BONUS - Best of William Bendix

Summary

Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio) – BONUS Episode: Best of William Bendix

Host: Mean Streets Podcasts
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Episode Title: BONUS - Best of William Bendix

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Introduction

In this bonus episode of Stars on Suspense, the host delves into the remarkable contributions of William Bendix to the world of old-time radio thrillers. Renowned for his versatile acting skills, Bendix is best remembered by radio enthusiasts as Chester A. Reilly from the classic sitcom The Life of Riley. However, his talents extended far beyond comedy, with significant supporting roles in films such as The Glass Key, Lifeboat, and The Blue Dahlia. On Suspense, Bendix showcased his ability to portray a wide range of characters, both heroic and nefarious.

William Bendix: A Versatile Actor

William Bendix's career is a testament to his adaptability and depth as an actor. While audiences loved him for his comedic prowess on The Life of Riley, his performances on Suspense revealed a more rugged and intense side. Bendix's four appearances on Suspense allowed him to explore complex characters, engaging listeners with tales of mystery, intrigue, and danger.

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Featured Episodes

The host highlights three standout episodes from Bendix's tenure on Suspense:

1. "Pearls Are a Nuisance"
   Originally aired on CBS on April 19, 1945
   This episode, penned by Raymond Chandler, features Bendix alongside Alan Joslin as Walter Gage and Henry Eichelberger. The story revolves around the theft of a pearl necklace and the ensuing investigation, blending elements of mystery and dark humor.

2. "Three Faces at Midnight"
   Originally aired on February 27, 1947
   A comedic mystery that mirrors Bendix's Life of Riley persona, this episode places him in the role of a lovable but bumbling insurance adjuster entangled in a political blackmail plot. Sandra Gould co-stars, adding a delightful dynamic to the narrative.

3. "Gift of Jumbo Brannigan"
   Originally aired on March 1, 1951
   In this episode, Bendix plays a safecracker newly released from prison who reunites with his eager son. This heartwarming yet suspenseful tale explores themes of redemption and familial bonds.

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In-Depth: "Pearls Are a Nuisance"

Plot Summary:
"Pearls Are a Nuisance" centers on the mysterious theft of Mrs. Penriddock's pearl necklace. Ellen, her employer, seeks the help of Walter Gage (Bendix) to recover the stolen pearls. The plot thickens as Walter suspects Henry Eichelberger, a recently departed chauffeur with a threatening demeanor, but soon uncovers deeper layers of deception and betrayal.

Key Characters:

• Walter Gage (William Bendix): A composed and methodical insurance adjuster.
• Ellen McIntosh: Walter's wife, who enlists his help in the pearl theft case.
• Henry Eichelberger: The primary suspect, a towering figure with a tough exterior.

Notable Scenes and Quotes:

• Initial Confrontation with Eichelberger (07:35):
  Ellen: "Somebody has stolen Mrs. Pen's pearls and I want you to find them."
  Walter Gage: "I'll tell Mr. Gage when he comes in."

• Eichelberger's Address Visit (08:04):
  Walter: "Eichelberger's address proved to be a seedy looking hotel."
  Narrator: "A muscular drama replete with situations well calculated to keep you in suspense."

• The Twist Reveal (19:33):
  Walter Gage: "I believe that the pearls are in fact real. You're a very old friend of Mrs. Penriddick."
  Narrator: "Son, you think a lot smarter than you talk."

• Final Confrontation and Resolution (28:10):
  Walter Gage: "The fact is she sold them and had copies made. Those copies have been stolen."
  Narrator: "Henry Eichelberger lay motionless on the ground, as limp as a rubber glove."

Insights:

The episode masterfully intertwines humor with suspense, showcasing Bendix's ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes. The dialogue remains sharp, retaining much of Chandler's original flavor, which adds depth to the overall narrative.

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Host's Reflections and Conclusion

The host expresses admiration for Bendix's dynamic performances, highlighting how his roles on Suspense allowed him to break away from typecasting and explore a broader range of characters. Bendix's portrayal of both the bumbling everyman and the hardened suspect adds a unique versatility to the series, making his episodes memorable and engaging.

Notable Quote from Host (00:56):
"William Bendix made four appearances on Suspense, and today we'll hear my three favorites..."

The episode concludes with the host encouraging listeners to explore more of Bendix's work on Suspense and other platforms like The Life of Riley, ensuring that new audiences can appreciate his contributions to old-time radio.

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Conclusion

This bonus episode serves as a comprehensive tribute to William Bendix's legacy on Stars on Suspense. Through detailed summaries and insightful commentary, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Bendix's versatility and the compelling stories he helped bring to life. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to old-time radio dramas, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the thrilling world of Suspense and the enduring talent of William Bendix.

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Selected Quotes with Timestamps

• Host on Bendix's Versatility (00:56):
  "Bendix and Jocelyn play a pair of unlikely detectives who are thrown together to find a missing necklace..."

• Walter Gage on Finding the Truth (19:38):
  "All right, don't worry. We have an idea how to get them back."

• Final Words Between Walter and Henry (28:10):
  "Well, Henry, I said, for a sporting man, I can only think more highly of you. Goodbye, Henry and good luck."

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This structured summary encapsulates the essence of the BONUS - Best of William Bendix episode, highlighting key episodes, delving into the intricate plot of "Pearls Are a Nuisance," and featuring notable quotes to provide a comprehensive overview for both new and existing listeners.

Transcript

[Narrator]

The hushed voice, the prowling step in the dead of night, the crime that is almost committed, the stir of nerves at the ticking of the clock, the rescue that might be too late, or the murderer who might get away. Mystery and intrigue and dangerous adventure. We invite you to enjoy stories that keep you in suspense.

[Host]

Hello and welcome to a bonus episode of Stars on Suspense. It's a show where I share my favorite radio thrillers starring a Hollywood legend we've previously featured on the show. And this time around that star is William Bendix, perhaps best known to old time radio fans as Chester A. Reilly on the classic sitcom the Life of Riley. On the big screen, Bendix logged a number of high profile supporting performances in movies like the Glass Key, Lifeboat and the Blue Dahlia. Though he showed off his comedy chops on the Life of Riley, his film roles often found Bendix displaying a tougher side of his character, and his appearances on Suspense allowed him to play people both good and bad, lovable and cruel. William Bendix made four appearances on Suspense, and today we'll hear my three favorites, beginning with Pearls Are a Nuisance Originally aired on CBS on April 19, 1945. This one is a two hander where Bendix co stars with Alan Jocelyn in a story from the pen of Raymond Chandler. Though at times it seems closer in tone to the work of Daniel Damon Runyon. Bendix and Jocelyn play a pair of unlikely detectives who are thrown together to find a missing necklace, with Bendix as a rough and tumble brawler and Jocelyn as a man who fancies himself more of an intellectual sleuth. The two bounce off of each other perfectly, and scriptwriter Ranald McDougal retains much of Chandler's dialogue to give the show a unique flavor. Then Bendix stars in Three Faces at Midnight from February 27, 1947. It's another comedic mystery, one that really plays on Bendix's Life of Riley Persona. He stars here as a lovable lug in the Chester A. Reilly mold whose job application lands him in the middle of a political blackmail scheme. Bendix has a great co star in Sandra Gould, whose loopy delivery is a nice complement to Bendix's musclebound performance. Finally, we'll hear him in the Gift of Jumbo Brannigan, Originally aired on March 1, 1951. Like in the Life of Riley, Bendix plays a dad in this episode, though not one anybody would mistake for father of the year. He's a safe cracker fresh out of prison who reunites with his son and discovers the lad is very eager to follow in his father's footsteps. Now, this one is my pick for the best, best of William Bendix's suspense shows. It's a riff on his usual work as a devoted dad from the life of Riley. As a man who tries to do the best he can for his son the only way he knows how to do it. It's got a great script by E. Jack Newman and John Michael Hayes. And it features terrific supporting performances, particularly Tommy Bernard as Bendix's son. So now let's shine the spotlight one more time on William Bendix and my favorites from his run of episodes of suspense.

[Narrator]

Now the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California presents Suspense. Tonight, Promo Wines bring you a play of suspense and smiles starring William Bendix and Alan Jocelyn. Suspense is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. That's R O M a Roma Wines, those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live. To your happiness in entertaining guests, to your enjoyment of everyday meals. Yes, right now a glassful would be very pleasant as Roma Wines bring you a remarkable tale of suspense. And with Raymond Chandler's satirical suspense tale, Pearls Are a Nuisance. And with the performances of William Bendix and Alan Joslyn, Roma Wines hope indeed to keep you in suspense.

[Walter Gage]

It's quite true I wasn't doing anything that morning except looking at a blank sheet of paper in my typewriter and thinking about writing a letter. It's also quite true that I don't have a great deal to do any morning. But I like not doing anything. It gives me something to do. And I don't like telephone calls that interfere with it. That's why I have two telephones. One a public phone that I can ignore and the other a private phone which I better answer if I know what's good for me. And I do.

[Ellen]

What did you say, darling?

[Walter Gage]

Oh, I said, good morning, dear. How are you, darling? Busy? Yes and no. Mostly no. Why?

[Ellen]

Somebody has stolen Mrs. Pen's pearls and I want you to find them.

[Walter Gage]

Possibly. You think you have the police department on the line? This is the residence of Walter Gage. Walter Gage speaking.

[Ellen]

If you aren't out here in less than half an hour, you'll receive a small parcel by registered mail containing a diamond engagement ring.

[Walter Gage]

I'll tell Mr. Gage when he comes in. No, I went naturally. I even hurried. Ellen's voice has that effect on me. I think it's the way she says.

[Ellen]

Walter, darling.

[Walter Gage]

Yes, Ellen?

[Ellen]

Mrs. Penriddock's pearl necklace has been stolen.

[Walter Gage]

So you said on the telephone. My blood pressure remains Normal?

[Ellen]

It's a string of 49 matte pink pearls that Mr. Penro gave his wife on their golden wedding anniversary.

[Walter Gage]

Only 49 pearls for 50 years of marriage. Wonder which was the bad year.

[Ellen]

Oh, shut up, darling. Misty, the worst part of it is the pearls are false.

[Narrator]

False?

[Walter Gage]

Evidently they're all bad years.

[Ellen]

Don't be silly, Walter. The pearls were real enough when Mr. Penrotta gave them to her. The fact is she sold them and had copies made. Those copies have been stolen. You've got to get them back, Walter.

[Walter Gage]

What does it matter if they're false?

[Ellen]

Well, she's terrified that the Faith will blackmail her when he finds out they're only imitation. If Mr. Penrodith ever hears that she sold original.

[Walter Gage]

I begin to see what might be described as daylight. But where do I start looking for these baubles from which your elderly employer is so loathe to be separated?

[Ellen]

Because I know who stole them. The chauffeur we had here a few months, Walter. A horrid big bruiser named Henry Eichelberger. He left suddenly the day before yesterday for no reason at all, without a word. I'm sure he stole the pearls.

[Walter Gage]

How big did you say he is? About six feet. In that case, three. Three. Six foot three, three. I'm sure he didn't take them, dear. Couldn't it?

