Come in. Welcome. I'm E .G. Marshall. Welcome
to the world of your own terrifying imagination.
Mark Twain once said, everyone talks about the
weather, but no one does anything about it. The
same thing might be said of the state of morality
in the world today. Everyone talks about immorality
and corruption, But no one seems to do anything
about it. Can we do anything about it? This is
the story of a group who tried, with results
like this. Oh no! Please! Please! Help! My feet!
They're on fire! They're burning up! Prometheus!
Promos! Help me! Please! Stop the burning! I
believe! Now! I believe! Our mystery drama, Ordeal
by Fire, was written especially for the Mystery
Theater by Murray Burnett and stars Mandel Kramer.
Prometheus' gift of fire to man was a blessing,
bringing warmth, cheer, enabling man to cook
his food, and also protect him from wild beasts.
But along with the benefits came drawbacks. Fire
proved to be destructive, and sometimes deadly,
and man used it often to destroy. Thus was born
the warning, don't play with fire. However, those
who created one warning didn't follow their own
advice, and they inevitably learned that they
should have. Bob! Bob! Over here! Eva, I wired
you not to meet me at the plane. I had to. Bob,
I'm so glad you're here. Darling. I've missed
you. Me too, darling. I know I shouldn't have
sent you that silly cable, but Bob, I am so frightened.
It's all right now. It is all right. No, no,
it isn't. I know how important your China trip
was to you, but I had to bring you back. I tried
to handle this myself, but it just... Handle
what? Not here. Let's have a cup of coffee and
I'll try to explain. What's your father afraid
of I don't know and he won't tell me that's why
I sent for you Bob Maybe he'll talk to you You
know darling if you were anyone else except the
level -headed beautiful girl that I'm going to
marry I'd say this whole thing was nonsense You
won't say it after you see dad. You won't recognize
him. Why you mean he's changed physically Not
so much in appearance, but in his attitude You
know the way Dad was completely self -assured,
positive. Yes, and sometimes wrong. Of course,
who isn't? But you don't get to be the head of
one of the largest corporations in the country
by running scared. And Bob, believe me, Dad's
terrified. Can you picture Vern Marcus scared?
What's going on, Vern? Oh, nothing much, Bob.
Just having my study remodeled. Looks like you're
making it into a bank vault. You gonna store
your money here? What brings you back to the
States? I thought you planned to stay in China
two months. You're the reason I'm here, Vern.
You've evidently been allowing Ava to fill your
head with a lot of nonsense. Nonsense? Well,
I don't know what she told you. You didn't tell
me that you were turning your study into a fortress
or electrifying the fence around the house, but...
She told me enough to convince me that I was
right to come back. What's frightening you, Bob?
Now, leave me alone. Just leave me be, that's
all. Is that too much? Much too much. Stop thinking
about yourself and think of what you're doing
to Ava. Ava has nothing to do with this. No?
How would you feel if your daughter built herself
a fortress and locked herself in, turning from
an outgoing, beautiful girl to a frightened,
petulant child, asking only to be left alone?
Would you try to help? All right, Bob, you win.
One promise. You mustn't tell Ava. But she's
frantic with worry. I have to tell her something.
No. At least let me tell her that you've confided
in me. That will help. That's all you'll tell
her? You promise? I promise. All right. My telling
you isn't going to do any good. I'm caught, that's
all. Caught by what? The Bromethean Society.
What's that? It's a small secret society dedicated
to doing something about the lack of morality
in the world today. All right, but what do you
mean you're caught? I have one week to give the
leader of the society, a man who calls himself
Promus, one million dollars. For what? Well,
ostensibly to spread the message of the society.
Well, what kind of work do they do that takes
a million dollars public relations campaign newspaper
advertising television radio They're even discussions
of making a motion picture and that takes money
Well, I don't see the problem burn if you really
feel that this is worthwhile You make the contribution
if you don't you tell them you won't go along.
I'm afraid That's not possible. Oh Come on bird.
What are they going to do if you say no? rather
than tell you I'll show you. Timmy, Bob Steele
remembers you. I'm sure you remember him. Sure.
Sure I remember, Bob. How are you? Well, I'm
fine, but what are you doing in the wheelchair?
Learning how to operate the darn thing. I can
move it pretty good. It's the brakes that bother
me. Watch it. That's all right. I've got you.
