Perigi’s Wonderful Dolls by Dimension X

Summary

Podcast Summary: Relic Radio Sci-Fi - "Perigi’s Wonderful Dolls" by Dimension X

Episode Details

• Title: Perigi’s Wonderful Dolls
• Series: Dimension X
• Release Date: October 28, 2024
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com

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Introduction

"Perigi’s Wonderful Dolls" is a gripping science fiction narrative presented by Dimension X, a hallmark series from Relic Radio Sci-Fi. This episode masterfully blends elements of suspense, family drama, and extraterrestrial intrigue, transporting listeners into a world where seemingly innocuous toys harbor dark secrets. Set against the backdrop of Cold War-era tensions and advanced technological fears, the story delves deep into themes of control, trust, and the unintended consequences of technological advancements.

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Main Characters

• Colonel Henry Grayson: A dedicated army colonel torn between his family responsibilities and demanding military duties.
• Alma Grayson: Henry's supportive yet concerned wife, striving to maintain harmony at home.
• Cindy Grayson: The Graysons' curious and imaginative nine-year-old daughter.
• Santo Perigi: Owner of the mysterious doll shop, creator of the intelligent dolls.
• Toto/Xanthus Imperator: A lifelike, talking doll with a hidden agenda, later revealed to be an alien commander.
• Mr. Blister: The family's beloved puppy, whose untimely demise becomes a pivotal plot point.

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Setting

The story unfolds in two primary locations:

1. A Quiet Washington Side Street Doll Shop: Situated near the Pentagon, the shop appears quaint but becomes the epicenter of strange happenings.
2. The Grayson Family Home: A typical suburban residence that becomes a battleground for familial trust and supernatural events.

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Plot Summary

1. A Routine Evening Turns Sinister

At 01:58, Alma Grayson introduces the night's adventure, setting the stage for an ordinary family outing that spirals into chaos. The Grayson family—comprising Colonel Henry Grayson, Alma, and their daughter Cindy—awaits an appointment outside a seemingly unremarkable doll shop. The tranquility is palpable as Cindy eagerly gazes at the shop's window display, yearning for a doll.

2. An Unusual Encounter

Upon Colonel Grayson's late arrival at 02:56, he cancels their shopping trip due to urgent military matters concerning "flying sphere" reports. Despite his preoccupation, Cindy's fascination with the dolls persists. Shortly after, Santo Perigi welcomes the family inside with Toto, a remarkably lifelike doll. Toto's astonishing ability to speak and perform convinces Cindy to rent him, igniting both excitement and underlying tension.

Cindy: "Oh, Mommy, could we take him home? Take him home."
06:02

3. Unease Sets In

That night, unsettling events unfold. Mr. Blister, the family's playful puppy, dies under mysterious circumstances, leading to suspicions of foul play. The presence of Toto exacerbates familial tensions, with Cindy adamantly blaming the doll for her dog's demise. Colonel Grayson's professional stress intertwines with personal turmoil as he grapples with missing secret papers and his daughter's erratic behavior.

Colonel Grayson: "You have to watch a bunch of 6 inch dolls parading around the shop... Don't go spending a lot of money on that nonsense, Alma."
03:25

4. The Mystery Deepens

Investigations reveal that the Graysons' strongbox, containing classified military reports, has vanished. Clues point back to the doll shop, especially when a key is found around Toto's neck. The narrative intensifies as Colonel Grayson confronts Santo Perigi, only to uncover that Toto is not merely a doll but an extraterrestrial entity with a sinister mission.

Colonel Grayson: "Why, it may just be coincidence, but in the bathroom this morning... It was broken, Henry. I found pieces in the wastebasket."
10:04

5. Revelation of Alien Intrigue

In a climactic confrontation, Santo Perigi reveals Toto's true identity as Xanthus Imperator, commander of the Legions of the Third Planetoid Meritrix. The Meritrix, facing overpopulation, landed on Earth intending to colonize, using intelligent dolls to infiltrate and control human society. Toto's manipulation of the Grayson family is part of a larger strategy to obtain sensitive military information and destabilize Earth defenses.

Xanthus Imperator: "We landed one of our space spheres on Earth three months ago with the intention of colonizing... I represent Perigees. Wonderful dolls."
23:08

6. The Final Stand

Realizing the gravity of the threat, Colonel Grayson confronts Toto, leading to a tense exchange where the doll asserts control and menace. In a desperate move, Grayson claims to have killed Santo Perigi to thwart the alien plan. However, the revelation that Perigi was an illusion—a constructed façade by the Meritrix—leaves Grayson grappling with the reality of his situation and the presence of the alien threat lingering within his home.

