The Big Cat by The Chase

Summary

Podcast Summary: Relic Radio Thrillers – “The Big Cat” by The Chase

Original Broadcast: April 27, 1952
Relic Radio Release Date: March 20, 2026
Host: RelicRadio.com

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Episode Overview

This episode showcases “The Big Cat,” the debut installment from The Chase, an NBC old-time radio thriller series. The story interweaves a literal manhunt for an escaped leopard with the psychological unraveling of Arnold Leonard, who draws parallels between the animal's captivity and his own feelings of entrapment in marriage, family, and society. Layered in mood and metaphor, the narrative explores questions of freedom, dependence, and the boundaries between hunter and hunted.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

Introduction to “The Big Cat” & Thematic Setup

• The story opens at a zoo, where Jenny, an older leopard, unexpectedly escapes her enclosure. This triggers a frantic manhunt, blending real tension with symbolic undercurrents about captivity and liberation.
• Arnold Leonard (zookeeper, later main protagonist): Describes Jenny’s usual docility, contrasting it with her sudden revolt. Sets up the wild/contained dichotomy.
• [00:54] Arnold Leonard:

  “In the animal world, there is the hunter and the hunted... But who is to judge precisely which of us are the hounds or foxes as we enter the chase?”

Domestic Discontent: Arnold and Vivian

• The focus shifts to Arnold's strained home life with his domineering wife, Vivian.

• The leopard’s escape dominates Arnold’s attention, to the annoyance of Vivian, revealing Arnold’s passive, dependent persona and Vivian’s controlling manner.

• [06:07] Vivian:

  “What difference does it make what you do as long as you get somewhere? It’s money that counts in this world of ours, Arnold.”

• Vivian orders Arnold’s days and finances, reflecting the “keeper/caged” metaphor in human terms.

• [24:12/24:27] Arnold Leonard:

  “Her father got me my job. I’m dependent on his influence... I sold myself over the counter like a side of ham. But from now on, it’s gonna be different.”

The Search for Jenny (the Leopard)

• The story alternates between the search party’s progress and Arnold’s psychological journey:
  • Police and keepers attempt to track and recapture Jenny, describing her hunger and cunning.
  • They ultimately attempt to recapture her by lacing bait with a sedative, viewing her survival strategy as both a threat and a marvel.
  • [08:48] Arnold Leonard (on Jenny):

    “That mouth could still chomp through the thigh bone of a steer like a buzz saw... when they’re hungry, they ain’t so particular.”

The Bar: Arnold Encounters “Jenny” Glockenspiel

• Arnold absents himself from work, drawn to a seedy bar where he meets another character named Jenny (real name Jennifer Glockenspiel), a world-weary dancer in her 30s.
• Their dynamic mirrors the theme of yearning for escape and the frustration of missed opportunities.
• [10:33] Jenny (on herself):

  “But I’m pushing 30 soon... I should have been married 10 years already. Sort of have a house full of kids by now.”

• Arnold (unhinged) buys her and himself drinks, seeing in her a fellow “caged” soul.
• Conversation circles back repeatedly to the leopard and its symbolism.
• [13:37] Arnold Leonard (quoting proverb):

  “The man that once did sell the lion skin while the beast lived was killed with hunting him.”

• He identifies with the leopard’s freedom, signaling his growing instability.
• [14:13] Arnold Leonard:

  “Do you know what it means to be caged, imprisoned, flung behind a moat... Do you know what it means to be chased? No, no, you wouldn’t understand. But the leopard understands and so do I.”

Slippage Between Man and Beast

• As the day progresses, Arnold stays at the bar; he orders steak tartare (raw meat), further blurring the thematic line between animal and human appetite.
• Bar staff and Jenny note his odd behavior and growing obsession.
• [20:18] Arnold Leonard:

  “Steak tartare. Here. Pay for the order and keep the change.”

• Bar staff comment on the oddness of ordering raw meat, reinforcing his identification with Jenny the leopard.

