To The Future by Dimension X

Summary

Podcast Summary: "To The Future" by Dimension X

Relic Radio Sci-Fi (Old Time Radio)
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Release Date: December 30, 2024

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Introduction

"To The Future," an episode from the classic Dimension X series, presents a riveting science fiction narrative adapted from Ray Bradbury's story and brought to life by RelicRadio.com. This episode transports listeners to a bygone era, seamlessly blending futuristic concepts with the nostalgic ambiance of 1950s Mexico. Through stellar voice acting and immersive soundscapes, the story delves into the perils and paradoxes of time travel, offering a thought-provoking exploration of destiny, responsibility, and human resilience.

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Setting the Scene

The story opens on a vibrant spring night in Mexico, where William and Susan Travis, a couple from the future (2155), are enjoying the local fiesta. The lively atmosphere is vividly depicted with sounds of fireworks and the playful chaos of a paper-mâché bull chasing children and adults alike.

• [00:56] Dimension X Narrator: "Time is an interesting phenomenon... Suppose we are in the year 1950. Coexistent in time may be worlds we have never seen."

This narration sets the tone, highlighting the intricate relationship between time and existence, and foreshadowing the complexities the Travas will face.

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Introducing the Protagonists

William Travis and his wife Susan are portrayed as weary travelers seeking respite from their tumultuous future. Their dialogue reveals underlying tension and fear of being discovered.

• [02:49] William Travis: "There's no rush. We have plenty of time now."
• [04:42] Joe Melton: "Kristen. What? You did not pull up your pants leg when you sat down."

These interactions establish their cautious nature and the subtle signs that something is amiss.

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The Arrival of the Antagonist

Joe Melton, also known as Senor Sims, emerges as the primary antagonist—a "searcher" sent from the future to locate and return the Travas to 2155. His relentless pursuit introduces the central conflict of the story.

• [06:35] William Travis: "Of course not."
• [06:36] Joe Melton: "Then you'll be interested in hearing the rest. Travel and Time, Incorporated can cost you."

Melton's introduction brings urgency and danger, as he offers the alluring yet sinister proposition of time travel vacations, masking his true intent.

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Rising Tension and Conflict

As the Travas attempt to navigate their way through the fiesta, Melton intensifies his efforts to capture them. The couple's anxiety heightens, leading to a series of confrontations that reveal their desperation and determination to avoid being sent back.

• [08:09] Joe Melton: "Suppose a young couple like yourselves took a trip to 1950, didn't want to come back... Do you think I'll find my two friends?"
• [09:43] Susan Travis: "But we were so careful."

The dialogue underscores their precarious situation, balancing hope with fear.

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Climactic Confrontation

The tension culminates when Melton confronts the Travas directly, demanding their cooperation. William grapples with a moral dilemma, torn between ensuring Susan's safety and facing the oppressive reality of their situation.

• [19:34] Joe Melton: "We need you on that bomb project. Return now and no torture."
• [20:14] Joe Melton: "Meet me in the Plaza in 10 minutes. Your wife may stay here as long as you wish."

This pivotal moment forces the Travas to negotiate under duress, highlighting themes of sacrifice and coercion.

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Resolution and Twist

In a dramatic turn, an apparent accident orchestrated by William leads to Melton's demise, ostensibly clearing the Travas of suspicion. However, the story takes a surreal twist as Sims returns, now transformed into a movie director, blurring the lines between reality and fabricated narratives.

• [23:02] Susan Travis: "An accident?"
• [25:07] Susan Travis: "Here you are, kids. Thank you."
• [27:00] Mr. Sims: "You see, the workers, searchers may work alone or in groups..."

This resolution questions the nature of reality and manipulation, leaving listeners pondering the true extent of time travel's impact.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Dimension X Narrator:

   • [00:56] "Time is an interesting phenomenon... Suppose we are in the year 1950. Coexistent in time may be worlds we have never seen."

2. Joe Melton/Senor Sims:

   • [06:36] "Travel and Time, Incorporated can cost you."
   • [19:40] "We have all the time in the world here in 1950."

3. William Travis:

   • [20:34] "All right, Sims."
   • [27:00] "Yes, sir."

4. Susan Travis:

   • [09:05] "I'll get you an aspirin. What will they do to us?"
   • [22:07] "There must be some way, some way that we can both stay here."

These quotes encapsulate the essence of the characters' struggles and the overarching narrative tension.

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Themes and Insights

"To The Future" delves into several profound themes:

• Time Travel and Its Consequences: The story explores the ethical and existential dilemmas posed by time travel, questioning the implications of altering one's timeline.

