CBS Radio Mystery Theater 0003 Bullet

Summary

Podcast Summary: CBS Radio Mystery Theater 0003 - "Bullet"

Released on June 27, 2025, "Bullet" is a gripping episode from the CBS Radio Mystery Theater series, brought to life by Sam Dan and starring Larry Haynes. Set against the backdrop of a dimly lit bar, Patty Noonan's, the episode delves into themes of war, loss, and the supernatural interplay between life and death.

---

Act One: The Return to Patty Noonan's

Setting the Scene

The episode opens in the serene ambiance of Patty Noonan's bar, where Jerry Price, portrayed by Larry Haynes, unwinds after a taxing day at work. Unlike typical patrons seeking companionship or adventure, Jerry is merely looking to relax with a couple of beers to alleviate his daily stress.

Significant Encounter

At [01:59], Jerry observes an old man, o' Rourke, who appears to be in distress:

Larry Haynes (Jerry Price): "And he lay there, his head against the barricade and the blood from him fallen soft upon the pavements. I looked in his face and I could see his depth was upon him. Tis a bitter thing, I said, to die at 17. And for a moment his darkening eyes held mine. And with his last strength, he said, 'Tis a sweet thing to die for, Ireland."
[01:59]

This encounter subtly introduces the supernatural elements that will unravel as the story progresses.

Character Dynamics and Tensions

Marge Price's Struggles

Marge Price, Jerry's wife, provides insight into her own battles. At [02:54], she reveals her traumatic past:

Marge Price: "No. The day I came home from Vietnam, I put away the uniform. I also put away everything that went with it. The army, the war. Like a snake sheds its skin. Now the past is gone, Patty. It's dead. So you forget it. You go on to other things."
[02:54]

Her dialogue underscores the lingering effects of war trauma, setting the stage for her later interactions with supernatural forces.

Introduction of Concerned Friends

Edward Clark enters the scene at [03:07], offering a round of drinks and announcing a new pregnancy:

Edward Clark: "Hey, what's everybody drinking? This round's on me. Set him up, Patty."
[03:07]

The conversation shifts to Edward's growing family, highlighting the pressures and responsibilities he faces.

Supernatural Manifestations

Marge's Haunting Vision

At [04:35], Marge begins to see her deceased friend, Paul Gardner:

Marge Price: "Paul."
[05:20]

Her distress grows as she interacts with what appears to be a ghostly presence, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.

Doctor Steiner's Intervention

Doctor Steiner becomes an essential figure as he tries to rationalize Marge's visions:

Doctor Steiner: "Tell me about this man, Paul. You called in Jerry?"
[13:29]

He suggests that Jerry's visions are mere illusions stemming from his overworked state, attempting to ground the story in psychological reality.

The Revelation of the Bullet

Philosophical Dialogue on Fate

At [14:21], Marge delivers a profound monologue about destiny and mortality:

Marge Price: "You see, there's a bullet, and it's designed especially for you... It's been arranged. You see, it's your appointment that can never be broken."
[14:21]

This speech encapsulates the episode's central theme: the inevitability of fate and the inescapable nature of death.

Tension Peaks

As tensions rise, Jerry becomes increasingly unsettled by Paul’s persistent apparitions. His struggle between accepting medical explanations and confronting his supernatural experiences drives the narrative forward.

Climactic Confrontation

Final Act: The Bullet Strikes

In the episode's final act, the confrontation between Jerry and the spectral Paul reaches its zenith. At [27:24], Doctor Steiner explains the meticulous plan orchestrated to bring Paul back:

Doctor Steiner: "Because you don't know how careful these things are. Figured you could get killed a million ways... He's a careless driver... So Marge will have a good settlement."
[31:15]

This revelation unveils a premeditated plan to alter destinies, intertwining the characters' lives in unexpected ways.

Marge's Determination

Determined to fight her fate, Marge refuses to succumb to the predetermined plan:

Marge Price: "I'll fight it. What have I got to lose, huh? Why should I do what he tells me? Why should I believe him?"
[37:08]

Her defiance serves as the catalyst for the episode's resolution, emphasizing the human spirit's resilience against fate.

Conclusion: The Inevitable End

Final Moments

As the episode nears its end, Jerry confronts the reality of his impending fate. The interplay between free will and destiny culminates in a poignant farewell:

Doctor Steiner: "It's time, buddy. Just like going out on a patrol."
[42:06]
Marge Price: "Yeah. Goodbye, Paul. Take care of him for me."
[42:14]

Sam Dan's Narration

The episode concludes with Sam Dan's reflective narration, tying together the themes of destiny and the unyielding march of time:

Sam Dan: "So many people preface what they believe with 'it is written in the stars.'... Our concern is mystery, excitement, suspense, thrills, and chills."
[42:59]

Key Themes and Insights

• Fate vs. Free Will: The episode masterfully explores whether our lives are governed by destiny or personal choice.

• War and Trauma: Through Marge and Jerry's backstories, the lingering scars of war are poignantly depicted.

• Supernatural Elements: The interaction between the living and the dead adds layers of suspense and mystery, keeping listeners engaged until the end.

Notable Quotes

• Marge Price on Fate:

  "You see, there's a bullet, and it's designed especially for you... It's been arranged. You see, it's your appointment that can never be broken."
  [14:21]

• Doctor Steiner on Reality:

  "Tell me about this man, Paul. You called in Jerry?"
  [13:29]

• Sam Dan's Closing Reflection:

  "So many people preface what they believe with 'it is written in the stars.'... Our concern is mystery, excitement, suspense, thrills, and chills."
  [42:59]

Conclusion

"Bullet" stands out as a compelling installment in the CBS Radio Mystery Theater series, weaving a tale rich with emotional depth and supernatural intrigue. Through expertly crafted dialogue and atmospheric storytelling, the episode invites listeners to ponder the forces that shape our destinies and the enduring impact of past traumas.

