- 6 months ago
CBS Radio Mystery Theater (a.k.a. Radio Mystery Theater and Mystery Theater) is a radio drama series created by Himan Brown that was broadcast on CBS Radio Network affiliates from 1974 to 1982, and later in the early 2000s was repeated by the NPR satellite feed.
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00:00And now, Mystery Theater.
00:20Come in.
00:24Welcome.
00:26Welcome.
00:27I'm E.G. Marshall.
00:30Welcome to the exciting world of your own imagination.
00:34The law says, thou shalt not kill.
00:38And that's the law most of us openly acknowledge.
00:42Yet, there are other laws.
00:44Laws and drives that stir primitive, long-forgotten urges, instincts.
00:51Laws that raise murder from the worst of sins to the most satisfying of deeds.
00:57Please, please, please, let me go.
01:00Oh, no.
01:01I've got you now, Jim.
01:02You have no reason to kill me.
01:04We're friends.
01:04Nothing personal, Jim.
01:06Why?
01:06Why?
01:07Why do you want to kill me?
01:08The hawk kills a rabbit.
01:10Why?
01:10Because he has to.
01:11It's the law of nature.
01:12Frank, you're crazy.
01:13Put away that knife.
01:14I'm a natural man, Jim.
01:16I'm only obeying the law of nature.
01:19Killed!
01:30Our mystery drama, The Diary of a Madman, is based on the story by Guy de Maupassant.
01:37And was adapted especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dan.
01:42And stars Larry Haynes.
01:44Homicide is illegal, immoral, and a mortal sin.
01:59We condemn and punish the murderer.
02:03And yet, from time to time, doesn't an entire nation rise up in righteous anger and slaughter another nation?
02:10And so, there are those who, naturally enough, ponder the question.
02:17If it's noble to kill for one's country at wholesale, why is it base to kill for oneself at retail?
02:26These are the thoughts that occupy the mind of a tall, well-dressed, dignified gentleman.
02:32He's walking down a deserted street very late one night in the early summer, some 25 years ago.
02:39As he passes a darkened doorway, he hears a gasp.
02:45Oh, what a relief.
02:50I beg your pardon?
02:52Is something the matter, miss?
02:54Yeah.
02:55Oh, it's only you.
02:57Me?
02:57Yeah.
02:58Yeah, you.
02:59I don't believe we know each other, miss...
03:02Wilson.
03:03Darlene Wilson.
03:05Oh, my God, it's you.
03:07I'm afraid I don't understand.
03:08Well, you see, I took this job at Benji's Diner, my first night at the job.
03:13You know the place?
03:14No, I can't say that I do.
03:16Well, never go there.
03:17Oh, what a bunch of creeps.
03:20Anyhow, somebody said this street was a shortcut to the bus stop.
03:24And I was walking down the street and I heard these footsteps coming up right behind me.
03:28Well, wouldn't you be scared if it wasn't me?
03:31Well, I suppose...
03:32Oh, I got so scared.
03:34I tried to hide in this doorway.
03:37Oh, and it turns out to be you.
03:39Well, I'm sorry I frightened you.
03:41Oh, forget it.
03:42You're just the kind of person somebody would like to see on a lonely, deserted street late at night.
03:49Really?
03:50Why?
03:50Well, you're...
03:51You're so well-dressed.
03:53Is that all?
03:54Well, look, is it okay if I walk with you as far as the boulevard?
03:59I guess it's pretty safe there.
04:02Yes, of course.
04:05Uh, do you mind if I ask you something?
04:08Please do.
04:10I really shouldn't ask strangers such questions, but...
04:14What's a person like you doing in a neighborhood like this, anyhow?
04:18I, uh, was looking for somebody.
04:21Down here?
04:22Yes.
04:23What kind of person will you be looking for in this part of town?
04:27I mean, it's none of my business, but...
04:29By nonsense.
04:31It is your business.
04:32It is?
04:33How?
04:35Because, uh...
04:36I happen to be looking for a person like you.
04:40What?
04:41What did you say?
04:42A person like you.
04:46What?
04:47What are you talking about?
04:48You see, I have a certain urgent need.
04:53Now, listen here, mister.
04:55If I was that kind of a girl, I...
04:56No, no, Darlene.
04:57It's obvious you are not that kind of girl.
05:00Well, then, what do you want from me?
05:03I want your life, Darlene.
05:08What are you...
05:09What are you saying?
05:10No, please.
05:11Get out of my way.
05:12Oh, no, Darlene.
05:13Let go of me.
05:14Let go.
05:15No, I can't, Darlene.
05:17You can't kill me.
05:18I never did anything to you.
05:20No, of course not.
05:21I don't even know you.
05:22There's nothing personal in this, Darlene.
05:24Please, I'm scared.
05:26Please leave me alone.
05:27Please, don't struggle.
05:28I won't hurt you.
05:29Please.
05:30It'll be over.
05:31Very quickly.
05:32I don't want to die.
05:34Don't leave me.
05:35Please.
05:37Oh.
05:38What?
05:40Why did you do that?
05:43Help.
05:45Help me.
05:46Please.
05:47Somebody.
05:49Help.
05:50Help me.
05:52Some maniac.
05:53I'm not a maniac, Darlene.
05:57To kill is to obey the law of nature.
06:02Nature commands all of us to kill.
06:11June 29th.
06:14I've done it again.
06:16And again.
06:18It was so easy and exciting.
06:22She struggled desperately.
06:24I could feel the wild beating of a heart.
06:26The hysterical pounding of pulses.
06:29And then the climax of the drama.
06:32A single thrust of the blade.
06:36And once again.
06:37No one will ever know.
06:40Who could possibly suspect me.
06:42Me.
06:43The knife.
06:45I carefully cleaned and hid it in my desk.