Colonel Grayson: "Hello? Give me the police. Hello? This is Colonel Henry Grayson. I've just killed a man."
21:28

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Colonel Grayson on Family Sacrifice:

   "You've been the wife of an army colonel long enough to know his life isn't his own."
   03:04

2. Cindy's Desperation:

   "Mr. Blister tried to bite my dog. Look how frightened Toto is."
   07:36

3. Toto's Deceptive Calm:

   "Listen. Sing, Toto. Sing for the little girl."
   05:09

4. Revelation of Alien Intent:

   "Each man hides something from the world. Each man loves something more than life. With the help of my wonderful dolls, I obtain personal information which enables me to control the men who control the world."
   21:06

5. Colonel Grayson's Realization:

   "I must be going out of my mind. Six inch Dog."
   22:10

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Themes and Insights

1. The Perils of Technological Advancement: The episode underscores the fear of technology surpassing human control. Toto, an embodiment of this fear, represents how technological creations can manipulate and dominate their creators.

2. Familial Strain Under Pressure: Colonel Grayson's dual roles as a military leader and a father highlight the personal costs of duty. The family's deterioration mirrors real-world tensions faced by those in high-stress professions.

3. Trust and Deception: The intelligent dolls symbolize deceptive appearances. Toto's dual nature as both a harmless toy and an alien commander serves as a metaphor for hidden threats within seemingly benign entities.

4. Alien Infiltration and Control: The Meritrix's strategy to use dolls for espionage and control reflects Cold War anxieties about infiltration and subversion, drawing parallels to contemporary fears of unseen adversaries within society.

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Conclusion

"Perigi’s Wonderful Dolls" by Dimension X is a compelling exploration of control, trust, and the unforeseen consequences of technological and extraterrestrial interactions. Through the lens of a struggling family and the sinister allure of intelligent dolls, the episode captivates listeners with its intricate plot and rich thematic depth. As the Grayson family confronts both internal and external threats, the story invites audiences to ponder the fine line between innovation and domination, and the resilience required to confront hidden dangers lurking within the familiar.

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Timestamp Key

• 03:04: Colonel Grayson discusses the sacrifices of his role.
• 05:09: Toto begins to reveal his deceptive nature.
• 07:36: Cindy expresses fear and confusion over Mr. Blister's death.
• 10:04: The mystery of the broken glass pieces emerges.
• 21:06: Toto articulates the alien plan for control.
• 22:10: Colonel Grayson realizes the gravity of the situation.

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This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of "Perigi’s Wonderful Dolls," highlighting its narrative progression, character dynamics, and underlying themes, enriched with pivotal quotes and timestamps to guide listeners through its multifaceted storyline.

Transcript

[Cindy]

Relic Radio.

[Narrator]

This is Relic Radio. Sci Fi Old Time Radio Science fiction stories from relicradio.com.

[Colonel Grayson]

Wheaties presents Dimension X.

[Alma]

Adventures in Time and Space Transcribed in Future Tense.

[Colonel Grayson]

On stage tonight, Dimension X. Another in the Wheaties big parade of exciting half hour presentations.

[Wheaties Announcer]

I'm thinking of a girl. Very pleasant person. Very attractive too. She has cool hands, a nice voice and a gentle manner. She's crisp and efficient, but she needs help badly. She's the American nurse and her problem is this. There just aren't enough like her to go around. Not enough nurses for the hundreds of important nursing careers now open in hospitals, industry, research, the armed forces and private duty. Now, you may not know the girl I mentioned, but perhaps you know someone very much like her. A young girl with at least a high school diploma of good health and character. If you do, tell her this. America needs 50,000 student nurses this year. Tell her you think she might be one of them. If she agrees, have her stop in at the hospital nearest to her. She'll never regret it, and neither will you.

[Alma]

Now, tonight's adventure into the world of the unknown. The world of Dimension X. The doll shop stood on a quiet Washington side street not too far from a sprawling Pentagon building. A woman and a child waited outside. A little girl peering eagerly through the window at the dolls inside. And the woman glancing impatiently at her wristwatch as if expecting someone who was late for an appointment. And there was nothing about the doll shop to warn them that they were waiting to keep an appointment with doom.

[Cindy]

Oh, Mommy, look.

[Henry]

Yes, what is it, dear?

[Cindy]

In the window of the shop. The tiny dolls. Oh, Mommy, do you think Daddy will buy me one?

[Henry]

Well, we'll ask him when he comes, dear. He said 3:00 on this corner.

[Cindy]

I see him, Mommy. There he is.

[Henry]

Henry. Here we are.

[Santo Perigi]

Hello, dear.

[Henry]

Hi.

[Colonel Grayson]

Sorry I'm late.

[Henry]

Well, we've been waiting for you. Cindy's been sitting.

[Colonel Grayson]

I'm afraid I'll have to call off the shopping, Elmer.

[Henry]

Oh, Henry, we promised.

[Colonel Grayson]

Yes, I know. I'm sorry. It's just one of those things. You've been the wife of an army colonel long enough to know his life isn't his own.

[Henry]

What is it this time?

