Suspense - Drive In [episode 0] Broadcast Unknown

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Stories – Suspense: "Drive In" (Starring Judy Garland)

Main Theme & Purpose:
This episode of Old Time Radio Stories features the classic suspense drama "Drive In," performed by Judy Garland. The story immerses listeners in the tense, rain-soaked night of a Hollywood carhop who accepts a ride home from a stranger—a decision that unravels into a harrowing and suspenseful ordeal. The episode is a beautifully restored example of mid-century radio drama, showcasing both Judy Garland's dramatic range and the genre's flair for atmospheric tension.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Life of a Hollywood Carhop (01:16–02:42)

• Introduction to Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland): The protagonist shares the challenges and hopes of working as a carhop—serving demanding customers, dealing with the elements, and holding onto faint dreams of Hollywood discovery.
  • "Tired, hungry people who sit back in their cars expect a million dollars worth of service for a 10 cent tip. Why do we do it?... maybe someone will say, 'Why, that girl looks like Lana Turner.'” – Judy Garland [01:16–02:10]

2. The Rainy Night Incident (02:42–04:46)

• The Fateful Order: At nearly midnight, colleague Ruth persuades Nurse Johnson to take one last order—for a doctor in a conspicuous hurry.
• Ominous Clues: While serving, Nurse Johnson finds blood on the car’s window handle, which the doctor explains away as residue from an accident he just assisted at Sunset & Vine.
  • "When I touched the handle, it felt wet. Kind of sticky too... It was as red as blood." – Judy Garland [03:31]

3. The Offer and Suspicion (04:46–08:55)

• Offer of a Ride: After paying, Dr. Morgan insists on giving Nurse Johnson a lift home, timing her bus closely. She reluctantly accepts.
• Suspense Builds: As the car begins its journey, Ruth senses something is off as Dr. Morgan misses turns and ignores her requests to be let out.
  • “Wait a minute. You're going through the stop signal.” – Nurse Johnson [07:28]
• The doctor locks the doors, and paranoia mounts as he accuses Nurse Johnson of calling the police.

4. Trapped with a Killer (08:55–14:20)

• Power Dynamics: Dr. Morgan reveals a menacing side, physically restraining Nurse Johnson and breaking the door handle to eliminate her means of escape.
• Passing for Normal: Despite the mounting terror, occasional passers-by and even a traffic policeman are fooled by their appearances—as the doctor falsifies his identity as “Dr. Morgan” and Nurse Johnson as his nurse responding to an emergency.
  • "If that's for us and we stop, remember this: I've used this gun before tonight, and I can use it again." – Dr. Morgan [10:45]

5. The Canyon Showdown (14:20–24:27)

• Car Stuck on the Mountain Road: A landslide traps them. Nurse Johnson tries to escape, but Dr. Morgan forces her to relinquish her raincoat for traction under the wheels.
• Attempt at Defense: She manages to grab his gun but finds it empty.
  • "Too bad. I used up all of those tonight. You could have filled me full of holes." – Dr. Morgan [15:19]
• Psychological Tension: The two converse at Lookout Mountain, Los Angeles glittering below, as Dr. Morgan chillingly confesses to killing his wife and escaping an asylum.
  • "No. She's dead."... "You needn't be. I killed her." – Dr. Morgan [18:37–18:41]
• He also admits to a murder that very night to steal a car and flee.
• Desperate Struggle: With only a pencil and a pepper shaker for defense, Nurse Johnson must distract and defend herself. In a frantic struggle at the cliff’s edge, she blinds Dr. Morgan with pepper, causing him to fall over the embankment.

6. Lingering Fear & Aftermath (24:27–)

• Survival and Shock: Nurse Johnson, muddy and rain-soaked, finally rises, stunned and uncertain if her ordeal was real—haunted by the memory of Dr. Morgan’s violent attack and kiss.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Why of Carhop Dreams:
  • “Maybe someday, somehow, maybe someone will say, ‘Why, that girl looks like Lana Turner.’” – Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland) [02:05]
• Beneath the Surface:
  • “There are other things that can happen in the drive in that aren't on the menu.” – Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland) [02:16]
• Rising Menace:
  • “You know why. Because you saw it. You saw his blood. Now you…” – Dr. Morgan [08:15]
• Chilling Confession:
  • “Does your wife still live there?” – Nurse Johnson
    “No. She’s dead.”...“You needn’t be. I killed her.” – Dr. Morgan [18:34–18:41]
• Desperate Resourcefulness:
  • “I was left with only the shaker in my hand. I fingered it nervously, and then I felt the top coming off…” – Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland) [22:07–22:21]

