Suspense 42-06-17 001 The Burning Court

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Suspense 42-06-17 001 The Burning Court"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Suspense 42-06-17 001 The Burning Court
• Release Date: January 17, 2025
• Description: Reliving the Golden Age of Radio with classic radio shows that captivated families before the advent of television. This episode presents a gripping adaptation of John Dixon Carr's renowned mystery novel, "The Burning Court."

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Introduction

"The Burning Court" immerses listeners in a tale of mystery, deception, and suspense set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic suburban home. The narrative unfolds through the voices of the characters, masterfully brought to life by seasoned actors, particularly Charlie Ruggles and Julie Hayden. The story intricately weaves elements of historical poisoning, familial secrets, and a chilling confrontation that leads to an unexpected resolution.

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Plot Summary

Opening Setup ([00:02] - [01:26])

The episode begins with a classic radio narration introducing the "Suspense" series, setting the stage for a night of "mystery and terror." The narrator highlights the adaptation of John Dixon Carr's "The Burning Court," promising an engaging story that combines elements from literature, Broadway, and Hollywood.

Introduction of Characters and Initial Conflict ([01:26] - [05:00])

As the story commences, we meet Gordon Cross (Charlie Ruggles), a writer who finds himself in a fragile social gathering. Cross reveals his connection to Ted Stevens, a member of the publishing firm that handles his latest book, "Poisoning throughout the Ages." Cross explains an eerie incident where Stevens discovered a picture in his manuscript supposedly depicting his own wife as an ancestor, Marie Daubre, a famous poisoner from 1676. This discovery unsettles Stevens, hinting at a deeper, possibly supernatural connection.

Rising Tensions and Suspicion ([05:00] - [12:30])

Captain Brennan enters the scene, bringing with him an air of authority. The conversation shifts to Uncle Miles' mysterious death, where Mark DePar (Ted Stevens) insists that his uncle was poisoned with arsenic, a fact he uncovered by examining a silver cup and his deceased cat. Mark seeks Ted's help to perform a private autopsy and investigate the sealed crypt holding Uncle Miles' body. Despite Ted's initial hesitation, he agrees to assist, plunging them into a web of suspicion.

Confrontation and Revelation ([12:30] - [21:25])

As Ted and Mark delve deeper, tensions escalate when Captain Brennan arrives with evidence implicating Miss Corbett, the housekeeper, in the murder. The investigation uncovers inconsistencies, such as the empty coffin and questionable alibis. Amidst the scrutiny, Cross (revealed to be Tom Simpson) confronts Ted, exposing the truth about Ted's wife, Maggie McTavish (Julie Hayden). It is revealed that Maggie was haunted by her ancestral legacy as a poisoner and had unknowingly become entwined in the dark history depicted in Cross's manuscript.

Climactic Unveiling ([21:25] - [28:18])

The climax builds as Cross manipulates the situation to reveal Maggie's true identity and her coerced involvement in the poisoning plot. As suspicion turns inward, Miss Corbett attempts to silence Ted by poisoning him directly. However, Captain Brennan intervenes just in time, arresting Corbett for her crimes. The play concludes with the resolution of the mystery, unveiling the intricate motives and hidden agendas that led to Uncle Miles' death.

Denouement and Reflection ([28:18] - [27:57])

In the aftermath, Ted and Maggie reconcile amidst the chaos, symbolizing the triumph of truth over deceit. The narrator wraps up the episode by highlighting the exceptional performances and the significance of the story within the series, hinting at future thrilling episodes to come.

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Key Characters

• Gordon Cross / Tom Simpson (Charlie Ruggles): A cunning writer whose research uncovers dark family secrets, driving the narrative forward.

• Ted Stevens (Mark DePar): A member of the publishing firm, whose discovery about his wife's ancestry propels him into the mystery surrounding Uncle Miles' death.

• Maggie McTavish (Julie Hayden): Ted's wife, whose hidden past and fear of inherited poisoner traits become central to the unfolding drama.

• Captain Brennan (Captain Brennan): The authoritative figure leading the investigation, whose interactions with the protagonists add tension and depth to the plot.

• Mark DePar (Mark DePar): A key figure whose quest for the truth about his uncle's death intertwines with Ted and Maggie's personal struggles.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Gordon Cross's Revelation:

   • "[02:07] Charlie Ruggles: Well, no wonder you've had so much difficulty with the case, Captain. My name is Cross, Gordon Cross, the writer."

