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In this intriguing episode of the Mystery Theater, we delve into the complexities of love and desperation through the story of Winifred Prentice, a 40-year-old sociologist who finds herself in a whirlwind romance with Paul Jones, a charming yet mysterious man. As Winifred navigates the unexpected emotions and challenges of newfound love, she is faced with a dilemma that tests her values and trust. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, societal expectations, and the lengths one might go to escape a life of solitude.
As the plot unfolds, Winifred's relationship with Paul becomes increasingly complicated when financial and ethical dilemmas arise. The episode raises questions about the nature of love, trust, and the sacrifices individuals are willing to make for companionship. With a backdrop of suspense and emotional turmoil, "Half a Life" offers a captivating exploration of human desires and the mysteries of the heart, leaving listeners pondering the true cost of love and the choices that define our lives.
(00:01) A Desperate Plea
(00:41) The Mystery Drama Begins
(02:07) A Problem at Work
(05:30) Reflections on Loneliness
(11:00) A Night Out at the Singles Bar
(18:01) A Surprising Encounter
(25:07) The Cost of Love
(31:42) A Confession and a Choice
(36:00) Engagement Party Revelations
(39:04) Half a Life: The Conclusion
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[00:00:01]
Unknown:
Something one may learn or do you just have to be born lucky? Hopefully, we shall be the wiser some fifty two minutes from now, Winnie. What are you doing here for? Please, Winnie. You've got to help me. Why? My life depends on it. I'm sorry. Don't don't turn me down, Winnie. They'll kill me. I can't help that, Paul.
[00:00:22] Unknown:
What? You love me? That has nothing to do with it. How can you love me and stand by and do nothing?
[00:00:29] Unknown:
It's because I love you, Paul, that I can't help you.
[00:00:42] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Half a Life, was written especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dan and stars Tammy Grimes. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Allstate Insurance Companies. I'll be back shortly with act one. One. H. L. Mencken, who was probably the crustiest stole curmudgeon of them all, once made a most touching statement. He said, if after I depart this veil, you ever remember me and have thought to please my ghost, forgive some poor sinner and wink your eye at some homely girl. Homely girls.
Well, perhaps no girl is really homely, but so many girls are lonely. And when it comes to men, they just don't seem to have any luck. As they were growing up into young ladyhood, if I may use that old fashioned term, they were very rarely asked out. And as the years went by, they dated less and less frequently until that point arrived when a woman realizes she had better
[00:02:05] Unknown:
up. You wanted to see me, mister Mossman?
[00:02:10] Unknown:
Sit down, doctor Prettus.
[00:02:13] Unknown:
Now how to begin? How to begin what?
[00:02:17] Unknown:
Doctor Prettus. What's wrong?
[00:02:20] Unknown:
Wrong.
[00:02:21] Unknown:
Yes, doctor. Are you having a problem?
[00:02:25] Unknown:
A problem?
[00:02:26] Unknown:
Oh, hang it all, Winnie. Something is wrong. What are you talking about? I don't know.
[00:02:33] Unknown:
Something's come over you these past several months and I I Really? Yes. That's what I mean. You're even fighting me. I'm not aware there has to be factored. Look. Look. Now just look at the mood you're in right now. You've got a chip on your shoulder. You're on the defensive.
[00:02:46] Unknown:
Well, why not?
[00:02:48] Unknown:
I've just been summoned to the present. Oh, cut it out. Well, you know, Winnie, now something's wrong. Do you wanna talk about it? Talk about what?
[00:02:56] Unknown:
Alright.
[00:02:57] Unknown:
I won't try. Your personal life is your personal life, but we do have a problem. A serious problem. Thanks to you. To me? Yes. The last person in the whole world who antagonize is senator Faridin.
[00:03:12] Unknown:
How did I antagonize? Alright. I've received the following letter.
[00:03:17] Unknown:
Dear mister Mossman and so on. As you know, I have long questioned the value of the services your agency performs for our government. Oh, that. Yes. That. And he goes on to say that, in order to evaluate it, he, has assistant request certain sociological data. I remember. And the senator now says, quote, my assistant spoke with a certain doctor Winifred Plantars who was very ambitious, uncooperated That assistant and the is an idiot. Who flatly refused I didn't flatly refuse anything. To make any effort at all to furnish the required All I told him was to clarify in his own mind exactly what it was he needed. Did you use the word hair braids? No. I said be braids.
[00:04:02] Unknown:
Oh, Winnie. Alright. Maybe I lost my temper. Why? Why? Yeah. Because because it was my birthday.
[00:04:13] Unknown:
Your birthday. I don't understand. I'm sorry. I couldn't have. No. No. No. What what what what what would your birthday have to do with it?
[00:04:22] Unknown:
I suddenly realized I was 40 years old. 40 years old. 40?
[00:04:29] Unknown:
You're upset because you're 40? I wish I was 40 again. I'd be happy as a lark.
[00:04:35] Unknown:
I'll write a letter of apology.
[00:04:36] Unknown:
No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. Here, let me handle it. I'll I'll get us off the hook. And, Winnie, I almost forgot.
[00:04:43] Unknown:
Do you know the, forecast project that you're working on?
[00:04:46] Unknown:
Well, that's suddenly become Secret.
[00:04:49] Unknown:
Secret? Top secret. Why? That's the word that's come down, from the powers that be. Say enough to discuss it outside the office. Listen. With whom would I possibly discuss the economic forecast? That's why I am only, handing down the order, doctor. Oh, that's stupid. See, that is what I need. Lately, you you you seem to let every little thing irritate you. Now why? You wouldn't understand. Oh, try me. It's because I'm 40.
[00:05:17] Unknown:
You can't be serious.
[00:05:19] Unknown:
What? I remember when I was 40. I was the most even tempered person in the world.
[00:05:24] Unknown:
Good night, mister Mossman. Winnie? Yeah. It's Winnie. Oh my. But we're in a cheerful mood tonight. Oh, shut up. This is all I need to come home to little merry sunshine. Any mail? What a question. It's September 1, which means we have to renew the lease. It's funny. Why is it funny? Remember the day we first looked at this apartment fifteen years ago? No. I don't remember. Maybe I don't want to remember. Well, I can recall exactly what old Hopniggle said. That's because you have a fantastic memory for trivia. Oh, he said, nine. I cannot rent a single girl if one gets married, earns since the other has to break the lease. Forget it. Well, Winnie, but you charmed him into changing his mind. See?
I charmed one man in my entire life. And who is it? Old Hapsnagle. Well, where's all the acid coming from tonight? Through the collection for a girl at the office. She's getting engaged. Well, why take it out on me? I've been there thirteen years. At lunch, I sat down and I figured out how many engagement hours I've contributed. Thirteen years, I'd say, fifty two. Thirty eight. How'd you get fifty two? Well, in my office, we average one every three months. That's four year time thirteen. I guess my office is all conducive, dispense of it. You wanna go on a cruise? Why? We did meet last time. How about romantic Costa Del Sol? Does it matter where we go? We never get to meet anybody anyhow. Now who can that be? Maybe it's prince Tommy. Yeah. Yours are mine.
Hello? Oh, hi. Hold on. Marge. And she's at Louise's. Alright. With Barbara Joe, Louise, and Jack. Well, you're hot tonight. And we'll join him for dinner. Do you want to? No. Okay, Marge. Winnie and I will be along in a few minutes. I said I didn't wanna go. Yeah. I know you did. So, I just can't stand those girls. Well, none of us can really stand each other, but what can we do? We're all we got. When unmarried men get together, are they as boring as we are, probably?
[00:07:37] Unknown:
Fed
[00:07:38] Unknown:
up. The same silly people every night, the same pointless stupid chap. Really? This isn't like you, but it's getting to be like me. It's getting to be more and more like me every day. Soon I'll be like this all the time. Sour, nasty, nervous. Winnie, it's even beginning to show in a job. Old Moss man had me on the carpet this afternoon. Well, you've got to learn to make the best of things. Don't preach. But let's be off. The group is waiting dinner for us. The group? How about the bunch? Well, I prefer the crowd. How about the gang? What are they gonna click? Why don't we just call ourselves by our right name? The Nestlehurst.
Well, Winnie, that wasn't such a bad dinner, was it? Oh, Desire to listen to Barbara Joe's problems with her mother one more time. And you have to learn how to tune her out or wheeze his allergies or Janet's ungrateful meat. Why don't you just become resigned to it? Resigned to us to it? The fact nothing is going to happen? You're a great morale builder. Well, I'm an even greater realist. Who needed you? You wanna take any movies? No. Or do we go home and watch TV? I mean, I wanna talk with you. I tell you what. Now you see, you're going through a very bad time. I've got an idea. But you see now just listen. You simply have to accept what do they say when go to Halloween. You see, you see, we try to do the best you can with did you say Halloween?
