CBS Radio Mystery Theater

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In this gripping episode of our mystery drama, we delve into the complexities of human relationships and the ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals. The story unfolds around Joel Stewart, a man suffering from a severe circulatory condition, and his wife Carrie, who is torn between her marriage vows and her feelings for the talented surgeon, Dr. Kirk Malcolm. As Joel's condition worsens, the tension mounts, leading to a high-stakes operation that could either save his life or end it. The episode explores themes of love, duty, and the moral responsibilities of those in the medical field.

As the operation progresses, we witness the interplay of personal and professional conflicts, with Joel's overbearing mother adding to the drama. The narrative raises questions about the true nature of love and commitment, as well as the ethical boundaries that medical practitioners must navigate. With a backdrop of suspense and emotional turmoil, this episode keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, pondering the fine line between life and death, and the decisions that shape our destinies.

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Hardie.  

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Come in.   Welcome.   I'm EG Marshall.   Of all the promises a man or woman can make, I can think of no two more solemn and morally binding.   The first, the answer to the question,   do you take this man to love and to cherish, to honor and to obey in sickness and health   as long as you both shall live?   And the other,   the Hippocratic Oath.   This phrase in particular,   whatsoever house I enter,   there will I go for the benefit of the sick,   refraining from all wrongdoing   or corruption,   and especially from any act of seduction.   Our mystery drama, The Edge of the Scalpel,   was written especially for the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars Terry Keen and Gordon Gould.  

It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Anheuser Busch Incorporated,   brewers of Budweiser.   I'll be back shortly with act one.  

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Somebody   still cares about quality.   To the Budweiser people, that's a lot more than just words. It's a commitment to continue brewing Budweiser the way it's always been brewed, with care, with pride, without compromise.   And it's a promise to everyone who enjoys great beer that there's one thing they'll always be able to count on, that one of a kind Beechwood aged Budweiser   taste. A taste that speaks for itself   loud and clear.   Hear it talking?   Anurisa Busch Saint Louis.  

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I grew up in New York City. I was born and raised here. You're listening to Pat Harper a prisoner. Anchorwoman on the channel 11:10 o'clock news. As a New Yorker living again in New York, is that New York is a composition of many small towns.  

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We walk down into Chinatown, or we go down into Little Italy, or we walk anywhere in New York City. Maybe I'm prejudiced because I'm a New Yorker. Let's face it. Any given day we live is not just terrible terminal things. We're sitting around That's Joe Harper,  

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anchor man on the channel 11:10 o'clock news. Have to get more balance into the news.  

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A lot of good things happen.   I think we ought to be screaming to the high heavens about how great this city is in a lot of respect. I think it's one of the few news shows  

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that allows you to walk away from it feeling pretty good.  

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Joe Harper and Pat Harper,   anchorman and anchorwoman   on the channel eleven news at 10:00.  

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The edge of the scalpel.   This is the story of a surgeon who walked it,   who poised it above his deadly rival, literally holding the life of the man on the operating table in his hands.   Let us follow the tall, gaunt man there who looks ten years older than his 38 years, whose aging face still retains the good looks and the mark of a spoiled and petulant youth,   who walks slowly,   leaning on a cane for support   to the main nurses desk at Guardian Hospital.  

[00:05:28] Unknown:

Excuse me. I wanna see nurse Stewart, nurse Carrie Stewart. Oh, nurse Stewart has, has duty for another three quarters of an hour. If you want to walk over to the waiting room walking is not my strong suit as you can see. Will you ask her to come down here or put her on page? Oh, I can't page a nurse. Well, she won't mind. I'm her husband.  

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Oh, bless me. How do you do, mister Stewart? How do you do, nurse McGrath?  

[00:05:52] Unknown:

You know me. Oh, why not? It's such a loving little family here at Guardian Hospital, isn't it? I I think your wife is still operating with doctor Malcolm.   That's exactly what bothers me.   I'll be waiting for her right by the elevator as soon as she's ready to see me.   Thank you for saving another patient for me, doctor Malcolm. Oh, thank you for the correct diagnosis, doctor doctor Kowalski. We make a team. We all make a team. Right, Carrie.  

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Kirk, what would you do without her? I'd hate to speculate, Ted, or have you speculated?  

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Oh, come on, Kirk. My reputation as the hospital lothario is all gossip. I play the field.  

[00:06:31] Unknown:

With you and Carrie, that's, different. Here's the elevator. Carrie to join us? Nope. Three's a crowd.   Forget it, Ed. Carrie is my surgical nurse.   Sorry about that.   He didn't mean anything. Maybe it's my guilty conscience.   Coffee?   A nurse and a doctor? Protocol is no problem. But the chief of surgical services, I'll exercise a command.   Coffee.  

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I'm yours to obey.   I wish that were true. Kurt, don't. Please. You never know who my Surprise,  

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Carrie.   Your loving, if lame, husband.  

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True.  

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What brought you here? A question maybe I should be asking. Hello, mister Stewart. Nice to see you again. Oh, doctor Malcolm. At the moment, I feel like the, usual third wheel.   Obviously, you are happy about something special. The most fantastic operation, Joe. Kirk,  

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doctor Malcolm just saved a man from certain death. I don't think your husband is interested in hospital small talk. Small talk? It was a miracle.   A miracle.  

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Oh, I hope I'm not interfering with with it. The miracle has already taken place. I was just asking your wife to my office to have a cup of coffee. Won't you join us? I'm afraid I can't unless it's for some special consultation.   No. No. Perhaps I could be allowed to steal my wife away. You can scarcely steal what is your own, mister Stewart,  

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if you'll excuse me.   Certainly.  

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Did you have to go out of your way to be rude? Was I? Oh, I didn't notice.  

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Could I sit down for a moment?  

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Of course, you can.   You shouldn't be on your feet this much anyway.   What brought you out here? Loneliness.  

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Sick of looking at nothing but four walls.   So I took a bus and ended up downtown feeding the the pigeons. Well, it's a nice thing to do, but not to the point of exhaustion. I feel they're my kin. They walk as clumsily as I do.   Only they have wings to spread and fly. Joel,  

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why do you fight the operation that could help you?  

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Doctor Malcolm tried to explain I'd like to forget Kirk Malcolm,   and he'd be the last person I'd be likely to tell I'm scared out of my skull of an operation.  