[Ellen]

He tried to kiss me once, Walter.

[Walter Gage]

Oh, he did? Tried to kiss you, huh? Where is this big slab of meat, darling?

[Ellen]

Here's the address he gave me when he first came here to work. Sounds like an unpleasant neighborhood.

[Walter Gage]

Not half as unpleasant as it'll be for Eichelberger when I arrive. Tried to kiss you, did he?

[Ellen]

The pearls are the important thing, Walter. And be careful. He's six foot three, remember?

[Walter Gage]

I find it difficult to forget. Eichelberger's address proved to be a seedy looking hotel. Upstairs, over a Chinese laundry. At the head of the stairs, the door marked Manager. I rang the bell.

[Narrator]

Pull up, bud roll.

[Walter Gage]

I'm not inquiring for a room. I'm looking for one Henry Eichelberger, whom I'm informed lives here.

[Henry Eichelberger]

If he does, he ain't registered.

[Walter Gage]

That as of course, you know, is contrary to the law.

[Henry Eichelberger]

A wise guy. Hey, down the hall, Jack.

[Narrator]

2:18.

[Walter Gage]

Have the kindness to show me the way, huh?

[Henry Eichelberger]

What do you know? A duke's, no less.

[Narrator]

Okay, your lordship, pick up your feet.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Hey, this is it.

[Narrator]

He's out.

[Walter Gage]

Have the goodness to unlock the door. I wish to go in and wait.

[Narrator]

For this Eichelberger and a pig's valise.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Who do you think you are, Jake boy?

[Walter Gage]

I wouldn't call me names if I were you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You wouldn't? Hey. Well, that just shows the difference between you and me. Cause I would. You want to make something out of it? Hey.

[Walter Gage]

Yes.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What? Hey, that wasn't fair. You got 20 years on me. Hey.

[Walter Gage]

Well, open the door. Hey. I have no time to argue with you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

A buck.

[Narrator]

Two bucks.

[Henry Eichelberger]

And I won't even tell Uncle Boyga when he comes in.

[Narrator]

Hey, that is a deal, brother.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You can have. I'll take that for you. Hay.

[Walter Gage]

Thanks. Hay. Here's your money. If you hear any noises later on, ignore them. If there's any damage, it'll be paid for generously.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I hope you know what you're doing. Hey.

[Walter Gage]

I searched all the likely places where you might have hidden the necklace. And then I searched all the unlikely places. No necklace. Then I heard approaching footsteps.

[Henry Eichelberger]

How did you get in here, sonny?

[Walter Gage]

The explanation of that can wait. I'm looking for one Henry Eichelberger. Are you?

[Henry Eichelberger]

He gets you a real comedian. Wait till I loosen my belt before you make me laugh.

[Walter Gage]

My name's Gage. Walter Gage. Are you Eichelberger?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Give me a nickel and I'll tell you.

[Walter Gage]

I'm the fiance of Ms. Ellen McIntosh. I'm informed that you tried to kiss her.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What do you mean? Try it.

[Walter Gage]

I hit him rather severely on the left eye, then the right, and I gave him a crushing uppercut to the jaw. He looked at me with an air of patient resignation and then hit me. I bent over and took hold of the room with both hands and sprang on it. When I had it nicely spinning, I gave it a full swing and hit myself on the back of the head with the floor. I believe I lost consciousness at about this point. At any rate, I was no longer aware of the time of day.

[Narrator]

For suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you as stars Mr. Alan Joslin and Mr. William Bendix, whom you are hearing in Pearls are a Nuisance by Raymond Chandler. Which is Roma Wines presentation tonight of suspense. Between the acts of suspense, this is Truman Bradley for Roma Wayne. We quote now a brief word from.

[Walter Gage]

The famous hostess, Elsa Maxwell.

[Narrator]

The delicious flavor of tender broiled chicken, the succulents of spring lamb garnished with mint leaves deserves the matchless flavor complement of Roma California Sauternes. This delicate wine, pale gold in color, delightful in bouquet, is a delicious flavor mate with fish or foul. Yes, Just as the musical conductor blends the tones of different instruments, so the knowing hostess can combine the flavors of food with wine, each glass full of Roma Sauternes is alight with Roma's rich heritage in winemaking. Here is a masterpiece of a wine grower's age. Old skill. And all Roma wines, you'll find, are always unvaryingly good. The result of carefully selected grapes picked at the peak of perfection in sunny California's choicest vineyards and gently pressed. Then the natural juices are stored and.

[Walter Gage]

Guided with the ancient skill of Roma.

[Narrator]

Wineries to full goodness. Roma wines do not vary, are always high in quality, yet cost only pennies a glass. More Americans enjoy Roma than any other wines. R O M A Roma wines. And now Roma wines bring back to our Hollywood soundstage. William Bendix as J. Henry Eichelberger and Alan Joslin as Walter Gage in Pearls are a Nuisance, A muscular drama replete with situations well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Walter Gage]

While I was thinking about the possibility of getting back to my feet in the very near future, a wet towel began to slap at my face and I opened my eyes. The face of one Henry Eichelberger was close to mine and bore a certain appearance of tender solicitude.

[Henry Eichelberger]

All right, but I thought maybe you was killed, Jack. You got a stomach as weak as Chinese tea.

[Walter Gage]

What happened? As if I didn't know you tripped.

[Henry Eichelberger]

On a itty bitty tear in a carpet. You feel like getting up? Here, I'll give you a hand. Come on.

[Walter Gage]

Thank you, Henry. May I call you Henry?

[Henry Eichelberger]

No tax on it. You look okay. Why'd you tell me you were sick?

[Walter Gage]

Eichelberger, you swine.

[Narrator]

That does it.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Cut it out. You'll mus my hair.

[Walter Gage]

I wish you'd fall down when I hit you, Henry. Just once. It would do wonders for my morale.

[Narrator]

Ah.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You know, you and me could get along, Jack. I never kiss your girl, even if I ain't saying I wouldn't like to. Is that all the cheating on you?

[Walter Gage]

Well, no. There's another matter.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Sit down and tell me the score. Only no more haymakers. They give me a headache. Promise?

[Walter Gage]

I promise, sir. Tell me, why did you leave the employ of Mrs. Penradoc?

[Henry Eichelberger]

You tell me. Am I what you might call a good looker? Well, Henry, don't soak me.

[Walter Gage]

No, Then I wouldn't call you handsome exactly, but unquestionably, you ate your spinach as a child. That's a consolation.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Get you a real comedian. Wait till I loosen my belt. Look, suppose you fell for a doll with stars in her hair. A guy like me that looks like a taxi going down the street with Both doors open. Then suppose you get a job where you see this doll all the time and every day. What would you do, Jack? Me? I just quit the job.

[Walter Gage]

Ellen. Yeah, Henry? I'd like to shake your hand.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Go ahead.

[Walter Gage]

Now, there's one more thing. One rather insignificant detail. I'm empowered to arrange for the return of Mrs. Penroddock's pearls. $50 reward and no embarrassing questions.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You got nerve. Check. So you think I stole some marbles and I'm sitting around here waiting for a flock of dicks to swarm me.

[Walter Gage]

The police have not been told, Henry, and you may aware, but the pearls are false.

[Henry Eichelberger]

False? You mean they're false?

[Walter Gage]

Exactly.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You think I'd bother myself to hook some phonies?

[Walter Gage]

You mean you didn't steal the necklace, Henry?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Now look, if they was ringers, I wouldn't be bothered. And if they was real, I wouldn't be holed up in no cheap flop in LA waiting for a couple of carloads of johns to put the sneeze on me, would I?

[Walter Gage]

That's exactly what I thought, Henry. Well, as long as you didn't steal them, how'd you like the job of helping me recover?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Are you kidding?

[Walter Gage]

No, Henry. It's obvious that if you didn't snatch these marbles, I believe that's the expression, someone else did. And you can help me find him. How about it?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Why not?

[Walter Gage]

Why not indeed?

[Henry Eichelberger]

You got any ideas of where to start?

[Walter Gage]

Yes, I have. I feel that we must, as they say, tap the grapevine when a string of pearls is stolen. All the underworld must be seething.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Maybe you got right. But this underworld that's doing all this season ain't gonna seize much over a string of glass beads. I might punch you.

[Walter Gage]

I am thinking, Henry, that the underworld probably has a sense of humor. And the thief who went to the trouble of stealing some worthless crinkets would be the butt of considerable coarse jest.

[Henry Eichelberger]

There's the nucleus of an idea, Nat. I would say something like that could get around to pool rooms and start a little wholesome chuckling. All right.

[Walter Gage]

Yes. All we need to do is to locate a reliable crook.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, there's a gee named Lou Scandizi that runs the Blue Lagoon downtown. Might be interesting in some marbles, but he don't like being asked questions.

[Walter Gage]

He sounds dangerous.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Henry Eichelberger]

We'll turn him inside out and take a look at his liver.

[Walter Gage]

Very well. Let us go and beard this Scandi character in his malodorous den.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, let us go and beard. Leave us. Do what you said.

[Walter Gage]

Mr. Scandi's Blue Lagoon wasn't difficult to find. It was a rather soiled establishment, bathed in unprofessional, pleasant blue light. Henry and I went through a small, dim dining room to a door marked Private.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You scant daisy.

[Narrator]

Ah, who wants it to know?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Me and my friend here want to talk to you.

[Narrator]

Oh, talk? I'm a listening.

[Henry Eichelberger]

It's about some pearl 49. Is that right, Walter White?

[Walter Gage]

Right.

[Henry Eichelberger]

A pearl necklace that somebody hoisted.

[Narrator]

Go on to get out before I have you thrown out. You do what I'll do, I'll do nothing.

[Henry Eichelberger]

That's better, doe face. What about them pearls?

[Narrator]

Well, I don't think I heard about it.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Try to remember. Maybe if I pulled off one of your ears it might help.

[Walter Gage]

Henry, you seem to be doing all the work. Do you think that's quite fair?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Okay, you work them over. These fat guys bruise something lovely.

[Narrator]

Take it easy. I ain't heard nothing. You guys insurance a man, huh?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Now you're cooking with helium, dough face.

[Narrator]

What insurance company you boys work for?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Give my card, Walter.

[Walter Gage]

This is my personal card. Has my phone number on it.

[Narrator]

Yeah, okay, okay.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You.

[Narrator]

You may be surprised.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You.

[Narrator]

You may get a call.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What do you think?

[Narrator]

Water?

[Henry Eichelberger]

You think this muzzler is leveling with us?

[Walter Gage]

I dare say he wouldn't be above telling us an untruth.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Get you a real comedian. Wait till I loosen my belt. You've given us the straight good scant daisy.

[Narrator]

Great goods. Absolutely cooperate. I bet you got a call.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Okay. So long, Scandizzy. And keep your schnozzle clean if you don't want to be looking for it under your desk case.

[Walter Gage]

And that goes for your cat too. Scandizi. Hey. Well, what now? I think we've done adequate day's work, Henry. The procedure would seem to be for me to go home and wait for the telephone to ring, bearing glad tidings from the underworld.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What about me?

