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

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Terror In The Night" | Zero Hour 74-04-30 (067)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Reliving the Golden Age of Radio with classic shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and more.
• Episode: Zero Hour 74-04-30 (067) Terror In The Night
• Release Date: May 1, 2025

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Introduction to the Setting

In "Terror In The Night," listeners are transported to a quaint, near-Victorian house in Mariposa, California—a relic from the gold rush era. Once bustling with the Schofield family's lively presence, the house now serves as a seasonal tourist accommodation managed by Audrey Schofield and her granddaughter, Karen.

Timestamp Reference: [03:30]

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Characters Introduced

• Audrey Schofield: The elderly matriarch who runs the tourist accommodations.
• Karen: Audrey’s granddaughter, who exhibits signs of anxiety and suspicion.
• Steve Lewis: A mysterious and ostensibly charming traveler seeking lodging.
• Angus: The family collie, sensitive to disturbances.
• Detective Characters: Including Jerry and Sheriff Sam, who become pivotal later in the story.

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Plot Development

The Arrival of Steve Lewis

On a stormy Saturday night, Steve Lewis arrives at the Schofield house seeking shelter. His demeanor is friendly yet carries an undercurrent of tension that Audrey and Karen find unsettling.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Lewis: "Say, this is real nice and cozy. I love an open fire. Why are you looking at me like that?"
  [04:58]

Audrey, cautious, notices the unease in Karen and begins to suspect something amiss about their guest.

Notable Quote:

• Audrey Schofield: "I was wondering why you were peering in the window before you knocked."
  [05:07]

Unveiling Suspicion

As evening progresses, Audrey becomes increasingly suspicious of Steve Lewis, especially after observing his odd behavior around Angus and the suitcase he brought.

Notable Quote:

• Audrey Schofield: "I wonder what he's got in that suitcase. His clothes, silly. What else? That's what I'm wondering."
  [07:51]

Her instincts prove correct when she discovers bloodstains in his suitcase, indicating his involvement in foul play.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Lewis: "That is blood. It's a man's blood. I killed him."
  [13:39]

Confrontation and Threat

Steve Lewis reveals his sinister intentions, threatening Audrey and Karen to comply with his demands. The tension escalates as he attempts to seize control of their home and possessions.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Lewis: "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."
  [14:14]

The Sheriff's Intervention

Amidst the chaos, Sheriff Sam arrives, tipped off by the local diner sheriff who had interacted with Steve Lewis earlier. A thrilling car chase ensues, culminating in the capture of Steve Lewis, ensuring the safety of Audrey and Karen.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Lewis: "I hate to bother you at this hour of the night, but I saw your sign and hoped you weren't altered."
  [15:27]

Climactic Exchange:

• Audrey Schofield: "You could kill us, Karen. What a thing to say."
  [15:49]
• Steve Lewis: "Yeah, isn't it? Especially when I have better use for you."
  [15:52]

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Resolution and Aftermath

With Steve Lewis apprehended, Audrey and Karen express relief. Audrey contemplates the vulnerabilities of opening their home to outsiders, vowing to remove the tourist sign to prevent future threats.

Notable Quote:

• Audrey Schofield: "The first thing I'm going to do after I get a good night's rest is take down that tourist accommodation sign."
  [21:37]

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Conclusion

"Terror In The Night" masterfully blends suspense and classic radio drama elements, showcasing the timeless struggle between innocence and malevolence. Through Audrey and Karen's resilience and the timely intervention of Sheriff Sam, the episode underscores themes of vigilance and the importance of community safety.

Final Thought:

• Rod Serling (Steve Lewis): "Close your eyes, exercise your imagination and join us again on our next presentation of the Zero Hour."
  [21:47]

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Production Credits:

• Adapted for Radio by: Glenn Hall Taylor
• Cast:
  • Mel Torme as the Killer
  • Luke Krugman
  • Peggy Weber
  • Sam Edwards
  • Diane Hale
  • Bill Keane
• Created by: J.M. Kolis
• Directed by: Don Hills
• Produced in Hollywood for the Mutual Broadcasting System by Radio Productions Incorporated
• Music Composed and Conducted by: Stanley D. Hoffman
• Associate Producer: Rochelle Sherman

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"Terror In The Night" serves as a nostalgic yet thrilling episode that captivates listeners with its intricate plot and compelling characters, embodying the essence of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Audrey Schofield]

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[Steve Lewis]

I'm Rod Serling. You're listening to the Zero Hour. Rest your eyes. Exercise your imagination. Today. Glenwald Taylor Frightening suspense thriller Terror in the night starring melt laborer 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 you glad. Glad is what happens when you use Dial Soap. It starts right out with a clean, fresh scent that's like nothing else to get you going. Clean and fresh. AR Glass aren't you glass? Orange you glass. Orange you glass Orange you glass just to be 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 little north of the town of Mariposa, California, stands a rococo Victorian house. A relic of the gold rush days of the last century. The house once rang with the laughter of the Schofield 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 mailbo. 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 heart.

