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In this gripping episode of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater, we delve into the psychological and supernatural elements surrounding the life of Anton Stern, a renowned conductor struggling with the death of his prodigious son, Jonathan. As Anton returns from a tour, he is haunted by the belief that Jonathan's spirit has returned through the hands of a new violinist, Saskia Rubens. This belief is further complicated by a mysterious fingering technique only Jonathan could perform, leading Anton to question the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.
Amidst the tension, Anton's daughter, Rebecca, grapples with her own feelings of jealousy and longing for her father's love. As the story unfolds, Rebecca takes a drastic step to shatter the fixation her father has developed on Jonathan's Stradivarius violin, risking her father's sanity in the process. This episode explores themes of love, loss, and the lengths one will go to reclaim a sense of normalcy and familial connection.
(00:34) Introduction to the Mystery
(03:04) The Strange Case of Anton Stern
(10:14) Family Tensions and Jonathan's Legacy
(18:25) The Mysterious Fingering
(28:28) A Father's Delusion
(40:23) The Risk of Breaking the Fixation
(49:50) Resolution and Reflection
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[00:00:00]
Unknown:
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[00:00:34] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. Someone once said that we are what we eat, a statement I'd not dispute. But I think we might go a step further and say, at least with equal accuracy, that we are what we think. Curiously, though, our thoughts shape our lives, our very destinies. Most of us, as any psychiatrist will tell you, are motivated by thoughts so deep within our psyches that we're really not aware of them at all. In point of which, consider the strange case of Anton Stern.
[00:01:42] Unknown:
But Anton, please. Jonathan is dead.
[00:01:45] Unknown:
Our son died more than six months ago. Tell why do you do this to me? Why are you trying to break my heart? Oh, my darling. Break your heart. I'm trying to put the pieces back together again. By lying to me? By telling me that Jonathan is back? He's playing now in studio, playing.
[00:02:18] Unknown:
I hear nothing. Studio
[00:02:21] Unknown:
practicing. It's better than I tell you, come, Stella. Come and see for yourself. Our sun is alive. Our mystery drama, Concerto in Death, was written especially for the mystery theater by George Lowther and stars Marion Seldes and Ian Martin. It is sponsored in part by Signoff, the Sinus Medicines, and Imported Vina Rose Wine. I'll be back shortly with act one. Here is This is the strange story of what befell Anton Stern only a few years ago, a story few people know. Yes. I am talking about the celebrated conductor of the city symphony. To begin this curious tale, I'll ask you to join me in the Stearns Duplex apartment on Park Avenue in New York City.
It is late afternoon of an overcast autumn day. In the gracious living room, we find Stella, Anton's lovely wife, and his equally attractive daughter, Rebecca.
[00:03:52] Unknown:
Oh, mother. Stop facing up and down. You'll be worn out by the time father gets here. I can't help myself, Becky. I haven't seen him in two months. You should have gone on tour with him or at least spent some time with him in one city or another. I would have you know that if doctor Edmonds hadn't advised against it. Well, I'll never understand why. Granted, Edmonds is one of the best psychiatrists in the country, but still he's shown that my presence during the tour might might be too much of a reminder of Jonathan's death. But you know as well as I that the tour was largely arranged as therapy.
I never realized what mental depression could do to a person till Jonathan collapsed and died while recording the Paganini first violin concerto of father conducting. What a terrible shock to see your son, only 20 years old, drop dead before you're out. Oh, I'm sorry, mother. I brought it all back for you. It's alright, Becky, dear. I expected Jonathan's death sooner or later. I was prepared for it. Your father wasn't. I knew of Jonathan's condition. It is congenital heart condition, but he never believed. It frightened me.
The way he kept insisting that Jonathan was alive. Imagined he heard him practicing in his studio upstairs. Well, thanks to doctor Edmonds, he recovered. In two months, Santore has bought food coverage. Here. Here. I'll I'll answer the dog. Becky. Becky, how do I look? Who do you have for? Only don't look worried, mother. Oh. Oh. And, Oh,
[00:05:54] Unknown:
I've missed you and it's good to be home, Stella. It's good to be Oh, Rebecca? Welcome home, father. Oh, thank you. It's good to see you, my dear. You you kept in practice while I was away? Oh, yes.
[00:06:09] Unknown:
If I practiced anymore, I'd have worn out the keyboard and the violin.
[00:06:13] Unknown:
The violin? Why waste your time? How many times have I told you why waste your time on the fiddle when your brother's a prodigy? You stick to the piano and leave the violin to your gifted brother. Believe me, you what is it? Why are you all looking at me? Well, you said well, you talk as if as if Jonathan Well, where is he? Why isn't he here to greet me? McNally, I thought you said when when we talked on the phone, you said I know what I said and I know what I'm hearing. What went wrong? Where is he, that son of mine? Where is he?
Oh, boy. In his studio. Always in his studio. Jonathan, I'm home. Your father's home.
[00:07:07] Unknown:
But now you said he was alright. He was.
[00:07:11] Unknown:
Heaven help us till we came through that door. He was.
[00:07:20] Unknown:
Anton?
[00:07:23] Unknown:
Come in, Stella. All of you come in. Are you alright, Anton? What is alright? To know that my only son is dead, that's alright? You you do know then? Oh, yes. But for an instant there, a few moments, I was sure I heard him practice. Just as he used to. And I rushed up here to this studio only to find emptiness. And then again, I knew he's dead.
[00:08:04] Unknown:
Death. Do you want us to call doctor Edmond? I'm alright. I'm recovered.
[00:08:10] Unknown:
As fully recovered as anyone can be after the death. His only son. You understand that?
[00:08:18] Unknown:
Your only son. Yes.
[00:08:21] Unknown:
I understand. What happened just now is just one of those things. Coming home after two months away Got you, miss. That's all. How about a drink, Anton? It's been a long time and day for you. The plane trip from Seattle. Yes. Yes. A drink would be good. That's that's all good. I don't have one. Come along then, dear. Stradivarius. Jonathan Stradivarius. Who moved it? Who who who who oh, don't just stare at me, all of you. The case, I I I placed it here on the table just so with the bowl of flowers there and his photograph there, and and it's removed. Who's been touching this case, touching Jonathan's violin? I didn't know that you wanted it untouched.
But I said so. I made it clear. No other hand was ever to touch touch the strand.
[00:09:15] Unknown:
You? Father, I didn't know. I I You didn't. Father, it it's got to be kept in condition. It's a priceless Stradivarius. It's got to be played. You played
[00:09:28] Unknown:
it. You played Jonathan's violin? I'm Tom. It was never to be touched. I said that. I made it clear never to be touched. But Becky is your daughter Jonathan's sister. She's not Jonathan.
[00:09:44] Unknown:
No. But I love you too, father. Every bit as much as Jonathan did.
[00:09:51] Unknown:
I I love you, Rebecca Bella. Never touch this this again, please. It was his. It's all I have left to remember him. It's sacred to me. Promise me you will never touch it again. I
[00:10:15] Unknown:
promise.
[00:10:20] Unknown:
More wine, Max. Thanks, Anton. Of course. It goes well with the beef.
[00:10:26] Unknown:
Her Holger is still the finest cook in the world. She certainly hasn't lost her touch while we've been away still. No. And so long as she keeps her touch, I must be careful to keep her. You'd be astounded, McNally, at how many of our friends offer her more money to leave us for them.
[00:10:46] Unknown:
Well, competition is competition. We lost Vladimir Oblensky thanks to it. The man who replaced Jonathan. Glass that's out of my hand of his clumsy of me. No. No. Of me. I'm sorry. Because you mentioned Jonathan? Nonsense. Nonsense. I tell you, I'm perfectly recovered. Yes, father. We did lose Oblensky. As Max says, he was not the finest concertmaster we ever had. Jonathan was that. No one can ever take his place, but Oblensky was good. Very good. Very good. He left us in Seattle. Tomorrow, I must try out another woman, Saskia, Saskia what's her name again?
Rubens. Better than Loblensky, ask me. Not as good as Jonathan. No one can ever will ever replace him in the orchestra or in my heart. Speaking of Jonathan Anton, Beaquel has asked me to talk to you again about releasing the Paganini first violin concerto. You know my uncle? Oh, but Anton, it was you've got the finest, certainly one of the finest things that Jonathan ever did. And it killed him. Anton, you can't say. I can, and I do, Stella. As for you, Mac, it was without doubt the finest thing he ever did. Do you know why? Because he wanted it to be.
