In this thrilling episode of CBS Radio Mystery Theater, host E.G. Marshall introduces us to "Conquest of Fear," a gripping tale written by Ian Martin. Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Pyrenees, the story follows Elizabeth Welch, a former film star, as she embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with her fiancé, Richard Barton. Along the way, Elizabeth is kidnapped by a group of bandits led by the enigmatic Rafael, also known as El Gitano, a once-famous matador who fled the bullring out of fear. As Elizabeth navigates her captivity, she confronts her own fears and forms an unexpected bond with Rafael, who is struggling with his own demons.
As the story unfolds, Elizabeth's courage and determination are put to the test, leading to a dramatic escape and a heartfelt promise to keep Rafael's secret. The episode explores themes of fear, love, and redemption, culminating in a poignant conclusion that sees Elizabeth returning to her life with Richard, while Rafael faces his fears in the bullring once more. With a stellar cast including Tammy Grimes and Rosemary Rice, "Conquest of Fear" is a captivating exploration of the human spirit and the power of overcoming one's deepest fears.
(00:15) Introduction to the Mystery
(01:47) Conquest of Fear Begins
(02:14) Elizabeth Welch's Past
(06:00) The Abduction
(14:10) The Bandit Leader's Identity
(21:06) A Walk Under the Moonlight
(26:01) Escape Plan
(31:19) Elizabeth's New Life
(35:09) The Bullfight
(39:36) A Final Farewell
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Unknown:
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[00:00:35] Unknown:
Come in.
[00:00:38] Unknown:
Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Those ringing words ushered in the first term of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, thirty second president of The United States. Neither mister Roosevelt himself, his presidency, and the duration of it have anything to do with this story. Only that unforgettable phrase, which is as true now as it was then, as valid for an individual
[00:01:15] Unknown:
Yes. But what are those flares up at? An accident, perhaps. I don't think so.
[00:01:21] Unknown:
Wait. You hear horses, horse? What's that? Some caballeros coming.
[00:01:28] Unknown:
Maybe the the police or local officials. With guns in their hands? No, senorita. I think you are going to get your romantic wish. I think here come your bondidos.
[00:01:47] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Conquest of Fear, was written especially for the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars Tammy Grimes. It is sponsored in part by True Value Hardware stores and Buick Motor division. I'll be back shortly with act one. Most of you listening must remember Elizabeth Welch, that shining star who seared her way across the American screen like a comet, appearing suddenly from obscurity in the full bloom of womanhood. And after her meteoric career, retiring to obscurity again again as a wife and mother of a man equally as charismatic as she. Elizabeth Welch was, in her early thirties, one of the great femme fatale.
The stories of what men dared and lost for her our legion. This is only one of them.
[00:02:54] Unknown:
They must be quite high up, said you might dare. Yes, senorita.
[00:02:58] Unknown:
The Pyrenees. These are mountains, not more hills. No.
[00:03:02] Unknown:
Mountains by all means. How ominous and forbidding they look by moonlight. And lonely. So terribly lonely.
[00:03:13] Unknown:
This road It is cut from the heart of the mountains. By the day, it is of the most beautiful, a necklace wound above the hills of Spain.
[00:03:23] Unknown:
By night, it's more like a dying snake in its last contortions.
[00:03:27] Unknown:
Is this a tunnel we're going through? No. Just a cut through the hills. If you could look through the top of the car, you could see the sky. I don't wanna look up.
[00:03:36] Unknown:
Makes me think I might have been far safer in that sky on my way to Madrid in a plane. But then I would have missed the pleasure of your company,
[00:03:44] Unknown:
and there was no plane till tomorrow. You're sure it wouldn't have brought me to Richard faster? That's all I care about. Believe me, I have checked through the agency. Mister Barton arrives on the night plane from Rome. By car, you can meet him in Madrid before 3AM. By plane, it would have been in the middle of the day tomorrow or since it is almost midnight today. Then we have no quarrel. After being separated for three months, every minute counts.
[00:04:14] Unknown:
Except, I still would have felt safer by plane than by car. Have no fear, senorita. My chauffeur, Miguel, has eyes like a cat and hands as quick. As quick as his master's? I beg pardon. Will you take your arm from my shoulder, please? I was merely trying to distract the senorita. Shall we just keep this all at a business level? I was vacationing in Bierut. I learned that Richard was finishing his film early, and the agency asked you to arrange for me to get to Madrid in time to meet the man I am going to marry. Which I am doing to the best of my ability. If I believe you without question, will you behave yourself? I would try.
I think I prefer a promise. From my head, you have it. But in matters of of the heart, though Oh, come on, Juan. Knock it off. There's no future in this for either of us unless you have a plan to take me to some mountain iris and then force me to submit to your nefarious desire.
[00:05:15] Unknown:
I am a gentleman, I hope. I would never force a lady.
[00:05:19] Unknown:
Whatever happened to that Spanish machismo?
[00:05:22] Unknown:
I should have known if I tried to cross swords with you, I would be defeated before I even began.
[00:05:28] Unknown:
No. You are our most attractive man. Earlier in my life, but that was before I met Richard. I am going to Madrid to be married, senor, to the man that I think in her secret dreams every girl and woman would like to be married to. So may we leave it at that and try to enjoy the rest of the trip?
[00:05:51] Unknown:
I am properly chastened.
[00:05:53] Unknown:
Then now that we understand each other, senor Matero? Oh, poor bravo
[00:05:58] Unknown:
Juan.
[00:05:59] Unknown:
So that I know I am forgiven. There really isn't much to forgive, is there, Juan? Thank you. Tell me, who lives amongst these tumbling rocks? Who knows?
[00:06:10] Unknown:
Shepherds, goat herders, animals, birds, and
[00:06:15] Unknown:
No outlaws? Bandits? Gypsy bands?
[00:06:18] Unknown:
Not in this day and age. There were in other days and other times. Since the war. El Codio ruled all Spain with an iron hand. Who is to say no to the general? Nor is it a wise thing to try. What happened? There's a tree trunk across the road. Senorita Welch, are you alright? See. See. Yes. But what are those fares ahead? An accident perhaps. Probably a washout. I don't think so.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
You hear? Those are horses' hooves.
[00:06:49] Unknown:
How did that huge trunk get there? I don't know, but we cannot pass. There are Caballeros
[00:06:55] Unknown:
coming. They must be police
[00:06:57] Unknown:
or local officials. With guns in their hands, I'm afraid you have got your wish. These are Bandidos. Hey. You already have the door open and welcome, bueno. What is the meaning of this? Quiet, little man. And do not try anything foolish. You are the man who was driving. You are surrounded, and we are well armed. Hello? Bring a torch here. Now let us see what game we have flushed. A car of the most incredible. A driver dressed as prettily as a Saturday matador. A fat merchant and,
[00:07:50] Unknown:
getting out of this car until until what? I think the senior was referring to me, Juan. Forget. Why do you think that? Because he said please. Well, senior bandit?
[00:08:02] Unknown:
The lady is correct, but get out.
[00:08:06] Unknown:
Very well. Now what, senor bandit? Require a woman.
