Framed For Murder by The Chase

Summary

Framed for Murder – Detailed Summary

Podcast: Relic Radio Thrillers (Old Time Radio)
Episode: Framed For Murder by The Chase
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com

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1. Introduction

Framed For Murder is a gripping episode from The Chase, an NBC series from the early 1950s, brought to life by Relic Radio Thrillers. This thriller delves into themes of obsession, betrayal, and the dark consequences of deceit, all woven into a narrative of crime and suspense. Set against the backdrop of the bustling corporate world, the story revolves around Elliot Preston, his entanglement with Barbara Mitchell, and the calculated murder of her husband, Archibald Mitchell.

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2. Characters

• Elliot Preston: A 41-year-old private secretary with a deep obsession for wealth and Barbara Mitchell. Intelligent and manipulative, he orchestrates a plan to murder his employer to claim both Barbara and Archibald's fortune.

• Barbara Mitchell: The beautiful and cunning wife of Archibald Mitchell. She is complicit in Elliot's schemes, motivated by greed and a desire for financial security.

• Archibald Mitchell: President of the Intercontinental Banking Corporation. Trusting and seemingly oblivious, he becomes the victim of Elliot's murderous plot.

• Otto Holcher: A brutish seaman recruited by Elliot to execute the murder. Lacking intelligence but possessing immense physical strength, Otto becomes an unwitting pawn in Elliot's plan.

• Sergeant Prague: A police sergeant who becomes involved in the investigation following Archibald's murder.

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3. Plot Summary

A. Elliot Preston's Ambitions and Employment

Elliot Preston, driven by his twin obsessions for wealth and Barbara Mitchell, secures a position as the private secretary to Archibald Mitchell. From the outset [00:55], Elliot exhibits his assertive nature, quickly taking charge of Mitchell's office operations within his first six hours [02:57].

Notable Quote:
Elliot Preston: “Six hours and 20 minutes, sir. And if I'm to get any discipline out of the office staff it's essential that I show my authority now.” [03:02]

B. The Introduction of Barbara Mitchell

Elliot's aspirations are further complicated with the introduction of Barbara Mitchell, Archibald's new wife. Their interactions hint at underlying tensions and mutual contempt.

Notable Quote:
Barbara Mitchell: “I just dropped by to hold you up.” [04:26]

C. Developing the Affair and the Plot

Over the course of a year, Elliot's relationship with Barbara deepens, leading to mutual confessions of love [05:47]. However, Barbara expresses skepticism about their relationship's viability due to Elliot's financial instability [06:15].

Notable Quote:
Barbara Mitchell: “If I didn't, you think I'd allow myself to be chained to that old imbecile I married?” [06:16]

Elliot, desperate to eliminate Archibald and secure his position, devises a plan to murder him. He recruits Otto Holcher, a physically imposing but intellectually deficient seaman, to carry out the act [08:18].

Notable Quote:
Elliot Preston: “With a work I have in mind. Your qualifications are perfect.” [10:00]

D. Executing the Murder

On March 1, 1953, Elliot puts his plan into motion. After manipulating a series of events to isolate Archibald, he confronts him with a revolver, forcing Archibald to his death. Otto, present at the scene, is killed quickly to eliminate any witnesses [14:00].

Notable Quote:
Elliot Preston: “I'm going to kill you.” [14:09]

Elliot meticulously frames Otto for the murder, ensuring that the evidence points directly to him. He presents a convincing testimony during the trial, leveraging his position and credibility to secure Otto's conviction [16:11].

E. The Trial and Conviction

The trial is swift, with circumstantial evidence overwhelmingly favoring Otto's guilt. Despite Otto's denials, Elliot's testimony and the physical evidence lead to Otto's sentencing to death [16:20].

Notable Quote:
Elliot Preston: “You prove it, Barbara. Don't be coy with me, darling.” [06:07]

F. Barbara's Doubts and Elliot's Paranoia

As Otto awaits execution, Barbara begins to have doubts about the true nature of Archibald's death. Elliot, now feeling insecure, grows increasingly paranoid about Otto's potential escape and vengeance [17:48].

