Twilight Zone ep003 - The Thirty - Fathom Grave

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio - Podcast Episode Summary

---

Title: Twilight Zone Episode 003 - The Thirty - Fathom Grave
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

---

Introduction

Harold's Old Time Radio presents "The Thirty - Fathom Grave," a compelling episode adapted from Rod Serling's acclaimed The Twilight Zone. This radio drama delves into themes of guilt, haunting memories, and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of a tense naval encounter.

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds aboard a United States naval destroyer navigating 100 miles off the coast of Guadalcanal in 1963. Captain Beecham and his crew are on an uneventful patrol until they detect an unusual sonar contact—a potential submarine, leading them into the realm of The Twilight Zone.

Notable Quote:
Narrator (00:09): "You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension... you've just crossed over into the twilight zone."

Main Characters

• Captain Beecham: The authoritative and concerned leader striving to maintain order and safety.
• Lieutenant Smith: The competent and loyal second-in-command.
• Chief Bosun's Mate Bell: A seasoned sailor grappling with psychological turmoil stemming from past trauma.
• Ensign Marmor & Boson's Mate McClure: Supportive crew members assisting in the unfolding crisis.
• Sonar Operator & Sonar Officer: Responsible for detecting and analyzing underwater contacts.
• Doc Matthews: The ship's medic, providing a voice of reason amidst chaos.

Plot Overview

Initial Encounter

Captain Beecham orders a course adjustment upon detecting a sonar contact. The crew prepares to investigate, suspecting a possible submarine. Tensions rise as they attempt to communicate with the unknown entity below.

Notable Quote:
Captain Beecham (05:19): "A possible what? Stay on course. I'm going down to the sonar shaft."

Diving into the Mystery

Boson's Mate McClure is dispatched to explore the submerged object. As he ventures down, Chief Bosun's Mate Bell begins exhibiting erratic behavior, hinting at buried guilt and haunting memories from his wartime experiences.

Notable Quote:
Chief Bosun's Mate Bell (19:00): "I get this feeling that I can't stay in one place. It's like I gotta get up and go out."

Revelation of the Past

Through intense interactions between Captain Beecham and Chief Bell, it's revealed that Bell survived a tragic submarine sinking during World War II. His unresolved guilt manifests as hallucinations and a detachment from reality, blurring the lines between past and present.

Notable Quote:
Captain Beecham (38:21): "One man sinks a sub. And one lousy circumstance doesn't decide a battle... you gotta believe me. All you should put in your sea bag is regret, not guilt."

Climactic Confrontation

As the crew attempts to rescue the presumed survivors, the supernatural elements intensify. Chief Bell becomes increasingly unstable, convinced that the ghosts of his past crew are compelling him to take destructive actions. The episode culminates in a tragic realization of Bell's inability to reconcile with his history.

Notable Quote:
Chief Bosun's Mate Bell (37:59): "I sank that sub. I was responsible, but I got out."

Resolution

Captain Beecham confronts Chief Bell, urging him to overcome his guilt. Despite efforts to ground Bell in reality, the episode concludes with an eerie sense of unresolved tension, emblematic of The Twilight Zone's signature storytelling.

Notable Quote:
Captain Beecham (41:05): "Sometimes I think that's the worst thing about a war. Not just what it does to the bodies, but it does to the minds."

Themes and Insights

"The Thirty - Fathom Grave" masterfully explores the psychological scars of war, emphasizing how unresolved guilt can haunt individuals long after the physical battles have ceased. Chief Bell's character serves as a poignant representation of post-traumatic stress, illustrating the thin veil between reality and the supernatural when one is burdened by the past.

Conclusion

Harold's Old Time Radio delivers a gripping rendition of The Twilight Zone's "The Thirty - Fathom Grave," blending naval suspense with deep psychological drama. Through rich dialogue and character development, the episode invites listeners to ponder the enduring impacts of guilt and the elusive nature of inner peace.

---

Production Credits:
Adapted by Dennis Etchison
Script by Rod Serling
Starring Blair Underwood
Narrated by Stacy Keach
Produced and Directed by Carl Amari and Roger Wolsky for Falcon Picture Group.

For more Twilight Zone radio dramas and exclusive content, visit twilightzoneradio.com.

Transcript

[Narrator]

You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into the twilight zone.

[Captain Beecham]

All right, men, we've got clear skies and a calm sea. Now let's get this ship back on course.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Mr. Smith, what is your present course in speed?

[Lieutenant Smith]

Steaming on course two six degrees true. Speed 10 knots, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Very well. Come right to new course 270 and indicate turns for 15 knots.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Aye, sir. Helmsman, come right to new course 270.

[Helmsman]

Aye, sir. Coming right to new course two seven zero.

