Four Star Playhouse and Author’s Playhouse

Summary

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The Relic Radio Show – April 7, 2026

Episode Theme:
This episode of The Relic Radio Show unearths two audio artifacts from radio’s golden era: the psychological noir “The Hunted” from Four Star Playhouse (original airdate: August 14, 1949), and the comic fantasy “My Friend Merton” from Author’s Playhouse (original airdate: May 21, 1945). Both stories showcase classic old time radio drama, suspense, and humor with star-studded casts.

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Segment 1: Four Star Playhouse – “The Hunted”

[Starts at 00:40]

Overview

“The Hunted” is a tense tale exploring paranoia, prevision (déjà vu), and a web of crime, as the protagonist Fred Woodard (Robert Cummings) becomes ensnared in a bewildering series of events involving a mysterious woman, a menacing stranger known as White Scarf, and an accusation of murder and theft.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Breakdown

1. Introduction and Prevision Theme

• Robert Cummings introduces the concept of “prevision”—the disturbing sensation of events repeating.
  • Quote: “How often have you had the strange haunting experience which made you say, it seems that all this has happened to me before. Psychologists call that phenomenon prevision.” (01:36 – Robert Cummings)

2. The Theater Encounter

• Unemployed and exhausted, Fred seeks refuge in a movie theater and observes a suspicious encounter between a girl (Ruth, played by Loretta Young) and a man with a white scarf (William Conrad).
  • “Across the lobby was a man, sound asleep. A man with a paunch. A man with a white scarf… Then she came in. The girl came in through the front door, looking hunted, furtive.” (02:59 – Robert Cummings)

3. The Pursuit

• Fred approaches Ruth, who reveals she is being followed. Together, they try to elude White Scarf through the city—Fred’s concern for her deepens.
  • “He’s following me. He’s everywhere.” (04:35 – Loretta Young)
  • “Come on. Don’t look back.” (04:42 – Robert Cummings)

4. Lunch and Suspicion

• At lunch, White Scarf is still stalking them. Fred devises a ruse to separate Ruth from her pursuer, agreeing to meet her at Wheelock’s Department Store.
  • “I’ll stay right here. He’ll follow me and I’ll follow him. I don’t think he’ll like that.” (08:04 – Robert Cummings)

5. Accusation of Theft

• At Wheelock’s, Fred is ushered upstairs, accused of being an accomplice to Ruth’s shoplifting spree. Ruth is revealed to have kleptomania. Her fiancé Murray and White Scarf (an investigator) orchestrate Fred’s arrest, suggesting a frame-up.
  • “You’ll serve her sentence, too. Shut up. Take us to the next room.” (12:28 – William Conrad)
  • “But I am that poor girl’s fiancé. I’ve been doing everything… to cure her of her kleptomania.” (12:43 – William Conrad)

6. Murder and Guilt

• Ruth visits Fred, racked with guilt, and tells him Murray has been killed—possibly with a dagger she stole and gave to Fred. Uncertain memories torment Fred; he questions both his and Ruth’s innocence.
  • “I know. But you didn’t have to kill him.” (15:38 – Loretta Young)
  • “You must have stolen it. I stole it and I gave it to you.” (16:01 – Loretta Young)

7. The Bolton Necklace and Further Mystery

• Fred connects the timing of Murray’s murder with a planned party at Maggie Bolton’s, suspecting a larger plot involving the famous diamond necklace.
  • “There was to be a party at Maggie Bolton’s… Once a year she gets a big party and wears the Bolton necklace.” (18:09 – Loretta Young)

8. Framed for Even More

• At the party's location, police are everywhere, and Fred is further implicated in Mrs. Bolton’s murder. White Scarf confronts him, ultimately confessing to all the crimes—including the murders and thefts—manipulating Ruth into believing she was a thief.
  • “You also deny that you strangled Maggie Bolton in the solarium?” (20:18 – William Conrad)
  • “Because I strangled her.” (20:44 – William Conrad)
  • “I also stole all the things that Ruth Fleming is accused of stealing.” (21:28 – William Conrad)

9. Climax: Threat and Revelation

• White Scarf tries to extort Fred for the necklace, threatening him with the scarf (“the Apache way”).
  • “You lie. Why do you lie when you know how unwise it is to lie to me? The strangler. Now, where is the necklace?” (22:46 – William Conrad)

10. The Dream Ends—Twist

• Abruptly, Fred wakes up in the theater lobby, realizing all has been a feverish dream. The real Ruth appears, sparking déjà vu as Fred approaches her, suggesting the experience may begin again.
  • “[Usher:] You fell asleep in the lobby. [Fred:] I dragged myself back to consciousness. In seconds, the fabric of my awful dream unraveled and vanished.” (24:04 – End Sequence)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Sometimes, everybody has [the feeling]… the honest feeling.” (25:28 – Loretta Young)
• “All this happened before. Even the scared look you just gave that paunchy man sleeping there.” (25:15 – Robert Cummings)
• “You will reply to my questions or don’t stop. There… you see the white scarf about your throat? Enough.” (22:35 – William Conrad, chilling threat)

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Segment Timestamps

• Introduction & Prevision: 01:36
• The Pursuit Begins: 02:56
• The Lunch Ruse: 07:04
• Department Store Accusation: 09:42
• Murder Revealed: 15:10
• The Bolton Necklace Setup: 18:09
• Confrontation with White Scarf: 19:57, 20:44
• Confession & Threat: 21:28, 22:46
• Dream Revealed: 24:00 – 25:36

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Segment 2: Author’s Playhouse – “My Friend Merton”

[Starts at 30:30]

Overview

“My Friend Merton” is a whimsical crime fantasy by Julius Fast, adapted for radio. It follows the misadventures of Rocky, a small-time crook, and his unlikely ghostly companion, Merton, whose taste for both alcohol and trouble get them in and out of various scrapes—including jail and a bank heist gone awry.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Breakdown

1. Rocky’s Exile & Real Estate

• Rocky is told to leave the city and lay low to avoid police. He rents a country house, buys a case of Scotch, and settles in.
  • “Go to the country. Rent an old house or something. Take it easy.” (32:07 – Lefty to Rocky)
  • “What can I do for you? Well, I want a nice little house… far away from anybody else.” (33:51 – Rocky with real estate agent)

2. Encounter with Merton the Ghost

• Rocky wakes at night to find a transparent, spectral figure drinking his Scotch.
  • “He just wasn’t… well, he wasn’t solid. Waving one hand at me, he murmured again.” (37:17 – Rocky)
  • “I forgot to mention this. I’m a ghost.” (38:11 – Merton)

3. Merton’s Boozy Ineptitude as a Spook

• Merton explains he’s bad at haunting and finds solace in drinking, which makes his ectoplasmic abilities suffer (can’t go fully invisible, loses limbs, etc).
  • “Liquor inhibits me. I can’t really express myself.” (41:33 – Merton)
  • “Beneath that hard exterior beats…” (50:45 – Merton sweet-talking Rocky for favors)

4. The Bank Robbery Scheme

• Rocky realizes Merton’s ghostly skills could be lucrative: together, they plan a “heist” using Merton’s abilities to bypass security and abscond with cash.
  • “If I’m not sober enough to drive a car, I’m not sober enough to rob a bank.” (45:02 – Merton, tipsy logic)

