BONUS - Stocking Stuffed with Suspense

Summary

Podcast Summary: Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio) – BONUS Episode: "Stocking Stuffed with Suspense"

Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: Harlow Wilcox
Produced by: Mean Streets Podcasts

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Introduction: Harlow Wilcox Sets the Seasonal Tone

At the onset of the episode, Harlow Wilcox warmly welcomes listeners to the bonus episode of "Stars on Suspense," themed around Christmas. Emphasizing a festive twist, Wilcox highlights that all featured stories are set during the holiday season and diverge from traditional suspense tales by culminating in happy endings. This sets a comforting and uplifting tone for the listeners during the Christmas season.

Notable Quote:

"I don't think that's a spoiler. I mean, after all, it's Christmas."
— Harlow Wilcox [00:54]

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1. Double Entry

Starring Eddie Cantor as Paul Freeze and Sydney Miller as Sam

Plot Overview: "Double Entry" is a suspenseful narrative centered around Paul Freeze, an accountant portrayed by Eddie Cantor, who discovers that his close friend and fellow accountant, Sam (played by Sydney Miller), has been embezzling funds from their firm. Set against the backdrop of Christmas, Sam's illicit activities are initially motivated by altruistic intentions to aid various charitable causes. However, as the story unfolds, Sam finds himself overwhelmed by the accumulated debt from his continuous embezzling.

Key Developments:

• Sam's Confession: Sam admits to Paul about the embezzlement, expressing his fear of being caught by auditors.

  Notable Quote:

  "I'm telling you, Eddie, they're getting awful close."
  — Sam [17:38]

• Paul's Gamble: Determined to help his friend, Paul takes a risky bet on a long-shot horse named Altruism to secure the necessary funds to cover Sam's debt.

  Notable Quote:

  "You get the horse, you get my money and you tell him that you're Sam."
  — Paul Freeze [06:24]

• Climactic Resolution: The horse Altruism ends up winning the race, providing Sam with the funds he desperately needs. Despite a chaotic setup involving mistaken identities and last-minute interventions, the story concludes with Sam avoiding jail time and reaffirming the strength of their friendship.

  Notable Quote:

  "Friendship? You talk of friendship at a time like this?"
  — Sam [17:38]

Happy Ending: Sam successfully covers his embezzled amount with Paul's winnings, and the two friends reconcile, embodying the Christmas spirit of forgiveness and togetherness.

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2. Twas the Night Before Christmas

Starring Greer Garson as Ms. Buff and Evelyn Rudy as Kathy

Plot Overview: This adaptation of the classic Christmas poem introduces a suspenseful twist. Greer Garson plays Ms. Buff, the mother of a young girl named Kathy, portrayed by Evelyn Rudy. The story revolves around Kathy anxiously awaiting her parents' return from a missing plane over the Atlantic on Christmas Eve.

Key Developments:

• Kathy's Desperation: Kathy notices her parents' absence and grows increasingly worried as hours pass without their return.

  Notable Quote:

  "I know, honey. They aren't there."
  — Ms. Buff [51:57]

• Encounter with the Mysterious Man: A man impersonating a reporter arrives, heightening the suspense as Kathy fears for her parents' safety.

  Notable Quote:

  "You are talking about me?"
  — Ms. Buff [54:56]

• Rescue and Revelation: Lt. Spencer and other authorities intervene, leading to the discovery that the mysterious man was there to ensure Kathy's safety. It is revealed that her parents had to make an emergency landing, but they reconcile in the end.

Happy Ending: Despite the initial tension and fear, Kathy's parents return safely. The episode concludes with a heartwarming reunion, underscoring the resilience of family bonds during the holiday season.

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3. A Present for Benny

Starring Jack Kruschen as Ricky

Plot Overview: In "A Present for Benny," Jack Kruschen portrays Ricky, a gangster plotting revenge on his rival, Benny. The story delves into themes of betrayal and retaliation, set amidst the festive atmosphere of Christmas.

Key Developments:

• The Threat Letter: Ricky receives a menacing letter from Benny, threatening violence unless forced out of town.

  Notable Quote:

  "I'm gonna let him send a bomb, huh?"
  — Ricky [65:41]

• The Bomb Plot: Ricky devises a plan to send a bomb disguised as a Christmas present to Benny, intending to eliminate his threat discreetly.

• Mistaken Deliveries: Due to a mix-up in shipping, Ricky inadvertently sends the bomb to his own store, causing chaos and near-disaster.

  Notable Quote:

  "It's the bomb."
  — Ricky [85:14]

• Climactic Turnaround: In a twist of fate, Ricky encounters Benny, leading to a dramatic resolution where they reconcile, choosing peace over revenge.

Happy Ending: The confrontation results in mutual understanding and reconciliation, allowing both men to avert violence. The episode emphasizes the true spirit of Christmas—choosing forgiveness over grudges.

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4. Dog Star

Starring Evelyn Rudy as Julie and additional voices

Plot Overview: "Dog Star" follows the story of Julie Roberts, a young girl yearning for a dog after the tragic loss of her previous pet, Mike. Evelyn Rudy brings Julie's emotional journey to life as she navigates her grief and hope during Christmas.

Key Developments:

• Julie's Loss: Julie is devastated by the death of her dog, Mike, who was tragically killed by a car, leaving her heartbroken and longing for companionship.

  Notable Quote:

  "The only thing I want for Christmas is a dog."
  — Julie [94:55]

• Rescue of a Mysterious Dog: Julie discovers an injured dog near Palmer Canyon, whom she names Mike, not knowing his true identity as Chitka, a satellite's canine companion.

• Military Intervention: Lt. Spencer and Professor Goodwin investigate the landing of a satellite carrying Chitka, aiming to retrieve the dog and close the case.

  Notable Quote:

  "It's for you, Julie, if your folks don't mind."
  — Lt. Spencer [111:45]

• Heartwarming Reunion: Ultimately, Chitka is safely returned to Julie, reaffirming her belief in miracles and the magic of Christmas.

Happy Ending: Julie receives the dog she so desperately wished for, completing her Christmas wish and providing her with new love and companionship.

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5. Dog Star

As outlined above.

(Note: It appears "Dog Star" is the fourth story in this episode. There seems to be a repetition or mislabeling in the transcript. Assuming "Dog Star" is the fourth story, the fifth is next.)

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6. A Korean Christmas Carol

Starring Bill Lipton as PFC Larry Connolly and Lyle Sudro as Richard Dombrowski

Plot Overview: "A Korean Christmas Carol" transports listeners to the Korean War era, where Bill Lipton embodies PFC Larry Connolly, a soldier grappling with despair during Christmas in a warzone. Lyle Sudro plays Richard Dombrowski, another soldier with a troubled past, whose encounter with Connolly leads to a transformative experience.

Key Developments:

• Connolly's Despair: Struggling with the hardships of war and feeling disconnected from the true meaning of Christmas, Connolly contemplates giving up and staying in bed to escape the turmoil.

  Notable Quote:

  "Christmas was for me that year. Miserable."
  — PFC Larry Connolly [72:06]

• Unexpected Encounter: Dombrowski hitchhikes and meets Connolly on a snowy Christmas Eve, leading to a tense exchange that eventually reveals Dombrowski's heroic past during the war.

• Revelation of Sacrifice: Through Dombrowski's recounting of his sacrifice on Christmas night in 1951, Connolly gains a newfound appreciation for camaraderie and the spirit of giving.

  Notable Quote:

  "This orphanage has been erected and maintained in the memory of Corporal Richard Whitey Dombrowski, who... willingly gave his life that others might live."
  — Narration [123:37]

• Transformation and Redemption: Inspired by Dombrowski's story, Connolly finds renewed purpose and solidarity with his fellow soldiers, embodying the Christmas spirit even amidst the ravages of war.

Happy Ending: Connolly overcomes his despair, reconnects with his sense of duty and humanity, and celebrates Christmas with a restored sense of hope and unity.

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Conclusion: Harlow Wilcox Wraps Up the Holiday Showcase

As the episode draws to a close, Harlow Wilcox recaps the featured stories, expressing gratitude to the audience for joining the seasonal showcase. He teases the upcoming episode, "Silver Bells Silver Screen Showcase," which will adapt a classic Hollywood film for radio, featuring stars like Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck. Wilcox also promotes related podcasts and encourages listeners to engage through ratings, reviews, and support platforms.

Notable Quote:

"It's a good one, though it probably won't keep you in suspense."
— Harlow Wilcox [132:15]

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Overall Insights and Themes

This bonus episode of "Stars on Suspense" masterfully intertwines classic suspense narratives with the warmth and joy of the Christmas season. Each story, while rooted in tension and conflict, resolves with uplifting conclusions that reflect the essence of holiday spirit—friendship, forgiveness, hope, and redemption. The inclusion of renowned actors like Eddie Cantor and Greer Garson adds a nostalgic charm, evoking the golden age of radio dramas.

By setting suspenseful plots against a Christmas backdrop, the episode offers a unique blend of thrills and heartwarming resolutions, making it a perfect listen for the holiday season. The notable emphasis on happy endings ensures that listeners are left with a sense of satisfaction and festive cheer.

Recurring Theme:

"Friendship? You talk of friendship at a time like this?"
— Sam [17:38]
This highlights the episode's focus on the strength of relationships and personal bonds as central to overcoming adversity.

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Final Thoughts

"Stocking Stuffed with Suspense" serves as a delightful homage to old-time radio's rich storytelling tradition, reimagining suspense tales with a Christmas twist. Whether it's the moral dilemmas of "Double Entry," the heartfelt fears in "Twas the Night Before Christmas," the revenge plot of "A Present for Benny," the innocence of "Dog Star," or the war-torn redemption in "A Korean Christmas Carol," each narrative reinforces the enduring message that even in moments of darkness, the light of Christmas can guide us toward hope and happiness.

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This summary captures the essence and key elements of the bonus episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't had the chance to listen.

Transcript

[Eddie Cantor]

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.

[Harlow Wilcox]

Hello and welcome to Stars on Suspense. Today, with Christmas only a few days away, I'm sharing a collection of holiday stories from Suspense. Now, not only are all of these tales set around Christmas, but in a change of pace from most suspense fare, all of them have happy endings. I don't think that's a spoiler. I mean, after all, it's Christmas. First up is Eddie Cantor in Double Entry, originally aired on CBS on December 22, 1949. As our man in black Paul Freeze says at the start of the show, it's a tale of clerical crime at Christmas time. Cantor plays an accountant who comes to the aid of his fellow accountant Sidney Miller, who's embezzled a pile of money from their firm to save the day. Kanner does his own bit of embezzling and the men take the money and put it on a long shot horse. Then Greer Garson stars in Twas the Night before Christmas from December 21, 1953. That night before Christmas is a long one as a little girl eagerly hopes that her parents will return home for the holiday while unbeknownst to her, their plane has been reported missing over the Atlantic. Up third from December 13, 1955, it's a present for Benny, which may be my favorite suspense holiday show. It's a Runyon esque story starring Jack Krushen. The Oscar nominated actor from the Apartment plays a gangster who plans to rub out a rival with a gift wrapped bomb. But things get complicated when he mixes up the box with the bomb with a gift for his girlfriend. Then Evelyn Rudy plays a little girl who more than anything wants a dog for Christmas in Dog Star, originally aired on CBS on December 22, 1957. It's a charming story of a crashed satellite, a frantic Air Force search and a very happy ending. Finally, Bill Lipton stars in A Korean Christmas Carol from December 20, 1959. While deployed in Korea, a soldier gives a hitchhiking sergeant a ride. And while that sounds like it could be the start of a scary urban legend, it all leads to an ending that's heartwarming and far from horrifying. So now, without any further ado, here's our collection of seasonal stories from Suspense.

[Eddie Cantor]

Suspense, Auto light and its 96,000 dealers present Mr. Eddie Kanter in Double Entry, a suspense play produced and edited by William Speer. Well, a weeping reindeer. What's wrong?

[Greer Garson]

I just lost my job.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, that's terrible. And so near Christmas. By the way, what's your name?

[Greer Garson]

Donna.

[Eddie Cantor]

Well, tell me, Donner, how do Blitzen, Dancer and Prancer feel about this?

[Greer Garson]

Oh, just awful. They've been fired too. You see, when Santa Claus he is, or rather was our boss first heard about your Autolite Stay Full batteries. He decided to give up the sleigh and make his deliveries by car.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, Santa Fe. In love with those Stay Full features, eh?

[Greer Garson]

I guess so, but I don't know why.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, that's easy. You see, his auto light Stay full battery needs water only three times a year in normal sleigh car use. And then, too, it gives him, pardon the expression, reindeer fast. Starts even in the North Pole. And what's more, with those fiberglass retaining mats protecting every positive plate, Autolite Stay full batteries deliver 70% longer average life than batteries without Stay full features. That's shown by recent tests based on SAE Life cycle standards.

