 Lips and tea and lips and soup present in a sanctum mystery. Good evening, friends of the inner sanctum. This is your host to welcome you through the squeaking door for another half hour of lovely chills and shudders. Oh, before we begin tonight, I'd like to give you a word of advice. If you should ever walk through a cemetery at midnight and come face to face with a transparent personality floating above a tombstone, don't be frightened. After all, you can see right through him. She's so gracious. Why do we have to talk about cemeteries? Because Mary, our story tonight is about a vampire. Where else would you expect to find one, if not in the cemetery, in the vampire state building? Well, suppose you go wait in that closet there and talk to the skeleton while I have a word with our Lipton listeners about one secret of success. You know, folks, when a Hollywood actress climbs up to stardom, it's usually because there's something different about her personality. And that's true of other success stories. Lipton tea, for example, is the largest selling brand of tea in the world because it's different from other teas. Lipton has that wonderful, hearty flavor that the tea experts call brisk, which means it's bright and zestful in taste, never wishy-washy or flat. Now, don't take my word for it. Compare Lipton's to other teas yourself. That's the real way to discover Lipton's rich, full flavor, Lipton's extra flavor that brings you all the goodness of a superb tea. It's full-bodied and satisfying, with a smooth, mellow tang that brings you real enjoyment. So pour yourself a cup of Lipton tea, folks, and then see for yourself what a difference that brisk flavor makes. That's fine, Mary, but quietly, my dear. Why the whisper, mister? Don't make too much noise or you'll wake the dead. We don't want to do that because tonight's story is called The Undead. It's an original radio play by Milton Lewis. Yes, and our star tonight is Anne Seymour, who plays the role of Diana. I was alone, here in the penthouse, sleeping. The doors leading to the terrace were open. Suddenly, I was awakened by a queer, whoring noise that sounded like the flapping of wings. Opened my eyes. Moonlight filled the room. It was one of those clear, cloudless nights that the wind mooned and howled like weeping women. Somewhere a dog howled. I sat up, peered into the green light of the moon. I see nothing at first. I lay down again. My eyes were half closed, and I heard it again. The sound of wings beating on the air. I told myself it was nothing. Until out of the queer, green shadows that surrounded me like a mist, I saw a pair of blood red eyes close to my face. No, they weren't human eyes. They were rimmed with wings. They glitted like glass in the dark. I looked closer. You frightened the moon. You terrified the cry out. The thing that seemed to be flying down my head. It wasn't the bad. Suddenly it floated down. I felt soft fur on my neck. Then my throat would pierce with a sharp, terrible pain. I started screaming, let me go. Let me go. Richard! Where are you, Richard? Richard! Diana? When I felt your arms around me, I knew I would save Richard, but it was the most horrible dream I've ever had. Yes, I know. I know, darling. You were hysterical. What do you think it meant? Nothing. Nothing, of course, dear. Everyone has nightmares like that sometimes, really. But it was so vivid. I could almost swear it happened just as I told it to you. Oh, Diana, do you really believe you've encountered a vampire? I know it sounds ridiculous, darling. Listen, baby, you're living in New York City on top of an 18-story building. This is 1945, not the Middle Ages. Well, the whole notion is just rubbish. I tried to tell myself it was nonsense, too. But somehow... Oh, Richard, I want to get out of this place. But why? I don't like this apartment. There's something evil, sinister here. I've always felt it. And listen. Listen to that wind. The wind howl around here all the time. Well, naturally, it's a penthouse, and it catches the winds from the river. Do you hear that? Something flapping on the terrace. That's just the awning. There are always queer noises around here all the time, and I can't bear it being alone here at night. Richard, please, please don't stay here alone tonight. I can't stay with you, darling. I've got to go to the theater. I don't want you to go there, please. Let your understanding take the part tonight. Take me away from here. Far away when it's warm and there's sunlight. Diana, you don't know what you're