Weekend by Macabre

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Weekend" from The Horror! (Old Time Radio)

Podcast Information

• Title: The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
• Episode: Weekend by Macabre
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Release Date: October 5, 2024

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Introduction

In the "Weekend" episode of The Horror! (Old Time Radio), RelicRadio.com delivers a spine-chilling narrative originally produced by the Far East Network of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service in the early 1960s. This episode masterfully blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, exploring themes of trust, paranoia, and the unknown.

Main Characters

• Dick Crane: A diligent medical student and protagonist, skeptical yet perceptive.
• Gloria DuVernay: Dick's fiancée, portrayed as loving and supportive.
• Ray Stapleton and John Tyler: Dick’s fellow medical students and friends.
• Dr. Peter Tortano: An enigmatic and somewhat antagonistic experimental scientist with a mysterious past.
• Wantus: The West Indian manservant, a subtle yet eerie presence on the island.

Plot Overview

Setting the Stage

The story unfolds at a graduation party hosted by Gloria DuVernay. Dick Crane, along with his friends Ray Stapleton and John Tyler, are honored guests alongside their instructor, Dr. Peter Tortano. Tension is palpable from the start, primarily between Dick and Tortano, stemming from mutual distrust and suspicion regarding Tortano's involvement in the unresolved Gaylord case and his peculiar interest in Gloria.

Invitation to the Island

During the party, Tortano announces a weekend retreat at his secluded island estate, ostensibly for relaxation and celebration. Dick is immediately skeptical, suspecting ulterior motives behind the invitation:

Dick Crane [04:01]: "Fellows, there's something about that island you should know."

Despite his reservations, the group agrees to the trip, citing the lack of alternatives due to mechanical issues preventing their return by boat.

Arrival on the Island

Their journey culminates in a foreboding landing amidst a brewing storm, setting an ominous tone. The island, shrouded in darkness and surrounded by massive oak trees draped with Spanish moss, evokes an eerie atmosphere. Upon entering Tortano's grand house, unease settles in among the guests.

Unraveling Tensions

As the weekend progresses, strange occurrences begin to unsettle the group. Odd noises, mysterious knocking, and feelings of being watched heighten the tension. Dick's uneasiness grows, especially regarding Tortano's intentions and the island's true nature.

The Revelation

The climax arrives when Tortano reveals his true intentions: he has administered a powerful stimulant to his guests to amplify their powers of imagination, aiming to identify an optimal formula. The side effects include convulsive coughing and, ultimately, madness, allowing victims to physically manifest their darkest imaginations.

Dr. Peter Tortano [19:19]: "There may not be much more time. Last night at supper I gave you all a powerful stimulant."

Descent into Horror

With the revelation, paranoia escalates. Guests begin to turn against each other as the stimulant's effects take hold. Dick becomes suspicious of Tortano's sanity and grapples with protecting his friends from both Tortano's experiment and the manifestations of their own fears.

Final Confrontation and Twist

In a harrowing finale, Dick confronts what he believes to be a malevolent entity attempting to harm him and Gloria. However, in a shocking twist, it is revealed that Gloria herself has succumbed to the madness induced by the stimulant, transforming her into the horror Dick perceived.

Dick Crane [27:03]: "Gloria, what are you doing?"

This revelation underscores the devastating impact of Tortano's experiment, where the true horror lies in the loss of humanity among the characters themselves.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dick Crane [00:06]: "O stories. Weird stories that murders too."
• Gloria DuVernay [00:14]: "Turn out your lights."
• Dr. Peter Tortano [12:40]: "My friends. I'd like to make a little speech."
• Dick Crane [19:19]: "All right, doctor, tell us the truth."
• Dr. Peter Tortano [25:33]: "I just remembered. It's been 24 hours. There is a certain symptom."

Themes and Insights

Psychological Manipulation: Tortano's experiment serves as a metaphor for the manipulation of the human psyche, illustrating how fear and control can lead to the deterioration of trust and sanity.

Isolation and Paranoia: The island setting amplifies the characters' isolation, fostering an environment ripe for suspicion and paranoia, essential elements in horror storytelling.

