
Our first story of this week's hour is Einar Pierce And Family, from Night Beat. That story originally aired on October 13, 1950. (30:28) We conclude the show with the October 4, 1955, episode of Suspense, Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/RelicRadio923.mp3 Download RelicRadio923 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Relic Radio Show If you’d like to support Relic Radio, [...]
Loading summary
Randy Stone
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. Your weekly hour of radio drama going to begin this week with Nightbeat.
Mr. Burton
You'll hear Einar Pierce and family from October 13, 1950.
Randy Stone
After that, it's suspense and goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden. That story aired October 4, 1955. Night Beat. Hi, this is Randy Stone. I cover the night beef for the Chicago Star. Stories start in many different ways. This one began with a guy going fishing and ended with that same guy being kidnapped and held prisoner by a whole town. A guy I think the world of one. Randy Stone, esquire. Night Beat Starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone. The remnants of my so called vacation this summer was spent at a fishing lodge near Duluth. Minnesota was the ideal spot for a jaded journalist to relax. No newspaper, no radio, no shaving, nothing. Idle talk was punishable by solitary confinement in the boathouse.
Mr. Burton
And fish.
Randy Stone
There were tons of it. Some of them this big. Not to mention the ones that got away. My cabin came equipped with a French Indian guide who could fry those fish like nobody's business. Come and get it, Mr. Stone. Magic words, Levois. You catch them? I cook them, Mr. Stone. Hey, somebody call you from the main lodge. I go see. Mr. Stone wanted an intelligence Chicago call on Mr. Stone. Chicago? Tell him I'm not here. I'm gone for the day. Okay with me. But they said it's urgent. Yeah, well, tell them you couldn't find me to Mr. Burton that's calling my city editor. What does he want? Where are you going? Like you said, I'll tell him. I'll tell him myself. Civilization. I curse the tentacles of the telephone system that could smoke you out of paradise itself. I wish I had the guts not to take the call. But we're all slaves to the telephone one way or another. After all, you never know what might be at the other end. I hiked across the clearing of the main lodge and into the big empty lobby. The phone was still off the hook. Hello, Randy, this is Burton. Mr. Stone is not here. He was last seen chasing a city editor through the forest with a tomahawk. How are the fish biting? Just fine. I'll tell him you call. Bye.
Mr. Burton
Hold on, Randy.
Randy Stone
How far are you from Duluth? Oh, 40, 50 miles wide. Remember that Pierce kid who shot the gas station mechanic a couple of weeks ago? Well, you see Canfield on the police beat. It wasn't my story. I know it wasn't, but do you remember him? Yeah, I remember. What about him? He escaped a couple of days ago. Got out of the hospital ward. Oh, thanks for calling. I'll do my best to avoid him. His family lives in a town north of Duluth. Pierceville can't be very far from where you are. He may be headed there. Well, why don't you drive up there, Randy, and look around some beautiful women in those small towns. His name's inar Pierce. Stands 6 1, 24 years old, fair hair. Yeah, I know what he looks like. You had him all over the front page for two days. Get out there right away, will you? You're asking me or telling me? Okay, I'm asking you. Well, that's nice. Yes, Mr. Burton. Get going. Le Bois told me how to get to Pierceville, but he frowned at the idea of me going out there. He told me the whole town was full of Pierces and that they weren't too friendly. If your name wasn't Pierce. I climbed up and down hills for a couple of hours. And then from the crest of one of those miniature mountains, I saw a small cluster of buildings. Pierce Building. I crawled down the side of the hill in low gear, hit the main street. The place seemed deserted, so I pulled up in front of the general store. A couple of men watched me as I got out of the car. When I walked into the store, they turned away from their window and stared at me. There was an Ichabod Crane character behind the counter. Something for you, mister? Yeah. Cold drink? Anything at all. Or very fine. Any place a guy can get some supper?
Mr. Burton
Nope.
Randy Stone
No cafe in town. Ain't that right, Gus? That's right. There's no hotel neither. We don't cater much to the tourist trade. Yes, it's easy to see what happens if a guy wants to stay over. He just don't. That's nice and cozy. Maybe you need a passport to drive through your town. Not if you're passing through. If I was you, I'd get going. Them roads is hard to drive at night. Mind if I use your telephone? It ain't working. Hello? He's not here yet, Mr. Pierce. Yeah, he is. Just stopped in for a minute. He's leaving now? That's right. I thought that phone was out of order. You can call in, but not out. Well, you mind if I try? I've got away with broken down telephones. Keep away from it. I see. Somehow I knew you'd say that. Pete, get out there and head him off quick. Right. Hey, fellow out there in that car. That's him. Einar Pearce. Hold him. Stay put, mister. That's a gun I got in my hand. A real one with bullets and all. Are you crazy? That's INR Pierce. He's one of a murderer in Chicago. Let me get the sheriff and just stay where you are. Well, I can't argue with a gun. Now get moving into the back room. You know what you're doing, fella? You're helping a murderer escape. You're mistaken, mister. Now get moving. Sit down on that nail cake. You can't let that guy get away. He's a killer. Shot a man during a hole up. You realize what that makes you? Shut up. Listen, just put down that gun. Let me get out of here. Some other time. Not today, mister. You're holding me against my will. You know what the law calls that? Kidnapping. Maybe you'd like me to tell you about some of the penalties for kidnapping. Save your breath, mister. I know all about it. I ought to see. I'm a sheriff. I don't know whether I was being kidnapped or pinched, but with that.45 staring me in the face, I wasn't asking any questions. The big guy who said he was sheriff kept me there about 10 minutes. And then he steered me out the back door and followed up a gravel pathway that stopped in front of a two story frame house. He knocked on the door. Yes? He's here, Paul. Bring him in. Go on. Sitcha doing, mister? The prisoner's name is Stone. Randy Stone. Mr. Stone. Are you with the Duluth police force? I'm not a policeman. I'm a newspaper reporter. He's a tricky one, Paul. You come looking for Einar? Yeah. I should have