[Greer Garson]

Well, that doesn't make me any happier.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, come on, dear. Cheer up. Tis the season to be jolly. Remember, you're always bright with auto light. Mr. Cantor appears as Eddie with Sydney Miller as Sam, his bosom friend in Double Entry, an unusual story of clerical crime at Christmas time. Altogether, a most remarkable tale of suspense. It always balances in the double entry system. If it don't, you hang around until it does. Yeah, even Christmas week. That's what I've been doing all my life, keeping books. It's fascinating. Positively fascinating. Look at them figures. Beautiful, ain't they? Calligraphy, they call it. That's Greek for beautiful handwriting. You know, I bet in my day I've written billions of figures. Oh, hundreds of billions. And cash. Say, I've handled so much cash, my fingers are calloused. Why, once I even got water on the thumb from licking it to count money. But so what? What's cash? You go along every day counting it, piling it up, never thinking who owns it. Never even think about what it will buy. Handling cash is just the same as adding figures. A job. Then one day something happens that makes you look on things different. There's no excitement in an office. No danger, no heroism, no adventure. Not much chance to risk anything to do something for a pal. So if a guy gets a chance to do a favor to help out a pal who's in a jam, well, maybe you look on cash a little different. All of A sudden cash is more than pieces of metal and bits of green paper. And if it's Christmas week, if it's Christmas Eve and your pal is true blue, it's even more important. Teddy. Daddy. Hand me that Dixie cup, will ya? Your ulcer's bothering you again, Sam? Yeah, they're bad. These ledgers are driving me nuts. You got the wrong temperament for an accountant, Sam. You shouldn't let it get you down. Things can't go on like this, Eddie. What's the matter, Alice? Don't Alice understand you? No, no, no, that's not what I mean, Eddie. What do you mean, Sam? You wouldn't understand it. You always say that, Sam. I'm an understanding guy. That's what Mabel says. Mabel says you understand Mabel. Does she understand you? Certainly. Perfectly. A man's wife has to understand him. If she don't, what good is she? It's a nice way to look at it. If your wife understands you, don't Alice understand you? You know Alice don't understand me. That's cause you don't understand her. Will you shut up? Sometimes you, you're so smug. Oh, lay off, Sam. You can't go on like this. Like what? Grouch you all the time. You got something on your mind that Alice don't understand. Try me out. I won't throw no dishes at you. I. I can't tell you, Ed. It wouldn't matter anyway. You can't do nothing. We're just telling you. Troubles help sometimes. Talk, Sam, talk. Sam, this is Eddie, your friend. Okay, okay. It's the auditors. Oh, them guys. Yeah. Don't let them worry you. You're a head bookkeeper here, ain't you? You tell them. Don't let them tell you. I'm telling you, Eddie, they're getting awful close. What are you talking about? They're driving me nuts. Why, Sam? Eddie, I'm light. You mean the books? They're light. They're short. You mean I'm a crook, Eddie? Yeah, and a bezzler. And they're gonna get me. Those auditors. They're onto me. I know they are. I can feel them getting closer and closer. Now, after nine years, they're on the trail, Ed. You a crook, Sam? I don't believe it. No? No. I wish I were dreaming. Why, Sam, you're the fair haired boy around here. All you had to do was ask. Ask who? Bartholomew? That tight fisted son? It's Alice. She's to blame. I know she wasn't satisfied with your salary. She wanted ermine capes Diamonds, A box at the opera. I know she drove you to it, sir. Don't blame her, Eddie. This one we can't blame on Alice. She doesn't even know anything about this caper. Well, if she didn't drive you to it, why'd you do it? All those kids on the block, they wanted to go to camp. Yeah, that's how it started, Eddie, with unknown benefactory. You don't make sense, Sam. What do you. It was just a hundred bucks or so at first. I figured to put it right back. Then the papers come out with, Unknown benefactor sends 20 kids to summer Camp. Oh, that got me, that unknown benefactor. So that was you, huh? Yeah. Yeah, and pretty soon I was. I was taking out a hundred bucks here, 100 bucks there. Sending it off to all sorts of people and outfits I sent though to help the Institute for Aged Cancer. Yeah, then. Then I was an unknown contributor to help save vaudeville movement and kids. I was always helping kids. A regular Scrooge. No, no, no, no. Santa Claus, Sam. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And it made me feel great. Of course, I'd cover up on the books here with a fake entry, hoping I'd hit on the market and be able to put it all back, you know? Yeah, but you were always unable to make a recoup. Kept getting in deeper. Sam Crockett and embezzler and for nine years. Don't say it, Eddie. Nine years. How much did you take in all that time? $100,000 and 11 cents. Where am I gonna get that kind of money? I could dig up the 11 cents. Oh, wisecracks, that's all you're good for. Jail staring me in the face. What do you want me to say? What do you generally say? What do you generally say to your friend when he tells you he's a crook? I told you because. Well, because it feels good to get it off my chest. Nine years of hell. That's why you've been so nervous. That's where my ulcers come from. Every night, working late, covering up, sweatin'worryin'thinkin, of the ultimate end. The wall's closing in on me, Eddie. And now. Hello? Yes. Yes, Mr. Bartholomew. Send Crockett in. Okay. My master's voice. Bartholomew wants to see you. Wag your tail, Fido. Wag it? I can't even drag it. Say, Eddie, didn't I see the auditors go in there a minute ago? Yeah, yeah. Come to think they did, Sam. This is it, kid. Merry Christmas. Maybe it's not, Sam. I got a feeling I'm not scared, Eddie. No, no, it's. It's a relief. Now I'll sleep nights. Maybe my ulcer will clear up. But those kids. Those kids are going to take it hard when they read about their unknown benefactor doing time. A hundred grand. Holy. Wonder what he did with the $0.11 sales tax, I suppose. What a chump. Your name Eddie? Yeah, what about it? What about it? I think. Freeze. Mr. Flint said to drop in, see if you want to place a bet today. Flint who? What do you mean, Flint who? Mike Flint. Ain't your name Eddie? Sure, but I never heard of Mike Flint. You got the wrong Eddie. My name's Sullivan. Oh, he didn't tell me no last name. How am I to know? He says, look up Eddie in 411 Perry Trust Building. This is 5 11. Oh, for Pete's sake. Wait a minute. Huh? Wait. You say you take bets on horses? I'll take a bet on a camel if he's running a tropical park. Are you a bookie? Well, I ain't no taxidermist, pal. Say, I may be the right Eddie after all. Got any odds? Well, if you're on the level, Eddie, you're in the business. Do I look like a stool pigeon? Okay, Eddie, I guess you're okay. Odds, huh? You want odds? Well, let's see. A tropical park. I can give you 10 to 1. In the first race, Aleppo finished last in a field of nine as only others start. Let's see the form. You see, odds is okay if you don't bet too heavy. Play odds like a side bet. Eddie, the thing to play is the jockey, not the horse. Now, you take Sylvester. Won three yesterday, two on Monday, one on Sunday. Oh, he's hot, very hot. He can ride any dog into the money. Does he ride a long shot today? No, he's got two favorites and four short odds. Nags. He'll win. Say, two races today, maybe three. One for Santa Claus. See, here's a 50 to 1 shot. Altruism. Altruism? I never heard of him. I gotta hunt. Well, play it, play it. Always play hunches. Let's see who this altruism is. Never raced before. Then how do you know he's no good? Well, I don't. But look who he's running against. War Alarm, unbeaten in three starts. Test Tube, last year's Gold cup runner up and file clerk. Oh, say, there's a hunch for you, Eddie. I ain't no file clerk and I'm playing altruism, if you don't mind. Okay, Eddie. Okay. Hey, just give me your two bucks. Is that all I can bet? Well, no, Eddie, but gee, I don't want to play you for a ucker. How about two grand? Oh, why don't you tie that bull to a fence? Will you take two grand on altruism? On the level, Eddie? Sure as tonight's Christmas Eve. Where would you get that kind of dough? Borrow it from the boss? Well, I'll have to get Flint's. Okay, let me use your phone, huh? Go ahead. Two grand. Oh, well that's not stage money, eddie. Neither is 100 grand. Could you pay off? Well, sure. Flint will cover any bet I make. Hello, Give me Flint. See, this Flint is a very smart cookie. Maybe he don't want. Oh, hello Mike, this is Fink. Look, there's a man's got 2,000 bucks he wants to put on an ad called altruism. And the third are tropical. The odds are 50 to 1. How about it? Uh huh. Yeah, but if he wins, Mike? Well sure, I'm a gambler, but 50 to. Hey, guy hung up. Funny guy, this Flint. Am I a gambler? He says. Well, okay, Eddie, we'll play two grand on Altruism's nose for you, okay? Well, all right, but it's a lot of dough to hand over to someone I never saw before. Well, I never saw you before either, mister. Yeah, but what chance are you taking? Look, quit stalling, Eddie. Are you betting or not? Okay, where'd I get the money? Here it is. A thousand eleven hundred. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 makes $2,000. Thanks, Eddie. Whatcha shaking for? Is this your life savings or something? No, no, no, there's lots more where this came from. Oh, of course, of course. You're independently wealthy. Yeah, that's it, Fink. Cheer. I mean, you're a cod. Oh, cod. Almost forgot. Here's my card and here's your ticket. Now hang on to it. Might be worth a hundred grand. Okay, Fink, I. Hey, you all right? You look kind of green. You've just been looking at too much dough, Fink. Well, maybe you drop around this afternoon about 3. The address is on the card. Your dog is running in. Goodbye, Altruism. So long, Fink. So long, Eddie. Hello, Sullivan. This is Mr. Bartholomew. Yes sir. Speak up. Yes sir. That's better. Sullivan. Sullivan, I want you to send a nice new hundred dollar bill to the Second Street Mission. Put it in a plain envelope and don't write anything with it. Oh, wrap it in a piece of paper so no one will know what it is at the post office. I want to send a nice little anonymous gift as a surprise. A nice crisp hundred dollar bill. Yes, sir, Mr. Bartholomew, Second Street Mission. I may send them a little something myself later. Yeah. Eddie. Eddie. It's okay. I got by.

[Greer Garson]

What?

[Eddie Cantor]

I'm clear. That auditor missed it. What's the matter? Aren't you glad? You mean you ain't going to jail? Oh, not this year. Are you sure, Sam? Positive, Eddie. The auditors are through. Not a chance of getting caught. Not a chance, Sam. Not a chance. Eddie, there could be a slip up. No, no, no, there couldn't. What's the matter with you? Aren't you glad for me? Sure. Look, already I'm doing handsprings. Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Of course, it doesn't solve things completely. You said it. I'm still short, but that's okay. Oh, sure. I'll think of something. I got a whole year. No more unknown benefactors, though I'm very glad, Eddie. I don't quite get it, though. Bartholomew buttering me up, he says. We know everything is in good shape, Sam. No use putting these auditors to any more trouble. Just have him check the cash on hand and that'll wind it up. The cash? Yeah. Sam, hand me that Dixie cup by the typewriter. Sure. You dry? Very. How are you gonna get the hundred grand back in the books? I don't know. Why? Maybe I can raise some dough. You couldn't raise a venetian blind. What are you worrying for? I'm out of a jam and I'm in. What are you. What's on your mind? Just two or three years, that's all. Now I suppose you're going to tell me you've been swiping postage stamps. Oh, no, no, no. Nothing as bad as that. Look, I'm your pal, Sam. Sure. I'd do anything for you. Then talk sense. I hated to think of you in Sing Sing for six months, Sam. So I'm going there myself for a few years. What do you say? I took 2,000 bucks embedded on a 50 to 1 shot at Tropical Park. Sam, no. Yes. No. Yes, I did it. Yes. Oh, no. Oh, yes. No. Tell me you're kidding me, Eddie. I did it for you, Sam. For Christmas. What a guy. Don't get a chance to prove his friendship very often. Friendship? You talk of friendship at a time like this? We're both as good as in Sing Sing right now. And me the longest. I hope so. Of all the dumb tricks. And you didn't make any entries, huh? No, no. Just to get just Eddie. Eddie, how'd you come to bet on a horse? You never made a bet. What bookies do you know? Here. Here's his card. He just happened in by accident. A truck should just happen by accident to run over you. Maybe he'd give it back, Sam. Oh, sure, sure. Bookies are that way. Philanthropists, all of them. Besides, there's probably no such address as this. Oh, don't be hard on me, Sam. After all, I risked my own neck to save yours. No greater love. And maybe this horse will win a 50 to 1. Well, let me see that card. All we can do is try and get the dough back. He was awful nice, Sam. Oh, shut up. Nice? Look, fake an entry in the books, then we'll pay. Mr. Fink. Freeze. A call. Friendship. Yeah, friendship. We're in this together, pal. Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Eddie Kanter in Double Entry. Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills Suspense.

[Greer Garson]

Happy three days are here again. Jingle bells, jingle bells.

[Eddie Cantor]

Hey, Donner, why the sudden switch? You were sadder than a bride's first batch of biscuits a few minutes ago.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, Santa changed his mind. He's sticking to tradition. And I'm going back to work.

[Eddie Cantor]

Well, good for you.

[Greer Garson]

It's even better for you. Santa thinks your Autolite staple batteries are so good, he's decided to bring one to every car owner.