[Walter Gage]

I would suggest that you wend your way homeward also. Here's my private number. Call me in the morning.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Okay. See you tomorrow.

[Walter Gage]

I went home and waited for the phone to ring. I must have fallen asleep after a while. It was quite dark when the call came through. Well, here goes. Walter Gage speaking. Acme Insurance Company.

[Ellen]

When did you become an insurance company?

[Walter Gage]

Oh, it's you, Ellen. Why didn't you call on the private phone?

[Ellen]

Oh, I didn't have the number handy. You haven't found the pearls yet?

[Walter Gage]

How'd you know?

[Ellen]

We just got a telephone call.

[Walter Gage]

From whom? He wouldn't say.

[Ellen]

All he said was he heard from somebody Named San something.

[Walter Gage]

Scandizi.

[Ellen]

And that's it? That we were looking for the pearls.

[Walter Gage]

Has he found out the pearls are false?

[Ellen]

No, I didn't tell him.

[Walter Gage]

All right, don't worry. We have an idea how to get them back.

[Narrator]

We?

[Ellen]

Who's we?

[Walter Gage]

Henry and me.

[Ellen]

Henry? Henry who?

[Walter Gage]

Heinkleberger. I've hired him to help me find the pearls.

[Ellen]

Are you out of your mind? Didn't Henry take the pearl?

[Walter Gage]

Of course not. He only left because he was in love with you.

[Ellen]

Oh, Walter, that'd be rude. How could you say such a thing, Ellen?

[Walter Gage]

I thought you'd be flattered. Flattered?

[Ellen]

I never want to speak to you again, Walter Gage.

[Walter Gage]

Goodbye, Ellen.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, women.

[Walter Gage]

I sometimes wonder. Hello, honey. I'm so glad you called back. Listen, darling.

[Narrator]

Who you calling honey? Sweetheart?

[Walter Gage]

Who's this?

[Narrator]

Never mind. Your name's Gage?

[Walter Gage]

Yes.

[Narrator]

A guy named Scandizi says you're looking.

[Henry Eichelberger]

For some oyster fruit.

[Narrator]

A frail named Macintosh says you're the.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Guy to talk to.

[Walter Gage]

Possibly.

[Narrator]

Well, I got 49 of them, pal. Pink 1.5grand is the price.

[Walter Gage]

Well, that's absurd. Those pearls happen to be false.

[Narrator]

Quit your kid and you hide me five GS. I'll give you tomorrow afternoon to scrape it together. Then I'll call you and let you know where to meet me.

[Walter Gage]

Hello, Ellen. This is Walter.

[Ellen]

I told you I never wanted to speak to you again.

[Walter Gage]

All right, I won't speak to you. Just tell me the name of the man who sold Mrs. Penrodic's pearls for her.

[Ellen]

Gallimore. Roger Gallimore. He has a jewelry company downtown. Thank you, Walter.

[Walter Gage]

How do you like it, darling? I was beginning to see the light. The next morning I went to see this Mr. Gallimore. He was a tall pink man of about 70. And he listened to my narrative of events with considerable interest.

[Narrator]

5,000 seems like a good deal for a string of false pearls.

[Walter Gage]

Yes, indeed, Ian. You know what I think, Mr. Gallimore?

[Narrator]

What, Mr. Gage?

[Walter Gage]

I believe that the pearls are in fact real. You're a very old friend of Mrs. Penrodic. Perhaps even a childhood sweetheart. When she gave you the pearls to sell, you didn't sell them, Mr. Gallimore. Instead, you gave her $20,000 of your own money and returned the pearls to her, pretending they were imitations of the original necklace.

[Narrator]

Son, you think a lot smarter than you talk.

[Walter Gage]

I try very hard, Mr. Gallimore. Then I'm correct.

[Narrator]

Embarrassingly so, Mr. Gage. Pearls are real. Now, what would you like me to do?

[Walter Gage]

Give me $5,000. With which to get. Mr. Gallimore felt much better after he'd had a glass of water. And some hours later I managed to convince him that I knew approximately what I was doing. He gave me a check for $5,000. This check, Henry.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You mean he gave it to you? 5,000 fish just like that.

[Walter Gage]

You have said it.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, I'll be a Mickey Finn at a woman's club lunch. Kid, you got something with that daisy chain chatter of yours?

[Walter Gage]

Thank you, Henry. At any rate, all that remains now is for the phone to ring. Aha.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You can say that again.

[Walter Gage]

Very well.

[Narrator]

Aha. Hello, Gage?

[Walter Gage]

Yes. Who's this?

[Narrator]

Guess. You got the dough?

[Walter Gage]

It's in my pocket at this exact moment. If I have any assurance of honorable treatment, I'm prepared to go through with it.

[Narrator]

Oh, you get the marbles. Okay. We're in this business a long time and we can't afford the wealth. If we did it, it'd get around and nobody would play with us.

[Walter Gage]

I understand. What are your instructions?

[Narrator]

Tonight at 8 sharp you'll be at Pacific Palisade. You got that?

[Walter Gage]

Yes.

[Henry Eichelberger]

At the end of the D Road.

[Narrator]

Corner Sunset and Corona Delmar.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Be there at 8 sharp and come alone.

[Narrator]

And no gun, no funny business, no smart work and no slip up. Nobody get hurt. That's the way we do business.

[Walter Gage]

Very well. Oh, one last thing. Where did you get my phone number? From Scandisy.

[Narrator]

Who else? 8:00 then. And no tricks.

[Walter Gage]

That is very interesting.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What? What?

[Walter Gage]

Telephone?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, yeah. Hooray for Alexander Graham. What's his name? But what did the guy say?

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, yes.

[Walter Gage]

It's all arranged, Henry. I'm to meet them tonight all by myself and give them the money.

[Henry Eichelberger]

All by yourself, huh? Yet you a real comedian. Wait till I loosen my belt. They'll take the dough and leave you laying there bleeding all over yourself. And they'll still have the marbles. I ought to go with you, Henry.

[Walter Gage]

It's my duty. And I must brave these monsters and human guys alone and unattended. Of course, I do have a big car. And you could hide on the floor.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Under a rug, it's a cinch.

[Walter Gage]

But maybe.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Walter, the only thing wrong with you as far as I can see is you got holes in your head. All I'm trying to do is keep you from getting another one. I'm going with you.

[Walter Gage]

Thought was settled. Henry was to go with me. That afternoon I stopped at the bank where I cashed Mr. Gallimore's check and changed it into $100 bill. You counted as though it were your own.

[Narrator]

Five thousand.

[Walter Gage]

Five thousand.

[Narrator]

Five thousand.

[Walter Gage]

Now, a roll of quarters, please.

[Narrator]

Roll of quarters, please.

[Walter Gage]

There seems to be an echo in here. Leave them in the wrapper.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Ooh. Quite heavy, aren't they?

[Walter Gage]

Yes, aren't they? And so, evening, I found myself out on the Pacific Palisades with Henry Eichelberger boy in the back of the car. I was very nervous. I think Henry was also. Neither of us were any too sure of what was going to happen that night.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, me back.

[Walter Gage]

What's the matter, Henry? Aren't you comfy back there?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, I'm comfy, all right, only my heater keeps digging into me. Ain't we there yet?

[Walter Gage]

Well, we're getting close. Stay down. This is business. This is the end of the line. Henry. Be careful. They're probably watching me.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Okay. What's that? It's me, Walter. My. My gun is breaking my back.

[Walter Gage]

Well, stop sitting on it.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I did. Anything stirring?

[Walter Gage]

No.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Keep quiet. I'll make like a little mousey.

[Walter Gage]

Don't you think we've waited? I mean, don't you think we've waited long enough?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Henry, we only been waiting 15 minutes. You sure this is the place? Yes, of course. Let's get out of the car and see if anybody shoots at us. Then we'll know if somebody's around.

[Walter Gage]

Well, that seems to be the difficult way of finding out, but let's try it. I personally feel sure that there's no one here but you and I.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Suck it. You know what happened, Walter?

[Walter Gage]

What do you think, Henry?

[Henry Eichelberger]

It was just a tryout, that's all. Tomorrow, this guy calls you again in the Ford and he says, sorry, but they had to be careful. And they'll try again tonight. Maybe. Maybe. Out in San Fernando Valley. And the price is now 10 grand on account of their extra trouble. I ought to go back and twist that Scandisi. So he spends the rest of his life looking up his left pants leg.

[Walter Gage]

Well, Henry, what's the next move?

[Henry Eichelberger]

I'll feed it home, I guess. Anyhow, I won't need this gun anymore. My back is sore enough from it.

[Walter Gage]

We stood there and looked at one another, Henry and I. He doubled his hands into fists and shook them slowly in his sadness. I, too, was melancholy. In the brief time I'd known Henry, I'd grown very fond of him.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah. Yeah, that's it, all right. Nothing else to do but beat it on home. That's all is left to us.

[Walter Gage]

I took my right hand out of my pocket. I have large hands in my right hand, nestled the roll of quarters I'd gotten from the bank that morning. My hand made a large and heavy fist around them. Henry didn't notice.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What are you looking at me so funny for, Walter?

[Walter Gage]

I just wanted to say goodnight, Henry. You had two strikes on me. This is the big one.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I don't get it.

[Walter Gage]

He got it. Then my fist, with nearly a pound of metal in it caught him squarely on the jaw. For a moment he wavered back and forth on his feet. And then Henry Eichelberger lay motionless on the ground, as limp as a rubber glove. I found the pearls twined around his ankle inside his left sock. Well, Henry, I said, although he couldn't hear me, you're a gentleman, even if you are a thief. You could have taken the money a dozen times today. You could have taken it a little while ago when you still had the gun. But even that repelled you. You threw the gun away and we were man to man. But still you hesitated. In fact, Henry, I said, for a successful thief, you hesitated just a little too long. But as a sporting man, I can only think more highly of. Goodbye, Henry and good luck, I said. I put a hundred dollar bill in his chubby little fist and withdrew. End of story.

[Ellen]

But how did you know it was Henry, Darling?

[Walter Gage]

You told me so. Little lemon cookie. You were quite sure of it, I know.

[Ellen]

But you must have had proof of some kind.

[Walter Gage]

Well, there was one other minor detail that convinced me. Henry was the guilty party. I gave Scandisi my phone number. But I have two telephones. One's a private line. Only two people had that number. You were one of them. Henry was the other. When Henry's accomplice got in touch with me, he used the phone number I'd given Henry, not the one I gave Scandisi. You see?

[Ellen]

Oh, darling, you're so clever.

[Walter Gage]

Of course, you may kiss me if you like. A few months after Ellen and I were married, we received a letter postmarked Honolulu. It was from Henry.

[Henry Eichelberger]

My dear, dear Walter, I have only just received the joyous tidings that you and Eleanor embarked upon the happy tide of holy matrimony. I am so glad for you. I often think of you, Walter, particularly with an overwhelming curiosity as to what it was you struck me with that night. Ah, well, I dare say it can only be conjecture on my part. Now, a hammer, perhaps. That I allowed my jaw to be exposed to your weapon while I stood there meditating a whether to take your 5000 then or wait for 10 the following evening was a human error of judgment. At any rate, I entertain no feelings of ill will towards you. On the contrary, I am indebted to you greatly. The ease with which you talked Mr. Gallimore out of $5,000 has changed my life. I have been taking English lessons myself and am now practicing on a wealthy widow woman. Not without financial success. Ah, toujour le sport. Devotedly, Henry P. S. Was it perchance an anvil? I wonder.

