Episode 398 - Herbert Marshall (Part 8)

Summary

Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio) – Episode 398: Herbert Marshall (Part 8)
Released on December 22, 2024
Host: Mean Streets Podcasts

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Introduction

In Episode 398 of Stars on Suspense, hosted by Mean Streets Podcasts, listeners are treated to a captivating Christmas-themed installment featuring the legendary Herbert Marshall. This episode masterfully weaves together three distinct suspenseful narratives, showcasing Marshall's versatile acting prowess. Drawing from classic old-time radio traditions, the episode promises thrills, mystery, and unexpected twists, all set against the backdrop of the holiday season.

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1. Holiday Story: A Plot Thickens

Timestamp: [00:54] – [21:02]

Based on a story by John Collier, "Holiday Story" immerses listeners in the life of Professor Wilfred Carpenter, portrayed impeccably by Herbert Marshall.

Wilfred is introduced as a henpecked husband whose meticulous planning sets the stage for a dark Christmas tale. His wife, Hermione, is characterized as a domineering presence whose constant management hampers Wilfred's personal aspirations, particularly his botanical experiments. The narrative unfolds in their home’s cellar, where Wilfred clandestinely attempts to cultivate a "devil's garden" with exotic orchids—a metaphor for his brewing resentment.

Key Plot Points:

• Wilfred's Obsession: Wilfred's determination to cultivate his garden symbolizes his desire for control and autonomy.
• Hermione’s Interference: Hermione's insistence on maintaining order and her nagging about Wilfred's neglect of their upcoming trip to America highlight the growing tension.

Notable Quotes:

• Wilfred: “I thought, as the weather's been so damp, this would be a good time to plant that little devil's garden I told you about.” [08:42]
• Hermione: “Unless you call digging a hole in the cellar making arrangements.” [09:36]
• Wilfred: “How much longer can I stand this?” [11:22]

As Christmas approaches, Wilfred's plan to eliminate Hermione appears meticulously crafted. However, an unexpected interaction with Miss Marian Markham introduces a twist. Marian's interest in botany and her revelation that she also cherishes solitude similar to Wilfred's hidden desires create a complex dynamic between the two characters.

Climactic Moment:

• Wilfred’s Confession and Confrontation: Driven by his obsession, Wilfred attempts to execute his plan to bury Hermione, but his actions are thwarted by Marian, leading to a harrowing confrontation. The tension peaks when Wilfred reveals his calculated intent, declaring, “In exactly 1 minute and 45 seconds, you'll be dead.” [26:31]

Marshall's portrayal captures Wilfred's descent into madness, underscored by his rationalizations and the eventual unraveling of his sinister plot. The story concludes with a chilling revelation of Wilfred's true intentions, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats.

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2. The Man Who Won the War: A Hero's Deception

Timestamp: [21:31] – [60:32]

Adapted from Robert Buckner's short story, "The Man Who Won the War" sees Herbert Marshall take on the role of Roger Bradman, a British naval officer whose ingenuity claims to have decisively ended World War I.

The narrative is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the First World War, where Bradman recounts his supposed heroics aboard the destroyer Fire Drake. Faced with an unexpected challenge—receiving shipments of uniforms instead of whiskey—Bradman's quick thinking leads to a deceptive strategy that he believes turned the tide of the war.

Key Plot Points:

• The Mix-Up: The accidental shipment of 200 Cameron Highlander uniforms instead of whiskey becomes the cornerstone of Bradman’s story.
• Deceptive Tactics: Utilizing the uniforms, Bradman orchestrates a ruse that convinces the German forces of an unexpected British reinforcement, thereby halting their advance.
• The Revelation: As Bradman narrates, layers of deception peel away, revealing his true identity as a German sentry who actually failed to prevent the war’s progression.

Notable Quotes:

• Bradman/Wilfred: “I will get away with it. You won't mind the smell of the leaf mold down in the cellar when I take you down there today.” [26:16]
• Commander Bradman: “You can write off France. The Kaiser will be in Paris in a week.” [41:12]
• Fleet Inquiry Board Member: “He disposed of war material without authorization.” [57:14]

Climactic Moment:

• The Unveiling of Truth: The episode crescendos as Bradman's fabricated heroics are scrutinized by a Fleet Inquiry Board. His elaborate tale is debunked when evidence emerges showing that his actions were unauthorized and ineffective, leading to his disgrace: “Commander Bradman, your little adventure of a few nights ago involved some very serious breaches of discipline.” [57:14]

Marshall deftly navigates the complexity of Bradman’s dual identity, portraying both the pride of a self-proclaimed hero and the vulnerability of a man undone by his own fabrications. The story culminates in a poignant reflection on honor, deception, and the true costs of war.

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3. The Man Called X: A Mystical Encounter

Timestamp: [60:32] – [84:45]

In "The Man Called X," Herbert Marshall embodies Ken Thurston, a globetrotting radio super spy navigating the perils of espionage amidst Christmas festivities.

Set against a stormy backdrop, Ken's plane crashes, leading him to a hilltop where he encounters a mysterious young girl named Peace. This ethereal meeting serves as a catalyst for introspection and revelation, intertwining themes of hope, despair, and redemption.

Key Plot Points:

• The Storm and Crash: Ken's perilous journey is abruptly interrupted by a fierce storm, forcing him to land near a town symbolically named Bethlehem.
• Encounter with Peace: The enigmatic girl represents innocence and the yearning for a better world, challenging Ken's cynicism and tormented spirit.
• Supernatural Elements: The conversation between Ken and Peace blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, emphasizing the transformative power of human connection.

Notable Quotes:

• Peace: “I have decided I shall not grow up.” [66:51]
• Ken Thurston: “I'll show you why you've got to live. Grow up. Even if it takes proof so fantastic as to seem incredible.” [67:18]
• Peace: “I can live in a world that has such men.” [84:45]

Climactic Moment:

• The Choice to Live: As the dialogue unfolds, Peace's despair and Ken's resolve culminate in a profound moment of decision. Peace grapples with her desire to escape a world rife with hatred, while Ken is inspired to embrace hope and the possibility of change. The episode concludes with a symbolic union of their wills to foster a more compassionate existence: “I shall live and I shall grow.” [84:45]

Marshall's nuanced performance captures the internal struggle of a spy burdened by loss and the redemptive hope offered by an unexpected encounter. The story serves as a heartwarming counterbalance to the earlier darker narratives, reinforcing the enduring spirit of Christmas and the belief in human goodness.

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Conclusion

Episode 398 of Stars on Suspense masterfully blends dark suspense with heartfelt narratives, all through the exceptional performances of Herbert Marshall. From the chilling machinations of Wilfred Carpenter in "Holiday Story" to the deceptive valor of Roger Bradman in "The Man Who Won the War," and finally, the mystical reconciliation in "The Man Called X," the episode offers a rich tapestry of storytelling that encapsulates the essence of old-time radio thrillers.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Wilfred: “How much longer can I stand this?” [11:22]
• Bradman: “You can write off France.” [41:12]
• Peace: “I have decided I shall not grow up.” [66:51]
• Ken Thurston: “I'll show you why you've got to live.” [67:18]

For listeners seeking a blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth, Episode 398 stands out as a quintessential example of radio's golden era, breathing new life into timeless narratives with the legendary Herbert Marshall at the helm.

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Further Episodes and Upcoming Features

The host, Mean Streets Podcasts, hints at continuing the festive suspense with upcoming episodes featuring other Hollywood legends and classic holiday-themed suspense stories. Stay tuned for next week's episode featuring William Bendix and mark your calendars for the upcoming holiday specials celebrating the best of Christmas-themed suspense.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, and outros to focus solely on the core content, providing an engaging and comprehensive overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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

[Host]

Hello and welcome to Stars on Suspense with another Hollywood legend in radio's outstanding theater of Thrills. Our leading man today is Herbert Marshall, returning to the podcast for a Christmas story. In the best suspense tradition, the star of Foreign Correspondent in the Little Fox's headlines Holiday Story Originally aired on CBS on December 23, 1948. Based on a story by John Collier, it was previously adapted on suspense as Back for Christmas with Peter Laurie. Mr. Marshall himself would star in another production just a few years later in 1956. While I'm partial to the Peter Laurie version of the story, this is a great episode too, with Marshall playing a henpecked husband who plots to do away with his wife, hiding her body in the cellar when the couple is supposed to be on a long trip abroad. But a surprise Christmas present from his victim may throw a wrench into his plans. It's a great story, ideal for the suspense format, and Marshall plays his part perfectly. Then we'll hear him playing a very different sort of fellow, the man who Won the War originally aired on CBS on October 5, 1958. It's an adaptation of Robert Buckner's short story with Marshall starring as a British naval officer whose fast thinking, according to his tale, was single handedly responsible for winning World War I. Now, a warning. The audio is a little wobbly, but it's still a good episode and Marshall is once again in fine form. The story may have had particular resonance for him as Marshall lost his left leg after taking a sniper's bullet on the battlefield during the First World War. And finally, with Christmas almost here, we'll hear a holiday episode of the man called X. Mr. X, also known as Ken Thurston, was was the globetrotting radio super spy played by Herbert Marshall in his own adventure series. Originally aired on NBC on December 23, 1950. It's a story that features more seasonal sentiment than spy thrills, but it's a good one for this time of year. But we'll kick things off with Herbert Marshall in a healthy dose of Christmas crime. He stars in Holiday Story right after these messages.

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Always carry Tums 10 cents 3 roll pack a quarter new Tum 6 roll.

Pack with free metal carrier 49 cents and now a tale well calculated to keep you in.

Suspense.

In just a moment. Autolight presents suspense with Herbert Marshall. Twas the night before Christmas and in Santa Claus Sleigh the electrical system was plenty okay, the ignition was perfect, worked like a dream and the sleigh ran so smooth it made Santa beam. What was Santa's secret?

