Professor Calvin And The Voice by The Chase

Summary

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Relic Radio Thrillers: "Professor Calvin and the Voice" (The Chase, Jan 11, 1953)

Podcast: Relic Radio Thrillers
Episode Title: Professor Calvin and the Voice
Original Air Date: January 11, 1953
Podcast Release Date: August 30, 2025
Host: RelicRadio.com

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Overview

This episode of Relic Radio Thrillers features an installment from NBC’s "The Chase," titled "Professor Calvin and the Voice." The story delves into psychological suspense, chronicling Professor George Calvin's chilling descent into a battle with his own psyche, exploring the classic themes of dual identity and the darkness lurking beneath everyday life. As Calvin’s ordinary existence twists into a nightmarish ordeal, he is compelled to confront a sinister voice—his alter ego—that tempts him toward murder.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Introduction to Professor Calvin and the Theme of Duality

• [01:53] Professor Calvin introduces himself to the audience as a practical, sober-minded associate professor of psychology. He stresses his lack of frivolity and routine lifestyle.

  • “For my entire life in and out of the classroom has been precisely that. ... All of which cannot account for the fact that I have just undergone an experience so horrifying and revolting that it has aged me 20 years in mind, in body and in soul.”

• Calvin’s lecture on split personalities (schizophrenia) sets a foreboding parallel for what he is about to experience:

  • “The idea of one man's character and habits actually changing continually within his own mind ... a perennial chase, as it were, as to which shall be the dominating force.” [03:33]

2. Encounters with the Mysterious Stranger / The Voice

• [05:39] Calvin’s ordinary walk home becomes unsettling when he is approached by a mysterious, rough-speaking man who seems to know his thoughts and desires.

  • Notable quote: “You like a book, mister? ... Them diamond cufflinks, now, you'd look pretty swell dialed up in those.” (Stranger, [05:51])

• The stranger unnerves Calvin, following him persistently both in public and up to his own home.

  • Calvin’s growing sense of dread escalates as the stranger disappears and reappears inexplicably, evading both Calvin and a nearby policeman ([06:16-08:47]).

3. Domestic Strain and Internal Turmoil

• [11:01] At home, Calvin’s wife Nancy notices his distracted, withdrawn behavior. Calvin internally scorns her mundane concerns, revealing emotional alienation.

  • “There's nothing wrong with Nancy except the fact that her mind functions in minute circles that only center around such things as asparagus and ripe tomatoes. ... She has very little wit and even less imagination.” ([12:28])

• Calvin, unable to confide in her, returns to wandering the city—drawn to a seedy bar at the stranger’s suggestion, a setting far removed from his respectable life ([13:01–15:59]).

4. Crisis of Identity – Realization of Split Personality

• [16:00+] Alone in “Charlie’s Bar,” Calvin faces the stranger, who claims to know him “like a book.” Their tension escalates; Calvin grows more convinced that the stranger is a living manifestation of his darker self.

  • Notable exchange:
    • “There's something weird about you. ... You're no ghost. Why do you act like one?” (Calvin, [16:07])
    • “You know how real I am, Professor. You know I'm not a ghost. Feel my arm if you…” (Stranger, [16:18])

• After a disturbing phone call home is traced to the stranger (who claims intimacy with Calvin), Calvin clings to proof that the man is "real" and not just a figment ([17:38]).

5. The Manifested Alter Ego’s Proposition

• [22:00] On the waterfront, Calvin confronts the truth: the stranger is his alter ego, “the other half of my split personality.”

  • Key acknowledgment:
    • “Oh, you're me.” (Calvin, [22:01])
    • “That's right, Professor.” (Stranger, [22:06])

• The alter ego tempts Calvin with the prospect of an exciting, lawless life, urging him to kill his wife for inheritance and freedom.

  • Chilling proposition:
    • "You open the window and push her out, it'll look like an accident. Remember that spiked railing you put around the garden? ... Or, remember the gun you bought ... If you shot her, you can say you made a mistake." (Stranger, [23:48–25:12])

• The alter ego insists Calvin secretly hates his wife and despises his own dull, constricted life, pushing him to “live like you always wanted to live.”

