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In this gripping episode of Mystery Theater, hosted by EG Marshall, we delve into the complexities of trust and betrayal within a seemingly perfect marriage. Myra and Ted Mallard have been married for twenty-five years, living what appears to be an idyllic life. However, their world is turned upside down when Ted is arrested for smuggling drugs. As Myra struggles to believe the accusations against her husband, she is confronted with evidence of a double life, including a mysterious woman named Jenny Saunders and an apartment filled with Ted's belongings. Myra's faith in Ted is tested as she navigates a web of deceit, trying to uncover the truth and save her husband from a life behind bars.
As the story unfolds, Myra's investigation leads her to question Ted's business partner, Bert Hollis, and the possibility of a frame-up. With the help of Lieutenant Jack Denson, Myra uncovers a plot involving debts, betrayal, and a sinister plan to ruin Ted's life. The episode explores themes of love, trust, and the lengths one will go to protect those they care about. In the end, Myra's unwavering belief in Ted's innocence helps unravel the conspiracy, highlighting the power of love and faith in overcoming adversity.
(00:00) Introduction to Mystery Theater
(02:16) The Mallards' Perfect Marriage
(03:18) Ted's Arrest and the Accusation
(07:00) The Alleged Frame-Up
(14:19) The Double Life Revelation
(24:56) Confrontation with Jenny Saunders
(31:01) Myra's Determination to Prove Innocence
(36:33) The Truth Uncovered
(40:50) Conclusion and Moral of the Story
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[00:00:00]
Unknown:
For now, mystery theater. Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall, Chamberlain in this court of the mysterious and the macabre. The act of trust seems to get short shrift from the poets, the philosophers, and even the prophets. An early American sage warns us to trust everybody but cut the cards. The book tells us, put not your trust in princes. Very well and very good, but you have to trust somebody. Can anyone go all the way through this life without trusting another human being? What is it you want me to do? Show me how to use this. That's a revolver.
[00:01:01] Unknown:
Exactly. Where did you get it? I don't think that's important. Why? I don't think I should help you to Well, if you don't, I'll probably kill myself trying to figure it out. But you don't need a rip off. I I feel safer with it in the house. Debt is away so much.
[00:01:16] Unknown:
Well, you, you flick out the cylinder
[00:01:20] Unknown:
Mhmm. And you insert the shells into these chambers.
[00:01:25] Unknown:
I see.
[00:01:26] Unknown:
And now you flick back the cylinder,
[00:01:29] Unknown:
and I hope you never have to use it. But the gun is ready to fire. You just point it and pull the trigger.
[00:01:37] Unknown:
Like,
[00:01:38] Unknown:
so? Like so. But not at me.
[00:01:41] Unknown:
Why not at you? Why, I intend to kill you.
[00:01:53] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, can you trust your husband, was written especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dan and stars Joan Lovejoy and Mandel Kramer. Somehow love seems to have become the province of the young. Ask almost anyone to name two people who are deeply in love and the answer almost automatically is Romeo and Juliet. Well, let's face it. Romeo and Juliet were a couple of teenagers who only knew each other for a brief interval. They conveniently died before they would have to weather the storms of marriage and responsibility. The lovers of record should be Philemon and Baucis or Darby and Joan, couples who lived with each other and put up with each other for fifty and sixty years. That, dear friends, is love.
All this is by way of introduction to the Mallards, Ted and Myra, married twenty five years. And as far as we know, there's never been an argument or even a harsh word. It's all been one long beautiful honeymoon as far as we know. Let our story begin late one autumn evening as the doorbell rings in their comfortable well appointed apartment.
[00:03:18] Unknown:
Just a minute. You'll have to wait, Ted. Next time, carry your keys. Oh, bird. Did I wake wake you, Myra? No. No. I I never can sleep while Ted's awake. Come on in. Thanks. Ted isn't home yet. I, guess his plane was late. Why, yes. It was. Oh, I knew it. But but what? Well, I I Well,
[00:03:48] Unknown:
I Something's wrong. I well Bert, what are you trying to tell me? Well, whatever it is, I guess I'm not doing a very good job of it. Ted. Yes. It's about Ted. Something's happened to him. The the plane Oh, now Myra, just a minute. I've been listening to the radio all night. I haven't heard anything about a plane. No. It it isn't the plane. Then what is it? The plane landed more than three hours ago. Er, tell me what's happened to Ted. Well, I'm trying to. It's it's not easy. Do you know where he is? He's in
[00:04:13] Unknown:
jail. Jail?
[00:04:16] Unknown:
Why? What for? I I said it's not easy. I I I'm not sure. He he was arrested as he came through customs. Tell me why. Well, I I suppose for smuggling.
[00:04:28] Unknown:
Smuggling? Oh. That's impossible. It
[00:04:34] Unknown:
it has to be a mistake. Oh. I'm sure of it. We have to get hold of Arthur Kremes. I already did. Or doesn't he practice that kind of law? He'll get someone else if he can't handle it.
[00:04:43] Unknown:
Handle what? All I know is Ted called me and they allowed them one phone call. Please, Bert. Get to it. Well, see, he said, Bert, I'm being accused of smuggling. Call Arthur and then tell Myra.
[00:04:53] Unknown:
But what is he accused of smuggling? Heroin or cocaine. I I I'm not sure.
[00:04:59] Unknown:
But that that's ridiculous.
[00:05:02] Unknown:
How could Ted possibly be involved in anything like that?
[00:05:06] Unknown:
They filed it in in his attache case.
[00:05:09] Unknown:
But it's all a mistake. A terrible mistake. Or else it it's a joke. A very bad joke. Ted, darling. Myra, I didn't want you to come here. Why not? Because it's a prison zone. Are you alright? I don't know. I'm in prison, Myra. Well, it's not exactly prison. You're you're just being held here because of some awful misunderstanding.
[00:05:41] Unknown:
Oh, darling. It's prison.
[00:05:44] Unknown:
People like me, like us, we only read about these things. But Arthur says he'll go before a judge in the morning and and see about setting bail. That's another word.
[00:05:53] Unknown:
Bail. Do you realize I'm gonna be out on bail as if as if I were some common criminal? Darling, Ted, tell me what happened. I I I simply couldn't get a word out of Bert. What happened? How many times have I done this? I got off the plane, picked up my luggage, walked through customs, except Except? Except this time I didn't walk through. This time, when they searched my attache case, they found a packet they say, a first grade cocaine.
[00:06:19] Unknown:
Well then, it it couldn't have been your attache case. But it was. How how did the cocaine get there? I don't know. Couldn't you have seen it? No. Why not? It's because it was concealed in a secret compartment.
[00:06:35] Unknown:
What secret compartment? I don't know, darling. I didn't know I had one. But surely
[00:06:39] Unknown:
Surely what? Surely nothing, darling. I know how upset you are. You don't need me giving you a third degree. They were waiting for me, Myra.
[00:06:48] Unknown:
Waiting? Yes. Ordinarily customs is just a routine. This time there were three or four of them out there. They emptied the papers out of my case. One of had some kind of a screwdriver and he You mean that they actually
[00:06:58] Unknown:
expected to find something? Yes.
[00:07:01] Unknown:
And then there was this this cellophane or they I think they call it glassine, a packet just filled with powder.
[00:07:07] Unknown:
Well, it's a mistake. Well, Well, of course. Obviously, it it couldn't have been your attache case. You see that that's the answer. I told you it was. Ted, you're being framed.
[00:07:18] Unknown:
That's the only thing that makes any sense. But why? Why? Because I travel regularly between New York and London on legitimate business. I'd make an ideal courier.
[00:07:28] Unknown:
Somebody's been using you. People, a gang that's involved in smuggling that they watch for regular travelers. I know it sounds crazy, but they managed to get hold of your bag somehow. I don't know what's going to happen now, Mara. Well, I know what's going to happen. Tomorrow,
[00:07:45] Unknown:
the mistake or whatever it is will be straightened out. I don't know if it ever can be straightened out completely.
[00:07:50] Unknown:
Peg, what are you saying? You're innocent.
[00:07:53] Unknown:
Am I innocent? You know it and I know it, but what about the rest of the world? Don't forget this will be in all the papers. But it's so obviously a frame of. To whom? Myra, there are people who actually believe that if a person isn't guilty, he'd never have been arrested in the first place. Ted, that's crazy. Of course it is, but that's what's out there. But everyone knows that you're an honest, hardworking, ethical man. Of so many people, there will be a nagging little nasty suspicion. Could you really have been involved? Well, this is going to be a good way of finding out who your friends really are. Suddenly, I feel as if I'm part of another world, my other world you and I never knew.
It's it's no longer our logical well ordered universe. All of a sudden I'm a criminal. Darling, you're not. I'm in a cage deprived of my freedom. Look at them, the rest of them as you leave here. The thugs, the hoodlums, the thieves. I'm one of them. Ted. Look at them as you leave because I can't leave. I have to stay. Darling, not for long. Myra, you've got to get me out. The shame of this, the disgrace. I can't stand it. Hello? Myra. Bert, where are you? Courthouse. Was Arthur able to get bail set? Well, that's what I'm calling you. Bert, please. Just tell me. There's a a problem, Myra. And Arthur's going to be tied up with it, so he asked me to call you. Bert, will you please tell me? Well, it it looks like Arthur can't get bail.
