In this gripping episode of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater, host E.G. Marshall introduces us to the tale of "Murder One," a story of intrigue, deception, and the quest for the perfect crime. We delve into the life of Walter Telford, a reclusive billionaire with a vast empire spanning oil, aviation, and film. His sudden death leaves behind a web of suspicion and secrets, particularly surrounding his young widow, Madge, and her enigmatic housekeeper, Harriet. As the story unfolds, we are drawn into a world where loyalty is tested, and the line between victim and perpetrator blurs.
Madge Telford finds herself ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse, as she grapples with the aftermath of her husband's mysterious demise. With the specter of poison looming and the threat of blackmail from Harriet, Madge's world spirals into chaos. As the tension mounts, the narrative explores themes of power, betrayal, and the haunting consequences of ambition. Join us as we unravel the chilling mystery of "Murder One," where fate's hand plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of justice.
(01:07) Introduction to the Perfect Crime
(02:10) The Life and Death of Walter Telford
(06:02) Madge's New Reality
(11:02) Sister Therese's Visit
(15:25) Suspicion and Paranoia
(29:11) The Final Act of Deception
(38:08) The Consequences of Crime
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[00:00:45] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall. The perfect crime has been the dream of the criminal long before it came, slew Abel. More often than not, however, the dream turns to nightmare. Fate steps in, spins the wheel or throws the dice, and the hunter becomes the hunted. Man, imperfect that he is, falls over his own feet, tripped up by some seemingly inconsequential detail, and the plot is uncovered. Such a tale of mystery we're about to unfold in Murder One.
[00:01:43] Unknown:
I was thinking I'd like a raise, missus Telford. Something like a thousand a month. A thousand?
[00:01:49] Unknown:
You're only getting 500 now. Isn't that a little steep?
[00:01:52] Unknown:
Well, considering my duties here, cook, housekeeper, and actually knowing what I do about so many things, I'd say I'm really worth 2,000 a month.
[00:02:11] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Murder One, was written especially for the mystery theater by g Frederick Lewis and stars Tammy Grimes. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. The wisest one once said, for what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul? What indeed shall it profit such a wealthy man? Should he suffer the loss of his life? Such a man was Walter Telford, oil baron, airplane builder, motion picture tycoon, art collector, yet a recluse. Only a handful of men surrounded him, kept the world away, and formed the nucleus of that giant multinational company, Magna.
Three men and one doctor, Telford's personal physician. Only one woman was ever close to him, his young wife, Madge. This is her story.
[00:03:26] Unknown:
When I woke up this morning for the first time in twelve years, I felt lighthearted, free, because I was free. Walter was no more. The years of having to put up with this strange, unloving man were over. He had attracted me at first, but it soon wore off. His position, his power, his money, and now he's gone. His ashes lie at the crematorium. Soon, I would have to pick them up and have them placed in his private jet, the murder one. Flown over his oil fields and scattered just as Walter had instructed it. Come in. What is it, Harriet? This big photograph of mister Telford flying his first airplane, I wondered if you'd like it in here. Oh, that terrible picture. He looks like a giraffe. I suppose so. I thought you'd like to be reminded of the good old days. Harris, there were never any good old days.
They may have been old, but they weren't that good. Not until mister Telford came round to the stage door entrance. Oh, I enjoyed my acting career, I suppose. But I don't have to tell you, Harry. You were my dresser and maid for how long was it? Five years? Seven. Until you married him. Yes. I gave up a lot. But you took to life among the wealthy like a duck to water. You just went right along from dresser to household cook. You didn't give up a thing, dear, and you know it.
[00:04:56] Unknown:
You weren't such a hot actress. The best part you ever played was wife to Walter Telford. In fact, as an actress you were terrible and the critics said so. How dare you speak to me like that?
[00:05:07] Unknown:
I have a good mind to fire you. I don't think you will, dear.
[00:05:11] Unknown:
I know too much. Like what? Oh. Perhaps that long trip to Africa wasn't good for mister Telford. He enjoyed every minute.
[00:05:21] Unknown:
His last happiness on Earth as it turned out. But then he took sick and we had a terrible time getting out. Try asking a stone age bushman which way is the nearest airport. So you nursed him all by yourself? I did what I could. We had some drugs along, just painkillers.
[00:05:38] Unknown:
But that jungle fever got to him and he didn't have the resistance. Well, there aren't many young wives married to old fellows who would have done as well by him as you. Harriet.
[00:05:47] Unknown:
Well, he was old. You can't deny that. I think you better get back to the kitchen. You forget yourself. Do I?
[00:05:55] Unknown:
There are an awful lot of things I just can't seem to forget.
[00:06:03] Unknown:
The day has passed. Walter's business associates were most kind. Jack called several times assuring me they wanted me on the board of directors of Midna, not just because I was Walter's wife or widow, but because they felt a younger voice in the corporation was needed. Not that I was looking forward to becoming a businesswoman, for aside from being a wife, all I knew was a favor. But I felt in Walter's memory I should. I wondered if I ought to give up this big house in Beverly Hills that you made, the gardener and chauffeur and the Harriet. But it would be hard for me to leave.
[00:06:42] Unknown:
Do you have a minute, Madge? Madge?
[00:06:45] Unknown:
Since when are you being so familiar?
[00:06:48] Unknown:
And I notice you don't knock anymore, just barge in. I thought we were back to the old days. Just the two of us. After all, dear, we've been through an awful lot together. Alright. If it pleases you. But not in front of the others. What do you want? I was thinking I'd like a raise seeing as how you'll be needing me more and more. What do you mean? Well, there may be special errands you'd like me to do confidentially. Like what? Getting prescriptions filled at the drugstore, getting stuff to get rid of the rats, you know.
[00:07:24] Unknown:
How much do you get now? 500 a month. I see. How about $6.50?
[00:07:30] Unknown:
I was thinking something like a thousand. A thousand a month? Well, considering I'm really the housekeeper now, I'll go on cooking, of course. Isn't that a little steep, Harriet? Actually, knowing what I do about so many things around here there'd be some people who'd say I was really worth 2,000.
[00:07:49] Unknown:
Wow. Let me I have to think it over. It seems like a great deal of money to me.
[00:07:57] Unknown:
You'll be inheriting a great deal and you'd like to keep it.
[00:08:02] Unknown:
Think that over too. I don't like your insinuation. I don't like your threats and you'd better watch out, Harriet. Don't drive me too far. As I said before, you're a very unconvincing actress. I was boiling mad. As she suspected, something was strange about Walter's death. The doctors didn't. Dear Arthur Carter, who's crazy about me and his four old colleagues, they'd agreed Walter had picked up something in Africa which caused it. So I was a lousy actress, one guy. Well, we would see. Yes, miss Harriet. I'll make you each your words. Yes?
Is this the Telford residence? Yes. It is. What can I do for you? I'm assistant Theresa of the African Hospital. May I come in? Of course. Certainly, sister. You must be Harriet. They've told me so much of you. Yes. I am. What a beautiful room. Fantastic. Is that missus Telford, the portrait over the fireplace? Yes. It is. I thought I recognized her.
[00:09:18] Unknown:
May I sit down? Would you like me to call her and announce you? Wait a moment.
[00:09:22] Unknown:
Let me catch my breathing first. It is good luck that I'm here. When I saw mister and missus Telford last, I had no idea it should be so soon. It is, in fact, extraordinary I should come at all. You come from Africa? Mister Telford, when he was taken ill, he was brought to our little hospital in Panama. Poor man. He was very sick. But his good wife, she got an airplane and took him to America. I hope he had recovered from his melody.
[00:09:55] Unknown:
Sister Therese, what made you come here? I show you.
[00:09:59] Unknown:
A letter he wrote. He left with the sisters in my little hospital. I I read it to you. Dear Sister Taz, I can never repay you and all of the sisters at the hospital for your goodness and kindness. As I told you, whenever you need something to make a hospital bigger and better with more equipment, please let me know, and I shall be very happy to take care of your needs. Very sincerely, Walter Telford. Please, look. A beautiful lad.
