A Helping Hand | Hollywood Heartache - The Clock

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[00:00:38] Sunrise and sunset. Promise and fulfillment. Birth and death. The whole drama of life is written in the sounds of time. We present a new series of radio programs, The Clock.

[00:01:15] Wheels of chance like the hands of time move slowly, but time is more dependable. Chance is not only a gambler and a knave, it's also a playwright. And like the egotistical creature it is, it plays all the parts, including the hero and the villain. Tonight I'd like to tell you of one of its masterpieces, which Chance co-authored with its very good friend, Coincidence. A fine pair, Chance and Coincidence. And a lusty match for anyone.

[00:01:42] Well, the place, Somerville, a drowsy little town with a population of 2,704, including Mrs. Wilson's twins, which were born last week. Somerville's vital statistics are recorded in the town hall. And if you look up the figures on crime, you'll find that Somerville is a very law-abiding place. The last outbreak of violence occurred on June 4th, 1943, when two young boys swiped three or four potatoes from the bin in front of Mr. Gorsi's general food store. The punishment was swift and just, and was meted out by the culprit's parents.

[00:02:13] The principal character in our story is a man named Howard Williams, a recent arrival in Somerville. He has a wife and two children, a boy and a girl. And two occupations, accounting and minding his own business. The time? Well, the time is now. Good evening, Mr. Williams.

[00:02:39] Good evening, Mr. Hawley. I took two of your papers from the stand outside, the Star and the Gazette. Oh, that's eight cents. Anything else? Not just now, thank you. Good. I understand you got yourself fixed up at the cottage on Spring Street. Yes, it was quite a break. Houses aren't easy to rent these days. I take it, then, that you'll be staying in Somerville for a while, hmm? I'm going to make it my home, Mr. Hawley. Oh, no, that's fine. That's real fine. You'll find that folks hereabouts are plain, not very exciting, but they're nice people to know. I think we're going to like it here. I'm sure you will.

[00:03:10] You like detective stories? Not particularly, but my wife does. Oh, fine. Well, now, look, I got a new issue in today. I thought you might like a copy. You're nice for reading by the fire and scaring the tar out of you in a long winter's night. I'll buy a copy for Hazel. She gets a big kick out of stuff like that. Oh, good. Here you are, Mr. Williams. That's 23 cents and all. Thank you. This first story sounds like a thriller. There's a crime that was almost perfect. Oh, Hazel should like that. She's always getting me into arguments about the perfect crime.

[00:03:39] She reads so much of this stuff, she believes the perfect crime is impossible. Of course, don't you? Oh, it seems to me there's many an unsolved murder case in the police files. Of course, I don't know much about those things, but I imagine a man could kill another man and get away with it if he planned it carefully enough. Ah, yes, but there's always a slip-up, isn't there? Maybe there is. I couldn't say. My business is accounting. I prefer leaving the criminology to someone else. It's a good idea. I want a pack of cigarettes. Ken's a good one. Very good.

[00:04:09] Here you are, ma'am. Do you know where I can get a room for the night? The Somerville Hotel is about three blocks up. No, I tried that. I found. They don't have anything. Well, the only other place I know of is Mrs. Karp's room and house. Where's that? It's just outside. About two miles up. Is there a bus that goes in that direction? Oh, yes. See, you can catch it right in front of the door. Oh, good. Thanks very much. Don't mention it. A stranger in town, I guess. Mighty pretty, too, eh?

[00:04:39] Well, I think I'll be on my way, Mr. Hawley. I'm afraid I'm late for dinner. Well, I'm certainly glad to hear you're going to make Somerville your home, Mr. Williams. We're one big happy family in this town, and we always welcome newcomers. It's good to have friends, Mr. Hawley. Lots of friends. And I hope to make them here. I'm a simple man with simple tastes. And I've always wanted to raise my family in a community like this. Jump in again soon, Mr. Williams. I will, and thanks. Good night.

[00:05:09] The weather's awful, isn't it? No, it looks like we're in for a storm. We need the hail. How often do those buses run past? I'm not sure. Every 15 minutes, I imagine. Maybe I can get a cab. I'm going in your direction. You are? And I have a car over there. Can I give you a lift? Well, I'd hate to put you into any trouble. No trouble at all. Maybe you'd better not. Why? Oh, well... Oh, well, I guess it's all right. Which car did you say was yours? The Great Sedan. Well, let's go.

[00:05:37] What if I stop at this gas station for a minute? My tank's a little low. No, it's all right with me. Can I fill her up, mister? Yes, please. And check the oil. Do you have a phone inside? Oh, yes, ma'am. I'll be right back. No hurry. Eh, right tonight, ain't it, mister? Blowing up. Better watch the road out of town.