6. Race Against the Self and Climax

• Calvin cannot shake the compulsion, frightened that his repressed desires may truly turn violent.

  • He runs home, desperate and breathless: “I’ve been running—From whom? From what? —From myself.” ([26:17])

• He warns Nancy to trust only his “real” voice and pleads for police help, but realizes the danger is within.

  • In panic, he begs Nancy to shoot him with his own gun before it's “too late.” ([26:39])

• In the final confrontation, the line between self and alter ego blurs, with the stranger demanding the gun from Nancy, building to an ambiguous, chaotic struggle.

7. The Reveal: It Was All a Dream – But Was It?

• [27:47] Calvin awakens in his lecture hall, Ms. Reed rousing him from a troubled nap—it was “just” a dream.

  • “I’m still here in my lecture room. I didn’t leave school at all.” (Calvin, [27:52])

• However, as he walks out with Nancy, the stranger reappears at the jewelry store window, his words echoing those from the dream—leaving the story with a chilling uncertainty as to reality.

  • Notable quote:
    • “Neat, huh, Nancy?” (Stranger, [28:44])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On duality:
  • “A perennial chase, as it were, as to which shall be the dominating force.” – Professor Calvin ([03:33])
• First encounter with the voice:
  • “You like a book, mister? Like a regular book. Them diamond cufflinks, now, you'd look pretty swell dialed up in those.” – Stranger ([05:51])
• Realization of internal struggle:
  • “Oh, you’re me.” – Professor Calvin ([22:01])
  • “That’s right, Professor.” – Stranger ([22:06])
• The alter ego's temptation:
  • “You open the window and push her out, it'll look like an accident ... Or, remember the gun you bought ...” – Stranger ([23:48], [25:02])
• On running from oneself:
  • “I’ve been running—From whom? From what? —From myself.” – Professor Calvin ([26:17])
• Closing ambiguity:
  • “Neat, huh, Nancy?” – Stranger ([28:44])

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Important Timestamps

• [01:53] Calvin’s introduction & theme of duality explained
• [05:37–09:55] Series of encounters with the mysterious stranger
• [11:01–12:28] Domestic tension and emotional isolation
• [13:01–16:07] Confrontation in Charlie’s Bar; reality begins to fracture
• [22:00–26:05] Realization and alter ego’s explicit proposition
• [26:05–27:28] Climax, confrontation, and collapse
• [27:47–28:58] Awakening: dream reveal and lingering uncertainty

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Tone and Style

The episode delivers suspense and dread in a classic noir radio style, deploying first-person narration that blurs reality and fantasy. Calvin’s narrative voice is clinical, skeptical, and increasingly desperate, while his alter ego is brash, crude, streetwise—contrasting aspects of the self. The dream sequence and open-ended finish leave a haunting aftertaste, true to the suspense radio tradition.

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Summary for First-Time Listeners

"Professor Calvin and the Voice" is a tightly wrought psychological thriller about the battle between repression and desire, sanity and madness. Through chilling dialogue and escalating confrontation, the story explores the idea that our greatest fears may spring from within. Listeners are left questioning the boundaries of reality, the power of the subconscious, and whether the true chase is not with others but with ourselves.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Relicradio.com presents stories of mystery and intrigue, espionage and suspense. Hear tales of ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes and cloak and dagger action. This is Relic Radio Thrillers. Welcome back to Relic Radio Thrillers. This week we'll hear from The Chase, an NBC series of 59 episodes that aired between April of 1952 and June of 1953. Our story today is Professor Calvin and the Voice. Their episode from January 11, 1953.

[Announcer]

The National Broadcasting Company invites you by transcription to join the chase. There is always the hunter and the hunted, the pursuer and the pursuit. 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.

