Episode 450 - Stars of "Our Miss Brooks"

Summary

Podcast Summary: Stars on Suspense, Episode 450 – Stars of "Our Miss Brooks"

Podcast Host: Mean Streets Podcasts
Episode Date: May 8, 2026
Theme: Old Time Radio legends (Eve Arden, Jeff Chandler, Richard Crenna) from “Our Miss Brooks” star in classic episodes of “Suspense” and in a bonus “Our Miss Brooks” episode.

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Overview

This episode celebrates the intersection between comedy and thriller genres by featuring stars of the beloved radio sitcom Our Miss Brooks in dramatic roles on the anthology series Suspense, followed by a full comedy episode of their hit show. Host explains how “Our Miss Brooks” transitioned between media platforms and why its humor and character writing have endured. The thrillers are from the early '50s and late '50s, highlighting each star's range:

• Eve Arden in “The Well-Dressed Corpse”
• Jeff Chandler in “The Steel River Prison Break”
• Richard Crenna in “Night on Red Mountain”
  The episode closes with a hilarious 1950 “Our Miss Brooks” story.

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Key Segments and Summaries:

1. Podcast Introduction and Context

[00:50 – 03:00]

• Host introduces the week’s theme: blending the comedic cast of “Our Miss Brooks” with the thrill-heavy, atmospheric stories of “Suspense.”
• Eve Arden played Ms. Brooks. Jeff Chandler played Mr. Boynton. Richard Crenna played Walter Denton.
• "Sadly, jokes about teachers being overworked and underpaid are just as effective today as they were in the 1950s."
• Overview of the day's programming: Three “Suspense” episodes with each star and a classic “Our Miss Brooks” episode.

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2. Suspense – “The Well-Dressed Corpse” starring Eve Arden

[05:40 – 33:02 & 34:06 (credits)]

Plot Overview

Eve Arden stars as Ruth Franklin, a driven, successful, and well-dressed advertising executive whose quest for love and recognition takes a dark, tragic turn when rejection drives her to murder.

Major Moments & Quotes & Timestamps

• Ruth's Character Setup:
  [08:16] Ruth: "My name is Ruth Franklin...I'm the murderer you're looking for."
• Class & Image:
  [08:50] Ruth: “Six weeks ago, I was voted one of the ten best dressed women in America.”
• Meet Cute Gone Sour:
  [10:07] – [10:59] Banter between Ruth and Roy Mason at a luncheon:
  • Roy: “You, of course, couldn't be anyone else but the best dressed Franklin.”
  • Ruth: "I'm not sure I like the way you said that, Mr. Mason."
• Betrayal and Humiliation:
  [13:53] Ruth proposes to Roy; he reveals he's engaged to “Elizabeth Granger.” [14:29] Ruth: “Of course I did. And so did every newspaper and columnist in town.”
• Emotional Downfall:
  [18:21] Ruth (shouting): "You've made a fool out of me for some grown-up child who probably never did anything for herself. Servants paid to live for her."
• Climax:
  [21:41] Ruth: “Yes? It’s a gun, Roy.”
  Roy: “Oh, for heaven’s sake. Ruth. Ruth, stop this. You got it all wrong. Put down that gun. Get a doctor. We'll say it was an accident.”
• Aftermath and Revelation:
  [27:37] Petey (her secretary): “I’m afraid I’ll end up like you someday. Well fed, well dressed, successful, well known. But dead.”
  [28:43] Petey: “He said that there was no such person as Elizabeth Granger. He just invented her to get away from you.”
• Ruth’s Final Unraveling:
  [32:36] Ruth, powerless: “I'm Somebody. I'm somebody.”

Notable Themes

• The dangers of conflating personal and professional worth with social status.
• The destructive nature of obsession and pride.
• How public image is weaponized in personal tragedy.

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3. Suspense – “The Steel River Prison Break” starring Jeff Chandler

[35:51 – 63:01]

Plot Overview

Chandler plays Bragg, a tough inmate masterminding an escape during a historic flood, only for the plan to end tragically.

Major Moments & Quotes & Timestamps

• Flood as a Backdrop:
  [38:14] News bulletin sets the stage: “The river is 3ft below flood stage at Lock 7 and rising…”
• Bragg’s Plan:
  [39:51] Bragg: “Tomorrow night we go.”
• Dark Humor and Social Roots:
  [43:00] Bragg on returning to his neighborhood: “Ma still lives here? Ma… got no use for cops.”
• Breakout Drama:
  [47:46] Bragg: “Shoot, Lefty. Fatty makes a good chest protector.”
• Irony and Guilt:
  [54:19] After running down a rescue boat:
  • Bragg: “Tough luck.”
• Poignant Twist:
  [62:06] Tag on Bragg’s mother: “Seems the rescue boat she was in was capsized by an unidentified launch at the corner of Ohio and Liberty Streets last night.”
• Final Reflection:
  [62:16] Guard, ironically: “Like you said last night, Bragg, what difference does it make if you kill two instead of one? It's the same hot seat, ain't it?”

Notable Themes

• Fate and unintended consequences, especially for lives on the margins.
• Hard lessons on loyalty, roots, and self-destruction.
• Unsentimental, gritty detail mirroring noir fiction.

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4. Suspense – “Night on Red Mountain” starring Richard Crenna (as Dick Krenna)

[66:35 – 85:43]

Plot Overview

Crenna stars as Joey Perino/Walt, a former mobster seeking a new life out West. When his old boss comes looking for him during a blizzard, he must confront his past and protect his new family.

Major Moments & Quotes & Timestamps

• Atmosphere & Paranoia:
  [67:28] “Ain’t I seen you someplace before?”
  [68:41] “Money, you take that mustache off and you’d be a ringer for a kid I once knew back in Jersey City. Joey Perino. Funny.”
• Threat Emergent:
  [72:21] “Hello, Joey…This is Big Pete. Remember me?... I feel I just gotta talk to you.”
• No Escape from the Past:
  [74:00] Perino pushed into a meeting with his old boss at “the White Spot” in Victorville.
• Tense Blizzard Standoff:
  [78:36] Highway patrol car arrives, adding pressure.
• Climactic Resolution:
  [84:10] News that Big Pete and associate die in a car crash: “Some darn fool was driving without chains. Went through the guardrail at Mule Shoe Curve. One of these fancy new two tone jobs—gold and white hard top convertible… Both as dead as last week’s hamburgers.”
• Peace Restored:
  [85:24] “Don’t worry, darling. I’ll sleep now.”
  [85:43] Narrator: “Suspense in which Dick Krena starred...”

Notable Themes

• Reinvention and identity, and whether one can ever truly escape their past.
• Family vs. criminal loyalty.
• Fate’s intervention during a storm.

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5. Our Miss Brooks – Classic Sitcom Episode

[88:02 – 116:58]

A lighthearted segment follows the tension of “Suspense,” providing fans with familiar comedic rapport and foibles at Madison High School.

Plot Overview

Ms. Brooks (Eve Arden) tries to get out of school in time for a traffic court date after a bizarre cascading accident involving a runaway car and a fruit stand. Absurd attempts to excuse herself (and the students) outwit Mr. Conklin but ultimately fail.

Key Comedy Highlights & Quotes & Timestamps

• The Incident:
  [88:50-90:27] Ms. Brooks explains her traffic ticket:
  • “It's for speeding, going through a red light, reckless driving, driving on the sidewalk and hitting a fruit stand.”
  • Petey: “Well, my goodness, a person’s entitled to a little fun once in a while.”
• Hatching a Plan:
  [94:04] Walter and Stretch try to cover for Ms. Brooks by faking illness.
  • Ms. Brooks: “Roll that up. And now put it back in its holster.”
• Principal Conklin’s Take:
  [106:48] Conklin is conscripted for jury duty—ironically, for Ms. Brooks’s case!
• Resolution:
  [113:44] After being let off with a fine, Ms. Brooks finds comic relief at home, including a cameo by "Steve Allen," prepping to take over the summer show.

Show’s Classic Tone

• Witty, word-perfect repartee.
• Endearing school-life absurdity.
• Fourth-wall pokes and meta references to radio itself.

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Notable Quotes

• "The invitation to the buffet luncheon to meet the press came on Friday." – Ruth Franklin ([09:13])
• "You've made a fool out of me for some grown-up child..." – Ruth Franklin ([18:21])
• "There was no Elizabeth Granger. Roy just didn’t want me and had to find some excuse." – Ruth Franklin ([29:01])
• "I just love to hear it." – Roy Mason (after a running gag about Autolite spark plugs) ([07:29])
• "Tomorrow night we go." – Bragg ([39:51])
• "Ma always lights out for a car's in Mount Austin, sits it out." – Bragg ([55:13])
• "Money, you take that mustache off and you'd be a ringer for a kid I once knew back in Jersey City." – Gas station attendant ([67:41])

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Timestamps – Guide to Major Segments

• Introduction & Context – [00:50 – 03:00]
• The Well-Dressed Corpse (Arden) – [05:40 – 33:02, resumes after ad break]
• The Steel River Prison Break (Chandler) – [35:51 – 63:01]
• Night on Red Mountain (Crenna) – [66:35 – 85:43]
• Our Miss Brooks – [88:02 – 116:58]
• Host Outro & Reflections – [118:34 – end]

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Memorable Moments

• Eve Arden’s turn from wisecracking teacher to emotionally unraveling anti-heroine.
• Jeff Chandler’s hard-boiled Bragg facing fate when his own actions (unknowingly) seal his tragedy.
• Richard Crenna’s range, playing pathos and fear in a tense standoff with the past.
• Meta-joke in “Our Miss Brooks” with Steve Allen referencing replacing Eve Arden for the summer.
• Heartfelt PSA by Eve Arden on anti-prejudice at episode’s end:
  [119:53] “The chief hope of our enemies is to divide the United States along racial and religious lines…Let’s not spread prejudice. A divided America is a weak America.”

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Closing Remarks

The episode is a nostalgic blend of laughter and chills, highlighting how radio’s greatest stars crossed genres and platforms. Each “Suspense” tale puts its comedic actors in dramatically different lights, showcasing range and resonance. The “Our Miss Brooks” closer is a comic reset, full of rapid-fire jokes and warm ensemble chemistry, reflecting the timeless appeal of radio’s golden age.

For aficionados of old time radio and newcomers, this episode serves as a reminder of the medium’s depth and its stars’ remarkable versatility.

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Next week: More Hollywood legends in “tales well calculated to keep you in suspense.”

Transcript

[Ms. Brooks]

Would you hand me that, please?

[Roy Mason]

Thank you.

[Ms. Brooks]

Now, let's see. Survey. Survive. Susanna.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Suspect. Ah, here we are. Suspense. Meaning held in doubt, expressing doubt. The state of being uncertain, undecided or insecure. State of anxious expectation or waiting for

[Ms. Brooks]

information such as to keep one in suspense.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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. This week we're going back to school with the stars of our Ms. Brooks, one of radio's best sitcoms, a show that was adapted for both television and the big screen. The series starred Eve Arden as high school teacher Connie Brooks, Jeff Chandler as Philip Boynton, the bashful biology teacher and object of Ms. Brooks affection, and Richard Crenna as Walter Denton, one of Ms. Brooks students who usually contributed to her weekly misadventures. It's a comedy show from the era that's very character based with little in the way of topical humor. So it holds up extremely well today versus some of its contemporaries. Sadly, jokes about teachers being overworked and underpaid are just as effective today as they were in the 1950s. The show's popularity on radio led to a TV version and a 1956 feature film. You can find that movie for rental or purchase through your preferred digital retailers. It's also available on DVD from the Warner Archive. You can find episodes of the TV show in various qualities on YouTube. Today we'll hear these three stars of our Ms. Brooks in episodes of suspense. Eve Arden makes her one and only visit to the show in the well dressed corpse from January 18, 1951. Jeff Chandler stars in the Ripped from the Headlines story the Steele river prison break from September 3, 1951. And Richard Crenna has the lead role in Night on red Mountain from January 11, 1959. Plus, we'll hear all three stars in an episode of Our Miss Brooks from May 28, 1950. But before we go back to Madison High School, we'll hear its faculty and students in suspense. And we'll kick things off with Eve Arden right after these messages.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Autolite Original factory parts and Autolite service

[Ms. Brooks]

stations work as a team to help

[Narrator/Announcer]

you maintain carefree, economical performance for your car.

[Eve Arden]

So, friends, when your car's electrical system

[Narrator/Announcer]

needs attention, drive into your nearest auto

[Ms. Brooks]

light service station or the dealer who

[Eve Arden]

sells your make of car and ask

[Narrator/Announcer]

for original factory parts and Autolite service. Money can't buy better electrical equipment than auto light.

[Eve Arden]

And remember, auto light means spark plug, ignition, engineered spark plugs, auto Light means batteries. Stay full battery.

[Ms. Brooks]

Auto light means ignition system.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The lifeline of your car.

[Mrs. Parsons]

This is the Autolite Suspense Show.

[Walter Denton]

Drive as if your life depends on it. It does. Good night. Switch to Autolite.

[Roy Mason]

This is the cold season.

[Eve Arden]

What do medical authorities say about the common cold?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Doctors tell us there's no known drug which will cure a cold. There are effective medications for treating complications accompanying or following a cold. If you've been taking sensible precautions and

[Eve Arden]

still have one cold after another, it's best to see your doctor.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And here's another important health tip.

[Eve Arden]

When you have a cold and need

[Narrator/Announcer]

a laxative, that's the time to rely on gentle Ex Lax. Pleasant tasting chocolated Ex Lax helps you toward your normal regularity. Gently overnight. Ex Lax gets along with any cold

[Eve Arden]

remedies you may be taking. And Ex Lax works where nature wants,

[Narrator/Announcer]

in the lower tract, not the stomach.

[Eve Arden]

Taken at bedtime, Ex Lax won't disturb sleep.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Gives you the closest thing to natural action.

[Eve Arden]

The next morning, you're well on your

[Narrator/Announcer]

way towards your normal regularity without upset or discomfort.

[Eve Arden]

So when you have a cold and need a laxative, take Ex Lax, the

[Narrator/Announcer]

laxative you can use with complete confidence.

[Eve Arden]

Ex Lax helps you towards your normal regularity. Gently overnight.

[Roy Mason]

Ex Lax.

[Eve Arden]

Looking for a good food buy?

