May 13, 2024 • 29 mins
Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense (a sister program that often used the same actors and scripts), it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950.Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run.
The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with this introduction, as intoned by William Conrad and later Paul Frees:"Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!"Following the opening theme, a second announcer (usually Roy Rowan) would add:"Escape! Designed to free you from the four walls of today for a half-hour of high adventure!"
The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with this introduction, as intoned by William Conrad and later Paul Frees:"Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!"Following the opening theme, a second announcer (usually Roy Rowan) would add:"Escape! Designed to free you from the four walls of today for a half-hour of high adventure!"
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:06):
Escape Escape Tonight to Paris of fivehundred years ago. The Columbia Broadcasting System
and its affiliated stations presents Escape,a new series of programs, of which
this the fifth is The Sire deMontoise Door by Robert Louis Stevenson, produced
(00:30):
and directed by William N. Robeson. The pen of Robert Lewis Stevenson has
been an avenue of escape for threegenerations. Our grandparents thrilled to the macab
metamorphosis of doctor Jcob, just aswe will never forget the nursery menace called
Long John Silver. Tonight, weescape with Robert Louis Stevenson down another avenue
(00:54):
which leads to Paris in fourteen twentynine and the amazing adventure of the Sired
Demandwa's Door, Dark of the Moon, fourteen twenty nine. Paris, the
(01:15):
House of Burgundy holds the throne ofFrance, and english Men at arms patrol
the narrow streets. Troublous times forany man to be lost on foot at
night. You there over here,here by the wall is now the shadows
(01:37):
themselves are speaking. I'm no shadow, a real life huming bebe. I've
managed to get myself lost in theseconfounded alleys. Can you tell me where
I am? Well? Now,fine, young cavalier, no less,
and he's lost. I'm trying tofind the boats in Will the street leave
me there? Now? One streetis as good as another, and none
(02:00):
of them will never leave a mananyway. Oh, come, now,
you must know something about this partof Paris. I think man, A
patrol may pass at any moment you'rewanted, like a safe conduct pass from
the captain of the garrison. Safeconduct and if I'm a good that'll do
you? Hear in the dog,then well you're certainly not helping my chances
any No, the only safe conductyou have is that sword is swinging at
(02:24):
your side. Wait, wait,a patrol they're coming this way. I
mean glad you think you're right.I've got to run for it. Tell
them nothing and I should tell what? Wait, No one's there? Pick
up oil. Speak up, andyou're a blundering pack of two day grenadiers
(02:47):
that walk like a herd of cattlesuch as me. Speak up, that
serves with a mad Prince Charlie himself. May you rest in peace? Campaign
that where are you from? Sojan and from a smarter outfit in bivouac
than the likes of you and courtbitterness cuts the man seeing anybody about old
(03:08):
time, not but shadows and tankardsof a fine French cavalier who departed hings
without a bio lead. Just now, where do you go? Who knows?
In one way? Maybe the other? Oh? I think it was
the other there? All right,man, I'm French cavalier. I'll never
(03:29):
make a foul on the spit spreadout, cover the street, keep an
eye out on it, and slipaway between you. Now, smutch every
car for the fool, the drunkenfool. I'm for it now, all
right. Ah, this cross streetis a bare chance to pass it by,
(03:54):
So I can only get through here, right, Who Now, it's
a dead end unless this leads.No, it's only the door to a
house caught like a retina trap.All right, if it's so written,
(04:14):
and so be it. With abit of luck, there'll be two or
three go with me. Huh thedoor it's unlocked. I can push it
open. Huh, blackest amount ofhell inside? Well, what if I
have to lose? I'm alive nowI have to be here someway not hearing.
(04:46):
Don didn't come any hair after all. Al right, back to the
corner on fill up. Ah,it was close to close now to get
out of here, and none inthe house will ever be the wiser.
Huh, what's this? The door'slocked? What's a trap? But why
(05:14):
why would such a thing be done? I came in here by chance,
one chance against a million. Wait, the light somewhere inside the house.
Well, all rights, I shouldbe dead at this moment, So come
(05:45):
in, young man. I've beenexpecting you all evening. I fear you
must be mistaken, so my visitis quite unexpected for both of us.
Good. That's very good for theboth of us. You say, well,
no better, you're here. That'sthe main point. Take a seat,
my boy, put yourself at ease. We'll arrange our little affairs presently.
(06:08):
There seems to be some misunderstanding.You see, your door was standing
o the door. That was alittle piece of ingenuity, don't you agree?
So you must know that I hadno intention of intruding without an invitation,
Without an invitation, is it?Well? We all people are used
to such reluctance. When he touchesour honor, we cast him out until
we find some way of overcoming it. And so, my boy, invitation
(06:31):
or not, you are, believeme, most welcome. I hope you'll
pardon my saying it, but Ihaven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.
Oh so that's it, dead torights, but still pretending. Eh,
you're a clever rode. Sir.My name is Denny de Bauyeux.
I am not a guest in yourhouse by my own choice, and I
am not accustomed to do nor isthe house of Matoir customer certain things of
(06:54):
which you well know. I shouldhave expected better treatment at the hands of
one of the most honored families ofFrance. Honored indeed, until you,
Monsieur de Bougeux, took me toput yourself to dis side the maltoy.