[Lieutenant Smith]

All engines ahead standard. Indicate one two six turns for 15 knots.

[Helmsman]

Aye, sir. Engine room, all engines ahead standard. One two six turns for 15 knots. Engine room answers. All engines ahead standard. One two six Turns for 15 knots, sir.

[Ensign Marmor]

All secure, captain.

[Captain Beecham]

Glad to hear it, ensign. Any damage?

[Ensign Marmor]

No, sir. We took in a lot of water in the storm, though. That was one heck of a swell back there.

[Captain Beecham]

I'm aware of the storm, Mr. Marmor. I'm also aware of the swell. And what I'm also aware of is that that boat was not properly hoisted. A 13 year old sea scout would have rigged it in a stored position.

[Ensign Marmor]

Right, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

You can tell the chief boson's mate that I want to see him in my quarters on the double.

[Ensign Marmor]

Aye, aye, S.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Chief bosun's mate bell reporting his order, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

At ease, chief. That shouldn't be too difficult for you, should it, sir? That state of being. At ease. You're the champion of the fleet when it comes to being at ease, bell.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I don't understand, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

The devil you don't. This couldn't be clearer to you if it came in diagrams. You are the chief bosun's mate on board this ship. You run the deck division, you handle the rigging in and out, you supervise the heavy equipment. And there are eight or 10 other cardinal duties you are responsible, not the least of which, chief bosun's mate, belle is the proper securing of the whale boat. Now, last night we had a bad swell and that boat should have been rigged in. Instead it was left swung out and as a result, she's 80% damaged and filled up like a swimming pool. Question, chief. Where were you?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Begging the captain's pardon.

[Captain Beecham]

Don't beg my pardon. Just tell me in a brief explanatory way why you couldn't handle the initiatives of a chief bosun's mate and why the efficiency of this ship has had to suffer as a result. We had nine hours notice of that storm bell. This ship should have been 100% prepared. It wasn't. And I want to know why.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I did all I could, sir. I. I haven't been feeling up to par.

[Captain Beecham]

Did you report to sickbay?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

No, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Speak up, Chief.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

No, sir, I didn't report to sickbay.

[Captain Beecham]

Look, Chief, I'm not in the business to pistol whip my crew. I want a tight ship, that's true. But I happen to care very much if any one of my sailors has a problem and can't function because of it. You've rated 4O all the way down the line for as long as you've served on this ship. And then suddenly in the past three days, you stowed all your seamanship in a trunk someplace and came up with a bunch of dumb head boners that I would expect from a 17 year old boot. Belle. What is the problem?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I.

[Captain Beecham]

There is a problem, huh?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

No problems, sir. I'll watch it in the future.

[Captain Beecham]

All right, Chief. We'll leave it that way then. If you want to bend my ear at any time, you know where my cabin is. I'm available. Keep that in mind.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Yes, sir. I will, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

All right then. That'll do it.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Sonar Operator]

Chief. Hey, Chief, are you all right?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

What?

[Sonar Operator]

You okay, Chief? Looked a little woozy there.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay.

[Sonar Operator]

What am I listening to, Sir?

[Sonar Officer]

Contact bearing 280, 1100 yards. Echo quality sharp. Evaluate as possible submarine.

[Sonar Operator]

Submarine?

[Sonar Officer]

But not moving, sir. The dead in the water.

[Sonar Operator]

Shift the control to listen.

[Sonar Officer]

Sounds like. Sounds like hammering or something, sir.

[Sonar Operator]

Bridge, Sonar.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Bridge, Iron.

[Sonar Operator]

We have contact, bearing 030 degrees true. Range 1100 yards. Appears to be a metal object.

[Lieutenant Smith]

What kind of object, Sonar?

[Sonar Operator]

We can't tell, sir. From the sound of it, it's some kind of small ship. Perhaps a sub hull.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Bridge, I. Sonar. Reports of contact, Captain. Evaluation as a possible submarine.

[Captain Beecham]

A possible what? Stay on course. I'm going down to the sonar shaft.

[Narrator]

Incident 100 miles off the coast of Guadalcanal. Time, 1963. A United States naval destroyer on what has been a most uneventful cruise. Except for a few tense moments with a storm front, nothing unusual. But in a moment, they're going to send a man down 30 fathoms and check on a noisemaker. Someone or something tapping on cold steel. You may or may not have read the results in a naval report. Because Captain Beecham and his crew have just set a course that will lead this ship and everyone on it deep into the twilight zone.

[Sonar Officer]

And now, the twilight zone and our story, the 30 Fathom Grave. Starring blair underwood. With stacy keach as your narrator.

[Captain Beecham]

That's it, huh?

[Sonar Operator]

That's the sound, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

How long have you been in contact?