• Fear and Paranoia: The Travas' constant fear of being discovered mirrors real-world anxieties about control and autonomy.

• Human Resilience: Despite overwhelming odds, the characters exhibit determination and ingenuity in their quest for freedom.

• Reality vs. Perception: The twist ending challenges listeners to distinguish between reality and illusion, a common trope in sci-fi narratives.

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Conclusion

"To The Future" masterfully blends suspense, drama, and speculative fiction, offering listeners a captivating journey through time. Relic Radio Sci-Fi successfully revives the golden age of radio storytelling, providing both entertainment and philosophical contemplation. Whether you're a long-time fan of old-time radio or a newcomer to the genre, this episode promises an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

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Credits:
Adaptation: Ray Bradbury, adapted for radio by Ernest Kanoy
Voice Actors:

• John Larkin as William Travis
• Jan Minor as Susan Travis
  Narrator: Norman Rose
  Music: Albert Berman
  Engineer: Don Abbott
  Production: Van Woodward
  Direction: Edward King

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Upcoming Episode Teaser:
The adventure continues next week with a tantalizing teaser about a private detective and a hidden Martian embassy in New York, setting the stage for another thrilling Dimension X story.

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Stay Tuned: For more timeless science fiction classics, visit RelicRadio.com and subscribe to Relic Radio Sci-Fi.

Transcript

[William Travis]

Relic radio.

[Mr. Sims]

This is relic radio. Sci fi Old time radio Science fiction.

[Narrator]

Stories from relicradio.com.

[Dimension X Narrator]

Adventures in Time and space told in future tense.

[Narrator]

Dimension.

[Dimension X Narrator]

Time is an interesting phenomenon. A ticking clock, the running sands of an hourglass. All these have captured the imagination of men. But time is more. It exists now and then and in the future. Suppose we are in the year 1950. Coexistent in time may be worlds we have never seen. The worlds of the past and of the future. The year was 1950. It was a spring night in mexico. Fiesta time. The fireworks shot up into the clear, dark sky and a paper mache bull ran about the plaza chasing boys and laughing men. Mr. And Mrs. William Travis stood on the edge of the yelling crowd. Smil.

[Susan Travis]

Oh. What is it, bill? What are they saying?

[William Travis]

They're cheering for the bull.

[Mr. Sims]

Here he comes. He's good, isn't he? I wonder how they rigged up the fire.

[Susan Travis]

Oh, bill, it's wonderful. I've never enjoyed myself so much in my life.

[Narrator]

It's terrific.

[Mr. Sims]

Bravo.

[Susan Travis]

Bravo. Oh, we'll go on, won't it? I mean our trip.

[William Travis]

Ah, sue, don't worry. I have enough travelers checks for a lifetime rel.

[Susan Travis]

But suppose they find us?

[William Travis]

Forget it now. They haven't a chance.

[Susan Travis]

But suppose they do? Suppose they take us back?

[William Travis]

They'll never find us.

[Senor Gomez]

Now, relax.

[Mr. Sims]

Enjoy yourselves.

[Susan Travis]

Oh, if it only lasts.

[William Travis]

Come on, darling, let's get out of the crowd. I think you'll need a drink.

[Susan Travis]

All right, let's try something different this time. I want to try every drink there is in the world.

[Narrator]

Oh, don't worry, darling.

[William Travis]

There's no rush. We have plenty of time now.

[Dimension X Narrator]

All right in here.

[William Travis]

There's a table over there. Month still h. What's the matter?

[Mr. Sims]

Don't.

[Susan Travis]

Don't look right away, but over your left shoulder, right by the end of the bar. That man.

[William Travis]

What is it?

[Susan Travis]

I saw him this morning in the plaza.

[William Travis]

Well, darling, take it easy. The town is full of tourists.

[Susan Travis]

But he was at juarez in tesco. Bill, I'm afraid.

[Narrator]

Now, don't stare at him.

[William Travis]

Come on.

[Susan Travis]

I know it's the same man. He was wearing the same white suit.

[William Travis]

Sit down, sue. All right, now, come on, dear. Smile. Act natural.

[Susan Travis]

Bill, he's been following us. He's a searcher. I know he is.

[William Travis]

Quiet. Oh, boy. Here, boy.

[Mr. Sims]

Si, senor, si.

[William Travis]

Benedictine and brandy.

[Dimension X Narrator]

Two.

[Mr. Sims]

Two. Si.

[Joe Melton]

Si, senor.

[Susan Travis]

He's watching us.

[William Travis]

Bill, will you quit worrying, darling? The chances are one in a thousand that they found us. Probably it's just a coincidence.