5. Comedy of Errors—Ticketed & Jailed

• The plan goes awry starting with Merton’s reckless driving, Rocky’s speeding ticket, and eventual arrest.
  • “Why don’t you use a public address system?” (45:10 – Rocky, as Merton blurts out the plan)
  • “Let me haunt you always and I’ll give you the keys.” (51:03 – Merton in the jail cell)

6. Ghostly Jailbreak & Aftermath

• Merton returns to help Rocky escape jail using the keys he’s mysteriously obtained, but can’t quite reconstitute his legs due to inebriation.
  • “Well, can’t you try to bring your legs back? It just doesn’t look right.” (51:49 – Rocky)

7. The Bar Incident & The Botched Bank Heist

• At a bar, Merton’s incomplete form alarms a drunk; later, at the bank, Merton successfully steals the money, but his “invisible” exit is witnessed, and Rocky is caught as Merton giddily returns with both cash and a bottle of rye.
  • “Look what I found in the cashier’s drawer. It’s a bottle of rye. But what the devil. A drink’s a drink, right?” (56:26 – Merton)

8. End—Incarceration and Last Laughs

• Rocky, once again jailed, reflects wryly on his fate, while Merton continues to surreptitiously acquire the prison’s whiskey, to the warden’s exasperation.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You haunt me, Merton, old boy. And will we have fun. Let’s drink a toast, Merton, to you and me.” (42:09 – Rocky)
• “I lose control when I get a little high.” (51:53 – Merton, explaining his missing legs)
• “Are you nuts? I’d rather be in jail than for a year. No.” (51:03 – Rocky, declining eternal haunting)

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Segment Timestamps

• Opening & Rocky’s Exile: 32:07
• Merton Appears: 37:14
• Slapstick Bank Robbery Planning: 44:53
• Speeding Incident: 45:42
• Jail Cell Escape: 50:59
• Barroom Ghost Gags: 51:57
• Botched Robbery & Rocky’s Capture: 55:39
• Final Reflection: 56:50

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Final Notes and Tone

This episode blends a sophisticated crime noir story steeped in psychological uncertainty (“The Hunted”) with a comedic, absurd ghost caper (“My Friend Merton”). The tone of the first is tense, haunting, and atmospheric, while the second is breezy, irreverent, and slyly satirical. Both stories display the idiosyncratic charms of golden age radio—rich vocal performances, clever dialogue, and evocative soundscapes.

Not to be missed: William Conrad’s menacing, deadpan White Scarf (Four Star Playhouse), and the zany banter—and spectral slapstick—between Rocky and Merton (Author’s Playhouse).

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For more Old Time Radio treasures, visit relicradio.com.

Transcript

[Relic Radio Host]

This is the relic radio show, Old time radio entertainment still standing the test of time from relicradio.com. welcome back to the relic radio show. Thanks for joining me. This week we're going to hear first from Four Star Playhouse an episode from August 14, 1949 titled The Hunted. After that, it's Author's playhouse and my friend Merton. That story aired May 21, 1945.

[Narrator]

Here is another in NBC's outstanding parade of new shows dramatically transcribed. Four Star Playhouse. A repertory company of four great Hollywood stars.

[Robert Cummings]

This is Robert Cummings.

[Rosalind Russell]

This is Rosalind Russell.

[Robert Cummings]

This is Fred McMurray.

[Loretta Young]

This is Loretta, Greta Young.

[Narrator]

Yes, these are the stars heard weekly on four star Playhouse. Ladies and gentlemen, one of our four star players and star of tonight's play, Robert Cummings.

[Robert Cummings]

Thank you. And in behalf of Rosalind Russell, Fred McMurray and Loretta Young, let me welcome you back to our four star playhouse. As you know, every Sunday night at this time, Roz, Fred, Loretta and I appear in new dramatizations of stories selected from Cosmopolitan magazine, stories by the world's leading writers of popular fiction. How often have you all had the strange haunting experience which made you say, it seems that all this has happened to me before. Psychologists call that phenomenon pre vision. Tonight's story explores an experience in pre vision. We think it will hold you spellbound right up to its stunning and fearful finish. Prepare now for gripping action as we bring you Maurice Baudin Jr. S strange and powerful story, the Hunted, in which I am Fred Woodard the Hunte. I was tired. Looking for a job in a strange city wasn't doing me any good. I was hot. I felt weak. My eyes throbbed, my head swam. Had to sit down to escape from the heat. I went into the small air cooled theater.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Picture goes on in 10 minutes, mister.

[Robert Cummings]

Oh, thanks, Usher.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Hot out, ain't it?

[Robert Cummings]

That's terrible.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

You look beat.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Why don't you sit down?

[Robert Cummings]

Wait till the news reel's over. Oh, thanks. I will. I sat down to rest. I wasn't the only one. Across the lobby was a man, sound asleep. A man with a paunch. A man with a white scarf around his neck. And then she came in. The girl came in through the front door, looking hunted, furtive. She saw the man with a paunch and started. Punch opened his eyes and got up and walked toward her in a panic. The girl dashed into the powder room. Punch sat down again, closed his eyes. I didn't like it. Not a bit. Usher?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Yeah?

[Robert Cummings]

That guy over there with the paunch and the white scarf. A girl came In. And he tried to make a pass.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Oh, forget it.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Happens every day in theaters. Me, I keep my nose clean. I keep out of it.

[Robert Cummings]

I don't like it.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Routine.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Don't let it bother you.

[Robert Cummings]

I glared across at the sleeping fat man. Then my head began to nod. And then there she was again, the girl. She was coming in through the front doors again with a hunted, fearful look on her delicate face. Impulsively, I got up.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Those will be over in five more minutes.

[Robert Cummings]

Excuse me, please.

[Loretta Young]

I'm in a hurry.

[Robert Cummings]

Yes, I know. And. And that man sleeping over, that fellow. The White Scarf is bothering you.

[Loretta Young]

Who are you?

[Robert Cummings]

You wouldn't know me. I'm a stranger in town.

[Loretta Young]

He isn't asleep. He's pretending.

[Robert Cummings]

Let me speak to him.

[Loretta Young]

No.

[Robert Cummings]

Is he bothering you?

[Loretta Young]

He's following me. He's everywhere. I tried to hide in here.

[Robert Cummings]

Give me these parcels. We'll walk out here together. He won't follow us.

[Loretta Young]

He will.

[Robert Cummings]

Come on. Don't look back.

[Loretta Young]

He's getting up.

[Robert Cummings]

How do you know?

[Loretta Young]

I see him in the mirrors. He's following.

[Robert Cummings]

Let him.

[Loretta Young]

Faster. He looks fat, but he's quick.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, then we'll ride. Let's see. Taxi. Taxi. My name's Fred Woodard.

[Loretta Young]

I'm Ruth.

[Robert Cummings]

Are you listed that way in the telephone book?

[Loretta Young]

Just Ruth, if you don't mind.

[Robert Cummings]

Okay, Ruth. Oh, driver, this is all right. We'll get out here. Yeah. Take my hand.

[Loretta Young]

Thanks.

[Robert Cummings]

Okay, driver. How much do I. Fred. Hmm.

[Loretta Young]

It's him.

[Robert Cummings]

I look back. The punch was getting out of a taxi and paying his fare without even glancing at us. Then he stood at the curb lighting a cigarette, ignoring us, but knowing we were there, knowing we would always be there. Here, driver, keep the change. Come on, Ruth. He can ride as fast as we can. But he can't walk as fast.

