 Now, Roma Wines presents... Suspense! Tonight, Bankwell's chair, starring Donald Crisp and John Loder. Suspense is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. Those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live, to your happiness and entertaining guests, to your enjoyment of everyday meals. Yes, right now, a glassful would be very pleasant, as Roma Wines bring you... Suspense! This is the man in black here to introduce this weekly half-hour of suspense. This evening, Roma Wines bring you as stars two distinguished gentlemen from the Hollywood sound stages. Donald Crisp and John Loder. Mr. Crisp and Mr. Loder are here to enact for us a strange and startling drama in which they, in the interest of justice, made use of an unusual method to wring a confession of guilt from a criminal. But before we raise the curtain on Rupert Croft Cook's story, Bankwell's chair, which is tonight's study in suspense, here is a message from your host. Let us picture a scene beneath a radiant Caribbean moon at the fashionable Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana. An American dinner guest has just raised his glass and a toast to Havana. Its traditions, its beauty, the superb dinner, the wine. His Cuban host replies, true, the traditions, the scenery and the food you enjoy, they are Cuban. But the wine of which you speak so highly, that is of your country. It is the famed Roma wine made in your own California. Yes, it may surprise you that California produces Roma wines of such uniformly superb quality that they are imported by many foreign countries. But millions of Americans do know and enjoy the excellence of Roma wines daily with meals and when entertaining. These millions have made Roma America's largest selling wines. They know too that Roma wines are amazingly inexpensive, only pennies at last, for wines of such distinguished character. That's because here in America you pay no high import duty, no expensive shipping charges for Roma, wines that combine age old wine making skill with modern testing and quality control. So ask for R-O-M-A Roma wines made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. And now with Banquo's chair and with the performances of Donald Crisp as Sir William Brent and John Loder as Arthur Grain, Sir William's friend who relates the story to us, we again hope to keep you in suspense. I would like you to look at this photograph. It's the picture of Sir William Brent, ex-head of the English criminal investigation. I knew Sir William well and he always terrified me, not in the sense that he was brutal or evil, he was none of that, but look at that cold face, particularly his eyes. When he looked at you, you flushed with guilt. Every misdeed you ever committed in your life floated over your face. A glance from him made you feel as if you were stark naked. He saw you with all your defences down. I'm going to tell you about Sir William's last case. A case that, well, even recalling it sends real shudders through me. I swear it's true. I wish I never had, but I saw it with my own eyes. I witnessed it in all its dreadful details. One night about 11 in the evening at the club, a boy came up to me. Telegram for you, Sir. I ripped open the envelope and read the telegram. Dear Arthur, will you come and dine with me at Tarrett House sitting the month Thursday? There will be several guests and I think I can promise you an unforgettable evening, signed William Brent. I was annoyed. I don't like to receive telegram so late in the evening and Sir William could easily have phoned unless he didn't want to go into details with me. I decided to phone him. And this is Arthur Grange calling. Yes, I know. Did you receive my telegram? Yes, Sir William. What's all the mystery about? I'll tell you about that on Thursday. Are you coming? Yes, I'll be there. You sound so mysterious. I'm thinking of coming armed or bringing a couple of bodyguards. This evening I made my way to Tarrett House. A windy November rain slashed at the streets. Tarrett House is a huge red brick, unpleasantly somber mansion, an ugly product of Queen Victoria's time. There it squatted, back of the road, almost hidden from view by several dripping pine trees. The neighborhood had seen better days. I walked up along the unkept path until I reached the Great Oaken Claw. Good evening, Mr Grange. I was waiting for you. Hello, Len. Nasty night, sir, isn't it? There's not much warmer in here. There's a foward in the dining room, sir. Good. What ever made Sir William move into this drastic dungeon? Oh, we haven't moved in, sir. It's only temporary. Sir William just rented it. We still live in the West End. Oh, I see. Have any of the other guests arrived? Yes, Mr Grange. Mr Stone is here. Oh, hello there. Oh, you must be a Roberta Stone, the mystery writer. I'm Arthur Grange. How do you do, Mr Grange? I read all of your stories, Mr Stone, and enjoyed them tremendously. Oh, that's