[00:09:24] Unknown:
What do you mean he can't get bail? Well It's the law. A person is entitled to bail. He is, and he isn't.
[00:09:32] Unknown:
Well, I'm going right down there. Myra, it won't do you any good. You see, because of the size of the package and the fact that they've had their eye on Ted for a long time You just stop there. You stop right there. Please, Myra. I'm only reporting the facts. The federal prosecutor moved for suspension of bail. But that's not legal. Well, in some cases
[00:09:52] Unknown:
Well, there has to be someone I can talk to. To. They claim Ted is so important to this narcotics ring. What
[00:09:58] Unknown:
narcotics ring? That he would simply jump bail and leave the country. Bert, do you know what you're saying? Or else his life would be in danger. So what this amounts to is is protective custody.
[00:10:11] Unknown:
Protective custody. And Arthur, our fine attorney, Arthur, to whom we pay a fortune every year as a retainer is just standing there and taking it. Now, Myra,
[00:10:21] Unknown:
you must be fair to Arthur. Be fair to Arthur? Arthur's fighting it. He's filing an appeal. He's going to a higher court, but it has to take time. Time? A a couple of days. A week. Bert, I I have to hang up now. Now you just relax, Myra. Everyone's doing their absolute best. I'll talk to you soon. Okay. Goodbye.
[00:10:42] Unknown:
Alright. Yes?
[00:10:49] Unknown:
Missus Miller? Who are you? I'm Lieutenant Jack Denson of the narcotics squad. We're cooperating with the federal authorities. And? Hear my credentials. I see them. May I come in?
[00:11:01] Unknown:
Why? To discuss your husband's case. My husband doesn't have a case. He's a victim of a of a frame up of of some sort of ghastly mistake.
[00:11:10] Unknown:
There's nothing you can gain from talking to me. I'm here to help you, missus Mallard. Help you and your husband.
[00:11:17] Unknown:
Help us in what way?
[00:11:19] Unknown:
Well, I'd rather not discuss that in the hallway of your apartment building.
[00:11:24] Unknown:
Very well, come in. The only way you can help us is to clear up this terrible mistake and get Ted out of that jail. What makes you think it's a mistake? What makes my husband is innocent. What makes you think so? I'm gonna have to ask you to leave this house. First, answer my question.
[00:11:46] Unknown:
What makes you think your husband is innocent? The fact that you love him? Of course, I love him. Has that become a crime? Your entire attitude toward your husband is based on the fact that you love him. And love happens to be blind. Please spare me your dime store philosophy.
[00:12:01] Unknown:
You don't live with a man for twenty five years without getting to know him. Ours was no ordinary marriage, or or maybe it was. Maybe all marriages are the same. I wouldn't know. Marriages are the same. I wouldn't know. But we were together in everything. We had no secrets. I don't believe we even had separate faults. We lived with and for each other. So he couldn't have been doing anything wrong because I would have known it. How would you have known it? Evidently you're not married. Or if you are, it's not what I would call a marriage. I would know.
He wouldn't have to say a word or leave a clue. But I would know if he were doing anything wrong. So what do you say to that?
[00:12:49] Unknown:
I wish I knew what to say, Mrs. Mallard. I wish I knew how to say what I have to say. Then please stop beating around the bush.
[00:12:58] Unknown:
You're a fine woman, Mrs. Mallard. I'm in no mood for flattery, lieutenant. Say what you have to say and get out. I'm sorry I'm forced forced to tell you
[00:13:06] Unknown:
this, but your husband, whom you love and with whom you're so close, has been leading a double life.
[00:13:18] Unknown:
I I don't believe that. It it can't be true. I'm sorry, missus Mallard.
[00:13:27] Unknown:
We have proof.
[00:13:35] Unknown:
There are parts of the world where it never rains. The bright golden sun shines in a deep blue sky. And all is beautiful and cheerful and gay. And after a while, you accept it as something that will last forever. But, as the song says, into each life some rain must fall. And when it does, those who have never known what it is to be drenched usually suffer the most. I shall return shortly with act two. To the Mystery Theatre on WABC. For twenty five years, Myra and Ted Mallard have had a wonderful marriage. Myra and Ted could communicate without speaking, read each other's thoughts, share each other's feelings. Well, possibly, this hasn't been completely so. For here is Myra being confronted with the charge that Ted has been living a complete life away from her. A life that is of interest to the police.
[00:14:46] Unknown:
I I challenge you to present your proof, lieutenant. We've been watching Ted for a long time. He makes regular trips? He makes regular trips to London on legitimate business. Of course. Ted had an opportunity to open a branch office in London, and he goes there to supervise. And it's an excellent cover. Cover? His presence is necessary.
[00:15:08] Unknown:
According to the annual report of your husband's company, that London operation is losing money. Ted has faith in it. But you can excuse our being skeptical.
[00:15:18] Unknown:
And what right do you have to arrest a man on skepticism? None at all. But it goes deeper. I'm not interested. I can see the nature of your so called proof. I want you to help your husband.
[00:15:31] Unknown:
Why should you care? By helping him, you help us. Missus Mallard,
[00:15:36] Unknown:
he won't talk. What does he have to talk about? Everything.
[00:15:40] Unknown:
Who his associates are. Where they buy the drugs. Where and to whom they sell. Who is protecting them. Please, let me finish. You must convince him to talk. If he remains silent, he'll spend the rest of his life in jail. But he hasn't done anything. Please, missus Mallard. We're we're beyond all that. Now you must convince him to cooperate. That way he can get a substantial reduction in his sentence. What sentence? He'll be tried and he'll be sentenced.
[00:16:10] Unknown:
We have proof. You keep saying you have proof. And all you've got is the packet you found in his attache case, and that could have been planted there. It could have been, but it wasn't. Oh, I won't be intimidated. If we have to fight, we'll fight. Ted is 47 years old. He has a spotless reputation. He's never done anything wrong. The jury will simply refuse to believe that he could be a member of a dope ring.
[00:16:39] Unknown:
Did you ever hear of a woman named Jenny Saunders?
[00:16:44] Unknown:
Jenny Saunders.
[00:16:45] Unknown:
I don't believe so. I'll do some things that are not exactly in the book. If you promise to say nothing, I'll take you to her apartment.
[00:16:53] Unknown:
Why would I want to go there?
[00:16:56] Unknown:
Because the two of you have something in common.
[00:17:07] Unknown:
How does it happen that you have a key to this woman's apartment? Well, you see, she's cooperating with us. And,
[00:17:15] Unknown:
when I said I might wanna bring you here, she felt it best not to be present.
[00:17:21] Unknown:
Why?
[00:17:22] Unknown:
Out of respect, I suppose, for your feelings. What do you think of the place?
[00:17:28] Unknown:
Well, it it's nice enough, but why did wait a minute. That that's Ted's picture.
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Yep. That's Ted's picture.
[00:17:43] Unknown:
What's Ted's picture doing here? You'll find some of Ted's clothing in the closet also. Oh, oh, no. Oh, no. Why? You won't get away with this. I see what this is for. It's a frame up to build your case. You're planting
[00:17:59] Unknown:
making serious charges, missus Mallard, and I can understand how you feel, but Ted was here. He spent time here. I defy you to prove that. We have witnesses.
[00:18:11] Unknown:
People have seen him here. Well, they can. They they they can all be part of this plot. Which
[00:18:15] Unknown:
plot? Missus Mallard, why should we wanna frame your husband? I don't know.
[00:18:20] Unknown:
To make an arrest, to create an impression you're cracking down on drugs? Why pick on Ted Mallard? Why construct this elaborate framework? I won't believe it. That means you refuse to believe it.
[00:18:32] Unknown:
Missus Mallard, let's accept your argument for a moment. The drugs could have been planted in the attache case. Then you admit? For the sake of argument. Okay. Then we could have gone to the trouble of setting up the apartment to witness the girl. But you tell me one thing. How do you explain your husband's fingerprints? What fingerprints? His fingerprints are all over the place. What fingerprints? His fingerprints Look. I know it's very hard for you, Mrs. Mallard. I suppose you have to look at your whole life now from from another
[00:19:31] Unknown:
Ira, where were you? I thought you'd be here earlier. Arthur hasn't been able to do a thing. Now should we get another lawyer? I can't believe a thing like this could happen.
[00:19:39] Unknown:
Tell me about Jenny Saunders. Who? Jenny Saunders.
