October 5, 2025 • 29 mins
Suspense was one of the most popular and successful radio series during it's run of over 900 episodes, spanning 1940-1962. Guest stars included Orson Welles, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Agnes Moorehead, Marlene Dietrich and Humphrey Bogart. The plots were mostly engaging crime dramas, science fiction and some horror - usually with a surprise ending.
Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | iHeart
Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | iHeart
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Auto Light and it's ninety eight thousand dealers. Bring you,
mister van Heflin in Tonight's presentation of suspense. Tonight auto
Light presents the story of a duel, an incomplete duel,
since one of its participants chooses to wait and oh
(00:27):
his adversary the shot our star, mister van Heflin, Hello, horrible. Well,
let's Joe college Football's most faithful follower. Hey, did you
go to the game Saturday? Joe? No, and my battery
didn't go either. It was out of order and dead
(00:48):
is last year's schedule. Never did see my alma mater. Well,
you should see your auto light battery dealer. For an
auto lighte stay full, the battery that needs water only
three times a year in normal car, you times a year.
Hurle yes, sir, and that stayful never loses a play.
Fiberglass retaining mats protect every positive plate to reduce shedding
and flaking, and give that autolite stayful longer. Life is
(01:11):
proved by tests conducted according to accepted life cycle standard.
So friends, see your autolite battery dealer. He's an expert
at servicing all makes the batteries to quickly locate him
phone Western Union by number and ask for operator twenty five.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
I'll tell you where to get an auto light. Stayful
the battery that needs water only three times a year
in normal car use.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
And remember, from bumper to tail life, you're always right
with Autolite. Oh, by the way, last week, because of
a failure in our technical facilities, many of you wrote
that you were unable to hear the finish to last
week's program.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Well, we are.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Miniographing the last five minutes of the show and bailing
them to you as quickly as we can. We really
didn't intend to keep you in suspense as long. And
now Auto Life for the transcribed the shot starring mister
van Heflin, hoping once again to keep you in suspense. Well,
(02:41):
Cherry de Monetary, it's Stepan and well you other gentlemen
everyone here. I see you're late, ros Dawn. A minute
or two one where or the other certainly can't make
too much difference. Des had to stop to pick these
carry anyone. No, you're delighted for a man who's about
to die. You don't seem too concerned. Oh I am concerned, Peyton.
(03:03):
There's a whole half full of delicious cherries. It certainly
has to be eaten. Well. The other hand, Peyton, I'm
not certain that I have to die. We will say
about that. Would you bring a weapon right here? And
I noticed you're already. Let's get on with this.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
You will draw.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Lots, gentlemen. Of course, it's customary. Has seen the paper
is in this hat and number from one to ten.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
You will each draw paper.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
The man who receives the highest number will give the
first shot. Is that agreeable?
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Of course?
Speaker 1 (03:35):
Of course after you, Lieutenant Payton, and good good lucks.
Your draw ser.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Is Peyton. Eight.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
All now, it seems I've won the first shot. Peyton,
I've drawn a ten in it. Set back to back.
You will pace away until the count is completed. Mister
first shot understood, It's understood. Is anyone present here who
finds this not an honorable way to settle the dispute
between these two men? Are you ready? Gentlemen? Already?
Speaker 3 (04:12):
I'm ready?
Speaker 1 (04:13):
One, two, the four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve?
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Is Feyton? You all right? Are you hit?
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Stand back? I'm all right. The buller went through my head.
If your shot, Lieutenant Paton, yes, I know there is
a wonder well you seem sorry to kill miss, so
I have to remind you. If you have a shot
at me, I wouldn't want to spoil your breakfast. Don't worry, baby,
(04:52):
you don't ever spoil anything for me. Your shot, well,
you're gonna shoot. You're gonna stand that aim in at me? No,
not now, Zachary is taking his shot at you.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
You have to take your shot down.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
I don't have to do anything. Not yet. You challenged
him to a duel, Zachary. Would you like to take
it from here?
Speaker 4 (05:20):
No?
Speaker 1 (05:21):
You don't seem ready for death this morning. Oh you're
wrong against I'm always ready for death all life. You've
disappointed me, Peyton. Okay, all, perhaps i've disappointed you at
any rate. All of these gentlemen witness that I went
through my part of the chairman. You owe me a shot, Peyton,
And if you aren't afraid, I'll always be ready for
(05:42):
you to take it any day, any place. I remember
that draws. Please do sir. Gooday, gentlemen, it's a lovely morning, Zachary.