2. Ted Stevens on the Manuscript:

   • "[07:34] Ted Stevens: This book by Cross I brought home."

3. Maggie's Plea:

   • "[12:23] Julie Hayden: I mean, promise you won't get yourself involved. Please, Ted, don't go out tonight."

4. Cross Exposing Maggie:

   • "[21:07] Charlie Ruggles: You know, young man, I... I rather think she loves you. But as you will see though, she comes only when I call her Mrs. Stevens."

5. Climactic Confrontation:

   • "[25:56] Narrator: Now, close to five months ago that the prominent author was murdered. And tonight, Myra Corbett pays with her life for that crime."

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Themes and Insights

Ancestral Legacy and Identity: The narrative delves into how past generations' actions and reputations can cast long shadows over the present, influencing identities and relationships. Maggie's fear of inheriting traits from her ancestor underscores the theme of confronting one's lineage.

Deception and Truth: The story masterfully explores the blurry lines between truth and deception. Characters harbor hidden motives, and the quest for truth requires peeling back layers of deceit, highlighting the complexities of human nature.

Supernatural vs. Reality: While the plot hints at supernatural elements, it ultimately grounds its suspense in psychological manipulation and human actions, emphasizing that terror often stems from real-world deceit rather than the supernatural.

Justice and Morality: The episode questions the moral compass of its characters, especially when unveiling the lengths to which individuals will go to protect themselves or achieve their ends. The pursuit of justice is portrayed as a meticulous and morally charged endeavor.

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Conclusion

"The Burning Court" stands out as a quintessential example of Golden Age radio drama, blending intricate plotting with compelling character development. The episode captivates listeners through its suspenseful storytelling, unexpected twists, and moral dilemmas, all while paying homage to classic literature and theatrical traditions. With stellar performances by Charlie Ruggles and Julie Hayden, the episode not only entertains but also invites reflection on the enduring impact of our past and the pursuit of truth amidst deception.

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Additional Information:

• Production Team:

  • Producer/Director: Charles Vander
  • Writer: Harold Medford
  • Music Composer: Bernard Herman

• Upcoming Episode Teaser:

  • The next installment promises an "intensely exciting and moving drama" centered on "the life of Nelly James," ensuring listeners remain engaged with the ongoing series.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Narrator]

The Columbia Network takes pleasure in bringing you suspense. Suspense stories from the world's great literature. Of pure excitement. A new series, frankly, dedicated to your horrification and entertainment.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Week by week.

[Narrator]

From the page of new material, from the pages of best selling novels, from the theater of Broadway in London and the sound stages of Hollywood will parade the most remarkable figures ever known. CBS gives you suspicion. Tonight's presentation is one of the finest of the contemporary stories of mystery and terror. John Dixon Carr's famous novel, the Burning Court.

[Charlie Ruggles]

A glass of sherry by the fireside of a beautiful suburban home. What could be more comforting? You're an admirable host, Mr. DePas. And it's really a shame our first meeting is under such a cloud. It's also a shame I have so little time to tell you which one of your guests here murdered your uncle last week. Now, let's see. Now, I believe we're all here. Your wife, your friend, Mr. Stevens. Captain Brennan.

[Captain Brennan]

Yes, and incidentally, yourself. Just who did you say you were?

[Charlie Ruggles]

Well, no wonder you've had so much difficulty with the case, Captain. My name is Cross, Gordon Cross, the writer. As a matter of fact, it's because of my just completed book, Poisoning throughout the Ages, that I happen to be here now. And Ted Stevens there happens to be a member of the firm which publishes my work. I'd never seen him until tonight, but I've been told what happened this afternoon. He began reading my manuscript for the first time on the train. The commuter's train, which every afternoon deposits him safely and soundly here in Crispin. I imagine he was halfway home by the time he finished the first chapter. Then he turned a page. Attached to the following leaf was a picture. And looking at it, the young man stiffened suddenly and all but cried out his shock. It was a picture of a young woman and under it had been printed Famous poisoner, Marie Daubre, 1676. Ted Stevens was looking at a picture of his own W. Imagine. Imagine his 25 year old wife in 17th century costume. The face, the features, even a wistfulness of expression were identical. Even the name Dobre was his wife's maiden name. But no, no, no, that was ridiculous. This woman in the picture was, well, one of his wife's ancestors. Yes, that was it. That was it. Simply an amazing family resemblance. Marie would be waiting for him at the station and he'd have to tell her about it. He wondered why, however, she'd never told him about. Oh, well, but you don't discuss such an ancestor, do you? Ted Stevens glanced down at the chapter to which the picture had been attached. It was entitled the Affair of the Non Dead Woman.