[Ellen]

You know, Henry wasn't such a bad fellow. All I really disliked him for was his barbaric English. Now he's changed that. Maybe I should have married him.

[Walter Gage]

What do you think gets you a real comedian? Wait till I loosen my belt.

[Narrator]

And so closes. Pearls are a nuisance in which Roma Wines have brought you William Bendix and Alan Jocelyn as co stars of tonight's study in suspense. Suspense is produced, edited and directed by William Spear. Before our stars return to the microphone.

[Walter Gage]

Let me say a word for Roma.

[Narrator]

Wines, the sponsor of suspense. Elsa Maxwell's hospitality is always simple and unaffected. The other day she said, a few old friends, some comfortable chairs, a glass or two of good Roma California sherry and there you have the perfect combination for a pleasant evening at home. In fact, you'll find the light nut like flavor of this glorious amber golden. Roma sherry is delightful anytime. A delicious prelude to dinner. A gracious note of hospitality whenever friends drop in. Best of all, Roma wines are so reasonably priced any family can afford to serve them regularly. The goodness of Roma wines can add a lot to the joy of your daily living. Always delightful, always unvaryingly high in quality.

[Walter Gage]

Yet cost only pennies a glass.

[Narrator]

And the next time you use vermouth, sweet or dry, use Roma vermouth. Zestful herb flavored Roma vermouth is blended, mellowed, developed and bottled in California with all the traditional winemaking skill of Roma wineries. Try Roma vermouth soon, won't you?

[Walter Gage]

This is Alan Jocelyn. I trust that you died in the wool. Suspense fans who are accustomed to somewhat heavier meat on these Thursday dramas weren't displeased with our efforts in the interests of gaiety and insouciance. Do you concur, Mr. Bendix?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Who gets you A real comedian. Wait till I loosen my galluses.

[Walter Gage]

Courtesy impels me to tell you that Mr. Bendix here is being heard weekly on his own radio show. The life of Riley and Paramount impels me to say that he'll soon be seen in their production two years before the man.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Permit me to return the favor. Hey, Alan Johnson is soon going to be seen in the 20th Century Fox 30th anniversary production. Colonel Effingham's race.

[Walter Gage]

Thanks, Bill.

[Henry Eichelberger]

No, not at all, not at all.

[Narrator]

Next Thursday you will hear John Payne and Stuart Irwin as stars of the Spence. Presented by Roma Wines. R O M A made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Yes, Roma wines taste better because only Roma selects from the world's greatest wine reserves for your pleasure. And now, Roma Wines. R O M A Roma Wines presents Suspense. Tonight, Roma wines bring you Mr. William Bendix as star of Three Faces at Midnight. A suspense play produced, edited and directed for Roma Wines by William Spear. Suspense Radio's outstanding theater of Thrills is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. That's R O M A Roma Wines, those better tasting California wines enjoyed by more Americans than any other wine. For friendly entertaining, for delightful dining. Yes, right now a glassful would be very pleasant as Roma Wines bring you William Bendix in a remarkable tale of suspense.

[Henry Eichelberger]

They say they got 58 million jobs in this country. 58 million jobs. And I had to pick this one. Well, that's the way it goes. Some guys have got some special ability that other guys don't have. They just get picked out of the crowd, I guess, in spite of themselves. Well, this day I'm walking along Central Avenue. Not paying much attention to anything in particular. Then I see this sign. Help Want it? It says jobs. Then it's got a list of different kinds of jobs. Like chauffeur, house painter, salesman. There's nothing so funny about that. But then I see what kind of dough they're paying. And brother, what kind of dough they're paying. I'm thinking maybe this inflation ain't such a bad idea after all.

[Narrator]

And I walk in.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, there's quite a bunch of guys in there, naturally, sitting around on benches. And I sit down and every so often a door opens and a tough looking little boy, gray haired guy comes out and picks out a guy. And the guy goes in a sort of an office with him. And that's the last we ever see of him. So this keeps happening for a while. And I'm thinking this guy must really be handing out the jobs. And then the door opens again and the guy is looking at me.

[Narrator]

Okay, you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Me?

[Narrator]

Yes, you. All right, sit down. What's your name?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Walters.

[Narrator]

First name? What's the matter? Don't you know it?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Muscles.

[Narrator]

What?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Muscles.

[Narrator]

Mu F. Don't try to clown with me, pal. What's your name?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Listen, for your information, my first name is Sylvester. Only I don't like the name Sylvester. So? Most people don't call me Sylvester on account of it's better for them that way. So they call me Muscles. Now, you catch on.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Live here in town?

[Henry Eichelberger]

No.

[Narrator]

Where you from?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Brooklyn.

[Narrator]

I should have known it. What's your iq?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Come again?

[Narrator]

Skip it, skip it. Got any friends in town? No, just. And I can see why.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Look, Pop, are you talking to me about a job or a poking a nose?

[Narrator]

What? You wouldn't try to get tough with me, would you, you big baboon? What?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Is. Is that gun loaded?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Now, you want to make something out of it?

[Henry Eichelberger]

No, I don't. And how do you like that? But if you will put that heater down for a minute, Pop, I will bend you around like a pretzel.

[Narrator]

You know, I think you're gonna be all right, son.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Hold it, now. Hold it, hold it. Don't get sore. I was just trying something out on you, that's all.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You take awful chances, Pop.

[Narrator]

Guns don't worry you much, do they?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Guns? I spent the last four years playing with firearms for Uncle Whiskers. Guns to me are like the measles. I don't worry about them. I. I just got a healthy respect for him, and I like to keep my distance, that's all. Especially when the other guys got him and I don't.

[Narrator]

Yeah. I think you're gonna be all right.

[Henry Eichelberger]

For what?

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah?

[Walter Gage]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

What kind of a job did you want? Well, I don't know.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I've been a cabbie, drove a truck. I was a salesman for a while.

[Narrator]

For who? Lionel Strongfort? No.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Ladies Lingerie. Mail order house.

[Narrator]

Yeah, well, you'll make a lot more on this job than you would as any salesman. Now, listen. Say this after me.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What?

[Narrator]

This is John Three Faces for Midnight.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Come again?

[Narrator]

Come on, come on, say it, say it. It's part of the job.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Listen, if this job means I gotta play left end for the nuthouse, it's out.

[Narrator]

Don't worry, pal.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Don't worry.

[Narrator]

You're gonna like this job. Now, come on, say it. This is John Three Faces for Midnight.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, what can I lose? This is John 3 Faces for Midnight again. This is John 3 Faces for Midnight Mm, Mm. Yeah.

[Narrator]

Yeah. You're gonna be all right.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, is that good?

[Narrator]

Listen to this.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What's that?

[Narrator]

A dictograph that plays records.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, yeah? Well, that's more like it. Have you got Crosby?

[Narrator]

Listen.

[Henry Eichelberger]

This is John.

[Narrator]

Which way is the road?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Three Faces for Midnight.

[Narrator]

Well, we're ready.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Tomorrow night, regular time.

[Narrator]

I'll Call there. Did you get it?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, they sound just like a couple of mugs to me. Especially that guy John.

[Narrator]

I guess nobody ever does. Why recognize their own voice when they hear it? That guy John sounds enough like you to be your twin brother.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, I guess a guy can't help what he sounds. You mean I sound like that?

[Narrator]

I mean you're hired.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What a price to pay for a job.

[Narrator]

Go on through that door to the back and wait for me. I got a couple of things to do and then we'll get busy.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, okay, but this better be on the level because so far it sure stinks. Oh, pardon me. You all alone in here?

[Ellen]

I was.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, I didn't mean to interrupt or anything, only he sent me in here.

[Ellen]

Oh, it's quite all right. Make yourself quite at home.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, thanks.

[Ellen]

Only I hope you won't mind if I return to the pursual of my magazine.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh. Oh, you were reading. I like to read myself sometimes.

[Ellen]

I'm sure.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You'Re working for this guy here.

[Ellen]

I'm afraid that's confidential.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Ah, so he gave you that too.

[Ellen]

Why, yes. Are you working for him?

[Henry Eichelberger]

I don't know if you could call it working.

[Ellen]

Well, Denise, did I tell you anything?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, all about how I sounded like a guy named John. And what did I think about guns.

[Ellen]

Guns?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Host]

Oh.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, what are you supposed to do?

[Ellen]

Well, I don't know exactly.

[Henry Eichelberger]

That sounds just as crazy as what I'm supposed to do.

[Ellen]

Well, you see, I'm a photographer.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, you take pictures?

[Ellen]

Uh huh. I'm just an amateur really, but I get some very good pictures. I showed him some. A 16 millimeter.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What's that?

[Ellen]

Movies. With this camera here, see?

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, if this is some kind of gig for the movies, then it makes sense. They say in that racket everybody's crazy.

[Ellen]

Well, I don't know. I figured he wanted me to take some pictures of some kind of an affair, some wedding or something.

[Henry Eichelberger]

But what am I supposed to do, give the bride away?

[Narrator]

Now, I wanted to. Oh, you two get acquainted.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, we were making a start.

[Narrator]

Good. Okay. Now look, I got all your instructions written down here.

[Walter Gage]

Every.

[Narrator]

Everything you're supposed to do. You take a train to Woodbridge and walk. Not take a cab, walk to a certain house. There's a map here, you can't miss it.

[Ellen]

Well, aren't you coming?

[Narrator]

Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, I'll be there. But I gotta go separately. There's a reason for that. So go out and beat it. Now, your train leaves in a half an hour. You can Read over your instructions on the way.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Okay. I'm playing along as though this was on the level, but it better be.

[Narrator]

It's on the level, all right. But listen, don't you do anything that's not in those instructions, see? Why should we? I'm just telling you because I wouldn't want to see anything happen to you, either of you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, that should have been the tip off right there, especially for a smart guy like me. But if you must know, by this time, I'm. I'm thinking about this dame who's a slick chick, but real refined too, you know what I mean? And I'm thinking that this is probably the big break for her if it is on the level, so I ought to help her through with it, so I do. And by the time we get out to this wood bridge, we're getting along pretty good, except for one thing. We start off from the railroad station like it says on the map the guy gave us, looking for this certain house. Only it gets wilder and wilder where we're going right into the woods, must be a couple of miles. And then all of a sudden, there's a house. Well, that should have been a tip off, too.

[Ellen]

You don't suppose that did?

[Henry Eichelberger]

According to this map, it's gotta be.

[Ellen]

But Sylvester.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Alan.

[Ellen]

Yes, Silvester?

[Henry Eichelberger]

If you call me that once more, I will bend.

[Ellen]

What did you say?

[Henry Eichelberger]

I said I will bend every effort for you. But please don't call me that.