---

For fans of classic radio dramas and those new to the genre, "Bullet" offers a timeless exploration of human resilience and the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding.

Transcript

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[Sam Dan]

The Bullet was written especially for the CBS Radio Mystery Theater by Sam Dan and stars Larry Haynes. I shall be back shortly with act one. It's a quiet little bar, Patty Noonan's. And Jerry Price stops there every evening on his way home from work. He's not looking for anything special in the way of atmosphere, adventure, companionship. And he has no intention of getting drunk. Just a couple of beers, perhaps to bridge a busy day, to ease the fatigue, the strain on his nerves. In the comfortable half light of Patty Noonan's, the world outside becomes vague, distant. Especially when old man o' Rourke is holding forth.

[Larry Haynes]

And he lay there, his head against the barricade and the blood from him fallen soft upon the pavements. I looked in his face and I could see his depth was upon him. Tis a bitter thing, I said, to die at 17. And for a moment his darkening eyes held mine. And with his last strength, he said, tis a sweet thing to die for, Ireland.

[Patty Noonan]

Sweet indeed. Mr. O' Rourke, any calls for one on the house?

[Larry Haynes]

Aye. Thank you. Paddy Noonan.

[Patty Noonan]

Ah, I see. Jerry Price. Excuse me. Good evening, Jerry.

[Marge Price]

Hi.

[Patty Noonan]

I didn't notice you come in.

[Marge Price]

Well, when old man o' Rourke's in form, you don't see anybody.

[Patty Noonan]

Patty, the old man there, he carries his war. I know.

[Sam Dan]

I carry mine.

[Patty Noonan]

You ever think of yours, Jay?

[Marge Price]

No. No, never.

[Patty Noonan]

Never.

[Marge Price]

No. The day I came home from Vietnam, I put away the uniform. I also put away everything that went with it. The army, the war. Like a snake Sheds his skin. Now the past is gone, Patty. It's dead. So you forget it. You go on to other things.

[Edward Clark]

Hey, what's everybody drinking? This round's on me. Set him up, Patty.

[Patty Noonan]

Mr. Edward Clark himself. And what's the occasion?

[Edward Clark]

Yeah, I got a little announcement. Guess what the old lady tells me this morning. Number 10 is on its way o around.

[Patty Noonan]

Must be on the house, Mr. Clyde.

[Edward Clark]

Just a quick one, Patty. Hey, I got the truck outside.

[Marge Price]

What are you hoping for this time? That boy or girl?

[Edward Clark]

I see. What do I got now? Four boys and five. No, no, no. I got five boys and four. Who can keep them straight? All I know is I'm always tripping over somebody. 10 kids in 12 years.

[Marge Price]

You can't tell me it isn't exciting to hear there's going to be a new baby.

[Edward Clark]

Oh, yeah, yeah, I know. It's gonna be a kid that'll wet its pants and keep me up half the night. It's another mouth I gotta feed. Yeah. Well, guys, I gotta ride. I'll see you tomorrow.

[Marge Price]

You know, Penny, it's funny. People who don't want kids, can't stand kids. Can't afford them, can't raise em. They can't help getting kids. Whereas, oh, well. Guess there just isn't any justice in this world.

[Patty Noonan]

There may be no justice, Jerry, but there's always hope. How long have you been married?

[Marge Price]

Right after I get out of the army, it'll be nine years.

[Patty Noonan]

A fellow used to come in here and they were married 15 years before they had their first.

[Marge Price]

Am I really out of the army? Nine years? Tell me, Patty, you're an old philosopher. Where does it go, huh?

[Patty Noonan]

Down the hatch and try another.

[Marge Price]

Yeah, don't mind if I do. Oh, wait on the paying customer first. Where? A fella standing at the end of the bar.

[Patty Noonan]

What are you saying, Jerry? There's nobody standing at the end in.

[Marge Price]

The brown hat and a raincoat.

[Patty Noonan]

Now, Jerry, what are you saying?

[Marge Price]

Oh, that's. That's Paul.

[Patty Noonan]

Tell me, what's the matter?

[Edward Clark]

Jerry.

[Marge Price]

Paul.

[Patty Noonan]

Jerry, listen to me. There's no.

[Marge Price]

Paul. Paul. Hey, he was just standing here. Where'd he go? Where is he, Jerry?

[Patty Noonan]

Where is who? Are you all right, Jerry?

[Marge Price]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm all right. But I saw him.

[Paul Gardner]

Who?

[Marge Price]

Oh, a guy I was in the army with.

[Patty Noonan]

The two of you? Were you close?

[Marge Price]

He was my buddy.

[Patty Noonan]

Well, when was the last time you saw him in. In person?

[Marge Price]

The night he was killed.

[Patty Noonan]

Have you. Have you ever seen him again like you thought you did just now?

[Marge Price]

No, no, this Is the first time.

[Patty Noonan]

Well, maybe you need a rest, Jerry.

[Marge Price]

Hattie, why now? Why tonight after all these years?

[Patty Noonan]

Well, you say you saw him last. The night he died in battle. Well, the sight of him dead must.

[Marge Price]

Have stayed with you always. That's not how I just saw him, Paddy. He wasn't in uniform. He was in civilian clothes.

[Patty Noonan]

You might have pictured him as he looked at a happier car.

[Marge Price]

I never saw him in civilian clothes. We met in the army, and Patty, I. I didn't see him as he was then. We were Both kids, about 20. I saw him the way he'd looked today. About 30. His face was more mature.

[Patty Noonan]

Jerry, are you sure he's dead?

[Marge Price]

He is dead, Patty. I just saw him. I know I saw.

[Paul Gardner]

Jerry. It's after midnight.

[Marge Price]

Oh, I'm not finished, honey. I got to clean up these reports. Marge.

