 Now, Roma Wines, R-O-M-A, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. Roma Wines, present. Suspense. Tonight, Roma Wines bring you Mr. Paul Henry, star of No More Alice, a suspense play produced, edited and directed for Roma Wines by William Spear. Suspense, Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrills. It's 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 glass full would be very pleasant, as Roma Wines bring you Paul Henry, in a remarkable tale of... Suspense. Driving along there, I had the radio on. While I was thinking of Alice, a few more miles and I'd be home with her. I was thinking how her teeth gleamed through a twisted smile she'd gotten the habit of wearing. How white and inviting her throat was. I was thinking of her voice when she accused me of being in love with Elisa Waters. Cold, shrill, full of bitterness. Your attention please. A prison break has been reported by warden J.G. Johnson of Greystone Penitentiary. At 9.15 tonight, less than one hour ago, the notorious Frankie Tatum shot his way out of the death house at state prison, killing two guards and wounding two others. All stated local police as well as all motorists in the vicinity of Greystone are warned to be on the lookout for this escaped convict. Once again the name is Frankie Tatum. He is armed and dangerous. I was just entering Greystone. Somewhere in these mountains was that escaped convict. A condemned murderer. It seemed such a cliche somehow. I've heard that situation warned thread bear and cheat mystery broadcasts. The escaped murderer announced over the radio, the innocent listener began to think about it. And all at once Alice got mixed in those thoughts. I slowed down the car and pulled over to the side of the road. I kept the motor running and the lights on. Just sat there. I don't know how long I waited there. Maybe 15 minutes, maybe an hour. All I didn't know was that so long as that siren screeched Frankie Tatum, was still at large somewhere in these mountains. I was in no hurry. Finally, someone was coming. I sat very still and kept my eyes focused on the overhead mirror. The figure was materializing out of the thick brush that lined the road, moving stealthily toward the car. I waited. Presently, the handle on the door nearest to me turned. I don't move you. I have no intention of moving. Shut up! Get out of the car and don't try anything. The car isn't going to do you any good, Tatum. The highway is patrolled and blocked off for miles. I told you to button up and get out. Two motorcycle troopers just went by here looking for you. I said get out of that car. I need to help you, Tatum. Why do you think I sat here with the lights on and the motor running? I knew the lights and the sound of the motor would attract you. God, don't give me that. There's miles of country here. How could you tell I'd come this way? This is the shortest and safest route of the old stone quarry on the other side of the mountain. If I just escaped from prison and wanted to hide out until my pals could get to me, that's where I'd head. Hey. Cops. The rope on the back seat. Get in. Lie on the floor and cover yourself over quickly. What kind of a shot do you take before? You have much choice in the meta, Tatum. In a few seconds that trooper will be here. If you pull that trigger or try to get away without pulling it, you won't get 20 feet in those bushes. Now, get in and fast. Okay. Okay, I don't know what this is all about, but it better be on the level, pal. Get in! Right back there? Don't forget the scum. What's going on here? Having trouble with my motor, officer. He keeps heating up on me and stalling. You've got it running now, for if it's overheated. I've just started it up. I'll see your license. Oh, Bradley, here. Here you are. Warren Rice. Warren... Oh, Doctor Rice. Gosh, Doc, why didn't you say it was you? Probably because you didn't ask me. You better watch it, Doc. Frankie Tatum's escaped from the death house up here. You must remember him, the bank robber, and killer. Papers were full of him a while back. Bad guy. Shoot you in the back quick as he breathes. Did you say shoot me in the back? Yeah, he's loose somewhere in these mountains. You better not hang around any longer and you have to, Doc. He's a bad actor. Thanks very much, officer. I'll get started right away and see if I can make home without stalling again. Yeah, well, good luck, Doctor. Good luck to you, officer. Hope you'll find Tatum. All right, Tatum. He's gone. So you were