In this episode of the Mystery Theater, hosted by E.G. Marshall, we delve into a gripping tale titled "The Hands of Missus Mallory," penned by Henry Slessor and starring Celeste Holm. The story explores the mysterious paralysis of Mrs. Ida Mallory's hands, a condition that has left her feeling helpless and isolated. As she navigates her daily life, she encounters a young woman named Melinda West, who is also struggling with her own physical limitations. Their meeting sparks a journey into the realms of faith healing and the power of the mind over the body, leading to unexpected revelations and a surprising twist.
As the narrative unfolds, Mrs. Mallory becomes entangled in the lives of Melinda and her brother Ted, who are desperate to find a cure for Melinda's paralysis. They turn to a controversial figure, Dr. Griff, whose unconventional methods promise hope but also raise skepticism. The episode explores themes of belief, deception, and the psychological underpinnings of physical ailments. In a dramatic conclusion, Mrs. Mallory discovers the truth about Dr. Griff and the Wests, leading to a personal breakthrough that challenges her understanding of her own condition.
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Unknown:
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[00:01:16] Unknown:
Come in. Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall. You've come to the right place. Here we present a unique kind of drama. Drama that uses your ears to stimulate your fears. The story you are about to hear concerns another part of the human anatomy. It's a tale about a very frightening pair of hands, not because they're ugly or mutilated or because they do evil things. On the contrary, the hands of our heroine do nothing at all, and therein lies her terror. But there's one other subject our story deals with, and it's the most mysterious of all, the human mind.
Our mystery drama, The Hands of Missus Mallory, was written especially for the mystery theater by Henry Slessor and stars Celeste Holm. It is sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser, and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one.
[00:02:32] Unknown:
Some research experts say you can't taste the difference between beers. Well, if they're right, then Anheuser Busch wastes a barrel of time, beachwood aging Budweiser. Only they don't think so. Brewing beer right does make a difference, and they're betting a bundle that you can taste the difference in bud. When it comes to brewing Budweiser, the Anheuser Busch choice is to go all the way because they still care about quality. Look at it this way. If the Budd people have a choice between what some experts say and what beer drinkers say, well, you better believe they'll go with you beer drinkers every time.
When you say Budweiser, you've said it all. Anheuser Busch, St. Louis.
[00:03:34] Unknown:
What's for dinner? ShopRite suggests lean, savory smoked ham, shank portion just 69¢ a pound, butt portion, 79 a pound. Choice grade first cut chuck steak, 69¢ a pound. Penn Dutch noodles pound package, 49¢. Crown top white bread, just 39¢ for a 22 ounce load. For a quick meal, serve banquet frozen 10 ounce dinners. All varieties except beef or ham are just 39¢. Check the store wide values at ShopRite. You'll find a lot more for a little less.
[00:04:09] Unknown:
She loves a family. She wants the best. She does all that she can do. She lets ShopRite do the rest. Hey, ma. What's for dinner? ShopRite has the answer.
[00:04:36] Unknown:
Think of the most beautiful day you can imagine, a day so perfect that the birds are singing its praises. And even the people who line the park benches, those roosting creatures who seem to exist in a vacuum without emotion, seem happy and contented today. But there's one exception, a lady of middle years who sits alone on a bench. Is it her glum expression that has driven away other people? Or perhaps it's the obvious elegance of her mink stole
[00:05:10] Unknown:
and the glistening perfection of the diamond on her finger. Hey, lady. Is this seat taken? No. It's okay if I sit here and wait for my brother? He's playing in the ball game. How nice. He plays first base. Hey, you wanna see my baseball?
[00:05:25] Unknown:
Not especially. It's got Reggie Jackson daughter crap on it. Just don't look at it. No. Please. I I I really don't know. What, what's the matter with your hands? Nothing. It's they're just a little stiff. That's all. Why don't you go watch your brother play? Well, he says I jinx them.
[00:05:42] Unknown:
See, your hands looked funny. I mean, can't you move them at all?
[00:05:47] Unknown:
No. As a matter of fact, I can't. Gee, that's funny.
[00:05:51] Unknown:
I never saw anything like that. How come you can't move your hand? It's a kind of a sickness. You wouldn't understand. But maybe if you explained it to me, I would.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
Yes. If I could explain it to you, son, I would be very happy to do so. You don't know how happy.
[00:06:15] Unknown:
Come in, Ida. Have a seat.
[00:06:18] Unknown:
I always feel so guilty when I take your time. Each examination
[00:06:22] Unknown:
seems to produce exactly the same result. Well, that's no reason not to keep examining you.
[00:06:28] Unknown:
Then there isn't any change.
[00:06:31] Unknown:
No, Ida. No change. What have you been doing lately?
[00:06:39] Unknown:
Well, I've been sitting in the park a lot.
[00:06:43] Unknown:
I see.
[00:06:44] Unknown:
It's a bit ridiculous, isn't it? I have this glamorous terrace. I could sit there like a queen and view the whole park and all the people in it. But I prefer to sit on a bench and watch the squirrels and listen to the children.
[00:06:57] Unknown:
Oh, I think that's a good thing, frankly, to be on the ground,
[00:07:01] Unknown:
in touch with things. Herbert never believed in that. Herbert liked to get away from the smell of the crowd. Yes, that was the phrase he obviously used. The smell of the crowd. My husband knew a great number of unkind phrases. Well, I never knew him, of course. Oh. Neither deny, I suppose. Even when he was lying in his coffin, I felt as though I was saying goodbye to a stranger.
[00:07:27] Unknown:
And after mister Mallory died, how soon after that did the paralysis set in? Oh, it was about a month.
[00:07:35] Unknown:
Yes. A month after, I suppose. That soon?
[00:07:39] Unknown:
Yes. And now it's been how long since you haven't been able to move your hands?
[00:07:45] Unknown:
Five years. Can you believe it, doctor? I can't. After the first six months of this terrible paralysis, I thought I well, I couldn't go on living with these stone fingers of mine. I thought it would be preferable to be dead. But you never lost hope of a cure. No. I mean, that's what's kept me going, the hope of a cure. Oh, and something else. I suppose one must say a kind word for money. If there was one thing Herbert did in his life, he managed to leave a very rich widow behind him.
[00:08:18] Unknown:
Ida, I hope you won't misunderstand what I'm going to say.
[00:08:22] Unknown:
Doctor, you don't have to say it. I know what comes next. You're going to advise me to get out of myself, to stop thinking about my poor hands and think about other people. Charity work. Well, Ida, that's one suggestion. Oh, if you knew how many charity committees use my name or how many thousands of dollars I give to every foundation with an impressive name. Ida, I was going to talk about going back to that psychiatrist.
[00:08:48] Unknown:
Oh, that.
[00:08:49] Unknown:
I honestly think you gave up too soon. If you'd given the man a chance Doctor Merritt, my hands are paralyzed.
[00:08:57] Unknown:
I'm not imagining it. They're paralyzed, frozen, insensitive.
[00:09:01] Unknown:
You've made all the tests yourself. Do you think I've been faking? Oh, no. No. Of course not. The illness is genuine, but
[00:09:07] Unknown:
but sometimes the origin of an illness of this nature can It's all in the mind. Yes. Of course. All in the mind. So easy to say that. So many doctors have told me the same thing. It's so much easier to blame my mind than their own failure. Please. Doctor, excuse me. It's time for me to go. You've got lots of patients waiting for you. Some of them you might even help. Hey. Hi. Oh, it's you again waiting for your brother? Nah. He's not playing today. Oh, that's too bad. It's a lovely day. He broke his leg. Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Hey. Is that what happened to your hands? I mean, did they get broken?
[00:09:57] Unknown:
Something like that. Well, do you feel anything at all? I mean, like your fingers?
[00:10:03] Unknown:
You're a very curious boy. Did anyone ever tell you that? Can I just catch them, lady, please? No. Please don't. Hey. Hey. You kid. Now cut that.
[00:10:11] Unknown:
Stop bothering this lady. You hear me? I wasn't bothering her. Alright. Now go on. Get out of here. Leave her alone. Okay. Okay. I just wanted to touch her. I'm sorry, ma'am. I just couldn't help overhearing.
[00:10:23] Unknown:
Thank you. He was getting a little too bothersome, although I'm sure he didn't mean any harm. Well, I could see that you were getting annoyed.
[00:10:30] Unknown:
Ted? Ted? Yeah. Oh, yes. I'm over here, Melinda. In the hand, ma'am.
[00:10:34] Unknown:
I can't manage two hot dogs and a bag of peanuts and two crutches at the same time. Oh, sure. I am sorry. Excuse me, ma'am. Oh, this one's yours with the mustard. Thanks.
[00:10:45] Unknown:
Do you think I could sit down? Of course. Ted, would you grab that crab? Yeah. I got it. Listen. I told you that I get the hot dogs. I mean, you didn't have to be quite so independent.
[00:10:55] Unknown:
That's funny. You're always complaining that I'm not independent enough. Oh, am I crowding you, man? Oh, no. No. Plenty of room. Ted, who who is that boy I saw running off? Oh, I drove him off. He was, bothering this woman. Oh, dear. Oh. Are you alright? Oh, yes. I'm fine. As a matter of fact, he was telling me about his brother's accident. He hurt his foot. I guess this must be the season for accident. You mean these crutches? I'm afraid that was another season. Hey. You know, gee, it's warm, isn't it, for this time of year? Of course. You're warm. Saving fair damsels and all that stuff. I didn't know you were a regular Saint George, Ted. Yeah. Sure I am with kid dragons.
[00:11:35] Unknown:
Would you like some peanuts, ma'am? We've been trying to give them away to the squirrels all day, but we haven't seen any.
[00:11:40] Unknown:
No. Thank you. I I don't like peanuts very much. I can't imagine what squirrels see in them. Oh, don't worry. My brother will happily eat them all by himself. Your brother? Oh, I'm Melinda West. This is my brother, Ted. And my name is missus Mallory. As you do. Haven't I seen you two here before? Oh, you probably have. We live close to the park.
[00:12:03] Unknown:
Are you from around here, missus Mallory? Oh, yes.
[00:12:07] Unknown:
I live in that building right there. Oh. What a few you must have. Can you see the park from your window? Oh, yeah. Oh, if I had a window like that, I'd never come down to the park. Well Of course, these crutches sort of discourage
[00:12:22] Unknown:
you walking around very much. Do you both live in the city? No. No. We're from Ohio. We We've only been here about two months, but, I guess we'll be going back soon. Don't say that.
[00:12:32] Unknown:
Don't even think that, Ted. Please. I'm sorry, Melinda. I I didn't even I gather that, you don't wanna leave. Well, not if it means that well, the truth is we came here to see a doctor, a a surgeon who specializes in cases like mine. You see, I was in an automobile accident two years ago. I haven't walked since. Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry. I know exactly how you must feel. I know people always think they do but they really can. Oh, Melinda. What? I think your brother is trying to signal you, Melinda, about me. What do you mean? He means these.
My hands. Oh, I'm so sorry. I I didn't even realize. No. Some people don't realize that I can't move them. See, as long as I sit here very quietly, my whole body is as immobilized as my hand. Yes. Now I know what you mean. I know how tempting it is to just wanna sit this statue so that for a little while you can forget that part of you is dead.
[00:13:38] Unknown:
Oh, come on, Melinda. Please. Let's cut this out.
[00:13:42] Unknown:
Please. Tell me more about this surgeon. I can tell you what he said in one word. One two letter word. No, dear. He won't operate then. He said it wouldn't do any good. Now he turned us down flat. That's why I want Melinda to let me take her back home. Oh, well, do you have parents there? No. No. No. We have no one. But I don't want to go back. I I don't. I want to see
[00:14:08] Unknown:
what were you gonna say? Never mind, missus Mallory. Now come on, Melinda. You finished your hot dog. Let's let's go home. Let me tell her.
