The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents... Come
in. Welcome. This is E .G. Marshall. The doors
of the mind can be opened into corridors of unlimited
possibilities where time and place have a way
of melding into strange and provocative patterns.
Most ghost stories take place in the dark of
night or when shadows are long and the moon is
crossed by clouds. But we're about to meet A
ghost at high noon on a blistering hot day without
a shadow in the sky. In the course of our story,
the two women who are embarked upon a fateful
journey find respite from the merciless sun when
they are drawn toward a barn from which comes
a very human sound. Our mystery drama Ghost at
High Noon. was written especially for the Mystery
Theater by Elizabeth Pennell and stars Celeste
Holm. It is sponsored in part by View Sugar -Free
Diet 7 Up and Contact, the 12 -hour allergy capsule.
I'll be back shortly with Act 1. Our story begins
on a long straight ribbon of highway in an arid
section of the western United States Marion Jeffries
and Janet Marston are longtime friends who are
returning home after having driven Marion's son
to a summer camp What a lonely stretch of road
I don't like it. Oh, come on, Marion. No road
is lonely at 10 o 'clock in the morning. This
one is. George was right when he said we should
make this part of the trip either very early
or late at night. Well, neither of us ever gets
up at dawn. And I don't think two women should
travel the highways after dark. Oh, I don't mind
driving at night. Then why didn't you say so
yesterday? That motel we stayed in was certainly
no prize. Oh, not so bad. Anything to get away
from home for a few days. Not from my point of
view. Well, you can travel anywhere you want
to at any time. Sometimes I do it only to keep
from being bored. Nonsense. You don't know what
being bored is like. I wanted to make this trip
last longer. Really, Janet, it's an adventure
for me. Well, I've enjoyed it, too. It's given
us a chance to catch up. But I must say, this
stretch of highway is deadly dull. Well, I wouldn't
mind if it went so beastly hot. There's not a
car in sight. Marion, I have an uncomfortable
feeling that there are things ahead of us on
the road. I'm glad you're not driving, but don't
you see those wavy lines? Shapes rising up, coming
closer and then fading away? Sure, heat haze.
And over there, look. Look! Nothing but bare
dry land and sagebrush. I swear I see buffalo.
An Indian? Oh, the terrible August heat has gone
to your head. But I admit I'll be glad when we
get to the next... Uh -oh. What's the matter?
We're losing speed. The accelerator isn't working.
Oh, please, let's not have a breakdown way out
here. Motor's dead. But we're miles and miles
from anywhere. I know. Well, let's do something.
We can't just sit here. I'm just running the
battery down. Then we'll be in a worse mess.
Are you absolutely sure we have gas? Of course
I am. Look at the gauge. And you'll remember
when we got it. I'll look under the hood. Isn't
that what you're supposed to do? Well, if you
know what you're looking for. Good Lord! Feel
that blast of hot air! You better get back in
while I check the manual. It's here, somewhere
in the glove compartment. Marion! It must be
110 out here! Ouch! What's the matter? The hood!
It's so hot I can't touch it! Well get back in
the car while the air conditioning lasts! We
just better let the motor cool off. Cool off?
In this blazing sun? Hurry, close the door! So
now what do we do? I feel so helpless not knowing
about what makes a car run or stop running. George
always says, oh, skip it. I'm going to study
this manual and see what happens when a motor's
overheated. Maybe if I put on these gloves. Gloves
in this weather? Well, then I could open the
hood and look for a loose wire. You stay here.
We'll think of something. I'm thinking very hard.
No barn, no tree. Marion. What if we really are
taking easy, Janet? I said this trip was an adventure,
so let's make the most of it. Then I suggest
that we get out and start walking. Absolutely
not. The best thing we can do is sit quietly
here in the car. That's not my idea of an adventure.
Someone's bound to come along. Janet? What? Look.
Look over there. Is your window closed tight?
Make sure. It's a dust... heading straight for
us. That's not a storm. It's someone coming.