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Important Timestamps

• Opening Monologue: Dreaming in the Drive-In – [01:16–02:42]
• Start of the Rainy Night Incident – [02:42]
• Blood on the Handle – [03:31]
• Offer for a Ride – [04:46]
• Turning Point: Car Doors Locked, Tension Mounts – [07:28–08:55]
• Traffic Stop with Police – [10:38–11:38]
• Confession at Lookout Mountain – [18:34–19:23]
• Pepper Shaker Defense & Climax – [22:07–23:01]
• Aftermath and Reflection – [24:27+]

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Performance & Atmosphere

• Judy Garland brings raw vulnerability and determination to Nurse Johnson—her voice shifting from hopeful to desperate to fiercely resourceful.
• Raymond Lewis as Dr. Morgan is chillingly calm, controlled, and unpredictably menacing, delivering fatalistic lines with eerie normalcy.
• Sound Design: Classic noir soundscapes—drumming rain, car doors, urgent footsteps, and radio static—heighten the growing suspense and isolation throughout the episode.

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Tone & Language

• Tense, Noir Mood: The episode maintains a moody, anxious tone with inner monologues and terse, loaded dialogue. The language is sharp, period-specific, and full of suspenseful undercurrents.

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For New Listeners:
Even if you're new to old-time radio, this episode is a masterclass in building suspense through simple, relatable situations turned terrifying. Garland's performance and the economical yet evocative writing make for a timeless thriller that stands up even today.

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[Episode Highlights & Quotes by Timestamp]

• “Maybe someday, somehow, maybe someone will say, ‘Why, that girl looks like Lana Turner.’” — Judy Garland [02:05]
• “When I touched the handle, it felt wet... It was as red as blood.” — Judy Garland [03:31]
• “You thought you were pretty smart, didn’t you?” — Dr. Morgan [07:48]
• “If that's for us and we stop, remember just this: I've used this gun before tonight, and I can use it again…” — Dr. Morgan [10:45]
• “No. She's dead. ... You needn't be. I killed her.” — Dr. Morgan [18:37–18:41]
• “I was left with only the shaker in my hand...” — Judy Garland [22:07]

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Note: For a full, immersive experience with masterful classic performances, listen to the restored episode of Suspense: Drive In—an emblematic thriller of the golden age of radio.

Transcript

[Announcer]

You are listening to Old Time Retro Radio. For full access to our archive, visit patreon.com oldtime RetroRadio.

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

And now, Roma Wines. R O M A made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. Roma Wines presents Suspense.

[Announcer]

Tonight, Roma Wines bring you Miss Judy Garland as star of Drive in a suspense play produced, edited and directed for Roma Wines by William Spear.

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

Suspense Radio's outstanding theater of thrills is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. That's R O M a Roma Wines, those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live, to your happiness in entertaining guests, to your enjoyment of everyday meals. Yes, right now a glass full would be very pleasant as Roma Wines bring you Judy Garland in a remarkable tale of suspense.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

I wish I hadn't let Ruth talk me into serving that last car that came into the drive in that rainy night. It was late and I was tired. I'd been on my feet all day, carrying heavy trays, hopping to it with impatient people glaring their headlights lights on and off in my eyes. Heaven knows there are a lot of impatient people in Hollywood. We car hops don't have an easy time of it. Talk about your mail carriers. Well, we're the same. Raining or blowing or boiling hot. We've got to get through with that tray and know the reason why Tired, hungry people who sit back in their car expect a million dollars worth of Service for a 10 cent tip. Why do we do it? Sure, there are other ways of making a living in Hollywood, but not many that hold that glittering promise that maybe someday, somehow, maybe someone will say, why

[Announcer]

that girl looks like Lana Turner.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Yes, at least her hair's done up that way.