[00:08:12] Unknown:
Now listen to me, senor, whoever you are. My man will remove the tree. You will drive to the nearest town, Madrilengo. I will give you three days to arrange the ransom for the senorita, and the sum will be, 10,000 American dollars. Ted I won't interrupt. Listen. We will make contact with you in three days through the La Fonda Hotel. You will be watched. Do not contact the police. You must be out of your mind. You cannot abduct this woman. Do you know who she is? She is a star of the American cinema. No. No. Senor, I am. Through the search.
[00:08:53] Unknown:
Gracias.
[00:08:56] Unknown:
Hey. Poor deals. You see? You would be mad at me. That.
[00:09:02] Unknown:
I warn you, you talk too much.
[00:09:07] Unknown:
Okay. The same instructions in your only now the ransom is 100,000.
[00:09:13] Unknown:
That's ridiculous, whoever you are. Senor Matheros is only someone I know and the briefest acquaintance.
[00:09:20] Unknown:
He couldn't raise any sum of money like that for me. Climb in your castle in your voice, I would. Prepare to be shocked and let us handle the negotiation? Do what he says, Seny Mataros. Very well. It is better, and I will make all arrangements for your freedom. I'm sure you will. And now, little Safa de Matador, in your bright little uniform, climb in and drive. Pero, Carlos, Luis, move the tree trunk. Start the car. Now you drive straight to Madrilena.
[00:09:58] Unknown:
And now, El Curio?
[00:10:00] Unknown:
Don't call me that. Pardon me. What else are you? That is not to discuss I am what I am and you are I am what I am also. You mock me. That is alright. But this is not some moving picture script. Get up. On what? Behind me. On my horse. Oh, my apologies, senorita. I have no extra horse for you. So with your permission Or without it. Or without it. Here, my hand. And I beg you to ride behind me.
[00:10:33] Unknown:
I only hope the horse is as strong as you, senor.
[00:10:38] Unknown:
He has been a ridden double before, but this time he may be hard to handle. Why? He has never known a whip as biting as your scorn.
[00:10:50] Unknown:
Are we ready to go? Why ask someone who has no choice? Well, I know I owe you some apology.
[00:10:56] Unknown:
To be close to you with your arms above me is to know how truly beautiful you are, and I have a shame. You damn well ought to. You have set a price of only 100,000. It should have been a million. Cabello. Follow.
[00:11:28] Unknown:
Are you out of bed? A moment. I am awake. Yes? I am Mercedes. Buenos dias, Mercedes. What is it you want? I am to serve you. Shall I help you dress? If you insist. Because what you wear is not for our mountains. I brought this skirt and a blouse if you would not be ashamed. Ashamed? I'd be delighted. If I hadn't lost my bags in the car, I'd have some jeans or slacks. Well, anyway, can you help me unhook this blouse? Oh, the sea, sanorita. You say you are Mercedes. That is my name. You're very kind to help me, Jess. How old are you? I am nearly in my twentieth year. Oh, what a beautiful suit.
And so beautifully stitched. Oh, oh, let me help you with my skirt. Thank you. These are your clothes? Si. It's lucky we're the same size. There. And the blouse? So how do I look? Oh, I I will tell you something, senorita. I do not think the suit you took off was so beautiful. Not now. Why? Because when you put on my clothes, my skirt, my blouse, suddenly, they become just as beautiful. Oh, Mercedes. I think you are sent to me as an ambassador of goodwill. Okay. I think you have been sent to make me forget that I am a prisoner held for ransom. Oh, please, Senorita. Do not think too harshly of our leader. Can you give me any other reason how I should think otherwise? Oh, yes.
He is desperate for all of us. We are starving and alone and we need ammunition. Ammunition? For what? Against those who are in power who would kill us. You mean the police? Who's in authority? If you wish to call them that, you will come to no harm here. Are you so sure? Supposing no one thinks I'm worth a hundred thousand dollars, what would your peerless leader do? Just keep me here? Another mouth to feed when you cannot afford to feed those who have already? Well, anyone would pay a hundred thousand to free you. But suppose they don't? Then the man you worship so completely would have no choice but to cut my throat. No. It's a deal he would never do that. I wouldn't count on it, Mercedes.
You see, I know who he is.
[00:14:11] Unknown:
The small dark girl, eyes shadowed with fright, stares at the taller woman with the tawny hair and the sea green steady eyes. But behind Elizabeth's composure is a bitter regret that she has blurted out a statement that could be her death warrant. I shall return shortly with act two. There's a word in very common coinage today, the word macho. In Spanish, it means literally a he goat, but figuratively, it expresses an almost mystical necessity of maleness. The Spanish term machismo, which is at the root of his honor, his right to live, his pride, it is what so many times in history has made the Spanish a great people and at the same time is perhaps their Achilles heel.
The Spaniard can be the kindest and most charming of men but also the most cruel. Which face will Elizabeth Welsh's captor turn towards her?
[00:15:30] Unknown:
Yes. Come in, Andre. From the way you opened the door, I might have expected you, senor Bandido. Don't call me that name. Since we have not been formally introduced, what shall I call you?
[00:15:45] Unknown:
The name is Fornada. If you need a name, senor Nadier will serve well enough for a few days. Very well, senior Nadier.
[00:15:56] Unknown:
What can I do for you?
[00:15:58] Unknown:
Nothing. How are you being taken care of? Under the circumstances,
[00:16:02] Unknown:
I suppose. Just a minute. I have a complaint.
[00:16:09] Unknown:
Send it to Mercedes. She will know if it can be remedied.
[00:16:15] Unknown:
Forgive him, senorita. He has much on his mind. So have I. What what is your complaint? Is there some way I can help? I don't know. I've been shut up all day. I feel like a jungle cat in a zoo. I would like to go outdoors, take a walk. Can you arrange that for me? I don't know. I I can ask Rafael. Rafael? My bro you you said you knew him. Oh, you mean the bandido. I don't know him by that name. Then what? Gitano. Uh-huh. That's all I need. I wasn't wholly sure. Now I am. What is Spain's foremost matador doing hold away in these mountains? It's so difficult to tell.
And do not call him Bandito. What else is he? What else to all of you? We are citizens. Well, it's so hard. I I I do not have all the words. You see? It it it was like this. When I was in oh, you understand that a a a baby just beginning to walk my my father with Don Ernesto Federico Walker, El Benes. And he owns all the land you see from the mountains of dawn and beyond. He was what what you call so rich. Then there was a war, a terrible civil war. Don Ernesto would take no part on either side. He was so proud. Always he had ruled his people and let no other touch them. So so Go on, little Mercedes.
I am too little to remember all that happened. I only know that finally he had to run here to the mountains with his family and all of those who follow him. Now this was after the war? See. But he had taken part on neither side of the war. Why did he have to flee? Well, he had, what you say, sheltered men from both sides. When they were battered from their wounds, many did not want to go back to a war where brother killed brother, so so they stay with my father. So the regime threatened your father? When El Corteo sent his men to take our land, we became banditos.
Out was desperados with the price on our heads, so so they call us. Well, I say it again. What are you? We take only what is ours from our own land. That is not to steal. And what about me? I don't belong to you. We do pass across our lands and we must have some payment. We must we must live, eat, feed our people. So you'll send your bully boy. You'll send your machismo or whatever he wants to call himself to get money from innocent people. He is not a bully boy. What else would you prefer to call him? Extortionist, kidnapper, abductor?
