BlackMuseum-01-The 22 Caliber Pistol

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio - Episode Summary: BlackMuseum-01-The 22 Caliber Pistol

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Introduction

BlackMuseum-01-The 22 Caliber Pistol transports listeners to the enigmatic realms of Scotland Yard's Black Museum through the evocative narration of Orson Welles. This episode delves into a gripping murder mystery centered around a seemingly innocuous .22 caliber pistol, unraveling themes of jealousy, deception, and the elusive nature of truth.

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1. The Black Museum and the .22 Caliber Pistol

Orson Welles sets the stage by introducing the Black Museum, a macabre repository of tragic artifacts linked to infamous crimes.

Orson Welles (00:29): "This is Orson Welles speaking from London. The Black Museum, the repository of death… an elegant little weapon, blue steel, mother of pearl inlaid grip, beautiful in its dainty snub-nosed wickedness."

The spotlight falls on a specific exhibit: the .22 caliber pistol, described in vivid detail as both "pretty" and "dangerous."

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2. The Cocktail Party

The narrative shifts to a sophisticated cocktail party in Vivian Davis's ultra-modern West End apartment, where interpersonal tensions simmer beneath the surface glamour.

Orson Welles (03:35): "It's an impressive place… Young men are quite, quite impeccable. The young ladies are lovely, lush."

Characters at the party include:

• Vivian Davis: The host, portrayed as both charming and potentially volatile.
• Larry: A guest who appears to be entangled in complex relationships.
• Donald Martin: Another guest whose interactions hint at underlying conflicts.
• May (Mrs. Merritt): The neighboring witness whose perspective becomes crucial later.

The conversations reveal subtle undercurrents of jealousy and dissatisfaction, particularly between Vivian and May.

Vivian Davis (05:14): "If Viv has one more martini, she'll kill Donald with a look."

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3. The Murder Unfolds

As the party progresses into the night, tensions escalate, leading to a tragic confrontation.

Orson Welles (07:23): "Did you see the look in her eyes?"

A sudden silence descends, followed by a violent outburst from May, who appears to shoot Donald Martin in a fit of rage.

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4. The Investigation

Inspector Summers and Detective Pepper arrive to investigate the murder, immediately focusing on the .22 caliber pistol as the weapon used.

Inspector Summers (08:11): "A lady's weapon, wouldn't you say, Pepper?"

Contradictions arise during questioning, particularly regarding the handling of the gun and the trajectory of the bullet, suggesting that Vivian Davis may not be the sole perpetrator.

Donald Martin (11:53): "There's no evidence of any scorching of the clothing around the bullet hole… he must have been standing at the time."

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5. The Trial

Vivian Davis stands trial for the murder of Donald Martin. The courtroom drama unfolds with intense cross-examinations and conflicting testimonies.

• Prosecution argues that evidence clearly implicates Vivian, emphasizing the gunshot wound and her ownership of the firearm.

  Prosecutor (23:43): "There is no doubt in our minds, nor should there be any in yours, that she held the pistol and fired the shot."

• Defense counters by highlighting inconsistencies in the prosecution's case and presenting alternative scenarios.

  Donald Martin (23:54): "No woman kills the man she loves.… This was an accident."

Key moments include May's testimony, which is scrutinized for reliability, and the defense's strategic questioning that casts doubt on Vivian's sole responsibility.

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6. The Verdict

After two grueling hours of deliberation, the jury delivers a surprising verdict.

Detective Pepper (25:47): "Not guilty."

Despite the compelling evidence, Vivian Davis is acquitted, leaving lingering questions about the true nature of the crime.

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7. Conclusion

Orson Welles reflects on the case's ambiguity and the haunting presence of the .22 caliber pistol within the Black Museum.

Orson Welles (27:22): "Frankly, I don't believe anyone gets away with murder. Murder stays with a killer, twisting mind and heart and soul."

