 Autolight and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Herbert Marshall in tonight's presentation of Suspense. Tonight, Autolight presents a story of justice as we examine a man who was suspected of having committed a perfect crime. It's called Murder by Jury, our star, Mr. Herbert Marshall. This is Harlow Wilcox. Would you like to be responsible for your local church or hospital getting a big share of $100,000 in cash? Well, a total of $100,000 will go to the recognized charities chosen by the 25 persons selected in the Autolight family charity drawing. To enter is as simple as signing your name and address, and that's all you do. Now, it's our privilege to have you hear what the head of one of America's finest health organizations says about this great event. Here is Mr. Mark H. Harrington, president of the National Tuberculosis Association. Autolight is performing a wonderful service. If you're one of the 25 selected, I hope you'll remember the National Tuberculosis Association, which needs your help to conquer our number one infectious killer. Good luck in this Autolight family charity drawing. Fill out a registration form at any of the following Autolight family car dealers, DeSoto, Hudson, Plymouth, Studebaker, Dodge, Willis, Nash, Packard, Kaiser or Chrysler, and sign up tomorrow. And now, Autolight presents Murder by Jury, starring Mr. Herbert Marshall, hoping once again to keep you in suspense. Pardon me, sir. To be sure I understood you, you did say a snake. Yes, sir. A snake. Possibly, Mr. Mason, you could describe the snake. Yes, it was gray with a sort of red-mottling dark plum colored. I see. Go on, please. Underneath, it was raised up toward me, you know, its head ready to strike well. Underneath was grayish, but lighter, almost white in the center. Now, was there anything else you remember about this snake, Mr. Mason? It was big. It was as thick as my two wrists put together. And then according to your statement of the police, you seized the snake just below its head with both hands. Would you kind of show the jury the position of your hands? Yes, thank you. You say that you squeezed with your fingers and dug in with your thumbs. Is that correct? Yes, that's about it. And I felt the snake twisting and squirming under me trying to get away, you know. And then you woke up? Yes, sir. I woke up. I was kneeling beside my bed. It was my wife's neck which was in my hands. It was her throat I was squeezing. What did you do when you realized this? There was nothing I could do. She was already dead. I'd killed her. His name was Edward Mason, and he was on trial for the murder of his wife, Frida. I was counsel for the crown in those days. It was just about the nastiest case I'd ever had. One, should I suppose, beginner to beginning. That was on the first day of the trial. McCray was defending the accused, and he began his defense by questioning the police inspector who was in charge of the case. The inspector was normally a witness for the crown. Would you give us a brief account of your investigations, Inspector? I will, sir. The accused was residing with his wife at the Clintonian Hotel at Chathamon Sea in Norfolk. On the night in question, the manager, two servants and some guests, were aroused by horrible screams and mating from the Mason Room. On reaching said room, they found it to be opened by Mr. Edward Mason, who appeared in a state of great excitement. I'll continue, Inspector. Yes, sir. He was in a state of great excitement. And while looking, he kept looking at his hands and saying over and over again, I killed her, or I strangled her. Uh, one or the other, Inspector? No, sir. He said both. Over and over. Then he never attempted to deny that he had killed his wife. No, sir. He did not. Thank you, Inspector. That's all. Cross-examination? You have before you the statement made by the accused, Inspector. Yes, sir. I call your attention to the following remarks made by the accused during your questioning. Yes, sir. I had had a dream about a snake. I tried to strangle it, and when I woke up, I found I had strangled my wife. This was a dream that I'd had before, but I'd never done anything like this. I'd never killed anyone. Those are the words of Mr. Edward Mason. Are they not? Yes, sir. They are. What was your reaction when you heard them? I thought it was a lot of rubbish. Objection, my lord. Objection sustained. They kindly contain your remarks to a dignity fitting this court, Inspector. I'm sorry, my lord. I'm of the opinion, my lord, that before the Crown's case is concluded, the accused's carefully prepared statement will be termed just such. A tissue of lice and a complete fabrication. Thank you, Inspector. That'll be