In this intriguing episode of Radio Mystery Theater, host EG Marshall introduces us to a haunting tale inspired by Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." The story, "Come Away, Death," revolves around the enigmatic Simon Brokaw, the last of the Brokaw family, who resides in a grand mansion that many are eager to see demolished for a modern high-rise. As Simon faces his mortality, he encounters a mysterious figure named Morris, who claims to be Death itself. Morris offers Simon a chance to escape his fate by swapping places, leading to a series of unexpected and supernatural events.
As the story unfolds, Simon's niece, Nita, and her fiancé, Dr. Perry, navigate the complexities of Simon's condition and the strange occurrences surrounding the Brokaw mansion. Meanwhile, Simon grapples with the consequences of his bargain with Death, as the world around him experiences an unprecedented halt in mortality. This gripping tale explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the human desire to cheat death, culminating in a dramatic and thought-provoking conclusion.
(00:30) Introduction to the Mystery
(02:21) The Brokaw Mansion and Its Last Inhabitant
(08:02) Death Comes Knocking
(16:38) A Deal with Death
(30:03) The Consequences of Cheating Death
(42:02) Restoring the Balance
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[00:00:00]
Unknown:
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[00:00:30] Unknown:
Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. There's a haunting, lovely song in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night which has troubled my dreams, and perhaps yours. Come away. Come away, death. Let me and sad Cyprus be laid. If it hasn't haunted you yet, perhaps it might after the story I bring you now, a story which, not unsurprisingly, has to do with death.
[00:01:21] Unknown:
What are you doing here? What do you want? I've come for you, mister Brokaw. It's time. What do you mean come for me? It's time. Who are you? The name of Morris is good enough for day to day use and creates no difficulties. It is borrowed from the Latin Morse. My name is Death, mister Brokawr, and I have an appointment with you.
[00:01:55] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Come Away, Death, was written especially for the Mispy Theatre by Ian Bartlett and stars William Griffiths and Norman Rose. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. You've all heard of the old Brokaw mansion, naturally, facing the river, occupying a full block in the heart of the city with its gardens stretching all the way to the river and its towering shade trees shielding the imposing bulk of the Renaissance house with its great copper roof. It's gone now, of course, to be replaced by a huge high rise apartment building. But it isn't so long ago that the last of the brocars, Simon, lived and refused to die there no matter how many people in and out of the real estate business were eagerly awaiting his demise.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
Oh, good evening, mister Rensselaer.
[00:03:06] Unknown:
Good evening, missus Marbles. How is mister Broca?
[00:03:11] Unknown:
Why, he seems to be better, sir. Is Is the doctor still with him? No. Doctor Manning left just a few minutes ago. Oh, they're not putting him in the hospital again? Oh, doctor Manning said not.
[00:03:22] Unknown:
I I Yes. Yes. Yes. What is it, missus Marples?
[00:03:25] Unknown:
Oh, give me, mister Rensselaer. Just the doctor. Now you here. Oh, I've been with mister Brokaw, his housekeeper, for over thirty five years.
[00:03:35] Unknown:
And I don't know anyone else who could have taken it, missus Marples. Oh, he's a difficult man. Like all strong men.
[00:03:46] Unknown:
That's what's so awful, I suppose. That he's still a big, musty, healthy man. That he should be cut down in his prime like this.
[00:03:55] Unknown:
Doctor Manning thinks it's that, imminent.
[00:03:58] Unknown:
Well, you'll have to ask mister Brokaw about that
[00:04:02] Unknown:
or the doctor himself. Well, since I've been called in, I I can guess perhaps it is.
[00:04:09] Unknown:
I'd better get on up or is he resting? No. No. He won't, and you shall not right away. Better not keep him waiting. Mister Rensselaer?
[00:04:18] Unknown:
Yes?
[00:04:19] Unknown:
Do do you will will he be changing his will? Is that what it is?
[00:04:26] Unknown:
No.
[00:04:27] Unknown:
I don't think you have anything to worry about, missus Marple. Oh, it wasn't myself I was concerned about it. It was miss Nita.
[00:04:35] Unknown:
Oh, yes. Well,
[00:04:37] Unknown:
you understand there's nothing I can say one way or another. Oh, that sweet little niece of his has given up her private life to move in here and help nurse mister Brokaw ever since that first attack of, well, ever since they discovered that he was ill. And I'd hate to see her left out in the cold if anything happens. I don't want to see her lose out to that cold, greedy little come up who, in my opinion, is more than anything else responsible for the state he is in now. Oh, can't you do something? Missus Marples, I am a lawyer.
[00:05:13] Unknown:
I appreciate and applaud your concern, but, that's as far as I can go. Is, Nita here now? Yes. She's in the library with her fiance, doctor Lauren. Very well. Perhaps I'll have chance to talk to her for a moment when I come down. Now I'd better get upstairs.
[00:05:40] Unknown:
Terry, what are you doing at that half open door? Shh, Dida. Hold it a minute. Will you stop acting like a private eye? I am a private eye,
[00:05:48] Unknown:
watching the legal beagle ascend to Mount Olympus and listening at the same time for the Velosterous gossip. Oh, come away from that door.
[00:05:57] Unknown:
What do you care anyway?
[00:05:59] Unknown:
But I do care, lover. Mister Brokaw looms very large in my life since he's all that stands between me and the love of my life. Oh, that isn't fair. Uncle Simon isn't keeping us apart. Uh-oh, isn't he? Then how come we're not married? You won't let me take you away from all this. But you know how ill uncle Simon is. He needs me. I I'm the only family he has. Uh-uh. Correction, love bug. He has missus Marples to take care of him. No. She's not a relative. So alright. He has that sneaky secretary, that voluptuous Venus, miss Bunny Huggins to provide that. Well, I'm not gonna let that.
[00:06:33] Unknown:
She's I'm going to marry him now. She knows he's dying. So?
[00:06:38] Unknown:
Well, I just don't wanna see him taken. Have you ever thought maybe he deserves it? Well, he spent his life doing that to everyone else that crosses his path. How about maybe he ought to get his comeuppance for a change? Barry, he was my mom's brother.
[00:06:52] Unknown:
When she died, I swear she worried more about him than anything or anyone else. I mean, it was crazy. She was ten years younger, but she always treated him like her baby brother. That barracuda? Mom said all that hard stuff was just a front. Come on, Nita. As far as her brother Simon was concerned, your mother was blind at the back. Maybe. But but I still got to hang in. Do what I can.
[00:07:17] Unknown:
Anita. What? It, it isn't a doe, is it? I mean, look. I'm not gonna be an intern forever. No. It isn't a doe. It's just
[00:07:27] Unknown:
well, I don't wanna see someone who's, well, sort of my own get taken. And as long as there's any way of shutting out, miss Bunny Huggins, I feel I owe at least that much to my mom.
[00:07:38] Unknown:
How about me?
[00:07:39] Unknown:
Oh, darling. Can't you wait just this little bit longer?
[00:07:45] Unknown:
You're sure of doctor Manning's diagnosis?
[00:07:47] Unknown:
I am a registered nurse. That's why I came here. I mean, there's no chance of remission. It is terminal. No chance. It's terminal.
[00:08:02] Unknown:
Damn it, Rensselaer. I won't accept it. A little pain? Alright. But die? Oh, not me. Not Simon Brokaw. I have too much left to do. I'm not about to die no matter what the doctor says. And, what am I here for? To change my will. Why does it have to be changed in the prime of health? Because I've made up my mind. I'm gonna take the final step at last. At 55, I'm going to be married. Well, congratulations, I suppose. Do I know the intended bride? Well, of course you do. Who else would I? Oh, we'd get that. No. No. I'll get it myself. Hello?
[00:08:43] Unknown:
Simon?
[00:08:45] Unknown:
Oh, Bonnie. Who else?
[00:08:48] Unknown:
No one. Oh, I knew that deep, tickly, sexy voice the moment it answered. Oh, am I interrupting anything? Oh, no. No. No.
[00:08:57] Unknown:
Well, just a conference with my lawyer. Oh.