[Colonel Grayson]

Oh, some more of that flying sphere nonsense. The pilot who says he sighted it last month crashed and was killed today. So the general wants a full report, dear.

[Henry]

What, Daddy?

[Colonel Grayson]

We'll have a staff meeting at the Pentagon at 3:15.

[Cindy]

Daddy, look in this window.

[Colonel Grayson]

I haven't time, dear.

[Cindy]

Just for a minute, Daddy, please.

[Colonel Grayson]

Indeed, I haven't time to stop and watch a bunch of 6 inch dolls parading around the shop. Say, they are lifelike, aren't they? Look at that, Alma. Dolls are marching around like a regular review. They've even got their own little band.

[Henry]

Henry, your staff meeting.

[Colonel Grayson]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yes. I've got to run. Now, look, don't go spending a lot of money on that nonsense, Alma.

[Henry]

No, dear.

[Alma]

Bye.

[Henry]

Bye, dear.

[Colonel Grayson]

Bye, Cindy.

[Cindy]

Bye, Daddy. Oh, Mommy, look. Look. The band's gonna play.

[Henry]

Aren't they wonderful, honey? You know, it's funny. I must've st on this corner a thousand times and I've never even noticed this shop before.

[Toto]

Good evening, children.

[Henry]

Oh, well, good evening.

[Cindy]

Mommy, he talks awful funny.

[Henry]

How silly.

[Toto]

Would you like to step inside the shop of Santor Perigi?

[Henry]

Well, yes, we would.

[Toto]

This way.

[Cindy]

Oh, Mommy, it's like. It's like fairyland.

[Toto]

Here in the shop of Santor Periggi, creator of Perigi's Universal wonderful dolls. The world of adult reality is blended with the world of child's fantasy.

[Henry]

This is a new shop, isn't it, Mr. Perejo?

[Toto]

What is new and what is old? Come this way. Would you like to meet one of my little ones?

[Cindy]

Oh, yes.

[Toto]

This one in the red jacket is Toto. Speak, little one.

[Henry]

How do you do?

[Colonel Grayson]

How do you do?

[Henry]

Mommy, he talks.

[Cindy]

The doll talk.

[Henry]

Amazing. It's absolutely amazing.

[Toto]

That is nothing for perigees. Wonderful dolls. Listen. Sing, Toto. Sing for the little girl.

[Xanthus Imperator]

My name is Toto.

[Cindy]

Cindy.

[Henry]

Listen.

[Toto]

Sing, Toto.

[Xanthus Imperator]

Men are big and tall, Dolls are very small. When men begin to fall, the dolls will rule him all. Mr. Toto.

[Henry]

More. How do they work? Mr. Perigee?

[Toto]

How do they work? Ah, that is the secret of the great Perigee. Greatest of all dull masters. To make an ordinary doll is nothing. To make a perfect replica, that is something. But to make a doll with intelligence, that is the work of an artist, huh?

[Henry]

Well, yes. They must be very expensive.

[Toto]

Madame, when I construct a doll like Toto, I cannot bear to be parted from impermanently. So instead of selling, I rent my little people.

[Henry]

You rent dolls?

[Toto]

Precisely. $10. I have but one request. When you grow tired of my dolls, you must me in good condition.

[Cindy]

Mommy, could we take him home? Take him home.

[Xanthus Imperator]

Take him home.

[Cindy]

Take him home. Oh, look, Mommy, look. He's bowing and dancing. Oh, Mommy, he wants to come. Please. I'll take such good care of it. Please.

[Henry]

Well, honey, we'll have to deal with your father later, but. Well.

[Cindy]

Oh, Mom.

[Henry]

All right, wrap him up, Mr. Pereeji. Oh, dear. I Have a feeling when your father comes home, we'll be sorry.

[Colonel Grayson]

Be sorry.

[Xanthus Imperator]

Be sorry.

[Cindy]

Be sorry.

[Xanthus Imperator]

Be sorry.

[Cindy]

Now, Toto, it's my room. And you're gonna sleep right here next to my pillow. Oh, Toto, don't laugh like that. I'm gonna have to teach you some manners. You be quiet because my daddy will be home soon and he's a colonel in the army and. And he'll bust you to private if you don't behave. Now, you wait here. I'm going to introduce you to my puppy dog, Mr. Blister to be good now. Here, Blister.

[Xanthus Imperator]

Here, Blister.

[Cindy]

Come on, blister, come here. Mr. Blister, this is Toto. Oh, dear. I don't think Mr. Blister likes you to. Stop it. Mr. Blister, come over here and shake hands with Toto. Mr. Blister, come on, now. Let him go.

[Henry]

Let him go.

[Cindy]

Let go. Get him. Do it.

[Colonel Grayson]

Do it.

[Henry]

Do it.

[Cindy]

Get him, Pendy.

[Henry]

Mr. Blister, come over here. Why, what happened, dear?

[Cindy]

Mr. Blister tried to bite my dog. Look how frightened Toto is.

