Episode 429 - Stars of "Double Indemnity"

Summary

Podcast Summary: Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio)

Episode 429 – Stars of “Double Indemnity” (November 26, 2025)

Host: Mean Streets Podcasts (William Keeley)
Featured Stars: Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, Edward G. Robinson
Theme: Celebrating classic Hollywood actors from the film noir masterpiece "Double Indemnity" in their starring radio suspense roles.

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Overview

This episode brings listeners a curated selection of old time radio "Suspense" thrillers starring the legendary trio behind Double Indemnity—Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, and Edward G. Robinson. Listeners are treated to three suspense radio dramas (“My Wife Geraldine,” “The Wages of Sin,” and “The Windy City Six”) and then the main event: a radio adaptation of "Double Indemnity" itself, with Stanwyck and MacMurray reprising their roles. Throughout, the host offers context and commentary, spotlighting both the innovation of the noir genre and the enduring talent of its stars.

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Episode Breakdown and Key Insights

1. Introduction and Episode Setup (00:09 – 00:55)

• Opening Mood: The host, joined by Stanwyck and MacMurray, uses classic suspenseful language to set the tone (“the hushed voice, the prowling step in the dead of night...”).
• Purpose: The episode aims to feature the main players of "Double Indemnity" not just in their signature film, but in a range of suspenseful radio dramas, showcasing their versatility.

“Today, our month long November series comes to a close with one of the best of all time. The genre defining adaptation of James M. Cain's novel Double Indemnity.”
—Fred MacMurray [00:55]

2. Spotlight on the Stars of Double Indemnity (00:55 – 07:53)

• Host Details Significance: Describes the film’s plot, its place in film noir, and the unique strengths of Stanwyck, MacMurray, and Robinson.
• Preview: Introduces the night’s radio lineup and plugs "Double Indemnity" availability on streaming and home video.

3. Feature 1: "My Wife Geraldine" starring Edward G. Robinson (08:06 – 34:41)

Edward G. Robinson as a meek, lonely bachelor whose imaginary wife causes real trouble.

Key Plot Points and Moments

• Premise: Robinson’s character, pressured by professional and social expectations, invents a wife named Geraldine. The pretense spirals beyond his control.
• Psychological Themes: Loneliness, fantasy vs. reality, undercurrents of madness and social conformity.
• *Memorable Twist: The invented Geraldine eventually becomes so real in the minds of others that her very "death" implicates Robinson in a murder.
• *Resolution: Through the intervention of his landlady (Barbara Stanwyck), the imaginary crime is exposed as fantasy, and affection blooms between them.

Notable Quotes

Robinson (as Graham): “My wife Geraldine never even existed.” [13:21]
Stanwyck (as Ms. Barton): “You see, I am Geraldine Graham.” [32:22]

Tone

The story balances dark comedy and pathos—with Robinson’s signature earnestness and Stanwyck’s warmth and wit.

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4. Feature 2: "The Wages of Sin" starring Barbara Stanwyck (37:24 – 63:49)

Barbara Stanwyck as Ruby Miller, a tough, streetwise woman drawn into a web of crime and duplicity.

Key Plot Points and Moments

• Premise: Stanwyck’s character is implicated in a murder she claims to know nothing about but, as a notorious figure, is caught in a dangerous crossfire between the police and underworld.
• Themes: Corruption, loyalty, gender, class tensions, and self-preservation in an unforgiving society.
• Major Moments: Stanwyck’s Ruby is defiant with both the cops and criminals, oscillating between cunning, bravado, and moments of vulnerability.
• *Climax: Ruby tries to blackmail her way out, only to find herself truly trapped with no escape from the fatal consequences of her associations.

Notable Quotes

Stanwyck (as Ruby): “What’d he bleed all over my rug for?” [40:59]
Stanwyck: “Don’t tell me about men. I know more ways they can be cheap and lying, two faced and vicious than you can count in a year.” [57:53]

Tone

Hardboiled and sardonic, this segment shows Stanwyck’s mastery of the female noir archetype—fatalistic, resourceful, and fiercely independent.

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5. Feature 3: "The Windy City Six" starring Fred MacMurray (66:53 – 95:37)

Fred MacMurray as a 1920s jazz drummer who gets caught up with gangsters and murder.

Key Plot Points and Moments

• Premise: MacMurray’s character “Ham” is a drummer inadvertently embroiled in a mob killing and forced to play for a gangster’s private party.
• Jazz Era Setting: Packed with period slang, music references, and Prohibition-era atmosphere.
• *Heightened Stakes: The band is captive to gangster whims; escape means risking their lives.
• *Resolution: After a tense escape facilitated by a femme fatale (Stanwyck), Ham and Cora find a new beginning after the resulting mayhem.

Notable Quotes

MacMurray (as Ham): “All I wanted was to play my drums, but I guess in this town you can’t keep away from trouble.” [68:54]
Stanwyck (as Cora): “What do you think I’ve been sitting out here in the cold for—selling subscriptions to the Police Gazette?” [73:21]

Tone

A blend of noir tension and wry humor, MacMurray’s everyman gets swept into events far bigger than himself.

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6. Main Event: "Double Indemnity" – Lux Radio Theater Adaptation

(98:45 – 149:00; key highlights noted)

Plot Overview

• The familiar film noir narrative: insurance man Walter Neff (MacMurray) conspires with seductive Phyllis Dietrichson (Stanwyck) to murder her husband for the insurance payoff, only to be hunted (in multiple senses) by his sharp-eyed boss Keyes (William Conrad, subbing for Robinson).

Key Moments and Structure

• Opening Confession: Neff, wounded, speaks into a Dictaphone, dictating the events that led to the murder. [98:46]
• First Encounter: Neff and Phyllis’s flirtatious, dangerous repartee is rendered with crackling authenticity. [101:21 “That’s a honey of an anklet you’re wearing, Mrs. Dietrichson.”]
• Fatal Scheme: The plotting of the “accident,” the cover-up, and the gradual unraveling of trust—both between the criminals and within Neff’s circle at the insurance company.
• Key Confrontation: Keyes’s suspicions are always just behind Neff, culminating in classic dialogue:
  • MacMurray (as Neff): “You said it wasn’t an accident. Check. You said it wasn’t suicide. Check. You said it was murder. Check...” [98:46]
  • Stanwyck (as Phyllis): “I never loved you, Walter. Not you or anybody else. I used you, just as you said. That’s all you ever meant to me.” [144:00]
• Downfall: The pair’s mistrust leads to mutual destruction; Keyes’s loyalty and perceptiveness emerge poignantly in the end.

Notable Quotes

MacMurray: "There’s a clause in every accident policy. A little thing called Double Indemnity. That means they’ll pay double on certain accidents. The kind that almost never happen. Like for instance if a guy is killed on a train, they’ll pay $100,000 instead of $50,000." [113:28]

Conrad (as Keyes): "You’re all washed up, Walter."
MacMurray: "Thanks. That was short." [148:34]

Tone and Interpretation

• The radio script condenses the film’s legendary dialogue and atmosphere. Stanwyck is both beguiling and cold as Phyllis; MacMurray exudes doom as Neff; Conrad matches Robinson’s famous Keyes with intensity.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)

• “My wife Geraldine never even existed.” – Edward G. Robinson [13:21]
• “You see, I. I am Geraldine Graham.” – Barbara Stanwyck [32:22]
• “What’d he bleed all over my rug for?” – Barbara Stanwyck as Ruby [40:59]
• “Don’t tell me about men...” – Barbara Stanwyck [57:53]
• “All I wanted was to play my drums, but I guess in this town you can’t keep away from trouble.” – Fred MacMurray [68:54]
• “I think you’re rotten.” “I think you’re swell. As long as I’m not your husband.” – Stanwyck and MacMurray in rapid-fire repartee [106:33–106:44]
• “There’s a clause in every accident policy. A little thing called Double Indemnity…” – MacMurray [113:28]
• “I never loved you, Walter. Not you or anybody else. I used you, just as you said. That’s all you ever meant to me.” – Stanwyck [144:00]
• “You’re all washed up, Walter.” “Thanks. That was short.” – Keyes and Neff [148:34]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Host Setup: 00:09 – 00:55
• Edward G. Robinson in "My Wife Geraldine": 08:06 – 34:41
• Barbara Stanwyck in "The Wages of Sin": 37:24 – 63:49
• Fred MacMurray in "The Windy City Six": 66:53 – 95:37
• Lux Radio Theater “Double Indemnity”: 98:45 – 149:00

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Final Thoughts & Next Episode Preview

The host closes with appreciation for the stars’ performances and notes the coming holiday-themed episodes, starting with Miracle on 34th Street. The dedication to blending context, gripping audio drama, and appreciation of the classic stars is palpable.

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Overall Tone

The podcast channel's tone matches that of the original radio dramas—moody, wry, suspenseful, and frequently shot through with noir wit and fatalism. The host offers contextual asides that are knowledgeable but never dry, keeping the focus on entertainment, nostalgia, and the lasting power of classic Hollywood artistry.

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For fans of classic suspense, noir, and the golden age of radio, this episode is a rich collection that highlights both legendary performances and timeless storytelling.

Transcript

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

The hushed voice, the prowling step in the dead of night, the crime that is almost committed, the stir of nerves.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

At the ticking of the clock, the.

[Fred McMurray]

Rescue that might be too late, or.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

The murderer who might get away.

[Fred McMurray]

Mystery and intrigue and dangerous adventure.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

We invite you to enjoy stories that.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Keep you in suspense.

[Fred McMurray]

Hello and welcome to Stars on Suspense with more Hollywood legends and radio's outstanding theater of thrills. Today, our month long November series comes to a close with one of the best of all time. The genre defining adaptation of James M. Cain's novel Double Indemnity. Directed by Billy Wilder and written for the screen by Wilder and Raymond Chandler. It's the story of an insurance salesman who falls for a beautiful woman and of their scheme to get rid of her older rich husband. And it's the story of a hard nosed insurance adjuster who believes there's more to the story than a case of accidental death. The movie starred Fred McMurray as Walter Neff, the insurance salesman with the angles, Barbara Stanwyck as the wannabe widow Phil, Phyllis Dietrichson and Edward G. Robinson as Barton Keyes, McMurray's boss who's sniffing around for the truth. Not only is it a great movie, but it established so much of the tone and style of film noir for years to come. Double Indemnity is streaming right now on Amazon Prime Video. You can also find it digitally and on DVD and Blu Ray plus in a nice 4K edition from the Criterion Collection. I feel like I'll be talking about them a lot as this series goes on. Today we'll hear a radio recreation of Double Indemnity along with suspense episodes starring its three lead actors. First up is Edward G. Robinson. The big screen tough guy of classic crime movies plays a milquetoast businessman and my wife Geraldine. Robinson's a single man, but he learns that to climb the ladder in his company he needs a wife. So he invents one. But the story soon runs away with itself and his made up spouse creates more problems than she solves. Next is Barbara Stanwyck in her only suspense appearance, the Wages of Sin. When the story opens, the police find her next to a body, a development that doesn't surprise them given her character's reputation in town. But her connection to the crime means she may end up the next victim. And finally we'll hear Fred McMurray in the Windy City 6. It's a prohibition era tale of jazz, murder and the mob. McMurray is the drummer in a speakeasy band whose combo is pressed into service for the private party of an infamous gangster. Then Mr. McMurray and Ms. Stanwyck recreate their roles as the Lux Radio Theater Prison presents Double Indemnity. Unfortunately, Edward G. Robinson isn't around, but we have William Conrad, who we heard last week in our Killers episode, subbing in as keys and doing a very good job. We'll have our feature presentation of Double Indemnity. But first, a sampling of suspense things. Kick off with Edward G. Robinson right after these messages. This is the cold season. What do medical authorities say about the common cold? Doctors tell us there's no known drug which will cure a cold. They there are effective medications for treating complications accompanying or following a cold. If you've been taking sensible precautions and still have one cold after another, it's best to see your doctor. And here's another important health tip. When you have a cold and need a laxative, that's the time to rely on gentle Ex Lax. Pleasant tasting chocolated Ex Lax helps you.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Toward your normal regularity.

[Fred McMurray]

Gently overnight. Exlax gets along with any cold remedies you may be taking. And and Ex Lax works where nature wants in the lower tract, not the stomach. Taken at bedtime, Ex Lax won't disturb sleep, gives you the closest thing to natural action. The next morning you're well on your way towards your normal regularity without upset or discomfort. So when you have a cold and need a laxative, take Ex Lax, the laxative you can use with complete confidence. Ex Lax helps you towards your normal regularity. Gently, overnight. Ex lax say, Mr. Barnes, before we begin, I have some letters here I'd like to read. Oh, letters from some of our listeners. Dan no, these are letters for some of our listeners, men who have tough whiskers or tender skin. And the letters I want to read to them are M O L L E. You bet. Men Shaving torture ends when you start shaving. With Mole, the heavier brushless shaving cream. Yes, sir. With mole, it's smooth. So smooth. It's slick. So slick. It's a smooth, smooth, slick, slick shave you get with M O L L E. MO the heavier brushless shaving cream for tender skins. Yes, Mole is the cream that's heavier, the cream for a hard to cut beard or a tender skin. Because mole is heavier, it not only softens your whiskers, it stands them up straight and lets your razor sail right through them. So you shave faster, closer, easier, and you shave painlessly With Mole, the heavier brushless shaving cream for tender skin. Your best bet for hot breakfast is Quaker Oats. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats. Delicious, nutritious, makes you feel ambitious. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats. Yes, if you want to be a star in sports and school activities. Make your hot cereal Quaker Oats. Cause Quaker Oats helps grow the stars of the future. You get more growth, more endurance from Oatmeal than from any other whole grain cereal. Remember, Quaker and Mother's Oats are the same.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Good evening.

[Fred McMurray]

This is your Rexall family druggist with.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

A welcome from the 10,000 independent druggists who have made the word Rexall part.

[Fred McMurray]

Of our own store names.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

We've done that because we recommend and sell the 2,000 or more drug products made by the Rexall Drug Company. Like Rexall Milk of Magnesia, for example. Here's the milk of Magnesia that's so pure and creamy smooth. So free from that unpleasant earthy taste. Even children spot the difference. Ask for the Rexall Milk of Magnesia.

[Fred McMurray]

At Rexall Drugstores everywhere.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

And remember, you can depend on any.

[Fred McMurray]

Drug product that bears the name Rexall. And now a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Now, Roma Wines present.

[Fred McMurray]

Suspense.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Tonight, my wife, Geraldine, starring Edward G. Robinson. Suspense is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. That's R O M A Roma Wines.

[Fred McMurray]

Those excellent California wines that can add.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

So much pleasantness to the way you live, to your happiness. And entertaining guests. To your enjoyment of everyday meals. Yes, right now a glassful would be very pleasant. As Roma Wines bring you suspense.

[Fred McMurray]

This is the man in Black here.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

For the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. To raise the curtain on another study in suspense.

[Fred McMurray]

Tonight, from Hollywood, Roma Wines bring you.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

A star, Mr. Edward G. Robinson. In the story of an amazing hoax and a phantom love that led a man along the steep and dangerous by paths of sanity. And so, with my wife Geraldine. And with the performance of Edward G.

[Fred McMurray]

Robinson in the role of Geraldine's husband.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

We again hope to keep you in suspense.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Mr. Graham. Mr. Graham. I know you're in there, Mr. Graham. You'd better open up. It's important. All right. I'll use my pass key then. Oh, why are you sitting in the dark? Mr. Graham?

[Fred McMurray]

Go away.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Leave me alone.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I have something to tell you. How can you sit here in the dark alone at a time like this? Gives me the creeps. Where's that light switch? Now, isn't that better with the lights on?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

What do you want? Why do you keep bothering me? I told you, I'm not hungry.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

All right. I just brought this soup along in Case. Now listen to what I have to say, Mr. Graham.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, I can't very well help myself, can I?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

That detective is coming back for you. He'll be here in just a few minutes.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Why are you telling me this?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I don't know. It won't do you any good unless I want it to.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

What are you driving at?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Did you kill your wife, Mr. Graham?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Oh, that's a good one.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

And the others? Did you really kill all those women?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

All what women?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

They say you're that wife killer. The one the newspapers call the Black Widower.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, aren't you afraid being all alone in the same room with the Black Widower?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No, not exactly. Besides, they say he only kills women he's married to.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, then I should propose to you without further delay.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Ms. Barton, please, please, don't joke. There's not time for it. I know a way for you to get out without being seen. There are police all around the house.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

But I know I'm not interested.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I. I wasn't going to tell you anyway. Not unless I discovered it wasn't true about your being that murderer.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, the police say I killed Geraldine. They ought to know.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

They found her body. Mr. Graham.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Found her? Found Geraldine? Oh, no, no, this is too good. Who identified her?

