Illusion – Tales of the Texas Rangers (04-20-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast – Episode Summary

Title: Illusion – Tales of the Texas Rangers
Host: Andrew Rines
Original Air Date: April 20, 1952
Release Date: August 6, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines presents "Illusion," a compelling tale from the storied archives of the Texas Rangers. Through masterful storytelling and vivid audio restoration, listeners are transported to Eagle Rock, Texas, unraveling a mystery that intertwines fear, suspicion, and the pursuit of truth.

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Plot Summary

The story unfolds in the quiet town of Eagle Rock, Texas, where Sheriff Glenn Minton is abruptly awakened in the early hours of October 3, 1945, by frantic knocking at his door. It's Amy West, a long-time resident and friend, who is desperate for help.

[03:42] Amy West: "Amy West. I got to talk to you, Sheriff. Please let me come in."
[04:07] Amy West: "Somebody wants me dead."

Amy recounts a series of terrifying events, including car brake failures and a prowler attempting to harm her, culminating in a gas explosion in her home that miraculously leaves her unharmed. Despite Sheriff Minton's skepticism—"Amy's always been kind of high strung. Get yourself all upset about little things." ([05:00])—he contacts the Texas Rangers for assistance.

Enter Ranger Jace Pearson, portrayed by Joel McCray, who arrives to investigate the suspicious incidents surrounding Amy. Together with Sheriff Minton, they delve into Amy's claims, uncovering layers of personal turmoil.

Amy reveals underlying marital strife: she and her husband, Mark West, have struggled with infertility, leading to emotional strain. Mark's recent desire for a divorce adds fuel to the suspicion of foul play.

[15:38] Amy West: "You think of any reason why he wanted a divorce?"
[15:48] Amy West: "Those business trips of his times... he says he was with another woman."

As the investigation progresses, Ranger Pearson discovers rat poison purchased by Mark West, intending to harm Amy. Concurrently, Amy exhibits signs of mental instability, contemplating suicide and expressing deep-seated fears and resentment toward her husband.

In a pivotal moment, audio evidence surfaces from a hidden microphone, revealing Mark West's confession to attempting to poison Amy. Confronted with this damning proof, Mark confesses his motive: jealousy and a desire to be with another woman.

[27:43] Amy West: "All right. I tried to kill her. She wouldn't give me a divorce."

The episode culminates with Amy's tragic demise, having succumbed to the poison intended for her, and Mark West's sentencing to ten years in Huntsville Penitentiary.

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Character Insights

• Amy West: A woman beleaguered by personal and marital struggles, Amy's journey from a fearful victim to a tragic figure highlights themes of mental health and the devastating impact of unresolved emotional pain.

• Mark West: Amy's husband, whose concealed motives and actions drive the central conflict, embodying the dark undercurrents that can exist beneath seemingly stable relationships.

• Ranger Jace Pearson: The steadfast Texas Ranger whose methodical approach and dedication unravel the truth, representing justice and the relentless pursuit of answers.

• Sheriff Glenn Minton: Initially dismissive of Amy's fears, Sheriff Minton's collaboration with Ranger Pearson underscores the importance of trust and open-mindedness in law enforcement.

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Themes and Discussions

"Illusion" delves into several profound themes:

• Mental Health: Amy's fear and subsequent unraveling suggest a possible struggle with mental health issues, blurring the lines between perceived threats and reality.

• Marital Strife: The couple's inability to conceive and Mark's desire for divorce shed light on the strains that personal challenges can place on relationships.

• Justice and Truth: Ranger Pearson's investigation emphasizes the role of law enforcement in seeking truth, even when initial perceptions may lead them astray.

• Deception and Betrayal: Mark West's deceit in poisoning his wife reveals the dark facets of human nature and the lengths one might go to fulfill personal desires.