Arno.

I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight. It's no secret at all it's just Auto Light. You see, Hap, with all the kids in the world Depending on Old St. Nick Christmas Eve, he plays safe by replacing old or worn out parts in his Auto Light equipped car sleigh. With Auto Light, original factory parts, resistor, spark plugs, stateful batteries, distributors, starting motors, coils, generators, wire and cable. All famous for their Autolite ignition engineer dependability. Santa does it. Why don't you, Harlow? Harlow, let's switch from Santa to suspense.

Suspense.

[Herbert Marshall]

Auto light and its 60,000 dealers and service stations bring you radio's outstanding theater of thrills. Starring tonight Mr. Herbert Marshall in Anton Leto's production of John Collier's holiday story, a tale well calculated to keep you in suspend.

[Narrator]

Jingle bells, jingle bells jingles all the way oh, what fun Just ride in one horse open shay.

[Herbert Marshall]

Jingle bells.

[Advertiser]

Wilfred. Wilfred.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, my dear?

[Advertiser]

What on earth are you doing down here in cellar?

[Herbert Marshall]

Why, just doing a little digging.

[Advertiser]

And why, may I ask, have you chosen this day of all days to dig up the cellar floor?

[Herbert Marshall]

Well, I. I thought as the weather's been so damp, this would be a good time to plant that little devil's garden I told you about.

[Advertiser]

Devil's garden? What of a nonsense is that?

[Herbert Marshall]

That was my little joke about it. You see, I've managed to get hold of the spores of several unclassified wild orchids. In their wild state, they bloom under damp masses of leaf mold. The Oraucanian Indians call them devil flowers because they appear to bloom under the ground.

[Advertiser]

Well, I'm sure the Oraucanian Indians will be very interested if you succeed in growing these ridiculous flowers under the cellar floor. Whom else it will interest, I can't imagine. Ooh, what's that terrible smell?

[Herbert Marshall]

That's the leaf mold. Chemically identical with the earth blanket they grow under in the wild state. I suppose I should line the pit with concrete so as to prevent seepage from this foreign soil. But I don't suppose there'll be much time for it now. And I. I do want to get these started before we close the house.

[Advertiser]

There certainly will not be time for it. Do you realize that we are sailing for America a week from today, and you've made no arrangements whatever? Unless you call digging a hole in the cellar making arrangements. I certainly don't. Devil's Garden, indeed. Sometimes I think you're going soft in the head, Wilfred.

[Herbert Marshall]

I suppose it is inconsiderate of me. You see, I've been wanting to try this experiment for a long, long time. But what with my lectures and seminars at the University? There never seemed a time.

[Advertiser]

Well, there certainly isn't any time for it now. I suppose you've forgotten I made an appointment for you at the barbers this afternoon.

[Narrator]

Oh, no, no, no.

[Herbert Marshall]

But must I shave off my beard?

[Advertiser]

Hermione, I thought we'd been through all that. Of course you must. They don't wear beards in America. Go get your jacket on and do as I tell you.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

And don't forget to take your umbrella. It looks like rain.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

Oh, don't look so put upon, Wilfrid.

[Herbert Marshall]

No.

[Advertiser]

Someone has to plan things in this house or you'd never even get to the university in time for your lectures, much less make arrangements for a trip to America.

[Narrator]

I know, I know.

[Herbert Marshall]

But what about my specimens?

[Advertiser]

There'll be plenty of time to plant your precious deadless garden when we get home from America. We're not going to be gone forever, you know. We'll be back here for the holidays.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, of course. Back for the holidays. I'd forgotten.

[Advertiser]

Well, try to remember it. And if you can't do that, just do as I tell you. I've been making the plans in this house for 20 years. And if there's any digging to be done, I'll manage that as well. You understand, Wilfred?

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

Good. You have just 20 minutes to clean up this mess down here and keep your appointment at the barbers. And when you finish there, I want you to come straight home.

[Herbert Marshall]

Oh, I wanted to stop and pick up some books I ordered.

[Advertiser]

Well, all right, but don't loiter the whole afternoon browsing over those old books the way you usually do. Now, hurry and clear up this rubbish. Get rid of that smelly stuff. And no more digging, mind you.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione. Yes, Hermione. How many years has it been since I've been saying that? 10 years? 15? 20. Clear up the rubbish. Yes, Hermione. Don't forget your umbrella. Yes, Hermione. Do this, do that. Yes, Hermione. Yes, yes. How much longer can I stand this?

[Advertiser]

Good evening, sir.

[Herbert Marshall]

Good evening, Miss Malcolm.

[Advertiser]

Why. Why, it is Professor Carpenter, isn't it?

[Narrator]

Oh, you.

[Herbert Marshall]

You like me better this way?

[Advertiser]

Oh, you look ever so much younger without the beard. 20 years. At least.

[Herbert Marshall]

20 years.

[Advertiser]

You'll be glad to know those books you ordered have finally arrived.

[Herbert Marshall]

Books?

[Advertiser]

Phytotomy of Phthaloid Gamatophytes and Coniferous Shrubs of North America. Those are the ones you ordered, aren't they?

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes. Thank you. You're very kind, Miss Markham.

[Advertiser]

Why kind, Professor Carpenter.

[Herbert Marshall]

Not many young ladies in bookshops would go out of their way to look up rare books for an old professor of botany.

[Advertiser]

You're not old, Professor Carpenter. Really, you look. And besides, I adore botany. It's my particular hobby.

[Herbert Marshall]

Oh, really?

[Advertiser]

Yes.

[Herbert Marshall]

You never told me that before, Miss Markham.

[Advertiser]

I was afraid to. You were so imposing with the beard and all.

[Herbert Marshall]

Miss Markham?

[Advertiser]

Yes?

[Herbert Marshall]

Forgive me if this sounds foolish, but I feel that shaving off my beard is the most important thing I've done for 20 years.

[Advertiser]

Oh, it is.

I'm sure it is. I'm ashamed that I've been so distant with you all this time. Oh, there were times when I almost spoke up. Times when you came in here tired after a day with your students at the university. You seemed so alone. The way I'm alone in the world. I'd like to have asked you to stay a while and talk with me. But some way or other, I wound up by giving you your change and letting you go on your way.

[Herbert Marshall]

You say you're all alone in the.

[Advertiser]

World since my father died.

[Herbert Marshall]

Did you never think of marrying?

[Advertiser]

My father was a very remarkable man. I never found anyone who seemed to measure up to what he led me to expect of men.

[Herbert Marshall]

Miss Markham.

[Advertiser]

It's been so long since anyone called me by my first name. I'd like you to, if you want to. It's Marian.

[Herbert Marshall]

Marian.

[Advertiser]

And yours?

[Herbert Marshall]

Wilfred.

[Advertiser]

How long have you been alone, Wilfred?

[Herbert Marshall]

Alone?

[Advertiser]

Oh, I knew you were a widower, of course, the first time I saw you a widower. I can always tell. There's a certain sadness in a man's eyes. A sweet sadness, I think, when he's been married. And then a widower.

[Herbert Marshall]

I never thought of it in quite.

[Advertiser]

That way, but perhaps I shouldn't be talking like this, but I've often wondered what she must have been like. Your wife, I mean.

[Herbert Marshall]

Hermione.

[Advertiser]

Was that her name?

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes. Hermione. Not an easy woman to forget. Very strong. Always managing things. The house, my wardrobe, my friends. When we dined at a restaurant, she even ordered my food. She was always managing things. You might say she. Yes, she managed herself to death.

[Advertiser]

Poor woman. She must have loved you very much. But she needn't have put herself out. So it's plain to see you don't need things managed for you.

[Herbert Marshall]

Is that so?

[Advertiser]

You need companionship, I think. Someone sympathetic with your work. But the last thing on earth you need is a manager.

[Herbert Marshall]

How well you put it. The last thing on earth.

[Advertiser]

Well, at last. You certainly took long enough about it. What are you looking so pleased about.

[Herbert Marshall]

I don't know, Hermione. Getting rid of the beard, perhaps? I feel 20 years younger.

[Advertiser]

Oh, you look even smaller. Your face looks triangular or something. I'd forgotten your chin was so weak. But never mind that. You can grow it back soon enough after the holidays. Where are you going?

[Herbert Marshall]

Down in the cellar. Oh, I just bought this electric lantern and I thought I'd put it away down there.

[Advertiser]

Now, whatever possessed you to buy a thing like that?

[Herbert Marshall]

I don't know. I rather like this lantern. Might come in handy, who knows?

[Advertiser]

Now, Wilfred, don't start digging down there again. I have a hundred things to do. Putting the house in order before we leave, I want you to carry these boxes upstairs for me.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

And if you are going down to the cellar, take this along and stuff it into the furnace.

[Herbert Marshall]

Well, this is my old bathrobe. I may need it.

[Advertiser]

Nonsense. I bought you a new one. Get rid of it. And don't start pottering down there with that devil's garden or whatever you call it.

[Herbert Marshall]

I'm through digging, my dear. I think the pit is quite deep enough now for my devil's garden. It would all have to be carefully planned, of course. Just as carefully planned as Hermione was planning the trip to America. We both went about our arrangements as the days passed. I spent all the time I could with Marion and finally she consented. And then it was the last day, the big day. The day we were to sail for America.

[Advertiser]

Operator? Operator, are you there? I'm still waiting on that call to Salisbury. Well, put them on quickly. Hello? Is this Paul Holt in Sons? It's Mrs. Wilfred Carpenter. Did you receive my letter? Good. Now remember, we'll be back for the holidays and I want the job done without fail. What's that? Oh, no. I'll be sure he doesn't suspect anything. Send the bill to me in New York as I instructed you. Addressed in my name, of course. Oh, yes. I've already put them in the mail. You'll get them tomorrow. Thank you. Thank you so much. Oh, here you are, Wilfred. Where have you been, backstairs?

