need.
Beaky
£30,000. Think you could swing it for that, old bean?
Johnny Aysgarth
Of course. Now, you see, Beaky, this is the ground plan.
Beaky
Wonderful, old bean, ain't it? To put the large hotel up there on the cliff, eh?
Johnny Aysgarth
That's the.
Lena Aysgarth
Hello.
Isabel
What's going on in here, Monkey Face?
Johnny Aysgarth
We're organizing a real estate company. We're about to buy a very beautiful piece of land right by the sea.
Beaky
What a view. What sun, what air.
Johnny Aysgarth
Then we sell at a profit.
Lena Aysgarth
I see.
Isabel
But you. You need financing for all this?
Cecil B. DeMille
Of course.
Isabel
Well, have you found someone to put up the money?
Beaky
Of course.
Lena Aysgarth
Who? Me.
Isabel
Oh, I see.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, the idea is mine, but the money is Beaky and the corporation. Well, Beaky borrows against some securities has in Paris. Now, the company is going to be in my name.
Isabel
Yes.
Johnny Aysgarth
Look, darling, let me show you how simple it is.
Isabel
Does Beaky understand it?
Narrator/Announcer
Oh, perfectly.
Lena Aysgarth
I think I beg your pardon, Mr. Ayscar?
Johnny Aysgarth
Yes, Ethel?
Isabel
You're wanted on the phone, sir.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, thank you, Ethel. Excuse me, Beaky.
Beaky
All right, old man.
Isabel
Now, Beaky, please explain it to me, will you?
Beaky
Well, you see, my dear girl, will you see me? We buy up this land and then we sell part of it. That gives us 100% profit. Then on the other part, we build something or other.
Isabel
Oh, yes, but from whom do you buy the land? To whom do you sell it?
Beaky
Well, that shouldn't be difficult.
Isabel
Do you think, Beaky, isn't it about time you grew up?
Beaky
I say, old girl, you're scolding.
Isabel
Yes, you need a scolding.
Beaky
Do I?
Isabel
Yes, you do.
Beaky
Shall I go and stand in the corner?
Isabel
Vicki, you're not being fair to Johnny.
Inspector Hodgson
I say.
Beaky
Oh, that's a bit thick, you know.
Spinquest Announcer
Why?
Beaky
He's the president of the whole valley thing. Machine gets a salary, writes his own checks.
Isabel
Yes, that's what I mean.
Johnny Aysgarth
What's wrong about that? Yes, what is wrong about it? Well, Lena.
Beaky
I say, Old Bin Lena's telling me you're a bit soft in the head. Is that it?
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, it sounded like that to me. Beaky, hadn't you better be changing for dinner?
Beaky
Right, old bean. I won't be a gypsy.
Johnny Aysgarth
What right have you to interfere in my affair?
Isabel
But I wasn't really. I was only.
Johnny Aysgarth
You were only what?
Isabel
Well, I was only trying to tell Beaky that he shouldn't leave everything to you. It's not as if you were both experienced businessmen.
Johnny Aysgarth
What the devil do you know about business?
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, very little.
Johnny Aysgarth
I only suppose, Beaky, you're taking me seriously.
Narrator/Announcer
You'd have ruined the whole scheme.
Johnny Aysgarth
Do you realize that?
Lena Aysgarth
Yes, but if it weren't good.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, that's my business, not yours. If I say it's good, it's good. But I don't want any interference from
Narrator/Announcer
you or anyone else.
Isabel
Clear? Yes, that's clear. Yes.
Lena Aysgarth
Who is it?
Isabel
Yes, Johnny, I.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, I thought you might like to know I'm calling off the real estate plan.
Isabel
Why? What happened?
Narrator/Announcer
Oh, I don't know.
Johnny Aysgarth
Perhaps the land isn't any good. Or perhaps I don't like the idea of risking Beaky's money. Or perhaps it's a stiff job and I'm too lazy. I don't know what it is, but
Beaky
every time I play anagrams, I can only make three letter words. D, O, U, B. D, O, U, B. No such word.
Libby Collins
Try this.
Beaky
D, O, U, B, T. Doubt. Thank you, old girl. Your turn. Here, Johnny. I don't see why you want to call off this real estate scheme.
Johnny Aysgarth
It's no good.
Beaky
The corporation's formed already. The money's been put up in your name, old boy.
Johnny Aysgarth
The deal's off, Beaky.
