
This week, Rocky Jordan starts us off with The Return Of Dr. Pyrue, from February 26, 1950. (30:13) We close the show with Trenton '76, from The Hallmark Playhouse. That story aired February 1, 1953. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/RelicRadio972.mp3 Download RelicRadio972 | 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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This is the Relic Radio Show. Old Time Radio entertainment still standing the test of time. From relicradio.com. We begin this week's Relic Radio show with Rocky Jordan. Hear the return of Dr. Piru from February 26, 1950. After that, it's the Hallmark Playhouse in Trenton 76. That story was first heard February 1, 1953. It's been Jack Benny, Amos and Andy Bergen and McCarthy. Still waiting to entertain you on CBS.
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Are Rocky Jordan, Horus Height AR, Ms.
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Brooks the Whistler and Red Skelton.
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Now Del Monte Foods brings you a world of adventure with Rocky Jor.
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The.
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Near East Import Company cabbie 4 Sharia tulak pasha.
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Yes, effendi, I know the place.
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A little short on fares today, driver. I saw you parked out in front of my cafe most of the day. Such is the manner of the taxi cab business, effendi.
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Some days many passengers, other days few.
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Hey, weren't you supposed to have taken a left turn on the corner? We just passed this other way, sir.
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We shall miss much of the city traffic.
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Ah, well, I hope you know what you're doing. Hey, you don't. Left turn, not right. You're going away from Tulak Pasha.
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So I am.
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Jordan Bay. Hey, what is this? You shall see in but a moment. Put on the brakes, cabbie. I'm getting out. Break it up, I said. I point the cab in the direction of that cement wall in the bend in the road. I pull the throttle so the gas may be fed automatically. And I'm going to jump out of the cab and leave you here.
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The door.
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Shove in the throttle.
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My door.
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It will not open.
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Break.
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Break the wall. We are headed right for it. Break.
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Del Monte, the brand you trust for flavor in so many good foods. Yes, Del Monte, the best liked brand of canned fruits and vegetables in the whole wide world. Takes you now to the Cafe Tambourine for another adventure with Rocky Jordan. The Cafe Tambourine in Cairo, gateway to the ancient east, where modern adventure and intrigue unfold against a backdrop of antiquity. Tonight's Rocky Jordan Star Eve, the return of Dr. Pirou.
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It had started when I'd climbed into a cab to head for Sharia Tulak Pasha. But the cab driver had other ideas. He pointed the taxi toward a cement wall and pulled the hand throttle. His plan was simple and direct. Jump from the speeding car and leave me behind to get pressed. Only something went wrong. The cab door hadn't come open and neither one of us was able to get out. I woke up in a Cairo hospital and it wasn't long before, I had a visitor. Captain Sam Sabia, Cairo. I lost no time in telling him what had happened.
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Why should Joseph Salim, the cab driver.
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Wish to kill you?
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I don't know, Sam.
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Have you had any dealings with Salim previous to this incident?
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No, I'd never even seen him before.
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Then tell me why should a man you have never seen wish to kill you in such a manner?
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I don't know.
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But he did.
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You don't believe me.
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I did not say I do not believe you.
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All right, then put me in close touch with Salim. I'll get an answer for you.
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That is impossible. You were protected by the front seat. Salim sat directly behind the steering wheel.
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He is dead.
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Captain Zabaya?
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Hmm?
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Oh, yes, nurse.
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There's a telephone call for you from a man named Mr. Lundigan.
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Oh, yes.
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Yes.
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Londigan.
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Well, I must go.
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Saleem could have been hired by someone, Sam.
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That is possible.
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That means there'll be another try.
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If what you have said to me is true.
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Well, it is. I'm not going to sit around and wait for any.
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Jordan, if your life is in danger, the matter will be ably handled by the police.
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In the meantime, what am I supposed to do?
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One suggestion, Jordan, is that that you stay right where you are in the hospital bed.
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It was a bad suggestion. Something was real cockeyed and lying flat on my back in a hospital bed was getting nothing done. I found my clothes and climbed into them. That's when the nurse walked in and said I couldn't go. I said, yes, I could. She went for the doctor, and I went for the back door. Twenty minutes later, I hauled my bandage, side and shoulder and slightly mutilated face into the tambourine. Chris had kept the place open. How you feeling, Rock? Oh, little shaky. How's business? Couldn't be better. Every time something happens to your business spurts, you got a great system. Say, Rock, here's something sort of wacky. A special delivery letter came yesterday. I opened the envelope because I figured it might be important. All I found inside was this card. Let me see.
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There's nothing on it.
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Just the name.
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Dr. Piru.
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Piru.
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Where's the envelope this came in? It's around here someplace.
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Here.
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Mailed in Cairo. No return address. What's all the excitement?
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It's just a little calling car, Chris.
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That cab smash up wasn't an accident. The driver was hired to kill me. By who? Hey, who is this Dr. Piru? Someone I knew in Istanbul.
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A friend.
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He wouldn't say. So I was going into A business deal with a Frenchman named Dubois. IRU was his doctor. Suddenly, Dubois was out of money and our business deal fell through. Next thing, Dubois was dead and I'd seen too much. What do you mean? Dr. Pierrot was up for murder, and I was a witness against him. The only witness. So he screamed revenge, huh? That's right. And now he's back. Hey, where you going, Rock? Research on Joseph Saleem. Well, the city directory showed a Joseph Saleem on 175. Shari a third doc. It was after eight when I stood in front of a roaming house old enough to give the termites indigestion. Sitting on the steps, a shawl over her head, was a Muslim woman with damp eyes and a big handkerchief. I asked her if she knew Joseph Salim.
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Oh, it was a most glorious funeral. At the head of the procession came Old Faqwa, pounding the symbol till the building shook. Then came the three hired mourners with most lustrous voices. Their wailing and whining could be heard for blocks.
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Yes, I.
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Through the Mosquit Bazaar went the procession. Crash went the cymbal wail went the mourners. And the chickens and goats scatter helter and skelter into the square. It was a most glorious funeral.