The episode concludes with an invitation to return for more tales from the Black Museum, emphasizing the enduring mystery and psychological complexity of such crimes.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Orson Welles (00:29): Introduction to the Black Museum and the .22 caliber pistol.
• Vivian Davis (05:14): Hinting at underlying tensions: "If Viv has one more martini, she'll kill Donald with a look."
• Inspector Summers (08:11): Describing the weapon: "A lady's weapon, wouldn't you say, Pepper?"
• Donald Martin (11:53): Raising doubts about the initial assumption: "There's no evidence of any scorching…"
• Prosecutor (23:43): Asserting guilt: "There is no doubt in our minds…"
• Donald Martin (23:54): Defense stance: "No woman kills the man she loves… This was an accident."
• Detective Pepper (25:47): The jury's verdict: "Not guilty."
• Orson Welles (27:22): Reflecting on justice and morality: "I don't believe anyone gets away with murder."

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Final Thoughts

BlackMuseum-01-The 22 Caliber Pistol masterfully weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of human emotions and the elusive pursuit of truth within the criminal justice system. Through rich storytelling and compelling dialogue, Harold's Old Time Radio invites listeners to ponder the fine line between innocence and guilt, all while showcasing the timeless allure of old-fashioned radio drama.

Transcript

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[Orson Welles]

This is Orson Welles speaking from London. The Black Museum, the repository of death. Yes, here in the grim stone structure on the Thames which houses Scotland Yard is a warehouse of homicide where everyday objects, a skillet, a screwdriver, a photograph, all are touched by murder. Here's a.22 caliber pistol. It's a familiar object. You've seen one or its picture if you've never touched one. An elegant little weapon, blue steel, mother of pearl inlaid grip, beautiful in its dainty snub nosed wickedness.

[Inspector Summers]

A lady's weapon, which, wouldn't you say.

[Detective Pepper]

Pepper looks as if it wouldn't harm a fly. Pretty in its way, Inspector.

[Inspector Summers]

Pretty and dangerous. There ought to be a law forbidding the manufacture of these toys. Every one of them is capable of death.

[Orson Welles]

Today this little blue.22 can be found among the exhibits in the Black Museum.

[Narrator]

From the annals of the criminal investigation department of the London police, we bring you the dramatic stories of the crimes recorded by the objects in Scotland Yard's gallery of death, the Black Museum. In just a moment you will hear the Black Museum starring Orson Welles. Now, the Black Museum starring Orson Welles.

[Orson Welles]

Well, here we are in the Black Museum, Scotland Yards Museum of Murder. It's an impressive place. The kind of echoing awe which comes from a vaulted ceiling and somber lighting. Weird, fantastic, with a harsh real fantasy that comes with murder. Here lies death. And so neatly, each object placarded with a small white card labeled with black lettering. Name, place, date, disposition of the case. Here's an odd looking ashtray. Soapstone. It's carved rather nicely with the crouching figure of a woman. Something decorative for your living room. But observe closely now, the red brown stain on the rim. Lift up the tray, hold it by the figure of the woman, it's comfortable in your hand. And suddenly this is a weapon. Ah, here we are. Little Blue. 22. It's silent now. It was silent too during Vivian Davis's cocktail party in London's smart, sophisticated West End. Vivian's quite cheesy apartment. It was not Destined to be silent, though not very long. It's a nice place, Vivian's apartment. If you go for ultra modern glass and metal combinations. Nice people too. Well, nice looking anyway. Young men are quite, quite impeccable. The young ladies are lovely, lush. Well aware of the well put together attractiveness. Oh yes, these are the chic young people.

[Vivian Davis]

Larry, darling, have you been watching Vivian and Donald?

[Larry]

What else?

[Detective Pepper]

Sweet.

[Larry]

They are a dagger points, aren't they?

[Vivian Davis]

Well, frankly, Larry, if Viv has one more martini, she'll kill Donald with a look.