[Herbert Marshall]

I dismissed the servants.

[Advertiser]

Dismissed the servants? But I've asked some friends of mine into a farewell tea. Go and tell them it's a mistake.

[Herbert Marshall]

I'm afraid it's too late now. They've packed and gone.

[Advertiser]

You have messed things up properly. How many times have I told you to leave things to me? I make the plans around here.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

You'll have to do better than this. When I plan the trip home, or we'll never in the world be back here for the holidays.

[Herbert Marshall]

Back here for the holidays? Back for the holidays. Must you keep saying that?

[Advertiser]

Why not? We are coming back for the holidays, aren't we?

[Herbert Marshall]

Supposing I were offered a professorship in one of those wealthy American universities.

[Advertiser]

Nonsense. Americans care nothing for botany.

[Herbert Marshall]

Luther Burbank was an American.

[Advertiser]

That's different. What have you ever done except muck around in the dirt with a lot of roots and tubers?

[Herbert Marshall]

They asked me to lecture. That means something.

[Advertiser]

Of course they ask you to lecture. Americans will pay to hear any foreigner deliver a lecture once. Now, there's no use getting yourself in a state about this, Wilfred. No doubt this extra money will come in very handy when we arrive back for the.

[Herbert Marshall]

For the holidays.

[Advertiser]

Precisely. And it's no good. You're making a joke of it. Heaven knows where you'd be today if I hadn't got a sense of time.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, my dear Hermione.

[Advertiser]

And as you've been so foolish as to dismiss the servants, you may empty the ashtrays and straighten up this room while we're waiting for the guest to arrive. Going upstairs to change. Call me when they get here.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Marnie. Marion, it's Wilfred. No, my darling, nothing's wrong. My plans are the same, unless you've changed. No. We'll meet in New York and be married there. I'll explain why later. You'll have to trust me. Y. Yes, my darling Wilfred. Sorry, I can't talk any longer. Yes, I'll meet you in New York without fail. Until then, my darling. Wilfred.

[Advertiser]

Were you talking on the phone just now?

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

Whoever was it?

[Herbert Marshall]

Freddie. Freddie Sinclair.

[Advertiser]

Didn't I hear you say something about meeting somebody in New York?

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes. Old Freddy said he might possibly get over there before we leave. I said of course we'd meet him there if he did decide to go.

[Advertiser]

Seems very peculiar. But then, all of your friends are peculiar.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

Now, just look at your jacket. Have you been digging in that cellar again?

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

Well, there's no need for it. You can't possibly get that Devil's Garden thing finished. Go and change your clothes before the guests arrive.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes.

[Advertiser]

Oh, never mind. I see somebody coming up the walk. Now go and let them in.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

Wilfred.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, my dear?

[Advertiser]

Look out the window. There's professor and Mrs. Goodenough. But who's that with them? Why, it's precisely Freddie Sinclair. Peculiar. You should have been talking to him on the phone not three minutes ago. And now, here he is.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, isn't it? But that is. You say, Hermione, all my friends are peculiar.

[Advertiser]

Not half so peculiar as you digging in the cellar an hour before we leave for America. Just look at yourself. And now that I think of it.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

Oh, never mind. Go and let them in.

[Herbert Marshall]

No, you've got to ask me something. The hole I'm digging in the cellar.

[Advertiser]

Oh, good heavens. Stop rolling your eyes about that way. One would think you were digging a grave down there instead of a storage bin.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

What's that?

[Herbert Marshall]

I said, yes, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

Oh, bother. Open the door and stop saying yes, Hermione.

[Herbert Marshall]

I think, my dear, I've said it for the last. For suspense, Autolight is bringing you Mr. Herbert Marshall in radio's outstanding theater of thrills. Suspense.

[Advertiser]

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Okay, Harlow. Right.

Now, here's suspense.

[Herbert Marshall]

And now, Autolite Bridge. Back to our Hollywood soundstage. Mr. Herbert Marshall starring in a gripping tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. Back for the holidays. Hermione was so positive. We'll be back from that last afternoon pouring tea for a few friends who had come in to say last minute farewells. She kept reiterating it.

[Advertiser]

Now, mind you, Hermione, don't let those Americans lure your husband with one of their fat university jobs. We absolutely must have you with us for the holidays. He will be back, I promise.

[Herbert Marshall]

It's not absolutely certain, of course, Wilfred.

[Advertiser]

What do you mean, it's not certain? Of course it's certain.

[Narrator]

After all, Wilfrid, old boy, you've contracted to lecture for only two months.

[Herbert Marshall]

That's right. But then, of course, anything may happen.

[Advertiser]

Oh, Wilfred adores being unpredictable. Now, what other man would decide the day? The very day, mind you, before leaving for America, to dig a great hole in the floor of the cellar. In the cellar? Yes. He's going to put some unclassified wild orchids down there. A devil's garden, if you please.

Oh, my.

Sounds so mysterious. That's Wilfred. Though it's really quite simple once you find out what he's up to. Now, take that telephone call he put through to you. A few minutes before you arrive, Freddy.

To me?

Of course. Wilfred wanted to surprise me about your plan to meet us in New York next month. Wasn't that why he called, to ask you not to mention it?

But, my dear Hermione, Wilfred couldn't possibly.

[Narrator]

Have telephoned me within the past hour.

[Advertiser]

I've been walking in the park since 3.

He didn't telephone you?

How could he?

[Narrator]

And Asmi.

[Advertiser]

Going to America.

[Herbert Marshall]

No, no, no. Come, Fiddy, you may as well own up. Hermione's found me out again.

[Narrator]

But, Wilfred, old chap, I really.

[Advertiser]

Don't you see what a poor liar Wilfred makes? He's as red as a beetle. Aren't you ashamed of yourself, professor, stringing poor Hermione along like that? It is for you. Freddy, I'm furious you said nothing to us about going to America.

[Narrator]

But look here, old girl, I've been trying to tell everyone here.

[Advertiser]

Oh, stuff and nonsense. The game's gone on long enough. Besides, we must start getting ready. It was marvelous of all of you to come in to say goodbye. And don't worry about Wilfred's little jokes. I will bring him back for the holidays. You may rely on it.

[Herbert Marshall]

They all believed her. For years she'd been promising me for dinner parties, garden parties, committees. And the promises had always been kept. This time they wouldn't be. I'd seen to that. The servants were gone for good. The farewells all said I had time to the minute how long it would take to fit in the hole in the cellar. My devil's garden. Upstairs in the bedroom, I undressed, folded my clothes over a chair, put on my old bathrobe, then I open the door into Hermione's room. Hermione, have you a moment to spare?

[Advertiser]

Of course, dear. I'm just finished.

[Herbert Marshall]

Then come in here for a moment. There's something rather extraordinary here.

[Advertiser]

Oh, good heavens, Wilfred. What are you lounging about in that filthy old bathrobe for? I told you to put it into the furnace.

[Herbert Marshall]

I'll do it today. Yes, I really will. I promise.

[Advertiser]

Well. High time. Now, what is it you want to show me?

[Herbert Marshall]

It is in the bathroom. Here. Just look. Who in the world do you suppose dropped a gold chain down the bathtub drain?

[Advertiser]

Nobody has. Of course. Nobody wears such a thing.

[Herbert Marshall]

Then what's it doing there?

[Advertiser]

Well, I don't see anything.

[Herbert Marshall]

Here, I'll hold this flashlight for you. If you lean right over, you can see it shining deep down.

[Advertiser]

Such a lot of nonsense, just as we're. I don't see it, Wilfred.

[Herbert Marshall]

Go on looking, Hermione. In just a moment, Wilfred.

[Advertiser]

I absolutely refuse. Wilfred, what are you doing? Take your hands off my neck.

[Herbert Marshall]

I will, Hermione. Just as soon as I finish the arrangements for my trip to America.

[Advertiser]

What are you talking about?

[Herbert Marshall]

You thought we were the only one who could plan things, didn't you, Hermione? Well, I've been making some plans of my own this past week. In exactly 1 minute and 45 seconds, you'll be dead. You see, I planned it very accurately.

[Advertiser]

You'll never get away with it.

[Herbert Marshall]

I thought you'd say that, Hermione. But I will get away with it. You won't mind the smell of the leaf bowl down in the cellar when I take you down there today.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Herbert Marshall]

That's where you're going, Hermione. Into my devil's garden. That annoyed you so much?

[Advertiser]

My friends, they all expect me back for the holidays. And if I don't come back, they'll start asking questions.

[Herbert Marshall]

No, they won't. No, because you write them letters, Hermione, on the typewriters. You always do. They'll be signed H in that neat, cryptic way you always sign your notes to your friends.

[Advertiser]

Oh, let me up now. No, it won't work, Wilfred. You were never any good at planning.

[Herbert Marshall]

Ah, but I've changed. I've learned from watching you all these years.

[Advertiser]

The lecture people in America, they'll be expecting you to travel with your wife.

[Herbert Marshall]

I will be traveling with my wife, but not my present wife, Hermione.

[Advertiser]

What?

[Herbert Marshall]

Fortunately, they've never met you. I'll write a few letters home for you, then. Fewer and fewer. I might even come back alone in a year. Or two, and sell the place. Say you died in America. Nobody will ever suspect that you're lying under the floor of the cellar in this very house.

[Advertiser]

Wilfred. It won't work, I tell you. That pit you dug in the cellar.

[Herbert Marshall]

I can assure you, my dear Hermione, it will serve its purpose. Well.

[Advertiser]

Wilfred, you must.

[Herbert Marshall]

Sorry, my dear, I've got to get this done according to plan. You have just five seconds to say your prayers.

[Advertiser]

Wilfred, you must listen. The cellar.

Doddle. Wilfri.