He'll tell everyone about this. You'll be ruined. You can't
expect to stay in the regiment. Now, what's the use
(06:02):
of depriving him of life when he attaches no value
to it. Nevertheless, you ended the duel your way, and
it's not an honorable way. It's not ended. What. I'm
still going to take my shot.
Speaker 5 (06:12):
You hurt him, all of you.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
He owes me a shot. I'll choose the day, and
I'll choose that place, and I'll still see if he
wants to eat cherries and laugh down in the barrel
of my gun any day, any place.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Are you awake, mister Peyton, where do you want?
Speaker 1 (06:42):
I want to speak with you. I've brought your mate.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
I'll opened the door.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Set it there on the table. Mister Temple, thank you. Yes, Oh,
I didn't know you had a visitor. Mister Starckwell. This
is mister Temple. He's my landlord. How do you do,
mister Temple. Colonel Stockwell, Virginia Voluntar here, mister Stockwell. Now,
mister Temple, there's no longer a Confederate army or a confederacyt.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
I forget sometimes, sir Well, I served under you and
the third Volunteers.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
The Temple had quite a career as a soldiers told
me about it every day since I took this room.
Onlything left to talk about now, Colonel, nothing but coppet,
baggers and Yankee all.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
Know how it is.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Will us yes with anything else? Huh oh uh, yeah,
that's a fine pistol, mister Ping. You've told me that before,
mister Temple.
Speaker 4 (07:31):
Don't you think so, Colonel, mister Stockworth.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
I've already admired mister Peyton's fire arm. Would you believe
how good mister Peyton is with it? Colonel?
Speaker 4 (07:38):
Why he lays right here on his bed and fires away.
The little old playing card stuck on the fence post
out there in the back kits it every time I'm shooting,
I declare, Oh, mister Peyton practices all time?
Speaker 1 (07:52):
Do you say every day for the last seven years?
Speaker 2 (07:55):
That?
Speaker 1 (07:55):
Oh, mister Temple? Huh? I asked you if that was all?
Is there something else you had to say? Uh?
Speaker 4 (08:01):
Well, I did want to ask, do you have to
practice from the window?
Speaker 1 (08:07):
I prefer to you object? Oh no, no, no, of
course not.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
I it's my wife, I mean, Libby don't like it.
I keep telling her these are hard times and we
sull appreciate getting a man and he'll can.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Pay us a little rent. Well, then you tell her
that I practice shooting it all kinds of light, from
all kinds of positions. I'll continue to do that. I
only ask good day, mister Temple. Yeah, well, good day
you book. Yep, nohing, you haven't changed too much, Zachary
(08:46):
little Gray. It's been seven years now, Thanks, Maybe you
have changed that man who was just here, scared, shrinking,
little man, frightened if I might come in. Zach you
didn't do anything to alleviate that fright. It's not his wife,
that's him. He's a frightened of my gun. He knows
(09:09):
what I can do with it means nothing to you,
has no baron on your life. True, but he knows
that a gun that can be pointed at a card
stuck on a fence can just as easily be pointed
at a heart stuck in a man's chest. Well, am
I right? I suppose you are? Would you mind putting
them in the cave? Are you afraid to? Jim? Don't
treat me like a Willis Temple, Zachray. I'm your friend.
(09:33):
I came here to meet you because you asked me to.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Better.
Speaker 1 (09:42):
Why am I here, Zach Gray? What do you want
of me? Nothing that'll interfere with your life? Jim, we'd go.
I get a letter from Norfolk mentioned that an old
queen Samon's living here. Man who is an officer in
my regiment. His name is Benjamin Raws. Oh you know him, Jim?
Oh slightly. I've seen him about town, spoken to him
(10:04):
once or twice as he looked these days, not knowing
how he looked when you know him, might say, he
looks mighty fine, Jim. He's in good health, I think,
and he's done better than most of it. Oh, there's
always want to do very well. How do you mean?
I understand his family lost all ahead at Savannah, but
there's an English branch that died off and filled in inheritance.
(10:25):
He's very well off.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
I suppose he would be.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
He had a great deal of money when I know him,
and other things you mean women? Is he? Is he
still ambitious and gallant? Well? Marsha Pemberton's considered to be
a very very lucky young lady in his part. Marsha
Pembert the girl he married last week? Last week he said, yeah,
(10:50):
does he love him? What do you know? If he
loves this girl he married, It's apparent to everyone in
town that he loves her very much. The folks in town.
