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Announcer (Lux Radio Theater Sponsor)

Lux presents Hollywood. Lieber Brothers Company. The makers of Lux Toilet soap brings you the Lux Radio Theater, starring Gene Tierney and Victor Mature in Laura. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Irving Cumming.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's drama is such a fascinating combination of mystery and romance that it is rapidly becoming a classic. To the devoted readers of whodunits. Perhaps its main attraction is its unusual triangle of characters. The cynical Broadway columnist, the soft spoken detective, or the haunting picture of Laura herself. Regardless of the reason, this intriguing mystery is one of 20th Century Fox's most memorable screen hits. And as our stars, we have glamorous Gene Tierney in her original role, romantically teamed with one of our most popular stars, Victor Mature. But first, let's hear from Ken Carpenter.

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Art Linkletter

Yes.

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Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Now, act one of Laura, starring Gene Tierney in the title role. And Victor mature as Lieutenant McPherson. Most people who read a newspaper or listen to the radio know the name Paul Lydicker. Mr. Lydecker is a legendary oracle of Bob Wire and forget me nots, whose enchanted pen and acid dung have brought fame to hundreds and oblivion to just as many. His New York apartment is a combination art gallery in Roman Bath. And now, immersed in one of his marble pools, Mr. Lydecker has a visitor. Detective Lieutenant Mark McPherson of the Homicide Bureau.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Say, it's a nice little place you have here, Mr. Lydecker.

Paul Lydecker

It's lavish, but I call it home. You're here about the murder of Laura Hunt. I made my statement yesterday to Sergeant Detective Crane.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, I know.

Paul Lydecker

Now, suppose you tell me what else you know.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Why not?

Paul Lydecker

Oh, Henry, that washcloth. Mr. McPherson.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Oh, yes, yes.

Paul Lydecker

How good a detective are you?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Oh, I've picked up a few facts. Laura Hunt was killed the night before last. The bell rang, she opened the door, and someone pulled the trigger of a shotgun. It wasn't nice. The range was close.

Paul Lydecker

Have you found the shotgun?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

No. What else? Well, Ms. Hunt was a very good looking girl. Probably she was about 25. Lived in a swell apartment, had a maid named Bessie.

Paul Lydecker

And where did she get the wherewithal

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

to support such a Manage the Bullet Company Advertising agency. She had a good job. Art director or something?

Paul Lydecker

Not or something.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

She has a lady cousin in town and a couple of boyfriends. One name Shelby Carpenter, and the other is Paul Lydicker.

Paul Lydecker

Well, today is Sunday. Why haven't you Tried to see me

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

because it's a peculiar case, and I wanted to think.

Paul Lydecker

If you'll wait, I'll go with you when you leave.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Why?

Paul Lydecker

Murder's my favorite crime. My radio audience loves it. I know you'll visit all your suspects. I'd like to study their reactions.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You're on the list yourself, you know.

Paul Lydecker

I'd be insulted if I weren't.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Were you in love with Laura Hunt, Mr. Lydeker? Was she in love with you?

Paul Lydecker

Laura considered me the wisest, the wittiest, the most interesting man she'd ever met. I was in complete accord with her on that point. Now, if you will excuse me, I'll get dressed. Oh, where shall we be stopping, First Lieutenant?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I'd like to see Laura Hunt's cousin.

Paul Lydecker

Oh, Mrs. Anne Treadwell.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, yes, yes, of course. And so, if you don't mind, Mrs. Treble, I'd like to ask you a few questions.

Laura Hunt

I'll do anything I can to help. Oh, good morning, Paul.

Paul Lydecker

Good morning, Anne.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You were fond of your cousin, Mrs. Trel?

Laura Hunt

I adored Laura, Paul can tell you.

Paul Lydecker

I can tell you considerable.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Did you approve of Miss Hunt's coming marriage to Mr. Carpenter? Why?

Laura Hunt

Shouldn't I approve?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I don't know. Just what does Shelby Carpenter mean to you, Mrs. Treadwell?

Laura Hunt

To me?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, he comes here regularly. Is he a friend, an acquaintance? Or are you in love with him?

Paul Lydecker

This is beginning to assume fabulous aspects.

Laura Hunt

Well, I'm very fond of Shelby, of course. Everybody is.

Paul Lydecker

I despise him.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You've been withdrawing a lot of cash from your bank, Mrs. Treadwell. 1500 and 1700 at a clip.

Laura Hunt

I needed that money.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

The day you took out 1500, Carpenter deposited 1350. When you withdrew 17, he deposited 15.

Paul Lydecker

Shooting craps, Anne.

Laura Hunt

Oh, must I be insulted like this? Shelby needed some money. I lent it to him. I supposed I could do with it as I pleased.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Of course, now, on Friday night you were home alone. Why didn't you go to the concert with Mr. Carpenter?

Laura Hunt

Concert? I I didn't go because he didn't ask me.

Shelby Carpenter

Well, hello.

Paul Lydecker

Oh, we were just talking about you, Carpenter. What a coincidence to find you here.

Laura Hunt

This is Lieutenant McPherson.

Shelby Carpenter

Yes, we've met.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I didn't know you were here, Carpenter.

Shelby Carpenter

I've been lying down. My hotel room is so hot. And then all the reporters and the telephone. You know how it is, Lieutenant.

Paul Lydecker

Is that a sign of guilt or innocence, McPherson, I'm as eager to find

Shelby Carpenter

a murderer as you are. Lieutenant, Laura and I are going to be married this week, you know.

Paul Lydecker

No, he doesn't. Know. And neither do I know you nor anyone else. Oh, Laura had not definitely made up a mind to marry him. She told me so herself. She was going to the country to think it over. Laura was extremely kind, but she'd never have thrown her life away on a male beauty in distress.

Shelby Carpenter

I suppose you've heard losers whine before, Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yesterday you said you went to that concert Friday night, Mr. Carpenter. What did they play?

Shelby Carpenter

Some Brahms, Beethoven's Ninth?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Uh huh. This place Miss Hunt had in the country, have you got a key to it?

Shelby Carpenter

No, but I think there's one in her apartment.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, I'll have a look.

Shelby Carpenter

Perhaps I could help you.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Okay. Come along. Goodbye, Mrs. Treville. Well, you can start looking for that key now, Carpenter.

Shelby Carpenter

Oh, yes, yes. I'll try the den.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Excuse me. Say, that's the dame's portrait on the wall, isn't it?

Paul Lydecker

Will you stop calling Laura a dame? That portrait was painted by Joseph Carter.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

He was in love with her.

Paul Lydecker

Have you ever been in love, McPherson?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yeah. A doll in Washington Heights once got a fox fur out of me.

Paul Lydecker

Have you ever known a woman who wasn't a doll or a dame?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yeah, one, but she kept walking me past furniture stores.

Paul Lydecker

Oh, where are you going?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Oh, a phonograph. Hey, there's a record on it. Selections from Bittersweet.

