In this episode, we delve into the intriguing and mysterious tale of Henry Gerard Flower Peabody, a man caught between the rigid expectations of his Philadelphia upbringing and his yearning for freedom and love. The narrative unfolds with Henry's struggle against societal norms, his complex relationship with his mother, and his passionate yet enigmatic connection with a woman named Megan. As Henry navigates the pressures of family duty and personal desire, he finds himself ensnared in a web of emotions and decisions that lead to unexpected and haunting consequences.
Listeners are taken on a journey through Henry's internal conflict, exploring themes of loyalty, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal happiness. The story raises questions about identity, freedom, and the lengths one might go to break free from the constraints of tradition. With a backdrop of early 20th-century Philadelphia, this episode offers a rich tapestry of character and emotion, leaving the audience pondering the true nature of love and the cost of liberation.
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Unknown:
Step into the world of power,
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loyalty, and luck. I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse. With family, cannolis, and spins mean everything. Now you wanna get mixed up in the family business. Introducing
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The Godfather at champacasino.com. Test your luck in the shadowy world at The Godfather slot. Someday, I will call upon you to do a service for me. Play The Godfather now at champacasino.com.
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Welcome to the family. No purchase necessary. VGW Group VoIP VoIP. We're prohibited by law. 21 plus terms
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apply. This is it. This is the official radio station for the thirty third annual convention and exposition of the home builders here in WFAA Dallas Fort Worth.
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News, sports, and talk radio for the Metroplex. This is WFAA Dallas Fort Worth.
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CBS News. The call for expelling Jimmy Carter from the American Legion is out of order according to the organization's national commander, but he says that doesn't change the Legion's belief that the president erred in hardening Vietnam War draft evaders. I'm Mike Stanley reporting on the CBS Radio Network. The call for lifting the president's American Legion membership card came from the State American Legion Convention in Hudson, Wisconsin. Delegates voted unanimously for a resolution calling on mister Carter's post number two in America's Georgia to oust him and further urged that he never be allowed membership in the legion again. National commander William Rogers says he was astounded by the action and told CBS News it was out of order. He explained expulsion action must be initiated by a member's own post, then is reviewed by state and national executive committees. But his reputation of the Wisconsin Legion actions, said Rogers, doesn't mean he's changing his assessment that the pardon is socially divisive.
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The American Legion's position is, of course, unchanged. We believe that each case should be tried on an individual basis, whether it be evader or deserter. Mister Carter said that he agreed that the deserter should be tried on a case by case basis, and we think his priorities priorities should go to those millions who did serve their country.
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One of the draft evaders, a Toronto High School Teacher who hasn't returned to this country since 1969, Sunday, saw what it was like to cross the border and walk once again on US soil. Tony Rodriguez visited in Buffalo, and though enjoying being able to do so legally, expressed concern for those still unable to return.
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I really hope that someday they'll be able to see that we have to do that against the war because it was a very bad war, and I certainly hope too that I'm only half of the issue. There's still all those deserters. People I know that's a more serious thing, but I certainly hope that, someday they'll be able to come back also with the same sense of relief.
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Rodriguez went back to Toronto saying it was nice to visit with his friends, but that he wanted to think about the whole experience. A White House spokesman says agriculture secretary Bob Bergland will go to Florida to survey freeze damage to citrus and vegetable crops and discuss the situation with state officials there. Governor Ruben Askew already has declared Florida's agricultural county's disaster areas, and an application for a federal declaration of disaster is expected when further detailing of the extent of damage has been compiled. Milder temperatures, Sunday, reduced pressure on gas and heating oil supplies in most sections of the country. Lingering subzero weather in parts of Ohio, however, impelled governor James Rhodes Sunday night to declare a statewide natural gas emergency.
The order broadens a statewide energy alert he declared in an executive order last week. Ohio's legislature will convene in special session Tuesday to see what it can do about the worst energy crisis in the state's history. Senator Henry Jackson, the Washington Democrat, says he believes congress now is ready to come to grips with setting up an energy department that is Congress now is ready to come to grips with setting up an energy department that is able to operate effectively.
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Our problem in the past have been vetoes, and I think we're over that one now. And I see, are moving, quite rapidly now to reorganize and set up a Department of Energy for the first time in which we can get everything under one roof and then hopefully, an all out effort on conservation. We waste energy right and left. I mean, the worst participant in all of it is the automobile. Detroit has to be told that thou shalt not turn out any more of these gas guzzlers.
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Some 8,600 striking auto workers at General Motors Saginaw steering gear division ratified a new local contract and began returning to work Sunday night. GM officials had feared a lengthy strike in the seven plant complex. Since it's the only facility making steering gears for GM cars, a protracted shutdown there would affect all of the company's other plants. One other GM plant, the one at Doraville, Texas, which turns out a thousand cars a day is shut down because of the gas shortage. Both GM and Chrysler are threatened with more strikes this week over local contract issues. In all, more than 100 United Auto Workers' Union, units have yet to agree on local issues and contract negotiations that began last summer. Now this. I'm Ray Brady of CBS Radio's Today in Business. Every day, Monday through through Friday, my reports on the business scene bring you headline news, background information, sometimes interviews with government industry or investment people, all sorts of items you'll find helpful in understanding national and international business and monetary affairs.
For the latest in current activities and a look toward future trends, tune in today in business, Monday through Friday here on the CBS Radio Network.
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Looks great on you. We'll take in the waste a little bit. This suit has no label. Nobody cares about labels anymore. Nonsense. Why you wouldn't file a tax return without using a label? A tax return label? Sure. The peel off label the Internal Revenue Service sends you with the tax package. It has my name, address, and social security number already on it. Saves time, helps speed my refund. Why don't I just have this tax label sewn right beside your jacket? You can't do that. I need my label to file my return. Now that you mention it though, an embroidered replica would sure be nice. The tailor won't believe this one.
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A number of large companies reportedly have passed the word to the Carter administration that they have billions of dollars ready for capital spending if mister Carter's economic policies prove favorable to business. News Newsweek magazine says the firms, including such biggies as DuPont and AT and T, are looking for more generous tax incentives to spur investment, continual appointments to key regulatory posts, and even eased environmental and job safety rules. The large corporations, according to Newsweek, are holding off on spending the money allocated. Mike Stanley, CBS News.
The future of Dallas depends on you. New goals for Dallas are being formulated now. A series of neighborhood meetings to get your opinions on the new goals are being held.
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Attend one of these meetings and participate in the future of Dallas. How do you feel about questions facing us, like the possibility of establishing a mechanism for qualified and representative people from the private sector to review the Dallas City budget then report back to the citizens, or the revitalization of the central business district in inner city neighborhoods to stimulate the economy. How do you feel about the establishment of a regional transportation authority to finance and operate major inner city systems? These are just three of the proposed goals for Dallas.
Are many others, and perhaps you have some to suggest. You can really make a difference in the future of Dallas by attending one of the neighborhood meetings on the new goals for Dallas. All comments received will be used to revise the goals to reflect the views of the people who take part. Let your voice be heard. Call 741-1738 to sign up for a meeting in your area.
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We're something brand new walking down your street. Why don't you walk along with us? We're News Talk Radio fifty seven, WFAA, Dallas Fort Worth.
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The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall. We live in a permissive era. No holds barred. All the taboos are swept away. Anything goes, and the sky is the limit. Do you sometimes yearn a little for an older day with a rigid code of living and an automatic acceptance of certain standards? The flag, the Marines, our country, right or wrong, and mother with a capital m. Let's ponder that as we listen to this story.
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I don't want it to be this way, Megan. But that's how it must be if it is to be. And why not Hank if you want to take the risk? What risk? Oh, don't worry, my sober sided Philadelphian. I won't blow any whistles on you. I'll be glad to be your handmaiden. But what will you be to me?
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Your slave. Your willing slave.
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Remember that. I may call you to account one day.
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Our mystery drama, The Living Corpse, was written especially for the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars Heard Hatfield. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. It is a magic moment. You are at your Buick dealers about to drive home in your brand new Buick LeSabre. It's lean and trim, classic lines. It looks quite unlike any full size Buick you can remember. You get in. A heavy new car smell surrounds you. Your LaSaver feels the way it looks. Tight. You turn the wheel a little. No wasted motion in this car.
Big brushed metallic gauges look back at you. That v six engine is doing great. You rub your hand on the seat. Six people could be really comfortable in here. You swing in your driveway. You wipe the kids, the dog, everyone with the parakeet descends in the car and gets in. Off you go to nowhere in particular. Life and your new VASAVER are great. Maybe the dog shouldn't sit on the seats.
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How do you do?
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And now a tale of what happened when last I walked these streets.
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Oh, dear.
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Oh, dear. Oh, what's the matter? May I help you, madam? I'm the man from the Better Business Bureau helping consumers with their problems. Maybe you have one. Maybe you can help me. I have so many bills. I don't know how to pay them. I'm afraid to answer the phone. What am I going to do? Now don't be afraid of the phone. Use it. Call the people who are done in you. Perhaps you can work out a revised payment plan which will satisfy them and take the pressure off you. Oh, thank you.
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Now can you give me some money for a phone call?
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And that's the way it was.
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Philadelphia didn't just happen. It was planned. Two main streets, Broad and Market, bisecting each other at the center of town. Four squares in each quadrant, of which the only one we need pause to consider is Rittenhouse Square. To own a house on Rittenhouse Square was to be the creme de la creme of Philadelphia society, and so by extension of the world. The Peabody House has been there since the square was built, and the family has never lived anywhere else. Why should they? After all, where else is anywhere?
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My name is Henry Gerard Flower Peabody. Most everyone says I was born middle aged, not to my face, of course. But I don't think I'm necessarily so stodgy. I'm a product of a very special society by birth and breeding. And naturally, a certain decorum must be observed. But even though I was born in another century, I think I've kept up pretty well with the one in which I've lived 70 surprised to know that I wasn't at all what I seemed. I'm not sure if I'm surprised to know that I wasn't at all what I seemed.
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Yeah? What do you want?
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May I ask to whom I'm speaking? I'm returned Quinn, chief of homicide. Who will they do for you? A citizen of our fair city in pursuit of his duty. My name is Henry Gerard Flower Peabody the Chiffs. Good lord. There are more of you. The name travels in the family.
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Hey. Now wait a minute. You don't mean the Henry Peabody. I mean the son of look. You mean your mother is missus Peabody? I should certainly hope so. That lives on Written House Square, the the philanthropist like that gave all their millions to the church and charities and all like that? The same. Well, well, sit right down, mister Peabody.
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Now what can I do for you? I don't believe I feel exactly like sitting. You see,
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I want to report a murder. How about that? You've seen one committed? That's right. You know the victim? Of course. And the name? Megan. Megan?