[Henry]

Dog don't get frightened, Cindy.

[Cindy]

But he is, Mommy. He screams.

[Henry]

You just imagined it, honey.

[Cindy]

But he did. He did.

[Henry]

Well, Mr. Blister didn't mean it. You know. He's the gentlest little pup alive.

[Cindy]

Yes, he's nasty and I hate him.

[Henry]

Cindy, you've hurt his feelings.

[Cindy]

He tried to buy my new doll, and I don't ever want to see him again. Ever.

[Henry]

Oh, dear. All right, Mr. Blister, you come downstairs with me. Come on now. Cindy's angry at you. Tonight I'll kill him. Why, Cindy, where did you. Where did you hear a thing like that?

[Cindy]

Toto said it.

[Henry]

Well, I see. Well, you've had an exciting day, honey. You brush your teeth now and go to bed. Daddy's coming home late, so we'll see you in the morning. Good night, darling. Sleep well.

[Cindy]

I hate him, Mr. Toto. I hate him.

[Xanthus Imperator]

Hate him, hate him, hate him, hate him.

[Colonel Grayson]

Morning, Alma. Breakfast ready?

[Cindy]

Just a minute.

[Henry]

How was the staff meeting last night, dear?

[Colonel Grayson]

A horrible ball, as usual. Where's the little one?

[Henry]

Up in her room. She'll be down a minute.

[Colonel Grayson]

Oh, sir, remind me to take some papers back to the War Department, will you? I left them in my strong box.

[Henry]

Henry, you told me it was against regulations to bring secret papers home.

[Colonel Grayson]

Well, I had to finish some work for the old man. Nobody will ever know the difference.

[Henry]

Well, I suppose not. Oh, Theo, would you feed the puppy before we sit down? His bowl's under the thing.

[Colonel Grayson]

Where is he? That's funny. Here's his supper from last night. Only half eaten.

[Henry]

Getting fussy.

[Colonel Grayson]

Blister. Hey, Blister. Blister. Where the dickens is that mutt?

[Henry]

Maybe he's on the back porch.

[Colonel Grayson]

Maybe. Here, Blister. Here. Elmer.

[Henry]

What is it, dear?

[Colonel Grayson]

Elma, Look.

[Henry]

Henry. Is he.

[Colonel Grayson]

Yes, he's dead.

[Henry]

But how? What happened?

[Colonel Grayson]

From the looks of it, he might have been poisoned.

[Henry]

Poisoned? Who on earth would do a thing like that to an innocent little pup?

[Colonel Grayson]

I don't know. Let's see his dish. Oh, Henry, I don't understand this at all. Say, what's this?

[Henry]

What's what?

[Colonel Grayson]

Look, there are pieces of broken glass in his food. Blue glass.

[Henry]

Glass.

[Toto]

Glass.

[Henry]

Henry.

[Colonel Grayson]

Huh?

[Henry]

Well, I, I, I just remembered something. Why, it may just be coincidence, but in the bathroom this morning.

[Colonel Grayson]

What about the bathroom?

[Henry]

Cindy's blue glass. You know, the one with the Mickey Mouse on it. It was broken, Henry. I found pieces in the wastebasket. I meant to ask her about it.

[Colonel Grayson]

Oh, well, for heaven's sake. You aren't suggesting that our little girl. Why, she loved Lister more than anyone.

[Henry]

Not last night she didn't.

[Colonel Grayson]

Why not?

[Henry]

Well, he. He went after Toto.

[Colonel Grayson]

Who's Toto?

[Henry]

Her new doll.

[Colonel Grayson]

You bought her one of those dolls?

[Henry]

Well, I just rented it.

[Colonel Grayson]

Rented it? Yes. Look, Alma. Oh, well, all right. What's this got to do with Blisters?

[Henry]

He went for the doll and Cindy. Well, well, Cindy said. Henry, she said she'd kill him.

[Bob Feller]

What?

[Colonel Grayson]

That's ridiculous. Good heavens. A nine year old child putting ground glass and dog food? She'd have to be a monster.

[Cindy]

Mommy.

[Colonel Grayson]

Now don't say anything. I'll talk to her.

[Henry]

Good morning, dear.

[Cindy]

Morning, Daddy.

[Colonel Grayson]

Hello.

[Cindy]

What's the matter?

[Colonel Grayson]

Nothing. Cindy, sit down, dear.

[Cindy]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Grayson]

Cindy, your mother tells me you broke your blue drinking glass.

[Cindy]

Oh, no, I didn't break it.

[Henry]

Now, Cindy, I didn't.

[Colonel Grayson]

Well, now, somebody broke it. It wasn't your mother and it wasn't me.

[Cindy]

Well, then it must have been Toto.

[Henry]

Cynthia.

[Colonel Grayson]

Cindy, you know Toto was only a doll. Now, a doll couldn't have broken your glass, could he?

