In this gripping episode, we delve into the mysterious world of art and its potential supernatural connections. Detective Sergeant Bert Dennison is on a mission to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious deaths linked to the portraits painted by the renowned artist Otis Manly Carter. As Bert investigates, he discovers a chilling pattern: every subject Otis paints seems to die shortly after their portrait is completed. Despite skepticism from those around him, Bert is determined to prove that Otis's paintings are more than just art—they might be lethal.
As the story unfolds, Bert's own sister, Lucy, becomes the latest subject of Otis's artistic endeavors, putting her life in danger. Bert's intuition and determination lead him to confront Otis, urging him to destroy the painting to save Lucy. The episode explores themes of love, trust, and the supernatural, leaving listeners questioning the true power of art and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. Join us for a thrilling narrative that blurs the lines between reality and the mystical.
Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon
Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
[00:00:00]
Unknown:
Every year, compliance regulations change thousands of times. And every year, ADP makes thousands of seamless platform updates so businesses can focus on everything else, like running their business. Grow stronger with ADP, HR talent, time, and payroll.
[00:00:16] Unknown:
WDAF,
[00:00:18] Unknown:
Kansas City. Dan Henry, WDAF local news at eleven. The outlook mild, but a chance for showers. Within the hour, the Black Angus restaurant was held up by four men, all of them armed at sixty fifteen Troost. Police are looking for them. Operation barrier was placed in effect in an attempt to apprehend three or four young men who held up the McDonald's restaurant at 20 Eighth And Prospect earlier. Saint Joseph's Hospital reports one person in critical condition tonight, the victim of a street shooting earlier at 30 0 5 East 30 First. Police have a pickup order for a known suspect in that case. It's been a day of violence in Kansas City. Police are close to solution in some of the cases. A 15 year old boy was turned over to juvenile authorities this evening arrested as shooting death of 18 year old William McCahon, shot down on the street at 60 Third And College this afternoon.
Kansas City, Kansas Police have a 30 year old resident of that city in custody being questioned by detectives and the district attorney in connection with the death of 34 year old Jerome Halloran. His gangland style killing discovered this morning when his body was found under the Seventh Street Bridge. His killing was witnessed, however, evidently taking place in another part of the city. There was a shooting later in the day at 20 Seventh And Prospect, and police say they have several suspects in custody in relation to that incident. Two men were shot, but hospital authorities say their wounds do not appear to be serious. There will be no school tomorrow as announced by superintendent of schools, doctor Robert Metcalfe. And the reports on the two alarm fire in the 200 block of West Twelfth this evening have been filed, listing arson as the suspected cause. The fire department says it took 11 pieces of firefighting equipment about twenty minutes to bring the blaze under control.
[00:01:52] Unknown:
News of the hour on the hour from American Information Radio. This is Richard Wall from Los Angeles. And at this hour, another subpoena has arrived at the White House. This one for tapes and documents relating to 64 more conversations by president Nixon and aids. Federal judge John Sirica signed the subpoena at the request of Watergate prosecutor Leon Jaworski.
[00:02:14] Unknown:
In Washington, correspondent Vic has details on the material demanded. The tapes Jaworski has asked for cover a period of almost a year from the time of the original Watergate break in in June 1972 to two conversations with former White House chief of staff HR Haldeman in June of nineteen seventy three. Prosecutor Jaworski says all the subpoenaed recordings are necessary and relevant to the Watergate cover up trial this fall. Jaworski expects the president to fight the subpoena in the courts. The last legal battle over White House tapes took four months. Jaworski wants this one resolved in time for the cover up trial to go ahead on schedule September 9.
[00:02:56] Unknown:
Vic Ratner, ABC News, Washington. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Peter Rodino says White House failure to comply fully with a subpoena for tapes for the impeachment inquiry could be grounds for impeachment itself. Rodino says edited transcripts will not be adequate.
[00:03:12] Unknown:
Criticism of operation Zebra. That story coming up. What happens when your personal battle suddenly changes from this
[00:03:25] Unknown:
to this?
[00:03:27] Unknown:
Well, I realize you've spent the past three years on assignment in Asia, sir, but we just don't have any jobs right now that need that kind of training. Now if you only had a diploma
[00:03:38] Unknown:
Or this. Oh, what a mess. You must have gone three years without seeing a dentist. Yeah. I have to do a root canal here and fill these three If you are a recent veteran, there are people just waiting to help you cope with the battles of civilian life. They are the representatives of your American Red Cross. Did you know that you are entitled to free VA dental care during your first year out of the service? Do you know what programs are available to help you complete your education or to find a better job? For more information about these and other problems of civilian life, call your local Red Cross chapter.
Let the American Red Cross help with your personal battle. An official of the American
[00:04:25] Unknown:
zebra killers is a racist outrage. Police are searching blacks who fit the description of a gunman believed to be part of the group that's killed 12 whites in San Francisco. The head of the American Bar Association, Chesterfield Smith, says it may be impossible to prosecute Patricia Hurst in connection with Monday's bank robbery because of attorney general William Saxby's description of her as a common criminal. Miss Hurst's parents have also criticized Saxby, and FBI director, Clarence Kelly, says the FBI investigation is based on the premise that Patricia was under pressure or coercion by her kidnappers at the time of the robbery.
The drop in US economic growth for the first three months of this year is bigger than government economists had predicted. The gross national product declined 5.8%. The inflation rate was 10.8%. Egypt's president Anwar Sadat says the Soviets have been slow in responding to his request for military aid, and Sadat says Egypt has therefore gone to other sources. We asked ABC's John Cooley in Beirut about the significance of Sadat's statement. This is a very important development.
[00:05:28] Unknown:
Egypt has been getting its arms exclusively from the Soviet Union ever since president Nasser started that policy back in 1955. And Sadat is now saying he will no longer rely on the Soviets, that they have not sent arms and have not answered his queries, and that he will get arms from other sources, which could only mean, of course, Western countries. That's correspondent John Cooley in Beirut.
[00:05:53] Unknown:
A foreign ministry spokesman in Tokyo, according to Reuters News Service, has announced that Japan and China will sign a civil aviation agreement in Peking tomorrow. This is information radio news.
[00:06:05] Unknown:
From the Kirkmars sports desk, the Kansas City Royals hoping for a better running big blue bus in Chicago than in Texas, meet the Chicago white sox in a three game series beginning tomorrow. Veteran Betsy Cullen and French Canadian Jocelyn Barossa share the first round lead in the Dinah Shore winners circle open golf tournament. Forrest Fessler has a five under par 66 for a one stroke lead in the first round of the Monsanto Open Golf Tournament in Florida. And Bruce Jenner, a former Graceland College athlete, won the decathlon competition at the Kansas Relays in Lawrence today. The Kansas City forecast partly cloudy with a chance for showers or thunder showers through tomorrow. The low tonight in the low fifties atop tomorrow in the middle to upper seventies. Dan Henry, WDAF News.
[00:06:52] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall. Welcome to the terrifying world of your own imagination. One day a young man named Otis Manly Carter stood before a great work of art in the Metropolitan Museum in New York. It was a portrait so beautiful that it brought tears to his eyes. And Otis Manly Carter whispered, I would give my soul to be able to paint like that. It was an idle remark, spoken without thinking, on the spur of the moment. How was Otis Manly Carter to know
[00:07:54] Unknown:
that someone might be listening? Where'd you learn how to paint, Otis? At the Fine Arts Institute. No. I spoke to Professor DeMarco. They flunked you. You didn't show him any ability at all. Where did you learn how to paint? Oh, come on, Bert. I was born with it. It just comes naturally. I've been painting all my life. But you're over 30. How come there are no paintings of yours more than two or three years old? Where did you learn how to paint, Otis?
[00:08:26] Unknown:
Bert Wolf, what are you driving at? Answer this, Otis.
[00:08:31] Unknown:
How come all the people whose pictures you painted are dead? Well, I don't Where did you learn how to paint, Otis?
[00:08:50] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, A Portrait of Death, was written especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dann and stars Nat Pullen. It is sponsored in part by the Kellogg Company, makers of Kellogg's special k cereal, and by new sugar free diet seven up. I'll be back shortly with act one.
[00:09:17] Unknown:
Some beer drinkers have funny ideas about beer. They think beer improves with age, like wine. We'll find a brewmaster though. You'll find a beer drinker who knows better. The Budweiser brew master says it all depends on how beer is aged. Just letting beer sit in lagering tanks makes it older, not necessarily better. That even goes for keeping a case around the house for a couple of months. Aging, something happens. It lets all the flavor of the choice of hops and best barley malt that go into Budweiser get through to you.
Sure. It takes more time and trouble to brew Budweiser that way. But brewing beer right does make a difference. Anheuser Busch, Saint Louis.
[00:10:14] Unknown:
I found the work to be really challenging, and I enjoy it a lot. If I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't be in it. People.
[00:10:21] Unknown:
My orientation
[00:10:22] Unknown:
all my life has been, you know, to help. I wouldn't have been in Red Cross if I didn't care, you know, about people. People who care about other people. It's an opportunity for me to help other people and to see my efforts and my skill pay off. It's just a very
[00:10:40] Unknown:
rewarding feeling to think that some little thing you've done is going to help somebody else. It's the joy you feel
[00:10:46] Unknown:
when you help someone.
[00:10:48] Unknown:
People who help other people. It's like anybody involved with the Red Cross programs. They want to volunteer, and they want to help. They are just that type of person who will go out of their way to do anything for anybody at any time, and it carries over to the work they do for the Red Cross. You know, it's like they're there when you need them. They're carries over to the work they do for the Red Cross. You know, it's like they're there when you need them. The people who are the good neighbor,
[00:11:07] Unknown:
the American Red Cross. I think that anything you know in this world, if you don't use it when when it's needed, what good is it?
[00:11:26] Unknown:
At the age of 30, Otis Manly Carter was hailed as the world's foremost living artist. He towered above his contemporaries. To describe his work, one had to compare it with the great masters of the past. No one, but no one, painting today could breathe life into a portrait to match Otis Manly Carter. And yet, just one week before his 30 birthday, Otis made the announcement that would stun the civilized world. He was finished with art. Never again would his brush touch paint to canvas. He would neither amplify his statement nor answer questions.
He simply disappeared. And only two people in all the world knew the reason why. One, of course, was Otis himself. The other was a detective on the New York City police force, Sergeant Bert Dennison.
[00:12:24] Unknown:
Bert.
[00:12:25] Unknown:
Bert. What are you doing? Just have a cup of coffee. We'll be late. Late? All I gotta do is put on my jacket and that takes all of fifteen seconds. I'm just so nervous.
[00:12:34] Unknown:
Why? Why? Do you know who's gonna be there tonight? Well sure. The governor, the mayor, celebrities, showing of a new portrait by Otis Manley Carter has the same impact as, the World Series or a Super Bowl or a heavyweight champion fight. If you put brown sugar in coffee, do you save calories? Do you realize Bert, that we, that you and I, are gonna be sharing the spotlight with Otis? Well, you will. That's for sure. Oh Bert. What does he see in me? Come on, honey. No. I mean it. Well, let's see.
[00:13:11] Unknown:
You're pretty? Well, I'm not beautiful. And you're smart. But I'm not brilliant. What can I tell you? He's an artist. All artists are crazy. But the most fascinating women in
[00:13:24] Unknown:
the world are ready to throw themselves at his feet. Sis,
[00:13:26] Unknown:
you're pretty fascinating yourself.
[00:13:29] Unknown:
Thanks to you, Bert. Thanks to me? You sent me through college,
[00:13:34] Unknown:
and there were the trips to your Well, I had to shape you up before I could marry you off. And it looks like you've got yourself a grand prize. The great Otis Manly Carter. Oh, Bert. I want you to like him. Oh, I like him. I like him. He's so
[00:13:47] Unknown:
sweet. So kind. Except? Except?
[00:13:52] Unknown:
What do you mean except? Well, except every time he paints somebody's picture, it seems to me that person dies. What are you talking about? Now, tonight's portrait, that actress, Lila Beaumont. She just died suddenly. Didn't she? But what does that have to do? And in the last five years, he painted four other women. Not one of those women is alive today. Did you know that? No.
