 Good evening. This is Peter Loris. Welcome to another performance dedicated to the shadier side of life. The mysterious, the criminal, the oftentimes murderous side of life. Oh, please understand that this is not that life can be beautiful or love thy neighbor. Oh, no, no, no. You know, my friends, this is the Mystery Playhouse. There's probably no stranger, no more unexplainable source of mystery than a human mind itself. It twists and turns sometimes, in labyrinthian confusion and often becomes the victim of a grim and horrible obsession. An obsession that has no relationship to the life surrounding it, but one that is very real to him who is obsessed. Listen, I am the whistler and I know many things for I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which I dare not speak. Professor Arthur Rugby had a theory. Professor Rugby is a psychologist and it is his theory. I contend that a person who has decided to kill himself can very easily be turned from this desire to the desire of taking the life of another. I can prove my theory that necessary. That is what I will do. Do you agree? Do you believe that if you were about to commit suicide, you could dissuade from your purpose and become a murderer? Professor Rugby thinks so. But he just made this strange statement to his publisher, Mr. Hellman. Hellman glances at the manuscript and smiles. The professor leans forward and asks, Well, Hellman, what do you think? It's purely conjecture, simply a theory and I wouldn't advise publishing it. But I've worked on it for a long time and it will work. What good have you accomplished if you didn't prove it as negative? It's not negative, it's positive. I know it's so silly, fancy, an ordinary human being has suffered reverses. It's sick of it all. He wants to leave it all behind him and you say he can be changed to want to kill somebody else. I do. Self-destruction and the destruction of other life are closely related in the mind. It's like while a hare's breath, the dividing line is infinitesimal. It's ridiculous. You won't publish a range you would fire me. Why? He told me that if you came in here with any more silly ideas like the last one to tell you that you're no more of a psychologist than he is, that in his opinion you should be in the asylum. Mr. Granger didn't say that, but you will think I'm crazy. You'll never like me. For some reason you're trying to tear me down. Well we'll see, Mr. Helman, we'll see. Wait a minute. I'll show you whether my words are logical. I'll show you all calm down. I'm going to make you read those words. I'm going to prove my theory and then I'll bring it to a conclusion and you'll know that my theory sounds. Good night. Professor Rugsby, keeping with resentment, rushes from the office, strides angrily down the street muttering to himself and goes home late for dinner. He finds a note from his wife, Myra, saying she's decided to go to the opera and will be home around 11.30. Then he gets an inspiration. He will find a subject for his experiment. So he goes to the bridge over the deep canyon. The bridge calls suicide. And strangely enough, he hasn't longed to wait. As he stands against the railing in the fog, a figure appears a few feet beyond. That is the distance below. Wait a minute. That's very silly. You told me. Oh no, I couldn't do that. I need you. Get away. It's 500 feet to those tracks up below. Hard steel rails. Don't believe what you've heard about not knowing what happened. Let's move. People don't always die instantly. They live in agony for minutes and sometimes for hours. It's a horrible death, I know. I'm a doctor. Doctor? Yes. I can tell you much simpler ways, much less painful ways and quicker. You're a nice looking girl, an intelligent girl. Maybe after I talk to you about you, you wouldn't want to do this at all. No. Maybe a few minutes talk will change the entire picture for you. What could you do to help me? There's a multi-back of your warning to do this and I'd like to know what it is. Nothing different. How much more any relatives, any loved ones you'd like to do something for? Yes. If you'll talk with me for a while, maybe I can find a way to help. You sound crazy to me. Oh, no. There may be many things, but I'm not crazy. All right, I'll talk to you. Where? My apartment. I might have known. No, no, no, I'm serious. I really want to talk to you. All right, I'll take it. First, you know that you're a very pretty girl, don't you? Yeah, that doesn't always mean