 Suspense auto light and its 96,000 dealers present. Miss Marlena Dietrich in murder strikes three times a suspense play produced and edited by William Spear Ends for snappy starting on zippy snippy days There's nothing better than a set of the famous ignition engineered auto light spark plugs mr. Wilcox sounds like a speech speech This is no speech Debbie This is the free flow of fervent feeling for the newest addition to the complete line of ignition engineered spark plugs made by Auto light the wide gap auto light resistor spark plugs mr. Wilcox are you trying to say that auto light resistor spark plugs offer car owners special advantages precisely my pedantic pretty because auto light builds an exclusive 10,000 ohm resistor right into every auto light resistor spark plug and this makes practical a wider initial gap setting the Advantages of which have long been recognized by automotive engineers. I never knew that mr. Wilcox tell me more my girl Auto light resistor spark plugs give double life under equal conditions as compared to spark plugs without the built-in resistor Yes, siri this newest addition to the complete auto light ignition engineered spark plug line is the only spark plug that will give you smoother performance on leaner gas mixtures and greater gas savings So see your auto light spark plug dealer tomorrow for a set of the famous ignition engineered auto light spark plugs and Remember whether you choose the regular type or the resistor type you'll be right because you're always right with auto light And now with murder strikes three times and the performance of Marlene Dietrich Auto light hopes once again to keep you in Suspends Lewis and the soft coal mine operators will be getting down to specific cases soon and Now the exclusive that I promised you earlier in the program a report so Sensational that I am going to devote all of my remaining time to it I have before me a copy of a document delivered in person today to the district attorney's office by one Fredonia Bell Fredonia Bell was the trusted personal maid of Laura Starling Morton Who you will remember from the widely publicized murder trial of two years ago? This document is a statement written by Laura Starling Morton in her own hand, and it begins as follows quote I only regret that it will be impossible for me to be present when this is right But I shall relate here concerns three men Of these three men. It is not on behalf of my husband Robert that I write No on behalf of my husband Charles This is for Elmer But I do not think that Elmer will ever see it For Elmer too is going to die Yes, Robert Where's my electric razor in the medicine cabinet where it always is? Robert, I wish you wouldn't shave while you're in the bathtub that way The difference where I shave I like to shave in the bathtub. I just don't like to see you meddling with electricity while you're in there You might get a shock or something sure sure mrs. Thomas Edison. All right, go ahead. I don't care I Like to shave in the bathtub I'm relaxed in the bathtub. I Read in the bathtub. I think in the bathtub I'm not going to change my habits for you. I Know dear. I suppose that is a lot to expect Robert was a good loud scream Then I stood in the door of the bathroom and looked a good long look Then I called a doctor the doctor called the police The police call the district attorney And I found myself confronted by a young man with red hair and glasses To give the immediate impression of being clever unscrupulous and objectionable That was Elmer. This is Williams. I'm Elmer Garner of the district attorney's office How do you do mr. Garner? I thought you and I had better have a little private chat. What about mr. Garner about your husband What about my husband? Mrs. Williams, I'm gonna be very frank with you and a number count I'm what is known as an assistant district attorney. Mr. Garner. I have just lost my husband I how do you think coming to that mrs. Williams now the district attorney has put me on this case because Well, he thinks he doesn't have a case routine investigation Now, maybe it's because the DA is essentially a nice man with nice instincts and I am not but I Don't agree with him about what about not having a case Because I can smell him mrs. Williams. I can smell him a mile away What can you smell mr. Garner? Murder. Oh I see Good or your attitude is very good. No phony hysteria. No fake indignation realistic Oh, I like that. I'm that way myself mr. Garner I'm trying my best to maintain my composure and the trying circumstances. I must say your extraordinary Intimulation does not make it any easier. Look. I know you killed him. You know that I know you killed him mr. Garner Now as I said, I was gonna be very frank with you miss Williams. I am On your side of the story is the fact that although I know you killed him It may be a little difficult to prove that you killed him not too difficult, but a little I should think it might Since it is utterly untrue. Ah Now let's see what cards I hold You are a laboratory technician or you were before you married, right? Right and your technical knowledge Would have told you that a man using a faulty electrical appliance while sitting in a tub full of water Stood an excellent chance of electrocuting himself I also know that a man firing a bullet into his head with then an excellent chance of killing himself The insulation in the cable of that electric razor was frayed now That might have happened through normal wear, but it also might have happened because it was tampered with by you And then again as you say it might not Will it surprise you to know that we've got your fingerprints all over that razor? It would surprise me more if you hadn't on everything else in the house for that matter mr. Garner You're a very intelligent woman, which is William You're right. It would have