[00:14:20] Unknown:
I didn't know that. What may I ask you how you knew that? I checked mister Otis Carter out.
[00:14:27] Unknown:
World famous artist or not, I ran him through the ringer. Do you mean you actually investigated Otis? Do
[00:14:33] Unknown:
you
[00:14:34] Unknown:
think I'd let you marry him if I didn't?
[00:14:36] Unknown:
Honestly, I don't know anyone who lives his job twenty four hours a day. You never forget you're a policeman. I'm supposed to be on duty twenty four hours a day. Otherwise, I'm cheating the taxpayers.
[00:14:46] Unknown:
Well,
[00:14:47] Unknown:
what are you trying to imply about Otis?
[00:14:51] Unknown:
Nothing. Nothing at all. Just an observation. Idle observation.
[00:15:06] Unknown:
Oh, Otis, darling. You're having a triumph. It's a fantastic success. Well, what did you think of the painting, Bert? It's a good picture. Oh, listen to him. A good picture. Is that all you can say? Well, it's certainly lifelike. I'll say that. Oh, thank you, Bert. Good evening, Ortiz. Professor DeMarco.
[00:15:24] Unknown:
May I offer my congratulations?
[00:15:27] Unknown:
I'm honored, professor. Honored. May I present my fiance and my prospective brother-in-law, miss Lucy Dennison, detective sergeant Dennison, professor DeMarco of the Fine Arts Institute. How do you do, madam Egypt?
[00:15:39] Unknown:
Otis, once again, you force me to eat crow. Oh, come on, professor. Please. No. No. I was wrong about you. Otis, wrong,
[00:15:48] Unknown:
and I don't care who knows it. Yeah. But the truth is, professor DeMarco, you taught me everything I know.
[00:15:54] Unknown:
The truth is you didn't start to paint until after you left me. Congratulations, Otis, on a double triumph. This evening. Your painting and your fiancee.
[00:16:05] Unknown:
It is a magnificent work of art. Thank you, sir. Now, if you'll excuse me, Sergeant Denison, Losi. Yes.
[00:16:14] Unknown:
He never got over it. And I don't think he ever will. He said I'd never amount to anything. Oh, but you're not serious, darling.
[00:16:22] Unknown:
How could anyone who knows anything about all this? Oh, there's Eric von Heiden. The one who's doing the new book about him. Come on, darling. I'll introduce you. Give me a rain check. I feel the need for a little refreshment.
[00:16:35] Unknown:
Excuse me, sir. I hope I didn't spill that on oh, it's, Sergeant, the Denison, sir. Of course. You know, professor DeMarco, I've been watching you. That sounds ominous. Why would a police detective be watching me? Because I'm curious. About what? About the look on your face. What about
[00:16:58] Unknown:
the look on my face?
[00:17:00] Unknown:
It's the only look of its kind in the house. How do you mean that? Well, analyze all the faces around you. What do you see? Excitement, boredom, Happiness? Anxiety? And what's my look? I would say, puzzlement. Actually, you look completely confused.
[00:17:22] Unknown:
I suppose I am. I still can't understand what happened. Otis was my student at the institute.
[00:17:30] Unknown:
And you said he'd never amount to anything. I did.
[00:17:34] Unknown:
And you can see how it's come back to haunt me. Believe me, he had absolutely no concept whatever of the elementary principles of art. He had no feeling for line, for color, for form. I recommend that he be dropped from the school.
[00:17:50] Unknown:
You're not only going out on a limb, you bring your own saw.
[00:17:54] Unknown:
Well, six months later, he astounded the entire world with his portrait of that Alderman's wife. Mhmm. The first of the Otis Manly Carter famous portraits. How do you account for that? Well, at first. I refuse to believe he could paint like that.
[00:18:13] Unknown:
And maybe he doesn't. Maybe it's all done with mirrors.
[00:18:17] Unknown:
No. No. No. No. No. There are no mirrors, no tricks. I went up to his studio. He paints. But where did he learn? How did he learn? From whom?
[00:18:32] Unknown:
There must be an answer. Naturally. But can you even speculate?
[00:18:39] Unknown:
He probably sold his soul to the devil. You realize that isn't an answer? Of course. But it's the only one I can think of at the moment.
[00:19:01] Unknown:
Come in. Hello there, Otis. Hope I'm not disturbing you. No. I was about to take a break. Coffee? Oh, sure. Sure. That was quite a bash last night, a necessary evil.
[00:19:16] Unknown:
You seem to enjoy it. But that's why it's an evil. It turns your head and wastes your time, and keeps you from doing your job. Which for me is to paint.
[00:19:26] Unknown:
Where did you learn to paint, Otis? At the Fine Arts Institute. Do you touch sugar? Yeah. One lump thing. Okay. I don't think you learned how to paint at the Institute, Otis.
[00:19:37] Unknown:
Milk? Yeah. Sure. Alrighty.
[00:19:41] Unknown:
Professor DeMarco and I had a long talk about you last night. He thought you were a lost cause. Well, he did.
[00:19:49] Unknown:
And I suppose I was for a while. So
[00:19:53] Unknown:
how did the ugly duckling turn into a swan?
[00:19:57] Unknown:
Well, some people are slow learners. DeMarco claims you just didn't have it. No. He was wrong. I always had it, but it was only in my mind. I was showing him nothing but meaningless blobs and dabs. They had to drop me from the school. Mhmm.
[00:20:17] Unknown:
And where did you study after that? Nowhere.
[00:20:21] Unknown:
I just went to the museum every day. That's all? That's all. And then, one morning I was looking at some of the old masters just worshiping at the shrine as it were, and wishing and hoping and praying that one day I too could while the most remarkable thing happened. That? Well, suddenly everything that Professor DeMarco had ever tried to teach me just began to make sense. No, no. It it was more than that. It all became a part of the way I feel, and the way I think, and the way I see. I, I was trembling all over. What did you do?
I went home, picked up my brushes. And from that day on, I was a painter. Just like that? Well, in psychology, there is such a thing as the delayed reaction. Yeah. Yeah. I know. Bert, Lucy and I want you to join us for dinner tonight.
[00:21:25] Unknown:
I never refuse an invitation to dinner. Otis. Your latest portrait of Lila Beaumont.
[00:21:32] Unknown:
Poor Lila. She never really saw it. She died the day it was finished.
[00:21:37] Unknown:
What, what does she die of? I don't know, Bert.
[00:21:45] Unknown:
I don't think anybody does.
[00:21:56] Unknown:
Sergeant, I wasn't a regular physician. Who was, doctor? I don't think she had one. She seemed to be one of those fortunate healthy people who never needed medicine. Mhmm.
[00:22:09] Unknown:
Where did she die, doctor Caswell? In mister Carter's studio. And since my office is just next door Was she alive when you got there? Just barely. She seemed to show all the signs of utter exhaustion.
[00:22:23] Unknown:
So that's what I wrote on the death certificate. Afterward, I thought about it, and I asked for an autopsy. Why? I simply couldn't believe it.
[00:22:35] Unknown:
What did the autopsy reveal?
[00:22:37] Unknown:
Nothing. I was right in the first place,
[00:22:41] Unknown:
but I still don't believe it.
[00:22:44] Unknown:
Again, why? Well, how could she change so radically in such a short time?
[00:22:50] Unknown:
What do you mean by change?
[00:22:52] Unknown:
Have you seen the portraits Carter painted of her? Her? Yes. Uh-huh. It's just brimming with robust good health. It's exactly how she looked. Just about two months before she died, I saw her get out of the cab that first time she came to Carter's studio. And? Two months later.
[00:23:13] Unknown:
I was shocked. Why?
[00:23:16] Unknown:
As I said, I'd never witnessed such a rapid decline. She was losing a lot of weight. Her color was gone. She looked so
[00:23:27] Unknown:
tired. What did you think was happening? I didn't know what to think. I decided to speak to Otis.
[00:23:34] Unknown:
After all, I knew him when he was just a starving young artist. One morning, I walked up to his studio. Oh, what can I do for you, doctor? Is he Otis? Oh, Lila Beaumont will be here any minute. Well, that's what I want to talk to you about. Is she under medical care? Well, why? Why should she be? Can't you see why? What are you talking about? Octus, she looks terrible. Oh, she looks great. She's becoming dangerously thin. She has no color. She are you serious? Are you serious, Otis? Well, I I don't understand what you're trying to say. You mean you can't see anything wrong with Lila Beaumont? She looks better than ever.
[00:24:18] Unknown:
Good morning, Lila.
[00:24:19] Unknown:
Hello, Otis. Well, you're looking just sensational as usual. Lila, I'd like you to meet doctor Caswell. How do you do? Oh,
[00:24:28] Unknown:
Otis, I I'm I'm so tired this morning. Could I have a cup of coffee? Well, coming up. I just have to heat it.
[00:24:35] Unknown:
Miss Beaumont, I hope you're seeing a doctor. Oh, why? Look in the mirror.
[00:24:43] Unknown:
You're very perceptive, doctor Caswell. Perceptive? It's obvious.
[00:24:50] Unknown:
For one thing, you're losing your looks?
[00:24:53] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:24:54] Unknown:
Your looks, your livelihood. Shouldn't you want to do something about it? What can I do? There's a a man, and he no longer loves me. But a doctor could prevent this ravaging. There's no way a doctor could help me. But you need special treatment. I would say, miss Beaumont, that right now, you should be in a hospital. Oh, you may be right, doctor. I don't care anymore.
[00:25:26] Unknown:
I just don't care care anymore.
[00:25:30] Unknown:
Is that the reason she died, doctor Caswell? Because some guy gave her the gait?
[00:25:34] Unknown:
They say you can die of a broken heart.
[00:25:38] Unknown:
What do you say? Well, I just can't see a vital and perfectly healthy woman like Lila Beaumont simply withering away in so short a time. But if her appearance had changed so drastically, how come Otis didn't see it? You'll have to ask Otis. You still haven't told me, Doctor. Caswell. What did she die of? But I did tell you. I don't know. Nobody knows.
[00:26:14] Unknown:
Well, what did she die of? And what, if anything, can it have to do with Otis Manley Carper? Detective Sergeant Dennison has a nagging, indefinable feeling. That's just the trouble. In most of the murder cases Burt has solved, the solution always began with a nagging, indefinable feeling. We'll see where this feeling leads when I return shortly with act two.
[00:26:42] Unknown:
And now another story of the ball and chain as Kellogg's special k presents Veronica and Jeff. Oh, Jeffrey. Isn't this romantic?
[00:26:50] Unknown:
Out in a quiet lake at night with you rowing a boat. Yes, Veronica. It's really neat. Jeffrey, what was that? Frogs. Frogs that go bong? They're pretty weird frogs. Oh, Jeffrey, you're such a car. You have a ball in chains. Not the ones I use in those special k commercials. Yes, Veronica. It symbolizes my few pounds of extra weight, but I'm going to get rid of it. How? By exercising. You know, like rowing this boat and eating smart at every meal. Starting with a Special K breakfast. You mean a one ounce bowl of high protein Special K, four ounces of skim milk, orange juice and coffee? Precisely. It's less than 240
[00:27:26] Unknown:
calories and it tastes delicious. It'll help me get rid of this ball and chain. I'll help too, Jeff. After all, we're all in the same boat.
[00:27:33] Unknown:
Do you have a ball and chain too?
[00:27:36] Unknown:
Your happy ending could begin with a special k breakfast from Kellogg's.
[00:27:41] Unknown:
The Veterans Administration helps people in little ways. A veteran, let's say, is trying to get an appoint. He's filed to go to school under the GIV. He's not getting any money, but he's entitled. The law, this man is entitled to receive $220 a month for attending school on a full time basis. Believe it or not, he can take that letter with the little job. Take it to the real estate people. And because he has an additional income of $220, although he isn't receiving it, it makes his chances of getting that apartment much better. And this is what I mean about the little things. Going beyond the duty every once in a while. Just go a little bit out of your way to help someone.