[Professor George Calvin]

As an associate professor of psychology at the university, I am not considered to be a frivolous person. As a matter of fact, my students refer to me as Mr. Practical. For my entire life in and out of the classroom has been precisely that. I'm 39 years of age, married, no children, don't drink or smoke, and in general lead an extremely placid existence. All of which cannot account for the fact that I have just undergone an experience so horrifying and revolting that it has aged me 20 years in mind, in body and in soul. It started on a winter afternoon, right after I'd finished a lecture to my class on the so called split personality. Aspects of schizophrenia. A mental ailment that can often have been bizarre manifestations. So we have what we call a split personality. Two sets of desires, emotions, characteristics in one person and they are constantly in conflict with one another. A perennial chase, as it were, as to which shall be the dominating force. I see that our time's up, ladies and gentlemen. You're dismissed.

[Nancy Calvin]

Professor Calvin?

[Professor George Calvin]

Yes, Ms. Ree?

[Nancy Calvin]

Your wife just telephones her. She said she'd meet you here in your lecture hall in half an hour. You're going to have dinner out tonight.

[Professor George Calvin]

Half an hour? Well, I suppose I can pass the time by checking over tomorrow's lecture. Thank you, Ms. Reed.

[Nancy Calvin]

You're welcome, Professor.

[Professor George Calvin]

Now, let me see. I sat down at my desk and began to sort my notes for the following lecture. The subject we were dealing with at the moment was an interesting one to me. And I was always certain that at this particular period I'd have no sleeping students on my hands. The split personality. The idea of one man's character and habits actually changing continually within his own mind. Like a modern doctor jiggle and Mr. Hyde was a fascinating topic long before the science of psychiatry named it for what it was. And my students were all ears whenever I broached the subject. I must have been working for over an hour in the warm, drowsy confines of the room when Ms. Reed appeared again with another message from my wife, who could be as irritating as the next one when she decided to be.

[Nancy Calvin]

Professor Calvin.

[Professor George Calvin]

Yes, Ms. Reed?

[Nancy Calvin]

Your wife just called again, sir. She said she's decided to cook dinner after all and she wants you to go home.

[Professor George Calvin]

Very well. Thank you. I better leave directly before she changes her mind once more. Nancy's sudden shifts of mind and plans were always irritating, but for some reason they were especially aggravating on that particular evening. I suppose that accounts for the ridiculous whim I had to keep her waiting for. I decided to forego my usual bus ride and walk instead. As I strolled along the crowded avenue, I'd stop occasionally and glance into the lighted shop windows. Particularly the jewelry stores with their expensive bottles, which I never wanted, much less could afford.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Neat, huh?

[Professor George Calvin]

I beg your pardon?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

The stuff in the window. Slick.

[Professor George Calvin]

Do you think so?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Sure. So do you.

[Professor George Calvin]

How do you know what I think I know?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

You like a book, mister? Like a regular book. Them diamond cufflinks, now, you'd look pretty swell dialed up in those. And the wristwatch in the corner with the emerald numbers. Neat.

[Professor George Calvin]

I'm glad they please you.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Just a minute, mister.

[Professor George Calvin]

What is it you want?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Come off your horse. The life is better down here in the gutter where I am unbend. Mister, relax. You like?

[Professor George Calvin]

How dare you to talk to me like that. Get out of my way, you. You ruffian, before I call the police. As he stepped to one side, I walked quickly up the street. But I couldn't resist a glance behind me. As I reached the corner, he was still standing by the lighted shop window, a hard looking, unshaved character with a battered face and ragged clothes. And as he saw me turn, he started slowly in my direction. For a moment I had an undignified impulse to run like a rabbit. But I controlled myself and walked directly north to a spot where I knew a traffic policeman had his post. From time to time I glanced around and saw my pursuer moving faster with quick, impatient steps, as if anxious to overtake me, but unwilling to risk a scene. As I neared the policeman's post, I had a moment of panic because I thought at first he wouldn't be there. And then we suddenly ran into each other head on as he turned the corner. What? What? Observe. Oh, Take it easy, Misty. There's a man back there, a thug. He's been chasing me for the last five minutes. Where? Right behind me. He was only 10 or 15 yards away when I. What? Well, I don't see any man, mister. Neither do I. I'm sorry to trouble you, Officer. He must have walked the other way. I suppose my behavior was idiotic under the circumstances. And I felt rather sheepish after my pursuer had disappeared. He may have only wanted to beg a quarter from me. And I actually had little to fear. In a crowded avenue in the central part of town. These were my thoughts as I made my way home again. And the shops and apartment houses slowly gave way. To the more remote suburban dwellings. And the modest section Nancy and I had chosen for our own. But as I neared my house, I noticed a solitary figure leaning against a lamp post. And I knew immediately exactly who it was. What are you doing here?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