[Ellen]

Oh, well, I just can't call you Muscles. It's not refined. Well, then this must be the place. But it certainly is a funny place to have any kind of an affair.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Don't look like it's been lived in for 20 years.

[Ellen]

Listen.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, it's going to be a storm.

[Ellen]

Well, we better just go on inside, you know, like it says to do.

[Henry Eichelberger]

That door don't sound like it's ever been opened. Whoa.

[Ellen]

See, it's spooky in here.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, I can't find a light.

[Ellen]

Maybe that knife, mister. Oh, Sylvester. Well, I don't even know his name, do you?

[Henry Eichelberger]

No, and I wish I didn't know him.

[Narrator]

Close the door. Shh. It's all right. It's me. That's the idea. Now we can have some light.

[Ellen]

Ah, well. Well, it's nice on the inside, isn't it? Really refined.

[Narrator]

Yeah, yeah. Used to be an old hideout. Now, come out of the front room here and I'll give you the pitch.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, don't think we're in any hurry to know, because we are, see?

[Narrator]

All right, now, Listen, in about an hour, there's gonna be a guy come out here to take a bribe. He's quite a big guy in this town and he's taken a big bribe. $200,000.

[Henry Eichelberger]

200 grand?

[Narrator]

Yeah. He's gonna take the money from another guy that he's never seen before. A guy named John. You're gonna be John.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh. Oh, so I'm gonna be John?

[Narrator]

That's right. The guy you heard on the record in my office. The guy you sound like, the other guy you heard is the guy that's taken the money.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah. Well, you can count me out. The whole thing sticks. And if I had known that you were getting a young girl.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute. There are only two people in the world who know about this. Me.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, and who are you?

[Narrator]

Just call me Tim. Me and Grover T. Wyatt. You know who he is? No.

[Ellen]

You don't mean Governor Wyatt?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Ellen]

Why, he's nice. I voted for him. Why, he's one of the best looking men for his age.

[Narrator]

I mean, Wyatt's a swell guy, clean as a whistle for 20 years. But he made one little mistake back there and a certain guy has caught onto it. Well, all I can say is, if this thing doesn't come off, if he doesn't hear from me by 3:00 this afternoon, well, Governor Wyatt's a dead pigeon.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I don't care if he's a dead horse. 200 grand is plenty of lettuce, and that means plenty of trouble. But, Anne, what about this John that I'm supposed to be?

[Narrator]

He knows it, too. He's been our contact man on the phone with the scripter, and I.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, I don't like it. And Helen here.

[Narrator]

What are you squawking about? There's nothing going to happen to you. And there's a bonus of five a piece in it for both of you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

So we stick our necks out for a lousy five bucks.

[Narrator]

500 bucks.

[Henry Eichelberger]

That's what I said. A lousy 500. 500.

[Narrator]

That's what I said.

[Ellen]

Well, well.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Say, where is this bum that's been giving trouble to the governor? I will bend him around like a.

[Narrator]

We don't need any of that. We're just gonna get them good this time and that's the end of them.

[Ellen]

And you want me to take pictures of the transaction?

[Narrator]

Yes. Now you're getting smart. Yeah, from that landing up there. That's why we've got so much light in here. Will it be okay?

[Ellen]

Oh, it'll be quite all right, I'm sure.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, But. But there's just one thing.

[Narrator]

What?

[Henry Eichelberger]

So this guy shows up and he thinks I'm John because he's never seen John. But what if John shows up?

[Narrator]

Well, now, this John was sort of a double crosser. He won't show up.

[Henry Eichelberger]

How do you know?

[Narrator]

He had a little accident this morning. He's dead. More suspense. Romulus Wines are bringing you William Bendix in Three Faces at Midnight. Roma Wines presentation tonight in radio's outstanding theater of Thrills. Suspense between the acts of suspense. This is Ken Niles for Roma Wines. Are you enjoying today's biggest value in an entertainment beverage? You are when you serve Roma wine. Because Roma wine is America's first choice for more pleasure at moderate cost. Yes, Roma's popularity proves that in Roma wines, you enjoy an important difference. An extra goodness in fuller bouquet, richer body and better taste. And this difference, this better taste of Roma wines starts with California's choicest grape. Then Roma Master vintners with America's finest winemaking resources carefully, unhurriedly guide this great treasure to tempting taste perfection. This wine is placed with mellow Roma wines of years before. And later, from this world's greatest reserves of fine wines, Roma selects for your pleasure. That's why Roma wines are different, why Roma wines taste better every time. So for your best buy in good taste, insist on Roma Wine. R O M A Roma, the greatest name in wine. And now Roma wines bring back to our Hollywood soundstage William Bendix as Sylvester Walters with Sandra Gould as Helen, his partner in adventure in Three Faces at Midnight, a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Henry Eichelberger]

So there we are, just sitting and waiting in a house that looks like something Boris Karloff moved out of because it made him nervous. Me and this guy called Tim that's working for this governor called Wyatt. And this slick chick called Helen that's gonna take the pictures. Just sitting and waiting for a guy that's gonna come and take a bribe of 200 grand from another guy called John. Only I'm gonna be John on account of I sound just like him. And this other guy has never seen him. And anyway, this John has just got himself knocked off. You. You don't get it. Neither do I. But for 500 bucks, who. Who am I to have to know everybody's business? And Helen, she's sitting there as cool as though bribes of 200 grand and dead guys named John was just something she run across at the dime store novelty counter. So we go over what I'm supposed to say to this guy a couple of times and the storm outside. Getting worse all the time. Then we hear the knock on the door.

[Narrator]

That's him. That's him. Now all the doors. There in the briefcase. You know what to do. Helen, up on that landing, quick.

[Ellen]

Okay, okay.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Where are you gonna be?

[Narrator]

Right in this closet. Now go to it and make it look good. Excuse me, is this Mr. Hampton?

[Henry Eichelberger]

No, this is John.

[Narrator]

Oh, I guess I lost my way. Which way is the road?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Three faces for midnight.

[Narrator]

Okay. I knew your wife anyway.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Come on in. You're alone? What do you think I'm asking? 200 grand I gotta answer questions to nuts.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Okay.

[Narrator]

You got it?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah. And this briefcase. 200g notes I don't like that was.

[Narrator]

Supposed to be smaller.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What's the point? Well, that's how you're getting it. You want to count it?

[Narrator]

What?

[Walter Gage]

Poor.

[Narrator]

It better be right here.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Look it over. I don't want no kickbacks. Okay. 200 grand.

[Narrator]

Yeah, but you'll never get to spend it. Oh, a plant, huh? Yes. With pictures. Do you like it?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, that's too bad, team.

[Narrator]

Too bad for you, boy.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What did you do that for? Drop that gun. Property. I got it. I got it. Now stand. Stand back from the muscles.

[Narrator]

Stand back.

[Henry Eichelberger]

No. No.

[Narrator]

Him.

[Henry Eichelberger]

No. No.

[Narrator]

Tim. No.

[Henry Eichelberger]

No.

[Walter Gage]

Thanks.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Thanks, Marshall.

[Ellen]

Oh, you're back.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah. Dead?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Both of them.

[Ellen]

Oh. What are we gonna do?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, I got what you might call a rough idea.

[Ellen]

What?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Come on. We're gonna get this out of here. We have to walk the two miles to the station through the pouring rain. But even all that cold water don't seem to make my brains work any better. We don't get back to town till about 4:30 and I still don't have it figured out. And Helen, well, I. I guess you can't blame her. She just don't seem to have much experience in these things. So we're standing there under an awning.

[Ellen]

Arguing, but still that. Why don't we just go to the police or somebody and tell them.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Look, sugar, there's three guys been knocked off today. We were there when it happened to two of them. And how do we know that that that guy Kim told us was on the level?

[Ellen]

Well, maybe the police would tell us.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, with a rubber hose. And here's another thing. We're carrying around a briefcase full of 200 grand of somebody else's dough. And that ain't hay and it ain't good.

[Ellen]

Well, my goodness, what's so bad about it? All we have to do is keep it until something.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I'm not really A tough guy. See, all I know is what I see in the movies. But I know that when you're walking around with that much hot money, you're apt to wake up someday and find you've been living on borrowed time. Didn't you see what happened to that guy in that movie? The. The Killers?

[Ellen]

Oh yeah, wasn't that good? That poor Burt Lancaster. I felt so sorry for him.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, I don't want to wind up no, no Bert Lancaster even to make you feel sorry for me. So the first thing we gotta do is ditch this dough.

[Ellen]

Ditch? Really?

[Henry Eichelberger]

I mean before they find those two stiffs out there and then start trying to find a funny looking guy in a cute looking vein with a sack full of dough. We gotta find the parties that belong to it before they find us. Now you catch on.

[Ellen]

But we can't give it back to the man it belongs to. He's.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, and he said there was nobody in on the deal but him and the Governor.

[Ellen]

The Governor? Why that's what we'll do, silly. Just call the Governor.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, how do you do that? Just look him up in the classified egg.

[Ellen]

I don't know, ask information. Somebody must know his number. After all, you know he's a very important man.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, it might be worth a try at that.

[Ellen]

Upon there probably a phone booth right here in the truck door.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, but calling the Governor just like that. I. I don't know. Street extremit.

[Narrator]

Suicide paper but stated.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I got enough to worry me without the go. The Governor. Tell him. The governor, he's dead. Well, of course. Now I remember what that guy said about the Governor being a dead if he didn't get word by 3:00. But it's too late now for that to do anybody much good. Us or him either. There was just one more chance. That employment agency. The rain had almost stopped now and we went over to Central Avenue to look for it.

[Ellen]

Of course this is the place. I recognize it anytime now.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Where's the sign with the jobs on it?

[Ellen]

I don't know. Maybe they took it. Take it down when it rains to keep the letters from running maybe.

[Henry Eichelberger]

The joint looks closed to me. It is.

[Narrator]

Hey.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Anybody in there? Hey.

[Narrator]

Hey.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Open up. Come on, open up. Open up.

[Narrator]

What do you want?

[Henry Eichelberger]

We. We want to see the force.

[Narrator]

I'm in charge here. What do you want?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, we. We were sort of looking for a couple of jobs.

[Narrator]

I don't have no jobs. I'm just trying to rent this place. It's vacant.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Vacant? Isn't this an employment agency?

[Narrator]

Not since this morning.

[Walter Gage]

You want to rent it?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Look, this is kind of important to us. The guy that had it before, he was a sort of a tough looking, little gray haired guy, huh?

[Narrator]

Yeah, yeah, that's a guy. Guy by the name of Whiting. George Whiting.

[Ellen]

Oh, no, his name was Tim.

[Narrator]

Look, lady, if you know so much, what are you asking me for?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, it's all right. He probably had two names. You wouldn't know his home address, would you?

[Walter Gage]

I don't know a thing about the man, fella.

[Narrator]

You got to see him so bad.

[Henry Eichelberger]

The only thing I could advise you.

[Narrator]

To do is stick around on the off chance he might come back.

[Ellen]

But he can't. He's dead.