all. Then Mrs. Mason's brother was put in the box. He was a hefty chap with a bull neck and hands like a pair of warming pants covered with red hair. His name was Hector Easterday, and we knew that he didn't like his brother-in-law. Didn't like him at all. I thought he was going to be a strong witness for the prosecution, and for a time it looked as though he would be. Very well, Mr. Easterday. Now tell us. Were the police made aware of the fact that Mason had ensured his wife's life for 10,000 pounds? They knew, and if you'd known Edward Mason, you'd have realized it was just like him. He knew what he was going to do to her a long time ago. Do you think that she had any idea of it, Mr. Easterday? Objection, my lord. Council is leading the witness. Council will kindly refrain from leading the witness. Sorry, my lord. Mr. Easterday, had she ever confided any fears to you? Well, I wouldn't say that, but she knew. She knew all right. And last year there was another woman. And between that and the money, that's why he killed her. Thank you, Mr. Easterday. That will be all. You spoke of a life assurance policy, Mr. Easterday. I did. Did you know that they had each ensured the other's life? Not an uncommon practice for married couples these days. Also that the insurance was by no means recent. It was taken out when they were first married, and had been successively increased. You spoke of another woman, Mr. Easterday. Did Mrs. Mason tell you about that? Not exactly, but I knew. Oh, and how did you know? I could tell. Oh, you could tell. You are then clairvoyant. You could tell. Possibly you hired detectives to follow Mr. Mason. Possibly you followed him yourself. The defense counsel tore him to bits, made him sound like a nasty-minded prurient busybolly who had never liked the accused and never lost an opportunity to blacken his character. Nevertheless, making a fool out of a witness is a two-aged weapon. And I could see that the jury, although not in sympathy with Easterday, still felt that there might be more than a word of truth in what he implied. You couldn't argue away insurance. Mason did stand to collect 10,000 pounds by his wife's death. But did he murder her? That's what they were thinking. You could see it. And they waited for him to take the witness box. And when my turn came for cross-examination, I made him go through the whole thing again. When I woke up, I was kneeling beside my bed. It was my wife's neck, it was in my hands, and it was her throat I was squeezing. What would you do when you saw this? There was nothing I could do. She was already dead, and I had killed her. I see. Now you have admitted small quarrels between yourself and your wife. I have married life is like that. You live together, you have differences, and then you make them up. Most people do. But there were quarrels which were more serious. Perhaps less likely to be made up. No. You were happy. I loved my wife. You loved your wife, but you killed her. Quite so. Now, as far as the insurance is concerned, you gradually increased it until it reached the amount of 10,000 pounds on your wife's life. Yes, I did. As a matter of fact, it was about, oh, three or four years ago that I'd done rather well in business, and that's when I increased the premiums. But more recently, you'd been in some difficulty. Financially, I mean. Things had become rather slow, yes. I couldn't afford to buy any more insurance, I know that. But you hadn't reduced the amount on your wife. No, sir, that would have been unsound, quite unsound and uneconomical. In fact, then, your business position would have improved considerably in the event of your wife's death and the money received from the insurance. I did not say that, sir. But is it not the case, Mr. Mason? Nothing could be worth the loss of my wife. But you did kill her. Yes, I did. Do you know the woman referred to by Mr. Easterday? There was no woman. Do you wish to refresh your memory, Mr. Mason? Last year. Perhaps it escapes you. There was no other woman. You still maintained that the cause of your wife's death was due to the recurrent dream you had. Yes, I do. It went on like that, and I couldn't shake him. He never contradicted himself and never sounded too glib. If he was lying, I knew that the court was of the opinion that it was some of the most perfect and painstaking lying they'd ever heard. Then Mason's sister was called as a witness. She was a grey-haired middle-class intellectual about two years older than the defendant. It didn't take long for her to come to her mother's defense. Will you state in your own words the event that took place between you and your brother, please? Indeed, I most certainly will. I think that it's criminal. Objection, my