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In this thrilling episode of CBS Radio Mystery Theater, host EG Marshall presents "The Garrison of the Dead," a suspenseful tale written by Sam Dan. The story revolves around Andrew Masefield, a man on the brink of execution for the murder of his friend Jerome Carlson. As Andrew grapples with his fate, he is visited by a mysterious figure claiming to be his guardian angel, offering him a second chance at life. Andrew's journey explores themes of destiny, morality, and the consequences of one's actions, as he is given the opportunity to rewrite his life and pursue his dream of becoming a writer. However, the question remains whether Andrew will truly change or if he is destined to repeat his past mistakes.
As the narrative unfolds, listeners are drawn into a web of intrigue and deception, where Andrew's cunning plans and alibis are put to the test. The episode delves into the complexities of human nature, examining the fine line between ambition and morality. With a gripping plot and compelling characters, "The Garrison of the Dead" challenges the audience to consider the impact of choices and the possibility of redemption. Join us for a captivating exploration of suspense and mystery, where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.
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[00:00:01]
Unknown:
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[00:00:21] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. And everything's in order. In its proper place, neatly sorted and labeled. All the items of suspense, mystery, terror, and the macabre. It only remains to mix and brew. Of all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, it might have been. It might have been. What might have been could we but recall that hasty word, that heedless act? Yes, indeed. Had we but known then what we know now, how different things would be today, or at least that's what we like to tell ourselves. But would things really be different?
My boy, you take an unnecessarily dim view. Do you realize I'm going to hang tomorrow morning? Perhaps. Perhaps not. What do you mean perhaps not? Tomorrow will come and go and you will still be alive. How? You will not be here in this place. How am I going to get out? Leave that to me. Look around you. Guards, doors, locks. How could I possibly What happened? Who are you?
[00:02:13] Unknown:
Who are
[00:02:22] Unknown:
you? Our mystery drama, The Garrison of the Dead, was written especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dan and stars Mandel Kramer. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. The word is alibi from the Latin, alias I b I, which means to be somewhere else, which is precisely the idea of the thing. No? If you are required to commit a murder in one place, you must make sure you can prove you were someplace else at that exact time. This point is so elementary, so simple, one might consider it too obvious to be worthy of mention. Perhaps.
But the executioners have been kept busy and the prisons full by those forgetful folk who neglected the basics. And no one is more aware of this than Andrew Masefield. Tonight, it will be necessary for Andrew Masefield to murder Jerome Carlson. It is a serious and most dangerous business. And, of course, Andrew would rather not do it. But we live in a world where a man does what he must. Hello, Jerry. Andy Masefield. Thought you were in jail. Look at the comedy, Jerry. You knew I was out on bail. You gonna ask me to come in? No. Jerry, I've gotta talk to you. Whatever you and I would have to talk about has already been said. Jerry, you gotta give me a break. I know all your stories by heart. Then try to understand. And remember, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. What's this? You?
You dare to quote the Bible? Sure. I dare. After all, the Bible was written more for me than it was for you. Okay. Get over this. You gonna make me stand outside? Behold. There has risen a new Andrew Macefield from the ashes of the old. Or has there? Enter, Andrew. All alone by yourself. Spoken with your usual flare for the redundant, Andrew. Well, what revelations have you to share with me? Jerry Jerry, do you want me to go to jail for ten years? Actually, I would want you to go to jail for life. And pay a half million dollars in fines? That money never belonged to you. Jerry, I'll give you half.
That's your cut to keep your mouth shut. So there really isn't a new Andy Mason. A quarter of a million, Jerry. How many magazine stories do you have to write before you can see a quarter of a million? I'm sorry. Jerry, give me a break. I trusted you, Jerry. I helped you. You came to me. You said you wanted to do an article on how a real estate development is put together. I did. And because I thought we'd become friends, I told you things, well, off the record. And now you're gonna go to court tomorrow morning and you're gonna testify. That's right, Ed. Or doesn't friendship impose a certain obligation? There's a higher obligation. To what? To the law.
Look. What I told you was strictly on the QT, Jerry. And why? To let you in on a good thing, give you a chance to make some money. You mean give me a chance to break the law? Oh, law. What's so holy about the law? People break the law every day.
[00:05:59] Unknown:
Didn't you break the law a couple of years ago when you wrote an article telling young guys how to avoid military service? That was a matter of conscience.
[00:06:06] Unknown:
What you really mean is it's all a matter of personal taste. Perhaps. But my taste doesn't run to swindling poor ignorant people out of their life's sake. Grow up, Jerry. These are suckers who were born to be taken. We've been through all this, Andy. I guess we have. So you're gonna walk into that courtroom tomorrow and explain to the jury just how I separated those suckers from their dough? I think it's time we said goodbye. Yes. It is. In more ways than one. But you you're crazy to point that gun at me. Crazy? This is the only thing that makes any sense. I offered you money, no dice. I tried to appeal to your friendship, no good.
So now I have to kill you. You can't get away with it. Why not? Everybody knows you'd stop at nothing to prevent me from testifying. You threaten me in public. You're the only one with a motive. Rats, motives, they won't matter. I'm going to have an alibi. How how could you hope to prove that you I like me never hopes. He plans. Now on my watch, I've got exactly 09:57. The coroner is going to fix the time of your death at exactly 10PM. Oh, oh, Andy. But put that gun away. You think this is a joke, No, Jerry. It's on the level. But I'm going to have an alibi, Marguerite.
Oh, that's that's the best I've ever heard. Marguerite. Why is it so funny? Because Marguerite is not that kind of woman who who who could commit perjury. Your problem is you don't know people, Jerry. You don't know what makes them go. Marguerite may have all those letters after her name, but underneath it, she's just a woman. Now hold it in She loves to be treated like a woman. Marguerite is in love with me. She launched She was until I came along. And besides, I'm going to give her $10. Hello. I can't believe it. Now, now with my left hand, I'll just pick up this phone. And I'll put it down and dial.
I'm dialing Marguerite and you'll be able to hear for yourself.
[00:08:24] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:08:25] Unknown:
Go ahead. Pick it up, Jerry. Talk to the lady yourself. Marguerite? Who's this? It's me, Jerry. Marguerite, Andy's gone crazy. He's here pointing a gun at me. Oh, no, Jerry.
[00:08:40] Unknown:
Andy can't be there. He's here with me. No. No. He's here. He he wants to kill me. God, dear. He can't be at your place. He's right here, and he's angry. He's yelling at me. Just just listen. Marguerite, listen to me. You listen, Jerome. Here for yourself. You're not gonna make a monkey out of me.
[00:08:56] Unknown:
You're not gonna go running around every time picking Harry
[00:09:05] Unknown:
No. So call me back later. No.
[00:09:09] Unknown:
No. Marguerite. Marguerite. Hang up, Jerry. That's all there is. No. Listen. My voice is on a tape recorder. That apartment has thin walls. Now you know how neighbors love to listen to a lover's quarrel, so Marguerite will swear that I was with her. No. Plenty of people will swear they heard me. But but if I'm dead, everyone will know that you killed me. What everyone knows and what everyone can prove are two different things, Jerry. I've got the alibi. You won't get away with it. How could I be here to shoot you dead at 10PM when I was in Marguerite's apartment in North Hastings 35 miles away? That car of yours, that loud, flashy car, someone sure don't spot it. I'm not using my car tonight. I'm driving Marguerite's mousy little Landy Landy.