But there's no road out there. Nevertheless,
someone is coming. Well, they must be choking
with dust. It's almost too sick to see us. We'll
flag them. We'll flag them down. I'll get out
and wave the scarf. Oh, fantastic. It's horses.
It's Janet. Janet, this is unbelievable. Look
at what they're pulling. It's a mirage. It must
be a mirage. No, no, they're real. Marion, you
said I was suffering from heat waves. Not this
time. You do see what I see, don't you? A covered
wagon. And a man who looks at least 150 years
old. Morning, ladies. Good morning. Who are you?
I'm usually called Old Timer. But my name is
George. That's my husband's name. I do not have
the pleasure of knowing your husband, Miss Jefferies.
How do you know my... I've come to take you and
Miss Marston to the village. He knows my name
too. Of course I know your names. And now if
you were both... You will fix the car for us,
won't you? I have no idea whatsoever how you
prepare these remarkable new conveyances. But
you knew we were here. You... You must have come
to help us. Yes, I am here to be of service.
Come along, ladies. Murado is expecting you.
Murado? Murado is the town beyond the hill. What
hill? Over that -a -way. It's perfectly flat.
You'll see the hill when we get to it. But a
hill can't... Please, ladies, step into my wagon.
But we don't want to step into your wagon. We
would like to be on our way. This is your way.
I don't think you understand. We're going in
this direction, straight ahead. Unless there's
somewhere we can wait until help arrives. I have
to get home. I mean, my husband's expecting me.
Mr. Jefferies does not know what day this is.
Well, we know what day it is, and both of us
have to get back. We live quite a ways from here,
but perhaps if I could call my husband... Oh,
he would never hear you if you called from here,
Miss Jefferies. Marion, I think this man is...
Not quite right in the head. We don't want to
bother you, Mr. Oltimer, but what we really want
is just to be on our way in my automobile. Ladies,
your automobile will never take you to where
we're going. But we're not going anywhere with
you. Mr. Oltimer, I think it would be best if
you'd be good enough to go back to your town
and ask a mechanic. A mechanic? You know, a...
a garage man, someone who can fix an automobile.
Why, no one in Mirado knows anything about automobiles.
Marion, what are we going to do? I don't know.
But if there is a town, as he says, I can't believe
they don't... My orders are to take you to Mirado.
What do you mean, your orders? Why, you have
come to help us just as I'm here to help you.
Well, then help us, will you, please? Aye, that's
better. Come along. You cannot sit here in the
sun. He's right, Marion. And I'm getting terribly
thirsty. At least we could get some water and
find a telephone. A telephone? Don't tell me
your town is that primitive. I've never been
privileged to see a telephone. But you will send
someone for help. I will take you to Murado.
That is all I can do. to be riding in a covered
wagon. It's not nearly as uncomfortable as I
thought it would be. That's your idea. At least
the countryside is changing. It sort of lulls
you. Why, look, Marion, there is a hill and we're
climbing, but the horses seem so tired and old.
I mean, you think we're going to make it? We're
almost there, down in the valley. That's Mirado.
Incredible. And Janet, look, there are houses.
Houses? That means there must be water. We have
a fine village pump. And people, and people who
can help us. But this town is not on the map.
I've studied the map very carefully. It shows
nothing. Look down there, Miss Marston. See for
yourself. Not very big, is it? But you must have
a restaurant. We have a tavern and a church and
a jail. What's the population? Well, that depends.
Long live Jezebel! The street! Janet! Janet,
where are the people? It looks... It looks deserted.
No one round it this time of day. Why, Janet...
It's a ghost town. Yes, you could call it that.
But surely you don't live here alone. Oh, no
indeed. Now will you please take us... Oh, no!
If you'll step down, ladies, you can get yourselves
a drink at the town pump. I can hardly wait.
Oh, this rusty old cup. But I'm thirsty enough
to drink from anything. I'd like to put my head
under it. Feels wonderful on hands and arms,
but it tastes so, ugh, so brackish. Hasn't been
used in a long time. Now, where can we go for
help? I will show you the points of interest.
No sightseeing right now, please, but thank you.