[Brad Bragg]

Then get Velveeta, Kraft's famous pasteurized processed cheese food. Velveeta is one of the best food buys you can make because Velveeta is

[Eve Arden]

not only delicious, but it's nourishing too. And you can use Velveeta so many

[Brad Bragg]

ways in snacks, sandwiches and for a

[Eve Arden]

variety of economical hot main dishes. Melt Velveeta for a smooth golden cheese

[Brad Bragg]

sauce to extend leftovers or to use

[Eve Arden]

in new made dishes. Make it your handy helper for all

[Brad Bragg]

kinds of money saving hot meals. Get it tomorrow.

[Eve Arden]

Your best buy in cheese food, Velveeta

[Brad Bragg]

made only by Kraft. And now, a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Autolight and its 96,000 dealers present suspense. Tonight, Autolight brings you our suspense play of love and death in a New York penthouse. The well Dressed corpse and starring Ms. Eve Arden. Before our play begins, here is a word about Autolite from our good friend, Harlow Wilcox.

[Roy Mason]

Hi, Mr. Wilcox.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What can I do for you?

[Roy Mason]

Well, Sam, my friendly Autolite spark plug man, you can tell me. What do you think of those fresh, frisky and frolicsome Ignition engineered Autolite spark plugs?

[Narrator/Announcer]

They're tops, Mr. Wilcox.

[Roy Mason]

Now tell me if replacing worn out spark plugs with ignition engineered auto light spark plugs will give A car. Smoother performance, quick starts, gas savings?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You bet. What else would you like to know?

[Roy Mason]

Well, are Autolight spark plugs made by the same Autolite engineers who design coils, distributors and all the other important parts of the complete ignition system used as original factory equipment on many leading makes of our finest cars?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why, of course.

[Roy Mason]

Oh, and that's why we say Auto Light spark plugs are ignition engineered, designed to perform as a perfect team with your car's ignition system?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure. Can I tell you more?

[Roy Mason]

Yes. Do Autolite spark plug dealers like you replace worn out spark plugs with ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs either standard or resistor?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Of course. But you know all about that, Mr. Wilcox.

[Roy Mason]

Yeah, but I just love to hear it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But you said it.

[Roy Mason]

And I'll say it again, because you're always right with Autolite.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And now with the well dressed corpse and the performance of Ms. Eve Arden, autolite hopes once again to keep you in suspense. She's lying on the couch in my office. Thought I'd just let her alone until you showed up, Captain Roark.

[Roy Mason]

Well, that was considerate of you, Lieutenant. Here we are inside. Are you sure that's her? I'm positive. Where was she picked up? In her bedroom. Hell's Kitchen. An alley. She lost her dress and one of the boys gave her his overcoat. What's your name?

[Ruth Franklin]

My name is Ruth Franklin.

[Roy Mason]

How old are you?

[Ruth Franklin]

33.

[Roy Mason]

Where do you live?

[Ruth Franklin]

Pickwick Arms, on Riverside Drive.

[Ms. Brooks]

Do you drive a car?

[Ruth Franklin]

Yes, A blue convertible. Mediterranean?

[Joey Perino]

Blue.

[Roy Mason]

Did you go to school in the city?

[Ruth Franklin]

Graduate school. Columbia University. I went to Stanford. I work for the Carrington Green Advertising Agency. My secretary's name is Petey Wright. I'm the murderer you're looking for.

[Roy Mason]

Okay, I guess you're Ruth Franklin.

[Joey Perino]

All right.

[Ruth Franklin]

I guess I can't blame you for not recognizing me. Did you know that six weeks ago I was voted one of the ten best dressed women in America?

[Roy Mason]

Yeah, I read something about it.

[Ruth Franklin]

I always knew that someday I would be. But when it actually happened, it was just as exciting as if it had been a total surprise. The invitation to the buffet luncheon to

[Walter Denton]

meet the press came on Friday.

[Ruth Franklin]

I ran right out and bought the most elegant and expensive dress I could find. And when I swept into the luncheon, everyone was looking at me, including the other nine well dressed women. Percy Hamilton of Radcliffe, a little bald headed man who moved and looked like a startled chipmunk, met me as I came in.

[Petey Wright]

Oh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, Ms. Franklin, I'm so happy to see you. Right this way, please. You're a little late, you know.

[Ruth Franklin]

Percy, baby, you've confused me, perhaps with the debutante. I work for a living.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm going to put you here at table 13. Oh, pardon me, Mr. Mason.

[Roy Mason]

Sorry.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Mason, may I present Ms. Franklin.

[Roy Mason]

How do you do?

[Ruth Franklin]

How do you do?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You two are going to be luncheon partners. Well, I.

[Ms. Brooks]

Run along.

[Roy Mason]

You, of course, Couldn't be anyone else but the best dressed Franklin.

[Ruth Franklin]

I'm not sure I like the way you said that, Mr. Mason.

[Roy Mason]

My tone was not meant to imply a personal indictment, Ms. Franklin. In fact, it's a commendation. You play your part very well in this racket.

[Ruth Franklin]

Racket?

[Roy Mason]

Racket.

[Ruth Franklin]

Oh, I always draw the most charming luncheon partners. It was undoubtedly something in your childhood they made you wear Buster. Brown collars or velveteen knickers.

[Roy Mason]

I wore dungarees. No, it's just that I have the best prima facie evidence anyone ever had that this is a travesty on good taste and artistic judgment.

[Ruth Franklin]

Before I move to another table, Mr. Mason, I'd be utterly amused to hear one sentence telling me why you feel this way.

[Roy Mason]

I'd be happy to oblige. You see, I was picked as one of the best dressed men.

[Ruth Franklin]

Mr. Mason, for the first time, I'm beginning to savor the sweetness of your judgment. Well, that was the way it began. A little careless banter while we sized each other up and something in our measurements had meaning. Because despite speeches and cold chicken a la king and news photographers interfering with most of our conversation, we later found ourselves at the Stork Club analyzing everything from Picasso to paper hanging. Sometime in the evening, he said he had to catch a plane somewhere, but he'd get in touch with me soon. The next morning when I walked into my office, Petey, my secretary, was wearing the smug smile of a girl who had caught her older sister with a boy on the back porch hammock.

[Petey Wright]

Seen it yet, boss?

[Ruth Franklin]

The gimbal lads, how were they?

[Petey Wright]

I can wait.

[Ruth Franklin]

All right. Seen what?

[Petey Wright]

The picture of you and Roy Mason.

[Ruth Franklin]

Mason. I hardly spoke a word to the man. They told me to look at him as if he'd just found a cure for the common cold.

[Petey Wright]

Hardly a word, huh? How'd you converse at the store? Club smoke signals with your cigarettes?

[Ruth Franklin]

Petey, you're very close to being fired.

[Petey Wright]

Let me read what some of the columnists say. The most handsome twosome in town last night were Ruth Franklin, the best dressed huckster, and Roy Mason.

[Ruth Franklin]

Who, Petey? What do you know about him?

[Petey Wright]

I'll save you the Embarrassment of asking me to get a file on him. I've already done it. Here you are, boss. The life and loves of Roy Mason, assembled by Pete Wright.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Girl.

[Petey Wright]

Boswell.

[Ruth Franklin]

All right, tell it.

[Petey Wright]

He was a war correspondent. Distinguished. He's written two books on world politics, the Long Road of Destruction and the coming Asiatic War. I've ordered both of them. So you can talk his language. He has a weekly column and a weekly radio program. Yale, 38, unmarried. Just call me. Quick.

[Ruth Franklin]

Thank you and goodbye.

[Petey Wright]

I'll just leave these things here so you can drool over them.

[Ruth Franklin]

Have fun, Petey.

[Petey Wright]

Yes, boss man.

[Ruth Franklin]

You've had your fun. Now hands off. I'm going to marry him. I read those clippings through from beginning. And when I went home that night, I took both of Roy Mason's books with me. And the following night he called me. And then it was practically every evening and cocktails and weekends and meals and fireplaces and books and talk. And talk. I knew and I let the papers know that Ruth Franklin finally found a man who came up to her epic requirements. I had him hooked. Now it was time to reel him in. Roy, I have some news I know you'll be interested in.

[Roy Mason]

You gotta run for president?

[Walter Denton]

Oh, no.

[Ruth Franklin]

Nothing as small as that. I'm going to get married.

[Roy Mason]

You're going to get what?

[Ruth Franklin]

Married.

[Brad Bragg]

Oh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

To whom?

[Ruth Franklin]

A man named Roy Mason. I just decided.

[Roy Mason]

Ruth, I'm sorry, I can't. I'm already engaged.

[Ruth Franklin]

Who is it, Roy?

[Roy Mason]

A Long island socialite, Elizabeth Granger. You know her?

[Ruth Franklin]

No, and I don't believe I'd want to.

[Roy Mason]

Oh, Ruth, did you think we were gonna be married?

[Ruth Franklin]

Of course I did. And so did every newspaper and columnist in town.

[Roy Mason]

I never pay any attention to the gossip columnist.

[Ruth Franklin]

Well, a lot of people do.

[Roy Mason]

Oh, Ruthy, now, don't take it like this. You must have known I had a life before I met you.

[Ruth Franklin]

I should have known a lot more, I guess, than I do.

[Roy Mason]

Ruth, don't lose your head over this.

[Ruth Franklin]

What do you expect me to do? Break down and beg you to change your mind and marry me? I'm sorry, Roy. I'll go home and read an old coward play and get over it. So that's the way it was. I'd saved myself for the one man who had what I had, brains and guts and talent. And I suddenly found out I'd saved myself for what I couldn't have. I went home, threw his books in the fireplace and sat down to have a long look at me. And all I found was a big Ugly hurt. Then it was light and time to go to the office. Petey. What are you doing at my desk?

[Walter Denton]

Hello, boss.

[Petey Wright]

I really didn't think you'd be in today. Considering everything.

[Ruth Franklin]

Why shouldn't I be in?

[Petey Wright]

One of the best dressed women in America doesn't find out that her boyfriend is a wolf in best dressed clothes every day.

[Ruth Franklin]

That's enough, Petey. Get out of here and get to work.

[Petey Wright]

All right, boss. But it's happened to all of us one time or another. You should have practiced when you were young. Then you'd know more about what happened to you.

[Ruth Franklin]

Listen, you brainless little typist. Get out of here. Go on, get out.

[Petey Wright]

Okay, I'm going. But I know a good psychiatrist. He has a couch just made for people like you. You know, I could quit too.

[Ruth Franklin]

The whole office knew about it. It pleased their tight little minds that I'd been caught off guard. Most everyone, including our three vice presidents, found some sort of excuse to come in and see the woman who'd been taken in love. They were disappointed when they didn't find me planning a sudden trip to London or enrolling in Helena Rubinstein's charm school. But the lower echelon was even worse. Especially the stenographers. They handed me those grief sharing eyes usually reserved for 16 year old who'd been jilted by the high school fullback. But by five o' clock I swallowed two aspirin and my pride and called. Roy,

[Roy Mason]

you've had three cigarettes and two martinis. Any conversation coming up? What is it, Ruth?

[Ruth Franklin]

Newsprint, for one thing. Those nasty little black tracks on those clean sheets of white paper. They came right out and said you jilted me the same way. They came out and said we were a torrid twosome.

[Roy Mason]

Oh, yeah, it's my fault. I'll phone them tomorrow and tell them how wrong they've been.

[Ruth Franklin]

You will not. It'd only make me look a bigger fool. Besides, they aren't the only ones. Oh, for heaven's sakes, Roy. Ask that strange looking little man to fill my glass. It's empty.

[Brad Bragg]

Sure.

[Ms. Brooks]

Waiter.

[Ruth Franklin]

I haven't seen one person today who isn't in high glee over the whole thing. And incidentally, you look a little too smug to suit me. My taste right now.

[Roy Mason]

Ruthy, don't. Don't do this to yourself. You're too good a guy.

[Ruth Franklin]

It's easy for you to say. I wish I were in your position and you were in mine. Oh, Ruth. Oh, don't you look at me that way.

[Roy Mason]

I'm I'm truly sorry it's embarrassed you. You're distressed now, but it'll pass.

[Ruth Franklin]

How can you marry someone like her? You'll be bored to death in six weeks.

[Roy Mason]

Let's not talk about her.

[Ruth Franklin]

What's she ever done to deserve you? Gone to a few parties, Made a trip to Europe every year? Learned how to play six hand canasta. Or maybe it's her figure, Roy. Ruth, if it's her figure, remember somebody pounds it back into shape every morning after those big nights. And if it weren't for several dozen foundation garments.

[Roy Mason]

Stop it, Ruth.

[Ruth Franklin]

You've made a fool out of me for some grown up child who probably never did anything for herself. Servants paid to live for her.

[Roy Mason]

Please, you're raising your voice.

[Brad Bragg]

People are looking.

[Ruth Franklin]

Let them look. A scene in a cocktail lounge makes good reading and we always make the.

[Roy Mason]

Will you keep your voice down?

[Ruth Franklin]

Why don't you go back to Asia or someplace and write another book? I hope I never see you again.

[Brad Bragg]

Ruth.

[Roy Mason]

Ruth.

[Ruth Franklin]

Roy looked foolish shouting after me. I looked even more foolish trying to make a dignified exit through the tears. I'll leave it to me. I did a good job. I went off stage like a second lead in a little theater production. The next day I didn't go to the office. I felt weak and weary and sick all over. And I didn't answer the phone until three in the afternoon.

[Walter Denton]

Hello.

[Eve Arden]

Me?

[Roy Mason]

Oh, trying to get you all day. What for? To tell you that we're friends, you and I. I hate like the devil to think that you really meant it when you said you never wanted to see me again. I sent you a letter last night, but I'd rather tell you what I said in person. Now look, Ron, let me go on, will you? A man rarely meets a woman like you. I was lucky, real lucky. Ruth, you can send me away altogether if you want to, but I'd miss you for the rest of my life, and that's the truth.

[Ruth Franklin]

But you're going to marry her.

[Roy Mason]

Ruth, I want to talk with you calmly, decently, honestly. I want you for a friend. Mixing a couple of drinks in my apartment around 5 tonight. I hope you'll be there.

[Ruth Franklin]

All of a sudden I saw a way out of everything. And I spent the next two hours getting ready for rock. I remember I was wearing a new black crepe sheath by Dior and my pastel mink. It was a cold night, but the air made me feel good. Better than I've ever felt. I was politely late.

[Roy Mason]

You came. Let me take your coat, huh?

