 This is Music 103, KMOX FM, St. Louis. Security Council will be up to debate the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. This is Doug Polling reporting on the CBS Radio Network. A broad coalition of Asian and Western nations will join with the United States in asking the Council to debate the Soviet military campaign. Pakistan is taking the lead. That country feels especially vulnerable because the Russians have accused the Pakistanis of aiding anti-communist Afghan guerrillas. Tonight more than 20 signatories endorse the request that the Security Council hold an urgent meeting. The request is expected to be formally presented tomorrow. President Carter has recalled U.S. Ambassador Thomas Watson from Moscow for consultation. And the White House says the United States will retaliate against the Soviets for what has turned this serious threat to world peace. Military action by the U.S. has been ruled out, but officials say the President decided on a number of actions during a lengthy meeting with his advisors today. Senate Republican Leader Howard Baker today said that because of the Russian incursion into Afghanistan, they taught his dead and the Soviets killed it. Baker urged President Carter to withdraw the SALT treaty from Senate consideration. Similar remarks came from another GOP presidential candidate, Ronald Reagan, who also chanted President Carter. I'm gratified to see that he has last just announced that he's discovered what almost everyone else in America has always known, and that is that some men in the Kremlin can't be trusted. My one concern is, does he really think this will be relatedly, or is he looking for a place to stay now to avoid a legislative defeat in the Senate? Will this give him an excuse to withdraw SALT II? Because of what he's supposed to have discovered about the Russians in that case, he won't risk that defeat. Whichever way, we're all better off without SALT II, at least we can be grateful for that. In Afghanistan, Soviet troops fought fierce battles today with Muslim rebels northwest of the capital, Kabul. Pentagon sources say the Russians now have as many as 35,000 troops in Afghanistan, plus a large number of jet fighters, tanks, and other heavy equipment. More news in a moment. The bell system brings you miss Annie Wynette. Please don't reach out and text someone. Please don't call up and text someone. Please don't reach out and text someone. Wherever you are, you'll never think far. You're waiting to hear your death. I make a special tucker man and tell him you love him phone call that makes being away from home a lot less lonely. Whoever you listen, wherever you are, there's nothing like a call facing death. Please don't call up and text someone. The telephone is your heartline. No matter how far away you are from the folks you love, give them a call tonight. Please don't reach out and text someone. The Indian authorities said today they foiled a plot to assassinate UN Secretary-General Kurt Volheim, who is now in Iran on a mission aimed at solving the hostage crisis. Foreign Minister Goethe today said outside agents were involved in the plot. Precious and not so precious metals soared in twice on world exchanges today. In New York, gold was up $35 an ounce. Platinum skyrocketed more than $119. Copper and other metals also rose sharply. Silver, which is now hard to find, rose more than $7 to $35 an ounce. In Washington, Walter Franklin of the Silver Users Association offered an explanation. It's the combination of things, one of which would be the distrust of paper money. Another is the fear of inflation. The, uh, probably a third is the desire to own something that is arising in value as opposed to something that may be stable in value or losing it today. Although Silver is hard to buy right now, experts say there's no actual shortage, just reluctance on the part of many owners to sell. Now this... This week on Knoth's Landing, guest star Larry Hagman as JR flies out from Dallas to pressure his brother, Jerry, not to interfere with nearby offshore oil drilling. Keep your mouth shut, Jerry. Stay out of it. Or I'll break you. Again. We just won't be left alone. If you delay this project for any length of time, you have any idea how much money that's going to cost your mother. Don't miss Knoth's Landing, Thursday night at 10, 9 central on CBS television. Hi everyone, this is Jack Brock for CBS Radio Sports for the stages set for the title games in both the AFC and NFC next Sunday here on CBS Radio. At 12.55 Eastern Time, Houston at Pittsburgh, Ankstram and I will be on end at 4.55 Eastern Time, the Rams and Tampa Bay, tune us in. Thanks, Jack. That's the AFC and NFC Jack-in-chip starting at 12.55 in Eastern Time this Sunday on most of the CBS Radio network stations. Our congressional groups as the nation should get through the winter without a significant oil shortage if world production continues at current levels. The prices will continue to go up as much as 19 cents a gallon for heating oil and gasoline. That, according to a House Energy Task Force, the panel says there could be sporadic lines at the gasoline pumps this winter or in the spring. This is Doug Polling, CBS News. I'm from the Sears Radio Theater. Tonight, a program of mystery with Vincent Price as your host. Here's a preview. What we witness here today is sources. Melissa