What? You wanna make a deal now, Jerry? It's too late. Timing, Jerry. Timing is everything in life. Who besides you would would would kill me? Take your watch, your ring, your wallet, break the back window. You're more for the police. I remember that you told me that civilized men build the cities and then a barbarians sweep down from the hills and destroy them. Well, the barbarian is a win again. It won't work. It won't work. Says something will go wrong. Nothing. Absolutely nothing is going to go wrong. Handy. At 10:00 tonight, I won't be here. Handy. Marguerite will swear that I was 35 miles away. Handy. Think of what you're doing. When has the time gone?
It's exactly 10:00. No. No. No. It's fast. Goodbye, my best and only friend. You've got to believe I'm sorry, Jerry. But that's the only way you'd have it.
[00:11:01] Unknown:
Hello. Hello. Hello. We're here to bring you dough. This is Harvey Hopkins' old hub around arm who brings you dough for just being at the right place at the right time. Timing, as they say, is everything in life. It is now exactly three minutes after 10PM, and we're at a location where we are at the intersection of Route 6 and Main Street, and we have our special police motorcycle escort. And tonight, he's sergeant Jim Cassidy. Say hello to all the folks, Jim. Evening. That was Jim Jim saying good evening to everybody. But Jim will have a special good evening for you personally if you happen to, a, drive past the intersection of Route 6 and Maine, and b, if you have an RA5 on your license plate. Yes, sir. An RA5.
An RA5 will make the jackpot, which is $650. All that money for an RA5 on your license plate. And if you're the first one to pass the intersection of Route 6 and Maine, it is now precisely four minutes after 10PM. And I do believe we've got a winner because yes. Yes. Sergeant Cassidy is cutting up that motorbike, and he's after a car that has just passed by us here at Route 6 done? What do you want? Please pull over, sir. What's the meaning of this, officer? Sir, I'm very happy to inform you that you have just won the jackpot. Yes, sirree, folks. He doesn't believe it. I can tell from the look on his face that he does not believe it. I don't have time to stay here. You don't have the time to reach out and grab $650 Do you mind if I just The money is yours now. What's your name, sir? Please. I don't know. Rules and regulations compel us to give this money to the driver of any car with R5 on his license plate. You can't have an RA5 on my plate. Is that true, sergeant? His plate number is R55, Herb. Man, you've got it in Spanish. I tell you I don't have a Don't you even know your own license plate number? This isn't my car. It isn't your car? No. It belongs to a friend. So if you don't mind, I'll be on my way.
One moment, sir. May I see the automobile registration? What do you wanna see the registration for? May I see it, please? Now look. I am a law abiding citizen. May I see the registration and your driver's license? But I haven't done anything. Rand, all we wanna do is give you $650. Your license, please. Yeah. Yeah. Sure. You're not everybody. Well, how do you like that? We offer a fellow $650 and he turns into a wild beast. Well, here goes Sergeant Cockney in pursuit.
[00:14:00] Unknown:
The obvious thing here would be to quote from Bobby Burns the best laid plans of mice and men gang off the glaze. We could quote him, but we won't because, really, the plan didn't go wrong. The plan was fine. Something else went wrong. But what? And how? Where? When? Well, we're really only a third of the way home. You can't expect to know everything right now, can you? I'll return shortly with act two. You know the old Russian proverb, he that is fated to drown can even drown in a cup of water. And so it is with our friend, Andrew Masefield. Except Andrew will not drown.
He will hang. He will hang for the murder of Jerome Carlson. And, of course, you know why. When that beautifully crafted alibi suddenly collapsed, the judge and jury made quick work of the case. The date for the hanging has already been set. And the days, if we may quote that beautiful song, are dwindling down to a precious few. Yeah.
[00:15:21] Unknown:
I couldn't help it.
[00:15:23] Unknown:
It was him or me. I didn't wanna do it. He was my friend. Tell him, Jerry. Tell him. We were friends. Tell him. Tell him we were friends, Jerry. We were friends. And you know it was nothing personal. You don't hold it against me, do you? Do you, Jerry? Oh, no, Andy. Certainly not. I don't hold it against you. You see?
[00:15:52] Unknown:
He forgives me. He forgives me. Tom, how I forgive you. You should have said so at the trial, Jerry. You should have said so. I did, Anthony,
[00:16:02] Unknown:
but no one was listening to me. Help me? Somebody's got to help me. I don't wanna hang.
[00:16:12] Unknown:
I'll help you, Andy. I'll swear you spend the whole evening at my apartment. That's no good.
[00:16:20] Unknown:
Cherry. Cherry, they're gonna hang me. Yes. That's such an unpleasant way to die. Somebody has to help me. I'll help you. I'll swear you were in my apartment. Crazy, Dame. That won't work. Somebody's got to do something. I don't wanna hang. Somebody do something.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
Gin. Gin? Yeah. I guess you got it. I must say, mister Thallowfield. Your mind doesn't seem to be on this game. You could be right, mister Paris. You've got a faraway look in your eyes. I'm thinking about somebody. Who? A fellow named Masefield. Andrew Masefield. Andrew Masefield. Would he happen to be your client by any chance? He would. Well, what about him? He's going to hang tomorrow morning. Why? Murder. Did he do it? Oh, yes. Yes. He did it. No question about it. He did it. Then that should be that. I know. But But what? Well, I know what it is to be hanged.
I know from personal experience the hard way. But you were innocent. That didn't make it any easier to take. Well, what can you do? You're his guardian angel, but you did what you could. I still think I failed him. We can only advise. We're not supposed to go down there every time a client gets in a jam. Maybe I don't know how to communicate, mister Paris. You win some, you lose some. After tomorrow, you'll be assigned to somebody else. It's not my fault.
[00:18:43] Unknown:
It's not my fault. Lou,
[00:18:46] Unknown:
there he goes again. I I'm going down there. Okay. But don't say I didn't warn you.
[00:19:02] Unknown:
It's not right. It's not right. Help me. Please, somebody's got to help me. Mister Mansfield.
[00:19:08] Unknown:
Mister Mechefield. What? Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. What what do you want? Oh. Oh, it's you. Yeah. Yes. Me. Al the guard. It's not time yet. It's not time yet. No. No. No. Ain't no one near time. You said you'd let me know in advance. You you said you'd give me plenty of warning. Sure. Sure. Sorry. I had to wait you, but you got a visitor. A visitor? Yeah. You've gotta be joking. Who would wanna see me? I would. What? Who are you? May I come in? What do you want? Well, I want to discuss your case. My case? Yes. My case?
What case?
[00:19:53] Unknown:
I've been turned down everywhere by everybody. Is that a fact? It's gone all the way to the Supreme Court. I don't have a case.
[00:19:58] Unknown:
I've decided to hear it. May I come in? My name is Farofield. Are you a lawyer? Because if you are, you're wasting your time. I've run out of appeals. Besides, I don't have a dime left to my name. I'm not a lawyer. I'm your guardian angel. You're my
[00:20:16] Unknown:
I'll get this nut out of here. Don't make so much noise.
[00:20:20] Unknown:
What's the angle? Come on. Level with me, buddy. After all, I'm an old hustler myself. Well, I'm really not supposed to be here. Is that a fact? I want you to have another chance, but you have to convince me This is going to be my last night in this world. You've been saying you've got a bad deal. Now tell me, why? Why is it a bad deal? You killed Jerry Carson, didn't you? Why shouldn't you pay the price? Because Well, go ahead. Why? I have to know. Alright. What's the difference? It's just another nightmare. No sense in my getting uptight. You know, this isn't a nightmare. You sent for me.
I sent for you? You always send for me. But when I come to you, you never listen. Tell me why you shouldn't hang. You know why. Look. Everybody in the world is he's got his place in well, Jerome called it the scheme of things. Now a wolf kills a lamb. Do we blame the wolf? How can we? He was made for that purpose. He can't help it. But you're not a wolf, And Jerome wasn't a lamb. I am a wolf. I had to be a wolf or it would have been curtains from me years ago. I had no parents since I was five years old. I had to shine shoes, petal papers, or was hustle or go under. But man has free will. Man decides whether or not. Don't talk to me about free will. I was brought up in a jungle. Other men had mean beginnings and who've risen I'm not other men. I'm me.