Doc, huh? Saw bones? Well, let's see what I'm going to do now. I'll take over from here. You'll take over. Look, Doc, you seem to forget which one of us is holding this gun. Look, if I figure it out, you'd hear it for the quarry. Eventually, the cops will, too. I ain't afraid to shoot it out with no cops. There is no profit in shooting it out with them. You got a better idea, I suppose, huh? I think so. All right, what's this all about? You wait here for me. Hide me under the robe. Now, figure it out and escape for me. It don't add. We'll talk about that on the way. On the way to where? On the way to my home. You see, Tatum, a psy-characterist, every once in a while comes upon a subject so interesting. In other words, Doc, you're trading me a safe hideout and a chance to make a clean getaway for the opportunity of using me as a guinea pig. That's right, Tatum. I want to study you for a while. Yeah? Well, you've funded for me all along the line. And if I can make a clean break out of town in a few days or so, well, I guess I can stand being under glass that long. Okay, it's a deal. All right, Tatum, follow me. Wait a minute. May we go into the front door? No, no, there's a side entrance. It leads to the left wing of the house. That's where I have my office. Okay. This is it, Tatum. Wait till I get my keys out, sir. This is the one. There, there is a light switch right where your hand is, Tatum. Click it on, will you please? Okay. Wow, that's just quite a layout. Yes, I have these antics put on the main building so I could have it private. No one uses it but me. Yeah? Where will I stay? Well, there's a bit of a room back of the office. It has a bed and everything else you'll need. I use it sometimes for patients I bring home and sometimes for myself when I work late and don't wish to be disturbed by my wife. Yeah? Wow, it's not bad. Well, I'm glad you like it. Just make yourself comfortable. I'll be back. Okay. Hey, hey, Doc. Bring some grub with you. All right, I will. As soon as I've had a little talk with my wife. Good evening, dear. So you got home? Yes, Alice. I just got in. I didn't expect you until morning. I finished a case earlier than I thought. Had anything to eat? No. I'll get... I'll call Greta. It's her night off. Do we, too? Yes. I'll get you something myself. No, no, no, Alice, don't bother. Father, it's a pleasure, darling. Thanks. Oh, yes, I almost forgot I have someone with me. Not Lisa, by any chance. Alice. I'd hope you'd forget about the other night and all the disagreeable things we said... Disagreeable? I found them rather enlightening. Did you? Yes. It isn't every wife whose husband is so honest, telling her that he's in love with someone else. Oh, I'm sorry about that, Alice. I didn't mean to say it really. I can believe that. I mean, it isn't true. I'm not in love with Lisa. I've never been. Is that why you wanted a divorce? I said that in the heat of the argument, Alice. I have no reason to want a divorce. Especially since I told you I'd never give you one. I'm not going to argue with you anymore, Alice. I told myself that on a way home. I'm going to try to make our marriage 10 years ago. Very pretty speech, darling. But I'm afraid it will take a great deal more than the power of words to convince me of that. Oh, I think I convinced you, Alice. If you'll give me time. I'm sure. I can convince you. For Suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you a star, Paul Henry, in No More Alice, by Martin Ryerson. Roma Wines' presentation tonight in Radio's Outstanding Theater of Thrill's Suspense. Between the acts of suspense, this is Truman Bradley for Roma Wines. What to serve when friends call during Lent? Millions of Americans answer this question by serving Roma California Wines. Yes, Roma Wines, delightful anytime, are especially appropriate during Lent. Roma Wines offer you a traditional beverage of moderation. Delicious, easy to serve, inexpensive. You're ready for guests or pleasant family evenings at home with a small selection of Roma sherry, port, muscatel, or toque. And remember, only Roma offers you such taste luxury for so little. Yes, because Roma Wines is America's first choice, Roma brings you superb wine for only pennies of glass, just about the cost of a soft drink. With Roma, you enjoy true wine, nothing but the natural, juicy goodness of tender grapes. Grown in California's finest vineyards, every drop carefully, unhurriedly guided to taste perfection by the ancient skill of master vendors. Then, bottled