 Autolight and its 96,000 dealers present Suspense tonight Autolight brings you the lady in the red hat a suspense play starring mr. Van Heflin The way the woman was killed last night proves he's right That's the point of suppressing the articles. Is there any doubt in your mind that this new murder was committed by the Avenger? No, mine either. So what? All right, okay chief Hello Mitch who's that chief nailer. Yeah, they want us to stop those articles you're writing. Oh What's the matter? Well, it's not so much the Avengers the way you keep harping on those theories you've got about him I think I'm right, but you've got every woman in the city scared to death That's why I want you to lay off five women have been murdered in three months and they are all wearing red in their clothes I say that means something and they want me to lay off look This isn't me we hired you to do a feature column in a Sunday supplement because you've got a big following Psychology of murder. It's a great idea, but excuse me. Yeah Yeah Yeah, we're telling this house. All right switch the call in here Use this phone Mitch. Thanks Hello. Yes, Mrs. White. Oh Thank you No, don't don't worry. That's all right Yes, I won't be home until after midnight then Bye Anything wrong? I don't know I Find out though an anonymous note slipped under my door Somebody wants me to meet the Avenger at midnight In just a moment mr. Van Heflin in the first act of the lady in the red hat Say Harlow you ever play football? Oh, what a question to ask quarterback Wilcox spark plug of the squad there. What spark plug wise quarterback I gave my voice tremendous enthusiasm Just as new ignition engineered auto light spark plugs give a motor with worn out spark plugs quick starts smooth performance And gas savings for your world famous. Well, no half But ignition engineered auto light spark plugs are world famous for quality and defendability You call the signals to Harlow, of course and our team clicks perfectly just like auto light spark plugs Spark plugs that are ignition engineered to work as a perfect team with your car's ignition system Auto light spark plugs, you know have passed rugged laboratory and field tests to win selection as original factory equipment on millions of cars and trucks So friends see your neighborhood auto light spark plug dealer soon and have worn out spark plugs replaced with new ignition engineered auto light spark plugs for smooth performance quick starts Gas savings and whether you choose the standard type or the resistor type You can't buy better spark plugs for your car because you're always right with auto light and Now with the lady in the red hat and the performance of mr. Van Heflin Auto light hopes once again to keep you in Suspended good evening. Oh Hi, Mitch. Well, I thought you were going to wait downstairs. Yeah, I was but banning one to see me Nailer calling the police department one way to stop my articles. Oh, why? Well, I'll tell you how we're eating Did they say anything about my stuff? No, no yours is straight reporting. It's theorizing the objective Maybe I'm getting too close. Have you written anything on last night's murder? I'd like to read it We'll be writing it now, but if I did I know what I'd say. Have you got something new Mitch something new Maybe I don't know yet Meet the Avenger at 12 o'clock and the Avenger could be anyone Was she the one this tall girl with long legs smart Self-possessed career woman with fresh-faced innocence We waited for the elevator. I watched and She was there with me a smile on her lips We went to a place for dinner You know Mitch, I love this place my favorite hangout after work. That's why I brought you here I was beginning to wonder why are you been so quiet? Subdued lights and warmth is that it in a way. Oh Something else too Mitch, what do you think about the Avenger? Oh, I think he's fantastic. Well, look consider the name he Well, or she has given himself the Avenger He probably wants to purge the world because of its sins. What about that nonsense about the color red? Well, that means something perhaps a sinful color the obsession of red is assembled as a tie-up That makes me a marked woman doesn't it you mean your scarf. Mm-hmm. You gave it to me remember. That's right. I Might be the man. Yes, but why couldn't the Avenger be a woman? She couldn't what about Kate last night the old woman why kill her? She wasn't pretty. She was just oh Rather obvious she worked at the follies, but she was only a scrub woman, but she worked there sinful there you are She carried a red purse too Listener, I want to tell you something something big even the editor doesn't know it a story these stories. Oh Can I have another drink? Oh, I'm sorry Mario? I Um I Got an anonymous note this morning note. That's a yes. Mr. Mitchell. Oh, uh, you got the