looked funny. You were smart not to wipe off those prints Very smart. Thank you. However so much for the means now for the motive We can establish a course that you and your husband didn't get along Unfortunately, you can establish that about many husbands and wives and that your husband was insured for fifty thousand dollars in your favor And that there's about fifty thousand more in community property and that you inherit right naturally Well a hundred thousand dollars is quite a nice little motive mrs. Williams, but it doesn't prove anything Mr. Garner it depends on how it's used by the prosecuting attorney, and that's me, you know, I know Tell me do you have a lawyer mrs. Williams? Not yet All you are a very intelligent woman that would have looked bad too if you'd had a lawyer right on path But you're gonna need a lawyer, you know so it would appear alright How about me you sure? I'm a lawyer you have just finished telling me That you would be the prosecuting attorney. That's just the point Why spend a lot of money on a lawyer who probably can't get you off anyway when you can spend it on me and have a sure thing You see yes, I see All I want is half Fifty thousand dollars. No It's a matter too much. No a look sister You don't seem to realize that I'm in a position depending how I handle this case Either set you free to hang here that mr. Garner is where we disagree you mean you're willing to gamble it I can't do it if you wish to put it that way. All right, but fifty thousand dollars will look cheap cheap When they slip that noose around your neck She says ladies and gentlemen of the jury cold calm Emotionless the same Laura Williams who carefully calculated carefully planned and premeditated the murder of her husband. I Asked the death penalty. I must ask it For ponder well ladies and gentlemen of the jury if you set her free if you set her free believe me This will not be the last Accident to mark the bloody trail through life of Laura Williams And when that accident occurs when the next victim is struck down His innocent blood will be upon your hands Divertic we have what is your verdict on the grounds of insufficient evidence We find the defendant not guilty Guess the sporting thing to say is congratulations Congratulations. Thank you, mr. Garner. Say one thing you've got what it takes the jury was evenly divided that whole first day Do you know that yes, I knew it as I wasn't too far wrong at that was I just fine enough mr. Garner So listen again just as a sporting proposition. Tell me Did you did I what come on? We're alone here Anyway, it doesn't matter because you can't be tried twice for the same thing. You know that don't you yes I know it. Well Did you? Yes, you cheap contemptible blackmailer. Yes, I killed him. How do you like that? I killed him Yes, I told him told him the truth Just to see the smirk fall from his face Just to see him actually snarl with frustration Knowing that I'd gotten away with murder and he couldn't do anything about it Yes, I couldn't have resisted telling him then Even though it meant I'd die of it Which I will auto light is bringing you Marlena Dietrich in murder strikes three times tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills Suspense be my dear director of Elocution. You interest me strangely first your hoity-toity then your hoity-po-loity How come mr. Wilcox? I am leading a double life double life Say that's just what the new white gap auto light resistor spark plugs offer car owners everywhere Double life under equal conditions as compared to spark plugs without the built-in resistor gently mr. Wilcox gently you see friends Wide gap auto light resistor spark plugs are the newest addition to the complete line of ignition engineered spark plugs made by auto light They offer money saving advantages smoother performance greater gas savings quicker starting in cold weather mr. Wilcox Your diff thongs are showing thank you my little lecturer Next time you stop at your favorite service station. Ask your dealer to install a set of ignition engineered auto light spark plugs in your car And whether you choose the regular type or the resistor type spark plugs You'll be right because you're always right with auto light and now auto light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage our star Marlena Dietrich and Visuring Hans Conrad as Elmer in murder strikes three times a tale well calculated to keep you in Perhaps I gambled too recklessly with Elmer. I've since had cause to wonder But there were things I could not foresee as well as Elmer Suffice it to say that after my acquittal for the hundred thousand dollars from Robert's estate I moved to another city and took up my life again and another name That there is Laura Starling. I met and married Charles Morton The charming and eccentric man whose genius as a research chemist accounted not only for those qualities which endeared him to me But for a very considerable personal fortune as well. I Was quite happy and completely in love And as the years went by I had seen I thought The last of Elmer Charles no Charles. Yes, my dear. I have your coffee You said you wanted coffee. It's ready now, but I have some coffee you took that out there three hours ago Now come in and get your coffee Charles you come out of that smelly laboratory and have your coffee besides I have a surprise for you You have well, I'll be right in there and bring the other coffee cup with you. Yes Well, this is about a surprise look what I I seem to have left my glasses in the laboratory Oh Charles you're simply priceless. It's a key This is our anniversary darling Our fourth wedding anniversary is it? So it is Laura. This is so thoughtful of you. I I'm afraid I'm hopeless my dear I know it's the husband who should be thoughtful, but I you're just you darling now sit down and relax for a while