What took you so long? Mister, I've been waiting for hours.

[Professor George Calvin]

I suggest you move on your way before I call a policeman.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

You can't do that, mister. I'm your friend.

[Professor George Calvin]

My what?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

We're buddies, ain't we? Give me a cigarette.

[Professor George Calvin]

I don't have any cigarettes. And what's more, I don't smoke.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

You ought to try it sometime. Here, have one of mine.

[Professor George Calvin]

What do you want with me?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Nothing.

[Professor George Calvin]

Then why have you followed me home?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Because I want to get to know you better.

[Professor George Calvin]

We have nothing in common.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

You'd be surprised.

[Professor George Calvin]

What are you grinning at?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

I'm looking at your clothes.

[Professor George Calvin]

What's the matter with my clothes?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

They're corny, mister. They date back to 1892. Why don't you wise up to yourself and get some snappy duds?

[Professor George Calvin]

Like yours, for instance.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

At least mine fit my personality.

[Professor George Calvin]

Yes, you got a personality like a barnyard hog.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

You better go inside, mister. Your wife is waiting for you.

[Professor George Calvin]

Now look here. I'm telling you once and for all, I won't tolerate being followed. You'll either leave me alone, or I'll swear out a warrant for your arrest, and that's final.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

See you later, mister.

[Professor George Calvin]

And you'll also see, he was gone. When I turned, he was gone. I left him standing near my gate as I hurried up the walk. And only three seconds later, he wasn't there.

[Nancy Calvin]

George.

[Professor George Calvin]

Yes, Nancy?

[Nancy Calvin]

Why are you standing there alone in the cold?

[Professor George Calvin]

I wasn't alone.

[Nancy Calvin]

What did you say?

[Professor George Calvin]

Nothing, Nancy. I'll be right in. Now, let me say right here that if you think my stubborn follower was a ghost. Get it out of your mind. Immediately. Not that I believe in phantoms. I'm much too practical a man. But even if there were such illusions, I doubt if they'd smoke cigarettes or smell like Bowery sliders. No, my man was real, at least to me. But what he wanted and why he was after me was something else again.

[Nancy Calvin]

George?

[Professor George Calvin]

Yes, Nancy?

[Nancy Calvin]

What's the matter with you?

[Professor George Calvin]

With me?

[Nancy Calvin]

You haven't even touched your dinner. Are you ill, dear?

[Professor George Calvin]

No, no, I'm not ill. What, did.

[Nancy Calvin]

Did something go wrong in class today?

[Professor George Calvin]

No, everything's fine.

[Nancy Calvin]

Then what is the trouble, George?

[Professor George Calvin]

Nothing, Nancy. Nothing at all.

[Nancy Calvin]

Why are you sulking like that?

[Professor George Calvin]

I'm not sulking. I'm merely deep in thought.

[Nancy Calvin]

About what?

[Professor George Calvin]

Various things.

[Nancy Calvin]

Now, can't you think and eat at the same time?

[Professor George Calvin]

I'm afraid I'm not very hungry, dear.

[Nancy Calvin]

George Calvin, I spent half the day shopping for this meal and the other half cooking it. You have no idea how high asparagus is this time of year. Yet I managed to buy some because I know how much you like it.