Saw them together often, I saw him. I'd say, Ben
Rawls is in love the way a man loves only
once in his life. Is that what you want to know? Yes,
(11:13):
because I'm your friend, Zachary, I'm talking to you about
Ben Rawls, but I'm uncomfortable. I don't like talking about
a man. You see over there, large white house on
the hill. M that's where Ben lives. He's right there, Zachary.
You can talk to him instead of me. I'd rather
talk to you at the moment. I won't answer any
more question, Zachary. I think I'll be going as you will, Jim. Zachary,
(11:40):
I've asked no questions of you. I mean I ask
one now, all right, Jim?
Speaker 3 (11:47):
Is it the duel?
Speaker 1 (11:49):
Is that why you want to know these things about
Ben Rawls? Yes? I want to satisfy myself that he's
at last found something to live for. I see, and
you're gonna call on him tonight. I want to know
if he can still laugh down a gun bell. I
won't let you do this thing, Zachary. There's been enough killing. Jim. Yeah,
(12:18):
I'd hate to kill you too. Auto light is bringing you,
(12:43):
mister van Heflin in the shot Tonight's presentation in Radio's
outstanding Theater of Frills Suspense. You know, Harlow, that auto
light stay full battery reminds me of football. How come, Joe? Well,
(13:07):
it starts quick as a kick, has the power of
a line buck, and has a life longer than a
coach is alibi. But unlike coaches, the auto light Stay
Full needs water only three times a year in normal
car use, and those fiberglass retaining mats protect every positive
plate and reduce shedding and flaking to give that auto
light stay full longer life as proved by tests conducted
(13:29):
according to accepted life cycle standards. So playball with your
auto light battery dealer. Right, he's an expert on all
makes to batteries, and when you need a new one,
he'll recommend the Autolite Stay Full. The battery that states
right on the case needs water only three times a
year in normal car use. To quickly locate your auto
(13:49):
light battery dealer, phone Western Union by number and ask
for operator twenty five.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
That's right, Call me Western Union Operator twenty five, and.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
Remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with
auto light. And now auto light brings back to our
Hollywood soundstage, mister van Heflin in Elliott Lewis's production of
the shot A Tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.
Speaker 5 (14:46):
M H.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
Zach Right, Jimmy Stockham, Yes, it's me, Zach. I've been
waiting for you to come out of the house, Zachary.
You haven't been waiting alone, Jim. Who are your friends?
This is Park Jeger, Quincy Talbot. We were in the
army together, zach There from here. Park and Quincy were
(15:16):
executive officers for me in the Third Cavalry. We served
together Apthomatics. What is it you want, Jim. You're on
your way over to Ben Rawl's house now. I told
you I was going over there tonight. I want to
talk to you about that some more, zach because we
go back upstairs to your room. No, Jim, I'd like
(15:37):
to very much, Zachary. That's why we waited here for you.
I think it's important we talk about it. It's important enough,
Zachary that I've told Park and Quincy all you told me.
They're close friends to me. Now I've asked him to
assist him the track Capain.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
Mister stock was told seventh.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
We can talk right here Jim, anything you have to
see can be said right here. Can't we go to
the rooms. You could have come back to the room
to talk to me. You didn't want that. You wanted
to meet me out of here with Park and Quincy.
Come on, Jim, speak up. I'm in a hurry. The
war did many things to all of us, Ach. Everything
(16:15):
we thought and lived for is gone now. But we're
still men and we can all recover. Park and Quincy
and I are the only ones who know what you
said to me in that room. Man, you want to
kill Ben Rowse tonight, then this is what the war's
done to you, Zach. This is what I want to
talk about. Wanting to kill a man in cold blood,
(16:37):
a man you haven't seen for seven years. It better
doesn't make sense. And you and Park and Quincy here
to see that I don't call on Ben Rose. Is
that it? We're here to quietly see that you don't
do anything foolish. I'm your friend, Zachary, I knew your daddy.
I want to see what's the matter, what sickness the
war gave you, and I want to help you go home.
(16:58):
Jim Hawk Quinchy, this is none of your business. We
can't do that, Zachary. We can't let you kill a
man in cold blood. Let's all go upstairs your room
and talk with this Captain Wincy just in fine whiskey
just came in from England, haven't Quincy right? Sure? I
have kathin you know, man, I've been mighty proud to
share it with Capain. Mister Stark RELI friend, and he's
(17:21):
thinking of you. Is Ben Rowl's your friend? To Jim,
you're trying to protect him. What I know of Ben Rawls?