[Ruth Franklin]

It's a little chilly. I think I'll keep it on.

[Roy Mason]

Martini.

[Ruth Franklin]

Manhattan music, I think. Now a martini.

[Roy Mason]

Already had them fixed. I knew you wouldn't pass up a Mason special.

[Ruth Franklin]

You were rather certain in your pretty speech on the phone, weren't you?

[Roy Mason]

I meant it. And I am glad you're here, Ruth. All of that highly lacquered veneer you show. Your public is all right for them. But as for me, I'll take you the way I know you.

[Ruth Franklin]

Oh, tell me more.

[Roy Mason]

Underneath $40,000 a year and being the best dressed, you're quite a gal. One look told me that this amounts

[Ruth Franklin]

to a hats off conversation.

[Roy Mason]

Now, Ruth, we're ready to talk, you and I. Let's do it, huh? For the first time since we met, I know all about you. I know what makes you work.

[Ruth Franklin]

And I don't like that one bit, Roy. I don't like being ripped open for the public to watch.

[Roy Mason]

You don't understand.

[Ruth Franklin]

Don't touch me.

[Ms. Brooks]

Ruth.

[Ruth Franklin]

Yes? It's a gun, Roy.

[Roy Mason]

Oh, for heaven's sake. Ruth. Ruth, stop this. You got it all wrong. Put down that gun. Get a doctor. We'll say it was an accident.

[Ruth Franklin]

Stay away from me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Phone a doctor.

[Joey Perino]

No.

[Roy Mason]

No, it wasn't supposed to be this way at all.

[Ruth Franklin]

Bruce.

[Roy Mason]

I wrote you.

[Ruth Franklin]

I stood there looking down at him. He tried to talk again, but he couldn't say a word. And then all of a sudden, he was. De.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Autolite is bringing you Ms. Eve Arden in the well Dressed Corpse. Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of Thrills Suspense. Check your spark plugs, Mr. Wilcox.

[Roy Mason]

You sure can, Sam. Because it pays to have spark plugs checked and cleaned regularly. Helps keep a car running, right?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure does, Mr. Wilcox.

[Roy Mason]

And it only takes a couple of

[Narrator/Announcer]

minutes for an auto light spark plug dealer like myself.

[Roy Mason]

Why, when worn out spark plugs are replaced with new ignition engineered auto light spark plugs, you'll get away in a flash for a ride that's smoother than a gigolo's line. Because you'll get smoother performance, quick starts and gas savings. He's off again. Ignition engineered auto light spark plugs, you know, are installed right on the assembly line as original factory equipment on millions of leading makes of our finest cars and trucks. Money just can't buy better spark plugs for your car than autolite.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're right, Mr. Wilcox.

[Roy Mason]

So, friends, see your neighborhood Autolite spark plug dealer soon and have him replace worn out spark plugs with world famous ignition engineered auto light spark plugs. And whether you choose the resistor type or the standard type. You can be sure you're right because you're always right with Autolite.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And now, Autolite brings back to our Hollywood soundstage, Miss Eve Arden in Elliot Lewis's production of the well Dressed Corpse, a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Ruth Franklin]

It hadn't occurred to me exactly what I was going to do after I had killed Roy Mason. I remember, though, I finished my martini, wiped up the spilled drink, and then just sat and looked at Roy lying there on the floor.

[Petey Wright]

Hello?

[Ruth Franklin]

And then I was aware of someone pounding.

[Eve Arden]

Hello in there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What happened? What happened? Hello? Answer me, somebody.

[Walter Denton]

Hello?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello? Is everything all right in there?

[Petey Wright]

Oh.

[Ruth Franklin]

Oh, hello, miss. I live in the apartment next door and I thought I heard gunshots in here. You did what? Over there.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh.

[Ruth Franklin]

Well, I better phone the police. Is there a phone on the desk. Hello, operator, get me the police.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, I said the police.

[Ruth Franklin]

Right away.

[Brad Bragg]

There's been a shooting.

[Ruth Franklin]

No one lifted a hand to stop me downstairs. I got a taxi back to my own apartment, changed, threw some things into a bag, gathered up my jewelry and what money I had. I took my car out of the garage and drove to the station and caught a train as far as Greenwich. There I registered under another name at a small hotel. I was going to go on up to Canada the next day, but there was something I just had to see before I left the country. So instead, I caught a train back to New York.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sergeant Collins, Homicide.

[Ruth Franklin]

Sergeant, I wonder if you could give me some information.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll try, miss.

[Ruth Franklin]

I'm from the Kansas City Star. I happen to be on vacation in New York, but as long as I'm here, I'm trying to cover the Mason case.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah?

[Ruth Franklin]

Well, has Mr. Mason been buried yet, or do you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Edge Flower Mortuary.

[Roy Mason]

Rosary tonight, Burial tomorrow.

[Ruth Franklin]

Thank you, Sergeant. I was at the Edge Flower early, waiting across the street. It was cold and blustery, but I wanted to see her walk in. I wanted to see how well she could take it. But Elizabeth Granger didn't appear at his rosary the next morning. I wore dark glasses and a veil. I went to his funeral, but she didn't. Hello, Petey. I've been waiting for you, boss.

[Petey Wright]

Don't you know the police are looking all over town for you?

[Ruth Franklin]

Petey, who is Elizabeth Granger? Where does she live?

[Mrs. Parsons]

Oh, that.

[Ruth Franklin]

She isn't in the phone book. She wasn't at his funeral. There are no pictures of her in the papers. You know these things. Tell me, please.

[Petey Wright]

I can't help you. Nobody can. Help you now? You're a walking dead woman.

[Ruth Franklin]

Petey, listen to me.

[Petey Wright]

I don't want to listen to you.

[Ruth Franklin]

I'm afraid to.

[Petey Wright]

I'm afraid I'll end up like you someday. Well fed, well dressed, successful, well known. But dead.

[Ruth Franklin]

I came here for help, not to listen to your opinions.

[Petey Wright]

Everything you ever said in your life was a lie. I did your legwork, looked up things for you, verified them, checked them. Well, I checked about you just to satisfy my curiosity. You didn't go to Stanford or graduate school at Columbia. You were born and brought up in Hell's Kitchen. You went as far as PS432. You hated everything you had and were and you tried to wipe it out.

[Ruth Franklin]

Peter, you must know. Tell me about Elizabeth Granger.

[Petey Wright]

I'll tell you this much. You're not gonna have the pleasure of watching her suffer along with you.

[Ruth Franklin]

You know why?

[Petey Wright]

Because Roy Mason wrote you a letter that came this morning. I read it because I never thought I'd see you again. Do you want to know what's in it?

[Ruth Franklin]

Yes, please.

[Petey Wright]

It makes you look ten times as foolish as you do, even now. He said that there was no such person as Elizabeth Granger.

[Ruth Franklin]

You're lying.

[Petey Wright]

He just invented her. Just invented there to get away from you.

[Ruth Franklin]

You're lying. There has to be an Elizabeth Granger.

[Petey Wright]

Here's a letter. Look for yourself.

[Ruth Franklin]

It was true, every word of it. There was no Elizabeth Granger. Roy just didn't want me and had to find some excuse. I walked to the door, wondering what to do, where to go.

[Petey Wright]

One more thing, boss. 10 seconds after you're out that door, I'm gonna call the police.

[Ruth Franklin]

I didn't answer or look back. I just ran out of the apartment house and found a cab and had him drive me around and around, through streets and down streets and across. I scarcely even saw policemen or people. Finally, I left the cab and began walking around trying to understand myself and why I'd killed Roy. And everything that came out of my mind revolted me. I wanted to drink. A dozen drinks, a hundred drinks.

[Roy Mason]

You sure you're in the right place, lady?

[Ruth Franklin]

Just give me a double bourbon, Scotch, Triple. I don't care.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, you're old enough.

[Ruth Franklin]

Hurry it up. Here's my money.

[Roy Mason]

Hey, Eddie, get a load of the doll. How about, Would any dame dress like that come into a place like this? Slobbing? What are you, stupid or something?

[Joey Perino]

I like to come down where life

[Narrator/Announcer]

is rough, where men are men.

[Roy Mason]

I seen lots of them in my day. Looking for thrills.

[Ms. Brooks]

Yeah, yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What do you think she came in here for?

[Roy Mason]

Thought it was the White House or something? Oh, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll show you how to handle it, doll.

[Roy Mason]

Like that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Buy your drink, ma'?

[Roy Mason]

Am?

[Ruth Franklin]

No. Get away from me.

[Roy Mason]

Oh, now, you don't really mean that, Tony. The drink's on me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why don't we have it in the booth over here?

[Roy Mason]

We can talk, huh?

[Ruth Franklin]

Get away from me. Who do you think you are?

[Roy Mason]

All right, Eddie.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No sale.

[Joey Perino]

Who does she think she is, anyway?

[Roy Mason]

She's got no right in here unless she wants to be sociable. She's a bum, and you know it, Tony. Eddie, can't you see this as a lady? Now, go for a walk, lady. Since when have we had ladies in here?

[Ruth Franklin]

Give me the drink, bartender.

[Roy Mason]

Hey, wait a minute, you cheap little bum. Hey, Eddie.

[Walter Denton]

Now, Dane.

[Roy Mason]

Her picture was in the paper this morning.

[Ruth Franklin]

She killed somebody. I ran out of there. It was only a matter of seconds until they called the police. So I just ran. I saw a police car, and I ran the other way. Two blocks away, there was another police car at the intersection. I found an alley and ran down and fell headlong over a garbage can into the dirty, foul snow. I couldn't get up, and I cried cold tears.

[Petey Wright]

Come on, dearie.

Come on.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What are you doing?

[Petey Wright]

You won't need this coat where you're going. Leave my coat alone.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's all right, dearie. That's all right.

[Petey Wright]

Come on.

[Ruth Franklin]

The dress.

[Walter Denton]

Now.

[Petey Wright]

My dress, Ruby.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Help me get it off.

[Petey Wright]

You can't take my dress off me. I can use a fancy dress like

[Mrs. Parsons]

that, and you can't wear it in jail.

[Petey Wright]

Now tear it off you if I have to. Don't, please. You dare.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right. Here you are.

[Roy Mason]

Grab her.

[Petey Wright]

Shoes will be in the. My dress. They took my dress.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay, every.

[Brad Bragg]

Now, lady.

[Petey Wright]

You let them do it. Why did you let them do it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

We'll get them. Now, come on. Lift up your head.

[Roy Mason]

I gotta see you.

[Petey Wright]

Oh, don't hurt me, please. I'm somebody.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, that's what I thought.

[Roy Mason]

Ruth Franklin.

[Petey Wright]

I'm Somebody. I'm somebody.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Suspense presented by Autolight Tonight star Ms. Eve Arden.

[Roy Mason]

Hey, Sam de Dust my windshield, will you? I can write my name on it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You can write too. Mr. Wilcox.

[Roy Mason]

Can I write?

[Brad Bragg]

Why?

[Roy Mason]

I blister blackboards writing about the over 400 products made by Autolite for cars, trucks, planes and boats in 28 plants from coast to coast. These include complete ignition systems used as original factory equipment on many leading makes of America's finest cars. Generators, coils, Distributors, electric windshield wipers, voltage regulators, wire and cable starting motors. All engineered to fit together perfectly. Work together perfectly because they're part of the Autolite team. So, friends, don't accept electrical parts supposed to be as good. Ask for and insist on original factory parts at your neighborhood service station, car dealer, garage or repair shop. And because all Autolite parts are original factory parts, you can be sure you're always right with Autolight.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Next week on Suspense. The appearance of the distinguished star of the New York stage in the Metropolitan Opera, Mr. Ezio Pinza in Aria from Murder. In the weeks to follow, we will present such famous stars as Paul Douglas. Then in one of his infrequent radio appearances, Fred McMurray. To be followed by the first lady of suspense, Ms. Agnes Moorhead. All appearing in tales well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Roy Mason]

Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis. With music composed by Lucy in Morrock and conducted by Lud Gluskin. The well Dressed Corpse was written for suspense by E. Jack Newman and John Michael Hayes. Steve Arden appeared through the courtesy of the Colgate Palmale Feet Company, sponsors of our Ms. Brooks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And remember, next week on suspense, Mr. Ezio Pinzon in a tale of jealousy and hate on the stage of a deserted opera house. A story which we call Aria from Murder.

[Walter Denton]

You can buy world famous Autolite resistor type or standard type spark plugs.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Auto Light stay full Batteries.

[Walter Denton]

Auto Light electrical parts at your neighborhood Autolite dealers.

[Ruth Franklin]

Switch to Autolite.

[Walter Denton]

Good night.

[Roy Mason]

Winter driving calls for safer driving. The National Safety Council urges you to winterize your driving as well as your car. Keep the windshield clear, keep a safe distance from the car ahead. And pump your brakes. Don't slam them. Be careful and don't skid yourself into trouble this winter. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You are about to hear a story based on actual events. To protect the innocent, names and places have been changed. Auto night and its 96,000 dealers bring you Mr. Jeff Chandler in a story taken from Life. Tonight's presentation of suspense. Tonight, Auto Life presents the Steel River Prison Break. A story concerning one of the most fantastic prison breaks ever engineered. Starring Mr. Jeff Chandler. Hello, Harlow. Well, starch my sombrero if it's not Sheriff Sam. I brung in a rustler, Harlow. A cattle rustler? No, for gas rustler McCarr. It uses gas up awful and bucks like a Bronx well. Sounds like spark plug trouble, Sheriff. Your Autolite spark plug dealer can help you in a jiffy. He has the exclusive plug check indicator that shows the exact condition of those spark plugs and whether they're right for your type of driving. Maybe they just need cleaning or adjusting. Arlo. Well, your Auto Light spark plug dealer has the special equipment to give you the best job money can buy, Sheriff. Yeah, but supposing them critters are dates? Well, then he'll replace them with a set of standard or resistor type ignition engineered Autolite spark plugs. The spark plugs that are world famous for quality and performance. So, friends, you'll find it pays to have your spark plugs checked soon. See your Autolite spark plug dealer. And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Autolite. And now with the Steele river prison break and the performance of Mr. Jeff Chandler, auto Light hopes once again to keep you in suspense,

[Brad Bragg]

It was set for Friday. I mean set. We'd thought of everything, Cronin to be waiting in a speedboat under the wall. We'd make it. During the recreation period, some of the boys had started a rhubarb in the far corner of the yard. We'd be up and over and in the river before the guides missed us. And then Tuesday night, the radio changed everything.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Has just reached us from Pequot City. The river is 3ft below flood stage at Lock 7 and rising. Flood stage is expected at midnight. Rain is still falling in the upper watershed. Flood warnings have been issued along the waterfront here in Frickburg. Elsewhere, rising waters are reported in the Upper Allegheny and Monongahela. And flood stages may be expected from New Kensington and Wheeling to Pittsburgh. We return you to Tuesday reveries with the Steel River Symphonetta.

