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Join EG Marshall as he weaves a tale of transformation and intrigue in "The Coffin with a Golden Nail." This episode explores the concept of metamorphosis, both physical and psychological, through the story of Colonel Ramon Zoria, a cruel secret police chief in a fictional dictatorship. Zoria is offered a chance to escape his past through a mysterious organization called Metamorphosis Incorporated, which promises to transform him into a new person, Dr. Stanley Parker, a gentle zoologist in America. However, the transformation is not just skin deep, as Zoria struggles with his violent past and the new identity he must embrace.
As Zoria, now Parker, navigates his new life, he encounters Anita Dionys, a woman with a personal vendetta against his former self. The tension builds as Anita's brother, Fernando, seeks justice for their family, leading to a dramatic confrontation. The episode delves into themes of identity, redemption, and the possibility of change, questioning whether a person can truly escape their past or if the essence of who they are remains unchanged. With a gripping narrative and thought-provoking questions, this mystery drama keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
(00:39) Introduction to Nightmares
(01:22) The Coffin with a Golden Nail
(02:01) Colonel Ramon Zoya's Cruelty
(04:18) Mr. Chrysalis and Metamorphosis Incorporated
(07:01) Transformation into Stanley Parker
(12:05) Encounter with Anita Dionys
(16:04) The Hunt for Zoria
(23:00) Fernando's Revelation
(26:17) The Confrontation
(33:02) Anita's Discovery
(36:02) The Final Decision
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[00:00:00]
Unknown:
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[00:00:39] Unknown:
Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall, weaver of the stuff that nightmares are made of. It was Shakespeare who said, you only live once. It was Goethe who said, you only die once. And Nathan Hale said he regretted he had only one life to give to his country. From all this then, we gather that all we have is this one time, this one life. However, this may not be entirely true. According to a gentleman you're about to meet, you may have as many lives as you can intelligently
[00:01:20] Unknown:
arrange for.
[00:01:22] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, The Coffin with a Golden Nail, was written especially for the mystery theatre by Sam Dan and stars Howard Gasova. It is sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser, and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly
[00:01:40] Unknown:
with act one. Compliment any of the 16 to whom American Express travel service offices in the New York area. For any airline ticket, see American Express. Don't leave home without it. Us. In the midst of life,
[00:02:03] Unknown:
we are in the midst of death, the book tells us. And this should teach us that survival is largely a matter of perception, and perception is the ability to see through the trappings directly into the heart of a matter. Therefore, people with perception never overstay their welcome, never overplay their hand, and are never caught in the rain without an umbrella. A man of perception was Ramon Zoya, Colonel Ramon Zoya, chief of the secret police of one of those little nickel and dime dictatorships somewhere south of the border. The colonel had an ingrained cruelty and a sheer delight in the sufferings of helpless human beings.
We're about to witness the the colonel at work. One moment if you please.
[00:02:52] Unknown:
I am colonel Ramon Carlos de Santa Maria de Soria y Sanchez. And this is my story. And I resent the way the gentleman has presented me. I am not some monstrous sadistic brute. As a dedicated patriot, I was part of a holy crusade to restore law, order, decency and respect to my beloved country. Well, she refuses to talk. Refuses? Refuses? Young woman, is it possible that you believe you're attending a dance? Will you make grant or refuse a well? Anita Dionys. Anita Dionys. Corporal hand me a whip. No Anita Dionys. You have a pretty face.
You also have some information. You may not keep both. Which shall you give up? Who are your companions? Choose. Very well, you have chosen. Yeah? Who? A mister Chrysalis. I never heard of him. Send him away.
[00:04:18] Unknown:
Ah, colonel. I am mister Chrysalis. I told my sergeant you are not to be admitted. I'll teach you. You should teach him how to block a right cross to the chin. I could have you shot. Sit down before I take my business elsewhere. Do you know who you're talking to? How old are you? 30? 35? Very good bones on that face. We can do a lot with them. And you were a school teacher before you got into all of this.
[00:04:48] Unknown:
What did you teach? I was an assistant professor of zoology at the university. Nice. I'll see you here. My name is mister Chrysalis.
[00:04:56] Unknown:
I am sales manager of metamorphosis incorporated. My card, sir? What does it all this mean? You a biologist ask the meaning of metamorphosis?
[00:05:08] Unknown:
I know what it means. Transmutation, a transformation from one life to another. Precisely.
[00:05:15] Unknown:
And now I've had enough of it. That is what I propose to do with you. Ask me why. Why? Within ninety days, the revolution will come to this country.
[00:05:28] Unknown:
Who has told you this very tale?
[00:05:32] Unknown:
You shall have a new government which will do unto you as you did unto others. I am here to sell you insurance.
[00:05:41] Unknown:
Insurance?
[00:05:42] Unknown:
What kind of insurance are you talking about? The name of our company answers your question. Metamorphosis. Yes. All of our clients have been metamorphosis into other people and they need their new lives out in the open fire. You must be insane. Consider the monarch butterfly. It leads two distinctly different lives. First, a caterpillar, an ugly crawling creature with a ground eye view of life. Second, a butterfly. Beautiful, airborne, free. Let us say one is seeking the caterpillar. Does one look for him in the butterfly? Enlightenment.
Now you know the meaning of my name, Chrysalis, the cocoon. The same snug haven where the metamorphosis takes place. The dark brown shell with the bright yellow spots. What do you call it?
[00:06:41] Unknown:
The coffin with the golden nail. Precisely.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
And you shall enter that coffin not to die, but to be born again. How? A complete plastic surgery for your face, and you will teach zoology in an American university. But how? You will have documents, a birth certificate, diplomas, recommendations. Well, I can't. I don't speak English. You will. And with an authentic Midwestern accent. This is our hope. It will require a full year of round the clock concentration and study. That is why the fee is $1,000,000.
[00:07:25] Unknown:
1,000,000?
[00:07:26] Unknown:
I don't have a million dollars. Chief of secret police doesn't have at least a million dollars. Sir, you insult my intelligence. Now for $1,000,000, you become doctor doctor Stanley Parker. Stanley Parker, assistant professor of zoology at Southwest A and M in the good old US Of A.
[00:07:52] Unknown:
I I I understand have the problem. Me. Something in me was never satisfied with the academic life. Something in me demanded will always demand action, excitement and yes, violence. I could never settle down. I I need violence.
[00:08:19] Unknown:
No. No. Colonel Ramon Zoria was the caterpillar. Stanley Parker shall be the butterfly. There will be nothing of Zoria in Parker. Your attitude toward life shall be different. You will believe in a new philosophy removed by another psychology which will change more, much more than your face and your voice. Claudia, what a devil. Parker should be a saint.
[00:08:53] Unknown:
It's required more than a year, even more than two years. I was taken to an island somewhere in the West Indies, exactly where I cannot say. And in that place, Ramon Carlos Sanchez died slowly, slowly, and a man named Stanley Zebulon Parker was born. That is not to say that all memory of Carlos died. Oh, no. I remembered everything about him, everything he was, but he was no longer me. His speech was no longer mine. His long narrow head seemed to be rounder. His nose shorter. His chin wider. This needed the better part of a year. All visible traces of Amon Zoria were gone, but my original fears remain. I've told you it would come slowly.
[00:09:51] Unknown:
Look at yourself. Listen. Who would you agree you are Amon Zoria?
[00:09:57] Unknown:
I would. Yes. I agree. I am the voice in the image of a man named Stanley Parker, but I still
[00:10:04] Unknown:
I still think and feel like Ramon Zoria. Of course. Of course. And you must help us change you. In the change is your true safety. The caterpillar enters the cruciferous, the coffin with the golden nail, and within, he is given more than a different form and shape. He is given another mind.
