
Dark Fantasy 41-11-14 (01) The Man Who Came Back
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Keith Grange
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Philip Blake
I am the man who came back. All right, now, break it up.
Keith Grange
Break it up. All right, Ms. Casey.
Captain Sullivan
Yes, Captain.
Philip Blake
Now, you stay right there in that.
Keith Grange
Doorway and don't let nobody in or out.
Captain Sullivan
Right, Captain. All right, now. All right, you heard him.
Sylvia
Oh, but we had nothing to do with this.
Captain Sullivan
Okay, sister, if you didn't, you ain't got nothing to be scared of. Hey, you. Where do you think you're going?
Philip Blake
I thought I might get a little air, if you don't mind.
Captain Sullivan
Well, I do mind. Now back in the house with you. What's the big idea, you wearing that mask?
Philip Blake
As you might have observed, my friend, this is a masquerade party.
Captain Sullivan
Oh, is it now? Well, according to Emily Post, its mask's off at midnight. We got this call to come out here just as the clock in Washington Circle was striking the hour.
Philip Blake
The call was placed by a most hysterical woman. And there is nothing you can do for the man in there, I assure you.
Captain Sullivan
Stop changing the subject. What I want to know is, why ain't you unmasked like the others?
Philip Blake
I prefer, sir, to wear my mask.
Captain Sullivan
Take it off, Don Juan. I want to look at your mug.
Philip Blake
It might be better, my friend, if you didn't see my mug.
Captain Sullivan
Now, look here, Zorro.
Philip Blake
Perhaps while we are waiting, I might tell you a story.
Captain Sullivan
Yeah, what is this, bedtime at Grandma's? The only story I'm interested in is what happened here tonight.
Philip Blake
Exactly.
Captain Sullivan
Eh?
Philip Blake
I said exactly. Perhaps I can tell you the story.
Captain Sullivan
All right, then, my fine, mysterious friend, give.
Philip Blake
Well, you see, it's quite a long story. It really all began three. Yes, at least three years ago. I remember that evening quite well. I let myself into Grange's apartment. It was a golden key. I used a bright golden key. And there was no one there when I arrived. So I closed the door and waited. Well, Grange, imagine seeing me here.
Keith Grange
Blake, I say, you startle me.
Philip Blake
Did I, now? I dare say, had I been someone else, you wouldn't have been at all startled.
Keith Grange
Incidentally, old man, how did you get in here?
Philip Blake
I Suppose it would be quite facetious of me to say that I came in the same way you did. Oh, I say, a new piano. Do you mind?
Keith Grange
No, not at all. Go right ahead. Help yourself. Have a drink.
Philip Blake
No, thanks. You better have one, though.
Keith Grange
Hmm? Oh, yes. I say, Blake, what's that you're playing?
Philip Blake
You've heard it before, Grange.
Keith Grange
Have I? I don't recall.
Philip Blake
You have a short memory.
Keith Grange
I usually remember pretty well when you choose to.
Philip Blake
You do?
Keith Grange
Yes. What do you mean by that?
Philip Blake
My wife has played that tune for you every night this week and last and the week before that. You see, I happen to know.
Keith Grange
Oh, I see.
Philip Blake
Well, I'm glad you haven't the audacity to deny it.
Keith Grange
No, I don't deny it. Your wife has been here often. As often as she possibly could. But I assure you she came of her own desire.
Philip Blake
And as a result of your oily persuasion.
Keith Grange
I might agree, Blake, that she is easily persuaded. And of course, my curiosity prompts me to ask how you finally learned the truth.
Philip Blake
I accidentally found the key to your apartment here. It was in Sylvia's purse. A golden key with your initials engraved on one side, hers on the other.
Keith Grange
Why, I thought that a rather handsome touch. Don't you agree?
Philip Blake
I've brought the key back to you.
Keith Grange
How gallant of you, old fellow.
Philip Blake
I'm serious. Sylvia will never come here again.
Keith Grange
Are you positive of that?
Philip Blake
Quite. For I shall ask her not to.
Keith Grange
You seem to believe she'll obey you.
Philip Blake
She will. And I ask you now, Grange, as a gentleman, kindly refrain from inviting her here again.