lord. Objection, sir Stain. Ms. Mason, strict adherence to facts is the object of the court. Kindly abstain from all subjective feeling, if you will. Well, I was going to say that when we were children, he was eight then, I was only ten, we slept in the same room, and one night it was after we'd gone to see Peter Pan, and Edward was frightened by the crocodile. You probably remember how frightening that was. It was that night that he awakened, and he was dreaming that a crocodile was chasing him, and he tried to strangle it, and when he woke up, he was strangling me. It was perfect timing. The accused gave way, buried his face in his hands, and sobbed as though his heart would break. The jury, even Mr. Justice Forpore, were visibly shaken. I could see the case for the crown disappearing down the drain. More than that, I could begin to see a man who had committed a perfect murder going scot-free. Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Herbert Marshall in Murder by Jury, tonight's presentation in Radio's outstanding Theatre of Thrill's Suspense. Say, here's a new 54 Willis. Stunning, isn't it, Mr. Wilcox? Oh, hi, Mr. Drake. Is this yours? Sure is. When I saw this car, I fell in love with it. And when I saw the price tag, I just couldn't resist. Well, we're privileged to salute Willis as a member of our Auto Light family. So, let's hear more about your new Willis, Mr. Drake. Well, it's not only beautiful and economical, but that wonderful hurricane engine is a bundle of power. Much more power than ever before. Uh-huh. What model is this? It's the brand-new Arrow Lock. And Willis also has the luxury hardtop Arrow Eagle and the lovely Arrow Ace with that unmatched Willis visibility. And don't forget the famous Jeep and the first all-steel-bodied station wagon. And, of course, you know that all Willis cars come equipped with Auto Light products. I sure do. And Auto Light is proud of its long association with Willis and Willis dealers everywhere. And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage Mr. Herbert Marshall in Elliot Lewis' production of Murder by Jury, a tale well-calculated to keep you in suspense. Mr. Edward Mason was given half an hour to recover following his outburst. Then the trial continued. His sister remembered every detail of the matter. And even when I made her go through her story again, she remembered... He was an awfully strong boy, you know, even at eight, very strong. And I'm sure if Nurse hadn't come in when she did, well, I don't really care to think about what might have happened. Would you mind telling the court your age, Miss Mason? Oh. Is that necessary, my lord? Is it necessary, counsel? There is a point involved, my lord. Very well. Recognizing the delicacy of the question, the witness is still directed to answer. I'm not ashamed of it, of course. I just... And your age, Miss Mason? 54. Thank you. Now, you have every detail of your brother's attack firmly in your mind. That is so, isn't it? If I live to be 80, I shall never forget it. Yet this was 44 years ago and you asked us to believe that the incident is still indelibly etched in your mind. Indelibly, sir. Absolutely. It was a long time ago, but such an experience is not likely to be forgotten. Of course, I forgave Edward. It wasn't his fault, and furthermore... How fortunate that you are still alive to forgive him, Miss Mason. His wife, Mars the Pity, is not. No further questions, my lord. The witness may step down. It was a telling point for the defense. They had proved to the jury, at least, that the accused had, years ago, repeated the act of strangulation during a dream. The next witness I'd like to forget. She was a surprise to the crown and a rather nasty one. Her name was Amy Burke, an extremely self-possessed young lady in her early 30s. She had already made a tremendous impression on the court. Correct me if I'm wrong, Miss Burke. You've stated in this court of justice that three years ago, you accused Mr Edward Mason at a seaside resort, Broadstairs. Yes, sir, I did. Was his wife aware of this meeting? I don't know. Well, I don't think so. She wasn't with him. Like I told the other gentleman, he was there alone for a few days. Quite so. Now, for my benefit, would you repeat the incident which occurred during your first meeting? I'd be ever so glad to. We were walking on the sand. It was very nice. Perfectly all right, don't you know? Talking about his wife, as I remember, she was with friends in Devon. Yes. Go on, please. Well, it was a hot day, and we sat down for a bit. The next thing I knew, he was asleep. I believe you said with his head in your lap. Oh, no. I put his head in my lap while he was sleeping. He was getting sand