I have attempted to explain that Itook a stand before your door to fight
off a patrol which i'd encountered inthe street. I assure you I had
no slight intention of forcing myself.Since it seems impossible for you to converse
(07:19):
with any degree of reason, mayI bid you good night? Ha ha
ha, sir. If you haveyour right wits, then you're insulting me
grossly, and if not, Ihave no desire to spend further time at
the monitary young thinking to get awayso easily. No power on earth can
make me stay here any longer,even if I'm forced to hank that door
of yours to pieces hid me.And now, will you please sit down,
(07:44):
my dear nephew, nephew, youlie in your teeth, I said,
sit down, think for a minutethat I made a little contrivance for
the door, and stop short withthat. You want to be bound hand
and foot to your bones crack insideof you, then get up, try
to get away. But if you'drather stay a free young buck, a
(08:05):
gravely conversing with an old gentleman,sit where you are, i'd please?
You mean? Then I am aprisoner here, I stated the facts.
Draw your own conclusion. Ah,fair, Francois, come in, come
in, Thank you, Messire?Tell me how is she a little better
frame of mind? I hope sheis more resigned at least, Messire?
(08:28):
Well enough? Isn't she hard toplease? A lightly strippling such as this
well born and her own choice?What more would the jade warf have?
If you'll pardon? The situation isnot usual for a young damsel. It
is somewhat trying to her blushes.Trying, is it? Hah? She
should have thought of that before thedance began. She called the turns,
(08:52):
and now she'll do the pay forthe risk of being presumptuous. May I
ask who she is? Ah?You hear their peir fancoir, a suitable
wish used to know who she is? I heard, miss sir. I
am pleased that you find my mostcasual remarks on music. So you'd like
to know who she is? Verywell? After all, you really should
(09:15):
know, young fellow. It's onlyfitting for you to be introduced properly.
Come along, Come along, I'lltake you into she all right. Why
that's the reason I planned the wholething. You stab an young scoundly braggard
(09:37):
man. Come along my body rightthrough this door after your sir. If
you don't now, it's not thatkind of a trap. Here we are,
(09:58):
How are you, my dear?Please? Uncle? Please? Is
some pity on me? Pity?But I do a great deal more than
you shown for the name of maltoir. I come now, come now up
off your knees and look at thefriend I brought you. It's good to
be devout, but it is alsonecessary to be poor life. I have
no understanding how you can be sovicious. Oh, that's very untied.
(10:22):
And now messieur debui. Since wedecided to keep up this farce, allow
me to present my knee law aboutsuch an inhuman sa surely heaven itself.
He's not the man, my uncle. This is not the man expected you
to say, Matt, my dear. It's so unfortunate that you couldn't remember
(10:46):
his name. It's true, Iswear by the blessed Virgin I do not
know this man. Never laid eyeson him before. Please to tell him.
Tell him we've never seen each otherbefore. Myself, at any rate,
I've never had that place, sire. I've not met your lovely niece
before this moon. Now, isn'tthat too bad? But it's never too
(11:07):
late to begin. Quite often theseimpromptu marriages turn out very well in the
end. Marriage find mauty. Wouldyou please be kind enough to explain what
you mean? Aha. Now,surely you've heard of the custom of marriage.
It's quite widely practiced. At least, sir, I've never heard before
of such a many. Because Iperceive you to be and I've no intention
(11:28):
of marrying anyone. Then, mayI ask what were your intentions? May?
Oh, well, no matter nowtherefosse wise looking forward to performing the
nuptial rites. Oh he's quite properlyor danger know? So shall we say
in two hours? Meanwhile, Isuggest you become better acquainted, wit uncle,
(11:52):
you can't be in earnest. Iswear to you will kill myself before
be forced on this young man fast. How come now, my dear blanche,
Is it possible that you think I'mlying? That you still believe this
is the man? Frankly I do, then you're wrong. I refuse not
a laman to considers here. Youtook it upon yourself to dishonor the name
(12:13):
of our family. You forfeited allright whatsoever to question my designs. I
consider it a duty to see thatyou're married with as little delay as possible.
Out of the goodness of my heart, I've attempt you to find the
man of your choice, and Ibelieve I've done so. But if not,
then I cannot one, Jack Straw, Is that perfectly clear? It's
(12:35):
clear, sir that you're a madman. Perhaps, my dear nephew. I'm
not your nephew, nor will Ibe it'd sooner die a thousand times such
a fury against the inevitable. Atany rate, you have two hours to
compose your differences. Pairswell, bringme clup very well, mess ere,
(12:56):
thank you place it there. Thismonsieurda bullie is another of my little contrivances,
and one that is hardly less ingeniousthan my door. Messire, your
accomplishments are of no interest to me, whatso all, I think you will
find this one most interesting. Youwill notice that the upper container is filled
with water. In exactly two hours, all of the water will have dripped
(13:22):
into the lower vessel, and atthat time I should return remove the plug.
Pear frsewhare clever, isn't it well? Venius is so rarely appreciated?
And now I am quite sure yousooner carry on your interview without an audience.