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Notable Quotes

• Amy West expressing fear:
  "Somebody wants me dead. Sooner or later, he'll kill me." ([08:07])

• Sheriff Minton's skepticism:
  "Amy's always been kind of high strung. Get yourself all upset about little things." ([05:00])

• Amy's revelation of Mark's betrayal:
  "No, it isn't. You wanted me dead so you could be with your other woman." ([26:36])

• Mark West's confession:
  "I tried to kill her. She wouldn't give me a divorce." ([27:43])

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Conclusion and Outcome

The episode "Illusion" masterfully intertwines suspense and emotional depth, culminating in a heartrending resolution. Amy West's tragic end serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human emotions and the dire consequences of unresolved personal conflicts. Ranger Jace Pearson's unwavering commitment ensures that justice is served, providing closure to a case marked by fear, deception, and ultimately, loss.

Mark West's conviction and sentencing highlight the legal system's role in addressing personal vendettas, while Amy's journey underscores the often-overlooked struggles individuals face beneath the surface. Through its engaging narrative and rich character development, "Illusion" stands as a testament to the enduring power of classic Western radio dramas.

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Thank you for tuning into this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns. For more captivating tales from the Wild West, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Tales of the Texas Rangers. Original air date is April 20, 1952. In this episode of Crazy Woman, it and Poison. But is she crazy? And is it poison? I guess we'll find out. Title of this episode is Illusion. Hope you enjoy and again, thanks for listening.

[Joel McCray]

Tales of the Texas Rangers. Starring Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson. Another authentic reenactment of a case transcribed from the files of the Texas Rangers. Names, dates and places in the following story are fictitious for obvious reasons. The events themselves are a matter of record.

[NBC Announcer]

Every day, Monday through Friday, there's top entertainment. All day long. When you set your radio dial to NBC, listen for Double or Nothing and you'll hear one of radio's funniest quiz shows. Yes, Walter o' Keefe consistently comes up with great comedy entertainment Monday through Friday on Double or Nothing. Listen and you'll agree. And then there's the program with a heart. Strike It Rich. The grand entertainment that Warren Hull brings you every day on Strike It Rich is just what the doctor ordered. If you suffer from the housework blues from Chicago, Tommy Bartlett brings you welcome travelers and interviews with the many interesting guests who each day pass through the Windy City. And for more fun, listen for Bob and Ray, those two zany comics. Then there's Music and charm with Dave Garraway. So remember, every day, Monday through Friday, chase your blues away with the wonderful daytime programs on this station of the NBC Radio network. And now, here's today's adventure with the tales of the Texas Rangers.

[Joel McCray]

And now, from the files of the Texas Rangers, the case called illusion.

[Advertiser]

It is 3am on Oct. 3, 1945, in the town of Eagle Rock, Texas. Sheriff Glenn Minton is awakened by an urgent knocking on the door of his house. He slips on a bathrobe and walks downstairs. As the knocking continues. Just a minute. I'm coming.

[Amy West]

All right.

[Advertiser]

Now. Who is it?

[Amy West]

Amy West. I got to talk to you, Sheriff. Please let me come In.

[Advertiser]

All right. Come in.

[Amy West]

Oh, Sheriff, I'm so scared.

[Advertiser]

Now, now, now, whatever it is, it can't be that bad.

[Amy West]

You don't know, Sheriff, you don't know. You can't.

[Advertiser]

Here. Now, you just sit down and relax.

[Amy West]

No, please don't leave me. Sheriff, they've tried it again.

[Advertiser]

Tried what?

[Amy West]

They've tried to kill me. Who? I don't know.

[Advertiser]

Somebody.

[Amy West]

Somebody wants me dead.

[Advertiser]

Now, look here, Amy. I've known you since you were a kid, and I'm gonna talk to you like a father.

[Amy West]

I know what you're gonna say. You think I'm imagining things.

[Advertiser]

Well, it kind of looks that way. This is the third time in the past two months you thought somebody was trying to kill you.

[Amy West]

They are. I know it.

[Advertiser]

Amy, the other times we proved to you it was either accident or imagination.

[Amy West]

You've never believed me. When the brakes went out on my car, when that man came into the house to kill me, you didn't believe it.

