Radio City Playhouse 48-07-03 (01) Long Distance

Summary

Podcast Summary: Radio City Playhouse 48-07-03 (01) Long Distance

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Radio City Playhouse 48-07-03 (01) Long Distance
• Release Date: February 9, 2025

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Overview

In this gripping episode of Radio City Playhouse, entitled "Long Distance," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a compelling drama that intertwines suspense, desperation, and tragic revelation. Written and directed by Harry W. Junkin, the episode masterfully portrays the frantic efforts of a woman striving to save her innocent husband from imminent execution.

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Plot Summary

"Long Distance" unfolds with Mrs. Leon Jacks (played by Jan Minor) in a state of desperate urgency. Her husband, Leon Jacks, has been wrongfully convicted of murder, and the weight of this injustice bears heavily on her. Upon discovering a pivotal letter that proves his innocence—a letter absent from the original trial—Mrs. Jacks engages in a frantic attempt to halt the execution process.

The narrative begins with Mrs. Jacks confronting the prison warden:

Mrs. Leon Jacks [02:30]: "But, Warden, you don't understand. After all, you're the warden of the prison."

Despite her pleas, the warden remains unmoved, citing procedural constraints:

Warden [02:51]: "Mrs. Jackson, we always have these telephone calls before an execution. I know how you feel. I'm terribly sorry for you, but there's nothing I can do."

Undeterred, Mrs. Jacks explains the significance of the newfound letter:

Mrs. Leon Jacks [03:01]: "I found it tonight quite by accident, between the lining and the covering of my overnight bag... If we could have produced it at the trial, my husband would never have been found guilty."

Realizing that time is against her, she attempts to reach Judge McLean, believing him to be her last hope. Her search leads her through a labyrinth of frantic phone calls, each unsuccessful attempt heightening the tension as the execution time looms closer.

At one critical moment, Mrs. Jacks' despair becomes palpable:

Mrs. Leon Jacks [09:10]: "It's a matter of a man's life. Do you understand that?"

Her relentless pursuit underscores the emotional gravity of the situation, culminating in a tragic twist. Despite finally contacting Judge McLean and presenting the evidence, the execution proceeds, revealing a heart-wrenching betrayal that ties Mrs. Jacks directly to the wrongful death of her husband.

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Key Characters

• Mrs. Leon Jacks (Jan Minor): The protagonist whose unwavering determination drives the narrative.
• Warden: Represents the unyielding authority of the prison system.
• Mrs. McLean: Connected to Judge McLean, she serves as a conduit in Mrs. Jacks' desperate attempts to reach the judge.
• Judge McLean: The pivotal figure whose actions and decisions are central to the unfolding drama.
• Mr. Henderson: A key contact who inadvertently contributes to the tragic resolution.

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Notable Quotes and Moments

• Desperation and Urgency:

  Mrs. Leon Jacks [03:33]: "Oh, you're so stupid. I tell you, this letter changes everything."

• Emotional Plea:

  Mrs. Leon Jacks [15:04]: "A man's life just hanging. But. Operator, can you get me the railroad station at Dunsmuir, California?"

• Tragic Revelation:

  Mrs. Leon Jacks [25:00]: "They've done it. And I killed him. That I should have found him before. Leon."

These moments encapsulate the intense emotional journey of Mrs. Jacks, highlighting her desperation and the eventual tragic outcome of her efforts.

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Production Highlights

• Performance: Jan Minor delivers a standout performance as Mrs. Leon Jacks, capturing the character's desperation and emotional turmoil with authenticity.
• Direction: Harry W. Junkin's direction ensures a seamless flow of tension and pacing, keeping listeners engaged throughout the episode.
• Music: Composed and conducted by Dr. Roy Shield, the musical score underscores the dramatic highs and lows, enhancing the overall listening experience.
• Supporting Cast: Anna Karen, Eugene Francis, Gene Tatum, and Frank Thomas contribute effectively to the narrative, providing depth to the unfolding drama.