He practiced and practiced and practiced until I warned him that he would kill himself if he didn't stop. His heart,
[00:12:33] Unknown:
I I knew his heart wouldn't take it. But the heart attack, it could have struck at any time, anywhere.
[00:12:40] Unknown:
Oh, he was determined, my son, Mac. Determined to play it to perfection. Perfection. And he did. And because of it, he he died at one of my my very eyes. Oh, father. My owner. Father. Leave me alone. Father. Rebecca.
[00:13:06] Unknown:
Sorry. Oh, sorry. And, Tom, she loves you as much as Jonathan did. Perhaps even more. More?
[00:13:20] Unknown:
Impossible. No one ever loved me as much as Jonathan. Perhaps you never gave anyone else gave gave Becky the chance. Oh, why are you badgering me like this? Anton. Anton, where are you going? To the studio. And please leave me alone there.
[00:13:41] Unknown:
I am sorry, Stella. It's not your fault. You know how it's it's always been. With Anton, the sun rose and set on Jonathan. Becky, she was always second in his affections. And now with Jonathan gone, she wants to be faster. No. No. I don't think that. I think oh, I don't know. A young girl yearning for, reaching out for her father's love. That's all. She loves him. She wants him to love her. That's all.
[00:14:14] Unknown:
Is it, darling?
[00:14:16] Unknown:
What do you mean?
[00:14:18] Unknown:
Jonathan is gone, Stella. But you know as well as I, he still stands between Becky and her father.
[00:14:42] Unknown:
Yes. And let's hope she plays as good as she looks. Maybe we ought to move to one of the back roads. Why now? I can see she's maybe, you know, a trial. I'm sitting here maybe Oh,
[00:14:54] Unknown:
forget it. Saskia Rubens is a pro. You know, all pros have nerves. Alright, gentlemen. Let's get on with it. Are you, ready, miss Rubens? Yes, maestro.
[00:15:07] Unknown:
Oh, you can take any moment you wish. Well, it doesn't matter to me, Maestro. Whatever you want. Uh-huh.
[00:15:12] Unknown:
I see.
[00:15:14] Unknown:
You're very confident. Oh, why shouldn't I be? I wouldn't be here for a tryout if I wasn't good. Oh. Oh,
[00:15:22] Unknown:
well, we'll try the first movement after the introduction. Miss Rubens, perhaps you'd rather try the Rondo. But what was wrong? You ask me what was wrong. You don't know? No. I don't. You don't know. You're playing notes, not heart. That's what's wrong. Notes without heart. You might as well tear off the music. We'll try it again. This time with expression, miss Rubens. Hello? Here we go. What now? I don't know. Miss Reuben.
[00:16:34] Unknown:
A a fingering. Yes, maestro. Where did you get it from? Get it from. What? I I I don't know. I I suppose I've always used that fingering. You copied it. I beg your pardon. You heard my son or a recording in which he used that fingering. Well, of course, I've heard your son. I've heard every recording he ever made, but I've never caught up. Perhaps unconsciously. My so I have never copied anyone including your son.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
Well then again, we'll, we'll try it again. Now what may be? No.
[00:17:23] Unknown:
No one ever finds this passage with exactly that same brain, but Jonathan, because no one else could.
[00:17:31] Unknown:
I have, and I think you're right. But if you are, Becky, what does this mean?
[00:17:38] Unknown:
I don't know what it means, Mac. I wish I did.
[00:17:49] Unknown:
Saskia Rubens using the same fingering as Jonathan Stern? Is it a coincidence, or is some arcane force at work? Even Rebecca Stern is confused and unable to say what is taking place. Well, perhaps matters will be clarified when I return shortly for act two. When Jonathan Stern, child prodigy and, at 20, solo violinist of the city symphony under his father Anton, died suddenly, Anton fell into a deep depression. Recovered, or so it seemed, he took the symphony on a two month tour from which he returned a few days ago. Now in the city concert hall, as Anton tries out, can you use solo violinist, Doctor. Rubin, something strange and baffling seems to be happening.
Stop. Stop. Is this some kind of joke, miss Rubin? Some kind of grizzly joke? I don't know what you mean, my friend. No one has ever fingered that passage, played it the way you are except my son,
[00:19:28] Unknown:
my dead son. I told you. I don't know anything about that. If I am using his fingering, it it it's an accident, a coincidence. Accident.
[00:19:36] Unknown:
Coincidence? Mac. Are you Santo? You heard it. Is she using Jonathan's fingering or not? Well, she seems to be. Yes. But Father. And Mac Mac, has anyone but Jonathan ever used that fingering? That's what I know of. Father. If this was an accident, miss Rubens, it's the kind of accident I won't stomach. And I warn you not to repeat it. You needn't worry about that, maestro. I won't be here to repeat it. That's fine with me. You can get out.
[00:20:11] Unknown:
Father, will you listen to me?
[00:20:15] Unknown:
What, Rebecca? What? You've forgotten something. Jonathan was the only one who ever used that
[00:20:16] Unknown:
forgotten something. Jonathan was the only one who ever used that fingering because no one else ever could until now.
[00:20:27] Unknown:
Yes. You're you're right. Only a prodigy, a a genius like Jonathan could How could I forget? Well, you were shocked and upset. But she, Ruben, she As I said, it's just an accident. No. No. No. No. Rebecca. Not bad at all. Don't you see, daughter? Don't you see? Well, of course.
[00:20:53] Unknown:
By the greatest good fortune, you found someone else to replace Jonathan as a soloist.
[00:20:59] Unknown:
Replacement? He's no replacement. She is Jonathan. What do you mean? Yes. What do you mean? Oh, wait. He's returned. His spirit. That wasn't Saskia or Ruben's plague. That was Jonathan. And and the fingering of her hand, but Jonathan's spirit in that hand. Oh, I don't see. Don't you see? It was Jonathan's way of telling me he's returned. Mac, get her Rubens. Get her back for me. Oh, by the way she stormed out, I'm not sure I can't. Can? You will, Mac. You you must. Well, Becky, good to see you again. Sit down. Cigarette?
Thank you, doctor Edmond. Thank you. I read about your father's triumphant tour, I suppose it's called. Nothing but praise and acclaim for the orchestra and him. How is he? Did the tour turn out to be the therapy? I felt sure it would be. Well, that's why I'm here.
[00:22:08] Unknown:
I need your help for me as well as my father.
[00:22:12] Unknown:
Something went wrong.
[00:22:14] Unknown:
Well, when he arrived home nearly a week ago now, he thought well, it only lasted a few minutes. He thought Jonathan was still alive, that he could hear him practicing in the studio. Well, of course, when he went to the studio and Jonathan wasn't there, he realized it was just his imagination.
[00:22:38] Unknown:
Well, these relapses do happen. Yes. But
[00:22:41] Unknown:
but the strangest thing happened yesterday afternoon. He was trying out a new violinist, Saskia Rubens.
[00:22:49] Unknown:
Yes. Yes. I've heard of her. Well,
[00:22:52] Unknown:
during the tryout, she played a passage the way Jonathan played it when he was alive, and she used the identical fingering that Jonathan only Jonathan could use. And my father saw it, heard it.
[00:23:10] Unknown:
Another little relapse?
[00:23:15] Unknown:
I saw it and heard it too. Oh. Father thinks that Jonathan has returned to him. But using Saskia's body, his spirit and his genius has come back.
[00:23:34] Unknown:
And you, what do you think?
[00:23:38] Unknown:
Well, I don't know what to think. I I I have never been so confused. That that's why I'm here.
[00:23:45] Unknown:
Well, I treated your father's melancholia. Then when he went on tour, treated you for a milder, much milder depression. And once you faced the reason for your depression, you snapped out of it. Becky, what was tell me again. Put it into words. What was the reason for your depression? Coming out, Becky said.
[00:24:22] Unknown:
I was glad Jonathan was dead. Why? Because he always stood between my father and me. But my father loved him more than me.
[00:24:37] Unknown:
He did. He did.
[00:24:42] Unknown:
All my life, I've wanted my father's love. And when Jonathan died, I thought at last I'd have it, but I haven't. Especially now that he believe That he believes
[00:25:01] Unknown:
Jonathan has returned. Yes. Yes. And that, Becca, is why you're confused, unhappy. You've allowed your brain to recreate the ghost we got rid of together, you and I. Becky, Jonathan has not returned. Ruben's this fingering of hers or whatever, she plays that way. That's all. As simple as that. Oh, you can convince me.