[00:10:33] Unknown:
Oh, yes. I recognize the handwriting.
[00:10:37] Unknown:
Of course. So how did I get here? There was a world meeting of our order in Vancouver and I went and from Vancouver to California is not so far. So please, I would like to see him now, mister Telford. Please tell him sister Theresa from Ganima is here.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
I wish I could do that, sister, but I'm afraid mister Telford passed away a week ago. Oh, my dear. I'm too late. I'm afraid so.
[00:11:07] Unknown:
All this distance for nothing. If you couldn't see what the brave fight you put up against the fever. So many of the native Africans catch it every year. It's terrible. But it is not always fatal. Not always? Ninety percent. Yes. It is fatal. But the younger ten percent, they have a chance to come out of it and live. Mister Telford was not exactly a young man. What is this, disease? Fever? A parasite. In Africa, this parasite kill people every day. Well, perhaps before I go, I should see missus Telford. I liked her very much.
She was devoted to missus Telford. Devoted.
[00:11:48] Unknown:
By all means, sister. I'm sure missus Telford would be happy to see you. Although,
[00:11:53] Unknown:
on second thought, perhaps not. This must be sad days for her. And for me to come at this time and ask for money, not the right time. No.
[00:12:04] Unknown:
Just as you wish. But I shall certainly tell her you were here. Thank you very much. I I shall write to her. Did you come by car, sister, or should I call you a taxi? Oh, by no.
[00:12:17] Unknown:
I walk from the railroad. That one gets used to very soon in Africa, walking. It is four kilometers from the train station at Gernama to a hospital. Au revoir, miss Harriet. Goodbye. I shall remember you in my prayers. Harriet. Oh, you startled me.
[00:12:45] Unknown:
What are you doing this early in the morning in mister Telford's trophy Room? Just came to tidy up. We have a maid for that. Two, in fact. Oh, I meant to tell you about that. I thought their work was getting very sloppy, so I've let them go. Without asking me. Well, since I am the housekeeper now, it's my responsibility. I I thought you'd be leaving those decisions to me. Now I have two young nieces who are very hard workers. I thought I might ask them. Harriet, I don't like that. Not being consulted.
[00:13:14] Unknown:
And I'll tell you what else I don't like. There are too many spices in the food. I don't like it that way and I never have and you know it. Mr. Telford always did. Well, I'm not.
[00:13:25] Unknown:
When are you getting these girls? Whenever I can. I have to write to them. They live in Cleveland.
[00:13:30] Unknown:
I hope you realize this is a large house to run with only a housekeeper, a chauffeur and a gardener.
[00:13:36] Unknown:
Matter of fact dear, they quit. The gardener and the chauffeur. What? Just like that? Just like that. We had a little talk yesterday. I told them what would be expected now that I'm in charge and this morning they just up and left.
[00:13:51] Unknown:
Oh, that's unbelievable. Yes. It is strange, isn't it? So
[00:13:56] Unknown:
for a little while, it will be just you and me, dear. The two of us in this house together alone.
[00:14:11] Unknown:
To look at the large house in Tudor style set back amid the landscaping and palm trees on Beverly Drive, 1 would never dream that within those fancy brick walls lived a young widow and her housekeeper. Also, that fear lived at that address. The only terror Madge had known up to now was stage fright, but this was not theater or make believe. This was real. How real? We shall find out when I return with act two. Suspicion is no friend to virtue. Suspicion is an enemy to happiness. So goes the old saying. And so it was in the Telford mansion between the two women living there. Had billionaire Walter Telford died fairly foully of known or unknown causes.
Of those who survived him, which was the cat, which was the mouse?
[00:15:26] Unknown:
I would lie in bed night after night, hoping sleep would come, but it didn't. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday in a dreaded pattern. I'd get up, wander about the house at night, and end up in Walter's study, straightening the books. The model airplanes are the real ones he built. The model oil derricks. Miniature sets of the movies he'd made. Symbols of all his enterprises. This night, I was particularly keyed up. I had to talk to someone. Arthur was the only one I could think of. Doctor Cutter here. Arthur? Yeah. You Madge?
[00:16:03] Unknown:
Yes. Do you know what time it is?
[00:16:07] Unknown:
I couldn't help it.
[00:16:08] Unknown:
Something's going on here. Well, what is it? Harriet.
[00:16:13] Unknown:
She's at me in this most peculiar fashion. It's hard to explain. As though as though I personally had had a hand in Walter's death.
[00:16:24] Unknown:
I see. But what does she say? Well, for one thing, she wants more money. Much more. So don't give it to her.
[00:16:32] Unknown:
There are other cooks, you know. It's not that simple.
[00:16:36] Unknown:
What can I do? Arthur, you're the only man I can turn to. Yes. Well, leave it to me, Midge. You mean I said leave it to me.
[00:16:45] Unknown:
Now hang up and come to see me tomorrow at four in the office.
[00:16:53] Unknown:
Hello, John. Last night I had a call from missus Telford. It seems their cook, Harriet, has been making demands implying she knows something and I just wanted to be sure where the boys stood. There was absolutely nothing strange about how Walter died, a clear, definable case. She is imagining that her cook is an enemy. Absolutely not. So far as there being any possibility of foul play, forget it. Walter Telford died of natural disease causes. I'll stake my reputation on it.
[00:17:34] Unknown:
Good morning, dear. In for a walk? In the garden, Harry. What would you like for dinner tonight? I'd plan to have a nice casserole, the one with lentils and beef. Mister Telford's favorite. I'm not very hungry today. I think I'll take the car and go for a drive.
[00:17:48] Unknown:
I need some fresh air. Besides, I have an appointment in town. Well, now that's a good idea. Work up an appetite.
[00:17:55] Unknown:
Oh, a message came for you while you were in the garden. Would you please call the Heavenly Rest Crematorium? This is the number they gave me. Thank you, Harriet. Are you alright?
[00:18:07] Unknown:
You seem a little down. I'm fine.
[00:18:09] Unknown:
Well, I have lots to do. Don't forget to call. Have a nice drive.
[00:18:25] Unknown:
Heavenly Rest Crematorium.
[00:18:27] Unknown:
This is missus Telford. Somebody called me earlier.
[00:18:30] Unknown:
Oh, yes. It was I, mister Fisher. Yes?
[00:18:34] Unknown:
About your husband, missus Telford. Oh, yes. I I was planning to pick up the ashes just as soon as I got around to it. It's, well, you know, I have a funny feeling about it and I'm afraid that's the difficulty, missus Telford.
[00:18:47] Unknown:
But it's no problem if you aren't in any hurry. What do you mean? I regret to say there's been a strike and so we haven't been able to, process, mister Telford yet. But everything will be in order in a few days. However, I thought I should let you know.
[00:19:08] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:19:10] Unknown:
Yes. I I understand. A few days. A week at the most, and everything will be in order. I can assure you.
[00:19:19] Unknown:
A few days? A week at the most? Walter was still not what if someone should want an autopsy? What what would I say? Jack or Fred or the other Magnum board member? Of course, Arthur would stop them. He signed the death certificate, his word. Besides, who could do that without my permission? Unless there was some suspicion of, of, it was narrowing down to Harriet and me. I had to act. Now, first thing, to discredit whatever she might say. I called Arthur's office and said I was too sick to keep my appointment at four. I started eating nothing but toast, a few potatoes for dinner.
I began to take a few grains of arsenic at a time. I had to make it believable she was the prisoner and I was the next intended victim.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
What is it, dear? Three days now and you've hardly touched your food. And what are you doing still in bed? I
[00:20:23] Unknown:
I really feel terrible. What's gotten into you? I don't know. I could be here. Who knows? Emotional shock of suddenly losing my husband. Oh. You expect me to believe that? I don't care what you believe. You've been taking a great many liberties lately, Harriet, and it aggravates me. Oh, I have, have I? It's perfectly true that at one time we were close. And if it hadn't been for my regard for you, I wouldn't be paying you the exorbitant wages you're getting. I've decided I want more. Don't interrupt me. When I married Walter, you were so grateful to get out of the theatrical rat race. You fell all over yourself. You were so happy I arranged for you to take over our kitchen, and you did fine. I'm not saying you didn't.
