(87) Escape - Letter from Jason

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 87 – Escape: "Letter from Jason"

Date: August 11, 2026
Show Focus: Golden Age of Radio – Drama/Thriller Adaptation

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic production from the famed radio series Escape, presenting the story "Letter from Jason" (adapted from George F. Worts’ story, “Sunk”). The narrative follows Jason Torrance, a man at the end of his rope, who is manipulated by his uncle into accepting a dark mission in the South Seas. Through the form of a letter to his estranged wife, Ellen, Jason recounts his descent into despair, his struggle with alcoholism, and an unexpected journey of self-discovery.

Thematically, the episode explores redemption, personal responsibility, addiction, and the moral complexity of revenge. The “high adventure” style captures the listeners with suspense, rugged characters, and emotional depth characteristic of Golden Age radio drama.

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Key Discussion & Story Points

Introduction and Main Conflict [01:00–07:25]

• Escape Show Host’s Invitation: Sets up the theme of escapism, promising an exotic adventure in the South Seas.
• The Letter from Jason:
  • Jason reveals to his friend John, and to Ellen through his letter, his spiraling failures as a husband and father due to alcoholism and debt.
  • Failed suicide attempt leads to confrontation with his Uncle Jeffrey.
• "A Job Offer Like No Other":
  • Uncle Jeffrey, unsympathetic yet shrewd, proposes Jason murder his old rival, Jake Finch, in exchange for paying Jason’s debts and securing Ellen’s future.
  • Jason, broken and at rock bottom, accepts:

    "No, but I'll take it for Ellen's sake." (Jason, 06:13)

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Aboard the Ship & The Struggle with Addiction [07:25–16:00]

• Preparation for Crime: Uncle Jeffrey gives Jason a loaded .45 and pressures him to "get used to the feel" of killing.
  • Jason is immediately repulsed and unsteady:

    "It's heavy... Never held a gun in my hand before." (Jason, 07:50)

• Scenes in Tahiti: Jason vows to remain sober, but quickly relapses after social pressure and personal weakness, depicted in a dinner scene:
  • Waiter: "A meal without wine is like a day without sun..." (French Waiter, 11:47)
• Bar altercation: After an alcohol-fueled night, Jason gets into a brawl and is forcibly brought back to the ship by Captain Steve, at Uncle Jeffrey’s orders.

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The Voyage – Trials and Turning Point [16:00–22:08]

• Harsh Realities at Sea: Uncle Jeffrey makes it clear this is a one-way deal.

  "You're no good to me drunk. Or to yourself. Or to your wife and child." (Uncle Jeffrey, 16:48)

• Jason’s Physical and Emotional Struggles:
  • Forced into hard labor, Jason suffers physically and battles his cravings for alcohol.
  • Pivotal moment as Jason nearly relapses after a dangerous fall, but at the last moment resists the drink:

    "Not taking that drink was the turning point... My muscles began to toughen. My whole body began to feel better, more alive." (Jason, 22:08)

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The Moral Confrontation [22:08–24:03]

• Jason vs. Uncle Jeffrey:
  • Jason, now healthier and with recovered self-respect, refuses to go through with the murder. Jeffrey applies psychological pressure, revealing (truthfully or not) that Jake Finch killed Jason's father:

    "Jake Finch killed your father, Jason." (Uncle Jeffrey, 23:51)

• Final Manipulation: This "final motive"—vengeance—is meant to push Jason over the edge:

  "So you see, Ellen, what a diabolically clever scoundrel Uncle Jeffrey is." (Jason, 24:03)

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The Climax on Pelota [24:59–28:44]

• Arrival at the Island: Uncle Jeffrey remains manipulative and cold, instructing Jason to do the deed while he stays clear of any implication.
  • Jason: "Yellow all the way through, aren’t you, Uncle? Yellow. And rich enough to hire thugs and murderers to do your dirty work." (25:30)
• Twist in the Tale: Jason searches for Jake Finch but learns a life-altering truth at the local bar:
  • Bartender: "Jake Finch is the name we give any rum bum here on Pelota. They spend their last penny here in the bar and sleep it off on the beach... All the Jake Finches drink themselves to death." (27:58)
  • Jason realizes: He is the Jake Finch his uncle wanted dead—the washed-up drunk, not a specific man.
  • In an act of self-redemption, Jason refuses a drink:

    "No, thanks. I... I don’t drink." (Jason, 28:44)

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Resolution and Redemption [28:55–29:28]

• Letter’s Conclusion:
  • Jason asks John, his lawyer, to halt Ellen’s divorce action; Jason is coming home changed.
  • Ellen is waiting for Jason, symbolizing hope and reconciliation.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On self-worth and despair:

  "There wasn’t anything I hadn’t failed at excepting booze. I was a great success in a saloon..." (Jason, 02:00)

• Uncle Jeffrey’s chilling bargain:

  "Since you are ready to die anyway, perhaps I can arrange it in a way to provide for your wife and child. Yes, and pay your debts." (Uncle Jeffrey, 04:22)

• On hitting bottom and recovery:

  "My muscles began to toughen. My whole body began to feel better, more alive... I was learning to be a pretty good sailor." (Jason, 22:08)

• Climactic revelation:

  "Jake Finch is the name we give any rum bum here on Palota... All the Jake Finches drink themselves to death." (Bartender, 27:58)

• Final transformation:

  "No, thanks. I... I don’t drink." (Jason, 28:44)

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Key Timestamps

• 01:00 – Escape’s signature opening; set-up for high adventure.
• 02:00 – First reading of Jason’s letter; sets up the emotional and moral crisis.
• 04:22 – Uncle Jeffrey’s bargain with Jason.
• 07:50 – Jason's first encounter with the gun.
• 09:02-14:50 – Jason’s night of relapse, fight, and humiliation in Tahiti.
• 16:48 – Uncle Jeffrey lectures Jason about his worth.
• 22:08 – Jason resists drinking, marking his personal turning point.
• 23:51 – Uncle Jeffrey reveals (possibly manipulates) the death of Jason’s father.
• 25:30–28:00 – Jason’s confrontation on the island and discovery of the true meaning of “Jake Finch.”
• 28:44 – Jason’s meaningful refusal of a drink.
• 28:55–29:28 – Letter concludes; Ellen’s forgiveness and hope for Jason’s return.

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains the gripping, fast-paced narrative style of classic radio drama—gritty, emotionally charged, and suspenseful. There’s a persistent undertone of fatalism, with frequent sharp, terse exchanges especially between Jason and Uncle Jeffrey. The resolution is ultimately redemptive but understated, fitting the era's dramatic sensibilities.

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For New Listeners

This episode’s classic drama format, emotional punch, and clever plot twist make it a prime example of Golden Age radio at its best. Even without background on the series, listeners are swept into Jason's moral struggle, the vivid exotic settings, and a powerful, redemptive character arc.

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Note: Advertisements and after-show banter, as well as musical contest promotions and unrelated segments, have been omitted from this summary to focus on the story content.

Transcript

[Sponsor Announcer]

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[Narrator]

Tired of the everyday routine? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all?

[Escape Show Host]

We offer you escape. Escape designed to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure.

[Narrator]

Tonight we escape to the island of Pelota in the South Seas and an exciting tale of the strangest bargain ever made as we bring you Letter from Jason, adapted from George F. Wort's famous story, Sunk.

[Jason (Main Character)]

No, John, my mind's made up and all your eloquence won't change it. You'll understand why when you hear this letter I got today. A letter from Jason. Yes, at last. Listen to this, John. Dearest Ellen, he writes, after the terrible things I did and said to you that last night, there seemed to me to be only one way out. I had failed you as a husband. I had failed the baby as a father. There wasn't anything I hadn't failed at excepting booze. I was a great success in a saloon, but this is no news to you. You might, however, be interested in what happened after I walked out on you that night. Well, actually, I don't remember much of the night. But the next morning when I woke up in a rooming house south of the slot, I remembered enough. I knew I couldn't go back and I didn't see any point of going on. But I even failed as a suicide. Somebody smelled gas and called the police. When I came to in the receiving hospital, Uncle Jeffrey was there.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Where, Jason? You, sir.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, go away and leave me alone.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You must have been drunk to find the courage to try suicide.