[Brad Bragg]

That does it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And what's that?

[Brad Bragg]

The flood. Moish. You hear that on the radio?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, I heard it. So? It's raining outside.

[Brad Bragg]

It's raining up the river, it's raining the mountains.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We're mighty lucky to be nice and warm in a comfy little old present.

[Brad Bragg]

Sir, we got to move up the timetable, huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What are you talking about?

[Brad Bragg]

We walk out of here tomorrow night. Thursday morning, latest.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, how come Corona won't be here for us till Friday afternoon? What are you trying to do, lost up the detail?

[Brad Bragg]

Listen. The river will hit flood stage at lock seven at midnight tonight.

[Narrator/Announcer]

So what?

[Brad Bragg]

So lock seven is 80 miles upstream. Right below it, the Lucinda river runs into the steel. That means that Lock 8 at Renton will probably give way by tomorrow morning. Between Lock 8 and Flickburg, a half dozen little rivers pour into the steel. At midnight tomorrow night, the prison will be an island surrounded by the biggest flood since 1886.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Very interesting. I Don't know much about these things. We don't ever get much water on the real grass.

[Brad Bragg]

Well, I know I was born and raised a half a mile from here. I know floods. I was raised on them. Flooded out twice a year when I was a kid, every fall and every spring. By tomorrow night, this cell block will be a swimming pool.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, that'd be a change.

[Brad Bragg]

Tomorrow night we go.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What about Cronin?

[Brad Bragg]

Cronin ain't gonna get here in this flood.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look, Bragg, I don't think we ought to risk it.

[Brad Bragg]

There ain't any risk. You don't know how it is when there's a flood. People go crazy. We get out of here. We act like any other characters trying to get to high ground. Only we head for my house, we get a change of clothes and we're on our way. We'll be at Cronin's Joint in Youngstown before we ever get started.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't know, Brag. If you're going with me, you're going.

[Brad Bragg]

I say so. And I say tomorrow.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But, Bragg.

[Brad Bragg]

What, runt?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I can't swim.

[Brad Bragg]

We already had a gun. No matter how Cronin got it into me, I buried it in a can of tallow in the soap plant. I put that can of tallow so far back in the corner wasn't nobody going to use it to make soap. I broke it out yesterday and hid it behind the tubes and things in my radio. I got a radio in my cell because I've been such a model prisoner. Me. Wednesday morning before breakfast, Lefty the Head screwed come into the cell block and

[Narrator/Announcer]

made us a little speech man. We're in for a flood. Looks like it's gonna be serious. Water's only a foot below the top of the downtown flood walls right now. Ain't that too bad. The Frickburg Disaster Committee's asked every able bodied man to get down there and help sandbag those walls. I'm a stranger in town myself. That's for citizens and taxpayers. All right, how many of you want to volunteer for the job? All right, we'll take off after breakfast. But remember, this ain't no picnic. Don't try no funny stuff, cuz. I'll be right there with you. Me and the rest of my boys. Oh, you don't want to stand out there in the rain all day. Okay, that's all. Breakfast in five minutes.

[Brad Bragg]

Up goes the timetable again.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Brad Bragg]

Don't have to wait for tonight. We make it this morning.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What are you doing with that radio?

[Brad Bragg]

What do you think? Give Me? The tape. Tape the tape. That phony Boyle you bandaged the other day.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, oh, yeah, yeah. Ah, that hurts.

[Brad Bragg]

Oh, you don't take it off that way. You do it this way.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Take it easy.

[Brad Bragg]

Shut up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why, that hurt me brag.

[Brad Bragg]

I taped this automatic on the inside of my leg. Yeah, we're on our way.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, Brad.

[Brad Bragg]

You all set, Moish?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Set.

[Brad Bragg]

When we get down the river, we keep close together. Watch me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure, Brad. Whatever you say.

[Brad Bragg]

Old Town looks good.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, what's so good about it? All those crummy houses all painted the same crummy color.

[Brad Bragg]

Yeah, there was once painted different colors.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And how come they're all the same color? All dingy gray like smoke.

[Brad Bragg]

Coal smoke from the mills.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, I get it. Like down home, houses are all a crumb of yellow from the crummy dust sea.

[Brad Bragg]

Down the street, third house on the left.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, what about it?

[Brad Bragg]

That's where we'll be tonight.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That your joint?

[Roy Mason]

Yeah.

[Brad Bragg]

Home sweet home. Ma still lives here?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, but any liable to look for sir they do.

[Brad Bragg]

Ma. I'll take care of him. She got no use for cops. Ever since my old man got slapped around in the battle of the barges up at Homestead.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, what's the matter?

[Brad Bragg]

Guns? Beginning of pinch.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You can stand a few more minutes, can't you?

[Brad Bragg]

You kidding? Hey, hey, look at that old red brick building.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What about it?

[Brad Bragg]

The Candler School. That's where I went.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You graduate, Brad?

[Brad Bragg]

Ah, now I transfer to Pine Hill. Graduated there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Pine Hill? What's that?

[Brad Bragg]

State reformatory.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, they slowing down for?

[Brad Bragg]

We ain't no ways near the river.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Turned into a gravel yard, looks like. All right, boys. Five of you drop off here to fill sandbags. Minkowski, Steiner, Anthony, Walton and Bragg.

[Brad Bragg]

Me?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, you. Come on, pile up. Right.

[Brad Bragg]

What we going to do? Nothing now.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, Brad, there goes the ball game. Uhuh.

[Brad Bragg]

Only one inning. I knew that gravel yard. Used to play in it when I was a kid. It was just three blocks from my old lady's house. I could have made it easy through back alleys, but I ain't that kind of guy. I went into the pen on the same rap with Moist. I wasn't gonna leave it without him. A run I like. A little slow in the upstairs department maybe, but a good guy I'd wait, but it was tough. Fell in sandbags all day in the rain with that tape gun cutting into my leg. No blood getting to my foot. First it hurt, then it was like pins and needles in my toes and I couldn't feel nothing at all. It Was real tough because I didn't dare limp. I couldn't take a chance on any nosy guard asking me what was the matter. Got tougher. Towards the end of the day, I was seeing spots in front of my eyes. I was like to pass out when the truck come by to pick us up. It wasn't till after chow, when we was locked in my cell for the night, I could get the thing off my leg. Then it all went into reverse. The pins and needles came back, and after them, the pain.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That leg looks like you was branded.

[Brad Bragg]

God feels it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Boy, Shania, I never expected to see you back here.

[Brad Bragg]

You kidding?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, you know.

[Brad Bragg]

Turn on the radio. Let's see how the flood's doing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right.

[Brad Bragg]

Tomorrow, we got to make sure we stick together.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How we gonna do that?

[Brad Bragg]

I don't know, but we gotta, because tomorrow's gonna be our last chance.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Avenue Bridge, 41ft, 6 inches and rising.

[Brad Bragg]

Holy Cross, KW Frickberg will remain on

[Narrator/Announcer]

the air throughout the night to bring you flood bulletins and assist in directing rescue operations.

[Brad Bragg]

Attention, please.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The flood wall of Water street and Fourth has given way. All residents of the Brownsville district are advised to evacuate their homes at once.

[Brad Bragg]

Here we go. That's what they call the neighborhood around here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Send the boat to 317 California Street.

[Brad Bragg]

Hey, Marsh, you getting this? It won't be long now.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The floor behind the sail block water.

[Brad Bragg]

Trickle of water. I told you. It means there's a foot and a half or two feet out in the yard.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, the lights work.

[Petey Wright]

All right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, pipe down.

[Petey Wright]

It's having a little quiet in here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Turn on the light. Now listen to me. There ain't any lights. Dynamos flooded out. We're gonna move you men. There'll be six foot of water in this cell block by morning. We're moving you out. Where are you taking us, husky? We're moving into the Conestoga County Jail. It's on high ground. You'll be safe there till the water drops. You'll be in the drunk tank on the fourth floor. I object. All right, now, let's make it snappy. The water's rising two feet an hour. I'm gonna open the doors. Form in line and follow me. No funny business.

[Ms. Brooks]

It

[Brad Bragg]

all set, Rod? Yeah, moist.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, you forgot.

[Brad Bragg]

No, I didn't.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And you going to tape it to your left.

[Brad Bragg]

Not this time. It goes into my belt. Going to need it in less than three minutes. Now, stick close to me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, now line up. Let's go. All right, come on. This way, man. The buses are right here at the gate. Come on, come on.

[Petey Wright]

Keep it moving.

[Ms. Brooks]

Run.

[Brad Bragg]

Yeah. Fatty by the gate. I'll take him from behind. You get his gun.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Right.

[Brad Bragg]

You get Lefty. I'll get Riley.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What about me?

[Brad Bragg]

Run. Shoot straighter. Just keep with me, all right?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come on, boys. Come on.

[Petey Wright]

We ain't got all night.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Snap it up. Come on.

[Petey Wright]

Get.

[Ruth Franklin]

Get the.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Let you like you got the gun.

[Walter Denton]

Run.

[Ms. Brooks]

I got it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Get back on the line. Make me stand right where you are. Don't anybody move.

[Brad Bragg]

Get behind me. Run.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay. Come on.

[Brad Bragg]

Shoot, Lefty. Fatty makes a good chest protector. Relax, Fatty. You might not get hurt.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stop that man. Brag. And your gun.

[Brad Bragg]

You make a pretty good target, Lefty. They just might drop you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know what that'll get you?

[Brad Bragg]

Sure. What's the difference? One God or two guards? It's the same hot seat br.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We better move. Every screw in the place will be down here.

[Ruth Franklin]

Now.

[Brad Bragg]

Let's go, boy.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Autolite is bringing you Mr. Jeff Chandler in the Steel river prison break. Tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, suspense. Well, you're happy, Sheriff? Sure am, Harlow. Happy as a Pino pony in pasture. Since model that spark plug dealer check them spark plug plugs with that exclusive Autolite plug check indicator. What did it show, Sheriff?

[Ms. Brooks]

Those critters were as worn as a

[Narrator/Announcer]

cowboy's chaps after the spring roundup. But it lassoed them for a heir to ignition engineered Autolite spark plugs. And now my car takes off like a scared coyote. Runs sweet as a cowpoke's dream. Uses less gas than the gopher's shadow. Well, I knew it would, Sheriff. Because ignition engineered Autolite spark plugs are designed by the same men who engineer the coil, distributor and all the other important parts of the ignition system. Used as original factory equipment on many makes of our finest cars, trucks and tractors. That's why when you replace worn out spark plugs with standard or resistor type Auto Light spark plugs, you can be sure of getting smoother performance, quick starts and gas savings. So, friends, see your Autolite spark plug dealer soon and have him compare your spark plugs with the famous plug check indicator for his name and address, just call Western Union by number and ask for operator 25. Oh, remember too, you're always right with Auto Light. And now Autolight brings back to our Hollywood soundstage, Mr. Jeff Chandler in Elliot Lewis's production of the Steel River Prison Break. A dramatic report well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Brad Bragg]

What you have to shoot that God for Right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I didn't want to take any chance.

[Brad Bragg]

You dumb jerk. Breaking out of stirs one thing murders another. Come on, this way. We splashed up Ohio street and there wasn't no one following us. Screws were too busy getting the other cons into the buses. They couldn't have found us anyway because we lost ourselves behind the swinging doors of Herlihy Saloon where I used to rush the growler for my old man. They're in pretty good shape. I hadn't used my own gun yet. Run. Had three rounds left in the guards gun. So we just stood there in the dark with the water lapping around our knees and watched the buses loaded with stir birds pull out one by one for the Conestoga county jail. We made it. We made it so far.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What do we do now? Swim. I came swim.

[Brad Bragg]

We ain't gonna walk, that's for sure. Mars house is 10 blocks closer to the river. This water's going up, not down.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It stinks.

[Brad Bragg]

Sure it stinks. Floods always stink. You ought to smell what it's like when the water drops. And we ain't gonna be here to smell it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Wait a minute.

[Brad Bragg]

Listen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Highway is U.S. 30. All units of National Guard use Highway 30. Where's that radio coming from?

[Brad Bragg]

Rescue boat. All the rivermen help when there's a flood like this. Not even the radios.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Maybe a rescue us.

[Brad Bragg]

That's what I figured right. Let me handle it. You two act a little tight.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey.

[Brad Bragg]

Hey, Mac. Over this way. Just stay behind these swinging doors.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Over here.

[Brad Bragg]

That Hurley's.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now what are you doing there? Took the last guy out there a half hour ago.

[Brad Bragg]

Oh, he was in the back room with a picture of be why isn't ready to leave yet?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're lucky I cut through this way. Now that the cons are out of the pen, this entire area has been cleared. You guys might have drowned. Yeah, I guess we might have. Cut my hand. Come on. Here. Thanks, mister. Never saw so much pain in my life. All aboard.

[Brad Bragg]

Yep.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All inlets. Hey, what kind of suits is ammo? You guys are convoyed?

[Brad Bragg]

That's right, buddy. I'll take off his windbreaker.

[Ms. Brooks]

Run, huh?

[Brad Bragg]

Strip him. I want to cover this number on my back.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, yeah, sure. Come on, give me a hand, boy. There you are, Brian.

[Brad Bragg]

Good. Over the side with him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, you ain't gonna.

[Brad Bragg]

No, I ain't gonna. You are over the side.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But that's murder.

[Brad Bragg]

Look, there's talk you shot a guard 10 minutes ago. What was that? Target practice. Over the side.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay, Brian.

[Brad Bragg]

All right, so hit the deck. Out of sight. Here we go.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where we going?

[Brad Bragg]

Greg Mars house on Ohio Street. Now we turn left onto Liberty, and eight blocks from there, we're home. Turn off that radio. Here's Liberty street. Now. Hang on.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Take it easy, Brag. Now watch out, Brag. There's a boatload of people in here.

[Brad Bragg]

Get down. Run.