The Fragility of Reality: The episode challenges the characters' perception of reality, blurring the lines between imagination and tangible threats, a common trope in psychological horror.

Conclusion

"Weekend" is a masterfully crafted episode that delves deep into the horror of the human mind and the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation. Through its compelling characters and suspenseful narrative, it leaves listeners contemplating the thin veil between reality and madness. The twist ending serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in human nature when faced with the unknown.

For fans of classic radio horror, "Weekend" offers a gripping experience that remains impactful and relevant, showcasing the enduring power of storytelling in evoking fear and introspection.

Transcript

[Dick Crane]

O stories. Weird stories that murders too.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Turn out your lights.

[Dick Crane]

Turn them out. Good evening. Come in, won't you? Why? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous? Perhaps if you can't I tell you.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

The story we are meant to call.

[Ray Stapleton]

From out of the past.

[Dick Crane]

Stories strange weird tales of mystery and terror by radio's masters of the ma story the supernormal dramatized life fact the mysteries the unknown. We tell you this Frank, frankly. So if you wish to avoid the excitement tension of these magnets recurring calmly theory. Turn off your.

[Narrator]

Welcome back to the Horror. We're going to hear from Macabre this week. A series produced by the Far East Network of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Nine episodes were produced between November of 1961 and January 8th of 1962. Our story today is from November 20th, 1961. It's titled Weekend.

[Dick Crane]

Man lives in a world of time and space. He lives in a spectrum of the universe. When he ventures beyond this limit, he is in the unknown, a realm where strange forces are brought into play. When man attempts to misuse these forces, he is sometimes destroy. This is Macon. The Far East Network presents in special performance Macabre. Tonight's story Weekend. I can hardly stand to think about it. Such a horrible nightmare. Keep telling myself. Maybe it'll help to talk. Try to remember to put the pieces back together again. But the horror and the terror will never go away. The dead cannot come back. It all began, I believe, about two weeks ago. The night of the medical students graduation party held at the home of my fiance, Gloria DuVernay. Ray Stapleton, John Tyler. Gloria and I were the honor guests. Also our instructor, the well known experimental scientist, Dr. Peter Tartano. Tartano and I didn't exactly get along. He suspected I knew too much about the Gaylord case which connected him with experiments on a hidden island. Also, his unusual interest in Gloria was apparent to me, if to no one else, and formed a further basis for a strong mutual dislike. Tortano didn't think that I qualified as a medical student, but he had to admit I'd passed the exam. So here I was. The party was in full swing when I arrived. Everyone was glad to see me, except Tortano. Hi, Jeff. What held you up? No party at all without the three of us together, eh, John?

[Ray Stapleton]

Gosh, no. Hi, Dick Boy. We thought you weren't coming. Got to have the old team together before the fun starts.

[Dick Crane]

Righto. Look, you chaps, come closer. I have a bit of news to tell you.

[Ray Stapleton]

Say, Ray, you sure got the biggest ears in the lot. If there's any news flying around, you're the first to hear it.

[Dick Crane]

Shoot. What is it, Ray? It's like this. Tortano's about to spring a surprise on us. Killing. You know how tight Mr. The Old Goat is? Well, he wants to do something for his prize grabs. Nothing extravagant. Just a weekend at his place or something like that. What place? I don't know exactly. Couldn't be his small room for university. So it must be his other team. The one on the island. Yes. Yes, I suppose you're right.

[Ray Stapleton]

The island. Gosh, do you really think he'll take us out there? I don't know of anyone who's ever seen it.

[Dick Crane]

Now, don't let on I told you about it.

[Ray Stapleton]

Wow. Tortano's island retreat. They say no one else has ever been on the island and that he spends his weekends out there all alone.

[Dick Crane]

Doing what I want.

[Ray Stapleton]

Oh, I don't know. If he's working on something, why go way out there? Why not at the university?

[Dick Crane]

Fellows, there's something about that island you should know. Oh, steady, Dick. Here comes that lovely thing you're engaged to.

[Ray Stapleton]

Oh, hi, Gloria.