Shelby Carpenter

One of Laura's favorites. Not exactly classical, but very nice.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Say, you know quite a bit about music, don't you?

Shelby Carpenter

I don't know a lot about anything, Lieutenant, but I know a little about practically everything.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Then why did you say they played Brahms and Beethoven at that concert? They played nothing but Sibelius.

Shelby Carpenter

Did they? Well, to be perfectly honest, I fell asleep and I didn't hear a note. I know it sounds phony, but I'm just a natural born suspect.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, don't let that bother you, Mr. Carpenter. I fall asleep at concerts myself. You find the key?

Shelby Carpenter

No. Maybe it's in here in her desk. Yes, it is. I knew there'd be one somewhere.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Funny. The police looked in that desk yesterday. The drawer was empty. You had the key right along, didn't you, Carpenter?

Shelby Carpenter

Yes. I didn't want to give it to you while Lydecker was present. I have private reasons that don't concern him.

Paul Lydecker

You have private reasons, no doubt, to lie about that key.

Shelby Carpenter

Paul, I'm warning you to stop implying I had anything to do with Laura's death.

Paul Lydecker

Very well, I'll stop implying. I'll make a direct statement.

Shelby Carpenter

You asked for this, Paul.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

All right, all right. Cut it out, both of you. Okay, now, look, we came here to find the key, and I've got the key. Now let's get out.

Shelby Carpenter

There's nothing more you want from me.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

No, not now.

Shelby Carpenter

I'll run along.

Paul Lydecker

You having lunch, Lieutenant?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, I guess so.

Paul Lydecker

There's a rather superior restaurant nearby.

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Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Okay, let's go. Nice, quiet little place. Mr. Lynn?

Laura Hunt

Yes.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Say, what's the matter?

Paul Lydecker

You wouldn't call me a sentimental person, would you, Lieutenant?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, not.

Paul Lydecker

Dozens of times we sat here. This very table, Laura and I.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, how long did you know her?

Paul Lydecker

Nearly five years. I was just thinking, here we are eating lunch. And it was at lunch that I first met Laura. The Algonquin Hotel. I was alone. I looked up and found her standing in front of me. She had a layout in her hand, a sample advertisement.

Laura Hunt

Mr. Lydecker? How do you do? I'm Laura Hunt. Well, I'd like to talk something over with you, if I may.

Paul Lydecker

I am eating my lunch, yes, but

Laura Hunt

it's practically impossible to get to see you and I.

Paul Lydecker

Either you're from some incredibly remote community where good manners are unknown, or you suffer from the common delusion that being a female exempts you from all the rules of sex, civilized conduct.

Laura Hunt

Possibly. But I wanted to show this to you. It's an ad for the Wallace Flow Rite Pen. You're such a famous writer and commentator. It would be tremendously helpful if you'd endorse what we say about the Flow Rite pen.

Paul Lydecker

I don't use a pen. I write with a goose quill dipped in poison. And you may tell your employers.

Laura Hunt

Oh, they don't know anything about this. It was all my idea. They'd give you anything to get your endorsement. And if I were the person.

Paul Lydecker

Disregard component completely. Something far more important to me than your career. Oh, my food.

Laura Hunt

You mean that, don't you?

Paul Lydecker

Of course I mean it.

Laura Hunt

I never heard of anything so selfish.

Paul Lydecker

In my case, self absorption is completely justified. I have never discovered any subject quite so worthy of my attention.

Laura Hunt

But in your column on the radio, the things you say, they're filled with such understanding, such sentiment.

Paul Lydecker

Miss Hunt, you are beginning to bore me.

Laura Hunt

You're a poor man, Mr. Lydecker. I feel very sorry for you. Goodbye.

Paul Lydecker

In My second meeting with Laura Hunt occurred about two hours later, Lieutenant.

Announcer (Lux Radio Theater Sponsor)

Oh.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

She kept after you, did she?

Paul Lydecker

No. I went to her because I couldn't stop thinking about her. She had something, that girl. Something far deeper than good looks. I. I went to Bullet and Company and proceeded to do something I have carefully avoided since the age of two. I apologize.

Laura Hunt

Your apology is accepted, Mr. Lydecker. It was very nice of you to go to all this trouble.

Paul Lydecker

Goodbye, Ms. Hunt. For reasons which are too embarrassing to mention, I'd like to endorse the Wallace Flow Rite Pen.

Laura Hunt

You're a very strange man. Now, I'm sure you're sorry for the way you acted.

Paul Lydecker

Let's not get psychiatric. But in a word, yes.

Laura Hunt

And you're a very kind person.

Paul Lydecker

No, I'm vicious. It's the real secret of all my charm. But if you think me kind, I'll call for you here at 6.

Laura Hunt

What?

Paul Lydecker

We'll have dinner together. I can't make it any later.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Will you be ready?

Laura Hunt

Yes, I'll be ready.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Coffee, Mr. Lydecker?

Paul Lydecker

Oh, thanks, Lieutenant. I started then to help Laura. I am a man reputedly of overwhelming ego, Lieutenant. But this, I admit, without reserve. It was Laura's own talent, her own incredible Charm that enabled her to rise to the very top of her profession. Through me, Laura met everyone. The famous and the infamous. And deferring always to my taste and judgment, she captivated them all.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, when does Carpenter enter the picture?

Paul Lydecker

Men couldn't keep away from Laura, but she never regarded anyone seriously but me. As for Carpenter, she met him one night at a party at Anne Treadwell's. She became attracted to him instantly.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I was shocked.

Paul Lydecker

A fellow completely without talent. With as much depth of character as a saucer of stale gin. Shortly before I took Laura home, I heard her talking with him.

Shelby Carpenter

And so I spend my time doing what I've always done. Nothing.

Laura Hunt

Then tell me, what does it feel like living on the income from an estate?

Shelby Carpenter

I once knew what it felt like, but the sheriff interfered with that over 10 years ago.

Laura Hunt

Then why don't you work for a living?

Shelby Carpenter

I did ask a friend for a job. All he did was laugh.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

He thought I was joking.

Laura Hunt

Weren't you?

Announcer (Lux Radio Theater Sponsor)

Oh, no.

Shelby Carpenter

When he saw I was sincere, he got embarrassed. He said he'd phone me. That was months ago.

Laura Hunt

Do you really want a job?

Shelby Carpenter

Yes, I do.

Laura Hunt

Then you've got one.

Art Linkletter

What?

Laura Hunt

Now you think I'm joking? Well, I'm not. You just be at Bullet and Company tomorrow morning. Going to work, Mr. Carpenter?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

And so, in time, Mr. Lydecker, they got engaged, huh?

Paul Lydecker

They became attached to each other quickly. I concealed my annoyance with masterly self control. But here was a situation, however ridiculous, that required my attention. And as you will see, it was for Laura's own good. Well, I followed them one night to this very restaurant. They had been working late on some advertising campaign.

