Zero Hour 74-04-30 (067) Terror In The Night

Summary

---

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Zero Hour 74-04-30 (067) Terror In The Night

Air Date: October 27, 2025

---

Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio presents a classic suspense thriller from the Golden Age of Radio: “Terror in the Night,” adapted by Glenn Hall Taylor for Mutual Broadcasting’s Zero Hour series. The story revolves around an ominous night in a remote Victorian guest house, where two women are confronted by a mysterious, dangerous stranger. The plot is thick with tension, fear, and fast-spiraling danger, delivering vintage radio chills true to the genre.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: The Victorian Guest House

• [02:16] Narration establishes the isolated Schofield house near Mariposa, California, home to Mrs. Schofield and her granddaughter, Karen. With tourist season ended, they're alone on a stormy night.
  • “A relic of the gold rush days... only Audrey Schofield and her granddaughter Karen are sheltered beneath a steep, pitched roof.”

2. The Mysterious Visitor Arrives

• [03:00–05:43]
  • Karen is unsettled by the stormy night and spots a strange man peering in the window. The tension rapidly grows as he is invited inside after a brief scare.
  • The man, Steve Lewis, claims he needs a place to stay and requests that his presence not be mentioned to anyone.
  • Karen (to her grandmother): “I seen someone who was looking in the window. I’m scared.” [03:16]
  • Steve Lewis: “By the way, I haven’t told anyone where I’d be... I appreciate it if you didn’t mention to anybody that I’m here.” [05:02]

3. Parallel Investigation – Sheriff's Manhunt

• [05:43–07:21]
  • Shift in scene: local law enforcement discusses a chain of violent crimes – a theater robbery and a murder – tracing the suspect’s movements toward Mariposa.
  • Sheriff: “The owner of a station in Coulterville... remembered a guy in a gray suit who asked about the road to Mariposa. He was driving a car just like the salesman’s.”
  • The tension is heightened by knowledge the criminal may match the physical description of their current guest at the Schofield house.

4. Suspicion Grows at the Guest House

• [07:21–08:34]
  • After sharing dinner, Karen’s mistrust deepens, especially when the family dog, Angus, reacts to the stranger’s suitcase.
  • They discover the phone line has been cut, confirming their fears.
  • Karen: “The phone is dead, Grandma... I know what could have happened to it, and I’m going to find out.” [08:15]

5. Confirmation of Danger

• [12:18–13:41]
  • The women search the stranger’s suitcase, finding jewelry and a bloodied tire iron wrapped in a shirt.
  • The man catches them, confesses to murder, and forcibly takes control of the situation.
  • Stranger (revealing himself): “You’re right, lady. That is blood. It’s a man's blood. I killed him.” [13:09]
  • Karen attempts to stand up to him, but is threatened.

6. Hostage Situation and Escape Attempt

• [14:15–15:28]
  • Another tourist unknowingly visits the house but is turned away by the impostor.
  • The killer announces his plan to use the women as cover to avoid police:
    “Nobody will suspect a nice young man like me if I’m traveling with a sweet old lady and a pretty young girl.” [15:28]
  • He orders them to hand over their car keys and prepares to leave.

7. Pursuit and Rescue

• [17:58–18:35]

  • At a local diner, the sheriff learns of a suspicious encounter at the Schofield house and realizes the truth.
  • The lawmen rush to the house as the killer attempts to flee, holding the women hostage.
  • Diner Patron: “The fellow that came to the door said someone was sick... He was a tall fellow, had on a gray suit as I remember.” [18:35]

• [19:42–21:06]

  • High-speed pursuit ensues. The sheriff and his partner drive aggressively ("98 miles an hour") to intercept the station wagon.
  • They successfully force the car off the road and arrest the killer.
  • Sheriff: “Freeze, Hanford!” [20:46]
  • Both women are safe, though shaken.

8. Aftermath and Reflection

• [21:06–21:16]
  • Mrs. Schofield remarks she will take down the tourist accommodation sign, showing the impact of the night’s terror.
  • Mrs. Schofield: “I'll tell you something – the first thing I’m going to do after I get a good night’s rest is take down that tourist accommodation sign.” [21:06]
  • Sheriff (sympathetically): “Sometimes a person can be too damned accommodating.” [21:16]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Karen’s Fear:
  “It makes the house feel cold, the way I imagine a tomb.” [03:02]
  (Sets the episode’s eerie atmosphere.)