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Conclusion

"Long Distance" serves as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling during radio's Golden Age. Through its intricate plot and compelling characters, the episode delves into themes of justice, desperation, and the human spirit's resilience. While Mrs. Jacks' relentless pursuit ends in tragedy, the narrative leaves listeners reflecting on the fragility of truth and the devastating consequences of its absence.

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Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for next week's episode, "Ground Floor Window," a tender and heart-wrenching story about a young boy facing formidable life challenges. Written by the talented Ernest Kinoy, it promises to deliver another memorable experience from the annals of classic radio drama.

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Enjoyed this summary? Subscribe to Harold's Old Time Radio for more nostalgic journeys into the golden era of storytelling.

Transcript

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Rose is your name but when your poop it's sure don't smell like roses. You're number two burns the hair in my nose but we fought hand in paw. Now your poop don't stink at all. Now that the air is clear I'll treasure your front and rear my sweet Ro Instantly neutralize poop stink with poop fighter from world's best cat litter. For the world's best cat.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company presents Radio City Playhouse. Attraction 1. Radio City Playhouse is a theater of the air that has been built to an extraordinarily simple design. In radio drama, there is no substitute for a fine story expertly told. So if a script meets the highest standards of excellence, it may come from any writer anywhere. So long as the performance is truly inspired, it may be given by any artist without regard to name or fame. We hope you will listen each week to our new series. And if you feel like writing to us about our plays, we will deeply appreciate your comments. Now here is long distance attraction 1 of Radio City Playhouse, written and directed by a brilliant young newcomer to American radio, Harry W. Junkin, and starring Jan Minor as Mrs. Leon Jacks, who is seated at a telephone table in her home.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

But, Warden, you don't understand. After all, you're the warden of the prison.

[Warden]

Jacks, I can't just act on your say so. You've left it too late. I'd like to help you.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Warden, try to understand. I've called the governor, but I can't get him. This letter proves that my husband didn't commit the murder. Why can't I make you see? My husband would never have been found guilty if we could have produced this letter at the trial.

[Warden]

Mrs. Jackson, we always have these telephone calls before an execution. I know how you feel. I'm terribly sorry for you, but there's nothing I can do. You didn't produce this letter at the trial.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

I know we didn't produce it. That's what I'm telling you. I found it tonight quite by accident, between the lining and the covering of my overnight bag. If we could have produced it at the trial, my husband would never have been. Well. The case would have been dismissed. Can't you understand that?

[Mrs. McLean]

You're.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

You're. That he's innocent. You're executed an innocent man.

[Warden]

Mrs. Jacks, I tell you, it's not in my power. I know how you feel. Believe me, I do. But you telephone me half an hour before an execution and start talking about some letter you found. I just can't do it. Mrs. Jacks, it's something that's out of my hands. I don't have the proper authority.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, you're so stupid. I tell you, this letter changes everything. At least you can delay the execution for 24 hours until you've investigated. You can't kill him. I tell you, it's monstrous wicked.

[Warden]

Mrs. Jacks, believe me, I can't do anything.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Well, then who can? There must be somebody.

[Warden]

The only man in New York State who can stay and execute.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

But I tell you, I called him. He's out of town. The Lieutenant Governor's out of town. Everyone's out of town. And it's only half an hour until I. Until.

[Warden]

Mrs. Jacks, believe me, I'd like to.

[Mrs. McLean]

Help you, but you can't do it.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

I tell you, you can't. He's innocent. This letter proves he's innocent.

[Warden]

Mrs. Jackson, tell me, who is the appeal?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Judge McLean. Judge McLean.

[Warden]

Well, under the circumstances. Well, I mean, naturally, we want to be just. If you can get Judge McLean to phone me here at the prison, I'll delay the execution 24 hours.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

You will?

[Warden]

Judge McLean is the only man who can help you. I'm sorry.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

All right, thanks. I'll call him. M, M, C, McLean. McLean. McLean. Here it is, Judge John C. Eldorado 50599. El Dorado 505993 L 50599. Please, God, let him be in answer. Oh, answer, why don't you? Hello, is Judge McLean there, please?

[Mrs. McLean]

I'm sorry, he's not. He's out of town.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Out of town?