[Eddie Cantor]

Gosh, what a wonderful way to be greeted Christmas morning. Imagine finding one of these brawny bundles of endless energy. The Autolite Stay full battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. All wrapped up in red ribbon under your tree. But speaking of Christmas greetings, friends. I have a card here and it's addressed to you. It says, may your holiday this year be the cheeriest ever. And it's signed the Auto Light folks. To that let me add Merry Christmas wishes from all of us on suspense. Happy holiday to you all. And now, Autolight brings back to our Hollywood sound stage our star, Eddie Canter with Sydney Miller in Double Entry. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. On the subway up to the bookies place, I didn't say a word. I just stared at the ads and kept thinking of how I'd mess things up in one room. What Sam was thinking the window we sat near had bars on it. I felt I was already in jail. Well, we got to the bookies. It was a great big large room. Now fast at Tropical Park. Ah, well, well, if it ain't the millionaire bookkeeper. Hi, Eddie. Oh, hello. Hello there, Fink. Welcome to Our humble joint. Of course, it ain't like Hialeah, but it's as close to it as we can get in New York. I know. This is Sam Crockett. Fink, my friend. Oh, glad to meet you, Mr. Crockett. Smith. Smart man you got working with you. He's gonna make himself a pile of dough this afternoon, aren't you, Eddie? Look, look, fella, this is all a mistake, huh? Eddie had no business betting $2,000 on a horse. The fact is, it wasn't his money. Well, I am surprised. You see, he was trying to help someone. So he helped himself to 2,000 bucks, huh? Think, think. Give us a break and return the money. We'll both go to jail if we don't put it back. Scratch lung boy. I'm very sorry, fellas, but I can't do nothing. I've turned in the dough. I just work here. I can't get that back. You've got to help us, Think. Look, I'd like to, Crockett, but how can I? This is a business. Now, supposing I asked the boss. He says it's a contract. He can't back up. Neither can you. Where would we be if we asked you to take your money back? Yeah, but don't you see? We'll go to Sing Sing. Post time for the third at Tropical Place. You've been so now, man. Yeah. Maybe those bills were counterfeit. You could tell the cashier the dough's no good, huh? How can I, Eddie? He can spot a phony from 50 yards. Look, think. The auditors are checking our books. Now, all I can say is I'm very sorry. And I hope this nag wins for you. But I can't do a thing about it. Oh, we're sunk, Eddie. I'm really sorry, boys. I should have known better than to take your dough. He sounded like he meant it to him. So what? Come on, let's go. Ain't you interested in hearing the race over the loudspeaker?

[Greer Garson]

No.

[Eddie Cantor]

Well, I am. It's me who started this. I'm gonna get my money's worth. Tropical in the third. A correction. Sylvester is riding Altruism. Did you hear that, Sam? You mean we get a jockey? Now, don't be funny. This guy Sylvester is hot. He's winning two or three races a day. They're away at 3. 17. They're off. Sam, I got ears. Oh, gosh. At the quarter, it's War Alarm. Dive Bomber, Calumet Powell, Dunian Westwood, Clerk Valiant, Ned Nashy, Niblick Timid Soul, Golden West, Test two Box should block Early Riser and Altruism. No wonder you got 50 to one. There's 50 horses. That's not a race, it's a caravan. Last place. Now are you satisfied? Okay, Sam, let's go. Seabiscuit couldn't win in a crowd like that unless he cut across the infield. Oh, you sure pick him. Come on, what are you waiting for? I'm not waiting. Quit pushing me. Am I pushing you? Listen. Valiant Ned by a length. War Alarm is second. Test Tube is third. Dive Bomber fourth. Dunian, Calumet, Powell, Westwood, Ho. File Clerk. Timid Soul, Golden West, Early Riser, Mashy, Niplick, Altruism and Auction Block has dropped out. That nag is taking the pause that refreshes. Well, he's come up. If enough drop out, he can win. Yeah, the race would have to last two days, huh? Why didn't they run it in heats? Well, might as well hang around till the end, huh, Sam? Well, I guess, Stretch this. Valiant Net is still leading by a length. Test Tube is second. War Alarm is third. And coming up is Altruism. Did he say Altruism? He said it. Get the results? Hey, Porky, how about the finish? Coming over to Lion Outfit. Sylvester. Sylvester. Ride, boy. Ride. Ride. Don't wring your hands. It's too late to pray. The race is over. Who's the winner? Who's the winner? Oh, I know. The wire is always a minute behind. Eddie. We've got a chance. Christmas comes but once a year. That's too close for comfort. Oh, why did Flint let me take that bet? The winner of the Tropical is Altruism. No, no. My horse. Yours. Mine. He won. He won, Sam. He won. He won, Eddie. Well, am I a chump now? You're right. A champ, Eddie. A champ. Oh, it was nothing, Sam. Only a SAP could do it. Thanks, Sam. Holy smoke. This does it. Think I almost forgot. You got to fork over the money. Yeah, that just about busts this joint. Look, how about calling it off? Calling? Remember what you said about contracts? Yeah. If I'd have known they were switching Sylvester on that dog. Come on. When do we get paid off? Well, right now. Crockett, come on over to the cashier. Cash? Do we have to take cash? Oh, absolutely. Here, give me your ticket. Here. Now, here's the cashier at this window. 100 grand spade. Look, the cashier don't bat an eye. I'm gonna take the money. The cops. It's all right. How about my dough? Grab that cashier. He's going out the back door. Well, the cops jugged everyone in the place. Fink and the other gamblers got away with the hundred grand. And we had to wait until Christmas morning for a hearing. But every silver lining has a rip in it. I don't see how they got away. Oh, my sword. We sit here in the can and they're off with all that dough. We were framed, Sam. The whole thing was planned. Oh, you're crazy. How'd think no altruism would win? You can't turn on a police raid like a shower bath. Well, how are we ever gonna find those guys? We won't. And if we do, it won't do us any good because you haven't got the ticket anymore. And even if you had, you couldn't force them to pay because bookmaking isn't legal. It's gambling. Keep on. I love to hear your ultra talk. And it fits so nicely with these surroundings. You might as well get used to it. Will be living in quarters like this for some time. Quiet, Sam. Here comes the keeper. And he's got Fink with him. Good. He deserves to be in jail the dirty. Come on, Eddie. I got something for you. I'm sorry. I'm just not interested in tips. It's all. Oh, no, Eddie, you don't understand. I just come to say Merry Christmas. And this. This is for you, Eddie. For me? What is that? Open it. Eddie, are you. Look, Sam. 2,000 bucks. 2,000 bucks? That's right. It's all I got. It's my own dough. Mike Flint blew town, so this is the best I can do, Eddie. Oh, gee, thanks, Fink. Thanks. You're a prince. Just call him Santa Claus. So there I was, back where I started at scratch. All I had to do was to put the dough back in the cash drawer. They made us pay a ten dollar fine and we got home in time for Christmas dinner. The next morning we took the subway downtown. Sam read the paper and I just stared at the ads as usual. Eddie, quite a story about altruism. Picture of Sylvester. Just the kid. 19, weighs 105. Look at that ad. It says to spell it backwards. If they want you to read it that way, why didn't they turn it around? Eddie, look, I don't know why they. What did you. Who? What is it? Sam, Look. This picture. It's Bartholomew. They've arrested him. What for? Embezzlement, Eddie. But that's you, Sam. Listen to this. Bartholomew confessed to having embezzled company Fox to the tune of a quarter of A million dollars. When auditors discovered a shortage in cash of $2,000. So that's why he was hurrying those guys around. Let me see. Look. One of business. Everyone in it is a crook. Hey, Sam. Sam, where you going? Back to the police station. I'm giving myself up. Giving yourself up? But Sam. No, Betty. I'd never sleep again. If I escape scot free. Besides, I'd like to get away from Alice for six months. But Sam. When nobody was looking, I slipped the 2,000 bucks back into the cash drawer. And Sam. Well, Sam went to the police and gave himself up. But guess what? They didn't want him. They already had their man. Sam wrote out a confession, offered to show them the books, but they just laughed at him. Called him a publicity seeker. He pleaded with him, but it was no use. Even Bartholomew called him a fool. Imagine, Sam fought for the right to go to prison, and they laughed at him. Then he went to the newspapers, even to the district attorney, explaining what he'd done with the money. But they wouldn't believe him either. That's the thing that finally broke Sam's heart. No one would believe that he was the famous unknown benefactor. They told him, go on, Santa Claus. Go back to your reindeer, Sam. Sam would have preferred a few quiet months in Sing Sing breaking rocks. He could have got rid of his ulcers. He would have got away from Alice. But no, he. Eddie, hand me that Dixie cup, will ya? Your ulcers bothering you again, Sam? Yeah, yeah, something awful. Keeping ledgers straight is driving me nuts. Oh, son. Suspense. Presented by Autolight Tonight star Eddie Kanter with Sidney Miller. Well, Eddie, suspense is a far cry from your Sunday night take it or leave it show. Oh, not so far. There's a lot of suspense when we get to the $64 question. Well, to make you feel at home, you're Eddie. I've prepared a question for you to ask me. I'll bet I know the category. Batteries. What else? All right, where's the question? Right here on this slip of paper. Let's see. It reads, is there anything that uses less water than an Autolite staple battery? Now, isn't that a silly question to ask you, Harlow? Yes, it is, Eddie. The answer is so obvious. Why Auto light stay full. Batteries need water only three times a year in normal car use. Any more questions? No, Eddie. And thank you, friends. Autolite stay full. Batteries are made by Autolite, who make more than 400 other products for cars, trucks, planes and boats in 28 plants coast to coast. These include complete electrical systems used as original equipment on many makes of America's finest cars. Batteries, spark plugs, generators, coils, distributors, starting motors and Bullseye seal beam headlights. All engineered to fit together perfectly. Work together perfectly because they're a perfect team. So don't accept electrical parts supposed to be as good. Ask for and insist on Autolight original factory parts. At your neighborhood service station, car dealer, garage or repair shop. Remember, you're always right with Auto Light and friends. Once again, merry Christmas to all and to all, Good night. Next Thursday for suspense. Ida Lupino will be our star. The play is called the Bullet. And it is, as we say, a tale well calculated. To keep you in suspense, tonight's suspense play was produced and edited by William Speer and directed by Norman MacDonald. Music for suspense is composed by Lucian Morowek and conducted by Lud Bluskin. Double Entry is an original radio play by Robert Minton.

[Greer Garson]

You can buy Autolite staple batteries, Autolyte resistor or regular spark plugs. Autolite electrical parts at your neighborhood Autolite dealers. Switch to Autolite. Good night.

[Eddie Cantor]

This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Autolight and its 98,000 dealers present suspense. Tonight, Autolight presents a special program for this holiday season. The unusual dramatization of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Starring Ms. Greer Garson. Who appears by arrangement with MGM. Producers of the new color picture Knights of the Round Table in Cinemascope. Starring Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner and Mel Ferrer. Good evening. This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for Autolite. Tonight. As a special Christmas presentation from the worldwide Autolite family, we bring you Ms. Greer Garson. In a story about a certain little girl On a certain Christmas Eve. And now, Autolight presents. Transcribed Twas the Night Before Christmas Hoping once again to keep you in sow spends.

[Greer Garson]

Kathy. Kathy, honey, come on. Wake up. Wake up, Kathy. It's the day before Christmas. Oh, and there's so much. Oh, Ms. Buff, it's light out already. You said you were going to wake me really early today so we could go to the airport and meet them. Come on. Up you get. Let's get you dressed. Buffy, they're going to be waiting for me. And you didn't wake me. I know, Buff. They're home already. Kathy. Mommy. Daddy, where are you? Daddy. Mommy. Buffy, they're not in their bedroom. Where are they? Kathy? I know. I'll bet they're in the kitchen already having the coffee. Mom. Ms. Buff, they're not home. I know, honey. The clock in the kitchen said 8:30. Kathy. Here, put this on. Dear, you told me you wanted to wear this dress today. So that's why I ironed it for you. Ms. Buff? Yes, dear? Why aren't they here? Oh, they'll be here. But when I talked to Mommy on the telephone yesterday, she said she would be here at 6 this morning. And I promised her I'd meet her at the airport. Her and Daddy. I know, I know. And Daddy said he had a surprise he was bringing for me. All the way from Paris. It's 8:30, Buffy. Let's go out to the airport now. Oh, but there's so many things to do first. You've got to get your breakfast, and we have to finish decorating the tree. And, oh, there's so many things I want you to help me with. Oh, everything can wait, Buffy. Hurry. I promise to meet them. No, dear. Why not? Buff? Well, I think we'll. We'll wait for them here. Kathy. Yeah? You remember what you promised your mommy and dad? That you do everything I asked you while they were away? Yes. Then we wait for them here. All right. Buffy, it's noon. Buffy. I know. Don't you think they might have called and told us they'd be late? Oh. I'll go and make our lunch. You must be very hungry. No, I'm not. I thought you didn't eat your breakfast. Kathy. Ms. Buff, I'm not hungry. Look. Oh, look, it's snowing. Honey, we'll have a nice warm lunch, and then we'll go out for a long walk. Sure. Of course. I tell you what, Kathy. We'll take our walk first. We'll see the shops. We'll visit. We'll go and see Johnny and your aunt and uncle. Maybe if it snows hard enough, we can all build a snowman. Wouldn't you like that? Yes, that would be fun. Well, go get your coat and hat and galoshes, dear. All right. And when we come back, Mommy and Daddy will be home. Well, you go and get your things now. Oh, I'll get it. I'll get it. Buffy. Mommy. Oh, who's this? Daddy? You sound all from a newspaper. I see. It's a man, Buck. He says he wants to talk to an older person here. Hello? Yes, this is the Harper residence. I'm the housekeeper. I. Well, just a moment, please. A cafe. Who is it? Someone wants to talk to me. Honey, will you go get your things? No. Who are you talking to? Buffy. Never mind, dear. Go and get your things. No. No, I won't. Hello. I. I see. Yes. Yes, I saw the papers. Yes. Yes, that was the daughter. Yes. The only child. No, she doesn't no. No. No. I wish you wouldn't. Please don't hear. No. Who was it? It was just a man, honey. It was from the newspapers. Why? What did he want? Nothing. He asked about me, didn't he? Why? Honestly, honey, it was nothing. It was about Mommy and Daddy. Or wasn't anything important? Well, yes, dear. I don't know. Look at that snow coming down. Kathy, get your things, dear. Go on. Don't they sing beautifully, Kathy? Very lovely. This street. And all the decorations and the singers. Very lovely. Ms. Buff. Honey, here, Give this to the man.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, thank you.