Climax: Cat Captured, Arnold Unraveled

• The narrative splits between:
  • The successful capture of the leopard by the zoo team using a sedative, ending Jenny’s brief escape.
  • Arnold’s psychological break: After ten hours at the bar, he refuses to return “home,” exclaiming, "I have no home. See, I had a cage once... but I’ve escaped." ([23:17])
  • He confides in human Jenny about his dependence and sense of entrapment, snapping at her and echoing his own sense of persecution and wildness.

Significant Confrontation (Arnold and Vivian, Late Night)

• Returning home, Arnold sits in the dark with a knife, contemplating a change in his and Vivian’s status.
• Vivian, unimpressed and irritated, tells Arnold the news: The leopard is dead, killed by an overdose of sleeping drugs.
• [27:18] Vivian:

  “You seem to be so preoccupied with that leopard this morning. It might amuse you to know the animal’s dead.”

• Arnold is devastated, realizing his hoped-for “freedom” is an illusion.
• The episode ends with Arnold defeated, murmuring “Leopard makes kill…” as he trudges to bed, the existential chase unresolved.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Opening Parallel:

  “In the animal world, there is the hunter and the hunted... We in the topmost species have also joined the hunt.” (00:54, Arnold Leonard)

• On Domestic Imprisonment:

  “Her father got me my job. I’m dependent on his influence... I sold myself over the counter.” (24:12, Arnold Leonard)

• Arnold’s Identification with the Leopard:

  “As long as she’s free, I’m free. They’ll never hang their rock and tailings on either.” (14:13, Arnold Leonard)

• Jenny Glockenspiel’s Resignation:

  “I should’ve been married 10 years already, I think. Sort of have a house full of kids by now.” (09:29, Jenny)

• Vivian’s Ultimatum:

  “I might as well tell you that Father’s fed up with your nonsense. And I’m reaching that point very rapidly myself.” (26:24, Vivian)

• Climactic Realization:

  “They couldn’t have. They could. Sleeping drugs overdose. Leopard dead when taken. Oh, no. No. I won’t believe it…” (27:26, Arnold Leonard)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:54–03:56 – Prologue, zoo escape, initial pursuit
• 04:03–06:42 – Arnold and Vivian’s domestic argument; themes of dependence and control
• 08:48–10:12 – Pursuit of the leopard; hunter/hunted metaphor established
• 10:33–14:49 – Bar scene: Arnold meets Jenny Glockenspiel, parallels to big cat's escape
• 15:20–16:55 – Attempt to capture Jenny the leopard, use of sedative bait
• 23:00–24:54 – Arnold’s monologue about his “cage”; confrontation with Jenny (human)
• 25:37–26:50 – Arnold and Vivian at home, late night, knife/letter opener scene
• 27:18–28:11 – Vivian breaks news of leopard’s death to Arnold
• 28:11–End – Resolution: Arnold’s disillusionment and surrender

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Tone and Style

The episode is somber, psychological, and laced with anxiety. Dialogue is heavy with metaphor. The story exploits an old radio thriller’s ability to merge mood, action, and introspection. The use of parallel plotlines—zoo-hunters and Arnold’s personal breakdown—sharpens the sense of inevitability and cyclical pursuit.

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For Listeners

“The Big Cat” is both a suspense story about a man-eating animal on the loose and a moody character study. It explores what it means to be caged (literally and figuratively), the price of dependence, and the human longing for freedom. Old-time radio fans will appreciate the atmospheric performances and layered writing. Even without having heard the episode, this summary provides a clear roadmap to its key moments and emotional currents.

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. On this week's episode of Relic Radio Thrillers, we'll hear from The Chase, an NBC series that debuted April 27, 1952 and aired for 55 episodes until June 28 of 1953. This is the first episode from April 27. It's titled The Big Cat.

