 Lux presents Hollywood. The Lux Radio Theatre brings you Charles Lawton, Ella Reigns, and Rosalind Yvan in The Suspect. Ladies and gentlemen, your guest producer, Mr. Thomas Mitchell. Thank you. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Two nights a week in a vet and hospital not far from here, wounded and battle-worn soldiers gather around a visitor. This visitor keeps them in control with magic words delivered in an almost magic voice as he reads from Shakespeare, Milton, Sean, Dickens, for no one can surpass Charles Lawton in bringing life and warmth and color to the English language. He's standing in the wings tonight and he's ready to bring us universal thrilling mystery, The Suspect, with Ella Reigns as his leading lady. You know the last time Miss Reigns was on this stage about a year ago, we called her a brand-new Hollywood Discovery. Tonight we change that title to an established Hollywood success, a star whose meteoric rise is happily supported by sincere and brilliant talent. And also in our cast tonight is Rosalind Yvan, the gifted English actress whose ability to portray shrewish wives is in contradiction to a very gentle and delightful personality. All three appear in their original screen roles in a fateful triangle of marriage, love and murder that makes for one of the season's most exciting and suspense-packed melodramas. In a minute we'll take you to London in 1902, but while we're traveling let's look in at Arabia in 1945. Perhaps you read in a recent copy of Life Magazine an account of the King of Arabia's visit to an American destroyer on his way to Yalta. Well the King brought with him a convoy of small boats carrying cattle food and personal belongings just to make sure his majesty was served in proper Arabian style, but there was one important accidental touch. One night after a sumptuous stately past the King's servants passed among the guests a huge and magnificent metal bowl filled with rose water. In the center of the bowl resting on a little island was the final touch of luxury, a case of luxe toilet soap. We always knew luxe toilet soap was fit for a queen, but we're happy to note that it's also to the King's taste. Now down go the lights and up goes our coast-to-coast curtain on the first act of the suspect, starring Charles Lawton as Philip Marshall, Ella Reigns as Mary Gray, Rosalind Even as caller and Dennis Green as Gilbert Simmons. London in the spring of 1902 down a respectable side street, Mr. Philip Marshall comes home from work. His face is lined, his shoulders slightly stooped from years of service to the firm of Frazier and Nicholson, the veers of tobacco, but Philip Marshall carries himself with the dignity of an honest British tradesman. At his gate he greets his next-door neighbor. You've done wonders with your tulips. I've a green thumb like some balls. Oh, thank you very much for them afraid my wife hasn't much heart for gardening. It's so good of you to bring my husband home last night. Oh, I was glad to do it. I'm sorry, Gilbert carries on so when he's drinking. Must be a great trial to you. Whoa! Oh, there's a cab at your gate. Cab? Oh, excuse me. Are you the one who called the cab, Governor? No, there must be some mistake. Orders, was it? Come to number 26. Just a minute, I better go and see. Well, Mr. Philip Marshall, no loving greeting to your wife. What's the cab for, Cora? What do you think? The penny bus is good enough for me. Did John send for that cab? Right as a button, aren't you? That's just what I'm hopeful did. He's clearing out bag and baggage, the selfish, ungrateful good for nothing. What did you do to him? What did I do to him? All I did was bring him into the world, nurse him, make myself a doormat, form to walk on. Oh, God! That's right! This is his own mother, you can tell him! Well, hello, Dad. Done packing? Sorry, I'd stick it out here on your account. Well, it is bound to come. What happened? Oh, she was at me all day. I was trying to get those reports finished. It's been a race at the office, you know, and I'd give my right arm for that job in Canada. Well, she got into one of her rages. Grabbed the report and threw it into the fire. Twenty pages a week's work. How about another place to stay? I'll stay at Jimmy Ester Brooks. I'm sorry, boy. Let me help you with those bags. Oh, no, thanks. I can manage. Hey, watch out for that broken step. I'll keep in touch with you, Dad. Yes. How's Sybil? Oh, oh, fine. I haven't seen her all week, though. She's a nice little thing. Is it serious between you two? Well, I... Well, it's a pity this house isn't good enough for you, John. Goodbye, Mother. Goodbye, Mother. You meany-mouthed hypocrite. To of a kind, that's what you are. I'll see you soon, Dad. I shall miss you, son. Goodbye. Well, Philip. Philip, come here. The chugle's sneaking off upstairs, running off right where I'm talking to you. Just a survivor of common servant. I know what's my do, even if you don't. Cora, I'm moving my things into John's room. Well, of all the insulting. We're married, aren't we? Yes, we're married. Then how dare you? I forbid it. No, Cora, that's all over now that John's gone. I'm moving out of our room, and there's nothing you can do about it. What's got into you? What are you thinking about? It's much better that you don't know, Cora. You might frighten you. Here's your chain, sir. Excellent tobacco. Praise her in Nicholson's best, and thank you, sir. Good afternoon. Merry-dew. Merry-dew. Yes, sir? Mr. Marshall wants to see you. Go on now into his office right away. Yes, sir. Can you do, sir? Come in. Merry-dew. I have a very serious matter to bring to your attention. Yes, sir? I regret to say there's a penny missing from the stamp box. It was for sugar bun this morning. And the tuppence yesterday, what was that for? Acid drops, sir. But I'll put it all back on payday. That's what all embezzlers plan to do. But I'm not an embezzler. Yes, but you started that way. It's the first step that counts after that. It all becomes very easy. Sixpence tomorrow, half a crown the day after. Oh, but... I