[00:10:30] Unknown:
And I was changed. I don't know how it was done. I don't remember. I I know another year went by. I lived in a constant sea of what must have been electric currents. I was always feeling waves of shock. There were always electrodes, always sparks, always the sharp smell of electricity. I was someone else. Oh, don't say a human being cannot be changed. I know better.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
I know. Do you remember Ramon Xavier? Yes. I remember him. Do you remember D. H.
[00:11:06] Unknown:
Yes. What's the matter?
[00:11:08] Unknown:
I will. Yes. I I I feel I feel an attack of nausea coming. Yes. Every time I think of Livia, I I can't help it. I I feel sick. Why?
[00:11:23] Unknown:
His loud voice, any loud harsh voice disturbs me. The gun, that heavy automatic pistol I I can't stand the idea of it. And a knife, the dagger, and the whip. These things just I'm dizzy. And killing? The thought of killing, of hurting, of inflicting pain on any living creature. Even for a good reason? There's never a good reason.
[00:11:52] Unknown:
Well, professor Parker, I would say that you are just about ready to fly.
[00:12:06] Unknown:
Absolutely. I'm try I'm trying to read your name badge. Professor
[00:12:10] Unknown:
Dionis. I'm Anita Dionis.
[00:12:14] Unknown:
How do you do? I'm Stanley Parker. Biology.
[00:12:17] Unknown:
I've come here to teach Latin American literature.
[00:12:20] Unknown:
Oh, that's interesting. I can't say I've read very much literature of Latin America.
[00:12:25] Unknown:
Well, aren't you going to ask me about it? Ask you about what? You've been staring at it for the past half hour.
[00:12:35] Unknown:
Staring? The scar on my face. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. It's just that it's so Horrible.
[00:12:45] Unknown:
I'm accustomed to having people stare at me. May I ask how Jameibah passed?
[00:12:50] Unknown:
Some years ago,
[00:12:52] Unknown:
the government of my country, the democratic government was destroyed by a military junta. And my family, the Dionys family The,
[00:13:02] Unknown:
Dionys
[00:13:03] Unknown:
family? Oh, I'm sure you've never heard of us. But we all joined the underground and I was captured.
[00:13:09] Unknown:
I had the honor to be interrogated by the head of the secret police himself. A monster called Colonel Ramon Zoria. Zoria. Interrogated. He slashed me across the face with his whip. Oh, no. Oh, I I'm sorry. Why you've gone so pale? Look ill. Please, Sit down. Could could I get you something?
[00:13:35] Unknown:
I I don't know what came over me.
[00:13:38] Unknown:
What do you know is American? This is so foreign to your experience.
[00:13:43] Unknown:
I understand. There's been another revolution down there. Yes.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
This swine has been driven out. Some of the big ones have gone into hiding all over the world. But one by one, we smoke them out.
[00:14:00] Unknown:
We? Oh, we have justice team.
[00:14:03] Unknown:
My own brother leads one and day and night he seeks to the earth. Thoria murdered our father.
[00:14:12] Unknown:
Their niece. I don't even remember that name. But why would you remember? A daughter mutilated her father murdered. When I say I don't remember, I don't remember reading about it. I'm sure even Goya himself wouldn't remember.
[00:14:28] Unknown:
We were among hundreds of thousands, millions in every country. We are the nameless ones. About about that,
[00:14:36] Unknown:
they they do wonders with plastic surgery these days. Yes.
[00:14:41] Unknown:
But I must continue to wear the scarf to remind me that the manzeria has not yet been brought to justice.
[00:14:49] Unknown:
Oh, is it is it possible perhaps
[00:14:53] Unknown:
he may be dead? Well, we will only be convinced
[00:14:57] Unknown:
when someone has seen his dead body. And then comes that time, the hunt will continue. So before do we focus on things, I am sure it has no real meaning for
[00:15:18] Unknown:
you. She touched a nerve when she said, I'm sure even Zaria himself wouldn't remember. And it's tragically true. Zaria himself did forget all about the day, the hour, the minute after he slashed her face. And here we have Stanley Parker, a man with a present and future, but no past because that past, which belongs to Ramon Daria, has been transformed. Can Stanley Parker survive him? I'll be back in just a few moments with act two. Colonel Ramon Zorrhea was a fanatic. He would torture and kill all who disagreed with him. Stanley Parker will faint at the sight, even the thought of blood.
And yet, Zoya and Arthur are one and the same human beings. How is it possible? Why do you even ask? Consider what has already occurred in this, the age we live in. Is anything impossible?
[00:16:33] Unknown:
Good evening, professor Parker. Oh, it's mister Crusoe. May I come in? Thank you.
[00:16:39] Unknown:
Sit down.
[00:16:41] Unknown:
What what can I do for you? I'm here to send you some more insurance. Oh,
[00:16:45] Unknown:
but I really don't need any. Oh, but you do. Suppose someone were hunting for you and he started to come close? Oh, but that's impossible. There's nothing of Ramon's villa about me anymore. I spoke to a young lady just last week. She'd have a good reason to know Ramon Zolia, but she never But what if this lady
[00:17:04] Unknown:
or her brother or someone else? What if somehow unravel? But I'm not Zolia. You know that. I'm someone else. Precisely. You are a person who is unable to protect himself. Therefore, metamorphosis will see to it that you are protected at all times. But I don't need to look.
[00:17:23] Unknown:
I dislike argument. Our fee is 10%
[00:17:26] Unknown:
of your annual salary. Even if someone were to threaten me, I'm unable to You will not have to.
[00:17:33] Unknown:
We'll do it for you. I will not be a party to any killing.
[00:17:37] Unknown:
Nevertheless, we shall insist on our fee. It's blackmail.
[00:17:41] Unknown:
It's in your best interest.
[00:17:43] Unknown:
Now about miss Dionys. Purpose gossip has it you see a great deal of her. I feel drawn to her. Do you have a feeling of guilt? Yes. But why? What was Stanley Parker to do with the deeds of Ramon Zoria? Is the butterfly to blame for the depredations of the worm? Maybe it's more than that. Maybe I'm falling in love with her. Do I dare My boy, you are a brand new human being. You may dare anything.
[00:18:27] Unknown:
I never got around to learning. But I thought all North Americans knew how to Oh, that's why he's saying all South Americans know how to tango.
[00:18:35] Unknown:
They probably do.
[00:18:36] Unknown:
Why are you laughing so much? I'm having fun. Are you? Oh,
[00:18:42] Unknown:
it's been so many years since I could do something silly like this. For the last time I would hunt with a man, he was my group leader. And we walked arm and arm down San Sebastian Boulevard. In Aragonia, the main street. That's right. Yes.
[00:18:56] Unknown:
But how would you go? I I become interested in your country. Why? Because it's your country and everything about you interests me.
[00:19:06] Unknown:
We pretended we were lovers. Under my dress was an ammunition belt. Under his coat was a submachine gun. And that's why I feel so good right now. Just to be out with a handsome man, to be a woman again. It was a great afternoon. I hope you enjoyed it. Oh, why don't you come in? Perhaps I have to find something for supper. Oh, I wouldn't want you to go to any trouble. Oh, well, you must tell me all about yourself, Stanley. Why are you afraid? Always afraid that you may cause someone trouble. I want to know everything about you. There isn't much to tell. Oh, there's a whole lifetime to tell. Now into the kitchen and we'll see what's in the refrigerator. I'm a terrible housekeeper.
Some eggs and You speak English perfectly. Well, I was educated in The United States. I I only returned home so I could fight against the hunter. Was that the only reason you returned? Oh, I suppose I was an idealist.