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Now, can we get back to Salim? Is there anyone here who knew him well?
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Well, there is his sister who came from Alexander last week. Come. I will take you to her. Anya Anasalim? Yes, what is it? There is a man here inquiring of your brother Joseph. I say, there is a man here inquiring of your brother Joseph. Let him come in. Yes?
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My name is Rocky Jordan.
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Oh. Oh, yes. You are the one who was in the cab Joseph drove. I am happy you are not killed, as was Joseph.
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So am I. But that's not the end of it.
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What is it you mean, Mr. Jordan?
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I mean that someone hired your brother to kill me.
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That is a rather strong accusation, sir.
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And I'll find a way to back it up. I'm not interested in your brother. He's out of reach. I am interested in the person who hired him.
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Of course.
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I think maybe you know something about it. Like who he is.
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Mr. Jordan, I cannot condone what my brother has done.
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You do know something, then. Who hired him?
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Well, a few evenings ago, Joseph had a visitor. I was asked to leave the room while they discussed something of great importance.
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What was the visitor's name?
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I do not know. It was not said. But Joseph referred to him as Dr. Haru.
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What'd he look like?
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Small man, very small, fat, round face with a smile. A smile without good feeling. Behind it. He wore a hearing aid. I remember it quite clearly. Also, he impressed me as the kind of man you would not want to touch.
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You've given a perfect description of Dr. Pirou. Thanks a lot, Ms. Salim.
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I hope I have been of some help.
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Oh, yes, you have. What you've told me confuses me even more. I headed straight for the public library. It took me a little while to find what I was looking for. Copies of the Istanbul newspapers dated four years ago, December. The letters were big and black, telling the story of Dr. Pirou's murder trial. With me as witness against him. But they told even more. They told that what was happening now was utterly impossible. Screaming headlines dated December 31, 1945 said, Dr. Pirou executed for murder. Oh, Chris, I'm tired. I'm gonna hit the sack. Lock up in an hour or so.
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And go home, huh?
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Sure, Rock. But don't you want me to bunk here tonight? No, it's not necessary. Rock, look out the window.
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What? That guy under the lamppost up the block.
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He's been there all evening. Watch job. That's right. Maybe I better stay here tonight. If there's some trouble. If there is, it's my trouble. I don't want you in on it. Lock up and go home, like I say.
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Where you going now?
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Just behind the counter here. My sleeping companion for the night.
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All loaded up.
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Just in case, Chris. Just in case. Well, I went upstairs, shoved the gun under the pillow, undressed and got into bed. It was hard sleeping. The effects of the smash up hadn't worn off. And the whole business of Dr. Pirou made it worse. I tossed and turned and felt like I was building a fever. And finally dropped off into a fitful sleep. Time went by and the dreams came and went. The screwy dreams of illness and confusion. Dreams of the cab smash up. Of Anna Saleem's description of the man who hired a brother. Wacky dreams contorted. Dreams of Pirou and the hangman's gallow and the springing of the trap. And then the screwiest dream of all. Dr. Pyro rising from the dead. And suddenly I was awake. And what I was seeing wasn't a dream at all. Standing over my bed in the low glare of a street lamp was a face. A round, fat face with a sickly smile. The face of Dr. Pirou. I sprang up in bed. That's when I was aware he was holding something in my arm. I looked down. A hypodermic needle and he was pushing the plunger. I yanked my arm away, shoved it under the pillow and came up with a gun. The figure bolted and ran. I raised the gun and squeezed at the trigger. And I hit a lot of air. Then I scrambled out of bed to take chase. Only suddenly my legs were paper mache. I crumbled in a chair. Blackness dove in, and it was the end of the world.
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Del Monte Foods is presenting tonight's Adventure with Rocky Jordan. You know, if things keep up the way they're going with television and everything, one of these days I'll just be able to hold a bottle of Del Monte catsup up to the microphone here and let it talk for itself.
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Why, Larry, the flavor of Del Monte catsup does speak for itself right now. Just that rich, tempting tang tells you that it's made from the finest vine ripened tomatoes.
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Sure enough. And the taste tempting flavor of those delicious spices let you know that Del Monte really has the know how when it comes to blending pecan spices with tomato flavor to make a real zippy, zesty catsup.
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There's a special secret too, about that lively flavor. You see, Del Monte catsup is made with pineapple vinegar.
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And Del Monte is the only catsup made with pineapple vinegar. The superb vinegar that brings out so much flavor from the other ingredients. Especially tomato flavor. Yes, you're bound to hear good things about Del Monte catsup. So speak up for flavor yourself, friends. Ask for Del Monte catsup next time. And now we take you back to Cairo and tonight's Rocky Jordan story. The return of Dr. Piru.
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It got off to a running start when a cavi tried to grind me into a cement wall. And it ended when a guy who was supposed to be dead, Dr. Pirou, stood over my bed in the middle of the night shoving a hypodermic needle into my arm. Before I could grab him, the stuff went to work and I dove into blackness. It was early morning when I came to. My head as heavy as a bride's biscuit. What was it, I asked myself. Bad dream or the real article? Then I had an answer. Lying on the floor was something that told me it wasn't a dream at all. A hypodermic needle still half full. That's when the phone began jumping and I picked it up.
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Mr. Jordan, this is Anna Salim.
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Yes, what is it, Anna?
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I am sorry to wake you so early, but I have something important to tell you. That man, the man who hired my brother, Dr. Pierrot.
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What about him?
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I have seen him again. Where in the marketplace, not far from where I live. I thought you would like to know.
A
Well, for a dead guy, he sure gets around. Thanks, Anna. I dressed and left the tambourine to head for Sam Sabaya's office to show him the hypo. Maybe that'd make him believe somebody wasn't kidding. Going up the street, I spotted the guy who was watching the tambourine the night before. A tan trench coat thrown around his body. He was still interested in me, all right. I led him to the police station and went inside. Sam wasn't in yet, but he was expected, so I decided to wait. Trenchcoat was standing across the street waiting for me to come out. I could see him through the window. Then a moment later, I saw something else of interest on Sam's desk. A folder with my name on it. I threw it open and began reading at the papers inside.