Keith Grange
In other words, hands off. Is that it?
Philip Blake
I'm glad I make myself quite plain.
Keith Grange
Why, you fool. You dull, stupid fool. What right have you to demand anything of Sylvia? Do you think for a moon, night after night, twiddling her thumbs while you're away from home?
Philip Blake
I admit I've been busy this past year, but another six months.
Keith Grange
Ah, you've no one to blame for Sylvia's being here but yourself. Here she's found what you've denied her, Blake. I doubt very much if she'll give it up.
Philip Blake
Why, you swine. If you think for a moment.
Keith Grange
Oh.
Philip Blake
I forgot you carried a gun. But if you'd care to put it.
Keith Grange
Away, skip the heroic spake. You know, I think I've suddenly thought of a solution to all this.
Philip Blake
The only solution is for you to leave Sylvia alone.
Keith Grange
Oh, no, no, you're quite mistaken. This is the solution, here in my hand. Indeed, I rather like the idea. Besides, with you out of the way, Sylvia need have no more qualms.
Philip Blake
Why, you low yellow rat.
Keith Grange
That's it, Blake. Come closer. Threaten me. Make me do it. Make me do it, Blake.
Philip Blake
You think killing me is a way out, Grange? You're very badly mistaken.
Keith Grange
It's the only way out.
Philip Blake
If you kill me, Grange, I'll come back in a vein myself.
Keith Grange
One shot and that'd be all. I can prove self defense. Sylvia will help. She'll swear you came here and tried to kill me.
Philip Blake
I'll come back, Grange.
Keith Grange
Just one shot. Directly between the eyes.
Philip Blake
I'll haunt you, Grange, because by God in heaven, I'll come back.
Keith Grange
It's a perfect scheme. Yes, I like it.
Philip Blake
Pierce the veil, Grange, because I'll come.
Captain Sullivan
Back if I have to fight all.
Philip Blake
The demons that helted for it.
Keith Grange
Prepare, Blake. This is a chance of a lifetime. It's the way out. Yes, it's the way out.
Captain Sullivan
Get your extra paper. Wealthy playwright slain in millionaire's apartment.
Keith Grange
Read all about it.
Captain Sullivan
Hey, Mr. Keith Grange playing self defense in slaying a Philip Lake. Here it is, folks. Get your extra paper. Read the headline news about the killing.
Ryan
It's all here in your.
Captain Sullivan
It is the judgment of this court that the defendant, Keith Grange did shoot and kill the deceased Philip Blake on the night of April 16th. And that in so doing he acted in a line of self defense. The court therefore decrees that Keith Grange shall not be held to account for this unfortunate incident.
Philip Blake
Well, my dear, I suppose there's nothing.
Sylvia
To worry about now.
Keith Grange
Not the slightest thing. I told you from the very beginning, Sylvia, that I acted rightly in doing what I did.
Sylvia
I still can't resign myself to it.
Keith Grange
But you must. It's all over. Philip is dead. Now we can be together as much as we please.
Sylvia
Keith. Suppose you and I should have a misunderstanding. Suppose I should become angry. Sometimes so angry I. I might tell the truth to the authorities.
Keith Grange
That, my dear, would be most unfortunate. But it's a possibility. And by no means should we overlook possibilities. So allow me to remind you, Sylvia, my dear girl, that your hiding the true facts of the matter at the coroner's investigation automatically makes you an accomplice.
Sylvia
Oh, I see. But why are we talking like this, darling? We'll both feel better after we've had a little rest.
Keith Grange
Of course we will, dear.
Sylvia
Kiss me good night, darling. I'm going home.
Keith Grange
I'll take you.
Sylvia
Oh, no, no. I'd rather go alone tonight, if you don't mind.
Keith Grange
As you wish, my dear. Good night.
Sylvia
Good night, darling.
Keith Grange
Sweet.
Sylvia
Will you call me in the morning?
Keith Grange
Yes, of Course I will.
Sylvia
Good night, then.
Keith Grange
Good night, darling. Pleasant dreams. That's strange. Very strange. Just a moment ago, there were only Sylvia and I here. Now she's gone. Yet I feel that I'm not alone.
Philip Blake
You're not alone, Grange.