Thanks. Vern, what brings you here? Actually,
it was Bob. Bob? What can I do for you? Well,
Vern seems to be passing the buck. I'm trying
to find out what's got him so uptight, and he
told me that... What have you done, Vern? What
have you told him? Well, nothing yet. You see,
Ava cabled me in China because she was so worried,
and I came back to try to help. How much have
you told him, Vern? Well, about our joining the
Promethean Society and... that they've asked
me for a million in contributions, and they asked
you for half that, and you didn't pay. Well,
Bob wanted to know what happened to you, so I
brought him here to show you. You want to see
what happened to me, Bob? Unwrap the blankets
around my legs. What? Do as he says. And look
at his feet. Third degree burns The doctor tells
me scar tissue will take about six months to
form Then I can start to learn to walk again.
How how how did it happen? I was here in my house
One day my my feet just burned up. Tell him to
me That day was just two days after you refused
to contribute the half million dollars That promise
had requested Ava, darling, get off my back.
Oh, Bob, what's happening to us? Why are we so
ugly to each other? Because something pretty
ugly is going on. And you don't think I'm old
enough to be laid in on it? Look, I've already
explained to you that I gave your dad my word.
Well, at least tell me how you're going to help
him. Will you be satisfied with that? I guess
I'll have to be. All right. You remember me telling
you about a buddy of mine in Vietnam? I think
so. His name was Brian. Brian... Yes, Brian Casey.
He went from marine sniper scout to the chemical
warfare branch, and now he runs a private detective
agency. Now he should be here in five minutes.
Wish us luck. I can't do it, Bob. I just can't.
Vern, think what we're asking. Only to stall.
You tell me I've had enough time. I've known
about this for weeks. He's right Bob look Casey
I brought you here because I believed you could
help now if you're going to agree with him Just
stalling isn't enough Bob. We've got to have
a plan and before I can even think of anything
I've got to see what this organization looks
like and how it operates. I've told you mr. Casey.
I'm good enough. I Have to attend one of those
meetings. I just don't believe it any man can
control fire Then how do you explain what happened
to Timmy Burns? I can't yet And we still can't
be sure that Burns told it like it happened.
Well, Timmy has no reason to lie. Then you must
believe that this promos can control fire. I
only know what I saw. I saw his feet, too. After
whatever happened, happened. What could have
happened? Except what Timmy told us. Well, I'll
tell you one thing that could have happened.
Two rough gents could have called on Burns, tied
him up, gagged him, and roasted his feet. I saw
his feet, Casey. This couldn't have been done
with matches. Bob, you know better than that.
Now think back when we were in Vietnam. Remember
the defoliants? Flamethrowers? Now these guys
could have used that on him. Well, then why wouldn't
he tell us? Because they told him not to. And
he sure would listen after they finished with
him. I never thought of that, but it is possible.
No. You don't know promise. You think he's a
nice guy you wouldn't stoop to a thing like that?
Well, I don't know what he is. A fanatic, or
a blackmailer. But there's an aura of power about
him. And a certainty. Now, I don't know. But
I'm sure that he doesn't have to use others.
And certainly not thugs like you describe. Well,
that's why I have to meet him and see his operation.
That's the only way I can help. And I don't see
what good that'll do. Let's look at your options,
Vern. One, you can pay. Just the first in a long
string of payments. Two, you can blow the whistle
and go to the district attorney. With what? Tell
them you joined the secret society willingly,
that it's dedicated to restoring the moral tone
of the world, and that you've been asked for
a contribution. That's why I haven't considered
the police. Or three, you can believe me when
I tell you that Casey here is the toughest, most
competent, and most highly trained private operative
I know, in addition to being a buddy of mine
from Vietnam. I'm not downgrading Casey. I just
don't see what he offers. A long shot. You can
take me to your schedule meeting tomorrow night
and introduce me as a sinner who's seen the light
I'm an ex -marine a Vietnam veteran. Oh I made
a bundle in the black market and now I want to
give some of it to the Promethean Society to
To make the world a better place But I want to
see before I give And the reason you don't have
the million is that you wanted promos approval
to allow me to chip in with you. That makes sense,
Vern. And if promos doesn't go for it, or I come
up with nothing, you can always pay. How you
feeling, Vern? Nervous. Very nervous. I wish...
