In this thrilling episode of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater, hosted by EG Marshall, we delve into the intricate web of deceit, betrayal, and murder in "The Talking Women." The story begins with Robert Bayswell, a man caught in the complexities of a double life, as he navigates his commitments between his wife and his mistress, Lolly Harbison. As tensions rise, a sudden trip to New York sets off a chain of events leading to Lolly's untimely death. The narrative explores the themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of living a life of duplicity.
As the plot unfolds, Robert finds himself entangled in a web of blackmail and murder, with Julie Palmer, a nightclub photographer, holding a crucial piece of evidence. The episode takes listeners on a suspenseful journey as Robert attempts to cover his tracks, only to find himself ensnared by his own mistakes. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation, leaving listeners questioning the true cost of deceit and the lengths one will go to protect their secrets. Join us for this captivating tale of mystery and intrigue.
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The CBS radio mystery theater presents
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Come in.
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Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. One picture, says the Chinese proverb, is worth 10,000 words. But to whom? That is always the question. It's all a matter of supply and demand. It could also be a matter of who is looking and who is listening. Actually, there are times when we are not so sure, but that one word isn't worth 10,000 pictures.
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Now look, Molly,
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you wouldn't shoot me. I thought I meant something to you. I thought you and I, the things we said to each other. Killing me won't change anything.
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I'm pleading with you. Oh, you're begging now.
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I'll give you as much mercy as you gave me. But I didn't kill you? What do you mean you didn't kill me? I'll show you how it feels to be dead.
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Our mystery drama, The Talking Women, was written especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dan and stars Ed Ames. I'll be back shortly with act one. Our lives are frittered away by details, said Henry David Sarrault. Well, while we have every regard and respect for mister Thoreau's wisdom, on this particular issue, we must regretfully disagree. Details, the minute, the almost insignificant details, these can often be woven into a rope to hang the guilty or rescue the innocent, as any homicide detective could tell you, but not just now.
Our homicide has not occurred yet, but it will before you know it. The Bayswells, Robert and Martha
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are at dinner. Another cup of coffee, Robert?
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No, dear. That's good. You should start cutting down.
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Well, Only not just for your health either. It's it's the only way we can move those prices out of the stratosphere.
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Don't you think?
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The fact is I don't have time.
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You don't have time to think?
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I don't have time to do anything else because I have to go to New York.
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You have to go to New York? When?
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Now, actually. I have to make that 08:00 plane. Oh, oh, why didn't you tell me? I didn't want to ruin our dinner. The whole thing came up out of thin air just a few minutes before I left the office.
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Oh, I I know how you hate to travel, Robert. But if you're gonna make the 08:00, I better pack your overnight bag and get ready to drive you to the airport.
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Mister Parsons asked me to go. Bob, I want you to go check out that situation in the New York office. What situation? I don't know. But there's always some kind of situation, and it can be solved, so he thinks, by what he calls a headquarters presence at the scene of the crime. Crime? What crime? Oh, it's just his way of talking. In other words, my being there will make people tow the mark. Oh, well, if you're gonna make that 08:00, please. I don't want to go to New York. You know what I should do? Quit that job. How can I quit?
We have a mortgage, two cars, insurance, a profit sharing setup, a bonus arrangement, an equity, and a pension plan. Who was it that said we don't own our possessions? They own us.
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Alright, Keha. Now how long will you be staying?
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I don't know. Couple of days. Oh, well, I'll pack three shirts. I wish I didn't have to go. Oh, darling.
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It's obviously something we must learn to live with.
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Hello?
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Hello?
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Bobby.
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Yes. It's Bobby. Bobby. Where were you last night? I called you when I got in. Oh oh, I I I went to see my mother. Did you? Oh,
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Bobby. Baby. You should have told me you were coming into town. I guess I should have. It's just I didn't know.
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It was a sudden thing. I just decided on the spur of the moment. Oh, Bobby. Baby, we'll make up for it. I spent the night alone. Oh, I'm sorry. I don't have to come to New York to do that. But we'll make up for it. I'll see you this evening. Oh, sure. Unless, of course, you have other plans. Oh, Bobby. Baby, don't talk that way. Goodbye, Lolly.
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Oh, who wouldn't you expect? Oh, look. Charlie Covey is just the funniest fella. I mean, you can die laughing at him on the TV, but here in a nightclub. Oh, oh, what's the matter, Bobby?
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The matter?
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Something's wrong, Bobby. What makes you say that? Oh, I don't know. You just seem to be so far away.
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I'm right here at the table. Oh, you're still sore about last night. Last night is gone. Forgotten. It's already become part of the past. I know you're sore at me. I pay for your apartment. I expect you to be there. Oh,
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hey. You're the smartest looking couple in the club. How about a picture? Oh, sure. No. Thank you. Oh, for 2 and a half bucks, I can make you look like Romeo and Juliet. I have already said no. Thank you. But more is required.
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Oh, well. Pardon me. Oh, why why didn't you let her take the picture?
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I don't want one. Well, suppose I do. Suppose we don't discuss it. Oh, okay. I think we've been here long enough. Robbie,
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if I did anything wrong It's time to leave. Oh, you're mad. I know it. Oh, don't start that. I can tell. You're mad. Now cut it out. I I can't help it. It's so terrible. Now stop that, I said. I'll be right back.
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Hello? Oh, come on. Things can't be that bad. No. But
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but it works. Yeah.
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Hey, you see the sign on the door of this play? Ladies long? It should reveal a tears. Is it the old story? What old story? The oldest story in the world. It's gonna ditch you. He's the all good looking one, With the hair just starting to get a little bit pepper and salt? Very distant day? Yes. The one who didn't want the picture. Listen. You want something to remember him by? I took it anyhow.
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It's it's all over.
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It's finished. Oh, there's other fish in the sea. Not for me.
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He he came into town last night. I wasn't home. He's mad. Oh, but it's an excuse. Why? Look at me. Well, you look okay. Yeah. Look close.
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Well, you still look okay. The lines.
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I'm getting some lines I never had before.
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All of a sudden. And under the chin,
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it's starting to sag a little bit. I'm getting older. Who isn't? Well, he he don't like it.
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Come on. You're still cute. I thought he would be the one. Which one?
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The one I'd get older with. The one I I would settle down with. You mean he's not my old. Oh, yeah. But he still needs somebody like me. I like what I used to be just a little while ago.
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He's tired of me. Are you sure? Oh, I know it. The way he looks at other girls who live in where we're out. Well, you can't blame a guy for love. I know. It's the way he looks.
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So last night I wasn't home and wouldn't you know last night is the night he would pick to come into town? All with the cake. I should have been home, but I'm running scared. I was out with a guy. Uh-oh. Was that smart? I need somebody. I I don't have too much money. I I have to have somebody to take care of me. I wanted to be ready when he walks out. Now the very first thing you gotta do is cheer up. It isn't fair. I gave him five years. Five of my best years. I was as close to him as his wife. Closer. He told me things I bet have been he never told her. That's all part of it, honey.
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See, I had a boyfriend once, and he was very educated. Oh, the way he would talk to me. You know, girls like you and me, back in ancient Greece, you know what we used to be called? Hatcheri. And you know what that means? No. Talking women. That's because in addition to everything else, we were the only kind of women they could really talk to. You may eat him afterwards. Well, he just can't walk out on me. I won't let him. Well, how are you gonna stop? I'll stop him.
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Nobody should be treated the way I've been treated. Look. You want the picture? No.
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Hey. Don't bite my head off. I know
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exactly what I have to do. Yeah? Well, I hope so. Goodbye. I I enjoyed talking to
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you. Now there's a demon somebody should keep an eye on.
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I must say, you almost made a spectacle of yourself tonight in that club. You
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you wanna drink? After all, a man in my position Should should I make us something to eat? No. Oh, what do you wanna do? Sit here and lecture me about how big and nothing I am? I think it's time you adopted an adult point of view. Oh, yeah. I know what that means.
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Do you?
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It means you're nerving yourself up to tell me we're finished. Now, Lolly. Now Lolly what?
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I I wish you were more sober. I'm sober enough. You could understand better.
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Understand what better?
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This is how things work out.
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The only word I heard is out. And that's where I am. Out. Just like that.
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No. It's not just like that. Relationships run their course. Oh, sure. You're a grown woman. You should understand that.
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What happens to me?
