Dimension X - Perigis Wonderful Dolls - #18

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Dimension X - "Perigi's Wonderful Dolls" (#18)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 5, 2026
Original Broadcast Date: (Golden Age Radio, ca. 1950)
Episode: “Dimension X – Perigi’s Wonderful Dolls”

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Overview

This episode of Dimension X presents a chilling science fiction story: “Perigi’s Wonderful Dolls.” Set in post-war Washington D.C., it explores the dangers lurking beneath the whimsy of a doll shop, blending Cold War paranoia, family drama, and a sinister alien plot. A military family becomes entangled with mysterious, lifelike dolls whose creator—Santor Perigi—may not be what he seems. The tale steadily unfolds from childhood fascination to deadly intrigue, questioning the nature of innocence, trust, and unseen threats.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

The Setting and the Grayson Family

• Opening Scene (02:40):
  Alma Grayson waits with her daughter, Cindy, outside a newly discovered doll shop as they await Colonel Henry Grayson. Cindy is fascinated with the dolls on parade in the window.

  “Oh, Mommy, look. In the window of the shop, the tiny dolls. Oh, Mommy, do you think Daddy will buy me one?”
  — Cindy Grayson (02:43)

• Introduction of Colonel Henry Grayson (03:00):
  Colonel Grayson arrives late, preoccupied with his duties at the Pentagon involving mysterious flying spheres, signaling early on that national security and secrets are in play.

  “I’m afraid I’ll have to call off the shopping, Elma. Some more of that flying sphere nonsense…”
  — Colonel Henry Grayson (03:00)

The Doll Shop and Mr. Perigi

• Entering the Shop (04:11):
  The Graysons are invited inside by the enigmatic Santor Perigi, who immediately sets an uncanny tone—“In the shop of Santor Perigi, creator of Perigi's universal, wonderful dolls, the world of adult reality is blended with the world of child's fantasy.” (04:30)

• Toto, The Animated Doll (04:46):
  Cindy is introduced to Toto, a talking, bowing, dancing doll. Toto even sings an unsettling ditty:

  “Men are big and tall, dolls are very small. When men begin to fall, the dolls will rule them all.”
  — Toto the Doll (05:11)

• Perigi’s Motives (05:25):
  Perigi only rents his dolls, not sells them, insisting on their return in good condition—a detail foreshadowing his deeper agenda.

The Doll Comes Home – Domestic Disruption

• Toto in the Household (06:36–08:53):
  Cindy brings Toto home. The doll immediately sows discord: the pet dog, Mr. Blister, reacts badly, and Cindy sides with Toto, revealing growing attachment and alienation from her pet.

• Death of the Dog (09:50):
  The next morning, Mr. Blister is found poisoned, with mysterious blue glass in his food. Suspicion falls on Cindy after Alma recalls a broken blue glass from Cindy’s bathroom.

• Guilt and Denial (11:27):
  The episode explores the psychological impact on Cindy, as her parents interrogate her about the incident; Cindy blames the doll.

  “Now, did you break your glass and maybe accidentally get some pieces into Mr. Blister's dish...?”
  — Colonel Grayson (11:47)

Escalation – Missing Documents

• Colonel’s Strongbox is Missing (16:49–17:56): Confidential military papers disappear. Keys to the box are found hanging around Toto’s neck, further implicating Cindy (or the doll)—tension mounting between the parents over trust and reality.

  “Ever since she got this fool doll, she's been acting half insane. First the dog, now this…”
  — Colonel Grayson (18:44)

• Cindy's Fear Intensifies (19:15): Cindy claims the doll threatened her and insists Toto speaks to her at night.

  “He says things... He's going to kill everybody. ...He told me he'd kill me too if I told.”
  — Cindy Grayson (19:42)

The Revelation – The Doll Shop’s Dark Secret

• Confrontation at Perigi’s Shop (20:27):
  Colonel Grayson returns the doll and demands answers. Perigi reveals he has the strongbox. He admits to blackmail, using personal secrets obtained via the dolls to control powerful people.

  “With the help of my wonderful dolls, I obtain personal information. Which enables me to control the men who control the world.”
  — Santor Perigi (22:08)

• Supernatural Turn: Dolls are Aliens (23:02): Toto reveals himself as Xanthus Imperator—leader of Meritrix, a race of tiny people from a planetoid beyond the moon, using Perigi (a man-sized doll) as their front. Their aim: to colonize Earth.

  “If you will examine the body of Santo Perigi, you will see that he does not bleed. ...Santo Perigi is a doll.”
  — Toto the Doll (23:08)

The Climax – Unbelieved Truth

• Police Arrive (24:51): Colonel Grayson, now desperate and disbelieved, tries to explain to the police the dolls’ conspiracy. But Perigi is apparently unharmed and everything seems normal.