[Loretta Young]

Oh, can he?

[Robert Cummings]

Let me go back and smack him so he stays smacked.

[Loretta Young]

No, that wouldn't do any good.

[Robert Cummings]

Still behind us.

[Loretta Young]

No matter how fast we walk, he keeps the same distance.

[Robert Cummings]

I'm going back and talk to White Scarf.

[Loretta Young]

Don't.

[Robert Cummings]

Why?

[Loretta Young]

You said you wouldn't ask.

[Robert Cummings]

All right, but hurry. I'm hurrying.

[Rosalind Russell]

Run.

[Loretta Young]

Quiet. I'm sorry. I can't go any further.

[Robert Cummings]

No, not at this pace.

[Loretta Young]

Oh, let me sit down. And this. Ben.

[Robert Cummings]

Oh. Well, it's all pretty strange.

[Loretta Young]

I'm sorry.

[Robert Cummings]

Maybe you tell me about it someday.

[Loretta Young]

Maybe.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Hey.

[Loretta Young]

What?

[Robert Cummings]

Hey. Surprise.

[Loretta Young]

What?

[Robert Cummings]

We've lost White scarf.

[Loretta Young]

Yes.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, now what should we do? How about lunch? When did you eat?

[Loretta Young]

Ages ago.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, let's eat. I feel good. Again, I don't remember ordering this iced coffee, did I?

[Loretta Young]

You did, and very plainly.

[Robert Cummings]

That's funny. Obviously, you're too much for my presence of mind.

[Loretta Young]

I hope you won't regret our meeting.

[Robert Cummings]

Oh, it's highly unlikely. Say, do you really realize how rudely other men in this restaurant are staring at you and wishing they were mean? Now, just glance about you modestly and. No, don't. Is it White Scar five tables behind you? No, no, don't turn around. Now, just smile and look animated. I'll do the same. Here's what we're gonna do. I'll tell you when to look up at the clock and exclaim about the time.

[Loretta Young]

Yes.

[Robert Cummings]

And I'll. I'll stand up and say goodbye, all smiles, just like this. See? And. And we'll part like old friends going to see each other again. Make up something as you leave.

[Rosalind Russell]

All right.

[Loretta Young]

What about you?

[Robert Cummings]

I'll stay right here. He'll follow me and I'll follow him. I don't think he'll like that.

[Loretta Young]

He'll know you're following him.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I want him to know.

[Robert Cummings]

Now, look up at the clock.

[Loretta Young]

Yes. Oh, dear. Look at that time. I really must go now, Mr. Woodard.

[Robert Cummings]

He's getting up to go, too.

[Loretta Young]

Of course.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, I'll meet you afterward.

[Loretta Young]

Wheelock's Department Store. The information desk.

[Robert Cummings]

What time?

[Loretta Young]

I'll be there in exactly an hour if I'm not followed.

[Robert Cummings]

Meet you there in one hour. Okay. Give me a big goodbye now.

[Loretta Young]

Oh, it's been awfully nice, Mr. Woodard. Maybe we can do this again soon.

[Robert Cummings]

Yes, Friday.

[Loretta Young]

Good.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, it's a date.

[Loretta Young]

Goodbye. See you Friday.

[Robert Cummings]

Right. And here comes White Scott, right on schedule. Got a match, friend?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Did you speak to me?

[Robert Cummings]

Match? No. Going someplace? Yes. Why are you following that girl?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

What girl?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

You know what girl.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Point her out to me.

[Robert Cummings]

Why? Well, she's gone, isn't she?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

You think I've lost her, huh?

[Robert Cummings]

Who?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

The girl.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

What girl?

[Robert Cummings]

Who knows? Well, we must do this again sometime.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Not too often.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, that's up to you, isn't it?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Good afternoon. Fool.

[Robert Cummings]

He walked out, obviously no longer following Ruth. Her trail was lost. I was pleased with myself, so pleased that I could hardly wait for the hour to pass to tell Ruth that I'd shaken White Scarf. I went to Wheelock's Department Store. I waited for her at the information desk.

[Loretta Young]

Oh, there you are, Fred. Here are some packages for you. Are you getting bored or tired?

[Robert Cummings]

Bored. No. Didn't you see the excitement?

[Loretta Young]

Excitement? No.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, seems someone lifted a dagger at the Antique jewelry counter. And they just found out a few minutes ago. More confusion.

[Loretta Young]

Oh, well. I'll be back again soon with more packages. Do you mind? Don't go away or get lost, will you?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Don't worry,

[Loretta Young]

Cash boy.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Okay, sucker.

[Robert Cummings]

Come along. Who? Come on, White Scarf, let's go. Well, you found us again.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

If one knows where to look, one finds.

[Robert Cummings]

What do you mean by shadowing us this way?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

We asked the questions.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Now come along.

[Robert Cummings]

Where?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Upstairs.

[Robert Cummings]

Who are you?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Guess.

[Robert Cummings]

The police.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Come on, your lady friend's waiting for you.

[Robert Cummings]

Lady friend?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Come on.

[Robert Cummings]

I remembered vaguely reading something like this in the past. But what was it? I had forgotten. White Scarf took me upstairs to a bare room with a single desk. I saw Ruth staring at the floor. She didn't look up. There was a pile of parcels on the desk. Behind the desk stood a tall blonde man, about 35. He started speaking the moment White Scarf pushed me into the room.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

The first thing you better do is empty out your pockets.

[Robert Cummings]

You know, you're not talking to me.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

He's talking to you. Better do it.

[Robert Cummings]

What are you raving about?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

You'll find some things on your pockets that don't belong to you. They belong to Wheel Ax department store.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, good Lord.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

But the watch on the desk would.

[Robert Cummings]

I don't know how it got there.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

What else is there?

[Robert Cummings]

What? Oh, this gold cigarette lighter on the desk. I never saw these things before.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

See here. Don't deny you're Ruth's accomplice.

[Robert Cummings]

Accomplice? Why, I.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Ruth is a shoplifter. Shut up. Just remarking, Murray. Remark when you're asked to remark.

[Robert Cummings]

Listen. Wait. This is crazy. You're saying that Ruth is a thief and I helped her steal.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

There's some excuse for Ruth, but there's none for you. Oh, please, Ruth, don't.

[Loretta Young]

Darling, I don't know why I do it. I can't help it, Murray.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I can't help it.

[Loretta Young]

I don't realize I do it.

[Robert Cummings]

All. All these things are stolen things.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

On you Where?

[Robert Cummings]

But I knew nothing about it. Ruth, tell them.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Ms. Fleming cannot answer for anything. She does. You can.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Who are you?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Ms. Fleming is not an ordinary thief. If she were, this would be for the police. As matters stand, the stars permit me to make an adjustment on the merchandise she appropriates. He is in the clear. You'll get it, though.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, this is crazy. I didn't realize what she was up to.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

You'll serve her sentence, too. Shut up. Take us to the next room. Come on.

[Robert Cummings]

Look, look, I'm not a thief. I'm not A thief.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

And I'm not the police. But I am that poor girl's fiance.

[Robert Cummings]

Fiance?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I've been doing everything in my power, everything within the power of love and modern medicine to help Ruth, to cure her of her kleptomania. And when a sniveling, lying crook like you takes advantage of her and breaks down everything I've accomplished. Stop it.