something. You're not the right man at might. That's what I thought. I found out it didn't mean a thing. Ah, then it was because of the man. I knew it. Really? How did you guess? Well, I'm a student of psychology. A student? You're a little past student, Dave, aren't you? No, I don't write a thing. I write subjects on psychology. And professors are erupting. Ah, I see. You want to know what makes you tick? You want to know the reason behind my attitude? That's right. I'd like to know what happens to make you want to kill yourself. Of course, I did a mental aberration, you know. I'd like to know what preceded the decision to destroy yourself, and also what you thought up until that moment I stopped you on a break. What little lesson. You told me you were not broke, but also you said you had some loved ones you'd like to do something for. I meant I wasn't broke to the point of being hungry. I had a few dollars. You suggested help to someone in larger times. Yes, I did. Who was the loved one? My mother. You were her only means of support? You intend to kill yourself? Yes. That's being selfish, isn't it? Selfish? Yes, you're concentrating fully on self. Thanks, sir. What else? First law of human nature is self-preservation, right? Oh, okay. And the second law is the preservation of family. Yeah. So you decide to deny the first law, and you destroy yourself. And as a consequence, you deny the second. You leave your mother alone, and you need you. You indicate a form of insanity. What would be normal? To destroy the other person. The one who has done you wrong. Destroy him instead of yourself. Have you hurt him? No. But he has hurt you, hurt you deeply. He's done the wrong, correct? Yes. Then the one who's done the wrong should be the one to suffer. You should not kill yourself unless you're poor mother suffered because of the wrong of another. Why shouldn't he be the one to suffer? I think you're right. Why should he be? What happened? Why not tell me about it? Were you married? No. You never seem to find time to get around to marriage. What's your name? Gladys. Gladys Tannis. How long have you known him? Almost four years. Have you always thought he meant to marry? Yes. Until? Until three weeks ago. On July 13th, he had to leave town for a week on business. But he was going to Canada City. When he came back, he seemed too busy to see me. At a week ago, I found a snapshot along with several others in a desk at his home. May I see it? Certainly. The pictures were of another woman. A picture was not taken in Canada City. No. He was taken in the beach at Atlantic City. And it's stated by the finish of July 3rd. His return leaves were here to see me. And yesterday he finally said he didn't care to see me anymore. I'd better forget it. It isn't so easy, Saturday. Well, I figured I'd done something. I'd blame myself. Do you know the blonde woman in the snapshot? No. There must be a woman he has met recently. You've known him for five years. I don't think you ought to blame him. He's the one who's in the war. And he should be made to suffer. Huh? Were you ever going to kill yourself? Why should you? Kill him instead. He'd ever cross you. He deserves it. Let me go a little deeper into the situation. Whenever a person has reached the conclusion, Are you sure you've made up your mind, Mr. Allen? Positive. Now, if you're careful, you won't be caught. But whether you are or not, I'm giving you this check for a thousand dollars. It's made out of cash. It'll be sent to your mother only after the man's dead. Uh, write his name on this pattern. There you are. Now, I don't know what's happened with the newspapers. I'll withhold payment until I learn that you've gone through with it. It'll happen tonight. Very well. Are you sure you're determined? Absolutely. Absolutely. It's nothing good. Stop it. Oh, I'll tell you my reason for this. I'm a psychiatrist. I've had a theory that a person bent on suicide was a can mentally to a person bent on murder. And that the difference between the two was so slight that the suicidal desire could easily be changed to the homicidal desire. And that's what's happened to me? Exactly. Now that I know what you're getting at, I suppose I changed my mind again. There you are. I know. Here's a small revolver. It'll fit easily into your purse. All you need. What do you think it prints off with a gun to the body? Well, goodbye, Dr. Rookby. Goodbye, Gladys. And good luck. So Gladys leaves Rugsy and starts off to the