[Larry]

An alcoholic look at any rate. But why all the fuss and bother? If Donald wants to play, she ought to let him. I know. At least three males were perfectly willing to give Viv a time. Really?

[Vivian Davis]

Including yourself, Larry, my sweet.

[Larry]

No, darling, I'm the fourth. But then why bother?

[Orson Welles]

A trifle strange, isn't it? The ultra sophisticated, the over civilized. And yet, you know, beneath the polish, the same old jealousy that you can find in savages. Oh yes, simple jealousy. For instance, at this moment, Vivian herself is approaching the chrome and plastic bar where Donald is mixing a drink.

[May]

Donald, haven't you had enough? You're quite tight, you know.

[Donald Martin]

Am I really?

[May]

I asked you, Donald, haven't you had enough?

[Orson Welles]

I don't believe I have.

[Prosecutor]

You have one, dear.

[May]

I've had enough, let me tell you.

[Vivian Davis]

This is my party.

[May]

You might be polite enough to pay some attention to me. And a little less to that strawberry blonde.

[Prosecutor]

Ah, she's quite attractive in a leggy sort of way.

[Orson Welles]

Oh yes, Quite elemental beneath the polished surface. An interesting situation. It continues, of course, as long as the party lasts. It continues, as a matter of fact, well past the end of the party. Even to the moment when May and Larry are making their farewells. The last of the guests to go.

[Vivian Davis]

It was simply marvelous, Viv, darling. Just delightful.

[Larry]

I always adore your parties, Viv. The liquor flows like water.

[May]

Thank you both for coming. My little parties wouldn't be the same without you. Isn't that so, Donald?

[Prosecutor]

Huh? Yes, yes, of course.

[Larry]

Coming, Donald?

[Inspector Summers]

Osun?

[Prosecutor]

Well, I don't exactly.

[Vivian Davis]

Oh, Larry, please.

[Donald Martin]

What?

[Larry]

Oh, put my foot in it and. I'm sorry, old man. Au revoir, Viv. Let the martinis run again sometime soon.

[May]

Bye, darling.

[Vivian Davis]

Ring me, won't you?

[May]

Oh, soon, darling, quite soon.

[Larry]

Donald's for it now.

[Orson Welles]

Did you see the look in her eyes?

[Vivian Davis]

Come along, dear. Don't be catty.

[Donald Martin]

I don't know.

[Orson Welles]

The party's over now. Silence descends on the carpeted hallway for a moment or two. And then through the muffling Walls.

[May]

You stupid little silly little beast. On that woman.

[Prosecutor]

Oh, stop it, Viv. I'm not interested in her.

[May]

I just.

[Orson Welles]

Man versus woman. A jealous woman. Where does it go? Isn't it obvious? Of course. Somebody's bound to be hurt. Inspector Summers and Detective Pepper arrive quickly from the Yard.

[Detective Pepper]

This seems to be the weapon, Inspector. At 22. Blue steel, mother of pearl grip.

[Inspector Summers]

A lady's weapon, wouldn't you say, Pepper?

[Detective Pepper]

Looks as if it wouldn't harm a fly. Pretty in its way, Inspector.

[Inspector Summers]

Pretty and dangerous. There ought to be a law forbidding the manufacture of these toys. Every one of them is capable of death.

[Detective Pepper]

Funny. What is the body out here on the landing?

[Inspector Summers]

Yes, well, we'll find the reason for that shortly. Not much blood. 22s don't make much of a hole. Stay here, Pepper. I want the pathologist to see the body before it goes to the morgue. You know the procedure. I'll be inside with the prime and only suspect.

[Detective Pepper]

Yes, sir, I understand.

[Inspector Summers]

All right, Tell me how it happened.

[May]

Don't you dare to talk to me like that.

[Inspector Summers]

Take hold of yourself, Ms. Davis. I need the answers to a few questions. I'll answer that.