[Robert Cummings]

Oh, cut it out. She was in trouble. That fellow with a scarf was following her. She. She wanted my help.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I hired him to protect Ruth against herself and against weasels like you.

[Robert Cummings]

You don't know what you're talking about.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I tell you, I'm going to put you where you won't prey on sick and helpless people.

[Robert Cummings]

Don't touch that telephone. Put it down.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I tell you, I'm going to put you where you can't pull your low, sneaking tricks.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Drop it.

[Robert Cummings]

Drop that phone.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Operator, get me the police.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, I warned you. I warned you. I won't be framed.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I won't.

[Robert Cummings]

No one frames me like that, you hear?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

No one.

[Narrator]

You are listening to the Four Star Playhouse dramatization of Maurice Bodin Jr's Cosmopolitan short story the Hunted, starring Robert Cummings, and featuring Lorraine Tuttle and William Conrad.

[Loretta Young]

Fred.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I won't answer.

[Rosalind Russell]

Fred.

[Loretta Young]

Fred, open up. It's rude.

[Rosalind Russell]

It's a trick.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

She brought the police.

[Loretta Young]

Fred, you must believe me. You must prosecute me. Fred. Fred.

[Robert Cummings]

All right, I'm coming. Are you alone?

[Loretta Young]

Yes.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, come in.

[Loretta Young]

Oh, Fred, I'm so terribly sorry I got you into all this. I didn't mean for you to get into trouble. I never in the world would have wanted that.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, you did steal those things.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Well, why?

[Rosalind Russell]

I don't know.

[Loretta Young]

I can't help it. I don't ever remember stealing them. But I do. I do. They watch me and they try to prevent me. Murray pays for the things I steal. He's been so good, so kind and. No,

[Robert Cummings]

he was calling the police in on me.

[Rosalind Russell]

I know.

[Loretta Young]

I don't blame you for what you did. Not entirely.

[Robert Cummings]

I let him have it.

[Loretta Young]

It was my fault, too.

[Robert Cummings]

I let him have it, all right.

[Loretta Young]

Oh, why? Why? Why did you do it?

[Robert Cummings]

I don't know. I lost my head. I. I'd have gone to the police myself, but. Well, there was something funny about what was going on. Some kind of a frame. White Scarf was too happy about sending someone up. But I. I wasn't going to be railroaded. I'm new in this town.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I'm green.

[Robert Cummings]

I can't take chances where I've got nobody to fight for. Me?

[Loretta Young]

I know.

[Robert Cummings]

I'd rot here in jail.

[Loretta Young]

I know. But you didn't have to kill him.

[Robert Cummings]

Kill him? Kill who?

[Loretta Young]

Don't deny it. White scarf went into the room when he heard you and Murray fight. Murray was on the floor.

[Robert Cummings]

I didn't. I didn't kill him.

[Loretta Young]

No, don't deny it. You stabbed him with that dagger. I gave you the dagger I stole at Wheelock.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

You.

[Robert Cummings]

You stole that dagger?

[Loretta Young]

I must have stolen it. I stole it and I gave it to you.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

You didn't.

[Loretta Young]

I must have. You stabbed Murray with it.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No. No.

[Robert Cummings]

I. There. There must be some horrible. I couldn't have. Some mistakes. Some. Some.

[Loretta Young]

Oh, stop. Stop lying. Stop pretending. I'm not blaming you. I gave you the dagger. I stole it and gave it to you. But you should have given it up with the other thing.

[Robert Cummings]

I've. I've got to get out of this.

[Loretta Young]

I. I had to come here before they find out where you stay.

[Robert Cummings]

Before they find out where. How did you know where I'm staying? I. I didn't tell you.

[Loretta Young]

I'm so ashamed.

[Robert Cummings]

I. I asked you something.

[Loretta Young]

I know.

[Robert Cummings]

I. I asked you how you knew I was at this hotel.

[Loretta Young]

There was a paid hotel bill in your wallet.

[Robert Cummings]

My wallet? Well, how did.

[Loretta Young]

Oh, I must have stolen it from perhaps in the store. Oh, here. Take it. Everything's there.

[Robert Cummings]

You didn't tell them?

[Rosalind Russell]

No.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No.

[Loretta Young]

I wanted you to have some chance. I wanted to do something for you.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

What?

[Robert Cummings]

Bring Murray to life.

[Rosalind Russell]

I don't know.

[Loretta Young]

I don't know.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Wait.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Let me think.

[Robert Cummings]

I. I've got to try to think.

[Loretta Young]

Whatever I can do, Anything at all. Tell me. I'm so to blame for things. So tell me.

[Robert Cummings]

If I. I don't know.

[Rosalind Russell]

How.

[Robert Cummings]

How long did you know Murray?

[Loretta Young]

Two years. We were to be married soon, even before I was cured.

[Robert Cummings]

How do I know you didn't kill him?

[Rosalind Russell]

I.

[Robert Cummings]

How do I know you didn't keep the dagger and kill him yourself? How do I know you're not trying to pin something on me?

[Loretta Young]

No. No. Why would I kill Murray? Would I murder the man I love?

[Robert Cummings]

I don't know. Maybe the man you love, you hate.

[Loretta Young]

But why?

[Robert Cummings]

I don't know why.

[Rosalind Russell]

We heard.

[Robert Cummings]

This whole crazy nightmare I have stumbled into. When will it end? Where does it all lead to?

[Loretta Young]

If I killed Murray, would I try to help you? He was doing so much for me. And he loved me so much. And tonight we were going someplace special.

[Robert Cummings]

Where?

[Loretta Young]

It doesn't matter.

[Robert Cummings]

I don't know if it matters or not. I. I've got to ask questions. I have got to keep moving in my mind or a crack wide open. Where were you going with Murray tonight? It just might matter.

[Loretta Young]

There was to be a party at Maggie Bolton's. You know Maggie Bolton?

[Robert Cummings]

I don't know anyone or anything.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I'm new around here.

[Loretta Young]

Once a year she gets a big party and wears the Bolton necklace.

[Robert Cummings]

Wasn't Murray afraid you'd steal the necklace, too? Right off of her throat.

[Loretta Young]

Stop it.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Wait, wait.

[Robert Cummings]

That's something.

[Loretta Young]

What is?

[Robert Cummings]

I'm not sure. Murray's being killed. Just today, the day of the party. I don't know. Maybe.

[Loretta Young]

But you killed him.

[Robert Cummings]

Oh, you did. You never gave me that dagger.

[Loretta Young]

I had no motive. I loved him.

[Robert Cummings]

You were going to the Bolton party tonight and see the necklace.

[Loretta Young]

I had nothing to do with it. Nothing. Whatever.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

We're going to that party tonight.

[Loretta Young]

You'll be picked up by the police.

[Robert Cummings]

Not unless you tell them I'm there.

[Loretta Young]

I won't.

[Robert Cummings]

I don't know what I'm trying to find out. I. I just know I've got to keep moving and doing or I'll go crazy. Where's this Bolton place? We arrived too late for the party. Too late to see the famous Bolton diamond necklace on the famous Bolton throat. There was some excitement about the house when we drove up in the hired car. I left Ruth in the car and walked up the driveway, curving around into the darkness and stopped short. Police cars all around the house. I turned and began to walk down the driveway again. I began running.