house of her victim on the outskirts of town. Rugsy stands for a while lost in thought. Sam takes his hat, gets into the street, and 20 minutes later he stops his car and blocks from Hellman's bungalow. Remember Hellman? The editor who ridiculed the professor's theory? Good evening, Helen. I thought I'd drop out and have a little chat with you. Why this time of night? Eleven. Didn't think I was late for you. Come in. What's in your mind? I... I won't have talked to you about my spirit with you. Ridiculous. Definitely. My theory about suicide. Oh. Well, I... I said I'd prove it, didn't I? Yeah, but what are you getting at? It's going to be proved. My theory is going to be proved tonight. Well... Well, I hadn't proved it. It isn't funny at all. No? In the world, can you prove anything like that? What good will that do you? More than you'll ever know. I don't like you, Hellman. I've never liked you. And I know you don't like me. I can't help that, look, see? What are you staring at? Someone here with you. Certainly not. That woman at Crest on the Davenport. Huh? Well, I... My secretary got by earlier this evening, though, with the manuscript. She must have forgotten. She's not here now. Of course not. Well, continue. I found the subject. A girl who was ready to commit suicide because a man had tossed her over for another woman. In a few hours, I was successful in changing her thoughts from suicide to homicides. And she's going to kill the man tonight. What do you think of that? There may be a dozen murders tonight. Ah, but you'll know which one I mean. You will know about this murder. What do you mean? Because I'm going to tell who the victim's going to be. If you know who the intended victim is, why don't you stop it? But I wouldn't have proved my theory. You put the girl up to it. You're insane, what do you think, so, Hellman? No sane man would ever think of such a youthful, senseless idea if I haven't made it stop laughing. I'm thinking about the victim. What do you learn? Who is the victim? Morton Hellman. What? Yes, you. Who is the girl? I know of no girl who want to kill me. Well, this one does. No. I wouldn't put it past you to hire somebody to do something like this. No, no. This girl's no fake. This girl's silly. Deadly silly. Who is she? I don't know. You're the only one I know who doesn't like me. You're the only one I know with a motive. But believe me, rugby, you'll not get away with it. You've probably hypnotized and never remember what happened. Oh, Hellman, you underestimate... Maybe I do underestimate your evil mind, but believe me... Put your hands up, Hellman. Get away from that. I'll just take care of your gun, Hellman. You know, when did you start carrying a gun, Robespierre? A gun? Don't be silly. This isn't a gun in my pocket. It's just my pipe. See? What's that? What do you hear, Hellman? Nothing. Oh, I heard it too. Sound on the porch. Where I leave now. It's the back way. I'll put your gun in the kitchen. It looks so anxious. I'll be very careful to remove all the fingerprints. Are you insane, fool? It's fancy. You. You, Hellman. I'm going to help prove my theory. Good night. Crazy devil. I haven't locked up before I get to cross town. Good evening, Mr. Hellman. What? How did you get in here? Through the patio door. What do you want? I wanted to talk to you. You're sure that you're not under the influence of someone? What a strange question. What do you mean? That crazy professor. You've been hypnotized. Just imagining things. And what are you doing here? I wanted to tell you something. Yeah? What? When you first indicated to me that you were through with me, I was terribly hurt. I thought all along that we would have been mad at each other. I couldn't understand. I tried and tried to think of something I'd done to cause our breakup. I happened to find a snapshot in your desk. Snapshot? Take a look at it. Kansas City. No. Atlantic City, New Jersey. You and a blonde. And the date is tamped on the back. Business trip. What about it? I just wanted you to know that you weren't so slick. I wanted you to know that I knew about the blonde. That I knew you'd lied. Now that you've told me, what good is it to you? A lot of good. At first I thought you came here intending to kill me. Well, good bye, Morton. And good luck in your new venture. Thanks. What venture? This one. Gladys. Wish me luck. In mine. And Gladys stands staring for a moment at the party. Then she wipes off the gun, drops it to the floor, takes