Bob could have come. Relax. Just do it the way
we rehearsed it. You were letter perfect. But
what if Promise asks me about... No, no, no.
I'll handle the questions if they're about me.
Now, clue me in again on the way this affair
is run. It'll take your mind off what's worrying
you. Well, the members all gather in the club
room. Very austere, but comfortable. We generally
chat with each other and then when a gong sounds
we go into the assembly hall That's a large room.
I think it used to be a ballroom. It's been fixed
It has a stage at one end with a platform That's
where promo stands when he talks at all There's
the fire, but you know about that at a certain
point in his address He raises his arms and extends
them in the white and gold robe. And suddenly,
he's consumed by fire. But it never burns him.
Never. And you have no idea where the fire comes
from? None. We've all talked about it. At first,
we thought it was some magician's trick, but
we can't be sure. You never had the stage checked
out? Well, we talked about it, but... We never
did. Here we are. You know, you will have to
meet promos before you can get into the meeting.
All you have to do is introduce me. The rest
will be up to me. So, you would like to join
the Prometheans, Mr. Casey? Well, that's why
I'm here. What's with this bit about taking your
shoes off? If and when we accept you, we'll explain
our rituals. But we do not allow you into the
inner chamber with your shoes on. What do you
know about the Prometheans? Only what Verne Marcus
told me. And what was that? It was pretty general
that you were an organization doing something
about the shocking philosophy in our contemporary
society that anything goes as long as it makes
a buck. Why do you feel so strongly about it?
Atonement. Atonement? For what? For my sins.
This is not a confessional, and I am not a priest,
Mr. Casey. We're engaged in a very secular battle
here against the forces that have distorted and
corrupted the moral values all over the world.
and we intend to use the very same instruments
that did the corrupting. Well, I apologize, but
I wasn't being flip. Maybe Vern told you I was
in Vietnam in the Marine Corps. I know this isn't
a confessional and you're not interested in my
life story, but I made a fortune then. Opium?
No, no, no, not quite that bad. Black market.
I sold everything I could get my hands on. Yes.
While I'm greatly flattered that you want to
join the Promethean Society, I'm sure you are
unaware of our admission procedures. We have
always selected our members, and only because
of Vernon Marcus' stature. and the substantial
contribution he's making to the society, did
I consent to see you this evening? No, wait a
minute, I just... Now, much as I sympathize with
people like you, you're not the type of member
we seek. You know, up until five minutes ago,
I thought your organization was doing something,
but now I think different. Now, what do you think
now, Mr. Casey? I think maybe you are money -hungry
like I was in Vietnam, and you want to stick
Marcus for the million and figure on picking
up another half million from me later on. If
that's what you think, Mr. Casey, I'd be delighted
if you'd stay for the meeting. You mean that?
I never say anything I don't mean. The world
is made up of believers and non -believers. The
two disparate groups argue about anything and
everything from the existence of ghosts to the
importance of dream research. But few of the
arguers ever get down to gritty reality. In just
a moment, Brian Casey will see for himself the
existence and power of Promethean fire as controlled
by Promos when we return with Act II. Have you
ever noticed how much atmosphere plays a part
in our lives? For example, it would never occur
to anyone to hold a seance in a subway. And although
the Promethean society did not feature ghostly
voices and trumpets and tambourines, its inner
room or shrine was austere and impressive with
straight back chairs and organ music setting
the proper atmosphere. The only light came from
two flaming braziers on either wall. Promos,
resplendent in a white and gold robe, stood at
a lectern on a slightly raised stage. Welcome
Prometheans. Just as Prometheus brought man the
gift of fire centuries ago. So are we dedicated
to remind man that his salvation lies not in
unbridled freedom and corruption, but ensuring
up the wavering standards of morality and truth.
Tonight, we extend a welcome to Brian Casey,
a man who has indicated his desire to join with
us, and who, after he has passed our scrutiny
and been accepted, will undergo the rights of
purification with which you are all familiar.
You have a question, Mr. Johnson? I do. As everybody
here knows, I'm a businessman. And like everyone
here, I join this society with very high hopes.
Yes, Mr. Johnson. Well, put it bluntly, hopes
have been realized. There could you be more specific?