Do you have a telegraph office? Oh, no, indeed,
Miss Jefferies. Scouts used to take our messages,
although there is now no reason to send a message.
No reason? Tell us right now how to find someone
who will go to the next town. Ladies, you are
going to stay in Murado. Well, I suppose we're
going to have to for an hour or two. You have
come home, Miss Jeffrey. Oh, stop making jokes,
Mr. Oldtimer. Murado is a place where people
stay forever. Stay? In this deserted place? We'll
soon see about that. Let's go to the mayor or
to the police chief or someone. Anyone in charge.
You won't find them now. Not a soul till the
stroke of noon. Why not? Someone must live in
these houses. Where are the people? Asleep, Miss
Marston. They sound asleep. That store over there.
Surely inside we'll find someone. No one there
yet, Miss Jefferies. Well, I'm going to look
anyway. Will you come with me, Marion? Yes, but
it's all so quiet and eerie and... not a sound
oh you'll hear sound all right in the barn crossroad
out in that field what sort of sound find out
for yourself you're not being very helpful i
don't like this place mr old timer you have some
explaining to do you said we were expected you
are dear ladies you are Who are you? How did
you know our names? It was destined that you
were the ones to be chosen this time. What are
you talking about, Lee, Mr. Oldtimer? Chosen
for what? On the hottest day of the year, when
the heat haze spreads across the desert, Murado
comes back to life and cleans two people from
the modern world. There may be no new thing under
the sun, but a frightening prospect confronts
Marion and Janet if Mirado really has a living
past. It is possible that George is merely a
foolish old man, touched in the head by too much
heat. But on the eerie streets of a ghost town,
you never know what sinister forces may be at
work. the two distraught ladies seem to be getting
further away from help with each passing moment.
We'll return to them and the old timer shortly
with act two. Stranded on a lonely stretch of
road when their car broke down, Marion Jeffreys
and Janet Marston have been taken to the strange
ghost town of Mirado. In vain they have tried
to persuade their ancient escort to help them
get back to civilization. But he has an unsettling
way of insisting that they have come home to
Mirado and that here they will stay. Their panic
is growing with each new turn of events. Aside
from the old man, there is no sign of life on
the narrow streets. And so you see, dear ladies,
we are happy to welcome you. We? You keep saying
we. Where are the others? Later, Miss Marston.
You'll meet them later. We really can't stay
very long. Miss Jefferies, I'll show you to your
quarters. My quarters? Truly, we are not planning
to be here long. Come with me, both of you. We
need you, Mrs. Jefferies, in the tavern here.
Come, we'll go inside. Oh, I don't want to go
in there. Oh, nothing to be afraid of. Come along.
Janet, the pewter plates. And the glassware.
My, I'd like to take these home. Maybe we are
in luck after all. Marion, I didn't touch it.
Honestly, I didn't. I just put my hand toward
that goblet and it shattered. Follow me, ladies.
The kitchen here is equipped in the best possible
way. It's covered with dust. That wood stove
hasn't been touched for years. I think you will
find that it will soon be ready for use. But
who's going to use it? It's not for you, Miss
Marston. We have other plans. But we understand
that Miss Jefferies is a very good cook. What
are you talking about? This stove is for you,
Miss Jefferies. Marion, your reputation has really
gotten around. Me? Cook on that? Oh, I believe
you'll get used to it. Well, who pray tell is
there to cook for? You'll meet them all at high
noon. Marion, we have to get out of here. Oh,
yes, Miss Marston. I'll show you to the place
we have for you. For me? I'm leaving. We are
both leaving. We have real need of a school teacher.
And what makes you think that I know anything
about teaching school? We know a great many things
about both of you. But I haven't taught school
for... We know that you like teaching school.
And this is a fine opportunity... Stop it! I
won't listen to anymore! You said... Janet! Janet,
I hear something. A voice from the barn. A voice?