Beaky
Why do we have to drive all
Johnny Aysgarth
the way up there to look at it? Well, I won't be responsible for calling
Narrator/Announcer
the scheme off without first proving to
Johnny Aysgarth
you it's no good.
Narrator/Announcer
We're going up there early tomorrow morning.
Johnny Aysgarth
Take a look.
Beaky
Why are you so insistent?
Johnny Aysgarth
Because, as I told you, I won't be responsible.
Beaky
All right, old boy. What's that word you got there, Lena? N, U, L, D, E, R. No such word, is there? Try the R instead of the L. Murder. That's better.
Isabel
Murder.
Beaky
Charlie, I don't like going up there in the morning.
Johnny Aysgarth
Why do we have to go so early now, Beaky?
Libby Collins
Murder.
Beaky
Oh, well, we have to. Let's get on with the game. Your turn, old girl.
Lena Aysgarth
The money in his name. Murder. The cliffs overlooking the sea.
Beaky
I say, Lena, the edge of the cliff.
Lena Aysgarth
Stay away, Beaky.
Beaky
Lena, I say.
Lena Aysgarth
He'll put you off. He'll kill you. Murder. Murder. Murder.
Johnny Aysgarth
Lena, what's the matter?
Beaky
Lena?
Johnny Aysgarth
Give me a hand here. Bicky. She's fainted.
Lena Aysgarth
What time did Mr. A Scott leave?
Isabel
Why, about seven, ma'.
Lena Aysgarth
Am. And Mr. Thwaite went with him?
Isabel
Yes, ma'.
Johnny Aysgarth
Am.
Lena Aysgarth
Why didn't you wake me?
Isabel
Well, Mr. A. Scarth said not to disturb you. What car did they use?
Lena Aysgarth
Well, ma', am, I don't. What car? Which one?
Isabel
Listen. Oh, that's Mr. Eastgarth now, ma'.
Beaky
Am.
Isabel
He's back. He's come back.
Johnny Aysgarth
Morning, Leah.
Isabel
Johnny feeling better?
Johnny Aysgarth
What's the matter? You're white as a sheet.
Lena Aysgarth
Where.
Isabel
Where's Beaky?
Johnny Aysgarth
What?
Beaky
Hello, girl. How you feeling? Any better?
Johnny Aysgarth
Nina, what is it?
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, Johnny. Oh, darling, I'm so glad.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, what's all this? I've only been away a few hours.
Lena Aysgarth
It seems like a thousand years.
Beaky
Yeah, seems like we had to meet two.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, shut up, Beaky. It was nothing.
Libby Collins
Nothing?
Beaky
I came vainer to lose my life. You call it nothing.
Isabel
You nearly lost your life.
Beaky
Came very close to it.
Johnny Aysgarth
Let's drop the subject.
Lena Aysgarth
No.
Isabel
Go on, Beaky. I want to hear about it.
Lena Aysgarth
Well?
Beaky
Very well. On top of a cliff. I was trying to turn my car near the A.
Isabel
Was Johnny in the car?
Beaky
No, he was a few feet away.
Isabel
Go on.
Beaky
Well, I didn't realize I was backing the car toward the edge, but I was. And if old Johnny hadn't taken a flying leap and grabbed the brake, I Should have been kingdom come by now.
Lena Aysgarth
Johnny saved your life. Oh, Johnny, I can never tell you what this means to me.
Johnny Aysgarth
To you, darling?
Beaky
Yes, it means a good bit to me, too. You know, I think the old fellow deserves a reward. How about a night out, Sports, celebrating on me all being.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, well, that's very kind of you, Vicky, but don't you have to go to Paris?
Isabel
Paris?
Beaky
Yes, yes, of course. I do my securities. I've got to go over there and cancel the arrangements for them. Why don't you come over with me?
Johnny Aysgarth
The cad seems to forget that I'm a married man, see? I tell you what I might do, Bicky. I might drive up as far as London with you. How about that monkey face?
Beaky
Yes, monkey face. I mean, Lena. You let him come?
Lena Aysgarth
Well, it seems to me that.
Johnny Aysgarth
Yes, I know a job. Well, it seems to me that I'll have much more chance of getting a job in London than I would around here.
Beaky
Yes, of course he would. Do let him, Lena.
Isabel
Well, I don't see very well how I can stop him.
Beaky
Good.
Lena Aysgarth
Misses Aar? Yes, Ethel?
