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00:00♪♪
00:12The makers of Campbell's Soup present
00:14The Campbell Playhouse.
00:16Orson Welles, producer.
00:18♪♪
00:32♪♪
00:51Good evening, this is Orson Welles.
00:54The motion pictures and even the radio and the living stage
00:57have made it clear by now that the female of the species
01:01is not only more deadly than the opposite sex,
01:04more desirable, but also more durable in times of stress
01:08and more to be relied on
01:10for the solution of even the bloodiest murders.
01:13And in case these observations may seem as irrelevant
01:16as they are certainly irreverent,
01:19let me break down right here and admit
01:21the subject of tonight's broadcast
01:22is the bloodiest of bloody murders.
01:25Now, as to the ladies,
01:27time was when all the girls used to do in a mystery story
01:30was to scream, scream loudly,
01:32and be grasped at by horrible, clutching claws.
01:35But all that's been changed.
01:37And the heroines of these modern romances
01:40are ladies of parts.
01:42They are not the ones to find themselves
01:45clad only in something filmy and feminine,
01:47being carried off by a gorilla whose identity
01:50you will be subsequently requested not to divulge.
01:54They are not susceptible to hypnosis,
01:56to the blandishments of sinister Latins,
01:59and they never faint.
02:01They are accomplished in the use of firearms
02:03and can escape from anything, including suspicion.
02:06But the gentlemen, I am sorry to say,
02:09have degenerated in our new fiction
02:11into a pretty pathetic low among human things.
02:15There seems to be no excuse for us.
02:18I say us because tonight I am fated
02:21to attempt before this microphone
02:24the portrayal of one of these wretched beings.
02:27No, the lady bloodhounds could do without us
02:29if they didn't still insist, just for appearances,
02:32on the old traditional turnout of likely suspects.
02:37There's always a woman which is tonight's story
02:39contains no less than two murders and Miss Mary Wilson.
02:43Miss Wilson is one of the most promising
02:45of the talented and personable young women
02:47whom Hollywood has discovered in recent days.
02:50Her frequent appearance,
02:52as what is called a dumb and dizzy blonde is,
02:54let it be noted,
02:55an outstanding example of what is known
02:57to the entertainment world as casting against type.
03:01In There's Always a Woman, Miss Wilson demonstrates again
03:04that dumbness and dizziness
03:06can be surface disguises of infinite resources
03:09and a far-seeing purpose.
03:10But before our story of the evening,
03:14Mr. Ernest Chappell has a question to ask us,
03:16the answer to which I'm pretty sure will be unanimous.
03:18Chappell?
03:19Thank you, Orson Welles.
03:20And ladies and gentlemen, the question is simply this.
03:23What one soup would you say most deserves
03:25to be called a family standby?
03:28As Orson Welles suggested, I'm pretty sure of your answer.
03:30Isn't it vegetable soup?
03:32Bowls of homemade vegetable soup, I imagine,
03:35are among the very earliest memories of nearly all of us.
03:38Maybe we also recall the time and trouble
03:40Mother took to make that soup,
03:42simmering the stock and preparing the vegetables.
03:45Yet, as Mother's will,
03:47she always felt rewarded when she saw
03:49how much the family enjoyed it.
03:52Today, most of us still have a keen liking
03:54for vegetable soup.
03:56But wives and mothers increasingly are giving up making it
03:59and instead are serving Campbell's vegetable soup.
04:02Are you at your house?
04:04Of course it will save much kitchen time and trouble,
04:08but a far more important reason is that
04:09one taste of Campbell's will convince you
04:11that it's made in the time-honored good home way.
04:15Grown-ups and children alike enjoy
04:17the 15 different garden vegetables
04:19and the rich beef stock
04:21that together make Campbell's vegetable soup
04:23so stout and hearty and nourishing.
04:26You'll realize why women everywhere agree
04:28that it's almost a meal in itself.
04:31Wouldn't piping hot bowls of Campbell's vegetable soup
04:33just hit the spot with everyone at your house tomorrow?
04:38And now Orson Welles in There's Always a Woman
04:41with Marie Wilson.
04:42♪
04:48Statement to William H. Reardon for three months' rent.
04:52Due $375.
04:55Unless this bill is paid in on the 4th of 1st,
04:59the undersigned reserved the right to re-rent the premises.
05:03Signed Frank F. Carter.
05:06Oh, Bill, what are we going to do?
05:07I know what I'm going to do.
05:09I'm going to get my old job back.
05:12Hello? Is this the district attorney's office?
05:15Oh, no, Bill, no.
05:16Oh, shut up. This is Bill Reardon.
05:20Now, hello, Joe.
05:22When will he be in? Half an hour? Thanks.
05:24Oh, Bill, where's your pride?
05:26I just swallowed it.
05:27It's the only thing you can swallow on credit.
05:29Come on, Sally, we'll go down and see the D.A. together.
05:31You can make up your mind your husband is just too dumb
05:33to make a go of this detective business.
05:34Not me. I'm going to carry on here.
05:36All right, you carry on,
05:37but make sure to get out of here by the 1st of the month
05:39unless you want Mr. Carter to re-rent you too.
05:42Well, I hope you don't get the job.
05:43If I don't, there's a cute little bench in Central Park
05:45where we can spend the summer.
05:47Oh, Bill.
05:48And don't be too sure of that bench.
05:50It's first come, first served in Central Park.
05:52♪
06:01Come in.
06:06Pardon me, is Mr. Reardon in?
06:08No.
06:08Could you tell me when he'll be in?
06:10I want to see him on business.
06:11On business?
06:13Oh, well, won't you sit down?
06:16Mr. Reardon is out right now on a very important case,
06:19but if there's anything that...
06:21Say, could I have him call you?
06:24I prefer not to give my name.
06:25Well, just as you wish, Mrs. Frazier.
06:27How did you know my name is Frazier?
06:29Well, your picture was in the papers when you were married,
06:31and it's a detective's business never to forget a face.
06:33Are you a detective?
06:35I'm Mr. Reardon's chief operator.
06:37I handle all his women clients.
06:39You see, women often feel that they can talk more freely
06:41to another woman.
06:42And you keep this matter confidential?
06:44I won't even discuss it with Mr. Reardon.
06:46But he'll have to know, won't he?
06:47Well, not unless you want him to.
06:49You see, you'll be entered in our books as a number.
06:51Now, just a moment.
06:52Let's see, the last case was, let me see, number 375.
06:56Your case will be number 376.
06:58Now then, what can I do for you?
07:00Well, there's a person I'd like to have shadowed.
07:02Her name is Calhoun, Anne Calhoun.
07:04Here's her picture.
07:05Oh, thanks.
07:06Gee, nice-looking, isn't she?
07:08To Lola, who is doing a much better job
07:10than I would have done, Anne.
07:13Is this inscription anything to do with the case?
07:15Anne Calhoun was engaged to my husband before I, before.
07:18Oh, I understand.
07:19Well, there hasn't been anything to understand
07:21until a week ago.
07:22Then quite suddenly, Mr. Frazier began getting letters
07:24and phone calls from her.
07:25I haven't spied, but I know her handwriting,
07:27and I know her voice.
07:29There's something going on between them,
07:30and you've got to find out.
07:31If I don't solve it by the first of the month,
07:33Mrs. Frazier, I'll retire from business.
07:35I'll just leave this office.
07:36Oh, by the way, if you want to get a good look at her,
07:38this is Miss Calhoun.
07:39She and my husband and I and Jerry Marlowe
07:41are dropping in at the Skyline Club tonight.
07:43The Skyline Club?
07:45Oh, I'll be there.
07:46Now, I dare say you want some advance money for expenses.
07:49I dare say.
07:50I don't know what your rates are, miss,
07:51but how would $300 do?
07:54$300?
07:54Why, I'm sorry, it's all I happen to have with me.
07:57Of course, if you insist.
07:58Oh, no, no.
07:59That's all right.
08:00Of course, it's less than our usual rates,
08:02but I'm delighted to make the exception.
08:05Thank you, miss.
08:06Operator 7, just call me that.
08:08Goodbye, 376.
08:13Reardon Detective Agency, Operator 7.
08:15Who's that?
08:16You sound awfully happy.
08:17Oh, I am.
08:18I got my job back.
08:19Let's celebrate.
08:19What's the salary?
08:20I said celebrate.
08:21What do you get paid?
08:22$75 each and every week.
08:24Oh, isn't that nice?
