November 20, 2025 • 25 mins
The mysterious, old time radio anthology series "The Haunting Hour" (actually 30 minute episodes) ran during 1944-1946 on NBC. The names of the cast and production crew were never revealed so when the series stopped airing, it was as if it ceased to exist. The episodes were largely "whodunit" mysteries, with psychological thrills and supernatural themes. With an eerie organ accompaniment and traditional horror vibe, the series represents a mysterious gem from the golden age of radio.
Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. Podcasts @ Apple | Spreaker | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. Podcasts @ Apple | Spreaker | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
H m hm.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Hm hm hm.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
Hm hm. No, No, stay where you are.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Do not break the stillness of this moment, for.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
This is a time of mystery, a time when imagination
is free and moves forward swiftly, silently. This is the
haunting own the Uptown Express.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
That night didn't begin any differently from any other night,
at least it doesn't seem to me that it did.
I left work the same as usual, and I hurried
because I was late and we were having supper early
again so my brother Sid could get to law school
on time. I walked down the Broadway in forty second
Street and into the Uptown Subway, just the way I
(01:43):
always did. I got on, pushed my way in with
a crowd. There was an empty seat, and I took it.
A girl in front of me was hanging onto the strap.
In the other hand, she held the evening paper. I
remember looking at it and reading the weather forecast fair
and somewhat milder, it said, and I thought, tomorrow I
(02:06):
can wear my light coat. I was tired. I was
awfully tired. I leaned my head back for a minute
and closed my eyes, and then.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Tired, baby, I sat bolt up right. I'll make you
some coffee when we get home. That'll fix you up.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
What was he talking about when we get home? I
looked at him, so it was something I was trying
desperately to remember, but I couldn't. He was in his
early thirties, dark and very good looking, but his eyes
were hard and his lips were drawn back into a
tight little smile. The hand clinging to my arm was
large and powerful. The girl in front of me was
(02:49):
still holding onto the strap, with that paper clutched tightly
in one hand. He leaned forward a little so he
could see it better.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
Cloudy, with probable thunder showers. What did you think? We've
had enough rain for one week?
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Rain? But the paper had said fair, fair, and somewhat milder.
I looked at it again myself, and he was right.
Then I knew I was really frightened. The date. The
date on that paper was thirty Wuary twenty first, nineteen fifty.
(03:29):
Everything seemed to blur before my eyes for a minute,
and I felt a little sick. I looked down and
saw a wedding band on my left hand, a simple
gold wedding band that hadn't been there five minutes before.
It was almost as if I half expected to see
it there, if the date on that paper was right,
(03:51):
if this really were nineteen fifty, then something told me
that this man, this stranger sitting beside me was my husband. Well,
somehow on that uptown express I'd last five years of
my life.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Come on, Linne, we get up here.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
We walked up the stairs and not into the street.
It was raining. It hadn't been raining before.
Speaker 3 (04:17):
We'll have to make a run for it. It's raining
pretty hard.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
We started to run down a long, dark street I'd
never seen before. Then we turned to a narrow entrance
into a dingy apartment building. We shot the rain outside,
and we were alone.
Speaker 3 (04:32):
Never mind your key, I have mine right here. Oh
wait a minute, I think there's some male.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
I looked at the name on the box. Vincent, mister
and missus John Vincent, Johnny Johnny and Linda Vincent. That
was us.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Oh this is rich. Look what it is? A political circular,
Sydney Damon for district attorney. Feelers courageous? That's a laugh
sending it to us?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
See it for district attorney? My brother, Sydney.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Yes, and it doesn't sound much better than it smells.
Not for my money, but come on, it's cold down here.
Let's get upstairs.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
We climbed the stairs to the second floor, to a
small apartment way in the back. I kept thinking of Sid.
Less than an hour ago he was going to City
College nights to study law. And now in my hand
was a circular that said he was running for district attorney.
But it wasn't an hour ago. That was in nineteen
(05:28):
forty five, five years ago. This was nineteen fifty.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
There, turn on the light, it's near you.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
I felt along the wall and found the switch.
Speaker 3 (05:41):
That's better. It's cold, and there's don't never any heat
when we need it. Did you speak to that lousy
janity yet you said you were going to I will, Johnny.
I'm sorry, baby, I didn't mean to snap at you.
It's just that business of your smart I like brother
running for da. I don't like it.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Why, Johnny, Why don't you like him?
Speaker 3 (05:59):
It? Don't ask questions. Come here and kiss me instead, Johnny.
What's the matter? Nothing welcome here? Then? You know what
your hairs are wet, your miscarriage, run a little around
the edges. You look aw for honey, But to me,
you're still beautiful.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Please please, Johnny, don't kiss me anymore.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
What's the idea?
Speaker 2 (06:24):
I'm cold, I'm wet. I'll be all right, sure.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
I understand, Go in and change and I'll picture something hot.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
I went into the bedroom. On the bureau was a
picture of the two of us, Me, Linda, Damon and
this man I've never seen before. I picked it up.
Across the front of it was written Atlantic City, September
nineteen forty six. I looked at it for a few minutes,
and I put it back on the bureau and walked
over to the closet. On one side were his clothes
(07:01):
and on the other what I supposed were my things.
I found a light blue house dress and changed into
it quickly. It fits perfectly.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
Ready, Lindy, come and get it in a minute. Here.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Oh thanks, aren't you going to put on some dry clothes?