Keith Grange
What? What was that? I thought I heard a voice.
Philip Blake
It was my voice.
Keith Grange
Who are you? Where are you?
Philip Blake
I told you I'd come back.
Keith Grange
No, no, it's just my imagination.
Philip Blake
Is it your imagination, Grange?
Keith Grange
Yes, yes, of course.
Philip Blake
I warned you. I warned you, remember?
Keith Grange
Come out. Come out in the open. Come out, I say.
Captain Sullivan
Do you hear me?
Keith Grange
Come out.
Philip Blake
Your gun is useless against me now, Grange.
Keith Grange
What do you want? Tell me, what do you want?
Philip Blake
Oh, not now. The time isn't right now. But I'll be back. Watch for me and wait. Watch and wait for. I'll come back Rang. I'll come back.
Keith Grange
No, no. I'm sure of was no one. No one at all. I just imagined it, that's all. Yes. Just my imagination.
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Keith Grange
Sylvia, dear, you look so tired. Here, perhaps this will wake you up. Present for you.
Sylvia
A present?
Keith Grange
Yes, something I picked up today. I thought you'd like it.
Sylvia
How sweet of you, darling. I think I can guess just by looking at the box. It's. It's a ring.
Keith Grange
Oh, aren't you clever. Go ahead, open it.
Sylvia
All right, darling, but don't hurry me.
Keith Grange
Oh, Sylvia, that isn't the ring I bought for you.
Sylvia
Keith, look at this ring.
Keith Grange
The initials P.B.
Sylvia
Keith.
Keith Grange
This.
Sylvia
This is his ring.
Keith Grange
Sylvia, what are you saying?
Philip Blake
It's his ring.
Sylvia
I gave it to him.
Keith Grange
But, Sylvia, truth.
Sylvia
I swear to you. Philip Blake was buried with that ring on his finger.
Captain Sullivan
Yes, Please, do you mind coming around.
Philip Blake
To the other side, please?
Captain Sullivan
Mister, that door busted and you can't get it open.
Keith Grange
Oh, very well.
Philip Blake
Sorry to ask that of you, but.
Captain Sullivan
I ain't had time to get the other door fixed.
Philip Blake
Where to, friend?
Keith Grange
Oh, I think the D Hotel, please.
Philip Blake
Right. Excellent. That's where I'm going.
Keith Grange
Oh, well, you startle me. I didn't know there was anyone in this cab. It's so dark tonight.
Philip Blake
Yes, isn't it?
Keith Grange
I say, I don't seem to feel anyone in the seat here beside me.
Philip Blake
Strange. You certainly bumped me hard enough when you crawled in here.
Keith Grange
Bumped you? I beg your pardon, sir, but I.
Philip Blake
Never mind, Grange, Never mind.
Keith Grange
You know me.
Philip Blake
I am surprised that you don't know me.
Keith Grange
But. Yes, your voice sounds familiar.
Captain Sullivan
Good Lord.
Philip Blake
Philip Blake, do you mind riding with me?
Keith Grange
I. Blake, you're supposed to be dead. You're supposed to be buried.
Philip Blake
I am dead, Grange. I am buried.
Captain Sullivan
Gabby.
Keith Grange
Gabby, stop this cab.
Captain Sullivan
Right, sir.
Keith Grange
Now let me out of here. Let me out.
Captain Sullivan
What's the matter, governor?
Keith Grange
Hey, you hadn't ought to jump out.
Captain Sullivan
Of a moving car like that.
Keith Grange
What in the name of heaven is in the back of that cab?
Captain Sullivan
Why, nothing, governor. Here, see? I'll turn on the light.
Philip Blake
There, see?
Keith Grange
But there was somebody in there with me.
Captain Sullivan
Oh, now, mister, they couldn't have been. Look for yourself.
Philip Blake
The seat's empty.
Captain Sullivan
There. You just jumped out on this side of the cab.
Keith Grange
The other door won't open.
Philip Blake
No, brother, there wasn't nobody in that seat with you.
Captain Sullivan
Must have been your imagination.