Notable Quote:
Barbara Mitchell: “I never realized you'd go that far. I. I never knew.” [26:10]

G. Otto's Escape and Elliot's Desperation

On the day of Otto's execution, news breaks that Otto has escaped custody, reigniting Elliot's fears. The supposed escape turns out to be a fabrication, but Elliot, already on edge, becomes convinced of Otto's impending threat [21:56].

Notable Quote:
Elliot Preston: “Otto's as strong as an ox. And he's only got one thing on his mind. Me.” [22:38]

H. The Final Confrontation

As Elliot and Barbara attempt to flee, their plans unravel. The relationship deteriorates as Barbara confronts Elliot with the truth of his manipulations and murders. In a climactic showdown, Elliot's guilt and Barbara's betrayal come to light, leading to his ultimate downfall [25:47].

Notable Quote:
Barbara Mitchell: “Elliot, you're hurting me.” [25:33]

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4. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Elliot Preston:
  “Six hours and 20 minutes, sir. And if I'm to get any discipline out of the office staff it's essential that I show my authority now.” [03:02]

• Barbara Mitchell:
  “I'm not going to take up too much of your time, darling. I just dropped by to hold you up.” [04:26]

• Elliot Preston:
  “How do you mean? Suppose Mitchell didn't stand between us.” [07:12]

• Barbara Mitchell:
  “I must admit you're fascinating, Elliot.” [06:26]

• Elliot Preston:
  “I'm going to kill you.” [14:09]

• Barbara Mitchell:
  “I didn't realize you'd go that far. I. I never knew.” [26:10]

• Sergeant Prague:
  “We thought Mrs. Mitchell might know where you were. But the phone wasn't working, so I came over here.” [27:59]

• Host of Relic Radio Thrillers:
  “Next week, a frightened woman frantically tries to stop a juggernaut of death which she herself has begun on the Chase.” [28:00]

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5. Conclusion

Framed For Murder masterfully intertwines elements of suspense, psychological manipulation, and dramatic tension. Elliot Preston's descent from a seemingly competent secretary to a desperate murderer showcases the destructive power of obsession and greed. Barbara Mitchell's transformation from a silent accomplice to a confrontational figure underscores the complexities of their relationship. The episode culminates in a tense and dramatic resolution, leaving listeners enthralled by the intricate plot and the moral quandaries faced by its characters.

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Next Episode Teaser:
Next week on The Chase, a terrified woman tries to stop a relentless force of death that she inadvertently set in motion. Stay tuned for more thrilling adventures on Relic Radio Thrillers.

For more Old Time Radio adventures, visit RelicRadio.com or find us on Spotify by searching Relic Radio Network. Support the show and explore a vast collection of timeless radio dramas.

Transcript

[Elliot Preston]

Foreign.

[Host of Relic Radio Thrillers]

This is Relic Radio Thrillers. Thanks for joining me. This Friday we're going to hear from the Chase this week, an NBC series of 55 episodes that was first heard April of 1952 to June of 1953. Today's story is from March 1, 1953. We'll hear framed for Murder.

[Elliot Preston]

The National Broadcasting Company invites you by transcription to join the Chase. There is always the hunter and the hunter, the pursuer and the pursued. It may be the voice of authority or a race with death and destruction the most relentless of the hunters. There are times when laughter is heard as counterpoint and moments when sheer terror is the theme. But always there is the chase. I've had two obsessions in my life. Two things I've wanted almost to the complete exclusion of everything else. One of them was wealth, money enough to live like a prince and the other was a woman. I've been chasing my phantom pot of gold ever since I can remember. And the more it eluded me, the more I ran after the mirage until one day it became a reality. That was the day I met Barbara, the most beautiful creature I've ever seen on this earth. And that was also the day I started working as private secretary to Mr. Archibald Mitchell, President of the Intercontinental Banking Corporation, who also happened to be Barbara's husband. Mr. Mitchell's office. Just one moment please, sir.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Well, what is it preston?

