 of the Texas Rangers starring Joel McRae as Ranger Jase Pearson. Another authentic re-enactment of a case transcribed from the files of the Texas Rangers. The following story are fictitious for obvious reasons. The events themselves are a matter of record. Beginning today and continuing all week, there are many new programs returning to the NBC schedule. And you'll find a couple of your old favorites in new time periods as well. Today, Theatre Guild on the Air returns for the fall season on NBC with the special dramatization of the Wisteria Trees, co-starring Helen Hayes and Joseph Cotton. Later, Dragnet, the authentic stories of your police force in action, begins a new series of Sunday evening broadcasts. On Tuesday, NBC's own Red Skelton returns to the fold to bring you 30 minutes of his hilarious addicts. And the same day, Tuesday, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis also begin a new series on the NBC radio network. Thursday evening, you'll find truth or consequences on a new day at a new time, too. So, better check your local newspaper for the correct time of all these wonderful programs on this NBC station. Remember, today, here both Theatre Guild on the Air co-starring Helen Hayes and Joseph Cotton and Dragnet for action-packed listening on NBC. Now, today is Tales of the Texas Rangers. And now, from the files of the Texas Rangers, the case called Drive-In. It is 9.45 on a Saturday night in July 1947. At a drive-in theater three miles outside Corvall, Texas, a boy and his late teens walks between the rows of cars on the darken lot and approaches an old convertible park near the exit. And the driver's seat of the convertible of 15-year-old girl sits watching the movie. Let's see. They're getting ready to leave. I got you. Turn it off. It's time to be watching a movie. Now, you might have to start driving in any minute. They're really getting ready to leave. You should have left 20 minutes ago. Oh, maybe they wanted to see the show again. It's a good picture. Oh, it sure is a pretty car they got. They ought to have a lot of money. What do you think I picked it? How much money do you reckon we'll get from her? How do I know? You said if we used to get $100, we could get married. Yeah. Maybe if we used to get $200, we could go to Dallas for a honeymoon. Could we have? Sure, baby. Because I've never been at Dallas. Uh, you got your gun ready to use on now? Well, you quit your yapping. Okay, okay. Don't be trying to make sure everything goes good. It sound like you're doing more than you. Yeah, sure I do, baby. You know that. Done nothing but yell at me the whole night. I've been trying to think. This thing has to go off just right. Now, you know what you got to do. Sure. Where can you shoot them, people? Maybe. Think I'm in trouble. Wish I could be there when you used the gun. You scared them so bad they won't... Here they come. Oh, shoot them? I've been watching that car, haven't I? It's exciting. I can hardly wait. Now, don't forget, baby. Pick me up at that spot I showed you. And remember, don't drive too close behind us. Okay. Hey, mister! Mister! Oh, what's the trouble? My car's out of gas. Can you give me a ride to the nearest villain's station? Well, I reckon we can. All right, will you roof? Oh, sure, Jim. I'll be in the back, son. We'll take you. Oh, thanks a lot, mister. I'm sure glad you stopped me. My girl and me, we've been waiting 20 minutes for someone to come out. Did you like the picture? What? Oh, oh, yes, ma'am. Real good. We thought so, too. We almost stayed to see you second time. Now I can turn on my headlights now. They make you keep your parking lights on on these drive-ins. I almost miss seeing you standing there. Sure luck if me, you didn't. My girl's supposed to be home early. Gosh, I feel like kicking myself, letting the car run out of gas. Maybe we can bring you back to the villain's station. It might be a long time for you to get a ride otherwise. Oh, you don't have to do that, mister. Oh, we'll be happy to do it. Oh, way on it. Oh, of course it will. I remember how it was. My wife's folks were always reading the riot act to me for bringing her home late. We didn't have drive-in movies. Shut up, mister. What? Right here? When you get to the crossroad, turn left, away from town. What? Do like I say. You don't. I'm going to put a bullet right in your head. Oh, Jim. Look here. Put that talking. Now turn left. Just so you know, I ain't