08:25Hey, what's wrong?
08:26Oh, I said, isn't that nice?
08:29Say, what did you say about celebrating?
08:30Better start packing.
08:31But what's the hurry?
08:32We got until the 1st.
08:33OK, if you don't mind being lonesome.
08:35Tell me, how's the Reardon Agency coming along
08:37under its new management?
08:38Splendidly, thank you.
08:39Splendidly.
08:40Customers are popping in all over the place.
08:42Customers?
08:42Name one.
08:43The Reardon Detective Agency never
08:45reveals the name of its clients.
08:46That's part of the Reardon policy.
08:48That's an easy policy.
08:49There aren't any Reardon clients.
08:50Any more bills come in?
08:51Several.
08:52Three great big ones.
08:54Say, didn't you say something about celebrating?
08:56Sure.
08:56Where do you meet me?
08:57Well, how about the Skyline Club, Bill?
08:59We can afford it, can't we?
09:00No, we can't afford the Skyline Club.
09:02Oh, just this once.
09:04It's always just this once.
09:05Oh, Bill, I just love the Skyline Club.
09:07Sally, we can't afford the Skyline Club.
09:12I just love the Skyline Club.
09:14Don't you, Bill?
09:15Well, don't you, Bill?
09:17No, it's too expensive.
09:18But it is pretty.
09:19And this man wants to take your order.
09:20He's not waiting to ask you to dance.
09:22Oh, excuse me.
09:23Let's see.
09:23After the puree mango, I think I'll take the filet mignon.
09:29Next night.
09:30You mean instead of filet mignon?
09:32No, I'd really rather have the filet mignon.
09:34And some sliced tomatoes.
09:35Sliced tomatoes, yes, madame.
09:37And some potato salad.
09:38And some potato salad, yes.
09:41Strawberry parfait, how about that, dear?
09:43Oh, yeah, and some coffee.
09:44Does strawberries go with my tea?
09:46Madame will find out.
09:47Too sweet, madame.
09:48And you, monsieur, what are your orders?
09:49A tall glass of water and a hard roll.
09:51Toasted?
09:52If you insist.
09:53With a regular dinner, sir?
09:54If you insist.
09:55Any wine, sir?
09:55No, thanks, sir.
09:56I mean, no.
09:57Now, wait a minute.
09:57I might want some.
09:58Why don't you ask him?
09:59No wine, waiter.
10:00And make it quick.
10:00You're very good, monsieur.
10:01conscientious scruple?
10:03No, just mathematics.
10:04All I have is a $20 bill.
10:06You don't, by any chance, have a couple of dollars in your purse?
10:09Money?
10:10Well, why didn't you say so?
10:11Now, let's see.
10:12I've got a half a dollar and four pennies and three sticks of chewing gum.
10:17Give me the half a dollar.
10:19You can keep the chewing gum.
10:20Oh, wait a minute.
10:20Mr. Shane.
10:21Hello, Mr. Reardon.
10:22Just the man I want to see, Mr. Shane.
10:24Will you cash a check for me, Mr. Shane?
10:25Why, sure.
10:26How much do you want?
10:27Not much.
10:2725 bucks.
10:28Better make it 50 in case you want some champagne.
10:30Champ.
10:31Mrs. Reardon, Mr. Shane.
10:33Oh, how do you do, Mr. Shane?
10:34Good to meet you, Mrs. Reardon.
10:35Here's your 50.
10:36Thanks.
10:36Got a pen?
10:37I'll write you a check.
10:38Here you are.
10:39Oh, you're taking an awful chance, Mr. Shane.
10:41I don't think he's got $50 in his account.
10:43Well, I'm sort of used to taking chances.
10:46Your wife has a great sense of humor, Mr. Reardon.
10:47Have you noticed it, too?
10:49Here's your check.
10:49Thanks.
10:50Haven't seen you around lately, Mr. Reardon.
10:51No, I've been busy.
10:52How do you like being on your own?
10:53I'm not exactly on my own anymore.
10:54I'm back with the DA.
10:55Oh, that reminds me.
10:56You don't happen to have his home phone number, do you?
10:58When you did me a favor.
10:59Lexington 8672.
11:00And he won't be home till pretty late.
11:01Lexington 8672.
11:02Oh, don't tell him where you got it.
11:03Excuse me, Mr. Shane.
11:04The captain told me to tell you there's
11:05a call for you in the office.
11:07Excuse me, folks.
11:07Oh, certainly.
11:08I'll probably see you around later.
11:09Oh, sure.
11:10Bye.
11:11Nice personality.
11:11Yeah, most gamblers have.
11:13Gambler?
11:14I thought you said he owned this place.
11:15Well, he also happens to own the casino across the river.
11:17Why couldn't I have married a man like that instead
11:20of a prohibitionist?
11:21Say, I'll bet he could have got us a better
11:23table in this one, too.
11:24We're lucky to have a table at all.
11:25Do you remember way back, Sally, on the phone
11:27when you promised if I brought you to the Skyline Club
11:30That was before you made the $50.
11:32What $50?
11:33The $50 you just got from Mr. Shane.
11:35Oh, excuse me.
11:36I forgot about that.
11:37Of course, there's always a chance
11:38that he might deposit that check.
11:39Well, even if he does, you still have $50 more
11:42than when you started out.
11:43And that's certainly a profit.
11:44Certainly is.
11:45Do me a favor, will you, Sally?
11:46And don't mention it to the income tax people.
11:48They don't understand finance as well as you do.
11:50You know you can trust me, Bill.
11:51Sure.
11:52Eat your soup.
11:52Not soup.
11:53It's puree mongo.
11:54Try not to eat so noisily, even if you
11:55had a couple of martinis.
11:56That's quality, folks.
11:57The next table.
11:57Oh, phew.
11:58That's not called quality, folk, either.
12:00I'll bet they're just as unimportant as you and I.
12:02For your information, Mrs. Reardon,
12:04they are people that anyone pretending to be a detective
12:07ought to know at first sight.
12:08They're Mr. and Mrs. Frazer.
12:10Fraber?
12:11Frazer.
12:12F-R-A-S-E-R.
12:13Oh, I get it.
12:14I get it.
12:15This other man is Jerry Marlowe, transcontinental copper.
12:19And the girl's Ann Calhoun.
12:20You know Ann Calhoun?
12:21Oh, you're just showing off again, Bill Reardon.
12:23I don't think you know anything about them.
12:25Oh, be quiet.
12:26Not so loud, Sally, please.
12:27Oh, they're talking half as loud as they are.
12:30Come on, Ann, dance with me.
12:31This is Jerry.
12:31I just saw him just dance to Walter.
12:33Isn't that Walter?
12:34Certainly.
12:34Say, who's engaged to Ann anyhow?
12:36Don't be jealous, Jerry.
12:37If you two think you're going to put anything over her.
12:39Come on and dance.
12:40Oh, all right.
12:41Turn around.
12:41They'll notice you're staring at them, Sally.
12:43I'll bet they love it.
12:45Why, if I was society, I'd want everybody
12:47to stare at me all the time.
12:48I wonder if you'd answer me one question.
12:50What question?
12:51How did a smart guy like me happen to marry
12:53a dumb cluck like you?
12:55Oh, I don't know.
12:56I don't think there's any explanation.
12:57No, probably not.
12:58It's just one of those things, you know.
13:00Say, you know, this silly mignon is delicious.
13:02It's delicious.
13:03Glad you enjoy it.
13:04Aren't you eating your lamb chop?
13:05Not hungry.
13:06Well, you paid for it.
13:07Don't be extravagant.
13:08I don't want anything more to eat.
13:09Waiter, bring me something to drink.
13:10Champagne, one glass.
13:11One glass.
13:12Two glasses, waitress.
13:13Oh, yes, madame.
13:15Had more than enough to drink, Sally.
13:16Not while I can still spell Mississippi.
13:19M-I-S-I-P-I, correct?
13:21It's as close as you'll ever get.
13:23Let's go back to the table.
13:24Hey, shh, quiet now.
13:25What is it now?
13:26We're going to get another chance to learn how to talk
13:28when we get into society.
13:29Oh, you can't sit there and just listen in on a lot of people
13:31talking in the middle of the day.
13:32Oh, can I help it if I want to be cultured
13:33like Mr. and Mrs. Frazier?
13:34Oh, shh.
13:35And Miss Calhoun?
13:36Now, quiet.
13:37This is for when I've been dancing
13:38with somebody else's husband.