[May]

Don't you dare. That's my telephone.

[Inspector Summers]

Yes? Oh, this is Inspector Summers of Scotland Yard. I see. I'm sorry, Lady Munsey. You can't speak to your daughter just now. Yes, she'll be coming down to the Yard. You can come there if you wish. Goodbye.

[May]

Now will you leave me alone? You know who my mother is.

[Inspector Summers]

Which do you prefer? To answer my questions here or to come down to the Yard?

[May]

I refuse to answer anything that won't.

[Inspector Summers]

Look well in the report, Miss.

[May]

Oh, get out of here. Get out.

[Inspector Summers]

Take hold of yourself, Ms. Davis.

[May]

I told you and told you Donald and I were arguing. I suppose I grabbed the gun from under the pillow where I keep it. He tried to take it away from me, and next I knew, there was a shot of. He was mumbling something about the doctor, and then he was dead. Oh, now leave me alone. Leave me alone.

[Orson Welles]

Inspector Summers felt that further questioning was indicated. The location he chose was his own office at the Yard.

[Inspector Summers]

Where did you get the gun, Ms. Davis?

[May]

My husband gave it to me several years ago.

[Inspector Summers]

Are you married?

[May]

I was. I'm divorced.

[Orson Welles]

Inspector Summers thought of many questions.

[Inspector Summers]

Where did you struggle over the gun?

[May]

In the bedroom.

[Inspector Summers]

I see. Why do you use linoleum for a floor covering in the bedroom?

[May]

Because it's easy to keep clean and because it's chic and because. Oh, what has that to do With Donald?

[Inspector Summers]

I'm asking the questions, Ms. Davis.

[Orson Welles]

Oh, yes, there were many, many questions.

[Inspector Summers]

How long have you lived at that address? How long did you know Donald Martin? Have you ever bought any ammunition for that gun? What were you quarreling about?

[Orson Welles]

It went on and on and finally.

[Inspector Summers]

Very well, Ms. Davis. We shan't hold you. But don't leave London. And your mother is waiting for you. You better go home with her. We are sealing your apartment.

[Orson Welles]

An inconvenient matter. Violent death from a gunshot wound. Apartments are sealed. People investigate. One's whole life is turned inside out. Then there are the experts.

[Donald Martin]

The scientific facts contradict some of Ms. Davis's statements, Inspector.

[Inspector Summers]

They do.

[Donald Martin]

For instance, there's no evidence of any scorching of the clothing around the bullet hole. From that fact and the spread of the smokestain, I deduce that the gun was held from 3 to 6 inches from Martin's chest. As the blood ran down the chest, he must have been standing at the time. It would be practically impossible for him to hold the blood weapon himself in that position.

[Inspector Summers]

Could he have clutched the barrel, say, in an attempt to take it away from Ms. Davis?

[Donald Martin]

In that case, his fingers would be singed or at least blackened. They're not. I do not believe that the man was touching the weapon at all when it was fired.

[Orson Welles]

An embarrassing conclusion, to say the least. There were other things.

[Detective Pepper]

I've checked Martin's shoes at the morgue, Inspector. Well, if they struggled in that bedroom on that polished linoleum floor, his shoes would have had to scratch the floor. They're leather soled and they have metal taps on the tips.

[Inspector Summers]

Very good. Another discrepancy. Now, Pepper, I think we better have a bit of a talk with the neighbors. Are you certain of that, Mrs. Merrit?

[May]

I am positive. It's not the first time they yelled at each other, those two. And the walls are thin.

[Inspector Summers]

Do you have it down, Pebble?

[Detective Pepper]

Yes, sir. They had a quarrel about two weeks ago.

[Inspector Summers]

He left.

[Detective Pepper]

She leaned out of the window, only half dressed, and shouted at him, laugh, baby, laugh for the last time. And then she fired a gun at him.

