In this gripping episode of Radio Mystery Theater, host EG Marshall takes us back to the post-Civil War era, where fortunes were made and secrets were kept. The story unfolds in Denver during the 1880s, focusing on two prosperous men, Jade Wanamaker and Herbert Beale, whose lives are turned upside down by the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Ben Thompson. Thompson, seeking revenge for past wrongs, confronts these men with their deepest fears and darkest secrets. As the tale of deceit, betrayal, and retribution unfolds, listeners are drawn into a world where the past refuses to stay buried, and the consequences of one's actions can be deadly.
Through a series of tense encounters, Thompson's quest for vengeance reveals the true cost of greed and betrayal. As the story progresses, the listener is left to ponder the philosophical questions of justice, redemption, and the human capacity for forgiveness. With a haunting narrative and a suspenseful plot, this episode challenges the notion of whether the punishment truly fits the crime and explores the depths of human emotion and morality. Join us as we delve into a tale where the past and present collide, and the pursuit of revenge leads to unexpected revelations.
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Unknown:
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Yes. Radio Mystery Theater presents
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Come in.
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Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. Wherever there is money to be made, there are secrets to be kept. No. That's not a famous quote. But for all the truth it contains, it might as well be. Money was made in undreamed of quantities by a handful of men in this country in the years following the civil war. They were called the captains of industry. But even the most respected of these pillars of society had a skeleton or two in their closets, they would have paid half their fortunes not to see exposed. But there are some skeletons that just don't seem to understand the value of money.
Great Jesus, ghost. It's you.
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It's been a long time, Jade.
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Go. Go away. Leave me alone.
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You robbed me once of something. Something you can never give me back. Go ahead.
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Then what are you going to want?
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Our mystery drama, Revenge, was written especially True Value Hardware Stores. I'll be back shortly with act one. Denver in the eighteen eighties was a prosperous town, and two of its most prosperous citizens were Jade Wanamaker and Herbert Beale. Two more different men would be hard to find. Jade was a quiet domestic man. Herbert was a hard drinking bachelor addicted to his nightly poker games. No. Except for their wealth, the townsfolk said these two were as different as night and day. But they did have something in common. And one afternoon, he rode into town.
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Are you cabin Mary? That's right, stranger.
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What can I do for you? You own this dive? What are you calling a dive? I asked for the most degraded lowlife hangout in the Tenderloin District, and they sent me here. Now listen, mister. Fancy clothes I know you're gonna get carried out of here feet first. What do you want?
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I want to buy it.
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What?
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Lock, stock, and barrel. Say what is this? Name your price, and I'll pay you double.
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What are you? A reformer?
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No. I don't want anything changed. Only meet one condition, and I'll give you this.
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$10,000. What's the condition?
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I want one room upstairs kept vacant for when I need it. For $10,000? When I've done what I've come to do, money won't be of any use to me. Party, stranger. Morning, sheriff. I am looking for Jade Wanamaker and Herbert Field.
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Well, Herb, I reckon you'd find any night over at the Silver Dollar Saloon, but, Jade, he don't go out, my poor fellow.
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Why do you say that? On part of his wife. Is her name Esther? Yeah.
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Say she was a great beauty once. Once. Why? What happened? Oh, sad how people change. She's not only grown ugly, but turned shrewish to boot. Hasn't been out of their mansion for years. Why? Do you know her? No.
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I don't think so. Where can I find Jade Wanamaker? Well,
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he goes over to Clint McFarlane's barbershop every morning for a shave. Thank you, sir. Much obliged.
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Good morning, mister Wanamaker. Morning, Flam.
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Got your mug all phoned up, sir. Have a seat. Thank you. Any more news about that stranger? The one who bought up cabin Mary Saloon down the Tenderloin? What goes on down there don't interest me, none. They say he's got it in for some. Probably some gambler, a two bit hustler.
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Oh, I don't know. He seems like a real gentleman.
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Come in here yesterday for shave. Uh-huh. Right after you left, as a matter of fact. Tipped real good too. Strange looking person, though. There's something not quite right about him. How's that? Well, he he has the most piercing green eyes they ever seen inside a human skull.
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Green? You say green eyes? Yeah.
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Burn a hole right through you. Oh, the the hole's still, mister Wanamaker. This razor's sharp. He didn't, by any chance, did he walk with a limp? Well, yes. He did. Which leg? Oh, I can't remember. Which leg? His left? Yeah. Don't tell me you know him, mister Wanamaker. I knew such a man once. Probably just a coincidence. Hello, Jade. What? You killed little mister Wanamaker. The razor. You cut yourself, Jade.
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That was careless. Let me get a towel. No.
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I I got to go. You didn't used to be so careless, Jade. Stay away from me. Why are you following me? Oh, surely you're not begrudging an old friend, the pleasure of your company.
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Will you lay a hand on me, and I'll call the sheriff? I don't think I need to touch you, James. I paid for what I did.
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Believe me, I paid. You haven't paid enough. Well, what do you want?
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What do you want from me? Money?
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That's not what you stole from me.
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What then? Tell me.
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I don't know. I'm just here to collect, Jade. How you want to pay me is up to you.
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This is my gate. This is my house. You follow me in, and I will have you arrested. But trespass.
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I won't follow you in, Jade, but I'll be waiting. And whenever you leave your house, I'll be waiting to follow you wherever you go. Fine. For how long? Until you pay. No.
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Gee. What's the matter? You look like I've seen a ghost. No. I said I didn't see any. What's it? The bleeding? Oh, you sanctimonious old hypocrite. Did someone slit your throat at last? It's nothing. I accidents at the barbershop. Why are you looking out the window? No, Esther. Who's out there? Don't look.
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Him. Yeah. It's him. He's come back to haunt me. To
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to haunt me too. It's what you deserve. What we both deserve. Why?
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Mister Mann pay for the rest of his life for a single crime committed in the folly of his youth? Haven't you punished me enough for thirty two years?
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What I did, I did because I loved you, Esther. You lied to me, Jade. You lied to me, and I told myself I believed you. I followed you instead of my heart, and the ugliness of my choice has shown ever since in my face like like a mask I can't remove.
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He's still there. Esther, you
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must go out to speak to him. No. It it's you he wants. He he don't? He as much told me so. He'll listen to you and leave us in peace. Esther, please, please. I'm feeling pain.
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Would you see me
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die? No. But but I I can't go out to him. Why not? I couldn't bear to have him see me as I am now. Please, Esther. I'll give you your freedom. Jade, years ago, I wanted my freedom. It's too late for that now. Well, what are we gonna do? He can't stand out there forever, can he?
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Hello again, stranger. Good day, sir. I see you located, mister Wanamaker. Yep. Well, I got a complaint from him. Says you've been following him. Is it against the law to follow a man? Look here, mister. I wanna know what you're up to. My business is with Jade Wanamaker. Now you give me a straight answer, and I'm running you in.
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Very well. I'm here to take revenge on three people who have robbed me of life's three most precious possessions.
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Revenge is against the law, stranger, and I'm putting a stop to this right now. Mister Wanamaker is a respected citizen, and no one's got any call to bear him a grudge.
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You're under arrest. What crime am I committing, sheriff? Well,
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well, you're in a public street. Now streets is for horses and vehicles. Section one zero three is the public code. Very well.
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If you'll permit me five minutes, I believe I can satisfy the law. Well,
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see mister Wanamaker and find out what this is all about. I don't want you standing here when I return.
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Oh, sure. Did you arrest him yesterday? No.
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Well, why not? He's been following me since yesterday morning. A man following another man around isn't a crime, mister Wondemaker. Well, he can't stay out there in the street. Just a public thoroughfare. I've given him five minutes to get off the street. If he's not, I'll arrest him. Pa, did you hear that, Esther? We're saved.
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What? What's that? Look. Coming up the street. Oh, good lord. Oh, no. It's it's not hers. Sure.