(13:48):
You'd never met my uncle before.You didn't arrange this with you.
I'd never laid eyes on him,and certainly nothing was arranged with me else
I wouldn't be here who And you'reas much an unfortunate victim as myself,
But you at least must be moreaware of the circumstances. I can understand
none of his it's not an easything for a girl to tell. Whatever
(14:13):
you may think of me. Now, I fear you shall think the worse
when I've finished. Words are atwords, but your manner encourages respect.
Thank you, monsieur. I've livedall my life with my uncle, and
I've not been happy. Three monthsago, a young captain of the guard
(14:35):
began to stand near me in thechurch. Oh, you must understand I
gave him no encouragement to do so. Quite so. I understand he was
handsome, of course, is amatter of fact. Very after a while,
he began to pass me notes.He's found me pleasing, wanted to
(14:58):
meet me, and seemed most interestedin me for some reason. This morning
he passed me a note urging meto leave the outer door open to night,
so that he could speak a fewwords with me on the stairs.
Oh, this is most difficult forme to tell, monsieur. I'm sure
(15:20):
he meant no harm I I I'veno idea how my uncle came to suspect.
Sometimes his shrewdness becomes almost diabolic.After church, he took that note
from my hand, read it,gave it back to me. I've been
kept in my room all day knowingnothing of what he might be planning,
(15:41):
so that by pure accident I blunderedinto a trap set for some one else.
Had my uncle brought the captain himself, the thing still would have been
confusing. How should I know?That he may not have been trifling with
me all along, but to beforced into a situation with you, a
perfect stranger, your regard for meis quite clear, mademoiselle. I regret
(16:03):
appearing as a disappointment to you.I believe you said he was very handsome.
If that were all, There's moreI mean, monsieur, that you
yourself are quite handsome. But it'ssoon. No, it's really no use.
Please understand me. I'm not urgingyou in any way urging, Monsieur.
(16:26):
I'm accustomed to meeting young ladies uponoccasion who are quite ready to accept
me as something beside a convenient substitutefor some handsome captain of the guards.
I've no doubted it, monsieur,And to correct a mistaken impression you seem
to have, I'm well aware thatyou're doing no urging, and were you
to do so, I should neitherlisten to not give it any consideration whatsoever.
(16:48):
So well that we both understand oneanother quite so. And that being
the case, Mademoiselle de Maltoix,I wonder if you'll be good enough to
conduct me to your uncle with thegreatest of pleasure. Monsieur, I've no
doubt but what this little matter canbe settled very quickly and with as much
honor as possible to everybody concern.The full two hours weren't necessary. Already
(17:18):
harmonious accord rises triumph on the countraryside of the moltry. Your assumption is
entirely false. What a pity,well, peerforce, Well, there's nothing
to it. We'll simply have towait a while longer, as you say,
Messa, I fear it may bemuch longer than you think, In
fact, forever. It's a verylong time indeed. And and you,
(17:41):
my dear niece, what are yoursentiments in the matter. I will not
marry this man. To what you, my uncle, I will not marry
him right back where we started.Can it be that our young friend is
lacking in perception perforce, Well,it is possible. Mess I'm not,
at any rate lacking in a senseof honorable conduct. Dragged in here against
(18:03):
my will. I've addressed your niecein the manner of a gentleman. I
found her charming, lovely, delightful. But now I have the honor of
declining your offer of her hand.Let that end the matter. Oh,
it's not as simple as that.Take a look from my window, then,
and tell me what you see onthe wall beneath it. What do
(18:26):
you mean see for yourself? Whateverit is can have no bearing on the
matter. There's an iron ring setin the wall, quite so, and
fastened to the ring a rope.Right, so we have two elements,
and to complete our little diagram weneed a third one. That element is
(18:48):
at the moment firmly attached to yourbody. I'm referring, sir, to
your neck uncle. And may Iinquire the purpose of the dogs there in
the courtyard below? Are they alsoa part of your devilish plans? My
dear young man, Ey body doesn'thang in ropes forever you know you.
(19:08):
Even murder doesn't stop you. That'ssuch a nasty word. Let us confine
ourselves to the bald facts. Atthe end of your two hours, you
will prepare yourself either to marry myknee or to kick out your life.
While you swing at the end ofthat rope. No other alternative. I
think there's one between gentlemen. Atany rate, I'm yourself. You'll full.
(19:30):
You'll think for a moment that youfind regarded your sword as a threat.
You'll still be wearing it there fospherewill you open that door to the
passage beads? Of course, Messiah, I'll be most happy too. Gentlemen,
show this rash young back the colorof your steel, whether he likes
(19:53):
to admit it or not, Monsieurde Beaugeux. One day a man grows
too old to fight his his ownbattles, and you must hire others to
do it for him. Close thedoor, Pierre fos Wir, then you'll
not fight. Do I seem afool? There'll be no fighting, and
no haughty refusal to marry Manisse.You found her charming well and good.
(20:17):
But I'll tell you this, Worshi'scommon as the parish rode, more hideous
than the gargoyle over my door.You'd not spurn the hand of a maltoir
and never lived to tell him it. Alive and married, you'll be or
dead and hanging from that window,and soon after food for the dogs.