[Inspector Summers]

Thank you. Now then, Mrs. Merritt, before the shot last night, did you catch any of.

[Larry]

The words they said?

[May]

Yes. Oh, no, sir, but. Well, her bedroom is next to mine. And I heard her say, as clear as day and at the top of her lungs, I will kill you.

[Inspector Summers]

Thank you, Mrs. Merritt. Anything else?

[May]

No, sir.

[Inspector Summers]

Very well. Let's go, Peppa. All right, Pepper. I think we have the makings of a case. Pick her up. We'll book her for willful murder.

[Orson Welles]

And Today, the little blue 22, which was to play such an important part in the case, can be seen among the other exhibits in the Black Museum.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, we will continue with the Black Museum starring Orson Welles. And now we continue with the Black Museum, starring Orson Welles.

[Orson Welles]

As the inspector said, they felt they had a case. The evidence was piling up. Vivian Davis was arrested. Her defense counsel was a distinguished member of the bar. And the prosecutor assigned was no less brilliant. But some of the conversation about the case was, well, a lot less brilliant.

[Vivian Davis]

Why, if Larry and I had stayed, we might have seen the whole thing. And, darling, those letters. Imagine leaving letters like that lying in your bureau drawer where anyone might find them. And do you suppose the prosecution will use them for evidence? This is one trial I simply shall not miss.

[Larry]

Let me say here and now, if May owns a gun, I'm walking out and at once. But Viv always was unstable. You know, that's the kind who'll pull a gun on you when you least expect it. Not for me, old man.

[Donald Martin]

Not for me.

[May]

I always said she was no better than you'd think. Wild parties at all hours, firing guns around, drinking. Oh, I dare say the woman wasn't happy. But then, who is? Now I ask you, who is?

[Vivian Davis]

Poor Viv. I understand the food in prison is all starches.

[Larry]

See in the headlines? This is a juicy one. What?

[May]

I'm to be a witness. You don't say. Really now, you don't say.

[Orson Welles]

They tried the case in public gossip long before it came to proper trial. And when the proper trial began, the courtroom was crowded, naturally, with bright young women and polished young men. The familiars of the defendant. This, however, failed to ruffle the solemnity of a British court.

[Inspector Summers]

I shall permit no demonstrations. At the least lapse from proper decorum. I shall have the courtroom cleared.

[Orson Welles]

And that settled, that. The trial proceeded. Vivian Davis, in simple black, sat in the dark between the two wardresses. Assigned a garda on the witness stand. The pathologist repeated his evidence and his conclusions with the prosecution. There was no cross examination with Inspector Summers. It was another matter.

[Donald Martin]

Inspector, you heard the prison doctor testify that when Ms. Davis was admitted to the prison after her arrest, he found bruises on her arms and on one thigh?

[Inspector Summers]

Yes, sir.

[Donald Martin]

And that such bruises might have been sustained in a struggle?

[Inspector Summers]

Yes, sir.

[Donald Martin]

Very well. Now then, in your experience, have you found that when one person handles a gun, that person's fingerprints are usually found on the weapon?

[Inspector Summers]

That has been my experience.

[Donald Martin]

However, if two parties struggled for possession of a certain weapon. Would there be fingerprints?

[Inspector Summers]

In most cases, no, sir. They tend to smudge or eliminate each other's prints.

[Donald Martin]

This weapon, which you've identified and which has been entered in evidence as Exhibit A. Did you find this weapon at the scene of the alleged crime?

[Inspector Summers]

I did.

[Donald Martin]

Did you examine it carefully?

[Inspector Summers]

I did.

[Donald Martin]

Did you have it tested for fingerprints?

[Inspector Summers]

I did.

[Donald Martin]

Did you find any?

[Inspector Summers]

Yes, sir.

[Donald Martin]

How many sets?

[Inspector Summers]

Only one set of prints were on that gun.

[Donald Martin]

Whose were they, Inspector? Now tell the jury, please, whose fingerprints were on that gun.