[Announcer]

I think I could use her, Rene. The musical version of the Four side Saga. Or she'll be great in color. I think I'll ask her to come out to the studio.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Yes, I know. Maybe it doesn't happen often, but there's always the chance and there's always that hope. That's what keeps us going. Aren't you? Yes, but there are other things that can happen in the drive in that aren't on the menu. Like that rainy night I was telling you about when I let Ruth talk me into serving that last car that came in.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Millie. Miller, listen, please take his order, will you? I got three cars. Oh, look at the clock. Well, yeah, it's nearly midnight. I'm off. Please, Miller, just this once more. My gate's waiting. I'll do the same for you. What's the matter with him? Can he read? Please do not Honk your horn.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

It looks clear enough to me.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

It's the doctor's car, you see. He's probably in a rush anyway. You got nobody waiting for you.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Oh, all right. Oh, gee, thanks, Mel.

[Announcer]

Nice price.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

It was true. I. I had no one waiting for me. Only the bus that was going to take me to Glendale, where I lived alone in an apartment. So I buttoned up my raincoat and took a menu over to the car. Good evening.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Never mind the menu. There's some black coffee, a pot of it and a half sandwich, please. Hur.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

When I took his order over to the car, the window was rolled up a little too far and it interfered with the tray. So I reached in to wind it down. When I touched the handle, it felt wet. Kind of sticky too. But I didn't think anything about it. I got the tray firmly set and I looked at my man. It was as red as blood. I looked up quickly at him.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Dr. Morgan. I just had an emergency in the car.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Oh, an accident?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Yeah, Sunset and Vine. Quite a crash. I just happened by and I took one of them to the hospital.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Gee, that's a shame.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Yes, it's too bad.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

I walked back trying to wipe the blood from my hand with a paper napkin. Gave me a creepy feeling to have somebody's blood on my hands. Then I went into wash. I was trying to keep close track of the time and I was a little worried for fear the big drive in clock wasn't right. It sometimes ran slow. So I took a coin from my apron pocket. I figured it was worth a nickel not to miss that last bus to Glendale. I walked over to the payphone and I was about to drop the nickel and went. I looked out and he was leaning on the horn and beckoning to me at the same time. I put the nickel back in my pocket and hurried out to him.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I'm sorry. Sorry, but I'm in a hurry. I haven't time for this coffee to cool off. I'll take the sandwich with me. How much do I owe you?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Well, I'll be 42 cents.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Oh, here you are.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Thank you.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I hope I didn't interrupt your phone call. It wasn't important, was it?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

No, I was just checking on the time. I don't want to miss my butt.

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

There was a clock right over your head.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Well, that's usually wrong.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

If I have the time, it's about four minutes to 12.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Oh, I'm going to miss my butt.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Time's it leave?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

It's midnight.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

From Hollywood?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

La Brea Not.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Then I'll take you. I'm going right past there.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Oh, would you?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

I'll take the train.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

I'll be right back. I might still be able to make it.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Okay.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

In my hurry to unhook the tray from the window, I gave it a jerk and it fell crashing to the ground.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Oh, dear. Ruth. Look. Look. Help me with these things, will you? I'm going to miss my butt.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Go ahead.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Go ahead.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Not. I'll get it. I'll get it.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

We.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

We picked the things up quickly and Ruth went off with the tray. I started to run around the other side of the car when I noticed something shining on the ground. It was one of the shakers that had fallen from the tray. I picked it up and started toward the driveway.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Why don't you just put that in your pocket? You can return it tomorrow. Come on, you're going to miss your fuss.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

I put the shaker in my apron pocket and I rushed over to the other side of the car. He opened the door for me and I was just about to get in when I hesitated. I wasn't used to doing this kind of thing. The other girls sometimes let their customers as drive him home. But I hugged him. Still, he looks so decent. And I.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Come on, you'll miss it.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Then he reached out as if to help me in and I thought that he was really concerned about my missing the bus cuz it seemed to pull me into the car. First thing I knew, I was sitting beside him. Then the door slammed and we were driving off. I was a little uneasy, but then I thought, it's only a few blocks. I won't be in the car long.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I suppose you're in a hurry because someone's waiting for you.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

No, I live alone. But I'd hate to walk back to Glendale in this rain.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

You won't have to walk.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Well, this is very nice of you. I appreciate it.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Not at all. Would you mind rolling up that window on your side? There's a draft.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Well, of course.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

You can let me off at that corner over there.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

All right.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Anywhere along here will be all right. This is fine.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Right over there by the stop sign.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Wait a minute. You're going through the stop signal.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Am I?