[Sonar Operator]

About three minutes, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

That's a funny one. Sounds like. Sounds like tapping on metal, doesn't it?

[Sonar Officer]

That's what I think, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Bridge, change course to 030 and reduce speed to 5 knots. Try to make contact by underwater telephone.

[Sonar Officer]

I've already tried, sir. I get no response.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Listen.

[Captain Beecham]

It stopped now, just like that.

[Sonar Officer]

Sonar still has the contact, sir. I'll leave it on.

[Captain Beecham]

Stay on it. I'll be on the bridge. Steady on course 030.

[Ensign Marmor]

All engines ahead 1/3.5 0rpms for 5 knots, sir.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Maintain course and speed.

[Captain Beecham]

Anything in sight?

[Lieutenant Smith]

Nothing, sir.

[Sonar Operator]

We're directly over the object.

[Captain Beecham]

All right. All engines stop.

[Lieutenant Smith]

All engine stop.

[Ensign Marmor]

Aye, sir. All engine stop. Engine room, answer.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Sir.

[Ensign Marmor]

All engines stopped. Do you hear it, sir?

[Captain Beecham]

Wait, wait. Hold it. Hold it. I want dead quiet all over the ship. Tell those sailors on deck to can it.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Ain't that a kick in the head? What do you suppose it is?

[Sonar Officer]

Ghost man. Ghosts. What do you think it is, chief?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I'm not sure. I've never heard nothing like that before.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Stow it. Let's keep it quiet down there.

[Sonar Officer]

They want us to be quiet so they can listen to it. What I want to know is. Listen to what?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Where are you going, belle? I don't feel so good.

[Sonar Officer]

He don't look so good, either.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Make it stop.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

My head.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Easy, Belle. You fall overboard?

[Lieutenant Smith]

I said quiet out here. What's the problem?

[Sonar Officer]

We got a man down, sir.

[Lieutenant Smith]

What happened?

[Sonar Officer]

Nothing. Looks like you fainted.

[Lieutenant Smith]

We'll get him down to sickbay.

[Sonar Officer]

Yes, sir.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Where am I?

[Doc Matthews]

In the sick bay. You all right now, belle?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Yes, I'm okay. Doc. What?

[Doc Matthews]

You blacked out up there.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I said I'm okay.

[Doc Matthews]

You better stay horizontal for a little while longer. I'm serious. Captain's orders.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I'll be all right.

[Doc Matthews]

I wouldn't doubt it, but right now you look like a class a shipwreck.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

We.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

We still stopped.

[Doc Matthews]

Still stopped. They're all curious as to what's making the noise.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

That noise.

[Doc Matthews]

What's the trouble?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

It's just. It's just such an odd feeling.

[Doc Matthews]

What kind of feeling?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I can't. I can't describe it.

[Doc Matthews]

Lie back down. Now.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

What's the needle for?

[Doc Matthews]

Just relax, chief. Get some sleep. This'll help.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Sure. Ah, sure. That's all I need, a little sleep. Doc?

[Doc Matthews]

Yeah, Belle.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

What do you suppose is down there?

[Doc Matthews]

Don't worry about it. You just go to sleep. Whatever it is, the captain will know what to do.

[Captain Beecham]

I want you to stay grafted to me, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Sir?

[Captain Beecham]

Take notes on everything that happens from now on. I may turn in a report that'll stick me on a garbage tanker or even a naval hospital. I want 15 witnesses at my hearing who are on my side.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Could be a sub and we could be hearing it. It's only about 30 fathoms.

[Captain Beecham]

Sure, it could be a sub, mister. That's probably what it is. But what about this sub? Has it got two arms and a fist? Because somebody's making noise down there. We have a diver on board?

[Lieutenant Smith]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

What's his name?

[Lieutenant Smith]

McClure, in the first division. He's a qualified diver.

[Captain Beecham]

Tell him to report on the double. We'll send him down. Have him knock on the door.

[Lieutenant Smith]

I see. And then what, sir?

[Captain Beecham]

We'll see who invites him in.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Boson's mate McClure, report to the bridge on the double.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Hey, that's me.

[Sonar Operator]

Yep, that's who it is.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

What do you think they want?

[Sonar Operator]

Maybe they want to make you an admiral.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

McClure reporting, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

You're the diver.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Right, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Alright, I'm gonna give it to you straight, McClure. Now, here's the picture. There's something down there directly below us.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Something, sir?

[Captain Beecham]

We don't know what it is yet. Just that it's a metal object about the size of a sub hull. That's where you come in. I want you to get your equipment and go down there. Stay in contact from the moment you hit water to the moment you reach it. Understood?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

I understand.

[Captain Beecham]

Whatever that object is, there may be somebody inside. Or at least something that's making the noise. When you get down there, I want you to listen closely and tell me what you hear. We may be getting it distorted.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

All right, then. Hop to it.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Aye, sir.