• Stranger’s Ominous Request:
  “I appreciate it if you didn’t mention to anybody that I’m here.” [05:02]
  (Early warning sign.)

• Unveiling the Villain:
  Killer: “You’re right, lady. That is blood. It’s a man's blood. I killed him.” [13:09]

• Threat and Control:
  Killer: “Now then, let’s all understand each other. Okay. Until I’m ready to leave, you’ll do exactly as I say. Or I may just have to show you how well I can handle that tire iron.” [13:44]

• Resolution:
  Sheriff: “Freeze, Hanford!” [20:46]
  Mrs. Schofield: “The first thing I’m going to do after I get a good night’s rest is take down that tourist accommodation sign.” [21:06]

---

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|--------------------------------------| | 02:16 | Introduction to Schofield house and main characters | | 03:00 | Karen’s unease and visitor’s arrival | | 05:43 | Sheriff’s investigation update | | 07:21 | Karen and Audrey discuss suspicions | | 08:15 | Discovery of cut telephone line | | 12:18 | Women inspect the killer’s suitcase | | 13:09 | Killer confesses to the murder | | 14:00 | Killer takes control, threatens women| | 17:58 | Sheriff learns of danger at the house| | 19:42 | Police chase and rescue finale | | 21:06 | Mrs. Schofield’s resolution |

---

Tone & Style

The dialogue and narration capture classic radio drama pacing: suspenseful, atmospheric, and direct. The tone ranges from cozy domesticity to tense terror, culminating in relief and weary humor. The episode taps into archetypal fears of isolation, home invasion, and the kindness of strangers gone wrong.

---

Summary Takeaway

“Terror in the Night” is a tightly wound thriller set in a bygone era but as effective as ever in delivering suspense. The chilling performance of the villain, the resourcefulness of the protagonists, and the pulse-pounding final chase all combine for a dramatic slice of radio history—richly rewarding for fans of classic suspense and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

You're listening to the Zero Hour. Rest your eyes, exercise your imagination. Today, Glenwald Taylor's frightening suspense thriller, Terror in the Night, starring Mel Duvet in a Mutual Broadcasting System presentation of the Zero Hour, brought to you by the makers of General Motors Parts, by the State Farm Insurance Company, by Dial Soap, and by the makers of Contact on Mutual Radio. Orange.

[A]

You glad.

[B]

Glad is what happens when you use Style Soap. It starts right out with a clean, fresh scent that's like nothing else to get you going. Clean and fresh guile washes away the cause of odor on your skin. You just can't buy a better deodorant soap than Dial. And that's saying something.

[A]

You.

[B]

A little north of the town of Mariposa, California, stands a Roccoko Victorian house. A relic of the gold rush days of the last century. The house once rang with the laughter of the Scofield family, but today only Audrey Schofield and her granddaughter Karen are sheltered beneath a steep, pitched roof. A ten foot post stands next to the RFD mailbox. From a bracket is suspended a sign which reads tourist Accommodations. In summer, Audrey and her grandmother derive a comfortable income from tourists. But this is the fall season, and on this Saturday night, Audrey and Karen are alone in the living room. Audrey is knitting in a chair before the fireplace. Karen sits staring at the fire. A gentle collie sleeps in the warmth of the hearth.

[A]

Karen, dear, why are you so glum tonight? It's not a cheerful night. Sometimes the rain is warm and friendly, but tonight it makes the house feel cold, the way I imagine a tomb. Karen, what on earth? Out the window. A man's face. Oh, I don't see anyone, dear. Grandma? Oh, for heaven's sake, child. It's just someone at the door. I seen someone who was looking in the window. I'm scared. Oh, nonsense. Probably someone wanting a room for the night. That's funny. I don't see anyone here.

[B]

I'm sorry, ma'. Am, I. I didn't mean to frighten you.

[A]

These old eyes, young man, for a moment they didn't adjust to the darkness out there. May I help you?

[B]

I thought you might have a vacancy.

[A]

Well, as a matter of fact, we do. We'll come on in. Just set your suitcase down anywhere.

[B]

Get away from that suitcase.

[A]

Angus. Out there now. Get away. Shoot. Why don't you come on in here by the fire? Mr. Lewis.

[B]

Steve Lewis. I'm sorry. I spoke to the dog that way. He startled me.