Why not? Why not? It's a single box. Well, aren't we single? Oh, but, Winnie, we don't belong in a What do you mean we don't belong? No. We're not airline store. This is a fashion models. That means we can't go? It's a place to meet men. Oh, when is the place to be picked up by men? I'll settle for that. Oh, what are you saying? I'm saying I want some excitement. I'm sick of dinner with the girls and vacations with the girls and movies and bridge and shopping with the girls. I'm set up with TV every night at home and sitting through a third rate movie because it's the only place I can go to get away from the house. We will. We will listen. Yes?
You were going to say? Oh, I guess I really just don't know what to tell you. Tell me we'll come to Halloween. Oh, attend. Why not? Because I just can't sit there on display like merchandise on a shelf hoping someone will pick me out or pick me up. Well, I can. But howling? What when is your PhD? I'm also a woman. You come in? Oh, why don't we go home? I'll drop you off at the house and go by myself. Alright. Alright. Let's go to Howling. Nothing else has ever worked? Oh, he shouldn't have come here. Since November, the old rules apply. Yeah. If either of us scores, the other doesn't get in the way. Of course. From the looks of this place, I don't see one of us even getting into the game. How long have we done that? Oh, about a half an hour.
Wanna go home? Well, I didn't wanna come here in the first place. You were right. It isn't for us. Well, the truth is we're a bit too old, a bit too plain, and the competition is much too clean. I was thinking about what you said. We are like merchandise with blood and shells, waiting to be flat. To any woman you self respect and the web, It's simply too demeaning. Well, finish your drink, Kenny.
[00:11:03] Unknown:
Miss?
[00:11:05] Unknown:
Oh, no. Thank you, bartender. I don't think we'll have another round. The, the the gentleman standing at the the end of the bar, to your left, mister Jones,
[00:11:13] Unknown:
would like to know if he might buy you a drink. Me?
[00:11:17] Unknown:
Yes, miss. He sure means me. Please. He's the one who looks like Spencer Tracy, a youngish Spencer Tracy. What did you want with me? I'll go ahead. I've got the card to see you later. But every girl in the place has been getting in the eye. What did you want with me? Do you want to find out or do you wanna go home? Will you have a drink with the gentleman, miss? So how? This was all your idea, Winnie? The merchandise has been picked from the shelf? Thanks, gentlemen. And I will. I will have a drink with him.
[00:11:55] Unknown:
Very well. In these days of x rated movies, r rated movies, even PG rated movies, in these days of freedom, frankness, and license, it might be considered that a pickup in a bar is hardly an eyebrow raising event. But forget the eyebrow. You should know by now that there's always more to our stories than meets the eye. Therefore, you are already assuming that this will be no ordinary encounter, and I shall bring proof of it in act two in just a few moments. Wasn't it Henry Thoreau who remarked that so many of us live lives of quiet desperation and here we have Winifred Prentice, doctor Winifred Prentice if you please a PhD in sociology and 40 years old And where do we find her tonight?
In a library? At a lecture? Oh, no. At Patty Halloran's, a notorious singles bar. And why? Well, didn't Thoreau just say something about quiet desperation? Hello?
[00:13:11] Unknown:
Thanks for the drink.
[00:13:13] Unknown:
The least I could do. A drink? Well, when you fall in love with a girl,
[00:13:21] Unknown:
head over heels. Is that the standard line in the play chest?
[00:13:26] Unknown:
I wouldn't know.
[00:13:27] Unknown:
Somehow, I would assume you come here often. How can you tell? You must view it, the bar can do not your name.
[00:13:35] Unknown:
As it happens, I do come here quite often. Do you know why? No. I was looking for you. Mhmm. And I came to the right place. Here you are.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
Yes. Yeah. I
[00:13:51] Unknown:
am. May I tell you something? I'm really very shy where women are concerned.
[00:13:55] Unknown:
Yes. Just like your famous namesake John Paul Jones suffered from sea sickness. Why did you say that? I think you're the most handsome man I ever met. Oh.
[00:14:08] Unknown:
And, what does that mean? It means women are attracted to you. No. No. Not women. Girls.
[00:14:15] Unknown:
I don't follow that.
[00:14:18] Unknown:
Girls. Girls for fun and girls for frolic and girls to pass the time. But a man reaches a certain point where he realizes he doesn't have a woman. A real woman. Well, tonight I looked for a real woman and there you were. Am I supposed to believe it? Well, whether you do or don't, it doesn't change the fact. After all, nobody believed Columbus when he said the world was round. That mean the the Earth was flat. Continue, mister Jones. And so I fell in love with you. Really? That's all I have to say. You don't even know my name. What is your name? Winnie. Winnifred Prentice.
Winnifred Prentice. I love you.
[00:15:07] Unknown:
It's the first time in my entire life that anyone has ever said I love you. I wondered who would ever say it and where. And it turns out to be just a ritualistic slogan for a pickup in a bar. Is that what you think this is? What else is it?
[00:15:28] Unknown:
It's love. Love?
[00:15:30] Unknown:
No.
[00:15:31] Unknown:
Love requires time and a maturing process. Really? What do you know about it? I mean, who says so? Love is love. And when it happens,
[00:15:42] Unknown:
it happens at first sight. I don't believe that. No. Life is crazy. Maybe I should have waited, but why waste time?
[00:15:48] Unknown:
Crazy. Maybe I should have waited, but why waste time? So much time has passed us by already. I'm not 18 or even 25. I'm 37.
[00:15:57] Unknown:
And I'm 32. Every day is important. The truth is I'm really 35. It doesn't matter. Actually, I'm 40.
[00:16:11] Unknown:
I said it doesn't matter. I love you. What
[00:16:16] Unknown:
do you want me to say?
[00:16:18] Unknown:
Right now, you don't have to say anything. I realize you're very conservative. You weigh, you balance every word. That's fine. We'll be good for each other. Because I'm a crazy kind of a guy, I say whatever I think. I wish I knew what I was thinking right now. Okay. Okay. The timing is different for different people. I fell in love with you. Look at me. Do you think you could fall in love with me?
[00:16:52] Unknown:
Tell me. Tell me. Tell me. I just told you. He's in love with you. That's what he said. He's in love with you. I can't believe it. Why why can't you believe it? Why should he be in love with me? No one ever fell in love with me before. What's wrong with him? I'm not pretty. Well, you're not bad looking. And he could've he he could have his pick of maybe he's a peacock. I think about it. Stunning looking girl. Do you ever see them with really great looking men? No. They choose plain fellows. But what has this I have to they want to be the center of attraction. Men too. Maybe maybe he's attracted to me because I'm plain and therefore no such religion.
Please don't destroy this thing with your 10¢ psychiatry. Even my name, Winifred Prentice. It sounds as if you're swallowing vinegar. We'll change it to missus Paul Jones. That sounds as if you're gargling with honey. It could be happening. Well, it is happening. It's a dream always out. So will you be any of the worst for it?
[00:17:59] Unknown:
Oh, why don't we just drift for a while?
[00:18:02] Unknown:
Where'd you go to school?
[00:18:04] Unknown:
State. We have so many questions to ask each other. Where did you go? Northeast Tech.
[00:18:10] Unknown:
You're kidding. Why do you say that? It's an engineering school. Well, among other things, I'm an engineer.
[00:18:17] Unknown:
An engineer. Is that ground for for breaking our engagement?
[00:18:21] Unknown:
That is assuming we're really engaged. Oh, but we are really engaged.
[00:18:26] Unknown:
Why did you become an engineer? Because I wanted to become a sociologist.
[00:18:31] Unknown:
Wait a minute. You just lost me. Sociology is the study of society.
[00:18:35] Unknown:
And since art is a highly technological society, I wanted to understand the machinery that makes it go. Then I went on to take my PhD. Now where did you find the time to do all that studying? Oh, I had plenty of time. The truth is, I had nothing else to do. I wasn't exactly besieged by boys who wanted to take me. No. They must have been crazy to let you go by. You're very good for my morale. Morale. Winnie,
[00:19:01] Unknown:
I love you. What what do you do, Paul? Well, I'm in sales. I bet you're good at it. Yes. I'm great. Who do you sell for? Right now, nobody. I've got a few things lined up. Who are you with? I was a salesman for National Distributors.