06:48There was blood on my lapel.
06:50I scrubbed every trace of it away.
06:58Morning, Frank.
06:59Good morning, dear.
07:01Everything's not so good.
07:02You mean you've regained your appetite?
07:04Well, I don't know.
07:05I'm starved.
07:06Oh, that's wonderful.
07:08I've been so worried about you lately, Frank.
07:10What did the poet say, dearest?
07:12Come and fill the cup.
07:14Well, fill my cup and my plate with doubles of everything.
07:16What's come over you?
07:18Well, I feel like a brand new man today.
07:20How was the banquet last night?
07:21Oh, the usual political nonsense.
07:24Anyone want you to run for the Senate?
07:26Well, as they say, the feelers were out.
07:28Hmm.
07:29Do we want to live in Washington?
07:32Oh, darling, that was a bore.
07:34I made an excuse and left early.
07:36Oh?
07:37Where'd you go?
07:38Oh, out for a stroll.
07:39Hmm.
07:40One of your long walks.
07:42Mm-hmm.
07:42Clears the mind.
07:44Doris took your coat to the cleaners.
07:46The lapels were all wet.
07:47Yes, I, uh...
07:48I tripped and fell to the pavement.
07:51Oh, you didn't hurt?
07:52No, no, no, no.
07:53I landed on some grease or paint or something.
07:56I tried to wash it off when I got home.
07:58Well, you didn't have to bother.
08:00Doris said it looked like blood.
08:02Oh, it sounds ominous.
08:04Anything in the paper?
08:05Oh, the usual mess.
08:08Plus a nasty little murder.
08:10Oh?
08:10Mm.
08:11A young girl who worked in a diner.
08:13Killed on her way home from work.
08:15Oh, killed?
08:16Why?
08:17How?
08:17How?
08:18Mm-hmm.
08:19Stabbed to death on a deserted street.
08:21Oh, what a terrible thing.
08:22Mm-hmm.
08:23She was hardly more than a child.
08:25How...
08:25How would you know that?
08:28Well, you said a young girl.
08:30Oh, she was just 18.
08:32Oh.
08:32But why?
08:34Oh, I think it'll turn out to be a lover's quarrel.
08:37Really?
08:37Mm.
08:38They picked up her boyfriend.
08:40Seems the two of them had been quarreling.
08:42A what?
08:43Oh, use of the car.
08:45Her parents say she was angry because he took it,
08:48but he claims it's as much his as hers.
08:50Mm.
08:51Well, what do they have on the boy?
08:53Well, he's got bloodstains on his jacket.
08:55Oh, well, that doesn't look good.
08:58No.
08:59He claims he was out riding around.
09:00No.
09:01Into a fight.
09:02Oh, with whom?
09:03Well, that's the problem.
09:04He'd been drinking and can't remember where or with whom.
09:08Oh.
09:09Why do we talk about these things at home, Frank?
09:12Isn't it about these sad enough you have to live with them?
09:14June 30th.
09:22Although I'm completely above suspicion, I can't afford to be careless.
09:27Not that anyone in his wildest dreams would ever suspect.
09:32Still, I should be more careful about my clothes.
09:36Last time, there were also bloodstains.
09:39And yesterday, I'd forgotten to lock my desk drawer.
09:44Of course, Estelle never bothers.
09:47But still, no one should ever read this diary.
09:55I, I, I didn't do it.
09:58They're lying.
09:59They're all lying.
10:00Order.
10:01Order.
10:02Order.
10:02I'll clear this court.
10:05The defendant will rise and face the bench.
10:08Your Honor, I...
10:09Don't you call me your honor, young man.
10:12By your conduct, you show no respect for the law or for this court.
10:16Judge.
10:17Judge Wallace.
10:20I didn't kill her.
10:22Why would I kill her?
10:24Why?
10:25I, I loved her.
10:26Young man, you're being given a fair trial.
10:28You have every opportunity to prove your innocence.
10:30Judge, please.
10:32None of them believe me.
10:34What are you saying?
10:35Everybody thinks I'm guilty.
10:37I can tell.
10:37But I was cruising around, and I got into a fight.
10:42I, I got the bloodstains that way.
10:45I, I got no alibi, but I didn't do it.
10:48You'll have to be seated.
10:50And we'll proceed in an orderly fashion.
10:53Will the attorney for the people continue his cross-examination?
10:56Aren't you going to finish your steak, Estelle?
11:06You mean you still have room for more?
11:08I'm always this way when I'm trying a case.
11:11Well, it must take a great deal out of you.
11:14Yes, especially this one.
11:15Why this one?
11:16Oh, I don't know.
11:18Frank, that boy's innocent.
11:20Estelle, that's for the jury to decide.
11:22No, not completely.
11:24It's for you to decide.
11:26I think you've decided.
11:28How can you say that?
11:29By the way, you're handling it.
11:31Please, Frank.
11:33You may not be aware of it, but...
11:36Aware of what?
11:37Well, you're favoring the prosecutor.
11:40Now, that's ridiculous.
11:41Well, then, it has to be my imagination.
11:45I don't understand why we're even talking about this.
11:49We never discuss my case.
11:50It's just that.
11:51Estelle, you're actually pale.
11:55What is it?
11:58I'm convinced.
12:00That boy is innocent.
12:02Well, if he is innocent, he'll be acquitted.
12:04But you know that isn't true.
12:06The innocent don't always go free, and the guilty aren't always punished.
12:11Estelle, I've never seen you like this before.
12:14I know, and I...
12:16I just can't account for it.
12:19But I have this...
12:21This conviction.
12:23That boy is absolutely innocent.
12:26Charlene, this evidence...
12:27I don't care about evidence.
12:29Now, that's irrational.
12:30Well, what can I do?
12:32I know.
12:33Don't ask me how.