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I trust you find that matter interesting reading, Jordan.
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You sure had me fooled, Sam. You've been working on that cab smash up all along. This folder's got a whole account. One, the cab didn't even belong to the Cairo Cab Company. It was a ringer.
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That is correct, Jordan.
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And two, there was a special lock arrangement on the door so the driver wouldn't be able to get out.
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Proving his killing wasn't a mistake but a design by the person who hired him to prevent him from ever talking.
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Why did you play it like you were sloughing it off?
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Because I did not want you to take police business upon yourself.
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It's my life, Sam.
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Because of the unusual nature of this entire affair, Jordan, I insist that you leave the matter completely in my head.
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And what do I do? Stand by like a clay pigeon?
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Measures are being taken to protect you.
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All right.
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Do something about the guy who's been tagging me. He's standing across the street.
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He is an agent of this department whose job it is to protect you.
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Yeah, he fell asleep last night. I found this hypo needle in my arm. A sweet little character by the name of Dr. Pirou was at the other end of it. You may have heard of him.
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Yes, I have.
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He is dead.
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Yeah, that's what the Istanbul papers say. Executed for murder, December 31, 1945. Only I saw him last night.
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I have checked the matter with the Istanbul police. The body has been exhumed. The teeth marks have been checked and rechecked and checked again. Dr. Peru is dead and has been buried for the past four years in the police cemetery in Istanbul, Turkey. Now do you understand what I mean? When I say the unusual nature of this entire affair.
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I still saw him last night. And Anna Saleem saw him. How do you explain that?
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I cannot explain it. All I can say is that there is no question Pirou is dead. And yet you are not the only one having trouble with this revisitation of Dr. Pirou.
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Who else?
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I am not at liberty to say.
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Okay, Sam. I'll be moving along now.
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Where is it that you are going now, Jordan?
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Take a guess, Sam. It's free. I left the station, walked to a corner drugstore and found a phone book. There was a small notation, doodle type, on the report I'd seen on Sam's desk. It spelled out a name, Dazzle Londigan. I remember that Londigan had put in an urgent call to Sam while he'd been visiting me at the hospital. So it all made me think Londigan was having pyro trouble too. I found the address and rode over there to find out. The doorbell brought a heavy set man with thick glasses. Yes, Mr. Londigan? No, by Mr. Londigan's nurse. Is he expecting you? Oh, he'll see me. Tell him it's all about a fellow named Pieru. Won't you come in, please? He led me through the main part of the house, through a pair of French doors to the garden entrance. Then he told me to wait and he walked off. I heard the low buzz of a conversation between him and someone else. Then he came back for me and brought me over to Londigan. Stanley, you may leave us now.
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Yes, Mr. Londigan. Who are you?
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Name is Jordan. Rocky Jordan.
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Never heard of you.
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What is it you want? There are a lot of impossible things going on. I want some answers. I think we can help each other. And what makes you think I need any help? If Pieru was once your doctor, you do. Was he?
G
What do you know of Pierrot?
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I know he was the kind of a doctor who traveled in important circles. Found out a lot of dirt and throw it back into the faces of his patients. The blackmail way.
G
I see.
A
With one, he even tried on murder. But let's get back to blackmail. How were you with your indiscretion?
G
You are blunt, aren't you?
A
You'll forgive it.
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I know.
A
You see, someone's just after your money. But they're after my life. True or false? You're being blackmailed by Piru?
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Yes.
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Have you seen Piru?
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No.
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No.
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Captain Sabayo assures me he's dead. How can a dead man blackmail you?
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I don't Know how can he be.
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Dead when I saw him last night?
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I don'.
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Did you say anything else? Just that the matter is in the hands of the police. I know very little about it, except.
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That it's completely bewildering.
A
Okay, thanks. Mr. Lonergan.
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You wish to be shown out, Mr. Jordan?
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Do you know my name, Stanley?
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I heard you mention it to Mr. Londigan.
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How long have you been with Mr. Lonergan, Stanley?
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He's been with me ever since I've.
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Been confined to this thing.
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What does that matter? Stanley still hasn't said how long.
G
Five years.
C
Uh huh.
A
Pirou's only supposed to be dead for four. Who recommended you, Stanley?
G
Well, it was Dr. Pirou, Mr. Jordan.
F
What is it you're suggesting, Chort?
A
Oh, nothing. Just looking for an opening. Want to show me out now, Stanley? You look pretty anxious. And he was. He gave me a fast walk to the front door and a few moments later I was out on the street walking south, trying to figure a way to get more dope on Stanley and London. Trench coat must have gone off duty because following me now is an Arab in burnous headdress and lots of whiskers. Protection from Sam. It was comforting, but all the attention I was getting made me feel like a long legged blonde with a navy in town. He kept following me as I kept walking and I soon forgot him. I shouldn't have. When I turned down a deserted street, the Arab in Burnous began to act real strange for an Arab, and especially for a policeman. From under his robes he'd whipped out a gun and started throwing bullets. I dived into the gutter behind some garbage cans in the shop to get comfort. I was out of breath and he was out of bullets. He turned the corner and bolted. I moved out after him. By the time I got to the corner, he was also out of sight. That's a swell way to give me protection, Samson.
F
I am sorry, Jordan. The man I assigned to follow and protect you is completely trustworthy.
A
But an Arab. And Pernoose got to him and laid him up in an alley, I bet. And just took his place following me. My guard was.
F
I admit the mistake and the excuse is feeble. You might have been killed. Your death would have been on my hands. You think I want that?
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I'm sorry, Sam. Guess I'm a little edgy.
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Oh, it is all right, Jordan.
F
Anger comes to our voices when consternation is in our hearts.
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It is just that I am not.