[Henry Eichelberger]

He's wanted to skip it. Well, we. We got the wrong guy. That last crack didn't help none because I knew that guy would remember us. Sure. And now I saw the whole thing. That employment racket was just a phony setup to catch a couple of patsies. I, I headed us back to the Choo Choo station. On the way, I slipped a G note out of the briefcase. It was time to do something fast.

[Ellen]

Leave town. Oh, but I don't want to leave town. It's nice.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, they got nice comfortable slabs in the morgue too. Come on. We're going to check this briefcase.

[Ellen]

But what are we going to check it for if we're going to leave town? If it's too heavy, Mr. Walters, I'll carry it.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Look, sugar, for the last time, I hope three guys are dead. The governor of a state almost as important as Brooklyn has just knocked himself off all on account of what's in this bag. We are ditching this bag, sugar, and we are ramming. I'll explain what that means later. Check this, will you, bud?

[Narrator]

When do you want it?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Sometime next week. I'm. I'm going out of town.

[Narrator]

Okay, two bits now and two bits more for every day you leave it. You pay the rest later.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

25.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Hey, what is this, a gag? What's the matter now?

[Narrator]

A thousand bucks.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, oh, oh, I must have made a mistake.

[Narrator]

You sure must have.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, yeah, but I don't seem to have nothing smaller.

[Narrator]

Well, I sure ain't gonna change this.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Okay, okay, give me the bag. Come on, Helen. Hey, wait. Hey, Jerry, stop that guy.

[Walter Gage]

What?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Hey. Hey, you.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Now look, officer, I just.

[Narrator]

Come on, come on. The man wants to see you. What's the matter, Sam? That guy must be nuts. He just walked off and left a thousand dollar bill.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, did I say a G note. Let me see what's mine. Ask him.

[Narrator]

Where'd you get this, bud?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, why, Officer, I, I. Well, I. I just made a little killing at the track.

[Narrator]

Which track?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Why, the. Look, I just wanted to check my bag, Officer.

[Narrator]

What's in that bag? Nothing.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Nothing, Officer. Just some purely personal stuff.

[Narrator]

Now, let me see.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Say, what is your.

[Narrator]

Give me that bag.

[Host]

Well.

[Narrator]

Well, what's in it, Jerry? Why, there's nothing in this bag at all. Nothing at all. Just a little movie camera. You see, I told you about a million bucks. Come on. Come on, Sylvester. Come clean.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I told you. And please, please, don't call me that.

[Narrator]

We ain't started to call you nothing yet, Sylvester. Why'd you kill him? They killed him for the doe, didn't you? What'd you hear about it? How'd you know he had the doe?

[Henry Eichelberger]

This is your gun, isn't it? No, no, no. I told you, they knocked off each other. I was just.

[Narrator]

Sure, sure. With the same gun, One guy shoots the other one and then hands him the gun. And only the gun's got your prints all over it.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I took it away from the guy.

[Narrator]

You were robbing the house, weren't you? They came to make their deal and you knocked them off.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Listen, the governor himself knew.

[Walter Gage]

Sure, we'll get the Governor to come.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Right down and make a statement.

[Narrator]

You trying to be funny, Sylvester?

[Walter Gage]

Yeah, we're robbing the house.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You swiped the camera and you put.

[Narrator]

It in the bag.

[Henry Eichelberger]

And then they came in. You saw all that, don't you? Knock them off.

[Narrator]

Listen, Sylvester, you don't want to get that sweet little girlfriend of yours in a jam, do you?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Helen? What have you done to her?

[Narrator]

Nothing yet. Come on. Come clean and we'll let her go.

[Henry Eichelberger]

But I tell you, I.

[Narrator]

Come on, Sylvester, or we'll send her to the hot seat with you. You wouldn't.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You couldn't. No.

[Narrator]

That's what you think. You killed him, didn't you? You killed him.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Okay, Okay, I killed him. Now you're happy.

[Narrator]

That's a boy. That's a boy, Sylvester. Hey, get this, Harry.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Now, will you stop calling me that?

[Narrator]

Okay, Sylvester, you killed him. What was a girl doing there?

[Henry Eichelberger]

She had nothing to do with it. She was just taking the pictures.

[Narrator]

What pictures?

[Henry Eichelberger]

The pictures. The pictures. There's your answer, you big dopes. Go look at the pictures.

[Narrator]

Now.

[Henry Eichelberger]

He's right, Mac.

[Walter Gage]

Those pictures show the whole thing.

[Narrator]

Pete shot Tim O'Meara, and then this.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Guy got the gun away from him and O'Meara shot Pete just like he said yeah. Now you catch on.

[Narrator]

You sure? No argument, Mac. It's all right there on the film. Well, you're a lucky boy, Sylvester.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, sure, I get all the brakes.

[Narrator]

Now go on, beat it. Beat it before we think of something else.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Okay, you've had your fun.

[Narrator]

Didn't you like it, Sylvester?

[Henry Eichelberger]

But if you'll take off that gun and that badge for a minute, I will bend you around like a pretzel.

[Narrator]

You mean right here, Sylvester?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yes, right here. After I served my 90 days, I went and got my name changed by a judge from Sylvester to Muscles. It's legal now, Mr. Muscles Walters. It may sound funny to you, but I like it. Oh, yeah, And Helen got her name changed, too. She's Mrs. Muscles Walters.

[Narrator]

Suspense Presented by Roma Wines R O M A Roma America's favorite wines. And now, this is Ken Niles returning for a curtain call. With the rugged star of tonight's suspense play, William Bendix. Bill, are those bulges in your coat really Muscles, or did your tailor install them?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, they ain't morph balls, chum. You want to see me tear up a phone book?

[Narrator]

You're safe. I don't happen to have one on me.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, I will demonstrate with my script. Only 30 pages. Give me yours, too, Ken. Well, now, I fold them once, then twice. And then I stack up the pieces and.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's fine. There went both scripts. Now, what do we read from.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Gee, Ken, I never thought. But you don't need a script to tell folks how good Roma wines are, do you?

[Narrator]

Ah, you're right, Bill. And to start with, here's a gift basket of Roma California wines with compliments from Roma, the greatest name in wine.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, that's what I call a magnanimous gesture. And now let me hear you tell about this Roma sherry without a script.

[Narrator]

Certainly, Bill. Roma Sherry is the perfect first call for dinner. The ideal wine for entertaining anytime. Roma Sherry is the favorite of millions. Because golden, amber, fragrant Roma Sherry is so good, so many tasty ways. You'll enjoy Roma Sherry before dinner. And when guests drop in, delight them with the warmth and graciousness. The tempting nut like taste of Roma sherry.

[Henry Eichelberger]

This guy knows his worth.

[Narrator]

Yes, because I know that in all Roma wines you enjoy an important difference. An extra goodness in fuller bouquet. Richer body and better taste. That's why more Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Thanks, Ken, and good night.

[Narrator]

William Bendix appears through the courtesy of Procter and Gamble, makers of Dreff. And can soon be seen in the Paramount picture Blaze of noon tonight's. Suspense play was written by John Eugene Hasty and Robert Richards. Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Mr. Eddie Bracken as star of suspense. Produced and directed by William Speer for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. In the coming weeks, Suspense will present such stars as Howard Da Silva, Kirk Douglas, James Stewart, Nancy Kelly and many others. Make it a point to listen each Thursday to suspense Radio's outstanding theater of thrill. Stay tuned for the thrilling adventures of the FK the Eye in Peace and War following immediately over most of these stations. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Autolite and its 96,000 dealers present suspense. Tonight, Autolyte brings you a transcribed tale of violence and tenderness. A story we call the Gift of Jumbo Brannigan, starring Mr. William Bendix. Before our play begins, here is a word about Autolite from a good friend of ours. Hello, everybody. This is Harlow Autolite Wilcox, singer of superlatives about those sturdy, stout, supremely scintillating stars of action and accuracy. World famous Autolite spark plugs. The spark plugs that are ignition engineered to work as a team with your car's ignition system. When you replace worn out spark plugs with ignition engineered auto light spark plugs, that fickle, finicky and faltering engine will happily hum and gleefully give smoother performance, quick starts, gas savings, all mighty important advantages to every car owner. That's why we say spark plugs should be regularly and carefully checked by your friendly Autolite spark plug dealer. He'll check your spark plugs with the exclusive Auto Light Plug check indicator. That's a special device that tells the right story for your type of driving. And if cleaning or adjustments are needed, he has the equipment to do the job quickly and efficiently. And remember too, your Autolite spark plug dealer is the only one who can offer you your choice of Autolite standard or resistor type spark plugs. So go to your Autolite spark plug dealer soon because you're always right with Autolite. And now, with the Gift of Jumbo Brannigan and the performance of Mr. William Bendix, autolight hopes once again to keep you in suspense.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Come on, Jumbo.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Hurry up. Shadow, you act like an amateur.

[Walter Gage]

Talking.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Talking that lousy no good bit. I know I should have picked him myself instead of letting a stupid kid do it.

[Narrator]

You pushed it too hard. That's why I broke.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I never pushed a drill too hard in my life. Come on, the other bit. Come on, Froggy, we ain't got all night. Here, here, Jumbo, don't get nervous. You're the ones having cat fits. It's the last bit we got. I'll handle it like a baby.

[Narrator]

We almost through anyhow.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Couple of minutes, we're going to be three of the richest men in town.

[Narrator]

Froggy, watch how you juggle that soup. Don't worry.

[Henry Eichelberger]

If I drop it, you won't see us tame.

[Narrator]

Maybe I ought to hit the watchman again. You might come around.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Ain't you never been on a job before?

[Narrator]

Plenty.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, you don't sound like it.

[Walter Gage]

Now.

[Henry Eichelberger]

We're starting to come through.

[Narrator]

I'll pour some more water in.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Can't break now. Don't worry. Jumble.

[Narrator]

Hold it a minute.

[Henry Eichelberger]

It's a matter now. I think I heard something. I don't hear nothing.

[Narrator]

Well, come on, come on, let's finish up.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You wasted 10 seconds talking. Come on, baby, get through it.

[Narrator]

Get through. The alarm. The alarm. Jumbo, you set the alarm off. We'll never get out of here now.

[Henry Eichelberger]

We're fried. I dropped the drill and listened. The alarm was sounding in my head like cannon fire. And I knew the next thing we'd hear would be size 12, broken, pounding up the stairs with cops feet in them. You'd think that with 25 years at the business behind me I'd know better than a trip an alarm, wouldn't you? Three weeks of freedom was all I've been able to snatch. It didn't feel like three weeks, but more like three minutes ago. Somebody called my name out.

[Narrator]

Francis Augustus Branning.

[Henry Eichelberger]

All right, all right, knock off, you guys. Nice go up. Benzie, you've been a trustee a long time, so maybe you'd trust me to rearrange your face. The name's Jumpo. Jumpo Branigan.

[Narrator]

Don't get sore, Jumpo. Only use your whole name for a joke. This is quite an occasion.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, okay, Benzy. I guess this is the one day I should let you have your fun.

[Narrator]

Warden sent me to get you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

He's waiting. You hear that, you failures? The warden's waiting for me. So long, guys. Take care of yourselves.