[Cindy]

Well, but he must have done it, Daddy.

[Colonel Grayson]

Cindy, you know how Daddy feels about little girls who tell untruths. Now, did you break your glass and maybe accidentally get some pieces into Mr. Blister's dish to sort of punish him from biting your dog?

[Cindy]

Oh, no, Daddy.

[Colonel Grayson]

I'd hate to think you'd done something you knew was wrong and you were blaming it on a doll.

[Cindy]

What's the matter with Mr. Blister? Is he sick?

[Colonel Grayson]

He's dead, Cindine.

[Cindy]

Oh, no. He can't be dead. He isn't dead, Daddy. No, he isn't. He isn't, Mommy.

[Henry]

Yes, dear, but he'll come back.

[Cindy]

He has to come back.

[Henry]

No, he won't come back, honey.

[Cindy]

Not ever.

[Henry]

No, Cindy, not ever.

[Colonel Grayson]

Now that we've told you, Cindy, do you want to change your mind about the glass, let alone Daddy?

[Henry]

You think I killed him? I'll see what you've done. The child feels guilty enough.

[Colonel Grayson]

Henry, dear, this is no time for feelings to interfere.

[Henry]

Feelings don't know any time. When they come, they just come. You go up your room, honey. Daddy and I'll be up in just a minute.

[Cindy]

I don't want.

[Henry]

Please, Cindy. We'll be ready. Please.

[Narrator]

There.

[Henry]

That's a good girl. Close the kitchen door behind you.

[Cindy]

Mr. Blister's dead. And he isn't coming back.

[Henry]

Ever.

[Colonel Grayson]

Ever.

[Cindy]

Daddy. Think. It was me.

[Henry]

But it was you.

[Cindy]

It was you.

[Colonel Grayson]

Dimension X will continue in just a moment.

[Wheaties Announcer]

You know, friends, breakfast of champions is a whole lot more than a phrase written across a package of Wheaties. There's one thing I could tell you. I could tell you that it means champions in the world of sports eat Wheaties. And it's so true. You bet it is. But I've got a better idea, one I think you'll like. I think perhaps you'd rather get the story from a champion himself, though. Here is a champion. Will you introduce him? Ed Prentice.

[Bob Feller]

Now, young man, will you tell us.

[Wheaties Announcer]

What you do for a living?

[Bob Feller]

I pitch.

[Toto]

You what?

[Bob Feller]

Pitch. Pitch. You know. Baseball. We have a baseball team. You have to have a pitcher. I'm a pitcher. I pitch.

[Wheaties Announcer]

Oh, yes.

[Bob Feller]

Yes, I see. And are you on a team? Yes, sir. I'm on the Cleveland Indian.

[Colonel Grayson]

Cleveland Indians.

[Bob Feller]

What is your name, young man? I'm Bob Feller. And you know it as well as I do, Ed.

[Colonel Grayson]

Sure I do, Bob.

[Bob Feller]

It's good to see you. This makes your 14th season playing with the Indians, doesn't it? Yeah, Ed. 14 years. Well, tell me, Bob, how long you been eating wheaties? Oh, about 20 years, give or take a couple. You mean you started eating Wheaties before you started playing ball? Why, of course. What's so strange about that? Most people start eating Wheaties before they get to playing ball. In fact, most people never start playing baseball. You don't have to be a ball player to enjoy the lift you get from Wheaties with milk and fruit. You're right as Rain, Bob. No champ ever said a truer word about Wheatie. Breakfast of champion.

[Henry]

Eat your supper, dear.

[Cindy]

I'm not hungry.

[Henry]

Cindy, you scarcely touched your lunch.

[Cindy]

I don't feel like eating.

[Henry]

Is it Mr. Blister? Oh, Mommy.

[Colonel Grayson]

Cindy. Answer your mother, Henry.

[Henry]

She'll work it out in her own way, dear.

[Colonel Grayson]

Oh, I don't know. When I was a boy, there was such a thing as discipline where this child is being brought up, Henry. Well, it's true. There's no respect lying. Oh, I don't know, Alma. What's happened to us? We were a nice, peaceful, happy family until you bought that cursed doll.

[Henry]

Now, who's blaming things on the doll?

[Colonel Grayson]

Well, it's true.

[Henry]

You wanted to get some papers from your strongbox.

[Toto]

What?

[Colonel Grayson]

Oh, yes. Excuse me.

[Henry]

Will you try to eat something, Cindy? Now, darling.

[Colonel Grayson]

Elma.

[Henry]

Elma. Yes, Henry, what is it?

[Colonel Grayson]

Helmet's gone.

[Henry]

What's gone?

[Colonel Grayson]

The box. The strong box is gone.

[Henry]

Well, it can't be. The door to your study's always locked, and you and I have the only keys.

[Colonel Grayson]

I know all that. And I tell you it isn't there.

[Henry]

But who would?