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Able to make head or tails out of this entire affair. There is an answer but what, Sam?
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I know how to bring this to a head. You want it?
F
That, Jordan, depends entirely upon the method.
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You wish to use.
A
Hyrule, or whatever it is, wants me dead pretty bad.
F
Jordan, a moment, please. It might occur to you to set yourself up as bait in some public place, say, and wait until this, this whatever it is comes to you in a further attempt at your life. This Jordan I cannot sanction. My job is to protect you.
A
Okay, Sam. Forget I mention it.
C
Where are you going now?
A
Out.
F
Jordan.
A
Don't worry, Sam. I ever do anything you don't want me to. I went back to the tambourine, got my gun and stuffed it into my pocket. Then I headed over to old Caro, the Ms. Saleem's part of town, to the marketplace where she said she'd seen Pirou. It was closing in on evening when I found a rat's that passed as a bar. Inside, a tall, slim why fellas get tired of mother type girl was doing a sword dance. I moved through the smoke, found a corner table and sat down. I told the waiter two things. One, what I wanted to drink. Two, that my name was Rocky Jordan and I wanted to see Pyroul. He'd do the rest. And all that was left for me was the wait. Well, it was a long wait, but there were diversions. As the night dragged on. The dances got better, the music got faster and the smoke got thicker. Then at nine, the dervishes came on the dance floor, turning themselves into a whirling, twisting mass. Spinning tops, jet propelled. Then, at the height of their dance, suddenly standing in the doorway through the heavy smoke, I saw it once again, the impossible. The face of Dr. Pirou. Then it was gone. I moved out of the cafe fast, out into the cold night air to see where the figure had gone. This time it wasn't getting away from me.
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Mr. Jordan. Mr. Jordan.
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Anna.
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But I saw him. I saw him again.
E
Down those steps.
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He went into that cellar.
A
My gun was in my hand. I took the steps two at a time and plunged into the semi darkness of the cellar. At the end of a long hallway, I thought I heard a door close. So I moved to it in high gear and kicked it in. Inside, a single candle burned. Then I saw it once again, leering down at me. The face of Dr. Pirou. I didn't wait another second before I pulled the tree. The bullets plowed into the forehead, but the smile didn't leave them face. Then I knew why. It was a lifelike rubber mask and I had a lot of answers. But I also knew I'd allowed myself to walk into a trap.
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In just a moment, Rocky Jordan returns to conclude tonight's story. Maybe you've heard the saying, start off each day with a smile and the world will seem much brighter. Well, one grand way to help that smile get started is to drink a glass of that tangy, fresh tasting Del Monte tomato juice.
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That's right, Larry.
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Even Monday looks good around our house.
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When we start off with such sunny, refreshing, ripe tomato flavor.
B
That goes for thousands of other people too. After all, who wouldn't cheer up to a tomato juice that's really fresh tasting. With all the rich, delicious goodness of plump red tomatoes.
D
Well, that's describing Del Monte tomato juice to a T. You can tell straight off that it's the juice of fully vine ripened tomatoes.
B
Sure enough, otherwise it just couldn't have that tempting tang and that special flavor. And Del Monte's close quality control sees to it that the juice gets to you as truly natural tasting and fresh tasting as can be.
D
Well, isn't that just what you'd expect from Del Monte? If anybody knows how to protect flavor, they do.
B
So you see, Del Monte Tomato Juice means brighter breakfasts, refreshing appetizers. A grand between meal drink too. Better get several cans at your grocer. Back now to Rocky Jordan for the conclusion of tonight's story.
A
Well, I had chased what I thought was the figure of Dr. Pirou into a cellar. What I found there was a rubber mask of his face, a burning candle and something else. The knowledge that I'd allowed myself to walk into a trap.
D
You may sit and arrest now, Mr. Jordan. You appear tired, Anna Salim.
A
But I guess the real name is something else, huh?
D
Anna Pyro.
G
Daughter.
E
Yes.
A
You got a first class bringing up. Papa taught you a lot of things.
D
Mostly the practical one.
A
You hired Joseph Saleem to kill me and that backfired. You stuck around play acting as his sister from Alexandria. What about the Arab who threw those bullets at me?
D
No Arab at all. A friend of the Piru family for many years. Come in here, Basha.
G
Yes, Ms. Piru.
D
Turn on the light and meet Mr. Jordan. Basha. The man you did not kill. But you will still have another chance.
A
Well, it's all out on the table now, Anna. Revenge against me. But not without showing Piru's face. That helps. The blackmail scheme, making it seem like Pirou's alive. Papa had a lot of dirt on a lot of important people, Londigan included.
D
And it is filed, Mr. Jordan, on.
A
Microfilm that became your legacy. How does it Feel to fall air to a lot of blackmail material.
D
Quite secure. It is not taxable.
A
Basha.
D
Mr. Jordan is now all yours.
A
My pleasure, Ms. Pyro.
G
Will the knife do?
D
Oh, yes, most admirably.
A
The big hulk moved toward me. I wasn't real anxious to have that cell in my graveyard. So I moved forward a couple of steps, getting a firmer grip on the empty gun I held. It was me and my empty gun against 6 foot 4 boxes and 6 inches of blade. And it wasn't fair.
B
You will not get away this time, Jordan.
A
He took two quick steps toward me and I raised the gun to slam it into his face. But I'd taken my eyes off Anna Pirou. She moved forward with a burning candle and drove the flame into my gun hand. And a little bit of protection I had fell to the floor.
D
Now Brasha, your knife and any door for Jordan Pig.
A
Now Brasher. Before for fire it was Sam Sabia standing in the doorway with a gun in his hand. And he threw a great big damp on Anna Pyu's plans.
F
Surrounded by police, it would be unwise for either of you to attempt to escape. Are you all right, Jordan?
A
Oh, yeah, sure, Sam.
F
Sergeant Greco, take these two.
A
Go on outside with you. Well, Jordan, I'll give you a statement as soon as you want, Sam. I got it all.
