Death Is A Joker - Inner Sanctum

Summary

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Old Time Radio Stories | Old Time Radio

Episode: "Death Is A Joker – Inner Sanctum"

Date: August 2, 2026

Host: Old Time Retro Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode revives the vintage radio drama Inner Sanctum with the suspenseful story “Death Is A Joker.” Blending elements of classic stage melodrama, dark humor, and psychological tension, the episode delivers a tale of murder, mistaken guilt, and redemption. The host and cast guide listeners through a chilling narrative of a comedian who, embroiled in love and jealousy, believes himself to be a murderer, only to face a twist of fate and character in true Inner Sanctum fashion.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Tone: Introduction and Mood

• [00:24] Peter Laurie (Narrator): Mocks the obsession with a “sense of humor,” hinting that the story’s protagonist laughs at the macabre.

  • “He loves a good ghoulish joke. Oh, and he loves to tell them too... So follow me, please, to the Inner Sanctum and your host, Raymond.”

• [02:15] Raymond (Host): Escalates the suspense, drawing the audience into a world where every comfort must be forgotten for a tale of horror.

2. The Protagonist’s Ordeal: Charles Luther’s Confession

• [03:14] Charles Luther: Takes the stand as a defendant, immediately positioning himself as a victim of circumstance and his own tragic appearance.
  • “Gentlemen of the jury, I'm accused of murder. I'm an actor, a comedian. Look at my face. Ugly, yes. So ugly that whoever looks at it laughs.”
• Charles details a visit to his friend Robert Langwell, leading to a heated quarrel about Julie Winthrop, the shared love interest.

3. The Crime (or So It Seems): Love, Jealousy, Rage

• [04:47] Charles lobbies Robert not to marry Julie, sparking mockery.
  • Robert Langwell: “You in love with a girl like Julie?” [05:37]
• The tension and taunting escalate to a physical altercation; Robert is apparently choked and left for dead.

4. Haunted by Guilt and Despair

• [07:29] Charles, wracked by guilt, contemplates suicide, seeing his own face in the tragic news of another executed murderer.

5. A Twist of Fate, A Fleeting Hope

• [08:53] Julie Winthrop visits Charles, admitting she truly loves him.

  • Julie: “That's what I came here to tell you. That's why I don't want to marry him... I loved you from the moment I saw you.” [09:32–09:54]

• Charles confesses to murder; Julie helps him consider how he could evade suspicion, focusing on his alibi and whether police can tie him to the crime.

6. Enter Blackmail: The Second Threat

• [16:07] George Galvin visits Charles, revealing he knows about the murder and demands hush money.
  • George: “You killed Robert shortly before midnight tonight.” [17:06]
• Charles offers money but a struggle ensues; George attempts to leverage the murder for his gain.

7. The Big Reveal: No Murder After All

• [18:45] Julie returns with stunning news:
  • Julie: “Darling, you didn't commit a crime at all. Robert's alive. He's downstairs now, paying the taxi.” [18:46–19:05]
• [19:16] Robert enters, revealing he merely fainted; George Galvin revived him.
  • Robert: “It might have ended tragically, you know. But thinking it over, I realized I'm as much to blame as you are.” [19:46]
• The incident resolves without charges, with all parties agreeing to move forward without enmity.

8. Reflection: The Moral and Closing

• Charles addresses the "jury" (the audience), pondering his journey from innocence to self-condemnation due to guilt and fear.
  • “Gentlemen of the jury, I became a criminal because I thought I had committed a crime... My motives were those of all men. I wanted happiness...” [20:31]

9. Segue to Next Story: A Teaser and Character Banter

• Peter Laurie and Charles Luther close with banter about the importance of humor, in classic Inner Sanctum fashion.
• The cast rehearses a preview of the next mystery for added radio theater ambiance.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Dark Comedy:
  • Peter Laurie: “He loves a good ghoulish joke. Oh, and he loves to tell them too.” [00:28]
• On Guilty Paranoia:
  • Charles Luther: “Everyone I saw, every pair of eyes that looked at me seemed to accuse me of my crime.” [07:02]
• On Self-Realization and Love:
  • Julie Winthrop: “How you look means nothing to me.” [10:13]
• On Guilt and Exoneration:
  • Julie Winthrop: “Darling, you didn't commit a crime at all. Robert's alive.” [18:46]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Story Introduction & Mood-Setting: 00:24–02:52
• Charles’s Testimony/Confession: 03:14–05:56
• The Murder & Immediate Escape: 06:07–07:29
• Charles’s Breakdown & Julie’s Declaration: 08:53–11:04
• Crime Planning & Guilt: 12:00–13:39
• Blackmail Confrontation: 16:07–18:36
• The Twist & Resolutions: 18:45–20:31
• Moral Reflection & Episode Close: 20:31–21:08
• Preview of Next Performance: 21:40–24:01