the professor's check from a purse, steps to Hellman's desk, takes pen and paper, calmly writes a note, puts it with the check into an envelope, addresses it, stamps it, turns out the lights, and steps quickly out the door and down the street. At the corner she pauses, drops the envelope in the mailbox, and disappears. Well, Professor Ruggsy, there you are. You heard the shot. The perfect crime. You can go home now and go to sleep. Yes, sir. Well, you're doing a sweep on the Davenport. You know what time it is? Must be afternoon, Nida. I've been waiting for you. Where's he been? All right. Walk along downtown for a while. I go up into the club for a nightcap. How's the opera? Oh, sir. Nothing to brag about. Who sang the lead? Don't talk to me. He wasn't very good. Better get out of here. No. He's a poor fellow. A fellow? I thought they were doing our eaters night. No. They switched to call someone with you. I guess the famous guy at home. Yeah. Have a nightcap, ma'am? No, thanks. I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed. I'll be along, Chris Wayne. Goodnight. Goodnight. Well, Professor, it's been a great day. A triumph for you. Your theory proved and nothing can be traced to you. Now, one perfect crime. He sits over his drink for a while, then turns out the lights and goes to bed. The night passes and morning comes. The professor rises cheerfully and prepares for breakfast. Knock, knock, knock. Now, I've got it, ma'am. Yes? Are you Professor Rugby? Yes. May I come in? I'd like to talk with you. Of course. Uh, what is it? Is your wife in? Yes. I'd like to see her, too. Who are you? I'm Lieutenant Davis, Detective Edwardis. What? What do you want? Will you call your wife? Oh, I certainly will. A mile? What's this all about? Uh, what is it all about? Uh, this is Lieutenant Davis from the Tech Effect Quality. He says he wants to talk to us. Oh, really? What about? May I ask what you were last night, Mrs. Rugby? Well, certainly. I went to the after. What time did you get home? Well, I imagine it was around 11 or shortly after. Were you at home last evening, Professor? Well, I was at the club and got home about 12.30. What's this all about? Do you know Morton Hellman? Certainly. What about him? He's been murdered. Really? Because of what? When? Around midnight, last night. They found him this morning. Oh, terrible. Oh, I've known him for years. He was editor-in-chief of the company, probably through my writings. I'm a psychologist, you know. Yes, I know. But what do you want to know from us? Well, we weren't connected socially with Hellman. Just in business. Did you know him, Mrs. Rugby? Yes. Yes, I knew him. Very likely. Do either of you know of anyone who'd have reason to kill him? Well, certainly not. Everyone thought highly of him. Did you ever hear of a girl named the Gladys Tanner? Gladys Tanner? No. Did you know of a Gladys Tanner, Mrs. Rugby? No. Really? She went with Hellman for several years. They were supposed to be engaged. For some reason, it blew up because of another woman. So what? Is this your person, Mrs. Rugby? Well, of course it is. That's the one I give you last Christmas, my love. Yes, I must have lost it downtown. Where did you find this return? At Hellman's home. Hellman's home. Well, how in the world is it? It's Heaven's but hell. We found it on the sofa. I can't imagine how it could get there. And this is the revolver that killed Hellman. Found on the floor beside him. No fingerprints on it, however. Well, may I say it? My love, this is your gun. Well, I bought this for you two years ago when it went away on that lecture tour. Yes, I think it's mine. It just doesn't make sense. Did you have the gun in your purse when you lost it last night? Well, perhaps I did. I'm so confused now. I can't believe it. Well, it ain't my mistake. This is terrible. I know, I know. Oh, dear. I feel ill. Did you ever fire this gun? Yes. Once last year up in the mountains. I wanted to see how it would. Ever reloaded? No, I didn't. When did you see it last night? Well, yesterday. And you've never reloaded it. No, I've never reloaded it. Just didn't think about it. Maybe I did put it in my purse. I don't know. And whoever found the purse may have used the gun to... What? I just can't seem to think of... This gun misfired on the first two shots. The other three killed Hellman. This is the most amazing piece of coincidence I've ever heard. Why would my wife want to do such a thing? Why should she go to