[00:19:19] Unknown:
In your lesson?
[00:19:21] Unknown:
I had to. What do you mean? No future. The, VP in charge of marketing was my age. Do you think you'll be able to find No problem at all. Listen, I need something from you. You do? What? We've known each other for a month. We've seen each other every day. And every day I tell you I love you. Do you have anything to say to me?
[00:19:46] Unknown:
Yes. Say it. Paul, I love you.
[00:19:52] Unknown:
Well,
[00:19:54] Unknown:
when did you know? The minute I saw you with Helen. Winnie? Oh, yes. Indeed. It's Winnie. Oh, I can't get over. How marvelous you look. I'm not. I feel marvelous. How's Paul? Divine. Oh, Sue Ann. Dinner? No. Paul is picking me up. I've set a date. He's willing to get married tomorrow, but I want my folks to come from the West Coast. Well, I'm off to you know where to have dinner with you know whom. Sue Ann, I hope something like this will happen to you. Well maybe it will. I just can't tell you how it feels to be in love. Just to be part of something with someone. And I've given up. We must always hope to well, you don't know what I'm talking about.
But maybe one day you will. Yeah. Well, I better not keep the girls waiting. I envy you so much, Winnie. Who would have dreamed it could happen to me? The most wonderful thing about him is his absolute sincerity. You just know that everything he says comes from a heart. Whatever did I do to get so lucky? Everything a girl ever dreams of, handsome intelligent and such a wonderful human being.
[00:21:18] Unknown:
You're good for me, Winnie.
[00:21:20] Unknown:
So good. And you were worth waiting for. Will I see you tomorrow? You will see me every day for the rest of your life.
[00:21:29] Unknown:
Now, I had better be getting along. It's still early. Well, I have an appointment the first thing in the morning. To whom? Oh, I shouldn't have asked. What it mean you shouldn't have asked? Well, it it isn't any of my business. Your what?
[00:21:43] Unknown:
Business?
[00:21:44] Unknown:
Winnie, I have no secrets from you. And you should have no secrets from me. Well, it's it's well, I'm not used to to You are not used to sharing with another person.
[00:21:54] Unknown:
Give me time. I'll learn. I've come to love a little bit late in life. It's never too late. With whom do you have an appointment tomorrow morning? As a matter
[00:22:07] Unknown:
of fact, I think I'll cancel it. Why? Well, oh, it's a long story. I have nothing else to do but listen. Well, these fellas want to open a buying office. Is it a good idea? Yes. It's a great idea. But it doesn't look as if I could be a part of it. Why not? Well,
[00:22:26] Unknown:
I would have to make an investment. Would it be a wise investment? Yes. I think so. Why don't you do it?
[00:22:32] Unknown:
I can't. I don't have the money.
[00:22:35] Unknown:
Paul, is it a lot of money?
[00:22:37] Unknown:
Well, it is to me. I don't have it. Darling, we will have lunch together tomorrow. How much money?
[00:22:44] Unknown:
$10,000. 10,000?
[00:22:47] Unknown:
Well, it's a it's for an initial start up expense.
[00:22:50] Unknown:
Paul, I have $10,000.
[00:22:52] Unknown:
Oh, Oh, no. I wouldn't touch your money. My money? Paul,
[00:22:57] Unknown:
there's nothing I own that that isn't yours. But I couldn't You're not used to sharing with another person either. But I could lose this money. Take me out for breakfast and we'll go to the bank. But I don't want to hear another word. Just tell me you love me.
[00:23:19] Unknown:
Winnie, are you sure you,
[00:23:22] Unknown:
you really want to I want to do this, Paul. Yes. But it's it's such a lot of With all my worldly goods I've been now.
[00:23:30] Unknown:
That that's something I should say to you. No.
[00:23:33] Unknown:
Today, it's something many women should say to each other. Yes. But we're not married yet. We are in the sight of each other. But women Now darling, not another word. Wait for me. I'll only be a minute. Well, hi. Sue Ann, I ticked the window because I'm in a hurry. Here's my book. My withdrawal slip. $10,000. You're with me a cashier check. Okay. To mister Paul Jones. Really? Are you lending Paul 10,000? No. I'm not lending. I'm giving. You're giving Paul 10,000? And I am in a hurry. Oh, but Winnie. Sue Ann, will you be? Will you be Winnie? Are you sure? Of course. I'm sure. You hope I know him. I know him well enough to know I love him. You know him well enough to give him $10,000. I mean, love is one thing but
[00:24:26] Unknown:
money. There you have it. You can fall in love with anyone, anywhere, anytime. But when it comes to lending money,
[00:24:37] Unknown:
that calls for prudence.
[00:24:39] Unknown:
There are those of you out there who have just been waiting for something like this so you can say, That's what he was after all along, while others take a more charitable view. Some girls are left over. As we all know, the very mathematics of the human population makes it certain that there won't be enough men to go around. And why do some girls get their share and some more than their share and some no share at all? Well, this is one of the great mysteries of life, which is why we pose it to you. But, Winnie,
[00:25:32] Unknown:
think about what you're doing, Sue Ann. Make the withdrawal and write the check or I'll go to another window. Okay. Okay. But don't say I didn't warn you. Warn me about what? Nothing? Nothing. I'll complete your transaction in just a few minutes. And I'd suggest to be made out to Mister Paul Jones.
[00:25:55] Unknown:
Yes?
[00:25:56] Unknown:
Paul. Oh, it's, it's, mister Starlight. May I come in? Well, I'm, and I understand you were at George's place the other night. You had $10,000? Yes. Well, I have,
[00:26:11] Unknown:
no need to go into any long winded explanation. I know I owe you people a lot of money, so I I raised $10,000
[00:26:19] Unknown:
so I could see if you could run it up and pay us back. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's that's it. That's rather foolish, isn't it? Considering that your lack of luck or skill with gambling got you into this hole in the first place. I was only trying to make Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I know. I know.
[00:26:39] Unknown:
You've
[00:26:41] Unknown:
been rather nice, harmless enough young men. And your strongest point is your attraction to women, Look, I I can get a hold of, of some more money. Not enough.
[00:26:53] Unknown:
She doesn't have it. She?
[00:26:57] Unknown:
We know all about doctor Winford Benders. You do, you do? Sure. When a man borrows our money, we make it a practice to turn his life inside out. What are your plans concerning, doctor Prentice?
[00:27:13] Unknown:
I, I got some money out of her, but, well, look. It'll have to be a little while before We we are not interested in money from Doctor. Prentiss.
[00:27:23] Unknown:
She does, on the other hand, have something we think we can sell.
[00:27:29] Unknown:
What do you mean?
[00:27:30] Unknown:
I understand Doctor. Prentiss is involved in a top secret project for the government. Well, I I don't I don't know anything about that. Naturally. But such information always has value in certain markets. Get it for us. Get what for you? An notes on the developing technology forecast project. Yes. But how how can I ask her for something like that? Men like you, you you live away with women. You you can ask for anything. Yes. But but this is a government secret. I I'm
[00:28:07] Unknown:
I'd be a traitor to my country.
[00:28:09] Unknown:
If you prefer to be a dead patriot. I, take a few days. Tuck yourself in the way. I won't be calling on you again before too long.
[00:28:26] Unknown:
Oh, hi. Hello. How are you doing home? I thought you'd be out with Paul. He has a, business appointment. Did you have dinner? Yes. You do? Yeah. I ate with the girls. How, how is everyone? The same. You wanna watch some TV? I suppose we better. What does that mean? That means if we don't, we'll have to talk. Alright. Let's talk. No. Our friendship is strained enough as it is. If it has to break, let it break. No. You're gonna need a friend afterward. After what? After he walks out on you. What makes you think? How is his business venture coming, Winnie? Fine. How do you know? He told me. Mhmm. He told you a lot of things. You're right. We better watch TV. Winnie, he's a liar. I don't wanna talk about it. Don't want to or afraid? What have I got to be afraid of? Well, as you know, I work in a bank. What has all this has to do? Will I use some of our facilities to gather some data.
Yes. Well didn't Paul tell you he's been salesman for national distributors? Well? Well, they have no record of anyone by that name ever having worked there. What do you say to that? What do I say to that? Well, he was trying to impress me. You know, the way a fellow will with a girl. Yeah. Except he's not a fellow and you're not a girl. He's a man, you're a woman and both of you should be above playing such games. Is it prosecuting attorney? When he told you something to get $10,000 from you, how do you know that wasn't a lie too? And if it was, if it was. So he's a man who has such a lie. Oh, really? You marry a man like that? He's better than no man at all. I wouldn't say so. Oh, you're better off, aren't you? You and Marge and Louise and Janet, you're willing to settle for half a life.