[Fred McMurray]

You.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You forget, Mr. Graham, I scarcely ever saw her close enough to identify her.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yes, but you did see her.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, after all, a person could hardly live in the same house for close onto six months without catching a glimpse of. Of Geraldine.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yes.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes, of course, Mr. Graham. You haven't much time.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

And what do you want, Ms. Barton? A nice juicy confession? Yes, that would be useful, wouldn't it? We'd never have to take in rumors again. You could charge admission to this house. And this is the room where the Black Widower confessed all to me. I couldn't help it. He said it was a compulsion. I loved her, but I had to kill her. It was just like all the others.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'm sorry, Mr. Graham. I won't bother you again if you need anything. Well, I'll go.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

No, wait. I've hurt your feelings, haven't I? Sit down. It's better with you here.

[Fred McMurray]

Really it is.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Just tell me one thing and I'll go. Mr. Graham, did you kill her? Not the others, but her.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

But why Geraldine?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Especially because you loved her so. It was the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me. Sharing your happiness with her. The talks we used to have about her. The way you used to.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Oh, stop it. Stop it.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'm sorry.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

I'll tell you. You won't believe it. But I'll tell you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, please, please do, Mr. Graham.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

And this may seem strange, but I shall have to exact a solemn promise from you. Never tell anyone what I'm about to reveal.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I suppose it's wrong, but. Very well. You have my promise.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, to begin with, I couldn't possibly have killed Geraldine.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Then they've made a mistake. She's still alive.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

No, she's not alive.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, you knew that all along?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Of course. You see, my wife Geraldine never even existed. Tonight for suspense. Roma wines are bringing you as star Mr. Edward G. Robinson, whom you have heard in the prologue to My Wife Geraldine, a radio play by Robert Tallman from a story by Lawrence Marcus. Tonight's tale of suspense. This is Truman Bradley for Roma Wayne. To millions all over the world, the name Elsa Maxwell stands for gracious hospitality. Her suggestions on entertaining are eagerly sought. And here's an especially timely one.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Planning a simple dinner for friends during these days of food rationing calls for imagination. Yet any hostess can compliment family and guests and make simple foods temptingly attractive. I suggest the simple and inexpensive touch that Roma lends, making party fare out of the most ordinary supper. Serve cool Roma red Burgundy with the meal. If possible, too, dine by candlelight. The tart piquancy of deliciously robust Roma California Burgundy and the soft, flattering lighting heightens the pleasure of dining. Remember, though, the important thing is to serve and enjoy good Roma wine with the dinner.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Dinner by candlelight with brilliant, distinctive Roma wine. Truly an appealing idea, and as Ms. Maxwell suggests, delicious Roma California Burgundy is the subtle note that tones up the occasion. Roma Burgundy, like all Roma wines, is of unvarying goodness. The goodness of selected grapes picked at their best in California's choicest vineyards, then guided to flavorfulness by the ancient winemaking skill of Roma's famed wineries. Serve Roma wine regularly.

[Fred McMurray]

It costs only pennies a glass.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Remember, more Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine. R O M A Roma wines and now it is with pleasure that we.

[Fred McMurray]

Bring back to our sound stage Edward G. Robinson in My Wife Geraldine.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

A tale well calculated. To keep you in suspense, I'd better go back to the beginning. Before Geraldine, shall we say? I was a bachelor, Ms. Barton, what they call a confirmed bachelor. My mother was left a widow. At the time of my life, when most young men start going out with girls. She was an invalid. Well, you know how it is. It's an old story. In those days, Geraldine was only a sort of vague picture in my mind. She didn't have any names. She was only the Girl that I hoped one day to marry. As the years passed by, the hope faded. But as it faded, the image of the girl became more vivid. I. I always admired Geraldine Farrar. And so I named my dream girl Geraldine. I used to ride the commuting train to my job in the city. And I got to know all the regular commuters who rode in the same smoking car. They were all married men and. Good morning, Holmes. Morning, Jackson. Smith.

[Fred McMurray]

Hello, Graham.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Say, fellas, did I tell you my wife's expecting again?

[Fred McMurray]

You don't say. Well, congratulations, Smith, old boy. Thanks. How's about a bet? 5 bucks says it's another girl.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

I'm betting on twins. Odds? A million to one.

[Fred McMurray]

What's your bet, Graham?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Ho. My bet? Oh, well, I. I don't have any children, you see. And what's your wife raised? Pekingese?

[Fred McMurray]

Poodles.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yeah, now that I think of it.

[Fred McMurray]

You've never mentioned your wife in all the times we've been riding together, Graham.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, my wife. I mean, Geraldine. Well, I'll show you her picture someday.

[Fred McMurray]

She must be a raving beauty. Graham wouldn't be so quiet about it. I always knew Graham was nursing some secret. Now it's out. An extravagant wife.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

No, Geraldine is not extravagant. I don't like your tone of voice, Holmes. You're speaking of my wife.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, now, wait a minute. He was only three.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

I can see you haven't been married very long, Graham. I don't believe he's married at all. Oh, you don't? Well, let me tell you something. Not all marriages are like yours. So some people stay in love. I think I may safely say that Geraldine and I will always be in love. Well, that was how it started. When I thought about it afterwards, I was astonished at my behavior. I got as angry at the slighting remarks they had made about Geraldine as if Geraldine had been a real person and really my wife. Well, they all wanted to believe in Geraldine. And after my mother died, she became more and more real to me. And more and more necessary.

[Fred McMurray]

Come in, come in.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

You sent for me, Mr. Potter?

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, yes, Graham.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Have a chair. Cigar? Oh, thanks. Well, the cat's out of the bag. Congratulations.

[Fred McMurray]

You're in for a promotion in the raise and pay.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Oh, well, thank you, Mr. Potter. Glad to have another married man on our payroll. It's a technicality, Graham.

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

So as to justify this raise with our main office, will you bring around your marriage license? Yes, but Mr. Potter, my rule.

[Fred McMurray]

Graham got to do it.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

For all we know, you might be this black widower fellow. The one that's married all those women on fake marriage licenses and then killed.

[Fred McMurray]

Them for their cash and jewelry.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yes, sir. Some women will marry anybody.

[Fred McMurray]

Even you.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Any Graham. Well, no offense over me. Well, I. I guess I better be getting back to the job. That's the spirit. Don't forget that marriage license. No, sir, I. I won't forget.

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Are you Fred Bell? Yeah. Well, look, I'm in sort of a spot, you know. I've just changed jobs. And for the record, you understand, I have to show them my marriage license. By George, I've lost it, and I don't know what to do.

[Fred McMurray]

Who sent you here? Mr.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Fellow Roomer. My hotel. Frank McGuire.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh.

[Fred McMurray]

You know, I'm sticking my neck way out on this. It's going to cost you dough.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

And now. Now it became necessary for me to change my mode of life even more. I could scarcely go on living in bachelor quarters with Geraldine. And that brought me to you, Ms. Barton. Remember?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

I saw your advertisement in the Morning Herald. A furnished apartment.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, yes. Come in, won't you?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Thank you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You better set your bag down on the hall here. No use lugging it upstairs till you've seen the place.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yes, yes, it's a good idea.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

It's right up these stairs.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Thank you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Is it just you alone?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Oh, no, no, no, no. Myself and wife. Oh, well, she works late in the war plan, so she gave me the rather unpleasant job of finding a place.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, this is it. Two rooms and a small kitchen. The bath's in there.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yes, looks very nice.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

A good vanity table for your wife.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Oh, yes, yes, I'm sure she'd like that. Especially.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

There's plenty of closet space for her clothes.

[Fred McMurray]

Her clothes?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, if she's anything like most women, I'll bet that isn't all of her clothes in that one suitcase.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Oh, no, no, no, no, of course not. Goodness, no.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I don't give a hang for clothes myself. Maybe that's why I'm an old maid.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Oh, no, you don't. Well, what. What is the rent?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

$10 a week that we could get more, but since your wife.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yes, well, all right, I'll take it. Here. Here's the first month's rent.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, I'd better give you a receipt for this.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, it's not necessary, but my wife likes to hang on such things for some reason. So you better make it out to her, Mrs. Graham. Geraldine Graham.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

All right, Mr. Graham.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

And now I better go back to our old place and bring over the rest of our clothes.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What size does your wife wear, Mr. Graham?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Why, I don't know exactly. What size do you wear?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, I wear 16. She'll probably be in to have them altered anyway. Now, here's a little model that just came in.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Oh, no, no, no, no. That won't do at all. That's much too fussy for Geraldine.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, perhaps it would help if you could describe her for me.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, she has a kind of gentle dignity in bearing, if you know what I mean. Her hair is taffy colored with little gold lights in it. And her eyes. Her eyes are a kind of a luminous green. Gray. Green color. Some days they look green, and other days they're gray with gold flecks in them. Her features are delicate but strongly molded. Sensitive but not fragile. And her skin is fair, almost translucent, with just a sprinkling of freckles. When she's been out in the sun for a day, she tries to cover them up, of course, as all women do. And she's. Well, she's not exactly.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

How long have you been married?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

What? Why, only a short time.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I thought so.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, I'm not much good at describing people, especially people I know awfully well.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

On the contrary, you're almost too good at it. You've made me feel. I've met her.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

You see. She was becoming more and more definite all the time. Remember how you dropped in to see me? Us that day? Oh, come in, Ms. Barton.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I thought I could help you with your unpacking.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, perhaps you could help with my wife's things. She gets home so late. I'd like to have everything arranged for her.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, what lovely clothes. And that suit. Yes, just look at that suit. It's new, isn't it?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, I think it is. I'm not sure.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Of course it is. This is the suit I've had my eye on. I wanted it for Easter.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

I'm so sorry.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Why, she's just my size, too.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yes. Yes, I believe she is.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

She must be just about my coloring, too, judging from her clothes.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, yes. Yes, there is something about the hair and eyes.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, I can't wait to see what she's like.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, don't be surprised if you don't see her for some time. She comes in quite late and leaves so early in the morning that sometimes even I wonder if she's really been home or if I just imagined it.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, I must say you're a gentleman to put up with it.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, she gets a kick out of this war job. And after all, it's. It's only for the duration.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You must be Very much in love, Mr. Graham.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, Geraldine and I are an unusual couple, Ms. Barton. But so far I believe that our marriage is an unqualified success. And so the legend of Geraldine grew. The fellows at my office used to kid me about my ideal marriage. Hey, Jack, what's the matter with Graham? He hasn't phoned his wife for nearly an hour. Oh, come now.

[Fred McMurray]

Maybe they had a fight. Not Romeo and Geraldine Graham. How do you do it, Graham? My wife broke a plate over my.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Head at our honeymoon breakfast. And we've had to buy three new.

[Fred McMurray]

Sets of dishes every year ever since.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

How do I do it? Well, watch this. I'll give you a lesson. I pick up the phone and dial a number at random. It was a little act I put on every day for their benefit.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Unique Garage.

[Fred McMurray]

Harry speaking.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Hello, darling. You still love me? Hey, you got the wrong party. But this is the Unique Garage. Of course I do.

[Fred McMurray]

Huh?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Say it again, honey, just like that. Okay, you dumb. This is the Unique Garage.

[Fred McMurray]

Harry speaking.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Now, what do you want? Of course I don't mind you buying a new hat. Was it the crazy little one with the bird on it? The one you told me about? Listen, I got no time for gags. Are you a friend of somebody here? Well, what do you say we go out to a show tonight? Break.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What in.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Why, of course I missed you. I can't be away from you for 10 seconds without feeling lost and lonely. Darling.

[Fred McMurray]

I'm sorry, darling, but I got a.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Heavy date tonight at the El Morocco. Goodbye, you lush. Oh, honey, you haven't been seeing him again. Yes, I know. He's a friend of your sister. Yes, I mean your sister Geraldine. But I know Geraldine. But I don't want that man around the house. Hmm? Yes, always and always, darling. Goodbye. How clever I thought myself that day, injecting that little discordant note, just that hint of jealousy into my one sided conversation with Geraldine. How could I have known that it would be used against me later? How could I have known that my whole new life was to fall to pieces? Because it was that afternoon that the accident happened. A piece of equipment struck me in the head. When I regained consciousness, Mr. Potter was sitting beside my bed there in the company hospital.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, where is she?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Look, she's got to be notified. Old fella next to kin, you know. It's a law, I believe.

[Fred McMurray]

If she isn't at home.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Now, please, please don't ask me any more questions.

[Fred McMurray]

Now look here, Graham. Forget that I'm your employer. Think of me as a friend.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

You can Tell me. What is it? Has she left you? No. Well, then, where is she? Well, I. I won't say anymore. I. I was going to tell you everything, but I know you wouldn't believe me. I'll just say this. There's no use. No use your looking for her. You won't find her.

[Fred McMurray]

You want the police mixed up in.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

This, do you, Graham? Well, I don't care. I'll go to prison. I'll do whatever I must, but I won't answer any more questions about Geraldine. Well, you know the rest of the story, Ms. Barton. When they released me from the hospital this morning, I knew it was only a matter of time until I'd be arrested for the murder of Geraldine. I didn't know they'd find her body quite so soon, But I'm rather glad they did. Now my secret will never be known. Geraldine is as real in death as she was to me in life.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, Mr. Graham, aren't you glad you told me your story?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yes. Yes, I. I knew you. You'd understand somehow. Yes, but Remember your promise.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

But, Mr. Graham, you can't let yourself be hanged for the murder of a woman who never existed. Now, listen to me. When that detective comes back, tell him all these things.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

I will not, Ms. Barton. Let them think I'm the black widower. Oh, but I even forged the marriage license.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, Mr. Graham, if only I'd know the police.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

The police? Description? No, it's all too perfect. Apparently, this black widower and I look startingly alike. You see, it's quite hopeless, Mr. Graham.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

That's the detective. Now what are you going to do?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Nothing. I'm tired. I'll be glad to get it over. I couldn't bear to tell them about Geraldine. I couldn't stand for people to read about her and me in the papers and go about making cruel jokes over us. I don't care about saving my own life at that cost.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, please.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

That's why I made you give me your solemn promise to keep our secret, Ms. Barton. But before they come in, I'd. I'd just like to say you've been wonderful. You. You know, you're rather like Geraldine, Mr. Graham.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, George. My poor, poor doc.

[Fred McMurray]

All right, put the bracelets on him. Riley, bring the woman along for questioning.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Just a moment, Officer. You're making a terrible mistake. Listen to me. He is not the black widower.

[Fred McMurray]

We know that lady.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

They picked that one up in Albany.

[Fred McMurray]

A couple of hours ago.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You found the black widower? Oh, George.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

What's that? My goodness.

[Fred McMurray]

But your friend, Mr. Graham here has still got some explaining to do.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Such as?

[Fred McMurray]

Such as what happened to his wife. We've got a corpus delicti and everything, you know.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, very well, officer, I guess.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Will you be quiet, George? Officer, can I believe the evidence of my own ears? Do you say there is some question regarding Mr. Graham's wife?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

That's right, his wife.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, it seems to me that a lot of trouble could have been spared if you had asked me about it.

[Fred McMurray]

Why, what do you mean?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Please, please, my dear. You promised.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You see, I. I am Geraldine Graham.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, I don't want.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Hey, listen, what's this?

[Fred McMurray]

You're his wife.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

He has no other.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Please, please. It's very kind of you, but it's no use. You see, officer, you won't believe me, but Geraldine never expected.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

My husband has had a very serious accident. He isn't quite right in the head yet. And you are not helping matters.

[Fred McMurray]

Riley, get that phone, will you?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Sure.

[Fred McMurray]

Now then, let's get this straight once and for all.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Riley speaking. What?

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, hold everything.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Hey, it's headquarters on the phone. They've identified that woman's corpus delicti. Her name is Oymansood Bovak. She fell off a tugboat.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, why didn't I say so in the first place? Well, folks, it looks like we had a little misunderstanding all around. You know how it is. Well, take care of yourself, Mr. Graham. Goodbye, Mrs. G. I'm pleased to have made your acquaintance. Come on, Robert. Come on, let's get out of here.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Ms. Barton. Agnes. I don't really know.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

George.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yes?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What was Geraldine like? I mean, what did she look like?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, really, my dear, I. Well, Geraldine. Well, she has a kind of a gentle dignity and a grace of bearing. The hair is taffy colored with little gold lights in it. And her eyes. Well, her eyes are a kind of luminous gray green color. Her skin is fair, almost translucent, with just a sprinkling of freckles. When she's been out in the sun for a day, she tries to cover them up, of course, as all women do.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

And I always do. You know, George, I was just looking in the mirror here while you were. You know. My hair is taffy colored and the little gold lights in it. That was very observant of you, George. And my eyes, Would you really say gray green?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

My goodness. My goodness. I do believe. Ms. Barton. Agnes.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Do you suppose that we could be married immediately? I rather think that can be arranged. And thank you for your nice proposal, my dear.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Darling.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, George. What is Geraldine going to think? Of all this.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

He'll be furious. And so closes my wife, Geraldine. Starring Edward G. Robinson. Jeanette Nolan appeared as Agnes.