[Susan Travis]

I I want to lie down. I think I'm going to be sick.

[William Travis]

Susan, hang on, will you? If he is looking for us, we can't run out. What's he doing now?

[Susan Travis]

He stopped our waiter. He's asking him something.

[William Travis]

He may just want a drink.

[Susan Travis]

Bill, I can't stand it. I've got to go upstairs and lie down.

[William Travis]

All right, all right. As soon as we finish our drinks. What's he doing now?

[Susan Travis]

Wait. He's nodding at me as if he knows me. And he's smiling. Bill, he's coming over here.

[William Travis]

Now, watch yourself. We've got to go right on in front of him. So if he is what we think he is, he won't suspect we got to come on. So I said to David, I said, dave, that's ridiculous. You know that. The thing is, that is never gonna take.

[Joe Melton]

Kristen. What? You did not pull up your pants leg when you sat down.

[William Travis]

Oh, well, I'm afraid you have the wrong person. My Name isn't Chrisler.

[Joe Melton]

Chris 10.

[William Travis]

No, I'm William Travis. I don't see what my pants leg has got to do with it.

[Joe Melton]

Mind if I sit down?

[William Travis]

Well, yes, I.

[Joe Melton]

Everyone nowadays pulls up his pants leg when he sits down, like this. Keeps the trousers from bagging at the knees. But of course, if you're not used.

[Mr. Sims]

To this style of clothing.

[William Travis]

Now, see here, we don't know you. We don't?

[Joe Melton]

I'm sorry. I thought I knew you.

[William Travis]

Look, this is our table, if you don't mind.

[Joe Melton]

I'm looking for two friends of mine. A man and his wife. Very much like you. The man is an atomic scientist, the wife a bacteriologist. Very important people. They work on government business.

[William Travis]

Just what are you talking about?

[Joe Melton]

When I find my friends, going to take them home with me.

[William Travis]

Look here, Mr. Sims.

[Joe Melton]

That will do for now.

[William Travis]

All right, Sims, I understand that you thought you knew us. You can see you're mistaken. Now, if you'll excuse us, my wife and I were just going up to our room. We have to make an early start in the morning.

[Joe Melton]

Going for a trip? Acapulco, perhaps?

[William Travis]

Never mind where we're going.

[Joe Melton]

Of course you don't like crowds, Tourists. I'd probably like to get off the beaten path, you know, I've got a vacation folder here that might interest you.

[Susan Travis]

Please, Bill, let's go.

[Joe Melton]

Wait, Sue. It's put out by an outfit that calls itself Travel in Time Incorporated.

[Susan Travis]

Travel in Time?

[Mr. Sims]

Yes.

[Joe Melton]

They've come up with a rather intriguing idea. Would you like to actually witness the burning of Rome? Sail with Columbus in 1492 on his voyage of discovery to America. Meet Cleopatra. Then why not take your vacation in time as well as in place? But perhaps you've seen this leaflet before?

[William Travis]

Of course not.

[Joe Melton]

Then you'll be interested in hearing the rest. Travel and Time, Incorporated can cost you.

[Mr. Sims]

You.

[Joe Melton]

Put you in the crowd at any place and time in history, Lord, we guarantee to teach you any language you need to move freely in any year without risk of detection. This summer, why not escape from the worries of our modern world? Take your vacation in time.

[William Travis]

That's impossible, of course.

[Joe Melton]

Ah, but think what it would mean. A chance to escape all the tensions of an unpleasant life. War, insecurity, fear, Sims. I suppose you were a scientist working on a dangerous bomb project. Oh, you, Mrs. Travis. Suppose you were a bacteriologist working on disease cultures, and you had a chance to escape all that. To take a vacation 200 years in the past would be wonderful, wouldn't it? Escape to a more peaceful world. A trip back to 1950.

[William Travis]

1950? But you said a vacation in the past.

[Joe Melton]

So I did. But you see, 1950 is the past if you come from the year 2155.

[Susan Travis]

2155?

[Joe Melton]

Mm. Terrible times. Most unpleasant.

[Mr. Sims]

A war raging.

[Joe Melton]

An atomic bacteriological war. Terrible times with none of the little comforts we enjoy today. Like this fine Havana cigar.

[Susan Travis]

Bill, I. I want to go upstairs. I want to lie down.

[Joe Melton]

If you were living, then think of how wonderful it would be to take a vacation in time, back to now.

[William Travis]

Oh, you're crazy. I don't know what you're talking about.

[Joe Melton]

Suppose a young couple like yourselves took a trip to 1950, didn't want to come back. You know what would happen? The government sends a searcher back to look for them.