[Captain Brennan]

Hello, Ted.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Stevens was almost jolted from his seat. It was Dr. Weldon, professor of English at the college, an old friend of his. Quickly, he thrust the picture beneath the manuscript and moved over.

[Ted Stevens]

Hi. I didn't see you, Doc. Here, have a.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Have a seat.

[Mark DePar]

Oh, I thought maybe you were giving me the.

[Charlie Ruggles]

What do they call it?

[Dr. Weldon]

The brush off.

[Ted Stevens]

Oh, no. I say, as a matter of fact, Doc, you're the one man I do want to see.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Yeah, very flattering.

[Ted Stevens]

Remember those discussions we used to have about murders?

[Dr. Weldon]

Better than bridge anytime.

[Ted Stevens]

Well, I got the idea that you made sort of a hobby out of the old cases, the historical ones.

[Dr. Weldon]

Well, I've studied quite a number of them, yes.

[Ted Stevens]

Ever hear of a woman named Marie Debray?

[Charlie Ruggles]

Marie Debray? Marie Debray.

[Dr. Weldon]

Oh, yes. That was her maiden name, of course. One of the finest specialists in arsenic poisoning you could ever hope to find. Oh, we're almost at our station, Ted. Let's get to the door. Yes, a real charmer, Marie was. Must have disposed of half a hundred husbands, lovers, suitors and just plain friends.

[Mark DePar]

Before she was caught.

[Ted Stevens]

What happened to her, Doc?

[Dr. Weldon]

She was beheaded and burned.

[Captain Brennan]

Crispin.

[Mark DePar]

Oh.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Absurd. Laughable. Ted Stevens kept saying this to himself, and yet what he knew was a foolish dread followed him straight through the small suburban station and clung to him as he reached the street. And there in the roadster was Marie, leaning toward him a little to hold the door open and smiling at him.

[Julie Hayden]

Oh, Ted, what on earth are you staring at?

[Ted Stevens]

That street light shining on your hair.

[Charlie Ruggles]

I like that.

[Julie Hayden]

Oh, you're tight. Come on, get in the car.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Then, like a wisp of smoke, it was gone. The whole ridiculous fear, the delusion. When at home, Marie brought the cocktails into the living room. The logs were burning brightly in the fireplace, throwing a soft, dancing glow upon a room that was darkening with dusk. To you, Marie.

[Julie Hayden]

And to you, dear.

[Charlie Ruggles]

As Stevens placed his glass down, he noticed the manuscript of my book. It was there on the table, right where he placed it when he first came in. Deliberately, he turned from it and then turned back. The manuscript had been moved. Only an inch or so, but it had been moved. Keeping his back to his wife, he thrummed through that early chapter and discovered, just as he knew he would, that the photograph was gone. For a long moment, he thought of what to do. Then slowly, he turned around.

[Ted Stevens]

This book by Cross I brought home.

[Julie Hayden]

Yes?

[Ted Stevens]

There was a story of poisoner in it. Rather funny. Her name happens to Be the same as yours. Oh, your maiden name, that is.

[Julie Hayden]

Oh, that is odd, isn't it?

[Charlie Ruggles]

Darling?

[Ted Stevens]

Was she a relative of yours?

[Julie Hayden]

Why, Tiff, you're serious.

[Ted Stevens]

In a way, yes. Oh, I don't mean it's really important. It's just that, well, when you run across a person who's a dead ringer for your own wife and who lived 300 years ago and was a top flight poisoner, well, you like to hear about it, that's all.

[Julie Hayden]

What on earth are you talking about?

[Ted Stevens]

Darling, be honest with me. Didn't you look at this manuscript when I was out of the room?

[Julie Hayden]

No.

[Ted Stevens]

You didn't take out a picture of a poisoner named Marie Debray?

[Julie Hayden]

I most certainly did not. Oh, dear. What is this all about? What are you getting at?

[Ted Stevens]

Just this. Somebody took that picture out of that manuscript since I'd been home. Now, who's that? Well, I'll take a look, but I don't feel like. Why, it's Mark Zepar.