Look, something, somebody made me into what I am, the kind of guy who would have to commit murder one day. Now why should I have to hang for it? That then is the point of your brief? Whatever it is, the defense rests. But why do I say defense? I should say prosecution. Why should I be on trial? Whoever, whatever made me into what I am should get the rope. So you want another chance? Oh, definitely. I've got one coming. Another chance to do what? To be what I always wanted to be. What? Don't laugh. A writer. A writer. Like your friend Jerome. Yeah. Yeah. You see, I learned something from him. Now he didn't have much money. How many people ever heard of him?
But he was happy. You know why? Because he was creative, and he was expressing himself in the right way. You know my problem? No. I'm a creative guy too, but I didn't have the education to to express it in stories and plays and scripts. So I expressed it in creating hustles and deals. Do you see? Yes. Now that hustle I put together, the last one, that was a work of art. When I when I had to kill Jerry, even the alibi, you've got to admit maybe it didn't work, but it had a touch of class to it. Another chance. And this time you'd become a writer and you'd express yourself in fiction. This time, would you listen to me? Would I listen to you? Look, if this is on the level, would I forget how close I came to that rope? Will you listen to me this time, Andy? Will you? Sure. Sure.
Okay. I I shouldn't say this, but my job would be on the line with you. If I guess wrong, well, you've got to understand I'm going out on a limb for you. Promise promise you'll listen to me this time. Will you promise, M. D? I promise. I promise. Mister Fairfield, you're making a mistake. But he is promising. He's promised me, mister Paris. Okay, mister Fairfield. Don't say I didn't warn you. Andy, will you will you become a writer? Yeah. A fine writer and a credit to both of us. Yeah. Yeah. Sure. Hey. Look at me. You got me believing it. Andy, in just one minute, a strange thing is going to happen to you.
You won't be in this jail. No? Where? Where will I be? I don't know. Because you will have lived a different life, I hope. And so you will be wherever that life has taken you. But where are you gonna be? Where I'm supposed to be, Andy. Watching over you, trying to guide you. And what will I have become? What you claim you wanted. A writer. A writer? Will I be rich? Famous? Why? Is it important? As long as you're creative, isn't that the main thing? Sure. Sure. That's all that counts. Andy, in thirty seconds, you'll be 37 years old just as you are now. But instead of being in a cell, you will be wherever your different life has led you.
And, Andy, I hope you keep your promise and listen to me. Did he listen or didn't he? Where even angels disagree, who are we mortals to express an opinion? One thing is certain, if you're about to be hanged, it's wonderful to have a guardian angel who's willing to climb out on a limb and cut the rope. So whom shall we meet in Act Three? A different or the same old Andrew Mayfield? The moving singer writes and having writ moves on. Nor all your piety and wit can ever year it back to cancel half a line. Nor all your tears wash out a word of it.
We humbly beg to differ with you, oh great Omar Khayyam, because our man, Andrew's piety and wit, has lured back the moving finger and his tears have washed out every single word of it. In his death cell, he swore, give me another chance, and I'll become a great creative writer. Let me live my life again. I'll make something of myself. So he is living it again, and he has reached this day in his new life.
[00:27:23] Unknown:
Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. This is Hop Around Harvey Hopkins, hopping around all over town to where the action is. And right now, the action is at the celebrity club party for literary giant, Andrew Masefield, to celebrate the publication of his latest blockbuster of a novel, Kiss Away the Blood. Hi, Andy. Hello, Harv. Andy, they tell me Kiss Away has already been sold to the flicks for the record price of 1,000,000 Smackers. Congratulations. Thank you, Harv. Yes, folks. This is the fellow they call Handy Andy Masefield because he's so handy with that typing machine. How does it feel to be the world's best selling writer? Well, I have a deep feeling of humility and responsibility. Andy, how do you answer those high brow critics who claim your work is violent pornographic
[00:28:11] Unknown:
trash? Well, I say in all humility that Dostoyevsky, Dreiser, and Hemingway were slandered in a similar fashion. Gin. I've got gin, mister Fallowfield. Oh. Ah, so you have, mister Callis. You know, mister Fallowfield, this is the first time in thirty seven years I I've been able to beat you at gin. Your mind isn't on the game. No. I suppose not. It's that client of mine. It happens you did the right thing. You saved him. No, mister Paris. I didn't save him. How can you say that? He's a great success. No. He's a failure. When I saved him from the rope, he promised to listen to me. Well, he did.
Look at him today. He didn't listen to a word I said. He squandered his gifts. He frittered away his talent. He said he wanted to be truly creative, like his friend Jerome Carson, but he lied to me. All he want All he wanted was success. What's wrong with success? You mean creative people have to start. No. No. No. A man must be true to himself, or his soul becomes twisted and deformed, mean, and diseased. Mister Fallowfield, you did a wonderful job with him. But he promised he would be like Jerome Carlson. With all due respect, Jerome Carlson is a chlamydia.
Perhaps. But Jerry Carlson has two things Andrew Masefield covets. Is that so? Yes. Jerry has talent, and Jerry has Marguerite. And for those two things, Andrew Masefield will be willing to commit murder. And I have to stop him somehow. Now I'm going down. You can't keep going down. It's the only way he doesn't listen to me. I must confront him. But the brass here doesn't want us to keep going down there all the time. Every thirty seven years? I think that should be allowed.
[00:30:47] Unknown:
Yes, sir. Andy, let them criticize all they want. You can laugh all the way to the bank. Folks, let's hear it for one of the sweetest, most humble guys on Earth, Andy Andy Bishfield.
[00:31:01] Unknown:
Well, it's finally over. Mind if I turn the TV off? Jerome, why didn't we go to that party? While you're reading my dear, you know what I think of those parties.
[00:31:13] Unknown:
Andy begged you to come. I wouldn't be seen. I know. I know. You wouldn't be seen at a place where rich, successful people get together. You like to wallow around with miserable, neurotic losers, failures
[00:31:28] Unknown:
like yourself. And I don't think of myself as a loser, and I don't believe I'm a failure. I write what I please.
[00:31:35] Unknown:
Maybe it pleases you. It doesn't seem to please anybody else. I have faith in myself. And one day, my friend Certainly. One day.
[00:31:44] Unknown:
When we're old and gray Didn't you feel sorry for that pompous jackass preening himself on that program? I am filled with humility. You're jealous. Me jealous of that untalented
[00:31:59] Unknown:
slob? He's a fine, sensitive, humble human being.
[00:32:04] Unknown:
You know, Marguerite, maybe you should have married Andy.
[00:32:09] Unknown:
Maybe I should have.
[00:32:16] Unknown:
Andy. Where were you? You didn't show up for the party. No. Andy, you knew Jerry would refuse to call. I lined up the whole gang of people for him to meet. Agents, publishers, producers. He could have done himself some good. Why didn't he wanna come? He's working on his book. Oh, his book. Alright. Let's forget it. Where is he now?
[00:32:36] Unknown:
Where will he be at midnight sound asleep?
[00:32:39] Unknown:
Marguerite. No. No, Andy. Don't don't. I love you, darling. He's your best friend. You can't help that. You mean more to me. He he's short changing you, darling. He gives you nothing. You even have to support him.
[00:32:52] Unknown:
Andy, he's really
[00:32:54] Unknown:
a great writer. Yes. A great writer who nobody ever reads. Please. Oh, you keep working, honey. Keep doing without. Keep worrying about paying the bills. Get lines in your face an age before your time.
