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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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00:17Come in.
00:21Welcome.
00:23I'm E.G. Marshall.
00:25Welcome once again to the shadow world of mystery and suspense.
00:30To a dark and cryptic universe called the imagination.
00:36When we were young, we liked to believe there are things money cannot buy.
00:41You know, things like love, happiness.
00:45But as we grow older and learn more about the world, well, we're not so sure.
00:51As a matter of fact, many of us even begin to believe that the only thing money cannot buy is
00:58a fresh new body and a chance to live another lifetime.
01:03Well, don't be too sure of that.
01:06Our mystery drama, The Forever Man, was written especially for the Mystery Theater by Sam Dan and stars Paul Hecht.
01:14It is sponsored in part by New Sugar-Free Diet 7-Up and Buick Motor Division.
01:22I'll be back shortly with Act One.
01:35All of our great religions agree on one important point.
01:39The soul leaves the body after death.
01:42However, from time to time, the question has been raised, can the soul leave before the body dies?
01:51Philosophers have considered the point and, as usual in these matters, have reached no consensus of opinion.
01:58Actually, they've found it difficult to define just exactly what the soul is.
02:04Well, we're about to meet a young man named Jackson Hanley, who will soon become intimately concerned with the problem,
02:11even though no one has ever accused him of being a philosopher.
02:15He has, however, often been accused of other things, which is why our story opens in what is a rather
02:21familiar locale for Jack Hanley, a police station.
02:25Well, if it isn't an old and reliable customer, Jack Hanley, the cop fighter himself.
02:32Why don't you just count the tiles on the ceiling, Jack? I'll be with you in a minute.
02:36Sergeant Burns here.
02:38Oh, hiya, sweetheart.
02:39Nothing, nothing. I just have to dispose of an old client.
02:42Yeah, he can wait.
02:44What's with Junior?
02:45He did.
02:47He said, Daddy, huh? I told you he was a genius.
02:50Oh, sure, me darling. You can always call me up with news like that.
02:53That's right. Goodbye.
02:56Ah, well, Jack, Jack, what are we going to do with you?
03:00I guess I'm just a bad boy, Sarge.
03:02Why do you fight with cops, Jack?
03:04I don't like to get pushed around.
03:05Well, there's no percentage in it.
03:07Yeah, you're 100% right.
03:08I mean, you can't win.
03:10So what?
03:10All you do is wind up in a cell with a black eye and a fat lip.
03:15Look, maybe there's a law that says I got to go to the cooler.
03:18But is there a law that says I got to listen to you?
03:22Jack, I got great news for you.
03:24Yeah, like what?
03:25Take a real wild guess, Jack.
03:27Okay.
03:28Somebody came along and posted Bond.
03:31That's right.
03:32What's right?
03:33Somebody came along and posted Bond.
03:36What are you talking about?
03:37You guessed it.
03:38Oh, are you kidding?
03:40No, it's on the level.
03:42But who posted Bond for me?
03:44I don't know.
03:45Maybe you got a fairy godmother.
03:46You mean I can just walk out of here?
03:49There's the door.
03:49Take off.
03:50That's all there is to it?
03:51That's all.
03:52You mean you ain't even going to give me this speech?
03:54Oh, Jack, on your way, will you?
03:56I don't have all day to fool around with every hood that's hauled in here.
04:04Ah, Mr. Henley.
04:06Who are you?
04:07How do you do?
04:08My name is Fraser.
04:10Leroy Fraser.
04:11Yeah?
04:11What can I do for you?
04:13Not nearly as much as I can do for you.
04:15How do you know my name?
04:17Oh, I know quite a bit about you, Mr. Henley.
04:20Yeah?
04:20Oh, yes.
04:21Matter of fact, I posted Bond for you this morning.
04:25Oh.
04:27Why?
04:27Would you believe I'm a wealthy old man who likes to do good deeds?
04:32No.
04:32Well, then why do you suppose I did it?
04:35You want something?
04:36Excellent.
04:38You, Mr. Henley, are a realist.
04:40No illusions.
04:42Exactly the man I'm looking for.
04:44To do what?
04:45First, you take me somewhere.
04:47You drive a car.
04:48Oh, but of course you do.
04:50You even race cars when you can.
04:53I'm parked at the curb.
04:54That, that imported sports job?
04:57That's yours?
04:58It's one of mine.
04:59One of my cheaper cars, I might add.
05:01Gee, I never saw one like that outside of a magazine.
05:04Are you afraid to drive it?
05:07Hand over the keys.
05:13Where to?
05:14Not far, the Pershing Arms.
05:16Hey, that's a pretty classy joint.
05:18I find it adequate.
05:20Why'd you post my bond?
05:22You already know I want something.
05:25What?
05:26Let us say my share of eternity.
05:30What does that mean?
05:32Are you willing to take a job?
05:34Doing what?
05:35For one thing, you'll drive this car.
05:37Chauffeur, that's a drag.
05:39The car will be yours.
05:41Mine?
05:42You'll need it to get around.