12:34I just know that that boy is innocent.
12:37Well, then, there's every chance the jury will agree with you.
12:40No, Frank.
12:42That's what makes it so terrible.
12:45I don't think the jury will agree with me.
12:51I had killed before.
12:54But this was the first time somebody was going to pay for it.
12:57So it was doubly exciting.
12:59I had not only killed her...
13:01But in the very real sense, I would also be killing him.
13:05He was doomed.
13:07I could tell.
13:08They didn't like the boy.
13:09I could read the verdict in their faces.
13:12And so I went out of my way to give them the kind of charge...
13:16That would be as favorable to the defendant as I could make it.
13:20Because I knew that nothing could save them.
13:23They stayed out a whole day, all night...
13:25And the better part of the next morning.
13:27There was never any doubt in my mind.
13:37Peter Simmons, you have been found guilty.
13:40Have you anything to say?
13:43I, uh...
13:45I was brought up to...
13:48Believe in God.
13:51And to believe in justice.
13:55And I can tell you...
13:58There's going to be justice one day.
14:02Not today, but one day.
14:05And the person who killed Darlene...
14:09Will never be forgiven.
14:12Thanks for picking me up, dear.
14:21Yeah, well, I didn't think I could come to court today, but...
14:24I couldn't stay away.
14:26Did you have to hang him?
14:28Darling, it was out of my hands.
14:31The jury wants him executed.
14:33There was no recommendation for mercy.
14:35Do you think he's guilty?
14:36We don't think about these things, darling.
14:38We hold a trial and hear the evidence.
14:41And the jury decides, therefore, he's guilty.
14:44Well, I still say he didn't do it.
14:47I'm sorry.
14:49I heard your summation.
14:51You were obviously on his side.
15:00November 27th.
15:03All of his appeals ran out.
15:06He was executed last night.
15:08I understand he died very well.
15:12But it isn't as if I killed him with my own hands.
15:17And it's been a long time.
15:21A very long time.
15:24Since I obeyed the law of nature.
15:28I'm growing restless.
15:29Oh, honey, I took so much trouble with that chicken.
15:38You haven't even touched it.
15:39I'm sorry, dear.
15:40Oh, you're out of sorts tonight.
15:43Actually, honey, you haven't been yourself all week.
15:46You've been working too hard.
15:47I had a headache.
15:49Oh, well, why don't you lie down?
15:50No.
15:52I think I'll take a walk.
15:54Well, it looks drizzly out.
15:56Well, that's just the kind of weather I like.
16:00Well, when you decide on one of your walks, there's nothing I can say to stop you.
16:04Put on your rubbers and wear a raincoat.
16:07Yes, of course, dear.
16:08I don't want to have to worry about you.
16:11Walking may be good for some people, but it can be extremely hazardous for others, especially
16:23for someone who might just happen to run into Frank Wallace.
16:27As Frank walks calmly through the rain-soaked streets, he sees a short, slight figure just
16:33up the block.
16:34And once again, there is the quickened pulse, the rapid heartbeat, the flushed face, and
16:40Frank's fingers tighten around the knife in his pocket.
16:44We'll be back shortly with Act Two.
16:46Franklin K.
16:58Wallace is a distinguished judge.
17:01He's a credit to the community and an ornament to his profession.
17:05So what is he doing out late at night on a dark street in a drizzle and fog with a knife
17:11in his pocket, moving swiftly toward a man who is walking just ahead of him?
17:19What?
17:20Hey, well, I'll be.
17:21It's Judge Wallace.
17:22Evening, Judge.
17:23Oh, it's, uh, uh...
17:25Jim Downer.
17:26Don't you recognize me?
17:28Yes, of course.
17:29How are you, Downer?
17:29Well, I tell you, I'm having a problem.
17:32Oh?
17:32She says to me, Jim, you're chasing around.
17:35And, uh, it's true.
17:37I am.
17:38And she says, Jim, you've squandered not just your money, but mine.
17:41And it's true, I have.
17:43And she says, Jim, if you don't quit, I'll leave you or I'll kill you.
17:47Either one, maybe both.
17:50I don't know.
17:51What are you doing out on a night like this, Judge?
17:53Just walking.
17:55Oh, you don't kid old Jim.
17:57Nobody picks a night like this to go just walking.
18:02Something's up, huh?
18:03Huh, Judge?
18:04Well, nothing you'd want to write about in a newspaper, darn it.
18:07You know, Judge, I need a story in the worst way.
18:10I'm up against a deadline.
18:11I don't even have tomorrow's column.
18:13How about an idea?
18:14Well, how about, uh, murder?
18:19Murder?
18:20Murder.
18:21Oh, no.
18:22No, no.
18:22I don't think so.
18:23Why not?
18:24Oh, because it's kind of offbeat, you know?
18:28Average person isn't concerned with murder.
18:30He doesn't, doesn't think about killing.
18:32Oh, that's where you're wrong, down there.
18:34Killing is the law of nature.
18:36Every living being has the mission to kill.
18:39Well, Judge, I wouldn't exactly say that.
18:41Oh, yes, everyone wants to kill.
18:44Animals kill ceaselessly every day in order to live.
18:47Birds constantly must kill.
18:49Well, yeah, but we're not exactly talking about animals.
18:52We kill or we cause to be killed for our benefit.
18:54Well, I, it's, it's kind of a gruesome topic.
18:57No, no, killing is almost the same as creating.
19:01To make and to destroy.
19:04These concepts are the history of the universe.
19:07I, I, well, Judge, it's been great running into you,
19:10but I have some people down the line.
19:11To kill is the law.
19:13All right, if you say so, Judge.
19:14Because nature loves eternal youth.
19:17The more she destroys, the more she renews herself.
19:19Well, I wouldn't doubt that for a minute.