  “They aren't really dolls. They're tiny people. Now, there's a big doll named Santor Perigi. They're using him as a front to run this shop.”
  — Colonel Grayson (25:14)

• Perigi’s Victory, Doll’s Spread (27:10–27:44): Sergeant Ryan, unconvinced by Grayson, is gifted Toto for his own daughter as a reward for “saving Perigi’s life,” suggesting the alien plot will continue, unseen.

  “So then please accept the doll for saving my life. Take Toto home with you as a gift.”
  — Santor Perigi (27:22)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Toto’s Sinister Song (05:11):
  “When men begin to fall, the dolls will rule them all.”

• The Shocking Reveal (23:02):
  “Santo Perigi is a doll... I am Xanthus Imperator, Commander of the legions of the third planetoid, Merit.”
  — Toto the Doll

• Paranoia and Disbelief (25:14–26:24):
  Colonel Grayson’s frantic attempts to convince the police, mirroring themes of Cold War hysteria and the dangers of unseen threats.

• Perigi’s Final Warning (27:53):
  “Toto will come as a great surprise. A very great surprise, eh, Tot?”
  — Santor Perigi

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 02:40 | Grayson family arrives at the doll shop | | 04:09 | First meeting with Santor Perigi, Toto introduced | | 05:25 | Perigi “rents” dolls, insists on their return | | 06:36 | Toto’s arrival at home, tension with dog | | 09:53 | Dog found dead, suspicious circumstances | | 11:47 | Parents accuse Cindy, she blames Toto | | 16:49 | Colonel’s strongbox missing, parental dysfunction | | 19:15 | Cindy reports Toto’s threats | | 20:27 | Colonel confronts Perigi, strongbox retrieved | | 23:02 | Toto reveals true identity, alien invasion plot | | 24:51 | Police arrive, Colonel’s account is dismissed | | 27:22 | Police sergeant accepts Toto as a “gift” | | 27:53 | Perigi’s final sinister promise |

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Tone and Style

Throughout, the tone is tense and suspenseful, blending family drama with mounting paranoia and eerie science fiction. Dialogue is brisk, reflecting both the innocent disbelief of the era and the existential dread of losing control. The cast’s earnest delivery heightens the story’s creeping horror, especially as allegiances shift from playful fantasy to life-and-death stakes.

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Takeaway

“Perigi’s Wonderful Dolls” is a masterful example of mid-century radio sci-fi, cleverly interweaving the familiar (a child’s toy, family squabbles) with the fantastical and sinister. It plays on postwar anxieties—espionage, conformity, loss of personal agency—to create a chilling parable about trust, innocence, and the dangers hidden in plain sight.

The open-ended conclusion warns listeners that threats may come in the most unassuming guises—leaving the audience with an uneasy sense that, somewhere, Perigi’s dolls are waiting.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

I can't believe they're having a gender reveal for their dog. No, no, no, no. This is a breed reveal.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Oh.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

So, yeah, they're finding out the breed of the puppy they're rescuing. So they could just be spending all their money on, like, pet insurance. Instead, we got lemonade for Roscoe and it covered vaccines, microchipping. We saved 90% on vet bills.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

Oh, here we go.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

What do you think beige confetti means?

[Santor Perigi]

I don't know.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

That we'll never get this Saturday back. Get a quote for any [e-mail] Pet

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

Wheaties presents dimension X

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Adventures in Time and Space Transcribed in Future Tense Dimension

[Cindy Grayson]

X X X X X

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

On stage tonight, Dimension X. Another in the Wheaties big parade of exciting half hour presentations. I'm thinking of a girl. Very pleasant person. Very attractive too. She has cool hands, a nice voice and a gentle manner. She's crisp and efficient, but she needs help badly. She's the American nurse and her problem is this. There just aren't enough like her to go around. Not enough nurses for the hundreds of important nursing careers now open in hospitals, industry research, the armed forces and private duty. Now, you may not know the girl I mentioned, but perhaps you know someone very much like her. A young girl with at least a high school diploma of good health and character. If you do, tell her this. America needs 50,000 student nurses this year. Tell her you think she might be one of them. If she agrees, have her stop in at the hospital nearest to her. She'll never regret it. And neither will you.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Now, tonight's adventure into the world of the unknown. The world of Dimension X. The doll shop stood on a quiet Washington side street not too far from a sprawling Pentagon building. A woman and a child waited outside, the little girl peering eagerly through the window at the dolls inside and the woman glancing impatiently at her wristwatch, as if expecting someone who was late for an appointment. And there was nothing about the doll shop to warn them that they were waiting to keep an appointment with doom.