[Paul Gardner]

Honey, a new rule has just been passed in this house. All paperwork shall be done in the daytime.

[Marge Price]

Marge, I have to call on customers. Be reasonable, huh?

[Paul Gardner]

Am I the kind of wife who makes idle criticism? No, indeed. Constructive suggestions. That's my motto. Northeast Distributors can solve all your paperwork problems by hiring a girl.

[Marge Price]

Honey, I'm lucky to have the job.

[Paul Gardner]

No, Jerry, you're not lucky. They're lucky. Well, everybody knows you're a terrific salesman. But you can get another job tomorrow. More money, less headaches.

[Marge Price]

Honey, I couldn't walk out on Joe Keller.

[Paul Gardner]

Why not?

[Marge Price]

Well, I'll never forget what that man did for me. I came home from the army, a kid with no experience. I needed a job. He took a chance with me. Now he needs me.

[Paul Gardner]

Well, I'm just worried about you, Jerry. You look so tired all the time.

[Marge Price]

No, I'm in great shape.

[Paul Gardner]

Will you go see Doc Steiner?

[Marge Price]

I did today.

[Paul Gardner]

Oh. Well, it's about time you needed a checkup.

[Marge Price]

Well, I. I didn't just go for the checkup, honey. I. I went for the. For the other thing. Jerry. Well, he said some people, men, well, they're okay in every way, but it just doesn't work out for them.

[Paul Gardner]

Jerry, it's all right.

[Marge Price]

No, no, no, honey, it's all my fault.

[Paul Gardner]

Honey, it's.

[Marge Price]

Well, it's just unlikely there can ever be any kids. He said unlikely. What he meant was impossible.

[Paul Gardner]

We've got each other.

[Marge Price]

Yeah. For me, you didn't want a child so badly.

[Paul Gardner]

Now we'll definitely think about adopting. Okay?

[Marge Price]

Yeah, okay.

[Paul Gardner]

Sometimes that works out even better. Come on, honey. Let me see you smile.

[Marge Price]

Marge. Marge, Marge. I don't know what I'd do without you.

[Paul Gardner]

Oh, that makes Us, even. I don't know what I'd do without you. Come on, get to bed.

[Marge Price]

Yeah, I'll just have a cigarette, huh? Well, honey, why don't you turn on.

[Paul Gardner]

The music to make sure you don't try to sneak in some work? I know you can't concentrate with the music going.

[Marge Price]

I'll just be a couple of minutes, honey. Halt.

[Doctor Steiner]

Let's hear that password.

[Marge Price]

Paul, Is that you?

[Patty Noonan]

Jerry?

[Doctor Steiner]

Hey, climb down the hole. Make yourself at home.

[Marge Price]

Man, I'm so beat, I can't even remember the password.

[Doctor Steiner]

It's all right. I don't even know what it is.

[Marge Price]

I got a cigarette.

[Doctor Steiner]

What'd they want back at the cp, Jerry?

[Marge Price]

Patrol.

[Doctor Steiner]

You going?

[Marge Price]

Yep.

[Doctor Steiner]

But you went out yesterday.

[Marge Price]

Well, maybe I better write to my congressman, huh?

[Doctor Steiner]

I don't have any more cigarettes. Here, finish this one.

[Marge Price]

Paul. Paul, I don't know if I can go out again. We're being relieved tomorrow. We were promised a rest. I just don't know if I can go out again.

[Doctor Steiner]

But you ain't going out, Jerry. Didn't you hear? I'm gone.

[Marge Price]

Oh, no. No.

[Doctor Steiner]

I'll say you and I made a trip.

[Marge Price]

No, Paul, I can't let some other guy do well.

[Doctor Steiner]

I'm not some other guy. I'm your buddy. What's the matter, Jerry? You never did it for me. Can I have a Dr. On that butt? Jerry?

[Marge Price]

Paul. Paul, you were alive.

[Doctor Steiner]

I'm alive, Jerry. I'm here with you in your living.

[Marge Price]

No, you can't be here. I went out afterward. I found your body. I carried it back. Maybe it wasn't you.

[Doctor Steiner]

It was me.

[Marge Price]

But you were dead. You were killed.

[Doctor Steiner]

Yes, Jerry. I was killed.

[Paul Gardner]

Jerry. Will you turn that radio off and come to bed?

[Marge Price]

March. He's here.

[Paul Gardner]

Who's here?

[Marge Price]

Can't you see him?

[Paul Gardner]

Jerry? I don't see anyone, Paul.

[Marge Price]

Why can't she see him?

[Doctor Steiner]

She will. They all will.

[Marge Price]

When?

[Doctor Steiner]

Later. I have to go now. Jerry.

[Marge Price]

No. No.

[Patty Noonan]

Paul.

[Marge Price]

Paul. Tell her, Jerry. She'll think I'm crazy.

[Expedia]

Paul.

[Marge Price]

Paul. He's gone, Marge. He's gone.

[Paul Gardner]

Jerry? Honey, what's going on here?

[Toyota]

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[Expedia]

Ben hadn't had a decent night's sleep in a month. So during one of his restless nights, he booked a package trip abroad on Expedia. When he arrived at his beachside hotel, he discovered a miraculous bed slung between two trees and fell into the best sleep of his life. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights and hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia. Made to travel.

[Marge Price]

It's here. It was right here. Now, you gotta believe that I'm not drunk and I'm not crazy.

[Paul Gardner]

I, I, I believe you. I believe you, Jerry. Now, here. Just sit down. Don't do anything. Don't say.

[Sam Dan]

And we know who she's calling. But can a doctor help what ails Jerry? And now, act two of the Bullet.

[Marge Price]

Let us trace the path of the bullet.

[Sam Dan]

We have a worried Marge, a concerned Dr. Steiner, and a distracted Jerry.