[Arnold Leonard]

The national broadcasting Company invites you by transcription to join the chase. In the animal world, there is the hunter and the hunted. Hound and fox, hawk and sparrow, chicken and worm. We in the topmost species have also joined the hunt. But who is to judge precisely which of us are the hounds or foxes as we enter the chase? Well, sir, cats are funny. I'm talking about the big ones we keepers handle at the zoo. Take Jenny. Never heard a peek out of Jenny before feeding time. While other cats were howling their heads off, that lady leopard dressed as easy as a princess in her boudoir. Until we'd fork an eight pound hunk of raw horse meat through the bars. Then she'd tear it to pieces just as delicate as you please. But ladies go off on a bender every now and then. And Jenny started her jamboree one night around eleven. Just took another look at that halo hip roll. He better have the vet over again in the morning. Them cats are sounding off tonight. It's that tagline who's making all the rompers? Turner Mating Indian striper with an African line. And junior's bound to be a problem. Boy sure is complaining. Let's have a look. They've been restless since we moved. You know, I never did go for this newfangled natural habitat idea. Keep them in a cage where they belong, not out in the open. Mold or. What's up? There's a leopard standing on the edge of the ditch. It's Kenny. She must have jumped up Moat. We better head her off. Too late. She's moving. There she goes, making for the trees. It hold the trooper. I'll call the state police. We've got to grab that cat before she gets out of the sa.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Arnold.

[Vivian]

Yes, the toast. Arnold.

[Arnold Leonard]

Excuse me, Vivian.

[Vivian]

What on earth are you so absorbed with in that newspaper?

[Arnold Leonard]

I'm reading about a leopard escaped from a zoo.

[Vivian]

Near here?

[Arnold Leonard]

No, no, out southwest. Oh, amazing story. Leopard cleared 20 foot moat.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

The cream.

[Vivian]

Arnold.

[Arnold Leonard]

The entire state's been mobilized. Posses armed with high powered rifles are combing the hills with bloodhounds. Look at this headline.

[Vivian]

Will you pass the cream, for heaven's sake?

[Arnold Leonard]

I'm sorry. Oh, cream.

[Vivian]

What's the matter with you, Arnold?

[Arnold Leonard]

Me?

[Vivian]

Your face is flushed. You almost look as if you've been drinking.

[Arnold Leonard]

Well, I don't drink, Vivian. You know that.

[Vivian]

Put that paper down. I want to talk to you.

[Arnold Leonard]

Yes, of course.

[Vivian]

Here. I've made out a check. Cash it at the bank during your lunch hour. And pay for those suits I ordered for you.

[Arnold Leonard]

Thank you, Vivian.

[Vivian]

Are you being sarcastic?

[Arnold Leonard]

No, my dear.

[Vivian]

And on your way home, stop by at Fielding's and pick up my dress. You can dine out this evening. It's Eileen's day off.

[Arnold Leonard]

What about you?

[Vivian]

Well, I told you I was going to Philadelphia. I should be back by midnight.

[Arnold Leonard]

You didn't mention that.

[Vivian]

I did, but you never listened. Father isn't well. I. I spoke to him on the phone.

[Arnold Leonard]

Oh, we'll give him my best.

[Vivian]

Well, I should think so, after all he's done for you. What are you staring at?

[Arnold Leonard]

Was I staring?

[Vivian]

And while we're on the subject of Father, he tells me you're not doing so well at the office. He received a memorandum from Mr. Hausler. You don't seem to be very interested in the work.

[Arnold Leonard]

I'm sorry if I lack the necessary enthusiasm, Vivian.

[Vivian]

Well, you might have more consideration for my father. He went overboard in recommending you to the company. You've got a chance to really make something of yourself, with Father's influence helping you along.

[Arnold Leonard]

Perhaps I don't fit in very well with an insurance firm. Vivian, you'll take up too.

[Vivian]

What difference does it make what you do as long as you get somewhere? It's money that counts in this world of ours, Arnold. And the sooner you learn how to make it, the better off we'll be.

