
This week on The Horror, we hear the November 17, 1947, episode of Quiet, Please, titled, Kill Me Again. Listen to more from Quiet, Please https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/TheHorror1227.mp3 Download TheHorror1227 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Horror If you enjoy The Horror and would like to help support it, visit donate.relicradio.com for more information. Thank You!
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Mr. Hellman
Oh, stories. Real stories.
Mr. Davis
And murder too.
Mr. Hellman
Turn out your legs.
Mr. Davis
Turn them out. Good evening. Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous. For example, I tell you a story we are meant to call from out of the past. Stories strange, weird tales of mystery and terror by radio's masters of the macabre. Story of the supernatural, the supernova dramatized by fantasy. The mystery of the unknown.
Mr. Hellman
We tell you this, Franklin. So if you wish to avoid the.
Mr. Davis
Excitement tension of these magnet play, we urge you our latest theory to turn off your belief down.
Ernest Chapel
Welcome back to the Horror Old Fashioned Fear. Every Saturday at relicradio.com our story comes from. Quiet, please. This week, a series written by Willis Cooper starred Ernest Chappell and debuted in June of 1947 over mutual stations. It aired over Mutual until September of 1948 when it moved to ABC radio. It aired there until June of 1949, 106 episodes in all. Our story today is Kill Me Again. This one aired November 17, 1947.
Mr. Davis
Quiet, please. Quiet, please. The Mutual Broadcasting System presents Quiet, Please. Which is written and directed by Willis Cooper and which features Ernest Chapel. Quiet, please. For tonight is called Kill Me Again. You ever hear anybody say, I sell my soul for this, that or the other? Not very many people really mean it when they say it. Unfortunately, I did, and I found a buyer. Well, nothing very exciting. No crashes of thunder, no red fire. Now, the doorbell just rang and when I opened the door, there was a worried little looking man standing there.
Mr. Hellman
I said, well, I understand you have some property for sale. Mr. Davis?
Mr. Davis
Who are you?
Mr. Hellman
I'm Mr. Hellman. Mr. Davis, may I come in?
Mr. Davis
Mr. Hellman came in. Mr. Hellman sat down nervously. Mr. Hellman didn't have much time, it appeared, but Mr. Hellman had the million dollars in currency that I had named as my price for my soul. And he also had a bill of.
Mr. Hellman
Sale neatly typed in triplicate.
Mr. Davis
No, it didn't seem odd at all. That's why I suggest you never mention aloud that you'd be willing to dispose of your own immortal soul for this, that or the other thing. Mr. Helmond gets around, and he's a mighty sharp businessman for all his apparent nervousness. So Mr. Hellman got up and went to the door.
Mr. Hellman
Well, good night, Mr. Davis. It's a pleasure to do business with you, sir.
Mr. Davis
Thank you, Mr. Hellman.
Mr. Hellman
I'll be seeing you soon, then.
Mr. Davis
Hey, close the door, Mr. Hellman. But Mr. Hellman had gone on out and me, with a million dollars in currency, will I, I, I hopped to the door to close it fast. Not fast enough, though. Well, there were two men there with revolvers. I didn't get a chance to say a word. They both fired, and I saw him run down the hallway with my beautiful new million dollars. I tried to yell, but I couldn't. I turned around. There I was lying on the floor all bloody. Mr. Hellman spoke to my ear.
Mr. Hellman
Well, I guess you can come along now, Mr. Davis. I kept my bargain, now you keep yours.
Mr. Davis
So that's how come I was sitting a little while later in a little dark room with Mr. Hellman. There wasn't much light in there. What light there was seemed to come from way up high near the ceiling. Sort of flickered like the light that comes from a fireplace. Mr. Hellman was sitting at a desk looking at men. His eyes seemed to dart all around the room, but, well, maybe that was from the flickering light. He didn't say anything for a long while. Sat there and bit his fingernails. And then he spoke.
Mr. Hellman
Well, well, well, well, Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis
This is a dirty trick you pulled on me.
Mr. Hellman
The contract didn't say anything about your, Your keeping the money, Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis
Oh, yes, but I assume.