You can be lonely and love it. I can't. I need a man to love me. Any kind of man. He's not any kind of man. He's a very special man. He's my man and I know it. I feel it. When he misery loves company. What does that mean? It means that the longer you remain an old maid, the more bitter, the more sour you become. Believe me, I know. I was one of you just a few weeks ago. If any of you had suddenly found a man, I would have died of jealousy. And that's where you are now, Sue Ann. You can't tolerate my happiness. None of you can. With all his faults, Paul is better than anything any one of you has.
And any one of you would take him from him if you could. Oh, Winnie. I'm only trying. You had the chance. You were with me in Halloran's that night. He could have picked you, but he chose me. Oh, you're crazy. And you'll never forgive me for it, will you? You'd love to see us break up. Oh, you're all good, but we won't. We love each other. Do you
[00:31:37] Unknown:
understand?
[00:31:42] Unknown:
I always love to have lunch in the park. I hate to go back to my office.
[00:31:46] Unknown:
Winnie,
[00:31:47] Unknown:
I have something to tell you. No.
[00:31:50] Unknown:
Miss Ann Grim. I want you to listen, Winnie, and don't interrupt. And when I'm through, I know you're going to get up. You're going to walk away from me, and you'll never talk to me again. How could I? I want you to know that I love you. Let's begin with
[00:32:04] Unknown:
that. Let's begin and end with that. The night we met. In Halloway.
[00:32:10] Unknown:
Could I ever forget? You're gonna let me finish when you without interrupting. Well, look. You were right. I was a regular. I haunted the place. I was looking for a woman, a certain kind of woman. One who was no longer young, one who was vulnerable, one who would be willing to settle for almost anybody, a guy like me. Look, I know I've got the looks. I I could knock her off her feet. I wanted a woman who had a good job because let's face it, Winnie, I hate to work and she would have to support me. Now you look just like that kind of a woman, so I made a play for you. I also made a sucker out of you. I needed $10,000 to cover a gambling debt, and I gave you a song and dance about needing it for a business venture. Wait a minute, Winnie. Wait. Wait. There's more. Anyhow, look, something went wrong somewhere because I just found out the joke is on me, Winnie. I have just discovered it isn't a game anymore.
I am in love with you. And there it is. That's all I have to say.
[00:33:10] Unknown:
Winnie? Winnie, wait a minute. Don't don't go.
[00:33:16] Unknown:
I saw it all.
[00:33:19] Unknown:
I heard it all. I wasn't even touched by it all. What are you doing here, mister Starlight? Protecting my investment. You know, I must say you,
[00:33:29] Unknown:
you handle that rather, awkwardly. Really? What makes you say that? Obviously, it's the last you'll ever see her. Probably you think so, do you? Mhmm. It shows you what you know about women, mister Starlight. I'll bet I'll have a knocking on my door with tears in a rise by tomorrow morning.
[00:33:46] Unknown:
I hope you win the wager, mister Jones. After all, you just bet your life.
[00:33:57] Unknown:
Come in when they come in. What can I do for you? I want to arrange for some time off. Well, you've got plenty coming. I wanna go away. Away. Take a nice long honeymoon.
[00:34:06] Unknown:
Honeymoon?
[00:34:08] Unknown:
Me and my niece. Well, I forgot. We're not supposed to know. Know what? Well, a couple of weeks ago, your friend Sue Ann called and said you were getting engaged. She she what? Well, you you didn't say anything. She thought it was time the office chipped in and threw an engagement party for you. Oh, well that's Now let me tell you. Let me tell you. We took up a collection that will knock your eye out. But, listen, mister Muffin. You know there were people in this place who said, boo, Winnie the iceberg? You're kidding. Who'd marry her? Oh, are they eating their words?
But I, Winnie I decided not to. Winnie, this is the greatest news I ever had. You just you don't know how happy we are for you.
[00:35:00] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:35:01] Unknown:
May I come in?
[00:35:03] Unknown:
Well, sure.
[00:35:06] Unknown:
Well, here we are.
[00:35:08] Unknown:
Winnie, at least I told you the truth. Did you, Paul? Yes, Winnie. I wouldn't hurt you. I couldn't.
[00:35:15] Unknown:
Paul, I have I love you. You know that.
[00:35:19] Unknown:
That? Yes.
[00:35:21] Unknown:
What what's the become of us, Paul?
[00:35:25] Unknown:
We'll get married. And what about you? I'll change. Can you? By myself, I wouldn't have a chance. Chance. But were you to help me, guide me, it could happen.
[00:35:38] Unknown:
Just hold me. Darling,
[00:35:41] Unknown:
I will never let go of you. Never. We'll be happy. I know we'll be happy.
[00:35:47] Unknown:
I know we'll be happy. I never thought I'd see this day. Which day, darling? The day they'd be holding one of these parties for me.
[00:36:01] Unknown:
You have such wonderful friends. I do.
[00:36:04] Unknown:
Winnie, mister Mossman wants to know if you wanna open a gift soon. Anytime he's ready. Okay. I'll tell him.
[00:36:11] Unknown:
Is it my imagination or do I detect a little coldness between you and Sue Ann? It's your imagination. Darling, look. Before we open the gifts, and sort of make this thing official, I I want you to do something for me. Sure. What is? I want you to get your notes on the technological forecast project. How do you know this is I want your notes, darling. But is it Tautica? Well, that's why they're valuable. But I can't Unless you get me those notes, I'll walk out on you. What? I embarrass you in front of all your friends, in front of everyone you know. But I don't understand why I want us to get our marriage off on the right foot.
I'm calling the shots. What are you doing today? A marriage is a bargain, darling. Now I'll keep my end of it. I'll be your handsome, devoted husband so you can be the envy of all your friends. In return, I ask for a little. But the few times that I do ask for something, I want it. And this is what I want right now. You told me you love me. That was a lie too. Yes. And you told me you love me. That was a lie too. No. I meant it. You don't love me. You love the idea of me. The idea of a good looking guy and you've got him. I'm the guy that takes you out of the class of all your old made friends. Well, let's just say you have to pay for me. No. I won't do it. Giving you money is one thing. Betraying my oath to my own country. I am your country. No. You'll do as I tell you.
You need me for your vanity and I need you to save my life. No. Walk out on me. Walk out on me right now. I don't care. You do care. They'll laugh at you. Can you imagine how everyone will laugh? Let them. Alright. Winnie, think of me then. If I don't come across with your notes, certain people might even kill me. You're a big boy. Please, Winnie.
[00:38:08] Unknown:
What? What is it, Winnie? I have a headache. The
[00:38:12] Unknown:
what? I I have to go home. Winnie, what is it? I'm a say the party's over. Sue Ann. Sue Ann, look. You're you're a best friend. Talk some sense into her. She want she wants to throw me over. She wants to make a fool of herself in front of everyone she knows. Stop her. Winnie, what is it,
[00:38:28] Unknown:
So, you wanna have dinner? You and me and Janet and Marge and Barbara Jo? The crowd? Listen to me. When you listen to me, I love you.
[00:38:36] Unknown:
Truth is, I don't love you. Not enough.
[00:38:44] Unknown:
Tell the creek I'll be there tonight as well. How about the group? Why do we use the right name? The leftovers. What a pity. For the best part there is, and so few people know it.
[00:39:05] Unknown:
Half a life. So many are willing to settle for it. So many do. And either way, it was to be half a life for Winnie Prentiss, but at least she decided which half she intended to live. But we never do things by halves on this show, which is something I plan to discuss with you all in just a few moments. Whether you were aware of it or not, the story you have just heard was a true mystery. And why? Because love is the greatest mystery of all. Think of some of the loves you know. What does he see in her? Why does she love him? We shrug our shoulders and say, who knows?
It passes all understanding. Love is subject to neither rhyme nor reason, but we have both rhyme and reason for your attendance here seven times each week. Our cast included Tammy Grimes, Tony Roberts, Marion Haley, and Earl Hammond. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview of our next tale. My car is out of gas, and I wondered if I might use my house and no one can come in here unless invited.
[00:40:33] Unknown:
Buy me. I know. But I invite no one. I'm sorry. Push. I I I didn't mean to quiet.
[00:40:40] Unknown:
It, is that the horse? It's his horse.