Well, we all know it takes money to mount a campaign
of the proportions you outlined to us and we
all contributed at the onset some of us have
made further and Exceedingly generous contributions
and I still haven't seen anything that in a business
sense would would justify these outlays Now you
are asking for an accounting I'm asking for some
sort of indication that something's being done.
Yeah, you ask for a sign A hopeful sign, which
you expect to find on the page of a ledger. And
you shall have it. Doosalian, bring Mr. Johnson
the ledger. I didn't mean to imply that you...
Hand it to him, Doosalian. Look, promos. I didn't
mean to upset you. I only asked as any businessman
would ask to get some idea of where... Take it!
Well, now, look, this is ridiculous. Do you want
me to... Do you want me to look at it now? Yes,
take the ledger. And now, Prometheus, oh fire
-bringer, give our friend a sign. A sign, oh
fire -bringer, a sign! The ledger's on fire!
Drop it, Johnson, drop it! Fear not, fear not.
We are all safe. None of us has transgressed.
I now call upon Prometheus for another sign.
A sign directly for me. Watch now, Casey. Watch.
You see, Casey, the man's a sheet of flame. He
should be burned alive. But he'll emerge unharmed
when the flames die down. It's a miracle, Casey.
It's impressive. But I don't believe in miracles.
Well, Casey, what did you think of the meeting?
I can shake you up pretty good. I'll tell you
more when we get into the car and start home.
Mr. Marcus. Mr. Marcus. Yes, promise? Haven't
you forgotten something? Oh, you mean... Your
contribution. The society has been counting on
it. Of course, of course. You understand that
I've had some difficulty in... You've had plenty
of time. I know. But I can't... Have you changed
your mind about making the contribution? Oh,
no, no. Not at all. I was just waiting for Mr.
Casey here to... Mr. Casey informed me of his
wish to contribute. But I must ask you, Mr. Marcus,
in front of Mr. Casey here, are you completely
familiar with his background? Why, yes, I think
so. What are you getting at, promos? You're not
yet a member. We cannot accept outside contributions.
What's that got to do with my background? Your
background will determine whether or not we accept
you. That's fair enough. If you accept me, you
can take my half million. If not, it's up to
Marcus to make the total million dollar contribution.
Yes, yes, I will. When can I expect to hear about
my application? I should say within the next
48 hours. Yes, definitely within that time. Well,
now that we're back home, Casey, what do you
think? Forty is a four dollar bill. Well, what
do we do? Blow the whistle, Bob. Go to the D
.A. Raid the joint. I guarantee you, you'll find
all sorts of gimmicks that produce the fire Promo's
uses. You're being blackmailed. You don't want
to give the Promethean Society a million bucks,
do you? No. But you're afraid that if you don't...
Stop right there. Now, you saw what happened
to Timmy Burns. That's what I'm afraid of. Do
you have any explanation as to how Timmy's feet
were so badly burned? Oh, not at the moment.
I thought I did when we were made to bathe our
feet in water at the purification rights, but
my theory was wrong. What did you think it was?
I thought, Bob, there might be some delayed action
chemical in the water which might have caused
the burns. But I checked my feet after I got
home. Nothing. Just plain water. Well, what's
the next move then? Now, before we talk about
any next moves, I need a straight answer to two
questions. One, can either of you guarantee that
nothing's going to happen to me? Two, if we call
in the police, can they give me the same guarantee?
The answer to both questions must be no. Casey,
thank you for your trouble. I'll send you a check.
It's been nice to meet you. Goodbye. Now, wait
a minute, Vern. You haven't heard... I've heard
all I need to. It's not your skin that's in danger
of being charred. Neither of you have anything
to risk. I've made my decision. I'm going to
pay. Casey, Associates. Ah, Mr. Casey. How fortunate
I reached you so promptly. Who is this? You don't
recognize the voice? Promos? Exactly. I don't
suppose I have to spell out our decision on your
application. I don't understand. Come now, Mr.
Casey. The little game is over. Since I've called
you at your office, you must realize I know you're
a private investigator. So? Surely you don't
expect the Promethean Society to... I'm a private
investigator. Now, does that make me a second
-class citizen? You've done any checking at all.
You found out that I was in Vietnam and that
the rest of what I told you is true Please don't
excite yourself. Mr. Casey. The private investigators
are by nature and profession skeptics Philosophically,
you can't possibly be attuned to our lifestyle
Therefore it's my irrevocable decision to refuse
you membership I called because I wanted to tell
you this personally Okay It's your candy store.