[Jason Torrance]

I don't ever really get drunk anymore. I just drink.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

That's scarcely news. What about your wife and child?

[Jason Torrance]

You're suddenly very solicitous.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

No, I never approved of your marriage. But you're still my brother's son. Why did you try to do this?

[Jason Torrance]

Money. A couple of other things, but money principally.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Your father left you plenty of money. Too much for your own good.

[Jason Torrance]

Now it's gone.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Of course it's gone.

[Jason Torrance]

I'm over my years in debt.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

How much do you owe?

[Jason Torrance]

More than I could pay back in a year. And some of them won't wait. There's a bookie in Sacramento Street.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

How much?

[Jason Torrance]

More than $3,000.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Why didn't you come to me for it?

[Jason Torrance]

Would you have given it to me?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You know I wouldn't.

[Jason Torrance]

Why, you. You're getting a big kick out of this, aren't you, Uncle? Get out. Get out.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Jason, you misunderstand me. I didn't come here for fun. I came on business. Fun? Yes, I came to offer you a job.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, that's funny. That's a great big laugh.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

No, no, I'm serious. On the way over here, I did a lot of thinking. Since you are ready to die anyway, perhaps I can arrange it in a way to provide for your wife and child. Yes, and pay your debts.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You know where I spent my youth?

[Jason Torrance]

Yes, Poaching pearls in the South Seas with my father.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Really, Jason, that's an ungrateful conclusion and unkind to the memory of your father. We were traders, honest traders. But there were others not so honest. There were killers down there in those days. There's one in particular who crossed me several times and is still alive. His name is Jake Finch.

[Jason Torrance]

What the devil are you talking about?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

A business deal, Jason. I want Jake Finch killed. Since your life doesn't mean anything to you, you might as well take the job. Me?

[Jason Torrance]

Kill a man?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

That's right. This morning you tried to kill yourself for nothing. I'm offering you a chance to kill and be paid for it.

[Jason Torrance]

How much?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Your debts. And $25,000 to your wife after Finch is dead.

[Jason Torrance]

That's a lot of money.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

It's worth it to me to see Finch dead.

[Jason Torrance]

Well, and after I've killed him, what then?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Ellen is provided for.

[Jason Torrance]

And me?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

[Jason Torrance]

Where is this man?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

He lives on the island of Pelota, three weeks sail from Tahiti.

[Jason Torrance]

How romantic.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Not at all. He's a dangerous, treacherous killer. You're Going to have to meet him face to face. He's lived too long to be caught off guard.

[Jason Torrance]

What makes you think I'll have the guts to kill him?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

I'll be long to see that you do.

[Jason Torrance]

What?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Yes, and to see that my name is not connected with the matter. If you kill him, it will be in self defense.

[Jason Torrance]

So I've sunk pretty low, have I, Uncle?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

What about you? That's neither here nor there. Do you want the job?

[Jason Torrance]

No, but I'll take it for Ellen's sake.

[Jason (Main Character)]

Yes, John, I know it sounds incredible, but don't be so hasty in your judgment. The letter from Jason goes on. I suppose if I hadn't been foggy with booze and gas fumes, I would never have accepted such a dreadful proposition. Even though it meant security for you. But once I agreed, Uncle Jeffrey wasted no time. He paid my debt and sent you that thousand dollar check as an advance on my murder fee. And in less than 24 hours, we were slipping through the Golden Gate, bound for Tahiti. It wasn't any different aboard ship. They have bars, too. And wonderful brandy. French cognac. I was really enjoying life. A cruise to the South Sea, these all expenses paid. And then the fourth day out, Uncle Jeffrey came into my cabin as I was breakfasting on a brandy milk pipe.