[Edward Clark]

Tell me about this man, Paul. You called in Jerry?

[Marge Price]

I said we were buddies, Doctor. That tells it all.

[Paul Gardner]

Jerry, please don't be so hostile, Dr. Steiner's only trying to help.

[Marge Price]

You were buddies.

[Edward Clark]

You came back alive and he didn't.

[Marge Price]

Yo.

[Edward Clark]

There's an extensive medical literature on the subject.

[Marge Price]

Oh, I'm sure there is, Jerry. I'm not being hostile, Marge. I know I saw him.

[Patty Noonan]

Of course you saw him.

[Marge Price]

Well, finally.

[Edward Clark]

But that doesn't mean he was there. You see, Jerry, the death of a wartime comrade remains an eternal reproach. All who survive are sentenced forever to feelings of guilt.

[Marge Price]

No, no, no, Doctor. The wars are fought by kids in foxholes. The literature is written by doctors in office. That's hardly fair, Jerry. I'm the authority on war, Doctor. Because I was a kid in a foxhole and I don't feel guilty about about my buddy.

[Edward Clark]

You don't?

[Marge Price]

No.

[Edward Clark]

Tell me why.

[Marge Price]

Well, you wouldn't believe it. Try me. All right. You see, there's a bullet, and it's designed especially for You. And if it's your bullet, it'll find you no matter where you are. You can't evade it. You can't avoid it. It was meant for you. It was meant to be. You and the bullet, both of you were dust. Originally, you were dust because the Bible says so. And the bullet was also just dust in the ground. Well, that bullet was mined and refined and cast into metal. It was shaped into a slug and joined with a shell. It was one of billions of bullets. But it was yours, all yours. And at the right time. At the right time, there'd be a tremendous explosion of gases in a narrow chamber. And a bullet would be torn loose from the shell case. And spun around the grooves of a gun barrel and hurled through space. This is the bullet you don't hear. You don't hear it, Doctor. You don't hear it wind past your ear or ping off a rock or thwack against a tree. That's because it's your very own bullet. It's coming to meet you, or you're gonna meet it. It's been arranged. You see, it's an appointment that can never be broken. The dust that had become the bullet would encounter the dust that had become you. And after a while, after a while, both of you would become dust once again. And return to the ground, your original home.

[Edward Clark]

Jerry, I know you're overworked, you're overwrought, you're overtired.

[Paul Gardner]

I keep telling him to slow down.

[Marge Price]

Okay, O. I know I'm under a strain. I know I'm working too hard. But what can I do?

[Edward Clark]

Jerry, try to understand. Right now you're having what is popularly known as a nervous breakdown. This alleged visitor from another world. I say he's an illusion. I say you have subconscious feelings about him which you're not aware of. And I say they burst through because of heavy pressure on your nervous system.

[Marge Price]

Yeah, I knew you'd say that.

[Edward Clark]

Prove me wrong.

[Marge Price]

How? Go away.

[Edward Clark]

Get out from under. Rest a while. Relax.

[Paul Gardner]

Oh, honey, this looks like a good spot. You want to stop here and try for some fish?

[Marge Price]

Marge, I think I'd like to go back and play nine holes this afternoon.

[Paul Gardner]

Great. I need more practice with my irons.

[Marge Price]

Honey. Honey, you know, you've been getting a lot of sun. Maybe you better take it easy for a few hours, huh?

[Paul Gardner]

And besides, you have an appointment with. Oh, what's that name? Biscayne Appliances. See, Jerry, I wasn't sleeping when you called that number this morning.

[Marge Price]

Now, Marge, I've been good all month. I was Just getting restless, that's all. Look, they're a big chain down here. If I can open them up, I'll justify the trip.

[Paul Gardner]

Justify to whom? Why do you have to justify anything? Isn't your health important enough, honey?

[Marge Price]

Joe Keller was very nice about it.

[Paul Gardner]

Joe Keller had no choice.

[Marge Price]

Marge, honey, Steiner was right. I was beat. I don't know how I managed to drag myself along. So I did the right thing. I chucked it all. Now I'm fit, see? I never felt better in my life and I'm raring to go.

[Paul Gardner]

Great. In a month or two, we may think about going back.

[Marge Price]

Not used to being idle, honey?

[Paul Gardner]

Neither am I. But I am learning to love it.

[Marge Price]

Oh, boys. Why didn't I meet you when I was young?

[Paul Gardner]

Young? Jerry, you weren't even 21.

[Marge Price]

No, I was already made when we met. I had already become what I was going to be. You know, I've got a certain amount of ability.

[Paul Gardner]

A tremendous amount, Jerry.

[Marge Price]

But I'm not confident, honey. I doubt myself. I guess I didn't have very much encouragement when I was a kid. You know, my brother was a great athlete. My sister was a great beauty. I. I was kind of clumsy and funny looking. Anyway, Frank and Alice were sent to college. When my turn came, the money had run out. Or maybe they thought I wasn't worth the effort. That's why I enlisted when I was 18. I had to get away from the house and my father. There was no place else to go.

[Paul Gardner]

You never told me this. Honey.

[Marge Price]

I decided if I ever had a kid, I'd never make jokes at his expense or tear him down in any way. I know how these things cut inside where it doesn't show. I would do everything to build them up and give him confidence. I will never, never have any real confidence. March.

[Paul Gardner]

Oh, yes, you will.

[Marge Price]

No, no, baby, you won't get it from a pep talk. I think we can go back home now. March.

[Paul Gardner]

All right. On one condition. You'll just have to slow down.

[Marge Price]

I promise.

[Paul Gardner]

And, honey, there's only one way you can really slow down. That's to get a partnership from Joe Kelly.

[Marge Price]

So much.

[Paul Gardner]

Don't you deserve it?

[Marge Price]

Of course I do.