know you mean to pay it back, but you may finish by paying it back in the Portland prison quarries. Oh, don't send me to the prison quarries, please, Mr. Marshall. Well, not this time, Merry-dew. Now stop sniffling. You take my handkerchief and wipe your eyes. A young lady to see you, Mr. Marshall. Oh, run along, Merry-dew. Won't you come in, Miss... Gray. Mary Gray. Miss Gray? What can I do for you? I'm seeking employment. Work? Here? Selling tobacco? I mean office work. I can take dictation. We're quite satisfied with our young men. But some of our young men have been with us here for 30 or 40 years. I see. I'm so sorry. I think you might have better luck at the draper's establishment. I've tried. Thank you. Good afternoon. Oh, Stanton. Yes, sir? Might as well lock up. Six o'clock. Six o'clock. The days are getting longer now. Yes, I've got a good mind to walk home. It'll be nice walking through the park. Very nice, Mr. Marshall. Oh, good evening, officer. We're going to have a lovely sunset. Yes, be a fine evening. I thought... Hello. What's the matter with her? Her, sir? A girl on the bench. She's crying. So she is. I usually let them cry it out. Oh, thank you. Oh, thank you. Oh, thank you. Oh, thank you. Oh, thank you. Oh, thank you. Let them cry it out. It does them good. Evening, sir. Good evening. I beg your pardon. Is there anything I can do? No. Go away, please. Leave me alone. Why? Hello, Miss Gray. Oh, Mr. Marshall. I don't mean to intrude, but I... Oh, very kind. I'm afraid I'm behaving rather badly. Oh, now, now, now. Come, come, come. It can't be as bad as all that. You know, I'm really sorry about the work in my office, Miss Gray. And just that, I was feeling a bit down. All at once it came over me how terribly alone I am, you see. My father died in the winter. There were just the two of us. Well, I know how it is to be lonely, and I know that it can be faced. Does that make you feel any better? Ever so much. Where are you going? Home. Oh, I see. A cup of tea, a sixpony novel, and a good long cry. I'm afraid you've been looking in at my window. Hmm. Shall we pool our loneliness? What do you mean? Oh, go somewhere and have a bite of dinner and a talk. You know, I'm sure that I know someone who needs a clever young lady to take dictation. Well, I... Why don't you join me just for this evening? You might enjoy it. It'll be a great kindness to me. Well, I'm sure it would be to me. But aren't you on your way to someone? Someone? No. No, there's no one. I know a nice little Chinese restaurant on Malvern Street. Now, come on. Get a cab. You know, it is really good of you to take me on trust. Oh, not all together on trust. I overheard you in your office with that little boy. Married you? The one you're not going to send to prison. He's a desperate character, don't you think? Oh, so desperate I wanted to hug you. That's the danger with his type. They get around you, huh? You were so gentle with him. Gentle? My dear Miss Gray, you will discover in time that I have a heart of stone. Did you enjoy the dinner? I loved it. But I'm afraid I'll never learn to eat with chopsticks. You know the answer to that one. Practice. We must eat here often after this. OK. Put the night to play. Two tickets, please, the stalls. Philip, aren't you being frightful expensive? You forget we saved sixpence sitting in the pit last night. Oh, Philip. He plays beautifully, doesn't he? Beautifully. It's been so long since I've been to a concert. We'll come again next week. Well, here we are. My rooming house, Philip. Good night. I've had such a good time. These have been the happiest weeks I've had. Oh, you say the nicest things. Philip, you do the nicest things. What have I done now? Have you forgotten that you got me my job at Windwoods? I don't remember a thing about it. All I remember is we're having dinner tomorrow night. Oh, Philip, Philip, I can't. Why not? Mrs. Packer, I've told you about her. She works at Windwoods. Oh, she's been frightfully nice. I've asked her and her husband to have dinner with me. Oh, I see. But listen, why don't you come along? I like so much to have you meet me. I'd like to, Mary. Oh, now come along, Philip. Now, Mary, listen. You and I are pretty good friends. The best. We've had a lot of fun together. Can't we go on just like this, just the two of us? Why is it, Philip, that you don't ever like to meet anyone? Oh, I don't know. I chap my age has a right to a few peculiarities. I know there's something if you'd only tell me. Nothing to tell. Well, as you wish. Good night, Philip. Mary, what about the night after? You know. I'll say yes. Good night. Good night, Mary. Cora, I know you're not asleep. I saw you lie down from the street. Cora! Come in. Flattered, I'm sure. I light the key to my bedroom, Cora. You've locked the door. Where have you been? My key, please. Answer me. You were out with that good for nothing from next door, weren't you? Cora, please. Don't try to deny it. I heard him staggering home just now, and you were with him. Yes, Cora. I brought Gilbert Simmons home. I ran into him in front of a pub. He was drunk as usual and causing trouble. And what business is that of yours? Cora, hasn't his poor wife enough to put up with as it is? His poor wife? What about your poor wife? How much longer do you think I'm going to stand for this coming in at all hours, for the whole street's beginning to gossip? And I'm not going to be made an opteater pity in front of my friends. Do you hear me? I'm sorry, Cora. People choose to embarrass me. Oh, lot you care. What have I ever done to deserve this? Whatever possess me to tie myself up to a poor stick like you? Walk through the forest and pick the crooked tree. That's what I did. A fat, ugly, crooked tree. And I don't care if I never hear actually voice again. Cora, don't you know the neighbors can hear every word you say? I don't care. I'm nothing to be ashamed of. If we could only talk quietly, come to some sort of understanding, Cora. Now, look, we've never been happy together, not once in all the years that we've been