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Yes, but I'll get off. Hold the bear by the other one. My bus. You're turning the wrong way.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Am I?

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Yes. This. This goes up to Laurel Canyon.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Does it?

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Hey, let me out of here.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

You thought you were pretty smart, didn't you?

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

I don't know what you mean. Please let me out of this car.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Right to the phone. You thought I wouldn't see you?

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

The phone. But I was calling about the time. Honest I was.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

The time. With that clock over your head.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

But that clock's wrong sometimes. Besides, who would I call? Why should I call anyone about you?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

You were calling the police.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

No, honestly, I wasn't.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Let me out of this car.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

You were gonna catch a bus. You were going straight to the police. That's where you were going.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

But why? Why should I go to the police?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

You know why.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

No, really, I don't.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Because you saw it. You saw his blood. Now you. There. You won't need to try to open that door again. Now, we'll be getting along.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

After I made that last try to get out, he broke the handle of the door. All the strength seemed to go out of my body. I just sat there. As we drove on, we passed a few people and some cars in the next block. And I thought of calling out. But then I knew why. He'd asked me to roll up the window when I'd first gotten into the car. Then we were at the mouth of the cany and I could see the

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

road, dark and lonely up ahead. The car twisted and swerved. My arm ached from his strong fingers that had dug into it when I tried to jump out.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

I looked at him from the corner of my eye. He hadn't seemed like a criminal back at the driving, and he didn't seem like one now. His jaw was black from knitting a shave, so his face was. Well, it wasn't like a criminal's at all. It was so tiring.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Quit staring at me.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Oh, look, I didn't know anything about you.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Honest I didn't. Please let me go.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

You know something about me now.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Well, I won't tell anybody, whatever it is, I promise I won't.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

A woman's promises. Remind me to tell you a story about a woman. On promise.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Oh, let me out. Please let me out. Right here.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

It's a long way back to Glendale.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

That's all the better. It'll take me hours to get back,

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

and you'll be miles away by then.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I'm not taking any chances with you, kid.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Please let me out. I've gotta get back.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

You said no one was waiting for you. You live alone, don't you? No one will miss you.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

We both heard the siren. Then he looked quickly in the rear vision mirror. Then he took a gun from his pocket and he turned to me.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

If that's for us and we'll stop. Remember just this. I've used this gun before tonight, and I can use it again if I have to. If I'm taken, you'll go first. Now, listen, I'm a doctor, and you're a nurse. We're headed for an emergency. You want to let me try to pull anything. For a wet night, aren't you? Call a Jeff from Hollywood. I'm Dr. Morgan, officer. This is nurse Johnson. Emergency call. I see your identification.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

He fumbled through his pockets with one hand, holding the gun in my ribs with the other. Motorcycle cop looked over at me. I thought for a moment I could signal him with my eyes. But then I knew he wasn't looking at my face. He was looking down at my white starched blouse, which you could see under my raincoat. He thought it was a nurse, this uniform.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Ah, here you are. Okay, doc. Sorry I stopped you. Hey, just a minute. What's the matter? Just wanted to tell you. Rain started to slide up there a ways. Take it easy. Thanks, I will.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

You're not Dr. Morgan, are you?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

What do you say?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Then we came on the landslide. It wasn't a big one, but it.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

It made a terrible mess of the road. He didn't slow down, and the car swerved crazily. It slipped from one side of the highway to the other. Suddenly I felt as though the whole

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

rear end had slipped down. I looked over at him. He was tense. His muscles turned white as he clutched the wheelie.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

He shoved the car into reverse. I hoped it had never moved. It didn't. We were stuck, hopelessly stuck.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

But all the luck.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Suddenly the car was filled with light. A car had come around the curb behind us.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

This might be by chance

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

to have this gun. Don't try anything. Say we're stuck here. Could you give us a price? We'll have some California hospitality.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Will you?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I'll have to get out. I'll have to put something under the wheel. You stay here. Now stay there.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

There were some bushes by the side of the road. If I could reach them, I could perhaps run up the side of the hill and hide. Then in the morning, make my way back down the canyon. I carefully turned the handle of the door. I could see him in the mirror. He was at the back of the car. I eased the door gently open, put one foot out. I was just sliding out when I heard.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Am I going anyplace? Come here. Give me that raincoat.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Why?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I need something dry to stuff under this wheel.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

But I.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

You won't be needing it.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Come on. He practically ripped it off my back, wound it into a ball and bending Down. He stuffed it under the wheel. The gun stuck out of his back pocket. If I could get it. If I could lay my hands on it. I held my burp and reached out. It seemed so far, but I finally touched it. Then I snatched it from his pocket swiftly.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Give me a gun.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

I'm going.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

You can't stop me now.