[A]

I'm Mrs. Schofield. This is my granddaughter, Karen.

[B]

Howdy, Karen.

[A]

Hello.

[B]

Say this is real nice and cozy. I love an open fire. Why are you looking at me like that?

[A]

I was wondering why you were peering in the window before you knocked.

[B]

Oh, the house reminded me of one that I saw in an old Boris Karloff movie. I thought I'd see something spooky instead of a sweet old lady and a pretty girl.

[A]

Would you like to put your car in the garage?

[B]

I have already.

[A]

How long will you be staying?

[B]

I'm not sure yet. Will the room be available for a few days?

[A]

Well, you stay as long as you like.

[B]

Oh, that's just fine. Fine. By the way, I. I haven't told anyone where I'd be. I just had to get away from everything for a few days. You know how it is. I appreciate it if you didn't mention to anybody that I'm here.

[A]

I understand Boddy has to get away from his troubles once in a while. Don't you worry, young man. We won't say anything to anybody.

[B]

Oh, that's great. Thank you.

[A]

Now, your room is at the far end of the hall on this floor.

[B]

Good. I'll put my suitcase in there. Right now.

[A]

Would you like me to picture a little supper?

[B]

I appreciate that very much. Is this the way to the room?

[A]

Yes. I'll get the key and be right with you.

[B]

Tell me, Jerry, how come our Mariposa county sheriff is mixed up in a murder that happened in Stockton? Well, I'll brief it to you, Sam, but you gotta keep it out of your paper until I give you the word. Now, to fill you in. This whole mess started in Oakland early this afternoon. A six foot guy wearing a gray suit knocked over a movie theater in Oakland. He forced his way through the door at the back of the cashier's booth, threatened her with a heavy tire iron. He pocketed his take, made a getaway in the Saturday crowd, and then he apparently commandeered a traveling jewelry salesman's car, forced him to drive him to Stockton. Body was found near death. How do you know all this? Well, we don't have the actual proof yet, but the jewelry salesman's head was bashed in. His body had been dragged into some bushes, and in addition, a quarter of an inch fragment of a gray suit material was found on a branch nearby. The murdered man had been robbed, of course. It's fairly evident. We found the salesman's sample case near his body. It was empty. Why do you think he might be in this area? We have a description of the guy. Cashier furnished that. In the glove compartment we found a new automobile Insurance policy number with a make, model and license number of his car. The owner of a station in Coulterville on Highway 49 remembered a guy in a gray suit who got out to get a drink of water and ask about the road to Mariposa. He was driving a car just like the salesman's. I hear the victim was in terrible shape. Oh, that's an understatement. This guy must be out of his goad. A Saders or something. He clobbered him I don't know how many times.

[A]

I know it's late for us to be washing dishes, but it did my heart good to see the way that young Mr. Lewis cleaned his plate. I wonder what he's got in that suitcase. Clothes, silly. What else? That's what I'm wondering. What else? You saw the way he acted when Angus started sniffing it. My goodness, Karen, that imagination of yours. Angus wasn't imagining. He smelled something he didn't like. And I don't like the idea of us being alone with that man in the house. We can't turn him out in the rain. I know. I'll call Uncle Nat and ask him to spend the night with us. He'll laugh at you. I'll get him over here. Don't worry. Hello? Hello? Hello? Hello? Hello? The phone is dead, Grandma. What do you suppose happened to it? I know what could have happened to it, and I'm going to go find out.

[B]

Give your hand to a friend. Give your heart to your love. To your love. But give your allergy special to contact. Allergy is our business, too. We know pollen. And we know that any of the 12,000 quarts of air you breathe each day may contain enough pollen to make your eyes itch, make you sneeze and drip. We also know an ingredient that helps block pollen's bad effects. It's the antihistamine most prescribed by allergy specialists. It's an ingredient in contact. Give your hand to a friend. Give your heart to. To your love. To your love. The tiny time pills in one contact keep this antihistamine working up to 12 full hours, all day, all night. Make contact only and need it only as directed.

[A]

Where does today's girl learn to be tomorrow's woman? At the movies? On television.

[B]

Helen, darling, your floors are so shiny.

[A]

Yes, John. I used Brand X Polish just this morning.

[B]

Brand X. Helen, will you marry me?