[Arnold Leonard]

I'm beginning to realize that if it

[Vivian]

wasn't for Father's help, we'd be living like paupers. Are you listening to me? You're looking at that newspaper again.

[Arnold Leonard]

It's 8:15. I'd better hurry or I'll miss my time.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Hanaud.

[Arnold Leonard]

Yes, my dear?

[Vivian]

Don't get any idiotic ideas in that head of yours.

[Arnold Leonard]

What do you mean by idiotic ideas?

[Vivian]

You know exactly what I mean.

[Arnold Leonard]

Goodbye, Vivian. Give my love to Father. Well, sir. Jenny was an outsized cat from India, the upper Ganges region. And she measured 7 foot 4 between pegs. Her hair was short, the teeth were worn, and she was getting on in years. But that mouth of hers. That mouth could still chomp through the thigh bone of a steer like a Like a bull saw. And though big cats don't generally get to be man eaters, they usually ain't so particular when they're hungry. Benson. Hold on there. Jenny's pug marks end right here. Dogs are walking around in circles, Turner. So they lost the spore. Jenny must have doubled back and cut across this creek. Better bring her out into the open. Now why would she do a thing like that? Timberline starts up there about 500 yards. She could get lost in the hills for months. Won't she hit cover bench. And what time you got? Nearly 12 noon. That leopard ain't had a snack since yesterday morning. Jenny must be getting hungry. That's it. That's why she's double back. Benson. The ranch is near here. Loaded with spears. Jenny must have caught the perfume of beef on the hoof. You want me to grab the hounds and see if I can pick up the scent the other side of the creek? Go ahead. Something tells me Jenny's looking for dinner. And she's aiming to get it soon,

[Vivian]

Sam.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Yeah, how's that? Another beer?

[Arnold Leonard]

Oh, now that's four in a row. Jenny, you better watch that girly shape.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Will you just turn the voice and let me worry about my second. You know what, Jim? What I'm saying?

[Arnold Leonard]

Oh, yes, he is. How come, Jim?

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Who will to raise my boosting?

[Arnold Leonard]

Well, that's no reason to be sad,

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

but I'm pushing 30 soon. In fact, I already pushed it 30 and nothing to show first. I should have been married 10 years already, I think. Sort of have a house full of kids by now.

[Arnold Leonard]

Ah, you got what it takes, Jenny. Why, you could have tied the ball and chain on a dozen johns if you gave yourself the chance.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Yeah, but what kind of johns? The guys I meet are all gorillas. I like class and a man's Sam. Class and education and. Foam up once more, Sam. I'm dry.

[Arnold Leonard]

Good afternoon. Be with you in a second, chum. There. You better nurse this one, Jenny. You ain't got room for much more. What's your pleasure, chum? What did you call that young woman just now? Your name? Jenny. Is that her name? What do you have? Bourbon. What brand? Doesn't matter. Just a moment. The bottle here, please. Oh, that's against the house rules, chump. I'll buy the bottle. Leave it here. You know, you'd be doing a lot better in a package store. That's 12 bucks even. Yeah, Let me see that newspaper under the bar. What's this? What does the headline say? Leopard escapes from zoo. Oh, that's the early morning edition. I've seen that. The next issue should be out by now. It's almost noon. Well, there'll be a kid in here with the papers any minute now. They'll never catch her. They'll never put a finger on her. She'll be too smart for him. Who's her jump, Jenny?

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Somebody tasting me?

[Arnold Leonard]

Barkeep, ask the lady what she'll have to drink. With my compliments. Jimmy.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Yeah?

[Arnold Leonard]

The screw boy wants to know if you'd like a drink.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Well, he's got a crust. I never even saw the guy before.

[Arnold Leonard]

Yeah, well, you just stay put. If he starts to get fresh, I'll bounce him out on his Harvard accent.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

You said he's a college man.

[Arnold Leonard]

He didn't say nothing except give the lady a drink. He's guzzling that stuff like it was milk. Looks like he's coming over bottling all. It's. You'll forgive the intrusion. May I? Oh, now listen, mister.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

It's all right, Sam. Just put a head on this. Beer, please. Now don't get any cock eyed ideas, mister. I don't usually drink with strangers.