[00:06:06] This hail ain't gonna do it much good. Well, I'm not going very far. Say, your left front tire's kind of smooth. You better get a change. I intend to buy a whole new set next week. Oh, can I take your order for it? I suppose you can. My name is Williams. I'll run by here on Wednesday or Thursday, and let's put them on. Okay. Say, you're new in town, ain't you, mister? We've just been here a little over a week. Well, welcome to Somerville. Thank you very much. My name's Pete.

[00:06:35] I run this gas station. Anytime you need any advice about your bus, just drop in. No charge for advice to neighbors. That's very kind of you. Yep. We're a small town, maybe, but we get along nicely. City's a good place to visit, but there's no place to live. Eh, you never get to know folks the way you do here in Somerville. And they seem like worthwhile people to know. Well, I'll check your battery and your water. You ready? Just about. Look, I changed my mind. I'm not going to that rooming house just yet.

[00:07:05] Do you know where the turnpike is? It's a mile from here, but it's only a crossroads. Are you driving past? Yes. Then I'll get off there. But there's nothing at the turnpike. Well, I... Are you giving me a lift or aren't you? Why, of course. Then let's head going, and you can drop me off where I asked you to. At the turnpike. You certainly are a careful driver, mister. It's hard to see the road in this weather.

[00:07:35] How far are we from the turnpike now? Half a mile, I guess. I'll let... What's the matter? What's the matter? I'm almost afraid to look. Just a second. I thought so. What is it? Blowout. Oh, for heaven's sake. I'm sorry. I don't like it any more than you do. It won't do my clothes any good to get down in this mud on my hands and knees, but it looks as if I'm elected. Well, I'm leaving. Well...

[00:08:04] There's nothing I can do to help, and I'm in a hurry. The turnpike's up ahead, isn't it? Well, just keep walking. You can't miss it. If you wait a few minutes, though, I'll change this tire. No, I can't wait. Thanks, Melissa. We'll be seeing you. Be careful. The road's very slippery. Well, I'd better get started. Looks like I'll be home a good deal later than I thought.

[00:08:34] What's the trouble? The road is blocked. There's been a crack-up. You'll have to detour. Which way do I go? I live on Spring Street. Well, you better turn back and make a left turn on Maple. Oh, apparently I'll never get home. Sorry, mister. Well, nice night for ducks, anyway. Yeah, ducks and murder. Maple, did you say? That's right, mister. And take it easy.

[00:09:09] Howard Williams, you ought to be spanked. Now, don't be angry with me, Hazel. I couldn't help it. We'll have to send those close to the cleaners immediately. I only hope they can get all the mud off. Well, it's nice to be home again in front of the fire. Is that road warm enough for you, dear? Now, stop worrying, dear. I don't catch colds as easily as that. Howard, I met one of our neighbors this afternoon. Mrs. Harvey. Oh, she was awfully nice. She kept asking me if there was anything she could do to help make us comfortable. Everyone here seems to be that way, Hazel.

[00:09:39] It's going to be nice living in Somerville. After all we've been through, it'll be like making a brand new life for ourselves. You promised me you wouldn't think about what happened. It was like a bad dream. But I'll forget about it. In time? I did all I could for Mr. Cagle. Sorry it ended up the way it did, then. That's all. If only he hadn't dragged you into it. Your reputation. Let's not discuss it, huh? Are you happy, Howard?

[00:10:10] Right now, I'm very happy. There's a great deal more to living than making money, Hazel. When you have peace and contentment. When you have good friends and neighbors. Oh, I'll take it, dear. Hello? Mr. Williams there, please. Who's calling? My name is Mallory. Lieutenant Mallory State Police. Police? Just a moment. Police? Yes. Hello? Mr. Williams? Yes?

[00:10:40] Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Williams, but I was wondering if you might give me some information. About what? You know a woman named Laura Pearson? Why, no. Are you sure? Quite sure. We didn't think you'd know her, but Mr. Hawley mentioned something about your being in his stationary store when she came in for cigarettes. I'm tall, girl. Good-looking, bleached blonde hair. Oh. Oh, yes. I remember now. Good. I wonder if you'd mind dropping into headquarters for a few minutes. Now?

[00:11:09] Well, if it's not too much trouble. We won't keep you long, but you may be able to help us out. Well, if it's important... Yeah, it's very important. See, we found Laura Pearson about an hour ago. She's been strangled at death. Yes, the town of Somerville is very small, and you'd never find it on the map.

[00:11:38] But things do happen in Somerville. On this particular evening, for instance, at exactly 8.45, Howard Williams stepped into Lieutenant Mallory's office at police headquarters and was formally introduced to fear. Sit down, Mr. Williams. Sit down. Do you remember Pete, the owner of the gas station? Oh, hello, Pete. Hello. Pete told me you'd met a couple of hours ago. He's the guy, Lieutenant. She was riding with him when he stopped for gas.