in his hair. Well, it was all perfectly proper and all. He didn't even know it. Please continue. Well, I got a bit drowsy myself, and the next thing I knew, I was asleep, too. With Mr Mason's head still in your lap. That's right, but all very proper. Mr Mason is a gentleman. What took place then? Well, he started to choke me. It was something horrible. When I woke up, he was leaning over me with his hands about my throat, and I couldn't breathe. But you managed to fight him off. Oh, yes, I managed. What did he say to you after that? Well, it was like he was just waking up, you know? And, oh, he was terribly upset. Tell me about a dream, a snake in it. Of course, I was dreadfully angry and frightened. You can imagine. Oh, yes. But after he paid you ten pounds to soothe your feelings, the anger subsided, did it not? He was a gentleman about it, if that's what you mean. So much so that you didn't pursue the matter further. A stranger tries to merly when he pays you ten pounds, not to report the matter to the police. No, it wasn't the ten pounds. He was sorry. It wasn't well. I could see that, and I felt sorry for him. This took place three years ago, Miss Burke. That's right. And yet here you are today, nobody is springing to his defence. The event must have made quite an impression on you. Or perhaps Mr Mason did. Mr Mason is a gentleman. He didn't want me to come here at all. I said I had to after I read about what happened. Mr Cray over there talked him into letting me come here. Oh, he's a gentleman, he is. I put it to you, Miss Burke, that your whole story is a lie. That it never happened. Although I don't doubt that you are familiar with the accused. I put it to you that your testimony has been bought and paid for. And that you have deliberately perjured yourself in the witness box. It's a ruddy insult. Oh, my lord, I protest. Counsel is badgering the witness most unfairly. Silence in the court. You will confine yourself to stated fact. Refrain from badgering the witness. Yes, my lord. Can I go now? Not for a moment, Miss Burke. Did you see Mr Edward Mason again after that day? I never set eyes on him again till today in court. And that's the truth. And you ask us to believe that this story you've just told us is given of your own volition, that you at no time given a prepared statement by interested parties that this event actually took place. I wouldn't be likely to forget it. It's true. Every word of it. Very well. That's all, Miss Burke. The witness is excused. Dr Regal to the witness box, please. McCrae had us. I knew what was coming. It was perfect. And there wasn't a thing that I could do to prevent it. Dr Regal was a small, intense little man with heavy grasses. The jury looked at him and they were impressed. When he said he'd tell the truth of nothing but the truth, they believed him. And they would have believed him, even if he'd been the biggest liar on earth, which unhappily he wasn't. Dr Regal, will you tell us if you'll recognize anyone in this courtroom? Yes, sir. That young lady over there. Miss Burke. I believe there is her name. Anyone else? The gentleman there. The accused, Mr Mason? Yes, sir. Will you tell the court upon what occasion you had the opportunity of meeting these two people? Well, it was about three years ago. I have the date and attendance diary. Just a moment. Ah, the 16th of July. That was it. Mr Mason brought the young lady to my office during the afternoon. Miss Burke? Yes, sir. It was half past three. He asked me to look at her throat. I see. And what did you find when you looked at her throat? Bruises. They were not dangerous, but I treated them. And after that? I never saw them again. The bill was paid? Yes, Mr Mason paid in cash before he left. Thank you, doctor. That will be all. Cross-examine. No questions. That was all. There wasn't any use in cross-examining what was so obvious in truth. Counsel for the defense made a brilliant and short summation. I made a not so short, and I'm afraid far from brilliant summation for the crown. Mr Justice Faubourg gave his instructions and the jury never hesitated. They were tired for only a few moments. With your worship's permission, we have already reached the verdict. Very well. What is your verdict? We find the accused, Mr Edward Mason, not guilty of the charge. He's guilty! He's a dirty murderer! He killed my sister, and I say he's guilty! He ought to be hanged! Sergeant Adams, put that man under arrest! Silence! Silence! The dead woman's brother thought that Mason was guilty, and I knew he was one of the most cold-blooded, successful murderers we ever failed to hang. It was about six months later that we found the proof, and then it was too late. I talked it over