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That's all? I don't know any other name. Just Megan. Well, a man or a woman? Don't be silly. A woman, of course. It means child of light. What, Megan. It's short for Margaret in in Welsh.
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Oh, is that a fact? Any idea who the perpetrator was?
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I am the murderer.
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But that was such a very long time ago. Forty four no. Forty five years ago. And I'm starting with the end of my life. Perhaps I should start a little closer to the beginning. I was born in 1897 when William McKinley was in his first term. A Republican, naturally. In nineteen o one, when mister McKinley was assassinated and Teddy Roosevelt became president, I was five years old. And in 1915, when the Germans sank the Lusitania, I was 19, which made me old enough to be one of the first to sign up when America entered World War one two years later. Mother made quite a fuss.
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I just can't believe it. How dare you, Henry? It was my duty to my country. But without consulting me first? Mother, I am a man now. There's no need for you to go over to those backward countries with their dreadful plumbing while there's a war on. It's too late. I've already signed up and I'm of age. Oh, don't be silly. Jack Pershing is an old acquaintance of your poor dead father's. All it will take is a word from me. No, mother.
[00:16:03] Unknown:
What did you say? No, mama. I can't back out now. It isn't just me. It's my whole class. Class is just the point. There's no need for I meant my college class. Look, I couldn't back out on Fizzy.
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Lambert Fizzdale has signed up too? I thought he was going to be a doctor. Well, that can wait.
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And what about your degree? That can wait too. Mama, there's no use arguing with me this time. I've made up my mind.
[00:16:31] Unknown:
Just the stubbornness Henry the fourth, your dead father. Oh, it all comes from that man in the White House being a Princeton graduate, Wilson. Naturally, he got us into the war. He's a Democrat. Now it's up to us Republicans to get us out of it. That's not fair. Nevertheless, it is true, and it's the way I feel.
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As you can see, mother was quite formidable. But there wasn't any use in arguing with her. Usually, it was easier to submit with good grace, but not this time. This time, I was going to have my way. Mother always reminded me of the joke. You can always tell a Harvard man, but you can't tell him much. Well, a Philadelphia Mainliner Dowager is in the same boat. You see, three years of college, my army service, and then back to college to graduate taught me that what was inside me didn't exactly go with my stayed sober outsides. Funny now, Fizz was absolutely different even though he planned to be a doctor.
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Well, Henry, I'm certainly glad that's all done. What's over, Fizzy, old bean? The war. What war? The one we've just Henry, are you inebriated?
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Not on your tintype, dear, fearless fizzy of the Viking fusiliers. Anyway, if I were, I'd be drunk, not inebriated.
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Do you mean the war we never got to fight? Well, that was hardly our fault. Of course, it wasn't.
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Do you know, I suppose I should be ashamed, but I'm not glad it's over, not one bit. I never expected to feel so free and and emancipated ever. Now that's a peculiar thing to say. Why? Isn't it time I was? Don't Don't you want to be? Well, I don't consider myself enslaved. Alright. You finish your moxie and I'll down my beer and let's go over to Aunt Molly's together. Aunt Molly's? Well, you must be off your rocker. Why that's A house of ill reviewed, Now that all depends on the point of view. I've never heard it anything but highly recommended, and I can vouch for that myself. Obviously, you can't handle your liquor.
Oh, stop being such a stuffed shirt, Fizzy. You're going to be a doctor. You mustn't flinch at anything that has to do with the flesh. It's a new world and a liberated one. There's no need to be course.
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First of all, you are talking to an engaged man. Second, you're a Philadelphian and ought to know better.
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And last, you know that aunt Morris is off limits to an arrested man. You're write about the first and the last, but the second question is gravely open to doubt or vice versa. You see, I now consider myself an American at large. Henry P. Butler, you know what I think? What?
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I think the sooner you get back to Rittenhouse Square and your dear mother, the better off you'll be.
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Oh, dear Fizzy. I couldn't have agreed with you less. I'd had my taste of how the other half lived and had lingered sweet and pungent in the mouth and in all the vitals. I'm afraid those first two years after the war, I was both an enigma and a terrifying inexplicable burden to my mother. But I felt that my cutting of her apron strings was something we both had to face until that terrible day when her life began to come to an end. Darling, what is it? What's happened? I
[00:19:53] Unknown:
I I I don't know. I I've been getting rather tired these days for some reason and Henry, help me up. Oh, this is most unseemly. Mama, what is it? I don't know. Oh, it's just like doctor Parker Garvin to go and die on me.
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At my age, I'm much too old to start with another doctor. Mama, I won't let you not have one. Tell you what, I'll call Fizzy. He can give you a look see. Lambert Fizzy? Oh, but he's only a boy like you. You may not have noticed, but boys tend to grow up. Fizzy just passed his exams. He's been at Pennsylvania for his internship.
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Family. Why don't we ask him to tea? Say tomorrow or the next day?
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And Fizzy came to tea very proper in a pearl gray suit with a lavender tie and linen spats. Mother had what they have a name for nowadays, myasthenia gravis. Terminal and progressively more and more limiting, needing almost constant nursing and supportive care. And most important of all, affection, cheer, and love to keep the spirits up and the feeling of despair down. I had found a kind of freedom, only to lose it for the next ten years or so, and I have never regretted it. Because in a peculiar way, it way there across Rittenhouse Square that evening when all of a sudden Oh. Oh. Oh.
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Oh. I'm sorry. I haven't had much practice.
[00:22:00] Unknown:
You mean in knocking people down? Here. Here, let me help you a while. Oh, no.
[00:22:04] Unknown:
No. Thank you. No. Oh, I meant in riding a bicycle. Well, I should think not. Are you hurt? Oh, no. No. I never get hurt. Oh, but you, sir, are you? I don't think so, miss, sir. My name is Megan. Miss Megan? No. Megan. Just Megan.
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Megan. I was wounded to the heart,
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stricken with love at first sight. Oh, Megan. Megan. You are a taste in my mouth like spring strawberries, a smell like early hyacinth. A sound in my ears of my blood coursing through my veins. You are the beginning and the end, a symbol of life and death, yours and mine together. You were the best thing that ever happened to me and the worst. I cannot think of you as evil, and yet, you were born to destroy.
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Megan, a strange and lovely name to taste on the tongue. Who was she? Where did she come from suddenly? And how was she to affect the life of a man wrapped in a cocoon from which he ached to escape?
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I shall return shortly with Act Two. 50 five? Man, you gotta be kidding. My car won't run right at 55, and I get better mileage when I go faster. Come on, you're gonna have to have a better reason than that. Alright. In the first full year, the 55 mile an hour speed limit law was on the books. Ninety one hundred and fifty four fewer people died on the highways than in the last year at higher speeds. Nine thousand one hundred and fifty four people didn't die? This station, the US Department of Transportation, and the Advertising Council reminds you to drive 55. It's a law we can live with.
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I'm Hyman Brown, producer director of the Radio Mystery Theater. For four years now, we have been thrilling you with our haunting tales. Beginning Saturday, February 5, we have something new for your children, your neighbor's children, and you. We'll take you into the realm of high adventure on a brand new series. Remember, adventure will be yours beginning Saturday, February 5 on this station.
[00:24:31] Unknown:
Hello. This is Julius Irving. When I'm on the court, I can't allow myself to be distracted by anything because basketball is a game of total concentration. The work of the March of Dimes also involves total concentration. The March of Dimes is concentrating on how to solve the nation's child health problem, birth defects. And that's something that should concern all of us who want a healthy future for our children. As the facts stand now, more than two hundred and fifty thousand babies are born each year in this country with birth defects, but there is hope. The March of Dimes is supporting research programs that may one day find the means to protect the unborn and newborn from birth defects.
Researchers have already found ways to prevent some birth defects. I believe that with our help, yours and mine, the battle can be won. So please help the March of Dimes efforts and ensure a healthy birthday for all babies. Be as generous as you can and give to the March of Dimes. Thank you.
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It It was Prospero, the magician in Shakespeare's play, The Tempest, who said that we are such stuff as dreams are made on. But he also went on to add, and our little lives are ended with
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story, not mine.
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All those years ago, and I have only just shut my eyes, and the memory of Megan is as bright and clear as it was that first moment I met her. Was she tall, short, blonde, brunette brown eyed, or blue eyed? I can't answer you. Not because I don't remember, but only because I seem to remember she was awe or any of those. She was woman. She was desire, and she was glowing with an inner light that seemed to me to be the answer to all life and love. Megan, it's a lovely
[00:27:08] Unknown:
Peabody. Peabody. Well, Henry Peabody. Henry. You know what that means, don't you? No. I I mean, what what does it mean? The ruler of an enclosure of private property. It does. It does. Does it fit you?
[00:27:26] Unknown:
I suppose in a way.
[00:27:27] Unknown:
That's your picture of yourself? Well, perhaps not what I want to be, what I am. Henry. The name has other derivations. Teutonic. Hagen. You know what Hagen means? No. It means fierce warrior. Do you feel fierce, Henry?
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I feel
[00:27:49] Unknown:
a little embarrassed. I guess that isn't very fierce. If you don't feel fierce, what do you feel?
[00:27:56] Unknown:
Hard to say. I'm
[00:27:58] Unknown:
for the moment, I'm lost. Then let me help you find yourself. Your real self. Let's go. Where? Anywhere. See what we can find together. Bring the bicycle.
[00:28:12] Unknown:
Yes. Of course. Where are we going? Where the four winds
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blow us. Where were you going? I, To Aunt Molly's. The house across Walnut Street. What do you know about that? I know a lot I shouldn't know and I wish I knew more than I've been allowed to. Who are you? What's your whole name? Megan. That's all. Enough. Take me as I am or not at all. No. I know. Let's go skinny dip in the fountain. What? You heard me. I'm going. Take off your clothes and join me. I can't, Meghan. I can't. You can do anything you want if you're
[00:28:55] Unknown:
only fierce enough, Henry. That is insane. What would my mother or anyone say? A Peabody bathing nude in the fountain in Rittenhouse Square? Try and shed your Philadelphia
[00:29:05] Unknown:
crust. Shuck it like a snakeskin skin and be who you are. Who you want to be. Want to be. Want to be.
[00:29:25] Unknown:
Hello? May I ask, this is doctor Fizdale. Who? Henry Peabody, indecent explode? Well, I I I, of course, I'll be right down, arranged to burn them out. Well, it's all arranged, Henry. You're free to come home.
[00:29:47] Unknown:
But what on earth possessed you to What happened to Megan? Who? Megan.