[Professor George Calvin]

Now, George, if you'll excuse me, Nancy, I'm going for a walk. There's nothing wrong with Nancy except the fact that her mind functions in minute circles that only center around such things as asparagus and ripe tomatoes. She has very little wit and even less imagination. And I knew if I discussed my problem with her, I'd end up nowhere. So I took to the street again, walking south toward the river and the warehouse district. Don't ask me why I walked in that direction or why I wasn't afraid. But I suddenly grew bolder. For I'd made up my mind to get to the bottom of this curious situation just as soon as it arose once more. I didn't have long to wait, moreover, before my uninvited bloodhound made his third appearance.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Walking, Professor?

[Professor George Calvin]

Yes. I thought I'd get some air.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Mind if I walk along with you?

[Professor George Calvin]

You'd only follow me if I object.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

I've got a proposition I want to make to you, Professor. I think it's one you like.

[Professor George Calvin]

What kind of a proposition?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Not here on the street. Let's find a cozy little corner where we can talk.

[Professor George Calvin]

All right, suggest one.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

See that bar and grill across the street?

[Professor George Calvin]

What about it?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Charlie's Joint. He's got the best beer and booze and town.

[Professor George Calvin]

If you think I'm going to be seen inside a broken down meeting place for drunks and tramps.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Profit, Professor. You know you always wanted to go in and see what it was like.

[Professor George Calvin]

How did you know that true, ain't it? No.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

All right. No. But you meet me there anyway.

[Professor George Calvin]

Meet you there?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Order me a boilermaker and buy one for yourself. A double boiler maker, Professor.

[Professor George Calvin]

For me and my palace. There was a mist blowing up from the river as he backed away from me. And a patch of fog suddenly enveloped him like a shroud, and he faded into the mist. And like an automaton run by remote control, I found myself walking across the street and into Charlie's Bar and Grill. What's your pleasure, chump? My pleasure. My pleasure. And what do you have? A boiler maker. Boilermaker. Yes, a boiler maker. In fact, I want two of them. Second one's for my friend. Just put them on the counter, barkeep. Side by side. The place was empty except for one lone seaman who finished his beer a moment later and sauntered out. The barkeep poured three fingers of whiskey and two glasses, then set them side by side with two beers on the edge of the bar. He looked me over for a moment, as if trying to make up his mind to say something, while I stood with my eyes glued to the whiskey, wondering what on earth I was doing there at all. You never been in here before, mister. I know I haven't. Hey, maybe you ought to be home in bed. What do you mean by that remark? No offense, mister. No offense. It's just that you look a little tired and sick, man. Are you here to serve drinks or give your customers the dubious benefit of your philosophy? I'm here to serve, mister.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Suit yourself. That's telling them. Professor.

[Professor George Calvin]

How did you get in here?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

I walked in the way you did. Here's mud in your eyes.

[Professor George Calvin]

Wait a minute. We came here to talk, not to drink. You said you had a proposition for me.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

And I have, Professor.

[Professor George Calvin]

How do you know that I'm a professor?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

I know you like a book.

[Professor George Calvin]

There's something weird about you. Something unholy. Why do you keep disappearing like. Like some kind of a wraith? You're no ghost. Why do you act like one?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

You know how real I am, Professor. You know I'm not a ghost. Feel my arm if you.

[Professor George Calvin]

I don't want to touch you. Get away from me. I don't want any part of you, you filthy tramp. Hey. Hey. What? Cause, Mister. Throw him out. Throw him out of here. Tell him to leave me alone. Tell Tell who? To leave you alone, mister. Tell who? Look, you better be on your way, chum, eh? The air will soap you up. It was true. I buried my face in my hands when I raised my Eyes. And the barkeep hurried up. The tramp was gone, but his glass, the one that was standing in the bar in front of him, was empty while mine was still full.

[Nancy Calvin]

Is that you, George?

[Professor George Calvin]

Yes. Yes, Nancy, it's me.

[Nancy Calvin]

Where on earth have you been?

[Professor George Calvin]

I took a walk, as I said.

[Nancy Calvin]

I would, until two o' clock in the morning.

[Professor George Calvin]

It's two o'? Clock?

[Nancy Calvin]

Yes. I've been worried sick about you.

[Professor George Calvin]

I'm sorry, Nancy.