brought a troop of infantry with me. He recognized him in the car. That's too bad. But it's not to be helped, I guess. Oh, by the way, Mr. Stone, I'm Rolf Pierce. This is my son Gus. I've met him on the wrong end of a gun. Gus, go see your M.O. he's asking for you. Take my gun for. Keep your eyes on him. I will, boy. I will. Uh, Mr. Pierce, your son Gus, who calls himself Sheriff. He is sheriff, Mr. Stone. Well, if he is, a lot of the rest of you are getting yourselves into an awful mess. Einar Pierce is wanting for murder. To help him get away adds up to some serious complications. Not to mention the fact that I'm being held a prisoner. It was bad luck for us when you came along. Well, I don't get it. Your son is sheriff and still you're willing to let him ruin his life. And at this Minute Einar's making good his escape. You're wrong about that, Mr. Reporter. Einar will not run away. He's a desperate man, Mr. Pierce. You don't know what he's liable to do. But I do know, Mr. Stone. You see, Einar's my son, too. A nice little trail. Einar Pierce, wanted for murder. His brother the sheriff, and his old man, keeping him out of the hands of the law. Thus came downstairs after a while and sat opposite me, his gun in his hand. Then the front door banged open and the old man got up. That's you, Einar. Yeah, me. Who's this guy? This is Mr. Stone. I know. Officer Stone. You mean he is no cop. I know he writes for the papers just as bad. Newspapers have been pretty good to some criminals. You'll not refer to my son as a criminal, Mr. Stone. Why don't you let the court judge that? Can't you see what you're doing? Keep minding your own business, mister. He'll get to court in good time. At midnight, we'll be turning him over to the police from Duluth. You're gonna turn him over? I kept telling myself, get home, Einar, and you're all right. They'll never get you when I get home. So what? My own family turns on me. No better than those I run away from. You shouldn't be the one to talk about family. Okay, brother Gus. Go ahead and play sheriff. Turn me over to the cops so I can fly. So long as I don't hurt the family's pride. A Pierce will be beholden to no man. A Pierce will run away from nothing, not even death itself. Diner. I'll ask you to remember we have a guest in the house. Maybe I'd better go out and sit on the porch a while. No guest of mine sneaking prying reports. You've said enough. I'll say more. You won't. Not if I have. What? Will you shut up? No. You're all a bunch of hypocrites. Including Prague. You be sorry for that, Gus. You had it coming in. See about that. Where's Nancy? In her room. I hate to interrupt a family reunion, but if you folks will excuse me. Oh, yes, of course. You Must be tired, Mr. Stone. I'll show you up to a room where you can rest a bit. Yes, that's a good idea. Einar's got better manners than he led you to believe, Mr. Stone. I. I guess he's a little excited with the wedding and all. The wedding? Didn't I tell you? Oh, no, no, it's more fun to be surprised. Come 7 o'clock I'd announce getting married here in this house. And with that little item for the society page the old man left me. It was a nice little room, locked door and all. I sat on the edge of the bed and tried to puzzle it out. It was a group of people, all seemingly decent, respectable folks, digging themselves into a mess which included murder and kidnapping. What? The sound in the next room interrupted my mental gymnastics. It was a woman crying. I couldn't figure out why. The sound seemed so close. And then I saw a hole cutting the wall a little over my bed. It was meant for a stovepipe to go through, but it served even better as a peephole. By standing up on the bed, I could see clearly into the next room. There was a girl in there, standing in the middle of the floor, crying her heart out. Einar Pearce was pacing up and down in front of her. I pulled my head a little to one side so that I couldn't be seen. Oh, Nancy, please stop your crying.
Mr. Burton
What wedding day, Einar? What wedding day?
Randy Stone
It don't have to be like Pa wants on. Do what I say. Come with me tonight and they'll never get us.
Mr. Burton
Hide out the rest of our lives. What about Father? What would it do to him if you were to run out on him?
Randy Stone
Oh, the island will be our own. Nobody knows about it. Me, Nancy, they can look for it until doomsday and not find it.
Mr. Burton
We couldn't do that to you folks. We'd never be happy if we did. You know us. No, I never. We'll have to wait.
Randy Stone
And I'm what, Nancy? I killed a man. Give me the chair. Can't you understand? I can get away tonight. I've got it all planned. The boat will be waiting. Nancy, if you love me, you'll come with me.
Mr. Burton
I love you. I can't.
Randy Stone
All right, then. I'll go myself. Want to tell them where I am? Go ahead and do it. Where are you going, Ina? To get cleaned up for my wedding. Nice wedding. A ring for the bride's finger and another one for the groom's neck.
Mr. Burton
Aina?
Randy Stone
Yes. That's the way it happens in real life. None of those clearly defined black and white good and bad storybook characters, but mixed up flesh and blood human beings. I lay down on my bed and tried to figure them out. To figure exactly what kind of part I played in their crossword puzzle. The key turn in the lock of my door and Mr. Pierce came into the room. Have a good rest Mr. Stone. Not bad. Mind if I sit down? Well, that's what I call a courteous approach to a prisoner. You'd make a fine warden, Mr. Pierce. I'd rather think of you as my guest than my prisoner. Okay, warden, have it your way. I've got to have a weak talk with you. I want to remind you, Mr. Stone, that when this is over and you make your report to the police, this whole thing's my doing, nobody else's. Well, it's not that simple. As far as I can see, you've had lots of help. The whole town, I might say. Not excluding the sheriff. I've been giving the orders, Mr. Stone. I see now that you understand that I'm asking you to attend my son's wedding. On one condition. Tell that is that you talk to no one about Ina. That you'll not mention a word of it to Ina's mother. And if I don't? Promise I'll keep you up till the dance is over. The dance? You didn't think there'd be a Pierce wedding without a dance, did you? There'll be the whole countryside of the town hall tonight. Well, what do you say? Supposing I tell you that Ina's planning to get away tonight as my guest? I'd say you're mistaken. As a prisoner, I'd say you were a liar. I suppose I couldn't convince you that he is. No. I'm waiting for your answer. Will you be my guest? Well, under the circumstances, yes. You say that Ina's mother doesn't know about this?
Mr. Burton
No.