Laura Hunt

The idea is wonderful, Shelby, and so is the layout. By the way, who's the model you use?

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

You don't remember?

Paul Lydecker

You hired her yourself.

Shelby Carpenter

Diana Redford, of course. Laura, could you have dinner with me tomorrow night? Just like this?

Laura Hunt

Maybe.

Shelby Carpenter

And what about the night after that?

Laura Hunt

But, Shelby, I just can't.

Shelby Carpenter

What about three weeks from the night and all the nights in between?

Laura Hunt

Don't you think I have any other engagement?

Shelby Carpenter

What about two months from now and the month after that?

Laura Hunt

What about next year?

Shelby Carpenter

Then it's all settled. What about breakfast? What about lunch? Beautiful lunches, day after day after day.

Laura Hunt

What about beautiful work day after day?

Shelby Carpenter

Miss Hunt, the way you talk, you think I was in love with you.

Paul Lydecker

Sparkling bit of dialogue, wasn't it, Lieutenant McPherson?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

If they knew you were listening, they might have jazzed it up a bit.

Paul Lydecker

Laura knew that I had overheard them

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

because I told her so.

Paul Lydecker

The following evening by then I had some other information to tell her also,

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

though

Laura Hunt

I don't care what you found out about Shelby. It's the snooping about Paul.

Paul Lydecker

It's degrading, of course, but I thought you'd want to know. That sterling character almost went to jail last year for passing rubber checks. After that, in Virginia, he was suspected of stealing his hostess's jewelry.

Laura Hunt

Those are only insinuations. I know. His fault. But a man can change, can't he?

Paul Lydecker

Oh, Laura, for heaven's sake, open your eyes. So Carpenter has changed. Yes, he's changed. From you to Diana Redfern. He's running around with her now. A model from your own office.

Laura Hunt

Paul, how can you be so despicable? You know what you mean to me. How can you try so deliberately to hurt me?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Hurt you?

Laura Hunt

Paul Shelby and I are going to be married next week.

Paul Lydecker

You gave him a cigarette case on his birthday, didn't you? A valuable case.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Here.

Laura Hunt

Where did you get it?

Paul Lydecker

From the pawn shop where Diana Redfern took it after he gave it to her.

Laura Hunt

I don't believe it. He probably needed money and was too proud to borrow.

Paul Lydecker

Perhaps that's why this pawn ticket is in her name.

Laura Hunt

I won't let this go any further. I'm going to telephone.

Paul Lydecker

You won't find him at his hotel tonight. Carpenter's deserted both you and Miss Redfern. He's dining with a young and wealthy widow. Someone you know. Your cousin Anne. And he's been treating her rather badly these days.

Laura Hunt

I'll phone Anne at once.

Paul Lydecker

Oh, really, my dear. You don't think Anne would give him away? Oh, this is nasty. I know, but I must make you realize. Now, suppose we visit Cousin Anne?

Laura Hunt

He won't be there. I know he won't. Oh, good evening, Miss Laura. Good evening, Mr. Lynn.

Paul Lydecker

Hello, Margaret.

Laura Hunt

Oh, I'm terribly sorry, but Mrs. Treadwell isn't at home. Satisfied, Paul?

Paul Lydecker

Then suppose we just wait for her.

Laura Hunt

Oh, please, Mr. Lydech.

Paul Lydecker

Come in, Laura.

Laura Hunt

Why, Laura, dear. And Paul. We were just having dinner.

Paul Lydecker

Yes, I know. Laura.

Shelby Carpenter

I didn't expect to see you tonight.

Paul Lydecker

There you are, Laura. In a moment of supreme disaster, he's trite.

Shelby Carpenter

I was just telling Anne about our getting married. Well, sit down, you two.

Laura Hunt

Oh, no. No, thanks. I just stopped by to give you this. Your cigarette case.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

What?

Laura Hunt

You must have misplaced it somewhere.

Shelby Carpenter

Laura. Laura, wait a minute.

Laura Hunt

Good night, Ann. Good night, Shelby.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

When was this episode of the cigarette case, Mr. Lidecker?

Paul Lydecker

Last Wednesday night. On Friday, Laura had lunch with the Redfern girl.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Oh, I wish I'd been there.

Paul Lydecker

And as I said in my statement, Laura and I were to have had dinner that night. At seven o', clock, my phone rang. I know. I had a sudden sensation of depression. A foreboding of disaster.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Hello, Paul.

Laura Hunt

I'm frightfully sorry, but I just can't meet you.

Paul Lydecker

Well, there's nothing wrong, Laura. I mean, you're not ill?

Laura Hunt

Oh, no, no. I. I just decided to go to the country for a few days.

Paul Lydecker

In this storm? It's pouring.

Laura Hunt

It won't last, Paul. It will do me a lot of good to be alone.

Paul Lydecker

You're thinking about Carpenter.

Laura Hunt

Of course. Please, I. I simply must have this time to think this out for myself.

Paul Lydecker

Well, when will you be back, dear?

Laura Hunt

I don't know. I'll call before I leave. Maybe you could meet me.

Paul Lydecker

Of course I will.

Laura Hunt

Thanks, Paul. Goodbye.

Paul Lydecker

Goodbye, my dear. That was the last time I ever heard her voice.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

This.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

This Redfern girl, where does she live?

Paul Lydecker

In Newark. She's in the phone book. I will never forgive myself for allowing Laura to become involved with Carpenter. It was my fault. I should have stopped it long ago somehow.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

She's dead now. It's too late even to think about it.

Announcer (Lux Radio Theater Sponsor)

Yes.

Paul Lydecker

Too late even to think about it.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Act 2 of laura, starring gene tierney in the title role and victor mature as mark. With joseph kearns as paul ladeka and carlton young as carpenter.

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Lieutenant Mark McPherson

and your unique sleep needs.

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Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

It's an hour later, in front of Laura Hunt's apartment, Lieutenant Detective Mark McPherson picks up Sergeant Crane. Together, they make another thorough search of the girl's room. Two things interest McPherson. A pile of Laura's letters and a bottle of Scotch whiskey.

Paul Lydecker

If you're thirsty, Lieutenant, I think you can do better than that.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

No, thanks. Say, when did you say that maid was due?

Paul Lydecker

Any minute now. Say, where's Machavity?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

In the basement. I've had the telephone tapped. He's sitting on it.

Paul Lydecker

But who's going to use the phone besides us?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Nobody I know of. But it's still a good idea. I'm making a call now myself. Go down the basement and relieve Mac. I'll wait here for the maid. Carpenter's coming, too. Okay. Hello, mascones? This is Lieutenant McPherson, Homicide. Laura Hunt's been buying liquor from you, hasn't she? Yeah. Did she ever buy a brand of scotch called Black Pony? You're sure of that? Okay. Thanks. Come in, Miss Clary.