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Well, well, what can I do? The law says you gotta have a vehicle that don't say what kind. Mister Wanamaker,
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Let me see my bear.
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Get me out of this sight.
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Hey, mister Wanamaker. Hey, mister Wanamaker. Can you hear me? Yes. Now what is it between you and that man?
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I can't tell you. Why not, Jane? Go ahead.
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You press a charge, mister Wanamaker, and I'll arrest him, but I can't do it without a charge. But there's your chance, Jane. Go ahead.
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Press charges like you did before. I I I can't. Don't tell me you're getting soft in your old age. Missus Wanamaker,
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do you know that man? I I did once, sheriff. Well, I think you better go out and speak to him. Why not?
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He he mustn't see me yet
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because I have no Well, it's either that or by widow's wheeze, missus Wanamaker. It's It's up to
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you. Hello, Ben.
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Howdy, ma'am.
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Don't you recognize me?
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Esther?
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Yes. It's me.
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I'm sorry.
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I didn't mean to sound shocked. Oh, I know the years have not been kind to me.
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They might have
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been. I know. You've got your revenge, Ben. Jade has had a stroke. Oh. But it's me you should have punished, not him. I have.
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Man and wife are one flesh, one body. He's not a bad person then.
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He confessed to me years ago that the robbery charge on which he had you jailed to get you out of the way
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was false. I should have thought you'd have had more faith in me, Esther. We were engaged. I know. I was poor then and you wanted wealth. Well, I'm rich now, Esther. Far richer than Jade Wanamaker will ever be. It wasn't only money.
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When I thought you were a thief as well. I loved you.
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I've never loved anyone since. Oh, I'm sure that's not true. It it it's in the past now. Oh, please, Ben. I I don't want Jade to die. I've never given him a moment's happiness. He will die,
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and then you'll have his fortune. That's what you wanted, isn't it?
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You've changed. You're not the man I knew, Ben Thompson. You've become evil. That purse suits you. Your heart has turned to stone. Oh, I've been wrong all these years. We never could have been happy to get
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escape.
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Oh, oh, Dana. I could have loved you.
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The hearse is yours. Best time.
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The Bible says that when Christ came down to earth with the offer of heavenly redemption, he crushed the head of the serpent who first tempted us. With Christ's offer, hardness of the heart was no longer forgivable, yet there are still those among us whose hearts are so hardened by the bitterness of experience that they are beyond the reach of grace. Is Ben Thompson such a man? Who are the two remaining victims on his list, and what were the precious gifts of life of which they deprived him? And what about that room at Cabin Mary's? We'll find out when I return with act two.
How much punishment does a man deserve for his crimes? Must he pay as Jade Wanamaker did with his life? Did Jade's punishment fit his crime? We're tempted to say it was excessive, but how can we measure the effect of his actions on Ben Thompson? However, these are philosophical questions. There's no time to contemplate them now, for Ben Thompson is about to mark his second victim. But Herbert Beale is going to prove a much tougher customer than poor old Jade Wanamaker. I'll see that 500 Maxi and raise you another.
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What you got? Three jacks, Jade. Four hours. Ten high. Well, I think that does it for the rest of us. Oh, come on. You gonna dessert me when the luck's going my way. Let's have another bottle. Homies. Whiskey. It's all very well for you to drink and play cards at all hours of the night. You ain't got a messes and family to answer to. Hey, boys. Don't leave without me. What's tomorrow, Maxie?
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You afraid of that stranger that claimed killed Jade Wallmaker?
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Well, he did kill him. Herb sure isn't sitting here. And the sheriff didn't do a darn thing about it. If Jade was so weak he let someone scare him to death, then I figured he got what he deserved. They say he's got two more people on his list. Well, I know for a fact I ain't one of them. Oh, come on. Let's play one more hand. Now where's the whiskey? Here it is, Herb. Well, I'll
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be. Ben Thompson.
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Don't tell me you're the one causing all this troubling down. You didn't know each other?
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From a long time ago. Isn't that right, Herb? I never expected to see you again. No. I don't guess you did. Not after you robbed me of every ounce of gold I'd taken off my claim and left me in the gutters of San Francisco. No. Please, Ben. Don't break my heart when I'm trying to concentrate.
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You care to join us, mister Thompson?
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I'm not here to play cards.
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You ain't gonna tail me the way you tail old Jade Wanmaker, are you? No, Herb.
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I'd like to make you a little wager.
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You wanna win back the 10,000 I stole from you? No.
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I want you to give it back to me.
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Ben Thompson, you was always soft, man.
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And I'm willing to wager that you will offer Duso. Oh, voluntarily?
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That's a sucker's bet, Ben.
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How much are you worth, Herb? Financially, that is. Oh,
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quarter of a million, give or take. Why? That's all.
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Now put up twice that for my own fortune.
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Then I will voluntarily offer to repay you $10,000. What's the catch? No catch. That's some debt, Herb.
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You're not afraid, are you? How do I know you got this kind of dough? Here's my receipt from the Grand Hotel. I've got close to a million dollars deposited in their vault.
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And you're giving me 2 to 1 odd. On your entire fortune. You got yourself a bet. But we got witnesses.
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And high rolling gamblers like yourselves live by their word, Well, there's some honor amongst thieves, even high class thieves.
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Now if you'll excuse me, we'd like to get on with our game.
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What are you going to use for stakes, Herb?
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Are you kidding?
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I've been winning all night. But you just tied that up. Why? You just tied up your entire fortune. And until our debt settles, everything you own is frozen. Well,
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let's set a time limit to this. Too late, Herb. Why, you lowdown.
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Living without money was always a fate worse than death for you, Herb. And until our debt is settled, you can't gamble. You can't even buy a drink unless someone else pays for it. But then it never was beneath your pride to take charity, was it, Herb?
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But if I pay you the 10,000, I lose my bet. I lose my fortune.
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That's right. And we've got witnesses.
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I've got to get rid of him. I don't give a hang about my word of honor. If the rats wanna leave the sinking ship, fine. I'll take care of matters myself. Survive for the fittest. Ben Thompson must die, and I think I know just the man for the job.
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Good morning, mister Thompson. Good morning, Clem. Come for my morning shave.
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Yes, mister Thompson. There's there's no one else here. You're always the first one. Here's step right up.
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So how are things? So far, everything's going just as I planned. You got mister Beale cornered? Oh, no. Not by a long shot. In fact, I've got no idea what the next move is. I don't think you'll have to worry about that. I'm not. With someone like that, the thing is to get them off guard and then let them take the next step. That's a good idea. It's an old oriental principle. Force your enemy to attack and use his energy against him. Mhmm. How did you know it was Herbert Beale I was after?
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News travels.
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Sit still, mister Thompson. You're holding me mighty tight, Clem. It's just this one little spot on your neck, sir, that's hard to get. You're choking me. I'm sorry, mister Thompson, but I gotta do this. You just hold still. Oh, sheriff. Good morning. Hello, clam.
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Missus says it's time to get my haircut. Sheriff. Oh, boy. You miss Thompson. So now you're after Herbert Beale. Sheriff. Mister Thompson, please. He's only got one weakness, that man.
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Superstitious. Hey. What are you gonna say?
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Nothing. Nothing. Go on, please. It comes from all that gambling, I guess. He always sits to the right of the door when he plays poker. He's afraid of the left
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left of anything, and he believes in luck. Does he believe in ghosts? Ghosts?
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I don't know. Yeah. That is him. Thank you, sheriff. I think that's just what I'll do. Yeah. Okay, man. I think I'll come back later. And mister Thompson, don't think I'm taking my eyes off you for a minute. One false step and you're behind bars. Thanks for not saying anything, mister Thompson. I I'm sorry. How much is he paying you, Clem? Ten thousand. But he said it was to protect his life, that you were gonna kill him. I am. And you're going to help me. Oh, no, mister Thompson. Please. I've had enough. Do you want me to call the sheriff back? No. No. No. No. Alright. Alright.
