Come in. Welcome. I am E .G. Marshall. Welcome
to the world of terrifying imagination. Our story
deals with fate. Some call it luck. Whatever
it is, it works in the strangest ways to reward
us or defeat us. Fate walked into Charles Powell's
life in the person of Clint Libitz. Now look,
Clint or whatever your name is, I don't like
you and I don't like your insinuations. Now if
you don't get out of my office and leave these
premises immediately, I'll have you put out.
You must be putting on an act, Mr. Charles Powell.
Maybe this will jolt your memory. 3541063. What?
Yeah. I thought that would do it, Charlie. I
thought that might help you remember. Our mystery
drama, No Hiding Place. was written especially
for the Mystery Theatre by Sidney Sloan and stars
Larry Haynes. I'll be back shortly with Act One.
Everything looked right to Charles Powell that
crisp September morning when he walked into his
executive office at the J. P. McCready Company.
And why shouldn't it? Charlie Powell was a big
shot there. At thirty -seven, executive vice
president of one of the largest manufacturers
of heavy construction equipment in the country,
and he had done it all in less than twelve years.
It was a real -life Horatio Alger story. Even
to his being engaged to JP McCready's daughter,
Allison. How could anything go wrong? But it
did, the moment he walked into his private office.
Yes, Elsie? There's someone to see you. Appointment?
No, sir, but he says that you'll see him. Mr.
Powell, maybe I'd better come in and explain.
Yes, all right, come in. Sorry if I sound...
strange but really mr. Powell that man is kind
of frightening frightening well he just sits
there and grins at me I told him you didn't see
people without an appointment he said oh he'll
see me just tell him it's an old friend Clint
you know anybody by that name Clint Clint no
it doesn't ring a bell all right send him in
I'll get rid of him okay don't say I didn't warn
you mr. Powell will see you Nice of you to see
me, Mr. Powell. Well, I try to see everybody,
Mr. uh... Just Clint. I don't think you ever
knew me by anything but Clint. You must remember,
Mr. Powell. Well, I'm sorry, but I don't... Come
on, give it a try. Give it a good try. Now look
here, I'm busy and I have neither the time nor
the patience. You must be putting on an act,
Mr. Charles Powell. Or maybe this will jilt your
memory. 3541063. What? Yeah. I thought that would
do it, Charlie. I thought that might help you
remember. Charles? I'm sorry, Mr. McCready, I
guess it was daydreaming. Something bothering
you, young man? Oh, no, no, no. I hope not. Here
I take you to the best French restaurant in town.
You pick at your food, gaze into space, send
your dinner away hardly touched. Oh, did I send
all that good food back without eating it? You
did. I particularly wanted to see you alone,
Charles, because I have a little news for you.
News? What what kind of news mr. McCready and
that's another thing you're so damned formal
with me, mr. McCready Do you realize that in
exactly five weeks you're going to be one of
the family? Yes, of course I realize how could
I overlook it when Allison keeps reminding me
regularly very well then you think it proper
to call your Father -in -law to be mr. McCready
if you don't start calling me John, okay John
it'll be I'm going to leak a little information
to you. Yes? As you know, I've been thinking
of stepping down from the presidency of the company.
Yes, well, it has been rumored, but I wish you'd
reconsider it. Now, sincerely, the place wouldn't
be the same without you. I'll still be there,
Charlie. I'm not giving up my stock. The name
of the company will still be J .P. McReady Company.
The only difference will be that you will be
sitting at my desk. City? At your desk? Well,
I thought Hedges was slated to take over when
you stepped out. No, Tom was seriously considered,
but he's a bit too old for the job. No, the company
needs young blood. Well, I'm really bowled over.
I've watched you grow, come up on merit, ability.
You're going to go far, my boy. Of course, the
board will have to vote on your appointment,
but that, as the saying goes, is in the bag.
Well, there's something you've omitted, John.
You haven't asked me if I wanted the job. Is
it necessary to ask? I remember another lunch
with you several years ago. We got talking about
ambitions, and you said that you would never
be satisfied with second best. It had to be the
top job, or you'd move on. Yes. But that was
before this morning. What? Nothing. Just mumbling.
I'd like to know how you feel about it, Charles.
Well, even to be considered for the position
is an honor, Mr. John. And your answer? Let me
think it over. I must think it over. Life insurance,
Charles? Uh, what? The way you're driving. Are
you out to get me, yourself, or both of us? Oh,
I'm sorry, dear. I guess I didn't realize how
fast I was going. This car has more power than
it needs. More than I need. I'm sorry. At least
it gave us a topic for conversation. Hm? What
did? You're driving! Darling, I'm the girl you
asked to marry you. Something is troubling you.
Something big. Allison, did your father tell
you what he's planning? Dad never tells me anything.
I have an idea he thinks of me as a bird brain.
He wants me to take over the presidency of the
company. That's marvelous. Couldn't have made
a better choice. What's your prejudice? But it's
a nice kind of prejudice. I, uh... I don't think
I'll accept. What? But, darling, it's right for
you. You've worked toward that goal. You're the
right man for the job. Am I? What is this lack
of confidence buck fever you're being ridiculous
darling. No, I'm being practical and sensible
My being president of the McCready company would
bring nothing but trouble. What are you saying?
I'm even considering resigning my present job.
Why? Allison tell me whatever it is. I'll never
stop loving you I'll tell you When I get up enough
courage, please darling be patient with me Just
be patient I love you, too. So you finally got
here. Thought you were gonna forget our appointment.
You didn't really think that, Clint. Oh, I knew
you'd come. You wouldn't dare not to come. Sit.
You got it with you? Yes, I've got it. In small
bills. Fives, tens, as specified. Let's have
it. Here Pretty manila envelope too nice and
neat Thanks. Now look, I don't know how much
longer I can do this You'll do it as long as
I say and if I run out of money, you'll just
have to scrounge around and find more I'm thinking
of quitting my job. You wouldn't want to do that
Charlie. Well suppose Suppose it gets too much
for me and I say go ahead spill what you know,
you wouldn't do that You're gonna marry a very
rich girl Couple of extra yards ain't gonna change
your manner of living even a couple extra grand
How long are you gonna suck my blood I don't
like the way you put that Charlie I'd rather
you'd think of it like it was sort of Sharing
the wealth You got the bread and I got nothing
This way we both got something. I got a nice
living and you Why, you've got your freedom.
Hello? Charles? Oh, oh, yes, Mr. Mc... Uh, yes,
John. Sorry to bother you at this hour. You wanted
to sleep, were you? At 10 .15, no. The, um, the
reason I'm calling... Yes. Well, I uh... I've
had some things on my mind lately. I'm sorry
it was so noticeable. Well, it occurred to me
that a young man gets a bit absent -minded as
the day of his wedding approaches. Perhaps a
bit frightened. No, no, no, it isn't that, JP.
Oh, excuse me, John. Someone's at my door. Hold
on. Just a moment. Forgive me for coming here.
Shh, shh, shh. I've got your father on the phone.
Come in, darling. Hello, John. Uh... It was just
the porter with a package. What were you saying?
Oh, nothing really. I'm just concerned. Whatever's
troubling you can be taken care of. I'm backing
you all the way. Well, I appreciate your feelings,
JP, but there really is no cause for concern.
I'll snap out of this in a day or so. Good. It's
reassuring to hear you say that. Now forgive
me for disturbing you. No, no. I wasn't disturbed.
Thanks for calling. Good night. Good night, JP.
Even Dad notices that something is wrong. Yeah.
I haven't seen you in three days. You trying
to tell me something? All I hear... All I want
to tell you is that I love you very much. From
a distance? I called you at your office twice
this afternoon. Allison... Allison, I can't keep
this from you. I thought I could, but every day,
every hour, it grows bigger. Until now it feels
as though it's going to engulf me. And you, our
life, everything that has meaning for me. Darling.
No, no, no, hear me out. And then if you want
to go out that door, quietly, I won't say anything
more and you can forget that you've ever known
me. And loved you? Are you trying to say you
don't want to marry me? That you've stopped loving
me? Darling, it's because I love you that I'm
going to tell you. I considered keeping the whole
matter from you, writing out the trouble and
probably overcoming it. Darling, how little you
know me. No matter what the trouble is, I want
to be with you, if you want me. Allison, I'm
a fraud. What? I'm not Charles Powell. It's a
name I assumed to hide my real identity. Want
me to go on? Yes, darling. Go on. At the age
of 22, I was charged and convicted of murder
and sent to San Quentin for life. I was innocent,
evidence, circumstantial evidence, court -appointed
attorney who didn't know what to do or didn't
care, a weak effort to appeal which was refused,
and there I was, at 22, in prison, for life.
Chance of a parole only after serving 20 years.
I'd be old all my young life confined in prison
So When I had a chance to get out you escaped
and ran for two years Do you know what it means
to be hunted? You can't get a job. You have no
place to live You can't have a sleep for fear.
Someone will see you and turn you in darling.
I was ready to give myself up When I suddenly
discovered that it wasn't necessary to run any
longer I picked up a two -week -old newspaper
and read a report of my death. What? Yes, a man.
A man had been burned to death in a flophouse
fire. The only thing he had on him was something
that I had kept, my only possession. A locket
belonging to my mother. It had a picture of her
taken when she married my father. And it had
been stolen from me as I lay asleep in a freight
car. I guess the thief thought it was gold. It
was just... cheap gold plate. And the man was
identified as you? My mother and father's names
were inscribed on the back. The man was so badly
burned that the locket was the only thing that
could possibly identify him. And after two years
of hunting, the authorities were glad to close
the file on Robert Hagen. Robert Hagen? Sounds
so strange. The name doesn't fit you. Well, it
sounds strange to me too now. Darling, I'm innocent.
I never did it. It was all a mistake. I don't
doubt that for an instant, dearest. I only wish
you'd never told me. I had to tell you. You see,
someone knows who I am. He's blackmailing me.
When you're being blackmailed, you don't have
many alternatives. Charles Powell's whole life,
his future, the happiness of the woman he loves,
all hang by a very thin, flimsy thread. I'll
be back shortly with Act Two. When Charles Powell
chose to give in to his blackmailer, he didn't
envision the trouble that was building up for
him. Just keep paying and I'll keep my mouth
shut, his blackmailer assured him. But then something
happened that threatened to destroy Charles'
fragile security. Yes, Elsie. Mr. Hamill is here
to see you. George Hamill? Well, we're not playing
tennis until tomorrow. I've got something else
to talk about. Business. Business? Yours or mine?
Mine. But it concerns you. Okay, come in, George.
Sorry to barge in on you. I know you're busy.
Well, I'm never too busy to see George Hamill,
rising young district attorney and next governor
of the state. Your humor creaks, Charlie. Seriously,
I've got something that sort of disturbs me.
Oh, what does? Last night in a bar over on the
west side a man was bashed over the head with
a bottle. He's in serious condition Well, what
has that got to do with me? Well the man who
did the bashing an ex -con by the name of Clinton
Livitz. Yes He's asking for you Says you'll go
his bail Now what I want to know is how does
a guy like you get mixed up with a Joe like that?
George, what did you think? That he and I were
buddies or something? I didn't know what to think.
Well, I do know the man. He applied for a job
with the company a week or so ago. The foreman
who interviewed him discovered he was an ex -con,
and he refused to hire him. It was brought to
my attention when one of the societies that helps
ex -cons called me. So you got him a job in the
plant. No, no, no, no. I couldn't. I mean, I
wouldn't go over the head of the foreman, but
I did see him, and I... You know, handed him
a couple of dollars. A couple of dollars? You
know how much money he had on him when we brought
him in? Two hundred and seventy -six dollars.
Oh, well, uh, maybe he got lucky at the races
with the money I gave him. How much was it? Oh,
gee, I don't remember. Fifteen, twenty. I just
took it out of my pocket and handed it to him.
It was a, you know, a way of easing my conscience.
I felt bad about the way our foreman had treated
him. Well, take my word for it. This Clint Livitt
is a bad customer. Stay away from him What what
will become of him we'll go back to the pen where
he belongs. Oh, what's the bail set at five thousand?
You're not seriously considering putting it up
are you I just asking because if you are that's
the last you'll see of your money For that matter
mr. Livitt's he'll jump bail please George. I'm
a big boy now, and I think I can make my own
decisions Well would have thought it Charles
Powell bleeding hearts now look We've been friends
for over five years When you were running for
DA, I backed you with substantial contributions.
I like you. You're my friend now Let's not kick
that all out because of some stupid disagreement.
No Let's not kick it out I'm sorry Charlie But
I just can't understand what your connection
with that ex con is Mr. Powell, I hope you'll
understand. I accept Clinton Livitt's case with
strong reservations. Yes, I understand. As an
attorney, I... Well, how shall I put it? You,
uh... You don't like your client. Exactly. However,
I shall do my best to get him off, or at least
get him a light sentence. I'm extremely pessimistic
about Mr. Livitt's even showing up for trial.
Yes. George Hamill also said he expected that
Livitt's would jump his bail. And you would forfeit
$5 ,000. Yes, I know. And that doesn't disturb
you? No, no, I... I don't believe he'll run.
I see. You want to speak with him? He's been
released. He's waiting in the other office. Uh,
not particularly. He says he wants to see you.
Oh. Well, in that case, yes, I'll see him. Send
Mr. Livitz in. I'll leave you alone. If you need
me, I'll be in the other office. Now, come in,
Mr. Livitz. Mr. Powell will speak to you. Thanks.
I'll be back when you call. Just flip the switch
on the intercom. Yes, I will. Well, you sure
know how to complicate things, Clint. Story of
my life. Do you realize you could go up for one
to five years for what you've done? No, it couldn't
happen. What do you mean it couldn't happen?
Because you wouldn't let it happen, Charlie.
Look, even with the best lawyer defending you,
he can't guarantee he'll win the case. You won't
let me go to prison, Charlie. I'm doing my best
for you, but... No. Butts, I'm not going back
to the pen. Okay, okay, you're not going back.
Now suppose, just suppose, during the trial,
if things look bad, we get you out of town and
let you run for it, forfeit your bail. Oh, you'd
like that, wouldn't you? I'd be out of your hair
and all it would cost you would be the five G's
for the bail. No, no, no, no, no, I'd give you
a substantial sum. Oh, Mr. Powell, no sale. I'm
too old to run. Well, suppose I got you out of
the country. With a good hunk of bread stashed
away for me? Swiss bank account. I don't know.
Why don't we play it by ear? Come in. You wanted
to see me, JP? By yes, sir. Can you spare a minute?
Yeah, sure I've heard it on the grapevine that
you were Now shall I put it that you were aiding
some ex -convict in trouble with the police that
true Yes, it's true John and I think I know what
kind of grapes grow on that grapevine all right
Now George have all that damn busy party. Why
can't he stick to his job and George is a friend?
He tells me that the man you're Protecting is
a rather reprehensible character and let me explain
It's just a matter of policy my helping this
man Policy. Well, yes you were you did ask me
a few days ago to consider taking over the job
of running this company You're going to accept.
Well, I was I was going to tell you today wonderful
wonderful news Allison will be delighted. I know
she's been worried about your seeming reluctant
Reluctant any longer. In fact, I've got all sorts
of ideas about what I want to do This business
of giving a hand to ex -convicts is just one
of them Do you realize what this would mean and
publicity for the company to take an interest
in the? Rehabilitation of men who would otherwise
be lost a burden to the taxpayer. I'm gonna hire
a PR man We're gonna be the big corporation with
a heart JP Lies lies lies and more lies How can
I keep all these phony stories straight, Allison?
It's like a long, dark tunnel with no ending.
It will end, and it will all turn out all right.
Don't lose your courage. Now, I love you and
need you. We'll worry this out together. You
know, you know what I've considered. What? Going
to the authorities and saying, look, I'm Robert
Hagen, the man you think died 13 years ago. No,
darling, they'd throw you back into prison. No,
I'd hire the best lawyers. No, no, Charles, don't.
Please don't take such a chance. What would I
do without you? Darling. Darling, I don't know
how much longer I can stay in this pressure.
I've got to do something something to free myself
Why not give him a lot of money and ask him to
go away promise to stay away forever in Heartgrave's
office I suggested that he jump bail and get
out of the country. What did he say? Well when
I mentioned a big sum I didn't exactly say how
much you know a Swiss bank account He was interested.
Did he say he would accept? Well, we were interrupted,
and he didn't say definitely. Offer him anything.
Just get him to go. Well, how would I get a large
sum of money together? I have some small investments,
a fair bank account, but what he might want would
be beyond me. You forget you're marrying a very
rich girl. Oh, no, no. No, I wouldn't think of
that. Don't give me that male eco business. I've
got money. That was nice enough to give me a
big hunk when I was 21. Now, look, look, Allison.
With all my earthly goods. I thee endow. We're
not married yet. You're not going to back out
now, not after I've endowed you with all my earthly...
or is it worldly goods? You know, you are the
nuttiest woman I've ever known. See, I've got
to laughing. Darling, all our troubles are going
to evaporate. Vanish. No. It won't work, Allison.
It'll never work. But you said... No. Clint Livitz
will never stick to any bargain. He'll want more
and he'll want more. He'll never be satisfied.
We got him out of the country. What's to keep
him from coming back when he's broke or even
threatening us from abroad? I gave him a thousand
dollars in cash only a few days ago. When he
was picked up in the bar, he had only about two
hundred and seventy -some dollars left. In a
matter of two days, he'd squandered over seven
hundred. But if he were made to understand that
the sum agreed on was all he was going to get...
Can I make you understand we're not dealing with
a rational, honest man. He'll agree to anything
and then he'll When his money runs out or he
decides he wants more he'll he'll be right back
What can you do? There are only Two things one
can do about a blackmailer keep on paying and
paying forever and the other and the other Kill
him Just two ways to deal with a blackmailer.
Charles now must face his conscience. The thought
that has been in the hidden recesses of his mind
has been spoken aloud. We will be back shortly
with Act 3. Paul's life has reached a climax.
He must make a decision to rid himself forever
of his blackmailer. And perhaps that very decision
will destroy his life and the life of the woman
he loves. The alternative is to keep paying and
paying, never feeling safe. Oh, Allison. I was...
You were expecting him, weren't you? Yes. I gathered
as much when I called you at the office this
afternoon. Aren't you going to ask me in? Yeah,
come in. You were so evasive. Well, he wanted
to see me this evening. He wants more money.
And you're going to give it to him? Well, I haven't
many choices, have I? You mentioned one. No.
No, Allison, I'm sorry. I let that slip out.
I didn't mean it it I Couldn't go through with
that if I wanted to I Could what? Honey, you
don't know what you say. I know very well what
I'm saying How long do you think you can keep
this business hidden? Well, I don't know. I don't
know maybe forever look Look, he's not a young
man. All those years in prison, the kind of life
he's led, how many years do you think he has
left? He could die tomorrow. He could do something
tomorrow that would expose the whole game, and
then where would we be? No, Charles, I love you.
I want us to marry and live a good, peaceful
life. How can we with all that hanging over us?
Oh, Alison, darling. Darling, you don't really
know what you're suggesting. Look, maybe if we
could get him to leave the country. You said
there were only two ways to deal with a blackmailer.
To keep paying no no to murder him is unthinkable
George Hamill asked me to stop by at his office
this afternoon. Why he's not stupid The story
you gave my father about helping ex -convicts
is a public relations stunt didn't wash with
him He wanted to know what I know why he was
just fishing the best way would be to make it
look like an accident Allison We can be out a
car accident If I cracked up with Clinton the
car I might be the one who gets it what guarantee
do we have that would that he would die No, you
can't be in the same car If he were in another
car and you were following him And if you raced
ahead of him and cut him off and forced him to
crash off the road If it's too iffy it's so impossible.
It's so dreamlike. It was a dream Last night.
I dreamt you were in a car with me We saw Clint
up ahead of us. I said, there's Clint ahead of
us. Cut him off and make him crash. Faster. Faster.
We'd nearly caught him. Now we're alongside him.
Force him over. Cut him in front of him. Then
I woke up. I was calling out. I was afraid someone
had hurt me. Oh, my darling. It was all so real.
Honey, you go at the back door. I'll phone you
later. I'm going to stay and meet him. No, I'm
staying I've got something to say to him. He
won't like your being here Well, it sure took
long enough What's the idea Powell? This is my
fiancee Allison McCready. What's she doing here?
Will you come in and stop being childish? I ain't
saying a thing. You got nothing on me and remember
mr. Powell You got a lot more to lose than I
have. You're not going to lose anything, Mr.
Levitz. You're going to gain by my being here.
Yeah. Mr. Powell has told me his story and I
agree that it must not get out. Go on. I have
a lot more money than... Let me put it this way.
Charles and I are going to be married. We want
you to leave the country. Oh, I bet you do look
Clint you'll do better by accepting our proposition
we intend to hand you fifty thousand dollars
and an airplane ticket one way and never come
back and never come back I Always wanted to travel
but what? 50 G's just chicken free. That's all
there is not enough. I'm thinking around a quarter
of a million out of the question I'm not going
to bargain with you. I can raise one hundred
thousand. No, Allison. It's worth it, Charles,
if we can depend on Clint to wipe the whole matter
out of his memory and just go away. Oh, you can
depend on me. I'll keep my bargain. Then it's
a deal? A deal. Good. It'll take about ten days
to raise the money. I ain't in a hurry. You are.
And, uh, speaking of money, that was the reason
I, uh, came tonight, Charlie. Yeah, here. That's
500. What? You said a G, like the last... That's
all I could raise in a hurry. When that runs
out, I'll have more. You went through that first
thousand awfully fast. Well, I got rolled in
that bow where I had the trouble. Oh, that reminds
me, your trial comes up in less than three weeks.
Yeah. Lawyer called me at my hotel to see if
I was still around, I guess. Our plan is for
you to jump your bail. I'll forfeit the 5 ,000
I put up for it. And get you out of the country.
With a keister full of green. Now, wait. I ain't
got a passport. Now, that can be arranged, Clint.
Just leave that to me. Okay, friends, you got
yourself a deal. Say, Charlie. Hmm? You're gonna
put this meal on your expense account, I hope.
Too rich for your blood, George? Too rich for
my pocketbook. That's JP's favorite French restaurant.
Oh, yeah. Nice to have wealthy, high -paid executives
for friends. I'm a simple man. I like simple
things. And I like simple answers. Meaning? How
long are you gonna cling to that cockamamie story
about your helping ex -cons rehabilitate themselves?
It's the McCoy, George. That guy got something
on you, Charles. Pardon, monsieur, the telephone
for you. Oh, yes, thank you. Where is it? It
is here, monsieur. I will plug it in for you.
Thank you. Just like the movies. Yeah. Hello?
Charles? Oh, yes, Allison. I know George Hamilton's
with you. He told me you were lunching with him.
Listen to what I'm going to say, but don't let
on to George. Yes, yes, dear. Allison says hello
and to remind you that in two and a half weeks
She wants to see you at the church promptly at
11. I'll try to remember. Okay. He's all set
darling. Now. What's so important? Why is the
color scheme so important Well, I don't see that
that's such a problem choose whatever color will
make the bridesmaids happy Yes, yes, I follow
dear. I follow. I'm not sure I agree. I have
a 22 target pistol I know how to use it. Yes,
I I know you have to ask him to come dear, but
Then what do we do with the unwelcome guest?
Suppose the gardener wants to supply some flowers
for... We've been gone over a year, fired. We
didn't hire one after that. As soon as it's all
over, we'll take the rental car and dump it over
the edge of the road near town. You know that
bad place where there's no shoulder on the road
and only a flimsy guardrail? Mm -hmm. Yes, yes,
I know. I know. We dump the car there, let it
smash up if it catches fire so much the better.
Then you take me back to the house and rush back
to the city. Report the rental car stolen. You've
been in your apartment all... Understand Yes
The color scheme suits me fine. Dear you sure
have it all planned. No bobbles. No Slip -ups
Yes, I'll be in my office till late tonight nine
at least if you want to reach me Yes, that's
correct Allison I am now look I have a report
to get out If you've completed your instructions,
I'll get back to my lunch with George. Goodbye,
dear Wow. That's only the beginning, Charlie.
Wait till she gets you signed on the dotted line.
Mr. Powell. Mr. Powell, something terrible's
happened. What is it, Elsie? There's been a terrible
accident on the late shift. Man's caught in a
machine. The big press, they said. Oh, good Lord.
Has the hospital been called? I don't know. Well,
call them on your phone. I've got to use this
one. Yes, sir. Then call down to the plant tell
them I'm coming down if it's what I think it
is the machine will have to be partially dismantled.
Yes, sir Alison listen, there's a change of plans
I'm still at the office something Yes, I know
he has the rental car I got it for Well, it's
been a bad accident on the night shift a man's
caught in the big metal press. I've got to help
get him out Well, when he comes, stall him. Just
tell him what happened, why I'm delayed. I haven't
got the money, Charles. Tell him I'm bringing
the money, the airplane ticket, and the passport.
Just stall him. I'll do my best, but hurry. He
scares me. Ten o 'clock, an hour late. I hope
he's still there. Allison Allison open up Clint,
Clint, will you stop? I'll run you off the road.
Force him over. Force him over. You've cut him
off. You've done it. The homes are all crashed
and burning. Let them... Let them burn. Is this,
uh, Arrow car rental service? Well, I rented
a car from you people this morning. No, no, no,
no. No, there's nothing wrong with the car. I
just want to report it stolen. The city foreign
car service? Look, I, uh, asked for my car to
be picked up in my driveway. It's still here,
and I -I called, or rather, my secretary called
at 10 this morning. My name is Charles Powell.
Come on, come on. Answer the phone. Yeah, just
a moment. Oh, George. George, it's kind of late
for a visit. Come in. Thanks. I was just trying
to phone Allison. Boy, what a night this has
been. There was an accident at the plant. Peterson,
I hope they don't have to have you take. I heard.
Yes, and then when I got outside, I had a date
with Allison. The car that I had rented this
morning was missing. It was stolen. What happened
to that great, big, powerful foreign job of yours?
Oh, it wouldn't start this morning. Had Elsie
call the service people, but they haven't picked
it up yet. I just called them. They have a night
answering service. You've had a busy evening.
Yeah, very. Well, I think I can clear up one
of your puzzles, Charlie. Your rental car was
found with a thief in it. You caught him? Dead.
Burned to a cinder. Must have been going at a
terrific speed. Tire marks on the road as he
went off. Cracked up and burned. Yeah, yeah.
Some kid? No. This may surprise you. It's your
protege, Clint Libitz. We found enough of him
to identify him and a slightly burnt but Still
usable bankroll of sizable proportions well that
Closes his case doesn't it and opens up several
others? Incidentally, where were you all evening?
home, after I got back from the plant. You didn't
go out? Well, I told you, my rental car got stolen.
I came home by cab to change my clothes. The
big car is out of commission. I won't play games
with you, Charlie. I checked it in the driveway
just before I came up. The engine is still quite
warm. You want to explain that? No, I don't want
to explain. Charlie, I'm arresting you for murder.
I must warn you that what... Murder? George,
what are you talking about? Are you accusing
me of Clint Livid's death? No, no. That was obviously
an accident. I'm holding you for the murder of
Allison McCready, the girl you were going to
marry. And in conclusion, ladies and gentlemen
of the jury, The evidence is conclusive. Charles
killed his lovely fiance because she discovered
his real identity, an escaped convict, a killer
sentenced to life for another murder. The testimony
of the housekeeper, Mrs. Francis, cannot be doubted.
She did not leave the house, as he thought. She
saw him run from the house, jump into his car,
and race away. And then she discovered the body
of Allison McCready shot through the head. Your
Honor, may I... may I make a statement before
you pronounce sentence? I did not kill Allison.
I loved her. To say anything more in my defense
is useless and unnecessary. Allison is dead.
All I ask is that I be given the chance to follow
her. Swiftly. And efficiently. And so a man is
twice accused of murder and twice sentenced for
the crime. a weary man who asks only to be allowed
to follow the woman he loved. I'll be back shortly.
And there we have it. Charles Powells joust with
fate. What difference did it make that he knew
that Clint had murdered Allison? They didn't
believe him, and he was too weary to try to make
them believe. Our cast included Larry Haynes,
Anne Meacham, Jackson Beck, Sidney Walker, and
Tom Kleiner. The entire production was under
the direction of Hyman Brown. This is E .G. Marshall
inviting you to return to our mystery theater
for another adventure in the macabre. Until next
time. Pleasant dreams?