[00:19:43] Unknown:
Jenny what about what about Jenny Saunders? That's what I'm asking you. I don't know any Jenny Saunders. You don't? No. Of course not. McDonough, we've got a million of one important things to worry about. You don't know a Jenny Saunders? Myra, is somebody named Jenny Saunders somehow involved in everything that's happening? There's an apartment at 291
[00:20:02] Unknown:
Fenimore Place. So what about it? I was hoping you'd tell me what about it. Myra, what's wrong? Don't say nothing because I can tell when something's bothering you. I didn't say nothing was wrong. Tell me about 291 Fenimore Place. I never heard of it. The police say they found your fingerprints all over it. My
[00:20:22] Unknown:
Oh, well, I guess they would. Then you do know about 291 Fennel. Thinking, darling. I have been there. Let me see. Often? Well, twice twice to install and then Oh, let's see. Was it three times? Times. Anyway, I installed and then went back for some repairs. I guess and I guess the police were checking every place that I ever visited.
[00:20:41] Unknown:
Oh, why would you have been to 291 Fenimore? I was a favor to Bert.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
Bert? Yes. He's got a friend. Jenny Saunders? I don't. Maybe that's her name. I never saw her. I never saw anyone in the apartment. Why did you go there in the first place? I'm telling you darling. Bert asked me to install one of our special stereos to this good friend of his. You. Don't you have servicemen and technicians to do what kind of thing? New things, and Bert said that it would be a big favor.
[00:21:06] Unknown:
And that's the only reason you ever went to 291 Fennymore Place? Well, of course.
[00:21:12] Unknown:
What other reason would I have?
[00:21:22] Unknown:
Oh, hello, missus Mallard. Hello, Harriet. Is is Bert Hollis in? Yeah. He sure is, but he he's on the phone. That's alright. I'll wait. I Look, I don't believe it about mister Mallard. I mean, what he's just about the straightest guy there is.
[00:21:37] Unknown:
Harriet, tell me something. Does the name Jenny Saunders mean anything to you?
[00:21:44] Unknown:
Say it again, Mrs. Mallard. Jenny
[00:21:46] Unknown:
Saunders. Does it mean anything?
[00:21:48] Unknown:
Yeah. What? Well, I don't know. I mean
[00:21:53] Unknown:
Oh, gosh.
[00:21:54] Unknown:
Well, who is it? Look, does this ever happen to you? You know you've heard something somewhere, but you can't for the life of you remember when or where. Now now this name, Jenny Saunders, I did hear it. Apropos of what? Apropos of I can't remember. Please, Harriet, try to recall. No. No. No. It doesn't do me any good to cry. It's very important. But I mean, it's it's all just sloshing around somewhere in my subconscious and it'll come to the surface when it wants to.
[00:22:23] Unknown:
Well, you
[00:22:25] Unknown:
you will let me know, won't you? If you should happen to remember. Oh, sure. Oh, mister Hollis' light is out now, so he's off the phone. Why why don't you just go in? Thank you.
[00:22:39] Unknown:
Bert. Myra, come in. Come in. Sit down. Thank you. Is there something new? I know Arthur's still waiting for the court of appeal. Bert,
[00:22:48] Unknown:
who is Jenny Saunders? Well, I I never heard of her. Now look, I know how long you and Ted have been friends. And of course, your your instinct is to protect him, but Bert oh, Bert, I have to know. What do you have to know? If my husband has been has been having an affair with a woman named Jenny Saunders. Ted? An affair? Oh, no. Never. It's impossible. Wait. I I looked in the mirror today, and I see that it could be possible. Myra, I know Ted. Please. I will say never. Please. When I think of Ted and me and our marriage, I believe I'm still 20 and he's still 22.
But I'm not and he is not, and I have wrinkles, and a girl named Jenny Saunders is probably quite young. And you're being quite silly. Ted would never Are you familiar with an apartment at 291 Fenimore Place?
[00:23:49] Unknown:
2 90 1
[00:23:51] Unknown:
Fenimore. No. No. No. Should I be? Yes. If you have a friend who lives there. No. I don't know anyone who Well, since you have never heard of the place and you don't know anyone who lives there, then you couldn't possibly have asked Ted to personally install a special super stereo.
[00:24:09] Unknown:
Ask Ted to what? You heard what I said. Why I heard it, but I can't believe it. Well, why why would I ask Ted?
[00:24:17] Unknown:
I see.
[00:24:19] Unknown:
Myra. Myra, please. Why did you ask me such a question?
[00:24:25] Unknown:
What are you driving at? What's happened? I'm not sure. When Ted was arrested at the airport the other night, I thought that was the end of the world. Now I see that that may have just been the calm before the storm. Yes? You're Jenny Saunders.
[00:25:00] Unknown:
Okay. Where do we go from here? I'm Mara Mallard. Well, come on in.
[00:25:08] Unknown:
Sit down. Thank you. Drink? I don't
[00:25:15] Unknown:
believe so. Well, what what are we gonna talk about? Is it true? It's true.
[00:25:23] Unknown:
I didn't think you'd be this type. When they start to hit 50, what's a type? Although you are quite pretty.
[00:25:32] Unknown:
If it makes you feel any better, he's, he's still in love with you.
[00:25:37] Unknown:
Really? Then what was he doing here?
[00:25:40] Unknown:
I guess these these fellows need excitement. He's in a jam, I hear. Yes. I will say he was fast with a dollar. He was good to me. Rent here goes for almost 300. And then he, liked to go to the track.
[00:25:57] Unknown:
I never knew he had the slightest interest. Oh, and he liked to game a card.
[00:26:01] Unknown:
I told him the stakes were a little high.
[00:26:03] Unknown:
I never knew he could even play cards.
[00:26:06] Unknown:
Well, I I tried to steer him clear of it. Thank you. But men, they do what they wanna do. And so, by the way I see it, he got in very deep to the loan sharks. And it's all tied into the rackets. You understand? So they said, look, here's how you can pay us back.
[00:26:26] Unknown:
And so he became a courier.
[00:26:30] Unknown:
You see it happen all the time. Legit business guys get themselves in hock and the mob moves in. What are you looking for?
[00:26:40] Unknown:
You were you wouldn't happen to have a specially installed
[00:26:45] Unknown:
stereo, would you? Oh, no. I wish I did.
[00:26:50] Unknown:
Oh, thank you, miss Saunders.
[00:26:51] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:26:53] Unknown:
I'm glad you're, friendly, missus Mallett. A lot of wives, they throw a fit. But isn't it better to act civilized?
[00:27:07] Unknown:
Myra, what are you saying to me? What are you saying to me, Ted? I'm saying that I don't know a girl named Jenny Saunders. Lives at 291 Fenimore Place. You admit you went there. As a favor to Bert. Bert knows nothing about it. What do you mean he knows nothing about it? He asked me to Me? Specifically asked Myra, Bert came into my office a couple of months ago and asked me to do him this favor. But he didn't. Ask him. I did ask him. He knows nothing about it. And furthermore, I just had a visit
[00:27:35] Unknown:
with Jenny Saunders. Myra. I can see where she might be very exciting. Myra, listen to me. No. You listen to me. Call Lieutenant Denson. What for? So you can make a deal and be out of here in a few years or maybe even months. Would you mind telling me what you're talking about? I'm talking about a man who fell in love with a woman half his age. Myra. Alright. Let's say he became infatuated. And so he went through all of his money, got into debt, and was offered a way out, an illegal way out, and he was caught. Myra, do you believe this? Yes, Ted. I believe it. I don't see how it's possible not to believe it.
[00:28:20] Unknown:
How is it possible indeed not to believe it? How can one doubt the evidence? Evidence based on a reasonable, logical, and sensible interpretation of the facts that exist. Certainly, a man must be proven guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt. Is there even a shadow here? Everything seems so clear cut.
[00:28:43] Unknown:
I'll be back shortly with act
[00:28:45] Unknown:
three. The mystery theatre returns on WABC. Sometimes, if you repeat a story often enough, you'll come to believe it. For instance, for twenty five years, Myra Mallard has been telling herself that she has the perfect marriage, a union that was made in heaven, as they say. And, perhaps she has been so taken by the idea that she refuses to accept reality. And reality seems to be another woman, and a prison cell, and a narcotics carrying charge. You're telling me I've been having an affair with another woman? I have met her. And I've been maintaining Yes. And the drain on my finances has driven me into becoming a member of a narcotics ring. Ted, these are facts.
[00:29:46] Unknown:
Well, I deny every one of them. But your fingerprints are all over that apartment. And I told you how they got there. Oh, Ted. I also told you something else.
[00:29:54] Unknown:
I told you this would never be straightened out. But That the very fact I've been arrested would scar me for the rest of my life. Ted But there'll always be a nagging doubt in people's minds. But what can I expect from strangers when my own wife believes I'm guilty? Ted, I I don't know what to believe. I'd know what to believe if you were the one who was sitting in jail. I believe what you told me. I'm trying to, but only evidence. I wouldn't care for evidence. I'd know that the person I loved would tell me the truth. I don't think we have the kind of marriage that we thought did, or at least that I thought I did.
Ted, what do you want me to do? What do I want you to do if you have to ask? I'm all mixed up. We had a paradise, you and I, Mara. But at the first storm, look what happens to it. Darling. The other night you said to me this would be a good way to find out who my friends are. Well, it's better than that. It's a good way for me to find out who my wife is.
[00:30:54] Unknown:
Well, missus Mallard, have you thought it over?