[Fred McMurray]

Opposite Mr. Robinson in tonight's study in suspense.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Suspense is produced, edited and directed by William spring Spear. Before Mr. Robinson returns to our microphone. This is Truman Bradley for Roma Wines. One woman recognized as knowing all the niceties of entertaining. Is the world famous hostess, Ms. Elsa Maxwell. She has this to say about simple wartime entertaining.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Good friends and good Roma sherry. These are the makings of a pleasant evening. Roma California Sherry is ideal for any occasion. Before dinner with appetizers. Or during friendly afternoon or evening visits. You and your guests will enjoy the light nut like flavor of glorious amber colored Roma sherry. And for fullest enjoyment, serve.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Cool, delicious and distinguished as they are, Roma wines cost only pennies a glass. Serve and enjoy them often. Remember, more Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine. R O M A Roma wines. And next time you use vermouth, sweet or dry, choose Roma Vermouth. Zestful, full flavored. Roma vermouth is blended, mellowed and developed. With all the traditional winemaking skill of Roma wineries. Yet surprisingly low priced. Try Roma vermouth soon, won't you? This is Edward G. Robinson. I have certainly enjoyed appearing here this evening on Suspense. And I want to tell you how much I'm looking forward to hearing next week's broadcast in the series. My friend James M. Kane, who wrote Double Indemnity. In the film version of which I had the honor of appearing this year. Is the author of another wonderful suspense story called Love's Lovely Counterfeit. You will hear it next Thursday. And your star will be Mr. Humphrey Bogart. Remember him? I used to knock him off every morning before breakfast. Well, that sounds like quite a show. And I know you won't want to miss it. Edward G. Robinson is currently starring in the international production the Woman in the Window. Next Thursday, same time, Mr. Humphrey Bogart will be your star of suspense. Presented by Roma Wines. R O M A made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Fred McMurray]

Autolite and its 96,000 dealers present suspense. Tonight, Autolight brings you the Wages of Sin, a suspense play. Starring Ms. Barbara Stanwyck as Ruby Miller. You know her? Doric? Yeah, Ruby Miller. Pretty good picture of her. This is her apartment. She's had it for two months. What was he doing here? You don't know? He was dead when we got here. Shut within the hour. Hello, Captain. We've been working hard. Hello, Frank. Who is he? Driver's license says his name's David Madlock, age 42. This city. Yeah, it is Madlock. Hard to recognize him with that kind of shooting. Keep going, Frank. Desk clerk Frank DeMarco saw Madlock come through lobby about 9 o'.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Clock.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Alone?

[Fred McMurray]

He got it here a few minutes later. What was Madlock doing here? Don't know. DeMarco and the day clerk say they never saw him in building before.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Mm.

[Fred McMurray]

Who reported it? Janitor. Heard the shots, called downtown, saw nothing. Matlock's got a wife. I sent some boys out to pick her up. Okay. Doc tells me this is Ruby Miller's apartment. That's right. She rented it two months ago. Haven't located her yet. Now the tabloids are gonna make this look juicy. David Madlock slain in beauty's apartment. If I know those tabloids we got in this town, that'll be tame. All right. Let's find her and get her story. I want an all points bullet. Not for Ruby Miller. Right away she finally got herself messed up in something too big handle. In just a moment, Ms. Barbara Stanwyck in the first act of the Wages of Sin. What's going on, Milo? Why, it's tune up time, Hap. For what? Your car. Get it tuned up before winter weather wages war on your engine. Winterize it by putting in antifreeze, change of oil and grease.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

And check the spark plugs too.

[Fred McMurray]

A realistic reminder, Johnny Plug Jack, because spark plugs are the very heart of your car's ignition system. You mean spark plugs need winterizing too? Why, they sure do, Hap. And that's why it'll pay you to see your friendly Autolite spark plug dealer. He'll replace weary worn and wilted spark plugs with world famous ignition engineered Autolite spark plugs. They're engineered by the same Autolite engineers who design coils, distributors and all the other important parts of the ignition system used as original factory equipment on many leading makes of America's finest cars. That's why Autolite spark plugs operate as a perfect team with your car's ignition system. And that's why you can't buy better spark plugs for your car than Auto Light. Okay, Harlow. I'll have my car winterized.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

And check the spark plugs too.

[Fred McMurray]

Right. So, folks, see your friendly Auto Light spark plug dealer. And whether you choose the standard type or the resistor type, you can be sure you're always right with Autolite. And now, with the Wages of Sin and the performance of Ms. Barbara Stanwyck as Ruby Miller, Autolite hopes will once again to keep you in suspense. I don't care who you are. Nobody gets in.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

This is my apartment, pinhead.

[Fred McMurray]

Hey, what's going on out here? Sergeant? Who's this?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Who are you? Say, what's the idea all these cops you're holding Crime school in my apartment or something?

[Fred McMurray]

Your Ruby Miller?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yeah, that's right.

[Fred McMurray]

Come on in.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Nice of you.

[Fred McMurray]

I was just starting out to look for you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What's going on around here anyhow? I leave for a couple of hours and my rug.

[Fred McMurray]

His name is Frank Madlock. Interested?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What'd he bleed all over my rug for?

[Fred McMurray]

Come on, sister, the captain wants to see you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, I want to see him. What kind of a police force do we have in this town? A lady can't go out for a drink without coming home to find. Get your hands off me. When I finish my judo course, I'm going to look you up.

[Fred McMurray]

Hello, Ruby.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, I draw all the dreamy ones. I might have known it'd be you, Captain Salvador.

[Fred McMurray]

That's all, Frank?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yeah, that's all, Frank.

[Fred McMurray]

Tell me about yourself, Ruby.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You losing your hair?

[Fred McMurray]

It's falling out? Worrying about you. The Last time was 47. No visible means of support.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I didn't know we were going to talk about old times or I cracked a bottle.

[Fred McMurray]

We aren't gonna talk about that guy lying in there in front of your fireplace.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, they tell me his name is David Madlock.

[Fred McMurray]

You know that's his name. What's he doing in there?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

How should I know? I never saw him my whole life.

[Fred McMurray]

How long have you been seeing him? What did you fight about? Ruby, you've had four arrests and one conviction in your time. You know we always get the answers.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Captain Doric. Salvador Carparu. Been in the drugstore since 8:30. Fifteen people saw me drinking my malted milk while Junior in there must have been getting his brains blown out.

[Fred McMurray]

Do they all have?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Every one of them. It was a bowling team on their way home. The Loafers.

[Fred McMurray]

You're telling me that corpse is a man you never saw before in your life?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

That's exactly what I am telling you. Your crew will find that out by poking into everything and everybody in town. They'll also find my alibis good and that your guesses are bad. If Madlock or whatever his name is staggers into my apartment while I'm out and somebody bumps him off, that's not my fault. And you nor any other single headed cop is going to write it any different.

[Fred McMurray]

All right, Ruby, let's go downtown.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, Doric Dream, you booked me as A material witness, as expected. After all, you had to take somebody downtown. The newspapers tossed a lot of type around. My picture was in every paper, every edition. But after two days, it died on the vine. I made three inches in the second section. After that. Ruby Miller, released for lack of evidence the morning I got out. I'll wait while you blush. I wanted a bath more than anything else. All right, all right. Just a minute. I'm coming.

[Fred McMurray]

Hello, Ruby. I missed you before you left the station.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'm tired of looking at cops.

[Fred McMurray]

This will only take a minute.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'll time you myself.

[Fred McMurray]

Thanks. I just been out talking to Marie Madlock. Dave Madlock's widow. The way things happen, she still thinks that you and her husband were real palsy on the side. She hates the memory of him now.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't you ever give up?

[Fred McMurray]

I don't like to see a nice woman like Mrs. Madlock running around believing something that isn't true. My boys peeked under every rock in town before you were sprung, Ruby. They came up with pooh things that got you out. You were in the drugstore while Madlock was being killed and you never knew the guy. I'm convinced of that.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

My bath water is getting cold. So am I.

[Fred McMurray]

Look, Ruby, you moved in that apartment two months ago. Paid $400 rent in advance. The same day you deposited $1,000 at Freeman's National. You also bought $400 worth of clothes and trinkets.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I hit a horse.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Somebody gave you a dough to play.

[Fred McMurray]

A part in this. Who?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

We've gone all through this before.

[Fred McMurray]

Who? Ruby, a key to this apartment was found on Madlock's body. How'd he get that key?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I don't know, Captain. I just don't know. I should have my lock changed.

[Fred McMurray]

All right, Ruby, I'm leaving.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Sorry you didn't have any luck, Captain.

[Fred McMurray]

You know, whatever you get out of this, they'll take 20 times as much back from you, right down to your soul. Madlock's killing was top drawer stuff with some big people involved. People who don't care anything about you because you were just background scenery they might want to change at any time. Aren't you scared, Ruby?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You'll never see the day.

[Fred McMurray]

Okay, Grandissimo Bogliardo.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What does that mean?

[Fred McMurray]

You're a liar, Ruby.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Where did you get off thinking I was scared? What was there to be scared about? I held three aces in the deck and that was enough at least to make a starting bid. When I looked out my window that night and saw two men in overcoat standing across the street from the apartment. I felt extra brave. I wasn't worried one bit. Hello?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Ruby Miller?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes.

[Fred McMurray]

What are you still doing in town?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'm waiting for a phone call, but it's not from you.

[Fred McMurray]

You're asking for a doll? I'll be over.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, say hello to the two cops standing in front of my apartment house. Salvador's got them on me 24 hours a day.

[Fred McMurray]

Play it smart, doll.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Get out of town while you got.

[Fred McMurray]

Legs to walk on.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Listen, you thick lipped creep. I want to talk to him, the Big man, right away. And if I don't, I'll talk to the cops. I just said how you better act, doll. Sorry to disappoint you again, Doric. But I wasn't scared that time either. A spook call was always standard operating procedure for those kind of people. It let me down a little low having them think I was so square. I wasn't expecting it. When I went to bed that night, I was dreaming of a new kind of life. And it started the next day with bells.

[Fred McMurray]

Hello, Miss Miller. My name is Victor Sheridan. I'm the attorney for the Big Man. And that's as close as you're going to get. Take it or leave it. My offices are in the Equity Building, Suite 203. I'll expect you anytime today.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

That was the music I was waiting for. Doric. I'll expect you anytime. And I made any time. An hour later, Salvador's two shadows followed me When I left my apartment and went downtown. So I wasn't worried that anybody might interrupt my conversation with Sheridan and Carter. Attorneys at law.

[Fred McMurray]

Call me Sheridan.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Sure.

[Fred McMurray]

My client asked me to speak to you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Speak up. All right. My client has been disturbed by your attitude. Good for him.

[Fred McMurray]

He wonders why you haven't fulfilled your.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Part of the bargain. After all, you've been well paid. You call that money? A man I never saw before in my life came to me a couple of months ago and made the deal. $1,500. Two months rent on a nice apartment. And on a certain night I was to blow town, never come back.

[Fred McMurray]

You should have done it.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I saw a set up a mile off. How dumb do you think I am?

[Fred McMurray]

That is not the question, Ms. Miller. How dumb do you think we are?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Dumb enough to know he needed a place to do a killing. And someone with a rep like mine to throw the cops off. I know who he is, where he is, how he did it and why he did it. Tell the client I want a payoff to keep quiet. Lots of payoff. Or I can tell a whole lot of cops something that will keep them absolutely spellbound.

[Fred McMurray]

I see. Well, will this be enough to start with, Ms. Miller?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

A thousand dollars? Look, sonny, this is the major leagues. I want 10 to start with.

[Fred McMurray]

I haven't had much money in the office.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You can get it. There's a bank downstairs.

[Fred McMurray]

You're playing a very dangerous game, Ms. Miller.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I've got built in police protection at all times. All you have to worry about is coming through.

[Fred McMurray]

That protection may not last forever.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Let me Worry about that, Ms. Miller.

[Fred McMurray]

It's not up to me to decide the outcome of this affair.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

But somewhere, someplace, sometime, you'll be alone.

[Fred McMurray]

On a dark street. And I wouldn't want to say what.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Might happen to you. Well, don't you worry, buster. I'm going to be burning money to keep all those dark streets bright. Now call the bank.

[Fred McMurray]

Autolyte is bringing you Ms. Barbara Stanwyck in the Wages of Sin. Tonight's production in Radio's outstanding theatre Thrills. Suspense.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Check the spark plugs too. Check the spark plugs too.

[Fred McMurray]

Hey, that Johnny plug check's persistent, isn't he? Sure, Hap. Johnny knows it's necessary now to get your car made ready for dependable motoring during the cold days ahead.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Check the spark plugs too.

[Fred McMurray]

You see, spark plugs are the very heart of the car's ignition system. When they're right, your chances of starting even in the coldest weather are better than ever. So it'll pay you to replace worn out spark plugs with auto light spark plugs. The spark plugs that are world famous for quality and dependability. Auto light spark plugs. Nothing finer happen. When you replace worn out spark plugs with ignition engineered auto light spark plugs, you get smoother performance, quick starts and gas savings.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You've sold me, Harlow.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, folks, see your friendly auto light spark plug dealer and have him replace worn out spark plugs with world famous ignition engineered Autolite spark plugs. And whether you choose the resistor type or the standard type, you can be sure money can't buy better spark plugs. You're always right with Autolight. And now, Autolight brings back to our Hollywood soundstage, Ms. Barbara Stanwyck in Elliot Lewis's production of the Wages of Sin. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't think those next few months weren't great, Captain Salvador. They were the last days of Pompeii with Christmas and a Polish wedding thrown in. I picked up my checks regularly from Victor Sheridan. And I spent them regularly on Ruby Miller. I never could understand why the two men you always had shadowing me didn't pick up Victor Sheridan. But why look a gift horse in the mouth? I was busy enough being the belle of the boulevard, the girl most likely to succeed. Clothes all over the place. Money any place they were in clothes, nightclubs. I was a bigger attraction than the chorus girl. Men like flies in a sugar bowl. And don't think I ever got tired of it. Why, I even got tapped by the 400. Of course, I was sort of a late starter, but so were Broker's Tip and the Yankees. Let's see, it was Douglas Elwood Tisdale who had the mink ranchers. Clayton Dashiell who made governors, Hamilton Moore who was in shipping and polo, and Talbot G. Cooper, whose taste ran to women.

[Fred McMurray]

Ruby, I've known girls from Bombay to Hunter.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, don't tell me about them. I hear Kinsey's in town.

[Fred McMurray]

No, no, what I was going to say was that you're the most exciting of them all.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, Coop. Squash Heb. I don't come from Bombay or Hunter, so I don't have to follow the rules. Go get yourself some new material.

[Fred McMurray]

No, no, I mean it. If I were conning you, I'd do.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

It in another place, not here.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, cut it off. I came here for last. Say, who are those two people over by the window?

[Fred McMurray]

Don't you know?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Really look stupid? Didn't you ever read anything but Noel Coward? If I knew who they were, I wouldn't have asked.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, come on, I'll introduce you. The. The distinguished looking man lives on an inheritance and the distinguished looking woman lives on. Well, memories, I guess. Hello, Coop. Nice to see you. Hello, Clint. Marie, may I present Miss Ruby Miller, Mr. Clinton Fisher.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

How do you do? Mr. Fisher?

[Fred McMurray]

And Mrs. David Madlock.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Talk about your drama. That moment could have run 36 straight weeks at the Barrymore Theater. As you know, Captain, it was my first performance at trying to carry on idle chitchat with a widow of a man found dead in my apartment. Must have been her first too, because she excused herself and walked quickly away. The guy who staged the scene, Cooper the coward, also took a powder.

[Fred McMurray]

By natural selection, I guess we're left alone, Ms. Miller.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What's she complaining about? I wasn't found dead in his apartment.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, you couldn't exactly expect her to carry on tea time conversation with you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Look, is she a friend of yours? I know her. Well, tell her the next husband she gets, keep him home. That means keeping him happy. If she isn't too Chill to find time. Now, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Fisher, I'll go have a drink.