But since we came back from Africa, since the tragedy, I don't understand your behavior at all. And what I'm saying, Harriet, is cut it out. I don't like it. I'm not going to stand for any attempted blackmail. Should I applaud now?
[00:21:23] Unknown:
Not a very good scene, dear. You didn't play it very convincingly. You're bluffing and old Harriet isn't being taken in one bit.
[00:21:33] Unknown:
Get me. Get me the the doubt doctor Carter for me. Give me. Hand it hand it to me.
[00:21:50] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:21:51] Unknown:
This is
[00:21:53] Unknown:
oh, Hello? Hello? Harriet,
[00:21:58] Unknown:
tell him I'm in great pain. Hello? Have him have him come over here. Hello?
[00:22:04] Unknown:
Hello, doctor? Yes. Mister, missus Telford. She says she's not feeling well. I'm in terrible pain. She says she's in bad pain. Well, where is she in pain, Harriet? He wants to know where. Where? Where?
[00:22:17] Unknown:
Do I have to talk to him myself?
[00:22:19] Unknown:
Tell her I'm on my way to the hospital and take it easy. I'll stop by. Alright, doctor. I'll tell her. Thank you.
[00:22:27] Unknown:
He says he'll stop by on his way to the hospital and to take it easy. Of course, if I were the doctor that is not what I would say. Oh, no.
[00:22:36] Unknown:
What would that be?
[00:22:37] Unknown:
I'd say Madge, dear. What an act.
[00:22:45] Unknown:
And but what is it after? I can't begin to describe it.
[00:22:49] Unknown:
I feel like this.
[00:22:51] Unknown:
There's nothing wrong with you, Madge. Nothing at all. Probably picked up some intestinal bug. Oh, by the way, I am sorry I was so short with you when you called the other night. It's just that Cecile has always been jealous of you. I'm sorry.
[00:23:08] Unknown:
I couldn't help it. I was frightened. Why do I have this awful wrenching inside me now.
[00:23:15] Unknown:
I'm sorry. So it's not your fault. But Cecile has made me promise to shut off the telephone after midnight so the service will pick up and that's that.
[00:23:27] Unknown:
Is that you outside the door, Harriet?
[00:23:30] Unknown:
She's eyeing on me every minute. Harriet.
[00:23:33] Unknown:
Harriet, will you please come in?
[00:23:36] Unknown:
You called?
[00:23:38] Unknown:
If you are listening outside the door, don't. But in case you happen to miss what doctor Carter was saying, it was that he cannot be reached anymore on the telephone at night. I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about, missus Telford. Do you see Arthur? That's what I have to put up with. She's always there when I least expect her. I feel her waiting, watching everywhere.
[00:24:01] Unknown:
It's nerves, Madge. And you're entitled to them. Let me know what you've been through. Now look look. You stay quiet and remain in bed for a few days and eat lightly.
[00:24:13] Unknown:
I can't keep anything down.
[00:24:16] Unknown:
Crackers and tea then or beef consomme. I did talk to Harriet a few days ago as I said I would. I asked her what she was doing. She said she hasn't behaved any differently toward you from way back when she took care of you backstage. I don't wanna talk about her
[00:24:33] Unknown:
often. Do you know how sweet you were? Did I ever tell you? You were so wonderful to me in those last hours.
[00:24:40] Unknown:
Well, it isn't easy for a wife to watch your husband slipping away. You made it bearable, Arthur. Taking care of all those ghastly details so efficiently. Oh, it wasn't much. A certificate to sign and then have, well,
[00:24:55] Unknown:
the body removed. I shall never forget, ever, how you helped. Isn't it strange when you think about it that Walter and I should have the same pain
[00:25:09] Unknown:
right across here. You have an enormous imagination, my dear. I don't think so. Come here.
[00:25:14] Unknown:
Come closer. You see that bouillon in that cup? Yeah. I had a little about half of it. Half of it. It. It tastes funny. Funny? Take it with you. Were you would you have it analyzed?
[00:25:30] Unknown:
Whatever for? Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were still here, doctor. Here, missus Tilford. Let me plump up that pillow. Oh, oh my goodness. Oh, nice, Brilliant. How careless of me. Well, I'll get a dustpan and clear up that mess right away and then
[00:25:45] Unknown:
go make you some more.
[00:25:51] Unknown:
And how is our patient today? Oh, good morning, Harriet. After twelve. You slept very well, didn't you? After twelve? I can't believe it. A call came for you while you were asleep. I didn't wanna disturb you, so they left a message. Who, who was that? Mister Fisher from the crematorium. It seems they're still on strike, and he wondered if you wish to make any other disposition of mister Telford.
[00:26:18] Unknown:
Oh, I, I, I don't know.
[00:26:22] Unknown:
I always wondered why you wanted him cremated so quickly. It was his wish. Pity. Doesn't look as though he's going to get his wish. Did I ever tell you I had a very interesting visit last week from a Sister Therese of the African Hospital, I think she said. Sister Therese here in Beverly Hills. She was very concerned about Mr. Telford. She took care of him out there. He said he'd contracted a kind of jungle disease. We know that, Harriet. It occurred to me now that Mr. Telford's body is still, how should I say, intact.
Perhaps you'd be doing science a great favor to let it be examined. Think how much they could learn from what he had. Since when are you so interested in medical science? Well, I have a brother in San Francisco who's a medical research doctor. He'd be fascinated to find out something about jungle diseases. I was thinking I might drive up and bring him down. I absolutely forbid it. Well, now aren't you being selfish? Just supposing if mister Telford were examined, not by doctor Cotter and the old bogeys he brought in, the cause of his death turned out to be something different. Maybe not a jungle disease.
Now do you see why I'm worth even more than I'm getting now? I've got all these good ideas. Harriet, will you please leave the room? I'm in no state to argue with you. My hands are perspiring.
[00:27:49] Unknown:
My feet are icy. I just wanna be let alone. I'm only saying if. If, if, if, if, if and ands with pots and pans, there'd be no need of tinkers.
[00:28:01] Unknown:
Oh, that's from Saint Joan, isn't it? I remember you saying those lines when you played the part. You weren't it all bad. Didn't you do it with, French accent? I I did mention to you, didn't I, a sister Therese with a French accent came by and tried to tell me mister Telford died of this African disease. Something very familiar about her.
[00:28:36] Unknown:
In police language, murder one is the intent to cause the death of another person. Murder one is also the result of the intent to cause suicide by force, duress, or deception surely we have some of those ingredients here are there more? It did not surprise me in the least So let us find out when I return with act three. Once upon a time, there was a billionaire whose empire ranged from oil fields to art museums. He was Walter Telford. He was a difficult man to work for, demanding complete loyalty. His sense of humor was grizzly, to say the least, by calling his private plane the murder one.
Unfortunately, fate sometimes plays its own little jokes, and murder one is one of them.
[00:29:42] Unknown:
It is surprising how much arsenic the human body can tolerate. Not that I feel tipped up, but I have been gradually taking more and more so that when I get Arthur to examine me and he will he will discover it. And how can Arthur help but conclude that someone is trying to poison me? Who else could it be but Harriet? That is the game of suspicion and death. And tonight, I play my final hand. Help. Help. Help me. Where is she? Why doesn't she come? Harriet, please.
[00:30:23] Unknown:
What is it? What is the matter? It's after midnight. I'm
[00:30:27] Unknown:
I'm dying. Get talk to Connor. Get him.
[00:30:30] Unknown:
Alright. I'll call him. Where is the telephone?
[00:30:32] Unknown:
That's no use. You hit him yourself. He shuts the phone off at night. Go to his house. Harriet, you know where he is. Take your car and go right away. Now in this weather Harriet, if I die, you won't get anything. Not 1p. It all goes to the Magna Corporation, all of it. Understand? I don't know what you're talking about.