[Dick Crane]

Hi.

[Gloria DuVernay]

What took you so long? Dick? I was afraid you weren't coming.

[Dick Crane]

You knew I would.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Gloria, don't talk. Just dance with me. It's nice to be in your arms again, sir.

[Dick Crane]

Yeah. Where's your mother?

[Gloria DuVernay]

In the kitchen, fixing refreshments. Dr. Tortano's helping.

[Dick Crane]

Oh.

[Ray Stapleton]

Hey, Dick. Aren't you drinking?

[Dick Crane]

Huh? Oh, sure. What you got, John? You can name it. Scotch and soda.

[Ray Stapleton]

Boy, are you expensive. Okay, coming up.

[Dick Crane]

Gloria.

[Ray Stapleton]

Yeah?

[Dick Crane]

Gloria.

[Gloria DuVernay]

What is it, Tom?

[Dick Crane]

I don't know how to say it. I still have my internship and there won't be much money.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Don't talk, just dance. We'll be married as soon as you like, darling.

[Dick Crane]

I love you so much. I say break it up, you two. You'd think you were the only ones at this party. If you don't mind, I'm cutting in. Take your hands off this charming wence, Richard. She's mine for a spell. And thanks for the loner fellow. All right, Ray. But only for one dance. The lady is reserved.

[Ray Stapleton]

Boy, does he expect service. Not only fix his drink, but gotta bring it to him.

[Dick Crane]

Thanks, John.

[Ray Stapleton]

And just in time. Here comes Tortano out of the kitchen. I think he's ready to talk.

[Dick Crane]

Yeah, Looks as if he's had a few too.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

My friends. My friends, may I have it quiet for a few moments? I'd like to make an announcement.

[Dick Crane]

I'll give you a proper introduction, Doctor. Now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you a man whose reputation as a doctor of medicine and experimental scientist has astounded the medical profession. Our faithful instructor these past four years, the man of the hour, Dr. Peter Tortale.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Thank you. Thank you. My friends, it has been a most difficult year for all of us. We have worked hard and accomplished much. Now I think it is time to propose a little holiday. So I am inviting you as my house guests for the weekend. There is plenty of room. 10 bedrooms, 10 baths, three stories. Plenty of space for everyone.

[Dick Crane]

Wait a minute. Where is this place?

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

What's at the Method Crane? What are you suspicious of?

[Dick Crane]

Where is your place, Doctor?

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

30 miles from here. There's a swimming pool, tennis court, golf course.

[Dick Crane]

Where is it?

[Gloria DuVernay]

Dick, please don't be rude.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Quite all right, my dear. He has a right to know. And it's on an island 20 miles off the coast.

[Dick Crane]

An island ideal for relaxation.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

I assure you every detail for your comfort has been attended to.

[Dick Crane]

I'll bet it has. Well, you can count me out. After four years of hell with you, you'll never make up for it.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

One weekend, please, Dick.

[Dick Crane]

Goodbye.

[Gloria DuVernay]

So sorry, Dr. Tortano. Dick's been studying too hard. He didn't mean what he said.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Of course not.

[Dick Crane]

Of course not.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

He'll change his mind. The boat leaves at 4 tomorrow afternoon. I know. He won't want to miss our last party together.

[Dick Crane]

I knew Tortano better than the others. This was no idle plan. Tortano never wasted time in relaxation. He often said you have to make every minute count if you want to achieve success. I finally went to my room and asleep. Hello, Dick. What the hell's wrong? You still in bed? What's the time? Noon Friday. You'd better get moving. Don't forget the tennis rackets. I told you I'm not sense old. Jeff. We've all decided it'll be loads of fun. Just what the doctor ordered. Yes, well. Gloria. Gloria? Yeah, she's going along. She's right here. Yes, sure. Cheerio, man.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Hi, darling. Pack. We're going to have a glorious weekend.

[Dick Crane]

Gloria, you listen to me.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Oh, Dick, we need some fun together. Now, if you're going to be an old killjoy, I'll just hate you.