[00:09:02] Unknown:
Oh, do you have him there, darling? Why? Well, it seemed about time. Honey, you haven't been feeling sick again, have you? Oh, no. It's nothing really to worry about. Oh, but of course it is. You know how I worry all the time. Oh, Bunny. When when I get through with my lawyer, you won't ever have to worry again. Oh, but I do, darling. I don't want anything to happen to my baby. But a girl has to be practical, just a reasonable settlement. Yeah. Well, let me suggest it.
[00:09:35] Unknown:
Joint property when we're married and sole heir if anything happens to me. Married? Bunny, is is that enough? I
[00:09:46] Unknown:
I need you so much. Oh, you draw those papers up, darling, and at last will be what we've always should have been together. If you need me, call me. If not, let's have a lovely drink together when we sign the wedding agreement. Oh,
[00:10:03] Unknown:
I love you. Yeah. I love you. Bye now. Now. Bunny, I goodbye. Alright, Rensselaer. Let's get down to business. I wanna redraw my will. And before we do that, can we talk just a moment? No, lawyers. Alright. What about? What is your hurry to rush into this marriage? Well, I don't know how long I'll be around with joy. Time and I can There isn't any discussion, you see. Now or never, and I choose now. Alright. This is for the present, Simon. But do you have to mortgage yourself for the future too? You're a man of my age. Wouldn't you be tempted to mortgage your future too for a girl like this or someone like her that no man could ever sensibly dream of having unless Unless she was bought and paid for.
Well, we'll pretend that that was never said. Just let me go in my own way and the devil take the hindmost.
[00:11:10] Unknown:
Yes? Who who is it? Mister Morris
[00:11:14] Unknown:
for mister Brocar.
[00:11:16] Unknown:
Oh, is he expecting you? He very well should be. We have strict orders. I'm not sure I can let you in. It doesn't matter
[00:11:25] Unknown:
because you really can't keep me out. What did you say your name was? Morris. The name is a convenience. What does that mean? It's not exact, and it is borrowed. You're an impostor. Oh, no. That's the last thing I am. What are you doing here? What do you want? I've come for you, mister Bocar. It's time. What do you mean you come for me? It's time. The name of Morris is good enough for day to day use and creates no difficulties. As I said, it's borrowed from the Latin, morse, which in turn means death. My name is death, mister Brokaw, and as I said, I have an appointment with you.
Oh, Oh, no. I'm not ready to die yet. But then who is? Well, this can't be happening. I'll have you thrown out. I am the one unwelcome visitor no one can refuse. Now I beg you not to excite yourself. For this encounter, time is standing still, and you are frozen at the brink between life and afterlife. Get out of here. Oh, you you cannot threaten me. I'm not going ready to die. I Well, the choice isn't yours. No. But I'm not ready. But I said, whoever is. You don't understand. I'm rich. I have my health. Never mind what that stupid doctor says. I've never been married, but I've just found the woman I wanted who excites me, thrills me. I don't mean to interrupt.
It's rather a silly thing to say, isn't it? Why? I mean, that's really basically what I do. I make a career of interrupting. You come right down to it. You don't have to be so casual about the whole thing. Oh, I don't mean to be. You see, it's all become such a ritual. It's hard not to be bored. The same thing over and over again. Well, I'm glad it bores you that much. Shall we just call off the whole thing? Well, unfortunately, I have no say in the matter. I am only an instrument, a messenger, and the message I have to bring you is that you are dead.
But I can't die. I keep trying to tell you. I'm 56 years old. I have millions. I'm going to be married to a wonderful and exciting woman named Bonnie Huggins, and it is unfair that I can't be left alive to enjoy her. Look. I'll I'll give anything whatever you have. Now come, mister Brokaw. Don't you think that I've been offered every kind of bribe through the years? But but here. Look. Look. Here's a picture of Bunny. Now could, could you take any man away from that? Yeah. There she is. Attractive. There's no doubt. Oh, you you see, why I have to stay alive. No. No. Not at all. Well, it's it's hopeless. I I have to die.
Well, there is one possibility. I'll take it. What? As I said, I am world weary. I'm tired to exhaustion. And, so this bunny is a most extraordinary looking woman. Now I might be persuaded to take a brief hiaisis. You were how long? How long? Well, that somewhat depends on Bunny and but what develops? What do you mean Bunny? Mister Brokaw, if I should make any arrangement with you to hold off your demise, well, naturally, there would have to be some transference of personality. Woah. Woah. Woah. What what does that mean? Well, it's not very difficult. You see, I would take your place, and you would take mine. For how long? Well, I can't answer that.
For as long as it suits. Or I'll wait. Wait a minute. You you take my place. I can imagine, but, I take your place? Why what? Yes. You would become a messenger like me. Oh, it's quite a busy job. I'd go around telling people they're dead. Oh, somebody has to. Well, how would I know which ones to go to? No problem at all. You'll be told. You know, the more I think of it, a vacation from my appointed rounds could be very, invigorating. Alright, mister Brokaw. You brought it up. Would you like to make the swap?
[00:15:59] Unknown:
This is a curious and rather new situation, isn't it? The devil tempts. The devil makes a bargain for the human soul, but the devil never makes an open trade, does he? Then, of course, this isn't the devil. It's death. Isn't he as sure as taxes, or is there some escape? I shall return shortly with act two. We return to our strange confrontation. In the master bedroom of the huge, gloomy old Brokawr mansion, two men face each other. Men? The one in the bed, Simon Brokawr, is certainly mortal since he is dying. The one who sits facing him, mister Morris, claims to be death.
He has just offered Simon one way out from the inevitable. To avoid dying, he can exchange places with that grim gray specter who has been sent to claim his life.
[00:17:14] Unknown:
I'm waiting for your answer, Simon Brokaw. What proof do I have? Proof? That you're really dead. Oh, I'm here, am I not? How could I have forced my way into the house? I think more than that. Oh, dear. Dear me. Hold out your hand. Why? So I can touch it. You asked for proof. Very well. Now remember, this is only the first brush of death. Duh. Oh, oh, a horrible,
[00:17:47] Unknown:
cold,
[00:17:48] Unknown:
clammy blankness. You're convinced now? Supposing I am. I what is it like to be dead? Well, I'm the last person to ask that. I work only this side. Pass the message. Deliver the goods. And then then I don't know. You see you see, I really don't want to know. I'm satisfied enough with my own job, though it tends to be a little lonely and repetitive. It's why the idea of a vacation appeals to me. Maybe I I wouldn't like your job. Maybe. It's the chance you take. But then the arrangement can't be permanent. Why not? Why not?
Because because eventually, it must come to an end. On the other hand, must it? What what do you mean? Interesting speculation. If I've taken over your life and dedicated my responsibilities to you, why should we not, in fact, both be immortal? Immortal. Yes. That's your wish. And mine is to have a little more fun, which I certainly might have by living your life. Yes. The more I think of it, it's a very good exchange. But, what would I take with me from my life? Nothing but yourself. All the rest is mine. Now are you ready to make the swap? What other choice have I?
To die. Alright. How, how do we go about this? Well, we we just exchange places. You mean I get out of bed and give you my clothes? Oh, I think it could be simpler than that if you're ready. Alright. I'm ready. Now let's make it as simple as possible. Just take a deep breath. Oh, and, close your eyes. That should do it, I think. You could open your eyes. You feel any different? Well, of course I feel different. I'm sitting in the chair now while you're in the bed, actually. We've exchanged places back once the idea, wasn't it? Yes. But but I I'm not ready.
I don't know what to do. I told you. You don't have to. You will be told. But I can't you you hear something? Yes. I can't stay. I'm being called. I'm needed somewhere else. That's the way it goes. I began to find it deadly tiresome. He's gone. Poor fellow. He's going to be very busy from now on while I, sat in sheets, down pillows. Oh, Oh, very luxurious. No wonder miss Bonnie finds herself attracted. Oh, Bonnie, where is that picture? If the presence lives up to the picture. Now let's see. He must have her phone number in a book somewhere. What was the name? Caius Huggins.