[Greer Garson]

Thank you, missy.

[Eddie Cantor]

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

[Greer Garson]

Let's go home now. A little while. Don't you remember? We were going visiting too. Mommy and Daddy are probably home right now, waiting for me, wondering where I am. And we'll build a snowman together, like I said. Come on, honey. I remember when I was a little girl, how excited I get. Oh, all the wonderful things to see. The sights and the smells and the sounds. And the pretty shop windows in the snow. To be a little girl at Christmas time. To be young at Christmas time and happy. What's the matter? Buffy? Oh, Kathy. Buffy, let me hold you. Oh, Kathy, darling. Buffy, you're crying. I'm just Tilly, I guess. Look, there's Santa Claus watching us. Let's say hello to him. You were crying. Hello, Santa.

[Eddie Cantor]

Merry Christmas. Oh, Merry Christmas, little girl.

[Greer Garson]

Merry Christmas.

[Eddie Cantor]

Why, you're a pretty little girl. What's your name?

[Greer Garson]

Kathy.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, that's a nice name for a nice little girl like you.

[Greer Garson]

Thank you.

[Eddie Cantor]

And I can tell you've been a good little girl. I saw the way your mommy was holding you.

[Greer Garson]

She's Ms. Boss. My mommy's away. Daddy, too. We're taking a walk to make them come home.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh. And where are they?

[Greer Garson]

I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

[Eddie Cantor]

Kathy. Kathy. Come in, darling. And Miss Bo. How are you? Come in. Come in. Mother. Mother, guess who's here.

[Greer Garson]

Why, Kathy. And Miss Buff. Hello, Aunt. Hello, Mrs. Cleveland. Take your things off. We've got a big fire in the living room. And wait till you see our Christmas tree, Kathy. I'm sure it's very beautiful.

[Eddie Cantor]

I'll bet Kathy came to see her cousin Johnny, didn't she?

[Greer Garson]

Yes, I did, Uncle Ted. I would like to see him very much.

[Eddie Cantor]

And you know what that boy of mine did, Ms. Buff?

[Greer Garson]

No.

[Eddie Cantor]

He found the trays.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, he did?

[Eddie Cantor]

After I took so much trouble to hide them out in the garage, he found them. So, of course, I had to set them up for him? Well, it's the day before because Smith. He's in his room now. Kathy?

[Greer Garson]

Yes? I would like to play with the train.

[Eddie Cantor]

Of course you would. Johnny.

[Greer Garson]

I can't come out, Daddy.

[Eddie Cantor]

I'm busy.

[Greer Garson]

Kathy's here. Hey, come on out and play. My trains, Kathy. You ought to see I got them all hitched up now. Go on, Kathy. All right.

[Eddie Cantor]

I've been on the phone since 7 this morning, Ms. Buff, and there just isn't any word at all about the plane.

[Greer Garson]

Look, look, look. A man from the newspaper called the house. I told him to stay away. Did the child know? I. I think she does. What did you tell her? Nothing. How do you tell a child, Mrs. Cleveland? Look at it go.

[Eddie Cantor]

What I can't understand is why no word at all? The plane took off from Paris on time and there was radio contact over island from what I could find out. But since then, nothing.

[Greer Garson]

You'd better tell her, John. Tell me what?

[Eddie Cantor]

Well, there was a storm over the ocean. Pretty bad storm, they said.

[Greer Garson]

Ms. Buff? Yes, darling? I've just figured out something. It's about Mommy and Daddy, Kathy. They're not coming home. They're not ever coming home.

[Eddie Cantor]

Autolight is bringing you Ms. Greer Garson with Ann Whitfield as Kathy in Twas the Night Before Christmas. Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suz Spens. This is Harlow Wilcox again with a message from Mr. Royce G. Martin, President and chairman of the Electric Auto Light Company. It is presented in the name of the Autolite family, which includes some 30,000 autolite men and women and their families. 18,000 people who have invested a portion of their savings in Autolight, as well as 98,000 dealers and the greatest names in the industry who use Autolight products as original equipment. This is the message from Mr. Martin. In our America, we are especially blessed this Christmas with a free country. We are surrounded with freedom loving people who appreciate the word Christmas. We are grateful for what this day means to all of us and for what it meant to our great forefathers. We will never forget the one whose holy birthday we are about to celebrate. We thank him for the word freedom and the happiness that he has given us. We of the Autolight family wish you and yours a very merry Christmas and a new year filled with health and happiness. And now, Autolite brings back to our Hollywood soundstage, Ms. Greer Garson in Elliot Lewis's production of Twas the Night Before Christmas. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, it's going to be Good to get inside of the house. Kathy. Oh, look at you. You look almost like the snowman you and Johnny built. Here, let me brush you off a bit before we go inside. There's a man there. Won't you say, darling? Right there, standing by the door. Man. Hello.

[Eddie Cantor]

Good evening, miss. Hello, little girl. Is this your house?

[Greer Garson]

Yes. I live here.

[Eddie Cantor]

Who are you?

[Greer Garson]

What do you want?

[Eddie Cantor]

Then you'd be the Harper's little girl, wouldn't you?

[Greer Garson]

Yes, I asked you, who are you?

[Eddie Cantor]

Now, don't worry about it, ma'am. I just want to take a picture of the little girl. You want your picture taken, little girl?

[Greer Garson]

You're the reporter I talked to this morning, aren't you?

[Eddie Cantor]

And we'll want one of you too, ma'am.

[Greer Garson]

Here, get in the house, Kathy. Don't stand there, dear. Get in the house. I'll be in a moment. It's Christmas Eve, Mr. Reporter. Did you know that?

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, now, look, ma'am.

[Greer Garson]

It's Christmas Eve. Where is your heart?

[Eddie Cantor]

Look, you've got to understand. I talked to you on the phone. It was almost 10 hours ago, before noon. It's nighttime already. There still isn't any word about the plane. I represent a newspaper, ma'am. We've got to assume. Well, you know, I don't want to say it any more than you do.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, just go away.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, now, really, I've got it. Were you.

[Greer Garson]

Were you ever lonely on Christmas Eve? Alone in a house that's empty. While outside other people were singing. Where there was warmth and love and joy. But outside.

[Eddie Cantor]

Just trying to cry.

[Greer Garson]

Christmas Eve. The snow is falling. Christmas Eve. And the child is. Is grieving.

[Eddie Cantor]

Yeah. I'm sorry. Good night.

[Greer Garson]

Kathy? I'm in the living room. Buffy, I just had a wonderful thought. Yes? Let's have a secret. What? Buffy, let's not wait till tomorrow. What do you mean? We go to our tree and open some of our presents now. Maybe just one. We'll choose the one with the most beautiful wrapping. You can open it and you can play with it now while I go and fix something for you to eat. I'm not hungry, Buff. Honestly, I'm not. Or just some milk and cookies? Honey, you haven't eaten since. Well, let's choose. Go ahead. Pick one. All right. That one. It's. It's from Mr. And Mrs. Anderson next door. Open it. You open it. Buffy. Very well. Oh, look. Very nice. A carousel. Well, I'll wind it for you and we'll put it down here. Now, you watch it when it runs down. You can Wind it up again. I'm going into the kitchen. Kathy, here's your. Kathy. Kathy, honey, where are you? Kathy, Your milk and cookies are on the table. Kathy, are you in your room? Kathy? Kathy. Kathy, honey? Kathy.

[Eddie Cantor]

Kathy. Why, Ms. Burr.

[Greer Garson]

Mr. Anderson, is Kathy here?

[Eddie Cantor]

Well, I know is.

[Greer Garson]

Would you mind asking Mrs. Anderson if Kathy's here? Maybe she came in through the back way.

[Eddie Cantor]

Well, Mrs. Anderson and I have been sitting in the living room for the last hour. Why, what's the matter, Miss Muff?

[Greer Garson]

Kathy ran out of the house.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, poor child. I can imagine how she must feel.

[Greer Garson]

I thought she might have come over here next door. She just ran out of the house. I don't know where she is.

[Eddie Cantor]

Poor child like that. And what's happened to her today. Wait, I'll get my coat. Ms. Buff, I'll come with you.

[Greer Garson]

Paul. Paul. Want a sled ride, miss? Paul. Paul, listen. Fine, Mr. Anderson. Want a ride? You can go all the way down the hill for three blocks. They've got it roped off.

[Eddie Cantor]

Paul, have you seen Kathy?

[Greer Garson]

Sure, but where is she? I don't know. Where is she, Paul? Where did she go? How am I supposed to know where she went?

[Eddie Cantor]

But you saw her, didn't you?

[Greer Garson]

Sure. She was running down the box. I yelled at her to come on over, but she kept running.

[Eddie Cantor]

Which way, Paul?

[Greer Garson]

Down there, I guess where the stores are.

[Eddie Cantor]

Thank you.

[Greer Garson]

Sure. Merry Christmas, Mr. Anderson. Merry Christmas, Ms. Buff.

[Eddie Cantor]

Hey, watch. She hasn't been in my store. Ms. Buff and I. I'm the only one on the block who's open last minute. Christmas rush, you know. Thank you, Mr. R. Say, now, that kid and what happened to that plane today. I'd sure let the police know she was missing. I think he's right, Ms. Buff.

[Greer Garson]

Call them, please. Call them.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, use this phone, Mr. Anderson. Thank you. Hello, operator? Give me the police. Oh, hello, police. I want to report a little girl who's missing. Kathy Harper. Well, she's got blonde hair and blue eyes. Oh, wait a second. I'll find out. No, you just go in the house, Ms. Buff. I'm sure they'll find her.

[Greer Garson]

It's 10:00. They've been looking for three hours.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, they have ways. They'll find it.

[Greer Garson]

We waited in that station house. All the policemen who phoned in, none of them.

[Eddie Cantor]

Well, you just go in the house now. I'll send Mrs. Anderson over.

[Greer Garson]

No, no, really, I. I'd rather you wouldn't. Well, good night, Mr. Anderson. Thank you. It. Yes?

[Eddie Cantor]

I'm Patrolman Reed, ma'am.

[Greer Garson]

We Found Kathy?

[Eddie Cantor]

Yes, ma'am.

[Greer Garson]

Where is she?

[Eddie Cantor]

You better come with me, ma'am. The second.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, Cathy, child.

[Eddie Cantor]

Christmas Eve church should have been the first place we should have looked for that kid.

[Greer Garson]

Kathy. Let's go home now, darling. All right. There we are, all tucked in. It's almost Christmas, isn't it? Yes, darling. You going to read to me? Of course. You just lie there. Buffy? Yes, darling? Nothing. Just read to me. Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house Not a creature was stirring not even the most. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds. Wild visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And Mama in her ketchup and I in my cap. I had just settled down for a long winter's nap when out on the lawn there arose such a clatter. I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash Tore open the shutters and threw open the sash. The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow Gave a lustre of midday to objects below. When what to my wondering eyes should appear But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer With a little old driver. So lively and quick I knew in a moment it must be some nick more rapid than eagles his courses they came and he whistled and shouted and called them by name. Now, Dasher, Now, Dancer. Now Prancer and Vicks. On, Comet, on Cupid, on Donder and Blitzen. To the tops of the porch, to the top of the wall. Now dash away, dash away, dash away all. Bobby. Mommy. Daddy.

[Eddie Cantor]

Merry Christmas.

[Greer Garson]

Kathy.

[Eddie Cantor]

Kathy, baby. Hey, hey, it's Christmas. We don't cry on Christmas.