[Loretta Young]

Hey. Stop.

[Robert Cummings]

In a panic, I plunged off the drive into the rectangle of cypress that covers the huge ground.

[Rosalind Russell]

Hey.

[Robert Cummings]

I lost the cop. In the dark, dense jungle of Cyprus. I even lost myself. And then something stepped out of the darkness. Something in a white scarf with flat, dead eyes and a toneless smile and that faintly foreign voice. White scarf?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

John, Move. I want to talk to you.

[Robert Cummings]

Talk what?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I want to talk to you.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, there's nothing to talk about.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Theft is nothing.

[Robert Cummings]

Why I didn't steal.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Murder is nothing.

[Robert Cummings]

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

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Murray Lister.

[Robert Cummings]

Why, I don't know anything about Murray Lister.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

You also deny that you strangled Maggie Bolton in the solarium.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

An oracle.

[Robert Cummings]

No, no. I tell you, I didn't have anything to do with it. I didn't even know she'd been killed.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

You didn't know she'd been killed?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No, no.

[Robert Cummings]

You're not gonna pin that on me, too. I. I didn't come near. I. I just arrived. Hey, how did you know it was an hour Ago.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Because I strangled her.

[Robert Cummings]

You?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I?

[Rosalind Russell]

Who.

[Loretta Young]

Who.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Who are you?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I will tell you, sir, that you will have the caution and the self interest to cooperate with me.

[Robert Cummings]

I don't know how. Cooperate how?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

What?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

In delivering the Bolton necklace to me.

[Robert Cummings]

I tell you, I don't know anything about it.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Then let me sharpen your understanding of it. I killed Mrs. Bolton when she refused to tell me where the necklace was. I strangled her.

[Robert Cummings]

Strangled?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

With this white silk scarf.

[Robert Cummings]

I don't.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I'm a pash, you know, Rich Apache. I also stabbed Murray Lister.

[Robert Cummings]

Of course. You went it alone after I knocked him down, of course.

[Narrator]

Of course.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I also stole all the things that Ruth Fleming is accused of stealing. Now, we will put these together, and it will become a diamond necklace for me, huh?

[Robert Cummings]

You're crazy.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No.

[Robert Cummings]

You crazy killer. You're crazy. You're crazy.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Mari Lister had me to plant stolen things on Ruth to make her think she was a kryptomaniac.

[Robert Cummings]

She. She doesn't steal.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I do. I stole. And planted your wallet on her. I stole the dagger and planted it on Murray Lister.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

But why?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Murray was preparing with Fleming to take the blame one day for the theft of the Bolton necklace. That simple. I helped prepare her. But today I thought, why work for Murray Lister when I can go into business for myself?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

You.

[Robert Cummings]

You stabbed a man and strangled Maggie Bolton.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

I tell you this so you'll be warned.

[Rosalind Russell]

Now,

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

you will reply to my questions or don't stop. There. You see the white scarf about your throat? Enough.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Enough. Be warned.

[Robert Cummings]

I can't help you. I don't know anything.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

You do.

[Robert Cummings]

No.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

You lie. Why do you lie when you know how unwise it is to lie to me? The strangler. Now, where is the necklace?

[Robert Cummings]

I don't know.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Do you want to die? Do you want your eyes to stick out of your head? Do you want your tongue to go purple in your mouth? Well, do you?

[Robert Cummings]

Listen to me. You got to listen to me.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

An end to these lies.

[Robert Cummings]

So I'm new in this town. I. I just came in last week. I picked up this girl, Ruth Fleming, in the theater lobby. I didn't know anything about her, anything about.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Enough.

[Robert Cummings]

Now listen.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

An empty talk.

[Robert Cummings]

Wait.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Wait.

[Robert Cummings]

Don't listen.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Time not to act. You see, it strangles the Apache way. The way of bury such dash. Look at me.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No.

[Rosalind Russell]

No. Die. Die. Die.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Excuse me, mister. Excuse me, mister.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Excuse me, mister. Excuse me, mister.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

What?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

What's the matter? Wake up.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

You're dreaming.

[Robert Cummings]

Newsreel's over.

[Rosalind Russell]

Feature.

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Picture's gonna start.

[Loretta Young]

Huh?

[William Conrad (White Scarf)]

Wake up. You fell asleep in the lobby.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

You bought a ticket.

[Robert Cummings]

Don't you want to see the show? I dragged myself back to consciousness. In seconds, the fabric of my awful dream unraveled and vanished. I was drenched in cold sweat, but overwhelmed with relief. And across the lobby, sleeping harmlessly, was the paunchy man with the white scarf who had helped inspire my dream, or whatever it was. And then the door of the powder room opened and there was the girl, the Ruth of my dream, with a pale dread on her face. I got up quickly and eagerly to make the acquaintance of the real life Ruth, or whatever her real name was.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Get in the box. Later.

[Robert Cummings]

Excuse me, but. Oh, I know you'll think that this is the usual approach by a stranger, but didn't all this happen before?

[Loretta Young]

What do you mean?

[Robert Cummings]

But it just seems that we met before. Just this way.

[Loretta Young]

I don't think so.

[Robert Cummings]

But the feature picture's about to start. Might I join you?

[Loretta Young]

Oh, I couldn't. I mean.

[Robert Cummings]

Well, I'm sure this all happened before even. Even the scared look you just gave that paunchy man sleeping there.

[Loretta Young]

Well, if you like, we could go in together.

[Rosalind Russell]

Yes.

[Robert Cummings]

Thank you. Yeah. The honest feeling.

[Loretta Young]

Really, I've had that feeling too, sometimes. Everybody has.

[Robert Cummings]

We went up the steps, talking and laughing. I held open the door leading into the cool dark of the balcony and stared below in the lobby, I saw the paunchy man slowly open his eyes and look up at us. He got up and with surprising agility began following us with rapid, ruthless steps. A man with a paunch, an olive skin and a dead smile and a white silk scarf draped loosely about his neck, following us. Four Star Playhouse. Robert Cummings speaking.

[Rosalind Russell]

Bob, this is Rosalind Russell with a very urgent question.

[Loretta Young]

Roz?

[Robert Cummings]

I didn't do it. I didn't do it, I tell you. I was framed.

[Loretta Young]

I.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

What?

[Robert Cummings]

Urgent question.

[Rosalind Russell]

What happened to you after you picked that girl up in the lobby the second time? Did you meet White Scarf in Cyprus again?

[Loretta Young]

How did that come out?

[Robert Cummings]

Oh, I was choked to death. Next question.

[Rosalind Russell]

Well, will you listen to me next Sunday when I do the Incredible Anna Lee? It's about a Hollywood motion picture actress, Anna Lee, a lovely and unpredictable ham who inflicts herself on films and on her press agent. How our ham becomes cured and our guy gets contented is the substance of next week's opera.

[Robert Cummings]

Roz, it sounds very inviting. And I'll recommend Russell's remarkable recipe for radio enjoyment to all my friends.

[Rosalind Russell]

Thanks, Bob. And incidentally, thrilling show tonight.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Bye, Bob.