05:44Where would I be going?
05:45You'll find out after lunch.
05:48Why not now?
05:49It's a long story.
05:51Yeah.
05:52Listen, Mr. Fraser, I better straighten you out.
05:56Please do.
05:56I, uh...
05:58You see, I'm a guy who gets into trouble.
06:01I know.
06:02Yeah, it's because, well, maybe I got a bad temper, you see.
06:05The low boiling point.
06:07Yeah, yeah, yeah.
06:08You see, so, well, I get into fights, I get arrested.
06:12I'm aware of that.
06:13But I'm not a crook.
06:14You understand?
06:14I understand perfectly.
06:16Yeah, so, this thing, uh...
06:19Well, it better not be something I could go to jail for.
06:21Jack, I assure you, it's a pure and simple out-and-out private business agreement.
06:28But to do what?
06:29Something that is mutually profitable.
06:32But what is that?
06:32Ah, pull over.
06:34Oh.
06:35We're at the Pershing Arms.
06:37Uh-huh.
06:38What's here?
06:40Your apartment.
06:41My apartment?
06:42All ready and waiting.
06:50Well, I, uh...
06:51I hope the place is satisfactory.
06:54Yeah, it's okay.
06:55It's okay.
06:57Hey, wait a minute.
06:58Come over here and look.
07:00What a magnificent view of the park.
07:03Yeah, but hold on.
07:05We got some things for straight...
07:05In the kitchen, the freezer's stocked with steaks.
07:08Yeah, that's fine, but listen, listen...
07:10A splendid hi-fi and stereo.
07:13A liquor cabinet.
07:15Sure, that's all very nice, Fraser, but, uh...
07:17But what, Jack?
07:19What is all this about?
07:20I promised to tell you after lunch.
07:24Well, why do I have to wait?
07:25I'll see you at my place at three o'clock.
07:27Hey, wait a minute.
07:28Where are you going?
07:29To my apartment.
07:30I have a duplex down the hall.
07:32I thought we were going to have lunch.
07:33I always eat alone.
07:35Oh, uh...
07:36I'd forgotten.
07:37Huh?
07:38You'll need money.
07:40Money?
07:40For expenses.
07:42Oh, yeah.
07:43Uh...
07:43Hey, what kind of expenses?
07:44Three hundred should see you through the next couple of days.
07:48Three hundred?
07:48Three...
07:49Uh, well, I...
07:49On second thought, let's be safe and make it five.
07:52Five.
07:53Let's see.
07:54Fifty, hundred.
07:56Two, three, four.
07:58And five, hundred.
08:00There you are.
08:01Enjoy lunch.
08:02Well, Mr. Fraser, I've got to know what I'm getting into.
08:06Is it, uh...
08:07Is it bad so far?
08:15How'd you like the pad, huh?
08:17What's the catch?
08:18Nothing.
08:19Jack, you're talking to me.
08:21Della, remember?
08:23Well, there's this guy.
08:25Which guy?
08:25An old guy.
08:26Mr. Fraser.
08:27He puts up my barn.
08:28Why?
08:29I don't know.
08:29He gives me the car.
08:31Why?
08:31I don't know.
08:32And he gives me a job.
08:34Doing what?
08:35I don't know.
08:36He even gives me five hundred in advance.
08:39I don't like it.
08:39But you're always on to me to get a job.
08:41Okay.
08:42I got a job.
08:43A job, sure.
08:44But something like this?
08:45Jack, it has to be a setup.
08:47What kind of setup?
08:48I don't know.
08:50That's what's wrong.
08:51You see, we both keep saying, I don't know.
08:54You don't know what the job is.
08:55And I don't know why I don't like it.
08:57Look, Della.
08:58I figure it this way.
08:59No, Jack.
09:00Don't you figure.
09:01Figuring always gets you into trouble.
09:03But you have to figure he's an old nut, right?
09:05And he's out to throw his dough away for kicks.
09:07So why shouldn't I catch some of it?
09:09I still don't like it.
09:10You mean there are no old nuts like him?
09:12It don't happen?
09:13Oh, in storybooks, maybe.
09:14In the movies, maybe.
09:15Oh, Jack.
09:16Jack, listen to me.
09:17You're five hundred ahead.
09:19Now, let's get out of here right now.
09:20Della, this is a gold mine.
09:23You think so?
09:24And this five hundred, that's just what's lying around on the top.
09:27Jack, I'm scared.
09:28Of what?
09:29I can't explain it.
09:30I'm just scared, that's all.
09:31Look, I can handle it.
09:32Oh, sure.
09:33Sure, I know how you can handle it.
09:34The way you think you can handle everything.
09:36With your fists.
09:37You just won't learn.
09:39Della, I know.
09:41I...
09:42Well, okay, maybe I'm stupid.
09:45But that's why I can't turn down a chance like this.
09:48Don't you see?
09:49No.
09:49There's something about this place.
09:51It's...
09:52It's creepy.
09:54There's something in the air here.
09:56I don't smell nothing.
