WEBVTT 00:00:17.520 --> 00:00:26.219 Come in. Welcome. I'm E .G. Marshall. Welcome 00:00:26.219 --> 00:00:29.399 to the world of your own terrifying imagination. 00:00:31.160 --> 00:00:34.619 Mark Twain once said, everyone talks about the 00:00:34.619 --> 00:00:38.700 weather, but no one does anything about it. The 00:00:38.700 --> 00:00:41.060 same thing might be said of the state of morality 00:00:41.060 --> 00:00:45.380 in the world today. Everyone talks about immorality 00:00:45.380 --> 00:00:48.390 and corruption, But no one seems to do anything 00:00:48.390 --> 00:00:53.350 about it. Can we do anything about it? This is 00:00:53.350 --> 00:00:56.770 the story of a group who tried, with results 00:00:56.770 --> 00:01:05.469 like this. Oh no! Please! Please! Help! My feet! 00:01:06.049 --> 00:01:10.590 They're on fire! They're burning up! Prometheus! 00:01:11.469 --> 00:01:18.730 Promos! Help me! Please! Stop the burning! I 00:01:18.730 --> 00:01:35.730 believe! Now! I believe! Our mystery drama, Ordeal 00:01:35.730 --> 00:01:38.930 by Fire, was written especially for the Mystery 00:01:38.930 --> 00:01:42.629 Theater by Murray Burnett and stars Mandel Kramer. 00:01:55.340 --> 00:01:58.459 Prometheus' gift of fire to man was a blessing, 00:01:59.180 --> 00:02:02.780 bringing warmth, cheer, enabling man to cook 00:02:02.780 --> 00:02:06.340 his food, and also protect him from wild beasts. 00:02:07.260 --> 00:02:11.159 But along with the benefits came drawbacks. Fire 00:02:11.159 --> 00:02:14.639 proved to be destructive, and sometimes deadly, 00:02:15.740 --> 00:02:19.599 and man used it often to destroy. Thus was born 00:02:19.599 --> 00:02:23.969 the warning, don't play with fire. However, those 00:02:23.969 --> 00:02:26.789 who created one warning didn't follow their own 00:02:26.789 --> 00:02:30.189 advice, and they inevitably learned that they 00:02:30.189 --> 00:02:38.530 should have. Bob! Bob! Over here! Eva, I wired 00:02:38.530 --> 00:02:41.590 you not to meet me at the plane. I had to. Bob, 00:02:41.930 --> 00:02:45.250 I'm so glad you're here. Darling. I've missed 00:02:45.250 --> 00:02:48.479 you. Me too, darling. I know I shouldn't have 00:02:48.479 --> 00:02:51.300 sent you that silly cable, but Bob, I am so frightened. 00:02:51.520 --> 00:02:53.979 It's all right now. It is all right. No, no, 00:02:54.120 --> 00:02:57.240 it isn't. I know how important your China trip 00:02:57.240 --> 00:03:00.439 was to you, but I had to bring you back. I tried 00:03:00.439 --> 00:03:02.159 to handle this myself, but it just... Handle 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:06.419 what? Not here. Let's have a cup of coffee and 00:03:06.419 --> 00:03:19.449 I'll try to explain. What's your father afraid 00:03:19.449 --> 00:03:23.150 of I don't know and he won't tell me that's why 00:03:23.150 --> 00:03:26.030 I sent for you Bob Maybe he'll talk to you You 00:03:26.030 --> 00:03:28.310 know darling if you were anyone else except the 00:03:28.310 --> 00:03:30.229 level -headed beautiful girl that I'm going to 00:03:30.229 --> 00:03:32.710 marry I'd say this whole thing was nonsense You 00:03:32.710 --> 00:03:35.250 won't say it after you see dad. You won't recognize 00:03:35.250 --> 00:03:38.250 him. Why you mean he's changed physically Not 00:03:38.250 --> 00:03:41.379 so much in appearance, but in his attitude You 00:03:41.379 --> 00:03:43.680 know the way Dad was completely self -assured, 00:03:44.020 --> 00:03:46.379 positive. Yes, and sometimes wrong. Of course, 00:03:46.400 --> 00:03:48.900 who isn't? But you don't get to be the head of 00:03:48.900 --> 00:03:50.819 one of the largest corporations in the country 00:03:50.819 --> 00:03:54.259 by running scared. And Bob, believe me, Dad's 00:03:54.259 --> 00:03:57.800 terrified. Can you picture Vern Marcus scared? 00:04:04.699 --> 00:04:07.460 What's going on, Vern? Oh, nothing much, Bob. 00:04:07.710 --> 00:04:10.310 Just having my study remodeled. Looks like you're 00:04:10.310 --> 00:04:12.270 making it into a bank vault. You gonna store 00:04:12.270 --> 00:04:16.529 your money here? What brings you back to the 00:04:16.529 --> 00:04:18.670 States? I thought you planned to stay in China 00:04:18.670 --> 00:04:21.009 two months. You're the reason I'm here, Vern. 00:04:22.550 --> 00:04:25.089 You've evidently been allowing Ava to fill your 00:04:25.089 --> 00:04:28.670 head with a lot of nonsense. Nonsense? Well, 00:04:28.670 --> 00:04:31.069 I don't know what she told you. You didn't tell 00:04:31.069 --> 00:04:33.230 me that you were turning your study into a fortress 00:04:33.230 --> 00:04:35.430 or electrifying the fence around the house, but... 00:04:35.480 --> 00:04:37.259 She told me enough to convince me that I was 00:04:37.259 --> 00:04:39.579 right to come back. What's frightening you, Bob? 00:04:39.699 --> 00:04:42.579 Now, leave me alone. Just leave me be, that's 00:04:42.579 --> 00:04:45.980 all. Is that too much? Much too much. Stop thinking 00:04:45.980 --> 00:04:47.459 about yourself and think of what you're doing 00:04:47.459 --> 00:04:50.279 to Ava. Ava has nothing to do with this. No? 00:04:50.779 --> 00:04:52.759 How would you feel if your daughter built herself 00:04:52.759 --> 00:04:55.139 a fortress and locked herself in, turning from 00:04:55.139 --> 00:04:57.100 an outgoing, beautiful girl to a frightened, 00:04:57.379 --> 00:04:59.259 petulant child, asking only to be left alone? 00:04:59.300 --> 00:05:02.839 Would you try to help? All right, Bob, you win. 00:05:03.879 --> 00:05:07.019 One promise. You mustn't tell Ava. But she's 00:05:07.019 --> 00:05:08.899 frantic with worry. I have to tell her something. 00:05:08.920 --> 00:05:12.319 No. At least let me tell her that you've confided 00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:16.079 in me. That will help. That's all you'll tell 00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:21.699 her? You promise? I promise. All right. My telling 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:26.100 you isn't going to do any good. I'm caught, that's 00:05:26.100 --> 00:05:30.600 all. Caught by what? The Bromethean Society. 00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:36.180 What's that? It's a small secret society dedicated 00:05:36.180 --> 00:05:39.339 to doing something about the lack of morality 00:05:39.339 --> 00:05:41.620 in the world today. All right, but what do you 00:05:41.620 --> 00:05:45.759 mean you're caught? I have one week to give the 00:05:45.759 --> 00:05:49.160 leader of the society, a man who calls himself 00:05:49.160 --> 00:05:56.060 Promus, one million dollars. For what? Well, 00:05:56.079 --> 00:05:58.899 ostensibly to spread the message of the society. 00:05:59.629 --> 00:06:01.550 Well, what kind of work do they do that takes 00:06:01.550 --> 00:06:05.209 a million dollars public relations campaign newspaper 00:06:05.209 --> 00:06:09.569 advertising television radio They're even discussions 00:06:09.569 --> 00:06:11.889 of making a motion picture and that takes money 00:06:11.889 --> 00:06:14.290 Well, I don't see the problem burn if you really 00:06:14.290 --> 00:06:16.550 feel that this is worthwhile You make the contribution 00:06:16.550 --> 00:06:18.850 if you don't you tell them you won't go along. 