[Mrs. McLean]

This is Mrs. McLean speaking. May I take a.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Where is he?

[Mrs. McLean]

Well, he went to San Francisco the day before yesterday.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Who is speaking? San Francis. You mean he's on a train somewhere?

[Mrs. McLean]

No, he flew out. Who is this?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Mrs. McLean? It's Mrs. Leon Jack speaking. Mrs. Leon Jacks? Do you know who I am? Oh, yes, yes, I know. Mrs. McLean. You've got to help me. I don't know if you remember, at the trial there was a lot of talk about a letter which never turned up. We couldn't produce the letter that would prove my husband was in Canada on armistice and couldn't have committed the murder. I've never given up looking for it. And tonight I found it, quite by accident, as it slipped down between the lining and the covering of my overnight bag. I knocked the bag down off a shelf and it sprung open. The letter fell out. Are you listening?

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes, yes, I'm listening.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Well, I found the prison. For a moment I was so stunned. Anyway, I phoned the prison. And they told me that Judge McLean was the only man who could stop them from killing Leon. If I could just talk to Judge McLean. I mean, he recognized at once the importance of my finding this letter. The man at the prison doesn't understand. The whole prosecution rested on the fact that we couldn't produce the letter at the tr.

[Mrs. McLean]

When is the.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

The execution? In a little over 20 minutes. Oh, no. I've never given up. That's why I'm not at the prison with Leon. I've never stopped working trying to prove his innocence. I just got back from Canada tonight and was going out to be with him, with me. And then I found it. Mrs. McLean. I got to talk to your husband, Mrs. Jacks.

[Mrs. McLean]

Phone him in San Francisco. He's at the Golden State Hotel.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Golden State Hotel.

[Mrs. McLean]

He always stays there. I'm sure you can reach him.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

All right, I'll try. Thanks.

[Mrs. McLean]

And please let me know if there's anything else I can do.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Yes, thank you.

[Mrs. McLean]

I know it'll be all right. I. I just know it'll.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Thank you. Goodbye. 1 1. Long distance.

[Mrs. McLean]

Long distance?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Long distance. I want to call San Francisco. The Golden State Hotel. Judge J.C. mcLean.

[Mrs. McLean]

Judge J.C. mcLay.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

That's right.

[Mrs. McLean]

Is that MC, capital L, E, A, N?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

That's right.

[Mrs. McLean]

Golden State Hotel, San Francisco.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Yes, operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

And what is your number, madam?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

It's region 49970.

[Mrs. McLean]

Region 49970.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Yes. Yes, operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

And your name, madam?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Mrs. Leon Jacks. J, A, C, K, S. Thank you, madam.

[Mrs. McLean]

I will call you.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Operator, this is a very important call. How long will you be?

[Mrs. McLean]

The circuits are busy, madam. I will call.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

But how long will it take?

[Mrs. McLean]

It's hard to say, madam. I'll call you as soon as I.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Operator, I have to know how long this call will take. It's very urgent. It's a matter of. It's very urgent.

[Mrs. McLean]

The circuits are busy west of Chicago, madam. There are several calls ahead of yours.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

I'll put it through as quickly as possible. Let me speak to the chief operator, please.

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes, madam. Just a moment, please. Chief operator. Ms. Milton speaking.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Operator, I'm calling San Francisco on a very urgent matter and I've got to get through as quickly as possible.

[Mrs. McLean]

Whom do you wish to call in San Francisco?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Operator, you don't understand. I gave all that information to the other operator. She said the circuits were busy. I just wanted to tell you why it was so important that my call be put through at once.

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes, madam.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

My name is Jacks, Mrs. Jacks. My husband is Leon Jack, and your Phone number, madam? Oh, what difference? It's Regent 49970.

[Mrs. McLean]

But, operator, the important 9970.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Yes, operator, my husband. I don't know whether you read the papers or not, but my husband is being executed tonight for murder. For. For a murder that he didn't commit. Do you understand that?