[00:30:57] Unknown:
Yes, Lieutenant Denson. I have. And have you decided to help your husband? Yes. I'm gonna do everything I can. Fine.
[00:31:04] Unknown:
Then I can expect you to cooperate with us. Oh, I will.
[00:31:08] Unknown:
That is if you agree to cooperate with me. Certainly. What would you like me to do? Find the man who's really guilty.
[00:31:16] Unknown:
Missus Mallard, is it possible we are back to ground zero on this thing? We never left
[00:31:22] Unknown:
it. Ted is innocent. In the face of all the evidence, can you really believe that? Yes. I believe he is innocent, and I believe it because he says so. Ted Mallard cannot lie to me any more than I can lie to him. Missus Mallard, I would like you I know what you'd like. You'd like me to look at the facts. But there are all kinds of facts, lieutenant. You have yours and I have mine.
[00:31:51] Unknown:
And what are yours?
[00:31:52] Unknown:
Mine is the fact that Ted and I are in love. Yes. For a moment, I panicked. I was frightened. Missus Mallard. It's no good, lieutenant. I have twenty five years
[00:32:05] Unknown:
supporting me. I know this is a blow to your pride. Let me tell you whom you should investigate.
[00:32:11] Unknown:
My husband's partner, Bert Hollis. Please. Missus Mallow. Is lying. He said he didn't ask Ted to install the stereo set at 291 Fenimore. Missus Mallard, you can't shift the blame conveniently. Why is Burt lying?
[00:32:24] Unknown:
That's the crux of the entire case. Burt was not caught with the narcotics. Burt was not maintaining a girl in that apartment. Please, lieutenant, don't give me facts, your facts.
[00:32:35] Unknown:
For once, try something else. Something else? Faith. Believe somebody. Take a person's word. You once said I was a very fine woman. Alright. Would I lie? Isn't it possible that I'm telling the truth? I know you have a case. It's it's well constructed, but it's wrong. Missus Mallard, we know Ted is guilty. And I know Bert is lying, and I'm asking you to find out why. We have no reason to pursue that line of investigation. Perhaps you don't, but I do, and I'm going to pursue it. How? I don't know. What do I know about these kinds of things? But somebody has to help Ted.
[00:33:24] Unknown:
Must be wonderful to have a wife who simply won't face the facts.
[00:33:27] Unknown:
Oh, you're wrong, Lieutenant. I'm facing all the facts. Why would Britt lie? I don't know. Think. I told you. I don't know. Have you had any differences of opinion about
[00:33:46] Unknown:
the business? No. Is he in debt? Not that I know of. Can you think of anything? Anything? Any reason why he would do this to you? Bert and I have been friends since college. Alright. The Attache
[00:33:53] Unknown:
case. How could the cocaine have gotten in there? That's beyond me. Oh, Ted. You're not being very helpful. Oh, did I ever think I'd be framed? It it it's Bert. It has to be Bert. But why? I don't know.
[00:34:04] Unknown:
I'd have been willing to bet my life on Bert just as I'd be willing to bet my life on you.
[00:34:16] Unknown:
Oh, hi, missus Mallard. Hello, Harriet. Anything new with mister Mallard?
[00:34:21] Unknown:
Well, we're hoping. Yeah. I've just come by to get some of Ted's things.
[00:34:26] Unknown:
Oh, that's mister Hollis' ring. He wants to give us some dictation. Look, if you'll be in mister Mallard's office for a few minutes, would you mind answering the phone? No. Not at all. It's just that when mister Hollis dictates, he gets all confused if I have to stop and pick up the phone. Well, I'll I'll be here for a while. Oh, thanks.
[00:34:47] Unknown:
Yes?
[00:34:48] Unknown:
Is Bert there? No. Well, he's supposed to be there. He knows I'd be calling. Well, well,
[00:34:55] Unknown:
he just stepped out for a moment. Tom Smitty wants him. Oh, yes.
[00:35:01] Unknown:
What do you mean? Oh, yes.
[00:35:04] Unknown:
Well, I I've, I've heard Bert mention your name. Bert and I are, well, we're very close. Oh, you are?
[00:35:13] Unknown:
What about the Saunders, Tim? Oh, that that's all over. Look. It's a lot of dough, and it's a do. He knows how and where to bring it. Myra, Harriet said you were here. Oh, I, I I just wanted to get some of Ted's things. Why? He'll be out of jail soon. I feel it in my bones. Do you? I know Ted. He couldn't do anything wrong.
[00:35:44] Unknown:
You're a good friend to him.
[00:35:46] Unknown:
I don't care what anyone says. I'll stick by him.
[00:35:53] Unknown:
Oh, thanks for covering the phone. I heard it ring. Oh, it it it was, a wrong number. Oh, well, I hope everything will be okay with mister Mallard. Thank you, Harriet. If you're through in mister Mallard's office, maybe I better lock it. But why does mister Mallard usually keep it locked? Oh, no. That's his problem. He leaves everything lying around. Anybody could walk into his office and walk off with anything. Even even his attache case? Oh, sure. Oh, why would anyone wanna take his attache case? Well, did you ever see anyone carrying his case? Did I well, I I never thought to watch.
[00:36:31] Unknown:
Try to think.
[00:36:33] Unknown:
Hey. How did you mention it? It's funny. No. When he left for London last week, I saw mister Hollis bring him the case. Mister Hollis said, hey, Ted. You left this in my office.
[00:36:44] Unknown:
Mhmm. That that's what mister Hollis said. Mhmm. What did mister Mallodon say? I think he said,
[00:36:50] Unknown:
thanks, Bert. And that was all? Yeah. Oh. Did you ever let me ask you, did I know a Jenny Saunders? Yes. So that's where I heard her name. As they were saying goodbye, mister Hollis said, let me see. Did you get everything squared away from my friend, Jenny Saunders? And mister Mallard answered, the stereo works just fine. There you are. Did you really forget nothing if if you know how to make it come back?
[00:37:30] Unknown:
Hello, bud. I'm on time. You got it?
[00:37:34] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:37:36] Unknown:
Hand it over. I know $50 here. I know. Look, the agreement was 10 payments, $50 each. 50 is too big a sum to hide. The agreement, pal. I can fix the books for 25 maybe each month, but not for 50. Who cares about the books? That's why we got Mallard out of the way, so you could have an open road. His wife was there today. Why? I don't know why. Maybe she suspects something. Why should she suspect something? I don't know. I said maybe. Look. You're the one who said all you needed was to get Mallett out of here and the till would be wide open. Okay. But you have to be cautious. Cautious?
The way you drop money in the ponies, the cards, the dames. Look. Look. It'll just take a little bit longer, but I'll pay you fellas back. What's that? I don't know. Nobody's supposed to be here. Maybe it's Jenny. How could it be Jenny? I heard you two acquits. Fitz. What did you hear that? Your secretary told me. She doesn't know anything about Jenny. Wait a minute. Hey. What are you gonna do with that gun? Somebody's in that closet. What are you trying to do, Bert? Set me up. No. No. I I don't Alright. Whoever you are, come on out of there. Myra.
You know this name? It's Ted's wife. Hello, Bert.
[00:38:55] Unknown:
Who is your friend? Myra.
[00:38:57] Unknown:
I I couldn't help myself. So you did frame Ted after all? Please, Myra. You don't understand. It was Jenny. Jenny Saunders. I I I couldn't keep away from her. Alright. We can't hang around here. What are you gonna do with her? I don't know. But something will occur to me. Move, sister. Why? What are you gonna do to her? She has to disappear. You let her alone. Murder was no part of the deal. Look, bud. People do what they have to do. I said no. Please please, Myra. Myra, if you promise not to What can she promise? Myra promise you that. Poor Gert.
[00:39:31] Unknown:
This this character makes you betray your friend, loot your company, and now he'll kill you.
[00:39:38] Unknown:
Shut up, lady. Well, how else can it end? I think we better go for a little ride. No. No. I I won't let you go. My arm is not We're going to go in. I said, like, oh, my
[00:39:51] Unknown:
You okay, mister Hollis? Me?
[00:39:55] Unknown:
Yes. Yes. I I am. Lieutenant.
[00:39:58] Unknown:
Hey. Joe, get an ambulance. You may be able to save this other one's life. Lieutenant. What am I doing here? Yes. Well, you can say whatever you like about science and facts and clues and evidence, but sometimes a good hunch has them all beat.
[00:40:15] Unknown:
You you heard what they said? Yep. Everything.
[00:40:20] Unknown:
I followed you because if you did happen to be right, you'd need help.
[00:40:24] Unknown:
I didn't mean to. I just well, I I just kept getting in deeper and deeper.
[00:40:30] Unknown:
Thank you, Lieutenant.
[00:40:32] Unknown:
No. Thank you for showing me what it can be like.
[00:40:37] Unknown:
What what can be like?
[00:40:39] Unknown:
Marriage. I may even try it myself.