13:39Well, it wouldn't be the first time he lost you, Anne.
13:41What do you mean by that, Jerry?
13:42I'll tell you what I mean by that.
13:44Anne's engaged to me now.
13:45And I'll kill the first guy that
13:46tries to take her away from me.
13:48Bravo, bravo.
13:49That's the spirit.
13:51Just a minute, Sally.
13:52Your conversation is no concern of yours.
13:54Oh, I know, but you were expressing
13:55yourself so beautifully.
13:56I couldn't help but listen in.
13:58Sally, will you please shut up?
13:59Sally, darling.
14:00If I knew this gentleman's name, I'd be glad to do it.
14:02Listen here, young lady.
14:03Bill, but you don't.
14:04Walter, let's pay the check and go.
14:06Oh, you think Mr. Frazier means I check, too?
14:08Sally, you'd better shut up.
14:10Do you think so?
14:11Come on, let's go.
14:12Look, mister, would you like me to shut up?
14:14Yes, I'm coming.
14:15See, Bill, you heard wrong.
14:16They won't even answer me.
14:17You're lucky.
14:18Waiter.
14:19Yes, Mr. Reardon.
14:20Mr. Reardon, the check, please.
14:31Hello?
14:32Daily Bulletin.
14:33Is it true what it says here in your paper?
14:35Beg your pardon?
14:36It says here in your paper that Walter Frazier was shot.
14:39Shot dead in Jerry Marlow's apartment.
14:42Just a minute.
14:43I'll give you the city desk.
14:44OK.
14:45Good morning, city desk.
14:46Oh, can you tell me if it's true about Walter Frazier?
14:49Madam, are you kidding?
14:50Well, it's here in the headlines.
14:52It says Frazier was shot in Jerry Marlow's apartment.
14:54You think we put it in to improve circulation?
14:57What do you want?
14:58Well, I wonder if I could interest you in the Frazier murder.
15:01Why?
15:02Did you kill him?
15:03No, but I think I know who did.
15:04I'm Sally Reardon of the Reardon Detective Agency.
15:06You know.
15:07No, I don't know.
15:08But go ahead.
15:09Well, if you don't want to know about a threat that Marlow made,
15:12I can call the Globe.
15:13You know, there's more than one paper in New York.
15:16Yes, OK.
15:17OK.
15:18We'll send somebody over.
15:19What's the address?
15:31Now, take it easy, Marlow.
15:33I don't want to take it easy.
15:34And you're a fine lawyer, I must say.
15:35Take it easy.
15:36Can't you read?
15:37Marlow guilty, says blonde investigator.
15:39Why should I hire anybody who says that?
15:41To make us stop saying that.
15:42That's bribery, Mr. Ketterling.
15:43I don't want any part of it.
15:44You made the threat, didn't you?
15:45Yes, yes, I made the threat.
15:46But I didn't kill him.
15:47That's important, too.
15:48Not as important as you think.
15:49The important thing is to make sure you're not convicted.
15:51Mrs. Reardon is here, Mr. Ketterling.
15:53Good.
15:54Send her right in.
15:55And you'll be nice to her, Jerry.
15:56I'll be nice to her.
15:57I'd like to kill her.
15:58You keep on talking about liking to kill people,
15:59and you'll be a suspect in every murder trial in New York.
16:01This way, Mrs. Reardon.
16:02How do you do, Mrs. Reardon?
16:04Oh, are you Mr. Ketterling?
16:05You know Mr. Marlow, don't you?
16:06Oh, well, we met last night, didn't we?
16:08How did you know?
16:09I mean, well, maybe we didn't meet, but we spoke.
16:11Mrs. Reardon, I've explained to Mr. Marlow
16:12that you've agreed to do some investigating for us.
16:14Well, you understand, Mr. Marlow,
16:16we're very busy down at the office just now.
16:18But this was such an interesting case,
16:20I felt I couldn't afford to turn it down.
16:23That's very generous of you, Mrs. Reardon.
16:25Don't you think so, Jerry?
16:26Yes, very generous, very generous.
16:28Yes, Mr. Ketterling and I agreed upon 200 a week in expenses,
16:31didn't we, Mr. Ketterling?
16:32That's right.
16:33And here's your check, Mrs. Reardon.
16:34Wait a minute.
16:35Mrs. Reardon, how are you going to fix that newspaper story?
16:38Oh, that.
16:40Excuse me for waving this check in your face, Mr. Marlow,
16:43but I want the ink to dry.
16:45Hello?
16:46Daily Bulletin.
16:47Give me the city desk.
16:49City desk.
16:50Good morning.
16:51Hello, this is Mrs. Reardon.
16:52Uh-huh.
16:53I've got a new story for you.
16:55Got your pencil ready?
16:56Ready.
16:57All right.
16:58Marlow Innocent says, Blonde Investigator.
17:01Make up your mind, lady.
17:04Well, I know I said he was guilty,
17:06but just this minute I picked up some new evidence.
17:10I hope it doesn't bounce.
17:22Hello, Bill.
17:23Are you home?
17:24I'm home.
17:25Why did you repeat that crack of Marlow to the reporters?
17:26Which crack?
17:27When a man threatens to kill a rival in the nightclub,
17:29you know he's not going to do it.
17:30Why did you repeat it to the reporters?
17:31Oh, I didn't repeat anything.
17:33I just happened to be talking to the Daily Bulletin,
17:35and in one way or another, I...
17:36Sally Reardon, you tell me the truth or so help me, I'll kill you.
17:39Everybody wants to kill somebody lately.
17:41Have you noticed?
17:42Sally.
17:43Well, I told them I was going to get some publicity,
17:45or rather I told you I was going to get publicity.
17:47Well, after all, Marlow did say...
17:49But he was drunk, and I'm supposed to be working for the district attorney,
17:52not trying cases in the newspapers.
17:54Oh, gee, I didn't mean to do anything wrong, Bill.
17:56Sally, I appreciate what you're trying to do,
17:57but I've told you before, it's the man's place to make the money for the home,
18:00and it's the woman's place to take care of the man when he comes home, Sally.
18:02Oh, Bill, you're perfectly right.
18:04And to prove it, I'm going into the kitchen right now,
18:07and I'm going to get you the best supper you ever had.
18:09How do you want your coffee, weak or strong?
18:11Strong. I've got things to do tonight.
18:12What things?
18:13I thought you were going into the kitchen.
18:14But, Bill, a wife should take an interest in what her husband is doing, don't you think?
18:17No.
18:18Are you and the DA going to arrest anybody tonight?
18:20No, but I'll tell you who the DA would like to arrest.
18:24Who?
18:25You.
18:27Mr. Marlowe, you're not going to get anywhere by trying to oppose us.
18:29What the DA wants is the truth.
18:30If you're smart, you'll cooperate with us.
18:32You'll all cooperate with us.
18:33Good morning, Mr. Abens.
18:34Mrs. Frazer, you know District Attorney Mr. Abens, I think.
18:37How do you do, Mrs. Frazer?
18:38We're sorry, of course, to trouble you at a time like this, but it can't be helped.
18:40Oh, I can do it.
18:41We want to know exactly where in this apartment each person was when the shot was fired.
18:44How about you, Miss Carroll?
18:45I was in the kitchen, mixing a drink.
18:47And where was Mr. Frazer?
18:48I don't know.
18:49I don't know.
18:50I don't know.
18:51I don't know.
18:52I don't know.
18:54And where was Mr. Frazer?
18:55I don't know.
18:56I'm sure he was in the living room.
18:57Is it true that you were once engaged to Mr. Frazer, Miss Calhoun?
19:00Yes, I was.
19:01And now you're engaged to Mr. Marlowe.
19:02Yes, I am.
19:03And what of it?
19:04Nothing, Mr. Marlowe.
19:05I may have to dig into some of these relationships.
19:06You're just going to make a lot of talk.
19:07That'll do you.
19:08Where were you, Mrs. Frazer, when the shot was fired?
19:09I was in the library.
19:10I was reaching for the phone.
19:11Where were you, Marlowe?
19:12Well, to tell the truth, I had a couple of drinks.
19:14I couldn't swear where I was.
19:15Why, Jerry, you were in the kitchen with me.
19:16But, Jerry, I thought...
19:17Yes, Mrs. Frazer?
19:18Oh, nothing.
19:19You were about to say something.
19:20Jerry had just walked me through the living room to show me where the phone was.