[Paul Gardner]

We're going to adopt a child. Which means I'll quit my job and you're not going to spend time on the road. That kid will need both of us, won't he?

[Marge Price]

Yes. Yes, honey, he will.

[Paul Gardner]

Then we need that partnership, don't we?

[Edward Clark]

Jerry?

[Larry Haynes]

Jerry, baby, you look like a million bucks less. 2% for cash, of course.

[Marge Price]

Joe.

[Patty Noonan]

Hold it.

[Marge Price]

Hold It.

[Larry Haynes]

Ramona. No calls. I'm in a meeting. I can't be disturbed.

[Marge Price]

Well, anyhow. Joe. Hello.

[Larry Haynes]

I want you to take it easy for a while.

[Doctor Steiner]

You're here.

[Marge Price]

Yeah, I'm ready for action.

[Larry Haynes]

Oh, you think you're ready? Now, listen, I know you had a lot of expenses. I want you to take this little check. It's only 500. I'm strapped for cash this week. I had to pop for a whole new computer setup. But anyway, I decided to increase your bonus to 5%. That'll amount to a pretty sweet raise, huh?

[Marge Price]

No, Joe, don't.

[Larry Haynes]

Don't. Don't thank me, kid. You're entitled to it. We gotta make sure you don't get sick again.

[Marge Price]

Joe, I have to talk with you.

[Larry Haynes]

Well, sure, kid. What about?

[Marge Price]

Well, it's personal and important.

[Larry Haynes]

Well, let me buy you a lunch. Well, Jerry, what are we gonna talk about? I'm fresh out of polite conversation.

[Marge Price]

Joe. Joe, I want a partnership.

[Larry Haynes]

No, you don't, Jerry. No, no, no, no. Don't interrupt. You don't want one.

[Sam Dan]

You'd like one.

[Larry Haynes]

Two different things.

[Marge Price]

Don't nitpick, Joe.

[Larry Haynes]

You'd like a partnership, which means it would be swell, great if you had it. But want is something else. It means like it means need. I know you'd like to own a business, but you're not cut out to be an owner.

[Marge Price]

Why?

[Larry Haynes]

Because an owner is an officer. And in your heart you'll always be an enlisted man. Tommy, could you ever fire a guy because you could get someone else cheaper? If an old customer, a good friend, was getting slow, paying bills, could you cut him off? Thousands of guys like you go bankrupt every year. You're nice, sweet, big hearted, but you don't have the guts business needs.

[Marge Price]

Well, I'd like to remind you of the value myself.

[Larry Haynes]

I know it to the penny, Jerry. And you're well paid for it.

[Marge Price]

Well, I'm worth more now.

[Larry Haynes]

You are. You got a sweet raise this morning.

[Marge Price]

Joe. Joe, don't. Don't think I'm not grateful. You gave me my first break. But I think I can do better elsewhere.

[Doctor Steiner]

Where?

[Marge Price]

Anywhere. Consolidated, Freeman and Singer. Should I go down the list?

[Larry Haynes]

Oh, they'd love to have you, Jerry. What'll they pay? They handle the nationally advertised brands. What'll you be? They're glorified order taker. They don't need your full selling ability, so they don't have to pay a full price for it.

[Marge Price]

Sure.

[Larry Haynes]

With me, you push out all the schlock. It's rough, but you get top dollar. There's 20 outfits like mine. They'd grab you tomorrow, but where's the improvement? They won't pay you more. At least here you got nine years equity in a pension plan.

[Toyota]

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[Larry Haynes]

You and me are used to each other. Besides, I really like it. Yeah. Sometimes I feel like a father to you, Jerry.

[Marge Price]

It was a fiasco, Patty. A fiasco. And how do I break it to March?

[Patty Noonan]

Oh, what's it all about, Jerry?

[Marge Price]

Well, at least I don't have to put up with Ed Clark tonight. I think I'd punch him right in the mouth.

[Patty Noonan]

We'll be deprived of his wonderful company the next two weeks. He's tooling that trailer into the Southwest.

[Doctor Steiner]

Hello, Jerry.

[Marge Price]

What? Patty? Patty, Is someone standing behind me?

[Patty Noonan]

No, Jerry.

[Marge Price]

Paul, will you tell me why?

[Doctor Steiner]

I'll tell you everything, Jerry.

[Marge Price]

When.

[Doctor Steiner]

I think maybe tonight or.

[Marge Price]

Why do you keep popping in like this?

[Doctor Steiner]

I don't know, buddy. I can't control that.

[Marge Price]

Paul?

[Patty Noonan]

Paul.

[Marge Price]

Patty, don't you see anyone?

[Patty Noonan]

No. Jerry.

[Marge Price]

You didn't hear anyone talking to me either?

[Patty Noonan]

No.

[Marge Price]

Patty. Patty, do you think I'm crazy?

[Patty Noonan]

Maybe you should see a doctor.

[Marge Price]

I saw a doctor.

[Patty Noonan]

Well, how about one of them psychiatrist fellows?

[Marge Price]

I never even told my wife I did see a psychiatrist, but after a while I figured, why pay him 50 bucks an hour when I can come in here and talk to you for nothing?

[Patty Noonan]

Well, there must be more to them fellows than that.

[Marge Price]

Oh, sure. He said that the roots of my problem go back to my unhappy childhood. But, Patty, I Have a brother, Frank, who feels terribly insecure. He goes to a psychiatrist, too. Why? He had a happy childhood.

[Patty Noonan]

Put it this way. If you see someone and I don't, the flaw can be in me and not in you. Drink?

[Marge Price]

No.

[Patty Noonan]

No.

[Marge Price]

I better go home and face the music.

[Doctor Steiner]

Gary, let's go someplace and talk.

[Marge Price]

All right.

[Doctor Steiner]

Let's go to the parking lot. Sit in your car.

[Marge Price]

It's cold. That won't bother you, will it?