[Elliot Preston]

There's a Mr. Richards outside to see you in regard to the Watson matter.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Tell him to take that up with Granville. I can't be bothered.

[Elliot Preston]

Ask Mr. Richards to see Mr. Granville, please. No, he's in conference right now. Oh incidentally, I see that Mr. Richards hasn't made an appointment. His name isn't listed in my book. Now make certain that no one disturbs Mr. Mitchell unless he's made a previous appointment. Yes, and please pass that information on to the other girls in the office.

[Archibald Mitchell]

I see you're already taking charge of the office in spite of the fact that you've only been with me for six hours.

[Elliot Preston]

Six hours and 20 minutes, sir. And if I'm to get any discipline out of the office staff it's essential that I show my authority now. With your permission of course.

[Archibald Mitchell]

That's all right with me. Why I hired you. Keep things moving around here and relieve me of unessential details.

[Elliot Preston]

I hope I'll fill your requirements, sir.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Preston, how old are you?

[Elliot Preston]

41, sir.

[Archibald Mitchell]

According to your employment certificate you've had a excellent education and your references are the best.

[Elliot Preston]

Thank you, sir.

[Archibald Mitchell]

How does it happen that a man of Your background and intelligence.

[Elliot Preston]

Were you going to ask Mr. Mitchell why a man of my education, background and age has gone no further in his career than private secretary?

[Archibald Mitchell]

Something like that.

[Elliot Preston]

Perhaps I was never fortunate enough or wise enough to grasp the opportunity when I saw it.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Well, I didn't mean to be personal.

[Elliot Preston]

It's quite all right, sir. I don't mind at all. Oh, excuse me, sir. Mr. Mitchell's office. Who? One moment. It's Mrs. Mitchell, sir.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Barbara. Send her right in.

[Elliot Preston]

Please ask Mrs. Mitchell to come right in.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Well, you're in luck, Preston.

[Elliot Preston]

Oh, am I, sir?

[Archibald Mitchell]

You're going to meet the most wonderful and the most beautiful woman you've ever seen in your life. Well, we're virtually newlyweds, you know. We've only been married for six months. Come in, my dear. Come in.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Rogie, darling. I hope I'm not disturbing you.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Not at all, Barbara. This is an unexpected treat.

[Elliot Preston]

Oh.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Oh, this is Elliot Preston, my new secretary. Here's my wife, Mrs. Mitchell.

[Elliot Preston]

How do you do, Mrs. Mitchell?

[Barbara Mitchell]

I'm very glad to know you. So nice to find that your secretary is male, Archie. Now I don't have to worry about some other woman stealing you away from me.

[Archibald Mitchell]

As if an old duffer like me is worth stealing.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I'm not going to take up too much of your time, darling. I just dropped by to hold you up.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Going to do a little shopping?

[Barbara Mitchell]

Well, I haven't a thing to wear for our weekend with the Radcliffe's in Bermuda.

[Archibald Mitchell]

How much do you want?

[Barbara Mitchell]

2 or 3,000 will do.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Sweet Preston, make out a check for $3,000 payable to Barbara Mitchell and I'll sign it.

[Elliot Preston]

Yes, sir.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Certainly you can make things a lot easier for yourself by simply opening up a few charge accounts.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I will as soon as I get around to it.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Oh, you look ravishing today, Barbara.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Thank you, dear.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Every time I see you.

[Elliot Preston]

The check, sir.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Oh, thank you, Ellen.

[Barbara Mitchell]

You're a darling.

[Archibald Mitchell]

All right. There you are, Barbara.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Well, I'll be running along now, Mr. Preston. It's very nice to have met you.

[Elliot Preston]

The pleasure was mine, Mrs. Mitchell.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I'm sure we'll see each other again. Goodbye, Archie. And don't work too hard. Au revoir.

[Elliot Preston]

That was almost a year ago and a year makes many changes. One of those changes was my relationship with Mrs. Barbara Mitchell.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Elliot, stop it.

[Elliot Preston]

You prove it, Barbara. Don't be coy with me, darling. I can't stand it. I love you, darling, more than anything in the world.