with the director of public prosecutions in his office. There's nothing we can do. I suppose had I been on the jury, I should have brought in the same verdict. We have to assume the man was innocent. He was guilty, sir. My dear fellow. Surely Mason didn't start to plot the murder of his wife at the age of eight. No, no, no. But he did decide to about three years ago, and he took a precaution before he did so. I don't follow you. He knew his sister remembered the strangling incident during their childhood, and all he had to do was to repeat the dream strangling with someone else. The Burke woman. But how did she... All from her point, it was all quite innocent. She didn't know it was in his mind. She didn't go too far with her, just enough to produce some convincing bruises. Then he took her to the doctor and paid the bill. That was all true. Well... You remember, he admitted at that time doubling his wife's insurance. Then he sat back to wait until he felt the moment had come to kill her. Assuming you're right. There's the Burke woman. If he never saw her again, how did he know where to find her to appear for him? He didn't look for her, sir. She was telling the truth. But he knew where to find her, all right. Those three witnesses did the job for him. His sister, he could always find. The doctor, easily traceable, a medical directory. But Miss Burke, a girl like that might... Well, she might move about a great deal. She did. So the method he adopted to keep in touch with her was to send her ten pounds a month, anonymously. So long as she kept him notified as to her whereabouts, he would continue to send her the money. But if she had to notify him when she moved, surely she must have known who he was. Not at all, sir. A post office box under an assumed name. He kept it up for three years and she didn't ask any questions. Why should she? Blas. You're certain of all this? I'm afraid I am, sir. And it seems a pity you didn't have the information during the trial. We didn't know anything about her until McCray brought her in. And we can't try Mason again for the same offence. He's done it, Peyton. The perfect murder. It was about two months later that I saw the paragraph hidden away on an inside page of the Times. I made a telephone call and then went to the office of the director of public prosecutions. I'll be blown. It appears that Mr. Edward Mason had been staying in a little hotel in Cornwall. And yesterday when the maid came in with his morning tea, she found the window unlatched and the balcony rail broken. It's a 50-foot drop to the rocks below. Mason? He wasn't in his room. We found the body below. I'll be blessed. Justice. I'll be blessed. I don't know what side you think. I don't know. Probably an accident since there was no sign of foul play. Possibly he stumbled and fell. Now there is one curious coincidence. What's that? The dead woman's brother. Hector Easterday. Yes. Well, it's a rather curious coincidence. Hector Easterday occupied the room next door. Suspense. Presented by AutoLite, tonight's star, Mr. Herbert Marshall. This is Harlow Wilcox again. Remember, you now have a wonderful opportunity to do your favorite local or national, recognize charity, the favor of a lifetime. If you're one of the 25 persons selected in the huge AutoLite family charity drawing, you can name any recognized charity you wish to receive a big share of $100,000 in cash. Those charities can be schools, hospitals, churches, the National Tuberculosis Association, or any other recognized charity. So, if you're 18 years or over, visit any of the following AutoLite family car showrooms. DeSoto, Hudson, Plymouth, Studebaker, Dodge, Willis, Nash, Packard, Kaiser, or Chrysler. Your name and address on the drawing registration form and have the car dealer sign it. That's all. Nothing to buy, try, or sell. So visit any AutoLite family car showroom and sign up tomorrow. Next week, a story based on fact. The search for an animal capable of destroying a city who's bite, if not immediately treated, is 100% fatal. It's called The Barking Death, our star, Mr. William Powell. That's next week on Suspense. Murder by Jury was written by Michael Gilbert and adapted for suspense by Anthony Ellis. Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed by Lucian Morrowick and conducted by Lut Bluskin. Featured in the cast were Joseph Kearns, Ben Wright, William John Stone, Herb Butterfield, Richard Peale, Norma Barton, Betty Harford, and Keith McConnell. Herbert Marshall may soon be seen co-starring Anthony Curtis in the Universal International Cinemascope Technicolor Picture, Men of Iron. And remember, next week, Mr. William Powell in The Barking Death. This is the CBS Radio Network.