09:57Even the books on the shelves.
10:00Hey, I didn't notice that.
10:02Hey.
10:03You know, these feel like leather.
10:05I bet they cost a bundle.
10:07Jack, just read these titles.
10:10The Transmigration of the Soul.
10:12Hmm.
10:13The Experience of Metempsychosis.
10:17One soul, two bodies.
10:19Della, you don't have books like this to read.
10:21You keep them around to give the joint a touch of class.
10:23These books are old, Jack.
10:25So old.
10:26And they gotta be worth a lot of dough.
10:28Yeah, and all of them are about souls that leave the body.
10:31Well, isn't that what happens when people die?
10:34Okay, Jack.
10:35You got all the answers.
10:37I just wish you knew some of the questions.
10:51Oh, you must be Mr. Jack Handley.
10:55Come in.
10:56Come in.
10:59Now, I'm going to confide in you.
11:01Because you look like an honest young person.
11:03Who are you?
11:04Oh, I'm Mrs. Toomey.
11:05Mr. Fraser's housekeeper.
11:07Oh, shh.
11:07Let's not make a sound.
11:09Why?
11:09What's up?
11:10Uh, Mr. Fraser's, oh, how to put this?
11:14Well, he, he isn't well.
11:15And, and so you should do nothing to excite him.
11:19Okay.
11:21Dear old gentleman, I, I do believe that...
11:24Aha.
11:25That can only be our Jack Handley.
11:27Here it is three o'clock.
11:29And here you are right on time.
11:32Mr. Fraser, you promised the doctor to take a nap.
11:35And I did.
11:36Also to take a pill.
11:38And I shall.
11:40Now, Mrs. Toomey, excuse us.
11:42Oh, yes, sir.
11:44I, I hope you and the young gentleman have a, a most agreeable afternoon.
11:50Well, Jack, ready to go to work?
11:53I'm ready to be told what the work is.
11:55What do you want?
11:56I want to make you rich.
11:57Why?
11:58One step at a time.
12:00You asked me what I wanted.
12:01I told you.
12:03Why is another question and tomorrow is another day.
12:07Okay.
12:08Did you know that you are now the owner of a Mark 9 Borghese Fratelli?
12:14Here are the registration papers made out in your name.
12:18Surprised?
12:19Why?
12:20I told you the car was yours.
12:23Yeah, but I thought just to use...
12:24Now, please sign these documents.
12:27What kind of documents?
12:28Merely applications for bank accounts, Jack.
12:32Now, Jack, take that suspicious look off your face.
12:36You've filled out cards like these before.
12:38Well, what kind of bank accounts?
12:40I said I wanted to make you rich.
12:43Therefore, I intend to give you a rather large sum of money.
12:47Now, do you want to carry half a million dollars around in cash?
12:52Half a million?
12:53And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
12:57Obviously, you can't carry it around in your pocket, can you?
13:00Uh.
13:01Well?
13:02Uh.
13:03Of course not.
13:04So we put it in the bank.
13:06In your name.
13:08Uh, uh, Mr. Fraser, I don't want to get you all upset, but...
13:11Look, I have to know why.
13:13Is that what's bothering you?
13:15Yeah, that's what's bothering me.
13:17How do I know you ain't setting me up, huh?
13:19Jack, I assure you that I am a completely reputable businessman.
13:24Yeah, but...
13:25Yeah, sometimes they're the worst kind.
13:28Look, it all comes down to this.
13:30What do you want?
13:32That's a fair enough question, I suppose.
13:37Jack, I want your body.
13:39Hey, wait, uh...
13:40I want your body.
13:43And in exchange, I'll give you mine.
14:03Well, here's an offer you might not get every day.
14:06Say you're a young man of about 28.
14:09Tall, strong, attractive.
14:11And a frail, elderly gentleman offers you a fortune to exchange bodies with him.
14:16What do you do?
14:18Laugh?
14:19Edge away quickly?
14:21Notify the men in the white coats?
14:23Jack Handley has just received such an offer.
14:26But he's still sitting there.
14:29Because the old man has already put his money where his mouth is.
14:33If I become you, you become me.
14:37But how could that happen?
14:38Let us say it could happen.
14:41So, you're saying I become a sick old guy who's going to kick off in a couple of years and
14:46you get a whole lifetime?
14:47Jack, you're 28.
14:49You've been in serious brawls.
14:51You've been arrested for breach of the peace.
14:53You've cracked up several cars.
14:56How long do you think you can live?
14:58Two years?
14:59Three years?
15:01Your luck has run out.
15:02But you'll die and your body will go to waste.
15:06What are you giving up?
15:07A lifetime?
15:09No.
15:10A few years?
15:11Maybe months?
15:12Perhaps even days?
15:14You can't afford to turn me down, Jack.
15:17But what you're saying, it's impossible.
15:19Let me worry about that.
15:22This way, you're guaranteed two to three years of a life of luxury.
15:27But how could you and me exchange bodies?
15:29It would be a sort of transplant.
15:33No, no.