[00:33:07] Unknown:
I I I don't know what to do.
[00:33:10] Unknown:
Divorce him. Oh, I can't.
[00:33:13] Unknown:
He he'd never let me leave him to go with you. That would be the final outrage. He he'd kill me before he'd let you have me. What are you saying? Andy, there's only one way I could ever leave him to go with you, and that's
[00:33:34] Unknown:
if he were dead. I don't believe it.
[00:33:37] Unknown:
You mean you don't want to believe it, But you're a realist. You know the things that have to be done to get what you want.
[00:33:47] Unknown:
Think about it. Think about what? Reality. Good evening, Andy. What? Who are you? An old friend. How did you get in here? My name is Fallofield. I don't believe this. You didn't believe it thirty seven years ago either. How could you have gotten in here? The door's locked. The window on 28 floors above the ground. Andy, thirty seven years ago, this very day, you promised you'd listen to me. You faced the scaffold. I gave you another chance. Wow. Keep talking. I'm having a vision. No. This is all real. I'm breaking the rules. What rules? I don't want you to hang.
Hang? Me? Why? For the same reason you were sentenced last time for the murder of Jerome Carson. You're nuts. Or I'm nuts. Do you think I'd kill Jerome just for Marguerite? Oh, I mean, I'm tempted, but no dice. You wouldn't kill Jerome just for Marguerite, perhaps. But you would kill him for Marguerite and. And what? And his talent. What are you saying? I can't say anymore. I've said too much already. I have to leave. I'll keep trying to advise you and guide you in the usual way. But this time, please listen. Oh, sure. Look, mister, Fallowfield.
Where'd he go? This is something. I'm I'm dreaming while I'm wide awake.
[00:35:57] Unknown:
Well, it's Jerome. Busy, Andy? When a pal knocks at the door, come on in.
[00:36:04] Unknown:
What have you got there? In this little carton Looks like a manuscript. It is. But they call it a manuscript hardly describes it. It represents my entire life's work. In what way? It's my life as a writer, Andy. Everything I ever saw, it felt and this manuscript, this these 500 pages, I decide whether I have the right to call myself a novelist. Well, I'm sure it's great. What's it called? The Garrison of the Dead. Great title. What's it about? It's about all of us. Sounds heavy. You are my closest friend. I value your opinion. I want you to be the first to read it. Oh, Jerry.
I'm honored.
[00:37:05] Unknown:
Oh, Marguerite, turn on the TV.
[00:37:09] Unknown:
Andy's gonna be on the show with that that obnoxious Harvey Hopkins again.
[00:37:15] Unknown:
If he's so obnoxious, why do you listen?
[00:37:18] Unknown:
Oh, I haven't seen Andy in weeks. Ever since I gave him my manuscript to read.
[00:37:22] Unknown:
And when do I haven't heard from him? Andy, word from your publisher is that your newest novel is the greatest ever written by an American. Different. Completely different from anything you ever did before. I quote, a big, brooding, philosophical
[00:37:36] Unknown:
Yes. That's true. What's the title, Andy?
[00:37:38] Unknown:
The Garrison of the Dead. But I didn't That's my title. Sounds like a blockbuster. That's my book. Well, you see, man gathers in groups, but these are truly garrisons.
[00:37:49] Unknown:
And man thinks he's fighting for life, but in reality, he's already dead. That is the reason. It's mine. It's mine. He stole my book. Calm yourself, my dear. You stole my book. What book? The one I asked you to read, Jerry. Are you ill? Do you deny that you stole my book? Jerry. I asked you to read it so you would see what you could have written if you hadn't frittered away your talents. I wanted you to read the work of a novelist, you pornographic hat. Jerry, you've gone crazy. You won't get away with it. I'll sue you for plagiarism. I'll expose you for the the fraudulent No. Please don't make a fool of yourself.
[00:38:34] Unknown:
Andy, we're in trouble. Why, Marguerite? The trial tomorrow, the the plagiarism trial.
[00:38:39] Unknown:
Andy, Jerry has proof. Proof. How could he have proof?
[00:38:43] Unknown:
He's been writing Garrison for twenty years. He started when he was in the army overseas. The first two chapters were published in some obscure provincial magazine in Germany. What are you saying? Well, the magazine went under years ago. But he has a copy with those two chapters and an outline.
[00:39:04] Unknown:
And if tomorrow in court, he can destroy you, us. Oh, wait. Just wait. I've got an idea. Suddenly, I've got an idea. What time is it now? 06:00. Alright. Drive over to my apartment. I've got a plan, Marguerite, and it's foolproof. Put that gun away, Andy. You're crazy. This this trial has generated too much publicity. Everyone will know that you killed me and why? Forget that I'll have an alibi. How could I have killed you here in South Freehold at 10PM if I was at my apartment in Northeast? Marguerite's covering for you won't help. What was she doing in your apartment anyhow? People will ask. You came to me as your loyal, loving wife to beg me to go easy on you. No. You won't get away with it. Oh, yes. At 10PM, when you were killed by a burglar, I'll be able to prove I was in my apartment. Would your wife lie to save me?
No. So you see, Jerome, I get it all. The woman, the fame. No. You won't get the chance to show that magazine. You won't get away with it. Keep saying that. It makes you feel better. No. No. Please. As a norm
[00:40:17] Unknown:
holding it.
[00:40:21] Unknown:
I'm sorry, Jerry. I'm really sorry. But I had to have that book. Hello? Marguerite? It's exactly ten.
[00:40:46] Unknown:
And?
[00:40:47] Unknown:
And we no longer have a problem. I'll get on the turnpike and see you in an hour.
[00:40:53] Unknown:
You were here with me all the time, darling.
[00:40:57] Unknown:
Of course. I better use the automatic lane so that no collector might see me pick up my ticket.
[00:41:08] Unknown:
Hold it. Hold it. Here's our main, boys. What what's the matter, sergeant? Sir, it is my present duty to inform you that exactly four minutes past ten this evening, you have become the one millionth motorist to use the turn pike. What? Turn pike authority presents you with this savings bond. Alright. Take his picture, boys. Hold it right there, sir. Now, sir, what's your name? Mister Salles, I remember. Now I remember, mister Salasvi.
[00:41:46] Unknown:
Listen. I had to have that book. I had to.
[00:41:56] Unknown:
Gin, mister Paris. So I see, mister Fallerfield. Incidentally, do you hear someone calling to you? Yes. But as you like to say, you win some, you lose some. Well, what do we know for sure? We know for sure that back at that toll booth, they asked Andy his name, and his name turned out to be Mud. And, what does it prove? It proves that after a while, even the most patient, kindly guardian angel will stop listening if you irritate him long enough. So please listen to yours. I shall return shortly. How many chances do you get? Just one?
Well, how do you know? And what are you doing now? Is it something you may have done before and paid a price for? How do you know? Since you never know and since there's no one who can really tell you, stay with what you can count on. And you can count on being with us seven times a week right here on my mystery theater. Our cast included Mandel Kramer, Joan Lovejoy, Court Benson, Leon Janney, and Bob Caliban. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now, a preview of our next tale. It's incredible. That's what it is. Just a minute. You say she was willing to pay $1,000
[00:43:55] Unknown:
for it. Imitation leopard skin. But she wanted it and had to have it for her twin sister? You know, I I don't buy that, mother.
[00:44:04] Unknown:
This, second attempt to get a hold of the coat. I mean, by a guy who was with you'd kill us in an accident if it turned out that way.
[00:44:10] Unknown:
No.