[00:14:17] Unknown:
Let me ask her. For Pete's sake, what kind of nonsense is this? What do you wanna bother the woman for? Because there's no one else I can talk to about doctor Griff. I I can't talk to you about him. You just get red in the face and stomp away from me. There's nothing to talk about, and I'm sure missus Mallory isn't interested in fairy stories. I really don't know what either one of you is talking about.
[00:14:35] Unknown:
Who is doctor Griff? Oh, he's a quack, a phony Hell. So that's all he is. A two bit faith healer who robs every cripple he can get his hands on. You don't know anything about him. You only met him once. Yeah. Well, that was enough. I could tell him one second that the man is a fake. He can't cure a broken spine. But why not let him try?
[00:14:53] Unknown:
Somebody has to try. I don't wanna be the way I am. Oh, missus Mallory, I don't wanna be this way. Help me. Help me, please.
[00:15:11] Unknown:
Well, missus Mallory's physician would be very pleased right now. At last, his patient seems to be taking his advice to interest herself in the outside world, in problems other than her own. But how involved will those problems become?
[00:15:29] Unknown:
We'll wait to find out until I return shortly with act two. Excuse me, madam. Oh, I'm in an awful hurry. I I just wonder if you could answer a simple question for me. The question is this. What? What happens this time of year? Oh, that's easy. The kids get home from camp. Goodbye. Nope. What do you mean nope? Nope. I mean, I should know when my kids get home from camp. Well, the answer I had in mind was a tad more general in scope. Well, I gave my answer. Let's hear yours. You know, I'm glad you asked. Are you? You see, what happens this time of year is that Buick dealers are giving particularly great deals on older 74 Buicks. For a family woman such as yourself, I think a neat little Apollo would be just the ticket. It's small, economical, but surprisingly roomy. And it's a Buick, so it's really quite elegant. You don't say? Now isn't that good news? Yes. I mean, that you can get such a nifty deal on such a nifty small car. To be sure it is. Yeah. To be sure. By the way, where do your kids go to camp? Guam. It's a small island in the South Pacific. Guam.
[00:16:31] Unknown:
There's a very special deal going on at all offices of suburban savings throughout North Jersey. It's called suburban special interest deal, and you'll be especially interested in the savings you get. A top 7.9 o percent effective annual yield on Suburban's limited issue 7.5 o percent savings certificate. And Suburban guarantees it from four to ten years. Minimum deposit, $2,500. Early withdrawal prior to maturity is subject to a substantial penalty. Suburban compounds interest continuously from day of deposit paid quarterly. So you not only get interest on your savings, you get interest on the interest. And Suburban offers you the highest interest rate allowed by law. Here's your chance to get a great savings deal. A top 7.9 o percent effective annual yield on Suburban's limited issue 7.5 o percent savings certificate. Why not deal yourself into Suburban Savings special interest deal at any Suburban Savings office in Northern New Jersey?
[00:17:27] Unknown:
Located in Bayonne, Edgewater, Elmwood Park, Emerson, Hackettstown, Morris Plains, Nutley, Paramus, Sparta, and Wayne.
[00:17:46] Unknown:
The good weather is holding in the city, and Mrs. Ida Mallory has returned day after day to her bench in the park, a bench which seems to have become her property by right of eminent domain. But even Mrs. Mallory would have to admit that her interest in these daily visits is no longer restricted to sunshine and green grass. Each day, she hopes for another glimpse of the young couple, the scowling brother and his pretty pathetic sister. And then on the fourth day, there they were.
[00:18:20] Unknown:
Excuse me. I don't know if you'll remember me. Why, of course. You're missus Mallory, the lady with the view. Yes. That's right. How are you both? Oh, we're okay. Well, I really didn't mean to interrupt your conversation. Oh. Don't be concerned about the way Ted looks. His face always is like a thunder cloud, especially when we discuss the forbidden topic.
[00:18:43] Unknown:
I suppose you mean that doctor. Yeah. She talked me into seeing him again. You know something? Every feeling I had about him the first time was confirmed. That's really impossible, missus Mallory.
[00:18:52] Unknown:
Tell me something. Is he a real doctor? Well, I'm not sure he's a medical doctor, missus Mallory, but I'm sure he's entitled to the degree. Maybe, a doctor of psychology or something like that. I'll tell you what he's entitled to. A good swift kick and I'll tell you one thing about doctor Griff. He's the only one, the only one who said he could help me. He didn't promise. He just said he was hopeful. Well, that's something anyway. Yeah. I'll tell you what he's hopeful about, getting your $500. He said he's very hopeful I can be cured, And that's worth a great deal more than $500.
[00:19:25] Unknown:
Alright. Go on. Tell her the rest. Tell her the real clincher. What are you afraid to? What do you mean? Missus Mallory, you're an intelligent woman. So listen to how doctor Griff plans to cure my sister. I know it sounds sort of melodramatic. Oh, it's idiotic. That's what it is. Please. Please. I'd still like to know.
[00:19:44] Unknown:
Well, he says he uses something called the Water of Faith.
[00:19:51] Unknown:
See what I mean?
[00:19:53] Unknown:
The Water of Faith? Sounds sort of, religious. Like,
[00:20:02] Unknown:
the holy water of the Lord. It's it's related to that. Yes. Oh, now do you see why I say the guy is an out and out fraud? The water of faith. Where are we? Back in the Middle Ages? Well, I must admit it does sound sort of
[00:20:15] Unknown:
odd. Just the same. He said that it works, that it's worked for dozens of people.
[00:20:21] Unknown:
He wants $500 for the treatment. With no guarantees, you understand. Mhmm. Oh, missus Mallory, would you help me, please? Would you talk some sense to this woman? Oh, my dear. I mean, I have to admit it really doesn't sound
[00:20:34] Unknown:
reasonable. You mean the $500? Oh, but it's a very special treatment doctor Drifts said. Well, I meant it's not reasonable to assume that such things can do any good. I see. So I'll never know. Is that it? I'll just turn around and take a plane back to Ohio and live out the rest of my life as a cripple when for $500, at least I might have had a chance to live. Yes. I see what you mean. Ted oh, I hope you don't mind my calling you Ted. Oh, no. No. Of course not. Your sister, well, she may have a point there. I mean, even if it is a waste of money, perhaps she'll never be happy unless you let this man try. If not, she'll always wonder about it. Always.
Yes.
[00:21:22] Unknown:
Yes. I know that. That's what his whole bag is, making you wonder if it just might work. And,
[00:21:28] Unknown:
well, about the money, I don't know how to say this. But you see, $500 may seem like a lot to you, but it isn't to me.
[00:21:39] Unknown:
So if I can help you Oh, no. No. Oh, no. Please. Absolutely not. It's not really a problem, missus Mallory. We've got the money. Besides, it's not the money so much as, well, seeing Melinda
[00:21:49] Unknown:
disappointed again. I've had so many disappointments, you see. Yes. Yes. I know all about such things. Oh, dear. Yes. Of course, you do. Oh, you see what a selfish person I've become. I keep forgetting that you have your own affliction. I'm not sure that it isn't even worse than mine to lose the use of your hand. Well, never mind about me. What what are you two going to do? I thought it looks like I'm outnumbered on this thing. Dad, what does that mean
[00:22:26] Unknown:
you you'll let me do it? You'll let me? Well, if you go back without trying this dumb water of faith, you'll always regret it. So, okay. Let's get it over with. Oh, mister Mallory.
[00:22:37] Unknown:
Oh, thank you. Thank you. You're the one who did it. Oh, my dear. I just hope your miracle happens. All my life, I wanted to believe that miracles happen.
[00:22:56] Unknown:
Melinda? Melinda? Wait a minute. Oh, oh, missus Mallory. Well, you move faster on those crutches than I do on my two feet. You're you're not here alone, are you? No. Ted's with me.
[00:23:10] Unknown:
I just wanted to take a little stroll by myself. No. That isn't true. We just had another fight, and I had to get away from him. Oh, dear. Now that doesn't sound too good. Well, you know how Ted is. Well Yeah. I haven't seen you for two days. How are you? The truth is I don't really know. But I've I started treatments, missus Mallory. With doctor Griff? Yes. I started about five days ago, and it's it's nothing at all like what I expected. Well, tell me about it. Well, do you remember how silly it all sounded, this water of faith business?
Well, it sounded a little theatrical. But it isn't. It's scientific, missus Mallory. That's the most wonderful part of it. Doctor Griff only used that phrase as a as a convenient description of of the the drug. What drug is that? Well, maybe I shouldn't tell you this. Why not? Oh, I don't know. I I have the feeling that that there might be something slightly illegal about it that the drug he uses. A psychedelic suggestion. Psychedelic suggestion? Now what on earth is that? It's the technique doctor Griff uses. He he uses it to to liberate the mind from its control over the body whenever that control is negative. I'm sorry. You know, I really don't understand that kind of talk.
Well, I'm not saying I understand it myself completely. But it does sound to me as if he believes that your illness is psychosomatic. I don't know, missus Mallory. All I know is that I have to go through with it, kill or cure. It isn't a dangerous treatment, is it? No. No. I I'm sure it isn't. It it's well, it's more like a sort of a hypnosis. I go to his office. He administers the drug, and then he talks to me. And that's all there is to it. And has it helped? I I think I'd better go back to Teddy. He he's probably getting worried about me. Melinda, please tell me if Melinda, look out. A bicycle.
[00:25:42] Unknown:
Yes. Melinda. Sorry, missus.
[00:25:45] Unknown:
Melinda, are you alright? Oh, you let let me help you out, miss. Oh, you idiot. I mean, can't you see that that girl is crippled? Quick. Give me that crotch. Oh, just sure. Wait. Wait. Wait. I I I think I can manage to pick myself up this way. And just just take it easy. Missus Mallory, what is it? Are you hurt? No. No. No. It's my leg. Did did you see that? My leg beaten slightly at the knee. No. No. I didn't see it. Missus, you're sure you're okay? Oh, get out of here. Go away and be more careful next time. Miss missus Mallory.
I'm sure it happened. I I saw it happened. My leg moved. For the first time in two years, it moved.
[00:26:41] Unknown:
No, Ida. I'm sorry. I can't find any reference to this doctor Griff in any medical directory. But that doesn't prove he's a fraud though, does it? Oh, no. Of course not. And as you say, the man may not be a medical doctor. I
[00:26:56] Unknown:
certainly hope he isn't. Well, why do you say that?
[00:27:00] Unknown:
Pride of profession, my dear. We don't like to have faith healers bearing the sane credentials.
[00:27:06] Unknown:
And that's what you think he is, a faith healer? Well, of course.
[00:27:10] Unknown:
Oh, I'm not knocking the power of faith far from it. Very often, it's simply another way of getting at psychosomatic difficulties. Oh, I hate that word. I know you do.
[00:27:21] Unknown:
Oh, I've been through all that psychosomatic nonsense. All those doctors who tried to tell me that my paralyzed hands weren't well, what they are. But there's something in me, some emotional problem. You didn't give them much chance to prove or disprove it, Ida. I did. I submitted to their therapy even if I didn't believe in it, and it didn't do the slightest bit of good. Well, maybe if you had believed them, it would have. Flesh is flesh, doctor. Bone is bone. That kind of therapy can't make my hands move anymore than it can make that poor girl walk. And I have a good mind to tell him so.
[00:27:59] Unknown:
Please come in, missus Mallory.
[00:28:02] Unknown:
Thank you.
[00:28:04] Unknown:
Won't you have a chair?
[00:28:06] Unknown:
Alright.