[00:40:44] Unknown:
Oh, I can see it. Move away from that window. What? I Don't stand in that window. Move away. Oh, alright. I think it was I standing there. Oh. On the other hand, no one could mistake you for me. No. Not very likely. But he might think I'd invited you here. Well, I could explain that. Very jealous.
[00:41:05] Unknown:
So he has no reason to be. But he loves me desperately. Well, I I don't want to make any trouble for you. Oh, you won't? We all make our own trouble. Don't you think? Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by True Value Hardware stores. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our Mystery Theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant
[00:41:41] Unknown:
dreams.
Something one may learn or do you just have to be born lucky? Hopefully, we shall be the wiser some fifty two minutes from now, Winnie. What are you doing here for? Please, Winnie. You've got to help me. Why? My life depends on it. I'm sorry. Don't don't turn me down, Winnie. They'll kill me. I can't help that, Paul.
[00:00:22] Unknown:
What? You love me? That has nothing to do with it. How can you love me and stand by and do nothing?
[00:00:29] Unknown:
It's because I love you, Paul, that I can't help you.
[00:00:42] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Half a Life, was written especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dan and stars Tammy Grimes. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Allstate Insurance Companies. I'll be back shortly with act one. One. H. L. Mencken, who was probably the crustiest stole curmudgeon of them all, once made a most touching statement. He said, if after I depart this veil, you ever remember me and have thought to please my ghost, forgive some poor sinner and wink your eye at some homely girl. Homely girls.
Well, perhaps no girl is really homely, but so many girls are lonely. And when it comes to men, they just don't seem to have any luck. As they were growing up into young ladyhood, if I may use that old fashioned term, they were very rarely asked out. And as the years went by, they dated less and less frequently until that point arrived when a woman realizes she had better
[00:02:05] Unknown:
up. You wanted to see me, mister Mossman?
[00:02:10] Unknown:
Sit down, doctor Prettus.
[00:02:13] Unknown:
Now how to begin? How to begin what?
[00:02:17] Unknown:
Doctor Prettus. What's wrong?
[00:02:20] Unknown:
Wrong.
[00:02:21] Unknown:
Yes, doctor. Are you having a problem?
[00:02:25] Unknown:
A problem?
[00:02:26] Unknown:
Oh, hang it all, Winnie. Something is wrong. What are you talking about? I don't know.
[00:02:33] Unknown:
Something's come over you these past several months and I I Really? Yes. That's what I mean. You're even fighting me. I'm not aware there has to be factored. Look. Look. Now just look at the mood you're in right now. You've got a chip on your shoulder. You're on the defensive.
[00:02:46] Unknown:
Well, why not?
[00:02:48] Unknown:
I've just been summoned to the present. Oh, cut it out. Well, you know, Winnie, now something's wrong. Do you wanna talk about it? Talk about what?
[00:02:56] Unknown:
Alright.
[00:02:57] Unknown:
I won't try. Your personal life is your personal life, but we do have a problem. A serious problem. Thanks to you. To me? Yes. The last person in the whole world who antagonize is senator Faridin.
[00:03:12] Unknown:
How did I antagonize? Alright. I've received the following letter.
[00:03:17] Unknown:
Dear mister Mossman and so on. As you know, I have long questioned the value of the services your agency performs for our government. Oh, that. Yes. That. And he goes on to say that, in order to evaluate it, he, has assistant request certain sociological data. I remember. And the senator now says, quote, my assistant spoke with a certain doctor Winifred Plantars who was very ambitious, uncooperated That assistant and the is an idiot. Who flatly refused I didn't flatly refuse anything. To make any effort at all to furnish the required All I told him was to clarify in his own mind exactly what it was he needed. Did you use the word hair braids? No. I said be braids.
[00:04:02] Unknown:
Oh, Winnie. Alright. Maybe I lost my temper. Why? Why? Yeah. Because because it was my birthday.
[00:04:13] Unknown:
Your birthday. I don't understand. I'm sorry. I couldn't have. No. No. No. What what what what what would your birthday have to do with it?
[00:04:22] Unknown:
I suddenly realized I was 40 years old. 40 years old. 40?
[00:04:29] Unknown:
You're upset because you're 40? I wish I was 40 again. I'd be happy as a lark.
[00:04:35] Unknown:
I'll write a letter of apology.
[00:04:36] Unknown:
No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. Here, let me handle it. I'll I'll get us off the hook. And, Winnie, I almost forgot.
[00:04:43] Unknown:
Do you know the, forecast project that you're working on?
[00:04:46] Unknown:
Well, that's suddenly become Secret.
[00:04:49] Unknown:
Secret? Top secret. Why? That's the word that's come down, from the powers that be. Say enough to discuss it outside the office. Listen. With whom would I possibly discuss the economic forecast? That's why I am only, handing down the order, doctor. Oh, that's stupid. See, that is what I need. Lately, you you you seem to let every little thing irritate you. Now why? You wouldn't understand. Oh, try me. It's because I'm 40.
[00:05:17] Unknown:
You can't be serious.
[00:05:19] Unknown:
What? I remember when I was 40. I was the most even tempered person in the world.
[00:05:24] Unknown:
Good night, mister Mossman. Winnie? Yeah. It's Winnie. Oh my. But we're in a cheerful mood tonight. Oh, shut up. This is all I need to come home to little merry sunshine. Any mail? What a question. It's September 1, which means we have to renew the lease. It's funny. Why is it funny? Remember the day we first looked at this apartment fifteen years ago? No. I don't remember. Maybe I don't want to remember. Well, I can recall exactly what old Hopniggle said. That's because you have a fantastic memory for trivia. Oh, he said, nine. I cannot rent a single girl if one gets married, earns since the other has to break the lease. Forget it. Well, Winnie, but you charmed him into changing his mind. See?
I charmed one man in my entire life. And who is it? Old Hapsnagle. Well, where's all the acid coming from tonight? Through the collection for a girl at the office. She's getting engaged. Well, why take it out on me? I've been there thirteen years. At lunch, I sat down and I figured out how many engagement hours I've contributed. Thirteen years, I'd say, fifty two. Thirty eight. How'd you get fifty two? Well, in my office, we average one every three months. That's four year time thirteen. I guess my office is all conducive, dispense of it. You wanna go on a cruise? Why? We did meet last time. How about romantic Costa Del Sol? Does it matter where we go? We never get to meet anybody anyhow. Now who can that be? Maybe it's prince Tommy. Yeah. Yours are mine.
Hello? Oh, hi. Hold on. Marge. And she's at Louise's. Alright. With Barbara Joe, Louise, and Jack. Well, you're hot tonight. And we'll join him for dinner. Do you want to? No. Okay, Marge. Winnie and I will be along in a few minutes. I said I didn't wanna go. Yeah. I know you did. So, I just can't stand those girls. Well, none of us can really stand each other, but what can we do? We're all we got. When unmarried men get together, are they as boring as we are, probably?
[00:07:37] Unknown:
Fed
[00:07:38] Unknown:
up. The same silly people every night, the same pointless stupid chap. Really? This isn't like you, but it's getting to be like me. It's getting to be more and more like me every day. Soon I'll be like this all the time. Sour, nasty, nervous. Winnie, it's even beginning to show in a job. Old Moss man had me on the carpet this afternoon. Well, you've got to learn to make the best of things. Don't preach. But let's be off. The group is waiting dinner for us. The group? How about the bunch? Well, I prefer the crowd. How about the gang? What are they gonna click? Why don't we just call ourselves by our right name? The Nestlehurst.
Well, Winnie, that wasn't such a bad dinner, was it? Oh, Desire to listen to Barbara Joe's problems with her mother one more time. And you have to learn how to tune her out or wheeze his allergies or Janet's ungrateful meat. Why don't you just become resigned to it? Resigned to us to it? The fact nothing is going to happen? You're a great morale builder. Well, I'm an even greater realist. Who needed you? You wanna take any movies? No. Or do we go home and watch TV? I mean, I wanna talk with you. I tell you what. Now you see, you're going through a very bad time. I've got an idea. But you see now just listen. You simply have to accept what do they say when go to Halloween. You see, you see, we try to do the best you can with did you say Halloween?
Why not? Why not? It's a single box. Well, aren't we single? Oh, but, Winnie, we don't belong in a What do you mean we don't belong? No. We're not airline store. This is a fashion models. That means we can't go? It's a place to meet men. Oh, when is the place to be picked up by men? I'll settle for that. Oh, what are you saying? I'm saying I want some excitement. I'm sick of dinner with the girls and vacations with the girls and movies and bridge and shopping with the girls. I'm set up with TV every night at home and sitting through a third rate movie because it's the only place I can go to get away from the house. We will. We will listen. Yes?