[Advertiser]

Amy, you said that prowler was still in the house when I got there. And you know I didn't find nobody.

[Amy West]

He was there. I know he wasn't. Tonight he came back. He tried to blow me up.

[Advertiser]

What?

[Amy West]

I woke up and smelled gas. Before I could get out of there, there was an explosion.

[Advertiser]

Where?

[Amy West]

The bathroom, I think part of my bedroom blew up. I don't know how. I wasn't killed.

[Advertiser]

Well, why didn't you phone instead of driving all the way in here?

[Amy West]

My phone wouldn't work. Oh, it was awful. Why do they want me dead? Why?

[Advertiser]

What kind of gas fixtures do you have in the bathroom?

[Amy West]

Well, there's a little stove and the hot water heater.

[Advertiser]

Where's your husband?

[Amy West]

In Mark's away buying can. He'll be back in the morning. Sheriff, somebody came in and turned the gas on. I know it.

[Advertiser]

Amy, think hard now. Could you have left that gas on yourself?

[Amy West]

No. No, I couldn't. Sheriff, you've got to listen to me. Somebody is trying to kill me. Somebody wants me dead.

[Advertiser]

All right, Amy Horror. Now get hold of yourself. You'll go out to your house and have a look. The sheriff made a preliminary investigation at the west ranch house, then requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Ranger Jace Pearson was assigned and reached the ranch at 10 that morning. Mark West, Amy's husband, had arrived home. In the meantime, the two officers left Mr. West downstairs with his wife and went up to investigate the scene of the explosion. Pretty much of a mess, ain't it, Jace? Mrs. West was lucky, though. I've seen gas, heater explosions when there wasn't a thing left of the house. What do you make of it? You figure somebody could have come in here and turned the gas on like Amy says? It could be. Heater valve was open. Yeah, but Amy could have left it open herself. You know how careless people are about things like that. Huh. You say Mrs. West thinks somebody tried to kill her a couple of times before? That's right. But Jace, to tell the truth, I don't put much stock in what she's been saying. Why not? Well, Amy's always been kind of high strung. Get yourself all upset about little things. You know how women are sometimes. Is she happy with her husband? Oh, Mark's always been real good to her. Seems to be crazy about Amy and her about him. Only one thing wrong I ever knew of. What's that? Well, both of them's always wanted kids and they never had any. But last five, six years, Amy's been kind of brooding about it. What about these other times? She said attempts had been made on her life. Well, the first time it was the brakes on her car. They went out and Amy smacked into a fence. She was lucky. Just shook her up. Some mechanics said it could happen to any car. And the second time she phoned me and said there was a prowler downstairs. When I got here, she swore she could still hear him walking around. I looked everywhere and I didn't find a sign of anybody. Where was her husband? Away. He'd gone up to Dallas early that evening. You reckon he's involved in this? Oh, I don't think so, Jace. Like I say, he's pretty fond of her. Far as you know, Sheriff, did Mrs. West ever try to take her own life? Well, just between us, the way Amy's been acting lately, I wouldn't put it faster. We better go down and have a talk with both of them. If Amy does have ideas about suicide, Jason, how come all this talk about somebody trying to kill her? The human mind's a funny thing sometimes. That's the way it works. You mean she could have done done all these things herself and yet she really believes somebody else has been doing them? Something like that. You know, that crossed my mind when I was talking. Living room doors open. Oh, yeah? What'd you find, Ranger? I can't say for sure. Mr. West might have been deliberate. And then again, it could have been an accident.

[Amy West]

It wasn't any accident.

[Advertiser]

Honey, you're just upset.

[Amy West]

It wasn't any accident. I tell you, he came in here just like he did the last time. Turned on the gas and tried to kill me.

[Advertiser]

Honey, why would anybody want to kill you?

[Amy West]

I don't know, but he wants me dead.

[Advertiser]

Amy, you've got to stop this. I don't know of a person in the world who wants you dead. Everybody loves you. That's the truth. Amy, I've never heard a soul in town speak a harsh word about you.