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes, madam.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Well, this man in San Francisco is the only one who can stop the execution. I've uncovered, quite by accident, I've uncovered new evidence. I've got to speak to Judge McLean quickly, because the execution is in 20 minutes less than that now, and he's the only man that can make them stop. Operator, it's a matter of a man's life. Do you understand that?

[Mrs. McLean]

I will see that your call is.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Put through as quickly as possible, ahead of the others.

[Mrs. McLean]

I'll do the best I can, madam.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Well, may I hold the line?

[Mrs. McLean]

I'll call you, madam.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

All right, but hurry, operator, hurry. Please, God, let him be near a telephone. Don't let him be out. Please, God. 15 minutes more. Oh, God, help me, please. Please, God. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Oh, God, don't let them kill Leon. He didn't do it. You know he didn't do it. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Leon never hurt anybody in his life. Please, God, let him save him. Oh, God, I. I love him so. Hello?

[Mrs. McLean]

Your call to San Francisco, madam, for Judge J.C. mcLean.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Yes, yes, have you got him?

[Mrs. McLean]

There is no Mr. McLean. I mean, no Judge McLean registered at the Golden State Hotel.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

But, operator, he must be Roger Citizens. His wife said he always stayed there.

[Mrs. McLean]

Just a moment, madam. I'll check them again. Hello, operator? Yes, operator, would you check that name again, please? J.C. mcLean. My party is sure that Judge McLean is registered. They have no Judge McLean, operator. They have a Mr. McLean in 701 from Toledo, Ohio.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

That's the only McLean registered, operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes, madam.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

That must be the right McLean. His wife told me just a minute ago that he was there. He always stays at the Golden State Hotel. Please have them check it again. And hurry. Operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

Just a moment, madam. Hello, operator.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, for heaven's sake, what are you doing? Operator, I. Hello, operator, this is New.

[Mrs. McLean]

York on circuit 412. Is it clear?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, please.

[Mrs. McLean]

Hello? Hello, New York? Operator, would you connect me with the room clerk of the Golden State Hotel, please? This is an urgent call.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Right. Hurry, hurry. What on earth are they doing?

[Mrs. McLean]

Just a moment, sir.

[Warden]

Hello, room clerk?

[Mrs. McLean]

Hello, sir, this is New York calling a judge J.C. mcLean. I believe you have a Mr. McLean registered from Toledo.

[Warden]

What is the name again, operator?

[Mrs. McLean]

McLean. MC Capital Lean.

[Warden]

That's right, operator. Room 701.

[Mrs. McLean]

This is an urgent call, sir. Are you sure that he is not Judge J.C. mcLean of New York City?

[Narrator]

No, operator.

[Warden]

Mr. McLean is from Toledo all right. He stays here frequently.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

Just a moment, sir. Yes, madam?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Operator, can you find out if they sent Judge McLean to another hotel? He should have arrived sometime yesterday.

[Mrs. McLean]

Just a moment, madam. Hello, sir.

[Warden]

Yes, operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

Sir, can you tell me if the hotel has any record of. I want to try and trace Judge McLean. If he applied for a room yesterday and you sent him to another hotel, would there be any record of that?

[Warden]

Well, what? Do you have a reservation, Operator?

[Mrs. McLean]

Just a moment, sir. Did Judge McLean have a reservation?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, I don't know whether he had a reservation or not. I thought if the hotel was full and they'd send him someplace else, he might know where. That's all.

[Mrs. McLean]

Hello, sir.

[Warden]

Yes, operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

My party doesn't know whether Judge McLean had a reservation or not.

[Warden]

No, he didn't. Operator, I have the reservation list here. There's Nothing for Judge McLean.

[Mrs. McLean]

Is there any way we can locate Judge McLean that you know of? Sir, the call is urgent.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Urgent? It's a matter of life and death. What are they doing? Hello? Hello, operator? Oh, what's the matter? Why don't you answer me?

[Mrs. McLean]

I'm sorry, madam. There seems to be no way of tracing your party.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, operator, what can I do? I've just got to find him in.

[Mrs. McLean]

Case Judge McLean does register at the Golden State. Madam, I can try in 20 minutes.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

20 minutes? But I told you that. Oh, never mind. Let it go.