[00:20:05] Unknown:
You say was?
[00:20:07] Unknown:
Well, not so much anymore.
[00:20:10] Unknown:
Why?
[00:20:11] Unknown:
Regardless of who's in power, somebody is going to be persecuted. That is the story of the world. I know.
[00:20:18] Unknown:
But maybe we should be trying to write a new ending to that story.
[00:20:24] Unknown:
I would rather hear about your story.
[00:20:27] Unknown:
My story? Where were you born? In The United States. Is that silly? Where?
[00:20:34] Unknown:
Indianapolis. You know, I went to college with a girl from Indianapolis. I visited her quite often. Her name was Helen Morrison. Did you know the Morrison? No. I don't believe so. Where did you go to college? Northern Institute of Technology. But Helen Morrison died. The boy from there. What was his name? I was made of honor at the wedding. Can't remember his name. Did you know him?
[00:20:57] Unknown:
No. Anita.
[00:21:00] Unknown:
Fernando. Oh, why didn't you tell me you're coming Stanley? My brother, Fernando, the only Fernando, Stanley Parker. How do you do? Anita,
[00:21:10] Unknown:
where were you all afternoon? Stanley, I was speaking. I hope you had a good time. What's wrong? Yes. You had a good time. Your cheeks are flushed. Your eyes are sparkling. And Ramon Varia is still alive. I'm sorry. Who swore on our father's grave that we wouldn't rest on him? I know. I know that. And so what have you done today that has brought us closer to this month? Today, I did something for you,
[00:21:36] Unknown:
said quietly. Let us all sit quietly. Now me as someone who had become very dear to me, very close to me. And he will be your brother to help make up for the brother we lost. Stanley, can you say something to Fernando?
[00:21:56] Unknown:
What can I say? I'm not a man of violence.
[00:22:00] Unknown:
You you know that, Anita. But that's why you should say something because the man of violence have nothing to say to us anymore.
[00:22:07] Unknown:
Vengeance is mine, says the Lord. And let us leave it to him. No.
[00:22:13] Unknown:
You must. Why? Because it must all end somewhere. The violence, the destruction must end. Yes? Shall I publish a notice? Run a worldwide advertisement to Colonel Ramon Zaria. Wherever you are, you are safe. You are forgiven. Rejoice.
[00:22:31] Unknown:
We would love to hear that. Ramon Zaria is not laughing these days at anyone.
[00:22:37] Unknown:
How would you know? Is it beyond
[00:22:41] Unknown:
possibility that though he, may have learned and that he has become someone else?
[00:22:48] Unknown:
That monster can learn nothing. He has to be destroyed and I know. I'm close to him. How do you know? Because we captured Martinez. Juan Martinez?
[00:23:03] Unknown:
How would you know Juan Martinez? Because his family has become an authority on our country.
[00:23:08] Unknown:
Martinez was taken by my team. He was leaving in England, and he had the most fantastic cover. He was pausing as an Englishman posing. A more than that, passing. His face had been changed. His voice was different. He spoke English perfectly, and still you were able to get it tucked before he died. He was always a bowl of jelly. And he told the most fantastic yarn. He said there's an organization that specializes
[00:23:38] Unknown:
in changing people. He said that. Yes. I can rearrange it to for complete But, boy, would he say a thing like that? Not to stop the time.
[00:23:46] Unknown:
Obviously, he was hoping to make a deal with us to save his life. He even named the organization. He did? Yes. Metamorphosis Incorporated. Metamorphosis. Not as fetched as it seemed. I wanted to let him talk more, but the others were hotheads. They killed him. But when I searched his desk, I found a check. Yeah. Just wait a minute. Paid to the order of metamorphosis $5,000.
[00:24:11] Unknown:
And what else did he find out? He was right.
[00:24:14] Unknown:
There is such an organization and it can change people. You should see how he changed him, But I don't care how he changed Zoria. I'll find him too.
[00:24:33] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:24:34] Unknown:
Stanley, did I wake you? No, Anita.
[00:24:37] Unknown:
I haven't got a bed yet. I called because
[00:24:40] Unknown:
I wanted to know if you're alright. Oh, I'm fine. I know you are quite uncomfortable this evening. Fernando can sound so bloodthirsty.
[00:24:50] Unknown:
I I understand Fernando.
[00:25:01] Unknown:
I love you too.
[00:25:03] Unknown:
You are the most wonderful human being I ever met. Come see me tomorrow. Promise?
[00:25:10] Unknown:
Yes. Yes, darling. I promise.
[00:25:12] Unknown:
Good night. My dear.
[00:25:15] Unknown:
Good night.
[00:25:19] Unknown:
Who? Hello? Fernando. Good evening. Fernando, what can I do for you? You can tell me about metamorphosis. You know all about metamorphosis, don't you, Colonel Zorilla?
[00:25:42] Unknown:
He does know all about metamorphosis, but how does Fernando know that? The disguise was perfect. The cover was flawless. The personality change was complete. And yet here we have Fernando ready to pull the trigger. What could have gone wrong? What little detail was overlooked with any? Why don't you try to solve it, and we can check each other out when I return in just a few moments with act three. If there's no such thing as the perfect crime, can there be such a thing as the perfect cover up? Everything about Stanley Parker differs from Colonel Ramon Zohria. Appearance, language, personality,
[00:26:30] Unknown:
and yet Fernando de Onis sees right through the sky. He looks at Parker and perceives Zohria,
[00:26:38] Unknown:
bearing out, of course, what we had said about perception
[00:26:41] Unknown:
at the very beginning of our story. But what has he perceived? Why do you call me Ramon Zohria? That's who you are. Do you deny it? Yes. I can prove it. I am not Zoria
[00:26:55] Unknown:
now.
[00:26:56] Unknown:
Yes. True. You were Zoria. Yes. The last time we confronted each other, you placed a pistol against my head. You remember?
[00:27:06] Unknown:
I don't remember. You don't lie. I don't remember because there were so many of you. So many thousands of you. How can I remember?
[00:27:15] Unknown:
Do you know how we found your friend Martinez through his fingerprints? Can you imagine This metamorphosis makes such seemingly magical changes but the fingerprints remain the same. And you found me through my fingerprints?
[00:27:32] Unknown:
Yes. How?
[00:27:35] Unknown:
It was a joke on my part. I'm carrying the fingerprints of all of you always on the chance when tonight I couldn't sleep. I said, Sofia will be completely different. He will be someone I would never suspect. And what made you suspect me? I said to myself, who is the least likely person? Why Stanley Parker? He is so obviously a Midwestern America. Oh, but Stanley is a zoologist. So was and I was laughing to myself. It was, it was so silly. I said, well, let us check the fingerprints just as an exercise. Yours were on a glass.
[00:28:15] Unknown:
And what will you do with me? Kill you. Does Anita know?
[00:28:21] Unknown:
She'll have to.
[00:28:22] Unknown:
Why? You can have Zoria beloved her keep Parker, at least in her memory. No. The whole world must know,
[00:28:30] Unknown:
especially the scumbler are still in hiding. Let them realize there is no escape. You're not going to kill Ramon Zolia. He is already dead.
[00:28:37] Unknown:
I listen to you. You know how? The way you listen to others with deaf ears. He died on an island long ago. He will die even now. Go ahead and pray. And what's wrong with praying? It's the will of the Lord that I be found. I'm content. You may kill me.
[00:28:55] Unknown:
I I was hoping you would put up a fight. I would beg for your mercy. That would make it easier for you, wouldn't it? Or offer me a fortune the way Martinez did. How can you stand there quietly as if you're judging me? What am I going to do with you? What you set out to do? Kill me. No. No. I oh, we didn't set up a killer. We wanted to bring you, all of you, to justice.