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, Mommy, look.

[Alma Grayson]

Yes, what is it, dear?

[Cindy Grayson]

In the window of the shop, the tiny dolls. Oh, Mommy, do you think Daddy will buy me one?

[Alma Grayson]

Well, we'll ask him when he comes, dear. He said three o' clock on this call.

[Cindy Grayson]

I see him, Mommy. There he is.

[Alma Grayson]

Oh, Henry.

[Toto (the doll)]

Here we are.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Hello, dear.

[Alma Grayson]

Hi.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Sorry I'm late.

[Alma Grayson]

Well, we've been waiting for you. Cindy's been.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I'm afraid I'll have to call off the shopping, Elmer.

[Alma Grayson]

Oh, Henry, we promise.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I know. I'm sorry. It's just One of those things. You've been the wife of an army colonel long enough to know his life isn't his own.

[Alma Grayson]

What is it this time?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Oh, some more of that flying sphere nonsense. The pilot who says he cited it last month crashed and was killed today. So the general wants a full report, dear.

[Alma Grayson]

What next, Daddy?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

We'll have a staff meeting at the Pentagon at 3:15.

[Cindy Grayson]

Daddy, look in this window.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

We're having time, dear.

[Cindy Grayson]

Just for a minute. Daddy, please.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Cindy, I haven't time to stop and watch a bunch of 6 inch dolls parading around the shop. Say, they are lifelike, aren't they? Look at that, Alma. Dolls are marching around like a regular review.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

They've even got their own little band.

[Alma Grayson]

Henry, your staff meeting.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yes. I've got to run. Now look, don't go spending a lot of money on that nonsense, Albert.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

No, dear.

[Alma Grayson]

Bye bye, dear.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Bye, Cindy.

[Cindy Grayson]

Bye, Daddy. Oh, Mommy, look. Look. The band's gonna play.

[Alma Grayson]

Aren't they wonderful, honey? You know, it's funny. I must have stood on this corner a thousand times and I've never even noticed this shop before.

[Santor Perigi]

Good evening, children.

[Alma Grayson]

Oh, well, good evening.

[Cindy Grayson]

Mommy, he talks awful funny.

[Alma Grayson]

How silly.

[Santor Perigi]

Would you like to step inside the shop of Santor Periggi?

[Alma Grayson]

Well, yes, we would.

[Santor Perigi]

This way.

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, Mommy, it's like. It's like fairyland here.

[Santor Perigi]

In the shop of Santor Periggi, creator of Perigi is universal wonderful dolls. The world of adult reality is blended with the world of child's fantasy.

[Alma Grayson]

This is a new shop, isn't it, Mr. Perriji?

[Santor Perigi]

What is new and what is old? Come this way. Would you like to meet one of my little ones?

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, yes.

[Santor Perigi]

This one in the red jacket is Toto. Speak, little one.

[Cindy Grayson]

How do you do? How do you do?

[Alma Grayson]

Isn't that wonderful, Mommy, he talks.

[Cindy Grayson]

The doll talk.

[Toto (the doll)]

Amazing.

[Alma Grayson]

It's absolutely amazing.

[Santor Perigi]

That is nothing for Pericci's wonderful dolls. Listen. Sing, Toto. Sing for the little girl.

[Toto (the doll)]

My name is Toto.

[Alma Grayson]

Cindy. Listen.

[Santor Perigi]

Sing, Toto.

[Cindy Grayson]

Men are big and tall.

[Toto (the doll)]

Dolls are very small. When men begin to fall, the dolls will rule them all.

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, more, Mr. Toto, more.

[Alma Grayson]

Well, how do they work, Mr. Perigee?

[Santor Perigi]

How do they work? Ah, that is the secret of the great Perigee, Greatest of all dull masters. To make an ordinary doll is nothing. To make a perfect replica, that is something. But to make a doll with intelligence, that is the work of an artist, huh?

[Alma Grayson]

Well, yes. They must be very expensive.

[Santor Perigi]

Madame, when I construct a doll like Toto, I cannot bear to be parted from him permanently. So instead of selling, I rent my little people.

[Alma Grayson]

You rent dolls?

[Santor Perigi]

Precisely. $10. I have but one request. When you grow tired of my dolls, you must me in good condition.

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, Mommy, could we take him home?

[Toto (the doll)]

Take him home.

[Cindy Grayson]

Take him home. Take him home. Oh, look, Mommy. Look. He's bowing and dancing. Oh, Mommy, he wants to come. Please. I'll take such good care of it. Please.

[Alma Grayson]

Well, honey, we'll have to deal with your father later, but. Well.

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, Mom.

[Alma Grayson]

All right.

[Commercial Announcer]

Wrap him up.