[Herbert Marshall]

Oh, Stuart. Ah, yes, sir. My wife is indisposed. She'll be taking her meals in our stateroom.

[Advertiser]

For the whole voyage?

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, for the whole voyage.

[Advertiser]

Well, I trust your wife is feeling better this morning, Professor Carpenter?

[Herbert Marshall]

A little, yes, thank you. Not yet well enough to leave her cabin. I'm sorry.

[Narrator]

Oh, by the way, here's a copy of the radiogram you sent for your wife last evening.

[Advertiser]

Oh, you think?

[Herbert Marshall]

Or I'll just check it over. But look here.

[Narrator]

What is it?

[Herbert Marshall]

Did the typist make a mistake? No, no, nothing important. She can correct it later. For a moment, I had a feeling that Hermione had been leaning over my shoulder again, correcting what I had written. She always did. I had written a radiogram to Professor Goodenough and his wife have not been out of cabin the whole beastly trip, Wilfred. Well, doubt will be back for the holidays, the copy read, no doubt will be back for the holidays. Exactly what Hermione would have written. Well, the rest of the voyage was uneventful, and Marian and I met in New York, just as I had planned. Just as I had planned. Professor and Mrs. Carpenter. We have reservations, I believe.

[Advertiser]

Oh, yes, We've been expecting you, sir. Boy.

[Herbert Marshall]

Yes, sir?

[Advertiser]

Take professor and Mrs. Carpenter's luggage up to their suite. You know Mrs. Carpenter.

You're quite a surprise.

Huh.

A letter reserving the rooms was so thorough.

I was expecting an older, more forbidding sort of person. Frankly, ma'am, no.

As a matter of fact, we are just married. But my letter reserving the room, I.

[Herbert Marshall]

I wrote the letter, my dear, and signed it Mrs. Wilfrid Carpenter, just as a joke.

[Advertiser]

What a cunning old fox you are, Wilfred.

[Herbert Marshall]

Now that I think of it, I am rather.

[Advertiser]

Oh, I almost forgot.

A letter for you, Mrs. Carpenter.

That's peculiar. I wonder who on earth.

Well, we'll.

[Herbert Marshall]

We'll find out in good time. Darling, come along. We're keeping the boy waiting. Nothing like a cold, brisk shower to put a man to rights.

[Advertiser]

Wilfred, this letter.

[Herbert Marshall]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Narrator]

Letter.

[Herbert Marshall]

Darling, dry my hair, will you?

[Advertiser]

Yes, dear. It seems to be a bill of some sort from a building contractor in Salisbury.

[Herbert Marshall]

Oh, that's wonderful.

[Advertiser]

Oh, bothered.

[Narrator]

Right.

[Advertiser]

Your own hair.

[Herbert Marshall]

Thank you. Let's see this. Let's see this bill, or whatever it is.

[Advertiser]

Yeah. It's very puzzling, Wilfred. You were a widower, weren't you? I mean, Hermione isn't still alive?

[Herbert Marshall]

Oh, good heavens, no. Let's have that.

[Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Herbert Marshall]

Dear madam. That's a good one. This is to acknowledge your order together with the keys to your house in Launceston Place. Our men had no difficulty in finding the place where your husband had begun the excavation in the cellar. But apparently he changed his mind at the last moment and filled it in again.

[Advertiser]

What is it, Wilfred?

[Herbert Marshall]

Our men will begin digging tomorrow. You may rest assured that it will be a professional job and will be completed in ample time for your surprise Christmas present to your husband. We are happy to be conspirators with you in this thoughtful gesture and hope that Professor Carpenter will be pleased at the results of our work that he so quaintly calls his devil's garden. Very truly yours, Paul Holton Sons Contractors.

[Advertiser]

What does it mean, Wilfred?

[Herbert Marshall]

It means that Hermione was right. I will be back for the holidays. Back for the holidays. Back for the holidays. Back for the holidays.

[Narrator]

Back for the holidays.

[Herbert Marshall]

Thank you, Herbert Marshall, for a splendid performance. Mr. Marshall will return in just a moment.

[Advertiser]

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle through the snow. Your car's all hap. It's full of pep. With Auto Light, you know. Right you are. And by Cornelius, Electrical problems won't keep your car down when you stop at the shop that features Auto Light parts and service. Sure as Kris Kringle means Christmas. Auto Light original factory parts and service topped the town. So, friends, stop in tomorrow at your friendly Autolite service station or the dealer who sells your make of car and ask for original factory parts and service.

Autolite. You will find Autolite service stations listed in your classified telephone directory under automotive electrical equipment. And remember, your Auto Light ignition system is the lifeline of your car.

Yes, friends, and remember, too, Autolite means spark plugs. Ignition Engineered resistor spark plugs. Auto Light means batteries.

Stay full batteries.

Auto Light means ignition system, the lifeline of your car.

[Herbert Marshall]

And now, Here again is Mr. Herbert Marshall. It has been a pleasure to appear tonight on Suspense. And it is my pleasure to extend to all of you for Auto Light, Tony Leiter and his Suspense cast and crew and myself, best wishes for the holiday season. Next week on Radio's Outstanding Theater of Thrills, you will hear William Bendix in another gripping study in suspense.

[Advertiser]

Herbert Marshall will soon be seen with Margaret O'Brien in the Metro Goldwyn Mayer production of the Secret Garden. Tonight's suspense play was dramatized by Robert Tallman from a story by John Collier. Music was conducted composed by Lucian Morowek and conducted by Lud Gluskin. The entire production was under the direction of Antone M. Leiter. In the coming weeks, suspense will present such stars as Ethel Barrymore, Dana Andrews, Robert Montgomery, Danny Kaye and many others. So make it a point to listen each Thursday to suspense radio's outstanding theater of thrills. And next Thursday, same time, hear William Bendix.

This is the Autolite Suspense Show. While we in North America are enjoying abundant Christmas, millions of people in Europe are still hungry. Your $10 sent to Care C A R E will go a long way toward putting some less fortunate European family back on the road to health, happiness and freedom. Good night. Merry Christmas from Autolyte.

This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator]

And the producer of radio's outstanding theater of thrills, the master of mystery and adventure, William N. Robeson.

[Advertiser]

One man's war is another man's history lesson. Yet it is only 44 years ago this Indian summer. But the war before the last set Europe afire. To today's missile minded men in uniform. It was a quaint war which began with bravado cavalry charges and ended in the sickening, senseless stalemate of the trenches. But to the fighting man of 1914, it was real. Its bullets killed, its shrapnel tore the flesh, its grenades disemboweled. And whatever else it may have failed to accomplish, that first World war inspired some of the century's best literature. An example of which you are about to hear one of the most provocative short stories of World War I. Listen. Listen then, as Herbert Marshall stars in the man who Won the War.

[Narrator]

The man who Won the War, starring Herbert Marshall.

[Advertiser]

A tale well calculated to keep you in the fence. Ten years is a long time in any man's life beyond counting when it is spent in this grace in exile. It was 10 years ago tonight I first set foot upon this dremish beach. I returned here tonight under a sort of compassion, like a criminal returning to the scene of his crime. But I am no criminal. And what I did here 10 years ago was no crime. But. Oh, I'm so tired of whatever stays. And I'll forever be in disbelief. Good knob. What? Who's that?

[Narrator]

This I. You're not very. Sir, did I not see you at dinner tonight at the inn in the village?

[Advertiser]

Oh, yes. I'm staying there.

[Narrator]

And I. I believe we are the only two guests. Won't you sit down? This depth would log should be big enough for two.

[Advertiser]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

You are English, mister?

[Advertiser]

Oh, yes. Excuse me. Bradman's the name. Roger Bradman. Yes, I'm English. And you? I take it you're German.

[Narrator]

That's right, Mr. Bladman.

[Advertiser]

Ten years ago we were at each other's throats. Yes.

[Narrator]

And for what?

[Advertiser]

What indeed?

[Narrator]

If I may say so, Mr. Bladman, it seems strange to find an Englishman in a Channel wattling place in October.

[Advertiser]

Yes, I thought it does live some of the time. We flocked to the beaches. Then you. You don't find any Germans on the Belgian coast these days at any time of year. No.

[Narrator]

We are not exactly welcome here. And no wonder, after what we did to this country.

[Advertiser]

It could have been worse. Did it? You might have won the war instead of losing it here on this beach ten years ago. What? Ten years ago tonight on this beach. That's when you lost the war. I know because I'm the man who won the war.

[Narrator]

That is the most extravagant statement.

[Advertiser]

Oh, I will have it. No one has ever believed it. No one. But it's true.

[Narrator]

Perhaps I would believe it.

[Advertiser]

Would you?

[Narrator]

I might, if I knew the details.

[Advertiser]

You wouldn't be interested. No one is.

[Narrator]

I am very much interested.

[Advertiser]

No time for the laugh of missing wise.

[Narrator]

Believe me, Herr Bradman, I would like very much to hear your story.

[Advertiser]

Very well. You see, when the war began I was tracing command of the destroyer Fire Drake attached to Admiral battle force of North Sea patrol. On the night of all October 28, 1914 the fire drake was cruising at the Belgian coast to join the main feast. We had taken aboard some extra shells and ammunition at Plymouth along with several cases of Scotch whiskey. Since the feast was looking forward to extended action. And I'm afraid those cases were uppermost in our mind that night as we sat around the wardrobe after dinner. I say, Commander, what brand of whiskey did Schiff supply? I didn't think of looking. I did.

[Narrator]

Cameron Highlander, it said on the boxes.

[Advertiser]

And a very bonnie bro. Sure that wouldn't be a hint, would it, Mr. Gilliam? Oh, no, sir. But he is lippy on that tonight. Do you concur, Mr. Insley? Yes, indeed, sir.

[Narrator]

The wind's got a bite to it. Man could catch himself a nasty cold out there tonight.