Randy Stone
She's been spared. No. If you come with me, I'll have you meet her. She heard your voice downstairs and we had to tell her that you were one of Ina's friends from Chicago. You'll bear me out on that, won't you? I'll do my best. Company? How do you expect to keep it from us? Sooner or later? The good Lord's arranging for that, Mr. Stone. She's dying. NBC is bringing you Night Beat, starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone. Here's a note for Sunday listening on most NBC stations. David Niven and Geraldine Fitzgerald will co star in today's Theater Guild on the air production of I Know Where I'm Going. Make a note to hear David Niven and Geraldine Fitzgerald in this great drama Sunday on Theater Guild. Theater Guild is heard immediately after Tales of the Texas Rangers, which stars Joel McRae. Sunday, it's Tales of the Texas Rangers, then Theater Guild. Both fine shows for you to hear. Now back to Night Beat. And Randy Stone. After I picked my heart up off the floor, we walked downstairs to Mrs. Pierce's room. There was nothing left to say. I stood alone in the doorway and watched the old man walk over to his wife's bed as though it were a shrine. She opened her eyes slowly and the staff of death was in them. She was past pain already. And if her voice was slow and halting, there was a serene dignity about her that seemed pretty close to this thing we call happiness.
Mr. Burton
Father?
Randy Stone
Aye, Mother. I thought you might be sleeping.
Mr. Burton
Sleeping? With my son's wedding an hour away. Hello there, young man.
Randy Stone
Hello, ma'am.
Mr. Burton
You're in our friend from the city, aren't you?
Randy Stone
They worked together in Chicago, Mother. Yes, that's right, ma'am. We were very good friends.
Mr. Burton
I'm so happy you could come. And you'll not be angry with us for keeping me here. He belongs with his folks, you know.
Randy Stone
Oh, yes. Yes, he belongs with his folks.
Mr. Burton
The lamb's waiting for him and Nancy to make him home and give him children. For Arthur, that she is, for the no folks to be at her wedding.
Randy Stone
Nancy came to our house when she was cheapie. And from the first time we saw them standing together, we knew they was to be married one day.
Mr. Burton
And this is it, their Wednesday. How long before the preacher'll be here?
Randy Stone
Little more than an hour, Mother. You'd best have a nap now till he comes.
Mr. Burton
A nap? Goodness, it'll take me that long to make myself pretty for the wedding.
Randy Stone
The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place now. Only from where I was sitting, the picture was beginning to look like a king sized lump in my the old man was holding Einar till he could get him married off to Nancy. Taking a chance on going to prison himself just so he could give his wife something she had to have before she died. I got to feeling mean and ugly for butting in. All through the ceremony. I made myself as small as I could. When it was over, the newlywed Mr. And Mrs. Einar Pierce stood around and accepted the sober congratulations of the few guests. And after supper, as sad a wedding feast as I've heard of, we all went down to Town hall. The old man and young Einar. Nancy stood near the doorway to receive the company. I sat against the wall right behind. The dancing was starting. Too many long faces around here, including yours, I thought. They stand there gawking at me when they're out of hearing. They say, look at him. The rotten murdering thief. They'll get. He'll get what's coming to Him. Ah, tosh, lad. There's no one here but wishes you luck. There's no one here that won't pray for him. Ah, there's more here that wish me the electric chair. You can see it in their faces. That'll be enough. They go to trial with the best lawyers that can be hired. The judge will mark you for a fool, not a criminal. Then they'll be fierce to you. When are they coming for me? Midnight. Now then, folks, limber up.
Mr. Burton
The dancing's about to commence.
Randy Stone
And first of course comes the bride and grooms Special Grab your Mrs.
Mr. Burton
Choose your partner. Skip them. A loose skip. Skip them.
Randy Stone
Come on, they're waiting for you. I'm not dancing.
Mr. Burton
I know. Please.
Randy Stone
Come on. Gr Just standing here. Maybe he knows he ain't the boss anymore.
Mr. Burton
N you bring him out.
Randy Stone
Go on, boy. Go on.
Mr. Burton
I know.
Randy Stone
It's like walking behind your own coffin.
Mr. Burton
Come on.
Randy Stone
Then they started to dance. And in a few minutes some of the younger kids joined them on the floor. Mr. Pierce came and sat down with me. Hey, are you enjoying yourself? It's an experience I'll never forget, I'll tell you that. Well, though if you take a liking to some of the girls, ask them to dance. Here comes Garcia. I've been wondering about him. Everything's all right, Paul. Ma said she can hear the music from the house. Sounds fine. I wish she could be here with us. She said to tell you that she was standing at your side. Thank you for telling me, son. Did you. Did you phone the police? Duluth? Yes, sir. Take him a couple of hours to get out here. Gus. Yes, Mr. Stone? Can I talk to you for a minute? Alone? I guess so. Let's go outside. What you want to see me about? I know. What about him? I was going to try and make a break for it. What makes you think so? I heard him tell Nancy he was to some island. Oh, he said that 50 times today. But he won't try. Oh, yes, he will. He's not like you and your father. Frankly, that's why I'm thinking about your dad. You think Einar would walk out on his dad knowing the old man would be held responsible? That's exactly what I'm saying, Mister. You don't know us Pierces. What you're trying to say should get you a punch in the nose. Okay, okay. But keep your eye on him. Now get out of my way. When I got back into the hall, they were finishing the square. It's nice to watch. 11 o'clock. The big clock on the Wall said. I moved up close to Einar and his wife. If he was going to try to get away, it would have to be soon. The music blared up and suddenly Ina grabbed hold of his wife's arm and stared her onto the floor. A frightened look came into her eyes and she tried to pull back. But Ina whispered something to her and she let herself be led away. I know that something was going to happen. I wanted to be near and try and stop it. I walked up to a gorgeous brunette standing against the wall. The girl who'd been singing a while ago. May I have this dance, please?
Mr. Burton
Love to. First time you danced tonight?
Randy Stone
Yeah. I. I was afraid you girls wouldn't dance with a foreigner.
Mr. Burton
Well, come on. A one and a two and a three and a four.
Randy Stone
Wait a minute. Take it easy. You know, I kind of knew it.
Mr. Burton
This better?
Randy Stone
Yeah. Yeah. For a beginner.
Mr. Burton
Isn't it sad about Einar and Nancy? On me?
