Episode 447 - Stars of "Superman"

Summary

Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio)

Episode 447 – Stars of “Superman”

Date: April 9, 2026
Podcast Host: Mean Streets Podcasts

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Overview

This episode celebrates Hollywood legends Glenn Ford and Jackie Cooper—both featured in the iconic 1978 film Superman—by revisiting their performances on Suspense, old time radio’s “outstanding theater of thrills.” The host also spotlights the first six episodes of the Superman Radio Show, which depict Superman’s origin, his first adventures on Earth, and his initial battle against the villainous Wolf.

The episode offers a blend of noirish crime drama, haunting psychological suspense, and pulpy superhero adventure—showcasing the breadth of American radio storytelling and honoring the actors who helped bring Superman to life for generations.

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Key Segments & Timestamps

• Podcast Introduction & Context (00:50–03:16)
• Glenn Ford in "End of the Road" (Suspense, 1947) (06:30–35:44)
• Jackie Cooper in "The Clock and the Rope" (Suspense, 1947) (36:40–64:11)
• Superman Radio Show: The Origin & First Big Story Arc (65:33–135:42)

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Podcast Host Introduction & Superman Context

(00:50–03:16)

• The host sets the theme, focusing on the 1978 Superman film:
  • “It's Superman, the 1978 film that not only brought the character to the big screen, it created a genre. And it set the template that most comic book movies still follow today. ... For me, it's the definitive screen version of the Man of Steel, and it's the one all other incarnations measure up against.”
• Notes that most main stars from the film weren’t radio regulars, but both Glenn Ford (Jonathan Kent) and Jackie Cooper (Perry White) featured on Suspense.
• Details the episode’s plan: two Suspense thrillers starring Ford and Cooper, then the Superman radio serial’s opening adventure.
• “But before we take flight with Superman, we'll hear from his dad and his boss. We'll kick things off with Glenn Ford right after these messages.”

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Glenn Ford in “End of the Road”

(06:30–35:44)

Story Summary

Plot:
Glenn Ford plays Speed Evans, a smooth-talking car salesman tangled in a dangerous love affair with Sylvia Ganlon, a woman tormented by her past and her older, controlling husband. As his affair with Sylvia intensifies, Speed finds himself embroiled in violence, old secrets, and the unraveling of a long-ago death.

Key Discussion Points & Memorable Moments

• Hard-boiled Narration and Style:
  • “For an automobile salesman, I have expensive habits. I mean dames. It had been dames, dames, dames as long as I could remember. It's strictly murder.” (07:45)
• Meeting Sylvia & Her Husband:
  • The meet-cute is fueled by sexual tension, jealousy, and a backdrop of salesmanship:
    • “Most of the time, that was what was tearing me up. The way it was other times. Standoffish, scared. I was screwy. I didn’t get it.” (12:01)
• Psychological Turmoil & Motive:
  • Sylvia’s trauma comes to light: her father’s death in a mining accident, possibly murder, possibly by her husband.
    • “My father and Ganlon were mining partners… Then there was a cave in. And my father was killed.” (13:31)
• Plot Twists & Revelations:
  • The investigation unveils conflicting stories about the accident, town corruption, missing records, and layers of repressed emotion.
  • The climactic discovery: Sylvia herself, as a traumatized child, caused her father’s death.
    • “Don't you remember? You pushed the plunger... While your father was inside the shaft? Remember?” (31:11)
    • Sylvia: “Yes. Yes. I killed him.” (31:19)
• Noir Tragedy:
  • The denouement is bleak, as Sylvia’s guilt consumes her and she enacts tragic violence.

Notable Quotes

• “You're lucky, baby. When you get better at it, they're liable to call it murder.” – Speed Evans (Glenn Ford) (17:30)
• “I didn't care about husbands or Excelsior 8s or even a million dollars. All I cared about was her.” – Speed (12:01)
• “I hate all men. If I could kill every man in the world... I hate you.” – Sylvia Ganlon (31:46)
• “Dames. That's my trouble. It's been dames. Dames. Dames. As long as I can remember. It's too bad, though. We'd have probably had a couple of kids by now.” – Speed Evans (Glenn Ford) (33:04)

Tone

Gritty, bleak, with biting noir dialogue and a sense of psychological doom.

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Jackie Cooper in “The Clock and the Rope”

(36:40–64:11)

Story Summary

Plot:
Jackie Cooper stars as Henry Guilford, a shy garage worker wrongfully convicted of murder. Unable to prove his innocence or even recall the woman he tried to defend during the fatal struggle, he is sentenced to hang. The play chronicles his final days, his mounting dread, and the race to find the woman who can clear his name.

Key Discussion Points & Memorable Moments

• The Anxiety of the Innocent:
  • “I keep away from people. I keep away from cities and buildings… Most of all, I can't stand clocks.” (37:24)
• Flashbacks to the Crime:
  • A late-night date leads to a confrontation with the woman's jealous ex, ending in violence and Henry’s arrest.
• Kafkaesque Injustice:
  • Police and lawyers disbelieve Henry’s story, mainly because he can’t supply the girl’s name. The “phantom witness” theme creates spiraling hopelessness.
    • “If you made up a girl, why didn’t you make up a name?” – Defense Attorney (46:45)
• Execution Build-Up:
  • Vivid, claustrophobic descriptions of the march to the gallows and the mental agony of waiting for death:
    • “The thing you feel most the last hours is the time. The clock.” (52:28)
• Last-Minute Salvation:
  • The witness is found in time, but not before the harrowing execution sequence plays out in real time.
    • “A man doesn’t always die right away when he’s hanged … For some men, it’s nearly 20 minutes ... For others it may be less. But never under 12 minutes...” (62:16)
• Aftermath:
  • Though freed, the psychological scars remain: “I never sleep indoors. I never button my collar... I want to be out here, where I can see the sky.” (63:52)

Notable Quotes

• “Can you imagine how that feels? My boss... and the fellows who worked there days chipped in some money. But it didn’t do any good.” – Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper) (49:58)
• “The last stop: Death row. Now there’s a team of two who live right in the cell with you.” (51:53)
• “I think too much when they're closed. I hear the clock. The clock.” (63:52)

Tone

Somber, psychological, despairing, and suspenseful—a slow-burning meditation on mortality and justice.

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Superman Radio Show: The Origin and the Wolf Saga

(65:33–135:42)

Story Summary

Superman's Origin & Early Adventures:
The first six episodes of the Superman Radio Show are presented, charting the fall of Krypton, Superman’s journey to Earth, his adoption of the Clark Kent identity, and his first story arc—battling rail sabotage by the sinister Wolf.

Key Discussion Points & Memorable Moments

• Classic Superman Origin:
  • Krypton’s doom is foreseen by Jor-El, but the Council refuses to believe him.
    • Jor-El: “Krypton is doomed.” (67:21)
  • Only baby Kal-El escapes in a rocket as Krypton explodes.
• Arriving on Earth:
  • Superman gains new powers, chooses the name Clark Kent, is advised to get a job on a newspaper to learn about humanity.
    • “These are the cloak and the shield of Superman. If I become as other men, I shall dress as other men.” – Superman (82:24)
    • Perry White: “You’d like to be a reporter… Well, I’m afraid I can’t use you, Kent.” (84:44)
• The Wolf’s Railroad Sabotage:
  • Clark Kent’s first big story: mysterious rail disasters plotted by the Wolf and his henchman Kino.
  • Superman uses feats of strength—clearing rockslide, fixing tracks, undetected rescues.
    • “20 tons of rock. Why, that's nothing. Hardly a workout.” – Superman (97:48)
• Pulpy Adventure and Cliffhangers:
  • Superman’s secret identity is constantly at risk.
  • Tense scenes: Clark is captured, locked in a steel vault, escapes as Superman.
  • The Silver Clipper is saved in the nick of time; Wolf and Kino are apprehended.
  • Introduction of new threats: the Yellow Mask.

Notable Quotes

• “You want advice from us? ... How about a newspaper? A great metropolitan daily.” (82:12)
• “My compliments, Mr. Kent, on your first and last performance … in exactly 24 hours ... you and your newspaper will be blown to a thousand fragments. This is the Yellow Mask. Goodbye.” – The Yellow Mask (134:26–134:57)
• “Look—it's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!” – Various; the show’s immortal catchphrase repeated at episode ends.

Tone

Fast-paced, wholesome, serialized adventure—punctuated with bracing “radio suspense” and melodramatic villainy.

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Thematic & Stylistic Highlights

• Old Time Radio’s Narrative Power: The episode demonstrates radio’s versatility, shifting seamlessly from hardboiled noir, to psychological courtroom drama, to high-flying superheroics.
• Tribute to the 1978 Superman: Linking the radio work of Glenn Ford and Jackie Cooper to their film roles roots the stories in pop culture continuity and nostalgia.
• American Anxiety and Hope: Stories oscillate between darkness (crime, loss, legal injustice) and hope (heroic intervention, last-minute saves).

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Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• “It's Superman, the 1978 film... For me, it's the definitive screen version of the Man of Steel...” – Host (00:55)
• “For an automobile salesman, I have expensive habits. I mean dames. It had been dames, dames, dames as long as I could remember...” – Speed Evans/Glenn Ford (07:45)
• “I hate all men. If I could kill every man in the world... I hate you.” – Sylvia Ganlon (31:46)
• “Can you imagine how that feels? ... I was innocent. And they were gonna hang me for murder because they couldn't find a girl.” – Henry Guilford/Jackie Cooper (49:58)
• “Krypton is doomed.” – Jor-El (Superman's father) (67:21)
• “Look—it's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!” – Refrain at major story beats

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Overall Tone & Language

The episode maintains the colorful, dramatic storytelling of classic radio—brisk, tense, emotionally vivid, and rich with period-appropriate language. The host’s commentary is personal and warm, connecting vintage audio thrillers to modern superhero mythology.

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For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In

This episode provides an immersive journey through vintage suspense and adventure, bridging the gap between radio’s golden age and Superman’s silver screen stardom. Whether you’re a fan of film, comics, or just great old-time radio, it’s a rare treat to hear legends like Glenn Ford and Jackie Cooper—each etched into pop culture for their Superman connections—shine in stories that transcend generations.

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Next in the Series: Stay tuned for more “movie star on radio” episodes—and more tales “well calculated to keep you in... suspense.”

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

Would you hand me that, please? Thank you. Now, let's see. Survey.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Survive.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Susanna.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Suspect.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ah, here we are. Suspense.

[Commercial Announcer]

Meaning held in doubt, expressing doubt.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The state of being uncertain, undecided or insecure. State of anxious expectation or waiting for information such as to keep one in suspense. Therefore delay acquainting him with what he is eager to know. Suspense.

[Podcast Host]

Hello, and welcome to Stars on Suspense with more Hollywood legends and radio's outstanding theater of thrills. All this month, I'm sharing some of my favorite movies and their stars. And this week, It's Superman, the 1978 film that not only brought the character to the big screen, it created a genre. And it set the template that most comic book movies still follow today. For me, it's the definitive screen version of the man of Steel, and it's the one all other incarnations measure up against. I can't tell you how many times I've seen this movie, but it never fails to captivate me from the moment John Williams legendary theme begins to play. Now, most of the big stars of the movie, Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Gene Hackman, weren't working during the golden age of radio, but two of the movie's actors made appearances on Suspense, and we'll hear them today. This may be the most widely available movie we've covered on the podcast to date. You can find Superman on many different iterations of DVD, Blu Ray, and 4K. You can rent or buy it digitally, and you can stream it along with the other Christopher Reeve Superman movies via HBO Max. Today we'll hear Glenn Ford, who has a brief but memorable role as Superman's adopted father Jonathan Kent in the End of the road from February 6, 1947. Then we'll hear Jackie Cooper, who played fiery newspaper editor Perry White in the Clock and the rope from December 5, 1947. And since we don't have a radio recreation of a movie from 1978, instead we'll hear the first six episodes of the Superman Radio Show, a serialized story that brings Superman to Earth from his dying home planet of Krypton and gives him his first battle against a supervillain. But before we take flight with Superman, we'll hear from his dad and his boss. We'll kick things off with Glenn Ford right after these messages.

[Commercial Announcer]

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Ex Lax say, you fellas know how often the girls win out in spelling bees or reading contests? Well, nowadays I'm hearing of a lot of times when the girls are winning out and collecting comic buttons in that new series from packages of Kellogg's Pet. Of course, whenever that happens, the boys get busy right away and the race is on. Good fun it is too, because everybody gets a kick out of those true to life pictures of your favorite comic strip characters like Chief Brandon with his uniform and his official badge. And Tess Trueheart with her red hat and long blonde hair. And Superman himself, complete with bright blue jersey and flying red cape and Superman insignia. So fellas, don't you let those girls

[Narrator/Announcer]

get ahead of you.

[Commercial Announcer]

And girls, don't let the fellas get ahead of you. Everybody pitch in. It's easy, you know. You don't send in any money, not even a box stop. And you can't buy these comic buttons anywhere. But every time that you open a package of Kellogg's Pep, there's your snappy prize. And there's some mighty snappy eating, too, because Pep is a whiz of a breakfast cereal. Tastes a crisp and sunny and golden toasted that. Well, you practically can't resist it. Pep's good for you, too. Mom knows it's a grand dish to start off a cold, wintry day. So ask mom to get P E P the Sunshine Cereal, Kellogg's Pet.

There's a big change going on, an important one for car buyers. It's the countrywide change to Rambler. Passing car after car in sales. Rambler now leads all but two other makes in state after state. What does it all mean? That Rambler has what people want and cannot get in other cars. Rambler is the quality compact car, for instance. Rambler has plenty of hat room, shoulder Room and leg room for six big people. Yet Rambler is so trim on the outside. It handles and parks with the greatest ease. For first cost, gas, economy and resale value. Rambler is America's top economy car. Yet only Rambler offers the fine features of personalized comfort. There are front seats that glide back and forward separately to perfectly fit. Short legs or long adjustable headrests. Airliner reclining seats, twin travel beds. Finest air conditioning at lowest cost. Throughout, Rambler engineering is more advanced. Rambler workmanship more careful. Come in and drive the quality compact car. Rambler. See your Rambler dealer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And now a tale well calculated to keep you in

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

suspense. Yes, Roma wines taste better. Because only Roma selects from the world's greatest wine reserves for your pleasure. And now, Roma Wines. R O M a Roma Wines present suspense.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Tonight, Roma Wines bring you Mr. Glenn Ford in End of the Road, a suspense play produced, edited and directed for Roma Wines by William Spear.