[Barbara Mitchell]

More than anything, Elliot? Oh, I don't think so.

[Elliot Preston]

What do you mean?

[Barbara Mitchell]

You love money more and so do I.

[Elliot Preston]

Do you?

[Barbara Mitchell]

If I didn't, you think I'd allow myself to be chained to that old imbecile I married?

[Elliot Preston]

You don't care anything for him. It's me you love.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I must admit you're fascinating, Elliot.

[Elliot Preston]

Then throw Mitchell over, divorce him and marry me. What are you laughing about?

[Barbara Mitchell]

Well, surely you're not that naive, Elliot. Why, you don't make in a year what I spend in a day.

[Elliot Preston]

Yes, that's quite true.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Why don't you do something about it?

[Elliot Preston]

Do something?

[Barbara Mitchell]

If a man like Archie can become a multi millionaire, surely you can get ahead as well.

[Elliot Preston]

No, the time has passed for that. I've missed the boat.

[Barbara Mitchell]

You certainly have.

[Elliot Preston]

At any rate, I've got you.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Oh, have you?

[Elliot Preston]

Mitchell will never find out about us. He's much too dense and he trust me implicitly.

[Barbara Mitchell]

You don't think for a moment that I'm going to let this thing go on forever, Elliot.

[Elliot Preston]

What do you mean?

[Barbara Mitchell]

I mean it's too risky. And I'm afraid we'll have to put an end to it now. Can't help it if you're broke, darling.

[Elliot Preston]

Barbara. Yes? Suppose Mitchell didn't stand between us.

[Barbara Mitchell]

How do you mean?

[Elliot Preston]

Well, I mean, suppose he became ill and died. Then what?

[Barbara Mitchell]

Then, my handsome darling, your marriage proposal might make some sense. We'd have the time of our lives together with the money I'd inherit. But let's not be childish. Archie isn't young, but he's the healthiest thing I've ever seen. He's liable to outlive both of us.

[Elliot Preston]

Yes, I suppose you're right.

[Barbara Mitchell]

It's getting late, Elliot. Archie will be home very soon now. I think you better leave.

[Elliot Preston]

When will I see you again?

[Barbara Mitchell]

Never.

[Elliot Preston]

What?

[Barbara Mitchell]

At least never alone anymore.

[Elliot Preston]

Barbara, you can't mean that.

[Barbara Mitchell]

But I do, Elliot. I mean every word of it. Fun's fun, but the risk is becoming too great. We're calling it a day. At least until Archie's hell shows signs of undergoing a change.

[Elliot Preston]

When I left her, it was like leaving my last chance at really living. For months I'd been under a delusion. A delusion that it was going to last forever. Now it was over and there was nothing. I remember wandering along the streets for hours that night, aimless and dejected. Finally I did something I've rarely done in my life. I stepped into a small waterfront bar for a drink.

[Archibald Mitchell]

What'll you have, mister?

[Elliot Preston]

Scotch, please. A little water on the side. Right. Well, I guess she's getting ready to sail. But the Ocean Queen where you're up. Oh, I'm in the boat.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Elliot Preston]

I look for job, mister. You're looking for what? Job?

[Archibald Mitchell]

To work.

[Elliot Preston]

I got no chops.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Get out of here.

[Elliot Preston]