saying. I can't give up my part in the show. Of course. Of course. Darling, forgive me, please. I haven't mentioned it. You do forgive me, don't you, Richard? Say you do. Of course. You're just upset over the silly dreams. I know, I know. I won't mention it again. You're okay, baby. We'll ascend the weight. I better get going. Want to come with me? Yes. No. Well, I'm going to stay here. But at this place frightens you. That's just why I'm going to stay. And alone, I'm going to beat this thing. Somehow. That's better, darling. Much better. Here's your coat. And you better take your scarf. It feels chilly. Richard. Hmm? I said I won't mention it again, but there's one thing more I have to tell you that, the face of that thing in my dream, it was your face. Diana, in the name of heaven. I won't talk of it anymore. I promise you, darling. I didn't mean to upset you just before you went to the theater. Just, just kiss me there. I'll be all right. I'll be all right. Diana. Good night, dear. I'll be waiting when you get back. It was just midnight. Two nights later, I was waiting for Richard to come home from the theater. I was going through his desk, looking for a postage stamp. And I found something that turned my blood to ice. It was a newspaper clipping, dated ten years ago. The picture of a man and under it, the caption, prominent real estate operator Richard Barker, found dead of a sudden stroke. I looked at the picture again. There could be no doubt of it. It was Richard. I read further, that the deceased will be buried at Woodlawn, Greenlawn Cemetery, after services in the Westland funeral chapel. Good evening, Diana. Richard. Why, what's the matter? You seem startled. I, I didn't hear you come in. Have you been brooding again? No, Richard, of course not. How do you feel tonight? Not, not very well. Weak? Weak, sleepy, ill. Well, no wonder you've hardly been eating a thing. I know that you never catch a wink of sleep. I told you I can't sleep in the daytime as you do, as you do. Why are you staring at me like that? Why? Why do you sleep in the daytime? I've been doing this for years. Yes. What's so terrible about that most theatrical people do? We live and work at night. Yes, yes, I know. Really, Diana, what is the matter with you? Nothing. You, you think I'm losing my mind? Well, I don't know what to think. Why are you pretending? Pretending what? That you're something other than what you are. Because I know what you are, Richard. Really? I found out. This clipping I found in your desk. It, it tells how you died. That clipping. Oh, that. Why laughing? Well, you see, it's a joke, the gag. One of my pictures was sent to the paper's publicity for a new play, you know, and a drunken typester put it in the obituary column. It's quite an amusing story. I don't believe you. You're lying. Listen, you can't go on like this. No, don't, don't touch me. You're not well done. Get away from me. I just want to kiss you. No, no, don't, don't, don't touch me. Diana, where are you going? Out of here. Diana, come back. I'll come back when I've proved something to myself. Is there anyone there? What do you want, ma'am? I'm sorry to wake you up. Are you the caretaker here at Greenlawn? Many years, ma'am. I, I want to see the grave of Richard Barker. Who are you? Diana Barker. His wife. That is one of the morning, Mrs. Barker. I know what time it is. I, I want to see the grave. No one comes at a time like this. Please, will you tell me? Perhaps this will help. And Diana. For disturbing you. All right. You take the pass and back in my house. Stand to the right. Have you flashed my... I brought one from the car. It's only a short way, but it isn't a grave, ma'am. It, it's sort of a tomb. Thank you. I'll find it. You, you want me to come with you? No, I've troubled you enough. Good night. Good night. Somewhere. An hour was howling as though warning me not to go on with this insane adventure. But I knew I had to continue. I had to be certain. I followed his directions along the path of the cemetery. The moon poked the yellow fingers through scutting clouds as though showing me the way. I was frightened, terrified. There's nothing to fear from the dead. I kept telling myself I had to keep up my courage. The dead. Perhaps they were right. There was nothing to fear from them. But the undead. There was a tomb. The inscription was clear. Here lies Richard Barker. Born May 7, 1890. Died September 4, 1935. There was a lock on the door. It was old and rusty. I'd come this far. I made up my mind. I picked