is the devil's spawn. She's a damned spirit. The devil has sent her here to destroy us. I know it's all about the devil, Mr. Minkin, but if I will admit, the supernatural is very perverse and alien to me. The Sears Radio Theater will begin after this message from your local station. Hey, I see you're letting your hair grow laundry. Looks great. Yeah, I just got it cut at the Grabber Hair Care Center. Got it cut. Why'd you get it cut if you're letting it grow? Well, my grabber designer says that you've got to trim about a quarter of an inch each month to get rid of the wear and tear on the ends where most of the damage occurs, makes long hair look awful. How fast does your hair grow? About three quarters of an inch per month. It may sound like a long time to get long hair, but it's the only way to get that shiny, bouncy, long hair I want and to look great while it's growing. The Grabber, huh? You know, they do great things for men's hair, too. Heading south, get away from it all in style when your wardrobe is fastened in the Helen Wolf tradition. Helen Wolf features a complete selection of the finest sportswear, dresses, all-weather, and lightweight coats that easily pack and are made of lightweight, carefree, natural, and synthetic fabrics. Only your travel agent knows as much about traveling in style as Helen Wolf. Greasy, carefree days of fronting the sun call for fashion in the Helen Wolf tradition. The Helen Wolf shops to 11th class at Frontenac and the 8100 block of Maryland and Clayton. This has been some price. We have all been subject to fear. There is fear from within and fear that comes from the external. Fear consumes and dictates. There are times when fear is very real. There are times when fear has no basis. If you take off her shoe, you'll find a cloven hoof. You talk like we're living in the dark ages. The girl is evil. She will bring destruction down upon all of us. No one will deny that fear is not abusive. Fear cleans so closely you cannot see around it. Melissa Baker is a subject of fear. Melissa lives with her mother, Gray San Baker. Melissa's father died in a hotel fire one week before she was born. The tragedy happened in Morris Town, New Jersey. A week later, Gray San took her daughter to a small sea resort in California. It was winter. There were no tourists. Only the year round made it. Because of Melissa, this community was divided into two factions, torn by fear, living in apprehension, frightened not by a supernatural monster or a shark, but by Melissa, a 14-year-old. And that's only the beginning of our story. A new adventure in radio listening. Five nights of exceptional entertainment every week. Brought to you in Elliott Lewis' production of The Sears Radio Theater. Our story, Melissa, by Barney Gerard. Our stars, Ruthie Taylor, Mary Jane Croft, and Drew Boardman. The Sears Radio Theater is brought to you by Sears Robot & Company. Sears, where America shops for value. Almost everything we wanted, but didn't get to Christmas, is on sale now. At Sears, discover our clearance on selected men's clothing at 25 to 40 percent off while quantity's lost. Save on selected breaders and fortresses, jeans and floss. What a collection! And now, while quantity's lost, reduce the clearance 25 to 40 percent. So hurry in for a great selection on great looks for men. Now, at Sears. Want to get tough? Get Sears' tough-core best friend. In twin size, now just 10.99 through January 12. You save $2. This is a minimum savings nationally. Regular prices vary in some markets. And you get Sears' full five-year warranty. So if your tough-core wears off within five years of purchase date, return it for a replacement or refund. So get tough. Get tough-core best friend in your favorite colors now. During Sears Rainbow Whitesale. Now that weather's in full swing, there's even another way to cool off. What are you, a polar bear? Look ahead and look to Sears. They've really cooled off prices during Sears' pre-season air-conditioning sale. Pre-season? Room air-conditioners on sale now at $20 to $100 below Sears' 1980 in-season regular prices. Select bedroom, multi-room and large capacity models. These are minimum savings nationally. Regular prices vary in some markets. All items available at most larger Sears retail stores. Anything about the ocean and the seashore, which many claim is beneficial to a person's health and general sense of well-being. The sea air acts as a tonic instead, reviving a person, filling body and mind with good health. With this foreknowledge, Melissa, age 14 and her mother in her 50s, left the tragedy of the father's death in the hotel fire behind them and moved to a sea resort on the west coast, hoping to find some happiness. But life plays tricks. What seems to be wrong is often right, and what appears to be normal is often wicked. Melissa, without Giles, quietly pursues her life. But in some eyes, it's not a normal life, not a life in which everything falls exactly into place in an easily recognizable and understandable way. And so, while a small sea coast town might, on the surface, appear to be a haven of peace and security, the very opposite under certain circumstances might turn out to be true. I'll be right there. Forgive me for keeping you waiting. My credentials, ma'am. Oh, I don't have my glasses. Lieutenant Holly Brown, I'm from the city attorney's office. Are