00:06:18.910 --> 00:06:23.509 I'm afraid That's not possible. Oh Come on bird. 00:06:23.509 --> 00:06:27.029 What are they going to do if you say no? rather 00:06:27.029 --> 00:06:36.819 than tell you I'll show you. Timmy, Bob Steele 00:06:36.819 --> 00:06:40.199 remembers you. I'm sure you remember him. Sure. 00:06:40.339 --> 00:06:42.079 Sure I remember, Bob. How are you? Well, I'm 00:06:42.079 --> 00:06:44.899 fine, but what are you doing in the wheelchair? 00:06:45.220 --> 00:06:49.100 Learning how to operate the darn thing. I can 00:06:49.100 --> 00:06:51.639 move it pretty good. It's the brakes that bother 00:06:51.639 --> 00:06:54.300 me. Watch it. That's all right. I've got you. 00:06:54.379 --> 00:06:58.860 Thanks. Vern, what brings you here? Actually, 00:06:59.259 --> 00:07:02.839 it was Bob. Bob? What can I do for you? Well, 00:07:02.839 --> 00:07:04.779 Vern seems to be passing the buck. I'm trying 00:07:04.779 --> 00:07:06.680 to find out what's got him so uptight, and he 00:07:06.680 --> 00:07:08.600 told me that... What have you done, Vern? What 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:11.899 have you told him? Well, nothing yet. You see, 00:07:12.180 --> 00:07:14.060 Ava cabled me in China because she was so worried, 00:07:14.079 --> 00:07:15.980 and I came back to try to help. How much have 00:07:15.980 --> 00:07:19.620 you told him, Vern? Well, about our joining the 00:07:19.620 --> 00:07:22.839 Promethean Society and... that they've asked 00:07:22.839 --> 00:07:25.660 me for a million in contributions, and they asked 00:07:25.660 --> 00:07:29.060 you for half that, and you didn't pay. Well, 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:31.500 Bob wanted to know what happened to you, so I 00:07:31.500 --> 00:07:33.740 brought him here to show you. You want to see 00:07:33.740 --> 00:07:37.220 what happened to me, Bob? Unwrap the blankets 00:07:37.220 --> 00:07:42.160 around my legs. What? Do as he says. And look 00:07:42.160 --> 00:07:53.790 at his feet. Third degree burns The doctor tells 00:07:53.790 --> 00:07:55.990 me scar tissue will take about six months to 00:07:55.990 --> 00:07:59.250 form Then I can start to learn to walk again. 00:07:59.269 --> 00:08:03.370 How how how did it happen? I was here in my house 00:08:03.370 --> 00:08:06.790 One day my my feet just burned up. Tell him to 00:08:06.790 --> 00:08:11.269 me That day was just two days after you refused 00:08:11.269 --> 00:08:15.009 to contribute the half million dollars That promise 00:08:15.009 --> 00:08:23.459 had requested Ava, darling, get off my back. 00:08:23.980 --> 00:08:26.379 Oh, Bob, what's happening to us? Why are we so 00:08:26.379 --> 00:08:28.180 ugly to each other? Because something pretty 00:08:28.180 --> 00:08:30.519 ugly is going on. And you don't think I'm old 00:08:30.519 --> 00:08:32.320 enough to be laid in on it? Look, I've already 00:08:32.320 --> 00:08:34.919 explained to you that I gave your dad my word. 00:08:35.299 --> 00:08:37.220 Well, at least tell me how you're going to help 00:08:37.220 --> 00:08:41.559 him. Will you be satisfied with that? I guess 00:08:41.559 --> 00:08:44.519 I'll have to be. All right. You remember me telling 00:08:44.519 --> 00:08:46.860 you about a buddy of mine in Vietnam? I think 00:08:46.860 --> 00:08:49.879 so. His name was Brian. Brian... Yes, Brian Casey. 00:08:50.200 --> 00:08:52.460 He went from marine sniper scout to the chemical 00:08:52.460 --> 00:08:54.779 warfare branch, and now he runs a private detective 00:08:54.779 --> 00:08:58.000 agency. Now he should be here in five minutes. 00:08:58.700 --> 00:09:08.179 Wish us luck. I can't do it, Bob. I just can't. 00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:12.179 Vern, think what we're asking. Only to stall. 00:09:12.460 --> 00:09:15.220 You tell me I've had enough time. I've known 00:09:15.220 --> 00:09:18.720 about this for weeks. He's right Bob look Casey 00:09:18.720 --> 00:09:20.320 I brought you here because I believed you could 00:09:20.320 --> 00:09:22.340 help now if you're going to agree with him Just 00:09:22.340 --> 00:09:25.220 stalling isn't enough Bob. We've got to have 00:09:25.220 --> 00:09:27.820 a plan and before I can even think of anything 00:09:27.820 --> 00:09:30.580 I've got to see what this organization looks 00:09:30.580 --> 00:09:33.539 like and how it operates. I've told you mr. Casey. 00:09:33.539 --> 00:09:36.279 I'm good enough. I Have to attend one of those 00:09:36.279 --> 00:09:39.259 meetings. I just don't believe it any man can 00:09:39.259 --> 00:09:42.279 control fire Then how do you explain what happened 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:47.120 to Timmy Burns? I can't yet And we still can't 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:49.600 be sure that Burns told it like it happened. 00:09:49.679 --> 00:09:52.799 Well, Timmy has no reason to lie. Then you must 00:09:52.799 --> 00:09:56.259 believe that this promos can control fire. I 00:09:56.259 --> 00:10:01.279 only know what I saw. I saw his feet, too. After 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:03.620 whatever happened, happened. What could have 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:07.039 happened? Except what Timmy told us. Well, I'll 00:10:07.039 --> 00:10:08.639 tell you one thing that could have happened. 00:10:09.399 --> 00:10:12.360 Two rough gents could have called on Burns, tied 00:10:12.360 --> 00:10:16.139 him up, gagged him, and roasted his feet. I saw 00:10:16.139 --> 00:10:18.159 his feet, Casey. This couldn't have been done 00:10:18.159 --> 00:10:20.919 with matches. Bob, you know better than that. 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:24.340 Now think back when we were in Vietnam. Remember 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:27.600 the defoliants? Flamethrowers? Now these guys 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:29.659 could have used that on him. Well, then why wouldn't 00:10:29.659 --> 00:10:34.080 he tell us? Because they told him not to. And 00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:36.600 he sure would listen after they finished with 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:39.080 him. I never thought of that, but it is possible. 00:10:39.220 --> 00:10:42.679 No. You don't know promise. You think he's a 00:10:42.679 --> 00:10:44.600 nice guy you wouldn't stoop to a thing like that? 00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:47.820 Well, I don't know what he is. A fanatic, or 00:10:47.820 --> 00:10:51.860 a blackmailer. But there's an aura of power about 00:10:51.860 --> 00:10:56.379 him. And a certainty. Now, I don't know. But 00:10:56.379 --> 00:10:58.500 I'm sure that he doesn't have to use others. 00:10:59.059 --> 00:11:02.279 And certainly not thugs like you describe. Well, 00:11:02.299 --> 00:11:04.860 that's why I have to meet him and see his operation. 