same. Yes, please and you miss a Mitchell No, nothing. Thanks. Yes. By the way when lieutenant Dow comes in will you show him over here to this table, please? Yes Bill Dow. He's on the Avenger case Mitch are you holding out on me? You were speaking of a note anonymous did it? Did it say anything about the Avenger? Yes, yes, it did If I wanted important information about the Avenger I was to go at midnight to the community chapel on 7th It's such a lonely old building. Have you got that note with you? No, I left it at home. Oh Did it tell you to sit in the first pew and wait? You got one too this afternoon under my door at home the housekeeper called the same thing Where isn't it? I Wonder what? Oh, this isn't an ordinary tip Mitch. Don't you see I've been working on the story for the standard You've been doing your series in the magazine section psychology of murder Now supposing the Avenger sent those notes. Well Bill Dow called me earlier. He wanted to see me. Oh, I said that I was taking you out for dinner I told him to meet us here Why? The lieutenant claims that he received the note like ours, too Was she there one or was Dow Millions of people in a city in the person next to you a killer you couldn't believe it was someone you knew Never anyone you knew but maybe it was Was that then the ultimate Stimulation had it come to that to kill a stranger was not enough Now seek out the danger the extreme risk Because here was emotion emotion of friendship. This was different And who would it be? The girl on the newspaper or the policeman Are you being stubborn because you're a policeman or because you're just pigheaded lieutenant You're a reporter too much imagination. I still think it's a crackpot gag Then why did you come because Mitch and I have been working on this together because we're all friends I'm not taking any chances. I've been five murders already. She makes sense though Bill three of us all vitally interested in the case it'd be very flattering to him if we turned up at that chapel at midnight Well, I'll be there. I can tell you that I don't like it. You might be after one of us Maybe you genie. Maybe he doesn't like some of the stuff you've been writing. Maybe me maybe Or me I'm the cop who's chasing him. Yeah, I don't imagine he's particularly fond of you Bill Why not surround the chapel? No Mind you I still think it's a crank note But if it isn't this baby's too smart if he sees anything wrong, he'll get away Hmm. I think Billy wants all the credit for a dramatic capture. I'd have to share it with Mitch anyway and me You're going home. That's what you think I'm on that list. I want to be there when something happens We had dinner in that little bar somehow none of us wanted to leave outside was the night cold Through the window and on the pavement. We could see a cover of snow Snow silent and clean. I thought of a knife Flashing and then the snow soft absorbent no longer quite turning red until it spread over the entire city The neon sign outside flashed red Red Red Not our table. It was warm and candle it Then we were outside in the snow was falling You know where the chapel is bill. Yeah, it's the one on seventh around the corner from the library Funny I must have passed out a hundred times. I never noticed it. Well, most people think it's vacant. It's not in fact It's open all night How do you know genie? Well, I don't know. I guess I heard about it. Okay, we'll walk Hi, I Always used to like the snow. I looked forward to it. I don't like it tonight I've never liked it. There's something smothering about this stuff. I was in a blizzard once what happened I was lost in the woods up north nearly froze to death Snow kept coming down got my mouth my nose my eyes And after a while things didn't look quite anymore They were blurred and red Which frightens you more fear of being lost or or fear of dying Well, I don't know why Just wondered Does anybody got the time? Yeah, it's 11 o'clock We stood outside the community chapel was on a side street I remember the lamp post with its light so much brighter than usual Everything was white but not beautiful There was a murderer here In all of this great city the murderers stood looking up at a church spire and Who knew it? We went up the broad steps slowly Funny what is? If one of us were killed here, I'm gonna have a look around check any side doors. All right You stay here, huh? Yeah The music's nice There's the organist up there see why are you looking at me like that? Was I yes? Why? Perhaps I was thinking how strange it would be if one of us were the Avenger The light is bringing you mr. Van Heflin with Joan Banks and Joseph Kerns in the lady in the red hat Night's production and radio's outstanding theater of thrills Suspend Do you have a good football coach the most marvelous mentor going hap he used to say men