Oh, please make it a human voice. I'll be back
at high noon, ladies. The bell on the church
steeple will strike the hour. And then... At
one o 'clock, it will all be over. Janet, I'm
terrified. He's a man man. Listen. Oh, I hear
it. Hurry. There's someone in that barn. It's
a welcome sound for the crying baby. There must
be a woman nearby. Help me. Help me to open the
door. It's stuck. Well, we've got to open it.
I think it's starting to... This door hasn't
been opened in years. How could it go harder?
Oh, there. Oh, dank and monkey. place for a baby
the sound comes from over there no no the sound
comes from over here right here the sound is
right here in the corner look look in the corner
i don't see anything it's so dark crib oh with
a lovely handcarb crib you're right this is a
crib i know i know There's no baby in it. Marion,
tell me you hear what I hear. A baby crying right
here in this crib. But there is no baby. Are
we losing our mind? Janet, be sensible. We both
hear it. But there must be an explanation. Oh,
I can't stand it. It's a spooky barn. Let's get
out. We can't just walk out on a crying baby.
You look on that sign, I'll go over here. But
Marion, I'm frightened. I always was afraid of
the dark. Janet, Janet, we've got to keep our
heads. That baby must be here somewhere. It's
weird. There's no sense to any of this. Now,
come on. It must be something about the acoustics
of this old barn. The crying has stopped. Oh,
Mary and I are scared to death. Listen to that
bell. Hey? The old man kept talking about something
happening at 12 o 'clock. Let's get back to town.
I tell you, I'm afraid. Well, you're the one
who doesn't like the dark. We can't stay in here.
But the baby that was crying. But there's no
crying now. There must be a reason. Come on,
we've got to find out. Look, Marion. Out on the
road to town. People. Thank heaven. Those two
men in the field. Let's go talk to them. They
aren't moving. They look like statues. Or that
painting. Yes. It's the Angelus. And that girl
who's running. Only she isn't running. She's
standing still. Twelve. Twelve must be the magic
number. That girl is moving now and she's coming
this way. Little girl! He didn't even see us.
Oh, those two men. Let's talk to them. Sir, would
you tell us, please, please, we don't want you
to stop your work, but we do need your help.
I mean, can, where can? No use, they can't see
us or hear us. This is impossible. They're here.
Janet, you do see what I see, don't you? A man
with a spade and a man with a hoe. Exactly. So
I'm going to find out the way they're behaving.
This can't be true! It can't be real! Nonsense!
They're...they're ghosts! I don't believe in
ghosts. Now I'm gonna make this man talk to me.
Look out! You'll be hurt. That hoe is sharp.
This man is real! His hoe is real! Marion, don't
go any closer! I'm gonna touch it. No! Marion,
no! You can't grab his arm! Mister! Mister, you
have to listen to him! Just stop breathing! I'm
not sure he ever was breathing. But he's standing
there. His eyes. Look at his eyes. Let go of
him. It can't be. It can't be. He's coming right
back to work again. What about the other man?
No use. It would be the same thing. We can try.
No. Marion, I can see the look in his eyes, too.
He's... He's dead. Just like the other ones,
let's get away from here. Honey, where can we
go? I'm coming around to your point of view.
We must be very calm and think this whole thing
out very sensibly. Let's move as far as possible
away from these robots. How about that hillside
over there? Maybe if we sit down in the shade
of a tree, we'll come to our senses. It's peaceful
here. But Janet, we can't stay here. I'm getting
hungry. Maybe that old man was right. What do
you mean? Perhaps you do belong in the kitchen.
What a terrible thing to say. Oh, I'm only kidding,
Marion. But you were the one who wanted adventure.
Enough is enough. Today will last me a lifetime.
That's what I mean. You're talking very strangely.
I feel strange. I felt strange all day, ever
since seeing those buffalo. What buffalo? Back
on the road, when we were in the car. It all
seems like such a long time ago. Oh Janet, the
heat haze, it's gotten to you again. Perhaps
we're still back in that car. No, we're here,
in Mirado. And that is the strangest part of
all. I agree that Murado is a very unusual town,
but now that it's 12 o 'clock, if George was
right, if we just go down to the center of things...