[00:25:33] Unknown:
But no one will ever convince my father.
[00:25:36] Unknown:
And that's from someone. Not me. Someone else. I better. Because if he doesn't realize what he's come to believe just isn't so. Yes.
[00:25:46] Unknown:
Because he doesn't.
[00:25:49] Unknown:
He loses mind, Becky.
[00:25:57] Unknown:
Anton. Oh, yes, darling. Calm down and have some lunch. All you do is sit here in Jonathan's studio holding your Stradivarius, pondling it, blessing it. It was his.
[00:26:13] Unknown:
He loved it. I love it. Yes. I know. But And I've had a thought sitting here holding the strap. It's brought Jonathan closer helping him to
[00:26:29] Unknown:
commune And talk. Communicate. And talk.
[00:26:33] Unknown:
He gave me the thought. What thought, father? Oh, Bertie. At the concert tomorrow night. Vaskeel Rubens will play this Stradivarius.
[00:26:46] Unknown:
Jonathan Stradivarius. But you said no one must ever play it again.
[00:26:50] Unknown:
That no other hand but Jonathan's must ever touch it again. It will be Jonathan's hand that plays it tomorrow. Anton, my lead It will help Jonathan. Why don't you understand? It's only Saskia's body that sits there, but it's Jonathan who plays. Her hands become his. It will be his hands that hold the strap. Play it tomorrow night. No.
[00:27:21] Unknown:
It will not be Jonathan's hand. It will be Saskia Rubin. I tell you. You're deluding yourself. And worse, you're letting your mind, your emotions get out of control again and play you tricks. And if these tricks go on, you will go mad. Don't you sound like doctor Edmonds? Well, I'm telling you what doctor Edmonds said. I've just come from seeing him.
[00:27:44] Unknown:
Seeing Edmonds? You?
[00:27:48] Unknown:
Yes. I needed help for a depression of my own.
[00:27:53] Unknown:
Oh. Oh, well, I I'm I'm glad you went to Edmonds. Why should that upset me? After all, we we were all saddened by Jonathan's death. I was not saddened.
[00:28:06] Unknown:
I was glad.
[00:28:08] Unknown:
Oh my god. You were glad. Glad Jonathan was dead? Yes.
[00:28:19] Unknown:
Yes. And I'm sorry I was glad. I'm sorrier than I can tell you, but I couldn't help myself. You've got to understand.
[00:28:29] Unknown:
What? And what kind of sister were you to rejoice in her brother's death? What kind of woman are you to be happy at anyone's death? What kind of daughter to take pleasure in my sorrows? Oh, father. Get out. Get out of the studio and never never do you hear me? Never set foot in it again. Father. Out of the studio. Yes. And out of my life. Why why, Mac, must you talk about this now minutes before I go on? I know it's not exactly the best moment but very quick will ask me to ask you again. And tell him the answer is no, and it will always be no. The Paganini killed Jonathan. But, Anton Don't you understand why I can't release it? I couldn't bear to hear it.
I'm sorry, Anton. Forgive me. It's the time you gave Saskia the Strad? Yes. And told her why I want her to play tonight? I did. And what did she say? She She said oh, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. She said, tell him that Vasquez Rubens is the virtuoso tonight, not Jonathan Sterne. We will see. We shall see. Come. I don't know, Sarah. He's in a strange mood. I've never seen him like this. What do you mean? I don't know. One minute is irrational, I guess that's a word. But then the next I already talked about maybe he's to blame, but that In a moment of high drama, certainly never before witnessed in the concert hall, Anton Stern crashes across the podium to lie unconscious on the stage floor as the audience and the orchestra sit in shocked astonishment.
I'll return shortly for act three. Here's an important message from Buick. Buick wants you to know that a cash rebate of $500 will be given to everyone who takes delivery of a new Buick Skyhawk by Friday, 02/28/1975, and a rebate of $200 will be given to those of you who take delivery of a Buick Skylark or Apollo by February 28. Buick's cash rebate program is just one of many reasons for buying a free spirited 1975 Skyhawk, Skylark, or Apollo. So see your Buick dealer.
[00:32:39] Unknown:
Many families would like to visit their relatives in the Upstate prisons, but they cannot afford it. So we see churches and other organizations got together
[00:32:49] Unknown:
to provide the buses and lodging so they may visit their relatives Upstate. The God we worship expects us to remember our neighbors and to help them. Join with others at your local church or synagogue and start treating your brothers and sisters like brothers and sisters. A public service of religion in American life, the Advertising Council and this station.
[00:33:11] Unknown:
Hello. I'm Helen Hayes. There's something very important happening in this country. High school students from 60 nations are living here for a year in The United States. They're learning about us. About our families, our schools, our communities. And we're learning from them. It happens through American Field Service, AFS, and the thousands of people who give their time to help others. Volunteers help find family to host students. They arrange activities in the community and help raise scholarship funds. AFS is an exciting and rewarding activity that deserves a place in your town or your city. To find out how you can help bring an international experience to your school and community, write a f S 313 East 40 Third Street, New York, New York.
That's a F S 313 East 40 Third Street, New York, New York.
[00:34:17] Unknown:
This is WBBM Chicago. Newsradio 78 at the time 11 o seven twenty six degrees at Midway Airport. Unable to face the death of his son, Anton Stern, conductor of the city symphony, vacillates between reality when he knows Jonathan to be dead and fantasy when only minutes ago, he believed Jonathan's spirit had taken possession of violinist Saskia Rubens in a rendition of the Mendelsohn Violin Concerto. Now in anthem's dressing room, lay him on the couch against the against the night. Thank you, boys. Well, close the door as you go out, will you? Mark?
Mark? Take it easy. I'll come. You're gonna be alright. No. What what happened? I I must have fainted. I I don't know. Yes?
[00:35:20] Unknown:
Well, I'm better. Never. How is he? Oh, and Tom. And Tom, what happened out there? I
[00:35:32] Unknown:
I don't remember. I you Oh, wait. This comes back to me now. Yes, father. What?
[00:35:42] Unknown:
Jonathan, it worked.
[00:35:45] Unknown:
It worked. What worked? This trad letting Saskia play John's violin tonight. He brought him back from the dead. And, Tom, you must stop believing that none of them. Was there before me on the stage using Saskia, her body, her hands. The thread is the link, the bond that holds Jonathan to this world. We can keep in touch, my son and I. Strad, I do not Don't tell me what to do or not to do, Rebecca. You think I don't know what you're up to? Up to? You wish to keep us apart, your brother and I. No. Because you were always jealous of him, envious. No. You told me. He admitted you were glad he was dead. 100 times. She never met you. Get her out of here. Anton. Out of my sight. Out in heaven's name Anton. You call that Mac.
[00:36:44] Unknown:
I better go. He's out of his mind, Mack. He's out of his mind. Get the side from Saskia, Mack. Just this soon. No.
[00:36:57] Unknown:
Get it now. You needn't tell me why you're here, Peggy.
[00:37:09] Unknown:
The papers are full of what happened last night. Yes. But doctor Edmonds, they say nothing about what went on in my father's dressing room afterward. Nothing about Jonathan Stradivarius.
[00:37:22] Unknown:
I know. Tell me.
[00:37:25] Unknown:
Well, you know that after Jonathan died, my father put the Strad in its case and closed it and placed it in Jonathan's studio, flanked by vases of flowers, a sort of a a shrine.
[00:37:38] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:37:39] Unknown:
And also it was his intention that no one should ever play it again. Yes. So it came as a shock to us all when he decided to let Rubens play it at last night's concert. Why did he do a thing like that? He got it into his head that Jonathan was using Reuben's body to return to Earth.
[00:37:57] Unknown:
And if Reuben's played Jonathan's favorite violin It would doubly ensure Jonathan's return. He's he's convinced it did? Absolutely
[00:38:10] Unknown:
certain.
[00:38:13] Unknown:
What else happened last night, Vicky?
[00:38:16] Unknown:
Well, he he believes that I want to stand between him and Jonathan. That I always was envious and resentful of Jonathan.
[00:38:27] Unknown:
Well You were. Well I know.
[00:38:30] Unknown:
But you cured me of that. You made me realize it wasn't Jonathan's fame I wanted, but but my father's love. And now that I want it more than ever and and want to give him my love to comfort him, he refuses to see me.
