Inner Sanctum 43-03-07 Black Sea Gull

Summary

Podcast Summary: Inner Sanctum Mysteries – “Black Seagull” (March 7, 1943)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Aired: September 10, 2025 (original broadcast 1943)
Host: Raymond (Inner Sanctum Host)
Star: Peter Lorre as Richard Blake
Writer: Sigmund Miller

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Overview

This episode of Inner Sanctum Mysteries delivers a haunting tale of love, loss, and the supernatural with "Black Seagull," dramatized through atmospheric dialogue, chilling soundscapes, and the unforgettable voice of Peter Lorre as Richard Blake. Set on the stormy Carolina coast, the story explores grief, obsession, and the blurred line between reality and the spirit world as Richard desperately seeks the return of his beloved wife, Barbara, after her tragic death at sea.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage & Tone

• [01:59] Host Introduction: Raymond greets listeners with trademark macabre humor, setting an eerie, whimsical mood and introducing "the late Johnny Gravestone" for comic effect.

  • “I’m glad you came tonight because we have a very special guest of horror with us.” – Raymond (01:59)

• [03:23] Story Prelude: The scene is set at dusk on the Carolina coast, foreshadowing ominous events.

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2. The Tragedy at Sea

• [04:08] The Desperate Search: Richard Blake and Dr. Griffin are frantically searching for Barbara, lost at sea after her sailboat's mast broke.

  • “We’ve got to find her before nightfall.” – Richard Blake (04:13)
  • The appearance of a “completely black” seagull is ominous for Richard (05:05).

• [05:42] Barbara is Found – Gravely Injured: They reach Barbara, but she is dying from a terrible head injury.

  • The heartrending final exchange between Richard and Barbara:
    • “You can’t leave me, Barbara. I won’t live without you.” – Richard Blake (06:57)
    • “I’ll always be near you. I’ll come back if it’s possible.” – Barbara (07:09, 07:12)

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3. Grief and Liminal Encounters

• [08:05] The Funeral and Denial: At Barbara’s funeral, Richard refuses to accept her death, insisting she will return.

  • “This isn’t the end. It’s the beginning... Barbara isn’t gone. She’ll come back. She said so.” – Richard Blake (08:03)

• [09:08] Richard’s Distressed Obsession: He claims to hear Barbara at the graveside, causing concern for his sanity.

• [10:15] Compulsive Vigil: Alone and obsessed, Richard waits at midnight for Barbara’s return.

  • “Midnight? Yes. That’s the time she’ll come back.” – Richard Blake (10:50)

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4. Manifestations and Doubt

• [11:16] Apparitions: Richard senses Barbara’s presence; a teardrop on his cheek convinces him she is with him.

  • “Baba. Baba. Some people do come back from the grave... I heard about such voices.” – Richard Blake (12:03)

• [12:46] The First Reunion: Barbara appears, ethereal and affectionate. She describes the difficulty of returning and hints at a barrier:

  • “It was very hard to return at all.” – Barbara (13:32)
  • “It’s not yet time. You haven’t crossed over yet.” – Barbara (14:14)

• [15:08] Richard’s Suicide Attempt Thwarted: Dr. Griffin discovers Richard’s overdose on sleeping pills and revives him.

  • “If I hadn’t awakened you, you would have slept on until eternity.” – Dr. Griffin (15:31)

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5. The Thin Veil Between Worlds

• [18:13] Continued Hauntings: The next evening, Richard again tries desperately to reach Barbara. He only glimpses her presence, but his cat reacts as if seeing something.

• [19:10] The Disembodied Voice: Barbara’s voice calls Richard to where her possessions remain, growing ever more spectral.

  • “I’m everywhere in this room. Everywhere.” – Barbara (20:21)

• [21:05] Physical Proof? Dr. Griffin finds Barbara’s dress and spilled perfume, but insists Richard is imagining it.

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6. Descent Into Madness

• [22:21] Intervention: Dr. Griffin brings Ms. Driscoll to care for Richard, who deteriorates physically and mentally.

• [23:28] Reunion and Revelations: Barbara returns with other “dead” friends:

  • “I’ve brought some friends. They all want to meet you... This is Fred Rankin. You remember him.” – Barbara (24:02)
  • The visitors confirm their deaths, blurring Richard’s reality.