19:21Okay, I'll see you.
19:21Now, just a second.
19:22Eh, what is it?
19:23I want to show you something.
19:25Here, look.
19:27Judge, what are you doing with a knife?
19:30Judge, let go of me.
19:31Are you crazy?
19:32No, no, no, no, I'm not crazy.
19:34We kill animals, but that's not enough to satisfy us.
19:36Now, wait a minute.
19:37Long ago, the basic need was met by human sacrifice.
19:41But now, each man must...
19:45Help!
19:45Here!
19:46Quiet.
19:47I always treated you fairly, Judge.
19:49I always wrote good things about you.
19:51There's nothing personal in this.
19:52Judge.
19:52Judge, please understand that.
19:53It has to be done.
19:54Judge.
19:54Don't struggle, Jim.
19:56It'll be over very quickly.
19:59Look.
20:07Was he dead?
20:09I thought I heard someone coming.
20:11His scream may have been heard by someone.
20:13The police, maybe.
20:14If he wasn't dead, I was doomed.
20:16But I didn't have time to make sure.
20:17I had to get out of there because I knew I had blood on my coat.
20:20I had to get out of there.
20:21And I had to get rid of that coat.
20:28Frank, where's your coat?
20:30Estelle, I don't think you're going to believe me, but I, uh...
20:34I gave it away.
20:36You what?
20:36Yes, you know the legend of the rich man who gives his coat to a beggar?
20:41Well, I ran into some poor derelict and I just gave him...
20:45Frank, what a generous thing to do.
20:49Well, not really.
20:50The coat was getting old and I was getting tired of it.
20:53And I never really liked it.
20:55Oh?
20:56Uh, let me tell you the latest news.
20:58Mm-hmm.
20:58Jim Downers, the, uh, political columnist on the Herald?
21:01Yes?
21:01What about him?
21:02Well, he was found stabbed on the street.
21:05Oh, no.
21:06Uh-huh.
21:07Is, uh, is he dead?
21:10He's in a coma.
21:11Oh.
21:12He was unconscious when the police picked him up.
21:14Evidently, he'd been attacked.
21:16He'd been screaming for help.
21:17Well, uh, will he, uh, will he recover?
21:20Well, the police are convinced he'll be able to identify his attacker, but...
21:24Well, he has to regain consciousness.
21:25Yes.
21:27Yes, yes.
21:28Uh, Estelle.
21:29Mm-hmm?
21:30I'd like to go to the hospital.
21:32I'd like to see him.
21:33Oh, I didn't know you were that close.
21:36Well, uh, Jim was, uh, he said he wanted to do a biography on me.
21:42Really?
21:42Mm-hmm.
21:43But you never said anything.
21:44Well, it was just in the talk stages.
21:46Well, they probably wouldn't permit visitors.
21:47Well, the least I can do is go there and ask if he needs blood.
21:51Oh, Frank.
21:54That's wonderful.
21:59The doctor said, sure, sure, he needs blood.
22:02And they took a pint of mine, which I thought was only fitting and proper.
22:08And then I asked if I could see Jim.
22:11And the doctor said Jim was still in a coma, but I could pop inside for a second.
22:16There was a cop stationed outside the door.
22:19He saluted me, and I walked into the room.
22:22He was lying very still.
22:23There were all kinds of tubes attached to various parts of his body.
22:29As I leaned over to look at him, he slowly opened his eyes.
22:35And I knew, I knew he was going to live, live and destroy me.
22:41Unless, unless I could do something.
22:45I could hear the doctor out in the hall.
22:47He was exchanging greetings with the policeman.
22:50Quickly, I pulled Jim Lee at one of the tubes in his arm.
22:54I didn't know what that might do, but it was all I had time for.
23:01Do you want some warm milk, honey?
23:03No, no, I'll just go to bed.
23:06Uh, any news about Jim Downard?
23:10Sorry to have to tell you this, Frank, but...
23:12Came over the radio a few minutes ago.
23:15Jim Downard is dead.
23:17Oh.
23:19They said he never really had a chance.
23:24Mm-hmm.
23:26January 20th.
23:28I had discovered something else.
23:31In addition to the thrill of killing,
23:34there is also the exhilaration that is felt by the victim.
23:39Nature is kind.
23:41She also gives the one who was doomed a feeling of the drama.
23:45I know, because for several hours last night,
23:47I could have been a victim.
23:50Had Jim Downard lived?
23:51Well, it taught me a lesson.
23:55I should raise the stakes.
23:57I shouldn't be so invulnerable.
24:00After all, if I am absolutely 100% safe,
24:04where is the thrill?
24:11Morning, darling.
24:12Oh, I see you've prepared a big breakfast.
24:14You know, it seems to me
24:16that every time there's been a murder,
24:18you eat a big breakfast the following morning.
24:20Oh?
24:21How do you account for that?
24:22Well, how do you account for this?
24:25Police have suspect in Downard murder.
24:29Have they?
24:30Hmm.
24:30It's remarkable.
24:32It only happened late last night,
24:33and they have their man a few hours later.
24:35Darling, he's not exactly their man.
24:38He's just a suspect.
24:39Well, they don't say,
24:40but they hint pretty strongly
24:42that the evidence against him is rather heavy.
24:44Well, now, that's for a jury to decide.
24:47I don't know, Frank.
24:49I don't think he did it.
24:50Oh, no.
24:51Here we go again.
24:51Well, it's just a feeling.
24:53Darling, he'll have his day in court.
24:55Well, that doesn't necessarily prove anything.
24:58Estelle, are you attacking our system of justice?
25:01Did that poor kid, what's-his-name,
25:04Peter Simmons, did he get justice?
25:06Well, he got a fair trial.
25:08Huh.
25:09Well, I still believe he's innocent,
25:11for all the good that does him now.