Then you give me a sandwich. I pay you when I have money. I'll give you a sandwich. I'll give you a lumps, that's what. Now get out of here, you panhandling bum, before I throw you out. You don't talk to me that way, Mr. Howe. Nobody talk to us to hold you that way. I tell you, I crush you like a bug. Guy. Lucky. He was a big man. But the man he had tried to strike was the most powerful human being I'd ever seen. He caught the barman with a grip of steel around his middle. Then, like some giant bear, he started to put pressure on in a hug that had the barkeep's eyes bugging out like a fish as he gasped for air. I could almost hear his ribs begin to crack one by one. No. No. No, no. Stop. You kill him. Stop. Stop. Do you hear me? Shine Hood. I tear him to pieces. Oh, God. Come on, let's get out of here. Before the barkeep could find the strength to move, I had the bear outside into a cab, where I'd suddenly realized that this overgrown, stupid dolt was the answer to my dilemma. His name was Otto Horcher and he was a seaman who jumped ship two weeks before. He was squat and thick set, with a low, sloping forehead and a filthy mat of hair. And as I questioned him, I became even more convinced that this sluggish, powerful brute with the mind of a child was just what I'd been waiting for. So you're looking for a job, are you? Yeah. Mm. What kind of job? I do anything. I'm strong. I can work hard. Can you read or write? Read. No. Write, I think maybe my name. No. Don't let it trouble you, Otto. With a work I have in mind. Your qualifications are perfect. I took him to an all night diner and bought him a meal, then brought him home to my flat. On the following day, I set him to work doing odd jobs around the apartment while I tried to arrange my plans. That afternoon in Mitchell's office, my plan suddenly crystallized. I have those Wickersham reports for you, Mr. Mitchell.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Thank you, Preston. We're all tied up for the rest of the afternoon, aren't we?

[Elliot Preston]

I'm afraid so, sir.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Telephone my wife. Tell her I won't be home. Preston.

[Elliot Preston]

Very well, sir.

[Archibald Mitchell]

I'll need you this Evening. I hope you won't mind staying here with me. Those reports must be checked before tomorrow.

[Elliot Preston]

No, I don't mind at all, Mr. Mitchell.

[Archibald Mitchell]

I don't know what I'd do without you, Preston. You're a great help to me.

[Elliot Preston]

Thank you, sir. It's a pleasure to hear you say so. The office was empty by six, and at a quarter to seven I excused myself for a short time, ostensibly to have a bite to eat. I walked across the street, stepped into a phone booth and dialed my own number. Otto, this is Mr. Preston. We are, Mr. Preston. I have cleaned up the house for you. Yeah, I know, I know, I know. That's fine, Otto. Now look, I'm working late tonight at my office and I forgot some papers. They're in an envelope on the top of my desk. I'd like you to bring them down to me. Take a cab. You'll find some change in the bureau drawer. The address is. Oh, I forgot, you can't write. Well, look, try to remember this number. 7 River street, third floor, room number 31. Got that, Mr. Preston? I remember. And be sure to get there at 10 sharp, not before, or you'll disturb me. I remember. Fine, fine, Otto. 7 River street, room 31. 10 o'clock sharp. I'd had only four hours in all to make my plans, but luckily I already owned an unregistered revolver. It was a German Luger 2, which made things even simpler. I went back to the office and worked quietly with Mitchell until a quarter of 10. Then I slipped the gun from my pocket.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Well, I think we can call it an evening. Preston, I. What's that?

[Elliot Preston]

It's a revolver, Mr. Mitchell.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Now look here, Preston, I can take a joke. Your sense of humor is on the morbid side. Stop pointing that thing at me. Behave yourself.

[Elliot Preston]

I'm sorry, Mr. Mitchell, but I'm going to kill you.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Have you gone insane?

[Elliot Preston]

Yes, I have. For your wife, you idiot.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Put that gun down. You want me to call the police?

[Elliot Preston]

I call them myself after you've gone.

[Archibald Mitchell]

You have gone crazy.

[Elliot Preston]

When you die, your wife will have your money and I'll inherit both. Mr. Mitchell.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Does Barbara know about this?

[Elliot Preston]

No.

[Archibald Mitchell]

And do you think for one moment that you'll get away with this?

[Elliot Preston]

Oh, yes.

[Archibald Mitchell]

Well, you're even madder than I imagined.

[Elliot Preston]

I'm sorry to tell do this, but it's the way things have turned out. Goodbye, Mr. No, no.

[Archibald Mitchell]

No.