[00:29:52] Unknown:
The girl who was with me when I was arrested. Henry, there was no one with you. You were all alone in your birthday suit paddling in the fountain when you were arrested. I was alone? Is that all you're worried about? Have you seen the coverage in the bulletin? Did mother? So far, I hope not. It's enough to send anyone into into a decline. Now my advice is to pay the fine, hush it up, and get back to the center track. You mean the main line? If they'll let you climb aboard. Henry, what possessed you? A girl who summed up all I was missing in life, and maybe you, Fizzy. Well, speak for yourself, Henry. I'm not in the process of going loony. What does that mean going loony? I suggest you take a good, long, hard look at yourself and then ask me that question again.
Now let's get into old Lizzie, and I'll drive you home.
[00:30:44] Unknown:
If you'd asked me then, I suppose I'd have thought of it as my bill of divorcement, a term that was current. Certainly, from that moment on, I was cut off from, oh, not exactly ostracized, but just avoided by most of my acquaintances. I didn't care, actually. I had the long tribulation of mother, and here, I'm only speaking of the physical problem
[00:31:17] Unknown:
sir? I wish you wouldn't call me that. Oh, do you? Would you rather rather I said Henridge or Oddflower Peabody Fit? You know I don't like that either. And I don't like it neither. That's why I call you Hank.
[00:31:30] Unknown:
Alright. Hank it is. Only.
[00:31:34] Unknown:
Only what? Only
[00:31:37] Unknown:
Only I these chance meetings in the park, it's not enough, Meghan. There must be there has to be more between us. Why, Hank, are you making a proposal? No. Well, I all I meant was can't we meet meet somewhere else?
[00:31:50] Unknown:
You should shun me, Henry. Why? Because I'm not safe. You don't know me or anything about me.
[00:31:59] Unknown:
Megan, I want to take you home to meet my mother. Oh,
[00:32:03] Unknown:
I don't think so. I don't think she could ever see me for dust. Why not? I have no family, no background. I'm not very safe at all. You want to take a girl home to meet mother, mother, take Prudence Holmes or Deborah Williams. I don't want Prudence or any other girl. I want You want what? Me?
[00:32:26] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:32:27] Unknown:
Oh, Henry. Ruler of the enclosure. Be careful. I'm very dangerous. Who knows who I am? I might be Bronn then, the love goddess, or from Glen Cook in the Southwest County of Dufed. Should you look below my left arm for the blue half moon mark of the witch? Or maybe if you listen too close, you might find me one of the three birds of Rhiannon. Oh, what? Did you ever hear Telosome? Their song was so sweet that they could sing the dead to life. Or put the living into the sleep of death. Don't I worry you, Henry? Don't I frighten you?
[00:33:15] Unknown:
No. You only make me love you more. I want to be with you. Live my life with you. Are you sure?
[00:33:23] Unknown:
It wouldn't be easy. I have no conscience, you know.
[00:33:30] Unknown:
Is that why you left me alone with a bicycle and not a stitch of clothing waiting in that pool?
[00:33:36] Unknown:
Oh, poor Henry the fifth. What did you say when the policeman
[00:33:40] Unknown:
got you once more into the breach? I'd rather have said once more into the britches, but that's passed and done. We've seen each other enough since then. Megan Megan, there has to be a way I can spend time with you. How then? I I've taken a little apartment on Chatham Street. Could we could we meet there? Or better still Better still,
[00:34:01] Unknown:
would I move in and be there for you to come to? I don't want it to be this way, but I But that's how it must be if it is to be. Well, why not, Hank? If you want to take the risk. Risk? What risk? Oh, don't worry my sober sided Philadelphian. I won't blow any whistles on you. I'll be glad to be your handmaiden. But what will you be to me?
[00:34:33] Unknown:
Your slave, Megan. Your willing
[00:34:37] Unknown:
slave. Remember that. I may call you to account one day.
[00:34:47] Unknown:
It was only three flights up. Philadelphia's old red brick houses don't run the many stories, and we had the Top Floor. Megan and I. Oh, it wasn't what you might think. Just a place to be alone, to grow drunk on the fragrance of her. To live a dream, richer and more satisfying and soothing than any distillation of poppy seed or that bitter derivative of the cocoa plant cocaine. A shield against the world that battered me every day. Henry? Henry? Yes, mother?
[00:35:22] Unknown:
Where do you keep disappearing to? You're never about when I want you. I'm sorry. Far be it for me to complain although I am dying by inches. I don't expect you to be at my beck and call every instance, of course. But these long absences, where do you go? What do you do? I have to get out of the house now and again, mother. Naturally, of course.
[00:35:48] Unknown:
But you always seem to pick the moments I feel my worst.
[00:35:52] Unknown:
One of these days during one of these unexplained absences I'll slip away. And you'll never forgive yourself. I hope for not being here to brush back the angel of death. If I at least knew where to reach you. Well,
[00:36:11] Unknown:
sometimes I'm I'm just taking a walk or having lunch with someone like, like Fizzy. Don't mention Lambert Fizdeo's name in this house. He's the one who made a chronic invalid out of me. Mama, he only diagnosed your problem. He didn't give it to you. You mustn't think you're dying. I have no intention
[00:36:31] Unknown:
not doing so. Let the spirit. You'll outlive us all. Well, I don't know about that. But I do plan to live out my three score in 10. And that gives me a long time to go.
[00:36:47] Unknown:
I felt sick to my stomach at the thoughts that raced through my head. She probably would. And it was an eternally long time, and I was trapped. Hopelessly trapped. I carried a splitting headache with me to Chatham Street, and it was a long time alone with my darling. My head on her lap, her hand gently stroking my brow before I felt the tension beginning to ease.
[00:37:12] Unknown:
Feeling better, Hank?
[00:37:14] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:37:16] Unknown:
Oh, you've got to do something about it, you know.
[00:37:20] Unknown:
Something about what? Mama.
[00:37:24] Unknown:
If you want to have me or anyone like me.
[00:37:29] Unknown:
What are you talking
[00:37:30] Unknown:
about? You know, there's no use taking me home to meet her. She wouldn't understand about you. And if mama doesn't understand, you can't run away, can you?
[00:37:41] Unknown:
She has the money. I have no job. I don't know what kind I could get but whatever it was, it would be a long time before. We've been all over this before
[00:37:51] Unknown:
ad nauseam, Hank. You know as well as I do. There's only one way to make Mama loose the purse strings. How? For her to die.
[00:38:03] Unknown:
Myasthenia gravis, there's no definite prognosis. There are constant remissions and the progress is slow. There's no telling when that will happen.
[00:38:12] Unknown:
Oh, yes. There is. What do you mean? Well, if she won't die by herself, you'll just have to arrange it for her, Hank.
[00:38:36] Unknown:
And as poor Henry stares at her calm, untroubled face in horror, aware of all the sensual promise of his beloved, drawn irresistibly to her with desire, I think we should leave him to digest her shocking suggestion until I return shortly with Act Three. It's athletes versus MS, multiple sclerosis.
[00:38:59] Unknown:
This is Frank Gifford with the word on the fight against MS. Athletes from every sport are banding together to do everything they can to help stop the great crippler of young adults. MS strikes in the prime years, usually between the ages of 20 and 40. The best years in the life of an athlete, in the life of anyone. When fathers are trying to carve out a career, young mothers are trying to raise a family. Well, the sports world is fighting back against MS. People like Brooks Robinson, Tom Severn, Eddie Arcaro. Right. This is Eddie Arcaro. Before now, the only team I've been part of is me and my horse, which isn't bad when you're riding such greats as Citation and Whirlaway. But I've joined the athletes versus MS team because I know what this great crippler can do to a strong, healthy body.
There may not be a cure for MS as yet, but there is hope through research. So join us. Support the work of your local chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Thanks very much.
[00:40:00] Unknown:
Do you realize you're slowly becoming part of the fastest growing minority in this country? What? Would you mind standing up for a minute? Hey, hey, hey, where you going with my rocker? Are you willing to take old age sitting down? Sitting! You are going to be old some day, and you're going to have to face the same problems older people face today. What is this, some kind of joke? If you think it's funny now, wait a few years. I don't understand. The older you get, the fewer opportunities you'll have. You might even be deprived of your ability to make your own decisions. What can I do about it? Change your attitudes about aging. Try and imagine what you'll want to do, what you'll want to contribute. Oh, I don't I bet you didn't have to take my rocking chair to prove your point, did you? You have to get off your rocker and stand up. Stand up, or be prepared to sit back and rock your life away. Oh, I see what you mean. Now this message has been brought to you as a public service by this station, the advertising council and the national council on the aging. Thank you.
[00:41:08] Unknown:
Murder? Is that what the ethereal Megan is suggesting? Is she perhaps after all, as she herself hinted, a descendant in the second decade of the twentieth century of some ancient line of Welsh witches? Or is she just a Welsh girl from West Philadelphia on a predatory quest for a rich man, or for that matter, any girl who just is trying to create an air of mystery to gain what? Wealth, social position, power?
[00:41:43] Unknown:
Even today, across that gap of nearly half a century, the stinging shock that jogged me as I faced Megan and her amazing suggestion still sears and burns.
[00:41:54] Unknown:
Why not? She's going to die.
[00:41:57] Unknown:
But in her own good time. What's good about it?
[00:42:01] Unknown:
It could take years and we're not growing any younger either of us. Stop it. Stop it. Don't say that. Oh, sooner or later you're going to have to face it and make your decision. No. No, ma'am. Yes. Yes. And it will have to be sooner, Hank. Sooner than soonest. I told you. I can't wait for life to come to me. It's flipping past too fast. I have to go out and grab it. Gobble it up while I could still digest it. Catch it before it passes me by. I won't listen to you anymore. I'm not going to stay. No. You can't run away from me, Hank. I have you in my spell. You can't get away. I can and I will. The faster you run, the closer I'll be on your heels. You can't get away. Never.
Never. Until she's dead.
[00:42:55] Unknown:
I fled as if I were pursued by the hound of heaven. I was smothering, suffocating, my stomach churning, her laughter ringing in my ears. And then I was out in the front door, stumbling blindly into the street, the door closing behind me. Careless of my my usual precautions, before leaving that secret clandestine rendezvous and running full tilt into Fizzy before I could stop myself. Good fall, man. But why don't you look where you go?
[00:43:20] Unknown:
For heaven's sake, Henley Peabody, where have you been hiding yourself lately? Sorry, Fizzy. Excellent. I didn't see where I was going. Can't stop. I Oh, you, Lord, if you'd seen a ghost, whatever it is, you're in shock, Henley. We've got to get you at least sitting down for a moment. Now come on now. Lean on me. I'm taking charge for the moment. Now go ahead.
[00:43:45] Unknown:
Finish that brandy. I'm not sure I Do as you're told.