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What do you want me to do? Could you recommend a good butcher shop? What? I'm in the mood for some rare steak clam. Blood rare.
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Well, there's Kiva's place just at the street. I'll be right back.
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Meantime, you'd better close yourself. But it's early morning. We've got a long day ahead of us. That's going to start with a visit to mister
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Beal.
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Mister Beal? William, what you doing here? I've come for my money. I told you to wait for nightfall. I said I'd contact you. I did what you asked me to, mister Beard. Not so bad. Come inside. I want my money. Not so fast. Where's the body? Outside town in a ravine up the canyon off the Edgeware Road. You take me to see you've done your work properly, then we'll discuss money. Looks like you did a good job, ma'am.
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You wanna go down, have a closer look?
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I can see well enough from here. Well, Ben Thompson, you're dead at last. And I'm free at last. I believe I owe you some money, Clam. Let's go back to town. Money is the only reliable currency between human beings' claim. There you go. $10,000.
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Have you forgotten our pet, her what? Who That money is not yours to pay out.
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Ben, what you doing here? I saw you there not one hour ago. Who you talking to, mister Ville? What? Well, don't you see him? See who? Ben Thompson. He's standing right there.
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I don't see anyone, mister Beale.
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I just want my money. If you pay him, you forfeit our waiter, Herb. And if you forfeit the wager, you lose your fortune. Say, what is this?
[00:27:05] Unknown:
What you two are trying to pull? If this is some kind of joke to Welch on our agreement, I won't stand for it, mister Biel. Graham, put that gun down. I want my money. Oh, I get it. You two are in cahoots. Did you really think you could scare me?
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Give me that goddamn wait a minute, mister Thomas. Stop. It was only a trick. Clem. Clem, you alright?
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Clem. I didn't mean to.
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He's dead.
[00:27:42] Unknown:
It's your fault, man. It was your finger that pulled the trigger.
[00:27:47] Unknown:
Get rid of it.
[00:27:50] Unknown:
You're no ghost.
[00:27:52] Unknown:
What in tarnation were you trying to prove with a crazy stunt like that? You're a gambler.
[00:27:58] Unknown:
Gamblers are superstitions.
[00:28:00] Unknown:
Well, you're crazy if you thought you could scare me to death. I don't believe in ghosts. I don't believe in nothing I can't see with my own eyes. Yeah.
[00:28:10] Unknown:
Like Clem MacFarlane there.
[00:28:13] Unknown:
We thought I'd get him out of here. Oui?
[00:28:16] Unknown:
I came here for revenge, Herb. This isn't quite how I planned it, but it does save me the trouble of killing you myself. What are you talking about? I'll be just as happy to see you hanged. What?
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Ben, you
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gotta help me get this body out of here. I can't lift it myself. I helped you once, Herb, but had you forgotten?
[00:28:38] Unknown:
Where you on? The $10,000 I stole from you. Here here here it is. Do you think I care about the money? I'll forfeit the wager, man. You can have it my entire fortune.
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Okay. Don't don't send me to the gallery. I befriended you when you were down and out, when you hadn't a dime or a hope to your name. And I trusted you when no one else would give you the time of day. And you betrayed my faith and my friendship for gold. So take my fortune. You you want it in writing? Yes. Yes. Since when have you valued life more than money? Nobody wants to die, Ben, unless he's a fool.
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Now go on. Take this paper and promise me you'll keep silent. Thank you, Herbert.
[00:29:21] Unknown:
Where are you going? This has worked out much better than I could have expected. What? You'll be hearing from the sheriff shortly. You tricked me. You've lost the better.
[00:29:34] Unknown:
Says who? There's no witnesses.
[00:29:37] Unknown:
But I've got it in writing. Where's that gun?
[00:29:41] Unknown:
Alright. Stay right where you are, Ben Thompson. What? You're not going anywhere.
[00:29:50] Unknown:
You want the blood of two people on your hands, Herb.
[00:30:03] Unknown:
I would say that Ben Thompson's days are numbered, but there's been enough bloodshed in this act already. And so I'm sure you'll agree with me that it's time we took a short break while we ponder Ben Thompson's untimely reversal of fortune, to say nothing of the mysterious third victim, who, it would now appear, seems rather safe from the jaws of retribution. But is he? Or she? We'll get on with the proceedings in a few minutes. Mad is the only animal who plays poker, and a good poker player can't afford to be too superstitious, something Ben Thompson should have thought twice about before attempting the foolhardy scheme of trying to frighten Herbert Beale to death.
For when even the best laid plans of men often go astray, what chance have those not so carefully considered? Are you gonna hand over that paper ban? You'll have to take it off me, Herb.
[00:31:17] Unknown:
I'm not that much of a fool. I will, but after your death, it'll be tied here at the sheriff, but I don't mind at all killing you myself. Survival of the fittest.
[00:31:37] Unknown:
Why don't you fall? Maybe you missed her. Try again. What? What's the matter?
[00:31:46] Unknown:
Why aren't you dead? Maybe your eyesight's going.
[00:31:50] Unknown:
I'll come closer. Oh, no. Stay back. Maybe I really am a ghost after all. You hired Clem to kill me, didn't you? Stay back. Keep away from me. Gun's empty, Herb. No. You've lost your bet. You're a ruined man. A man can't lose a bet to a ghost. He can if he's got a witness. A witness? What you mean? Clem, you can get up now.
[00:32:21] Unknown:
Clem, you're alive? Thanks, mister Thompson.
[00:32:25] Unknown:
I was getting mighty uncomfortable on that floor. Yeah. But all that blood Compliments
[00:32:31] Unknown:
of Keever's Butcher Shop, mister Beale, just like mister Thompson's out there in the canyon. But the bullet Blanks. Herb.
[00:32:40] Unknown:
But sometimes blanks work better than the real thing.
[00:32:44] Unknown:
I think I need a drink.
[00:32:46] Unknown:
Don't you think it would be polite to ask your host's permission first?
[00:32:51] Unknown:
What?
[00:32:52] Unknown:
Like I said, Herb, you're a ruined man.
[00:32:56] Unknown:
If you think you can make that stick. I think I can, Herbert.
[00:33:01] Unknown:
A signed document. Of course, if you would like to contest it, you'd better think first whether it's worth going to jail for attempted murder. Mister Thompson. Don't worry, Clem. There's enough evidence to hang my guest twice over without involving you.
[00:33:16] Unknown:
You're a guest?
[00:33:18] Unknown:
A guest in my own home? My home now. You seem to be having trouble accepting that fact. I I wanna drink. I will not have common dirt like you drinking my whiskey. You're?
[00:33:32] Unknown:
Well, I I don't get it. I thought you wanted my life.
[00:33:38] Unknown:
What good is my fortune to you? Money is everything to a man like you, Herb. Without it, you've nothing to live for. So it shouldn't take long, should it?
[00:33:49] Unknown:
Now come on. Where are we going?
[00:33:52] Unknown:
I've arranged a place for you to stay. What what is this place? I think you recognize it. Kevin Majoris?
[00:34:10] Unknown:
Oh, I sure recognize this. I've never been here before in my life. Oh, yes. You have.
[00:34:17] Unknown:
There are places like this in every town in the West, including San Francisco. San Francisco. You remember her? The Gold Fever Saloon. You remember the gang of toughs that were beating up on you just for the sport of it, And how out of common decency I tried to stop this and got a broken jaw for my troubles? I put clothes on your back and money in your pocket and made you my business partner. You took my loyalty for granted.
[00:34:49] Unknown:
Nobody takes Herbert Beal for granted.
[00:34:53] Unknown:
I took you for my friend,
[00:34:55] Unknown:
Herb. Well, howdy, mister Thompson. I was wondering when you'd be back. Hello, Mary. How's business? Better never.
[00:35:03] Unknown:
I brought my guest with me.