It's one or the other. Oh, make up your mind, please?
(21:03):
Why do you not sit down?Your concern is most gratifying, mademoiselle.
Since I have such a short timeto live, I doubt that i'll grow
very tired. M be short,and why do we waste it? In
form of speech? As you willlisten to him, Drip, drip,
drip. That devilish clock like anarttery opened, and life's blood itself dripping
(21:26):
away. I'm sat here in thoughtand thought until my whole mind's in a
great world. Please you, youreally shouldn't trouble yourself so much. I
can't bear to have you slain.For my sake, I will marry you
gladly. You must think, thenthat I stand very much in fear of
(21:48):
death. Oh no, no,I've had reason to see that you're no
cow. I've asked for no pity. If the thing has to be,
then that's the end of it.Oh so you misunderstood me. I The
great nobility you face, my uncleshould have removed all question about your bravery
had such doubts existed. That ismost kind of you to say so.
(22:11):
Not, of course, anyone couldraise such questions once they'd seen you.
Death's another incident, that's all.But life's a better one. You'll agree,
then, I'm afraid you underrate thedifficulty what your generosity offers me.
(22:33):
My pride prevents accepting. In thismoment of noble feeling, told me,
aren't you forgetting what you already oweto someone else? He never really met,
Mademoiselle, my very life's to forfeithere. Well, I'll peg gladly
if it be of service to alady. But to tell me it's for
something that never really means, don'tbe so cruel you forget I'm the one
(22:59):
who's going to dine. I've notforgotten, monsieur. Yes, you'll enjoy
to morrow's sun like any other days, and to morrow night perhaps you'll see
him again, And of course I'llbe forgotten, no never, But it's
all a man can expect when he'sborn into the world, death at last,
(23:19):
and some piece of ironic misfortune.You can't bear it. Oh,
if I've said anything to wound you, I'm sorry it was. It was
for your own sake, not mine, Thank you. Please. It's a
bitter thing, my dear, tosee you in such distress that giving my
(23:42):
life itself for you can't help it. I'm sorry, I'll try to be
braver. Is there no way atall in which I can serve you,
either now or afterwards, only byletting me think of you as a friend
(24:03):
for the brief time that's left tous, by forgetting for the moment that
I'm an awkward intruder thrown here bycircumstance, That's all. And after it,
what does it matter? The closeryou come to it, the clearer
you see that death's no more thana a dark and dusty corner where a
(24:26):
man climbs into his tomb and shutsthe door after himself. Monsieur, I've
only a few friends now, andonce I'm dead, I've no doubt that
I'll have none. You've forget Blanchede Martoi. You're very sweet. Any
young man in France would be gladto trade places with me and die for
you. You value the small serviceI do you far beyond it's worth.
(24:52):
I'll not have you thinking so meanlyof yourself. Look at me? Would
you say that I am beautiful?I think some m I think the most
beautiful girl I've ever seen. I'mglad of that. Tell me, is
(25:15):
there a man in France who cansay he's been asked in marriage by a
beautiful maiden, asked from her ownlips, and refused her to her face.
Oh you're a man, and halfdespise such a triumph. But any
woman knows more of what's precious inlove? Would remember? You asked me
(25:37):
out of the pity of your heart, not for love? Are you so
sure of that? Must I bearmy very soul like a merchant show kiss.
You're very good, as good asyou're beautiful. I'll not forget it
for the time that's left me verywell. I too have a pride of
(26:00):
my own. If you turn backnow from your word, I'd no more
marry you than I would any strangeroff the street. It's it's a small
love that shies at a little pridedawn starting to break. Yeah, my
(26:25):
uncle and his men won't come hereany moment. What shall we say to
him? Anything? You will?Huh? All of my life, I
(26:45):
weep for you, and weep themall because it was you. If I'm
wrong, it's a great price I'mpaying for it, when i'd not pay
if I didn't care for you sodearly careful, Why don't you have been
kind in the moment your uncle broughtme to you and you raised your face
to look at me. That's whatI knew, how strange, for it
was then I felt it too.You've seen already that I'm not afraid to
(27:07):
die. Oh you not, Iknow it? Is it really true,
not something born of pity. Iswear by all the Holy I love you,
and I can tell you now thatI love you too, even not
true. You've had you remember noneof it, no matter. I love
you, Oh my God, Ilove you more than my life, my
soul. I love you. Well. Well, well, it's most gratifying
(27:36):
to see this little matter settled insuch a congenial fashion. Good morning,
my dear nephew. I have nothingto say to you, sir. You're
a vicious and unprincipled old man thatmost ungracious love you. No, No,
(27:56):
the very worse. I'm no morethan a very wise one who's lived
a long time and seen a greatmany remarkable things, an old man who's
learned all about such mysteries as thelove of life and love. The sired
(28:23):
De Maltois Door by Robert Louis Stevensonwas adapted for radio by Less Crutchfield and
produced and directed by William N.Robeson, with Elliott Lewis as Denny,
Beggy Webber as Blanche, and RamseyHill as the Sire de Maltoir. The
special musical score was conceived and conductedby Cyviewer. Escape is presented by the
(28:47):
Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stationseach week at this time next week,
we invite you to escape to Egyptof thirty five hundred years ago with Arthur
Conan Doyle's fascinating Tale of the Ringof Talk, and so good night until
next week at this time, whenagain it will be time to escape.