[00:30:55] Unknown:
Alright. I'll go. I only hope you're as thick as you make out. You
[00:31:00] Unknown:
better hope I'm not. Where did I put it? Why do I keep forgetting things? Something seems to be holding me back. It's it's such an hazard to move, to remember. Where is the arsenic? Here. Under that pillow. Stupid of it. Wait. Wait. Wait.
[00:31:26] Unknown:
Wait. There's no power yet done all.
[00:31:30] Unknown:
Why do I feel so giddy? Maybe I have been dosing myself for too much. It seems to me I I used much less before, but I had to have enough in my stomach so that oh, good. She'd left the door open. No. No. That's not where to hide it. In the bureau. I can't see. Why don't the lights work? The switch. Where is it? Here. Hide it under the clothes way in the back. Can't get it shut. That's alright. Now get back to bed. Oh, I'm really damn sure when at all. So dizzy. Then when Arthur comes, I'll tell him I suspect I'm being poisoned.
Like Walter, he'll figure it out. He always does as I say, old Arthur. The way he just up and signed the death certificate just on my say so. What is it? Oh, I must have been asleep. What time is it? Bedside clock. Two. Two o'clock. Where is she? Harriet. She's not here. How could it take two hours? Arthur would have come back with it right away. Maybe she was in an accident. That could be an accident. Oh, oh, it's so so busy. The phone, where is it? I can hardly see. Yes. Hello. Hello. Missus Telford? This is missus Telford. Yes.
[00:33:13] Unknown:
Missus Telford, this is mister Fisher. Yes. Yes. What? Well, I'm sorry to call you so late, but I just got back from San Francisco at a medical research meeting. And I went round locking up and and I couldn't find mister Telford's body. You didn't have it removed by any chance, did you? It's nowhere on the premises. Mister Telford's body has disappeared. No. No. No. No.
[00:33:49] Unknown:
Something is closing on me. Get a hold of myself. Think clearly. Harriet is not here. Therefore, Harriet is in an accident. What do I have to do now? What do I have to do? Yes. Take my car and drive to Athens. Get dressed. It's raining so bad. Nope. No. No. No. That would be wrong. Put my robe on over my vagina. No. Sit. Bare feet. Glad you see the robe. So Good to have you see the road. So cold in car. What's wrong with the heater? Gotta get to houses. Turn here. It's cold. There's someone out there. Someone in the road waving.
Get out of the way, you idiot. I'm fine. Fine. Alright. Everyone. What's that over there? Something moving. Help me. Help me, please. Over here, help me. Harriet, is that you? Who are you? I can't see someone bending over me.
[00:35:32] Unknown:
What's the matter with you, Arthur?
[00:35:34] Unknown:
It is a rotten idea. I think we've gone too far. Oh, slot. Do you have a front door key, Harriet? Of course, I have. Madge? Madge? It's me, Arthur. I'll go upstairs. You check all the rooms down here. We've got to find her. She's not in her bedroom. Not downstairs either. Did you look in your room? My room? Why would she be in there? Well, you do as I say. Go look. Alright. Alright.
[00:36:11] Unknown:
Stupid.
[00:36:14] Unknown:
Stupid. Oh, because I thought Madge had made a fool of me getting me to sign that death certificate without a a feeling something was wrong with my diagnosis of Walter's death,
[00:36:28] Unknown:
but I never thought it could be poison. Well, she's not there, but my room is a shambles. Clothes all over the place, drawers pulled out like a cyclone hit it. And look. I want I want you to see what I found. Alright. This powder, it's not mine. I swear it.
[00:36:45] Unknown:
Good lord. What do we do? Where is she? I'm responsible. I am responsible.
[00:36:52] Unknown:
Check Check the garage, will you, Harry? See if her car is there. It isn't. I remember now seeing the garage was empty as we drove up. What are you doing? Calling the cops.
[00:37:03] Unknown:
Hello. Hello. Police, this is doctor Connor. One of my patients may be driving around the Hollywood Hills. Yes. She's in no condition to drive. I want you to search Beverly Glen, Coldwater, that whole area. It's missus Walter Telford. Yes. That missus Walter Telford. Brad says she left here about an hour ago, and I'm afraid she isn't competent to drive. No. I don't know. Wait a minute. Hold on. Why would she have gone out tonight? Of course. She was going to my place. She was here waiting and I called her pretending to be Fisher. I I didn't show up here.
Sergeant, send your men first along Mulholland Drive. Yep. Call me. I'll wait here. The number's 555-8601. Soon as you find out anything. Thank you. It's gone too far, Harriet. Too far. Now this This is Sector 6 Edward, the central. We picked up female on Mulholland And Beverly Glen Unconscious. Thrown from car with two wrecked. What is it? Where am I? What are you taking me long term? Ma'am, you just sit back there easy and wrap that blanket around your arm. Put that on me. You aren't Walter. No, ma'am. I'm petroleum burns. You keep quiet now, and we'll have you in the hospital in no time. My name
[00:38:37] Unknown:
is Madge Telford.
[00:38:40] Unknown:
Is that missus Walter Telford? Miss
[00:38:43] Unknown:
Walt Telford.
[00:38:46] Unknown:
Sex Edward De Central. Female has regained consciousness and identifies self as missus Walter Telford. Arsenic.
[00:38:56] Unknown:
She was poisoning me like she did Walter. And this food, spicy food.
[00:39:05] Unknown:
What time is
[00:39:06] Unknown:
it? A, a little after seven, missus Telford. Seven? Yeah. In the morning? Yes, ma'am. In the morning. I've been out there
[00:39:16] Unknown:
all night.
[00:39:22] Unknown:
How is she?
[00:39:23] Unknown:
Not responding.
[00:39:25] Unknown:
I had no idea all this. Can she get better?
[00:39:30] Unknown:
Too soon to say.
[00:39:31] Unknown:
Can't make up where I am. Right in front of me. White sheets. Sunny hide bed. The white bar. People standing over me. I have so cold chains, heavy heavy chains across my chest. Sleeping now so tired. Coldest sleep now.
[00:39:58] Unknown:
I don't know if she can pull out of this. She lost a great deal of blood. But you know what she did. She killed I'm still a doctor. A lifetime of money as a member of Magna doesn't. It can't stop my being a doctor. She brought it all on herself. I'm not out of my head to have listened to you. I only wanted to frighten her because she made such a fool of me.
[00:40:23] Unknown:
You were more convincing as mister Fisher than she was as sister what's her name. I can tell you that.
[00:40:32] Unknown:
That's funny. Let's hide. She won't have anything now. There's Arthur. He won't die then. I can see them performing the autopsy, finding all that arsenic in me. No one will believe I could have done it to myself. Do you mean to tell me, doctor Connor, you didn't know? Ask Nick Poisoning. Murder one. That's the charge. All I'm sorry about is I won't be around to have the last.
[00:41:35] Unknown:
We have seen how fear follows crime and is its punishment. We have seen the hand of fate upset the plans of man and deal out its own brand of justice. What happened to Madge Telford? What happened to doctor Arthur Carter? Harriet? We'll find out in a very few minutes. One hour after having been admitted to the hospital, Madge Telford died like her husband. From a combination of death dealing blows, from arsenic poisoning to a crushed body, even a destroyed mind. Harriet was absolved of complicity, but her dreams of untold wealth came to nothing. Arthur Carter has been suspended from the roster of doctors, expelled from Magna, and today awaits indictment.
Perhaps it is true. Society prepares the crime. The criminal commits it. Our cast included Tammy Grimes, Terry Keen, and Leon Janney. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now
[00:42:57] Unknown:
a preview of our next tale. I thought teaching jobs was scarce. No. Martha Barley, who was dean of women when I well, anyway, now she's president of the university in honor.
[00:43:11] Unknown:
So you've had this all planned.
[00:43:14] Unknown:
Planned? You are gonna support me. You supported me all the time we've been married. Good lord. It's worse than I thought.