[00:29:25] Unknown:
Then bring me to justice. You're
[00:29:30] Unknown:
not Noria. Not anymore. Who who am I bringing to justice? Allow me to solve your problem. No. Don't. You killed him? Of course. Why? Why did you kill him? My dear boy, I have a very substantial investment to protect. You didn't have to kill him? In another minute, you'd have been weeping on each other's shoulder.
[00:29:55] Unknown:
Why did you kill him? You see now the value of an insurance policy?
[00:30:01] Unknown:
Come. We must dispose of his body.
[00:30:06] Unknown:
What did the police say? They said it was a hold up that he was robbed on the street. It happened then? No. It was Zoria. Zoria? It can only mean Zoria Telford man that was coming closer. It means Zoria must be here somewhere.
[00:30:23] Unknown:
How could Maria be here? Oh, god. Salado is dead.
[00:30:27] Unknown:
Oh, oh, Stanley. Stanley, please help me. You'll already have breath in the world now. So you'll help me. The fool will help me find Donnie and kill him. Promise.
[00:30:41] Unknown:
I promise.
[00:30:47] Unknown:
Well, what have you been doing with yourself lately, mister Parker?
[00:30:51] Unknown:
Oh, what do you want?
[00:30:52] Unknown:
I've had some disturbing reports about you, such as? Such as drinking. Even as earlier, you never join me. Oh, no. No. No. No. The fact we have a very serious matter to discuss. Anita Dionys.
[00:31:07] Unknown:
What about Anita Dionys?
[00:31:10] Unknown:
She'll destroy you.
[00:31:11] Unknown:
That's a lie. Look at yourself. I stood by while you killed a man here in my home. Well, that was necessary. It was murder. And I'm as guilty as if I had pulled the trigger. I can't face her and I can't face myself, and I don't know what to do. The answer is not in the bottle. There's no answer at all anywhere. I'm what you made me. Stanley Parker. Idealist, pacifist, lover of all mankind.
[00:31:40] Unknown:
It's a delicate operation as you know. And perhaps we went just a tiny bit too far. How can you go too far? You can endow a man with too much love. We did that to you. We should make an adjustment. We'll have to teach you to accept killing. No. You understand the necessity for it. You will have to accept a certain fact of life. What? We should have to kill Anita Dionys. Oh, never. She is about ready to uncover your identity. What do you mean? She's getting there slowly. Very soon, she will discover that she must kill you. Before that happens, you must have your adjustment.
[00:32:27] Unknown:
I don't know what it was. Perhaps it was perhaps it was all a bad dream, but it was like that first time with with electricity, the sharp searing, exquisite pain. And certain thoughts were clashing in my brain. Ideas, this is not a perfect world. Man does what he must. The art of compromise. No laws are absolute. Morality is relative. And I don't know. Had I gone back to the island or would it have been another bad dream? But there was a there was an idea in my head. An idea. I knew I had to call Anita and ask her something. Ask her to go somewhere.
[00:33:03] Unknown:
Anita? Hello, stranger.
[00:33:05] Unknown:
Where have you been? I I've been busy. I was wondering. Can I have a picnic lunch tomorrow? We can go into the country. Yes.
[00:33:13] Unknown:
I oh. What is it? Danny, I have some question Who are you?
[00:33:37] Unknown:
Who am I?
[00:33:38] Unknown:
I'm Stanley Parker. Who is Stanley Parker?
[00:33:42] Unknown:
Stanley Parker is a man who loves you very much and wants to marry you. Trying to know you is like trying to hold Quicksilver.
[00:33:49] Unknown:
You see, I checked up on you. Oh.
[00:33:54] Unknown:
What made you do that? I don't know.
[00:33:56] Unknown:
But there is no record of your being born in Indianapolis in Indiana. I have a birth certificate. The record does not exist in their record. And there's no record of your having attended Northeastern Institute of Technology. I have a diploma. But the record does not exist at the school. Not a single teacher can remember you.
[00:34:18] Unknown:
Who are you?
[00:34:20] Unknown:
Who do you think I am?
[00:34:24] Unknown:
You? You are Zuriya, aren't you? Yes. You know what I have to do now, don't you? I have to kill you. Well,
[00:34:36] Unknown:
I I become someone else. Too late. I'm Stanley Parker. You love me. This has nothing to do with you at this. This confirms a monster named Oia. Do you mean you would shoot me? Actually shoot me? I am prepared. I am sorry to intervene at such a tender moment.
[00:34:55] Unknown:
You will please allow that pistol to fall to the ground, miss Duneys. That's it. It. Splendid. Take it up, Stanley. Very good. Now,
[00:35:07] Unknown:
unfortunate, ma'am Do do we have to kill her? Oh, yes. Look. We can let her go. We can make her promise.
[00:35:15] Unknown:
Can we make you promise anything, miss Denise? No. But to kill Oh, come now. That's what we worked on these past few weeks. Yes, but First law of life.
[00:35:24] Unknown:
What is it? Survival. Say it again. Survival. The second great law of life,
[00:35:30] Unknown:
kill or be killed. How does that square with the commandment, thou shalt not kill? We here below are imperfect creatures. You're 35 years old. You have more than half your life ahead of you. A beautiful, happy, productive life. Shall you throw it away for her? No. Then shoot her. It's your life or hers. You don't believe me? Ask her. Ask her.
[00:35:58] Unknown:
Anita, is it true? Yes.
[00:36:00] Unknown:
Your life or mine.
[00:36:03] Unknown:
You'll have to kill her, Stanley.
[00:36:05] Unknown:
Why me?
[00:36:06] Unknown:
Why not you? Both of us will be guilty of the murder. Should it make a difference which one pulls the trigger? No.
[00:36:14] Unknown:
Then you do it. Anita, we could find a way. The past is dead. No, Talai.
[00:36:20] Unknown:
It has just been reborn. Let her off. I see it happening. How strange. In reverse, Parker is becoming
[00:36:32] Unknown:
Zoria. No. You can have certain ideals. You can have your life, but you cannot have both. You must give up one. Charm. Yeah. Parker is talking like Zaria. Shoot her. I am not talking like Zaria. I'm not. Shoot her right now. I can't. I can't. I will. No. You won't. You won't. You won't kill her. You won't kill anyone anymore. Anita, go away from here. Janet, he murdered you. No.
[00:37:02] Unknown:
He killed me. I'll get a doctor. No. I'll get a doctor. Now I have to die.
[00:37:06] Unknown:
You know that, don't you? I don't want you to die. Even if you were Zorria, even if you were,
[00:37:13] Unknown:
you've become another person. No. No. I'm still Zorria. You see, the real life, the long life, the working life is the caterpillar. The butterfly only only lives a short day. The butterfly is only a dream. A caterpillar's dream. I love you. And I love you. And it's just as well that I die. You're not Zorilla. You're Stanley Parker. Only for a little while. But you see, slowly, I was becoming Zulier once more because that's the only life I really know how to lead the only life I ever wanted goodbye Anita don't be sorry for me
[00:38:03] Unknown:
Who else?
[00:38:05] Unknown:
For the other human being has eaten the dust and tasted the sun I have been both the caterpillar and the butterfly
[00:38:23] Unknown:
How many lives do we have? Surely, it'll be hasty to say only one. The caterpillar has two. How many lives have you had? Or how many lives are you leading now? I only have one that I know of, and I'll be back to tell you how we might share an experience in just a few moments. Three people were killed in our story, but that wasn't what it was all about. It was about the chrysalis, the coffin with the golden nail where the magical changes take place. And consider an ordinary simple creature with nothing even faintly resembling our intelligence can create all that is dull to all that is beautiful.