[00:40:51] Unknown:
And he did, or so we are told. Well, what is the moral here? You may be sure that faith can overcome any difficulty. And as the Persian poet said, the sweet breath of love can blow away the mightiest mountains. So you have faith, for I shall shall return in just a few moments. Love, like wine, they say, grows mellower, finer, tastier as time goes on. Just as youth is wasted on the young, so is love. The heart has its reasons, and the more we attempt to probe and pry and weigh and analyze, the more we come to naught. Love is one of the two supreme passions.
The other, of course, is murder, which is why we always try to give you liberal amounts of each seven times each week. Our cast included Joan Lovejoy, Mandel Kramer, Reiner Rayburn, Ken Harvey, and Sam Gray. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is EG Marshall in Macabre. Until next time, in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dreams.
For now, mystery theater. Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall, Chamberlain in this court of the mysterious and the macabre. The act of trust seems to get short shrift from the poets, the philosophers, and even the prophets. An early American sage warns us to trust everybody but cut the cards. The book tells us, put not your trust in princes. Very well and very good, but you have to trust somebody. Can anyone go all the way through this life without trusting another human being? What is it you want me to do? Show me how to use this. That's a revolver.
[00:01:01] Unknown:
Exactly. Where did you get it? I don't think that's important. Why? I don't think I should help you to Well, if you don't, I'll probably kill myself trying to figure it out. But you don't need a rip off. I I feel safer with it in the house. Debt is away so much.
[00:01:16] Unknown:
Well, you, you flick out the cylinder
[00:01:20] Unknown:
Mhmm. And you insert the shells into these chambers.
[00:01:25] Unknown:
I see.
[00:01:26] Unknown:
And now you flick back the cylinder,
[00:01:29] Unknown:
and I hope you never have to use it. But the gun is ready to fire. You just point it and pull the trigger.
[00:01:37] Unknown:
Like,
[00:01:38] Unknown:
so? Like so. But not at me.
[00:01:41] Unknown:
Why not at you? Why, I intend to kill you.
[00:01:53] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, can you trust your husband, was written especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dan and stars Joan Lovejoy and Mandel Kramer. Somehow love seems to have become the province of the young. Ask almost anyone to name two people who are deeply in love and the answer almost automatically is Romeo and Juliet. Well, let's face it. Romeo and Juliet were a couple of teenagers who only knew each other for a brief interval. They conveniently died before they would have to weather the storms of marriage and responsibility. The lovers of record should be Philemon and Baucis or Darby and Joan, couples who lived with each other and put up with each other for fifty and sixty years. That, dear friends, is love.
All this is by way of introduction to the Mallards, Ted and Myra, married twenty five years. And as far as we know, there's never been an argument or even a harsh word. It's all been one long beautiful honeymoon as far as we know. Let our story begin late one autumn evening as the doorbell rings in their comfortable well appointed apartment.
[00:03:18] Unknown:
Just a minute. You'll have to wait, Ted. Next time, carry your keys. Oh, bird. Did I wake wake you, Myra? No. No. I I never can sleep while Ted's awake. Come on in. Thanks. Ted isn't home yet. I, guess his plane was late. Why, yes. It was. Oh, I knew it. But but what? Well, I I Well,
[00:03:48] Unknown:
I Something's wrong. I well Bert, what are you trying to tell me? Well, whatever it is, I guess I'm not doing a very good job of it. Ted. Yes. It's about Ted. Something's happened to him. The the plane Oh, now Myra, just a minute. I've been listening to the radio all night. I haven't heard anything about a plane. No. It it isn't the plane. Then what is it? The plane landed more than three hours ago. Er, tell me what's happened to Ted. Well, I'm trying to. It's it's not easy. Do you know where he is? He's in
[00:04:13] Unknown:
jail. Jail?
[00:04:16] Unknown:
Why? What for? I I said it's not easy. I I I'm not sure. He he was arrested as he came through customs. Tell me why. Well, I I suppose for smuggling.
[00:04:28] Unknown:
Smuggling? Oh. That's impossible. It
[00:04:34] Unknown:
it has to be a mistake. Oh. I'm sure of it. We have to get hold of Arthur Kremes. I already did. Or doesn't he practice that kind of law? He'll get someone else if he can't handle it.
[00:04:43] Unknown:
Handle what? All I know is Ted called me and they allowed them one phone call. Please, Bert. Get to it. Well, see, he said, Bert, I'm being accused of smuggling. Call Arthur and then tell Myra.
[00:04:53] Unknown:
But what is he accused of smuggling? Heroin or cocaine. I I I'm not sure.
[00:04:59] Unknown:
But that that's ridiculous.
[00:05:02] Unknown:
How could Ted possibly be involved in anything like that?
[00:05:06] Unknown:
They filed it in in his attache case.
[00:05:09] Unknown:
But it's all a mistake. A terrible mistake. Or else it it's a joke. A very bad joke. Ted, darling. Myra, I didn't want you to come here. Why not? Because it's a prison zone. Are you alright? I don't know. I'm in prison, Myra. Well, it's not exactly prison. You're you're just being held here because of some awful misunderstanding.
[00:05:41] Unknown:
Oh, darling. It's prison.
[00:05:44] Unknown:
People like me, like us, we only read about these things. But Arthur says he'll go before a judge in the morning and and see about setting bail. That's another word.
[00:05:53] Unknown:
Bail. Do you realize I'm gonna be out on bail as if as if I were some common criminal? Darling, Ted, tell me what happened. I I I simply couldn't get a word out of Bert. What happened? How many times have I done this? I got off the plane, picked up my luggage, walked through customs, except Except? Except this time I didn't walk through. This time, when they searched my attache case, they found a packet they say, a first grade cocaine.
[00:06:19] Unknown:
Well then, it it couldn't have been your attache case. But it was. How how did the cocaine get there? I don't know. Couldn't you have seen it? No. Why not? It's because it was concealed in a secret compartment.
[00:06:35] Unknown:
What secret compartment? I don't know, darling. I didn't know I had one. But surely
[00:06:39] Unknown:
Surely what? Surely nothing, darling. I know how upset you are. You don't need me giving you a third degree. They were waiting for me, Myra.
[00:06:48] Unknown:
Waiting? Yes. Ordinarily customs is just a routine. This time there were three or four of them out there. They emptied the papers out of my case. One of had some kind of a screwdriver and he You mean that they actually
[00:06:58] Unknown:
expected to find something? Yes.
[00:07:01] Unknown:
And then there was this this cellophane or they I think they call it glassine, a packet just filled with powder.
[00:07:07] Unknown:
Well, it's a mistake. Well, Well, of course. Obviously, it it couldn't have been your attache case. You see that that's the answer. I told you it was. Ted, you're being framed.
[00:07:18] Unknown:
That's the only thing that makes any sense. But why? Why? Because I travel regularly between New York and London on legitimate business. I'd make an ideal courier.
[00:07:28] Unknown:
Somebody's been using you. People, a gang that's involved in smuggling that they watch for regular travelers. I know it sounds crazy, but they managed to get hold of your bag somehow. I don't know what's going to happen now, Mara. Well, I know what's going to happen. Tomorrow,
[00:07:45] Unknown:
the mistake or whatever it is will be straightened out. I don't know if it ever can be straightened out completely.
[00:07:50] Unknown:
Peg, what are you saying? You're innocent.
[00:07:53] Unknown:
Am I innocent? You know it and I know it, but what about the rest of the world? Don't forget this will be in all the papers. But it's so obviously a frame of. To whom? Myra, there are people who actually believe that if a person isn't guilty, he'd never have been arrested in the first place. Ted, that's crazy. Of course it is, but that's what's out there. But everyone knows that you're an honest, hardworking, ethical man. Of so many people, there will be a nagging little nasty suspicion. Could you really have been involved? Well, this is going to be a good way of finding out who your friends really are. Suddenly, I feel as if I'm part of another world, my other world you and I never knew.
It's it's no longer our logical well ordered universe. All of a sudden I'm a criminal. Darling, you're not. I'm in a cage deprived of my freedom. Look at them, the rest of them as you leave here. The thugs, the hoodlums, the thieves. I'm one of them. Ted. Look at them as you leave because I can't leave. I have to stay. Darling, not for long. Myra, you've got to get me out. The shame of this, the disgrace. I can't stand it. Hello? Myra. Bert, where are you? Courthouse. Was Arthur able to get bail set? Well, that's what I'm calling you. Bert, please. Just tell me. There's a a problem, Myra. And Arthur's going to be tied up with it, so he asked me to call you. Bert, will you please tell me? Well, it it looks like Arthur can't get bail.
[00:09:24] Unknown:
What do you mean he can't get bail? Well It's the law. A person is entitled to bail. He is, and he isn't.
[00:09:32] Unknown:
Well, I'm going right down there. Myra, it won't do you any good. You see, because of the size of the package and the fact that they've had their eye on Ted for a long time You just stop there. You stop right there. Please, Myra. I'm only reporting the facts. The federal prosecutor moved for suspension of bail. But that's not legal. Well, in some cases
[00:09:52] Unknown:
Well, there has to be someone I can talk to. To. They claim Ted is so important to this narcotics ring. What
[00:09:58] Unknown:
narcotics ring? That he would simply jump bail and leave the country. Bert, do you know what you're saying? Or else his life would be in danger. So what this amounts to is is protective custody.