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Carrie, drive me home. I can't. I'm still on duty. But can't you beg off? No way.   We're shorthanded.  

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Back in the same old circle.   Everyone has a duty but me. You have one.  

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Go back to work. You know there's always room in advertising for your talent.   Joe, please. I should be back on the Operating Floor.  

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Why did you come here? Not to spy on you, Carrie. Whatever you think.   Just   that my legs gave out.  

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I I couldn't face the bus ride home. Excuse me, Carrie. But OR just called down for you. Emergent. Oh, thanks, Mac. I'll be right up. Oh, I'm sorry. The truck was in your lap.   Joe, here are the keys.  

[00:09:29] Unknown:

You take the car. I'll take the bus. If only we could go back to where we started, Carrie. It was good, wasn't it? Yes, Joe. But   look, I cannot talk now. I've got to go. A busy little breadwinner.   But   just hang on to one thought, lover.   I'll never be satisfied with the crumbs.  

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Yeah. It's Carrie, Joel. I won't be able to make it home for dinner. Can you manage? Oh, my greatest talent. I managed to manage  

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somehow.   Where are you spending the evening? With one of your doctor buddies?  

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It's an emergency operation   to try to save a young boy's leg. Oh, how noble.  

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Will the great god Malcolm perform another miracle?   I don't know. None of us knows. Which is exactly why you'll never get me near an operating room. They never know. None of them does.   This way, at least I have two legs. Not very serviceable, but   there   in an emergency.  

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I may be very late. Don't wait up for me. Don't try to protect my feelings.  

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I ended being less than a whole man a long time ago.  

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You should be very proud of what you did for that boy, Kirk. If it works. In the long run, we can all be proud, Ted.  

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Such modesty. Don't you love him for it, Carrie?  

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I respect him, doctor Kowalski.  

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Right.   I should choose my words more carefully.   Well, I'm off. I have an angel waiting for me in the wings.  

[00:11:10] Unknown:

Oh my goodness. What is it? The time. I gave Joel the car. I've got to dash if I'm to catch the last bus. No need. I'll drop you off if you want me to.   Alright.   There's so many things I   I'll meet you at the doctor's entrance in ten minutes.   I thought inviting you to dinner might help you understand the,   well,   the way things are. You mean with Dole?  

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What can you do with a man who refuses to take advantage of what surgery might do for him? Convince  

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him that it can. He's scared, Kirk. He needs to find somebody he can place all his trust and faith in.  

[00:11:51] Unknown:

I'm scarcely the man for that. Now you almost managed to convince him last night. Is that the only reason I was invited?   You know it was. Oh, Carrie darling. I'll lay it right on the line, Carrie.   He's afraid he wouldn't be able to hang on to you if you knew he didn't need you anymore. He has every right to hang on to me as long as he wants. Isn't that a little masochistic?  

[00:12:12] Unknown:

I was driving the car when he first got hurt. It has nothing to do with his condition now.  

[00:12:17] Unknown:

He has Laurisha's syndrome,   a deterioration of a lower aorta.  

[00:12:22] Unknown:

I checked it out with Helen. Truth to say that wasn't an aftermath of a back injury. What's that? Anyway, there are other reasons, Kirk.   I made a vow when I married him in sickness and in health.  

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I can't break that. Somehow in this day and age, it seems   I mean,   I love you, Carrie.   And I know you love me.  

[00:12:43] Unknown:

Yes.   I do.   But I guess, Kirk, I'm just,   old fashioned.  

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And suppose the timing couldn't be more perfect. You're home.  

[00:12:56] Unknown:

Thank you for delivering me right to my door. You're an important package  

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and the best loved surgical nurse I've ever had. Professionally,  

[00:13:04] Unknown:

we make a team.   You were wonderful tonight.   You are wonderful.   Oh, how I wish Sherry.  

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I I apologize for that. You should.  

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It has no future.   Joe,  

[00:13:35] Unknown:

you startled me. I just thought I'd, throw a little light on the subject.   I gather it was a successful operation.   It'll be a year before we know that for sure. Funny. I thought you'd already gotten far enough to predict resolve.  

[00:13:50] Unknown:

Jo, I don't quite know what you mean, but I do know I don't feel like matching rapiers tonight. I am tired,  

[00:13:56] Unknown:

and I wanna go to bed. I'm not stopping you. Good night, Jill. Aren't you gonna kiss me good night too?  

[00:14:02] Unknown:

There you saw.  

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I've been waiting all evening   and watching.  

[00:14:08] Unknown:

Well, it didn't mean anything.   Or if it did,   it was an end,   not a beginning.  

[00:14:15] Unknown:

Whatever you say, Carrie.  

[00:14:23] Unknown:

Morning, nurse McGrath. Any problems? There's nothing I can't handle, doctor Malcolm.  

[00:14:27] Unknown:

How is the little boy? Oh, so far he's holding his own. Oh, and we have an identity for him now, I understand. Well, then the name is Scenten.  

[00:14:35] Unknown:

His parents are waiting in your office. Alright.  

[00:14:38] Unknown:

There's some reporters waiting to see you too. Why not? You're famous. Good morning, Mac. Morning, dad. Roaring, Doctor. Walgley.  

[00:14:44] Unknown:

And indeed you are doctor Malcolm.   Oh, you must be very proud of what you accomplished last night. Well, it balances out.  

[00:14:52] Unknown:

Oh, Mac, has nurse Stewart checked in yet? No. She called in earlier to say she'd be delayed. Her husband isn't feeling well. Oh,  

[00:15:00] Unknown:

anything serious? No. She didn't say. Any message we can give her? Well, no. It's,  

[00:15:06] Unknown:

a personal matter.   I'll be in my office with Tim's parents.  

[00:15:10] Unknown:

Now what kind of a personal matter would you suppose exist between Carrie and Kirk Malcolm? Sure. If it were common knowledge,  

[00:15:16] Unknown:

it couldn't be very personal now, could it?   Meaning mind my own business, You said it, doctor, not I.  

[00:15:25] Unknown:

Well, it is sort of my business because   doctor Malcolm is my friend.   Mac, you know the hospital better than anyone. You've been here longer. But I came with the cornerstone.   Are there rumors going around about Carrie and But I didn't plant the grapevine  

[00:15:40] Unknown:

and I feed it no nourishment.  