He is our leader. That man who brought me here was your father? I know. Miss Padre Morte two years ago. That was when Rafael came back. Rafael? You mean, El Gitano? Alright. I cannot deny who he is. Oh, why did he not stay with the wolf? He was a great Torrero. The greatest. All they knew he was the greatest. El Hittano, the gypsy. He was magnificent. I saw him three years ago in Seville and then suddenly he disappeared. To come back to this? Why? I do not know for a certainty. Because my father died, maybe. Because of me, maybe. I I do not think that either.
Or he could have sent for me and I would have come to him wherever he was. You love him that much? But of course. Even though he had deserted you? But he had to do that. Didn't you feel you had some claim on him? No, senorita. How can any woman love a man who leaves her? Why should I not? He is my brother. Who is it? Why do I even ask? I have no rights. Come in or not as you desire. What is it this time, senor Nadier?
[00:20:54] Unknown:
Mercedes tells me you feel shut up, oppressed. It is no thought of ours to punish you. If you wish from here,
[00:21:06] Unknown:
come with me. I don't need a guard. Escape is not only unlikely, but impossible from this mountain of fastness.
[00:21:13] Unknown:
Still, I prefer to go with you. I prefer to make sure. After you,
[00:21:24] Unknown:
That's better. How fresh the night air smells.
[00:21:29] Unknown:
It always does. Always the prisoners?
[00:21:34] Unknown:
How nice. There's a moon. Where are we going? Up there.
[00:21:41] Unknown:
Here is an edge behind that big rock. You can see miles from an even under moonlight. A love, love you. Especially for prisoners. Much further? No.
[00:21:57] Unknown:
Hard to see in the shadows.
[00:21:58] Unknown:
Hey. If you don't want to look out.
[00:22:02] Unknown:
No. I need to stretch my wings. Here? Around this rock?
[00:22:07] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:22:10] Unknown:
Oh, yes. It is lovely. But you were right.
[00:22:16] Unknown:
About what?
[00:22:18] Unknown:
It is a view for prisoners. You as well as me. What does that mean? What it says. You are obviously a man of background. How can you condemn yourself to a life like this? It is my place.
[00:22:35] Unknown:
These are my people. I am their leader, and they depend on me.
[00:22:41] Unknown:
To rob and steal? There
[00:22:44] Unknown:
is no choice. I live this way because I prefer it. Whatever I want is easy to achieve. I take. You are an anachronism
[00:22:56] Unknown:
living in a medieval world, a world that no longer exists. It may be, but this
[00:23:04] Unknown:
is my chosen world. What is so different about the one outside? A world of lies, treats, fair weather, friends, and fools. I give you your words, Enerita. I will keep mine.
[00:23:16] Unknown:
You've taken mine away from me. That is not Hope. Can you say the same for yours? Hiding by day, skulking by night at the mercy of weather. Not for me. Or for your sister Mercedes?
[00:23:34] Unknown:
It will have to do for her also. Why not?
[00:23:40] Unknown:
She is a woman.
[00:23:48] Unknown:
See see, senorita. I suppose she is. Do you know, senorita, until you came? I think I had almost forgotten what a woman is. And now?
[00:24:03] Unknown:
Now.
[00:24:05] Unknown:
With you beside me, just as suddenly, I remember everything a woman is. The sound of her voice, the smell of her, the trap of her hair, the scented brushing against my cheek, the promise of her lips, and the touch of them that can be as irresistible as.
[00:24:32] Unknown:
Is that what you gave me this little touch of freedom for? No. To parade your machismo. What you want, you you take. Yes. But I am not yours to take, and you will not touch me again.
[00:24:49] Unknown:
To have courage, Elizabeth.
[00:24:52] Unknown:
I didn't give you the privilege to use my name. And what is life without courage? It's the best thing we humans have. You of all people should know that, senor. Not yet.
[00:25:05] Unknown:
Senor nothing. No. No. Please
[00:25:08] Unknown:
stop calling me that. Then shall I call you by your real name, El Hitano? Who told you that? Mercedes. She talks too much. No. I recognized you for myself. Just answer me me one question. What made you run away from what you were, Elhitando? Were you afraid?
[00:25:30] Unknown:
I could kill you for saying that. But you won't.
[00:25:35] Unknown:
Won't. And shall I tell you why? Because you can't kill fear. You can only conquer it. You are not fighting the world. You only fight yourself. And it is a battle that will be won or lost back in the building. Senorita Welsh. I'm here at the window, Shh. Keep your voice low. We are to escape. You, Rafael, and me, the horses are waiting. Shh. Outside. But we must be still as death. If the rest of the camp should find out Money is so important to them? Oh, for your ransom, most of them would kill their own mothers or you or us Rafael and me. Am I so important to you, little Mercedes, that I should risk your life?
I I can't answer for myself, but I think yes. But for my brother, there is no doubt. I would do anything to save him.
[00:27:00] Unknown:
Oh, so Oh, send you Rita. This is as far as I go with you. Follow the path before you. In about three miles, you come to the town of Madriringo. You should find your senior Matera there at the La Fonda Hotel. You're not coming with me? Mercedes is guarding the pass. I don't think we were followed, but I have to go back to her. And then? We will go away together to make a chance in life for my sister. I owe Mercedes at least that. And your people? The ransom will be paid. How? You have asked me about fear and if I was afraid. Well, now at this moment, I tell you, yes.
Yes. Yes. I was afraid. I ran from the bullring because the fear was in my belly and my legs would not support me. Can you imagine what this fear is like, the fear of the moors? What is worst of all are the aficionados that only yesterday loved on the door, you are now are crying for your blood, ready to fling you aside like garbage. And then then comes the worst fear of all, fear that you are no longer. Hey, man. So I ran and lived with fear to hate it myself and hate it ordered. Ma'am. Now at least you have given me hope. You can't kill Phil, but you can try to conquer it.
So I will go back to the rules.
[00:28:37] Unknown:
Bravo. Senor bravo. I'll watch for your name in Seville, Madrid.
[00:28:44] Unknown:
If I can get Corridos again, first I must practice prove to myself in the smaller rings that I am ready. And when I am, then I invite you to come see me, and I must pay you a ransom. That will take time. It is an affair of honor between me and my people. But when it is done, you will come and see me fight the bull? I don't know if I'll be here.
[00:29:13] Unknown:
I want you to understand that I am on my way to Madrid to be married to the man I love.
[00:29:21] Unknown:
Is la guerre. No? I still hope. Thanks for setting me free. It was you who set me free. One thing only I ask in return. Yes? If my future is in your hands, do not give me away to the police. I promise you I'll keep your secret. Then I'll give you one more to keep. How hard it is to say that in Spanish. I I love you with all my heart. Madness,
[00:30:09] Unknown:
The scatter of the horse's hooves raises a cloud of gray Spanish dust that half obscures the departing horsemen. For a long time, after she can no longer see him, Elizabeth Welch remains looking after him. In her mind, seven Buick Regal. It comes with Buick's terrific 1977 Buick Regal. It comes with Buick's terrific v six engine. It carries six people and lots of Buick comfort. It's lean. It's maneuverable in city traffic. It's the most luxurious midsize car Buick builds. Yeah. This new Regal is pretty much everything a car should be, except for one thing. It isn't yours yet, but it can be. Just see a Buick dealer for a test drive soon. Whether or not Elizabeth Welch might have spent much thought on the strange man who had abducted and then set her free, events allowed her no time to.