[00:43:22] Unknown:
You're in on it too. In on what? The plot. Don't ask me what plot. I will. The plot to take over.
[00:43:29] Unknown:
Oh, Tommy, you are not well. First, strip them of their jobs. Second, rob them of their manhood. I'm gonna call a doctor. A woman doctor, no doubt. Tom, you've always liked
[00:43:39] Unknown:
Ursula Cardell. And third, destroy their sanity. Oh no. No, Helen. It won't work because I'm gonna fight back. We're all gonna fight back.
[00:43:50] Unknown:
This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dreams.
[00:44:39] Unknown:
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[00:00:45] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall. The perfect crime has been the dream of the criminal long before it came, slew Abel. More often than not, however, the dream turns to nightmare. Fate steps in, spins the wheel or throws the dice, and the hunter becomes the hunted. Man, imperfect that he is, falls over his own feet, tripped up by some seemingly inconsequential detail, and the plot is uncovered. Such a tale of mystery we're about to unfold in Murder One.
[00:01:43] Unknown:
I was thinking I'd like a raise, missus Telford. Something like a thousand a month. A thousand?
[00:01:49] Unknown:
You're only getting 500 now. Isn't that a little steep?
[00:01:52] Unknown:
Well, considering my duties here, cook, housekeeper, and actually knowing what I do about so many things, I'd say I'm really worth 2,000 a month.
[00:02:11] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Murder One, was written especially for the mystery theater by g Frederick Lewis and stars Tammy Grimes. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. The wisest one once said, for what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul? What indeed shall it profit such a wealthy man? Should he suffer the loss of his life? Such a man was Walter Telford, oil baron, airplane builder, motion picture tycoon, art collector, yet a recluse. Only a handful of men surrounded him, kept the world away, and formed the nucleus of that giant multinational company, Magna.
Three men and one doctor, Telford's personal physician. Only one woman was ever close to him, his young wife, Madge. This is her story.
[00:03:26] Unknown:
When I woke up this morning for the first time in twelve years, I felt lighthearted, free, because I was free. Walter was no more. The years of having to put up with this strange, unloving man were over. He had attracted me at first, but it soon wore off. His position, his power, his money, and now he's gone. His ashes lie at the crematorium. Soon, I would have to pick them up and have them placed in his private jet, the murder one. Flown over his oil fields and scattered just as Walter had instructed it. Come in. What is it, Harriet? This big photograph of mister Telford flying his first airplane, I wondered if you'd like it in here. Oh, that terrible picture. He looks like a giraffe. I suppose so. I thought you'd like to be reminded of the good old days. Harris, there were never any good old days.
They may have been old, but they weren't that good. Not until mister Telford came round to the stage door entrance. Oh, I enjoyed my acting career, I suppose. But I don't have to tell you, Harry. You were my dresser and maid for how long was it? Five years? Seven. Until you married him. Yes. I gave up a lot. But you took to life among the wealthy like a duck to water. You just went right along from dresser to household cook. You didn't give up a thing, dear, and you know it.
[00:04:56] Unknown:
You weren't such a hot actress. The best part you ever played was wife to Walter Telford. In fact, as an actress you were terrible and the critics said so. How dare you speak to me like that?
[00:05:07] Unknown:
I have a good mind to fire you. I don't think you will, dear.
[00:05:11] Unknown:
I know too much. Like what? Oh. Perhaps that long trip to Africa wasn't good for mister Telford. He enjoyed every minute.
[00:05:21] Unknown:
His last happiness on Earth as it turned out. But then he took sick and we had a terrible time getting out. Try asking a stone age bushman which way is the nearest airport. So you nursed him all by yourself? I did what I could. We had some drugs along, just painkillers.
[00:05:38] Unknown:
But that jungle fever got to him and he didn't have the resistance. Well, there aren't many young wives married to old fellows who would have done as well by him as you. Harriet.
[00:05:47] Unknown:
Well, he was old. You can't deny that. I think you better get back to the kitchen. You forget yourself. Do I?
[00:05:55] Unknown:
There are an awful lot of things I just can't seem to forget.
[00:06:03] Unknown:
The day has passed. Walter's business associates were most kind. Jack called several times assuring me they wanted me on the board of directors of Midna, not just because I was Walter's wife or widow, but because they felt a younger voice in the corporation was needed. Not that I was looking forward to becoming a businesswoman, for aside from being a wife, all I knew was a favor. But I felt in Walter's memory I should. I wondered if I ought to give up this big house in Beverly Hills that you made, the gardener and chauffeur and the Harriet. But it would be hard for me to leave.
[00:06:42] Unknown:
Do you have a minute, Madge? Madge?
[00:06:45] Unknown:
Since when are you being so familiar?
[00:06:48] Unknown:
And I notice you don't knock anymore, just barge in. I thought we were back to the old days. Just the two of us. After all, dear, we've been through an awful lot together. Alright. If it pleases you. But not in front of the others. What do you want? I was thinking I'd like a raise seeing as how you'll be needing me more and more. What do you mean? Well, there may be special errands you'd like me to do confidentially. Like what? Getting prescriptions filled at the drugstore, getting stuff to get rid of the rats, you know.
[00:07:24] Unknown:
How much do you get now? 500 a month. I see. How about $6.50?
[00:07:30] Unknown:
I was thinking something like a thousand. A thousand a month? Well, considering I'm really the housekeeper now, I'll go on cooking, of course. Isn't that a little steep, Harriet? Actually, knowing what I do about so many things around here there'd be some people who'd say I was really worth 2,000.
[00:07:49] Unknown:
Wow. Let me I have to think it over. It seems like a great deal of money to me.
[00:07:57] Unknown:
You'll be inheriting a great deal and you'd like to keep it.
[00:08:02] Unknown:
Think that over too. I don't like your insinuation. I don't like your threats and you'd better watch out, Harriet. Don't drive me too far. As I said before, you're a very unconvincing actress. I was boiling mad. As she suspected, something was strange about Walter's death. The doctors didn't. Dear Arthur Carter, who's crazy about me and his four old colleagues, they'd agreed Walter had picked up something in Africa which caused it. So I was a lousy actress, one guy. Well, we would see. Yes, miss Harriet. I'll make you each your words. Yes?
Is this the Telford residence? Yes. It is. What can I do for you? I'm assistant Theresa of the African Hospital. May I come in? Of course. Certainly, sister. You must be Harriet. They've told me so much of you. Yes. I am. What a beautiful room. Fantastic. Is that missus Telford, the portrait over the fireplace? Yes. It is. I thought I recognized her.
[00:09:18] Unknown:
May I sit down? Would you like me to call her and announce you? Wait a moment.
[00:09:22] Unknown:
Let me catch my breathing first. It is good luck that I'm here. When I saw mister and missus Telford last, I had no idea it should be so soon. It is, in fact, extraordinary I should come at all. You come from Africa? Mister Telford, when he was taken ill, he was brought to our little hospital in Panama. Poor man. He was very sick. But his good wife, she got an airplane and took him to America. I hope he had recovered from his melody.
[00:09:55] Unknown:
Sister Therese, what made you come here? I show you.
[00:09:59] Unknown:
A letter he wrote. He left with the sisters in my little hospital. I I read it to you. Dear Sister Taz, I can never repay you and all of the sisters at the hospital for your goodness and kindness. As I told you, whenever you need something to make a hospital bigger and better with more equipment, please let me know, and I shall be very happy to take care of your needs. Very sincerely, Walter Telford. Please, look. A beautiful lad.
[00:10:33] Unknown:
Oh, yes. I recognize the handwriting.
[00:10:37] Unknown:
Of course. So how did I get here? There was a world meeting of our order in Vancouver and I went and from Vancouver to California is not so far. So please, I would like to see him now, mister Telford. Please tell him sister Theresa from Ganima is here.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
I wish I could do that, sister, but I'm afraid mister Telford passed away a week ago. Oh, my dear. I'm too late. I'm afraid so.