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What would have happened to you if we'd never met? The lease on the flat runs two more years. I'll see that you can pay it. In addition, I'll give you a sum of money that should tide you over.
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Is that all you can say to me?
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What more is there to be said?
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Why don't you talk to me, Bobby? About what? About anything. Everything. Nothing. Oh, how we used to talk to each other for hours and hours. It's all gone too, isn't it? Let's not make this thing more difficult than it has to be. Well, for you, it isn't difficult at all. It's just like firing an employee from your company. I'm even getting my my severance pay.
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Lolly, you've been around. Are you sure? You're a very attractive woman. Oh, see. You just said it.
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When we first met, you said I was an attractive girl. Now for the first time, I'm an attractive woman. My age is showing, isn't it, Bobby? I, I have to get to the airport. Yeah. That's how it's gonna be. You'll walk out of here and it's as if the last five years never happened.
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I'll think about you from time to time, Lolly. And if you should ever need any help Who is she?
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She. Your your new girlfriend.
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For your information, there's no one else. Oh, sure. I realize now that I'm in love with my wife, and she suspects. Oh, is that some She doesn't know that yet. She only suspects subconsciously. That's why I have to stop now because
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she would walk out on me. Oh, that's too bad. Maybe I ought to tell her. You're not that kind, Lolly.
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And besides, that's why I'm giving you the money.
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Oh, money buys it all.
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Doesn't it? Ordinarily.
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But this time, it's it's different. I I love you, Bobby. Now, Laurie. I think you're not good, but I
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I can't help this. I never gave you any ground. Shut up. Where are you going?
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No. Where did I put it? What are you looking for? There it is.
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Lolly. Lolly, what's that? You mean,
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you don't know a revolver when you see one?
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Yes. I I can see it's a revolver, but what are you gonna do with it? You're so smart.
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And you mean to tell me you don't know what a person does? Who the revolver?
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That's as simple a question as you can find to end an act with. And so what is our tableau? We have handsome, dignified Robert Bayswell standing perfectly still and holding his breath. And we have angry, distraught Lolly holding a 38 caliber in a non two steady hand. The question that was posed will be answered shortly when I shall return with that too. Who was it that said, the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world? It could also be said that the hand that holds a revolver is a hand that controls your world, especially if that revolver is being pointed in your direction, which is precisely the situation that our friend Robert Bayswell happens to find himself in. Volley,
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you you're not going to shoot me. I should.
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Why? Why? Oh, that's the whole thing. You can stand there and ask why. I thought I I meant something to you. That you and me, we would be different. That the things we said to each other would I I I I'm sorry, Lolly. Oh, don't be. It's enough that I'm sorry.
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Lolly, killing me won't solve anything. I know that. It it won't change anything. It's true.
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That's why I'm not gonna do it.
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Then what are you going to do with that gun? Oh,
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I I'm gonna kill myself.
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Lolly. No. Why?
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Why do you care? This is just some hysterical self dramatizing. I know what I'm doing. Don't talk like that. We used to talk all the time. Didn't we, Bobby? Lolly. We used to talk about everything. All those long, long hours together. That's what I'm gonna miss. Lolly, you can't change what is. Maybe you can't change it, but you can leave it. But you mustn't kill yourself. Oh, yes, Bobby. I must. I I wanna die now. Lolly. No. No. Don't come close to me. Don't try to stop me. I wanna die now. Quit when you're ahead. Get up on the table while you're still hungry.
You know what I'm talking about? No. Yes. You do. I don't wanna become old and bitter and lonely. One of those women who look like winter, dead and frozen.
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Oh, Lolly, just put the gun down. I don't like this world.
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Why should I wanna live where a girl like me can fall in love with someone like you? Someone who has no heart, no feelings. I'm sorry. I'm the one who's gonna pull the trigger, but you're the one who's killed me. You're the one who took away all the joy I'll ever have because of your hell on a limb. Molly. No. No. Stay back. Get away from me. Let go of the gun. Get your hands off me. Don't be crazy.
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Lolly? Lolly? Oh, no. No.
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Your name, Julie Palmer? That's me. I'm sergeant Deluca Homicide.
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Hey. Woah.
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You're the photographer in this club.
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Elementary, my dear Watson, since I'm carrying this camera.
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You got a great future as a detective. Let's step inside here. Into the manager's office where it's quiet. Oh.
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What do you have in mind? Sit down. Oh, yes, sir. Sherlock, sir.
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Did you know a girl named Lolli Harbison? No, sir. Or, maybe you knew her by her full name, Dolores Harbison.
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No, sir.
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We have reason to believe she was in the club last night. Yeah? She took an ashtray home with her. And your boss says it's a new kind that he only started putting on the tables last night. So she had to be here. Oh,
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I get it. You want her because she swiped an ashtray.
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No. I wanna find out about her because she's dead.
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Oh.
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She was shot last night in her apartment. Well, I I don't know anyone by that name. She had this portrait of herself in her home. Does she look familiar? Well Did you see anyone who looked like this?
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And could you remember who she might have been with? Well, this drink is so mobbed. It's hard to remember.
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Yeah. I must have been really mobbed in here. Neither does anyone else remember her. Sorry, Sherlock.
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Wish I could be of more help.
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If you should happen to remember, let me know.
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Here's my card. Oh, sure thing. Hey. What do you think it took place?
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She was a quiet girl, lived alone. Last night, somebody came into her place and shot her. Oh. Nobody seems to know much about her. It's a quiet building.
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Nobody seems to remember any friends coming or going. Oh, lots of people like that in the city, Sarge. You know, like fish, they come, they go without a trace. Look.
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Are you sure she was murdered? Sure. I'm sure.
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What else could it have been?
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Silified maybe.
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What makes you say that? Well, she was
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well, that is she may have been depressed.
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Yeah?
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How would you know? Oh, I live alone too, Sarge, all by myself. You know, sometimes it gets to you. You just get a case of the blues and it gets so dark. You just well, you just won't end it all.
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She didn't end it herself.
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Can you be sure? There was a struggle.
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Besides, a right handed girl wouldn't reach all the way around and hold the gun under the left side of her ribs. If you should happen to remember anything or think of something Oh, sure, sergeant.
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Glad to help out.
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Martha? Oh, Robert. Yo.
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Why didn't you call from the airport? I would have gone up. I met, Joe Dowling at the airport. He he gave me a lift. Oh, that was nice of him. You hungry, dear? No. I, I have something on the plane. Tired? A little bit.
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Well, how is New York?
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About the same. Did you do anything exciting, unusual?
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Not really.
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Well, how about something to drink?
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I think I'll fix myself a martini.
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Join me? A weak one.
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Well, I I've come to a definite conclusion.
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Yes?
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From now on, no more of this continuous travel. Oh? Yes. I am through it. Are you? And if Parsons keeps insisting, he can just take the job and, well, he can have my resignation. Oh, Robert.
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Darling, do you mean that? Yes. Oh, wonderful. How happy you've just made me feel. How happy I feel myself. Oh, you don't know how I've longed to hear you say that. How I hated those trips of yours.
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Well, why didn't you ever put your foot down? Well, it it had to be your decision.
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I'm glad you finally made it.
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Let's drink to it. Oh, alright.
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Here's
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to Robert's stay at home Bayswell. For him no longer the urgent and sudden summons. No longer shall he bear forth into the dark and lonely night. No more the silence of strange rooms. No more cold discomfort of strange beds. No more the impersonal meaningless politeness of waiters, waitresses, cab drivers, hotel clerks. I give you the new Robert Bayswell, the man who has decided to finally to say no. Here. Here.
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Who could that be? Oh, probably the Nesters. They want us to come over and play bridge. The how how do you feel about it?
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How do you feel about it?
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I can take it or leave
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it. I would just like to be alone with you tonight.
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Good. I'll make up an excuse.
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Hello?
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Long distance calling mister Robert Baysworth. Oh, just a moment, please.
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It's for you, Robert. Long distance.
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Now who could that be? I hope it's not some situation in New York again. Believe me, my dear. All those situations will henceforth and starting with now have to handle themselves. Hello?
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Hi, honey. This is Julie. Who? Julie. I'm a girl with a camera in the night club.
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Yes. What's it about? It's about
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where do you wanna spend the rest of your life? What does that mean? I know you're the one that killed that girl. So you're not saying a word. I wanna see you.
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Well, what, what is there I can do? You'll have to convince me
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why I shouldn't go to the cops.