Speaker 3 (07:18):
No, I'm okay. I'll hold out your cup.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
And one for me.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Well, what do we drink too? Even if it's only coffee,
we have to drink to something?
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Well what we always drink too? Johnny?
Speaker 3 (07:31):
All right, darling, you want to make the toaster? Shall I?
Speaker 2 (07:34):
You make it?
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Here?
Speaker 3 (07:35):
Goes then to our house, the one with the front porch.
The backyard and the attic. Okay, okay, do you think
we'll ever have it? I've what, Johnny, that house All
my life, I remember living in little box flats with
walls of paper thin. You could hear the guy next
door yelling at his old lady or her nagging at him,
(07:57):
just as if there weren't enough of that stuff in
your own place. And the hallway is always full with
dirty little kids with their faces needing washing and their
eyes too.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
Old for the rest of them.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
And the garbage and big ugly cans in front of
the buildings when it was so hot you could hardly breathe. Johnny,
I guess maybe you don't understand.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Is that why you want the house?
Speaker 3 (08:16):
Johnny? Sure? Imagine Lindy a house, not a flat, not
a couple of caged in little rooms, but a big
house with a front porch and a backyard and an
attic all mine, all hours, Lindy, Lindy, do you love me? Oh?
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Yes, Johnny, I do love you very much.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
Hey, what got me started?
Speaker 2 (08:39):
I did? I'm sorry?
Speaker 3 (08:40):
Oh, don't be don't ever be sorry for anything. Oh,
it couldn't be bad if it comes from you, because
you're good Lindy, I'm not and I know it. Look
what I'm doing through your making your live in a
hole like this, not a decent dress to your name.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
I don't care, Johnny.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
Well, but you'll see it's going to be different, maybe
sooner than you expect. How would you like to move
out into the country to our house? Well, I wasn't
going to tell you until everything was set, but here
here start on this. Go out tomorrow and buy yourself
some clothes. You know, real high class stuff, Johnny. All
that money and plenty more where that came from, I'll
(09:18):
get it. Stay away. Yeah, what is it, Chillie? Ohoh
oh he was What do he want? Yeah? Well, just
lay low until I get in touch with it. I'll
think of something so long.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Who was that?
Speaker 3 (09:39):
Just a friend of mine, business acquaintance. You wouldn't know him. Oh,
I'm telling you it was nothing, nothing important.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
I didn't say anything.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
Oh, don't stop looking as though I just finished beating you.
Don't shop, Johnny. I didn't mean it, baby. My nerves
are on age, that's all I wonder if it stopped ring?
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Did it let up a little?
Speaker 1 (10:01):
Maybe not much?
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Why are you standing at the window? Are you expecting someone?
Speaker 3 (10:06):
What do you mean by that? Who should I be expecting?
You've been talking to your brother, haven't you? You've been
seeing him again? I told you to keep away from
that family of ours, didn't I. If I'm not good
enough form, that's just too bad, john my arm, tell
me the truth? Have you seen sid? What you've been
telling you? It's a lie. But you believe me, don't you.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
I don't know what you're talking about. Please, please, Johnny.
Speaker 3 (10:26):
You're Johnny. Forgive me. Oh, Lindy, You've got to promise
me you'll stay with me no matter what.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
What is it, Johnny?
Speaker 3 (10:33):
What have you done? I'm in an awful mess. I'm
in deeper than I've ever been in my life. This
time I'm afraid.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Will you tell me? Maybe I can help you. I'm
your wife. Oh.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
I don't deserve you. I don't deserve ever to have
met you.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Johnny? What tell me? Tell me again? How we met?
I like to hear it.
Speaker 3 (10:52):
You're just like a little kid, aren't you? Just a
funny little kid?
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Tell me?
Speaker 3 (10:58):
Okay, it was February twenty first, nineteen forty five, five
years ago. Yes, and there you were, and I saw
you where Johnny on the subway on the Uptown Express.
What what's the matter?
Speaker 2 (11:17):
Oh nothing, I I have a little headache.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
That's so go on, you're sure you're all right? Your
some all right?
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Go ahead.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
I saw you and I said to myself that brother
is for me. Then I made up my mind I
was going to meet you.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
And then what did you do?
Speaker 3 (11:32):
I said, pardon me, miss am, I on the right
train for eighty sixth Streets.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
And what did I say?
Speaker 3 (11:36):
You said, no, you will have to change it to
the local at seventy seconds. Then we started to talk.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Just as easy as that.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
Just as easy as that. I think you wanted to
meet me too. Who's that?
Speaker 2 (11:52):
I don't know. I'll open it when what.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Stay where you are?
Speaker 3 (11:56):
Don't ask that is it?
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Johnny? What are you doing with that gun?
Speaker 3 (12:01):
Who is it? Wait a minute, your big shud brother
see it? Yeah, I guess I didn't need this gun here.
Put it on the table. Listen to me carefully. I
was with you last Monday night. That's all you know.
That's your story and you'd better stick to it. Remember,
(12:44):
life is filled with mystery. And it was a strange
afternoon when Linda Damon boarded the Uptown Express for without warning,
time jumped ahead and the newspaper datelines read February twenty first,
nineteen fifty. Then she heard the man sitting next to
her and say, come on, Lindy, we get off here.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
He was her.