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Overall Tone

In keeping with classic radio melodrama, the episode delivers existential suspense intertwined with sardonic wit, grim humor, and emotional vulnerability. The dialogue crackles—by turns campy, ironic, and poignant—preserving the atmosphere of “old time radio” while still resonating today.

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Who Should Listen?

Fans of classic radio, vintage mysteries, and psychological suspense will find much to enjoy—especially those who appreciate the narrative currency of irony, character-driven storytelling, and tales where darkness and laughter walk hand in hand.

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For further classic radio drama episodes and archives, visit OldTimeRetroRadio.com.

Transcript

[Robert Langwell]

Hey, guys.

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[Peter Laurie]

Good evening. This is Peter.

[Rory]

Rory.

[Peter Laurie]

Would it bore you to hear a tale of tragic murder? Are you unwilling to sit through the telling of a strange and horrible story? The brief narrative of a man caught in a web of evil? Fear not then, my friends, keep right on listening to the Mystery Playhouse. A sense of humor, I've heard it said many times, is of real benefit to him who possesses one. This particular sense has come to be so generally admired that it has attained the stature of a first class virtue. Well, the fellow whom you're about to meet, while hardly falling into the virtuous category, he does have a sense of humor. Things like murder or hate and madness or someone telling him his mother just died practically rolls him in the aisles. He loves a good ghoulish joke. Oh, and he loves to tell them too. He's about to start one now. So follow me, please, to the inner sanctum and your host, Raymond.

[Raymond]

Good evening, friends of the inner sanctum. Now, come in, won't you? This is your host, Raymond, again disturbing the peace.

[Charles Luther]

Say, have you ever, ever had the screaming mimis?

[Raymond]

Did you ever get an attack of the yelling and wailing jitters? You walk in your sleep? You ever wake in the middle of the night shrieking at the top of your lungs?

[Peter Laurie]

Oh, you do?

[Raymond]

Well, you must be an awfully hard

[Robert Langwell]

person to live with.

[Raymond]

Well, friends, it's time for our story to begin. From this point on, forget everything pleasant. Get a finger ready to chew on, turn the lights down low and listen to Peter Laurie tell you the blood curdling tale. Death is a joker. Come with me to the criminal courts building.

[Charles Luther]

A tense hush falls upon the spectators as Charles Luther takes the stand. Gentlemen of the jury, I'm accused of murder. I'm an actor, a comedian. Look at my face.

[George Galvin]

Ugly,

[Charles Luther]

yes. So ugly that whoever looks at it laughs. I'm not telling you this to win sympathy for myself. I tell you this because it is important to your understanding the strange events that brought me to this courtroom today to plead for my life. Shortly before midnight of November 28, I went to the apartment of my friend Robert Langwell. A famous act in Mat

[Police Officer]

Char.

[Robert Langwell]

Well, this is a surprise. Come in, come in.

[George Galvin]

Thank You.

[Robert Langwell]

Would you like a drink?

[Charles Luther]

No, don't bother. I don't want anything.

[George Galvin]

No.

[Robert Langwell]

Here, may I take your thing? Oh, excuse me.

[Charles Luther]

Hello.

[Robert Langwell]

Oh, George. Yes, I have the money for you. You'll be up when? 20 minutes. Yes. Right. George Galvin. You know him?

[Charles Luther]

Charles? Yes.

[Robert Langwell]

Rotten actor. An excellent poker player.

[Charles Luther]

Sure, I've heard. Robert. Robert, before leaving the theater tonight, someone told me that you and Julie Winthrop are going to be married. Is it true?

[Robert Langwell]

Yes. We'll be married in two weeks. Right after my wife gets a decree in Reno.

[Charles Luther]

You must not marry Julie.

[Robert Langwell]

Not marry Julie? Who are you to tell me what I can do?

[Charles Luther]

I know Julie well, and I also know you. That's why you must not marry her.

[Robert Langwell]

Charles, it might be better for you to mind your own business. Julie and I are in love with each other.