[Jason Torrance]

Good morning, Uncle. Everything ship shape topside?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Jason, it's time we got down to business.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, sure, sure. Anything you say.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Do you understand what I'm saying?

[Jason Torrance]

Sure, sure. Go ahead, Uncle.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Here. You better get used to the feel.

[Jason Torrance]

A gun, is it? Is it loaded?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Naturally. Pick it up.

[Jason Torrance]

It's heavy.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Yes, it's a.45. Tear a hole in a man the size of a silver dollar.

[Jason Torrance]

Never held a gun in my hand before.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Aim it there at your reflection in the mirror. What's the matter, Jason? Your hands shaking? You're perspiring.

[Jason Torrance]

I can't. I can't.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You must remember, if you want your wife to get that money, you'll have to kill Jake Finch. Not just try to kill him.

[Jason Torrance]

I. I need a drink. I need a drink bad.

[Jason (Main Character)]

Poor, mixed up Jason. That was his solution for every problem. His answer to every challenge. I need a drink, he goes on to say. We arrived in Papeete in Tahiti on a Wednesday afternoon. But Uncle Jeffrey was in a hurry. He had chartered an island schooner, the Lorelei, and she was to sail at dawn the next morning for Pelota and Jake Finch. But at least I would have one evening ashore. And I intended to have it alone.

[Jason Torrance]

Well, see you later, Uncle Jeffrey. Where Are you going sightseeing? One enchanted evening, that sort of thing.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Now, you wait till I get this luggage transferred to the schooner and I'll go with you.

[Jason Torrance]

What's the matter? Afraid I'm gonna get drunk?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

I know you are.

[Jason Torrance]

That's why you're wrong. Gotta stop sometime. I made up my mind. I quit. And we got to Tahiti. So I've quit.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

I don't believe you. You're drunk right now.

[Jason Torrance]

That's what you think. I'm not drunk, Uncle Jeffrey. I'm sick. I'm sick of the sight of you.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

We still have a long way to go together.

[Jason Torrance]

I know. Let's understand each other right now. I hate your guts. It's perfectly clear that you hate mine. I made a bargain with you. I'll go through with it for Ellen's sake. Weren't for her, I'd use that gun on you instead of Jake Finch.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Good. I'm glad that we understand each other so clearly.

[Jason Torrance]

I'll see you later.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Be aboard the Lorelei at midnight.

[Jason Torrance]

Don't worry. I'll be there.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

I'm sure you will. Jason.

[Jason (Main Character)]

Poppy, 80, the letter goes on. Is not the south side paradise we dream of back home? Unpaved streets, miserable natives, provincial French colonists, but plenty of bars. I avoided them. I headed for the big hotel and a table on the terrace. Take away the palm trees and the French accent and it was about as exotic as the commercial house in Sioux City. What did you say?

[Bartender]

Oh, je me excuse. Would monsieur like something to drink? An aperit, perhaps? Cesano du Bonnet?

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, no, no, no, thank you. Just. Just tea. Garcon.

[Bartender]

Oui, monsieur?

[Jason Torrance]

My check, please.

[Bartender]

Flute. Sweet, Monsieur?

[Jason Torrance]

You know, that tea, that's pretty vile stuff.

[Bartender]

Was there something wrong, monsieur? It is the very best oolong.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, no. I guess it was all right for tea.

[Bartender]

Oui, monsieur. Voila, monsieur.

[Jason Torrance]

Here you are. I keep the change.

[Bartender]

Oh, merci beaucoup.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, say, tell me, what's a good place for dinner?

[Bartender]

Oh, you see, monsieur, the hotel has the best cuisine in papier.

[Jason Torrance]

But it's a little quiet, don't you think?

[Bartender]

Potato. Then I should commend monsieur to chant Marguerite or the Southern Cross. At the Southern Cross there are the girls.

[Jason Torrance]

Ah, then I'll go to Marguerite's.

[French Waiter]

And with the dinner, Monsieur desires to drink water. Water?

[Jason Torrance]

Yeah, just water.