very nice of you. Thank you so much. Listen, just what's going on here tonight? I don't know. Sir William sounded awfully mysterious. Didn't he, though? He told me to come armed. He told me the same thing. Here's my gun. I must admit I've never fired it in my life. It scares me to death. Why do you suppose he picked a spot like this to give a dinner party? Oh, it's the scene of the crime. What crime? Murder. A particularly unpleasant one. Really? I must say the murderer couldn't have picked a more ideal setting. Good evening, Roberta. Arthur, I'm glad you're both on time. Hello, Sir William. Nice apartment you have here. A sort of mausoleum and dining room combined. You're a bit afraid, aren't you? Of course not. Why should I be? Your eyes give you away. What's all this about? Let's go to the second damp dungeon and tell us to come armed. Don't be upset, Arthur. It's only a precaution. Who is the other guest, Sir William? Well, there are two more guests. But first, I'll tell you all about it. Lane, will you serve the drinks? Yes, Sir William. Now, I'll tell you what's going to happen tonight. This house, Tarrade House, was the scene of the Sydenham murder of the very famous case. Yes, of course. I remember that. That's right. No offence, old man, but wasn't it the only case you never solved? I solved the Sydenham case, but I couldn't bring the criminal to justice because of insufficient evidence. You mean you knew who the murderer was? Yes, of course. It was the nephew. The nephew? Then why in the world didn't you put me... Because the nephew had an absolute and unimpeachable alibi. To have arrested him would have meant a waste of time and money. Under release in the end. Besides, according to English law, a man acquitted can never be arrested again on the same murder charge. The nephew, John Bedford, will be here to dine with us. And oh, yes, the victim, Miss Ferguson. What? Hey, wait. Do you mean Miss Ferguson wasn't actually murdered? Miss Ferguson is quite dead. Has been dead these two years. You mean you're going to have the body of Miss Ferguson here while we eat? Well, this promise is to be a very gay dinner. Now, see here, as you both know, I've never lost a case except the Sydenham murder, which will be finished tonight. Now, I'm an egotist. I don't believe there's a criminal in all England that can out with me. And as a matter of fact, I've resigned from the criminal investigation for the sole purpose of trapping Mr. John Bedford. You have an awful lot of patience. Infinite patience. I'd devoted two years to this case, and now that my moment of triumph has arrived, I wanted to have some witnesses. A writer who will record the event, and an admirer who will applaud with all the cleverness of my scheme. If it's as gruesome as I think it is, I won't be here to watch it. Oh, I think you will. Horror has a way of fascinating and hypnotizing people. Besides, Arthur, you'd be ashamed to run out now? I'll stay, of course. So will I. Good. Now, before I tell you my scheme, let me first acquaint you with the details of the murder. Well, exactly two years ago tonight, in this very house. Oh, Miss Ferguson. Hilda. Hilda, where are you? Oh, where is that foolish me? Miss Ferguson, why don't you answer when I call? I was in the kitchen, Mum. It's after 10 o'clock you should be on your way home. I was just about to leave. Has my nephew called? No, ma'am. Mr. Bedford hasn't called since yesterday. I told him he couldn't come in, just like you said. I don't ever want to see him again. He's no good. He's an evil man who will come to an evil end. You're never to let him in here, Hilda. He won't ever come in this house if I can help it. No, ma'am. Now you'd better run along and make sure all the doors are bolted. Yes, Mum. I'll change my will. Won't leave him a penny, I won't. Good night, Miss Ferguson. Good night, Hilda. Who does he think he is? In the morning I'll change the will. Who's there? Who is it? It's I, Aunt Martha. Your own affectionate nephew. What are you doing in my house? You're not at all pleased to see me. You're only living relative, too. I'd like you to leave at once, or I'll call the police. I'd rather not, Auntie. I want to have a talk with you. You don't want to talk to me. All you want is money. Yes, Auntie. I want money. And lots of it. You've got all the money you'll ever get out of me. You won't even get a penny after I die. I'll see to that. Perhaps you'll appreciate the value of money after you've worked for it. Why are you wearing gloves? I've made up my mind, Auntie. What are you doing? Keep away! You're an old woman, Auntie. All that money is no good for you. You can't ever use it. I'm young. Money means life to me. A rich and gay life. You're old, Auntie. And you're going to die soon anyway. No! It can't be. You're not going to do that. Yes, Auntie, I am. You don't got to live anywhere, Auntie. You're lonely, sick and old. I'm doing you a