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:08.220 That's the only way I can help. And I don't see 00:11:08.220 --> 00:11:10.519 what good that'll do. Let's look at your options, 00:11:10.799 --> 00:11:15.210 Vern. One, you can pay. Just the first in a long 00:11:15.210 --> 00:11:17.049 string of payments. Two, you can blow the whistle 00:11:17.049 --> 00:11:19.879 and go to the district attorney. With what? Tell 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:21.759 them you joined the secret society willingly, 00:11:21.919 --> 00:11:24.580 that it's dedicated to restoring the moral tone 00:11:24.580 --> 00:11:26.720 of the world, and that you've been asked for 00:11:26.720 --> 00:11:29.740 a contribution. That's why I haven't considered 00:11:29.740 --> 00:11:32.120 the police. Or three, you can believe me when 00:11:32.120 --> 00:11:34.340 I tell you that Casey here is the toughest, most 00:11:34.340 --> 00:11:36.320 competent, and most highly trained private operative 00:11:36.320 --> 00:11:38.379 I know, in addition to being a buddy of mine 00:11:38.379 --> 00:11:41.980 from Vietnam. I'm not downgrading Casey. I just 00:11:41.980 --> 00:11:46.100 don't see what he offers. A long shot. You can 00:11:46.100 --> 00:11:48.799 take me to your schedule meeting tomorrow night 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:52.919 and introduce me as a sinner who's seen the light 00:11:52.919 --> 00:11:57.580 I'm an ex -marine a Vietnam veteran. Oh I made 00:11:57.580 --> 00:12:01.159 a bundle in the black market and now I want to 00:12:01.159 --> 00:12:03.779 give some of it to the Promethean Society to 00:12:03.779 --> 00:12:07.580 To make the world a better place But I want to 00:12:07.580 --> 00:12:10.970 see before I give And the reason you don't have 00:12:10.970 --> 00:12:13.830 the million is that you wanted promos approval 00:12:13.830 --> 00:12:16.950 to allow me to chip in with you. That makes sense, 00:12:17.129 --> 00:12:20.389 Vern. And if promos doesn't go for it, or I come 00:12:20.389 --> 00:12:32.649 up with nothing, you can always pay. How you 00:12:32.649 --> 00:12:37.789 feeling, Vern? Nervous. Very nervous. I wish... 00:12:37.659 --> 00:12:41.019 Bob could have come. Relax. Just do it the way 00:12:41.019 --> 00:12:43.919 we rehearsed it. You were letter perfect. But 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:46.539 what if Promise asks me about... No, no, no. 00:12:46.600 --> 00:12:48.600 I'll handle the questions if they're about me. 00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:50.980 Now, clue me in again on the way this affair 00:12:50.980 --> 00:12:54.519 is run. It'll take your mind off what's worrying 00:12:54.519 --> 00:12:58.980 you. Well, the members all gather in the club 00:12:58.980 --> 00:13:04.559 room. Very austere, but comfortable. We generally 00:13:04.559 --> 00:13:07.620 chat with each other and then when a gong sounds 00:13:07.620 --> 00:13:11.799 we go into the assembly hall That's a large room. 00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:15.179 I think it used to be a ballroom. It's been fixed 00:13:15.179 --> 00:13:19.600 It has a stage at one end with a platform That's 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:23.779 where promo stands when he talks at all There's 00:13:23.779 --> 00:13:28.059 the fire, but you know about that at a certain 00:13:28.059 --> 00:13:32.889 point in his address He raises his arms and extends 00:13:32.889 --> 00:13:37.289 them in the white and gold robe. And suddenly, 00:13:37.750 --> 00:13:41.629 he's consumed by fire. But it never burns him. 00:13:41.730 --> 00:13:45.470 Never. And you have no idea where the fire comes 00:13:45.470 --> 00:13:49.769 from? None. We've all talked about it. At first, 00:13:49.769 --> 00:13:52.690 we thought it was some magician's trick, but 00:13:52.690 --> 00:13:56.309 we can't be sure. You never had the stage checked 00:13:56.309 --> 00:13:59.549 out? Well, we talked about it, but... We never 00:13:59.549 --> 00:14:06.649 did. Here we are. You know, you will have to 00:14:06.649 --> 00:14:09.129 meet promos before you can get into the meeting. 00:14:09.429 --> 00:14:12.049 All you have to do is introduce me. The rest 00:14:12.049 --> 00:14:20.629 will be up to me. So, you would like to join 00:14:20.629 --> 00:14:23.029 the Prometheans, Mr. Casey? Well, that's why 00:14:23.029 --> 00:14:26.580 I'm here. What's with this bit about taking your 00:14:26.580 --> 00:14:30.860 shoes off? If and when we accept you, we'll explain 00:14:30.860 --> 00:14:34.059 our rituals. But we do not allow you into the 00:14:34.059 --> 00:14:37.379 inner chamber with your shoes on. What do you 00:14:37.379 --> 00:14:40.620 know about the Prometheans? Only what Verne Marcus 00:14:40.620 --> 00:14:43.879 told me. And what was that? It was pretty general 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:46.419 that you were an organization doing something 00:14:46.419 --> 00:14:49.500 about the shocking philosophy in our contemporary 00:14:49.500 --> 00:14:52.159 society that anything goes as long as it makes 00:14:52.159 --> 00:14:55.460 a buck. Why do you feel so strongly about it? 00:14:56.740 --> 00:15:02.419 Atonement. Atonement? For what? For my sins. 00:15:03.039 --> 00:15:06.139 This is not a confessional, and I am not a priest, 00:15:06.320 --> 00:15:09.840 Mr. Casey. We're engaged in a very secular battle 00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:13.200 here against the forces that have distorted and 00:15:13.200 --> 00:15:16.519 corrupted the moral values all over the world. 00:15:16.840 --> 00:15:20.120 and we intend to use the very same instruments 00:15:20.120 --> 00:15:23.120 that did the corrupting. Well, I apologize, but 00:15:23.120 --> 00:15:26.759 I wasn't being flip. Maybe Vern told you I was 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:29.559 in Vietnam in the Marine Corps. I know this isn't 00:15:29.559 --> 00:15:31.740 a confessional and you're not interested in my 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:35.519 life story, but I made a fortune then. Opium? 00:15:35.620 --> 00:15:38.779 No, no, no, not quite that bad. Black market. 00:15:39.899 --> 00:15:42.500 I sold everything I could get my hands on. Yes. 