F
There's no longer any hurry, Jordan.
A
There's some microfilm hidden someplace with a lot of blackmail stuff on it.
F
We probably find it in Anna's effect. We will burn it, Jordan. Well, it is a good thing I understand you as well as I do that plan of yours for setting yourself up as bait. Though I disapproved, and perhaps especially because I disapproved, you would not forego going through with it.
A
It's a good thing I understand you, Sam. How so? You said you were going to protect me. I counted on it. I never knew you to fall down on your job yet.
B
For the finest in tomato flavor, enjoy the whole family of Del Monte tomato products.
D
Del Monte cats up and chili sauce. Del Monte tomato sauce and tomato juice and Del Monte whole peeled tomatoes.
B
Remember, buy wisely. Buy for flavor. Buy Del Monte. Del Monte, the brand you trust for flavor in so many good foods. Rocky Jordan, written by Gomer Cool and Larry Roman stars Jack Moyles in the title role with Jane of Ello as Sam Sabia and is produced and directed by Cliff Howell with original music composed and directed by Richard Arant. Remember, you have a date next week at the Cafe Tambourine run by Rocky Jordan. Same time, same station and the story is the secret of Wong Lee.
C
Butter.
B
Tender kernels, real corn patch flavor, sweet as country cream. That's Del Monte corn. Whether it's Golden Hole kernel or Golden Cream style, it's the best tasting corn you ever ate. Del Monte corn. Larry Thor speaking. Rocky Jordan is presented over cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.
C
Eight o'. Clock. Remember a Hallmark card when you carry enough to send the very best. Tonight from Hollywood, the makers of Hallmark cards bring you Jane wyman in Printing 76 on the hallmark Playhouse. Each week Hallmark brings you Hollywood's greatest stars in outstanding stories and presents as your host one of the most distinguished actors of the American Theater, Mr. Lionel Barrymore.
G
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is Lionel Barrymore. Tonight we're going to take you back to some very early and very stirring days in our nation's history. Our story is a dramatization of a book written by Elizabeth Burbridge and Robert Lee Johnson, appropriately and simply titled Trenton 76, and relates the events that took place in Trenton, New Jersey in that fateful year of 1776. It was a year of crisis, a year of war, a year of evaluation and reckoning. To play our heroine tonight, we have invited that charming and talented actress, Jane Wyman. And now here is Frank Goss from the makers of Hallmark cards.
C
When you're looking for a way to say something to someone you care for, look for a Hallmark card and you'll find the card you want to send. Because Hallmark cards are designed to say what you want to say just the way you want to say it, with the good taste you demand of anything that bears your signature. That's why Hallmark on the back of a greeting card has come to mean you cared enough to send the very best. Lionel Barrymore appears by arrangement with Metro Goldwyn Mayer, producers of the Bad and the Beautiful, starring Lana Turner, Kirk Douglas, Walter Pidgeon and Dick Powell. And now here's the first act of Trenton 76 starring Jane Wyman.
G
In the summer of 1776, Piety Pettigrew was a widow, young, attractive and quite well off. Her fortune was famous as her face and figure. And many a bachelor in the settlement of the Trenton sighed on her doorstep. But who did she favor? Well, let's see what the lady herself had to say on the subject.
E
I wasn't interested in marriage at all. In the summer of 76, I had the problems. I couldn't handle to run my farm. My hands had deserted me to join Washington's rebels army. And in order to get a man to work the farm I had no choice but to go to an auction to purchase a bondsman. My Aunt Tabitha was scandalized at the idea. Curtis, you surely are not going to purchase one of those cutthroats. Aunt Tabitha, I must have a man to work the farm, and there's none to be hired right now. If I don't harvest the crops, I won't have any money to pay the taxes. And if I don't pay the taxes, I'll lose the farm. Why don't you accept me as Switcher's proposal and let him worry about the farm? Because I don't love him. Love? Now, I want you to listen to me.
D
If you think.
E
Oh, not now, Aunt Tabitha. Come on, we're going to be late. The auction was conducted in the town square by the mayor. Quite a crowd had gathered, but the gentleman stepped aside so that Aunt Tabitha and I could make our way to the front. The mayor was startled to see us, to say the least.
G
Well, ladies, this is most unexpected. Would you care to step closer and inspect the merchandise?
E
The merchandise referred to was a group of men in the most pitiful condition imaginable. They were bearded, dirty and painfully thin. For one guinea 10 shillings, I purchased a piece of merchandise known as Jotham Vale. I took him home, gave him some fresh clothes and sent him to bathe and shave. And then I sat down to wait for our first interview together. Come in.
C
Your servant, ma'. Am.
E
Come in. Well, I must say, you look a great deal better. I had no idea you were so young and well. Never mind that. Now then, I'd like to explain your chores. I want to make it very plain at the start that you need not expect to take advantage of me because I'm a woman. I'm mistress of this manor and I will have you punished if there are any infractions of my orders.
C
You need hardly fear any infractions on my part, mistress. I have read the law in regard to my position.
E
The law?
C
Oh, yes, there is a law, mistress. It's quite explicit. For disobedience, any number, up to 10 lashes across the bare back for theft, the severance of a hand.
E
Oh, no, don't. Don't tell me anymore. I had no idea.
C
On the other hand, consider what we are. Slaps and dregs from English prisons. Vagrants, thieves, rebels against the king.
E
What. What were you.
C
There is no penalty stated in the law for refusing to talk of the past. Your concern is with my present behavior, mistress, and my future.
E
But you're quite correct, Jotham. Come, I'll show You about the farm. I could have spared myself any worry about whether Jotham would work. He took a personal pride in getting the farm in working order and keeping it that way. But the dark, disturbing sounds of war kept coming closer. Late in August, news came to Trenton that General Washington and his rebel troops were in possession of Brooklyn Heights. The revolution was beginning to assume serious proportions. We were told that King George had hired Hessian soldiers to come over to defend us. That meant more taxes, and we were notified that if we were unable to meet the tax, our lands would be forfeit to the Crown. I knew what that would make in human toil because I was raised on a farm. And I knew that Jotham could never do it alone. My freedom was far more important to me than my dignity. And I clothed myself in homespun once again and joined Jotham in the fields.