Her marriage to Richard Barton caught the fancy of American and even world audiences and catapulted them both to a dizzying superstardom. These were golden years, basking in adulation and snowed under by work till at last something far more important than fame happened to Elizabeth.
[00:31:52] Unknown:
Hey, Beth.
[00:31:53] Unknown:
I'm over by the pool. Hi, darling. I'll come and join you. Ah, if I can make it. Are you alright, Angel?
[00:32:02] Unknown:
Just too rich. I didn't expect you home so early. All the retakes finished? Yep.
[00:32:09] Unknown:
They can't fuss around me anymore. They can't shoot me anymore anyway. I'm beginning to show,
[00:32:18] Unknown:
and it's all your fault. Oh, my fault. I like that. Who has talked nothing but baby since the day we were married? Well, it took me long enough, but here's number one. Well, let's not start counting till we've successfully hatched one. Britt, let me tell you something. This is only the first. I'm going to have seven. Oh, good lord.
[00:32:37] Unknown:
What about your career?
[00:32:39] Unknown:
I said today, my career is ended. Goodbye, Elizabeth Welch. I am now only missus Richard Barton.
[00:32:47] Unknown:
Well, we'll see. But certainly, you're not working for at least eight months or so. And I turned down the English picture, canceled everything for the next months or so. And I turned down the English picture, canceled everything for the next six weeks. I'm taking you on a vacation.
[00:32:59] Unknown:
Where would you like to go? Oh, darling. I don't care. I don't know.
[00:33:03] Unknown:
Maybe we'll just stay home. I told Lucy no interviews, no agents, and they turned down all invitations. Mind? It's what I want. Oh, speaking of invitations, there's one I thought you might get a laugh out of. I don't want to open my eyes. I'm so comfy. Read it to me. It's from Spain. A letter. And it contains box seats for a bullfight in Seville. Oh, no. How wonderful. What's the message? It says the heart never forgets and still hopes. It has been a long road, but I am ready to dedicate that bull to you now, Elizabeth. I will hope with my heart that these tickets will bring you to watch.
And it's signed El Cipano. That's right. I seem to remember him, but Gypsy is a pretty classy Torero in his day. What is he? An old plane? Sort of.
[00:33:52] Unknown:
Tell me, when is the Creda? The last day of this month. Then I know where I want to go on my vacation. Take me to Cividridge. Take me back to Spain. Are you feeling any better, Ed?
[00:34:08] Unknown:
I don't know. That's what I get for coming to Seville, Spanish Peru. I'm just not up to going to that bullfight. I don't like them anyway. Don't forget about that. I'm not going. Oh, yes. You are. I called Juan Marteros. He's going to take you. But I can't leave you alone. I want to be alone. Sleep this off. Come on, honey. Don't you think I know that for some reason this is very important to you? Important enough to bring us all the way from Hollywood to Seville? Well, I wanted to explain, but it seems so so sick. I don't want you to explain.
I just want you to go see your dashing Torero. I said, are you jealous?
[00:34:49] Unknown:
Should I be? Of course not. Rafael is only
[00:34:54] Unknown:
only
[00:34:54] Unknown:
Whatever he is, you go see him again. If we're going to have seven children together, I want to make sure I'm the man you really want to father them.
[00:35:10] Unknown:
Look, Juan. Look. Watch how he's working the boat. You still think he's lost his touch? He looks well, muy bien, boy. This first part. How close do you want him to work? The horn is inches from his leg on every path. Perhaps. Perhaps. They
[00:35:23] Unknown:
say since his return, he is fighting like the old Elhitan. But still Still what? I still remember him in the same ring here in Seville Six Years ago. He was mad. Very bad. One would have thought he was afraid.
[00:35:43] Unknown:
Did you think you could not have put a sheet of paper between his legs and the horn?
[00:35:48] Unknown:
Could a man like that little I must agree he's not afraid, but he should be of this boat, said Morita. Why? He looks to the left. He is dangerous, miss Taro. Dangerous.
[00:36:04] Unknown:
Now you mustn't he send the material but he misses it to bear. If he kills as beautifully as he has fought, tomorrow old Spain will be his. What is he doing now? He's asking El Presidente to dedicate the bull. I
[00:36:19] Unknown:
he's asking for the ear. See? The hand at his ear?
[00:36:23] Unknown:
What is it? What's wrong? Nothing. They are waiting to see whom he will dedicate the bull to. He is coming this way. I wonder who I can tell you who won. He's
[00:36:36] Unknown:
going to dedicate it to
[00:36:39] Unknown:
me. Spend it. Thoraczus.
[00:36:44] Unknown:
Eight classes searching web against him. I'm worried what you said about the wolf. He's
[00:37:03] Unknown:
cares. Watch.
[00:37:21] Unknown:
Coronado. Yes, God. The bull hooked to the left at the last moment.
[00:37:27] Unknown:
Senora, Elizabeth, where are you going? I must go to him one he wanted so much to see me again I must go to him.
[00:38:00] Unknown:
Was crushed
[00:38:01] Unknown:
but now now he hurts no more. Just me, my sister who's still hurt. He
[00:38:35] Unknown:
Oh, yes. Senorita,
[00:38:37] Unknown:
you came. This was good today. No? Oh, this was a bad bull. The pigs were not right. It happens. A bad bull.
[00:38:48] Unknown:
But, you know, he was my best bull, the very best of all.
[00:38:54] Unknown:
You were, by the way.
[00:38:56] Unknown:
It is not for the Tourego to decide. It is enough for him to know he gave his best and that he was not afraid. Yes. That
[00:39:06] Unknown:
is the best. I paid back. I paid back all the ransom. Did you know that? Yes. I
[00:39:13] Unknown:
paid back all my ransoms. There are times, these times, this time, when a man must put his affair in order. A repair. There is a thing I need to ask one must favor. You have only to ask. There is enough money left over to take care of Mercedes that is arranged. Other things are not so easy to arrange. Guards, my little sister senorita, need her courage
[00:39:43] Unknown:
after I promise you, miss Raphael. No. No. No. No. I am not worth your tears, senorita.
[00:39:51] Unknown:
What am I saying, senorita? I don't have it. You are room, senorita. Yes. You have better be, I think. Yeah. I see it. I feed, tarrys, and me, you're coming. Yes. My first child.
[00:40:10] Unknown:
No. I think that was me. Through you I was reborn.
[00:40:18] Unknown:
You're not going to die.
[00:40:20] Unknown:
We'll get the best doctor. To die is not so bad in
[00:40:26] Unknown:
itself. Come close. I have one last secret for you. I will keep it safe. I know. All my secrets are safe with you. Keep this one, bury us safe. In all my fights, since I saw you last, the fear has still been there, a terrible fear, Until today. Today was glorious. A day I shall never surpass.
[00:41:02] Unknown:
Today you will. All
[00:41:17] Unknown:
It is a bet, and that I never could have. I am condemned. It is the will of God.
[00:41:28] Unknown:
Tell me, Donald. I salute you. What was that? A kiss I once didn't return.
[00:41:43] Unknown:
Why now?
[00:41:45] Unknown:
Because for this moment, and my husband would forgive me, I can say, you know, tadori con dodo mi gorehazon.
[00:42:02] Unknown:
In in God
[00:42:10] Unknown:
is truly.