[00:11:07] Unknown:
All this distance for nothing. If you couldn't see what the brave fight you put up against the fever. So many of the native Africans catch it every year. It's terrible. But it is not always fatal. Not always? Ninety percent. Yes. It is fatal. But the younger ten percent, they have a chance to come out of it and live. Mister Telford was not exactly a young man. What is this, disease? Fever? A parasite. In Africa, this parasite kill people every day. Well, perhaps before I go, I should see missus Telford. I liked her very much.
She was devoted to missus Telford. Devoted.
[00:11:48] Unknown:
By all means, sister. I'm sure missus Telford would be happy to see you. Although,
[00:11:53] Unknown:
on second thought, perhaps not. This must be sad days for her. And for me to come at this time and ask for money, not the right time. No.
[00:12:04] Unknown:
Just as you wish. But I shall certainly tell her you were here. Thank you very much. I I shall write to her. Did you come by car, sister, or should I call you a taxi? Oh, by no.
[00:12:17] Unknown:
I walk from the railroad. That one gets used to very soon in Africa, walking. It is four kilometers from the train station at Gernama to a hospital. Au revoir, miss Harriet. Goodbye. I shall remember you in my prayers. Harriet. Oh, you startled me.
[00:12:45] Unknown:
What are you doing this early in the morning in mister Telford's trophy Room? Just came to tidy up. We have a maid for that. Two, in fact. Oh, I meant to tell you about that. I thought their work was getting very sloppy, so I've let them go. Without asking me. Well, since I am the housekeeper now, it's my responsibility. I I thought you'd be leaving those decisions to me. Now I have two young nieces who are very hard workers. I thought I might ask them. Harriet, I don't like that. Not being consulted.
[00:13:14] Unknown:
And I'll tell you what else I don't like. There are too many spices in the food. I don't like it that way and I never have and you know it. Mr. Telford always did. Well, I'm not.
[00:13:25] Unknown:
When are you getting these girls? Whenever I can. I have to write to them. They live in Cleveland.
[00:13:30] Unknown:
I hope you realize this is a large house to run with only a housekeeper, a chauffeur and a gardener.
[00:13:36] Unknown:
Matter of fact dear, they quit. The gardener and the chauffeur. What? Just like that? Just like that. We had a little talk yesterday. I told them what would be expected now that I'm in charge and this morning they just up and left.
[00:13:51] Unknown:
Oh, that's unbelievable. Yes. It is strange, isn't it? So
[00:13:56] Unknown:
for a little while, it will be just you and me, dear. The two of us in this house together alone.
[00:14:11] Unknown:
To look at the large house in Tudor style set back amid the landscaping and palm trees on Beverly Drive, 1 would never dream that within those fancy brick walls lived a young widow and her housekeeper. Also, that fear lived at that address. The only terror Madge had known up to now was stage fright, but this was not theater or make believe. This was real. How real? We shall find out when I return with act two. Suspicion is no friend to virtue. Suspicion is an enemy to happiness. So goes the old saying. And so it was in the Telford mansion between the two women living there. Had billionaire Walter Telford died fairly foully of known or unknown causes.
Of those who survived him, which was the cat, which was the mouse?
[00:15:26] Unknown:
I would lie in bed night after night, hoping sleep would come, but it didn't. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday in a dreaded pattern. I'd get up, wander about the house at night, and end up in Walter's study, straightening the books. The model airplanes are the real ones he built. The model oil derricks. Miniature sets of the movies he'd made. Symbols of all his enterprises. This night, I was particularly keyed up. I had to talk to someone. Arthur was the only one I could think of. Doctor Cutter here. Arthur? Yeah. You Madge?
[00:16:03] Unknown:
Yes. Do you know what time it is?
[00:16:07] Unknown:
I couldn't help it.
[00:16:08] Unknown:
Something's going on here. Well, what is it? Harriet.
[00:16:13] Unknown:
She's at me in this most peculiar fashion. It's hard to explain. As though as though I personally had had a hand in Walter's death.
[00:16:24] Unknown:
I see. But what does she say? Well, for one thing, she wants more money. Much more. So don't give it to her.
[00:16:32] Unknown:
There are other cooks, you know. It's not that simple.
[00:16:36] Unknown:
What can I do? Arthur, you're the only man I can turn to. Yes. Well, leave it to me, Midge. You mean I said leave it to me.
[00:16:45] Unknown:
Now hang up and come to see me tomorrow at four in the office.
[00:16:53] Unknown:
Hello, John. Last night I had a call from missus Telford. It seems their cook, Harriet, has been making demands implying she knows something and I just wanted to be sure where the boys stood. There was absolutely nothing strange about how Walter died, a clear, definable case. She is imagining that her cook is an enemy. Absolutely not. So far as there being any possibility of foul play, forget it. Walter Telford died of natural disease causes. I'll stake my reputation on it.
[00:17:34] Unknown:
Good morning, dear. In for a walk? In the garden, Harry. What would you like for dinner tonight? I'd plan to have a nice casserole, the one with lentils and beef. Mister Telford's favorite. I'm not very hungry today. I think I'll take the car and go for a drive.
[00:17:48] Unknown:
I need some fresh air. Besides, I have an appointment in town. Well, now that's a good idea. Work up an appetite.
[00:17:55] Unknown:
Oh, a message came for you while you were in the garden. Would you please call the Heavenly Rest Crematorium? This is the number they gave me. Thank you, Harriet. Are you alright?
[00:18:07] Unknown:
You seem a little down. I'm fine.
[00:18:09] Unknown:
Well, I have lots to do. Don't forget to call. Have a nice drive.
[00:18:25] Unknown:
Heavenly Rest Crematorium.
[00:18:27] Unknown:
This is missus Telford. Somebody called me earlier.
[00:18:30] Unknown:
Oh, yes. It was I, mister Fisher. Yes?
[00:18:34] Unknown:
About your husband, missus Telford. Oh, yes. I I was planning to pick up the ashes just as soon as I got around to it. It's, well, you know, I have a funny feeling about it and I'm afraid that's the difficulty, missus Telford.
[00:18:47] Unknown:
But it's no problem if you aren't in any hurry. What do you mean? I regret to say there's been a strike and so we haven't been able to, process, mister Telford yet. But everything will be in order in a few days. However, I thought I should let you know.
[00:19:08] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:19:10] Unknown:
Yes. I I understand. A few days. A week at the most, and everything will be in order. I can assure you.
[00:19:19] Unknown:
A few days? A week at the most? Walter was still not what if someone should want an autopsy? What what would I say? Jack or Fred or the other Magnum board member? Of course, Arthur would stop them. He signed the death certificate, his word. Besides, who could do that without my permission? Unless there was some suspicion of, of, it was narrowing down to Harriet and me. I had to act. Now, first thing, to discredit whatever she might say. I called Arthur's office and said I was too sick to keep my appointment at four. I started eating nothing but toast, a few potatoes for dinner.
I began to take a few grains of arsenic at a time. I had to make it believable she was the prisoner and I was the next intended victim.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
What is it, dear? Three days now and you've hardly touched your food. And what are you doing still in bed? I
[00:20:23] Unknown:
I really feel terrible. What's gotten into you? I don't know. I could be here. Who knows? Emotional shock of suddenly losing my husband. Oh. You expect me to believe that? I don't care what you believe. You've been taking a great many liberties lately, Harriet, and it aggravates me. Oh, I have, have I? It's perfectly true that at one time we were close. And if it hadn't been for my regard for you, I wouldn't be paying you the exorbitant wages you're getting. I've decided I want more. Don't interrupt me. When I married Walter, you were so grateful to get out of the theatrical rat race. You fell all over yourself. You were so happy I arranged for you to take over our kitchen, and you did fine. I'm not saying you didn't.
But since we came back from Africa, since the tragedy, I don't understand your behavior at all. And what I'm saying, Harriet, is cut it out. I don't like it. I'm not going to stand for any attempted blackmail. Should I applaud now?
[00:21:23] Unknown:
Not a very good scene, dear. You didn't play it very convincingly. You're bluffing and old Harriet isn't being taken in one bit.