[French Waiter]

But if monsieur will permit, we have a proverb in my native Normandie. Comme a jour sans soleil.

[Jason Torrance]

I'm sorry. I don't understand French that well.

[French Waiter]

A meal without wine is Like a day without sun. And surely with the cuisine of Tante Marguerite. One must not drink just water. Besides, the water in Papillette is not safe. I myself have lived here more than 20 years and never have I tasted the papill water.

[Jason (Main Character)]

Oh, no, no, no.

[French Waiter]

I would recommend wine, monsieur. I urge it with a long goost. A dry sauter, monsieur.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, well, very well. A small bottle then.

[French Waiter]

Monsieur has eaten well?

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, yes, thank you.

[French Waiter]

And now perhaps liquor.

[Jason Torrance]

No, no, I. I really don't.

[French Waiter]

Permit me to offer it, monsieur. As you say, on the house.

[Jason Torrance]

Well, no, that isn't me. Cognac. Oh, it's an excellent dinner, madame. An excellent liqueur. And the world begins to look all right again.

[French Waiter]

Of course it does, monsieur. Of course it does.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, now, madame, tell me. You know of a place here in Papeete called the Southern Cross?

[French Waiter]

And who does not, monsieur?

[Jason Torrance]

Tell me how to get there, will you?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Charlie, you deaf?

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, oh, yes. Mister, you like maybe something, huh?

[Bartender]

Oh, yeah.

[Jason Torrance]

Another cognac? Oh, yes, sir. You like cognac? Maybe so.

[Jason (Main Character)]

Help yourself.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, sure, I like it. That's the best thing the French do is make cognac. Oh, look out. You're spilling it. I'm trying not to. Can't you see I'm trying to hold it steady?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Oh, you not so steady yourself.

[Jason Torrance]

Why can't I hold it steady? You know, it's like the gun. I can't hold a gun steady either. How can I shoot straight if I don't hold it all the same whiskey gun. You can't go steady with both.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You go study with me.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, well, hello, baby.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You are alone?

[Jason Torrance]

Yeah, I'm alone.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

It is not good to be alone too much?

[Jason Torrance]

No, I don't mind.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You like me to keep you company?

[Jason Torrance]

I don't mind.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You have cigarette for me?

[Captain Steve]

Yeah, sure, mate. What's the big idea, annoying this lady?

[Jason Torrance]

Annoying? What do you mean? This little.

[Captain Steve]

Watch your language.

[Jason Torrance]

Now, look here. I'm sitting here minding my own business.

[Captain Steve]

Now you're minding mine. Are Scram.

[Jason Torrance]

Well, I got as much rice.

[Captain Steve]

Are you looking for trouble?

[Jason Torrance]

Well, no, but it seems to me

[Captain Steve]

you are, you little jerk. Okay, boys, carry him out. Nice work, sister. Here's your hundred francs.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Thank you, Captain. Steve, you want me to make change?

[Narrator]

Not now.

[Captain Steve]

Some other time. I got work to do.

[Jason Torrance]

Now.

[Jason (Main Character)]

I know, John. It's the same old pattern. How well I know it. The promises and the failures. Anything could start him slipping a glass of wine. The brandy sauce on the mince pie. Yes. Or the sniff of the cork, if you like. But listen to Jason's letter. He goes on. The next thing I knew, I was in a narrow bed in a creaking rocking room. And I didn't feel well, darling, not well at all. I had the world's worst hangover.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Good morning, Jason.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh, Uncle Jeffrey. Where am I?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Aboard the Lorelei. Five hours out of pepe.

[Jason Torrance]

Oh.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Bad night?

[Jason Torrance]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Looks like you were in a fight.

[Jason Torrance]

I was. I don't remember anything afterward. How'd I get on board?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You were delivered at my instruction.

[Jason Torrance]

What do you mean?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

My captain brought you aboard. I want you to meet him. Captain?

[Captain Steve]

Yes, Mr. Sheldon.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Come in. I want you to meet my nephew, Jason Torrance.

[Captain Steve]

How do you do, sir?