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All I'm worried about is that any hint gets to the Iron Duke upstairs.   If old Hadley up in administration noses out what's being whispered around, we could lose doctor Malcolm   and Carrie.   I wouldn't wanna see that. Oh,  

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nor me.   I stayed home because I'm your wife, Joan. Not by choice.  

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Not because you love,   but out of duty. I didn't say that. You didn't have to. Maybe because it isn't true.   What?   You might be a little ashamed   after last night. I told you that's a closed chapter. I doubt it. Why don't you admit you'd give anything to be rid of me? What good am I? I can't support you. I can't even   make love to you.   I'm a   husband in name only.   If If I had any guts, I'd walk out of your life.   Only I'm not very good at walking either. That's something that could be fixed. How? Under your surgical boyfriend's scalpel?   No. Thank you.  

I wouldn't give him the chance to dispose of me so easily. That's a terrible thing to say. And a terrible thing the two of you are doing to me.   I may be no damn good, but you're my wife. And that's what you're going to stay till   Joe?   Oh,  

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Joe, what is it?   Pain.   The pain. Joe, again,   maybe you'll get your wish after all.   But you hear this, Gary?   You get me my own doctor,   or I'll haunt you the rest of my life.  

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An intriguing  

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situation.   A woman struggling desperately to live up to her marriage vows,   committed by her conscience to a man she does not love,   and a surgeon in whose hands may be placed the life   of this man.   There are gathering factors which could end his career   as he found himself accused not only of negligence,   but murder.  

[00:17:53] Unknown:

I'll return shortly with act two. Oh, I thought I saw a pooty cat. I did see a pooty cat. Hi. I'm Mel Blanc, and that's another of my thousand voices. And that's why they asked me to tell you about lemon mint Listerine lozenges. Because when your throat is hot and dry from a cold, they make it feel cool and soothed. And Listerine's anesthetic medicine helps get fast, beep, beep, temporary relief from minor sore throat pain. Lemon mint Listerine lozenges. No matter how many voices you've got, you've only got one throat. So we did get rid of the lozenges, folks. Use only as directed.  

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Here's Ralph Flinger, better known as mister I Know Where They Are. Ralph, whatever became of Edwin Louty, the inventor of the bridgeland? Oh, yeah. So he's well up in his nineties now, but he still works every day taking chain link fences apart. A listener would like to know whatever became of a young daredevil named Warner Bromley who flew a zeppelin upside down. Yes. He once tried to fly a zeppelin upside down through the framework of the Eiffel Tower. What's he doing now? He inflates weather balloons for the government. Alright, mister. I know where they are. How about Stuffy Hodgson, Calvin Hoogavin, Jimmy Schwab, Fred Falvey, and Mary Backstage? Oh, they're all to be found in the pages of the new Bob and Ray book right if you get work. Along with Wally Ballou, Tippy the wonder dog, and many more fascinating characters. That's That's right if you get work. The best of Bob and Ray at your bookstore now. Incidentally,   Edwin Louty claimed he invented the bridge lamp, but he didn't. Well, he's in his nineties now. I don't see any point in reopening that controversy.  



[00:19:33] Unknown:

Welcome to The Bahamas, the country of 700 islands. I'm captain Henry Pritram of Bahamas Air, the Bahamas' own airline, and I'd be pleased to show you our islands.   I can fly you to colonial style Nassau Paradise Island or to Swinney Freeport in Kaya, to Eleuthera with a pineapple scroll, or to Bimini where the fishing is fantastic.   Every one of our Bahama Islands is a whole different experience.   You choose your favorites, and I'll fly you there.  

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Bahamas   tourist   office. Now the real suspense begins.   The ultimate suspense   in our world,   the fight to save a human life.   As the door to the emergency room opens, Carrie turns toward it, her face drawn and strained.   A nurse and orderly wheel Joel out now mercifully unconscious.   Doctors Kirk and Kowalski   follow.   Orderly.  

[00:20:52] Unknown:

Take mister Stewart to Room 416.   Doctor Kowalski will be in charge for the moment. You want him prepped for surgery? Did you get through to doctor Hallam? Yes. He sprained a wrist two days ago playing squash. He can't handle it.   Who else do you want? I don't know anyone else. Left dead till we settle on a surgeon. Make sure there's an OR available and a surgical team. Can do. But, chief, I don't think you You're keeping the patient waiting, doctor Kowalski.  

[00:21:16] Unknown:

Yes, sir.  

[00:21:17] Unknown:

Let's go inside for a moment, nurse.   Better sit down, Carrie. Been a rough morning for you. You don't know how rough.  

[00:21:26] Unknown:

He'll never forgive me.  

[00:21:28] Unknown:

I'll never forgive myself. It's hardly your fault he had this attack. Isn't it? After last night,  

[00:21:34] Unknown:

he saw us, you know. Oh,  

[00:21:38] Unknown:

I'm sorry about that. Yes. So am I. I can't help thinking I'm responsible. Maybe we better stick to fact. Medical fact.   Have there been any other acute attacks like this? No. Just chronic leg cramps. Nothing like this. You can guess what it might be. Can't you?  

[00:21:53] Unknown:

A thrombosis?  

[00:21:54] Unknown:

Probably.   Or an aneurysm.   An an arteriogram would show that. Does it matter either means an operation? Yes. It's indicated.   However, if it is a clot, he might pass it.   But the trouble with the Larys syndrome   is how much it has narrowed the the whole y junction of the terminal aorta and the ileal arteries. It could cut off the blood supply to his legs? Mhmm. To keep him from losing them, we'd have to go in and put a shunt past the blocked area. That's what I tried to explain to him the other night. I wish you'd convinced him. How do I?  

[00:22:24] Unknown:

Hasn't his own doctor ever recommended surgery? He's been trying to get him to let doctor Hallam do it for the last three years. There are other effects from a Lerigse syndrome.  

[00:22:34] Unknown:

To put it as simply as possible,   doesn't he ever want a child?   I don't know.   Do you?   Yes. But not  

[00:22:45] Unknown:

oh,   it's so many things.   The way I was brought up, the the accident with the car, everything Joel gave up for me. What did he give up for you? His mother wanted him to marry somebody else. She's a vindictive old woman. She cut him out of her will and refused to see him after we were married. He sounds well off without her. That's just the trouble. He was very well off with her.   I didn't know that when we were married   that most of his income was an allowance from her.   He never dreamed she'd cut it off.   But all of it doesn't matter. Joel's health comes before anything.  