Oh, what promise in that name. Here we are. Bunny Huggins.
[00:21:29] Unknown:
Uncle Simon, what are you doing downstairs?
[00:21:32] Unknown:
You must be Nita. Of course, uncle, are you alright? Oh, never better, Nita, dear. Where's your, the young doctor? Perry?
[00:21:42] Unknown:
You know, he's a little edgy about coming around here. Because of me?
[00:21:46] Unknown:
Well, yes and no. Oh, what's he worried about? I'll cut you out of my will? He couldn't care less. If he had his way, he'd have me cut out of here. Can't say as I blame him. It's a gloomy old dump. Why don't you take his advice and fly the musty coop? What? Why don't you marry him and be done with it? But I well, I I feel a kind of responsibility
[00:22:08] Unknown:
for you. Why? Well, after all, I am a nurse.
[00:22:12] Unknown:
One thing I don't need anymore, so feel free. I just can't walk out like that. Alright. Let's have the wedding here. Would you like me to give you away? Give me
[00:22:23] Unknown:
oh, I can't think of anything I'd like better if you really mean it. Of course, I do.
[00:22:29] Unknown:
If you'll excuse me, I I'll get it. That must be my secretary, miss Huggins. This is a moment I'm really looking forward to.
[00:22:41] Unknown:
He's agreed to the wedding and wants to give you away? Yes, Terry, darling. I can't tell you what he's I mean, he's a different man. There are remissions in this kind of disease, aren't there? Oh, not from what I learned from doctor Manning. Oh, Manning's kind of old fashioned. I'd swear that uncle has to be in some kind of remission. I mean, he's in marvelous shape. Isn't that great?
[00:23:05] Unknown:
If we can get married, it is so set the date. Let's gather you as much while we may. It, it is what you want, isn't it? You're what I want.
[00:23:22] Unknown:
But, Simon, sweetie, why couldn't we make it a double wedding? Because I'm not quite sure that I want to get married. But I thought that was all wrapped up and delivered some time ago. Oh, I swear to heaven, Sugar. I just don't know you anymore. You're like another man. You know, I feel like another man. I reckon that's just great, isn't it?
[00:23:47] Unknown:
I don't plan on dying anymore, Bunny. Well, I should hope not. You are not going to be a quick widow ready to wallow in the lap of luxury.
[00:23:57] Unknown:
Who said I wanted to be a widow? Well, it's part of the game, isn't it? I'm not interested in games, Simon. Even the ones of chance?
[00:24:07] Unknown:
You still could win the jackpot. If I decided to go.
[00:24:12] Unknown:
You would walk out on me just like that? Oh, I swear, Simon, honey. I don't know how to talk to you anymore. You're you're like a stranger. Well, I have to admit that I have changed. Well, if that's the way you feel and you wanna get rid of poor little bunny, I can bow out. Mhmm. If you want. It's going to cost you. There is the settlement.
[00:24:36] Unknown:
What settlement?
[00:24:39] Unknown:
Why, Simon Broker, how can you talk like that?
[00:24:42] Unknown:
How can you expect to use up the best years of my life and think you can walk away free? Now whoever said I wanted to walk away free? As a matter of fact, I was looking forward to some of the best years of my life with you, but I mean with you and on my terms. Well, that might not satisfy me all the way. So see my lawyer, or let me see him first. And after that, how about after that, We can talk again. Naturally, I had the new world run up, Simon. And this is it? Well, to the best of my belief, it's substantially what you indicated to me at our last meeting. Basically, except for a very token amount, it leaves my entire fortune to miss Bonnie Huggins.
I caught in to your wish. A wish with which I sense you are not in agreement. There's an old argument. I have no wish to reopen it. I'll call in a couple of my people to witness your signature. Of what? A new will. Oh oh, there's that. We won't have any need of this anymore. The old one will do well enough since I don't plan to die, not for a long time yet. I'm sorry that you had always worked for nothing. Oh, I'm not. I never saw any labor go more cheerfully down the drain. I'd even break my lawyer's old moss back and say, I don't know what the devil has gotten into you, Simon Broker. But whatever it is, I'm for it all the way.
[00:26:28] Unknown:
Oh, good evening, mister Morris. It's you again. Yes, missus Marples. May I come in? If you feel you must, but it won't do any good. Mister Brokaw isn't here. He's still in Las Vegas? Why no? He left there a week or so ago on a trip around the world. Around the world?
[00:26:48] Unknown:
Is, is, miss Huggins with him? Do you know? His secretary? Yes.
[00:26:56] Unknown:
Why, I I believe so.
[00:26:59] Unknown:
I,
[00:27:00] Unknown:
I've only heard something about a wedding. Oh, heavens. No. That was mister Brokaw's niece. Oh, such a lovely ceremony, and he gave the bride away himself. Miss Neater. Miss Neater. Missus Lawrence, it would be now, is here at the moment. If you would like to see her.
[00:27:20] Unknown:
No. No. She wouldn't know me from she she wouldn't know me. Tell mister Brokar I'll look in again as soon as he's back.
[00:27:39] Unknown:
Good evening. Can I help you?
[00:27:42] Unknown:
Good evening, missus Lawrence.
[00:27:46] Unknown:
You know me.
[00:27:48] Unknown:
Well, love you. My name is, Boris. I'm, an acquaintance of your uncle Simon. May I see him? I'm afraid he's not here. Oh, I I thought he was due back from his trip. Well, yes. We're expecting him as it happened. Well, then I wonder if I could just come in and wait. Well, tonight, it might be a little inconvenient. Well, it's rather pressing, and I seldom have time to bother about the bags, buddy. The man will get get them. But I just need my cosmetic bags. You don't need that or anything else. Now let's get in and tell everybody the good news. Hello?
What are you doing here? I have to see you, mister Broker. It's rather urgent. Well, well, tonight is scarcely the best time. I have a busy schedule. It's my only time. I'm desperate. Alright. Come in. Let's all get inside where it's warm. You picked an awkward time. I've been trying to see you ever since we made our ill advised bargain. Ill advised? At least from my side. So what is it you want? I wanna call it off. I wanna go back being myself, being you. I wouldn't blame you for a moment, dear boy. I find it just as delightful as perhaps you remember, too delightful for me to think of giving up. You see, I am perfectly satisfied as things are, and I wouldn't change them back again for the world.
[00:29:25] Unknown:
Now this is an interesting twist. Death calls for someone and is refused out of hand. Of course, he did relinquish his peculiar power over this one individual when they struck a bargain, or did he? Come to think of it, there are so many ramifications from that special agreement which we have never probed or looked into. That will be for when I return shortly with act three. So here we are with another confrontation. The same principles, but a vastly different set of circumstances. A man comes to death to beg for his questionable gift and is refused by death, who has found that the joys of worldly living are infinitely preferable to the cold, lonely world he used to occupy.
While, apparently, Simon Brokawr, who eagerly exchanged his world for death's barren one in order to escape dying, is bitterly regretting his bargain.
[00:30:37] Unknown:
You've got to call it off. Got to? Why? Because I can't stand this ghoulish job you foisted on me. I wanna be back in my own body again to be myself. If you should become Simon Brokawr again, my first commission as death would be to claim you as I was sent to do in the first place. You would have to die immediately. Well, I'll take my chances on that. What chances? Well, you look robust enough to me. You're healthy as a pig and eat and drink like one. You throw my money around like water. You've stolen my mistress and enjoy her. You charter planes to fly like an Arabian oil seek. Gamble as though you were King Farouk, enjoy wine, song, and my woman to a fault. Certainly seem remarkably healthy to me. My dear mister Mullen Don't call me that. It's your present name. Oh, very well. Death, if you prefer. I don't prefer. I'm Simon Broker.
Were, my dear man, were. I am now Simon Brokaw. And after such a long contact with the dead and dying, I haven't the slightest intention of giving up my contact with the living. First, I have never been so happy and satisfied in my life. Second, while I occupy the body of Simon Brokaw, it functions at peak performance. To let you reoccupy it would be a total waste since life would be snuffed out in that moment. At last, I don't want to return to being the messenger of death ever. I can't blame you for that. There isn't a moment's peace. It does keep you hopping. There's no enjoyment in it.