Randy Stone
Yeah. Mind if we dance a little closer?
Mr. Burton
Not at all.
Randy Stone
No, no, no, no. I'm to them. That door there near. Now, where does that go, though?
Mr. Burton
Downstairs. The basement. Why?
Randy Stone
Oh, nothing, nothing. I'm just curious. Can you get out of the building through the basement?
Mr. Burton
Yeah. Why do you ask? You don't think.
Randy Stone
Oh, how can I think, lady, with you in my arms? The dance was over. I thanked my partner and leaned against the wall, watching. Inadvertently, he said something to Nancy. And then, as casually as if he were going for a drink of water, he slipped through the door leading to the basement. As fast as I could, I followed him. I turned the door knob. He'd locked the door behind me. I went out the sideway, ran around to the back of the building. Then I saw him moving toward a clump of bushes. He heard me, turned around, piece of lead pipe in his hand. Made a wicked silhouette in the moonlight. It's you. You better get back in there with your dad on it. Keep away from me. Come one step closer and I'll kill you. Don't be a fool, Ina. I can let our one holler. Everybody in the dance hall to come running out. Your father in law. You tried to sneak out on him. Maybe I'd better make sure. You can't holler. Try to stop me. Let go. Oh, you can't run out on your dad. I won't let you do it. All right, then. Take this. I know. Now bound. Gus, put down that pipe. I'm getting away from here. Gus, while I've got this gun. You. You wouldn't. You wouldn't use that on me? Your own brother? Wouldn't I? I wouldn't believe Mr. Stone when he said that you were planning to get away. When I saw you out here, I wanted to kill you. Why didn't you? Might as well. Because Pa wants you to decide when the police come for you. Are you all right, Mr. Stone? Yeah. Yeah. But wait till I see that city editor of mine. I'll take Einar into Pa now. I'll come back and look after you. Come on, Ina. Gus came back and he nursed the lump on my head until it felt a little better. Think you can make it now? Pa's been asking for you. Did you tell him about Ina? I couldn't bring myself to do it. Well, I'm glad you didn't. Let's not tell him. Tell him that I tried to get away and you had to slug me. Paul feel hurt? Pretty bad. He's trusted you. He'll feel worse if he finds out how I really got it. There was hurt and disappointment in the old man's eyes when Gus told him. I tried to run out of them and something strange had happened. He stood quietly beside his, his head bowed. It was a little before 12 now. Gus walked over the orchestra and spoke to the dance caller. Then the drummer crashed the cymbals for attention. Attention. Quote, we're leaving now, so you'll pay your respects to the host and guest of honor as you file out. One by one, the couple shuffled past the little group and made their awkward speeches. The old man stood tall and straight and accepted their thanks with a quiet dignity. Congratulations. Now. Stared straight ahead of him and spoke to no one. And Nancy kept her eyes glued on the floor and cried without tears. Well, Ms. Pierce, me and my boys will be getting along. Thank you, Pete. You played mighty fighting tonight.
Mr. Burton
Well, thank you.
Randy Stone
Come on, boys. And good luck to all of you.
Mr. Burton
Thanks.
Randy Stone
You'll close that door behind you. Please don't. Don't cry, Nancy. I see her crying when I go.
Mr. Burton
I'm trying not to, you hear?
Randy Stone
Gus, Let him come in. No. He'll come out to them. Tell him. He'll come out himself. All right. Nancy, look at me.
Mr. Burton
Put your head up.
Randy Stone
I love you, Nancy, more than you have reason to believe. I hope I can come back to you someday and prove it to you.
Mr. Burton
I'll be here waiting.
Randy Stone
Pa, I. What is it, son? I don't know how to say it. But, Pa, I'm awful proud of you. And. Will you pray for me like you promised? I'll pray for you. They're getting impatient Gus, before I go, Gus, I gotta tell you. Never mind, lina. I understand, Mr. Stone. Me. Thanks for. You know what I mean? Yeah, I know. Yes. You better go now. Sudden. Yeah. Well, it's three weeks now since all that happened and I'm back on the job again, turning out the required amount of grist for my nightly stint. But every time I close my eyes, I can see the picture of old Mr. Pierce standing straight and proud while his son walked out of the door to the waiting cops. The thought comes over me that's kind of tough to put into words. It's. Well, it's that God created more majesty in a man like old Mr. Pierce than he did in all of his other works put together. We tend to forget sometimes what real greatness has made us copy boy. Night Beat, starring Frank Lovejoy, is produced and directed by Warren Lewis. Tonight's story was written by Lou Rusoff with music by Frank Worth. Mr. Pierce was played by Bill Johnstone and Bill Conrad was Gus. Others in tonight's cast were Lamont Johnson, Harley Bear, Vic Perrin, Helen Mar Van Tyle and Georgia Ellis. The folk singer was Terry Ali. Frank Lovejoy may currently be seen in Milton Sperling's production Three Secrets, released by Warner Brothers. Listen next week at this time and every week as Randy Stone searches through the city for the strange stories waiting for him in the darkness. Nightbeat came to you from Hollywood. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. Tomorrow's radio fair on most NBC stations includes the premiere of two programs. Hedda Hopper brings you personalities from the motion picture world in her new program tomorrow. Be sure to listen and listen to. For Noah Webster says, that's Hedda Hopper. And Noah Webster says, this is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company. And now, tonight's presentation of radio's outstanding theater of thrills, suspense. Tonight we bring you transcribed a story of what might have happened in the famous Lizzie Borden case. We call it Goodbye, Ms. Lizzie Borden. So now, starring Paula Winslow, Virginia Gregg and Irene Tedrow, here is tonight suspense play Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Bord.
Mr. Burton
Now, what did I do with my purse? Oh, there it is. Oh, dear. Oh, dear. I know I've forgotten something. Something.
Randy Stone
Is that everything, ma'am?
Mr. Burton
Huh? Oh. Oh, yes. Adjust the two suitcases. What are you doing with the trunk, Expressman? There isn't any trunk, only the two bags. I'm only going for a short visit. It's my trunk, Miss Emma. I'm leaving. Oh, Maggie. It's all right, Expressman. You can take the trunk out.