25:12And I believe this man is innocent, too.
25:15Estelle, you don't know what the evidence is.
25:17Well, it's just a feeling, and it...
25:19Well, it just won't go away.
25:21Well, you're being silly.
25:23Maybe.
25:25I just wish that you weren't involved.
25:29Well, I have to be involved.
25:31It's my job.
25:36February 23rd.
25:38The man's name is Tom Lewis.
25:4030 years old.
25:41He has a previous record.
25:42He did time for robbery and again for assault.
25:45I don't think his chances are too good.
25:48He doesn't have a very good story, either.
25:51Well, I was just walking along down the street, see,
25:53and I thought I heard somebody yell.
25:56Yell for help.
25:57So I wasn't going to get mixed up in it, see,
26:00but it was foggy.
26:01And I couldn't see, you know.
26:02And I guess I must have tripped over him.
26:05I could see he was dead.
26:06For good as dead.
26:07And there was blood.
26:08There was blood all over him.
26:09And that's how it got over me.
26:11And the money, well, all right.
26:14I figured as long as he's dead anyhow,
26:16he might have a couple of bucks on him.
26:18So I reached into his pocket.
26:21Your Honor, we should like the jury to examine this $50 bill.
26:26I cannot deny this bill.
26:27Listen.
26:28Order, order.
26:29But somebody else has already knocked him off.
26:30The accused will remain seated and ordered.
26:33Well, I'm being framed.
26:34Mr. Lewis, I will not warn you again.
26:36The court cannot tolerate these outbursts.
26:37But I didn't kill him.
26:44February 25.
26:45I see now each of my murders has been a masterpiece.
26:50I feel like an artist.
26:53With this difference,
26:54I cannot accept credit for my work.
26:57But perhaps the day will come
26:59when a man will be honored for
27:00a superlative job,
27:03such as I can do.
27:06Meanwhile, I'm not exactly being cheated.
27:09No one else wants to take credit for my work either.
27:13That's a consolation.
27:15Estelle?
27:22Yes, Frank?
27:23Well, now, what are you doing
27:24sitting here in the dark?
27:26Is it dark?
27:28I hadn't noticed.
27:29Well, did you fall asleep?
27:30No.
27:31Well, let me turn on the light.
27:33There.
27:34That's better.
27:36Well, what a day.
27:38Did you hear about it on the news?
27:40No.
27:40Uh, the boy.
27:42He, uh, isn't doing his case much good
27:44with all those outbursts.
27:46Would you like to go somewhere for dinner?
27:48I don't feel like eating out.
27:49Oh, well, that's all right.
27:50I just assumed.
27:51The truth is,
27:52I don't feel like eating at all.
27:54What's wrong?
27:55That's a good question.
27:57How can I answer it?
27:59Estelle?
27:59Estelle?
27:59Estelle?
28:01I don't have the faintest idea of what to say
28:04or what to think.
28:06About what?
28:08About everything.
28:10Darling, I wish I knew what you were talking about.
28:12Well, there's really nothing I have to tell you.
28:15You're the one who has to tell me.
28:17I always tell you everything.
28:19I was paying the bills today.
28:21Oh.
28:22Well, that's enough to get anybody down.
28:25And, um, I ran out of blank checks.
28:29Oh?
28:30I remember...
28:32Yes?
28:33That, uh, that you always have an extra book of checks
28:37in your desk drawer.
28:39Oh.
28:39But you always keep it locked.
28:41Yes, that's right.
28:42I do.
28:42I thought, maybe this time,
28:45you might have left it open.
28:48Estelle,
28:49I never go through your things.
28:51We always respected each other's privacy.
28:53But the drawer just happened to be open.
28:57And I found this little book.
29:03And, uh, did you read it?
29:06Yes.
29:08Yes, Frank, I read it.
29:10Every single word of it.
29:13Did you tell anyone about it?
29:15No, Frank.
29:16I've told no one.
29:19Well, that's good.
29:21That's very good to know.
29:24Frank!
29:31How would you like to poke innocently
29:33through your husband's desk
29:34and come up with a diary
29:36like the one you've been listening to?
29:38Well,
29:40you could say she's twice foolish.
29:42First, to find the diary.
29:45And second,
29:46to let him know it.
29:48We'll let you know what happens
29:49when I return shortly.
29:51With that...
29:51Might have left...
29:52Over the years,
30:04there's been a series
30:04of particularly brutal murders.
30:07You are the wife
30:08of a distinguished jurist
30:10who has presided
30:11over most of the trials
30:12and sent the supposedly guilty to death.
30:16Now,
30:17you find a diary
30:18in which your husband
30:19claims that he
30:20is the killer.
30:22Frank,
30:23what are you going to do?
30:24What do you mean,
30:25what am I going to do?
30:26Well, you,
30:26you killed those people.
30:29This,
30:29this boy,
30:30this one
30:31who's on trial now
30:32for the murder
30:32of Jim Downard,
30:34he's innocent.
30:35No, dear,
30:35he's guilty.
30:36But I just read
30:37your confession.
30:38And Peter Simmons,
30:39who was hanged
30:40for killing his sweetheart,
30:41will you,
30:42you admit you killed her?
30:44Darling,
30:44please sit down.
30:46You're becoming hysterical.
30:47That's right,
30:47that's right I am.
30:48I,
30:49I have every right
30:50to become hysterical.
30:50Estelle,
30:51please,
30:51will you listen?
30:52To what?
30:53To the truth.
30:53I've just read the truth.
30:56Darling,
30:56listen.
30:58For many years,
30:58I wanted to write a book.
31:00What?
31:00Now,
31:01will you please just listen?
31:02You don't have to say anything
31:04until I'm finished.
31:06I have been
31:07fascinated by
31:09the criminal mind.