Speaker 3 (13:05):
Husband and his name was Johnny. Mister fied. Afraid to question,
Linda followed him home. Johnny spoke of how they had
met five years before on the Uptown Express, and Linda listened.
Then came a knock on the door. Johnny reached for
his gun. Then you come up with Sid, Linda's brother,
(13:26):
a candidate for the office of district attorney. Johnny turned
to Linda and said, listen, Linda carefully. I was with
you last Monday night. That's all you know. That's your
story and you'd better stick to it. Remember, Yeah, yeah,
just a minutes.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
Hello, Linda said, what do you want?
Speaker 3 (13:48):
Damon?
Speaker 2 (13:48):
It's so good to see you, see it. How's mom?
Speaker 3 (13:52):
You've got kind of a nerve asking that, haven't you?
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Please?
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Did?
Speaker 2 (13:55):
I don't understand?
Speaker 3 (13:56):
Forget that baby, Let him speak his peace and get
up on your mind. Mister district attorney, you're a little premature,
but thanks anyway, come on into.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
The living room, said, he'll let me take your coat.
It's way, Linda.
Speaker 3 (14:09):
He'll go into that living room over my dead buddy.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
Which is just the way I'd like it. Vincent, Why
you were?
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Johnny said?
Speaker 1 (14:15):
What's the matter?
Speaker 2 (14:16):
What is it?
Speaker 4 (14:16):
Linda? Haven't you had enough yet? Why don't you come
home where you belong? Mom's worse Every day since you
left she gets worse. Doesn't mean anything to you that
you're killing her.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
Mom? What are you trying to do? Wring blood out
of a liver alone? Do you care?
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Linda?
Speaker 3 (14:30):
What's he done to you? Deliver her alone? That's what
you came here to say. You said it, and I
get out.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
That's not quite all, Vincent.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
No, I'll spill it.
Speaker 4 (14:37):
Then, last Monday night, a man by the name of
Bucky Stevens was murdered.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
So what Johnny, Johnny, what's he trying to say?
Speaker 3 (14:44):
Quiet? Linda? Go on, big shot? What's it to me?
Speaker 4 (14:46):
That just what I wanted? Vincent Bucket been gambling. But
I suppose you know the story?
Speaker 3 (14:51):
Sorry, I don't know nothing.
Speaker 4 (14:52):
No Goo bad you missed it. It's been in all
the front pages too. Maybe you just forgot Vincent. I'll
refresh your memory. He'd been gambling heavily and he won.
He was pretty tight and made a lot of noise
about it, things like that, get around fast, kind of.
Speaker 3 (15:06):
Like your story. Maybe it's just the way you'd kill it. Oh,
I'm sorry, but don't worry.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
It gets better as it goes along.
Speaker 4 (15:13):
When Bucky left the club alone with that nice fat wallet,
three men got into another car and followed him.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
Yeah, see, I told you it got better. Get better still.
Speaker 4 (15:23):
They forced his car off the road, took his money,
murdered him, and then threw his body in the river.
Speaker 3 (15:27):
Johnny then what then?
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Nothing? That's all it was to it.
Speaker 4 (15:31):
The three men escaped in their car, and the next morning,
Earl Marino and his two hensmen were picked up and
booked for the murder. The police thought they had a case.
As a matter of fact, they still do.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Thanks for the bedtime story. Are you through in a minute?
Speaker 1 (15:45):
You see?
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Vincent, the police, the DA, Everyone was convinced it was
Marino and his gang, everyone.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Except me, that is so, so I said.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
To myself, I wonder, I wonder where Johnny Vincent was
Monday night. Johnny knows two playmates is Charlie Rossy and
Joe Kagan, just idle curiosity.
Speaker 3 (16:03):
You understand, get to the point you take too much time, Okay,
I will.
Speaker 4 (16:07):
I did a little private investigating and I've got proof
that it.
Speaker 1 (16:10):
Was you, you and your pals.
Speaker 3 (16:13):
I've got enough proof to send the three of you
to the electric chair.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Don't say that why he couldn't have, John, It couldn't have.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Why won't you believe me?
Speaker 3 (16:20):
Linda?
Speaker 4 (16:21):
I tell you I can prove it, and I intend
to tomorrow morning. I'm going to the DA with my evidence.
I'm giving you fair warning. It's packed solid tail spring
Marino and pick you up, Vincent, and the charge will
be murdered.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
You think you're pretty smart, don't you.
Speaker 1 (16:35):
No, just smarter than you, that's all.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
I don't think you can get away with this. I
know I can, and if you do, it won't hurt
the election any will as Damon's brilliant young prosecuting it
to any salves case single hands that'll look cute on
campaign buttons, not bad.
Speaker 4 (16:50):
But to tell you the truth, I wasn't thinking of
that so much. I've been out to get you for
a long time for what you've done to Lindy, and
this is once You're not going to.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
Be able to talk your way out of it.
Speaker 3 (16:59):
And just what do you think you've gained by coming here.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
I want Linda to be home where she belongs tomorrow
when the police come to get you.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
Thanks for the warning or even skip of your dumb enough.
See how far you'll get.
