 The witching hour when the night is darkest, our fears the strongest, and our strength that it's lowest ebb. Midnight when the gravescape open and death strikes. How? You learn the answer in just a minute then. Murders a lonely business. At now, murder at midnight. Unusual stories of terror and mystery by radios masters of the macabre. This tale, a study of murder in duet, is by William Moorwood. Its title, Murders a Lonely Business. At a cemetery, a burial is taking place. The two chief mortars, Fred and Grace Tillson, stand beside the open grave. And as he looks at his wife, bitter thoughts course through Fred's mind. Look at her. Look at her standing there, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. Tears. Real tears after what she did, after what she made me do. She doesn't know what sincerity is or love or pity either. She's hard. Hard all the way through. And I never knew, never even suspected to, to re-kill him. Now, that's the way she acted. I'll never forget it. Never. And nightmare always. How can I go on living with her? How can I ever trust her again? What am I to do? Oh, Lord, I'd give anything for a drink. I think I ever marry that sniveling creature. I believe he's really crying. Really sorry. As if he cared a hoop about his uncle Edward outside of the money he could get out of him. He was ready enough to help put the old man out of the way the other night. Now his nerve is gone. All he can think about is a drink. That's the only time I feel safe with him. And he's drunk. And not always then. The way he's been carrying on lately, Lord knows what he'll say or do next. I'll have to watch him every minute of the time. Goodbye, Uncle Edward. You're throwing dirt on your coffin now. But you won't mind. You're cold and silent now. Very different from the way you were three nights ago. Three nights ago. Was that all it was? Another lifetime. Yes, that's right. Driving up to his house in the dark. Letting ourselves in. Uncle Edward. He must be up in his study. I guess so. Servants night out. Uncle Edward. The door above opened. And Uncle Edward started down the marble staircase. In my mind's eye, instead of Uncle Edward, I could see my friends, a whole crowd filling the room and myself in a gorgeous gown descending to Greece. A much more fitting picture than the starchy form of Uncle Edward as he came down towards us. Well, well, this is a surprise. I thought we'd drop in, Uncle Edward. It's been a long time. Six weeks to be exact, Fred. How are you, Grace? Wonderful. Thanks, Uncle Edward. I'm glad to hear it. You look a little off your feet. Come on into the library. It'll be more comfortable here. Oh, drink, Fred. Why? Don't be polite. From what I hear, you're rarely seen without one these days. You sounded as if you'd had spies watching us, Uncle Edward. It's entirely possible. I've certainly been interested in your activities. For instance, I hear you can be found at a gambling house almost every evening, Grace. Only the fashionable ones, where everybody goes. You've got to keep in the swim nowadays. If you can afford it, you can't. Not on Fred's salary. That's the trouble. Well, frankly, Uncle Edward, that's why we've come here tonight. We're in a jam again. Money? What else? And you want me to bail you out, huh? Well, I'll be equally frank with you. This time I'm not going to do it. Just as I'm sorry I've helped you out of messes often enough in the past. Each time I hoped you'd pull yourself together, settle down and lead solid, respectable lives. But each time you disappointed me. Now I've given up hoping. Uncle Edward, I promise you... You laid, Fred. I can't believe your promises anymore. I've given you and Grace every chance. Now I am washing my hands of you. You can't expect help from me ever again. Now or in the future. Exactly. What does that mean? My lawyer's coming here tomorrow. And I'm going to cut Fred out of my will. Cut him out entirely. Uncle Edward... Every cent I have is to be left to charity. Well, you're not serious. You can't be. It's not fair. I'm your only nephew. There's no use talking, Fred. My mind is made up. Now would you care to discuss the weather? No. I thought you wouldn't, Grace. Come on, Fred. Uncle Edward, I advise you to change your mind about this. I beg your pardon? Because if you don't, you may live to be sorry. We went outside. Grace was in a wide rage. And I was all jumping myself. We walked around the garden paths, trying to get hold of ourselves before we started back to town. You know what this means, don't you, Fred? The end of everything. We'll never be able to get credit once it's known that Uncle Edward's cut us off. Yes, I know. Somehow, someway, we've got to stop him from changing his will. But how? You know there's no use arguing with him. He's a stubborn as a mule. Besides, there's no time left. He's going to do it tomorrow. I know. Unless, of course, something happens to him before that. Such as? He could die. What? Suddenly. Some chance he's as healthy. Grace, what are you thinking of? You'll know. You're mad. If you want to spend the rest of your life struggling with debts, not able to do anything, I don't. Everything's perfect for it. The old man's alone in the house. No one knows we call this evening, no one will. Stop it. I won't listen to you. Oh, be a man for once in your life. Everything you want. Money, luxury. The five minutes work. Yes, but how? The gun. The gun he keeps in the desk in his study. You've seen it. We'll take the money valuables to make it look like a robbery. Will? What are you afraid of? The sight of a little blood? Grace, I don't know you when you talk like this. I know what I'm after