[Robert Cummings]

Thanks, Roz. And thanks for calling Revoir, Roz, and good night, everybody, and thank you for calling. Call again next Sunday, huh? Night.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to Four Star Playhouse tonight starring Robert Cummings in the Hunted, written by Maurice Bodin Jr. And adapted for radio by Milton Geiger. Lorene Tuttle was featured as Ruth, with William Conrad as White Scarf. Wilms Herbert played Murray and Larry Dobkin the usher. Four Star Playhouse is directed by Warren Lewis. Music composed and conducted by Albert Harris. Portions were transcribed. Robert Cummings may currently be seen in Walter Wanger's production Reign of Terror. Each week at this time, one of our four star players, Rosalind Russell, Fred McMurray, Loretta Young and Robert Cummings, is heard in a special adaptation of a popular fiction story selected from Cosmopolitan magazine, written by the world's foremost fiction authors. On future weeks you will hear Fred McMurray in a powerful two fisted drama and Loretta Young, who was unable to appear tonight as originally scheduled due to illness in Virginia. Faulkner's zany comedy Once Upon a Horse, next week on Four Star Playhouse. Rosalind Russell will star in Robert Carson's delightful story, the Incredible Anna Lee. Americans. In the present unstable condition of the world, the United States needs unity among its citizens more than ever before. We simply cannot afford to be divided by racial and religious differences. Such division among us is advertised in certain countries as a sign that America is weak and that democracy is a failure. Don't help such propaganda. The very differences that exist among our mixed peoples have given us the variety of contributions that have made our country great and free. Keep it great and free. Fight prejudice. In just a few moments, you are going to hear another of the NBC Symphony summer concerts. And one hour from now, Ethel Merman is sure to delight you in her own new show for the best in entertainment all evening long. Keep your dial tuned to your favorite NBC station. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company,

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Author's playhouse. Generally speaking, ghosts are, well, just plain spirits. Once in a blue moon, though, you'll run into a spirit who thrives on spirits. Tonight, Author's Playhouse presents Julius Fast's hilarious fantasy of a ghost with a talent for crime and a taste for John Ballycorn. My friend Merton. Go right in, sir. Oh, thank you very much. Hello, Rocky. I suppose you're the guy from the radio, huh? Yes, I'm from the National Broadcasting Company, sent here to interview you for the Author's Playhouse program. I've heard of the program. Oh, do you like it? Oh, it's. It's all right, I guess. Yes. Well, I want to find out everything about your friend Merton, my friend. Merton. Please. If I never hear that name again, it will still be too soon. Well, I understand that Merton is a rather delicate subject. I don't exactly know how I should put it, but is it true that Merton is a ghost? Don't be afraid to mention the word. Yes, Merton is a ghost. I see. Well, what do you want to know? Well, tell me how you met Merton, how you got into jail here. Well, just tell me the whole business, see? Oh, imagine me on the radio. Just another Orson Wells or something. Imagine. Well, where should I begin? Well, wherever the story with Merton begins. Well, you see, we were in a car, Lefty and I. When I stopped the car, Lefty got out and wheeling 10 bills off his roll, he handed him to take this and blow. Rocking 50s and hundreds, huh? Kids? Should hold you for a month. Get out of town. This place is too hot for you. Where'll I go? Gosh, I don't know. Any place, I guess. Go to the country. Rent an old house or something. Take it easy. Just remember, stay away from the city. Remember Shaney and Spike, in case you're tempted to see the bright light? Well, never mind, Lefty. I remember Shani and Spike. Then it cost me a cool hundred bucks for calla lilies. Gee, they had a swell funeral. Yeah, but I'm sure they didn't enjoy it.

[Rosalind Russell]

Kate.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Lefty. Okay. It was a pleasure working with you, Rocky. You're an artist. Thank you. Well, I pushed out of the city and headed west. Four days later, I hit Petersburg. It was raining to beat the band. I looked up the nearest real estate office and then leaned my elbow on the belt. Come in, come in. You must be soaked to the skin. I am. Let me take your hat and coat, will you? You can go right into my office there. Oh, thank you. Now, what can I do for you? Well, I want a nice little house, maybe four or five rooms. I really don't care how many. And a house that is far away from anybody else. Four or five. Yes, far away. I have just a place for you. The Barton house. Well, if it's okay by you, it's okay by me. You certainly do business quickly, Mr. Just Plain Smith. Just let me have the keg and then tell me how to get there. Don't you even want to see it first, Mr. Smith? If the house is good enough for you, Mr. Driscoll, it's good enough for me. Now, can you also tell me one more thing? Well, I hope so. What? Where is the nearest liquor stor? Uncertainly, Driscoll handed Me the key and a written set of directions and pointed out a liquor store down the street. The last I saw Mr. Driscoll, he was shaking his head and holding the bill I gave him up to the light. Well, I picked up a week's supply of bologna and bread and a delicatessen. And then in a liquor store.

[Rosalind Russell]

Did you say a case of scotch?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Yeah, yeah, a case is got. Just for yourself? Oh, no, I'm expecting some friends.

[Rosalind Russell]

See,

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

The road out to the Barton place looked like a bridle path. But the house itself wasn't too bad. It was a tight little brick job and had a built in bar in the cellar, which interested me. Of course there just wasn't any liquor. But I arranged my scotch on a shelf and poured myself a good stiff drink. Then I had a bologna sandwich and crawled into be. I woke up again about 4 o' clock in the morning and it was still raining. I could hear the drops on the roof steadily. I liked the sound and tried to fall asleep again. But suddenly I had the feeling that something was wrong. I got out of bed, slipped into me bathrobe and then I opened a bedroom door and looked downstairs. There was a light in the cellar. I slipped my gun into my bathrobe pocket, tiptoed downstairs. Some guy was sitting in front of the bar in a deep easy chair, was waving a highball in one hand in time to the music course. There was no doubt about it. He was drinking my scotch. Okay, bud, what's up?

[Rosalind Russell]

Moo.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

He turned around in his chair and squinted at me. It made me uneasy to realize that I could see through his face. I mean it. I could see right through it. He just wasn't. Well, he wasn't solid. Waving one hand at me, he murmured again.

[Rosalind Russell]

Moo.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

What are you doing here?

[Rosalind Russell]

Boo.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Boo. Okay, okay, stop the clowning now start talking.

[Rosalind Russell]

Would you mind mixing me a scotch and soda? Without the soda.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Well, okay. Hey, listen. How come I can see right through you?

[Rosalind Russell]

I'm probably a bit tight.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Tight? But.

[Rosalind Russell]

Oh, pardon me, I. I forgot to mention this. I'm a ghost.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Oh, a ghost, huh? A ghost.

[Rosalind Russell]

Yes, you know, ectoplasm.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. I need a drink myself.

[Rosalind Russell]

Oh, I'm not kidding, you know. Really I'm not. I don't suppose you're scared, are you?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No, I'm not. I was afraid of that. Well, in the first place, you don't look like a ghost. Look at yourself, will you?

[Rosalind Russell]

Oh, I know, I know.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

A little guy with sandy colored hair and watery Eyes. I don't get this. How come?

[Rosalind Russell]

How come what?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I thought you guys ran around in sheets and scared the liver out of people. Watch this setup.

[Rosalind Russell]

Tell me honestly, do you. Do you think a sheet would help?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No.

[Rosalind Russell]

I mean, could. Could I frighten you if I wore one?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No, you're not the type.

[Rosalind Russell]

That's the trouble. I'm not the type. Not the type. Believe me, I've tried. Lord, I've tried, but somehow.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Maybe if you laid off the booze.