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

Suspense Radio's outstanding theater of thrills. Is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. That's R O M a Roma Wines, those better tasting California wines enjoyed by more Americans than any other wine. For friendly entertaining, for delightful dining, yes, right now a glass full would be very pleasant. As Roma Wines bring you Glenn Ford in. A remarkable tale of suspense.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

For an automobile salesman. I have expensive habits. I mean dames. It had been dames, dames, dames as long as I could remember. It's strictly murder. Also, it gets you definitely no place. So this day I was. Well, I was turning over a new leaf. Nothing on my mind but business. Pencil in my hand, a shot, sheet of figures on the desk. Figuring out how to sell a million Excelsior 8s make a billion dollars. And someone tapped on the glass. I didn't even look up. Just the busy executive. Here it was again. Now I looked up.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Am I disturbing you?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Was she disturbing me? I got up in a trance and followed her across the showroom floor. Seemed as though I'd never seen anyone walk like that before in all my life.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

This is my husband, Mr. Ganlon. Mr. Evans, the sales manager.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

How do you do, sir? So she had a husband. He was a little sour, pussed runt with a limpy leg. About twice her age. Dressed like doe the kind of dough that you would buy. Excelsiorates by the dozens. But I wasn't thinking about that now. I was thinking about her. I was thinking that the best way to guarantee seeing her again. Was to send them out that door in an Excelsior 8. So I pasted on the big salesman's smile went to town. This is our customs line, Mr. Ganlon. Distinctive in appearance. You'll notice the three tone color effect inside and out, upholstery to match. And the broad, graceful sweeping lines. A thing of beauty.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

What's under the hood?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

That's a question that I've been waiting for. Why the world famous Excelsior motor? Mr. Ganlon, again, please.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I've never driven in an Excelsior. Perhaps Ms. Mr. Evans would take us for a ride.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Oh, now look here, Sylvia Gan, please.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

All right, it won't take a minute. Try that rear seat, Mr. Ganlon. You'll find it broad and luxurious. Now, Mrs. Ganlon, you'd care to sit up here in front? You can see what it'll do.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Thank you.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

You see how it handles, Mr. Ganlon? It's like a baby carriage.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Well, keep your eyes on the road.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I turned the corner on two wheels. Explained about the minimum sway being on account of the stabilizers. Well, I got a couple of grunts for that. Try in the mirror, I saw he'd closed his eyes, so I turned to her. I still didn't know if this deal was gonna be too easy. But one look at that look in those eyes and I began to have a rough idea.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

What do they call you?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Which they?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Your friends?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Speed.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

How about you, Sylvia? Why the Speed, Evans?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I like to get places.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I like to go places.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

It's the same thing.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Maybe you're right.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Maybe we're both right.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Maybe Speed. Maybe.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

She'd asked for it. I'd have made that Excelsior turn somersaults as it was. I showed her some driving tricks at me. Your hair stand on end? She loved him. Every once in a while her eyes met mine and they clung there just long enough. We knew, both of us, what I was selling. And it wasn't an Excelsior. I can have the car ready for delivery first thing in the morning, Mr. Ganlon.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

What do you say, Gan, please.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Oh, all right, Sylvia.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Now, if you'll just sign the order.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I want it now and I pay cash.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Listen, that's fine, Mr. Ganlon. That's just fine. I think you'll find the desk in my office the most convenient.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Is that your office there?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yes, that's right, Mr. Ganlon. I'll collect all the necessary papers while you're making out the check.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

All right?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

All right.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Well, how did you like it?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Like what?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

The car, for a start.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I love it.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

You better drive in for a service check as soon as you can.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

When?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Tomorrow.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Tomorrow?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Suppose you could manage to Be alone.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Yes, I'll be alone.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

She came in the next morning. She was alone. Well, from that day we went places. We went there fast. But this was. Well, it was different. She was different. Different from anything I'd ever known before. And in less than two weeks, I knew I didn't care about husbands or excelsiorates or even a million dollars. All I cared about was her. And it was the same with her. Most of the time, that was what was tearing me up. The way it was other times. Standoffish, scared. I was screwy. I didn't get it. Well, one day we were down at the beach as usual. Lately, we were arguing about it.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, please, Speed, don't.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Oh, what's the matter with Reno? We've got to do something about it someday, haven't we?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Yes. Yes.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Well, that's what they got Reno for.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

He'll come after me.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I'll let him come. We'll tear up his claim check.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Speed, I want to run along the beach. Come on.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Hey, hey, 33. I'm too old for this stuff. Hey, wait a minute. Anyway, look, Speed, you gotta learn to relax. I. I lost my roller skates.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I'll get you another pair.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I don't need skates.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Yes, you do.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

That's all right. All right, Sylvia. Look, listen, Sylvia, cut out the horseplay and quit stalling. I want a decision, one way or another.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Now.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, darling, now you're angry.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I am, I am. It's a screwy deal. You love me, you want to leave him, but you won't.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, but I will, darling. I. Speed, you see, there's so many things. They're. They're all complicated and mixed up. First, there. There's my father.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

What about him?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Well, you see, my father and Ganlon were mining partners in a little town called Phoebe, Arizona. And then. Then there was a cave in. And my father was killed. Oh, he was such a wonderful man. We were so terribly close.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

That's tougher, baby.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Sometimes it's almost as though he were alive. I see him, Speed, in dreams. Every so often I hear him speak. But 10 years ago.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

What's all this got to do with you and Ganlon?

[Supporting Female Character]

Stop it.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Stop torturing me.

[Supporting Female Character]

Can't you just leave me alone? Leave me alone.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Okay, okay, if that's what you want.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Speed, don't.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Look, look, baby, I don't know about you, but I'm leaving town tonight. I can't. I can't take this any longer. I'm going back now. Quit my job and draw my three bucks out of the bank and pack a bag. I'm leaving tonight. With you or without you.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

No, Speed, you can't. You can't go without.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Well, that's up to you, baby.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I'm afraid I don't know.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Well, we'll worry about that later. What about it?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

All right, all right, I'll go.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I was to meet at the usual place at 8 o'. Clock. I was on time, but even before I got there I realized she'd never show up. I waited an hour and then I crossed the street to the apartment where they lived. The seventh floor, 7:07. She must have been hanging around the door because it opened almost at once. She came out in the hall, closed it behind her. She was scared to death.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Speed, you've got to get away right away.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Not without you, baby.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

No, listen. Listen to me, Speed. I lied to you this afternoon.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

No kidding.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I mean about my father. He wasn't just killed in a cave in. He was murdered. Ganlon murdered him.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

So you married Ganlon to kind of show your appreciation?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Yes.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I mean, you look, you don't make sense, baby. Come on, we're going inside.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

No, Speed, no.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

We're gonna settle this once and for all. Now, In the living room, Ganlon was lying on the couch with his shoes off, his feet propped up in a chair. Opposite was a young punk in a tan overcoat who looked like he took the wrong kind of nose drops. When he needed courage, he let it be known, fairly obvious that he had a gun in his pocket. Gamlon didn't even get up.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Well, Mr. Evans, this is an unexpected pleasure.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I'm afraid it's no pleasure either way. I've come to tell you that your wife is leaving you with me.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Oh, is she? What about it, Sylvia? You don't seem to have entirely convinced her, Mr. Evans.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Listen, I. I don't know exactly what goes on here, but I do know that she's headed straight for a crack up and that you're at the bottom of it. So she's leaving tonight. Go on, Sylvia, get things.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

All right, Mr. Evans, I'm not sure you fully appreciate the penalties of stealing a man's life.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

There's divorce courts to handle that. Besides, other ways, if you're big enough.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Well, since you brought up the question of superior force. All right, Zeke, take him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay, put him up.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hi, funny face.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Gunsels with guns you have, huh?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Sometimes they come in handy, Mr. Evans.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Come on, start walking.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Any particular direction?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Yeah, outside.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

All right, all right, you win, Mr. Ganlon.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Take him out and kick him down the stairs. Zeke, kick him.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

The punk was plenty shaky and he had the gun jammed right in my back. That's not smart if your guy knows a little judo. I made a quick half turn and fired, but not soon enough. I'd have broken his arm before he could fly again. The gun scooted across the and I was just thinking, it's lucky they soundproofed these fancy apartments. Started going up again. I whirled around to see Sylvia with a gun in her hand, stalking Ganlon like a tigress. He was cowering behind the furniture and she was moving around trying to get a clear shot at him. It took me one good leap to get over there and knock her out cold. There was a bowl of water, some flowers on the table. I threw the flowers on the floor, threw the water on Sylvia. She opened her eyes, looked around.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh Speed, why did you do it?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

You're lucky, baby. When you get better at it, they're liable to call it murder.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

For suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you Glenn Ford in End of the Road Roma Wines presentation tonight in radio's outstanding thank you. Theater Thrills Suspense.

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

Between the acts of suspense. This is Ken Niles for Roma Wines. Whenever you want dinner to be outstanding whenever the occasion calls for the magic touch that changes a meal into gracious, satisfying dining. Enrich your table with a delicious Roma California wine with tender juicy steak or oven brown roast. Enjoy the tantalizing taste harmonies of red robust Roma Burgundy or bring out the exquisite hidden flavors in fish or foul with pale gold delicate Roma Saturn. And remember, all Roma wines taste better because Roma begins with choicest grapes. Then with unmatched skill and resources, Roma Roma guides these naturally finer grapes unhurriedly to tempting taste perfection. Later, Roma places this luscious grape treasure with Roma wines of years before. And finally, Roma selects from the world's greatest wine reserves for your pleasure with your dinner tomorrow, enjoy better tasting Roma Wines that's R O M a Roma, the greatest name in wine.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

And now Roma Wines bring back to our Hollywood soundstage Glenn Ford as Speed Evans with Kathy Lewis as Sylvia Ganlon in End of the Road. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

After the gunplay I thought it would be easy, but when I tried to get her down to the car, she clawed like a wildcat and I had to clip her again. It was a battle all the way across town till we got to barreling along Highway 99. She knew she'd break her neck if she tried to jump. And all of a sudden she she just went to sleep. I looked over at her sleeping there in the corner, rolled up like a kitten and as innocent as a baby. And I knew I was for it if it killed me. And I just have to do the best I could. Now we'd passed Bakersfield, and I was headed up over the Tehachapi Mountains before she woke up. It was morning.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh. Oh, hello, darling.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Feeling any better, baby?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, yes. I had such a wonderful dream. I was a little girl again. And I was with my father. And. And he was rowing across a lake. And then.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Then what, Speed?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I lied to you about Gallon. He didn't kill my father. I was wicked to say that, wasn't I?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

You're just a little mixed up, that's all.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Speed.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Where are we going?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

We're going to your hometown, baby. Phoebe, Arizona. Oh, you like the idea?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I suppose so. Why?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Look, baby, I'm no psychiatrist, but something happened back there when you were a kid. Something to do with the death of your father. It's had you on the merry go round ever since. So much so that about nine hours ago you tried to kill a man.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I said I was sorry about that, Speed.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Sure, sure. But if you and I are gonna make a go of this, I think we ought to do something more besides just saying we feel sorry, don't you?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

You make it sound as though you thought I was gonna go around killing people for the rest of my life.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

All I say is that you're not. Well, you're not gonna be very happy until we know the facts about this thing, whatever they are. Until you face the facts. And from then on, we can forget it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Speed.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I'm terribly hungry, aren't you?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Yeah.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I could do with a little something.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Look, look, there's a place up ahead.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

No. Okay.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Bus just pulled in.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah, it's one of the regular stops here.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Speed. Kiss me.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

How's that?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, that's wonderful.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

All right, let's go, huh? I want a lot of people. Those big buses hold a lot of people, baby.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Help.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Help.

[Supporting Female Character]

I'm being kidnapped.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come here. Help me. Help.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

It's all right. It's all right. She's my wife.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, what's going on here?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I'm not.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I'm not. I've never seen him before in my life.

[Supporting Female Character]

I'm being kidnapped.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, that's no way to treat even your wife, mister.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

All right, if you must know, she's crazy. She's my wife, but she's hopelessly insane.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But I don't kiss.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

About five minutes later, she snapped out of it. You'd think nothing at all had happened, but I wasn't taking any more chances. I took to the side roads wherever I could, figuring the cops would be on my tail any minute. So we didn't cross the state line till after midnight. It was the next morning when I kicked it out of gear at Phoebe, Arizona. There was only one hotel. We registered adjoining rooms all the time. I was watching her like a hawk. I didn't need to, now that we were there.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

She.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I don't know. She seemed glad. Now, we'd been in our rooms about five minutes when the phone rang.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Mr. Evans? Yeah, just a moment, Mr. Evans. Mr. Evans, this is San Francisco, operator 23. We've got a long distance call for you.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

San Francisco.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Yes, sir. We've been trying to reach you all night. Shall I put your party on now?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

All right, go ahead.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Hello, Evans? Yeah, this is Ganlon.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

You must have a private eye on your payroll too, huh?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I know you're an intelligent man, Evans, whatever else you may be. I knew where you'd go. But I want to tell you something. You're getting in deep water, deeper than you know anything about.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

And you hope I'll drown, huh? All right, maybe I will. But I'm still wading in.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I'm coming down there, Evans. In the meantime, keep quiet and keep her quiet. And keep your nose out of things.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

What's that supposed to be, a threat?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I'm not threatening you. I'm telling you for your own good.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

It was Ganlon, wasn't it?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

What?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah. Yeah, he called to give us his blessing.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

He's coming down, too, isn't he?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Maybe.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I'm glad, Speed. You just can't know how glad I am.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah, that's gonna be real cozy. Just the three of us.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

You've been cruel to me, Speed.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Who, me?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I've forgiven you, though, you know that.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Why, sure, baby.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I just didn't understand at first, but. But I understand now why you brought me here. I mean, you're going to find proof that Gan killed my father. Oh, I can tell you exactly how it happened.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

You said yesterday you were lying.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Don't try to confuse me, Speed. Do you want to know or don't you?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Sure. Let's have it.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Well, my father and Gan were tunneling a new shaft inside of the mountain. They were working alone that day. They'd set a dynamite charge inside the shaft with wires out to the ignition box. The box worked with a plunger. But when my father pushed it down, dynamite didn't go off. He went back inside to find the trouble. While he Was in there. Gan pushed down the plunger again. My father was blown to bits.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Just like that, huh?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Don't you believe me?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hmm?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Like I say, I'll work on it.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

They'll hang him, won't they?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Hang who?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Ganlon. They'll hang him when you find proof.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

If he's guilty, they'll hang him.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

You'll prove it, darling. Promise me you will. So they can arrest him when he arrives. You'll do it for your baby. I know. Kiss me, darling.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

How's that?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, that's wonderful. That's all I care about. That and seeing Ganlon hanged.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

She went to sleep then, just as peaceful as you please, dreaming of Ganlon with a rope around his neck. Well, I found the thing. They called the city hall, Asked to see records on her old man's death. Well, they hemmed and hawed some. And then it came out that half the town was burned down a few years back. The records went up with it. They finally suggested I see an old timer named Konski who had been her father's mind foreman at one time or another. I did. He was already wet. He seemed to know. He seemed to know what I was after. He was all primed with the answers.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure, I know Sylvia. Sweetest, prettiest little kid I ever see. All my life.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

And of course, you knew her father.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure, I knew.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I guess Sylvia must have been pretty fond of him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure, she was crazy about him.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Well, wasn't she?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Maybe.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

But if she was, she was the

[Narrator/Announcer]

only one in this town wasn't glad to see him die.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Look, you don't have to be cagey with me. I'm trying to help Sylvia.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

All right.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

You know what is the best thing you can do?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

What?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Get out of town before you make plenty trouble.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

That was that. The next stop was the office of the weekly paper. Owned, published, printed and peddled by one guy, a guy named McLean. He seemed to know all about my business, too. Had the files all laid out for me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why don't you lay off it, Evans? It's 10 years old and dead and buried.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Mind if I look at your files?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure, sure, go ahead.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

You can see.