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:45.600 While I'm greatly flattered that you want to 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:48.559 join the Promethean Society, I'm sure you are 00:15:48.559 --> 00:15:51.639 unaware of our admission procedures. We have 00:15:51.639 --> 00:15:54.720 always selected our members, and only because 00:15:54.720 --> 00:15:57.899 of Vernon Marcus' stature. and the substantial 00:15:57.899 --> 00:16:00.539 contribution he's making to the society, did 00:16:00.539 --> 00:16:03.100 I consent to see you this evening? No, wait a 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:05.480 minute, I just... Now, much as I sympathize with 00:16:05.480 --> 00:16:08.360 people like you, you're not the type of member 00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:10.600 we seek. You know, up until five minutes ago, 00:16:10.720 --> 00:16:12.519 I thought your organization was doing something, 00:16:12.700 --> 00:16:15.559 but now I think different. Now, what do you think 00:16:15.559 --> 00:16:18.679 now, Mr. Casey? I think maybe you are money -hungry 00:16:18.679 --> 00:16:21.059 like I was in Vietnam, and you want to stick 00:16:21.059 --> 00:16:22.919 Marcus for the million and figure on picking 00:16:22.919 --> 00:16:25.440 up another half million from me later on. If 00:16:25.440 --> 00:16:28.379 that's what you think, Mr. Casey, I'd be delighted 00:16:28.379 --> 00:16:31.360 if you'd stay for the meeting. You mean that? 00:16:31.919 --> 00:16:40.639 I never say anything I don't mean. The world 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:44.240 is made up of believers and non -believers. The 00:16:44.240 --> 00:16:47.159 two disparate groups argue about anything and 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:50.200 everything from the existence of ghosts to the 00:16:50.200 --> 00:16:53.220 importance of dream research. But few of the 00:16:53.220 --> 00:16:57.200 arguers ever get down to gritty reality. In just 00:16:57.200 --> 00:17:00.080 a moment, Brian Casey will see for himself the 00:17:00.080 --> 00:17:03.759 existence and power of Promethean fire as controlled 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:20.640 by Promos when we return with Act II. Have you 00:17:20.640 --> 00:17:23.819 ever noticed how much atmosphere plays a part 00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:27.579 in our lives? For example, it would never occur 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:31.019 to anyone to hold a seance in a subway. And although 00:17:31.019 --> 00:17:34.220 the Promethean society did not feature ghostly 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:38.059 voices and trumpets and tambourines, its inner 00:17:38.059 --> 00:17:42.160 room or shrine was austere and impressive with 00:17:42.160 --> 00:17:45.019 straight back chairs and organ music setting 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:48.630 the proper atmosphere. The only light came from 00:17:48.630 --> 00:17:52.869 two flaming braziers on either wall. Promos, 00:17:53.130 --> 00:17:55.970 resplendent in a white and gold robe, stood at 00:17:55.970 --> 00:18:02.509 a lectern on a slightly raised stage. Welcome 00:18:02.509 --> 00:18:06.829 Prometheans. Just as Prometheus brought man the 00:18:06.829 --> 00:18:11.289 gift of fire centuries ago. So are we dedicated 00:18:11.289 --> 00:18:15.109 to remind man that his salvation lies not in 00:18:15.109 --> 00:18:18.410 unbridled freedom and corruption, but ensuring 00:18:18.410 --> 00:18:22.369 up the wavering standards of morality and truth. 00:18:23.890 --> 00:18:27.150 Tonight, we extend a welcome to Brian Casey, 00:18:27.769 --> 00:18:30.410 a man who has indicated his desire to join with 00:18:30.410 --> 00:18:34.269 us, and who, after he has passed our scrutiny 00:18:34.269 --> 00:18:37.390 and been accepted, will undergo the rights of 00:18:37.390 --> 00:18:40.329 purification with which you are all familiar. 00:18:45.410 --> 00:18:50.309 You have a question, Mr. Johnson? I do. As everybody 00:18:50.309 --> 00:18:54.150 here knows, I'm a businessman. And like everyone 00:18:54.150 --> 00:18:56.750 here, I join this society with very high hopes. 00:18:57.869 --> 00:19:03.309 Yes, Mr. Johnson. Well, put it bluntly, hopes 00:19:03.309 --> 00:19:07.039 have been realized. There could you be more specific? 00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:09.619 Well, we all know it takes money to mount a campaign 00:19:09.619 --> 00:19:12.339 of the proportions you outlined to us and we 00:19:12.339 --> 00:19:15.259 all contributed at the onset some of us have 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:18.980 made further and Exceedingly generous contributions 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:21.519 and I still haven't seen anything that in a business 00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:24.519 sense would would justify these outlays Now you 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:28.660 are asking for an accounting I'm asking for some 00:19:28.660 --> 00:19:31.400 sort of indication that something's being done. 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:35.880 Yeah, you ask for a sign A hopeful sign, which 00:19:35.880 --> 00:19:40.099 you expect to find on the page of a ledger. And 00:19:40.099 --> 00:19:45.259 you shall have it. Doosalian, bring Mr. Johnson 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:48.480 the ledger. I didn't mean to imply that you... 00:19:48.480 --> 00:19:53.400 Hand it to him, Doosalian. Look, promos. I didn't 00:19:53.400 --> 00:19:55.940 mean to upset you. I only asked as any businessman 00:19:55.940 --> 00:19:59.619 would ask to get some idea of where... Take it! 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:02.900 Well, now, look, this is ridiculous. Do you want 00:20:02.900 --> 00:20:05.269 me to... Do you want me to look at it now? Yes, 00:20:05.470 --> 00:20:13.549 take the ledger. And now, Prometheus, oh fire 00:20:13.549 --> 00:20:20.309 -bringer, give our friend a sign. A sign, oh 00:20:20.309 --> 00:20:24.990 fire -bringer, a sign! The ledger's on fire! 00:20:26.049 --> 00:20:31.950 Drop it, Johnson, drop it! Fear not, fear not. 00:20:32.109 --> 00:20:37.450 We are all safe. None of us has transgressed. 00:20:37.829 --> 00:20:42.529 I now call upon Prometheus for another sign. 00:20:43.190 --> 00:20:48.470 A sign directly for me. Watch now, Casey. Watch. 00:20:50.609 --> 00:20:54.369 You see, Casey, the man's a sheet of flame. He 00:20:54.369 --> 00:20:57.549 should be burned alive. But he'll emerge unharmed 00:20:57.549 --> 00:21:00.410 when the flames die down. It's a miracle, Casey. 00:21:00.750 --> 00:21:04.940 It's impressive. But I don't believe in miracles. 00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:14.059 Well, Casey, what did you think of the meeting? 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:17.359 I can shake you up pretty good. I'll tell you 00:21:17.359 --> 00:21:19.099 more when we get into the car and start home. 00:21:19.240 --> 00:21:24.039 Mr. Marcus. Mr. Marcus. Yes, promise? Haven't 00:21:24.039 --> 00:21:29.180 you forgotten something? Oh, you mean... Your 00:21:29.180 --> 00:21:32.539 contribution. The society has been counting on 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:36.579 it. Of course, of course. You understand that 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:39.859 I've had some difficulty in... You've had plenty 00:21:39.859 --> 00:21:44.400 of time. I know. But I can't... Have you changed 00:21:44.400 --> 00:21:46.920 your mind about making the contribution? Oh, 00:21:46.940 --> 00:21:51.160 no, no. Not at all. I was just waiting for Mr. 00:21:51.440 --> 00:21:54.160 Casey here to... Mr. Casey informed me of his 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:57.509 wish to contribute. But I must ask you, Mr. Marcus, 00:21:57.670 --> 00:22:01.069 in front of Mr. Casey here, are you completely 00:22:01.069 --> 00:22:06.150 familiar with his background? Why, yes, I think 00:22:06.150 --> 00:22:09.509 so. What are you getting at, promos? You're not 00:22:09.509 --> 00:22:13.990 yet a member. We cannot accept outside contributions. 