[Rosalind Russell]

No, it's not because I drink. I drink because of that.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Could you dish that out to me again?

[Rosalind Russell]

It's not because of that. It's because of it. That is because of that. Am I making myself clear?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Brother, you need another drink.

[Rosalind Russell]

Maybe I do. You're so nice to me.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Oh, not at all. Not at all. Well, bottoms up.

[Rosalind Russell]

Yeah. Yep.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Bottom.

[Rosalind Russell]

Yes. You're good to me. Very good. People don't understand me don't know what it's like to haunt night after night with no one to thank them or no one to understand I'll take the next wig right from the bottle. Thank you. And it's not that I don't try Lord knows I'm eager But I just can't make a go of it sure, sure.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Wait, I'll get another bottle.

[Rosalind Russell]

Rocky?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Yeah.

[Rosalind Russell]

What's your name? Rocky.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Why, my name's. Hey, wait a minute. How'd you know my name?

[Rosalind Russell]

I guess I'm psychic. I can't help knowing things. Come again? Psychic. I read mine.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Oh. Oh, yeah. I seen a guy do that at Coney island once. Say, what else can you do?

[Rosalind Russell]

Lots of things. Now. Now watch. I'll just snap my fingers. See? Half of me's disappeared.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Oh, my sweet Aunt Susan.

[Rosalind Russell]

Now watch. There goes my other half. Now all you see is the grass sort of hanging in me there. Right.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Hey, where are you?

[Rosalind Russell]

Right here, Rocky.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Well, this is what this is, really. How about the drink? Well, can you make that go too? Sure.

[Rosalind Russell]

That's funny. I'll try it again.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

What's wrong?

[Rosalind Russell]

I must be a little tight tonight.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Well, what has that got to do with it?

[Rosalind Russell]

Liquor inhibits me. I can't really express myself.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I.

[Rosalind Russell]

But you'll see, when I'm sober, Rocky, I can make anything vanish.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Anything? Yes, and bring it back later.

[Rosalind Russell]

Oh, how silly. Well, of course I can bring it back.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Well, that's really something. Look, what's your name? Martin. Well, stick around, Martin. You and I got a lot in common. A lot in common. Here, have another swig.

[Rosalind Russell]

Thanks. I'll stick around. Rocky. Why, how wonderful. I'll haunt you, that's what I'll do. I'll haunt you. Won't that be fun, Rocky?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Yeah, that'll be ducky. You haunt me, Merton, old boy. And will we have fun. Let's drink a toast, Merton, to you and me. Part. That was the last thing I remembered that night. Except for one hazy recollection of Merton and me draped over the bar, harmonizing on the road to Mandalay. On the next morning, my head felt like a balloon caught in a hurricane. So I studied myself with a good stiff scotch. And then I sat down to think things over. I didn't think too much about Merton. It made me feel uneasy. I just accepted him as he was. But what really kept me going was the possibility of Merton as a money maker. And the clearer my head became, the more ideas I got. So I went down to the kitchen and found Merton there before me, wrapping a half a dozen ice cubes up in a towel. Merton, how would you like a little extra month?

[Rosalind Russell]

Don't talk so loud.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Keep your conversation below a whisper.

[Rosalind Russell]

My head feels like something the dog buried last week. Where'd you hide the rest of the scotch?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Under my bed. Now look, Martin, I've got a little proposition for you.

[Rosalind Russell]

After I have a drink.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Yes.

[Rosalind Russell]

Under the bed, you say. I'll be right back.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

While he was gone, I cut myself some bologna and bread and started to think. The more I thought about the idea, the better it sounded. Believe me, it was an inspiration. Martin came back and he looked much happier and a good deal more transparent. Standing in the door, he beamed at me.

[Rosalind Russell]

Ah, my good friend Rocky.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Sure, sure, I'm your friend, Merton. Now look, here's the setup. Now listen to me closely. It's. Well, it's very important.

[Rosalind Russell]

I'll bet my bottom dollar if I had one, it it's going to be something illegal. Well, let's hear about it.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I explained the thing to him very carefully, waitin every two sentences for him to sample some more scotch. And then I pulled my car up in front of the house and started to get behind a wheel when Martin caught my arm.

[Rosalind Russell]

Let me drive, Rocky.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Oh. Oh, you've had too much to drink, Martin. I'll drive.

[Rosalind Russell]

Rocky. If I'm not sober enough to drive a car, I'm not sober enough to rob a bank.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

For the love of Mike, why don't you use a public address system? Well, okay, you can drive. But be careful. Will you be careful? It was about five miles from the house to town, and when we finally pulled out onto the state highway. Martin let the car out and I'm telling you, he was speed. It amazed me how the wheels were able to stay on the ground.

[Rosalind Russell]

Now, this is really fun.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Slow down, will you? You want to get us both killed?

[Rosalind Russell]

Don't be silly. I'm not scared. Nothing can happen to me.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Yeah, that's fine. But just remember, I'm not a ghost. Yet. Slow down, you fool. Slow down.

[Rosalind Russell]

What's that noise behind us?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

It's a motorcycle. Now, slow down, Merton. Slow down.

[Rosalind Russell]

Okay, hold on. Ouch.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

You idiot. I nearly went through the windshield. What sort of a. Martin. Martin, this is no time for you to pull a disappearing act. Now, Merton, make yourself visible, do you hear? Oh, Martin, make yourself visible.

[Rosalind Russell]

All right, all right, wise guy. I know your Aunt Annie was dying.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Jake.

[Rosalind Russell]

Hey, what are you doing sitting on

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

that side of the car? Look, officer, I wasn't driving.

[Rosalind Russell]

No, you were flying. I was still with you, Rocky, old kid.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Get out of here, you jackass.

[Rosalind Russell]

What was that? Oh, well, he.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

He must have fallen out of the car.

[Rosalind Russell]

What did you say?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I said, you want to see my driver's license? Yeah, I want to say it so

[Rosalind Russell]

I can make out this ticket.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Now, look, officer, we must not be haste.

[Rosalind Russell]

Let me talk to him. Rocky.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Shut up and keep out of it. I can explain everything, officer.

[Rosalind Russell]

Let go of my arm, you chump. Did you call me a chump?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No, no, I said. Oh, nuts. Give me the ticket and let's get it over with.

[Rosalind Russell]

Yeah, we have a bank to rob before.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No.

[Rosalind Russell]

Oh, son, you're a wise guy, are ya? I think I'll run you in instead.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Now, look, Officer, I get it.

[Rosalind Russell]

I say you do it, you big. You big palooka.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Oh, shut up, Martin.

[Rosalind Russell]

That clenches it 90 miles an hour and you've got the nerve to talk back. Come on, follow me. It's a democracy, isn't it? We've got rights. It's a free country.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

It's a free country, all right, but

[Rosalind Russell]

not where you're going. And stop changing your voice, will you?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Young man, you've heard of speed limits, haven't you? Okay, Judge, cut the comedy. What's the fine? $50. That's fair enough. Here you are, Judge. And 30 days. Take them away. I really couldn't complain. They gave me a very nice cell. It had a western exposure and I could watch the sunsets from my window. The first night, I won ten bucks from the warden and gin rummy. So I settled for a bottle of scotch. Things were beginning to look better after all. I Was after a rest, but then Merton came back. I was playing solitaire on my cot when one of the red tins picked itself up and settled on a black jack. I gulped and looked around. A glass of scotch was floating around lazily about 4ft from the floor. All right, come out and let me see you. Come out, you anemic excuse for a ghost. Come out and let me tear your arm off.