[Alma Grayson]

Mr. Pereeji. Oh, dear. I have a feeling when your father comes home, we'll be sorry.

[Cindy Grayson]

Be sorry. Be sorry. Be sorry.

[Toto (the doll)]

Be sorry.

[Cindy Grayson]

Now, Toto, this is my room. And you're gonna sleep right here next to my pillow. Oh, Toto, don't laugh like that. I'm gonna have to teach you some manners. You be quiet, because my daddy will be home soon, and he's a colonel in the army. And he'll bust you to private if you don't behave. Now, you wait here. I'm going to introduce you to my puppy dog, Mr. Blister, so be good now. Here, Blister.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Here, Blister.

[Cindy Grayson]

Come on, blister, come here. Mr. Blister. Now, this is Toto. Oh, dear. I don't think Mr. Blister likes you. Todo, stop it. Mr. Blister, come over here and shake hands with Toto. Mr. Blister, come on now. Let him go.

[Toto (the doll)]

Let go.

[Cindy Grayson]

Let go. Kill him.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

Kill him.

[Cindy Grayson]

Kill him. Kill him. Kill him. Pindi.

[Alma Grayson]

Mr. Blister, come over here. Why, what happened, dear?

[Cindy Grayson]

Mr. Blister tried to bite my dog. Look how frightened Toto is.

[Alma Grayson]

Dolls don't get frightened, Cindy.

[Cindy Grayson]

But he is, Mommy. He screams.

[Alma Grayson]

You just imagined it, honey.

[Cindy Grayson]

But he did. He did.

[Alma Grayson]

Well, Mr. Blister didn't mean it. You know, he's the gentlest little pup alive.

[Cindy Grayson]

He's nasty, and I hate him.

[Alma Grayson]

Cindy, you hurt his feelings, okay?

[Cindy Grayson]

He tried to buy my new doll, and I don't ever want to see him again. Ever.

[Alma Grayson]

Oh, dear. All right, Mr. Blister, you come downstairs with me. Come on now. Cindy's angry at you. Tonight I'll kill him. Why, Cindy, where did you. Where did you hear a thing like that?

[Cindy Grayson]

Toto said it.

[Alma Grayson]

Well, I see. Well, you've had an exciting day, honey. You brush your teeth now and go to bed. Daddy's coming home late, so we'll see you in the morning. Good night, darling. Sleep well.

[Cindy Grayson]

I hate him, Mr. Toto. I hate him. Hate him. Hate him. Hate him. Hate Him.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Good morning, Alma.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

Breakfast ready?

[Alma Grayson]

Just a minute. How was the staff meeting last night, dear?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Horrible bore, as usual. Where's the little one?

[Alma Grayson]

Up in her room. She'll be down in a minute.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Oh, say, remind me to take some papers back to the War Department, will you? I left them in my strong box.

[Alma Grayson]

Henry, you told me it was against regulations to bring secret papers home.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, I had to finish some work for the old man. Nobody will ever know the difference.

[Alma Grayson]

Well, I suppose not. Oh, dear. Would you feed the puppy before we sit down? His bowl's under the sink.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Where is he? That's funny. Here's a supper from last night. Only half eaten.

[Alma Grayson]

Getting fussy.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Blister. Hey, Blister. Blister. Where the dickens is that mutt?

[Cindy Grayson]

Maybe he's on the back porch.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Maybe. Here, Blister. Here, Blister. Elma.

[Alma Grayson]

What is it, dear?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Elma, look.

[Alma Grayson]

Why, Henry, is he.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Yes, he's dead.

[Alma Grayson]

But how? What happened?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

From the looks of it, he might have been poisoned.

[Alma Grayson]

Poisoned? Who on earth would do a thing like that to an innocent little puppet?

[Santor Perigi]

I don't know.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Let's see his dish. Oh, Henry, I don't understand this at all. Say, what's this?

[Alma Grayson]

What's what?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Look, there are pieces of broken glass in his food. Blue glass.

[Alma Grayson]

Glass. Glass. Henry.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

Huh?

[Alma Grayson]

Well, I. I just remembered something.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

What?

[Alma Grayson]

It may just be coincidence, but in the bathroom this morning.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

What about the bathroom?

[Alma Grayson]

Cindy's blue glass. You know, the one with the Mickey Mouse on was broken. Henry, I found pieces in the wastebasket. I meant to ask her about it.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Oh, well, for heaven's sake. You aren't suggesting that our little girl. Why, she loved Blister more than anyone.

[Alma Grayson]

Not last night she didn't.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Why not?

[Alma Grayson]

Well, he. He. He went after Toto. Well, who's Toto? I bought her new doll.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

You bought her one of those dolls?