[Jason Torrance]

Why, you. We've already met, Uncle. This the man who knocked me out?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

I know. According to my instructions. That'll be all, Captain.

[Captain Steve]

Yes, sir.

[Jason Torrance]

Well, you're a.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Save your breath. Your head will only ache more if you get excited. Not trying to hide anything from you, Captain. Steve is a tough guy, but not nearly as tough. Not half as quick or strong or hard to kill as Jake Finch. And he tells me you never even hit back.

[Jason Torrance]

Object lesson, huh?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

That's right. You've already cost me a lot of money and I want my money's worth. You're no good to me drunk. Or to yourself. Or to your wife and child. Suppose you'd have gotten in a real brawl in that saloon last night. Well, you could have been killed. Where would your wife and kid be? Believe me, I won't pay off until you kill Jake Finch.

[Jason Torrance]

I do believe you. I believe he let Ellen and the kid starve before you'd help him.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

I would, Jason. You can be sure of that. Unless you kill Jake Finch.

[Jason Torrance]

All right, Uncle. I'm on the wagon from now on.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Oh, it's easy to say when you're still going on last night's booze.

[Jason Torrance]

I may not have taken my last drink.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

I wonder. Jason.

[Sponsor Announcer]

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[Captain Steve]

Spreading love everywhere we go.

[Sponsor Announcer]

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[Uncle Jeffrey]

We're the proof.

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[Jason (Main Character)]

After he had left the cabin with that sneer on his face, Jason writes, I lay there, hopeless and nearly helpless, for I knew now if I was to be helped at all, I would have to help myself. So I pulled my aching frame out of the bunk and head throbbing and tongues, I climbed up onto the deck and faced the captain.

[Captain Steve]

Well, Mr. Torrance, you had a nice long nap, huh?

[Jason Torrance]

Yeah, thanks to you. You got any work for me?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Work?

[Jason Torrance]

Yeah, you know, something. Something to do. I want to get busy.

[Captain Steve]

Well, now, there's always work aboard a sailing vessel. Know how to holystone a deck?

[Jason Torrance]

Does it take a college degree?

[Captain Steve]

No, but you'll need something else. Muscles and guts.

[Jason (Main Character)]

Who said it gets easier day by day? Jason writes. It didn't for me. I was stiff and sore from using muscles that had never been used before, and the only thing I wanted was a drink. Just one drink to ease the pain. But I knew I'd never stop with one. It got tighter and tighter inside me, and there had to be a breaking point. And then, on the 10th day out, the captain sent me up to secure a block on the mainmast. The sea was kicking up a little, and when I was 15ft above the deck, the schooner lurched. Suddenly I lost my grip and fell. I grabbed at the shroud and it bit into the skin of my palms and I hit the deck and lay there for a moment, shaking with fear, knowing that this was the end of my fight. Then I got to my feet, ran down to the galley and opened the cabinet where I knew the captain Kept his brandy.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Having a little nip, Jason?

[Jason Torrance]

Yes, I'm through with your rotten bargain. Your Jake Finch and your through with

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Ellen and the baby. Through with keeping your word back where you started from a gas filled room trying to commit suicide. Well, go ahead. What are you waiting for? You got the bottle in your hand. Go ahead, take your drink.

[Jason Torrance]

Shut up.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

What are you waiting for, Jason? Shut up.

[Jason Torrance]

Shut up.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Just remember, Jason, one drink will finish you. Jake Finch will kill you and Ellen won't get the money. I'm a businessman, Jason. I made a bargain. Don't think I'm going to renege. I didn't want you to marry Ellen in the first place, remember? She won't get a penny from me when you die. Remember that. Be careful, Jason. You're trembling so you might drop the bottle. Maybe you do need to drink, Jason. Take it over. It's an easy way out. And I won't embarrass you by staying and watching. Murderer. You dirty murderer. I won't touch it, Drake.

[Jason Torrance]

I won't touch it. I'll show you.

[Bartender]

I'll show.