[00:43:51] Unknown:
You just sit back and let me loosen your tie. There. Let me see. No fever, but your pulse is racing as if you'd had an electric shock.
[00:44:02] Unknown:
What on earth happened to you? Something I can't talk to you about. Oh, what are you doing in this part of town anyway? Please don't question me. Now don't tell me, Henry, you have a mistress stashed away in a little love nest. I I'm not going to tell you anything. I I can't visit. I wouldn't dare. But it's all in confidence. I wish I could ask for for help, but I can't. There's no way. I'm speaking first as a doctor. I don't need a doctor. Well, then as a friend. Or a friend.
[00:44:29] Unknown:
And I'm telling you, you do. I don't know what's happening to you, Henry, but you're a nervous wreck. Someone has to help you. No. No one can do that but myself.
[00:44:40] Unknown:
No one.
[00:44:44] Unknown:
Henry? Henry? Oh, where is that boy? Henry? I'm not here, mama. Oh, yes. But where have you been all afternoon? I've had everyone hunting high and low for you and no one could find a trace. I, I was with Fizzy. We had something to talk over.
[00:45:03] Unknown:
About me? No. No, mother. We You're sure? Well, I why dear?
[00:45:10] Unknown:
Because just about an hour ago, not so long after you left me, I had the strangest and most terrible attack. I saw everything double. And my my mouth was so tired that I couldn't hold them up. I couldn't swallow. I felt exactly as if someone was trying to choke me to death. I kept calling for you, Henry. And calling and calling to help me, to save me. I'm sorry, mama. But I'm here now. Yes, dear. You're here and I feel so much safer. Oh, Henry, my darling, don't leave me alone again. I'll try not. I don't want to die alone. And something tells me I will if you're not close by.
Now put another pillow behind my head dear. Help me sit up a little. I still feel a little choked, difficult to breathe. Henry? What are you doing? Just standing, holding
[00:46:44] Unknown:
did through my mind was the answer I might have made to mother's question, what had I been going to do with that pillow? I mean, what might I have done with it? Hammering at the back of my brain was a fellow's line just before he smothered Desdemona. Put out the light and then put out the light. Appalled by the seed that Megan had sown in my head, even more appalled by the thoughts that had sprouted from it. For almost two weeks, I scarcely left the house, conscience stricken and ashamed. I tended my mother hand and foot, resolutely trying to strike Megan out of my mind, but it was no good.
Eventually, I found my way back to her. Come in, Hank. I've been expecting
[00:47:32] Unknown:
you.
[00:47:34] Unknown:
I couldn't stay away.
[00:47:35] Unknown:
I thought you couldn't. How's mama? What?
[00:47:40] Unknown:
Oh, she she's fine.
[00:47:42] Unknown:
She seems better. I'm sorry to hear it. Megan, you don't mean that. But of course I do. She's the only thing that stands between us and the life we want, isn't she? I can't believe you would dare say such things so openly.
[00:47:56] Unknown:
Take that back or I won't be back. I can't.
[00:48:01] Unknown:
But you'll be back, Hank. You'll be back.
[00:48:10] Unknown:
I swore I wouldn't. The pull was too strong. Besides, there was something about the way she looked. Within a week, I was back.
[00:48:22] Unknown:
Come in, Hank. What happened to your key?
[00:48:27] Unknown:
My I forgot it at home. I can't stay long. Oh? How's mama? I don't want to talk about her. What do you want to talk about? You.
[00:48:40] Unknown:
I thought the last time I was here that that you didn't look well. In what way? I thought maybe you you weren't getting enough enough to eat. That isn't what you thought. You thought I looked older and you were right. You see crow's feet coming around my eyes, eyes. Deep wrinkles by my mouth. Soon the flesh will begin to sag. The hair to turn dull. I told you I had a fury about living. I have to take life in gulps and savor it in great bunches because I haven't time. It's passing me by. Only one way you can save me. How? I told you.
Get rid of her.
[00:49:32] Unknown:
Again, I fled and the battle raged inside me tearing me apart. Mother was in a remission herself again, difficult, cantankerous, demanding at her most stifling.
[00:49:42] Unknown:
That last one evening was the climax. What's the matter, Henry? You seem so fidgety.
[00:49:48] Unknown:
I don't know, mama. It seems stifling to me. I I need a breath of fresh air. Oh.
[00:49:52] Unknown:
Well, if it were hard to breathe on anyone, it would be me with my condition. Now just settle down. Plump up my pillows, dear, and then you can read to me.
[00:50:06] Unknown:
I'll be glad to later, but first, you've really got to excuse me. Oh, don't go off and leave me tonight, dearest. But you said you were feeling so well. I am.
[00:50:16] Unknown:
But I'm afraid of being alone. And also, I Also what? I I I don't know. I have the eeriest feeling tonight as if there was someone else in the room. A cold, strange presence. Oh, now give me the pillow, dear. I've just got to get away. From your own mother? Oh, don't be silly. I'll never let my boy go. Now give me the pillow.
[00:50:54] Unknown:
I blacked out. I just don't remember anything. Until suddenly, I was with Megan and her voice came to me as though drifting up as a fog. Kill her.
[00:51:04] Unknown:
Kill her or we have nothing.
[00:51:08] Unknown:
I
[00:51:09] Unknown:
can't. I could kill you for even suggesting it. I'm rooted too deep inside you. You'd have to tear me out, route me out, dig me out like a dandelion root. You'd have to kill me to get rid of me. And you wouldn't dare. You haven't the courage. I warn you. Don't drive me too far. The problem is I haven't driven you far enough. I waited too long and now you see me as ugly. I am ugly. Hideous. If you're ever going to do it, it had better be now while you still have the chance.
[00:51:57] Unknown:
This is the apartment where you killed her? Yes. You say you smothered her with a pillow? That's right. Mhmm.
[00:52:07] Unknown:
Where is she? In there. The bedroom.
[00:52:11] Unknown:
Alright. Stay with them, sergeant. I'll go have a look, see. What is going on here, mister Gerard?
[00:52:17] Unknown:
Oh, missus Clark. Nothing.
[00:52:19] Unknown:
Nothing to bother you. I don't know about that. I do not like the place in my building.
[00:52:24] Unknown:
What has happened? You can ask the sergeant here. Better still, here comes lieutenant Quinn. He can tell you. Excuse me, Lieutenant. I am missus Clark, the landlady.
[00:52:34] Unknown:
I want to know what is going on.
[00:52:37] Unknown:
Yeah. That makes two of us, missus Clark. But what I can find out so far, nothing. Didn't you find Megan? There's no one in that other room either dead or alive, mister Peabody. Peabody? He said his name was Gerard. Oh, now you wonder, missus Clark. If I could have a word with
[00:53:02] Unknown:
you
[00:53:03] Unknown:
first. We took her aside, but not so far that I couldn't overhear what they were saying,
[00:53:08] Unknown:
even if it made no sense. And you're absolutely sure? Mister tenant, I'm a widow woman, and I keep a close eye on all my tenants. I don't have enough problems without them. I thought he was a writer because he came here alone all the time. I can tell you one thing for sure, Lieutenant. There wasn't no woman living there, let alone visiting. I don't stand for none of that nonsense in my house.
[00:53:37] Unknown:
Where have you been, Henry? Does it matter? I think it does. Your, your mother What about mama? Why, she's dead, Henry. The maid called me. She she was dead when I got here. How?
[00:53:53] Unknown:
Respiratory failure. You mean, she just stopped breathing? Well, it's not uncommon
[00:54:08] Unknown:
Smothered? Why? I don't know what you're trying to suggest, lieutenant. Smothered? Why? Well, I can only tell you what my report will be, and I'm quite sure an autopsy wouldn't change it. Cause of death, acute myasthenia gravis resulting in respiratory failure. About the other as a doctor, there never was any woman named Megan. She was a phantom, a figment of my poor friend's disordered brain.
[00:54:43] Unknown:
So long ago, nearly fifty years, physios gone, a lieutenant? Megan? Omar?
[00:54:53] Unknown:
Only I live on.
[00:54:55] Unknown:
For what?
[00:54:57] Unknown:
Oh, I'm happy enough here. I'm not nearly so mad and destroy as they like to thank me. And thank heaven there's enough money. Why do I stay? I'll tell you why. First, because I'll never admit there was no Megan. A man has to have at least one woman to love and cherish and remember in this life. And second, damn if they only knew. I believe I killed someone, smothered her with a pillow when she could breathe no more. If it wasn't Megan, then it could only have been my mother. That's a real horror for which I deserve to be punished.
[00:55:48] Unknown:
To quote from Henry Peabody's favorite poem, The Hound of Heaven, my mangled youth lies dead beneath the heap. My days have crackled and gone up in smoke. And when at last the hound caught up, he said, thou dravest love from thee who dravest me. I'll be back shortly.
[00:57:08] Unknown:
From The United States travel service.
[00:57:22] Unknown:
The mores of any society are a pendulum that swings from side to side under the pressure of events and the changing whim of human sir? Somewhere in the middle would be the best, wouldn't you say? But the pendulum never stops there. Our cast included Erd Hatfield, Patricia Elliott, Ian Martin, and Joan Shea. The entire production is under the direction of Hyman Brown.
[00:58:03] Unknown:
Four.
[00:58:05] Unknown:
Oh, not in the water again. The other guys are gonna think I'm worried about my tax audit, but I'm not. I'm just a lousy golfer. An audit is very straightforward. It's just a check to see if I owe them or they owe me. I keep good records, so there shouldn't be any problem. If I don't agree with the audited, well, I have the right to appeal through the IRS and the courts. Now just reach into the water for my ball.
[00:58:35] Unknown:
Help. And now a preview of our next tale. So you admit there was an argument? It it wasn't an argument exactly. What was it? Nothing. Why were you mad at her? I wasn't mad at her.
[00:58:54] Unknown:
Me and Luisa never argue.
[00:58:57] Unknown:
She wanted me to give up football. She wanted me to give up football, which is why I wound up being cut from the team. That's it. You didn't wanna give up football. She wanted it. She was right. That's why you crashed a car. Will you put me back on the team? What's your name? You know my name. It's Chappy. Once and for all, and for the last time, what's your name? The chopper. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant
[00:59:45] Unknown:
dream.
[01:00:08] Unknown:
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apply. This is it. This is the official radio station for the thirty third annual convention and exposition of the home builders here in WFAA Dallas Fort Worth.
[00:00:46] Unknown:
News, sports, and talk radio for the Metroplex. This is WFAA Dallas Fort Worth.