[00:44:11] Unknown:
There's something about that coat, something somebody wants. Yes. But what could anyone want with an imitation leopard skin coat? Where'd you buy it, Rose? Harrods in London. I wish I knew how to straighten out the mystery of Rose's coat. Oh, dear. You don't straighten out a mystery. You solve it. And I ought to know I read hundreds of them every year. Almost of them too. We'll try solving this one then, aren't Ruth? Oh, well, as a matter of fact, I've been thinking,
[00:44:39] Unknown:
and I may have the answer. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, Pleasant dreams.
Check engine light on? Take the guesswork out of your check engine light with O'Reilly BaraScan. It's free. Ask for O'Reilly BaraScan today. O'Reilly
[00:00:21] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. And everything's in order. In its proper place, neatly sorted and labeled. All the items of suspense, mystery, terror, and the macabre. It only remains to mix and brew. Of all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, it might have been. It might have been. What might have been could we but recall that hasty word, that heedless act? Yes, indeed. Had we but known then what we know now, how different things would be today, or at least that's what we like to tell ourselves. But would things really be different?
My boy, you take an unnecessarily dim view. Do you realize I'm going to hang tomorrow morning? Perhaps. Perhaps not. What do you mean perhaps not? Tomorrow will come and go and you will still be alive. How? You will not be here in this place. How am I going to get out? Leave that to me. Look around you. Guards, doors, locks. How could I possibly What happened? Who are you?
[00:02:13] Unknown:
Who are
[00:02:22] Unknown:
you? Our mystery drama, The Garrison of the Dead, was written especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dan and stars Mandel Kramer. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. The word is alibi from the Latin, alias I b I, which means to be somewhere else, which is precisely the idea of the thing. No? If you are required to commit a murder in one place, you must make sure you can prove you were someplace else at that exact time. This point is so elementary, so simple, one might consider it too obvious to be worthy of mention. Perhaps.
But the executioners have been kept busy and the prisons full by those forgetful folk who neglected the basics. And no one is more aware of this than Andrew Masefield. Tonight, it will be necessary for Andrew Masefield to murder Jerome Carlson. It is a serious and most dangerous business. And, of course, Andrew would rather not do it. But we live in a world where a man does what he must. Hello, Jerry. Andy Masefield. Thought you were in jail. Look at the comedy, Jerry. You knew I was out on bail. You gonna ask me to come in? No. Jerry, I've gotta talk to you. Whatever you and I would have to talk about has already been said. Jerry, you gotta give me a break. I know all your stories by heart. Then try to understand. And remember, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. What's this? You?
You dare to quote the Bible? Sure. I dare. After all, the Bible was written more for me than it was for you. Okay. Get over this. You gonna make me stand outside? Behold. There has risen a new Andrew Macefield from the ashes of the old. Or has there? Enter, Andrew. All alone by yourself. Spoken with your usual flare for the redundant, Andrew. Well, what revelations have you to share with me? Jerry Jerry, do you want me to go to jail for ten years? Actually, I would want you to go to jail for life. And pay a half million dollars in fines? That money never belonged to you. Jerry, I'll give you half.
That's your cut to keep your mouth shut. So there really isn't a new Andy Mason. A quarter of a million, Jerry. How many magazine stories do you have to write before you can see a quarter of a million? I'm sorry. Jerry, give me a break. I trusted you, Jerry. I helped you. You came to me. You said you wanted to do an article on how a real estate development is put together. I did. And because I thought we'd become friends, I told you things, well, off the record. And now you're gonna go to court tomorrow morning and you're gonna testify. That's right, Ed. Or doesn't friendship impose a certain obligation? There's a higher obligation. To what? To the law.
Look. What I told you was strictly on the QT, Jerry. And why? To let you in on a good thing, give you a chance to make some money. You mean give me a chance to break the law? Oh, law. What's so holy about the law? People break the law every day.
[00:05:59] Unknown:
Didn't you break the law a couple of years ago when you wrote an article telling young guys how to avoid military service? That was a matter of conscience.
[00:06:06] Unknown:
What you really mean is it's all a matter of personal taste. Perhaps. But my taste doesn't run to swindling poor ignorant people out of their life's sake. Grow up, Jerry. These are suckers who were born to be taken. We've been through all this, Andy. I guess we have. So you're gonna walk into that courtroom tomorrow and explain to the jury just how I separated those suckers from their dough? I think it's time we said goodbye. Yes. It is. In more ways than one. But you you're crazy to point that gun at me. Crazy? This is the only thing that makes any sense. I offered you money, no dice. I tried to appeal to your friendship, no good.
So now I have to kill you. You can't get away with it. Why not? Everybody knows you'd stop at nothing to prevent me from testifying. You threaten me in public. You're the only one with a motive. Rats, motives, they won't matter. I'm going to have an alibi. How how could you hope to prove that you I like me never hopes. He plans. Now on my watch, I've got exactly 09:57. The coroner is going to fix the time of your death at exactly 10PM. Oh, oh, Andy. But put that gun away. You think this is a joke, No, Jerry. It's on the level. But I'm going to have an alibi, Marguerite.
Oh, that's that's the best I've ever heard. Marguerite. Why is it so funny? Because Marguerite is not that kind of woman who who who could commit perjury. Your problem is you don't know people, Jerry. You don't know what makes them go. Marguerite may have all those letters after her name, but underneath it, she's just a woman. Now hold it in She loves to be treated like a woman. Marguerite is in love with me. She launched She was until I came along. And besides, I'm going to give her $10. Hello. I can't believe it. Now, now with my left hand, I'll just pick up this phone. And I'll put it down and dial.
I'm dialing Marguerite and you'll be able to hear for yourself.
[00:08:24] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:08:25] Unknown:
Go ahead. Pick it up, Jerry. Talk to the lady yourself. Marguerite? Who's this? It's me, Jerry. Marguerite, Andy's gone crazy. He's here pointing a gun at me. Oh, no, Jerry.
[00:08:40] Unknown:
Andy can't be there. He's here with me. No. No. He's here. He he wants to kill me. God, dear. He can't be at your place. He's right here, and he's angry. He's yelling at me. Just just listen. Marguerite, listen to me. You listen, Jerome. Here for yourself. You're not gonna make a monkey out of me.
[00:08:56] Unknown:
You're not gonna go running around every time picking Harry
[00:09:05] Unknown:
No. So call me back later. No.
[00:09:09] Unknown:
No. Marguerite. Marguerite. Hang up, Jerry. That's all there is. No. Listen. My voice is on a tape recorder. That apartment has thin walls. Now you know how neighbors love to listen to a lover's quarrel, so Marguerite will swear that I was with her. No. Plenty of people will swear they heard me. But but if I'm dead, everyone will know that you killed me. What everyone knows and what everyone can prove are two different things, Jerry. I've got the alibi. You won't get away with it. How could I be here to shoot you dead at 10PM when I was in Marguerite's apartment in North Hastings 35 miles away? That car of yours, that loud, flashy car, someone sure don't spot it. I'm not using my car tonight. I'm driving Marguerite's mousy little Landy Landy.
What? You wanna make a deal now, Jerry? It's too late. Timing, Jerry. Timing is everything in life. Who besides you would would would kill me? Take your watch, your ring, your wallet, break the back window. You're more for the police. I remember that you told me that civilized men build the cities and then a barbarians sweep down from the hills and destroy them. Well, the barbarian is a win again. It won't work. It won't work. Says something will go wrong. Nothing. Absolutely nothing is going to go wrong. Handy. At 10:00 tonight, I won't be here. Handy. Marguerite will swear that I was 35 miles away. Handy. Think of what you're doing. When has the time gone?
It's exactly 10:00. No. No. No. It's fast. Goodbye, my best and only friend. You've got to believe I'm sorry, Jerry. But that's the only way you'd have it.