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

Can't I?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

No. You stay right where you are.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

I won't hurt you. All I want to do is get home.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

I'm going.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

But if you follow me up.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

You're what?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

I'll kill you.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I don't think you will.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Yes, I will. You think I'm afraid?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Aren't you?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

No. I don't care what happens to you.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

You're a murderer. You killed somebody.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I thought you didn't know anything about me.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

I didn't, but I do now.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

And I'm gonna tell the police to

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

stay where you are. My zone. I'm not afraid. I'll shoot.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Too bad. I used up all of those tonight. You could have filled me full of holes. Give me that gun and get in the car.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Are you gonna kill me?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

What do you.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

We were nearing the top of the canyon now. The road was very steep. The rain had let up. It was just drizzling now. Even though he hadn't answered my question, I knew the answer. He was going to kill me. I wouldn't get back home tonight. Not tonight or any other night. It was funny. I sometimes used to hate that little apartment in my. When nothing ever happened but tonight. And then, for some strange reason, I thought about Ruth. What would she say tomorrow when I didn't show up at work and I wondered where they'd find my body?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Well, here we are. Lookout Mountain, the top of the world.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Suddenly, we came over the crest of the hill and way down below. The city stretched out for miles. Millions of lights glittering in the rain. For a moment, I forgot everything. It was the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Ever been up here before?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

No.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Nice, isn't it?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Yeah.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I used to come up here with a girl once. We used to sit and talk for hours. Come on. We'll get a better view if we get out.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

I knew it was foolish to argue with him, so I followed him. But as he walked over towards the edge, I became frightened.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

It was such a steep throat.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Well, come on.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

I'm. I'm afraid to get so close to the edge you won't fall.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Look. That's Los Angeles over there. That bright line of lights is Western Avenue. I went to school somewhere along in there. I used to get in all sorts of trouble at school, but I got by on that instant. Everyone said I'd go out of it. Over that way, towards the ocean. That's Westwind. That's where she lived, this girl I was telling you about. That was the best part of my life, I guess. That's when they said marriage and a wife would straighten me out. Marriage and a wife would straighten me out. In Westwood, they said.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Does your wife still live there?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

No. She's dead.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

I'm sorry.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

You needn't be. I killed her.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Why?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Because she couldn't keep her promises.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Did you kill her tonight?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

No. Long time ago. The jury said I was insane, but I think it was the sanest thing I ever did. They put me in an asylum. Do you know what it's like being locked up year after year when you know there's nothing wrong with you?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

No. No, I don't.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

It isn't good. You'd do anything to get out. Anything.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Anything. I knew. I knew if I could keep him talking, maybe a car would come along. Maybe something would happen. It was my only chance.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

What are you thinking about?

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

You. You killed someone else tonight, didn't you?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Yes.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Dr. Morgan.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Yes. He was one of the men who thought I was insane.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Why did you do it?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I wanted his car to get away in. I didn't want to be locked up anymore.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

But they'll catch you.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

No. They won't find the doctor for several days. I saw to that.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

How can you be so sure?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I do things thoroughly.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

What are you going to do now?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

First I'm going to.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

And then I guess I'll go south. I knew what he meant by that pause. I started to back away slowly. I'd made a mistake by reminding him in the present. My hands went instinctively to my apron pocket for something to defend myself with. I knew there was a pencil there. It was sharp.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Maybe I could scratch him or hurt

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

him some way with it. But when I reached for it, I felt something else instead. Something cold and hard. I was puzzled for a moment. Then I remembered. It was a shaker I'd picked up at the drive in.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Stand still.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Then he started moving toward me. Me with only a pencil and a

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

shaker to defend myself with.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

It's too bad I came into that drive in tonight.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Why did you?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Because I was hungry. Because I hadn't eaten for a long time.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Weren't you afraid someone would see you?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

No alarm had gone, huh?