(29:11):
This is CBS, the Columbia BroadcastingSystem.
Escape Escape Tonight to Paris of fivehundred years ago. The Columbia Broadcasting System
and its affiliated stations presents Escape,a new series of programs, of which
this the fifth is The Sire deMontoise Door by Robert Louis Stevenson, produced
(00:30):
and directed by William N. Robeson. The pen of Robert Lewis Stevenson has
been an avenue of escape for threegenerations. Our grandparents thrilled to the macab
metamorphosis of doctor Jcob, just aswe will never forget the nursery menace called
Long John Silver. Tonight, weescape with Robert Louis Stevenson down another avenue
(00:54):
which leads to Paris in fourteen twentynine and the amazing adventure of the Sired
Demandwa's Door, Dark of the Moon, fourteen twenty nine. Paris, the
(01:15):
House of Burgundy holds the throne ofFrance, and english Men at arms patrol
the narrow streets. Troublous times forany man to be lost on foot at
night. You there over here,here by the wall is now the shadows
(01:37):
themselves are speaking. I'm no shadow, a real life huming bebe. I've
managed to get myself lost in theseconfounded alleys. Can you tell me where
I am? Well? Now,fine, young cavalier, no less,
and he's lost. I'm trying tofind the boats in Will the street leave
me there? Now? One streetis as good as another, and none
(02:00):
of them will never leave a mananyway. Oh, come, now,
you must know something about this partof Paris. I think man, A
patrol may pass at any moment you'rewanted, like a safe conduct pass from
the captain of the garrison. Safeconduct and if I'm a good that'll do
you? Hear in the dog,then well you're certainly not helping my chances
any No, the only safe conductyou have is that sword is swinging at
(02:24):
your side. Wait, wait,a patrol they're coming this way. I
mean glad you think you're right.I've got to run for it. Tell
them nothing and I should tell what? Wait, No one's there? Pick
up oil. Speak up, andyou're a blundering pack of two day grenadiers
(02:47):
that walk like a herd of cattlesuch as me. Speak up, that
serves with a mad Prince Charlie himself. May you rest in peace? Campaign
that where are you from? Sojan and from a smarter outfit in bivouac
than the likes of you and courtbitterness cuts the man seeing anybody about old
(03:08):
time, not but shadows and tankardsof a fine French cavalier who departed hings
without a bio lead. Just now, where do you go? Who knows?
In one way? Maybe the other? Oh? I think it was
the other there? All right,man, I'm French cavalier. I'll never
(03:29):
make a foul on the spit spreadout, cover the street, keep an
eye out on it, and slipaway between you. Now, smutch every
car for the fool, the drunkenfool. I'm for it now, all
right. Ah, this cross streetis a bare chance to pass it by,
(03:54):
So I can only get through here, right, Who Now, it's
a dead end unless this leads.No, it's only the door to a
house caught like a retina trap.All right, if it's so written,
(04:14):
and so be it. With abit of luck, there'll be two or
three go with me. Huh thedoor it's unlocked. I can push it
open. Huh, blackest amount ofhell inside? Well, what if I
have to lose? I'm alive nowI have to be here someway not hearing.
(04:46):
Don didn't come any hair after all. Al right, back to the
corner on fill up. Ah,it was close to close now to get
out of here, and none inthe house will ever be the wiser.
Huh, what's this? The door'slocked? What's a trap? But why
(05:14):
why would such a thing be done? I came in here by chance,
one chance against a million. Wait, the light somewhere inside the house.
Well, all rights, I shouldbe dead at this moment, So come
(05:45):
in, young man. I've beenexpecting you all evening. I fear you
must be mistaken, so my visitis quite unexpected for both of us.
Good. That's very good for theboth of us. You say, well,
no better, you're here. That'sthe main point. Take a seat,
my boy, put yourself at ease. We'll arrange our little affairs presently.
(06:08):
There seems to be some misunderstanding.You see, your door was standing
o the door. That was alittle piece of ingenuity, don't you agree?
So you must know that I hadno intention of intruding without an invitation,
Without an invitation, is it?Well? We all people are used
to such reluctance. When he touchesour honor, we cast him out until
we find some way of overcoming it. And so, my boy, invitation
(06:31):
or not, you are, believeme, most welcome. I hope you'll
pardon my saying it, but Ihaven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.
Oh so that's it, dead torights, but still pretending. Eh,
you're a clever rode. Sir.My name is Denny de Bauyeux.
I am not a guest in yourhouse by my own choice, and I
am not accustomed to do nor isthe house of Matoir customer certain things of
(06:54):
which you well know. I shouldhave expected better treatment at the hands of
one of the most honored families ofFrance. Honored indeed, until you,
Monsieur de Bougeux, took me toput yourself to dis side the maltoy.