[Advertiser]

Very well, you scoundrel.

[Narrator]

Papa. Aye, sir.

[Advertiser]

Go down to the storeroom and break out a bottle of that whiskey they took Aboard this afternoon.

[Narrator]

Aye, aye, sir. Any news on the fighting front in Flander, sir?

[Advertiser]

What there is is all bad. Our forces have a handful in the center. On the right, the French are just barely holy. But the real danger is right off there to starboard. How's that, sir? The left flank. The Belgian sector. Von Cook's third army is pressing hard. If he breaks the to the Belgian line, you can write off France. The Kaiser will be in Paris in a week. Here's Hopper with our weed drop. You needn't have brought the whole case, Hopper.

[Narrator]

I wanted you to see it, sir. I opened four of them and the contents are all the same.

[Advertiser]

Yes, I was right.

[Narrator]

It says Cameron Highlander on the box.

[Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir, but the contents are not Cameron Islander whiskey. They're Cameron Islander uniforms. What Aetta. See, here's the kilts and the glengarries and the spor. Where's the whiskey? Well, as near as I can make out, there ain't any, sir. But what I say is that them boxes contain nearly 200 Scotch Islander uniforms.

[Advertiser]

I'm afraid this will be a dry voyage, gentlemen.

[Narrator]

So what shall I do with these boxes, sir?

[Advertiser]

We'll stow them out of the way until we meet port again.

[Narrator]

Arthur.

[Advertiser]

There's the speaking tube. Sir. Request captain come to the BR. Acknowledge, will you please, Mr. Gilliam? Yes, sir. Now, what kind of trouble do those turtles run into? Coming along, Ainsley?

[Narrator]

Might as well streng up a bit.

[Advertiser]

I should be on the beam ends before morning. Yes, Mr. Treadle. Thought you ought to see this, sir. Well, look there on our starboard quarter.

[Narrator]

Tiny light.

[Advertiser]

Yes, I see it. Yeah. Take a look through the night glasses flashing on and off. That's right. And according to my reckoning, we're off the mouth of the ER River. Now, if you look at this chart, you'll see that there are no lighthouses along this stretch of coast. Yet there is a flashing light when the light ought to be.

[Narrator]

Perhaps it's a signal of some sort, sir.

[Advertiser]

Undoubtedly. But who? Well, the Germans can't have advanced so far. How can you be sure, Mr. Ainsley? Wait a minute. That light's flashing a message in Morse code. G R O G R o G. Quartermaster. Isa, change course to 110.

[Narrator]

Change course to 110. Isa now steering one one zero.

[Advertiser]

What are you going to do, sir? Take a closer look. But, sir, this might be a trap. Yes, it might. But don't you recognize the code word grog, Mr. Tweddle? No, sir. You were never a midshipman in the Royal Navy, were you, Mr. Tweddle? No, sir. My apprenticeship was in the merchant service. Then, of course, grog wouldn't mean anything to you. I don't understand, sir. Well, Mr. Tweddle, G R O G is a midshipman's goat. It means good rum on goose days. Well, I. I don't understand. So when is goose day? That's the joke, Mr. Twill. Goose Day never comes. Juvenile. I admit that fascinating is esoteric when you're 14 years old.

[Narrator]

Why would anybody be sending a midshipman code word from the coast of Belgium in the middle of a war?

[Advertiser]

That, Mr. Ainsley, is what they're going to find out. Be good enough to tick off a landing party number two power launch, which will go ashore in 10 minutes. But, Captain. You have your orders, Mr. Ainsley. I, sir?

[Narrator]

You.

[Advertiser]

You can't be serious, Captain. I am, Mr. Tweddle. But this might be a trap. We have no way of knowing whether the Germans have advanced beyond this point or not. Yes, it might be a trap. Or it might be some poor beggar trying to escape the advance. It's worth looking into. But suppose it is a trap. Now, don't you worry, Mr. Tweddle. I'm not asking you to go ashore. I'm leaving the landing party myself. It is not a matter of Pierce, sir. Naturally, one of caution. Of course. Now, speed ahead. Speed ahead.

[Narrator]

The ple Orders clearly state.

[Advertiser]

I am quite aware of the contents of the fleet orders, and they state that elements of the Royal Navy are to give all possible aid and assistance to shore positions. They also limit such aid to ships of the class of the mercy and the savage. Very true, Mr. Treadle. We'll stretch the limits of that portion of the order a little, shall we?

[Narrator]

Furthermore, we are under specific order orders.

[Advertiser]

To rendezvous with the flagship at dawn. Then we may be a little late, sir. I protest the Tweddle. Apparently things are different on the merchant service. But in his menace's fighting ships, an executive officer does not protest to his commander. He will heave to and drop anchor. If I have not returned within an hour, you will proceed to the peak rendezvous. Is that clear? Yes, sir. Carry on.

[Narrator]

I say we're about half a mile down the beach from the light now, sir.

[Advertiser]

Very well. We shore. I, sir, That's Mike is getting dimmer and dimmer. Oh, we're only a pocket torch. Batter is running out. All right, men, your attention, please. When we hit the beach, we'll spur out 10ft apart and proceed toward that light. Keep well down and walk with the utmost quiet. If you encounter a sentry, try to knock him out before he challenges you. Use your arms only as a last resort. They're not here to get into a battle. Go to investigate that. Right. We should be engaged by the enemy. I will fire three rapid shots for the signal to return to the boat. Hopper and surgeon will remain with the boat and hop out.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Advertiser]

If we have to retreat in a hurry, wait until the last possible moment before you shove off.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Advertiser]

Any questions?

[Narrator]

No, sir. All very clear, sir. By break, there's no bloods for coming into the surf.

[Advertiser]

Now, men, over the aside and hold your rifles high. At 100 yards from where he landed, we encountered a young sentry. He was a cheap or beggar. Suppose he figured no one will be around the sand dunes in the middle of the night. He's undoubtedly done. He. He was sitting on a rod. He taking off his boots, buried his aching feet in the cool sand. I'm afraid he wasn't a very fearful example of the German military machine that night. But with no trouble at all, Mr. Ainsley and I crept up on him and had him bound and yag before he was quite awake.

[Narrator]

There we are.

[Advertiser]

Don't think he'll give us any trouble now, sir. I do think not. Now, my friend, dry and the you take him along the same place. Margaret, put on this fellow's piped helmet and remain a fence post. If a relief sentry appears, take care of him. But no shooting unless absolutely necessary. Yes. Let's get a move on then.

[Narrator]

I heard voices.

[Advertiser]

Lightning. H. They're speaking French and they're allies, so we must meet. Certain. Take through the mirror and come up on them from the rear. I'll approach from this side. How do you talking? If it's a trap, I'll give a signal to fire after one borrowed brake point and rendezvous with the launch. Standby. Come with me quietly. Yes, sir. Hello, Andre. What did he say, sir? He said to approach the Belgians. Or French. Come on then. Salut, mes amis.

[Narrator]

Why, yes, I speak English a little.

[Advertiser]

Oh, good. I dare say your English is better than my French. May I introduce myself? I'm Commander Bradman of His Majesty's ship Fired Lake.

[Narrator]

I can't tell you how glad I am to meet you, Commander. I am Major De Lesseps of the South Belgian Dragoon.

[Advertiser]

And here's one of my officers, Lieutenant Rainsley.

[Narrator]

Good evening, gentlemen. And who is this who's bound and gagged?

[Advertiser]

Oh, an enemy's health will be picked up on the way. You can have him.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Advertiser]

We saw your light from the ship. Whatever made you fetch the word grog?

[Narrator]

Ah, I thought a Royal Navy man might respond more quickly to grog.

[Advertiser]

That S O S. It was an inspiration. But where did you learn it?

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah. I used to sail in the regattas at Cows when I was younger. One of my best friends was Albert Hollister. He was a midshipman on those days.

[Advertiser]

Percy Hollister.

[Narrator]

Know him well.

[Advertiser]

He's sniper now. Young reopen the result now. We can go into that another time. What's the reason for your signal, Major?

[Narrator]

Simply this, Commander. We are in trouble. Theory of trouble. We have been pushed back day after day until our men are completely exhausted. Our orders are to make a stand here at the Iser river long enough to give the sappers time to blow the dikes. Once the dikes are broken, the river should stop the enemy.

[Advertiser]

How long will it take to blow the dikes?

[Narrator]

Hold the line until sundown. Roughly 18 hours.

[Advertiser]

And you can't do that.

[Narrator]

I seriously doubted, Commander. He we have appealed to your army for help, but it is completely engaged on our right and can send us no reinforcements. The French are too far south and they have their hands full too. Now, it was my suggestion that tonight start meeting to seek help from the sea. That is our last chance.

[Advertiser]

Well, what do you want us to do?

[Narrator]

Stand by us and bring your guns to bear on the enemy's advance.

[Advertiser]

But we're only a destroyer, Major. We haven't enough firepower to do any good whatsoever. And we haven't arranged for offshore bombardments.

[Narrator]

Then we are finished. So is the war. There's nothing between von Kluck and Sari but us.

[Advertiser]

I'm sorry, Major.

[Narrator]

They're starting the barrage early this morning. I suppose they know this is the last day.

[Advertiser]

We stood there listening to the angry boom of the big guns. Each man alone with his hopeless thoughts. My gaze wanders the hapless German sentry lying where we had dumped him in the sand. His eyes were wide open with fear and he looked like a schoolboy victim of some upper class wagging his bare legs. Protruding chinorm is rolled up trousers. Their legs, Mr. Ainsley, sir.

[Narrator]

The kill. The kill, sir?

[Advertiser]

Yes. He can put a company of Cameron Highlanders into the Belgian line. I'm sorry, sir, I didn't quite follow. Maybe we can help you. Oh, it's a long, long shot, but it might work. What might work?