[00:10:11] Unknown:
Protective custody. And Arthur, our fine attorney, Arthur, to whom we pay a fortune every year as a retainer is just standing there and taking it. Now, Myra,
[00:10:21] Unknown:
you must be fair to Arthur. Be fair to Arthur? Arthur's fighting it. He's filing an appeal. He's going to a higher court, but it has to take time. Time? A a couple of days. A week. Bert, I I have to hang up now. Now you just relax, Myra. Everyone's doing their absolute best. I'll talk to you soon. Okay. Goodbye.
[00:10:42] Unknown:
Alright. Yes?
[00:10:49] Unknown:
Missus Miller? Who are you? I'm Lieutenant Jack Denson of the narcotics squad. We're cooperating with the federal authorities. And? Hear my credentials. I see them. May I come in?
[00:11:01] Unknown:
Why? To discuss your husband's case. My husband doesn't have a case. He's a victim of a of a frame up of of some sort of ghastly mistake.
[00:11:10] Unknown:
There's nothing you can gain from talking to me. I'm here to help you, missus Mallard. Help you and your husband.
[00:11:17] Unknown:
Help us in what way?
[00:11:19] Unknown:
Well, I'd rather not discuss that in the hallway of your apartment building.
[00:11:24] Unknown:
Very well, come in. The only way you can help us is to clear up this terrible mistake and get Ted out of that jail. What makes you think it's a mistake? What makes my husband is innocent. What makes you think so? I'm gonna have to ask you to leave this house. First, answer my question.
[00:11:46] Unknown:
What makes you think your husband is innocent? The fact that you love him? Of course, I love him. Has that become a crime? Your entire attitude toward your husband is based on the fact that you love him. And love happens to be blind. Please spare me your dime store philosophy.
[00:12:01] Unknown:
You don't live with a man for twenty five years without getting to know him. Ours was no ordinary marriage, or or maybe it was. Maybe all marriages are the same. I wouldn't know. Marriages are the same. I wouldn't know. But we were together in everything. We had no secrets. I don't believe we even had separate faults. We lived with and for each other. So he couldn't have been doing anything wrong because I would have known it. How would you have known it? Evidently you're not married. Or if you are, it's not what I would call a marriage. I would know.
He wouldn't have to say a word or leave a clue. But I would know if he were doing anything wrong. So what do you say to that?
[00:12:49] Unknown:
I wish I knew what to say, Mrs. Mallard. I wish I knew how to say what I have to say. Then please stop beating around the bush.
[00:12:58] Unknown:
You're a fine woman, Mrs. Mallard. I'm in no mood for flattery, lieutenant. Say what you have to say and get out. I'm sorry I'm forced forced to tell you
[00:13:06] Unknown:
this, but your husband, whom you love and with whom you're so close, has been leading a double life.
[00:13:18] Unknown:
I I don't believe that. It it can't be true. I'm sorry, missus Mallard.
[00:13:27] Unknown:
We have proof.
[00:13:35] Unknown:
There are parts of the world where it never rains. The bright golden sun shines in a deep blue sky. And all is beautiful and cheerful and gay. And after a while, you accept it as something that will last forever. But, as the song says, into each life some rain must fall. And when it does, those who have never known what it is to be drenched usually suffer the most. I shall return shortly with act two. To the Mystery Theatre on WABC. For twenty five years, Myra and Ted Mallard have had a wonderful marriage. Myra and Ted could communicate without speaking, read each other's thoughts, share each other's feelings. Well, possibly, this hasn't been completely so. For here is Myra being confronted with the charge that Ted has been living a complete life away from her. A life that is of interest to the police.
[00:14:46] Unknown:
I I challenge you to present your proof, lieutenant. We've been watching Ted for a long time. He makes regular trips? He makes regular trips to London on legitimate business. Of course. Ted had an opportunity to open a branch office in London, and he goes there to supervise. And it's an excellent cover. Cover? His presence is necessary.
[00:15:08] Unknown:
According to the annual report of your husband's company, that London operation is losing money. Ted has faith in it. But you can excuse our being skeptical.
[00:15:18] Unknown:
And what right do you have to arrest a man on skepticism? None at all. But it goes deeper. I'm not interested. I can see the nature of your so called proof. I want you to help your husband.
[00:15:31] Unknown:
Why should you care? By helping him, you help us. Missus Mallard,
[00:15:36] Unknown:
he won't talk. What does he have to talk about? Everything.
[00:15:40] Unknown:
Who his associates are. Where they buy the drugs. Where and to whom they sell. Who is protecting them. Please, let me finish. You must convince him to talk. If he remains silent, he'll spend the rest of his life in jail. But he hasn't done anything. Please, missus Mallard. We're we're beyond all that. Now you must convince him to cooperate. That way he can get a substantial reduction in his sentence. What sentence? He'll be tried and he'll be sentenced.
[00:16:10] Unknown:
We have proof. You keep saying you have proof. And all you've got is the packet you found in his attache case, and that could have been planted there. It could have been, but it wasn't. Oh, I won't be intimidated. If we have to fight, we'll fight. Ted is 47 years old. He has a spotless reputation. He's never done anything wrong. The jury will simply refuse to believe that he could be a member of a dope ring.
[00:16:39] Unknown:
Did you ever hear of a woman named Jenny Saunders?
[00:16:44] Unknown:
Jenny Saunders.
[00:16:45] Unknown:
I don't believe so. I'll do some things that are not exactly in the book. If you promise to say nothing, I'll take you to her apartment.
[00:16:53] Unknown:
Why would I want to go there?
[00:16:56] Unknown:
Because the two of you have something in common.
[00:17:07] Unknown:
How does it happen that you have a key to this woman's apartment? Well, you see, she's cooperating with us. And,
[00:17:15] Unknown:
when I said I might wanna bring you here, she felt it best not to be present.
[00:17:21] Unknown:
Why?
[00:17:22] Unknown:
Out of respect, I suppose, for your feelings. What do you think of the place?
[00:17:28] Unknown:
Well, it it's nice enough, but why did wait a minute. That that's Ted's picture.
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Yep. That's Ted's picture.
[00:17:43] Unknown:
What's Ted's picture doing here? You'll find some of Ted's clothing in the closet also. Oh, oh, no. Oh, no. Why? You won't get away with this. I see what this is for. It's a frame up to build your case. You're planting
[00:17:59] Unknown:
making serious charges, missus Mallard, and I can understand how you feel, but Ted was here. He spent time here. I defy you to prove that. We have witnesses.
[00:18:11] Unknown:
People have seen him here. Well, they can. They they they can all be part of this plot. Which
[00:18:15] Unknown:
plot? Missus Mallard, why should we wanna frame your husband? I don't know.
[00:18:20] Unknown:
To make an arrest, to create an impression you're cracking down on drugs? Why pick on Ted Mallard? Why construct this elaborate framework? I won't believe it. That means you refuse to believe it.
[00:18:32] Unknown:
Missus Mallard, let's accept your argument for a moment. The drugs could have been planted in the attache case. Then you admit? For the sake of argument. Okay. Then we could have gone to the trouble of setting up the apartment to witness the girl. But you tell me one thing. How do you explain your husband's fingerprints? What fingerprints? His fingerprints are all over the place. What fingerprints? His fingerprints Look. I know it's very hard for you, Mrs. Mallard. I suppose you have to look at your whole life now from from another
[00:19:31] Unknown:
Ira, where were you? I thought you'd be here earlier. Arthur hasn't been able to do a thing. Now should we get another lawyer? I can't believe a thing like this could happen.
[00:19:39] Unknown:
Tell me about Jenny Saunders. Who? Jenny Saunders.
[00:19:43] Unknown:
Jenny what about what about Jenny Saunders? That's what I'm asking you. I don't know any Jenny Saunders. You don't? No. Of course not. McDonough, we've got a million of one important things to worry about. You don't know a Jenny Saunders? Myra, is somebody named Jenny Saunders somehow involved in everything that's happening? There's an apartment at 291
[00:20:02] Unknown:
Fenimore Place. So what about it? I was hoping you'd tell me what about it. Myra, what's wrong? Don't say nothing because I can tell when something's bothering you. I didn't say nothing was wrong. Tell me about 291 Fenimore Place. I never heard of it. The police say they found your fingerprints all over it. My
[00:20:22] Unknown:
Oh, well, I guess they would. Then you do know about 291 Fennel. Thinking, darling. I have been there. Let me see. Often? Well, twice twice to install and then Oh, let's see. Was it three times? Times. Anyway, I installed and then went back for some repairs. I guess and I guess the police were checking every place that I ever visited.
[00:20:41] Unknown:
Oh, why would you have been to 291 Fenimore? I was a favor to Bert.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
Bert? Yes. He's got a friend. Jenny Saunders? I don't. Maybe that's her name. I never saw her. I never saw anyone in the apartment. Why did you go there in the first place? I'm telling you darling. Bert asked me to install one of our special stereos to this good friend of his. You. Don't you have servicemen and technicians to do what kind of thing? New things, and Bert said that it would be a big favor.