[Alma Grayson]

Well, I just rented it.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Rented it?

[Alma Grayson]

Yes.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Look, Alma. Well, all right. What's this got to do with Blisters?

[Alma Grayson]

He went for the doll and Cindy.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

Well.

[Alma Grayson]

Well, Cindy said. Henry. She said she'd kill him.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

What? Well, that's ridiculous. Good heavens. A nine year old child putting ground glass and dog food? She'd have to be a monster. Mommy, don't say anything. I'll talk to her.

[Alma Grayson]

Good morning, dear.

[Cindy Grayson]

Morning, Mommy. Morning, Daddy.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Hello.

[Cindy Grayson]

What's the matter?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Nothing. Cindy, sit down, dear.

[Cindy Grayson]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Cindy, your mother tells me you broke your blue drinking glass.

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, no, I didn't break it.

[Alma Grayson]

Now, Cindy, I didn't.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, now, somebody broke it. It wasn't Your mother. And it wasn't me.

[Cindy Grayson]

Well, then it must have been Toto.

[Alma Grayson]

Cynthia.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Cindy, you know Toto was only a doll. Now, a doll couldn't have broken your glass, could he?

[Cindy Grayson]

Well, but he must have done it, Daddy.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Cindy, you know how Daddy feels about little girls who tell untruths. Now, did you break your glass and maybe accidentally get some pieces into Mr. Blister's dish to sort of punish him for biting your dog?

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, no, Daddy.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I'd hate to think you'd done something you knew was wrong and you were blaming it on a doll.

[Cindy Grayson]

What's the matter with Mr. Blister? Is he sick?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

He's dead, Cindine.

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, no. He can't be dead. He isn't dead, Daddy. No, he isn't. He isn't. Mommy.

[Alma Grayson]

Yes, dear, but he'll come back.

[Cindy Grayson]

He has to come back.

[Alma Grayson]

No, he won't come back, honey.

[Cindy Grayson]

Not ever.

[Alma Grayson]

No, Cindy, not ever.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Now that we've told you, Cindy, do you want to change your mind about the glass?

[Alma Grayson]

Leave that alone, Daddy.

[Cindy Grayson]

You think I killed.

[Alma Grayson]

See what you've done? The child feels guilty enough, Henry.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Oh, dear. This is no time for feelings to interfere.

[Alma Grayson]

Feelings don't know any time, Henry. When they come, they just come. You go up to your room, honey. Daddy and I'll be up in just a minute.

[Cindy Grayson]

I don't want.

[Alma Grayson]

Please, Cindy, we'll be right up.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Please.

[Alma Grayson]

There. That's a good girl. Close the kitchen door behind you.

[Cindy Grayson]

Mr. Blister's dead. And he isn't coming back. Ever. Ever.

[Alma Grayson]

Daddy thinks it was me. But it was you.

[Cindy Grayson]

It was you.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

Dimension X will continue in just a moment.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

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[Commercial Announcer]

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[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

You know, friends, breakfast of champions is a whole lot more than a phrase written across a package of Wheaties. There's one thing I could tell you. I could tell you that it Means champions in the world of sports eat Wheaties. And it's so true. You bet it is. But I've got a better idea, and one I think you'll like. I think perhaps you'd rather get the story from a champion himself. So here is a champion. Will you introduce him? Ed Prentice. Now, young man, will you tell us what you do for a living? I pitch. You what? Pitch. Pitch. You know baseball. When you have a baseball team, you have to have a pitcher. I'm a pitcher.

[Santor Perigi]

I pitch.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

Oh, yes. Yes. I see. And are you on a team? Yes, sir. I'm on the Cleveland Indians. Cleveland Indians. What is your name, young man? I'm Bob Feller. And you know it as well as I do, Ed. Sure I do, Bob. It's good to see you. This makes your 14th season playing with the Indians, doesn't it? Yep, Ed. 14 years. Well, tell me, Bob, how long you been eating wheaties? Oh, about 20 years, give or take a couple. You mean you started eating Wheaties before you started playing ball? Why, of course. What's so strange about that? Most people start eating hooties before they get to playing ball. In fact, most people never start playing baseball. You don't have to be a ball player to enjoy the lift you get from Whitties with milk and fruit. You're right as rain, Bob. No champ ever said a truer word about Wheatie. Breakfast of champion.

[Alma Grayson]

Eat your supper, dear.

[Cindy Grayson]

I'm not hungry.

[Alma Grayson]

Cindy, you scarcely touched your lunch.

[Cindy Grayson]

I don't feel like eating.

[Alma Grayson]

Is it Mr. Blister?

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, Mommy.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Cindy. Answer your mother, Henry.