Laura Hunt

Never mind that Ms. Clary stuff. My name's Bessie.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Have a chair, Bessie.

Laura Hunt

It seems to me you. Those letters you've been reading her private letters.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yeah. Cops.

Laura Hunt

I was brought up to spit whenever I saw one.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, if it makes you feel any better, Bessie. Spit, Bessie. Who killed Laura Hunt?

Laura Hunt

How would I know? If you think I done it, ask anyone. Anyone who ever came here. Why I'd worked for, scrubbed for, done anything she would have wanted of me, pay or no pay.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Say, you're loyal, Bessie.

Laura Hunt

Miss Hunt was a real lady. Something cops would know about.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

How'd this bottle get into her cabinet?

Laura Hunt

I put it there.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

It's cheap scotch, Bessie. Laura Hunt wouldn't buy cheap scotch.

Laura Hunt

I found it on a kitchen shelf Saturday morning.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You know what that means?

Laura Hunt

It means that somebody brought it here Friday night.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Who?

Laura Hunt

I don't know, but I. I didn't want anybody to get any wrong idea about her. God rest her soul. That's why I put the bottle in the liquor cabinet. I done more than that.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

There were two glasses.

Laura Hunt

I washed them out and cleaned off the bottle, too.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Destroying evidence, Bessie.

Laura Hunt

Well, I don't care. I'll do anything to keep her name from being dragged through the mud.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Now, relax, Bessie. Just relax. Look, I'd like some ice in the setup. You mind? Oh, and a couple of highball glasses. I'm expecting somebody.

Announcer (Lux Radio Theater Sponsor)

More cup?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

No. Shelby Carpenter. Let him in and then get the glasses.

Laura Hunt

The door was open Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Oh, Mrs. Tread will come in. I didn't expect you. Oh, are you either, Mr. Lydecker?

Laura Hunt

Shelby's dropping me at the hairdressers later.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I only sent for you, Carpenter. I know, so I thought I might as well.

Laura Hunt

Well, come along.

Paul Lydecker

My excuse is equally feeble. I dropped in to inquire as to the state of your health, Lieutenant. Insipid, I trust.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I was about to have a drink. Oh, Bessie. Two more glasses.

Laura Hunt

Yes, sir.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Scotia van.

Paul Lydecker

Excellent.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Will this do? It's Black Pony.

Paul Lydecker

I'm a guest here.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

It will have to do.

Laura Hunt

Here's the ice and the glasses.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

That'll be all, Bessie. You can go home now.

Laura Hunt

Oh, but I. Yes, sir, I'll go.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Thank you, Bessie.

Laura Hunt

I remember when Laura bought these glasses. She loved them. She loved all her things so.

Paul Lydecker

What are you going to do, Anne? Sell them?

Laura Hunt

I suppose so. If I'm appointed administrator, I'll probably call in Corey.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Corey?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

The art deal?

Laura Hunt

Yes. He can dispose of everything. It'll be less. Less gruesome that way.

Paul Lydecker

Not quite everything, Anne. There are one or two things here that belong to me. That vase, for instance. The antique fire, square screen. And, of course, the clock.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

That's quite a clock. You've got one just like it, haven't you? I noticed it in your apartment.

Paul Lydecker

They were made 200 years ago by Courbet Feast. Large, aren't they? Two clocks, exactly the same. Created at the order of the Prince of Wales. I lent one to Laura.

Laura Hunt

Oh, really, Paul?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, really.

Paul Lydecker

But the vase is the gem of my collection. I can take it with me now.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Nothing's leaving here, Lybiker. Only you.

Paul Lydecker

Is that your quaint way of indicating dismissal?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

We're all leaving.

Shelby Carpenter

I don't understand. I thought you sent for it.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I did.

Shelby Carpenter

Well, don't you want to ask me any questions?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Nothing pressing.

Shelby Carpenter

I see.

Paul Lydecker

Well, I bid you goodbye.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Oh, the vase, Mr. Lier. Put it down. Oh, of course.

Paul Lydecker

Just a touch of trust.

Art Linkletter

Crane.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yeah, McPherson. I'm back upstairs in her apartment. How are you doing in the basement? Any calls come in this afternoon?

Announcer (Lux Radio Theater Sponsor)

Not a thing.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Look, I've just been looking this place over. I've only done it 40 times.

Paul Lydecker

Anything interesting?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Everything's interesting. Especially that portrait. A really beautiful doll.

Paul Lydecker

Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yeah. You know, I've read her letters, smelled her perfume, drank her scotch and gone through her wardrobe. Wait a minute.

Art Linkletter

Yeah?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Someone in the hall. Look, it's seven o'. Clock. Alfred will be along to relieve you. Make sure Alfred keeps his ear on that phone. Right. Who is it?

Laura Hunt

Guess.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Coming. Lidegger I guess you just happened to

Paul Lydecker

be passing by, and I noticed the lights were on. Have you sublet this apartment, McPherson? You're here often enough to pay rent.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Any objection?

Paul Lydecker

Yes. Especially to your prying into Laura's letters. That bundle in your pocket, for instance.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Oh, these?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

They're yours. The best of the bunch too. That's the trouble with getting murdered, Lydeker. It ruins your privacy.

Paul Lydecker

And have detectives who buy portraits of murder victims a claim to privacy. Lancaster Corey tells me you've already put in a bid for Laura's portrait.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

That's none of your business.

Paul Lydecker

Macpherson, did it ever strike you that you're acting very strangely? It's a wonder you don't come here with roses and a box of drugstore candy. Have you been dreaming of Laura as your wife, by your side at the policeman's ball or in the bleachers? Or listening to the heroic saga of how you acquired a silver shin bone in a gun battle with a gangster?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, I can see that you have. Why don't you go home? I'm busy.

Paul Lydecker

Perhaps we can come to terms now. You want her portrait. Perfectly understandable. I want my possessions. My vase, my clock, my fire screen.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Now, if you get going.

Paul Lydecker

Oh, you'd better watch out, Lieutenant. You'll end up in the psychiatric ward. I don't think they've ever had a patient who fell in love with a beautiful girl who died before he met her.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Or did you meet her?

Paul Lydecker

Well, good night. Roses and a box of drugstore candy. Have you been dreaming of Laura as your wife?

Laura Hunt

Yes. I can see that you have.

Paul Lydecker

You better watch out, Lieutenant. You'll end up in the psychiatric ward. I don't think they ever.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

What's the matter with me?

Paul Lydecker

Maybe.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Maybe you can tell me. You. The girl in that portrait up there?

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

You're beautiful.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Somebody killed you? Why?

Shelby Carpenter

Why?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Do you know, I could sit here and look at you all night. All night long. I could sit, just look at you.

Laura Hunt

Who is it? Who's in there?

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

You.

Art Linkletter

You.

Laura Hunt

What are you doing there?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yeah, you're alive.

Laura Hunt

If you don't get out at once, I'll call the police.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You are Laura Hunt, aren't you?