[Julie Hayden]

Mark. Ted, wait a second. Yes, Ted. Whatever it is he wants, promise you won't do it.

[Ted Stevens]

Promise I won't do that.

[Julie Hayden]

I mean, promise you won't get yourself involved. Please, Ted, don't go out tonight.

[Mark DePar]

See?

[Ted Stevens]

What in the world is. Well, anyway, we can't let him stay outside.

[Captain Brennan]

Mark, how are you?

[Ted Stevens]

Come on in.

[Captain Brennan]

Thanks, Ted.

[Ted Stevens]

Just thinking about giving you a call later.

[Julie Hayden]

Oh, let me have your hat.

[Mark DePar]

Thanks. I. Marie, I hope you'll excuse me for popping in like this, but. Well, I wanted to talk to Ted. It's rather important.

[Julie Hayden]

I don't mind at all.

[Ted Stevens]

Come on, Mark, we'll step into the library. Oh, you mind, dear?

[Julie Hayden]

Of course not, Ted. I'll be making the sandwiches for her.

[Ted Stevens]

Grab that chair in the corner, Mark. Well, let's hear it.

[Mark DePar]

What's the trouble, Ted? My Uncle Miles was murdered.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Murdered?

[Mark DePar]

Oh, the talk hasn't reached you yet, but it's already started. Nothing definite, of course. Just that there was something wrong about Uncle Miles death. But I don't.

[Ted Stevens]

Mark, are you sure of this? You know he was murdered?

[Mark DePar]

I don't know. Of course I don't. I just don't see how it could be any other way. Uncle Miles, you know, had been sick for quite a while. But last Saturday he seemed so much better that Ms. Corbett, that was his nurse, decided to take the day off and. Oh, you know all this. You and Marie were over that afternoon. Anyway, Lucy and I went to the club that night to that masquerade party, and we left the old boy completely alone. I've Cursed myself a thousand times. Saints.

[Ted Stevens]

But what about your housekeeper, Mrs. What's her name? Henderson. Wasn't she around?

[Mark DePar]

Sure, in that little house out in back. We told her to look in now and then, but. Well, that wasn't good enough. It was after midnight when Lucy and I got back. Uncle Miles was dying, Ted. It looked exactly like one of his regular attacks. But then later, after he was gone, I happened to glance under the chest of drawers in his room. There was a small silver cup under there, almost drained. And Uncle Miles cat? The cat was still warm, but quite dead. Oh, I managed to get the cat out of the house and buried without anyone seeing me. Next day I had the contents of the cup analyzed.

[Ted Stevens]

It was poison?

[Mark DePar]

Yes, arsenic.

[Ted Stevens]

Well, what do you want me to do?

[Mark DePar]

Help me open the crypt.

[Ted Stevens]

What?

[Mark DePar]

I want to have a private autopsy performed. Help me get Uncle Miles body out of that vault. Oh, I know it's a tough job. The thing is sealed solid. But we can do it.

[Ted Stevens]

You mean without the police knowing about it?

[Mark DePar]

Without anybody knowing about it. Mrs. Henderson's visiting her sister and I managed to send Lucy over to the club.

[Ted Stevens]

You must be crazy. You're playing with dynamite, Mark. This is something you've got to tell the police now.

[Mark DePar]

I can't take that chance.

[Ted Stevens]

But they'll have to know sometime.

[Mark DePar]

You're only I got to know first, I tell you. You don't understand, Ted. There was somebody in Uncle Miles room that night handing him something in a silver cup. Mrs. Henderson was on the porch by the window. She saw her.

[Charlie Ruggles]

She saw her, Ted.

[Mark DePar]

She thinks it was my wife.

[Ted Stevens]

Oh, Lucy.

[Mark DePar]

It doesn't mean anything to Mrs. Henderson yet because she doesn't suspect anything.

[Ted Stevens]

But.

[Mark DePar]

Well, Ted, you've got to see why. I've got to be sure why. I've got to know how Uncle Miles died. Because it wasn't Lucy, Ted. I know it wasn't.

[Ted Stevens]

Of course not, Mark. She had an alibi. Well, she was with you at the club, wasn't she?

[Mark DePar]

Yes, except for half an hour.

[Ted Stevens]

I see.

[Mark DePar]

You'll help me, won't you, Ted?

[Ted Stevens]

When do we start?