[00:42:34] Unknown:
In the labyrinth of our minds lurk old and individual fears we all try to skirt or run from. Not many of us are brave enough to bring them out into the light, to turn Elizabeth Welch never did return to the films, but she did have those seven children and is still happily married to Richard Barton. The first of their children was a boy who is named Rafael. That was Richard's idea after he heard the whole story. I've always wondered whether Elizabeth didn't hesitate between the two most important men in her life, but then seven children.
I think that leaves no possible doubt of how deep her devotion is to her husband. Our cast included Tammy Grimes, Rosemary Rice, Ian Martin, and Sam Gray. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time.
[00:44:03] Unknown:
Pleasant dreams.
An Amex card with you on your morning coffee run and earn cash back. On a weekend trip? Earn miles. See if you prequalify for an American Express card with no impact on your credit score. Learn more at americanexpress.com/check-4-offers. Your credit score may be impacted if you accept a card. Terms apply. CBS radio mystery theater presents
[00:00:35] Unknown:
Come in.
[00:00:38] Unknown:
Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Those ringing words ushered in the first term of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, thirty second president of The United States. Neither mister Roosevelt himself, his presidency, and the duration of it have anything to do with this story. Only that unforgettable phrase, which is as true now as it was then, as valid for an individual
[00:01:15] Unknown:
Yes. But what are those flares up at? An accident, perhaps. I don't think so.
[00:01:21] Unknown:
Wait. You hear horses, horse? What's that? Some caballeros coming.
[00:01:28] Unknown:
Maybe the the police or local officials. With guns in their hands? No, senorita. I think you are going to get your romantic wish. I think here come your bondidos.
[00:01:47] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Conquest of Fear, was written especially for the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars Tammy Grimes. It is sponsored in part by True Value Hardware stores and Buick Motor division. I'll be back shortly with act one. Most of you listening must remember Elizabeth Welch, that shining star who seared her way across the American screen like a comet, appearing suddenly from obscurity in the full bloom of womanhood. And after her meteoric career, retiring to obscurity again again as a wife and mother of a man equally as charismatic as she. Elizabeth Welch was, in her early thirties, one of the great femme fatale.
The stories of what men dared and lost for her our legion. This is only one of them.
[00:02:54] Unknown:
They must be quite high up, said you might dare. Yes, senorita.
[00:02:58] Unknown:
The Pyrenees. These are mountains, not more hills. No.
[00:03:02] Unknown:
Mountains by all means. How ominous and forbidding they look by moonlight. And lonely. So terribly lonely.
[00:03:13] Unknown:
This road It is cut from the heart of the mountains. By the day, it is of the most beautiful, a necklace wound above the hills of Spain.
[00:03:23] Unknown:
By night, it's more like a dying snake in its last contortions.
[00:03:27] Unknown:
Is this a tunnel we're going through? No. Just a cut through the hills. If you could look through the top of the car, you could see the sky. I don't wanna look up.
[00:03:36] Unknown:
Makes me think I might have been far safer in that sky on my way to Madrid in a plane. But then I would have missed the pleasure of your company,
[00:03:44] Unknown:
and there was no plane till tomorrow. You're sure it wouldn't have brought me to Richard faster? That's all I care about. Believe me, I have checked through the agency. Mister Barton arrives on the night plane from Rome. By car, you can meet him in Madrid before 3AM. By plane, it would have been in the middle of the day tomorrow or since it is almost midnight today. Then we have no quarrel. After being separated for three months, every minute counts.
[00:04:14] Unknown:
Except, I still would have felt safer by plane than by car. Have no fear, senorita. My chauffeur, Miguel, has eyes like a cat and hands as quick. As quick as his master's? I beg pardon. Will you take your arm from my shoulder, please? I was merely trying to distract the senorita. Shall we just keep this all at a business level? I was vacationing in Bierut. I learned that Richard was finishing his film early, and the agency asked you to arrange for me to get to Madrid in time to meet the man I am going to marry. Which I am doing to the best of my ability. If I believe you without question, will you behave yourself? I would try.
I think I prefer a promise. From my head, you have it. But in matters of of the heart, though Oh, come on, Juan. Knock it off. There's no future in this for either of us unless you have a plan to take me to some mountain iris and then force me to submit to your nefarious desire.
[00:05:15] Unknown:
I am a gentleman, I hope. I would never force a lady.
[00:05:19] Unknown:
Whatever happened to that Spanish machismo?
[00:05:22] Unknown:
I should have known if I tried to cross swords with you, I would be defeated before I even began.
[00:05:28] Unknown:
No. You are our most attractive man. Earlier in my life, but that was before I met Richard. I am going to Madrid to be married, senor, to the man that I think in her secret dreams every girl and woman would like to be married to. So may we leave it at that and try to enjoy the rest of the trip?
[00:05:51] Unknown:
I am properly chastened.
[00:05:53] Unknown:
Then now that we understand each other, senor Matero? Oh, poor bravo
[00:05:58] Unknown:
Juan.
[00:05:59] Unknown:
So that I know I am forgiven. There really isn't much to forgive, is there, Juan? Thank you. Tell me, who lives amongst these tumbling rocks? Who knows?
[00:06:10] Unknown:
Shepherds, goat herders, animals, birds, and
[00:06:15] Unknown:
No outlaws? Bandits? Gypsy bands?
[00:06:18] Unknown:
Not in this day and age. There were in other days and other times. Since the war. El Codio ruled all Spain with an iron hand. Who is to say no to the general? Nor is it a wise thing to try. What happened? There's a tree trunk across the road. Senorita Welch, are you alright? See. See. Yes. But what are those fares ahead? An accident perhaps. Probably a washout. I don't think so.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
You hear? Those are horses' hooves.
[00:06:49] Unknown:
How did that huge trunk get there? I don't know, but we cannot pass. There are Caballeros
[00:06:55] Unknown:
coming. They must be police
[00:06:57] Unknown:
or local officials. With guns in their hands, I'm afraid you have got your wish. These are Bandidos. Hey. You already have the door open and welcome, bueno. What is the meaning of this? Quiet, little man. And do not try anything foolish. You are the man who was driving. You are surrounded, and we are well armed. Hello? Bring a torch here. Now let us see what game we have flushed. A car of the most incredible. A driver dressed as prettily as a Saturday matador. A fat merchant and,
[00:07:50] Unknown:
getting out of this car until until what? I think the senior was referring to me, Juan. Forget. Why do you think that? Because he said please. Well, senior bandit?
[00:08:02] Unknown:
The lady is correct, but get out.
[00:08:06] Unknown:
Very well. Now what, senor bandit? Require a woman.
[00:08:12] Unknown:
Now listen to me, senor, whoever you are. My man will remove the tree. You will drive to the nearest town, Madrilengo. I will give you three days to arrange the ransom for the senorita, and the sum will be, 10,000 American dollars. Ted I won't interrupt. Listen. We will make contact with you in three days through the La Fonda Hotel. You will be watched. Do not contact the police. You must be out of your mind. You cannot abduct this woman. Do you know who she is? She is a star of the American cinema. No. No. Senor, I am. Through the search.
[00:08:53] Unknown:
Gracias.
[00:08:56] Unknown:
Hey. Poor deals. You see? You would be mad at me. That.
[00:09:02] Unknown:
I warn you, you talk too much.
[00:09:07] Unknown:
Okay. The same instructions in your only now the ransom is 100,000.