you Mrs. Baker? Yes. Well, it's regarding your daughter, Melissa. May I come in? Oh, Melissa. Come in, come in. Tell me what this is about. Thank you. Okay, sit down first. Oh, but not here. Melissa's taking a nap. Our boy says, travel up the stairway. In here, please. Mm-hmm. Didn't go to bed till five this morning. I hate to hear work such long hours. Sit down. I'll shut the door. Coffee? Something cold? No, thank you, ma'am. This is quite a library. Melissa spends most of her time here. That all I ever do in here is dust. Do you mind if we sit by the window? I find watching the ocean so restful. Mm-hmm. Thank you. Uh, that was a police badge you showed me. Yes, Mrs. Baker. I'm an investigator with the city attorney's office. I understand. What's that got to do with Melissa? Well, she's part of it, of course, but the complaint is directed at you, Mrs. Baker. After all, Melissa is a minor. I see. I see. Yes, I think I know why you're here. But go on. You purchased this house? Yes. So I can assume you are a permanent resident? Yes. You're not here for vacation? No. I'm advised that you moved into the house in June, too. Melissa is not enrolled in any private school. Of course not. Melissa is 14 years old. 14? Well, our public school is open September the 15th. Melissa is in the Washington, Junior High District. Now, Mrs. Baker, this is the middle of January, and I am advised that as of this day... Melissa has not been enrolled in school. You're absolutely right. Melissa is not attending Washington, Junior High or any other school. Credited private tutor then? Would you settle for Albert Einstein or Charles Dickens? Maybe William Butler Yates or Richard Wagner? And we must not overlook Friedrich Nietzsche or Thomas Albert Edison. No, we won't overlook them, Mrs. Baker. She will be exposed to all of them the day she starts school. You do not understand. There is nothing your schools can offer, Melissa. Well, I'm not here to discuss the merits of our school system. I'm not singling out our town, Lieutenant, any school in any part of the world. You are in our town, Mrs. Baker, and we do not ignore the law. I know the law. So please don't bother to quote it. This is not a case involving truancy. No, the charge will be much stronger, Mrs. Baker. You failed to register, Melissa. I know, I know. Lieutenant, listen to me. Better yet, you can listen to Melissa. I hear you're coming downstairs. Melissa, I'm in the library. What kind of it? Nearly five. Come in, Melissa. There's a gentleman here who wants to meet you. Lieutenant Brown, this is my daughter, Melissa. I'm pleased to meet you. Thank you. Melissa, you have been influenced by many great educators. I know you have your favorite. And I'm sure Mr. Brown would be interested. Well, I'd have to start with John Dewey. He taught me that knowledge is not based upon a tuition-pick and saved idea. He may be conscious that thought as though it matters a dynamic process, that logic is a developing discipline, and that philosophy is not an accumulation of abstractions originating in pure objectivity that has a social force. Mr. Dewey wanted me to have confidence, and he introduced me to Mr. Emerson. I'm sure you're familiar with Mr. Emerson's mind. If a man plans himself indomitably on his instance, the world will come round to him. But there is the other side of the coin. Mr. Emerson keeps reminding me that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. From Mr. Gandhi, I learned self-discipline. Mr. Churchill always reminds me that a fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change his subject. I learn not not of Mr. Einstein, but he also made me aware that the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It's the source of all true art and science. Uh, it is very impressive, to read so much at your age. Oh, we talked too. I think I learned more from the discussions. Who does she talk to, Mrs. Baker? William Shakespeare, for one. I haven't talked to him in months. He's really writing his play. I see. I don't think Lieutenant Brown understands Melissa, and he is getting very uncomfortable. It's not a question of understanding, Mrs. Baker. I mean, are you asking me to believe that Albert Einstein teaches your child math? Mr. Einstein, we have a confating reason. He's very kind and patient with me. We don't always meet here. He likes to walk. Sit in Mr. Beethoven's. There's no need to be frightened, Lieutenant Brown. I'm not the least. You certainly get that impression. Well, I'll have to turn in a report. Are you sure you want it to remain this way? Are you suggesting that my daughter and I, because of your report, should be dishonest, make a false statement, like, Melissa does not go to school because she's anemic? Now, you know that is not what I intended. There is a very simple solution, Lieutenant Brown. Melissa can be tested on any level, college, post-graduate, whatever your authority chooses. Now, if you will allow me, Lieutenant Brown, I will lead you to the front door. Yes. Hi. Because babies happen any time of the year, and here a baby shop knows it. Because rain or shine, they have just about everything imaginable to just babies. A shower of gift choices like cribs, strollers, and high chairs, placements, diapers, and sleepers, bibs and rattles, too, and all in one place. Sears is the way to find the right baby shower