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Advertiser]

Somebody made a botch back in Plymouth and loaded us with cases of Scotch uniforms instead of Scotch whiskey. There are nearly 200 complete uniforms of the first Cameron Highlanders aboard?

[Narrator]

Yes, but I. I don't.

[Advertiser]

We'll give them to you. Put them on the company of your men. Let them show themselves in the front lines when the attack begins this morning. And perhaps. Perhaps the Germans will think the British have rushed in a crack division to reinforce it. Yes.

[Narrator]

Yes, it might work.

[Advertiser]

We can let you have a few Lewis guns too, but there won't be much help unless the uniforms do the trick.

[Narrator]

Well, it is, as you say, a long shot, but let's try. Very well.

[Advertiser]

Mr. Ainslie.

[Narrator]

Sir?

[Advertiser]

Go back to the ship at once and fetch those cases of uniforms and four cases of Lewis guns, guns and ammunition.

[Narrator]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Advertiser]

I'll remain here with the major and help him to get his men lined up and in place. Sir, should Mr. Tweddle inquire, you might tell him I'll be detained a little while longer. Winning the war?

[Narrator]

Aye.

[Advertiser]

There. A sight I could never forget. 200 men solemnly changing their battle dirty green uniform for the gay kilts and tartan in the pale light of the city moon. Everything was done with the utmost. These teasing me with the black pads put new energy as well as hope in the battle. Weary Belgians. They look like a real thing, don't they? They certainly do. Do I believe it will work? I'm sure it will.

[Narrator]

Oh, I nearly forgot, Sir.

[Advertiser]

Well, then, Mr. Tweddle asked me to.

[Narrator]

Tell you the flagship has been trying.

[Advertiser]

To reach you on the wireless. What do they want? Mr. Tweddle didn't say, sir. Well, they'll have to wait till the business is finished.

[Narrator]

Mr. Twiddle said he'd reply.

[Advertiser]

Oh, very well, then.

[Narrator]

Well, Commander, that's the last of them. A thousand thanks, sir.

[Advertiser]

Not at all. Scotch kills the precious little use to a ship full of sailors. But they made a return for you this morning.

[Narrator]

I feel sure I will.

[Advertiser]

Well, we must be on our way. Less than an hour till daybreak. Goodbye, Major.

[Narrator]

Goodbye, commander.

[Advertiser]

You must look me up after the war. Always. Reach me at the Navy Club in James's Square.

[Narrator]

Thank you, sir. I'll do that.

[Advertiser]

A where A worm meter, a bon chance and all that sort of thing. Well, Mr. Tweddle, I think we can get underway now. Finished with your visitor? Short, sir? It's scarcely a social claw, Mr. Tweddle. I think it may have been of some help to our allies this morning. Of course, sir. The flagship's been trying to reach you, sir. Oh, yes? Mr. A said something. I signaled them that you'd gone ashore. Oh, you did? That must have intrigued them. Well, I shouldn't say they were pleased. I just received this reply from them. As senior officer present aboard, you're ordered to take command of Fire Drake and proceed to people on the roo immediately. Well, that's a neat double cross, Mr. Turtle. I'm sorry, Mr. Bradman, but my responsibility is to the ship on which I serve. Yes, I can see that it is. However, since you are once more aboard. Oh, no, no, no, Mr. Turtle. You have your orders from the flag. Follow them. Meddling rule book, sailor. His captured wirelessness made an unnecessary embarrassment for me. I had no doubt that my explanation of the night's work would fully satisfy the admiral. So Red Mr. Tweddle had his little moment of triumphant command. I stood out at the starboard bridge wing as it pulled away from the Belgian coast, and through my binoculars in the gray dawn, I thought I saw the flashing red and yellow of the Cameron clad as the last day of the first Battle of Trammel began. As I expected, the admiral made a thorough investigation of the matter, and a few days later, I faced him in his quarters aboard the flagship. Commander Bradmore, your little adventure of a.

[Narrator]

Few nights ago involved some very serious breaches of discipline. You disposed of war material without authorization.

[Advertiser]

You left your ship without authorization. You deliberately violated the fleet orders regarding.

[Narrator]

Assistance to land forces.

[Advertiser]

And I managed to stop the German advance dead in its tracks.

[Narrator]

We know that the German advance has been stopped, Commander.

[Advertiser]

But it was stopped by opening the.

[Narrator]

Dikes of the Iter River, a plan.

[Advertiser]

Which has been part of the Belgian.

[Narrator]

And French grand strategy for years.

[Advertiser]

Sir, the dikes would never have been opened if the Belgian line hadn't held that last day of the battle. And they held because the German attack was slowed down. And it was slowed down because the Germans thought the Belgians were reinforced by the first Cameron Highlanders.

[Narrator]

I have given your story the benefit of every doubt, Commander. I've even created the Belgian general Staff.

[Advertiser]

To try to substantiate it. I have the reply. They have no record of any unit.

[Narrator]

Being outfitted in Highlanders uniform.

[Advertiser]

This was not a general Staff matter. On a regimental level, I may say.

[Narrator]

There is even some doubt on the.

[Advertiser]

Part of the members of your crew.

[Narrator]

Whether or not the men who received the uniforms were Belgian.

[Advertiser]

What? Yes, Sister Twiddle. Mr. Twiddle. That meddling fool from the cargo.

[Narrator]

That's enough, Commander. It is the decision of the Fleet Inquiry Board that you be relieved of.

[Advertiser]

Your command, placed in iron, and be.

[Narrator]

Returned to house the fake court martial.

[Advertiser]

Well, that's about all there is to tell her. Bexford, the court marshal at Howard, sustained the board of inquiries decision. And I spent the rest of the war in Christ. Afterwards, I naturally had to leave England. Wherever I went, sooner or later, Vancouver, Singapore, Melbourne. The story, their story followed me. Sooner or later, some ex navy man would turn up to recognize me and I would have to move on. And that's the way it's been sent. Moving, moving, always moving. Until at last I was compelled to return to this very spot where it all happened. Why? I don't know.

[Narrator]

I know.

[Advertiser]

You do? Yes.

[Narrator]

To find someone who believes you are the man who won the war.

[Advertiser]

Do you believe it? Yes.

[Narrator]

You see, I too have been compelled to return here tonight.

[Advertiser]

You? Why?

[Narrator]

Because I am the man who lost the war. What?

[Advertiser]

Yes.

[Narrator]

I am the German sentry you found.

[Advertiser]

Asleep at his post. Then there was nothing more to say. Returned and walk slowly back along the beach toward the sleeping town. I suppose the tomb is loneliest being on earth.

[Narrator]

So Strange Fence, in which Herbert Marshall.

[Advertiser]

Starred in William and Robeson's production of the man who Won the War, written by Robert Buckner and dramatized for suspense by Mr. Robeson. Good.

[Narrator]

Marshall and the man who Won the War were Abraham so Fair, Ramsay Hill.

[Advertiser]

Ben Wright, Ted De Garcia and Barney Phillips.

[Narrator]

Listen again next week when we return with another tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Advertiser]

Now we present Herbert Marshall as the Man Called X, the Saturday night feature on NBC's Five Show Festival of Comedy, music, mystery and drama. Brought to you by RCA Victor, world leader in radio, first in recorded music, first in television and by the makers of Anison for fast relief from pain of headache, neuritis, neuralgia, Herbert Marshall as the Man Called X. Wherever there is mystery, intrigue, romance in all the strange and dangerous places of the world, there you will find the Man Called X. Tonight you can sit back and relax and enjoy a good feeling because Christmas shopping is over for another year. Tomorrow you may want to put the last fancy ribbons and wrappings on the packages and scatter them under the tree. And you're going to have an enchanted Christmas this year. If you're one of the thousands who will wrap a big bright ribbon around a beautiful new RCA Victor television radio phonograph combination and proudly place it by the Christmas tree. Three worlds of wonderful entertainment will be brought to your fireside and into your home, all wrapped up in one matchless RCA Victor instrument with a bright Christmas ribbon around it. Three worlds of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy day after day and year after year. If you're one of those happy families. You're in for a wonderful time this weekend and all year. Because RCA Victor, world leader in radio, first in recorded music and first in television, will bring into your home that special morning a very special Merry Christmas. By special request, we're repeating this story as a reminder that Christmas is one time of the year when even miracles can happen. A time for a shabby world to lift up its tired eyes and learn once again to hope and to dream. And a time for the strangest adventure in the whole career of the man called X.

I finally got the call through to Cairo, Chief. They still don't have any report on Mr. Thurston.

Oh, then try checking again with Tehran as Brooks.

All the Tehran lines are out of order. Cairo says there's a terrific storm over the Transjordan Hills.

Transjordan? That's right in the route Ken must have taken.

You don't think he's run into trouble?

All I know is that Ken chartered a plane in Tehran and took off for Egypt with Pagan's Elseman aboard. Right now he's four hours overdue at Cairo and there's been no report on him.

He must be all right. He's got to be all right.

What were you planning to do Christmas, Ms. Brooks?

Take a trip?

Well, no, I. I thought I'd probably stay here in the city, I mean.

I see. Well, he still has time to get home for Christmas.

But, Chief, I.

It's all right, Ms. Brooks. I understand.

[Narrator]

I don't know.

[Advertiser]

I don't know. There's a dozen simple things that might have happened, but believe me, I'd give a lot to know what Ken's doing right this minute.

[Narrator]

It's blacker than the inside of a head out there. Mr. Thurston, how can you. Can you even see what to fly this plane, Hagon? I can't. Then what are we going to do? I know what I'd like to do is that mechanic can carry around. Not an instrument on this board is working right the way we've been kicked around in this storm.

[Herbert Marshall]

I don't even know what.