[Dick Crane]

Gloria, Tartano is no generous soul. If he invited us out there, he's got a damn good reason.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Oh, please say yes, darling. Ray and John want to go. And if we accept, that will make five. And Dr. Tortano's manservant want us makes six. What can possibly happen with six of us there?

[Dick Crane]

But I can see your mind's made up.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Oh, then you go. Oh, Dick, that's great.

[Dick Crane]

I didn't say I'd go.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Don't be stuffy.

[Dick Crane]

Well, all right. Your heart's set on it.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Oh, you won't be sorry. Bye, darling. See you dockside.

[Dick Crane]

Yeah. Sea of Dockside. Tartano stood in the bow of the boat like some self satisfied pied piper. Rain clouds were gathering for a squall as the motor launch streamed through billowing waves toward an island looming on the horizon. It was growing dark. A faint light flickered among giant trees to keep fall into distance. We landed about six. It was pitch black, but I could tell by the flashlights that we were surrounded by massive oak trees laden with Spanish moss. We followed Tortano down a gravel path toward a large brick structure taking shape in the gloom. The storm broke as we reached the veranda. Tortano led us into a stately parlor where Watus, the West Indian manservant, began to stack our luggage. Neatly in the corner wattles was a short, weather beaten little man who never removed the black Quaker hat from his head. He kept glancing back as if he suspected something were creeping up behind him.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Well, here we are. All safe and sound. Bedrooms are on the second floor. I suggest you freshen up and meet in the banquet hall promptly at eight for supper.

[Dick Crane]

Even though we had just arrived, a feeling of uneasiness began to reach the others. There were 10 bedrooms divided evenly by a hall running the length of the building. I selected one across the hall from Gloria. I just shut the door when someone knocked. Attic. May I come in? Oh, yes, Ray. Here's your grip, old man. Want us? Brought them all upstairs. Mind if I join him? No, I don't. Yeah. Palace fit for a king. Looks like one of those plantations you see in the flicks. But this cost the old boy a pretty penny. You know, I've been wondering, Dick, where Tortano got the money to buy this place. I believe he inherited something from his father. Since he didn't make it himself, might have. He's a capable man, Ray. He's a doctor, an experimental scientist. Enough money in that, I suppose. Ever since the Gaylord case, they never proved anything. Totano didn't do that. There was no reason for her to die. Even I could have saved her. Dick, don't hold something that may not be true against anyone. I'm not. It's just a suspicion. Faltano knows you suspect him. I don't give a Damn. What he. Very well. So you dislike each other. Forget it. Let's get ready for supper. Ray, meet you downstairs.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Right.

[Dick Crane]

Hal. If it's any consolation, I'm with you on one thing, though. What's that? This weekend. Out here? Yeah. Can't put my finger on it, but I don't think it was planned for fun.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

My friends. I'd like to make a little speech. Excuse me. I am not much with words. Just a grumpy little man of medicine. But I always mean well. Now, it's been a long and tedious course these past four years. It isn't easy to become a doctor. And the hard part is yet to come for the graduates, that of internship, where you'll learn to weigh the actual values. Where one slip of this couple can mean death or a hideous malfunction of the body or the mind. I welcome you to my island estate. You deserve a rest. So make merry and cast the cares of the world aside. Now, to bed, children. To bed. Tomorrow will be a day of tennis, swimming and fun making. This will be a weekend you'll remember for the rest of your lives.

[Dick Crane]

Hi. Aren't you sleepy?

[Gloria DuVernay]

No. Come in.

[Dick Crane]

My bedroom is across the hall. Just wanted to say good night.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Please do.

[Dick Crane]

Gloria, darling, I love you so much. Let's be married right away.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Dick, you're so impetuous. But I accept.

[Dick Crane]

Good. Are you comfortable here?

[Gloria DuVernay]

Oh, my, yes. Private bath and all.

[Dick Crane]

So you have a telephone too? All the bedrooms must have them. Well, better leave and let you get some rest. I'll lock your door when I leave.

[Gloria DuVernay]

All right. Thanks for dropping in.

[Dick Crane]

Good night, Gloria.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Dick?

[Dick Crane]

Yes?

[Gloria DuVernay]

Lock your door too.