fooling. I'm clicking this hammer back. Do you hear it, mister? What is it you want? You'll find out. You won't get away with this, son. I told you to quit talking. You're making a big mistake. Why don't you shut up? Jim, don't argue with him. Do what he says, please. He's right. You want to live, you do just what I say. Now drive faster. I said faster. How much further do you want me to go? I'll tell you when to stop. You have to press that gun so hard in the back of my neck. I'm keeping it right where it is. Jim, don't argue with him. This is far enough. Stop. Now we're all getting out. Out this side, lady. I still got this gun cock, mister. Now throw your wallet and purse into the car both times. Throw them in her. Okay. Now start walking down the road. You look back once and I'll... Put you in my vehicle. Now just hold on. Keep walking. An hour later, the couple stopped the passing truck, which took them into the sheriff's office at Corvell. The sheriff, who was in another part of the county, was notified. They ordered an all-points bulletin to be sent out on the stolen car and requested the Texas Rangers to begin the investigation. Upon arrival at the sheriff's office, Ranger Jase Pearson began taking statements from the two victims. Now I'd just like to go over a few things to make sure we have them straight. Mr. Harper, you say you had $37 in your wallet? That's right, Ranger. And Ruth had five in her purse. Five and some change, Jim. It was closer to six. The boy who robbed you, all you remember about him is that he was heavy set and not too tall. Well, I know he was shorter than Ruth and she's five foot eight. Wish we could tell you more, but it was pretty dark the whole time he was with us. Couldn't get a good look at his face. Ranger, I just remembered something about him. I forgot to tell you before. I don't know if it'll help. Anything will help, Mrs. Harper. Well, I didn't notice that he had his sleeves rolled up right to his shoulders like he was trying to show off his muscles. I see. Now about this girl the fella said he was with. Did you? Oh, hello, Sheriff. Hello, Jase. Folks, I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner, but at least I got some good news for you. Oh, what's that, Sheriff? They found your car just a few minutes ago. Oh, that's a relief. Where'd they find it, Sheriff? A couple of minutes ago. Where the holdup took place? Just got it on the radio as I was driving up. I told them I'd relay the message on to you. Well, can someone take us out there? Well, that won't be necessary, Mr. Harper. They're towing it in right now. Towing it in? Yes, ma'am, so they won't destroy any evidence. Well, I'm sure glad we've got it back. The fella that held you folks up, was he working alone? Mr. Mrs. Harper think there was a girl in it with him. That's right, but like we told the ranger, we didn't see her. She probably followed and picked him up after he ditched your car. That sounds like the tow truck coming in now. Yeah, that's him. I expect we'd better get out there. I sure hope that little rat didn't get my typewriter. Typewriter? Yeah. I was bringing it home to do some work over Sunday. Put it in the back seat of the car when Ruth picked me up at the office. Well, it won't be long before we know if he took it. That boy seems so nice at first. Who is it? Just no telling about people, is there? No, ma'am. Especially that one. Back in my house. Still hurts where he was pressing the gun against it. Oh, that kid vicious. Real vicious. We'll do everything we can to catch him before he gets rough with anybody else. The car is right over there. I'll make you out a receipt for it. Will you have to keep it here? Only for tonight, till the lab has a chance to go over it. We'll see that you get a ride home. Oh, thanks, Sheriff. Let me see. Oh, wait a minute, Mr. Harper. Don't touch the door handle. It hasn't been gone over for Prince yet. Oh, sorry, ranger. It's all right. Just shine my light through the window. Oh, that's what I was afraid of. Typewriter's gone. I don't suppose you know the serial number. No, but I reckon I've got it at home with a guarantee. We'll alert dealers and second-hand stores in case he tries to sell it someplace. Honey, didn't you have a package in there, too? Oh, why, yes. I almost forgot about it. A couple pairs of stockings I bought this afternoon. Where'd you buy them, ma'am? Huggers' dress shop. Am I telling us the brand and