That's my philosophy. To me, these are little things, but big things to that person. Very big thing to that person. At VA, we try a little harder to help.
[00:28:54] Unknown:
Sergeant Bert Dennison has always been an intuitive detective. He trusted his instincts. He played his hunches. He followed his theories wherever they let him. Usually to the right answer. But this time, he has absolutely no idea of how to arrive at the answer. As a matter of fact, at this point, he can't even formulate the question.
[00:29:21] Unknown:
You really should skip dessert, Bert. I'll only have one helping. Uh-huh. Well, do you want to tell him, Lucy? No, darling. I think you should be the one. Somebody's supposed to tell me something? I hope the wedding hasn't been canceled. Oh, no. No, Bert. Sunday. Right on schedule. Otis has something to say to you, Bert. Uh-huh. We have a wedding gift for you, Bert. Me? Why? I'm not getting married. Oh, that's why you need a gift.
[00:29:43] Unknown:
Now on Sunday, Lucy is leaving your house forever. That sounds kind of stuffy, doesn't it? Yeah. Keep going darling. You're doing fine. And so therefore, to make sure you never forget what she looks like. How can I forget what she looks like? You look there. Don't interrupt. We decided that I would paint a portrait of Lucy and present it to you. Isn't that wonderful?
[00:30:06] Unknown:
Can you imagine that you're going to own an original Otis manly costume? Yeah. Yeah. But, But what is it?
[00:30:14] Unknown:
Well, these things
[00:30:17] Unknown:
are valuable. You just can't afford it. A million dollars couldn't buy all the wonderful things you did for your sister. And I'm grateful. Bert,
[00:30:24] Unknown:
what's on your mind?
[00:30:27] Unknown:
Well, isn't it in a bad luck for an artist to paint a picture of his own wife? Oh, no. Where did you ever hear that? They all did it. Sir, it's something is bothering you. Yeah. Yeah. Well, I, I might as well say it. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I couldn't accept the gift. Why? I, I just can't explain it. Otis, you want to give me a gift I'd really like? Of course. Well, just promise me, you'll never paint a picture of Lucy. Never.
[00:31:03] Unknown:
Now what kind of nonsense? Ask him Lucy.
[00:31:07] Unknown:
What about it Otis?
[00:31:10] Unknown:
Well, one of the reasons I'm marrying her is so that I can always have her near me. So that I can always capture those fantastic expressions and moods. Oh, really?
[00:31:19] Unknown:
I thought you fell in love with my mind. Yeah. I did. I I did. It is your mind that gives animation and meaning. What about it, Otis?
[00:31:28] Unknown:
I wish you would tell me why. I wish I could.
[00:31:33] Unknown:
But I don't think I can. How about it, Otis? Will you promise?
[00:31:41] Unknown:
Alright, Bert. I promise.
[00:31:51] Unknown:
Homicide, Lieutenant Callahan. Oh, oh, nothing to hear. Just sitting around. No. But he ain't just worth noticing. Oh, no. No. He used to be a million laps. He isn't anymore. Just stares into space all day. And so alright. I'll tell him. You ought to get married, Bert. It's a little zing in your life. And now that your sister's gone, you got no excuse. Why don't you get off my back? Jenny was downtown this morning. She told me she ran into your sister. I'll even buy your
[00:32:26] Unknown:
what did you say? Jenny saw your sister, Lucy, in one of the stores. She couldn't have seen my sister. Lucy and Otis are on a trip to Mexico.
[00:32:35] Unknown:
See? You don't know everything. Maybe they came back. As a matter of fact, maybe that's why they came back. What are you talking about? Jenny said Lucy didn't look too good. She what?
[00:32:48] Unknown:
Hey, Bert. Where are you going?
[00:33:00] Unknown:
Bert.
[00:33:00] Unknown:
Yes. It's Bert. You never told me you were back. Oh, we
[00:33:04] Unknown:
we meant to. We
[00:33:06] Unknown:
just got in this morning and we haven't even unpacked. Of course not. How could you unpack when you never packed in the first place? All your clothes are in the closet. Bags are up on the shelf. You didn't go anywhere, did you? Oh, we I want you to call a doctor.
[00:33:20] Unknown:
What? This is Doctor. Caswell. He's just next door. Well, why do I need a doctor? You look terrible. Lost about five pounds. There's no color in your face. Oh, it's absolutely true. I I lost five pounds because I'm on a diet. And if there's no color in my face, it's because I don't have my makeup on. You sound tired. But we were up late last night.
[00:33:40] Unknown:
Why did you want me to think you were in Mexico? Bert,
[00:33:45] Unknown:
you and I, we've been very close. We've shared a home. You've practically raised Remind all that. What are you leading up to? Well, we'd see each other every day and talk to each other and actually have no lives away from each other. I wasn't aware of that. So I thought that since I'm a married woman, now we we just have to get used to a a different kind of relationship.
[00:34:10] Unknown:
Uh-huh. You can tell when I'm lying. I can tell when you're lying. Otis broke his promise, didn't he? What promise? His promise never to paint your picture.
[00:34:23] Unknown:
How can you say that? Why don't I ask him? You can't ask him. He isn't home. Alright. I'll wait. But he he may be going all day. No ring the bell just before. Oh.
[00:34:32] Unknown:
Hi Bert. How are you? Oh, just fine. Just fine. You've been painting I see.
[00:34:37] Unknown:
Anyone I know? Well I haven't been painting exactly. I've been cleaning brushes, things like that. You know, chores. Why don't we go inside and see?
[00:34:45] Unknown:
Bert, Bert, if you walk into that studio, I'll never talk to you again as long as I live.
[00:34:53] Unknown:
If I don't walk into that studio, you'll be dead in a month. Bert.
[00:34:59] Unknown:
Oh Bert. We we wanted so much for you to have a portrait of me. Yeah. So I see. No. Not yet you don't see. It's nowhere near finished, but but you can just sense what it's going to be like. Bert, it's gonna be my finest work because it's for you. Oh, darling. Don't be unreasonable.
[00:35:17] Unknown:
You can't finish that painting, Otis. Tell me why. Why? Otis. For some reason, you kill the people you paint. What? Don't interrupt me. It's not easy to say this. And I can imagine what it must sound like. But, Otis, you've painted the portraits of five women. Every one of them is dead. But that is nothing to do with each other. Died on the day you finished the portrait. Bert, have you any idea what you're saying? I know what I'm saying. And it gets worse, but it's true. What's true? Otis,
[00:35:55] Unknown:
the truth is you're not a painter. How can you say that? This isn't easy, sis.
[00:36:01] Unknown:
Just thank God that we're three people who love each other and can solve our problem together. Bert, how can you say I'm not an artist? DeMarco said you had absolutely no talent. DeMarco?
[00:36:13] Unknown:
He's a jealous old friend. That's right.
[00:36:16] Unknown:
When you came to him, you had absolutely no ability, no talent. How do you account for the fact that I create He's so many paint, Otis. Good. Hear me out, please. Somehow, and I don't even think you're aware of it. You have the ability to drain the life out of your subject and project it onto the canvas. Saying. You're not aware of it. You didn't notice that Lila Beaumont was actually dying before your eyes. Just as the others did before dying before your eyes, just as the others did before her. Bert, tell me this is a joke. No. It isn't a joke.
Look at Lucy Otis. She doesn't look ill? I honestly can't see anything wrong. Lucy, look in the mirror. Look. And then tell me there's nothing wrong with you. I don't have to look.
[00:37:13] Unknown:
I know.
[00:37:15] Unknown:
Then what I have been saying It's Just that
[00:37:18] Unknown:
well, I I've been worried. About what? About Otis.
[00:37:22] Unknown:
Darling, why? Oh,
[00:37:24] Unknown:
I'm afraid one day you'll get tired of me. Lucy. There's so many women who are after
[00:37:30] Unknown:
you're the only woman I want. You know that. Yes. I know.
[00:37:33] Unknown:
But sometimes I can't sleep at night, and that's the reason that I'm not looking my best.
[00:37:38] Unknown:
No. No. The painting's the reason. And, Otis, you must promise to destroy that painting. I can't do that. Then I will. Bert, put down that knife. Take your hand off me, Otis. Bert, don't hit it. I won't let you destroy my painting. And I won't let you kill my sister.
[00:37:53] Unknown:
Otis. Otis. Bert.
[00:37:58] Unknown:
Stop. Stop. Rosie. Rosie. Stop him. That takes care of this. Bert, you're crazy. Get up, Otis. I didn't hit you that hard. Fuckin' what you did to my painting. Do you know what you've done? Yes. I destroyed the canvas. And look, look at your wife.
[00:38:15] Unknown:
Look at yourself, Lucy. Your color is back. Bert, you're a fool. If my color is back, it's because I'm I'm sure it is. No. No. You've got your old vitality
[00:38:23] Unknown:
and strength. You'll be alright now, Louis. Bert? There's really nothing we can talk about. I did what I had to do. And now let's let's forget it. Except for one thing, Otis. Promise me your word of honor that you'll never try to paint Lucy's portrait again. But I can't Put it this way, Otis. If you ever try to paint her portrait, I'll
[00:38:56] Unknown:
kill
[00:39:02] Unknown:
you. Hi, Bert. Callahan. Thought Thought I'd find you down here on the range. Good cluster except for that one shot off to the left. Probably a faulty cartridge. Sure. It's never the shooter. It's always the show. What is it you're getting out of your system tonight? Nothing. Nothing at all. Wanna sit down and talk for a minute? About what? About you and me.
[00:39:29] Unknown:
Alright. What does it ever say?
[00:39:33] Unknown:
We have to decide what I'm gonna do about you. Why? Because Otis and Lucy were in my office this afternoon. They're two very scared kids. They've got nothing to be scared of. Not for themselves. For you. Why? Oh, come on, Bert. You know why they told me everything.
[00:39:57] Unknown:
Oh, that's nice. My own sister.
[00:40:00] Unknown:
She only did it because she loves you. Yeah. Yeah.
[00:40:04] Unknown:
She told you how all of them die when he paints their portraits? Yep.
[00:40:09] Unknown:
Well, what do you think? Here's what I think. I just put in this application. Application? For your leave of absence. But I'm not Yes. You are. It'll all be done quietly. And when you're better, you can come back to duty as if nothing happened. Where am I supposed to go? There's a private sanitarium. Absolutely the top doctor. Callahan. I'm not crazy. Of course not. You just got this temporary little quirk. And it can be ironed out easily. Subconsciously, I guess you just miss not having Lucy around the house. Well, thanks for everything, but I'm not going. In, in light of what happened in the studio this morning, I'm afraid your choices are limited. Callahan. Is it the quiet private sanitarium, or do we have to put you into the city hospital for observation?
And what are you telling me? I'm telling you to hand over your revolver.
[00:41:16] Unknown:
Who was it who wrote, heaven keep me safe from my well meaning friends? It's certainly a sentiment that's shared right now by detective sergeant Bert Dennison. All he wants to do is prevent a terrible tragedy. And who's trying to stop him? Those people who truly love him. We're going to meet more well meaning people when I return shortly with act three. Oh, sure. You can talk about good tasting diet drinks, but I know.
[00:41:47] Unknown:
I'm Goldilocks. And here at my taste testing laboratory, I taste test them all.
[00:41:52] Unknown:
And nobody's been drinking my diet drinks
[00:41:57] Unknown:
until I tested sugar free diet seven up. And then Kaboomi. Every bear wanted some. Diet seven up is fresh, natural, delicious. Sugar free diet seven up. This one's just right.
[00:42:14] Unknown:
By the year February, our country will be guided by today's youth. Learning how our legal process works should start now through involvement, like working to register voters, helping to elect candidates, campaigning, and voting. Law day, May first, urges young America to lead the way. Help preserve good laws. Help change bad laws. Help make better laws. A public service announcement of the American Bar Association and your state and local bar associations.
[00:43:30] Unknown:
What about the new Navy? You'll get your chance at success, learn an exciting job, and see the world. Call toll free (800) 841-8000 or see your Navy recruiter. Be someone special in the new navy.