• [24:48] Reliving the Tragedy: Richard hallucinates the original fatal accident, compelled to “save” Barbara once again.

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7. Climactic Escape

• [25:34] Final Act: Richard flees, pursued by the visions, and is seen swimming out to sea, purportedly embracing Barbara.

  • “But he was holding someone... I couldn’t see her. Long black hair.” – Onlooker (25:48)

• [26:05] Rationalizing the Supernatural: Dr. Griffin insists it’s imagination, “seaweed,” and warns about the dangers of letting the mind master you.

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8. Host's Chilling Farewell

• [26:45] Host Commentary: Raymond cheekily chastises Dr. Griffin and teases the ghostly theme.
  • “He was gull crazy. That was no gull. That was Richard’s wife.” – Raymond (26:45)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Richard’s devotion and heartbreak:
  • “If you die, Barbara, I don’t want to live.” (07:05)
  • “You can’t leave me, Barbara. I won’t live without you.” (06:57)
• On the uncanny
  • “No, it is no bird cry. That was Barbara.” – Richard Blake (04:47)
• On the spectral
  • “I’ll always be near you. I’ll come back if it’s possible.” – Barbara (07:09, 07:12)
  • “I am everywhere in this room. Everywhere.” – Barbara (20:21)
• Dr. Griffin’s skepticism
  • “No, Richard. No one comes back from the grave. It’s dangerous to believe that. Dangerous for your sanity.” (08:12)
  • “Imagination is like fire. A good servant, but a bad master.” (26:01)
• The Host's wit
  • “If it weren’t for the good man, our story would have come to an end in the middle of the program. And that would have been very inconvenient.” – Raymond (16:09)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:59 | Host Raymond’s greeting and grim humor | | 03:23 | Story begins with setup on the Carolina coast | | 04:08 | Richard and Dr. Griffin searching for Barbara at sea | | 06:03 | Barbara’s final moments and promise to return | | 08:05 | Richard at Barbara’s funeral, starting to unravel | | 09:08 | Richard demands to open the coffin, convinced Barbara is calling him | | 10:15 | Richard waiting in the dark at midnight for Barbara’s ghost | | 12:46 | Richard’s emotional reunion with Barbara’s specter | | 15:31 | Dr. Griffin rescues Richard from a suicide attempt | | 18:13 | Second night, Richard reaches out to Barbara again | | 20:21 | Barbara claims she is everywhere in the room | | 21:05 | Dr. Griffin tries to ground Richard, finding physical evidence unsettling | | 22:21 | Ms. Driscoll brought to care for Richard; descent into psychosis | | 23:28 | Apparitions of deceased friends appear; Richard’s reality dissolves | | 24:48 | Richard relives accident, tries to ‘save’ Barbara anew | | 25:34 | Richard disappears into the sea, seemingly reuniting with Barbara in death | | 26:45 | Host Raymond’s darkly comic wrap-up |

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Tone and Language

The tone oscillates between melodramatic tragedy, psychological horror, and the signature grim wit of the Inner Sanctum Host. The language is vivid, direct, and evocative of 1940s radio drama, with emotional, sometimes poetic, exchanges between the doomed lovers and the skeptical, increasingly worried Dr. Griffin.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a classic example of Golden Age radio horror—both genuinely chilling and charmingly theatrical. It explores grief-driven madness, the hope for reunion beyond the grave, and the limits of rationality in the face of obsession. The recurring motif of the black seagull as an ill omen weaves the supernatural tightly into an already tragic tale, while the host’s commentary keeps things just on the right side of playful.

Recommended if you enjoy: Ghost stories, psychological horror, rich atmospheric storytelling, or vintage radio drama.

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Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

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[Wayfair Announcer]

Wayfair Every style.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Inner Sanctum Mysteries Starring Peter Laurie brought to you by Carter's Little Liver Pills. Before we open the squeaking door on Inner Sanctum this evening, here's a message the government would like to have passed on to you. Women are urgently needed now in war plants and essential industries. There are all kinds of war jobs which don't involve machinery or tools, such as driving a bus or taxi, working in a laundry, restaurant, school or day nursery. And in filling these jobs, women are relieving men for heavier work. Ladies, if you live in an area where there's a shortage of war workers, go to the office of the United States Employment Service nearest your home at once. The address is in your local telephone book. But remember, do not move to a crowded war center in search of a job. It will only add to the housing and living problem already existing there. Your first and only necessary step to volunteer your services in a war job is to visit your local United States Employment Service office. Get yourself a war job and hasten the day of victory. And now we open the squeaking door.