Mr. Hellman
Now, now, now, now, Mr. Davis, you, you must never assume things when there's a written contract. You, you should have read it.
Mr. Davis
Well, I hadn't any idea you were kind of a trick.
Mr. Hellman
Most people who deal with me haven't.
Mr. Davis
I won't stand for it.
Mr. Hellman
You won't?
Mr. Davis
No, I won't.
Mr. Hellman
You can't do anything about it.
Mr. Davis
Why, that contract wouldn't hold up in a court of law.
Mr. Hellman
What court of law?
Mr. Davis
Well, I.
Mr. Hellman
Now, now, come, come, come, come, Mr. Davis. You're going to be here a long, long time. And you, you might just as well get used to.
Mr. Davis
Well, what do I have to do then?
Mr. Hellman
Yes, well, I must confess I acted rather hastily in your case.
Mr. Davis
You mean you're going to let me out of here, then?
Mr. Hellman
Oh, my, no, no, no, no.
Mr. Davis
But I haven't done anything. No.
Mr. Hellman
That's what's got me puzzled, Mr. Davis. My, my, my, my. Why don't I think.
Mr. Davis
Think what?
Mr. Hellman
Well, I may as well confess. You see, most of the people who make an arrangement with me about their souls as you eventually.
Mr. Davis
I don't get it.
Mr. Hellman
I mean, they've already committed a crime or a sin or whatever you like enough to qualify them for our little institution. And so the transaction really doesn't mean anything except to expedite their arrival. Do you see?
Mr. Davis
You mean you cheat em. You gyp em.
Mr. Hellman
Oh, come, come now, Mr. Davis. Business is business.
Mr. Davis
I suppose so. But what's that got to do with me?
Mr. Hellman
A great deal, Mr. David. Your soul belongs to me according to the terms of our contract. You see. But you haven't committed any sins according to my record. So you're in a very strange position.
Mr. Davis
I don't get it.
Mr. Hellman
Why? You see, you're a regular inmate now, Mr. Davis. But I can't send you out to the fire department or any of the other departments like the rest of our guests because you're not qualified. It's very, very distressing.
Mr. Davis
Yes. Yes, it must be.
Mr. Hellman
Yes, it's very, very distressing. I am really ashamed of myself.
Mr. Davis
I feel awful sorry for you, Mr. Hellman.
Mr. Hellman
Yeah, me, I've been running this place for so long and I've never had a slip up before. Believe me, if. If this gets around, Mr. Davis, promise me one thing.
Mr. Davis
What?
Mr. Hellman
Promise me you'll never say a word about this to anybody around here.
Mr. Davis
Well, that depends on how I'm treated, Mr. Hellman.
Mr. Hellman
Oh, dear. I knew you'd take advantage of me.
Mr. Davis
Well, I'm a businessman too, Mr. Hellman.
Mr. Hellman
Oh, dear, dear, dear, dear.
Mr. Davis
You said that you never had a slip up before. Never.
Mr. Hellman
Never, Never once. Never once in ever so many years. Never, never once.
Mr. Davis
Well, how about Dante? He was down here.
Mr. Hellman
Dante? Oh, oh, you. You mean that Italian fellow with the.
Mr. Davis
Long robe or a wreath of leaves on his head?
Mr. Hellman
Oh, yes, yes, I remember him. I remember him quite well. This place was a mess for weeks after he was here.
Mr. Davis
You let him out?
Mr. Hellman
I had to. He was a visitor, you see. He was alive.
Mr. Davis
I see.
Mr. Hellman
And you know what that man did? He wrote a book about this place and what that book did to business. Why, do you know? Business fell off 13% the very first year.
Mr. Davis
That's awful, Mr. Helm.
Mr. Hellman
You have no idea what I went through.
Mr. Davis
I am a writer too, Mr. Davis.
Mr. Hellman
Allow me to call your attention to the fact that I have a very special department in this place for writers. Very, very special department. Yes. Remind me to show you someday the lovely little apartment in there that I fixed up especially for Mr. Dante.
Mr. Davis
Well, isn't he here?