[00:43:56] Unknown:
The best mirror is the face of an old friend. Sergeant Dennison stares at Lieutenant Callahan. Stares at the look on Callahan's face. It's a strange look. A look that's a mixture of pity, concern, and fear. And suddenly, Denison realizes that this must be the same look that showed so often when he knew he had to arrest a suspect who might turn out to be criminally insane.
[00:44:33] Unknown:
I have to have your service revolver, Bert.
[00:44:37] Unknown:
Wanna put the cuffs on me too, Callahan? Cut it out. Why not?
[00:44:40] Unknown:
It's nothing of the sort, and you know it. Now look. Let's go to your apartment, pick up some stuff, and I'll drive you to this place myself. Tell me something. Tell me something,
[00:44:52] Unknown:
Don't you wanna hear my side of it? Burt, you slugged your brother-in-law. You slashed the painting. Mhmm. So? That's violence. You and me. We never used violence in the line of duty. Justified for Slice it anyway. Why am I wrong this time? Because what you say is crazy. Callahan, you and me, we're not the new breed of college cops who know everything. But still, we're very careful about that word crazy. You mean you really believe Otis kills people by painting their portraits? Yeah. Yeah. Quit fighting me. Work with me. Oh, let's go out and get some expert testimony.
[00:45:39] Unknown:
What's here?
[00:45:40] Unknown:
This is the doctor who attended Lila Beaumont just before she died. And he's completely stumped by the whole thing.
[00:45:50] Unknown:
Yes. I was dissatisfied
[00:45:52] Unknown:
with the cause of death. Doctor. Caswell, you said you didn't believe she could change so radically in so short a time. I did say that. You also said you couldn't see how a splendid physical specimen like Lila Beaumont could just wither away. Yes. I remember. I did say that too. And even though you signed a death certificate which listed exhaustion as the cause of death, nobody really knew what she did die of.
[00:46:20] Unknown:
Well, I've since
[00:46:22] Unknown:
I've since come to believe that she really could have died of exhaustion. But you said exhaustion plus loss of the will to live. But you were convinced there was a mysterious cause. I didn't use that word. But doctor, you led me to believe I was merely
[00:46:39] Unknown:
ventilating some doubts, some misgivings. But the other women who died. I wasn't there. I don't know.
[00:46:53] Unknown:
You told me, professor DeMarco, that Otis had no concept of the basic principles of art. I did. No feeling for line, form, color? I think I said something like that. And since those things can't be learned, there was no way he could become a painter. It's a relative thing. Well, you even went so far as to say the only way he could have learned them was if he'd sold his soul to the devil. That was a figure of speech. He never did learn to be a painter. Something happened. He found a way or was given a way, who knows, to draw the vital essence from a living thing and put it on canvas.
[00:47:36] Unknown:
I don't think I could agree with you. I can prove it.
[00:47:40] Unknown:
Look at everything he's done. He's never painted an inanimate object, just the face, the body, but no clothes, no furniture, no jewels, no decorations.
[00:47:49] Unknown:
I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. Maybe maybe I was jealous. Jealous of what? You said he had no talent. Maybe that was a lie I told myself. Maybe I resented his youth, his promise. After all, I never fulfilled mine. Yeah. Sure.
[00:48:13] Unknown:
And besides, you really don't wanna be remembered as the art teacher who flunked Otis Manly Carter. I guess that's the simple answer.
[00:48:22] Unknown:
I wish there were such a thing as a simple answer.
[00:48:32] Unknown:
Well, Burt, you've got to admit it's really a comfortable room with a great view of the ocean, and you've even got a refrigerator. Yeah. What happens now, Callahan? Well, starting tomorrow, the doctors will begin working with you. You'll be straightened out in no time. I see. I'm the one who has to be straightened out. That's how it is. Even if I happen to be right. Those are the rules of the game, brother. But I'm not crazy, Calla. You and I know what crazy is. Crazy is when most people don't agree with you. You're a big help. I'll come up and see you this week. I can hardly wait. I better ring for the guy to come let me out. What do you mean you got a ring?
Well, door is locked from the outside. It doesn't mean anything, Bert. It's just routine. I mean Yeah. I know what you mean.
[00:49:22] Unknown:
I might as well be in jail.
[00:49:32] Unknown:
You wanted something, Sergeant? Yeah. Yeah, Jerry.
[00:49:35] Unknown:
I'm gonna make a phone call. You can't. What do you mean I can't? Well, the first doctor says Forget what the doctor says. Well, part of the treatment is to isolate you completely from your former environment. But I have to know if my sister is okay. Okay. Is okay. How do you know? Because if she wasn't, you'd be told about it. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Listen. I know. I know. I can't make a phone call. But if I could, where would I make it from? There's a phone outside.
[00:50:09] Unknown:
The end of the hall. There is,
[00:50:11] Unknown:
Jerry, I wanna show you something. What? No. Come on, Lucy. Answer it.
[00:50:31] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:50:32] Unknown:
Lucy. What? Lucy.
[00:50:35] Unknown:
Yes. I'm Lucy. Who is this? It's me, Bert.
[00:50:41] Unknown:
Who? Bert.
[00:50:42] Unknown:
No. Bert is Bert isn't here. Could you call back later?
[00:50:48] Unknown:
Lucy. Oh my good Lord. Lucy.
[00:50:59] Unknown:
Who? Who?
[00:51:01] Unknown:
He's painting your picture again. I've got to destroy that canvas. Don't move, Bert. Otis. Don't make me shoot, Bert. Now listen, Otis. You don't wanna kill me. No. I'd only wanna hit you in the foot, but I'm a bad shot. Now please, Bert, just stand still. What are you doing with the gun, Otis? That's not your style. Callahan called
[00:51:19] Unknown:
us. He said you'd broken out of the sanitarium. He wants me to phone him if you show up here. You're killing Lucy.
[00:51:25] Unknown:
Look at her. Bert, I I don't know what's gotten into you. Is the painting almost finished? What business is that of yours? What more has to be done on the painting? I just have to finish her mouth. And when you do, she's going to die. How can you believe Do you love her, Otis? You know I love her. Destroy the painting. I can't. I can. I'm warning you, Greg. I'm gonna walk into your studio, and I'm going to destroy that painting. You take one step and I'll shoot you. I'll just have to take the chance. I've still got five bullets in the gun. All of them can't miss. Otis, look at Lucy.
Look at her. She's dying. That that is a truth. You don't wanna see it. If I could prove you're killing her, would you destroy the painting? How could you prove that? Would you destroy the painting? Yes. Let's go back into the studio, Otis. No. It it's a trick. You've got the gun, Otis. What are you afraid of? Come on. I'd you to stand near the wall. You keep far away from my painting. It's beautiful. Then why do you want me to destroy it? Because it is Lucy. Why did you bring me in here to prove? That you kill a living thing when you paint it. On the windowsill, Otis, that flower, that uranium, paint it.
Sure. I'll put the gun down and pick up the brush and you'll jump. You're afraid. You're scared. You're crazy. What you're saying is crazy. Here's your chance to prove it, Otis. Paint that flower. And if nothing happens to it, I promise I'll go away quietly. I well,
[00:53:14] Unknown:
I will. Now there. It's a quick sketch. How do you like it?
[00:53:27] Unknown:
It's beautiful.
[00:53:28] Unknown:
Alright. Now look at the windowsill. Look at the uranium.
[00:53:31] Unknown:
Go on. Look at the oh.
[00:53:37] Unknown:
Oh. Oh, now Bert, what
[00:53:41] Unknown:
what what what what happened to us? You can see what happened. I can't believe it. But it's true. The color is gone. It's wilted, withered. It's dead. No. They're all dead. Lila Beaumont, those other women. And Lucy is dying. Before it's too late, Otis, you know what you have to do. No. Otis, you you do it for me. No.
[00:54:07] Unknown:
You have to destroy that canvas yourself. Why? Because I can't keep watching you guarding my sister forever. You have to put an end to it yourself. I promise. I
[00:54:19] Unknown:
anybody.
[00:54:22] Unknown:
I I I don't know if I can give it up. But you're not really a painter, Otis. Somehow you you you stumbled into some sort of mysterious power, and now you've got to give it up. Destroy the painting. I'll go back to Lucy. How do you know I just won't finish it? How how can you trust me? I trust you. I trust you because you love Lucy.
[00:54:52] Unknown:
Lucy?
[00:54:55] Unknown:
Lucy? Mhmm. Who is Lucy. Oh. Oh, Bert. I must have been napping. Oh, I feel so refreshed.
[00:55:06] Unknown:
Yes. You're looking better.
[00:55:08] Unknown:
Bert, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be I know. I know. I'm supposed to be crazy. I don't worry about it. Otis, Bert's here. Shouldn't we go home? No. No. No.
[00:55:18] Unknown:
Everything's alright.
[00:55:21] Unknown:
I better go straighten everybody out, especially Callahan.
[00:55:26] Unknown:
The painting? Is it my imagination? Or did what happened to the painting? I, decided to give it up. Otis, how could you? Will you
[00:55:42] Unknown:
will you love me even if I'm not a famous painter? But darling Sure. She'll love you, Otis.
[00:55:48] Unknown:
She'll love you even more.
[00:55:55] Unknown:
She'll love you even more. There's a lot of truth to that, Otis. A woman in love with a famous man has a problem. She wants him all to herself, but she is forced to share him with the entire world. And you ladies in our audience might think about it too. If you're married to a man who doesn't seem to be going anywhere special, look on the brighter side. Just think. You can have him all to yourself. I'll be back shortly. Hi.
[00:56:26] Unknown:
Miss Goldilocks here. Professionally, taste testing diet drinks can be very difficult, but I've just had to bear with it. Then I found sugar free diet seven up. It doesn't taste like other diet drinks. It's fresh, light, natural, delicious. Sugar free diet seven up tastes so good that I've taste tested it hundreds of times. And each time I've given it my seal of approval. Yes. This one's just right.
[00:56:56] Unknown:
A March of Dimes message from a basketball great.
[00:57:00] Unknown:
Hi. I'm Bill Bradley. There are many things that go into making a professional athlete, but let's start at the beginning. Being fortunate enough to have been born healthy. A quarter of a million children are born each year with birth defects. The March of Dimes is a team of professional scientists, doctors, educators working to prevent birth defects. Please help give tomorrow's children a good start. Give to the March of Dimes.
[00:57:38] Unknown:
What killed those women? A coincidence of real and fancied illness? Or can an artist really drain the life from a living creature and transform it to canvas? Certain primitive tribes agree. It's taboo to create a likeness. Maybe they know what they're talking about. Our cast included Nat Polin, Marion Seldes, Jack Grimes, Jackson Beck, and Roger de Koven. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now, a preview of our next tale.
[00:58:19] Unknown:
I told you I burned it. And you know that's a fairy tale that no one will believe. I don't care whether you believe it or not. Now are you coming with me? Where? To talk to your Colonel Blake. He won't see you. Oh, I think he will. Goodbye, Carol. It was nice knowing you. I think. You will kindly step back into your room, miss Yufeeling? Now wait a minute.
[00:58:39] Unknown:
I am Major Simonovich.
[00:58:42] Unknown:
Oh. Are the gay pay you or the MKVD? It does not really matter.
[00:58:46] Unknown:
What matters is that you and I have something to discuss. I warned you. Yeah. Sure you did. I do so dislike dealing with amateurs.
[00:58:55] Unknown:
This is strictly a business. You mean you wanna make a deal with me? Correction.
[00:59:00] Unknown:
I mean, you would find it wise if you wanted to make a deal with us. For the paper? Exactly.
[00:59:07] Unknown:
Where is it? No. Not not so fast. Not so fast. You spoke about a deal?
[00:59:11] Unknown:
You give us the paper, we give you your life. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant
[00:59:33] Unknown:
dreams. W D A M, Kansas City.
[01:00:10] Unknown:
You coming to bed, hon? Yep. Honey, I'll be I'll be right there. Just gotta turn out the light.