I have attempted to explain that Itook a stand before your door to fight
off a patrol which i'd encountered inthe street. I assure you I had
no slight intention of forcing myself.Since it seems impossible for you to converse
(07:19):
with any degree of reason, mayI bid you good night? Ha ha
ha, sir. If you haveyour right wits, then you're insulting me
grossly, and if not, Ihave no desire to spend further time at
the monitary young thinking to get awayso easily. No power on earth can
make me stay here any longer,even if I'm forced to hank that door
of yours to pieces hid me.And now, will you please sit down,
(07:44):
my dear nephew, nephew, youlie in your teeth, I said,
sit down, think for a minutethat I made a little contrivance for
the door, and stop short withthat. You want to be bound hand
and foot to your bones crack insideof you, then get up, try
to get away. But if you'drather stay a free young buck, a
(08:05):
gravely conversing with an old gentleman,sit where you are, i'd please?
You mean? Then I am aprisoner here, I stated the facts.
Draw your own conclusion. Ah,fair, Francois, come in, come
in, Thank you, Messire?Tell me how is she a little better
frame of mind? I hope sheis more resigned at least, Messire?
(08:28):
Well enough? Isn't she hard toplease? A lightly strippling such as this
well born and her own choice?What more would the jade warf have?
If you'll pardon? The situation isnot usual for a young damsel. It
is somewhat trying to her blushes.Trying, is it? Hah? She
should have thought of that before thedance began. She called the turns,
(08:52):
and now she'll do the pay forthe risk of being presumptuous. May I
ask who she is? Ah?You hear their peir fancoir, a suitable
wish used to know who she is? I heard, miss sir. I
am pleased that you find my mostcasual remarks on music. So you'd like
to know who she is? Verywell? After all, you really should
(09:15):
know, young fellow. It's onlyfitting for you to be introduced properly.
Come along, Come along, I'lltake you into she all right. Why
that's the reason I planned the wholething. You stab an young scoundly braggard
(09:37):
man. Come along my body rightthrough this door after your sir. If
you don't now, it's not thatkind of a trap. Here we are,
(09:58):
How are you, my dear?Please? Uncle? Please? Is
some pity on me? Pity?But I do a great deal more than
you shown for the name of maltoir. I come now, come now up
off your knees and look at thefriend I brought you. It's good to
be devout, but it is alsonecessary to be poor life. I have
no understanding how you can be sovicious. Oh, that's very untied.
(10:22):
And now messieur debui. Since wedecided to keep up this farce, allow
me to present my knee law aboutsuch an inhuman sa surely heaven itself.
He's not the man, my uncle. This is not the man expected you
to say, Matt, my dear. It's so unfortunate that you couldn't remember
(10:46):
his name. It's true, Iswear by the blessed Virgin I do not
know this man. Never laid eyeson him before. Please to tell him.
Tell him we've never seen each otherbefore. Myself, at any rate,
I've never had that place, sire. I've not met your lovely niece
before this moon. Now, isn'tthat too bad? But it's never too
(11:07):
late to begin. Quite often theseimpromptu marriages turn out very well in the
end. Marriage find mauty. Wouldyou please be kind enough to explain what
you mean? Aha. Now,surely you've heard of the custom of marriage.
It's quite widely practiced. At least, sir, I've never heard before
of such a many. Because Iperceive you to be and I've no intention
(11:28):
of marrying anyone. Then, mayI ask what were your intentions? May?
Oh, well, no matter nowtherefosse wise looking forward to performing the
nuptial rites. Oh he's quite properlyor danger know? So shall we say
in two hours? Meanwhile, Isuggest you become better acquainted, wit uncle,
(11:52):
you can't be in earnest. Iswear to you will kill myself before
be forced on this young man fast. How come now, my dear blanche,
Is it possible that you think I'mlying? That you still believe this
is the man? Frankly I do, then you're wrong. I refuse not
a laman to considers here. Youtook it upon yourself to dishonor the name
(12:13):
of our family. You forfeited allright whatsoever to question my designs. I
consider it a duty to see thatyou're married with as little delay as possible.
Out of the goodness of my heart, I've attempt you to find the
man of your choice, and Ibelieve I've done so. But if not,
then I cannot one, Jack Straw, Is that perfectly clear? It's
(12:35):
clear, sir that you're a madman. Perhaps, my dear nephew. I'm
not your nephew, nor will Ibe it'd sooner die a thousand times such
a fury against the inevitable. Atany rate, you have two hours to
compose your differences. Pairswell, bringme clup very well, mess ere,
(12:56):
thank you place it there. Thismonsieurda bullie is another of my little contrivances,
and one that is hardly less ingeniousthan my door. Messire, your
accomplishments are of no interest to me, whatso all, I think you will
find this one most interesting. Youwill notice that the upper container is filled
with water. In exactly two hours, all of the water will have dripped
(13:22):
into the lower vessel, and atthat time I should return remove the plug.
Pear frsewhare clever, isn't it well? Venius is so rarely appreciated?
And now I am quite sure yousooner carry on your interview without an audience.
(13:48):
You'd never met my uncle before.You didn't arrange this with you.
I'd never laid eyes on him,and certainly nothing was arranged with me else
I wouldn't be here who And you'reas much an unfortunate victim as myself,
But you at least must be moreaware of the circumstances. I can understand
none of his it's not an easything for a girl to tell. Whatever
(14:13):
you may think of me. Now, I fear you shall think the worse
when I've finished. Words are atwords, but your manner encourages respect.