[Mark DePar]

As soon as you can make it.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Okay.

[Ted Stevens]

Come on now. I'll get your hat. You trot on ahead and I'll come over as soon as I can. See Marie.

[Mark DePar]

You're not going to tell her about this?

[Ted Stevens]

Of course not. I'll think of something.

[Mark DePar]

Don't you worry about it.

[Captain Brennan]

No.

[Mark DePar]

Thanks, Ted. Thanks a lot.

[Ted Stevens]

Marie, darling. Mark asked me to.

[Julie Hayden]

I know, Ted. Here, you better take these sandwiches with you. You'll Be hungry.

[Ted Stevens]

But you knew I was going out.

[Julie Hayden]

Yes, I knew.

[Ted Stevens]

You listened to us.

[Julie Hayden]

I couldn't help it, Ted. I had no idea what Mark's visit was about. The talk about his uncle's death. There's a lot of gossip about it in the village. That's why I tried to tell you. Why I didn't want you to get mixed up in it. But it's too late now, isn't it? I mean, you're going. I can tell by the way you look. Ted, wait a second. There's just one thing I want to tell you before you leave. And that is that no matter what happens, no matter what you find or think or believe. I love you. You'll remember that, won't you?

[Ted Stevens]

I'll remember you said so. Mar.

[Charlie Ruggles]

By the light of a dim kerosene lantern, Mark and Chad Stevens pounded their way through the thick shelf of rock that covered the depart's ancestral tomb, pried open the great slab of stone which lay across the subterranean door and then at last descended to the dank ink black chamber. They found the coffin. They dragged it from its crypt and placed it on the cold stone floor. They unclamped the lid and opened it. Mark, it's empty.

[Mark DePar]

What? That's impossible. It can't be. But it is.

[Ted Stevens]

Mark, you know what this means? That body wasn't in this coffin when it was placed here.

[Mark DePar]

I'll swear it was, Tate. From the time that coffin was closed on. Uncle Miles. Somebody. The undertaker or Lucy or me. Somebody was with it until it was buried and the crypt was sealed right after.

[Ted Stevens]

Then somebody beat us to it. Somebody's broken in here ahead of us.

[Mark DePar]

Broken in? Listen, Ted, Lucy and I have hardly left the house since the funeral. Do you think anybody could break in here, smash through that stone and cement without our seeing them or without our hearing them?

[Ted Stevens]

Well? Well, what?

[Captain Brennan]

Well, you might as well come on out then.

[Mark DePar]

Who was that?

[Captain Brennan]

Me. Mr. Des Pard up here. My name's Captain Brennan. I'm from the office of the Commissioner of Police. Like to talk to you if you don't mind. Mr. Dick Barr. Here. Follow my flashlight up.

[Mark DePar]

But I don't understand. How did you. How did you know about this?

[Captain Brennan]

By listening, mainly. Do you mind if we go up to your house, Mr. Daybar?

[Mark DePar]

Why, no, not at all.

[Captain Brennan]

Oh, thank you. Oh, Freddy, look here, Captain, I. Freddie, this is Mr. Daypar. Lieutenant Gray.

[Mark DePar]

Glad to know you, Mr. Daypar.

[Captain Brennan]

And Mr. Ted Stevens, isn't it? Well, how did you.

[Ted Stevens]

How did you know my name?

[Captain Brennan]

Very simple. I got the names of everybody who was here at the depos the day the old man died. You and your wife were included. Oh, here we are.

[Mark DePar]

But I don't. Captain, who gave you those names?

[Captain Brennan]

Why your housekeeper of course.

[Mark DePar]

Mrs. Henderson.

[Captain Brennan]

You didn't think Mrs. Henderson saw the dead cat, did you, Mr. Despard? But she did. She also saw you bury it. And we've been interested in the case ever since. Well, nice place you have here, Mr. Depar. Now let's see. According to Mrs. Henderson, your wife was wearing some kind of a masquerade costume that night. What kind of a thing was it?

[Mark DePar]

Well, it was there. You can see it. It was copied from the dress in that old painting over there.

[Captain Brennan]

Oh yes. Funny. Where's the woman's face?

[Mark DePar]

It's always been that way, long as I can remember. Somebody must have thrown acid on it or something. I can't blame them much. She was a poisoner.

[Ted Stevens]

A poisoner?

[Mark DePar]

Yes, the story goes that one of my ancestors was responsible for her execution. Marie Daubre her name was.