[00:35:06] Unknown:
Hey. Isn't this Herbert Deal? No. Please. Let let let me have a drink. Oh, you just better get him upstairs, mister Thompson.
[00:35:13] Unknown:
Everything's ready for you. Just the way you wanted it.
[00:35:21] Unknown:
Here you are, Herb. This is where you're going to live out the little that remains of your wretched life.
[00:35:28] Unknown:
It's filthy. One room.
[00:35:33] Unknown:
I used to have a mansion. But this is where you belong. I dragged you up from thieves and cutthroats, and now I'm throwing you back. What power do you have to keep me here? The only power you respect, money. You haven't a cent. There's nowhere else you can go. I won't live off your charity. Of course you will, Herb. Because just like any other animal, you will do anything to stay alive. I've got my pride. You're nothing but a Skid Row bum. You have nothing. You hear me? I've waited thirty five years for this moment.
[00:36:12] Unknown:
Thirty five years to see you pay. No. I won't pay. I won't,
[00:36:20] Unknown:
and I won't stay here. I'd rather
[00:36:24] Unknown:
sleep in the gut. You're not going anywhere. I brought you here to watch you die. You have no right. I've paid for the privilege of watching you die. No.
[00:36:38] Unknown:
I've paid for my crime now. You got my fortune, but it was yours anyway. It was built on the money I stole from you. And now I'm going out of here, a free man, beholden to no one.
[00:36:59] Unknown:
Stay away from that door, Herb. You'd shoot me down then in cold blood. Stay away from that door. No. I'm gone.
[00:37:16] Unknown:
I win, Ben. I win. I'll pray for your soul, Ben, as one sinner to another.
[00:37:35] Unknown:
Well, mister Thompson, you broke your word. I reckon I did, sheriff. Mhmm.
[00:37:41] Unknown:
I got a trifle impatient. I think it goes without saying that you broke the law as well. You better come along now.
[00:37:49] Unknown:
I'm afraid I can't do that, sheriff. Alright. Mister Thompson, you you better do as he says. I told you I had three people to get. Remember? Herbert Beale here only makes two. There's still one more to go.
[00:38:05] Unknown:
Now
[00:38:07] Unknown:
I've had all I'm going to take from you, mister. You don't understand, sheriff. I have one one more revenge.
[00:38:17] Unknown:
My gun is trained right at your heart, mister Thompson. Now are you coming with me or not? No one can stop this sheriff.
[00:38:26] Unknown:
Not even you. I'm warning you. No. Mister Thompson.
[00:38:32] Unknown:
Mister Thompson. Is he hurt bad? No. I'm sorry, mister Thompson, but you forced me to shoot you. I'll get some bandages. Never mind, Mary. No. No. That that wound's fatal. Mister Thompson, can you still hear me? Yes. Why wouldn't you surrender to me? Why did you think I couldn't stop you? Because the third victim was me. You?
[00:38:59] Unknown:
I don't understand. You can't speak anymore, sheriff. Yes. Yes. I can.
[00:39:05] Unknown:
I want to explain. I came to town to kill three people, the three people who had robbed me of the three most precious possessions life can offer.
[00:39:18] Unknown:
And, first was Jade Wanamaker. He robbed me of love, of happiness.
[00:39:26] Unknown:
In our youth, I was engaged to Esther O'Hara. You mean
[00:39:32] Unknown:
missus Wanamaker?
[00:39:34] Unknown:
But I was still poor then. Jade was already amassing his fortune, but the one thing he wanted was Esther. He had me arrested on false charges. Jade wanted me to hear? I never would have suspected that. People can change when they want something badly enough. While I languished in jail, he pressed his suit with Esther, told her lies about me, and finally deceived her into breaking her vow to me. By the time I was freed, they'd left town, and nobody knew where they'd gone.
[00:40:13] Unknown:
Esther was a beautiful woman once. And mister Beale, he he robbed your money.
[00:40:20] Unknown:
Oh, something far more valuable than that, Sheriff. No. What Herbert Beale robbed me of was faith. One could not have done more for another than I did for him, and yet he betrayed me. And since that day, I have never been able to trust another human being. But you,
[00:40:45] Unknown:
what did you rob yourself of?
[00:40:48] Unknown:
The most precious gift of all, salvation. For by seeking revenge for the other two, I have denied myself
[00:41:00] Unknown:
the kingdom of heaven. Oh, but surely you repent now. No.
[00:41:05] Unknown:
No. I cannot. My heart was hardened too long ago. Even your bullet hasn't softened its chair. I guess that disproves the old saying. You can get blood from a stone. Blood from a stone, a grim image.
[00:41:41] Unknown:
But was Ben Thompson as hardhearted as he thought? Perhaps. But consider this. He knew better than many of us that life's most precious possessions aren't the material things of this world, love, trust, and salvation. Somewhere along the line, he had gotten his priorities straight even if he didn't have the wisdom and the self discipline to live up to them. And after all, isn't that the source of so many of our problems that we haven't the courage of our convictions? I'll be back shortly. Some people say money buys everything. Some say there are things no amount of money can buy.
Most of us claim we believe the second of these statements to be the truth. And yet, much of the time, we act as if it were the first.
[00:42:51] Unknown:
Why will a person act against his better judgment time and again?
[00:42:57] Unknown:
The answer to that is a mystery. Our cast included Gordon Heath, Robert Dryden, Leon Janney, Reiner Raeburn, and Gilbert Mac. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview of our next tale. I guess so. Yes. It is. It's alright. Good.
[00:43:21] Unknown:
Now let's go look in on Carol. Alright.
[00:43:26] Unknown:
It's just a cold, you know. It's nothing serious. And the sore throat, you said. Well, she said her throat was a little sore. Carol, Doctor John is here, dear. He wants to check on your coal. Carol? John? The window's open. She's not here. Robin. Robin, it's Carol. I made it. I'm here. Open the door. Put me in. Please. Put me in. Help. Let me oh, help.
[00:44:11] Unknown:
Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Contact, the twelve hour code capsule, and Buick Motor Division. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dreams.
[00:45:09] Unknown:
Take an Amex card with you on your morning coffee run and earn cashback. On a weekend trip, Earn miles. See if you prequalify for an American Express card with no impact on your credit score. Learn more at americanexpress.com/check-4-offers. Your credit score may be impacted if you accept a card. Terms apply.
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[00:00:16] Unknown:
Yes. Radio Mystery Theater presents
[00:00:35] Unknown:
Come in.
[00:00:38] Unknown:
Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. Wherever there is money to be made, there are secrets to be kept. No. That's not a famous quote. But for all the truth it contains, it might as well be. Money was made in undreamed of quantities by a handful of men in this country in the years following the civil war. They were called the captains of industry. But even the most respected of these pillars of society had a skeleton or two in their closets, they would have paid half their fortunes not to see exposed. But there are some skeletons that just don't seem to understand the value of money.
Great Jesus, ghost. It's you.
[00:01:23] Unknown:
It's been a long time, Jade.
[00:01:26] Unknown:
Go. Go away. Leave me alone.
[00:01:30] Unknown:
You robbed me once of something. Something you can never give me back. Go ahead.
[00:01:37] Unknown:
Then what are you going to want?
[00:01:49] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Revenge, was written especially True Value Hardware Stores. I'll be back shortly with act one. Denver in the eighteen eighties was a prosperous town, and two of its most prosperous citizens were Jade Wanamaker and Herbert Beale. Two more different men would be hard to find. Jade was a quiet domestic man. Herbert was a hard drinking bachelor addicted to his nightly poker games. No. Except for their wealth, the townsfolk said these two were as different as night and day. But they did have something in common. And one afternoon, he rode into town.
[00:02:53] Unknown:
Are you cabin Mary? That's right, stranger.
[00:02:56] Unknown:
What can I do for you? You own this dive? What are you calling a dive? I asked for the most degraded lowlife hangout in the Tenderloin District, and they sent me here. Now listen, mister. Fancy clothes I know you're gonna get carried out of here feet first. What do you want?