Why is that beyond man who is the highest form of life? When, if at all, shall we ever learn to do that? Our cast included Howard Da Silva, Marion Seldes, Ralph Bell, and Christopher Tabory. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theatre for another adventure in the macabre.
[00:39:51] Unknown:
WOR's Mystery Theatre was brought to you tonight also in part by ShopRite Supermarkets where you get a lot more for a little less.
With the Blue Cash Everyday card, it's easy to earn 3% cashback on groceries at US supermarkets, US online retail purchases, and US gas stations. That's how we grow our family's little nest egg. Learn more at americanexpress.com/explore-bce. Terms and cashback cap apply.
[00:00:39] Unknown:
Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall, weaver of the stuff that nightmares are made of. It was Shakespeare who said, you only live once. It was Goethe who said, you only die once. And Nathan Hale said he regretted he had only one life to give to his country. From all this then, we gather that all we have is this one time, this one life. However, this may not be entirely true. According to a gentleman you're about to meet, you may have as many lives as you can intelligently
[00:01:20] Unknown:
arrange for.
[00:01:22] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, The Coffin with a Golden Nail, was written especially for the mystery theatre by Sam Dan and stars Howard Gasova. It is sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser, and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly
[00:01:40] Unknown:
with act one. Compliment any of the 16 to whom American Express travel service offices in the New York area. For any airline ticket, see American Express. Don't leave home without it. Us. In the midst of life,
[00:02:03] Unknown:
we are in the midst of death, the book tells us. And this should teach us that survival is largely a matter of perception, and perception is the ability to see through the trappings directly into the heart of a matter. Therefore, people with perception never overstay their welcome, never overplay their hand, and are never caught in the rain without an umbrella. A man of perception was Ramon Zoya, Colonel Ramon Zoya, chief of the secret police of one of those little nickel and dime dictatorships somewhere south of the border. The colonel had an ingrained cruelty and a sheer delight in the sufferings of helpless human beings.
We're about to witness the the colonel at work. One moment if you please.
[00:02:52] Unknown:
I am colonel Ramon Carlos de Santa Maria de Soria y Sanchez. And this is my story. And I resent the way the gentleman has presented me. I am not some monstrous sadistic brute. As a dedicated patriot, I was part of a holy crusade to restore law, order, decency and respect to my beloved country. Well, she refuses to talk. Refuses? Refuses? Young woman, is it possible that you believe you're attending a dance? Will you make grant or refuse a well? Anita Dionys. Anita Dionys. Corporal hand me a whip. No Anita Dionys. You have a pretty face.
You also have some information. You may not keep both. Which shall you give up? Who are your companions? Choose. Very well, you have chosen. Yeah? Who? A mister Chrysalis. I never heard of him. Send him away.
[00:04:18] Unknown:
Ah, colonel. I am mister Chrysalis. I told my sergeant you are not to be admitted. I'll teach you. You should teach him how to block a right cross to the chin. I could have you shot. Sit down before I take my business elsewhere. Do you know who you're talking to? How old are you? 30? 35? Very good bones on that face. We can do a lot with them. And you were a school teacher before you got into all of this.
[00:04:48] Unknown:
What did you teach? I was an assistant professor of zoology at the university. Nice. I'll see you here. My name is mister Chrysalis.
[00:04:56] Unknown:
I am sales manager of metamorphosis incorporated. My card, sir? What does it all this mean? You a biologist ask the meaning of metamorphosis?
[00:05:08] Unknown:
I know what it means. Transmutation, a transformation from one life to another. Precisely.
[00:05:15] Unknown:
And now I've had enough of it. That is what I propose to do with you. Ask me why. Why? Within ninety days, the revolution will come to this country.
[00:05:28] Unknown:
Who has told you this very tale?
[00:05:32] Unknown:
You shall have a new government which will do unto you as you did unto others. I am here to sell you insurance.
[00:05:41] Unknown:
Insurance?
[00:05:42] Unknown:
What kind of insurance are you talking about? The name of our company answers your question. Metamorphosis. Yes. All of our clients have been metamorphosis into other people and they need their new lives out in the open fire. You must be insane. Consider the monarch butterfly. It leads two distinctly different lives. First, a caterpillar, an ugly crawling creature with a ground eye view of life. Second, a butterfly. Beautiful, airborne, free. Let us say one is seeking the caterpillar. Does one look for him in the butterfly? Enlightenment.
Now you know the meaning of my name, Chrysalis, the cocoon. The same snug haven where the metamorphosis takes place. The dark brown shell with the bright yellow spots. What do you call it?
[00:06:41] Unknown:
The coffin with the golden nail. Precisely.
[00:06:45] Unknown:
And you shall enter that coffin not to die, but to be born again. How? A complete plastic surgery for your face, and you will teach zoology in an American university. But how? You will have documents, a birth certificate, diplomas, recommendations. Well, I can't. I don't speak English. You will. And with an authentic Midwestern accent. This is our hope. It will require a full year of round the clock concentration and study. That is why the fee is $1,000,000.
[00:07:25] Unknown:
1,000,000?
[00:07:26] Unknown:
I don't have a million dollars. Chief of secret police doesn't have at least a million dollars. Sir, you insult my intelligence. Now for $1,000,000, you become doctor doctor Stanley Parker. Stanley Parker, assistant professor of zoology at Southwest A and M in the good old US Of A.
[00:07:52] Unknown:
I I I understand have the problem. Me. Something in me was never satisfied with the academic life. Something in me demanded will always demand action, excitement and yes, violence. I could never settle down. I I need violence.
[00:08:19] Unknown:
No. No. Colonel Ramon Zoria was the caterpillar. Stanley Parker shall be the butterfly. There will be nothing of Zoria in Parker. Your attitude toward life shall be different. You will believe in a new philosophy removed by another psychology which will change more, much more than your face and your voice. Claudia, what a devil. Parker should be a saint.
[00:08:53] Unknown:
It's required more than a year, even more than two years. I was taken to an island somewhere in the West Indies, exactly where I cannot say. And in that place, Ramon Carlos Sanchez died slowly, slowly, and a man named Stanley Zebulon Parker was born. That is not to say that all memory of Carlos died. Oh, no. I remembered everything about him, everything he was, but he was no longer me. His speech was no longer mine. His long narrow head seemed to be rounder. His nose shorter. His chin wider. This needed the better part of a year. All visible traces of Amon Zoria were gone, but my original fears remain. I've told you it would come slowly.
[00:09:51] Unknown:
Look at yourself. Listen. Who would you agree you are Amon Zoria?
[00:09:57] Unknown:
I would. Yes. I agree. I am the voice in the image of a man named Stanley Parker, but I still
[00:10:04] Unknown:
I still think and feel like Ramon Zoria. Of course. Of course. And you must help us change you. In the change is your true safety. The caterpillar enters the cruciferous, the coffin with the golden nail, and within, he is given more than a different form and shape. He is given another mind.
[00:10:30] Unknown:
And I was changed. I don't know how it was done. I don't remember. I I know another year went by. I lived in a constant sea of what must have been electric currents. I was always feeling waves of shock. There were always electrodes, always sparks, always the sharp smell of electricity. I was someone else. Oh, don't say a human being cannot be changed. I know better.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
I know. Do you remember Ramon Xavier? Yes. I remember him. Do you remember D. H.
[00:11:06] Unknown:
Yes. What's the matter?
[00:11:08] Unknown:
I will. Yes. I I I feel I feel an attack of nausea coming. Yes. Every time I think of Livia, I I can't help it. I I feel sick. Why?