[00:21:33] Unknown:
Get me. Get me the the doubt doctor Carter for me. Give me. Hand it hand it to me.
[00:21:50] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:21:51] Unknown:
This is
[00:21:53] Unknown:
oh, Hello? Hello? Harriet,
[00:21:58] Unknown:
tell him I'm in great pain. Hello? Have him have him come over here. Hello?
[00:22:04] Unknown:
Hello, doctor? Yes. Mister, missus Telford. She says she's not feeling well. I'm in terrible pain. She says she's in bad pain. Well, where is she in pain, Harriet? He wants to know where. Where? Where?
[00:22:17] Unknown:
Do I have to talk to him myself?
[00:22:19] Unknown:
Tell her I'm on my way to the hospital and take it easy. I'll stop by. Alright, doctor. I'll tell her. Thank you.
[00:22:27] Unknown:
He says he'll stop by on his way to the hospital and to take it easy. Of course, if I were the doctor that is not what I would say. Oh, no.
[00:22:36] Unknown:
What would that be?
[00:22:37] Unknown:
I'd say Madge, dear. What an act.
[00:22:45] Unknown:
And but what is it after? I can't begin to describe it.
[00:22:49] Unknown:
I feel like this.
[00:22:51] Unknown:
There's nothing wrong with you, Madge. Nothing at all. Probably picked up some intestinal bug. Oh, by the way, I am sorry I was so short with you when you called the other night. It's just that Cecile has always been jealous of you. I'm sorry.
[00:23:08] Unknown:
I couldn't help it. I was frightened. Why do I have this awful wrenching inside me now.
[00:23:15] Unknown:
I'm sorry. So it's not your fault. But Cecile has made me promise to shut off the telephone after midnight so the service will pick up and that's that.
[00:23:27] Unknown:
Is that you outside the door, Harriet?
[00:23:30] Unknown:
She's eyeing on me every minute. Harriet.
[00:23:33] Unknown:
Harriet, will you please come in?
[00:23:36] Unknown:
You called?
[00:23:38] Unknown:
If you are listening outside the door, don't. But in case you happen to miss what doctor Carter was saying, it was that he cannot be reached anymore on the telephone at night. I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about, missus Telford. Do you see Arthur? That's what I have to put up with. She's always there when I least expect her. I feel her waiting, watching everywhere.
[00:24:01] Unknown:
It's nerves, Madge. And you're entitled to them. Let me know what you've been through. Now look look. You stay quiet and remain in bed for a few days and eat lightly.
[00:24:13] Unknown:
I can't keep anything down.
[00:24:16] Unknown:
Crackers and tea then or beef consomme. I did talk to Harriet a few days ago as I said I would. I asked her what she was doing. She said she hasn't behaved any differently toward you from way back when she took care of you backstage. I don't wanna talk about her
[00:24:33] Unknown:
often. Do you know how sweet you were? Did I ever tell you? You were so wonderful to me in those last hours.
[00:24:40] Unknown:
Well, it isn't easy for a wife to watch your husband slipping away. You made it bearable, Arthur. Taking care of all those ghastly details so efficiently. Oh, it wasn't much. A certificate to sign and then have, well,
[00:24:55] Unknown:
the body removed. I shall never forget, ever, how you helped. Isn't it strange when you think about it that Walter and I should have the same pain
[00:25:09] Unknown:
right across here. You have an enormous imagination, my dear. I don't think so. Come here.
[00:25:14] Unknown:
Come closer. You see that bouillon in that cup? Yeah. I had a little about half of it. Half of it. It. It tastes funny. Funny? Take it with you. Were you would you have it analyzed?
[00:25:30] Unknown:
Whatever for? Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were still here, doctor. Here, missus Tilford. Let me plump up that pillow. Oh, oh my goodness. Oh, nice, Brilliant. How careless of me. Well, I'll get a dustpan and clear up that mess right away and then
[00:25:45] Unknown:
go make you some more.
[00:25:51] Unknown:
And how is our patient today? Oh, good morning, Harriet. After twelve. You slept very well, didn't you? After twelve? I can't believe it. A call came for you while you were asleep. I didn't wanna disturb you, so they left a message. Who, who was that? Mister Fisher from the crematorium. It seems they're still on strike, and he wondered if you wish to make any other disposition of mister Telford.
[00:26:18] Unknown:
Oh, I, I, I don't know.
[00:26:22] Unknown:
I always wondered why you wanted him cremated so quickly. It was his wish. Pity. Doesn't look as though he's going to get his wish. Did I ever tell you I had a very interesting visit last week from a Sister Therese of the African Hospital, I think she said. Sister Therese here in Beverly Hills. She was very concerned about Mr. Telford. She took care of him out there. He said he'd contracted a kind of jungle disease. We know that, Harriet. It occurred to me now that Mr. Telford's body is still, how should I say, intact.
Perhaps you'd be doing science a great favor to let it be examined. Think how much they could learn from what he had. Since when are you so interested in medical science? Well, I have a brother in San Francisco who's a medical research doctor. He'd be fascinated to find out something about jungle diseases. I was thinking I might drive up and bring him down. I absolutely forbid it. Well, now aren't you being selfish? Just supposing if mister Telford were examined, not by doctor Cotter and the old bogeys he brought in, the cause of his death turned out to be something different. Maybe not a jungle disease.
Now do you see why I'm worth even more than I'm getting now? I've got all these good ideas. Harriet, will you please leave the room? I'm in no state to argue with you. My hands are perspiring.
[00:27:49] Unknown:
My feet are icy. I just wanna be let alone. I'm only saying if. If, if, if, if, if and ands with pots and pans, there'd be no need of tinkers.
[00:28:01] Unknown:
Oh, that's from Saint Joan, isn't it? I remember you saying those lines when you played the part. You weren't it all bad. Didn't you do it with, French accent? I I did mention to you, didn't I, a sister Therese with a French accent came by and tried to tell me mister Telford died of this African disease. Something very familiar about her.
[00:28:36] Unknown:
In police language, murder one is the intent to cause the death of another person. Murder one is also the result of the intent to cause suicide by force, duress, or deception surely we have some of those ingredients here are there more? It did not surprise me in the least So let us find out when I return with act three. Once upon a time, there was a billionaire whose empire ranged from oil fields to art museums. He was Walter Telford. He was a difficult man to work for, demanding complete loyalty. His sense of humor was grizzly, to say the least, by calling his private plane the murder one.
Unfortunately, fate sometimes plays its own little jokes, and murder one is one of them.
[00:29:42] Unknown:
It is surprising how much arsenic the human body can tolerate. Not that I feel tipped up, but I have been gradually taking more and more so that when I get Arthur to examine me and he will he will discover it. And how can Arthur help but conclude that someone is trying to poison me? Who else could it be but Harriet? That is the game of suspicion and death. And tonight, I play my final hand. Help. Help. Help me. Where is she? Why doesn't she come? Harriet, please.
[00:30:23] Unknown:
What is it? What is the matter? It's after midnight. I'm
[00:30:27] Unknown:
I'm dying. Get talk to Connor. Get him.
[00:30:30] Unknown:
Alright. I'll call him. Where is the telephone?
[00:30:32] Unknown:
That's no use. You hit him yourself. He shuts the phone off at night. Go to his house. Harriet, you know where he is. Take your car and go right away. Now in this weather Harriet, if I die, you won't get anything. Not 1p. It all goes to the Magna Corporation, all of it. Understand? I don't know what you're talking about.
[00:30:55] Unknown:
Alright. I'll go. I only hope you're as thick as you make out. You
[00:31:00] Unknown:
better hope I'm not. Where did I put it? Why do I keep forgetting things? Something seems to be holding me back. It's it's such an hazard to move, to remember. Where is the arsenic? Here. Under that pillow. Stupid of it. Wait. Wait. Wait.
[00:31:26] Unknown:
Wait. There's no power yet done all.