[00:21:06] Unknown:
And that's the only reason you ever went to 291 Fennymore Place? Well, of course.
[00:21:12] Unknown:
What other reason would I have?
[00:21:22] Unknown:
Oh, hello, missus Mallard. Hello, Harriet. Is is Bert Hollis in? Yeah. He sure is, but he he's on the phone. That's alright. I'll wait. I Look, I don't believe it about mister Mallard. I mean, what he's just about the straightest guy there is.
[00:21:37] Unknown:
Harriet, tell me something. Does the name Jenny Saunders mean anything to you?
[00:21:44] Unknown:
Say it again, Mrs. Mallard. Jenny
[00:21:46] Unknown:
Saunders. Does it mean anything?
[00:21:48] Unknown:
Yeah. What? Well, I don't know. I mean
[00:21:53] Unknown:
Oh, gosh.
[00:21:54] Unknown:
Well, who is it? Look, does this ever happen to you? You know you've heard something somewhere, but you can't for the life of you remember when or where. Now now this name, Jenny Saunders, I did hear it. Apropos of what? Apropos of I can't remember. Please, Harriet, try to recall. No. No. No. It doesn't do me any good to cry. It's very important. But I mean, it's it's all just sloshing around somewhere in my subconscious and it'll come to the surface when it wants to.
[00:22:23] Unknown:
Well, you
[00:22:25] Unknown:
you will let me know, won't you? If you should happen to remember. Oh, sure. Oh, mister Hollis' light is out now, so he's off the phone. Why why don't you just go in? Thank you.
[00:22:39] Unknown:
Bert. Myra, come in. Come in. Sit down. Thank you. Is there something new? I know Arthur's still waiting for the court of appeal. Bert,
[00:22:48] Unknown:
who is Jenny Saunders? Well, I I never heard of her. Now look, I know how long you and Ted have been friends. And of course, your your instinct is to protect him, but Bert oh, Bert, I have to know. What do you have to know? If my husband has been has been having an affair with a woman named Jenny Saunders. Ted? An affair? Oh, no. Never. It's impossible. Wait. I I looked in the mirror today, and I see that it could be possible. Myra, I know Ted. Please. I will say never. Please. When I think of Ted and me and our marriage, I believe I'm still 20 and he's still 22.
But I'm not and he is not, and I have wrinkles, and a girl named Jenny Saunders is probably quite young. And you're being quite silly. Ted would never Are you familiar with an apartment at 291 Fenimore Place?
[00:23:49] Unknown:
2 90 1
[00:23:51] Unknown:
Fenimore. No. No. No. Should I be? Yes. If you have a friend who lives there. No. I don't know anyone who Well, since you have never heard of the place and you don't know anyone who lives there, then you couldn't possibly have asked Ted to personally install a special super stereo.
[00:24:09] Unknown:
Ask Ted to what? You heard what I said. Why I heard it, but I can't believe it. Well, why why would I ask Ted?
[00:24:17] Unknown:
I see.
[00:24:19] Unknown:
Myra. Myra, please. Why did you ask me such a question?
[00:24:25] Unknown:
What are you driving at? What's happened? I'm not sure. When Ted was arrested at the airport the other night, I thought that was the end of the world. Now I see that that may have just been the calm before the storm. Yes? You're Jenny Saunders.
[00:25:00] Unknown:
Okay. Where do we go from here? I'm Mara Mallard. Well, come on in.
[00:25:08] Unknown:
Sit down. Thank you. Drink? I don't
[00:25:15] Unknown:
believe so. Well, what what are we gonna talk about? Is it true? It's true.
[00:25:23] Unknown:
I didn't think you'd be this type. When they start to hit 50, what's a type? Although you are quite pretty.
[00:25:32] Unknown:
If it makes you feel any better, he's, he's still in love with you.
[00:25:37] Unknown:
Really? Then what was he doing here?
[00:25:40] Unknown:
I guess these these fellows need excitement. He's in a jam, I hear. Yes. I will say he was fast with a dollar. He was good to me. Rent here goes for almost 300. And then he, liked to go to the track.
[00:25:57] Unknown:
I never knew he had the slightest interest. Oh, and he liked to game a card.
[00:26:01] Unknown:
I told him the stakes were a little high.
[00:26:03] Unknown:
I never knew he could even play cards.
[00:26:06] Unknown:
Well, I I tried to steer him clear of it. Thank you. But men, they do what they wanna do. And so, by the way I see it, he got in very deep to the loan sharks. And it's all tied into the rackets. You understand? So they said, look, here's how you can pay us back.
[00:26:26] Unknown:
And so he became a courier.
[00:26:30] Unknown:
You see it happen all the time. Legit business guys get themselves in hock and the mob moves in. What are you looking for?
[00:26:40] Unknown:
You were you wouldn't happen to have a specially installed
[00:26:45] Unknown:
stereo, would you? Oh, no. I wish I did.
[00:26:50] Unknown:
Oh, thank you, miss Saunders.
[00:26:51] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:26:53] Unknown:
I'm glad you're, friendly, missus Mallett. A lot of wives, they throw a fit. But isn't it better to act civilized?
[00:27:07] Unknown:
Myra, what are you saying to me? What are you saying to me, Ted? I'm saying that I don't know a girl named Jenny Saunders. Lives at 291 Fenimore Place. You admit you went there. As a favor to Bert. Bert knows nothing about it. What do you mean he knows nothing about it? He asked me to Me? Specifically asked Myra, Bert came into my office a couple of months ago and asked me to do him this favor. But he didn't. Ask him. I did ask him. He knows nothing about it. And furthermore, I just had a visit
[00:27:35] Unknown:
with Jenny Saunders. Myra. I can see where she might be very exciting. Myra, listen to me. No. You listen to me. Call Lieutenant Denson. What for? So you can make a deal and be out of here in a few years or maybe even months. Would you mind telling me what you're talking about? I'm talking about a man who fell in love with a woman half his age. Myra. Alright. Let's say he became infatuated. And so he went through all of his money, got into debt, and was offered a way out, an illegal way out, and he was caught. Myra, do you believe this? Yes, Ted. I believe it. I don't see how it's possible not to believe it.
[00:28:20] Unknown:
How is it possible indeed not to believe it? How can one doubt the evidence? Evidence based on a reasonable, logical, and sensible interpretation of the facts that exist. Certainly, a man must be proven guilty beyond the shadow of a doubt. Is there even a shadow here? Everything seems so clear cut.
[00:28:43] Unknown:
I'll be back shortly with act
[00:28:45] Unknown:
three. The mystery theatre returns on WABC. Sometimes, if you repeat a story often enough, you'll come to believe it. For instance, for twenty five years, Myra Mallard has been telling herself that she has the perfect marriage, a union that was made in heaven, as they say. And, perhaps she has been so taken by the idea that she refuses to accept reality. And reality seems to be another woman, and a prison cell, and a narcotics carrying charge. You're telling me I've been having an affair with another woman? I have met her. And I've been maintaining Yes. And the drain on my finances has driven me into becoming a member of a narcotics ring. Ted, these are facts.
[00:29:46] Unknown:
Well, I deny every one of them. But your fingerprints are all over that apartment. And I told you how they got there. Oh, Ted. I also told you something else.
[00:29:54] Unknown:
I told you this would never be straightened out. But That the very fact I've been arrested would scar me for the rest of my life. Ted But there'll always be a nagging doubt in people's minds. But what can I expect from strangers when my own wife believes I'm guilty? Ted, I I don't know what to believe. I'd know what to believe if you were the one who was sitting in jail. I believe what you told me. I'm trying to, but only evidence. I wouldn't care for evidence. I'd know that the person I loved would tell me the truth. I don't think we have the kind of marriage that we thought did, or at least that I thought I did.
Ted, what do you want me to do? What do I want you to do if you have to ask? I'm all mixed up. We had a paradise, you and I, Mara. But at the first storm, look what happens to it. Darling. The other night you said to me this would be a good way to find out who my friends are. Well, it's better than that. It's a good way for me to find out who my wife is.
[00:30:54] Unknown:
Well, missus Mallard, have you thought it over?
[00:30:57] Unknown:
Yes, Lieutenant Denson. I have. And have you decided to help your husband? Yes. I'm gonna do everything I can. Fine.
[00:31:04] Unknown:
Then I can expect you to cooperate with us. Oh, I will.
[00:31:08] Unknown:
That is if you agree to cooperate with me. Certainly. What would you like me to do? Find the man who's really guilty.
[00:31:16] Unknown:
Missus Mallard, is it possible we are back to ground zero on this thing? We never left
[00:31:22] Unknown:
it. Ted is innocent. In the face of all the evidence, can you really believe that? Yes. I believe he is innocent, and I believe it because he says so. Ted Mallard cannot lie to me any more than I can lie to him. Missus Mallard, I would like you I know what you'd like. You'd like me to look at the facts. But there are all kinds of facts, lieutenant. You have yours and I have mine.
[00:31:51] Unknown:
And what are yours?