[Elliot Preston]

The first bullet went wide and hit him in the shoulder. The second went straight through the H. Quickly, without disturbing the body, I removed his ring Watch and wallet, then stepped behind the door just as it opened and Otto walked into the office. For a moment he stared stupidly at the body. Then, as he started to turn, I brought a heavy desk paperweight down across his stupid hip, laid him out flat next to Mitchell. I took the Luger, wiped it clean of prints, then forced it into Otto's limp hand. I put the ring, the wallet and the gloves in Otto's pocket, then walked to the telephone. Operator. Get me Police Headquarters, 6th Precinct. Sergeant Prague speaking. Sergeant, my name is Elliot Preston. I'm private secretary for Mr. Archibald Mitchell. He's been murdered, Sergeant. Where are you calling from? Mr. Mitchell's office. He's lying here on the floor next to the man who robbed and killed him. I managed to hit him with a paperweight and knock him out. Hurry, please. It's number 7 River street, office number 31. 7 River, room 31.

[Barbara Mitchell]

We'll be right over.

[Elliot Preston]

Well, the rest too simple. Well, there was a trial, of course, but the circumstantial evidence was overwhelming, particularly after I testified for the state. Mr. Preston, you say you never before saw the defendant, Otto Holtier? No, sir. You were a material witness. You heard the shots and found him bending over the body. I had gone out of the office for some water, sir, and Otto Holcher's back was towards me as I returned. I managed to strike him with a paperweight before he could turn around and shoot me too.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Liar.

[Elliot Preston]

Liar. Liar. Liar. I kill you. Yeah. His testimony in his own defense was a jumble of helpless denials, as I expected it to be. For he was much too stupid to know how to protect himself in any way. The trial only lasted three days, and I was present when he was sentenced. But when the judge gave him death in the electric chair, his eyes were on me. And if I ever saw a blind, maniacal hatred, I knew it was in Otto Hulcher's heart.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Elliot, is that you?

[Elliot Preston]

Yes. Yes, Barbara. Well, it's over. They've sent him to the chair. He's to die in three weeks on the 22nd.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I guess it's what he deserved.

[Elliot Preston]

Well, naturally. He murdered your husband, didn't he?

[Barbara Mitchell]

I know, I know. But at the trial, I just couldn't help feeling sorry for him.

[Elliot Preston]

That's a ridiculous thing to say, Barbara.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I wouldn't have felt that way if I didn't sense that he may have been innocent.

[Elliot Preston]

What?

[Barbara Mitchell]

What are you getting so angry about?

[Elliot Preston]

You virtually called me a perjurer and then ask why I'm angry.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I didn't call you anything of the kind. Egg it. I know you were a witness to it all, but at the same time, you said you didn't actually see him fire the shots that killed Archibald.

[Elliot Preston]

I suppose you're sorry Mitchell's dead. You're actually disappointed about our being together finally.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Oh, don't be a fool, Elliot. For you know, Archie never meant a thing in my life. Now I have you and his money. What more could I ask?

[Elliot Preston]

Well, then, let's not have any more sentimental dribble over an idiotic homicidal maniac. Otto's getting just what he deserves, darling. The chair. And I, for one, will be very glad to see him get it. Yes, I was glad. I counted the days until Otto's execution. Somehow I felt I wasn't really safe until he was out of the way. And as the execution day approached, I became more and more uneasy. Finally, the 22nd arrived. He was slated to die at 11pm And a little before 10, I was in Barbara's suburban home, waiting.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Oh, I wish you'd stop painting the floor that way. Elliot. You're making me nervous.

[Elliot Preston]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Why are you so upset?

[Elliot Preston]

Upset? Who's upset?

[Barbara Mitchell]

You've been building yourself into a bundle of nerves for the past two weeks.

[Elliot Preston]

Well, after all, I was an important witness at the trial, largely responsible for Otto's conviction.

[Barbara Mitchell]

But still, you said you had no sympathy for him.

[Elliot Preston]

I haven't.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I don't blame you. Not after the way he kept looking at you during the trial.

[Elliot Preston]

What do you mean?

[Barbara Mitchell]

If ever I saw hatred on a man's face and murder in his eyes, that poor fool had them both for you.