Laura Hunt

Well, I'm going to call the police.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Look. I am the police.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

See?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Credentials. Lieutenant Mark McPherson.

Laura Hunt

What's all this about?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You don't know? You don't know what's happened?

Laura Hunt

No.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, haven't you seen the paper? Where have you been?

Laura Hunt

In the country. I. I don't get A newspaper.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, haven't you got a radio?

Laura Hunt

It was broken. What are you.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Here, here.

Paul Lydecker

Look at all these headlines.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I want you to sit down this time. You know, I'm very glad to see you. On Friday night, somebody was murdered in this room. What did you say until you opened the door? Just now, we thought it was you. Do you have any idea who it could have been? You don't know the girl died from shotgun wounds? No. Apparently we don't know who had a key to this apartment?

Laura Hunt

Nobody, except my maid. When did you say it happened?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Friday night. Look, you'd better take off that coat. You're dripping wet. Say, when did it start raining?

Laura Hunt

Just a few minutes ago. It's teeming outside.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

It was raining Friday night, too, when that girl. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Raining. Come with me, Ms. Hunter. Here in your room. I want you to look into your closet.

Laura Hunt

I simply don't understand.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

The closet, Ms. Hunt. The closet. Here, open it up. Do all those dresses belong to you?

Laura Hunt

Certainly they belong.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

All of them?

Laura Hunt

Are you out of your mind? Of course they do. What's this one?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I don't know. You tell me.

Laura Hunt

Why, this dress isn't mine. It's hers. Diana Redfern. She had it on when she came for lunch on Friday.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Ah, I see.

Laura Hunt

But this dressing was. This dress wasn't in here when I left it wasn't.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

This Ms. Redfern, is she about your size?

Laura Hunt

Yes, she's a model. She works for us.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, but she hasn't been home. Her landlady said she's gone to Philadelphia.

Laura Hunt

That's right. We have a branch office in Philadelphia. She had an assignment there. But she didn't go. It was postponed.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Does she have any relatives in the city?

Laura Hunt

An aunt and an uncle the same name. They live in the village.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Thanks.

Laura Hunt

Where are you going?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

To the telephone. I think Ms. Redfern's aunt and uncle had better go to the morgue right away to make an identification identifier.

Laura Hunt

Oh, no,

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

No. Right. Yes, sir, I will. So long, Inspector. Well, that's that, Ms. Hunt.

Laura Hunt

They've located the Redfern.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, we ought to know soon. Ms. Hunt, when you went to the country finally, did you see anyone you knew on the train?

Laura Hunt

No.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

What happened?

Laura Hunt

I got off at Norwalk. I keep a car in a private garage near the station. I drove to my house. It's about 18 miles.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

What did you do in the country?

Laura Hunt

Worked in my garden.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You didn't leave your place in all that time?

Laura Hunt

I keep everything I need in the house. I went there Expressly to be alone.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You were going to marry Shelby Carpenter this week.

Laura Hunt

Yes.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

But you went away for a long weekend to be alone. You know Shelby Carpenter has a key to this apartment. Why didn't you tell me?

Laura Hunt

Because I know nothing of the sort. He hasn't.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

How else did the Redfern girl get into the apartment? You knew she was in love with Carpenter.

Laura Hunt

I also knew that she meant nothing to Shelby. I understand him better than you.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

She was found, and I'm convinced now it was Miss Redford. She was found in your dressing gown.

Laura Hunt

What of it? You yourself told me it was raining Friday night. You yourself just saw her dress. It's full of wrinkles and rain.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, how did she get in here?

Art Linkletter

Why?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Who brought her here?

Laura Hunt

I haven't the slightest idea.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Look, Miss Hunt. Do you love this Carpenter fellow so much you'd risk your own safety to protect him? He must have brought her here.

Laura Hunt

You suspect me. You think I killed somebody in jealousy?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I'm trying to get at the truth. I'm sorry. Strictly routine. Look, miss. Son, I'll see you in the morning. Meanwhile, don't leave this apartment and don't use the telephone.

Laura Hunt

But I've got to use it. I've got to let my friends know I'm alive.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Sorry, but I must insist. You see, if anything should happen to you, I. Well, I wouldn't like it.

Laura Hunt

All right.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

There's one more thing. You want a way to make up your mind whether you'd marry Shelby Carpenter or not. What did you decide?

Laura Hunt

I decided not to marry him.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, well, well. I'll see you in the morning, Miss Hunt. Good night.

Laura Hunt

Good night,

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Alfred.

Announcer (4 Patriots Sponsor Repeat)

You Mark?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yeah. Watch your step. It's pretty dark down here. Anything coming through those earphones? Mark just called.

Paul Lydecker

It was the Redfern girl, all right.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

They said she. Wait a minute. She's dialing a number up. Give me those earphones. Hello, Shelby?

Laura Hunt

This is Laura. I just. Laura, I must tell you.

Shelby Carpenter

Don't say anything on the telephone. Meet me right away in front of the office.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Can you leave right away? Was that. Yeah. Dames are always pulling a switch on you. You stay here, Alfred. Mac out in front?

Paul Lydecker

Yeah.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Get headquarters. Tell him to send another man right away. Mac's going to tail the girl. What about you?

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

I think I'll stick by Mr. Carpenter.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

See.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Act three of Laura in a moment.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

If you.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

The curtain rises on Act 3 of Laura. Starring Gene Tierney in the title role and Victor Matura's Mark. With Joseph Kearns as Paul Lyca.

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Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

For three hours, Detective Lieutenant McPherson has been following Shelby Carpenter. Now, in the black hours of the night, he stops his car near a lonely house 18 miles from Norwalk and makes his way carefully toward the front door. It's not quite shut. He peers through the crack for a moment and then walks in.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

What? What are you doing with that shotgun, Carpenter?

Shelby Carpenter

I must admit, this is somewhat embarrassing.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Let me see that gun. It's been fired recently.

Shelby Carpenter

I killed some rabbits with it.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

When?

Shelby Carpenter

A while back. I don't know exactly. I gave the gun to Laura for protection.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You haven't borrowed it lately. You didn't just bring it back.

Shelby Carpenter

You ought to know. You've been following me.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Do you realize the spot you're in? You brought Diana Redfern to Laura's apartment. You knew all along it was she who was murdered. Didn't you know Laura would come back any day and spill the whole thing? Or did you plan to kill her, too?

Shelby Carpenter

You're being fantastic.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You took a bottle of Black Pony to Her house? Friday night.

Shelby Carpenter

I took it there over a week ago.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Bessie says Friday night.

Shelby Carpenter

I can't help what Bessie says.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Where's the key to Laura's apartment?

Shelby Carpenter

I haven't got one. I never had one.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Okay.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You didn't bring the scotch there Friday night. You never had a key. Now, how did you get in? Well, I. Oh, come on, Carpenter, talk, talk.