[01:00:21] Unknown:
Some things never change. Like, your kids always leaving tiny toys on the floor for you to step on. And GEICO saving folks lots of money on their car insurance.
[01:00:32] Unknown:
Sweetie, I think I left the downstairs light on.
[01:00:36] Unknown:
Please don't make me go. Fifteen minutes could save you 15% or more.
Every year, compliance regulations change thousands of times. And every year, ADP makes thousands of seamless platform updates so businesses can focus on everything else, like running their business. Grow stronger with ADP, HR talent, time, and payroll.
[00:00:16] Unknown:
WDAF,
[00:00:18] Unknown:
Kansas City. Dan Henry, WDAF local news at eleven. The outlook mild, but a chance for showers. Within the hour, the Black Angus restaurant was held up by four men, all of them armed at sixty fifteen Troost. Police are looking for them. Operation barrier was placed in effect in an attempt to apprehend three or four young men who held up the McDonald's restaurant at 20 Eighth And Prospect earlier. Saint Joseph's Hospital reports one person in critical condition tonight, the victim of a street shooting earlier at 30 0 5 East 30 First. Police have a pickup order for a known suspect in that case. It's been a day of violence in Kansas City. Police are close to solution in some of the cases. A 15 year old boy was turned over to juvenile authorities this evening arrested as shooting death of 18 year old William McCahon, shot down on the street at 60 Third And College this afternoon.
Kansas City, Kansas Police have a 30 year old resident of that city in custody being questioned by detectives and the district attorney in connection with the death of 34 year old Jerome Halloran. His gangland style killing discovered this morning when his body was found under the Seventh Street Bridge. His killing was witnessed, however, evidently taking place in another part of the city. There was a shooting later in the day at 20 Seventh And Prospect, and police say they have several suspects in custody in relation to that incident. Two men were shot, but hospital authorities say their wounds do not appear to be serious. There will be no school tomorrow as announced by superintendent of schools, doctor Robert Metcalfe. And the reports on the two alarm fire in the 200 block of West Twelfth this evening have been filed, listing arson as the suspected cause. The fire department says it took 11 pieces of firefighting equipment about twenty minutes to bring the blaze under control.
[00:01:52] Unknown:
News of the hour on the hour from American Information Radio. This is Richard Wall from Los Angeles. And at this hour, another subpoena has arrived at the White House. This one for tapes and documents relating to 64 more conversations by president Nixon and aids. Federal judge John Sirica signed the subpoena at the request of Watergate prosecutor Leon Jaworski.
[00:02:14] Unknown:
In Washington, correspondent Vic has details on the material demanded. The tapes Jaworski has asked for cover a period of almost a year from the time of the original Watergate break in in June 1972 to two conversations with former White House chief of staff HR Haldeman in June of nineteen seventy three. Prosecutor Jaworski says all the subpoenaed recordings are necessary and relevant to the Watergate cover up trial this fall. Jaworski expects the president to fight the subpoena in the courts. The last legal battle over White House tapes took four months. Jaworski wants this one resolved in time for the cover up trial to go ahead on schedule September 9.
[00:02:56] Unknown:
Vic Ratner, ABC News, Washington. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Peter Rodino says White House failure to comply fully with a subpoena for tapes for the impeachment inquiry could be grounds for impeachment itself. Rodino says edited transcripts will not be adequate.
[00:03:12] Unknown:
Criticism of operation Zebra. That story coming up. What happens when your personal battle suddenly changes from this
[00:03:25] Unknown:
to this?
[00:03:27] Unknown:
Well, I realize you've spent the past three years on assignment in Asia, sir, but we just don't have any jobs right now that need that kind of training. Now if you only had a diploma
[00:03:38] Unknown:
Or this. Oh, what a mess. You must have gone three years without seeing a dentist. Yeah. I have to do a root canal here and fill these three If you are a recent veteran, there are people just waiting to help you cope with the battles of civilian life. They are the representatives of your American Red Cross. Did you know that you are entitled to free VA dental care during your first year out of the service? Do you know what programs are available to help you complete your education or to find a better job? For more information about these and other problems of civilian life, call your local Red Cross chapter.
Let the American Red Cross help with your personal battle. An official of the American
[00:04:25] Unknown:
zebra killers is a racist outrage. Police are searching blacks who fit the description of a gunman believed to be part of the group that's killed 12 whites in San Francisco. The head of the American Bar Association, Chesterfield Smith, says it may be impossible to prosecute Patricia Hurst in connection with Monday's bank robbery because of attorney general William Saxby's description of her as a common criminal. Miss Hurst's parents have also criticized Saxby, and FBI director, Clarence Kelly, says the FBI investigation is based on the premise that Patricia was under pressure or coercion by her kidnappers at the time of the robbery.
The drop in US economic growth for the first three months of this year is bigger than government economists had predicted. The gross national product declined 5.8%. The inflation rate was 10.8%. Egypt's president Anwar Sadat says the Soviets have been slow in responding to his request for military aid, and Sadat says Egypt has therefore gone to other sources. We asked ABC's John Cooley in Beirut about the significance of Sadat's statement. This is a very important development.
[00:05:28] Unknown:
Egypt has been getting its arms exclusively from the Soviet Union ever since president Nasser started that policy back in 1955. And Sadat is now saying he will no longer rely on the Soviets, that they have not sent arms and have not answered his queries, and that he will get arms from other sources, which could only mean, of course, Western countries. That's correspondent John Cooley in Beirut.
[00:05:53] Unknown:
A foreign ministry spokesman in Tokyo, according to Reuters News Service, has announced that Japan and China will sign a civil aviation agreement in Peking tomorrow. This is information radio news.
[00:06:05] Unknown:
From the Kirkmars sports desk, the Kansas City Royals hoping for a better running big blue bus in Chicago than in Texas, meet the Chicago white sox in a three game series beginning tomorrow. Veteran Betsy Cullen and French Canadian Jocelyn Barossa share the first round lead in the Dinah Shore winners circle open golf tournament. Forrest Fessler has a five under par 66 for a one stroke lead in the first round of the Monsanto Open Golf Tournament in Florida. And Bruce Jenner, a former Graceland College athlete, won the decathlon competition at the Kansas Relays in Lawrence today. The Kansas City forecast partly cloudy with a chance for showers or thunder showers through tomorrow. The low tonight in the low fifties atop tomorrow in the middle to upper seventies. Dan Henry, WDAF News.
[00:06:52] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall. Welcome to the terrifying world of your own imagination. One day a young man named Otis Manly Carter stood before a great work of art in the Metropolitan Museum in New York. It was a portrait so beautiful that it brought tears to his eyes. And Otis Manly Carter whispered, I would give my soul to be able to paint like that. It was an idle remark, spoken without thinking, on the spur of the moment. How was Otis Manly Carter to know
[00:07:54] Unknown:
that someone might be listening? Where'd you learn how to paint, Otis? At the Fine Arts Institute. No. I spoke to Professor DeMarco. They flunked you. You didn't show him any ability at all. Where did you learn how to paint? Oh, come on, Bert. I was born with it. It just comes naturally. I've been painting all my life. But you're over 30. How come there are no paintings of yours more than two or three years old? Where did you learn how to paint, Otis?
[00:08:26] Unknown:
Bert Wolf, what are you driving at? Answer this, Otis.
[00:08:31] Unknown:
How come all the people whose pictures you painted are dead? Well, I don't Where did you learn how to paint, Otis?
[00:08:50] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, A Portrait of Death, was written especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dann and stars Nat Pullen. It is sponsored in part by the Kellogg Company, makers of Kellogg's special k cereal, and by new sugar free diet seven up. I'll be back shortly with act one.
[00:09:17] Unknown:
Some beer drinkers have funny ideas about beer. They think beer improves with age, like wine. We'll find a brewmaster though. You'll find a beer drinker who knows better. The Budweiser brew master says it all depends on how beer is aged. Just letting beer sit in lagering tanks makes it older, not necessarily better. That even goes for keeping a case around the house for a couple of months. Aging, something happens. It lets all the flavor of the choice of hops and best barley malt that go into Budweiser get through to you.
Sure. It takes more time and trouble to brew Budweiser that way. But brewing beer right does make a difference. Anheuser Busch, Saint Louis.
[00:10:14] Unknown:
I found the work to be really challenging, and I enjoy it a lot. If I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't be in it. People.
[00:10:21] Unknown:
My orientation
[00:10:22] Unknown:
all my life has been, you know, to help. I wouldn't have been in Red Cross if I didn't care, you know, about people. People who care about other people. It's an opportunity for me to help other people and to see my efforts and my skill pay off. It's just a very
[00:10:40] Unknown:
rewarding feeling to think that some little thing you've done is going to help somebody else. It's the joy you feel
[00:10:46] Unknown:
when you help someone.
[00:10:48] Unknown:
People who help other people. It's like anybody involved with the Red Cross programs. They want to volunteer, and they want to help. They are just that type of person who will go out of their way to do anything for anybody at any time, and it carries over to the work they do for the Red Cross. You know, it's like they're there when you need them. They're carries over to the work they do for the Red Cross. You know, it's like they're there when you need them. The people who are the good neighbor,
[00:11:07] Unknown:
the American Red Cross. I think that anything you know in this world, if you don't use it when when it's needed, what good is it?
[00:11:26] Unknown:
At the age of 30, Otis Manly Carter was hailed as the world's foremost living artist. He towered above his contemporaries. To describe his work, one had to compare it with the great masters of the past. No one, but no one, painting today could breathe life into a portrait to match Otis Manly Carter. And yet, just one week before his 30 birthday, Otis made the announcement that would stun the civilized world. He was finished with art. Never again would his brush touch paint to canvas. He would neither amplify his statement nor answer questions.
He simply disappeared. And only two people in all the world knew the reason why. One, of course, was Otis himself. The other was a detective on the New York City police force, Sergeant Bert Dennison.
[00:12:24] Unknown:
Bert.
[00:12:25] Unknown:
Bert. What are you doing? Just have a cup of coffee. We'll be late. Late? All I gotta do is put on my jacket and that takes all of fifteen seconds. I'm just so nervous.
[00:12:34] Unknown:
Why? Why? Do you know who's gonna be there tonight? Well sure. The governor, the mayor, celebrities, showing of a new portrait by Otis Manley Carter has the same impact as, the World Series or a Super Bowl or a heavyweight champion fight. If you put brown sugar in coffee, do you save calories? Do you realize Bert, that we, that you and I, are gonna be sharing the spotlight with Otis? Well, you will. That's for sure. Oh Bert. What does he see in me? Come on, honey. No. I mean it. Well, let's see.
[00:13:11] Unknown:
You're pretty? Well, I'm not beautiful. And you're smart. But I'm not brilliant. What can I tell you? He's an artist. All artists are crazy. But the most fascinating women in
[00:13:24] Unknown:
the world are ready to throw themselves at his feet. Sis,
[00:13:26] Unknown:
you're pretty fascinating yourself.
[00:13:29] Unknown:
Thanks to you, Bert. Thanks to me? You sent me through college,
[00:13:34] Unknown:
and there were the trips to your Well, I had to shape you up before I could marry you off. And it looks like you've got yourself a grand prize. The great Otis Manly Carter. Oh, Bert. I want you to like him. Oh, I like him. I like him. He's so
[00:13:47] Unknown:
sweet. So kind. Except? Except?
[00:13:52] Unknown:
What do you mean except? Well, except every time he paints somebody's picture, it seems to me that person dies. What are you talking about? Now, tonight's portrait, that actress, Lila Beaumont. She just died suddenly. Didn't she? But what does that have to do? And in the last five years, he painted four other women. Not one of those women is alive today. Did you know that? No.
[00:14:20] Unknown:
I didn't know that. What may I ask you how you knew that? I checked mister Otis Carter out.
[00:14:27] Unknown:
World famous artist or not, I ran him through the ringer. Do you mean you actually investigated Otis? Do
[00:14:33] Unknown:
you
[00:14:34] Unknown:
think I'd let you marry him if I didn't?