[00:11:01] Unknown:
Hello. Hello. Hello. We're here to bring you dough. This is Harvey Hopkins' old hub around arm who brings you dough for just being at the right place at the right time. Timing, as they say, is everything in life. It is now exactly three minutes after 10PM, and we're at a location where we are at the intersection of Route 6 and Main Street, and we have our special police motorcycle escort. And tonight, he's sergeant Jim Cassidy. Say hello to all the folks, Jim. Evening. That was Jim Jim saying good evening to everybody. But Jim will have a special good evening for you personally if you happen to, a, drive past the intersection of Route 6 and Maine, and b, if you have an RA5 on your license plate. Yes, sir. An RA5.
An RA5 will make the jackpot, which is $650. All that money for an RA5 on your license plate. And if you're the first one to pass the intersection of Route 6 and Maine, it is now precisely four minutes after 10PM. And I do believe we've got a winner because yes. Yes. Sergeant Cassidy is cutting up that motorbike, and he's after a car that has just passed by us here at Route 6 done? What do you want? Please pull over, sir. What's the meaning of this, officer? Sir, I'm very happy to inform you that you have just won the jackpot. Yes, sirree, folks. He doesn't believe it. I can tell from the look on his face that he does not believe it. I don't have time to stay here. You don't have the time to reach out and grab $650 Do you mind if I just The money is yours now. What's your name, sir? Please. I don't know. Rules and regulations compel us to give this money to the driver of any car with R5 on his license plate. You can't have an RA5 on my plate. Is that true, sergeant? His plate number is R55, Herb. Man, you've got it in Spanish. I tell you I don't have a Don't you even know your own license plate number? This isn't my car. It isn't your car? No. It belongs to a friend. So if you don't mind, I'll be on my way.
One moment, sir. May I see the automobile registration? What do you wanna see the registration for? May I see it, please? Now look. I am a law abiding citizen. May I see the registration and your driver's license? But I haven't done anything. Rand, all we wanna do is give you $650. Your license, please. Yeah. Yeah. Sure. You're not everybody. Well, how do you like that? We offer a fellow $650 and he turns into a wild beast. Well, here goes Sergeant Cockney in pursuit.
[00:14:00] Unknown:
The obvious thing here would be to quote from Bobby Burns the best laid plans of mice and men gang off the glaze. We could quote him, but we won't because, really, the plan didn't go wrong. The plan was fine. Something else went wrong. But what? And how? Where? When? Well, we're really only a third of the way home. You can't expect to know everything right now, can you? I'll return shortly with act two. You know the old Russian proverb, he that is fated to drown can even drown in a cup of water. And so it is with our friend, Andrew Masefield. Except Andrew will not drown.
He will hang. He will hang for the murder of Jerome Carlson. And, of course, you know why. When that beautifully crafted alibi suddenly collapsed, the judge and jury made quick work of the case. The date for the hanging has already been set. And the days, if we may quote that beautiful song, are dwindling down to a precious few. Yeah.
[00:15:21] Unknown:
I couldn't help it.
[00:15:23] Unknown:
It was him or me. I didn't wanna do it. He was my friend. Tell him, Jerry. Tell him. We were friends. Tell him. Tell him we were friends, Jerry. We were friends. And you know it was nothing personal. You don't hold it against me, do you? Do you, Jerry? Oh, no, Andy. Certainly not. I don't hold it against you. You see?
[00:15:52] Unknown:
He forgives me. He forgives me. Tom, how I forgive you. You should have said so at the trial, Jerry. You should have said so. I did, Anthony,
[00:16:02] Unknown:
but no one was listening to me. Help me? Somebody's got to help me. I don't wanna hang.
[00:16:12] Unknown:
I'll help you, Andy. I'll swear you spend the whole evening at my apartment. That's no good.
[00:16:20] Unknown:
Cherry. Cherry, they're gonna hang me. Yes. That's such an unpleasant way to die. Somebody has to help me. I'll help you. I'll swear you were in my apartment. Crazy, Dame. That won't work. Somebody's got to do something. I don't wanna hang. Somebody do something.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
Gin. Gin? Yeah. I guess you got it. I must say, mister Thallowfield. Your mind doesn't seem to be on this game. You could be right, mister Paris. You've got a faraway look in your eyes. I'm thinking about somebody. Who? A fellow named Masefield. Andrew Masefield. Andrew Masefield. Would he happen to be your client by any chance? He would. Well, what about him? He's going to hang tomorrow morning. Why? Murder. Did he do it? Oh, yes. Yes. He did it. No question about it. He did it. Then that should be that. I know. But But what? Well, I know what it is to be hanged.
I know from personal experience the hard way. But you were innocent. That didn't make it any easier to take. Well, what can you do? You're his guardian angel, but you did what you could. I still think I failed him. We can only advise. We're not supposed to go down there every time a client gets in a jam. Maybe I don't know how to communicate, mister Paris. You win some, you lose some. After tomorrow, you'll be assigned to somebody else. It's not my fault.
[00:18:43] Unknown:
It's not my fault. Lou,
[00:18:46] Unknown:
there he goes again. I I'm going down there. Okay. But don't say I didn't warn you.
[00:19:02] Unknown:
It's not right. It's not right. Help me. Please, somebody's got to help me. Mister Mansfield.
[00:19:08] Unknown:
Mister Mechefield. What? Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. What what do you want? Oh. Oh, it's you. Yeah. Yes. Me. Al the guard. It's not time yet. It's not time yet. No. No. No. Ain't no one near time. You said you'd let me know in advance. You you said you'd give me plenty of warning. Sure. Sure. Sorry. I had to wait you, but you got a visitor. A visitor? Yeah. You've gotta be joking. Who would wanna see me? I would. What? Who are you? May I come in? What do you want? Well, I want to discuss your case. My case? Yes. My case?
What case?
[00:19:53] Unknown:
I've been turned down everywhere by everybody. Is that a fact? It's gone all the way to the Supreme Court. I don't have a case.
[00:19:58] Unknown:
I've decided to hear it. May I come in? My name is Farofield. Are you a lawyer? Because if you are, you're wasting your time. I've run out of appeals. Besides, I don't have a dime left to my name. I'm not a lawyer. I'm your guardian angel. You're my
[00:20:16] Unknown:
I'll get this nut out of here. Don't make so much noise.
[00:20:20] Unknown:
What's the angle? Come on. Level with me, buddy. After all, I'm an old hustler myself. Well, I'm really not supposed to be here. Is that a fact? I want you to have another chance, but you have to convince me This is going to be my last night in this world. You've been saying you've got a bad deal. Now tell me, why? Why is it a bad deal? You killed Jerry Carson, didn't you? Why shouldn't you pay the price? Because Well, go ahead. Why? I have to know. Alright. What's the difference? It's just another nightmare. No sense in my getting uptight. You know, this isn't a nightmare. You sent for me.
I sent for you? You always send for me. But when I come to you, you never listen. Tell me why you shouldn't hang. You know why. Look. Everybody in the world is he's got his place in well, Jerome called it the scheme of things. Now a wolf kills a lamb. Do we blame the wolf? How can we? He was made for that purpose. He can't help it. But you're not a wolf, And Jerome wasn't a lamb. I am a wolf. I had to be a wolf or it would have been curtains from me years ago. I had no parents since I was five years old. I had to shine shoes, petal papers, or was hustle or go under. But man has free will. Man decides whether or not. Don't talk to me about free will. I was brought up in a jungle. Other men had mean beginnings and who've risen I'm not other men. I'm me.