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Oh,
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and it is crucial. Stick me up at the club at midnight tonight.
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Tonight?
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Mhmm. I already looked up your plane schedule. You can make an 08:00 to get you there in plenty of time. Well Well, what? Look. I made up my mind. I'm gonna get to talk to someone tonight. Who's it gonna be? You or the cops? Bye, honey.
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What is it, Robert?
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It's a situation. I've never seen you so pale.
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It's a very serious problem. Oh, and you have to go to New York?
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Tonight. Tonight? There's no way out of it. But it isn't fair. After all those brave words.
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Well, if you have to go, I suppose I will Oh, please. Don't be so self sacrificing, so
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understanding. Maybe,
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Maybe what?
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Maybe if you'd if you'd have Yes. Oh, I don't know. If if you'd have just objected a little more. Oh, darling.
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I'm sorry. I I thought I was doing the right thing. Oh, Martha. I'm sorry too. It's
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it's just that this development has me so upset. I have to go, but I promise you, this will be for the last time, the absolutely last time.
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Promises, promises. How easily made, how readily broken. Is this trip necessary? You heard the lady on the other end of the phone. And what do you think she has in mind? Well, she knows our hero is rich. She knows he's handsome, and she also knows what she knows, which happens to be something the police do not know so far. We'll have a wider distribution of this knowledge when I arrive here with act three shortly. I only know what I read in the papers, said mister Will Rogers. In that case, he would join the rest of the world in being ignorant of the facts concerning the death of miss Lolly Harbison.
Actually, only two people at this point are aware of how poor Lolly came to her untimely end. First, there's mister Robert Bayswell, who is on the scene. And second, we have miss Julie Palmer, who has made an extremely shrewd and educated guess. And we have placed both of them in the same room for your convenience.
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How about a drink?
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If you don't mind, I'd rather we got down to business. Oh, business.
[00:27:53] Unknown:
Well, yesterday, detectives asked me if I'd seen a young lady named Lollie Harbison in the club the night before. Not only if I'd seen her, but also if I could remember the guy she was with, if any.
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And, what did you tell the detective?
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I was about to say, sure. I remember both her and the guy real well. Matter of fact, it was on the tip of my tongue. But you see, my mother once told me, never say the first thing that comes into your head. Good advice. No? What did you tell him? You see, I used to date this college professor. Hey. You don't believe it. Well, I I didn't say I didn't. Yeah. But you got this look that says, how could this dizzy blonde go out with a college professor?
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Look.
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What do you want from me? She said this prop that everything's a commodity, and therefore, it's got its price. You know what I mean?
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I think so. So this cop says to me,
[00:28:53] Unknown:
did I see this Lolly Harbison in the club? And I says to myself, what's he gonna give me for that information? It's gotta be worth something. I could lead him straight to the guy that killed her. He gets a promotion, a raise in pay, and what do I get? I get the satisfaction in knowing I did my duty as a citizen. But can I deposit that in the bank and write checks against it? Now what do you think?
[00:29:18] Unknown:
More important is what do you think?
[00:29:21] Unknown:
I think you should make me an offer.
[00:29:25] Unknown:
To do what?
[00:29:27] Unknown:
To keep my mouth shut.
[00:29:29] Unknown:
But I don't think you understand. I didn't kill her. You didn't? No. You see, she she wanted to commit suicide. She did? I tried to take the gun away from her and and it went off.
[00:29:47] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:29:48] Unknown:
oh, is that what happened? Yes.
[00:29:51] Unknown:
Oh, I see.
[00:29:53] Unknown:
It's the truth.
[00:29:55] Unknown:
Well, then, should you go to the cops?
[00:29:58] Unknown:
The police? Well, sure.
[00:30:00] Unknown:
They wanna know what happened.
[00:30:02] Unknown:
Yes. But the poor girl, she's
[00:30:05] Unknown:
she's dead. Isn't she? Oh, she sure is.
[00:30:09] Unknown:
It's not gonna change anything. It
[00:30:11] Unknown:
it won't help her. But the cops are unhappy. They got a murder.
[00:30:16] Unknown:
But it wasn't a murder. It was an accident. Oh, whatever.
[00:30:21] Unknown:
They have to keep the record straight. So why don't you go down and explain it? I can't explain it.
[00:30:28] Unknown:
Why? Because I'd
[00:30:30] Unknown:
have to explain what I was doing in her apartment. Oh, you'd be surprised how broad minded the cops are. They wouldn't care why you were in her apartment.
[00:30:41] Unknown:
But my wife would.
[00:30:43] Unknown:
There, I admit you got a problem.
[00:30:47] Unknown:
And you know perfectly well the police wouldn't believe I was trying to stop her from suicide. I admit it doesn't get better. How how could you,
[00:30:57] Unknown:
prove I was there with her? Well, if you didn't believe I could prove it, why'd you come flying back here?
[00:31:04] Unknown:
Well, I I I may have panicked. Yes. And now that I think of it, nobody knows about Lolli and me. Nobody. Nobody can prove a thing. It's only your word against mine. Oh, relax.
[00:31:18] Unknown:
I got you nailed to the wall.
[00:31:21] Unknown:
What makes you think so? I've got this. What?
[00:31:26] Unknown:
What do you got? What do you think? A picture of the two of you at the club.
[00:31:31] Unknown:
Now see here, I told you specifically not to snap that. Great picture.
[00:31:37] Unknown:
Oh, so you're tarred up. Now what is the good of that? You think I don't have the negative?
[00:31:47] Unknown:
Yes. You probably do.
[00:31:49] Unknown:
So you wanna be sensible?
[00:31:52] Unknown:
Sensible.
[00:31:53] Unknown:
Well, I got a pretty good idea what you can afford. So I think I'm gonna hit you up for an annuity. Annuity? Yeah. What I wanted all my life and never could get. Security. I got a picture that ties you in with Lollie Harbison. A picture taken the night she was killed.
[00:32:14] Unknown:
So you think you can blackmail me? Oh, now that is not a nice word. What makes you think you can get away with this? You can afford me. I'm not gonna strip your claim.
[00:32:25] Unknown:
I just want a couple of bucks a year. Pay the rent, buy some clothes, a little trip now and then.
[00:32:31] Unknown:
I see.
[00:32:33] Unknown:
Those are very modest demands. I am a very modest little lady. Ask anyone.
[00:32:40] Unknown:
Which tells me something. What?
[00:32:43] Unknown:
You're in this alone. For sure. What would I want with a partner?
[00:32:47] Unknown:
Only you know about that picture. That's right. Just me, myself, and I. Which means if something should happen to you, no one else would know about it.
[00:32:57] Unknown:
Well
[00:32:58] Unknown:
If something should happen to you
[00:33:01] Unknown:
Why should anything happen to me? Something has to happen to you.
[00:33:05] Unknown:
Hey. Look. I mean When you see how easy it is to extort money from me, as time goes on, you want more. No. No. I Or Why should I permit myself to be at your mercy? All I want is just a couple of dollars. There's only one way to deal with blackmail. No. Stamp it out at once No. At the roots. No. Don't. Listen, please. I have to do this. You don't have to do anything. We can forget the whole thing. I'm very sorry. I don't have any choice. You you you can't shoot me. It'll be heard. No. No. No. Not this. I came prepared. There'll just be a little pop. The silencer cuts out most of the sound.
Just a little pop like opening a bottle of champagne. I I'm sorry. Really sorry. And now I'm through with it. Never again. Never again as long as I live will I ever step over that line.
[00:34:11] Unknown:
Morning, sergeant Atherton. Mind if I come in? Morning to you, sergeant DeLuca. I understand this is your murder. Mhmm. Julie Glamour. Mhmm. Know anything about her? Yeah. Spoke to her day before yesterday. Why? Connection with my murder. The Lolli Harbison thing. Do the lines cause? Lolli was in the club the night she was killed. She was with a guy. How do you know? Would a girl like Lolli go to a nightclub alone? Well, since the guy hasn't come forward, we have to assume he wants himself kept out of it. Yeah. For a good reason.
[00:34:45] Unknown:
But where does my Julie Palmer meet up with your Lolly Hoberson? Well, I called her Julie. They didn't.
[00:34:51] Unknown:
Julie claimed she didn't see Lolly in the club that night. Would Julie lie, sergeant DeLuca? Yeah. And if she did, you and I could be working on the same case. Do you find anything around here?