married. And whose fault is that? I'd like to know. Doesn't anybody's fault? Over and over again, we've tried. But when two people are shut up together and they don't love each other, everything they do becomes hateful just because they do it. Oh, so that's it, is it? You hate me. You've always hated me. Cora, I did not say that. Will you please listen to me? All I say is that we've got some good years ahead of us, both of us. Why can't we live them happily apart from each other? Apart? What do you mean? Let me go, Cora. Divorce? Yes. Divorce? Never in my life have I heard of anything so immoral. Divorce, indeed. Oh, no. I'm not going to be laughed at. A woman who couldn't hold a husband. Just for that, you'd ruin both our lives. We are married. And we'll stay married till death. Do you hear me? My mind's made up, Cora. If you want divorce me, I'm going to leave you. Oh, you are. Are you? Well, you just try. Just you try it. I'll go down to your precious shop and I'll tell you no more customers what sort you are. I knew it was no use talking to you. There's no way out, is there? Oh, yes. There is for you, Mr. Philip Marshall. Out of your shop. Out of your job. Ha! Won't I love seeing their faces when I tell them that their very respectable manager, Mr. Philip Marshall, wants to desert his own wife? And I will tell them so! Help me! Philip, you haven't eaten the thing, aren't you, Will? Oh, I'm all right. Did anything happen on your way here? You were so late. No. But you're not like yourself tonight. What is it? I've been wanting to tell you all evening, Mary. After tonight, we can't see each other anymore. What did you say? I said we mustn't see each other ever again. Oh. Don't look like that. Philip was such good friends. It's meant so much to me. It's meant everything to me. Well then, don't you think I deserve to know? Tell me, Philip. I've behaved very badly, Mary. Do you remember the first time that we met? I told you that I had no attachments and no ties of any kind. Philip, you're married, aren't you? Yes. Wasn't very fair, was it? No. I was afraid you'd never see me again, and I was so sure that my wife would give me a divorce. Won't she? No. This is our last time together. You've risked too much already. But Philip, please, we're only friends. We're hurting no one. Is there anything wrong just seeing each other? She followed me here tonight, or she tried to. Your wife? Yes. She's going to shake her off finally, but sooner or later she'll find out, and I'm not afraid for myself what she might do to you. She must... I'm much too fond of you, Mary. What a pity this had to happen now. I hope your Christmas will be happier than mine. Christmas? It's only two weeks away. Well, we can still drink a toast. Mary, my dear, to you. My dear. My very dear. Hello, Cora. It's a Christmas tree. Couldn't you find a better way to waste your money? It'll help to cheer us up. Christmas comes but once a year. And where will you hang the mistletoe? The mistletoe? What? Aren't you going to kiss me under the mistletoe? You could shut your eyes, you know, and pretend I was somebody else. There's no one else, Cora. No. Wouldn't it be better if we try to make things a little pleasanter, try to make this place a little more like home? Oh, I heard from John today he may be going to Canada soon. Always thinking about your family, aren't you, love? No more evenings at the pub, no more office work to keep you out late. A real little family man. You'll help a bit, won't you? There's no place like home, is there? Now, since that creature threw you out, Cora, and don't tell me there was no such person. That's who she works. Melbourne Crescent, that's who she lives, and Mary Gray, that's her filthy name. Well, why don't you try to deny it? It's true, Cora, but it's all over and done with. Is it? Not for me, it isn't. I'm going down to a filthy shop and show you up for what you are. Cora, no! And I'll do the same for her. I'll go to the house where she lives, I'll go to the place where she works, and I'll let them know the low creature she is. Cora, you're driving me... I'll drive you both into the gutter where you belong. On the shore as the sun rises tomorrow, I'll give her a merry Christmas you'll never forget. Now aren't you afraid? No, not afraid for her. Not for her. Why, Mr. Marshall? This is Simmons, please. This is my wife. Would you go for the doctor? Your wife? What's wrong? It's been an accident. I'm afraid she's dead. In just a moment, Thomas Mitchell and our stars will return in act two of The Suspect. I believe everyone will recognize this game. Gosh, Mary, that's good bowling. Beginner's luck. I'll probably never do it again. But here goes. Oh. Oh, never mind, honey. Gosh, you look cute with your cheeks all pink like that. Say, don't worry about your score. You sure bowl me over. Yes, luxe girls are winners when it comes to romance. Smooth radiant skin never fails to charm. These clever girls take their complexion tip from Hollywood. They do what famous screen stars do. Depend on active lather facials with fine white luxe toilet soap every single day. Lovely Jean Tierney tells you how she takes her luxe soap beauty facials. I cover my face generously with the creamy lather and work it gently in. I rinse with warm water, then cold, and pat my skin dry with a soft towel. It's the way to really lovely skin. It's a fact. Hollywood's active lather facials really do make skin softer, smoother. In recent tests of luxe soap facials, actually three out of four complexions improved in a short time. Why don't you try them? Begin tomorrow to give your skin this gentle, cherishing care, nine out of 10 screen stars. Lovely women everywhere. Finds so effective. We pause now for station identification. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Act two of the suspect, starring Charles Lawton as Philip, Ella Rains as Mary, Rosalind Even as Cora, and Dennis Green as Gilbert Simmons. It's several hours later, while the neighborhood buzzes with the tragic news of Mrs. Marshall's sudden death, an early morning visitor fills out a routine report. We did to ask these questions, Mr. Marshall, when we were so upset and all, That's all right, constable. The police department has its regulations. Everything you've told me checks with the doctor's story. The deceased was coming down the stairway. She tripped on the broken steps, suffering fatal injuries when her head struck the ballast. Yes, yes. Thank you, Mr. Marshall. That's all I need. Another day has passed. The funeral is over, and departing callers mumble sympathy to Philip and his son, John. Last to leave is their next-door neighbor, Mrs. Simmons. You would have done without you, Mrs. Simmons, these past two days. No, it's been nothing, Mr. Marshall. After all you've done for Gilbert and for me. Take good care of your father, John. I will. He looks so tired. Have you slept at all? Oh, I think perhaps I'll sleep tonight. You must. And I've brought you this. It's dexters anodyne, a sedative. Sedative? Rather afraid of drugs. Nonsense. Dexters anodyne. Just five drops in a glass of water puts you right to sleep. It isn't dangerous, is it? Not if you're careful not to take too much. Just five drops. Try it, Father. It might help you. It's very good of you, Mrs. Simmons. Good night. Good night, John. Good night, Mrs. Simmons. Well, Father. Well, boy. I wish there was something I could do. Oh, I'll manage. You've borne up wonderfully. I'm proud of you. You run along, John. It's getting late. You sure you don't want me to stay? No. I'll get along fine. Poor mother. I just want you to know, Dad, that you've nothing to reproach yourself with. No one ever tried harder than you. It might rain. You'd better take an umbrella. Maybe I'd better. I say, Dad, where's your walking stick? You know, the one with the heavy handle? I don't know. I must have left it somewhere. It doesn't matter. Good night, Dad. Good night. Mr. Philip Marshall. Yes? I'm sorry to intrude at such a time, Mr. Marshall. I'm Inspector Huxley. It's Scotland Yard. I'd like to ask you a few questions. Come in. Questions about what? The death of your wife. Do I answer all those questions? Yes, I read the reports quite thoroughly. The coroner called it accident. Mr. Marshall, there was some insurance in your wife's name. 3,000 pounds. Yes, we both took out policies some years ago. Lots of people do that. Is this the stairway where the accident occurred? Yes. Do you mind if I look about? Not at all. Oh! This broken step. This is the step she tripped on, I suppose. Yes, that's right. You should have a thing like that repaired. We meant to have it repaired a long time ago. And that's the room she came out of. No, that's my room. Hers is on the other side. Oh yes, yes, of course. Well, it's much clearer now. It's much better than trying to visualize things from the written report. Imagine it must be. Oh! Is this where she struck her head? Yes, the ballast was broken. So you had it replaced with a new one? Yes, I couldn't bear the sad. Why do you make a point of that? Oh, no particular reason. Only it seemed curious. We find the broken step unrepaired, but the ballast was replaced immediately. What are you trying to suggest? Suggest? Nothing. But let's suppose, purely from my point of view, that it was not an accident. That someone had made up his mind to do away with his wife. For reasons only he knew. But it had to be done. Now let's suppose he took one of these canes. The heaviest. Then he went up these stairs. But it quieted. He came to this broken step. Perhaps he pulled the carpet loose a little to make sure that it looked broken. Now he's in the darkness of the upper hallway. He puts his hand over his mouth so that his voice seems to come from a distance. Cora, he calls! And again! Cora! Her door opens. For a moment she stands there grumbling and wondering why the whole light isn't burning. Maybe she cries sharply. What's the matter? He holds his breath. She stands so near. Her voice called once more. Philip, are you all right? His hand tightens on the stick. She passes him. She goes downstairs. One, two, three steps. It's no or never. He raises the stick. The blow falls. And he follows her as she crashes. She isn't dead yet, but she has to die. Slowly he raises the stick. Stop it! How dare you say I killed my wife? How dare you? I'm sorry, Mr. Marshall. I merely said if your wife was murdered it could have happened that way. But it didn't. You haven't a shred of evidence. But it is an interesting point of view. Now, if only we could find something. Some little something as a motive. You understand what I mean, Mr. Marshall? No, I don't. No? Well, good night, Mr. Marshall. It's been such a long time, a whole month since you wrote me, didn't you? Since you told me of your trouble. I didn't dare to meet you, Mary. Even tonight I'm afraid they may be watching me. They may have followed me to this restaurant. But can't you see how frightfully unfair it is to let the outrageous suspicions of stupid policemen keep us apart? Mary, I couldn't have you mixed up in this sort of thing. What are people for, people you love? Can't you see that if you were in trouble I'd want to share it? Not that kind of trouble, just to be suspected leaves a mark. All right. Let it leave a mark on both of us. Because I don't intend to let you go again. Mary. The compliments of the house are best way. It's very good to see you again, sir, if I may say so. Thank you. It's very good to be here. Shall I pour it? By all means. This is an occasion. You see, Philip, they missed us. Mary. My dear. My very dear. Miss Gray, I'm sorry to bother you at your home. I'm Inspector Huxley, a Scotland Jard. I'd like to talk to you about Philip Marshall. Go on. We know you've been meeting lately. In fact, he left you at this doorway last night. How long have you known, Mr. Marshall? Since last May. Well, surely you knew he was married, yet you continue to meet him frequently. What are you driving at? What are you trying to find out? It's quite possible that Mrs. Marshall was murdered by her husband. Philip Marshall, a murderer? Nonsense. I think