[00:14:36] Unknown:
Honestly, I don't know anyone who lives his job twenty four hours a day. You never forget you're a policeman. I'm supposed to be on duty twenty four hours a day. Otherwise, I'm cheating the taxpayers.
[00:14:46] Unknown:
Well,
[00:14:47] Unknown:
what are you trying to imply about Otis?
[00:14:51] Unknown:
Nothing. Nothing at all. Just an observation. Idle observation.
[00:15:06] Unknown:
Oh, Otis, darling. You're having a triumph. It's a fantastic success. Well, what did you think of the painting, Bert? It's a good picture. Oh, listen to him. A good picture. Is that all you can say? Well, it's certainly lifelike. I'll say that. Oh, thank you, Bert. Good evening, Ortiz. Professor DeMarco.
[00:15:24] Unknown:
May I offer my congratulations?
[00:15:27] Unknown:
I'm honored, professor. Honored. May I present my fiance and my prospective brother-in-law, miss Lucy Dennison, detective sergeant Dennison, professor DeMarco of the Fine Arts Institute. How do you do, madam Egypt?
[00:15:39] Unknown:
Otis, once again, you force me to eat crow. Oh, come on, professor. Please. No. No. I was wrong about you. Otis, wrong,
[00:15:48] Unknown:
and I don't care who knows it. Yeah. But the truth is, professor DeMarco, you taught me everything I know.
[00:15:54] Unknown:
The truth is you didn't start to paint until after you left me. Congratulations, Otis, on a double triumph. This evening. Your painting and your fiancee.
[00:16:05] Unknown:
It is a magnificent work of art. Thank you, sir. Now, if you'll excuse me, Sergeant Denison, Losi. Yes.
[00:16:14] Unknown:
He never got over it. And I don't think he ever will. He said I'd never amount to anything. Oh, but you're not serious, darling.
[00:16:22] Unknown:
How could anyone who knows anything about all this? Oh, there's Eric von Heiden. The one who's doing the new book about him. Come on, darling. I'll introduce you. Give me a rain check. I feel the need for a little refreshment.
[00:16:35] Unknown:
Excuse me, sir. I hope I didn't spill that on oh, it's, Sergeant, the Denison, sir. Of course. You know, professor DeMarco, I've been watching you. That sounds ominous. Why would a police detective be watching me? Because I'm curious. About what? About the look on your face. What about
[00:16:58] Unknown:
the look on my face?
[00:17:00] Unknown:
It's the only look of its kind in the house. How do you mean that? Well, analyze all the faces around you. What do you see? Excitement, boredom, Happiness? Anxiety? And what's my look? I would say, puzzlement. Actually, you look completely confused.
[00:17:22] Unknown:
I suppose I am. I still can't understand what happened. Otis was my student at the institute.
[00:17:30] Unknown:
And you said he'd never amount to anything. I did.
[00:17:34] Unknown:
And you can see how it's come back to haunt me. Believe me, he had absolutely no concept whatever of the elementary principles of art. He had no feeling for line, for color, for form. I recommend that he be dropped from the school.
[00:17:50] Unknown:
You're not only going out on a limb, you bring your own saw.
[00:17:54] Unknown:
Well, six months later, he astounded the entire world with his portrait of that Alderman's wife. Mhmm. The first of the Otis Manly Carter famous portraits. How do you account for that? Well, at first. I refuse to believe he could paint like that.
[00:18:13] Unknown:
And maybe he doesn't. Maybe it's all done with mirrors.
[00:18:17] Unknown:
No. No. No. No. No. There are no mirrors, no tricks. I went up to his studio. He paints. But where did he learn? How did he learn? From whom?
[00:18:32] Unknown:
There must be an answer. Naturally. But can you even speculate?
[00:18:39] Unknown:
He probably sold his soul to the devil. You realize that isn't an answer? Of course. But it's the only one I can think of at the moment.
[00:19:01] Unknown:
Come in. Hello there, Otis. Hope I'm not disturbing you. No. I was about to take a break. Coffee? Oh, sure. Sure. That was quite a bash last night, a necessary evil.
[00:19:16] Unknown:
You seem to enjoy it. But that's why it's an evil. It turns your head and wastes your time, and keeps you from doing your job. Which for me is to paint.
[00:19:26] Unknown:
Where did you learn to paint, Otis? At the Fine Arts Institute. Do you touch sugar? Yeah. One lump thing. Okay. I don't think you learned how to paint at the Institute, Otis.
[00:19:37] Unknown:
Milk? Yeah. Sure. Alrighty.
[00:19:41] Unknown:
Professor DeMarco and I had a long talk about you last night. He thought you were a lost cause. Well, he did.
[00:19:49] Unknown:
And I suppose I was for a while. So
[00:19:53] Unknown:
how did the ugly duckling turn into a swan?
[00:19:57] Unknown:
Well, some people are slow learners. DeMarco claims you just didn't have it. No. He was wrong. I always had it, but it was only in my mind. I was showing him nothing but meaningless blobs and dabs. They had to drop me from the school. Mhmm.
[00:20:17] Unknown:
And where did you study after that? Nowhere.
[00:20:21] Unknown:
I just went to the museum every day. That's all? That's all. And then, one morning I was looking at some of the old masters just worshiping at the shrine as it were, and wishing and hoping and praying that one day I too could while the most remarkable thing happened. That? Well, suddenly everything that Professor DeMarco had ever tried to teach me just began to make sense. No, no. It it was more than that. It all became a part of the way I feel, and the way I think, and the way I see. I, I was trembling all over. What did you do?
I went home, picked up my brushes. And from that day on, I was a painter. Just like that? Well, in psychology, there is such a thing as the delayed reaction. Yeah. Yeah. I know. Bert, Lucy and I want you to join us for dinner tonight.
[00:21:25] Unknown:
I never refuse an invitation to dinner. Otis. Your latest portrait of Lila Beaumont.
[00:21:32] Unknown:
Poor Lila. She never really saw it. She died the day it was finished.
[00:21:37] Unknown:
What, what does she die of? I don't know, Bert.
[00:21:45] Unknown:
I don't think anybody does.
[00:21:56] Unknown:
Sergeant, I wasn't a regular physician. Who was, doctor? I don't think she had one. She seemed to be one of those fortunate healthy people who never needed medicine. Mhmm.
[00:22:09] Unknown:
Where did she die, doctor Caswell? In mister Carter's studio. And since my office is just next door Was she alive when you got there? Just barely. She seemed to show all the signs of utter exhaustion.
[00:22:23] Unknown:
So that's what I wrote on the death certificate. Afterward, I thought about it, and I asked for an autopsy. Why? I simply couldn't believe it.
[00:22:35] Unknown:
What did the autopsy reveal?
[00:22:37] Unknown:
Nothing. I was right in the first place,
[00:22:41] Unknown:
but I still don't believe it.
[00:22:44] Unknown:
Again, why? Well, how could she change so radically in such a short time?
[00:22:50] Unknown:
What do you mean by change?
[00:22:52] Unknown:
Have you seen the portraits Carter painted of her? Her? Yes. Uh-huh. It's just brimming with robust good health. It's exactly how she looked. Just about two months before she died, I saw her get out of the cab that first time she came to Carter's studio. And? Two months later.
[00:23:13] Unknown:
I was shocked. Why?
[00:23:16] Unknown:
As I said, I'd never witnessed such a rapid decline. She was losing a lot of weight. Her color was gone. She looked so
[00:23:27] Unknown:
tired. What did you think was happening? I didn't know what to think. I decided to speak to Otis.
[00:23:34] Unknown:
After all, I knew him when he was just a starving young artist. One morning, I walked up to his studio. Oh, what can I do for you, doctor? Is he Otis? Oh, Lila Beaumont will be here any minute. Well, that's what I want to talk to you about. Is she under medical care? Well, why? Why should she be? Can't you see why? What are you talking about? Octus, she looks terrible. Oh, she looks great. She's becoming dangerously thin. She has no color. She are you serious? Are you serious, Otis? Well, I I don't understand what you're trying to say. You mean you can't see anything wrong with Lila Beaumont? She looks better than ever.
[00:24:18] Unknown:
Good morning, Lila.
[00:24:19] Unknown:
Hello, Otis. Well, you're looking just sensational as usual. Lila, I'd like you to meet doctor Caswell. How do you do? Oh,
[00:24:28] Unknown:
Otis, I I'm I'm so tired this morning. Could I have a cup of coffee? Well, coming up. I just have to heat it.
[00:24:35] Unknown:
Miss Beaumont, I hope you're seeing a doctor. Oh, why? Look in the mirror.
[00:24:43] Unknown:
You're very perceptive, doctor Caswell. Perceptive? It's obvious.
[00:24:50] Unknown:
For one thing, you're losing your looks?
[00:24:53] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:24:54] Unknown:
Your looks, your livelihood. Shouldn't you want to do something about it? What can I do? There's a a man, and he no longer loves me. But a doctor could prevent this ravaging. There's no way a doctor could help me. But you need special treatment. I would say, miss Beaumont, that right now, you should be in a hospital. Oh, you may be right, doctor. I don't care anymore.
[00:25:26] Unknown:
I just don't care care anymore.
[00:25:30] Unknown:
Is that the reason she died, doctor Caswell? Because some guy gave her the gait?
[00:25:34] Unknown:
They say you can die of a broken heart.
[00:25:38] Unknown:
What do you say? Well, I just can't see a vital and perfectly healthy woman like Lila Beaumont simply withering away in so short a time. But if her appearance had changed so drastically, how come Otis didn't see it? You'll have to ask Otis. You still haven't told me, Doctor. Caswell. What did she die of? But I did tell you. I don't know. Nobody knows.
[00:26:14] Unknown:
Well, what did she die of? And what, if anything, can it have to do with Otis Manley Carper? Detective Sergeant Dennison has a nagging, indefinable feeling. That's just the trouble. In most of the murder cases Burt has solved, the solution always began with a nagging, indefinable feeling. We'll see where this feeling leads when I return shortly with act two.
[00:26:42] Unknown:
And now another story of the ball and chain as Kellogg's special k presents Veronica and Jeff. Oh, Jeffrey. Isn't this romantic?
[00:26:50] Unknown:
Out in a quiet lake at night with you rowing a boat. Yes, Veronica. It's really neat. Jeffrey, what was that? Frogs. Frogs that go bong? They're pretty weird frogs. Oh, Jeffrey, you're such a car. You have a ball in chains. Not the ones I use in those special k commercials. Yes, Veronica. It symbolizes my few pounds of extra weight, but I'm going to get rid of it. How? By exercising. You know, like rowing this boat and eating smart at every meal. Starting with a Special K breakfast. You mean a one ounce bowl of high protein Special K, four ounces of skim milk, orange juice and coffee? Precisely. It's less than 240
[00:27:26] Unknown:
calories and it tastes delicious. It'll help me get rid of this ball and chain. I'll help too, Jeff. After all, we're all in the same boat.
[00:27:33] Unknown:
Do you have a ball and chain too?
[00:27:36] Unknown:
Your happy ending could begin with a special k breakfast from Kellogg's.
[00:27:41] Unknown:
The Veterans Administration helps people in little ways. A veteran, let's say, is trying to get an appoint. He's filed to go to school under the GIV. He's not getting any money, but he's entitled. The law, this man is entitled to receive $220 a month for attending school on a full time basis. Believe it or not, he can take that letter with the little job. Take it to the real estate people. And because he has an additional income of $220, although he isn't receiving it, it makes his chances of getting that apartment much better. And this is what I mean about the little things. Going beyond the duty every once in a while. Just go a little bit out of your way to help someone.
That's my philosophy. To me, these are little things, but big things to that person. Very big thing to that person. At VA, we try a little harder to help.
[00:28:54] Unknown:
Sergeant Bert Dennison has always been an intuitive detective. He trusted his instincts. He played his hunches. He followed his theories wherever they let him. Usually to the right answer. But this time, he has absolutely no idea of how to arrive at the answer. As a matter of fact, at this point, he can't even formulate the question.