Randy Stone
Yes, ma'am.
Mr. Burton
Maggie, you can't I can't help it. I'm sorry, I really am. But I can't stand it another minute. Oh, dear. They all leave. They always do. What are we going? I'm sorry, Miss Emma. I've only stayed this long for your sake. I couldn't bear to leave you alone with. With her. Thank you, Maggie. Now you'll be gone, off on your little vacation and she'll have somebody else in the kitchen. Maybe before you come back. Oh, dear Maggie, what shall we do? What are we going to do? I can't stand it, Miss Emma. I never feel alone in this house. I'm cleaning about, thinking no evil, and then I get a shiver between my shoulder blades and I turn around and there she is, perfectly still, just looking at me with that look she's had since the trial. More than a body can stand. And I'm leaving. I know Maggie. She's always spying. She knows every move I make. I know. Never a party, no callers, not a friend to drop in of an evening. It's like a house of death. It is a house of death. I can't stand it any more than you can. That's why I'm going down to Fair Haven. I can't stand being cooped up with her any longer. Then you know what I mean, Miss Emma. Have you told her? No. No. You want to know the truth? I was afraid to say anything. Thought I might get my trunk away with your things before she knew. Where is she? Upstairs. Well, you'd better hurry then. Goodbye, Maggie. Goodbye, Miss. I'm sorry. And don't miss your train. Oh, I won't. I have a half hour yet. And it isn't as if there wasn't another one soon after, you know. Well, I know you, Miss Emma. Don't miss em both. Goodbye. Goodbye, Maggie. Oh, what am I going to do? Miss Lizzie. Miss Borden is out. Oh dear. Why can't they leave us in peace? Oh, now what did I do with my gloves? Oh, I wonder what time it is. Maggie. Oh. Oh, she's gone. Oh, dear. Lizzie will be furious. Oh, who is it? Who is it? Miss Borden. Oh, no, no, no, you can't come in. My sister won't see you. Please take your shoe out of the door. The crime. Oh, please. She's found. Over there, please. My sister. All over the walls. Had them repapered, haven' Nice happy pattern too. Oh, this is the picture, isn't it? The one that had 46 blood spots on it. You're Ms. Lizzie Borden, I presume. Oh, no, no. I must say, you're not what I expected. Out west. Where I come from, when a woman's tough, she's tough. Now, Miss Lizzie, I'm. I am not Miss Lizzie. I am Miss Emma. Oh. Oh, the sister. That accounts for it. Well, Miss Emma, this is the anniversary of the Second street murders, isn't it? It's just a year since Mr. And Mrs. Borden were murdered. Since my father and stepmother died. We don't talk about it. I missed your sister's trial. Some old girl. I heard she was acquitted. We don't talk about it. Of course not. But the public is interested, you know. Now, I'm from Cripple Creek, Colorado, Miss Emma. Greatest town on earth. Pick up gold right on the street. I represent the Cripple Creek Record, and I'm here to get some impressions for my paper. Second street revisited and all. Oh, you're one of those nasty female reporters. Oh, Lizzie hates reporters. I know. She won't listen to you for a minute. Oh, well. Hey, isn't that a picture of Pike's Peak on the wall? Oh, yes. It's quite artistic, isn't it? Uncle Morse brought it back to me from the gold fields. It's all he brought back. He painted it himself. Now, isn't that a coincidence? I'm from the Pike's Peak Goldfield myself. Oh, Morse. Morse. Is your Uncle Morse an old codger? 60ish? Maybe a droopy mustache? That's it. A droopy mustache and a sore tall and. Oh, my goodness. Do you know Uncle Morris? I should say I do. I knew him well in Cripple Creek. Who is the old coyote? Put her there. Miss Emily, niece of old man Morris, is a friend of mine. How do you do? Won't you sit down, Miss Nelly? Cut. You just call me Nellie. Now, as I was saying, I represent the Cripple Creek Record and I'm on kind of a roving commission to report how things are on this side of the range. And listen, this Boardman story's got everything. New England old maid, Sunday school teacher and all that just as a story, you know, color. She ups and kills half the family with an ax. Interview with Ms. Lizzie Borden a year after. Great stuff. They eat it up in Cripple Creek. She won't see you. Lizzie won't see you. I know that. Well, how about a word from you, the sister? How does it feel, Miss Emma, to live day in and day out within sight of the very blood stains, as you might say. How does it feel to take meals With a woman who. Who was tried for the crime. Oh, I've stood it as long as I can. That's why I'm going to Fairhaven. I can be alone in Fairhaven. Must have been pretty tough on the nerves this last year. I guess Miss Lizzie'd be difficult to live with. Oh, sh. She hears. She's always listening and spying. She never leaves me alone. Oh, dear. I mustn't miss the 3:37. What time is it? You won't miss it. It's only quarter of. My watch says 10. Well, I set mine at the station. Gave her mother 40 weapons. And when she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41. Go away, you filthy child. Go away. What was that? She gave her father 41. How did it begin? She gave her father 41. This is a classic. Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her. Please. Please don't. She hears every word you say down here. Her room is right up there. Right up there. But she wasn't up there when her father was being murdered, was she? She was in the barn eating pears, she says. Now, Miss Emma, just sit down a minute, please. Is it true that on the morning of the murder. The breakfast consisted of bananas, cookies and cold mutton soup? I don't know. I wasn't here. I was at Fairhaven. Cold mutton soup in August. No wonder somebody committed murder. Well, now, Miss Emma. Your stepmother was found upstairs with her head batted in with an ax. That's right. And your father's body was on the sofa here like this. Oh, don't, Miss Lizzie spread the alarm. The front door was triple locked, and Miss Lizzie was watching the side door. So she says. She was watching from the upper barn window. Just standing there, eating a pear and looking out, she says. How could anyone outside have done it? How could they escape right under her eyes if Miss Lizzie wasn't lying? My sister was acquitted. Beats me how they acquitted her. Blood. Hmm? Blood. Whoever did it was covered with blood. Well, what about it? Everybody saw Lizzie within 10 minutes of the crime, and she hadn't a spot of blood on her. The biggest professors at Harvard tried to find blood on her clothes. There wasn't any. That's why they had to acquit her. Tell me, Miss Emma, did you look carefully at Miss