Not entirely, Mr. Casey. Although my instincts
tell me you don't accept it, there is a God involved.
You remember Prometheus? Look, promos. I would
like to hire you, Mr. Casey. What? You do undertake
assignments that are of a protective nature?
Yes, but I... It would be to our mutual advantage
if you would. willing to work for me? You'll
be wasting your money. It's my money. Well, I'll
think about it. While you're thinking, consider
the fact that if you were really serious about
wishing to join us, you might be doing me an
even larger service by keeping me alive so that
the work of the society can go on. That's a good
point. As I said, I'll think about it. Good,
Mr. Casey. But, uh, don't think too long. I'll
tell you, Mr. Marcus, he's getting nervous. Otherwise,
he'd never have tried to hire me. Maybe it's
true. No way! Promos needs protection as much
as an intercontinental ballistics missile. You
agree with me, Bob? It looks that way. Well,
I don't see how it changes my situation. I still
have 24 hours to pay. Correct. But if he's running
scared, and it looks like he is, then he's got
something to be scared about. Look, he's very
big on Greek mythology with all this Prometheus
stuff, but he's got to have an Achilles heel
somewhere, and he's afraid we might find it.
Excuse me. Hello. Good evening, Mr. Marcus. I'm
not taking you away from anything, am I? Oh,
nothing important. Fine. I'm Casey? Yes. Well,
does that disturb you? Yes, somewhat. A man of
his type is hardly Promethean society material.
I'm sorry if I made an error in judgment. It
doesn't matter. I've just called to tell you
that Casey will not become a member, and therefore
you are responsible for the entire million -dollar
contribution. You understand? Yes. Yes, I understand.
My feet! My feet! They're burning! What? Get
something! Water! Something! I'm burning! In
the kitchen! Pale! Are you talking to me, Mr.
Marker? I'm sorry. There's some trouble here.
Oh, I'm sorry, but... You'll have the money tomorrow
night. Goodbye. Call a doctor! Help me! Don't
roll your feet under your body. This is a pale
nice one. What can turn a pail of ice water into
a bubbling cauldron? Promos would say it's Promethean
fire. What would you say? What would you do if
you were in Vernon Marcus shoes? We'll be back
shortly with act 3 If any human could control
fire he could easily rule the world Unless this
power was granted to him by Prometheus and could
only be used when Prometheus gave his permission
and blessing. That is the claim of Promus, the
head of the Promethean society. We return to
our story to find Brian Casey in a wheelchair
with his feet badly scarred and burning for revenge.
I'm in a wheelchair. Now they tell me I'll be
back walking in less than three months. You've
got to do me a favor. Of course. When's the next
meeting in the Promethean Society? Now look,
Casey, I don't want to interfere, but don't you
think you ought to lay off now? Tell me. Then
I'll ask you the favor. The next meeting is this
Friday night. Did Marcus pay the million? He's
handing it over tonight. Where? Well, I don't
know, but... Listen, closely. I want you to persuade
Marcus to invite Promos to a big shindig at his
house tonight. I don't know whether... It shouldn't
be too hard, but it's vital. Why wouldn't a guy
come to a party to pick up a million bucks? Casey,
you ought to know better than anyone that Promos
isn't just a guy. We both know he likes money.
Marcus can say that he wants to make a big publicity
deal out of the party. There'll be a lot of tycoons
there. It'll be an opportunity for Promos to
meet them. Some of them should be interested
in the Promethean Society. And think of the impression
it'll make when Marcus hands over the million.
Well, it's a point. It'll work. And think of
the impression promos will make when he shows
up in his robes. Why would he wear the ceremonial
robes? Because they're impressive, because he's
a ham at heart, and because he has to for my
plan to work. Your plan? What plan? It's better
that you don't know, in case something goes wrong.
And I give you my word Vern can't get into trouble.
Now you've got to make the shindig come off.
Why? What's so important about promos coming
to a party? Because after he gets there, you're
going to spill a glass of whiskey over those
ceremonial robes. This is Casey. I need you for
two jobs at the same place. We never played games,
Whitey. This one's rough. It can go all the way.
But it's important to me. Now, I'd have come
personally to talk to you, but I'm in a wheelchair.