00:22:14.410 --> 00:22:16.630 What's that got to do with my background? Your 00:22:16.630 --> 00:22:19.950 background will determine whether or not we accept 00:22:19.950 --> 00:22:23.670 you. That's fair enough. If you accept me, you 00:22:23.670 --> 00:22:27.470 can take my half million. If not, it's up to 00:22:27.470 --> 00:22:30.190 Marcus to make the total million dollar contribution. 00:22:30.509 --> 00:22:33.789 Yes, yes, I will. When can I expect to hear about 00:22:33.789 --> 00:22:37.470 my application? I should say within the next 00:22:37.470 --> 00:22:49.549 48 hours. Yes, definitely within that time. Well, 00:22:49.549 --> 00:22:52.630 now that we're back home, Casey, what do you 00:22:52.630 --> 00:22:55.140 think? Forty is a four dollar bill. Well, what 00:22:55.140 --> 00:22:58.240 do we do? Blow the whistle, Bob. Go to the D 00:22:58.240 --> 00:23:01.920 .A. Raid the joint. I guarantee you, you'll find 00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:04.599 all sorts of gimmicks that produce the fire Promo's 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:08.279 uses. You're being blackmailed. You don't want 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:10.339 to give the Promethean Society a million bucks, 00:23:10.460 --> 00:23:13.200 do you? No. But you're afraid that if you don't... 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:16.220 Stop right there. Now, you saw what happened 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:19.750 to Timmy Burns. That's what I'm afraid of. Do 00:23:19.750 --> 00:23:22.650 you have any explanation as to how Timmy's feet 00:23:22.650 --> 00:23:25.170 were so badly burned? Oh, not at the moment. 00:23:26.049 --> 00:23:28.130 I thought I did when we were made to bathe our 00:23:28.130 --> 00:23:30.849 feet in water at the purification rights, but 00:23:30.849 --> 00:23:33.089 my theory was wrong. What did you think it was? 00:23:33.650 --> 00:23:36.490 I thought, Bob, there might be some delayed action 00:23:36.490 --> 00:23:38.769 chemical in the water which might have caused 00:23:38.769 --> 00:23:41.910 the burns. But I checked my feet after I got 00:23:41.910 --> 00:23:45.920 home. Nothing. Just plain water. Well, what's 00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:48.000 the next move then? Now, before we talk about 00:23:48.000 --> 00:23:51.619 any next moves, I need a straight answer to two 00:23:51.619 --> 00:23:55.519 questions. One, can either of you guarantee that 00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:59.160 nothing's going to happen to me? Two, if we call 00:23:59.160 --> 00:24:01.880 in the police, can they give me the same guarantee? 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:06.960 The answer to both questions must be no. Casey, 00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:10.519 thank you for your trouble. I'll send you a check. 00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:14.099 It's been nice to meet you. Goodbye. Now, wait 00:24:14.099 --> 00:24:16.079 a minute, Vern. You haven't heard... I've heard 00:24:16.079 --> 00:24:19.400 all I need to. It's not your skin that's in danger 00:24:19.400 --> 00:24:22.039 of being charred. Neither of you have anything 00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:26.599 to risk. I've made my decision. I'm going to 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:41.140 pay. Casey, Associates. Ah, Mr. Casey. How fortunate 00:24:41.140 --> 00:24:44.369 I reached you so promptly. Who is this? You don't 00:24:44.369 --> 00:24:49.069 recognize the voice? Promos? Exactly. I don't 00:24:49.069 --> 00:24:52.930 suppose I have to spell out our decision on your 00:24:52.930 --> 00:24:56.250 application. I don't understand. Come now, Mr. 00:24:56.390 --> 00:24:59.349 Casey. The little game is over. Since I've called 00:24:59.349 --> 00:25:02.690 you at your office, you must realize I know you're 00:25:02.690 --> 00:25:06.390 a private investigator. So? Surely you don't 00:25:06.390 --> 00:25:09.490 expect the Promethean Society to... I'm a private 00:25:09.490 --> 00:25:11.490 investigator. Now, does that make me a second 00:25:11.490 --> 00:25:14.140 -class citizen? You've done any checking at all. 00:25:14.180 --> 00:25:16.420 You found out that I was in Vietnam and that 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:19.779 the rest of what I told you is true Please don't 00:25:19.779 --> 00:25:23.400 excite yourself. Mr. Casey. The private investigators 00:25:23.400 --> 00:25:28.220 are by nature and profession skeptics Philosophically, 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:31.240 you can't possibly be attuned to our lifestyle 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:35.039 Therefore it's my irrevocable decision to refuse 00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:38.539 you membership I called because I wanted to tell 00:25:38.539 --> 00:25:42.809 you this personally Okay It's your candy store. 00:25:43.390 --> 00:25:46.769 Not entirely, Mr. Casey. Although my instincts 00:25:46.769 --> 00:25:50.609 tell me you don't accept it, there is a God involved. 00:25:51.170 --> 00:25:54.430 You remember Prometheus? Look, promos. I would 00:25:54.430 --> 00:26:00.049 like to hire you, Mr. Casey. What? You do undertake 00:26:00.049 --> 00:26:03.509 assignments that are of a protective nature? 00:26:04.369 --> 00:26:07.690 Yes, but I... It would be to our mutual advantage 00:26:07.690 --> 00:26:22.299 if you would. willing to work for me? You'll 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:26.720 be wasting your money. It's my money. Well, I'll 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:29.859 think about it. While you're thinking, consider 00:26:29.859 --> 00:26:33.259 the fact that if you were really serious about 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:36.259 wishing to join us, you might be doing me an 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:40.319 even larger service by keeping me alive so that 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:44.420 the work of the society can go on. That's a good 00:26:44.420 --> 00:26:48.619 point. As I said, I'll think about it. Good, 00:26:48.819 --> 00:27:01.200 Mr. Casey. But, uh, don't think too long. I'll 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:03.980 tell you, Mr. Marcus, he's getting nervous. Otherwise, 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:06.400 he'd never have tried to hire me. Maybe it's 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:10.180 true. No way! Promos needs protection as much 00:27:10.180 --> 00:27:12.779 as an intercontinental ballistics missile. You 00:27:12.779 --> 00:27:14.799 agree with me, Bob? It looks that way. Well, 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:18.029 I don't see how it changes my situation. I still 00:27:18.029 --> 00:27:21.190 have 24 hours to pay. Correct. But if he's running 00:27:21.190 --> 00:27:23.730 scared, and it looks like he is, then he's got 00:27:23.730 --> 00:27:26.029 something to be scared about. Look, he's very 00:27:26.029 --> 00:27:28.210 big on Greek mythology with all this Prometheus 00:27:28.210 --> 00:27:30.069 stuff, but he's got to have an Achilles heel 00:27:30.069 --> 00:27:31.930 somewhere, and he's afraid we might find it. 00:27:33.410 --> 00:27:40.289 Excuse me. Hello. Good evening, Mr. Marcus. I'm 00:27:40.289 --> 00:27:43.410 not taking you away from anything, am I? Oh, 00:27:43.630 --> 00:27:58.009 nothing important. Fine. I'm Casey? Yes. Well, 00:27:58.410 --> 00:28:02.009 does that disturb you? Yes, somewhat. A man of 00:28:02.009 --> 00:28:05.250 his type is hardly Promethean society material. 