[Fred McMurray]

Allow me to join you, Ms. Miller.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Why, frankly, I like you. If anybody tells you men over 50 don't have charm. Put salt in her coffee. Clint Fisher was as charming as they made them. And the thought came to me that this was my chance to move from the phony my to the real stuff. And he was said to have more connections than the plumbing at the Waldorf. I intended someday to use them. And my chance came sooner than I thought.

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Am.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Captain Doric Salvador wants to see me.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

You mean Lieutenant Salvador?

[Fred McMurray]

He got a bust. Good.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

He was too arrogant.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Third door on the left, lady.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't look so mad, Sergeant. Maybe if you work hard, you'll be busted too someday. Hello, Lieutenant.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, Sit down.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What did you do, kick the mayor's mother?

[Fred McMurray]

No, the commissioner got a little mad because I didn't bring anybody in for David Madlock.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What did you call me down here for? Awake?

[Fred McMurray]

The commissioner's dropping the case.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What do you mean?

[Fred McMurray]

He called us off. Madlock will be under him in the file. I'll be on another case. Yeah, but that means that starting tomorrow, where you go, you go along.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What is this you're pulling off my protection?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Ruby, we had those men on you.

[Fred McMurray]

To see if anybody made a move toward you. Not for protection.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I got a right to protect.

[Fred McMurray]

You forfeited every right you had when you threw in with the wrong people. In my opinion, Ruby, you sold your soul for a firm muff and a filet mignon.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't talk to me like that, you lousy failure.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Shut up.

[Fred McMurray]

I played your game long enough. This is the end. You don't even know what I'm talking about. You'll never know. All dames like you got is your sex. You wouldn't know a good piece of music if you heard it. You never read anything longer than a menu in your life. You couldn't tell me two intelligent things about the history of the people you came from or the name of the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence. All you got is a 75 word vocabulary and 112 pounds of flesh that could have been put to better use in an animal.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You listen to me, flathead. Where do you get off telling me how worthless I am just because I went out and made myself a few bucks the hard way? Well, I took nerve and I've got it. It didn't take any to sit behind that desk and get demoted from captain to lieutenant. You picked your Way of life yourself. And because everybody isn't like you, you can't stomach them. Your kind doesn't send your sons to college so they'll know a good piece of music when they hear it. You send them to learn how to make money. And you don't dress your daughters in the best clothes you can buy because they know who wrote the Constitution. You do it so they'll marry into money. You're cheaper on your level than I am on mine because you lie about what you really want and I don't. I'm honest. I say what I want right out and I get it.

[Fred McMurray]

Are you through?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No. Why did the commissioner call up the case?

[Fred McMurray]

It was costing too much.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I can smell a fix 20 miles off. You're going to set me up for a kill.

[Fred McMurray]

I'm not setting you up for anything. They called me off the case, that's all I know.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yeah, well, if the commission has been fixed, it can be unfixed. I know some pretty big people now.

[Fred McMurray]

I hope they can help you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

They will, they will. Don't worry. I'll have my protection back. And while I'm at it, I think I'll have you busted down to sergeant. And I couldn't wait to do it to you. Clint Fisher was my boy by then I had him wrapped around my little finger. He knew the skeleton in everybody's closet and I was going to make him rattle a few. I pulled out all the stops and he had my hero printed all over him when he said he'd see what he could do. You cops who thought you had a corner on everything, fracture me. I slipped on a negligee and cracked a bottle of champagne while I waited for my team to go into action. Hello.

[Fred McMurray]

Clint Fisher. Ruby.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, Clint, darling. Oh, it's so nice to hear your voice.

[Fred McMurray]

It's nice to hear yours. Ruby, are you all right?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, yes, of course. Don't worry about me. Well, Ruby, everything's going to be fixed. Clint.

[Fred McMurray]

Not exactly. That's why I called you. I've tried everybody in town and I hate to say this, but there's nothing I can do for you. Absolutely nothing.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Clint, you don't mean that.

[Fred McMurray]

I'm afraid, honey. You're on your own.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't tell me about men. I know more ways. They can be cheap and lying, two faced and vicious than you can count in a year. Clint Fisher wasn't the only man in the world who could fix things. So I tried the rest of them. Up and down the social register and through the moneymen and tycoons. And every one of them chickened out. Every one of them. No, Ruby. Sorry, Ruby. Try someone else. Ruby. That's all I got. Don't tell me about men. Then I began to get scared. Scared right down through the little veins. I locked the door and pulled the shades and told the desk to let no one visit me. And I sat there all night. I didn't dare sleep. And half the next day I was scared. But then I remembered I still had an ace to play. Sheridan. Yes.

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, Ruby.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, what's the matter with you?

[Fred McMurray]

Uh, nothing.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I. I came to make a deal. A deal, do you hear me? Too late. I won't spill. I'll never say a word. Not a single word to anyone. I'll even get out of town. I. What are you laughing about?

[Fred McMurray]

You trying to make a deal?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I got the greatest deal in the world. The greatest. You never heard anything like this. Listen, I don't even know who the client is. I don't know. I never knew.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Never.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

All I know is some creep I never saw before gave me a couple of thousand bucks to use the apartment for a killing. I don't even know his name. He came and he was gone. That's all I know. Believe me. Sheridan shot me.

[Fred McMurray]

Shot me in the stomach.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, the client.

[Fred McMurray]

He killed Madlock because he wanted Mrs. Madlock. She found out last night, committed suicide. He went crazy. Thought I told her.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

But after shooting, I said it was.

[Fred McMurray]

You, and you don't even know him.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Who is the client? Sheridan. He'll kill me. I've got to tell the police.

[Fred McMurray]

Tell me.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Who is he? Oh, don't die. Don't die. Tell me. I ran out of that office as fast as I could make it. I didn't know where to go, what to do. I couldn't end up like Sheridan. I couldn't. I couldn't. Then I decided to go to my apartment, get my money and try to get out of town. I ran up the stairs, locked the door and stood there trying to pull myself together. And I got an idea.

[Fred McMurray]

Salvador.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Captain. Listen to me. Listen carefully.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Who is it?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Ruby. Ruby Miller. Now, listen to me. The client's after me. I know he is the Client. The man who killed David Matlock. It's just the way you said. I take everything back I ever said to you. I'm sorry. Really, truly sorry.

[Fred McMurray]

I suppose you want forgive.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, yes, yes, please send somebody. Come yourself. Take care of me. I'm in my apartment. I'm afraid to leave it.

[Fred McMurray]

Ruby, you're a great girl for deals.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

We had Two men following you and.

[Fred McMurray]

Three men following Sheridan. We didn't find out a thing. Tell me who this client is. We'll go out and pick him up.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, that's just it. I don't know. I don't know. I really don't. It was all above. They thought I knew, but I didn't. I don't know a thing. I played it for what I could get, and it worked.

[Fred McMurray]

You don't expect me to believe that.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Got to believe it. You've got to believe it. I don't know who he is or where he's coming from, but I know I'll be killed.

[Fred McMurray]

You're lying. Ruby, when you're ready, tell me the truth. I'll give you what you want. Goodbye.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't hang up.

[Fred McMurray]

Don't, please.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'll be killed. I tried to get you back, but they said you'd left the office. I wanted to tell you about Vic Sheridan's death. That would have been true. That's why I'm writing you this letter. You'll have to believe I'm packed and I'm leaving town, and I don't ever want to come back. I'm mailing it from the airport. So long, Doric. I hope you have better luck finding the client than I did. Hello?

[Fred McMurray]

Are you all right, Mrs. Salvador?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh. Oh, yes.

[Fred McMurray]

We just found Vic Sheridan. I'm sorry, Ruby. Sometimes my personal opinion of people gets in the way of my badge. We'll be over there in a couple of minutes.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, thank you. Thank. Oh. Oh. Who? Who. Who is it?

[Fred McMurray]

Vince Fisher. Let me in.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh. Oh, Clint. Oh, Clint, I'm so glad you came. Nobody cared.

[Fred McMurray]

Nobody would do anything. Now, Ruby, you'll be all right.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Somebody's after me, Clint. They'll get me. They will. They. Clint. What. What's that gun for? For you, baby. Oh, Clint, don't. Don't. Don't do anything. I'll. I'll scream.

[Fred McMurray]

It won't help.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You can't outrun a bullet.

[Fred McMurray]

You've had a free ride on me. I was perfectly willing to give you money when it meant something to avoid trouble. But now you're going to pay it all back.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'll do anything. Anything in the world. Close your. Your eyes because it's going to hurt. They'll get you, Clint. The police will get you.

[Fred McMurray]

I know, but I'll get it quick. You'll get it the hard way.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, Clint, please don't stop. Hold me. Hold me up.

[Fred McMurray]

How does it feel, Ruby? That's what you get for telling Mary Medlock. I killed her husband. Marie was the one thing I wanted.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I killed to get her.

[Fred McMurray]

Made it as sordid as possible. Girl's apartment and all so she'd forget even his memory. And after all the dough I paid. You had to tell her.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I. I didn't tell her. I didn't even know who. All right.

[Fred McMurray]

You stand where you are with your hands in the air.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Come and get.

[Fred McMurray]

Hey, will you look at that? They're lying on the same spot where Madlock was killed. Yeah. The Wages of Sin. Suspense Presented by autolight. Tonight's star, Ms. Barbara Stanwyck. The north wind doth blow and we shall have snow. And then what will old Wilcox do? He'll sit in his car and drive near and far in winter long comfort.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Will you?

[Fred McMurray]

Well, you will if you have your car tuned up and winterized by your neighborhood Auto Light spark plug dealer. And remember, Autolight makes more than 400 products for cars, trucks, planes and boats in 28 plants coast to coast. These include complete electrical systems used as original equipment on many of America's finest cars. Generators, coils, distributors, voltage regulators, wire and cable starting motors and electric windshield wipers. All engineered to work together perfectly as part of the Auto Light team. All engineered to give you unexcelled Auto Light service. 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. Next week on suspense, Mr. Richard Widmark, a star of Too Hot to Live. And in weeks to come, you will hear such famous stars as Herbert Marshall and William Holden appearing in tales well calculated to keep you in suspense. Tonight's suspense play was produced and directed by Elliot Lewis, with music composed by Lucian Morowek and conducted by Lud Gluskin. The Wages of Sin was written for suspense by E. Jack Newman and John Michael Hayes. Ms. Stanwyck may currently be seen in the MGM picture to please a Lady. And remember, next week on suspense, Mr. Richard Widmark. In Too Hot to Live.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You can buy world famous Autolite resistor or standard spark plugs. Auto Light stateful batteries. Autolite electrical parts at your neighborhood Autolite dealers. Switch to Autolyte.

[Fred McMurray]

Good night, motorists. Be prepared to stop in time to save a child's life. When driving through school zones, watch out for youngsters at play. Save a life by expecting the unexpected from children. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Autolite and its 96,000 dealers present suspense.

[Fred McMurray]

Tonight. Autolight Brings you a story of murder in the roaring twenties. The Windy City Six, starring Mr. Fred.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

McMurray and featuring Red Nichols and his five pennies.

[Fred McMurray]

Before our play begins, here is a word about Autolite from our good friend, Harlow Wilcox. Well, hello, Senor Wilcox. Greetings, Pepito, my popular purveyor of potent and peppery plates. How goes? Who knows? I am too filled with excitement, like, oh, like. Like an Autolite Stay Full battery is filled with quick, dependable starting power and long life. Well, why the glee, my merry muchacho? Could it be your Auto Lights Stay Full, the battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. See? See, amigo, because with it, I never worry. And what's more, Pepito, the Autolite Stay Full gives longer life. As proved by tests conducted according to accepted life cycle standards. This is longer than my father siesta. Ah, there's no siesta with the Autolite Stay Full, Pepito. Those fiberglass mats protecting every positive plate prevent shedding and flaking and keep the Stay Full power filled for you.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

For me?

[Fred McMurray]

Sure. You and every motorist who visits his neighborhood Autolite battery dealer for an Autolite Stay Full, the battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. Because you're always right with Autolite. And now, with The Windy City 6 and the performance of Mr. Fred McMurray.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Autolite hopes once again to keep you in suspense.

[Fred McMurray]

It all happened some time ago. By some time, I mean those days when moonlight on the Ganges was a must at the country club dance. When our nerds was considered snappy repartee. When it wasn't entirely unfashionable to be seen in a raccoon coat complete with flask when the harbor and the Yales met in deathless combat. Maybe it'll lose a little something in the translation, but it's worth a try. Anyway, as it happened, we were playing in a little pad on Oriole Street. Crazy Jack Fisher's high hat. It was a speed, but then, what wasn't? At that time, when the breeze was off the river, you could hear the rift notes of the Windy City Six blowing up town. Reading from left to right, there was Corny Peters on horn, Rip Jackson on Aldo, Thurber Jones on the licorice Tinkle Hobson on the Baldwin, Red Moore slapping and me on the skins. I'm Carstairs Hamilton, sometimes known as Rim Shot, but more often as Ham. So we'll keep it that way. Ham? Yeah, Cony, you booted the beat three times in that last set. What is it? Well, every time I slide a glimmer over at that skirt of table 13, my kicker skips a beat. Maybe my sticks caught the fever. Oh, well, those two playboys were. There are Bull Hurley and Red Rock Sparrow. You get ready to whistle again. They want to talk with you. Talk with me? That's what they said. Go on now. Keep the customers happy. Okay, Corny. Somebody said you wanted to see me. I guess maybe it was a mistake, so I'll just. It wasn't no mistake. Sit down. Yes, sir. See this girl? Well, to tell you the truth, I don't think I ever noticed her. How do you do?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Hello.

[Fred McMurray]

You've been staring at her all night. And last night and the night before. Oh, I might have been looking this way, but I'm near sighted. You ought to be in George White's Scandals. Now let me give it to you straight, bad ears. We're taking care of this girl for a very particular friend. So lay off her, huh? Cuz if you don't, your poor old mother's going to have some place to take flowers on Sunday afternoon. Your grave. Back at my drums, I tried not to look at the girl, but I could still see her in my mind. Soft dark hair, none of that shingled Bob stuff. A real Marcel finger wave. A warm young face, lots more that curved down into a fur coat that must have set somebody back a whole truckload of upstate scotch. Once in a while I sneaked a quick peek and every time she was looking at me, suddenly I got scared and I lost up a couple of beats. Pony got some, Maddie blew up, but it didn't make much difference then our engagement was over. Veterans all, we, the Windy City Six, broke ranks, went into plan B. There we are, everybody. We're all under arrest. I headed for the kitchen. That was always the best way out in the hallway, a small blonde guy was lifting a couple of shaking hands to his face and his eyes grew as large as two hard boiled legs. Just before he got. Got it. When I got out the kitchen door, I could still see that big black haired, vicious looking guy peering out into the night, trying to see who it was that passed him in the hall while he was busy killing. I hoped he hadn't seen my face. I ran for a while and then I slowed down to a walk. The first few snowflakes of winter were starting to fall and the world was pulling on that Wonderland slipover. I turned my chesterfield collar up around my neck and noticed I was still holding a pair of drumsticks I thought it over for a minute. Then I threw him into the darkness beyond the street light. I made up my mind that from now on I was going to stay out of joints like the High Hat. When I finally got back to my rooming house, there was a surprise. In a fur coat waiting for me sitting on the front stoop. I tried to ignore her.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You blind or something? I suppose you get dozens of girls sitting on your step. And I waiting for you.

[Fred McMurray]

Hey. Oh, Were you looking for me?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What do you think I've been sitting out here in the cold for selling subscriptions to the Police Gazette?

[Fred McMurray]

Sit down, won't you? Come inside.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

It's safer out here. I haven't forgotten the way you were looking at me at the High Hat, huh?

[Fred McMurray]

Say, Tommy, how'd you get out of that raid so quick?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

How do you think? I was with Red Rock Sparrow. They don't touch him.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, yeah, of course. Mind telling me your name?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Carly. Two E's.

[Fred McMurray]

Two E's, huh? That's pretty. Tell me, Cora, what do you want with me? How'd you find my place?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Crazy Jack gave us the address. Fell and Hurley sent me to get you.

[Fred McMurray]

Forget me. Look, I don't know anything. I didn't see anything. I told you, I was nearsighted. 20, 40.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

They got a place up in the mountains. They decided to throw a holiday party. They want a band. Isham Jones was busy, so all you guys are being picked up.

[Fred McMurray]

I lost my drums.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't worry. They'll get drums. Let's go.