gift. Five is where you see a baby shop. I'll be my umbrella. Again. We're feeling... Oh, that's everything you want. This is the best I've ever seen. That's right. Once more, Sears is clearing out women's wearing grand-style dresses, sweaters, coats, sportswear. Now, it's eye-catching savings. Why? Because they got to go. That's why. So, stop by Sears Women's Wear Department soon. My priority's last. You'll be glad you did. But hurry, cuz... Cuz... Oh, that's everything you wanted. We can't give a Christmas present. Now, let's do it! Now that the temperature is down, so are the prices on room air-conditioners. During Sears pre-season air-conditioning sales. On sale now for $20 to $100 below our 1980 in-season regular prices. Select bedroom, multi-room, and large capacity models at $20 to $100 on. These are minimum savings nationally. Regular prices vary in some markets. Save now during Sears pre-season air-conditioning sales. All items available at most larger Sears retail stores. The day curves raised the question of whether ministers should be examined by a scholar or a psychiatrist or both. At this point, Melissa was merely a curiosity not to be taken too seriously and to be treated in a routine fashion without any notoriety. A date was set for a hearing before formal charges would be implemented. Melissa and her mother seemed to have no concern over the intrusion on their lives. Melissa made her daily trips to the park. Melissa, I was looking for you. I'm sorry, Ellen. I had to go to the store for my mother. I want you to meet two of my friends. This is Joan Felton and Nora Minkin. Hi. I'm very pleased to meet you. Ellen has told us so much about you. Was that a true story you told Ellen yesterday? Ethan's film, wasn't it, Melissa? Oh, it was a novel about you before. But why don't we sit down here? The grass is dry. I know what's in that bag. I hope. That's how I bribe her. Friends' fries and ketchup. Who did you talk to last night, Ellen? Tom Dewey. I'll get to cook, but don't fry anything until I get back. Dig in. Hi, Ellen. We're not having to go to school. No, I don't know. Staying is next week. It's so stupid. Oh, there's Tom. Tom, over here. I'm coming. Melissa, you're not worried about the hearing. I wouldn't ask you, but you came down. I'm not down. Just thoughtful. I'm sure whatever test they lay on you will be a breeze. They'll have to give you a stack of diplomas. Then you can forget it. I'm not concerned. I don't know what makes me lose. I need some help, Melissa. They were out of touch. What did you get? Not orange. Oh, no. OK, how can I help you, Tom? Well, Mr. Real. I hate his class. He gives you a list of questions that take forever to find out the answer. And none of it is really that important. Now, listen to this. What was Volcair's real name? Did he ever tell you? No, he never told me it was by Marie Aless. Um, who on the pencil? We want to hear a story. Well, one more question. Don Quijote was a published in one part or two. Cervantes told me it was in two parts. The first in 1605 and the second in 1615. Tell us about Ethan Foam. I'd like to hear it again if you don't mind. I don't mind. It's a tragic story. It's also very romantic and beautiful. Thank you very much. You're welcome. And take the switchboard. I have someone at the counter. Can I help you? Yes, ma'am. I'm Lieutenant Holly Brown. I have an appointment with David Kahn. Room 12-2, right down that hall. Could you tell me what the Kahn status is? He is one of the assistant examiners. I don't know what further help I could be. I felt that preliminary hearing was of necessity. The vice principal of the high school, Grover Minkin, has a reputation for being well-versed in the arts and the humanities. Now, if Melissa Baker has this knowledge, then how deep is it? Or better yet, if you have a photographic mind, read fast, he's overchapped ahead. This is what Minkin will pursue. I'm sure you can be a help to him. I'm afraid that's not my department. All we ask is your cooperation. You spent time with the girl. You can be helpful. I only saw her once. It wasn't for very long. I'll be candid, Lieutenant. Your report left a great deal to be desired. For example, here. Melissa Baker stated that Einstein did not always sit in her library. There were times when he preferred to walk, etc., etc. Well, he'd only need me to read the rest back to him. But there is nothing here to indicate her personality fault, her abnormal behavior. My job is to establish the evidence. Has the law been broken? In this case, there was no doubt. They even admitted it. The rest is up to the prosecutor's side. I know the due process of law, Lieutenant Brown. The city attorney's office has asked us to make a determination. That is why you are here. I don't know what more I can tell you. How did she act? The girl? Yeah. She did make me feel strange. How? Once I had the facts, all I wanted to do was get out of there. No, no, no, no. I mean, what did she do? That was strange. That was the way she looked at me and talked. In what way? She sounded so sincere. Here's Radio Theatre. We'll continue after this message from your local station. This is Gary Danielson, quarterback with the Detroit Lions. And I have a message from the National Easter Seals Sports Council. We're a group of athletes who have teamed up to help the Easter Seals Society in its