Sylvia
Hello? Hello, Doric, dear, this is Sylvia. I just wanted to remind you about the masquerade ball at Keith's new home tonight. You'll be there? Fine. Now remember, masks and costumes for everybody. All right, dear. Now, be sure to come in costume, won't you, Dorothy? Yes, and heavily masked, my dear. Yes, at Keith's new place. Oh, darling, wait till you see the place. It's really a mansion. Honestly, it's huge. Mr. Grange, I believe.
Keith Grange
Sylvia, darling. So you've penetrated my disguise.
Captain Sullivan
Silly.
Sylvia
I heard you order it from the costumers yesterday. Darling, the music book starts soon is the first dance hours.
Keith Grange
Sylvia, my dear, every dance is ours tonight. Are you happy I bought this place?
Sylvia
Oh, it's lovely. Absolutely lovely. Keith, darling, what's the matter?
Keith Grange
That man in black. I've been watching him all evening. He's been watching me.
Sylvia
Do you know who he is?
Keith Grange
No, he just stands and stares at me everywhere I go. He's always just a short distance away.
Sylvia
Look, Keith, he's going into your study.
Keith Grange
Well, he hasn't any business in there.
Sylvia
Strange. I locked that door this evening so the guest wouldn't go into your study and disturb things.
Keith Grange
Well, he just walked right in and. Here. I'll go see who he is and what he wants. You mingle with the guests and I'll join you later.
Sylvia
Very well, dear. But don't be long. I'll be waiting for you.
Keith Grange
All right. So? Yeah, it's odd. This door is locked. Dark piano. Oh, confound it, where's the light switch?
Philip Blake
There.
Keith Grange
No, no, it can't be. That piano. Someone's playing and yet there's no one seated there. The keys moving up and down, playing the music. But there are no hands on them. That melody. It's the melody he played the night I killed him. He's playing it now, yet he's not there.
Philip Blake
I'm here, Grange. I'm here, Grange. Look closer, Grange. Here I am. You see?
Keith Grange
Yes, I see you now.
Philip Blake
I brought you a little gift for your masquerade party. You find it lying on your desk. Turn around and see for yourself. That's right. There, you see?
Keith Grange
A gun.
Philip Blake
It's the one you killed me with. Don't you recognize it?
Keith Grange
Where did you get that gun?
Philip Blake
I found it, Granged, and I've brought it back to you. I put one shell in its chamber. Just one, Grange, but that is enough.
Keith Grange
What are you trying to go on? He's gone. Lord, am I mad? Was I dreaming? No, no, the gun is here. It is my gun. One cartridge. He said only one. One cartridge? Yes, yes. It's the only way left. He knew it was the only way. Now he's left me to take it. All right, Blake. You can have your revenge. You can have it. And you are right. It is the only way.
Captain Sullivan
So he shot himself, eh?
Philip Blake
The evidence in there will indicate that he did, yes.
Captain Sullivan
Say, that's quite a yarn. You sponge, Zorro.
Philip Blake
It is nothing but the truth.
Captain Sullivan
Come on now. Come on, me friend. Let's take off your mask and have a look at you.
Philip Blake
One moment, Keith Grange shot Philip Blake squarely between the eyes.
Captain Sullivan
Yeah, so what?
Philip Blake
That doesn't make a very pretty sight.
Captain Sullivan
Well, I don't see what that's got to do with. Here comes the captain. He'll take that mask off. Ye, Captain. Sullivan, come here a minute, will you?
Keith Grange
Yes, Casey, what is it?
Captain Sullivan
There's a mug here that won't take off his mask. He's been spinning me the most fantastic yarn ever heard in all my. Where'd he go? Huh?
Philip Blake
Where'd who go? Say, did you let somebody get out of this house?
Keith Grange
Casey?
Captain Sullivan
No, no, no, no, said Cap. No, I didn't. But he was. He was standing here just a minute ago. He wouldn't take off his mask. He told me the darndest story about a murdered man coming back from the grave.
Philip Blake
Casey, have you been near the punch bowl? There's no one here.
Keith Grange
Now, wait a minute.
Philip Blake
What's this stain here on the floor?
Captain Sullivan
Blood. A little pool of it there on the floor. Right in the exact spot where the man in black was standing.