[00:28:07] Unknown:
Well, do you mind if I ask who referred you to me?
[00:28:11] Unknown:
Well, actually, it was one of your patients,
[00:28:13] Unknown:
Melinda West. Yes. Yes. Of course. A very charming young woman. Have you known her long? Just a few weeks. See, I haven't seen her for the last ten days or so. How is she coming along? Well, actually, you'll get a chance to see her soon. She has a 03:00 appointment with me, which is only a few minutes from now. So if you wouldn't mind telling me what's on your mind, missus Mallory. Well, I just thought it would be,
[00:28:36] Unknown:
worthwhile talking to you, doctor. About yourself? Well, as you can see, I am afflicted.
[00:28:43] Unknown:
Do you mind if I look at your hands? Yes. Frankly, I'd rather wouldn't.
[00:28:47] Unknown:
Not just now. I'd I'd rather hear something about yourself, about this, treatment of yours. Melinda said something about a technique you used called, psychedelic suggestion. Now, just what is that?
[00:29:00] Unknown:
It's a medical principle. As old as mesmerism, as new as chemotherapy. The power of mind over body.
[00:29:09] Unknown:
Psychosomatic.
[00:29:10] Unknown:
Well, who knows what afflictions is psychosomatic? Some illnesses start with the emotions, some with the body. And more often, it's a combination of both. Really? Germs aren't imaginary. Viruses are very real little creatures. Yet the mind has strange powers over them to make them hurt us or to render them harmless.
[00:29:34] Unknown:
Alright then. What about a broken leg? Can the mind cause that? Of course.
[00:29:39] Unknown:
If you use your head, you wouldn't break your leg in the first place. Oh. You're thinking of miss West, of the fact that she suffered a spine injury. That's right. I hardly see how you can correct something like that. You've seen her X rays then? No. You believe the damage is neurological?
[00:29:58] Unknown:
Well, I know nothing about it.
[00:30:00] Unknown:
That's strange, missus Mallory. You certainly seem to have an opinion. Be careful though. You don't have a medical degree. Someone might call you a quack.
[00:30:10] Unknown:
Listen, doctor. I came here Oh,
[00:30:12] Unknown:
excuse me, missus Mallory. Ah, Melinda. I'll be with you in just a minute. No. Oh, come to think of it. Why don't you come in now? There's a friend of yours here. A friend?
[00:30:27] Unknown:
It's I, Melinda. Mrs. Mallory. Oh, missus Mallory. How nice to see you. Come in, Melinda. Please. Melinda. Your crutches. Where are your crutches? Look at me, missus Mallory. I can walk without crutches now. I'm not very steady, but I can walk.
[00:30:50] Unknown:
Well, there goes at least one of missus Ida Mallory's cherished notions that the mind can't cure the body. But she sees the evidence of her own eyes, and something tells me that this is one prejudice she's willing to give up. After all, she wants to believe in miracles, And don't we all? Mrs. Ida Mallory has spent a sleepless night dreaming of things she never thought possible. But when the sun streamed in her windows, her first thought was to get out into the park and with only one hope of seeing Melinda West again and seeing her miracle confirmed.
[00:31:36] Unknown:
It's true. It's really true, missus Mallory. Even Ted has to admit it. Well, I guess there's something to it. Alright? I haven't seen my sister off those crutches in two years. But how did it all happen?
[00:31:49] Unknown:
I don't really know. As I told you, he he used this drug. He made me go to sleep, and then he simply talked to me. At first, there was nothing, and then I started feeling life in my legs again. You saw me that day in the park when I held down. No, Melinda. Melinda. I well, I just can't tell you how happy I am for you. Well, and what are your plans now? Oh, go home, I guess. I'm gonna get back to my job if it's still there. The treatment cost much more than we
[00:32:25] Unknown:
thought it would. Yes. The 500 went in no time at all. Then he asked for another thousand. He
[00:32:31] Unknown:
said it couldn't be helped. The drug he uses is so horribly expensive. Now listen. I told you once that if there were any way I could help you out financially Uh-uh. No. No. No. That's out, missus Mallory. We'll we'll manage. Okay? Of course we will. Well And I can go back to work now. I can do anything I want now. Oh, yes. Yes. That must be a wonderful feeling, to be able to do anything you want.
[00:33:10] Unknown:
Missus Mallory. Please come in. Thank you, doctor.
[00:33:14] Unknown:
You know, it was really very good of you to see me on such short notice. That's quite alright. Please sit down. Thank you. Well, I don't quite know where to begin. Well, suppose I begin for you. You've been thinking about Melinda West. Yes. I saw her only this morning. She really is cured, isn't she?
[00:33:34] Unknown:
Yes, missus Mallory. In my opinion, the young woman was cured. But you realize that all I really cured by psychedelic suggestion was the illness that existed in her mind, not her body. But I still don't fully comprehend it. I'm sure there was no real neurological damage to the girl. Oh. I think her bones and muscles and nerves were all in the proper place and functioning normally. Only her mind wasn't.
[00:34:05] Unknown:
But she seemed so sensible.
[00:34:08] Unknown:
Missus Mallory, do you know the story of that accident?
[00:34:12] Unknown:
I beg your pardon? Did Melinda ever tell you exactly what occurred that caused her injuries? No. No. As a matter of fact, she didn't. She simply said it was an automobile accident.
[00:34:22] Unknown:
That's correct. And she was the driver. Oh. There were two other passengers, her mother and her father. Both of them were killed.
[00:34:34] Unknown:
Oh, dear lord.
[00:34:36] Unknown:
She did sustain some injuries in the crash, but it was apparent to me that they were not sufficiently grave to cause her the total paralysis she suffered.
[00:34:46] Unknown:
You mean she felt that guilty about what has happened.
[00:34:52] Unknown:
Guilty enough to seek punishment for herself, And she did. She punished herself by losing the use of her legs.
[00:35:00] Unknown:
And and so your treatment was able to cure her. Yes. I'm happy to say. But of course it couldn't cure someone like me.
[00:35:11] Unknown:
What was that?
[00:35:13] Unknown:
I said it couldn't cure me. See, I didn't lose use of my hands for any kind of reason like that. I mean, it's just some sort of nerve damage. Doctors could never explain it.
[00:35:26] Unknown:
Well, if that's the diagnosis of your physician,
[00:35:31] Unknown:
that it's purely physical and incurable. But I didn't say that. See, I mean, my doctor has never used the word incurable. I have been hoping for years that it would just heal itself. I can't go on living like this. So helpless and so useless.
[00:35:48] Unknown:
Missus Mallory, have you come here to talk about Melinda West or yourself? Myself? Mhmm.
[00:35:57] Unknown:
I want my hands back. Oh, dear God. I want my hands.
[00:36:03] Unknown:
Yes. I was afraid. That's what you had in mind.
[00:36:07] Unknown:
Afraid. Why?
[00:36:08] Unknown:
Because if you had any idea of becoming my patient, I
[00:36:14] Unknown:
I regret to say that it's not possible. But why not? I mean, you accepted her as a patient and and you cured her. I mean, you really did.
[00:36:22] Unknown:
Unfortunately, miss West is the last patient I can accept, at least in this part of the world.
[00:36:29] Unknown:
Doctor, I I don't understand. Are you you have to go somewhere? That's correct. But where are you going? Abroad. And my plans will keep me abroad for at least a year. Oh, no. I mean, listen. If you're going to Europe, I I mean, I was thinking of taking a trip there myself. No. No, missus Mallory. My destination isn't Europe.
[00:36:49] Unknown:
I'm going to North Africa. A case of some importance. Well, since when is one patient more important than another? Oh, no. No. I didn't mean it that way. Oh. It's simply that this is a prior commitment. But maybe then, maybe I could go with you. I mean, I could take a residence there. I'm afraid that's impossible too. Why? Well, the country I'm going to is a Muslim country. My patient is the son of, well, a, a notable Arab leader. Why would that make any difference? What does it matter? I'll be living within the bachelor section of the official residence. It's an area restricted by Muslim law.
You wouldn't be allowed near the place, my dear lady, even if I were free to treat you, and I'm not.
[00:37:33] Unknown:
But I have money. I'll pay you. I'll pay you anything you want to stay and treat me. I mean, I'll I'll meet this Arab leader's offer.
[00:37:44] Unknown:
Mrs. Mallory, the fee I'm about to receive, I wouldn't ask of any individual. I've been asked to remain with him for a period not to exceed one year. A year? For that year, in a Swiss bank, there will be deposited for me $150,000 in Swiss francs.
[00:38:06] Unknown:
1 hundred 50
[00:38:09] Unknown:
pounds? I'm very sorry that you made me reveal that confidence. No. I I trust that it goes no farther.
[00:38:16] Unknown:
I'll pay you the same. What? You heard me. I'll pay you the same. I mean, not in a year's time, but as soon as you cure me.
[00:38:28] Unknown:
I'm sorry. Your offer is very generous, but it's also conditional.
[00:38:34] Unknown:
What do you mean conditional?
[00:38:36] Unknown:
You will pay only for a cure. That's something I'd never guarantee the patient. Not miss West, not my Arab friend, no one at all.
[00:38:48] Unknown:
Alright then. Suppose it isn't conditional. Suppose I agree to pay you in advance.
[00:38:57] Unknown:
Well, that, of course, would be something worth consideration.
[00:39:08] Unknown:
Well, hello, Doctor. Merritt. This is certainly a surprise. I think it must be the first time that a doctor ever made a voluntary house call.
[00:39:17] Unknown:
Have I? I didn't come here to see you as a patient, Ida. Only as a friend.
[00:39:23] Unknown:
Well, that's very kind of you.
[00:39:25] Unknown:
Ever since I saw you last, I've been thinking over what you told me about this doctor Griff.
[00:39:34] Unknown:
Oh, yes. Well, what about him?
[00:39:37] Unknown:
I thought it would be worthwhile just to ask around about the gentleman. And last week, I was attending a joint conference of my medical association and psychological group. Mhmm. Well, anyway, I did learn something that I thought you might be interested in. There is no doctor Griff.
[00:40:02] Unknown:
What was that?
[00:40:03] Unknown:
Oh, maybe he has a PhD D. And tacked that in front of his name, but I'm quite sure that the man is not a medical doctor. Alright.
[00:40:12] Unknown:
Be that as it may, he's still not necessarily a fraud. Well, I
[00:40:16] Unknown:
I didn't say he was anything. But I suspect that your original judgment was correct. But That he's not someone to be trusted. But you don't know the whole story. What I do know is you're more impressed with a man than you were willing to admit. Isn't that
[00:40:33] Unknown:
right? Doctor. Merritt, he cured that girl. What? You know that girl I told you about, the crippled girl? She's walking again. I saw her walk.
[00:40:45] Unknown:
Well, I suppose that could be true. Faith healing does have its successes.
[00:40:50] Unknown:
Well, I'm sorry, doctor, but I'd rather not discuss this any further.
[00:40:54] Unknown:
Oh, wait a minute. I don't like the way you sound. Ida,
[00:40:59] Unknown:
have you made any sort of arrangement with this charlatan? Doctor Merritt, I appreciate your interest, but I refuse to say another word about this matter. I mean, do you understand? Not another word.
[00:41:21] Unknown:
That's right, missus Mallory. Just relax. Close your eyes, and let the water of faith flow through your bloodstream. You can feel it tingling through your body, bringing you peace and tranquility, total peace and happiness. Do you feel it? Yes.
[00:41:52] Unknown:
Yes. I feel it.
[00:41:54] Unknown:
And now I'm reaching out for your hand. Do you see me reaching out for you? Yes.
[00:42:06] Unknown:
Yes. I see you. Now?