[Narrator]

So long, tiger.

[Henry Eichelberger]

So long, Peanuts.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Greatest bunch of no good bums in the world. Yeah. Oh, how I've been waiting for this. For all my papers, right and everything.

[Narrator]

You're as clean as a snowflake. Jumbo. You release assigned train tickets on the warden's desk. All you gotta do is tell him to buy.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Goodbye, warden. Goodbye, warden. You know, I might even say something nice to the creep.

[Narrator]

Insult it for me, will you? I'm in no position to do it myself. All right, inside. In just a second. Yes, what is it? Brannigan's ready to leave, sir. Brannigan.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Hello, Warden. Nice day, huh?

[Narrator]

Beautiful. That'll be all, Vinzi. Bye, Jumbo. I'll keep it camp in the window for you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, don't bother. Great guy.

[Narrator]

How old are you, Brannigan?

[Henry Eichelberger]

51, I think, Warden.

[Narrator]

How many years have you spent in prison?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, counting reform school and everything, 25 years.

[Narrator]

Half your life. Don't you think you've been a failure long enough? Oh, yeah.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, Warden, you're right. Those long nights back in there really pounded a lesson into this thick skull. From now on, I'm going to be known as Honest Jumbo Brinnigan.

[Narrator]

Well, you'll have a chance to prove that. I wonder if you can.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What do you mean by that crack?

[Narrator]

Have you forgotten about your boy?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, yeah, the kid. Well, I haven't heard much from him, and I don't even know what he looks like.

[Narrator]

How he looks isn't important. It's how he feels. Put yourself in his place. He's only 14 years old. He spent 10 of those 14 years as a ward of the state. Never had a family or a chance.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Poor kid. Too bad his mother didn't live. I wish there was something I could do for him, but I guess there ain't.

[Narrator]

Now, here's where we start putting some lies back together. Jumbo, there is something you can do for that kid. I'm gonna tell you just what it is. When you get outside, you're gonna take that kid and the two of you are going to live as father and son.

[Henry Eichelberger]

But wooden.

[Narrator]

We've already got an apartment for you. The rent's paid for six months. We've gotten you an honest job.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Doing what?

[Narrator]

Working in a department store? Mr. Bishop, who does rehabilitation work, has agreed to take you on.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, that's. That's. Wow.

[Narrator]

The parole office, the child welfare bureau and the police department are going to keep tabs on your boat until you straighten out your life. Brannigan, you step out of line once and you wish you'd never been born.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, Warden, I told you, I'm going out of here and I'm going to go straight. I'm planning to make a decent home for myself, and I'll be glad to make a home for that kid. He won't have to worry, and you won't have to worry. Nobody will. Because Jumbo Brannigan's gonna live an honest life from here on out.

[Narrator]

Is that clear? That's clear. Brannigan, you have my best wishes.

[Henry Eichelberger]

We walk to the gate arm in army. But I could see that he really fell for that big speech of mine. I should have been a politician. I almost fell for it myself. It was so good. I wasn't gonna go to work at any department store. At least any longer than I had to. I was heading right back where I belonged, over to the south side of town. And I was gonna go into business for myself. Jumbo Brennigan. For then, all of a sudden, I was outside, free. I spit on the sidewalk, stretched my arms out wide and took a good deep breath of that sucker's air.

[Young Brannigan]

Jumbo. Jumbo, it's me, the kid.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Not the kid. Mine. Sure.

[Young Brannigan]

Didn't they tell you I was gonna be waiting for you out here?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, no. I guess they forgot.

[Young Brannigan]

Well, you think I'd let you down? My old man, Jumbo Brannigan.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You're kind of skinny.

[Young Brannigan]

Oh, I've been a little off my feet. You know, the excitement of you getting out.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Nothing to get excited about. I've been out before.

[Young Brannigan]

We're gonna live together, huh? Have our own place, huh?

[Henry Eichelberger]

You're all right, kids, so we're gonna live together. But get this straight. I'm making the rules. You keep out of trouble. You get in by 10:00 at night. If you call me Daddy once, I'll loosen a few of those baby teeth.

[Young Brannigan]

Okay, Jumbo, we'll do anything you say. Anything you say. You don't know how good it is to see you. My old man.

[Henry Eichelberger]

We took the train into town. I never seen a kid so excited or anybody so taken with me. He looked at me like I was an all American fullback who just scored the winning touchdown for Podunk. The next morning, I reported for work at Peterson's Department Store. Big, lush joint. I met the manager, Mr. Bishop, the jerk the warden had told me about.

[Narrator]

Well, Brannigan, it's nice to have you join our little family.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, thank you, sir. It was nice of you to do something for me.

[Narrator]

I'm not doing much for you, Granny. But you're doing something for me. You're filling a necessary job in my department store.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I don't know much, but I'll do my best.

[Narrator]

I'm sure you will. I believe in the basic honesty of the human being. And so far in this little rehabilitation venture, I haven't been disappointed. The parole board felt that if you had some definite responsibility, you and your boy would make out all right.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I'll do my best, sir.

[Narrator]

You don't have to call me sir. Just call me Bishop, as everyone else does, I'm going to put you down in the shipping room. Start suit you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, fine, sir.

[Narrator]

Then you can move up into any job you want. Who knows, someday you might have my job. Manager.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, just any job would make me happy, sir. Bishop. As long as it's honest.

[Narrator]

That's the kind of talk I like to hear. I'm pinning my faith on you, Brannigan. Anytime you have a problem or get the urge to, you know. Well, come to me directly. Remember, we work on the honor system.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Honor system. It suited me just fine. Inside of an hour, I'd cased the layout and found the main safe. It was on the second floor and it was so beat up I could have opened it left handed with a sectional. Jimmy. Oh, what a setup. It was the first time I'd ever been paid to case a joint by the very people I was going to knock off. Well, three weeks went by while I tossed crates and boxes around in the shipping room, playing the innocent ex con. What I was really doing was mapping the place right down to the tax and the rugs. And then I decided it was time to operate the kid. I didn't even think about him. I broke my parole by going down to the Roundhouse, a bar I used to hang out in. Jumbo. Want him to hear you? All the way down to the parole office, nuthead.

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah. I got excited seeing you, Jumbo.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Don't lose your head.

[Narrator]

The usual, Jumbo? Yeah.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What happened to Stinger McClure? The Stinger? Yeah.

[Narrator]

He was picking somebody's pocket on the subway and the door closed on his arm. The way that undertaker fixed him up, you wouldn't think he had a scratch on him.

[Henry Eichelberger]

It's good to see you back, Jumbo. Julius, I've been kind of out of touch with things. Maybe you can help me. I need a couple of guys, Julius. A good electrician who knows the wires, a lookout, and a small guy who can squeeze in through a ventilator.

[Narrator]

Let me see. Anybody special in mind?

[Henry Eichelberger]

I was thinking of Ralph Petrucci and Froggy Quinn.

[Narrator]

Those guys are around. They haven't been down here. Not in the dog's age.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Any chance of getting a line on them?

[Narrator]

Yeah, I got some ears I can mutter into. Might be kind of hard, but I'll try.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Okay, Julius, I'll take care of you. How about another splash in the glass?

[Narrator]

Coming up. Also on the house.

[Young Brannigan]

Jumbo. I've been looking all over for Ted.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What do you think you're doing here?

[Young Brannigan]

What's important?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Look, it's after 10:00 and you're supposed to be in bed. That's what's important.

[Young Brannigan]

So are you too. You're on parole. But I'm going right home. Jumbo, honest. I just want you to come with me. I. I got a surprise for you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What surprise?

[Young Brannigan]

I can't tell you here, but it's really big.

[Henry Eichelberger]

All right, kid, let's get it over. He led me out of the bar and up the street like he just discovered oil in our kitchen. I couldn't figure out what the surprise could be. When we got to the apartment and opened the door. You could have knocked me over with a baby's rattle. The two guys I asked Julius the bartender to scout for me was sitting on a sofa big as the ears on a bull. Ralph Petrucci and Froggy Quinn.

[Young Brannigan]

Oh, here he is, fellas.

[Narrator]

How are you, Jimbo? Welcome home.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Hello, Ralph. But how did. Give me a mitt, Jumbo. Froggy Quinn. I can't believe it. How did you guys get here? How?

[Young Brannigan]

I got him, Jumbo. I knew you was looking for them.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You knew I was looking for them?

[Young Brannigan]

Sure, for the job.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What a kid, huh? What job, kid? Come on, tell me. What job?

[Young Brannigan]

The one we're gonna pull.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Now, wait a minute. Let me get this straight. We're not pulling any job.

[Narrator]

Sure we are, Jim.

[Young Brannigan]

Let me tell him, Ralph. Who do you think got you the parole? Who do you think got you that job in the department store, this apartment?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Who?

[Young Brannigan]

Me, that's who. I went up to that creep Mr. Bishop and cried my eyes out like a little baby, telling him how much I needed my old man and wouldn't he help me?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Kid, you don't know what you're talking about.

[Young Brannigan]

And furthermore, we're not gonna knock off the department store the way you've been thinking.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Who says we're not?

[Young Brannigan]

I do. We're clipping the loan company next door. That's where they keep their money nights and that's where the real pile is. Now, here's a plan.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Now hold on a minute, kid. You going crazy or something?

[Narrator]

He knows what he's doing.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, there's not gonna be any job like this. There's not gonna be any kid like that in on it.

[Young Brannigan]

Yes, there is, Jumbo, with or without you. I've been planning this job three years and I'm gonna go on it. Are you?

[Henry Eichelberger]

I stood there looking down at that 90 pound skinny little kid, my own flesh and blood, planning a job like a hard guy who'd been in the rackets all his life, I felt like batting him right down through the floor. But everybody stood there staring at me, waiting for my answer. And all of a sudden, I knew what it was going to be. Because I didn't like the looks of this job. What was that, Jumbo? You heard me, Froggy. Count me out. I don't want any part of it. Jumbo, you're nervous.

[Narrator]

You just got out.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Now we'll all pretend we didn't. We didn't hear what you said. Chance to say something else, Jumbo.

[Young Brannigan]

I thought you'd be proud. I planned it.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I said I want no part of it. Don't waste time beating your guns. What's the matter, Jumbo? Don't you trust your own kid? Save that dog guy for some stupid cop. When you're standing in a lineup, Jumbo Brunigan don't trust nobody. Jumbo, you're forgetting the Kid here's got.

[Narrator]

A real head on him.

[Henry Eichelberger]

He even sprung you. I've already thanked him. So long.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute. Oh.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, it's gonna be that way, huh, Ralph?

[Narrator]

Yeah, Jumbo, it's that way. Now, while you're watching the gun, let me explain something to you. Before the Kid could get in front of that parole board, he had to hire a longmouth. And that longmouth charged five grand. Me and Froggy got it up. And that means we sorta got an interest in you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Is that right, Kid?

[Young Brannigan]

Sure it is. We got you out to pull this.