15:33No, no.
15:34No, Dice.
15:34None of that operating room for me.
15:36No surgery.
15:38That is no physical surgery.
15:40This would be psychic surgery of a sort.
15:44What are we even talking about it for?
15:46The whole thing is crazy.
15:47It's a joke.
15:48Well, then the joke would be on me, wouldn't it?
15:51But I'm willing to take the chance.
15:54You are, huh?
15:55I'm willing to enter into a verbal agreement with you.
15:59I agree to place at least half a million dollars in your name,
16:04in return for which, on demand,
16:07you permit me to take over your body.
16:11Do you agree?
16:14It could never happen.
16:16I need your agreement.
16:18But I don't believe it.
16:19Whether you believe it or not,
16:22you have to state the following if you want all this money.
16:27You must say...
16:28Yeah.
16:29I agree to the exchange of bodies with Leroy Fraser.
16:33But it is crazy.
16:34I must have the statement,
16:37but we have no deal.
16:39Okay.
16:39If it will make you happy,
16:41I agree to the...
16:43Exchange of bodies with Leroy Fraser.
16:47With Leroy Fraser.
16:49Okay.
16:50Well, now, that's in order.
16:53So, what about this job?
16:55Hmm?
16:56The job?
16:57Yeah.
16:57Oh, don't you see?
16:59Your job is to enjoy life
17:02until such time as you are required to surrender your body.
17:06Oh.
17:06Oh.
17:07I might add,
17:08you must take excellent care of it.
17:12Uh, not that this could ever happen, Fraser,
17:14but, um...
17:15I mean, how do you enforce a thing like this?
17:17I mean, just suppose,
17:18if and when the time ever comes,
17:20I...
17:21I just tell you to go and soak your head.
17:23Too late.
17:25You've already agreed.
17:32How do you do?
17:33Uh, my name is Mr. Soames.
17:35Do you need help?
17:36Uh, yeah.
17:36I'm, uh, I'm Hanley.
17:38Uh, Jack Hanley.
17:39Hanley, Hanley.
17:40Did...
17:41Did you say Hanley?
17:42Yeah.
17:42Oh, please, sit down, sir.
17:44Oh.
17:44Have a chair.
17:45No, no, not this one.
17:46Uh, this one.
17:47Oh.
17:47Here, sir.
17:47All right.
17:48This is so much more comfortable.
17:50Uh, a cigar?
17:51Uh, no, no.
17:52I just wanted to check on the, uh...
17:54Oh, check.
17:55By all means, sir.
17:57Checkers, inspectors,
17:58audit, and balance us constantly.
18:00We will measure up to your highest expectations.
18:03Uh, no, well, I...
18:03And we are honored that a man of your standing
18:05should have chosen our bank.
18:07Uh-huh, yeah.
18:07Uh, I just, uh, wanted to make sure
18:09that the, uh, the account...
18:11The account, sir?
18:12Yeah.
18:12Yeah, that there...
18:13That there is an account.
18:14Oh, yes, indeed, sir.
18:16The account in your name has been opened,
18:19and it's in perfect order.
18:20Uh, you will find us
18:22your kind of banking institution.
18:30I've been to all the banks.
18:32You know how much it adds up to?
18:35Five hundred and ninety thousand dollars.
18:40Well, say something.
18:42What do you want me to say?
18:43I...
18:43I want you to say what you think.
18:45You know what I think.
18:47Yeah, I shouldn't have told you.
18:48You've got to break that agreement.
18:50Somehow.
18:51Agreement.
18:52You know, I listened to your talk,
18:54and I wonder, have you got all your marbles?
18:56You did make an agreement with this, Mr. Fraser.
18:58All I did was, I went along with a gag
19:01to keep some old nut happy.
19:02But it's an agreement.
19:03Look, all right, why don't we just forget it, huh?
19:06Okay.
19:07You know, I...
19:08I think I figured out a way you can break it.
19:10Who wants to break it?
19:11Don't touch the money.
19:13Don't take a nickel, it's in the banks.
19:14Now, how much of the five hundred did you spend?
19:16Now, look here.
19:17And give him back the car with a full tank of gas.
19:19No, no.
19:20No, no.
19:21This baby is mine.
19:22All mine.
19:22Oh, please, Jack.
19:23You know where we're headed tonight?
19:25Meridian Oval.
19:26Jack.
19:26Yes, ma'am.
19:27I called up the whole crowd.
19:29Spread the word.
19:30Jack is back.
19:31Jack, you're not going to race.
19:33In this one?
19:34It won't be a race.
19:35It'll be like wheeling the baby home.
19:38Jack, suppose...
19:38Suppose I crack out the car, so what?
19:40So what?
19:41Yeah, so what?
19:42This heap goes for 21,000.
19:43Big deal.
19:44All I got to do is write out a check.
19:45What you did?
19:46That's all there is to it.
19:49Listen, I got to educate you on how to behave.
19:52You see, you never had any real dough in your life.
19:56Jack, you don't understand.