[Greer Garson]

I thought. Oh, baby, baby.

[Eddie Cantor]

Hey. How about a big hug for me? Oh, Daddy. That's my girl.

[Greer Garson]

Where's Miss Buff? I was in bed. She was reading to me.

[Eddie Cantor]

In bed's the place for you. Come on. I'll carry Buff.

[Greer Garson]

It's Mommy. It's Daddy. I know, darling. I know.

[Eddie Cantor]

Hello, Buffy. Merry Christmas.

[Greer Garson]

Merry Christmas, Buff.

[Eddie Cantor]

We had to make an emergency landing in Newland. Small field communications were shot. That storm.

[Greer Garson]

Yes, yes. Let's not talk about it anymore Now. Buffet was reading me a wonderful thing about the night before Christmas.

[Eddie Cantor]

Here. I'll put you in bed. Kathy.

[Greer Garson]

There.

[Eddie Cantor]

There you are. Read it to us, Buffy. To all of us.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, well, I lost my place. Read it, Buffy. As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly when they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky so up to the House top the coursers they flew with a sleigh full of toys and St Nicholas too. And then in a twinkle I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof As I drew in my head and was turning around down the chimney St Nicholas came with a pound. He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of toys he had flung on his back and looked like a peddler Just over opening his back his eyes how they twinkled his dimples how merry. His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry. His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow the stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook, shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word but went straight to his work and filled all the stockings Then turned with a jerk and laying his finger under the side of his nose and giving a nod up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle and away they all flew like the down on a thistle. When I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight Happy Christmas to all and to all of good night.

[Eddie Cantor]

Ladies and gentlemen, you have just heard Ms. Greer Garson in a dramatization of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Tonight's production in autolights suspense. Ms. Garson will return in just a moment. Next week on Suspense, our star will be Mr. James Mason, who, as Lord Essex, plots to capture Elizabeth's throne. It's called the Queen's Ring. Suspense is transcribed and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed by Lucian Marwick and conducted by Lud Gluskin. Chorus was under the direction of Roger Wagner. Twas the Night Before Christmas was written for suspense by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. In tonight's story, Ann Whitfield was heard as Kathy. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel, Irene Tedro, Mary Lansing, Charles Calvert, Howard McNear, Herb Butterfield, Johnny McGovern, Sidney Miller, Joseph Kearns and John Ramsey Hill. And here once again is our lovely star, Ms. Garson Harlow.

[Greer Garson]

Thank you very much and thank you, Anne WHITFIELD. While I have these few moments, may I join the Autolite family in sending holiday greetings to our friends everywhere? Merry Christmas, Harlow.

[Eddie Cantor]

Merry Christmas, Greer. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. This is the CBS Radio Network. And now tonight's presentation of radio's Outstanding Theater of Thrills Suspense. Tonight we bring you a story of Christmas shopping and a present that went astray. We call it A Present for Benny. So now, starring Jack Crucian, here is tonight's suspense play.

[Greer Garson]

A Present for Benny. Honey lamb, they got a gorgeous ermine on sale at Halgren's. Just gorgeous. Look.

[Eddie Cantor]

Later. Later. Give me the rest of the mail and not the bills.

[Greer Garson]

Sure. Baby Song. Oh, honey pot, it's gorgeous. Like the stuff you got in that big job last month.

[Eddie Cantor]

I got a. You know.

[Greer Garson]

Something wrong, lover?

[Eddie Cantor]

Shut up. Are you calling me boss? Who'll call you? You want to get thrown out the window?

[Greer Garson]

He's all upset. Swifty. Unaccountable letter.

[Eddie Cantor]

Sure I'm upset. You listen to this. Dear Ricky, I'm sending you this letter like kind of Xmas greeting. I got a holiday feeling to me, so I'm gonna give you the news straight. Me and my boys is the ones who hijacked that load of fuzz from you last month because you were a dirty, no good fink. I'm stating to you that there ain't no room for the two of us in this town. So me and the boys is moving you out. You were a big chiseler and if you don't drop dead when you read this, me and the boys will pump you full of lead next time we see you. Yours truly and a Merry Xmas machine gun. Benny. He's a dirty rat.

[Greer Garson]

Baby. Honey, you could give it to me for Christmas. It's only two GS and it's just gorgeous.

[Eddie Cantor]

Look, will you shut your trap? I got enough trouble. Boss. Boss, what are you going to do? What do you think? What do you think? Go call the boys. Sure. No, wait a minute. We gotta do this careful. We don't want no open war. You know what I mean? Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean. Boss. Just a couple of us, see? Two good heads and you and me. Yeah, that's the best. Yeah, yeah, sure. That's the best. Uh huh. Ottie the Grunt. Yeah, yeah. Artie and no Nose fibos. That's it. Just them. Artie the Grunt and no Nose fibers. Okay, Rick. That small time think.

[Greer Garson]

Sure.

[Eddie Cantor]

There's room for only one of us. And he's gonna find out which One it is.

[Greer Garson]

You tell him, honey lamb.

[Eddie Cantor]

Didn't I tell you to make me a drink?

[Greer Garson]

No.

[Eddie Cantor]

You calling me a liar, honey lamb?

[Greer Garson]

I ain't calling you a liar. You never told me to make you a drink. Did he, Swifty?

[Eddie Cantor]

I told you to make me a drink a minute ago.

[Greer Garson]

I got ears. You never.

[Eddie Cantor]

I'm telling you again, go make me a drink.

[Greer Garson]

Okay. Okay, Big thing. They're giving orders like a general or something.

[Eddie Cantor]

And don't get so smart. Dumb dame. Okay, Swifty, you get the boys over here. We gotta have us a conference. All right? Now, the way I see it, it's Machine Gun Benny or me, see? And it's gonna be me, right? Sure. Boy, he wants trouble, he found the right party. You want. You want we should go over and rub him out, boss? What's the matter with you? No knows. He may be stupid, but he ain't dumb. Yeah, that's what he figures. We'll go gunning on him. That's what he figures, see? Yeah, so we ain't gonna. We're gonna play it smart. Artie, you got any ideas? No nose. Well, cheap, boss. You don't want to use no choppers. Gee, how about a good old ride, Dope? How you gonna get at him for a ride? What a dope, Honey love. What? What? Look, don't bother me, will you?

[Greer Garson]

That's not just a present. I'm gonna buy you.

[Eddie Cantor]

Good. Good. That's good. Now, shut up. Boss, I got a thought. Maybe we could send this bum a bomb, maybe, huh? You can't send no bomb through the mail. You know that. It's against the law. Ain't you guys got any? Whoa, wait a minute. Yeah, I got something. What, Boss? How's about we could send him a little present, huh?

[Greer Garson]

What do you want?

[Eddie Cantor]

You should send him a present for Xmas Presidency. All wrapped up with paper and Ribbo. A nice box about, oh, about this big and this wide. And when he opens it, boom. But, boss, you just said we couldn't sell. Not through the mail from the store. From. Hey, Mill. Mill. What's the name of that store? You always buying that?

[Greer Garson]

Halgram. Hey, you gonna buy me that almond.

[Eddie Cantor]

Go make me a drink. Make for the boys, too.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, gee whiz. Okay.

[Eddie Cantor]

Halgrims. Yeah, that's a place real high class.

[Greer Garson]

Yeah, I like that. I like that.

[Eddie Cantor]

Merry Christmas, Benny.

[Greer Garson]

Boom.

[Eddie Cantor]

Boss, you figure he'll fall for this? You figure? Sure he would. We get the store to deliver it. How's he gonna suspect? Well, how are we gonna get him to deliver it, boss. We don't worry about now. It gets delivered. Artie. Mm? You got to make us for a bomb. Sure. The old fashioned kind. You know, a lot of broken glass and nails. What'd he say? Yeah, yeah, he says he can make it. Oh, okay. Now you take care of that. And I want a day after tomorrow. All right. And you make it a ticker, see? But don't set nothing till we're ready. Rick, I gotta hand it to you. You're a genius. Yeah, you are a boys. Ain't he a genius? He's got the Christmas spirit, too. It's better to give than to receive. Okay, okay. Now shut up. We gotta figure out a plan for the store to deliver it. Yeah, we gotta figure.

[Greer Garson]

Honey lamb, ain't you coming to bed?

[Eddie Cantor]

No, I ain't coming to bed.

[Greer Garson]

But it's 2:00am I'm tired.

[Eddie Cantor]

Go make some coffee, honey. Sandwiches too. I'm hungry.

[Greer Garson]

Why don't you finish thinking tomorrow so I can get some sleep?

[Eddie Cantor]

Don't you never think about nothing else but sleeping?

[Greer Garson]

Sure. I've been thinking all day about that Ehrman and Halgrims I was telling you of.

[Eddie Cantor]

Baby. Oh, baby, I love you, baby. I love you.

[Greer Garson]

I love you too, honey lamb. So why don't.

[Eddie Cantor]

Hey, hey, snap out of a boy. Come on, wake up, Swifty. Hey, wake up, fellas. I got it. What? What? Course Mill is going to get an omen from Halbers.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, baby doll.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, love her. Will you get your claws off of me and make some coffee? Now listen, boys, here's how we do it.

[Greer Garson]

Ain't it gorgeous, honey? Oh, just simply gorgeous.

[Eddie Cantor]

Feel the pelt, sir. Notice the sheen. I felt that I seen it. Two G's is too much. I'll give you 1500. Oh, I'm sorry, sir. It's been marked down from 32. We positively cannot sell it for under 2000. Now we have a nice mink for 1500.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, Ricky, honey, don't be chintzy. It's Christmas.

[Eddie Cantor]

Will you shut your mouth and go buy your old lady something? I'll see you at the house.

[Greer Garson]

Ain't you going to buy it? It's so gorgeous.

[Eddie Cantor]

For 1500 I'll buy it for 2. I ain't interested and I'll beat it.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, gee. Okay. But don't go buying me no lousy mink. You know it gives me the hives.

[Eddie Cantor]

She a living doll. Okay, wrap it up, you. You'll take the ermine, sir? Sure, I'm taking. I want to Surprise her. Here. One, two G's. Oh, yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Would you like it wrapped as a gift for the lady? Yeah. I want it in a box with lots of ribbon and Xmas junk all over, you know. And I want you should give me another box the same size. See? Ribbons and everything. It's gonna be kind of a Xmas joke on a pal, you get what I mean? Empty box, you know. Owen, give me a couple of cards to write on to us. Yes, sir. Will you have them sent? No, I'll take them both with me. Well, it'll just take a few minutes, sir, so I'll wait. Hey, Artie, when you got the timer set for it to go off? Early afternoon. What'd he say? He says he's got it set for 23 hours. It'll go off at 4:00 tomorrow afternoon. What happens if he opens it before? What'd he say? He says it'll go off anyway. Oh, that's good. Nice work, Artie. Nice work. Hey, I bet you he opens it. Don't worry. I bet he ain't got no patience. For instance, he gets a big treat beginning of December. All the trimmings. There's piles around them. Couple of cases of old stag Christmas presents. Mean something to a guy like that. It is going to this year, that is for sure. Okay. All right. Now you carry Swifty and I'll take the ermine home. Sure, boss. Now, you know what you got to do. I am to take the bomb back to the store. There I'm to find a guy what sold you to erman. Yeah, to Mr. Minchi. Minchi? Yeah. Then I give him the bomb and I tell him that he's to send it on to Benny. And you tell him it's the gag that I was talking about. You give him a C note for doing you the favor. I got it. Okay, Artie, when you get through cleaning up, come over to my place. We'll play some poker tonight, okay? Yeah. See you, Artie. He's a good boy, that Artie. You know, I'm going to get him One of the new 45s for expos? Hey, that'd be nice, boss. He sure likes them. Me, I like a.38 better. Don't make as big a hole, but it don't weigh you down so much. You know what I mean? Yeah, I know what you mean. Here, will you hold my box a minute? I want to get a cigarette. Sure, boss. Boss, look out. It's Benny. Get. You are listening to a present for Benny. Tonight's presentation in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, suspense. Let's look ahead to 1966 and there you are in your beautiful new home. You've got automatic gadgets everywhere. There's a sparkling new dream car in your gar. The youngsters are in a fine college. All's right with the world. Is this just an idle dream? No, this is a real future that you can start building right now. A secure, carefree, prosperous future built with United States Savings bonds. In 10 years, you will get back $4 for every $3 you've invested. Join the payroll savings plan where you work or buy bonds where you bank. Start in 1956 to make 1966 the beginning of the golden years. And now we bring back to our Hollywood sound stage Jack Crucian, starring in tonight's production, a present for Benny. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. Boss, that was close. Oh, that's no good, Dirty. No good. Benny, he was not kidding about his getting you and me. I wasn't kidding about getting him. I wait five minutes, then you take the bomb down the store. Like I said, boss, which one do you got? You got the bomb or Mills Ehrman? How should I know? You were holding them when we hit the dirt. I just picked one up. We come back in here, they sure do look alike. Listen, you stupid dope, you got it mixed up the packages. Boss, what were that chopper going? I. I just didn't notice. Oh, they give you such a hit. What are we gonna do now? You got me. But I guess they weigh about the same. We cannot tell that way, boss. Maybe we should have put different colored ribbons on him so as we could tell. No, now you're getting smart now. Now he thinks of it. Oh, come on, we're going back up to Artie's. Yeah, he'll open them up, find a moment the bomb and then we'll wrap him up again. Oh, sure, Rick, sure. That's Benny. I should have rubbed him out a long time ago. You know, boss, I sure wish I could be there and see his face when he opens up the bomb. Yeah, you know, it's too bad he will not get time to read the card as to who it is from. Artie, open up, it's Rick. You've got us a trouble. Yeah, we had some trouble. Benny and some of his boys as we was walking out, they missed. Well, we ain't gonna jerky here got the packages mixed up, though. You gotta open up, see which is which, huh? Well, come on, come on. So open it up so it don't blow up. Can't. What do you mean you can't? What are you nuts? How am I gonna know which one you send that rat? Boss, Boss, maybe we could have thrown the bomb in the river. Then it would be okay. Oh, sure. Oh, boy, what a schnook. We throw the airman in the river too. What? You know which is the bomb. I forgot that on account of you I'm gonna be out two GS. And you know what it comes out of your cutter. The next job we do, we gotta send both boxes to Benny. Now, boss, maybe the ermine won't blow up when he does. And then we can take it back from his tomato after he is buried. Swifty, do me a favor. Stop making me feel so good before I kick your brains in. Now look, you take them boxes back to the store. Get em sent out right away, you hear? I don't want no innocent people hurt when it goes off. Just leave it to me, boss.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, good.