[Amy West]

There's no use trying to cover it up. Sheriff, somebody wants to kill me. And when it's too late, you'll be sorry you didn't believe me.

[Advertiser]

Honey, don't talk like that, please. Mrs. West, we'd like a statement from you about what happened last night. You mind coming in town with the sheriff and me?

[Amy West]

All right, I'll come. But I want Mark with me. I won't go unless he comes along.

[Advertiser]

Sure, honey. I'll be glad to come. Sheriff, you take Mrs. West out to the car. We'll be along in a minute. Right. Come on, Amy. I don't know what to do about this, Ranger. I just don't know. Mr. West, I think your wife needs help. Would you have any objection if I took her to a psychiatrist? You know one around here? There's a Dr. Sobel who's done some work for us in the past. Works at a private hospital about 40 miles from here. I can take Mrs. West to see him if you want. Danger. You don't know what a load it would be off my mind. I've been thinking about something like that for weeks. Just haven't been able to get up enough nerve to talk about it. Probably better if the idea comes from me, I'll mention it to her. On the way to town, I talked to Mrs. West. At first she was reluctant to see the psychiatrist. But by the time we reached the sheriff's office, she'd consented. After the sheriff took her statement about the explosion, I drove Mrs. West and her husband to the hospital. While she was talking to Dr. Sobel, Mark west and I waited in the outer office. Two hours later, the doctor opened the door between the offices. Sorry I kept your waiting so long, gentlemen. Mrs. West, you can go into the other room with your husband now. How you feeling, honey?

[Amy West]

All right.

[Advertiser]

I've given your wife some capsules, Mr. West. Just a mild sedative. See that she takes one every night before she goes to bed. Sure, Doctor.

[Amy West]

It won't help.

[Advertiser]

It will if you make up your mind to let it.

[Amy West]

Nothing's going to help. Somebody wants me dead. Sooner or later, he'll kill me.

[Advertiser]

Well, we'll talk more about it. Mrs. West, sometime soon. Now, if you and your husband don't mind waiting, I'd like to speak to the ranger for a second. What do you think, Doctor? Well, it's only a preliminary examination. I want to spend much more time with her. But there doesn't seem to be any clinical psychosis present. You mean there's no definite insanity? I'm almost sure of it. What about this idea she's got that she's going to be killed? She's an extremely unstable woman, Ranger. And she's under some kind of severe emotional strain. What it is, I don't know yet. The sheriff and I'd like to help her any way we can. Is there anything we can do in a case like this, Ranger? Nothing. Nothing at all. I drove Mr. And Mrs. West home and then went back to the sheriff's office. After talking to him, I decided there was nothing further I could do. I returned to headquarters. A week later, I received an urgent message from the sheriff. Mrs. West was in his office and insisted on seeing me. I went there. Sorry to bring you back, Jace, but Ms. West wouldn't talk to anybody. But you said it was important.

[Amy West]

It's important all right, Ranger. Real important.

[Advertiser]

What is it, Mrs. West?

[Amy West]

Maybe you won't think I'm crazy. Now maybe you'll believe me.

[Advertiser]

I never did think you were crazy, ma'. Am.

[Amy West]

Yes, you did. But you're going to see everything I told you was true. Wait till I get it out of my purse. There. Look.

[Advertiser]

Aren't they the capsules Dr. Sobel gave you?

[Amy West]

Yes, and now I know I wasn't dreaming. The past few months, my life has been in danger.

[Advertiser]

Now, what makes you so sure?

[Amy West]

Now, this. Now, you see inside the capsule, that's the color the powder should be green. But look at this capsule powder.

[Advertiser]

And that one's green, too. Amy.

[Amy West]

Hi. Oh, I had another capsule I wanted to show you. Thought I had it marked.

[Advertiser]

Yes, Mrs. West.

[Amy West]

That's green, too. I don't know where. Oh, here it is. I knew I hadn't marked. See the little nick in the end?

[Advertiser]

What did you want to show us, ma'? Am?