[Ms. Brooks]

Get down.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Brad, you ran down that boat. Yeah, yeah, I know. There were women and kids in that.

[Brad Bragg]

Tough luck.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We gotta go back. We can't go back. Where's. Run, huh? Run. Hey, run for life.

[Brad Bragg]

Get down. M. Stay out of sight.

[Ruth Franklin]

He ain't here.

[Brad Bragg]

I must have fell out when we hit the boat.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We got to go back for him.

[Brad Bragg]

We can't, Mo.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, but he's got the gun.

[Brad Bragg]

I got the guard's gun. I still got mine with a full clip.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But Draggy can't swim. I know. Well, maybe the water ain't deep there. Maybe he can walk.

[Brad Bragg]

You kidding? Look at those store fronts. There's 15ft of water under us. We tied up to the front porch roof of Mar's house. Didn't take long to rip the radio and battery out of that launch, kick a hole in her bottom and sinker on Mar's front yard. We needed the radio. I wanted to know whether the boys were looking for us or for flood victims.

[Narrator/Announcer]

A boat to 754 Stanton Alley.

[Brad Bragg]

Joel, they picked that one up. Correction. Disregard. 754 Stanton Alley.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Attention all doctors and nurses in Crane

[Brad Bragg]

Valley, New Thames and Henry Roy, your services. They were looking for flood victims. With people drowning and typhoid threatening, the water supply cut off and phone lines out in, the National Guard and Army called in. No one was thinking much about three escapees. I mean, two. Ma wasn't home. Natch. She was an old hand with floods. When that water hits 35ft at all. Ohio Avenue Bridge. Ma always lights out for a car's in Mount Austin, sits it out. But everything was snug on the second floor. And my room was just like I left it. So Moish and I hit the sack, hoping the water wouldn't come any higher. And it didn't. Hey, Moish. Come on, rise and shine. Wake up.

[Ms. Brooks]

Huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, what are you doing in my cell?

[Brad Bragg]

Saying a cell, you jerk.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where am I?

[Brad Bragg]

You're in my ma's house, remember? We ain't in stir no longer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, yeah? Yeah.

[Brad Bragg]

Come on. Come on. Get with it. Look out the window.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, I'm hungry.

[Brad Bragg]

Wait. Look at that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Brad Bragg]

Stop raining. The water's dropping. You can see the parlor windows on the House across the street.

[Narrator/Announcer]

So?

[Brad Bragg]

So by this afternoon we can move.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm hungry.

[Brad Bragg]

You're gonna be hungrier. Mars Kitchen will be three inches deep in muck.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, when the water drops, they'll be looking for us.

[Brad Bragg]

We won't be here. By midnight tonight, we'll be in Cronin's joint in Youngstown.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How?

[Brad Bragg]

You're here, ain't you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Brad Bragg]

Don't ask how, just take my word for it. We'll. By 5 o' clock that afternoon we were plenty hungry. We could stand a little more of that. Because the water had drained out of the street, people were beginning to drift back to their homes, picking their way through the ankle deep muck. It was time for us to move. Moishe and I put on a couple of my best suits while the radio bled on and on.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Ohio street bridge is now 32ft and falling. The army engineers report that the flood

[Brad Bragg]

crest is well past Frickburg and was expected to reach Steubenville tonight in Cincinnati.

[Roy Mason]

Tomorrow night.

[Brad Bragg]

Oh, sweetheart, we're in business. Steubenville in Cincinnati. The cops over in Ohio will be so busy they'll never see the All Points flash.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That mud's going to ruin your pretty pants.

[Brad Bragg]

So turn up the cuffs and let's go.

[Narrator/Announcer]

At the McCandless School.

[Brad Bragg]

Positive identity. Hey, they turned my old school ass into a morgue. Listen, mary. Correction. That's Mrs. Margaret Bragg. Moish what? Margaret Bragg. My ma. Maybe it was a mistake. Wouldn't be the first time they'd made mistakes like that. Maybe it was a trick. Maybe the warden put out that flash to trap me. Maybe it was on the level. I had to know. I had to be sure. So Moishe and I sloughed through mud up to our ankles, but not out of the Youngstown road. I was headed for this schoolhouse. Moish, well, he's a good kid. He came along. It was stretched out in the assembly hall row on row of mon cutts covered with sheets in the assembly hall where us kids used to pledge allegiance to the flag and sing America the Beautiful. I. I beg pardon. Yes? May I help you?

[Roy Mason]

Yeah.

[Brad Bragg]

Mrs. Margaret Bragg. I heard on the radio you had Mrs. Margaret Bragg here. Just a moment, please. I'll see if she's listed. Yes. Down that aisle to the right. Four or five cots down, you'll find the name on the tank. Thanks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Crack.

[Brad Bragg]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Even if they got her here, maybe it's a trap.

[Brad Bragg]

I gotta be sure. I gotta see her.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, I know.

[Brad Bragg]

If you want to get out, get it's okay with me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, no, I'm sticking. But keep your eyes open.

[Brad Bragg]

Yeah, yeah, sure.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What's that tag say?

[Brad Bragg]

Campanelli. Luigi.

[Narrator/Announcer]

These new ones. Unidentified.

[Brad Bragg]

Leroy, Sarah, Jean. I went to school with her father.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here, pal. Bragg. Mrs. Margaret.

[Brad Bragg]

Turn down the sheet, William. I should.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, sure. All right, Bragg. Put your hands up.

[Petey Wright]

Brag.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's Lefty, the head guard.

[Brad Bragg]

Doc, down behind his cot.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come on, Brag, give yourself up. Let's not make any more trouble for these people. They've had enough of it.

[Brad Bragg]

I didn't get this far to give myself up. No lousy morn. Moist, make your way behind these cuts

[Narrator/Announcer]

in the door by the stage.

[Brad Bragg]

I'll cover you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay. Okay, Brag. I got the door open. Good boy.

[Brad Bragg]

Come on, kid.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where's the sleeve?

[Brad Bragg]

There's a balcony above the swimming pool. This way.

[Ms. Brooks]

Come on.

[Brad Bragg]

We gotta make it across that catwalk with a high diving board.

[Walter Denton]

Go ahead.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll follow you. All right.

[Brad Bragg]

Okay, Moist.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come on. We can get out through here, Right? Stand where you are. Moish Nudge. See you, Lefty. Your next brag. Are you dirty? Nice. You ready to come now, Brag? Yeah,

[Brad Bragg]

I'm ready.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hold out your hands. Okay. Let's go.

[Brad Bragg]

Lefty.

[Joey Perino]

Yeah?

[Brad Bragg]

Can I say goodbye to tomorrow before I go?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, I suppose so.

[Brad Bragg]

How did it happen, Lefty? How did she drown?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Didn't you read her tag?

[Brad Bragg]

No.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Seems the rescue boat she was in was capsized by an unidentified launch at the corner of Ohio and Liberty Streets last night.

[Eve Arden]

You're lying.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's what the tag says. Sort of a hit and run pilot.

[Brad Bragg]

You're lying. I was running that launch.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, you were?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, like you said last night, Bragg, what difference does it make if you kill two instead of one? It's the same hot seat, ain't it? Suspense. Presented by autolite. Tonight's star, Mr. Jeff Chandler. Well, Jeff, thanks for an exciting story

[Roy Mason]

and a wonderful performance.

[Brad Bragg]

Well, thanks to you, Harlow, and to Autolyte for inviting me to appear on Suspense. I hope you'll ask me again soon.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You can be sure we will, Jeff Chandler. Just as sure as Autolyte is the world's largest independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. Yes. In 28 plants from coast to coast, Autolite makes over 400 products for cars, trucks, tractors, planes and boats. Including complete electrical systems, ignition engineered. Autolite standard and resistor type spark plugs. And the famous Autolite stay full battery. Yes, you can be sure from bumper to tail light. You're always right with Auto Light. Next week on Suspense, another story based on actual events, a dramatic report on mediums and the terrible harm it is in their power to commit. Starring the First lady of Suspense, Ms. Agnes Moorhead in the evil of Adelaide Winters.

[Brad Bragg]

In weeks to come, we shall also

[Narrator/Announcer]

present Mr. Charles Lawton and Mr. Tony Curtis.

[Eve Arden]

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

[Ms. Brooks]

How often have you felt that you would like to get away from it all?

[Brad Bragg]

Just drop everything, move far away, start a new life, maybe even with a new identity?

[Ms. Brooks]

Well, it isn't as easy as it

[Joey Perino]

sounds, as the story you are about to hear demonstrates.

[Eve Arden]

So before you buy a one way

[Brad Bragg]

ticket to elsewhere, listen, listen.

[Joey Perino]

As Dick Krenna stars in Night on Red Mountain, which begins in just a moment, here's Frankie Lane. I never feel like singing with a bad cold. So I take wonderful four way cold tablets to relieve my cold misery. Fast. Right. Tests of four leading cold tablets proved

[Narrator/Announcer]

four way fastest acting of all. Amazing. Four way starts in minutes to relieve aches, pains, headache, reduce fever, calm upset stomach. Also overcomes irregularity.

[Joey Perino]

So when you catch cold, take my advice, take four way cold tablets. It's the fast way to relieve those nasty cold miseries and feel better quickly.

[Ms. Brooks]

4 way 29 and 59 cents.

[Eve Arden]

Here's a word about another fine product of Grove Laboratories had dandruff for years. Now get rid of it in three minutes with Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo. Three minutes with Fitch regularly is guaranteed to keep unsightly dandruff away forever. Apply Fitch before wetting hair. Rub in one minute. Add water, lather one minute, then rinse. One minute. Every trace of dandruff goes down the drain. Three minutes with Fitch embarrassing. Dandruffs gone. Fitch can also leave hair up to 35% brighter. Get Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo today. And now, Night on Red Mountain starring Dick Krena. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

[Joey Perino]

Coming right up. Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I didn't hear you drive in. You can't hear much of anything when the wind starts blowing. Fill her up. Yes, sir. You better check the oil and water too. You got any hot coffee inside? Eh, hot and black.

[Eve Arden]

You?

[Joey Perino]

And that's for me. Must be close to zero. Not that bad down around 20. It'll drop tonight though. Radio says we might get a blizzard. Yeah, and they call this sunny California. Well, we're more than 5,000ft here.

[Eve Arden]

6,500 at the top of the pass up the road.

[Joey Perino]

Piece Yeah, I know. I just come over it. You heading north? Yeah. Vegas. How far is it from here? 260 from Victorville. Victorville's 32 from here. What's the matter? You lost? What makes you think so?

[Eve Arden]

US66 is a direct route.

[Joey Perino]

Not many cars come across Red Mountain in the winter, say.

[Eve Arden]

Yeah.

[Joey Perino]

Ain't I seen you someplace before? No, not unless you've been through here before. Ain't never. Isn't that back east someplace? You come from back east? Never been. I come from up north.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why?

[Eve Arden]

Rica.

[Joey Perino]

Money, you take that mustache off and you'd be a ringer for a kid I once knew back in Jersey City. Joey Perino. Funny. Yeah? Yeah. Look alikes. You run into him sometime?

[Walter Denton]

Sure.

[Joey Perino]

You was never back east?

[Eve Arden]

Sure.

[Joey Perino]

Funny, without that mustache, I'd swear you would be mistaken. Yeah. Well, then, where do I find the coffee? Right inside.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sally will take care of it.

[Joey Perino]

You better check the battery and the tires, too. Yeah, sure thing. Good evening. Give me a cup of black coffee.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Yes?

[Narrator/Announcer]

The State Highway Patrol has asked us

[Ms. Brooks]

to make this announcement.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Change will be required on all cars

[Joey Perino]

in the mountain regions.

[Ms. Brooks]

Tonight's storm is expected.

[Joey Perino]

Sounds like you might be snowed in.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Won't be the first time.

[Joey Perino]

That might be dangerous, considering your condition.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Oh, no, I'm not expecting till April. And we never get any snow that late.

[Joey Perino]

Not even when the weather's unusual, like they say out here.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Well, it's never that unusual. You better get Walt to put on your chains.

[Joey Perino]

Ain't got any.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Oh. Then watch your step going down the hill. Particularly Mule Shoe curves. It's bad. And snow like this.

[Joey Perino]

Oh, I'll remember that. Is he your husband? Who had a fella gassing me up this. This wall.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Oh, yeah.

[Joey Perino]

You two all alone up here?

[Mrs. Parsons]

No, that's my dad. And he better get a move on or he won't get back up the mountain tonight.

[Joey Perino]

Where is he?

[Mrs. Parsons]

Went down to Victorville this afternoon for supplies.

[Joey Perino]

Ah. You born around here?

[Mrs. Parsons]

No, up north.

[Joey Perino]

Wairika?

[Mrs. Parsons]

Yeah. How did you get.

[Joey Perino]

Well, your husband said that's where he came from.

[Mrs. Parsons]

He did?

[Joey Perino]

Yeah. Doesn't he?

[Mrs. Parsons]

Well, he said he did, didn't he?

[Eve Arden]

Yeah.

[Joey Perino]

Yeah. You overhear of a guy named Joey Perino?

[Mrs. Parsons]

No. Why should I?

[Joey Perino]

Your husband looks like him.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Well, what if he does?

[Joey Perino]

Nothing. Nothing. You ever been back east?

[Mrs. Parsons]

Never been outside the state. Gee, you ask more questions than a cop.

[Joey Perino]

Don't worry, I ain't no cop. He's all set to roll. How much do I owe you? 12 gallons. That'll be 3.95. Plus the coffee. No copy. Elements of the management. It's a policy of the establishment. Free coffee during blizzards.

[Eve Arden]

Isn't it, Sally?

[Mrs. Parsons]

Yeah, sure.

[Joey Perino]

Hey, four bucks I'll get you checked. Hey, don't bother. 3.95 for the gas and 5 cents for the coffee. I got a policy, too. I don't take handouts.

[Walter Denton]

Oh, look what was.

[Joey Perino]

I don't want to be owing anybody anything, sister. Particularly rats. Be seeing you, Joey.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Joey? What did he mean, Walt calling you Joey?

[Eve Arden]

In a moment. We continue with the second act of suspense. A message now to those men and women who are living in the United States but are not citizens of this country. In this month of January, all aliens are required to report their addresses to the government each year. Cards in which to report the required information may be obtained at any post office or from an office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. When the cards are all filled out, return them to the clerk from whom they were received. Failure to register at this time can result in serious legal penalties. If you are an alien and have not already registered for this year, make sure you go soon to your local post office or immigration service office for the card. If you are ill or disabled, you may arrange to have a friend or relative pick up and return your card for you. But you must register. Why not stop by at your nearest post office for your card, then fill it out and return it without delay. And now, starring Dick Krena, Act 2 of Night on Red Mountain.