00:28:05.950 --> 00:28:09.630 I'm sorry if I made an error in judgment. It 00:28:09.630 --> 00:28:13.089 doesn't matter. I've just called to tell you 00:28:13.089 --> 00:28:16.349 that Casey will not become a member, and therefore 00:28:16.349 --> 00:28:20.490 you are responsible for the entire million -dollar 00:28:20.490 --> 00:28:25.940 contribution. You understand? Yes. Yes, I understand. 00:28:25.940 --> 00:28:29.359 My feet! My feet! They're burning! What? Get 00:28:29.359 --> 00:28:34.019 something! Water! Something! I'm burning! In 00:28:34.019 --> 00:28:37.819 the kitchen! Pale! Are you talking to me, Mr. 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:40.480 Marker? I'm sorry. There's some trouble here. 00:28:41.359 --> 00:28:44.880 Oh, I'm sorry, but... You'll have the money tomorrow 00:28:44.880 --> 00:28:51.660 night. Goodbye. Call a doctor! Help me! Don't 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:53.900 roll your feet under your body. This is a pale 00:28:53.900 --> 00:29:16.829 nice one. What can turn a pail of ice water into 00:29:16.829 --> 00:29:20.990 a bubbling cauldron? Promos would say it's Promethean 00:29:20.990 --> 00:29:25.750 fire. What would you say? What would you do if 00:29:25.750 --> 00:29:29.390 you were in Vernon Marcus shoes? We'll be back 00:29:29.390 --> 00:29:45.910 shortly with act 3 If any human could control 00:29:45.910 --> 00:29:50.910 fire he could easily rule the world Unless this 00:29:50.910 --> 00:29:54.049 power was granted to him by Prometheus and could 00:29:54.049 --> 00:29:57.029 only be used when Prometheus gave his permission 00:29:57.029 --> 00:30:01.509 and blessing. That is the claim of Promus, the 00:30:01.509 --> 00:30:04.849 head of the Promethean society. We return to 00:30:04.849 --> 00:30:07.690 our story to find Brian Casey in a wheelchair 00:30:07.690 --> 00:30:13.269 with his feet badly scarred and burning for revenge. 00:30:24.359 --> 00:30:26.900 I'm in a wheelchair. Now they tell me I'll be 00:30:26.900 --> 00:30:29.500 back walking in less than three months. You've 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:32.220 got to do me a favor. Of course. When's the next 00:30:32.220 --> 00:30:34.539 meeting in the Promethean Society? Now look, 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:36.440 Casey, I don't want to interfere, but don't you 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:39.539 think you ought to lay off now? Tell me. Then 00:30:39.539 --> 00:30:42.220 I'll ask you the favor. The next meeting is this 00:30:42.220 --> 00:30:45.480 Friday night. Did Marcus pay the million? He's 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:48.900 handing it over tonight. Where? Well, I don't 00:30:48.900 --> 00:30:52.619 know, but... Listen, closely. I want you to persuade 00:30:52.619 --> 00:30:55.880 Marcus to invite Promos to a big shindig at his 00:30:55.880 --> 00:30:58.640 house tonight. I don't know whether... It shouldn't 00:30:58.640 --> 00:31:02.660 be too hard, but it's vital. Why wouldn't a guy 00:31:02.660 --> 00:31:05.019 come to a party to pick up a million bucks? Casey, 00:31:05.200 --> 00:31:06.960 you ought to know better than anyone that Promos 00:31:06.960 --> 00:31:10.660 isn't just a guy. We both know he likes money. 00:31:11.359 --> 00:31:14.180 Marcus can say that he wants to make a big publicity 00:31:14.180 --> 00:31:17.339 deal out of the party. There'll be a lot of tycoons 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:20.180 there. It'll be an opportunity for Promos to 00:31:20.180 --> 00:31:22.539 meet them. Some of them should be interested 00:31:22.539 --> 00:31:26.019 in the Promethean Society. And think of the impression 00:31:26.019 --> 00:31:28.420 it'll make when Marcus hands over the million. 00:31:28.839 --> 00:31:32.200 Well, it's a point. It'll work. And think of 00:31:32.200 --> 00:31:34.299 the impression promos will make when he shows 00:31:34.299 --> 00:31:37.099 up in his robes. Why would he wear the ceremonial 00:31:37.099 --> 00:31:40.839 robes? Because they're impressive, because he's 00:31:40.839 --> 00:31:44.359 a ham at heart, and because he has to for my 00:31:44.359 --> 00:31:47.259 plan to work. Your plan? What plan? It's better 00:31:47.259 --> 00:31:49.940 that you don't know, in case something goes wrong. 00:31:52.559 --> 00:31:56.660 And I give you my word Vern can't get into trouble. 00:31:57.519 --> 00:31:59.480 Now you've got to make the shindig come off. 00:31:59.539 --> 00:32:02.000 Why? What's so important about promos coming 00:32:02.000 --> 00:32:05.000 to a party? Because after he gets there, you're 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:07.299 going to spill a glass of whiskey over those 00:32:07.299 --> 00:32:34.240 ceremonial robes. This is Casey. I need you for 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:37.660 two jobs at the same place. We never played games, 00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:40.819 Whitey. This one's rough. It can go all the way. 00:32:41.160 --> 00:32:43.720 But it's important to me. Now, I'd have come 00:32:43.720 --> 00:32:45.579 personally to talk to you, but I'm in a wheelchair. 00:32:46.140 --> 00:32:52.740 I need you, Whitey. Well, I hope you have good 00:32:52.740 --> 00:32:55.240 news for me, Bob. I did what you wanted. Promos 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:57.980 is coming? Yes. It was easier than I thought. 00:32:59.279 --> 00:33:01.440 How'd you bring him around? I told him we owed 00:33:01.440 --> 00:33:05.089 you a favor. If this works, you'll be doing yourself 00:33:05.089 --> 00:33:06.930 a favor. Look, you were kidding about me spilling 00:33:06.930 --> 00:33:08.849 a drink over promise, weren't you? I've never 00:33:08.849 --> 00:33:11.630 been more serious in my life. If you don't do 00:33:11.630 --> 00:33:14.569 that, there's no point to the party. What in 00:33:14.569 --> 00:33:17.730 the world is... Be clumsy, a little bump, and 00:33:17.730 --> 00:33:19.769 there goes the drink all over his robes. Now, 00:33:19.769 --> 00:33:22.269 you're terribly apologetic. Insist on having 00:33:22.269 --> 00:33:24.930 them cleaned for him. You can improvise the routine. 