[Narrator]

Mr. Rex. The engine skunked out. Yeah. What do we do now? If I could only get one look at the ground. I don't even know how far up we are. I think I'm as good as death, pigeon. Right this. Look in that lightning flash here. Top of a hill. Get ahead. We're going ahead. If I can get off. Hang on, pagan. Mr. Thon, we gotta do something. We can't just lie there.

[Advertiser]

Say something.

[Narrator]

Mr. A.

[Advertiser]

Can't you hear me?

[Narrator]

I can hear you, Peter. I'm getting very dizzy, Mr. X. I don't know. I. I think I'm.

[Advertiser]

I can't come out now.

Come outside to the top of the hill. Come out, out into the night. Stand with me here and look at the world.

[Narrator]

Yes, all right. I'm coming. Wait for me. I heard you calling out here in the darkness, child.

[Advertiser]

It was you whom I called sir.

[Narrator]

Storm was raging, but now. Now it's grown very still. And there are a million glittering stars.

[Advertiser]

There can be no storm where I am.

[Narrator]

Yes. Yes, I know. The friend was with me. What about him?

[Advertiser]

He lies there in the great bird that fell from the sky. Even as you do, so will it be for a time.

[Narrator]

I understand. But you, child, why are you here alone in the night?

[Advertiser]

I came to look for one last time at a foolish world before leaving it.

[Narrator]

Before.

[Advertiser]

I have decided I shall not grow up.

[Narrator]

Not grow up? But you're very young. Younger than I've ever believed. Why have you decided this?

[Advertiser]

Because to grow, I must live. Men must want me to live. And no place on earth today can be called my home. Listen. Can you not hear it? The voice of the world rising up out of the dark valleys below this hill?

[Narrator]

Yes, I can hear it.

[Advertiser]

That voice. It's so terrible with its jealousy, greed, selfishness, hate.

[Narrator]

It's not pretty.

[Advertiser]

Can I live in. Grow up in a world like that?

[Narrator]

Oh, but, child, you. You can't judge mankind from the top of a hill. You have to go down among them.

[Advertiser]

I've been down among them. Seen their wars and heard rumors of wars.

[Narrator]

There are other things to hear. But you know how to listen. And I can show them to you. Come with me now.

[Advertiser]

Down there, down in those valleys. How can we?

[Narrator]

Why not? It's Christmas. So anything can happen. Come along, child. Come with me.

[Advertiser]

The little boy who's playing fine, it's him. He's. He's crippled, isn't he?

[Narrator]

Yes. Wait. Listen.

[Advertiser]

I'll add.

[Narrator]

You play it better every month. It's a great virtuoso you'll be, Tiny Tim.

[Advertiser]

It's a marvelous song, Jimmy boy.

Oh, thank you, everyone. Maybe when spring comes, I shall be able to play for pennies in the streets. Then I'll be a help to you, Father.

[Narrator]

Bless you, lad.

[Advertiser]

Now, I think I should tune my fiddle. One string was ever so slightly flat, you know.

Such a serious lad.

[Narrator]

He says strange things sometimes. He told me in church this morning he hoped all the people would see him and remember who made lame beggars walk and blind men see.

[Advertiser]

It's a lucky family we are, Robert.

There's few in this world that have as much as we.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's something of a joke, my dear, with the little I'm able to give you.

[Advertiser]

Robert Cratchit, when I think of all the years we've had and such wonderful children. And you, always so cheerful and understanding of our needs.

[Narrator]

Oh, go along with you now. And what about that surprise?

[Advertiser]

Fast your life.

I'd almost forgotten it.

Quiet, everybody.

I have a surprise for you.

I'll bring it right in now.

[Narrator]

I wonder what it could possibly be.

[Advertiser]

I'll wager I can guess. Father.

Look, everyone.

[Herbert Marshall]

Here it is.

[Narrator]

A plum pudding.

Blazing like a. The sun itself.

[Advertiser]

It's day.

And Merry Christmas to all of us.

[Narrator]

Yes, and God bless us.

[Advertiser]

God blesses everyone.

[Narrator]

Timmy lad. Such a beautiful dish needs a real salute. Take your fiddle and play us an overture to the pudding.

[Advertiser]

Yes, an overture to the pudding.

[Narrator]

Any reason why you couldn't find a home there, child?

[Advertiser]

Oh, it would be so easy if all people were like them.

[Narrator]

There are a great many like them, if you know where to look.

[Advertiser]

What are their names? The family we saw?

[Narrator]

That was the family of a certain Bob Cratchit, a clerk in the London firm of Scrooge and Marley in the year 1840.

[Advertiser]

Oh, the Christmas Carol. Those were not even real people. They came from a book. Must I live then only in old books? This is here and now. Things are different.

[Narrator]

Are they? So very different? Look up. Aren't those the same stars that glittered overhead a hundred years ago? Or a thousand or ten thousand?

[Advertiser]

Real people sleep in the dirt and never look at the stars.

[Narrator]

Not all of them. I can think of one right now, on the other side of the earth, in a little flat in Queens. I could walk up a certain stairway there tonight and ring a doorbell.

[Advertiser]

Ken. Thurston.

[Narrator]

Hello, Marion.

[Advertiser]

Oh, Ken, come in. Oh, it's good to see you. Here, let me take some of those packages.

[Narrator]

Well, thanks. Guess I was pretty well loaded down.

[Advertiser]

Who is it, Mommy?

Who's there?

It's Mr. Thurston, Donny. You remember, Daddy's friend.

Hey, sure I remember. Hello, Mr. Thurston.

[Narrator]

Hiya, Donny.

[Advertiser]

Look, packages.

I'll bet you their presents.

Take them into the other room, dear, and put them around your tree. All right, boy.

I wonder what's inside of these old packages anyway.

Oh, he's growing so fast, Ken. And every day he looks more like Jerry did.

[Narrator]

Yes, I've.

[Advertiser]

I've noticed That I wouldn't want it any other way, Ken. That's how it should be. Why, it's the only reason for my still being alive.

[Narrator]

You're a pretty brave girl, Marion.

[Advertiser]

No, it was Jerry who was brave at Anzio. What he did was for Donny too, you know.

[Narrator]

Are you. You getting along all right, Marion? Is there anything you need?

[Advertiser]

We're getting along perfectly. Oh, I resent my job keeping me away from my son in the daytime. But we the evenings and the park on Sundays and snow in winter and. And merry go rounds and ice cream sodas and. Oh, don't worry about us, Ken. We'll be all right.

[Narrator]

Yes. If there's one thing in this shaky world I'm certain of, it's that you'll be all well, Child, I could open other doors like that one, many others.

[Advertiser]

But she was a heroine, and they are too few and far between.

[Narrator]

Try to walk a hundred steps without finding one.

[Advertiser]

It is of no use. I know you as one whom sometimes men call X. You too fight for my cause. But the world is filled with hate. And I shall live in it no longer.

[Narrator]

All right, then. I'll show you why you've got to live. Grow up. Even if it takes proof so fantastic as to seem incredible.

[Advertiser]

How can you. How can you know what I need when you don't even know my name?

[Narrator]

Would you like me to say it for you?

[Advertiser]

Could you? You know who I am?

[Narrator]

Yes, child. I know who you are. I know very well who you are.

[Advertiser]

We'll continue with the man called X in just a moment. The next time you suffer from pains of headache, neuritis or neuralgia, take Anacin. You'll bless the day you heard of this incredibly fast way to relieve these pains. Now, the reason Anacin is so wonderfully fast acting and effective is this. Anacin is like a doctor's prescription. That is, Anacin contains not just one, but a combination of medically proven active ingredients in easy to take tablet form. Thousands of people have received envelopes containing Anacin tablets from their own dentist or physician and in this way discovered the incredibly fast relief Anacin brings from pains of headache, neuritis or neuralgia. So the next time a headache strikes, take Anacin for this wonderfully fast relief. Anacin A M A C I N Anacin comes in handy boxes of 12 and 30 economical family size bottles of 50 and 100. Get Anacin at any drug counter. And now to continue with the Man Called X. Starring Herbert Marshall with Leon Velasco as pagans, Elschmidt Somewhere between Cairo and Tehran, a plane carrying Ken, Thurston and Pagan fought its way through a raging storm in a blinding flash of lightning. A hilltop loomed ahead, and a second later, the plane smashed into it. Then suddenly, the storm was gone. A million cold, bright stars glittered overhead, and Ken stood outside on the hilltop, talking to a strange little girl who seemingly came from nowhere everywhere. Proof indeed that at Christmas time anything can happen.

You must know that. I want to live and to grow. I deserve this world, seen beautiful things happen in it and found hope in them. And then each time I've seen that hope die. The world has not grown wise nor clean. The years have only made it old and unclean, not fit to live in.

[Narrator]

There's hope in it yet, child. Hope for both of us. After all, I think we're both searching for the same thing.

[Advertiser]

I'm done with searching and with hoping and with living.

[Narrator]

And one of those who follow you, believe in you. What about those people who all their lives put the needs of humanity above their own needs?

[Advertiser]

Are there such on the earth anymore?

[Narrator]

Are the stars still overhead?

[Advertiser]

Do you know even one?

[Narrator]

I know a lot of them down in those valleys below us. But let's. Let's take just one. A man I've known for a long time. I've got a pretty good idea where he might find him tonight. Look a long way off, child. Look half around the world. Possibly some stricture there. All right. Thrombus, maybe.

[Advertiser]

How's the pulse?

[Narrator]

Still fast.

[Advertiser]

97, doctor.

[Narrator]

Well, that's all we can do now. What time is it, Miss Nelson?

[Advertiser]

After midnight.

[Narrator]

Good Lord, no wonder I'm tired.

[Advertiser]

Dr. Richards, I've been a supervisor with this hospital long enough to have a right to contradict you once in a while.

[Narrator]

About what?

[Advertiser]

You're not tired because it's after midnight. You're tired because you haven't had a decent night's sleep in five years. What's more, you had a checkup at the clinic six months ago. I happen to know what they told you.