[00:03:14] Unknown:
I want to buy it.
[00:03:15] Unknown:
What?
[00:03:16] Unknown:
Lock, stock, and barrel. Say what is this? Name your price, and I'll pay you double.
[00:03:23] Unknown:
What are you? A reformer?
[00:03:25] Unknown:
No. I don't want anything changed. Only meet one condition, and I'll give you this.
[00:03:34] Unknown:
$10,000. What's the condition?
[00:03:39] Unknown:
I want one room upstairs kept vacant for when I need it. For $10,000? When I've done what I've come to do, money won't be of any use to me. Party, stranger. Morning, sheriff. I am looking for Jade Wanamaker and Herbert Field.
[00:04:04] Unknown:
Well, Herb, I reckon you'd find any night over at the Silver Dollar Saloon, but, Jade, he don't go out, my poor fellow.
[00:04:12] Unknown:
Why do you say that? On part of his wife. Is her name Esther? Yeah.
[00:04:19] Unknown:
Say she was a great beauty once. Once. Why? What happened? Oh, sad how people change. She's not only grown ugly, but turned shrewish to boot. Hasn't been out of their mansion for years. Why? Do you know her? No.
[00:04:37] Unknown:
I don't think so. Where can I find Jade Wanamaker? Well,
[00:04:45] Unknown:
he goes over to Clint McFarlane's barbershop every morning for a shave. Thank you, sir. Much obliged.
[00:05:01] Unknown:
Good morning, mister Wanamaker. Morning, Flam.
[00:05:05] Unknown:
Got your mug all phoned up, sir. Have a seat. Thank you. Any more news about that stranger? The one who bought up cabin Mary Saloon down the Tenderloin? What goes on down there don't interest me, none. They say he's got it in for some. Probably some gambler, a two bit hustler.
[00:05:27] Unknown:
Oh, I don't know. He seems like a real gentleman.
[00:05:30] Unknown:
Come in here yesterday for shave. Uh-huh. Right after you left, as a matter of fact. Tipped real good too. Strange looking person, though. There's something not quite right about him. How's that? Well, he he has the most piercing green eyes they ever seen inside a human skull.
[00:05:52] Unknown:
Green? You say green eyes? Yeah.
[00:05:58] Unknown:
Burn a hole right through you. Oh, the the hole's still, mister Wanamaker. This razor's sharp. He didn't, by any chance, did he walk with a limp? Well, yes. He did. Which leg? Oh, I can't remember. Which leg? His left? Yeah. Don't tell me you know him, mister Wanamaker. I knew such a man once. Probably just a coincidence. Hello, Jade. What? You killed little mister Wanamaker. The razor. You cut yourself, Jade.
[00:06:35] Unknown:
That was careless. Let me get a towel. No.
[00:06:39] Unknown:
I I got to go. You didn't used to be so careless, Jade. Stay away from me. Why are you following me? Oh, surely you're not begrudging an old friend, the pleasure of your company.
[00:06:58] Unknown:
Will you lay a hand on me, and I'll call the sheriff? I don't think I need to touch you, James. I paid for what I did.
[00:07:07] Unknown:
Believe me, I paid. You haven't paid enough. Well, what do you want?
[00:07:13] Unknown:
What do you want from me? Money?
[00:07:16] Unknown:
That's not what you stole from me.
[00:07:19] Unknown:
What then? Tell me.
[00:07:22] Unknown:
I don't know. I'm just here to collect, Jade. How you want to pay me is up to you.
[00:07:34] Unknown:
This is my gate. This is my house. You follow me in, and I will have you arrested. But trespass.
[00:07:43] Unknown:
I won't follow you in, Jade, but I'll be waiting. And whenever you leave your house, I'll be waiting to follow you wherever you go. Fine. For how long? Until you pay. No.
[00:08:07] Unknown:
Gee. What's the matter? You look like I've seen a ghost. No. I said I didn't see any. What's it? The bleeding? Oh, you sanctimonious old hypocrite. Did someone slit your throat at last? It's nothing. I accidents at the barbershop. Why are you looking out the window? No, Esther. Who's out there? Don't look.
[00:08:30] Unknown:
Him. Yeah. It's him. He's come back to haunt me. To
[00:08:39] Unknown:
to haunt me too. It's what you deserve. What we both deserve. Why?
[00:08:49] Unknown:
Mister Mann pay for the rest of his life for a single crime committed in the folly of his youth? Haven't you punished me enough for thirty two years?
[00:09:04] Unknown:
What I did, I did because I loved you, Esther. You lied to me, Jade. You lied to me, and I told myself I believed you. I followed you instead of my heart, and the ugliness of my choice has shown ever since in my face like like a mask I can't remove.
[00:09:24] Unknown:
He's still there. Esther, you
[00:09:30] Unknown:
must go out to speak to him. No. It it's you he wants. He he don't? He as much told me so. He'll listen to you and leave us in peace. Esther, please, please. I'm feeling pain.
[00:09:45] Unknown:
Would you see me
[00:09:48] Unknown:
die? No. But but I I can't go out to him. Why not? I couldn't bear to have him see me as I am now. Please, Esther. I'll give you your freedom. Jade, years ago, I wanted my freedom. It's too late for that now. Well, what are we gonna do? He can't stand out there forever, can he?
[00:10:17] Unknown:
Hello again, stranger. Good day, sir. I see you located, mister Wanamaker. Yep. Well, I got a complaint from him. Says you've been following him. Is it against the law to follow a man? Look here, mister. I wanna know what you're up to. My business is with Jade Wanamaker. Now you give me a straight answer, and I'm running you in.
[00:10:38] Unknown:
Very well. I'm here to take revenge on three people who have robbed me of life's three most precious possessions.
[00:10:47] Unknown:
Revenge is against the law, stranger, and I'm putting a stop to this right now. Mister Wanamaker is a respected citizen, and no one's got any call to bear him a grudge.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
You're under arrest. What crime am I committing, sheriff? Well,
[00:11:04] Unknown:
well, you're in a public street. Now streets is for horses and vehicles. Section one zero three is the public code. Very well.
[00:11:14] Unknown:
If you'll permit me five minutes, I believe I can satisfy the law. Well,
[00:11:22] Unknown:
see mister Wanamaker and find out what this is all about. I don't want you standing here when I return.
[00:11:34] Unknown:
Oh, sure. Did you arrest him yesterday? No.
[00:11:38] Unknown:
Well, why not? He's been following me since yesterday morning. A man following another man around isn't a crime, mister Wondemaker. Well, he can't stay out there in the street. Just a public thoroughfare. I've given him five minutes to get off the street. If he's not, I'll arrest him. Pa, did you hear that, Esther? We're saved.
[00:11:58] Unknown:
What? What's that? Look. Coming up the street. Oh, good lord. Oh, no. It's it's not hers. Sure.
[00:12:11] Unknown:
Well, well, what can I do? The law says you gotta have a vehicle that don't say what kind. Mister Wanamaker,
[00:12:22] Unknown:
Let me see my bear.
[00:12:24] Unknown:
Get me out of this sight.
[00:12:31] Unknown:
Hey, mister Wanamaker. Hey, mister Wanamaker. Can you hear me? Yes. Now what is it between you and that man?
[00:12:42] Unknown:
I can't tell you. Why not, Jane? Go ahead.
[00:12:46] Unknown:
You press a charge, mister Wanamaker, and I'll arrest him, but I can't do it without a charge. But there's your chance, Jane. Go ahead.
[00:12:55] Unknown:
Press charges like you did before. I I I can't. Don't tell me you're getting soft in your old age. Missus Wanamaker,
[00:13:09] Unknown:
do you know that man? I I did once, sheriff. Well, I think you better go out and speak to him. Why not?