Marion, do you really believe there is such a
town as Murado? But Jonathan, you can see it
from here, just as clearly as I do. Listen. I've
heard that sound before, when the old man came.
No, but this is different. the way they're traveling
this must be young men and they're heading down
the main street there must be someone who can
help us ghosts they're all of them ghosts Janet
snap out of it come on come on where are we going
back into town i don't think i can stand anymore
of these ghostly people but the horses Janet
maybe we can get some horses and ride away from
this frightening place. I haven't been on a horse
in a thousand years. Neither have I, but we can
try. Oh Janet, we can try. See? They all look
so pretty. What did I tell you? See us the time
is over. Everyone's awake now. They're far from
awake, Marion. The blacksmith shop's over there,
and that should be the place to find out about
the horses. Hello, ladies. How are you getting
along? It's the old timer. Thank goodness, Mr.
Old Timer. George, please, please, we can talk
to you. At your service, ladies. You'd better
be of more service than you were the last time.
Well, I know it was you who brought us here,
but we, you see, we simply don't understand.
It's all very simple, Miss Jefferies. You heard
the clock strike twelve? Yes, yes, we heard the
clock and we can see the people. I had my orders.
Everything will work out within the hour. Good.
Then you will take us back to civilization. Nothing
of the sort. As I told you before, you're staying
here. But we don't belong here. Those other people,
they're ghosts. I've told you over and over again.
You have been selected. But you said at 12 o
'clock we would understand. And that everything
would be all right. It is, dear ladies. It is.
We need you. Both of you. to go with the others.
We'll pay you well, very well, for you to take
us away from here. Anything you ask. I do only
what I'm supposed to do for Mirado. There is
no such place as Mirado! Right before your eyes,
Miss Boston. As you said yourself, it's a very
busy town. Oh, Janet, come on. We're going to
the blacksmith's shop. I wouldn't dare touch
one of those horses. Oh, they look gentle enough
to me. That gray one blinks at me. I mean, are
they real? Of course they're real. And that white
-haired blacksmith. He's not like those other
men. Look at those rosy cheeks. Most likely from
all that heat. I must say the fire looks real
enough. Excuse me. Um, please? Please stop for
a moment. It's important. We've... We want to
hire two horses. No use talking to old Sam. He's
deaf and dumb. They're all deaf and dumb, every
one of them. Lady, lady, you've spent enough
time in here. There's someone waiting for you.
Well, why didn't you say that before? You've
found someone who can help us? Come along. We're
going back to the tavern. Well, that sign in
front of the tavern is new. It wasn't there before.
Many people have been working. Right this way,
ladies. Through the swinging door. And the door!
It isn't rusty anymore. Someone's oiled the hinges.
The place is crowded! Joe! Joe! Welcome back,
old timer. Glad to see you. Did you bring her?
Janet! Janet, he can talk! We found someone who
can talk! Things are looking up. Or are they?
At least there seems to be one other living soul
in the rotto. But why did Joe ask that question,
did you bring her? Which one of the ladies does
he mean? It doesn't sound as though he's going
to help them get away. Marion and Janet may be
in yet deeper trouble. And the mystery of this
ghost town is far from solved. I'll be back shortly
with Act 3. At the stroke of noon, the little
town of Mirado seemed to burst into life. The
streets are crowded now as people come out of
their houses. and go about what looks like normal
everyday business. And there are workmen in the
fields, but something is wrong. If you or I should
try to speak to these people, would they answer?
Our two frightened travelers had no one to turn
to except the old timer, but at last they have
heard the sound of another human voice, a man
named I asked you, old timer. Did you bring her?
I certainly did. She's right here. Marion, which
one of us is he talking about? Mr. Joe? Is that
your name? Did you explain to her that there
is a great deal to be done? I tried. He didn't
explain anything, Mr. Joe. You tell us. Oh, no
news talking to him at this stage. He can't hear
you. But he answered you. Why can't he talk to
me? Not one o 'clock yet. You're still in the
other world. I'll make him talk. Your name is
Joe. You run this tavern and we need help. Old
timer, did you show her the kitchen? Marion,
it's you he's talking about. We've got plenty
of complaints today about the food. Look at all
the customers. Yep, looks like a full house.