19:58Another thing.
19:59I'm getting sick and tired of being told by you that I don't understand.
20:02Jack, this Mr. Fraser, he wouldn't make an agreement like that unless he knows something.
20:07Or unless he's lost all his marbles and he's a loom.
20:10I got the inside dope from his housekeeper.
20:13Give it all back.
20:14You know, Della, you're starting to be a drag.
20:16Oh, Jack, I'm only thinking of what's best for you.
20:19You know, I found out what money is these past few days.
20:24I found out.
20:26You know what money is?
20:29Everything.
20:31Now, sir, all of a sudden you're Mr. Hanley and it's...
20:35Yes, sir, Mr. Hanley.
20:37It's an honor, Mr. Hanley.
20:38And you know what?
20:39I like it.
20:41Oh, Jack.
20:41I just wish I could...
20:42Say it.
20:43Now, just ask yourself a question.
20:45All the time we've been running around together, you were smart.
20:47I was dumb.
20:48Is that the way you wanted it?
20:50What are you talking about?
20:51Were you looking for the kind of setup where you call the shots?
20:54I only tried...
20:54You need a guy who's a dummy so you can be the wise one?
20:57Oh, Jack.
20:59If I've been...
21:00Well, if I've been making the decisions, it was only because I wanted...
21:04Only because you wanted to.
21:05You were against this from the first minute.
21:07You didn't even know what it was and you were against it without even knowing why you're against it.
21:12Oh, I'm still against it.
21:15What are you stopping for?
21:16So you can get out if you don't like it.
21:19Oh.
21:20Is that how it is?
21:22Yeah, baby.
21:22That's exactly how it is.
21:24Well.
21:26Goodbye, Jack.
21:28Who are you kidding?
21:29You'll come back.
21:31Ha!
21:31You always come back.
21:39Hey, Jack.
21:40Where'd you get them wheels?
21:41What do you say, Jer?
21:42What do you try to do?
21:42Blow us all off the track?
21:44I see the word is out, huh?
21:45Crazy, Jack.
21:46Man, you won't be happy did you kill yourself, huh?
21:48Look at me now, Jerry, old buddy, because in five more minutes you won't see me for dust.
21:52Boy, a car like that on a two-bit track like this.
21:55It's just warming up for the big time, Jer.
21:57Yeah, but it's been a couple of years since you were right here.
21:59And I'm better than ever.
22:00Hey, there's a flag.
22:01Yeah.
22:02See you, Jerry.
22:02Hey, Jerry, you're right here.
22:24Well, hello, George.
22:27George?
22:28Do I look like somebody whose name would be George?
22:31Oh, yes, yes.
22:34The voice is different.
22:37But there's the same kind of spirit she had.
22:41She?
22:42Who?
22:43George.
22:44George Sand.
22:46And who was George Sand?
22:49A friend of mine.
22:51What are you doing here?
22:53I'm waiting for Jack Hanley.
22:55How did you get into the apartment?
22:57Same way you did.
22:58I have a key.
22:59I came here to give mine back.
23:01Oh, you must be the old guy.
23:04Guilty as charged.
23:07Well, you don't look so old.
23:11Well, everybody's here.
23:13Jack, what happened to your face?
23:15Nothing.
23:15A couple of scratches.
23:16I walked away from him.
23:18From what?
23:18I hit the turn too fast.
23:19I totaled the car.
23:20So what?
23:21Jack.
23:21Look, that's enough out of you.
23:23What are you doing here anyhow?
23:25I thought maybe we could...
23:27No, no, no, no.
23:28We do things my way or no way.
23:31All right, Jack.
23:33Then it's no way.
23:35Goodbye.
23:36And this time I mean it.
23:38Sure.
23:39See you tomorrow.
23:41Well, Fraser.
23:42What can I do for you?
23:44You cracked up the car tonight.
23:46I can afford another one.
23:47Our agreement calls for you to take care of your body.
23:51Have a cigar, Pop?
23:52By continuing to take foolish risks.
23:55You can cancel the agreement.
23:57I can, huh?
23:58Oh, yes.
23:59That's too bad.
24:01I got the money.
24:02It's in my name.
24:03How could you get it back from me?
24:04I couldn't.
24:05It's yours.
24:06So I'm holding all the aces.
24:08You have a powerful hand.
24:11I feel a bit weak.
24:13Oh, there's a...
24:15There's an excellent brandy in the cabinet.
24:17Could you paw me a bit, please?
24:21Hey.
24:22Smells pretty good here.
24:25You mind if I try a shot myself?
24:27Said me not.
24:28After all, it belongs to you.
24:31Oh, yes.
24:32I forgot.
24:34Well, happy days.
24:37So, the agreement's busted, huh?
24:40Oh, no.
24:42No, not the complete agreement.
24:44You see, only the part of it that gives you the two to three years.
24:51Is that right?
24:52I can't take a chance that you will live that long.
24:56Not at the rate you're going, so...
24:58So what?
25:00You are required to surrender your body on demand.