[00:00:54] Unknown:
CBS News. The call for expelling Jimmy Carter from the American Legion is out of order according to the organization's national commander, but he says that doesn't change the Legion's belief that the president erred in hardening Vietnam War draft evaders. I'm Mike Stanley reporting on the CBS Radio Network. The call for lifting the president's American Legion membership card came from the State American Legion Convention in Hudson, Wisconsin. Delegates voted unanimously for a resolution calling on mister Carter's post number two in America's Georgia to oust him and further urged that he never be allowed membership in the legion again. National commander William Rogers says he was astounded by the action and told CBS News it was out of order. He explained expulsion action must be initiated by a member's own post, then is reviewed by state and national executive committees. But his reputation of the Wisconsin Legion actions, said Rogers, doesn't mean he's changing his assessment that the pardon is socially divisive.
[00:01:51] Unknown:
The American Legion's position is, of course, unchanged. We believe that each case should be tried on an individual basis, whether it be evader or deserter. Mister Carter said that he agreed that the deserter should be tried on a case by case basis, and we think his priorities priorities should go to those millions who did serve their country.
[00:02:19] Unknown:
One of the draft evaders, a Toronto High School Teacher who hasn't returned to this country since 1969, Sunday, saw what it was like to cross the border and walk once again on US soil. Tony Rodriguez visited in Buffalo, and though enjoying being able to do so legally, expressed concern for those still unable to return.
[00:02:38] Unknown:
I really hope that someday they'll be able to see that we have to do that against the war because it was a very bad war, and I certainly hope too that I'm only half of the issue. There's still all those deserters. People I know that's a more serious thing, but I certainly hope that, someday they'll be able to come back also with the same sense of relief.
[00:03:00] Unknown:
Rodriguez went back to Toronto saying it was nice to visit with his friends, but that he wanted to think about the whole experience. A White House spokesman says agriculture secretary Bob Bergland will go to Florida to survey freeze damage to citrus and vegetable crops and discuss the situation with state officials there. Governor Ruben Askew already has declared Florida's agricultural county's disaster areas, and an application for a federal declaration of disaster is expected when further detailing of the extent of damage has been compiled. Milder temperatures, Sunday, reduced pressure on gas and heating oil supplies in most sections of the country. Lingering subzero weather in parts of Ohio, however, impelled governor James Rhodes Sunday night to declare a statewide natural gas emergency.
The order broadens a statewide energy alert he declared in an executive order last week. Ohio's legislature will convene in special session Tuesday to see what it can do about the worst energy crisis in the state's history. Senator Henry Jackson, the Washington Democrat, says he believes congress now is ready to come to grips with setting up an energy department that is Congress now is ready to come to grips with setting up an energy department that is able to operate effectively.
[00:04:05] Unknown:
Our problem in the past have been vetoes, and I think we're over that one now. And I see, are moving, quite rapidly now to reorganize and set up a Department of Energy for the first time in which we can get everything under one roof and then hopefully, an all out effort on conservation. We waste energy right and left. I mean, the worst participant in all of it is the automobile. Detroit has to be told that thou shalt not turn out any more of these gas guzzlers.
[00:04:37] Unknown:
Some 8,600 striking auto workers at General Motors Saginaw steering gear division ratified a new local contract and began returning to work Sunday night. GM officials had feared a lengthy strike in the seven plant complex. Since it's the only facility making steering gears for GM cars, a protracted shutdown there would affect all of the company's other plants. One other GM plant, the one at Doraville, Texas, which turns out a thousand cars a day is shut down because of the gas shortage. Both GM and Chrysler are threatened with more strikes this week over local contract issues. In all, more than 100 United Auto Workers' Union, units have yet to agree on local issues and contract negotiations that began last summer. Now this. I'm Ray Brady of CBS Radio's Today in Business. Every day, Monday through through Friday, my reports on the business scene bring you headline news, background information, sometimes interviews with government industry or investment people, all sorts of items you'll find helpful in understanding national and international business and monetary affairs.
For the latest in current activities and a look toward future trends, tune in today in business, Monday through Friday here on the CBS Radio Network.
[00:05:47] Unknown:
Looks great on you. We'll take in the waste a little bit. This suit has no label. Nobody cares about labels anymore. Nonsense. Why you wouldn't file a tax return without using a label? A tax return label? Sure. The peel off label the Internal Revenue Service sends you with the tax package. It has my name, address, and social security number already on it. Saves time, helps speed my refund. Why don't I just have this tax label sewn right beside your jacket? You can't do that. I need my label to file my return. Now that you mention it though, an embroidered replica would sure be nice. The tailor won't believe this one.
[00:06:18] Unknown:
A number of large companies reportedly have passed the word to the Carter administration that they have billions of dollars ready for capital spending if mister Carter's economic policies prove favorable to business. News Newsweek magazine says the firms, including such biggies as DuPont and AT and T, are looking for more generous tax incentives to spur investment, continual appointments to key regulatory posts, and even eased environmental and job safety rules. The large corporations, according to Newsweek, are holding off on spending the money allocated. Mike Stanley, CBS News.
The future of Dallas depends on you. New goals for Dallas are being formulated now. A series of neighborhood meetings to get your opinions on the new goals are being held.
[00:07:00] Unknown:
Attend one of these meetings and participate in the future of Dallas. How do you feel about questions facing us, like the possibility of establishing a mechanism for qualified and representative people from the private sector to review the Dallas City budget then report back to the citizens, or the revitalization of the central business district in inner city neighborhoods to stimulate the economy. How do you feel about the establishment of a regional transportation authority to finance and operate major inner city systems? These are just three of the proposed goals for Dallas.
Are many others, and perhaps you have some to suggest. You can really make a difference in the future of Dallas by attending one of the neighborhood meetings on the new goals for Dallas. All comments received will be used to revise the goals to reflect the views of the people who take part. Let your voice be heard. Call 741-1738 to sign up for a meeting in your area.
[00:07:52] Unknown:
We're something brand new walking down your street. Why don't you walk along with us? We're News Talk Radio fifty seven, WFAA, Dallas Fort Worth.
[00:08:04] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall. We live in a permissive era. No holds barred. All the taboos are swept away. Anything goes, and the sky is the limit. Do you sometimes yearn a little for an older day with a rigid code of living and an automatic acceptance of certain standards? The flag, the Marines, our country, right or wrong, and mother with a capital m. Let's ponder that as we listen to this story.
[00:08:59] Unknown:
I don't want it to be this way, Megan. But that's how it must be if it is to be. And why not Hank if you want to take the risk? What risk? Oh, don't worry, my sober sided Philadelphian. I won't blow any whistles on you. I'll be glad to be your handmaiden. But what will you be to me?
[00:09:22] Unknown:
Your slave. Your willing slave.
[00:09:25] Unknown:
Remember that. I may call you to account one day.
[00:09:39] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, The Living Corpse, was written especially for the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars Heard Hatfield. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. It is a magic moment. You are at your Buick dealers about to drive home in your brand new Buick LeSabre. It's lean and trim, classic lines. It looks quite unlike any full size Buick you can remember. You get in. A heavy new car smell surrounds you. Your LaSaver feels the way it looks. Tight. You turn the wheel a little. No wasted motion in this car.
Big brushed metallic gauges look back at you. That v six engine is doing great. You rub your hand on the seat. Six people could be really comfortable in here. You swing in your driveway. You wipe the kids, the dog, everyone with the parakeet descends in the car and gets in. Off you go to nowhere in particular. Life and your new VASAVER are great. Maybe the dog shouldn't sit on the seats.
[00:11:07] Unknown:
How do you do?
[00:11:09] Unknown:
And now a tale of what happened when last I walked these streets.
[00:11:14] Unknown:
Oh, dear.
[00:11:15] Unknown:
Oh, dear. Oh, what's the matter? May I help you, madam? I'm the man from the Better Business Bureau helping consumers with their problems. Maybe you have one. Maybe you can help me. I have so many bills. I don't know how to pay them. I'm afraid to answer the phone. What am I going to do? Now don't be afraid of the phone. Use it. Call the people who are done in you. Perhaps you can work out a revised payment plan which will satisfy them and take the pressure off you. Oh, thank you.
[00:11:46] Unknown:
Now can you give me some money for a phone call?
[00:11:50] Unknown:
And that's the way it was.
[00:12:08] Unknown:
Philadelphia didn't just happen. It was planned. Two main streets, Broad and Market, bisecting each other at the center of town. Four squares in each quadrant, of which the only one we need pause to consider is Rittenhouse Square. To own a house on Rittenhouse Square was to be the creme de la creme of Philadelphia society, and so by extension of the world. The Peabody House has been there since the square was built, and the family has never lived anywhere else. Why should they? After all, where else is anywhere?
[00:12:53] Unknown:
My name is Henry Gerard Flower Peabody. Most everyone says I was born middle aged, not to my face, of course. But I don't think I'm necessarily so stodgy. I'm a product of a very special society by birth and breeding. And naturally, a certain decorum must be observed. But even though I was born in another century, I think I've kept up pretty well with the one in which I've lived 70 surprised to know that I wasn't at all what I seemed. I'm not sure if I'm surprised to know that I wasn't at all what I seemed.
[00:13:34] Unknown:
Yeah? What do you want?
[00:13:37] Unknown:
May I ask to whom I'm speaking? I'm returned Quinn, chief of homicide. Who will they do for you? A citizen of our fair city in pursuit of his duty. My name is Henry Gerard Flower Peabody the Chiffs. Good lord. There are more of you. The name travels in the family.
[00:13:53] Unknown:
Hey. Now wait a minute. You don't mean the Henry Peabody. I mean the son of look. You mean your mother is missus Peabody? I should certainly hope so. That lives on Written House Square, the the philanthropist like that gave all their millions to the church and charities and all like that? The same. Well, well, sit right down, mister Peabody.
[00:14:15] Unknown:
Now what can I do for you? I don't believe I feel exactly like sitting. You see,
[00:14:20] Unknown:
I want to report a murder. How about that? You've seen one committed? That's right. You know the victim? Of course. And the name? Megan. Megan?
[00:14:32] Unknown:
That's all? I don't know any other name. Just Megan. Well, a man or a woman? Don't be silly. A woman, of course. It means child of light. What, Megan. It's short for Margaret in in Welsh.
[00:14:45] Unknown:
Oh, is that a fact? Any idea who the perpetrator was?
[00:14:51] Unknown:
I am the murderer.
[00:14:55] Unknown:
But that was such a very long time ago. Forty four no. Forty five years ago. And I'm starting with the end of my life. Perhaps I should start a little closer to the beginning. I was born in 1897 when William McKinley was in his first term. A Republican, naturally. In nineteen o one, when mister McKinley was assassinated and Teddy Roosevelt became president, I was five years old. And in 1915, when the Germans sank the Lusitania, I was 19, which made me old enough to be one of the first to sign up when America entered World War one two years later. Mother made quite a fuss.