favor. Help! Nobody can hear you, Auntie. I'm your heir. You're only heir, Auntie. You're next of kin. The estate is going to be mine, Auntie. All of it. Now, don't you worry, Auntie. We'll have a fine funeral for you. Yes, sirs. That's pretty much the way old Mrs. Ferguson was murdered. Hilda found the body the next morning. I immediately went to work on the case. All the evidence pointed to John Bedford. Everyone believed he committed the crime. He almost admitted it himself. I had him brought into my office for questioning. Well, how'd you do, Sir William? Cigarette. Thank you. Well, how does it feel to kill your own aunt? May I have a light, please? Yes, of course. Thank you. I wouldn't know, Sir William. You see, I never killed anyone, have you? I have, Mr. Bedford. I've sent quite a few to the gallows, so I understand. What was your relationship to Mrs. Ferguson? She was my aunt. Don't be slipping. Well, to tell you the truth, my aunt didn't like me. She thought I was a spendthrift and a useless parasite, and she was quite right. And I believe it's customary to ask the accused his whereabouts on the night of the crime. Yes, it is. And won't you tell me? In jail. I had a little too much and got into a bit of a tiff with someone. That's quite an alibi. Well, quite a fact. It was hardly possible for me to be in jail and kill my aunt at the same time. Unless, of course, my aunt came into my cell and allowed me to murder her, after which she walked back to Tonnett House as a ghost dragging her buddy behind her. Hardly possible. Don't you think you ought to check, my stirring? I already have. You've done a very skillful job. Too bad you couldn't use your talents for something constructive. Well then, why don't you arrest me, sir William? No, Mr. Bedford, I have time. Plenty of time. Well, you'd better work fast. By the time you get around to me, I'll have spent all of my aunt's beautiful money. It's not the money we're after. It's you and your beautiful life. Good day, Mr. Bedford. That's how matter stood. I refuse to let my men arrest him. How in the world could he have murdered his aunt when he was in jail? Perhaps he bribed the prison guard to let him out for an hour. That's excellent, Roberta. I believe that's exactly what happened. Unfortunately, the guard died of pneumonia soon afterwards, which left us no further source of evidence. As far as I can see, sir, William, you haven't a leg to stand on. You're quite right, Arthur. I haven't. Except that every man, particularly a criminal, has a knuckler's heel. I discovered John Bedford's weakness. I'm going to have a good story. He's very superstitious. How did you learn that? I've never suffered a defeat in my life. John Bedford was the first setback. Here was a clever, callous criminal who laughed at me. No one had ever done that before. Bedford knew I could do him no harm, and he made the most of it. Carefully and patiently, I thought it over. I looked upon Bedford as you would look upon a Chinese puzzle. There is no such thing as an impregnable defense. A few months later, I went to visit Bedford. Sir William, what a surprise. Would you come in, please? Thank you, Mr. Bedford. I'm really honoured to have the great Sir William Brent pay me a visit. You're not after any more clues, I hope. It does get rather tedious. No, not at all. I know when I'm licked. I don't want to appear smug, sir, but everyone has his water loo. Do you have a drink? I suppose you're curious about why I came here. Well, I hardly imagined it was a friendly visit. I've resigned from criminal investigation. I'm a private citizen now. Yes, I heard about that. You know, most people misunderstand me. It wasn't my love for justice that made me pursue my profession with such tenacity and success. Yeah? Of course, with the sole exception of your case, of course. It was a game of skill to me. My wits against all comers. I lost in your case. But then we've all got to lose some time. I don't believe you, Sir William. You're still after me, but I'm afraid it's no go. I've kept out of trouble so far, Nagwood. That's an odd habit for a man like you, Bedford. You're not superstitious, are you? Of course not, sir. Well, now as to the reason for my visit. I noticed in the papers that you're looking for a tenant for Tarrett House. For yes, I am. I'd like to rent it. Well, the scene of the crime, huh? Well, of course. Why not? There's no harm in it. As a matter of fact, I'll let you have it very cheaply. And that's how I rented this house. The house where the murder was committed. What's your plan? It'd better be a good one. Mr. Bedford sounds like a hard customer. It's a strange plan, but an effective one. I saw Bedford frequently. Our acquaintance blossomed into a kind of friendship. An armed friendship, of course. He knew I was out to get him. And I wanted him to know that. He's vain, very vain. And this game intrigued him. I also learned he's a very