[00:12:04] According to Pete, Mr. Williams, Miss Pearson was seen in your car just before her body was found. I could have told you that myself if you'd ask. Naturally, naturally. How did you come to pick her up, Mr. Williams? I didn't pick her up. No? No. I gave her a ride. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm afraid I put it in the wrong terms. Exactly what occurred between you and Miss Pearson this evening, Mr. Williams? Well, I met her outside the stationery store and offered her a lift to Mrs. Karp's.

[00:12:35] She made a phone call at the gas station. Is that right, Pete? I guess so. Of course it's right. Why should I lie to you? Oh, I beg your pardon. I didn't mean to infer that you'd lie. Please go on with your story. Well, that's about all there was to it. Instead of going to Mrs. Carps, she asked me to drop her off at the turnpike. Oh, why? She didn't say why. Mr. Williams, the turnpike is over a mile from Mrs. Carps.

[00:13:03] That's an odd place for a young girl to go in weather like this. Well, it wasn't any of my business why she was going there. And I didn't ask her. I only... Just a minute, please. Flanagan, send Mr. Hawley in. I'm afraid I can't help you out very much in connection with Miss Pearson. I never saw her before tonight, and I... Oh, come in, Mr. Hawley. How are you? Good evening, Mr. Hawley. I said good evening. Yes, I heard you. Mr. Hawley, did Mr. Williams and the Pearson woman recognize each other when they met in your store?

[00:13:33] Well, yeah. I can't recollect that they did. All I know is that it... Say, that's very funny. What is it? Weren't you wearing a brown suit about three hours ago, Mr. Williams? Why... Yes. Why did you change your clothes? Well, because my other suit. Wait a minute. What is this, Lieutenant Malaria? I'm beginning to feel as if you're questioning me like... like a suspect. Oh, no. Not at all.

[00:14:01] We merely want whatever information you can supply. But I won't question you anymore right now, Mr. Williams. Perhaps I'll get in touch with you again tomorrow. Thanks a lot for coming in. That's all right. Oh, just a second. Mr. Hawley tells me your wife reads detective stories. What about it? He said that you and she were discussing the perfect crime this evening. Perfect crime? Well, I know how it is, Mr. Williams. I sometimes read detective stories myself. Good night.

[00:14:36] What happened, Howard? No, no. They questioned me. About this girl. And that was all. They certainly don't think that you had anything to do with it. Of course not. I saw her before the murder, so naturally they want me to give any information I can. Boy, I never even met the girl before. It's ridiculous. They haven't got anything on me. They can't prove anything.

[00:15:04] Hey, Hazel. Yes, dear? You know I had nothing to do with this, don't you? You don't have to defend yourself to me, Howard. Defend myself? What? Yes, that's what I'm doing now, isn't it? Defending myself. It just doesn't make sense. I have nothing to defend myself against, Hazel. Have I?

[00:15:33] Sorry to disturb you again, Mr. Williams. What is it now, Lieutenant? There's a man named Cy Parker who lives about a mile north of the turnpike. I'm afraid I don't know who he is. He may know you, however. He does? It seems to give me a pretty good description of you. He said he warned you away from the roadblock early this evening. Oh, he must have been the man who told me to detour. That's right. He also said you were alone. What about it? That you looked like you'd been through some kind of a crack-up yourself.

[00:16:03] I look like I... He said he noticed mud on your face and hands, and you seemed to be rather annoyed at being held up. Well, naturally, the weather was foul, and as far as the mud was concerned... Are those your clothes on that chair there? Yeah. Brown suit. Were you wearing it tonight? Yes. Muddy, isn't it? Well, I had to fix it a flat tire. Ah. Mr. Williams, you'll have to return to headquarters with me. What? Well, there are two or three loose ends that have to be cleared up. Loose ends? What do you mean?

[00:16:32] When we found Laura Pearson's body, her clothes were also covered with mud. Have another beer, Si? Yeah, I don't mind if I do. I never would have figured him for it. Didn't look like that kind of guy to me. You mean you really think he killed that gal? Well, no. I'm not the type who'd pin a man against the wall without proof, and I believe in fair trial by jury.

[00:16:59] According to law, a man's innocent until he's proven guilty, right? Right. But between you and me, Si, who else could have done it? And I saw the way he looked at her when she came into my store, I tell you. I don't care if he'd never seen her before. I know what goes on in a man's mind when he sees a girl like that. He's got a wife and two kids besides. Say, you think maybe he's crazy, Holly? Crazy? Crazy?