[Narrator/Announcer]

See what it says. Mine disaster, premature explosion, accidental death.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Any chance it wasn't accidental?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

What do you mean?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Any chance that Ganlon did it?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Not a chance.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

You seem pretty sure.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You ever noticed that gimpy leg of his.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Yeah, well, that's how he got it. He was in the mine when it happened.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

I was getting no place fast, only a suspicion, and not a very comfortable one. And I Hadn't the faintest idea where to go from here. And I thought of the doctor. There had to be a doc to sign a death certificate. Well, I found out who he was, dug him up, and he looked like the worst bed of the bunch. He was half wacky from the effects of age and a misspent life. Nothing left but his dignity. And a collection of photographs that he insisted on talking about until I wanted to smack him.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Yes, it was my hobby before my eyes went back on me. But those you see on the wall are only a few. Now, here, here, here, take a look at some of these.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Who are all you people covering up for, Doc?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I beg your pardon?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

You heard me.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Young man. You realize that what you've just said constitutes a most serious slur on my professional reputation.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Look, I'm trying to help a girl that I'm in love with. Can't anybody understand that?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Take this one, for instance. And notice the contrasts, the light and shadow.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I don't suppose you understand the meaning of the term traumatic experience. I thought not. The psychic structure of the personality is a very delicate mechanism.

[Narrator/Announcer]

For instance, in the case of Sylvia.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Now, take her to a competent man in the field. Mr. Evans, I no longer handle such cases.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

That's not what I came to you for, and you know it.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I'm afraid I can't help you. Retired some time ago.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You see.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Now look at some of these. They're older, of course, but there's still

[Narrator/Announcer]

some very good ones among them.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Look, Doc, I don't want to look at pictures. All I want.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Ah, we found one you like, eh? I knew you.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

It has a date on it. July 14, 1935. That mean anything to you?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Is that the stalagmite incrustation? If so, it's.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't know.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

It's just some rocks in a hole in the mountain to me. But that date is the date that Sylvia's father was killed.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Give it to me. Give it to me.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Oh, no, you don't. No, I'm afraid you're Tornado.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Give it back to me, I said.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah, but the part I got is still enough to show who killed him. I started back for the hotel, but I didn't feel so good. I. I didn't feel good at all. I asked at the desk if Ganlon had arrived, but he hadn't. So I went on up to Sylvia's room. She was sitting at the dressing table, making up her face. She looked up at me in the mirror.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

You know, I can tell by your eyes. You know.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yes, baby, I know.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

And they'll hang him, won't they, Ganlon?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

No, baby. He's in the clear.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

But he isn't. He can't be. He murdered my father. I know he did. You're. You're lying to me, Speed. You.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Look, take it easy, baby. It's. It's gonna be all right. Just. Just let's get it over with and we can forget it, huh?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Get what over with? You're acting so funny, darling.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Take a look at this picture, huh?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

That's me, isn't it? When I was a little girl. I'm awfully far away, but I'd still know it's me. This smoke.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Don't you remember?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Please, Speed, my head's hurting.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Don't try to remember.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

You're tormenting me. You're trying to hurt me.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

That smoke is the explosion, isn't it?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I don't know.

[Supporting Female Character]

I don't know.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

You pushed the plunger. I don't know. Remember while your father was inside the shaft? Remember?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Yes.

[Supporting Female Character]

Yes, I killed him.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

All right.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

All right, baby. That's all there is to it. You can forget.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I hate. I hated him. It's all I lived for. It's all I ever dreamed of. See his face bloody and battered. See his body mangled and dirty. I hated him. I hate you.

[Supporting Female Character]

I hate all men. If I could kill every man in the world.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Where did you get that gun, baby?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Out of your overcoat?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah. Better put it down.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I tried to kill Ganlon because he knew. Now you know.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Put it down.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

It's too late, Speed. Goodbye, darling.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Listen, it's all over now. You were only a kid. I know how he treated you. The whole town covered up for you. They're still covering.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Goodbye.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

When the door flew open, I ducked. And then the shots came. When I looked around, Ganon was lying on the open door of the guns still in his hand. He walked right into it. Ellie must have got in one shot, though. That was enough. She was still breathing when I got to her, but that was about all.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, it's. It's all right now, isn't it, darling?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Sure. Sure, baby. Everything's gonna be all right.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Kiss me.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Yeah.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

How's that?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, that's wonderful. But I wasn't so lucky this time, was I?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Not. Not too lucky.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I didn't miss.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

No, baby, you didn't. Well, anytime you want to buy an Excelsior 8, just come on in and see old Speed Evans. No, I won't tell you my troubles. Dames. That's my trouble. It's been dames Dames. Dames. As long as I can remember. It's too bad, though. We'd have probably had a couple of kids by now.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Suspense presented by Roma Wines.

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

R O M A Roma, America's favorite wines. This is Ken Niles returning to our suspense microphone with the brilliant star of tonight's play, Glenn Ford. Glenn, you did a magnificent job, believe me. I want a recording of your performance from my own personal library of suspense records.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Well, thanks, Ken. You're a record fan too, huh? Well, Mrs. Ford and I can't resist a brisk disc.

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

A brisk disc?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah, you know, a torrid wax, a hot platter.

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

Oh, now I get you. Say, speaking of platters, Glenn, isn't Mrs. F. Likely to serve you a nice sizzling platter garnished with a thick, juicy steak some night soon?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Oh, she's better, Ken.

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

Well, good, because I have a little gift for you that'll make any steak taste better.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Oh? Suspense me no further, Ken. What's the secret?

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

Your gift, Glenn, is a basket of Roma California wines presented by Roma, America's greatest vintner. In that basket is a bottle of red, robust Roma Burgundy. The perfect taste companion for tender steaks, abrasive broiled chops or any red meat. Better tasting Roma Burgundy brings out all the natural hidden flavors in hearty foods, adds pleasure to every bite.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Roma Burgundy, huh? I'll remember that, Ken.

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

Remember, too, that all Roma wines taste better because Roma starts with choicest grapes, guides them unhurriedly to tempting taste perfection with skill and resources unmatched in America. Then Roma places this luscious grape treasure with Roma wines of years before to await selection from the world's greatest wine reserves for your pleasure. That's why more Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Well, I can't think of a better endorsement. Thank you and good night.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Glenn Ford appeared through the courtesy of Columbia Pictures and is soon to be seen starring in the Columbia picture Framed. Tonight's suspense play was adapted by Irving Moore and Robert Richards from a story by Irving Moore. Next Thursday, same time, you will hear Agnes Moorhead as star of suspense.

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

Produced and directed by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

SA.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Produced, edited and directed by William Speer. This is the second in a special limited series of five Friday night performances of suspense. At this hour, suspense is compounded of mystery and suspicion and dangerous adventure. In this series, our story is calculated to intrigue you, to stir your nerves, to offer you a precarious situation and then withhold the solution until the Last possible moment. Tonight from Hollywood, we bring you Mr. Jackie Cooper as star in the Clock and the Rope, a radio play by Lewis Pollock. We trust that with this tale we shall once again keep you in suspense.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Would you like to hear the old story about the innocent man facing execution and his last minute attempts to get a pardon and how it feels when he doesn't get it? Well, I can tell you all about it. Cause that's my story. There's a couple of different twists to it, of course. There always are. For one thing, it happened to me. Now I keep away from people. I keep away from cities and buildings. Buildings with the cells they call rooms and the doors that don't always open. I never button my collar. You'll find out why. I earned my living as a guide for hunting parties. Me, who couldn't find my way across a city park. I never sleep indoors and I can't stand clocks. Most of all, I can't stand clocks. It happened so fast. I told them it wasn't murder, it was self defense. Involuntary self defense. Like putting up your arm to protect yourself. But it didn't work out that way in court. That's the other different twist I told you about. They convicted me. They sentenced me to be hanged and they hanged me. I was night man. My job wasn't hard and to me interesting. Sell a little gas, do the rough strip down for some repairs that had to be done the next day. Take care of any transient overnight parking. Then this girl started dropping in for gas every other night or so late. I liked her style, but I was too shy to say anything. And I guess she figured it. She'd sit with a sort of a little smile, half turned in her seat and watch me while I fill the tank. Then she'd pay me and pull away with a funny look in her eyes like she was getting a kick out of the way I acted. Then one night, instead of pulling away when she paid me, she spoke.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, come on, come on, open up, huh? Say something. I've been here 20 times. You can say a word or two, can't you? You know, hello or it's a nice night or it ain't or.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Oh, well, I. I didn't know that you wanted me to.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

You're a funny fella. I didn't look like I didn't want you to, did I? Or don't I know my looks anymore?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Oh, sure. Oh, I just. Well, can I get your windshield?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Did I hear somebody call you Hank the other night?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I guess you did. My name's Henry. Henry Guilford.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Did your girl call you, Hank? Haven't you got a girl?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

No. Steady girl, is that what you mean?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I don't mean anything. Anyway, what would you be doing with a steady girl working here every night?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well, I get one night off. Go to a dance or something.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, you get a night off?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Oh, sure. Hey, say, you like to dance.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I have danced.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well, I'm off tomorrow night. You ever go to the Arcadia? They got a good band there. Forget who it is this week.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I'm sorry. Tomorrow night isn't my night off. But I get off at midnight, though.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well, gee, the Arcadia closes at midnight. All the big dance places close at midnight.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

We don't have to have a big place, do we?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well. Oh, no, no. There's the Owl Inn out on Trapscott Avenue. They run late, have a pretty good little band and booths and everything.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

That'll be fine.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I'll pick you up at your job.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

No, I. I'm way at the other end of town. I have to drive my car back. Anyway, suppose I meet you at the Owl. I'll be there. A little after midnight.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I'll be there.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Okay. Okay. See ya.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

See ya, Jose.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, what's your name?

[Supporting Female Character]

Bye. Bye.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

That next night, around 11:30, I caught the trolley going out along Trapscott Avenue. The motorman was old Steve Hoffman. He'd known me since I was a kid. He rid me about my new gray suit and especially about wanting to get off at the all in. Said I was stepping out in fast company. Well, we got there in about 20 minutes and I started up the driveway, kind of thrilled at the idea of a midnight day. I was just starting up the steps to the inn when I heard voices coming from a grove of trees to one side. Seemed to be a quarrel, so I instinctively glanced that way and saw a man and a girl talking. The girl was my girl. She was saying something.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Nobody, I tell you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Give me that stuff. I followed you all the way out here.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Who are you meeting?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Nobody.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who are you meeting?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, Joe, I told you, nobody.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Lie to me. Who are you meeting? Hey, come back here.

[Commercial Announcer]

Hey, what is this?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Get out of my way. This is but you, Hank.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well, here. Here, I'll help you up. I'm sorry I got in your way, bud.

[Narrator/Announcer]

So this is the guy, huh? Swell.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Hey, now, what's going on?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, what did you hit him for?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Joey's got nothing to do with you, gal.

[Supporting Female Character]

Pan and Ryan.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

This guy is just crazy.

[Commercial Announcer]

Crazy.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well, go call somebody.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, wait a minute, fella.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Look, I don't know what this is.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Oh, Hank, will you get out of here?

[Supporting Female Character]

Run.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You want more? How? I got it right here for you.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Hank, it's a blackjack.

[Supporting Female Character]

Will you run, please?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Now, wait a minute.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Now, listen, bully.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're drunk. Here, put that away.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Now somebody's gonna get. Let go.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Let go of that.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Let go.

[Supporting Female Character]

You got him. You got him, Hank.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Hit him.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hit him again.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Hit him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hit him. Hit him.