for both of us. It's our only chance of a future. Together. Are you coming? Hi. Let's go in. The servants will be coming back. We haven't any time to waste. We went back into the house, climbed the long staircase to Uncle Edward's study. My mouth was dry. My knees were shaking. We reached the landing. Knock on the door. Grace, I suppose. It's too late to suppose anything. Knock. What? Come in. I was expecting you back. You were? Certainly. I didn't think you'd let the money go that easily, not after Grace's threat. What? What do you mean? You should have been a man, Grace. You were completely ruthless speaking you. You'll stop at nothing to get what you're after. No wonder you've led poor Fred around by the nose so long. Now look here, Uncle Edward. Sorry to hurt your feelings, Fred, but you must admit it's true. Now, if you too will explain why you came back. We hope to make you change your mind. You should know me better than that. I've said my last word. Not your last, Uncle Edward. Not yet. What Grace means is... You don't have to explain, Fred. Her interest in my desk explains itself. The right-hand drawer, Grace. Were you by any chance looking for this? The gun. I took the precaution of removing it. As I said, I was expecting you back. I don't know what you're talking about, Uncle Edward. I was only looking for your checkbook. I thought the least that you could do was to help us out of our present difficulties. It's a good story, Grace, but not quite good enough. Now, as it's almost 12, perhaps you'd both be good enough to leave my house permanently. You win, Uncle Edward. I suppose we were foolish to think that we could find a soft spot in that stone heart of yours. You were foolish, all right. This way. This reminds me of the old days, when Fred and I were first married, when we used to come and visit you. You used to see us to the head of the stairs when it came time ago. Just like this. That was a long time ago. I wish those days could come back. Impossible. Well, good night, Fred. And goodbye. Aren't you going to shake hands with your only nephew? Well, since it's for the last time, goodbye, Fred. Let go of me, Grace. No, stop. I'll give you money. All the money you want. You monster. I'll make you pay for this. Grace, what did we do? What did you make? Get down there. Quick. There's no pulse. Grace, when we finally... An accident. The old man tripped on the stairs and broke his back. The money's ours, Fred. Everything we wanted. A dead man lying at the foot of the stairs and a white-faced couple staring at each other. Did they hear a voice from beyond? Is it possible for the dead to make the living pay for... Murder. Now here is Grace Tilton to continue our story. It went according to plan. The inquest raised no ugly questions or suspicions. And then after Uncle Edward's funeral, we settled down in the great old mansion. I could have been happy. So happy. Except for Fred. He'd taken the drinking, Jen. Haven't you had enough, Fred? Another little drink. Excuse me. You're such an idiot. The way you've been acting ever since... We did in poor Uncle Edward? Don't be afraid to say it, Grace. We're alone now. Why did you give up your job so suddenly? Each man now. No need to work. But it looks so suspicious. And the way you've let yourself slip. A dirty shirt. You haven't shaved in two days. Don't tell me you're ashamed of it. I can't ask anyone to the house. And I had such plans for us. Entertaining parties, making a name for ourselves. Sorry, that's not my idea of a career. In heaven's name, what is? Drinks. More drinks. Than another one. I won't let you turn into a drunken bum. I won't be disgraced like that. I'll do exactly what I like. Don't forget, my love. We share a little secret together. I'm not forgetting. No matter what happens, you're tied to me for the rest of your life. I wouldn't be too sure of that, Fred. If I get a chance at what I want, you won't stand in my way. Nothing will. What did she mean by that? I thought about it, brooded over it, couldn't forget it. Then one evening as we sat together in a nightclub, things became clearer. Did you hear me, Fred? What? I said I wanted a cigarette. Oh, certainly not, huh? Match? If you can hold it steady enough, why do you have to get sourced every time we go out? Attribute to your intoxicating charge. Oh, don't be so... Oh, well, there's Ronnie. Good old Ronnie. Dowager's delight. No, if you'll only look over this way. With that dress you're wearing? Who will? Ronnie? Oh, Ronnie! The change that came over her. Smile. Sparkling eyes as he came over to our table. Well, hello there. This is a pleasant surprise bumping into you again, Sillsons. Getting to be a regular routine. The theater, the races, everywhere I go with Grace. Yes, we seem to share a lot in common, Fred. Sit down, Ronnie. What do you have to drink? Oh, nothing, thanks. I've had my quota for the evening. Well, I'm glad someone knows when to stop. Maybe Ronnie's got other vices. I have, Fred. One of them's dancing. Do you mind if I take Grace out on the floor for a turn? Why ask me? I'm sure Grace will agree to anything you say. Fred, not what kind of a mess. Oh, come on, Grace. Fred didn't mean anything. Well, see you later, old boy. They danced well together. As I watched them, I remembered the things I'd heard about Ronnie. Of his rich wife who'd died so conveniently. The fortune he'd run through. I saw Grace look into his eyes. Her lips moved. The suspicion grew on me till it became a certainty. They were plotting my death. The veins stood out in my forehead. My hands grew cold. But I knew exactly what I had to do. I had to strike first. I had to kill