[A]

Somewhere between the super sex symbol of Today's commercialism and TVs brand X image, impending womanhood is alive and well. And where is that? Somewhere. Wherever there are campfire Girls. Campfire reaches the girl reaching out for tomorrow and puts a promise before her. The promise of personal development, of friends and fun. The promise of womanhood. Campfire takes today's girl to tomorrow.

[B]

Well, how about this? Seems we have a real hot one on our hands. What is it, Jerry? Well, if there's some prints off the sample case we found near the body, who transmitted them to Washington? Now, according to this teletype, our tire iron of virtuoso is a Harry Hanford. 33, 6ft, half an inch tall, 185 pounds, black hair, served term for a sober robbery. Here's a topper wanted for murder in Houston. Sounds like a charming fellow. Want to take a ride with me? Do you know me? Anything for a story, especially if it'll get me a good obituary. No one's reported seeing the car since he left that service station in Colderville. I think he's gone into hiding someplace since he left. Which means he don't almost has to be this area. So? So I'm going to update the APB that's already out and check out every tourist camp, motel and guest house from Mariposa to cultivate. Let's go.

[A]

Grandma. Heavens, Karen, why did you go out in all that rain? My hunch was right. I checked the telephone wires on the side of the house. They've been cut. He did it. I know he did. But why? I don't know why. I only know he's evil. Here he comes.

[B]

Oh, pardon me. I. I'll get settled down shortly and I won't disturb you anymore. I. I have to get something for my car. I won't be long.

[A]

Come, Grandma, quick. We are too. I'm going to look in that suitcase. What if he comes back and catches us? He's.

[B]

That.

[A]

Here's his suitcase. Oh. Move that chair over here. Good. Well, look at all that joy. Oh, my. He's just tossed it on top of his son. It must be worth tons of money. I wonder what else is in here. Oh, what's this wrapped in his shirt? Whatever it is, it's heavy. There. Unwrap it. Be quick. He's liable to get back. Eh, look, there's blood on it.

[B]

Oh, you're right. You're right, lady. That is blood. It's a man's blood. I killed him. You don't seem surprised, young lady.

[A]

Young man, we're not going to let you hide in this house. I'm going to.

[B]

And where do you think you're going?

[A]

I. I don't know. Let go. Of my arm, please.

[B]

And you, young lady, you pick that up and put it back where you got it. I said pick it up, damn it. Shut up.

[A]

Down, Angus. Quiet.

[B]

That's better. Now then, let's all understand each other. Okay. Until I'm ready to leave, you'll do exactly as I say. Or I may just have to show you how well I can handle that tire iron.

[A]

That may be another tourist. I really ought to answer.

[B]

I'll answer it. You roll that tire iron up in that shirt again and hand it to me.

[A]

What are you going to do with it? I'm gonna tuck it under my coat.

[B]

While I answer the front door. You didn't think I'd leave it here with you, did you?

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Now, both of you. Both of you be quiet as baby mice. I'll just lock you in here while I take care of our late caller.

[A]

Coming.

[B]

Yes? I hate to bother you, I think hour of the night, but I saw your sign and hoped you weren't all filled up. Oh, I'm. I'm terribly sorry, but I'm. I'm afraid I'm going to have to turn you down. Oh? There's sickness in the house. Well, I guess I'll just have to push into Mara and find my luck there. Thanks anyway. Good night. Night. Well, you behave very nicely. Sorry I had to turn away some tourist business, but I'm sure you understand only too well. Now, look, you must know this can't go on indefinitely. I can't stay here forever, and I can't very well leave you here.

[A]

You could kill us, Karen. What a thing to say.

[B]

Yeah, isn't it? Especially when I have better use for you.

[A]

What do you mean?

[B]

Well, nobody will suspect. Expect a nice young man like me if I'm traveling with a sweet old lady and a pretty young girl. Especially if I'm driving a car the police aren't looking for. Now then, hand over the keys to your station wagon, get your coats on, and let's get out of here. They just don't realize how little a renter's policy cost and how much it will do for them. State Farm agent Ed Axel of Fairmont, Minnesota. And it's hard for people to realize just how much personal property they do have. They forget about the drawers full of different things. So we tell them how they can protect the property that they already have. If they do have a fire or theft, we will be there to take care of them so that you don't have to start over again. They're just shocked to find out that the rates are so low and the amount of coverage that we can give them for that low rate. State Farm Fire and Casualty offers renters insurance that can protect just about all your personal property for very little cost. A good reason to see your nearby State Farm agent now.