be alive full of pep Just like ignition engineered auto light spark plugs. What a man Yeah, I used to say give me teamwork just like the teamwork of ignition engineered auto light spark plugs with the coil Distributor all the other important parts of your car's ignition system He was right too those auto light spark plugs are the spark plugs designed by auto light engineers Who design complete ignition systems used as original factory equipment on many leading makes of America's finest cars? That's why you can't buy better spark plugs for your car than auto light Well, well cocks well, but let's get back to the coach the coach. Oh, yes Yes, well whether you have a coach sedan or coupe let your friendly auto light spark plug dealer replace worn out spark plugs With ignition engineered auto light spark plugs and whether you choose the standard type or resistor type You can be sure you're always right with auto light And now auto light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage mr. Van Heflin in Elliott Lewis's production of the lady in the red hat a Tail well calculated to keep you in Suspend We stood there in the chapel looking at each other Now it had started it had been said aloud What if one of us were a killer Not the ever-present shabby man seen by witnesses loitering on a lonely street But one of us if not Jean Grey, would she think it me or build out a policeman? It was an odd game a game of fear Who'll kill cock robin? the Avenger and Who'll be cock robin one of us the Avenger? It has to be someone I believe you're serious. I am We've all been on this case since the first step perhaps one of us enjoys the publicity the thrill of killing. I don't like this place What did you find Bill? One side exit that's all we can see it from the front pew and what's the time about quarter past 11 Cold I wonder if we could get some coffee. I'll get it you two stay here. How do you like yours? Oh black the same bill right? Take it easy. Jeannie You want to sit down up in the front? No, not yet Here You weren't Yes, you read my articles. I theorized about the Avenger The analysis could fit any one of us me Why not? You're fairly strong you could have done it, but the victims have all been women. Why should I kill a woman? You like excitement danger your favorite color is red. You're a scarf. I don't You you're afraid to be touched. Well, no you like men, but you don't like them to touch you you like me That doesn't mean I'm right on Now now think of the five dead women all of them in some way Concerned with what the Avenger considers sinful It could be you are you or Bill now I've thought about him. He had a There's a lot of reason to kill Did you know that he had a wife wants to run away with another man? No Perhaps he doesn't like women very much now and It wouldn't be difficult for him to kill and get away with it easier than for most people because he's a policeman You Perhaps I'm in love in love with a girl that I can never have because of that. I hate all women Funny, I never thought of you as in love. Why not because you're so so I Don't know no You don't know we sat alone with the music It was everywhere in the chapel solemn accusing The thoughts had been spoken fear was creating suspicion and the girl with the red scarf tied about her head Sitting with folded hands beside me Looked in front of her and her eyes were on the front view. I was so long Anything happen? No. Oh, Jeannie. Oh, thanks Seems wrong drinking coffee in a chapel sinful. Oh, stop it. That's not what I meant Mitch What's the time bill 1130 I see our friend at the organ still there yeah Funny hour to practice Mitch hmm. I heard what you said to Jeannie before I mean About one of us being the Avenger. Were you kidding? No, it's crazy Why it's got to be somebody why not one of us. Oh, he's got brilliant reasons ask him We all fit not a joke anymore Mitch I know the trouble with you bill is that you think you have to look for some poor devil frothing at the mouth with his hands Covered with blood. Mr. Murder always look like a comic book conception of a murder cut it out You're not funny. I'm not trying to be I Think it more than probable that one of us could be the Avenger. We're normal Moderately attractive people but one of us thinks differently which one You're a nut maybe We drank our coffee There was an animal awareness now each of us watching the other wondering We spoke of Christmas sailing next year's Dodgers. We spoke of everything but the Avenger and of 12 o'clock Hey What wonder the organist leave The lights there's only one up there must have turned the others out Be hard to see anybody coming in from the front view. Well, I'm going to take a look see if he's still around no You're not afraid to be along with me. Are you don't be an idiot if anyone comes in stay in the shadows It's