00:33:25.049 --> 00:33:27.809 Yeah, I guess. You still want me flying blind, 00:33:27.910 --> 00:33:31.109 huh? Until Thursday. There's a second part to 00:33:31.109 --> 00:33:33.750 this operation that has to come off before we 00:33:33.750 --> 00:33:37.529 stand a prayer I'll see you back here Thursday 00:33:37.529 --> 00:33:49.410 at four There's something very strange about 00:33:49.410 --> 00:33:52.329 this party nonsense, darling, I'm having a ball 00:33:52.329 --> 00:33:55.460 who's this promos? Oh, he's quite a guy. Does 00:33:55.460 --> 00:33:56.740 he have anything to do with... There you are, 00:33:57.039 --> 00:33:59.759 darling. Enjoying the party? Oh, excuse me. Ava, 00:33:59.799 --> 00:34:01.880 do you want a drink? No, thank you. And you don't 00:34:01.880 --> 00:34:03.619 need another either. Honey, we're not married 00:34:03.619 --> 00:34:07.980 yet. Dad? Yes? I want to talk to you about this 00:34:07.980 --> 00:34:11.320 party. Later, dear, after it's over. Where did 00:34:11.320 --> 00:34:13.960 you meet this man, promos? Now, please, this 00:34:13.960 --> 00:34:15.840 isn't the time to... Well, he's the one who's 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:18.300 been giving you the trouble, isn't he? I've told 00:34:18.300 --> 00:34:21.460 you, Ava, this is the wrong time for me to explain. 00:34:21.679 --> 00:34:25.460 You'll tell me later? If I can, if I can. Eva, 00:34:25.500 --> 00:34:27.940 darling, you don't know what you're missing. 00:34:28.159 --> 00:34:30.780 This bartender really knows how to mix a drink. 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:33.280 Why would Dad give this man a million dollars? 00:34:33.599 --> 00:34:35.539 Probably because he believes in the Promethean 00:34:35.539 --> 00:34:38.139 Society. Ridiculous. Don't say that until you've 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:41.239 met Promos. He's impressive. He's a creep. Come 00:34:41.239 --> 00:34:43.139 on, let's go over. I'll introduce you. You may 00:34:43.139 --> 00:34:48.780 change your mind. Promos. Ah, Mr. Steele. And 00:34:48.780 --> 00:34:51.300 this, I take it, is your bride -to -be. That's 00:34:51.300 --> 00:34:55.469 right. Ava Marcus. Delighted. And congratulations 00:34:55.469 --> 00:34:57.550 to you, Mr. Steele. Thank you. Oh, you're not 00:34:57.550 --> 00:35:01.329 drinking? Only wine. Excuse me now. Please don't 00:35:01.329 --> 00:35:03.190 go yet, promise. We haven't really had a chance 00:35:03.190 --> 00:35:05.469 to talk. What's up, Bob? You're glad? Oh, I'm 00:35:05.469 --> 00:35:08.289 so sorry. You clumsy fool. Bob, you spilled your 00:35:08.289 --> 00:35:09.849 drink. Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I don't know how 00:35:09.849 --> 00:35:11.449 that happened. Somebody must have pushed my arm. 00:35:11.570 --> 00:35:14.070 You did. Pushing it up to your mouth. I'll have 00:35:14.070 --> 00:35:16.750 your robe cleaned, of course. No. No, thank you. 00:35:16.750 --> 00:35:20.139 Oh, I insist. It was an accident. There's no 00:35:20.139 --> 00:35:22.099 need to make a case out of it. That was my clumsiness. 00:35:22.219 --> 00:35:23.699 I'll have it cleaned and sent over to society 00:35:23.699 --> 00:35:26.440 headquarters. I wouldn't think of it. Now, no 00:35:26.440 --> 00:35:29.900 offense, Mr. Steele, but this is a ceremonial 00:35:29.900 --> 00:35:37.039 robe and I'll see to the cleaning myself. Well, 00:35:37.059 --> 00:35:39.179 right on time, Bob. Come on, sit down. How are 00:35:39.179 --> 00:35:42.539 you feeling? Eh, coming along. You managed to 00:35:42.539 --> 00:35:45.269 spill the drink over the robe? Yes. How did he 00:35:45.269 --> 00:35:47.429 react? Well, he blew up, naturally. I offered 00:35:47.429 --> 00:35:49.449 to have the robe cleaned. And he wouldn't allow 00:35:49.449 --> 00:35:52.630 it, huh? How did you know? Because he's not about 00:35:52.630 --> 00:35:55.570 to let that robe out of his hands. You think 00:35:55.570 --> 00:35:58.349 he's gimmicked the robe? I think I figured the 00:35:58.349 --> 00:36:01.190 answer to a lot of his tricks. You remember the 00:36:01.190 --> 00:36:03.969 ledger that burned up in Johnson's hands? Sure. 00:36:04.889 --> 00:36:07.610 Probose has definitely had experience with chemicals 00:36:07.610 --> 00:36:11.050 and combustibles. He's come up with some special 00:36:11.050 --> 00:36:14.179 ways to use them. That ledger was treated with 00:36:14.179 --> 00:36:17.800 an unusual substance that would ignite when touched 00:36:17.800 --> 00:36:20.099 with the heat of a human hand Yes, but the guy 00:36:20.099 --> 00:36:23.280 who brought it to him do salient or something. 00:36:23.500 --> 00:36:26.800 It was wearing gloves. Are you sure? Well, I'm 00:36:26.800 --> 00:36:30.239 sure about the gloves The rest is an educated 00:36:30.239 --> 00:36:33.420 guess. I learned a lot about chemicals in Vietnam. 00:36:33.559 --> 00:36:36.000 How does the robe come into it? I just finished 00:36:36.000 --> 00:36:39.019 looking over promo a ceremonial robe. How'd you 00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:42.889 get it? Remember whitey Phillips? Where did you 00:36:42.889 --> 00:36:46.110 find Whitey? He's got a locksmith business. I 00:36:46.110 --> 00:36:48.730 can't believe it. Forgive me for laughing, but 00:36:48.730 --> 00:36:51.289 that slick crook a locksmith is just too much. 00:36:51.389 --> 00:36:53.969 Well, it's a perfect business for Whitey. Now, 00:36:53.969 --> 00:36:56.829 he was here ten minutes ago. He brought me promo 00:36:56.829 --> 00:36:59.730 ceremonial robe. You've got to be kidding. Whitey 00:36:59.730 --> 00:37:03.170 stole it? No, no. Not the robe you stained. I 00:37:03.170 --> 00:37:05.829 told him to lift the clean one. Wait a minute. 00:37:05.849 --> 00:37:07.750 How did you know there was another one? Well, 00:37:07.750 --> 00:37:10.030 there'd have to be two robes in case one went 00:37:10.030 --> 00:37:12.389 out of commission. Uh -huh. And what did you 00:37:12.389 --> 00:37:14.949 discover when you examined the robe? What I suspected? 00:37:16.030 --> 00:37:18.889 He was treated with some kind of flame retardant. 00:37:19.329 --> 00:37:21.369 Well, would that protect his face? I mean, Vern 00:37:21.369 --> 00:37:23.050 told me he doesn't wear a mask or anything like 00:37:23.050 --> 00:37:24.570 that. Yes, I know. I've wondered about that, 00:37:24.809 --> 00:37:27.690 too. Now, those flames leap all over. Now, if 00:37:27.690 --> 00:37:29.710 he had something that blew strong enough to keep 00:37:29.710 --> 00:37:31.550 the flames from his face... Well, that's pretty 00:37:31.550 --> 00:37:34.309 risky, isn't it? He's playing for big stakes. 00:37:34.760 --> 00:37:36.739 Casey, you're obviously convinced that the man 00:37:36.739 --> 00:37:39.480 is a phony. Don't tell me he's got you believing 00:37:39.480 --> 00:37:42.900 that Prometheus stuff, too. I can't figure him. 00:37:43.159 --> 00:37:45.599 Look, he wanted to hire you to protect him. Oh, 00:37:45.880 --> 00:37:48.820 part of the game. He had to get me out to his 00:37:48.820 --> 00:37:53.900 place so he could fix my shoes. What? The fire 00:37:53.900 --> 00:37:57.599 that burned me started in my shoes, not in my 00:37:57.599 --> 00:38:01.699 feet. He made me take my shoes off before I went 00:38:01.699 --> 00:38:04.940 into his office. Then he must have had the shoe 00:38:04.940 --> 00:38:07.460 treated with phosphor or some other of these 00:38:07.460 --> 00:38:09.880 chemicals that ignite under heat Well, you know 00:38:09.880 --> 00:38:12.920 like he did with the ledger The heat of my body 00:38:12.920 --> 00:38:14.900 touched off the shoes. That's the same thing. 