Keith Grange
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Podcast Summary: Dark Fantasy 41-11-14 (01) The Man Who Came Back
Podcast Information
Dark Fantasy 41-11-14 (01) The Man Who Came Back opens with a sudden interruption by an advertisement, setting a nostalgic tone reminiscent of old-time radio broadcasts. The main narrative begins shortly after, introducing the central conflict between Keith Grange and Philip Blake.
The episode centers around Keith Grange, who finds himself confronted by Philip Blake—the man he killed three years prior. Blake's return from the dead seeks vengeance, unraveling a web of deceit, betrayal, and supernatural retribution.
Philip Blake's Return: At [00:56], Philip Blake declares, "I am the man who came back," signaling his supernatural return. This initiation sets the stage for the ensuing conflict.
Tense Exchange: The dialogue between Keith Grange and Captain Sullivan evolves as they attempt to manage Philip Blake's unexpected presence. At [02:00], Captain Sullivan references Emily Post, saying, "according to Emily Post, it's mask's off at midnight," adding a touch of old-fashioned etiquette to the tense situation.
Revelation of Betrayal: Philip Blake reveals at [05:39], "I accidentally found the key to your apartment here. It was in Sylvia's purse," uncovering a hidden betrayal that deepens the conflict between the characters.
Keith's Desperation: At [07:28], Keith Grange admits, "You think killing me is a way out, Grange? You're very badly mistaken," showcasing his desperation and the lengths he's willing to go to protect his interests.
Philip's Threats: Philip Blake warns, "[07:41] If you kill me, Grange, I'll come back in a vein myself," emphasizing the supernatural stakes and the inevitability of vengeance.
Self-Defense Claim: Captain Sullivan reports at [09:15], "the court therefore decrees that Keith Grange shall not be held to account for this unfortunate incident," highlighting the legal aftermath of Keith's actions.
Ghostly Apparitions: Keith Grange begins to experience hallucinations or supernatural encounters. At [11:44], Blake ominously states, "You're not alone, Grange," followed by chilling interactions that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural.
The Piano Melody: At [20:25], Keith notices, "that melody he played the night I killed him. He's playing it now, yet he's not there," symbolizing Blake's lingering presence and unresolved conflict.
The Gun's Return: Philip Blake returns the gun at [21:24], stating, "It's the one you killed me with. Don't you recognize it?" This act serves as a pivotal moment, forcing Keith to confront his past actions directly.
The Final Confrontation: Keith Grange decides to take Philip's revenge, leading to a tense showdown. At [22:09], Keith muses, "What are you trying to go on? He's gone. Lord, am I mad? Was I dreaming?" expressing his conflicted emotions.
Philip's Death: The culmination occurs when Keith Grange shoots Philip Blake, resulting in their intertwined fates. At [23:16], Captain Sullivan remarks, "So he shot himself, eh?" adding a twist to the resolution.
Philip Blake:
Keith Grange:
Captain Sullivan:
Sylvia:
Keith Grange (Ben Morris): The central figure haunted by his past actions, grappling with guilt and the supernatural consequences of his deeds.
Philip Blake (Eugene Francis): The vengeful spirit seeking retribution, his return serves as the catalyst for the unfolding drama.
Captain Sullivan (Murillo Schofield): The pragmatic authority figure attempting to mediate the escalating conflict.
Sylvia (Corin was hurt as Sylvia Fred Wayne): Keith's confidante, whose loyalty and actions significantly influence the narrative's progression.
Casey Muir (Eleanor Naylor): A supporting character involved in the interactions surrounding the central conflict.
The Man Who Came Back masterfully intertwines elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural, creating a compelling narrative that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The episode concludes with a dramatic resolution that underscores themes of guilt, retribution, and the inescapable nature of one's past. As Keith Grange faces the ultimate consequences of his actions, the story leaves listeners pondering the thin veil between life and death, and the haunting echoes of unresolved conflicts.
This episode of Dark Fantasy exemplifies the enchanting allure of old-time radio dramas, effectively using soundscapes and dialogue to build tension and evoke deep emotional responses. For fans of classic radio storytelling, The Man Who Came Back offers a rich and immersive experience that honors the traditions of the Golden Age while delivering a fresh and engaging tale.