[Supporting Female Character]

Hit him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hit him.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I did it, I guess. Hey, who is he?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

He would have done worse to you. We used to go together.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well, I didn't know you had a steady fella. I thought we made our day.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

You didn't ask me. Besides, we were breaking up. He had no right to interfere with.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well, what do we do now? I mean, about him.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

You better go. I'll take care of him.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

No. You mean leave him here with you?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Please go, will you? There'll be more trouble if you two of you go ahead, will you? Hank, I'm gonna leave right away, too. He'll be all right, honest.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, okay, I guess he'll be all right.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Up. Joe. Joe.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

But he wasn't all right. He was dead. I knew about it hardly two hours later. She didn't come and tell me. The police came and got me. They didn't learn about me from her either. They didn't know anything about her, and they acted like they didn't want to know.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Sometimes you punks aren't as smart as you think you are.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I wasn't trying to cover up, I

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

tell you I wasn't.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Why did you walk home when you rode out there on a trolley? Why didn't you ride back?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I. I just wanted to think, that's all. Sure, sure.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Of course, you weren't thinking about how maybe the motorman wouldn't remember taking you out there if you didn't ride back?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

No. Why would I do that? I've known old Steve Hoffman all my life. That I found out.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I told you. You are as smart as you think you are.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I'm not trying to be smart.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Okay, okay, okay. So you hit him in self defense

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

and to save the girl.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Now, what's her name?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Her name? Gee, I never got it. She never told me.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

You mean you had a date with a girl and you didn't even know what her name was? Well, yeah.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well, I asked her. I seen her often. Well, she didn't tell me. Are you sure there was a girl?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Of course.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Now, who did I have a date with?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Maybe just with the guy you killed.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I never met him before.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I don't even Know?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

You just don't know anything, do you? Well, I'll ask you a very simple question. I'm sure you can answer this one.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I'll try.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How much money did you take off

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

the man you murdered? How much money?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Yeah, how much?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where is it?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

His pockets were turned inside out. You went from self defense to help yourself?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

They pushed me around some. I. After that they'd take me to court and then back to my cell. Half the time I didn't know what was going on. They gave me a lawyer, Mr. Hall, Bailey Hall. He'd do the talking. He kept asking for things like reduced bail, time for further investigation, continuances to find witnesses. Just sort of stalling all the time. I don't know why. I told him I didn't have any money for any bail and witnesses. It was the only one I wanted, that girl. But he kept on always trying to hold up things. And one day he told me I'd been indicted. I knew what that meant all right. Then I had to go on trial for murder.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

It's bad, boy. I've done all I could to delay indictment and trial and hope that something would turn up. But worrying for now, I wish you could give me something more to work on.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

What do you mean?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Well, this girl you can't even name. I can't go into court with just that. The police feel certain there never was a girl. There's no trace of her anywhere.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well, maybe she'll show up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Show up?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

My boy, you've got a lot to learn. I'd hate to bet my case on a hope like that.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

That's all I got.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Whole case smells. A man is killed and his pockets emptied, you admit hitting him. You talk about a girl who saw you hit in self defense. You don't know her name. She doesn't show up, the police can't find her. It's a great case for the state,

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Mr. Hall, that's all I know. I can't help it.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Why, George, if you'd never mentioned the girl, it just claimed self defense or a fight, I'd like it 10 times better. It's a girl thing that's so bad it makes your whole defense phony. Good Lord, boy, if you made up a girl, why didn't you make up a name?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I've been all through that with the police. If you're gonna talk that way too, maybe we better forget the whole thing. Maybe you'll give me another attorney. You're none for all I care.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Easy. Easy, boy. Sorry I piped off. I. It Isn't a new attorney you need. It's a new story.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Well.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Well, I'll do my best. Do my best. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Guilford rode out to the inn that night.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

In my trolley on my run, please.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Yeah, that's right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Guilford rode out to the end that night.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Night.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

In my trolley, on my run.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The jury, please. And talk louder. Oh, louder. Oh, I. I said I took Guilford to the inn that night. It was about 12. 10. That's 10 after midnight.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

You know, car talk.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's the way we talk around the barn. He got out and started for the inn.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Yes, well, did. Just a minute.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Did you notice anyone else around? Any girl, for instance?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Girl?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, nobody else. Just my friend, Fatty Cushion, that's all. That'll be all. We play prenup together. Thanks very much. Yes. Defense may have the witness. And as soon as we started to

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

talk to Guilford, he confessed to striking the blows.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He talked about doing it in self

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

defense and about a girl he had a date with.

[Narrator/Announcer]

A witness to find. Fight. Yeah. Now, lieutenant, has your department been able to trace this girl whose existence is claimed by the defendant?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

No.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No trace of her at all? No, sir. No trace of her at all

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

beyond

[Narrator/Announcer]

the shadow of any reasonable doubt. Now then, we come to the actual evidence. Ladies and gentlemen, the jury. Where do we get the evidence? From the witnesses. And who is the state's principal witness? None other than the defendant himself, Henry Guilford. But the defendant can prove his story as a witness. The girl who saw it all. The girl he saved from a bad beating. Would any girl be so heartless as to leave such a benefactor in the lurch when just a word would say, save him. Why doesn't she appear? Why isn't she found? But no. No trace of her. Not even a small sized note. In other words, she is behaving exactly as you would expect of someone who is not real, but just the figment of a desperate man's imagination. The defendant will rise. Gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

We have, your honor.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What is your verdict?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

We, the jury, find the defendant, Henry

[Narrator/Announcer]

Guilford, guilty as charged of murder in the first degree. Henry Guilford, you have?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Yes, sir. It was crazy. Sometimes I thought it must be just a crazy nightmare. Like when you're gonna wake up and everything's gonna be all right. I was innocent. And they were gonna hang me for murder because they couldn't find a girl. One girl who knew I hadn't done it. Can you imagine how that feels? My boss at the Garage. And the fellows who worked their days chipped in some money. I had an uncle in West Virginia who sent Mr. Hall $50 in cash. A promissory note for another 50. I guess Mr. Hall put up some money himself for expenses. Anyway, he kept appealing the case all the way up to the State Supreme Court. But it didn't do any good. Kept coming back with the original decision. Sustained. Mr. Hall said. I asked him if he was going to take the case to the United States Supreme Court. But he said he couldn't. He had nothing to justify a hearing. Yes, he meant everything was cut and dried. All this time, the courts had kept changing the date. The date I was supposed to be hanged. Now all of a sudden, I knew there weren't going to be any more changes. The last date set was it. How do you suppose that feels? I think I started to suffocate. Right then there was something growing in my throat that wouldn't let me breathe. Evening of the next day. McGill, the deputy warden, came into my cell with a couple of guards. Told me I was moving. I knew where it was. Down on the main floor, row of only three cells. These were larger cells, more light, more convenience. This was the last stop. Death row. Now there's a team of two who live right in the cell with you. The last few days. It's one time a prison breaks down and shows a human touch, I guess. Or else I just want to make sure you don't go ahead and carry out the sentence on yourself. Anyway, whatever it was, I was grateful. Because now I was lonely. Way deep inside myself, I ached with loneliness and fear. I was afraid.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Why?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Not like a man that afraid of boy, a child's afraid. I was going someplace. The last place I was going alone. The thing you feel most the last hours is the time. The clock. Remembering how often you wished it would hurry so you could get off work or go out of school or see your girl fishing or. You remember a hundred hours like that when six hours is all you got left outside. You know, they're watching the clock, too. Not like you are, but they're watching it all. The usual people concerned with an execution. Doing the usual things. Your lawyer in the ward, governor maybe newspaper men, guards, the executioner. I know what every one of them was doing as they watched the clock that night. He told me afterwards. Now I never forget it. Clocks all over the state, ticking away my life.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

You know, you ought to get some sleep, Warden. So many fire five hours away.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I know.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Oh, I wish I could lose this pain in My chest for a little while. I think I'll just lie down here on the couch.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Why don't you do that, Warden?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yeah.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh,

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

What time is it?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

It's coming up 1am I been feeling bad all day.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ah, not too good.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I got this thing in my chest. I suppose it's nervous indigestion.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yeah.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Had it a couple of weeks, as a matter of fact.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, I'm exhausted.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

This is a tough job, McGill. And every time it gets harder. Takes it out of me.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

What do you think of young Guilford?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Nice kid.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Yeah, nice kid. He sounds like he's. Well, that's not up to us. It's not up to us. Well, I'll try and get some rest.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Yeah. When shall I call you, Warden?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Oh, make it an hour beforehand. Five o'.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Clock.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Hello, this is Bailey Hall. Yes, I'm Guilford's attorney. Look, it's 4 o' clock in the morning. I need.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're who? Yep.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Well, where have you been all this time? What?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yeah.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Now, look, you're not just some crank that's after publicity. I know, I know, I know. It's for six o'.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Clock.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Where are you?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Wait for me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll be right down.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

We've got about two hours. I'll stake my reputation on it, Governor. This is a girl. At least it deserves a stay of execution.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

It's true, sir. Honest. I swear it's true. I've been away. I've been in Mexico. You just don't read the papers there. I just hadn't heard about it till tonight. But it's just as he said it was. Self defense.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Please, sir, it's after five o' clock now. Can't we get.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What about the money that was taken out of the dead man's pocket?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

I took it. I took it. I needed it. I didn't know he was dead. He was drunk. I had every right to the money. Honesty. He'd been my husband and.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well. Very well. Richards. Yes, Governor? Type out a stay of execution on the Guilford case for three weeks. Bring it in and I'll sign it. You can take it down.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

All right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You better phone the warden to make sure, though, Governor. The boy's only got about a half hour left.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Mm.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Warden's office.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Yes, this is Warden Barnes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What? Well, put him on. Of course. Yes, Governor. Young Guilford. Well. Oh, you don't say so. Why, that splendid, Governor.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, I'll let them know right away. Yes, Mama. Gill.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Yes, Warden.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Mark.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Harry.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Jack.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Come in here, quick.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What's the matter?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Something happened to the warden. Let me get him up on the couch.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

That's better.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Looks like a stroke. Yeah.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

You better call the doctor, will you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure. Hmm.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Phone.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Well, never mind that.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Call the doctor.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Must have been the strain of this execution, Warden. I think he kind of liked the kid. What's the matter with his phone?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I'm afraid there's no hurry for the doctor. Warden's dead.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Jeep. Yeah. It's 5:30.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I'll have to take over for the execution.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Gentlemen, gentlemen, please.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

It's now ten minutes to six. Gentlemen, in a few moments you will be admitted to the ground floor of Blockhouse A, where the scaffold has been erected and where the execution which you are to witness as newspapermen and members of the medical profession will take place. You'll find rows of benches. Please take your seats quietly in any of the rows except the first, which has been reserved for members of the Medical Examining Committee. We ask you to cooperate with us in our duties and to respect the solemnity of the occasion by moving quietly and refraining from any loud conversation from the moment you enter until you leave.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Thank you. The minister was reading from the Bible when the outer cell block door clanged. I knew it was time. They were coming for me. This was it then. There was a group of guards. The deputy warden was with him. He opened my cell door. One of the guards came straight up to me. He was carrying a leather strap with a big buckle on it. I stood up. I felt him strapping my arms behind me. The minister stopped reading for a moment to say something.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Steady, my son.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

We'll.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

We'll go now. Guilford.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

I started to say something to the deputy, but he nodded his head at the men and they started to move. The two guards who'd been with me in the cell stood. One of them reached over and let his hand fall on my shoulder. For a second, I tried to say goodbye. I walked and realized I couldn't breathe very deeply, though I wanted to. Just short breaths were all I could take. The deputy turned around once and looked at me. He seemed nervous. That bothered me. I wished he wasn't so nervous. So we got to a door, another corner through that and another door that was already open. I walked through. I was in a room full of men. But my eyes went to something else. There were steps just ahead of me. Unpainted wooden steps that led to a platform. And from above that, there was. I saw the rope.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I woke up with you, my son.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

The guard who was waiting worked fast. He moved me into Position and then in the room were going. Me now looking up. There was a movement among them. One of them had fainted and his fell over. He landed hard. I wondered if he'd hurt himself. Then I felt something over my head. He lifted it and came down over my head. Somewhere inside of me, a scream began. But my lips were closed. And I was just saying to myself, hurry, hurry, hurry.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Don't put any calls through here. What? Huh? Don't you know better than to ring the phone now? Guilford's on the scaffold. What? Governor's messenger at the outer gate.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

Well, are you sure it's not. The trap is sprung.

[Narrator/Announcer]

McGill. McGill. Stop this apartment. Stop it.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Stop it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Miguel.

[Henry Guilford (Jackie Cooper's character)]

No. A man doesn't always die right away when he's hanged. They talk about the neck being broken and death coming instantly. No, not always. Death doesn't come for a long time. For some men, it's nearly 20 minutes. For others it may be less. But never under 12 minutes before the heart stops. You can check on that. Me, I was only up a few seconds. They cut me down and the doctors worked on me. Right on the wheel stretcher that was waiting to carry my body out. No, I didn't lose consciousness. I sometimes wish I had. I sometimes wish I had gone then instead of being brought back to remember every bit of those last hours. There was a new trial after. I was on my feet again. But I don't know what was said. I was free. I saw the girl. Judy. I know her name now. And I thanked her. Neither one of us knew what to say after that. So she just went. Yes. I never sleep indoors. I never button my collar. I don't like buildings. Any building. It's got stone and steel and hold you in. I want to be out here, where I can see the sky. Anytime I open my eyes. And I open them often. I think too much when they're closed. I hear the clock. The Clock.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Suspense. Produced, edited and directed by William Spear. Tonight you heard Mr. Jackie Cooper as

[Narrator/Storyteller]

star of the Clock and the Rope.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

This was the second in a limited series of five Friday night performances at this hour which will present radio's outstanding Theater of Thrills, Suspense.

[Commercial Announcer]

Jackie Cooper appeared by courtesy of United artists. Appearing with Mr. Cooper were Kathy Lewis, John McIntyre, Elliot Lewis, Joseph Kearns, Paul

[Narrator/Announcer]

McVeigh, Junius Matthews, Wally Mayer, Lester J.

[Commercial Announcer]

And Jack Crucian. Music for suspense is under the direction

[Narrator/Announcer]

of Lud Gluskin with original music composed by Lucian Morowek.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Next Friday, same time, we will bring you one of the most Remarkable studies in suspense ever to be presented in this series. Mr. Dan Duryea will be our star in the man who Couldn't Lose. Don't forget, next Friday, same time. Listen to suspense

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

it.

[Commercial Announcer]

This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Boys and girls, your attention please. Presenting a new exciting radio program featuring the thrilling adventures of an amazing and incredible personality. Faster than an airplane. More powerful than a locomotive. Impervious to bullets.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Up in the sky, look.

[Supporting Female Character]

It's a bird.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's a plane.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And now, Superman. A being no larger than an ordinary man. But possessed of powers and abilities never before realized on Earth. Able to leap into the air an eighth of a mile at a single bound. Hurdle A 20 story building with ease. Race a high powered bullet to its target. Lift tremendous weights and rend solid steel in his bare hands as though it were paper. Superman. A strange visitor from a distant planet. Champion of the oppressed. Physical marvel extraordinary. Who has sworn to devote his existence on Earth to helping those in need. As our story begins, we asked you to come with us on a far journey. A journey that takes us millions of miles from the Earth where the planet Krypton burns like a green star in the endless heavens. Here, civilization is far advanced. It has brought forth a race of supermen. Men and women like ourselves. But advanced to the absolute peak of human perfection. As we near Krypton, we see high walls and gleaming turrets. We approach the magnificent Temple of Wisdom. And there in a great hall, Jor El, Krypton's foremost man of science is about to address a meeting of the planet's governing council.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Attention. Attention, gentlemen. Jor El speaks.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Members of the council, I have completed my solar calculations. And much as I dread uttering these words, I have come to the conclusion Krypton is doomed.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Did I hear him right?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Gentlemen, gentlemen, gentlemen, hear him out.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

These internal quakes we've been experiencing these volcanic eruptions, tidal waves, gas escaping from giant craters all point to only one thing, gentlemen. Krypton is utterly and finally doomed.