Kirk, with doctor Halamount, I don't know who else to call in. He suggested doctor Ross to No. No. He's too old for this. And there's nobody else here at the hospital but doctor McNeil and I think he's awfully young for this. He wouldn't want the responsibility  

[00:23:31] Unknown:

nor would I allow him to take it as chief surgeon.  

[00:23:34] Unknown:

So   will you operate?  

[00:23:38] Unknown:

Well,   let's see how it goes.   If the situation is an emergency   and you can convince him to sign the waiver for me to operate,   I'll perform  

[00:23:53] Unknown:

it. What do you want? I'm sorry if I woke you, mister Stewart. Every two seconds someone does.   The worst is over. We've taken all the necessary tests. What's the verdict?   I'll let doctor Malcolm answer that.   Doctor Malcolm?   Oh, yes.   I I am acquainted with him and   he's acquainted with my wife.   So am I. I'm doctor Kowalski, by the way. I've heard of you. Your wife's most ardent admirer.   Nice try, doctor.   Not the most ardent, though.   She's quite a woman.   Pretty common opinion around you doctors, I gather.   One you share. Oh, I do.   I also share another one that seems quite prevalent.  

What's that? That she's much too wonderful a woman to be wasted on a helpless invalid.   Isn't that what her colleagues say?   I've, I've never heard anyone say it.   As to your being a helpless invalid, that isn't accurate. In a sense, what happened to you this morning may turn out to be your lucky break.   In what sense?   Well, you could have gone along for years with a chronic circulatory condition. Now that it's acute, something has to be done about it. An operation?   That   well, that's up to doctor Malcolm. Oh, no, my friend. It is not.   Only over my dead body.  



[00:25:19] Unknown:

How's the patient, doctor Kowalski?  

[00:25:22] Unknown:

Just, fair, doctor Malcolm.   Forgive me, Carrie. That's alright. I wanna know. Okay. This is right to the roots. There's advanced claudication in the lower extremities.   I'd say immediate operative procedure is indicated. Does my husband agree?   I didn't tell him directly.   I said that was up to   the surgeon.  

[00:25:40] Unknown:

Well, then let's settle it right now.  

[00:25:42] Unknown:

Why don't you have a talk with him first, Carrie? Alright.   But you do feel it's an emergency, doctor Kowalski? I know damn well it is. Then I'll prepare it. Thanks.   Who is going to operate, sir?  

[00:25:55] Unknown:

I am.   If mister Stewart agrees,   mister Stewart has asked me to. Oh,  

[00:26:02] Unknown:

well, he's in pretty poor general health.   He might not come through. I know.  

[00:26:08] Unknown:

But if he isn't operated on, he could lose one or both of his legs. For his life.  

[00:26:13] Unknown:

Look.  

[00:26:14] Unknown:

Why stick your neck out? A surgeon sticks his neck out every time he takes that knife in hand.   I'm the only surgeon in this hospital or presently available that's best suited for the job.   Anything else you want to say, doctor Golovski?  

[00:26:28] Unknown:

No, sir. Except   good luck.   What will they do, Carrie? Stop the pain? Or or can they really put me all the way back to what I was before? There's every chance they can. You sound pleased at the prospect.  

[00:26:46] Unknown:

Why wouldn't I be?   Joel, I wanna see you healthy and   and complete.  

[00:26:52] Unknown:

So you can walk out on me at last?  

[00:26:55] Unknown:

You should know me better than that.  

[00:26:57] Unknown:

Okay.   Okay. Okay. You win.   But first,   if I agree to an operation,   do you promise never to leave me?   I promise.   Then let's get doctor Hallam and get this over with. Hallam.   Well, isn't he the surgeon?  

[00:27:17] Unknown:

He sprained his wrist. He's not available. Well, then who else?   The finest surgeon you could want right here in this hospital.   Malcolm?   Yes.  

[00:27:27] Unknown:

You think I'd let him touch me? The man who wants you every bit as much in the world as I want you? No. Where a surgeon is concerned, there are no emotions involved. But where love is concerned, there is nothing else.   I can only judge this by myself.   And I tell you,   if I were in his spot and and had the chance   the pain.   I I can't  

[00:27:53] Unknown:

help me, Carrie.  

[00:27:56] Unknown:

Oh, I am in such terrible  

[00:27:59] Unknown:

pain.   Help me.  

[00:28:06] Unknown:

Doctor Malcolm, you sure we should go through with this? You're the internist. You know that it's crucial, and that time is the main criterion.   Well, suppose you lose him? Why should I? The actuarial figures are five percent mortality under normal conditions. But with complications. I'm a surgeon, not a mathematician.   You'll need a little briefing on this one, doctor Kowalski, and the rest of us were scrubbing up. It's an unusual operation, but we will put it on closed circuit TV.   I don't think I have to go into any details here.   We'll wait for the Operating   Theater.  



[00:28:44] Unknown:

Blood pressure? 200 over one twenty.  

[00:28:48] Unknown:

I don't like that.   Still, there was bound to be hypertension.   How long are we going to be, Doctor. Malcolm? Not less than three hours is my guess. Could be twice that.   Ask Doctor. Frost on anesthesia if he can hold him. Nurse, let me see your instrument tray.   You can switch on the closed circuit TV now.   For most of you observing this operation,   this will be your first experience with the Larridge Syndrome.   The patient involved is at a critical stage since a large thrombus or blood   clot is cutting off the main circulation to the interior organs on the lower extremities.   So operative procedure is mandatory.  

Is everyone ready, doctor Kwalski? Ready, doctor. Very well.   Nurse,   get a knife.  