[Dick Crane]

Oh, come now. This is a weekend of fun and relaxation, remember?

[Gloria DuVernay]

Don't laugh at me, Dick. I'm really just playing it safe.

[Dick Crane]

Oh, sure. Good night, darling.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Good night, Dick. And please lock it.

[Dick Crane]

I don't know how long I've been asleep. It must have been several hours. Something had brushed against my bedroom door. A sound made me sit straight up in bed. Then I heard something else. I thought someone was in trouble. Who's out there? Whatever it was, it stopped outside my bedroom door. I turned on the lamp, jumped out of bed and bolted toward the door. The hall was empty. No sign of anything or anyone. Was it possible? I imagine this. When I turned to close my door, I saw it. A dark form bobbing in a doorway at the end of the hall. I say, Dick, is that you? It was Ray Stapleton. Strange sound. I just heard my word, Dick, did you hear it too?

[Ray Stapleton]

Hey. Hey, you guys. What's going on around here? Who was strangled? Whoa. What a gagging cough.

[Gloria DuVernay]

What's the matter? Is anything wrong?

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Gentlemen. Gentlemen. What's the commotion about? You're disturbing the entire household.

[Dick Crane]

Now, hold on, Doctor. We were just trying to find out who was doing all that coughing here in the hall a moment ago.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Coughing? Nonsense. Must be your imaginations. You're all here. And you look mighty well to me.

[Ray Stapleton]

Wait a minute. Where's Wantus? He's missing. He could be.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

The one want us is standing directly behind you, John.

[Ray Stapleton]

Is there trouble, Master?

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

No. Want us? Nothing at all. Now go back to your bedroom and remain there the rest of the night. Do you understand?

[Ray Stapleton]

Back to bedroom.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Yes, immediately.

[Ray Stapleton]

Ay, master. Want us not come out again. Good night, master.

[Dick Crane]

But, Dr. Tartano, the coughing.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Strictly imagination, I tell you.

[Dick Crane]

But I heard it, Doctor, and so did the others.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

There's no one else in this island. So just who do you think it might be?

[Dick Crane]

Yes, I see what you mean.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Imagination is a powerful thing. So much so that under certain conditions, strong stimuli can compel you to think you have actually experienced something that didn't happen at all. Remember, this is the 20th century. We're not in the Dark Ages. No skeletons in the closet or secret wall panels. Return to your rooms, please. Good night, children.

[Dick Crane]

I didn't sleep the rest of that night. I'm certain the others didn't either. They were losing their enthusiasm for the weekend. The next morning, after breakfast, I went for a walk on the beach with Gloria. It wasn't long before Ray and John caught up. Dick, I want to talk to you. Hi, fellas. You sleep well?

[Gloria DuVernay]

Don't rub it in, Dick.

[Ray Stapleton]

Gosh, no. We know you didn't want to come in the first place. That's what we want to talk about.

[Dick Crane]

You'd like to give up and go home today, Is that what you mean? Desh it all. You're making it devilishly difficult. Now, I think we might still salvage a sporting time. After all, nothing's really happened. But there's been dissension at this party ever since it started. And now there's a feeling of unpleasantness.

[Gloria DuVernay]

We can't leave the island. Want us took the boat back to the mainland this morning for emergency repairs and he won't be back until tomorrow. He did want us has the only boat. There's no other way back to shore.

[Dick Crane]

So we just have to make the best of it.

[Ray Stapleton]

Dick, I'm with you. I don't think I like old Tortano.

[Dick Crane]

Fine kettle of fish. The island's the kettle. And where are the fish?

[Ray Stapleton]

And Tortano's the fisherman.

[Dick Crane]

Break it up. Let's go back to the house. I have a hunch. I think we'll soon know what this is all about. Tortano spent the day rechecking his notes and shaking his head. I didn't think him capable of feeling alarmed, but his composure was rapidly leading him. We swam a little, played some tennis. By evening, a cloud burst, made a valiant attempt to wash the little island out to sea. After supper, a worried Tortano summoned us to the library. As we gathered, he stood up with an air of uncertainty and started to speak.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

I wish I could charm you with a graceful speech, make you laugh when I grow tired of talking. I haven't been altogether honest with any of you. I brought you here on the pretext of having a wonderful weekend. That was only partly true.