19:23The shot came almost immediately, and I...
19:25I didn't think he had time to get back to the kitchen.
19:27He had just come back when the shot was fired.
19:28Well, what about it, Marlowe?
19:29I told you I don't remember.
19:30Nobody seems to remember much of anything about this affair.
19:32What is it, officer?
19:33Jerry, could you come out in the hall for a moment?
19:35Sure, I'll be right back.
19:36Excuse me, folks.
19:37Jerry didn't do it, Marlowe.
19:38I'm sure he didn't.
19:39Well, Pocketty, what is this?
19:40There's a crazy dame been trying to get in here.
19:42I told her she couldn't.
19:44She told me to memorize this message and to give it to you.
19:46Memorize the message?
19:47Dearest darling, don't forget the butler, Sally.
19:50She said you were dearest darling, and you'd know who she was.
19:53I know who she was.
19:54No answer.
19:55Go back to your post.
19:56Hey, you there, come back here.
19:57Are you the butler?
19:58Yes, sir.
19:59What's your name?
20:00Gregson, sir.
20:01Where were you last night, Gregson, when Mrs.
20:02Rather, Mr. Frazer was murdered?
20:03Oh, I was asleep, sir.
20:04The shot wiped me.
20:05I put on a bathrobe, and I came down.
20:06How long have you worked for Mr. Marlowe?
20:07I engaged him in London two years ago.
20:09Nothing wrong with your memory now, Mr. Marlowe, is there?
20:11Well, you'd better start remembering some reasons tonight.
20:13I want to take a look at your pantry, Gregson.
20:14Yes, sir.
20:15Come on.
20:16I'm going to search this apartment we haven't been able to visit, Gregson.
20:18I don't know, sir.
20:19You haven't seen it, have you?
20:20No, sir.
20:21Get away from that door.
20:22What are you trying to do?
20:23Conceal something in that icebox?
20:24No, I wasn't trying to conceal anything.
20:25I'll take a look anyway.
20:26All right.
20:27Wait a minute.
20:28That's a funny place for an ice cube tray.
20:29Well, I didn't have time to put it back in the right place.
20:30I'll just take a look at it.
20:31Well, what have you got to say now?
20:32Well, I don't think I understand, sir.
20:34It's not so hard to understand.
20:42How do you cover that, Gregson?
20:43I don't know, sir.
20:44Ever handle a gun?
20:45No, sir.
20:46Here, take hold of this gun of mine.
20:47Don't get scared.
20:48I'm taking the cartridges out.
20:49Yes, sir.
20:50You say you never shot a gun?
20:51No, sir.
20:52Well, here's your first lesson.
20:53Shoot this.
20:54Oh, no, sir.
20:55I couldn't.
20:56I wouldn't know how, sir.
20:57Just pull the trigger.
20:58Give me that gun.
20:59Yes, sir.
21:00You never shot a gun before?
21:01No, sir.
21:02You're new enough to release the safety catch
21:03before you pull the trigger.
21:04Look at him.
21:05Take him downtown.
21:06You can't do that, sir.
21:07You were told to stay in the other room.
21:08Are you trying to hang this on Gregson?
21:11Whatever made you suspect a button?
21:12Oh, just instinct.
21:13You know how it is.
21:14You get a hunch.
21:15Just one of those things.
21:25Sorry, miss.
21:26Mr. Turner's busy.
21:27Well, will you please tell him that Mrs. Reardon is here?
21:29I'm sorry.
21:30You'll have to wait.
21:31Do you have a chair, please?
21:32Why, how do you do, Mrs. Reardon?
21:33Oh, Mr. Shane.
21:34Fancy meeting you here.
21:35Can I sit next to you?
21:36I wish you would.
21:37Tell me, Mr. Shane, what is a high-class restaurant
21:39owner doing in the district attorney's office,
21:41if I may ask?
21:42Oh, I get around.
21:43Say, I hope you aren't here to complain
21:45about my husband's check.
21:46No, that hasn't bounced yet.
21:47What might you be doing in the district attorney's office,
21:49if I may ask, Mrs. Reardon?
21:51Some new clues on the Frazier murder?
21:53How did you know?
21:54Oh, I've been following you.
21:55You've been following me?
21:56In the papers.
21:57Oh.
21:58But I understand that you no longer
21:59think Jerry Marlow is guilty.
22:00Oh, no.
22:01That first story I gave out was just a red herring.
22:03Suspect a butler?
22:04Oh, no.
22:05It's never the butler.
22:06When you've read as many, I mean,
22:07when you've handled as many detective cases as I have,
22:09you know it's never the butler.
22:11Oh, they always look guilty.
22:12But it turns out they never are.
22:13They found the gun on him.
22:14Oh, they always do.
22:15That's just to throw you off the track.
22:17Now, no, there's just one clue that may be worth.
22:21Mr. Shane, maybe you can help me.
22:23I'd appreciate the opportunity.
22:25Just what was in that envelope that Ann Calhoun gave you
22:28the other night?
22:29Envelope that Ann Calhoun gave me?
22:30The night I was in the Skyline Club with my husband.
22:32I don't know what you're talking about.
22:33Oh, Jane.
22:34Yeah, hello, Mr. Evans.
22:35Jane, I'm sorry.
22:36But I won't have time to see you.
22:37Well, I called you the other night.
22:38You said to be sure and drop in this morning.
22:39Yes, I know.
22:40I know.
22:41But that was before this Frazier case turned up.
22:42Come in and see me next week sometime.
22:43All right.
22:44I'll call you when I'm ready for you.
22:45OK.
22:46Goodbye, Mr. Evans.
22:47Goodbye, Mr. Shane.
22:48Think it over.
22:49Oh, could I have a moment, please, Mr. Evans?
22:51I must talk to you.
22:52I have some very important clues.
22:54I've been reading all about your clues.
22:56Oh, but this is a new one.
22:58Yes.
22:59Tell him to your husband.
23:00Maybe he'll listen to you.
23:01Oh, no.
23:02You see, he isn't speaking to me these days.
23:03Smart fellow, Evans.
23:04You know, Mr. Evans, I think he's mixed up in this case.
23:06Who, your husband?
23:07No, Mr. Shane.
23:08As it happens, I was talking to Shane over the telephone
23:10just about the time the murder was committed.
23:12What do you think he was doing, holding the receiver
23:14in one hand, the revolver in the other?
23:16Maybe he's a ventriloquist.
23:17Look, Mrs. Reardon, I have great sympathy with your husband,
23:20greater now than with any man I have ever met.
23:22And if you don't stop butting into this case.
23:24I was just trying to help, sir, the ends of justice.
23:26The ends of justice have gotten along very well now
23:29until without you.
23:30So will you please go away?
23:32All right.
23:33All right.
23:41Alan Grigson, if you've got any sense at all,
23:43you stop pretending you're dumb.
23:44We've been here for three hours talking to you
23:46and we're prepared to stay for 30.
23:47It's up to you.
23:48I don't know anything, Mr. Reardon.
23:49How did that gun get into your pantry, Grigson?
23:50I don't know.
23:51How did that gun happen to have your fingerprints?
23:52I don't know.
23:53You can't pin this thing to me.
23:54On the second of this month, you went to a pawn shop
23:56located at 374 Hillcrest Drive, Newark.
23:57No.
23:58You bought a revolver there for $15.
23:59No, I didn't.
24:00The pawnbrokers identified you from your photograph.
24:01I don't believe it.
24:02Well, you bought the revolver, Grigson.
24:03You examined several rifles.
24:04No, I didn't.
24:05He tried to sell me a rifle.
24:06I thought you'd walk into that, Grigson.
24:08Well, I bought the gun for Mr. Marlowe.
24:10Marlowe sent you to a pawn shop.
24:12No.
24:13He gave me $20 to go and buy a gun.
24:14He gave you $20 to buy a gun and you bought one for $15.
24:16Chisel him out of $5.
24:17Well, I hid the gun for him, didn't I?
24:19Well, you did hide the gun.
24:20Oh, after I bought the gun, Mr. Marlowe
24:22kept it in a drawer in his room.
24:24About a week ago, the gun was missing.
24:25Did you speak to Marlowe about it?
24:26No, I didn't think it was any of my business.
24:28Go on.
24:32The body was lying on the floor.
24:33A woman was screaming.
24:34Yes.
24:35Mr. Marlowe.
24:36Tell us about that.
24:37Tell us about Mr. Marlowe.