[Raymond (Inner Sanctum Host)]

Good evening, friends of the Inner Sanctum. This is Raymond, your host. I'm glad you came tonight because we have a very special guest of horror with us. I'd like you to meet the late Johnny Gravestone, the most celebrated member of the Inner Sanctum Ghost Society. He is the best haunter of them all. Johnny is the tall figure in a white sheet wearing the blue ribbon. He's haunted everything from a palace to a telephone booth. And if you're very nice to him, he'll be glad to consider giving your house to once over. Who knows, he may even haunt you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tonight's Inner Sanctum story. The Black Seagull is an original radio drama by Sigmund Miller and stars Peter Laurie in the role of Richard Blake. It's produced under the direction of Hyman Brown. Inner Sanctum Mysteries are brought to you by Carter's Little Liver Pills. When you feel dull, headachy, sluggish, take Carter's two way treatment to first, start your liver bile flowing quickly. Second, get comfortable. Relief from irregularity.

[Raymond (Inner Sanctum Host)]

Well, we're about to begin our story. Oh, I forgot to warn you about the tremblings. They're those pesky invisible cousins of the gremlins. They sidle up to you, give you quick little shoves and create the false impression that you're trembling. If you're being troubled by a trembling, just grab him by his invisible little horns and stick him into the nearest pin cushion. Dusk is settling fast along the Carolina coast. A few miles out at sea, a motorboat rides through the choppy waters. Dr. Griffin and Richard Blake are frantically scanning the horizon, looking for Richard's wife.

[Dr. Griffin]

Barbara, who's lost in sailboat. It's getting dark, Richard.

[Richard Blake]

We've got to find her before nightfall.

[Dr. Griffin]

Perhaps she's gotten back home by now. We've been gone for over an hour.

[Richard Blake]

The mast was loose in the sailboat. It would never hold out in that wind. Barbara is in a disabled boat.

[Dr. Griffin]

We haven't much gasoline left.

[Richard Blake]

I'm not going back until we find her.

[Dr. Griffin]

The only thing we can do is call the coast guard.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Did you hear that, Dr. Griffin?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Dr. Griffin]

Seagulls.

[Richard Blake]

Sounded like a human cry.

[Dr. Griffin]

Oh, no, it's only the gulls.

[Richard Blake]

Richard, listen.

[Dr. Griffin]

It's the same sound.

[Richard Blake]

No, it is no bird cry. That was Barbara.

[Dr. Griffin]

That was the cry of a seagull. See, he's right above us. A black seagull.

[Richard Blake]

A black gull. Completely black.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

It's an ominous sign.

[Richard Blake]

Something has happened to Barbara.

[Dr. Griffin]

Come now, I hope you don't believe in that superstitious nonsense.

[Richard Blake]

Look over there. Do you see?

[Dr. Griffin]

Looks like a boat.

[Richard Blake]

It's Barbara. The mast. The mast is down.

[Dr. Griffin]

We'd better get over there fast. Here, help me put her on the couch.

[Richard Blake]

Dr. Griffin, please. You. You've got to do something.

[Dr. Griffin]

I'll do everything I can. Pretty bad concussion.

[Richard Blake]

The mast. It must have come loose and struck her. Please, please, Dr. Griffin, you've got to bring her back.

[Dr. Griffin]

She may come to any second or she may never come out of it.

[Richard Blake]

No, no, no, it isn't true.

[Dr. Griffin]

I wish it weren't. Her skull is crushed. The injury is a fatal one.

[Richard Blake]

No, no, it's only a surface wound. Perhaps an operation. We can get her to a hospital. Look.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Look.

[Richard Blake]

She's coming too.

[Dr. Griffin]

Please, Richard, there isn't a chance.

[Richard Blake]

Richard.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Dear Stalin.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Oh, it wasn't my fault. The mess. It broke in the wind.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Don't talk, my darling.

[Wayfair Announcer]

I'm. I'm so sorry.