[00:38:50] Unknown:
He'll change his mind. I don't think so. Yes. He will. He loves you, Becky. Loves you every bit as much as he ever loves you on it. Oh, then why hasn't he ever shown it? Maybe he's never thought he had to. Maybe he's always believed you knew it. Oh, he's never said. Exactly. Never said. Never opened his heart in words. That's half the trouble with the world, Becky. Is it too late for us, my father and me? It may be. So much depends on how deep he's gone into this psychosis of his. Psychosis? He's become fixated on the Stradivarius. Well, there are two ways to cure a fixation.
You can either gently pry the patient away from it, a procedure that can take years, or you can risk smashing it. And in my father's case? Knowing him as I do, I would be for smashing it. There's risk involved. Great risk. But also calculated risk. A question in my mind is, are you willing to take that risk? I You. Put it another way, Becky. Do you love your father as much as you think you do? Love him enough to risk his life and yours?
[00:40:23] Unknown:
Anton, put the Stradivarius back on the table. Stop holding it, fondling it, caressing it.
[00:40:31] Unknown:
It will bring him back to me. He'll come. I know he'll come. Anton,
[00:40:38] Unknown:
dearest Anton, you delude yourself.
[00:40:41] Unknown:
Jonathan is dead. There is no such thing as death if you believe in life.
[00:40:48] Unknown:
I want to believe. I love to miss him as much as you, but I won't. I can't delude myself. Leave me, Stella. Leave me alone. Come downstairs. I'll have all the meditations. No. I I I'll stay here. And tell. Here. Thank you, Olga. I'll pour. Mac, you'd better not have a drink? Oh, no. No, Stella. Tea's fine.
[00:41:22] Unknown:
If we could only persuade him to see Edmund again. Oh, I tried. It's no use. I'll lay it on the line, Stella. This could mean the end of Antoine's career. Don't say that, Mac. Every penny had to be refunded for the concert the other night. The board of directors called me on the carpet this morning. They know there's something seriously wrong with Antoine. I'm afraid we know that too. And then there's Baquan. He says the recording company will sue if Antoine goes on refusing to release Jonathan's last recording.
[00:41:56] Unknown:
Oh, Becky, mother. Mac? Oh,
[00:42:01] Unknown:
boy. Get those eyes. Oh, you poor kid. This has really got you down, hasn't it? But not out, Mac.
[00:42:08] Unknown:
I've just come from seeing doctor Edmonds. Well, why did you go to see Edmonds? What good can he do? Well, that's right, Becky. Now don't get me wrong. Edmonds did his best, but it wasn't good enough. He's upstairs brooding in Jonathan's room. If he isn't already mad, Becky, he soon will be. That's why we've got to do something drastic.
[00:42:29] Unknown:
What do you mean drastic?
[00:42:31] Unknown:
Edmund says that father's become fixated on Jonathan's violin, the Strad, because in effect, it replaces Jonathan physically. It's all that's left of Jonathan. Well, I think we're all aware of that. Yes. Well, Edmond says there are two courses open to us. One would be the treatment that would take years and might not be successful. And the other is to take the drastic action that I just mentioned and smash the fixation. Smash it to bits. But if we take the second course, in Edmund's words, it could kill father. I mean What do you mean? I mean that if I fail You.
[00:43:16] Unknown:
You will do this whatever it is. I'm the only one who can.
[00:43:20] Unknown:
If I succeed father will be well again and and in another way, in a in a special way, so will I. But if I fail he he can well, he very likely will be driven into hopeless insanity. In which case he'd be better off dead.
[00:43:37] Unknown:
I do.
[00:43:38] Unknown:
But he oh, I'd be better off dead too.
[00:43:47] Unknown:
And no one played the Tchaikovsky the way Jonathan did. No one ever caught genius. She is genius. Mac, you heard him and you Stella.
[00:43:56] Unknown:
Anton, eat her dinner. It's getting cold. Hold on a wine, please.
[00:44:00] Unknown:
You're drinking too. Even practicing. Why, when he practiced up there in the studio, I would listen for hours on end. Such sweetness of intonation, such as delicacy of fingering and bowing. And, oh, why I can hear that now. So clearly, so sweetly. I would almost swear he was in the studio now practicing this very minute. Practicing. I enjoyed his practice too. Quiet. It's a privilege to hear the matter. You know, if I shut my eyes, I believe I could almost hear. Do. Oh, no, Antoine. I hear him. He's come back. His spirit came back. The studio, he's he's there now. Jonathan.
Jonathan. Jonathan.
[00:45:17] Unknown:
What? I'm practicing.
[00:45:20] Unknown:
What else? You. You in your hands. His
[00:45:25] Unknown:
his violin. You dead. You don't see what's so daring. You are not to play it, not to touch it. I warned you. It is Jonathan's violent Jonathan. No. Well, Dean that Jonathan's dead. He's not dead. Just spirit blue. Well, so does mine and so does my body. He can't play it. I can't. He played it last night. Oh, Ruben played it, not Jonathan. Just as I'm playing it now, not Jonathan. I'm Colin. Give me that. No. I'll smash it, sir. Are you out of your mind? No. You are. You can think of nothing but Jonathan, always Jonathan. And because of that, you've become fixated on this this piece of wood and cut got cut. You think you're the only person in the world who mourns Jonathan?
You think you're the only one with feelings? You think mother didn't die a death with Jonathan? That I didn't. Who's that Matt didn't? Oh, you selfish man crying and begging for a little thing that was Jonathan, this fiddle. Give it to me. Oh, I tell you, well, I'll give it to you. You got this over my knee. Oh, good. And then against the wall.
[00:46:39] Unknown:
No. No.
[00:46:45] Unknown:
Take it.
[00:46:59] Unknown:
How could you do this?
[00:47:02] Unknown:
Oh, because I love you. You love me.
[00:47:10] Unknown:
Oh, father. I can't bear it, but I must be. That look on your face.
[00:47:18] Unknown:
It isn't the Strad. It's a copy.
[00:47:24] Unknown:
No. Not the Strad? Jonathan Strad?
[00:47:28] Unknown:
Could I destroy that? Oh, even if I could, there was no need. It wasn't a violin that had to be destroyed. Tell me what it meant to you. I didn't break a violin. I I broke your madness. Do
[00:47:50] Unknown:
do you know? I think you did. When when you smashed it, splintered it inside me, something. I I I don't know. It it smashed and splintered too. But it might not have.
[00:48:08] Unknown:
You might have been smashed and splintered. It was a risk I had to take.
[00:48:14] Unknown:
And you took it, Becky, because you love me. I've always loved you. Didn't you know that? Oh, yes. And I love you only. Only what? Till now. I I never knew how much. They say that when something is broken and mended, it is stronger than ever before. Does that apply to the human heart, he is the fool? I don't know about yours, but my heart's been broken more than once, and I'm still around. Well, my heart may not be stronger, but it's a lot wiser. Yours too?
[00:49:13] Unknown:
I'll be back in a moment. I want that sinus medicine. Headache tablet? No. Sinus medicine. Sinus tablets. Help the headache on the breast cancer. Oh, you mean sign off? Exactly.
[00:49:25] Unknown:
Headache pain is one thing. A sinus headache is something else. Sometimes your whole face can be to throb with pain. You want relief. Take sign off tablets, s I n e o f f, the sinus medicine that gives you a full dose of pure aspirin plus a sinus drainer. Sign off, the sinus medicine that helps relieve sinus pain while you drain. And CynoF doesn't stop there. Have you tried CynoF sinus spray, the fastest known form of sinus congestion relief? It works in seconds. That's sign off sinus spray. When sinus flares up, use sign off tablets and spray only as directed. S I n e o f f. Sign off. Exactly. Sign off. The sinus medicines in the bright red box.
Speaking of wiser hearts, as we were, Anton Stearns is much wiser. One thing Anton learned after a long chat with doctor Edmonds was to tell someone of the love within him. Honestly, we just don't do it enough. None of us. Our cast included Ian Martin, Marion Seldes, Carol Teitel, and Lon Clark. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview of our next tale. I can't understand why you keep asking people to take you away, Whistram Lucas. I think you ought to make up your mind to get out of here, mister Albertson. Not just so you can take me with you, but for your own good.