[William Travis]

This is all fantastic nonsense.

[Joe Melton]

A searcher finds them and brings them back. Well, do you think I'll find my two friends?

[Susan Travis]

Mr. Travis, will please take me upstairs? I don't feel well.

[Joe Melton]

Oh, is the lady feeling a bit sick? How unfortunate.

[Mr. Sims]

Here are the drinks, senor.

[Joe Melton]

Well, shall we drink a toast to 2155?

[Mr. Sims]

To the future.

[William Travis]

All right, inside, quick.

[Susan Travis]

Bill, what are you doing?

[William Travis]

Shoving a chair into the doorknob.

[Susan Travis]

He knows. He has been following us. Bill, He's a searcher.

[William Travis]

Keep quiet, Sue. I want to think.

[Susan Travis]

They'll take us back.

[William Travis]

That isn't over yet. Oh, I've got a headache.

[Susan Travis]

I'll get you an aspirin. What will they do to us?

[William Travis]

I don't know what they'll do to us. Something slipped. Something Must have slipped.

[Susan Travis]

But we were so careful.

[William Travis]

The searchers are trained to watch for detail. Things like not pulling up my trousers that started them thinking. There is a man who isn't used to ancient clothes. Could kill myself for giving it away.

[Susan Travis]

No, it was my walk. These hotkeys.

[Narrator]

Careful.

[William Travis]

Knock.

[Susan Travis]

Here.

[William Travis]

Thank you, Bill.

[Susan Travis]

I won't go back. I won't go on filling tubes with typhoid and bubonic plague.

[William Travis]

Now, take it easy.

[Susan Travis]

There must be some way. We don't have to go back to 2155, do we?

[William Travis]

The nerve of that Sim sitting there looking us up and down like animals smoking those stinking cigars.

[Susan Travis]

So? I first noticed him at Tasco. He had four bottles of liqueurs and a pile of chocolate.

[William Travis]

Yes, well, he still hasn't gotten over that first greedy hunger. We've got to look out for that suit. It's the sure sign of somebody from the future trying to make up for a lifetime of shortages by stuffing themselves sick. Remember our first night?

[Susan Travis]

Bill. I can't stand it. We've got to get out of here.

[William Travis]

What are you doing?

[Susan Travis]

Packing. Getting the suitcases out.

[William Travis]

That's no use.

[Susan Travis]

What do you mean? We can get to Acapulco by morning.

[William Travis]

Don't you think he's watching us?

[Susan Travis]

We could get away.

[Narrator]

No, no.

[William Travis]

We've got to sit tight. We've got to wait right here for a break. I don't know what, but something has got to break.

[Susan Travis]

Darling. Darling, I'm afraid.

[William Travis]

No, no, no. Maybe he isn't sure of us yet. Maybe we can still figure out some way to escape. Come on, now. We better try to get some sleep.

[Susan Travis]

No. No, I won't go. The bomb. The bomb. It's falling. It's falling.

[Narrator]

Sue.

[William Travis]

Sue, what's the matter?

[Mr. Sims]

Sue.

[William Travis]

Sue.

[Mr. Sims]

Sue, stay. Wake up, darling.

[William Travis]

Sue, wake up.

[Susan Travis]

Where are we? Bill.

[Mr. Sims]

All right, all right.

[William Travis]

Now, calm down, honey. You were dreaming. Now, it's all right.

[Susan Travis]

Bill, where are we now?

[William Travis]

We're still in 1950. It's all right. Must have had a nightmare.

[Susan Travis]

It was. It was awful. Bill. Bill. There was an explosion, a terrible explosion. And my hand burned and wrinkled and the buildings broke. Oh, Bill. Bill, we won't go back there, will we? Ever.

[William Travis]

No, no, no, no. Go to sleep, honey. It's all right. We're in Mexico, 1950. And we're going to stay here. Sue, I've been lying awake here thinking it may be that he's still testing us, but he's not absolutely certain. That may be why he hasn't moved.

[Susan Travis]

Well, Maybe. Maybe he's just playing with us.

[Mr. Sims]

Yes, maybe.

[William Travis]

I wouldn't put that past him either. He's got all the time in the world. He can stay here as long as he likes then bring us back to the future 60 seconds after we left it.

[Susan Travis]

Maybe. They can't make a scene, can they? They don't dare come out in the open.

[William Travis]

Oh, no, no. That might change the future. They're afraid of that.

[Susan Travis]

If we could only help somebody, ask for help.

[William Travis]

Sue, you know we can't. That's why we had to submit to the psychological block treatment before they okayed our vacation. We couldn't tell if we tried. The block is too strong.