[Richard Blake]

Richard.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Don't be Unhappy.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

You're going to be all right. Dr. Griffin says you're going to recover.

[Wayfair Announcer]

No.

[Richard Blake]

You've got to hold on, darling.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

We'll get you to a hospital.

[Wayfair Announcer]

You. You've been so good to me, darling. We've been very happy together.

[Richard Blake]

You can't leave me, Barbara. I won't live without you.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Oh, you. You mustn't say that.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

If you die, Barbara, I don't want to live.

[Barbara]

I'll always be near you.

[Wayfair Announcer]

I'll come back if it's possible.

[Richard Blake]

You must. You must come back. You must. If you don't, I'll come to you.

[Wayfair Announcer]

No. No. I'll return, Richard.

[Barbara]

I'll return.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Richard, I. Oh.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

She'S.

[Dr. Griffin]

The men are ready to lower the coffin, Richard. You wish to pay your final respect?

[Richard Blake]

Final respect.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

This isn't the end.

[Richard Blake]

It's the beginning.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Do you understand?

[Richard Blake]

The beginning.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Barbara isn't gone. She'll come back. She said so.

[Dr. Griffin]

No, Richard. No one comes back from the grave. It's dangerous to believe that. Dangerous for your sanity.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

She'll come back. She didn't fly.

[Dr. Griffin]

All right, men, lower the body.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Did you hear that?

[Dr. Griffin]

Yes, the seagulls again.

[Richard Blake]

That wasn't the seagull. I told you. That was Barbara's voice.

[Dr. Griffin]

Please, Richard, it's only a girl.

[Richard Blake]

No, it's her. She's calling to me. She promised to return. You see? Barbara didn't fail.

[Dr. Griffin]

You must stop this, Richard. You'll wind up in an asylum.

[Richard Blake]

You are a fool, Dr. Griffin. Lower the coffin, Rose. No, no, no. Don't lower it.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

That sound came from the coffin. She might even be alive.

[Dr. Griffin]

She's dead, Richard.

[Richard Blake]

I want that coffin opened.

[Dr. Griffin]

We can't do that, Richard. There's no way of opening it now.

[Richard Blake]

We'll pry it open. Don't try to stop me, Dr. Griffin.

[Dr. Griffin]

All right, we'll open it here. One of your men break the seals at the top of the coffin.

[Richard Blake]

For heaven's sake, hurry, hurry, hurry. It will only be worse for you.

[Dr. Griffin]

Richard, if you look at poor Barbara again.

[Richard Blake]

Will you tell the man to hurry?

[Dr. Griffin]

The coffin's opened, Richard. Now you can see for yourself.

[Richard Blake]

Look. Look at her face.

[Dr. Griffin]

Her face.

[Richard Blake]

You wouldn't believe me. Look at her mouth. As if she had just called my.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Who are you saying?

[Dr. Griffin]

Dr. Griffin.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Come in.

[Dr. Griffin]

Door is open. You took me by surprise, Richard. I didn't expect you to be sitting so close to the door.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

I'm sorry I startled you, Jackson. Griffin.

[Dr. Griffin]

I just thought I'd drop in before I went to bed.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

All right.

[Dr. Griffin]

Are you waiting for someone?

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Yes. I am.

[Dr. Griffin]

What are you sitting in the dark for? Where's the light switch?

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

I don't want any light. I prefer sitting in the dark.

[Dr. Griffin]

Richard, you're becoming very morbid. Don't you think you ought to get to bed? It's nearly midnight.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Midnight? Yes. That's the time she'll come back. Do you really believe Barbara will come back? Yes, I'm sure she will. You'll see, she will come.

[Dr. Griffin]

If she does, it will only be on your mind.

[Richard Blake]

Barbara, you've come. She's here. I know she's here. Oh, darling, you've kept your promise.

[Dr. Griffin]

Bridget, stop it. Where's the light switch?

[Wayfair Announcer]

Put that light out.

[Dr. Griffin]

It was nothing. The wind opened the door. It was just a coincidence that happened at the stroke of midnight. I didn't close the door properly. When I came in, she was here.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

I felt her cheek on mine.

[Dr. Griffin]

You imagined it.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Imagine it. Looked at that. Ricky. Look at my cheek. My cheek. A teardrop fell on my cheek.