Shelby Carpenter

Well, Laura kept an extra key in her office. I had asked Diana to meet me in a restaurant. I wanted to have it out with once and for all. You know, she thought she. Well, that she was in love with me. She started to get hysterical and we had to leave. Well, we started to walk. It began to rain suddenly and we got drenched. I thought of the key and stopped by the office to get it. We couldn't find a taxi, so we walked back to Laura's apartment.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Shelby Carpenter

Diana went to Laura's bedroom. When she came out, she had on her dressing gown where we talked, argued, maybe for a couple of hours. And then the doorbell rang.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Why didn't you go to the door?

Shelby Carpenter

Suppose one of Laura's friends had found me there.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, what would they think of finding Diana there?

Shelby Carpenter

I told her to say that Laura had led her the apartment. Anybody who knew Laura would believe that.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

All right, go ahead. Go ahead.

Shelby Carpenter

Well, I heard Diana open the door and then there was an awful explosion. By the time I reached her, the door was shut again. Diana just lay there on the floor.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Did you go out to see who did it?

Shelby Carpenter

I was too horrified to do anything. I. I knew I had to keep out of it and keep Laura out of it, too. The only thing on my mind was the safety of the person whose life was dearer to me than my own. Don't you understand that?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Did you think Laura had killed her?

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Did you?

Shelby Carpenter

I don't remember what I thought.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Well, do you think so now?

Shelby Carpenter

No.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Look, on Saturday, when Detective Crane went to see you, you seemed sincerely shocked.

Art Linkletter

I was.

Shelby Carpenter

I hadn't expected the police to mistake Diana's body for Laura's.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

And your alibi was ready. The concert. You knew the minute Laura got back to town it wouldn't stick.

Shelby Carpenter

I couldn't think that far ahead. I was heartbroken about Diana and panic stricken about Laura.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Okay. And tonight you met Laura in front of her office. What did you talk about?

Shelby Carpenter

About what I've just told you. What are you turning on the radio for?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

To see if it works. Why don't you tell the truth? She sent you here to get rid of that gun.

Shelby Carpenter

She doesn't even know I came. It was my own idea.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Oh, the radio works fine, doesn't it?

Shelby Carpenter

Why wouldn't it?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I hoped it wouldn't. All right. We're driving back to New York.

Shelby Carpenter

Am I under arrest?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I don't know. Just don't leave town. It would be very foolish thing to do.

Laura Hunt

Oh, good morning, Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Good morning. You know, I have a terrific yen to call you Laura. Why don't you forget that Lieutenant business and call me Mark?

Laura Hunt

Because I.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Especially since I brought you all these groceries. Look, you know, you didn't buy any food when you went out last night.

Laura Hunt

So, you know.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yeah. I can fix bacon and eggs. Can you make coffee? Oh, I spoke to Bessie. She'll be a little late. When I told her you were alive, she darned her. Passed out?

Laura Hunt

Yes. She phoned you might have been a little more delicate about it. Suppose you set the table. But we'll have to wait a little while for the coffee.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I asked Paul Lidego to stop by.

Laura Hunt

Did you tell him about me? That I'm alive?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

No.

Laura Hunt

Why not? It's brutal.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I'm not doing it for laughs. Why did you break your promise last

Laura Hunt

night not to go out? Because I'll never be bound to do anything unless it's of my own free will.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

The Redfern girl was in love with Carpenter. You admitted that.

Laura Hunt

I also told you he wasn't in love with her.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Paul, I don't know. You stay here.

Shelby Carpenter

Hello, Lieutenant. Laura. Oh, good morning, darling.

Laura Hunt

Hello, dear.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Excuse me, Lieutenant.

Shelby Carpenter

I'd like to kiss my fiance Good morning.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Oh, so it's on again.

Shelby Carpenter

Do I have to get a police permit now?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Who?

Paul Lydecker

Come in.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

L. The door is unlatched.

Shelby Carpenter

Lydecker. Right on my heels.

Paul Lydecker

Well, McPherson, have you thought over the deal I suggested? What about the portrait?

Laura Hunt

Horror. Oh, bo

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I. I'll be all right

Paul Lydecker

in in a moment.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Laura, what a.

Laura Hunt

Not now, dear. Don't try to talk now.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Come on. Come on.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I'll take him into the bedroom.

Laura Hunt

Just be quiet.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, yes.

Shelby Carpenter

How is he now, McPherson?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Ah, he'll be all right. He's lying down.

Shelby Carpenter

This is going just a little too far. Your methods are vicious.

Laura Hunt

Must have been a terrible shock to him seeing me. Poor darling.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Now, don't tell me you're in love with Lydecker too.

Shelby Carpenter

Stop talking that way to Miss Hunt.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Laura, why do you cover up for a guy like Carpenter? What story did he tell you when you met him last night?

Shelby Carpenter

Don't answer him, darling.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Oh, shut up. I got enough carpenter to set you away right now.

Paul Lydecker

McPherson, quick. The handcuffs Trundle him off to the who's gal. Well, I hope you'll forget my wee touch of angina, my dear. It's an old family custom. Oh, did I interrupt a pinch, McPherson?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

No, I've changed my mind for the moment.

Paul Lydecker

Well, in that case, better orders to food and liquor. Laura, people are coming to celebrate your return this afternoon. A cocktail party?

Laura Hunt

Who asked them?

Paul Lydecker

I did. In the quiet of your boudoir just now I called my man, and he's calling all our dear friends.

Laura Hunt

Why did you have to do that?

Paul Lydecker

Perhaps our friends can weave all the loose ends into a noose, eh, McChrysten?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Now, you shouldn't have gone to all that trouble. Attica. Well, Laura, I'll run along. Sorry about breakfast. Some other time maybe.

Laura Hunt

Shelby. Shelby, come here.

Shelby Carpenter

What's the matter, darling? Your party's a huge success.

Laura Hunt

Shelby, tell me. I must know. Why did you go to the country last night?

Shelby Carpenter

Laura, you don't know?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I was afraid you wouldn't think of hiding that shotgun.

Laura Hunt

What shotgun?

Shelby Carpenter

The one I gave you. Darling, you don't have to lie to me.

Laura Hunt

Well, what's going on here? Oh, nothing at all. In case you don't know it, that McPherson man hasn't taken his eyes off you. I know.

Shelby Carpenter

Maybe it'd be better if I will mingle with the guests.

Laura Hunt

Dora. McPherson suspects him. Shelby. He suspects me too. Don't be absurd, darling. Yes? Are you is interested in Lieutenant McPherson, is he? Isn't you and I only met him last night. Sometimes that's more than long enough. Anyway, he's better for you than Shelby. Anybody is. Shelby's better for me. Why? Because I can afford him.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

He's so good.

Laura Hunt

Wait a minute. He's coming. Mark? Oh, Mark isn't.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I'm sorry to break up your party,

Laura Hunt

Laura, but you haven't. You've been a model guest so far.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I'm not joking, Laura. Get your things. I'm taking you to headquarters.