[Amy West]

Inside this capsule there. The powder in. This one's white. It poisoned Ranger.

[Advertiser]

That's something we can't say till it's been analyzed, ma'. Am. If you like.

[Amy West]

You don't have to analyze it. That powder's poison.

[Advertiser]

Now, look, Amy. Doc Sober gave you those pills. You don't think he'd try to poison.

[Amy West]

No, not him. But now I know who wants to kill me. I saw Him. He didn't know I was watching, but I saw him take the green powder out and put the poison in.

[Advertiser]

Who was this, Mrs. West?

[Amy West]

My husband. My husband's trying to kill me.

[Joel McCray]

In just a moment, we will continue with Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson.

[NBC Announcer]

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[Advertiser]

Do your part.

[NBC Announcer]

Take positive action. Strike back against cancer by joining the American Cancer Society's 1952 crusade. Your dollars will help support the society's three essential programs of research, education and service to the cancer patient. It is estimated that 22 million Americans now living will die of cancer. Fortunately, however, this is not an unchangeable figure. By striking back together, we can reduce it substantially. So give generously to your unit of the American Cancer Society. Simply mail your contribution to cancer care of your local post office. And now back to Tales of the Texas Rangers.

[Joel McCray]

We continue now with Tales of the Texas Rangers and our authentic story. Illusion.

[Advertiser]

We had the white powder that Mrs. West had taken out of the capsule analyzed. It was poison, a lethal dose of arsenic. We took her to the ranch and began looking around in the hope of finding the source of the poison. Her husband was out on the range, and we started our search in the kitchen. Nothing in this cupboard. Jay, try the one in the corner. Mrs. West, you're absolutely sure you saw your husband put the poison in that capsule?

[Amy West]

Yes. He was standing right there. Table. Oh, how could Mark do such a thing to me?

[Advertiser]

You and Mr. West always get along well?

[Amy West]

Yes. Till about a year ago when he said he wanted a divorce. Naturally, I was surprised.

[Advertiser]

What did you tell him?

[Amy West]

I said I wouldn't think of it. And a few days later he asked me to forget it. He never mentioned it again.

[Advertiser]

You think of any reason why he wanted a divorce?

[Amy West]

I can now. Those business trips of his times. He stayed away two or three days buying cattle. He says he was with another woman.

[Advertiser]

Now, you might be jumping at conclusions, you know, ma'. Am.

[Amy West]

No, I'm not. Why else would he have wanted a divorce?

[Advertiser]

Jeez. I reckon I've got what we've been looking for. Rat. For him. Oh. Bought at Lyons Drugstore in town. Just about half an ounce gone. Looks like he was scooped out with a Teaspoon.

[Amy West]

You see, I told you he was trying to kill me. And now I know why. Cause he's got another woman.

[Advertiser]

Mrs. West, did you buy this poison?

[Amy West]

Me? Well, I've never bought anything like that.

[Advertiser]

Then we'll check and see if your husband did.

[Amy West]

You. You're going back to town?

[Advertiser]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Amy West]

Don't leave me here. Oh, please. I'm afraid of him. I don't want to stay in this place a minute longer. He'll kill me. Take me with you, Ranger, please.

[Advertiser]

All right, Mrs. West. You can wait in the sheriff's office while we go to the drugst. Where'd I put that poison register? Yeah, here we are. Any idea when this poison was bought? I'm afraid not. I reckon we'll just start turning pages till we come to it. West. West. Well, if that ain't luck. Hit it on the third page. Yep, it was rat poison, all right. What day did he buy it? It was on June 25th. And did you say he. That's right. Well, then there's some kind of mistake, Ranger. It wasn't him bought that poison.

[NBC Announcer]

It was her.

[Advertiser]

See? Amy West.

[Amy West]

You go to the drugstore already?

[Advertiser]

Yeah. Amy, we went to the drugstore, Sheriff. Is something wrong, Mrs. West? Out at your house, you told us you hadn't bought any rat poison. Yes, this is the poison register from Lyons Drugstore. Mrs. West?