Mr. Hellman
That sissy? He didn't have the basic, ordinary human decency to afford me an opportunity to welcome him back. Not Mr. Dante. He lived an exemplary life and died full of virtue. The coward.
Mr. Davis
Well, well, well.
Mr. Hellman
Yes, yes, but that doesn't solve my problem with you.
Mr. Davis
I can wait, Mr. Hellman.
Mr. Hellman
Yes, well, doubtless I'll find something for you to do, Mr. Davis. And in the Meantime, just feel free to go anywhere. I'll let you know when I want you.
Mr. Davis
You won't let me out then?
Mr. Hellman
Oh, dear, no, no, no, Mr. Davis, dear, no. Business is business. The same here as everywhere else. Yes, it's the very devil, isn't it, Mr. Davis? Yes. Well, bye bye. I'll see you later. And don't get into any mischief.
Mr. Davis
I felt quite perky as I wandered around Mr. Hellman's remarkable institution. Well, who wouldn't? I'd had a pretty tough time on earth. There were plenty of times when I wondered where the next meal was coming from. Well, I had had a million dollars, even if it was for only a few minutes. And there aren't very many people in the world who can say that then. Now here I was, a non paying permanent guest. And Mr. Hellman himself admitted he couldn't do anything about it. Just that alone was enough to make me feel pretty smart and pretty smug. Especially when I catch Mr. Hellman's expression occasionally out of the corner of an eye. You know, Mr. Hellman's a very hard person to off with. Well, people have been trying to do it ever since. Well, ever since. And now look who did it. Little old Joe Davis, the guy that never had a nickel. The guy that sold his soul and made a profit on it. Well, I was smart to do my laughing early, Mr. Hellman. Ingenious. When I think of some of the things he had people doing. My. Oh my God. And I'd seen enough of the place to decide that I was a very, very lucky fellow. Also to wish I'd never made this deal. I can say definitely that I wasn't happy. Mr. Hellman saw that too, and he talked to me about it.
Mr. Hellman
Mr. Davis, you're not happy?
Mr. Davis
No, I'm not, Mr. Hellman.
Mr. Hellman
Well, I'm not either.
Mr. Davis
Yes, but you can do something about it. I can.
Mr. Hellman
You're a disturbing influence here.
Mr. Davis
Well, I can't help that you brought me here.
Mr. Hellman
You're ruining the morale here. Oh, well, you keep telling my staff members how you outsmarted me on this deal.
Mr. Davis
No, I don't. I tell them how you outsmarted yourself. Well, I want you to stop it, Mr. Hellman. I'm an unwilling guest here, you know.
Mr. Hellman
Don't I know it?
Mr. Davis
Why don't you do something about it?
Mr. Hellman
I want you to stop carrying tales about me or.
Mr. Davis
Or what, Mr. Hellman?
Mr. Hellman
Mr. Davis, you want to get out of here, don't you?
Mr. Davis
I certainly do.
Mr. Hellman
Now, Mr. Davis, if I let you out of here, would. Would you stop being mean to me.
Mr. Davis
Oh, trying to bribe me, huh?
Mr. Hellman
Yes, I am, Mr. Davis. On a purely business basis, you understand?
Mr. Davis
Okay, okay. What's the basis?
Mr. Hellman
Well, of course, I should expect something in return.
Mr. Davis
Well, I said I wouldn't talk about you if you'd let me off.
Mr. Hellman
You will have to do a little better than that.
Mr. Davis
Well, anything within reason. Good.
Mr. Hellman
Now, see here. I do have a contract with you, don't I?
Mr. Davis
If I forget that.
Mr. Hellman
Yes, quite, quite. We. We mustn't forget it. Now, Mr. Davis, tell me, have you ever considered murder?
Mr. Davis
Murder?
Mr. Hellman
Exactly.
Mr. Davis
No, I've never considered murder, Mr. Hellman. And if you think you're going to suck me into committing a crime so you can put me out there with the other boys and girls, not Mr. Hellman. Really? I did think you were smarter than that. Why, even after the way you messed up this other deal?