up a stone, smashed the lock. I opened the door. Blackness. Inky blackness such as one imagines one would see at the end of the world. Turned on the flashlight I took from the car. A coffin was lying in the center of the tomb on an altar. I felt my heart beating wildly like a throbbing drum inside me. With a trembling hand I opened the coffin. I looked down on a ghastly white satin lining. That was all there was in the coffin. There was nothing else. It was empty. I looked up. There was a face staring at in the shadows of the tomb. Was it Richard? Diana, I knew you'd come here. Dear friend, that just goes to show that an empty coffin makes the most noise. You know, this is the kind of nice domestic story I like. The intimate family chronicle of a vampire. My goodness, is that what you call intimate family life? Of course, Mary. It looks like our lovebirds will even share the same coffin. I'm afraid you're drawing a very strange picture of family life, Mr. Host. Now, I always picture the family gathered around the dinner table. Everybody's laughing and happy. The bright lights push back the shadows of evening outside and shine on the tea cups, where Lipton tea is waiting to add to the family's mealtime pleasure. Lipton's brisk flavor will make that good meal taste even better. Everyone around the table, from junior to grandfather, will enjoy its tempting fragrance, its deep amber color, and that brisk flavor that makes Lipton's different from other teas. They're all like its full-bodied, hearty goodness and the zestful tang of Lipton's flavor. So, serve Lipton tea for dinner at your house, folks, and round out the family picture with real enjoyment. Right, Mary. And now, let's go back to our horrors. Let me see. What dire predicament are we in tonight? Oh, yes. Diana has just discovered that her husband was wandering around his tomb. What would you do in a situation like that? Here's what Diana did. Listen. I ran blindly, stumbling, tearing my clothes. Somehow, I managed to reach the car, start the march. In the car, I knew it wasn't all some dream. Lipton didn't come back from bed, did they? Could they? I drove to the city. I wanted to see the lights, people, hear music. I wanted to be sure this was the world I'd always known. I tried to think, I tried to reason. I tried to understand what had happened to me. Because I knew something was happening to me. Something that I dreaded. I was becoming like them. Like Richard. I felt strange cravings. Desires that I didn't dare think of. Excuse me, Mrs. Darker. May I sit with you? I don't believe I know you. Perhaps not. Does it make any difference? No. No, it doesn't. Please, sit down. Thank you. I'm glad you came over. I'm glad to be able to talk to anyone tonight. I've been watching you for the last ten minutes. Have you? You look very strange tonight. How do you know? We all know each other. We? Yes. You realize you'll be dead soon. Dead? At least what they call dead. You know what happened? Oh, yes, of course. I've seen it happening for weeks. Your faith became paler and paler. It will not be long now. You will become one of us. I don't want to. It's not in your hands. It isn't true. It can't be true. It's quite true. Many of us have gone on for hundreds of years. Those whose distinct become like us. And I... There is no escape. No. I don't believe it. Don't you feel it? Blood. That strange desire. Yes. There. You see? I don't want to. I once tried to fight you too. It's no use. I'm going away. Far away. But you can't reach me. I'm going nowhere. No one can reach me. Waiter! Waiter! Will you help me? Herb has been an accident. Everything is going to be all right, Diana. Just lie here and rest quietly. You're in your own home. I opened my eyes and saw Claudia. My older sister. Never was so glad to see anyone in all my life. Claudia had always helped me. Always advised me. She'd know what to do. You want something to do? No. I'm not hungry. But the doctor said you'd have to eat. How did I get here? You clapped my cocky allowance. They brought you home. When? Last night. It's dark out. You've been sleeping almost 24 hours. Where's Richard? At the theater. Boy, he was so worried about you. Was he? He sent for me. I've been with you since last night. Diana, what happened? It's terribly difficult to explain. I sometimes think I'm leaving my mind. I'd be sure that's what it is if I hadn't found out differently. Tell me about it. I've found out Richard is dead. He's been dead for 10 years. What are you talking about? I went to