[00:29:40] Unknown:

Nurse, I am missus Choke Stewart. My son is being not  

[00:29:44] Unknown:

You? Hello, mother Stewart. Yes. Me. It's same old stand. Never mind you. What about Joel? Is he alright? He's on the Operating Table right now. How could you allow it? It wasn't a matter of allowing it. He has a thrombosis.   It's his life. He had a life before he met you.   Who is the surgeon, may I ask? Doctor Hallam? Doctor Hallam had an injury. He wasn't able to operate. Well, didn't he suggest a replacement? Yes. But but what? Mother Stewart, please.   Look. Come with me to the nurses' lounge just down the hall. I'd like you to see just what it is that's involved. I am less interested in that than in who is handling things. I thought you didn't care about us anymore. Substantially  

[00:30:22] Unknown:

correct. I don't care about   you. But when my only son is at death's door, I feel I had to return to make sure he was getting the best of care. How did you know about your   He called me to say he was in excruciating   pain and was being taken to the hospital.   He was afraid   for his life.   What does that mean? Exactly what it says.   Who is operating?  

[00:30:47] Unknown:

And now that the superimposed   drummers have been removed,   we can see the poor condition of the air. Malcolm on the TV. Internet. The best surgeon available to save child. Have the wrong with the facts. The one person my son called me and begged me to save him from. Patient has been unable to  

[00:31:04] Unknown:

distance. Kill him? Oh, that's ridiculous.  

[00:31:07] Unknown:

Other effects will have been I mean, doctor Malcolm will do everything to save his ordinance including possible Did Joel sign an agreement to have doctor Malcolm operate? To return the patient to normal life. Who did? Not be enough to close I did.  

[00:31:21] Unknown:

You. He's in the best of hands.   Aggressively.  

[00:31:25] Unknown:

We'll see about that. Mother Stuart, I wish you would call us.   An aneurysm.   Something's happening on the television. Ready to pop. We'll ligate above it. Standby with suction.  

[00:31:35] Unknown:

We've run into a complication.   A break in the intima or the inner wall of the artery is letting blood under pressure into the media.   If this should rupture the outside wall,   the patient could be lost.  

[00:31:49] Unknown:

What do you plan to do today? I've heard and seen all I need.  

[00:31:53] Unknown:

Now I'll tell you what Joe has told me.  

[00:31:56] Unknown:

That he was afraid that somehow you and doctor Malcolm were going to maneuver him under doctor Malcolm's nothing. He couldn't be in better hands. That is a matter of opinion. I'm gonna try to put him back on his I just want to warn you, Carrie.   If anything happens to my boy, I'll have no interest in a civil case. It will be criminal all the way. Mother's done though. And I will name doctor Martha who has broken up your marriage for premeditated murder and   you as accessories   both before and after the fact.  

[00:32:31] Unknown:

In the Operating Theater, the drama of life and death is played out according to established rules,   or is it?   And watching the drama,   two women are as completely involved   as if the instruments were in their hands.   I'll return shortly with act three.  

[00:32:50] Unknown:

Isn't it nice to know you're free? There.   To know you're all that you  

[00:33:08] Unknown:

In the free spirit department,   Buick's midsize 1976   Century has a lot going for it. Efficient size, lots of room, neat things like that. But Century offers bonuses.   It's a Buick, remember, which says one heck of a lot about how nicely it takes care of you. And Century does something for the sake of efficiency that no other American midsize car does. It comes with a v six engine and a Buick v six of that.   Century, the spirit will move you.  

[00:33:49] Unknown:

We're all a little leery of the dark.   That's why some lonely night,   you'll be glad you bought a Delco battery.   A Delco quantity battery with instant starting power.   Delco batteries.   Some lonely night, you'll be glad you bought one.  

[00:34:06] Unknown:

Enter the ACDelco   Energizer sweepstakes. We know Holland America cruise for two at Waskow Office Supply. One thirty nine Nassau Avenue at Macunus Boulevard in Greenpoint.   How long has it been since your car had a tune up? If it's been too long, it could cost you money. Money for gas now. Money for expensive repairs later. Save yourself some money with a tune up at your Long Island Oldsmobile dealer. The dealer who handles quality AC Delco parts and is known all over the island for service reliability.   Try then soon to your Long Island Oldsmobile network dealer for a tune up with AC spark plugs and Delco points and condensators.  

The line dealer in Freeport is Addie Oldsmobile,   and in Great Neck, it's Belgrave Motors.  

[00:34:45] Unknown:

The scene is a commercial bank in New York State. A trust officer is listening to his client explain that he no longer wants to manage his money himself. But you understand. I've managed my money myself over thirty years. Like doing it. But now, well, we'll be traveling a lot. I can't be worrying about dividends on the golf course. Is there some way There's a trust?   Oh, not part of a will. I've already arranged No. Not part of a will. A living trust or an investment management program. I see.   You don't mean one of those in trust for joint savings accounts, do you? I believe in investing. Our investment people manage your money as you would manage it yourself, take care of all the day to day details, and you'll probably find the fee is tax deductible. Well, if I'd known that a couple of years back Well, now you know. Ask to see a trust officer next time you're in your local commercial bank to help protect your family's future.   A message from the trust division of the New York State Bankers Association.  



[00:35:51] Unknown:

A high point of drama.   Suspense piled upon suspense.   Conflict on conflict.   Watching on closed circuit TV of a wife of the patient whose life rests in the hands of the surgeon   and with her, the patient's mother   to whose biased, bitter, horrified mind, her son appears to be helpless.  

[00:36:11] Unknown:

I want it stopped. You can't do that. This is Joel's chance to become a whole man again. Or a dead one. I want it stopped. There is no way we can now. Stop. Be quiet and listen. After consultation,  

[00:36:23] Unknown:

we have decided to continue with the operation.   The object now is to bypass the degenerated arteries by means of artificial ones.   I'm aware that there is some risk to the patient. Do you admit it? But as surgeon, I assume that risk as justified in the overall picture. If you kill him, I'll make you pay. Scampo.   I am now making the incisions in the wall of the aorta to receive the plastic duct   that will bypass the degenerative condition observed earlier.  

[00:36:56] Unknown:

A condition which, of course, we cannot repair. I'll make you both pay. You mark my words.  

[00:37:06] Unknown:

Anesthesiologist   reports he's throwing premature beats, Doctor. Malcolm. I'm almost finished. He's on the edge of cardiac arrest. And let's hope he doesn't go over it.  

[00:37:15] Unknown:

I need five more minutes, then we can close.  

[00:37:18] Unknown:

It's going to be a long five minutes sir. If I can buy those for him,  

[00:37:23] Unknown:

I can buy him a long healthy life.   It's got to be weight.  