Isabel
There's an Inspector Hodgson in the hall, ma'.
Lena Aysgarth
Am.
Isabel
He wants to see Mr. Aaron. Surely a nettle. Very good, ma'.
Johnny Aysgarth
Am.
Lena Aysgarth
Will you come this way, please, Sir?
Inspector Hodgson
Thank you. Mrs. Aysgoth?
Beaky
Yes?
Inspector Hodgson
My name's Hodgson. Inspector Hodgson from the county police.
Isabel
How do you do?
Inspector Hodgson
I understand your husband's not in, ma'.
Beaky
Am.
Isabel
No, he's been up in London for two days.
Inspector Hodgson
Perhaps you might be able to help us.
Isabel
Yes, of course.
Inspector Hodgson
I believe you know a Mr. Thwaite.
Isabel
Yes, he's a close friend of my husband.
Inspector Hodgson
Well, I don't know how to put it quite. Perhaps it would be easier if I showed you this in this afternoon's paper. Right here, ma'.
Johnny Aysgarth
Am.
Isabel
Englishman found Dead. An Englishman met with a mysterious death in a house in Paris. He is believed to be a Mr. Gordon Cochrane. Thwaite.
Inspector Hodgson
I'm sorry to have to do this, ma', am, but we're making inquiries for the Paris police. They found some papers on Mr. Thwaite's person which indicate he just formed a corporation with your husband.
Isabel
But what did the French police think caused the death?
Inspector Hodgson
Well, this is a copy of a telegram that we received from Paris. Thwaite visited the place in the company of another Englishman. On arrival, Thwaite ordered a bottle of brandy.
Isabel
Brandy?
Inspector Hodgson
According to one of the waiters, Thwaite's companion asked for the brandy to be served in large beakers. Apparently, as a result of a bet between the two men, Thwaite filled one of These beakers to the brim and drank it all. The other man was not present when the actual tragedy happened. I'm sorry, ma', am, but do you or your husband happen to know of any friend of Mr. Thwaite's who might have been there with him?
Isabel
No.
Inspector Hodgson
Then perhaps you could enlighten us about this corporation.
Isabel
Yes, I believe I can. My husband had planned a real estate development with him. Mr. Thwaite had gone to Paris to dissolve the corporation.
Inspector Hodgson
Thank you, ma'.
Johnny Aysgarth
Am.
Inspector Hodgson
That's all.
Johnny Aysgarth
Good day.
Isabel
Good day. He didn't go to Paris.
Libby Collins
He's in London.
Isabel
Johnny's in London. He's at the club.
Lena Aysgarth
He's got to be at the club.
Isabel
He didn't go to Paris.
Lena Aysgarth
He didn't. Hello, Hogarth Club.
Isabel
May I speak to Mr. Aysgarth, please? He left. Left? When? Yesterday morning. No, no, it doesn't matter. Thank you.
Narrator/Announcer
We pause now for station identification.
Isabel
Hey everybody.
Lady Luck
Lady luck here. And we're celebrating America's 250th birthday. Now, all summer long I'm going to be celebrating by playing on spinquest.com which is an American owned social casino. It obviously features over a thousand slot games and live blackjack, live craps, live bubble crafts. Head on over to spinquest.com get yourself a 30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.
Spinquest Announcer
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Narrator/Announcer
This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. In a few minutes, Mr. DeMille and our stars William Powell and Olivia de Havilland will return in Act 3 of suspicion. And now here's a very reasonable question from an American housewife.
Libby Collins
Now that it seems likely the war
Isabel
in Europe may soon come to an end, why should I keep on saving my used cooking fats?
Narrator/Announcer
Why, Mrs. America? Because the need is still critical. Perhaps more critical than ever.
Isabel
But will fats be needed as urgently to manufacture war materials and medicines to
Narrator/Announcer
send abroad after Germany's defeat? There's still Japan. Remember this too. The Japs still have the fat they hold the countries from which we used to import about 1 billion pounds of fats and oils each year.
Isabel
A billion pounds?
Libby Collins
That's a lot of fat.
Narrator/Announcer
It is indeed enough to help manufacture the supplies of ammunition, medicines, parachutes and other war materials that must keep on going to our fighting men abroad. Remember too, our domestic production of fats is short. It has had to fall off during the war.
Libby Collins
Well, I guess I better keep that
Isabel
salvage tin handy on the stove, just
Libby Collins
as I've been doing.