Look, something, somebody made me into what I am, the kind of guy who would have to commit murder one day. Now why should I have to hang for it? That then is the point of your brief? Whatever it is, the defense rests. But why do I say defense? I should say prosecution. Why should I be on trial? Whoever, whatever made me into what I am should get the rope. So you want another chance? Oh, definitely. I've got one coming. Another chance to do what? To be what I always wanted to be. What? Don't laugh. A writer. A writer. Like your friend Jerome. Yeah. Yeah. You see, I learned something from him. Now he didn't have much money. How many people ever heard of him?
But he was happy. You know why? Because he was creative, and he was expressing himself in the right way. You know my problem? No. I'm a creative guy too, but I didn't have the education to to express it in stories and plays and scripts. So I expressed it in creating hustles and deals. Do you see? Yes. Now that hustle I put together, the last one, that was a work of art. When I when I had to kill Jerry, even the alibi, you've got to admit maybe it didn't work, but it had a touch of class to it. Another chance. And this time you'd become a writer and you'd express yourself in fiction. This time, would you listen to me? Would I listen to you? Look, if this is on the level, would I forget how close I came to that rope? Will you listen to me this time, Andy? Will you? Sure. Sure.
Okay. I I shouldn't say this, but my job would be on the line with you. If I guess wrong, well, you've got to understand I'm going out on a limb for you. Promise promise you'll listen to me this time. Will you promise, M. D? I promise. I promise. Mister Fairfield, you're making a mistake. But he is promising. He's promised me, mister Paris. Okay, mister Fairfield. Don't say I didn't warn you. Andy, will you will you become a writer? Yeah. A fine writer and a credit to both of us. Yeah. Yeah. Sure. Hey. Look at me. You got me believing it. Andy, in just one minute, a strange thing is going to happen to you.
You won't be in this jail. No? Where? Where will I be? I don't know. Because you will have lived a different life, I hope. And so you will be wherever that life has taken you. But where are you gonna be? Where I'm supposed to be, Andy. Watching over you, trying to guide you. And what will I have become? What you claim you wanted. A writer. A writer? Will I be rich? Famous? Why? Is it important? As long as you're creative, isn't that the main thing? Sure. Sure. That's all that counts. Andy, in thirty seconds, you'll be 37 years old just as you are now. But instead of being in a cell, you will be wherever your different life has led you.
And, Andy, I hope you keep your promise and listen to me. Did he listen or didn't he? Where even angels disagree, who are we mortals to express an opinion? One thing is certain, if you're about to be hanged, it's wonderful to have a guardian angel who's willing to climb out on a limb and cut the rope. So whom shall we meet in Act Three? A different or the same old Andrew Mayfield? The moving singer writes and having writ moves on. Nor all your piety and wit can ever year it back to cancel half a line. Nor all your tears wash out a word of it.
We humbly beg to differ with you, oh great Omar Khayyam, because our man, Andrew's piety and wit, has lured back the moving finger and his tears have washed out every single word of it. In his death cell, he swore, give me another chance, and I'll become a great creative writer. Let me live my life again. I'll make something of myself. So he is living it again, and he has reached this day in his new life.
[00:27:23] Unknown:
Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. This is Hop Around Harvey Hopkins, hopping around all over town to where the action is. And right now, the action is at the celebrity club party for literary giant, Andrew Masefield, to celebrate the publication of his latest blockbuster of a novel, Kiss Away the Blood. Hi, Andy. Hello, Harv. Andy, they tell me Kiss Away has already been sold to the flicks for the record price of 1,000,000 Smackers. Congratulations. Thank you, Harv. Yes, folks. This is the fellow they call Handy Andy Masefield because he's so handy with that typing machine. How does it feel to be the world's best selling writer? Well, I have a deep feeling of humility and responsibility. Andy, how do you answer those high brow critics who claim your work is violent pornographic
[00:28:11] Unknown:
trash? Well, I say in all humility that Dostoyevsky, Dreiser, and Hemingway were slandered in a similar fashion. Gin. I've got gin, mister Fallowfield. Oh. Ah, so you have, mister Callis. You know, mister Fallowfield, this is the first time in thirty seven years I I've been able to beat you at gin. Your mind isn't on the game. No. I suppose not. It's that client of mine. It happens you did the right thing. You saved him. No, mister Paris. I didn't save him. How can you say that? He's a great success. No. He's a failure. When I saved him from the rope, he promised to listen to me. Well, he did.
Look at him today. He didn't listen to a word I said. He squandered his gifts. He frittered away his talent. He said he wanted to be truly creative, like his friend Jerome Carson, but he lied to me. All he want All he wanted was success. What's wrong with success? You mean creative people have to start. No. No. No. A man must be true to himself, or his soul becomes twisted and deformed, mean, and diseased. Mister Fallowfield, you did a wonderful job with him. But he promised he would be like Jerome Carlson. With all due respect, Jerome Carlson is a chlamydia.
Perhaps. But Jerry Carlson has two things Andrew Masefield covets. Is that so? Yes. Jerry has talent, and Jerry has Marguerite. And for those two things, Andrew Masefield will be willing to commit murder. And I have to stop him somehow. Now I'm going down. You can't keep going down. It's the only way he doesn't listen to me. I must confront him. But the brass here doesn't want us to keep going down there all the time. Every thirty seven years? I think that should be allowed.
[00:30:47] Unknown:
Yes, sir. Andy, let them criticize all they want. You can laugh all the way to the bank. Folks, let's hear it for one of the sweetest, most humble guys on Earth, Andy Andy Bishfield.
[00:31:01] Unknown:
Well, it's finally over. Mind if I turn the TV off? Jerome, why didn't we go to that party? While you're reading my dear, you know what I think of those parties.
[00:31:13] Unknown:
Andy begged you to come. I wouldn't be seen. I know. I know. You wouldn't be seen at a place where rich, successful people get together. You like to wallow around with miserable, neurotic losers, failures
[00:31:28] Unknown:
like yourself. And I don't think of myself as a loser, and I don't believe I'm a failure. I write what I please.
[00:31:35] Unknown:
Maybe it pleases you. It doesn't seem to please anybody else. I have faith in myself. And one day, my friend Certainly. One day.
[00:31:44] Unknown:
When we're old and gray Didn't you feel sorry for that pompous jackass preening himself on that program? I am filled with humility. You're jealous. Me jealous of that untalented
[00:31:59] Unknown:
slob? He's a fine, sensitive, humble human being.
[00:32:04] Unknown:
You know, Marguerite, maybe you should have married Andy.
[00:32:09] Unknown:
Maybe I should have.
[00:32:16] Unknown:
Andy. Where were you? You didn't show up for the party. No. Andy, you knew Jerry would refuse to call. I lined up the whole gang of people for him to meet. Agents, publishers, producers. He could have done himself some good. Why didn't he wanna come? He's working on his book. Oh, his book. Alright. Let's forget it. Where is he now?
[00:32:36] Unknown:
Where will he be at midnight sound asleep?
[00:32:39] Unknown:
Marguerite. No. No, Andy. Don't don't. I love you, darling. He's your best friend. You can't help that. You mean more to me. He he's short changing you, darling. He gives you nothing. You even have to support him.
[00:32:52] Unknown:
Andy, he's really
[00:32:54] Unknown:
a great writer. Yes. A great writer who nobody ever reads. Please. Oh, you keep working, honey. Keep doing without. Keep worrying about paying the bills. Get lines in your face an age before your time.
[00:33:07] Unknown:
I I I don't know what to do.
[00:33:10] Unknown:
Divorce him. Oh, I can't.
[00:33:13] Unknown:
He he'd never let me leave him to go with you. That would be the final outrage. He he'd kill me before he'd let you have me. What are you saying? Andy, there's only one way I could ever leave him to go with you, and that's
[00:33:34] Unknown:
if he were dead. I don't believe it.