[00:17:29] Look, a lunatic don't plan a killing the way he planned this one. Look at how slick he did it. I know. He ain't no crazier than I am, a murdering rat. Well, Judge, he was sitting with this woman in the car, and it seemed to me they knew each other a lot longer than he said he did. Anyway, he told me to fill up his tank,

[00:17:56] and I figured he was going for a ride, a long ride with her. He was as nervous as a cat, Judge, and dirty and a mongrel, too. He kind of stared at me when I mentioned something about the weather and said it was a nice night for murder. He talked like he knew a lot about crime, Judge. We had this argument about the story, see, and he said to me, wait till I get the words right.

[00:18:26] He said, I imagine a man could kill another man and get away with it if he planned it carefully enough. When the body was examined, the coroner concluded that she'd only been dead for half an hour. He filled his gas tank at 7.10. Side hawkers steered him away from that roadblock at 7.40. That's only a 10-minute drive from the gas station to the roadblock at the most, but apparently it took Williams almost 40 minutes.

[00:18:57] We also discovered that the defendant had been involved in an embezzlement case in Chicago. He was acquitted. He left the city soon after. And it is the judgment of this court, Howard Williams, that you be sentenced to hang by the neck until you are dead. Well, I haven't been very kind to poor Howard Williams so far, have I? But let's see what I have in store for him as his wife visits him in the cell.

[00:19:28] Howard? Hello, Hazel. Howard, they... They just told me... There'd be no reprieve. I know. He told me an hour ago. Howard, what are we going to do? What can we do? They can't kill an innocent man. I don't believe it. They couldn't. You're the only one who believes our innocent people. Why did we come here? Why did we ever come to this horrible place? All the kids. They...

[00:19:57] They asked you. Hazel, I want you to leave now. Leave? It'll make it easier for both of us. Well... Well, this will be the last time I'll be able to see you. Yes. Howard? Don't say anymore. Tell them outside. They'll want to see the prison chaplain. I refused to talk to them earlier. But I've changed my mind.

[00:20:29] Bye, Hazel. No. No, I won't say goodbye. You still have time? Chance! I'm afraid there isn't, Mr. Williams. Hello, Lieutenant. Hello, Williams. You asked to see me? Yes. Open the cell door, Haggerty. You can leave us, Haggerty. Hazel, will you leave us too? Well... I'll wait outside.

[00:21:02] Very tough on her. Yeah. Even tougher than it is on me. I'm sorry, Williams. Mallory. I have a favor to ask you. Yeah? What is it? One day, Mallory, you'll find that I was innocent. Will I? You're a good detective. One of the best in the state. Something will turn up. Something that will make you think. And reopen this case. Perhaps. All I ask is that when you do hit on new evidence, you'll prove me innocent.

[00:21:32] It won't do me any good, I know. But at least my name will be cleared. And my family will be happier. I see. I know it's a lot to ask, but... I swear to you that I... I didn't murder that woman. I'm going to die in a couple of hours, and I wouldn't lie at a time like this. You've got to believe me, Mallory. I'm not guilty. I believe you, Williams. You do? I not only believe you, but I'm sure you're telling the truth. You sure? Did you say?

[00:22:02] Yeah. But... How can you be sure? I mean... It's very simple. I know you're innocent because I also know who killed Laura Pearson. Then why didn't you tell him? Why didn't he have him? Don't you tell him that you know... I can't, Williams. You see, I killed him myself. What? I was the one who called. She called that night. From the gas station. I was the one she met, Williams, at the turnpike.

[00:22:31] No. She deserved to die. She was a blackmailer. A cheat. She wouldn't take no for an answer when I told her we were through. I have a family of my own to think about. You tell me that now? You wouldn't expect me to mention it in the courtroom, would you? Yeah, I killed Laura Pearson. There are only two people who know about it now, Williams. And after tonight, there'll only be one. You're wrong, Mallory. There's someone else you didn't count on me. He's just outside the cell door. What?

[00:23:03] Did you hear what I said, Chaplain? Did you hear? Yes, I heard. Chaplain, as a man of God, you've got to keep a confidence. You can't tell them. You won't. No, Lieutenant. I won't. But you will, my son. Yeah. You're right, Chaplain. I guess I will.

[00:23:54] And that is the story of Howard Williams as recorded by The Clock. Chance and coincidence. Collaborators extraordinary. Their scenarios are always good, and I ought to know. Because time is their attitude. I'd be very honored if you'd join me again in exactly 10,050 minutes' time, or if you prefer it in exactly 167.5 hours' time, when I'll be here to tell you another of my stories. Until then, I wish you all happy time.