[00:37:34] Unknown:

How much longer do I have to wait here till someone tells me whether my son is alive or not? Mother Stewart, you know he's alive. You saw on the monitor and heard the end of the operation. He looked more dead than alive after all that. Joel came through it. He lived. And he's going to be everything he ever was before. Then why isn't someone down here to tell us so? Because it takes a few minutes for the surgeons to clean up. The first moment he can, I'm sure Kirk   I'm sure doctor Malcolm will be down to get his report. Kirk.  

[00:38:02] Unknown:

Mhmm.   Nurses call doctors by their first names.   So Joel was correct.   Yes. I'm sure he'll be down to report to you, not to me. He doesn't even know I'm here. He should be here any moment. Oh, I don't want to talk to him. I don't want to even be near him.   Not the man who planned to break up my son's marriage.  

[00:38:23] Unknown:

I   took you were the one who was against Joel marrying me. I should think you'd have been glad to have any excuse for something to break it up.  

[00:38:31] Unknown:

Is that what you have in mind?   You think I permit a little snip like you to walk off? Am I fun? I have no intention of walking out.  

[00:38:40] Unknown:

As long as Joel wants me,   I'm his. If I know Joel,  

[00:38:45] Unknown:

he'd never allow you to make a fool of   him. It must have made you pretty desperate to attempt anything like this.  

[00:38:52] Unknown:

Sorry I took so long. I'd have phoned, but I thought you'd rather hear the news in person. I'd like to hear it too. I happen to be his mother. This is doctor Kowalski.  

[00:39:00] Unknown:

I have been sitting here for hours watching him him on that TV screen. I'm quite aware of that   and of other things.   You were against the latter half of this operation, doctor Kowalski, or whatever the name is. Correct? Against.  

[00:39:14] Unknown:

Motherster   doctor Kowalski was only expressing an opinion as an internist when he was asked. I don't recall his being asked.  

[00:39:23] Unknown:

Am I to understand   my son is still alive?  

[00:39:27] Unknown:

Of course.   He came through very well. There's every hope for him. Every hope for what?   I don't quite understand. His life?  

[00:39:36] Unknown:

Naturally.  

[00:39:37] Unknown:

And beyond that? It's, well, it's not up to me to make predictions,   especially till he comes out from under the anesthetic. And who's in charge of that? Doctor Malcolm. He's in the Recovery Room with a battery of nurses and doctors. I want to see Joel.   Oh, well, that wouldn't do any good for several hours yet, either to you or to him.  

[00:39:56] Unknown:

Very well.  

[00:39:57] Unknown:

I shall wait here.   I want to be the first to see him.   By hospital procedure, it would be his wife. His wife and I can straighten that out between us.   I just want to be sure I am notified at the first moment.  

[00:40:15] Unknown:

A whirling witch, Mac. I kid you not. Just because I'm an elder citizen around here, doctor. Stop trying to get me mixed up in what doesn't concern me. Mac, we both love Kirk like he was your son and my big brother.   Do you   it was a hell of a risk he took. Was it for the patient, for Kerry,   or for himself?   What do you mean himself?   If Joel Stewart had no physical problems and doesn't need nursing care, wouldn't that leave Carrie free to make a choice which she's never been able to make? Since there's not a damn thing you can do about it.  

[00:40:47] Unknown:

Find your own business.  

[00:40:53] Unknown:

Welcome back, mister Stewart.   I got through it, doctor. You have a remarkable will to live.  

[00:41:00] Unknown:

I told my wife I wanted to die. Your conscious wish perhaps.  

[00:41:04] Unknown:

Your unconscious was much stronger.  

[00:41:07] Unknown:

And,   what was your wish, doctor?  

[00:41:10] Unknown:

To keep you alive.   It's my practice   when I can.  

[00:41:14] Unknown:

Even when you're in love with a patient's wife?  

[00:41:18] Unknown:

I won't answer that. Would you like to seek   your wife?  

[00:41:22] Unknown:

I suppose so. I'll bring her in. Oh,   doctor Malcolm? Yes?   I suppose I should thank you. It's not necessary.   I really shouldn't.   You'd have done all three of us a favor if you'd made sure   I didn't survive.  

[00:41:45] Unknown:

Well, Carrie, it looks as though Excuse me. Doctor Malcolm, I don't believe you've met Joel's mother, missus Choate Stewart.  

[00:41:52] Unknown:

Pleasure, ma'am. That remains to be seen. Is my son still alive? Well, of course.  

[00:41:58] Unknown:

I came to tell   his wife she could see him briefly.   Both of you if you desire.  

[00:42:03] Unknown:

You can see him first if you want, mother Stuart. I think I do.  

[00:42:07] Unknown:

One question, doctor. Do you expect him to live?  

[00:42:11] Unknown:

I haven't a doubt. Barring unforeseen complications.  

[00:42:15] Unknown:

And will he be his old self?  

[00:42:17] Unknown:

If you mean physically,   I confidently expect with therapy and proper care,   in three months he'll be as active and healthy as all of us.  

[00:42:25] Unknown:

I want to see him. Alright.  

[00:42:27] Unknown:

Nurse, take mister Stewart to the Recovery Room. Shall we go along?  

[00:42:31] Unknown:

No. Give mother Stewart a little time with him alone first. Very well.  

[00:42:36] Unknown:

Shall I accompany you? I would prefer to see him alone.  

[00:42:40] Unknown:

As you wish.   If you'll just go with a nurse.   Quite an old battle axe.  

[00:42:49] Unknown:

That's about the politest name I can think of for.   Oh, Kirk. You took some awful risks.  

[00:42:56] Unknown:

I did what I felt had to be   done. Not just for me? Of course not.  

[00:43:01] Unknown:

And then it wasn't in your mind or your heart that if Joel was no longer an invalid then perhaps you would like Not while I was operating. No.   But now it is. No. It's too late.   Whatever else might have been possible before, I promised Joel if he had this operation,   I would never leave him.   So   please, Kirk, let's leave it at that.  

[00:43:24] Unknown:

If you love me.  

[00:43:26] Unknown:

I can't   I just can't take anymore.  

[00:43:30] Unknown:

If I love you.   Well, let's put it this way, Carrie.   Because   I love you, I leave it.  

[00:43:37] Unknown:

It's a matter of conscience.  

[00:43:39] Unknown:

Thus   conscience does make cowards of us all. That isn't fair, Kirk.  