[Elliot Preston]

Yes. Yes, he does hate me, doesn't he? If he had the chance, he'd do just what he threatened to do. Tear me limb from limb. But his last chance will be gone about an hour from now.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Darling, all this talk and this waiting for an execution to take place. It's beginning to make you morbid. Come on, let's go dancing tonight.

[Elliot Preston]

No, no, not tonight, Barbara. Tonight I want to remain right where I am until it's the next hour dragged on and on with a sluggishness that almost drove me out of my mind. I watched the minutes tick away until my head ached and my eyes grew tired and strained. Finally, just as I thought I'd reached the breaking point, the moment came and it was over. Oh, it's after 11.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Thank goodness.

[Elliot Preston]

I feel much better already.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Do you?

[Elliot Preston]

Yes. It's finished. He's gone. There's nothing left to think about anymore. Except you and me and all that lovely money.

[Barbara Mitchell]

You sound a little bit more like my boy. Well, if you won't go out, we'll have a little music and a drink right here. I'll put the radio on you, you make some highballs.

[Elliot Preston]

Okay. Frankly, I could use a double scotch.

[Barbara Mitchell]

That's funny. What happened to that lovely.

[Elliot Preston]

Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt this program for a brief news announcement. Otto Holcher, convicted murderer who was to be executed in the state prison just a few minutes ago, made an astounding escape by overpowering three guards while being escorted from his prison cell to the execution chamber. The details of this fantastic escape will be broadcast just as soon as they receive from our regular program. Continues. No, no, no, no. It's all a mistake. News report is false. I couldn't have let it loose. Shut that radio off. No. I've got to get hold of myself. Mustn't get panicky.

[Barbara Mitchell]

You're frightened, aren't you?

[Elliot Preston]

But what do you expect? The fools. Do you realize what they've done? They bet an ape loose a maddened gorilla. Otto's as strong as an ox. And he's only got one thing on his mind. Me. He'll come after me. I know it. Barbara swore he would.

[Barbara Mitchell]

The police will protect you, Ellen.

[Elliot Preston]

Yes, of course they will. Simple. Listen to that. Just ask for police protection. I'll call him. Now.

[Barbara Mitchell]

What's the matter?

[Elliot Preston]

I don't know. I can't get a dial signal.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Let me try.

[Elliot Preston]

Right.

[Barbara Mitchell]

The phone's not working, Elliot.

[Elliot Preston]

But it was working two hours ago.

[Barbara Mitchell]

That was just some mechanical failure.

[Elliot Preston]

That has to happen at a time like this. The car, Barbara. We'll take your car. We'll drive into town to the nearest precinct.

[Barbara Mitchell]

All right.

[Elliot Preston]

Don't stand at a Gastonia, Mitch. Hurry. I haven't got a minute to lose. It was pitch dark outside as we stepped through the door and groped our way around to the garage. And as I walked, I tried to work out the time angle. The state's prison was half an hour away by car, and if Otto escaped an hour ago, he would have already had time to reach my apartment and discover I wasn't there. And thick as he was, he'd guess that I was at Barbara's. And granting him a stolen car, it would take him another half hour's drive to get here. Which meant that it was quite possible for Otto to arrive at any moment. Well, now, what's the trouble?

[Barbara Mitchell]

Oh, I don't know. The car won't start.

[Elliot Preston]

What's wrong with it?

[Barbara Mitchell]

It must Be the battery. The garage man told me to change it over a week ago, but I forgot.

[Elliot Preston]

You moron. You careless.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Don't talk to me that way, Elliot. I won't stand for it.

[Elliot Preston]

I'm sorry. Forgive me, Barbara. Please, let. Let's go back inside the house. I'll think of something. How else can I get into town? What about the neighbors? Can you borrow a car?

[Barbara Mitchell]

Well, I think the Howards are in, but they're over a mile from.

[Elliot Preston]

Isn't there anyone nearer?

[Barbara Mitchell]

No, only in the summer. Those houses you see in the road are all closed down.

[Elliot Preston]

Wait a minute. Quiet.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I don't hear anything.