[Lieutenant Smith]

What we're hearing doesn't make any sense. It's crazy.

[Captain Beecham]

It is that, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Smith]

But if it isn't a sub, sir, what is it?

[Captain Beecham]

Maybe it's a Spanish galleon, Lieutenant. With a treasure chest and a loose lid that's off its hinges. Or maybe. Maybe it's just our imagination.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Well, we'll sure find out. As soon as he suits up, they'll lower him down and then we'll know.

[Captain Beecham]

I sure hope so, Lieutenant. One way or another, I hope you're right.

[Ensign Marmor]

Okay, McLaren, you got the suit secured?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Yeah. Give me the helmet.

[Ensign Marmor]

You sure you want to do this, Captain's?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Orders.

[Helmsman]

Me, I couldn't take it. Claustrophobia. Pretty cold, huh?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Hey, you guys just make sure my air hose doesn't get a kink in it.

[Ensign Marmor]

That's top priority, McLare. Any snafu, you give a holler and we'll pull you right up.

[Helmsman]

What if his radio cuts out?

[Ensign Marmor]

Tug on the rope and you're out of there. Okay, McClure.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

You got that right. Let's do it.

[Ensign Marmor]

Hand him the helmet, sailor.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Lower away.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Bridge, can you hear me?

[Captain Beecham]

Loud and clear. This is the captain. Keep talking.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

What do you see, McClure?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

It's a sub, sir. No question about that.

[Captain Beecham]

Have you reached her?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

I'm standing right alongside, sir. I don't hear anything, though, McClure. Her bow is buried about 15ft into the bottom. I can't read any identification. It's covered.

[Captain Beecham]

Rusted, over on the side of the conning tower. McClure, can you read a number there?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

No, sir. There's damage. Number's been obliterated.

[Captain Beecham]

Clore, you hear that?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Yes, sir, I do. It's coming from midship. Moving toward there.

[Captain Beecham]

Now tap on the hull, McClure. See if you can get a response. Was that you, McClure?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Yes, sir. No response, sir. I don't hear anything anymore.

[Captain Beecham]

McClure. There should be three hatches on the bow, on the conning tower, and on the stern. Is the ship upright?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

She's upright, sir, at about a 30 degree angle.

[Captain Beecham]

I understand the Clor. Climb up on her deck and check the hatches. See if you can open them.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

The bow hatch is buried, sir. I can't get through to that. But wait a minute. I'll check on the one over the conning tower.

[Captain Beecham]

McClure, what's the condition?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

The conning tower hatch is all bent, sir. I can't move the wheel. The whole deck appears to have been strafed. Wait a minute. Hatch on the stern the same way, sir. I can't turn her. Whoever she is, sir, she must have caught it.

[Captain Beecham]

Say again, McClure. She must have what?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Caught it, sir. The whole deck is pockmarked with shell damage. Machine gun damage, too.

[Captain Beecham]

Is that you, McClure?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

No, sir. It's coming from inside the hull.

[Captain Beecham]

Answer it, McClure. Answer it right away. This is crazy, McClure. Can you pinpoint the sounds? Can you tell precisely where it's coming from?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

I. I think. I think it's. Wait a minute. Yes, sir. Directly midship, Just below the tower.

[Captain Beecham]

Keep trying. We have to know whether anyone's inside that sub.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

No more contact, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Stay on it for as long as you can, McClure. Come up when you're ready.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Get the calm officer. I want to send a message. Action of 7th Fleet info to sync pack. Appraise them of the situation. Get on it.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Yes, sir. Radio bridge.

[Ensign Marmor]

Radio eye.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Captain wants a message action to comm 7th Fleet info sync pack. Fleet have located Sunken sub. Position latitude 093-000south. Longitude 160, 48, 00east. Request confirm location of all known sinkings. This area will remain this area until further advised. Precedence operational immediate.

[Ensign Marmor]

Aye, sir.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Any ideas, Captain?

[Captain Beecham]

An even dozen. But every one of them nullifies the one ahead of it. If it's one of our subs, we should have gotten a report on it. And even if it's somebody else's, why haven't they gone out the torpedo tubes?

[Lieutenant Smith]

That's what I was thinking, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Which brings us down to another common denominator. That sub has been hit by shellfire. So whatever action took place must have happened within a period of hours, or else there wouldn't be anyone still alive. But there's been no action. We'd have seen it or heard it. They put them all together and they spelled nothing. When McClure comes up, tell him to dry off and report to the sonar shack. That's where I'll be.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Oh, no.

[Doc Matthews]

No.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

What?

[Doc Matthews]

How do you feel, chief?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Feel?