work with people who have disabilities. Like other members of the Sports Council, I'm an Easter Seals volunteer in my community. I spend time with handicapped kids, and I talk with their parents. So I know firsthand how important Easter Seals services are in helping disabled people get back into the mainstream of life. When you visit an Easter Seals center, you'll see people of all ages. Some born with handicaps, some injured in accidents, and others disabled by illness. Regardless of the cause, they're getting a kind of rehabilitation service they need to help them achieve independent lifestyle. That's why I'm with Easter Seals all the way. If you'd like to get involved in this important program, get in touch with your local Easter Seals Society. We'll welcome your support. Easter Seals. A great way to help handicapped people. I'm giving it up. Giving up what? Smoking. Congratulations. I'm doing it for you and the kids. For me and the kids? But we don't smoke. You're wrong. I saw this lung association message. You know what? We smokers are making you non-smokers. Smokers just like us. Whatever are you talking about? I'm talking about secondhand smoking. The lung association says I'm doing myself in, as if I didn't know, but my smoke is trouble for everybody in my neighborhood. Do you realize every puff I smoke, I'm puffing out a smoke screen, a carbon monoxide, nicotine, benzopyrine to say nothing or hydrocarbon. He's done positively poisonous. I feel poisonous. I'm quitting. For me, darling. Yes. And for me, darling, if I want to be loved, your lung association says the smoker who quits quits for more than one person. He's clearing the air for everybody. You might say it's a matter of love and breath. Four o'clock in the afternoon, the small meeting room in the school board was filled with capacity. This hearing is in order. My name is David Carr. You are, I'm sure, familiar with Principal Grover Menken. First, I want to address Grace Baker and her daughter, Melissa. Our purpose is to be informal. The members here are part of the county school system. Dr. Town is a psychologist. Helen Crone is on the board of the Delta Education. Dr. Rand is a physicist on leave from the university. Mr. Menken will conduct the hearing. Mr. Menken? I will address my questions to Melissa. Now, first, Melissa, Einstein's theory of relativity differed from Newton's. Can you tell me why? Yes. Mr. Einstein explained it to me one night. The paper you're referring to was translated in 1920, and it was called Relativity for Special and General Theory. Now, that concept challenged physicists and mathematicians throughout the world to see Newton's followers were convinced that motion and rest were absolutely measurable. Mr. Einstein demonstrated that motion and rest are relative, measured differently by different observers. They proceeded to demolish the even more sacred absolutism of length, mass, and time. The three fundamental measures on which all other quantities depend. Explain to me Einstein's principle of equivalence. Oh, that principle asserts that there's no basic difference between the forces of gravity and acceleration. Well, tell me about Einstein. What does he look like? He must be very old by now. Well, what happens is that you immediately sense the vibrance in him. You're aware that he's constantly stimulated by new concepts. But when you sit across from him, how does he appear? I feel him. Feel him? Yes. Then you don't see him? I feel his presence in the room. But he talks to you? Yes. If I sat in the room with you, could I hear him? I don't know. My mother can't hear him, but I do. Doesn't that seem odd? No. I hear him from within. Within? Myself. Mr. Mangan, to her ratio, it sounds it's ever holding in my heart absentee from politically a while and in this harsh world, draw thy breath in pain to tell my story. Yes, Mr. Khan. Please call my wife. Tell her I'm meeting privately with the staff, and I'll be home late. Thank you. Oh, Mr. Orkid and the city attorney's office called. He wants to know when he can expect to hear from you. Yeah. If he calls back, tell him no earlier than the end of the week. Ah, excuse the interruption. I turn back to you, Helen. I think it is ridiculous to dwell on her unbelievable wealth of knowledge. She covered factory, and it's her France, Thorsten-Weblin, Sunyat-Sen, Matisse and Debussy, like she lived with them intimately. The question I pose is, did she? It's upsetting I admit, Helen, but we have to keep this forum on a realistic level. If she is unreal, how do you account for it? Dr. Towne is a psychologist. What do you say, Dr. Towne? A psychic phenomenon, perhaps. We can turn to presidents, other cases of this kind. There is no way to completely prove it scientifically. You would have to first start by accepting the concept. Mr. Rand? Well, I don't have a mathematical equation for it. Mr. Macon? I have no doubts about Melissa Baker. Very obvious to me. What we witnessed here today is sorcery. Melissa is the devil's spawn. She's a damned spirit. The devil has sent her here to destroy us. I don't know about the devil, Mr. Macon, but I will admit the supernatural is very perverse and alien to me. Do not underestimate the devil. He comes in many devious ways. Really, Mr. Macon? I'm not enough of the abnormal. There is, in this girl, the spirit of evil. I think we're