[00:15:37] Unknown:
I just can't believe it. How dare you, Henry? It was my duty to my country. But without consulting me first? Mother, I am a man now. There's no need for you to go over to those backward countries with their dreadful plumbing while there's a war on. It's too late. I've already signed up and I'm of age. Oh, don't be silly. Jack Pershing is an old acquaintance of your poor dead father's. All it will take is a word from me. No, mother.
[00:16:03] Unknown:
What did you say? No, mama. I can't back out now. It isn't just me. It's my whole class. Class is just the point. There's no need for I meant my college class. Look, I couldn't back out on Fizzy.
[00:16:18] Unknown:
Lambert Fizzdale has signed up too? I thought he was going to be a doctor. Well, that can wait.
[00:16:24] Unknown:
And what about your degree? That can wait too. Mama, there's no use arguing with me this time. I've made up my mind.
[00:16:31] Unknown:
Just the stubbornness Henry the fourth, your dead father. Oh, it all comes from that man in the White House being a Princeton graduate, Wilson. Naturally, he got us into the war. He's a Democrat. Now it's up to us Republicans to get us out of it. That's not fair. Nevertheless, it is true, and it's the way I feel.
[00:16:59] Unknown:
As you can see, mother was quite formidable. But there wasn't any use in arguing with her. Usually, it was easier to submit with good grace, but not this time. This time, I was going to have my way. Mother always reminded me of the joke. You can always tell a Harvard man, but you can't tell him much. Well, a Philadelphia Mainliner Dowager is in the same boat. You see, three years of college, my army service, and then back to college to graduate taught me that what was inside me didn't exactly go with my stayed sober outsides. Funny now, Fizz was absolutely different even though he planned to be a doctor.
[00:17:41] Unknown:
Well, Henry, I'm certainly glad that's all done. What's over, Fizzy, old bean? The war. What war? The one we've just Henry, are you inebriated?
[00:17:51] Unknown:
Not on your tintype, dear, fearless fizzy of the Viking fusiliers. Anyway, if I were, I'd be drunk, not inebriated.
[00:17:58] Unknown:
Do you mean the war we never got to fight? Well, that was hardly our fault. Of course, it wasn't.
[00:18:04] Unknown:
Do you know, I suppose I should be ashamed, but I'm not glad it's over, not one bit. I never expected to feel so free and and emancipated ever. Now that's a peculiar thing to say. Why? Isn't it time I was? Don't Don't you want to be? Well, I don't consider myself enslaved. Alright. You finish your moxie and I'll down my beer and let's go over to Aunt Molly's together. Aunt Molly's? Well, you must be off your rocker. Why that's A house of ill reviewed, Now that all depends on the point of view. I've never heard it anything but highly recommended, and I can vouch for that myself. Obviously, you can't handle your liquor.
Oh, stop being such a stuffed shirt, Fizzy. You're going to be a doctor. You mustn't flinch at anything that has to do with the flesh. It's a new world and a liberated one. There's no need to be course.
[00:18:50] Unknown:
First of all, you are talking to an engaged man. Second, you're a Philadelphian and ought to know better.
[00:18:55] Unknown:
And last, you know that aunt Morris is off limits to an arrested man. You're write about the first and the last, but the second question is gravely open to doubt or vice versa. You see, I now consider myself an American at large. Henry P. Butler, you know what I think? What?
[00:19:10] Unknown:
I think the sooner you get back to Rittenhouse Square and your dear mother, the better off you'll be.
[00:19:21] Unknown:
Oh, dear Fizzy. I couldn't have agreed with you less. I'd had my taste of how the other half lived and had lingered sweet and pungent in the mouth and in all the vitals. I'm afraid those first two years after the war, I was both an enigma and a terrifying inexplicable burden to my mother. But I felt that my cutting of her apron strings was something we both had to face until that terrible day when her life began to come to an end. Darling, what is it? What's happened? I
[00:19:53] Unknown:
I I I don't know. I I've been getting rather tired these days for some reason and Henry, help me up. Oh, this is most unseemly. Mama, what is it? I don't know. Oh, it's just like doctor Parker Garvin to go and die on me.
[00:20:16] Unknown:
At my age, I'm much too old to start with another doctor. Mama, I won't let you not have one. Tell you what, I'll call Fizzy. He can give you a look see. Lambert Fizzy? Oh, but he's only a boy like you. You may not have noticed, but boys tend to grow up. Fizzy just passed his exams. He's been at Pennsylvania for his internship.
[00:20:46] Unknown:
Family. Why don't we ask him to tea? Say tomorrow or the next day?
[00:20:58] Unknown:
And Fizzy came to tea very proper in a pearl gray suit with a lavender tie and linen spats. Mother had what they have a name for nowadays, myasthenia gravis. Terminal and progressively more and more limiting, needing almost constant nursing and supportive care. And most important of all, affection, cheer, and love to keep the spirits up and the feeling of despair down. I had found a kind of freedom, only to lose it for the next ten years or so, and I have never regretted it. Because in a peculiar way, it way there across Rittenhouse Square that evening when all of a sudden Oh. Oh. Oh.
[00:21:53] Unknown:
Oh. I'm sorry. I haven't had much practice.
[00:22:00] Unknown:
You mean in knocking people down? Here. Here, let me help you a while. Oh, no.
[00:22:04] Unknown:
No. Thank you. No. Oh, I meant in riding a bicycle. Well, I should think not. Are you hurt? Oh, no. No. I never get hurt. Oh, but you, sir, are you? I don't think so, miss, sir. My name is Megan. Miss Megan? No. Megan. Just Megan.
[00:22:29] Unknown:
Megan. I was wounded to the heart,
[00:22:33] Unknown:
stricken with love at first sight. Oh, Megan. Megan. You are a taste in my mouth like spring strawberries, a smell like early hyacinth. A sound in my ears of my blood coursing through my veins. You are the beginning and the end, a symbol of life and death, yours and mine together. You were the best thing that ever happened to me and the worst. I cannot think of you as evil, and yet, you were born to destroy.
[00:23:12] Unknown:
Megan, a strange and lovely name to taste on the tongue. Who was she? Where did she come from suddenly? And how was she to affect the life of a man wrapped in a cocoon from which he ached to escape?
[00:23:29] Unknown:
I shall return shortly with Act Two. 50 five? Man, you gotta be kidding. My car won't run right at 55, and I get better mileage when I go faster. Come on, you're gonna have to have a better reason than that. Alright. In the first full year, the 55 mile an hour speed limit law was on the books. Ninety one hundred and fifty four fewer people died on the highways than in the last year at higher speeds. Nine thousand one hundred and fifty four people didn't die? This station, the US Department of Transportation, and the Advertising Council reminds you to drive 55. It's a law we can live with.
[00:24:02] Unknown:
I'm Hyman Brown, producer director of the Radio Mystery Theater. For four years now, we have been thrilling you with our haunting tales. Beginning Saturday, February 5, we have something new for your children, your neighbor's children, and you. We'll take you into the realm of high adventure on a brand new series. Remember, adventure will be yours beginning Saturday, February 5 on this station.
[00:24:31] Unknown:
Hello. This is Julius Irving. When I'm on the court, I can't allow myself to be distracted by anything because basketball is a game of total concentration. The work of the March of Dimes also involves total concentration. The March of Dimes is concentrating on how to solve the nation's child health problem, birth defects. And that's something that should concern all of us who want a healthy future for our children. As the facts stand now, more than two hundred and fifty thousand babies are born each year in this country with birth defects, but there is hope. The March of Dimes is supporting research programs that may one day find the means to protect the unborn and newborn from birth defects.
Researchers have already found ways to prevent some birth defects. I believe that with our help, yours and mine, the battle can be won. So please help the March of Dimes efforts and ensure a healthy birthday for all babies. Be as generous as you can and give to the March of Dimes. Thank you.
[00:25:42] Unknown:
It It was Prospero, the magician in Shakespeare's play, The Tempest, who said that we are such stuff as dreams are made on. But he also went on to add, and our little lives are ended with
[00:26:13] Unknown:
story, not mine.
[00:26:19] Unknown:
All those years ago, and I have only just shut my eyes, and the memory of Megan is as bright and clear as it was that first moment I met her. Was she tall, short, blonde, brunette brown eyed, or blue eyed? I can't answer you. Not because I don't remember, but only because I seem to remember she was awe or any of those. She was woman. She was desire, and she was glowing with an inner light that seemed to me to be the answer to all life and love. Megan, it's a lovely
[00:27:08] Unknown:
Peabody. Peabody. Well, Henry Peabody. Henry. You know what that means, don't you? No. I I mean, what what does it mean? The ruler of an enclosure of private property. It does. It does. Does it fit you?
[00:27:26] Unknown:
I suppose in a way.
[00:27:27] Unknown:
That's your picture of yourself? Well, perhaps not what I want to be, what I am. Henry. The name has other derivations. Teutonic. Hagen. You know what Hagen means? No. It means fierce warrior. Do you feel fierce, Henry?
[00:27:48] Unknown:
I feel
[00:27:49] Unknown:
a little embarrassed. I guess that isn't very fierce. If you don't feel fierce, what do you feel?
[00:27:56] Unknown:
Hard to say. I'm
[00:27:58] Unknown:
for the moment, I'm lost. Then let me help you find yourself. Your real self. Let's go. Where? Anywhere. See what we can find together. Bring the bicycle.
[00:28:12] Unknown:
Yes. Of course. Where are we going? Where the four winds
[00:28:16] Unknown:
blow us. Where were you going? I, To Aunt Molly's. The house across Walnut Street. What do you know about that? I know a lot I shouldn't know and I wish I knew more than I've been allowed to. Who are you? What's your whole name? Megan. That's all. Enough. Take me as I am or not at all. No. I know. Let's go skinny dip in the fountain. What? You heard me. I'm going. Take off your clothes and join me. I can't, Meghan. I can't. You can do anything you want if you're
[00:28:55] Unknown:
only fierce enough, Henry. That is insane. What would my mother or anyone say? A Peabody bathing nude in the fountain in Rittenhouse Square? Try and shed your Philadelphia
[00:29:05] Unknown:
crust. Shuck it like a snakeskin skin and be who you are. Who you want to be. Want to be. Want to be.
[00:29:25] Unknown:
Hello? May I ask, this is doctor Fizdale. Who? Henry Peabody, indecent explode? Well, I I I, of course, I'll be right down, arranged to burn them out. Well, it's all arranged, Henry. You're free to come home.
[00:29:47] Unknown:
But what on earth possessed you to What happened to Megan? Who? Megan.