You chose to be where you are. You live with it. Supposing I just plain up and quit. Oh, you can't do that. How do you know? Did you ever try it? Well, no. But Ah, there you see. You hear me? What am I gonna do? Ask not for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for the I'm sorry you had to dash away, mister Morris. So there we are. A little cognac all around to celebrate the first, family dinner since Bunny and I returned. Thank you, Uncle Simon. Mister Marcus. Sweetheart. A little toast to our future together. Whatever it may be. Cheers. Oh, cheers. There's a hell of a ride here.
Perry. Perry, why are you looking at me so quizzically? Oh, was I? I'm I'm sorry. Dorothy, you have every right. I would just like to know what you what you were thinking. No idea. I No. No need to I really wanna hear. Oh, alright, sir. I, I would you're a different man. Of course. I why shouldn't I be? I And for the first time in my life, I've learned how to enjoy myself. I've learned to give instead of eternally taking. But that's my kind, generous sweet darling.
[00:33:53] Unknown:
But there
[00:33:55] Unknown:
Yes. Well, we can discuss those when we're alone, Bunny. For the moment, let me enjoy my family gathered around me.
[00:34:02] Unknown:
How was that? This is awful. An accident. Oh, Terry. It sounded as though she could have fallen down the stairs.
[00:34:11] Unknown:
Oh, what is it? Oh, I can't tell you. Back, internal injuries, maybe a stroke. We gotta get her to the hospital immediately. Oh, he's falling for an ambulance. Well, I'd better get on the phone myself. I should have an up clock to speak out of emergency fashion.
[00:34:27] Unknown:
Missus Mills, I I have to don't be here. She wants to try to tell you something, I know. Very well.
[00:34:37] Unknown:
Missus Marples, what are you trying to say? The man.
[00:34:41] Unknown:
The the the thing he was here. What man? What thing? He said the bell toll for him to come for me but to tell you he would come no no more.
[00:35:04] Unknown:
Is she dead?
[00:35:06] Unknown:
No. I and she's just lapsed into a coma. Oh, Perry. Yeah. What does it mean? The ambulance coming. Yeah. It's on her way. Well, you better have a look at her. She dead? I don't know. There's no pulse, no heartbeat, but she's still breathing. It's like she was I don't know how to say it. It Like
[00:35:25] Unknown:
she had died, but death hadn't come to claim her. Morris. Alright. Simon Brokaw. Whatever you wanna call yourself, where are you? Come on, man. You can't do it. You can't stop the process. Death is a fact of life. You can't stop people from dying. Is that what you're up to? Is that what you're trying? Yes. Who is it? Wait a minute. Why don't you come in? Bonnie, what what do you want? I I thought I heard you talking to someone. Oh, I was talking, and this has a very special truth. I was well, you see, I was I was trying to talk to myself.
[00:36:13] Unknown:
Simon,
[00:36:13] Unknown:
are you alright? I wish I could answer that sensibly. Why? Well,
[00:36:18] Unknown:
well, you were so funny after they took that poor old missus Marples away. I know you must have been very fond of her but she was an old, old lady and even if it was an accident she had to die sometimes.
[00:36:31] Unknown:
Only she didn't. Did he what? She didn't die, won't die, can't die.
[00:36:36] Unknown:
I don't know what you're talking about. It was Macbeth who said he heard a voice say,
[00:36:42] Unknown:
Macbeth does murder sleep. Ma well, who's Macbeth? He's a character in a Shakespeare play. But what's he got to do with that? With me, Bunny. With me. You see, I just may have I may have murdered death. What do you think, Perry? What can I think? I'm only a month out of internship. Every big shot doctor in the hospital has done his own work up on missus Marples, and no one can explain it. Look. This isn't like you could pull any plug. I know, Nida. We're not sustaining life in that old lady. I mean, medical science, isn't it? But what life is there? No heartbeat. No circulation.
[00:37:26] Unknown:
Insetograms are flat.
[00:37:27] Unknown:
No sign of any brain You don't have to lay it out. By every clinical test, missus Marples is dead, except one. She's still breathing. Sheesh, tell you, it's weird. And she's only part of it. What do you mean, Carrie? Look look, honey, how many of our terminal cases would we have expected to lose in the last three days while missus Marple has been here? I mean, in the ordinary course of events. I don't know.
[00:37:55] Unknown:
Five
[00:37:56] Unknown:
or 10 maybe. In a hospital this size, more like 15. And how many have we lost? None. I can think of six of them in my wing alone that are just like her. And and we're not alone. I mean, I I I've been checking with other hospitals and the police, and even the papers have been making cracks about it. Do you know there hasn't been one obituary notice in these last few days? No homicides. No people died in traffic accidents. Nobody drowned or strangled or or or slipped in the bathtub or fell off a building or burned up or I tell you, Nida, it's like
[00:38:33] Unknown:
I'm afraid to say it. Say what, Barry? Come on. Say it.
[00:38:37] Unknown:
It's like maybe nobody's gonna die anymore. Oh, mister Rensselaer. I'm so glad you're here. Oh, hi. Come in. Hi, miss Huggins. What is it? Miss Huggins.
[00:38:57] Unknown:
I I mean, mister Wilker, he he's been like a wild man this evening. What did he say to you on the phone?
[00:39:04] Unknown:
Just that he
[00:39:05] Unknown:
wanted to see me. You don't think he's going to change his will again? I'm sure I haven't any idea. Where is he? Upstairs in his bedroom. Any of your excuse me. Oh, mister Rensselaer. Yeah? I I told you he was out of his mind. I warn you. He has a gun.
[00:39:24] Unknown:
Well, he always has had. I don't think he'll want to use it on me. There isn't any more to say. I just wanted you to see that I am rational and in possession of all my senses. Well, we've made tape, as you suggested, which will attest to that better than any words I could use in testimony. So the will stands up. I can see no reason why not. No matter what happens subsequently, I promise you that I will see to it personally. That your last wishes are carried out. But I hope not for a long while yet. That's as it may be. Bunny deserves some consideration, but not all of it.
Never all of it or most of it. I want neither and Perry to have that. Yeah. As you have indicated, they'll have it. Good. And, now I'd like to be alone. Are you sure? I'm as sure as I am that the world deserves to be a good place to live in. Good night, Rensselaer. Good night, Ivan. Which it never can be unless death has a place in it again. My name was death. I relinquished it for trivial reasons. All over the world, the frightening horde of those who should have passed over awaiting for this moment. I took this body that was Simon Brokaw's, and I was weak enough not to relinquish it.
I want to give it back. Return, Simon Brokaw, who has broken the faith. Return. For if you think you have still bebailed the tolls, for you, I will make it ring with the sound of this gun. Where are you? Then wherever you have gone, I consign our immortal souls to oblivion or whatever judgment shall be rendered there. And your mortal flesh by this act, to the resumption of what man may turn his face against, but which he cannot live without.
[00:42:02] Unknown:
It was a night long to be remembered. There were a record number of deaths, a strange epidemic that had no discernible cause, but which seemed to restore a balance in nature. Among the obituaries was one for Simon Brokaw. In none of them was there any mention of a mister Morris, which is not too surprising, of course, since he himself was the one who pointed out that his alias was merely a convenience, that his real name was death. I'll be back shortly. Come away. Come away, death. Let me in sad Cyprus be laid. But if you ponder it a while, is it so sad?
So many deaths are merciful, so many prayed for, so many long delayed, and all of them at the last not to be questioned, but accepted. For who can cancel, change, escape that one last appointment? Our cast included Norman Rose, William Griffiths, Marion Seldy's Joan Shea, and Ian Martin. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview
[00:43:34] Unknown:
of our next tale. Is there nothing that should be done about it? Yes.
[00:43:37] Unknown:
Yes. There is. Franz and I have been talking about it. You can save him and his crown by going to Schrelthau and his place.
[00:43:48] Unknown:
You mean impersonate him at the coronation? That's impossible. It's not impossible at all.