all tired. Do we have to find a reason today? No. Why is an explanation necessary before Friday? I would like to spend some time with this girl. It's not safe. That's not the way to deal with satanic power. I understand how you feel, Mr. Macon. There's no question of the... Well, the girl is eerie. She taxes my sense of credibility. She's so sure of herself. Almost smug. I thought myself becoming unsympathetic to her. I don't think it was smugness. I suspect she was frightened in spite of her show of positiveness, heretical. What is opposition? We're complicating matters. The question before us is quite simple. Is Grace Baker justified in not sending her daughter, Melissa Baker, to school? We cannot divorce ourselves from the source of that girl's knowledge. Can't we? That's a good point. That's not an issue. But it is. It is precisely the issue. I don't recall that we ever stopped teaching the difference between hell and heaven. I would refer to it as the positive and the negative. Oh, semantic. There are no semantics for profanity. I need a drink. I've got to make some statement tomorrow. I was supposed to meet my son for dinner. All right. I ask you to review the date. The girl was absolutely phenomenal. Wait a minute. I'm referring to her scope of knowledge. Not one of us can deny it. How do you cope with someone who tells you Da Vinci comes to the house to teach her art? Is that any concern of ours? We are repeating ourselves. Well, all of you know where I stand. Is that the way you want it in the report? Definitely. Helen? I'm confused. All right. Wouldn't make us look good. Put it this way. I see no need for her to enroll in school. But I recommend that she undergo psychiatric examination. That is based on the fact that her behavior is not normal. Very good. Dr. Town. I am going to pass. On what ground? Psychiatric examination takes time. You must have some thoughts. I'll settle right now for something right off the top of your head. I get the impression, Dr. Town, you are avoiding the issue. You're the psychologist. I don't believe you sat through that hearing today without drawing some impressions. There are explanations for Melissa's behavior if you believe in what is called paranormal. And if you accept the paranormal, it becomes normal. It is very possible that time and space do not apply to normal. Da Vinci's time is coexisting with Melissa's time. Past, present, and the future exist simultaneously. It is possible Melissa has a gift to communicate on that level. That is a lot of fancy nonsense. Mr. Mankin, it is obvious you believe in hell. You have no doubt in your mind that Satan has been able to possess Melissa. Then you must believe Satan has been able to transgress time and space. Who's denying the power of the devil? No more than you would deny the power of God or the existence of heaven. So I have to believe, Mr. Mankin, that you accept an afterlife in another sphere. Dr. Town, I am no fool. Now don't you leave me by the hand. You make your point. I am presenting another way to explain Melissa. I'm talking about the concept that we continue our lives after we leave this sphere. We are in the same universe, but we exist differently. Can we communicate between the two spheres? Melissa, believe so. That kind of talk to me is profane. I could follow another line. If we are going to try and solve Melissa, we cannot measure her with a dogmatic ruler. I don't want a list of theories. I want an opinion. I don't think any of us is prepared for the judgment you were asking. I want a conclusive report. You want an advancement. What did you say? You heard me. Give him a statement. I want to get out of here. I hear you. All right. Here is what you can quote. Don't deny, Melissa Baker. Try to understand her. I'll accept it. Where do you stand? Are you directing that question to me? Very much so. I merely the interlocutor. You people are the experts. That does not satisfy me. I'll take a position. You can count on it. The meeting is over. I want written reports before 12 o'clock on Friday. Good night. Do you have to keep hitting that glass with your fork? I wanted to play with me. I wanted to discuss with the whole family. Did you hear your father? Nora, now will you please? Your father is trying to talk to you. Dad, I thought you were just waiting for Ben. Well, he had to pick up Lou and Ethel. What about George? He'll be here. He's bringing the Thorntons with him. Everyone must be made aware. And I'm convinced after that hearing today all we can count on for help are our friends. It's so hard for me to believe. I've met Melissa. You are now going to tell me that she's very kind and sweet. Oh, she is. Nora, you know as well as I do. Evilness can sometimes be very deceptive. When I first heard about her, I figured she was some kind of freak. But when you're with her, she just doesn't come off that way. That's exactly what I'm talking about. Well, couldn't we just ignore her? Not go near her? That is not the way. I just wish it was someone besides Melissa. A man. A woman just turning. What did she say? I can't before the sun sets. I want to talk to you. Let's begin with just you and me. I hope no, our relationship is not just a genetic one. I hope not. I know you tell the truth. I know you use your talent positively. You're thoughtful, generous in your desire to share. But those people out