Speaker 4 (17:10):
By tomorrow night, every paper in the country will have
your picture plastered all over.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
The front page.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Johnny's not going anywhere, Sid, and neither am I. He'll
stay here and stand trial if he has to, and
I'll stand by him. Johnny was with me last Monday night.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
Linda. You don't know what you're saying.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
Don't I one sigh, but I don't believe you.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
Sid.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Johnny couldn't have murdered anybody.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
Nothing I can say will make you change your mind.
Speaker 2 (17:35):
No nothing, Please go?
Speaker 1 (17:37):
Will you sure? Sorry? I bothered you.
Speaker 4 (17:40):
When you need us, We'll still be waiting for you
to come home.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Salom Vincent see you in court.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
Okay, Oh Johnny, my own brother, how could he?
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Thanks for trying anyway, baby, but this time he means business.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
You don't have to be afraid, Johnny, if you're innocent.
Speaker 3 (17:59):
What do you mean if?
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Oh? I didn't mean that way? Johnny believed me.
Speaker 3 (18:02):
Oh, you're trying the kid. He's got the goods on
me and I know it.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
Johnny. Do you mean he was right? He would tell
you truth? Johnny?
Speaker 3 (18:12):
Did you don't be a little fool? Of course? I
killed him. No, No, cut out the dramatics. I've got
to think there must be something you.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
You murdered him and threw his body in the river.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
And where do you think that money came from? Use
your head, but murder, Johnny. I couldn't help it. He
put up a fight and we had to let him
have it. I didn't want to kill him. There was
nothing else I could do. You know I wouldn't have
killed him if I didn't have to. Don't show Indeed, I.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
Don't know anything anymore. What are you going to do?
Speaker 3 (18:42):
Now? What can I do? He made this investigation on
his own, that's what his head didn't well. Yes, but
but he probably hasn't told anyone yet. No one knows
but him at last, or at least, that's the chance
I've got to take. I can't be any worse off
than I am.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
What are you talking about?
Speaker 3 (18:59):
He'll never live to turn in that evidence. I'll see
to that, Johnny, I'll get Charlie and Joe and we'll
make sure he doesn't.
Speaker 2 (19:05):
No, you can't do that the ship. I won't let you.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Me and him, Lenny. I don't have to think right
to the time which one I'd rather have it be.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
No, put down that phone, please, Johnny.
Speaker 3 (19:16):
Hello, nice, I just take the Charlie be there, good.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
I said to hang up, Johnny, and I met it.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
Lindy.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Put that gun back on the table.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
I said, to hang up.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
You won't shoot. Put it down like a good girl.
Hello that you, Charlie. Something's come up. I want you
to get Joe and help me on the job. Yeah,
right away. I'm wanting you, Johnny made me as soon
as you can over Johnny.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Johnny, Johnny, I really didn't please you. Shoot me, Lindy.
I had to. I couldn't help it.
Speaker 3 (19:56):
You know you've got a lot of spunk.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
Little thing, Johnny. I'm sigh.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
I thought I children not to be sorry for anything ever.
I told you anything you did would be all right,
and I meant to No, it wouldn't have been a
good no matter why. I just as soon have it
this way, honest baby. But it wasn't all bad. Was
(20:27):
some of it was fun, tell.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Me it was Johnny. None of it was wonderful.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
In you know what why? I guess maybe I never
was meant to have a house with a shront porch, a.
Speaker 2 (20:48):
Back yard and Johnny. I don't know how long I
sat there on the floor I was hiding, holding him
in my arms and rocking back and forth as if
(21:08):
he were a child. There was blood trippling out of
the corners of his mouth, and I wiped it off
with my handkerchief. I knew he was dead, but I
wiped it off just the same, and I sat there
holding him. Maybe part of those years had been wonderful.
Now I'd never know. After a while, I got up,
(21:30):
took my purse and left the apartment. The rain had stopped.
I started a walk, found myself running instead, running down
that narrow little street. I didn't know where I was going.
I just ran. The subway station was at a corner,
and I went into that. I thought maybe I'd try
and find my way home again, back to Mom and Sid,
(21:53):
and then I'd be all right. I tried not to
think of Johnny. Johnny lying dead where I left him,
in a little pool blood. I dropped a nickel in
the slot, and a minute later the train came roaring
out of the panel. I'm sure I didn't know what
I was doing. I just got on and sat down.
The car was almost empty. I was tired and hired
(22:16):
all over. I leaned back and closed my eyes. When
I opened them again, the train was crowded, crowded with people,
and I hadn't remembered stopping to let them on. Suddenly
I wasn't quite so tired anymore. I sat up straight
(22:38):
and looked around. A girl in front of me was
hanging under the straps, and in the other hand she
held an evening paper. I remember looking at it and
reading a weather forecast, fair and somewhat milder. I held
my brainses Was it possible. It took every bit of courage.
I had to force myself to look at the day,
(23:01):
and the day was set. You were twenty first, nineteen
forty five. I can't explain how I felt. Sim I
wanted to laugh, but the cry. I wanted to turn
to the stranger sitting beside me in safe Listen, mister
with a dream. I just imagined it. I didn't kill anybody,
(23:22):
because there's still nineteen forty five and I'm going home
for suppers. I did turn, and then I froze. I
prose with such terror as I've never known before, and
I'll never know a dam. The man sitting next.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
To me was, pardon me, miss am, I on the
right train for eighty six streets.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Well, no, you'll have to work, that is.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
I'm sorry.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
I don't know. I'm said you had to ask someone else.