[Joey Perino]

Yes?

[Mrs. Parsons]

Mr. Pirelli?

[Joey Perino]

Yes?

[Mrs. Parsons]

I have a long distance call for

[Joey Perino]

you from Victorville, California. Who's calling?

[Mrs. Parsons]

Just a moment, please. Who's calling? Mr. Pirelli? Mr. Battalion.

[Joey Perino]

Okay, operator, put him on.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Go ahead, sir.

[Joey Perino]

Hello? Victoria? Yeah, Bat. What are you doing down in Victorville? You were supposed to be here in Vegas by dinner time. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, but I sort of got lost in the mountain. Figures. I know. Judah get lost in Jersey City. Yeah, but wait till you hear what I found. A gold mine, I suppose. Nah. Joey Perino. Your kid. Where? In a gas station back in the hills. You sure it's Joey? Positive. He's got a mustache and he's got a wife. And he calls himself Walt something or other. But it's Joey all right. He recognize you? Sure he did, but he didn't let on. I thought I better tell you.

[Eve Arden]

Wait a minute.

[Joey Perino]

If he recognized, he'll take it on the land.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Not a chance.

[Joey Perino]

He's up there all alone with his wife. She's in a family way and it's blowing up A blizzard. He wouldn't risk getting around this kind of weather. Where are you? In a joint called the the White Spot. Sit tight. I'll be there in a couple hours. How you gonna do that? Charter a plane? But boss. I'll be glad to handle him for you. I'm sure you would, Bat. But this one, I want to take care of myself in my own way, if you get what I mean. Oh, yeah, I get what you mean. I'll wait for you here. Hey, what's the name of this place where he's at? Walt Summit Service. Why? Thought I might give him a ring before I leave. I tip him off? No. Offer him another chance. Are you kidding? What do you think? Walt Summit Service. Good evening. Hello, Joey. You must have the wrong number. This is Walt Summit Service. No, Joey, I got the right number. This is Big Pete. Remember me? There's some mistake. There's no mistake. Matt just told me he was by your joint a while ago. I don't know what you're talking about. This is Walt Summit Service. Okay, Joey, if you want it that way. It's Walt. Summer service in your Walt. But back to Jersey City. I still Joey Perino to all the boys and Joey. The boys miss you. All of them, but me in particular. I miss you so much, Joey, I feel I just gotta talk to you. I'm sorry you have a wrong number, miss. Joey, listen good. I'm gonna talk to you. You got the wrong number. Okay, Joey. Now listen, Joey. You know what Joey and Victorville called the White Spot? Yeah, I know it. Good. I'm at the airport in Vegas. I'm taking off from here in five minutes. You take off in five minutes too. Joey. Look here, don't hang up on big feet. Joey, don't listen to me. Take you about the same time to get down off that miners. They'll take me to fly to Victorville, maybe the White Spot. That's an order. I don't take orders from you anymore. Don't take this one. I'll come up there and shove it down your throat. Come on. Come on. A highway patrol car just pulled up outside. Oh, you kidding, Joe? You think you're gonna scare me off with them two bit cops?

[Mrs. Parsons]

I'm not trying to kid you, Pete.

[Joey Perino]

That's my boy. Joey. You finally recognize your boss, huh, Joey? Now you ain't gonna squeal to them orange pickers, are you, Joey? I'm not a squealer, Pete. Hey, Joe. No. How do I know? I'm telling you. So how come you took A powder on me two years ago, huh? How come?

[Narrator/Announcer]

How come you just move?

[Joey Perino]

I want it out. Yeah, I'll be right there. Who you talking to? The highway patrol. I told you. You gonna tell them why you walked out at all, Pete? Look, I don't tell nothing to nobody. I just want to be left alone. I wanted out and I got out. You ain't out, kid. Nobody got quits on me.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Well, there's someone at the door.

[Ms. Brooks]

I know it.

[Joey Perino]

Who you talking to now? My wife. Get rid of the cops, Zoey. And tell your wife to go to bed, you got the wrong number. And meet me in two hours at the white spot of Victorville. You got it? Yeah, I got the number you're calling, but this isn't it. You better be there, Joey, or I'm coming up the hill for you.

[Eve Arden]

In a moment. We continue with the third act of suspense. If you have a cold, bronchitis or the chicken pox, you naturally get to work at once to do something about curing the disease. If the symptoms of some physical illness appear, you try to prevent the illness from getting worse. But far too many of us look upon one of the most serious and most prevalent of illnesses, mental or emotional disturbances, as some sort of a stigma. We're afraid to admit when mental illness occurs in our family and often wait until too late to do something about it. But the rigors of modern living can bring on tensions in any of us. And these tensions can develop into very serious mental disorders. And if something isn't done to alleviate them, a great deal of wonderful work is being accomplished in the prevention, treatment and cure of mental illness. If we treat it as just another form of disease, call in the right people to deal with it, support our local mental health organizations and accept those who have been cured of mental disorders as we would anyone cured of a physical illness, we'll all be helping to combat and reduce a serious threat to the security and well being of our nation. And now, starring dick Krena, act three of Night on Red Mountain.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Good evening, Mrs. Parsons. Sorry to disturb you, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Oh, that's all right, Sergeant Tuohy.

[Joey Perino]

Come in.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Walt was on the phone.

[Joey Perino]

Yeah. Yeah, Sergeant. Some crackpoint got a wrong number. He can't get it out of his drunken head. Well, I just stopped by to see if you folks were all right. Oh, sure, yeah. Snug as a bug in a rug.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Have a cup of coffee?

[Joey Perino]

Yeah, thanks, Mrs. Parton. Guess maybe I dropped by for that too.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Well, there's always some on the stove.

[Joey Perino]

How's the weather outside. It ain't fit night for man. A motor car pass is closed. Won't be able to get plows through from the other side of the mountain until tomorrow forenoon. Yeah, well, that's what you can expect in February.

[Mrs. Parsons]

There you are, Sergeant. Sugar, cream and hot, I hope.

[Joey Perino]

Wonderful. Wonderful, Mrs. Poisons.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thank you.

[Joey Perino]

Oh, Sally.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Yes, darling?

[Joey Perino]

Like the sergeant says, taint a fit night out for man or motor car. Yes, I thought we might put him up for the night.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Of course.

[Joey Perino]

No, I don't want to inconvenience you.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Oh, but it wouldn't.

[Ruth Franklin]

No, not at all.

[Joey Perino]

No inconvenience at all. We'd sure like to have you stay. That's right nice of you, believe me, but I've got to get on down the road. But it's after 10 now. You're off duty. In a storm like this, nobody's off duty. Well, thanks for the coffee, Mrs. Parsons. Say, I got something to thank you for, Walt. What's that?

[Narrator/Announcer]

The only laugh I had this evening.

[Joey Perino]

Oh, well, I'd like to hear it. What's the laugh, Sarge? That car out front. What car? A couple hours ago when I was going up to the pass. That two tone job. Standing out front with the big tail fins. What about it? Gold and white, covered with mud and snow piling on it. Well, it sort of reminded me of a baling duty on a ski slope. Cars like that weren't designed for this kind of country. No, I guess they weren't. Good night, folks. Thanks again for the coffee. You're welcome.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Good night, Sergeant. I'll get it.

[Joey Perino]

No, I will. Well, Summit service. You ain't lived yet, Joey. Get going. You got the wrong number.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Again?

[Joey Perino]

Yeah, again.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Darling, what is it?

[Joey Perino]

Oh, screwball.

[Mrs. Parsons]

What's he want?

[Joey Perino]

Who knows? He's drunk. Let's go to bed.

[Mrs. Parsons]

I'm not very sleepy. I know. What? Let's sit up and wait for dad.

[Joey Perino]

Oh, he won't make it now.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Well, he might.

[Joey Perino]

Let's go to bed, I said.

[Mrs. Parsons]

All right, honey, we'll go to bed.

[Joey Perino]

We'll go then. I gotta lock up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right.

[Walter Denton]

Walt.

[Joey Perino]

What?

[Mrs. Parsons]

What's the matter?

[Joey Perino]

Nothing. Nothing's the matter.

[Eve Arden]

I got a lock up, that's all.

[Joey Perino]

Now get to bed and stop asking a lot of stupid questions.

[Mrs. Parsons]

That will be 20 cents for three minutes.

[Joey Perino]

Yeah, sister.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Go ahead. Sir.

[Joey Perino]

Yeah, Pete. Well, how'd you guess to be me? Joey? Oh, look, let's cut the kitten. I ain't kidding, Joey. I'm disappointed, real disappointed. I fly all the way down here to Victorville just to talk to you. And what happens? You ain't got the courtesy to come down the hill to see your pal? I'll come you in here, Joey. I'm not coming, Pete. You ain't, huh? No. Well, then I guess I'll have to come up there. Nobody's asking you. Now, Joey, that ain't no way to talk. Lay off, would you, Pete? I've done nothing to you. You walked out on me, Joey. Nobody walks out on Big Pete. See you in an hour. And Joey. Yeah? I tried taking a powder. Fella at the bar just told me to pass his clothes. The only way out is down the hill. I know it. You want to change your mind or come on down? Joey. Joey. Joey. Were you flashing, sir? Yeah, I was cut off.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Just a moment. I'll try to connect you. I'm sorry, sir. There seems to be trouble on that line. Probably the storm.

[Joey Perino]

Okay, sister. Thanks. Is she coming? No, but it couldn't be better. The line just went out in the storm and the pass is blocked. Oh, what a sweet setup. Yeah, ain't it? Let's go. A pleasure.

[Eve Arden]

In a moment, we continue with the fourth act of suspense. A word of advice to those of you who suffer from acid indigestion, heartburn or gas.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Little.

[Petey Wright]

You know about the little white tablets in the little green pocket roll.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Just waiting for the moment when you need them to bring your acid indigestion under control. TUMS are the little white tablets in

[Petey Wright]

the little green pocket roll. TUMS for the tummy.

[Mrs. Parsons]

T U M S bring relief quicker

[Petey Wright]

than you'd ever guess. Best for any kind of acid distress.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Keep them handy in the pocket roll. Keep your tommy under Tom's control.

[Eve Arden]

The modern Tums formula has never been surpassed for effectiveness. Always carry Tums 10 cents, three roll pack a quarter or get the new six roll Tums pack with free metal carrier only 49 cents. And now, starring Dick Brenner, act four of Night on Dread Mountain.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Not you, honey.

[Joey Perino]

Yeah?

[Mrs. Parsons]

Oh, come to bed, darling.

[Joey Perino]

I can't.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Where are you going? What are you putting on your coat for?

[Joey Perino]

I gotta go down the hill.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Walt. What the. What's the matter?

[Joey Perino]

I'm worried about your dad.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm.

[Joey Perino]

I'm gonna go look for him.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Oh, now, you know he's probably staying in town at the Rancis. If you're worried, telephone them.

[Joey Perino]

I tried the lines out. I. I gotta go down the hill.

[Mrs. Parsons]

But, Walt, you can't leave me here alone.

[Joey Perino]

I got it, honey. I got it.

[Ms. Brooks]

Walt.

[Mrs. Parsons]

I'm Afraid?

[Joey Perino]

There's nothing to be scared of. You'll be safe here.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Your gun. Why are you taking your gun?

[Joey Perino]

I feel better with a gun.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Walt, you're keeping something from me. You gotta tell me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There's nothing to tell.

[Joey Perino]

Get back in bed. Honey, please.

[Mrs. Parsons]

If you promise not to go out.

[Joey Perino]

I can't. I gotta go and I gotta go alone.

[Mrs. Parsons]

And it isn't bad. It's something else.

[Joey Perino]

Look, honey, don't make me try. Hey, how come the place is all lit up like a Christmas tree? Can't be that much business tonight.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Oh, dad. Thank goodness you're here. That silly husband of mine was just going out to look for you. He was afraid you'd skid it into the canyon or something.

[Joey Perino]

An old mountain man like me? Fiddlesticks. I'm glad you're dressed, though, Walt. I promised Sergeant Toohey I'd send you down the road with a tow truck to give him a hand. An accident? Yep. Some darn fool was driving without chains. Went through the guardrail at New Shoe Curve. One of these fancy new two tone jobs with airplane fins, gold and white hard top convertible. There were two? He didn't specify, but he recognized the driver. Big shot gangster from back east, he said. Name of Big Pete Pirelli. That was it. Didn't know the other fellow. Were they. Were they hurt? Hurt? They're both as dead as last week's hamburgers. Okay, okay, I'll get going. I guess I won't need this gun after all. I'll be back in a little while, Sally.

[Mrs. Parsons]

All right, honey.

[Joey Perino]

See that she gets to bed, will you, dad? Sure, son. She hasn't had much sleep tonight.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Don't worry, darling. I'll sleep now.

[Joey Perino]

Good. You know something? What? I love you. Very, very.

[Eve Arden]

Suspense in which Dick Krena starred in Night on Red Mountain Written, produced and directed by William and Robeson in just a moment, the names of the supporting players and a word about next week's story of suspense. Tennis, anyone? Seriously. If all by yourself, you've been tracing the week's news developments on a globe, you may be feeling like a referee at a tennis match. Things have been happening that fast. On the other hand, if you've been following events with Lowell Thomas and Edward R. Murrow of CBS News, there's no question but that you're taking each new development in stride. Lowell Thomas and Edward R. Murrow are experienced hands at sorting out the important details of a story. Every weekday evening on CBS Radio, they tell you what's happening simply and directly. Hear them regularly on most of these same stations, you'll appreciate their clarity in the way they let the facts tell the story. You'll appreciate, too, the background information. Their years of experience and travel provide information only Lowell Thomas and Edward R. Murrow can offer, information that adds interest and excitement and brings new stories into proper focus. Be sure to hear Edward R. Murrow and Lowell Thomas each weekday evening on most of these same stations. Supporting Dick Crenna in Night on Red Mountain were Celeste Bolas, Dora Singleton, Joe DeSantis, Peter Leeds, Sam Pierce and Norm Alden. Listen. Listen again next week when we return with another tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. Suspense wishes to salute station krmg, Tulsa, Oklahoma, which became CBS Radio's newest affiliate on Monday, January 5th. KRMG covers 93 counties and reaches about a million families in the Southwest and operates on 50,000 watts daytime and 25,000 watts nighttime. Suspense comes to you each Sunday on CBS Radio.