[Narrator/Announcer]

One moment, gentlemen. One moment. There is no cause for anxiety. I am certain Jor El has made a mistake. True, we have had a few minor quakes and eruptions, but nothing very serious. There must be some error in your calculations, Jorah.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

No, no, there is no error, Roseanne. I only wish there were. The sun is gradually drawing Krypton closer to it. Within a month, possibly only a week, the gravitational pull will be so tremendous that Krypton will not be able to weather the strain. And then. Then our planet will explode like a giant bubble. Destroying every living thing on it.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Gentlemen,

[Narrator/Announcer]

assuming for the moment, Jor El that what you say is true how are we to avoid it? What can we do to stop it?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

There is only one way. As you all know I have been working on a spaceship designed for interplanetary travel. With time and united effort we might transport the entire population of Krypton to another world.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Impossible. Where would we go?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

To the Earth? My studies tell me the atmosphere of the Earth is very nearly the same as our own.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You have been working too hard, Jorat. You need a rest. Believe me, we have the utmost respect for your knowledge and integrity but this is carrying it too far. Planets as large as Krypton do not explode.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Jorah, Wait.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Do you hear that, gentlemen? It's the forewarning of doom. Every moment is precious now. Clicks like that are sounding the death knell of Krypton. It will happen, gentlemen, and happen soon. When the last great eruption comes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

When it comes, your El it shall

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

find all of us ready.

[Narrator/Announcer]

If Krypton is to die, we shall die with it. The parting would be much too severe.

[Supporting Female Character]

Yes.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Very well. Laugh of your life, Roseanne. And you, members of the council, I have no time to laugh. My wife, Lara, and my infant son are dear to me. It is not my wish to stand by and see them destroyed. Laugh, all of you. But a time will come and that time is perhaps very close at hand when you will wish you had heeded the words of Jor El. Now, you think me a fool. But remember what I have said, gentlemen. When Krypton is shattered into a thousand million stars when the glorious civilization we have built is no more when you and your families are swept from the face of Krypton like dust.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Order, gentlemen. Order. You have heard Jor El speak. Is it your wish that we devote time and money to the building of spaceships for the transportation of Krypton's population to another planet. I am sorry, Jor El. The council has spoken.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Yes.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

And signed the death warrants of every living thing on Krypton. Well, I have done my best to convince you. Now all that remains for me is to proceed with my own means of salvation my own spaceship to save the lives of those near and dear to me. As for the rest of you may the gods have mercy on your souls.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Where he is absolutely mad at Eden.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Ah, Lara, I didn't see you.

[Supporting Female Character]

I came out to take the air on the terrace. It's been terribly hot all day. Is that because we're being drawn to the sun, Jarrell?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Yes.

[Supporting Female Character]

What did the Council have to say about that?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

I. I didn't mention it.

[Supporting Female Character]

Is the model of your spaceship almost finished?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Yes, yes, I just drove the last rivet.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

How does it look?

[Supporting Female Character]

Splendid. But will it work?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Ah, that remains to be seen.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

If it does work, I shall immediately

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

begin construction of another just like it, only much larger. One big enough to carry all three of us to another world.

[Supporting Female Character]

Jarrell, when will that be? Every moment that we spend waiting and wondering.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

I know, I know, Lara. It's been hard on all of us, and particularly hard on you. How is the boy?

[Supporting Female Character]

Sleeping. Jarrell. That quake this afternoon frightened him, but he's all right now. Can't you come in and look at him? You scarcely see him these days, what with working all hours on the spaceship model.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It can't be helped, dear. I'm racing against time right now.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

I'm anxious to know whether the model will behave as I hope.

[Supporting Female Character]

How does it operate?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Very simply. When all is ready, I throw this

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

switch that closes the circuit and electric

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

energy builds up pressure in the atomic generators.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Then, at the final moment, the pressure forces the ship from its carrier and

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

speeds it on its way.

[Supporting Female Character]

But where does it go?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Wherever it's pointed.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

This one I'm directing to the planet Earth.

[Supporting Female Character]

Earth? What is that, Jerome?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

A planet smaller than our own, situated

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

on the other side of the sun.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

It's inhabited by a race of people similar to ourselves.

[Supporting Female Character]

Like ourselves?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Well, only partly, of course, my dear. They're about the same size, but nowhere nearly as developed. Very weak and helpless and with all their faculties extremely limited. How do you mean something like this?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

You know how far you step when

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

you want to go somewhere.

[Supporting Female Character]

Practically as far as I want. Why, one step takes me to Brata's house. Near the fountain.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Exactly. Well, down where I'm sending this spaceship, it's quite different. An Earthman steps only 3ft at a time, at most, and everything else is in proportion.

[Supporting Female Character]

And that's where we're going.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Oh, how dreadful, my dear.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Which would you rather do? Go to Earth and live, or stay on Krypton and die?

[Supporting Female Character]

I'll do anything you say, Jarrell. Anything. It doesn't matter to me whether we live or die, as long as we're together. It's only the boy I worry about.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Yes, I know. Lara, darling, don't worry. He'll be saved.

[Supporting Female Character]

When are you testing the spaceship model?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

In the morning, just as dawn breaks. I'll send it on its way, watching its flight through a high powered telescope to see whether it lands safely on Earth.

[Supporting Female Character]

Is Earth the only planet Place we can go to, Jirel.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

We couldn't breathe on any other planet but the Earth. It happens to have an atmosphere similar to Krypton's.

[Supporting Female Character]

I suppose you know best. Jarrell. Are you coming in? It seems to have gotten oppressively hot.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Yes, it has. I wonder.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Lara, do you hear that?

[Supporting Female Character]

Yes, Jerell. What is it?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Subterranean explosions. Do you feel the ground trembling?

[Supporting Female Character]

Yes, I do. Jarrell, do you think.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Lara.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Lara, I'm afraid it's come. Where is the boy?

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Call out.

[Supporting Female Character]

What do you mean?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Get him.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Quickly.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

This is the end, Jarrell.

[Supporting Female Character]

What can we do?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Nothing. Nothing. I'm not ready. Oh, what a fool I've been to delay.

[Supporting Female Character]

It isn't your fault, Jarell. You did all you could.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

If only this model were large enough, we could take a chance.

[Supporting Female Character]

Jarell, would it carry one of us safely to Earth?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Oh, I think so.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Lara, where are you going? Stay here with me.

[Supporting Female Character]

I'm getting Kalel. If one of us can be saved, Jor El, it should be the boy.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

No. No, Lara.

[Supporting Female Character]

Come back.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

If one must go, it should be you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Lara.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

I said come back.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come back.

[Supporting Female Character]

Here he is, Jarell. Still asleep. Goodbye.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

K. Please, Lara.

[Supporting Female Character]

No, Jirel, listen to me. We both stay here. Kal El goes in the spaceship. If there is a chance, Jirel, at one little chance, I want it for my son.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Maybe you're right, Lara.

[Supporting Female Character]

Jar El, look. The sky. It's fiery red. The mountains.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look.

[Supporting Female Character]

The mountains are falling in. Jerrel Will. What's happening?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

The end of Krypton, Lar. Just as I foretold. This is the last great quake.

[Supporting Female Character]

Jell, listen. Explosions Here.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Quick, quick.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Give me the boy.

[Supporting Female Character]

K. What are you doing, Jerell?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Opening the door. Putting him inside.

[Supporting Female Character]

Jarell, the house is swaying. It's breaking apart. Look, Jerell.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

There.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He's safe.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

And now for the switch.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stand back. La.

[Supporting Female Character]

Oh, Jarrell, will you reach the Earth?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Only the gods know. But there's a chance. The only chance. Stand back now, Lara. I'm going to throw the switch.

[Supporting Female Character]

Jerell, it's getting dark. I can't see. What happened?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Fire. Smoke from the center of the planet. Not much time now.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hold me.

[Supporting Female Character]

Jerell. Is the spaceship gone?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

No, no, not yet.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Waiting for pressure.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

We may have been to the. If it doesn't work up soon.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Wait.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Lara. It's off.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It's on its way.

[Narrator/Announcer]

J.

[Supporting Female Character]

Where are you?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Here. Here. Beside you. Lara, listen. Can you hear me? Our boy, Kalel. Our son, Lara. He's on his way. On his way to Earth.

[Supporting Female Character]

K.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

So the Tiny rocket ship roars into the uncharted heavens as the mighty planet of Krypton explodes into millions of glowing fragments. Glittering stars to remain forever in the night sky. Jor El and Lara, devoted parents of the tiny boy perish in the giant quake that destroys Krypton. But what of the rocket ship? Does it reach the Earth? Does it find its mark in all the far flung darkness of space? Remember, don't miss the next installment of Superman

[Narrator/Announcer]

up in the sky.

[Supporting Female Character]

Look.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's a giant bird.

[Supporting Female Character]

It's a plane.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Superman is a copyrighted feature appearing in Action Comics magazine presenting Superman

[Narrator/Announcer]

up in the Sky. Look, It's a bird.

[Supporting Female Character]

It's a plane.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And now, Superman, eighth wonder of the modern world. Visitor from a distant planet whose strength knows no limits, whose endurance is beyond anything humanity has ever known. We have seen how the child of Jor El and Lara was placed in the rocket ship and sent on his way to Earth. During the long journey of the rocket ship to the Earth, the child has become a man. The rocket landed in a desert. Superman stepped forth, full grown to explore this strange new world in which he found himself. Today, as our story continues, we find him hovering with his curious power above a quiet highway in Indiana. A trolley car is just pulling up the hill. And as Superman wheels and turns in curious flight, unseen below, a man and a boy come out of the shed that serves as waiting room.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Morning, Professor.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Good morning.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Going into town?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, that's right, John. Taking Jimmy to the fair is a

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

great show, all right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I reckon you're my only passengers.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Make yourselves at home.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm going to get me a drink of water, Allan.

[Supporting Female Character]

Why, Dan, we've got the trolley all to ourselves.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, regular private car. Where'd the motorman go? Just over to the spring for a drink. It's a mighty hot day. You better hurry or we'll be late. We can't start without the motorman.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

But we are starting.

[Supporting Female Character]

Look, dad, the doors have closed. We're moving.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What happened, Dad, I want to get out. The brakes. Something happened to the brakes.

[Supporting Female Character]

Let's get out.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Quick. Open the doors. They're jammed there tight shut.

[Supporting Female Character]

Dad. We're going faster and faster. We're going downhill, dad. What are we going to do?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Jimmy, come here. The window.

[Supporting Female Character]

Out the window, dad. Get it open. Smash it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, wait.

[Supporting Female Character]

Jump, dad, jump.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, no, no. It's too late.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Going too fast.

[Supporting Female Character]

We've got to, dad. Look. There ahead. There's a tree.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Jimmy, a tree.

[Supporting Female Character]

A tree's falling. Right in the tracks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Look.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There in the sky. It's a man.

[Supporting Female Character]

Why, he's flying.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It can't be. It's not possible.

[Supporting Female Character]

Dad, he's coming straight at us. He's swooping down. He's tearing off the rope.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Dad, quick, grab hold of me.

[Supporting Female Character]

No.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Put me down. Let me go.

[Supporting Female Character]

Stop it.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

One under each arm.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Out through the top.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Hold on.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

We're going to crash.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, we just got out of that in time. Trolley car's a wreck, smashed into a million pieces.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Where are you going?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What are you doing to us? What's happening? Put us down.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Don't be frightened. You're all right. I had to get you out of there in a hurry. Pulling off that roof was the only way. Now we're going down again.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Down.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Down. There you are, safe and sound in the field.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I. I don't know what to say.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Quite all right, Professor. Getting you and the boy out of that car was nothing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I can't believe it.

[Supporting Female Character]

Who are you, anyway? Where do you come from?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I have no name. I come from a world that no longer exists. Here, in this world of yours, men would call me a superman.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's a dream. A wild, impossible dream.

[Supporting Female Character]

But, dad, it happened. We saw it. He flew down, took us under his

[Clark Kent / Superman]

arms and out of the car. That's all. Nothing so strange about that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You saved our lives. Jimmy's and mine. I don't understand, even now. But I'm grateful.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Are you, Professor?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Do you doubt it?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Would you do something to prove it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Would we?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Anything at all.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Then make me a promise. Promise that you'll say nothing at all about what's happened.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

What?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Don't you want people to know?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Not just yet. I want no one to know except those I help. Will you promise?

[Narrator/Announcer]

If you wish.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I do. Believe me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Then you have our word. Is that all? No.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

You've given me your promise. Now I want your advice.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You want advice from us?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

You know this world. I am a stranger. You know the people in it. I have still to find them out.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You want to meet men, is that it?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Not meet them, Professor. Observe them, study them. See them at their best and their worst. Know which to help and when help is needed. If you can tell me that, Dan.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Can we help him?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I think so, Jimmy. If that's what he wants.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

It would mean a great deal to me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, my friend, if we can call you that.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I hope we can. My first friends on this earth.

[Narrator/Announcer]

To mingle with people. To see men at the highest and the lowest. If that's what you Want? Now, let me think. How about a newspaper? A great metropolitan daily.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

A newspaper?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Join their staff, be a reporter.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Oh, but you can't do it in those clothes.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Not that blue costume with the cloak

[Narrator/Announcer]

and shield on your breast.

[Supporting Female Character]

Gee, you couldn't.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Jimmy. These are the cloak and the shield of Superman. If I become as other men, I shall dress as other men.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, you will have to assume some kind of a name. What do they call you?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I have no name.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, how about Clark Kent? That sounds all right. Yes, why not? It's usual enough. Won't attract attention.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Clark Kent. Clark Kent. Yes. And about joining a newspaper, that should give me an opportunity to learn the troubles of men. To know whom to help. And when help is needed, I'll do it. Many thanks to both of you for your advice.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, no thanks unnecessary. If there were only something more.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Just this. Remember your promise never to reveal my identity. And now, goodbye. I've stayed too long and I'm off.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Goodbye.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Goodbye.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Goodbye.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

They're right. Superman must become a reporter. A reporter by the name of Clark Kent. Clark Kent. I'll do it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

City room White. Listen, chief, you better get somebody in that railroad story right away. Anything break? Looks bad. I don't know where your dope came from, but it sure was right. Where are you now? At the yards, out of town. If I were you, I'd have somebody

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

watch the man they call the wolf.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Wolf?