Lizzie to see if there was any blood on her? Her hair, perhaps, or her shoes? Certainly not my own sister. Besides, I didn't see Lizzy till I got back from Fairhaven that night. Maybe she used an apron, one of those big coveralls. They never found one Easy enough to hide a thing like that in your own house. They never found the axe either, did they? No, they never found the axe. I often wondered where it got to. They searched the house? Yes, they searched. They took up the carpets, didn't they? Did they search the chimney? Of course they did. Did they open the flue? No. We wouldn't have them tearing up the house. I'd tear it up. Loose brick here wouldn't be hard. Oh, Lizzie wouldn't have it. Everything's Lizzie's now. Lizzie's and mine. Miss Emma, excuse me, but is there any insanity in your family? Certainly not. That's the first thing they started asking. Oh, they asked ever so many questions about Uncle Morse. Good old Uncle Morse. He arrived for a visit, didn't he? Just the day before the murders. Yes, and they were awful about Uncle Morse. They kept asking people if he was quite right in the head. Just because he doesn't work steady any place but sort of drifts around. Oh, it made me terribly angry. Uncle Morse is as sane as I am. Where was he the morning of the murders? Visiting around. He had a perfect alibi. It was just humiliating the way they snooped around about everybody. Where was Uncle Moss? Where was I? Miss Emma, tell me about the kitten. Oh, they say the kitten was found down in the cellar, dead. It had been killed with an ax. Oh, the kitten. The kitten was the hardest. I cried for a week. It brought on my neuralgia. I like kittens. Lizzie never cried at all. It was Lizzie's kitten. She's a hard woman. Yes. Well, now, Miss Emma, let's get back to the fatal day. Mrs. Borden is lying in her blood upstairs. The servant is downstairs. She hears Mr. Borden at the front door trying to get in. She goes to let him in. She finds the door is triple locked. She lets him in. And upstairs on the landing, she hears a horrible, gloating laugh. The murderer is standing up there, Miss Emma. And as she sees her second victim walk into her trap, she laughs. It wasn't Lizzie. Lizzie was downstairs. She changed her story. First she said she was down, then upstairs. She was lying. Then. Well, in comes Mr. Borden and lies down for a nap right here on the sofa. The murderer covers herself with something and creeps up on the old man with an axe from behind like this. And brings down the ax again and again. Was it Miss Lizzie? Was it? No, no. No, it wasn't Lizzie. It wasn't Emma. You talk too much. Emma.
Randy Stone
You are listening. Welcome to Goodbye, Ms. Lizzie Borden. Tonight's presentation in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, suspense CBS radio reminds you to do as Sparky, the firefighting dog says.
Mr. Burton
Don't give fire a place to start.
Randy Stone
Be sure all cigarettes are out before discarding them.
Mr. Burton
Clear your house of old newspapers, damaged.
Randy Stone
Furniture and inflammable debris. Repair electrical wiring as soon as it.
Mr. Burton
Shows signs of wear. These simple rules will help keep your valuables safe.
Randy Stone
They could even save your life.
Mr. Burton
Don't gamble with fire.
Randy Stone
The odds are against you. And now we bring back to our Hollywood soundstage Virginia Gregg, Irene Tedrow and Paula Winslow starring in tonight's production. Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.
Mr. Burton
Lizzy. This lady is an old friend of Uncle Moore's. You're going to miss your train, Emma. Oh, yes, Lizzie. Oh, dear. Perhaps I should have called a cab, but it's only a step from here. Goodbye, Lizzie. Goodbye. Emma. Yes? You forgot your gloves. Oh. Oh, so I did. Thank you, Lizzie. Goodbye. Goodbye, Miss, um. I represent the crippled Creek Record, Ms. Lizzie, a friend of Uncle Mort's. What color hair has the old man got? Gray. Bald as a neck. Good day, miss. But Miss Borden, my paper wants an interview. I don't give interviews. Just one question, Miss Lizzie. The blood stained apron, where did it get? I have nothing to say. And the bloody ax. Why wasn't the chimney back searched? Good day, Miss. If you'd just say a word for my paper. I suppose I'll have to hide them somewhere else now. I. I missed the train. You can catch the next one. Lizzie. Your apron and the axe. That's where they were all the time. Lock the door, Emma. You. You hid them there after. Yes. I was afraid Maggie would come down any minute. I hid them in the flue. I always wondered where they got to. I wondered how they could search and search and never find them. Father kept money behind that brick. He never knew I knew. And once he was dead, nobody knew about it but me. Why did you do it? There's a way, isn't there, to tell who's been handling a weapon? I don't know. You've always been the clever one. I don't see any marks. I don't either, but they say the police can. A Frenchman wrote a book about it. Besides, you bought the ax in Fair Haven. It has the star mark etched on the head. Why, Lizzy, you knew all the time. I saw you. I saw you from the barn window. You came out the side door and stood looking around. And I saw your face. It was All I needed. You ran to the street and I came in and found Father. It was my apron, the blood. You needn't have used my apron, Emma. It was the handiest, Lizzy. And you brought the axe from Fairhaven. I only had a minute. I hid them in father's hiding place. They were safe until that newspaper snooper began to get ideas. Why did you hide them, Lizzy? But what else could I do? I hated her too, Emma. Oh, you don't remember our mother as I do. You couldn't have hated Mrs. Borden as I did. But Father? Why Father? After what he did to Mother? Marrying that woman so soon after. You were always soft over Father, Lizzy. It's a relief, I suppose. Oh, time after time, I wanted to ask you about things. When they were asking me questions, cross examining, keeping after me. Oh, I wanted so badly to know so I would know what to say. But I never dared ask you. They had spies about me all the time. I made so many mistakes. When they asked if I'd seen anybody leave the house, I was on my guard. Not to mention you. I said no, nobody. So they decided it couldn't have been a stranger that did it. It must have been Lizzie. I ought to have said I saw the murderer leaving. A big bearded man with a bloody ax. But I wasn't used to lying. And when I went on the stand and told the truth that I hated her worse than you did, they were sure I was lying. To cover you. I had to lie about the laugh. I had to change my story and say I was up there laughing. Otherwise