[00:09:13] Unknown:
That's ridiculous, whoever you are. Senor Matheros is only someone I know and the briefest acquaintance.
[00:09:20] Unknown:
He couldn't raise any sum of money like that for me. Climb in your castle in your voice, I would. Prepare to be shocked and let us handle the negotiation? Do what he says, Seny Mataros. Very well. It is better, and I will make all arrangements for your freedom. I'm sure you will. And now, little Safa de Matador, in your bright little uniform, climb in and drive. Pero, Carlos, Luis, move the tree trunk. Start the car. Now you drive straight to Madrilena.
[00:09:58] Unknown:
And now, El Curio?
[00:10:00] Unknown:
Don't call me that. Pardon me. What else are you? That is not to discuss I am what I am and you are I am what I am also. You mock me. That is alright. But this is not some moving picture script. Get up. On what? Behind me. On my horse. Oh, my apologies, senorita. I have no extra horse for you. So with your permission Or without it. Or without it. Here, my hand. And I beg you to ride behind me.
[00:10:33] Unknown:
I only hope the horse is as strong as you, senor.
[00:10:38] Unknown:
He has been a ridden double before, but this time he may be hard to handle. Why? He has never known a whip as biting as your scorn.
[00:10:50] Unknown:
Are we ready to go? Why ask someone who has no choice? Well, I know I owe you some apology.
[00:10:56] Unknown:
To be close to you with your arms above me is to know how truly beautiful you are, and I have a shame. You damn well ought to. You have set a price of only 100,000. It should have been a million. Cabello. Follow.
[00:11:28] Unknown:
Are you out of bed? A moment. I am awake. Yes? I am Mercedes. Buenos dias, Mercedes. What is it you want? I am to serve you. Shall I help you dress? If you insist. Because what you wear is not for our mountains. I brought this skirt and a blouse if you would not be ashamed. Ashamed? I'd be delighted. If I hadn't lost my bags in the car, I'd have some jeans or slacks. Well, anyway, can you help me unhook this blouse? Oh, the sea, sanorita. You say you are Mercedes. That is my name. You're very kind to help me, Jess. How old are you? I am nearly in my twentieth year. Oh, what a beautiful suit.
And so beautifully stitched. Oh, oh, let me help you with my skirt. Thank you. These are your clothes? Si. It's lucky we're the same size. There. And the blouse? So how do I look? Oh, I I will tell you something, senorita. I do not think the suit you took off was so beautiful. Not now. Why? Because when you put on my clothes, my skirt, my blouse, suddenly, they become just as beautiful. Oh, Mercedes. I think you are sent to me as an ambassador of goodwill. Okay. I think you have been sent to make me forget that I am a prisoner held for ransom. Oh, please, Senorita. Do not think too harshly of our leader. Can you give me any other reason how I should think otherwise? Oh, yes.
He is desperate for all of us. We are starving and alone and we need ammunition. Ammunition? For what? Against those who are in power who would kill us. You mean the police? Who's in authority? If you wish to call them that, you will come to no harm here. Are you so sure? Supposing no one thinks I'm worth a hundred thousand dollars, what would your peerless leader do? Just keep me here? Another mouth to feed when you cannot afford to feed those who have already? Well, anyone would pay a hundred thousand to free you. But suppose they don't? Then the man you worship so completely would have no choice but to cut my throat. No. It's a deal he would never do that. I wouldn't count on it, Mercedes.
You see, I know who he is.
[00:14:11] Unknown:
The small dark girl, eyes shadowed with fright, stares at the taller woman with the tawny hair and the sea green steady eyes. But behind Elizabeth's composure is a bitter regret that she has blurted out a statement that could be her death warrant. I shall return shortly with act two. There's a word in very common coinage today, the word macho. In Spanish, it means literally a he goat, but figuratively, it expresses an almost mystical necessity of maleness. The Spanish term machismo, which is at the root of his honor, his right to live, his pride, it is what so many times in history has made the Spanish a great people and at the same time is perhaps their Achilles heel.
The Spaniard can be the kindest and most charming of men but also the most cruel. Which face will Elizabeth Welsh's captor turn towards her?
[00:15:30] Unknown:
Yes. Come in, Andre. From the way you opened the door, I might have expected you, senor Bandido. Don't call me that name. Since we have not been formally introduced, what shall I call you?
[00:15:45] Unknown:
The name is Fornada. If you need a name, senor Nadier will serve well enough for a few days. Very well, senior Nadier.
[00:15:56] Unknown:
What can I do for you?
[00:15:58] Unknown:
Nothing. How are you being taken care of? Under the circumstances,
[00:16:02] Unknown:
I suppose. Just a minute. I have a complaint.
[00:16:09] Unknown:
Send it to Mercedes. She will know if it can be remedied.
[00:16:15] Unknown:
Forgive him, senorita. He has much on his mind. So have I. What what is your complaint? Is there some way I can help? I don't know. I've been shut up all day. I feel like a jungle cat in a zoo. I would like to go outdoors, take a walk. Can you arrange that for me? I don't know. I I can ask Rafael. Rafael? My bro you you said you knew him. Oh, you mean the bandido. I don't know him by that name. Then what? Gitano. Uh-huh. That's all I need. I wasn't wholly sure. Now I am. What is Spain's foremost matador doing hold away in these mountains? It's so difficult to tell.
And do not call him Bandito. What else is he? What else to all of you? We are citizens. Well, it's so hard. I I I do not have all the words. You see? It it it was like this. When I was in oh, you understand that a a a baby just beginning to walk my my father with Don Ernesto Federico Walker, El Benes. And he owns all the land you see from the mountains of dawn and beyond. He was what what you call so rich. Then there was a war, a terrible civil war. Don Ernesto would take no part on either side. He was so proud. Always he had ruled his people and let no other touch them. So so Go on, little Mercedes.
I am too little to remember all that happened. I only know that finally he had to run here to the mountains with his family and all of those who follow him. Now this was after the war? See. But he had taken part on neither side of the war. Why did he have to flee? Well, he had, what you say, sheltered men from both sides. When they were battered from their wounds, many did not want to go back to a war where brother killed brother, so so they stay with my father. So the regime threatened your father? When El Corteo sent his men to take our land, we became banditos.
Out was desperados with the price on our heads, so so they call us. Well, I say it again. What are you? We take only what is ours from our own land. That is not to steal. And what about me? I don't belong to you. We do pass across our lands and we must have some payment. We must we must live, eat, feed our people. So you'll send your bully boy. You'll send your machismo or whatever he wants to call himself to get money from innocent people. He is not a bully boy. What else would you prefer to call him? Extortionist, kidnapper, abductor?
He is our leader. That man who brought me here was your father? I know. Miss Padre Morte two years ago. That was when Rafael came back. Rafael? You mean, El Gitano? Alright. I cannot deny who he is. Oh, why did he not stay with the wolf? He was a great Torrero. The greatest. All they knew he was the greatest. El Hittano, the gypsy. He was magnificent. I saw him three years ago in Seville and then suddenly he disappeared. To come back to this? Why? I do not know for a certainty. Because my father died, maybe. Because of me, maybe. I I do not think that either.
Or he could have sent for me and I would have come to him wherever he was. You love him that much? But of course. Even though he had deserted you? But he had to do that. Didn't you feel you had some claim on him? No, senorita. How can any woman love a man who leaves her? Why should I not? He is my brother. Who is it? Why do I even ask? I have no rights. Come in or not as you desire. What is it this time, senor Nadier?