[00:11:23] Unknown:
His loud voice, any loud harsh voice disturbs me. The gun, that heavy automatic pistol I I can't stand the idea of it. And a knife, the dagger, and the whip. These things just I'm dizzy. And killing? The thought of killing, of hurting, of inflicting pain on any living creature. Even for a good reason? There's never a good reason.
[00:11:52] Unknown:
Well, professor Parker, I would say that you are just about ready to fly.
[00:12:06] Unknown:
Absolutely. I'm try I'm trying to read your name badge. Professor
[00:12:10] Unknown:
Dionis. I'm Anita Dionis.
[00:12:14] Unknown:
How do you do? I'm Stanley Parker. Biology.
[00:12:17] Unknown:
I've come here to teach Latin American literature.
[00:12:20] Unknown:
Oh, that's interesting. I can't say I've read very much literature of Latin America.
[00:12:25] Unknown:
Well, aren't you going to ask me about it? Ask you about what? You've been staring at it for the past half hour.
[00:12:35] Unknown:
Staring? The scar on my face. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. It's just that it's so Horrible.
[00:12:45] Unknown:
I'm accustomed to having people stare at me. May I ask how Jameibah passed?
[00:12:50] Unknown:
Some years ago,
[00:12:52] Unknown:
the government of my country, the democratic government was destroyed by a military junta. And my family, the Dionys family The,
[00:13:02] Unknown:
Dionys
[00:13:03] Unknown:
family? Oh, I'm sure you've never heard of us. But we all joined the underground and I was captured.
[00:13:09] Unknown:
I had the honor to be interrogated by the head of the secret police himself. A monster called Colonel Ramon Zoria. Zoria. Interrogated. He slashed me across the face with his whip. Oh, no. Oh, I I'm sorry. Why you've gone so pale? Look ill. Please, Sit down. Could could I get you something?
[00:13:35] Unknown:
I I don't know what came over me.
[00:13:38] Unknown:
What do you know is American? This is so foreign to your experience.
[00:13:43] Unknown:
I understand. There's been another revolution down there. Yes.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
This swine has been driven out. Some of the big ones have gone into hiding all over the world. But one by one, we smoke them out.
[00:14:00] Unknown:
We? Oh, we have justice team.
[00:14:03] Unknown:
My own brother leads one and day and night he seeks to the earth. Thoria murdered our father.
[00:14:12] Unknown:
Their niece. I don't even remember that name. But why would you remember? A daughter mutilated her father murdered. When I say I don't remember, I don't remember reading about it. I'm sure even Goya himself wouldn't remember.
[00:14:28] Unknown:
We were among hundreds of thousands, millions in every country. We are the nameless ones. About about that,
[00:14:36] Unknown:
they they do wonders with plastic surgery these days. Yes.
[00:14:41] Unknown:
But I must continue to wear the scarf to remind me that the manzeria has not yet been brought to justice.
[00:14:49] Unknown:
Oh, is it is it possible perhaps
[00:14:53] Unknown:
he may be dead? Well, we will only be convinced
[00:14:57] Unknown:
when someone has seen his dead body. And then comes that time, the hunt will continue. So before do we focus on things, I am sure it has no real meaning for
[00:15:18] Unknown:
you. She touched a nerve when she said, I'm sure even Zaria himself wouldn't remember. And it's tragically true. Zaria himself did forget all about the day, the hour, the minute after he slashed her face. And here we have Stanley Parker, a man with a present and future, but no past because that past, which belongs to Ramon Daria, has been transformed. Can Stanley Parker survive him? I'll be back in just a few moments with act two. Colonel Ramon Zorrhea was a fanatic. He would torture and kill all who disagreed with him. Stanley Parker will faint at the sight, even the thought of blood.
And yet, Zoya and Arthur are one and the same human beings. How is it possible? Why do you even ask? Consider what has already occurred in this, the age we live in. Is anything impossible?
[00:16:33] Unknown:
Good evening, professor Parker. Oh, it's mister Crusoe. May I come in? Thank you.
[00:16:39] Unknown:
Sit down.
[00:16:41] Unknown:
What what can I do for you? I'm here to send you some more insurance. Oh,
[00:16:45] Unknown:
but I really don't need any. Oh, but you do. Suppose someone were hunting for you and he started to come close? Oh, but that's impossible. There's nothing of Ramon's villa about me anymore. I spoke to a young lady just last week. She'd have a good reason to know Ramon Zolia, but she never But what if this lady
[00:17:04] Unknown:
or her brother or someone else? What if somehow unravel? But I'm not Zolia. You know that. I'm someone else. Precisely. You are a person who is unable to protect himself. Therefore, metamorphosis will see to it that you are protected at all times. But I don't need to look.
[00:17:23] Unknown:
I dislike argument. Our fee is 10%
[00:17:26] Unknown:
of your annual salary. Even if someone were to threaten me, I'm unable to You will not have to.
[00:17:33] Unknown:
We'll do it for you. I will not be a party to any killing.
[00:17:37] Unknown:
Nevertheless, we shall insist on our fee. It's blackmail.
[00:17:41] Unknown:
It's in your best interest.
[00:17:43] Unknown:
Now about miss Dionys. Purpose gossip has it you see a great deal of her. I feel drawn to her. Do you have a feeling of guilt? Yes. But why? What was Stanley Parker to do with the deeds of Ramon Zoria? Is the butterfly to blame for the depredations of the worm? Maybe it's more than that. Maybe I'm falling in love with her. Do I dare My boy, you are a brand new human being. You may dare anything.
[00:18:27] Unknown:
I never got around to learning. But I thought all North Americans knew how to Oh, that's why he's saying all South Americans know how to tango.
[00:18:35] Unknown:
They probably do.
[00:18:36] Unknown:
Why are you laughing so much? I'm having fun. Are you? Oh,
[00:18:42] Unknown:
it's been so many years since I could do something silly like this. For the last time I would hunt with a man, he was my group leader. And we walked arm and arm down San Sebastian Boulevard. In Aragonia, the main street. That's right. Yes.
[00:18:56] Unknown:
But how would you go? I I become interested in your country. Why? Because it's your country and everything about you interests me.
[00:19:06] Unknown:
We pretended we were lovers. Under my dress was an ammunition belt. Under his coat was a submachine gun. And that's why I feel so good right now. Just to be out with a handsome man, to be a woman again. It was a great afternoon. I hope you enjoyed it. Oh, why don't you come in? Perhaps I have to find something for supper. Oh, I wouldn't want you to go to any trouble. Oh, well, you must tell me all about yourself, Stanley. Why are you afraid? Always afraid that you may cause someone trouble. I want to know everything about you. There isn't much to tell. Oh, there's a whole lifetime to tell. Now into the kitchen and we'll see what's in the refrigerator. I'm a terrible housekeeper.
Some eggs and You speak English perfectly. Well, I was educated in The United States. I I only returned home so I could fight against the hunter. Was that the only reason you returned? Oh, I suppose I was an idealist.
[00:20:05] Unknown:
You say was?
[00:20:07] Unknown:
Well, not so much anymore.
[00:20:10] Unknown:
Why?
[00:20:11] Unknown:
Regardless of who's in power, somebody is going to be persecuted. That is the story of the world. I know.
[00:20:18] Unknown:
But maybe we should be trying to write a new ending to that story.
[00:20:24] Unknown:
I would rather hear about your story.
[00:20:27] Unknown:
My story? Where were you born? In The United States. Is that silly? Where?
[00:20:34] Unknown:
Indianapolis. You know, I went to college with a girl from Indianapolis. I visited her quite often. Her name was Helen Morrison. Did you know the Morrison? No. I don't believe so. Where did you go to college? Northern Institute of Technology. But Helen Morrison died. The boy from there. What was his name? I was made of honor at the wedding. Can't remember his name. Did you know him?