[Amy West]

Yes.

[Advertiser]

Is that your signature? Is there any chance somebody else could have signed your name?

[Amy West]

No, no, it's mine. I remember. Bye now. I don't know how I could have forgotten. Please don't be angry with me. Please.

[Advertiser]

We're not angry, Mrs. West. All we want to do is help you.

[Amy West]

Oh, I'm such a fool.

[Advertiser]

I hate to ask you questions when you're upset, Amy, but it's important that we find out about this. Did you really see Mark put poison in that capsule last night?

[Amy West]

Yes, I. I thought I did. I don't know now. Everything seems to be sitting around in my head. I'm not sure of anything anymore.

[Advertiser]

I think that's enough for now, Sheriff.

[Amy West]

I could see it so clear. Mark standing by the kitchen table, putting that white powder. Maybe I didn't imagining things all along. Maybe I'm crazy. Oh, Ranger, please help me.

[Advertiser]

I think we better take you over to see Dr. Sobel again, ma'. Am.

[Amy West]

I don't care what you do. Just help me. Help me.

[Advertiser]

I called Dr. Sobel. He said he'd get a room ready for Mrs. West while the sheriff took her to the hospital. I headed out to the ranch to see her husband. I learned he was still out in the range, so I unloaded charcoal from the trailer and started out. It was nearly five when I found him in a makeshift branding pen three miles from the house. Mr. West. Oh, howdy, Ranger.

[Amy West]

Be right with you.

[Advertiser]

Hurry up with the rest of them, Ted. Want to wind it up for Sen. Ah, what can I do for you, Ranger? I'm afraid I have some unpleasant news for you. Is about Amy. Sheriff just took her over at the hospital. What's happened to her? Nothing serious. She's just a little bit upset. Oh, I thought it you were going to say something. Mr. West, I. I get so worried about her. Way she's been acting lately. Can't sleep nights thinking about it. Dr. So's one of the best in Texas. If anybody can help her, he can. Sometimes I think she's better. And then. Well, it's like a curtain dropped in front of her eyes. She looks at me like she's never seen me before. It's pretty awful, Ranger. I guess it is. I'd like to go see Amy as soon as I can. Well, you'd better call Dr. Sobel first. But I don't think there'll be any objection. She take her medicine along with her? I couldn't say. I better bring it to her. She'll be needing it. Oh, I don't think you'll have to do that, Mr. West. If she needs medicine, they'll give it to her at the hospital. Oh, yeah. Yeah, I suppose you wouldn't. Well, I'll be along to see her tonight. On the way back to the hospital, I kept thinking about his mentioning the medicine bothered me and created a growing suspicion in my mind. Time I reached the hospital, I was convinced we didn't have all the answers. Sheriff and I decided to listen to any conversation between west and his wife. Set up a hidden microphone in an empty room, and we asked the head nurse to have Mrs. West moved in there. We settled down in an adjoining room with earphones and the tape recorder. At 7:35, we heard the door and Mrs. West's room open and close. Hello, honey.

[Amy West]

Hello, Ma.

[Advertiser]

You feeling better?

[Amy West]

I. I don't know.

[Advertiser]

You'll be all right. Ranger said you had a real good Dr. Mark.

[Amy West]

I should.

[Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Amy West]

Honey, I don't know. Everything is so mixed up.

[Advertiser]

I sure. I'm sorry. Don't cry.

[Amy West]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Advertiser]

You'll be all right when you get out of here. We're gonna have the best time we've had in the whole 12 years we've been married.

[Amy West]

You really mean.

[Advertiser]

Sure, honey. Maybe we'll go away someplace. Maybe Europe for a few months.

[Amy West]

Oh, Mark.

[Advertiser]

You just get a good rest so you can get out of here. Oh, almost forgot. Mrs. Dunlap sent you some candy. You know that chocolate fudge you're so crazy about?

[Amy West]

Here, candy. Oh, I don't want it.