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's what I do, chief. Watch your him. Trail him. Follow him.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Every minute.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He's at the bottom of this as sure as you're born. Hey, I got to beat it. Someone's coming.

[Supporting Female Character]

Excuse me, Mr. White.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

That young man's still waiting.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What young? Oh, the one who wants a job. Well, let him wait. Who have we got that's free?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

McCan's on the coast.

[Supporting Female Character]

Grayson's down in Virginia most of the day.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Men are full up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I knew it. Confound. It's always the way. Something breaks and nobody to handle it.

[Supporting Female Character]

What is it, Mr. White?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Railroads.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sabotage. I didn't believe it. But there may be something in it after all. If there is.

[Supporting Female Character]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

If there is, Ms. Smith, it'll be the biggest story since Lindbergh and me shorthanded.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Oh, what's the use?

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Yes, sir? About that man.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, send him in. Send him in.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Yes, sir.

[Supporting Female Character]

Come in, Mr. Kent. Mr. White will see you now.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Thanks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You want to see me? Close that door.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, sir. My name is Kent. Clark Kent.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What can I do for you, Mr. Kent?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, Mr. White, you can give me work. I hope.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Work on the paper?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, sir. I'd like to be a reporter.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No. You'd like to be a reporter. What papers have you worked on?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, none, sir, but.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, you haven't. But you think you'd be a whiz? Well, I'm afraid I can't use you, Kent.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

You mean you haven't any openings?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Not for greenhorns. I'm sorry if I'm blunt, but, Mr.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

White, even if I am a greenhorn, suppose I brought you a good story.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And where would you get it? I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me, mister. Can I really?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Good story.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Such as?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Such as the complete inside on the man called the Wolf on the Western railroads.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What's that? You heard me.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Do you want that story?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Do I want it? Well, I should say I do, but look here.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Think I could get it for you?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Mr. White?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What do you know about the Wolf?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

A little bit.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where did you ever hear his name?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Connection with railroads, Mr. White.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, stop beating around the bush. I only heard the beginning of that myself yesterday morning. Not a paper in the country's carried a line, and yet.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yet I come in here and talk about it. I think I could do something with it, Mr. White.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, look here, Kent. Mysterious, secret messages have threatened to tie up every railroad in the country, beginning with the Western. For a while, the road paid no attention, and then the cracked flyer on the P and R went off a bridge.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, I read about that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Naturally. But you didn't read about the warnings because they weren't printed.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Weren't printed?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

No.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And they won't be. Not until we've checked all the angles. And then this man. The Wolf.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Oh, yes, yes, the Wolf.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, where do you come in? How did you get to know the Wolf? Excuse me. Say, Rome. White, my friend, tomorrow night the Silver Clipper leaves Denver for the West. It will not arrive in Salt Lake City. Hey, what's that? Who's this? I have been called the Wolf. Goodbye.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, come back here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come back here. Wait.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Wait.

[Supporting Female Character]

Yes, Mr. Wise?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where did that call come from?

[Supporting Female Character]

I'm sorry, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The party's been disconnected. Ah, nuts.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Beg your pardon, sir. But if that call did come from the Wolf, I should be inclined to believe it.

[Ken Niles (Host/Announcer)]

Huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

How do you know who that was?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

If I were you, I'd warn the officials in charge of the Silver Clipper.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look here, you couldn't hear that phone. What is this? How do you know who called me?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

As I was saying, Mr. White, suppose I brought you a good story. The story of the Silver Clipper and The Wolf.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I take chances. Kent, I'm going to take a chance on you.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Thank you, Mr. White.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's 2,000 miles. You'll have to hop a plane.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I'll get there, Mr. White, in spite of the weather.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Lord, I hadn't noticed the weather. Well, get to the airport Anyway.

[Supporting Female Character]

You rang, Mr. White?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ms. Smith, this is Clark Kent, temporarily attached to our staff. You'll note. I said temporarily.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Kent leaves for the west for the first plane. Get him tickets and a $200 advance.

[Supporting Female Character]

Mr. White, all planes are grounded.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

That's all right, sir.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

I'll get there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Take him outside, show him what he needs to know.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Mr. White, I'd like to thank you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, let it go, Kent. Let it go. You get a story and you get a job. You're either clairvoyant or the luckiest guesser alive. Either way, I can use you. But if you miss out.

[Supporting Female Character]

Well, this way, Mr. Kent.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Thank you, Ms. Smith. Nice of you to show me around.

[Supporting Female Character]

Pretty lucky. I'll say. 100 good newspaper men walking the streets and you step right into a job.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I say I am lucky.

[Supporting Female Character]

You wait in here. It's the ante room of the cashier's office.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

But I really don't need an advance.

[Supporting Female Character]

A playboy in disguise, eh? Wait here.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

What a rotten night.

[Supporting Female Character]

Don't fall out that window.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

It's 20 stories down.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Beautiful view, even in the fog.

[Supporting Female Character]

You wait right here till I get your money. Then I'll introduce you to a few real newspaper bands.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Planes grounded. 2,000 miles to go. Sorry, Ms. Smith. I'm afraid I can't wait. Clark Kent may need a plane, but Superman doesn't. Up with a window and out.

[Supporting Female Character]

I didn't keep you waiting.

[Narrator/Announcer]

To Smith. What is it, Miss Smith? What's wrong?

[Supporting Female Character]

That man, did he go out? That Clark Kent?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Nobody went through the city room.

[Supporting Female Character]

No, he didn't go out. Well, I left him right here. The window. Oh, the open window. He went through it. And it's 20 stories down.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Out the open window. 20 stories above the ground. In the wink of an eye, Clark Kent, cub reporter for the Daily Planet, becomes Superman, eagle of the sky, winging his way west over city and plain, river and mountain through the storm swept night. But will he be in time? Can he? Checkmate. The strange figure called the Wolf. Discover the plot save the Silver Clipper roaring toward Denver at 90 miles an hour. And remember, don't miss the next installment of Superman.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Up in the sky.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Look. It's a bird.

[Supporting Female Character]

It's a plane.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Superman is A copyrighted feature appearing in Action Comics magazine presenting Superman

[Narrator/Announcer]

up in the sky. Look. It's a bird.

[Supporting Female Character]

It's a plane.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And now, Superman, amazing figure from another world with power, powers and abilities never before realized by mortal men given a chance to make good by Perry White, city editor of the Daily Planet. Young Clark Kent, who was really Superman, leaped out a window 20 stories above the ground and vanished in a swirl of fog. Secret warnings had come to the newspaper of a vague and sinister plot against the railroads of the West. And mild mannered Clark Kent had received orders to go west at once and investigate already dangerous, forming in the path of the Silver Clipper, cracked train of the West Coast Railroad roaring over the prairie on her way to Denver and Salt Lake. All planes were grounded by fog and sleet. But today, as our story continues, a strange figure hurtles through space. Red cape streaming in the whistling wind, Superman speeds to his assignment.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

24 hours to go. The Silver Clipper leaves Denver tomorrow night on her way to Salt Lake City. That man who calls himself the Wolf. Have to find out who he is, too. Said the train would never get there. We'll see, Wolf. We'll see if you're up to something. Look out, because the other side has Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And as Superman wings his way westward, following the faint steel ribbon of the railway line below him, two men sit waiting in a tiny shack in the Colorado foothills. One of them is Kino Carter. Gunman, gambler, bad man of the Southwest. Kino waits nervously. Wait for some word from the figure across the table. The dark, shadowy figure who calls himself the Wolf.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, listen, boss, will you please tell me what we're doing out here? Now, the Silver Clipper ain't due to tomorrow. Don't even leave Denver till tomorrow afternoon.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Very true, Kino. But the Western Limited is due in exactly 10 minutes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

What are you going to do with the Limited?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

I warned various people and newspapers that something would happen to the Silver Clipper tomorrow night. As it will, so far, they've chosen to ignore me. Very well. When they see what overtakes the Limited in slightly less than 10 minutes, they will pay more attention to me when I call again.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Now, listen, boss. What is this, a game? What are you trying to do?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Why ask me, Kino? Do I know any more than you? We're told to paralyze the railroads, that's all. But it's enough we obey orders.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Well, whose orders? Where did they come from?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Yours come from me. And you know what happens, Kino, if you disregard them. Shall I Tell you again?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

No, no, never mind.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Very well.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Come outside.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Not long to wait now. If the Limited is on time, we should begin to hear her.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I don't hear nothing.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Ah, she is on time. Have you done what I told you?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Yeah, I done it, but I don't see.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

You will see Kino very shortly indeed.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, what are you trying to do, scare him to death?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Listen now to what I tell you.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I'm listening.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

That train will be going over that trestle down there in another seven or eight minutes.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

So what?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

At the end of the trestle, as you can see, Kino, the track turns and runs along the cliff. On the mountainside. I see the mountains to one side, very steep and abrupt. Then the track, then the canyon, 300ft deep.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, listen, you gonna throw em down the Canyon? The whole 10 cars?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

As I said before, all you have to do is obey orders.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

All right. What do I do?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

You wait till the train has crossed the trestle. Then you fire the charge right away. Count 10 if you like.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

All right. And then what?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Then events will take their natural course. After which you will come back and join me in the cabin.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, she's coming.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Coming.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Fast moving, my friend. Let her cross the trestle, then count 10.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Ah, good. Still following the railway. Ought to be getting fairly close to Denver. Looks like. Like a long trestle up ahead. I'd get aboard that train if it weren't so slow. I'll drop down a bit and look it over. Might do it anyway. Ride in as Clark Kent. What's that man on the side of the mountain doing? Looks like he's got a charging battery for dynamite blasting. Something queer about that. Seems to be waiting. He's waiting for the train. Gonna blast it right off the tracks. This looks like some of your dirty work, Wolf. Well, here's where Superman takes a hand. I've got to stop that train. I'll get aboard and they'll stop to put me off because I have no tickets. But it's got to be fast. 90 miles an hour. Good speed for a train, but it can't leave Superman behind. There's the observation platform.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What luck.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Nobody on it. Now then, grab the platform rail there. Leap on board now. Now to join the passengers is Clark Kent, cub reporter for the Daily Planet. Off with a cape into ordinary clothes and inside.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tickets, please. All tickets. Tickets price. The piablo. All tickets, please. Tickets, please. May I have your ticket, please?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Oh, I'm sorry, conductor, but I've lost it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, you've lost it. And I'm afraid that I'll have to ask you to pay the fair now.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

You know, I'm terrible sorry, but I seem to have lost my money.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I thought so. You've been riding the blinds and figured you'd sneak in here where it's warm. Well, we know how to deal with bums like you.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

That's right, conductor. Stop the train and put me off. I don't mind.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, who are you?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet. But that's all right. I ought to be more careful. Teach me a good lesson.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I guess I'll take a chance. If you're really a reporter now, you're liable to write up a story about getting kicked off our train. You can stay where you are. But look here, I'll take care of you when we get to town. And if you're not a reporter, no good.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I overplayed it. Great Scott. I gotta do something. And quick, too. We're on the trestle. Where's that emergency cord?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey. Hey, what's going on here? Who pulled that cord?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I did, conductor. I'm terribly sorry. Sorry?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, you better be sorry. Here, here.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Come back here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come back here.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I can't stay, conductor. My conscience bothers me.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I'll just jump off right where we

[Clark Kent / Superman]

are, on the trespass.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You come back here.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I'll be all right. Don't. Don't worry about me.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I gotcha. No, you can't get away this time.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, you stay right here. I want to get away. Well, you ain't getting off. You'll go to jail for this. You come back up themselves.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Look.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Up the mountain. Conductor, that flash.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, what the. What the. What's going on up there?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

It was a blast. An explosion up the mountain. Great Scott. Conductor, look. Look what's coming.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, Lord, save us. It's a rock slide. Tons of rock coming down on the track.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Listen to it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And right ahead of us, too. Took the tracks out like two pieces of string. Oh, Lord. And now they're all coming out to find out what happened. It's all right. It's all right, ladies and gentlemen. No danger. Just a rock slide up ahead, that's all. There may be a slight delay.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Delay? You don't think you can dig through that, do you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, get back in the train, please.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Get back.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's dangerous out here. Back on board, please. We may be held up a little while. Back on board, everybody, please. We'll be pulling out directly.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Now then, conductor, I. I think you owe me a vote of thanks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No. You do, do you? Well, what makes you think that.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, use your eyes, man. Where would you be now if I hadn't stopped the train?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, now, there may be something in what you say. I'm not denying. If we'd been going our regular speed we'd have got that rock slide right about the third car.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I'll say you would. You'd have been down in that canyon too. And it's 300ft deep. As a matter of fact, that's where you were intended to be.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, is it? Well, what makes you think so?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Goodbye, conductor. I'll see you later.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come back here. Catch that guy. Joe. Mike, don't let him get away from the dog. Where'd he go? Catch him. Catch him. Then give him.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

20 tons of rock. Why, that's nothing. Hardly a workout. Anything to put a crimp in the wolf's plans. And Clark Kent, reporter, simply must be in Denver by morning. First of all, down into the canyon for the missing rails. There they are now, back to the roadbed. I never swept up a rock slide before, but there's nothing like trying.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Here we go.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ha.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Why, it's nothing.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I'll have the line clear before that conductor knows I've gone. The Limited will be in Denver in an hour.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Well, Kino, all done. What happened?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Nothing happened.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Nothing happened? What do you mean?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

One of them things, boss. The train stopped on the trestle.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Stopped? That train never stops.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Well, it stopped this time and a guy got out and I didn't know, so I shot the stuff.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Yes, yes, I heard it.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Didn't you come out to look?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

I thought I'd better stay hidden.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Well, there was a rock slide and that's all. The train wasn't scratched. The line's blocked, but the train ain't hurt.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

This man who got out, who was he?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

After the slide, I snuck down and joined the mob. See, I heard him talking about a newspaper guy and looking for him, a name of Clark Kent.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Kent? I don't know him.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Well, you better, because he knows us.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

What's that?