[Eddie Cantor]

Go. What'd he say? He says you really got a heart, boss. And don't either of you say nothing about the urm in the mill, see? Or I'll have to get her another one. Oh, I won't say nothing. Me neither. Me near. Okay, Swifty, now get going. I'll see you both back at my place.

[Greer Garson]

Is that you, honey baby?

[Eddie Cantor]

Yeah.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, me and Nona. I was just having a game with you and I couldn't wait for you to get back. Gee, I love you. Did you get it?

[Eddie Cantor]

What?

[Greer Garson]

See, I'm in.

[Eddie Cantor]

No, go make me a drink.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, baby Lamp, you didn't really. Oh, you're kidding. You're gonna make it a surprise.

[Eddie Cantor]

It ain't gonna be no surprise on account if I didn't get it. Now go make me a drink. Hey, no nos. Yeah, boss.

[Greer Garson]

Gee, I bought you a pretty. Oh, well, you're sure gonna look like something in it. Oh, wait till you see.

[Eddie Cantor]

Okay, okay.

[Greer Garson]

Guess what? I got to get.

[Eddie Cantor]

Look, I don't feel like no games. It's been a tough day. I'm tired. Do me a favor. Make me a drink, then go to a movie or something, will you? Gee, Eric, where was I? Oh, oh. Oh, yeah. Look, you better call the rest of the boys and tell them that Benny's out gunner for us. Tell them to stay hid out until they hear from me, see? And I don't want no trouble with the da. He's up for reelection. You got Benny's presence an awful K, huh? Yeah. Boy, when he croaks he'll die laughing if he opens the other box first. The other box? Yeah, I'll tell you about it when Mill's gone out. Yeah. Boss is a swifty. Yeah. You got nothing to worry about. Everything is taken care of. The stuff goes off the first thing in the morning. Okay. Come on back. Sure, Rick. I just thought that you should like to know. So long, Arty. What do you call these? I asked for 3 minute boil. These ain't even born yet. Ain't you never gonna learn how to boil an egg?

[Greer Garson]

I'll fix you some more.

[Eddie Cantor]

I ain't hungry. Forget it, Artie. What time is it? Look. No, it ain't, Artie. It's 1:30, boss. Benny should have got the bomb by now. Of course. You want I should call him and kind of ask after his help? No, no, no. If he ain't got it yet, he might get suspicious. Oh, boy. Just waiting. You know, it's making a nervous wretch out of me. Just take it easy. It'll go off.

[Greer Garson]

If you don't want eggs, honey, how about some nice hot coffee, lover?

[Eddie Cantor]

Okay, okay.

[Greer Garson]

You'll feel better when. When you see what I've got for you. They're sending it today.

[Eddie Cantor]

Yeah, okay. Should I open a. Boss? Yeah, I'll cover you.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, you're so nervous all of a sudden this morning, honey.

[Eddie Cantor]

All right, all right, I'm nervous. So who is it? No Nose. Let him in. What do you say, boss? What's in the package? Hmm? Oh, this. Well, it just come up for you from Hallgrams. Elevator was bringing it up.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, now, don't you spoil it, honey lamb. That's my present to you. You can take the wrapping paper off, but you can't open the box. We gotta put it under the tree when we get the tree. V.

[Eddie Cantor]

Hey, boss, that box looks awful familiar. Yeah. Mill, you sure you bought this yesterday?

[Greer Garson]

Sure I'm sure.

[Eddie Cantor]

Looks just like the ones we sent to Benny, don't it? Same size, same ribbon, same everything. Kind of makes you wonder.

[Greer Garson]

Be silly. They got millions of boxes like this. Oh, it happens. There's something very special in there for my sweetie.

[Eddie Cantor]

What's in it?

[Greer Garson]

Go ahead and open it. Go ahead.

[Eddie Cantor]

No, no, I'll wait. I ain't like Benny. I can wait.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, honey, you open it. It's okay. I'll get you something else to open. On Christmas?

[Eddie Cantor]

Sure, why not? Boss, you need something to make you feel good. I feel good now. I don't want to feel no better.

[Greer Garson]

And I thought you'd like it. So much you'd go with me and maybe buy a chinchilla they got on sale at hrams. It's only 1500. Just what you wanted to pay for the oyman. I like chinchilla.

[Eddie Cantor]

Come on, boss. Open it up. Open, open, open. All right, all right, I'll open it. Hey, Swifty, go get it. Sure. Boy.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, I can't wait for the lid.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, wait a minute. Wait a minute, boss. It's that guy at the store. Hograms. Oh, Minchi. Yeah.

[Greer Garson]

You want me to open it for you, honey?

[Eddie Cantor]

No. Yeah. Mr. McQueen? Yeah. This is Mr. Minch in the fur department at Halgrams. So. Mr. McQueen, I'm. I'm terribly sorry, but I. I think there's been a mistake. What? What kind of mistake? What do you mean? A little confusion, but I'm sure it can be easily rectified. Your wife bought something for you yesterday which was to be delivered this morning. Yeah. Yeah. It's already come. Yes, well, there seems to have been an error made in the shipping department. A matter of mislaided dress slips. Now, I wonder if you'd mind opening the package which you just received. Or perhaps, since it's a Christmas parcel and a surprise for you. No doubt your wife would rather do it.

[Greer Garson]

It?

[Eddie Cantor]

Well, why? What's wrong with it? Well, you see, those two boxes which your. Your man brought in yesterday afternoon haven't gone out yet. They were to be sent to Mr. Benjamin Mollusk. I believe it is. Yeah. I think the gift which you have is one of those. And, well, yours is his. That is, if you follow me. Now, if you'd open it, I'm. Boss, there's something wrong. Hey, you're pale. You sick? What's the time? That's a quarter to two.

[Greer Garson]

Ain't you gonna open your present?

[Eddie Cantor]

Don't nobody touch that box. It's loaded. Da bomb. Yeah, da bomb. Of course. The quarterback. You shut up, Swifty. I got enough trouble without her hearing that. Oh. Oh, yeah. I get you.

[Greer Garson]

Are you talking about me?

[Eddie Cantor]

Get that thing out of here. Get it down to the store. They gotta send a special messenger. Let him send all three boxes to that punk Benny. Well, what do I care? Maybe I should send him a Cadillac to go with it. You know what I think? I think it'd be cheaper to kill myself. Hey, what's the time?

[Greer Garson]

10 to 4, baby.

[Eddie Cantor]

Where's that Swifty?

[Greer Garson]

Don't worry. He'll be here.

[Eddie Cantor]

Maybe Benny got him. Yeah. Maybe I should have sent you an artie with him. Get It Artie no knows a me will cover you. Me? It's me, Aunty Swifty. Open up. Boss, I have got it all straightened out. Everything is okay. Boy, some dopes, those guys down at the store. What's that? This? Oh, this is your present that Mill got for you. I told you, they have got it all straightened out. Okay, now, you know, it's Christmas rush. Everybody's meshuggah, you know. So now they have found the right slips, wrapped up the boxes again. And Benny's presents have been delivered right now. And this one, this is yours. You're sure this time? Are you sure, Boss? Would I make a lie out of myself? This box you can open. I guarantee it.

[Greer Garson]

Yeah. Cause you might not like the color I got you. So I wish you would open it. And if it ain't right, we can take it back this afternoon and you can change it. And maybe take a look at chinchillas I was telling you about.

[Eddie Cantor]

Yeah, this time I'm gonna wait. When Benny blows up, I open it. What's the time? That's two minutes to four. You sure? Is your watch right? Well, boss, I just call a tomato on the telephone. That gives you the time, honey pot.

[Greer Garson]

You're too nervous. This ain't like you. Here, I'll open it for you.

[Eddie Cantor]

Mill, you quit that. Oh, boss. Oh, sure. Take it easy, boss. You're all.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, I bet you're just going to love it.

[Eddie Cantor]

I just bet it's about Benny. He opened it. What do you bet? Blam. Right through the wall. Yeah. Rick gets his machine gun. Benny. Benny. Listen, pal. I feel like a dirty rat. That's what I feel like, a dirty rat. When I think what I try to do to you. Yes. And all the time you was making never minds. With the presents, which I am, my girl are right now wearing. I tell you, I could eat mud. Yeah. She says she never seen such a oyman and the robo. It's the greatest. Old pal, I am a heel, but. But it ain't too late to change. Hey, what do you say we buried a hatchet, eh? Yeah. I'll split with you on our furs. I hijack from you. And we're. We're partners. You and me run the town together. What are you saying? Yeah. All right. So you and Mill and your boys come on over and partake of some Xmas cheer. You hear me? Boy, you're great guy. Rick, the greatest. So long, pal. Merry Xmas. So long, Benny, Huh? Yeah. This one's the bump. Yeah. Too bad. What's the time? It's three minutes after 4.3aft. Artie, the time has come and gone. How come it didn't go off? What'd he say? He says he did not want to blow nobody up so near to Christmas. Then what's in the box? I'm gonna show. Huh? He's gonna. Suspense, in which Jack Cruchen starred in tonight's presentation of a present for Benny. Next week. A charming fantasy about a small boy who discovered a new world. And lived forever after in its enchantment. We call it the Cave. That's next week on Suspense. Suspense is produced and directed by Anthony Ellis, who also wrote tonight's script. The music was composed by Renee Garaghan and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Featured in the cast were Stacy Harris, Eve Moore McVeigh, Benny Rubin, Junius Matthews and Joseph Kearns. Time's growing short for the youngsters to write to Bing Crosby. The deadline for Postmark letters is Thursday, December 15, midnight. All your youngster has to do is write a letter to Bing telling what Christmas means to me. Then mail it to Bing Crosby. CBS Radio, Hollywood, 28, California. The winner will read his letter in person. When America Sings with Bing. Christmas Eve on CBS Radio. All youngsters 12 years of age and under are eligible that address. Once Again, Bing Crosby, CBS Radio, Hollywood, 28, California. Be sure the young letter writer puts his name and address on the letter. Stay tuned now for five minutes of CBS Radio News. To be followed on most of these same stations by the Jack Carson Show. Thrill to Gun Smoke. Every Saturday and Sunday on the CBS Radio Network, SA Suspense. And the producer of radio's Outstanding Theater of Thrills, the master of mystery and adventure, William N. Robeson. There are many kinds of suspense. But the happiest suspense is the kind we share at this time of year with our children. The suspense which has its denouement next Wednesday morning. The suspense of what Santa Claus is bringing for Christmas. For the little girl in the upcoming story, however, there is no such suspense. All she wants for Christmas is a dog. And a dog she is certainly not going to get to play this unhappy little girl. We have invited a most talented little girl to make her first appearance on radio. Already a star of TV and motion pictures, seven year old Evelyn Rudy now adds another medium to the domain of her talents. Listen. Listen. Then, as Evelyn Rudy stars in Dog Star.

[Greer Garson]

Daddy. Honest, Daddy. The only thing I want for Christmas is a dog. Even if it isn't exactly the kind Mike was. That's all I want. Ray, please.

[Eddie Cantor]

Sorry.

[Greer Garson]

Well, if she weren't such A tomboy. It'd be different. But can you imagine getting Julie a dollhouse? Or a painting set? Or a party dress?

[Eddie Cantor]

I'm sorry, Ann. And Julie, no dog.

[Greer Garson]

Then you shop for her. I'm tired of roaming around like a zombie in every store in town. You find her present. If I can't have a dog again, I just don't care what I get.