Maybe they'll still let you go. Let us go? Well, damn well let us go if we wanna go. I sure hope so. We could still leave tonight. Better chance to get away after dark than in the daytime. Now look, you're you're gonna have to explain that, Lucas. If you want us to take you away with us in case we go, well, you're gonna have to tell us what is going on here. Well, they're all dead. You know? Not me, I don't think. But all the rest of them, dead as dead can be, been dead for years. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre.
Until next time. Pleasant dream. This is WBBM,
[00:52:36] Unknown:
Chicago News Radio seventy eight. Hey. It's Ryan Seacrest. Life comes at you fast, which is why it's important to find some time to relax. A little you time. Enter Chumba Casino. With no download required, you can jump on anytime, anywhere for the chance to redeem some serious prizes. So treat yourself with Chumba Casino and play over a 100 online casino style games all for free. Go to chumbacasino.com to collect your free welcome bonus. Sponsored by Chumba Casino. No purchase necessary. VGW Group VoIP. We're prohibited by law. 21 plus terms and conditions apply.
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[00:00:34] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. Someone once said that we are what we eat, a statement I'd not dispute. But I think we might go a step further and say, at least with equal accuracy, that we are what we think. Curiously, though, our thoughts shape our lives, our very destinies. Most of us, as any psychiatrist will tell you, are motivated by thoughts so deep within our psyches that we're really not aware of them at all. In point of which, consider the strange case of Anton Stern.
[00:01:42] Unknown:
But Anton, please. Jonathan is dead.
[00:01:45] Unknown:
Our son died more than six months ago. Tell why do you do this to me? Why are you trying to break my heart? Oh, my darling. Break your heart. I'm trying to put the pieces back together again. By lying to me? By telling me that Jonathan is back? He's playing now in studio, playing.
[00:02:18] Unknown:
I hear nothing. Studio
[00:02:21] Unknown:
practicing. It's better than I tell you, come, Stella. Come and see for yourself. Our sun is alive. Our mystery drama, Concerto in Death, was written especially for the mystery theater by George Lowther and stars Marion Seldes and Ian Martin. It is sponsored in part by Signoff, the Sinus Medicines, and Imported Vina Rose Wine. I'll be back shortly with act one. Here is This is the strange story of what befell Anton Stern only a few years ago, a story few people know. Yes. I am talking about the celebrated conductor of the city symphony. To begin this curious tale, I'll ask you to join me in the Stearns Duplex apartment on Park Avenue in New York City.
It is late afternoon of an overcast autumn day. In the gracious living room, we find Stella, Anton's lovely wife, and his equally attractive daughter, Rebecca.
[00:03:52] Unknown:
Oh, mother. Stop facing up and down. You'll be worn out by the time father gets here. I can't help myself, Becky. I haven't seen him in two months. You should have gone on tour with him or at least spent some time with him in one city or another. I would have you know that if doctor Edmonds hadn't advised against it. Well, I'll never understand why. Granted, Edmonds is one of the best psychiatrists in the country, but still he's shown that my presence during the tour might might be too much of a reminder of Jonathan's death. But you know as well as I that the tour was largely arranged as therapy.
I never realized what mental depression could do to a person till Jonathan collapsed and died while recording the Paganini first violin concerto of father conducting. What a terrible shock to see your son, only 20 years old, drop dead before you're out. Oh, I'm sorry, mother. I brought it all back for you. It's alright, Becky, dear. I expected Jonathan's death sooner or later. I was prepared for it. Your father wasn't. I knew of Jonathan's condition. It is congenital heart condition, but he never believed. It frightened me.
The way he kept insisting that Jonathan was alive. Imagined he heard him practicing in his studio upstairs. Well, thanks to doctor Edmonds, he recovered. In two months, Santore has bought food coverage. Here. Here. I'll I'll answer the dog. Becky. Becky, how do I look? Who do you have for? Only don't look worried, mother. Oh. Oh. And, Oh,
[00:05:54] Unknown:
I've missed you and it's good to be home, Stella. It's good to be Oh, Rebecca? Welcome home, father. Oh, thank you. It's good to see you, my dear. You you kept in practice while I was away? Oh, yes.
[00:06:09] Unknown:
If I practiced anymore, I'd have worn out the keyboard and the violin.
[00:06:13] Unknown:
The violin? Why waste your time? How many times have I told you why waste your time on the fiddle when your brother's a prodigy? You stick to the piano and leave the violin to your gifted brother. Believe me, you what is it? Why are you all looking at me? Well, you said well, you talk as if as if Jonathan Well, where is he? Why isn't he here to greet me? McNally, I thought you said when when we talked on the phone, you said I know what I said and I know what I'm hearing. What went wrong? Where is he, that son of mine? Where is he?
Oh, boy. In his studio. Always in his studio. Jonathan, I'm home. Your father's home.
[00:07:07] Unknown:
But now you said he was alright. He was.
[00:07:11] Unknown:
Heaven help us till we came through that door. He was.
[00:07:20] Unknown:
Anton?
[00:07:23] Unknown:
Come in, Stella. All of you come in. Are you alright, Anton? What is alright? To know that my only son is dead, that's alright? You you do know then? Oh, yes. But for an instant there, a few moments, I was sure I heard him practice. Just as he used to. And I rushed up here to this studio only to find emptiness. And then again, I knew he's dead.
[00:08:04] Unknown:
Death. Do you want us to call doctor Edmond? I'm alright. I'm recovered.
[00:08:10] Unknown:
As fully recovered as anyone can be after the death. His only son. You understand that?
[00:08:18] Unknown:
Your only son. Yes.
[00:08:21] Unknown:
I understand. What happened just now is just one of those things. Coming home after two months away Got you, miss. That's all. How about a drink, Anton? It's been a long time and day for you. The plane trip from Seattle. Yes. Yes. A drink would be good. That's that's all good. I don't have one. Come along then, dear. Stradivarius. Jonathan Stradivarius. Who moved it? Who who who who oh, don't just stare at me, all of you. The case, I I I placed it here on the table just so with the bowl of flowers there and his photograph there, and and it's removed. Who's been touching this case, touching Jonathan's violin? I didn't know that you wanted it untouched.
But I said so. I made it clear. No other hand was ever to touch touch the strand.
[00:09:15] Unknown:
You? Father, I didn't know. I I You didn't. Father, it it's got to be kept in condition. It's a priceless Stradivarius. It's got to be played. You played
[00:09:28] Unknown:
it. You played Jonathan's violin? I'm Tom. It was never to be touched. I said that. I made it clear never to be touched. But Becky is your daughter Jonathan's sister. She's not Jonathan.
[00:09:44] Unknown:
No. But I love you too, father. Every bit as much as Jonathan did.
[00:09:51] Unknown:
I I love you, Rebecca Bella. Never touch this this again, please. It was his. It's all I have left to remember him. It's sacred to me. Promise me you will never touch it again. I
[00:10:15] Unknown:
promise.
[00:10:20] Unknown:
More wine, Max. Thanks, Anton. Of course. It goes well with the beef.
[00:10:26] Unknown:
Her Holger is still the finest cook in the world. She certainly hasn't lost her touch while we've been away still. No. And so long as she keeps her touch, I must be careful to keep her. You'd be astounded, McNally, at how many of our friends offer her more money to leave us for them.
[00:10:46] Unknown:
Well, competition is competition. We lost Vladimir Oblensky thanks to it. The man who replaced Jonathan. Glass that's out of my hand of his clumsy of me. No. No. Of me. I'm sorry. Because you mentioned Jonathan? Nonsense. Nonsense. I tell you, I'm perfectly recovered. Yes, father. We did lose Oblensky. As Max says, he was not the finest concertmaster we ever had. Jonathan was that. No one can ever take his place, but Oblensky was good. Very good. Very good. He left us in Seattle. Tomorrow, I must try out another woman, Saskia, Saskia what's her name again?
Rubens. Better than Loblensky, ask me. Not as good as Jonathan. No one can ever will ever replace him in the orchestra or in my heart. Speaking of Jonathan Anton, Beaquel has asked me to talk to you again about releasing the Paganini first violin concerto. You know my uncle? Oh, but Anton, it was you've got the finest, certainly one of the finest things that Jonathan ever did. And it killed him. Anton, you can't say. I can, and I do, Stella. As for you, Mac, it was without doubt the finest thing he ever did. Do you know why? Because he wanted it to be.
He practiced and practiced and practiced until I warned him that he would kill himself if he didn't stop. His heart,
[00:12:33] Unknown:
I I knew his heart wouldn't take it. But the heart attack, it could have struck at any time, anywhere.