Narrator/Announcer
You're doing a Necessary patriotic service. When you continue to save every drop of used kitchen fats and turn them into your butcher, every bit you throw away may deprive one of our men of some vital thing he needs. The war isn't over till our boys come home. We need to keep on doing everything we can to get them home sooner. Fats are essential materials of war. Don't waste them. Save them every day. Turn them into your butcher. Remember, he still gives you four cents a pound and two red ration points for every pound you turn in. That's the message your government sends you. Here's what Mr. Lee Marshall, Director of Distribution, War Food Administration, tells you. Saving used fats is not a glamorous task.
Johnny Aysgarth
It takes effort. But it is one that only you,
Narrator/Announcer
the American housewife, can perform for the country. We ask you to continue the wonderful job you are doing to help speed final victory. And now Mr. DeMille returns to the microphone.
Cecil B. DeMille
When the play is over, we hope you'll join us behind the scenes for an informal chat with our stars. Now here's Act 3 of Suspicion, starring William Powell as Johnny and Olivia de Havilland as Lena. In Lena's mind, the sharp sting of suspicion has given way to the dull, sickening ache of certainty. Certainty that her husband is a murderer. Returning to the house, he stands framed in the doorway, looking at her. She turns toward him with fear in her eyes.
Johnny Aysgarth
You've read about Beaky, have you? I was terribly fond of Beaky.
Lena Aysgarth
Were you?
Johnny Aysgarth
Yes. I loved that silly, generous, good hearted fool.
Isabel
Did you?
Johnny Aysgarth
Of course I did. Next to you, I loved him more than anybody in the world.
Isabel
Next to me.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, poor monkey face. Here I am thinking only of myself, forgetting about you. You liked him too, didn't you?
Isabel
I liked him very much. The police were here.
Johnny Aysgarth
What do they want?
Isabel
They wanted you to help them. They had a telegram from Paris and it seems there was an Englishman who made it a bet.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, yes, I know. The whole story was in the late edition. What else?
Isabel
The inspector wants you to phone him. He thought perhaps you could help identify this Englishman.
Johnny Aysgarth
What did you tell them? Did you mention the corporation?
Isabel
Naturally, I told him Beaky was planning to dissolve it.
Johnny Aysgarth
I wish you'd left all that to me.
Narrator/Announcer
Hello.
Johnny Aysgarth
Wichita Police Station, please. What else did you tell them?
Isabel
That's about all.
Narrator/Announcer
Hello?
Johnny Aysgarth
Hello, Inspector. This is John Azgoth. Yes? Well, I drove up to London with him Tuesday evening. Yes, I saw him off at Croydon Airport. No, no, I stayed in London until this afternoon at my club.
Libby Collins
Lena, how nice to see you. Sit down, dear.
Isabel
Isabelle.
Lena Aysgarth
You know, I couldn't put my light
Isabel
out until 3 this morning. I was so interested in your last book, I had to come over and talk to you about it.
Libby Collins
That's the nicest compliment I ever got.
Isabel
I was completely fascinated by the way your villain enticed his victim across the footbridge knowing his bridge had been sawn through.
Libby Collins
And he also knew his victim couldn't swim. Don't forget that.
Isabel
Well, what I want to know is this. Would you call that an actual murder?
Libby Collins
Well, from a moral standpoint, there's no question at all. It is murder.
Isabel
I suppose it is.
Libby Collins
What does Johnny think?
Isabel
Johnny? Oh, I haven't discussed it with him.
Libby Collins
I think he'd be interested. The same situation with this friend of his in Paris.
Isabel
The same.
Libby Collins
Well, that brandy business is just like my footprint. By the way, this brandy thing isn't new at all, you know.
Lena Aysgarth
It's been done before.
Libby Collins
Oh, yes, and in real life too. I have it here.
Beaky
A book called the Trial of Richard Palmer.
Libby Collins
Where is that book?
Isabel
The Trial of.
Libby Collins
Oh, I remember where it is. It's in your house.
Isabel
My house?
Lena Aysgarth
Yes.
Libby Collins
Johnny borrowed it a week ago.
Isabel
Hello?
Johnny Aysgarth
Hello. May I speak to Mr. Aysgarth, please?
Isabel
He isn't in. This is Mrs. Asart speaking.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, well, this is the guarantor's life insurance company.
Isabel
Yes.