[Colonel Grayson]

I don't know, Alma. Those confidential reports, if they ever get into the wrong hands.

[Henry]

Oh, I warned you about keeping them here.

[Colonel Grayson]

What if it ever came out in the open? Can't you see the papers? Army colonel, derelict and duty.

[Henry]

Call the police, Henry.

[Colonel Grayson]

What? And throw my career in the wastebasket after 17 years? And we've got to find it ourselves.

[Henry]

But it was there when I went in to clean this morning.

[Colonel Grayson]

What about your key?

[Henry]

Well, it's right here. I always keep it right with me. That's funny.

[Colonel Grayson]

Oh, no.

[Henry]

My other keys are all on the wrist.

[Colonel Grayson]

You've lost it.

[Cindy]

I don't see how.

[Colonel Grayson]

Alma, how could you do it?

[Henry]

Henry, please.

[Colonel Grayson]

Come on, we'll search the house. I can't think of anything else to do, dear.

[Henry]

You're gonna miss your staff meeting.

[Colonel Grayson]

Well, all right. Never mind the meeting. My whole career goes up in smoke if we don't find those reports. Somebody get hold of your key and open that room. I know, Cindy.

[Henry]

Oh, let the child alone. She's been through enough. You know she wouldn't do a thing like that.

[Colonel Grayson]

I don't know anything anymore. I don't know my own child. I don't even know you. All I know is that strongbox is gone with papers that are dynamite if the wrong person gets them. The question being who?

[Henry]

What side Coming from upstairs.

[Colonel Grayson]

What's that blasted doll again?

[Henry]

Something must have set it off. I don't know how the mechanism.

[Colonel Grayson]

Well, for heaven's sake, let's go up and shut it off.

[Xanthus Imperator]

Kill him. Kill him. Kill him. How do you do?

[Colonel Grayson]

Stop. It lasted little there. Henry, since we've got this thing.

[Henry]

Henry.

[Toto]

What?

[Henry]

Look.

[Colonel Grayson]

Where? What?

[Henry]

Around the doll's neck. The key. The key to your study.

[Colonel Grayson]

It was Cindy after all.

[Henry]

I don't believe it.

[Colonel Grayson]

Ever since she got this fool down, she's been acting half insane. First the dog, now this. I think she hates us, Helen.

[Henry]

Henry, Cindy is my child and I know her. I know she's a good, sensitive little person. With. With no malice in her.

[Colonel Grayson]

You're just simply refusing to face the facts, dear.

[Henry]

What are you going to do?

[Colonel Grayson]

I'm going downstairs and have a talk with that young lad. Cindy, you're not telling me the truth.

[Cindy]

Yes, I am, Daddy.

[Colonel Grayson]

All I'm asking is that you tell me the truth. Now, where is it?

[Cindy]

I didn't take it, Daddy. Honest. I didn't take it.

[Colonel Grayson]

I suppose you're going to tell me now that a little 6 inch doll took my strongbox and hid it well. Cindy, I'm speaking to you.

[Cindy]

I didn't take it, Daddy. You don't understand. Toto did it. He's terrible, awful. He says things. He says he's going to kill everybody.

[Colonel Grayson]

Cindy, you're inventing things.

[Cindy]

It's true. At night when I'm sleeping, he stands next to my pillow and whispers things to me. Awful things. He told me he'd kill me too if I told him.

[Colonel Grayson]

Alma, I think this child is sick. I think she needs a doctor.

[Henry]

It's frightened, Henry. She's trembling like a leaf. Come on, darling. We'll go up to your room.

[Cindy]

I don't want to go up there.

[Henry]

Honey, Mommy will stay with you.

[Cindy]

I'm afraid he's up there.

[Henry]

Who, Cindy?

[Cindy]

Toto.

[Colonel Grayson]

Well, he won't be up there for long. Mr. Toto is going right back to Parigi's wonderful doll shop. Before I lose my sanity. Which means right now.

[Toto]

Ah, Colonel Grayson. Welcome to the home of Perigee's wonderful doll.

[Colonel Grayson]

Are you Perigee?

[Toto]

Santor Perigee, creator of the universal doll? The doll with the mind. The doll.

[Colonel Grayson]

Yes. Well, I'm returning one of your masterpieces.

[Toto]

Oh. If you will step into the rear of my shop. Now, what is the complaint?

[Colonel Grayson]

There's no complaint. Here's your doll.

[Toto]

Good riddance, my little Toto. Rejected you. Found the world of men too filled with hate, hate, hate. We will return to your comrades in the window, little one. And now, Colonel Grayson.

[Colonel Grayson]

I think we have no further business, sir.

[Toto]

Ah, but we do, Colonel. Let me see. Here it is. Do you recognize this, Colonel?

[Colonel Grayson]

That's my strong box.

[Toto]

My little Toto is very clever, sir.

[Colonel Grayson]

Are you trying to tell me your doll stole that from me?