Did you show her where everything is? Tried to,
but so far she doesn't seem to quite understand.
Oh, she will. You tell her we'll take real good
care of her. Nobody ever any more popular around
this town than the cook. What'd you say her name
is? Miss Jefferies. You stop talking about me
like that and talk to me. You hear? Like I told
you, Miss Jefferies, he cannot hear you. He's
got to hear me. Now please, please, Mr. Joe,
you look like a sensible man. You can tell us
what this is all about, please. Well, George,
got to be going. Trouble in the kitchen. See
here. He can't see you either, Miss Jefferies.
Not yet. You tell that new cook she's very welcome.
You're going to like working for Joe. He's a
fine gentleman. Stop it! I can't stand anymore.
Janet, that sad -faced woman in the corner. Let's
ask her. I already tried. Just like the rest.
That's Miss Crawford. Widow lady. You'll find
her a very good friend when you get to know her.
I want to know her right now, right this minute.
You must be patient, dear lady. Not now. We're
on our way to the schoolhouse. We're here, everybody.
Get ready. Oh, Janet. What a darling one -room
schoolhouse. No one -room schoolhouse was ever
darling. These children are charming. What do
you think of them, Miss Marston? They all look
like normal, healthy children to me. Only I know
they're not. I don't know from minute to minute
what to believe anymore. You had better believe,
Miss Marston. The children are doing this especially
for you. They look as though they're singing.
They are. And very nicely, too. Well, then why
can't I hear them? Why? In time. You'll hear
them when you are their teacher. But I'm not
going to be their teacher. Miss Marston. Our
teacher is old, as you can see. All the children
have learned songs and games. I didn't think
anyone still used those little bells. What are
you going to do now? I think it's time for arithmetic.
Oh, what a bright -looking little girl. The one
going up to the blackboard. Yeah, you see? Seven
times nine... Seven times nine does not equal
56. That's just what I mean, Miss Marston. But
that teacher is nodding her head. This is outrageous.
Just as I told you, we need someone like you
around here. Why, I'm going up to that blackboard
and put her straight. Oh, no, Miss Marston. You
can't do that yet. But I'm going to. Don't do
it, Miss Marston. Children, children, this number
on the blackboard is wrong. Here's the way it
goes. Oh, dear, this chalk, it... The chalk won't
write on the blackboard. Don't worry, Miss Marston.
Here, young lady. You take the chalk and I'll
show you the right answer. They've gone back
to their game. Here, now I want to show you something.
It's no use, Miss Marston. None of them can see
you. Well, then why did you bring me here? So
you'd know what to do later on. You keep saying
that. We've been looking for someone like you
for a long time, Miss Marston. And you've come
to us at last. You will be there, teacher. You
must be joking. Everything is a ghastly, hideous
joke. That will be enough, children. It's time
for us all to go. Marion, I have a feeling that
the stage is being set for some tremendous catastrophe.
The hour is approaching, and I must get to my
station. Old timer, old timer, please don't leave
us. George! George! You're our only hope! It's
one o 'clock! Hurry! Hurry! Run to the town hall!
I told you I told you this morning when I saw
those buffalo This sure is a stinking piece of
road. Come on. It's my favorite stretch of highway.
Glad it's not my Pete. Well, if you had the right
car, you could do 200 miles an hour longer. That
will watch it, bud. A cop's supposed to set an
example. Bet I can do 150. Shall we try? No,
no thanks. You never make it in this thing. And
we're supposed to be saving gas, remember? This
road's only fun when you drive as fast as you
can. Especially on a day like today. You know,
Sweeney, sometimes I just feel sorry for the
poor slobs we haul in for speeding on stretches
like this. Yeah, right along here's the best
place to get them. You actually come out here
on purpose just to give them speeding tickets?
Sometimes, when I have nothing better to do.