00:38:14.960 --> 00:38:17.639 He did to Timmy Burns I think so. What are you 00:38:17.639 --> 00:38:22.440 gonna do? fight fire with fire I Managed to remove 00:38:22.440 --> 00:38:25.159 the fire retardant substance from the robe whitey 00:38:25.159 --> 00:38:27.920 brought me. I treated it with some chemicals 00:38:27.920 --> 00:38:33.210 that Really like fire I fixed it so that Prometheus 00:38:33.210 --> 00:38:36.590 will really have a chance to bring the gift of 00:38:36.590 --> 00:38:46.289 fire to promos. Whitey made it. Are you sure? 00:38:46.730 --> 00:38:48.969 Why shouldn't I be? Burn just heard that tonight's 00:38:48.969 --> 00:38:51.429 meeting has been called off. Any reason given? 00:38:51.550 --> 00:38:55.369 No. Another date set? Indefinitely postponed. 00:38:55.820 --> 00:38:58.019 Now do you think maybe promos suspect something 00:38:58.019 --> 00:39:00.380 I know we've got to trust whitey Why would promos 00:39:00.380 --> 00:39:02.559 call off the meeting? Well, maybe he said maybe 00:39:02.559 --> 00:39:05.440 he's packing in the entire operation with Marcus 00:39:05.440 --> 00:39:07.480 million He may figure he's had it that leaves 00:39:07.480 --> 00:39:11.820 us up the crick only one option We have got to 00:39:11.820 --> 00:39:26.079 get that meeting rescheduled Promethean Society. 00:39:26.219 --> 00:39:29.739 Promos? Speaking. This is Bob Steele. Look, I 00:39:29.739 --> 00:39:31.679 don't know whether you even want to talk to me 00:39:31.679 --> 00:39:34.159 because of the way I behaved at the party. Accidents 00:39:34.159 --> 00:39:36.480 can happen, Mr. Steele. Well, I called because 00:39:36.480 --> 00:39:38.360 I heard that tonight's meeting had been called 00:39:38.360 --> 00:39:41.099 off. Yes? And no date had been set for another? 00:39:41.400 --> 00:39:46.320 That is correct. Oh. Well, I guess that's that 00:39:46.320 --> 00:39:49.739 then. Mr. Steele, would you mind telling me what 00:39:49.739 --> 00:39:52.260 you're obviously trying to tell me? Well, it 00:39:52.260 --> 00:39:59.650 prob... contribution? From whom? From the group 00:39:59.650 --> 00:40:02.190 that I represent. You probably don't know them, 00:40:02.750 --> 00:40:04.670 but we're setting up an import -export business 00:40:04.670 --> 00:40:07.110 with China, and I talked to them about the society 00:40:07.110 --> 00:40:09.449 and you, and of course I could only tell them 00:40:09.449 --> 00:40:11.429 what Bernard told me, but they were very impressed. 00:40:11.570 --> 00:40:14.090 And what has all this got to do with tonight's 00:40:14.090 --> 00:40:16.969 meeting? Well, it was kind of a wild idea to 00:40:16.969 --> 00:40:19.090 start with. Without meaning any offense, Mr. 00:40:19.369 --> 00:40:22.269 Steele, I find it extremely difficult to follow 00:40:22.269 --> 00:40:34.489 what you're saying. I think it would be a lot 00:40:34.489 --> 00:40:37.769 better and clear up a confusing situation if 00:40:37.769 --> 00:40:40.610 you came here and told me just what you have 00:40:40.610 --> 00:40:47.389 in mind. I'm sorry I took so much of your time, 00:40:47.610 --> 00:40:49.789 promos, but I'm sure you understand how my group 00:40:49.789 --> 00:40:52.789 feels. I'll just take the 50 ,000 back and explain 00:40:52.789 --> 00:40:54.690 to them that I couldn't witness a demonstration. 00:40:54.989 --> 00:40:57.789 You are always apologizing for the wrong things, 00:40:57.969 --> 00:41:01.360 Mr. Steele. First you spill your drink on me. 00:41:01.559 --> 00:41:04.500 Now you say you're sorry for taking my time when 00:41:04.500 --> 00:41:08.440 I asked you to come here. But you don't apologize 00:41:08.440 --> 00:41:11.420 for putting me in the position of a cheap magician 00:41:11.420 --> 00:41:14.599 putting on a magic show for money. I never intended 00:41:14.599 --> 00:41:17.400 any such - Now what did you intend? Just what 00:41:17.400 --> 00:41:20.460 did you tell these business associates? That 00:41:20.460 --> 00:41:23.280 I was some kind of sideshow freak who would become 00:41:23.280 --> 00:41:26.650 a fire swallower for a fee? What's the name of 00:41:26.650 --> 00:41:29.329 this game you want me to play? I'm terribly sorry. 00:41:29.409 --> 00:41:33.349 You're sorry? You've not only insulted me, but 00:41:33.349 --> 00:41:37.250 Prometheus. Well, I guess there's nothing for 00:41:37.250 --> 00:41:41.610 me to say. Oh, yes, there is. I'll give you something 00:41:41.610 --> 00:41:46.469 to say. Go back to your associates and your father 00:41:46.469 --> 00:41:49.269 -in -law and tell them they can come tonight 00:41:49.269 --> 00:42:03.829 and see promos and the Promethean fire. I don't 00:42:03.829 --> 00:42:06.969 like it. What's going to happen? At this point, 00:42:06.989 --> 00:42:09.949 I don't know. Well, what did Casey say when you 00:42:09.949 --> 00:42:14.409 told him how Pumas reacted? Good evening. I will 00:42:14.409 --> 00:42:17.750 extend no welcome to those of you who have come 00:42:17.750 --> 00:42:21.150 tonight, not because you believe in a cause, 00:42:21.590 --> 00:42:24.409 but out of curiosity. I don't like this, Bob. 00:42:24.869 --> 00:42:28.889 Tonight, will you have the courage to face Prometheus, 00:42:29.250 --> 00:42:36.119 as I do? Oh, Prometheus. bring me your gift, 00:42:37.219 --> 00:43:09.699 your gracious gift of the purifying fire. Those 00:43:09.699 --> 00:43:13.840 who live by the sword die by the sword. The man 00:43:13.840 --> 00:43:17.400 who called himself promos, who lived by fire, 00:43:18.300 --> 00:43:23.460 died by fire. A flaming, horrible death. A warning 00:43:23.460 --> 00:43:28.760 to... to whom? To criminals, and perhaps a warning 00:43:28.760 --> 00:43:32.920 from Prometheus, not to misuse the gift he brought 00:43:32.920 --> 00:43:47.869 mankind. I'll be back shortly. If you're chilly, 00:43:48.510 --> 00:43:51.449 how about pulling up closer to our roaring fire? 00:43:52.630 --> 00:43:55.849 On second thought, after tonight's tale, that 00:43:55.849 --> 00:43:59.610 might make you a trifle uncomfortable. I'm sure 00:43:59.610 --> 00:44:02.289 that like most people, you would like to do something 00:44:02.289 --> 00:44:05.010 about making people more conscious of the values 00:44:05.010 --> 00:44:08.489 to be found in human decency and honesty. May 00:44:08.489 --> 00:44:12.409 I offer one word of advice? If someone asks you 00:44:12.409 --> 00:44:16.730 to join a society for this purpose, Think twice. 00:44:17.670 --> 00:44:20.329 Our cast included Julie Newmar, Mandel Kramer, 00:44:20.809 --> 00:44:23.829 Earl Hammond, Guy Sorrell, and Sidney Walker. 00:44:24.449 --> 00:44:26.389 The entire production was under the direction 00:44:26.389 --> 00:44:30.750 of Hyman Brown. This is E .G. Marshall inviting 00:44:30.750 --> 00:44:33.829 you to return to our mystery theater for another 00:44:33.829 --> 00:44:40.110 adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant 00:44:40.110 --> 00:44:41.309 dreams.