[00:24:20] The Clock will be heard next week in exactly 10,050 minutes' time from this same station. Written by Lawrence Klee with Hart McGuire as narrator, you heard Charles Tingwell as Howard Williams and Ken Wayne as Mallory. Others in the cast were Wendy Playfair, Joe McCormick, Don Crosby, and June Salter. The Clock, directed by John Saul, is a Grace Gibson radio production.

[00:24:56] Sunrise and sunset. Promise and fulfillment. Birth and death. The whole drama of life is written in the sands of time. We present a new series of radio programs, The Clock.

[00:25:34] A family quarrel is not unusual, and I suppose the best of us have them every once in a while. My family is no exception. Once a year, we have a battle royal. It all started in 1918 when something called Daylight Saving Time was adopted in New York. My city cousins pushed themselves ahead an hour while the rest of the family throughout the country remained on standard time. Well, progress is no crime, but ambition might be. It all depends. I'm thinking now of young George Finney

[00:26:04] and his pretty wife, Arlene. Ambition there was mated with greed, and the offspring was a monster. Take it easy, lady. Sit down. I should have called the police a long time ago. I don't know why I waited.

[00:26:35] That's all, in spite of everything. What's the story, Mrs. Finney? Well, it started a couple of months ago in Santa Monica. I was a cashier in a barbecue when I first met George. He was tall and clean cut with a handsome smile. He had a cute line and a fast delivery, and I liked him right away. He was Hollywood, and Hollywood was just where I wanted to be. Well, you're in pictures, Mr. Finney.

[00:27:04] You bet. You're not an actor. Actor? Oh, not a chance. I work inside, the production end. I always wanted to get into pictures, but I never had much luck. Oh, of your shape, you don't need much luck. You think I'm pretty? Oh, a knockout. I ought to know. I've seen the best in pictures. Turn your face to the left for a minute. Mm-hmm. Photogenic, just like I thought. Ever try to get into a studio? Once. I got two days' work as an extra in the mob scene. I could have gotten more,

[00:27:34] I guess. But you have to have a wardrobe, and that costs money. Oh, not when you know the angles. Hey, look, when do you knock off from work? Oh, in half an hour. Well, how about driving to the beach? We can have a swim, talk it over. Well, I don't know. I've made it a rule never to date anybody I meet in here. It's not a good policy for a girl like me. Oh, well, I'm harmless, honey. Besides, you've seen me in here before. But we've never spoken to each other up to now. Well, you've got to begin somewhere. Come on. What do you say?

[00:28:04] Well, I meet you, Mr. Finney. Out front, half an hour. And, honey... Yeah? Call me George. We went to the beach and had a swim. And he couldn't have been more of a gentleman. He told me in a month or so a new epic was going into production at his studio, and he'd see if he could work me in. I saw him four times that week and five the next. Pretty soon, it was every day. I knew I was falling, and so did he. I never thought it would happen so fast.

[00:28:36] Bies like a top, don't you? It's a very nice car, George. Well, it's secondhand, but it fills the bill. And it's a nice jalopy for a honeymoon. Are you getting married? Sure. To whom? To you. It's the first I heard about it. Look, Arlene, I'm nuts about you. But, George, we hardly know each other. Do what? Do we have to wait till we're 50 to get acquainted? George, stop kidding me. Oh, I'm not kidding, honey. You and I could make a team.

[00:29:05] I'll be a big shot in pictures one day and so will you. Oh, come on. How about it, Arlene? Gee, I don't know, George. Now, listen, I don't propose to every day my meet. Marriage is a lifelong proposition. It takes a lot of thought. I know. Well, I'm done my thinking. I made up my mind. Now, how about you? It's all right with me, George, if it's all right with you. Okay, honey. Where are we going? To Los Angeles to get a license. Some honeymoons

[00:29:35] last a month or more, but mine only lasted a week. We drove to the Mexican border and drove back home. And it was the happiest seven days I ever spent in all my life. Ruby in L.A. in a half hour. Oh, George, it's been just wonderful. You give him notice in that beanery tomorrow. Oh, do you really think I should? Well, listen, I don't make too much, but we can get along. Besides, you're going into pictures. Oh, but I need clothes. You said I did. And then you mentioned something about

[00:30:05] a publicity man. I'll dig up the dough for everything, baby. Now, you just leave it to me. All right, George. Whatever you say. Ah. Funny being married. Changes a guy's outlook. Does it? How do you mean? That gives a guy responsibilities. Am I a responsibility? Oh, no, I didn't mean it that way. After all, I'm asking you to quit your job and depend on me. What would happen to you if, what if I disappeared? Disappear? Well, what I mean is,

[00:30:35] well, suppose I died. Don't say that, George. Oh, look, I'm not getting morbid, honey. Just being practical. When a guy has a family, he has to look out for it. That's why I'm taking the policy. What policy? Life insurance. 50,000 bucks. You'll be beneficiary. Oh, but that's too much. What do we need all that insurance for? I'm a guy who looks facts in the face. Things can happen to either of us. The premiums, more than I can afford, but, well, I'll manage somehow. Do you think