size? They were MoJud, size 10. They were MoJud, size 10. You know if any other place in town carries that brand of stockings? No, I'm sure they don't, ranger. Thanks, ma'am. I reckon we can let you folks go home now. Mr. Harper, will you phone us as soon as you find out that typewriter number? Sure, we'll, ranger. I'll get my deputy to give you a ride. Sandy? Yeah? Would you take Mr. Miss Harper home in your car? Right. Thanks. Come on, honey. Oh, sure. Be glad to get home. What do you want to do tomorrow, Jayce? Check with the manager at the drive-in theater? Yeah, I'd also like to talk to the owner. The shop where those stockings were bought. Jayce, I can understand why you wanted that typewriter number, but why do you want to know all about the stockings? It's just possible that the girl in that hold-up team will come in and try and exchange the stolen stockings for a different size. She wouldn't have to change them if she wears the same size as Mrs. Harper. I don't think she does. The boy who robbed the Harper's is short. From what they said about him, I doubt if he's the type who'd go with a girl taller than he is. Certainly not one as tall as Mrs. Harper. Well, suppose the girl is short. She could still take a large stocking size. Yeah, but the ones Mrs. Harper bought were ten and a half long. Nobody but a tall person would want to wear them. You could be right, Jayce. I'll phone the woman who owns the dress shop first thing in the morning. It's only a chance, but I believe it's worth a try. The following morning was Sunday. The lab crew had completed its work and found nothing that would help us. At 10 a.m., the sheriff called Mrs. Herger, the owner of the dress shop, and asked her to come down and open up her store. She agreed to meet us in 15 minutes. We went there and waited. The main street sure is quiet Sunday morning. Uh-huh. You'd never believe this street was chocked full of cars yesterday. Didn't Mrs. Herger say she was coming right down? Sure, Jayce, but you know how women are. She'll be along. I sure hope she'll be able to locate the sales slip on those stockings. And we're lucky today, Sunday. If the girl does try to exchange them, she won't be able to do it all tomorrow. Leave that to Mrs. Herger's car now. Coming around the corner. Yep, that's her. Hello, Sheriff! Well, hotty, Mrs. Herger. Oh, excuse me for being late. But Emory took off in the car and I had to wait till he got back. That's all right, ma'am. That Emory. Every time I need the car, he's got it. Sorry, we had to trouble you in the first place. Oh, no trouble. You wanted to see the sales slip I made out for Ruth Harper on those stockings. Is that right, Ranger? Yes, ma'am. Let's go in the store. Let's see, where's that key? Yeah. Luckily, I got a couple of police officers with me. Somebody had me arrested for breaking in my own store. Would you like us to wait here while you look up that slip? No. Come on over to the counter. It might take me a while to find it, seeing as how Mrs. Harper doesn't have a charge account. I'll just get my sales book. She came in here about four o'clock yesterday, didn't she? I believe she said it was about five. Yeah, I remember now. You know what size she bought? Ten and a half long. Let's see. No, no, that's mediumly. Ah, well, here it is. Two pairs of ten and a half long. She gave me a $10 bill. What's the number on the sales slip, Mrs. Herger? Five-O-Four-O. You want to take it along, Ranger? No, ma'am, we just want to remember it. A girl may come in and try to exchange those stockings. If she does, we'd like you to phone us and keep her here till we come. How am I going to do that? We'll leave that up to you, but it's important that she stays in this store till we get here. When do you figure she'll show us? Maybe tomorrow, maybe the next day, maybe not at all. You think you can handle it? Well, I never tried anything like this before, but I'll do my best. When we left Mrs. Herger's store, we went to see the manager of the drive-in theater. He didn't recall seeing anyone who answered the vague description of the boy which the Harpers had given us, but he did tell us the names of a number of people who had been at the theater the night before. We questioned them, and several remembered seeing a boy with his sleeves rolled up to the shoulders. He'd been with a young girl in a convertible. He took statements from these witnesses. Around two o'clock on Monday afternoon, we