[00:43:55] Unknown:
You look enough like him to be his twin. But looks are not enough. Anyone who talked to me would be bound to know. The only people you would have to talk to are the princess Flavia, and she has not seen him in weeks, and the Duke Michael. Well, what about the Duke Michael? That is exactly what makes it possible. Even if he guessed, and I don't think he would, he would not dare say anything about it because if he did, he would be exposing himself and his plot. I see what you mean. Radio Mystery Theatre is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Contact, the twelve hour allergy capsule.
This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theatre for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dreams.
[00:45:28] Unknown:
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[00:45:44] Unknown:
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[00:00:30] Unknown:
Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. There's a haunting, lovely song in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night which has troubled my dreams, and perhaps yours. Come away. Come away, death. Let me and sad Cyprus be laid. If it hasn't haunted you yet, perhaps it might after the story I bring you now, a story which, not unsurprisingly, has to do with death.
[00:01:21] Unknown:
What are you doing here? What do you want? I've come for you, mister Brokaw. It's time. What do you mean come for me? It's time. Who are you? The name of Morris is good enough for day to day use and creates no difficulties. It is borrowed from the Latin Morse. My name is Death, mister Brokawr, and I have an appointment with you.
[00:01:55] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Come Away, Death, was written especially for the Mispy Theatre by Ian Bartlett and stars William Griffiths and Norman Rose. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. You've all heard of the old Brokaw mansion, naturally, facing the river, occupying a full block in the heart of the city with its gardens stretching all the way to the river and its towering shade trees shielding the imposing bulk of the Renaissance house with its great copper roof. It's gone now, of course, to be replaced by a huge high rise apartment building. But it isn't so long ago that the last of the brocars, Simon, lived and refused to die there no matter how many people in and out of the real estate business were eagerly awaiting his demise.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
Oh, good evening, mister Rensselaer.
[00:03:06] Unknown:
Good evening, missus Marbles. How is mister Broca?
[00:03:11] Unknown:
Why, he seems to be better, sir. Is Is the doctor still with him? No. Doctor Manning left just a few minutes ago. Oh, they're not putting him in the hospital again? Oh, doctor Manning said not.
[00:03:22] Unknown:
I I Yes. Yes. Yes. What is it, missus Marples?
[00:03:25] Unknown:
Oh, give me, mister Rensselaer. Just the doctor. Now you here. Oh, I've been with mister Brokaw, his housekeeper, for over thirty five years.
[00:03:35] Unknown:
And I don't know anyone else who could have taken it, missus Marples. Oh, he's a difficult man. Like all strong men.
[00:03:46] Unknown:
That's what's so awful, I suppose. That he's still a big, musty, healthy man. That he should be cut down in his prime like this.
[00:03:55] Unknown:
Doctor Manning thinks it's that, imminent.
[00:03:58] Unknown:
Well, you'll have to ask mister Brokaw about that
[00:04:02] Unknown:
or the doctor himself. Well, since I've been called in, I I can guess perhaps it is.
[00:04:09] Unknown:
I'd better get on up or is he resting? No. No. He won't, and you shall not right away. Better not keep him waiting. Mister Rensselaer?
[00:04:18] Unknown:
Yes?
[00:04:19] Unknown:
Do do you will will he be changing his will? Is that what it is?
[00:04:26] Unknown:
No.
[00:04:27] Unknown:
I don't think you have anything to worry about, missus Marple. Oh, it wasn't myself I was concerned about it. It was miss Nita.
[00:04:35] Unknown:
Oh, yes. Well,
[00:04:37] Unknown:
you understand there's nothing I can say one way or another. Oh, that sweet little niece of his has given up her private life to move in here and help nurse mister Brokaw ever since that first attack of, well, ever since they discovered that he was ill. And I'd hate to see her left out in the cold if anything happens. I don't want to see her lose out to that cold, greedy little come up who, in my opinion, is more than anything else responsible for the state he is in now. Oh, can't you do something? Missus Marples, I am a lawyer.
[00:05:13] Unknown:
I appreciate and applaud your concern, but, that's as far as I can go. Is, Nita here now? Yes. She's in the library with her fiance, doctor Lauren. Very well. Perhaps I'll have chance to talk to her for a moment when I come down. Now I'd better get upstairs.
[00:05:40] Unknown:
Terry, what are you doing at that half open door? Shh, Dida. Hold it a minute. Will you stop acting like a private eye? I am a private eye,
[00:05:48] Unknown:
watching the legal beagle ascend to Mount Olympus and listening at the same time for the Velosterous gossip. Oh, come away from that door.
[00:05:57] Unknown:
What do you care anyway?
[00:05:59] Unknown:
But I do care, lover. Mister Brokaw looms very large in my life since he's all that stands between me and the love of my life. Oh, that isn't fair. Uncle Simon isn't keeping us apart. Uh-oh, isn't he? Then how come we're not married? You won't let me take you away from all this. But you know how ill uncle Simon is. He needs me. I I'm the only family he has. Uh-uh. Correction, love bug. He has missus Marples to take care of him. No. She's not a relative. So alright. He has that sneaky secretary, that voluptuous Venus, miss Bunny Huggins to provide that. Well, I'm not gonna let that.
[00:06:33] Unknown:
She's I'm going to marry him now. She knows he's dying. So?
[00:06:38] Unknown:
Well, I just don't wanna see him taken. Have you ever thought maybe he deserves it? Well, he spent his life doing that to everyone else that crosses his path. How about maybe he ought to get his comeuppance for a change? Barry, he was my mom's brother.
[00:06:52] Unknown:
When she died, I swear she worried more about him than anything or anyone else. I mean, it was crazy. She was ten years younger, but she always treated him like her baby brother. That barracuda? Mom said all that hard stuff was just a front. Come on, Nita. As far as her brother Simon was concerned, your mother was blind at the back. Maybe. But but I still got to hang in. Do what I can.
[00:07:17] Unknown:
Anita. What? It, it isn't a doe, is it? I mean, look. I'm not gonna be an intern forever. No. It isn't a doe. It's just
[00:07:27] Unknown:
well, I don't wanna see someone who's, well, sort of my own get taken. And as long as there's any way of shutting out, miss Bunny Huggins, I feel I owe at least that much to my mom.
[00:07:38] Unknown:
How about me?
[00:07:39] Unknown:
Oh, darling. Can't you wait just this little bit longer?
[00:07:45] Unknown:
You're sure of doctor Manning's diagnosis?
[00:07:47] Unknown:
I am a registered nurse. That's why I came here. I mean, there's no chance of remission. It is terminal. No chance. It's terminal.
[00:08:02] Unknown:
Damn it, Rensselaer. I won't accept it. A little pain? Alright. But die? Oh, not me. Not Simon Brokaw. I have too much left to do. I'm not about to die no matter what the doctor says. And, what am I here for? To change my will. Why does it have to be changed in the prime of health? Because I've made up my mind. I'm gonna take the final step at last. At 55, I'm going to be married. Well, congratulations, I suppose. Do I know the intended bride? Well, of course you do. Who else would I? Oh, we'd get that. No. No. I'll get it myself. Hello?
[00:08:43] Unknown:
Simon?
[00:08:45] Unknown:
Oh, Bonnie. Who else?
[00:08:48] Unknown:
No one. Oh, I knew that deep, tickly, sexy voice the moment it answered. Oh, am I interrupting anything? Oh, no. No. No.
[00:08:57] Unknown:
Well, just a conference with my lawyer. Oh.
[00:09:02] Unknown:
Oh, do you have him there, darling? Why? Well, it seemed about time. Honey, you haven't been feeling sick again, have you? Oh, no. It's nothing really to worry about. Oh, but of course it is. You know how I worry all the time. Oh, Bunny. When when I get through with my lawyer, you won't ever have to worry again. Oh, but I do, darling. I don't want anything to happen to my baby. But a girl has to be practical, just a reasonable settlement. Yeah. Well, let me suggest it.