[00:12:40] Unknown:
Oh, he was determined, my son, Mac. Determined to play it to perfection. Perfection. And he did. And because of it, he he died at one of my my very eyes. Oh, father. My owner. Father. Leave me alone. Father. Rebecca.
[00:13:06] Unknown:
Sorry. Oh, sorry. And, Tom, she loves you as much as Jonathan did. Perhaps even more. More?
[00:13:20] Unknown:
Impossible. No one ever loved me as much as Jonathan. Perhaps you never gave anyone else gave gave Becky the chance. Oh, why are you badgering me like this? Anton. Anton, where are you going? To the studio. And please leave me alone there.
[00:13:41] Unknown:
I am sorry, Stella. It's not your fault. You know how it's it's always been. With Anton, the sun rose and set on Jonathan. Becky, she was always second in his affections. And now with Jonathan gone, she wants to be faster. No. No. I don't think that. I think oh, I don't know. A young girl yearning for, reaching out for her father's love. That's all. She loves him. She wants him to love her. That's all.
[00:14:14] Unknown:
Is it, darling?
[00:14:16] Unknown:
What do you mean?
[00:14:18] Unknown:
Jonathan is gone, Stella. But you know as well as I, he still stands between Becky and her father.
[00:14:42] Unknown:
Yes. And let's hope she plays as good as she looks. Maybe we ought to move to one of the back roads. Why now? I can see she's maybe, you know, a trial. I'm sitting here maybe Oh,
[00:14:54] Unknown:
forget it. Saskia Rubens is a pro. You know, all pros have nerves. Alright, gentlemen. Let's get on with it. Are you, ready, miss Rubens? Yes, maestro.
[00:15:07] Unknown:
Oh, you can take any moment you wish. Well, it doesn't matter to me, Maestro. Whatever you want. Uh-huh.
[00:15:12] Unknown:
I see.
[00:15:14] Unknown:
You're very confident. Oh, why shouldn't I be? I wouldn't be here for a tryout if I wasn't good. Oh. Oh,
[00:15:22] Unknown:
well, we'll try the first movement after the introduction. Miss Rubens, perhaps you'd rather try the Rondo. But what was wrong? You ask me what was wrong. You don't know? No. I don't. You don't know. You're playing notes, not heart. That's what's wrong. Notes without heart. You might as well tear off the music. We'll try it again. This time with expression, miss Rubens. Hello? Here we go. What now? I don't know. Miss Reuben.
[00:16:34] Unknown:
A a fingering. Yes, maestro. Where did you get it from? Get it from. What? I I I don't know. I I suppose I've always used that fingering. You copied it. I beg your pardon. You heard my son or a recording in which he used that fingering. Well, of course, I've heard your son. I've heard every recording he ever made, but I've never caught up. Perhaps unconsciously. My so I have never copied anyone including your son.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
Well then again, we'll, we'll try it again. Now what may be? No.
[00:17:23] Unknown:
No one ever finds this passage with exactly that same brain, but Jonathan, because no one else could.
[00:17:31] Unknown:
I have, and I think you're right. But if you are, Becky, what does this mean?
[00:17:38] Unknown:
I don't know what it means, Mac. I wish I did.
[00:17:49] Unknown:
Saskia Rubens using the same fingering as Jonathan Stern? Is it a coincidence, or is some arcane force at work? Even Rebecca Stern is confused and unable to say what is taking place. Well, perhaps matters will be clarified when I return shortly for act two. When Jonathan Stern, child prodigy and, at 20, solo violinist of the city symphony under his father Anton, died suddenly, Anton fell into a deep depression. Recovered, or so it seemed, he took the symphony on a two month tour from which he returned a few days ago. Now in the city concert hall, as Anton tries out, can you use solo violinist, Doctor. Rubin, something strange and baffling seems to be happening.
Stop. Stop. Is this some kind of joke, miss Rubin? Some kind of grizzly joke? I don't know what you mean, my friend. No one has ever fingered that passage, played it the way you are except my son,
[00:19:28] Unknown:
my dead son. I told you. I don't know anything about that. If I am using his fingering, it it it's an accident, a coincidence. Accident.
[00:19:36] Unknown:
Coincidence? Mac. Are you Santo? You heard it. Is she using Jonathan's fingering or not? Well, she seems to be. Yes. But Father. And Mac Mac, has anyone but Jonathan ever used that fingering? That's what I know of. Father. If this was an accident, miss Rubens, it's the kind of accident I won't stomach. And I warn you not to repeat it. You needn't worry about that, maestro. I won't be here to repeat it. That's fine with me. You can get out.
[00:20:11] Unknown:
Father, will you listen to me?
[00:20:15] Unknown:
What, Rebecca? What? You've forgotten something. Jonathan was the only one who ever used that
[00:20:16] Unknown:
forgotten something. Jonathan was the only one who ever used that fingering because no one else ever could until now.
[00:20:27] Unknown:
Yes. You're you're right. Only a prodigy, a a genius like Jonathan could How could I forget? Well, you were shocked and upset. But she, Ruben, she As I said, it's just an accident. No. No. No. No. Rebecca. Not bad at all. Don't you see, daughter? Don't you see? Well, of course.
[00:20:53] Unknown:
By the greatest good fortune, you found someone else to replace Jonathan as a soloist.
[00:20:59] Unknown:
Replacement? He's no replacement. She is Jonathan. What do you mean? Yes. What do you mean? Oh, wait. He's returned. His spirit. That wasn't Saskia or Ruben's plague. That was Jonathan. And and the fingering of her hand, but Jonathan's spirit in that hand. Oh, I don't see. Don't you see? It was Jonathan's way of telling me he's returned. Mac, get her Rubens. Get her back for me. Oh, by the way she stormed out, I'm not sure I can't. Can? You will, Mac. You you must. Well, Becky, good to see you again. Sit down. Cigarette?
Thank you, doctor Edmond. Thank you. I read about your father's triumphant tour, I suppose it's called. Nothing but praise and acclaim for the orchestra and him. How is he? Did the tour turn out to be the therapy? I felt sure it would be. Well, that's why I'm here.
[00:22:08] Unknown:
I need your help for me as well as my father.
[00:22:12] Unknown:
Something went wrong.
[00:22:14] Unknown:
Well, when he arrived home nearly a week ago now, he thought well, it only lasted a few minutes. He thought Jonathan was still alive, that he could hear him practicing in the studio. Well, of course, when he went to the studio and Jonathan wasn't there, he realized it was just his imagination.
[00:22:38] Unknown:
Well, these relapses do happen. Yes. But
[00:22:41] Unknown:
but the strangest thing happened yesterday afternoon. He was trying out a new violinist, Saskia Rubens.
[00:22:49] Unknown:
Yes. Yes. I've heard of her. Well,
[00:22:52] Unknown:
during the tryout, she played a passage the way Jonathan played it when he was alive, and she used the identical fingering that Jonathan only Jonathan could use. And my father saw it, heard it.
[00:23:10] Unknown:
Another little relapse?
[00:23:15] Unknown:
I saw it and heard it too. Oh. Father thinks that Jonathan has returned to him. But using Saskia's body, his spirit and his genius has come back.
[00:23:34] Unknown:
And you, what do you think?
[00:23:38] Unknown:
Well, I don't know what to think. I I I have never been so confused. That that's why I'm here.
[00:23:45] Unknown:
Well, I treated your father's melancholia. Then when he went on tour, treated you for a milder, much milder depression. And once you faced the reason for your depression, you snapped out of it. Becky, what was tell me again. Put it into words. What was the reason for your depression? Coming out, Becky said.
[00:24:22] Unknown:
I was glad Jonathan was dead. Why? Because he always stood between my father and me. But my father loved him more than me.
[00:24:37] Unknown:
He did. He did.
[00:24:42] Unknown:
All my life, I've wanted my father's love. And when Jonathan died, I thought at last I'd have it, but I haven't. Especially now that he believe That he believes
[00:25:01] Unknown:
Jonathan has returned. Yes. Yes. And that, Becca, is why you're confused, unhappy. You've allowed your brain to recreate the ghost we got rid of together, you and I. Becky, Jonathan has not returned. Ruben's this fingering of hers or whatever, she plays that way. That's all. As simple as that. Oh, you can convince me.
[00:25:33] Unknown:
But no one will ever convince my father.
[00:25:36] Unknown:
And that's from someone. Not me. Someone else. I better. Because if he doesn't realize what he's come to believe just isn't so. Yes.