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

How'd you know?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

I knew. If only you hadn't rolled that Window down.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Well, if you're sorry, why don't you let me go?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

It's too late. What's that?

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

What? A sudden movement.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

His arms were around me in a tight embrace.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

I started to scream, but suddenly his

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

lips closed over mine. Pushing my head back roughly, he kissed me. I could scarcely breathe and I. I felt the car's headlights on us like a spotlight.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Just look at this view, will you?

[Announcer]

I'll have to do this in a picture sometime.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Can't you see you're interrupting something? Come on. Drive on, will you?

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Okay, okay.

[Announcer]

And in all this rain, you think

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

people would have some more.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

He held me a moment longer. When the car had gone, he released me. My pencil had fallen to the ground. I was left with only the shaker in my hand. I fingered it nervously, and then I felt the top coming off. I felt the content spilling in my hand.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

What have you got in your hand?

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

Nothing.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Give it to me.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

No.

[Dr. Morgan (Antagonist)]

Give it to me.

[Ruth/Millie (Carhop/Waitress colleague)]

He grabbed my wrist. He pulled me toward him. We were moving to the edge of the cliff, but my other hand was free. And I threw the contents of the shaker into his face. His hands flew to his face in an effort to clear his eyes. But I knew it was too late to pepper it blindness him. He lunged out for me, but I stepped aside quickly and he slipped in the mud. His hands went on to steady himself. He clawed blindingly at thinly falling over like we over the head.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Then my strength gave way and I felt myself sinking down to the ground. I don't know how long I must have been there, but when I came to, it was raining again. I was soaked to the skin and there was mud caked in my hair. There was no one in sight. The lights lost it. Los Angeles stretched out out in a pattern peacefully below. And I knew that somewhere at the foot of those hills was Glendale, my apartment. I rose slowly to my feet and I started back toward the road. Somehow everything that had happened seemed unreal. Like a dream. Everything but the way he kissed me to keep me from crying out.

[Announcer]

Suspense.

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

Presented by Roma Wines Roma, selected for for your pleasure from the world's greatest reserves of fine wines. And now it's curtain call time for tonight's suspense star, Judy Garland. Judy, you were grand. We hope you enjoyed your part tonight as much as we did your performance.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Thank you, Ken. As a matter of fact, playing the part of a waitress tonight was a treat. I just pictured myself knee deep in juicy steaks.

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

That reminds me, Judy. As a waitress, you deserve a tip. And here's the the best tip I know to make Thanksgiving dinner really outstanding, serve grand estate California Burgundy or Sauternes. For grand estate wines presented by Roma, America's greatest vintner, are the ultimate in wine excellence. Yes, the brilliant clarity, full fragrance and mellow taste of grand estate wines please the most discriminating guests.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Well, I know that my guests would agree with you.

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

And Judy, there's a reason grand estate, Burgundy and Sauterne are distinctively better. Because for grand estate wines, Roma selects only the choicest grapes. Then the priceless skill of Roma master vintners, necessary time and America's finest winemaking resources guide this choice grape treasure to rich taste luxury. So remember, when you serve grand estate wines, you serve the finest, the crowning achievement of vintner skill.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Well, that's a real tip, Ken.

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

And so you can follow it, Judy, here with Roma's compliments is your gift basket of grand estate wine.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Oh, thank you. And while I'm giving out thanks, let me give a great big portion. With love and kisses to my great and good friend Bill Spear for his magical direction and to Raymond Lewis for playing the man so wonderfully.

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

Well, thanks to you, Judy. And to Metro Goldwyn Mayer, producers of the Yearling, for their cooperation in making you available to us tonight. Next week we'll have Chester Morris as star of the Cisco.

[Nurse Johnson (Judy Garland)]

Oh, he's one of my favorite actors. I won't miss it. Good night.

[Announcer]

Tonight's suspense play was written by Mel Danelli and Muriel Roy Bolton. Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Chester Morris as star of suspense presented

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

by the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California.

[Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, in the coming weeks, suspense will present such stars as Cary Grant, Olivia de Havilland, Alfred Hitchcock, Joseph Cotton, Roddy McDowell and many others. Make it a point to listen each Thursday to suspense radio's outstanding theater of thrills.

[Roma Wines Sponsor/Host]

Suspense is broadcast from coast to coast and to our men and women overseas by shortwave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.