[Rosalind Russell]

You didn't think I'd desert you, now, did you, Rocky?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Well, I had my hopes.

[Rosalind Russell]

Oh, dear.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Okay, okay. Stop being cute.

[Rosalind Russell]

Now.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

I can see your head and arms.

[Rosalind Russell]

Desert my bosom pal, My companion of the lonely hours. Not me. Not mercy.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Look, either appear completely or disappear. None of this 5050 business, if you don't mind.

[Rosalind Russell]

You don't understand my ectoplasmic limitations.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Ectoplasm, my great aunt.

[Rosalind Russell]

What do you want now, Rocky, my boy? I got you into this. I'll get you out. Trust me, Rocky.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Okay, you're asking for it. I'll get rid of you and fast. Warden. Warden. No more gin rummy, Rocky. The judge doesn't like it. Look, will you please get that graveyard monstrosity out of here? Get that gr. Say, that's pretty good. That glass suspended in midair magic, huh? So you're one of them amateur magician fellas, huh? No wonder my 10 bucks went so fast. Well, you're not getting any more dough out of me.

[Rosalind Russell]

Now, is that nice, Rocky and me trying to help you.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Hey, are those that?

[Rosalind Russell]

They sure are.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Well, let me have them.

[Rosalind Russell]

First, you've got to promise something.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Okay. Okay, what?

[Rosalind Russell]

You're the first really friend I've ever had. Your. Your hard exterior doesn't fool me a bit. Beneath that, that hard exterior beats.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Yeah, yeah. Next week, East Lynn. Now, what's the point?

[Rosalind Russell]

Let me haunt you always and I'll give you the keys.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Are you nuts? I'd rather be in jail than for a year. No.

[Rosalind Russell]

Well, I tried. Take the keys anyway.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Now, don't feel so bad. I'll buy you a drink the moment we get out.

[Rosalind Russell]

Okay, Rocky. That's fair enough.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

The fourth key fit, and since the warden was sound asleep, we got into the street without incident. Martin, by this time appeared with his arms, head and shoulders visible, but both legs still missing.

[Rosalind Russell]

I'm sorry, Rocky.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Well, can't you try to bring your legs back? It just doesn't look right.

[Rosalind Russell]

I can't. I lose control when I get a little high.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

We found a darkly lit bar at the corner, which was empty except for a drunk and a bartender. We entered and Ordered our drinks, and then a drunk suddenly looked at Merton.

[Rosalind Russell]

Hey, what do you know? This guy here ain't got no legs.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

He was born that way. Oh.

[Rosalind Russell]

Oh, I see. But if he ain't got no legs, how does he stand up?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

He holds himself up.

[Robert Cummings]

Oh.

[Rosalind Russell]

Oh, I see. You hold your tongue and he bitter. I'll frighten you out of your pants.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Oh. Oh, no, no.

[Rosalind Russell]

I'll never drink again as long as I live. No, no. I often leave it. No, no, no.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Hey, bartender, give us another round. Now, look here, you two. I don't mind some innocent fun, but you'll have to get out unless this gentleman here puts his head. I finally managed to get Martin outside, and the night air seemed to sober him up. His head came back and so did most of his legs. We hailed a passing taxi and got in.

[Rosalind Russell]

Where to, gents? You can drop me off at the graveyard.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

That's a good one. Shut up, Martin. Driver, do you know where the bank is?

[Rosalind Russell]

The trust company?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

No, no, the savings bank.

[Rosalind Russell]

You want to go there at this time of night?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Well, I. I can't think of the address. And I'm going to the house right around the corner from the bank.

[Rosalind Russell]

Oh, I get you, chief. You mean the banker's house. I. Yeah. Nice folks. You know, my son Benny, he goes out with Roseanne.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

She's the youngest kid.

[Rosalind Russell]

A nice girl, but a little wild. Spare us the background. Just drive us there. Do I guess right, Rocky, Are you going to rob the B A N K?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Shut up, Martin. I think the driver heard you.

[Rosalind Russell]

Here you are, gents.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

This is the bank. That'll be 50 cents. Now, look, Gordon, that driver acted awful funny. I hope. Well, you get inside the bank and do your stuff. But remember, you gotta make the money invisible. You get it?

[Rosalind Russell]

Sure, sure. Aren't you coming inside? No, I. I think I'm scared.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

All right, so you're scared. So what of it? What have you got to lose? You're a ghost, remember?

[Rosalind Russell]

Oh, yes.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Besides, I'll buy you a drink. I'll buy you a case. Well, that clinched the argument, and Merton started up the steps. But before he reached the top, he just fighted away into thin air. I lit a cigarette and leaned against the lamppost. And then a taxi pulled up to the curb and it was the same driver who just dropped us. And a cop was sitting alongside of him.

[Rosalind Russell]

Hey, I want to talk to you. What are you doing here?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Waiting for a friend, that's all. That's the guy, all right, Officer. The same guy only had a friend

[Rosalind Russell]

with him last time.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Well, sure I did. That's the friend I'm waiting for, see? What's this about robbing a bank? Can a guy around his town crack a little joke? Well, I know it does sound screwy,

[Rosalind Russell]

but you can't be too careful, you know.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

Now, you see, everything would have been all right except for one little thing. Just at that moment, Morton come down the steps. He materialized halfway down, his arms full of green banknotes. Some of them fell on the steps, and the other just blew all over the street. Well, he walked right up to me, dumped them all right in my arms, and then waved something in the air.

[Rosalind Russell]

Look what I found in the cashier's drawer. It's a bottle of rye. But what the devil. A drink's a drink, right?

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

So you see, Mr. Announcer, that's how the whole thing happened. This time they gave me a cell with an eastern exposure, so I'm raising nasturtiums in a window box. You see, they need the morning sun. Yes. And Merton, have you seen him? Well, the warden claims that his whiskey evaporates faster than he can drink it, and nobody around here really can figure out what's happening to it. Have you got any ideas? Huh? You have heard Julius Fast story, my friend Merton, Adapted for Arthur's Playhouse by Guy Debris Merton. The ghost was played by Mr. Clarence Hartzell and Rocky by Mr. William Bigley. Others in the cast of author's playhouse tonight included Mr. Norman Gotchalk, Mr. Arthur Hearn, Mr. Michael Romano, Mr. Herbert Butterfield, and Mr. William Everett. The music was arranged and played by Mr. E.L. manone. Production was under the direction of Albert Cruz. Next week, same time, same station, Office Playhouse will bring you Cornell Woolrich's gripping story of a haunted man.

[Rosalind Russell]

Goodbye.

[Narrator/Other Male Actor]

New. Office Playhouse was heard in Canada through the facilities of the Canadian broadcasting Corporation. This is the national broadcasting company.

[Relic Radio Host]

There's more from four star playhouse, authors playhouse, the relic radio show, and all of the other podcasts at the website relicradio.com you can donate through that website as well if you'd like to help support this and all of the shows. Thanks to those who have. Thanks for joining me this time. I'll be back tomorrow with an hour of mystery on case closed and next Tuesday with our next episode of the relic radio show.