[Nancy Calvin]

I should think you would be sorry. George. What's the matter with you? You've never behaved this way before. What's gotten into you?

[Professor George Calvin]

I'm beginning to wonder myself.

[Nancy Calvin]

Who have you been seeing, George?

[Professor George Calvin]

Who have I been seeing? How do you know I've been seeing someone?

[Nancy Calvin]

Because he called.

[Professor George Calvin]

What? He called on the telephone.

[Nancy Calvin]

You know who I mean?

[Professor George Calvin]

No. No. Well, you tell me, Nancy. Who was it that called?

[Nancy Calvin]

Well, he wouldn't leave his name, but his language. I've never been so shocked and disgusted in my life. Sounded like. Like a gutter snipe. He said he knew you intimately. Where in heaven's name did you meet a man like that?

[Professor George Calvin]

Then he is real. Oh, thank goodness for that much.

[Nancy Calvin]

What do you mean, he is real? What are you talking about?

[Professor George Calvin]

Tell me when he called and what he said. Nancy, it's very important.

[Nancy Calvin]

Well, half of what he said was unintelligible, but he. He certainly felt he could twist you around his little finger. I see. I think he called about 11, just.

[Professor George Calvin]

After he left me on the street, when I went into the bar.

[Nancy Calvin]

What bar?

[Professor George Calvin]

Well, it isn't important.

[Nancy Calvin]

George. George, have you been drinking?

[Professor George Calvin]

Don't be silly. I was in a bar, but I didn't touch my drink. He downed his, though, like that tramp he was. Well, I can forgive him anything now. At least I'm all right.

[Nancy Calvin]

What do you mean, at least you're all right?

[Professor George Calvin]

I thought for a while that. Oh, let's not talk about it anymore. Late, Nancy. I've kept you up long enough.

[Nancy Calvin]

I thought you're aware of that much.

[Professor George Calvin]

I'm sorry, dear. Here, a kiss. Good night.

[Nancy Calvin]

George.

[Professor George Calvin]

What?

[Nancy Calvin]

You lied to me. You lied. You said you hadn't been drinking and you have.

[Professor George Calvin]

What do you mean?

[Nancy Calvin]

I can smell the cheap whiskey on your bread.

[Professor George Calvin]

No, Nancy.

[Nancy Calvin]

Oh, George.

[Professor George Calvin]

Say you're joking if you love me. Nancy, say you've only been joking.

[Nancy Calvin]

Oh, George, it isn't as bad as all that. One little drink. Well, you look as if.

[Professor George Calvin]

But don't you see? I've never taken a drink in my life, Nancy. And I swear I don't remember taking one tonight. I had to find out the truth once and for all. Now that I realized there could still be a chance that. Go to bed, Nancy. I'm going out.

[Nancy Calvin]

You're what?

[Professor George Calvin]

I'm going out, I said.

[Nancy Calvin]

But it's after two.

[Professor George Calvin]

I don't care what time it is. Stop arguing with me and go to bed.

[Nancy Calvin]

George, what's wrong with you?

[Professor George Calvin]

Nothing.

[Nancy Calvin]

But you've never talked to me like that before.

[Professor George Calvin]

Now, listen, Nancy, please. Do as I say and don't worry. I'll be back shortly, I promise you. But this is important. And one thing more. You mustn't forget this. Nancy, for heaven's sake, please. Keep it on your mind. Forget this.

[Nancy Calvin]

What? George?

[Professor George Calvin]

Don't open that door to anyone but me. Even if somebody says it's me, be sure you hear my voice.

[Nancy Calvin]

I don't understand.

[Professor George Calvin]

Don't try. Just do as I say. Please. Here. Here. Here's my key. I'll leave without one. So I can't get in unless you open that door yourself.

[Nancy Calvin]

George, please tell me what this is all about. I'm terribly worried about you.