Hellman? She hardly knew it. Are you sure about that, Professor? Of course I'm sure. Well, I'm sorry to say I think she's lying. What? Well, this is ridiculous. This is going to be a shock to you, Professor, but here is a snapshot we found on Hellman's desk taken in Atlantic City last July. Good heavens. This is you, Mara. You and Hellman. You were too much a mother and father to lie. Mother, look at me. What is this? I can't, I can't. I can't. I can't believe this. This just doesn't seem powerful. I merely have the first of the gun and photo. Thanks. I'm sorry, but I'll have to take her down the headboard. Well, I didn't kill him. I didn't. I wouldn't. I loved him. Better put yourself together, Mara. We'll have to go with you. And if we want photos and fingerprints. Let me get ready, Mara. I can't do it. It definitely looks bad for her. I'm afraid it does. Looks like an open and shut case to me. Will you come along, too, Professor? Why? Why? Certainly. Now, it's several hours later at police headquarters. They've taken fingerprints of Professor rugby and his wife, Mara, and questioned them both. And rugby is just about to leave with a groaning smile on his face when an officer steps in and speaks softly to Lieutenant David. Lieutenant? Yes, Dragon? They stayed at Professor rugby's place, as you said. Look things over. A few minutes ago, the Special Delivery Letter came for the Professor. This'll knock your eye out. Read it. Well, I'll be... Hmm. It fits perfectly with the handwriting you were trying to make out on Helman's blotter. Uh, Professor, I'd like you to read a letter sent Special Delivery to you a few minutes ago. Postmarked last night. Read it. Uh, certainly. Dear Professor Rugsy, you're very wet to a certain degree. You convinced me I should tell him that when that gun you gave me misfire twice, I almost quit. Then, as I looked at him on the floor, the whole feeling of soft destruction came back. I'm going ahead with my original plan. Here's your checker. I won't need it. Besides, I haven't a mother. She's dead. Better look next time, Professor. Gladys Tanner. And returned. A half hour ago, they found her body beneath Suicide Bridge. Well, it all worked out beautifully for the Professor, up to the point where he changed his plan. And that was at the moment that Gladys Tanner showed him the snapshot of Helman and the blonde girl on the beach at Atlantic City. The Professor wasn't really going to let the girl kill Helman, but when he saw the snapshot and recognized the blonde as his wife, Myra, he started to change. And when he visited Helman before the shooting and recognized his wife's purse, he was doubly determined to see Helman killed and place the blame on his wife, Myra. Yes, it would have been a perfect crime, perhaps. But he sacrificed his theory for revenge. The whole thing backfired and caught him. The girl wished him better luck next time. There won't be a next time, not for the Professor. I know. It looks like Professor Gladys obsession for scientific experimentation melted away before the more ordinary urge for revenge. Just goes to show that we are all human, doesn't it? Or does it? Maybe the Whistler knows the answer to that point, too. Oh, don't go, please. I want you to hear about our next performance at the mystery playhouse. Come with me to the green room where our play is rehearsing. Come. Oh, Robert. Robert, before leaving the theater tonight, someone told me that you and Julie Winsrop are going to be married. Two? Yes, we'll be married in two weeks. Right after my wife gets a decree in Reno. You must not marry Julie. Not marry Julie? Who are you to tell me what I can do? I know Julie well enough now to know you. That's why you must not marry her. So it might be better for you to mind your own business. Julie and I are in love with each other. No, you're not. She's fascinated by your good looks. She's impressed by your fame, but she does not love you. Now, look here. We may be old friends, but I've said all I'm going to. Wait a moment. I get it now. You're in love with Julie. No, we are just friends. Friends? You're madly in love with her. That's why you came here tonight, isn't it? No. Friends. What's your laughing? You, in love with a girl like Julie. Why should my love make you laugh? Oh, so you admit it, huh? All right, I do. Why is it so funny? Do you think she'd have you do a clown, ugly, clumsy? You, in love with Julie? And why not? Why not? No! You're laughing. Look at yourself.