[Dr. Griffin]

It's not a teardrop. It's the rain. The wind blew some rain in through the open door.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

It wasn't the rain. Barbara was here.

[Richard Blake]

If you hadn't put on the lights.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

I would have seen her. Baba. Baba. Some people do come back from the grave. I. I heard about such voices.

[Richard Blake]

It's you.

[Barbara]

Yes, it's you. It's me. I promised never to leave you.

[Richard Blake]

I. I was about to give up.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

I was beginning to lose hope. How good it is to see you again.

[Barbara]

Yes, darling, it's very good. I've been trying to. To come back.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

And it was you who opened the door of me now.

[Barbara]

Yes, Richard.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

And it was your tears that fell on my cheek. Wasn't the rain you got to give himself?

[Barbara]

Yes, Richard.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

R. I couldn't see you then. I. I just felt your cheek against.

[Barbara]

It was very hard to return at all.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

What is that noise?

[Barbara]

I don't hear anything.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Richard, that sound disturbs me. Makes me uneasy.

[Barbara]

You're asleep. Fast asleep. Perhaps the sound will fade away. Look at me, Richard.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

I can see you much more clearly.

[Barbara]

And the sound it's waiting on. Perhaps we'll never be separated again.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

So good to be with you again. Let me hold your hand.

[Barbara]

Wait.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Why do you say that?

[Barbara]

It's not yet time. You haven't crossed over yet. Can you still hear the banging?

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Oh, just a little. Papa, don't go away.

[Barbara]

I can't help it. Someone's dragging you away.

[Richard Blake]

Don't let him. I don't want to go back.

[Barbara]

I'll try to come back again. Richard.

[Richard Blake]

I don't want to go back. I want to stay with you.

[Barbara]

Goodbye.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Richard.

[Barbara]

Richard.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Richard.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Richard.

[Richard Blake]

Richard. Richard. Richard. Wake up. Wake up. What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Hmm?

[AM PM Snack Advertiser]

It's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Richard Blake]

Could you be more specific?

[AM PM Snack Advertiser]

When it's cravinient.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Okay.

[AM PM Snack Advertiser]

Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. p.m.

[Richard Blake]

I'm seeing a pattern here.

[AM PM Snack Advertiser]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Richard Blake]

Crave, which is anything from am, pm.

[AM PM Snack Advertiser]

What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. Am, PM Too much. Good stuff.

[Dr. Griffin]

Good thing I heard the shutters banging. I came in to see what was missing making all this noise.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

You. You shouldn't have wakened me.

[Dr. Griffin]

This box of pills. You took an overdose of these sleeping tablets. If I hadn't awakened you, you would have slept on until eternity.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Barbara came for me. She was just about to take my hand.

[Dr. Griffin]

Perhaps if she had, you'd never have gotten up.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

I didn't want to get up. I wanted to be with Barbara Forever.

[Dr. Griffin]

Well.

[Raymond (Inner Sanctum Host)]

Dr. Griffin should be awarded the order of the Inner Sanctum for saving the life of Richard Blake. If it weren't for the good man, our story would have come to an end in the middle of the program. And that would have been very inconvenient.

[Richard Blake]

For all of us.

[Raymond (Inner Sanctum Host)]

As a reward, perhaps we'll just wound Dr. Griffin a little bit instead of polishing him off. But until we make up our minds, here's a gentleman with an important message for you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

To keep you feeling on top of the world. Medical knowledge proves that nature should produce about two pints of liver bile, the vital digestive juice your liver makes each day. Otherwise your food may not digest properly and leave you feeling dull, headachy, sluggish. Scientific facts show it takes a two way treatment to get the vital digestive juice flowing quickly and to relieve sluggishness without disturbing digestion. Therefore do as thousands now do. Take Carter's little liver pills. First, because Carters start the vital digestive juice flowing, usually within 30 minutes. Second, because Carter's gently help you to that glorious feeling. And that goes with regularity. Remember, many ordinary simple laxatives don't, but Carter's little liver pills do give this two way treatment. So take genuine Carter's little liver pills as directed tonight. Tomorrow, see if you don't wake up feeling glad to be alive. Get Carter's at any drugstore. 25 cents.