24:38Well, he was trying to quiet the ladies.
24:39Mrs. Fraser and Miss Callow.
24:40I saw a gun lying by the French window.
24:42The gun you bought at the pawn shop?
24:43Yes.
24:44I picked it up and I slipped it in the bathroom
24:45and I hid it in the pantry.
24:46Marlowe told you to hide it.
24:47No.
24:48What did he say when you told him where it was?
24:49I didn't tell him.
24:50You expect us to believe that?
24:51I don't care what you believe.
24:52It's the truth.
24:57Mr. Marlowe, I read you the statement
24:58we got from Grigson.
24:59What have you got to say about it?
25:00All right.
25:01I did have Grigson buy a gun.
25:02What of it?
25:03The gun disappeared about a week ago.
25:04The gun just walked out of your desk.
25:05I don't know what happened to it.
25:06Did you ask Grigson about it?
25:07No.
25:08And when I saw it was missing, I was glad.
25:09Why were you glad, Mr. Marlowe?
25:10I was afraid I might use it on Fraser.
25:11You bought it to use on Fraser, didn't you?
25:13Yes.
25:14Why?
25:15Because he was up to something with Ann.
25:16With Miss Calhoun, I mean.
25:17She's been worried to death about something
25:18and she's been writing.
25:19How do you know she was writing to him?
25:20I was with him in his apartment one day
25:21when a maid brought his mail in.
25:23I know Ann's handwriting.
25:24He didn't open the letter.
25:25He just looked confused and slipped it into his pocket.
25:27Any idea what it was all about?
25:28No.
25:29She denied everything and he lied.
25:30I was going crazy.
25:31I'd have killed him all right.
25:32I'm sorry I didn't.
25:33Cheer up, Marlowe.
25:34Maybe we can prove you did.
25:56You are listening to Orson Welles
25:58and the Campbell Playhouse presentation
26:00of There's Always a Woman with Marie Wilson.
26:04This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.
26:25This is Ernest Chappell, ladies and gentlemen,
26:47welcoming you back to the Campbell Playhouse.
26:49In a moment, we shall resume our presentation
26:51of There's Always a Woman.
26:53But first, as we all realize in a very few days now,
26:56the Christmas holidays will be upon us.
26:59And with the children home for vacation,
27:01we usher in the happiest and the busiest season of the year.
27:05Perhaps the busiest person of all in every home
27:07will be Mother.
27:09There'll be entertaining, dinners to be given,
27:11gay parties for the young people,
27:13possibly relatives staying over.
27:15And the task of planning, preparing,
27:17and carrying through this round of yuletide activities
27:20will, of course, fall mainly upon Mother
27:22as the heart and center of the home.
27:25Among these tasks of hers, none will loom larger,
27:27probably, than the planning of meals.
27:29And so I'd like to remind every mother listening tonight
27:32of the part that well-chosen soups
27:34can play in holiday menus.
27:36Apart from the wholesome nourishment
27:38you know good soup provides for everyone,
27:40not forgetting the children,
27:42you'll be delighted to see how the serving of a tempting soup
27:44can dress up even your simplest meal,
27:47give it a really festive touch.
27:49During the holidays just ahead,
27:51I'm sure you'll want to serve Campbell's soups often
27:54for their fine, home-like flavor
27:56and for the real help they can give you
27:58in meal planning these busy days.
28:01And now Orson Welles resumes our Campbell Playhouse presentation
28:04of There's Always a Woman with Marie Wilson.
28:07Thank you, Mr. Chappell, and we'll proceed in just a minute.
28:11But before we do...
28:13Who killed Walter Fraser?
28:17Uh, did, uh, you do it, Mr. Welles?
28:19Well, that isn't fair.
28:21I'm the detective, but, uh, you never know.
28:24Uh, how about, uh, Marie Wilson?
28:26Sally?
28:27Mr. Chappell, you're speaking of my wife,
28:30but she knows more than she's telling,
28:32or she's telling more than she knows.
28:34Why, Bill, I never knew you cared.
28:36In fact, I think there's less to Miss Wilson than meets the eye.
28:39Well, how about me?
28:40Who are you?
28:41You know perfectly well, Orson Welles, I'm Ray Collins,
28:43heavily disguised as Nicky Shane, a gambler,
28:45and I'd like to know what Grigson the butler
28:47was doing with Marlowe's revolver in the ice cube tray.
28:49Everett Sloan, you're playing Grigson.
28:51Now, just a minute, Ray.
28:52I must warn you, Everett Sloan,
28:54that anything you say will be held against Grigson.
28:56Well, I don't want to name any names,
28:58but the gun belongs to Edgar Barrier, who's playing Marlowe.
29:01Yes, but I don't keep my guns on ice.
29:03Shall we suspect the ladies?
29:04You can't bound us.
29:06That was Mary Taylor and Georgia Backus,
29:08in the order of their appearance.
29:09Mary Taylor plays Lola,
29:11the first client of the Riordan Detective Agency,
29:13the wife of the murdered man.
29:16And Georgia Backus plays Ann Calhoun,
29:18who was engaged to the murdered man and who is now,
29:20interestingly enough, engaged to Mr. Marlowe.
29:22I object. This is irrelevant.
29:24Name, please.
29:25Frank Reddick.
29:26Never mind the billing, Frank.
29:27Okay, I'm playing your boss, the district attorney,
29:29and I'll thank you to get on with the case.
29:30Remember, please, that a murder has been committed.
29:32That's right. There's another member in the cast,
29:34Mr. Richard Wilson.
29:35I'm sorry, Mr. Welles.
29:37I'm Walter Frazier.
29:38I can't step out of character.
29:40I'm dead.
29:41I think this has gone far enough.
29:46Mary Taylor plays Lola,
29:48the first client of the Riordan Detective Agency,
29:50the wife of the murdered man and who is now,
29:52interestingly enough, engaged to Mr. Marlowe.
29:57Hello?
29:58Uh, Mr. Ketterling, please.
30:00Oh, hello, Mr. Ketterling.
30:02Oh, I have marvelous news for you.
30:04Uh-huh.
30:05I tried to get you earlier,
30:06and then later I was out myself shopping.
30:08I just got in this minute.
30:10Huh?
30:11Uh, the good news?
30:12Well, it's not exactly good.
30:14I mean, well, it looks pretty bad for our client,
30:16poor Mr. Marlowe.
30:17Yes, but don't you worry.
30:18I have a plan if I can get rid of my husband.
30:21I'm starting out at 8 o'clock, and...
30:23No, I can't tell you yet.
30:25Hmm?
30:26Well, because I'm not quite sure what the plan is.
30:29Goodbye, Mr. Ketterling.
30:31All right, you dirty little double-crosser.
30:33You heard the phone call?
30:34I heard part of it.
30:35I wasn't interested much.
30:36Oh, you weren't interested much.
30:38No, after a man has discovered his wife is double-crossing him,
30:40nothing she can say can interest him.
30:42And besides, the man at headquarters is listening in
30:44and taking down the full conversation.
30:46You mean these wires are tapped?
30:47In a way.
30:48Then you know everything?
30:49No, I'm not that good,
30:50but I do know that Ketterling and Marlowe have hired you.
30:53How did you find that out?
30:54I'm the smartest detective in town.
30:55You told me so yourself once.
30:57Of course, that was before you thought
30:58you were the smartest detective in town.
31:00Anyhow, I got some clients.
31:01Yes, you got one client, a potential murderer.
31:03Is that so?
31:04To me, the most convincing proof that Marlowe was guilty
31:06is that he hired you.
31:07Only a desperate man would do that.
31:09But he's not guilty.
31:10That's your story, and you're being paid to think it.
31:12He had his man buy a gun in order to kill Frazier,
31:15and Frazier was killed.
31:16That adds up, doesn't it?
31:17No, it doesn't add up.
31:18The gun was stolen from him a week ago.
31:19Can you prove that?
31:20No.
31:21But I'm going to.
31:22You haven't got a chance.
31:23Well, if I do, will you admit that I'm a better,
31:25a better man than you are, am?
31:27Well, anyway, just as good.
31:28You bet.
31:29I know when I'm licked.
31:30Well, I must be running along.
31:31I suppose I ought to warn you that wherever you go tonight,
31:33you'll probably be shadowed by one of my men.
31:35Oh, that's not fair, Bill.
31:37All fair in love and war.
31:39Hey, this is, this is war in a way, isn't it?
31:41Mm, but it's love too, I guess.