[Doc Matthews]

You had a good sleep?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

For how long?

[Doc Matthews]

Few hours.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

What's new down below?

[Doc Matthews]

Nothing much. Scuttlebutt is we'll try to take her in tow.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Hey, Doc. I was just. I was just wondering about something.

[Doc Matthews]

Go ahead.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

It's this. It's this feeling of mine.

[Doc Matthews]

What kind of feeling?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

It's hard to describe. I get this feeling that I can't stay in one place. It's like I gotta get up and go out. It's this crazy feeling that I'm.

[Doc Matthews]

That you're what, chief?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

That somebody is pushing me, making me go someplace. I know that sounds nuts, but that's the only way I can describe it. Just as though. Just as though somebody was about to give me an order. And I was just sitting around and waiting for it. And when it comes. When it comes, I gotta throttle myself to sit tight and not move. And if I didn't give it every effort, I'd go up on deck and I. I'd never come back. That sounds nuts, doesn't it?

[Doc Matthews]

Don't worry about what it sounds like. That's a pretty complicated piece of machinery you got on your shoulders. Does a lot of things we don't understand. And a lot of things we do understand. I think you'd better stay down here for a while. You'll be okay, sailor. Just rest and take it easy. And will you unclench those fists?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I'll try, Doc.

[Captain Beecham]

How you doing, McClure?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Fine, sir. I could use some hot coffee.

[Captain Beecham]

You can drink a gallon of it if you want. Just tell me. What did we find out?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

I don't know, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

I don't know either, Boson. Just tell me what you do know.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

There's somebody inside her. I'd lay odds on that three or four times. When I pounded on the hull, that's when somebody answered me.

[Captain Beecham]

What about the sub itself? Could you judge her length?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

I guess her to be about 300ft, sir. Maybe 25ft.

[Sonar Operator]

Midship sounds like one of ours.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

She looks like one of ours. There were ballast tanks and flooding ports on the underside.

[Sonar Operator]

She's moving, sir.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

That was the other thing, Captain. She wasn't stuck in tight. Deep, yes, but not tight. She seemed to be swaying.

[Captain Beecham]

You still cold, McClure?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

I've been warmer, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

And you will be again. But right now you're going to get colder. I want you to check her bow. Maybe she's pulled herself loose and you can finally read that number.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Sonar, Bridge.

[Sonar Operator]

Go ahead, bridge.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Come 7th Fleet reports no sinkings of any kind. Authorizes us to remain on scene and operate at own discretion for salvage and rescue.

[Sonar Operator]

Roger.

[Captain Beecham]

Can do, McClure.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

I'll do my best, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Yeah, look at it this way. What a dandy story you can tell your grandchildren on some dark, rainy night.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

They're gonna believe me, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

I'm not sure I will. But if you can give me a number or a name off that hull, we may be able to sleep tonight after all.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

I've got a question for you, Mr. Smith.

[Lieutenant Smith]

What's that, sir?

[Captain Beecham]

If they're in there and alive and can't use the torpedo tubes, how do we get them out?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Bridge.

[Captain Beecham]

Go ahead, McClure. This is the captain.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

She's pulled herself out, sir. Here's your number.

[Captain Beecham]

714-714. Make a note of that, Lieutenant Smith.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Well, that means she's one of ours. Come on up and get a broiled steak on me, McClure. Smith, hand me the book with the hull numbers.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Here you are, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Give me that number again.

[Lieutenant Smith]

71714.

[Captain Beecham]

Ah, here. Here it is. 71 4. Commission. December 1941. Sunk in action. First Battle of the Solomons, August 7, 1942.

[Lieutenant Smith]

But Captain, that was 20 years ago.

[Captain Beecham]

Then, Lieutenant, tell me something. Who is inside that sub? Yes?

[Doc Matthews]

Chief Matthews, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Come on in, Doc. I'm just finishing up the deck log. Eddie's. You wanted to talk to me?

[Doc Matthews]

Yes, sir, I did. What do you know about Chief bosun's mate Bell?

[Captain Beecham]

I know his rating and his service record. What else am I supposed to know?

[Doc Matthews]

I've got him down in sick bay, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

I know. What's the trouble?

[Doc Matthews]

I can't say, sir. But as far as cracking, that's what he's doing. I've been watching him down there. He has a look about him. I can't describe it. You don't see that look very often. Usually it's an hour after a battle when the eyes face out, but you know they're really looking in. That's the way Belle looks now, like. Like he's just been picked up off a raft full of dust. Dead men. That's the look.

[Captain Beecham]

Well, just keep him down there. Let him rest. When he put back to port, I recommend hospitalization and some tests. I think that ought to do it for now, Doc. Thanks for coming in.