Thank you, monsieur. I've livedall my life with my uncle, and
I've not been happy. Three monthsago, a young captain of the guard
(14:35):
began to stand near me in thechurch. Oh, you must understand I
gave him no encouragement to do so. Quite so. I understand he was
handsome, of course, is amatter of fact. Very after a while,
he began to pass me notes.He's found me pleasing, wanted to
(14:58):
meet me, and seemed most interestedin me for some reason. This morning
he passed me a note urging meto leave the outer door open to night,
so that he could speak a fewwords with me on the stairs.
Oh, this is most difficult forme to tell, monsieur. I'm sure
(15:20):
he meant no harm I I I'veno idea how my uncle came to suspect.
Sometimes his shrewdness becomes almost diabolic.After church, he took that note
from my hand, read it,gave it back to me. I've been
kept in my room all day knowingnothing of what he might be planning,
(15:41):
so that by pure accident I blunderedinto a trap set for some one else.
Had my uncle brought the captain himself, the thing still would have been
confusing. How should I know?That he may not have been trifling with
me all along, but to beforced into a situation with you, a
perfect stranger, your regard for meis quite clear, mademoiselle. I regret
(16:03):
appearing as a disappointment to you.I believe you said he was very handsome.
If that were all, There's moreI mean, monsieur, that you
yourself are quite handsome. But it'ssoon. No, it's really no use.
Please understand me. I'm not urgingyou in any way urging, Monsieur.
(16:26):
I'm accustomed to meeting young ladies uponoccasion who are quite ready to accept
me as something beside a convenient substitutefor some handsome captain of the guards.
I've no doubted it, monsieur,And to correct a mistaken impression you seem
to have, I'm well aware thatyou're doing no urging, and were you
to do so, I should neitherlisten to not give it any consideration whatsoever.
(16:48):
So well that we both understand oneanother quite so. And that being
the case, Mademoiselle de Maltoix,I wonder if you'll be good enough to
conduct me to your uncle with thegreatest of pleasure. Monsieur, I've no
doubt but what this little matter canbe settled very quickly and with as much
honor as possible to everybody concern.The full two hours weren't necessary. Already
(17:18):
harmonious accord rises triumph on the countraryside of the moltry. Your assumption is
entirely false. What a pity,well, peerforce, Well, there's nothing
to it. We'll simply have towait a while longer, as you say,
Messa, I fear it may bemuch longer than you think, In
fact, forever. It's a verylong time indeed. And and you,
(17:41):
my dear niece, what are yoursentiments in the matter. I will not
marry this man. To what you, my uncle, I will not marry
him right back where we started.Can it be that our young friend is
lacking in perception perforce, Well,it is possible. Mess I'm not,
at any rate lacking in a senseof honorable conduct. Dragged in here against
(18:03):
my will. I've addressed your niecein the manner of a gentleman. I
found her charming, lovely, delightful. But now I have the honor of
declining your offer of her hand.Let that end the matter. Oh,
it's not as simple as that.Take a look from my window, then,
and tell me what you see onthe wall beneath it. What do
(18:26):
you mean see for yourself? Whateverit is can have no bearing on the
matter. There's an iron ring setin the wall, quite so, and
fastened to the ring a rope.Right, so we have two elements,
and to complete our little diagram weneed a third one. That element is
(18:48):
at the moment firmly attached to yourbody. I'm referring, sir, to
your neck uncle. And may Iinquire the purpose of the dogs there in
the courtyard below? Are they alsoa part of your devilish plans? My
dear young man, Ey body doesn'thang in ropes forever you know you.
(19:08):
Even murder doesn't stop you. That'ssuch a nasty word. Let us confine
ourselves to the bald facts. Atthe end of your two hours, you
will prepare yourself either to marry myknee or to kick out your life.
While you swing at the end ofthat rope. No other alternative. I
think there's one between gentlemen. Atany rate, I'm yourself. You'll full.
(19:30):
You'll think for a moment that youfind regarded your sword as a threat.
You'll still be wearing it there fospherewill you open that door to the
passage beads? Of course, Messiah, I'll be most happy too. Gentlemen,
show this rash young back the colorof your steel, whether he likes
(19:53):
to admit it or not, Monsieurde Beaugeux. One day a man grows
too old to fight his his ownbattles, and you must hire others to
do it for him. Close thedoor, Pierre fos Wir, then you'll
not fight. Do I seem afool? There'll be no fighting, and
no haughty refusal to marry Manisse.You found her charming well and good.
(20:17):
But I'll tell you this, Worshi'scommon as the parish rode, more hideous
than the gargoyle over my door.You'd not spurn the hand of a maltoir
and never lived to tell him it. Alive and married, you'll be or
dead and hanging from that window,and soon after food for the dogs.
It's one or the other. Oh, make up your mind, please?
(21:03):
Why do you not sit down?Your concern is most gratifying, mademoiselle.