[Raymond (Inner Sanctum Host)]

Now we're ready to continue with our strange story. I hope you've all made yourselves comfortable. If it's too warm for you, we'll be glad to chill you a bit. Or if it's too cold, we'll be glad to make it hot for you. As a matter of fact, from now on, you'll get it both hot and cold. THE FOLLOWING EVENING.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Barbara, you must come back to me.

[Dr. Griffin]

Barbara. Barbara, can you hear me?

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Perhaps she can't get in. She said it was hard for her to come back. I opened the door.

[Richard Blake]

Barbara.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

For the moment, there was a shadowy figure to do. I did see something.

[Richard Blake]

She's here.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Oh, it's you, Kitty. Barbara's pet. Haven't seen you since Barbara died. Come here, Kitty. Who are you looking at?

[Richard Blake]

Barbara.

[Barbara]

Richard.

[Richard Blake]

Where are you?

[Barbara]

Right here.

[Richard Blake]

Your.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Your voice is so faint.

[Barbara]

Come closer. Come closer.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

I don't know where you are.

[Barbara]

The closet where I used to keep my clothes.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Darling, I still can't see you.

[Barbara]

This blue taffeta dress, my favorite. I used to love the rustling sound it made when I wore.

[Richard Blake]

It's still crinkling, like it always did.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Richard.

[Richard Blake]

All right. Please don't go away.

[Barbara]

Right here. My vanity table.

[Richard Blake]

For heaven's sake, Barbara, let me see you again.

[Barbara]

My perfumes. They're all here.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Nothing has been touched.

[Barbara]

Darling, here's my favorite wild heather. I'll never wear it again.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Barbara, please don't go.

[Richard Blake]

Where are you?

[Barbara]

I'm everywhere in this room. Everywhere.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Why can't I see you?

[Barbara]

Perhaps you will. We must both try. You must both try very hard.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

I try, Barbara.

[Barbara]

Goodbye, my darling.

[Richard Blake]

No, not yet.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Just another moment.

[Barbara]

Bye, Richard.

[Richard Blake]

Barbara. Barbara.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

She's gone. She's gone. Only you and I know she was here. Who is there? Oh, it's you, Dr. Griffin.

[Dr. Griffin]

I came back to see how you were.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

I don't need any help.

[Dr. Griffin]

I heard you shouting Barbara's name.

[Richard Blake]

You were mistaken.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Dr. Griffin.

[Dr. Griffin]

Barbara's dress. It's lying over the chair. Did you take it out of the closet?

[Richard Blake]

No, Dr. Griffin.

[Dr. Griffin]

There's perfume's in the air.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Yes.

[Dr. Griffin]

There's a bottle of perfume overturned on the vanity table. Wild Heather. That was Barbara's favorite, wasn't it?

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Yes, Dr. Griffin.

[Dr. Griffin]

You think Barbara was here, don't you, Richard?

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

She was here. I spoke to her. And she'll come again. She said she would. And maybe the next time I'll be able to see Barbara. See her as she Was when she was alive.

[Dr. Griffin]

I know you don't want visitors, Richard, but you shouldn't be alone. I brought Ms. Driscoll with me to look after you.

[Barbara]

How do you do, Mr. Blake?

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Barbara will be here soon.

[Dr. Griffin]

You haven't been eating. Lost a lot of weight. Richard.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Yes, Dr. Griffin.

[Dr. Griffin]

You've got to listen to me.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

There's nothing you can tell me.

[Dr. Griffin]

You won't last at this rate. Look at you, Pale and lifeless. You're still alive, but you're living among the dead. Well, you've got to stop this. If you don't, you wind up in an asylum.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

An asylum? You still don't believe Barbara had come back?

[Dr. Griffin]

No, Richard. She hasn't come back.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

You saw for yourself the other night. Her dress, her perfumes. She came back. I spoke to her.

[Dr. Griffin]

You took the dress out of the closet yourself. And it was you who overturned the bottle of perfume.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

You are lying, Dr. Griffin.

[Richard Blake]

It wasn't me.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

You're trying to come between us. I won't let you. I won't.

[Richard Blake]

Barbara.

[Barbara]

Richard. I've come back.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Darling, I can see you.

[Dr. Griffin]

Get me my bag. In the hall, Ms. Driscoll.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Hurry. I can see you very clearly now.