you're making a fool of yourself, Inspector. What you think isn't evidence, Miss. But you've admitted meeting Mr. Marshall and that's very valuable evidence. In finding you, we've found the motive we've been looking for. You'll be called as a witness for the crown, Miss Gray. Not Miss Gray, Inspector. Mrs. Philip Marshall, we were married this morning. Oh, I see. A very shrewd move, wasn't it? A wife can't be made to testify against her husband. You know it's a very funny thing, but we never thought of that. Didn't you really? No. And it's just coincidence that you silence the only witness whose testimony might hang you. Philip, must we listen to this? No, we mustn't. Inspector, you're getting rather tiresome with your accusations. We don't intend to listen to them any longer. Is that clear? Well, don't you think that an innocent man might be more understanding? I think an innocent man might behave precisely as I have. Well, I'm sorry. I can't agree with you. Well, then here I am. Why don't you arrest me? I'd like to, believe me. Yes. But you've run into a blank wall. You take my advice and don't beat your head against it. Please understand, Mr. Marshall. I have a job to do. The whole thing. If I have, I'm very sorry. Very well. Let's forget it. May I wish you a most successful marriage and a long one? Thank you. Mr. Honey, John and Sybil are here. They're waiting downstairs. Sybil, what's she like? She's a little bit on the light side possible, but she's very pretty. I wish she's John's first girl, and I hope you like her. Oh, I'll do my best. But John's like you. A very precious prize for any woman. Now, that's enough of that. You come along now. You're trained for market leaves in 40 minutes. Oh, what a pity you aren't coming with us. I'll be down tomorrow morning. Hope the weather clears. We'll come back tonight. I hate the seashore when it's raining. I've got to run along to the shop. Have a good time. Goodbye, darling. Don't forget to feed the cat. Margaret. Margaret. Another cherry tart, please. Another cherry tart, Mr. Marshall, and you on a strict diet. I know, but it's Saturday and my family's at the beach and I've got to work in a stuffy shop. I need some consolation. Very well. Another cherry tart. Marshall, may your disillute neighbor sit down? Hello, Simmons. I suppose so. Thank you. Well, since you press me, I'll have a spot of whiskey. Oh, Miss, a double whiskey and soda. Yes, sir. You can forget that cherry tart, Margaret. Oh, don't tell me I've spoiled your appetite. Since you press me, you have. You are not irresistibly drawn to me, are you? No, I'm not. I saw your wife this morning. She said she'd cut her eyes, tumbling against her door. Well, wives get tarsome at times, you know? I know this. You've got to stop knocking her about. No, it's easy for you to talk with a nice new wife and a very pretty one. All beer and skittles now, isn't it? I'm very happy if that's what you mean. By the same token, I'm not. It's your own fault. Oh, I quite agree. It so happens I'm a rotter by nature, a complete rotter. Why can't you get a hold of yourself? You're still young. You have a charming wife. And no money. You couldn't let me have a fiver, could you? Just until my wife's allowance comes due? Not a brass farthing, at least not until you go to work. Work? My dear, Marshal, work is for the working man. There, that'll pay for your drink. Goodbye. Thanks. Shopkeeper. Miss, where's that drink? Coming, sir. Changeable weather, isn't it, Mr. Simmons? Filthy. Huh? Who are you? Inspector Huxley. Oh, Miss, bring the gentleman another drink. Thanks. Are you the police chap who came asking questions after Mrs. Marshal's death? That's right. Who are you stalking now? Your neighbor, Mr. Philip Marshal. I beg your pardon? What was that? Did it ever occur to you that Mrs. Marshal's death might not have been an accident? Do you mind saying that again? You interest me. You don't know how much you interest me. Pussy, pussy, pussy, pussy. Come on, pussy. Pussy, pussy, pussy, pussy, pussy. Nice fella. Oh, well, Marshal, left all alone to mind the cat, eh? I found your back door open, so I thought I'd come in and continue our chats. Chat with you is something I could do without. I've got a pack. I'm going to market in the morning. Will the weather turn this beastly? I'm clear by morning, so if you'll excuse me, I'll come. Oh, no, no, no, come. Surely you've a moment for a reformed character. I've decided to go to work. I've got an idea, and I'd like your opinion. Yes? It's a good idea, with a bit of luck. Luck is important, don't you think? No, I don't. A man makes his own opportunities. Well, you ought to know. What do you mean? Oh, nothing. Only your wife died most conveniently. It wasn't that luck, pure and simple. Now, look here, Simon. Mrs. Marshal dies, and you come into a pot of money, and the coroner says, unfortunate accident. Now, I call that lucky. Get out! But Inspector Huxley doesn't seem quite satisfied that Mrs. Marshal's death was accidental. Huxley? Huxley thinks that you, shall we say, helped your wife to a better land. But he can't prove it. He needs a witness. Tussy. And I need ten pounds. You are a swine, aren't you? In these houses, the walls are very thin, you know. That's how I happen to hear you and your wife arguing that night. You heard nothing. But suppose I were to swear that I did. Suppose I were to swear that I heard her cry out. You didn't. That I heard the blow. You're lying. That I heard her say, Philip, don't. No one had ever believed him. Possibly, but it might put you in a very awkward position if I were to give evidence for the crown. Hmm. Yes, it might. Quite right. It might put me in a very awkward position. Well, here's five pounds. It's all I've got with me. Well, the banks will be open on Monday. On Monday, I'd like 25 pounds. Another 25 next week? Mm-hmm. I'd think that reasonable. And the week after that. And the week after that. Oh, I'll let you down as lightly as I can. I say, have you got such a thing as a spot of whiskey in the house? Whiskey. Mm-hmm. Uh, yes. It