[Eddie Cantor]

Now listen, both of you. I like dogs just as much as you do. I love Mike, too, but Julie loves them too much. She hasn't eaten a decent meal since Mike got killed. And it's not going to happen again. We're not going to put her happiness at the mercy of another brainless pup and every idiot speeder in town.

[Greer Garson]

It wasn't Mike's fault. It was my fault. I should have kept him in the yard. It was my fault. But honest, I'd never, never, never let my pup out again. If I could just have one.

[Eddie Cantor]

Julie, honey, suppose I got your bike? A big bike at 26? Okay.

[Greer Garson]

But, Daddy, I don't want a bike. I want a. Julie, come back here.

[Eddie Cantor]

It's getting dark.

[Greer Garson]

Let her go, Ray. I said you could play with Timmy. Let her go. Hey, Julie, what happened? Are you gonna get a dog for Christmas? No. Hey, Julie, I got an idea. See, I asked my dad for a dog and we moved Mike's dog house over to my yard and we can both play with him. How about that? Thanks, Timmy, but no. It just isn't the same. No, I guess. Hey, Julie, I got my flashlight with me. You know what? What? Let's go up to Palmer Canyon and see if any ducks have flown onto the pond this evening. I don't feel like it, Timmy. Oh, come on. We might even see a goose. But how do the ducks find their way all the way down here from the north? Oh, it's something called instinct. What was that? Golly, I don't know. True was close. True was. Oh, it was a tree fallen, I bet. Hey, here's the fun. Come on, Julie. I'm coming.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oakdale Police. Lieutenant Spencer speaking. This is Professor Goodwin at the observatory. Oh, yes, Professor. Lieutenant, for the past half hour we've been tracking one of their later satellites. It landed about three minutes ago. We have a fix. It hit the Palmer Canyon area of Oakdale. Yeah. You sure? Positive. I'm leaving now. And Lieutenant, I think you better get some men up there quick. Sergeant, get three cars up to Palmer Canyon emergency hour. Call the off section for guard duty and call the chief on the highway patrol. Call the mayor, too. Tell Them a satellite landed in Palmer Canyon.

[Greer Garson]

Well, I guess it's getting too late in the year for the ducks. Yes. We better start back home. What is that? What? I thought I heard a dog crying. I didn't. It is two. There's a dog down there by the pond. Where's the flashlight? Here a little. Why? His legs are hurt. He can hardly crawl, it looks like. Oh, he's bleeding. And he's wearing something all torn up.

[Eddie Cantor]

Timmy.

[Greer Garson]

Somebody must have tortured him. Yeah, poor fella. Hey, his tail's wagging. He likes you, Julie. Oh, poor little thing. Timmy, I'm going to keep him. What'll your dad say? We'll hide him. They won't torture you anymore. They won't hurt you anymore. We'll hide you. Where will you hide? Like you said, we'll put Mike's old dog house in your yard and take care of him there. Maybe when he's well, Daddy will let me keep him. Okay. Come on. Here. No, I'll carry him. Look. Look. Timmy. What? He licked me. He licked my.

[Eddie Cantor]

Joe. You and Maury take the uphill side and don't let anybody near the parachute unless Professor Goan says to. Okay, Professor. I guess that covers it. Well, I'll sure be glad when the Air Force gets here. Just think where this thing has been. Yeah, it looks like a metal beach ball with portholes. Hey, what's this, Professor? An oxygen mask for a midget. Well, there was something in here. A dog, I bet. And this got knocked off its head and it chewed its way out of its harness. Here, look here. We've got to find it. There's blood on the ground, Professor. It won't go far. We have got to find it, Lieutenant. We've got to find it.

[Greer Garson]

More coffee, Ray?

[Eddie Cantor]

And late as it is, imagine that satellite practically landing in our backyard. What an age. Well, I've got to get down to the office. I'll be back early to help with the tree. Goodbye, Julie.

[Greer Garson]

Bye, Daddy. Now, would you please take care of that thing for Julie we were talking about? Julie. Timmy. Come in. Hand me a knife. Quick. What are you doing? Cutting him some meat. Quick. Here. I was just looking at him. I got him a blanket like you said. How is he? He's asleep. Here comes your mother. Give me some meat. Here, put it in your pocket. Hello, Mrs. Roberts. Hello, Timmy. What are you two up to? Nothing.

[Eddie Cantor]

Finishing my on the satellite which returned to earth last night in Palmer Canyon. An overseas monitored report confirms the guest that there was a dog in the parachuted container. Julie, it Is a small white husky similar to Laika, the ill fated first space traveler. This one is called Chitka and wears its name on its collar. It was announced that it is trained to react to this name.

[Greer Garson]

Julie, I was listening. I'm sorry. Mommy, can I go out and play? You didn't finish your cereal.

[Eddie Cantor]

All right.

[Greer Garson]

Julie, did you hear what he said? It's not the same dog. It sounds like it is. It does not. Now shut up. Okay, Julie, here he is. Hi, Mike. We'll call him Mike. Look, he's opening his eyes. Give me the meat. Here, Mike. Oh, look. He won't eat it. He's pretty sick, Julie. Hey, let's see his collar. No, it's all funny letters, Julie. I can't read it. I'm going to take it off. Say his name, Julie. Mike. No. The one the radio said. No. We've got to know, Julie. I. I forget. No, you don't. You never forget anything. Chit got. I don't care. I don't care. I don't care. Care. I won't let them take you back. I'm going to keep you anyway.

[Eddie Cantor]

And now more on the Chitka story on this Christmas Eve. The little white dog has not yet been found. Although he is thought to be injured. All veterinarians in the area have been alerted. Well, return you now. That satellite really shook up this town. Cups all over the place looking for the pooch.

[Greer Garson]

Dad, if we found him, if our country found him, would we have to send him back?

[Eddie Cantor]

I'm just a small town lawyer, honey. They're a big shot. Straining their brains on that one. We'd have to stick to international law. Of course.

[Greer Garson]

It's Timmy. I'll go now. Don't be long. I won't. Hey, Timmy. How is he? Well, I just looked at him, Julia. I think he's awful sick. Come on, then. Have you got the flashlight? Yeah. Here it is. He just lies there panting like. Oh, he's got to be all right. He's got to be. Oh, Mike. Oh, nice little dog. He is sick, Timmy. Yeah, he sure is. Oh, Mike, don't die. Please don't die. Give me the blanket, Timmy. What are you gonna do? Come on, Mike. Come on. Nice little dog. But they all know about him. I heard it on the radio. I have to. I can't let him die. Don't worry, Mike. Somebody will give us a ride. They've got to. Please stop this one. Please stop.

[Eddie Cantor]

Yeah, kid, where you going?

[Greer Garson]

Central Avenue, sir. Anywhere on Central.

[Eddie Cantor]

Okay, hop in. Where you got there?

[Greer Garson]

Kid, My dog.

[Eddie Cantor]

He shed any of that fur?

[Greer Garson]

No, sir.

[Eddie Cantor]

Central Avenue, eh? What are you going down here for on Christmas Eve, a short beer, huh?

[Greer Garson]

No, sir, a vet. I mean, a vet.

[Eddie Cantor]

Hey, that dog hurt. Hey, look, he's bleeding from the mouth. Okay, kid, out.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, mister, can't you please take us?

[Eddie Cantor]

Now listen, these are new seat covers. Out.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, Mike, stay alive. Just five minutes. The vet will make you well. Just five minutes. There's a light there. Somebody's home. They've got to be. I'm awfully sorry. We're clo. Oh, I. I see. Honey. Yes, doctor.

[Eddie Cantor]

Coming. What seems to be the trouble, little girl?

[Greer Garson]

I'm Julie Roberts and this is Mike. And I'm afraid he'll die.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oh, now isn't that too bad? Say, what kind of a dog is that, Julie?

[Greer Garson]

A sort of a husky.

[Eddie Cantor]

Yeah? Where'd you get him?

[Greer Garson]

My dad got him for me and tonight a car hit him and Martha.

[Eddie Cantor]

Hand me that police circular.

[Greer Garson]

Here you are, doctor.

[Eddie Cantor]

We'll just put him on the operating table. Called the police, Martha. Then I want you to take its blood pressure while I get a sample of blood and let's see. Just call the Air Force base and ask them to send a flight surgeon down here. Yes, sir. Just tell them to hurry. I. I'm putting him away. I'm sorry, Julie.

[Greer Garson]

Putting him away?

[Eddie Cantor]

He's paralyzed, Julie. He couldn't run and play or do anything you'd want him to, even if they let you keep him.

[Greer Garson]

But I take care of him anyway, doctor. I bring him his food and take care of him. Don't call them. Don't kill him. Give him back.

[Eddie Cantor]

Honey, it's no use. He just suffer. You wouldn't want that.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, my nice boy. See doctor, he licked me. He'll get better.

[Eddie Cantor]

No, no, he won't. Julie, you wait in the hall and. And I'll ask the police to take you home.

[Greer Garson]

Oh, Mike. Mike.

[Eddie Cantor]

Oakdale police. Yes, ma'am. No kidding? Yeah. Well, thank you, ma'am. Hey, Scoop, you want to get that AP job in New York? Here's your chance. That pooch just turned up at the park's Dog and Cat hospital. Holy cow. Thanks Sarge. That is right. Operator, I want embassy. I don't care what time they tell you is in Washington. Tell them is about Chitka. C H I T K A. Tell them he's colleague Central Intelligence. Now look, this is Peters in Oakdale. You give me the chief. Merry Christmas, Chief. The dog turned up. Yeah, some kid had it. That's right. A Little girl, name of Julie Roberts. 354 Parkdale Terrace, Oakdale. Yeah. I'm sober. A little girl, so. And, Julie, here's the present from your mother and me.

[Greer Garson]

A bike. A big bike. Thanks, Daddy. You may need it to outrun the reporters. It's just. Just wonderful.

[Eddie Cantor]

But it isn't a dog.

[Greer Garson]

No.

[Eddie Cantor]

Well, your mother and I were talking and I think. Wait. Yes? Who? Anne, get. Get me a drink before breakfast.

[Greer Garson]

What is it?

[Eddie Cantor]

Give me a drink. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. This is her father. Oh. Oh, sir. I can't believe. A crate. No, sir, not yet. Yes, sir. We'll be expecting it. Oh, thank you, sir. And a very merry Christmas to you.

[Greer Garson]

Ray, what's wrong? Your white is a sheet.

[Eddie Cantor]

Anna, give me that drink.

[Greer Garson]

Fred, what's the Air Force car doing outside? Look, they're bringing a box up the wall.

[Eddie Cantor]

When?

[Greer Garson]

This room's a mess.

[Eddie Cantor]

Yes. Huh? Huh? Major? Merry Christmas, sir. Is this where Julie Roberts lives? Oh, yeah, yeah. Yes. Did the White House call, sir? Yes. Okay. Open it up, Sergeant.

[Greer Garson]

It's a puppy. A little white puppy.

[Eddie Cantor]

It's for you, Julie, if your folks don't mind. They don't. They don't.

[Greer Garson]

Major, won't you sit down?

[Eddie Cantor]

No, ma'am. I have a little girl to get back to myself. Merry Christmas, folks.

[Greer Garson]

Ray, who was that on the phone?