at the winery to seal in unvarying goodness always. Get Roma wine tomorrow, delightful anytime, ideal during Lent. Just on Roma, R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. Discover why more Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine. And now, Roma Wines bring back to our Hollywood soundstage, Paul Henry, who, as Dr. Warren Rice in No More Alice, continues a narrative well calculated to keep you in suspense. One might suppose there are no particular advantages to hiding an escaped convict in one's home and a convict who is a murderer at that. But there are under certain circumstances, sometimes. The morning after I picked Frankie Tatum up on the road, I began the procedure of winning his confidence, making him believe I'd really brought him there for the purpose of using him as a guinea pig. It was an interesting deception. School? Yeah, sure. I went to school. Reform school for six whole years. How long did you bury your nose in books? About 20 years. 20 years? What state of London would take 20 years? I went through college. Then I took several post-graduate courses. They sure had plenty of time to waste. What did your father do for a living, Tatum? He was shot in the Chicago stick-up when I was two-year-old. How about yours? I'm the president of a bank. Bank? A bank check, huh? Yes, Tatum. I never really wanted for a thing in my life that I couldn't have. Well, we sure came out of different baskets, didn't we, Doc? Tell me, when you robbed a bank or killed someone, was it premeditated? You mean, did I plan it? Yes. Well, sure. But killing? Well, that just happened. Somebody just had the rough luck to get in my way. Did you feel you had the right to take the life of another human being? Why not? Somebody tries to take something from me, so I nudge him out of the way. But you... Well, you wouldn't understand that, Doc. You just said you never wanted anything you couldn't have. Hmm. Ever feel remorseful when you killed someone? Remorseful? What's that? Well, did you ever regret it? Did it ever bother your conscience? No. Why should it? Why I'd kill my own brother if he ever got in my way? It went on like that for the next three days. I kept Tatum in that little room and had Dooley, our butler, bring his meals to the office. No one saw him. Finally, on the morning of the third day... Look, Doc, how much longer you're going to keep me whole up in this room? I'm starting to get punchy. Maybe tomorrow you'll be able to leave Tatum. I've contacted your friends. What'd they say? As soon as I get a definite answer from them, you'll be on your way. Look, Doc, I don't want you to think I don't appreciate all this, but staying cooped up in this two-by-four room is almost as bad as being in sturd. Except that you know you're going to get out of here. Yeah. Yes. You know I had you pegged wrong at first, Doc. I thought you was just using me and that sooner or later I'd have to bump you. Ha-ha! But I guess that won't be necessary now, eh, Doc? Ha-ha-ha-ha! Yes, Tatum was getting restless. So was I. I couldn't keep him hidden out much longer. The rooms were getting dirty and had to be cleaned by Greta. Alice was getting a little curious as to who my patient was. If you stay there too long, there would be questions. It was time to act. That evening it rained, came down in torrents, but it was mild compared to the storm that surged inside me. I walked into a drawing room and saw Lisa Water sitting in front of the fireplace alone. Alice asked me to drop over and said you'd be furious if I didn't stay for dinner. Hello, Lisa. Where is Alice? Hello. She wanted to see Greta about dinner. Well, Warren, aren't you going to sit down? Hey, no. You're beside me on the devan. Thanks. Why? It's been a long time since I last saw you. Does that mean you missed me? But of course. Do you know by this time that you're my favorite husband? Am I? Uh-huh. You're often told, Alice, that if I ever get married, I'll try to find a husband just like you. Well... Hello, Doctor. Hello. How did your work rather early this evening, darling? Or did you happen to see Lisa's car in the driveway? Alice, who anyone hearing you would think... Think what, Lisa? Warren isn't early for dinner very often. Come to think of it, he hasn't been early since the last time you were here. Doesn't she tease something over, Warren? Oh, but I'm not teasing. Don't you know, Lisa, that the other night Warren confessed... Alice, please. What's the matter, darling? I was only going