[Doctor Steiner]

Not yet. Turn the heater on for yourself.

[Marge Price]

When will everyone else be able to see you, Paul?

[Doctor Steiner]

In two weeks.

[Patty Noonan]

That's great.

[Doctor Steiner]

No, it ain't.

[Marge Price]

Why not?

[Doctor Steiner]

Because you'll be dead.

[Sam Dan]

Because you will be dead. Cold words from a warm friend. The chill inside the car becomes intense. But Jerry knows there's no point in turning on the heater. We'll rejoin these two friends when I. And now we return to the final act of the Bullet and a reunion of two war buddies who haven't seen each other in almost nine years. Jerry Price, who is alive, and Paul Gardner, who is dead.

[Doctor Steiner]

The heater in this car doesn't do much good. You're shivering.

[Marge Price]

Why am I gonna be dead, Paul?

[Doctor Steiner]

Remember the night I went out on the patrol?

[Marge Price]

I'll remember that night as long as I lived.

[Doctor Steiner]

I completed my job, I was headed back. And then I felt something smash against my head. And I knew. I knew I just met the Bullet. You know, the bullet we used to talk about? I bet you don't remember.

[Marge Price]

No, I remember.

[Doctor Steiner]

I remember I felt it slam into me. And then I didn't know anything anymore.

[Marge Price]

Yeah. When the guys told me, I went out to get you, Paul.

[Doctor Steiner]

Yeah, I might have known you would. One minute I was moving through a rice paddy, and the next minute I'm. I'm sitting in an office. And I knew a lot of time had gone by.

[Marge Price]

Don't.

[Doctor Steiner]

Don't ask me how I knew, that's all. A man was talking to me.

[Marge Price]

What kind of man?

[Doctor Steiner]

You know the type. That's a clerk in the government or a big corporation. Fussy, self important. Everything's got to be in the right place. He doesn't even look at me. He's got a piece of paper. He says, paul Gardner, you're going back. You should not have died that night. The computation was for you to survive. The plan was for you to marry a girl named Marjorie Stone.

[Marge Price]

I married Marjorie Stone?

[Doctor Steiner]

Yeah. I told the guy I want no part of it. And he gives me a look this clerk does like. He couldn't care less about me or you or Anybody else. And he says, come with me. He leads me to a door. It opens, and all I can hear is a hum and a clicking. And all I can see is a computer. I mean, there's no end to the thing. That's all you can see is computer. And he says, there it is, friend. City Hall. Go fight it. By this time, I'm shaking. That machine scared the pants off me. You couldn't see the top nor the bottom of it. There was no end to it. Just machine, wherever the eye could see.

[Marge Price]

Well, then what happened?

[Doctor Steiner]

This clerk, he tells me there's a plan, a capital P plan. It calls for me to come home, not you.

[Marge Price]

Maybe that's fair, Paul. You were always the better man.

[Doctor Steiner]

Now you got more on the ball. You never got a break, that's all. I had the chance to go to school, become somebody. I could have gone into the old man's business, become the biggest hardware dealer in Atlanta. You and me, we both run away to join the Army. You, because you had nothing. Me because I had everything.

[Marge Price]

But why are you coming back?

[Doctor Steiner]

Because Marge and I are supposed to have a boy. A certain kind of a boy. He'll grow up, I don't know, discover something. Create something or be somebody the world needs real bad. They wouldn't tell me what. Anyhow, 40, 50 years from now, he has to be here. And of all the millions of men and women, he could only be born to me and Marge. Where?

[Marge Price]

When am I leaving?

[Doctor Steiner]

I told you. In two weeks.

[Marge Price]

How?

[Doctor Steiner]

Nine o' clock at night a trailer truck will go past Patty Noonan's saloon just as you're crossing the streets.

[Marge Price]

Why does it have to be like that?

[Doctor Steiner]

Because you don't know how careful these things are. Figured you could get killed a million ways. But the plan calls for a truck driven by a guy named Ed Clark.

[Marge Price]

Oh, yeah. I know Ed Clark.

[Doctor Steiner]

He doesn't have a good record, so.

[Edward Clark]

It'Ll be easy to prove.

[Doctor Steiner]

He's a careless driver. He works for a big outfit, so Marge will have a good settlement. But why?

[Marge Price]

I still don't understand.

[Doctor Steiner]

She'll need the money. You see, I won't be a good father. Not as good as you, for sure. Oh, I'll love the kid. I'll love Marge. But I won't be there a lot. You know me, I have to keep moving.

[Marge Price]

But if you know how important it is for the kid.

[Doctor Steiner]

I won't know. Once I'm alive, I won't remember any of this.

[Marge Price]

You say it's all figured out. Maybe not the Human element. How can the machine predict Marge would go for you, huh?

[Doctor Steiner]

With all due respect, Jerry, did I ever have any trouble landing any dame I had my sights on?

[Marge Price]

With all due respect, I can't see Marge falling for your line of chatter.

[Doctor Steiner]

She will, Jerry. I'll be there when she's having a bad time. She'll be all alone. She'll need somebody. Things will take their natural course. Sure, she'll see through my line, but after a while, she'll get to like it. I'm different. You're quiet. I raise hell. You let things eat at your insides.

[Marge Price]

Not me.

[Doctor Steiner]

I pop off. Maybe my way's no better in the long run. And she's married to you, and she loves you. But deep in her heart, she loves my way better. She'll fall in love with me, Jerry. You have to believe. I don't want to do this. But it was your bullets, not mine.

[Paul Gardner]

Jerry, what are you thinking about?

[Marge Price]

Oh, a guy downstate wants to cancel a carload of refrigerators, so I'm figuring an approach.

[Paul Gardner]

Didn't we agree we'll work at home?

[Marge Price]

Yeah. Well, honey, this is just thinking.