[00:42:10] Unknown:
How of all times? Who's that now?
[00:42:17] Unknown:
Yes. What do you want? Are you doctor Helmut Griff?
[00:42:20] Unknown:
Yes. Who are you? Your name's Barry, doctor.
[00:42:23] Unknown:
Lieutenant Barry, racket and bunker squad police department.
[00:42:26] Unknown:
May I come in? No. You can't. I happen to have a patient with me right now. Would her name be either Mallory? And who are you? I'm her physician. You might say her accredited
[00:42:37] Unknown:
physician. I demand to know what this intrusion is all about. It's not an intrusion, Doctor. Griff. It's an arrest. What? Doctor?
[00:42:45] Unknown:
Oh, Doctor. Griff. So, may we come in now?
[00:42:52] Unknown:
Ida. Ida, are you alright? Yes. So what what is it? I mean, what's that? Well, right, Ida, everything's gonna be fine. They've got them all now. All of them.
[00:43:02] Unknown:
Well, what are you talking about? Is this the lady, doc? Yes. This is missus Mallory.
[00:43:08] Unknown:
I don't think she's in any condition to talk. She's obviously given her some kind of drug. It's a a legitimate drug, a a perfectly legitimate sentence. Yes. Yes. Of course. Doctor, I'm sure it's nothing very unusual, Seconal or something of that nature. No mysterious water of faith. Please. Please. Won't someone tell me what's going on? I'll tell you, Ida. But it may hurt just a little. You see, I told the police your story and they investigated.
[00:43:39] Unknown:
He is a fraud, Ida. How dare you say that? Quiet, mister. You're no more a doctor than I'm police commissioner. His real name is Michael Lanning. Alias, doctor George Watkins, alias, doctor John Wilson. And that's his modus operandi, missus Mallory, posing as a fake doctor offering miracle cures usually for sick widows with lots of money.
[00:44:01] Unknown:
Oh, but he cured her. I mean, he cured Melinda.
[00:44:06] Unknown:
This is the part that may hurt most, Ida. He did not cure Melinda West because Melinda West was never crippled to begin with.
[00:44:16] Unknown:
I know. It was just psychosomatic.
[00:44:18] Unknown:
No. No. No. No, Ida. Just crooked.
[00:44:23] Unknown:
What? She was in on the racket with him, missus Mowery. Her real name is Anna Fraser. Oh. Her so called brother is Tony Fraser. And I'm sorry. They're not brother and sister at all. They're man and wife. No. And I believed them. I believed them. Well, we haven't caught up with those two yet, missus Mowery, but we will. Oh, I, brought some pictures for you to identify.
[00:44:43] Unknown:
No. No. I don't want to look at them. I can't bear to look at them. Please, Ida, you must. But I don't want to prosecute them. I don't. Why not?
[00:44:51] Unknown:
You're crooks. Plain and simple crooks. All three of them. I don't care. You have to help us now, Ida. You have to identify these parasites. Now please look at the photographs.
[00:45:03] Unknown:
You know something, doctor? Sometimes people set out to do good and end up doing harm. And sometimes it works the other way around. What do you mean?
[00:45:14] Unknown:
Hannah. Hannah, stop that. Now don't rip up those photos. My my darling. What are you what?
[00:45:20] Unknown:
Well, for the love of heaven, you're tearing up the pictures.
[00:45:25] Unknown:
You're tearing them up. With my hands, doctor. With my own hands.
[00:45:37] Unknown:
Well, they say that it's an ill wind that doesn't blow someone some good. And in this case, it looks like three evil people have managed to be very good to missus Ida Mallory in spite of themselves. If there's a moral to this tale, I'd frankly hate to be the one to say it. No. We're not recommending that the best way to cure your ills is to fall into the hands of confidence men. Miss included Celeste Holmes, Patricia Elliott, William Redfield, EV Juster, Arnold Moss, and Leon Janney. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Anheuser Busch Incorporated, Brewers of Budweel. It's suspicious.
Okay? Our cast included Celeste Holm, Patricia Elliott, William Redfield, Evie Juster, Arnold Moss, and Leon Janney. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dreams.
[00:47:36] Unknown:
The WR Mystery Theater has been brought to you by ShopRite Supermarkets, where you get a lot more for a little less, and by Suburban Savings with offices throughout North Jersey. The preceding mystery theater program was furnished by the CBS radio network.
[00:47:54] Unknown:
I'm Holden Lewis in the Mutual Broadcasting System Studios in Washington DC. Now, my commentary. President Ford promised leniency to thousands of Vietnam era draft dodgers and deserters today declaring, I want them to come home if they want to work their way back. In a big surprise move during his first trip outside of the city of Washington since assuming the presidency, Ford was in Chicago speaking to a veterans of foreign war convention. He signaled a sharp change in government policy. He indicated he favors a form of limited amnesty. He told the VFW conventioners that one of his first acts as president was to order a complete review by September 1 on the status of 50,000 young men convicted, charged, or sought for offenses loosely described as desertion and draft dodging, declaring that, quote, unconditional blanket amnesty is wrong.
He added, quote, in my judgment, these young Americans should have a second chance to contribute their fair share to the rebuilding of peace among ourselves and with So I am, Ford concluded, throwing the weight of my presidency into the scales of justice on the side of leniency. I foresee their earned reentry into a new atmosphere of love, hard work, and mutual trust. He offered no specifics on the shape of his still developing policy regarding amnesty, but he said decisions of my administration will make any future penalties fit the seriousness of the individual's mistake.
After warmly applauding Ford's declaration that unconditional blanket amnesty is wrong, they sum 3,000 delegates to the VFW convention set almost silent as he added to his prepared text the section signaling a new and softer policy toward those who left the country or their military units during America's Decade long involvement in Vietnam. The VFW, like virtually every other veteran's group in the nation, has steadfastly opposed any amnesty. In his speech, Ford also disclosed much to the pleasure of the VFW that he was naming former Indiana congressman Richard Rattlebush as veteran's administrator. He pledged improvements in the agency's operations.
He gave a veiled warning that he may veto a $1,400,000,000 veteran's education bill on grounds that it is inflationary. The president said, we are all soldiers in a war against brutal inflation. America is fighting for its economic life. I will not hesitate to use the veto to control inflationary excesses. Standing in an open top limousine, Ford was applauded and cheered by tens of thousands as his motorcade carried him through downtown Chicago. But outside the convention hotel, thousands of Greek Americans wave signs and chanted slogans criticizing his administer administration's policy regarding Cyprus.
The demonstration in Chicago today was planned before The US Ambassador to Cyprus, Roger Davies, was slain in Cyprus when a mob of Greek Cypriots stormed the US embassy in Nicosia. The Greek Americans who thronged to Grant Park across from the Conrad Hilton Hotel were demonstrating virtually against what they called a tilt port Turkey and The US policy regarding Cyprus. Few of the chants today named president Ford, but most of them were aimed at secretary of state Henry Kissinger. They were calling for Kissinger to resign. Some were saying to give the Nobel Prize back. The president paid no apparent attention to the demonstrators.
Ford told the convention delegates that the word of Davy's death was tragic news. President Ford adding, he too gave his life in foreign wars. Let us offer our prayers and our condolences to his loved ones for his supreme sacrifice on behalf of all America. Ford apparently drafted his remarks regarding amnesty in route to Chicago today, inserting them into his prepared text. He said when he took office, I found on my desk where the buck stops the urgent problem of how to bind up the nation's wounds, and I aim to do that. He said as commander in chief, he will work within our system for of military justice, but he said that he has ordered attorney general William Saxby and defense secretary James Schlesinger to consult with other governmental officials and report their unvarnished views and those of the full spectrum of American opinion on this controversial question.
Richard Nixon, the man Ford succeeded just eleven days ago, had followed a firm anti amnesty policy, vowing at one point never never never when asked regarding amnesty. One of Ford's last duties as vice president was to present after death 14 medals of honor to the parents, widows, and children of Vietnam heroes. Ford said, as I study their records of supreme sacrifice, I kept thinking how young they were. The few citizens of our country who, in my judgment, committed the supreme folly of shirking their duty at the expense of others were also very young. These young Americans should have a second chance.
I will act, he said today. I will act promptly, fairly, and firmly in the same spirit that guided Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman. I reject amnesty, and I also reject revenge. His announcement that Robert Bush, a former VFW national commander and now deputy VA administrator, would be promoted to succeed Donald Johnson drew sustained applause from delegates today. Ford said he is a man who gets things done. I am confident that he will do a first class job. He set some guideposts for the new administrator. He said this administration is going to see to it that we still know your name and your problems. A veteran is a person, not just a digit in a computer system, which more often than not goofs up.
I want no arrogance or indifference to any individual, veteran or not. Because of Richard Nixon's decision to voluntarily step down from the presidency, A long impeachment debate on Capitol Hill obviously has been avoided. And because of that, both the house and the senate have been able to get down to other pending business matters, which had the impeachment process continued, may well have been delayed at least another two months and possibly even longer. One of these issues is house consideration of the question of continued US purchases of Cromwell from Rhodesia. It is an issue which was seemingly resolved some three years ago when after lengthy debate and several very close roll call votes, the US Senate went on record favoring a resumption of such purchases.
Trade with the southern African nation of Rhodesia having been discontinued by an order which brought The United States into full compliance with the United Nations Security Council embargo against Rhodesia. That security council action in turn, having been brought at the request of the British government in response to Rhodesia's unilateral and in London's view illegal declaration of independence from Britain late in 1966. A problem of complying with vile arm of our national defense system, Chromore is a vital ingredient in the production of stainless steel, and you need stainless steel in order to manufacture scores of national defense items.
Rhodesia, in fact, was about the only free world source of high grade chrome ore. The mines there are actually owned by two American companies. Cutting ourselves off from Rhodesia would mean that we would have to turn to the world's second major source of chrome, the Soviet Union, and that in the view of most defense specialists would seriously jeopardize our national security. Indeed, that very situation did develop in the wake of President Lyndon Johnson's executive order of 1967. Beginning in January of that year, US companies were told that they can no longer purchase Rhodesian chrome, and they were forced to turn to the Soviet Union for that material.
The Kremlin incidentally responded to its new near monopoly status by jacking up the price for its period of less than three years. It was Virginia senator Harry Byrd who brought these matters to the attention of the senate, and it was his amendment exempting Krome from the anti Rhodesian boycott, which was ultimately approved by the senate in the fall of nineteen seventy one. By the time the issue reached the House of Representatives, the United Nations had voted to admit communist China to that organization's membership. And as you recall, it had expelled one of the founding members, nationalist China.
A mood in the House of Representatives was hardly friendly to the UN. And in that atmosphere, the House members voted an overwhelming two fifty one to 100 in support of Senator Byrd's amendment. And by early nineteen seventy two, imports of Rhodesian chrome to this country had been resumed. Liberals had argued vehemently against the Byrd amendment. Its approval, they insisted, would have been a slap in the face of the United Nations, and some went so far as to argue that a UN decree actually superseded the law and authority of The United States anyway. They actually sued in the courts in hopes of getting the courts of this country to agree with their point, but they lost.
The US Court of Appeals ruled that the US Constitution is still our national charter. The charter of the United Nations is not. Significantly, when the vote in the house was taken in late nineteen seventy one, Michigan Republican representative Gerald Ford, then the house minority leader, took a strong stand in favor of the Byrd Amendment. Had he remained neutral, many other Republicans might have abstained. Several times since approval of the Byrd Amendment, congressional liberals have tried to have it repealed. Last January, they succeeded in getting the Senate to support repeal.