You were going to say? Oh, I guess I really just don't know what to tell you. Tell me we'll come to Halloween. Oh, attend. Why not? Because I just can't sit there on display like merchandise on a shelf hoping someone will pick me out or pick me up. Well, I can. But howling? What when is your PhD? I'm also a woman. You come in? Oh, why don't we go home? I'll drop you off at the house and go by myself. Alright. Alright. Let's go to Howling. Nothing else has ever worked? Oh, he shouldn't have come here. Since November, the old rules apply. Yeah. If either of us scores, the other doesn't get in the way. Of course. From the looks of this place, I don't see one of us even getting into the game. How long have we done that? Oh, about a half an hour.
Wanna go home? Well, I didn't wanna come here in the first place. You were right. It isn't for us. Well, the truth is we're a bit too old, a bit too plain, and the competition is much too clean. I was thinking about what you said. We are like merchandise with blood and shells, waiting to be flat. To any woman you self respect and the web, It's simply too demeaning. Well, finish your drink, Kenny.
[00:11:03] Unknown:
Miss?
[00:11:05] Unknown:
Oh, no. Thank you, bartender. I don't think we'll have another round. The, the the gentleman standing at the the end of the bar, to your left, mister Jones,
[00:11:13] Unknown:
would like to know if he might buy you a drink. Me?
[00:11:17] Unknown:
Yes, miss. He sure means me. Please. He's the one who looks like Spencer Tracy, a youngish Spencer Tracy. What did you want with me? I'll go ahead. I've got the card to see you later. But every girl in the place has been getting in the eye. What did you want with me? Do you want to find out or do you wanna go home? Will you have a drink with the gentleman, miss? So how? This was all your idea, Winnie? The merchandise has been picked from the shelf? Thanks, gentlemen. And I will. I will have a drink with him.
[00:11:55] Unknown:
Very well. In these days of x rated movies, r rated movies, even PG rated movies, in these days of freedom, frankness, and license, it might be considered that a pickup in a bar is hardly an eyebrow raising event. But forget the eyebrow. You should know by now that there's always more to our stories than meets the eye. Therefore, you are already assuming that this will be no ordinary encounter, and I shall bring proof of it in act two in just a few moments. Wasn't it Henry Thoreau who remarked that so many of us live lives of quiet desperation and here we have Winifred Prentice, doctor Winifred Prentice if you please a PhD in sociology and 40 years old And where do we find her tonight?
In a library? At a lecture? Oh, no. At Patty Halloran's, a notorious singles bar. And why? Well, didn't Thoreau just say something about quiet desperation? Hello?
[00:13:11] Unknown:
Thanks for the drink.
[00:13:13] Unknown:
The least I could do. A drink? Well, when you fall in love with a girl,
[00:13:21] Unknown:
head over heels. Is that the standard line in the play chest?
[00:13:26] Unknown:
I wouldn't know.
[00:13:27] Unknown:
Somehow, I would assume you come here often. How can you tell? You must view it, the bar can do not your name.
[00:13:35] Unknown:
As it happens, I do come here quite often. Do you know why? No. I was looking for you. Mhmm. And I came to the right place. Here you are.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
Yes. Yeah. I
[00:13:51] Unknown:
am. May I tell you something? I'm really very shy where women are concerned.
[00:13:55] Unknown:
Yes. Just like your famous namesake John Paul Jones suffered from sea sickness. Why did you say that? I think you're the most handsome man I ever met. Oh.
[00:14:08] Unknown:
And, what does that mean? It means women are attracted to you. No. No. Not women. Girls.
[00:14:15] Unknown:
I don't follow that.
[00:14:18] Unknown:
Girls. Girls for fun and girls for frolic and girls to pass the time. But a man reaches a certain point where he realizes he doesn't have a woman. A real woman. Well, tonight I looked for a real woman and there you were. Am I supposed to believe it? Well, whether you do or don't, it doesn't change the fact. After all, nobody believed Columbus when he said the world was round. That mean the the Earth was flat. Continue, mister Jones. And so I fell in love with you. Really? That's all I have to say. You don't even know my name. What is your name? Winnie. Winnifred Prentice.
Winnifred Prentice. I love you.
[00:15:07] Unknown:
It's the first time in my entire life that anyone has ever said I love you. I wondered who would ever say it and where. And it turns out to be just a ritualistic slogan for a pickup in a bar. Is that what you think this is? What else is it?
[00:15:28] Unknown:
It's love. Love?
[00:15:30] Unknown:
No.
[00:15:31] Unknown:
Love requires time and a maturing process. Really? What do you know about it? I mean, who says so? Love is love. And when it happens,
[00:15:42] Unknown:
it happens at first sight. I don't believe that. No. Life is crazy. Maybe I should have waited, but why waste time?
[00:15:48] Unknown:
Crazy. Maybe I should have waited, but why waste time? So much time has passed us by already. I'm not 18 or even 25. I'm 37.
[00:15:57] Unknown:
And I'm 32. Every day is important. The truth is I'm really 35. It doesn't matter. Actually, I'm 40.
[00:16:11] Unknown:
I said it doesn't matter. I love you. What
[00:16:16] Unknown:
do you want me to say?
[00:16:18] Unknown:
Right now, you don't have to say anything. I realize you're very conservative. You weigh, you balance every word. That's fine. We'll be good for each other. Because I'm a crazy kind of a guy, I say whatever I think. I wish I knew what I was thinking right now. Okay. Okay. The timing is different for different people. I fell in love with you. Look at me. Do you think you could fall in love with me?
[00:16:52] Unknown:
Tell me. Tell me. Tell me. I just told you. He's in love with you. That's what he said. He's in love with you. I can't believe it. Why why can't you believe it? Why should he be in love with me? No one ever fell in love with me before. What's wrong with him? I'm not pretty. Well, you're not bad looking. And he could've he he could have his pick of maybe he's a peacock. I think about it. Stunning looking girl. Do you ever see them with really great looking men? No. They choose plain fellows. But what has this I have to they want to be the center of attraction. Men too. Maybe maybe he's attracted to me because I'm plain and therefore no such religion.
Please don't destroy this thing with your 10¢ psychiatry. Even my name, Winifred Prentice. It sounds as if you're swallowing vinegar. We'll change it to missus Paul Jones. That sounds as if you're gargling with honey. It could be happening. Well, it is happening. It's a dream always out. So will you be any of the worst for it?
[00:17:59] Unknown:
Oh, why don't we just drift for a while?
[00:18:02] Unknown:
Where'd you go to school?
[00:18:04] Unknown:
State. We have so many questions to ask each other. Where did you go? Northeast Tech.
[00:18:10] Unknown:
You're kidding. Why do you say that? It's an engineering school. Well, among other things, I'm an engineer.
[00:18:17] Unknown:
An engineer. Is that ground for for breaking our engagement?
[00:18:21] Unknown:
That is assuming we're really engaged. Oh, but we are really engaged.
[00:18:26] Unknown:
Why did you become an engineer? Because I wanted to become a sociologist.
[00:18:31] Unknown:
Wait a minute. You just lost me. Sociology is the study of society.
[00:18:35] Unknown:
And since art is a highly technological society, I wanted to understand the machinery that makes it go. Then I went on to take my PhD. Now where did you find the time to do all that studying? Oh, I had plenty of time. The truth is, I had nothing else to do. I wasn't exactly besieged by boys who wanted to take me. No. They must have been crazy to let you go by. You're very good for my morale. Morale. Winnie,
[00:19:01] Unknown:
I love you. What what do you do, Paul? Well, I'm in sales. I bet you're good at it. Yes. I'm great. Who do you sell for? Right now, nobody. I've got a few things lined up. Who are you with? I was a salesman for National Distributors.
[00:19:19] Unknown:
In your lesson?
[00:19:21] Unknown:
I had to. What do you mean? No future. The, VP in charge of marketing was my age. Do you think you'll be able to find No problem at all. Listen, I need something from you. You do? What? We've known each other for a month. We've seen each other every day. And every day I tell you I love you. Do you have anything to say to me?
[00:19:46] Unknown:
Yes. Say it. Paul, I love you.