[Jason (Main Character)]

And then suddenly it grew a little easier. Not taking that drink was the turning point. I guess the crying out inside, the need for liquor grew slowly quieter. My muscles began to toughen. My whole body began to feel better, more alive. And the first time in years I enjoyed eating. And I was learning to be a pretty good sailor. I began to get a kick out of the neat way. The scrap, the clean feeling of the sea air. The wonder of just feeling good. And with this change, I slowly began to realize what kind of a bargain I had made. I didn't want to kill anyone. No, not for any reason. Not now, when I felt sure I could start my life over again.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You've made a bargain and you'll stick to it.

[Jason Torrance]

I'm not the same now. I'm in good health. I'm strong. I can get a job and really take care of Ellen and the baby.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Should have thought of that before.

[Jason Torrance]

Well, I'm thinking about it now. I can't just deliberately go out and kill a man. I'm not gonna go through with it.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

All right. We anchor at Palota tomorrow. If you refuse to carry out your end of our bargain, I'll put you off the schooner and leave you there. You won't see a ship for more than six months. And when it does come, you'll have sunk lower than you've ever been. You won't have passage money back to San Francisco. You'll die in Palota. And Ellen Won't see a penny of that $25,000. You do that in a second.

[Jason Torrance]

But I'll pay you back the money you lent me.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

I'm not interested in that. I want Finch killed. Believe me, he has it coming to him.

[Jason Torrance]

I don't care what he's done to you. I'm not gonna go through with it.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Not only what he's done to me. Jason, I didn't want to tell you before. I never told you how your father died.

[Jason Torrance]

No, you never did.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Jake Finch killed him. Jason. Jake Finch killed your father.

[Jason (Main Character)]

Jason's letter continues. So you see, Ellen, what a diabolically clever scoundrel Uncle Jeffrey is. The last straw was that stuff about my father. I don't know whether he's lying or not, but it just might be true. And so this man, who is playing God with my life has added the final motive for murder. Vengeance. We're approaching the island of Pelota now, Ellen, and I have no other course but to find Jake Finch and kill him or be killed by him. What a crying shame that I couldn't have found myself before, for I know now what a wonderful life we might have had together. I hope you will find it with someone else, for you deserve better than I ever gave you. We're dropping anchor now, and I must go.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Well, there she is, Jason. Palota. One of the loveliest islands in the Pacific.

[Jason Torrance]

A perfect setting for a murder.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Yes, isn't it? Feel up to it?

[Jason Torrance]

Don't worry about me. Where do I find Finch?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Everybody on the island knows him. Anyone can tell you where to find him. Try the traders or the bar. Good luck.

[Jason Torrance]

Aren't you coming? Oh, no.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Remember, I don't want to be connected with Jake Finch's death in any way. It's your affair now, not mine.

[Jason Torrance]

Yellow all the way through, aren't you? Uncle Yellow. And rich enough to hire thugs and murderers to do your dirty work. I ought to kill you instead of Finch. I'm coming, Captain.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Kill Finch first, Jason. Then you have my permission to kill me. Good day, dear sir.

[Jason Torrance]

Good day. Put in for supplies, have you? No, no, We've got everything.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

A trim little schooner like yours have been eating.

[Jason Torrance]

Look, can you tell me where I can find Jake Finch?

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Jake Finch? What do you want with him?

[Jason Torrance]

That's my business. Where is he?

[Escape Show Host]

I couldn't say exactly.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Might be down on the beach this time of day. Thank you.

[Jason Torrance]

Our friend.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

Who, me?

[Jason Torrance]

Yeah.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

You.

[Bartender]

Wasn't sure? Ain't been called called friend in 20 years. What can I do for you, stranger?

[Jason Torrance]

I'M looking for Jake Finch.

[Bartender]

Well, don't look at me. I ain't him.

[Jason Torrance]

Where can I find him?

[Bartender]

Look here, mister, if this is your idea of a joke, it ain't funny to me.

[Jason Torrance]

I. I'm sorry. I'm simply looking for Jake Finch.

[Bartender]

Well, look somewhere else. Look for him in a bar. That's the likeliest place to find Jake Finch.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. What'll it be? I got the finest brandy on the island. Four years old it is.