[00:25:46] Unknown:
Because he doesn't.
[00:25:49] Unknown:
He loses mind, Becky.
[00:25:57] Unknown:
Anton. Oh, yes, darling. Calm down and have some lunch. All you do is sit here in Jonathan's studio holding your Stradivarius, pondling it, blessing it. It was his.
[00:26:13] Unknown:
He loved it. I love it. Yes. I know. But And I've had a thought sitting here holding the strap. It's brought Jonathan closer helping him to
[00:26:29] Unknown:
commune And talk. Communicate. And talk.
[00:26:33] Unknown:
He gave me the thought. What thought, father? Oh, Bertie. At the concert tomorrow night. Vaskeel Rubens will play this Stradivarius.
[00:26:46] Unknown:
Jonathan Stradivarius. But you said no one must ever play it again.
[00:26:50] Unknown:
That no other hand but Jonathan's must ever touch it again. It will be Jonathan's hand that plays it tomorrow. Anton, my lead It will help Jonathan. Why don't you understand? It's only Saskia's body that sits there, but it's Jonathan who plays. Her hands become his. It will be his hands that hold the strap. Play it tomorrow night. No.
[00:27:21] Unknown:
It will not be Jonathan's hand. It will be Saskia Rubin. I tell you. You're deluding yourself. And worse, you're letting your mind, your emotions get out of control again and play you tricks. And if these tricks go on, you will go mad. Don't you sound like doctor Edmonds? Well, I'm telling you what doctor Edmonds said. I've just come from seeing him.
[00:27:44] Unknown:
Seeing Edmonds? You?
[00:27:48] Unknown:
Yes. I needed help for a depression of my own.
[00:27:53] Unknown:
Oh. Oh, well, I I'm I'm glad you went to Edmonds. Why should that upset me? After all, we we were all saddened by Jonathan's death. I was not saddened.
[00:28:06] Unknown:
I was glad.
[00:28:08] Unknown:
Oh my god. You were glad. Glad Jonathan was dead? Yes.
[00:28:19] Unknown:
Yes. And I'm sorry I was glad. I'm sorrier than I can tell you, but I couldn't help myself. You've got to understand.
[00:28:29] Unknown:
What? And what kind of sister were you to rejoice in her brother's death? What kind of woman are you to be happy at anyone's death? What kind of daughter to take pleasure in my sorrows? Oh, father. Get out. Get out of the studio and never never do you hear me? Never set foot in it again. Father. Out of the studio. Yes. And out of my life. Why why, Mac, must you talk about this now minutes before I go on? I know it's not exactly the best moment but very quick will ask me to ask you again. And tell him the answer is no, and it will always be no. The Paganini killed Jonathan. But, Anton Don't you understand why I can't release it? I couldn't bear to hear it.
I'm sorry, Anton. Forgive me. It's the time you gave Saskia the Strad? Yes. And told her why I want her to play tonight? I did. And what did she say? She She said oh, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. She said, tell him that Vasquez Rubens is the virtuoso tonight, not Jonathan Sterne. We will see. We shall see. Come. I don't know, Sarah. He's in a strange mood. I've never seen him like this. What do you mean? I don't know. One minute is irrational, I guess that's a word. But then the next I already talked about maybe he's to blame, but that In a moment of high drama, certainly never before witnessed in the concert hall, Anton Stern crashes across the podium to lie unconscious on the stage floor as the audience and the orchestra sit in shocked astonishment.
I'll return shortly for act three. Here's an important message from Buick. Buick wants you to know that a cash rebate of $500 will be given to everyone who takes delivery of a new Buick Skyhawk by Friday, 02/28/1975, and a rebate of $200 will be given to those of you who take delivery of a Buick Skylark or Apollo by February 28. Buick's cash rebate program is just one of many reasons for buying a free spirited 1975 Skyhawk, Skylark, or Apollo. So see your Buick dealer.
[00:32:39] Unknown:
Many families would like to visit their relatives in the Upstate prisons, but they cannot afford it. So we see churches and other organizations got together
[00:32:49] Unknown:
to provide the buses and lodging so they may visit their relatives Upstate. The God we worship expects us to remember our neighbors and to help them. Join with others at your local church or synagogue and start treating your brothers and sisters like brothers and sisters. A public service of religion in American life, the Advertising Council and this station.
[00:33:11] Unknown:
Hello. I'm Helen Hayes. There's something very important happening in this country. High school students from 60 nations are living here for a year in The United States. They're learning about us. About our families, our schools, our communities. And we're learning from them. It happens through American Field Service, AFS, and the thousands of people who give their time to help others. Volunteers help find family to host students. They arrange activities in the community and help raise scholarship funds. AFS is an exciting and rewarding activity that deserves a place in your town or your city. To find out how you can help bring an international experience to your school and community, write a f S 313 East 40 Third Street, New York, New York.
That's a F S 313 East 40 Third Street, New York, New York.
[00:34:17] Unknown:
This is WBBM Chicago. Newsradio 78 at the time 11 o seven twenty six degrees at Midway Airport. Unable to face the death of his son, Anton Stern, conductor of the city symphony, vacillates between reality when he knows Jonathan to be dead and fantasy when only minutes ago, he believed Jonathan's spirit had taken possession of violinist Saskia Rubens in a rendition of the Mendelsohn Violin Concerto. Now in anthem's dressing room, lay him on the couch against the against the night. Thank you, boys. Well, close the door as you go out, will you? Mark?
Mark? Take it easy. I'll come. You're gonna be alright. No. What what happened? I I must have fainted. I I don't know. Yes?
[00:35:20] Unknown:
Well, I'm better. Never. How is he? Oh, and Tom. And Tom, what happened out there? I
[00:35:32] Unknown:
I don't remember. I you Oh, wait. This comes back to me now. Yes, father. What?
[00:35:42] Unknown:
Jonathan, it worked.
[00:35:45] Unknown:
It worked. What worked? This trad letting Saskia play John's violin tonight. He brought him back from the dead. And, Tom, you must stop believing that none of them. Was there before me on the stage using Saskia, her body, her hands. The thread is the link, the bond that holds Jonathan to this world. We can keep in touch, my son and I. Strad, I do not Don't tell me what to do or not to do, Rebecca. You think I don't know what you're up to? Up to? You wish to keep us apart, your brother and I. No. Because you were always jealous of him, envious. No. You told me. He admitted you were glad he was dead. 100 times. She never met you. Get her out of here. Anton. Out of my sight. Out in heaven's name Anton. You call that Mac.
[00:36:44] Unknown:
I better go. He's out of his mind, Mack. He's out of his mind. Get the side from Saskia, Mack. Just this soon. No.
[00:36:57] Unknown:
Get it now. You needn't tell me why you're here, Peggy.
[00:37:09] Unknown:
The papers are full of what happened last night. Yes. But doctor Edmonds, they say nothing about what went on in my father's dressing room afterward. Nothing about Jonathan Stradivarius.
[00:37:22] Unknown:
I know. Tell me.
[00:37:25] Unknown:
Well, you know that after Jonathan died, my father put the Strad in its case and closed it and placed it in Jonathan's studio, flanked by vases of flowers, a sort of a a shrine.
[00:37:38] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:37:39] Unknown:
And also it was his intention that no one should ever play it again. Yes. So it came as a shock to us all when he decided to let Rubens play it at last night's concert. Why did he do a thing like that? He got it into his head that Jonathan was using Reuben's body to return to Earth.
[00:37:57] Unknown:
And if Reuben's played Jonathan's favorite violin It would doubly ensure Jonathan's return. He's he's convinced it did? Absolutely
[00:38:10] Unknown:
certain.
[00:38:13] Unknown:
What else happened last night, Vicky?
[00:38:16] Unknown:
Well, he he believes that I want to stand between him and Jonathan. That I always was envious and resentful of Jonathan.
[00:38:27] Unknown:
Well You were. Well I know.
[00:38:30] Unknown:
But you cured me of that. You made me realize it wasn't Jonathan's fame I wanted, but but my father's love. And now that I want it more than ever and and want to give him my love to comfort him, he refuses to see me.
[00:38:50] Unknown:
He'll change his mind. I don't think so. Yes. He will. He loves you, Becky. Loves you every bit as much as he ever loves you on it. Oh, then why hasn't he ever shown it? Maybe he's never thought he had to. Maybe he's always believed you knew it. Oh, he's never said. Exactly. Never said. Never opened his heart in words. That's half the trouble with the world, Becky. Is it too late for us, my father and me? It may be. So much depends on how deep he's gone into this psychosis of his. Psychosis? He's become fixated on the Stradivarius. Well, there are two ways to cure a fixation.