[Barbara]

Do I look any different?

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

No. They're even lovelier than ever.

[Barbara]

Richard, we've got to meet each other halfway.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Yes, Tony, I've been trying. I tried very hard.

[Barbara]

I've brought some friends. They all want to meet you.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Friends?

[Richard Blake]

Yes.

[Barbara]

This is Fred Rankin. You remember him.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Oh, Fred.

[Dr. Griffin]

How'd it do?

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

Richard?

[Dr. Griffin]

I'm Fred Rankin.

[Richard Blake (Possibly same as F, or another voice for Richard)]

But you're. You're dead.

[Dr. Griffin]

Yes, I've been dead for six years.

[Barbara]

And this is Mr. Fielding. Remember him? He was your neighbor once. Killed by an automobile.

[Dr. Griffin]

Yes, I've been dead for a long time. Ever since you were a young boy, Richard.

[Barbara]

And this is Mary Schofield, the girl you went to school with.

[Richard Blake]

Barbara. Barbara. Watch out. The mast, it's falling. It's falling.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Richard. Help me. Help me. Help me.

[Richard Blake]

It's Barbara. It's Barbara. She's out there in a boat. The mast is gone. I've got to save her before it's too late.

[Dr. Griffin]

You're not going anywhere. There's no one calling you. Nurse, help me get him back into bed.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Let me go. Let me go.

[Richard Blake]

Stay here with me.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Come back. Come back.

[Dr. Griffin]

Bridget.

[Barbara]

Well, he couldn't have swum very far in this short time, Dr. Griffin.

[Dr. Griffin]

I caught sight of him just a moment ago.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Oh. Oh, there he is.

[Dr. Griffin]

Yes, I see him.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Yes, but he's going down. He's going up. Merciful Heaven. Did you see?

[Dr. Griffin]

Yes, he's gone down.

[Wayfair Announcer]

But he was holding someone. I. I couldn't see her. Long black hair.

[Dr. Griffin]

It's no use. We'll never. You say he was holding someone?

[Wayfair Announcer]

It looked like a woman. She had long black hair.

[Dr. Griffin]

It must have been seaweed. You see things in this twilight that don't exist. Imagination is like fire. A good servant, but a bad master. I guess you had better get back.

[Raymond (Inner Sanctum Host)]

Well, Dr. Griffin lost the good fight. Mm, he was gull crazy. That was no gull. That was Richard's wife. Anyway, the Inner Sanctum Ghost Society is mad at Dr. Griffin because he's interfering with the drive for new members. Say, by the way, if you should hear the wild cry of birds in your next dream, don't be alarmed. It's just that spring is on its way. Be sure to read this month's Inner Sanctum mystery novel, the Smell of Money by Matthew Head. On sale at all bookshops.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's enough to make you shudder when you see what a boy or a girl can put in his or her stomach. Things you know would lay you low, yet they bounce out of bed in the morning. Just a rare to go. That's youth for you. Yet thousands of people who should feel terrible tomorrow morning. Considering the way they've insulted their digestive systems, this weekend may feel like a million tomorrow morning. Because tonight they're going to act on a piece of advice from the book of medical knowledge. For medical knowledge proves that nature should produce about two pints of the vital digestive juice your liver makes each day. Otherwise your food may not digest properly and leave you feeling dull, headachy, sluggish. Scientific facts show it takes a two way treatment to get the vital digestive juice flowing quickly and to relieve sluggishness without disturbing digestion. Therefore, do as thousands now do. Take Carter's little liver pills to get this two way treatment you may need. First, Carter start the vital digestive juice flowing usually within 30 minutes. Second, Carter's gently help you to that glorious feeling that goes with regularity. Remember, many ordinary simple laxatives don't, but Cotter's little liver pills do give this two way treatment. So take genuine Cotter's little liver pills as directed tonight. Tomorrow see if you don't wake up feeling glad to be alive. Get Cotter's at any drugstore. 25 cents.

[Raymond (Inner Sanctum Host)]

Be sure to listen next week for lovely Judith. Evelyn will be back with us again in a sweet little story just full of beautiful murder. Well, now it's time to close the squeaking door of the Inner Sanctum until next week. So good night. Pleasant dream.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Inner Sanctum comes to you from New York. This is the Blue Network.