I need you, Whitey. Well, I hope you have good
news for me, Bob. I did what you wanted. Promos
is coming? Yes. It was easier than I thought.
How'd you bring him around? I told him we owed
you a favor. If this works, you'll be doing yourself
a favor. Look, you were kidding about me spilling
a drink over promise, weren't you? I've never
been more serious in my life. If you don't do
that, there's no point to the party. What in
the world is... Be clumsy, a little bump, and
there goes the drink all over his robes. Now,
you're terribly apologetic. Insist on having
them cleaned for him. You can improvise the routine.
Yeah, I guess. You still want me flying blind,
huh? Until Thursday. There's a second part to
this operation that has to come off before we
stand a prayer I'll see you back here Thursday
at four There's something very strange about
this party nonsense, darling, I'm having a ball
who's this promos? Oh, he's quite a guy. Does
he have anything to do with... There you are,
darling. Enjoying the party? Oh, excuse me. Ava,
do you want a drink? No, thank you. And you don't
need another either. Honey, we're not married
yet. Dad? Yes? I want to talk to you about this
party. Later, dear, after it's over. Where did
you meet this man, promos? Now, please, this
isn't the time to... Well, he's the one who's
been giving you the trouble, isn't he? I've told
you, Ava, this is the wrong time for me to explain.
You'll tell me later? If I can, if I can. Eva,
darling, you don't know what you're missing.
This bartender really knows how to mix a drink.
Why would Dad give this man a million dollars?
Probably because he believes in the Promethean
Society. Ridiculous. Don't say that until you've
met Promos. He's impressive. He's a creep. Come
on, let's go over. I'll introduce you. You may
change your mind. Promos. Ah, Mr. Steele. And
this, I take it, is your bride -to -be. That's
right. Ava Marcus. Delighted. And congratulations
to you, Mr. Steele. Thank you. Oh, you're not
drinking? Only wine. Excuse me now. Please don't
go yet, promise. We haven't really had a chance
to talk. What's up, Bob? You're glad? Oh, I'm
so sorry. You clumsy fool. Bob, you spilled your
drink. Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I don't know how
that happened. Somebody must have pushed my arm.
You did. Pushing it up to your mouth. I'll have
your robe cleaned, of course. No. No, thank you.
Oh, I insist. It was an accident. There's no
need to make a case out of it. That was my clumsiness.
I'll have it cleaned and sent over to society
headquarters. I wouldn't think of it. Now, no
offense, Mr. Steele, but this is a ceremonial
robe and I'll see to the cleaning myself. Well,
right on time, Bob. Come on, sit down. How are
you feeling? Eh, coming along. You managed to
spill the drink over the robe? Yes. How did he
react? Well, he blew up, naturally. I offered
to have the robe cleaned. And he wouldn't allow
it, huh? How did you know? Because he's not about
to let that robe out of his hands. You think
he's gimmicked the robe? I think I figured the
answer to a lot of his tricks. You remember the
ledger that burned up in Johnson's hands? Sure.
Probose has definitely had experience with chemicals
and combustibles. He's come up with some special
ways to use them. That ledger was treated with
an unusual substance that would ignite when touched
with the heat of a human hand Yes, but the guy
who brought it to him do salient or something.
It was wearing gloves. Are you sure? Well, I'm
sure about the gloves The rest is an educated
guess. I learned a lot about chemicals in Vietnam.
How does the robe come into it? I just finished
looking over promo a ceremonial robe. How'd you
get it? Remember whitey Phillips? Where did you
find Whitey? He's got a locksmith business. I
can't believe it. Forgive me for laughing, but
that slick crook a locksmith is just too much.
Well, it's a perfect business for Whitey. Now,
he was here ten minutes ago. He brought me promo
ceremonial robe. You've got to be kidding. Whitey
stole it? No, no. Not the robe you stained. I
told him to lift the clean one. Wait a minute.
How did you know there was another one? Well,
there'd have to be two robes in case one went
out of commission. Uh -huh. And what did you
discover when you examined the robe? What I suspected?
He was treated with some kind of flame retardant.
Well, would that protect his face? I mean, Vern
told me he doesn't wear a mask or anything like
that. Yes, I know. I've wondered about that,
too. Now, those flames leap all over. Now, if
he had something that blew strong enough to keep
the flames from his face... Well, that's pretty
risky, isn't it? He's playing for big stakes.