[Inspector Summers]

Only my own.

[Donald Martin]

One more point, Inspector. You stated that you found a bullet in the wall of the bedroom, correct?

[Inspector Summers]

Yes, sir.

[Donald Martin]

Have you any reason to believe this bullet was fired on the night of the alleged crime?

[Inspector Summers]

It could have been fired at any time, I suppose.

[Donald Martin]

Thank you, inspector. That's all.

[Orson Welles]

Mrs. Merritt, the eager next door neighbor, had her proverbial day in court.

[May]

Yes, sir. Just as I told the inspector. She screamed at him, hanging out of the window, only half dressed. And then she fired a shot at him.

[Orson Welles]

Counsel for the defence spent little time in the cross examination of Mrs. Merritt.

[Donald Martin]

Madam, did you actually see Ms. Davies fire a pistol or gun of some sort?

[May]

I heard the shot after she yelled at him.

[Donald Martin]

You said she was only half dressed at the time. Is that correct?

[May]

Yes, sir.

[Donald Martin]

Then you must have seen her.

[May]

Well, I took one book and after that I only listened.

[Donald Martin]

Why?

[May]

Why, Mrs. Merrit, when a woman is in her condition, no other woman cares to watch her.

[Donald Martin]

I see. This is your opinion?

[May]

It certainly is.

[Donald Martin]

Your Lordship, I respectfully request that the answers to the last two questions be stricken from the record as constituting an opinion and not evidence. Further, on the grounds that opinions are not warranted, as the witness is not qualified as an expert.

[Inspector Summers]

The clerk will strike the last two answers from the record. And the jury is instructed to ignore the testimony. Proceed.

[Donald Martin]

No further questions. Thank you, Mrs. Merit.

[Orson Welles]

Back and forth the battle raged, a battle for a woman's life. The case for the Crown was ably presented. The defense, by cross examination by objections in the record, sought to upset testimony to establish points which could be played upon later. The climax of the trial when Vivian Davis herself took the stand in her own defense.

[Donald Martin]

Now, Ms. Davis, you. You understand the seriousness of this situation?

[May]

Of course.

[Donald Martin]

I refer to the testimony that you once fired a gun at Donald Martin from your bedroom window. Is this true?

[May]

No, it's not true.

[Donald Martin]

What did happen that evening?

[May]

He'd come to see me. He'd asked me for money to pay a gambling debt and I refused. We quarreled and he left. I was furious, and I called to him from my window. Then I went back into the room and fired one shot to make him think I'd killed myself.

[Donald Martin]

What happened then?

[May]

Oh, Donald. Mr. Martin came rushing back, and we. We were friends again.

[Donald Martin]

Miss Davis, have you ever pointed a weapon at Mr. Martin?

[May]

No, never.

[Donald Martin]

Have you wanted to?

[May]

No, never.

[Donald Martin]

Did you shoot him the night he died? No. Have you any recollection of his having spoken to you between the time he was shot and the moment he died?

[May]

I'll never forget it as long as I live.

[Donald Martin]

What did he say?

[May]

He said, I wish the doctor would hurry. I. I want to tell him that this was an accident. It's not your fault. He said it over and over. And then he was dead. Thank you, Ms. Davis.

[Donald Martin]

Your witness.

[Prosecutor]

Pull yourself together, Ms. Davis.

[May]

Yes. Yes, sir.

[Prosecutor]

Very well. I submit, Miss Davis, that the truth of your first public quarrel is, as it was stated by your previous witness, that you did fire out of your window at Mr. Martin.

[May]

Oh, no, never. I fired in the room. I wanted to frighten him.

[Prosecutor]

Miss Davis, is this your pistol?

[May]

Yes.

[Prosecutor]

Is this the weapon which killed Mr. Martin?

[May]

Yes.