[Susan Travis]

Maybe we can break it, Bill.

[William Travis]

And what if we did? Who'd believe a crazy story like ours? Who would believe that we come from 2155? No, sue, that would do no good. But this is important. They have to get us alone to put us in the time machine to send us back.

[Susan Travis]

Well, then. Then that's it. We'll never be alone. Listen, it's still fiesta time. It'll be easy to stay in the crowd.

[Mr. Sims]

Yes.

[William Travis]

Yes. That's our only chance. We must not let him get us alone. He won't get us back to that war and that insane world of it.

[Susan Travis]

Bill.

[William Travis]

Could be the room clerk.

[Susan Travis]

At three in the morning?

[William Travis]

I'd better answer it.

[Susan Travis]

No, don't. Don't, Bill, don't.

[Joe Melton]

I've got to.

[William Travis]

Hello.

[Joe Melton]

Hello, Mr. Travis.

[William Travis]

What is the idea of this? It's three in the morning.

[Joe Melton]

Yes, yes. I just wanted to remind you.

[Mr. Sims]

The rabbits may hide in the forest.

[Joe Melton]

But a fox can always find them.

[Susan Travis]

What was it?

[Mr. Sims]

Bill?

[Susan Travis]

Bill.

[William Travis]

Now, never mind, Alan. Come on, let's get some sleep. Why, we.

[Senor Gomez]

Buenos dias, senor. Senor.

[William Travis]

Good morning, Senor Gomez.

[Senor Gomez]

You are spending pleasant days in my hotel. Fiesta time is the best.

[Susan Travis]

Oh, it's been lovely.

[Senor Gomez]

Your special table is all ready for breakfast.

[William Travis]

Oh, fine. What is all that rack?

[Senor Gomez]

Great excitement.

[Mr. Sims]

Very great.

[William Travis]

What is it?

[Senor Gomez]

They come with four trucks and innumerable automobiles. A motion picture company from Hollywood.

[William Travis]

Oh, what are they doing down here?

[Senor Gomez]

They make pictures of our fiesta for the. The background.

[Mr. Sims]

Oh, yes.

[Senor Gomez]

We have a very beautiful town.

[Mr. Sims]

Beautiful.

[Senor Gomez]

Yes, very beautiful. That. That. That fat man, the one with the most colorful shirt.

[Mr. Sims]

He is the. The chief.

[Senor Gomez]

The director.

[Mr. Sims]

Manager. Where's the manager of this adobe flea?

[Senor Gomez]

Coming, senor, coming. You will excuse me. Oh, I hope the table is satisfactory.

[Mr. Sims]

Coming, senor.

[William Travis]

Coming. Sue, this is a break. That movie company will draw crowds, and that helps us.

[Susan Travis]

But when can we leave, Bill?

[William Travis]

Not today. He'd be sure. Then. It'd be easy to catch us above on the road. We better stay and try to lull Sims.

[Mr. Sims]

Okay, kids, end of the line. Ciao. Get it up, buster. Lay out the pepper. I got a house.

[Susan Travis]

There's Sims. Bill, where's the dining room?

[William Travis]

We can't do anything now, not with these actors coming in.

[Mr. Sims]

Okay, follow me, kitties. Here, Glory, you sit next to Papa. Hey, Max, make sure nobody monkeys with.

[William Travis]

The trucks and the gear. Right, Chief.

[Susan Travis]

Do we have to eat at this crummy joint?

[Mr. Sims]

Joe. Cheer up, sweet sweetie. Your mere presence makes this Chaisens and the truck roll into one.

[Susan Travis]

Not this early in the morning, Joe. I couldn't stand it.

[William Travis]

Maybe I could hire two of them. I could say it was a joke. Oh, why, we could dress them in our clothes. Have them drive off in our car sometime when Sims couldn't see their faces.

[Susan Travis]

Where would that get us?

[William Travis]

Well, with him off on their trail, we might make it to Mexico City. It'd take years to find us there.

[Susan Travis]

Yeah, that movie man's coming over here.

[Mr. Sims]

Oh, excuse me. You folks are Americans, aren't you?

[William Travis]

Yes, that's right.

[Mr. Sims]

Boy, am I glad to see you. I'm so sick of hearing Spanish, I could kiss you. Hey, come on over and eat with us, huh?

[William Travis]

Oh, well, I. I don't think we should intrude.

[Mr. Sims]

Come on, come on. Misery loves company. I'm Misery, and that's the company. We're from Hollywood.

[William Travis]

Yes, so I understand.