[00:20:57] Unknown:
No. Anita.
[00:21:00] Unknown:
Fernando. Oh, why didn't you tell me you're coming Stanley? My brother, Fernando, the only Fernando, Stanley Parker. How do you do? Anita,
[00:21:10] Unknown:
where were you all afternoon? Stanley, I was speaking. I hope you had a good time. What's wrong? Yes. You had a good time. Your cheeks are flushed. Your eyes are sparkling. And Ramon Varia is still alive. I'm sorry. Who swore on our father's grave that we wouldn't rest on him? I know. I know that. And so what have you done today that has brought us closer to this month? Today, I did something for you,
[00:21:36] Unknown:
said quietly. Let us all sit quietly. Now me as someone who had become very dear to me, very close to me. And he will be your brother to help make up for the brother we lost. Stanley, can you say something to Fernando?
[00:21:56] Unknown:
What can I say? I'm not a man of violence.
[00:22:00] Unknown:
You you know that, Anita. But that's why you should say something because the man of violence have nothing to say to us anymore.
[00:22:07] Unknown:
Vengeance is mine, says the Lord. And let us leave it to him. No.
[00:22:13] Unknown:
You must. Why? Because it must all end somewhere. The violence, the destruction must end. Yes? Shall I publish a notice? Run a worldwide advertisement to Colonel Ramon Zaria. Wherever you are, you are safe. You are forgiven. Rejoice.
[00:22:31] Unknown:
We would love to hear that. Ramon Zaria is not laughing these days at anyone.
[00:22:37] Unknown:
How would you know? Is it beyond
[00:22:41] Unknown:
possibility that though he, may have learned and that he has become someone else?
[00:22:48] Unknown:
That monster can learn nothing. He has to be destroyed and I know. I'm close to him. How do you know? Because we captured Martinez. Juan Martinez?
[00:23:03] Unknown:
How would you know Juan Martinez? Because his family has become an authority on our country.
[00:23:08] Unknown:
Martinez was taken by my team. He was leaving in England, and he had the most fantastic cover. He was pausing as an Englishman posing. A more than that, passing. His face had been changed. His voice was different. He spoke English perfectly, and still you were able to get it tucked before he died. He was always a bowl of jelly. And he told the most fantastic yarn. He said there's an organization that specializes
[00:23:38] Unknown:
in changing people. He said that. Yes. I can rearrange it to for complete But, boy, would he say a thing like that? Not to stop the time.
[00:23:46] Unknown:
Obviously, he was hoping to make a deal with us to save his life. He even named the organization. He did? Yes. Metamorphosis Incorporated. Metamorphosis. Not as fetched as it seemed. I wanted to let him talk more, but the others were hotheads. They killed him. But when I searched his desk, I found a check. Yeah. Just wait a minute. Paid to the order of metamorphosis $5,000.
[00:24:11] Unknown:
And what else did he find out? He was right.
[00:24:14] Unknown:
There is such an organization and it can change people. You should see how he changed him, But I don't care how he changed Zoria. I'll find him too.
[00:24:33] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:24:34] Unknown:
Stanley, did I wake you? No, Anita.
[00:24:37] Unknown:
I haven't got a bed yet. I called because
[00:24:40] Unknown:
I wanted to know if you're alright. Oh, I'm fine. I know you are quite uncomfortable this evening. Fernando can sound so bloodthirsty.
[00:24:50] Unknown:
I I understand Fernando.
[00:25:01] Unknown:
I love you too.
[00:25:03] Unknown:
You are the most wonderful human being I ever met. Come see me tomorrow. Promise?
[00:25:10] Unknown:
Yes. Yes, darling. I promise.
[00:25:12] Unknown:
Good night. My dear.
[00:25:15] Unknown:
Good night.
[00:25:19] Unknown:
Who? Hello? Fernando. Good evening. Fernando, what can I do for you? You can tell me about metamorphosis. You know all about metamorphosis, don't you, Colonel Zorilla?
[00:25:42] Unknown:
He does know all about metamorphosis, but how does Fernando know that? The disguise was perfect. The cover was flawless. The personality change was complete. And yet here we have Fernando ready to pull the trigger. What could have gone wrong? What little detail was overlooked with any? Why don't you try to solve it, and we can check each other out when I return in just a few moments with act three. If there's no such thing as the perfect crime, can there be such a thing as the perfect cover up? Everything about Stanley Parker differs from Colonel Ramon Zohria. Appearance, language, personality,
[00:26:30] Unknown:
and yet Fernando de Onis sees right through the sky. He looks at Parker and perceives Zohria,
[00:26:38] Unknown:
bearing out, of course, what we had said about perception
[00:26:41] Unknown:
at the very beginning of our story. But what has he perceived? Why do you call me Ramon Zohria? That's who you are. Do you deny it? Yes. I can prove it. I am not Zoria
[00:26:55] Unknown:
now.
[00:26:56] Unknown:
Yes. True. You were Zoria. Yes. The last time we confronted each other, you placed a pistol against my head. You remember?
[00:27:06] Unknown:
I don't remember. You don't lie. I don't remember because there were so many of you. So many thousands of you. How can I remember?
[00:27:15] Unknown:
Do you know how we found your friend Martinez through his fingerprints? Can you imagine This metamorphosis makes such seemingly magical changes but the fingerprints remain the same. And you found me through my fingerprints?
[00:27:32] Unknown:
Yes. How?
[00:27:35] Unknown:
It was a joke on my part. I'm carrying the fingerprints of all of you always on the chance when tonight I couldn't sleep. I said, Sofia will be completely different. He will be someone I would never suspect. And what made you suspect me? I said to myself, who is the least likely person? Why Stanley Parker? He is so obviously a Midwestern America. Oh, but Stanley is a zoologist. So was and I was laughing to myself. It was, it was so silly. I said, well, let us check the fingerprints just as an exercise. Yours were on a glass.
[00:28:15] Unknown:
And what will you do with me? Kill you. Does Anita know?
[00:28:21] Unknown:
She'll have to.
[00:28:22] Unknown:
Why? You can have Zoria beloved her keep Parker, at least in her memory. No. The whole world must know,
[00:28:30] Unknown:
especially the scumbler are still in hiding. Let them realize there is no escape. You're not going to kill Ramon Zolia. He is already dead.
[00:28:37] Unknown:
I listen to you. You know how? The way you listen to others with deaf ears. He died on an island long ago. He will die even now. Go ahead and pray. And what's wrong with praying? It's the will of the Lord that I be found. I'm content. You may kill me.
[00:28:55] Unknown:
I I was hoping you would put up a fight. I would beg for your mercy. That would make it easier for you, wouldn't it? Or offer me a fortune the way Martinez did. How can you stand there quietly as if you're judging me? What am I going to do with you? What you set out to do? Kill me. No. No. I oh, we didn't set up a killer. We wanted to bring you, all of you, to justice.
[00:29:25] Unknown:
Then bring me to justice. You're
[00:29:30] Unknown:
not Noria. Not anymore. Who who am I bringing to justice? Allow me to solve your problem. No. Don't. You killed him? Of course. Why? Why did you kill him? My dear boy, I have a very substantial investment to protect. You didn't have to kill him? In another minute, you'd have been weeping on each other's shoulder.
[00:29:55] Unknown:
Why did you kill him? You see now the value of an insurance policy?
[00:30:01] Unknown:
Come. We must dispose of his body.
[00:30:06] Unknown:
What did the police say? They said it was a hold up that he was robbed on the street. It happened then? No. It was Zoria. Zoria? It can only mean Zoria Telford man that was coming closer. It means Zoria must be here somewhere.