[Fred McMurray]

Are you going with me?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Somebody has to show you the road.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Alone.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Look, we can talk all about it on the way. And don't get any ideas because I might send for reinforcements. And these reinforcements will make a marine landing look like Isadore Duncan's finale. You got anything brave to say?

[Fred McMurray]

I'll bet you I'm ready before you can count to 100 by twos. I put the chains on my old Marmon, buttoned up the isinglass curtains, cracked a bottle of antifreeze and we started off. The snow was swirling down faster than ever and was better than 3 inches deep. I time we were 40 miles out of town. Cora was under a blanket, cuddled up next to me like she meant it, her head on my shoulder. But it wasn't as romantic as it sounds because under the blanket, Cora was shaking. It was the kind of shaking you don't get from being cold, but from being scared. I should have known then that something was terribly wrong. But I had to learn the hard Way, Cora, huh? Why do you hang around with bozos like Red Rocks Fell and Bull Hurley for?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

For the same reason you play in places like the High Hat. The best offer I got. Also the worst.

[Fred McMurray]

Look, suppose I just kept going now? Somewhere out west. Chicago maybe. Would you go with me?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

They'd never let us get away with it.

[Fred McMurray]

What do we lose trying? You don't belong with those guys. You belong where the air is clean and you only take a drink you want and love when you please don't. What's the matter? Did I say something wrong?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Look, why don't you hit me on the head and throw me out and just keep going?

[Fred McMurray]

Throw you out? Of course I wouldn't throw you out to save my life.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, Hem, don't say that.

[Fred McMurray]

About an hour later, we passed through the town of Norrisburg and arrived at a big private estate called Haywill Manning. Big party was going strong. The rest of the Windy City. Six boys had preceded me, all under escort. The man who answered the door was the one person I never wanted to see again. When I'd seen him last, he was killing a man at the High Hat. Well, Cora, I see you got him. You got a pretty smart way of leaving a raid in a hurry, sonny. Kitchen door. I hope nothing happens to your luck. Kitchen door. I. I didn't go out the kitchen door. I. I always leave by the basement window. I hope for your sake you're right, Mike.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

He's a genuine nice guy.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, nice guy, I think you'll like this party. Lots of drinks, lots of girls and lots of happy music, huh? Oh, sure, sure. I'll do my best. Did you get my drums? Don't worry about drums.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

We don't have them.

[Fred McMurray]

We'll give you a couple of skulls to be. Now go on, pour yourselves a drink and get warm. Cora, who is he?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Big Mike Donovan. This is his place. He's to the rackets what Dempsey is to boxing.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, well, I'm going to tell you something about him. I hear the human life means nothing to him, that he'd kill.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

So you heard it. Don't go broadcasting it all over the place. You want to stay alive, don't you?

[Fred McMurray]

That's always been one of my chief aims in life.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Then keep what you know under your hatch, you dumb drummer.

[Fred McMurray]

The party was big and it was bouncy. Cora was sitting in a corner looking scared. Big Mike Donovan, Bull Hurley and Red Rock Ferrell were gathered at the bar drinking an uncommon amount of liquor and looking our way every time they wanted to laugh Herbert Jones began to get nervous and his clarinet developed an off key squeak. The three men put down their drinks and came over. Which one do you think it is? I got 10 bucks as it's a saxophone player. He's got a shifty look. I'll take the bet, cuz I don't think he's the guy. Which one would you pick out? Red Rock. Who else? The drummer? Yeah. He's afraid to look at us. I think you're wrong too.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

I put my money on a clarinet player.

[Fred McMurray]

It's elementary. Every time he looks over at us, he shakes. Every time he shakes, he squeaks in high notes. Are these the signs of a guy who don't know nothing? Maybe you're right, Mike. Look at him shaking.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Hey, you with the clarinet.

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, Mr. Donovan. What's your name? Jones, sir. Thurber Jones. Well, Thorber Jones. Me and Bull and Red Rocks think you're a lousy clarinet player. I'm doing my best, sir. We got an idea. We can show you how to play it better. Come with us. Well, well, well, I. I'll do better, sir, if you. If you'll just. I said come with us. Hey, wait a minute. They walk outside. And that was the last time I ever saw Thurber Jones alive. The rest of us were as jumpy as cats and we played for two hours without a break. Everybody was getting stoned, but I didn't dare take a drink. Then Big Mike called an intermission while they served the buffet dinner. But everybody was so drunk that nobody ate much. Big Mike began to be loud and noisy and he started waving a gun around, boasting what a great shot he was. He kicked open a couple of French windows and out in the lawn, of all things, stood a giant snowman. Just watch. Just watch. I'll blast every lousy button off his lousy chest. He did it, all right. Four pieces of coal shattered and vanished into the snow. Everybody cheered and then turned back to the food and drinks. Everybody, that is, but me. I couldn't take my eyes off the snowman because running down its crystal white front was red blood. Autolite is bringing you Mr. Fred McMurray with Red Nickels and his five pennies in the Windy City 6. Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, suspense. Hey, Senor Wilcox, how about a tortilla? Why, sure, Pepito. I'll always talk to you about that great autolite Stateful battery. How about a tamale? Why wait till tamale today and every day you'll get quick dependable Starts with the Auto Light Stay full battery. The battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. Well, enchilada. Maybe your enchilada. Your Uncle Manuel and Grandpa. Everybody loves the Autolite Stay Full. The battery that gives longer life. As proved by tests conducted according to accepted life cycle standards. Blast up tequila, senor. Fiberglass Pepito. Because fiberglass retaining mats protect every positive plate of the Autolite Stay Full battery to reduce shedding and flaking. And keep the Stay full power packed for perfect propulsions. But what is this in English? It means visit your neighborhood Autolite battery dealer for an Autolite Stay Full. The battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. And remember, you're always right with Auto Light.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage.

[Fred McMurray]

Mr. Fred McMurray in Elliot Lewis's production of the Windy City 6. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. During the years of the Big Thirst, homicide was an art. Sometimes it was Tommy guns against a wall. Sometimes it was a concrete overshoe in the bottom of the East River. Or maybe an ice pick in the heart. But out on the snow swept lawn of Big Mike Donovan's mansion that cold December night, I was looking at the chilliest bit of murder any crazy hooligan ever thought up. A bleeding snowman. Only now it wasn't a snowman.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Ham, you better get back inside. You'll freeze out here.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, yeah. It's Thurber, Cora. Thurber Jones.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, the poor little guy.

[Fred McMurray]

He played the sweetest clarinet east of St. Louis. He was always loaning money to guys he loved. Everybody never hurt a soul.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Who did it, Ham?

[Fred McMurray]

Who did it? Who else but your playmate, Donovan?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

But why, Ham? Why?

[Fred McMurray]

You tell me why. You helped bring all of us up here, didn't you?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, but not for this. Believe me, Ham, not for this.

[Fred McMurray]

I suppose you don't know that Mike Donovan killed a man in a high hat tonight.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, I heard him bragging about it a while ago. Where somebody hijacked a truckload of Mike's liquor.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, somebody saw him. I guess he figured it was one.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Of us who saw him.

[Fred McMurray]

I guess he thought it was Thurber.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You mean it wasn't?

[Fred McMurray]

I don't mean anything. I'm getting cold. Why don't you go back inside and join your killers, Ham? Go on. You work this side of the street for all the laughs you're gonna get.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, Ham, I'm not the same as they are. I don't blame you for Thinking what you do. But I wish you wouldn't.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, all right. Let's just say the jury's still out on you. Look.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Look how proof to you I'm not like them. Here. You'll need a fast car.

[Fred McMurray]

What are these for?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

They're the keys to Mike's car. It's in the garage. Take it down to Norrisburg and come back with all the cops you can find.

[Fred McMurray]

Hey, Bernie.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

That's my. That's Mike.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Where are you?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, hurry, please. Go. I want them to get what's coming to them. I want them to get good.

[Fred McMurray]

But what about you? Hey, Cara. Who are you talking to out there? Come on back to the party, baby.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Go on. Come on, before all of you wind up like Thurber.

[Fred McMurray]

After she'd gone inside with Mike, I made a beeline for the garages and back. Just as I got the keys in the ignition, somebody. In case you don't know it, flea brain, this is Mike Donovan's car. Oh, Well, I guess I must have made a mistake. Hey, take that gun off my head, would you? Mike hires me to do nothing but sit in the back seat of his car. Now I might get a raise. Well, I always like to see somebody get ahead the gun. I might get a raise because Mike wouldn't like you to leave his party without first you telling him what a nice time you had. Oh, you. You got me wrong. I was gonna write him a bread and butter letter first thing in the morning. Honest about the gun. Shut up before I shove it through your stinking skull. I start walking. The next thing I remember was being kicked through the door of the big house. The party kept right on whirling. Nobody paid much attention. Nobody except the boys in the band. And they were beginning to get the idea. Slowly, they stopped playing. And then people began to turn around and look. Reminded me of a ring of faces about to watch a hanging. What's this all about, Chick? The creep here tried to lift your car. Even had the keys. Where'd you get him? I. I sort of found him. Hey, you can't do that to one of my. Shut up, you. I said. Where did you get him? I told you, I found him. Where did you get him? I didn't care whether I lived or died right then. And when somebody kicked me twice in the kidneys, the choice was made for me. I was sure I died because everything went black. When I came to, I was still lying in the same place. And the body was still going on. Nobody even looked at me as I staggered to my Feet and wiped the blood and the booze and the glass off the best I could. I stood there holding onto the bar, wondering what to do. Wondering what it was all about. Can you still walk, stupid? Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. And Charleston, back your drums and stop playing, okay? You know something, Blockhead? I didn't want him to stop. I think Big Mike's got something special in mind for you. Later. None of the boys in the band even looked at me. When I got back to my drums and picked up the beat. Corny and Rip and Tinkle acted as if I were dead already. We played all through our sheets, twice without a break. None of us dared stop. We knew, somehow we were playing for our lives. Eight suspicions. Eight is fine. Come on, Ivory.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Make that eight.

[Fred McMurray]

Five sizzy cups on this one. I'll take it long. About dawn, the party turned into a noisy crap game and nobody paid much attention to our background music. Cora was with them, sort of moving in and around. I saw her whisper something in Bull Hurley's ear. And then later, she did the same thing to Red Rocks. Then she sort of sauntered over by the band, not looking at us. But we all heard what she said.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Boys, keep your eye on Mike Donovan. When he goes over to Red Rocks, get ready to move. It'll be your only chance to get out of here alive. Make it good.

[Fred McMurray]

We all looked at each other and kept right on playing, waiting to see what she was talking about. Pretty soon, it began to make sense. You dirty hill. Making a pass it. My girl. I made a pass at your girl, mate. Just Tom. It.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

You.

[Fred McMurray]

You and Red Rocks both made passes at it. And I'm gonna break both of your necks. Now, wait a minute, Mike. That's like you, boys. Everybody up.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't forget your music sheets, boys. This way out. Through this door.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, I got it. Come on, boys. Phew. This air feels good.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yeah.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, It'll feel better 100 miles from here. Where's your car? It's right over there. Park in front. Come on.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Come on.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, I'll be right with you. Go ahead, Cora.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Go on, get out of here. You'll never have another chance.

[Fred McMurray]

I'm not going without you. Come on, Ham.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't just stand there. I'll be all right.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah? For how long? One of those ready boys in there will start shooting his guns again and you might get in the line of fire.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What if I do? I deserve it for being so dumb.

[Fred McMurray]

Ham, we'll all be killed if you don't move.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, Cora, I'd only Get you in trouble.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, I believe you, but I want to take you anyway. Ham, for God's sakes. Look, lady, tell him you'll come with him, please.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, Ham. I wanted anything but a dumb $35 a week drum player.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, I get it. Well, that tears it. I'm washed.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

But I never knew how wonderful a dumb $35 a week drum player could be. I'm coming with with you.

[Fred McMurray]

We all scrambled over to my Marmon and climbed in. Red and Rip in the back seat, Cora in front, me at the helm, and Corny on the crank. Come on, baby. What's the matter with it, ham? Well, it's 10 below zero. Give it another whirl. For God's sakes. Make it go, Ham.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, no. We can't get stuck here.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, just take it easy. It'll catch. Come on, Corny, get in. What'd I tell you? Like a Swiss watch, huh? Let's get out of here. Hang on. We're off.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

It's Mike. They're coming after us.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah. Anybody hits now, but we're have to move faster than this. Don't worry. I've got her souped up to where she'll go 50. Hold on. By the time we got out onto the slick, icy road, a whole car full of hooligans were coming right after us with guns blazing. The gaining on his half. I didn't know anything about guns, but one thing I knew was how to handle my marmor. It didn't weigh much and I figured to pull into the next curve, climb the colon, skid into the snow bag and bounce off onto the straightaway. If that heavy rose tried to make it at the same speed and hit the snow mag, I would sure to go right on through.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Come look out the curve.

[Fred McMurray]

Well on, kids, this is it. Several choruses later, I fluttered an eyelid open and ventured a peek. Somewhere I'd miscalculated because we were now stacked against a giant tree right on the edge of the road looking down into the valley. Down there, 100ft below us was a pile of something that had once been a rich, expensive automobile full of rich, cheap thugs. And around it, no one stirred.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, darling, are you all right?

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah. Yeah, I guess so, Cora. How about you?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'm all right.

[Fred McMurray]

How about the rest of you? I'm okay. Shaken up, that's all. I busted my lip. Look, I'll never put my base back together again. At least we're all alive. Except poor Thurber. Well, what do you say we get out and take A walk into town. This is a job for the John Laws. Well, that's the coda. It was the last engagement of the Windy City 6. We went out with a full arrangement and a big finish. It was in all the papers. Maybe you saw the spread. The boys on the front page. Mike Donovan and company in Vital statistics, and Cora and me in the social columns. Yeah, we did it. Complete with old shoes and new rice. Oh, if you ever happen to get up Norrisburg Way on a curve that turns on a steep hillside with an old scarred tree looking down into the valley, take five and listen. Maybe you can still hear an old clarinet squeaking on the high notes. Or if the light's right, maybe you could even catch the pale ghost of a big gunman with homicide in his eyes looking around. Looking around for a drummer who saw him kill Sam. Suspense Presented by autolite. Tonight's star, Mr. Fred McMurray. Ah, Pepito, that was a great meal. And what's the matter, Senor Wilcox? I'm too full to talk. And if you could talk, senor, then I'd tell all about the more than 400 products made by Autolight for cars, trucks, planes and boats in 28 plants coast to coast. These include complete electrical systems used as original factory equipment on many leading makes of America's finest cars. Electric windshield wipers, starting motors, voltage regulators, coils, distributors, wire and cable, generators, all engineered to fit together perfectly, work together perfectly because they're a perfect team. So, friends, don't accept electrical parts supposed to be as good, ask for and insist on Auto Light original factory parts at your neighborhood service station, car dealer, garage or repair shop. Remember, you're always right with Autolight. Next week we celebrate the return of the first lady of suspense, Miss Agnes Moorhead, in a play we call the Death Parade. And then, on February 22, in answer to your many requests, Backseat Driver repeated for you, with its original stars, FIBA McGee and Molly, all on suspense. Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis, with music composed by Lucian Morowek and conducted by Lud Gluskin. Portions of this program were transcribed. Tonight's cast included Mary Jane croft and Edmund McDonald. The Windy City Six was written for suspense by E. Jack Newman and John Michael Hayes. Frederick Murray May current seen in the RKO picture Never a dull Moment. And remember, next week on suspense, Ms. Agnes Moorhead as a woman who finds.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

A letter warning of death and has only three hours to deliver it, a tale we call the Death Parade.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You can buy Autolite staple batteries, Autolyte standard type or resistor Type spark plugs. Autolyte electrical power at your neighborhood autolite dealers. Switch to Autolyte. Good night.

[Fred McMurray]

Nearly half of the people who died in America last year. Were victims of heart disease, our number one killer. This week, the American Heart association appeals for your support to combat and conquer this scourge. Send your contributions to Heart Care of your local post office. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Lux presents Hollywood. Lever brothers company. The makers of lux toilet soap. Bring you the lux radio theater star. Starring barbara stanwyck and fred mcmurray in double indemnity. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William peel. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. I began a serial in a weekly magazine called Double Indemnity. And believe me, thereafter I. I eagerly awaited each new installment. It was one of the most thrilling of James M. Cain's novels. And when Paramount Pictures brought it to the screen, I found the film even more exciting. My renewed enthusiasm was due to our stars, Barbara Stanwyck and Fred McMurray. Who created two of the most electrifying characterizations of their careers. Double Indemnity is a drama of intense emotion. Between two people whose infatuation leads them to murder and revenge. And as a study in suspense, I'm sure you'll find it entirely satisfying. Just as the ladies of our listening audience find our product, Luxe Toilet Soap, entirely satisfying. For beauty care, especially these fall days. For throughout all the changes of weather, Lux soap remains a favorite. Complexion care. Here's Double Indemnity, starring Barbara Stanwyck as phyllis. And Fred McMurray as Walter. Downtown Los Angeles. The night watchman of an insurance company. Has just opened the door for one of the employees. Working pretty late, aren't you, Mr. Neff? Yeah. This guy. Wait till morning. Nothing wrong, is there, Mr. Neff?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

You.