[00:19:52] Unknown:
Well,
[00:19:54] Unknown:
when did you know? The minute I saw you with Helen. Winnie? Oh, yes. Indeed. It's Winnie. Oh, I can't get over. How marvelous you look. I'm not. I feel marvelous. How's Paul? Divine. Oh, Sue Ann. Dinner? No. Paul is picking me up. I've set a date. He's willing to get married tomorrow, but I want my folks to come from the West Coast. Well, I'm off to you know where to have dinner with you know whom. Sue Ann, I hope something like this will happen to you. Well maybe it will. I just can't tell you how it feels to be in love. Just to be part of something with someone. And I've given up. We must always hope to well, you don't know what I'm talking about.
But maybe one day you will. Yeah. Well, I better not keep the girls waiting. I envy you so much, Winnie. Who would have dreamed it could happen to me? The most wonderful thing about him is his absolute sincerity. You just know that everything he says comes from a heart. Whatever did I do to get so lucky? Everything a girl ever dreams of, handsome intelligent and such a wonderful human being.
[00:21:18] Unknown:
You're good for me, Winnie.
[00:21:20] Unknown:
So good. And you were worth waiting for. Will I see you tomorrow? You will see me every day for the rest of your life.
[00:21:29] Unknown:
Now, I had better be getting along. It's still early. Well, I have an appointment the first thing in the morning. To whom? Oh, I shouldn't have asked. What it mean you shouldn't have asked? Well, it it isn't any of my business. Your what?
[00:21:43] Unknown:
Business?
[00:21:44] Unknown:
Winnie, I have no secrets from you. And you should have no secrets from me. Well, it's it's well, I'm not used to to You are not used to sharing with another person.
[00:21:54] Unknown:
Give me time. I'll learn. I've come to love a little bit late in life. It's never too late. With whom do you have an appointment tomorrow morning? As a matter
[00:22:07] Unknown:
of fact, I think I'll cancel it. Why? Well, oh, it's a long story. I have nothing else to do but listen. Well, these fellas want to open a buying office. Is it a good idea? Yes. It's a great idea. But it doesn't look as if I could be a part of it. Why not? Well,
[00:22:26] Unknown:
I would have to make an investment. Would it be a wise investment? Yes. I think so. Why don't you do it?
[00:22:32] Unknown:
I can't. I don't have the money.
[00:22:35] Unknown:
Paul, is it a lot of money?
[00:22:37] Unknown:
Well, it is to me. I don't have it. Darling, we will have lunch together tomorrow. How much money?
[00:22:44] Unknown:
$10,000. 10,000?
[00:22:47] Unknown:
Well, it's a it's for an initial start up expense.
[00:22:50] Unknown:
Paul, I have $10,000.
[00:22:52] Unknown:
Oh, Oh, no. I wouldn't touch your money. My money? Paul,
[00:22:57] Unknown:
there's nothing I own that that isn't yours. But I couldn't You're not used to sharing with another person either. But I could lose this money. Take me out for breakfast and we'll go to the bank. But I don't want to hear another word. Just tell me you love me.
[00:23:19] Unknown:
Winnie, are you sure you,
[00:23:22] Unknown:
you really want to I want to do this, Paul. Yes. But it's it's such a lot of With all my worldly goods I've been now.
[00:23:30] Unknown:
That that's something I should say to you. No.
[00:23:33] Unknown:
Today, it's something many women should say to each other. Yes. But we're not married yet. We are in the sight of each other. But women Now darling, not another word. Wait for me. I'll only be a minute. Well, hi. Sue Ann, I ticked the window because I'm in a hurry. Here's my book. My withdrawal slip. $10,000. You're with me a cashier check. Okay. To mister Paul Jones. Really? Are you lending Paul 10,000? No. I'm not lending. I'm giving. You're giving Paul 10,000? And I am in a hurry. Oh, but Winnie. Sue Ann, will you be? Will you be Winnie? Are you sure? Of course. I'm sure. You hope I know him. I know him well enough to know I love him. You know him well enough to give him $10,000. I mean, love is one thing but
[00:24:26] Unknown:
money. There you have it. You can fall in love with anyone, anywhere, anytime. But when it comes to lending money,
[00:24:37] Unknown:
that calls for prudence.
[00:24:39] Unknown:
There are those of you out there who have just been waiting for something like this so you can say, That's what he was after all along, while others take a more charitable view. Some girls are left over. As we all know, the very mathematics of the human population makes it certain that there won't be enough men to go around. And why do some girls get their share and some more than their share and some no share at all? Well, this is one of the great mysteries of life, which is why we pose it to you. But, Winnie,
[00:25:32] Unknown:
think about what you're doing, Sue Ann. Make the withdrawal and write the check or I'll go to another window. Okay. Okay. But don't say I didn't warn you. Warn me about what? Nothing? Nothing. I'll complete your transaction in just a few minutes. And I'd suggest to be made out to Mister Paul Jones.
[00:25:55] Unknown:
Yes?
[00:25:56] Unknown:
Paul. Oh, it's, it's, mister Starlight. May I come in? Well, I'm, and I understand you were at George's place the other night. You had $10,000? Yes. Well, I have,
[00:26:11] Unknown:
no need to go into any long winded explanation. I know I owe you people a lot of money, so I I raised $10,000
[00:26:19] Unknown:
so I could see if you could run it up and pay us back. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's that's it. That's rather foolish, isn't it? Considering that your lack of luck or skill with gambling got you into this hole in the first place. I was only trying to make Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I know. I know.
[00:26:39] Unknown:
You've
[00:26:41] Unknown:
been rather nice, harmless enough young men. And your strongest point is your attraction to women, Look, I I can get a hold of, of some more money. Not enough.
[00:26:53] Unknown:
She doesn't have it. She?
[00:26:57] Unknown:
We know all about doctor Winford Benders. You do, you do? Sure. When a man borrows our money, we make it a practice to turn his life inside out. What are your plans concerning, doctor Prentice?
[00:27:13] Unknown:
I, I got some money out of her, but, well, look. It'll have to be a little while before We we are not interested in money from Doctor. Prentiss.
[00:27:23] Unknown:
She does, on the other hand, have something we think we can sell.
[00:27:29] Unknown:
What do you mean?
[00:27:30] Unknown:
I understand Doctor. Prentiss is involved in a top secret project for the government. Well, I I don't I don't know anything about that. Naturally. But such information always has value in certain markets. Get it for us. Get what for you? An notes on the developing technology forecast project. Yes. But how how can I ask her for something like that? Men like you, you you live away with women. You you can ask for anything. Yes. But but this is a government secret. I I'm
[00:28:07] Unknown:
I'd be a traitor to my country.
[00:28:09] Unknown:
If you prefer to be a dead patriot. I, take a few days. Tuck yourself in the way. I won't be calling on you again before too long.
[00:28:26] Unknown:
Oh, hi. Hello. How are you doing home? I thought you'd be out with Paul. He has a, business appointment. Did you have dinner? Yes. You do? Yeah. I ate with the girls. How, how is everyone? The same. You wanna watch some TV? I suppose we better. What does that mean? That means if we don't, we'll have to talk. Alright. Let's talk. No. Our friendship is strained enough as it is. If it has to break, let it break. No. You're gonna need a friend afterward. After what? After he walks out on you. What makes you think? How is his business venture coming, Winnie? Fine. How do you know? He told me. Mhmm. He told you a lot of things. You're right. We better watch TV. Winnie, he's a liar. I don't wanna talk about it. Don't want to or afraid? What have I got to be afraid of? Well, as you know, I work in a bank. What has all this has to do? Will I use some of our facilities to gather some data.
Yes. Well didn't Paul tell you he's been salesman for national distributors? Well? Well, they have no record of anyone by that name ever having worked there. What do you say to that? What do I say to that? Well, he was trying to impress me. You know, the way a fellow will with a girl. Yeah. Except he's not a fellow and you're not a girl. He's a man, you're a woman and both of you should be above playing such games. Is it prosecuting attorney? When he told you something to get $10,000 from you, how do you know that wasn't a lie too? And if it was, if it was. So he's a man who has such a lie. Oh, really? You marry a man like that? He's better than no man at all. I wouldn't say so. Oh, you're better off, aren't you? You and Marge and Louise and Janet, you're willing to settle for half a life.
You can be lonely and love it. I can't. I need a man to love me. Any kind of man. He's not any kind of man. He's a very special man. He's my man and I know it. I feel it. When he misery loves company. What does that mean? It means that the longer you remain an old maid, the more bitter, the more sour you become. Believe me, I know. I was one of you just a few weeks ago. If any of you had suddenly found a man, I would have died of jealousy. And that's where you are now, Sue Ann. You can't tolerate my happiness. None of you can. With all his faults, Paul is better than anything any one of you has.