[Narrator]

Oh, they didn't know what they were talking about.

[Advertiser]

A bunch of.

They told you to work only four hours a day. Now, when are you going to start.

[Narrator]

Doing four hours a day when people are dying 24 hours a day?

[Advertiser]

There are other doctors.

[Narrator]

Yeah, and there are other problems for them, too. Why, you've seen kids like this come.

[Advertiser]

In here year after year. We can never do a darn thing for them. Well, now, after five years, I can do something for him.

[Narrator]

And in another year, I'll have the technique Perfected so every doctor can use it.

[Advertiser]

If you live long in.

[Narrator]

Yes, well, I'll live long enough. If I stopped now.

[Advertiser]

Threw away the chance to beat this thing just so I could live another 20 years. Then why, there'd be no sense to.

[Narrator]

Anything in this world.

[Advertiser]

You've got a life too, Dr. Richards.

[Narrator]

Poppycock. I. Well, I suppose you think I'm a fool, Ms. Nelson.

[Advertiser]

If I told you what I think you are, you'd. You just laugh it off. No, no, Dr. Richards, I don't think you're a fool.

[Narrator]

Can't you believe there are others, child? Other people who think of their fellow men first and themselves second?

[Advertiser]

Yes. Oh, yes, there must be others.

[Narrator]

And can't they be called believers in you, these selfless people?

[Advertiser]

Yes, but they, too, are heroes. Ordinary people must believe. If I'm to live and grow up.

[Narrator]

Well, what could be more ordinary than a boy and girl in love? Paris or London, Vienna, Shanghai, New York. There's nothing in the world so beautifully ordinary as a boy and girl in love.

[Advertiser]

It's lovely out there across the harbor. Even like tonight when it's foggy.

[Narrator]

As long as you're in it, honey, the whole world's lovely.

[Advertiser]

We're terribly lucky, you know.

Supposing we hadn't found each other.

[Narrator]

We couldn't miss.

[Advertiser]

We're a natural.

How could you tell? The first time, I mean. What made you know you were in love with me?

[Narrator]

You came down the street in a crowd, and all of a sudden there wasn't any crowd, only you. So I decided I must be in love.

[Advertiser]

Do you think there may be other people as happy somewhere in the world?

[Narrator]

Not a chance.

[Advertiser]

Oh, there must be people who are in love, too. Millions of them. I love every one of them.

[Narrator]

Now I am jealous.

[Advertiser]

Oh, but you do too. You know you do. It makes you feel close to them.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I guess I do it. There. Listen. Isn't that a mournful sound? I can't hear it. When I look at you, all I can hear is music.

[Advertiser]

I know. I can hear it too.

[Narrator]

Most beautiful music in the world says, I love you.

[Advertiser]

I love you, my darling.

Oh, it's true. There are millions who love someone else. And with them I can have hope for. They can see beyond themselves, sometimes far beyond.

[Narrator]

Far enough to see you and believe in you.

[Advertiser]

They do want me to live and grow up. All those who love.

[Narrator]

There are even greater reasons, child. But they're in a place a long way off from the starlit hill and the dark valleys and the wrecked plain.

[Advertiser]

Lying over there Then we can go to them. We can go anywhere tonight. Because it's Christmas time, when anything can happen.

[Narrator]

We can try. Do you know what time means?

[Advertiser]

It's a stream that flows forever in one direction.

[Narrator]

We'll have to move against it. For this place lies far up the stream. Toward the headwaters of time. Outside the universe. A long way off. But we can try.

[Advertiser]

Oh, but it's beautiful. What glorious place is this.

[Narrator]

To what wondrous spot?

[Advertiser]

In all eternity have we come?

[Narrator]

This is the realm of tomorrow.

[Advertiser]

But all these wonderful things. I have no names for them.

[Narrator]

There are no names for them, child. They're still a part of tomorrow.

[Advertiser]

This one. How beautiful. Look at it. Just look at it.

[Narrator]

It's one of tomorrow's dreams, child. Gilded with expectation. Gleaming with fulfillment.

[Advertiser]

And this one. Oh, how lovely.

[Narrator]

That's one of tomorrow's hopes.

[Advertiser]

And here's another, so proud and so splendid.

[Narrator]

It's an ideal not yet realized. Another part of tomorrow.

[Advertiser]

Oh, there are so many wondrous things. Things never seen on the face of the earth.

[Narrator]

Nor will they ever be if you decide not to live.

[Advertiser]

Wait. This door. Where does it lead?

[Narrator]

Why not open it?

[Herbert Marshall]

Find out.

[Advertiser]

I will. I will.

[Narrator]

Babies.

[Advertiser]

Millions of babies. Look at them.

[Narrator]

Those are the unborn. And there'll never be anything else unless you decide to live.

[Advertiser]

Well, they're so beautiful. Everything here is so beautiful. It can't be lost. We can't let it be lost.

[Narrator]

The choice is yours, child. It's your choice.

[Advertiser]

I've made my choice. Let's go back. Back to the hill and the stars and the valleys of the. It's a beautiful world down there. Why did I ever think it wasn't?

[Narrator]

But the voice of hate still stop sounds from it. Have you forgotten?

[Advertiser]

No. But hate only sounds big because it has the loudest voice. I can hear another sound. Far off in the black night. It's a voice from the hearts of heroes. A song of hope and love and understanding.

[Narrator]

You call them heroes? Why not men of good will?

[Advertiser]

Yes.

Men of good will. I can live in a world that has such men.

[Narrator]

And you must live for such men. They are the ones who believe in you. Yes.

[Advertiser]

And they must believe as I believe in them. Know this, you who are called X. I shall live and I shall grow. And someday I shall rule this world.

Wait.

[Narrator]

Don't go.

[Advertiser]

Time worse. It is nearly dawn. You are waking up. You understand? You are waking up.

You are waking up.

[Narrator]

Yes. Yes, I understand. Well. Oh, pagan. We're gonna hit. Oh, pig on Mr. X. What happened? Came in for pretty rough landing in the dark. Must have been out cold for hours. The dawn's starting to break over there. I'm so stiff, I must have broken a leg or something. Let's get out of this wreck and walk around a little. Mr. Ferris, you shouldn't have woke me up. I was having a beautiful dream. All about money. Yes, I had a dream, too. Hand me that map. Huh? Oh. Oh, here. Was it about money, Mr. X? It was about a little girl. A little girl? Anybody been known somebody a lot of people know and a lot of others ought to know? Yeah. What's her name? Oh, the French call her Pe. The Romans used to call her Pax. Pagon. Her name is Peace. Peace. That's a strange name. She's a strange little girl. Come on, Pago, let's get out of this wreck. Hey, look, Mr. X, down there in the flat. It's a little town. Yeah, that's what I was checking on the map. Come on, I want to get a wire off to the chief. Which way? Down this path. No, no, Pago. Straight ahead toward the sunrise. Mr. Thurston, look, the sun's coming up. It's shining on all those houses, turning them purple and red and gold, all kinds of colors. Hey, what's the name of that little town anyway? Pagon, if the map is right, if that dream was true, that little town is called Bethlehem.

[Advertiser]

Now, here is our star, Mr. Herbert Marshall.

[Narrator]

Thanks for being with us. And thank you, Anne Whitfield, for your sweet performance. I wish I could see all of you out there, see you and talk with you and shake your hand, because almost anything can happen at Christmas. I almost feel that I can. And so I say to you, each of you, for all of us, on the Man Called X, from the bottom of our hearts, merry Christmas. Next week, Mr. X goes deep into the jungles of the Belgian Congo, the land of voodoo and superstition. And not the least of the things he has to contend with is that old headhunter, Pagon Zelschmidt, played, as usual by Leon Velasco. So join us, won't you, when next I return as the Man Called X. Good night.

[Advertiser]

The Man Called X, starring Herbert Marshall, is a Saturday night feature on NBC's Five Show Festival of Comedy, music, mystery and drama, brought to you by RCA Victor, world leader in radio, first in recorded music, first in television, and by the makers of Anison for fast relief from pain of headache, neuritis, neuralgia. The Man Called X is a J. Richard Kennedy production with music composed and conducted by Felix Mills. Tonight's story was written by Les Crutchfield. All characters and incidents on this program are fictitious and any resemblance to actual characters or incidents is purely coincidental. Also heard in the Night's cast were Will Wright, Barbara Fuller, Eric Snowden, Irene Tedro, Henry Blair, Theodore von Elt, Lucille Meredith, Maggie Morley, and Harry Bartel. Be sure to listen tomorrow evening for the big show with Tallulah Bankhead and a great parade of Stars, the Sunday night feature of NBC's Allstar Festival. And until next week, same time and same station. This is Jack Latham saying good night for the Man Called X. Now, the hit tunes of your hit parade. Tomorrow it's the big show on NBC.

[Host]

We just heard Herbert Marshall in Holiday Story, the Man who Won the War and the Man Called X. That will do it for this episode. Thanks so much for joining me. We've got two more shows before the end of 2024, and they'll both be coming your way in the next few days. On Monday, tune in for an episode featuring some of my favorite holiday themed episodes of suspense. We'll hear performances from Eddie Kanter, Greer Garson, Jack Krushen and more. Then on Tuesday, Christmas Eve, I hope you'll join me for our annual Silver Bells Silver Screen episode. That's when I present a radio version of a classic Christmas film. And this year we'll hear Fred McMurray and Barbara Stanwell in a Lux Radio Theater recreation of Remember the Night. In the meantime, you can check out down these Mean Streets, my old Time Radio Detective podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Sundays. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show in Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit by me now. Good night until next time when we'll hear a collection of holiday thrillers well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the chief hope of.

[Advertiser]

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.

[Narrator]

Through our behavior, we encourage the respect.

[Advertiser]

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.

[Narrator]

Thank you.