31:11And so,
31:11after a particularly brutal,
31:13apparently senseless murder
31:15is committed,
31:16I try to place myself
31:17in the mind of the killer.
31:18What does he think?
31:19The way you put it,
31:21murder is obedience
31:23to a natural law.
31:24That's poetic license, dear.
31:26What do you mean?
31:27We kill,
31:29not for gain.
31:30Oh,
31:30we think we do.
31:31We think we kill for money
31:32or for passion,
31:33but the truth is,
31:34these are just pretexts.
31:36Oh.
31:37That we kill because,
31:38because of an ancient urge.
31:40And when the urge
31:41becomes strong enough,
31:42we take advantage
31:42of any pretext
31:43that comes up.
31:44But,
31:45I'm not aware
31:46of this urge.
31:47And neither am I, dear.
31:49It's been refined
31:50and civilized out of us,
31:51but there are
31:52lower types.
31:54You see,
31:54the Tom Lewis's,
31:55the Pete Simmons.
31:55But why?
31:56Why what?
31:57I,
31:58oh,
31:58oh,
31:59I don't know.
32:00Estelle,
32:00do you believe
32:01that I killed these people?
32:03Well,
32:03there it was
32:04in your own handwriting.
32:05Oh, Estelle,
32:05Estelle,
32:06could you actually believe
32:08me capable of murder?
32:09I don't know.
32:11It was such a shock
32:13and I,
32:13I was so frightened.
32:15Darling,
32:15darling,
32:16we've been married
32:1720 years.
32:18Don't you know
32:19what there is to know
32:20about murder?
32:21I thought I did.
32:23And then I,
32:24well,
32:25I,
32:25I happen to remember
32:26certain things.
32:27Like what?
32:29Well,
32:30one of those,
32:30each time there's been one.
32:32What murders?
32:33You,
32:34well,
32:34you just happened
32:34to be out walking.
32:35Well,
32:36there's such a thing
32:36as coincidence.
32:37And when that girl
32:38was killed,
32:40well,
32:40you,
32:40you did have stains
32:42on your coat.
32:43Oh,
32:43darling,
32:45would,
32:45would you hang me
32:46on circumstantial evidence?
32:48Well,
32:48you hung Peter Simmons
32:50on circumstantial evidence?
32:52And circumstantial evidence
32:54is tightening the noose
32:55around Tom Lewis's neck
32:57every day.
32:58Do you,
32:59do you seriously believe?
33:03No.
33:06I believe you.
33:08Well,
33:09that's better.
33:11I believe you
33:12because I,
33:15I have no alternative.
33:21February 27.
33:23How could I have been
33:24so stupid?
33:25Why did I leave
33:26that drawer unlocked?
33:28I'm sure there are
33:29psychologists who would say
33:30that I want to be caught,
33:31but that's ridiculous.
33:33Does she believe me?
33:34Does she?
33:37Or
33:37do I have to
33:40kill her?
33:43Kill Estelle.
33:46Now that,
33:48that would be
33:49testing the law,
33:51the natural law.
33:52Can you kill a loved one?
33:53Because I do love Estelle.
33:56That would be
33:56the highest obedience
33:58to the law,
33:59to kill
33:59the one you love.
34:05Very well,
34:06Mr. Lewis.
34:07You expect this court
34:08to believe
34:09that you just
34:09stumbled across
34:10Mr. Downard's body
34:12in the dark.
34:13It's the truth.
34:14He had already
34:15been attacked
34:16by someone else.
34:17Yes.
34:18He was still alive.
34:19I,
34:19I,
34:20I think so.
34:21You insist
34:22you heard him
34:23cry for help.
34:24That's right,
34:25that's right.
34:25Someone had just
34:26attacked him, see,
34:26and he's the one
34:27who killed him.
34:28Yeah,
34:28but we don't know
34:29that he cried for help.
34:30All we have
34:31is your word for it.
34:32But it happened,
34:32I tell you,
34:33and,
34:33and,
34:35yes?
34:37What?
34:38What did you
34:39want to say?
34:40Mr. Lewis,
34:41you must answer
34:42the prosecutor's
34:43question,
34:44what happened.
34:44Yes,
34:44yes,
34:45well,
34:46well,
34:46it was foggy.
34:47But you see,
34:47just as I got there,
34:48I,
34:48I saw somebody.
34:50You saw somebody?
34:53Right,
34:53right.
34:53I could see somebody
34:54running away.
34:55And could you
34:56describe that somebody?
34:58He was tall,
34:59very tall.
35:01There's no mention
35:02of this somebody
35:03in any of your
35:04previous statements?
35:05Well,
35:05that's because I,
35:06I,
35:06I was nervous,
35:07see,
35:07I couldn't think,
35:08but now.
35:09Yeah?
35:09Well,
35:10well,
35:10now,
35:10as I go over it
35:12again and again
35:13in my mind,
35:14I remember.
35:15There was somebody,
35:16see,
35:16a tall guy.
35:17And he was running away.
35:18I mean,
35:19I can even remember
35:20his footsteps,
35:21his footsteps.
35:22And so now
35:23you expect us
35:24to believe
35:24that the murder
35:25was committed
35:26by a certain
35:27mysterious somebody?
35:29I expect you
35:30to believe
35:31the truth.
35:32I think we
35:33already know
35:34the truth.
35:40You heard
35:41about today's
35:42testimony,
35:43Estelle?
35:44Yes.
35:45He claims
35:46that a tall,
35:47mysterious stranger
35:48was running away
35:48from the scene.
35:49Yes,
35:50I know about it.
35:52I was,
35:53uh,
35:53out walking
35:54that night.
35:55I,
35:55and I'm tall,
35:57exceptionally tall.
35:58Yes.