Hey, slow down, will you? Why, why? There's something
up there on the road. Heat haze no no no no come
on now sweetie slow down with you Hey, I think
you're right It's a stalled car that's for sure
yeah rotten place to run out of gas California
plates Nobody in it Maybe they're sleeping well
we'll soon find out and this is supposed to be
your day off But I'm still on duty so here goes
no no I'm coming, too Man, feel that heat. Nobody
in the car, Sweeney. Oh, they'd be crazy if they
were. I got the license number. If it's unlocked,
there should be a registration. Find anything?
Yep. Belongs to a Mr. George Jeffries, Vallejo
Street, San Francisco. You want me to get that
down? Okay, but where's Mr. Jeffries? Wait a
minute. Lady's gloves in here. A scarf? Guess
he wasn't traveling alone. It looks like women's
luggage on the back seat, too. Say, you don't
suppose it was some dame who got stuck way out
here all by herself, do you? No. Well, it's my
hunch that there were at least two people in
this car. But whoever they are, they took the
ignition key. Air conditioning. But that wouldn't
work if the motor conked out. Yeah. Which way
do you think they'd go? Wouldn't be stupid enough
to walk on such a hot day. They got a ride. But
we didn't pass anybody coming this way. They
must have gone straight ahead. Could have been
some time ago. What do you think? Could we push
the car off the road? Cars in plain sight, no
traffic, and midway's only about 10 miles. We'll
find a better... Maybe I should stay here. Oh,
you're awful. Well, I mean, just in case, you
know. I'm sorry we don't have the patrol car.
If we did, I'd check with headquarters. I'll
make my report, and if there's any trouble, you
can come back with me. We'll bring a tow truck.
Okay. I got it all down. Sedan, color blue. Come
on, come on. Get in, and let's go. There's something
in this book I want to check. What are you carrying
that thing around with you for? Boy, what a rookie.
Well, I haven't worked this territory as long
as you have. Maybe they'll assign me to a car
out here. Oh, just ask me any. I just want to
make sure that there isn't some other town or
farm or someplace where those people could have
gone. Nothing but desert for miles in every direction.
Well, let's just see. There's Baker. Razor. Hey,
Sweeney, listen to this, will you? Listen to
what? Ever hear of a town called Mirado? Mirado?
What's not around here? Well, it's a ghost town,
or at least it was. Old trading post. Uh, maybe
100 years ago. Oh, longer than that. Well, then
who cares about it today? I do. You're really
something. Well, just a minute. Can I read it
to you? Read it, read it. Since I got nothing
better to do, go on, go on, read it. It says
here... that in August of 1846 a band of bloodthirsty
Indians swooped into the little town of Mirado
and killed all but one of its inhabitants. All
but one? The lone survivor was a baby boy who
was found asleep in a crib in a barn. There is
a legend that once a year the residents of Mirado
come back to haunt the place. What do you think
of that? I think it's poppycock, made up for
the tourist trade. Hey, look over there, that
great big spiral of smoke. Oh, Johnson, you're
a fool. That's a dust storm, and it's coming
our way. Come on, step on it. If anyone else
drove as fast as I'm about to, even you would
arrest of us speeding. Some people believe in
predestination and almost everyone at some time
in life comes across a ghost. Our traveling ladies
may have met with an unfortunate accident or
perhaps they really were sojourners in time who
found a better or at least a different place
to fit into the scheme of things. The ghosts
of times past are all around us and legends persist.
The present is made up of the past and a clock
of one century tells time in another. I'll be
back shortly. Be grateful for the energy crisis
this summer. It may keep you from driving along
a deserted highway. Check your automobile and
drive with care. There could be a ghost town
waiting for you. Our cast included Celeste Holm,
Frances Sternhagen, Nat Poland, and Gilbert Mack.
The entire production was under the direction
of Hyman Brown. Radio Mystery Theatre was sponsored
in part by Buick Motor Division and Anheuser
-Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser. This
is E .G. Marshall inviting you to return to our
Mystery Theatre for another adventure in the
macabre. Until next time, pleasant dreams. CBS
News, next on WBBM Chicago.