[00:31:52] Unknown:
Mine is the fact that Ted and I are in love. Yes. For a moment, I panicked. I was frightened. Missus Mallard. It's no good, lieutenant. I have twenty five years
[00:32:05] Unknown:
supporting me. I know this is a blow to your pride. Let me tell you whom you should investigate.
[00:32:11] Unknown:
My husband's partner, Bert Hollis. Please. Missus Mallow. Is lying. He said he didn't ask Ted to install the stereo set at 291 Fenimore. Missus Mallard, you can't shift the blame conveniently. Why is Burt lying?
[00:32:24] Unknown:
That's the crux of the entire case. Burt was not caught with the narcotics. Burt was not maintaining a girl in that apartment. Please, lieutenant, don't give me facts, your facts.
[00:32:35] Unknown:
For once, try something else. Something else? Faith. Believe somebody. Take a person's word. You once said I was a very fine woman. Alright. Would I lie? Isn't it possible that I'm telling the truth? I know you have a case. It's it's well constructed, but it's wrong. Missus Mallard, we know Ted is guilty. And I know Bert is lying, and I'm asking you to find out why. We have no reason to pursue that line of investigation. Perhaps you don't, but I do, and I'm going to pursue it. How? I don't know. What do I know about these kinds of things? But somebody has to help Ted.
[00:33:24] Unknown:
Must be wonderful to have a wife who simply won't face the facts.
[00:33:27] Unknown:
Oh, you're wrong, Lieutenant. I'm facing all the facts. Why would Britt lie? I don't know. Think. I told you. I don't know. Have you had any differences of opinion about
[00:33:46] Unknown:
the business? No. Is he in debt? Not that I know of. Can you think of anything? Anything? Any reason why he would do this to you? Bert and I have been friends since college. Alright. The Attache
[00:33:53] Unknown:
case. How could the cocaine have gotten in there? That's beyond me. Oh, Ted. You're not being very helpful. Oh, did I ever think I'd be framed? It it it's Bert. It has to be Bert. But why? I don't know.
[00:34:04] Unknown:
I'd have been willing to bet my life on Bert just as I'd be willing to bet my life on you.
[00:34:16] Unknown:
Oh, hi, missus Mallard. Hello, Harriet. Anything new with mister Mallard?
[00:34:21] Unknown:
Well, we're hoping. Yeah. I've just come by to get some of Ted's things.
[00:34:26] Unknown:
Oh, that's mister Hollis' ring. He wants to give us some dictation. Look, if you'll be in mister Mallard's office for a few minutes, would you mind answering the phone? No. Not at all. It's just that when mister Hollis dictates, he gets all confused if I have to stop and pick up the phone. Well, I'll I'll be here for a while. Oh, thanks.
[00:34:47] Unknown:
Yes?
[00:34:48] Unknown:
Is Bert there? No. Well, he's supposed to be there. He knows I'd be calling. Well, well,
[00:34:55] Unknown:
he just stepped out for a moment. Tom Smitty wants him. Oh, yes.
[00:35:01] Unknown:
What do you mean? Oh, yes.
[00:35:04] Unknown:
Well, I I've, I've heard Bert mention your name. Bert and I are, well, we're very close. Oh, you are?
[00:35:13] Unknown:
What about the Saunders, Tim? Oh, that that's all over. Look. It's a lot of dough, and it's a do. He knows how and where to bring it. Myra, Harriet said you were here. Oh, I, I I just wanted to get some of Ted's things. Why? He'll be out of jail soon. I feel it in my bones. Do you? I know Ted. He couldn't do anything wrong.
[00:35:44] Unknown:
You're a good friend to him.
[00:35:46] Unknown:
I don't care what anyone says. I'll stick by him.
[00:35:53] Unknown:
Oh, thanks for covering the phone. I heard it ring. Oh, it it it was, a wrong number. Oh, well, I hope everything will be okay with mister Mallard. Thank you, Harriet. If you're through in mister Mallard's office, maybe I better lock it. But why does mister Mallard usually keep it locked? Oh, no. That's his problem. He leaves everything lying around. Anybody could walk into his office and walk off with anything. Even even his attache case? Oh, sure. Oh, why would anyone wanna take his attache case? Well, did you ever see anyone carrying his case? Did I well, I I never thought to watch.
[00:36:31] Unknown:
Try to think.
[00:36:33] Unknown:
Hey. How did you mention it? It's funny. No. When he left for London last week, I saw mister Hollis bring him the case. Mister Hollis said, hey, Ted. You left this in my office.
[00:36:44] Unknown:
Mhmm. That that's what mister Hollis said. Mhmm. What did mister Mallodon say? I think he said,
[00:36:50] Unknown:
thanks, Bert. And that was all? Yeah. Oh. Did you ever let me ask you, did I know a Jenny Saunders? Yes. So that's where I heard her name. As they were saying goodbye, mister Hollis said, let me see. Did you get everything squared away from my friend, Jenny Saunders? And mister Mallard answered, the stereo works just fine. There you are. Did you really forget nothing if if you know how to make it come back?
[00:37:30] Unknown:
Hello, bud. I'm on time. You got it?
[00:37:34] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:37:36] Unknown:
Hand it over. I know $50 here. I know. Look, the agreement was 10 payments, $50 each. 50 is too big a sum to hide. The agreement, pal. I can fix the books for 25 maybe each month, but not for 50. Who cares about the books? That's why we got Mallard out of the way, so you could have an open road. His wife was there today. Why? I don't know why. Maybe she suspects something. Why should she suspect something? I don't know. I said maybe. Look. You're the one who said all you needed was to get Mallett out of here and the till would be wide open. Okay. But you have to be cautious. Cautious?
The way you drop money in the ponies, the cards, the dames. Look. Look. It'll just take a little bit longer, but I'll pay you fellas back. What's that? I don't know. Nobody's supposed to be here. Maybe it's Jenny. How could it be Jenny? I heard you two acquits. Fitz. What did you hear that? Your secretary told me. She doesn't know anything about Jenny. Wait a minute. Hey. What are you gonna do with that gun? Somebody's in that closet. What are you trying to do, Bert? Set me up. No. No. I I don't Alright. Whoever you are, come on out of there. Myra.
You know this name? It's Ted's wife. Hello, Bert.
[00:38:55] Unknown:
Who is your friend? Myra.
[00:38:57] Unknown:
I I couldn't help myself. So you did frame Ted after all? Please, Myra. You don't understand. It was Jenny. Jenny Saunders. I I I couldn't keep away from her. Alright. We can't hang around here. What are you gonna do with her? I don't know. But something will occur to me. Move, sister. Why? What are you gonna do to her? She has to disappear. You let her alone. Murder was no part of the deal. Look, bud. People do what they have to do. I said no. Please please, Myra. Myra, if you promise not to What can she promise? Myra promise you that. Poor Gert.
[00:39:31] Unknown:
This this character makes you betray your friend, loot your company, and now he'll kill you.
[00:39:38] Unknown:
Shut up, lady. Well, how else can it end? I think we better go for a little ride. No. No. I I won't let you go. My arm is not We're going to go in. I said, like, oh, my
[00:39:51] Unknown:
You okay, mister Hollis? Me?
[00:39:55] Unknown:
Yes. Yes. I I am. Lieutenant.
[00:39:58] Unknown:
Hey. Joe, get an ambulance. You may be able to save this other one's life. Lieutenant. What am I doing here? Yes. Well, you can say whatever you like about science and facts and clues and evidence, but sometimes a good hunch has them all beat.
[00:40:15] Unknown:
You you heard what they said? Yep. Everything.
[00:40:20] Unknown:
I followed you because if you did happen to be right, you'd need help.
[00:40:24] Unknown:
I didn't mean to. I just well, I I just kept getting in deeper and deeper.
[00:40:30] Unknown:
Thank you, Lieutenant.
[00:40:32] Unknown:
No. Thank you for showing me what it can be like.
[00:40:37] Unknown:
What what can be like?
[00:40:39] Unknown:
Marriage. I may even try it myself.
[00:40:51] Unknown:
And he did, or so we are told. Well, what is the moral here? You may be sure that faith can overcome any difficulty. And as the Persian poet said, the sweet breath of love can blow away the mightiest mountains. So you have faith, for I shall shall return in just a few moments. Love, like wine, they say, grows mellower, finer, tastier as time goes on. Just as youth is wasted on the young, so is love. The heart has its reasons, and the more we attempt to probe and pry and weigh and analyze, the more we come to naught. Love is one of the two supreme passions.
The other, of course, is murder, which is why we always try to give you liberal amounts of each seven times each week. Our cast included Joan Lovejoy, Mandel Kramer, Reiner Rayburn, Ken Harvey, and Sam Gray. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is EG Marshall in Macabre. Until next time, in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dreams.
Introduction to Mystery Theater
The Mallards' Perfect Marriage
Ted's Arrest and the Accusation
The Alleged Frame-Up
The Double Life Revelation
Confrontation with Jenny Saunders
Myra's Determination to Prove Innocence
The Truth Uncovered
Conclusion and Moral of the Story