Johnny Aysgarth
Would you tell Mr. Aysgarth that there's been a slight delay in replying to his inquiry, but we've written him fully and he should get our letter in the morning.
Isabel
Dear sir, replying to your inquiry regarding a loan of fire policy. We regret that such a loan cannot be granted. According to the terms of the policy. Payment can only be made in the event of your wife's death. If you.
Johnny Aysgarth
Morning, dear. Any letters for me? What's the matter?
Isabel
Nothing, darling.
Johnny Aysgarth
You're not shivering, are you?
Isabel
Oh, I have a bit of a chill.
Johnny Aysgarth
Cold in all this sunshine? Oh, my poor little shivering baby. How do you feel now? Better?
Isabel
Much.
Johnny Aysgarth
Good. What are we doing tonight?
Isabel
We're going to Isabel's to dine.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, what a bore. Well, let's get back to that new book of yours. Isabel, you mean to tell me that a fellow sits down at a piano, starts to strum, and in two seconds later he shot? Is that the idea?
Lena Aysgarth
Yes.
Libby Collins
A certain note on the piano was wired to a revolver concealed in the wall.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, I don't care much for that, Isabel. You're slipping, old girl.
Libby Collins
What's wrong with it?
Johnny Aysgarth
Too complicated. You're going to kill somebody. Do it simply.
Isabel
How would you do it simply, Johnny.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, I don't know, dear. Just use the most obvious method.
Lena Aysgarth
For instance?
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, poison. Just use the first one that came to my mind. Say arsenic.
Libby Collins
Arsenic can be traced in the body,
Johnny Aysgarth
of course, but it isn't always.
Libby Collins
No, it's very minute. There are probably hundreds of murders walking about.
Isabel
Johnny, do you suppose those murderers are happy?
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, I don't know. Why shouldn't they be? Well, anyway, Isabella, it seems to me that by now somebody would have discovered a poison that can't be traced.
Lena Aysgarth
But there.
Johnny Aysgarth
What about it?
Libby Collins
Isn't that an untraceable poison?
Lena Aysgarth
Nonsense.
Libby Collins
There's no such thing.
Johnny Aysgarth
Isabelle, you're hiding something from me.
Isabel
Johnny, you're locking up. What about Ethel?
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, it's Ethel's night off. She won't be back till morning.
Isabel
What about Cook?
Johnny Aysgarth
Have you forgotten? Cook's away on a holiday. Oh, darling, you're shivering again. You suppose you're catching cold?
Isabel
Yes, I. I think that's what it must be.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, well, we'll have to tuck you into bed to get you nice and warm. Come on.
Lena Aysgarth
No, Johnny, please. Please don't.
Johnny Aysgarth
What's the trouble, Johnny?
Lena Aysgarth
I'm in a state tonight. I. I don't know why, but I'd like to be alone. Would you mind sleeping in your dressing room?
Johnny Aysgarth
Of course I'd mind.
Lena Aysgarth
Please, Johnny, I. I haven't been sleeping very well lately.
Johnny Aysgarth
Oh, I understand. You used to sleep badly when I wasn't here.
Beaky
Now you.
Johnny Aysgarth
All right. That's the way you feel about it. Good night.
Isabel
Poison.
Lena Aysgarth
Arsenic. Poison. Untraceable in the event of your wife's death. Poison. The event of your wife's death. Your wife's death.
Johnny Aysgarth
Your wife's death. Come on, Nina. Wake up, dear. Feeling better?
Beaky
Yes.
Isabel
Yes.
Libby Collins
Hello, darling.
Isabel
Ms. Belle.
Libby Collins
I came over this morning. We were quite worried about you.
Isabel
Lena, this morning I. I've been asleep all day.
Johnny Aysgarth
The doctor gave you, darling. That's all you needed. Rest. I'll run down and tell Ethel to fix supper right back.
Libby Collins
He's one in a million, that Johnny
Isabel
of yours, isn't he?
Libby Collins
I warn you, if you leave me
Isabel
alone much longer with him, my career
Lena Aysgarth
will soon be over.
Isabel
You flirted with you, I suppose.
Lena Aysgarth
Flirted?
Libby Collins
Worse than that. He's worming all my secrets out of me.
Isabel
Did you tell him anything today?
Libby Collins
Did I? Oh, now, honestly, have you ever been able to deny Johnny anything?
Isabel
It was about that poison, wasn't it?