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

I don't know.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

All I can tell you is they're looking for him.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Clark Kent, A newspaper man who knew enough to stop that train. Well, we shall look for him too, my friend.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

We'll have lots of time. They won't get the line clear this side of Sunday.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

We shall look for this Mr. Kent. And when we find him, the train. They've decided to go back to Pueblo. Let's look. Makino Keno of that train.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

What?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

It's going west.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Why, it can't be. Hey.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, what the.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

What it is? It's on its way to Denver.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Why, it can't be. Why, there was 20 tons of rock on the line.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Look for yourself, Kino. It's not possible. It's not human.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

But look.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Well?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Very well. We go to Denver2Kino at once. To find out what goes on and to take care of Mr. Kent, the newspaper man. Get the plane ready.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Less than 24 hours to solve the plot and save the Silver Clipper. But now the wolf is hard on Clark Kent's trail. What happens in Denver when daylight comes, when Clark Kent breaks the story and when the wolf meets Superman? Tune in and don't miss it. And remember, be with us again for the next thrilling installment of Superman

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

up in the sky. Look.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's a bird.

[Supporting Female Character]

It's a plane.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Superman is a copyrighted feature appearing in Action Comics magazine presenting Superman

[Narrator/Announcer]

up in the sky. Look. It's a bird.

[Supporting Female Character]

It's a plane.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And now, Superman. When we last left Superman, he had arrived in Denver as Clark Kent, news reporter to investigate a strange and deadly plot against the railroads of the West. He had been able to prevent the Continental Limited from being swept into a canyon by a rock slide. But now the unknown force is directed against the Silver Clipper cracked train of the West Coast Railway. Mysterious messages have warned that the Clipper, due to leave Denver at sundown will never arrive in Salt Lake City. Morning newspapers have carried Kent's story of the rock slide. And while railroad officials and government men searched desperately for clues Kent himself walks briskly toward the great Central Station for a conference with the division superintendent. But meanwhile, the plot moves on. In a secret hiding place overlooking the railroad yard the man called the wolf talks with his subordinate. Kino, listen.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

So very fine. At last the unbelieving fools begin to take me seriously. You have read the stories, Kino?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I read them.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Well, why so sullen?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I don't understand it.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I tell you, that track was blocked for a hundred feet. And yet five minutes later, the Continental went right on through.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Next time, my friend, please to observe more accurately. Obviously, the track was not blocked for a hundred feet. It was not blocked at all.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

But I tell you it was.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

You should join forces with a conductor of the train. He swears that a tremendous figure in blue tights and a red cape appeared from nowhere. Replace the missing rails, cleared away 20 tons of rock and made a safe passage for the train. All in a matter of minutes. Oh, yes. Yes. And he is now confined to the city hospital. That conductor for observation.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Yeah, Well, I tell you, I seen the same thing myself.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

That will do, my friend. We have no time for pipe dreams. You were deceived by shadows and. Now listen. There's work to do.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I'm listening.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

I note that this story is signed by that newspaper man, Clark Kent. The one who was on the train

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

and I told you about him.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

I should like to be better informed. That fellow seems to know a great deal. How he knows, I have no idea. But he does also. I have checked up on him. He was assigned to cover the story back east and seems to have arrived out here incredibly soon.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Must have flown.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Undoubtedly. But that's neither here nor there. Do you know where he is now?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I did what you told me. I trailed him. He left his hotel to go see the divisional superintendent of the railroad.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Did he? How lucky.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Lucky?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

We'll kill two birds with one stone. We've got them on the run. They're worried, Kino, and frightened.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I hope you're right.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

They don't know which way to turn or what to believe. They'd like to keep the Silver Clipper in Denver tonight, but they don't dare. They don't dare, Kino. They can't admit they're terrified and wait till they get my telegram.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Telegram?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Can you dress up like a messenger, Kino? Uniform and so on?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Oh, sure.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Excellent. Excellent. You will put on your fake uniform and take this wire, also fake, to the superintendent.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Now.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

At once. If you have luck, you'll find him with Mr. Clark Kent. You will also find, I think that he is trying to locate a missing engine. Kino.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Missing engine?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Just so. If he finds it, I'll eat it. Never mind. Get your uniform on Kino. Deliver the telegram personally and bring back as much of a conversation as you can. You understand? Now, now, where's that conductor's story? Quite the funniest reading I've seen this week. A superman, huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Appearing out of the night.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Well, well.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hello.

[Narrator/Announcer]

As this superintendent speaking. What? Well, trace it again. Trace it from both ends of the line. Ah, nuts. Don't tell me you can't find it. Do you think a locomotive intender could vanish into thin air? Check every station master and call me back. I'm sorry, Mr. Kemp.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Oh, that's.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

That's quite all right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stupid idiots. Look here. We sent a stair engine and tender down the line last night and now they can't tell me where it is.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

What, on the main line?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Certainly. Never mind. Let's get back to this business. The Continental.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Any more news of that conductor?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, not so far, poor fella's out of his mind.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

What do you suppose he thought he saw? All that business about a superman.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes. I only wish to heaven they'd never printed it.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, I didn't report that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Believe me, I know. Now, look here, Kent. I've checked with your paper back east and they tell me that it's all right that you're here to do what you can. Now, what do you want to know?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, first of all, have you any idea what's back of this truth? Trouble on the railroads?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Not the slightest. If you ask me, there's a lunatic at large.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Don't you believe it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What else can I believe? It's too senseless. Utterly mad.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, you had warnings.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, which we ignored. We get them all the time from cranks and nuts.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

But these warnings came true.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And so what of it?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Do you still think they came from cranks and nuts?

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, Kent, what do you think?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I think that one man or a group of men is trying to paralyze the country with.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, but why?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I'm afraid we'll find that out later. Unless we can stop them.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Good Lord, we've got to stop them. This can't go on, Kent.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

We'll do what we can.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What do you suggest?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I suggest that you don't let the Silver Clipper leave Denver tonight.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, Kent, she's got to leave. Can you imagine what the reaction would be if she didn't?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

You're taking a chance.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I can't help that. She's got to go.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Then we must work fast. We only have until this evening. I have one more idea.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes? What is it?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, if you read my story carefully, you'll see that I imply I know more than I printed.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, I did notice that. Well, do you?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Not yet, but I expect to.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

How?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

The people back of this, particularly the Man Called the Wolf, will want to know just what I do know and where I got it. Well, I propose to show myself around until he catches up with me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Will he?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I think so. I was shadowed this morning on my way here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Good Lord, you were.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

So I think he and his friends are just waiting their chance. And I'm going to give it to them.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay. Don't do it. Why, if they'd wreck a train where they wouldn't think twice about.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

About putting me out of the way?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Don't worry.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But why? What's the idea?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

While they're finding out how much I know, I may be finding out one or two little items about them.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I only hope. Here. How long have you been standing there, messenger?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Oh, I just come, boss. You the divisional superintendent?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Telegram?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Yes, sir. For you personally. They told me to bring it right in. I seen the door was open, so

[Narrator/Announcer]

I hope they found that engine. Well, that's all, messenger. You can get out.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, wait. Where'd you get this wire, huh?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Why, the office give it to me. Said to bring it right over.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, all right.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Go on.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Close the door behind you. Hey, Kent, listen to this.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where an engine is now a train will be tomorrow, the Silver Clipper will vanish like smoke, never to be seen by the eyes of living men.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, sounds like black magic.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't believe it. Why, they'd never dare.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Oh, they dare, all right. Is that telegram signed?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, it signed the Wolf.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

The wolf? Look here, Mr. Superintendent. That settles it. Have that wire checked. Find out who sent it and when and from where, if you can. My guess is you'll discover it's faked. I wish we'd held that messenger.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Campbell, what are you going to do?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Just what I said I'd do. Put myself in the hands of the Wolf and see who wins.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Superintendent speaking. What?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

What?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why, look here. That's not possible. It can't be. Man alive, think what you're saying. Now, look here, you tell that true to report here in my office. That's right. At once. My God. Please. I bet I found out something.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Anything new?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why, it's the silliest thing I ever heard. Wait. That telegram. Where an engine is now. I don't believe it. I don't believe it for a minute.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

What is it, Kent?

[Narrator/Announcer]

That locomotive, Intender, it passed through Kingston at 11:15. Yes, and it passed through Richville, 11:50. Well, it should have reached Lewisburg at 12:20, just 30 minutes later.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

And it didn't. It wasn't on time.

[Narrator/Announcer]

On time? I had never got there at all.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Oh, well, that's easy. It left the rail somewhere in between.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, you'd think so. But listen to this. A crew left Richville and a crew left Lewisburg. They met somewhere in between just now in broad daylight. And neither crew had seen a sign of that engine anywhere.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

That's not possible.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No. No, it isn't. Is it black magic? Isn't that what you called it, Kent? I think I'm going mad like that conductor. Well, what are you going to do?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Do? I'm going out to hunt wolves. Anybody looking?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Quick, out of these clothes. Now, that window. Goodbye to Clark Kent temporarily. It's Superman's turn now to find out where those devils are hiding. And to listen while they tell me what they know. Up, up over the yards. Circle around a bit. Ah, there goes that messenger. Watch him, watch him. I land on that roof. Look down into the street. There he goes, the messenger. Into that house with a broken railing. Now then, I think I'll become Clark Kent again. Respectable representative of the Daily Planet. I'll just walk casually down that street and see what happens. Down we go.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

So he thinks he'll find out one or two little items about us. Akino?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Yeah, that's what he said before they saw me standing there.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

I think I should like to question that young man on various angles of the so interesting story he wrote for this morning's paper. What are you doing by the window?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey. Hey. Down there. Down there in the street.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Look.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

What is it? It's him walking right up to the house.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

What that? Is that Clark Kent? How did he know where to find me?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who told him?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I don't know. Hey, don't look at me like that.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

How did he know which way to take to get here?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

He searched me, boss.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

He knows too much. How does he know? Quick, Kino, downstairs.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, boss, what are you gonna do with him?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

There's a vault below us, Kino. Steel lined and soundproof with various devices to bring out information.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

You gonna take em there for a

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

time for a little conversation, my friend?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stop, stop.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Look for the peephole. Is he coming here?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Right this way. Hey, wait a minute.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Is anyone else in the alley?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

No, it's empty. Here he comes. We'll jump out and grab him hard.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Be ready with you, Blackjack.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, where you going? Quick, quick.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

You know, let him have it here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What a big idea.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

What? Come on, jump.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Boss.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Inside. Inside with him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Quick.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Come on, you no hanging back.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Ah, good work, Kino.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Good work.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Down the iron stairway. Quick, quick. Someone may have heard us.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

He's trying to hang back out.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Fix him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There we are.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Shove him inside. Now close the door. Now then, Mr. Clark Kent, the time has come for a little talk. Kino, my friend, you may prepare the aids to convers.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Clark Kent in the power of the wolf. Or is the wolf all unknowing in the power of Superman? And meanwhile, where is the missing engine? Excitement, thrills, suspense. Tune in and follow the story. And remember, be with us again for the next thrilling installment of Superman.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Up in the sky. Look.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It's a bird.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's a plane. It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Superman is a copyrighted feature appearing in Action Comics magazine presenting Superman

[Narrator/Announcer]

up in the sky. Look, it's a bird.

[Supporting Female Character]

It's a plane.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And now, Superman. Just a few hours to go before the crack train of the West Coast Railroad. The Silver Clipper leaves Denver for Salt Lake City where the mysterious power. Through its agent, the Wolf, has sworn she will never arrive. And Superman, in his character of Clark Kent, news reporter for the Daily Planet. Superman was last seen being dragged down a flight of steel stairs and thrown into the soundproof room of the Wolf's hideout near the railroad yard. It is late afternoon, verging towards sundown in the world above. And still the gangster Kino works on the unresisting form of Kentucky bound and shackled to the wall before him.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Listen, you. I'm getting tired of this.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

How about talking?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I've already told you, there's nothing I care to talk about, wise guy.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, okay. We'll see how long you last at this.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Open the door.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

You know.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Okay, here comes the boss. Wait till you see what happens.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Well, Kino, what luck.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

No luck at all so far. He ain't doing much talking. He's tough, boss.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Still, I was just gonna let it go, Kino. There's no more time. I did want to know where he got his information, but it won't matter.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

That's what you think, Wolf.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

That's what I know, my young friend.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

What do you mean?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

You'd like me to talk, huh? Very well. I don't mind in the least. In a few hours time, Mr. Clark. Clark Kent, the Silver Clipper will leave Denver for Salt Lake. You recall what happened to the locomotive and Tender last night?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Don't boast, Wolf.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

You didn't have anything to do with that. They'll find that engine.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Possibly, but they haven't found it yet. And let me tell you this, Mr. Kent. They won't find the Silver Clipper either. Kino.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Yeah, boss?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

We're leaving at once.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

What about this guy?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

He'll stay where he is permanently.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What are you going to do, Wolf?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Nothing whatever. We shall leave you just where you are for all time. Or until someone comes down here and finds you. Which may take a month or two. Kino, the persuader. Out like a light.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

And when he comes to.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

When he comes to, we'll be 20 miles on our way to San Joaquin.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, wait, boss. He's plenty tough. What if he breaks out?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Breaks out? Don't be silly, Kino. The walls are solid sheet steel, 3 inches thick. Then 5 inches of concrete, then more steel. If he breaks out of that, I'll put him in the circus.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Okay. Reckon he's safe come, Kino.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Goodbye, Mr. Clark Kent. You'll forgive me if I do not say I hope we meet again.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

But we will meet again, and very soon. And thanks for telling me where. On the road to San Joaquin, eh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

And I'll give you a little while

[Clark Kent / Superman]

to get clear of town. And then I'll be seeing you, Wolf. Handcuffs, eh? It's a good thing for you I wasn't feeling playful.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

All right, Kino. From now on, things will move.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Jump in for us.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Take the lower road to the river and then up toward the pass. Look. Look, Kino, the sun's just going down over the railroad yards.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, boss, there she is. The Silver Clipper. Just in from shy. Slay over a while and then hit the line for Salt Lake.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

And we'll be ready and waiting. Let's go.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

20 minutes. That ought to give me time enough to get out of earshot. What was that he said about sheet steel? Three inches thick?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

You're a liar, Wolf.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Two and a half at the most.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Look at those walls bend. Well, you might have kept Clark Kent in a vault like this, but not Superman. There goes the concrete and still more steel. Well, I'll just put my foot through that and that's that. Now up the stairs. I won't go out in the street, attract too much attention. Just up to the roof for an easy takeoff. What's this? A skylight. And padlocked here goes out into the night in the fresh air. One jump and we're up, up and away. Now then, all I have to do is follow his car on the San Joaquin road. Oh, yes. And a fellow called the Wolf is going to put Clark Kent in the circus.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Here I come, Wolf.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey. Hey. Watch where you're going, will you, boys?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Take it easy, Kino. In a moment, we'll be at the crossing of the San Joaquin River. Do you know where that runs?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Sure.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Down through Schooner Canyon Lake to the dam at Wallkill.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

And you know how Schooner Canyon got its name?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Who cares?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Oh, it's interesting, Kino. The canyon took its name from an old mining camp. Now, at the bottom of the lake.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I still don't see.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

It was a roaring camp, Kino, until they built the dam and turned the canyon into a reservoir.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Must have been tough to get to down in a hole like that.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

They had a railroad, Kino. They broke a tunnel through the canyon wall. Laid the tracks through the tunnel and down the canyon wall to the camp.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Yeah.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Ah, now you're beginning to understand. Exactly, Kino. The camp is under a thousand feet of water. But the branch line tracks still lead to the water's edge through the tunnel down the wall.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Now, listen. You don't think that you.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

What was that?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I didn't hear nothing.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

It sounded like a rushing of wind or wings high over our heads.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Chicken hawk at night. Well, I don't hear it now, whatever it was a. What about the canyon?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Well, Kino, that's where that spare engine went last night.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Into the lake?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Right into it, Kino. It left the main line after my men had attended to the switch, shut down the grade, roared into the tunnel and disappeared forever in the waters of Schooner Canyon Lake.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Couldn't they stop?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

No time. And the rails of the branch line were thick with grease.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Oh, you can't do it again. It's wholesale murder.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

What of it? Not losing your nerve, are you, Kino? Look. We're here.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, hey, hey. You left the road, naturally.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Naturally. We're on the back road above the old junction. Come along, Kino.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Where we going?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Down the tunnel, just a few yards ahead. I'll show you what's going to happen. What's the matter?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, what's that guy doing over there?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

One of my workmen, I suppose. I have several. Where? I don't see him.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

He dodged off again. Listen now, I don't like this. Someone sure to catch on.