superstitious. Tonight is the anniversary of the murder. And tonight Mr. Bedford dines with us at eight o'clock. It's nearly eight an hour. Now, this is the plan. You know May Wakefield, of course. Naturally, the Shakespearean actor. Now during dinner, Miss Wakefield will enter the room in the precise likeness of Miss Ferguson, the murdered woman. We, of course, will pretend not to see her. We remain outwardly unconscious of her. Only Bedford will be aware of her presence. I believe Bedford will confess. But this is the anniversary. I'd imagine you'd keep away on this night. He's giddy with success. And also the fact that Roberta Stone, the famous writer, is here with us. Tweaks his vanity. I don't like this. Well, this is just like one of your stories. It doesn't become you to be frightened. I won't run away. Now, there's one more thing. During dinner, the electric lights will be switched off at the main. And candles will be lit. We must have the correct atmosphere. You understand now? You are not to see May Wakefield. She doesn't exist for us. Is that clear? Well, I'll look right through her. Oh, it gives me the creeps. Ah, that's Bedford. The appearance of John Bedford suddenly made the whole scene grimly real. He was a tall, well-built man in his late thirties. Immaculately dressed and perfectly groomed. At first sight, his face seemed pleasant enough. But on closer scrutiny, his grey eyes were hard and cold. He looked all of us over with arrogance and superiority. I heartily wished I was elsewhere. This was one scene I had no desire to witness. After the introductions were over, we sat down to dinner. Is it still nasty outside, Mr. Bedford? Oh, getting worse. Looks like we're in for a few days of this. It's too bad. I was going to do some riding tomorrow. The soup is excellent. Oh, yes, indeed. Your cook should be congratulated, sir. The soup is a masterpiece. Poor Alice. She's been my cook for twenty years. But she's given me notice. Absolutely refuses to stay here. Says this house is haunted. Roberta, you might make an interesting story for you. You might speak to her. Oh, really? Alice swears that she's seen the figure of an elderly lady with finger marks on her throat, walking about the house. Oh, no. Come now, Sir William. This is too good. What an obvious attempt to frighten me. Sir William has convinced that I murdered my aunt. But please, Sir William, a little more subtlety. Surely I deserve it. Perhaps the cook did see the figure. I might interest you to know, Mr. Bedford, that I don't believe in ghosts. And I'm sure my cook never saw this elderly figure. It's all in her mind. I am afraid your little attempt didn't work, sir. But I must admit your graceful admission of its failure. Yes, I suppose I'd better give up, shouldn't I? Oh, no, no, no. Never give up. If at first you don't succeed, you know... Do you live very far from here, Mr. Bedford? Thank you, Mr. Down. There's really no need to change the topic. As amusing as I do. I'm sorry, Mr. Bedford, but this isn't my idea of pleasant dinner conversation. Well, we'll talk of pleasant things, then. I saw a very inciting play last night. Excuse me a moment. It's really fearfully hot in here. Do you mind if we get a little air, sir? Oh, I'm sorry. It is rather warm. Lane, open the windows, please. Yes, sir. What terrible weather. I don't know how we'll ever get home here. It's a bad month of the year. I had intended to go to the Riviera for the season. I don't know, sir. Well, don't stand there. Light the candles. We can't sit here in the darkness. And get the chauffeur. He knows something about the electric lights. I'll call the chauffeur right away, sir. I'm terribly sorry about this. We've had trouble with the wiring before. The chauffeur will have it fixed in a few minutes. Oh, let's go on without dinner. This is one of your tricks, sir, William. Have some more wine, Mr. Bedford. Thank you. It was a tense and terrible moment. I looked at Roberta. She was pale and frightened. Bedford, for all his poise, was uneasy. He didn't know whether Sir William was planning anything or whether this was really an accident. My heart was pounding away and my palms were wet with perspiration. Only Sir William appeared cool. There was not a trace of emotion in his face. Oh, Mr. Bedford, you were saying about visiting the Riviera. It's quite a change from England at this time of year. Oh, I suppose I'll make the trip next month. What's the matter, Mr. Bedford? Nothing. Nothing at all. I wish we could have some light. It's rather difficult to see. I'm terribly sorry. It just had to happen. Just a dinner. Have a little more wine, Mr. Bedford. Oh, yes. Here's the thing. The figure of a woman had entered the room. She had come in silently, like a ghost. We all saw her, but not one of us moved or made a sign of recognition. In the dim candlelight, she looked ghostly and unreal. Bedford looked at all of us to see if we had