I told you this afternoon, But you are my friend,
and I won't let you go there and do this. Now,
you get out of my way. You will have to
kill me first, Zachary, kill these two boys. I've never
done you any harm, but I won't let you go
over there. Yeah, you're noool, Zachary must come hawk. It's
(17:46):
the only way, right, mister Starkwell, let me die, man
Quincy tell me that whiskey. Yes, I'll get his hitting Stockler. Oh,
(18:08):
he's sorry, Zachary. Sometimes we all go about things the
wrong way. I'm noted for my poor judgment. Money matter.
You stop me, Jim for the moment. Ask them to
wait over there. All right, Paul Quincy over there, I'm
(18:30):
sure it's all right in Stockler. Captain Peyton is a
man of bout it, and be right over by the tree.
I have to kill him, Jim. I have to before
I can never live again. There was so much killing.
Speaker 3 (18:45):
Look what it got.
Speaker 1 (18:46):
I hate him. When you've lived with a hate as
I've lived with it, there's nothing else you can do that.
Why do you think I resigned my commission before the
war was over. Why do you think I disappeared from
the Confederacy. Why do you think I never returned to
my home. I heard you've done all those things. I
didn't ask any questions. But I know then, ben is
the cause of everything. Benjamin Rawl. I know he had
(19:07):
a reputation for being arrogant and slick when he was
an officer. But underhand, No, no, no, it was nothing underhanded, Jim.
It was open handed. It was a slap, raw slap. Yes,
one night in front of a whole regiment over what
why a girl, just a girl that we both liked.
I don't even remember a name or everyone seeing it coming.
(19:27):
Until Raws joined that regiment, I was the most popular
officer with my fellow officers and the ladies acorated. That
was then and this is now. But my life stopped. Ben.
Try to remember how it was then, Jim, in the
early stages, when the North was done not the South
was so fashionable, be young and reckless and brave and
an officer in the Confederate Army. And then to be
(19:49):
slapped by a man more brave, more reckless, more of
everything it was. It was too much, Zach. Those days
are gone. Forget them the whole way, Alfe. If it's
different now, it's no different for him. That is no
different from me. Jim. You have no right to stop me.
You know that that's true. But Zach, can you kill
(20:11):
a man for something that happened? Then I can, and
I will. He shot at me once. Now I owe
him a shot, don't I don't die? Jim? Yes, Zachary,
you owe him a shot.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
Go ahead, let no go stop?
Speaker 1 (20:42):
Well, yes, I can't stop him. I can see that now.
If we can't, then it's between him and Ben Rawls.
Speaker 6 (20:49):
Now I understand you have some business with me, Sir.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
I don't chose the received people who refuse to give
their names to my servants. Well, Rose, but don't you
recognize me elequity exactly, and I do have business with you.
What are you doing here? Well, oh you're a shot rose.
(21:41):
Now I've come to pay off. I see. Are you ready?
I'm ready? I told you I always would be. Yes,
she did, and you asked me to remember it. Well,
you don't seem quite as certain as you were the
last time we met. Matters. Something wrong? I believe we
(22:01):
were twelve paces before. Yes, you mind? If I count
as you will road back to back one, two three
or fo see seven?
Speaker 3 (22:20):
Hey?
Speaker 1 (22:22):
Then eleven twelve? Shoot man shooting?
Speaker 3 (22:29):
Do it quickly?
Speaker 1 (22:30):
Well, you seem in a hurry to die, mister Rawls,
lost to my life.
Speaker 6 (22:34):
She'll be coming home in a minute.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
Well, in that case, we better get on with it.
Speaker 6 (22:39):
Then.
Speaker 1 (22:43):
Sure, I apologize, mister Rawls, that this pistol isn't loaded
with cherry stones. You have no idea how often I've
dreamed of cherrystone bullets since last we met. I think
they'd be somewhat lighter than lead. Oh, this doesn't seem
to me like a duel anymore. But just plain murder,
(23:04):
And if I'm anything, I will not be called a murder.