[Professor George Calvin]

I'm. I'm not so sure I know myself, Nancy. But I intend to find out right now. I headed for the waterfront and Charlie's Bar. I knew he'd follow me again, tag my footsteps like a shadow. But I walked for several blocks. Nothing happened. And suddenly I sensed he was behind me. I didn't have to look. I just knew. And without stopping for an instant, I passed the bolted bar room door and headed for the wharf. When I reached the wharf, I hesitated, then leaned against a stanchion and waited until I felt him near me. Here again.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Here again.

[Professor George Calvin]

Professor, I. I guess there's no eluding you.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

No.

[Professor George Calvin]

Give me one of your cigarettes.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Pleasure, Professor. How's about a drink too?

[Professor George Calvin]

Charlie's Bar is closed.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

I got the fixings right here in my pocket. Here's looking at you. Not bad.

[Professor George Calvin]

Don't think you're fooling anyone. I know exactly who you are.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Yeah?

[Professor George Calvin]

Oh, you're me.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

That's right, Professor.

[Professor George Calvin]

You're actually a delusion. I've gone insane. And you're my second self. My alter ego, so to speak. The other half of my split personality.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

I don't get all that fancy lingo, but it's okay if you say so.

[Professor George Calvin]

You actually don't exist. And if I try hard enough, I may be able to erase you completely.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

All right, try.

[Professor George Calvin]

What do you want?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

I want to make you my proposition.

[Professor George Calvin]

Then make it. And be quick. About it.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Take it easy, Professor. I'm calling the shots from now on.

[Professor George Calvin]

What do you want?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

I want to make you over, mister. I want to fix it so you do what you want to do. Go where you want to go and live like you always wanted to live.

[Professor George Calvin]

I'm living that way now. What are you laughing at?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Look at you. You're not a man, you're a hunk of cabbage. You hate your work, you hate your way of living. And most of all, you hate your wife.

[Professor George Calvin]

That's a lie.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Don't hand me that, Professor. I'm one guy you can't kid, remember?

[Professor George Calvin]

Why don't you go away and leave me alone?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Because we're gonna do business to you.

[Nancy Calvin]

No.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Yeah. You'll listen and you'll like it.

[Professor George Calvin]

Go on.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Your wife's got money, Professor.

[Professor George Calvin]

What money?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

The 30 grand her grandpa left her five years ago.

[Professor George Calvin]

That. That money's in trust.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

It can't be touched. She's also got 20 grand in life insurance.

[Professor George Calvin]

What about it?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

50 grand. That's a lot of cash, Professor. And when you figure you don't like her anyway.

[Professor George Calvin]

What are you driving at? Be an easier cinch.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

You open the window and push her out, it'll look like an accident. Remember that spiked railing you put around the garden? Right underneath your bedroom if somebody fell on.

[Professor George Calvin]

Shut your mouth. Shut up, you hear?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

I was just suggesting.

[Professor George Calvin]

I won't listen to any more of your rotten talk.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Don't go yet. It ain't only the money.

[Professor George Calvin]

What?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

You're doing it for something else.

[Professor George Calvin]

I? I am?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

All your life you lived like a jerk, Professor. You know you never had any fun. This dough can get you one big fling. Wine, women and song, Professor. All the booze you can handle. And every cutie in town dying to put their arms around you. How's the picture, Professor?

[Professor George Calvin]

Get away from me.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

What's the matter? Going chicken on me? How. How many times did I hear you wish for a different way of living? How many times did you watch the next guy having his fun while you sat around like a plaster idol, afraid to make a move because of your reputation? How many times, professor, have you wished for a chance like that? Never. Never. In a pig's eye.

[Professor George Calvin]

Never.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

All right, listen. Maybe you don't like the iron railing idea. I got another gimmick. Remember the gun you bought that time you heard there were prowlers in the neighborhood?

[Professor George Calvin]

Why did I tell you?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

It's still in the desk drawer where you left it. If you shot her, you can say you made a mistake. You can say you thought she was a burglar in the dark. It's happened like that before. And nobody will suspect the story's a phony. After all, why should they suspect you? The hard working professor who never made a funny move in all his life. And everybody knows how much you love your wife.

[Professor George Calvin]

If you don't get away from here, I'll yell.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

What? You ain't got guts enough to spit hard?