[00:13:18] Unknown:
He he mustn't see me yet
[00:13:20] Unknown:
because I have no Well, it's either that or by widow's wheeze, missus Wanamaker. It's It's up to
[00:13:32] Unknown:
you. Hello, Ben.
[00:13:34] Unknown:
Howdy, ma'am.
[00:13:36] Unknown:
Don't you recognize me?
[00:13:41] Unknown:
Esther?
[00:13:43] Unknown:
Yes. It's me.
[00:13:47] Unknown:
I'm sorry.
[00:13:49] Unknown:
I didn't mean to sound shocked. Oh, I know the years have not been kind to me.
[00:13:54] Unknown:
They might have
[00:13:56] Unknown:
been. I know. You've got your revenge, Ben. Jade has had a stroke. Oh. But it's me you should have punished, not him. I have.
[00:14:07] Unknown:
Man and wife are one flesh, one body. He's not a bad person then.
[00:14:12] Unknown:
He confessed to me years ago that the robbery charge on which he had you jailed to get you out of the way
[00:14:18] Unknown:
was false. I should have thought you'd have had more faith in me, Esther. We were engaged. I know. I was poor then and you wanted wealth. Well, I'm rich now, Esther. Far richer than Jade Wanamaker will ever be. It wasn't only money.
[00:14:37] Unknown:
When I thought you were a thief as well. I loved you.
[00:14:41] Unknown:
I've never loved anyone since. Oh, I'm sure that's not true. It it it's in the past now. Oh, please, Ben. I I don't want Jade to die. I've never given him a moment's happiness. He will die,
[00:14:57] Unknown:
and then you'll have his fortune. That's what you wanted, isn't it?
[00:15:04] Unknown:
You've changed. You're not the man I knew, Ben Thompson. You've become evil. That purse suits you. Your heart has turned to stone. Oh, I've been wrong all these years. We never could have been happy to get
[00:15:25] Unknown:
escape.
[00:15:28] Unknown:
Oh, oh, Dana. I could have loved you.
[00:15:35] Unknown:
The hearse is yours. Best time.
[00:15:46] Unknown:
The Bible says that when Christ came down to earth with the offer of heavenly redemption, he crushed the head of the serpent who first tempted us. With Christ's offer, hardness of the heart was no longer forgivable, yet there are still those among us whose hearts are so hardened by the bitterness of experience that they are beyond the reach of grace. Is Ben Thompson such a man? Who are the two remaining victims on his list, and what were the precious gifts of life of which they deprived him? And what about that room at Cabin Mary's? We'll find out when I return with act two.
How much punishment does a man deserve for his crimes? Must he pay as Jade Wanamaker did with his life? Did Jade's punishment fit his crime? We're tempted to say it was excessive, but how can we measure the effect of his actions on Ben Thompson? However, these are philosophical questions. There's no time to contemplate them now, for Ben Thompson is about to mark his second victim. But Herbert Beale is going to prove a much tougher customer than poor old Jade Wanamaker. I'll see that 500 Maxi and raise you another.
[00:17:18] Unknown:
What you got? Three jacks, Jade. Four hours. Ten high. Well, I think that does it for the rest of us. Oh, come on. You gonna dessert me when the luck's going my way. Let's have another bottle. Homies. Whiskey. It's all very well for you to drink and play cards at all hours of the night. You ain't got a messes and family to answer to. Hey, boys. Don't leave without me. What's tomorrow, Maxie?
[00:17:46] Unknown:
You afraid of that stranger that claimed killed Jade Wallmaker?
[00:17:50] Unknown:
Well, he did kill him. Herb sure isn't sitting here. And the sheriff didn't do a darn thing about it. If Jade was so weak he let someone scare him to death, then I figured he got what he deserved. They say he's got two more people on his list. Well, I know for a fact I ain't one of them. Oh, come on. Let's play one more hand. Now where's the whiskey? Here it is, Herb. Well, I'll
[00:18:25] Unknown:
be. Ben Thompson.
[00:18:27] Unknown:
Don't tell me you're the one causing all this troubling down. You didn't know each other?
[00:18:34] Unknown:
From a long time ago. Isn't that right, Herb? I never expected to see you again. No. I don't guess you did. Not after you robbed me of every ounce of gold I'd taken off my claim and left me in the gutters of San Francisco. No. Please, Ben. Don't break my heart when I'm trying to concentrate.
[00:18:51] Unknown:
You care to join us, mister Thompson?
[00:18:54] Unknown:
I'm not here to play cards.
[00:18:57] Unknown:
You ain't gonna tail me the way you tail old Jade Wanmaker, are you? No, Herb.
[00:19:03] Unknown:
I'd like to make you a little wager.
[00:19:06] Unknown:
You wanna win back the 10,000 I stole from you? No.
[00:19:11] Unknown:
I want you to give it back to me.
[00:19:17] Unknown:
Ben Thompson, you was always soft, man.
[00:19:22] Unknown:
And I'm willing to wager that you will offer Duso. Oh, voluntarily?
[00:19:27] Unknown:
That's a sucker's bet, Ben.
[00:19:30] Unknown:
How much are you worth, Herb? Financially, that is. Oh,
[00:19:34] Unknown:
quarter of a million, give or take. Why? That's all.
[00:19:38] Unknown:
Now put up twice that for my own fortune.
[00:19:41] Unknown:
Then I will voluntarily offer to repay you $10,000. What's the catch? No catch. That's some debt, Herb.
[00:19:53] Unknown:
You're not afraid, are you? How do I know you got this kind of dough? Here's my receipt from the Grand Hotel. I've got close to a million dollars deposited in their vault.
[00:20:06] Unknown:
And you're giving me 2 to 1 odd. On your entire fortune. You got yourself a bet. But we got witnesses.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
And high rolling gamblers like yourselves live by their word, Well, there's some honor amongst thieves, even high class thieves.
[00:20:23] Unknown:
Now if you'll excuse me, we'd like to get on with our game.
[00:20:27] Unknown:
What are you going to use for stakes, Herb?
[00:20:30] Unknown:
Are you kidding?
[00:20:31] Unknown:
I've been winning all night. But you just tied that up. Why? You just tied up your entire fortune. And until our debt settles, everything you own is frozen. Well,
[00:20:47] Unknown:
let's set a time limit to this. Too late, Herb. Why, you lowdown.
[00:20:53] Unknown:
Living without money was always a fate worse than death for you, Herb. And until our debt is settled, you can't gamble. You can't even buy a drink unless someone else pays for it. But then it never was beneath your pride to take charity, was it, Herb?
[00:21:10] Unknown:
But if I pay you the 10,000, I lose my bet. I lose my fortune.
[00:21:18] Unknown:
That's right. And we've got witnesses.
[00:21:27] Unknown:
I've got to get rid of him. I don't give a hang about my word of honor. If the rats wanna leave the sinking ship, fine. I'll take care of matters myself. Survive for the fittest. Ben Thompson must die, and I think I know just the man for the job.
[00:21:58] Unknown:
Good morning, mister Thompson. Good morning, Clem. Come for my morning shave.
[00:22:04] Unknown:
Yes, mister Thompson. There's there's no one else here. You're always the first one. Here's step right up.
[00:22:14] Unknown:
So how are things? So far, everything's going just as I planned. You got mister Beale cornered? Oh, no. Not by a long shot. In fact, I've got no idea what the next move is. I don't think you'll have to worry about that. I'm not. With someone like that, the thing is to get them off guard and then let them take the next step. That's a good idea. It's an old oriental principle. Force your enemy to attack and use his energy against him. Mhmm. How did you know it was Herbert Beale I was after?
[00:22:48] Unknown:
News travels.
[00:22:50] Unknown:
Sit still, mister Thompson. You're holding me mighty tight, Clem. It's just this one little spot on your neck, sir, that's hard to get. You're choking me. I'm sorry, mister Thompson, but I gotta do this. You just hold still. Oh, sheriff. Good morning. Hello, clam.