[Alma Grayson]

She'll work it out in her own way, dear.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Oh, I don't know. When I was a boy, there was such a thing as discipline where this child is being brought up, Henry. Well, it's true. There's no respect lying. Oh, I don't know, Alma. What's happened to us? We were a nice, peaceful, happy family until you bought that cursed doll.

[Alma Grayson]

Now who's blaming things on the doll?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, it's true.

[Cindy Grayson]

Henry.

[Alma Grayson]

You wanted to get some papers from your strongbox.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

What?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Oh, yes. Excuse me.

[Alma Grayson]

Will you try to eat something, Cindy? Now, darling.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Elma. Elma.

[Alma Grayson]

Yes, Henry, what is it?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Helmet's gone.

[Alma Grayson]

What's gone?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

The box. The strong box is gone.

[Alma Grayson]

It can't be. The door to your study's always locked, and you and I have the only keys.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I know all that, and I tell you it isn't there.

[Cindy Grayson]

But who would?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I don't know, Alma. Those confidential reports, if they ever get into the wrong hands, I Warned you

[Alma Grayson]

about keeping them here.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

What if it ever came out in the open? Can't you see the papers? Army colonel, derelict and duty.

[Alma Grayson]

Call the police, Henry.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

What? And throw my career in the wastebasket after 17 years and we've got to find it ourselves.

[Alma Grayson]

But it was there when I went in to clean this morning.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

What about your key?

[Alma Grayson]

Well, it's right here. I always keep it right with me. That's funny.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Oh, no.

[Alma Grayson]

But my other keys are all on the rails.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

You've lost it.

[Alma Grayson]

I don't see how.

[Cindy Grayson]

Alma.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

How could you do it?

[Alma Grayson]

Henry, please.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Come on, we'll search the house. I can't think of anything else to do.

[Alma Grayson]

Oh, dear, you're going to miss your staff meeting.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, all right, never mind the meeting. My whole career goes up in smoke if we don't find those reports. Somebody get hold of your key and open that room. I know, Cindy.

[Alma Grayson]

Oh, let the child alone. She's been through enough. You know she wouldn't do a thing like that.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I don't know anything anymore. I don't know my own child. I don't even know you, Henry. All I know is that strongbox is gone with papers that are dynamite if the wrong person gets them. The question being who?

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

What side?

[Alma Grayson]

Coming from upstairs.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

What's that blasted doll again?

[Alma Grayson]

Something must have set it off. I. I don't know how the mechanism works.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, for heaven's sake, let's go up

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

and shut it off.

[Alma Grayson]

Right.

[Cindy Grayson]

Dodo.

[Toto (the doll)]

Dodo.

[Cindy Grayson]

Dodo. Kill him.

[Toto (the doll)]

Deal him. Kill him. How do you do?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Stop it.

[Toto (the doll)]

How do you do?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Blasted little imp. There.

[Alma Grayson]

Henry.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Ever since we've got this thing.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

Henry. What?

[Alma Grayson]

Look.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Where?

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

What?

[Alma Grayson]

Around the doll's neck. The key. The key to your study.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

It was Cindy after all.

[Alma Grayson]

I don't believe it.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Ever since she got this fool doll, she's been acting half insane. First the dog, now this. I think she hates us, Helen.

[Alma Grayson]

Henry, Cindy is my child and I know her. I know she's a good, sensitive little person With. With no malice in her.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

You're just simply refusing to face the facts, dear.

[Alma Grayson]

What are you going to do?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I'm going downstairs and have a talk with that young lady. Cindy, you're not telling me the truth.

[Cindy Grayson]

Oh, yes, I am, Daddy.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

All I'm asking is that you tell me the truth. Now, where is it?

[Cindy Grayson]

I didn't take it, Daddy. Honest, I didn't take it.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I suppose you're going to tell me now that a little 6 inch doll took my strongbox and hid it. Well, Cindy, I'm speaking to You.

[Cindy Grayson]

I didn't take it, Daddy. You don't understand. Toto did it. Oh, he's terrible. Awful. He says things. He says he's going to kill everybody.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Cindy, you're inventing things.

[Cindy Grayson]

It's true. At night when I'm sleeping, he stands next to my pillow and whispers things to me. Awful things. He told me he'd kill me too if I told him.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Alma, I think this child is sick. I think she needs a doctor.

[Alma Grayson]

She's frightened, Henry. She's trembling like a leaf. Come on, darling. We'll go up to your room.

[Cindy Grayson]

I don't want to go up there.

[Alma Grayson]

Honey, Mommy will stay with you.

[Cindy Grayson]

I'm afraid he's up there.

[Alma Grayson]

Who, Cindy?