nearly 12. It's well getting your places I'll be right back front view. Yes, those were the instructions quiet without music Too quiet It was nice. There are so many shadows shadows in a chat Well, that shouldn't be frightening Well, Bill be able to see us when he comes back. I think so Do you think it's him? Do you? What's the time? It's about three minutes to help you find the lights. I Don't mind it strange What when I was very young I was in a place like this Very much like this. Oh I was taken every week and every week. There was a woman who sat across the aisle She was beautiful. I Was in love with her Nobody ever talked to her my mother hated it and not my father Do you know what I found out? No, it was after my father left us He'd been in love with that woman all that time. They ran away together Oh terrible Yeah Yeah, I thought so at the time What tiny things one remembers she always wore a red hat She was beautiful But she must have been very wicked of Red head where I live they used to say that it was the shock of his leaving that killed my mother Poor Jeannie Give me your hand. No, no, you're cold. Don't please don't you're like her you look like her You even wear red Because that's your favorite color. Mitch Mitch. I'm in love with you and it's so wrong I've been in love with you ever since I met you But it's wrong. You're bad. You're like her. Don't scream. Don't Mitch I'm sorry that music stopped We've got to have music There was always the organ playing at home Come along Jeannie Where are we going upstairs to the organ loft now? Don't don't don't scream, please Don't say anything. Don't I won't I won't Mitch You're not well. I'm glad you told me. I love you too. You must believe me. I love you Mitch Please She was a clever devil Trying to win me over with talk of love. I Wasn't gonna take any chances with her. We went up the narrow steps to where the organ was Close the door behind us. I Didn't need my knife. I could smash her with my hand smash Pound the evil flat stamp it out on the floor The other five were bad that sin, but she She was like that woman at home the woman in the red hat. I knew what had to be done with her I'd known that from the day that I've met her tall with long legs fresh face Masking wickedness Stay down there bill don't don't come up. I've got her you stay there. I found her out. I've known all the time She's got to die. You know that bill That's why I sent those notes bill I had to trap her you understand sure sure I'm right Aren't I dead right Mitch? Open the door. We'll take her in together. No stay stay out there bill. I don't need your help. I can do it I'm sick, but it's all right. I'll make you better because I love you turn this thing on Just be a switch. No, no, don't don't go near that door genie. Okay, open the door. Here's one Open it a minute. Don't worry. She won't hurt me not anymore. Mitch, please Whatever I've done to you. I'm sorry. You're the woman You're always the woman in red, but not anymore I'll be all right now Play There has to be music. There was music at home at my mother's funeral play I Could play it. I don't know how to play Presented by auto light tonight star mr. Van Heflin Say will cox any standouts on your team. Why yes have more than 400 of them for Sure the more than 400 products made by auto light for cars trucks planes and boats in 28 plants from coast to coast These include complete electrical systems used as original factory equipment on many leading makes of America's finest cars coils distributors generators voltage regulators starting motors wire and cable and electric windshield wipers all Engineered to fit together perfectly work together perfectly because they're a perfect team So friends don't accept electrical parts supposed to be as good Ask for and insist on auto light original factory parts at your neighborhood service station car dealer garage or repair shop and remember you're always right with auto light next week on suspense mr. Ray Milan that star of after the movies and in weeks to come you will hear such famous stars as Alan Lads Dennis Day and Cornell Wild all appearing in tales well calculated to keep you in Suspense is produced and directed by Elliott Lewis with music composed by Lucian more awake and conducted by Ludblust The lady in the red hat was written by clock daily and was adapted for suspense by Anthony Ellis Van Heflin can soon be seen in Universal International's Technicolor production Tomahawk Postarring Yvonne DeCarlo and remember next week on suspense. Mr. Ray Milan in after the movies The familiar kettle bells are starting to ring on the street corners of America the Salvation Army again appeals for your help Make this Christmas a merry one for the unfortunate Contribute to the charitable work of the Salvation Army. It's a CBS Columbia broadcasting system