them before they killed me. If only I knew what they were plotting. If only I could hear what they were whispering. Grace, darling, you are so silent. It's Fred. How dare he act that way? Oh, he's a very unpleasant person. Of course he's under the weather, but that's no excuse. Just means he doesn't give a rap for you. Never has. Well, don't let's talk about him. Right. Music's lovely. Yes. You dance like an angel. I could hold you in my arms forever. We're just made for each other. You know that, Grace, don't you? I'd rather not think about it. But you must. Have you considered what we talked about the other day? It's impossible. Why? I love you more than anything in the world. We have the same tastes and ambitions. We could be a wonderful success together. But... You love me too, don't you? Oh, yes, yes. Well, then what's stopping us? What's so precious about the life of a drunken bum? Fred's my husband. Husband? Do you love him? Even respect him? No. I did feel sorry for him. But not anymore. Not after tonight. I hate him. That's more like it. Well, then there's nothing to interfere. Except... The danger? Leave that in my hand. You have just one job to do, Grace. And that? Get Fred up to my place in the mountains for a vacation. I guarantee he'll never come back. I don't know if I should have been suspicious. Fred agreed to go up to Rani's place with surprising ease. It was almost as if he'd been expecting the invitation. The night we planned to do it, we sat in the living room. Just the three of us. Rani was playing the piano. Fred, I'm awfully rusty. I haven't practiced in weeks. It sounds grand to me, Rani. Why don't you join him, Grace? I know you're just dying to play with Rani. Jewett, I mean. Well, that's all we have time for anyway. I promised the persons we wouldn't be late. Oh, that beach picnic. Tell you the truth, I don't feel much like it. You promised to go, Fred. Do your world of good, old boy. Wonderful night for a swim. You both seem very anxious to get me down to that lake. Not at all. If you want Grace and me to go alone, all right, I'll come. But I've got to go upstairs for my bathing suit. Wait for me here. Well, hurry it up, old boy. All set, Grace. You know exactly what to do. But I think so. You make a great fuss about Fred drinking. That'll be remembered afterwards. I'll take care of him at the raft. I'll head underwater. Oh, you'll struggle. You'll call out. Not in the condition he's in. He's as weak as a baby. Be all over in a few minutes. I'll swim back and... Rani! Isn't there some other way? We love each other so much. Can't we just... Run off together? Let's be realistic, darling. We need the money. His money. Love in a cottage isn't our style. I suppose not. Where is he? What's keeping him so long? I'm just as glad. Come on, Grace. I want to make sure there's an extra bottle of whiskey for him in the car. This way, darling. Through here, into the garage. Give me your hand, Rani. Oh, darling, everything's going to be all right. Just being with you... Rani. Grace. I saw something moving. Where? Over there. Behind the car. A Fred. Hello. I thought I'd hurry things up by coming straight out to the garage. Well, you... You gave us quite a start. Why, Grace? Something on your conscience? The persons will be on our necks if we don't get started soon. Now, in you go. We're off to the races, but just try to pick the winner. Out to the road. The winding road that led down to the valley. I knew just the spot where I had to leave them. From there on, their only companion would be the man with a sickle. Slow down, Rani. Huh? I'm not going to picnic after all my head's splitting. But it's too late to drive you back, Fred. You won't have to. I'll... I'll walk. Just let me out. Very well. But, Rani... It's all right, Grace. We don't want Fred to have a miserable time at the picnic when we can... settle things so much better this way. Oh, thanks. I hate to run out on you, but I've got my health to think of. Oh, sure. Oh, incidentally, there's a shortcut back to the house through the fence there. I don't see it. Go on ahead. I'll turn the headlights on it. Oh, thanks. Now, so long. Have a good trip. That's what we wanted, isn't it? It'll look like a hit-and-run accident. We'll double back at the bottom of the hill pretend we came from another direction. Oh, we won't get away with it, Rani. It's no use. The catch is a turn. No! The catch is a turn. It's not a cloud, Grace. It depends on it. Both are lives. I've started down that steep zigzag road, and slowly my nerves relaxed. As the car swooped around the curves, I felt a strange acceleration. Easy on these curves, Grace. It's a sheer drop if we go over the cliff. Oh, are you scared now, Rani? Well, I want to keep my neck in one piece. You didn't worry. I'm a good driver. Fred always... What's the matter? Nothing. Keep your mind on the road. There's a hairpin bend ahead of here that... Hey, hey, look out. Okay, I see it. I pushed on the brake. The pedal went all the way to the floor, but nothing caught. Nothing. No, Grace. The brakes. He did it! Fred! The fence, Grace. He connected them. Yes, Grace. Slow down. Oh, Rani, Fred, I'll take your time. Slow down. It's too late now. See you soon, Grace. In two more, a shattered wreckage of the car at the foot of the cliff. Three people, lonely, no longer, as the clock strikes twelve for... Murder. That's me a knife. To be with us again, when death plays host, and the clocks strike twelve for... Murder. The part of Grace was played by Helen Shields. Wendell Holmes was her husband. Carl Emory, her lover. With music by Charles Paul, Murder at Midnight was directed by Anton M. Leeder.