[Mr. Sims]

Yeah. Yeah. And, boy, would I like to be there. Now, we're down here for some preliminary shots on some Technicolor clambake. You know, real turkey, stinkeroo.

[Susan Travis]

Oh, that's too bad.

[Mr. Sims]

But we've got an expense account. That's a lovely thing. Oh, I'm Joe Melton. I'm the unit director.

[William Travis]

Well, I'm William Travis. This is my wife, Susan.

[Mr. Sims]

Mutual. Oh, come over, kids. Join the party. Cheer us up. Only no tamales. I burned out three kidneys on tamales since I came over the border. Hey, hey, I'm. Am I funny?

[Susan Travis]

Oh, wonderful.

[Mr. Sims]

Oh, come on over. Hey, Kitty. I got new blood here, brother.

[Joe Melton]

Just a moment, Mr. Travis. I thought you might be breakfasting with me alone.

[Narrator]

Sorry.

[Mr. Sims]

Oh, no, I got him first. Mac, you want to join us?

[Joe Melton]

No, no, I've already ordered. Mr. Travers, I think you'd better talk with me now.

[Mr. Sims]

Hey, is this guy giving you trouble?

[William Travis]

It's all right.

[Mr. Sims]

Well, you say the word, I'll have Max pitch him out on his ear.

[William Travis]

No, no, no, no. It's all right. We'll be right over. Mr. Melton. We'll talk to Mr. Sims. Mr. Melton. Sort of keep an eye on us. After all, you found us first.

[Mr. Sims]

Yeah, sure. Well, come on over soon, kids.

[Joe Melton]

Sit down, Mr. Travers. I hope you slept well.

[William Travis]

Did you?

[Joe Melton]

I'm not used to spring mattresses, but there are compensations. I stayed up half the night trying new cigarettes and foods.

[Mr. Sims]

A whole new spectrum of sensation.

[Susan Travis]

What are you talking about?

[Joe Melton]

Still acting, huh? But it's no use. You can't stay in crowds all the time. I'll get you alone soon enough. I'm immensely patient. Let's come to the point. It took me a month to trace you down and be sure of you. Now, if you come with me quietly, I might be able to get you off with no punishment. If you agree to go back to work on the bacteria bomb.

[William Travis]

We don't know what you're talking about.

[Joe Melton]

Stop it. Use your intelligence. You know we can't let you get away with this.

[Mr. Sims]

Escape.

[Joe Melton]

Other people in the year 2155 might get the same idea and do the same. We need people to fight your war.

[William Travis]

It's all right, Susan. We can talk on his terms. Now he's got us. We can't escape.

[Joe Melton]

At last. Really? You've both been incredibly romantic. Running away from your responsibilities, running away from horror. Nonsense. Only a war.

[William Travis]

Only with half the world dead, the other half dying.

[Joe Melton]

Yes, but we can't have you escaping here while we drop off a cliff. Dying people love to know that others died with them.

[Mr. Sims]

Hey, kids, bring it up. We're waiting on you.

[Joe Melton]

The longer you keep me waiting, the harder it will go on you.

[William Travis]

What do you mean?

[Joe Melton]

We need you on that bomb project. Return now and no torture.

[Susan Travis]

Torture?

[Joe Melton]

Yes. You see, later we'll force you to work. And after you finish the bomb, we'll try a number of complicated new devices on you. As you say, you can't escape. We have all the time in the world here in 1950.

[William Travis]

Sims, I'll make a deal with you. I'll come back now if my wife stays here, alive, safe, away from that war. Keep quiet. Sir. Well, Sims, you need me for that bomb. You can duplicate her work.

[Joe Melton]

It exceeds my authority, but all right. Meet me in the Plaza in 10 minutes.

[William Travis]

I'll pick you up in the car.

[Joe Melton]

Good. We'll drive out into the country to some deserted spot, and I'll have the time travel machine pick us up.

[Susan Travis]

Bill, I won't let you.

[William Travis]

Don't argue, Sue. It's settled.

[Joe Melton]

Good. I'll meet you in the Plaza in 10 minutes. Your wife may stay here as long as you wish.

[William Travis]

All right, Sims.

[Mr. Sims]

It's a deal.

[Joe Melton]

Don't try anything now, Travis.

[William Travis]

I know when I'm licked. We just want a few minutes to say goodbye.

[Joe Melton]

I'll be seeing you then.

[Susan Travis]

Bill. I won't let you do it. I won't let you.

[Narrator]

Please, Susan.

[Susan Travis]

I'm gonna tell the truth. I'm going to get help.

[William Travis]

You can't. The psychological block won't.

[Susan Travis]

It's our last chance, Bill.