You see, this is my stuff, and I'm getting off.
Speaker 3 (24:12):
From shadows and stillness. Mystery weaves a spell of strangest fascinations,
charging the mind with doubts and fears. For mystery is
a strange companion, a living memory in the haunting power
H m hm.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Hm hm hm.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
Hm hm. No, No, stay where you are.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Do not break the stillness of this moment, for.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
This is a time of mystery, a time when imagination
is free and moves forward swiftly, silently. This is the
haunting own the Uptown Express.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
That night didn't begin any differently from any other night,
at least it doesn't seem to me that it did.
I left work the same as usual, and I hurried
because I was late and we were having supper early
again so my brother Sid could get to law school
on time. I walked down the Broadway in forty second
Street and into the Uptown Subway, just the way I
(01:43):
always did. I got on, pushed my way in with
a crowd. There was an empty seat, and I took it.
A girl in front of me was hanging onto the strap.
In the other hand, she held the evening paper. I
remember looking at it and reading the weather forecast fair
and somewhat milder, it said, and I thought, tomorrow I
(02:06):
can wear my light coat. I was tired. I was
awfully tired. I leaned my head back for a minute
and closed my eyes, and then.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Tired, baby, I sat bolt up right. I'll make you
some coffee when we get home. That'll fix you up.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
What was he talking about when we get home? I
looked at him, so it was something I was trying
desperately to remember, but I couldn't. He was in his
early thirties, dark and very good looking, but his eyes
were hard and his lips were drawn back into a
tight little smile. The hand clinging to my arm was
large and powerful. The girl in front of me was
(02:49):
still holding onto the strap, with that paper clutched tightly
in one hand. He leaned forward a little so he
could see it better.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
Cloudy, with probable thunder showers. What did you think? We've
had enough rain for one week?
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Rain? But the paper had said fair, fair, and somewhat milder.
I looked at it again myself, and he was right.
Then I knew I was really frightened. The date. The
date on that paper was thirty Wuary twenty first, nineteen fifty.
(03:29):
Everything seemed to blur before my eyes for a minute,
and I felt a little sick. I looked down and
saw a wedding band on my left hand, a simple
gold wedding band that hadn't been there five minutes before.
It was almost as if I half expected to see
it there, if the date on that paper was right,
(03:51):
if this really were nineteen fifty, then something told me
that this man, this stranger sitting beside me was my husband. Well,
somehow on that uptown express I'd last five years of
my life.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Come on, Linne, we get up here.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
We walked up the stairs and not into the street.
It was raining. It hadn't been raining before.
Speaker 3 (04:17):
We'll have to make a run for it. It's raining
pretty hard.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
We started to run down a long, dark street I'd
never seen before. Then we turned to a narrow entrance
into a dingy apartment building. We shot the rain outside,
and we were alone.
Speaker 3 (04:32):
Never mind your key, I have mine right here. Oh
wait a minute, I think there's some male.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
I looked at the name on the box. Vincent, mister
and missus John Vincent, Johnny Johnny and Linda Vincent. That
was us.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Oh this is rich. Look what it is? A political circular,
Sydney Damon for district attorney. Feelers courageous? That's a laugh
sending it to us?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
See it for district attorney? My brother, Sydney.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Yes, and it doesn't sound much better than it smells.
Not for my money, but come on, it's cold down here.
Let's get upstairs.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
We climbed the stairs to the second floor, to a
small apartment way in the back. I kept thinking of Sid.
Less than an hour ago he was going to City
College nights to study law. And now in my hand
was a circular that said he was running for district attorney.
But it wasn't an hour ago. That was in nineteen
(05:28):
forty five, five years ago. This was nineteen fifty.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
There, turn on the light, it's near you.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
I felt along the wall and found the switch.
Speaker 3 (05:41):
That's better. It's cold, and there's don't never any heat
when we need it. Did you speak to that lousy
janity yet you said you were going to I will, Johnny.
I'm sorry, baby, I didn't mean to snap at you.
It's just that business of your smart I like brother
running for da. I don't like it.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Why, Johnny, Why don't you like him?
Speaker 3 (05:59):
It? Don't ask questions. Come here and kiss me instead, Johnny.
What's the matter? Nothing welcome here? Then? You know what
your hairs are wet, your miscarriage, run a little around
the edges. You look aw for honey, But to me,
you're still beautiful.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Please please, Johnny, don't kiss me anymore.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
What's the idea?
Speaker 2 (06:24):
I'm cold, I'm wet. I'll be all right, sure.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
I understand, Go in and change and I'll picture something hot.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
I went into the bedroom. On the bureau was a
picture of the two of us, Me, Linda, Damon and
this man I've never seen before. I picked it up.
Across the front of it was written Atlantic City, September
nineteen forty six. I looked at it for a few minutes,
and I put it back on the bureau and walked
over to the closet. On one side were his clothes
(07:01):
and on the other what I supposed were my things.
I found a light blue house dress and changed into
it quickly. It fits perfectly.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
Ready, Lindy, come and get it in a minute. Here.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Oh thanks, aren't you going to put on some dry clothes?
Speaker 3 (07:18):
No, I'm okay. I'll hold out your cup.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
And one for me.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Well, what do we drink too? Even if it's only coffee,
we have to drink to something?
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Well what we always drink too? Johnny?