Since I have such a short timeto live, I doubt that i'll grow
very tired. M be short,and why do we waste it? In
form of speech? As you willlisten to him, Drip, drip,
drip. That devilish clock like anarttery opened, and life's blood itself dripping
(21:26):
away. I'm sat here in thoughtand thought until my whole mind's in a
great world. Please you, youreally shouldn't trouble yourself so much. I
can't bear to have you slain.For my sake, I will marry you
gladly. You must think, thenthat I stand very much in fear of
(21:48):
death. Oh no, no,I've had reason to see that you're no
cow. I've asked for no pity. If the thing has to be,
then that's the end of it.Oh so you misunderstood me. I The
great nobility you face, my uncleshould have removed all question about your bravery
had such doubts existed. That ismost kind of you to say so.
(22:11):
Not, of course, anyone couldraise such questions once they'd seen you.
Death's another incident, that's all.But life's a better one. You'll agree,
then, I'm afraid you underrate thedifficulty what your generosity offers me.
(22:33):
My pride prevents accepting. In thismoment of noble feeling, told me,
aren't you forgetting what you already oweto someone else? He never really met,
Mademoiselle, my very life's to forfeithere. Well, I'll peg gladly
if it be of service to alady. But to tell me it's for
something that never really means, don'tbe so cruel you forget I'm the one
(22:59):
who's going to dine. I've notforgotten, monsieur. Yes, you'll enjoy
to morrow's sun like any other days, and to morrow night perhaps you'll see
him again, And of course I'llbe forgotten, no never, But it's
all a man can expect when he'sborn into the world, death at last,
(23:19):
and some piece of ironic misfortune.You can't bear it. Oh,
if I've said anything to wound you, I'm sorry it was. It was
for your own sake, not mine, Thank you. Please. It's a
bitter thing, my dear, tosee you in such distress that giving my
(23:42):
life itself for you can't help it. I'm sorry, I'll try to be
braver. Is there no way atall in which I can serve you,
either now or afterwards, only byletting me think of you as a friend
(24:03):
for the brief time that's left tous, by forgetting for the moment that
I'm an awkward intruder thrown here bycircumstance, That's all. And after it,
what does it matter? The closeryou come to it, the clearer
you see that death's no more thana a dark and dusty corner where a
(24:26):
man climbs into his tomb and shutsthe door after himself. Monsieur, I've
only a few friends now, andonce I'm dead, I've no doubt that
I'll have none. You've forget Blanchede Martoi. You're very sweet. Any
young man in France would be gladto trade places with me and die for
you. You value the small serviceI do you far beyond it's worth.
(24:52):
I'll not have you thinking so meanlyof yourself. Look at me? Would
you say that I am beautiful?I think some m I think the most
beautiful girl I've ever seen. I'mglad of that. Tell me, is
(25:15):
there a man in France who cansay he's been asked in marriage by a
beautiful maiden, asked from her ownlips, and refused her to her face.
Oh you're a man, and halfdespise such a triumph. But any
woman knows more of what's precious inlove? Would remember? You asked me
(25:37):
out of the pity of your heart, not for love? Are you so
sure of that? Must I bearmy very soul like a merchant show kiss.
You're very good, as good asyou're beautiful. I'll not forget it
for the time that's left me verywell. I too have a pride of
(26:00):
my own. If you turn backnow from your word, I'd no more
marry you than I would any strangeroff the street. It's it's a small
love that shies at a little pridedawn starting to break. Yeah, my
(26:25):
uncle and his men won't come hereany moment. What shall we say to
him? Anything? You will?Huh? All of my life, I
(26:45):
weep for you, and weep themall because it was you. If I'm
wrong, it's a great price I'mpaying for it, when i'd not pay
if I didn't care for you sodearly careful, Why don't you have been
kind in the moment your uncle broughtme to you and you raised your face
to look at me. That's whatI knew, how strange, for it
was then I felt it too.You've seen already that I'm not afraid to
(27:07):
die. Oh you not, Iknow it? Is it really true,
not something born of pity. Iswear by all the Holy I love you,
and I can tell you now thatI love you too, even not
true. You've had you remember noneof it, no matter. I love
you, Oh my God, Ilove you more than my life, my
soul. I love you. Well. Well, well, it's most gratifying
(27:36):
to see this little matter settled insuch a congenial fashion. Good morning,
my dear nephew. I have nothingto say to you, sir. You're
a vicious and unprincipled old man thatmost ungracious love you. No, No,
(27:56):
the very worse. I'm no morethan a very wise one who's lived
a long time and seen a greatmany remarkable things, an old man who's
learned all about such mysteries as thelove of life and love. The sired
(28:23):
De Maltois Door by Robert Louis Stevensonwas adapted for radio by Less Crutchfield and
produced and directed by William N.Robeson, with Elliott Lewis as Denny,
Beggy Webber as Blanche, and RamseyHill as the Sire de Maltoir. The
special musical score was conceived and conductedby Cyviewer. Escape is presented by the
(28:47):
Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stationseach week at this time next week,
we invite you to escape to Egyptof thirty five hundred years ago with Arthur
Conan Doyle's fascinating Tale of the Ringof Talk, and so good night until
next week at this time, whenagain it will be time to escape.
(29:11):
This is CBS, the Columbia BroadcastingSystem.
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