C
You're a good help, mate, mistress. You have strength. You have endurance. These have been long, weary days.
E
Oh, I've not found them so. I love the land. There's a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that comes with the harvest of a good crop. It's like no other feeling in the world.
C
I agree. Oh, if I could have what you have now, I'd have my life's fulfillment. A plot of free land. My house on the land. My nourishment coming from deep within its soil. To be master of your own plot of land and sky and sun and rain. Surely there's no deeper peace, no richer satisfaction.
E
Yet think how easy it is to lose. If I can't meet the taxes, I forfeit the land.
G
You won't forfeit it.
C
The land itself assures you that we. You will have more than enough grain to pay the tax.
E
We will have enough grain, Jotham. I could never have done it alone.
G
Well, Mistress Pettigrew, I must commend your industry. I compliment you upon settling your account with the Crown.
E
Here is your receipt. Thank you, Mayor Switchell.
G
As a loyal subject, you will be happy to learn that things are going well with us. The Hessian regiments attacked the garrison at Fort Washington and captured nearly 3,000American prisoners.
E
Well, that is welcome news. Perhaps this war will be over soon and we can settle down to peace again. You're very quiet, Jotham. You haven't spoken a word since we started home.
C
There's much on my mind, mistress. I. I'm afraid I cannot view the news of today in the same spirit of rejoicing that you regarded.
E
But why? The quicker the war is over, the better. The longer it goes on, the more Suffering. Peace is the important thing, Jotham.
C
What good is peace without freedom? Mistress?
E
These are the King's colonies. Jotham, you're talking treason.
C
Is it treason to want to be free?
E
It's treasonable to revolt against the King or to sympathize with those who are revolting.
C
Mistress, you speak of an old loyalty sadly outmoded behind the times. I say it is far more treasonable to be of your sympathies for your treasons directed against the liberty of your own countrymen. Yourself.
E
You have no right to speak to me like that. We'll say no more about it.
C
Yes, mistress.
E
I was troubled at what Just and did not speak to him again the rest of the day. Late that night I was awakened as Aunt Tabitha came screaming into my room. Percy, someone's prowling through the house.
D
It's that bondsman. He's going to murder us all. I know he's going to murder us in our sleep.
E
Oh, I could hear someone moving about, all right. And I followed the sounds down to the kitchen. I came in one door as Jotham entered the other, and both of us stopped in amazement. There at the kitchen table sat a ragged young man stuffing himself on the remains of our dinner.
C
Well, what is this?
E
Who are you and what are you doing here?
C
Forgive me for taking liberties with your kitchen, but I haven't had a meal in days. I'm trying to make my way back to my regiment.
E
Are you one of Washington's men?
G
Aye, that I am.
C
And I've pledged to fight until every lobster back goes home where he came from.
E
Jotham, keep this man under guard. We'll take him to the authorities in the morning.
C
You mean you're not a patriot?
E
Mistress, I'm a loyalist. And I hardly consider patriot the proper word for you.
C
Get out of here, boy. Go as fast.
D
Jotham, I have orders.
C
You hear me, boy? Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.
E
How dare you ignore my orders? It's my duty to turn that man over to the authorities. Now go after him at once, or I'll have you arrested.
C
Mistress, whether you like it or not, Washington and his army are fighting for your liberty as well as their own. Why this loyalty to King George? He's shown no respect for the person or property of any colonist.
E
You'll be punished for this.
C
I'm well used to punishment, mistress. You asked me once what my crime was. Perhaps you should know now. I was tried in England for treason.
E
Treason?
C
Yes. I was sentenced to servitude for rebelling against the tyranny of the Crown. You purchased a traitor on the auction block. Mistress, I will not run away. Do with me what you will.
E
You should have escaped with your friend, for you will take his punishment in the morning.
C
In just a moment, we will return to the second act of Trenton 76, starring Jane Wyman. Last night, my little niece asked me a question which was pretty important to her Uncle Frank. She said, you think the policeman at our school crossing would like a valentine from me? I said, I was sure he would, because a valentine would let him know how much he is appreciated. And even as I answered her, this thought occurred to me. Most children enjoy being thoughtful of others. All they need is a bit of encouragement to turn their little acts of thoughtfulness into a lifelong habit. This week, many of you will take your boys and girls valentine shopping. And when you do, I suggest you visit a store where Hallmark cards are sold. You see, the makers of Hallmark cards have learned through the years exactly what kind of valentines little folks like to send. There are amusing ones just made to drop into a valentine box at school. Bright ones to delight aunts and uncles and grandparents. And special Hallmark valentines for the most important people of all. Mother and dad. Yes, and here's a tip for you. You can choose all the juvenile valentines you'll want to send the youngsters this year from the big Hallmark collection. Remember, the Hallmark in the back means, as always, you cared enough to send the very best. Now back to Lionel Barrymore and the second act of Trenton 76, starring Jane Wyman.
G
The widow Pettigrew was having a very difficult night. She locked Jotham in his quarters and then started back up to bed with Aunt Tabitha trotting carefully along beside her.
E
It was a strange, strange night. That winter night of 76. I felt all mixed up about Jotham. I put myself in a position where I was going to have to punish him. And I didn't want to, even though I was quite sure he deserved it.
D
My word.
E
Now, what is that? Who'll come to the front door at this hour? It will soon be dawn. Open the window, call down, see who it is.
D
Who is it?
E
Mayor of Switzerland.
D
Mr. Spatigrew.
G
I've come to warn you.
E
Yes?
D
About what? The rumor of the victory over Washington's rebels was false. General Washington is marching on Clinton with 4,000 men. Protect your property, mistress. Only heaven knows what. Looting, pillaging, murdering. We will see this night. Jotham, I'm unlocking the door. Jotham, I must talk to you.