[00:29:52] Unknown:
The girl who was with me when I was arrested. Henry, there was no one with you. You were all alone in your birthday suit paddling in the fountain when you were arrested. I was alone? Is that all you're worried about? Have you seen the coverage in the bulletin? Did mother? So far, I hope not. It's enough to send anyone into into a decline. Now my advice is to pay the fine, hush it up, and get back to the center track. You mean the main line? If they'll let you climb aboard. Henry, what possessed you? A girl who summed up all I was missing in life, and maybe you, Fizzy. Well, speak for yourself, Henry. I'm not in the process of going loony. What does that mean going loony? I suggest you take a good, long, hard look at yourself and then ask me that question again.
Now let's get into old Lizzie, and I'll drive you home.
[00:30:44] Unknown:
If you'd asked me then, I suppose I'd have thought of it as my bill of divorcement, a term that was current. Certainly, from that moment on, I was cut off from, oh, not exactly ostracized, but just avoided by most of my acquaintances. I didn't care, actually. I had the long tribulation of mother, and here, I'm only speaking of the physical problem
[00:31:17] Unknown:
sir? I wish you wouldn't call me that. Oh, do you? Would you rather rather I said Henridge or Oddflower Peabody Fit? You know I don't like that either. And I don't like it neither. That's why I call you Hank.
[00:31:30] Unknown:
Alright. Hank it is. Only.
[00:31:34] Unknown:
Only what? Only
[00:31:37] Unknown:
Only I these chance meetings in the park, it's not enough, Meghan. There must be there has to be more between us. Why, Hank, are you making a proposal? No. Well, I all I meant was can't we meet meet somewhere else?
[00:31:50] Unknown:
You should shun me, Henry. Why? Because I'm not safe. You don't know me or anything about me.
[00:31:59] Unknown:
Megan, I want to take you home to meet my mother. Oh,
[00:32:03] Unknown:
I don't think so. I don't think she could ever see me for dust. Why not? I have no family, no background. I'm not very safe at all. You want to take a girl home to meet mother, mother, take Prudence Holmes or Deborah Williams. I don't want Prudence or any other girl. I want You want what? Me?
[00:32:26] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:32:27] Unknown:
Oh, Henry. Ruler of the enclosure. Be careful. I'm very dangerous. Who knows who I am? I might be Bronn then, the love goddess, or from Glen Cook in the Southwest County of Dufed. Should you look below my left arm for the blue half moon mark of the witch? Or maybe if you listen too close, you might find me one of the three birds of Rhiannon. Oh, what? Did you ever hear Telosome? Their song was so sweet that they could sing the dead to life. Or put the living into the sleep of death. Don't I worry you, Henry? Don't I frighten you?
[00:33:15] Unknown:
No. You only make me love you more. I want to be with you. Live my life with you. Are you sure?
[00:33:23] Unknown:
It wouldn't be easy. I have no conscience, you know.
[00:33:30] Unknown:
Is that why you left me alone with a bicycle and not a stitch of clothing waiting in that pool?
[00:33:36] Unknown:
Oh, poor Henry the fifth. What did you say when the policeman
[00:33:40] Unknown:
got you once more into the breach? I'd rather have said once more into the britches, but that's passed and done. We've seen each other enough since then. Megan Megan, there has to be a way I can spend time with you. How then? I I've taken a little apartment on Chatham Street. Could we could we meet there? Or better still Better still,
[00:34:01] Unknown:
would I move in and be there for you to come to? I don't want it to be this way, but I But that's how it must be if it is to be. Well, why not, Hank? If you want to take the risk. Risk? What risk? Oh, don't worry my sober sided Philadelphian. I won't blow any whistles on you. I'll be glad to be your handmaiden. But what will you be to me?
[00:34:33] Unknown:
Your slave, Megan. Your willing
[00:34:37] Unknown:
slave. Remember that. I may call you to account one day.
[00:34:47] Unknown:
It was only three flights up. Philadelphia's old red brick houses don't run the many stories, and we had the Top Floor. Megan and I. Oh, it wasn't what you might think. Just a place to be alone, to grow drunk on the fragrance of her. To live a dream, richer and more satisfying and soothing than any distillation of poppy seed or that bitter derivative of the cocoa plant cocaine. A shield against the world that battered me every day. Henry? Henry? Yes, mother?
[00:35:22] Unknown:
Where do you keep disappearing to? You're never about when I want you. I'm sorry. Far be it for me to complain although I am dying by inches. I don't expect you to be at my beck and call every instance, of course. But these long absences, where do you go? What do you do? I have to get out of the house now and again, mother. Naturally, of course.
[00:35:48] Unknown:
But you always seem to pick the moments I feel my worst.
[00:35:52] Unknown:
One of these days during one of these unexplained absences I'll slip away. And you'll never forgive yourself. I hope for not being here to brush back the angel of death. If I at least knew where to reach you. Well,
[00:36:11] Unknown:
sometimes I'm I'm just taking a walk or having lunch with someone like, like Fizzy. Don't mention Lambert Fizdeo's name in this house. He's the one who made a chronic invalid out of me. Mama, he only diagnosed your problem. He didn't give it to you. You mustn't think you're dying. I have no intention
[00:36:31] Unknown:
not doing so. Let the spirit. You'll outlive us all. Well, I don't know about that. But I do plan to live out my three score in 10. And that gives me a long time to go.
[00:36:47] Unknown:
I felt sick to my stomach at the thoughts that raced through my head. She probably would. And it was an eternally long time, and I was trapped. Hopelessly trapped. I carried a splitting headache with me to Chatham Street, and it was a long time alone with my darling. My head on her lap, her hand gently stroking my brow before I felt the tension beginning to ease.
[00:37:12] Unknown:
Feeling better, Hank?
[00:37:14] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:37:16] Unknown:
Oh, you've got to do something about it, you know.
[00:37:20] Unknown:
Something about what? Mama.
[00:37:24] Unknown:
If you want to have me or anyone like me.
[00:37:29] Unknown:
What are you talking
[00:37:30] Unknown:
about? You know, there's no use taking me home to meet her. She wouldn't understand about you. And if mama doesn't understand, you can't run away, can you?
[00:37:41] Unknown:
She has the money. I have no job. I don't know what kind I could get but whatever it was, it would be a long time before. We've been all over this before
[00:37:51] Unknown:
ad nauseam, Hank. You know as well as I do. There's only one way to make Mama loose the purse strings. How? For her to die.
[00:38:03] Unknown:
Myasthenia gravis, there's no definite prognosis. There are constant remissions and the progress is slow. There's no telling when that will happen.
[00:38:12] Unknown:
Oh, yes. There is. What do you mean? Well, if she won't die by herself, you'll just have to arrange it for her, Hank.
[00:38:36] Unknown:
And as poor Henry stares at her calm, untroubled face in horror, aware of all the sensual promise of his beloved, drawn irresistibly to her with desire, I think we should leave him to digest her shocking suggestion until I return shortly with Act Three. It's athletes versus MS, multiple sclerosis.
[00:38:59] Unknown:
This is Frank Gifford with the word on the fight against MS. Athletes from every sport are banding together to do everything they can to help stop the great crippler of young adults. MS strikes in the prime years, usually between the ages of 20 and 40. The best years in the life of an athlete, in the life of anyone. When fathers are trying to carve out a career, young mothers are trying to raise a family. Well, the sports world is fighting back against MS. People like Brooks Robinson, Tom Severn, Eddie Arcaro. Right. This is Eddie Arcaro. Before now, the only team I've been part of is me and my horse, which isn't bad when you're riding such greats as Citation and Whirlaway. But I've joined the athletes versus MS team because I know what this great crippler can do to a strong, healthy body.
There may not be a cure for MS as yet, but there is hope through research. So join us. Support the work of your local chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Thanks very much.
[00:40:00] Unknown:
Do you realize you're slowly becoming part of the fastest growing minority in this country? What? Would you mind standing up for a minute? Hey, hey, hey, where you going with my rocker? Are you willing to take old age sitting down? Sitting! You are going to be old some day, and you're going to have to face the same problems older people face today. What is this, some kind of joke? If you think it's funny now, wait a few years. I don't understand. The older you get, the fewer opportunities you'll have. You might even be deprived of your ability to make your own decisions. What can I do about it? Change your attitudes about aging. Try and imagine what you'll want to do, what you'll want to contribute. Oh, I don't I bet you didn't have to take my rocking chair to prove your point, did you? You have to get off your rocker and stand up. Stand up, or be prepared to sit back and rock your life away. Oh, I see what you mean. Now this message has been brought to you as a public service by this station, the advertising council and the national council on the aging. Thank you.
[00:41:08] Unknown:
Murder? Is that what the ethereal Megan is suggesting? Is she perhaps after all, as she herself hinted, a descendant in the second decade of the twentieth century of some ancient line of Welsh witches? Or is she just a Welsh girl from West Philadelphia on a predatory quest for a rich man, or for that matter, any girl who just is trying to create an air of mystery to gain what? Wealth, social position, power?
[00:41:43] Unknown:
Even today, across that gap of nearly half a century, the stinging shock that jogged me as I faced Megan and her amazing suggestion still sears and burns.
[00:41:54] Unknown:
Why not? She's going to die.
[00:41:57] Unknown:
But in her own good time. What's good about it?
[00:42:01] Unknown:
It could take years and we're not growing any younger either of us. Stop it. Stop it. Don't say that. Oh, sooner or later you're going to have to face it and make your decision. No. No, ma'am. Yes. Yes. And it will have to be sooner, Hank. Sooner than soonest. I told you. I can't wait for life to come to me. It's flipping past too fast. I have to go out and grab it. Gobble it up while I could still digest it. Catch it before it passes me by. I won't listen to you anymore. I'm not going to stay. No. You can't run away from me, Hank. I have you in my spell. You can't get away. I can and I will. The faster you run, the closer I'll be on your heels. You can't get away. Never.
Never. Until she's dead.
[00:42:55] Unknown:
I fled as if I were pursued by the hound of heaven. I was smothering, suffocating, my stomach churning, her laughter ringing in my ears. And then I was out in the front door, stumbling blindly into the street, the door closing behind me. Careless of my my usual precautions, before leaving that secret clandestine rendezvous and running full tilt into Fizzy before I could stop myself. Good fall, man. But why don't you look where you go?
[00:43:20] Unknown:
For heaven's sake, Henley Peabody, where have you been hiding yourself lately? Sorry, Fizzy. Excellent. I didn't see where I was going. Can't stop. I Oh, you, Lord, if you'd seen a ghost, whatever it is, you're in shock, Henley. We've got to get you at least sitting down for a moment. Now come on now. Lean on me. I'm taking charge for the moment. Now go ahead.