[Mr. Sims]

Hey. Hey. Aren't you two going to join us? I thought so.

[Susan Travis]

Mr. Melton, I've got something to tell you and you've got to believe me.

[Joe Melton]

Sue, it won't work.

[Susan Travis]

You've got to try.

[Mr. Sims]

Go ahead, kids, spill it.

[Susan Travis]

You've got to understand. You see, we really. Bill. Bill. My head. I. I can't think. But not a.

[Mr. Sims]

You need a promo, honey.

[William Travis]

Can't work sooner. The block is too strong. We'd better get the car.

[Mr. Sims]

Everyone's crying now. Breakfast. No time for people to cry. What in the world could a good looking kid like you find a cry about?

[Susan Travis]

I won't let you do it.

[William Travis]

Now, don't make it harder, Sue.

[Susan Travis]

Let me go back with you. We'll get through somewhere.

[William Travis]

You think I'm gonna let you go back to that war? Sue, please stop. We haven't got much time.

[Susan Travis]

It was so wonderful here. Bill. Oh, Bill.

[William Travis]

And there he is, smoking those cigars of his, waiting for us.

[Susan Travis]

There must be some way, some way that we can both stay here.

[William Travis]

Maybe there is.

[Susan Travis]

Bill. What are you gonna do?

[William Travis]

Hang on, Sue. And duck when I tell you?

[Susan Travis]

No. No, Bill. You're heading right for him.

[Joe Melton]

Not gonna get either of us now.

[Mr. Sims]

Down, Sue. Down.

[Susan Travis]

Bill. Bill.

[William Travis]

It's all right, darling. It's all over now. This is the mayor.

[Senor Gomez]

Dear Senora, your husband has been officially cleared. In this most unfortunate affair is obvious this Senor Sims died of an unavoidable accident.

[Susan Travis]

An accident?

[Mr. Sims]

Yes.

[Susan Travis]

Oh, yes, of course.

[Senor Gomez]

Adios, senor. Senora.

[William Travis]

Adieus.

[Susan Travis]

Will they want to see you again?

[William Travis]

No, no, no, no. I'm clear. I lost control of the car. That's the way it stands. Oh, Sue. I hated to kill him. I never wanted to do anything like that in my life.

[Susan Travis]

Where will we go now? Mexico City?

[William Travis]

Well, the car's in the repair shop. It won't be ready till four. Then we'll get out of here.

[Mr. Sims]

Hey there, Travis.

[Senor Gomez]

Wait up.

[Susan Travis]

It's the movie man. Bill. He was Very good to me when they had you in there.

[Mr. Sims]

Oh, hey, I heard what happened. They sprung you, huh? Great. Great.

[Susan Travis]

It was an accident.

[Mr. Sims]

That's lucky you didn't get hurt yourselves. Everything okay now?

[William Travis]

Yes, yes, I think so.

[Mr. Sims]

That's fine. But you both look a little rocky, so you want to get your mind off your troubles. We're through for the day. Clouds fouled up our shooting schedule, so we're going to put a header on it up at the hotel.

[Susan Travis]

I don't. I don't think we'd better.

[Mr. Sims]

You've got to wait till your car's fixed, don't you? Oh, come on up. It'll do you good to relax or get your mind off what's happened. Gloria's cracking the ice now.

[William Travis]

Well, maybe we will join you. I've got to go check up on the car and then.

[Mr. Sims]

Well, don't miss the party, kitties. I'll see you upstairs.

[Susan Travis]

Bill, I, I. I don't think.

[William Travis]

Oh, come on, honey. We've got the break now. Sims is dead. Before they can put another searcher on our trail. We'll have time to make a clean getaway.

[Susan Travis]

Bill, I'm. I'm so tired.

[William Travis]

I know. And what you need is a little excitement. We rate a celebration, honey.

[Susan Travis]

Well, I guess it would be nice to unwind.

[Joe Melton]

Sure.

[William Travis]

We'll go up to Melton's room, have a couple of drinks and a few laughs. Honey, it's all over. We can relax.

[Mr. Sims]

Well, well, well, Kitty.

[William Travis]

We thought we'd join you, Mr. Malcolm.

[Senor Gomez]

Oh, great.

[Mr. Sims]

Great. Call me Joe. Gloria. Yank. Another cork. We got company.

[Susan Travis]

Here you are, kids. Thank you.

[Mr. Sims]

You kids read A drink. That was a pretty messy business. But it's all over now, huh?

[Narrator]

Yes, it's all over.

[Mr. Sims]

Yes. Well, it's time to unlex. Grab a glass, honey.

[Susan Travis]

Oh, thank you.