[Dick Crane]

All right, doctor, tell us the truth.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

You'd better listen to me. There may not be much more time. Last night at supper I gave you all a powerful stimulant. I tried to magnify your powers of imagination to the point where fantasy could be made reality. By varying the dosages given each of you, the one coming closest to fulfilling the experiment would give me the correct formula. Balance. An overdose affects the respiratory system in such a way that the victim has periods of convulsive coughing of which he is completely unaware. 24 hours after the onset of coughing, the victim goes mad. And if my notes are correct. God forgive me, I didn't mean to go this far.

[Dick Crane]

Yes, doctor.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

If my notes are correct, the victim may become physically anything he might imagine. The coughing started last night. I can't decide at the moment who may have gotten the overdose. I am also suspect, as I too took the drug. There are no guns on the island, no telephone or radio transmitter, and no way to get back to the mainland tonight. So we'll have to remain here. Go chinkly to your rooms, bolt yourselves in. Don't open the doors for anyone. Your lives will depend on it. I'm afraid, my children, that before morning we may have a madman among us.

[Dick Crane]

We locked ourselves in our bedrooms and waited. The others agreed with me. Tartana was insane to invent such a fantastic story. He was the one we should be protected from. We were completely at his mercy. Our only chance was to humor him until want us returned with the boat and escape to the mainland. I must have fallen asleep. The storm had subsided to a whisper. Something had awakened me. What it was, I don't know. I lay there in the dark, scarcely breathing. Waiting. There was no sound of any kind. Could I have imagined it? Maybe I should get up and look. Perhaps something was waiting for me to go back to sleep before attacking. But what? Nothing could have come into my room. And yet somehow I felt the presence of something out in the hall. Just some sound, some clue as to what it might be. All I could do was lie here and wait for an unknown thing to happen at any moment. I waited and listened. I knew it was out there. Then there it was. My God was trying to scratch open my bedroom door. I reached for a bronze poker on the night table, got out of bed and tiptoed to the door. It was on the other side. I could hear breathing. Don't open the door, I told myself. It's just outside. Waiting for me to do that. Even with a poker, I might be no match. Then it occurred to me that it wouldn't be waiting unless it knew a way into my bedroom. Of course it was coming in to get me. What about Gloria? Across the hall. Had it already been there? I decided to act. You out there. I'm opening this door. If you're still there, I'll kill you. What's that? Hall lights are out. Pitch black. Something padded off on four feet.

[Gloria DuVernay]

God.

[Dick Crane]

Smells like a cat. So dark I can't see my hand before my face. Got to get across the hall to Gloria. Judging by the way it bounded off, it must be at least 15ft away. Probably enough. Flashlight. Can't see a thing. Easy does it. Now keep the poker swinging in a circle. That should keep it from creeping up on me. But here's Gloria's door. Gloria, open your door.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Is that you, Dick?

[Dick Crane]

For God's sake, yes. Hurry. Are you all right, darling?

[Gloria DuVernay]

I think so. What's the matter, Dick?

[Dick Crane]

The thing. It's right across the hall.

[Gloria DuVernay]

The thing?

[Dick Crane]

Yes. Whatever it is, it's after us. I was afraid it might have tried to get you. Quick, your phone. Where is it?

[Gloria DuVernay]

Right by the bed.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

What are you doing?

[Dick Crane]

Call the others. The one who doesn't answer is out there. Some creature. Some more lightweight.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Oh, yes.

[Dick Crane]

Really now? It's the middle of the night. Ray. Something's wrong. You okay? Yes, I'm quite all right. Good. Meet me in the library in five minutes. Ray's not the one. Try John next, maybe. Hello, John. You all right?

[Ray Stapleton]

Oh, hi, Dick.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Sure.

[Dick Crane]

Why? Can't talk now. Meet me in the library in five minutes. Hmm. Pretty well cinches. It has to be Tortano. He's the only one left. If he doesn't answer, we'll know. Hello.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Tortuno here.