[Toto]

Let us not say stole. I'm merely keeping it in custody.

[Colonel Grayson]

What's your game, preachy blackmail?

[Toto]

You give me what I want, I do not ruin your career.

[Colonel Grayson]

What do you want?

[Toto]

Information. We already know something. From the reports of the War Department concerning a certain strange looking sphere reported by one of your pilots.

[Colonel Grayson]

What government do you represent?

[Toto]

I represent Perigees. Wonderful dolls. None other.

[Colonel Grayson]

I'm not so naive, sir.

[Toto]

Perhaps I should explain. Each man hides something from the world. Each man loves something more than life. With the help of my wonderful dolls, I obtain personal information which enables me to control the men who control the world. Men like you.

[Colonel Grayson]

Hand over that strong box.

[Toto]

I warn you. I have a gun.

[Colonel Grayson]

Give it to me.

[Toto]

You are being foolish. Put down that walking stick.

[Colonel Grayson]

Now. No closer. Hello? Give me the police. Hello? This is Colonel Henry Grayson. I've just killed a man. Peregi's Doll shop, corner of 4th and Lexington. The body is in the rear. I'll wait for you. Shut up. Shut up, you little fiend.

[Xanthus Imperator]

Daniel Grayson.

[Colonel Grayson]

Did I hear you speak?

[Xanthus Imperator]

Colonel Henry Grayson?

[Colonel Grayson]

It can't be. I must be going out of my mind. Six inch Dog.

[Santo Perigi]

Shut up.

[Colonel Grayson]

Your master's dead.

[Xanthus Imperator]

You are mistaken, Colonel. I, Toto, am the master.

[Colonel Grayson]

What do you mean?

[Xanthus Imperator]

If you will examine the body of Santo Perigi, you will see that he does not bleed. And he does not bleed, Colonel, because Santo Perigi never lived.

[Colonel Grayson]

Never lived?

[Xanthus Imperator]

Santor Perici is a doll.

[Colonel Grayson]

A d. But he's a man. He talks. He walks.

[Xanthus Imperator]

The people of Meritrix are skillful doll builders.

[Colonel Grayson]

Meritrix doll builders? Who are you?

[Xanthus Imperator]

I am Xanthus Imperator, Commander of the Legions of the Third Planetoid. Meritrix.

[Colonel Grayson]

Legions? Planetoid?

[Xanthus Imperator]

My people and I, whom you regard as dolls, come from a tiny planet beyond the moon.

[Colonel Grayson]

What?

[Xanthus Imperator]

So small that it cannot support our population.

[Colonel Grayson]

That's true.

[Xanthus Imperator]

We landed one of our space spheres on Earth three months ago with the intention of colonizing. Unfortunately, one of your pilots intercepted us.

[Colonel Grayson]

So that's why you wanted our information.

[Xanthus Imperator]

Precisely.

[Colonel Grayson]

And you are human?

[Xanthus Imperator]

Quite human.

[Colonel Grayson]

Of course.

[Xanthus Imperator]

In order to deal with Earth people without suspicion, we were forced to construct a men sized doll.

[Colonel Grayson]

No. I can't believe. I can't believe this. I'm. I'm having hallucinations. I've got to get out of here.

[Xanthus Imperator]

That will be impossible. We have weapons of destruction quite unknown to Earth people.

[Colonel Grayson]

I phone the police. I'll be here soon.

[Xanthus Imperator]

By the time they arrive, my people will have prepared something quite shock.

[Santo Perigi]

Keep me covered, Brian.

[Toto]

Okay, Sarge.

[Colonel Grayson]

All right.

[Santo Perigi]

You the guy who turned in the call?

[Colonel Grayson]

Yes, that's right, Sergeant.

[Santo Perigi]

Where's the body?

[Colonel Grayson]

Well, you see, it isn't exactly a body.

[Santo Perigi]

What do you mean?

[Colonel Grayson]

It's a doll.

[Santo Perigi]

What?

[Colonel Grayson]

Wait, you've got to let me explain. I know this sounds fantastic, but I've stumbled onto an unbelievable plot.

[Santo Perigi]

Yeah, keep talking.

[Colonel Grayson]

You see these little dolls? They aren't really dolls. They're tiny people. Now, there's a big doll named Santor Perigee. They're using him as a front to run this shop. He's off his trolley size. Now. Now look here.

[Santo Perigi]

Listen, mister, we gotta call it. There was a murder here. Now, if there was one, where is the body?

[Colonel Grayson]

Well, it's behind the curtains in the back. Only you see, it isn't really a body. It's a big wax dummy. It's. It's all part of their plot to gain control of the world. Holy smoke. He's really off his racket. Look, if you don't believe me, I'll prove it to you. Come here. Look behind this curtain. You'll see the dummy lying on the floor.

[Toto]

Welcome, gentlemen. Are you looking for something?