[00:23:09] Unknown:
Missus says it's time to get my haircut. Sheriff. Oh, boy. You miss Thompson. So now you're after Herbert Beale. Sheriff. Mister Thompson, please. He's only got one weakness, that man.
[00:23:24] Unknown:
Superstitious. Hey. What are you gonna say?
[00:23:28] Unknown:
Nothing. Nothing. Go on, please. It comes from all that gambling, I guess. He always sits to the right of the door when he plays poker. He's afraid of the left
[00:23:40] Unknown:
left of anything, and he believes in luck. Does he believe in ghosts? Ghosts?
[00:23:47] Unknown:
I don't know. Yeah. That is him. Thank you, sheriff. I think that's just what I'll do. Yeah. Okay, man. I think I'll come back later. And mister Thompson, don't think I'm taking my eyes off you for a minute. One false step and you're behind bars. Thanks for not saying anything, mister Thompson. I I'm sorry. How much is he paying you, Clem? Ten thousand. But he said it was to protect his life, that you were gonna kill him. I am. And you're going to help me. Oh, no, mister Thompson. Please. I've had enough. Do you want me to call the sheriff back? No. No. No. No. Alright. Alright.
[00:24:34] Unknown:
What do you want me to do? Could you recommend a good butcher shop? What? I'm in the mood for some rare steak clam. Blood rare.
[00:24:44] Unknown:
Well, there's Kiva's place just at the street. I'll be right back.
[00:24:50] Unknown:
Meantime, you'd better close yourself. But it's early morning. We've got a long day ahead of us. That's going to start with a visit to mister
[00:25:03] Unknown:
Beal.
[00:25:09] Unknown:
Mister Beal? William, what you doing here? I've come for my money. I told you to wait for nightfall. I said I'd contact you. I did what you asked me to, mister Beard. Not so bad. Come inside. I want my money. Not so fast. Where's the body? Outside town in a ravine up the canyon off the Edgeware Road. You take me to see you've done your work properly, then we'll discuss money. Looks like you did a good job, ma'am.
[00:25:52] Unknown:
You wanna go down, have a closer look?
[00:25:56] Unknown:
I can see well enough from here. Well, Ben Thompson, you're dead at last. And I'm free at last. I believe I owe you some money, Clam. Let's go back to town. Money is the only reliable currency between human beings' claim. There you go. $10,000.
[00:26:30] Unknown:
Have you forgotten our pet, her what? Who That money is not yours to pay out.
[00:26:37] Unknown:
Ben, what you doing here? I saw you there not one hour ago. Who you talking to, mister Ville? What? Well, don't you see him? See who? Ben Thompson. He's standing right there.
[00:26:52] Unknown:
I don't see anyone, mister Beale.
[00:26:55] Unknown:
I just want my money. If you pay him, you forfeit our waiter, Herb. And if you forfeit the wager, you lose your fortune. Say, what is this?
[00:27:05] Unknown:
What you two are trying to pull? If this is some kind of joke to Welch on our agreement, I won't stand for it, mister Biel. Graham, put that gun down. I want my money. Oh, I get it. You two are in cahoots. Did you really think you could scare me?
[00:27:25] Unknown:
Give me that goddamn wait a minute, mister Thomas. Stop. It was only a trick. Clem. Clem, you alright?
[00:27:35] Unknown:
Clem. I didn't mean to.
[00:27:40] Unknown:
He's dead.
[00:27:42] Unknown:
It's your fault, man. It was your finger that pulled the trigger.
[00:27:47] Unknown:
Get rid of it.
[00:27:50] Unknown:
You're no ghost.
[00:27:52] Unknown:
What in tarnation were you trying to prove with a crazy stunt like that? You're a gambler.
[00:27:58] Unknown:
Gamblers are superstitions.
[00:28:00] Unknown:
Well, you're crazy if you thought you could scare me to death. I don't believe in ghosts. I don't believe in nothing I can't see with my own eyes. Yeah.
[00:28:10] Unknown:
Like Clem MacFarlane there.
[00:28:13] Unknown:
We thought I'd get him out of here. Oui?
[00:28:16] Unknown:
I came here for revenge, Herb. This isn't quite how I planned it, but it does save me the trouble of killing you myself. What are you talking about? I'll be just as happy to see you hanged. What?
[00:28:29] Unknown:
Ben, you
[00:28:30] Unknown:
gotta help me get this body out of here. I can't lift it myself. I helped you once, Herb, but had you forgotten?
[00:28:38] Unknown:
Where you on? The $10,000 I stole from you. Here here here it is. Do you think I care about the money? I'll forfeit the wager, man. You can have it my entire fortune.
[00:28:49] Unknown:
Okay. Don't don't send me to the gallery. I befriended you when you were down and out, when you hadn't a dime or a hope to your name. And I trusted you when no one else would give you the time of day. And you betrayed my faith and my friendship for gold. So take my fortune. You you want it in writing? Yes. Yes. Since when have you valued life more than money? Nobody wants to die, Ben, unless he's a fool.
[00:29:16] Unknown:
Now go on. Take this paper and promise me you'll keep silent. Thank you, Herbert.
[00:29:21] Unknown:
Where are you going? This has worked out much better than I could have expected. What? You'll be hearing from the sheriff shortly. You tricked me. You've lost the better.
[00:29:34] Unknown:
Says who? There's no witnesses.
[00:29:37] Unknown:
But I've got it in writing. Where's that gun?
[00:29:41] Unknown:
Alright. Stay right where you are, Ben Thompson. What? You're not going anywhere.
[00:29:50] Unknown:
You want the blood of two people on your hands, Herb.
[00:30:03] Unknown:
I would say that Ben Thompson's days are numbered, but there's been enough bloodshed in this act already. And so I'm sure you'll agree with me that it's time we took a short break while we ponder Ben Thompson's untimely reversal of fortune, to say nothing of the mysterious third victim, who, it would now appear, seems rather safe from the jaws of retribution. But is he? Or she? We'll get on with the proceedings in a few minutes. Mad is the only animal who plays poker, and a good poker player can't afford to be too superstitious, something Ben Thompson should have thought twice about before attempting the foolhardy scheme of trying to frighten Herbert Beale to death.
For when even the best laid plans of men often go astray, what chance have those not so carefully considered? Are you gonna hand over that paper ban? You'll have to take it off me, Herb.
[00:31:17] Unknown:
I'm not that much of a fool. I will, but after your death, it'll be tied here at the sheriff, but I don't mind at all killing you myself. Survival of the fittest.
[00:31:37] Unknown:
Why don't you fall? Maybe you missed her. Try again. What? What's the matter?
[00:31:46] Unknown:
Why aren't you dead? Maybe your eyesight's going.
[00:31:50] Unknown:
I'll come closer. Oh, no. Stay back. Maybe I really am a ghost after all. You hired Clem to kill me, didn't you? Stay back. Keep away from me. Gun's empty, Herb. No. You've lost your bet. You're a ruined man. A man can't lose a bet to a ghost. He can if he's got a witness. A witness? What you mean? Clem, you can get up now.
[00:32:21] Unknown:
Clem, you're alive? Thanks, mister Thompson.
[00:32:25] Unknown:
I was getting mighty uncomfortable on that floor. Yeah. But all that blood Compliments
[00:32:31] Unknown:
of Keever's Butcher Shop, mister Beale, just like mister Thompson's out there in the canyon. But the bullet Blanks. Herb.
[00:32:40] Unknown:
But sometimes blanks work better than the real thing.
[00:32:44] Unknown:
I think I need a drink.
[00:32:46] Unknown:
Don't you think it would be polite to ask your host's permission first?
[00:32:51] Unknown:
What?
[00:32:52] Unknown:
Like I said, Herb, you're a ruined man.
[00:32:56] Unknown:
If you think you can make that stick. I think I can, Herbert.
[00:33:01] Unknown:
A signed document. Of course, if you would like to contest it, you'd better think first whether it's worth going to jail for attempted murder. Mister Thompson. Don't worry, Clem. There's enough evidence to hang my guest twice over without involving you.