[00:09:35] Unknown:
Joint property when we're married and sole heir if anything happens to me. Married? Bunny, is is that enough? I
[00:09:46] Unknown:
I need you so much. Oh, you draw those papers up, darling, and at last will be what we've always should have been together. If you need me, call me. If not, let's have a lovely drink together when we sign the wedding agreement. Oh,
[00:10:03] Unknown:
I love you. Yeah. I love you. Bye now. Now. Bunny, I goodbye. Alright, Rensselaer. Let's get down to business. I wanna redraw my will. And before we do that, can we talk just a moment? No, lawyers. Alright. What about? What is your hurry to rush into this marriage? Well, I don't know how long I'll be around with joy. Time and I can There isn't any discussion, you see. Now or never, and I choose now. Alright. This is for the present, Simon. But do you have to mortgage yourself for the future too? You're a man of my age. Wouldn't you be tempted to mortgage your future too for a girl like this or someone like her that no man could ever sensibly dream of having unless Unless she was bought and paid for.
Well, we'll pretend that that was never said. Just let me go in my own way and the devil take the hindmost.
[00:11:10] Unknown:
Yes? Who who is it? Mister Morris
[00:11:14] Unknown:
for mister Brocar.
[00:11:16] Unknown:
Oh, is he expecting you? He very well should be. We have strict orders. I'm not sure I can let you in. It doesn't matter
[00:11:25] Unknown:
because you really can't keep me out. What did you say your name was? Morris. The name is a convenience. What does that mean? It's not exact, and it is borrowed. You're an impostor. Oh, no. That's the last thing I am. What are you doing here? What do you want? I've come for you, mister Bocar. It's time. What do you mean you come for me? It's time. The name of Morris is good enough for day to day use and creates no difficulties. As I said, it's borrowed from the Latin, morse, which in turn means death. My name is death, mister Brokaw, and as I said, I have an appointment with you.
Oh, Oh, no. I'm not ready to die yet. But then who is? Well, this can't be happening. I'll have you thrown out. I am the one unwelcome visitor no one can refuse. Now I beg you not to excite yourself. For this encounter, time is standing still, and you are frozen at the brink between life and afterlife. Get out of here. Oh, you you cannot threaten me. I'm not going ready to die. I Well, the choice isn't yours. No. But I'm not ready. But I said, whoever is. You don't understand. I'm rich. I have my health. Never mind what that stupid doctor says. I've never been married, but I've just found the woman I wanted who excites me, thrills me. I don't mean to interrupt.
It's rather a silly thing to say, isn't it? Why? I mean, that's really basically what I do. I make a career of interrupting. You come right down to it. You don't have to be so casual about the whole thing. Oh, I don't mean to be. You see, it's all become such a ritual. It's hard not to be bored. The same thing over and over again. Well, I'm glad it bores you that much. Shall we just call off the whole thing? Well, unfortunately, I have no say in the matter. I am only an instrument, a messenger, and the message I have to bring you is that you are dead.
But I can't die. I keep trying to tell you. I'm 56 years old. I have millions. I'm going to be married to a wonderful and exciting woman named Bonnie Huggins, and it is unfair that I can't be left alive to enjoy her. Look. I'll I'll give anything whatever you have. Now come, mister Brokaw. Don't you think that I've been offered every kind of bribe through the years? But but here. Look. Look. Here's a picture of Bunny. Now could, could you take any man away from that? Yeah. There she is. Attractive. There's no doubt. Oh, you you see, why I have to stay alive. No. No. Not at all. Well, it's it's hopeless. I I have to die.
Well, there is one possibility. I'll take it. What? As I said, I am world weary. I'm tired to exhaustion. And, so this bunny is a most extraordinary looking woman. Now I might be persuaded to take a brief hiaisis. You were how long? How long? Well, that somewhat depends on Bunny and but what develops? What do you mean Bunny? Mister Brokaw, if I should make any arrangement with you to hold off your demise, well, naturally, there would have to be some transference of personality. Woah. Woah. Woah. What what does that mean? Well, it's not very difficult. You see, I would take your place, and you would take mine. For how long? Well, I can't answer that.
For as long as it suits. Or I'll wait. Wait a minute. You you take my place. I can imagine, but, I take your place? Why what? Yes. You would become a messenger like me. Oh, it's quite a busy job. I'd go around telling people they're dead. Oh, somebody has to. Well, how would I know which ones to go to? No problem at all. You'll be told. You know, the more I think of it, a vacation from my appointed rounds could be very, invigorating. Alright, mister Brokaw. You brought it up. Would you like to make the swap?
[00:15:59] Unknown:
This is a curious and rather new situation, isn't it? The devil tempts. The devil makes a bargain for the human soul, but the devil never makes an open trade, does he? Then, of course, this isn't the devil. It's death. Isn't he as sure as taxes, or is there some escape? I shall return shortly with act two. We return to our strange confrontation. In the master bedroom of the huge, gloomy old Brokawr mansion, two men face each other. Men? The one in the bed, Simon Brokawr, is certainly mortal since he is dying. The one who sits facing him, mister Morris, claims to be death.
He has just offered Simon one way out from the inevitable. To avoid dying, he can exchange places with that grim gray specter who has been sent to claim his life.
[00:17:14] Unknown:
I'm waiting for your answer, Simon Brokaw. What proof do I have? Proof? That you're really dead. Oh, I'm here, am I not? How could I have forced my way into the house? I think more than that. Oh, dear. Dear me. Hold out your hand. Why? So I can touch it. You asked for proof. Very well. Now remember, this is only the first brush of death. Duh. Oh, oh, a horrible,
[00:17:47] Unknown:
cold,
[00:17:48] Unknown:
clammy blankness. You're convinced now? Supposing I am. I what is it like to be dead? Well, I'm the last person to ask that. I work only this side. Pass the message. Deliver the goods. And then then I don't know. You see you see, I really don't want to know. I'm satisfied enough with my own job, though it tends to be a little lonely and repetitive. It's why the idea of a vacation appeals to me. Maybe I I wouldn't like your job. Maybe. It's the chance you take. But then the arrangement can't be permanent. Why not? Why not?
Because because eventually, it must come to an end. On the other hand, must it? What what do you mean? Interesting speculation. If I've taken over your life and dedicated my responsibilities to you, why should we not, in fact, both be immortal? Immortal. Yes. That's your wish. And mine is to have a little more fun, which I certainly might have by living your life. Yes. The more I think of it, it's a very good exchange. But, what would I take with me from my life? Nothing but yourself. All the rest is mine. Now are you ready to make the swap? What other choice have I?
To die. Alright. How, how do we go about this? Well, we we just exchange places. You mean I get out of bed and give you my clothes? Oh, I think it could be simpler than that if you're ready. Alright. I'm ready. Now let's make it as simple as possible. Just take a deep breath. Oh, and, close your eyes. That should do it, I think. You could open your eyes. You feel any different? Well, of course I feel different. I'm sitting in the chair now while you're in the bed, actually. We've exchanged places back once the idea, wasn't it? Yes. But but I I'm not ready.
I don't know what to do. I told you. You don't have to. You will be told. But I can't you you hear something? Yes. I can't stay. I'm being called. I'm needed somewhere else. That's the way it goes. I began to find it deadly tiresome. He's gone. Poor fellow. He's going to be very busy from now on while I, sat in sheets, down pillows. Oh, Oh, very luxurious. No wonder miss Bonnie finds herself attracted. Oh, Bonnie, where is that picture? If the presence lives up to the picture. Now let's see. He must have her phone number in a book somewhere. What was the name? Caius Huggins.
Oh, what promise in that name. Here we are. Bunny Huggins.
[00:21:29] Unknown:
Uncle Simon, what are you doing downstairs?
[00:21:32] Unknown:
You must be Nita. Of course, uncle, are you alright? Oh, never better, Nita, dear. Where's your, the young doctor? Perry?
[00:21:42] Unknown:
You know, he's a little edgy about coming around here. Because of me?
[00:21:46] Unknown:
Well, yes and no. Oh, what's he worried about? I'll cut you out of my will? He couldn't care less. If he had his way, he'd have me cut out of here. Can't say as I blame him. It's a gloomy old dump. Why don't you take his advice and fly the musty coop? What? Why don't you marry him and be done with it? But I well, I I feel a kind of responsibility
[00:22:08] Unknown:
for you. Why? Well, after all, I am a nurse.