[00:43:43] Unknown:

I won't   I can't renege on a promise.  

[00:43:47] Unknown:

I guess I   I wouldn't ask you to.   So   this   is   the the end for us?  

[00:43:56] Unknown:

There never was a beginning.   Now I'd like to go to my husband.  

[00:44:07] Unknown:

Please don't pretend, Carrie.  

[00:44:09] Unknown:

I'm not pretending.   You can  

[00:44:12] Unknown:

hardly wait to start nursing me again.   Does that mean I   still have a wife?   Yes.   For better or worse? In sickness and in health? Or always?   Would you promise?  

[00:44:28] Unknown:

I promise.  

[00:44:31] Unknown:

You had your chance, Carrie. You and your surgeon.   You should have lost me.   What did you save me for?  

[00:44:44] Unknown:

I'm a hard and unpredictable   old woman, Carrie.   And I've learned a lot of things today.   A respect for others that I give seldom   and grudgingly.   A recognition of my own selfishness and of your unselfishness.   The dedication of your surgeon, Doctor. Malcolm.   The weaknesses in my own child,   some of which he inherited from me. Brothers, do I flush? Let me finish.   It will be a long and expensive convalescence.   I can afford it. You can't.   He will mend   physically,   but all the flaws in his character which I see so clearly for the first time will still be there.   When I told him I would remake my will in his favor and renew his allowance,   he jumped at the chance. Mother, I can manage. I am perfectly willing. I know you are, Carrie.  

And   now that it's too late,   I wish you were to be my daughter-in-law.   I don't understand.   Everything I offered Joel   was contingent on one thing.   But he gave you your freedom.   It didn't take him a second to make up his mind.   But he needs now.   He needs   a crutch.   I can provide him all the various sizes and shapes he needs.   You and your   Kirk   put my jaw back on his feet.   Now let me do the same for you.   There's one thing your surgeon, no matter how sharp his scalpel, could never   do,   cut the umbilical cord.   I've set you free from Joel.   How can you   answer for him? It's all been discussed.  

I can answer.   And what about me? It's   my   unwedding gift to you.   Whatever your heart most desires.  

[00:46:56] Unknown:

It was a quiet wedding   six months later for doctor Kirk Malcolm   and the former missus Joel Stewart.   Ted Kowalski was best man,   and everyone else who had attended the operation was there   except for the patient himself.   He was traveling in Europe with his mother.   A Gordian knot had been untied by the ancient method of cutting through it.   But whose scalpel was sharper,   The surgeon   or that vitriolic old lady who had strength enough to admit her mistakes?  

[00:47:30] Unknown:

I'll be back shortly. I want that sinus medicine. Headache tablet? No. The sinus medicine that relieves headache and congestion,   internal sinus pressure, and postnasal drip. You mean sign off? Exactly.  

[00:47:41] Unknown:

Compare sign off tablets with anything you've ever taken for sinus. No sinus tablet you can buy relieves more symptoms. Sign off gives you a full dose of pure aspirin plus a powerful sinus strainer. Synov works fast to help sinus pain while you drain. S I n e o s s. Synov, the sinus medicines in the bright red box. Take when needed. Only as directed.  

[00:48:11] Unknown:

One last quote from the Hippocratic aphorisms,  

[00:48:14] Unknown:

which seems fitting to close this case history.   Life is short and art is long.   The crisis is fleeting.   Experiment   risky.   Decision   difficult.   Not only must the physician be ready to do his duty, but the patient,   the attendants,   and external circumstances   must contribute to the cure.   Our cast included Terry Keen, Gordon Gould, Don Scardino, Robert Caliban, and Joan Shea.   The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Listerine lozenges   and Sign Off, the sinus medicine.   This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our Mystery Theater for another adventure in the macabre.  

Until next time.   Pleasant   dreams.  

[00:49:17] Unknown:

Tonight's Mystery Theater was also brought to you in part by ShopRite Supermarkets, where you get a lot more for a little less.   The preceding program was furnished by CBS Radio.   Your dial is set for fifteen minutes of late news with John Scott reporting.  

[00:49:46] Unknown:

This is Barry Farber. Join us immediately following the 08:00 news right here over WOR New York, the talk of New York.  

[00:49:57] Unknown:

Mayor Beame argues for the city at the National Press Club in Washington.   Governor Carey now calling for state aid.   Police investigating the death of a 16 year old in Nassau County Hospital.   It's 64 degrees and partly cloudy Mid Manhattan.   The man says clear tonight with a low in the middle fifties, sunny tomorrow with a high near 70. This is John Scott with the 08:00 edition of the news.   Mayor Abraham Beam went to Washington today, and he told a national press club audience that president Ford has offered a cop out, not a cure, for the city's fiscal ills.   The mayor added he wants federal guarantees for future loans,   not tax dollars.  

Beam said, New York is not asking the federal government or the public for 1¢. On the other hand,   default will cost America billions.   The mayor also touched on the political implications of the president's position.  

[00:50:47] Unknown:

A look at the record of public discussion on this issue   shows that the great weight of expert opinion is opposed   to the administration's   casual analysis   of the local,   national,   and even international   impact   of a New York City default.   The President's assertion   that New York major New York banks would be the prime beneficiary   of Federal action to avert a default   comes somewhat as a surprise   since Federal Reserve Board Chairman Arthur Burns   has already indicated   that the federal government would act to help banks   threaten in the event of a city default.  

The administration's   concern   seems to begin and end   with a bank and with a credit market.   However, default,   like all other economic disasters,   will most affect   the innocent,   the powerless,   and the least resilient members of our society.  

[00:51:54] Unknown:

Governor Kerry asked the federal government today for a $576,000,000   loan.   The governor says the money is needed to head off default by four state agencies that are handling 2 and a half billion dollars in construction projects.   In a letter to president Ford, Carey said the housing finance agency, medical care facilities financing agency,   dormitory authority, and environmental facilities corporation face imminent default.   The reason, Carrie said, is because the investment community has been scared off loans to governmental agencies since the president's recent speech calling for bankruptcy by the city of New   York. In yesterday's election, New York City voters approved six charter amendments that mandate a balanced budget and other fiscal and government reforms, and state senator Roy Goodman, the Republican who heads the commission that developed the charter amendments, said this vote ought to be an encouraging sign to the nation that New York is ready to put its house in order.  