Libby Collins
Yes, it was. And if he writes a story on that one before I do. Lena, imagine a substance in daily use Anyone?
Isabel
Hey everybody.
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Libby Collins
Get it. And within a minute after taking. The victim's beautifully out of the way. And mind you, it's undetectable after death.
Lena Aysgarth
His whatever it is.
Isabel
Painful?
Lena Aysgarth
Not in the least.
Libby Collins
In fact, I should think it would
Isabel
be a most pleasant death.
Johnny Aysgarth
Lena, are you awake?
Isabel
Yes.
Johnny Aysgarth
I brought you a sandwich and a glass of milk. You might drink the milk before you go to sleep. I'll just leave it here. Good night, darling. Why don't you let me help you pack?
Isabel
Well, there's no need to.
Johnny Aysgarth
I. What's the matter with you this morning? You're still annoyed with me, aren't you?
Isabel
No, Johnny, really. I still don't feel well, that's all.
Johnny Aysgarth
And a few days at your mother's will do more good than staying at home.
Lena Aysgarth
Well, it's.
Isabel
It's not exactly that. Don't you understand? Mother telephoned me.
Johnny Aysgarth
She got on that phone awfully early, it seems to me.
Isabel
Well, Mother gets up early. I happened to mention that I was a bit nervy and before I knew it I'd agreed to spend a few days with her.
Inspector Hodgson
All right.
Johnny Aysgarth
I'll run down and get the car ready.
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, no, don't.
Isabel
I'll drive it myself.
Johnny Aysgarth
I prefer to drive you.
Isabel
You're going too fast, Johnny.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, you want to get there, don't you?
Lena Aysgarth
Did you. Did you have to go by this road?
Johnny Aysgarth
Why not?
Narrator/Announcer
It's a short way, isn't it?
Johnny Aysgarth
There's the hotel site. Another thing I failed at.
Lena Aysgarth
He's going to kill me. That door is open. He's going to kill me. The curve on the. The door will swing. He's going to push me out. Down and down. Over and over. Murder. Down and down. Over and over.
Johnny Aysgarth
Get your hand off the door. Lena. Let me go.
Lena Aysgarth
Let me go.
Beaky
Lena.
Libby Collins
I'm back.
Lena Aysgarth
No.
Johnny Aysgarth
No. Lena.
Narrator/Announcer
Let me go.
Johnny Aysgarth
Lena, what's got into you?
Lena Aysgarth
Leave me alone. Leave me.
Johnny Aysgarth
Stop it. Stop it.
Cecil B. DeMille
You're in a pool.
Johnny Aysgarth
Stop it. I've had enough. How much do you think a man can bear? Listen to Me? You turned me out of your room.
Narrator/Announcer
You go running away to your mother's.
Johnny Aysgarth
Now you shrink away from me. So you hated me so. My wife, Leah.
Narrator/Announcer
You almost killed us both back there
Johnny Aysgarth
because you had to pull away from me. Even when I was reaching over to save you from falling out of the car. Well, you don't have to put up with me anymore.
Lena Aysgarth
Johnny, wait. Where are you going?
Johnny Aysgarth
First I'm taking on your mother's.
Lena Aysgarth
And then what?
Cecil B. DeMille
Don't worry.
Johnny Aysgarth
I won't bother you again.
Lena Aysgarth
Johnny? You mean you're going to. Johnny, why were you asking Isabel about that poison? What were you planning to do with Johnny? You were going to kill yourself. Oh, my darling.
Johnny Aysgarth
Yes, but I changed my mind. I'm going back to see it through prison time and.
Lena Aysgarth
You mean Malbec.
Johnny Aysgarth
That money you took, I can't pay it back. I made the last attempt to raise the money when I went away with Beaky.
Isabel
Paris.
Johnny Aysgarth
I went to Liverpool. I tried to borrow on your insurance, but it didn't work.
Lena Aysgarth
You mean you were in Liverpool when Beaky. Then you didn't go to Paris?
Johnny Aysgarth
Of course not. Do you think I'd have let some idiot give poor old Beaky that brandy if I had?
Isabel
Oh, Johnny, if only I'd known.
Lena Aysgarth
This is as much my fault as yours. I was only thinking of myself, not
Isabel
what you were going through.
Lena Aysgarth
If I'd really been close to you, you could have confided in me.
Isabel
But you were ashamed.