25:04You agreed, remember?
25:05Sure, sure.
25:06I remember.
25:06You want some more of this brandy?
25:08No, but help yourself if you like.
25:10Yeah, thanks.
25:10Thanks.
25:10Uh, you were saying?
25:12I was saying you agreed to surrender your body on demand.
25:18But I demand it now.
25:21Huh?
25:22The exchange will be made tonight.
25:29There is a vital essence, a special quality, a unique consciousness that makes up the individual
25:37core of each of us.
25:40Is this essence, or soul, as some would call it, transferable?
25:46Mr. Leroy Fraser has bet close to a million that it is.
26:01Leroy Fraser and Jack Hanley have an agreement.
26:11Leroy Fraser will become Jack Hanley, young and vigorous, maybe.
26:22Why are you laughing?
26:24Why are you laughing?
26:24I'm laughing at you.
26:25At me?
26:26Yeah, you.
26:26Do you really believe this?
26:28Believe what?
26:28Believe that we can swap bodies.
26:30Certainly.
26:31Certainly, he says.
26:31Look, I took your dough.
26:33Ask me why.
26:33Why?
26:34Why?
26:34Because an old clown like you, you had to lose it.
26:37It's like you were standing on a street corner.
26:40You were saying, here's my money.
26:42Take my money.
26:43Might just as well have been me.
26:44That's not exactly the way it happened.
26:47You received this money as part of an agreement.
26:50Oh, yeah, the agreement again.
26:52You and Della, you'd make a great pair.
26:54We might at that.
26:56You know, I must say, Pop, you are cool.
26:59I mean, you are very cool.
27:01You're sitting there with a bust hand,
27:03and you make out like you're holding a royal flush.
27:06Well, time for the exchange.
27:09It will be over in a minute.
27:11All a crazy idea.
27:12What makes you so sure you can do it?
27:14Well, you see, I've done it before.
27:17You what?
27:18Oh, yes.
27:20Many times.
27:21Who are you kidding?
27:22Nobody.
27:23I'm serious.
27:25You're the one who keeps insisting this is a joke.
27:28Okay, okay.
27:29Enough is enough.
27:30Look, I'm tired.
27:30I want to go to bed.
27:31So take off.
27:33Come on, Fraser.
27:34Beat it.
27:36Look, don't make me throw you out of here.
27:38Try to get up, Jack.
27:41Huh?
27:41Well, just try to get up.
27:45Oh, I feel kind of dizzy.
27:50What did you do?
27:52We have an agreement, you and I.
27:55We have an agreement.
27:57No, no, don't say that.
27:59It's the brandy.
28:01You did something to the brandy.
28:04But I drank it, too.
28:06Oh, and I feel fine.
28:08No, no, listen, Fraser.
28:10You can't.
28:12You can't.
28:13You can't do it.
28:14Have you read any of the books, Jack?
28:17The books?
28:17What books?
28:18The books on the shelves.
28:19Why?
28:20Why would I?
28:21So you would know, Jack.
28:23You'd know how it was done.
28:26I didn't read nothing.
28:27It doesn't matter.
28:29You shared the room, the wisdom, the power that is in the books.
28:34I don't feel so good.
28:35No, Jack.
28:36You feel fine.
28:38There are just changes.
28:40Changes?
28:41Changes taking place in your soul.
28:46What kind of changes?
28:47Just changes that will prepare it for a journey.
28:51The journey from your body to mine.
28:56My soul is also preparing.
28:58She was right.
28:59She was right.
29:01She said she was scared.
29:03You should have listened to her.
29:06My head.
29:08My head is split and wide open.
29:10No, Jack.
29:11You're fine.
29:14You promised.
29:15You promised me three years.
29:17Two years.
29:18You promised.
29:19Ah, but Jack, I can't believe you.
29:23I can't breathe.
29:26Yes, you can, Jack.
29:27You're fine.
29:28Look, I promised.
29:30No, Jack.
29:30I can't trust you.
29:32You can't.
29:33I swear.
29:35With what you know now, you'll kill me.
29:39I feel cold.
29:41I feel stiff.
29:43There is a law.
29:45It's written in the book.
29:47No.
29:47No.
29:49The mind.
29:50The soul.
29:52The essence.
29:54I can't.
29:55I can't breathe.
29:55The living force.
29:56The vital spirit.
29:58It's free.
30:00Unfettered.
30:00Unbound.
30:02Escape.
30:03Escape.
30:03Escape the petty prison of the faltering body.
30:07Escape.
30:08Be free.
30:09He's tearing at my ins.
30:10Escape.
30:11Leave me.
30:13Leave this shattered hunk.
30:14No.
30:15Leave me.
30:16No.
30:16Go to him.
30:17No.
30:18With the magic of ancient Egypt.
30:20The wisdom of Greece.
30:22By all the sciences.
30:24The ancients knew.
30:26Let our souls be free.
30:28I don't want to die.
30:30I have been the vital spirit in the bodies of 15 men before this night.
30:35Now.
30:36Now.