[Paul Gardner]

Did you talk to Joe Keller about the partnership?

[Marge Price]

Yeah.

[Paul Gardner]

And?

[Marge Price]

He said no.

[Paul Gardner]

Did you give him notice?

[Marge Price]

No. He gave me a raise.

[Paul Gardner]

Oh. Okay. Marge, why don't you mix us a drink?

[Marge Price]

Honey, aren't you gonna say anything?

[Paul Gardner]

Mm. Don't put in too much ice.

[Marge Price]

Marge, please, you don't understand.

[Paul Gardner]

I understand. I married a certain kind of man.

[Marge Price]

And you stuck with him.

[Paul Gardner]

No, I'll stick by him because I love him.

[Marge Price]

Would you have wanted a guy who'd barge into Joe Keller's office and say, joe, either give me half the joint, or I'll open up across the street and run you out of business.

[Paul Gardner]

Oh, come on, Anthony.

[Marge Price]

Marge, I have to know.

[Paul Gardner]

Well, maybe I did.

[Marge Price]

Why didn't you marry him?

[Paul Gardner]

He never showed up.

[Marge Price]

So you settled for me.

[Paul Gardner]

That's what's known as falling in love. Come on, honey. Take me to the movies.

[Marge Price]

No. No, I. I don't want to take you to the movies. Let's go downtown and see a play.

[Paul Gardner]

But that's a lot of money.

[Marge Price]

Are you gonna worry about money? Look, this weekend, would you like to fly out to, say, Snow Valley and ski? Yeah. Or how about Las Vegas, huh?

[Paul Gardner]

Jerry, what's gotten into you?

[Marge Price]

Honey, we're gonna have two weeks of the most fantastic.

[Paul Gardner]

Why two weeks? What. What's so special?

[Marge Price]

You. Me? I just want to spend the rest of my life having a ball with you.

[Patty Noonan]

Well, hello, stranger. Haven't seen you. It must be weeks. Where have you been?

[Marge Price]

Oh, giving Marge a good time.

[Patty Noonan]

Well, I must say, it's done wonders for you. You look so calm.

[Marge Price]

Do I?

[Patty Noonan]

Do you ever see the little guy who wasn't there?

[Marge Price]

No.

[Patty Noonan]

Well, that's good. Let's drink to it. Jerry, if I'm not being forward. What did he want from you?

[Marge Price]

You wouldn't believe it, Patty.

[Patty Noonan]

Do you believe it?

[Marge Price]

Well, I just dropped in to say hello, Patty, and goodbye.

[Patty Noonan]

Jerry. Joe, something's the matter with you.

[Marge Price]

Well, I. I understand Ed Clark is due back here tonight. I don't want to run into him. I just don't want to talk to him.

[Patty Noonan]

Well, if that's how you feel, I'll buy him from the joint. Now, Jerry, something's wrong with you.

[Marge Price]

No, no, no, nothing, Pat.

[Patty Noonan]

Now, look, I'm an old soldier, Jerry. I can tell.

[Marge Price]

No, it's really nothing.

[Patty Noonan]

Really, is it? No. Jerry, you got a look on your face.

[Marge Price]

What kind of look?

[Patty Noonan]

I've seen it before in the war. I've seen it on men who go out on the impossible mission. The look of men who know they're not coming back. The resigned look. What are you resigned to, Jerry?

[Marge Price]

You have a vivid imagination.

[Patty Noonan]

I have an imagination, Jerry. Whatever it is, don't be resigned to it. Fight it.

[Marge Price]

You can't fight City.

[Patty Noonan]

I knew it. You're in a fight, Jerry. Well, you can fight anybody. You're an ex combat soldier and you weren't afraid of anything when you were out there. You faced up to death, hunger, despair. What happened to you, Jerry? Where did you lose it? Face up to it now, whoever he is.

[Sam Dan]

Bit in his eye.

[Marge Price]

Patty, I can't do anything.

[Patty Noonan]

Jerry, I'm gonna throw you out of here for your own good. Now leave. Leave town. Go far away for a while.

[Edward Clark]

Fight it, Jerry.

[Marge Price]

Fight it, Patty, wherever I go.

[Patty Noonan]

Listen to old Patty. Just take off.

[Marge Price]

Don't you see there's a plan?

[Patty Noonan]

Who cares?

[Edward Clark]

Put up a fight.

[Marge Price]

Why are you so upset, Patty, huh?

[Patty Noonan]

I don't know, but listen to me. Fight. Now.

[Edward Clark]

Now, get out of.

[Patty Noonan]

Patty Dunan.

[Marge Price]

Patty, it's Jerry. I decided to fight it.

[Edward Clark]

Good boy, Jerry.

[Marge Price]

You know, Patty, there's something about your place. I don't know how to say it, but I feel stronger, better, away from it.

[Patty Noonan]

I don't mind.

[Marge Price]

So I'm gonna fight. What have I got to lose, huh? Why should I do what he tells me? Why should I believe him?

[Patty Noonan]

I don't know what it is, but I agree.

[Marge Price]

I'll see you around, Patty.

[Paul Gardner]

Universal airlines flight number three for Los Angeles and Mexico City now boarding at.

[Doctor Steiner]

8:17. Who you calling? Gary?

[Marge Price]

I have to tell him.

[Doctor Steiner]

Jerry, don't do it this way. There'll be a hundred other people on that plane. Do it the way it has to be done.

[Marge Price]

Paul, I have to fight you.

[Doctor Steiner]

Why?

[Marge Price]

Because it isn't fair.

[Doctor Steiner]

Was it fair for me to stop your bullet? Come on, Jerry. Ed Clark will be tooling by patties in less than an hour.

[Marge Price]

Paul, I. I don't know if I have the nerve.

[Doctor Steiner]

I'll help you, buddy.

[Marge Price]

I'll help you.