Speaker 3 (07:31):
All right, darling, you want to make the toaster? Shall I?
Speaker 2 (07:34):
You make it?
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Here?
Speaker 3 (07:35):
Goes then to our house, the one with the front porch.
The backyard and the attic. Okay, okay, do you think
we'll ever have it? I've what, Johnny, that house All
my life, I remember living in little box flats with
walls of paper thin. You could hear the guy next
door yelling at his old lady or her nagging at him,
(07:57):
just as if there weren't enough of that stuff in
your own place. And the hallway is always full with
dirty little kids with their faces needing washing and their
eyes too.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
Old for the rest of them.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
And the garbage and big ugly cans in front of
the buildings when it was so hot you could hardly breathe. Johnny,
I guess maybe you don't understand.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Is that why you want the house?
Speaker 3 (08:16):
Johnny? Sure? Imagine Lindy a house, not a flat, not
a couple of caged in little rooms, but a big
house with a front porch and a backyard and an
attic all mine, all hours, Lindy, Lindy, do you love me? Oh?
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Yes, Johnny, I do love you very much.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
Hey, what got me started?
Speaker 2 (08:39):
I did? I'm sorry?
Speaker 3 (08:40):
Oh, don't be don't ever be sorry for anything. Oh,
it couldn't be bad if it comes from you, because
you're good Lindy, I'm not and I know it. Look
what I'm doing through your making your live in a
hole like this, not a decent dress to your name.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
I don't care, Johnny.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
Well, but you'll see it's going to be different, maybe
sooner than you expect. How would you like to move
out into the country to our house? Well, I wasn't
going to tell you until everything was set, but here
here start on this. Go out tomorrow and buy yourself
some clothes. You know, real high class stuff, Johnny. All
that money and plenty more where that came from, I'll
(09:18):
get it. Stay away. Yeah, what is it, Chillie? Ohoh
oh he was What do he want? Yeah? Well, just
lay low until I get in touch with it. I'll
think of something so long.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Who was that?
Speaker 3 (09:39):
Just a friend of mine, business acquaintance. You wouldn't know him. Oh,
I'm telling you it was nothing, nothing important.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
I didn't say anything.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
Oh, don't stop looking as though I just finished beating you.
Don't shop, Johnny. I didn't mean it, baby. My nerves
are on age, that's all I wonder if it stopped ring?
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Did it let up a little?
Speaker 1 (10:01):
Maybe not much?
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Why are you standing at the window? Are you expecting someone?
Speaker 3 (10:06):
What do you mean by that? Who should I be expecting?
You've been talking to your brother, haven't you? You've been
seeing him again? I told you to keep away from
that family of ours, didn't I. If I'm not good
enough form, that's just too bad, john my arm, tell
me the truth? Have you seen sid? What you've been
telling you? It's a lie. But you believe me, don't you.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
I don't know what you're talking about. Please, please, Johnny.
Speaker 3 (10:26):
You're Johnny. Forgive me. Oh, Lindy, You've got to promise
me you'll stay with me no matter what.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
What is it, Johnny?
Speaker 3 (10:33):
What have you done? I'm in an awful mess. I'm
in deeper than I've ever been in my life. This
time I'm afraid.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Will you tell me? Maybe I can help you. I'm
your wife. Oh.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
I don't deserve you. I don't deserve ever to have
met you.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Johnny? What tell me? Tell me again? How we met?
I like to hear it.
Speaker 3 (10:52):
You're just like a little kid, aren't you? Just a
funny little kid?
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Tell me?
Speaker 3 (10:58):
Okay, it was February twenty first, nineteen forty five, five
years ago. Yes, and there you were, and I saw
you where Johnny on the subway on the Uptown Express.
What what's the matter?
Speaker 2 (11:17):
Oh nothing, I I have a little headache.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
That's so go on, you're sure you're all right? Your
some all right?
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Go ahead.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
I saw you and I said to myself that brother
is for me. Then I made up my mind I
was going to meet you.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
And then what did you do?
Speaker 3 (11:32):
I said, pardon me, miss am, I on the right
train for eighty sixth Streets.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
And what did I say?
Speaker 3 (11:36):
You said, no, you will have to change it to
the local at seventy seconds. Then we started to talk.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Just as easy as that.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
Just as easy as that. I think you wanted to
meet me too. Who's that?
Speaker 2 (11:52):
I don't know. I'll open it when what.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Stay where you are?
Speaker 3 (11:56):
Don't ask that is it?
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Johnny? What are you doing with that gun?
Speaker 3 (12:01):
Who is it? Wait a minute, your big shud brother
see it? Yeah, I guess I didn't need this gun here.
Put it on the table. Listen to me carefully. I
was with you last Monday night. That's all you know.
That's your story and you'd better stick to it. Remember,
(12:44):
life is filled with mystery. And it was a strange
afternoon when Linda Damon boarded the Uptown Express for without warning,
time jumped ahead and the newspaper datelines read February twenty first,
nineteen fifty. Then she heard the man sitting next to
her and say, come on, Lindy, we get off here.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
He was her.
Speaker 3 (13:05):
Husband and his name was Johnny. Mister fied. Afraid to question,
Linda followed him home. Johnny spoke of how they had
met five years before on the Uptown Express, and Linda listened.