[Advertiser]

Honey, you know you love this stuff. Go on, take a piece. What's the matter, honey? Don't you want any?

[Amy West]

You eat something, huh? You eat some.

[Advertiser]

Sure, honey. It's real good. Sure you won't have some? Oh, my. What's the matter?

[Amy West]

Sometimes I think I'm the biggest fool in the world.

[Advertiser]

Oh, you're just tired, honey. Doc said I shouldn't stay too long. I'll leave the candy here by your bed just in case you get hungry later on. And I'll be understood you tomorrow.

[Amy West]

Good night, Mark.

[Advertiser]

Night, honey. Sleep well. Well, what do you think, Chase? I don't know. Right at the moment, I'd say it was a toss up. Let's get in there.

[Amy West]

Come here.

[Advertiser]

Evening, ma'. Am. Hello, Amy.

[Amy West]

It's nice of you to come and visit me. You just missed seeing Mark.

[Advertiser]

Mrs. West, have you eaten any of the candy on the table?

[Amy West]

Oh. Oh, my God. No, I haven't eaten any. Would you like some, Ranger?

[Advertiser]

Yes, ma'. Am. If you don't mind, I'll take the whole box.

[Amy West]

What?

[Advertiser]

I'm sorry, Mrs. West, but we want to be sure it's just candy. We submitted the box of candy for rush analysis. Forty minutes later, the results came through. One of the pieces of candy contained arsenic. We broke the news to Mrs. West. West. She accepted it in stony silence. We decided to let west believe his plan had succeeded. We outlined our idea to the doctor. Midnight. We had him phone west and ask him to come to the hospital as quickly as possible. When he arrived, he was kept waiting alone for nearly an hour. Sheriff and I sat in Dr. Sobel's outer office. Finally, we phoned the receptionist and told her to have west come in. You ought to really be stewing by now, Jace. That's what I. I'm counting on. Jace. I swear I didn't. Hold it. He's coming. Oh, Doc. In his office. He's upstairs. Come on in, Mr. West. He told me to get down here as quick as I could. I've been waiting for an hour. What's it all about? I don't know. We got a call, too. How long you been here? About an hour. What's happened to Amy? We don't know. Mr. West. Went down to a room. She wasn't there. Yeah, we were down there, too. Where's that doctor? I'm going to make him tell me something. Dr. SOS up in the lab. He said he couldn't be disturbed. Lab? What's she doing up there? The nurse said he was making some tests on Amy. I don't know. I'm not going to stand for this.

[Joel McCray]

That doctor's got no right to keep.

[Advertiser]

Me waiting like this. Not when my wife might be dead. Dead? What makes you think that? Oh, I'm sure that's it. Amy didn't want to live. She wanted to kill herself. I never got that idea about Amy. You didn't know her the way I did. She was always talking about killing. And last night I caught her filling those capsules the doctor gave her with rat poison. Saw her put them in her purse. You did? Yeah. Took them away from her. Reckon maybe I didn't find them all. Reckon Amy had some more. Why didn't you tell us this before? Should have told you all about this. But I didn't because I was ashamed. Now you're going to blame me. You're going to think it was my fault Amy committed suicide. Well, go ahead, say it, Mr. West. You're liable to be getting excited for nothing. Nobody said anything about your wife being dead. She is. I know it. She's not in her room and the docs are making some kind of test. Amy. She's dead. She committed suicide. She's dead. Take it easy, Mark. I can't understand it. I tried to make Amy happy. Why did she want to take her own life? We don't think she did, Mr. West. Huh? We think you tried to poison your wife with arsenic in the candy you brought her tonight.

[Amy West]

Candy?

[Advertiser]

I didn't bring her any chance. We know you did, but. So I made me die from eating poison candy. She had it with her all the time. I didn't bring it to her. I'm afraid you did, Mr. West. We've got a witness to prove it. Witness? Bring Mrs. West in, Sheriff. All right, Amy. You can come in now.

[Amy West]

Aren't you glad to see me?

[Advertiser]

It's Amy.