should be a bottle somewhere. In the pantry. I'll go and fetch it. Now, the bottle. Bring the bottle. You know, Marshall, you're taking this very sensibly. Well, you won't regret it. After all, you've got a lot to lose, even if you do have to stay at home and mind a filthy cat. Yes. What the devil are you doing? Measuring out that whiskey? Bring it in here. I'm sorry. I had a little trouble finding it. Here you are. Help yourself. One glass? Aren't you going to have a... Oh, well. Oh, that's pretty foul whiskey. Did it ever occur to you, Simmons, that black mail might be dangerous? Not if you know your man. And I know you, Marshall, like a book. I say, don't you ever show any fight? No. I've never been a fighter. Soft, like that kitten. Turn the other cheek. Reward in the hereafter. I like people and I've never wanted to hurt them. That's a great mistake. Do you suppose I ever worry whether I tread on the other fellow's toes? No. I don't suppose you do. There you are. Here I am, sweet and cosy for life. Or for as long as your life lasts. That's rotten whiskey, Marshall. Shopkeeper's whiskey. It's hot, isn't it? You see, Marshall, your lot were created to make life easier for my sort. Meek inherited the earth and she inherited the meek. Not bad. Whiskey's bad, though. Tastes like, like... Dext as anodyne, perhaps? Dext. Never heard of it. You're a coward, Marshall. That's how I got you. There's no more fight than a sheep killer. A fly. Oh, the whiskey. You poison. I can't. I can't. In just a moment, our stars will be back with act three of The Suspect. Meanwhile, here's Mrs. Smith getting some extra special help in her kitchen. Oh, Jim, you don't need to bother with those dishes. I want you to rest while you're home. These are a cinch, Mom, for anybody who's done KP. Hey, don't throw that fat away. Why? It's only a little scrap left on this plate. They wouldn't let you get away with that in the army, Mom. Why, they even save the soup skimmings and render down every bit of leftover solid fat. All you have to do is melt it in the oven, you know. Is it really that important, Jim? They tell us there's enough fat thrown away right in this country every year to equal what we used to import from the Far East. And boy, we sure need that used fat. Yes, we do need that used fat desperately, and most of it will have to come from the kitchens of America. Our pre-war imports of a billion pounds a year have been cut off. We need fat for literally thousands of uses on the war front, on the home front, too. For instance, used fats help to make munitions, medicines, military and civilian soaps, synthetic rubber, and coatings to protect ships, tanks, and fabrics. But with meats of scarce, how can I save more? By saving every single drop of used grease, no matter how burnt or black. Render down all scraps. That's very important. Keep it in can handy on the stove. Rush it to your butcher when it's full. If you live in a rural district and have trouble in disposing of your used fat, call your county agent or home demonstration agent. And remember, for every pound you turn in, your butcher will give you four cents and two red ration points. Your government needs your help in this vital matter. Won't you save and turn in all you can? We return to Thomas Mitchell and our stars. Act three of the suspect. Starring Charles Lawton as Philip, Hela Reigns as Mary, Rosalind Even as Cora, and Dennis Green as Gilbert Simmons. Only a few minutes have passed since the lifeless body of Gilbert Simmons crumpled at Philip Marshall's feet. Calmly and thoroughly, Philip has started to remove all evidence. The whiskey bottle, the glass, the vial of Dexter's anodine. But suddenly, he frees himself in terror. Voices he quickly recognizes are clamoring at the front door. He has no time to think. Dragging Simmons' body to the parlor, Marshall hides it under the sofa and then, collecting his shattered nerves, he opens the front door. Hello, Philip. Hello, darling. I'm Sebel, I'm John. How are you and all of you? I'm sorry I took so long. I was upstairs. Oh, our whole weekend spoil. Oh, this miserable rain. Does it always rain at Margaret? Always when we go there. Let's go in the parlor. We can start a fire. A parlor? Yes, why not? A fire and a spot of something to warm us up. Yes, of course. A double spot to warm us up, eh, Sebel? Make yourselves at home. Philip, whiskey's in the cupboard, isn't it? Philip! Yes? Come on, help me find the whiskey. I'm sorry, darling, but there isn't any. Oh, Philip, is that what you do when my back is turned? How about some sherry? Fine. It's right here. Shame you had such bad weather. Oh, well, it was lonely without you anyway. Well, we'll try it again before long. Come now, help me take these glasses in. Oh, Sebel, I'm not gonna bite you. Come on. Look at those two lovebirds on the sofa. Yes, they're... Philip, what's the matter? Nothing. Ah, liquid sunshine to replace the real thing, eh? Sebel? Thank you, Mr. Marshall. Oh, I'll share, Sebel. No, you won't either. Now, John, this... Ah! What's the matter? Sebel, what nonsense. Oh, but it did. Oh, but I'm sure of it. Now, don't get excited. Here, let me reach under. Sebel, I... I joke there is. There is something under there. Oh, huh. And here's your spook, the cat. The cat? I'm silly, Avilee. Oh, Sebel, six o'clock. Our bus. Yeah, I'm goodfully sorry, but we must run. Of course, only come again soon, Sebel. Oh, it was ever so nice of you, Mrs. Marshall. Mr. Marshall. Come, John. Here, now, take an umbrella. Thanks, Dad. Good night, Mary. Good night. Good night. Good night. Philip, I believe John's really smitten. I dare say she's a pretty little thing. Oh, but hardly a thought in her head. I should hate to see him throw himself away like that. Wouldn't you? Wouldn't I, what? You weren't listening. Oh, I'm sorry. Philip, you look positively done in. Has anything happened? Of course not. Don't try to put me off. You've got something on your mind. Well, it's a matter of fact. Oh, come on, now, no secrets between us. All right, Mary, no secrets. How