[Charles Luther]

No, you're not. She's fascinated by your good looks. She's impressed by your fame. But she does not love you.

[Robert Langwell]

Now, look here. We may be old friends, but I've stood all I'm going to

[Charles Luther]

do.

[Robert Langwell]

Wait a moment. I get it now. You're in love with her yourself.

[Charles Luther]

I? I. In love with Julie?

[Julie Winthrop]

No, we.

[Charles Luther]

We are just friends.

[Robert Langwell]

Friends? You're madly in love with her. That's why you came here tonight, isn't it?

[Charles Luther]

No friends. Stop your laughing.

[Robert Langwell]

You in love with a girl like Julie.

[Charles Luther]

Why should my love make you laugh also? You admit it, huh? All right, I do. Why is it so funny? Do you think she'd

[George Galvin]

Clown?

[Robert Langwell]

Ugly?

[Charles Luther]

Clumsy.

[Robert Langwell]

You in love with Julie, then?

[Charles Luther]

Why not? Why not? You Stop your laughing. Stop it. Can I?

[Robert Langwell]

Look at yourself,

[Charles Luther]

Charles McGovernick.

[Police Officer]

No.

[Charles Luther]

You're choking. Let's go. A joke. A joke. Laugh. Go ahead. Laugh. Now laugh. Robert. Robert, I didn't mean it. Robert. Good Lord, what have I done? I rushed out of his apartment trembling. I turned my coat color up to hide my face. The streets were crowded with people coming from the late movies and restaurants. I tried to make myself act naturally, but it was impossible. Everyone I saw, every pair of eyes that looked at me seemed to accuse me of my crime. Waited for the light to change.

[Julie Winthrop]

Paper, mister? Morning paper. Read about the Reynolds execution.

[Charles Luther]

Here, let me have one.

[Julie Winthrop]

There you are.

[Charles Luther]

I. I didn't know Reynolds was to be executed tonight.

[Julie Winthrop]

They burned him. Well, he deserved it, murdering his friend like he did. Oh, wait a minute, mister. You forgot your change.

[Charles Luther]

Never mind. Never mind. I went to my apartment and I looked at the newspaper I bought. There was a photograph of Reynold on the first page. In his face. I Saw my future. The shattered hopes, the torture of the trial. The horrible nerve wracking experience of waiting for death. I flung the paper away. I went to the window. I opened it. I looked down 17 stores to the ground. How tiny people looked. The automobile lights moved like so many fireflies. I climbed out on the edge. I braced my arms, took a deep, deep breath. One last look. I closed my eyes and do them. I hesitated a moment. I decided to answer it. I closed the window, went to the door.

[Julie Winthrop]

Hello, Charles.

[Charles Luther]

Jewelry.

[Julie Winthrop]

Why did you rush away from the theater tonight? I was anxious to talk to you.

[Charles Luther]

Talk to me about what?

[Julie Winthrop]

I need your advice, Charles.

[Charles Luther]

What's wrong?

[Julie Winthrop]

Well, it's Robert.

[Charles Luther]

What happened?

[Julie Winthrop]

Well, nothing happened. It's just that I'm not sure I love him.

[Charles Luther]

Not sure?

[Valerie]

Yes.

[Julie Winthrop]

When I'm with him, everything seems all right. He's handsome and charming. But when I'm alone, I begin to wonder and to doubt.

[Charles Luther]

Why?

[Julie Winthrop]

Can't you guess why?

[Charles Luther]

Yes. You. You left someone else?

[Julie Winthrop]

Yes.

[Charles Luther]

Well, who is it?

[Julie Winthrop]

You.

[George Galvin]

Me?

[Julie Winthrop]

Yes. That's what I came here to tell you. That's why I don't want to marry him. As I would have told you before, but I was so afraid of making a fool of myself. You didn't seem to care.

[Charles Luther]

I didn't care? Julie, this is crazy. I loved you from the moment I saw you.

[Julie Winthrop]

You loved me?

[Charles Luther]

Yes.

[Julie Winthrop]

But, darling, why didn't you tell me?

[Charles Luther]

I tell you. How could I?

[Julie Winthrop]

You.

[Charles Luther]

You are so young. You're so beautiful and I. Look at me. Ugly, clumsy. How could I speak to you?

[Julie Winthrop]

How you look means nothing to me.

[Charles Luther]

Nothing.

[Julie Winthrop]

Of course not, darling. How lucky we are. We found out in time.