[00:35:04] Unknown:
Print people who are blind so far. What's in the wastebaskets? I don't know. Oh, let's look. Meanwhile, tell me. How does my murder cost with yours? It starts at the nightclub.
[00:35:16] Unknown:
Molly and this guy go there, then they go home to her place. The guy kills her. Why? When we get our hands on them, we'll find out. How do you bring Julie into it? Julie takes pictures of people in the club. Nightclubs are filled with twosomes. Many are married, but not to each other. Now, maybe Julie has a little racket going for herself. Oh. She sees a likely looking couple, figures there just might be a little hanky panky taking place, So she snaps their picture. And now she's got something to use on the guy's wife or the woman's husband. What's that torn up stuff?
Looks like a torn up photograph. Let's see if we can put it together. She could have taken the picture of the Harbison girl and the man she was with. She could have it done. Now she hears about Lolly Harbison's murder, and she realizes this time she has got paydirt. So she tries to blackmail the guy, but he won't stand for it. Mhmm. And he kills her. Yeah. She waves the picture at him. So he shoots her dead and tears it up and he throws it in the wastebasket. No. No. No. He wouldn't. It could even be this picture here? No. It can't be. Oh, just keep working on it. You'll see. But he wouldn't be that. That That what? Stupid? Careless? That guy isn't a professional killer. He doesn't make complicated, sophisticated plans.
He's more of a trapped animal. He's up against it. He rips the thing up and gets rid of it. But it's obviously a shot taken in a club.
[00:36:50] Unknown:
I told you. A man and a woman at the table.
[00:36:54] Unknown:
The woman. Mhmm. That's Lolly Harbison. We have a portrait of her. Her. But the man she's with no. Who who who's the man? No. He could be anybody. This is gonna be a rough one. No. Wait a minute.
[00:37:08] Unknown:
I think there may be a way we can track him down. Oh. Well, think of this fellow was from out of town. Mhmm. He's probably here on business, which means he's on an expense account. So he probably used a credit card. Good. Let's check the names of all the guys who signed tabs that night for a party of two. Mhmm. Then we print a couple of hundred pictures of this guy. We send them out to the town to the cardholders
[00:37:31] Unknown:
and ask the local cops if this is the guy. Yeah. Yeah. But there's only one thing. Mhmm. Suppose the guy paid cash, then we wouldn't have an address. Then what? Then
[00:37:42] Unknown:
I guess there's a great chance he's going to get away with it.
[00:37:54] Unknown:
You, wanted to see me, mister Parsons?
[00:37:57] Unknown:
Yes. Sit down, Bob.
[00:38:00] Unknown:
Yes, sir.
[00:38:02] Unknown:
Bob, you've been making a lot of trips to New York.
[00:38:07] Unknown:
Yes, sir. I think they need the reminder that headquarters is looking over their shoulder.
[00:38:12] Unknown:
Davis is a good man. He's got some capable people under him.
[00:38:17] Unknown:
Yes, sir. It's
[00:38:19] Unknown:
just that what's your name, Bob? I beg your pardon, Bob. Look, Bob. Your expense account is all out of line. Mister Parsons, I do find it necessary to entertain a great deal while I'm Bob, I know the drill. The controller has been sending me your credit card billings.
[00:38:39] Unknown:
You know Frank. He hates to spend a dime on entertainment.
[00:38:43] Unknown:
Bob, if you want to entertain your lady friends, use your own money. But, sir, I assure you I'm older than you and I've been through it. And you've got yourself a nice little wife there. You know your job. You've got a bright future here. Whoever that girl is in New York, get her out of your system. Otherwise, you're asking for trouble. That's my final word on the subject. Do you understand?
[00:39:12] Unknown:
Yes, sir. I understand and I appreciate it. I, I had a showdown with Parsons.
[00:39:27] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:39:27] Unknown:
what do you mean? I told him. I said, look. I said, I've had it. The traveling, the airplanes, the hotels, this not being able to call my life my own, I just laid it on the line. Oh, dear. I hope you didn't alienate him. That wasn't my first consideration. This thing has been eroding our married life. Oh, love. But dear, I wouldn't say that. It's true. What kind of life has it been for us this past five years or so?
[00:39:55] Unknown:
We could never plan. But what did mister Parsons say?
[00:39:59] Unknown:
He said I was right. Oh, darn.
[00:40:04] Unknown:
Just because you're not a demanding woman, does that mean you should be taken advantage of? No, darling. No more of those trips. New York will have to sink or swim without me. Oh, I'm so happy. You finally asserted yourself. It was overdue and will never be separated again.
[00:40:25] Unknown:
Say, who could that be? I don't know. I'm not expecting anyone.
[00:40:29] Unknown:
I'll see who it is.
[00:40:34] Unknown:
Yes? Mister Robert Bayswell? Oh, yeah. I can see you, mister Robert Bayswell. I'm a homicide detective from New York City. My name is Sergeant James DeLuca. My identification?
[00:40:50] Unknown:
Yes. Well, what do you want with me?
[00:41:01] Unknown:
Well now, for the do it yourselfers in our audience, here is an opportunity for you to write the end of our story. Remember, the very next thing sergeant DeLuca must do is read Robert his rights. Please make sure of that. Otherwise, Robert will beat this thing in court. Then DeLuca will explain about the picture and ask Robert to accompany him back to New York. Picture and ask Robert to accompany him back to New York. You don't have to mess with the extradition procedures as there won't be any problem with that. Okay. Then the trial for two killings, then the sentence.
Life,
[00:41:41] Unknown:
don't you think?
[00:41:42] Unknown:
And the moral. Well, let that wait until I return shortly. We promised you a moral. If you want to get away with murder, think small. What brought down poor Robert Bayswell? Little things. If he burned the picture, carried it away with him, or done anything but tear it up and leave it in the wastebasket. Even so, he'd never have been caught if he paid his nightclub tabs with his own money instead of charging them to his company. Well, Robert is only one of many murderers who get it here regularly. Our cast included Ed Ames, Reiner Rayburn, EV Juster, and Sam Gray. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown.
This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant
Bettering your business takes working with the best. With the James Hardie Alliance, you gain access to leads, training, networking, and support from the number one brand of siding in North America. Achieve new levels of success by joining the James Hardie Alliance today.
[00:00:23] Unknown:
The CBS radio mystery theater presents
[00:00:43] Unknown:
Come in.
[00:00:46] Unknown:
Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. One picture, says the Chinese proverb, is worth 10,000 words. But to whom? That is always the question. It's all a matter of supply and demand. It could also be a matter of who is looking and who is listening. Actually, there are times when we are not so sure, but that one word isn't worth 10,000 pictures.
[00:01:18] Unknown:
Now look, Molly,
[00:01:20] Unknown:
you wouldn't shoot me. I thought I meant something to you. I thought you and I, the things we said to each other. Killing me won't change anything.
[00:01:30] Unknown:
I'm pleading with you. Oh, you're begging now.
[00:01:34] Unknown:
I'll give you as much mercy as you gave me. But I didn't kill you? What do you mean you didn't kill me? I'll show you how it feels to be dead.
[00:01:52] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, The Talking Women, was written especially for the mystery theater by Sam Dan and stars Ed Ames. I'll be back shortly with act one. Our lives are frittered away by details, said Henry David Sarrault. Well, while we have every regard and respect for mister Thoreau's wisdom, on this particular issue, we must regretfully disagree. Details, the minute, the almost insignificant details, these can often be woven into a rope to hang the guilty or rescue the innocent, as any homicide detective could tell you, but not just now.
Our homicide has not occurred yet, but it will before you know it. The Bayswells, Robert and Martha
[00:03:08] Unknown:
are at dinner. Another cup of coffee, Robert?
[00:03:12] Unknown:
No, dear. That's good. You should start cutting down.
[00:03:16] Unknown:
Well, Only not just for your health either. It's it's the only way we can move those prices out of the stratosphere.
[00:03:23] Unknown:
Don't you think?
[00:03:24] Unknown:
The fact is I don't have time.
[00:03:27] Unknown:
You don't have time to think?
[00:03:30] Unknown:
I don't have time to do anything else because I have to go to New York.
[00:03:34] Unknown:
You have to go to New York? When?
[00:03:37] Unknown:
Now, actually. I have to make that 08:00 plane. Oh, oh, why didn't you tell me? I didn't want to ruin our dinner. The whole thing came up out of thin air just a few minutes before I left the office.
[00:03:49] Unknown:
Oh, I I know how you hate to travel, Robert. But if you're gonna make the 08:00, I better pack your overnight bag and get ready to drive you to the airport.
[00:03:58] Unknown:
Mister Parsons asked me to go. Bob, I want you to go check out that situation in the New York office. What situation? I don't know. But there's always some kind of situation, and it can be solved, so he thinks, by what he calls a headquarters presence at the scene of the crime. Crime? What crime? Oh, it's just his way of talking. In other words, my being there will make people tow the mark. Oh, well, if you're gonna make that 08:00, please. I don't want to go to New York. You know what I should do? Quit that job. How can I quit?
We have a mortgage, two cars, insurance, a profit sharing setup, a bonus arrangement, an equity, and a pension plan. Who was it that said we don't own our possessions? They own us.
[00:04:44] Unknown:
Alright, Keha. Now how long will you be staying?
[00:04:48] Unknown:
I don't know. Couple of days. Oh, well, I'll pack three shirts. I wish I didn't have to go. Oh, darling.
[00:04:55] Unknown:
It's obviously something we must learn to live with.
[00:05:07] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:05:09] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:05:10] Unknown:
Bobby.
[00:05:11] Unknown:
Yes. It's Bobby. Bobby. Where were you last night? I called you when I got in. Oh oh, I I I went to see my mother. Did you? Oh,
[00:05:21] Unknown:
Bobby. Baby. You should have told me you were coming into town. I guess I should have. It's just I didn't know.
[00:05:29] Unknown:
It was a sudden thing. I just decided on the spur of the moment. Oh, Bobby. Baby, we'll make up for it. I spent the night alone. Oh, I'm sorry. I don't have to come to New York to do that. But we'll make up for it. I'll see you this evening. Oh, sure. Unless, of course, you have other plans. Oh, Bobby. Baby, don't talk that way. Goodbye, Lolly.
[00:05:55] Unknown:
Oh, who wouldn't you expect? Oh, look. Charlie Covey is just the funniest fella. I mean, you can die laughing at him on the TV, but here in a nightclub. Oh, oh, what's the matter, Bobby?
[00:06:06] Unknown:
The matter?
[00:06:08] Unknown:
Something's wrong, Bobby. What makes you say that? Oh, I don't know. You just seem to be so far away.
[00:06:14] Unknown:
I'm right here at the table. Oh, you're still sore about last night. Last night is gone. Forgotten. It's already become part of the past. I know you're sore at me. I pay for your apartment. I expect you to be there. Oh,
[00:06:29] Unknown:
hey. You're the smartest looking couple in the club. How about a picture? Oh, sure. No. Thank you. Oh, for 2 and a half bucks, I can make you look like Romeo and Juliet. I have already said no. Thank you. But more is required.
[00:06:42] Unknown:
Oh, well. Pardon me. Oh, why why didn't you let her take the picture?
[00:06:48] Unknown:
I don't want one. Well, suppose I do. Suppose we don't discuss it. Oh, okay. I think we've been here long enough. Robbie,
[00:06:56] Unknown:
if I did anything wrong It's time to leave. Oh, you're mad. I know it. Oh, don't start that. I can tell. You're mad. Now cut it out. I I can't help it. It's so terrible. Now stop that, I said. I'll be right back.
[00:07:17] Unknown:
Hello? Oh, come on. Things can't be that bad. No. But
[00:07:24] Unknown:
but it works. Yeah.
[00:07:26] Unknown:
Hey, you see the sign on the door of this play? Ladies long? It should reveal a tears. Is it the old story? What old story? The oldest story in the world. It's gonna ditch you. He's the all good looking one, With the hair just starting to get a little bit pepper and salt? Very distant day? Yes. The one who didn't want the picture. Listen. You want something to remember him by? I took it anyhow.
[00:07:56] Unknown:
It's it's all over.
[00:07:59] Unknown:
It's finished. Oh, there's other fish in the sea. Not for me.
[00:08:04] Unknown:
He he came into town last night. I wasn't home. He's mad. Oh, but it's an excuse. Why? Look at me. Well, you look okay. Yeah. Look close.
[00:08:17] Unknown:
Well, you still look okay. The lines.
[00:08:20] Unknown:
I'm getting some lines I never had before.
[00:08:23] Unknown:
All of a sudden. And under the chin,
[00:08:25] Unknown:
it's starting to sag a little bit. I'm getting older. Who isn't? Well, he he don't like it.
[00:08:33] Unknown:
Come on. You're still cute. I thought he would be the one. Which one?
[00:08:39] Unknown:
The one I'd get older with. The one I I would settle down with. You mean he's not my old. Oh, yeah. But he still needs somebody like me. I like what I used to be just a little while ago.
[00:08:55] Unknown:
He's tired of me. Are you sure? Oh, I know it. The way he looks at other girls who live in where we're out. Well, you can't blame a guy for love. I know. It's the way he looks.
[00:09:05] Unknown:
So last night I wasn't home and wouldn't you know last night is the night he would pick to come into town? All with the cake. I should have been home, but I'm running scared. I was out with a guy. Uh-oh. Was that smart? I need somebody. I I don't have too much money. I I have to have somebody to take care of me. I wanted to be ready when he walks out. Now the very first thing you gotta do is cheer up. It isn't fair. I gave him five years. Five of my best years. I was as close to him as his wife. Closer. He told me things I bet have been he never told her. That's all part of it, honey.
[00:09:50] Unknown:
See, I had a boyfriend once, and he was very educated. Oh, the way he would talk to me. You know, girls like you and me, back in ancient Greece, you know what we used to be called? Hatcheri. And you know what that means? No. Talking women. That's because in addition to everything else, we were the only kind of women they could really talk to. You may eat him afterwards. Well, he just can't walk out on me. I won't let him. Well, how are you gonna stop? I'll stop him.
[00:10:19] Unknown:
Nobody should be treated the way I've been treated. Look. You want the picture? No.
[00:10:24] Unknown:
Hey. Don't bite my head off. I know
[00:10:27] Unknown:
exactly what I have to do. Yeah? Well, I hope so. Goodbye. I I enjoyed talking to
[00:10:40] Unknown:
you. Now there's a demon somebody should keep an eye on.
[00:10:49] Unknown:
I must say, you almost made a spectacle of yourself tonight in that club. You
[00:10:54] Unknown:
you wanna drink? After all, a man in my position Should should I make us something to eat? No. Oh, what do you wanna do? Sit here and lecture me about how big and nothing I am? I think it's time you adopted an adult point of view. Oh, yeah. I know what that means.
[00:11:11] Unknown:
Do you?
[00:11:12] Unknown:
It means you're nerving yourself up to tell me we're finished. Now, Lolly. Now Lolly what?
[00:11:19] Unknown:
I I wish you were more sober. I'm sober enough. You could understand better.
[00:11:25] Unknown:
Understand what better?
[00:11:27] Unknown:
This is how things work out.
[00:11:30] Unknown:
The only word I heard is out. And that's where I am. Out. Just like that.
[00:11:38] Unknown:
No. It's not just like that. Relationships run their course. Oh, sure. You're a grown woman. You should understand that.
[00:11:47] Unknown:
What happens to me?
[00:11:49] Unknown:
What would have happened to you if we'd never met? The lease on the flat runs two more years. I'll see that you can pay it. In addition, I'll give you a sum of money that should tide you over.
[00:11:59] Unknown:
Is that all you can say to me?
[00:12:04] Unknown:
What more is there to be said?
[00:12:06] Unknown:
Why don't you talk to me, Bobby? About what? About anything. Everything. Nothing. Oh, how we used to talk to each other for hours and hours. It's all gone too, isn't it? Let's not make this thing more difficult than it has to be. Well, for you, it isn't difficult at all. It's just like firing an employee from your company. I'm even getting my my severance pay.
[00:12:39] Unknown:
Lolly, you've been around. Are you sure? You're a very attractive woman. Oh, see. You just said it.
[00:12:46] Unknown:
When we first met, you said I was an attractive girl. Now for the first time, I'm an attractive woman. My age is showing, isn't it, Bobby? I, I have to get to the airport. Yeah. That's how it's gonna be. You'll walk out of here and it's as if the last five years never happened.
[00:13:09] Unknown:
I'll think about you from time to time, Lolly. And if you should ever need any help Who is she?
[00:13:15] Unknown:
She. Your your new girlfriend.
[00:13:18] Unknown:
For your information, there's no one else. Oh, sure. I realize now that I'm in love with my wife, and she suspects. Oh, is that some She doesn't know that yet. She only suspects subconsciously. That's why I have to stop now because
[00:13:33] Unknown:
she would walk out on me. Oh, that's too bad. Maybe I ought to tell her. You're not that kind, Lolly.
[00:13:40] Unknown:
And besides, that's why I'm giving you the money.
[00:13:43] Unknown:
Oh, money buys it all.
[00:13:45] Unknown:
Doesn't it? Ordinarily.
[00:13:48] Unknown:
But this time, it's it's different. I I love you, Bobby. Now, Laurie. I think you're not good, but I
[00:13:57] Unknown:
I can't help this. I never gave you any ground. Shut up. Where are you going?
[00:14:05] Unknown:
No. Where did I put it? What are you looking for? There it is.
[00:14:10] Unknown:
Lolly. Lolly, what's that? You mean,
[00:14:14] Unknown:
you don't know a revolver when you see one?
[00:14:17] Unknown:
Yes. I I can see it's a revolver, but what are you gonna do with it? You're so smart.
[00:14:23] Unknown:
And you mean to tell me you don't know what a person does? Who the revolver?
[00:14:41] Unknown:
That's as simple a question as you can find to end an act with. And so what is our tableau? We have handsome, dignified Robert Bayswell standing perfectly still and holding his breath. And we have angry, distraught Lolly holding a 38 caliber in a non two steady hand. The question that was posed will be answered shortly when I shall return with that too. Who was it that said, the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world? It could also be said that the hand that holds a revolver is a hand that controls your world, especially if that revolver is being pointed in your direction, which is precisely the situation that our friend Robert Bayswell happens to find himself in. Volley,
[00:16:00] Unknown:
you you're not going to shoot me. I should.
[00:16:03] Unknown:
Why? Why? Oh, that's the whole thing. You can stand there and ask why. I thought I I meant something to you. That you and me, we would be different. That the things we said to each other would I I I I'm sorry, Lolly. Oh, don't be. It's enough that I'm sorry.
[00:16:24] Unknown:
Lolly, killing me won't solve anything. I know that. It it won't change anything. It's true.
[00:16:30] Unknown:
That's why I'm not gonna do it.
[00:16:33] Unknown:
Then what are you going to do with that gun? Oh,
[00:16:38] Unknown:
I I'm gonna kill myself.
[00:16:40] Unknown:
Lolly. No. Why?
[00:16:42] Unknown:
Why do you care? This is just some hysterical self dramatizing. I know what I'm doing. Don't talk like that. We used to talk all the time. Didn't we, Bobby? Lolly. We used to talk about everything. All those long, long hours together. That's what I'm gonna miss. Lolly, you can't change what is. Maybe you can't change it, but you can leave it. But you mustn't kill yourself. Oh, yes, Bobby. I must. I I wanna die now. Lolly. No. No. Don't come close to me. Don't try to stop me. I wanna die now. Quit when you're ahead. Get up on the table while you're still hungry.
You know what I'm talking about? No. Yes. You do. I don't wanna become old and bitter and lonely. One of those women who look like winter, dead and frozen.
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Oh, Lolly, just put the gun down. I don't like this world.
[00:17:42] Unknown:
Why should I wanna live where a girl like me can fall in love with someone like you? Someone who has no heart, no feelings. I'm sorry. I'm the one who's gonna pull the trigger, but you're the one who's killed me. You're the one who took away all the joy I'll ever have because of your hell on a limb. Molly. No. No. Stay back. Get away from me. Let go of the gun. Get your hands off me. Don't be crazy.
[00:18:15] Unknown:
Lolly? Lolly? Oh, no. No.
[00:18:31] Unknown:
Your name, Julie Palmer? That's me. I'm sergeant Deluca Homicide.
[00:18:36] Unknown:
Hey. Woah.
[00:18:38] Unknown:
You're the photographer in this club.
[00:18:41] Unknown:
Elementary, my dear Watson, since I'm carrying this camera.
[00:18:44] Unknown:
You got a great future as a detective. Let's step inside here. Into the manager's office where it's quiet. Oh.
[00:18:51] Unknown:
What do you have in mind? Sit down. Oh, yes, sir. Sherlock, sir.
[00:18:58] Unknown:
Did you know a girl named Lolli Harbison? No, sir. Or, maybe you knew her by her full name, Dolores Harbison.
[00:19:05] Unknown:
No, sir.
[00:19:07] Unknown:
We have reason to believe she was in the club last night. Yeah? She took an ashtray home with her. And your boss says it's a new kind that he only started putting on the tables last night. So she had to be here. Oh,
[00:19:18] Unknown:
I get it. You want her because she swiped an ashtray.
[00:19:22] Unknown:
No. I wanna find out about her because she's dead.
[00:19:26] Unknown:
Oh.
[00:19:27] Unknown:
She was shot last night in her apartment. Well, I I don't know anyone by that name. She had this portrait of herself in her home. Does she look familiar? Well Did you see anyone who looked like this?
[00:19:42] Unknown:
And could you remember who she might have been with? Well, this drink is so mobbed. It's hard to remember.
[00:19:48] Unknown:
Yeah. I must have been really mobbed in here. Neither does anyone else remember her. Sorry, Sherlock.
[00:19:53] Unknown:
Wish I could be of more help.
[00:19:55] Unknown:
If you should happen to remember, let me know.
[00:19:59] Unknown:
Here's my card. Oh, sure thing. Hey. What do you think it took place?
[00:20:04] Unknown:
She was a quiet girl, lived alone. Last night, somebody came into her place and shot her. Oh. Nobody seems to know much about her. It's a quiet building.
[00:20:14] Unknown:
Nobody seems to remember any friends coming or going. Oh, lots of people like that in the city, Sarge. You know, like fish, they come, they go without a trace. Look.
[00:20:25] Unknown:
Are you sure she was murdered? Sure. I'm sure.
[00:20:29] Unknown:
What else could it have been?
[00:20:31] Unknown:
Silified maybe.
[00:20:33] Unknown:
What makes you say that? Well, she was
[00:20:36] Unknown:
well, that is she may have been depressed.
[00:20:39] Unknown:
Yeah?
[00:20:40] Unknown:
How would you know? Oh, I live alone too, Sarge, all by myself. You know, sometimes it gets to you. You just get a case of the blues and it gets so dark. You just well, you just won't end it all.
[00:20:53] Unknown:
She didn't end it herself.
[00:20:55] Unknown:
Can you be sure? There was a struggle.
[00:20:57] Unknown:
Besides, a right handed girl wouldn't reach all the way around and hold the gun under the left side of her ribs. If you should happen to remember anything or think of something Oh, sure, sergeant.
[00:21:11] Unknown:
Glad to help out.
[00:21:20] Unknown:
Martha? Oh, Robert. Yo.
[00:21:23] Unknown:
Why didn't you call from the airport? I would have gone up. I met, Joe Dowling at the airport. He he gave me a lift. Oh, that was nice of him. You hungry, dear? No. I, I have something on the plane. Tired? A little bit.
[00:21:36] Unknown:
Well, how is New York?
[00:21:39] Unknown:
About the same. Did you do anything exciting, unusual?
[00:21:44] Unknown:
Not really.
[00:21:45] Unknown:
Well, how about something to drink?
[00:21:48] Unknown:
I think I'll fix myself a martini.
[00:21:50] Unknown:
Join me? A weak one.
[00:21:53] Unknown:
Well, I I've come to a definite conclusion.
[00:21:57] Unknown:
Yes?
[00:21:58] Unknown:
From now on, no more of this continuous travel. Oh? Yes. I am through it. Are you? And if Parsons keeps insisting, he can just take the job and, well, he can have my resignation. Oh, Robert.
[00:22:13] Unknown:
Darling, do you mean that? Yes. Oh, wonderful. How happy you've just made me feel. How happy I feel myself. Oh, you don't know how I've longed to hear you say that. How I hated those trips of yours.
[00:22:28] Unknown:
Well, why didn't you ever put your foot down? Well, it it had to be your decision.
[00:22:33] Unknown:
I'm glad you finally made it.
[00:22:37] Unknown:
Let's drink to it. Oh, alright.
[00:22:39] Unknown:
Here's
[00:22:40] Unknown:
to Robert's stay at home Bayswell. For him no longer the urgent and sudden summons. No longer shall he bear forth into the dark and lonely night. No more the silence of strange rooms. No more cold discomfort of strange beds. No more the impersonal meaningless politeness of waiters, waitresses, cab drivers, hotel clerks. I give you the new Robert Bayswell, the man who has decided to finally to say no. Here. Here.
[00:23:14] Unknown:
Who could that be? Oh, probably the Nesters. They want us to come over and play bridge. The how how do you feel about it?
[00:23:20] Unknown:
How do you feel about it?
[00:23:22] Unknown:
I can take it or leave
[00:23:24] Unknown:
it. I would just like to be alone with you tonight.
[00:23:27] Unknown:
Good. I'll make up an excuse.
[00:23:31] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:23:32] Unknown:
Long distance calling mister Robert Baysworth. Oh, just a moment, please.
[00:23:37] Unknown:
It's for you, Robert. Long distance.
[00:23:39] Unknown:
Now who could that be? I hope it's not some situation in New York again. Believe me, my dear. All those situations will henceforth and starting with now have to handle themselves. Hello?
[00:23:53] Unknown:
Hi, honey. This is Julie. Who? Julie. I'm a girl with a camera in the night club.
[00:24:01] Unknown:
Yes. What's it about? It's about
[00:24:04] Unknown:
where do you wanna spend the rest of your life? What does that mean? I know you're the one that killed that girl. So you're not saying a word. I wanna see you.
[00:24:19] Unknown:
Well, what, what is there I can do? You'll have to convince me
[00:24:25] Unknown:
why I shouldn't go to the cops.
[00:24:28] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:24:29] Unknown:
and it is crucial. Stick me up at the club at midnight tonight.
[00:24:34] Unknown:
Tonight?
[00:24:35] Unknown:
Mhmm. I already looked up your plane schedule. You can make an 08:00 to get you there in plenty of time. Well Well, what? Look. I made up my mind. I'm gonna get to talk to someone tonight. Who's it gonna be? You or the cops? Bye, honey.
[00:25:00] Unknown:
What is it, Robert?
[00:25:02] Unknown:
It's a situation. I've never seen you so pale.
[00:25:06] Unknown:
It's a very serious problem. Oh, and you have to go to New York?
[00:25:11] Unknown:
Tonight. Tonight? There's no way out of it. But it isn't fair. After all those brave words.
[00:25:18] Unknown:
Well, if you have to go, I suppose I will Oh, please. Don't be so self sacrificing, so
[00:25:24] Unknown:
understanding. Maybe,
[00:25:27] Unknown:
Maybe what?
[00:25:29] Unknown:
Maybe if you'd if you'd have Yes. Oh, I don't know. If if you'd have just objected a little more. Oh, darling.
[00:25:37] Unknown:
I'm sorry. I I thought I was doing the right thing. Oh, Martha. I'm sorry too. It's
[00:25:45] Unknown:
it's just that this development has me so upset. I have to go, but I promise you, this will be for the last time, the absolutely last time.
[00:26:12] Unknown:
Promises, promises. How easily made, how readily broken. Is this trip necessary? You heard the lady on the other end of the phone. And what do you think she has in mind? Well, she knows our hero is rich. She knows he's handsome, and she also knows what she knows, which happens to be something the police do not know so far. We'll have a wider distribution of this knowledge when I arrive here with act three shortly. I only know what I read in the papers, said mister Will Rogers. In that case, he would join the rest of the world in being ignorant of the facts concerning the death of miss Lolly Harbison.
Actually, only two people at this point are aware of how poor Lolly came to her untimely end. First, there's mister Robert Bayswell, who is on the scene. And second, we have miss Julie Palmer, who has made an extremely shrewd and educated guess. And we have placed both of them in the same room for your convenience.
[00:27:46] Unknown:
How about a drink?
[00:27:48] Unknown:
If you don't mind, I'd rather we got down to business. Oh, business.
[00:27:53] Unknown:
Well, yesterday, detectives asked me if I'd seen a young lady named Lollie Harbison in the club the night before. Not only if I'd seen her, but also if I could remember the guy she was with, if any.
[00:28:06] Unknown:
And, what did you tell the detective?
[00:28:10] Unknown:
I was about to say, sure. I remember both her and the guy real well. Matter of fact, it was on the tip of my tongue. But you see, my mother once told me, never say the first thing that comes into your head. Good advice. No? What did you tell him? You see, I used to date this college professor. Hey. You don't believe it. Well, I I didn't say I didn't. Yeah. But you got this look that says, how could this dizzy blonde go out with a college professor?
[00:28:39] Unknown:
Look.
[00:28:40] Unknown:
What do you want from me? She said this prop that everything's a commodity, and therefore, it's got its price. You know what I mean?
[00:28:50] Unknown:
I think so. So this cop says to me,
[00:28:53] Unknown:
did I see this Lolly Harbison in the club? And I says to myself, what's he gonna give me for that information? It's gotta be worth something. I could lead him straight to the guy that killed her. He gets a promotion, a raise in pay, and what do I get? I get the satisfaction in knowing I did my duty as a citizen. But can I deposit that in the bank and write checks against it? Now what do you think?
[00:29:18] Unknown:
More important is what do you think?
[00:29:21] Unknown:
I think you should make me an offer.
[00:29:25] Unknown:
To do what?
[00:29:27] Unknown:
To keep my mouth shut.
[00:29:29] Unknown:
But I don't think you understand. I didn't kill her. You didn't? No. You see, she she wanted to commit suicide. She did? I tried to take the gun away from her and and it went off.
[00:29:47] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:29:48] Unknown:
oh, is that what happened? Yes.
[00:29:51] Unknown:
Oh, I see.
[00:29:53] Unknown:
It's the truth.
[00:29:55] Unknown:
Well, then, should you go to the cops?
[00:29:58] Unknown:
The police? Well, sure.
[00:30:00] Unknown:
They wanna know what happened.
[00:30:02] Unknown:
Yes. But the poor girl, she's
[00:30:05] Unknown:
she's dead. Isn't she? Oh, she sure is.
[00:30:09] Unknown:
It's not gonna change anything. It
[00:30:11] Unknown:
it won't help her. But the cops are unhappy. They got a murder.
[00:30:16] Unknown:
But it wasn't a murder. It was an accident. Oh, whatever.
[00:30:21] Unknown:
They have to keep the record straight. So why don't you go down and explain it? I can't explain it.
[00:30:28] Unknown:
Why? Because I'd
[00:30:30] Unknown:
have to explain what I was doing in her apartment. Oh, you'd be surprised how broad minded the cops are. They wouldn't care why you were in her apartment.
[00:30:41] Unknown:
But my wife would.
[00:30:43] Unknown:
There, I admit you got a problem.
[00:30:47] Unknown:
And you know perfectly well the police wouldn't believe I was trying to stop her from suicide. I admit it doesn't get better. How how could you,
[00:30:57] Unknown:
prove I was there with her? Well, if you didn't believe I could prove it, why'd you come flying back here?
[00:31:04] Unknown:
Well, I I I may have panicked. Yes. And now that I think of it, nobody knows about Lolli and me. Nobody. Nobody can prove a thing. It's only your word against mine. Oh, relax.
[00:31:18] Unknown:
I got you nailed to the wall.
[00:31:21] Unknown:
What makes you think so? I've got this. What?
[00:31:26] Unknown:
What do you got? What do you think? A picture of the two of you at the club.
[00:31:31] Unknown:
Now see here, I told you specifically not to snap that. Great picture.
[00:31:37] Unknown:
Oh, so you're tarred up. Now what is the good of that? You think I don't have the negative?
[00:31:47] Unknown:
Yes. You probably do.
[00:31:49] Unknown:
So you wanna be sensible?
[00:31:52] Unknown:
Sensible.
[00:31:53] Unknown:
Well, I got a pretty good idea what you can afford. So I think I'm gonna hit you up for an annuity. Annuity? Yeah. What I wanted all my life and never could get. Security. I got a picture that ties you in with Lollie Harbison. A picture taken the night she was killed.
[00:32:14] Unknown:
So you think you can blackmail me? Oh, now that is not a nice word. What makes you think you can get away with this? You can afford me. I'm not gonna strip your claim.
[00:32:25] Unknown:
I just want a couple of bucks a year. Pay the rent, buy some clothes, a little trip now and then.
[00:32:31] Unknown:
I see.
[00:32:33] Unknown:
Those are very modest demands. I am a very modest little lady. Ask anyone.
[00:32:40] Unknown:
Which tells me something. What?
[00:32:43] Unknown:
You're in this alone. For sure. What would I want with a partner?
[00:32:47] Unknown:
Only you know about that picture. That's right. Just me, myself, and I. Which means if something should happen to you, no one else would know about it.
[00:32:57] Unknown:
Well
[00:32:58] Unknown:
If something should happen to you
[00:33:01] Unknown:
Why should anything happen to me? Something has to happen to you.
[00:33:05] Unknown:
Hey. Look. I mean When you see how easy it is to extort money from me, as time goes on, you want more. No. No. I Or Why should I permit myself to be at your mercy? All I want is just a couple of dollars. There's only one way to deal with blackmail. No. Stamp it out at once No. At the roots. No. Don't. Listen, please. I have to do this. You don't have to do anything. We can forget the whole thing. I'm very sorry. I don't have any choice. You you you can't shoot me. It'll be heard. No. No. No. Not this. I came prepared. There'll just be a little pop. The silencer cuts out most of the sound.
Just a little pop like opening a bottle of champagne. I I'm sorry. Really sorry. And now I'm through with it. Never again. Never again as long as I live will I ever step over that line.
[00:34:11] Unknown:
Morning, sergeant Atherton. Mind if I come in? Morning to you, sergeant DeLuca. I understand this is your murder. Mhmm. Julie Glamour. Mhmm. Know anything about her? Yeah. Spoke to her day before yesterday. Why? Connection with my murder. The Lolli Harbison thing. Do the lines cause? Lolli was in the club the night she was killed. She was with a guy. How do you know? Would a girl like Lolli go to a nightclub alone? Well, since the guy hasn't come forward, we have to assume he wants himself kept out of it. Yeah. For a good reason.
[00:34:45] Unknown:
But where does my Julie Palmer meet up with your Lolly Hoberson? Well, I called her Julie. They didn't.
[00:34:51] Unknown:
Julie claimed she didn't see Lolly in the club that night. Would Julie lie, sergeant DeLuca? Yeah. And if she did, you and I could be working on the same case. Do you find anything around here?
[00:35:04] Unknown:
Print people who are blind so far. What's in the wastebaskets? I don't know. Oh, let's look. Meanwhile, tell me. How does my murder cost with yours? It starts at the nightclub.
[00:35:16] Unknown:
Molly and this guy go there, then they go home to her place. The guy kills her. Why? When we get our hands on them, we'll find out. How do you bring Julie into it? Julie takes pictures of people in the club. Nightclubs are filled with twosomes. Many are married, but not to each other. Now, maybe Julie has a little racket going for herself. Oh. She sees a likely looking couple, figures there just might be a little hanky panky taking place, So she snaps their picture. And now she's got something to use on the guy's wife or the woman's husband. What's that torn up stuff?
Looks like a torn up photograph. Let's see if we can put it together. She could have taken the picture of the Harbison girl and the man she was with. She could have it done. Now she hears about Lolly Harbison's murder, and she realizes this time she has got paydirt. So she tries to blackmail the guy, but he won't stand for it. Mhmm. And he kills her. Yeah. She waves the picture at him. So he shoots her dead and tears it up and he throws it in the wastebasket. No. No. No. He wouldn't. It could even be this picture here? No. It can't be. Oh, just keep working on it. You'll see. But he wouldn't be that. That That what? Stupid? Careless? That guy isn't a professional killer. He doesn't make complicated, sophisticated plans.
He's more of a trapped animal. He's up against it. He rips the thing up and gets rid of it. But it's obviously a shot taken in a club.
[00:36:50] Unknown:
I told you. A man and a woman at the table.
[00:36:54] Unknown:
The woman. Mhmm. That's Lolly Harbison. We have a portrait of her. Her. But the man she's with no. Who who who's the man? No. He could be anybody. This is gonna be a rough one. No. Wait a minute.
[00:37:08] Unknown:
I think there may be a way we can track him down. Oh. Well, think of this fellow was from out of town. Mhmm. He's probably here on business, which means he's on an expense account. So he probably used a credit card. Good. Let's check the names of all the guys who signed tabs that night for a party of two. Mhmm. Then we print a couple of hundred pictures of this guy. We send them out to the town to the cardholders
[00:37:31] Unknown:
and ask the local cops if this is the guy. Yeah. Yeah. But there's only one thing. Mhmm. Suppose the guy paid cash, then we wouldn't have an address. Then what? Then
[00:37:42] Unknown:
I guess there's a great chance he's going to get away with it.
[00:37:54] Unknown:
You, wanted to see me, mister Parsons?
[00:37:57] Unknown:
Yes. Sit down, Bob.
[00:38:00] Unknown:
Yes, sir.
[00:38:02] Unknown:
Bob, you've been making a lot of trips to New York.
[00:38:07] Unknown:
Yes, sir. I think they need the reminder that headquarters is looking over their shoulder.
[00:38:12] Unknown:
Davis is a good man. He's got some capable people under him.
[00:38:17] Unknown:
Yes, sir. It's
[00:38:19] Unknown:
just that what's your name, Bob? I beg your pardon, Bob. Look, Bob. Your expense account is all out of line. Mister Parsons, I do find it necessary to entertain a great deal while I'm Bob, I know the drill. The controller has been sending me your credit card billings.
[00:38:39] Unknown:
You know Frank. He hates to spend a dime on entertainment.
[00:38:43] Unknown:
Bob, if you want to entertain your lady friends, use your own money. But, sir, I assure you I'm older than you and I've been through it. And you've got yourself a nice little wife there. You know your job. You've got a bright future here. Whoever that girl is in New York, get her out of your system. Otherwise, you're asking for trouble. That's my final word on the subject. Do you understand?
[00:39:12] Unknown:
Yes, sir. I understand and I appreciate it. I, I had a showdown with Parsons.
[00:39:27] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:39:27] Unknown:
what do you mean? I told him. I said, look. I said, I've had it. The traveling, the airplanes, the hotels, this not being able to call my life my own, I just laid it on the line. Oh, dear. I hope you didn't alienate him. That wasn't my first consideration. This thing has been eroding our married life. Oh, love. But dear, I wouldn't say that. It's true. What kind of life has it been for us this past five years or so?
[00:39:55] Unknown:
We could never plan. But what did mister Parsons say?
[00:39:59] Unknown:
He said I was right. Oh, darn.
[00:40:04] Unknown:
Just because you're not a demanding woman, does that mean you should be taken advantage of? No, darling. No more of those trips. New York will have to sink or swim without me. Oh, I'm so happy. You finally asserted yourself. It was overdue and will never be separated again.
[00:40:25] Unknown:
Say, who could that be? I don't know. I'm not expecting anyone.
[00:40:29] Unknown:
I'll see who it is.
[00:40:34] Unknown:
Yes? Mister Robert Bayswell? Oh, yeah. I can see you, mister Robert Bayswell. I'm a homicide detective from New York City. My name is Sergeant James DeLuca. My identification?
[00:40:50] Unknown:
Yes. Well, what do you want with me?
[00:41:01] Unknown:
Well now, for the do it yourselfers in our audience, here is an opportunity for you to write the end of our story. Remember, the very next thing sergeant DeLuca must do is read Robert his rights. Please make sure of that. Otherwise, Robert will beat this thing in court. Then DeLuca will explain about the picture and ask Robert to accompany him back to New York. Picture and ask Robert to accompany him back to New York. You don't have to mess with the extradition procedures as there won't be any problem with that. Okay. Then the trial for two killings, then the sentence.
Life,
[00:41:41] Unknown:
don't you think?
[00:41:42] Unknown:
And the moral. Well, let that wait until I return shortly. We promised you a moral. If you want to get away with murder, think small. What brought down poor Robert Bayswell? Little things. If he burned the picture, carried it away with him, or done anything but tear it up and leave it in the wastebasket. Even so, he'd never have been caught if he paid his nightclub tabs with his own money instead of charging them to his company. Well, Robert is only one of many murderers who get it here regularly. Our cast included Ed Ames, Reiner Rayburn, EV Juster, and Sam Gray. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown.
This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant
Introduction to the Mystery
The Bayswells' Dinner Conversation
A Secret Affair
A Tense Confrontation
The Fatal Decision
A Detective's Inquiry
A Blackmail Scheme
The Investigation Deepens
A Confrontation with Parsons
The Arrest