had them come into the showroom to sign their statements. Here you are, Mr. Hammer. Sign all six copies, please. Miss Lindsay, here's your statement. Are you sure where to sign the sheriff? Sure, Jayce. I'll get it. Ranger Pearson. I can't talk loud. What is it, ma'am? To exchange him. We'll be right over. I don't know how long I can keep her, Ranger. You better hurry. Two or three girls in there, Jayce. Yeah. I don't see Miss Herger. There she is now. Coming toward the front of the store. Ranger. Where is she, ma'am? Look over my shoulder straight down the counter. See the one at the end with the mousy hair? Uh-huh. Where are the stockings she brought in? On the counter, right next to where she's standing. Sales lip is there, too. Thanks, Miss Herger. Hey, you were right about her not being tall. Yeah. I think she's got an idea we're coming after. Yeah, looks nervous, all right. Don't think she'll try to run before I do you, Jayce. In one direction she can go right out this way. Excuse me, Miss. Hey. We'd like to see those stockings. They're mine. If you don't mind, we'll take a look at the sales slip. Now there it is on the counter, Jayce. I'll get it. You leave them stockings alone. Sales slip checks out 504-0. Give me them stockings. Well, I didn't steal them. Maybe not, but we'd like to hear all about how you did get them. Come on, Miss. In just a moment, we will continue with Tales of the Texas Rangers starring Paul McCray as Ranger Jayce Pearson. We often hear the phrase the American way. But do you ever stop to think just what that means? Of course it means many things. Our traditions of freedom, our democratic government, and our system of justice. But a fundamental part of the American way is our economic system. Our economic system is not perfect. That's a simple historical fact. But the American economic system has brought greater material means and more people than any other system the world has ever known. Especially in these critical times, all of us should work to defend and improve this system. And the best way to defend and improve our economic system is to learn how it works. You can get a free booklet explaining our economy by writing to Box 10 Times Square Station New York City. Just write to Box 10 Times Square Station New York City and ask for your free copy of The Miracle of America. Now back to Tales of the Texas Rangers. We continue now with Tales of the Texas Rangers and our authentic story, Drive In. We took the girl with us. In the car we learned that her name was Grace Maud Compton. She lived in a house in the outskirts of town with her mother who worked as a waitress in an all-night diner. When we questioned Grace Maud about Saturday night's robbery, she was sullen and denied knowing anything about it. We took her out and discussed the matter with her mother. On the way, we tried to talk to her some more. Her sullenness changed to hysteria. She didn't steal those doggins and I didn't rob nothing from no people in the car. Your boyfriend did and you helped. I ain't got a boyfriend. Where were you Saturday night, Grace Maud? I keep telling you I was home. But you can't prove it. Why do I have to prove it? Why do you keep picking on me? Nobody's picking on you. Is she happy when she finds out you're in trouble? I ain't in trouble. Besides, you can't talk to Maud. She's sleeping. I'm afraid we'll have to wake her up. Maud, I don't like to be woke up. She gets sore when she's woke up before getting up time. That's your place up ahead? Yeah. Nice little house. That dumb. Bet your ma works hard to keep it up that nice. Don't start preaching on me. Everybody's always preaching at me. Go ahead, Grace Maud. Come on. Don't tell me just like you're a new one. Come on, let's go. Now, look, Grace Maud. If you haven't done anything, you don't have to be afraid. I ain't afraid. Then we'll just have a little talk with you and your mother. Nothing she can tell you. We'll see about that. Come on. Told you I couldn't do nothing. I ain't afraid of you or her. All right, to go in? Yeah. George's in line. Go get your mother. I didn't know she... What's the matter, ma'am? I'll be right out. You see, I'll catch it. You woke her up and I'm going to catch it. You have anything you want to tell us before your mother comes out? Can you go picking on me again? All right, Grace Maud. You're the way I look. I worked all night and I was sleeping. I'm sorry we had to wake you