[Doc Matthews]

I. Sir.

[Ensign Marmor]

Coffee, sir.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Thanks, M. Quiet night.

[Ensign Marmor]

Too quiet. How long's it been now?

[Lieutenant Smith]

About three hours.

[Ensign Marmor]

Is he sending McClure down again?

[Lieutenant Smith]

Beats me. All I know is there's a boiler tender second who's making book in the cruise quarters that the thing below us is a sea monster with three heads and we're all living on borrowed time.

[Ensign Marmor]

I don't know what scares me more when they pound or when they shut up.

[Captain Beecham]

I don't know what scares me more. A 20 year old sub with somebody alive inside. Or what the commander of the Pacific fleet will say to me when I tell him that. And to compound the problem, I've got a chief bosun's mate with something eating at him.

[Doc Matthews]

Bell.

[Captain Beecham]

Bell.

[Lieutenant Smith]

What made him black out?

[Captain Beecham]

That's part of the problem.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Could be he's dredging up a couple of memories.

[Captain Beecham]

What do you mean, memories?

[Lieutenant Smith]

This is World War II revisited for him. He got picked up here after a sinking. That's the way I hear it. He was on a ship that got hit. Only survivor or something like that. Got picked up from the water.

[Captain Beecham]

Maybe it is dredging up some memories then.

[Lieutenant Smith]

Here we go again.

[Ensign Marmor]

What's the matter? They can't make up their minds down there?

[Captain Beecham]

There's one more question, an important one.

[Lieutenant Smith]

What's that, Captain?

[Captain Beecham]

Who's.

[Doc Matthews]

Hello, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Doc.

[Doc Matthews]

How's it coming down there, eh?

[Captain Beecham]

It's coming.

[Doc Matthews]

How's your patient asleep, sir. I was just going to get some chow.

[Captain Beecham]

Keep me posted. I'll be in my quarters.

[Doc Matthews]

Aye, sir.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

No. No. No.

[Doc Matthews]

What's the matter, Belle? What happened?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I was looking in the mirror and I saw. I saw faces. They were staring right at me. They were pointing at me. I know it sounds crazy, but they were there. It was as if I'd been pushed out of the mirror. Ordered out. That's why I had to break it. To make a stop. Doc.

[Doc Matthews]

Yeah, Chief?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Do you see me in the pieces of mirror down there on the floor?

[Doc Matthews]

Listen to me. I see you right here in front of me. I see you just fine. Remember that. Nobody is ordering you anywhere. You're not going anyplace. We're gonna lick this bell. I mean it. We're gonna lick this.

[Captain Beecham]

Same routine, huh?

[Sonar Officer]

Same thing, sir. But it's getting a little fainter, I think. And they don't acknowledge our signals at all. But it's definitely fainter.

[Sonar Operator]

It's some piece of equipment, that's what it is. Something loose that's probably swinging back and forth and hitting a bulkhead.

[Captain Beecham]

Possible.

[Sonar Operator]

That's the only explanation. I mean, think about it, Captain. A 20 year old sub in the deep six since the war. Who could be down there?

[Captain Beecham]

Somebody who dies awfully hard. Whoever it is, whatever it is, it's running out of steam. I wouldn't make book on this, but I've got a hunch that if we don't get inside there, and I mean quick, we're gonna miss the boat.

[Sonar Operator]

So we go down and like you said, we knock on the door. But we've done that before.

[Captain Beecham]

No, we don't knock on the door this time. Now we kick the door open.

[Sonar Operator]

Begging the captain's pardon. You break in that way and it's a sure bet the pressure will kill whatever's alive down there, right?

[Captain Beecham]

So we do it the one other way we've got. I want you to send a message to com sub Pac. Tell them we're going to need a submarine rescue ship out here. Give them position and depth and tell them to report to the scene for rescue attempt. Emergency precedence.

[Sonar Operator]

The airlock chamber.

[Captain Beecham]

That's all we've got left. And it's precious little. Get on it right away. I'll be on the bridge.

[Sonar Operator]

Radio, Sonar, radio I the com sub pack. Emergency precedence request. Nearest ASR report to position. Latitude zero niner three zero.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Doc?

[Doc Matthews]

Yeah?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

You got a cigarette?

[Doc Matthews]

Sure, Belle, I'll do it. Your hands are shaking.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Thanks, Doc. Will you answer me straight?

[Doc Matthews]

I'll Try.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Who's outside?

[Doc Matthews]

What?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Who's out in the passageway?

[Doc Matthews]

Nobody's out there. Why? You think you hear something?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I don't know.

[Doc Matthews]

Why should anybody be out in the passageway? Nobody's posting guard on you.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I just. I just felt as if there was somebody out there.