[Arnold Leonard]

I understand they call you Jenny.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Her name is Jennifer.

[Arnold Leonard]

Jennifer what?

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

I won't tell you.

[Arnold Leonard]

Why not?

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

He'll laugh and I'm getting tired of the gag.

[Arnold Leonard]

Please.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Well, it's. It's glockenspiel and no clack.

[Arnold Leonard]

Glockenspiel. That's a very nice name. It has a musical ring to it.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

You think so?

[Arnold Leonard]

Yes. Questioning leopard.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

What?

[Arnold Leonard]

Arnold Leonard.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

I thought you said leopard. Say, ain't that newspaper headline something though? Lenny, can you imagine that animal will ever get loose?

[Arnold Leonard]

She will get fought.

[Vivian]

No.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

That's what it says here. Police confidence of leopards. Capture by nightfall.

[Arnold Leonard]

The man that once did sell the lion skin while the beast lived was killed with hunting him. What?

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Gee. Yeah. I sure hope they nab that cat in a hurry.

[Arnold Leonard]

Don't say that. She'll never be captured. We're free now. They'll never imprison us again. Oh, boy. Boy. Bring me a paper, quickly. What did I tell you? Look at this headline.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Leper continues to elude pursuers.

[Arnold Leonard]

You see, the cat's too clever for them. Do you know what it means to be caged, imprisoned, flung behind a moat with a keeper holding the whip hand? Do you know what it means to be chaste? No, no, you wouldn't understand. But the leopard understands and so do I. As long as she's free, I'm free. They'll never hang their rock and tailings on either. Hey, the guy's pie eyed. It looks like he's parking himself in that booth for the afternoon.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

He don't look drunk, Sam.

[Arnold Leonard]

Well, then he must be nuts.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

He. He looks like he's thicker Stump. I kind of feel sorry for him.

[Arnold Leonard]

I better get that screwball out of here.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Give him a break, Thing. Let him sit there for a while and cool off. Give me another nickel for the puke box.

[Arnold Leonard]

Well, too. We figured Jenny'd head for the hills in the scrubby brush, beIN's as she was born in the jungle. But no, Jenny left the spoor as far as Corey's Creek. And then, just like a woman, she changed her mind. What are you doing? Just making sure this Gibbs is loaded. Don't use that rifle unless you have to, Clinton. We ain't going out after squirrels. Jenny's worth $4,000 as long as her spots are shiny. Won't give us any medals at the zoo for bringing in a dead cat. Maybe we can get her back in one piece with no harm done. Hey, the dog stopped barking. Take it easy. She's up on the left somewhere near the scrub. Maybe a quarter mile away. It's too risky to follow her into the scrub. We'd be taking a big chance. Benson. What? That shutter near the fence looks big enough to be a steer. It's a steer all right. Fresh killed, necks busted. Guess Jenny's had her first square meal. Look at them claw marks. Jenny must be four inches deep. Well, Jenny will be back for more when she gets hungry in the jungle. When a cat makes a kill, he'll keep coming back to feed until the meal tickets all punched out. We could set a trap. Take too long. I got a better idea. Get hold of Doc Kincaid, the vet. Ask him for a good strong dose of sodium amytol. Tell him Jenny might be one to take a snooze after her next meal. Idiots. Complete idiots. We'll show him, won't we, Jenny?

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Do you mind if I sit down?

[Vivian]

Do you live around here?

[Arnold Leonard]

Why do you ask?

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Well, I never saw you in Sam's place before.

[Arnold Leonard]

My office is nearby.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Oh, Are you on your lunch hour?

[Arnold Leonard]

No. I didn't check in at all today.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Jenny playing hockey.

[Arnold Leonard]

I didn't do anything today. The way I've been doing it for the past five years. Instead of driving to the station to board my morning train, I drove to the zoo.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

The zoo.