Greenlaw and I saw his tomb. I opened it and the coffin was empty. I know what you're thinking, but I'm not insane. He never sleeps at night. Now I feel this strange craving. Claudia, downstairs. You know what you're saying. Yes, I know it sounds wild, fantastic, but I haven't told this to anyone, but it's true. There are things in this world you only think of primitive superstitions, but Claudia, you must believe me. Yes, of course. I don't believe you, dear. We must destroy Richard. I read about those things. We must destroy him by driving a wooden stake through his heart. That's the only way I can escape from him. That's the only way I can become a human being. Diana. You'll help me, Claudia. Of course, dear. Haven't I always helped you? Where are you going? Just to fix you something, dear. No, no, you're going to leave me. Leave me here alone with him. I won't let you do that, Claudia. That gun. Where did you get that gun? We've always had one here. Ever since I first told Richard I was afraid of this place. You're not going to leave me alone now, Claudia. I'm not going to let you, of course. Get away from that door. That's what you wanted. Claudia, come back! No! No, you're insane! No! She was gone. Insane. She was so sure I was insane. She didn't even give me a chance to explain. I was alone in the house. I felt terribly weak. I wanted to sleep. I wanted to sleep forever and ever. But I knew if I lay down and close my eyes, I might never open them again. Never open them and see the world as you or I used to. I'd be something else. I looked at the clock almost midnight. Richard would be coming back any minute. I ran to the door locked up in the inside of the safety box. What to do? What to do? Police. I ran to the telephone. Hello, operator. Get me the police and hurry, please. One moment. Hurry. This is a matter of life and death. Hello, police. You've got to help me. Yes, what is it, please? My husband. He's going to do something to me tonight. He's going to make me what he is. What's that, lady? He's been dead for ten years. I saw his empty coffin. That's proof, isn't it? That's evidence. You always want evidence. And there it is. Now you understand. Well, I'm not sure I don't, lady. What's your name? Diana Barker. All right, honey. I'll let... Oh, you think I'm insane too, don't you? I didn't say it. You think I'm crazy just as Claudia does? If you'll just give me the address, lady. Oh, what's the use? He's in the lock. He can't open it. It's bolted from the inside. He's trying to get in. But I can't. It's not for that bolt. I won't open it. I won't. I just pretend I don't hear it. I'll cover my ears with my hands and I won't hear it. He can't get in here. But I can keep him out until they lock me. The doorbell's locked. I knew he hadn't gone away. I could feel him near me. But he couldn't get in. No, he couldn't get into the penthouse. There was no way to get in unless he came to the terrace. There was no way to get on the terrace unless he could fly. Fly? The wind was screaming. When I turned to look at the French doors leading to the terrace, it was impossible. It was open. The wind blew through the house like a cyclone. They had framed the door. You let me in. Oh, terrace. Never mind. What are you doing with that gun? Don't give me that gun. Diana. Go away. Go away and leave me alone. Give me that gun. No. I'm warning you, Diana. You'd better give it to me. If you take another step toward me, I'll fire. Diana. You see? The bullet. I didn't harm you. No. I didn't miss. No. You see? It didn't do any good. What are you going to do? I'm going to put an end to this once and for all, Diana. An end? And I prepared for this. I have a knife. You see? Richard. Don't be afraid, Diana. You won't quite die. No, no, no. Come here, Diana. No, Richard, no. You're making too much trouble while you're alive. Help me. Help me. I saw the knife over my throat. I bit at his chest with every pistol. Then, just before everything became black, I saw three flashes of lightning. Mrs. Barker. When I woke up in the hospital inspector, I couldn't believe that I was still alive. It seemed like a miracle. He would have been dead. It wasn't for your sister. Claudia. She came back with one of our men. He shot and killed your husband just as he was about to plunge the dagger into you. But how did he get in? He came over to the adjoining terrace from the penthouse next door, just as your husband did. No, Mrs. Barker. Your husband didn't fly. But the other things, the picture, the tomb, the empty