up, ma'am. What's this all about? I didn't do nothing. Be quiet, Grace Maud. We think your daughter might have had something to do with your mother. What makes you think Grace Maud mixed up in anything like that? She tried to exchange a couple of pairs of stockings in a store in town today. They were stolen along with some money and a typewriter. But I didn't steal and don't let them tell you I stole them, ma'am. You be quiet. Are you sure they were stolen? There's no doubt about it, ma'am. I've tried to bring her up right. I haven't been with her as much as I should be working like a doonite. But I can't believe she'd do anything real bad. I didn't, ma'am. I've never seen her in the robbery. Boyfriend. You've been going out with that Al again. I thought I told you to stay away from him. I ain't seen him in a long time. I swear I ain't. What's Al's last name, Mrs. Compton? I don't know. He works on one of the ranches near here. I didn't like the way he acted with Grace Maud. He's too old for her. Been around too much. She's just a kid. I ain't a kid already growing up. You're too young to be running around with men. Will you go around with men, don't you? Why, you... You can't tell me again. What's Al's last name, Grace Maud? You're lying. Maybe not, but you're not going out of this house again until I tell you. Oh, that ain't fair. You promised me I could go to the double feature night. I don't care what I promise. You're not going. I'm sorry, Ranger. You want to ask me some questions? Mrs. Compton, we don't want to hold your daughter if she's innocent. But she hasn't told us where she got those stockings. We hope you'd make her understand how serious this is. But I want you to tell me the truth. Where'd you get those stockings? Where did you get them? I want the truth. I found them. Where'd you find them, Grace Maud? On the street, outside the drugstore. Why didn't you tell us this before? Because I knew you'd think I stole them. You're telling the truth? Sure, I'm telling the truth. This is what I get for trying to be nice. Nice. What are you talking about? I was going to give them to you for your birthday. I found the stockings. I'm sure you weren't getting them for yourself. No, I wasn't. I was just trying to surprise you. I never had no money to buy you a decent present. Well, you might if you got a job once in a while. I was trying to do it to give you something nice for your birthday and nobody believed me. Grace Maud, were you really going to give me those stockings? Sure, I was. And some of the nels you don't know. I've been looking for a job. All this week I was looking. Grace Maud... This morning I've been thinking that you were going to like them. You don't have any pretty stockings. You don't even believe me. I don't know, Ranger. I think she's telling the truth. I am. I think she is too, Mrs. Compton. Looks like we could have made a mistake. Well, you had no way of knowing. We didn't mean to cause either of you any embarrassment. Forget it, Ranger. Grace Maud, I'm sorry I yelled at you before. I appreciate you thinking about my birthday. I'll get you something real nice. You just wait. Ma, can I go to that double feature tonight? I promise I won't ask you to go again until I get a job. Can I, Ma? Well, all right. I'll drop you on my way to work. Gee, thanks, Ma. I reckon we'll be going, ma'am. Come on, Sheriff. Bye, Ranger. Bye, Grace Maud. We didn't believe a word Grace Maud had said. I think she'd fooled us. We're pretty sure her plans went beyond seeing a movie that night, and we hoped sooner or later she'd lead us to her boyfriend. We waited near the house in our car till a little after seven that evening. Grace Maud and her mother came out and got into an old jalopy. We followed them into town. Mrs. Compton let Grace Maud out in front of the theater. We parked half a block down the street and waited. I reckon we got ourselves a lot of time to kill before she comes out of that picture show. Uh-huh. We'll get in touch with her boyfriend tonight. We'll just keep watching until she does. Maybe I could get a couple of deputies to stay. Grace? She didn't go in that movie house after all. No, she's starting down the street. Yeah, right toward us if she sees us working. Get down in the seats as far as you can. Lucky you haven't got your horse trader hooked on back if she'd spot us, sure. Let's just hope she doesn't see the radio aerials. I can hear her now. Sounds like