Tomorrow, the issue comes up in the house. Regarding the Rhodesian Cromore issue, it is to be hoped and expected in view of the overwhelming nature of the House of Representatives last vote on the very same issue, that the house will remain consistent with its earlier stand when it votes tomorrow. Indeed, in later broadcast this week, we're gonna take a very close look at the roll call to see just which house members, if any, change their position. From the mutual studios in Washington, I'm Fulton Lewis, and that's the top of the news as it looks from here.
[00:58:42] Unknown:
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[00:01:16] Unknown:
Come in. Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall. You've come to the right place. Here we present a unique kind of drama. Drama that uses your ears to stimulate your fears. The story you are about to hear concerns another part of the human anatomy. It's a tale about a very frightening pair of hands, not because they're ugly or mutilated or because they do evil things. On the contrary, the hands of our heroine do nothing at all, and therein lies her terror. But there's one other subject our story deals with, and it's the most mysterious of all, the human mind.
Our mystery drama, The Hands of Missus Mallory, was written especially for the mystery theater by Henry Slessor and stars Celeste Holm. It is sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser, and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one.
[00:02:32] Unknown:
Some research experts say you can't taste the difference between beers. Well, if they're right, then Anheuser Busch wastes a barrel of time, beachwood aging Budweiser. Only they don't think so. Brewing beer right does make a difference, and they're betting a bundle that you can taste the difference in bud. When it comes to brewing Budweiser, the Anheuser Busch choice is to go all the way because they still care about quality. Look at it this way. If the Budd people have a choice between what some experts say and what beer drinkers say, well, you better believe they'll go with you beer drinkers every time.
When you say Budweiser, you've said it all. Anheuser Busch, St. Louis.
[00:03:34] Unknown:
What's for dinner? ShopRite suggests lean, savory smoked ham, shank portion just 69¢ a pound, butt portion, 79 a pound. Choice grade first cut chuck steak, 69¢ a pound. Penn Dutch noodles pound package, 49¢. Crown top white bread, just 39¢ for a 22 ounce load. For a quick meal, serve banquet frozen 10 ounce dinners. All varieties except beef or ham are just 39¢. Check the store wide values at ShopRite. You'll find a lot more for a little less.
[00:04:09] Unknown:
She loves a family. She wants the best. She does all that she can do. She lets ShopRite do the rest. Hey, ma. What's for dinner? ShopRite has the answer.
[00:04:36] Unknown:
Think of the most beautiful day you can imagine, a day so perfect that the birds are singing its praises. And even the people who line the park benches, those roosting creatures who seem to exist in a vacuum without emotion, seem happy and contented today. But there's one exception, a lady of middle years who sits alone on a bench. Is it her glum expression that has driven away other people? Or perhaps it's the obvious elegance of her mink stole
[00:05:10] Unknown:
and the glistening perfection of the diamond on her finger. Hey, lady. Is this seat taken? No. It's okay if I sit here and wait for my brother? He's playing in the ball game. How nice. He plays first base. Hey, you wanna see my baseball?
[00:05:25] Unknown:
Not especially. It's got Reggie Jackson daughter crap on it. Just don't look at it. No. Please. I I I really don't know. What, what's the matter with your hands? Nothing. It's they're just a little stiff. That's all. Why don't you go watch your brother play? Well, he says I jinx them.
[00:05:42] Unknown:
See, your hands looked funny. I mean, can't you move them at all?
[00:05:47] Unknown:
No. As a matter of fact, I can't. Gee, that's funny.
[00:05:51] Unknown:
I never saw anything like that. How come you can't move your hand? It's a kind of a sickness. You wouldn't understand. But maybe if you explained it to me, I would.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
Yes. If I could explain it to you, son, I would be very happy to do so. You don't know how happy.
[00:06:15] Unknown:
Come in, Ida. Have a seat.
[00:06:18] Unknown:
I always feel so guilty when I take your time. Each examination
[00:06:22] Unknown:
seems to produce exactly the same result. Well, that's no reason not to keep examining you.
[00:06:28] Unknown:
Then there isn't any change.
[00:06:31] Unknown:
No, Ida. No change. What have you been doing lately?
[00:06:39] Unknown:
Well, I've been sitting in the park a lot.
[00:06:43] Unknown:
I see.
[00:06:44] Unknown:
It's a bit ridiculous, isn't it? I have this glamorous terrace. I could sit there like a queen and view the whole park and all the people in it. But I prefer to sit on a bench and watch the squirrels and listen to the children.
[00:06:57] Unknown:
Oh, I think that's a good thing, frankly, to be on the ground,
[00:07:01] Unknown:
in touch with things. Herbert never believed in that. Herbert liked to get away from the smell of the crowd. Yes, that was the phrase he obviously used. The smell of the crowd. My husband knew a great number of unkind phrases. Well, I never knew him, of course. Oh. Neither deny, I suppose. Even when he was lying in his coffin, I felt as though I was saying goodbye to a stranger.
[00:07:27] Unknown:
And after mister Mallory died, how soon after that did the paralysis set in? Oh, it was about a month.
[00:07:35] Unknown:
Yes. A month after, I suppose. That soon?
[00:07:39] Unknown:
Yes. And now it's been how long since you haven't been able to move your hands?
[00:07:45] Unknown:
Five years. Can you believe it, doctor? I can't. After the first six months of this terrible paralysis, I thought I well, I couldn't go on living with these stone fingers of mine. I thought it would be preferable to be dead. But you never lost hope of a cure. No. I mean, that's what's kept me going, the hope of a cure. Oh, and something else. I suppose one must say a kind word for money. If there was one thing Herbert did in his life, he managed to leave a very rich widow behind him.
[00:08:18] Unknown:
Ida, I hope you won't misunderstand what I'm going to say.
[00:08:22] Unknown:
Doctor, you don't have to say it. I know what comes next. You're going to advise me to get out of myself, to stop thinking about my poor hands and think about other people. Charity work. Well, Ida, that's one suggestion. Oh, if you knew how many charity committees use my name or how many thousands of dollars I give to every foundation with an impressive name. Ida, I was going to talk about going back to that psychiatrist.
[00:08:48] Unknown:
Oh, that.
[00:08:49] Unknown:
I honestly think you gave up too soon. If you'd given the man a chance Doctor Merritt, my hands are paralyzed.
[00:08:57] Unknown:
I'm not imagining it. They're paralyzed, frozen, insensitive.
[00:09:01] Unknown:
You've made all the tests yourself. Do you think I've been faking? Oh, no. No. Of course not. The illness is genuine, but
[00:09:07] Unknown:
but sometimes the origin of an illness of this nature can It's all in the mind. Yes. Of course. All in the mind. So easy to say that. So many doctors have told me the same thing. It's so much easier to blame my mind than their own failure. Please. Doctor, excuse me. It's time for me to go. You've got lots of patients waiting for you. Some of them you might even help. Hey. Hi. Oh, it's you again waiting for your brother? Nah. He's not playing today. Oh, that's too bad. It's a lovely day. He broke his leg. Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Hey. Is that what happened to your hands? I mean, did they get broken?
[00:09:57] Unknown:
Something like that. Well, do you feel anything at all? I mean, like your fingers?
[00:10:03] Unknown:
You're a very curious boy. Did anyone ever tell you that? Can I just catch them, lady, please? No. Please don't. Hey. Hey. You kid. Now cut that.
[00:10:11] Unknown:
Stop bothering this lady. You hear me? I wasn't bothering her. Alright. Now go on. Get out of here. Leave her alone. Okay. Okay. I just wanted to touch her. I'm sorry, ma'am. I just couldn't help overhearing.
[00:10:23] Unknown:
Thank you. He was getting a little too bothersome, although I'm sure he didn't mean any harm. Well, I could see that you were getting annoyed.
[00:10:30] Unknown:
Ted? Ted? Yeah. Oh, yes. I'm over here, Melinda. In the hand, ma'am.
[00:10:34] Unknown:
I can't manage two hot dogs and a bag of peanuts and two crutches at the same time. Oh, sure. I am sorry. Excuse me, ma'am. Oh, this one's yours with the mustard. Thanks.
[00:10:45] Unknown:
Do you think I could sit down? Of course. Ted, would you grab that crab? Yeah. I got it. Listen. I told you that I get the hot dogs. I mean, you didn't have to be quite so independent.
[00:10:55] Unknown:
That's funny. You're always complaining that I'm not independent enough. Oh, am I crowding you, man? Oh, no. No. Plenty of room. Ted, who who is that boy I saw running off? Oh, I drove him off. He was, bothering this woman. Oh, dear. Oh. Are you alright? Oh, yes. I'm fine. As a matter of fact, he was telling me about his brother's accident. He hurt his foot. I guess this must be the season for accident. You mean these crutches? I'm afraid that was another season. Hey. You know, gee, it's warm, isn't it, for this time of year? Of course. You're warm. Saving fair damsels and all that stuff. I didn't know you were a regular Saint George, Ted. Yeah. Sure I am with kid dragons.
[00:11:35] Unknown:
Would you like some peanuts, ma'am? We've been trying to give them away to the squirrels all day, but we haven't seen any.
[00:11:40] Unknown:
No. Thank you. I I don't like peanuts very much. I can't imagine what squirrels see in them. Oh, don't worry. My brother will happily eat them all by himself. Your brother? Oh, I'm Melinda West. This is my brother, Ted. And my name is missus Mallory. As you do. Haven't I seen you two here before? Oh, you probably have. We live close to the park.
[00:12:03] Unknown:
Are you from around here, missus Mallory? Oh, yes.
[00:12:07] Unknown:
I live in that building right there. Oh. What a few you must have. Can you see the park from your window? Oh, yeah. Oh, if I had a window like that, I'd never come down to the park. Well Of course, these crutches sort of discourage
[00:12:22] Unknown:
you walking around very much. Do you both live in the city? No. No. We're from Ohio. We We've only been here about two months, but, I guess we'll be going back soon. Don't say that.
[00:12:32] Unknown:
Don't even think that, Ted. Please. I'm sorry, Melinda. I I didn't even I gather that, you don't wanna leave. Well, not if it means that well, the truth is we came here to see a doctor, a a surgeon who specializes in cases like mine. You see, I was in an automobile accident two years ago. I haven't walked since. Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry. I know exactly how you must feel. I know people always think they do but they really can. Oh, Melinda. What? I think your brother is trying to signal you, Melinda, about me. What do you mean? He means these.
My hands. Oh, I'm so sorry. I I didn't even realize. No. Some people don't realize that I can't move them. See, as long as I sit here very quietly, my whole body is as immobilized as my hand. Yes. Now I know what you mean. I know how tempting it is to just wanna sit this statue so that for a little while you can forget that part of you is dead.
[00:13:38] Unknown:
Oh, come on, Melinda. Please. Let's cut this out.
[00:13:42] Unknown:
Please. Tell me more about this surgeon. I can tell you what he said in one word. One two letter word. No, dear. He won't operate then. He said it wouldn't do any good. Now he turned us down flat. That's why I want Melinda to let me take her back home. Oh, well, do you have parents there? No. No. No. We have no one. But I don't want to go back. I I don't. I want to see
[00:14:08] Unknown:
what were you gonna say? Never mind, missus Mallory. Now come on, Melinda. You finished your hot dog. Let's let's go home. Let me tell her.
[00:14:17] Unknown:
Let me ask her. For Pete's sake, what kind of nonsense is this? What do you wanna bother the woman for? Because there's no one else I can talk to about doctor Griff. I I can't talk to you about him. You just get red in the face and stomp away from me. There's nothing to talk about, and I'm sure missus Mallory isn't interested in fairy stories. I really don't know what either one of you is talking about.