[00:22:12] Unknown:
One thing I don't need anymore, so feel free. I just can't walk out like that. Alright. Let's have the wedding here. Would you like me to give you away? Give me
[00:22:23] Unknown:
oh, I can't think of anything I'd like better if you really mean it. Of course, I do.
[00:22:29] Unknown:
If you'll excuse me, I I'll get it. That must be my secretary, miss Huggins. This is a moment I'm really looking forward to.
[00:22:41] Unknown:
He's agreed to the wedding and wants to give you away? Yes, Terry, darling. I can't tell you what he's I mean, he's a different man. There are remissions in this kind of disease, aren't there? Oh, not from what I learned from doctor Manning. Oh, Manning's kind of old fashioned. I'd swear that uncle has to be in some kind of remission. I mean, he's in marvelous shape. Isn't that great?
[00:23:05] Unknown:
If we can get married, it is so set the date. Let's gather you as much while we may. It, it is what you want, isn't it? You're what I want.
[00:23:22] Unknown:
But, Simon, sweetie, why couldn't we make it a double wedding? Because I'm not quite sure that I want to get married. But I thought that was all wrapped up and delivered some time ago. Oh, I swear to heaven, Sugar. I just don't know you anymore. You're like another man. You know, I feel like another man. I reckon that's just great, isn't it?
[00:23:47] Unknown:
I don't plan on dying anymore, Bunny. Well, I should hope not. You are not going to be a quick widow ready to wallow in the lap of luxury.
[00:23:57] Unknown:
Who said I wanted to be a widow? Well, it's part of the game, isn't it? I'm not interested in games, Simon. Even the ones of chance?
[00:24:07] Unknown:
You still could win the jackpot. If I decided to go.
[00:24:12] Unknown:
You would walk out on me just like that? Oh, I swear, Simon, honey. I don't know how to talk to you anymore. You're you're like a stranger. Well, I have to admit that I have changed. Well, if that's the way you feel and you wanna get rid of poor little bunny, I can bow out. Mhmm. If you want. It's going to cost you. There is the settlement.
[00:24:36] Unknown:
What settlement?
[00:24:39] Unknown:
Why, Simon Broker, how can you talk like that?
[00:24:42] Unknown:
How can you expect to use up the best years of my life and think you can walk away free? Now whoever said I wanted to walk away free? As a matter of fact, I was looking forward to some of the best years of my life with you, but I mean with you and on my terms. Well, that might not satisfy me all the way. So see my lawyer, or let me see him first. And after that, how about after that, We can talk again. Naturally, I had the new world run up, Simon. And this is it? Well, to the best of my belief, it's substantially what you indicated to me at our last meeting. Basically, except for a very token amount, it leaves my entire fortune to miss Bonnie Huggins.
I caught in to your wish. A wish with which I sense you are not in agreement. There's an old argument. I have no wish to reopen it. I'll call in a couple of my people to witness your signature. Of what? A new will. Oh oh, there's that. We won't have any need of this anymore. The old one will do well enough since I don't plan to die, not for a long time yet. I'm sorry that you had always worked for nothing. Oh, I'm not. I never saw any labor go more cheerfully down the drain. I'd even break my lawyer's old moss back and say, I don't know what the devil has gotten into you, Simon Broker. But whatever it is, I'm for it all the way.
[00:26:28] Unknown:
Oh, good evening, mister Morris. It's you again. Yes, missus Marples. May I come in? If you feel you must, but it won't do any good. Mister Brokaw isn't here. He's still in Las Vegas? Why no? He left there a week or so ago on a trip around the world. Around the world?
[00:26:48] Unknown:
Is, is, miss Huggins with him? Do you know? His secretary? Yes.
[00:26:56] Unknown:
Why, I I believe so.
[00:26:59] Unknown:
I,
[00:27:00] Unknown:
I've only heard something about a wedding. Oh, heavens. No. That was mister Brokaw's niece. Oh, such a lovely ceremony, and he gave the bride away himself. Miss Neater. Miss Neater. Missus Lawrence, it would be now, is here at the moment. If you would like to see her.
[00:27:20] Unknown:
No. No. She wouldn't know me from she she wouldn't know me. Tell mister Brokar I'll look in again as soon as he's back.
[00:27:39] Unknown:
Good evening. Can I help you?
[00:27:42] Unknown:
Good evening, missus Lawrence.
[00:27:46] Unknown:
You know me.
[00:27:48] Unknown:
Well, love you. My name is, Boris. I'm, an acquaintance of your uncle Simon. May I see him? I'm afraid he's not here. Oh, I I thought he was due back from his trip. Well, yes. We're expecting him as it happened. Well, then I wonder if I could just come in and wait. Well, tonight, it might be a little inconvenient. Well, it's rather pressing, and I seldom have time to bother about the bags, buddy. The man will get get them. But I just need my cosmetic bags. You don't need that or anything else. Now let's get in and tell everybody the good news. Hello?
What are you doing here? I have to see you, mister Broker. It's rather urgent. Well, well, tonight is scarcely the best time. I have a busy schedule. It's my only time. I'm desperate. Alright. Come in. Let's all get inside where it's warm. You picked an awkward time. I've been trying to see you ever since we made our ill advised bargain. Ill advised? At least from my side. So what is it you want? I wanna call it off. I wanna go back being myself, being you. I wouldn't blame you for a moment, dear boy. I find it just as delightful as perhaps you remember, too delightful for me to think of giving up. You see, I am perfectly satisfied as things are, and I wouldn't change them back again for the world.
[00:29:25] Unknown:
Now this is an interesting twist. Death calls for someone and is refused out of hand. Of course, he did relinquish his peculiar power over this one individual when they struck a bargain, or did he? Come to think of it, there are so many ramifications from that special agreement which we have never probed or looked into. That will be for when I return shortly with act three. So here we are with another confrontation. The same principles, but a vastly different set of circumstances. A man comes to death to beg for his questionable gift and is refused by death, who has found that the joys of worldly living are infinitely preferable to the cold, lonely world he used to occupy.
While, apparently, Simon Brokawr, who eagerly exchanged his world for death's barren one in order to escape dying, is bitterly regretting his bargain.
[00:30:37] Unknown:
You've got to call it off. Got to? Why? Because I can't stand this ghoulish job you foisted on me. I wanna be back in my own body again to be myself. If you should become Simon Brokawr again, my first commission as death would be to claim you as I was sent to do in the first place. You would have to die immediately. Well, I'll take my chances on that. What chances? Well, you look robust enough to me. You're healthy as a pig and eat and drink like one. You throw my money around like water. You've stolen my mistress and enjoy her. You charter planes to fly like an Arabian oil seek. Gamble as though you were King Farouk, enjoy wine, song, and my woman to a fault. Certainly seem remarkably healthy to me. My dear mister Mullen Don't call me that. It's your present name. Oh, very well. Death, if you prefer. I don't prefer. I'm Simon Broker.
Were, my dear man, were. I am now Simon Brokaw. And after such a long contact with the dead and dying, I haven't the slightest intention of giving up my contact with the living. First, I have never been so happy and satisfied in my life. Second, while I occupy the body of Simon Brokaw, it functions at peak performance. To let you reoccupy it would be a total waste since life would be snuffed out in that moment. At last, I don't want to return to being the messenger of death ever. I can't blame you for that. There isn't a moment's peace. It does keep you hopping. There's no enjoyment in it.
You chose to be where you are. You live with it. Supposing I just plain up and quit. Oh, you can't do that. How do you know? Did you ever try it? Well, no. But Ah, there you see. You hear me? What am I gonna do? Ask not for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for the I'm sorry you had to dash away, mister Morris. So there we are. A little cognac all around to celebrate the first, family dinner since Bunny and I returned. Thank you, Uncle Simon. Mister Marcus. Sweetheart. A little toast to our future together. Whatever it may be. Cheers. Oh, cheers. There's a hell of a ride here.