[Captain Brennan]

Ah yes, I've read about her. Learned all the poison tricks from one of her lovers. Guy by the name of Godin sacrot. Godin sac. Oh yes, Mr. Stevens. We cops read now and then.

[Ted Stevens]

Did you say go dance?

[Captain Brennan]

Etc? That's French. We call it cross. Absolutely no limit to a cops education, is there? But to get back to your wife, Mr. Despard, she was dressed like the famous Marie. Now when Mrs. Henderson looked through that window.

[Mark DePar]

Just a minute, Captain. Mrs. Henderson can't prove she saw a.

[Captain Brennan]

Thing and you know it. What do you mean? I mean you haven't any right to insinuate that my wife was in that room. Well, who's insinuating? I. I'm trying to say that Mrs. Henderson, after thinking it over, realizes she was tricked by the costume. The woman she saw in the funny clothes handing the cup of poison to your uncle wasn't your wife at all.

[Charlie Ruggles]

What?

[Captain Brennan]

Because your wife is an unusually tall young woman. And the one Mrs. Henderson saw was fully half a head shorter. More on the order, let's say of Mr. Stevens wife.

[Ted Stevens]

My wife?

[Captain Brennan]

Why, Mrs. Rit. Absolutely ridiculous. Well, I don't know why. What's the matter, Mr. Stevens? You're trembling like a leaf. Tell me now, just for fun, where was Mrs. Stevens that night?

[Ted Stevens]

She was home with me.

[Captain Brennan]

The whole evening. Certainly she retired early.

[Ted Stevens]

Yes, we both did.

[Captain Brennan]

You, I suppose, were sound asleep by midnight.

[Mark DePar]

Yes, I was.

[Captain Brennan]

Then how do you know where your wife was? Well, I. Look here, Stevens. She had to Have a costume that would match Mrs. Des Pasquin. How did she manage that? Where did she get it?

[Ted Stevens]

Well, she never had one. She never had a dress like that.

[Captain Brennan]

And what about our motive? Why did she poison him? I don't know. For money. Suddenly.

[Mark DePar]

Then what was it, Kate?

[Captain Brennan]

Did she hate Miles Depard? Yes. Yes, she.

[Charlie Ruggles]

No.

[Ted Stevens]

Oh, I don't know.

[Captain Brennan]

I don't know, I tell you. Brown. Yes, Freddie? I phoned and got hold of Mrs. Le Pard and the nurse. All right. That Mrs. Stevens couldn't reach her. Her phone won't answer. Okay, have her picked up. I'm going home. Stevens, come back here. I'm going to get.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Hey.

[Captain Brennan]

Will you stop him?

[Julie Hayden]

Brother?

[Captain Brennan]

Go.

[Julie Hayden]

Marie.

[Captain Brennan]

Marie, where are you? It's Ted. Marie. What have you done? Maria. Oh.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Oh. Good evening. Who are you? I. My name is Cross. Go down. Cross.

[Ted Stevens]

Cross. Where's my wife? What have you done to her, you fiend. What have you done to my wife?

[Charlie Ruggles]

You are nothing at all, young man.

[Ted Stevens]

Here, here, here.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Sit down.

[Ted Stevens]

You're lying. Something's happened to her.

[Captain Brennan]

The police just phoned.

[Ted Stevens]

There wasn't an answer. Why are you here?

[Charlie Ruggles]

Why am I here? Well, because your wife, reading my chapter on the Dubrays, realized I knew more about the family than even she did. Because she found my phone number on the front cover of the manuscript. And because I know an exceptional case when I hear one. Does that answer your question?

[Ted Stevens]

No, you know it doesn't.

[Captain Brennan]

Can't you see?

[Ted Stevens]

I've got to. I've got to know whether.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Yeah, I see. Whether your wife is that Marie d'aubray who was burnt. Burnt by order of the High Tribunal for All Poison Cases, the Burning Court of France. Witchcraft, black magic, the world across the threshold. You're quite sure, no doubt, also that I'm Gaudin Sainte Croix, who first wooed her. No, no, my boy. No. My real name happens to be, of all things, Tom Simpson, most unsuitable for a distinguished writing career. And Marie Daubre is no more your wife's real name than mine is Gourdin Cross. What? Your esteemed wife was an adopted child, Mr. Stevens. Adopted by people in Canada named Obray. Remote members of the real family are poisoners.