[00:29:21] Unknown:
You really should skip dessert, Bert. I'll only have one helping. Uh-huh. Well, do you want to tell him, Lucy? No, darling. I think you should be the one. Somebody's supposed to tell me something? I hope the wedding hasn't been canceled. Oh, no. No, Bert. Sunday. Right on schedule. Otis has something to say to you, Bert. Uh-huh. We have a wedding gift for you, Bert. Me? Why? I'm not getting married. Oh, that's why you need a gift.
[00:29:43] Unknown:
Now on Sunday, Lucy is leaving your house forever. That sounds kind of stuffy, doesn't it? Yeah. Keep going darling. You're doing fine. And so therefore, to make sure you never forget what she looks like. How can I forget what she looks like? You look there. Don't interrupt. We decided that I would paint a portrait of Lucy and present it to you. Isn't that wonderful?
[00:30:06] Unknown:
Can you imagine that you're going to own an original Otis manly costume? Yeah. Yeah. But, But what is it?
[00:30:14] Unknown:
Well, these things
[00:30:17] Unknown:
are valuable. You just can't afford it. A million dollars couldn't buy all the wonderful things you did for your sister. And I'm grateful. Bert,
[00:30:24] Unknown:
what's on your mind?
[00:30:27] Unknown:
Well, isn't it in a bad luck for an artist to paint a picture of his own wife? Oh, no. Where did you ever hear that? They all did it. Sir, it's something is bothering you. Yeah. Yeah. Well, I, I might as well say it. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I couldn't accept the gift. Why? I, I just can't explain it. Otis, you want to give me a gift I'd really like? Of course. Well, just promise me, you'll never paint a picture of Lucy. Never.
[00:31:03] Unknown:
Now what kind of nonsense? Ask him Lucy.
[00:31:07] Unknown:
What about it Otis?
[00:31:10] Unknown:
Well, one of the reasons I'm marrying her is so that I can always have her near me. So that I can always capture those fantastic expressions and moods. Oh, really?
[00:31:19] Unknown:
I thought you fell in love with my mind. Yeah. I did. I I did. It is your mind that gives animation and meaning. What about it, Otis?
[00:31:28] Unknown:
I wish you would tell me why. I wish I could.
[00:31:33] Unknown:
But I don't think I can. How about it, Otis? Will you promise?
[00:31:41] Unknown:
Alright, Bert. I promise.
[00:31:51] Unknown:
Homicide, Lieutenant Callahan. Oh, oh, nothing to hear. Just sitting around. No. But he ain't just worth noticing. Oh, no. No. He used to be a million laps. He isn't anymore. Just stares into space all day. And so alright. I'll tell him. You ought to get married, Bert. It's a little zing in your life. And now that your sister's gone, you got no excuse. Why don't you get off my back? Jenny was downtown this morning. She told me she ran into your sister. I'll even buy your
[00:32:26] Unknown:
what did you say? Jenny saw your sister, Lucy, in one of the stores. She couldn't have seen my sister. Lucy and Otis are on a trip to Mexico.
[00:32:35] Unknown:
See? You don't know everything. Maybe they came back. As a matter of fact, maybe that's why they came back. What are you talking about? Jenny said Lucy didn't look too good. She what?
[00:32:48] Unknown:
Hey, Bert. Where are you going?
[00:33:00] Unknown:
Bert.
[00:33:00] Unknown:
Yes. It's Bert. You never told me you were back. Oh, we
[00:33:04] Unknown:
we meant to. We
[00:33:06] Unknown:
just got in this morning and we haven't even unpacked. Of course not. How could you unpack when you never packed in the first place? All your clothes are in the closet. Bags are up on the shelf. You didn't go anywhere, did you? Oh, we I want you to call a doctor.
[00:33:20] Unknown:
What? This is Doctor. Caswell. He's just next door. Well, why do I need a doctor? You look terrible. Lost about five pounds. There's no color in your face. Oh, it's absolutely true. I I lost five pounds because I'm on a diet. And if there's no color in my face, it's because I don't have my makeup on. You sound tired. But we were up late last night.
[00:33:40] Unknown:
Why did you want me to think you were in Mexico? Bert,
[00:33:45] Unknown:
you and I, we've been very close. We've shared a home. You've practically raised Remind all that. What are you leading up to? Well, we'd see each other every day and talk to each other and actually have no lives away from each other. I wasn't aware of that. So I thought that since I'm a married woman, now we we just have to get used to a a different kind of relationship.
[00:34:10] Unknown:
Uh-huh. You can tell when I'm lying. I can tell when you're lying. Otis broke his promise, didn't he? What promise? His promise never to paint your picture.
[00:34:23] Unknown:
How can you say that? Why don't I ask him? You can't ask him. He isn't home. Alright. I'll wait. But he he may be going all day. No ring the bell just before. Oh.
[00:34:32] Unknown:
Hi Bert. How are you? Oh, just fine. Just fine. You've been painting I see.
[00:34:37] Unknown:
Anyone I know? Well I haven't been painting exactly. I've been cleaning brushes, things like that. You know, chores. Why don't we go inside and see?
[00:34:45] Unknown:
Bert, Bert, if you walk into that studio, I'll never talk to you again as long as I live.
[00:34:53] Unknown:
If I don't walk into that studio, you'll be dead in a month. Bert.
[00:34:59] Unknown:
Oh Bert. We we wanted so much for you to have a portrait of me. Yeah. So I see. No. Not yet you don't see. It's nowhere near finished, but but you can just sense what it's going to be like. Bert, it's gonna be my finest work because it's for you. Oh, darling. Don't be unreasonable.
[00:35:17] Unknown:
You can't finish that painting, Otis. Tell me why. Why? Otis. For some reason, you kill the people you paint. What? Don't interrupt me. It's not easy to say this. And I can imagine what it must sound like. But, Otis, you've painted the portraits of five women. Every one of them is dead. But that is nothing to do with each other. Died on the day you finished the portrait. Bert, have you any idea what you're saying? I know what I'm saying. And it gets worse, but it's true. What's true? Otis,
[00:35:55] Unknown:
the truth is you're not a painter. How can you say that? This isn't easy, sis.
[00:36:01] Unknown:
Just thank God that we're three people who love each other and can solve our problem together. Bert, how can you say I'm not an artist? DeMarco said you had absolutely no talent. DeMarco?
[00:36:13] Unknown:
He's a jealous old friend. That's right.
[00:36:16] Unknown:
When you came to him, you had absolutely no ability, no talent. How do you account for the fact that I create He's so many paint, Otis. Good. Hear me out, please. Somehow, and I don't even think you're aware of it. You have the ability to drain the life out of your subject and project it onto the canvas. Saying. You're not aware of it. You didn't notice that Lila Beaumont was actually dying before your eyes. Just as the others did before dying before your eyes, just as the others did before her. Bert, tell me this is a joke. No. It isn't a joke.
Look at Lucy Otis. She doesn't look ill? I honestly can't see anything wrong. Lucy, look in the mirror. Look. And then tell me there's nothing wrong with you. I don't have to look.
[00:37:13] Unknown:
I know.
[00:37:15] Unknown:
Then what I have been saying It's Just that
[00:37:18] Unknown:
well, I I've been worried. About what? About Otis.
[00:37:22] Unknown:
Darling, why? Oh,
[00:37:24] Unknown:
I'm afraid one day you'll get tired of me. Lucy. There's so many women who are after
[00:37:30] Unknown:
you're the only woman I want. You know that. Yes. I know.
[00:37:33] Unknown:
But sometimes I can't sleep at night, and that's the reason that I'm not looking my best.
[00:37:38] Unknown:
No. No. The painting's the reason. And, Otis, you must promise to destroy that painting. I can't do that. Then I will. Bert, put down that knife. Take your hand off me, Otis. Bert, don't hit it. I won't let you destroy my painting. And I won't let you kill my sister.
[00:37:53] Unknown:
Otis. Otis. Bert.
[00:37:58] Unknown:
Stop. Stop. Rosie. Rosie. Stop him. That takes care of this. Bert, you're crazy. Get up, Otis. I didn't hit you that hard. Fuckin' what you did to my painting. Do you know what you've done? Yes. I destroyed the canvas. And look, look at your wife.
[00:38:15] Unknown:
Look at yourself, Lucy. Your color is back. Bert, you're a fool. If my color is back, it's because I'm I'm sure it is. No. No. You've got your old vitality
[00:38:23] Unknown:
and strength. You'll be alright now, Louis. Bert? There's really nothing we can talk about. I did what I had to do. And now let's let's forget it. Except for one thing, Otis. Promise me your word of honor that you'll never try to paint Lucy's portrait again. But I can't Put it this way, Otis. If you ever try to paint her portrait, I'll
[00:38:56] Unknown:
kill
[00:39:02] Unknown:
you. Hi, Bert. Callahan. Thought Thought I'd find you down here on the range. Good cluster except for that one shot off to the left. Probably a faulty cartridge. Sure. It's never the shooter. It's always the show. What is it you're getting out of your system tonight? Nothing. Nothing at all. Wanna sit down and talk for a minute? About what? About you and me.
[00:39:29] Unknown:
Alright. What does it ever say?
[00:39:33] Unknown:
We have to decide what I'm gonna do about you. Why? Because Otis and Lucy were in my office this afternoon. They're two very scared kids. They've got nothing to be scared of. Not for themselves. For you. Why? Oh, come on, Bert. You know why they told me everything.
[00:39:57] Unknown:
Oh, that's nice. My own sister.
[00:40:00] Unknown:
She only did it because she loves you. Yeah. Yeah.
[00:40:04] Unknown:
She told you how all of them die when he paints their portraits? Yep.
[00:40:09] Unknown:
Well, what do you think? Here's what I think. I just put in this application. Application? For your leave of absence. But I'm not Yes. You are. It'll all be done quietly. And when you're better, you can come back to duty as if nothing happened. Where am I supposed to go? There's a private sanitarium. Absolutely the top doctor. Callahan. I'm not crazy. Of course not. You just got this temporary little quirk. And it can be ironed out easily. Subconsciously, I guess you just miss not having Lucy around the house. Well, thanks for everything, but I'm not going. In, in light of what happened in the studio this morning, I'm afraid your choices are limited. Callahan. Is it the quiet private sanitarium, or do we have to put you into the city hospital for observation?
And what are you telling me? I'm telling you to hand over your revolver.
[00:41:16] Unknown:
Who was it who wrote, heaven keep me safe from my well meaning friends? It's certainly a sentiment that's shared right now by detective sergeant Bert Dennison. All he wants to do is prevent a terrible tragedy. And who's trying to stop him? Those people who truly love him. We're going to meet more well meaning people when I return shortly with act three. Oh, sure. You can talk about good tasting diet drinks, but I know.
[00:41:47] Unknown:
I'm Goldilocks. And here at my taste testing laboratory, I taste test them all.
[00:41:52] Unknown:
And nobody's been drinking my diet drinks
[00:41:57] Unknown:
until I tested sugar free diet seven up. And then Kaboomi. Every bear wanted some. Diet seven up is fresh, natural, delicious. Sugar free diet seven up. This one's just right.
[00:42:14] Unknown:
By the year February, our country will be guided by today's youth. Learning how our legal process works should start now through involvement, like working to register voters, helping to elect candidates, campaigning, and voting. Law day, May first, urges young America to lead the way. Help preserve good laws. Help change bad laws. Help make better laws. A public service announcement of the American Bar Association and your state and local bar associations.
[00:43:30] Unknown:
What about the new Navy? You'll get your chance at success, learn an exciting job, and see the world. Call toll free (800) 841-8000 or see your Navy recruiter. Be someone special in the new navy.
[00:43:56] Unknown:
The best mirror is the face of an old friend. Sergeant Dennison stares at Lieutenant Callahan. Stares at the look on Callahan's face. It's a strange look. A look that's a mixture of pity, concern, and fear. And suddenly, Denison realizes that this must be the same look that showed so often when he knew he had to arrest a suspect who might turn out to be criminally insane.
[00:44:33] Unknown:
I have to have your service revolver, Bert.
[00:44:37] Unknown:
Wanna put the cuffs on me too, Callahan? Cut it out. Why not?