[00:31:30] Unknown:
Why do I feel so giddy? Maybe I have been dosing myself for too much. It seems to me I I used much less before, but I had to have enough in my stomach so that oh, good. She'd left the door open. No. No. That's not where to hide it. In the bureau. I can't see. Why don't the lights work? The switch. Where is it? Here. Hide it under the clothes way in the back. Can't get it shut. That's alright. Now get back to bed. Oh, I'm really damn sure when at all. So dizzy. Then when Arthur comes, I'll tell him I suspect I'm being poisoned.
Like Walter, he'll figure it out. He always does as I say, old Arthur. The way he just up and signed the death certificate just on my say so. What is it? Oh, I must have been asleep. What time is it? Bedside clock. Two. Two o'clock. Where is she? Harriet. She's not here. How could it take two hours? Arthur would have come back with it right away. Maybe she was in an accident. That could be an accident. Oh, oh, it's so so busy. The phone, where is it? I can hardly see. Yes. Hello. Hello. Missus Telford? This is missus Telford. Yes.
[00:33:13] Unknown:
Missus Telford, this is mister Fisher. Yes. Yes. What? Well, I'm sorry to call you so late, but I just got back from San Francisco at a medical research meeting. And I went round locking up and and I couldn't find mister Telford's body. You didn't have it removed by any chance, did you? It's nowhere on the premises. Mister Telford's body has disappeared. No. No. No. No.
[00:33:49] Unknown:
Something is closing on me. Get a hold of myself. Think clearly. Harriet is not here. Therefore, Harriet is in an accident. What do I have to do now? What do I have to do? Yes. Take my car and drive to Athens. Get dressed. It's raining so bad. Nope. No. No. No. That would be wrong. Put my robe on over my vagina. No. Sit. Bare feet. Glad you see the robe. So Good to have you see the road. So cold in car. What's wrong with the heater? Gotta get to houses. Turn here. It's cold. There's someone out there. Someone in the road waving.
Get out of the way, you idiot. I'm fine. Fine. Alright. Everyone. What's that over there? Something moving. Help me. Help me, please. Over here, help me. Harriet, is that you? Who are you? I can't see someone bending over me.
[00:35:32] Unknown:
What's the matter with you, Arthur?
[00:35:34] Unknown:
It is a rotten idea. I think we've gone too far. Oh, slot. Do you have a front door key, Harriet? Of course, I have. Madge? Madge? It's me, Arthur. I'll go upstairs. You check all the rooms down here. We've got to find her. She's not in her bedroom. Not downstairs either. Did you look in your room? My room? Why would she be in there? Well, you do as I say. Go look. Alright. Alright.
[00:36:11] Unknown:
Stupid.
[00:36:14] Unknown:
Stupid. Oh, because I thought Madge had made a fool of me getting me to sign that death certificate without a a feeling something was wrong with my diagnosis of Walter's death,
[00:36:28] Unknown:
but I never thought it could be poison. Well, she's not there, but my room is a shambles. Clothes all over the place, drawers pulled out like a cyclone hit it. And look. I want I want you to see what I found. Alright. This powder, it's not mine. I swear it.
[00:36:45] Unknown:
Good lord. What do we do? Where is she? I'm responsible. I am responsible.
[00:36:52] Unknown:
Check Check the garage, will you, Harry? See if her car is there. It isn't. I remember now seeing the garage was empty as we drove up. What are you doing? Calling the cops.
[00:37:03] Unknown:
Hello. Hello. Police, this is doctor Connor. One of my patients may be driving around the Hollywood Hills. Yes. She's in no condition to drive. I want you to search Beverly Glen, Coldwater, that whole area. It's missus Walter Telford. Yes. That missus Walter Telford. Brad says she left here about an hour ago, and I'm afraid she isn't competent to drive. No. I don't know. Wait a minute. Hold on. Why would she have gone out tonight? Of course. She was going to my place. She was here waiting and I called her pretending to be Fisher. I I didn't show up here.
Sergeant, send your men first along Mulholland Drive. Yep. Call me. I'll wait here. The number's 555-8601. Soon as you find out anything. Thank you. It's gone too far, Harriet. Too far. Now this This is Sector 6 Edward, the central. We picked up female on Mulholland And Beverly Glen Unconscious. Thrown from car with two wrecked. What is it? Where am I? What are you taking me long term? Ma'am, you just sit back there easy and wrap that blanket around your arm. Put that on me. You aren't Walter. No, ma'am. I'm petroleum burns. You keep quiet now, and we'll have you in the hospital in no time. My name
[00:38:37] Unknown:
is Madge Telford.
[00:38:40] Unknown:
Is that missus Walter Telford? Miss
[00:38:43] Unknown:
Walt Telford.
[00:38:46] Unknown:
Sex Edward De Central. Female has regained consciousness and identifies self as missus Walter Telford. Arsenic.
[00:38:56] Unknown:
She was poisoning me like she did Walter. And this food, spicy food.
[00:39:05] Unknown:
What time is
[00:39:06] Unknown:
it? A, a little after seven, missus Telford. Seven? Yeah. In the morning? Yes, ma'am. In the morning. I've been out there
[00:39:16] Unknown:
all night.
[00:39:22] Unknown:
How is she?
[00:39:23] Unknown:
Not responding.
[00:39:25] Unknown:
I had no idea all this. Can she get better?
[00:39:30] Unknown:
Too soon to say.
[00:39:31] Unknown:
Can't make up where I am. Right in front of me. White sheets. Sunny hide bed. The white bar. People standing over me. I have so cold chains, heavy heavy chains across my chest. Sleeping now so tired. Coldest sleep now.
[00:39:58] Unknown:
I don't know if she can pull out of this. She lost a great deal of blood. But you know what she did. She killed I'm still a doctor. A lifetime of money as a member of Magna doesn't. It can't stop my being a doctor. She brought it all on herself. I'm not out of my head to have listened to you. I only wanted to frighten her because she made such a fool of me.
[00:40:23] Unknown:
You were more convincing as mister Fisher than she was as sister what's her name. I can tell you that.
[00:40:32] Unknown:
That's funny. Let's hide. She won't have anything now. There's Arthur. He won't die then. I can see them performing the autopsy, finding all that arsenic in me. No one will believe I could have done it to myself. Do you mean to tell me, doctor Connor, you didn't know? Ask Nick Poisoning. Murder one. That's the charge. All I'm sorry about is I won't be around to have the last.
[00:41:35] Unknown:
We have seen how fear follows crime and is its punishment. We have seen the hand of fate upset the plans of man and deal out its own brand of justice. What happened to Madge Telford? What happened to doctor Arthur Carter? Harriet? We'll find out in a very few minutes. One hour after having been admitted to the hospital, Madge Telford died like her husband. From a combination of death dealing blows, from arsenic poisoning to a crushed body, even a destroyed mind. Harriet was absolved of complicity, but her dreams of untold wealth came to nothing. Arthur Carter has been suspended from the roster of doctors, expelled from Magna, and today awaits indictment.
Perhaps it is true. Society prepares the crime. The criminal commits it. Our cast included Tammy Grimes, Terry Keen, and Leon Janney. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now
[00:42:57] Unknown:
a preview of our next tale. I thought teaching jobs was scarce. No. Martha Barley, who was dean of women when I well, anyway, now she's president of the university in honor.
[00:43:11] Unknown:
So you've had this all planned.
[00:43:14] Unknown:
Planned? You are gonna support me. You supported me all the time we've been married. Good lord. It's worse than I thought.
[00:43:22] Unknown:
You're in on it too. In on what? The plot. Don't ask me what plot. I will. The plot to take over.
[00:43:29] Unknown:
Oh, Tommy, you are not well. First, strip them of their jobs. Second, rob them of their manhood. I'm gonna call a doctor. A woman doctor, no doubt. Tom, you've always liked
[00:43:39] Unknown:
Ursula Cardell. And third, destroy their sanity. Oh no. No, Helen. It won't work because I'm gonna fight back. We're all gonna fight back.
[00:43:50] Unknown:
This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dreams.
[00:44:39] Unknown:
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