Mr. Hellman
Now, don't rub it in. You see, I could give you leads. All you have to do is appear on earth and. And sort of stick around, giving these various people an opportunity to. To murder you. And. And then, well, you see, they. They automatically qualify for a place here.
Mr. Davis
I got murdered once. Thank you.
Mr. Hellman
You're quite welcome, I'm sure. Now what. What about. It solves both our problems, doesn't it?
Mr. Davis
What happens after I get murdered?
Mr. Hellman
Oh, you come back here until I have another assignment for you.
Mr. Davis
I come back here? Of course.
Mr. Hellman
I want this to be a home for you, Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis
No.
Mr. Hellman
You have a very nice, comfortable apartment, Mr. Davis, and no work whatever to do.
Mr. Davis
You know, I don't like it, though.
Mr. Hellman
Why, Mr. Davis, you might have to give up your comfortable apartment, you know, if you. You're not cooperative.
Mr. Davis
Oh, threatening me, huh?
Mr. Hellman
Oh, no, no, no, no, no. But. But the shortage, you know, you'd kick.
Mr. Davis
Me out in the cold.
Mr. Hellman
Oh, not the cold, dear, dear. No, Mr. Davis, not the cold.
Mr. Davis
I don't like it.
Mr. Hellman
Mr. Davis, do you remember what strawberry shortcake tastes like?
Mr. Davis
Oh, God.
Mr. Hellman
Do you remember the. The blue sky with white fleecy clouds on a summer afternoon. Green grass. Trees. Remember the sound of dogs barking at night.
Mr. Davis
Going swimming in the ocean.
Mr. Hellman
And snow. Beautiful white snow. Rain. Lovely, lovely cool rain at the end of a hot August night. A new suit of clothes. Apple pie. Listening to music with a beautiful girl. Like going fishing at Tomahawk. Radio movie. Oh.
Mr. Davis
Oh, my.
Mr. Hellman
I shouldn't have stepped back. Cold glass of beer. What do you say, Mr. Davis?
Mr. Davis
Mr. Hellman, you've sold a bill of goods.
Mr. Hellman
Just sign here, Mr. Davis. Why. Why, Mr. Davis, you're back so quick.
Mr. Davis
My darling, I never had a chance. Is this the kind of a deal.
Mr. Hellman
You made with me?
Mr. Davis
I'm done, Hellman.
Mr. Hellman
Oh, Mr. Davis. But you did beautiful.
Mr. Davis
I just opened the door and the guy plugged me.
Mr. Hellman
I know. He was much hastier than I expected.
Mr. Davis
I didn't get a chance to do a thing. Just bang, bang, that's all. And I'm saying, hello, Mr. Hellman.
Mr. Hellman
That's too bad.
Mr. Davis
Well, I haven't been gone 15 minutes.
Mr. Hellman
Well, you've got excellent results. He'll be down here before you know it. And you and he will have a good many laughs over it before I give him his assignment.
Mr. Davis
Yeah.
Mr. Hellman
Well, now, shall we try again, Mr. Davis?
Mr. Davis
We shall not.
Mr. Hellman
Oh, but, Mr. Davis, I'm afraid you'll have to.
Mr. Davis
What? Why?
Mr. Hellman
You signed an agreement, Mr. Davis. My, my, but my. Will you never learn to read things before you sign?
Mr. Davis
Well, this time it wasn't so bad for a while. Well, I was smart. I never went near the fellow for two months, and I lived like a king. I will say, this Mr. Hellman, he's generous with an expense account. Of course, some people say that all the money there is belongs to him, but, well, they're willing to take it regardless. Mr. Hellman's all right about it. He. He didn't rush me. And I'd begun to wonder how long I could get away with it. Well, I'd say I had a lot of money. I went a lot of places putting this thing off as long as I could. I was having fun. I got ideas. Well, you see, I've met this girl. Oh, sure. A girl comes into any story sooner or later. I never had a girl in my previous life before Mr. Hellman. So I was nuts about this one. I remember I got very sentimental with her. Kind of forgot, I guess. It was a beautiful night with a million stars. We've been dancing on an outdoor terrace. I really did forget who I was.