Lena Aysgarth
Oh, if I'd only understood. Oh, Johnny. It'll be different now. We'll make a difference.
Johnny Aysgarth
People don't change overnight. Lena. I'm no good.
Lena Aysgarth
Let's turn back, Johnny. Let's go home and see it all through together.
Johnny Aysgarth
No, that won't work.
Lena Aysgarth
It will work. I know it will. Johnny, please. You can't shut me out. Turn the car around and let's go home. Please, Johnny,
Johnny Aysgarth
get in the car.
Lena Aysgarth
Johnny, where are we going?
Johnny Aysgarth
We're turning back. We're going home.
Cecil B. DeMille
It's more than a matter of suspicion that tonight's performance will be long remembered by millions of listeners to the Lux Radio Theater. And for that we can thank our stars, William Powell and Olivia de Havilland.
Johnny Aysgarth
Thank you, Cecil. You gave us a great play when you picked Suspicion.
Cecil B. DeMille
You ought to be an authority on mysteries. But, Bill, one of the best bits of news I've heard is that you're going to do another picture in the Thin man series.
Isabel
But, Bill, for the Thin Man. Haven't you been putting on a little weight?
Johnny Aysgarth
Livy, how can you say that? I'm scared of my own shadow.
Cecil B. DeMille
You mean it looks as if a crowd were following you.
Johnny Aysgarth
What weight I have comes from my iron constitution. Every morning when I get up, I turn on those exercises over the radio and do them. No, my wife does. I watch her.
Cecil B. DeMille
Bill, I don't understand you. When I was your age, I used to think nothing of a 10 mile walk.
Johnny Aysgarth
I don't think much of it myself. But look, if you want to know, I'm on an A D diet.
Libby Collins
An A diet?
Beaky
What's that?
Johnny Aysgarth
A steak, a baked potato, a piece of pie.
Libby Collins
Sounds like army rations.
Cecil B. DeMille
Well, it goes to the front.
Johnny Aysgarth
Well, in spite of all you say about me, I'll confess you're looking as lovely as ever. Livy.
Cecil B. DeMille
Yes, isn't she?
Johnny Aysgarth
And now that I planted it for you. Cecil, you wouldn't like to tell us one of the reasons, would you?
Cecil B. DeMille
Me?
Johnny Aysgarth
No, no. Oh, come on. Plenty of fresh air, sunshine and luxe toilet soap. I'll say it for you, but there's
Isabel
no need to be modest about it, Phoebe. I use Lux toilet soap faithfully and it does wonders.
Cecil B. DeMille
Well, thank you, Olivia and I. I think we'd better take back all we said about Bill's figure. Or he'll dial us off his radio next Monday night.
Isabel
Not when he hears what's coming up, Phoebe.
Johnny Aysgarth
What do you have for next Monday, Cecil?
Cecil B. DeMille
A play I think you'll like. Will the RKO romantic comedy Lucky Partners. And our stars will be Donna Michi and Lucille Ball with Jack Carson. It's a story of two young people falling in love who stake their future on a horse race. When you gamble both love and horses, you're riding for plenty of excitement.
Isabel
But it sounds like Another entertaining evening, C.B. we'll be listening. Good night.
Johnny Aysgarth
Good night.
Libby Collins
Good night.
Beaky
Good night.
Cecil B. DeMille
I have a suspicion we'll be back soon. Our sponsor, the makers of Luxe Toilet Soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio Theater presents Lucille Ball and Donna Meeche in Lucky Partners with Jack Carson. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood.
Narrator/Announcer
Next month, October 16th, the Lux Radio Theater celebrates its 10th anniversary on the air. We'd like you to share in this celebration by helping us select the play and stars you'd like most to hear. Send your suggestions on a postcard to CB DeMille, Post Office, Fox 9, Hollywood 28, California. Or use the ballot which your luxe toilet soap dealer will be glad to give you. Suspicion was presented through the courtesy of rko. Producers of Bride by mistake. Olivia de Havilland will soon be seen in her latest Warner Brothers picture, Devotion. William Powell appeared through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Producers of the technicolor picture Kismet. Heard in tonight's play were Charles Irwin as Beaky, Lois Corbett, Vernon Steele, Gloria Gordon, Charles Seal, Dwayne Thompson, Eric Snowden and Claire Verdera. Our music was directed by Lewis Silvers. This program is broadcast to our fighting forces overseas seas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. And now an announcement aimed straight at the fun loving hearts of America's people. Your beloved old friends Amos and Andy are returning to the air on Friday night. Yes, the boys are back again with their big cast in their grand half hour show. Their guest for Friday evening, John Charles Thomas, famous Metropolitan Opera star, will be a riot in his Amos and Andy roll. There will be super music and as you know, each broadcast is a complete episode. So see your paper for time and station and don't miss Amos and Andy on this Friday. This is your announcer John N. Kennedy reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear Lucky Partners with Don Ani, Lucille Ball and Jack Carson.