[00:20:54] Unknown:
Mercedes tells me you feel shut up, oppressed. It is no thought of ours to punish you. If you wish from here,
[00:21:06] Unknown:
come with me. I don't need a guard. Escape is not only unlikely, but impossible from this mountain of fastness.
[00:21:13] Unknown:
Still, I prefer to go with you. I prefer to make sure. After you,
[00:21:24] Unknown:
That's better. How fresh the night air smells.
[00:21:29] Unknown:
It always does. Always the prisoners?
[00:21:34] Unknown:
How nice. There's a moon. Where are we going? Up there.
[00:21:41] Unknown:
Here is an edge behind that big rock. You can see miles from an even under moonlight. A love, love you. Especially for prisoners. Much further? No.
[00:21:57] Unknown:
Hard to see in the shadows.
[00:21:58] Unknown:
Hey. If you don't want to look out.
[00:22:02] Unknown:
No. I need to stretch my wings. Here? Around this rock?
[00:22:07] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:22:10] Unknown:
Oh, yes. It is lovely. But you were right.
[00:22:16] Unknown:
About what?
[00:22:18] Unknown:
It is a view for prisoners. You as well as me. What does that mean? What it says. You are obviously a man of background. How can you condemn yourself to a life like this? It is my place.
[00:22:35] Unknown:
These are my people. I am their leader, and they depend on me.
[00:22:41] Unknown:
To rob and steal? There
[00:22:44] Unknown:
is no choice. I live this way because I prefer it. Whatever I want is easy to achieve. I take. You are an anachronism
[00:22:56] Unknown:
living in a medieval world, a world that no longer exists. It may be, but this
[00:23:04] Unknown:
is my chosen world. What is so different about the one outside? A world of lies, treats, fair weather, friends, and fools. I give you your words, Enerita. I will keep mine.
[00:23:16] Unknown:
You've taken mine away from me. That is not Hope. Can you say the same for yours? Hiding by day, skulking by night at the mercy of weather. Not for me. Or for your sister Mercedes?
[00:23:34] Unknown:
It will have to do for her also. Why not?
[00:23:40] Unknown:
She is a woman.
[00:23:48] Unknown:
See see, senorita. I suppose she is. Do you know, senorita, until you came? I think I had almost forgotten what a woman is. And now?
[00:24:03] Unknown:
Now.
[00:24:05] Unknown:
With you beside me, just as suddenly, I remember everything a woman is. The sound of her voice, the smell of her, the trap of her hair, the scented brushing against my cheek, the promise of her lips, and the touch of them that can be as irresistible as.
[00:24:32] Unknown:
Is that what you gave me this little touch of freedom for? No. To parade your machismo. What you want, you you take. Yes. But I am not yours to take, and you will not touch me again.
[00:24:49] Unknown:
To have courage, Elizabeth.
[00:24:52] Unknown:
I didn't give you the privilege to use my name. And what is life without courage? It's the best thing we humans have. You of all people should know that, senor. Not yet.
[00:25:05] Unknown:
Senor nothing. No. No. Please
[00:25:08] Unknown:
stop calling me that. Then shall I call you by your real name, El Hitano? Who told you that? Mercedes. She talks too much. No. I recognized you for myself. Just answer me me one question. What made you run away from what you were, Elhitando? Were you afraid?
[00:25:30] Unknown:
I could kill you for saying that. But you won't.
[00:25:35] Unknown:
Won't. And shall I tell you why? Because you can't kill fear. You can only conquer it. You are not fighting the world. You only fight yourself. And it is a battle that will be won or lost back in the building. Senorita Welsh. I'm here at the window, Shh. Keep your voice low. We are to escape. You, Rafael, and me, the horses are waiting. Shh. Outside. But we must be still as death. If the rest of the camp should find out Money is so important to them? Oh, for your ransom, most of them would kill their own mothers or you or us Rafael and me. Am I so important to you, little Mercedes, that I should risk your life?
I I can't answer for myself, but I think yes. But for my brother, there is no doubt. I would do anything to save him.
[00:27:00] Unknown:
Oh, so Oh, send you Rita. This is as far as I go with you. Follow the path before you. In about three miles, you come to the town of Madriringo. You should find your senior Matera there at the La Fonda Hotel. You're not coming with me? Mercedes is guarding the pass. I don't think we were followed, but I have to go back to her. And then? We will go away together to make a chance in life for my sister. I owe Mercedes at least that. And your people? The ransom will be paid. How? You have asked me about fear and if I was afraid. Well, now at this moment, I tell you, yes.
Yes. Yes. I was afraid. I ran from the bullring because the fear was in my belly and my legs would not support me. Can you imagine what this fear is like, the fear of the moors? What is worst of all are the aficionados that only yesterday loved on the door, you are now are crying for your blood, ready to fling you aside like garbage. And then then comes the worst fear of all, fear that you are no longer. Hey, man. So I ran and lived with fear to hate it myself and hate it ordered. Ma'am. Now at least you have given me hope. You can't kill Phil, but you can try to conquer it.
So I will go back to the rules.
[00:28:37] Unknown:
Bravo. Senor bravo. I'll watch for your name in Seville, Madrid.
[00:28:44] Unknown:
If I can get Corridos again, first I must practice prove to myself in the smaller rings that I am ready. And when I am, then I invite you to come see me, and I must pay you a ransom. That will take time. It is an affair of honor between me and my people. But when it is done, you will come and see me fight the bull? I don't know if I'll be here.
[00:29:13] Unknown:
I want you to understand that I am on my way to Madrid to be married to the man I love.
[00:29:21] Unknown:
Is la guerre. No? I still hope. Thanks for setting me free. It was you who set me free. One thing only I ask in return. Yes? If my future is in your hands, do not give me away to the police. I promise you I'll keep your secret. Then I'll give you one more to keep. How hard it is to say that in Spanish. I I love you with all my heart. Madness,
[00:30:09] Unknown:
The scatter of the horse's hooves raises a cloud of gray Spanish dust that half obscures the departing horsemen. For a long time, after she can no longer see him, Elizabeth Welch remains looking after him. In her mind, seven Buick Regal. It comes with Buick's terrific 1977 Buick Regal. It comes with Buick's terrific v six engine. It carries six people and lots of Buick comfort. It's lean. It's maneuverable in city traffic. It's the most luxurious midsize car Buick builds. Yeah. This new Regal is pretty much everything a car should be, except for one thing. It isn't yours yet, but it can be. Just see a Buick dealer for a test drive soon. Whether or not Elizabeth Welch might have spent much thought on the strange man who had abducted and then set her free, events allowed her no time to.
Her marriage to Richard Barton caught the fancy of American and even world audiences and catapulted them both to a dizzying superstardom. These were golden years, basking in adulation and snowed under by work till at last something far more important than fame happened to Elizabeth.
[00:31:52] Unknown:
Hey, Beth.
[00:31:53] Unknown:
I'm over by the pool. Hi, darling. I'll come and join you. Ah, if I can make it. Are you alright, Angel?
[00:32:02] Unknown:
Just too rich. I didn't expect you home so early. All the retakes finished? Yep.