there don't know you like I do. The only thing they care to know is that I'm different. And they hate me for it. I'm satanic. I'm a freak. I'm a carnival performer with a photographic mind. I'm not Einstein or Voltaire, but I understand these people. Great men who come to you will tell you the same thing. They have told me. I'm getting ahead of you. That's not important. We'll only talk about what's important. But first we must put it in its proper perspective. You with me? Yeah. We are not going to identify you as someone who is different. Is that clear? Yes. You are new. But that means you're different. Let's do it another way. Okay, I'm listening. There's a prescription for everything. No one has your prescription. Okay. Okay, intellectually I know you're right. But why can't I handle it emotionally? Don't focus on yourself. Focus on them. What prompts their reaction? The panel that conducted the examination is a really good example. I felt each one of them was stuck inside their own dogmatic point of view. And not one of them would come out and even look around. Say their programs, Melissa, think of them as computers. Unfortunately, what they have been said can't accept someone like you as real. Do you wonder that me sometimes? Of course. But I take pride in having an open mind. I see you as someone very advanced. Maybe one day we will all reach that sphere. It's creeper, it's a porch. Oh, get away from the window. There's a cross on the lawn. What is that printed on it? Next time it won't be firecrackers. I'm going to call the police. I hate the publicity that goes with it. We don't have a choice. Later, it was 20 below. Eight hours later, 30 below. After only ten and a half seconds, the star is started. Tests certified by United States Auto Club. The Sears Die Hard. The battery that lives after its name. Sold only at Sears. It's like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow during Sears Rainbow White Sales till January 12th. The stars saved 20% on medley-solid purple press for kale sheets in all sizes. Twin size just $3.99. Also on sale, coordinating medley woven and thermal blankets. And Jiminy saved 25% on color-made velour bass-sized towels. Now just $4.49 each. These are minimum savings nationally. Regular prices vary in some markets. Again, with ceiling. Oh, look, everything we wanted to do was just a quick sale now at Sears. That's right. Once more, Sears is clearing out women's wear in grand style, dresses, sweaters, coats, sportswear. Now with eye-catching savings. Why? Because they got to go. That's why. So stop by Sears Women's Wear Department soon while quantities last. You'll be glad you did, but hurry, cuz. Cuz? Oh, look, everything we wanted to do was just a quick sale now at Sears. That's available at most larger Sears retail stores. Please, come in. I'm Lieutenant Brown. I don't know if you'll remember me. Yes, of course. You remember my daughter, Melissa? Sure. Hello. Look, I've been asked to explain that there'll be an investigation. In the meantime, we feel you are too vulnerable if you stay in this house. Oh, we're not leaving. But I have to advise you that even if we take every precaution available, there's always the calculated risk. Now we have a place you can stay in. No one. Only those working close on the case of an investigation. Hiding will not solve the problem. Well, a stand at this time might be foolish. We are not going to start running. I'm sure your daughter has a solution. That was unkind, Officer. Yes, I apologize. I saw this talk. I'm sorry. It's okay. Well, how do you feel about just going away for a few days? Now, we've got a lead. I don't think it'll take long. No, I agree with my mother. Well, if that's your decision, we'll have to go along with it. I understand your position, but I don't think you're being fair to your neighbors. I'll be fine and be sympathetic. You'll be under 24 hours' surveillance. Phones will be monitored. Oh, really? So much for so little. Excuse me. I'm going upstairs. What is that truck across the street? It's a TV crew. Someone from the department will be close by. All you have to do is pick up the receiver. I'm Al Mapes K-B-E-X. We'd like to take an interview. Well, you'll have to talk to Mrs. Baker. I'll see you later. Mrs. Baker, could we speak with your daughter? I'll ask her. The officer, could we get a statement? Maybe later. Yeah, Joe, it's going to get crowded in here. Well, you're set up on the lawn. Hey, you finished? Oh, I just got here. Where's the girl? She's on her way. Yeah, she looks younger than 14. Melissa, I'm Al Mapes K-B-E-X, new at Tom Mack from the Daily. Hello. Look, I decided this is one way to prove I'm not possessed. Would you mind moving out on the lawn? Would you join us? Certainly. Maybe I should pull back my hair so they can see I have no horns. Makes. I'm going to make the afternoon addition. No problem. That's fine, Melissa. All right, your roller, please. Melissa, I understand you've been given 24 hours to leave town. Are you frightened? Yes. What do you think this is all based on? Ignorance. Well, after the hearing, Mr. Menken made the statement that your father burned in hell. I don't believe it. He cited a date. That's ridiculous. My husband died in a hotel fire in Morris Town, New Jersey. Did you leave Morris Town because you were under pressure, the kind you're