31:43Or I'd have divorced you long ago.
31:44So long, dear.
31:45Oh, so long.
31:46Oh, as a matter of fact, I'm going out too.
31:48Oh, Bill.
31:49Yeah?
31:50Doesn't this remind you of the Civil War stories?
31:52You know, where the northern captain falls in love
31:54with the beautiful southern spy?
31:56Yeah, a little.
31:57Oh, and when you get back home, if you're not too tired, dear,
31:59I wish you'd go through my dress and look over my socks.
32:01I think some of them need mending.
32:03Oh, that's what I like about you, Bill.
32:05You're so romantic.
32:07Oh.
32:33Pick him up.
32:34One move and I'll fuck you.
32:36Giago, I didn't know anybody else was here.
32:39You'll never leave this room alive.
32:41I married you the greatest detective in the whole world,
32:43and he'll track you down to the ends of the earth.
32:45You don't mean Bill Reardon.
32:47Oh, Bill.
32:50I was never so glad to see anybody in my whole life.
32:53Lucky for you I was here.
32:54That fellow would have plugged you.
32:56My legs are shaking.
32:57I was really scared.
32:59I'm glad you had that much sense.
33:01What are you doing here in Mrs. Frazer's apartment?
33:03Same thing.
33:04I'm looking for clues.
33:05Sally, you're starting to get silly.
33:06Why don't you go home and mend those socks I told you about?
33:09Might as well do our searching together.
33:11If you find a clue, you tell me, and if I find a clue...
33:13I know.
33:14If you find a clue, you tell the newspapers.
33:19Well, why don't you answer it?
33:20You're crazy.
33:22All right, I'll answer it.
33:23Hey, let go of my wrist.
33:25You nitwit.
33:26I think you would have answered it.
33:27Well, it might be a clue.
33:28Now, we'll never know who was calling.
33:30That's right.
33:31Now, whoever was calling thinks this apartment is empty.
33:33That's why the call was made.
33:34Oh, I never thought of that, Bill.
33:36Now, from now on, every time I hear a phone ring,
33:39that's the first thing I'll suspect.
33:41You talk too much.
33:42Oh, this is Mrs. Frazer's dresser, all right.
33:44Look.
33:45Look, Bill.
33:46This stocking's not any better than mine.
33:47Are you searching or are you sightseeing?
33:49Look at that perfume.
33:50Isn't it lovely?
33:51Yeah, it's lovely.
33:53That's the kind she wears, all right.
33:55I wonder what it is.
33:56Embarrassment number five.
33:58Oh, buy some for me for my birthday, will you, Bill?
34:00It's only $25 an hour.
34:01Will you stop drenching yourself in that perfume,
34:03you little thief?
34:04All right.
34:05Hey, where are you going?
34:06Going back in the living room.
34:07Well, I'll stay here.
34:08I'm going to take a crack at that wall safe.
34:10I'll bet there's a lot of clues in it.
34:12Suit yourself.
34:13Take a crack at the wall safe.
34:14You'll never open it.
34:163, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
34:26Hey, hey, what's that?
34:27Oh, it's a radio.
34:28Hey, well, turn it off, you idiot.
34:30A radio.
34:31Oh, I thought it was a wall safe.
34:33A radio.
34:34I almost feel sorry for Marlo having to work for him.
34:36Well, anybody can make a mistake.
34:37Not as many mistakes as you make, I promise.
34:39Oh, what's that?
34:40He's trying to get in.
34:41Turn off that light quick.
34:42Yes, I will.
34:43Come on.
34:44All right.
34:52Good evening.
34:53Oh, why, it's Miss Calhoun.
34:55I hope.
34:56What's that letter you got in your hand?
34:57You just took it out of the drawer, didn't you?
34:59What you came here for, isn't it?
35:00What are you doing here?
35:01Now, don't try to change the subject, Miss Calhoun.
35:03Give me that letter.
35:04That's my letter.
35:05You can give that back.
35:06Oh, that's mine now.
35:07Sally, Sally, come back here.
35:08Oh, I've been seeing you.
35:09Hey, Sally.
35:10I forgot to have that letter.
35:11I'll get the letter later, Miss Calhoun.
35:12Sit down.
35:13Why don't you tell me all about it?
35:14You wouldn't believe me anyway.
35:15Maybe not, but I'll tell you what I believe now, that you wrote Walter Frazier a blackmailing letter.
35:18Blackmail.
35:19Yes, blackmail.
35:20And when he wouldn't be blackmailed, you killed him.
35:21No, no.
35:22No.
35:23I'll tell you.
35:24I'll tell you.
35:29Roulette, where?
35:30Shane's place, across the river.
35:31I gave him a bad check for it.
35:33I was going to ask Jerry Marlowe for the money, but I couldn't.
35:35Why not?
35:36You're engaged to him.
35:37Well, I didn't want him to think I was marrying him for his money.
35:39So I wrote Walter and asked him for old time's sake to lend me.
35:42And he did?
35:43If that was all, why'd you take your life and your hands to steal in here?
35:45Because I thought Lola might find the letter.
35:47I didn't want Jerry to know.
35:49Can't you understand?
35:50Are you sure Jerry doesn't know and suspect the worst?
35:52You're just trying to trap me and say that Jerry killed him.
35:54He didn't.
35:55If anybody did, it was Lola.
35:56She was jealous.
35:57I...
35:58Oh, I don't know what I'm saying.
35:59Yes, you do.
36:00I'm sorry, Miss Calhoun, but I'll have to arrest you.
36:02You can't.
36:03You have nothing to arrest me for.
36:04Have you got a permit to carry this gun in your purse?
36:06No.
36:07Then I can hold you on the Sullivan Act.
36:08Please, Mr. Reed.
36:09That's better, isn't it, Miss Calhoun, than suspicion of murder?
36:19Hello?
36:20Cartwright Apartments?
36:21Miss Lola Frazier, please.
36:24Just tell her operator number seven is calling.
36:26Oh, hello.
36:27376?
36:28I'd like to make an appointment to see you.
36:30Oh, I've come across a letter that I feel sure will interest you.
36:33Nine o'clock is fine.
36:34It's your apartment?
36:36376.
36:37I'll be there.
36:44Mr. Evans?
36:45Yeah, Bill?
36:46I had a dictograph put into Mrs. Frazier's apartment early this morning.
36:48Well, I...
36:49I'm talking to somebody right now.
36:50Now, listen.
36:51All right.
36:52There it is.
36:53Wait a minute.
36:54Say?
36:55How's that feel?
36:56A little higher.
36:57All right.
36:58There we are.
36:59The question is, will you pay me then?
37:00You know I'll pay you.
37:01Oh, I'm sure I'll get my money.
37:02I am the smartest man in the world.
37:03If they ever found out that your husband was writing out checks to Aunt Calhoun,
37:05and that you knew about it, Bill,
37:07they might go so far as to suspect you.
37:09I've got a hunch.
37:10If they ever found out that I knew you and that I left you to marry Walter,
37:12they might even suspect you.
37:13I'll tell you.
37:14Maybe.
37:15What are you sticking around for?
37:16She'll be here any minute.
37:17Who will?
37:18That Raven girl.
37:19She called up and said she wanted to see me here tonight.
37:20Watch your step, Lola.
37:21Don't say a thing.
37:22How do you know that voice?
37:23Because even if you say hello to her,
37:24that dame thinks she has a clue.
37:26The wrong clue, but a clue.
37:27You'd better go out the back way.
37:28She might like a touch.
37:29OK.
37:30So long, little punk.
37:31I wish I could place that voice.
37:32Neither do I.
37:33Whoever he is certainly knows my wife.
37:34And I think I know who it is.
37:36Hey, it must be the telephone.
37:38Good evening, Mrs. Frazier.
37:39Oh, there she is.
37:40I have a question.
37:41Your wife.
37:42Yes, a letter from Al, uh, Aunt Calhoun to your husband.
37:45Al Calhoun.
37:46Oh, I'm ashamed now.
37:47I was suspected of it.
37:48I want to forget all that.
37:49Oh, but this is a clue.
37:50Why is it a letter?
37:51It's a letter begging your husband for money.
37:52But between the lines, it's really very threatening.
37:54Look, it's practically blackmailing.
37:56Of course, if you have to know how to read it,
37:58if it means not finding the murderer,
38:00I'd rather not do that than have anything cheap come out
38:02about Walter.
38:03Oh, you have a right to feel that way, but, well,
38:05read it for yourself.