[00:44:40] Unknown:
It's nothing of the sort, and you know it. Now look. Let's go to your apartment, pick up some stuff, and I'll drive you to this place myself. Tell me something. Tell me something,
[00:44:52] Unknown:
Don't you wanna hear my side of it? Burt, you slugged your brother-in-law. You slashed the painting. Mhmm. So? That's violence. You and me. We never used violence in the line of duty. Justified for Slice it anyway. Why am I wrong this time? Because what you say is crazy. Callahan, you and me, we're not the new breed of college cops who know everything. But still, we're very careful about that word crazy. You mean you really believe Otis kills people by painting their portraits? Yeah. Yeah. Quit fighting me. Work with me. Oh, let's go out and get some expert testimony.
[00:45:39] Unknown:
What's here?
[00:45:40] Unknown:
This is the doctor who attended Lila Beaumont just before she died. And he's completely stumped by the whole thing.
[00:45:50] Unknown:
Yes. I was dissatisfied
[00:45:52] Unknown:
with the cause of death. Doctor. Caswell, you said you didn't believe she could change so radically in so short a time. I did say that. You also said you couldn't see how a splendid physical specimen like Lila Beaumont could just wither away. Yes. I remember. I did say that too. And even though you signed a death certificate which listed exhaustion as the cause of death, nobody really knew what she did die of.
[00:46:20] Unknown:
Well, I've since
[00:46:22] Unknown:
I've since come to believe that she really could have died of exhaustion. But you said exhaustion plus loss of the will to live. But you were convinced there was a mysterious cause. I didn't use that word. But doctor, you led me to believe I was merely
[00:46:39] Unknown:
ventilating some doubts, some misgivings. But the other women who died. I wasn't there. I don't know.
[00:46:53] Unknown:
You told me, professor DeMarco, that Otis had no concept of the basic principles of art. I did. No feeling for line, form, color? I think I said something like that. And since those things can't be learned, there was no way he could become a painter. It's a relative thing. Well, you even went so far as to say the only way he could have learned them was if he'd sold his soul to the devil. That was a figure of speech. He never did learn to be a painter. Something happened. He found a way or was given a way, who knows, to draw the vital essence from a living thing and put it on canvas.
[00:47:36] Unknown:
I don't think I could agree with you. I can prove it.
[00:47:40] Unknown:
Look at everything he's done. He's never painted an inanimate object, just the face, the body, but no clothes, no furniture, no jewels, no decorations.
[00:47:49] Unknown:
I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. Maybe maybe I was jealous. Jealous of what? You said he had no talent. Maybe that was a lie I told myself. Maybe I resented his youth, his promise. After all, I never fulfilled mine. Yeah. Sure.
[00:48:13] Unknown:
And besides, you really don't wanna be remembered as the art teacher who flunked Otis Manly Carter. I guess that's the simple answer.
[00:48:22] Unknown:
I wish there were such a thing as a simple answer.
[00:48:32] Unknown:
Well, Burt, you've got to admit it's really a comfortable room with a great view of the ocean, and you've even got a refrigerator. Yeah. What happens now, Callahan? Well, starting tomorrow, the doctors will begin working with you. You'll be straightened out in no time. I see. I'm the one who has to be straightened out. That's how it is. Even if I happen to be right. Those are the rules of the game, brother. But I'm not crazy, Calla. You and I know what crazy is. Crazy is when most people don't agree with you. You're a big help. I'll come up and see you this week. I can hardly wait. I better ring for the guy to come let me out. What do you mean you got a ring?
Well, door is locked from the outside. It doesn't mean anything, Bert. It's just routine. I mean Yeah. I know what you mean.
[00:49:22] Unknown:
I might as well be in jail.
[00:49:32] Unknown:
You wanted something, Sergeant? Yeah. Yeah, Jerry.
[00:49:35] Unknown:
I'm gonna make a phone call. You can't. What do you mean I can't? Well, the first doctor says Forget what the doctor says. Well, part of the treatment is to isolate you completely from your former environment. But I have to know if my sister is okay. Okay. Is okay. How do you know? Because if she wasn't, you'd be told about it. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Listen. I know. I know. I can't make a phone call. But if I could, where would I make it from? There's a phone outside.
[00:50:09] Unknown:
The end of the hall. There is,
[00:50:11] Unknown:
Jerry, I wanna show you something. What? No. Come on, Lucy. Answer it.
[00:50:31] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:50:32] Unknown:
Lucy. What? Lucy.
[00:50:35] Unknown:
Yes. I'm Lucy. Who is this? It's me, Bert.
[00:50:41] Unknown:
Who? Bert.
[00:50:42] Unknown:
No. Bert is Bert isn't here. Could you call back later?
[00:50:48] Unknown:
Lucy. Oh my good Lord. Lucy.
[00:50:59] Unknown:
Who? Who?
[00:51:01] Unknown:
He's painting your picture again. I've got to destroy that canvas. Don't move, Bert. Otis. Don't make me shoot, Bert. Now listen, Otis. You don't wanna kill me. No. I'd only wanna hit you in the foot, but I'm a bad shot. Now please, Bert, just stand still. What are you doing with the gun, Otis? That's not your style. Callahan called
[00:51:19] Unknown:
us. He said you'd broken out of the sanitarium. He wants me to phone him if you show up here. You're killing Lucy.
[00:51:25] Unknown:
Look at her. Bert, I I don't know what's gotten into you. Is the painting almost finished? What business is that of yours? What more has to be done on the painting? I just have to finish her mouth. And when you do, she's going to die. How can you believe Do you love her, Otis? You know I love her. Destroy the painting. I can't. I can. I'm warning you, Greg. I'm gonna walk into your studio, and I'm going to destroy that painting. You take one step and I'll shoot you. I'll just have to take the chance. I've still got five bullets in the gun. All of them can't miss. Otis, look at Lucy.
Look at her. She's dying. That that is a truth. You don't wanna see it. If I could prove you're killing her, would you destroy the painting? How could you prove that? Would you destroy the painting? Yes. Let's go back into the studio, Otis. No. It it's a trick. You've got the gun, Otis. What are you afraid of? Come on. I'd you to stand near the wall. You keep far away from my painting. It's beautiful. Then why do you want me to destroy it? Because it is Lucy. Why did you bring me in here to prove? That you kill a living thing when you paint it. On the windowsill, Otis, that flower, that uranium, paint it.
Sure. I'll put the gun down and pick up the brush and you'll jump. You're afraid. You're scared. You're crazy. What you're saying is crazy. Here's your chance to prove it, Otis. Paint that flower. And if nothing happens to it, I promise I'll go away quietly. I well,
[00:53:14] Unknown:
I will. Now there. It's a quick sketch. How do you like it?
[00:53:27] Unknown:
It's beautiful.
[00:53:28] Unknown:
Alright. Now look at the windowsill. Look at the uranium.
[00:53:31] Unknown:
Go on. Look at the oh.
[00:53:37] Unknown:
Oh. Oh, now Bert, what
[00:53:41] Unknown:
what what what what happened to us? You can see what happened. I can't believe it. But it's true. The color is gone. It's wilted, withered. It's dead. No. They're all dead. Lila Beaumont, those other women. And Lucy is dying. Before it's too late, Otis, you know what you have to do. No. Otis, you you do it for me. No.
[00:54:07] Unknown:
You have to destroy that canvas yourself. Why? Because I can't keep watching you guarding my sister forever. You have to put an end to it yourself. I promise. I
[00:54:19] Unknown:
anybody.
[00:54:22] Unknown:
I I I don't know if I can give it up. But you're not really a painter, Otis. Somehow you you you stumbled into some sort of mysterious power, and now you've got to give it up. Destroy the painting. I'll go back to Lucy. How do you know I just won't finish it? How how can you trust me? I trust you. I trust you because you love Lucy.
[00:54:52] Unknown:
Lucy?
[00:54:55] Unknown:
Lucy? Mhmm. Who is Lucy. Oh. Oh, Bert. I must have been napping. Oh, I feel so refreshed.
[00:55:06] Unknown:
Yes. You're looking better.
[00:55:08] Unknown:
Bert, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be I know. I know. I'm supposed to be crazy. I don't worry about it. Otis, Bert's here. Shouldn't we go home? No. No. No.
[00:55:18] Unknown:
Everything's alright.
[00:55:21] Unknown:
I better go straighten everybody out, especially Callahan.
[00:55:26] Unknown:
The painting? Is it my imagination? Or did what happened to the painting? I, decided to give it up. Otis, how could you? Will you
[00:55:42] Unknown:
will you love me even if I'm not a famous painter? But darling Sure. She'll love you, Otis.
[00:55:48] Unknown:
She'll love you even more.
[00:55:55] Unknown:
She'll love you even more. There's a lot of truth to that, Otis. A woman in love with a famous man has a problem. She wants him all to herself, but she is forced to share him with the entire world. And you ladies in our audience might think about it too. If you're married to a man who doesn't seem to be going anywhere special, look on the brighter side. Just think. You can have him all to yourself. I'll be back shortly. Hi.
[00:56:26] Unknown:
Miss Goldilocks here. Professionally, taste testing diet drinks can be very difficult, but I've just had to bear with it. Then I found sugar free diet seven up. It doesn't taste like other diet drinks. It's fresh, light, natural, delicious. Sugar free diet seven up tastes so good that I've taste tested it hundreds of times. And each time I've given it my seal of approval. Yes. This one's just right.
[00:56:56] Unknown:
A March of Dimes message from a basketball great.
[00:57:00] Unknown:
Hi. I'm Bill Bradley. There are many things that go into making a professional athlete, but let's start at the beginning. Being fortunate enough to have been born healthy. A quarter of a million children are born each year with birth defects. The March of Dimes is a team of professional scientists, doctors, educators working to prevent birth defects. Please help give tomorrow's children a good start. Give to the March of Dimes.
[00:57:38] Unknown:
What killed those women? A coincidence of real and fancied illness? Or can an artist really drain the life from a living creature and transform it to canvas? Certain primitive tribes agree. It's taboo to create a likeness. Maybe they know what they're talking about. Our cast included Nat Polin, Marion Seldes, Jack Grimes, Jackson Beck, and Roger de Koven. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now, a preview of our next tale.
[00:58:19] Unknown:
I told you I burned it. And you know that's a fairy tale that no one will believe. I don't care whether you believe it or not. Now are you coming with me? Where? To talk to your Colonel Blake. He won't see you. Oh, I think he will. Goodbye, Carol. It was nice knowing you. I think. You will kindly step back into your room, miss Yufeeling? Now wait a minute.
[00:58:39] Unknown:
I am Major Simonovich.
[00:58:42] Unknown:
Oh. Are the gay pay you or the MKVD? It does not really matter.
[00:58:46] Unknown:
What matters is that you and I have something to discuss. I warned you. Yeah. Sure you did. I do so dislike dealing with amateurs.
[00:58:55] Unknown:
This is strictly a business. You mean you wanna make a deal with me? Correction.
[00:59:00] Unknown:
I mean, you would find it wise if you wanted to make a deal with us. For the paper? Exactly.
[00:59:07] Unknown:
Where is it? No. Not not so fast. Not so fast. You spoke about a deal?
[00:59:11] Unknown:
You give us the paper, we give you your life. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant
[00:59:33] Unknown:
dreams. W D A M, Kansas City.
[01:00:10] Unknown:
You coming to bed, hon? Yep. Honey, I'll be I'll be right there. Just gotta turn out the light.
[01:00:21] Unknown:
Some things never change. Like, your kids always leaving tiny toys on the floor for you to step on. And GEICO saving folks lots of money on their car insurance.
[01:00:32] Unknown:
Sweetie, I think I left the downstairs light on.
[01:00:36] Unknown:
Please don't make me go. Fifteen minutes could save you 15% or more.
Local News and Crime in Kansas City
Watergate Scandal Updates
Controversies and Economic News
Sports and Weather Updates
Mystery Theater Introduction
The Enigmatic Artist: Otis Manly Carter
A Detective's Intuition
The Confrontation and Resolution