C
It's scarcely dawn. You're certainly in a great hurry. To have me whipped.
E
Mistress, General Washington is marching on Tretton. I want you to help me drive the livestock into hiding. At dawn, I stood by the roadside and saw the ragged columns of Washington's army marching into Tretton. At first I wanted to run and lock myself behind doors. But I forced myself to stay. The men marched silently, looking straight ahead. They were ragged, starved. Their faces were pinched with cold. Their hands seemed almost frozen. To the muskets they carried, some wore battered boots. Some marched with their feet wrapped in sacking. Not a shot was fired or exchanged. Not a word was uttered. Until suddenly, in the distance, Pray for George Washington.
G
Hip, hip.
D
Hooray. Hip, hip. Hoorain. Father and I return to camp, along with Captain Jordan. There we saw the planet.
C
Do I see tears on your cheeks, Mistress Jotham?
E
You. You see far more than you're supposed to see.
C
But do you see what you are supposed to see?
E
I'm beginning to wonder. Oh, Jotham. For the first time, I'm beginning to wonder. Why was I beginning to wonder? I hardly knew myself. Was it a spark I caught from Jotham when he talked of freedom? Was it the fierce pride of the soldier I caught rifling my kitchen? Or was it the determination on the thin faces of men who marched with their feet bound in sacking because they lacked shoes? They could have been warm. They could have been fed. They could have had proper clothes. To have these things. They had only to give up what they considered liberty. Had I given up liberty? Had I forgotten what liberty was? Oh, yes, I. I was beginning to wonder. Oh, Mayor Switchell.
G
Mistress, may I present Colonel Rolle, who is in command of His Majesty's Hessian troops. The colonel is paying you a singular honor. He wishes to have quarters in your house and to have accommodations for several of his men.
C
Mistress, it's not safe for you to be wandering around the grounds like this after dark.
E
Is it safe anywhere in this country today? Jotham, do you actually think I'm safer in that house full of hessian soldiers?
C
I would like to kill every one of them.
E
So would I. But what good would that do? Listen. There are the church bells. It's Christmas Eve. I never thought we should be spending Christmas with a house full of soldiers. They were down in the cellar when I left the house. Looting and going through everything, hunting for something to drink. Well, they won't find it.
C
They won't need to. See those barrels that just went in through the front door a little while ago?
E
This will be going on in every house in Trenton that quarters them tonight. It seems that's their custom at.
C
Wait a minute. Washington's army is just across the Delaware. They're waiting for a chance, a moment they can seize and turn to advantage. Suppose. Suppose this was it?
G
A town full of drunken soldiers.
E
Jotham, could you get through to General Washington? There are still sentinels on duty.
C
I can try. Mistress. Is it your wish?
E
I. I don't know.
C
You don't know? I thought you changed in your allegiances, mistress. I thought you were with us.
E
Oh, I am with you.
F
But.
D
But.
E
But if you go, it would be very dangerous.
D
Oh.
C
Oh, if I were free, what. What I would say to you this moment.
E
But you are free. Whatever freedom is mine, I give to you, my dear. I'll. God go with you and bring you safety. I watched Jotham mount his horse and ride away. I knew at last that I had found what I'd been waiting for. The one man I must marry. Not until he disappeared in the distance did I turn back to the house.
G
Ah, Mistress Pinnacle.
A
I've been waiting for you to come.
G
And join our party.
E
I went in and tried to appear a part of their gaiety, but my mind and heart were riding through the thick snows of the forest towards Washington and his men camped along the Delaware. A starving army huddled for warmth in thin, chill tents. A lonely general trying to see through darkness, trying to find the way of peace on earth.
G
Come dance with us, Mr. Spitigo. Dance with.
E
I don't know how long I danced. I know that my face ached from smiling, and my throat ached with fear. And suddenly there was a commotion. The music stopped, and Jotham was flung into the room.
C
What is the meaning of this? We caught this man trying to escape across the river. He said he belonged here.
G
Is this your servant, Mistress Pettigrew?
E
Yes, it is, Colonel Rawle.
B
Well, he was trying to run away.
G
Did you make any contact with the.
C
Rebel troops across the river?
A
Answer me.
G
I warn you. Any man who refuses to give a full account of his movements when I ask will find himself facing a firing squad.
E
Colonel Rahl, this is not a military matter. This man is my slave. And it's up to me to punish him for running away.
G
He should be executed for insolence, if nothing else.
E
And what good is he to me dead? What's my crime against you? That you should destroy my property? Your guests in my house? I've made you welcome.
G
Well, it is all true enough, Mistress. Very well.
C
Tis your privilege to sentence the prisoner.
G
And you will please do so without delay.
E
10. 10 lashes.
G
Take him away. And administer the lashes. And to. Now back to the dance.
E
The party continued. All the parties continued. In houses all over Trenton. And by nightfall on December 25, the Hessians were much the worse for wear. Shadowy figures began to appear in the streets. The sound of rifle was heard and the bellowing indignant voice of the King's mayor.
D
We're under attack. Help. Someone help. We are under attack. Sail.
E
Oh, we've won, Jotham.
D
We've won.
C
Yes, we have won.
E
And you helped win. General Washington said that until you arrived, he was at his wits end.
C
If I had not arrived, he would have thought of something else.
E
There's no need to be modest. We've taken the city of Trenton. And you should be very proud. We've won our first victory. The street's full of people and look. I see a good share of Tories out there singing with the soldiers.
C
Former Tories like you, Mistress Pettigrew. Today you have given me my freedom.
E
Yes, Jonathan.
C
And now, since it is my most priceless possession, I offer it to you. Will you have me as your husband?
E
With all my heart, Jotham.
G
Oh, darling, darling.
E
Jotham. You remember you once said there is no deeper peace, no richer satisfaction than to be master of your own plot of land, the sky, the sun and the rain. This is the happiness I want to share with you, Jotham, for always.