And any one of you would take him from him if you could. Oh, Winnie. I'm only trying. You had the chance. You were with me in Halloran's that night. He could have picked you, but he chose me. Oh, you're crazy. And you'll never forgive me for it, will you? You'd love to see us break up. Oh, you're all good, but we won't. We love each other. Do you
[00:31:37] Unknown:
understand?
[00:31:42] Unknown:
I always love to have lunch in the park. I hate to go back to my office.
[00:31:46] Unknown:
Winnie,
[00:31:47] Unknown:
I have something to tell you. No.
[00:31:50] Unknown:
Miss Ann Grim. I want you to listen, Winnie, and don't interrupt. And when I'm through, I know you're going to get up. You're going to walk away from me, and you'll never talk to me again. How could I? I want you to know that I love you. Let's begin with
[00:32:04] Unknown:
that. Let's begin and end with that. The night we met. In Halloway.
[00:32:10] Unknown:
Could I ever forget? You're gonna let me finish when you without interrupting. Well, look. You were right. I was a regular. I haunted the place. I was looking for a woman, a certain kind of woman. One who was no longer young, one who was vulnerable, one who would be willing to settle for almost anybody, a guy like me. Look, I know I've got the looks. I I could knock her off her feet. I wanted a woman who had a good job because let's face it, Winnie, I hate to work and she would have to support me. Now you look just like that kind of a woman, so I made a play for you. I also made a sucker out of you. I needed $10,000 to cover a gambling debt, and I gave you a song and dance about needing it for a business venture. Wait a minute, Winnie. Wait. Wait. There's more. Anyhow, look, something went wrong somewhere because I just found out the joke is on me, Winnie. I have just discovered it isn't a game anymore.
I am in love with you. And there it is. That's all I have to say.
[00:33:10] Unknown:
Winnie? Winnie, wait a minute. Don't don't go.
[00:33:16] Unknown:
I saw it all.
[00:33:19] Unknown:
I heard it all. I wasn't even touched by it all. What are you doing here, mister Starlight? Protecting my investment. You know, I must say you,
[00:33:29] Unknown:
you handle that rather, awkwardly. Really? What makes you say that? Obviously, it's the last you'll ever see her. Probably you think so, do you? Mhmm. It shows you what you know about women, mister Starlight. I'll bet I'll have a knocking on my door with tears in a rise by tomorrow morning.
[00:33:46] Unknown:
I hope you win the wager, mister Jones. After all, you just bet your life.
[00:33:57] Unknown:
Come in when they come in. What can I do for you? I want to arrange for some time off. Well, you've got plenty coming. I wanna go away. Away. Take a nice long honeymoon.
[00:34:06] Unknown:
Honeymoon?
[00:34:08] Unknown:
Me and my niece. Well, I forgot. We're not supposed to know. Know what? Well, a couple of weeks ago, your friend Sue Ann called and said you were getting engaged. She she what? Well, you you didn't say anything. She thought it was time the office chipped in and threw an engagement party for you. Oh, well that's Now let me tell you. Let me tell you. We took up a collection that will knock your eye out. But, listen, mister Muffin. You know there were people in this place who said, boo, Winnie the iceberg? You're kidding. Who'd marry her? Oh, are they eating their words?
But I, Winnie I decided not to. Winnie, this is the greatest news I ever had. You just you don't know how happy we are for you.
[00:35:00] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:35:01] Unknown:
May I come in?
[00:35:03] Unknown:
Well, sure.
[00:35:06] Unknown:
Well, here we are.
[00:35:08] Unknown:
Winnie, at least I told you the truth. Did you, Paul? Yes, Winnie. I wouldn't hurt you. I couldn't.
[00:35:15] Unknown:
Paul, I have I love you. You know that.
[00:35:19] Unknown:
That? Yes.
[00:35:21] Unknown:
What what's the become of us, Paul?
[00:35:25] Unknown:
We'll get married. And what about you? I'll change. Can you? By myself, I wouldn't have a chance. Chance. But were you to help me, guide me, it could happen.
[00:35:38] Unknown:
Just hold me. Darling,
[00:35:41] Unknown:
I will never let go of you. Never. We'll be happy. I know we'll be happy.
[00:35:47] Unknown:
I know we'll be happy. I never thought I'd see this day. Which day, darling? The day they'd be holding one of these parties for me.
[00:36:01] Unknown:
You have such wonderful friends. I do.
[00:36:04] Unknown:
Winnie, mister Mossman wants to know if you wanna open a gift soon. Anytime he's ready. Okay. I'll tell him.
[00:36:11] Unknown:
Is it my imagination or do I detect a little coldness between you and Sue Ann? It's your imagination. Darling, look. Before we open the gifts, and sort of make this thing official, I I want you to do something for me. Sure. What is? I want you to get your notes on the technological forecast project. How do you know this is I want your notes, darling. But is it Tautica? Well, that's why they're valuable. But I can't Unless you get me those notes, I'll walk out on you. What? I embarrass you in front of all your friends, in front of everyone you know. But I don't understand why I want us to get our marriage off on the right foot.
I'm calling the shots. What are you doing today? A marriage is a bargain, darling. Now I'll keep my end of it. I'll be your handsome, devoted husband so you can be the envy of all your friends. In return, I ask for a little. But the few times that I do ask for something, I want it. And this is what I want right now. You told me you love me. That was a lie too. Yes. And you told me you love me. That was a lie too. No. I meant it. You don't love me. You love the idea of me. The idea of a good looking guy and you've got him. I'm the guy that takes you out of the class of all your old made friends. Well, let's just say you have to pay for me. No. I won't do it. Giving you money is one thing. Betraying my oath to my own country. I am your country. No. You'll do as I tell you.
You need me for your vanity and I need you to save my life. No. Walk out on me. Walk out on me right now. I don't care. You do care. They'll laugh at you. Can you imagine how everyone will laugh? Let them. Alright. Winnie, think of me then. If I don't come across with your notes, certain people might even kill me. You're a big boy. Please, Winnie.
[00:38:08] Unknown:
What? What is it, Winnie? I have a headache. The
[00:38:12] Unknown:
what? I I have to go home. Winnie, what is it? I'm a say the party's over. Sue Ann. Sue Ann, look. You're you're a best friend. Talk some sense into her. She want she wants to throw me over. She wants to make a fool of herself in front of everyone she knows. Stop her. Winnie, what is it,
[00:38:28] Unknown:
So, you wanna have dinner? You and me and Janet and Marge and Barbara Jo? The crowd? Listen to me. When you listen to me, I love you.
[00:38:36] Unknown:
Truth is, I don't love you. Not enough.
[00:38:44] Unknown:
Tell the creek I'll be there tonight as well. How about the group? Why do we use the right name? The leftovers. What a pity. For the best part there is, and so few people know it.
[00:39:05] Unknown:
Half a life. So many are willing to settle for it. So many do. And either way, it was to be half a life for Winnie Prentiss, but at least she decided which half she intended to live. But we never do things by halves on this show, which is something I plan to discuss with you all in just a few moments. Whether you were aware of it or not, the story you have just heard was a true mystery. And why? Because love is the greatest mystery of all. Think of some of the loves you know. What does he see in her? Why does she love him? We shrug our shoulders and say, who knows?
It passes all understanding. Love is subject to neither rhyme nor reason, but we have both rhyme and reason for your attendance here seven times each week. Our cast included Tammy Grimes, Tony Roberts, Marion Haley, and Earl Hammond. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview of our next tale. My car is out of gas, and I wondered if I might use my house and no one can come in here unless invited.
[00:40:33] Unknown:
Buy me. I know. But I invite no one. I'm sorry. Push. I I I didn't mean to quiet.
[00:40:40] Unknown:
It, is that the horse? It's his horse.
[00:40:44] Unknown:
Oh, I can see it. Move away from that window. What? I Don't stand in that window. Move away. Oh, alright. I think it was I standing there. Oh. On the other hand, no one could mistake you for me. No. Not very likely. But he might think I'd invited you here. Well, I could explain that. Very jealous.
[00:41:05] Unknown:
So he has no reason to be. But he loves me desperately. Well, I I don't want to make any trouble for you. Oh, you won't? We all make our own trouble. Don't you think? Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by True Value Hardware stores. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our Mystery Theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant
[00:41:41] Unknown:
dreams.
A Desperate Plea
The Mystery Drama Begins
A Problem at Work
Reflections on Loneliness
A Night Out at the Singles Bar
A Surprising Encounter
The Cost of Love
A Confession and a Choice
Engagement Party Revelations
Half a Life: The Conclusion