[Charles Luther]

In time? In time. Oh, merciful heavens. What a joke. What a joke.

[Julie Winthrop]

Charles, what's wrong? What a Tears streaming down your face. Charles, you're hysterical. Now, stop it.

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[Charles Luther]

Julia, there's something you must know.

[Julie Winthrop]

Yes?

[Charles Luther]

D. Tonight I committed a murder.

[Julie Winthrop]

Murder? What are you talking about?

[Charles Luther]

I killed Robert.

[Julie Winthrop]

Killed Rob. Out of your mind. You don't know what you're saying.

[Charles Luther]

It is true. I went to his apartment and we quarreled. And I killed him.

[Julie Winthrop]

Oh, no.

[Charles Luther]

You told me a moment ago that you loved me. Do you still love me?

[Julie Winthrop]

Yes, Charles.

[Charles Luther]

Then tell me what to do. Julie, help me. I can't think. I don't know where to turn. But what can I do, Julie? What can I do?

[Julie Winthrop]

Pull yourself together, Charles. This may not be as hopeless as you think. Why was Robert alone in the apartment when you called?

[George Galvin]

Yes.

[Julie Winthrop]

Were you seen entering or leaving?

[Charles Luther]

No. Are you sure? Yes. His apartment is on the second floor. I. I walked up and down.

[Julie Winthrop]

What time did you get there?

[Charles Luther]

Shortly before midnight.

[Julie Winthrop]

And what did you do before that?

[Charles Luther]

Went to a movie.

[Julie Winthrop]

Movie? How long did you stay there?

[Charles Luther]

Oh, only about 20 minutes.

[Julie Winthrop]

Do you have the ticket job?

[Charles Luther]

Yes. Here it is.

[Julie Winthrop]

Charles, do you realize what this means? They may never find out about you.

[Charles Luther]

They will find out.

[Julie Winthrop]

That's right. They won't suspect you since they can't know your motive. No one saw you enter or leave. And you have an excellent alibi.

[Charles Luther]

Motive? Brad. Julie, do you realize what we are doing? We are talking of this as if we planned this crime. As though we were criminals. But I committed a crime. Yes, but I'm no criminal. I didn't mean to do it.

[Julie Winthrop]

I know, darling. I know. Jim, think of your own life now. And mine.

[Charles Luther]

Yes, Julia. Oh, I see what you mean. I'm not a criminal. But I must play the role of a criminal now. A subtler, clever criminal who is cunning enough to escape punishment. Can I do it? Can I do it, Shirley?

[Julie Winthrop]

Charles, if you mean we must find out how much the police know. If it's hopeless and they have found out about you, then it would be best to give yourself up. But let's not make any decisions until we know.

[Charles Luther]

How can we know?

[Julie Winthrop]

Did Robert expect anyone tonight?

[Charles Luther]

Yes. George Galvin phoned. Brown was there. He said he'd be up in about 20 minutes.

[Julie Winthrop]

Then the body must have been discovered by now.

[Charles Luther]

Yes, I'm sure. The police must be there by this time.

[Julie Winthrop]

I think that I'll go to Robert's apartment.

[Charles Luther]

No, Julie. No, no. I. I didn't want you to become involved.

[Julie Winthrop]

I'm already involved. Weren't for me, this horrible thing would never have happened. The least I can do is to help you now.

[Charles Luther]

Julia.

[Julie Winthrop]

Promise. Promise me you'll not leave this apartment.

[Charles Luther]

Charles. All right.

[Julie Winthrop]

I won't be long.

[Charles Luther]

Julie, if something happens. If something goes wrong and we're separated before you return, I want you to know that. I don't know how to say. Julie.

[Julie Winthrop]

You don't have to say it, darling. I know what you mean. Goodbye.

[Charles Luther]

Goodbye. A criminal. I have to think like one. To act like one has to be one. What question would they ask?

[Police Officer]

Where were you at 12 o' clock midnight of November 28th?

[Charles Luther]

I was in a movie. And he is the stump. Oh, no, no. They.

[Peter Laurie]

They can see immediately that I'm lying.

[Charles Luther]

My voice must not tremble. I. I shouldn't be so quick with the answer.

[Police Officer]

Marry you at 12 midnight of November 28th.

[Charles Luther]

Where was I? Let me see. Well, I. I left the theater and I went to a movie. It was a very amusing picture. Very amusing.

[Police Officer]

Can you prove what you say?