Laura Hunt

I thought I was going to get a sell in a denim dress? Is this your office?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Now, before they trot out that denim dress, I want to know why you've been holding out on me.

Laura Hunt

Have I been?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You told me the radio at your country place was broken. It was not last night.

Laura Hunt

I stopped in the village on my way back. I asked the local handyman to fix it.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, how did he get in?

Laura Hunt

With a key. The key I always leave under the flower pot on the porch.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

All right. I'll accept that.

Laura Hunt

Why?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Because you're too intelligent to make up a story. I could check so easily. The main thing I want to know is why you pulled that switch about Shelby Carpenter. You told me last night you decided not to marry. But today it's on again.

Laura Hunt

Why? I changed my mind.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

What went on between you and Carpner when you met him last night? Or should I tell you? He convinced you that if you broke your engagement now. People would think you believe that he killed Diana Redford.

Laura Hunt

Yes. But now I know the real reason why he wanted to stay engaged. He thinks I did it, and so do you.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Are you in love with him?

Laura Hunt

No. I don't know how I ever could have been.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Come on, Laura. You're going home.

Laura Hunt

But I thought I was under.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

That's what I wanted you to think. You and a few other people.

Laura Hunt

And all this was just some sort of a game.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, I was 99% certain about you. But I just had to make sure that 1% down.

Laura Hunt

Wasn't there an easier way to make sure?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Say, you're. You're smiling. You're not sore.

Laura Hunt

No, Mark, I'm not sore.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You go back to your party. If there's anything left of it.

Laura Hunt

And you?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I'm going to Lide department. I'll drop by later on.

Paul Lydecker

I'm glad they've all gone. Laura. It's been so long since we've been together. Darling, what's the matter?

Laura Hunt

Nothing. Paul.

Paul Lydecker

You're worried. Yes. McPherson, he's using you for something.

Laura Hunt

I don't think so.

Paul Lydecker

Oh, I don't deny he's infatuated with you in some warped fashion. But he's incapable of any normal human relationship. He's been dealing too long with criminals. When you were unattainable. When he thought you were dead. That's when he wanted you most. He fell in love with a portrait.

Laura Hunt

He was glad when I came back. As if he were waiting for me.

Paul Lydecker

Do you know what he calls women?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Dames.

Paul Lydecker

A dame in Washington Heights once got a fox fur out of his.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

In his very words.

Laura Hunt

That doesn't mean anything, Paul.

Paul Lydecker

Laura, my dear. You have one glaring weakness. With you, a lean, strong body is always the measure of a man. And you always get hurt.

Laura Hunt

No man is ever going to hurt me again. No, not even you.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I hurt you? Laura, look at me.

Paul Lydecker

You are a long time finding out about Shelby. But that's all over now. We'll be together again.

Laura Hunt

Wait. I thought I heard the door open. It did.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Oh, don't get up. It's only me.

Paul Lydecker

Haven't you heard of science's latest triumph, the doorbell?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I'm glad you're here, Lydica. I've just been to your apartment.

Paul Lydecker

Well, do you mind if I search your pockets?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I found a shotgun. Oh, but I wasted my time. It wasn't the gun that killed Diana Redfern.

Paul Lydecker

First he tells you that he thinks you're innocent. And he proceeds to check up on you.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

I never said you're innocent.

Art Linkletter

Me?

Paul Lydecker

I'm talking about Laura. My dear, this entire maneuver could be a trick to throw you off guard.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

It could be, but it isn't.

Laura Hunt

I know. I believe you, Mark.

Paul Lydecker

I'm beginning to get annoyed. Laura, it's the same obvious pattern. If McPherson weren't full of muscles and good looks in a cheap sort of way, you'd see through him in a second.

Laura Hunt

Paul, I mean to be as kind about this as I know how. But you're the one following the same obvious pattern. First with that painter you thought was in love with me, then with Shelby. And now, I suppose.

Paul Lydecker

Laura, what are you saying?

Laura Hunt

That I don't think that we should see each other again?

Paul Lydecker

Now, darling, you're not yourself.

Laura Hunt

Yes, I am. For the first time in ages, I know what I'm doing.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Very well.

Paul Lydecker

I hope you'll never regret what promises to be a disgustingly earthy relationship. Oh, listen to my broadcast in 10 minutes. I'm discussing the other great loves of history.

Laura Hunt

That was the most difficult thing I've had to do in my whole life.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, but where is it? Where is it?

Laura Hunt

What?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

The gun that killed Diana Redford.

Laura Hunt

What are you doing?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Taking a look at your clock. Here. He's got one just like it, hasn't he?

Laura Hunt

Yes.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Well, you see, I wasn't alone in Lydecker's apartment. A guy named Sergeant Crane came with me. Crane's old man is a clockmaker. And while I wore myself out looking for a shotgun. All the sergeant had was drool about the clock. He said, probably there's not another one like it in the world.

Laura Hunt

Obviously he was wrong.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, but he showed me something about that clock. A little feature with all clocks made by Courber Feast. Underneath, down here, near the floor, is a little spring. You push the spring, and the whole bottom compartment over opens up, see? Like this.

Laura Hunt

But I never knew it was there.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

In the old days, I guess, people used the compartment for a kind of a safe. Today they use it for hiding other things. Shotguns, for instance.

Laura Hunt

Oh, my.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, this is it, Laura. I'm sure of it. And it was put here by the only man who knew about this clock. Paul Lydick.

Laura Hunt

Oh, no.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

When the Redfern girl opened the door. This hallway was dark. Lydecker saw a girl, assumed it was you and fired. He figured if he couldn't have you for himself, he was going to make sure no one else did. He heard Carpenter, so he hid behind the stairway outside in the corridor. Carpenter was scared to death. He got out as fast as he could. Then Lydia slipped back in and tucked the gun away in the grandfather clock.

Laura Hunt

I felt it ever since I came back. And I'm to blame. Not for what. Anything I didn't do. But for what? Just it. What I didn't do. I should have stopped seeing Paul long ago, but I couldn't. I owed him too much.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You know, I can understand all that. But I can understand why you tried so hard to protect Carpenter.

Laura Hunt

I was frantic you'd arrest him. I knew he wasn't guilty, but I knew Paul would do everything he could to incriminate him. It was his way of getting rid of Shelby. Just as he got rid of every other man who might have meant something to me.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You know, for a charming, intelligent girl, you've certainly surrounded your yourself with a remarkable collection of dopes. Now, look, don't touch anything. I'm leaving. The gun. The clock. I'll have it picked up in the morning.

Laura Hunt

You're going?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yeah, I'm picking up Lydecker. Now, Mark, I've got to. You know that. And look, you try to get some sleep.

Laura Hunt

Sleep well. Maybe I can. I'll read a book, listen to the radio. Will you call me later?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Sure. And you try to forget all this. This. Just pretend it was a bad dream. Good night, Laura.