[Elliot Preston]

No, No. I must have been mistaken. It's my nerves keep imagining things. I. Barbara, you've got to go over to those people and get help.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Alone? At this hour?

[Elliot Preston]

Yes. I'm gonna lock myself up inside the house.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Don't you think it would be wiser if you came with me?

[Elliot Preston]

No. He may be waiting out there, but.

[Barbara Mitchell]

It'S all right for me to go. You don't mind my risking my neck with Otto, do you?

[Elliot Preston]

He won't to, Barbara. Why should he hurt you? You didn't frame.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I didn't frame what, Elliot?

[Elliot Preston]

Nothing.

[Barbara Mitchell]

What were you going to say?

[Elliot Preston]

Nothing.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I tell you, Elliot, it was you who killed Archie.

[Elliot Preston]

Don't be ridiculous.

[Barbara Mitchell]

At the trial and after you were so anxious to put that man in the chair. Archie's death wasn't enough for you. Having me and his money wasn't enough. You had to see that man die. And I wonder.

[Elliot Preston]

Murder.

[Barbara Mitchell]

I never realized you'd go that far. I. I never knew.

[Elliot Preston]

Charm, I tell you. Where are you going?

[Barbara Mitchell]

You wanted me to get help.

[Elliot Preston]

Stay here. Stay here. I want to talk to you. You wouldn't give me away, would you, Barbara?

[Barbara Mitchell]

Don't touch me. Elliot.

[Elliot Preston]

Why do you look at me that way? I did it for you, didn't I? I did it so we could be together always.

[Barbara Mitchell]

No, you did it for yourself, Elliot. And I want no part of it.

[Elliot Preston]

Oh, you want no part of it now, do you?

[Barbara Mitchell]

Elliot, you're hurting me.

[Elliot Preston]

After everything I've done, you're brushing me off. You'll also turn the eyes of. Elliot. What was that? Okay. Barbara. Barbara, come back. The light. I must put out the lights. Otto was in the house. I knew he was in the house looking for me. I had to hide. I had to hide somewhere in the darkness till I got the chance to run. I put out the lights and waited, straining for the slightest sound. Then I heard him. It was Otto, lumbering up the stairs, looking, searching for the man he hated. I was alone, with nothing to defend myself with, and my heart pounded till I thought it would burst. Then the door opened and I saw a shadow standing there, knowing that I was cowering inside the room, actually seeing me in the dark, like the animal he was. No, no, no, don't kill me. I don't. I tell the police the truth. I tell him I murdered Mitchell and I'll confess I framed him. I don't want to. I mean, don't kill me.

[Barbara Mitchell]

Not.

[Elliot Preston]

You're a policeman. Tried to reach you at home, Preston. And we thought Mrs. Mitchell might know where you were. But the phone wasn't working, so I came over here. We knew you'd be scared when you heard about Holger. We wanted to tell you he'd been picked up 10 minutes after his escape. But from what I just heard you say, mister, we won't have to hold him very long. I think you got a date to have a talk with a district attorney. In the animal world, there is the hunter and the hunted, hound and fox, hawk and sparrow, cat and mouse. But who is to judge precisely which is the pursuer or the pursuit as we enter the Chase? The Chase was created and written for the National Broadcasting Company by Lawrence Clee Heard in the cast were Paul McGrath, Beverly Roberts, Wendell Holmes, Roger de Koven, John Thomas and Phil Sterling. The Chase is directed and transcribed by Fred Way. Fred Collins speaking. Next week, a frightened woman frantically tries to stop a juggernaut of death which she herself has begun on the Chase. This program has come to you from New York. This is NBC, the national Broadcasting Company.

[Host of Relic Radio Thrillers]

There's more from the Chase, Relic Radio thrillers and all of the relic radio shows@ Relicradio.com alongside our shoutcast stream with even more time radio lots to listen to there, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Don't forget the podcast. Podcasts are now available on Spotify. Search for Relic radio network or relicradio.com or click on the link in the show notes. Another way to listen. I hope you find it useful. Thanks again for joining me this week. I'll talk to you again tomorrow with the horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio thrillers.