[Charles Luther]

Prove? Well, I don't know. It'd be difficult. One may have to take it stuff somewhere. Yes, Here.

[Peter Laurie]

Now.

[Charles Luther]

Let me show it to you.

[Peter Laurie]

Here it is.

[Police Officer]

Did you ever quarrel with Robert Langwell?

[Charles Luther]

Quarrel with? We were friends. We played in many shows together. We were on the Ch.

[Julie Winthrop]

Ch. Ch.

[Peter Laurie]

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[Charles Luther]

Best of terms.

[Police Officer]

That's all, Mr. Luther. You may leave now.

[Charles Luther]

Yes, I can plead. It is possible I can escape punishment. Police. Can it be the police? Or maybe just Julie?

[Robert Langwell]

Good evening, Charles.

[Charles Luther]

George Gallon.

[Robert Langwell]

I know it's rather late for an unexpected visit.

[Charles Luther]

Yes, it is.

[Robert Langwell]

But this is important, Charles. A matter of life and death, you might say.

[Charles Luther]

What do you mean? Have you a cigarette? Yes. Here.

[Robert Langwell]

Thanks. What's the matter, Charles? Your hand's trembling.

[Charles Luther]

It's nothing.

[Robert Langwell]

You don't seem to be your usual self this evening. No quips, no jokes.

[Charles Luther]

What's wrong? I don't always feel like joking. Yes, Charles.

[Robert Langwell]

It's strange about human nature, isn't it? Who would have ever dreamed that tonight, a few minutes before midnight, you entered Robert Langwald's apartment, quarreled with him over Julie and choked him to death?

[Charles Luther]

What are you talking about?

[Robert Langwell]

You're an excellent actor, Charles, but you're wasting your talents on me. Save them for the footlights or the police.

[Peter Laurie]

Police.

[Charles Luther]

Will you please tell me what all this is about?

[Robert Langwell]

Still acting? Now look, Charles. You killed Robert shortly before midnight tonight.

[Charles Luther]

You are mistaken. I was in a movie at that time.

[Robert Langwell]

So that's your alibi. Very clever. No, Charles. Either we discuss terms now or I go to the police.

[Charles Luther]

Wait. How did you find out?

[Robert Langwell]

That is my secret.

[Charles Luther]

What do you want?

[George Galvin]

Money.

[Robert Langwell]

All you have on hand. All you can dig up.

[Charles Luther]

All right. Come with me. I. I have some money in the bedroom.

[Robert Langwell]

All right. Just a moment.

[Charles Luther]

What is the business why?

[Robert Langwell]

I'm taking no chances.

[George Galvin]

Is.

[Robert Langwell]

Let's go.

[Charles Luther]

Okay.

[Robert Langwell]

Well, where's the money, child? Stand back or I'll fire. Stand back. Let go of my head.

[Charles Luther]

Let go. I'll twist it. I'll twist it till that gun points to your head.

[Robert Langwell]

Let go of my hand.

[Charles Luther]

You don't know what you're doing. Come on. Come on.

[Julie Winthrop]

I am.

[Charles Luther]

The bullet will enter your brain. Fire, Charles. Fire.

[Robert Langwell]

Charles, don't.

[Charles Luther]

I'll make you fire.

[Julie Winthrop]

I'll squeeze your finger.

[Robert Langwell]

Charles, let go.

[Charles Luther]

Come on. This is all a joke.

[Julie Winthrop]

I'll make you.

[Doctor Paul Wade]

Stop it.

[Charles Luther]

Just a second. Just a second.

[Julie Winthrop]

Charles.

[Valerie]

Darling.

[Julie Winthrop]

Darling, there's nothing more to worry about. Everything's all right now. We can be married and go on living and never fear anything.

[Charles Luther]

What makes you see that?

[Julie Winthrop]

Darling, you didn't commit a crime at all.

[Charles Luther]

What do you mean?

[Julie Winthrop]

Robert's alive.

[George Galvin]

Alive?

[Julie Winthrop]

Yes. He's downstairs now, paying the taxi.

[Charles Luther]

Robert?

[Peter Laurie]

Is that alive?

[Julie Winthrop]

Yes. I spoke to him about the marriage and he was wonderful about the whole thing. Darling, aren't you happy? Her worries are all over. You can smile and be gay. That must be Robert now.

[Charles Luther]

Hello, Charles. Robert, I thought you were.

[Robert Langwell]

Well, I'm not.