[Walter Denton]

Colgate.

[Ms. Brooks]

Dental cream to clean your breath while you clean your teeth and help stop tooth decay. And luster cream shampoo for soft, glamorous, caressable hair. Bring you our Miss Brooks, starring Eve Arden. It's time once again for another comedy episode of Our Miss Brooks, under the direction of Al Lewis. Well, it's always wise to obey the traffic regulations, and our Ms. Brooks, who teaches English at Madison High School, has always tried to do so.

[Walter Denton]

Especially since last week when our beloved twin flame, Mr. Conklin, instituted another of his drive safely campaigns. Friday morning at breakfast, my landlady asked the reason.

[Petey Wright]

What's behind this campaign, Con?

[Walter Denton]

Oh, same thing as last month, Mrs. Davis. Somebody parked too close to his car and scratched his bumper. And as if that wasn't enough, I got this ticket last Monday, right after he warned us about driving carefully.

[Petey Wright]

But you didn't tell me about it.

[Walter Denton]

I was afraid to. To mention it. If Mr. Conklin hears about it, I'm a goner.

[Petey Wright]

What kind of a ticket was it, Connie? For illegal parking?

[Walter Denton]

Not exactly. It's for speeding, going through a red light, reckless driving, driving on the sidewalk and hitting a fruit stand.

[Petey Wright]

Well, my goodness, a person's entitled to

[Ms. Brooks]

a little fun once in a while.

[Walter Denton]

You don't understand, Mrs. Davis. None of it was my fault.

[Ruth Franklin]

Oh?

[Petey Wright]

Who was driving?

[Walter Denton]

Nobody's.

[Mrs. Parsons]

I know you haven't much money, Connie,

[Petey Wright]

but if we sell my Hudson, you can go away for a nice, long rest.

[Walter Denton]

I may go away without selling your Hudson. Fortunately, I asked for a trial by jury. I'm sure I can prove my innocence to them.

[Petey Wright]

I'm sure you can, dear. Now, how about proving it to me?

[Walter Denton]

Of course, I simply ran out of gas, Mrs. Davis. So I parked my car on top of a hill and walked down to get some. Then some idiot tried to squeeze into the parking space behind my car and in doing so pushed it hard enough to start it rolling. When it came to a stop against the fruit stand, I ran over to try and back it off the sidewalk. That's when the policeman came over and wrote out this.

[Petey Wright]

But, Johnny, why didn't you apply the brakes before it hit the food stand?

[Walter Denton]

I told you, I wasn't in the car.

[Petey Wright]

Oh, well, couldn't you explain that to the policeman?

[Walter Denton]

I did, but he insisted that driving from outside the car is very dangerous.

[Petey Wright]

Anyway, he wouldn't listen to reason.

[Walter Denton]

And I've got to be in court today at 2pm but school won't be over by 2. For me it will. My problem now is to get off without Mr. Conklin knowing why. Oh, that's Walter Denton. He's driving me to school today. The mechanic is still picking peaches out of my fan belt.

[Petey Wright]

Come in, Walter. I'll put up some more toast. Walter always likes to have his second breakfast with us. There's no training sun in my universe.

[Walter Denton]

Sit down, Walter. I haven't come come up yet. What makes you so tipper this morning?

[Petey Wright]

The movie I saw last night. William Bendix and Johnny Holiday. It shows that no matter how underprivileged you are or that even if you run afoul of the law, there's still a way out.

[Walter Denton]

You didn't get here a minute too soon.

[Petey Wright]

I was a little brought down after the movie when I took Harriet Conklin home. I wasn't on her porch five minutes before her father politely asks me to leave.

[Walter Denton]

Politely?

[Petey Wright]

I jumped down the steps before he could kick me. What's the matter with you this morning, Ms. Brooks? You look a little glum.

[Walter Denton]

I am a little. But I'd rather not discuss it, if you don't mind.

[Petey Wright]

Oh, maybe I can help. What's wrong?

[Walter Denton]

I'm afraid it's a secret, Walter.

[Mrs. Parsons]

Hello, Walter.

[Petey Wright]

I've cooked some cinnamon toast for us. Well, Mrs. Davis. And how are you this morning? I'm fine, Faith. But Ms. Brooks could do with a little cheering up. That trashes ticket has her all upset, Mrs. Davis. So that's why you're glum. Well, when did you get the ticket, Ms. Brooks?

[Walter Denton]

Last Monday, Walter. But I don't want anybody to know about it.

[Petey Wright]

Your secret will never pass my lips. So what did you get the ticket for?

[Walter Denton]

Well, according to the policeman who made it out, it's for speeding, going through a red light, reckless driving, driving on the sidewalk and hitting a fruit stand.

[Petey Wright]

For that, you got a ticket? Sure. Cracking down, aren't they? It wasn't her fault. She simply poured on the top of the hill to get some gas, which

[Walter Denton]

I'd run out of. Then when another car tried to park behind my car, it was pushed and started rolling down the hill.

[Petey Wright]

That's when it went through the red light, up on the sidewalk and into the fruit stand. Yeah, but there's one thing I don't understand.

[Walter Denton]

What's that?

[Petey Wright]

Before your car hit the fruit stand, why didn't you put on the brakes?

[Walter Denton]

I had lost them playing Canassa. Look, I'll explain the gory details on our way down. Right now I've got to figure out some way to get out of school so I can appear in Court at 2:00'.

[Petey Wright]

Clock. Well, I've got an idea, Miss Brooks. Why don't you just take the ticket down and show it to Mr. Conklin?

[Walter Denton]

Wonderful, Walter. Then I won't have to go to court at all. He'll hang me in his office.

[Petey Wright]

We seem to have beaten Mr. Conklin to school this morning. His office door is open and he's not in it.

[Walter Denton]

Well, it's just as well. I'll have another few minutes to think up a good excuse for wanting this afternoon off.

[Petey Wright]

I'll keep you company till he shows up. Hey, come on, let's go in.

[Walter Denton]

All right. Hey, what's this by his desk?

[Petey Wright]

It's a sticking rod. Boy, look at this swell child fly on the hook. Oh, I'm real good at fly casting. Watch this. Miss Brooks, look at me. I caught a wastebasket.

[Walter Denton]

That is an all your catch if Mr. Convalescent walks in.

[Petey Wright]

Oh, it's pretty early for him, I guess. Old Marblehead. Mr. Conklin, a little fishing trip after school. Oh, boy, that's the life.

[Walter Denton]

Yeah, it must be fun at that.

[Petey Wright]

Fun? Here, Miss Brooks, just half this pole. Go ahead, grab hold like this. Right. Now toss the hook at the waste basket.

[Ms. Brooks]

Go ahead.

[Petey Wright]

You won't hurt anything.

[Walter Denton]

Oh, but I've never done anything like this.

[Petey Wright]

Oh, just throw it back first and then forward. Oh, there's nothing to it. Like this. Oh, God. What was that?

[Walter Denton]

I don't know, but it feels like

[Petey Wright]

a whopper

[Ms. Brooks]

bother reeling me in. I'll come quietly, Mr. Conklin.

[Petey Wright]

Well, I gotta be running along now. I just remembered my inkwelling filling.

[Walter Denton]

Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Conklin. Here, let me help you get the hook out.

[Ms. Brooks]

Stand back. I'm going to be fil aid. I'll do it myself. There, it's out.

[Walter Denton]

So are you. Just a little rip behind the knee of your trousers. I'll sew that up in no time.

[Ms. Brooks]

Never mind, Ms. Brooks. I'll have them repaired and send you the bill.

[Walter Denton]

Oh, good. Mr. Conklin, I know you're not the type of person to hold a grudge.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, I'm not, am I not?

[Walter Denton]

No, sir, you're not, sir. You're not. That's why I'd like to ask you if I might have this afternoon off. What, Ms. Brooks?

[Ms. Brooks]

As much as I need the rest. Request denied. But it's urgent, sir. That will be all, Miss Brooke.

[Petey Wright]

But, Mr. Clark.

[Ms. Brooks]

Just miss.

[Walter Denton]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Petey Wright]

Hi, Miss Brooke.

[Walter Denton]

Oh, hello, Harry.

[Petey Wright]

I haven't seen much of you lately. Where in the world have you been keeping yourself? Me?

[Walter Denton]

I've been fishing.

[Petey Wright]

Fishing? You?

[Walter Denton]

That's right. You should have seen the one that just got off my hook.

[Ms. Brooks]

Ouren will continue in just a moment. But first, here is Vern Smith now. Test published in authoritative dental literature. Show that when teeth are brushed right after eating Colgate dental cream stops tooth decay. Best. Two years research at five leading universities. Hundreds of case histories shows that when used as directed, Colgate dental cream stops tooth decay. Best.

[Joey Perino]

Yes.

[Ms. Brooks]

Exhaustive tests show the Colgate Way. Best to prevent decay. Better than any other home method of oral hygiene known today. Based on both clinical and X ray examinations, the cold gateway stopped more decay for more people than ever before reported in all datafris history. Even more important, there were no new cavities whatever for more than one out of three who used Colgate dental cream as directed. Think of it. Not even one new cavity in two full years. No other dentifrics, paste or powder, ammoniated or not. No other dentifrest has proof of such results. The best results ever reported for a dentifric of any type. So always use Colgate to clean your breath while you clean your teeth. And remember, when you follow the Colgate Way, Colgate dental cream stops tooth decay. Best.

[Walter Denton]

Well, I spend every moment between between morning classes trying to devise some way of getting out of school gracefully to make my appointments with the 12 good men and true in traffic court. By lunchtime, I still hadn't thought of anything and could visualize myself as posing for snapshots with my license plates hanging on my chest. However, when I met Mr. Boynton in the school cafeteria, I thought it best to conceal my dilemma. Oh, here's a nice table. Make Mr. Boynton, let's sit down here.

[Ms. Brooks]

All right. Ms. Brooks, may I hold your tray?

[Walter Denton]

If that's your best offer. Go ahead, honey. Thanks. Mr. Boynton, your gallantry is quite overwhelming this afternoon. It was very nice of you to pay the check for all this food.

[Ms. Brooks]

Don't mention it, Ms. Brooks. With that tray in your hands, I realized you'd have difficulty reaching into your purse.

[Walter Denton]

That was very thoughtful.

[Ms. Brooks]

You can give me back the 50 cents anytime. No hurry about it, Ms. Brooks. I know that you know I like to keep my books straight. And you always pay your debts, so why should I worry about it. Mr. Barton, I also know that you're well aware of the fact that I don't make any more money than you do. So? Well, it'd be rather a foolish gesture for me to actually treat for lunches. Mister, I haven't a qualm in the world about. About laying out this 50 cents. I know I'll get it back. Maybe not today, maybe. Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not even this week. But I know that someday, some way.

[Petey Wright]

Thank you.

[Walter Denton]

You're welcome, sporty. Now let's dig in.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, fine. You know, I'm happy to see that your traffic ticket hasn't spoiled your appetite.

[Walter Denton]

No, I don't believe in letting. How did you know about my traffic ticket?

[Ms. Brooks]

Or Walter Denton told me about it. I teach him third term biology.

[Walter Denton]

You know, somebody should teach him to keep his mouth closed. He promised me that he wouldn't mention it.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, he told me he wasn't supposed to tell me before he told me.

[Walter Denton]

Oh, that different.

[Ms. Brooks]

You shouldn't brood about a traffic ticket, Ms. Brooks. Especially since you're completely innocent. There's just one thing I can't figure out about that accident, though. That's why you didn't slam on the brakes before you hit the fruit.

[Walter Denton]

Mr. Boynton, it's faith such as yours that gives me the courage to stand up and quit. Honestly, if I have half as much trouble with Mr. Bo.

[Ms. Brooks]

Mind if I join you? The cafeteria is filled. To Kappa City.

[Walter Denton]

Kappa City. Mighty pretty country up there. Sit down, stretch.

[Ms. Brooks]

How's the old pitching alarm? Smile, grass. You think we're a big play city this year? Well, I hope so, Mr. Boynton. Right now I'm not too worried about athletics or my personal physicality. It's mentality. I'm upset.

[Walter Denton]

I can't understand it. It's the final example.

[Ms. Brooks]

They're coming up soon and I think I might flunk some of Them. In fact, there's only one subject I'm pretty sure I'll unplug. Oh, what's that?

[Walter Denton]

English, naturally. My course. Now, look, Stretch. The fact that I've been patient with you and tried to help you stay eligible for athletics, shouldn't that influence you to relax in your study of English? You know.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, I won't, Ms. Brooks. From here on in, I'm gonna stick my head in my books and flown like mad.

[Walter Denton]

Well, you've certainly got the head for it. There's still a few weeks though, Stretch, and I'll help you all I can. Now, will you pass the mustard, please?

[Ms. Brooks]

Yeah, Ma'.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Am.

[Ms. Brooks]

Well, it sure does my heart good to see eating. I thought sure your appetite would be shot shocked. Why, Walter Denton told me about your traffic ticket.

[Walter Denton]

You know, this would have been more of a secret if I'd published it in the newspaper.

[Ms. Brooks]

Ms. Brooks is completely innocent, Stretch. 1 know. We all know. It's just a bunch of cramped up charges. When you tell a story in court, Ms. Brooks, they'll let you off in a jaffe. There's absolutely nothing to worry about.

[Walter Denton]

Thank you, counselor.

[Ms. Brooks]

And remember, all us kids at school love you like our own mothers. So you can be sure you'll keep getting candy and things wherever they send you. They're not sending her anywhere, stretch. Ms. Brooks is going down to court, stand trial. And she'll be back with us in a matter of hours.

[Walter Denton]

Why, certainly, Stretch.

[Ms. Brooks]

Of course, if something should go wrong. Well, is there any little gift or something you'd like to take with you?

[Walter Denton]

Yes, Mr. Barton, there is. I saw a wonderful doll in Sherry's department Store the other day. It's called a Tiny Tears Doll.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, I've seen that. She. She cries real tears when you squeeze her. Lots of dolls do that.

[Walter Denton]

You keep out of this. I always say it's up to the doll and who does the squeezing. But I thought that a doll would be nice company in the cell you two have assigned me.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, gosh, Ms. Brooks, I didn't mean it that way.