would it be if we packed up and went off with John? What do you mean? I mean to leave London, to leave England, go off with John to Canada. Canada? Might be fun, rather. The more I think of the idea, the more I like it. But you haven't been happy here, have you? Well, it... I thought when we had the house done over that you'd forget. It's no use, is it? You mustn't blame yourself, Mary. I'd be happy anywhere with you. Thank you, darling. Do you want to know something? Nothing would please me more than to leave this house. We'd be much better off any place else in the world. You mean that? Let's go with John. It's a wonderful idea. I'm so happy I could dance. Now, look here, my girl. You're dancing off to bed. You've had a long, hard day. But I want to clear things up. I'll clear everything up. There's only these few glasses, and I run along with you. Pleasant dreams. I'll dream of our Canada. You won't be long down there. Don't wait for me. I've got a few things to do. Good night, dear. Goodbye, Mr. Marshall. I don't know what the firm will do without you. Well, it's very nice of you to stand, and you've all been so wonderfully kind with the walking stick and the inscription. Mr. Fraser himself composed it. You're sailing tomorrow, sir? Yes, I can hardly believe it. Well, I expect you're eager to get away, especially now. How do you mean, especially now? I mean, with all that's been going on next door to you, I read in the papers about your neighbor disappearing. Oh, Simmons, of course, is not the first time that he's dropped out of sight. Been gone a week now, though. My wife's cousin lives in the next street. You know, the police have been there. Who saw Gilbert Summer's come? Who saw him go? Who saw him last? I expect they've been seeing you, too. The police? No, no, not yet. That's odd. And you, his next-door neighbor? You'll say goodbye to Merid you for me, won't you? I'm so sorry to not see you. Oh, the lad's on an errand. He'll be heartbroken, but I'll tell him, sir. Thank you. Goodbye. And good luck to all your family. Won't you come in? I just dropped in to say goodbye, Mrs. Simmons, and to thank you for giving our cat a home. But I've always loved animals, and now that I'm alone so much... Have you had any news of Gilbert? Not a word. Oh, I suppose this latest disappearance is the talk of every gossip in the neighborhood. Well, you know, when you get the police hanging about, it does set a lot of tongues wagging. I wish there was something I could do. You've always been so very kind, but there's nothing anybody can do. Sometimes when Gilbert goes away like this, I almost wish he wouldn't come back. I'd go and stay with my sister and her children in Devon, but it's only a dream. He always does come back. I can't tell you how sorry I am, Mrs. Simmons, and I think we know each other well enough for me to say, but I hope that someday soon, you'll be able to go back to Devon. Five more minutes till we sail. I can't believe that my heart's thumping so. Oh, where did John go? John's below in the person's office, taking care of the tickets. Mary, Mary, you're sure you won't regret this. Regret it? Oh, darling, we're going to be terribly happy in Canada. You and I and John. I feel that too. Listen, isn't that for you? Mr. Marshall. Oh, Stuart. I'm Mr. Marshall. Oh, there's a gentleman here to see you, Mr. Marshall. Who is he? What's his name? I'm sorry, sir. Mr. Marshall, it's me. Oh, Mary, too. Mr. Marshall, I didn't want you to sail, sir, without saying goodbye. Mary, this is my fellow worker, Mary, too. I'm very glad to know you. I brought you a present, Mr. Marshall. A present? It's a solvent remedy from Alde Mayor. Sea sickness, Mr. Marshall. I bought it with my own money. That was very thoughtful of you, Mary, too. Wasn't it, Mary? Indeed it was. Well, take good care of it. And I wish you the best of luck and health, Mr. Marshall. And, uh, you, Mom. And, um, I'm very much beholden to you. And, um, Mother says how she hopes I'll grow to be as good a man as you are. Well, I don't know about being good, Mary, too, but if you're half as happy as I am. Well, I'd best be going, sir. Mary, do you come here and I'll look at me. Would you promise me that you'll be a good boy always? And here's a present for you. Oh, thank you, sir. And, Mom, goodbye. Goodbye, Mary, dear. Hmm. Oh, here you are. Oh, the ticket's all right, son. We're all straightened out. But the baggage, I never saw so many bags. They're all in your state room. Uh-huh. And my pull-overs in one of them, and I don't know which. I'll help you find it, Larry. Come along. Coming, Philip? I think I'll step down to the lounge and have a drink. Yes, sir? What's yours, sir? Scotch and soda. Scotch and soda, yes, sir. Well, well, hello there, Marshal. Inspector Huxley. Yes. Turn up everywhere, don't you? Yes, it does seem so. Are you sailing or seeing somebody off? Sailing. Good. Marvelous country, Canada. I came down to see an old friend off, name of Pennyfeather. Hope you'll meet him. I daresay he'll see to that. What do you mean? Oh, you think he's one of our men? Of course I do. Oh, nonsense, your wife's death was an accident. The case is closed. Well, goodbye, and good luck. Oh, by the way, you seen the afternoon paper? No. That missing neighbor of yours, Gilbert Simmons. What about Simmons? He's turned up at last. You don't say so. Yes. Let's see now what page is it. Oh, here we are. See, a man's body found. A body identified as Gilbert Simmons of 28 La Burnham Terrace was taken last night from the muddy waters of a canal. While first indications pointed to suicide, police believe Simmons may have been murdered. Dear me, they shot at Simmons? Oh, quite. It's him all right. Oh, ghastly. Must have fallen in the canal when he was tight. No, he was thrown in when he was dead. You mean to tell me he was murdered? In cold blood. Poisoned. How shocking. You know who did it? What? You know who did it? Oh, yes, yes. Who? His wife. No. Oh, yes. Perfectly clear case. She had a motive, you know. He was a first-class rotter. He used to knock