30:37Now.
30:38I shall become Jack Hanley.
30:43No.
30:50Well.
30:51And how are you this morning, Mr. Fraser?
30:54Uh.
30:55What?
30:56Oh.
30:57I.
30:58I feel like I'm 80 years old.
31:01Well.
31:01The truth is you're.
31:02You're not far from it.
31:05What?
31:05What are you saying?
31:06Now.
31:07Mr. Fraser.
31:08Who?
31:08Who are you calling Fraser?
31:10I know it's early in the morning.
31:13But we have things to discuss.
31:15I.
31:15I'm not Fraser.
31:17I'm.
31:17I'm Jack Hanley.
31:19This is not the time to joke, sir.
31:21Only.
31:21Don't you understand?
31:23I'm Jack Hanley.
31:25What am I doing here?
31:28How did I.
31:28Sir.
31:29Please.
31:30Look in this mirror.
31:31What?
31:36Now.
31:36God.
31:38Sir.
31:39Can we talk about.
31:40How did he do it?
31:42How did he put me into his old body?
31:44I better call the doctor.
31:46Forget the doctor.
31:47Call the police.
31:48He stole my body.
31:55And doctor.
31:56He's got this crazy idea.
31:58He's somebody else.
32:00Doctor.
32:00I have to talk to you.
32:02Alone.
32:02Uh.
32:03Please excuse us.
32:04Mrs. Toomey.
32:05Oh.
32:06All right.
32:07Doctor.
32:08Listen.
32:09Doctor.
32:11I am not.
32:12Leroy.
32:13Fraser.
32:14No.
32:14No.
32:15I'm Jack Hanley.
32:16I'm.
32:16I'm 28 years old.
32:18Come.
32:19You're talking to me.
32:20The doctor.
32:21Oh.
32:21I'm Jack Hanley.
32:23Fraser somehow found a way.
32:26Maybe a drug or something.
32:28He was able to get me into his body.
32:31And he took mine for himself.
32:33I see.
32:34That's what happened.
32:36Fraser.
32:37Old friend.
32:38You need rest.
32:39I'm not Fraser.
32:40Now don't excite yourself, Leroy.
32:41You don't believe me.
32:42None of you believe.
32:43I know.
32:44I know.
32:45You look at me like I'm a nut.
32:46Some rest and quiet and.
32:48Look.
32:49You're a doctor.
32:50You should see it.
32:52Of course.
32:52Of course.
32:53Fifty years ago.
32:55If a guy said you could transplant a heart.
32:57You'd say they were crazy.
32:59But they can do it today.
33:00Can't they?
33:01Well.
33:02Sure.
33:02Sure.
33:03So why couldn't somebody figure out a way to transplant a guy's soul?
33:07We'll discuss it first.
33:09No.
33:09We won't.
33:10We'll discuss it now.
33:12Della.
33:13She knows.
33:14She was afraid it would happen.
33:16Yeah.
33:17She'll prove it.
33:18Now.
33:18Fraser.
33:19Now don't you try to stop me.
33:20Wait.
33:23Hello?
33:24Della.
33:25Who's this?
33:26Me.
33:28Who are you?
33:29Jack.
33:30You.
33:30You're not Jack.
33:31Della.
33:32Listen to me.
33:32It happened.
33:33It happened.
33:34What happened?
33:35The agreement, Della.
33:36He went and he did it.
33:37What?
33:38What are you saying?
33:38The answer.
33:39The answer's in those books.
33:41Now, Della.
33:42Go to the apartment.
33:43Find the answer.
33:45Look through those books.
33:46And hurry.
33:47Yeah.
33:48Della.
33:48She's gonna prove it.
33:49And meanwhile, you'll just rest.
33:52Now, I'll be right back.
33:59How is he, Doctor?
34:01Well, we'll have to get him to a sanitarium.
34:03Whatever gave him the idea that he's a young man?
34:07A delusion.
34:08A not uncommon delusion.
34:10A yearning for better, happier times.
34:13Should we get him ready to travel?
34:15Yes.
34:16Go in and help him dress.
34:17I'll make some telephone arrangements.
34:19Certainly, Doctor.
34:23Mr. Fraser?
34:24Mr. Fraser?
34:26Oh, Doctor!
34:28He...
34:28He's disappeared!
34:35Sergeant.
34:36Sergeant.
34:36Sergeant Burns.
34:37Remember me?
34:38No, Pop.
34:38I can't say that I do.
34:40My name is Jack Hanley.
34:41Jack Han...
34:42Well, that sounds familiar, but...
34:44But he was a young guy.
34:45I am a young guy.
34:46Look.
34:47A man named Fraser.
34:48An old man.
34:49He stole my body and he left me his.
34:52Well...
34:53Oh, come on.
34:54It's true.
34:55Yeah, sure.
34:55Sure, Pop.
34:56Don't call me Pop.
34:57I'm younger than you are.
34:58Now, look, friend.
34:59Why don't I have one of the officers take you home?
35:01I'm Jack Hanley.