to say you confessed to my friends you prefer, Lisa. That was sweet, Warren. Mind if I sit between you two? Well, you'll be breaking up a very handsome couple. Yes, I know. By the way, speaking of breaking up, we had a most interesting discussion the other night about divorce. Alice, must you... Certainly not you and Warren. Oh, no, no, Lisa, darling. I don't believe in divorce. I told Warren that no matter what happened, I'd never give him a divorce. I don't imagine you would. After sacrificing and working with him for ten long years, I'd never step aside for anyone. Not even if that anyone was you, Lisa. My best friend. That's how married should be. Till death do us part. At ten o'clock, Lisa left. It was still storming. As I walked her to the car under an umbrella I fought the desire to take her in my arms. Tell her that after tonight, she would be mine and I would be hers. And there would be no more, no more Alice. But she seemed so young, so far from the thought of murder. Suppose I were wrong and took her into my confidence. Tell her about my plan to kill Alice. It could mean the end of everything. I must wait. It wouldn't be long now before there'd be no more goodbyes like this one. I watched the car crawl down the driveway into the rain and the darkness. Then I went back into the house. Alice was in the drawing room. I didn't have much to say. She did all the talking. She still goaded me about Lisa. I asked if I kissed her goodnight, if he made a secret triss. Well, finally I told her I had to get back to my patient in the office outside. I watched her turn out the lights and climbed the stairs to her room. It was the last time I'd ever see Alice alive, I told myself. But I didn't feel badly. I felt good. Very good. When I got to the office, Tatum was listening to the radio. This was it. All right. All right, Tatum. Better kill the radio. Yes, sure. What's up? My wife. What's the matter with her? She found out you were here and who you are. Hey, that ain't good. Call the police. One side, brother. I'm on my way. Wait a minute. I've got the phone wires. She's got legs, ain't she? She can't get out of the house without us hearing her. We've got time. I'd start to think this ain't out. You think it out. I'm the one that's on the spot. What? Hey, wait a minute. How did she find out? Well, I don't know. Just put two and two together somehow. What's the difference now? Plenty, plenty. Because from the way it looks here, nobody could have tipped it off but you. Ah, don't be a fool. Come on, talk fast, Doc, because if you cross... Put that gun down. Why should I cross you? How do you think I stand in this? I don't know. How do you? Shielding an escaped convict. I'd go to prison for that. Get some kind of a trap. This is what you've been leading up to. Why you... All right, Tatham. Ah, you stupid fool. Listen to me. We are together in this. You understand that? We are together in this. You can't kill me and I can't turn you in. You and me are kind of in the same boat, ain't we, Doc? I'm glad it's penetrating finally, Tatham. I've got to do something quickly. You sure your wife can't leave without us hearing? No, I have the car keys. Anyway, it's a mile to the nearest phone. Of course, sir, she's up in her room now. Look, Doc, look. She must have known a spot she'd put you in. Why does she want to pull a thing like that for? Because she hates me. Yeah? She's hated me for years. Yeah? I haven't killed her long ago if I had the nerve. I've never killed a dame, but I would have. If what? She got my way. Where do you think she's now? I'm thinking. I'd say somebody broke in, a burglar. You could take my other car. You could be half a way across the country. Yeah, unless you had me picked up. And make myself an accessory to murder. Huh? How could I? Oh, we've gone all through over there before. Yeah. Yeah, you're right. You really are an essential. Any way you play it. The only way for either of us. Pick up your gun. Yeah. Slowly, Tatum opened the door and slipped into the hall. I waited a few seconds. Then I walked to the desk. I unlocked the top drawer and got out my revolver. Cautiously, I opened the door and moved into the hall toward my main building. As I reached the foot of the stairs, I heard the door to Alice's room squeak open. I went up the stairs quickly without a sound. As I reached the stop step, there was a muffled scream, a slight struggle, a single shot. Terrible silence. I crept into the door of the bedroom. Slowly I opened it. And