[00:14:35] Unknown:
Who is doctor Griff? Oh, he's a quack, a phony Hell. So that's all he is. A two bit faith healer who robs every cripple he can get his hands on. You don't know anything about him. You only met him once. Yeah. Well, that was enough. I could tell him one second that the man is a fake. He can't cure a broken spine. But why not let him try?
[00:14:53] Unknown:
Somebody has to try. I don't wanna be the way I am. Oh, missus Mallory, I don't wanna be this way. Help me. Help me, please.
[00:15:11] Unknown:
Well, missus Mallory's physician would be very pleased right now. At last, his patient seems to be taking his advice to interest herself in the outside world, in problems other than her own. But how involved will those problems become?
[00:15:29] Unknown:
We'll wait to find out until I return shortly with act two. Excuse me, madam. Oh, I'm in an awful hurry. I I just wonder if you could answer a simple question for me. The question is this. What? What happens this time of year? Oh, that's easy. The kids get home from camp. Goodbye. Nope. What do you mean nope? Nope. I mean, I should know when my kids get home from camp. Well, the answer I had in mind was a tad more general in scope. Well, I gave my answer. Let's hear yours. You know, I'm glad you asked. Are you? You see, what happens this time of year is that Buick dealers are giving particularly great deals on older 74 Buicks. For a family woman such as yourself, I think a neat little Apollo would be just the ticket. It's small, economical, but surprisingly roomy. And it's a Buick, so it's really quite elegant. You don't say? Now isn't that good news? Yes. I mean, that you can get such a nifty deal on such a nifty small car. To be sure it is. Yeah. To be sure. By the way, where do your kids go to camp? Guam. It's a small island in the South Pacific. Guam.
[00:16:31] Unknown:
There's a very special deal going on at all offices of suburban savings throughout North Jersey. It's called suburban special interest deal, and you'll be especially interested in the savings you get. A top 7.9 o percent effective annual yield on Suburban's limited issue 7.5 o percent savings certificate. And Suburban guarantees it from four to ten years. Minimum deposit, $2,500. Early withdrawal prior to maturity is subject to a substantial penalty. Suburban compounds interest continuously from day of deposit paid quarterly. So you not only get interest on your savings, you get interest on the interest. And Suburban offers you the highest interest rate allowed by law. Here's your chance to get a great savings deal. A top 7.9 o percent effective annual yield on Suburban's limited issue 7.5 o percent savings certificate. Why not deal yourself into Suburban Savings special interest deal at any Suburban Savings office in Northern New Jersey?
[00:17:27] Unknown:
Located in Bayonne, Edgewater, Elmwood Park, Emerson, Hackettstown, Morris Plains, Nutley, Paramus, Sparta, and Wayne.
[00:17:46] Unknown:
The good weather is holding in the city, and Mrs. Ida Mallory has returned day after day to her bench in the park, a bench which seems to have become her property by right of eminent domain. But even Mrs. Mallory would have to admit that her interest in these daily visits is no longer restricted to sunshine and green grass. Each day, she hopes for another glimpse of the young couple, the scowling brother and his pretty pathetic sister. And then on the fourth day, there they were.
[00:18:20] Unknown:
Excuse me. I don't know if you'll remember me. Why, of course. You're missus Mallory, the lady with the view. Yes. That's right. How are you both? Oh, we're okay. Well, I really didn't mean to interrupt your conversation. Oh. Don't be concerned about the way Ted looks. His face always is like a thunder cloud, especially when we discuss the forbidden topic.
[00:18:43] Unknown:
I suppose you mean that doctor. Yeah. She talked me into seeing him again. You know something? Every feeling I had about him the first time was confirmed. That's really impossible, missus Mallory.
[00:18:52] Unknown:
Tell me something. Is he a real doctor? Well, I'm not sure he's a medical doctor, missus Mallory, but I'm sure he's entitled to the degree. Maybe, a doctor of psychology or something like that. I'll tell you what he's entitled to. A good swift kick and I'll tell you one thing about doctor Griff. He's the only one, the only one who said he could help me. He didn't promise. He just said he was hopeful. Well, that's something anyway. Yeah. I'll tell you what he's hopeful about, getting your $500. He said he's very hopeful I can be cured, And that's worth a great deal more than $500.
[00:19:25] Unknown:
Alright. Go on. Tell her the rest. Tell her the real clincher. What are you afraid to? What do you mean? Missus Mallory, you're an intelligent woman. So listen to how doctor Griff plans to cure my sister. I know it sounds sort of melodramatic. Oh, it's idiotic. That's what it is. Please. Please. I'd still like to know.
[00:19:44] Unknown:
Well, he says he uses something called the Water of Faith.
[00:19:51] Unknown:
See what I mean?
[00:19:53] Unknown:
The Water of Faith? Sounds sort of, religious. Like,
[00:20:02] Unknown:
the holy water of the Lord. It's it's related to that. Yes. Oh, now do you see why I say the guy is an out and out fraud? The water of faith. Where are we? Back in the Middle Ages? Well, I must admit it does sound sort of
[00:20:15] Unknown:
odd. Just the same. He said that it works, that it's worked for dozens of people.
[00:20:21] Unknown:
He wants $500 for the treatment. With no guarantees, you understand. Mhmm. Oh, missus Mallory, would you help me, please? Would you talk some sense to this woman? Oh, my dear. I mean, I have to admit it really doesn't sound
[00:20:34] Unknown:
reasonable. You mean the $500? Oh, but it's a very special treatment doctor Drifts said. Well, I meant it's not reasonable to assume that such things can do any good. I see. So I'll never know. Is that it? I'll just turn around and take a plane back to Ohio and live out the rest of my life as a cripple when for $500, at least I might have had a chance to live. Yes. I see what you mean. Ted oh, I hope you don't mind my calling you Ted. Oh, no. No. Of course not. Your sister, well, she may have a point there. I mean, even if it is a waste of money, perhaps she'll never be happy unless you let this man try. If not, she'll always wonder about it. Always.
Yes.
[00:21:22] Unknown:
Yes. I know that. That's what his whole bag is, making you wonder if it just might work. And,
[00:21:28] Unknown:
well, about the money, I don't know how to say this. But you see, $500 may seem like a lot to you, but it isn't to me.
[00:21:39] Unknown:
So if I can help you Oh, no. No. Oh, no. Please. Absolutely not. It's not really a problem, missus Mallory. We've got the money. Besides, it's not the money so much as, well, seeing Melinda
[00:21:49] Unknown:
disappointed again. I've had so many disappointments, you see. Yes. Yes. I know all about such things. Oh, dear. Yes. Of course, you do. Oh, you see what a selfish person I've become. I keep forgetting that you have your own affliction. I'm not sure that it isn't even worse than mine to lose the use of your hand. Well, never mind about me. What what are you two going to do? I thought it looks like I'm outnumbered on this thing. Dad, what does that mean
[00:22:26] Unknown:
you you'll let me do it? You'll let me? Well, if you go back without trying this dumb water of faith, you'll always regret it. So, okay. Let's get it over with. Oh, mister Mallory.
[00:22:37] Unknown:
Oh, thank you. Thank you. You're the one who did it. Oh, my dear. I just hope your miracle happens. All my life, I wanted to believe that miracles happen.
[00:22:56] Unknown:
Melinda? Melinda? Wait a minute. Oh, oh, missus Mallory. Well, you move faster on those crutches than I do on my two feet. You're you're not here alone, are you? No. Ted's with me.
[00:23:10] Unknown:
I just wanted to take a little stroll by myself. No. That isn't true. We just had another fight, and I had to get away from him. Oh, dear. Now that doesn't sound too good. Well, you know how Ted is. Well Yeah. I haven't seen you for two days. How are you? The truth is I don't really know. But I've I started treatments, missus Mallory. With doctor Griff? Yes. I started about five days ago, and it's it's nothing at all like what I expected. Well, tell me about it. Well, do you remember how silly it all sounded, this water of faith business?
Well, it sounded a little theatrical. But it isn't. It's scientific, missus Mallory. That's the most wonderful part of it. Doctor Griff only used that phrase as a as a convenient description of of the the drug. What drug is that? Well, maybe I shouldn't tell you this. Why not? Oh, I don't know. I I have the feeling that that there might be something slightly illegal about it that the drug he uses. A psychedelic suggestion. Psychedelic suggestion? Now what on earth is that? It's the technique doctor Griff uses. He he uses it to to liberate the mind from its control over the body whenever that control is negative. I'm sorry. You know, I really don't understand that kind of talk.
Well, I'm not saying I understand it myself completely. But it does sound to me as if he believes that your illness is psychosomatic. I don't know, missus Mallory. All I know is that I have to go through with it, kill or cure. It isn't a dangerous treatment, is it? No. No. I I'm sure it isn't. It it's well, it's more like a sort of a hypnosis. I go to his office. He administers the drug, and then he talks to me. And that's all there is to it. And has it helped? I I think I'd better go back to Teddy. He he's probably getting worried about me. Melinda, please tell me if Melinda, look out. A bicycle.
[00:25:42] Unknown:
Yes. Melinda. Sorry, missus.
[00:25:45] Unknown:
Melinda, are you alright? Oh, you let let me help you out, miss. Oh, you idiot. I mean, can't you see that that girl is crippled? Quick. Give me that crotch. Oh, just sure. Wait. Wait. Wait. I I I think I can manage to pick myself up this way. And just just take it easy. Missus Mallory, what is it? Are you hurt? No. No. No. It's my leg. Did did you see that? My leg beaten slightly at the knee. No. No. I didn't see it. Missus, you're sure you're okay? Oh, get out of here. Go away and be more careful next time. Miss missus Mallory.
I'm sure it happened. I I saw it happened. My leg moved. For the first time in two years, it moved.
[00:26:41] Unknown:
No, Ida. I'm sorry. I can't find any reference to this doctor Griff in any medical directory. But that doesn't prove he's a fraud though, does it? Oh, no. Of course not. And as you say, the man may not be a medical doctor. I
[00:26:56] Unknown:
certainly hope he isn't. Well, why do you say that?
[00:27:00] Unknown:
Pride of profession, my dear. We don't like to have faith healers bearing the sane credentials.
[00:27:06] Unknown:
And that's what you think he is, a faith healer? Well, of course.
[00:27:10] Unknown:
Oh, I'm not knocking the power of faith far from it. Very often, it's simply another way of getting at psychosomatic difficulties. Oh, I hate that word. I know you do.
[00:27:21] Unknown:
Oh, I've been through all that psychosomatic nonsense. All those doctors who tried to tell me that my paralyzed hands weren't well, what they are. But there's something in me, some emotional problem. You didn't give them much chance to prove or disprove it, Ida. I did. I submitted to their therapy even if I didn't believe in it, and it didn't do the slightest bit of good. Well, maybe if you had believed them, it would have. Flesh is flesh, doctor. Bone is bone. That kind of therapy can't make my hands move anymore than it can make that poor girl walk. And I have a good mind to tell him so.
[00:27:59] Unknown:
Please come in, missus Mallory.
[00:28:02] Unknown:
Thank you.
[00:28:04] Unknown:
Won't you have a chair?
[00:28:06] Unknown:
Alright.
[00:28:07] Unknown:
Well, do you mind if I ask who referred you to me?
[00:28:11] Unknown:
Well, actually, it was one of your patients,
[00:28:13] Unknown:
Melinda West. Yes. Yes. Of course. A very charming young woman. Have you known her long? Just a few weeks. See, I haven't seen her for the last ten days or so. How is she coming along? Well, actually, you'll get a chance to see her soon. She has a 03:00 appointment with me, which is only a few minutes from now. So if you wouldn't mind telling me what's on your mind, missus Mallory. Well, I just thought it would be,
[00:28:36] Unknown:
worthwhile talking to you, doctor. About yourself? Well, as you can see, I am afflicted.