Molly Tyrants
Sure is a beautiful night, isn't it, Miss Tyrants? I just reach up and touch him.
Mr. Davis
Make you feel romantic?
Molly Tyrants
Kind of.
Mr. Davis
Me too.
Molly Tyrants
Let's stay out here a while.
Mr. Davis
I was hoping you'd say that.
Mr. Hellman
You were? Why?
Mr. Davis
Don't you know?
Mr. Hellman
Cuz it's cool. No, Cuz you're tired. Dancing?
Mr. Davis
No.
Mr. Hellman
Why, you. Me?
Mr. Davis
Yes.
Mr. Hellman
I love you.
Molly Tyrants
Oh, now, look, don't be ridiculous.
Mr. Hellman
I love you.
Molly Tyrants
Oh, listen, dear. Listen, I said. Well, look, you're nice to be around with and you spend your money and you take me places and I have kind of fun with you. But that's as far as it goes. No, no, no, no. Skip it.
Mr. Davis
Well, I tell you.
Molly Tyrants
Why do you have to be so serious? Don't spoil everything.
Mr. Davis
But I thought.
Molly Tyrants
I know what you thought. You thought I was falling for you. Well, I'm not, darling.
Mr. Davis
I want to marry you.
Molly Tyrants
Marry you? Why, you old fool. Marry you.
Mr. Davis
Molly, please listen to me.
Molly Tyrants
Look, Pops, I don't want to be mean to you, but after all, you're old enough to be my father and I don't want to hear any more about it. Now, do you want to go back in and dance or you want to get me a taxi and let me go home?
Mr. Davis
And as she stood there laughing at me, I. I thought I heard someone else laughing and sounded like Mr. Helman.
Mr. Hellman
You're wasting time, Mr. David. Better get to work, hadn't you?
Mr. Davis
So I went to see my prospect. And it wasn't very hard feeling the way I did. I'm old enough to be her father, am I? It wasn't very difficult to taunt him into drawing a revolver. So I got murdered for the third time. And Mr. Hellman had a new inmate. Yeah, it didn't hurt very much after all. And I. Well, I wondered how that girl fell about it. Well, I had a nice apartment down there in Mr. Hellman's place, but I didn't get much time to use it. That's one thing you want to remember about making a bargain with Mr. Hellman. Well, the bargain part of it is always on his side. I brought in 26 new customers, Alan. I thought it was time for a vacation after all. Will you try getting murdered 26 times? It wears you out. I had scars all over me. So I spoke to Mr. Hellman. Mr. Hellman, I said I need a vacation. I've been working awful hard, Mr. Hellman, and I'm worn out. Why, Mr. Hellman, I said I've got so there isn't any place left to shoot me without going through an old bullet hole.
Mr. Hellman
Why, I'm awfully sorry, Mr. Davis, but a bargain is a bargain.
Mr. Davis
But look, I tell you.
Mr. Hellman
Sorry, Mr. Davis, but business is business. You cost me a million dollars, but.
Mr. Davis
I never got a cent of it.
Mr. Hellman
I'm sure you realize that. That's not my fault, Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis
Are you sure about that?
Mr. Hellman
I don't care to discuss it, Mr. Davis. Now, here is another very good prospect that I want you to see just as soon as possible. I won't do it, Mr. Davis. Must I take steps? Now, about this black monitor.
Mr. Davis
Well, I hadn't had any rest for so long. I was so fed up with this Mr. Hellman and the job he forced me into. I said to myself, I'm going to double cross you, Mr. Hellman. I'm going to get some rest somehow. Somehow. Shall I walk into this black marketeer's office? He seemed to be a rather nice fellow.
Mr. Hellman
How do you do, young man? What can I do for you?
Mr. Davis
I don't want anything. Automobile. No, thanks.
Mr. Hellman
Or a washing machine.
Mr. Davis
Now what can I do with a washing machine?
Mr. Hellman
Change a thousand dollar bill for you?
Mr. Davis
No.
Mr. Hellman
Well, an apartment maybe.