[Mr. Sims]

Hey, hey. Quiet, everybody. Quiet. Quiet. How about a toast to our guests?

[Senor Gomez]

Oh, sure.

[Mr. Sims]

You're back. All right. To a very beautiful lady. Lovely enough for the movies.

[Susan Travis]

Why, thank you.

[Mr. Sims]

I'm not kidding. That's why I came over to you in the first place. I might even give you a test. No, I mean it, honey. You're pretty nice. I could make you a movie star.

[Susan Travis]

And take me to Hollywood.

[Mr. Sims]

Well, at least it'll get us out of Mexico.

[Susan Travis]

No, you're not serious.

[Mr. Sims]

Sure I am. Gloria, how about a refill? Coming up.

[Susan Travis]

Well, it sounds wonderful, doesn't it, Bill?

[William Travis]

Yes. Los Angeles is a pretty crowded city.

[Mr. Sims]

Isn't it crowded? Wait till you see the sunset bus.

[Susan Travis]

No, you don't. Really think I could be an actress? You don't have to cheer me up anymore. I'm feeling wonderful now.

[Mr. Sims]

No, I'm serious. I think you'd be great. I want to do a suspense story. Sort of a war story, you know. Gloria, pour Mr. Travis another glass.

[Susan Travis]

Okay, Jo, A suspense story.

[Mr. Sims]

Yes, dear, yes. A story about a man and a wife who live in a little house. Now, I'm just Dad, living as you understand.

[William Travis]

Oh, yeah, sure. Go on.

[Mr. Sims]

There's a war on, see? A terrible war. You see, they live in the year 2155. Now, here's the gimmick. They escape into the past and they kill a man who follows them to bring them back. Gloria, honeypot, get Mr. Travis another glass. Well, sir, this couple takes refuge with a group of movie people. Safety in numbers, they figure. Ah, but the story goes on. This couple is terribly important for a new project. Let's call it a bacteria bomb. So the searchers figure out a way that they can get them alone in a hotel room. Shove a chair under the doorknob, Max.

[William Travis]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Sims]

You see, the workers, searchers may work alone or in groups so that if one of them's killed, the rest. Carry on. Don't you think that would make a wonderful picture? Huh, Susan? Don't you, Bill?

[William Travis]

You're not gonna get us Mountain Snapskow.

[Mr. Sims]

Put that gun down, Travis. Who is it?

[Susan Travis]

The manager.

[Mr. Sims]

Grab that gun, Max. Let's go on here. You now make things worse. Mr. Travis. The manager ain't heard us. Let's get going. Let's go.

[Susan Travis]

Me? Let's go.

[Mr. Sims]

He'll break down our door in a minute. Max. Get ready to travel.

[Susan Travis]

Get that?

[Mr. Sims]

Take a good look, Mr. Travis. Take a good look. At 1950, you won't be seeing it anymore. Throw the switch.

[Senor Gomez]

All right, Juan, Break down the door.

[William Travis]

Where are they? I was at the door.

[Mr. Sims]

I heard them inside.

[Joe Melton]

They're gone.

[Senor Gomez]

Windows? No, the iron bars are undisturbed. But what happened to them? One. They just disappeared.

[Mr. Sims]

All of them.

[Senor Gomez]

All right, Juan, Pray later.

[Mr. Sims]

Senor, I think you'd better send for.

[Joe Melton]

The priest in Holywood.

[Senor Gomez]

Later. Later, Juan. Hey, just disappeared.

[Mr. Sims]

Look here in the closet. Bottles. Hundreds of bottles. Chatrouz, cognac, absinthe, tequila, Turkish cigarettes. And boxes of puravana cigars. These crazy Americanos. Why should anyone leave all this?

[Senor Gomez]

By what? Never question providence. There is enough here to last us both for a month. Juan, I think we can look forward to a most happy future.

[Narrator]

You have just heard Another adventure into the unknown world of the future. The world of dimension.

[Dimension X Narrator]

Now, about next week. Suppose that you were a private detective and into your office walked a strange looking client. Would you believe him if he told you that there was a Martian embassy hidden somewhere in New York where spies from the Martian planet were preparing for the invasion of Earth? We'll tell you about it next week.

[Narrator]

Tonight's adventure in Dimension X was the Ray Bradbury story to the Future as adapted for radio by Ernest Kanoy. John Larkin was heard as Bill and Jan Minor as Susan. Your narrator was Norman Rose. Music by Albert Berman. Engineer Don Abbott. Dimension X is produced by Van Woodward and directed by Edward King. Tomorrow it's high adventure. Now it's Truth or Consequences on nb.