[Cindy Grayson]

Toto.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, he won't be up there for long. Mr. Toto is going right back to Pereji's wonderful doll shop. Before I lose my sanity. Which means right now.

[Santor Perigi]

Ah, Colonel Grayson. Welcome to the home of Perigi's wonderful doll. Are you Perigee Santor Periggi, creator of the Universal doll? The doll with the mind? Yes.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, I'm returning one of your masterpieces. Oh.

[Santor Perigi]

If you will step into the rear of my shop. Now. What is the complaint?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

There's no complaint. Here's your doll. Good riddance, my little Toto.

[Santor Perigi]

Rejected. You found the world of men too filled with hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. We will change all that later on. Return to your comrades in the window, little one. And now, Colonel Grayson.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I think we have no further business, sir.

[Santor Perigi]

Ah, but we do, Colonel. Let me see. Aye, here it is. Do you recognize this, Colonel?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

That's my strong box.

[Santor Perigi]

My little Toto is very clever, sir.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Are you trying to tell me your doll stole that from me?

[Santor Perigi]

Let us not say stole. I'm merely keeping it in custody.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

What's your game, Peridge?

[Santor Perigi]

Blackmail? You give me what I want, I do not ruin your career.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

What do you want?

[Santor Perigi]

Information. We already know something. From the reports of the War Department. Concerning a certain strange looking sphere. Reported by one of your pilots.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

What government do you represent?

[Santor Perigi]

I represent Perigees Wonderful Dolls. None other.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I'm not so naive, sir.

[Santor Perigi]

Perhaps I should explain. Each man hides something from the world. Each man loves something more than life. With the help of my wonderful dolls, I obtain personal information. Which enables me to control the men who control the world. Men like you.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Hand over that strong box.

[Santor Perigi]

I warn you. I have a gun.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Give it to me.

[Santor Perigi]

You are being foolish. Put down that walking stick.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Now.

[Santor Perigi]

No Closer.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Hello. Give me the police. Hello, this is Colonel Henry Grayson. I've just Killed a man. Peregi's Doll shop, corner of 4th and Lexington. The body is in the rear. I'll wait for you. Shut up. Shut up, you little fiend.

[Toto (the doll)]

Daniel Grayson.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Did I hear you speak?

[Toto (the doll)]

Colonel Henry Grayson?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

It can't be. I must be going out of my mind. A six inch dog. Shut up. Your master's dead.

[Toto (the doll)]

You are mistaken, Colonel. I, Toto, am the master.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

What do you mean?

[Toto (the doll)]

If you will examine the body of Santo Perigi, you will see that he does not bleed. And he does not bleed, Colonel, because Santo Perigi never lived.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Never lived?

[Toto (the doll)]

Santor Perigi is a doll.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

A doll? But he's a man. He talks.

[Santor Perigi]

He walks.

[Toto (the doll)]

The people of Meritrix are skillful doll builders.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Meritrix doll builders? Who are you?

[Toto (the doll)]

I am Xanthus Imperator, Commander of the legions of the third planetoid. Merit.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Legions? Planetoid.

[Toto (the doll)]

My people and I, whom you regard as dolls, come from a tiny planet beyond the moon.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

What?

[Toto (the doll)]

So small that it cannot support our population.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

That's true.

[Toto (the doll)]

We landed one of our space spheres on Earth three months ago with the intention of colonizing. Unfortunately, one of your pilots intercepted us.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

So that's why you wanted our information.

[Toto (the doll)]

Precisely.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

And you are human.

[Toto (the doll)]

Quite human.

[Santor Perigi]

Of course.

[Toto (the doll)]

In order to deal with Earth people without suspicion, we were forced to construct a men sized doll.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

No, it can't bl me. I can't believe this. I'm. I'm having hallucinations. I've got to get out of here.

[Toto (the doll)]

That will be impossible. We have weapons of destruction quite unknown to Earth people.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

I phone the police. They'll be here soon.

[Toto (the doll)]

By the time they arrive, my people will have prepared something quite shocking.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Keep me covered, Ryan.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Okay, Sergeant. All right.

[Sergeant Ryan]

You the guy who turned in the call?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Yes, that's right, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Where's the body?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, you see, it isn't exactly a body.

[Sergeant Ryan]

What do you mean?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

It's a doll.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

A what?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Now, wait. You've gotta let me explain. I know this sounds fantastic, but I've stumbled onto an unbelievable plot.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Yeah, keep talking.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, you see, these little dolls, they aren't really dolls. They're tiny people. Now, there's a big doll named Santor Perigi. They're using him as a front to run this shop. He's off his trolley size. Now, now, look here.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Listen, mister, we got a call that there was a murder here. Now, if there was one, where is the body?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, it's behind the curtains in the back. Only, you see, it isn't really a body. It's a big wax dummy. It's all part of their plot to gain control of the world. Holy smoke. He's really off his rocket now. Look, if you don't believe me, I'll prove it to you. Come here. Look behind this curtain. You'll see the dummy lying on the floor.