Then came a knock on the door. Johnny reached for
his gun. Then you come up with Sid, Linda's brother,
(13:26):
a candidate for the office of district attorney. Johnny turned
to Linda and said, listen, Linda carefully. I was with
you last Monday night. That's all you know. That's your
story and you'd better stick to it. Remember, Yeah, yeah,
just a minutes.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
Hello, Linda said, what do you want?
Speaker 3 (13:48):
Damon?
Speaker 2 (13:48):
It's so good to see you, see it. How's mom?
Speaker 3 (13:52):
You've got kind of a nerve asking that, haven't you?
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Please?
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Did?
Speaker 2 (13:55):
I don't understand?
Speaker 3 (13:56):
Forget that baby, Let him speak his peace and get
up on your mind. Mister district attorney, you're a little premature,
but thanks anyway, come on into.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
The living room, said, he'll let me take your coat.
It's way, Linda.
Speaker 3 (14:09):
He'll go into that living room over my dead buddy.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
Which is just the way I'd like it. Vincent, Why
you were?
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Johnny said?
Speaker 1 (14:15):
What's the matter?
Speaker 2 (14:16):
What is it?
Speaker 4 (14:16):
Linda? Haven't you had enough yet? Why don't you come
home where you belong? Mom's worse Every day since you
left she gets worse. Doesn't mean anything to you that
you're killing her.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
Mom? What are you trying to do? Wring blood out
of a liver alone? Do you care?
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Linda?
Speaker 3 (14:30):
What's he done to you? Deliver her alone? That's what
you came here to say. You said it, and I
get out.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
That's not quite all, Vincent.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
No, I'll spill it.
Speaker 4 (14:37):
Then, last Monday night, a man by the name of
Bucky Stevens was murdered.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
So what Johnny, Johnny, what's he trying to say?
Speaker 3 (14:44):
Quiet? Linda? Go on, big shot? What's it to me?
Speaker 4 (14:46):
That just what I wanted? Vincent Bucket been gambling. But
I suppose you know the story?
Speaker 3 (14:51):
Sorry, I don't know nothing.
Speaker 4 (14:52):
No Goo bad you missed it. It's been in all
the front pages too. Maybe you just forgot Vincent. I'll
refresh your memory. He'd been gambling heavily and he won.
He was pretty tight and made a lot of noise
about it, things like that, get around fast, kind of.
Speaker 3 (15:06):
Like your story. Maybe it's just the way you'd kill it. Oh,
I'm sorry, but don't worry.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
It gets better as it goes along.
Speaker 4 (15:13):
When Bucky left the club alone with that nice fat wallet,
three men got into another car and followed him.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
Yeah, see, I told you it got better. Get better still.
Speaker 4 (15:23):
They forced his car off the road, took his money,
murdered him, and then threw his body in the river.
Speaker 3 (15:27):
Johnny then what then?
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Nothing? That's all it was to it.
Speaker 4 (15:31):
The three men escaped in their car, and the next morning,
Earl Marino and his two hensmen were picked up and
booked for the murder. The police thought they had a case.
As a matter of fact, they still do.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Thanks for the bedtime story. Are you through in a minute?
Speaker 1 (15:45):
You see?
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Vincent, the police, the DA, Everyone was convinced it was
Marino and his gang, everyone.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Except me, that is so, so I said.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
To myself, I wonder, I wonder where Johnny Vincent was
Monday night. Johnny knows two playmates is Charlie Rossy and
Joe Kagan, just idle curiosity.
Speaker 3 (16:03):
You understand, get to the point you take too much time, Okay,
I will.
Speaker 4 (16:07):
I did a little private investigating and I've got proof
that it.
Speaker 1 (16:10):
Was you, you and your pals.
Speaker 3 (16:13):
I've got enough proof to send the three of you
to the electric chair.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Don't say that why he couldn't have, John, It couldn't have.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Why won't you believe me?
Speaker 3 (16:20):
Linda?
Speaker 4 (16:21):
I tell you I can prove it, and I intend
to tomorrow morning. I'm going to the DA with my evidence.
I'm giving you fair warning. It's packed solid tail spring
Marino and pick you up, Vincent, and the charge will
be murdered.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
You think you're pretty smart, don't you.
Speaker 1 (16:35):
No, just smarter than you, that's all.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
I don't think you can get away with this. I
know I can, and if you do, it won't hurt
the election any will as Damon's brilliant young prosecuting it
to any salves case single hands that'll look cute on
campaign buttons, not bad.
Speaker 4 (16:50):
But to tell you the truth, I wasn't thinking of
that so much. I've been out to get you for
a long time for what you've done to Lindy, and
this is once You're not going to.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
Be able to talk your way out of it.
Speaker 3 (16:59):
And just what do you think you've gained by coming here.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
I want Linda to be home where she belongs tomorrow
when the police come to get you.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
Thanks for the warning or even skip of your dumb enough.
See how far you'll get.
Speaker 4 (17:10):
By tomorrow night, every paper in the country will have
your picture plastered all over.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
The front page.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Johnny's not going anywhere, Sid, and neither am I. He'll
stay here and stand trial if he has to, and
I'll stand by him. Johnny was with me last Monday night.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
Linda. You don't know what you're saying.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
Don't I one sigh, but I don't believe you.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
Sid.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Johnny couldn't have murdered anybody.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
Nothing I can say will make you change your mind.
Speaker 2 (17:35):
No nothing, Please go?