38:06I don't care to read it, Mrs. Reardon,
38:08but I do care to do this.
38:09What's that?
38:10Sorry, you have no right to destroy that letter,
38:11Mrs. Frazier.
38:12Sorry, Mrs. Reardon, but I won't have any slurs
38:14on my husband's memory.
38:15Don't you want your husband avenged?
38:17You can't do Walter's Walter revenge.
38:19Avenged?
38:20Did you hear that?
38:21It just means I've got to find another clue, that's all.
38:24But don't you worry, Mrs. Frazier,
38:25I get one every minute.
38:27She gets one every minute.
38:29I knew you'd have one, I felt furious.
38:32If I tell you, you promise never to reveal what you heard.
38:35Why, three, seven, six, you can trust me.
38:38Well, when I went to that phone over there,
38:40just before the shot was fired that night,
38:42I heard someone on the line.
38:43Did you get there?
38:44Yeah.
38:45Wrong number?
38:46No, no, no, somebody was talking in this apartment
38:47on the extension phone.
38:48Someone was talking on the phone?
38:49You mean in this apartment?
38:50Yes.
38:51But there was nobody in here except you, four, and the butler.
38:55Oh, the butler, I knew it was the butler all the time.
38:57It wasn't the butler, I know it wasn't.
38:59Well, then who was it?
39:00I don't know.
39:02But I do know who he was talking to,
39:03and I do know what he was talking about.
39:05Hey, wait a minute.
39:06That wire doesn't belong under those drapes, does it?
39:08What wire?
39:09Oh, I know you don't think I'm much of a detective,
39:12but I am, Mrs. Frazier.
39:13And that's the district phone.
39:15Somebody's been listening to you.
39:16The district attorney's office.
39:17Yes, the district attorney's office.
39:18Look out, you'll rip it out,
39:19and then you can tell all this from me alone.
39:21I can't hear you, Bill.
39:23There it goes.
39:25Well, what do you know about that?
39:27We were about to find out who it was that talked on that.
39:29Bill, your wife is either the smartest woman
39:32or the biggest fool in America.
39:34She could be both.
39:35In fact, I think she is both.
39:38Mrs. Frazier, we know there was a man in your apartment
39:40earlier this evening.
39:41I suppose it was that victim.
39:42Never mind.
39:43We heard him.
39:44Who was he?
39:45You might as well tell us.
39:46It was Shane.
39:47Nick Shane.
39:48Nick Shane.
39:49That's who it was.
39:50What was he there for?
39:51I...
39:52He wanted $50,000.
39:53What for?
39:54I owed it to him.
39:55You owed it to him.
39:56What for?
39:57I...
39:58I lost the money playing roulette.
39:59Quite a sum to lose gambling on.
40:00I...
40:01I...
40:02I lost the money playing roulette.
40:03Quite a sum to lose gambling on.
40:04I...
40:05I...
40:06I lost the money playing roulette.
40:07Quite a sum to lose gambling, isn't it?
40:08And did you ever play roulette?
40:09Oh, yes, for dimes.
40:10We weren't playing for dimes.
40:11I see.
40:12He promised to give me time to pay,
40:13but when...
40:14when this happened, he...
40:15he started pressing me.
40:16I...
40:17I didn't give him the money.
40:18I didn't have it.
40:19Not yet.
40:20Shane seems to have done all right
40:21in that joint of his.
40:22Did you know that Ann Carroll
40:23had lost money there, Mrs. Frazier?
40:24Oh, yes.
40:25We'd been there together a couple of times
40:26and we both knew.
40:27And you knew Shane before you married Frazier.
40:28Yes, a long time ago
40:29when I was a showgirl in Chicago.
40:30That's right.
40:31I thought I'd left all that behind me
40:32when I started to marry Walter.
40:34Oh, it's all right, Mrs. Frazier.
40:35You've told us all we want to know.
40:37I just...
40:38I didn't know.
40:39You can go now, Mrs. Frazier,
40:40and you won't be disturbed again, I promise.
40:43All right.
40:44Well, that seems to let her out.
40:46Whom do you suspect now?
40:47How about Shane?
40:48He keeps turning up in this case.
40:49Oh, Shane is a gambler.
40:50He uses strong-arm methods to collect.
40:51They all do,
40:52but I don't see Shane as the...
40:53That's the same.
40:54I'm not overlooking the fact
40:55that Frazier took his girl away from him.
40:56I wish somebody would do the same for me.
40:58Do you want to see Mrs. Reardon now, Mr. Evans?
40:59Yes, I guess we'll have to.
41:01We've been grilling her for five hours.
41:02The reel's blown over.
41:03The works.
41:04And we can't get a thing out of her.
41:05Good morning.
41:06Isn't it a lovely day?
41:08Listen, honey,
41:09I want you to realize how serious this is.
41:11Oh, gosh, Bill, I love you.
41:13A man has been murdered.
41:14The killer must be found.
41:15Now, do you understand that?
41:16Well, if you'd just let me out,
41:17I could just do...
41:18This is a matter for the police.
41:19If you work with them...
41:21If you work with them,
41:22I promise to take another crack
41:23at the private detective business.
41:24How's that?
41:25Well...
41:26Well...
41:27Cross your heart?
41:28Well, I hadn't expected to promise
41:29as strong as that,
41:30but all right, cross my heart.
41:31Now then,
41:32what did Mrs. Frazer tell you
41:33after you ripped out that dictaphone?
41:35Well, Lola told me that a few minutes
41:37before the shot was fired,
41:38she picked up the phone
41:39and the man somewhere in her apartment
41:41was talking to the district attorney.
41:42The DA?
41:43Yeah, about gambling.
41:44Shane?
41:45Of course, I told him.
41:46That fathead boss of yours
41:47saw it at the very beginning,
41:48but he wouldn't listen.
41:49Oh, hello, Mr. Evans.
41:50Hello.
41:51Well, Mr. Evans, there you are.
41:52Lola Frazer heard your conversation with Shane.
41:54She did, huh?
41:55She heard it on the Milo telephone.
41:56But you checked their phone.
41:57No calls came out of there.
41:58There's no record of one.
41:59I don't know where Shane phoned from
42:00or how the wires got crossed,
42:01but that call to you
42:02was planned in advance as an alibi,
42:03and that means that Shane is the murderer.
42:04You see?
42:05I certainly do.
42:06Now, can I go now?
42:07Certainly not.
42:08You're going back to jail.
42:09Oh, I don't want to.
42:10Well, we're going to keep you locked up
42:12before you get another clue, honey.
42:13I like this one,
42:14and I don't want it spoiled.
42:16Oh!
42:22Arrest Dick Shane, wanted for murder.
42:24Calling all cars.
42:25Arrest Dick Shane, wanted for murder.
42:2840 years.
42:29Dark complexion, slight beard,
42:31armed and desperate, take no chances.
42:34Calling all cars.
42:36Calling all cars.
42:43I've got to get out of here.
42:44I phoned my lawyer.
42:45Why does he do something sometimes your lawyer can't get here right away Jerry I've been here in this jail for months waiting for my
42:53Lawyer, but I've got a job to do
42:55I'll beat them on this case if I have to burn for it
42:58The nerve putting me in jail so he can solve the case on my crew muddy in for Jerry for a murder
43:04That I'm going to commit
43:16I
43:17Love the red and give me the da's private wire. Uh-huh. Hello, mr. Evans. Listen, I busted the Frazier murder wide open
43:23I think I've got the whole case geared and I'll bet you can't get where I'm phoning from
43:26No, I can't I'm in Shane's apartment. I found a phone extension. Very interesting. Yeah, I better get home
43:31Okay, we just found stabbed dead in your apartment in my apartment. Why where's Sally? Where's my wife? The police are holding her
43:38She's in your apartment, too
43:45Oh
43:50There it looks tough mrs. Reardon you sell me down at the jail tells them you said you'd get someone or other if you had
43:55To burn for it. Yeah, I was just kidding officer. No way to kid
43:59Who say it's all that perfume on you. No, it was on Shane. The place was just reeking with it when I came in
44:05I'll say it was reeking. Where are you going? Yeah, I'm awful weak in my knee. All right
44:09So you're awfully weak in your knees. Well, there's some smelling salts in the bathroom. I can go in alone
44:14I guess so
44:17Hey there, you can't do that. I'm gonna break down the door lady. I tell you I'm gonna break down the door. All right
44:26Wait, what do you know? Hey lady, come back here. You'll break your neck on that water pipe
44:37Hello mrs. Frazier, why did you kill Nick Shane what you don't seem very surprised that he's dead
44:42Well, I'm not as a matter of fact
44:45You aren't surprised people were afraid of him and hated him. Well, I'm coming in. You've heard in Haiti too, didn't you?