[Arnold Leonard]

Watched the big cats for hours. Pacing back and forth, back and forth from wall to wall. Patiently. Oh, so patiently. Almost made me ill to see him fat suffocated Condemned to spend the rest of their lives behind bars.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

The way you talk, you'd think they were human.

[Arnold Leonard]

God, you're just as insensitive as all the rest.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Go on my waist.

[Arnold Leonard]

I'm sorry.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

What about them files? So sharp. Like Claude.

[Arnold Leonard]

Phone call for you, Jimmy.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Oh, thanks, Sam.

[Arnold Leonard]

Bring me something to eat. Barkeep. Look, this ain't a cafeteria, chum. There's a French restaurant across the street. Ask them to send something over. Oh, like what, for instance? Tell them I'd like a steak tartar. A what? Steak tartare. Here. Pay for the order and keep the change. Oh, everything happens to me.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

I. I gotta go now. That was my roommate about a new job. The car's called at three.

[Arnold Leonard]

Oh, you're a dancer.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

When I'm working. Well, I'll be seen.

[Arnold Leonard]

Come back, Jenny. What? Come back here when you're through. Oh,

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

thanks for taking that call stamp.

[Arnold Leonard]

Hey, Jimmy.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Yeah?

[Arnold Leonard]

You know that guy at the table? Now, I'm sure he's one for the books.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Why?

[Arnold Leonard]

Well, he asked me to call a chow joint across the street, see, and order him some Steak tata.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Some what?

[Arnold Leonard]

Steak tartar. First he chews my ear off about that leopard on the loose, and then he adds a punchline. They just told me what this steak tata is made of, Jimmy.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

What?

[Arnold Leonard]

Raw meat. Well, see, we heard Jenny call again a couple hours after we flavored her kill with a sleeping dose. Benson and I were parked in a tree fork with a good view of what was left of Jenny's banquet right below us waiting for the guest of honor. She can't be far. Sound like she was just up the trail a piece. Keep the safety on that rifle, Benson. Taking that cat alive. Easy. Here she comes and going right for the meat. She's sniffing around it like a picky fish wife. She's taking the bait. Get ready to trust her just as soon as she keels over. Sam.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Oh.

[Arnold Leonard]

How'd you make out, Jenny?

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

I got the job. He's still here.

[Arnold Leonard]

Oh. Try and get rid of him. Is that why you came back? I.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

I was just passing by.

[Arnold Leonard]

It's after 11. That guy's been here for over 10 hours.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Looks like he's asleep.

[Arnold Leonard]

I'm closing up in 15 minutes and I'm throwing that bum out right now.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Wait, Sam. I'll tell him it's time to go.

[Arnold Leonard]

Hey, papers. Where's the papers? Where's the lady's papers?

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Give me that paper on the box, then.

[Arnold Leonard]

Look, Jenny.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Hi.

[Arnold Leonard]

Oh, you got the newspaper. The late edition.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Hey, you're here at the paper.

[Arnold Leonard]

Leopard makes kill Still Eliud's pursuers chase continues. Bring on your bloodhounds and your high powered rifles. Nothing can touch us. Nothing.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Look, don't you think you ought to go home now?

[Arnold Leonard]

Home? I have no home. See, I had a cage once, and a keeper, but I've escaped.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Maybe Sam can get you some black coffee.

[Arnold Leonard]

No, I'm not drunk. That's what you mean. And if I am, it's the intoxication of freedom. You understand that?

[Vivian]

No.

[Arnold Leonard]

See, I've been trapped since the day I was born. First my family and my friends. Now my wife. I've always had to depend on others to stay alive. I even sold my self respect to a woman because she was rich.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Me. You're married?

[Arnold Leonard]

Married? No, I'm not married. I'm in slavery. She owns my house, she buys my clothes, pays my bills. And what part of me she doesn't possess, her father owns.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

I don't get it.