[Mrs. McLean]

You wish the call canceled, madam?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Yes, yes.

[Mrs. McLean]

Good evening. Brent Theater.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, no. El Dorado, 505-9955.

[Mrs. McLean]

Nanny.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Hello, Mrs. McLean, it's Mrs. Jacks again. I can't locate your husband. He's not at the hotel. Not registered, even. Is there any place else, any other hotel where he might be?

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes. Try my sister.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Sister?

[Mrs. McLean]

It's Mrs. D.C. hilda. Cypress Drive. That's Cyprus Drive, Oakland.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

D.C. hill there. Cypress Drive. All right, thanks.

[Mrs. McLean]

If he isn't there, she'll know where he is. I can't understand why he isn't at the hotel. He always.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Thanks, Mrs. McLean, I. I have to hurry. Goodbye.

[Mrs. McLean]

Goodbye. Long distance.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Let me speak to the chief operator, please.

[Mrs. McLean]

Thank you, madam. Just a moment, please. Chief operator. Miss Milton.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Speak. Operator, it's Mrs. Jacks again. I have a call to San Francisco. Again? I mean, I want to put it through again. I mean, it's Oakland.

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes, madam.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

It's to Mrs. D.C. elder, Cypress Drive, Oakland.

[Mrs. McLean]

D.C. elder.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Is that C, Y, P, R, E, N U.S. operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

C, Y, P, Cypress Drive?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

That's right, and hurry. Operator, please.

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes, madam. Hold the line, please. Chicago, New York calling Oakland, operator.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Right, the circuit's a busy. Operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

Will you ring the operator?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Just a moment, operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

I can take it now. Oakland Information, please, Operator. Right, information. Operator. The number of Mrs. D.C. elder, Cypress Drive, New York, calling Elder. Just a moment, operator. Right, I have a DC Elder, 1138 Cypress Drive, Montclair Highlands. The number is Lakehurst 39136. Lakehurst 39136. Right. Thank you, operator. Operator. Lakehurst 39136, New York calling, operator. Lakehurst 39136. Mrs. DC Elder. Mrs. DC Elder. Right. You're still calling from Regent 949?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

No, no, pardon me.

[Mrs. McLean]

Regent 49970?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

That's right, operator, and please hurry. What are they doing? Hello, operator. What are they. Operator, Answer me.

[Mrs. McLean]

We are ringing Lakers 39136 for you, madam.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, God, please. There's less than 10 minutes left. Why don't they answer?

[Mrs. McLean]

Hello, operator? Lakers 39136 is DA. Operator. Right, operator. Hello, madam. They do not answer. I'm sorry. Shall I try them again in 20 minutes?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

No, I told you, you stupid. I want to use. I won't. I won't give up. I'll get him. I'll get him if I have to. Hello, Mrs. McLean?

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

I'm nearly out of my mind. Your sister's Number doesn't answer, Mrs. McLean. Is there nothing I can do? Oh, Mrs. Jacks, I'm so sorry.

[Mrs. McLean]

They're probably all out to dinner or cocktails or something. They're three or four hours behind our timeout.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

They're, aren't they, Mrs. McLean, what can I do?

[Mrs. McLean]

There must be somebody else you can phone here. Surely they wouldn't go ahead with the execution if there were any reasonable doubt. Well, if there was any new evidence.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

I've been off through that, Mrs. McLean. I've tried to get the Governor, but what's the use? The prison authority said your husband was the only one who. I'm nearly out of my mind. I can't.

[Mrs. McLean]

Jackson, Mike and his very dear friends. They live right across the street. It's just possible they might all be over there. The name is Henderson. I think it's Robert. Yes, that's right, Robert Henderson.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Henderson on Cypress Drive. You phone them.

[Mrs. McLean]

In the meantime, I phone the Governor's office in Oregon.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Henderson that's right. All right, I'll try two 1.

[Mrs. McLean]

Long distance.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

The chief operator, please. And hurry.