[00:30:23] Unknown:
How could Maria be here? Oh, god. Salado is dead.
[00:30:27] Unknown:
Oh, oh, Stanley. Stanley, please help me. You'll already have breath in the world now. So you'll help me. The fool will help me find Donnie and kill him. Promise.
[00:30:41] Unknown:
I promise.
[00:30:47] Unknown:
Well, what have you been doing with yourself lately, mister Parker?
[00:30:51] Unknown:
Oh, what do you want?
[00:30:52] Unknown:
I've had some disturbing reports about you, such as? Such as drinking. Even as earlier, you never join me. Oh, no. No. No. No. The fact we have a very serious matter to discuss. Anita Dionys.
[00:31:07] Unknown:
What about Anita Dionys?
[00:31:10] Unknown:
She'll destroy you.
[00:31:11] Unknown:
That's a lie. Look at yourself. I stood by while you killed a man here in my home. Well, that was necessary. It was murder. And I'm as guilty as if I had pulled the trigger. I can't face her and I can't face myself, and I don't know what to do. The answer is not in the bottle. There's no answer at all anywhere. I'm what you made me. Stanley Parker. Idealist, pacifist, lover of all mankind.
[00:31:40] Unknown:
It's a delicate operation as you know. And perhaps we went just a tiny bit too far. How can you go too far? You can endow a man with too much love. We did that to you. We should make an adjustment. We'll have to teach you to accept killing. No. You understand the necessity for it. You will have to accept a certain fact of life. What? We should have to kill Anita Dionys. Oh, never. She is about ready to uncover your identity. What do you mean? She's getting there slowly. Very soon, she will discover that she must kill you. Before that happens, you must have your adjustment.
[00:32:27] Unknown:
I don't know what it was. Perhaps it was perhaps it was all a bad dream, but it was like that first time with with electricity, the sharp searing, exquisite pain. And certain thoughts were clashing in my brain. Ideas, this is not a perfect world. Man does what he must. The art of compromise. No laws are absolute. Morality is relative. And I don't know. Had I gone back to the island or would it have been another bad dream? But there was a there was an idea in my head. An idea. I knew I had to call Anita and ask her something. Ask her to go somewhere.
[00:33:03] Unknown:
Anita? Hello, stranger.
[00:33:05] Unknown:
Where have you been? I I've been busy. I was wondering. Can I have a picnic lunch tomorrow? We can go into the country. Yes.
[00:33:13] Unknown:
I oh. What is it? Danny, I have some question Who are you?
[00:33:37] Unknown:
Who am I?
[00:33:38] Unknown:
I'm Stanley Parker. Who is Stanley Parker?
[00:33:42] Unknown:
Stanley Parker is a man who loves you very much and wants to marry you. Trying to know you is like trying to hold Quicksilver.
[00:33:49] Unknown:
You see, I checked up on you. Oh.
[00:33:54] Unknown:
What made you do that? I don't know.
[00:33:56] Unknown:
But there is no record of your being born in Indianapolis in Indiana. I have a birth certificate. The record does not exist in their record. And there's no record of your having attended Northeastern Institute of Technology. I have a diploma. But the record does not exist at the school. Not a single teacher can remember you.
[00:34:18] Unknown:
Who are you?
[00:34:20] Unknown:
Who do you think I am?
[00:34:24] Unknown:
You? You are Zuriya, aren't you? Yes. You know what I have to do now, don't you? I have to kill you. Well,
[00:34:36] Unknown:
I I become someone else. Too late. I'm Stanley Parker. You love me. This has nothing to do with you at this. This confirms a monster named Oia. Do you mean you would shoot me? Actually shoot me? I am prepared. I am sorry to intervene at such a tender moment.
[00:34:55] Unknown:
You will please allow that pistol to fall to the ground, miss Duneys. That's it. It. Splendid. Take it up, Stanley. Very good. Now,
[00:35:07] Unknown:
unfortunate, ma'am Do do we have to kill her? Oh, yes. Look. We can let her go. We can make her promise.
[00:35:15] Unknown:
Can we make you promise anything, miss Denise? No. But to kill Oh, come now. That's what we worked on these past few weeks. Yes, but First law of life.
[00:35:24] Unknown:
What is it? Survival. Say it again. Survival. The second great law of life,
[00:35:30] Unknown:
kill or be killed. How does that square with the commandment, thou shalt not kill? We here below are imperfect creatures. You're 35 years old. You have more than half your life ahead of you. A beautiful, happy, productive life. Shall you throw it away for her? No. Then shoot her. It's your life or hers. You don't believe me? Ask her. Ask her.
[00:35:58] Unknown:
Anita, is it true? Yes.
[00:36:00] Unknown:
Your life or mine.
[00:36:03] Unknown:
You'll have to kill her, Stanley.
[00:36:05] Unknown:
Why me?
[00:36:06] Unknown:
Why not you? Both of us will be guilty of the murder. Should it make a difference which one pulls the trigger? No.
[00:36:14] Unknown:
Then you do it. Anita, we could find a way. The past is dead. No, Talai.
[00:36:20] Unknown:
It has just been reborn. Let her off. I see it happening. How strange. In reverse, Parker is becoming
[00:36:32] Unknown:
Zoria. No. You can have certain ideals. You can have your life, but you cannot have both. You must give up one. Charm. Yeah. Parker is talking like Zaria. Shoot her. I am not talking like Zaria. I'm not. Shoot her right now. I can't. I can't. I will. No. You won't. You won't. You won't kill her. You won't kill anyone anymore. Anita, go away from here. Janet, he murdered you. No.
[00:37:02] Unknown:
He killed me. I'll get a doctor. No. I'll get a doctor. Now I have to die.
[00:37:06] Unknown:
You know that, don't you? I don't want you to die. Even if you were Zorria, even if you were,
[00:37:13] Unknown:
you've become another person. No. No. I'm still Zorria. You see, the real life, the long life, the working life is the caterpillar. The butterfly only only lives a short day. The butterfly is only a dream. A caterpillar's dream. I love you. And I love you. And it's just as well that I die. You're not Zorilla. You're Stanley Parker. Only for a little while. But you see, slowly, I was becoming Zulier once more because that's the only life I really know how to lead the only life I ever wanted goodbye Anita don't be sorry for me
[00:38:03] Unknown:
Who else?
[00:38:05] Unknown:
For the other human being has eaten the dust and tasted the sun I have been both the caterpillar and the butterfly
[00:38:23] Unknown:
How many lives do we have? Surely, it'll be hasty to say only one. The caterpillar has two. How many lives have you had? Or how many lives are you leading now? I only have one that I know of, and I'll be back to tell you how we might share an experience in just a few moments. Three people were killed in our story, but that wasn't what it was all about. It was about the chrysalis, the coffin with the golden nail where the magical changes take place. And consider an ordinary simple creature with nothing even faintly resembling our intelligence can create all that is dull to all that is beautiful.
Why is that beyond man who is the highest form of life? When, if at all, shall we ever learn to do that? Our cast included Howard Da Silva, Marion Seldes, Ralph Bell, and Christopher Tabory. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theatre for another adventure in the macabre.
[00:39:51] Unknown:
WOR's Mystery Theatre was brought to you tonight also in part by ShopRite Supermarkets where you get a lot more for a little less.
Introduction to Nightmares
The Coffin with a Golden Nail
Colonel Ramon Zoya's Cruelty
Mr. Chrysalis and Metamorphosis Incorporated
Transformation into Stanley Parker
Encounter with Anita Dionys
The Hunt for Zoria
Fernando's Revelation
The Confrontation
Anita's Discovery
The Final Decision