[Amy West]

Maybe you can understand how I felt all these weeks hoping I was seeing things and knowing I wasn't. Now you know.

[Advertiser]

Oh, it's all mistake on you. Big mistake.

[Amy West]

No, it isn't. You wanted me dead so you could be with your other woman. Who is she, Mars? Is she pretty? You tell her how soft and silky her hair is. Like you used to tell me.

[Advertiser]

Amy, please.

[Amy West]

You and she have little jokes together. Like we used to have little pet names for each other.

[Advertiser]

Mrs. West, that candy you had in your room tonight, where did you get it?

[Amy West]

My husband brought it to me.

[Advertiser]

Amy, that ain't true. You know you had that candy in your bag all the time. I saw you with it last night.

[Amy West]

Did you, Mark, when you had it?

[Advertiser]

Try and remember, Amy, honey. You've got to remember, Ranger. She forgets things. Her mind wanders. I never brought the candy to her. I swear I didn't. It's no good, Mr. West. We know you brought the candy. Well, you're not going to take her word.

[NBC Announcer]

She's crazy.

[Advertiser]

She'd say anything. We don't have to take her word. What are you talking about? You know what this is? I'll tell you, Mr. West. It's a tape recorder. Your wife's room was wired. Like to hear what you said to her tonight. Ready to tell us all about it now?

[Amy West]

All right. I tried to kill her. She wouldn't give me a divorce.

[Advertiser]

How do you think it feels loving somebody else?

[Amy West]

Can't be with her.

[Joel McCray]

I'll be see her a few hours.

[Advertiser]

Now then.

[Amy West]

How do you think it feels? That's right, Mark. Cry. I didn't think you knew how. Go ahead and cry. Go away. I just. I hate her.

[Advertiser]

I don't want to see her. You own Mr. West. Her or any other woman for a long time. Come on.

[Joel McCray]

In just a moment we will tell you the results of the case you have just heard.

[NBC Announcer]

Later today you'll find more great entertainment all lined up for you on this NBC station. Next, it's the big show with a star studded guest list and your unpredictable hostess, Tallulah Bankhead. Meredith Wilson will be on hand to direct the big show orchestra and chorus. And be sure to hear the hilarious Phil Harris and Alice Fay show featuring the comedy antics of Frankie Remley, Julius Abruzio and brother William. There's Murph and music with Phil and Alice and their delightful program. And remember too that Theater Guild on the air will bring you another entertaining dramatization of an exciting play co starring two of your favorite Broadway stars. Yes, Sunday is fun day on NBC because of the many fine shows sent your way to add to your listening pleasure. Later tonight you want to hear Jack parr and the $64 question. As Jack asks the questions and gives away the money. So remember, for fine entertainment all the rest of the day, stay tuned to this station of the NBC Radio Network. And now back to the Texas Rangers.

[Joel McCray]

And now here are the results of the case you have just heard.

[Advertiser]

Suffering from nervous strain, Amy west went to a private rest home. After six months, she was fully recovered. Mark west, having confessed to the attempted murder of his wife, was sentenced to 10 years in Huntsville Penitentiary.

[Joel McCray]

Next week, Joel McRae in another authentic reenactment of a case from the files of the Texas Rangers, Joel McCray will soon be seen in San Francisco Story, a Warner Brothers release. The cast included Tony Barrett, Harley Bear, Jeanette Nolan, John Stevenson and Byron Kane. Technical advisor was Captain MT Lone Wolf Gonzalez of the Texas Rangers. This story was transcribed and adapted by Charles E. Israel and the program was produced and directed by Stacy Keach.

[NBC Announcer]

Hal Give me Speaking next enjoy 90 minutes of comedy, drama and music on the Big show on NBC.

[Amy West]

Foreign.

[Advertiser]

This.

[Andrew Rines]

Has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook join in the conversation by going to otrwesterns.Com Discord and don't forget to send us an email. Email podcast trwesterns.com this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and again, thanks for listening.

[Amy West]

Sam.