Yes, oh Here's your cup. Thank you Charles, what's in that cup coffee? Charles, I'm sure that even in the atomic age coffee does not come in the form of white crystals. Hmm. Oh Yes, yes, I finished my coffee and Charles. What is it? Thiochlorate you see at the moment I'm sure I was what that's deadly poison So it is You see oh child I wish you wouldn't mix things up in the cups and dishes that way. It's dangerous dangerous Suppose you've got the cups mixed up suppose you don't have it Laura half the stuff you use in chemistry is dangerous If you go to drink it, but who's going to do that? It's like Eating soap you wash your hand with it every day, but who'd think of eating it now You take that cup right back out to the laboratory and empty it and wash it out all right Charles yes, I was wondering since it's our anniversary Let's go out to dinner and celebrate Why yes, I think that's a splendid idea. Oh My goodness what oh I completely forgot my brother is coming to see us today your brother It were my half-brother. I meant to tell you I never knew you had a brother Didn't you well you see he's been in the army for about five years He just got back a short time ago, and I got a wire yesterday saying he'd be passing through town And he'd like to see me so does he know you're remarried. Oh, I suppose I suppose he doesn't As a matter of fact, we've never been very close neither of us much of a lesson right and So on but he's the only relative I've got and all the sympathy I've wasted on you because I thought you were an orphan or something. Oh, I was but practically when is he coming? Why is this afternoon sometime? I think Well, I guess there's your answer. I am sorry my child. That's all right Maybe your brother would like to go out and celebrate with us Hello there hello child come in come in and I want you to meet my wife Laura. This is my brother Elmer there was no doubt that it was Elmer There was no doubt that he recognized me And there was no doubt in my mind as to how he intended to play his hand this time For he gave no public sign of recognition but simply looked straight at me and smiled and smiled and So you've gone into private practice a owner criminal law, I suppose. Mm-hmm. Yeah There's no appreciation of this country of men who hold public office financially at least You always did have your eye on the dollar didn't you what about your racket Charlie? What have you been up to? Oh just puttering around here in my laboratory. You mean right here at home, of course Oh, I I guess that's new since you were here last. There's a lot that's new Since I was here last it's right in there right through those doors Isn't that sort of a nuisance for a wife or isn't it not in the least? Why should it be now Laura? Don't try to cover up my feelings just before you came. She was scolding me for carrying piochlorate around in the family coffee cup Isn't that interesting? Isn't that a coincidence? Why now? I was just thinking what a fine setup for a murder Somebody poisons the chemist in his own laboratory and it looks just like an accident Neither you will find that Elmer has a morbid mind my dear. He used to try people from murder back in Illinois And I tried some beauties too. Oh, I've got to get going I'm sorry. I can't accept your invitation for the night, but you are staying over a few days. Oh, yes, yes I'll see you again soon good good good now. Don't bother come to door with me Charles I know you want to get back to your work. Well, perhaps Laura will give us a little chance to Get acquainted. Why yes, of course You can depend on a Charlie. What do you want? What do you think old Charlie would say if you knew? I asked sure question. I suppose he'd go on loving you in his own peculiar fashion But never be quite the same with it. There'll always be that little annoying doubt another accident I'm afraid things are kind of under strain around here Laura. You do have a price. I suppose I might By the way, why are you so eager to pay it? I'm happy here. I'm at peace with myself in the world. I Don't want anything to change No other reason What other reason would there be I? Suppose all his property would go to you in the event of another little accident. You don't really believe that the motive and the means money and poison How much? No, no, you got me wrong Laura. I don't want money. When did that happen? Or did it ever occur to you that I might simply be interested in my brother's welfare? No All that has occurred to me so far is to wonder why I had to pick the one man in the world who was related to you You want to hear my proposition? I'm waiting The motive and the mean there's always the means for an intelligent person like you But if we took away the motive the motive the money the will no motive no temptation see I see in a way It's for your own protection too because if Charlie so much as slipped on a banana peel and you inherited that money There's an a jury in the world that wouldn't convict you simply on your past record. You realize that don't you? Yes, so No motive no Casey. Do you think? What do you want me to do? Get them to change as well in favor of his only living relative. I presume That's me and then that's all and you're in the clear Because after that Charlie couldn't suspect you even if I told him probably wouldn't believe it throw me out of the house for Persecuting his little bride. Maybe even changes will write back again. You see All right You can do it. Can't you I suppose so. Oh, I know you can I Know you'd better Seems such a strange request to me darling. I don't want your money. I only want you I know dear, but after all I'm considerably older than you are my dear and chances are that some day No, the whole idea of losing you and then profiting by it. It's just hateful Would I leave it to leave it to your brother Elmer? Why not? It doesn't