[00:28:43] Unknown:
Do you mind if I look at your hands? Yes. Frankly, I'd rather wouldn't.
[00:28:47] Unknown:
Not just now. I'd I'd rather hear something about yourself, about this, treatment of yours. Melinda said something about a technique you used called, psychedelic suggestion. Now, just what is that?
[00:29:00] Unknown:
It's a medical principle. As old as mesmerism, as new as chemotherapy. The power of mind over body.
[00:29:09] Unknown:
Psychosomatic.
[00:29:10] Unknown:
Well, who knows what afflictions is psychosomatic? Some illnesses start with the emotions, some with the body. And more often, it's a combination of both. Really? Germs aren't imaginary. Viruses are very real little creatures. Yet the mind has strange powers over them to make them hurt us or to render them harmless.
[00:29:34] Unknown:
Alright then. What about a broken leg? Can the mind cause that? Of course.
[00:29:39] Unknown:
If you use your head, you wouldn't break your leg in the first place. Oh. You're thinking of miss West, of the fact that she suffered a spine injury. That's right. I hardly see how you can correct something like that. You've seen her X rays then? No. You believe the damage is neurological?
[00:29:58] Unknown:
Well, I know nothing about it.
[00:30:00] Unknown:
That's strange, missus Mallory. You certainly seem to have an opinion. Be careful though. You don't have a medical degree. Someone might call you a quack.
[00:30:10] Unknown:
Listen, doctor. I came here Oh,
[00:30:12] Unknown:
excuse me, missus Mallory. Ah, Melinda. I'll be with you in just a minute. No. Oh, come to think of it. Why don't you come in now? There's a friend of yours here. A friend?
[00:30:27] Unknown:
It's I, Melinda. Mrs. Mallory. Oh, missus Mallory. How nice to see you. Come in, Melinda. Please. Melinda. Your crutches. Where are your crutches? Look at me, missus Mallory. I can walk without crutches now. I'm not very steady, but I can walk.
[00:30:50] Unknown:
Well, there goes at least one of missus Ida Mallory's cherished notions that the mind can't cure the body. But she sees the evidence of her own eyes, and something tells me that this is one prejudice she's willing to give up. After all, she wants to believe in miracles, And don't we all? Mrs. Ida Mallory has spent a sleepless night dreaming of things she never thought possible. But when the sun streamed in her windows, her first thought was to get out into the park and with only one hope of seeing Melinda West again and seeing her miracle confirmed.
[00:31:36] Unknown:
It's true. It's really true, missus Mallory. Even Ted has to admit it. Well, I guess there's something to it. Alright? I haven't seen my sister off those crutches in two years. But how did it all happen?
[00:31:49] Unknown:
I don't really know. As I told you, he he used this drug. He made me go to sleep, and then he simply talked to me. At first, there was nothing, and then I started feeling life in my legs again. You saw me that day in the park when I held down. No, Melinda. Melinda. I well, I just can't tell you how happy I am for you. Well, and what are your plans now? Oh, go home, I guess. I'm gonna get back to my job if it's still there. The treatment cost much more than we
[00:32:25] Unknown:
thought it would. Yes. The 500 went in no time at all. Then he asked for another thousand. He
[00:32:31] Unknown:
said it couldn't be helped. The drug he uses is so horribly expensive. Now listen. I told you once that if there were any way I could help you out financially Uh-uh. No. No. No. That's out, missus Mallory. We'll we'll manage. Okay? Of course we will. Well And I can go back to work now. I can do anything I want now. Oh, yes. Yes. That must be a wonderful feeling, to be able to do anything you want.
[00:33:10] Unknown:
Missus Mallory. Please come in. Thank you, doctor.
[00:33:14] Unknown:
You know, it was really very good of you to see me on such short notice. That's quite alright. Please sit down. Thank you. Well, I don't quite know where to begin. Well, suppose I begin for you. You've been thinking about Melinda West. Yes. I saw her only this morning. She really is cured, isn't she?
[00:33:34] Unknown:
Yes, missus Mallory. In my opinion, the young woman was cured. But you realize that all I really cured by psychedelic suggestion was the illness that existed in her mind, not her body. But I still don't fully comprehend it. I'm sure there was no real neurological damage to the girl. Oh. I think her bones and muscles and nerves were all in the proper place and functioning normally. Only her mind wasn't.
[00:34:05] Unknown:
But she seemed so sensible.
[00:34:08] Unknown:
Missus Mallory, do you know the story of that accident?
[00:34:12] Unknown:
I beg your pardon? Did Melinda ever tell you exactly what occurred that caused her injuries? No. No. As a matter of fact, she didn't. She simply said it was an automobile accident.
[00:34:22] Unknown:
That's correct. And she was the driver. Oh. There were two other passengers, her mother and her father. Both of them were killed.
[00:34:34] Unknown:
Oh, dear lord.
[00:34:36] Unknown:
She did sustain some injuries in the crash, but it was apparent to me that they were not sufficiently grave to cause her the total paralysis she suffered.
[00:34:46] Unknown:
You mean she felt that guilty about what has happened.
[00:34:52] Unknown:
Guilty enough to seek punishment for herself, And she did. She punished herself by losing the use of her legs.
[00:35:00] Unknown:
And and so your treatment was able to cure her. Yes. I'm happy to say. But of course it couldn't cure someone like me.
[00:35:11] Unknown:
What was that?
[00:35:13] Unknown:
I said it couldn't cure me. See, I didn't lose use of my hands for any kind of reason like that. I mean, it's just some sort of nerve damage. Doctors could never explain it.
[00:35:26] Unknown:
Well, if that's the diagnosis of your physician,
[00:35:31] Unknown:
that it's purely physical and incurable. But I didn't say that. See, I mean, my doctor has never used the word incurable. I have been hoping for years that it would just heal itself. I can't go on living like this. So helpless and so useless.
[00:35:48] Unknown:
Missus Mallory, have you come here to talk about Melinda West or yourself? Myself? Mhmm.
[00:35:57] Unknown:
I want my hands back. Oh, dear God. I want my hands.
[00:36:03] Unknown:
Yes. I was afraid. That's what you had in mind.
[00:36:07] Unknown:
Afraid. Why?
[00:36:08] Unknown:
Because if you had any idea of becoming my patient, I
[00:36:14] Unknown:
I regret to say that it's not possible. But why not? I mean, you accepted her as a patient and and you cured her. I mean, you really did.
[00:36:22] Unknown:
Unfortunately, miss West is the last patient I can accept, at least in this part of the world.
[00:36:29] Unknown:
Doctor, I I don't understand. Are you you have to go somewhere? That's correct. But where are you going? Abroad. And my plans will keep me abroad for at least a year. Oh, no. I mean, listen. If you're going to Europe, I I mean, I was thinking of taking a trip there myself. No. No, missus Mallory. My destination isn't Europe.
[00:36:49] Unknown:
I'm going to North Africa. A case of some importance. Well, since when is one patient more important than another? Oh, no. No. I didn't mean it that way. Oh. It's simply that this is a prior commitment. But maybe then, maybe I could go with you. I mean, I could take a residence there. I'm afraid that's impossible too. Why? Well, the country I'm going to is a Muslim country. My patient is the son of, well, a, a notable Arab leader. Why would that make any difference? What does it matter? I'll be living within the bachelor section of the official residence. It's an area restricted by Muslim law.
You wouldn't be allowed near the place, my dear lady, even if I were free to treat you, and I'm not.
[00:37:33] Unknown:
But I have money. I'll pay you. I'll pay you anything you want to stay and treat me. I mean, I'll I'll meet this Arab leader's offer.
[00:37:44] Unknown:
Mrs. Mallory, the fee I'm about to receive, I wouldn't ask of any individual. I've been asked to remain with him for a period not to exceed one year. A year? For that year, in a Swiss bank, there will be deposited for me $150,000 in Swiss francs.
[00:38:06] Unknown:
1 hundred 50
[00:38:09] Unknown:
pounds? I'm very sorry that you made me reveal that confidence. No. I I trust that it goes no farther.
[00:38:16] Unknown:
I'll pay you the same. What? You heard me. I'll pay you the same. I mean, not in a year's time, but as soon as you cure me.
[00:38:28] Unknown:
I'm sorry. Your offer is very generous, but it's also conditional.
[00:38:34] Unknown:
What do you mean conditional?
[00:38:36] Unknown:
You will pay only for a cure. That's something I'd never guarantee the patient. Not miss West, not my Arab friend, no one at all.
[00:38:48] Unknown:
Alright then. Suppose it isn't conditional. Suppose I agree to pay you in advance.
[00:38:57] Unknown:
Well, that, of course, would be something worth consideration.
[00:39:08] Unknown:
Well, hello, Doctor. Merritt. This is certainly a surprise. I think it must be the first time that a doctor ever made a voluntary house call.
[00:39:17] Unknown:
Have I? I didn't come here to see you as a patient, Ida. Only as a friend.
[00:39:23] Unknown:
Well, that's very kind of you.
[00:39:25] Unknown:
Ever since I saw you last, I've been thinking over what you told me about this doctor Griff.
[00:39:34] Unknown:
Oh, yes. Well, what about him?
[00:39:37] Unknown:
I thought it would be worthwhile just to ask around about the gentleman. And last week, I was attending a joint conference of my medical association and psychological group. Mhmm. Well, anyway, I did learn something that I thought you might be interested in. There is no doctor Griff.
[00:40:02] Unknown:
What was that?
[00:40:03] Unknown:
Oh, maybe he has a PhD D. And tacked that in front of his name, but I'm quite sure that the man is not a medical doctor. Alright.
[00:40:12] Unknown:
Be that as it may, he's still not necessarily a fraud. Well, I
[00:40:16] Unknown:
I didn't say he was anything. But I suspect that your original judgment was correct. But That he's not someone to be trusted. But you don't know the whole story. What I do know is you're more impressed with a man than you were willing to admit. Isn't that
[00:40:33] Unknown:
right? Doctor. Merritt, he cured that girl. What? You know that girl I told you about, the crippled girl? She's walking again. I saw her walk.
[00:40:45] Unknown:
Well, I suppose that could be true. Faith healing does have its successes.
[00:40:50] Unknown:
Well, I'm sorry, doctor, but I'd rather not discuss this any further.
[00:40:54] Unknown:
Oh, wait a minute. I don't like the way you sound. Ida,
[00:40:59] Unknown:
have you made any sort of arrangement with this charlatan? Doctor Merritt, I appreciate your interest, but I refuse to say another word about this matter. I mean, do you understand? Not another word.
[00:41:21] Unknown:
That's right, missus Mallory. Just relax. Close your eyes, and let the water of faith flow through your bloodstream. You can feel it tingling through your body, bringing you peace and tranquility, total peace and happiness. Do you feel it? Yes.
[00:41:52] Unknown:
Yes. I feel it.
[00:41:54] Unknown:
And now I'm reaching out for your hand. Do you see me reaching out for you? Yes.
[00:42:06] Unknown:
Yes. I see you. Now?
[00:42:10] Unknown:
How of all times? Who's that now?
[00:42:17] Unknown:
Yes. What do you want? Are you doctor Helmut Griff?
[00:42:20] Unknown:
Yes. Who are you? Your name's Barry, doctor.
[00:42:23] Unknown:
Lieutenant Barry, racket and bunker squad police department.
[00:42:26] Unknown:
May I come in? No. You can't. I happen to have a patient with me right now. Would her name be either Mallory? And who are you? I'm her physician. You might say her accredited
[00:42:37] Unknown:
physician. I demand to know what this intrusion is all about. It's not an intrusion, Doctor. Griff. It's an arrest. What? Doctor?