[Audrey Schofield]

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 and clammy, the way I imagine a tomb feels. Sharon on earth, look out the window. A man's face. Oh, I don't see anyone. Dear Grandma. For heaven's sake, child, it's just someone at the door. The same 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.

[Steve Lewis]

I'm sorry, Ma'am. I? I didn't mean to frighten you.

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

I thought you might have a vacancy.

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

Get away from that suitcase.

[Audrey Schofield]

Hey, just stop there. Now get away. Shoot. Why don't you come on in here by the fire, Mr. Lewis.

[Steve Lewis]

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

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

Howdy, Karen.

[Audrey Schofield]

Hello.

[Steve Lewis]

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

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

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.

[Audrey Schofield]

Would you like to put your car in the garage?

[Steve Lewis]

Well, I have already.

[Audrey Schofield]

How long will you be staying?

[Steve Lewis]

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

[Audrey Schofield]

Well, you stay as long as you like.

[Steve Lewis]

Oh, that's just fine. Fine. By the way, 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.

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

Oh, that's great. Thank you.

[Audrey Schofield]

Your room is at the far end of the hall on this floor.

[Steve Lewis]

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

[Audrey Schofield]

Would you like me to fix your little supper?

[Steve Lewis]

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

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

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 there. 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. 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 was empty. Why do you think he might be in this area? Well, 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. Well, 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.

[Audrey Schofield]

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. His 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.

[Steve Lewis]

Give your hand to a friend. Give your heart to your love. To your love. But give your allergy 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 your love. The tiny time pills in one contact. Keep this antihistamine working up to 12 full hours. All day, all night. Give your allergies to contact. Make contact only when needed. Only as directed.

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

Helen, darling, your floors are so shiny.

[Audrey Schofield]

Yes, John. I used Brand X polish just this morning. Morning.

[Steve Lewis]

Brand Eddix. Helen, will you marry me?

[Audrey Schofield]

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.

[Steve Lewis]

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? According to this teletype, our tire iron, a 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? 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 Cville. I think he's gone into hiding someplace since he left, which means it 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 cvo. Let's.

[Audrey Schofield]

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.

[Steve Lewis]

But why?

[Audrey Schofield]

I don't know why. I only know he's evil.

[Steve Lewis]

Sh.

[Audrey Schofield]

Here he go.

[Steve Lewis]

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

[Audrey Schofield]

Come, Grandma, quick. Where to? I'm going to look in that suitcase. What if he comes back and catches us? He's out here. 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 clothes. 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. There's blood on it.

[Steve Lewis]

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.

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

And where do you think you're going?

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

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.

[Audrey Schofield]

Down, Angus. Quiet.

[Steve Lewis]

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.

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

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

[Audrey Schofield]

What are you going to do with it?

[Steve Lewis]

I'm gonna tuck it under my coat while I answer the front door. You didn't think I'd leave it here with you, did you? Thank you. Now, both of you. Both of you, be quiet as baby mice. I'll just lock you in here while I take care of my late caller. Coming. Yes? I hate to bother you at this hour of the night, but I saw your sign and hoped you weren't altered. 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 Mariposa and find my luck there. Thanks anyway. Good 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.

[Audrey Schofield]

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

[Steve Lewis]

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

[Audrey Schofield]

What do you mean?

[Steve Lewis]

Well, nobody will suspect a nice young man like me if I'm trapped 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 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 and easy way it's sure with payroll savings yeah join that plan today so always remember it's a proud way to save Take stock in America A US Savings month so always remember it's a proud way to say Take stock in America five U.S. saving funds. Well, what do you know? Customers. Hi, Sheriff. 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. A fellow that came to the door said that someone was sick.

[Audrey Schofield]

Followed.

[Steve Lewis]

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.

[Audrey Schofield]

Take your hands off me.

[Steve Lewis]

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.

[Audrey Schofield]

Wait, there's a car coming.

[Steve Lewis]

I see it.

[Audrey Schofield]

It's slowing to turn in our driveway.

[Steve Lewis]

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

[Audrey Schofield]

It's the sheriff's car, dear.

[Steve Lewis]

Hey, Spot. Hold on to your hat, Sam. We 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? All right. Can you catch up and force him off the road? Maybe. I don't want to crash them. We're gaining on him. Get that seat belt fastened just in case something happens. Okay. Now how about you? Oh 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 got him. Caught him onto the shoulder. Race yourself just in case I broke my driver's test. Oh my God. Wer.

[Audrey Schofield]

Thank God.

[Steve Lewis]

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 can drive ladies home. Are you ladies all right?

[Audrey Schofield]

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.

[Steve Lewis]

I don't blame you, you know. Sometimes a person can be too damned accommodating. 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 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. Terror in 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. kolis, 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.