[Narrator]

Job tonight, and it's gonna be pulled tonight. We can't get nobody else to stand in for you. I mean it, Jumbo. Five grand don't grow on trees. So just try to walk out of here, I'll kill you right in front of your own kid. Autolite is bringing you Mr. William Bendix with Tommy Bernard in the gift of Jumbo Branigan. Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, suspense.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I was hooked. Oh, I wasn't worried about the heater. Petrucci was dangling around on his finger. By the way, Froggy was sliding around in back of me holding a shiv with a trick blade. I could have given both of them plenty of trouble. But I began to look at it another way.

[Narrator]

Jumbo, what do you say?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, you can put the Betsy away. I'm in.

[Young Brannigan]

What did I tell you guys? He's the best girl in the business. My old man.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You have a chance to prove it, Jumbo. There's 75 grand stashing that loan company safe just waiting for you to blow it out.

[Young Brannigan]

And that's why we have to do it tonight, Jumbo. They got all the receipts in for the tax people.

[Narrator]

Come on, come on, let's get out of business here. Here's the layout.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Let me look at it. How do we get in? Who's gonna do the skylight part?

[Narrator]

That's where the kid fits in. Only we don't need a skylighter.

[Young Brannigan]

I just get under the Adam street entrance, see?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Hey.

[Young Brannigan]

And I stand there and bawl my eyes out. The watchman will see me through the glass. There's only one on duty at 11:30.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What are you giving me, Jumbo?

[Young Brannigan]

I've been selling papers on that corner for three months. It's a cinch. Like I said, the watchman will come out and wonder what's the matter with me. And you guys will go in.

[Narrator]

How's that for an angle, Jimbo?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, I gotta get some tools.

[Young Brannigan]

Don't worry, Jumbo, I already got em.

[Narrator]

Look, soup, drills, fuses, torch everything.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I'll all write, you guys case on out of here. What I said, breeze, I want to talk to my kid.

[Narrator]

Okay. Don't make the mistake of changing your mind, Ralph.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You can push me only so far and I'll beat it.

[Young Brannigan]

Jumbo, I think the luckiest thing that ever happened in my life was being your son.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You think so?

[Young Brannigan]

Well, I'm bound to be a big timer like you before I'm 17. Think of all the things I'm gonna learn from you. Will you show me how to do a jam blast tonight?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Sure. Sure, kid. Anything?

[Young Brannigan]

Something on your mind?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Huh? Huh?

[Narrator]

No.

[Henry Eichelberger]

No. Just thinking over this job. You always gotta think them out Good.

[Young Brannigan]

I'm learning already. Maybe I'll grow up to be just like you, huh?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Would you like that?

[Young Brannigan]

Would I? Why, you got everything. Think of all the big dough you handled in your time and look at the friends you got. Yeah, Ralph and Froggy says there's no one can touch you in your line.

[Narrator]

They're right.

[Henry Eichelberger]

No one.

[Young Brannigan]

Tell me about the Siemens national, will you?

[Henry Eichelberger]

The Siemens national, you heard about that?

[Young Brannigan]

Sure, I heard about it. And I heard about the Daily Smith thing in Denver and the neat switch you pulled up in Montreal.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Sounds like a history book on me.

[Young Brannigan]

Wait till you see this scrapbook, Jumbo. I got all your clippings from the first time they nailed you on the St. Louis thing.

[Henry Eichelberger]

St. Louis? I was 15.

[Young Brannigan]

Yeah, and right down to the Akron, Ohio caper. Boy, was that something.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah. Kid.

[Young Brannigan]

What?

[Henry Eichelberger]

You believe me when I tell you something?

[Young Brannigan]

I know what kind of guy you are. You Wouldn't kid me. Sure, I believe you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Well, then pay attention. Tonight on the job, do like I say.

[Young Brannigan]

Sure, Jumbo, you're the boss. Anything you want.

[Henry Eichelberger]

This is your first time. No mistakes.

[Young Brannigan]

No mistakes. Wait till you see me in action. You'll be proud of me like I'm proud of you. Just watch.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Yeah, kid, I'll be watching.

[Young Brannigan]

I'm glad you aren't sore about me lining up this thing. Getting hold of Froggy and Ralph and all.

[Henry Eichelberger]

No. No hard feelings, kid. I'm not sore. 1. We all started out at a quarter after 11. Ralph and Froggy were nervous. The kid acted like an old trooper. On opening night, we stood in a doorway while he went into his act. The watchman opened the door. What's the matter, sonny?

[Narrator]

What are you crying for?

[Young Brannigan]

I got no place to go.

[Narrator]

No place to go? Well, but you're only a kid. Why's your mother and father.

[Young Brannigan]

I don't have any, mister. I'm all alone. I'm afraid.

[Narrator]

Well, I shouldn't do this, but.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Shut up. Get back inside. Make one sound and I'll blast your head off. Froggy. Yeah? His gun. Got it. Now inside.

[Narrator]

Street's all clear. Jumper, you sure like a dance hall Sunday morning. Let me take care of this guy.

[Henry Eichelberger]

I'll do it.

[Narrator]

Now, look here.

[Young Brannigan]

You hit it kind of hard. Jumbo.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What's the matter? No guts? Froggy, tie him up. Okay, Jumbo. Then gag him. Yep, right. Ralph, the shades. Where's he?

[Young Brannigan]

Alone by Cody. You won't have to worry a thing about that, Jumbo.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You let me do the thinking.

[Young Brannigan]

It's by the office door. I wonder if he's dead.

[Henry Eichelberger]

The guard just made his call in. We got 15 minutes to crack it.

[Young Brannigan]

Do you think we can do it, Jumbo? You think we can?

[Henry Eichelberger]

All right, yellow belly, this is where you get off. Get off? Yeah, outside. Go on, get out of here.

[Young Brannigan]

But, Jumbo, what's the matter? What did I do?

[Henry Eichelberger]

You dumb little bonehead. Anybody could have set this cracker box up. Now get out of here.

[Young Brannigan]

I waited a long time for this. I won't go. I thought we were pals and you hit me.

[Narrator]

You're kind of hot on a kid, ain't you?

[Henry Eichelberger]

Keep your mouth shutter. You'll get the same thing. We can't have him hanging around.

[Young Brannigan]

I won't go. You can kill me first.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Oh, no, you won't.

[Young Brannigan]

You won't throw me out. I want to be in on the job. I want to be.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Now get away from here or you'll blow up the whole thing with your ball on, Jumbo. Now let's get to the men's work. Tin can was an antique, but it was tough. I worked as fast as I dared, Ralph and Froggy helping me. But the drills kept breaking off. Ralph was nervous and Froggy was juggling the nitroglycerin in a way that set us all on edge. I was using my last drill bit when the job came to a sudden end.

[Narrator]

The alarm. The alarm. Jumbo, you set the alarm off. We'll never get out of here now.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Froggy. Put that nitro down. Okay, but I'm blowing.

[Narrator]

All right, everybody, put up your head and stay where you are.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Cops. Nobody's gonna take.

[Narrator]

Froggy.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Put that gun down. You won't find me that asic shroud. Get out of my way.

[Narrator]

Trouble.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Get back. Ralph. Ralph, you. You really lost us up.

[Narrator]

Is that all, Branigan?

[Henry Eichelberger]

That's all, Father. Let me through.

[Walter Gage]

That.

[Young Brannigan]

That's my old man there, Jumbo.

[Henry Eichelberger]

What's the matter, kid? Ain't you ever seen a guy lie in a gutter and die?

[Narrator]

I thought.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Thought you'd been around. It happens lots of times to guys like me. You can do it yourself someday. Just keep on the way you're going.

[Young Brannigan]

Jumbo. Jumbo, I was gonna learn things from you.

[Henry Eichelberger]

You can still learn things after I'm gone. Study that scrapbook. Look at the pictures in it of me in and out of jail. Pictures like the ones they're taken of me right now. They ought to be swell for you. Go on, get away from me. Get away from me. And don't forget the way you saw me dying, will you? Don't forget. Because if you're as dumb as I've been, you're gonna end up the same way.

[Narrator]

Kid.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Take a good look at me.

[Narrator]

Was that the best way?

[Henry Eichelberger]

It was the only way. Maybe he understands now. Hi, Captain Cross. Thanks for answering my phone call.

[Narrator]

You wouldn't have been hit, Jumbo, if Petrucci hadn't tried to run.

[Henry Eichelberger]

That's all right. Just saved everybody a lot of trouble.

[Narrator]

Jumbo, why did you tip me off in advance that you're gonna pull a job?

[Henry Eichelberger]

If Padre here can tell you, captain, it was a little gift I arranged for my. My kid.

[Narrator]

Amen. Suspense Presented by autolight tonight's star, Mr. William Bendix. This is Harlow Wilcox again to tell you that Autolite makes over 400 fine products for cars, trucks, planes and boats in 28 plants from coast to coast. These include complete ignition systems used as original factory equipment on many leading makes. Of our finest cars. Generators, coils, distributors, electric windshield wipers, voltage regulators, wire and cables, starting motors, and many more. They're all engineered to fit together perfectly, work together perfectly because they're all part of the Autolite team. So, friends, don't accept electrical parts supposed to be as good. Ask for and insist on Autolite original factory parts at your neighborhood service station, car dealer, garage or repair shop. Remember, you're always right with Autolite. Next week on Suspense, Our star will be Mr. Ronald Coleman in Vision of Death. And in weeks to come you will hear such famous stars as Mr. Van Johnson, Ms. Joan Crawford and Mr. Jack Carson, all on suspense. Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed by Lucy and conducted by Lud Bluskin. Portions of this program were transcribed. In tonight's play, Tommy Bernard was Young Brannigan. Jay Novello was heard as Froggy, and Ed Max was Ralph. Others in the cast were Leo Cleary, Joseph Kearns, Herb Butterfield, Junius Matthews and Charles Calvert. The gift of Jumbo Brannigan was written for suspense by E. Jack Newman and John Michael Hayes. William Bendix may be heard on his own show, the Life of Riley, sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer. And remember, next week on suspense, Mr. Ronald Coleman as a mind reader who discovers his nightclub act is not a fake, a story we call Vision of Death. You can buy world famous Autolite resistor type or standard type spark plugs, auto light staple batteries, Autolite electrical parts at your neighborhood Autolite dealers. Switch to Autolite. Good night. Today, the three major objectives of your Red Cross are the servicing of our armed forces everywhere, the training of defense emergency units and the providing of blood to both the civil and military. Donate your time or money to the Red Cross. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Host]

We just heard my three favorite episodes of suspense starring William Bendix. That will do it for this bonus episode. Thanks so much for joining me. I'll be back on Thursday with our next regular episode. In the meantime, you can check out down these Mean Streets, my old Time Radio Detective podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Sundays. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buymeacoffee.com Meansts OTR now, good night until next time when I'll be back with another Hollywood legend starring in More tales well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the chief hope of.

[Walter Gage]

Our enemies is to divide the United States along racial and religious lines and thereby conquer us. Let's not spread prejudice. A divided America is a weak America. Through our behavior, we encourage the respect of our children and make them better neighbors to all races and religions. Remind them that being good neighbors has.

[Narrator]

Helped make our country great and kept her free.

[Henry Eichelberger]

Thank you.