[00:33:37] Unknown:
You mean you don't want to believe it, But you're a realist. You know the things that have to be done to get what you want.
[00:33:47] Unknown:
Think about it. Think about what? Reality. Good evening, Andy. What? Who are you? An old friend. How did you get in here? My name is Fallofield. I don't believe this. You didn't believe it thirty seven years ago either. How could you have gotten in here? The door's locked. The window on 28 floors above the ground. Andy, thirty seven years ago, this very day, you promised you'd listen to me. You faced the scaffold. I gave you another chance. Wow. Keep talking. I'm having a vision. No. This is all real. I'm breaking the rules. What rules? I don't want you to hang.
Hang? Me? Why? For the same reason you were sentenced last time for the murder of Jerome Carson. You're nuts. Or I'm nuts. Do you think I'd kill Jerome just for Marguerite? Oh, I mean, I'm tempted, but no dice. You wouldn't kill Jerome just for Marguerite, perhaps. But you would kill him for Marguerite and. And what? And his talent. What are you saying? I can't say anymore. I've said too much already. I have to leave. I'll keep trying to advise you and guide you in the usual way. But this time, please listen. Oh, sure. Look, mister, Fallowfield.
Where'd he go? This is something. I'm I'm dreaming while I'm wide awake.
[00:35:57] Unknown:
Well, it's Jerome. Busy, Andy? When a pal knocks at the door, come on in.
[00:36:04] Unknown:
What have you got there? In this little carton Looks like a manuscript. It is. But they call it a manuscript hardly describes it. It represents my entire life's work. In what way? It's my life as a writer, Andy. Everything I ever saw, it felt and this manuscript, this these 500 pages, I decide whether I have the right to call myself a novelist. Well, I'm sure it's great. What's it called? The Garrison of the Dead. Great title. What's it about? It's about all of us. Sounds heavy. You are my closest friend. I value your opinion. I want you to be the first to read it. Oh, Jerry.
I'm honored.
[00:37:05] Unknown:
Oh, Marguerite, turn on the TV.
[00:37:09] Unknown:
Andy's gonna be on the show with that that obnoxious Harvey Hopkins again.
[00:37:15] Unknown:
If he's so obnoxious, why do you listen?
[00:37:18] Unknown:
Oh, I haven't seen Andy in weeks. Ever since I gave him my manuscript to read.
[00:37:22] Unknown:
And when do I haven't heard from him? Andy, word from your publisher is that your newest novel is the greatest ever written by an American. Different. Completely different from anything you ever did before. I quote, a big, brooding, philosophical
[00:37:36] Unknown:
Yes. That's true. What's the title, Andy?
[00:37:38] Unknown:
The Garrison of the Dead. But I didn't That's my title. Sounds like a blockbuster. That's my book. Well, you see, man gathers in groups, but these are truly garrisons.
[00:37:49] Unknown:
And man thinks he's fighting for life, but in reality, he's already dead. That is the reason. It's mine. It's mine. He stole my book. Calm yourself, my dear. You stole my book. What book? The one I asked you to read, Jerry. Are you ill? Do you deny that you stole my book? Jerry. I asked you to read it so you would see what you could have written if you hadn't frittered away your talents. I wanted you to read the work of a novelist, you pornographic hat. Jerry, you've gone crazy. You won't get away with it. I'll sue you for plagiarism. I'll expose you for the the fraudulent No. Please don't make a fool of yourself.
[00:38:34] Unknown:
Andy, we're in trouble. Why, Marguerite? The trial tomorrow, the the plagiarism trial.
[00:38:39] Unknown:
Andy, Jerry has proof. Proof. How could he have proof?
[00:38:43] Unknown:
He's been writing Garrison for twenty years. He started when he was in the army overseas. The first two chapters were published in some obscure provincial magazine in Germany. What are you saying? Well, the magazine went under years ago. But he has a copy with those two chapters and an outline.
[00:39:04] Unknown:
And if tomorrow in court, he can destroy you, us. Oh, wait. Just wait. I've got an idea. Suddenly, I've got an idea. What time is it now? 06:00. Alright. Drive over to my apartment. I've got a plan, Marguerite, and it's foolproof. Put that gun away, Andy. You're crazy. This this trial has generated too much publicity. Everyone will know that you killed me and why? Forget that I'll have an alibi. How could I have killed you here in South Freehold at 10PM if I was at my apartment in Northeast? Marguerite's covering for you won't help. What was she doing in your apartment anyhow? People will ask. You came to me as your loyal, loving wife to beg me to go easy on you. No. You won't get away with it. Oh, yes. At 10PM, when you were killed by a burglar, I'll be able to prove I was in my apartment. Would your wife lie to save me?
No. So you see, Jerome, I get it all. The woman, the fame. No. You won't get the chance to show that magazine. You won't get away with it. Keep saying that. It makes you feel better. No. No. Please. As a norm
[00:40:17] Unknown:
holding it.
[00:40:21] Unknown:
I'm sorry, Jerry. I'm really sorry. But I had to have that book. Hello? Marguerite? It's exactly ten.
[00:40:46] Unknown:
And?
[00:40:47] Unknown:
And we no longer have a problem. I'll get on the turnpike and see you in an hour.
[00:40:53] Unknown:
You were here with me all the time, darling.
[00:40:57] Unknown:
Of course. I better use the automatic lane so that no collector might see me pick up my ticket.
[00:41:08] Unknown:
Hold it. Hold it. Here's our main, boys. What what's the matter, sergeant? Sir, it is my present duty to inform you that exactly four minutes past ten this evening, you have become the one millionth motorist to use the turn pike. What? Turn pike authority presents you with this savings bond. Alright. Take his picture, boys. Hold it right there, sir. Now, sir, what's your name? Mister Salles, I remember. Now I remember, mister Salasvi.
[00:41:46] Unknown:
Listen. I had to have that book. I had to.
[00:41:56] Unknown:
Gin, mister Paris. So I see, mister Fallerfield. Incidentally, do you hear someone calling to you? Yes. But as you like to say, you win some, you lose some. Well, what do we know for sure? We know for sure that back at that toll booth, they asked Andy his name, and his name turned out to be Mud. And, what does it prove? It proves that after a while, even the most patient, kindly guardian angel will stop listening if you irritate him long enough. So please listen to yours. I shall return shortly. How many chances do you get? Just one?
Well, how do you know? And what are you doing now? Is it something you may have done before and paid a price for? How do you know? Since you never know and since there's no one who can really tell you, stay with what you can count on. And you can count on being with us seven times a week right here on my mystery theater. Our cast included Mandel Kramer, Joan Lovejoy, Court Benson, Leon Janney, and Bob Caliban. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now, a preview of our next tale. It's incredible. That's what it is. Just a minute. You say she was willing to pay $1,000
[00:43:55] Unknown:
for it. Imitation leopard skin. But she wanted it and had to have it for her twin sister? You know, I I don't buy that, mother.
[00:44:04] Unknown:
This, second attempt to get a hold of the coat. I mean, by a guy who was with you'd kill us in an accident if it turned out that way.
[00:44:10] Unknown:
No.
[00:44:11] Unknown:
There's something about that coat, something somebody wants. Yes. But what could anyone want with an imitation leopard skin coat? Where'd you buy it, Rose? Harrods in London. I wish I knew how to straighten out the mystery of Rose's coat. Oh, dear. You don't straighten out a mystery. You solve it. And I ought to know I read hundreds of them every year. Almost of them too. We'll try solving this one then, aren't Ruth? Oh, well, as a matter of fact, I've been thinking,
[00:44:39] Unknown:
and I may have the answer. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, Pleasant dreams.