[Doc Matthews]

Let me tell you something, Chief. You can talk yourself into any. Any kind of nightmare you want. You just lower the gate a little bit, and after a while that stuff seeps in. But there's nobody blowing it from the other side. It's you yourself. Now. There's nobody out there. Nobody at all. Who did you think it was?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I don't know.

[Doc Matthews]

The only thing out there is a long stretch of steel and deck. Nothing else. Come on. You want to take a look?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

What's happening to me, Doc? What in God's name is happening?

[Doc Matthews]

Chief. Chief, you gotta get a grip, or I swear you're gonna talk yourself into a straight jacket. I mean it.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I got the feeling again. Just as if. Just as if somebody was watching me, pushing at me. Doc.

[Doc Matthews]

What, Belle?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I'm scared to open the door.

[Doc Matthews]

Then don't. I told you, there is nothing out there.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I'm scared to open it, but I have to.

[Sonar Officer]

No.

[Doc Matthews]

What did you see?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Men.

[Doc Matthews]

What Men.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

All wet. Dripping wet. Not alive. They were looking at me.

[Doc Matthews]

Listen, I didn't see a thing, Chief, and neither did you. Did you hear me? All you saw was what your scared brain told you to see. That's what it was, what you've talked yourself into. Now pull yourself together, sailor.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

But I tell you I saw it.

[Doc Matthews]

Then I'll prove it to you.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

No. See.

[Doc Matthews]

Nothing. I told you. What? The water on the floor. And where did that come from? Piece of seaweed.

[Captain Beecham]

That about does it, McLord. Go down and try to get a response. It'll help that sub. Rescue outfit if they can get a specific location.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

How will they get in, sir?

[Captain Beecham]

Through the forward torpedo compartment or the stern. Then they'll have to blow each of the six other compartments before they can enter.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

What if I don't get any answers, sir? We haven't heard from them in almost a half an hour.

[Captain Beecham]

If you don't get any answer, come back up. The rescue team will take it from there.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

No survivors then, sir? Is that what it'll mean?

[Captain Beecham]

That's what it'll mean. They'll bring up bodies, not survivors. Okay, McClure, hop to it.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Aye, sir. I've reached the sub, sir. The next noise you hear, that'll be me.

[Captain Beecham]

Go ahead, McClure. Pound away. Any response?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

None, sir. No response anywhere.

[Captain Beecham]

Keep trying.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

McClure.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Captain, I found something here. Wait a minute. I can't make it out.

[Captain Beecham]

What about the response? Did you hear anything?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

No, sir. Nothing.

[Captain Beecham]

Give it a few more minutes.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Yes, sir.

[Lieutenant Smith]

No soap.

[Captain Beecham]

No soap. Frost me to get so close to those poor devils in there.

[Doc Matthews]

Then.

[Captain Beecham]

Ah, the sub rescue ship is due here at 0300. Keep an eye peeled. I'm going af to meet McClure.

[Lieutenant Smith]

I, sir.

[Ensign Marmor]

Bet it feels good to get that helmet off.

[Sonar Operator]

Oh, it sure does.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

It's so dark down there now without the light, I couldn't see a blasted thing. Real spooky. But I found this.

[Captain Beecham]

Thanks, McClure. Good job. Go get some chow. I'll need you one more time. When the ASR team gets here, you're gonna have to go down as a pathfinder. Give them any help they need. But that won't be for a while.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Excuse me, sir, but you better look at those tags.

[Captain Beecham]

Gotta be kidding me.

[Ensign Marmor]

What's the matter, sir?

[Captain Beecham]

Ensign, ask Doc if Chief Bell is well enough to report to my quarters. Because I need an explanation for this one, fast. Go ahead, Bell. Read what it says on these dog tags.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I don't have to, sir. I know what it says.

[Captain Beecham]

It says Bell, William J. That's yours. Yes, sir. McClure found it on the deck of that sub down there. When did you lose him, Bell?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I lost him a long time ago, sir. 20 years ago.

[Narrator]

How?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I don't remember, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Try, Bell. Try to remember.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I was. I was on a ship.

[Captain Beecham]

What ship, Bell?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

A submarine. The one below us, sir. That was my boat.

[Captain Beecham]

Who's making the noise down there? Belle. What's it all about, do you know?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

We were on the surface. It was night. I was a signal man then. I was supposed to put the infrared filter over the signal lights. Otherwise they would have seen us. They would have seen the light. They would have found us. I don't know what happened. I was scared, clumsy. I dropped the signal light. The filter fell off. They were waiting for us out there. Japanese destroyers. They saw our light and it was my fault. They let us have it. They straddled us with the first salvo. The captain took the sub down, but it was too late. They unloaded depth charges and. That sub wasn't ever coming up again.

[Captain Beecham]

What about you?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I got flung over the side when the first salvo hit. And all that time I was in the water, I could.