[Charles Luther]

But how did you see.

[Robert Langwell]

I fainted. George Galvin came in and brought me to.

[Charles Luther]

George Galvin? Did you tell George Galvin what happened? Yes, I did.

[Robert Langwell]

Look here, Charles. As I told Julie, I'm willing to forget the whole thing if you are.

[Charles Luther]

Forget? Forget?

[George Galvin]

Yes.

[Robert Langwell]

It might have ended tragically, you know. But thinking it over, I realized I'm as much to blame as you are. Salty Wellington.

[Charles Luther]

Shake hands. Shake hands, dear.

[Julie Winthrop]

Now, darling, there's nothing more to worry about. I feel so happy I could. Charles, what's the matter with you?

[Charles Luther]

It's. It's nothing. It's nothing.

[Julie Winthrop]

It's nothing.

[Charles Luther]

Gentlemen of the jury, I became a criminal because I thought I had committed a crime. And I had to think like a criminal. My motives were those of all men. I wanted happiness. And when in marriage to the woman I loved. What would you have done in my place?

[Peter Laurie]

And I still think I know that guy.

[Charles Luther]

I wish I could place him.

[Peter Laurie]

Well, it must be wonderful to have a sense of humor. But I don't think Charlie feels much like laughing, do you? We'll pay a return visit to the inner sanctum and its fun loving host, Raymond, soon. But don't go, please. Not until we drop in at the green room where the players are rehearsing our next performance in a mystery playhouse. Come with me, please.

[Charles Luther]

Come, come.

[George Galvin]

Change the dressings at midnight. And again in the morning. Nurse.

[Valerie]

Yes, Doctor.

[Rory]

Well, Doctor, what did you find? Will I be blind? Is it very bad?

[George Galvin]

Now, now, take it easy, Mr. Denton. There's nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.

[Rory]

You. You're sure you aren't just saying that?

[George Galvin]

I'm quite sure.

[Rory]

Valerie. Valerie, did you hear that? I. I'm not going to be blind.

[Charles Luther]

Valerie. Valerie, where are you?

[Valerie]

Right here, darling.

[Rory]

Did you hear? I won't be blind. Isn't that wonderful?

[Valerie]

Yes, darling, it's marvelous.

[Rory]

You. You don't sound very excited. Valerie. Don't you realize I'm going to see again?

[George Galvin]

She doesn't sound excited. Because I don't want you to be excited, Mr. Denton. You've got to relax. Try to sleep.

[Rory]

Sleep? With this ungodly pain? My eyes feel as though they were on fire.

[George Galvin]

That will stop as soon as the opiate I gave you takes hold. You'll be comfortable, I'm sure. Now, good night.

[Valerie]

You're going now, darling?

[George Galvin]

Yes. I'll. I'll look in on. On your husband in the morning.

[Valerie]

Stephen?

[Charles Luther]

Yes, Valerie?

[Valerie]

Do you mind if I step out into the corridor for a moment?

[Rory]

But you. You promise not to leave me? I. I'm afraid, Valerie. Everything's so dark.

[Peter Laurie]

I.

[Valerie]

The nurse will be here, dear, if you want anything. I just want to ask Dr. Wade some questions.

[Rory]

Questions? But he's already told us to do.

[Valerie]

Yes, Stephen, I know, but I'd like to find out about the treatment and how I'm to take care of you when we get you home. You know, just little things.

[Rory]

All right, but hurry back. I. I want you near me.

[Valerie]

I will, dear.

[George Galvin]

Good night, Mr. Denton.

[Rory]

Good night, Doctor. And thank you.

[George Galvin]

You're quite welcome. After you, Mrs. Denton.

[Valerie]

Thank you.

[George Galvin]

I suggest we step into the consultation room across the hall. We'll have more privacy.

[Valerie]

All right.

[George Galvin]

Here we are.

[Valerie]

Thank you.

[George Galvin]

Well, it's been a long time. Time, Valerie.

[Valerie]

Yes, Paul, it has.

[George Galvin]

Almost 10 years. Isn't it about that. Strange that you should have called me of all people, to treat your husband's eyes.

[Valerie]

I was panicky, Paul. I didn't know what to do. It all happened so suddenly. Stephen was working in his laboratory at the house when suddenly I heard a violent explosion. I ran in and found him clutching his eyes and screaming. I'm blind. First thing I thought of was an ambulance. Then you.

[George Galvin]

Why didn't you think of me 10 years ago?