You must understand that I've had quite a long lecture
on why I shouldn't be doing this. I don't like
shooting unarmed man. Roald what there's another pistol in my case,
it's all loaded. Would you please take it and then
we could start over. Will you hesitate, mister Rowl, I
(23:27):
do not hesitate. I'm ready, though, Go ahead, mister, all
your shot? What you may have the first shot? I'm ready. Well, sir,
you've broken a candle holder and ruined a picture. Now
I truly owe you a shot. Fine work, ain'test he
(24:01):
was just joking. Don't be so frightened. I'll tell you
what you you go out and find Abram and ask
him to bring up some nice wine, and then I'll
introduce you to my old friend. He'll tell me, sir,
is my husband telling the truth? Is it true? You're
just joking? Oh he's always joking, Miss Rowles. Once he
slapped me in the face for a joke. Now the
(24:23):
time he put a bullet through my cap for a joke.
Just now he fired a gun at me and missed.
That's another joke. Now I think I'll have.
Speaker 3 (24:33):
My little joke in joking.
Speaker 1 (24:36):
It's a duke. This is the man Peyton you told
me about.
Speaker 6 (24:39):
This is between us and I leave the room.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
This man has a right to shoot at me. I
wouldn't have any honor if I didn't allow.
Speaker 4 (24:44):
Him, or shoot pet and shoot man and stopping them
herself of a me.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Where are you fire a lot? No, No, I won't fire, Rolls.
I'm satisfied. I've seen you afraid. I forced you to
fire at me. That's enough. You'll remember me all of
your life, Rolls. I leave you to your conscience. Oh
(25:14):
as for that shot, here it is goodbye, mister rood
(25:38):
zach Ary.
Speaker 3 (25:41):
You did it.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
You took your shot. Yes, I put it in the
picture right next to his shot. Zach Zach is alive.
You could have killed him, but he's alive. Well, he's fine, Jim,
He's still the bravest man I haven't met. Let's go Jim.
(26:31):
Suspense presented by Autolite to night Star mister van Heflin.
This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for Autolite, the world's largest
independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. In twenty eight plans
from coast to coast, auto Light makes over four hundred
products for cars, trucks, tractors, planes, boats and industry. These
(26:55):
products include batteries such as the famous auto Light Stay
full cognition, engineered Autolite spark plugs both standard and resistor types,
auto Light starting motors, generators, coils, distributors, voltage regulators, wire
and battery cable, and auto Light original service parts for
all auto light electrical systems. Auto Light is proud to
(27:17):
serve the greatest names in the industry, So from bumper
to tail light, you're always right with Autolite. Next Week,
with song and story, we tell of a man who couldn't.
Speaker 3 (27:38):
Make up his mind.
Speaker 1 (27:39):
He was looking for a girl, but he didn't know
if he wanted her to be alive or dead. My
true Love's hair our star, mister Jeff Chandler. That's next
Week on Suspense. Suspense is transcribed and directed by Elliott Lewis,
with music composed Pollution Morowick and conducted by Love Gluskin.
(28:03):
The shot was adapted for suspense by E. Jack Newman
from the short story by Alexander Pushkin. In Tonight's story,
Harry Bartel was heard as Stockwell and Jack Edwards was
heard as Roles feature in the cast for Jane Webb,
Joseph Karns, Barney Phillips and James Eagles Van Heflin may
be seen starring in the Universal International Picture Wings of
(28:25):
the Hawk. And remember next week mister Jeff Chandler in
My True Love's Hair.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
You can buy auto light stave fallbackeries, autolight resistance of
standard type spotlugs, and auto light electrical parts at your
neighborhood autolite dealers switch to Auolites good night.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
With just one donation, you can help all those who
need help in your community. Give generously and give now
the United Way to your low coal community Chest Drive.
This is the CBS Radio Network
Auto Light and it's ninety eight thousand dealers. Bring you,
mister van Heflin in Tonight's presentation of suspense. Tonight auto
Light presents the story of a duel, an incomplete duel,
since one of its participants chooses to wait and oh
(00:27):
his adversary the shot our star, mister van Heflin, Hello, horrible. Well,
let's Joe college Football's most faithful follower. Hey, did you
go to the game Saturday? Joe? No, and my battery
didn't go either. It was out of order and dead
(00:48):
is last year's schedule. Never did see my alma mater. Well,
you should see your auto light battery dealer. For an
auto lighte stay full, the battery that needs water only
three times a year in normal car, you times a year.
Hurle yes, sir, and that stayful never loses a play.
Fiberglass retaining mats protect every positive plate to reduce shedding
and flaking, and give that autolite stayful longer. Life is
(01:11):
proved by tests conducted according to accepted life cycle standard.