Mr. Davis
An apartment? Say, that I could use.
Mr. Hellman
It's a deal, sir. Just look at this. Four rooms bath, newly decorated, daily made service, modern kitchen. Finest apartment in the city. How about it?
Mr. Davis
How much?
Mr. Hellman
Strictly sale and pricer. Long term lease.
Mr. Davis
I'll take it.
Mr. Hellman
But. Yes, you'll have to buy the drapers in the apartment.
Mr. Davis
Oh, that's all right. How much?
Mr. Hellman
Oh, that'll be, let me see. $10,000.
Mr. Davis
I was standing over him with a smoke still reading its way upward out of my revolver and he was as dead as a doornail on the thick green rug. My door opened and I turned around.
Mr. Hellman
Well, well, well, Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis
Hellman.
Mr. Hellman
Mr. Hellman.
Mr. Davis
Davis.
Mr. Hellman
Well, now you have been and gone and done it.
Mr. Davis
Did you hear what he was trying to sell me?
Mr. Hellman
Mr. Davis, I hope you realize that your days as a guest in my institution are over.
Mr. Davis
You mean. You mean I don't have to go back now?
Mr. Hellman
My, he certainly is dead. You're a very good shot, Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis
Well, he made me so mad.
Mr. Hellman
What were you saying about not having to come back?
Mr. Davis
Oh, did you mean. I. I don't have to come back now, Mr. Hellman.
Mr. Hellman
Why, Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis
What?
Mr. Hellman
Why, Mr. Davis, don't you see what you've done? I. I knew eventually you'd do something like this. Temper, temper, Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis
What are you talking about?
Mr. Hellman
Mr. Davis, I. I knew someday you'd commit a crime. Commit a sin, Mr. Davis? Why, certainly you're coming back, Mr. Davis. After the law gets through with you.
Mr. Davis
Mr. Hellman. Listen, listen, sir.
Mr. Hellman
I'm afraid you're never going to be a businessman, Mr. Davis. I have such interesting things for you to do the next couple of million years.
Mr. Davis
Who's that?
Mr. Hellman
Why that, Mr. Davis, I suspect, is the officers come to take you to jail. Well, they will eventually send you back to me.
Mr. Davis
No, no.
Mr. Hellman
I'll be seeing you, Mr. Davis. Kill me again. Kill me.
Mr. Davis
You have listened to.
Mr. Hellman
Quiet, please.
Mr. Davis
Which is written and directed by Willis Cooper. Mr. Davis, the man who spoke to you was Ernest Chapel and Mr. Hellman was played by James Monks, the girl was played by Peggy Stanley, and the black marketeer was Pan o' Malley. Music for Choir, please is composed and played by Gene Corazo. Now for a word about next week's choir, please, here is our writer director, Willis Cooper.
Mr. Hellman
Next week's story is a simple story of a man and a woman who loved each other and what happened to them.
Mr. Davis
It's called In Memory of Bernadine. And so until next week at the same time, I am quietly yours, Ernest Chapel Foreign Please came to you from New York. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.
Ernest Chapel
That's the Horror for this week. You can find more from Quiet Please. This podcast and all of the other Relic Radio shows at the website relicradio.com you'll find our Shout cast stream there as well, 20, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with even more old time radio lots to listen to there, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.
Podcast Summary: "Kill Me Again" from The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
Podcast Information:
In the episode titled "Kill Me Again," hosted by RelicRadio.com, listeners are immersed in a suspenseful story from the classic Quiet, Please series. Written and directed by Willis Cooper, this narrative originally aired in November 1947 and features masterful performances by Ernest Chapel as Mr. Davis and James Monks as Mr. Hellman. The story revolves around a Faustian bargain gone awry, exploring themes of greed, deception, and supernatural retribution.
The story begins with Mr. Davis, an ordinary man plagued by financial troubles, who decides to sell his soul for a million dollars in currency, a deal facilitated by the enigmatic Mr. Hellman. Initially, Mr. Davis revels in his newfound wealth, but his happiness is short-lived as he becomes an unwilling permanent guest in Hellman's ominous institution.