[Valerie]

That's not fair, Paul.

[George Galvin]

Was it fair to turn your back on me and then to marry a man almost twice your age?

[Valerie]

Paul, please.

[George Galvin]

Why bring up Ancient history isn't ancient history to me. I've never forgotten you.

[Valerie]

Paul. About Stephen's eyes.

[George Galvin]

What about them?

[Valerie]

I have a feeling that you weren't telling him the truth.

[George Galvin]

You're right.

[Valerie]

Oh, you mean he's not going to regain his sight? He's going to be blind, Paul.

[George Galvin]

You don't expect me to be to be terribly concerned, do you, Valerie? After all, he did take you away from me.

[Valerie]

Don't be vindictive, Paul. It wasn't Stephen's fault. He didn't even know of your existence.

[George Galvin]

And you never told him that we were on the point of being married?

[Valerie]

No, never.

[George Galvin]

It's rather ironic that we should meet again at the bedside of my rival. Your husband. A man who may forever walk in darkness.

[Valerie]

Don't say that, Paul.

[George Galvin]

It's horrible, but unfortunately true. A moment ago you told me not to be vindictive. I'm not really. But if I were, I could have my fill of vengeance. If I told him about us and then told him that, he'll be blind forever. You wouldn't, Pa. Or I might take another form of revenge. I could tell you that an operation is called for.

[Charles Luther]

A very delicate operation.

[Valerie]

Are you trying to say that there might be a chance?

[George Galvin]

Yes, but supposing I refuse to perform the operation?

[Valerie]

Paul, you're joking. You can't mean that.

[George Galvin]

Perhaps not, but you call me vindictive. Suppose I operate and my scalpel slips. What if he dies?

[Valerie]

That would be murder. You're not a murderer, Paul. You wouldn't risk your professional reputation. Why must you torment me this way?

[George Galvin]

You really love him, don't you?

[Valerie]

Yes, I do.

[George Galvin]

Then forget the things that I've been saying. I want you to think of me as a friend. I want you to trust me.

[Valerie]

I do trust you, Paul.

[Charles Luther]

Thank you.

[George Galvin]

Now, as to the possibility of surgery, here is the situation. The transparent film over your husband's eye. The corneas were burned and torn. With the explosion. They've been so damaged, the blindness will result even though the eyes heal.

[Valerie]

But you think an operation would cure that?

[George Galvin]

Possibly. Although it's a very delicate job. The injured cornea must be peeled away and replaced by a fresh, healthy one.

[Valerie]

Where can you get healthy corneas?

[George Galvin]

From the eyes of the dead. It isn't quite as horrible as it sounds, Valerie. You know, dying people often will their eyes for just this purpose. We maintain what we call a corneal bank. It's much the same as a blood bank, only.

[Charles Luther]

But there's this difference.

[George Galvin]

Corneal tissue can't be stored more than 48 hours. It must be fresh or it's no good.

[Valerie]

You have some available in the bank?

[George Galvin]

No, that's the trouble. I'm afraid we haven't.

[Valerie]

But there's got to be some.

[Julie Winthrop]

Paul.

[Peter Laurie]

I don't know where.

[George Galvin]

Valerie. Unless.

[Valerie]

Unless what?

[George Galvin]

I was just thinking. Last night, one of the interns asked me to look at a charity case that puzzled him. The patient is a Hindu or a Persian named Chandra. He lives in a debtor little shack near the waterfront.

[Valerie]

Yes, Paul.

[George Galvin]

I stopped by and examined him. I found him in incurable condition. There's no way to save him. He won't live more than a day or two. But his eyes are healthy.

[Valerie]

You mean you think he might.

[George Galvin]

I don't know. You have to have his consent. Of course.

[Valerie]

Take me to him, Paul. I'm sure I can make him understand.

[George Galvin]

Oh, it may not be so easy, Valerie. He's a strange person. A mystic and a spiritualist.

[Valerie]

Let me try. Just take me to him.

[George Galvin]

All right. We can go there now.

[Peter Laurie]

Doesn't the doctor sound familiar to you?

[Charles Luther]

Huh? That's right.

[Peter Laurie]

It's Boris Karloff up to his old tricks. I think it might amuse you to be on hand for our next performance when we present Mr. Karloff and creeps By Night. This is Peter Laurie closing the doors of the Mystery Playhouse. Good night. Sleep tight.

[Raymond]

This is the army forces radio service.

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