35:02I was here three days ago.
35:04Jack Hanley was here three days ago.
35:06Not you.
35:07I am Jack Han...
35:08And I can prove it.
35:09Sure you can.
35:09Sure, sure.
35:10You called me Copfighter.
35:12Huh?
35:12Yeah.
35:13Copfighter.
35:13Now, how would I know that if I weren't Jack Hanley?
35:15Huh?
35:15If I were some old man, how would I know that?
35:18Well, it's...
35:18And another thing.
35:19How would I know that your wife called while you were talking to me?
35:22What?
35:23Your wife.
35:23She called, huh?
35:24She said your son had just said Daddy.
35:27Now, wait a minute.
35:28How would I know that, eh, Sarge?
35:30Now, look, Burns.
35:31You're a cop.
35:32You're a great guy.
35:33And you're the only chance I got.
35:35Well, what do you want me to do?
35:37Come over to the pad.
35:39Della's there.
35:40She'll show you the books.
35:41I'll show you the brandy.
35:42And I'll prove to you how it was done.
35:44Della can prove it.
35:45Now, come on.
35:46Come on.
35:46Come to the apartment with me.
35:55Well, come on in.
35:56Oh, sure.
35:59Sorry about last night, Della.
36:01Who are you?
36:04Yeah.
36:06Yeah, Della.
36:07And, honey, I've been doing a lot of thinking.
36:11Have you?
36:12About what?
36:14Oh, about you and me.
36:17Yeah?
36:19And?
36:20Well, you couldn't be too angry with me.
36:24How do you know?
36:25You wouldn't have come back here this morning.
36:28You want to know why I came back here?
36:30Why?
36:31I got a phone call from Fraser.
36:34Fraser?
36:35Why would Fraser call you?
36:37Oh, it was kind of a crazy story.
36:40What did Fraser say?
36:42Would you answer a question first?
36:45Sure.
36:47Do I still remind you of George Sand?
36:52Oh.
36:53Well, do I?
36:56Yes.
36:57More and more every minute.
37:00I looked her up.
37:02Her name was Amandine Dupin.
37:05You could be right.
37:08What do you say we get out of here?
37:10Where are we going?
37:11I don't know.
37:12But we're both 28.
37:14And it's a long, long trip.
37:22Della?
37:24Della?
37:24Oh, hey, Pop.
37:25Now, what are you handing me?
37:27There's nobody here.
37:27Just last night.
37:28Last night.
37:29Sure, sure, Pop.
37:30There were books on that shelf.
37:31Well, there's nothing there now.
37:33Oh, there you are.
37:34Oh, thank heavens you're safe.
37:36Ah, ma'am.
37:36Now, this old gent claims...
37:38Sergeant.
37:39Sergeant, I'm surprised at you.
37:41Oh, excuse me.
37:42Yes.
37:45Yes?
37:46Oh, oh, for you, Sergeant Burns.
37:48Oh, thank you.
37:49Yeah?
37:51Oh, you check the bags.
37:53I see.
37:54No record of deposits in the name of Jack Hanley, huh?
37:57What?
37:57Well, naturally.
37:58Where would a dumb hood like that get money?
37:59Who'd give it to him?
38:00Don't you see?
38:01He's got my body.
38:02Sure, okay.
38:03I know.
38:03It was a wild thing.
38:04But you know how it is.
38:05Anything can happen.
38:06Yeah, yeah.
38:07That's right.
38:07Right.
38:09Oh, Pop.
38:10Pop, what are we going to do with you?
38:12Don't call me that.
38:13Where's Della?
38:13She crossed me.
38:14She went with him.
38:15Now, Mr. Fraser, you'll feel so much better in the hospital.
38:19So much better.
38:20I am not Fraser.
38:22I'm Hanley.
38:24I am Jack Hanley.
38:27Won't anybody believe me?
38:28Oh, look.
38:29Get some rest, Pop.
38:31Won't anybody believe me?
38:32You'll feel better with good food and lots of sleep.
38:36Somebody has to believe me.
38:39Won't anybody believe me?
38:47As he sits there, Leroy Fraser, or if you prefer, Jackson Hanley, he sits there in his
38:55room in a faraway sanitarium, and he keeps asking the question of everyone who will stop
39:01to listen.
39:01So far, no one believes him, or is willing to admit it.
39:07All I can admit right now is that I'll be back in just a few moments.
39:13Our cast included Paul Hecht, Bryna Rayburn, William Redfield, Dan Ockel, and Leon Janney.
39:20The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown.
39:24Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by CONTAC, the 12-hour allergy capsule, Anheuser-Busch
39:30Incorporated, Brewers of Budweiser, and the Kellogg Company, makers of Kellogg's Special K cereal.
39:37This is E.G.
39:38Marshall inviting you to return to our Mystery Theater for another adventure in the macabre.
39:44Until next time, pleasant dreams.
39:50The Radio Mystery Theater was furnished by the CBS Radio Network.
39:54The Radio Mystery Theater was furnished by the
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