[00:32:09] Unknown:
They can't fuss around me anymore. They can't shoot me anymore anyway. I'm beginning to show,
[00:32:18] Unknown:
and it's all your fault. Oh, my fault. I like that. Who has talked nothing but baby since the day we were married? Well, it took me long enough, but here's number one. Well, let's not start counting till we've successfully hatched one. Britt, let me tell you something. This is only the first. I'm going to have seven. Oh, good lord.
[00:32:37] Unknown:
What about your career?
[00:32:39] Unknown:
I said today, my career is ended. Goodbye, Elizabeth Welch. I am now only missus Richard Barton.
[00:32:47] Unknown:
Well, we'll see. But certainly, you're not working for at least eight months or so. And I turned down the English picture, canceled everything for the next months or so. And I turned down the English picture, canceled everything for the next six weeks. I'm taking you on a vacation.
[00:32:59] Unknown:
Where would you like to go? Oh, darling. I don't care. I don't know.
[00:33:03] Unknown:
Maybe we'll just stay home. I told Lucy no interviews, no agents, and they turned down all invitations. Mind? It's what I want. Oh, speaking of invitations, there's one I thought you might get a laugh out of. I don't want to open my eyes. I'm so comfy. Read it to me. It's from Spain. A letter. And it contains box seats for a bullfight in Seville. Oh, no. How wonderful. What's the message? It says the heart never forgets and still hopes. It has been a long road, but I am ready to dedicate that bull to you now, Elizabeth. I will hope with my heart that these tickets will bring you to watch.
And it's signed El Cipano. That's right. I seem to remember him, but Gypsy is a pretty classy Torero in his day. What is he? An old plane? Sort of.
[00:33:52] Unknown:
Tell me, when is the Creda? The last day of this month. Then I know where I want to go on my vacation. Take me to Cividridge. Take me back to Spain. Are you feeling any better, Ed?
[00:34:08] Unknown:
I don't know. That's what I get for coming to Seville, Spanish Peru. I'm just not up to going to that bullfight. I don't like them anyway. Don't forget about that. I'm not going. Oh, yes. You are. I called Juan Marteros. He's going to take you. But I can't leave you alone. I want to be alone. Sleep this off. Come on, honey. Don't you think I know that for some reason this is very important to you? Important enough to bring us all the way from Hollywood to Seville? Well, I wanted to explain, but it seems so so sick. I don't want you to explain.
I just want you to go see your dashing Torero. I said, are you jealous?
[00:34:49] Unknown:
Should I be? Of course not. Rafael is only
[00:34:54] Unknown:
only
[00:34:54] Unknown:
Whatever he is, you go see him again. If we're going to have seven children together, I want to make sure I'm the man you really want to father them.
[00:35:10] Unknown:
Look, Juan. Look. Watch how he's working the boat. You still think he's lost his touch? He looks well, muy bien, boy. This first part. How close do you want him to work? The horn is inches from his leg on every path. Perhaps. Perhaps. They
[00:35:23] Unknown:
say since his return, he is fighting like the old Elhitan. But still Still what? I still remember him in the same ring here in Seville Six Years ago. He was mad. Very bad. One would have thought he was afraid.
[00:35:43] Unknown:
Did you think you could not have put a sheet of paper between his legs and the horn?
[00:35:48] Unknown:
Could a man like that little I must agree he's not afraid, but he should be of this boat, said Morita. Why? He looks to the left. He is dangerous, miss Taro. Dangerous.
[00:36:04] Unknown:
Now you mustn't he send the material but he misses it to bear. If he kills as beautifully as he has fought, tomorrow old Spain will be his. What is he doing now? He's asking El Presidente to dedicate the bull. I
[00:36:19] Unknown:
he's asking for the ear. See? The hand at his ear?
[00:36:23] Unknown:
What is it? What's wrong? Nothing. They are waiting to see whom he will dedicate the bull to. He is coming this way. I wonder who I can tell you who won. He's
[00:36:36] Unknown:
going to dedicate it to
[00:36:39] Unknown:
me. Spend it. Thoraczus.
[00:36:44] Unknown:
Eight classes searching web against him. I'm worried what you said about the wolf. He's
[00:37:03] Unknown:
cares. Watch.
[00:37:21] Unknown:
Coronado. Yes, God. The bull hooked to the left at the last moment.
[00:37:27] Unknown:
Senora, Elizabeth, where are you going? I must go to him one he wanted so much to see me again I must go to him.
[00:38:00] Unknown:
Was crushed
[00:38:01] Unknown:
but now now he hurts no more. Just me, my sister who's still hurt. He
[00:38:35] Unknown:
Oh, yes. Senorita,
[00:38:37] Unknown:
you came. This was good today. No? Oh, this was a bad bull. The pigs were not right. It happens. A bad bull.
[00:38:48] Unknown:
But, you know, he was my best bull, the very best of all.
[00:38:54] Unknown:
You were, by the way.
[00:38:56] Unknown:
It is not for the Tourego to decide. It is enough for him to know he gave his best and that he was not afraid. Yes. That
[00:39:06] Unknown:
is the best. I paid back. I paid back all the ransom. Did you know that? Yes. I
[00:39:13] Unknown:
paid back all my ransoms. There are times, these times, this time, when a man must put his affair in order. A repair. There is a thing I need to ask one must favor. You have only to ask. There is enough money left over to take care of Mercedes that is arranged. Other things are not so easy to arrange. Guards, my little sister senorita, need her courage
[00:39:43] Unknown:
after I promise you, miss Raphael. No. No. No. No. I am not worth your tears, senorita.
[00:39:51] Unknown:
What am I saying, senorita? I don't have it. You are room, senorita. Yes. You have better be, I think. Yeah. I see it. I feed, tarrys, and me, you're coming. Yes. My first child.
[00:40:10] Unknown:
No. I think that was me. Through you I was reborn.
[00:40:18] Unknown:
You're not going to die.
[00:40:20] Unknown:
We'll get the best doctor. To die is not so bad in
[00:40:26] Unknown:
itself. Come close. I have one last secret for you. I will keep it safe. I know. All my secrets are safe with you. Keep this one, bury us safe. In all my fights, since I saw you last, the fear has still been there, a terrible fear, Until today. Today was glorious. A day I shall never surpass.
[00:41:02] Unknown:
Today you will. All
[00:41:17] Unknown:
It is a bet, and that I never could have. I am condemned. It is the will of God.
[00:41:28] Unknown:
Tell me, Donald. I salute you. What was that? A kiss I once didn't return.
[00:41:43] Unknown:
Why now?
[00:41:45] Unknown:
Because for this moment, and my husband would forgive me, I can say, you know, tadori con dodo mi gorehazon.
[00:42:02] Unknown:
In in God
[00:42:10] Unknown:
is truly.
[00:42:34] Unknown:
In the labyrinth of our minds lurk old and individual fears we all try to skirt or run from. Not many of us are brave enough to bring them out into the light, to turn Elizabeth Welch never did return to the films, but she did have those seven children and is still happily married to Richard Barton. The first of their children was a boy who is named Rafael. That was Richard's idea after he heard the whole story. I've always wondered whether Elizabeth didn't hesitate between the two most important men in her life, but then seven children.
I think that leaves no possible doubt of how deep her devotion is to her husband. Our cast included Tammy Grimes, Rosemary Rice, Ian Martin, and Sam Gray. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time.
[00:44:03] Unknown:
Pleasant dreams.