[Ted Stevens]

I can't believe it. Why? Why didn't you tell me?

[Charlie Ruggles]

Why? Because until I told her half an hour ago, she didn't know it herself. You see, in the course of my research on the family, I found out about it. And in the course of talking with your wife, I found out something else. How? For years, she was Haunted by the fear of that she might be a poisoner by inheritance, by blood. And you can see, can't you, why she never talked about it. Her past to you?

[Ted Stevens]

Yes, yes.

[Charlie Ruggles]

And yet, Mr. Stevens, you had all but made her forget that past. You. And that's why she was willing to lie, to steal a picture, do anything in order to hold you to her. Yes.

[Ted Stevens]

Yes, I see that now.

[Charlie Ruggles]

You know, young man, I. I rather think she loves you. But as you will see though, she comes only when I call her Mrs. Stevens.

[Ted Stevens]

You mean she's.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Yes, Marie, it's you.

[Ted Stevens]

You're all right?

[Julie Hayden]

Oh, yes, dear. We're both alright now. And nothing can change it. Ever.

[Ted Stevens]

Marie, listen.

[Julie Hayden]

Don't say Marie, dear. Say Maggie.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Maggie.

[Julie Hayden]

Oh, that's my name. My real name. Maggie McTavish. And it's a lovely name, dear. The most beautiful, gorgeous.

[Ted Stevens]

Darling. Darling, please. You don't understand. The police, they think you had something to do with Miles death.

[Julie Hayden]

They think I did.

[Charlie Ruggles]

So now, Mr. Stevens, before we go back to the depos, don't you think you better tell me everything that's been said and done up to date? Having just saved your wife's soul from the burning court. Now I'll rest her body from the electric chair. Yes, Mr. De Paris. Truly excellent sherry. Don't you think so, Miss Corbett?

[Julie Hayden]

Yes, yes, it's very nice.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Well, that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I happen to be here. So let us consider first that supernatural hocus pocus in the crypt. That body that walked out of the sealed tomb. That body that never was in the tomb.

[Mark DePar]

Never was in the tomb.

[Charlie Ruggles]

No, Mr. Dippar. The murderer knew that very soon Mrs. Henderson's story would bring about an investigation. He had to get rid of the well known corpus delicta.

[Mark DePar]

Yes, but who could have kept the body out of the tomb?

[Charlie Ruggles]

Who, Mr. Dupin? Why you, sir.

[Mark DePar]

I don't understand.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Well, it's very simple. You had the opportunity. I believe you said yourself you were alone with the body before the burial. And you had the strength. I dare say you carried it down to the furnace where it's now probably nothing but ashes.

[Captain Brennan]

Ridiculous. Why would he spend an hour smashing into a crypt for a body he knew wasn't there?

[Charlie Ruggles]

Why, Captain? Hmm? To impress Mr. Stevens, his witness. And also apparently you.

[Julie Hayden]

Oh, that's perfectly fantastic.

[Mark DePar]

Fantastic? No, Lucy, just comic. And I suppose, Mr. Cross, that I also put on a woman's masquerade costume, went into my uncle's room and handed him a nice cup of arsenic.

[Charlie Ruggles]

No, no, no. That had to Be done by a woman. Your accomplice, as matter of fact. Oh, now, come, come, come. You mustn't all look at Mrs. DePar. Because Mark Depar's one noble act was his frantic effort to prevent his wife from being charged with the crime. A crime which he and nurse Myra Corbett committed.

[Ted Stevens]

Myra Corbett, were you.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Yes, sir. Yes, Mr. Stevens. This quiet little lady beside me.

[Julie Hayden]

Why would I do such a thing?

[Charlie Ruggles]

Money, Miss Corbett. A cutout of Mark Depa's inheritance. Payments for services rendered.

[Captain Brennan]

That's an absolute lie, Croft.

[Charlie Ruggles]

You see, ladies and gentlemen, Captain Brennan never bothered to check Miss Corbett's whereabouts on the night of the murder. Why, even think of the nurse? She was the custodian of the old man's.

[Julie Hayden]

Oh, you're crazy. You're crazy.

[Charlie Ruggles]

And yet who but a nurse could so naturally offer the old man a cup? A cup, he was sure, contained medicine.

[Julie Hayden]

You're making it up.

[Ted Stevens]

The whole thing, you just.