Perry. Perry, why are you looking at me so quizzically? Oh, was I? I'm I'm sorry. Dorothy, you have every right. I would just like to know what you what you were thinking. No idea. I No. No need to I really wanna hear. Oh, alright, sir. I, I would you're a different man. Of course. I why shouldn't I be? I And for the first time in my life, I've learned how to enjoy myself. I've learned to give instead of eternally taking. But that's my kind, generous sweet darling.
[00:33:53] Unknown:
But there
[00:33:55] Unknown:
Yes. Well, we can discuss those when we're alone, Bunny. For the moment, let me enjoy my family gathered around me.
[00:34:02] Unknown:
How was that? This is awful. An accident. Oh, Terry. It sounded as though she could have fallen down the stairs.
[00:34:11] Unknown:
Oh, what is it? Oh, I can't tell you. Back, internal injuries, maybe a stroke. We gotta get her to the hospital immediately. Oh, he's falling for an ambulance. Well, I'd better get on the phone myself. I should have an up clock to speak out of emergency fashion.
[00:34:27] Unknown:
Missus Mills, I I have to don't be here. She wants to try to tell you something, I know. Very well.
[00:34:37] Unknown:
Missus Marples, what are you trying to say? The man.
[00:34:41] Unknown:
The the the thing he was here. What man? What thing? He said the bell toll for him to come for me but to tell you he would come no no more.
[00:35:04] Unknown:
Is she dead?
[00:35:06] Unknown:
No. I and she's just lapsed into a coma. Oh, Perry. Yeah. What does it mean? The ambulance coming. Yeah. It's on her way. Well, you better have a look at her. She dead? I don't know. There's no pulse, no heartbeat, but she's still breathing. It's like she was I don't know how to say it. It Like
[00:35:25] Unknown:
she had died, but death hadn't come to claim her. Morris. Alright. Simon Brokaw. Whatever you wanna call yourself, where are you? Come on, man. You can't do it. You can't stop the process. Death is a fact of life. You can't stop people from dying. Is that what you're up to? Is that what you're trying? Yes. Who is it? Wait a minute. Why don't you come in? Bonnie, what what do you want? I I thought I heard you talking to someone. Oh, I was talking, and this has a very special truth. I was well, you see, I was I was trying to talk to myself.
[00:36:13] Unknown:
Simon,
[00:36:13] Unknown:
are you alright? I wish I could answer that sensibly. Why? Well,
[00:36:18] Unknown:
well, you were so funny after they took that poor old missus Marples away. I know you must have been very fond of her but she was an old, old lady and even if it was an accident she had to die sometimes.
[00:36:31] Unknown:
Only she didn't. Did he what? She didn't die, won't die, can't die.
[00:36:36] Unknown:
I don't know what you're talking about. It was Macbeth who said he heard a voice say,
[00:36:42] Unknown:
Macbeth does murder sleep. Ma well, who's Macbeth? He's a character in a Shakespeare play. But what's he got to do with that? With me, Bunny. With me. You see, I just may have I may have murdered death. What do you think, Perry? What can I think? I'm only a month out of internship. Every big shot doctor in the hospital has done his own work up on missus Marples, and no one can explain it. Look. This isn't like you could pull any plug. I know, Nida. We're not sustaining life in that old lady. I mean, medical science, isn't it? But what life is there? No heartbeat. No circulation.
[00:37:26] Unknown:
Insetograms are flat.
[00:37:27] Unknown:
No sign of any brain You don't have to lay it out. By every clinical test, missus Marples is dead, except one. She's still breathing. Sheesh, tell you, it's weird. And she's only part of it. What do you mean, Carrie? Look look, honey, how many of our terminal cases would we have expected to lose in the last three days while missus Marple has been here? I mean, in the ordinary course of events. I don't know.
[00:37:55] Unknown:
Five
[00:37:56] Unknown:
or 10 maybe. In a hospital this size, more like 15. And how many have we lost? None. I can think of six of them in my wing alone that are just like her. And and we're not alone. I mean, I I I've been checking with other hospitals and the police, and even the papers have been making cracks about it. Do you know there hasn't been one obituary notice in these last few days? No homicides. No people died in traffic accidents. Nobody drowned or strangled or or or slipped in the bathtub or fell off a building or burned up or I tell you, Nida, it's like
[00:38:33] Unknown:
I'm afraid to say it. Say what, Barry? Come on. Say it.
[00:38:37] Unknown:
It's like maybe nobody's gonna die anymore. Oh, mister Rensselaer. I'm so glad you're here. Oh, hi. Come in. Hi, miss Huggins. What is it? Miss Huggins.
[00:38:57] Unknown:
I I mean, mister Wilker, he he's been like a wild man this evening. What did he say to you on the phone?
[00:39:04] Unknown:
Just that he
[00:39:05] Unknown:
wanted to see me. You don't think he's going to change his will again? I'm sure I haven't any idea. Where is he? Upstairs in his bedroom. Any of your excuse me. Oh, mister Rensselaer. Yeah? I I told you he was out of his mind. I warn you. He has a gun.
[00:39:24] Unknown:
Well, he always has had. I don't think he'll want to use it on me. There isn't any more to say. I just wanted you to see that I am rational and in possession of all my senses. Well, we've made tape, as you suggested, which will attest to that better than any words I could use in testimony. So the will stands up. I can see no reason why not. No matter what happens subsequently, I promise you that I will see to it personally. That your last wishes are carried out. But I hope not for a long while yet. That's as it may be. Bunny deserves some consideration, but not all of it.
Never all of it or most of it. I want neither and Perry to have that. Yeah. As you have indicated, they'll have it. Good. And, now I'd like to be alone. Are you sure? I'm as sure as I am that the world deserves to be a good place to live in. Good night, Rensselaer. Good night, Ivan. Which it never can be unless death has a place in it again. My name was death. I relinquished it for trivial reasons. All over the world, the frightening horde of those who should have passed over awaiting for this moment. I took this body that was Simon Brokaw's, and I was weak enough not to relinquish it.
I want to give it back. Return, Simon Brokaw, who has broken the faith. Return. For if you think you have still bebailed the tolls, for you, I will make it ring with the sound of this gun. Where are you? Then wherever you have gone, I consign our immortal souls to oblivion or whatever judgment shall be rendered there. And your mortal flesh by this act, to the resumption of what man may turn his face against, but which he cannot live without.
[00:42:02] Unknown:
It was a night long to be remembered. There were a record number of deaths, a strange epidemic that had no discernible cause, but which seemed to restore a balance in nature. Among the obituaries was one for Simon Brokaw. In none of them was there any mention of a mister Morris, which is not too surprising, of course, since he himself was the one who pointed out that his alias was merely a convenience, that his real name was death. I'll be back shortly. Come away. Come away, death. Let me in sad Cyprus be laid. But if you ponder it a while, is it so sad?
So many deaths are merciful, so many prayed for, so many long delayed, and all of them at the last not to be questioned, but accepted. For who can cancel, change, escape that one last appointment? Our cast included Norman Rose, William Griffiths, Marion Seldy's Joan Shea, and Ian Martin. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview
[00:43:34] Unknown:
of our next tale. Is there nothing that should be done about it? Yes.
[00:43:37] Unknown:
Yes. There is. Franz and I have been talking about it. You can save him and his crown by going to Schrelthau and his place.
[00:43:48] Unknown:
You mean impersonate him at the coronation? That's impossible. It's not impossible at all.
[00:43:55] Unknown:
You look enough like him to be his twin. But looks are not enough. Anyone who talked to me would be bound to know. The only people you would have to talk to are the princess Flavia, and she has not seen him in weeks, and the Duke Michael. Well, what about the Duke Michael? That is exactly what makes it possible. Even if he guessed, and I don't think he would, he would not dare say anything about it because if he did, he would be exposing himself and his plot. I see what you mean. Radio Mystery Theatre is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Contact, the twelve hour allergy capsule.
This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theatre for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dreams.
[00:45:28] Unknown:
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[00:45:44] Unknown:
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