they would have started asking who was laughing. Whose laugh? Sounds like Lizzie's. Mine. I haven't laughed since. Neither have I. I haven't laughed since I found my kitten dead. Oh, Lizzie. Having to kill the kitten was the hardest. It brought on my neuralgia. I cried for a week over the kitten. I know you did. I cried because I had to do it, Lizzie. I should have understood then. After the kitten, I should have been on guard. You know, I was afraid at first they'd find out you'd been away from Fairhaven. Oh, I prayed for guidance, Lizzy. All the time I was at Fair Haven, I stayed in my room and prayed for guidance. What's that got to do with it? Why? Don't you see? When the answer came to me, I just got the ax and started for Fall River. They thought I was still in my room. What a risk that was. Oh, no. No risk, Lizzie. My prayers for guidance were answered. Don't you see? I Was protected. I protected you. Why? I wonder why. I don't know. Because I've always protected you, I suppose. Because I enjoyed having the laugh on everybody. Maybe. I never guessed. You had the laugh on me. Didn't you, Lizzie? Didn't you know I knew? No, of course you didn't. What would you have done if they'd found you guilty? Oh, gone through with it, I suppose. I'd have gone through with it before I'd given in to them. I guess you would. You were always a wicked, stubborn thing. Oh, I used to get sick of it. The jail reporters examining, cross examining. I get sick of it and think I'd had enough. I'd tell them now the truth. And then that prosecutor would come along with his pious face like a public statue. And the very thought of giving in and admitting I'd lie would make me say, no, I'll face it, they won't break me. And they didn't. No, they didn't. Side would have been giving in for nothing. They wouldn't believe me. I suppose they wouldn't. I used to wonder, if they found me guilty, what would you have done? I used to wonder too. But I had my guidance. I didn't let it worry me. No, it didn't worry you. Me sitting there in court day after day, the crowd hating me. I know, Lizzie. So how do you know? How do you know what I went through? The crowd staring, thinking I did it. The women who hiss at you at the courtroom door. They hate you. They want to see you dead. What do you know about it? What do you know about it, Lizzy? You had the easy part. You didn't have to do it. I thought it would be like chopping wood. It isn't. Wood splits. The other strikes back. It stops you. Wood doesn't bleed, Lizzy. It doesn't fly, jump at you. The air filled with it. You don't know. You don't know anything. You didn't have to do it. I. I didn't want to. Listen. There she is, Mrs. Borden, going up the stairs. I'll have to hurry. Mrs. Borden's gone, Emma. She's been gone for a year. No, no, she's upstairs. Don't stop me. Put down the ax, Emma, and come with me. Where? Just across the street to see Dr. Bowen. Oh, so you can put me away? So you can shut me up. I'll not be shut up, Lizzie. I wasn't meant to be shut up. Just come and see Dr. Bowen.
Randy Stone
No.
Mr. Burton
No, he'll put me away. I'll not have it, Lizzie. I'll die first. But. But I don't have to die, do I? Nobody knows but you. I'm not the one to die, Emma. What are you doing? I'm putting on my apron. I just explained to you, Lizzie. Blood spatters. You don't want me to spoil my best bengaline, do you? Emma, listen to me. You have to go to Fairhaven. You'll miss the train. Emma. Emma, it won't take long. It's over in a minute. Lizzie. Emma, think what you're doing. You can't escape twice. Oh, yes, I can. I do what I have to do, and the rest takes care of itself. I don't want to. You must understand, Emma, you don't have to. Oh, yes. I knew as soon as I saw the axe. What else did you keep it for? I knew there was to be another. But I kept it to protect you, Emma. Oh, Lizzie, don't talk. It only makes it harder. Now, Lizzie. Here, give it to me. That's better. Miss Lizzie. Can't you change your mind and give me a statement now? Miss Emma's gone. Oh, there you are, Miss Emma. You missed the train after all. You don't have to talk through the window, miss. Take that thing off, Emma, and open the front door. Well, good for you, Miss Lizzie. Give me the apron, quick. I'll cover the ax with the newspaper. You be quiet now. Open the door. Oh, this is real nice of you, Miss Lizzie. Hot day. I hope we have rain. What's the weather forecast? What's the paper say? Fair and warmer. Fair and warmer? Oh, fair and warmer. Now then, young woman, what do you want to know? Quickly, please. Tell me, Miss Lizzie, the murder weapon, is it ever found? What's your opinion? Where did it get to? I think the murderer carried it away with him. That's all. You think that's all? Thank you very much, but I'm not through. I have nothing more to say. Miss Emma's leaving now. You can walk with her to the station. Well. Hey, isn't this the Providence Journal? I hear they put out a scorching editorial. Wanting to know why these murders are still unsolved. Please don't, Emma. Don't miss your train. Come along. I'll send for my things, Lizzie. Very well, Emma. Goodbye, Lizzie. Isn't she coming back? What did you say? Isn't she coming back? No, she isn't coming back. So that's the ax. Whole thing torn wide open. Now will you give me a statement? Certainly not. Miss Emma thinks now you kill them. Doesn't she. Did you, Miss Lizzie? No, I didn't kill them. Come on. You've been acquitted. You can't be tried again. I didn't do it. Then who did it? With somebody in the house. There's the murder weapon. If you didn't do it, who did? Maggie? Miss Emma. Miss Emma. That's it. Miss Emma Borden. Why didn't I see it before? Stop talking rubbish, young woman. I'll make a statement for you. I did it. You killed them. You killed them both with the axe? Yes. Why? Why did you? I don't like cold mutton soup. What a scoop. It isn't a scoop. Why not? It isn't a scoop if you can't print it. And I'll sue you if you print it. I've been acquitted in open court, my girl. I'm innocent, and don't you forget it. You print a word and I'll sue. I've got a quarter of a million dollars and I'll spend every cent of it, depending my good name. Good name? Everybody in Fall river knows you did it. You just admitted it yourself. Never mind. Never mind what I admitted. Just you keep your tongue between your teeth. You're not going to print that story so you can tear up those notes of yours. I certainly will not tear it up. I have a duty to write papers. I said tear it up. You wouldn't tear it up. Of course, Miss Lizzie. I'm glad to oblige you. You can put down the ax. Thank you, Miss Lizzie, for your time. I'm just going. Go on, open the door.