35:59And if you
36:00want to add
36:00that I came
36:02home without
36:02my coat,
36:03now why
36:03would I do
36:04that?
36:05To get rid
36:05of it.
36:07And why
36:07would I want
36:07to get rid
36:08of my coat
36:08because of
36:09the stains,
36:10naturally?
36:10Oh,
36:10please,
36:11Frank.
36:11How are we
36:12going to live
36:12with this,
36:13Estelle?
36:14You suspect
36:15me of being
36:15a killer.
36:16I never said
36:16that.
36:17You don't have
36:17to say.
36:18I can tell
36:18by your face,
36:19by the tone
36:19of your voice,
36:20you suspect
36:20me.
36:21I don't know.
36:22I don't know
36:23what to think.
36:23Well,
36:23you think I'm
36:24a killer.
36:25Shouldn't you
36:26want to study
36:26me?
36:26How?
36:27Even if I
36:28believed it,
36:29who would
36:29believe me?
36:30I'm sorry,
36:31Estelle.
36:32I'm sorry
36:32for both of us.
36:34I should have
36:34never written
36:35a book like
36:35that.
36:36You should
36:36never have
36:36read it.
36:38I don't know
36:38what kind
36:39of life
36:39we can have
36:40together.
36:41You'll never
36:41know the truth.
36:43But I,
36:43I will,
36:44Frank,
36:44I will.
36:45I found a way
36:46to determine
36:47the truth.
36:47How?
36:48How could you?
36:49The truth
36:49is in your diary.
36:51I read your diary
36:52very closely.
36:53And I found
36:54a way.
36:55I found a way.
37:02Who are you?
37:03That's not
37:03important,
37:04Tom Lewis.
37:05How'd you get
37:05in here?
37:05It wasn't easy.
37:07So what do
37:07you want?
37:08I want to
37:08save you.
37:10Yeah,
37:10why?
37:11Listen,
37:12I pulled
37:12a lot of
37:13wires to
37:13get into
37:13the prison.
37:15I'm the
37:15only chance
37:16you've got.
37:16Who are you
37:16kidding?
37:17I got no
37:18chance at
37:18all.
37:19Unless you
37:19can work
37:20a miracle.
37:21How are
37:21you with
37:21miracles,
37:22lady?
37:23Just pull
37:23yourself together.
37:23you have
37:25a job
37:25to do.
37:25Now look,
37:26lady,
37:26I don't know
37:26who you
37:26are,
37:27what you
37:27want,
37:27but it
37:28ain't gonna
37:28work.
37:29You have
37:29absolutely
37:30nothing to
37:30lose.
37:32Now just
37:32tell me,
37:33was there
37:34or was
37:34there not
37:35a tall man
37:37who ran
37:37away as you
37:38approached?
37:38Yeah,
37:38yeah,
37:39I told the
37:39prosecutor.
37:40Now you
37:40just did
37:41make that
37:42up in
37:42the desperate
37:43hope someone
37:43might leave it.
37:44Lady,
37:44I don't have
37:45to lie.
37:45I got
37:46no lose.
37:46There was
37:47someone.
37:48Tall?
37:48Yeah.
37:49Yeah,
37:50tall guy.
37:51And that's
37:52all you could
37:52say about
37:53him.
37:54Well,
37:54he was
37:54tall and
37:55kind of
37:56athletic looking,
37:57you know,
37:58good build.
37:58He moved,
37:58he moved fast.
38:00I see.
38:03Hey,
38:03lady,
38:04hey,
38:05what's the
38:05matter?
38:06Come on,
38:07what are you
38:07crying about?
38:08Oh,
38:09nothing,
38:10nothing.
38:10law?
38:11Now,
38:12do you
38:13want to be
38:13cleared of
38:14the murder
38:14church?
38:15Huh,
38:16just like
38:16that,
38:17huh?
38:17Well,
38:18almost.
38:18Why should
38:19I be
38:19clear?
38:20Because
38:21tomorrow
38:22you'll
38:23end up
38:23in court
38:24and
38:25admit
38:25you
38:26killed
38:27Jim
38:28Leonard.
38:30Oh,
38:30great.
38:31That's going
38:32to clear me?
38:32Yeah.
38:33Oh,
38:33lady,
38:33why don't
38:33you leave
38:34me alone?
38:34I got
38:35a tough one
38:35now.
38:35Do as I
38:36tell you.
38:37You mean
38:37you want
38:38me to just
38:38jump up
38:39and holler,
38:39I killed
38:40him,
38:40I killed
38:40him?
38:40Yes,
38:41and then
38:41you go
38:41on and
38:42and this
38:43what else
38:44you'll
38:44tell them.
38:50So,
38:51ladies and
38:51gentlemen of
38:51the jury,
38:52you've heard
38:52all the
38:52testimony,
38:53seen all
38:54the evidence,
38:54and now
38:55it's up to
38:56you to
38:56decide whether
38:57the accused
38:58Tom Lewis
38:59is guilty
39:00as charged
39:01of the
39:01crime of
39:01murder.
39:02They all
39:02have to
39:02decide.
39:03There will
39:04be order
39:04in this
39:05court.
39:06Order.
39:06I mean,
39:06what's to
39:07decide?
39:07I'm guilty.
39:08Hey,
39:09order.
39:11Order.
39:12The prisoner
39:13will be
39:13seated.
39:14I'm guilty.
39:14Do you
39:15see?
39:15I don't
39:15know what
39:15those clowns
39:16on the jury
39:16think.
39:17I killed
39:17him.
39:17I killed
39:18Jim
39:18Dennard.
39:18I killed
39:19him.
39:19I'm proud
39:19of it.
39:20I killed
39:20him.
39:21I killed
39:22him.
39:22What's wrong
39:22with that?
39:23Everybody
39:23killed sooner
39:24or later.