matter, but well Please darling for me. All right, my dear if it really makes a difference to you. Now. Don't you worry about it anymore? I'll take care of it. No, I want you to do it now right away today. Well, I'd have to get in touch with my lawyer I'll call him for you. I'll get him on the phone right now. Goodness. You act as though it were a matter of life and death Mr. Elmer Gardner, please. Thank you. This is Laura. Oh, it's all right. It's all arranged Yes, the lawyer's coming tomorrow. You tell the lawyer the changes he wanted me. Yes, he did Not that I think you'd ever tell a lie Laura, but how do I know all this hasn't he told you no Then perhaps you'd better drop in this evening. That's why I here. I'll expect you after dinner Elmo arrived this evening less than an hour ago We were having coffee in the living room Earlier Charles had been showing him through the laboratory It was not until after that that I had a moment to speak to him alone the wonderful fellow Charlie So trusty did he tell you about what the will hold that yeah Yeah, it seems to me that I'm to beat your Charlie's beloved air He still can't understand Are you satisfied then? My dear Laura I was never more satisfied in my life Almost evens things up doesn't it almost you never forgot that did you that you lost last who says I lost Game is an over-the-last card is played It is for you now get out of here. Okay. Okay all in good time I had to leave you but those reactions have to be checked every other. Oh, that's all right Charlie Laura And I were just going over old times in Illinois. You don't know we both came from Illinois, did you know? No, no, I hadn't really I'm sure I told you Charles You must have forgotten. Oh, it's probably a coffee ready. Yes Will you have coffee with us Elma? Oh, you bet. I will anything in it. No, nothing in mind Charles always takes his black to Laura Does make the best coffee? Well, uh Here's to Laura's coffee There was something about his smile when he said it that smile And then all of a sudden I saw it. I saw the whole terrible thing Don't don't drink it Charlie seems to have keeled over Wouldn't be surprised if that was thioclorate poison The motive and the means and the motive's a real beaut this time Laura because you had to kill him before he changed his will Neat, huh? You'll kill me sure, but that's not what the jury's gonna think. No, and of course I'll get the money anyway. You couldn't very well collect it because they're gonna hang you know Elma's downstairs in the living room I'm in my study And once more I'm waiting for the police There's no escape for me, of course Elma knows that But there's one little thing that he has forgotten the last player of the game Well, I just have drawn up a will of my own Leaving my property and everything that I inherit from Charles to El It is dated three days ago This statement I shall give into the safekeeping of my personal amade for donya bell Who after all is said and done has been the only true friend I've ever had I? Shall give it to her with instructions for its eventual disposal Which I know she will follow to the letter When that is done, I shall play the last card in the game. I Don't think Elma will find it possible to trump that card Because you see When the police come It is Elma who will have to do the explaining Not I and he will have to explain two bodies Charles and mine unquote and As the world knows Laura Morton was found dead dead by the same means which caused her husband's death in that double tragedy two Years ago and now we have this document and the irony of the document ladies and gentlemen the terrible irony is That it was delivered to the district attorney's office by Fredonia Bell this evening at eight o'clock two years later And why did the good Fredonia wait until tonight? Because she was thus following explicitly the instructions of her mistress Laura Starling Morton who specified that the envelope Be handed to the police exactly 24 hours after the execution of Elmer Garner Good night Presented by auto light tonight starring Marlene Dietrich and featuring Hans Connery Well Deborah, are you satisfied with my diction completely mr. Wilcox? I've decided it is what you say that matters not how you say it well Then let me say that auto light makes more than 400 products for cars trucks planes and boats in 28 plants coast-to-coast These include complete electrical systems used as original equipment on many makes of America's finest cars Spark plugs batteries generators coils distributors starting motors bullseye sealed beam headlights all Engineered to fit together perfectly work together perfectly because they're a perfect team So friends don't accept electrical parts supposed to be as good ask for and insist on auto light original factory parts at your neighborhood Service station car dealer garage or repair shop remember you're always right with auto light Next Thursday for suspense Dick Powell will be our star the play is called slow burn and it is as we say a tale Well calculated to keep you in suspense Night suspense play was produced and edited by William Spear and directed by Norman McDonald music for suspense is composed by Lucian Morewijk and conducted by Lud Blusken Murder strikes three times is an original play for radio by John DeWitt Marlene Dietrich will soon be seen in the Warner Brothers production stage fright You can buy auto light regular or resist a spark plugs all right Stay full batteries auto light electrical parts at your neighborhood auto light dealers switch to auto light. Good night There is still a tremendous job to be done in gaining new knowledge about the causes prevention treatment and cure of heart diseases Give to this worthy cause send your contribution to heart H.E.A.R.T. Care of your local post office This is CBS the Columbia Broadcasting System