Laura Hunt

Good night, Ma. Good night. And be careful, please.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

And now, ladies and gentlemen, with his

Paul Lydecker

final word for this evening, Mr. Paul Lydecker. As history has proved, love is eternal. The strongest motivation for man's actions throughout centuries. Love is stronger than life. It reaches beyond the dark shadows of death. May I remind you of some favorite lines of mine from Dowson's poem? They are not long the weeping and the laughter. After love and desire and hate. I think they have no portion in

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

us after we pass the gate.

Paul Lydecker

They are not long days of wine and roses other than the misty dreams for a while, then closes within a dream. That's the way it is, isn't it, Laura? By electrical transcription.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

This is the secret.

Paul Lydecker

There's a final irony to all of this, Laura. You know how I despise melodrama. Yet here I am, a gun in my hand, about to kill you.

Laura Hunt

Paul, you've taken one life. Isn't that enough?

Paul Lydecker

The best part of myself. That's what you are.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Laura.

Paul Lydecker

Do you think I'm going to leave you to the vulgar pawings of a second rate policeman who thinks you're a dame?

Laura Hunt

He'll bind you, Paul. You know he will.

Announcer (She's Birdie Sponsor)

Will he?

Paul Lydecker

Don't you overestimate the man who thought I left here a few moments ago. All I did was wait in the hall, Laura. And then let myself in again with a key I've always had. But I'm not going to lose you, Laura.

Laura Hunt

Laura.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Laura, it's me, Mark.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Open the door.

Paul Lydecker

Don't move, Laura.

Laura Hunt

He didn't leave.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

He's somewhere in this building.

Laura Hunt

Laura, are you all right?

Paul Lydecker

Find us together, darling. As always we should have been. As always we will be.

Laura Hunt

No. Oh, no.

Paul Lydecker

Turn your face, darling. Please turn your face. I couldn't bear to. Sorry, Ms. Hunt. I had to do it. I better let the boss in before

Shelby Carpenter

he puts on you.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Laura, darling.

Laura Hunt

Laura, it's all right.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Are you all right?

Paul Lydecker

Got him through the window, Lieutenant. From the fire escape. I'll call headquarters.

Shelby Carpenter

A fine detective.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

A fine detective I am, Laura. Goodbye.

Paul Lydecker

Goodbye, my love.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

It's all right, darling. It's all right. The bad dream is all over.

Announcer (Lux Radio Theater Sponsor)

In a moment, our stars will return. And now, here's Mr. Cummings with our stars.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

And please step forward for a well deserved curtain call. Gene Tierney and Victor Mature. And I can't tell you how proud I am when I recall that I'd be directed each of you in your first starring role.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

You know, Irving, I'll never forget you either. You kept me up one day on a Ferris wheel for two hours going around and round and round.

Laura Hunt

That was a long time. Why wouldn't he let you down?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Because he knew I wouldn't go up again, especially after lunch.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

What Vic didn't know was that I was riding on a crane with a camera crew. And I was just as sick as he was.

Laura Hunt

I'm glad you didn't beat me. Me? That way in my first starring role. It might have been my last.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Oh, I'm always very charming to Lux girls, Gene. And you were a Lux girl even then, weren't you?

Laura Hunt

Oh, yes. I've used Lux soap for my complexion ever since I came to Hollywood.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Say, Irving, Ty Py was also a star at 20th Century Fox then. And you know, now he's starring in their CinemaScope production, King of Kyber Rifles.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Don't you have a new CinemaScope production too, Vic?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes, Susan Hayward. I starred in Demetrius and the Gladiators. I almost forgot the name, didn't you

Laura Hunt

play the part of Demetrius in the robe?

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

Yes. And 20th Century Fox received so many letters from people wondering what eventually happened to poor old Demetrius that he decided to film his story.

Laura Hunt

I'd like to know myself and Irving. I'd also like to know about next week's play.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Next week we will have another suspenseful drama. One that will take us through war torn Europe on a thrilling hunt for a dangerous murderer. It's one of David Osel's next many motion picture triumphs.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

The Third Man.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

And as our stars, that excellent actor

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

to own power and one of the

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

screen's most exciting personalities, Ruth Roman.

Lieutenant Mark McPherson

That will make a great show.

Laura Hunt

And how it will. Good night.

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Good night everyone. Good night. And the best to both of you.

Announcer (Lux Radio Theater Sponsor)

Now here's art link letter with the word the busy housewife.

Art Linkletter

When you're at the store pushing that metal cart around, have you ever noticed how many detergents there are? Golly, you get dizzy just looking at them.

Laura Hunt

So what's a poor girl to do? Try all of them.

Art Linkletter

Some people do. Generally speaking, they find that a good detergent gets things clean looking and well,

Laura Hunt

then it doesn't make any difference which one you buy. Just close your eyes.

Art Linkletter

Oh, now wait, wait a minute. Open your eyes when you buy that detergent. But when you're trying to find out if your wash is really clean, don't rely on looks alone because your nose can tell you what your eyes can't see.

Laura Hunt

Oh, you mean that things aren't really clean unless they smell clean?

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Sure.

Art Linkletter

If things don't smell clean, they aren't as clean as they should be. And like I said, all good detergents will give you a wash that's clean looking. But surf, all purpose surf will do more. Surf gets things so clean they smell clean too. So clean they smell like sunshine. And that means they're clean clear through. One wash day with surf will prove that to you. And you won't go reaching blandly for just any detergent down at the store. You'll always reach for surf. Remember, no matter how tough a laundry job you've got greasy work clothes and overalls, towels, sheets. Surf gets things really clean. So get the big money saving economy sized box of Surf. You like it?

Narrator / Producer Irving Cummings

Lever Brothers Company, makers of Lux Toilet soap and Lux Liquidy Durant invite you to be with us again next Monday evening when the Lux Radio Theater presents Jerome Power and Ruth Roman in the Third Man. This is Irving Cummings second, saying good night to you from Hollywood.

Announcer (Lux Radio Theater Sponsor)

Heard in our cast tonight were Joseph Kearns as Paul, Carlton Young as Carpenter, Yvonne Petey as Anne, Noreen, Camille as Bessie, Charles Seal as Crane, Eddie Mar as Alpha Bird and Marianne Cape as the Maid. Our radio play was adapted by S.H. barnett and our music was directed by Rudy Schrager. Don't forget Lever Brothers Parent Despair Plan the smart new way to buy stockings. You get three Canon nylon stockings, a $85 cent value for just $1, plus box tops or wrappers from Lever Brothers products. Look for details on the packages. This is your announcer, Ken Carpenter, reminding you to join us again next Monday night to hear the Third man, starring Jerome Power and Ruth Roman. Every Thursday evening, Lever Brothers Company brings you the Lux Video Theater. Consult your local newspaper for time and station.