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes, madam. Chief operator. Ms. Milton.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Operator, this is Mrs. Jacks again. Operator. See how quickly you can get me San Francisco again. I mean Oakland. Robert Henderson. No, it's Mrs. Robert Henderson. Cypress Drive again. Oakland.

[Mrs. McLean]

Mrs. Robert Henderson, Cypress Drive.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oakland. Why do you repeat everything? Yes, that's right. And hurry, Operator.

[Mrs. McLean]

Hurry. Chicago, New York calling Oakland, operator.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Right. Hold the line, Operator. Can't you tell them to hurry, Operator? There's less than 10 minutes left. I've told you how urgent this call is, Operator. Can't they hurry it up or something?

[Mrs. McLean]

We're putting your call through as quickly as possible, madam. Oakland information, please. Operator. Right. Information. New York calling. Operator. The number of Mrs. Robert Henderson, Cypress Drive. Henderson on Cypress Drive, operator. Yes, operator. I have a Robert L. Henderson on Crasswood Road.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, for goodness sakes. How can you be so stupid? It's on Cypress Drive. They're right across the street from my friend's sister. Now, you must have them lifted.

[Mrs. McLean]

Hello, operator? Yes, operator. Operator. Crasswood Road and Cypress Drive intersect. The houses might be like kitty corner from each other and yet beyond different. Yes.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Yes, that's it. Ring them and hurry.

[Mrs. McLean]

Operator, what is the Crosswood Road number? Operator, that number is Lakehurst 38197. Right. Operator. Lakehurst 38197. New York calling. Operator. Lakehurst 38197. Mrs. Robert Henderson. Mrs. Robert Henderson. Wright, are you still calling from region 49970?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Of course I'm still calling from region 49970. For goodness sake, stop asking me stupid questions. Don't you understand that I'm trying to save a man's life? Why don't they answer? God, please make them answer. Eight minutes left before. Hello?

[Mrs. McLean]

Hello, sir? New York calling Mrs. Robert Henderson, please.

[Warden]

Well, she's not in at the moment. This is Mr. Henderson speaking.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

He'll do, operator. He'll do.

[Mrs. McLean]

Very well, madam. Go ahead, please. Hello? Hello?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Hello, Mr. Henderson? Mr. Henderson, I can't go into a long story. Do you know Judge McLean? I believe his wife's sister lives across the street from you. It's very urgent that I contact Judge McLean at once.

[Warden]

Yes, I know Judge McLean. I drove him to the railway station this morning.

[Mrs. McLean]

What?

[Warden]

Yes, he caught the Southern Pacific West Coast Limited for Portland this morning.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, Mr. Henderson, I'm in terrible trouble. I've. I've got to locate Judge McLean.

[Warden]

Well, I. I don't see how you can. He took the train at Tampa Square.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Mr. Henderson, my husband is. He's being executed tonight for murder. A murder he didn't commit. Judge McLean was the judge. Well, I found it. There was a letter, a letter we couldn't find all during the trial. I found it tonight quite by accident. And they told me at the prison that Judge McLean was the only man who could get them to put off the execution. If I don't get Judge McLean going to kill me off. Oh, I'm almost sick. I can't talk right now. Do you understand me? Do you?

[Warden]

Yes, yes, yes, I understand. Wait a minute.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Let me think. Well, I do. Oh, God, I must. Help me. I love him so. I'll die of him.

[Warden]

Please, Mrs. What's your name?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Jack. Mrs. Leon. Jack.

[Warden]

Listen, Mrs. Jacks, you might get Judge Mlan at Dunsby or that's a town along the line. He phoned some friend and meet him there at the station. The train stops for 15 minutes. It's 20 minutes past 6 here now. The train arrived at Dunsmuhle at 6:15. It'll be there now.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, it's no use. I'll never get it.

[Warden]

Try it. Dunsmuh is a small station. The train will be in there now. It's worth a chance.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Dunsmuh.

[Warden]

D U N S M U I R the West Coast Limited is the train and it's Dunsmuhu, California. Try it. There is a chance.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

All right. Hang up quickly and thanks.

[Mrs. McLean]

Have you finished?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Madam? Is that the Oakland operator?