G
Sam.
C
Gene Wyman and Lionel Barrymore will return in a moment. Have you ever known a grown up who didn't get a thrill out of an unexpected valentine? It's almost magic, the way a white square Envelope delivered on February 14th can light up the gloomiest day. And you know, choosing valentines is just as much fun as receiving them. Especially if you visit a store where Hallmark cards are sold. You'll find there's a Hallmark Valentine to fit the personality of everyone dear to you. Humorous styles, sentimental ones. And old fashioned lacy valentines that recall the memories of bygone days. First, you'll want to select a Hallmark Valentine for the person you love most. A valentine with a special message that says what you want to say just the way you want to say it. And then you can choose Valentine's for all the others. Your brother in service, your aunt in Maine, or the neighbor who helped take care of you when you were ill. Yes, it's a joy to make Valentine's Day a day of loving kindness all the way around. And when the Hallmark is there, on the back of each and every one, it will tell your friends you care enough to send the very best. Here again is Lionel Barrymore.
G
Jane Wyman, thank you for another wonderful performance. You know, I always look forward to your visits to the Hallmark Playhouse. As a matter of fact, you seem like one of our Hallmark family.
E
Well, I feel like one of the family, Mr. Barrymore, because don't forget, I'm a Hallmark artist, too. I'm very proud of the fact that my paintings were chosen to be reproduced on Hallmark Christmas cards.
G
And very pretty paintings, too, I might add.
E
Thank you, Mr. Barrymore. That's nice to hear.
G
And now, Janie, I've got some very interesting and exciting news about our Hallmark Radio programs. Starting next week at this same time and on these very same stations, the Hallmark Playhouse is going to be transformed into the Hallmark hall of Fame. And from then on, every week, we'll present a new series of stories that will give us fascinating glimpses into the lives of great men and women.
E
Will all of them be famous people, Mr. Barrymore?
G
Well, it depends on how you evaluate fame, Janie, because lots of the men and women who will enter our Hallmark Radio hall of Fame will be people who have earned fame, perhaps without receiving it. Men and women who have made great sacrifices or maintained great ideals or who have contributed behind the scenes to making life richer and happier for all of us.
E
It sounds ideal for the whole family. Mr. Barrymore, since your stories will be both entertaining and inspiring, and you can count on my family as regular listeners, what will be your opening story on the Hallmark Radio hall of Fame?
G
Well, Jane, it's a story of rousing adventure and of a man whose steadfast faith helped assure the progress and prosperity of America. His name was Henry Miller Shreve, of whom General Andrew Jackson said, you have brought civilization and humanity to an American frontier. It's the story, too, of his brave young wife, Mary, who was with him on his thrilling trip up the Mississippi. And I guarantee we'll have you on the edge of your seat. Remember, next week, be sure to listen to the Hallmark Radio hall of Fame. Our producer director is William Gay. Our music is composed and conducted by David Rose, and our story tonight was adapted by Gene Holloway. Until next Sunday, then, this is Lionel Barrymore saying good night.
C
Look for Hallmark cards that are sold only in stores that have been carefully selected to give you expert and friendly service. Remember a Hallmark card, one you carry enough to send the very best. Jane Wyman appeared through the courtesy of Warner Brothers, producers of the Jazz Singer, starring Danny Thomas and Peggy Lee. The role of Jotham was played by Lamont Johnson, with Virginia Gregg as Aunt Tabitha, Polly Bear as the mayor Ted De Courcy as the colonel and Ben Wright as the soldier. Every Sunday, Hallmark Cards present two great programs for the whole family's enjoyment on radio, the Hallmark Radio hall of Fame with host Lion La Barrymore. And on television, Sarah Churchill brings you outstanding dramatic entertainment on the Hallmark hall of Fame. Consult your paper for time and station. This is Frank Goss saying good night to you all until next week at the same time and every week thereafter, when Lionel Barrymore will be your host on the Hallmark Radio hall of Fame, bringing you fascinating glimpses into the lives of real men and women as you hear of the actual events that molded their lives. Next week, Mr. Barrymore will relate the story of Henry Miller Shreve on the Hallmark Radio hall of Fame. Be sure to hear it. This is the CBS Radio Network. This is kmbc, Kansas City, Missouri.
Episodes Featured:
This week’s Relic Radio Show unearths two classic broadcasts from radio’s golden age: a suspenseful adventure with Rocky Jordan in Cairo, followed by a historical Hallmark Playhouse dramatization set during the Revolutionary War. The host highlights the enduring appeal of old time radio and introduces two contrasting tales—one of noir intrigue, one of patriotic transformation—showcasing the breadth of vintage audio drama.
Adventure/Detective | Airdate: Feb. 26, 1950
Approximate Runtime: 00:11–28:25
A mystery unfolds in Cairo when Rocky Jordan becomes the target of a deadly plot, entangled with a vengeful figure from his past who’s supposed to be dead: Dr. Pirou. The story blends suspense, noir intrigue, and sharp dialogue, as Rocky seeks the truth behind murder attempts and an apparent resurrection.
Historical Drama | Airdate: Feb. 1, 1953
Approximate Runtime: 31:26–54:10
A dramatization of Revolutionary War-era Trenton, New Jersey, “Trenton 76” follows the personal transformation of Piety Pettigrew, a British loyalist and widow, as she navigates shifting allegiances, hardship, and romance during the events surrounding George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware.
The episode closes with praise for the performers (Jane Wyman as Piety, Lionel Barrymore as host), a preview for next week’s Hallmark Playhouse, and a reflection on the value of old radio drama’s enduring themes: suspense, patriotism, moral complexity, and hope. The host and actors sign off with warmth and optimism for families and future listeners.
This episode of The Relic Radio Show traverses intrigue-filled alleys of Cairo and war-torn fields of New Jersey, reminding us of the enduring drama and humanity of old time radio. The interplay of suspense and historical inspiration offers a rich listening—or reading—experience for all lovers of great storytelling.