[Doctor Steiner]

Come on.

[Paul Gardner]

Hello? Hel. What is it, Mr. Noonan?

[Patty Noonan]

I called you and I hope it was not of turn. Mrs. Price, it's about Jerry.

[Paul Gardner]

What about Jerry?

[Patty Noonan]

He's sitting back there in a booth. Now, wait. Don't go to him yet. He's in trouble.

[Paul Gardner]

Well, it can't be. We. We've had such a glorious two weeks.

[Patty Noonan]

He's in trouble.

[Paul Gardner]

Oh, what kind of trouble?

[Patty Noonan]

I don't know. We have to help him somehow.

[Paul Gardner]

Is it that, Buddy?

[Patty Noonan]

I think so.

[Paul Gardner]

Well, the time has come to lay that nonsense to rest once and for all, and I'm going to.

[Patty Noonan]

That won't work. Agree with him. Show him anything he wants is okay with you. Don't fight him. All we can give him is love.

[Paul Gardner]

Hi, honey.

[Marge Price]

Hi.

[Paul Gardner]

Buy me a drink?

[Marge Price]

Oh, shit. You know, I never knew you had those little gold highlights in your hair.

[Paul Gardner]

Oh, I'm using a different bottle this week.

[Marge Price]

I love you.

[Paul Gardner]

I love you too. And I want you to be with me always.

[Doctor Steiner]

Come on, Jerry, let's start.

[Marge Price]

No, not yet.

[Paul Gardner]

Are you talking to me?

[Doctor Steiner]

The plan calls for it.

[Marge Price]

How do I know there is a plan?

[Doctor Steiner]

Ask anybody. Ask Marge.

[Paul Gardner]

Jerry, what are you talking about?

[Marge Price]

Marge. Marge, do you believe there's a plan that determines the actions of everybody in the whole world?

[Paul Gardner]

No.

[Marge Price]

You sure?

[Paul Gardner]

I'm sure.

[Marge Price]

Well, then how do you think things.

[Paul Gardner]

Work out every which way?

[Doctor Steiner]

Come on, Jerry. It's time.

[Marge Price]

No. No, I won't go.

[Paul Gardner]

Where won't you go then?

[Marge Price]

Marge? As far as you're concerned, there isn't any plan.

[Paul Gardner]

Oh, Well, I. Well, what do you think, Jerry?

[Marge Price]

No, that's not important. What do you think?

[Paul Gardner]

Well, yes. Yes, there is a plan. I can prove it.

[Marge Price]

You can?

[Paul Gardner]

Yes. But you started me thinking. There has to be a plan. Otherwise you and. And I, we just never would have met. Remember that day?

[Marge Price]

Yeah. Yeah. You. You were taking cash at Ryman's drugstore. That's the only reason I walked in there.

[Paul Gardner]

Well, I'd already given notice. I was going to leave. And then you walked in and asked Doc if you could open a charge. Then and there. I decided to stay.

[Marge Price]

And where? Where were you going?

[Paul Gardner]

Oh, away. Pull up stakes.

[Marge Price]

Why?

[Paul Gardner]

Well, my folks were gone. My friends were married. Neighborhood had changed. The girl I went to school with had a father, a construction engineer. He'd been transferred. Well, she took a job in his new office and she wrote and said she found a nice crowd. They needed secretaries down there.

[Marge Price]

There.

[Paul Gardner]

She could fix it up. Well, why not? I was set to go, but it was not to be. You came wandering into Ryman's. Obviously, there is a master plan that rules our lives.

[Marge Price]

And then where was this wonderful place? You almost went to Atlanta. Atlanta?

[Paul Gardner]

Oh, what's so remarkable about that, Jerry?

[Marge Price]

It was definite. You were going to.

[Paul Gardner]

Well, sure.

[Marge Price]

And only because I. Only because you met me.

[Paul Gardner]

Only because I met you. Otherwise, I'd have gone to Atlanta and married a Southern millionaire. But evidently something had been planned for me. Aren't you flattered? I met you and it changed my whole life.

[Doctor Steiner]

Are you ready to go now, Jerry?

[Marge Price]

Will you come with me?

[Paul Gardner]

Yes. Jerry, where do you want to go?

[Marge Price]

Why? I have to do something.

[Paul Gardner]

I'll come.

[Marge Price]

No, no. Wait here. Darling, please.

[Doctor Steiner]

It's time, buddy. Just like going out on a patrol.

[Patty Noonan]

Jerry, where are you going?

[Marge Price]

It's all right, Patty. It's all right.

[Doctor Steiner]

I didn't want this, buddy.

[Marge Price]

I know. I know. I don't want you to take my bullet, either.

[Doctor Steiner]

Goodbye, Jerry.

[Marge Price]

Yeah. Goodbye, Paul. Take care of him for me.

[Doctor Steiner]

You know I.

[Patty Noonan]

Call us aise.

[Edward Clark]

Get an ambulance.

[Marge Price]

Oh, dear.

[Patty Noonan]

He's dead.

[Marge Price]

Here, miss.

[Doctor Steiner]

Yeah? You're cold.

[Patty Noonan]

Let me throw this coat over you. She's going to fade.

[Doctor Steiner]

It's all right. I've got her. We'll bring her into that bar where it's warm. Give her a little stimulant. It's all right. Everything will be all right. Everything will be. It'll be all right.

[Sam Dan]

So many people preface what they believe with it is written. It is written in the stars. It is written on the wind. And for so many like Jerry, it is written on the bullet. I'll be back shortly. I remember an old soldier once told me he wasn't worried about the bullet that had his name on it. What really bothered him was the bullet marked to whom it may concern. Our concern is mystery, excitement, suspense, thrills and chills. Our cast included Larry Haines, EV Juster, Martin Newman, Ralph Bell, Leon Janney and Danny Ako. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown.