WEBVTT 00:00:17.540 --> 00:00:25.539 Come in. Welcome. I am E .G. Marshall. Welcome 00:00:25.539 --> 00:00:30.679 to the world of terrifying imagination. Our story 00:00:30.679 --> 00:00:35.060 deals with fate. Some call it luck. Whatever 00:00:35.060 --> 00:00:38.840 it is, it works in the strangest ways to reward 00:00:38.840 --> 00:00:44.000 us or defeat us. Fate walked into Charles Powell's 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:46.859 life in the person of Clint Libitz. Now look, 00:00:46.859 --> 00:00:48.759 Clint or whatever your name is, I don't like 00:00:48.759 --> 00:00:50.939 you and I don't like your insinuations. Now if 00:00:50.939 --> 00:00:52.399 you don't get out of my office and leave these 00:00:52.399 --> 00:00:54.299 premises immediately, I'll have you put out. 00:00:54.619 --> 00:00:58.700 You must be putting on an act, Mr. Charles Powell. 00:00:59.680 --> 00:01:09.280 Maybe this will jolt your memory. 3541063. What? 00:01:10.140 --> 00:01:16.120 Yeah. I thought that would do it, Charlie. I 00:01:16.120 --> 00:01:25.819 thought that might help you remember. Our mystery 00:01:25.819 --> 00:01:28.920 drama, No Hiding Place. was written especially 00:01:28.920 --> 00:01:33.000 for the Mystery Theatre by Sidney Sloan and stars 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:38.959 Larry Haynes. I'll be back shortly with Act One. 00:01:50.519 --> 00:01:53.340 Everything looked right to Charles Powell that 00:01:53.340 --> 00:01:55.780 crisp September morning when he walked into his 00:01:55.780 --> 00:01:58.340 executive office at the J. P. McCready Company. 00:01:58.739 --> 00:02:02.079 And why shouldn't it? Charlie Powell was a big 00:02:02.079 --> 00:02:06.000 shot there. At thirty -seven, executive vice 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:08.479 president of one of the largest manufacturers 00:02:08.479 --> 00:02:10.740 of heavy construction equipment in the country, 00:02:11.300 --> 00:02:14.060 and he had done it all in less than twelve years. 00:02:14.400 --> 00:02:18.139 It was a real -life Horatio Alger story. Even 00:02:18.139 --> 00:02:20.900 to his being engaged to JP McCready's daughter, 00:02:21.159 --> 00:02:25.379 Allison. How could anything go wrong? But it 00:02:25.379 --> 00:02:28.699 did, the moment he walked into his private office. 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:34.039 Yes, Elsie? There's someone to see you. Appointment? 00:02:34.280 --> 00:02:36.960 No, sir, but he says that you'll see him. Mr. 00:02:37.180 --> 00:02:39.580 Powell, maybe I'd better come in and explain. 00:02:40.300 --> 00:02:45.360 Yes, all right, come in. Sorry if I sound... 00:02:45.159 --> 00:02:48.180 strange but really mr. Powell that man is kind 00:02:48.180 --> 00:02:50.860 of frightening frightening well he just sits 00:02:50.860 --> 00:02:53.139 there and grins at me I told him you didn't see 00:02:53.139 --> 00:02:55.800 people without an appointment he said oh he'll 00:02:55.800 --> 00:02:58.460 see me just tell him it's an old friend Clint 00:02:58.460 --> 00:03:03.340 you know anybody by that name Clint Clint no 00:03:03.340 --> 00:03:06.439 it doesn't ring a bell all right send him in 00:03:06.439 --> 00:03:09.560 I'll get rid of him okay don't say I didn't warn 00:03:09.560 --> 00:03:16.800 you mr. Powell will see you Nice of you to see 00:03:16.800 --> 00:03:19.759 me, Mr. Powell. Well, I try to see everybody, 00:03:19.780 --> 00:03:23.439 Mr. uh... Just Clint. I don't think you ever 00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:28.000 knew me by anything but Clint. You must remember, 00:03:28.099 --> 00:03:30.539 Mr. Powell. Well, I'm sorry, but I don't... Come 00:03:30.539 --> 00:03:33.680 on, give it a try. Give it a good try. Now look 00:03:33.680 --> 00:03:35.719 here, I'm busy and I have neither the time nor 00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:38.340 the patience. You must be putting on an act, 00:03:38.599 --> 00:03:43.639 Mr. Charles Powell. Or maybe this will jilt your 00:03:43.639 --> 00:03:56.659 memory. 3541063. What? Yeah. I thought that would 00:03:56.659 --> 00:04:00.280 do it, Charlie. I thought that might help you 00:04:00.280 --> 00:04:11.860 remember. Charles? I'm sorry, Mr. McCready, I 00:04:11.860 --> 00:04:13.759 guess it was daydreaming. Something bothering 00:04:13.759 --> 00:04:17.319 you, young man? Oh, no, no, no. I hope not. Here 00:04:17.319 --> 00:04:19.720 I take you to the best French restaurant in town. 00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:23.220 You pick at your food, gaze into space, send 00:04:23.220 --> 00:04:27.100 your dinner away hardly touched. Oh, did I send 00:04:27.100 --> 00:04:29.360 all that good food back without eating it? You 00:04:29.360 --> 00:04:34.360 did. I particularly wanted to see you alone, 00:04:34.779 --> 00:04:37.699 Charles, because I have a little news for you. 00:04:38.339 --> 00:04:42.569 News? What what kind of news mr. McCready and 00:04:42.569 --> 00:04:45.449 that's another thing you're so damned formal 00:04:45.449 --> 00:04:49.430 with me, mr. McCready Do you realize that in 00:04:49.430 --> 00:04:51.970 exactly five weeks you're going to be one of 00:04:51.970 --> 00:04:54.389 the family? Yes, of course I realize how could 00:04:54.389 --> 00:04:56.709 I overlook it when Allison keeps reminding me 00:04:56.709 --> 00:04:59.730 regularly very well then you think it proper 00:04:59.730 --> 00:05:03.709 to call your Father -in -law to be mr. McCready 00:05:03.709 --> 00:05:07.610 if you don't start calling me John, okay John 00:05:07.610 --> 00:05:11.980 it'll be I'm going to leak a little information 00:05:11.980 --> 00:05:15.699 to you. Yes? As you know, I've been thinking 00:05:15.699 --> 00:05:18.120 of stepping down from the presidency of the company. 00:05:18.360 --> 00:05:20.939 Yes, well, it has been rumored, but I wish you'd 00:05:20.939 --> 00:05:23.100 reconsider it. Now, sincerely, the place wouldn't 00:05:23.100 --> 00:05:25.620 be the same without you. I'll still be there, 00:05:25.800 --> 00:05:28.720 Charlie. I'm not giving up my stock. The name 00:05:28.720 --> 00:05:31.399 of the company will still be J .P. McReady Company. 00:05:31.959 --> 00:05:36.339 The only difference will be that you will be 00:05:36.339 --> 00:05:41.689 sitting at my desk. City? At your desk? Well, 00:05:41.709 --> 00:05:44.069 I thought Hedges was slated to take over when 00:05:44.069 --> 00:05:48.649 you stepped out. No, Tom was seriously considered, 00:05:49.350 --> 00:05:52.769 but he's a bit too old for the job. No, the company 00:05:52.769 --> 00:05:56.990 needs young blood. Well, I'm really bowled over. 00:05:57.230 --> 00:06:00.810 I've watched you grow, come up on merit, ability. 00:06:01.629 --> 00:06:05.529 You're going to go far, my boy. Of course, the 00:06:05.529 --> 00:06:08.050 board will have to vote on your appointment, 00:06:08.290 --> 00:06:12.170 but that, as the saying goes, is in the bag. 00:06:12.529 --> 00:06:15.670 Well, there's something you've omitted, John. 00:06:15.769 --> 00:06:18.490 You haven't asked me if I wanted the job. Is 00:06:18.490 --> 00:06:21.490 it necessary to ask? I remember another lunch 00:06:21.490 --> 00:06:24.850 with you several years ago. We got talking about 00:06:24.850 --> 00:06:27.089 ambitions, and you said that you would never 00:06:27.089 --> 00:06:30.790 be satisfied with second best. It had to be the 00:06:30.790 --> 00:06:36.310 top job, or you'd move on. Yes. But that was 00:06:36.310 --> 00:06:40.889 before this morning. What? Nothing. Just mumbling. 00:06:41.589 --> 00:06:43.810 I'd like to know how you feel about it, Charles. 00:06:43.930 --> 00:06:46.189 Well, even to be considered for the position 00:06:46.189 --> 00:06:51.410 is an honor, Mr. John. And your answer? Let me 00:06:51.410 --> 00:07:06.639 think it over. I must think it over. Life insurance, 00:07:06.860 --> 00:07:11.060 Charles? Uh, what? The way you're driving. Are 00:07:11.060 --> 00:07:13.379 you out to get me, yourself, or both of us? Oh, 00:07:13.379 --> 00:07:15.680 I'm sorry, dear. I guess I didn't realize how 00:07:15.680 --> 00:07:17.639 fast I was going. This car has more power than 00:07:17.639 --> 00:07:21.959 it needs. More than I need. I'm sorry. At least 00:07:21.959 --> 00:07:25.680 it gave us a topic for conversation. Hm? What 00:07:25.680 --> 00:07:29.680 did? You're driving! Darling, I'm the girl you 00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:33.180 asked to marry you. Something is troubling you. 00:07:33.180 --> 00:07:37.160 Something big. Allison, did your father tell 00:07:37.160 --> 00:07:39.579 you what he's planning? Dad never tells me anything. 00:07:39.740 --> 00:07:41.480 I have an idea he thinks of me as a bird brain. 00:07:41.519 --> 00:07:44.000 He wants me to take over the presidency of the 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:46.980 company. That's marvelous. Couldn't have made 00:07:46.980 --> 00:07:49.180 a better choice. What's your prejudice? But it's 00:07:49.180 --> 00:07:53.180 a nice kind of prejudice. I, uh... I don't think 00:07:53.180 --> 00:07:57.959 I'll accept. What? But, darling, it's right for 00:07:57.959 --> 00:08:00.420 you. You've worked toward that goal. You're the 00:08:00.420 --> 00:08:04.000 right man for the job. Am I? What is this lack 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:06.939 of confidence buck fever you're being ridiculous 00:08:06.939 --> 00:08:09.420 darling. No, I'm being practical and sensible 00:08:09.420 --> 00:08:12.879 My being president of the McCready company would 00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:14.879 bring nothing but trouble. What are you saying? 00:08:14.920 --> 00:08:17.300 I'm even considering resigning my present job. 00:08:17.639 --> 00:08:21.279 Why? Allison tell me whatever it is. I'll never 00:08:21.279 --> 00:08:26.740 stop loving you I'll tell you When I get up enough 00:08:26.740 --> 00:08:30.939 courage, please darling be patient with me Just 00:08:30.939 --> 00:08:42.779 be patient I love you, too. So you finally got 00:08:42.779 --> 00:08:45.379 here. Thought you were gonna forget our appointment. 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:48.580 You didn't really think that, Clint. Oh, I knew 00:08:48.580 --> 00:08:53.440 you'd come. You wouldn't dare not to come. Sit. 00:08:55.360 --> 00:08:58.360 You got it with you? Yes, I've got it. In small 00:08:58.360 --> 00:09:01.220 bills. Fives, tens, as specified. Let's have 00:09:01.220 --> 00:09:07.639 it. Here Pretty manila envelope too nice and 00:09:07.639 --> 00:09:10.379 neat Thanks. Now look, I don't know how much 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:12.779 longer I can do this You'll do it as long as 00:09:12.779 --> 00:09:15.399 I say and if I run out of money, you'll just 00:09:15.399 --> 00:09:17.799 have to scrounge around and find more I'm thinking 00:09:17.799 --> 00:09:20.279 of quitting my job. You wouldn't want to do that 00:09:20.279 --> 00:09:23.679 Charlie. Well suppose Suppose it gets too much 00:09:23.679 --> 00:09:25.419 for me and I say go ahead spill what you know, 00:09:25.419 --> 00:09:28.799 you wouldn't do that You're gonna marry a very 00:09:28.799 --> 00:09:32.340 rich girl Couple of extra yards ain't gonna change 00:09:32.340 --> 00:09:35.519 your manner of living even a couple extra grand 00:09:35.519 --> 00:09:41.539 How long are you gonna suck my blood I don't 00:09:41.539 --> 00:09:45.580 like the way you put that Charlie I'd rather 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:49.000 you'd think of it like it was sort of Sharing 00:09:49.000 --> 00:09:52.919 the wealth You got the bread and I got nothing 00:09:52.919 --> 00:09:56.879 This way we both got something. I got a nice 00:09:56.879 --> 00:10:01.029 living and you Why, you've got your freedom. 00:10:12.830 --> 00:10:16.669 Hello? Charles? Oh, oh, yes, Mr. Mc... Uh, yes, 00:10:16.750 --> 00:10:19.370 John. Sorry to bother you at this hour. You wanted 00:10:19.370 --> 00:10:23.210 to sleep, were you? At 10 .15, no. The, um, the 00:10:23.210 --> 00:10:29.799 reason I'm calling... Yes. Well, I uh... I've 00:10:29.799 --> 00:10:31.379 had some things on my mind lately. I'm sorry 00:10:31.379 --> 00:10:33.399 it was so noticeable. Well, it occurred to me 00:10:33.399 --> 00:10:36.000 that a young man gets a bit absent -minded as 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:38.200 the day of his wedding approaches. Perhaps a 00:10:38.200 --> 00:10:40.299 bit frightened. No, no, no, it isn't that, JP. 00:10:40.779 --> 00:10:43.299 Oh, excuse me, John. Someone's at my door. Hold 00:10:43.299 --> 00:10:48.179 on. Just a moment. Forgive me for coming here. 00:10:48.179 --> 00:10:49.580 Shh, shh, shh. I've got your father on the phone. 00:10:49.639 --> 00:10:55.919 Come in, darling. Hello, John. Uh... It was just 00:10:55.919 --> 00:10:57.360 the porter with a package. What were you saying? 00:10:57.919 --> 00:11:02.600 Oh, nothing really. I'm just concerned. Whatever's 00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:05.399 troubling you can be taken care of. I'm backing 00:11:05.399 --> 00:11:08.740 you all the way. Well, I appreciate your feelings, 00:11:08.820 --> 00:11:10.960 JP, but there really is no cause for concern. 00:11:11.019 --> 00:11:13.980 I'll snap out of this in a day or so. Good. It's 00:11:13.980 --> 00:11:16.419 reassuring to hear you say that. Now forgive 00:11:16.419 --> 00:11:18.519 me for disturbing you. No, no. I wasn't disturbed. 00:11:19.019 --> 00:11:21.299 Thanks for calling. Good night. Good night, JP. 00:11:22.840 --> 00:11:25.720 Even Dad notices that something is wrong. Yeah. 00:11:26.360 --> 00:11:29.159 I haven't seen you in three days. You trying 00:11:29.159 --> 00:11:33.419 to tell me something? All I hear... All I want 00:11:33.419 --> 00:11:36.879 to tell you is that I love you very much. From 00:11:36.879 --> 00:11:40.220 a distance? I called you at your office twice 00:11:40.220 --> 00:11:45.279 this afternoon. Allison... Allison, I can't keep 00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:47.539 this from you. I thought I could, but every day, 00:11:47.779 --> 00:11:50.159 every hour, it grows bigger. Until now it feels 00:11:50.159 --> 00:11:53.230 as though it's going to engulf me. And you, our 00:11:53.230 --> 00:11:55.830 life, everything that has meaning for me. Darling. 00:11:55.889 --> 00:11:58.610 No, no, no, hear me out. And then if you want 00:11:58.610 --> 00:12:02.450 to go out that door, quietly, I won't say anything 00:12:02.450 --> 00:12:04.470 more and you can forget that you've ever known 00:12:04.470 --> 00:12:07.970 me. And loved you? Are you trying to say you 00:12:07.970 --> 00:12:10.190 don't want to marry me? That you've stopped loving 00:12:10.190 --> 00:12:12.850 me? Darling, it's because I love you that I'm 00:12:12.850 --> 00:12:15.669 going to tell you. I considered keeping the whole 00:12:15.669 --> 00:12:17.350 matter from you, writing out the trouble and 00:12:17.350 --> 00:12:19.750 probably overcoming it. Darling, how little you 00:12:19.750 --> 00:12:21.610 know me. No matter what the trouble is, I want 00:12:21.610 --> 00:12:30.769 to be with you, if you want me. Allison, I'm 00:12:30.769 --> 00:12:35.049 a fraud. What? I'm not Charles Powell. It's a 00:12:35.049 --> 00:12:41.590 name I assumed to hide my real identity. Want 00:12:41.590 --> 00:12:47.750 me to go on? Yes, darling. Go on. At the age 00:12:47.750 --> 00:12:52.669 of 22, I was charged and convicted of murder 00:12:52.669 --> 00:12:55.490 and sent to San Quentin for life. I was innocent, 00:12:55.710 --> 00:12:57.970 evidence, circumstantial evidence, court -appointed 00:12:57.970 --> 00:12:59.769 attorney who didn't know what to do or didn't 00:12:59.769 --> 00:13:03.769 care, a weak effort to appeal which was refused, 00:13:03.769 --> 00:13:09.309 and there I was, at 22, in prison, for life. 00:13:10.120 --> 00:13:12.799 Chance of a parole only after serving 20 years. 00:13:12.799 --> 00:13:16.480 I'd be old all my young life confined in prison 00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:21.559 So When I had a chance to get out you escaped 00:13:21.559 --> 00:13:24.899 and ran for two years Do you know what it means 00:13:24.899 --> 00:13:26.980 to be hunted? You can't get a job. You have no 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:28.659 place to live You can't have a sleep for fear. 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:30.600 Someone will see you and turn you in darling. 00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:35.340 I was ready to give myself up When I suddenly 00:13:35.340 --> 00:13:39.059 discovered that it wasn't necessary to run any 00:13:39.059 --> 00:13:42.100 longer I picked up a two -week -old newspaper 00:13:42.100 --> 00:13:44.840 and read a report of my death. What? Yes, a man. 00:13:45.419 --> 00:13:47.840 A man had been burned to death in a flophouse 00:13:47.840 --> 00:13:50.740 fire. The only thing he had on him was something 00:13:50.740 --> 00:13:54.419 that I had kept, my only possession. A locket 00:13:54.419 --> 00:13:58.519 belonging to my mother. It had a picture of her 00:13:58.519 --> 00:14:02.320 taken when she married my father. And it had 00:14:02.320 --> 00:14:04.360 been stolen from me as I lay asleep in a freight 00:14:04.360 --> 00:14:06.080 car. I guess the thief thought it was gold. It 00:14:06.080 --> 00:14:08.940 was just... cheap gold plate. And the man was 00:14:08.940 --> 00:14:12.100 identified as you? My mother and father's names 00:14:12.100 --> 00:14:16.419 were inscribed on the back. The man was so badly 00:14:16.419 --> 00:14:18.100 burned that the locket was the only thing that 00:14:18.100 --> 00:14:20.820 could possibly identify him. And after two years 00:14:20.820 --> 00:14:24.360 of hunting, the authorities were glad to close 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:33.059 the file on Robert Hagen. Robert Hagen? Sounds 00:14:33.059 --> 00:14:37.159 so strange. The name doesn't fit you. Well, it 00:14:37.159 --> 00:14:41.480 sounds strange to me too now. Darling, I'm innocent. 00:14:42.259 --> 00:14:44.059 I never did it. It was all a mistake. I don't 00:14:44.059 --> 00:14:46.580 doubt that for an instant, dearest. I only wish 00:14:46.580 --> 00:14:52.620 you'd never told me. I had to tell you. You see, 00:14:52.720 --> 00:14:59.840 someone knows who I am. He's blackmailing me. 00:15:08.169 --> 00:15:11.610 When you're being blackmailed, you don't have 00:15:11.610 --> 00:15:16.210 many alternatives. Charles Powell's whole life, 00:15:16.769 --> 00:15:20.169 his future, the happiness of the woman he loves, 00:15:20.649 --> 00:15:26.110 all hang by a very thin, flimsy thread. I'll 00:15:26.110 --> 00:15:41.990 be back shortly with Act Two. When Charles Powell 00:15:41.990 --> 00:15:45.470 chose to give in to his blackmailer, he didn't 00:15:45.470 --> 00:15:47.590 envision the trouble that was building up for 00:15:47.590 --> 00:15:50.850 him. Just keep paying and I'll keep my mouth 00:15:50.850 --> 00:15:54.889 shut, his blackmailer assured him. But then something 00:15:54.889 --> 00:15:57.429 happened that threatened to destroy Charles' 00:15:57.970 --> 00:16:02.889 fragile security. Yes, Elsie. Mr. Hamill is here 00:16:02.889 --> 00:16:05.909 to see you. George Hamill? Well, we're not playing 00:16:05.909 --> 00:16:09.309 tennis until tomorrow. I've got something else 00:16:09.309 --> 00:16:13.269 to talk about. Business. Business? Yours or mine? 00:16:13.669 --> 00:16:17.809 Mine. But it concerns you. Okay, come in, George. 00:16:20.090 --> 00:16:23.049 Sorry to barge in on you. I know you're busy. 00:16:23.090 --> 00:16:25.169 Well, I'm never too busy to see George Hamill, 00:16:25.210 --> 00:16:27.389 rising young district attorney and next governor 00:16:27.389 --> 00:16:32.190 of the state. Your humor creaks, Charlie. Seriously, 00:16:32.289 --> 00:16:34.769 I've got something that sort of disturbs me. 00:16:34.909 --> 00:16:38.879 Oh, what does? Last night in a bar over on the 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:41.679 west side a man was bashed over the head with 00:16:41.679 --> 00:16:45.700 a bottle. He's in serious condition Well, what 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:48.340 has that got to do with me? Well the man who 00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:51.399 did the bashing an ex -con by the name of Clinton 00:16:51.399 --> 00:16:56.539 Livitz. Yes He's asking for you Says you'll go 00:16:56.539 --> 00:17:01.059 his bail Now what I want to know is how does 00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:03.960 a guy like you get mixed up with a Joe like that? 00:17:04.910 --> 00:17:06.750 George, what did you think? That he and I were 00:17:06.750 --> 00:17:09.609 buddies or something? I didn't know what to think. 00:17:09.690 --> 00:17:13.630 Well, I do know the man. He applied for a job 00:17:13.630 --> 00:17:15.410 with the company a week or so ago. The foreman 00:17:15.410 --> 00:17:17.549 who interviewed him discovered he was an ex -con, 00:17:17.730 --> 00:17:21.230 and he refused to hire him. It was brought to 00:17:21.230 --> 00:17:24.029 my attention when one of the societies that helps 00:17:24.029 --> 00:17:27.829 ex -cons called me. So you got him a job in the 00:17:27.829 --> 00:17:29.910 plant. No, no, no, no. I couldn't. I mean, I 00:17:29.910 --> 00:17:31.430 wouldn't go over the head of the foreman, but 00:17:31.430 --> 00:17:34.730 I did see him, and I... You know, handed him 00:17:34.730 --> 00:17:37.569 a couple of dollars. A couple of dollars? You 00:17:37.569 --> 00:17:39.109 know how much money he had on him when we brought 00:17:39.109 --> 00:17:41.990 him in? Two hundred and seventy -six dollars. 00:17:42.230 --> 00:17:45.170 Oh, well, uh, maybe he got lucky at the races 00:17:45.170 --> 00:17:48.009 with the money I gave him. How much was it? Oh, 00:17:48.009 --> 00:17:50.329 gee, I don't remember. Fifteen, twenty. I just 00:17:50.329 --> 00:17:52.170 took it out of my pocket and handed it to him. 00:17:52.190 --> 00:17:54.650 It was a, you know, a way of easing my conscience. 00:17:54.730 --> 00:17:56.730 I felt bad about the way our foreman had treated 00:17:56.730 --> 00:18:00.849 him. Well, take my word for it. This Clint Livitt 00:18:00.849 --> 00:18:07.410 is a bad customer. Stay away from him What what 00:18:07.410 --> 00:18:10.329 will become of him we'll go back to the pen where 00:18:10.329 --> 00:18:14.170 he belongs. Oh, what's the bail set at five thousand? 00:18:15.910 --> 00:18:18.430 You're not seriously considering putting it up 00:18:18.430 --> 00:18:20.710 are you I just asking because if you are that's 00:18:20.710 --> 00:18:23.170 the last you'll see of your money For that matter 00:18:23.170 --> 00:18:25.890 mr. Livitt's he'll jump bail please George. I'm 00:18:25.890 --> 00:18:28.069 a big boy now, and I think I can make my own 00:18:28.069 --> 00:18:32.769 decisions Well would have thought it Charles 00:18:32.769 --> 00:18:36.390 Powell bleeding hearts now look We've been friends 00:18:36.390 --> 00:18:38.970 for over five years When you were running for 00:18:38.970 --> 00:18:41.509 DA, I backed you with substantial contributions. 00:18:41.509 --> 00:18:44.630 I like you. You're my friend now Let's not kick 00:18:44.630 --> 00:18:47.009 that all out because of some stupid disagreement. 00:18:47.390 --> 00:18:53.970 No Let's not kick it out I'm sorry Charlie But 00:18:53.970 --> 00:18:56.289 I just can't understand what your connection 00:18:56.289 --> 00:19:07.829 with that ex con is Mr. Powell, I hope you'll 00:19:07.829 --> 00:19:10.190 understand. I accept Clinton Livitt's case with 00:19:10.190 --> 00:19:12.490 strong reservations. Yes, I understand. As an 00:19:12.490 --> 00:19:15.170 attorney, I... Well, how shall I put it? You, 00:19:15.170 --> 00:19:18.849 uh... You don't like your client. Exactly. However, 00:19:18.869 --> 00:19:21.269 I shall do my best to get him off, or at least 00:19:21.269 --> 00:19:24.269 get him a light sentence. I'm extremely pessimistic 00:19:24.269 --> 00:19:26.269 about Mr. Livitt's even showing up for trial. 00:19:26.609 --> 00:19:30.109 Yes. George Hamill also said he expected that 00:19:30.109 --> 00:19:32.529 Livitt's would jump his bail. And you would forfeit 00:19:32.529 --> 00:19:35.650 $5 ,000. Yes, I know. And that doesn't disturb 00:19:35.650 --> 00:19:38.609 you? No, no, I... I don't believe he'll run. 00:19:39.170 --> 00:19:43.049 I see. You want to speak with him? He's been 00:19:43.049 --> 00:19:44.890 released. He's waiting in the other office. Uh, 00:19:44.890 --> 00:19:48.309 not particularly. He says he wants to see you. 00:19:48.509 --> 00:19:53.230 Oh. Well, in that case, yes, I'll see him. Send 00:19:53.230 --> 00:19:57.210 Mr. Livitz in. I'll leave you alone. If you need 00:19:57.210 --> 00:20:00.710 me, I'll be in the other office. Now, come in, 00:20:00.710 --> 00:20:03.470 Mr. Livitz. Mr. Powell will speak to you. Thanks. 00:20:03.690 --> 00:20:06.230 I'll be back when you call. Just flip the switch 00:20:06.230 --> 00:20:11.490 on the intercom. Yes, I will. Well, you sure 00:20:11.490 --> 00:20:14.450 know how to complicate things, Clint. Story of 00:20:14.450 --> 00:20:17.250 my life. Do you realize you could go up for one 00:20:17.250 --> 00:20:20.450 to five years for what you've done? No, it couldn't 00:20:20.450 --> 00:20:21.990 happen. What do you mean it couldn't happen? 00:20:22.210 --> 00:20:24.369 Because you wouldn't let it happen, Charlie. 00:20:24.450 --> 00:20:26.349 Look, even with the best lawyer defending you, 00:20:26.369 --> 00:20:28.569 he can't guarantee he'll win the case. You won't 00:20:28.569 --> 00:20:31.410 let me go to prison, Charlie. I'm doing my best 00:20:31.410 --> 00:20:35.980 for you, but... No. Butts, I'm not going back 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:39.380 to the pen. Okay, okay, you're not going back. 00:20:40.119 --> 00:20:42.660 Now suppose, just suppose, during the trial, 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:46.380 if things look bad, we get you out of town and 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:50.160 let you run for it, forfeit your bail. Oh, you'd 00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:52.980 like that, wouldn't you? I'd be out of your hair 00:20:52.980 --> 00:20:55.819 and all it would cost you would be the five G's 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:58.279 for the bail. No, no, no, no, no, I'd give you 00:20:58.279 --> 00:21:03.400 a substantial sum. Oh, Mr. Powell, no sale. I'm 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:06.359 too old to run. Well, suppose I got you out of 00:21:06.359 --> 00:21:09.240 the country. With a good hunk of bread stashed 00:21:09.240 --> 00:21:13.019 away for me? Swiss bank account. I don't know. 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:31.099 Why don't we play it by ear? Come in. You wanted 00:21:31.099 --> 00:21:35.240 to see me, JP? By yes, sir. Can you spare a minute? 00:21:35.400 --> 00:21:38.420 Yeah, sure I've heard it on the grapevine that 00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:42.059 you were Now shall I put it that you were aiding 00:21:42.059 --> 00:21:45.599 some ex -convict in trouble with the police that 00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:51.079 true Yes, it's true John and I think I know what 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:55.019 kind of grapes grow on that grapevine all right 00:21:55.019 --> 00:21:57.839 Now George have all that damn busy party. Why 00:21:57.839 --> 00:22:00.779 can't he stick to his job and George is a friend? 00:22:01.660 --> 00:22:05.460 He tells me that the man you're Protecting is 00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:08.700 a rather reprehensible character and let me explain 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:12.859 It's just a matter of policy my helping this 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:16.220 man Policy. Well, yes you were you did ask me 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:18.279 a few days ago to consider taking over the job 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:20.339 of running this company You're going to accept. 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:23.400 Well, I was I was going to tell you today wonderful 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:27.359 wonderful news Allison will be delighted. I know 00:22:27.359 --> 00:22:29.559 she's been worried about your seeming reluctant 00:22:30.879 --> 00:22:33.319 Reluctant any longer. In fact, I've got all sorts 00:22:33.319 --> 00:22:35.680 of ideas about what I want to do This business 00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:37.960 of giving a hand to ex -convicts is just one 00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:40.059 of them Do you realize what this would mean and 00:22:40.059 --> 00:22:42.440 publicity for the company to take an interest 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:44.819 in the? Rehabilitation of men who would otherwise 00:22:44.819 --> 00:22:47.640 be lost a burden to the taxpayer. I'm gonna hire 00:22:47.640 --> 00:22:51.000 a PR man We're gonna be the big corporation with 00:22:51.000 --> 00:23:01.140 a heart JP Lies lies lies and more lies How can 00:23:01.140 --> 00:23:03.660 I keep all these phony stories straight, Allison? 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:05.839 It's like a long, dark tunnel with no ending. 00:23:05.920 --> 00:23:08.180 It will end, and it will all turn out all right. 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:10.339 Don't lose your courage. Now, I love you and 00:23:10.339 --> 00:23:12.599 need you. We'll worry this out together. You 00:23:12.599 --> 00:23:14.920 know, you know what I've considered. What? Going 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:17.339 to the authorities and saying, look, I'm Robert 00:23:17.339 --> 00:23:20.200 Hagen, the man you think died 13 years ago. No, 00:23:20.299 --> 00:23:22.180 darling, they'd throw you back into prison. No, 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:24.519 I'd hire the best lawyers. No, no, Charles, don't. 00:23:24.579 --> 00:23:26.579 Please don't take such a chance. What would I 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:32.569 do without you? Darling. Darling, I don't know 00:23:32.569 --> 00:23:34.430 how much longer I can stay in this pressure. 00:23:34.589 --> 00:23:37.230 I've got to do something something to free myself 00:23:37.230 --> 00:23:39.190 Why not give him a lot of money and ask him to 00:23:39.190 --> 00:23:42.029 go away promise to stay away forever in Heartgrave's 00:23:42.029 --> 00:23:44.250 office I suggested that he jump bail and get 00:23:44.250 --> 00:23:46.369 out of the country. What did he say? Well when 00:23:46.369 --> 00:23:49.289 I mentioned a big sum I didn't exactly say how 00:23:49.289 --> 00:23:52.230 much you know a Swiss bank account He was interested. 00:23:52.529 --> 00:23:54.849 Did he say he would accept? Well, we were interrupted, 00:23:54.930 --> 00:23:57.529 and he didn't say definitely. Offer him anything. 00:23:57.549 --> 00:24:00.109 Just get him to go. Well, how would I get a large 00:24:00.109 --> 00:24:02.589 sum of money together? I have some small investments, 00:24:02.750 --> 00:24:06.529 a fair bank account, but what he might want would 00:24:06.529 --> 00:24:09.150 be beyond me. You forget you're marrying a very 00:24:09.150 --> 00:24:11.170 rich girl. Oh, no, no. No, I wouldn't think of 00:24:11.170 --> 00:24:13.910 that. Don't give me that male eco business. I've 00:24:13.910 --> 00:24:16.789 got money. That was nice enough to give me a 00:24:16.789 --> 00:24:19.150 big hunk when I was 21. Now, look, look, Allison. 00:24:19.309 --> 00:24:22.329 With all my earthly goods. I thee endow. We're 00:24:22.329 --> 00:24:24.569 not married yet. You're not going to back out 00:24:24.569 --> 00:24:27.769 now, not after I've endowed you with all my earthly... 00:24:27.769 --> 00:24:33.029 or is it worldly goods? You know, you are the 00:24:33.029 --> 00:24:35.390 nuttiest woman I've ever known. See, I've got 00:24:35.390 --> 00:24:38.950 to laughing. Darling, all our troubles are going 00:24:38.950 --> 00:24:44.210 to evaporate. Vanish. No. It won't work, Allison. 00:24:44.930 --> 00:24:48.809 It'll never work. But you said... No. Clint Livitz 00:24:48.809 --> 00:24:51.339 will never stick to any bargain. He'll want more 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:53.339 and he'll want more. He'll never be satisfied. 00:24:53.359 --> 00:24:55.059 We got him out of the country. What's to keep 00:24:55.059 --> 00:24:57.480 him from coming back when he's broke or even 00:24:57.480 --> 00:25:00.980 threatening us from abroad? I gave him a thousand 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:03.779 dollars in cash only a few days ago. When he 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:05.579 was picked up in the bar, he had only about two 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:07.839 hundred and seventy -some dollars left. In a 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:10.440 matter of two days, he'd squandered over seven 00:25:10.440 --> 00:25:12.720 hundred. But if he were made to understand that 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:14.700 the sum agreed on was all he was going to get... 00:25:14.700 --> 00:25:17.859 Can I make you understand we're not dealing with 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:21.609 a rational, honest man. He'll agree to anything 00:25:21.609 --> 00:25:25.849 and then he'll When his money runs out or he 00:25:25.849 --> 00:25:29.089 decides he wants more he'll he'll be right back 00:25:29.089 --> 00:25:36.849 What can you do? There are only Two things one 00:25:36.849 --> 00:25:40.750 can do about a blackmailer keep on paying and 00:25:40.750 --> 00:25:47.789 paying forever and the other and the other Kill 00:25:47.789 --> 00:25:57.579 him Just two ways to deal with a blackmailer. 00:25:58.079 --> 00:26:01.859 Charles now must face his conscience. The thought 00:26:01.859 --> 00:26:04.519 that has been in the hidden recesses of his mind 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:09.059 has been spoken aloud. We will be back shortly 00:26:09.059 --> 00:26:27.210 with Act 3. Paul's life has reached a climax. 00:26:28.390 --> 00:26:31.950 He must make a decision to rid himself forever 00:26:31.950 --> 00:26:35.630 of his blackmailer. And perhaps that very decision 00:26:35.630 --> 00:26:38.829 will destroy his life and the life of the woman 00:26:38.829 --> 00:26:44.069 he loves. The alternative is to keep paying and 00:26:44.069 --> 00:26:55.220 paying, never feeling safe. Oh, Allison. I was... 00:26:55.220 --> 00:26:58.599 You were expecting him, weren't you? Yes. I gathered 00:26:58.599 --> 00:27:00.440 as much when I called you at the office this 00:27:00.440 --> 00:27:06.039 afternoon. Aren't you going to ask me in? Yeah, 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:12.500 come in. You were so evasive. Well, he wanted 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:15.220 to see me this evening. He wants more money. 00:27:15.519 --> 00:27:16.900 And you're going to give it to him? Well, I haven't 00:27:16.900 --> 00:27:19.779 many choices, have I? You mentioned one. No. 00:27:21.150 --> 00:27:24.250 No, Allison, I'm sorry. I let that slip out. 00:27:24.369 --> 00:27:27.730 I didn't mean it it I Couldn't go through with 00:27:27.730 --> 00:27:33.049 that if I wanted to I Could what? Honey, you 00:27:33.049 --> 00:27:34.950 don't know what you say. I know very well what 00:27:34.950 --> 00:27:37.789 I'm saying How long do you think you can keep 00:27:37.789 --> 00:27:39.609 this business hidden? Well, I don't know. I don't 00:27:39.609 --> 00:27:42.410 know maybe forever look Look, he's not a young 00:27:42.410 --> 00:27:44.529 man. All those years in prison, the kind of life 00:27:44.529 --> 00:27:46.630 he's led, how many years do you think he has 00:27:46.630 --> 00:27:48.750 left? He could die tomorrow. He could do something 00:27:48.750 --> 00:27:50.710 tomorrow that would expose the whole game, and 00:27:50.710 --> 00:27:54.269 then where would we be? No, Charles, I love you. 00:27:54.829 --> 00:27:56.990 I want us to marry and live a good, peaceful 00:27:56.990 --> 00:27:59.269 life. How can we with all that hanging over us? 00:27:59.289 --> 00:28:02.730 Oh, Alison, darling. Darling, you don't really 00:28:02.730 --> 00:28:05.829 know what you're suggesting. Look, maybe if we 00:28:05.829 --> 00:28:07.430 could get him to leave the country. You said 00:28:07.430 --> 00:28:09.869 there were only two ways to deal with a blackmailer. 00:28:10.400 --> 00:28:15.119 To keep paying no no to murder him is unthinkable 00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:17.319 George Hamill asked me to stop by at his office 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:20.900 this afternoon. Why he's not stupid The story 00:28:20.900 --> 00:28:23.160 you gave my father about helping ex -convicts 00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:25.180 is a public relations stunt didn't wash with 00:28:25.180 --> 00:28:27.680 him He wanted to know what I know why he was 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:31.099 just fishing the best way would be to make it 00:28:31.099 --> 00:28:34.539 look like an accident Allison We can be out a 00:28:34.539 --> 00:28:40.009 car accident If I cracked up with Clinton the 00:28:40.009 --> 00:28:42.009 car I might be the one who gets it what guarantee 00:28:42.009 --> 00:28:44.170 do we have that would that he would die No, you 00:28:44.170 --> 00:28:47.769 can't be in the same car If he were in another 00:28:47.769 --> 00:28:51.230 car and you were following him And if you raced 00:28:51.230 --> 00:28:53.890 ahead of him and cut him off and forced him to 00:28:53.890 --> 00:28:59.089 crash off the road If it's too iffy it's so impossible. 00:28:59.150 --> 00:29:03.289 It's so dreamlike. It was a dream Last night. 00:29:03.289 --> 00:29:06.829 I dreamt you were in a car with me We saw Clint 00:29:06.829 --> 00:29:10.670 up ahead of us. I said, there's Clint ahead of 00:29:10.670 --> 00:29:15.309 us. Cut him off and make him crash. Faster. Faster. 00:29:16.130 --> 00:29:18.970 We'd nearly caught him. Now we're alongside him. 00:29:19.369 --> 00:29:22.750 Force him over. Cut him in front of him. Then 00:29:22.750 --> 00:29:26.869 I woke up. I was calling out. I was afraid someone 00:29:26.869 --> 00:29:30.269 had hurt me. Oh, my darling. It was all so real. 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:34.740 Honey, you go at the back door. I'll phone you 00:29:34.740 --> 00:29:36.700 later. I'm going to stay and meet him. No, I'm 00:29:36.700 --> 00:29:39.099 staying I've got something to say to him. He 00:29:39.099 --> 00:29:43.519 won't like your being here Well, it sure took 00:29:43.519 --> 00:29:48.359 long enough What's the idea Powell? This is my 00:29:48.359 --> 00:29:51.279 fiancee Allison McCready. What's she doing here? 00:29:51.380 --> 00:29:54.680 Will you come in and stop being childish? I ain't 00:29:54.680 --> 00:29:58.180 saying a thing. You got nothing on me and remember 00:29:58.180 --> 00:30:01.420 mr. Powell You got a lot more to lose than I 00:30:01.420 --> 00:30:03.240 have. You're not going to lose anything, Mr. 00:30:03.319 --> 00:30:05.059 Levitz. You're going to gain by my being here. 00:30:05.279 --> 00:30:08.319 Yeah. Mr. Powell has told me his story and I 00:30:08.319 --> 00:30:11.859 agree that it must not get out. Go on. I have 00:30:11.859 --> 00:30:15.480 a lot more money than... Let me put it this way. 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:19.460 Charles and I are going to be married. We want 00:30:19.460 --> 00:30:24.210 you to leave the country. Oh, I bet you do look 00:30:24.210 --> 00:30:26.549 Clint you'll do better by accepting our proposition 00:30:26.549 --> 00:30:29.470 we intend to hand you fifty thousand dollars 00:30:29.470 --> 00:30:33.930 and an airplane ticket one way and never come 00:30:33.930 --> 00:30:40.970 back and never come back I Always wanted to travel 00:30:40.970 --> 00:30:45.509 but what? 50 G's just chicken free. That's all 00:30:45.509 --> 00:30:48.769 there is not enough. I'm thinking around a quarter 00:30:48.769 --> 00:30:51.119 of a million out of the question I'm not going 00:30:51.119 --> 00:30:53.920 to bargain with you. I can raise one hundred 00:30:53.920 --> 00:30:55.740 thousand. No, Allison. It's worth it, Charles, 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:57.940 if we can depend on Clint to wipe the whole matter 00:30:57.940 --> 00:31:00.500 out of his memory and just go away. Oh, you can 00:31:00.500 --> 00:31:04.640 depend on me. I'll keep my bargain. Then it's 00:31:04.640 --> 00:31:10.019 a deal? A deal. Good. It'll take about ten days 00:31:10.019 --> 00:31:13.299 to raise the money. I ain't in a hurry. You are. 00:31:14.599 --> 00:31:17.180 And, uh, speaking of money, that was the reason 00:31:17.180 --> 00:31:21.980 I, uh, came tonight, Charlie. Yeah, here. That's 00:31:21.980 --> 00:31:25.859 500. What? You said a G, like the last... That's 00:31:25.859 --> 00:31:28.019 all I could raise in a hurry. When that runs 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:30.980 out, I'll have more. You went through that first 00:31:30.980 --> 00:31:33.140 thousand awfully fast. Well, I got rolled in 00:31:33.140 --> 00:31:35.359 that bow where I had the trouble. Oh, that reminds 00:31:35.359 --> 00:31:37.460 me, your trial comes up in less than three weeks. 00:31:37.799 --> 00:31:41.799 Yeah. Lawyer called me at my hotel to see if 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:44.559 I was still around, I guess. Our plan is for 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:47.200 you to jump your bail. I'll forfeit the 5 ,000 00:31:47.200 --> 00:31:49.240 I put up for it. And get you out of the country. 00:31:49.500 --> 00:31:53.940 With a keister full of green. Now, wait. I ain't 00:31:53.940 --> 00:31:55.920 got a passport. Now, that can be arranged, Clint. 00:31:56.259 --> 00:32:01.220 Just leave that to me. Okay, friends, you got 00:32:01.220 --> 00:32:12.180 yourself a deal. Say, Charlie. Hmm? You're gonna 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:14.339 put this meal on your expense account, I hope. 00:32:14.900 --> 00:32:17.619 Too rich for your blood, George? Too rich for 00:32:17.619 --> 00:32:19.940 my pocketbook. That's JP's favorite French restaurant. 00:32:20.420 --> 00:32:23.079 Oh, yeah. Nice to have wealthy, high -paid executives 00:32:23.079 --> 00:32:27.460 for friends. I'm a simple man. I like simple 00:32:27.460 --> 00:32:33.599 things. And I like simple answers. Meaning? How 00:32:33.599 --> 00:32:35.619 long are you gonna cling to that cockamamie story 00:32:35.619 --> 00:32:38.200 about your helping ex -cons rehabilitate themselves? 00:32:38.220 --> 00:32:41.640 It's the McCoy, George. That guy got something 00:32:41.640 --> 00:32:44.119 on you, Charles. Pardon, monsieur, the telephone 00:32:44.119 --> 00:32:47.339 for you. Oh, yes, thank you. Where is it? It 00:32:47.339 --> 00:32:49.980 is here, monsieur. I will plug it in for you. 00:32:50.900 --> 00:32:54.740 Thank you. Just like the movies. Yeah. Hello? 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:58.900 Charles? Oh, yes, Allison. I know George Hamilton's 00:32:58.900 --> 00:33:00.759 with you. He told me you were lunching with him. 00:33:01.259 --> 00:33:03.039 Listen to what I'm going to say, but don't let 00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:07.619 on to George. Yes, yes, dear. Allison says hello 00:33:07.619 --> 00:33:09.440 and to remind you that in two and a half weeks 00:33:09.440 --> 00:33:11.960 She wants to see you at the church promptly at 00:33:11.960 --> 00:33:15.440 11. I'll try to remember. Okay. He's all set 00:33:15.440 --> 00:33:21.779 darling. Now. What's so important? Why is the 00:33:21.779 --> 00:33:29.819 color scheme so important Well, I don't see that 00:33:29.819 --> 00:33:31.980 that's such a problem choose whatever color will 00:33:31.980 --> 00:33:55.509 make the bridesmaids happy Yes, yes, I follow 00:33:55.509 --> 00:33:58.670 dear. I follow. I'm not sure I agree. I have 00:33:58.670 --> 00:34:01.930 a 22 target pistol I know how to use it. Yes, 00:34:02.049 --> 00:34:06.049 I I know you have to ask him to come dear, but 00:34:06.049 --> 00:34:08.710 Then what do we do with the unwelcome guest? 00:34:22.539 --> 00:34:25.219 Suppose the gardener wants to supply some flowers 00:34:25.219 --> 00:34:26.900 for... We've been gone over a year, fired. We 00:34:26.900 --> 00:34:29.539 didn't hire one after that. As soon as it's all 00:34:29.539 --> 00:34:31.500 over, we'll take the rental car and dump it over 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:33.940 the edge of the road near town. You know that 00:34:33.940 --> 00:34:36.000 bad place where there's no shoulder on the road 00:34:36.000 --> 00:34:38.360 and only a flimsy guardrail? Mm -hmm. Yes, yes, 00:34:38.400 --> 00:34:41.920 I know. I know. We dump the car there, let it 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:44.039 smash up if it catches fire so much the better. 00:34:44.519 --> 00:34:46.739 Then you take me back to the house and rush back 00:34:46.739 --> 00:34:50.460 to the city. Report the rental car stolen. You've 00:34:50.460 --> 00:34:55.070 been in your apartment all... Understand Yes 00:34:55.070 --> 00:34:58.889 The color scheme suits me fine. Dear you sure 00:34:58.889 --> 00:35:03.010 have it all planned. No bobbles. No Slip -ups 00:35:03.010 --> 00:35:06.789 Yes, I'll be in my office till late tonight nine 00:35:06.789 --> 00:35:12.170 at least if you want to reach me Yes, that's 00:35:12.170 --> 00:35:15.170 correct Allison I am now look I have a report 00:35:15.170 --> 00:35:18.250 to get out If you've completed your instructions, 00:35:18.349 --> 00:35:20.710 I'll get back to my lunch with George. Goodbye, 00:35:20.909 --> 00:35:26.210 dear Wow. That's only the beginning, Charlie. 00:35:27.130 --> 00:35:30.429 Wait till she gets you signed on the dotted line. 00:35:38.429 --> 00:35:41.010 Mr. Powell. Mr. Powell, something terrible's 00:35:41.010 --> 00:35:42.769 happened. What is it, Elsie? There's been a terrible 00:35:42.769 --> 00:35:45.050 accident on the late shift. Man's caught in a 00:35:45.050 --> 00:35:47.469 machine. The big press, they said. Oh, good Lord. 00:35:47.530 --> 00:35:49.469 Has the hospital been called? I don't know. Well, 00:35:49.469 --> 00:35:51.050 call them on your phone. I've got to use this 00:35:51.050 --> 00:35:54.780 one. Yes, sir. Then call down to the plant tell 00:35:54.780 --> 00:35:56.739 them I'm coming down if it's what I think it 00:35:56.739 --> 00:35:59.119 is the machine will have to be partially dismantled. 00:35:59.480 --> 00:36:06.719 Yes, sir Alison listen, there's a change of plans 00:36:06.719 --> 00:36:11.699 I'm still at the office something Yes, I know 00:36:11.699 --> 00:36:15.099 he has the rental car I got it for Well, it's 00:36:15.099 --> 00:36:17.159 been a bad accident on the night shift a man's 00:36:17.159 --> 00:36:18.739 caught in the big metal press. I've got to help 00:36:18.739 --> 00:36:22.090 get him out Well, when he comes, stall him. Just 00:36:22.090 --> 00:36:24.070 tell him what happened, why I'm delayed. I haven't 00:36:24.070 --> 00:36:25.710 got the money, Charles. Tell him I'm bringing 00:36:25.710 --> 00:36:27.789 the money, the airplane ticket, and the passport. 00:36:27.829 --> 00:36:30.150 Just stall him. I'll do my best, but hurry. He 00:36:30.150 --> 00:36:44.030 scares me. Ten o 'clock, an hour late. I hope 00:36:44.030 --> 00:37:38.480 he's still there. Allison Allison open up Clint, 00:37:39.079 --> 00:37:42.139 Clint, will you stop? I'll run you off the road. 00:37:42.579 --> 00:37:48.940 Force him over. Force him over. You've cut him 00:37:48.940 --> 00:37:56.440 off. You've done it. The homes are all crashed 00:37:56.440 --> 00:38:14.670 and burning. Let them... Let them burn. Is this, 00:38:14.670 --> 00:38:18.269 uh, Arrow car rental service? Well, I rented 00:38:18.269 --> 00:38:20.530 a car from you people this morning. No, no, no, 00:38:21.230 --> 00:38:24.829 no. No, there's nothing wrong with the car. I 00:38:24.829 --> 00:38:34.389 just want to report it stolen. The city foreign 00:38:34.389 --> 00:38:37.030 car service? Look, I, uh, asked for my car to 00:38:37.030 --> 00:38:38.889 be picked up in my driveway. It's still here, 00:38:38.889 --> 00:38:42.369 and I -I called, or rather, my secretary called 00:38:42.369 --> 00:38:44.929 at 10 this morning. My name is Charles Powell. 00:38:51.969 --> 00:39:02.170 Come on, come on. Answer the phone. Yeah, just 00:39:02.170 --> 00:39:08.690 a moment. Oh, George. George, it's kind of late 00:39:08.690 --> 00:39:13.059 for a visit. Come in. Thanks. I was just trying 00:39:13.059 --> 00:39:15.559 to phone Allison. Boy, what a night this has 00:39:15.559 --> 00:39:18.320 been. There was an accident at the plant. Peterson, 00:39:19.260 --> 00:39:21.119 I hope they don't have to have you take. I heard. 00:39:21.380 --> 00:39:23.420 Yes, and then when I got outside, I had a date 00:39:23.420 --> 00:39:25.760 with Allison. The car that I had rented this 00:39:25.760 --> 00:39:28.320 morning was missing. It was stolen. What happened 00:39:28.320 --> 00:39:30.519 to that great, big, powerful foreign job of yours? 00:39:30.599 --> 00:39:33.460 Oh, it wouldn't start this morning. Had Elsie 00:39:33.460 --> 00:39:35.099 call the service people, but they haven't picked 00:39:35.099 --> 00:39:38.519 it up yet. I just called them. They have a night 00:39:38.519 --> 00:39:41.219 answering service. You've had a busy evening. 00:39:41.380 --> 00:39:44.840 Yeah, very. Well, I think I can clear up one 00:39:44.840 --> 00:39:47.719 of your puzzles, Charlie. Your rental car was 00:39:47.719 --> 00:39:52.699 found with a thief in it. You caught him? Dead. 00:39:53.480 --> 00:39:56.320 Burned to a cinder. Must have been going at a 00:39:56.320 --> 00:39:58.780 terrific speed. Tire marks on the road as he 00:39:58.780 --> 00:40:01.559 went off. Cracked up and burned. Yeah, yeah. 00:40:01.699 --> 00:40:07.380 Some kid? No. This may surprise you. It's your 00:40:07.380 --> 00:40:10.340 protege, Clint Libitz. We found enough of him 00:40:10.340 --> 00:40:14.699 to identify him and a slightly burnt but Still 00:40:14.699 --> 00:40:19.800 usable bankroll of sizable proportions well that 00:40:19.800 --> 00:40:24.320 Closes his case doesn't it and opens up several 00:40:24.320 --> 00:40:29.500 others? Incidentally, where were you all evening? 00:40:30.780 --> 00:40:34.320 home, after I got back from the plant. You didn't 00:40:34.320 --> 00:40:36.780 go out? Well, I told you, my rental car got stolen. 00:40:36.980 --> 00:40:40.480 I came home by cab to change my clothes. The 00:40:40.480 --> 00:40:43.960 big car is out of commission. I won't play games 00:40:43.960 --> 00:40:46.820 with you, Charlie. I checked it in the driveway 00:40:46.820 --> 00:40:50.440 just before I came up. The engine is still quite 00:40:50.440 --> 00:40:58.519 warm. You want to explain that? No, I don't want 00:40:58.519 --> 00:41:03.909 to explain. Charlie, I'm arresting you for murder. 00:41:04.449 --> 00:41:07.090 I must warn you that what... Murder? George, 00:41:07.110 --> 00:41:08.630 what are you talking about? Are you accusing 00:41:08.630 --> 00:41:12.070 me of Clint Livid's death? No, no. That was obviously 00:41:12.070 --> 00:41:17.650 an accident. I'm holding you for the murder of 00:41:17.650 --> 00:41:21.170 Allison McCready, the girl you were going to 00:41:21.170 --> 00:41:29.230 marry. And in conclusion, ladies and gentlemen 00:41:29.230 --> 00:41:34.409 of the jury, The evidence is conclusive. Charles 00:41:34.409 --> 00:41:37.090 killed his lovely fiance because she discovered 00:41:37.090 --> 00:41:41.550 his real identity, an escaped convict, a killer 00:41:41.550 --> 00:41:45.190 sentenced to life for another murder. The testimony 00:41:45.190 --> 00:41:48.849 of the housekeeper, Mrs. Francis, cannot be doubted. 00:41:49.469 --> 00:41:53.510 She did not leave the house, as he thought. She 00:41:53.510 --> 00:41:55.829 saw him run from the house, jump into his car, 00:41:55.849 --> 00:41:59.340 and race away. And then she discovered the body 00:41:59.340 --> 00:42:11.300 of Allison McCready shot through the head. Your 00:42:11.300 --> 00:42:16.099 Honor, may I... may I make a statement before 00:42:16.099 --> 00:42:22.079 you pronounce sentence? I did not kill Allison. 00:42:22.119 --> 00:42:26.889 I loved her. To say anything more in my defense 00:42:26.889 --> 00:42:30.869 is useless and unnecessary. Allison is dead. 00:42:32.650 --> 00:42:35.949 All I ask is that I be given the chance to follow 00:42:35.949 --> 00:42:48.750 her. Swiftly. And efficiently. And so a man is 00:42:48.750 --> 00:42:52.190 twice accused of murder and twice sentenced for 00:42:52.190 --> 00:42:56.679 the crime. a weary man who asks only to be allowed 00:42:56.679 --> 00:43:00.880 to follow the woman he loved. I'll be back shortly. 00:43:12.320 --> 00:43:16.780 And there we have it. Charles Powells joust with 00:43:16.780 --> 00:43:20.619 fate. What difference did it make that he knew 00:43:20.619 --> 00:43:24.119 that Clint had murdered Allison? They didn't 00:43:24.119 --> 00:43:28.300 believe him, and he was too weary to try to make 00:43:28.300 --> 00:43:32.820 them believe. Our cast included Larry Haynes, 00:43:33.199 --> 00:43:36.920 Anne Meacham, Jackson Beck, Sidney Walker, and 00:43:36.920 --> 00:43:40.159 Tom Kleiner. The entire production was under 00:43:40.159 --> 00:43:43.780 the direction of Hyman Brown. This is E .G. Marshall 00:43:43.780 --> 00:43:46.360 inviting you to return to our mystery theater 00:43:46.360 --> 00:43:50.880 for another adventure in the macabre. Until next 00:43:50.880 --> 00:43:53.980 time. Pleasant dreams?