Casey, you're obviously convinced that the man
is a phony. Don't tell me he's got you believing
that Prometheus stuff, too. I can't figure him.
Look, he wanted to hire you to protect him. Oh,
part of the game. He had to get me out to his
place so he could fix my shoes. What? The fire
that burned me started in my shoes, not in my
feet. He made me take my shoes off before I went
into his office. Then he must have had the shoe
treated with phosphor or some other of these
chemicals that ignite under heat Well, you know
like he did with the ledger The heat of my body
touched off the shoes. That's the same thing.
He did to Timmy Burns I think so. What are you
gonna do? fight fire with fire I Managed to remove
the fire retardant substance from the robe whitey
brought me. I treated it with some chemicals
that Really like fire I fixed it so that Prometheus
will really have a chance to bring the gift of
fire to promos. Whitey made it. Are you sure?
Why shouldn't I be? Burn just heard that tonight's
meeting has been called off. Any reason given?
No. Another date set? Indefinitely postponed.
Now do you think maybe promos suspect something
I know we've got to trust whitey Why would promos
call off the meeting? Well, maybe he said maybe
he's packing in the entire operation with Marcus
million He may figure he's had it that leaves
us up the crick only one option We have got to
get that meeting rescheduled Promethean Society.
Promos? Speaking. This is Bob Steele. Look, I
don't know whether you even want to talk to me
because of the way I behaved at the party. Accidents
can happen, Mr. Steele. Well, I called because
I heard that tonight's meeting had been called
off. Yes? And no date had been set for another?
That is correct. Oh. Well, I guess that's that
then. Mr. Steele, would you mind telling me what
you're obviously trying to tell me? Well, it
prob... contribution? From whom? From the group
that I represent. You probably don't know them,
but we're setting up an import -export business
with China, and I talked to them about the society
and you, and of course I could only tell them
what Bernard told me, but they were very impressed.
And what has all this got to do with tonight's
meeting? Well, it was kind of a wild idea to
start with. Without meaning any offense, Mr.
Steele, I find it extremely difficult to follow
what you're saying. I think it would be a lot
better and clear up a confusing situation if
you came here and told me just what you have
in mind. I'm sorry I took so much of your time,
promos, but I'm sure you understand how my group
feels. I'll just take the 50 ,000 back and explain
to them that I couldn't witness a demonstration.
You are always apologizing for the wrong things,
Mr. Steele. First you spill your drink on me.
Now you say you're sorry for taking my time when
I asked you to come here. But you don't apologize
for putting me in the position of a cheap magician
putting on a magic show for money. I never intended
any such - Now what did you intend? Just what
did you tell these business associates? That
I was some kind of sideshow freak who would become
a fire swallower for a fee? What's the name of
this game you want me to play? I'm terribly sorry.
You're sorry? You've not only insulted me, but
Prometheus. Well, I guess there's nothing for
me to say. Oh, yes, there is. I'll give you something
to say. Go back to your associates and your father
-in -law and tell them they can come tonight
and see promos and the Promethean fire. I don't
like it. What's going to happen? At this point,
I don't know. Well, what did Casey say when you
told him how Pumas reacted? Good evening. I will
extend no welcome to those of you who have come
tonight, not because you believe in a cause,
but out of curiosity. I don't like this, Bob.
Tonight, will you have the courage to face Prometheus,
as I do? Oh, Prometheus. bring me your gift,
your gracious gift of the purifying fire. Those
who live by the sword die by the sword. The man
who called himself promos, who lived by fire,
died by fire. A flaming, horrible death. A warning
to... to whom? To criminals, and perhaps a warning
from Prometheus, not to misuse the gift he brought
mankind. I'll be back shortly. If you're chilly,
how about pulling up closer to our roaring fire?
On second thought, after tonight's tale, that
might make you a trifle uncomfortable. I'm sure
that like most people, you would like to do something
about making people more conscious of the values
to be found in human decency and honesty. May
I offer one word of advice? If someone asks you
to join a society for this purpose, Think twice.
Our cast included Julie Newmar, Mandel Kramer,
Earl Hammond, Guy Sorrell, and Sidney Walker.
The entire production was under the direction
of Hyman Brown. This is E .G. Marshall inviting
you to return to our mystery theater for another
adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant
dreams.