[Fred McMurray]

You look kind of funny. No, no, I'm fine. Thanks for letting me in. That's okay, Mr. Neff. Walter Neff walks unsteadily to his office. He wets a towel at the water cooler, presses it inside his coat to staunch a bullet wound and slumps at his desk. His hand reaches to a Dictaphone transcribing machine and turns on the switch. Memorandum to Barton Keys, Claims Manager, Pacific Oil Risk Insurance Company. Dear Keys, I suppose you call this a confession? I just want to set you right about. About. About the Diedrichson case. You said it wasn't an accident. Check. You said it wasn't suicide. Check. You said it was murder. Check. But you made one mistake. Just one little mistake. You want to know who killed Dietrichson? Hold tight to that cheap cigar of your keys. I killed Dietrichson. Yes, I killed him. I killed him for money and a woman. And I didn't get the money. And I. I didn't get the woman. Pretty, isn't it? Let me light a cigarette. It all began last May. Around the end of May, it was. I had a call to make a renewal on an automobile policy.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Who's at the door? Nettie. What is it? It's an insurance man. He wants Mr. Dietrichson.

[Fred McMurray]

How do you do? I'm Walter Neff, The Pacific All Risk Insurance Company.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, well. How do you do, Mr. Neff? I'm Mrs. Dietrichson.

[Fred McMurray]

Ah, how do you do, Mrs. Dietrichson.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

That's all, Nelly. Yes, ma'.

[Fred McMurray]

Am, It's. It's about the renewal of automobiles. I can't seem to contact your husband at his office.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, suppose we sit down and you tell me about it. My husband never tells me anything. I guess he's been too busy down at the Long beach oil field.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, maybe I could catch him at home some evening. Wouldn't take him to clear up. We've got a new kind of 50% retention feature in the clothes. Collision coverage.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You're a pretty smart insurance man, aren't you?

[Fred McMurray]

I think so.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Doing pretty well.

[Fred McMurray]

That's a living.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You handle just automobile insurance or all kinds?

[Fred McMurray]

Just name it and I'll write it, Mrs. Dietrichson.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Accident insurance.

[Fred McMurray]

Accident insurance. I should say so. That's a honey of an anklet you're wearing, Mrs. Dietrichson.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'm glad you like.

[Fred McMurray]

There's something engraved on it, huh?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Just my name. Phyllis.

[Fred McMurray]

Phyllis, huh? I think I like that.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

But you're not sure?

[Fred McMurray]

I'd have to drive it around the block a couple of times.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

We're getting away from insurance, aren't we, Mr. Neff? Now, why don't you drop around tomorrow night about 8:30? He'll be home then.

[Fred McMurray]

Who?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

My husband. You were anxious to talk to him, weren't you?

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, I was, but I'm sort of getting over the idea, if you know what I mean.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

There's a speed limit in this state, Mr. Neff. 45 miles an hour.

[Fred McMurray]

How fast was I going?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'd say around 90 now.

[Fred McMurray]

Tomorrow night at 8:30 then, huh? Will you be here too?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I usually am.

[Fred McMurray]

Same chair, same perfume. Same anklet.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I wonder if I know what you mean.

[Fred McMurray]

I wonder if you Wonder. Good afternoon, Mrs. Deaconson. I can still remember the smell of honeysuckle all along the street. How could I have known that murder can sometimes smell like honeysuckle? Maybe you Would have known. Keys. The minute she mentioned accident insurance, well, I went back to the office. They said you'd been yelling for me all afternoon. Oh, come on in, Walter. Come on in. Don't you like to know about that Phillips case? Phillips? Yeah. You wrote a policy on his truck. His truck burned up. Oh, yeah, yeah. Look at this. Claim waiver, huh? Yeah. Mr. Phillips suddenly decides to withdraw his claim. You knew all along it was a phony, huh?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

My little man knew.

[Fred McMurray]

My little man inside of me here. Every time one of those phonies comes along, he ties not. What kind of amateurs are we? Now, wait a minute, Keith. Sure, I wrote that policy, but I said to have him thoroughly checked first. Who's blaming you, sweetheart? I'm sick and tired of trying to pick up after you fast talking. Why, you worry too much, Keith. You're too suspicious. Well, you wouldn't even say today's Tuesday unless you looked at the calendar. And then you check to see if it was this year's calendar. And then just to make sure, you'd get a copy of the alm. Get out of here before I throw my desk at I love you too. Yeah. Just thought you'd like to know we nailed another phony. Back in my office was a message from Mrs. Dietrichson. My appointment had been canceled. She wanted me to stop by on Thursday afternoon instead. Phyllis? Phyllis Dietrichson. I was there, all right.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, come in, Mr. Neff. I hope you didn't mind changing the appointment. Last night was inconvenient.

[Fred McMurray]

No, no. I was working on my stamp collection. Anyway.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I was just fixing some iced tea. Would you like a glass?

[Fred McMurray]

Unless you got a bottle of beer that's not working.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, there might be some, Nettie. Oh, about those renewals, Mr. Neff. I talked to my husband.

[Fred McMurray]

Good.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

He'll renew all right. As a matter of fact, I thought he'd be here this afternoon.

[Fred McMurray]

No. But he's not. No, it's terrible.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Nettie. Nettie, can't you hear? Oh, I forgot. It's Thursday. It's her day off.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, iced tea will be fine.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Lemon? Sugar?

[Fred McMurray]

Fix it your way. As long as it's the maid's day off, maybe there's something I can do for you. Like running the vacuum cleaner.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Fresh.

[Fred McMurray]

You know, I used to pedal vacuum cleaners. Not much money, but you learn a lot about life.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I didn't think you learned it from a correspondence called course, Mr. Nut.

[Fred McMurray]

Make it Walter, huh?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

All right, Walter, tell me, how much commission do you make on this insurance?

[Fred McMurray]

20%. Why?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, I thought perhaps I could throw a little more business your way. My husband. I worry a lot about him in those oil fields. It can be very dangerous.

[Fred McMurray]

Dangerous for an executive.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, you don't know him. He's right down there with the drilling crews. It's got me worried some.

[Fred McMurray]

You mean some dark night a derrick.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Might fall up there?

[Fred McMurray]

But that's the idea.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Accidents happen all the time. Don't you think he should be insured?

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, sure.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, what kind could he have?

[Fred McMurray]

Well, enough to cover doctor and hospital bills. Say 125 a week cash benefit. And he'd rate about 50,000 capital sum.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Capital sum? What does that mean?

[Fred McMurray]

Well, in case the accident is fatal. Maybe I shouldn't have said that.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, I. I suppose you have to think of everything in your business.

[Fred McMurray]

Why don't I talk to him about it?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You could try, but he's pretty tough going.

[Fred McMurray]

They're all tough at first.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

He has a lot on his mind. He doesn't seem to want to listen to anything except maybe a baseball game on the radio. Sometimes we sit here all evening and never say a word to each other.

[Fred McMurray]

Sounds pretty dull.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Walter, I want to ask you something. Could I get an accident policy without bothering him at all?

[Fred McMurray]

How's that?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, it would make it easier for you, too. You wouldn't even have to talk to him. I could pay for it and he needn't know anything about it.

[Fred McMurray]

Why shouldn't he know?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, because he doesn't want accident insurance. He's superstitious about it.

[Fred McMurray]

A lot of people are. It's funny, isn't it?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

If there were a way to get it like that, all the worry would be over. See what I mean, Walter?

[Fred McMurray]

I think it's lovely. Then if some dark, wet night the derrick did fall on him.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Derek, I don't know what you're talking about.

[Fred McMurray]

Or maybe a car backing over him. Or he could fall out of the upstairs.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Are you crazy?

[Fred McMurray]

Not that crazy, Mr. D. What's the matter? Look, baby, you can't get away with it. You want him to die, don't you?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

That's a horrible thing to say.

[Fred McMurray]

What do you take me for? A guy that walks into a good looking dame's front parlor and says, good afternoon, I sell accident insurance on husbands. Have you got one that's been around too long? Just give me a smile and I'll help you collect.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I think you're rotten.

[Fred McMurray]

I think you're swell. As long as I'm not your husband.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Get out of here.

[Fred McMurray]

You bet I'll get out of here. I'LL get out of here but quick, Baby. I'd let her have it. Key straight between the eyes. I got hold of a red hot poker and the time to drop it was now, before it burned my hands. But all the time I knew that I hadn't walked out on anything. That this wasn't the end. I knew that sooner or later my doorbell would ring and I'd know who it was without even having to think.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Hello. You forgot your hat this afternoon.

[Fred McMurray]

Did I? How'd you know where I lived?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

The telephone book. It's raining.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah. Sit down. Your husband go out tonight?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

The oil fields. He phoned he'd be late. Oh, Walter, I must have said something that gave you a terribly wrong impression. You must never think anything like that about me.

[Fred McMurray]

Okay?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No, it's not okay. Not if you don't believe me.

[Fred McMurray]

What do you want me to do?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I want you to be nice to me. Like you were at first.

[Fred McMurray]

Something's happened.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I know it has. It's happened to us. I feel as if he were watching me. Well, not that he cares, but he keeps me on a leash so tight I can't breathe.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, he's in Long beach, isn't he? Relax.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You have a nice place here. Who takes care of it?

[Fred McMurray]

Cleaning woman comes in now and then.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You cook your own breakfast.

[Fred McMurray]

I squeeze a grapefruit once in a while.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You're alone, huh? Oh, that sounds wonderful. You don't have to sit across the table and smile at him and that daughter of his every morning of your life.

[Fred McMurray]

Daughter?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

That's right. You didn't meet Lola, did you? He thinks a lot more of her than he does of me.

[Fred McMurray]

Ever think about a divorce?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, he'd never give me one.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, why'd you marry him?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I wanted a home. Why not? Is that so wrong? But that's not the only reason. His first wife was sick a long time. I was her nurse. When she died, he was terribly broken up. I. I pitied him so.

[Fred McMurray]

But now you hate him.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes. Yes, he's just awful to me. Every time I buy a dress or a pair of shoes, he yells his head off. He's always been mean to me.

[Fred McMurray]

You lie awake in the dark and listen to him snore and get ideas.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Walter, I don't want to kill him. I never did. Not even when he gets drunk and slaps my face.

[Fred McMurray]

Only sometimes you wish he were dead.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Perhaps I do.

[Fred McMurray]

Then you wish it was an accident and you had that policy for $50,000. Is that it?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Perhaps that too. The other night we drove Home from a party. He was drunk again. When we drove into the garage, he sat with head on the steering wheel and the motor still running. And I thought what it would be like if I didn't turn it off. Just closed the door and left him there.

[Fred McMurray]

I'll tell you what it'd be like. We've got a guy in our office named Keys. In three minutes he'd know it wasn't an accident. In 10 minutes you'd be sitting under hot lights. In 30 minutes you'd be signing your name to a confession.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Walter, I didn't do it. I'm not going to do it.

[Fred McMurray]

Not if there's an insurance company in the paper. They know more tricks than a carload of monkeys. And if there's a death mixed on it, you haven't got a prayer. They'll hang you just as sure as 10 dimes will buy a dollar, baby. And I don't want you to hang, baby. So stop thinking about it, will you?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, why did I come here?

[Fred McMurray]

So we just sat there, Keys. And she started crying softly, like the rain on the window. Maybe she'd stop thinking about it. But not me. I couldn't. It was all tied up with something I'd been thinking about for years. You know how it is, Keys. In this business. You can't sleep for trying to figure out all the angles they could pull on you. And then one night you get to thinking how you could crook the house yourself and do it smart. Because you know every trick in the book. And then suddenly the doorbell rings and the whole thing is right there in the room with you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Walter, I. I better leave. Will you phone me? Oh, I hate him. I loathe going back to him. You believe me, don't you?

[Fred McMurray]

Sure. Sure, I believe.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I can't stand it anymore. What if they did hang me?

[Fred McMurray]

They're not going to hang me.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

It's better than going on this way.

[Fred McMurray]

They're not going to hang you because I'm going to help you do it.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Do you know what you're saying?

[Fred McMurray]

Come here. I'm saying we're going to do it and we're going to do it right. And I'm the guy that knows how.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Walter, you're hurting.

[Fred McMurray]

There's not going to be any slip up. Nothing sloppy. Nothing weak. It's got to be perfect.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes.

[Fred McMurray]

Now call me tomorrow, but not from your house. And watch your step every minute. This has got to be perfect. You understand? Straight down the line, baby.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Straight down the line. Good night, Walter.

[Fred McMurray]

That was it. The machinery had started to move. Nothing could stop it now. The first thing to do was fix Dietrichson up with that accident policy. I knew he wouldn't buy, but all I wanted was his signature on an application. That meant I'd have to get him to sign without his knowing what he was signing. And I wanted another witness besides Phyllis to hear hear me giving him a sales talk. A couple of nights later I went to the house. Everything looked fine, except I didn't like the way witness Phyllis had brought in Dietrichson's daughter Lola. Didn't you hear me, Neff? I just told you I don't want any accident. Now, look, Mr. Dietrichson. The only way you can protect yourself. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Next thing you'll tell me is I need earthquake insurance or lightning.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

That's right, honey. Why, if we bought all the insurance they tell us we need, we'd be broke all the time.

[Fred McMurray]

Look, what keeps us broke is you're.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Going out and buying five hats at a crack.

[Fred McMurray]

But, Mr. Dietrich, and $ for dollar, accident insurance is the cheapest coverage you can buy. All I want's a renewal on that automobile insurance. Well, just as you say, Phyllis.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Do you mind if I go out? Got something better to do, Lola? Yes, I have, Father. Is it all right if I run along? I'm going skating with Anne.

[Fred McMurray]

Anne, huh?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Or is it really that Nino Zucchetti again?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, Father, please.

[Fred McMurray]

Better not be if I ever catch her with that Zucchetti guy.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

It's Anne Matthews, Father. We're going ice skating. And if you don't mind, I'd rather not keep her waiting.

[Fred McMurray]

Okay. Go on.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Good night, Father. Good night, Phyllis.

[Fred McMurray]

Good night, Miss Erickson. Glad I've met you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Thank you.

[Fred McMurray]

A great little fighter for a wit. Well, now, if you'll just Sign these papers, Mr. Dietrichen. You'll be covered till the new policies are issued. Just so I'm protected when I drive up north.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

He was a Stanford man, Mr. Neff. He still goes to his class reunion at Palo Alto.

[Fred McMurray]

What's wrong with that? Can't I have a little fun even once a year? What do I sign? The bottom line? Let's. Both copies, please. How much you're taking that for? Well, I'll. I'll figure it up later. I can pick up your check at the office.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I think that's enough insurance for one evening.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah. Going upstairs, fellas? Bring me a drink when you come. Good night, Mr. Dickson, and thank you.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

All right, Walter?

[Fred McMurray]

It's fine.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

He signed, didn't he?

[Fred McMurray]

Sure. He signed for the trip to Palo Alto? When?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

The end of the month.

[Fred McMurray]

He drives.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

He always drives.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, not this time. You're going to make him take the train.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Why?

[Fred McMurray]

Because it's all worked out for a train. Now listen, baby. There's a clause in every accident policy. A little thing called Double Indemnity. That means they'll pay double on certain accidents. The kind that almost never happen. Like for instance, if a guy is killed on a train, they'll pay 100,000 instead of 50,000.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I see.

[Fred McMurray]

We're hitting it for the limit, baby. That's why it's got to be the train.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

It'll be a train, Walter. Just the way you want it. Straight down the line.

[Fred McMurray]

In a few moments, we'll bring you the second act of Double Indemnity. Now, our producer, Mr. William Keeley. Act two of Double Indemnity. Starring Barbara Stanwick as phyllis and Fred McMurray as Wal. Earlier tonight, Walter Neff, insurance salesman, was shot and wounded. He was able to reach his office. There at his desk, he continues to talk into the office recorder. A message for a man named Keys. Well, Keys. The first step was over Phyllis. And I had detergent signature on that application for accident insurance. I went out to my car. Waiting for me was Dietrichson's daughter, Lola.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I thought you might give me a lift, Mr. Neff.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh. Oh, sure. You like ice skating, huh?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I can take it or leave it.