also seen the figure before his eyes. But we ate our dinner grimly. He looked again, then shook his head and got more wine. Don't any of you see anything? See what, Mr. Bedford? There's another one of your tricks. Can't any of you see her? What's got into you, Bedford? It's my arm. My arm, sir. You're arm's dead, Mr. Bedford. You're not seeing ghosts, I hope. Maybe I had to... She's coming to all of me. Now, calm yourself. I've never seen you like this. There's no one else here. Do you see anyone, Roberta? No. No, sir, William. I don't either. Let me out of here. I can't make you out, Bedford. There's no one here. You loved the day long. Can't any of you see her? Can't you hear her? What's come over you, Bedford? She's at the door. She won't let me out. I'm an old... Goodbye, old Roberta, out of my way. There's no one in your way, Bedford. Please sit down. Get away from that door! I'll murder you again! You hear that, mother? I'll murder you again! You all will wake up murdering you again! Got him. All right. Switch on the lights. Officer Graham, arrest him. You heard the confession. Put the handcuffs on him. I've never seen anything so far. Let me out of here. Well, Bedford. It seems that I've finally caught up with you. I'll kill her again! I'll kill her again! That wasn't your aunt. It was Miss Wakefield, the actress. I'll kill her again! I'll kill her! Take him away, Graham. He's in a state of shock. Come on. Shall we continue with our dinner? I hope you're fully satisfied, Sir William. Quite. It's been a long job. But it has ended as I knew it would. I'm most grateful to you both for your help. I thought it was a pretty grim affair. I must say you know your job. May Wakefield certainly knew hers. There was the finest piece of acting I've ever seen. Yes. I make up was incredibly good. I must congratulate her. She's probably gone to her room. Oh, Elaine. Yes, sir? Please call Miss Wakefield. Miss Wakefield, sir? Yes, the lady who's been assisting us this evening. I haven't seen her, sir. But I look for her, sir. Tell her to come down and join us. We have a fine dinner waiting for her. Excuse me, sir, but this telegram came a little while ago. I didn't want to disturb you during dinner. Let me have it. Sir William, what's wrong? I read it to you. Extremely sorry. My severe influenza makes it impossible for me to leave my bed tonight. Will tomorrow night do? Signed May Wakefield. God help us. If it wasn't May Wakefield then, who was that figure here tonight? There was no answer. I looked at Sir William staring at the telegram. His face was gray and stony. On his left temple of crooked blue veins stood out. It twitched once or twice. And then was motionless. He looked. He looked as though he'd seen a ghost. And so closes Banquo's chair, starring Donald Crisp and John Loder, to Night's Tale of Suspense. Suspense is produced and directed by William Spear. Have you discovered, as thousands have, how much Roma wines add to the enjoyment of your meals, how their superb flavor makes special occasion feasts out of everyday meals? Well, find out for yourself. Start off the meal with that delightful appetizer, Roma California Cherie. Then place on the table a well-chilled bottle of Roma California table wine, delicatso turn, hearty burgundy, or tart, tasty claret. You'll be amazed at the tremendous difference Roma wine makes in the enjoyment of your foods. Now don't overlook this easy, inexpensive way to add thrilling extra enjoyment to everyday living. Remember, Roma wines cost only pennies a glass. So take a tip from the millions who enjoy Roma wines at meals or when entertaining. Ask for R-O-M-A. Roma wines. America's largest selling wines. Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. This is John Loder. There is no program that Mr. Crisp and I admire more than suspense, and I know I speak for him as well as myself in saying how thoroughly we have enjoyed our appearance here this evening. Now at the request of our government, I want to pass this information along on behalf of the merchant marine. Six ships a day instead of five soon will be coming off the ways of our shipyards. The United States Shipbuilding Program is being increased rather than cut. A few days ago contracts were awarded for 262 additional new ships. Every one of them must be manned by 40 to 50 men, most of them with previous sea experience. The longer Pacific distances and expanding supply problems on every front will call for the continuous employment of large numbers of men and ships until Japan is totally defeated. The universal demand for a strong post-war merchant marine makes post-war opportunities in these jobs fully as great as in any American industry today. Next Thursday, same time you will hear Mr. Charles Lottner, star of Suspense. Presented by the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California, Roma Wines, R-O-M-A. Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.