[Colonel Grayson]

Perigee. This is impossible. I smashed his skull.

[Santo Perigi]

Do you know this guy?

[Toto]

That's the one.

[Colonel Grayson]

The doll.

[Santo Perigi]

What's your name, mister?

[Toto]

Perigee. Santor Perigee, Creator of the Universal Dao.

[Santo Perigi]

You ever see this man?

[Toto]

Never, until just now.

[Colonel Grayson]

That's not true. He's lying, I tell you. He's nothing but a big doll. The real masters of the little dolls.

[Santo Perigi]

Ryan, are you getting this?

[Colonel Grayson]

He's wacko. Sarge. Why is a fruitcake? I'm not crazy, I tell you. I can prove it. They must have fixed up his head where I smashed it in. Touch him and you'll see.

[Santo Perigi]

Mr. Pere, you know what this guy is talking about.

[Toto]

The man is demented, obviously.

[Colonel Grayson]

No, that's not true. I tell you, there's a plot to control the earth. I've got to call the War Department. They want to know about the flying sphere. Holy mackerel.

[Santo Perigi]

This gets worse every minute.

[Colonel Grayson]

Ryan, take him to headquarters.

[Santo Perigi]

I'll save some time. Take him down to psycho ward.

[Toto]

Okay.

[Colonel Grayson]

All right, Buck. Just come along nice and quiet. No. Don't you see? He's nothing but a man sized doll. The little ones are gonna to take over the earth. And you're going where you can cut out some nice paper doll. Oh, please, listen to me. You've got to listen to me. You've got to.

[Santo Perigi]

Sorry you had all this trouble, Mr. Peri.

[Toto]

Poor chap is obviously suffering from delusion.

[Santo Perigi]

Well, he's not the only one in Washington today. You know, we've been getting a whole string of crack ups lately. Big wigs blowing their tops under pressure. If you could see some of the names in our confidential files.

[Toto]

You keep confidential files on cases like this?

[Santo Perigi]

Certainly. Believe me, they'd be dynamite if they ever got in the wrong hands. Well, I. I better be running along. Hey, is that a talking doll?

[Toto]

Yes, Sergeant.

[Xanthus Imperator]

My name is Doctor. I dance and sing.

[Santo Perigi]

Well, I'll be. Hey, my little girl would be nuts for that.

[Toto]

So then please accept the doll for saving my life. That madman might have killed me.

[Santo Perigi]

Yes, but I take Toto home with.

[Toto]

You as a gift.

[Santo Perigi]

Well, I don't know, Mr. Pariki. It's against regulations for us to accept favors.

[Toto]

But this is not for you. It is for your little daughter. And if you will only take the doll and give him a good home, you will be doing me a great favor.

[Santo Perigi]

Well then, if you insist. And. And thanks very much. When my kid sees this, will she be surprised?

[Toto]

Yes. Toto will come as a great surprise. A very great surprise. Hey, Toto.

[Colonel Grayson]

Tonight, Dimension X has transcribed Pereji's Wonderful Dolls, an original radio drama written by George Lerts. Les Damon appeared as Colonel Grayson and Joan Alexander as Alma, with Denise Alexander as Cindy. Joe Desantis played Santo Perigi and Leon Jante was Toto the Talking Doll. Engineer Bill Chambers. Your narrator was Norman Rose. Music by Albert Berman. Dimension X is produced by Van Woodward and directed by Edward King. In a moment, we'll tell you about next week's show. And now, here is your Wheaties man, Frank Martin.

[Wheaties Announcer]

Look at your Wheaties in a cereal bowl. And, well, they look pretty innocent, don't they? They're crisp, all right, and golden brown. And you know, they've got that wonderful Wheaties nut like taste. But where does all that energy come from? What is it about Wheaties that give you all those vitamins and minerals and protein? I'll tell you what it is. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Not just a portion of a kernel, mind you, but a whole kernel of wheat. Now that begins to explain things, doesn't it? Tells you why Wheaties energy helps you feel good all morning long. Like I keep saying. No wonder they're America's favorite. Whole wheat flakes. Breakfast of champions and all that. Now you know why Wheaties at 7 can help at 11. Wheatie.

[Alma]

Next week, the strange story of a curse that came true. It's the story of the castaways, another adventure into the unknown world of tomorrow.

[Colonel Grayson]

The world of dimension.

[Wheaties Announcer]

And this is the Wheaties man, Frank Martin, inviting you to listen Saturday. That's tomorrow night to Joel McCray in Tales of the Texas Rangers on the Wheaties big parade. See you then.

[Narrator]

That's the show for this week, but don't forget, there are thousands more like it at relicradio.com horror, strange tales, science fiction, crime, all available for free. If you'd like to donate to Relic Radio and help keep it all free, you can do that through the website as well. Visit donate relicradio.com to find out more and to see the special downloadable sets that are available. My thanks to those who have donated and thanks for listening today. Talk to you again next week.