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

Who?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Who?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Be a fool, Kino. The only outsiders are the two members of the train crew on the engine. They jumped off last night just in time. What?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

The engineer. Well, where is he?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

He'll never jump again. Nor will the fire.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Well, where are they?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Up on the rocks above the tunnel, shackled down. Later they'll be found lying dead beside the tracks. Sensation, Kino. Imagine the mystery terror. Train crew dead on the tracks. No sign of an accident. No sign of the train. Oh, there he is again. Look, look. Be quiet, will you? What are you talking about?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I seen it. A long red cape.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

He was just flying, you know. You're out of your head.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

The conductor. That's what the conductor saw. Clearing the line for the continent.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

The conductor was seeing things. And so are you, kiddo.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Come along, come along.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Here's the time.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Hello.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I. I don't want to go in there.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Oh, yes, you do, Kino. I want you to. It's not far, but I want you to see what happens to trains and to people.

[Narrator/Announcer]

People?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

What do you mean? You're weak, Kino. You see things in the dark. You might be tempted to forget who you're working for. Oh, no, no. Never, never.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Not be forced.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Well, we'll just make. Make sure of that. Keep going, Kino, until I tell you to stop.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

The devil. The cold, inhuman devil. He's given himself away this time. I'll find those two trainmen. They're just the evidence we need. Where are they?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Quick.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Above the tunnel. Good thing I can see in the dark. True rocks. Ah, there they are. Chained down to die. But they won't die. Not this time. They'll be the witnesses that hang you, Wolf. It's all right. It's all right. I won't hurt you. Gotta break those chains

[Narrator/Announcer]

now.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

One under each arm. I'll find a ranch house and drop them. The door. They won't know what's happened. I think they crawled there and then back to get the police.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Up. Up.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

There, Kino. We're at the end of the tunnel. Look down the canyon.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Gee, it must be a thousand feet across.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

And would you like to know how deep? 300ft down to water. And a thousand feet more after that. Yeah. The lake of Schooner Canyon. What's the time the flash alight?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

7:15.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

7:15, Kino. The silver clipper is 20 minutes out of Denver.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

20 minutes out of Denver. Roaring up the Rockies to the crossing of San Joaquin. The cracked streamliner of the West Coast Railroad rushes through the dark at 80 miles an hour, destined for a watery grave at the bottom of Schooner Canyon Lake. Meanwhile, a strange figure hurtles through space back the way he came. But will he be in time? Can he drop the injured men, warn the authorities and get back to save the train without revealing who he is? Thrills, suspense, climax. Tune in and follow the story of Superman. Be with us again for the next thrilling installment of Superman.

[Jor-El (Superman's father)]

Up in the sky.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look. It's a bird. It's a plane. It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Superman is a copyrighted feature appearing in Action Comics magazine presenting Superman

[Narrator/Announcer]

up in the sky. Look. It's a bird.

[Supporting Female Character]

It's a plane.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Now, Superman. Events on the main line of the West Coast Railroad are rapidly reaching a climax. Feeding west. A silver clipper pours up the slope of the Rockies, heading for San Joaquin Pass. Disaster, sudden and unseen, lies waiting for it in Schooner Canyon Lake. While Superman wings his way through space, searching desperately for the nearest mountain town. He finds it drops down from the sky and enters the office of the local chief of police in his character of Park. Kent. Reporter.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Listen, you talk good. I'll say that for you, Kent.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, if you don't believe me, telephone my paper and ask for verification. Or call the division superintendent of the West Coast Railroad at Denver.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Silver Clippers of West coast trained it.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

It is now, but it won't be long. I tell you, if something isn't done in a hurry.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay, but how are you going to prove it? Suppose I get up there to the San Joaquin and pull in a couple of guys. Well, how am I going to prove anything?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, I'll attend to that. You know the Circle Y Ranch?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure, what about it?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

A couple of injured train men crawled in there a while ago. They were on that missing locomotive and tender.

[Narrator/Announcer]

They were. You don't mean it.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I certainly do mean it. If you get those two men I told you about, the one who calls himself the Wolf and his henchman Kino, the mystery is solved.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, you begin to make sense, young fellow. By golf I'll do it.

[Commercial Announcer]

What's your plan?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Get a fast car and head for the crossing at San Joaquin. You know the old Schooner Canyon Junction?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I reckon I can find it even in the dark.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

All right, get up there and hide. If we don't catch them red handed, it's no good. That's what I'm waiting for.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay, Kent. Say, that is your name, ain't it?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, where are you going?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I want to call my paper back East. Tell them to hold the presses for a big break.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll pay for the call.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Operator.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Operator, I. I want Perry White, managing editor of the Daily Planet. Yes, rush it, please. I'll hold the line.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Help me. Help me. Hello? White?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Speaking.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. White, this is Clark Kent. Kent. Good Lord, man, I thought you were dead.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Where have you been all day?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tied up in a cellar, but I broke out. Listen, Mr. White, how long before you go to press? Now wait a minute. Why, I'm going to press right now. Well, hold it. Will you stop the press. It better be good, Kent. Don't worry. It will be the big break on the Western Railroad story. Kent, are you kidding? You know the warnings on the Silver Clipper. It's coming off tonight. Where are you now? In a police station in a little town on the main line. What's going to happen? I don't know, Mr. White, but I know this much. It won't be long. I've got to go now. Will you hold the presses? Okay, Kent. You won't regret it. Recorded the minute I have something. I can't wait. What's all this about a mysterious flying figure? Something called Superman?

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Forget it, Mr. White.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Somebody's pipe dream, huh? There's been a lot of talk. I'll forget it.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I'm in a position to know.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello, Mr. White. Good luck, Kent, I'll be waiting. Hey, stop the press. Replay coming. Top column on the Western Railroad. Get a rewrite back. Superman, eh?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

As you'd say, I am in a position to know. Not much time with a wolf waiting

[Narrator/Announcer]

there at the canyon.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

If I don't get back in time to fix that switch, 40 miles more.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Faster.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Listen, boss, let's get out of this tunnel. I don't like it.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Not too long to wait now.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What's the time, Kino?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Five minutes more. She's on time.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

She was on time at Creville.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Come on, boss, let's beat it.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

A very sound idea, Kino. In five minutes or something less, this tunnel will be a most unhealthy place.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

What do you think will happen?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Something resembling the end of the world.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Kino.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Screaming brakes rending steel, billows of steam. Yes, decidedly. We should move, my friend.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Where to?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Down to the tracks where we can observe the switch.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Close to the scene of action.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But not too close.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Listen, are you sure they can't stop in time?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Downhill at 90 miles an hour?

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Impossible, Kino.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

What if she leaves the rails at the switch? What if she can't take the curve?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

A chance, but not likely.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come on, man, get moving.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, someone's coming. Hey.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, folks, you better be getting out of that cheat quick. You know, minutes count now.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

There's the train, traveling fast, all right. Ah, there's the junction. Got a minute? Maybe less. Now then, what are those devils done to the tracks? Broken the seals and thrown the switch, eh? Well, it won't take long to fix that. And I'll just rip up a few of the old France Line rails, just to be sure. There. That ought to settle things. Well, well, look who's coming.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey, boss, who's that guy down by the switch?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Luke.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

He's tearing up the track.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, well.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

What are you doing?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where's your gun? Shoot. Shoot.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Don't worry, boss, I'll get him. I never missed yet. Got him, boss.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

No.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

No, you didn't.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There he is. You missed him, you fool.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Never mind, boss. I won't miss him this time. Hey, you, Kino. What's the matter with you? All right, then, rush him. The train. Here comes the train.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Get that man away from there. Kino.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Boss. Beat it. Beat it. It's him. I see him now. It's the man with the red cape.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The train. The train. Run, Kino, run.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Make the car made it through the

[Narrator/Announcer]

switch just in time. Go on. Silver clipper. High ball for Salt Lake City in the west.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Now then, after those lads in the Car. What should you do? Here I come.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

I tell you. It was him. The guy in the red cape. The Superman.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Shut up, Kino.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Whoever it was, I'll sat with him.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

He threw the switch back and saved the train.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Faster, boss, faster. Get away from here.

[The Wolf (Antagonist)]

Keep your head, Kino. There's something about this I don't understand.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Boss, look out. He's right behind us.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

He's over our heads. Look.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look. What? What is that thing?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

He's down there in the road ahead. He's standing there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look out. Was on the trash. Sorry to disturb you, gentlemen.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Don't try to get away.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Put me down. Let me.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Oh, let me call one moment just

[Clark Kent / Superman]

now while I hold both of you with one hand. I've got something else to do. That car, for instance.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

You won't need it again.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Where you're going to make this accident look convincing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The car.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Look what he's doing to the car, boss. He's wrecking it.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

There. No one will ever ride in that again.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Here comes a car. Heard the crash. Must be the police. Well, so long, gentlemen. I'm leaving you now. And if you ever wreck another train or try to think what you've missed this time, goodbye.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here's where that crash was. There's a couple of guys lying on the road. Hey, grab them, boys. I wouldn't wonder if they were the fellas that newspaper man was talking about. They tried to make a getaway and cracked up. Well, look where their car got to. Van live. Looks like a cyclophony.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, doesn't it? Or that. That Superman they keep talking about. Good evening, chief.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, there you are. Why, it's the reporter. Well, howdy, Mr. Kemp.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, I see you got them all right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, but there wasn't no train wreck. I guess we scared him off. Keep him off. Keep him off.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

We done it. Put me in jail, put me anywhere,

[Narrator/Announcer]

but don't let that guy touch me again. He just came flying through the air. Hey, he's nuts off his head. But that was a confession if I ever heard one.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, and if you'll drag the bottom

[Narrator/Storyteller]

of Schooner Canyon Lake, you'll find that

[Clark Kent / Superman]

missing engine and tender. And don't forget those two trainmen at the Circle Y Ranch. They'll be your star witnesses. Well, congratulations, chief. You've caught the train wreckers all right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thanks to you, Mr. Kent. Well. Hey, hey, where are you going?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I've got to get back to town. My paper's waiting for the story.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

See you later, chief.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, well, Cat. Come on in. Well, it's fine to see you back. You've certainly made good in a big way.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Thanks, Mr. White.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And to show you what I think of you, I'm going to start you right out on another assignment.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. That's the best news I could possibly hear.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, wait till you do hear it, my boy. There are one or two things I want to ask you about first.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I know it sounds foolish, but all these rumors about the mysterious flying figure clad in a red cape and all that. You know anything about this Superman?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Do I know anything about this Superman, Chief, What a silly question.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, all right, let it go. Now, I want to talk to you about your next assignment. Just pull up your chair.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, sir.

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

Oh, confound it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I told him not to disturb me. Study room.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

White.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You've caught the wolf, my friend. For all the good it'll do you. The wolf has a master, and the master speaks to you. Now. Here.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

What say?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who is this?

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Kent.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Kent, get over here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

My compliments, Mr. Kent, on your first and last performance.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

What's he mean?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You and your newspaper have interfered with my plan. Very well, my friend. In exactly 24 hours at this time tomorrow, you and your newspaper will be blown to a thousand fragments. This is the Yellow Mask. Goodbye.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Hey.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, you. Wait.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Wait.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come back here.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

Who was that man?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Find him. Find him and trace him. Find him.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Whose was the eerie voice calling Editor White on the phone. Who or what is the Yellow Mask? And can Clark Kent, without revealing his identity as Superman, solve the mystery in the newspaper office? Terrible, deadly danger threatens the Daily planet. Superman has 24 hours time. Tune in and follow the story. Now, don't forget, next time, the beginning of Superman's latest adventure. Tune in and don't miss it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Up in the sky. Look.

[Kino (Gangster Henchman)]

It's a bird.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's a plane. It's Superman.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Superman is a copyrighted feature appearing in Action Comics magazine.

[Podcast Host]

We just heard Glenn Ford and Jackie Cooper, stars of Superman. That will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I hope you'll be back next week as I share another one of my favorite movies. In the meantime, you can check out down these Mean Streets, my old Time Radio Detective podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Sundays. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buymeacoffee.com Meansts OTR I'll be back next week with another classic movie and its stars, each of them appearing in a tale well calculated. To keep you in

[Sylvia Ganlon (Kathy Lewis's character)]

suspense, Sam.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Ladies and gentlemen, the chief hope of

[Supporting Actor/Director William Spear]

our enemies is to divide the United

[Narrator/Announcer]

States along racial and religious lines and thereby conquer us. Let's not spread prejudice.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

A divided America is a weak America.

[Speed Evans (Glenn Ford's character)]

Through our behavior, we encourage the respect

[Narrator/Announcer]

of our children and make them better

[Narrator/Storyteller]

neighbors to all races and religions. Remind them that being good neighbors has

[Narrator/Announcer]

helped make our country great and kept her free. Thank you.