[00:31:04] you can take one out for me, George? A policy? Yeah. With you as beneficiary. Well, I don't know. Well, you said before that things could happen to either of us. Yeah. Yeah, you know, honey, that's a practical idea. Well, George, if I died, I'd want you to be well off, too. Oh, you know what you are, baby? You're a gal to be proud of. To tell you the truth, I was going to suggest

[00:31:34] that we both take out insurance, but, well, I didn't know if you'd approve. Why? Well, what I mean is, well, it's the man in the family who usually gets himself covered. Oh, of course, the premium's very high, and, well, it might be wiser to wait. Oh, no, no, it's bad luck to wait. I don't believe in it. Now that we've talked about it, let's go ahead. It's the only thing to do. Do you love me, George? Oh, you're crazy. Especially now when you're going to be worth 50,000 bucks. Oh, George. So will I come to think of it?

[00:32:04] Say, the two of us will be worth more dead than we are alive. A couple of days later, we both took medical examinations. A few days after that, the insurance policies came through. I'd almost forgotten about them by then until the evening George came home for supper and told me. That's you, George? Yeah. Dinner ready? Almost. Say, I feel like a millionth. I'm as hungry as a horse. Oh,

[00:32:33] something good happened today? I'll say. Those policies came through. What policies? Life insurance. Oh. I put them in our safe deposit vault. Remember that. I'd stop talking about those policies. They make me so nervous. Nervous? Why, Arlene? Because it reminds me of dying. I don't want either of us to die. We're too happy. Life's too much fun. Oh, come on. Snap out of it. I'll help you set the table.

[00:33:03] What's the matter with your jacket? My jacket? One of the pockets is bulging like... Oh, that. look. George! Where did you get that gun? Now, don't get nervous, lady. It's only a prop. A prop? Yeah, we're shooting a Western. Prop man asked me to get this refinished. Throws too much of a glare into the camera when the lights hit it. Is it real? Well, it could be if it had bullets. The barrel's full of blanks. Oh, well, put it away. Guns frighten me. Oh, now, you shouldn't be scared of guns. Haven't you ever had one? No, and I don't want to.

[00:33:33] Matter of fact, you know, we ought to have one in the house. For what? Well, I'm in town all day and you're out here all alone. You should have protection. I don't want to fool around with any guns. Oh, now, don't be a kid, honey. Here, I'll show you how easy it is to work. Grab the hammer. Oh, no, George. Oh, don't be like that, Arlene. The gun won't hurt you. Look, put it in your hand like that now. Just pull. Holy smoke. There was a bullet in that thing. You all right, honey? I think so.

[00:34:04] It broke that vase. Well, never mind the vase. I'm thinking about you. You were holding that gun near your body when it exploded. You sure you weren't hurt? I guess I'd feel it if I was shot. I told you I didn't like guns, George. Oh, George, look at the sleeve of my dress. Hey, there's a hole in it. It must have passed right through. Yeah. Yeah, missed you by an inch. Good thing, too.

[00:34:34] Why, you might have been killed. It was just an accident. At least, it looked that way. George put the gun in my hand and his finger hit the trigger. That was all. I forgot about it for a while, but it came back to me later when I remembered everything else. Gee, what a day. What a day. You only get a day like this in California. Oh, it's fun taking a ride on Sunday. My,

[00:35:03] it's pretty out this way. Yeah, kind of rustic. You know, I'd like to lie down in the sun and relax and chew a piece of grass. You like grass? Not as a steady diet. Oh, you know what I mean. You like to... What's the matter? I don't know. Kind of acting up. Hey. Something wrong with the motor? I'll get out and see. You can get out too, honey. Stretch your legs.

[00:35:33] Oh, I just smell that air. Mmm, it's delicious. Eh. Now, wait till I get the engine top up. Oh, it's so nice out here, George. And it's so quiet. Yeah. You know, maybe this is as good a place as any to eat our lunch. I think I found out what's wrong. You did? Yeah, stay where you are, honey. I'm not sure. Wait till I see if the motor starts. Oh, just look at that horizon, George. Isn't it the most

[00:36:03] beautiful color you ever saw in your life? Arlene! Arlene! Baby! Oh, baby, are you hurt? I managed to get off the road at the time. Holy smoke, the car was in gear and I didn't know it. You were standing right in front. Yeah, I know. Oh, my heart was in my throat. How could I be so careless?