[Santor Perigi]

Welcome, gentlemen. Are you looking for something?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Periji. This is impossible. I smashed his skull.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Do you know this guy?

[Santor Perigi]

That's the one.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

The doll.

[Sergeant Ryan]

What's your name, Mr. Perigee.

[Santor Perigi]

Xantor Perigee. Creator of the Universal Dao.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Uh huh.

[Sergeant Ryan]

You ever see this man?

[Santor Perigi]

Never, until just now.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

That's not true. He's lying, I tell you. He's nothing but a big doll. The real masters of the little dolls.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Ryan, are you getting this?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

He's wacko, Sarge. No, he's a fruitcake. I'm not crazy, I tell you. I can prove it. They must have fixed up his head where I smashed it in. Touch him and you'll see.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Mr. Peregi, you know what this guy is talking about.

[Santor Perigi]

The man is demented, obviously.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

No, that's not true. I tell you, there's a plot to control the Earth. I've got to call the War Department. They want to know about the flying sphere. Holy mackerel.

[Sergeant Ryan]

This gets worse every minute.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Ryan, take him to headquarters.

[Sergeant Ryan]

I'll save some time. Take him down to psycho ward.

[Santor Perigi]

Okay.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

All right, Buck Rogers, come along nice and quiet. Oh, don't you see? He's nothing but a man sized doll. I'm sure the little ones are gonna

[Santor Perigi]

take over the Earth.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

And you're gonna wait and cut out some nice paper doll. Oh, please listen to me. You've got to listen to me. You've got to.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Sorry you had all this trouble, Mr. Parigi.

[Santor Perigi]

Poor chap is obviously suffering from delusions.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Well, he's not the only one in Washington today. You know, we've been getting a whole string of crackups lately. Big wigs blowing their tops under pressure. If you could see some of the names in our confidential files.

[Santor Perigi]

You keep confidential files on cases like these?

[Sergeant Ryan]

Certainly. Believe me, they'd be dynamite if they ever got in the wrong hands. Well, I. I better be running along. Hey, is that a talking dog?

[Santor Perigi]

Yes, Sergeant.

[Toto (the doll)]

My name is Toto. I dance and sing.

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Well, I'll be.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Hey, my little girl would be nuts for that.

[Santor Perigi]

So then please accept the doll for saving my life. That madman might have killed me. Yes, but I take Toto home with you as a gift.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Well, I don't know, mister. Against regulations for us to accept favors.

[Santor Perigi]

But this is not for you. It is for your little daughter. And if you will only take the doll and give him a good home, you will be doing me a great favor.

[Sergeant Ryan]

Well then, if you insist. And thanks very much. When my kid sees this, will she be surprised?

[Colonel Henry Grayson]

Yes.

[Santor Perigi]

Toto will come as a great surprise. A very great surprise, eh, Tot?

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

Tonight, Dimension X has transcribed Pereji's Wonderful Dolls, an original radio drama written by George Lefferts. Les Damon appeared as Colonel Grayson and John Alexander as Alma, with Denise Alexander as Cindy. Joe Desantis played Santo Parigi, and Leon Janti was Toto, the talking doll. Engineer Bill Chambers, your narrator, was Norman Rose. Music by Albert Berman. Dimension X is produced by Van Woodward and directed by Edward King. In a moment, we'll tell you about next week's show. And now here is your Wheaties man, Frank Martin. Look at your Wheaties in a cereal bowl. And, well, they look pretty innocent, don't they? They're crisp, all right, and golden brown. And you know, they've got that wonderful Wheaties nut like taste. But where does all that energy come from? What is it about Wheaties that give you all those vitamins and minerals and protein? I'll tell you what it is. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Not just a portion of a kernel, mind you, but a whole kernel of wheat. Now that begins to explain things, doesn't it? Tells you why Wheaties energy helps you feel good all morning long. Like I keep saying, no wonder they're America's favorite whole wheat flakes. Breakfast of champions and all that. Now you know why Wheaties at 7 can help at 11. Wheaties.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Next week, the strange story of a curse that came true. It's the story of the castaways. Another adventure into the unknown world of tomorrow.

[Radio Show Host/Narrator]

The world of Dimension xxxx. And this is the Wheaties man, Frank Martin, inviting you to listen Saturday. That's tomorrow night to Joel McCrae in Tales of the Texas Rangers on the Wheaties big Parade. See you then.

[Cindy Grayson]

It.