[Fred McMurray]

Only tonight you're leaving it?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes. Yes, I am. Could take me as far as Franklin and Vermont?

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, I'd be glad to. Who's waiting on the corner there?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

His name is Nino Zacchetti.

[Fred McMurray]

That the fellow your father doesn't want you to meet?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Nino's not what my father thinks at all. If Nino just weren't so darn hot headed. If he'd only. I don't know why I'm telling you all this. Please, you won't say anything?

[Fred McMurray]

I haven't heard a word. Mrs. Dedhamson, Ms. Deaconson.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Thanks, Mr. Neff. You're nice.

[Fred McMurray]

I saw her run up to her boyfriend. I found myself hoping he was right for her. She'd be needing somebody now because. Because her father was a dead pigeon. Only a question of time, and not much time at that. Phyllis and I had to pick a place where we could meet. A safe place. We decided on that supermarket on Los Feliz Boulevard. She used to be there every morning around the 11 o' clock, shopping. I could run into her there, sort of accidentally on purpose.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I've wanted to talk to you ever since yesterday.

[Fred McMurray]

Not so loud. Move over to the shelves. Well, it's all set. The policy came through.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Give it to me. Nobody's watching us.

[Fred McMurray]

Can you get it in your safety policy?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes. We both have keys.

[Fred McMurray]

Turn your head. Take something off of the shelf. Put it in the cart.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You're nervous, Walter. I'm very calm.

[Fred McMurray]

Remember? You never saw that policy. You never even touched it.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, I'm not a fool, Walter.

[Fred McMurray]

Now, when is he leaving? You talk him into taking the train.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You mean I can say something now? I've been trying to tell you. The trip to Palo Alto is off. He isn't going.

[Fred McMurray]

What happened?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

He had an accident at the oil field. His leg is broken. It's in a cast.

[Fred McMurray]

He broke his leg.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What do we do now, Walter?

[Fred McMurray]

Nothing, Nothing. We just wait. Walk around, will you?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

We're supposed to be shot, but we can't wait. I can't go on like this. What do you suppose would happen if he found out about the policy?

[Fred McMurray]

Nothing as bad as sitting in that death house.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't never talk like that.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, don't let's start losing our.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Our heads, that's all. Our heads. It's our nerve we're losing. Oh, it's so awful without you, Walter. It's like a wall between us.

[Fred McMurray]

I'm thinking of you every minute, baby.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't ever stop, Walter. Don't ever.

[Fred McMurray]

I let a full week go by, Keys. And I didn't even try to see Phyllis again. I kept telling myself that maybe those Fates they say watch over you had broken his leg to give me a way out. And then it was the 15th of June. You may remember the date, Keys. You were in my office. I'll get it, Walter. Probably Norton. Looking for me. No. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, just a minute. It's for you, dame. Oh, hello.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Is this Mr. Ness?

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, Walter.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I had to call you. It's urgent.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, I'm busy, Margie. I'll have to call you back.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I can't. I've only got a minute, Walter. He's going away tonight. On the train? He's on crutches. The doctor says he can go if he's careful.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, it's wonderful water.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Just the way you wanted it on a train. Only with crutches. It makes it much better, doesn't it?

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah. Yeah. Keys. Suppose I join you in your office, huh? Oh, that's okay. I'll wait. Only tell the dame not to take all day. Go ahead, Margie. Make it snappy.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

It's a 1015 from Glendale. I'm driving him there. It's still the Same dark street, isn't it? And the signal is three honks on the horn. Anything else?

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, what color did you pick?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Blue. Navy blue. And the cast is on his left leg.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, that suits me fine.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

This is it, Walter. I'm shaking like a leaf. But it's straight down the line for both of us. I love you, Walter.

[Fred McMurray]

I'll take care of everything. Goodbye, Margie. The dame's chasing you again. Or is it none of my business? Well, if I told you she was a customer. Margie, huh? Customer. I bet she drinks from the bottle. I better see what Norton wants. There you were, keys. Right there when Phyllis called me. And those fates I was talking about had only been stalling. Now they'd thrown the switch, and the time for thinking had all. I wanted. My movements accounted for up to the last possible second. Foolproof alibis. I drove my car into the garage in the basement of my apartment. Wash job, Mr. Neff? Sure. Only have a couple of other cars ahead of you. Well, that's okay, Charlie. I'm not going out. I won't be needing it till morning. Okay, Mr. Neff. That'll give me time to do a good job on it. Then I called Mr. Norton, asked him to give me. Ask him some phony questions about liability rates. He lives in Westwood. Keys. A toll call. That meant there'd be a record of it. I changed into a blue suit, the same color Dietrichson would be wearing. And waited for Norton to call me back with the figures. Then I stuffed a hand towel and a roll of adhesive in my pocket. So I could fake something that looked like a cast on a broken leg. Next, I stuck a card inside the telephone box. If somebody called me, the card would fall down when the bell rang. That way I'd know if anyone tried to get me while I was away. I did the same thing with the doorbell. I left my apartment by the service stairs and I walked all the way to the Dietrichson house. It was easy getting into the garage. I got in the back of the car and lay there on the floor and waited. Finally they came out. The car started. For a long time, they didn't say a word.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You're pretty quiet. Leg bothering you?

[Fred McMurray]

No more than usual.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Remember what the doctor said. If you get careless, you might wind up with a shorter leg.

[Fred McMurray]

So what?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Makes you feel pretty good to get away from me, doesn't it?

[Fred McMurray]

For three days.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Hey, how come you're taking this street?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What's wrong with it?

[Fred McMurray]

You shouldn't have turned. This is the wrong street. What you Turn here For why are you blowing that horn? Answer me. I said, why are you? Dietrichson was dead. That part was over. She kept driving around till I told her to head for the station.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Everything all right, Walter? Did you cover him with a robe?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yeah.

[Fred McMurray]

We can get out.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yeah. The crushers. I'll take care of the red cap and the conductor. I'll tell them to let you alone. That you don't like to be held. Ready.

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't worry, Walter. I'll go as soon as the train leaves. Straight down the highway as far as that refinery. Then I turn left onto the dirt road to the railroad track.

[Fred McMurray]

You'll have plenty of time, but watch your driving. You don't want any cops stopping you with him in the back.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, Walter, we've been through this so many times.

[Fred McMurray]

I'll drop off the train as close to the spot as I can.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

There's a red cap coming. Car nine, section 11. Just. My husband is going. Oh, no. No, thank you. He doesn't like to be helped.

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Am. This way.

[Fred McMurray]

The train was a few minutes out of Glendale. I hobbled back to the observation platform. I didn't have much time. Only I found that I wasn't alone.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Can I help you, mister?

[Fred McMurray]

Oh.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh.

[Fred McMurray]

Broken leg, huh? Yeah. I just thought I'd like to see what it's like out here. No. No, thanks. I can manage fine. Going fine. Palo Alto. I'm going all the way to Medford, Oregon. My name's Jackson. How do you do? You looking for something, Mr. Diedrichson? It's just my cigar case. I. I guess I left it in my coat back in the car. Maybe I can find a port. Oh, you just. There is are, Mr. Didon. Oh, thanks. I'll be glad to get them for you. What car was car nine, section 11. Dark gray top coat. Be right back, Mr. Didson. I had stayed in the shadows. Jackson never did get a good look at my face. But there was no time to think about him. I climbed over the railing and dropped off.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Walter.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You're all right? You're not hurt?

[Fred McMurray]

No, no, not a scratch.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Can you see the cards down there?

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah, I can see it.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Can you manage him alone?

[Fred McMurray]

Yes.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What do you want me to do?

[Fred McMurray]

Nothing.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'll walk down the road a little, just in case. I'll wait for you.

[Fred McMurray]

I carry the body to the tracks. As we drove back, we went over once more. What she was to do at the inquest. And about the insurance when that came up.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes, Walter. Yes, I know just what to do. Did you think I'd go all to pieces now that it's over? I said I'd help you, Walter. Maybe now you'll believe.

[Fred McMurray]

Not a nerve, Keys. Not even a tear. Not even a blink of the eyes. She dropped me off a block away from my apartment house.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

We better not see each other for a while, darling. Oh, it's going to be awful.

[Fred McMurray]

We can meet in the market, say, on Thursday?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Walter.

[Fred McMurray]

Well?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You're going to leave me just like that. Aren't you going to kiss me? It's straight down the line, isn't it? I love you, Walter.

[Fred McMurray]

That's all there was to it, Keys. Perfect. Every detail. And yet, as I walked down the street, suddenly it came over me that everything would go wrong. It sounds crazy, Keys, but it was true, so help me. I couldn't hear my own footsteps. It was the walk of a dead man. The next day it was worse when the story broke in the newspapers. And the day after that, when I knew you'd start digging into it. Then Norton, the supervisor, said he wanted to see me. Sit down, Walter. Not that Dietrichson case. Yes, Mr. Norton. Anything wrong? We had him insured, Walter. It's going to cost us a lot of money. That's always wrong. What about the inquest? His wife and daughter made the identification. Verdict? Accidental death. What did the police figure? He got tangled up in his crutches.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

And fell off the train.

[Fred McMurray]

They're satisfied. It's not their money. Can I come in? Well, did you find him, Keys? That Jackson fellow. I just talked to him in Medford Hollow. Well, then who's Jackson? The last man who saw Diedrichson alive. There's not much you can tell us, either. Well, that's fine, isn't it? And a great piece of salesmanship when we sold Dietrichson that policy. There's no use pushing Walter around. Is he supposed to know when a guy's gonna fall off a train?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Fall off?

[Fred McMurray]

Are you sure Dietrichson fell off? Yes. Yes, I am. Not even one of those interesting little hunches of yours? I'm surprised, Keyes, because I formed a very definite opinion. I know that it wasn't an accident. Not an accident? Well, you seem surprised, Walter. But what about you? Me? You've got the ball, Mr. Norton. Let's see you run with it. All right. Watch.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes, Mr. Norton?

[Fred McMurray]

You can send her in now. There's a widespread feeling that just because a man has a big office, he's an idiot. I'm having a visitor. I want you both to stay and watch me handle this.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Mr. Norton, this is Mrs. Dietrich.

[Fred McMurray]

This was it. How do you do, Mrs. Dietrich? This was a finish. Won't you be seated, please? My hand shook, so I had to put them in my Pockets. This is Mr. Keys. Who would give it away first, Phyllis.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

How do you do?

[Fred McMurray]

A lie. And he knew, Mr. Nick.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

How do you do?

[Fred McMurray]

Norton said he knew. You know why we asked you to come here, Mrs. Dietrichson?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

All I know is that your secretary made it sound very urgent. Something about accident.

[Fred McMurray]

Yes. Mrs. Dietrickson, your husband was insured. You'll probably find the policy among his personal papers.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

His safe deposit box hasn't been opened yet.

[Fred McMurray]

Meanwhile, I'm afraid we're not at all satisfied with the report of the inquest.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I don't know what you mean.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Frankly, we suspect suicide.

[Fred McMurray]

Now, you said at the inquest that your husband had no worries of any kind. Yes.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes, I said that.

[Fred McMurray]

Yet only a short time ago, he.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Takes out an accident policy and tells.

[Fred McMurray]

You nothing about it. Why? Because he doesn't want his family to suspect what he intends to do.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Do what, Mr. Norton?

[Fred McMurray]

Commit suicide. In which case, Mrs. Dietrichson, this company is not liable. Now, we could go to court, you know.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No, I don't know anything. I don't even know why I came here.

[Fred McMurray]

I didn't say we want to go to court. What I suggest is a settlement of some.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Don't bother, Mr. Norton. When I came in here, I had no idea your company owed me money. You told me you did. And then you told me you did. Now you tell me you want to pay a part of it, whatever it is. You want to bargain with me at a time like this. I don't like your insinuations about my husband, and I don't like your methods. In fact, I don't like you, Mr. Norton. Goodbye.

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, sir. You sure carried the ball, Mr. Norton. Let her go to court. We'll prove it was suicide.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

We will.

[Fred McMurray]

The first thing that struck me was that suicide angle. Only I dumped it in the wastepaper basket three seconds later. You ought to take a look at the statistics on suicide sometime. You might learn a little something about the insurance business. Mr. Keyes, I was raised in the insurance business. And it's time you realize this company's gotta pay Mrs. Diedrichson $100,000. Come on, Walter. Let's get back to work. I could have hugged you right then. And, mayakees, you were the only one we were really scared of. And instead you were almost playing on our team. That night I could feel the floor under my feet. Again. That hundred thousand bucks was as safe for Phyllis and me as if we had it in the bank. Hello.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I was bringing you a home, darling.

[Fred McMurray]

Hello, baby.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Everything all right?

[Fred McMurray]

Sure. Sure, it's fine. You were wonderful in Norton's office.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I felt so funny, I wanted to look at you all the time.

[Fred McMurray]

How do you think I felt? Where are you now?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

At the drugstore. Can I come up?

[Fred McMurray]

Okay. But be careful. Don't let anybody see you.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Hello, Walter.

[Fred McMurray]

Jeez. What's the matter? Oh, I know. You weren't expecting. Oh, no, I wasn't. What's on your mind? What are you so nervous about? Who says I'm nervous?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

No, forget it.

[Fred McMurray]

Forget it. It's me. I guess I got the jumps. That Dietrichson case. You know, Walter, there's something fishy about that. Like what? I don't know, but right now I'll swear that it wasn't suicide. And it wasn't an accident either. Well, what else is left? You mean somebody? What are you. What are you trying to tell me? Keys. Go to the door. You got company. What about Dietrichson, if it wasn't an accident. What are you yelling for? You want me to go to the door? Keys. Wait, wait. I'll get it. Keys. In a few moments, we'll continue with Act 3 of Double Indemnity. The curtain rises on act 3 of double indemnity. Starring barbara san cassilis and fred mcmurray as walter. Late at night, alone in his office, Walter Neff struggles against the pain of his wound. As he tries desperately to finish relating a sordid procession of facts into the office recorder. A memorandum to Mr. Keys. You went to the door, didn't you, Keys? You opened it, and I stood there a few feet behind you on a. On the edge of a cliff. You were pushing me over. That's funny. Nobody here. Nobody's. Luckily yourself. Must have come to the wrong door, I guess. Yeah, yeah. Now, what were you trying to tell me about Dietrichson?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Huh?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well.

[Fred McMurray]

Dietrichson had accident insurance, right? Now he broke his leg. Now, why didn't he put in a claim? Why? Well, maybe he just didn't have time to. Or maybe he just didn't know he was insured.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Fred McMurray]

That couldn't be. You delivered the policy to him, didn't you? Sure. Down at the oil field. Guy takes out an accident policy. It's worth $100,000. Two weeks later, he's killed by falling off an observation platform. Do you know what the mathematical chances are of that happening? About one in a billion I'm telling you, Walter, something has been worked on us. Murder. All right. Who? That wide eyed dame who just doesn't know anything about anything. Mrs. Diedrichson. You're crazy, ke she wasn't even on the train. Oh, I don't claim to know how it was work or who worked it. Well, you're no help to me, are you? Give me some time to think it over. Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry I bothered you, Walter. I don't make much sense, do I? You just don't seem to have anything to go on. No, no, nothing at all. Well, I'll see you in the morning. Wall. Five minutes later, Phyllis Dietrichson was in my apartment. It was Phyllis, all right, who'd come to the door while you were there. But she'd heard us talking. She ducked back in the elevator before you opened the door. Luck and brains. Keys. A pretty tough combination to beat.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I mustn't stay long, Walter. How do we know he won't decide to come back? Just tell me how much he knows.

[Fred McMurray]

Nothing. Just a hunch.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

But he can't prove a thing, can he?

[Fred McMurray]

Not if we're careful. Not if we don't see each other for a while.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

How long a while?

[Fred McMurray]

Until this dies down. You afraid, baby?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes, I'm afraid. But not of Keys. I'm afraid of us. We're not the same anymore. We did it so we could be together. Instead of. That is pulling us apart, isn't it, Walter? And you don't really care whether we see each other or not.

[Fred McMurray]

Shut up, baby. Shut up and come here. You still think I don't care?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, darling, darling.

[Fred McMurray]

The next day at the office, I had a visitor. Keys. Remember? Diedrichson's daughter? Well, here she was again, with something big on her mind.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You think I'm crazy, Mr. Neff, but I'm not. Honestly, it's the same awful feeling I had once before when my mother died.