[Professor George Calvin]

Get away from me. Get away. I struck out with my fist, with all my strength. But there was nothing. Nothing. I started to run like a man possessed until my lungs were burning and I choked for air. Then. Then I was home again. In front of my door.

[Nancy Calvin]

Who is it?

[Professor George Calvin]

It's. It's George. Nancy.

[Nancy Calvin]

Oh, George.

[Professor George Calvin]

Nancy. Nancy, I have something to tell you.

[Nancy Calvin]

Well, what's happened, George? Your office Fired. And out of bread.

[Professor George Calvin]

I've been running.

[Nancy Calvin]

From whom? From what?

[Professor George Calvin]

From myself.

[Nancy Calvin]

George, what are you saying?

[Professor George Calvin]

Nancy, don't argue with me. Call the police.

[Nancy Calvin]

But why?

[Professor George Calvin]

I can't explain it too involved. That phone call before. It was I who called you, Nancy. You, my other self. The other me. But you see, Nancy, I. I'm ill. I'm two different people. I need help.

[Nancy Calvin]

George, darling.

[Professor George Calvin]

Nancy, call the police. Wait.

[Nancy Calvin]

Wait, George. What is it?

[Professor George Calvin]

It's too late for the police. Put down the phone. Now, quickly. Go to the desk drawer. Yes, that's right. Take out the gun you'll find there. Now, Nancy, shoot me. What? Shoot me, Nancy, before it's too late.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Before it's too late. Yeah, it's too late. Give me the gun, baby. Come on like a good little girl. Give me the gun.

[Professor George Calvin]

Give away from me.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Hand it over, baby. Listen, forget George. Hand it over before I.

[Nancy Calvin]

Professor Calvin. Professor.

[Professor George Calvin]

Cal.

[Nancy Calvin]

Professor Calvin, wake up.

[Professor George Calvin]

What? Well, Ms. Reed.

[Nancy Calvin]

Sure. Who'd you think it was?

[Professor George Calvin]

I'm still here in my lecture room. I didn't leave school at all.

[Nancy Calvin]

You fell asleep while you were working on your papers. Your wife's outside.

[Professor George Calvin]

Nancy, huh?

[Nancy Calvin]

She's waiting for you.

[Professor George Calvin]

Oh, Nancy. Waiting for me? Tell her I'll be right out. Yes, tell her misery. Tell. Well, that's all there was to it, except for one minor item. A few minutes later, Nancy and I were walking up the street together. And I was just about to tell her of my dream when she stopped at a jewelry window to admire the display.

[Nancy Calvin]

Aren't those cufflinks beautiful, George? I wish I could afford to buy you a pair just like them.

[Professor George Calvin]

They're. They're very nice.

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

Neat, huh, Nancy?

[Nancy Calvin]

I beg your pardon?

[Mysterious Stranger / Alter Ego]

The stuff in the window. Slick.

[Professor George Calvin]

Nancy, do you see him?

[Nancy Calvin]

Of course I see him. He's got a nerve, breaking into our conversation. That's all I want to know.

[Professor George Calvin]

Come on.

[Announcer]

In the animal world, there is the hunter and the hunted, hound and fox, hawk and sparrow, chicken and worm. But who is to judge precisely which is the pursuer or the pursued as we enter the Chase? The Chase was created and written for the National Broadcasting Company by Lawrence Cleeve. Featured in tonight's cast were Nelson Olmstead and Petoniac, Ken lynch and Larry Haynes. The Chase is directed and transcribed by Fred Way. Fred Collins speaking Next week, the exciting story of a killer at large and a statewide pursuit in the Chase.

[Narrator]

That's our thriller for this week. I hope you enjoyed it. You can find more from the chase@ Relicradio.com alongside past episodes of this podcast, all the others, and everything else. Relic Radio Shoutcast Stream is there as well. You can donate through the website if you'd like to help support this and all the shows. Thanks to those who have donated and thanks for joining me today. Talk to you again next week with another episode. Relic Radio Thrillers.