
We begin this week's Relic Radio Show with Four Star Playhouse and its story, The Hunted, from August 14, 1949. (30:07) Then it's My Friend Merton, from Author's Playhouse. That episode aired May 21, 1945. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/RelicRadio992.mp3 Download RelicRadio992 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Relic Radio Show If you’d like to support Relic Radio, please consider a donation at Donate.RelicRadio.com. [...]
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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.
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.
[Starts at 00:40]
“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.
1. Introduction and Prevision Theme
2. The Theater Encounter
3. The Pursuit
4. Lunch and Suspicion
5. Accusation of Theft
6. Murder and Guilt
7. The Bolton Necklace and Further Mystery
8. Framed for Even More
9. Climax: Threat and Revelation
10. The Dream Ends—Twist
[Starts at 30:30]
“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.
1. Rocky’s Exile & Real Estate
2. Encounter with Merton the Ghost
3. Merton’s Boozy Ineptitude as a Spook
4. The Bank Robbery Scheme
5. Comedy of Errors—Ticketed & Jailed
6. Ghostly Jailbreak & Aftermath
7. The Bar Incident & The Botched Bank Heist
8. End—Incarceration and Last Laughs
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).
For more Old Time Radio treasures, visit relicradio.com.