[Arnold Leonard]

Her father got me my job. I'm dependent on his influence to keep it. I sold myself over the counter like a side of hand. But from now on, it's gonna be different.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Well, you can get a job of your own, can't you?

[Arnold Leonard]

You have no idea what I've been through. My family spoiled me. They brought me up to believe that the world owed me a living. I never learned to make my own way. I always depended on someone else to help me, to protect me.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

You sound like a guy who's trying to run away from himself.

[Arnold Leonard]

Oh, you're like all the rest. Stupid, insensitive, bigoted idiot. Hey. Hey. What goes on here? All right, all right, we'll show you.

[Vivian]

The cat and I.

[Arnold Leonard]

The cat. The cat. Leopard makes kill. Leopard makes kill. Hey, stop him.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Oh, Arnold.

[Arnold Leonard]

Hello, Vivian.

[Vivian]

Oh, you startled me.

[Arnold Leonard]

I was waiting for you to come home.

[Vivian]

Well, you didn't have to sit here alone like that in the dark.

[Arnold Leonard]

How is Father?

[Vivian]

He'll be all right in a day or two.

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Oh, my goodness, it's after two.

[Vivian]

I just made the midnight train. I'm going up to bed.

[Arnold Leonard]

I'm exhausted. I'll join you upstairs in just a moment.

[Vivian]

What's that you're holding in your hand?

[Arnold Leonard]

This?

[Vivian]

A knife?

[Arnold Leonard]

It's just a letter opener. A letter opener?

[Vivian]

Arnold, have you been drinking?

[Arnold Leonard]

Why do you ask?

[Vivian]

Look at you. Your clothes are a mess. Really, Arnold, you're trying my patience to the limit. I might as well tell you that Father fed up with your nonsense. And I'm reaching that point very rapidly myself.

[Arnold Leonard]

Am I A burden to you, Vivian. Perhaps I can relieve you of it very shortly.

[Vivian]

Exactly what do you mean by that remark?

[Arnold Leonard]

Did you say that you were going up to bed?

[Vivian]

Yes.

[Arnold Leonard]

Leopard makes care.

[Vivian]

Did you say something?

[Arnold Leonard]

I was just getting ready to follow you, Vivian.

[Vivian]

Incidentally, you might be interested in the early edition of the morning paper. I brought it home with me. It's on the table.

[Arnold Leonard]

Paper?

[Vivian]

You seem to be so preoccupied with that leopard this morning. It might amuse you to know the animal's dead.

[Arnold Leonard]

Dead? It's a lie. It's a filthy lie. They couldn't have. They could. Sleeping drugs overdose. Leopard dead when taken. Oh, no. No. I won't believe it.

[Vivian]

Oh, no.

[Arnold Leonard]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Vivian]

Arnold?

[Jenny (Jennifer Glockenspiel)]

Arnold.

[Arnold Leonard]

Yes, baby?

[Vivian]

Are you coming to bed or aren't you? I'm tired and I want to get some sleep. Do you hear me?

[Arnold Leonard]

I. I was just replacing this letter opener. Vivian. I'm coming, my dear. In the animal world, there is the hunter and the hunted. Hound and fox, hawk and sparrow, chicken and worm. We in the topmost species have also joined the hunt. But who is to judge precisely which of us are hounds or foxes as we enter the chase? The Chase was created and written for the National Broadcasting Company by Lawrence Clean. Featured in tonight's cast were Carl Swenson and Lucille Wall. Others in the cast were Ruth Gilbert, Cameron Andrews, Larry Haynes and Kermit Murdoch. The Chase was directed and Transcribed by Walter McGraw. Be sure to join the Chase again at this same time next week.

[Narrator]

There's more from the Chase, Relic Radio thrillers and thousands of other old time radio episodes at the website relicradio.com. be sure and visit there. If you're looking for more, you can donate through the website as well. If you'd like to help support this and all of the shows. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday with a story from Bulldog Drummond on our next episode of Relic Radio thrillers.