in the dull light from the bedlam, I took careful lane with the revolver that Frankie Tatum's brought back. Ah! Four bullets I pumped into him. A wave of conquests swept through me. For this, this was perfection. This was the difference between a crude killer like Frankie Tatum and me. This was exactly as I had planned it. In a moment, our butlers summoned by the shots would rush into the room. You would find me standing there with a gun in my hand. The way I would disarrange the room in the next few seconds would convince him and the police that Frankie Tatum had broken into my wife's bedroom and murdered her. And I, the gallant husband, had rushed to the scene and blazed away at him. It would look awfully nice in print. I would be quite a hero. And no one would know that I had carefully planned this murder step by step. From the moment when I first heard the prison siren on the mountain road. Yes. Now at last, I was free to marry Lisa. All right, I was busy turning over the furniture, disarranging the bed, reaching to tear the robe from the pro figure on the bed. And then... Warren! A voice. A woman's. A woman's voice. Warren! I spun to face the doorway. I could feel a blood drain from my face. A terrible coldness reached out and grabbed my heart. Alice. It was Alice. Framed in the doorway. Fear smashed into my brain. I turned to her the figure on the bed. Turned it over. A screen choked in my throat. There. Before me. Lay the lifeless body of Lisa. He's the man who escaped from Greystone Penitentiary. He's the man you kept locked in your office. Isn't he? But I... I put her in her car. I... I saw her drive away. You planned to have him murder me. But he killed her instead. But I... I saw her drive away. She came back. I saw her. Landslide blocked the highway. I told her to spend the night. She could have my room. You planned to have him murder me, didn't you? You planned to have him murder me, didn't you? She spoke. She gloated. Alice moved into the room. I circled her to doorway. The revolver was still warm in my hand. As I reached doorway, I raised the gun. My finger tightened on the trigger. And then something came down out of the blackness and washed away every thought from my mind. And that gentleman of the jury is the true confession of Dr. Warren Rice told you in his own words. Ironically, the very person Rice expected would be his chief collaborating witness. Turned out to be the man who trapped and convicted him. I mean, Dooley, the butler who was summoned by the shots hurried to the door of Mrs. Rice's bedroom, found Rice about to kill his wife and struck him down. The state rests. Suspense. Reset by Roma Wines. R-O-M-A. Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. Before we hear again from Paul Henryd, the star of No More Alice Tonight Suspense Play, this is Truman Bradley for Roma Wines. If meatless lentin meals failed to intrigue that family of yours, just serve a fine Roma table wine with tomorrow's dinner. Yes, the simplest meals become more flavorful, more exciting with Roma wine. Plain baked beans or spaghetti are royal treats when served with red, robust Roma California burgundy. And your favorite fish or omelette will taste better than ever with a glass of pale gold Roma California sautern. And listen to the praise you get for the extra appetizing goodness, the cheerful warmth, the air of friendly companionship that Roma wine adds to your dining pleasure. For an adventure in good dining, try delicious Roma burgundy or sautern with tomorrow night's dinner. You can enjoy Roma wines often, for they cost just pennies a glass. So insist on Roma. R-O-M-A. Roma Wines, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. This is Paul Henryd. Next week I know you will want to make it a point to hear a suspense show that promises to be really something. It will star Gregory Peck in a remarkable study of the mental breakdown of a man who brings himself to the very brink of murder because of a woman. I know you won't want to miss hearing Gregory Peck on the lonely road. Thank you. Paul Henryd will soon be seen in the Warner Brothers' production, Devotion. Next Thursday, same time, Roma Wines will bring you Mr. Gregory Peck as star of Suspense, Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrill. Produced by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. Suspense is broadcast from coast to coast and to our men and women of the armed forces overseas by short-wave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.