coffin. All props for an elaborate scheme your husband worked out to murder you. Richard Barker is not an uncommon name. He thought a man with that name would die ten years ago. He removed the body. He got the whole idea from the dream you told him. But why? To establish that you were insane. He planned to murder you. And claim he did it in self-defense to protect himself against an insane woman. But the gun... Filled with blanks. He wanted to get your money, Mrs. Barker. But the way I felt those strange cravings... You're suffering from anemia. The doctor told us that. It's not uncommon for anemia sufferers to feel the way you did. I still can't believe it. I still feel that he isn't quite dead. I'll relieve that fear right now. His body's in the other room. I think you should see it. Come this way, Mrs. Barker. There. Raise the lid at the coffin, Charlie. Yes, Inspector. What's the matter? He looks so lifelike. His lips are so reddish. He looks as though he could move. Get up at any minute. Nonsense. I assure you we've quite dead, Mrs. Barker. And I can further assure you that the police department... has never encountered one authentic vampire in its history. You're very reassuring, Inspector. I think I'd better leave now. Don't bother to see me to the door. All right, Charlie. Cover him up and have him buried. Okay, Inspector. What is it, Charlie? Inspector. Maybe I'm nuts, but I... I could swear that I saw him move. Oh, nonsense. Close the lid. Ah, getting dark, Charlie. I'm sure go down quick these winter days. I'm going home. Good night, Charlie. Well, friend, do you think Richard is really dead? I had something for you to sleep on when you got a bed tonight. Oh, and by the way, we have a moral for tonight's story. Yes, it's taken from a diary of Miss Delirium Tremon, who once said, never marry a vampire, he may turn out to be 500 years old, without a social security number to his name. How can a girl have any fun going around with a guy like that? Well, Mr. Host, I don't think that's a serious problem. I'm positive that no girl will ever meet a vampire, much less married for him. You can't be sure, Mary. The safest thing is to drive a wooden stake through your husband's heart. Yes, if he dives, then he must be a vampire. Oh, such foolishness. Let's forget all this talk about vampires, because I want to tell the folks about something wonderful that's going to happen next week. The next Tuesday is Christmas, you know. So instead of our usual mystery thriller, Inner Sanctum will bring you a tender and beautiful Christmas play called The Littleest Angel. Our star will be that great and beloved actress Helen Hayes. There's a lovely musical score, especially written for The Littleest Angel. And the play is one your whole family will enjoy, especially the youngsters. Perfect entertainment for Christmas night. And of course, you won't want to miss Miss Helen Hayes' performance. So be sure to tune into this station at the regular Inner Sanctum time next week. I promise you, The Littleest Angel starring Helen Hayes and brought to you by the makers of Lipton Tea and Lipton Soup will be the crowning pleasure of your Christmas day. That sounds great, Mary. You know, Christmas is really wonderful. There's something about it that gets even the most heartened characters. Oh, by the way, this month's Inner Sanctum mystery novel is The Fearful Passage by H.C. Branson. And don't forget what Mary tells you, friends. Next week, we'll bring you Inner Sanctum's special Christmas program directed by Hyman Brown and starring Helen Hayes, America's first lady of the theater. There'll be no gore, no chills. Not even one little murder, believe it or not. The holiday spirit is getting even us. So be sure to join us next Tuesday. Meanwhile, I'm going to do my Christmas shopping. You know where I can get a nice fur-lined coffin for a cold-blooded friend? Until next Tuesday, then. Good night. Pleasant dreams. These busy days, we all want to save time when we prepare meals, and yet we don't want to sacrifice that good, homemade taste. Well, that's just the time to serve Lipton's noodle soup. Lipton's has a real fresh c- chicken-y flavor. It tastes like the chicken noodle soup you'd make right in your own kitchen. And yet it takes almost no time at all to prepare. And Lipton's is economical, too. It costs less and makes lots more than canned soups. So don't forget to try Lipton's noodle soup mix. And remember to tune in next Tuesday night for Inner Sanctum's special Christmas show with Helen Hayes.