[00:33:16] Unknown:
You're a guest?
[00:33:18] Unknown:
A guest in my own home? My home now. You seem to be having trouble accepting that fact. I I wanna drink. I will not have common dirt like you drinking my whiskey. You're?
[00:33:32] Unknown:
Well, I I don't get it. I thought you wanted my life.
[00:33:38] Unknown:
What good is my fortune to you? Money is everything to a man like you, Herb. Without it, you've nothing to live for. So it shouldn't take long, should it?
[00:33:49] Unknown:
Now come on. Where are we going?
[00:33:52] Unknown:
I've arranged a place for you to stay. What what is this place? I think you recognize it. Kevin Majoris?
[00:34:10] Unknown:
Oh, I sure recognize this. I've never been here before in my life. Oh, yes. You have.
[00:34:17] Unknown:
There are places like this in every town in the West, including San Francisco. San Francisco. You remember her? The Gold Fever Saloon. You remember the gang of toughs that were beating up on you just for the sport of it, And how out of common decency I tried to stop this and got a broken jaw for my troubles? I put clothes on your back and money in your pocket and made you my business partner. You took my loyalty for granted.
[00:34:49] Unknown:
Nobody takes Herbert Beal for granted.
[00:34:53] Unknown:
I took you for my friend,
[00:34:55] Unknown:
Herb. Well, howdy, mister Thompson. I was wondering when you'd be back. Hello, Mary. How's business? Better never.
[00:35:03] Unknown:
I brought my guest with me.
[00:35:06] Unknown:
Hey. Isn't this Herbert Deal? No. Please. Let let let me have a drink. Oh, you just better get him upstairs, mister Thompson.
[00:35:13] Unknown:
Everything's ready for you. Just the way you wanted it.
[00:35:21] Unknown:
Here you are, Herb. This is where you're going to live out the little that remains of your wretched life.
[00:35:28] Unknown:
It's filthy. One room.
[00:35:33] Unknown:
I used to have a mansion. But this is where you belong. I dragged you up from thieves and cutthroats, and now I'm throwing you back. What power do you have to keep me here? The only power you respect, money. You haven't a cent. There's nowhere else you can go. I won't live off your charity. Of course you will, Herb. Because just like any other animal, you will do anything to stay alive. I've got my pride. You're nothing but a Skid Row bum. You have nothing. You hear me? I've waited thirty five years for this moment.
[00:36:12] Unknown:
Thirty five years to see you pay. No. I won't pay. I won't,
[00:36:20] Unknown:
and I won't stay here. I'd rather
[00:36:24] Unknown:
sleep in the gut. You're not going anywhere. I brought you here to watch you die. You have no right. I've paid for the privilege of watching you die. No.
[00:36:38] Unknown:
I've paid for my crime now. You got my fortune, but it was yours anyway. It was built on the money I stole from you. And now I'm going out of here, a free man, beholden to no one.
[00:36:59] Unknown:
Stay away from that door, Herb. You'd shoot me down then in cold blood. Stay away from that door. No. I'm gone.
[00:37:16] Unknown:
I win, Ben. I win. I'll pray for your soul, Ben, as one sinner to another.
[00:37:35] Unknown:
Well, mister Thompson, you broke your word. I reckon I did, sheriff. Mhmm.
[00:37:41] Unknown:
I got a trifle impatient. I think it goes without saying that you broke the law as well. You better come along now.
[00:37:49] Unknown:
I'm afraid I can't do that, sheriff. Alright. Mister Thompson, you you better do as he says. I told you I had three people to get. Remember? Herbert Beale here only makes two. There's still one more to go.
[00:38:05] Unknown:
Now
[00:38:07] Unknown:
I've had all I'm going to take from you, mister. You don't understand, sheriff. I have one one more revenge.
[00:38:17] Unknown:
My gun is trained right at your heart, mister Thompson. Now are you coming with me or not? No one can stop this sheriff.
[00:38:26] Unknown:
Not even you. I'm warning you. No. Mister Thompson.
[00:38:32] Unknown:
Mister Thompson. Is he hurt bad? No. I'm sorry, mister Thompson, but you forced me to shoot you. I'll get some bandages. Never mind, Mary. No. No. That that wound's fatal. Mister Thompson, can you still hear me? Yes. Why wouldn't you surrender to me? Why did you think I couldn't stop you? Because the third victim was me. You?
[00:38:59] Unknown:
I don't understand. You can't speak anymore, sheriff. Yes. Yes. I can.
[00:39:05] Unknown:
I want to explain. I came to town to kill three people, the three people who had robbed me of the three most precious possessions life can offer.
[00:39:18] Unknown:
And, first was Jade Wanamaker. He robbed me of love, of happiness.
[00:39:26] Unknown:
In our youth, I was engaged to Esther O'Hara. You mean
[00:39:32] Unknown:
missus Wanamaker?
[00:39:34] Unknown:
But I was still poor then. Jade was already amassing his fortune, but the one thing he wanted was Esther. He had me arrested on false charges. Jade wanted me to hear? I never would have suspected that. People can change when they want something badly enough. While I languished in jail, he pressed his suit with Esther, told her lies about me, and finally deceived her into breaking her vow to me. By the time I was freed, they'd left town, and nobody knew where they'd gone.
[00:40:13] Unknown:
Esther was a beautiful woman once. And mister Beale, he he robbed your money.
[00:40:20] Unknown:
Oh, something far more valuable than that, Sheriff. No. What Herbert Beale robbed me of was faith. One could not have done more for another than I did for him, and yet he betrayed me. And since that day, I have never been able to trust another human being. But you,
[00:40:45] Unknown:
what did you rob yourself of?
[00:40:48] Unknown:
The most precious gift of all, salvation. For by seeking revenge for the other two, I have denied myself
[00:41:00] Unknown:
the kingdom of heaven. Oh, but surely you repent now. No.
[00:41:05] Unknown:
No. I cannot. My heart was hardened too long ago. Even your bullet hasn't softened its chair. I guess that disproves the old saying. You can get blood from a stone. Blood from a stone, a grim image.
[00:41:41] Unknown:
But was Ben Thompson as hardhearted as he thought? Perhaps. But consider this. He knew better than many of us that life's most precious possessions aren't the material things of this world, love, trust, and salvation. Somewhere along the line, he had gotten his priorities straight even if he didn't have the wisdom and the self discipline to live up to them. And after all, isn't that the source of so many of our problems that we haven't the courage of our convictions? I'll be back shortly. Some people say money buys everything. Some say there are things no amount of money can buy.
Most of us claim we believe the second of these statements to be the truth. And yet, much of the time, we act as if it were the first.
[00:42:51] Unknown:
Why will a person act against his better judgment time and again?
[00:42:57] Unknown:
The answer to that is a mystery. Our cast included Gordon Heath, Robert Dryden, Leon Janney, Reiner Raeburn, and Gilbert Mac. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview of our next tale. I guess so. Yes. It is. It's alright. Good.
[00:43:21] Unknown:
Now let's go look in on Carol. Alright.
[00:43:26] Unknown:
It's just a cold, you know. It's nothing serious. And the sore throat, you said. Well, she said her throat was a little sore. Carol, Doctor John is here, dear. He wants to check on your coal. Carol? John? The window's open. She's not here. Robin. Robin, it's Carol. I made it. I'm here. Open the door. Put me in. Please. Put me in. Help. Let me oh, help.
[00:44:11] Unknown:
Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Contact, the twelve hour code capsule, and Buick Motor Division. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dreams.
[00:45:09] Unknown:
Take an Amex card with you on your morning coffee run and earn cashback. On a weekend trip, Earn miles. See if you prequalify for an American Express card with no impact on your credit score. Learn more at americanexpress.com/check-4-offers. Your credit score may be impacted if you accept a card. Terms apply.