39:24We're all
39:25killers,
39:25you see?
39:25I killed
39:26him because
39:26I couldn't
39:27help myself.
39:28He said
39:28be seated.
39:29Didn't
39:29you ever
39:29want to
39:30kill
39:30somebody,
39:31judge,
39:31huh?
39:31Didn't
39:32you?
39:32I'll
39:32have you
39:33removed
39:33from this
39:34court.
39:34Why do I
39:34care?
39:35I killed
39:35him.
39:36I also
39:36killed that
39:37woman last
39:37year,
39:37you know?
39:38That
39:38Darlene,
39:38right?
39:39Darlene,
39:39what's her
39:39name?
39:40I killed
39:40her.
39:40Her
39:41boyfriend
39:41swung
39:41for it.
39:42You did
39:42not.
39:43I did.
39:43I did.
39:44I can
39:44still feel
39:45the wild
39:46beating
39:46of her
39:46heart,
39:47you see?
39:47The
39:47hysterical
39:48pounding
39:48of her
39:49pulse.
39:49And
39:49then you
39:50stabbed.
39:50You
39:51stabbed
39:51the
39:51night.
39:52You
39:52didn't
39:52kill
39:52her.
39:53I
39:53killed
39:53her.
39:53And
39:54I
39:54killed
39:54Tom
39:54down
39:54and
39:55you
39:55can
39:55take
39:55that
39:55away
39:55from
39:56me.
39:56Don't
39:56I
39:56try
39:57to
39:57take
39:57it
39:57away
39:57from
39:57me.
39:58I
39:58won't
39:58be
39:58silent.
39:59I
40:00killed
40:00but I
40:00had to.
40:01I had to
40:01obey the
40:02law.
40:02The
40:03natural
40:03law.
40:04Nature
40:04commanded
40:05me to
40:05kill.
40:06That's
40:06a lie.
40:07You're
40:07a cheap
40:08little
40:08puk.
40:08What
40:08would
40:08you
40:09know
40:09about
40:09nature's
40:09laws?
40:10What
40:11an
40:11ignorant
40:11hoodl
40:12like
40:12you
40:12know
40:12about
40:13nature's
40:13law?
40:14What
40:14an
40:15illiterate
40:15clod
40:16like
40:24you
40:25didn't
40:25kill
40:25anybody.
40:26I
40:26did.
40:27I
40:27killed
40:27Darlene
40:28Wilson
40:28and I
40:29killed
40:29Jim
40:29Donnett
40:29and I
40:30can
40:30prove
40:30it.
40:31Now
40:32you
40:32know
40:34Estelle.
40:35Now
40:35you
40:35know
40:35I
40:36did.
40:36They
40:37weren't
40:38cheap
40:38little
40:38crimes
40:39of
40:39passion.
40:40They
40:40were
40:41obedience
40:41to
40:42the
40:42elemental
40:42law.
40:44You
40:44know
40:44that's
40:45the
40:45truth
40:45Estelle.
40:46Show
40:46them
40:46the
40:46book.
40:47Show
40:47everybody
40:47the
40:48book.
40:54Well
40:56they
40:57were
40:57all
40:58set
40:58to
40:58throw
40:58the
40:59book
40:59at
40:59ex-judge
41:00Frank
41:00Wallace
41:00but
41:01of
41:02course
41:02the
41:02plea
41:02was
41:03insanity.
41:04And
41:04if it
41:04proves
41:05anything
41:05at all
41:05it
41:06demonstrates
41:06that
41:07no
41:07one
41:07should
41:08try
41:08to
41:08steal
41:08credit
41:09from
41:09a
41:09true
41:09artist.
41:11No
41:11one
41:11else
41:11should
41:12ever
41:12try
41:12to
41:12pose
41:13as
41:13the
41:13author
41:13of
41:13his
41:14works.
41:15Even
41:15if
41:15those
41:16works
41:16are
41:16concerned
41:17with
41:17murder.
41:19I'll
41:19be
41:19back
41:19shortly.
41:24You've
41:30heard him
41:31say
41:31murder
41:32will
41:32out.
41:33It's
41:34supposed
41:34to
41:34mean
41:34that
41:35murder
41:35cannot
41:35be
41:36hidden.
41:37A
41:37fact
41:37will
41:37eventually
41:38emerge.
41:39However
41:39the tale
41:40you just
41:41heard
41:41adds
41:42a
41:42chilling
41:42dimension
41:43to
41:43that
41:43statement.
41:44It
41:45can
41:45now
41:45mean
41:45that
41:46murder
41:46may
41:47slumber
41:47deep
41:48inside
41:48Chivas
41:49that
41:50one
41:50day
41:50it
41:51may
41:51find
41:52its
41:52way
41:52out.
41:54No
41:54that
41:55won't
41:55do.
41:56Better
41:56enjoy
41:56murder
41:57vicariously
41:57with
41:58us.
41:58That
41:59way
41:59you'll
41:59never
41:59be
42:00tempted
42:00or
42:01driven.
42:03Our
42:03cast
42:03included
42:03Larry
42:04Ames,
42:04E.V.
42:05Juster,
42:05Robert
42:06Dryden,
42:06and
42:06William
42:07Redfield.
42:08The
42:08entire
42:08production
42:09was under
42:09the
42:09direction
42:10of
42:10Heim
42:10Brown.
42:11This
42:11is E.G.
42:12Marshall
42:12inviting you
42:13to return
42:13to our
42:13mystery
42:14theater
42:14for
42:15another
42:15adventure
42:16in
42:16macabre.
42:18Until
42:18next time,
42:20pleasant
42:20dreams.
42:24Heim
42:26was
42:27a
42:28man
42:28to
42:30him.
42:31Heim
42:32was
42:33a
42:34man
42:35to
42:35him.
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