[Eddie Cantor]

And when I tell you, you'll never believe me. You'll never believe. Suspense. In which Evelyn Rudy starred in William N. Robeson's production of Dog Star by Michael Frost. Supporting Evelyn Rudy and Dog Star were Shirley Mitchell, Dick Beal, Shep Menken, Jack Crucian, Sam Pierce, Ben Wright, Lou Krugman and Norm Alden. And now, another tale, well calculated to keep you in suspense. The time, Christmas 1958. The place, Korea. The story, A Korean Christmas Carol, written for suspense by George Bamber. Sounds good, doesn't it? They hear kids singing. I mean, I can't understand the language, but I know what they mean. They sound so fresh and full of promise. Almost as if they knew. But then I'm getting ahead of myself. The name's Connolly. PFC Larry Connolly. I'm a soldier in Korea. I was sent here just about a year ago this time. That's where this strange story begins. Christmas, 1958. Christmas was for me that year. Miserable. I've been stuck on guard the night before. And so I plan to stay in bed the next day and forget about Christmas. I hadn't counted on my first sergeant since I was the first man he came to in the barracks. It's only logical That I should be the man he picks to drive a truck all the way to Sol and back. It was night by the time I got on the road headed back from Seoul. It started to snow. Big flakes coming down, soft at first, then so thick and fast I could hardly see. I was just over that first range of mountains. Was starting on the twisting, slippery way down when I saw him. The sight of him scared me, wide awake. He was standing bareheaded, the wind whipping the snow in his hair around his face. When he raised his thumb, I had the strangest feeling he'd been expecting me. Almost as if it were unnecessary, as if he knew I'd stop. You want a lift? I'm going as far as Camp Santa Barbara. Where's that? You mean, where's that? Everybody knows where Camp Santa Barbara is. Don't stand there with the door open. Hop in. All right. Well, you picked a lousy place to hitchhike. Didn't stop. Oh, thanks. Happened to your gloves? Your hands look half frozen. Gloves? Well, I must have lost them. Must have? Don't you know? Oh, yes, sure. I must have left them laying on the counter of the PX back there. We had back there, too. No, no, I. I lost my hat in the dark. I fell. I suppose that's why your uniform's muddy and your jacket's torn. Oh, yes. Yes, that's right. Of course. I was walking along the edge of the road and I slipped in the dark and I slid halfway down the embankment before I could stop. I see you managed to hang onto your bag. Oh, yeah. I can't afford to lose that. It's important. I'm late as it is. What outfit you from? 3rd Recon. 7th Division. Infantry. Infantry? Roll artillery up this way. The infantry stationed about seven miles back. You're headed in the wrong direction. Yeah, well, Third Recon is a special detachment. We're off in the hills all by ourselves. It's just off this road. Never heard of it before. My name's Connolly. Larry Connolly. What's yours? Oh, thanks. Mine's Richard Dombrowski. Good to know you, Dombrowski. Say, look, if you can let go of that bag long enough, I'll let you wear my gloves till your hands warm up. Oh, no, thanks. That's all right. I'll put them in my pockets. Say, is it okay if I set my bag on the floor? Oh, sure. No sweat. Say, you don't have a cigarette, do you? I'm fresh out. Well, I don't know. I. Wait a minute. Yeah. Here's some. Let Me light it for you, though. You watch the road. I saw a whole truckload of troops. Troops disappear over that curve up ahead. Killed all but two. Yeah. When that happened, 1951. 1951? Yep. You were here when the war was on? I guess you could say that. Tell me, Dombrowski, what were you doing Christmas Day? Bet they didn't send you all the way to Seoul with an empty truck on a wild goose chase. That's what I did today. What'd you do seven years ago? Well, you see those lights up ahead? That's the village of Chung Jui. We marched through there the day before Christmas. Were you scared? Oh, I think everybody's scared. Hey. Hey, look out. You'll burn yourself. What's the matter? Cigarette? Burned all the way down to your fingers. Oh. Isn't it burning you that? No. No, I. I guess it burned itself out before it got to my skin. Anyway, you see that hill over there? Well, Christmas Day, 1951, my platoon was all dug in around that hill. No kidding. We went out on a patrol from that hill. And that was one time. I was plenty scared. As a matter of fact, it happened just seven years ago tonight. It hadn't snowed that day, but there was snow on the ground. I can remember, because the guys were joking that at least we had a white Christmas. And what a Christmas it was. As I said, it was quiet. Christmas Day, 1951. We were sitting around in our holes waiting for which we knew would begin the next day. They'd managed to get hot turkey up to us, so we were relatively comfortable and happy. Until Brownie, our squad leader, came back from a talk with the old man. All right, I'll take the first five. The old man wants us to go out and have a look around. Come on, come on, knock it off. Get rid of your dog tags and canteens, anything that might rattle or make a noise. We won't be gone long, but we're moving along. Hey, Whitey, might as well leave your helmet here. We want to move quiet. But, sarge, it's too cold to go out without a hat. Ah, cut the comedy, Walker. We moved out on schedule just as night was falling. And with the night came a cold. We moved rapidly along the valley for about an hour or so when Brownie stopped and raised his hand. All right, you men, hold it up. Once we get on the other side of that ridge up ahead, we'll observe maximum security. No talking, no lights. Keep down and watch where you put your big, clumsy feet. These people just love trip wires with Flares attached. Walker, you still got the walkie talkie? If I didn't, I wouldn't be here to tell you about it. Still working? It's warm, if that's what you mean. That's more than I can say for myself. All right, keep it that way. We may need it if we run into trouble. Hey, while we're here, let's take one last check on your gear. Make sure your rifle bolts aren't frozen, weapons on safety and all grenades are secure in the pen center. Okay, everybody set? Let's move out. And so we did move out. The M1 felt light in my hands, like I'd never realized how light and easy it was to carry a rifle. Before the going was easy, the rice paddies were frozen over and covered with snow. And we stepped carefully between the clumps of rice stubble left over from the last harvest so the dry straw made no noise. We walked steadily, quietly, maybe 200 yards without a sound, regularly stepping up and over each low rice paddy wall as we came to it. Each one bringing us just that much closer to the top. And then it happened. Hit down. Hit the dark. Get down. Somebody must have tripped the wire because suddenly the inky black was transformed into the merciless white of the operating table. Everything seemed stopped and slowed down, just like an old movie. Before the projector blows up, I could see the other guys, the hills and the deadly winking fires of the guns. And then we fell down at the protection of the earth. And some of us fell with metal in our bodies. Crawl. Crawl, you apes. Crawl to the mud tigers. They hold. They can't hit us there. And we crawled, digging our knees and fingers into the frozen mud until they were bruised and torn. We crawled closer to the ground and faster than we ever had before. We crawled to the sanctuary of a foot high mud hill. Keep your heads down. We got a sprint was about 150 yards to a front. Where's the other? Yeah, there's 200 yards to the left. They got us pinned in a crossfire. Don't ever get out of here. All right? All right. Now don't panic. If you head down, we'll make it out. Walker, see if you can raise lady wolf on the walkie talkie. Walker. Walker's laying out there in the middle of the patty brownie. He's never gonna have to worry about being warm again. Smith's out there too. I saw him get it. I saw it when the flare went up. I saw him catch it in the flare. Okay, okay, Harry, easy. He's still got the walkie talkie. Can you see if it's all right? He's laying on it. It's hard to tell, Whitey. That flare is gonna go out mighty quick. If a man was fast, he could probably streak out there and back before they put up another one. We can use that walkie talkie to call up some artillery to get these monkeys off our back. I can't, Brownie. I must have been hit. I can't move my legs anymore. I. I can't even feel them. Easy. Are you bleeding bad? No. Harry, you all right? Far as I know. Stevens? Sure. I'd like to take a whirl at that walkie talkie. Wait till that flare burns out. It's dying now. Just a few more seconds. By the time the flare lit the sky, Stevens was halfway back, the walkie talkie dangling from his right hand. Midair, some huge invisible hand slapped him to the ground. I'm hit. Oh, God, I'm hit. Quiet. Where'd they get you? I'm hit. I'm hit. Look him over, Harry. They busted his arm. See any other places? No, no, just his arm. Wrapped a dressing around it and button it inside his jacket. Hand me that walkie talkie. It's no good, Brownie. The walkie talkie smash. What? It's useless. We're gonna have to move out of here fast. Well, how are we gonna pull out if we can't crawl back down the patty? They'll slaughter us. All right, all right.

[Greer Garson]

Look.

[Eddie Cantor]

We'll move along the dike to the edge of the rice paddy. From there, we can duck into the underbrush and move back down the mountain. We'll never make it. They'll spot us. When we try to make across the clearing to the underbrush, they'll swing their guns around. We gotta try it. We can't stay here. Stevens, can you crawl? Yeah, I can make it. Okay, you lead off and I'll follow you. I'll crawl backwards and pull Whitey along behind me. Whitey? You heard me. But we'll never make it. Quiet. All you have to do, Harry, is follow along behind and pick up the pieces. Take his weapon. It'll make him lighter. Keep your hands off me, Harry. Come on, Whitey. We have any time to fool around. I'm not fooling. I'm not going with you guys.

[Greer Garson]

Come on.

[Eddie Cantor]

You lost too much blood already. Just it. Like you said, Brownie, it's only a matter of time. You can't get anywhere with me. You'll never even get past the Clearing trying to drag me across. You're smart enough to know that, Brownie. It'll be tough enough even with two good legs. We're not leaving you here. That's what I figured you'd say, Brownie. I'm still in charge here. I figured you'd say that too. Brownie. You see this grenade? It doesn't have any pin in it. The only thing that keeps the spring from kicking the clip off is my hand. Now get out of here, Brownie, before I let it go. You want me to let loose of this grenade? Now prop that bar up in the dike in front of me and scatter the clips where I can get at them. I'll wait until you guys get to the edge of the patty before I open up. Look. But maybe I'm still holding the grenade. Brownie, time is running out. You're gonna have to hurry. I feel like I want to fall asleep. And I don't know how much longer I can stay awake. Just wish me a. A very Merry Christmas and beat it. Merry Christmas, Whitey. All right, you guys. What are you waiting for? Let's move out. See? That's right. This is Christmas. Oh, little town of Bethlehem how still we see what's the matter? Don't people like Christmas carols? A machine gun fire always was better getaway music than Christmas carols. Above thy dark and dreaming Whitey lay there until the others had crawled to the end of a low rice paddy wall. And then he threw his grenade. When it exploded, he opened up with a beast, making enough noise to make the enemy think the patrol was launching an attack. Both machine gun nests zeroed in on him. But Whitey stayed well below the little mud wall of the rice paddy, humming his Christmas carol, loading the bar with a fresh clip every time it went empty. And perhaps wondering briefly why he was going to die so far away from home. A little pond of frozen and mud he didn't care about or even own. Still firing and singing, even after the rest of the squad had escaped into the underbrush. And until either the machine gunners found their mark or else he finally fell asleep. He was quite a guy, No? I guess it was just a detail that had to be done, and he had to do it. Well, there's my stop right there where that little road turns off up ahead. Your detachments up that road? That's right. Right at the end of it. Sure, I've seen that road before, but I didn't think there was anything up there. Just let me out here. Sure thing. Thanks a lot. No, sweat. Say, if you ever want to look me up, remember my outfits all the way up at the end of this road. I'll be right up there. Okay. I'll drop in sometime. Right. So long, and thanks again. I drove off, figuring it'd be a very cold day in Korea before I ever looked him up. Such a weird guy. Gave me the creeps I get about five miles down the road when I discovered he left his bag sitting on the floor of the Deuce and a Half. Took a lot of arguing with myself, but I decided that the only decent thing I could do was to swing around and take it back to him. Besides, maybe I could stop in the orderly room and check him out, find out what his story really was. On the way back, I almost missed the road because it was so small and seldom used. I drove up it for about 10 minutes. I was beginning to wonder if I hadn't gotten the wrong road after all as I passed no other vehicles or gis or anything to indicate there was an infantry company around. Just when I was ready to turn back to the main road, I saw lights twinkling up ahead from what looked like a couple of quonsets. Seemed impossible that an infantry outfit could be housed in two quonsets, but I pulled a deuce and a half to a hole outside the gate and cut off the motor. I picked up the AWOL bag, got out of the truck, trying to figure out which one was the orderly room. I walked across the hard packed snow of the yard to the first quanzep. I still couldn't figure it out. Light and warmth seemed to pour from the windows, along with the music I remembered from somewhere but couldn't quite understand. I stepped up to the first window I came to and looked inside. There were kids all over the place. Kids of all sizes and descriptions. Kids just old enough to sit by themselves. Kids just losing their first teeth. Some just start in their teens. I stood in the snow, spellbound, just watching them sing. Finally, I tore myself away and headed for the front door, eager to be inside. A plaque made out of the howitzer shell stopped me in the faint light. I could just barely make out the words engraved on the polished brass, but finally I read it all. It said, this orphanage has been erected and maintained in the memory of Corporal Richard Whitey Dombrowski, who, somewhere north of the village of Cheongju ri, Christmas night, 1951, willingly gave his life that others might live. Suddenly I didn't know where I belonged anymore. The AWOL bag dragged at the end of my arm like a thousand pound weight. I could figure what was in it, but I tore it open anyway. The bag full of candy, soap and toothpaste and gum shined up at me, looking as rich and rare as frankincense and myrrh. I closed the bag, laid it up against the door, close so they wouldn't miss it. And then I banged on the door as loud and long as I could until I was sure that they heard me. And then I ran. I ran back down the road to my truck as fast, fast and as hard as I could. Suspense. You've been listening to A Korean Christmas Carol written for suspense by George Bamber. In a moment, the names of our players and a word about next week's story of suspense. Heard in tonight's story were Bill Lipton as Larry Connolly and Lyle Sudro as Richard. Also heard were Larry Robinson, Lawson Zerby, Bill Meter, Alan Manson and Guy Rep. Listen again next week when we return with Moonlight Sale, written especially for suspense by William N. Robeson. Another tale well calculated. To keep you in suspense.

[Harlow Wilcox]

We just heard Double Entry. Twas the Night Before Christmas, A present for Benny Dog Star and A Korean Christmas Carol. That will do it for this bonus show. Thanks for joining me. We've got one more show before we wrap up for the year. Our annual Silver Bells Silver Screen Showcase. That's when I take a classic Hollywood film that was recreated for radio. And this year we've got Fred McMurray and Barbara Stanwyck in a Lux Radio Theater adaptation of Remember the Night. In the meantime, you can check out down these Mean Streets, my old Time Radio Detective podcast. New episodes of 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 we'll hear a pair of stars in a seasonal story. It's a good one, though it probably won't keep you in suspense.

[Eddie Cantor]

Ladies and gentlemen, the chief hope of 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 helped make our country great and kept her free. Thank you.