Speaker 1 (17:37):
Will you sure? Sorry? I bothered you.
Speaker 4 (17:40):
When you need us, We'll still be waiting for you
to come home.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Salom Vincent see you in court.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
Okay, Oh Johnny, my own brother, how could he?
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Thanks for trying anyway, baby, but this time he means business.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
You don't have to be afraid, Johnny, if you're innocent.
Speaker 3 (17:59):
What do you mean if?
Speaker 2 (18:00):
Oh? I didn't mean that way? Johnny believed me.
Speaker 3 (18:02):
Oh, you're trying the kid. He's got the goods on
me and I know it.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
Johnny. Do you mean he was right? He would tell
you truth? Johnny?
Speaker 3 (18:12):
Did you don't be a little fool? Of course? I
killed him. No, No, cut out the dramatics. I've got
to think there must be something you.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
You murdered him and threw his body in the river.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
And where do you think that money came from? Use
your head, but murder, Johnny. I couldn't help it. He
put up a fight and we had to let him
have it. I didn't want to kill him. There was
nothing else I could do. You know I wouldn't have
killed him if I didn't have to. Don't show Indeed, I.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
Don't know anything anymore. What are you going to do?
Speaker 3 (18:42):
Now? What can I do? He made this investigation on
his own, that's what his head didn't well. Yes, but
but he probably hasn't told anyone yet. No one knows
but him at last, or at least, that's the chance
I've got to take. I can't be any worse off
than I am.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
What are you talking about?
Speaker 3 (18:59):
He'll never live to turn in that evidence. I'll see
to that, Johnny, I'll get Charlie and Joe and we'll
make sure he doesn't.
Speaker 2 (19:05):
No, you can't do that the ship. I won't let you.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Me and him, Lenny. I don't have to think right
to the time which one I'd rather have it be.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
No, put down that phone, please, Johnny.
Speaker 3 (19:16):
Hello, nice, I just take the Charlie be there, good.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
I said to hang up, Johnny, and I met it.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
Lindy.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Put that gun back on the table.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
I said, to hang up.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
You won't shoot. Put it down like a good girl.
Hello that you, Charlie. Something's come up. I want you
to get Joe and help me on the job. Yeah,
right away. I'm wanting you, Johnny made me as soon
as you can over Johnny.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Johnny, Johnny, I really didn't please you. Shoot me, Lindy.
I had to. I couldn't help it.
Speaker 3 (19:56):
You know you've got a lot of spunk.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
Little thing, Johnny. I'm sigh.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
I thought I children not to be sorry for anything ever.
I told you anything you did would be all right,
and I meant to No, it wouldn't have been a
good no matter why. I just as soon have it
this way, honest baby. But it wasn't all bad. Was
(20:27):
some of it was fun, tell.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Me it was Johnny. None of it was wonderful.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
In you know what why? I guess maybe I never
was meant to have a house with a shront porch, a.
Speaker 2 (20:48):
Back yard and Johnny. I don't know how long I
sat there on the floor I was hiding, holding him
in my arms and rocking back and forth as if
(21:08):
he were a child. There was blood trippling out of
the corners of his mouth, and I wiped it off
with my handkerchief. I knew he was dead, but I
wiped it off just the same, and I sat there
holding him. Maybe part of those years had been wonderful.
Now I'd never know. After a while, I got up,
(21:30):
took my purse and left the apartment. The rain had stopped.
I started a walk, found myself running instead, running down
that narrow little street. I didn't know where I was going.
I just ran. The subway station was at a corner,
and I went into that. I thought maybe I'd try
and find my way home again, back to Mom and Sid,
(21:53):
and then I'd be all right. I tried not to
think of Johnny. Johnny lying dead where I left him,
in a little pool blood. I dropped a nickel in
the slot, and a minute later the train came roaring
out of the panel. I'm sure I didn't know what
I was doing. I just got on and sat down.
The car was almost empty. I was tired and hired
(22:16):
all over. I leaned back and closed my eyes. When
I opened them again, the train was crowded, crowded with people,
and I hadn't remembered stopping to let them on. Suddenly
I wasn't quite so tired anymore. I sat up straight
(22:38):
and looked around. A girl in front of me was
hanging under the straps, and in the other hand she
held an evening paper. I remember looking at it and
reading a weather forecast, fair and somewhat milder. I held
my brainses Was it possible. It took every bit of courage.
I had to force myself to look at the day,
(23:01):
and the day was set. You were twenty first, nineteen
forty five. I can't explain how I felt. Sim I
wanted to laugh, but the cry. I wanted to turn
to the stranger sitting beside me in safe Listen, mister
with a dream. I just imagined it. I didn't kill anybody,
(23:22):
because there's still nineteen forty five and I'm going home
for suppers. I did turn, and then I froze. I
prose with such terror as I've never known before, and
I'll never know a dam. The man sitting next.
Speaker 3 (23:36):
To me was, pardon me, miss am, I on the
right train for eighty six streets.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Well, no, you'll have to work, that is.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
I'm sorry.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
I don't know. I'm said you had to ask someone else.
You see, this is my stuff, and I'm getting off.
Speaker 3 (24:12):
From shadows and stillness. Mystery weaves a spell of strangest fascinations,
charging the mind with doubts and fears. For mystery is
a strange companion, a living memory in the haunting power
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