[Captain Beecham]

You could what?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I could hear the voices of our guys down below me. They were. They were screaming. I know what it is now this crazy feeling I've had.

[Captain Beecham]

What? What is it, Belle?

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I got out one guy out of the whole crew. I got picked up later on by one of our destroyers, but I got out. Do you understand, Captain? I sank that sub. I was responsible, but I got out.

[Captain Beecham]

Belle, I want you to listen to me.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Those guys, those guys down in the sub, they know I'm up here.

[Captain Beecham]

Belle, hear me out.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

I should be with them. I should be down in that sub, Belle. I should be dead. That noise, that pounding, those are the guys down there who are calling muster on me. They're calling muster on me.

[Captain Beecham]

Will you hear me out? Will you listen to just a little logic now? A little reason.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

No.

[Captain Beecham]

One man sinks a sub. And one lousy circumstance doesn't decide a battle. And one case of sudden fear doesn't add up to a coward. You've been taking a dirty wrap for 20 years. You've slept with it. You've hung it around your neck. You've let it get deep inside you and tear you to pieces. But let me tell you something, Belle. It's a bum wrap. It's a miserable dead weight guilt that you've blown up way out of proportion to the facts. And do you know what the facts are, Belle? The sub was dead in the water and surrounded by enemy craft. That crew was doomed. You understand? A frightened sailor didn't sink a ship and destroy a crew. A war did. A set of circumstances did. Belle. Belle, you gotta believe me. All you should put in your sea bag is regret, not guilt.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

Do you understand, Belle?

[Captain Beecham]

Not guilt.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

The calling muster.

[Captain Beecham]

Bill, come back here.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

The calling muster on me.

[Captain Beecham]

Belle. Belle. Get away from the rail now. That's an order.

[Chief Bosun's Mate Bell]

They're calling me.

[Captain Beecham]

Man overboard. Starboard side. Rescue ship says you got inside.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Yes, sir. It was a wreck. Nobody had a chance.

[Captain Beecham]

Nobody.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Nobody. Sir. The periscope shears had been cut in half. One section was just hanging there, swinging back and forth.

[Captain Beecham]

Then that was the noise. That was. It was the noise, wasn't it?

[Boson's Mate McClure]

I guess so, sir, but. But there were eight men down in that control room. Eight men, or what was left of them. And one of them. One of them had a hammer in his hand.

[Captain Beecham]

Let's just say, McClure. Let's just say that this is the part of the story you tell your grandchildren that you make up yourself. Say anything you like, any explanation that comes to mind.

[Boson's Mate McClure]

Aye, sir.

[Captain Beecham]

Funny how long it takes some men to die or to find any peace at all. Sometimes I think that's the worst thing about a war. Not just what it does to the bodies, but it does to the minds. So rest in peace, Mr. Bell. I think it's your due now and long, long last rest in peace.

[Narrator]

Small naval engagement, the month of July, 1963, not to be found in any historical annals. Look for this one, filed under H for Haunting in the Twilight Zone.

[Sonar Officer]

Back to the Twilight Zone. In a moment.

[Narrator]

You are about to enter another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind, a journey into a wondrous land of imagination. Next stop, the Twilight Zone. Hi, this is Stacy Keach. I'd like to take a moment to tell you about our Twilight zone website at twilight zone.com at twilightzoneradio.com, you'll find the latest information on these Twilight Zone radio dramas, including behind the scenes photographs, plus the newest product releases, trivia contests, ways to contact us, other Twilight Zone related info and merchandise, plus links to other fascinating websites. So make your next stop twilightzoneradio.com Visit.

[Helmsman]

Twilightzoneradio.Com to purchase these Twilight Zone radio dramas on cassette and CD or call toll free 1-866-9989, zone. That's 1-866-989-9663.

[Sonar Officer]

Fathom Grave, starring Blair Underwood with Stacy Keach as your narrator, was adapted for radio by Dennis Etchison and based on a script by Rod Serling. Heard in the cast were Richard Hensell, Rich Kamenick, Linda Ryder, Turk Muller, Peter DeVito, Doug James, Rick Peoples, Roger Wolsky and Carl Amari. To learn more about the Twilight Zone radio dramas and to obtain audio cassettes and CDs of these programs, visit our website at twilightzoneradio.com the producers of the Twilight Zone wish to thank CBS Enterprises, Carol Serling, Dennis Etchison, Dick Brescia Associates Claire Simon Casting Terry Jennings, Exim Satellite Radio the American forces radio and television service, Sirius Satellite Radio, our sponsors and our radio affiliates for helping make this series possible. This copyrighted radio series is produced and directed by Carl Amari and Roger Wolsky for Falcon Picture Group. Doug James speaking.