[Mrs. McLean]

Yes, madam.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Operator, you may not be able to do this. A man's life just hanging. But. Operator, can you get me the railroad station at Dunsmuir, California? The depot?

[Mrs. McLean]

I can connect you with the Dunsmuir operator. Madam, just a moment, please. Dunsmuir, Oakland calling. Operator, I have an urgent call here from New York City. Can you connect me with a railway station? Yes, operator. The number is 395. Can you connect me? Operator? Yes, operator, just a minute. Will you just talk to anyone there?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Yes, yes, Anyone. Anyone? Oh, God. You better help. Anyone help? Anyhow, only got three minutes.

[Mrs. McLean]

Hello, sir, you're calling. Go ahead, please.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Hello?

[Mrs. McLean]

Hello.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Is there a train in there now? The West Coast Limited.

[Narrator]

Who's this?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Listen, whoever you are, listen, this is a terribly urgent call. I've got to locate a man who's on the. Did the West Coast Limited just come in there to Portland?

[Warden]

The West Coast Limited is here now, madam. Just came in. Leaves again in nine minutes.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Listen.

[Warden]

Stop.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

There's a judge. Mlan, have you got that? Mlan.

[Warden]

Mlan.

[Narrator]

Judge McLean?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Yes, he's on that train. I mean, he's in a station somewhere. He was meeting a friend of his who lives in Dunsmuh. Listen, if you can get Judge McLean to his phone, I'll give you $1,000.

[Warden]

What was that, lady? What's that about $1,000?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Listen to me, McLean. Have you got that?

[Warden]

Yes.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

You said that Judge McLean.

[Warden]

Yes, Judge McLean.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Tell him. Tell him. He say that a letter. Tell him his wife's been killed. Get him.

[Warden]

Okay, lady. Okay, I'll try.

[Narrator]

Judge McLean.

[Warden]

Urgent call for judge McLean.

[Narrator]

Judge McLean.

[Mrs. McLean]

Judge McLean.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Oh, hurry. What they doing? Leon. Leon. It's too late. They've started to. It's too late. They've killed you. They've done it. Oh, God, make them wait just a little longer. Please, God, make them wait. Don't let them do it. Just five minutes more. God, make the clock slow. God. Anything. The same. Hello? Hello? Hello, Judge McLean?

[Warden]

Yes, this is Judge McLean.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Who is it? Where's my wife? Judge McLean. There's nothing wrong with your wife. This is Mrs. Leon, Jack's judge. Judge, I found the letter. You know, the letter. The one we couldn't find at the trial at Bruce. Leon and Hilliard were in Montreal that night, you know.

[Warden]

Yes.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Listen, Judge, they're executing Leon tonight. Right now. It may even be too late. You know what this letter means? The whole prosecution rested on the fact that we couldn't produce it. Well, I found it tonight quite by accident. Do you understand? It proves Leon is innocent. Do you understand?

[Warden]

Of course I understand. What time was the execution?

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Now. They're doing it right now. Get off the phone.

[Warden]

I'll call the prison at once.

[Mrs. Leon Jacks]

Get off the phone. They've done it. And I killed him. That I should have found him before. Leon. Leon. I should have found him before. Oh. Oh, Leon. Leon. No. No, you don't need to tell me. I know. You killed him. You killed the only man I. Stop. Stop it. Stop it. Hello? What? What? Leon. Leon, darling. Le.

[Narrator]

You have just heard long distance attraction 1, Radio City Playhouse, as written and directed by Harry W. Junkin. Jan Minor was heard in the exacting role of Mrs. Leon Jacks. Other players included Anna Karen, Eugene Francis, Gene Tatum and Frank Thomas. The music was composed and conducted by Dr. Roy Shield. Radio City Playhouse is supervised for the National Broadcasting Company by Richard P. McDonald. Next week, ground Floor Window, a tender and appealing story about a young boy and the heartbreaking challenge that came to haunt his life. It was written by a brilliant young American author, Ernest Kinoy, from whom we expect more great things. We warmly invite you to listen to Ground Floor Window next week, Attraction 2, Radio City Playhouse. Robert Warren speaking. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.