Randy Stone
Go on.
Mr. Burton
Yes. Yes, of course. Thank you again. No wonder Miss Emma isn't coming back. Goodbye, Miss Lizzie. Lizzie. Barney took an egg and gave her mother 40 wax. And when she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41.
Randy Stone
Suspense. In which Irene Tedrow, Paula Winslow and Virginia Gregg starred in tonight's presentation of Goodby, Miss Lizzie Borden. Next week, be sure to listen to radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. Suspense is produced and transcribed by Anthony Ellis. Tonight's script is written by Lillian de la Torre. The music was composed by Rene Garrigan and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Featured in the cast were Helen Kleeb, Leonard Weinrib and Richard Beals. It's here every weekday evening, the new Jack Carson Show. Tony Romano sings the King Sisters. Four in number are, as you might expect, a quartet of highly vocal, tuneful gals. Roy Chamberlain's orchestra provides a gay musical backdrop to the proceedings. So listen to CBS Radio's Jack Carson Show Monday through Friday evening, a new star attraction at the Stars address on most of these same stations. That's the show for this week.
Mr. Burton
You can find more from Night Beat.
Randy Stone
Suspense, the Relic Radio show and all of the other podcasts@ RelicRadio.com. you'll also find our Shoutcast stream there with even more old time radio lots to listen to, all for free. Thanks to your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with an hour of mystery on Case Closed and next Tuesday with our next episode of the Relic Radio Show.
The Relic Radio Show: "Night Beat and Suspense" Episode Summary
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Host: Randy Stone (Voiced by Frank Lovejoy)
Produced by RelicRadio.com
Overview: "Night Beat" is a gripping radio drama that follows Randy Stone, a dedicated newspaper reporter, as he navigates the eerie and suspenseful events unfolding in the small town of Pierceville, near Duluth, Minnesota. The story delves into themes of family loyalty, crime, and the dark underbelly of seemingly peaceful communities.
Plot Summary: Randy Stone takes a vacation from his hectic journalism career to relax at a fishing lodge in Duluth. However, his respite is short-lived when he receives an urgent call from his city editor, Mr. Burton, informing him about Einar Pierce, a local man wanted for murder who has recently escaped from the hospital.
Determined to break the story, Randy drives to Pierceville, a town populated predominantly by the Pierce family, who are notoriously unfriendly to outsiders not bearing the Pierce name. Upon arrival, Randy encounters a suspicious atmosphere and limited hospitality, further heightening his sense of unease.
As Randy investigates, he is unexpectedly kidnapped and taken to the Pierce family home by Gus Pierce, the town's self-proclaimed sheriff and Einar's brother. Randy discovers the family's dark secret: they are complicit in protecting Einar from the law, demonstrating deep familial bonds that overshadow moral and legal boundaries.
Throughout his captivity, Randy observes the strained relationships within the Pierce family, particularly between Gus and Einar. The tension culminates during a somber wedding ceremony intended to solidify Einar's place within the family, symbolizing their desperation to keep him from facing justice.
Notable Quotes:
Randy Stone (00:33):
"Night Beat Starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone."
(00:33)
Randy Stone (01:53):
"I curse the tentacles of the telephone system that could smoke you out of paradise itself."
(02:15)
Mr. Burton (03:10):
"How are the fish biting? Just fine. I'll tell him you call. Bye."
(03:10)
Randy Stone (16:07):
"I thought you might be sleeping."
(16:07)
Randy Stone (26:50):
"I love you, Nancy, more than you have reason to believe."
(26:50)
Conclusion: After a tumultuous confrontation involving threats and physical altercations, Randy uncovers the profound loyalty and internal conflicts within the Pierce family. The narrative concludes with Randy reflecting on the complexities of greatness and familial duty, leaving listeners contemplating the moral ambiguities presented.
Overview: In the "Suspense" segment titled "Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden," listeners are transported to the infamous Lizzie Borden case, reimagined with a twist that keeps the audience on edge. This dramatization explores themes of identity, guilt, and the elusive nature of truth.
Plot Summary: The story centers around Miss Emma, who is embroiled in the haunting legacy of the Lizzie Borden murders. As a reporter from the Cripple Creek Record seeks an exclusive interview with Lizzie Borden to sensationalize the case, Emma becomes entangled in a web of deceit and hidden truths.
Throughout the narrative, Miss Emma grapples with her own concealed motives and past actions related to the murders. The tension escalates as Emma confronts Lizzie, leading to a climactic revelation where Emma admits her culpability in the crimes, challenging the audience's perception of the characters and their moral standings.
Notable Quotes:
Miss Emma (31:35):
"I was afraid to say anything. Thought I might get my trunk away with your things before she knew."
(31:35)
Miss Lizzie Borden (42:38):
"I didn't do it."
(42:38)
Miss Emma (52:37):
"You killed them both with the axe?"
(52:37)
Miss Lizzie Borden (57:32):
"No, I didn't kill them."
(57:32)
Miss Emma (58:26):
"All I needed. You ran to the street and I came in and found Father."
(58:26)
Conclusion: "Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden" masterfully intertwines mystery with psychological drama, revealing the layered complexities of its characters. Emma's internal struggles and ultimate confession provide a haunting closure to a year marked by tragedy and unanswered questions, leaving listeners pondering the true nature of justice and redemption.
Night Beat:
Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden:
Final Thoughts: This episode of The Relic Radio Show offers a captivating blend of suspense and drama, showcasing timeless radio storytelling at its finest. "Night Beat" and "Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden" provide listeners with immersive narratives that explore the depths of human emotion and the complexities of moral dilemmas.
For enthusiasts of old-time radio dramas, this episode is a must-listen, transporting audiences back to the golden age of radio with rich performances and compelling storylines.
Listeners are encouraged to visit RelicRadio.com for more episodes, a Shoutcast stream featuring a vast library of old-time radio shows, and opportunities to support the preservation of these timeless audio treasures.