Key Events:
The Bargain ([01:38] - [03:37]): Mr. Davis informs the audience about his desperate decision to sell his soul, expecting a straightforward transaction. However, when Mr. Hellman arrives to collect, it's revealed that Mr. Davis is now indebted beyond his understanding.
First Encounter in the Dark Room ([04:20] - [07:22]): Mr. Davis wakes up in a dimly lit room with Mr. Hellman, who explains the terms of their agreement. Mr. Hellman admits to misleading Mr. Davis, as he had never intended to honor the contract fully, revealing the nature of the institution as a place for the damned.
Realization of Betrayal ([11:32] - [16:31]): As Mr. Davis navigates Hell's institution, he meets other characters and begins to understand the gravity of his situation. He attempts to undermine Hellman's authority by attempting to bribe him, leading to further complications.
Attempted Escape and Double-Cross ([20:33] - [23:51]): Frustrated with his eternal predicament, Mr. Davis plots to double-cross Mr. Hellman by seeking help from a black marketeer. This confrontation results in Mr. Davis seemingly gaining temporary freedom, only to realize it was another trap orchestrated by Hellman.
Mr. Davis (Ernest Chapel): The protagonist is a sympathetic character whose desperation leads him to make a fateful decision. His journey from hope to despair highlights the perils of greed and the illusion of easy solutions to life's problems. Mr. Davis embodies the everyman, whose flaws make him a relatable figure caught in supernatural circumstances.
Mr. Hellman (James Monks): As the antagonist, Mr. Hellman represents the manipulative forces that exploit human weaknesses. His demeanor is both cordial and sinister, masking true intentions behind a facade of professionalism. Hellman’s ability to deceive and control underscores the themes of entrapment and the loss of agency.
Supporting Characters:
The Faustian Bargain: Central to the narrative is the theme of selling one's soul for material gain. This age-old motif serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sacrificing one's morals and future for immediate rewards.
Deception and Manipulation: Mr. Hellman's deceit is a critical element, illustrating how seemingly benign deals can conceal malevolent intentions. The story challenges listeners to consider the true cost of their desires.
Eternal Damnation vs. Temporary Relief: The story juxtaposes the allure of instant wealth against the reality of perpetual suffering, emphasizing the short-sightedness of decisions driven by desperation.
Powerlessness and Resistance: Mr. Davis's attempts to undermine Hellman reflect the human desire to resist oppressive forces, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
Mr. Davis Reflecting on His Fate:
"I sold my soul for this, that or the other. Not very many people really mean it when they say it. Unfortunately, I did, and I found a buyer." ([01:38])
Mr. Hellman’s Deceptive Assurance:
"The contract didn't say anything about your, Your keeping the money, Mr. Davis." ([04:57])
Defiance from Mr. Davis:
"I assume... Why, that contract wouldn't hold up in a court of law." ([05:19])
Mr. Hellman’s Confession:
"Most of the people who make an arrangement with me about their souls have already committed a crime or a sin... the transaction really doesn't mean anything except to expedite their arrival." ([06:08] - [06:25])
Mr. Davis’s Strategic Move:
"I can wait, Mr. Hellman." ([09:26])
Final Confrontation:
"I won't do it, Mr. Davis. Must I take steps?" ([20:43])
"Kill Me Again" masterfully blends suspense, supernatural elements, and psychological depth to deliver a compelling narrative. Through the tragic tale of Mr. Davis and the manipulative Mr. Hellman, the episode explores timeless themes of temptation, betrayal, and the struggle for redemption. The engaging dialogues and intricate plot twists keep listeners on edge, making it a standout installment in The Horror! series.
For those who haven't listened, this episode offers a gripping exploration of dark bargains and their unforeseen repercussions, inviting reflection on the choices we make and their lasting impacts.
Additional Information: Listeners interested in exploring more from the Quiet, Please series or other old-time radio shows can visit RelicRadio.com. The website offers a vast library of classic broadcasts, available 24/7 through their Shoutcast stream. Supporters can contribute via the donation page to keep these timeless stories accessible.