[Charlie Ruggles]

And who but Miss Corbett, living right here in this house, would know what kind of masquerade dress she must copy? Would know when Mrs. Henderson would pass the window that night, Pass and see her and accept her, she hoped for Lucy de pas.

[Julie Hayden]

No, that's not true.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Oh, yes, Miss Corbett. Yes, Miss Corbett. That dress was the touch that wrecked you. That was your own idea, wasn't it? Not Mark's. You weren't content with a mere murderer's share of the profits. You wanted a wife's share, half of the whole estate. You wanted Lucy de Par convicted and out of the way for good. Well, I give you a toast, Ms. Corbett, with Mr. Depar's excellent sherry, to a particularly ruthless poisoner. And yet. You know, on the whole, I'm rather partial to female poisoners. Why, only tonight I, I.

[Captain Brennan]

Here, let me get to him, Mr. Cook. What's the matter, Brennan? This man's dead.

[Mark DePar]

Dead?

[Captain Brennan]

And from cyanide, if I know anything. Cyanide? From that glass of sherry. Cyanide that a nurse could get quite easily. That glass was right beside you, Miss Corbett, and nobody else was near it. Too bad he didn't drink it as soon as you hoped. A second ago we had nobody to use against you. But we have now, Miss Corbett. We have now. And I arrest you for the murder of Gord.

[Narrator]

Now, close to five months ago that the prominent author was murdered. And tonight, Myra Corbett pays with her life for that crime. The former nurse, at first protesting her.

[Ted Stevens]

Innocence in recent years.

[Captain Brennan]

Yes?

[Ted Stevens]

I'm in here, dear.

[Julie Hayden]

Oh, I thought you might. What did you cut it off for, huh?

[Ted Stevens]

What do you mean?

[Julie Hayden]

The radio.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Oh.

[Ted Stevens]

Oh, yeah. Well, I thought you wanted to talk.

[Julie Hayden]

Oh, Ted, don't you think I know you better than that? What was on the radio?

[Ted Stevens]

Well, there wasn't any. Okay. It was about Myra Corbett. She goes to the chair tonight. Oh, I didn't think you wanted to be reminded.

[Julie Hayden]

I don't really. But making such an effort to hide it only keeps it alive, doesn't it? All right, darling. Know what I came in to ask if you wanted a cocktail before dinner.

[Charlie Ruggles]

The largest one you've got.

[Julie Hayden]

Fine. I'll get out the ice cube.

[Ted Stevens]

I know if. I'll fix up the fire.

[Charlie Ruggles]

Okay, Maria, a deal.

[Captain Brennan]

Where are some papers to start it?

[Julie Hayden]

Right there by the bookcase. And the name's not Marie, it's Maggie. Because, darling, Marie is dead and gone forever.

[Marie Daubre]

Oh, no, Marie, we're never dead. Neither of us. It was your hand that touched that glass. I know that now. And I could return the favor. But instead, I shall ask that you dispatch your husband. This one like all the others. Now, just a little bit of poison in the drink, Marie. Any kind of a drink.

[Julie Hayden]

What kind? Ted?

[Mark DePar]

Hmm?

[Julie Hayden]

What kind of a cocktail shall we have?

[Mark DePar]

Oh.

[Ted Stevens]

Any kind, darling. Any kind at all.

[Mark DePar]

You've just heard the Burning Court from John Dixon Carr's famous novel, the first in Columbia's new series of outstanding classics and chills by world famous authors. Tonight's play, ladies and gentlemen, has one rather special significance we think you'd like to know about. As you perhaps have heard, every fine comedian is said to cherish a secret desire to do. An abrupt, devout face. He pines for the part of a blackguard. Well, tonight you witness the fulfillment of one such desire. The role of that literary and quite infamous Die Hard, Gordon Cross, was portrayed by none other than Hollywood's expert provoker of laughs, Charlie Ruggles, here in New York for the world premiere of his latest screen success, Friendly Enemies. The role of Marie, well, that was enacted by a young lady who long ago won national acclaim as one of Broadway's most accomplished dramatic actresses, Ms. Julie Hayden. Thank you, Charlie Ruggles and Ms. Julie Hayden, for your splendid performances. The play tonight, as all plays in this series, was produced and directed by Charles Vander, written by Harold Medford and scored by Bernard Herman. Next week we bring you an intensely exciting and moving drama, the life of Nelly James. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.