[00:42:45] Unknown:
Oh, Doctor. Griff. So, may we come in now?
[00:42:52] Unknown:
Ida. Ida, are you alright? Yes. So what what is it? I mean, what's that? Well, right, Ida, everything's gonna be fine. They've got them all now. All of them.
[00:43:02] Unknown:
Well, what are you talking about? Is this the lady, doc? Yes. This is missus Mallory.
[00:43:08] Unknown:
I don't think she's in any condition to talk. She's obviously given her some kind of drug. It's a a legitimate drug, a a perfectly legitimate sentence. Yes. Yes. Of course. Doctor, I'm sure it's nothing very unusual, Seconal or something of that nature. No mysterious water of faith. Please. Please. Won't someone tell me what's going on? I'll tell you, Ida. But it may hurt just a little. You see, I told the police your story and they investigated.
[00:43:39] Unknown:
He is a fraud, Ida. How dare you say that? Quiet, mister. You're no more a doctor than I'm police commissioner. His real name is Michael Lanning. Alias, doctor George Watkins, alias, doctor John Wilson. And that's his modus operandi, missus Mallory, posing as a fake doctor offering miracle cures usually for sick widows with lots of money.
[00:44:01] Unknown:
Oh, but he cured her. I mean, he cured Melinda.
[00:44:06] Unknown:
This is the part that may hurt most, Ida. He did not cure Melinda West because Melinda West was never crippled to begin with.
[00:44:16] Unknown:
I know. It was just psychosomatic.
[00:44:18] Unknown:
No. No. No. No, Ida. Just crooked.
[00:44:23] Unknown:
What? She was in on the racket with him, missus Mowery. Her real name is Anna Fraser. Oh. Her so called brother is Tony Fraser. And I'm sorry. They're not brother and sister at all. They're man and wife. No. And I believed them. I believed them. Well, we haven't caught up with those two yet, missus Mowery, but we will. Oh, I, brought some pictures for you to identify.
[00:44:43] Unknown:
No. No. I don't want to look at them. I can't bear to look at them. Please, Ida, you must. But I don't want to prosecute them. I don't. Why not?
[00:44:51] Unknown:
You're crooks. Plain and simple crooks. All three of them. I don't care. You have to help us now, Ida. You have to identify these parasites. Now please look at the photographs.
[00:45:03] Unknown:
You know something, doctor? Sometimes people set out to do good and end up doing harm. And sometimes it works the other way around. What do you mean?
[00:45:14] Unknown:
Hannah. Hannah, stop that. Now don't rip up those photos. My my darling. What are you what?
[00:45:20] Unknown:
Well, for the love of heaven, you're tearing up the pictures.
[00:45:25] Unknown:
You're tearing them up. With my hands, doctor. With my own hands.
[00:45:37] Unknown:
Well, they say that it's an ill wind that doesn't blow someone some good. And in this case, it looks like three evil people have managed to be very good to missus Ida Mallory in spite of themselves. If there's a moral to this tale, I'd frankly hate to be the one to say it. No. We're not recommending that the best way to cure your ills is to fall into the hands of confidence men. Miss included Celeste Holmes, Patricia Elliott, William Redfield, EV Juster, Arnold Moss, and Leon Janney. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Anheuser Busch Incorporated, Brewers of Budweel. It's suspicious.
Okay? Our cast included Celeste Holm, Patricia Elliott, William Redfield, Evie Juster, Arnold Moss, and Leon Janney. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dreams.
[00:47:36] Unknown:
The WR Mystery Theater has been brought to you by ShopRite Supermarkets, where you get a lot more for a little less, and by Suburban Savings with offices throughout North Jersey. The preceding mystery theater program was furnished by the CBS radio network.
[00:47:54] Unknown:
I'm Holden Lewis in the Mutual Broadcasting System Studios in Washington DC. Now, my commentary. President Ford promised leniency to thousands of Vietnam era draft dodgers and deserters today declaring, I want them to come home if they want to work their way back. In a big surprise move during his first trip outside of the city of Washington since assuming the presidency, Ford was in Chicago speaking to a veterans of foreign war convention. He signaled a sharp change in government policy. He indicated he favors a form of limited amnesty. He told the VFW conventioners that one of his first acts as president was to order a complete review by September 1 on the status of 50,000 young men convicted, charged, or sought for offenses loosely described as desertion and draft dodging, declaring that, quote, unconditional blanket amnesty is wrong.
He added, quote, in my judgment, these young Americans should have a second chance to contribute their fair share to the rebuilding of peace among ourselves and with So I am, Ford concluded, throwing the weight of my presidency into the scales of justice on the side of leniency. I foresee their earned reentry into a new atmosphere of love, hard work, and mutual trust. He offered no specifics on the shape of his still developing policy regarding amnesty, but he said decisions of my administration will make any future penalties fit the seriousness of the individual's mistake.
After warmly applauding Ford's declaration that unconditional blanket amnesty is wrong, they sum 3,000 delegates to the VFW convention set almost silent as he added to his prepared text the section signaling a new and softer policy toward those who left the country or their military units during America's Decade long involvement in Vietnam. The VFW, like virtually every other veteran's group in the nation, has steadfastly opposed any amnesty. In his speech, Ford also disclosed much to the pleasure of the VFW that he was naming former Indiana congressman Richard Rattlebush as veteran's administrator. He pledged improvements in the agency's operations.
He gave a veiled warning that he may veto a $1,400,000,000 veteran's education bill on grounds that it is inflationary. The president said, we are all soldiers in a war against brutal inflation. America is fighting for its economic life. I will not hesitate to use the veto to control inflationary excesses. Standing in an open top limousine, Ford was applauded and cheered by tens of thousands as his motorcade carried him through downtown Chicago. But outside the convention hotel, thousands of Greek Americans wave signs and chanted slogans criticizing his administer administration's policy regarding Cyprus.
The demonstration in Chicago today was planned before The US Ambassador to Cyprus, Roger Davies, was slain in Cyprus when a mob of Greek Cypriots stormed the US embassy in Nicosia. The Greek Americans who thronged to Grant Park across from the Conrad Hilton Hotel were demonstrating virtually against what they called a tilt port Turkey and The US policy regarding Cyprus. Few of the chants today named president Ford, but most of them were aimed at secretary of state Henry Kissinger. They were calling for Kissinger to resign. Some were saying to give the Nobel Prize back. The president paid no apparent attention to the demonstrators.
Ford told the convention delegates that the word of Davy's death was tragic news. President Ford adding, he too gave his life in foreign wars. Let us offer our prayers and our condolences to his loved ones for his supreme sacrifice on behalf of all America. Ford apparently drafted his remarks regarding amnesty in route to Chicago today, inserting them into his prepared text. He said when he took office, I found on my desk where the buck stops the urgent problem of how to bind up the nation's wounds, and I aim to do that. He said as commander in chief, he will work within our system for of military justice, but he said that he has ordered attorney general William Saxby and defense secretary James Schlesinger to consult with other governmental officials and report their unvarnished views and those of the full spectrum of American opinion on this controversial question.
Richard Nixon, the man Ford succeeded just eleven days ago, had followed a firm anti amnesty policy, vowing at one point never never never when asked regarding amnesty. One of Ford's last duties as vice president was to present after death 14 medals of honor to the parents, widows, and children of Vietnam heroes. Ford said, as I study their records of supreme sacrifice, I kept thinking how young they were. The few citizens of our country who, in my judgment, committed the supreme folly of shirking their duty at the expense of others were also very young. These young Americans should have a second chance.
I will act, he said today. I will act promptly, fairly, and firmly in the same spirit that guided Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman. I reject amnesty, and I also reject revenge. His announcement that Robert Bush, a former VFW national commander and now deputy VA administrator, would be promoted to succeed Donald Johnson drew sustained applause from delegates today. Ford said he is a man who gets things done. I am confident that he will do a first class job. He set some guideposts for the new administrator. He said this administration is going to see to it that we still know your name and your problems. A veteran is a person, not just a digit in a computer system, which more often than not goofs up.
I want no arrogance or indifference to any individual, veteran or not. Because of Richard Nixon's decision to voluntarily step down from the presidency, A long impeachment debate on Capitol Hill obviously has been avoided. And because of that, both the house and the senate have been able to get down to other pending business matters, which had the impeachment process continued, may well have been delayed at least another two months and possibly even longer. One of these issues is house consideration of the question of continued US purchases of Cromwell from Rhodesia. It is an issue which was seemingly resolved some three years ago when after lengthy debate and several very close roll call votes, the US Senate went on record favoring a resumption of such purchases.
Trade with the southern African nation of Rhodesia having been discontinued by an order which brought The United States into full compliance with the United Nations Security Council embargo against Rhodesia. That security council action in turn, having been brought at the request of the British government in response to Rhodesia's unilateral and in London's view illegal declaration of independence from Britain late in 1966. A problem of complying with vile arm of our national defense system, Chromore is a vital ingredient in the production of stainless steel, and you need stainless steel in order to manufacture scores of national defense items.
Rhodesia, in fact, was about the only free world source of high grade chrome ore. The mines there are actually owned by two American companies. Cutting ourselves off from Rhodesia would mean that we would have to turn to the world's second major source of chrome, the Soviet Union, and that in the view of most defense specialists would seriously jeopardize our national security. Indeed, that very situation did develop in the wake of President Lyndon Johnson's executive order of 1967. Beginning in January of that year, US companies were told that they can no longer purchase Rhodesian chrome, and they were forced to turn to the Soviet Union for that material.
The Kremlin incidentally responded to its new near monopoly status by jacking up the price for its period of less than three years. It was Virginia senator Harry Byrd who brought these matters to the attention of the senate, and it was his amendment exempting Krome from the anti Rhodesian boycott, which was ultimately approved by the senate in the fall of nineteen seventy one. By the time the issue reached the House of Representatives, the United Nations had voted to admit communist China to that organization's membership. And as you recall, it had expelled one of the founding members, nationalist China.
A mood in the House of Representatives was hardly friendly to the UN. And in that atmosphere, the House members voted an overwhelming two fifty one to 100 in support of Senator Byrd's amendment. And by early nineteen seventy two, imports of Rhodesian chrome to this country had been resumed. Liberals had argued vehemently against the Byrd amendment. Its approval, they insisted, would have been a slap in the face of the United Nations, and some went so far as to argue that a UN decree actually superseded the law and authority of The United States anyway. They actually sued in the courts in hopes of getting the courts of this country to agree with their point, but they lost.
The US Court of Appeals ruled that the US Constitution is still our national charter. The charter of the United Nations is not. Significantly, when the vote in the house was taken in late nineteen seventy one, Michigan Republican representative Gerald Ford, then the house minority leader, took a strong stand in favor of the Byrd Amendment. Had he remained neutral, many other Republicans might have abstained. Several times since approval of the Byrd Amendment, congressional liberals have tried to have it repealed. Last January, they succeeded in getting the Senate to support repeal.
Tomorrow, the issue comes up in the house. Regarding the Rhodesian Cromore issue, it is to be hoped and expected in view of the overwhelming nature of the House of Representatives last vote on the very same issue, that the house will remain consistent with its earlier stand when it votes tomorrow. Indeed, in later broadcast this week, we're gonna take a very close look at the roll call to see just which house members, if any, change their position. From the mutual studios in Washington, I'm Fulton Lewis, and that's the top of the news as it looks from here.
[00:58:42] Unknown:
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Introduction to the Mystery Drama
A Mysterious Encounter in the Park
Ida's Struggle with Paralysis
Meeting Melinda and Ted
The Water of Faith
A Glimmer of Hope
The Truth About Dr. Griff
A Desperate Offer
The Unveiling of the Fraud
Ida's Unexpected Recovery