[Dick Crane]

Oh, no. Who can it be? They're all accounted for.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Who the devil is this?

[Dick Crane]

Dick Crane, Doctor, meet me in the library in five minutes.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Are you crazy? Stay in your room and keep the door locked.

[Dick Crane]

There's something fishy, and I'm gonna find out who's behind it. Now, you be there if any harm comes to my friends. I'll kid you.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

We're not safe together in the library. And I don't believe a word of your wild story.

[Dick Crane]

It's true. One of you tried to scratch open my door. You imagined it, Dick. Here we all are, as chipper as ever.

[Ray Stapleton]

Pretty obvious whatever was supposed to happen.

[Dick Crane]

Hasn'T yet it happened to someone impossible.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

We're all still sane. There's no one else on the island. This took place in your mind, Dick. Now, let's all go back to our rooms and try to get through the night.

[Dick Crane]

I'm wasting my time with you. All right. I'll stay with Gloria and protect her. But you'd better lock your doors, because someone is going to try them. Say, Dick is certainly overwrought. He couldn't have been right, though, since we're all so healthy.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Dangerous situation. Now, standing here together, let's return to our rooms.

[Ray Stapleton]

Well, maybe nothing will happen.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

It could start momentarily. I strongly advise separating immediately. Wait. Hold out your hands.

[Dick Crane]

What?

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

I just remembered. It's been 24 hours. There is a certain symptom. At this time, the victim's fingernails will have a bluish tinge. We can tell who it is.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Quick.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Look at your hands. Hold them out. What do you see?

[Dick Crane]

Here are mine, Dr.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Normal.

[Ray Stapleton]

Are mine okay?

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Yes, yes.

[Dick Crane]

What about yours, Doctor?

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

Take a close look.

[Dick Crane]

I'd say they're all right.

[Ray Stapleton]

That means.

[Dick Crane]

Good Lord, it's Dick or Gloria.

[Ray Stapleton]

They've gone to Gloria's room together.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

We've not a moment to lose. Come quickly with me.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Dick, where are you?

[Dick Crane]

In the bathroom, shaving beyond the minute.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Oh, hurry, dear. I don't like being left alone.

[Dick Crane]

They're locked in together. No one can bother us now.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Oh, Dick, you sound so strange. Please come out of that bathroom. Dick. Dick, is anything the matter? Dick? Oh, my cough. In this room. Oh, no, no. Not Dick. Can't be Dick. I won't believe it.

[Dr. Peter Tortano]

It can't be Gloria. Dick, open this door, do you hear?

[Gloria DuVernay]

Who is it?

[Dick Crane]

I lock this door immediately.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Oh, where is my key?

[Dick Crane]

Gloria, what are you doing?

[Gloria DuVernay]

Nothing.

[Dick Crane]

Dick, open this door. Get away from that door.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Gloria, my key. Where is my key.

[Dick Crane]

Your life depends upon it. Open the door now.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Horrid. Here it is. Just a moment. Dr. Giordano.

[Dick Crane]

I'm warning you, don't go near the door.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Coming, coming. Hurry.

[Dick Crane]

Unlock the door. Don't do it, Gloria. Get away from that door.

[Gloria DuVernay]

Stay away from me.

[Dick Crane]

Gloria. It was Gloria. Don't look, Ray. I tried to stop her. No. That couldn't be Gloria. Not our beautiful Gloria. Whatever it is, it's in peace at last. So is Tartano. Throat clawed out as if by a lion. You have just heard Macabre, a special Far East Network presentation. In our cast were John Buoy, Shirley Ashay, Walt Sheldon, William Verdier, Milton Rad Milovich, and Air Force Sergeant Bob Eddy. Technical supervision by Hiroshi Ono. This is Air Force Sergeant Al LePage speaking. Macabre was written and directed by William Verdier. Macabre comes to you each week at this time through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Narrator]

There's more from Macabre, the Relic Radio podcasts and our shoutcast stream@ Relicradio.com Lots to listen to, 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. You make it all happen. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.