44:50Mr. Frazier? Yes, I did, but I didn't kill him. Maybe not. But did you ever see this handkerchief before? Where did you get that?
44:56I'm sorry, mr. Frazier. I found it beside his body
45:00All right, I killed him. I'm not afraid now. Well, there's nothing to be afraid of. Can I use the phone? Yes. Thanks
45:07Oh, don't worry. We'll plead the unwritten law
45:10Darling are you sure you're all right? Of course, here's a confession. Did you sign this mrs. Frazier? I did. Sally, how on earth did you win?
45:16She came up to my apartment to see me with no intention of killing anybody
45:18She was minding her own business
45:20But this man Shane followed her and made a row just because he told me he was guilty
45:24Then he pulled a knife on her one word led to another and there you are. It's all in the confession. Let's go
45:29I'm ready. Ready for what for the truth?
45:31I'm ready for the truth. I'm ready for the truth. I'm ready for the truth
45:34I'm ready for the truth. I'm ready for the truth. I'm ready for the truth
45:38Let's go I'm ready for what for the truth Oh Bill darling, I guess I know you just told me now
45:43I'll tell you Walter Frazier wanted a divorce his lawyer
45:45Oh swear to that mrs. Frazier wasn't satisfied with a settlement. He offered much less than a widow would receive mrs
45:50Frazier you offered change $50,000 to kill your husband
45:53That was a gambling book show that you never lost more than $200 a roulette Shane shot
45:57Your husband standing on the window ledge outside your library shot him in the back while you were talking to him
46:01The others are in the kitchen
46:02Two days ago Shane started pressing you for the money threatening you you began to realize the 50,000 that only the beginning you killed
46:08Nick Shane deliberately
46:19What a client
46:21Congratulations, and now mrs. Redden if you don't mind telling me how did you ever suspect her? Come on, let's have it Sally
46:28Well when I got home the apartment was still full of her perfume and then when I accused her and she didn't ask any questions
46:34You know how it was killed or when?
46:37You got a confession out of her with no more to go on than that
46:40Well, I pretended I found her handkerchief beside the bottom. Where did you find it? I
46:45Resign from now on mr. Evans. I'm her office boy
46:48I
46:57Have the Frazier case or a secret of a girl detective who wrote it I did what for for $500
47:05We're going to put it on the radio. Give it here. Oh
47:08You're tearing it up. I certainly am
47:11All right, what's $500 to us? Anyway, $500 no matter who says it, but Sally
47:16Oh, but Bill I wasn't going to give them any real inside dope Sally
47:20I'm crazy about you, but there's one thing that bothers me if you're ever found murdered
47:24I'll never be anyone to prove that I didn't do it
47:42Listening to Orson Welles in the Campbell Playhouse presentation
47:46There's always a woman with Marie Wilson
47:53And in a moment Orson Welles and his guests will be back with us meanwhile, I'd like to say this
47:59I'll play tonight told the story of a woman who helped her husband to success
48:04Sally ridden's methods of doing this were not exactly conventional still in the end things turned out. All right, but seriously
48:11Helping a husband to success. Isn't this what every good wife is doing every day?
48:16Inspiring and encouraging him keeping him well and well fed now
48:20I'm sure that you among the wives listening tonight realize that the success of the work your husband does
48:25Can be influenced by the kind of meals you serve him and in these meals you realize to the importance of good soup
48:32Particularly a soup is hearty and nourishing as Campbell's vegetable soup as Campbell's make it. It's always a special favorite with men
48:40They like the rich rugged beef stock thick with a variety of tender garden vegetables
48:45Have you tried it at your house?
48:47If not, won't you get some tomorrow and serve it?
48:49If you'll do that and compare its fine flavor and hearty substance with the best vegetable soup ever ladled from a home soup kettle
48:57I do believe Campbell's vegetable soup will make its appearance regularly on your family table
49:03And now I see Orson Welles as we turn to his microphone. Mr. Well, it gives me great pleasure to present our guest of the evening
49:10Miss Mary Wilson, thank you Orson Welles. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen
49:15Mary Wilson, as you all know, ladies and gentlemen, has been making a series of highly successful personal appearances throughout the country
49:21And from this tour of hers, one remarkable phenomenon has emerged
49:26Wherever Mary Wilson has been, reporters and columnists have been fighting with each other to be the first to record those weird confusions of thought and language that are rapidly becoming known as Wilsonism
49:38Are you yawning, Miss Wilson?
49:41Why don't you put your hand over your mouth?
49:43Yeah, and get bit
49:44That's the kind of thing I mean
49:45Let me assure you, though, that despite these flagrant misrepresentations of her trenchant observations on life and letters, Miss Wilson's soul and single concern remains the eternal art of histrionics
49:55Oh, now you're going too far, old Orson Welles
49:59I never did care for history. I'm an actress
50:02Indeed you are, Mary Wilson, and a very beautiful and charming one
50:06We hope you'll be with us again soon
50:10And now, as to next Sunday night
50:15Next Sunday night, ladies and gentlemen, is Christmas Eve
50:20And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed
50:47And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city
50:53And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, under the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child
51:09And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered
51:16And she brought forth her first son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn
51:27And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night
51:35And lo, the angel of the Lord appeared before them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid
51:46And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people
51:55For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord
52:01And this shall be a sign unto you, you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger
52:07Since the days of Caesar Augustus, all people have celebrated by joy the great joy which shall be to all people
52:22For unto us was born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord
52:28And on this day, at least in the calendar of our year, we affirm the glory of our God by the laughter of our children
52:34Every nation, according to its character and its taste, by some gift of gaiety has enriched the tradition of this, our solemnest festival
52:45And because America is what it is, we are the fortunate heirs of the accumulated customs of almost two thousand years of keeping Christmas
52:55The best songs that have been sung are sung by us
53:00The best games that have been played we play, and the best stories ever told are ours to tell
53:06For storytelling has persisted as a Christmas ritual in spite of the printing press
53:12A ceremony as hilarious and as serious as hanging the stocking, dressing the tree, and kissing under the mistletoe
53:19And because Christmas is first of all for children, Christmas stories are fairy stories first of all
53:28It's mildly surprising that the best of them all, which we're telling again, Putin, for you next week, is for everybody and turns out to be a ghost story
53:41I've endeavored, writes its author on its title page
53:45I have endeavored in this ghostly little story to raise the ghost of an idea
53:50Which shall not put my readers out of humor with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me
53:56May it haunt their hours and houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it
54:03It is signed your faithful friend and servant, Charles Dickens
54:08And Charles Dickens, as everybody but our newest friends will know, is the author of next week's story
54:16And our star, as all our old friends will know too, is that best loved of American actors and the special favorite of all of us on the Campbell Playhouse
54:27Mr. Lionel Barrymore, who will be keeping an engagement with us on that night that he has kept for a number of years
54:34An engagement to place Scrooge in that most human and heartwarming of Christmas stories, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
54:42This will be the fifth Christmas that Campbells have chosen this good old tale as their Christmas present to their friends
54:49But I think that this year perhaps, more than ever, it becomes clear how direct and how all important is the message that Charles Dickens gave the world in that little story
55:00Wherever, anywhere in the world, people pause next Sunday night to listen to Lionel Barrymore and A Christmas Carol
55:08There will be people a little kinder, a little happier, a little more at peace with themselves and their neighbors
55:29And so until then, until A Christmas Carol with Lionel Barrymore, my sponsors, the makers of Campbell Soups, and all of us here in the Campbell Playhouse remain, as always, obediently yours
55:59The makers of Campbell Soups join Orson Welles in inviting you to be with us in the Campbell Playhouse again next Sunday evening
56:17When we bring you our fifth annual presentation of Charles Dickens' immortal story, A Christmas Carol, starring Lionel Barrymore in his favorite role as Ebenezer Scrooge
56:26In the meantime, if you have enjoyed tonight's Playhouse presentation, won't you tell your grocer so tomorrow when you order Campbell's Vegetable Soup?
56:35This is Ernest Chappell saying thank you and good night
56:39This is the Columbia Broadcasting System