receiving here? No. I was always treated kindly here. Well, why did you choose our town? We wanted to live by the ocean. How would you explain yourself, Melissa? I consider myself very fortunate. Only because I know I'll be able to make a contribution so we can all live together without fear. Excuse me, Miss. Will you tell Mr. Menken that Lieutenant Brown is here? I can see you, Lieutenant. Yeah. I've only got a few minutes. I don't mind getting to the point. If you come to defend that girl, don't waste my time. Now, what I think doesn't matter personally. She's a wacko as far as I can see. Spaced out, but, well, that's her problem. It's yours, too. I'm not a religious man, so we'll keep me out of it. I'll pray for you. I have a job to do. The view of the department is that you were compounding the problem with your statements. Is that against the law? Insighting a riot is against the law. Just what are you trying to tell me, Lieutenant? Well, so the attitude of the department. Believe me, we don't deny your point of view. Hmm. I'll only keep it to myself. We don't want to make it a public issue. That's not the way to deal with her. The next thing will be a flock of nuts over there siding in with her. And for Mayor. Who's standing out on the porch? Waiting for you. I thought you'd never get home. What's wrong? It's Tom and Nora. They didn't come home. It's not that late. They took their sleeping bags with them. Oh? Did they say where they were going? That's what I'm trying to tell you. Oh, here comes Mr. Karn. He drove over there to see what's going on. Oh, where? Nobody's making any sense today. It's a mess. Tom and Nora? Yes. They said they weren't coming back. You can't believe what's going on over there. My kids wouldn't even come out to talk to me. I'll slow down. Tell me exactly what's happened. The kids. There must be over a hundred of them. Mostly from this neighborhood. Now they're coming from all over. Moving to that girl's house with their sleeping bags and gear. She is working a spell. They said they won't leave until they're sure the girl is safe. Tell Tom and Nora I'm here. Nora! I want you to come home with me, Tom. Oh, Nora. Nora, did you hear me? We're not leaving. What do you want, Dad? The first thing I want is for you two to get out of here. Will you promise to leave Melissa alone? Don't you see you're all playing right into her hands? I wasn't her idea, Dad. We did this on our own. She even tried to talk us out of it. All right. The spell. She's making it. Can you feel under the spell, Nora? No. I'm going back inside. Nora, you come back here. You've heard her, Dad. I've heard Nora. I feel the same way. Oh, my God. What has this girl done to you? It's not Melissa, Dad. Why don't you come here? I'm giving you an order. You get Nora and come home. There's no devil inside. Nothing evil. The way you're acting tells me differently. I'm disappointed in you, Dad. In me? I haven't turned my back on my fate. Am I the one that is so weak as to become a grumbling pawn? I'm disappointed in you because you didn't take time to try to know Melissa. She has blinded you. It's not going to harm anyone. Not even you, Dad. We know her. We find her a friend. Now, Tom, now listen to me. Divide and conquer. That's how they work. They're very clever. Can't you see that working now? It's the opposite of that. We wanted to become one of us. Tom. I'm afraid for you. I'm afraid. That's why I've got to try to reason with you. You act as though she's gone out and shot someone. It's not much worse back where she's dragging you. Why do you fear her? Tell me one thing she has done. Give me one example. You understand this power she practices. Is it a power? Yes. And satanic. But you have no proof of it. Maybe you can explain to me then what it is. Well, I don't know what it is. But I know it's not evil. Maybe one day I will understand it. Come home, Tom. The port is too late. Dad, I want to ask you a question. Will you answer it honestly? I always do. Tell me, why is an onion? Why is an onion? Yes. Why is an onion? Grover, Grover, I'm here. May I told you to stay home? Now, look, we could be doing wrong. Not me. Now, they have their right. Tom and Nora. That has nothing to do with it. You know that. I'm not sure. May you... I'm going home. I'll stay. Uh, what do you think he'll do? Your husband? He won't turn on Tom and Nora. I couldn't help but hear them talk. Yes. I heard them too. Why is an onion? Well, it... it is something to think about, isn't it? I guess so. If you're not afraid of one. Yes, indeed, you men saved 25 to 40% on selected men's suits and dress shirts. Now it sears. Tailored suits are clearing out for spring arrivals. And some dress shirts were closing out in style. Saved 25 to 40% at sears, now while quantities last. 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It's how America Shops has been brought to you by Sears Roboc and Company where our policy is satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Sears. Where America Shops for value. Melissa was written by Barney Gerard produced and directed by Elliott Lewis. Your host was Vincent Price. Our stars were Ruthie Taylor, Mary Jane Croft and True Boardman. Featured in the cast were Norman Alden, Jean Howell, Marvin Miller, Paula Winslow, Shepard Menken, Lee Millar, Jay Nelson, Gloria O'Brien, Stacy O'Brien and Brian Miller.