Four other proposed amendments to the city charter were voted down.   Triumphant opponents of the proposed equal rights amendment to the state constitution, defeated in yesterday's election   have already launched a drive to get the legislature to rescind its earlier approval of a similar proposed amendment to the US constitution.   The voters also turned down proposed constitutional amendments that would have allowed some local governments to bypass constitutional   tax limits to play for to pay for employee benefits and would have clarified the right of municipalities to borrow for storm sewer systems.   Amendments were approved to allow the legislature to call itself into special session and to set up a new disciplinary system for the courts.  

Still undecided are proposals to expand the types of gambling allowed for charitable organizations   and another to set up a new administrative structure for the court system.   Nassau County's Medical Examiner said today that missus Janet Sarvent   asked doctors on several occasions to halt the use of a life preserving kidney dialysis machine   and take no extraordinary steps to save her terminally ill daughter.   The girl, 16 year old Mary Jane Dahl,   died Sunday at Nassau Hospital.   Police said a respirator, which also was used to sustain life, had been disconnected about fifteen minutes before her death, and they termed it highly unlikely the plug was pulled by accident.   Mary Jane was admitted to the hospital a week earlier for treatment of meningitis   complicated by Hodgkin's disease and uremia.  

Missus Sarvent and Mary Jane's aunt, missus Jane Sheehan, had visited the girl a short time before her death, police said. An attorney for the two women said he would not permit either of them to make a written statement to police, but emphasized that neither would take the life of another person.   The federal government filed a civil rights suit today against a citizens group in Queens,   accusing them of harassing and intimidating black homeowners in the predominantly white community of Rosedale.   The community has been the scene in the past year of the burning of two homes newly bought by black families.   The WOR news time, it's now five minutes past eight.  

Back to the news.   Argentina's President Isabel Peron has scheduled a nationwide broadcast address, but there is no word yet on what the speech will deal with. The announcement comes as missus Peron's grip on the presidency appears to be slipping.   Many are demanding the replacement of the 44 year old president through some formula that respects Argentina's constitution.   Egypt's President Anwar Sadat has accused The US of neglecting the Palestinian   problem,   the problem that Sadat believes to be at the core of the entire Middle East dispute.   Sadat told a joint meeting of the US house and senate that once the Palestinian problem is solved, all other outstanding issues can be solved.  

Sadat told a final meeting with president Ford this afternoon   that after that session, reporters were told The US has not given Egypt any specific promise of military aid, but as deputy secretary of state Joseph Sisko put it, obviously, this is an issue that in time will have to be confronted.   Sadat was the first modern Arab leader to address the US Congress, receiving a friendly and sometimes enthusiastic   response.   His His comments on the Palestinian question, however, were met with silence.   Britain is rushing in troops aircraft and a Royal Navy frigate to reinforce its garrison in the Central American colony of Belize.   The move is in response to what officials in the colony are describing   as a possible threat of invasion from neighboring Guatemala.  

The Guatemalan government is calling the move an act of intimidation.   Sources in Belize said the British government had received reports that Guatemala had sent 10 armored troop carriers to a town about 15 miles from the Belize border.   Belize, formerly known as British Honduras,   is claimed to buy Guatemala on grounds it inherited Spanish sovereignty over the area. Britain rejects that claim.   Morocco's King Hassan today said he's going ahead with his march on the disputed Spanish Sahara tomorrow   despite Spanish and Algerian threats to stop it by force. However, the king said he won't personally lead the march of some 350,000   unarmed volunteers.  

The Spanish military commander has warned the marchers would be met by minefields   should they try to move beyond a Spanish blockade set up six miles inside the border. However, there's been no independent confirmation of the presence of mines, and the Moroccans have expressed skepticism.   Wendy Yoshimura pleaded innocent today to three counts of possessing weapons and explosives, and a trial has been set for January 14.   Miss Yoshimura   was arrested with Patricia Hurst in September.   Lynette Frav, who's acting as her own attorney, sat quietly today as a federal judge questioned potential jurors for her trial on a charge of trying to kill the president.   She interjected comments only twice during the morning session. She asked the judge to rephrase a question and objected when the judge dismissed one juror. At another point, she gave the judge a written question to ask.  

The price of food continues to spiral. The agriculture department today said retail food prices will continue to edge up in 1976,   but perhaps at only about half of their rate of increase this year. It is the first agriculture department appraisal of what food prices might do in 1976.   Officials say much depends on livestock production this winter.   Now I'll have the weather in the top of the news after this.   Are you tired of paying 6 to $7,000   for a Detroit automobile   and finding it not as well made as the car you paid a lot less for so many years ago?   There is an alternative,   the Lancia Beta from Italy.  

You can own a car that's meticulously put together. The trunk, the doors, and seams all fit. Front wheel drive, genuine leather upholstery,   a responsive efficient engine for outstanding performance.   Come into a Lancia showroom and see how much more you get for your money. The Lancia Beta Coupe sells for $6,793   POE.   The four door sedan, a lot lower.   Inland transportation,   dealer preparation, taxes additional.   For this kind of money, don't settle for less. In Larchmont, see Alfredo's foreign cars, 2030 Boston Post Road. In New Jersey, see White House Imported Motors Limited, route twenty two, White House, Lancia.   It's what you expect.  

The weather watch update for New York City and the vicinity. The man says clear tonight with a low in the middle fifties. Sunny tomorrow with a high near 70.   Clear again tomorrow night with a low near 50.   Increasing cloudiness tomorrow with a high near 70.   Clear again tomorrow night with a low near 50. Increasing cloudiness Friday with a high near 70.   The chance of rain is near zero through tomorrow night. Winds northwesterly at 10 to 15 miles an hour tonight and tomorrow.   Right now in partly cloudy Mid Manhattan, 60 4 degrees. The humidity, 33%.   The wind northwest at five miles an hour. The barometer is rising from 30.17   inches.  

The top stories,   Mayor Boehm argues for the city at the National Press Club in Washington.   Governor Carey calls now for state aid.   Police investigating death of 16 year old in Nassau County Hospital.   The temperature once again, 64 degrees.   And that, friends, is the 08:00 edition of the news. This is John Scott bidding you good night. Next news as it happens. Next scheduled news tonight at nine with Lester Smith over WOR Radio seven ten, the talk of New York.