[Petey Wright]

Folks, mind if I join the group?

[Walter Denton]

Well, if it isn't Paul Revere.

[Ms. Brooks]

I told Ms. Brooks that. You told me?

[Petey Wright]

Walter, what fine blabbermouth you are. Oh, look, Ms. Brooks, I only told the people I thought would want to help you like I do.

[Ms. Brooks]

I'm sure he meant well, Ms. Brooks. We would like to help you plot some sort of a defense.

[Walter Denton]

I appreciate your interest, Mr. Boynton, but my immediate problem isn't the court itself, but how to get there. If you all Excuse me. Now, I'm going to put crimp up a bit and take one more crack at Mr. Conklin.

[Brad Bragg]

Oh, certainly, Miss Brooks.

[Ms. Brooks]

Lots of luck. Miss Brooks.

[Petey Wright]

Yeah. Take a crack at him for me, Miss Brooks, I mean. See you later.

[Walter Denton]

Thanks for trying to help, boy.

[Ms. Brooks]

Now, boys, there goes a fine, upstanding young woman. Those are the best kind.

[Petey Wright]

Well, she won't be up standing long if she butts up against Mr. Conklin. Now, we've got to figure some way we can spring Miss Brooks by two o'.

[Walter Denton]

Clock.

[Ms. Brooks]

Springer.

[Petey Wright]

Yeah? Get her out of here without Mr. Conklin knowing why.

[Walter Denton]

Now, wait a minute.

[Petey Wright]

I've got a thought. Suppose one of us were taken ill suddenly. Maybe we could get Mr. Conklin to let Miss Brooks take the stricken party home.

[Ms. Brooks]

Yeah. Then when they got off the school grounds, she could go to court. And the one who was suddenly taken ill can get suddenly taken well and blow for the day. I don't think that's a feasible plan, boys. At least as far as I'm concerned. Whenever I tell an untruth, I hiccup.

[Brad Bragg]

It's psychosomatic.

[Ms. Brooks]

Yeah, I guess it is.

[Petey Wright]

But, Mr. Boynton, if we don't try my scheme, what will we do?

[Ms. Brooks]

Well, we'll just have to think further, Walter.

[Petey Wright]

Okay, now you heard him, Stretch. Keep that old brain working, please.

[Brad Bragg]

Not while I'm eating.

[Petey Wright]

I'm all finished with lunch, Daddy. I just thought I'd stop by your office and see if you wanted something.

[Ms. Brooks]

No, thank you, Harriet. I'm quite full. I've been eating my heart out. I just received a call to cancel my fishing trip.

[Petey Wright]

What kind of a call?

[Ms. Brooks]

Daddy, I've been called for jury duty.

[Petey Wright]

Can't you get out of it, Daddy?

[Ms. Brooks]

Harriet, shirking one civic duty is totally un American. Jury duty, like voting, is an honor and a privilege and a great American heritage. And I've weaseled out of it twice already. I wouldn't have to be there at all today if it wasn't for some stubborn female who insisted on a jury trial for a traffic violation. She'll get a jury trial.

[Petey Wright]

But, Daddy, when do you have to leave school?

[Ms. Brooks]

At 1:30, Harriet. And whatever you do, keep my going a secret. The minute anyone knows I'm off the grounds, they start cutting classes. They've got all sorts of excuses, but I know it. The weather on these lovely days, cutting is a great temptation.

[Petey Wright]

Is that why you were going fishing, Daddy?

[Ms. Brooks]

Hush, child. Run along your next class.

[Petey Wright]

Okay, Daddy. See you tonight.

[Ms. Brooks]

Six months I've been Looking forward to casting this rod. Oh, what a beauty you are. Come in. Oh, it's you again. What now, Miss Brooks?

[Walter Denton]

I'd like to go home, Mr. Conklin. I don't feel well.

[Ms. Brooks]

Not 4 hours ago you harpooned me with a fish hook, and now you don't feel well.

[Walter Denton]

I'm not just thinking of myself, sir.

[Petey Wright]

It's the student.

[Walter Denton]

I might be suffering from something contagious, except.

[Petey Wright]

Excuse me, Miss Brooks, but I've got to talk to Mr. Conklin.

[Ms. Brooks]

What do you want, Denton?

[Petey Wright]

I'd like to go home, Mr. Conklin. I don't feel well.

[Ms. Brooks]

Well, what do you know, Miss Brooks, Denton's caught your malady already.

[Walter Denton]

Beat it, Walter. I'm working this side of the street. This boy may be telling the truth, Mr. Concrete.

[Petey Wright]

Go on. Really, Mr. Conklin. I'm sinking fast. I think Miss Brooks ought to take me home.

[Walter Denton]

I second the motion, Mr. Conklin. He must be sick. He looks terrible.

[Ms. Brooks]

Yes, he does. But he's not sick.

[Petey Wright]

Oh, sure I am. Look at my tongue.

[Ms. Brooks]

Roll that up. And now put it back in its holster.

[Walter Denton]

I better take him home, Mr. Conklin, before this spread.

[Ms. Brooks]

Mr. Conklin. Yes, what is it, Snodgrass? I'm sick as a dog.

[Walter Denton]

Oh, fine. It's an epidemic.

[Ms. Brooks]

Dropping like flies, aren't we? I got spots before my eyes. I guess it's my appendix.

[Walter Denton]

Do the spots look like your appendix?

[Ms. Brooks]

Yeah, only bigger. And would you say they look like my appendix? Well, I got other things too. Like Reminiscent. And infiltration of the. A sacral aliac.

[Walter Denton]

How about hardening of the artillery?

[Ms. Brooks]

I'm sure I got a touch of those. Amazing improvisation. Oh, that's been kicking off a lot too, lately. Maybe Miss Brooks ought to take me home.

[Walter Denton]

I've already been spoken for. Stretch.

[Ms. Brooks]

Yes. Florence Nightingale is ministering to the wards today.

[Brad Bragg]

Pardon me, Mr. Conlin.

[Ms. Brooks]

What do you want? Bon. Someone. Someone had better take me home, sir. I don't feel very well. I beg your pardon? I. I said I'm sick. And what prey are you suffering from?

[Walter Denton]

It's only fair to warn you, Mr. Boynton, that we've used up appendicitis, rheumatism and hardening of the artillery.

[Ms. Brooks]

Now, see here, all of you. I know what's behind these shenanigans, and I won't stand for it. There'll be no cutting classes at this institution just because a few balmy days come along. I haven't time now to deliver the lecture you all so richly deserve. Suffice it to say, I'll deal with this problem later on. Now return to your classes at once. Dismiss.

[Walter Denton]

Let's go, fellas. Now that was a pretty theme. What do we do for a non car?

[Ms. Brooks]

We just wanted to help Ms. Brooks. I guess we got our signals crossed.

[Petey Wright]

Hi, Ms. Brooks. I left my prison. Hey, what are you all doing outside Daddy's office?

[Ms. Brooks]

We're trying to get them to do Ms. Brooks a favor.

[Petey Wright]

You picked a pretty poor time to ask him for favors. He's had to cancel his fishing trip so he can leave school at 1:30 and. Oh dear, I wasn't supposed to mention that.

[Walter Denton]

Harriet, did you say that your daddy's leaving the premises at 1:30?

[Petey Wright]

Yes, but you've got to promise not to let it go any further.

[Walter Denton]

It doesn't have to go any further. Excuse me, kids, but I'm going to take off right now.

[Ms. Brooks]

Good luck, Ms. Brooks. Yeah. All the best to you, Ms. Brooks.

[Petey Wright]

Well, I don't know what came up that made our principal cancel his fishing trip. But I'll tell you one I'd hate to buck up against all marvel had today.

[Walter Denton]

Your Honor, as a firm believer in our American system of justice, I have confidence in the fairness and impartiality of this jury. And if it pleases the court, I should like to address my remarks directly to them. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.

[Ms. Brooks]

Yes, Ms. Brooke?

[Walter Denton]

I wonder how long it takes to become a trustee.

[Ms. Brooks]

Returns in just a moment. But first, Dream girl. Dream girl. Beautiful luster cream girl.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tonight.

[Ms. Brooks]

Yes, tonight. Show him how much lovelier your hair can look after a luster cream shampoo. Luster Cream. World's finest shampoo. No other shampoo in the world gives you K. Duma's magic blend of secret ingredients. Plus gentlemen, Lanolin. Better than a soap, better than a liquid. Luster cream is a dainty cream shampoo. Leaves hair three ways lovelier. Fragrantly clean, free of loose dandruff. Glistening with sheen. Soft, manageable even in hardest water. Luster cream lathers instantly. No special rinse needed after a luster cream shampoo. So gentle. Luster cream is wonderful even for children's hair. Tonight, yes, tonight try Luster cream shampoo. Dream girl, Dream girl. Beautiful luster cream girl. You owe your crowning glory too A luster cream shampoo. And now, once again, here is our Ms. Brooks.

[Walter Denton]

Well, I finally told the whole story of the accident. And largely so we could get out of court in time to go fishing. Mr. Conklin joined the rest of the jury in letting me off With a rather severe fine. That was Friday. The next two days were spent in a mad, gay whirl of sorting through those of my personal belongings which would bring the most in a hawk shop. But Sunday afternoon I determined to relax. So I headed for our front porch.

[Petey Wright]

Hello, Connie, dear. Look who I've invited for tea.

[Walter Denton]

Why, it's Walter and Harriet.

[Ms. Brooks]

I'm here too, Mr. Boynton.

[Walter Denton]

Well, this is a surprise.

[Ms. Brooks]

Hello, Ms. Brooke.

[Walter Denton]

Oh, hello, Mr. Conklin.

[Ms. Brooks]

I think you've been punished enough, my dear. So when Mrs. Davis asked me to tea, I took it as an opportunity to bury the hatchet. I didn't mean it literally. Come back here.

[Petey Wright]

I brought my portable radio line. I thought maybe we could hear the ball game while we're having tea. Not now, Walter. Ms. Brooks wants to relax. Somebody just stopped in front of the house.

[Walter Denton]

Yes, he's coming up to the porch.

[Ms. Brooks]

Pardon me, folks, but I've lost my road map. Somebody tell me which way is due west?

[Petey Wright]

Oh, sure, it's on your left. That is if you're driving due north. Of course, if you're driving due south, then due west is on your right.

[Walter Denton]

Unless you're left handed. Then you drive straight up.

[Ms. Brooks]

Just what is your destination, young man? Hollywood, California. My name is Steve Allen.

[Walter Denton]

Well, judging from the hand you got on this porch, you must be famous.

[Ms. Brooks]

I wouldn't say that unless I was tricked into it. I'm just an up and I hope coming radio comedian. I'm going out to Hollywood to replace Eve Arden for the summer.

[Walter Denton]

Oh, Eve Arden. I've heard of her. She's a living doll. She's the one who plays the school teacher with my name, isn't she?

[Petey Wright]

Yeah, Ms. Brooks. That's her. Oh, there are some awfully cute characters on that show. One kid in particular.

[Ms. Brooks]

Some of them are all right, but there's one that leaves me cold. Nobody could be such a stuffy, pompous, puffed up windbag as that principle of theirs. Oh, I don't know. There are people like that spread all over the country. People like that should be spread all over the country. But if you'll excuse me now, I've got to get back to my car

[Brad Bragg]

and turn on the radio.

[Ms. Brooks]

You see, Eve Odden promised me that she'd give me a nice send off on her last show. And it's just about time for it.

[Petey Wright]

You don't have to go to your car. We've got a radio right here. Turn it on, Walter. Okay, Harriet.

[Walter Denton]

And so, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Colgate Palm Olive Pete Company. I'd like to thank you all for being such a faithful audience during the past two years and to assure you that we'll be back again on September 3rd. Meanwhile, you will be entertained by one of America's fastest growing comedy stars.

[Ms. Brooks]

I'm six feet past my collar now.

[Walter Denton]

A young man of great wit and

[Ms. Brooks]

charm named Steve Allen.

[Walter Denton]

Named Steve Allen. And I, for one, will be listening to his program each and every one of the 13 weeks he broadcasts in our time spot. Good night and thanks again.

[Ms. Brooks]

Well, that's that. Shut it off, Walton.

[Petey Wright]

Yes, sir. That was a lovely speech Ms. Arden made.

[Ms. Brooks]

It certainly was. I can't help wondering, though, if she'll

[Brad Bragg]

really listen to every one of my 13 broadcasts.

[Walter Denton]

What else have I got to do? You've got my job.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Next week, tune into the new Steve

[Ms. Brooks]

Allen show, brought to you by Mustard Cream Shampoo for Soft Glamorous Terrestrial Hair and Colgate Dental Creams. The glass clean your breath while you clean your teeth and help stop tooth decay. Our Ms. Brooks, starring Eve Arden, is produced by Larry Burns, written by Al Lewis, Joe Quillen and Lester White, with the music of Wilbur Hatch under the direction of Maurice Carlton. Doctors prove Palmolive soap can bring you a lovelier complexion in 14 days. Yes, 36 leading skin specialists proved in tests on 1280 different women that Palmolive soap facials, using nothing but Palmolive brought new complexion beauty to two women out of three. Just wash your face three times daily with Palmolive Soap, each time for 60 seconds, massaging Palmolive's beauty. Lather onto your skin, then rinse. So start your palm olive facials today. Remember, doctors prove Palmolive soap can bring you a lovelier complexion in 14 days. For mystery liberally sprinkled with laughs. Listen to Mr. And Mrs. North Tuesday evening over most of these same stations. And be with us again next week at the same time for the new Steve Allen Show, Eve arden. And now Ms. Brooks will return on September 3rd. Bob Lamond speaking. This is CBS.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Foreign.

[Podcast Host]

We just heard Eve Arden, Jeff Chandler and Richard Crenna, the stars of our Ms. Brooks, that will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I hope you'll be back next week for more old time radio thrillers. In the meantime, you can check out down these Mean Streaks, my 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 collection of Hollywood legends, each of them appearing in Tales 1 well calculated. To keep you in

[Roy Mason]

suspense,

[Joey Perino]

Ladies and

[Eve Arden]

gentlemen, the chief hope of our enemies is to divide the United States along racial and religious lines and thereby conquer us. Let's not spread prejudice. A divided America is a weak America. Through our behavior, we encourage the respect of our children and make them better neighbors. Neighbors to all races and religions. Remind them that being good neighbors has helped make our country great and kept her free. Thank you.