her about. She admits it. And besides, the stuff they found in his stomach was identical with some sleeping drug that she had in the house. Anodyne. But that's absurd. That woman couldn't have dragged the body to the canal. Why not? It's only a few feet to the end of the garden. She wouldn't have had the strength. Oh, my dear chap. When it's a matter of finding strength or swinging on the gallows. Oh, it won't come to that. No jury would convict her. They all convict her without even getting out of the box. Do you realize she hasn't any alibi while she was in the house the whole time? Oh, I say I didn't mean to upset you. I didn't dream that she's innocent. Oh, really? Have you any proof? No. But you can't live next door to a person for eight years without knowing something about them. Oh, my dear Marshal. When it comes to knowing what's in other people's hearts. Oh, there's my man now. Oh, Pennyfeather, coming. Well, goodbye, old chap. Now, don't let it worry you. It's no affair of yours, you know. Bon voyage. Your whiskey, sir. There goes the ship, Inspector. And I must say, begging you pardon, I don't understand your methods. What methods? Philip Marshall kills a man in cold blood and we let him sail away. Just like that. Well, Sergeant, what else could I do? If Marshall killed Simmons, it must have been because he also killed his wife. He was afraid Simmons would testify. Of course. That's what we hope for. Yes, but with Simmons dead, we haven't a chance to prove a thing. So he gets clean out of our hands. He never was in our hands. The other way around, if anything. There's only one thing that'll bring him to heel, and that's his own sense of decency. Decency? A murderer? Philip Marshall is not a killer, not by nature. He's a man just the same as you and I. Huh. That's the reason I gave him that cooked up story about Mrs. Simmons. He believed every word. He thinks we really believe she killed her husband. I felt sure he wouldn't let an innocent woman suffer for a thing he did himself, but... Ah, but it looks as though I was wrong, doesn't it? I would have made a bet that you were wrong all the time. Sergeant. You still want to bet? Look, it's him. It's Marshall. My hat's off to you, Inspector. Thank you, Sergeant. Shall I grab him? No. He's getting away. No, no, he isn't. He thinks he's done a pretty big thing. Let's leave him alone. He'll come to us when he's ready. Just keep an eye on him in the meantime. Hey, sir. What? What did you say? Take you somewhere? Uh, take me somewhere. Oh, yes. Where to, Governor? Scotland Yard. All deserved applause for our stars who have made the suspect so exciting an experience. Charles Lawton, Heller Reigns, and Rosalind Even. You know, Rosalind, you were so convincing that if Charles hadn't murdered you, I think I'd have stepped in and done it myself. Thank you, Tom. Although it's a sort of doubtful compliment. Actually, Rosalind is a very sweet and sympathetic lady, Tommy. Oh, I'm sure of that. Oh, incidentally, Charles, I hear you lost weight making the suspect. You're here. Wouldn't it be better if you said, I see you've lost weight? Well, let's leave it the way it was. Actually, I did it with a strenuous party motion. And Heller put on several pounds. How do you count for that? Well, you know women that are always contradictory. How'd you do, Rosalind? Gain or lose? Oh, I held my own. Actually, it was a very great experience making that picture, wasn't it, Heller? Uh-huh. You know, as manager of a tobacco shop during the picture, Charles could help himself to all the cigarettes he wanted. Hmm. Too bad it wasn't a drug or grocery store. Then you could have helped yourself to luxe toilet soap. You certainly slipped that in fast, Tommy. Oh, that wouldn't have been necessary, Tommy. We have our own supply of luxe toilet soap, both Rosalind and I. And use it regularly on an ad. Proving you're wise as well as charming. And the best way I know of saying thank you is to tell you what we've got for next week, which is something rather special. It's the unusual and gripping universal screen hit only yesterday. And we're starring Ida Lapino and Robert Young. This is the story of a man, a man on the brink of ruin who remembers a girl he once loved long ago, a girl who has carried the torch for him through many bitter years of separation. And with that memory, his hand has stayed from suicide and his life rededicated to a new goal and an old love. Sounds like a fine play, Tommy. Indeed it does. I wouldn't want to miss it. Good night. Good night. Good night. And thanks to all of you. Our sponsors, the makers of luxe toilet soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Luxe Radio Theatre presents Ida Lupino and Robert Young in Only Yesterday. This is Thomas Mitchell saying good night from Hollywood. Charles Lawton and Ella Reigns appeared through the cooperation of Universal Pictures, producers of Walter Wanger's Salome, where she danced. Thomas Mitchell appeared through the courtesy of 20th Century Fox, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary. He can soon be seen in Captain Eddie. Heard in tonight's play were Dennis Green as Gilbert Simmons, Lester Matthews as Huxley, and Trudemarsen, Norman Field, Anthony Ellis, Eric Snowden, Tommy Cook, Alec Harford, Charles Seal, Claire Verdera, Gloria Gordon, and Tom Collins. Our music was directed by Louis Silvers. This program is broadcast to our Fighting Forces overseas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. And this is your announcer, John M. Kennedy, reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear Only Yesterday with Ida Lupino and Robert Young. It's spry for cakes, spry for pies, spry for all you bake and fry. Yes, spry is top notch for baking and frying, but have you tried spry in white sauces for enriching vegetables? Save butter for table only. Use spry for all your cooking. Remember, there's a word for pure all vegetable shortening at its creamy best, spry S-B-R-Y. Be sure to listen in next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theatre presents...