[00:43:45] Unknown:
Finish that brandy. I'm not sure I Do as you're told.
[00:43:51] Unknown:
You just sit back and let me loosen your tie. There. Let me see. No fever, but your pulse is racing as if you'd had an electric shock.
[00:44:02] Unknown:
What on earth happened to you? Something I can't talk to you about. Oh, what are you doing in this part of town anyway? Please don't question me. Now don't tell me, Henry, you have a mistress stashed away in a little love nest. I I'm not going to tell you anything. I I can't visit. I wouldn't dare. But it's all in confidence. I wish I could ask for for help, but I can't. There's no way. I'm speaking first as a doctor. I don't need a doctor. Well, then as a friend. Or a friend.
[00:44:29] Unknown:
And I'm telling you, you do. I don't know what's happening to you, Henry, but you're a nervous wreck. Someone has to help you. No. No one can do that but myself.
[00:44:40] Unknown:
No one.
[00:44:44] Unknown:
Henry? Henry? Oh, where is that boy? Henry? I'm not here, mama. Oh, yes. But where have you been all afternoon? I've had everyone hunting high and low for you and no one could find a trace. I, I was with Fizzy. We had something to talk over.
[00:45:03] Unknown:
About me? No. No, mother. We You're sure? Well, I why dear?
[00:45:10] Unknown:
Because just about an hour ago, not so long after you left me, I had the strangest and most terrible attack. I saw everything double. And my my mouth was so tired that I couldn't hold them up. I couldn't swallow. I felt exactly as if someone was trying to choke me to death. I kept calling for you, Henry. And calling and calling to help me, to save me. I'm sorry, mama. But I'm here now. Yes, dear. You're here and I feel so much safer. Oh, Henry, my darling, don't leave me alone again. I'll try not. I don't want to die alone. And something tells me I will if you're not close by.
Now put another pillow behind my head dear. Help me sit up a little. I still feel a little choked, difficult to breathe. Henry? What are you doing? Just standing, holding
[00:46:44] Unknown:
did through my mind was the answer I might have made to mother's question, what had I been going to do with that pillow? I mean, what might I have done with it? Hammering at the back of my brain was a fellow's line just before he smothered Desdemona. Put out the light and then put out the light. Appalled by the seed that Megan had sown in my head, even more appalled by the thoughts that had sprouted from it. For almost two weeks, I scarcely left the house, conscience stricken and ashamed. I tended my mother hand and foot, resolutely trying to strike Megan out of my mind, but it was no good.
Eventually, I found my way back to her. Come in, Hank. I've been expecting
[00:47:32] Unknown:
you.
[00:47:34] Unknown:
I couldn't stay away.
[00:47:35] Unknown:
I thought you couldn't. How's mama? What?
[00:47:40] Unknown:
Oh, she she's fine.
[00:47:42] Unknown:
She seems better. I'm sorry to hear it. Megan, you don't mean that. But of course I do. She's the only thing that stands between us and the life we want, isn't she? I can't believe you would dare say such things so openly.
[00:47:56] Unknown:
Take that back or I won't be back. I can't.
[00:48:01] Unknown:
But you'll be back, Hank. You'll be back.
[00:48:10] Unknown:
I swore I wouldn't. The pull was too strong. Besides, there was something about the way she looked. Within a week, I was back.
[00:48:22] Unknown:
Come in, Hank. What happened to your key?
[00:48:27] Unknown:
My I forgot it at home. I can't stay long. Oh? How's mama? I don't want to talk about her. What do you want to talk about? You.
[00:48:40] Unknown:
I thought the last time I was here that that you didn't look well. In what way? I thought maybe you you weren't getting enough enough to eat. That isn't what you thought. You thought I looked older and you were right. You see crow's feet coming around my eyes, eyes. Deep wrinkles by my mouth. Soon the flesh will begin to sag. The hair to turn dull. I told you I had a fury about living. I have to take life in gulps and savor it in great bunches because I haven't time. It's passing me by. Only one way you can save me. How? I told you.
Get rid of her.
[00:49:32] Unknown:
Again, I fled and the battle raged inside me tearing me apart. Mother was in a remission herself again, difficult, cantankerous, demanding at her most stifling.
[00:49:42] Unknown:
That last one evening was the climax. What's the matter, Henry? You seem so fidgety.
[00:49:48] Unknown:
I don't know, mama. It seems stifling to me. I I need a breath of fresh air. Oh.
[00:49:52] Unknown:
Well, if it were hard to breathe on anyone, it would be me with my condition. Now just settle down. Plump up my pillows, dear, and then you can read to me.
[00:50:06] Unknown:
I'll be glad to later, but first, you've really got to excuse me. Oh, don't go off and leave me tonight, dearest. But you said you were feeling so well. I am.
[00:50:16] Unknown:
But I'm afraid of being alone. And also, I Also what? I I I don't know. I have the eeriest feeling tonight as if there was someone else in the room. A cold, strange presence. Oh, now give me the pillow, dear. I've just got to get away. From your own mother? Oh, don't be silly. I'll never let my boy go. Now give me the pillow.
[00:50:54] Unknown:
I blacked out. I just don't remember anything. Until suddenly, I was with Megan and her voice came to me as though drifting up as a fog. Kill her.
[00:51:04] Unknown:
Kill her or we have nothing.
[00:51:08] Unknown:
I
[00:51:09] Unknown:
can't. I could kill you for even suggesting it. I'm rooted too deep inside you. You'd have to tear me out, route me out, dig me out like a dandelion root. You'd have to kill me to get rid of me. And you wouldn't dare. You haven't the courage. I warn you. Don't drive me too far. The problem is I haven't driven you far enough. I waited too long and now you see me as ugly. I am ugly. Hideous. If you're ever going to do it, it had better be now while you still have the chance.
[00:51:57] Unknown:
This is the apartment where you killed her? Yes. You say you smothered her with a pillow? That's right. Mhmm.
[00:52:07] Unknown:
Where is she? In there. The bedroom.
[00:52:11] Unknown:
Alright. Stay with them, sergeant. I'll go have a look, see. What is going on here, mister Gerard?
[00:52:17] Unknown:
Oh, missus Clark. Nothing.
[00:52:19] Unknown:
Nothing to bother you. I don't know about that. I do not like the place in my building.
[00:52:24] Unknown:
What has happened? You can ask the sergeant here. Better still, here comes lieutenant Quinn. He can tell you. Excuse me, Lieutenant. I am missus Clark, the landlady.
[00:52:34] Unknown:
I want to know what is going on.
[00:52:37] Unknown:
Yeah. That makes two of us, missus Clark. But what I can find out so far, nothing. Didn't you find Megan? There's no one in that other room either dead or alive, mister Peabody. Peabody? He said his name was Gerard. Oh, now you wonder, missus Clark. If I could have a word with
[00:53:02] Unknown:
you
[00:53:03] Unknown:
first. We took her aside, but not so far that I couldn't overhear what they were saying,
[00:53:08] Unknown:
even if it made no sense. And you're absolutely sure? Mister tenant, I'm a widow woman, and I keep a close eye on all my tenants. I don't have enough problems without them. I thought he was a writer because he came here alone all the time. I can tell you one thing for sure, Lieutenant. There wasn't no woman living there, let alone visiting. I don't stand for none of that nonsense in my house.
[00:53:37] Unknown:
Where have you been, Henry? Does it matter? I think it does. Your, your mother What about mama? Why, she's dead, Henry. The maid called me. She she was dead when I got here. How?
[00:53:53] Unknown:
Respiratory failure. You mean, she just stopped breathing? Well, it's not uncommon
[00:54:08] Unknown:
Smothered? Why? I don't know what you're trying to suggest, lieutenant. Smothered? Why? Well, I can only tell you what my report will be, and I'm quite sure an autopsy wouldn't change it. Cause of death, acute myasthenia gravis resulting in respiratory failure. About the other as a doctor, there never was any woman named Megan. She was a phantom, a figment of my poor friend's disordered brain.
[00:54:43] Unknown:
So long ago, nearly fifty years, physios gone, a lieutenant? Megan? Omar?
[00:54:53] Unknown:
Only I live on.
[00:54:55] Unknown:
For what?
[00:54:57] Unknown:
Oh, I'm happy enough here. I'm not nearly so mad and destroy as they like to thank me. And thank heaven there's enough money. Why do I stay? I'll tell you why. First, because I'll never admit there was no Megan. A man has to have at least one woman to love and cherish and remember in this life. And second, damn if they only knew. I believe I killed someone, smothered her with a pillow when she could breathe no more. If it wasn't Megan, then it could only have been my mother. That's a real horror for which I deserve to be punished.
[00:55:48] Unknown:
To quote from Henry Peabody's favorite poem, The Hound of Heaven, my mangled youth lies dead beneath the heap. My days have crackled and gone up in smoke. And when at last the hound caught up, he said, thou dravest love from thee who dravest me. I'll be back shortly.
[00:57:08] Unknown:
From The United States travel service.
[00:57:22] Unknown:
The mores of any society are a pendulum that swings from side to side under the pressure of events and the changing whim of human sir? Somewhere in the middle would be the best, wouldn't you say? But the pendulum never stops there. Our cast included Erd Hatfield, Patricia Elliott, Ian Martin, and Joan Shea. The entire production is under the direction of Hyman Brown.
[00:58:03] Unknown:
Four.
[00:58:05] Unknown:
Oh, not in the water again. The other guys are gonna think I'm worried about my tax audit, but I'm not. I'm just a lousy golfer. An audit is very straightforward. It's just a check to see if I owe them or they owe me. I keep good records, so there shouldn't be any problem. If I don't agree with the audited, well, I have the right to appeal through the IRS and the courts. Now just reach into the water for my ball.
[00:58:35] Unknown:
Help. And now a preview of our next tale. So you admit there was an argument? It it wasn't an argument exactly. What was it? Nothing. Why were you mad at her? I wasn't mad at her.
[00:58:54] Unknown:
Me and Luisa never argue.
[00:58:57] Unknown:
She wanted me to give up football. She wanted me to give up football, which is why I wound up being cut from the team. That's it. You didn't wanna give up football. She wanted it. She was right. That's why you crashed a car. Will you put me back on the team? What's your name? You know my name. It's Chappy. Once and for all, and for the last time, what's your name? The chopper. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant
[00:59:45] Unknown:
dream.
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Introduction to the Convention
Controversy Surrounding Jimmy Carter
Energy Crisis in Ohio
Automotive Industry Strikes
Economic Policies and Business Investments
CBS Radio Mystery Theater Introduction
The Peabody Family Legacy
Post-War Adjustments
Megan: A Mysterious Encounter
A Proposal and a Risk
The Final Decision