[00:36:33] You might have been killed. Yeah. Yeah. And it's the second time this week, George, that I might have been killed. Most things in life come slowly

[00:37:03] over a period of time. Birth is one of these and understanding. Time has a habit of moving leisurely when you're looking forward to something you most desire. But the one thing that can come with the suddenness of a flash of lightning is unexpected death. And Arlene Finney was well aware of that. Twice. Twice in one week. It could have been accidents, sure. That was what worried me so. I wasn't certain. George loved me. I knew he did. I had to believe

[00:37:33] in him. I just had to. A week went by and everything was swell. He was sweeter than he'd ever been before. There was nothing he wouldn't do to make me happy. And if I had any ugly thoughts, I'd cancel them out. Mistakes could happen, even two mistakes like that. And I knew it would never happen again. The weather was hot that Thursday when we went to the beach. He drove down in the car and changed into our bathing suits in the locker rooms. And we just lay on the sand

[00:38:02] and drinking in the sun and just feeling good. George? Yeah? Well, when am I getting that job? What job? Well, you know, in pictures. Soon, maybe. Soon. Gotta be patient. I have to see Mr. Zale in the office and I'll pop the question. Who is Mr. Zale? Assistant producer. Oh. It won't be long now, honey. You wait and see. Someone's calling you. Why, it's Mimi. I haven't seen her since I left the barbecue.

[00:38:33] She used to be a waitress. Oh, looky, it's nice to see you. Hello, Mimi. How are you? I'm fine. Just fine. Oh, have you met my husband? I don't think so. George, meet an old friend. Mimi Taylor. Pleased to meet you. Hello, Mimi. Sit down and talk. We haven't seen each other in over a month. Oh, I know. I had a call, Joanie. I was busy. I quit the job, you know. Oh, you did? Yeah, I'm working at Lawrence Department Store in L.A. It's a good job. I get to meet a lot of people.

[00:39:02] How's married life, Arlene? Oh, ask my husband. It's terrific. Oh, he sounds like a booster. Oh, well, I guess it's all right for some people and not for me. Oh, you'll change your mind when you meet the right man. Not when I read the papers. What's the papers got to do with it? Well, then you read about that guy who killed his wife. What? Well, he got sore or something. They wasn't married very long. He caught her looking at another man and he crowned her with a flat iron.

[00:39:33] Your bathing suit looks nice. Messiest thing you ever heard of. The murder, I mean. The poor kid was only 21 and all she did was smile. This guy was so crazy jealous he couldn't even see straight. Well, most men aren't like that. Oh, don't you kid yourself. The kind I meet always are. You look different. Arlene, she'll pick the winner. Say, where did he get them shoulders? Looks good in a bathing suit, doesn't he?

[00:40:03] I'll say. Oh, so do you, Mimi. Oh, stop you kidding. You look good to me. Oh, it's this suit, mister. It's got style. Oh, I, uh, I like the empty spaces. Oh! Oh, what a man. You ought to put a leash on him, Arlene. He's liable to go on the prowl. It's just George's way of being funny. Well, I better get started. I got a date at three with a guy who don't like to be kept waiting. Aren't you even going swimming? Oh, I was in before, but not for long.

[00:40:32] That water's real fierce. There's an undertow like a suction pump out there. Hmm, it does look kind of rough. Well, take my tip and you stay away. That current's mean. Well, glad to have made your acquaintance, George. Same here, Mimi. Say, uh, why don't you two drop around to my place one evening for a drink? I can date me up a guy and we can have a little fun. I'll call you, Mimi. Okay, Arlene. Take it easy. So long. It's, uh,

[00:41:01] getting warm, isn't it? I don't feel it. How about a dip, huh? You heard what Mimi said about the undertow? Well, we don't have to go out very far. We'll stick close together. You go ahead if you want to. I'll stay here. Say, what's the matter with you? Nothing. Well, you look like you just swallowed a lemon or something. I'm sorry I came here, that's all. Well, why? You didn't have to look at her that way, did you? I didn't have to... Oh, no. I don't see anything to laugh about. You're jealous, baby. I am not. Now, wait a minute. I know we're married, but that doesn't exactly make a chump out of me.

[00:41:31] I don't like to be told who to look at and who to talk to. No. No. And what's more, as long as you're in such a rotten mood, you can call off all by yourself. I ain't going in for a swim. What is it in those few minutes of the marriage ceremony that changes people? Well, I can assure you I have nothing to do with it. I watched him walk down into the water

[00:42:02] with our first quarrel and I felt terrible about it. When I thought it over, I realized I was in the wrong and suddenly I wanted desperately to apologize and make up. I jumped up and ran across the beach. I was so anxious to swim to where George was, I guess I hardly noticed the undertow. George, wait for me. I thought you wanted to stay on the beach.