[Fred McMurray]

When your mother died?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

We were at Lake Arrowhead six years ago last winter. My mother was very sick with pneumonia. One night I found her delirious with fever. All the blankets were on the floor and the windows were wide open. Then the nurse came into the room. She didn't say a word, but there was a look in her eyes. I'll never forget. Two days later, my mother was dead. Do you know who that nurse was?

[Fred McMurray]

Who?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Phyllis. I tried to tell my father, but he wouldn't listen to me. Five months later, she married him. I. I tried to forget about it, but now it's all back again. Now that Something's happened to my father too.

[Fred McMurray]

So you're not talking sense, Lorna. Your father fell off a train and.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Two days before Phyllis was in a room in front of a mirror planning a black veiled or hat. As if she couldn't wait to see how she'd look in morning.

[Fred McMurray]

You got a pretty bad shock. Aren't you imagining things?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

She did it. She did it for the money. Only she's not going to get away with it because I'm going to tell everything I know.

[Fred McMurray]

Lola, who else have you told us to?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No one.

[Fred McMurray]

Phyllis.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Of course not. I. I've moved out of the house. I. I've taken a little apartment.

[Fred McMurray]

You haven't told that boyfriend?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

N. No. I'm not seeing him anymore. We had a fight.

[Fred McMurray]

So you just sit in that little apartment of yours and look at the four walls.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes, Mr. Neff, but I do a lot of thinking about Phyllis.

[Fred McMurray]

I took Lola out for dinner. I'd have to cheer her up. I'd have to make sure she wouldn't drop that dynamite about Phyllis to anyone else. I had no chance to talk to Phyllis. You were watching it like a hawk cues. The next day you sent for me. I've got it, Walter. I've got it all wrapped up in tissue paper. Dietrichson was murdered and I can tell you how. Go ahead, Keys, I'm listening. First of all, Dietrichson was never on the train. He was killed somewhere else and then put near the tracks by the wife and somebody else. Then the somebody else took the crutches and went aboard the train posing as Dietrichson. Wait a minute. How can you be sure? Now, let's see what we've got in the the way of proof. The only one who really got a good look at this supposed Dietrichson. Is that Jackson guy from Oregon. Open the door, Walter, and tell Jackson to come in, will you? Jackson's here? Yeah, come on, tell him to come in, will you? Mr. Jackson, would you come in, please? Yeah. Mr. Jackson, please take a chair, take a chair. Now, Mr. Jackson, did you study those photographs of Dietrichson? Not the same man, Mr. Keys. No, sir. Really. The man in these photographs is not the same man I saw on that train. There you are, Walter. There's your proof. Oh, this is Mr. Nep, one of our salesmen. Mr. Jackson. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Nep. Now, I'd like you to describe the man you saw on the train. Oh, 10 or 15 years younger than the man these photos. Of course, it was pretty dark and he kind of kept turning his back to me. But just the same, I'm positive.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Well, thank you, thank you.

[Fred McMurray]

Now, we may need you again if.

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

The case comes to court.

[Fred McMurray]

You understand? Expenses paid again? Oh, yes, yes, yes, of course. I'll sign a voucher now. It'll only take a moment. You ever been up in Oregon, Mr. Neff? What? Oh, no. I have. That's funny. I keep looking at you like I met you somewhere. Yeah, that's ought to cover everything for you. Well, that's mighty well to you, Mr. Keys. And anytime you need me, you know. Yeah. Thanks a lot. Goodbye. Well, there it is, Walter. And pretty soon we'll know who the somebody else is. Where we. Oh, they've got to meet. They've committed a murder. They're stuck with each other. They're on a trolley ride. Only it's a one way trip, Walter. And the last stop's the cemetery. Yeah. You see this. This policy deed? Richards?

[Narrator/Host (William Keeley)]

Yeah.

[Fred McMurray]

The wife just put in the claim. Well, I'm gonna throw it right back at her. I left the office and phoned Phyllis from a public booth. We met in the market an hour later.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Why did you call Walter? What's the matter?

[Fred McMurray]

Everything. Keys is rejecting your claim. He's sitting back with his mouth watering, waiting for you to sue. But you're not going to.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What's he got to stop me?

[Fred McMurray]

Plenty. He's got it all figured out.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

But if he rejects the claim, I'll have to sue.

[Fred McMurray]

Then you'll be in court. And a lot of other things are going to come up. Such as? You and the first Mrs. Dietrichson.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What about me and the first Mrs. Dietrich?

[Fred McMurray]

The way she died. And about that morning veil. You were trying on two days before you needed.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You've seen Lola?

[Fred McMurray]

Sure, I've seen her. Trying to make sure she won't yell her head off about what she knows.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Putting on a knack for you. Crying all over your shoulder that lying.

[Fred McMurray]

Remember, you're not going to sue because.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

You don't want the money anymore. Even if you could have it. Because Lola's made you feel like a heel all of a sudden.

[Fred McMurray]

It isn't the money now, it's our neck.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, you're not fooling me.

[Fred McMurray]

Water.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

It's because of Lola, what you did to her father. You're afraid she might find out someday and you can't take it.

[Fred McMurray]

I said leave her out of this.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

It's me I'm talking about. I don't want to be left out of this.

[Fred McMurray]

Just. We can't go through with it.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

We have gone through with it. The Tough part is all behind us. We just have to hold on now and not go soft. Stick close to the gather the way we started out.

[Fred McMurray]

But the police may be watching us.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Then let them get an eyeful. I loved you, Walter. And I hated him. But I wasn't going to do anything about it. Not until I met you. You planned the whole thing. I only wanted him dead.

[Fred McMurray]

And I'm the one who was dead. Is that what you're telling me?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'm telling you that nobody is pulling out. We went into it together and we're coming out together. It's straight down the line for both of us. Remember?

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, I remembered. Just like I remembered what you told me. Keys. The last stops. The cemetery. I guess that was the first time I ever thought of Phyllis that way. Dead, I mean. And how it would be if she were dead. I saw Lola a lot that week. One night we drove down to the beach, and all of a sudden she started to cry.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

It's Nino, Walter. Nina.

[Fred McMurray]

I saw you weren't seeing him.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I wouldn't tell anyone else but you. They killed my father together. Nino and Phyllis. He helped her do it. I know he did.

[Fred McMurray]

What makes you so sure?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I. I've been following him. He's been to the house to see her night after night. Maybe he was just going with me as the blind. And the night of the murder, he.

[Fred McMurray]

Promised me you weren't going to talk like this anymore.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Oh, maybe I'm just crazy. Maybe it's all in my mind.

[Fred McMurray]

Sure. Sure, it's all in your mind.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I still love him. When? Walter. I do love him. I do.

[Fred McMurray]

Zachetti. Fillers and Zachetti. This was one I couldn't figure out. I couldn't come close to it. But the real brain twister came today. You sprung it on me, Keys, after hours when you caught me in the lobby of the building. Well, hold on to your hat, Walter. Yeah, what for? The D. Trixon case just busted right up. And the guy showed up. The guy who helped to do it. You were right all along. Yeah, yeah. She just filed suit against us to collect 100 grand. Well, that's okay by me. When we get her into that courtroom, I'm gonna tear her to pieces. Come on, I'll buy you a drink. I'd sure like one, Keith, but I've got a date. Huh? Somebody better looking than me. That Margie Day, huh? Yeah. Well, I'll bet she still drinks from the bottle. I went back to the office. I was scared stiff. Maybe you were playing cat and mouse with me. Maybe you knew all along that I was the somebody else. I had to find out. And I knew where to look. Your desk, the cylinder from the office recorder, the confidential message you dictated to the boss already for the girl to type out in the morning. I put the cylinder on the machine and listened. Dear Mr. Norton, with regard to your proposal to place Walter Neff under surveillance, I disagree absolutely. I've known Neff intimately for 11 years and personally vow for him without reservation. The man we want is Nino Zacchetti. We've definitely established a connection between Zacchetti and Phyllis Dietrichson. As indicated in detail in the attached file. I strongly urge that this whole matter be turned over to the District Attorney. I telephone Phyllis. I told her I'd have to see her that night. It was a hard sale. She was scared of your keys.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No. Nobody's watching the house.

[Fred McMurray]

I know. That's all. I'll tell you when I see you. 11 o'. Clock.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

11 o', clock, the lights will all be out. I'll leave the front door unlocked.

[Fred McMurray]

Okay?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Goodbye, Walter.

[Fred McMurray]

And then, for the first time, I saw a way to get clear of the whole mess I was in. And of Phyllis, too. What I didn't know was that she had plans of her own.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

In here, Walter. Can you see?

[Fred McMurray]

Yeah. Hello, baby. Anybody else in the house?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No, nobody.

[Fred McMurray]

We're all alone, huh? I just came to say goodbye.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Goodbye? Where are you going?

[Fred McMurray]

You're the one that's going.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Suppose you stop being funny. Let's have it, whatever it is.

[Fred McMurray]

A friend of mine's got a theory. He says when two people commit a murder, they have to go on riding together to the end of the line. And the last stop is the cemetery.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Maybe he's got something there, Walter.

[Fred McMurray]

Only I've got another guy to finish my ride for me. Nino Zucchetti.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Really?

[Fred McMurray]

It's been you and that Zaghetti guy all along.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No, no, that's not so.

[Fred McMurray]

Well, it doesn't matter now. The point is, Keyes believes Zacchetti's the one he's been looking for in the gas chamber before. He knows what's happening.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

And me, Walter? What's happening to me all this time?

[Fred McMurray]

Don't be silly, baby. You helped him do the murder. That's what Keys thinks. And what Keys thinks is good enough for me.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Maybe it's not good enough for me, Walter. Maybe I don't go for the idea. Maybe I've had Zucchetti here so they won't get a chance to trip me up so we can get the money. And be together.

[Fred McMurray]

That's cute, baby. Say it again.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

He came here first to ask where Lola was. I made him come back. I was working on him. I kept hammering into him that she was going out with another man. So he'd go into one of his jealous rages and then I'd tell him where she was. And you know what he would have done to her.

[Fred McMurray]

Yes. I believe he is just rotten in this.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

We're both rotten. Is what you've got cooked up for tonight any better?

[Fred McMurray]

The window's open. Do you mind if I close it?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Why don't you? Yes, Walter. It's you or me, isn't it? What else can I do?

[Fred McMurray]

So you had a gun all the time. You better try it again.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No. Take it. Take the gun.

[Fred McMurray]

I think I will. Why didn't you shoot me again? Don't tell me it's because you've been in love with me all this time.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No. No, I never loved you, Walter. Not you or anybody else. I used you, just as you said. That's all you ever meant to me. Until now. When I. I couldn't fire that second shot, I. I never thought that could happen to me.

[Fred McMurray]

Sorry, baby. I'm not buying.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

I'm not asking you to buy. Just hold me close like this. Walter. Hold me close.

[Fred McMurray]

Goodbye, baby. Hold. On. I killed her, Keys. I killed Phyllis. But maybe her aim hadn't been so bad after all. I felt funny. Lightheaded and. And blurry. But I made it. Keys. All the way here to the office. It's almost 4:30 now. It's cold. And Keys, I. I want you to do me a favor. I want you to be the one to tell Lola. Kind of gently, before it breaks wide open. I want you to take care of him. That guy's a kitty. So he doesn't get pushed around too much. As for me, I. You're what? Walter. Hello, Keys. You're up pretty early, aren't you? What are you doing here? The night watchman phoned me, Walter. Since you left a trail. Blood. Hello. I wouldn't be surprised. How long have you been standing over there? Long enough. Well, now I suppose I get the big speech. Go ahead, Keys. Let's. Let's have it. You're all washed up, Walter. Thanks. That was short. Anyway. I'm going to call a doctor. What for? So. So I can walk all the way to the gas chamber under my own power? Something like that. Walter. Look, Kees. Keese. I've got a different idea. Yeah? Suppose you went back to bed and. And didn't find out anything until about morn. Would you do that for me, Keys? Give me one good reason. Because I. I need four hours to get where I'm going and not going anywhere, Walden. You want to bet I'm going across the border. How's this? Keys. I'm. I'm up on my own two feet. Walter, you haven't got a chance. You watch me. You'll never even make it to the elevator. So long, Keys. I'm much obliged. Hello? Send an ambulance to the Pacific Building on Olive Street. Yeah. It's a police job. How you doing, Walter? Going fine. Somebody moved the elevator a couple of miles away. They'll be here soon. You know why you couldn't figure this one, Keys? Because the guy you were looking for was. Was too close to you. He was right across the desk from you. Closer than that, Walter. Yeah, I love you, too, Tour. The curtain falls on Double Indemnity. And as usual, Barbara Stanwyck and Fred McMurray contributed splendid performances. Barbara, as I recall, you were a blonde in the Picture of Double Indemnity.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes, Bill. I always wondered how I would look as a blonde, and I found out. Then I decided to let nature take its course again.

[Fred McMurray]

Oh, but not with your complexion, I hope.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

No, no, I'm very careful with my complexion. I always use Lux toilets.

[Fred McMurray]

Doesn't anybody care what I do? Oh, yes, indeed, Fred, what have you been doing? Well, I've been making a picture at RKO Skeeley. Never a Dull Moment with Irene Dunn. That's the title. Never a Dull Moment. And believe me, it's.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Well, I've been at MGM making To Please the Lady with Clark Gable and Brother, that wasn't dull either. For instance, I.

[Fred McMurray]

Look, Barbara, tomorrow night's Halloween, and if you don't let me say something, I'll set fire to your broom. Now, wait a minute. Isn't anybody going to let me say something? Barbara, didn't you just return from the premiere of your new picture?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Yes, it was held in Indianapolis and I certainly had a wonderful time. It's all about automobile racing, you know.

[Fred McMurray]

Imagine going all the way to Indianapolis every year just to see those speed races. That is hard to understand with Wilshire Boulevard just around the corner.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

What's just around the corner for next week, Bill? More excitement?

[Fred McMurray]

Yes, Barbara, we think it's one of the most eventful nights of our season. First, the play is a powerful love story. David O. Selznick's immortal screen version of Rebecca. And our stars, two of the most famous, making their first appearance together. On our stage, England's brilliant actor, director and his lovely lady. Need I say more? Lawrence Olivier and Vivien Lee.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Good night.

[Fred McMurray]

Good night. And come back again soon, both of you. Who is this Hollywood star?

[Barbara Stanwyck]

One of Hollywood's smallest actresses. She looks even younger than her 21 years. She tips the scale at 95 pounds. Keeps her waistline a sensational 20 inches.

[Fred McMurray]

Such a tiny package must be Wanda Hendricks.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

That's right, John. Because of her small size, Wanda has even her lingerie made to order. Loves being able to choose unusual shades for slips and nighties. She's very definite about their care. Insists on luxe flakes for her personal things. She won't tolerate ordinary washing methods that might fade colors. As Hollywood stars know, gentle luxe care keeps pretty slips and nighties colorful as new, three times as long. Take Wanda Hendrix tip. Give all your lingerie that lovely luxe look. Get a big box of luxe flakes tomorrow.

[Fred McMurray]

Lelever Brothers Company, the makers of Luxe Toilet soap. Join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening when Deluxe Radio Theater presents Lawrence Olivier and Vivian Lee in Rebecca. This is William Keeley saying good night to you from Hollywood. We are all aware of the vital importance of religion in American family life. Religious education stabilizes the family and makes for better citizens. We urge you and your family to attend and actively support your church. Take your problems to church this week, millions leave them there. Heard in our cast tonight were Bill Conrad as Keys, Rhoda Williams as Lola, Bill Johnstone as Norton, and and Robert Griffin, Howard McNear, Norman Field, Eddie Mar and Virginia Agnello. Our play was adapted by S.H. barnett and our music was by Rudy Schrager. This is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to join us again next Monday night to hear Rebecca starring Laurence Olivier and Vivian Leigh. We just heard Edward G. Robinson, Barbara Stanwyck and Fred McMurray along with an old time radio adaptation of Double Indemnity that will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me and I hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. I'll be back next Thursday, believe it or not, will be in December and we'll start a new series of holiday themed movies to carry us through the end of the year. Up first are the stars of Miracle on 34th Street. Edmund Gwen, Maureen O', Hara, John Payne and Gene Lockhart. 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 and you can rate and review the show and Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buymeacoffee.com meanstsotr now, good night until next week when we'll hear the stars of Miracle on 34th street appearing in tales well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Barbara Stanwyck]

Sam.

[Fred McMurray]

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.