[A]

Provide for the college.

[B]

Hey, it's sure with payroll savings yeah.

[A]

Join that plan today.

[B]

So always remember it's a proud way to save Take stock in America by US Savings Bond so always remember it's a proud way to save Take stock in America by US Savings Fund well, what do you know? Customers.

[A]

Hi, Sheriff.

[B]

Hi, Sam. Where is everybody? Oh, they sure been staying away from here tonight. Except for that guy at the end of the counter. Two coffee, Shorty. Anything with it, Jerry? Ah, coffee's fine, thanks. You know, seeing you two together at this hour makes me figure something's cooking besides my chili. Oh, just have snooping, shorty. Hey, tell me, are there any houses north of here close by? That is to take in tourists? Well, there's a good place a few miles north. The Schofield house. Did you say the Schofield house? Yes, sir. Excuse me for butting in, but I thought you ought to know that I was there a while ago and got turned down. The fellow that came to the door said that someone was sick. Fellow, you must be talking about another place. There ain't no man lives at the Schofield house. Just an old lady and her granddaughter. It was the Schofield house all right. I saw the name on the mailbox. What'd this guy look like, mister? Well, I'm afraid I didn't pay much attention. He was a tall fellow, had on a gray suit as I remember. Why? Come on, Sam, let's get the hell out of here. Into the back seat, Grandma. Come on. Come on, in you go.

[A]

Take your hands off me.

[B]

You, young lady, get in the front seat. No, I said get in there, Grandma. Losing time. I'm sorry Angus had to miss the trip, but a dog is such a responsibility, you know.

[A]

Wait, there's a car coming.

[B]

I see it.

[A]

It's slowing to turn in our driveway.

[B]

That's too bad, cuz they're going to have to wait for us to drive out first.

[A]

It's the sheriff's car, dear.

[B]

Hey, sp. Hold on to your hat, Sam. May have to fly this thing. Got to figure a way to grab him without hurting the old lady and the girl. Hit the reds and siren, will you? Thanks. Can you catch up and force them off the road? Maybe? I don't want to crash them we're gaining on them. Get that seat belt fastened just in case something happens. Okay. Now, how about you? In God we trust, 98 miles an hour. You weren't kidding about flying this heap. Another two miles an hour and we will be airborne. Now we've got him. Crowd him onto the shoulder. Race yourself. Just in case I broke my driver's test.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

We make it freeze. Hanford.

[A]

Thank God.

[B]

Get out of the car with your hands up. Plant them on a car roof and spread them. All right, all right. Take it easy, you dumb pig. You got me. I'll dump them on a floor in the back of my car and you could drive ladies home. Are you ladies all right?

[A]

Yes, thank you. But I'll tell you something. The first thing I'm going to do after I get a good night's rest is take down that tourist accommodation sign.

[B]

I don't blame you. You know, sometimes a person can be too damned accommodating. Oh. Okay, creep, let's go. You're probably well aware of the advantages of a well tuned car in helping you obtain better gas mileage. A well tuned car can run more efficiently, more economically. If all cars were properly tuned and operating efficiently, we could save millions of gallons of gas. To help you evaluate your car's efficiency, your participating GM dealer has two new energy checks available. One is an economy checkup that includes an engine diagnosis along with several other inspections to see if your car is up to specs. The other is an economy tune up to help give you a smooth running engine that performs efficiently. Making the most out of the gasoline around is one of our country's basic challenges. It's important to you and to us at General Motors. That's why we're inviting everyone to come in now for a GM energy check at a Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick or Cadillac dealer. Get together with him and get more of a run for your money. I'm Rod Serling. Close your eyes, exercise your imagination and join us again on our next presentation of the Zero Hour Foreign. The Night was adapted for radio by Glenn Hall Taylor. Mel Torme was heard as the killer. Featured in the cast were Luke Krugman, Peggy Weber, Sam Edwards, Diane Hale and Bill Keane. Zero hour, created by J.M. colis, directed by Don Hills, is produced in Hollywood for the Mutual Broadcasting System by Radio Productions Incorporated. Music composed and conducted by Stanley D. Hoffman. Rochelle Sherman, Associate Producer this has been a presentation of the Mutual Broadcasting System.