[Prosecutor]

And on the night this gun, your gun, killed Mr. Martin, you had a quarrel? A second quarrel?

[May]

Yes.

[Prosecutor]

You were, to put it simply, jealous of his behavior with other women.

[May]

Oh, I was so jealous, I threatened to kill myself.

[Prosecutor]

You threatened to kill yourself?

[May]

Yes.

[Prosecutor]

Then why did you shout, I will kill you?

[May]

No, no, no. I never said that.

[Prosecutor]

What did you say, Miss Davis?

[May]

I. I may have said, I'll shoot myself. The other. I never said. Why should I? I was jealous for those. Because I loved him. Oh, you've got to believe me. I loved him. I lived. I did.

[Orson Welles]

There was more, much more. Over and over. But they never managed to shake her on the essential points.

[May]

I never pointed a gun at Donald in my life.

[Orson Welles]

And of course, I never said I'd kill him.

[May]

I said I'd kill myself.

[Orson Welles]

At long last, with Vivian Davis on the verge of collapse, the prosecutor let her go. Shortly thereafter, the defense rested. Summations were brief. For the prosecution, this woman is guilty.

[Prosecutor]

Of the crime with which she is charged. There is no doubt in our minds, nor should there be any in yours, that she held the pistol and fired the shot.

[Orson Welles]

For the defense, it is clear that.

[Donald Martin]

No woman kills the man she loves. Despite the violence of their f. This was an accident. It is clear that it was an accident.

[Orson Welles]

The presiding justice was clear and concise and is charged at the jury.

[Inspector Summers]

Gentlemen of the jury, in conclusion, let me advise you There are three possible verdicts. You may return. And of the present indictment. Guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter or not guilty of any offense. I commend the accused to your most painstaking deliberations.

[Orson Welles]

The jury filed out. They stayed out for two long weary hours. There was chatter in the courtroom. Prowess is. But even the gossip was subdued. Everybody waited, waited.

[Vivian Davis]

It seems perfectly incredible, a murder trial. And I've been in on it since the beginning. I do hope the judge wasn't as much against her as he seemed to be.

[Larry]

It was really too exciting for words. I've had more dinner invitations because I know Viv.

[Donald Martin]

Oh well.

[Larry]

After all, the poor girl might be hanged during risky thought.

[May]

Well, for my part, even if she gets off, there'll be one advantage. She'll never be my neighbor again. And that will be an improvement, I'd say.

[Orson Welles]

And at long last the waiting was over. The prisoner arose in the dock. The judge's request. The foreman of the jury faced the prisoner in the court. The age old formula was intoned by the clerk.

[Detective Pepper]

Members of the jury, have you agreed upon a verdict? We have. Do you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty of murder?

[Larry]

Not guilty.

[Detective Pepper]

Do you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty of manslaughter?

[Larry]

Not guilty.

[Orson Welles]

Yet despite that verdict, a little blue 22 can be seen today among the exhibits in the Black Museum.

[Narrator]

Orson Welles will be back with you in just a moment. Now, here in person is Orson Wells.

[Orson Welles]

Yes, they let Vivian Davis go free. In many minds, the question was and still is, did Vivian Davis get away with murder? Frankly, I don't believe anyone gets away with murder. Murder stays with a killer, twisting mind and heart and soul. Even in the unsuspected and therefore unsolved cases where Vivian Davis was concerned, perhaps the real crime was insecurity and the kind of violent jealousy that grows from fear. I don't know. That's for the psychologist, not for you and I to decide. Meanwhile, the Little Blue 22 remains in its customary place in Scotland Yard, in the Black Museum. And now, until we meet again, next time in the same place and I tell you another story about the Black Museum, I remain, as always, obediently yours.

[Narrator]

The Black Museum, starring Orson Welles, is presented by arrangement with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Radio Attractions. The program is written by Ara Marion with original music composed and conducted by Sydney Torch, produced by Harry Allen Towers.