You can either gently pry the patient away from it, a procedure that can take years, or you can risk smashing it. And in my father's case? Knowing him as I do, I would be for smashing it. There's risk involved. Great risk. But also calculated risk. A question in my mind is, are you willing to take that risk? I You. Put it another way, Becky. Do you love your father as much as you think you do? Love him enough to risk his life and yours?
[00:40:23] Unknown:
Anton, put the Stradivarius back on the table. Stop holding it, fondling it, caressing it.
[00:40:31] Unknown:
It will bring him back to me. He'll come. I know he'll come. Anton,
[00:40:38] Unknown:
dearest Anton, you delude yourself.
[00:40:41] Unknown:
Jonathan is dead. There is no such thing as death if you believe in life.
[00:40:48] Unknown:
I want to believe. I love to miss him as much as you, but I won't. I can't delude myself. Leave me, Stella. Leave me alone. Come downstairs. I'll have all the meditations. No. I I I'll stay here. And tell. Here. Thank you, Olga. I'll pour. Mac, you'd better not have a drink? Oh, no. No, Stella. Tea's fine.
[00:41:22] Unknown:
If we could only persuade him to see Edmund again. Oh, I tried. It's no use. I'll lay it on the line, Stella. This could mean the end of Antoine's career. Don't say that, Mac. Every penny had to be refunded for the concert the other night. The board of directors called me on the carpet this morning. They know there's something seriously wrong with Antoine. I'm afraid we know that too. And then there's Baquan. He says the recording company will sue if Antoine goes on refusing to release Jonathan's last recording.
[00:41:56] Unknown:
Oh, Becky, mother. Mac? Oh,
[00:42:01] Unknown:
boy. Get those eyes. Oh, you poor kid. This has really got you down, hasn't it? But not out, Mac.
[00:42:08] Unknown:
I've just come from seeing doctor Edmonds. Well, why did you go to see Edmonds? What good can he do? Well, that's right, Becky. Now don't get me wrong. Edmonds did his best, but it wasn't good enough. He's upstairs brooding in Jonathan's room. If he isn't already mad, Becky, he soon will be. That's why we've got to do something drastic.
[00:42:29] Unknown:
What do you mean drastic?
[00:42:31] Unknown:
Edmund says that father's become fixated on Jonathan's violin, the Strad, because in effect, it replaces Jonathan physically. It's all that's left of Jonathan. Well, I think we're all aware of that. Yes. Well, Edmond says there are two courses open to us. One would be the treatment that would take years and might not be successful. And the other is to take the drastic action that I just mentioned and smash the fixation. Smash it to bits. But if we take the second course, in Edmund's words, it could kill father. I mean What do you mean? I mean that if I fail You.
[00:43:16] Unknown:
You will do this whatever it is. I'm the only one who can.
[00:43:20] Unknown:
If I succeed father will be well again and and in another way, in a in a special way, so will I. But if I fail he he can well, he very likely will be driven into hopeless insanity. In which case he'd be better off dead.
[00:43:37] Unknown:
I do.
[00:43:38] Unknown:
But he oh, I'd be better off dead too.
[00:43:47] Unknown:
And no one played the Tchaikovsky the way Jonathan did. No one ever caught genius. She is genius. Mac, you heard him and you Stella.
[00:43:56] Unknown:
Anton, eat her dinner. It's getting cold. Hold on a wine, please.
[00:44:00] Unknown:
You're drinking too. Even practicing. Why, when he practiced up there in the studio, I would listen for hours on end. Such sweetness of intonation, such as delicacy of fingering and bowing. And, oh, why I can hear that now. So clearly, so sweetly. I would almost swear he was in the studio now practicing this very minute. Practicing. I enjoyed his practice too. Quiet. It's a privilege to hear the matter. You know, if I shut my eyes, I believe I could almost hear. Do. Oh, no, Antoine. I hear him. He's come back. His spirit came back. The studio, he's he's there now. Jonathan.
Jonathan. Jonathan.
[00:45:17] Unknown:
What? I'm practicing.
[00:45:20] Unknown:
What else? You. You in your hands. His
[00:45:25] Unknown:
his violin. You dead. You don't see what's so daring. You are not to play it, not to touch it. I warned you. It is Jonathan's violent Jonathan. No. Well, Dean that Jonathan's dead. He's not dead. Just spirit blue. Well, so does mine and so does my body. He can't play it. I can't. He played it last night. Oh, Ruben played it, not Jonathan. Just as I'm playing it now, not Jonathan. I'm Colin. Give me that. No. I'll smash it, sir. Are you out of your mind? No. You are. You can think of nothing but Jonathan, always Jonathan. And because of that, you've become fixated on this this piece of wood and cut got cut. You think you're the only person in the world who mourns Jonathan?
You think you're the only one with feelings? You think mother didn't die a death with Jonathan? That I didn't. Who's that Matt didn't? Oh, you selfish man crying and begging for a little thing that was Jonathan, this fiddle. Give it to me. Oh, I tell you, well, I'll give it to you. You got this over my knee. Oh, good. And then against the wall.
[00:46:39] Unknown:
No. No.
[00:46:45] Unknown:
Take it.
[00:46:59] Unknown:
How could you do this?
[00:47:02] Unknown:
Oh, because I love you. You love me.
[00:47:10] Unknown:
Oh, father. I can't bear it, but I must be. That look on your face.
[00:47:18] Unknown:
It isn't the Strad. It's a copy.
[00:47:24] Unknown:
No. Not the Strad? Jonathan Strad?
[00:47:28] Unknown:
Could I destroy that? Oh, even if I could, there was no need. It wasn't a violin that had to be destroyed. Tell me what it meant to you. I didn't break a violin. I I broke your madness. Do
[00:47:50] Unknown:
do you know? I think you did. When when you smashed it, splintered it inside me, something. I I I don't know. It it smashed and splintered too. But it might not have.
[00:48:08] Unknown:
You might have been smashed and splintered. It was a risk I had to take.
[00:48:14] Unknown:
And you took it, Becky, because you love me. I've always loved you. Didn't you know that? Oh, yes. And I love you only. Only what? Till now. I I never knew how much. They say that when something is broken and mended, it is stronger than ever before. Does that apply to the human heart, he is the fool? I don't know about yours, but my heart's been broken more than once, and I'm still around. Well, my heart may not be stronger, but it's a lot wiser. Yours too?
[00:49:13] Unknown:
I'll be back in a moment. I want that sinus medicine. Headache tablet? No. Sinus medicine. Sinus tablets. Help the headache on the breast cancer. Oh, you mean sign off? Exactly.
[00:49:25] Unknown:
Headache pain is one thing. A sinus headache is something else. Sometimes your whole face can be to throb with pain. You want relief. Take sign off tablets, s I n e o f f, the sinus medicine that gives you a full dose of pure aspirin plus a sinus drainer. Sign off, the sinus medicine that helps relieve sinus pain while you drain. And CynoF doesn't stop there. Have you tried CynoF sinus spray, the fastest known form of sinus congestion relief? It works in seconds. That's sign off sinus spray. When sinus flares up, use sign off tablets and spray only as directed. S I n e o f f. Sign off. Exactly. Sign off. The sinus medicines in the bright red box.
Speaking of wiser hearts, as we were, Anton Stearns is much wiser. One thing Anton learned after a long chat with doctor Edmonds was to tell someone of the love within him. Honestly, we just don't do it enough. None of us. Our cast included Ian Martin, Marion Seldes, Carol Teitel, and Lon Clark. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview of our next tale. I can't understand why you keep asking people to take you away, Whistram Lucas. I think you ought to make up your mind to get out of here, mister Albertson. Not just so you can take me with you, but for your own good.
Maybe they'll still let you go. Let us go? Well, damn well let us go if we wanna go. I sure hope so. We could still leave tonight. Better chance to get away after dark than in the daytime. Now look, you're you're gonna have to explain that, Lucas. If you want us to take you away with us in case we go, well, you're gonna have to tell us what is going on here. Well, they're all dead. You know? Not me, I don't think. But all the rest of them, dead as dead can be, been dead for years. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre.
Until next time. Pleasant dream. This is WBBM,
[00:52:36] Unknown:
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