[Uncle Jeffrey]

No, thank you.

[Jason Torrance]

I'm looking for someone, but the place seems to be empty.

[Narrator]

Who are you looking for?

[Jason Torrance]

Jake Finch.

[Narrator]

Jake Finch? What do you want with him?

[Jason Torrance]

I've got business with him.

[Narrator]

Yeah? What kind of business? He inherited a million dollars or something?

[Jason Torrance]

No, but I want to settle a debt with him.

[Narrator]

Okay, mister. He's in the back room. This way. There he is.

[Jason Torrance]

That old bum?

[Narrator]

Yeah, sleeping it off. Been there since I closed up last night.

[Jason Torrance]

Jake Finch. This can't be. Jake Finch.

[Narrator]

Yes, one of them. There's more down on the beach, kicking around town.

[Jason Torrance]

What are you talking about?

[Narrator]

There's at least a dozen Jake Finches here in Paloda.

[Jason Torrance]

A dozen?

[Narrator]

Hey, look, Somebody's been kidding you, mister. Don't you know Jake Finch is the name we give any rum bum here on Palota? They spend their last penny here in the bar and sleep it off on the beach. Drink, mister. All the Jake Finches drink themselves to death.

[Jason Torrance]

Jake Finch. Me. All along, the Jake Finch he wanted to kill was in me.

[Narrator]

Hey, where are you going?

[Jason Torrance]

I. I've got an apology to make

[Narrator]

you look like you need a drink. How about one for the road, huh?

[Jason Torrance]

No, thanks. I. I don't drink.

[Jason (Main Character)]

There it is, John. That's my letter from Jason. You understand now, don't you, why I'm asking you as my attorney to stop my divorce action immediately. I cabled Jason this morning that I'm waiting for him to come home.

[Escape Show Host]

Escape is produced and directed by William N. Robeson. Tonight we have presented Letter from Jason, adapted by Celie Glester, Merwin Girard and Mr. Robeson from Sunk by George F. Warts. Featured in the cast were Frank Lovejoy as Jason, Will Gear as Jeff, and Kay Brinker as Ellen. Special music was arranged and conducted by Del Castillo. Next week,

[Narrator]

you are lying on a small knoll in the prairie west of the Platte River. In a few moments, dawn will herald the attack of the encircling Apaches. An attack of such fury that for you, there can be no escape.

[Escape Show Host]

Next week we escape with an exciting tale of The Old west, as James Warner Bella tells it in his thrilling story, Command.

[Gracie Allen]

Pardon me, Mr. Lamond. I'd like some information.

[Escape Show Host]

Why, it's Gracie Allen.

[Gracie Allen]

Can you tell me who that young man was with the wonderful deep voice?

[Escape Show Host]

Well, yes, that's Paul Fries.

[Gracie Allen]

Well, I'd love to meet him.

[Escape Show Host]

That'll be easy. Paul, this is Gracie Allen. Gracie, this is Paul Freeze.

[Narrator]

Hello, Gracie. Or should I call you Mrs. George Burns?

[Gracie Allen]

Well, yes, you should. You see, I've been Mrs. Burns ever since that day when a certain tall, handsome man came along and pronounced George and me man and wife.

[Narrator]

I see.

[Gracie Allen]

But it's George I've come to talk to you about. You have such a beautiful voice yourself. So I thought if you let him sing on this program, our sponsor will hear him and realize how great he is. Then he'll let him sing on our program Wednesday nights.

[Narrator]

Well, Gracie, this is not a musical program. This is Escape.

[Gracie Allen]

Well, George can make your program more popular. When he sings, everybody will be looking for Escape.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry, Gracie, I'll have to turn you down.

[Gracie Allen]

Oh, well, goodbye, Mr. Freeze. You are a cold man.

[Narrator]

Goodbye, Gracie.

[Escape Show Host]

Be sure to listen next week, same time, when once again, we offer you Escape. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator]

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