she's still heading this way. Yeah, keep it low, Sheriff. Are you sure she'd notice us? Where's she going? She just turned the corner into a side street. Come on. You reckon she's going someplace to meet him now? It's hard to say. I've been thinking about this, pal. Grace Maud's mother mentioned today. Wondering if he's the one we're after. So have I. I didn't want to ask too many questions about him. Watch it going around the corner, Sheriff. Hey, Jayce, with that film, the convertible, it's her. They're pulling away. They picked up the sheriff. The convertible was out of sight. The sheriff thought they'd headed toward the main highway leading out of town. He was right. We spotted them just past the town limits. After three miles of hard driving, we began to gain on them. Five minutes later, we were a hundred yards behind the convertible. They see us, Jayce. He's stepping it up a little. It's just what we're going to do. Want me to try a shot at their tires? I don't think so. We'll pull alongside of them. We're making it. Yeah, yell at them to pull over. Pull over, you! Pull over to the side. Watch yourself. He's going to shoot. Hang on, Sheriff. Force them over. He's making a break for that brush. Stay with the girl. I'll get him. Drop the gun, you. I'm warning you. If you don't want to get hurt, come out of that brush with your hands up. I don't want to hurt your son. Drop that gun and come out with your hands up. This is your last chance. Give me that gun. Now get up. Wait. Let's go. Oh, listen to that. Shut up, you big mouth. Come on. Handcuff them together, Sheriff. Not enough. I wish I had my gun. I'd put a slug right on your stupid head. Come on, Sheriff. Let's get these two back to town. In just a moment, we will tell you the results of the case you have just heard. NBC means comedy. This is the day this week for you to start laughing with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and Red Skelton. That's right, this Tuesday evening you will hear both these great comedy programs when they begin the new fall season on NBC and this station. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis will have Rosemary Clooney as their guest this Tuesday evening, and Miss Clooney will sing her popular version of Bacchemy. Red Skelton promises a visit from Junior, the mean widow kid, and Dead Eye, America's favorite cowpoke. Thursday evening, don't be surprised because this popular program has switched days and is now a regular Thursday evening feature on the NBC radio network. And today, Sunday, there's more big news for listeners. Theatre Guild on the Air returns today with Helen Hayes and Joseph Cotton co-starred in the Theatre Guild production of the Wisteria Trees. Another important program note is this one. Dragnet has moved to Sunday. Yes, here Dragnet tonight on NBC. Now back to Tales of the Texas Rangers. And now here are the results of the case you have just heard. A typewriter identified as the one stolen from Jim Harper was found among Al Bennett's possessions. Bennett confessed to the robbing of Harper and his wife, naming Grace Maud Compton as his accomplice. Grace Maud was sent to the state school for girls at Gainesville. Al Bennett was convicted of armed robbery and is now serving a 25-year term at Huntsville Penitentiary. Now here is an important announcement from the star of our show, Joel McCray. Folks, tonight marks the concluding performance for a while at least of Tales of the Texas Rangers. We've really enjoyed bringing these stories to you and hope that someday we'll be back with you again. To NBC and its affiliated stations, to Colonel Homer Garrison Jr., chief of the Texas Rangers, to Captain M.T. Lone Wolf Gonzales, our technical advisor, and to all the Texas Rangers and members of the Department of Public Safety are grateful thanks. And we're particularly grateful to those of you who have taken the time to send us your cards and letters. After all, they are the only sure way of telling that you liked our show. Thanks, folks. Thanks a lot. Good night. You have just heard Joel McCray talk about the other authentic reenactment of a case from the files of the Texas Rangers. Technical advisor was Captain M.T. Lone Wolf Gonzales of the Texas Rangers. This story was transcribed and adapted by Charles E. Israel and the program was produced and directed by Stacey Keats. Hal Gibney speaking. Tonight attend the premiere of Theatre Guild on the Arrow for NBC.