[00:42:32] I just had to talk to you, George. Wait. What is it? George. George, I'm sorry. Are you? I acted like a fool. I'll say you did. Please forgive me. It makes me so unhappy when we quarrel. Forget it, baby. Everybody makes mistakes. It's so nice out here. Not getting tired, are you?

[00:43:01] No, not a bit. Spread water. Like this. Use your hands. It's easier. I'm doing fine. We're pretty far out, Arlene. Aren't we, though? Gee, I've never swum this far before. You scared? Oh, not with you, honey. Not a soul left on the beach. Everybody's gone home, I guess. Yeah, it's getting late. Yeah. Maybe we'd better swim back and get our clothes on. I'm hungry. Oh, wait a minute.

[00:43:30] Come over here, honey. A little closer. Look, you know you swim pretty good, woman. To tell you the truth, George, I am getting just a little tired. Hey, put your arms on my shoulders. What for? I'll help you swim back. I'm not as tired as all that. I can make it without any trouble. Come on, George. Oh, wait. Wait. We, uh, haven't kissed and met up yet.

[00:44:00] Oh, what, here? In the water? Oh, it'll be kind of wet, but it's an idea. All right. Just, uh, a little closer. That's it. Now. George! That's easy. What are you doing? George! No, George! No! Push me under. I kicked and struggled, but he was too strong. I don't know how long he held me there, but it seemed like a million years.

[00:44:31] I knew I was finished. I was getting weak. My lungs were bursting and I couldn't stand it any longer. Then when I was just about to breathe and take the water into my lungs, we were hit by a wave. It was a heavy roller and he locked his grip. It carried me halfway to the beach. With my last ounce of strength, I managed to swim the rest and crawl under the sand. I got onto my knees and looked around. George wasn't there. Suddenly, I started to cry. It was all too much. My head was dizzy and I couldn't think.

[00:45:01] I got to my feet like a drunk and started to walk. I guess I didn't know half of what I was doing because I went right to the car without getting my clothes. I'm George sitting there waiting. Get in. No! I said get in. My arm, George. I'll get in. You tried to kill me.

[00:45:32] Those other times you tried to kill me too. Shut up. I found the money. Insurance money on my life. I should have known. It doesn't matter, George. I'll just as soon be dead as I'll find out what you're doing. Maybe you'll get your wish. I don't care. Do you hear me? I don't care. Where are you taking me? For a little sightseeing tour. And this time I'm going to do it right.

[00:46:04] The next half hour he didn't say a word. He just kept driving, avoiding traffic, making certain we didn't pass through any towns. It's getting dark now and the car was climbing. It was taking me up to Hollywood Hills and I knew why. Get out. What are you going to do to me? You said before you didn't care. Change your mind. Don't kill me, George. Please don't kill me. There's a cliff over there

[00:46:34] with a drop of a thousand feet. You won't know what hits you when you're hit. Let me go. I don't want to die. Let me go, George. Come on. George, let me... We're here, baby. Oh, George. Now look down. See how high we are? One push, baby. One push.

[00:47:07] I got back into the car and called you at the station house when I got home. That was three hours ago. Been sitting here ever since. We found the body and made a few investigations. It's a good story, Mrs. Finney, but not good enough. You made a couple of mistakes. Mistakes? Your husband didn't want to kill you, baby. You went after him. What are you talking about? You see, he had no motive, but you did. No motive?

[00:47:38] Well, what about the insurance? We found it in the vault where your husband left it. But there was only one policy. Only... one? I don't understand. I don't understand. His policy. For 50,000 bucks, you was beneficiary. That was their okay. I guess he didn't want to tell you about the other one, so you wouldn't worry. See what I mean? No, I don't see you. Well, stop grinning at me like an ape. What are you trying to tell me? Everything you've told me is a lie. My husband tried

[00:48:07] to shoot you with a gun, kill you with the automobile, and drown you. He had no motive, but you did. It was just one policy and a letter from the insurance company. Your husband couldn't have wanted to kill you with the insurance, though. You never got a policy. They never gave you one. You were turned down in your medical exam.

[00:48:43] And that's the story of George and Arlene as recorded by The Clock. It's the little mistakes that count, and Arlene Finney ought to know. In her case, however, I doubt if she'll ever get a second chance. The Clock will be heard again next week, same time, same station. It's written by Lawrence Klee and Hart McGuire is the voice of The Clock. Arlene was Wyn Nelson, George was Leon Pears, Mimi was Pat Martin and the detective Brian James. The Clock, directed by John Saul,

[00:49:13] is a Grace Gibson radio production. This has been a Cryptic County podcast. To listen to our other storytelling podcasts like Let's Not Meet and Odd Trails, visit crypticcountypodcasts.com. We'll see you next time. What happened next? If this was a horror story, that's what ought to happen next. It did.