Johnny Aysgarth
Bry Spry Better, better cook with fry.
Lena Aysgarth
Cause you'll be a better, better cook
Johnny Aysgarth
with fry cakes, pies, fried foods Everything tastes better made with new easy mix fry shortening. So for light fluffy cakes, tender, flaky
Narrator/Announcer
pastry, crisp digestible fried foods.
Lena Aysgarth
Better, better, better, better Christmas fry.
Narrator/Announcer
This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.
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Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Lux Radio Theatre - Suspicion
Date: July 4, 2026
This episode revives the classic 1940s Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of the suspense film Suspicion, featuring William Powell as Johnny and Olivia de Havilland as Lena. Skillfully dramatized, the episode delves into the emotional complexities of love, fear, and curiosity surrounding a young woman’s growing suspicion that her charming husband may be a murderer. The show blends romance and mystery, bringing Golden Age radio storytelling to modern audiences.
Early Tension and Deflection:
“What did you think I was trying to do, kill you?” — Johnny (03:41)
Naive Romance:
“Johnny, I hope I'm not saying the wrong thing, but I love you.” — Lena (08:45)
Bleak Humor:
“You mustn't joke with me. I'm no good at joking. I don't know how to flirt.”
— Lena (07:54)
Rising Doubt:
“Why did he lie to me?” — Lena (24:32)
Cliffside Anagrams:
“D-O-U-B-T. Doubt. Thank you, old girl... Murder. That’s better.”
— Beaky/Lena (35:16, 35:42)
Ultimate Fear:
“He’s going to kill me. The door is open... Down and down. Over and over.”
— Lena (54:26)
Resolution and Honesty:
“I went to Liverpool. I tried to borrow on your insurance, but it didn’t work... Do you think I’d have let some idiot give poor old Beaky that brandy if I had?”
— Johnny (55:56, 56:07)
| Timestamp | Segment | Summary | |-----------|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | 01:04 | Introduction by Cecil B. DeMille | Introduction of themes and the play | | 02:59 | Start of "Suspicion" | Opening scene, Lena and Johnny meet | | 09:16 | Marriage and Honeymoon | Early marital struggles and Lena’s concern | | 17:26 | Beaky’s Arrival; Missing Chairs | Beaky exposes Johnny’s gambling/lies | | 23:31 | Lena's Suspicion Grows | Learning of Johnny’s lost job | | 35:08 | Anagrams Scene: "Murder" | Climax of mounting suspicion | | 39:01 | Police Information about Beaky’s Death | Official involvement heightens tension | | 46:29 | Isabel & Lena Discuss Murder in Fiction | Parallels between fiction and Lena’s reality | | 48:04 | Life Insurance Letter | Concrete evidence of Johnny’s intentions? | | 54:10 | Suspenseful Car Ride on the Cliff | Climactic confrontation; Lena’s ultimate fear | | 56:16 | Johnny’s Confession & Reconciliation | Resolution; misunderstanding revealed | | 57:20 | Curtain Call and Closing Comments | Cast reflections and next week’s preview |
The dialogue oscillates between playful romantic banter and chilling uncertainty, mirroring the shifting emotional ground of the story. Powell’s Johnny moves seamlessly from charm to defensiveness, while de Havilland’s Lena embodies innocence, doubt, and finally resolve. The period-correct formal speech, laced with biting wit and mounting anxiety, evokes classic 1940s suspense.
This radio adaptation delivers psychological tension, ambiguity, and a gripping character study. The cast’s chemistry sets a dramatically suspenseful yet emotionally vulnerable stage, culminating in a satisfying (if morally ambiguous) resolution. The show’s legacy endures, providing a window into classic radio artistry.
For listeners new and old, this dramatization of Suspicion captures the Golden Age of radio’s talent for suspense and nuanced emotion, reminding us why families once gathered weekly around the wireless.