So friends, see your autolite battery dealer. He's an expert
at servicing all makes the batteries to quickly locate him
phone Western Union by number and ask for operator twenty five.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
I'll tell you where to get an auto light. Stayful
the battery that needs water only three times a year
in normal car use.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
And remember, from bumper to tail life, you're always right
with Autolite. Oh, by the way, last week, because of
a failure in our technical facilities, many of you wrote
that you were unable to hear the finish to last
week's program.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
Well, we are.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Miniographing the last five minutes of the show and bailing
them to you as quickly as we can. We really
didn't intend to keep you in suspense as long. And
now Auto Life for the transcribed the shot starring mister
van Heflin, hoping once again to keep you in suspense. Well,
(02:41):
Cherry de Monetary, it's Stepan and well you other gentlemen
everyone here. I see you're late, ros Dawn. A minute
or two one where or the other certainly can't make
too much difference. Des had to stop to pick these
carry anyone. No, you're delighted for a man who's about
to die. You don't seem too concerned. Oh I am concerned, Peyton.
(03:03):
There's a whole half full of delicious cherries. It certainly
has to be eaten. Well. The other hand, Peyton, I'm
not certain that I have to die. We will say
about that. Would you bring a weapon right here? And
I noticed you're already. Let's get on with this.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
You will draw.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Lots, gentlemen. Of course, it's customary. Has seen the paper
is in this hat and number from one to ten.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
You will each draw paper.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
The man who receives the highest number will give the
first shot. Is that agreeable?
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Of course?
Speaker 1 (03:35):
Of course after you, Lieutenant Payton, and good good lucks.
Your draw ser.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Is Peyton. Eight.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
All now, it seems I've won the first shot. Peyton,
I've drawn a ten in it. Set back to back.
You will pace away until the count is completed. Mister
first shot understood, It's understood. Is anyone present here who
finds this not an honorable way to settle the dispute
between these two men? Are you ready? Gentlemen? Already?
Speaker 3 (04:12):
I'm ready?
Speaker 1 (04:13):
One, two, the four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve?
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Is Feyton? You all right? Are you hit?
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Stand back? I'm all right. The buller went through my head.
If your shot, Lieutenant Paton, yes, I know there is
a wonder well you seem sorry to kill miss, so
I have to remind you. If you have a shot
at me, I wouldn't want to spoil your breakfast. Don't worry, baby,
(04:52):
you don't ever spoil anything for me. Your shot, well,
you're gonna shoot. You're gonna stand that aim in at me? No,
not now, Zachary is taking his shot at you.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
You have to take your shot down.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
I don't have to do anything. Not yet. You challenged
him to a duel, Zachary. Would you like to take
it from here?
Speaker 4 (05:20):
No?
Speaker 1 (05:21):
You don't seem ready for death this morning. Oh you're
wrong against I'm always ready for death all life. You've
disappointed me, Peyton. Okay, all, perhaps i've disappointed you at
any rate. All of these gentlemen witness that I went
through my part of the chairman. You owe me a shot, Peyton,
And if you aren't afraid, I'll always be ready for
(05:42):
you to take it any day, any place. I remember
that draws. Please do sir. Gooday, gentlemen, it's a lovely morning, Zachary.
He'll tell everyone about this. You'll be ruined. You can't
expect to stay in the regiment. Now, what's the use
(06:02):
of depriving him of life when he attaches no value
to it. Nevertheless, you ended the duel your way, and
it's not an honorable way. It's not ended. What. I'm
still going to take my shot.
Speaker 5 (06:12):
You hurt him, all of you.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
He owes me a shot. I'll choose the day, and
I'll choose that place, and I'll still see if he
wants to eat cherries and laugh down in the barrel
of my gun any day, any place.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Are you awake, mister Peyton, where do you want?
Speaker 1 (06:42):
I want to speak with you. I've brought your mate.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
I'll opened the door.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Set it there on the table. Mister Temple, thank you. Yes, Oh,
I didn't know you had a visitor. Mister Starckwell. This
is mister Temple. He's my landlord. How do you do,
mister Temple. Colonel Stockwell, Virginia Voluntar here, mister Stockwell. Now,
mister Temple, there's no longer a Confederate army or a confederacyt.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
I forget sometimes, sir Well, I served under you and
the third Volunteers.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
The Temple had quite a career as a soldiers told
me about it every day since I took this room.
Onlything left to talk about now, Colonel, nothing but coppet,
baggers and Yankee all.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
Know how it is.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Will us yes with anything else? Huh oh uh, yeah,
that's a fine pistol, mister Ping. You've told me that before,
mister Temple.
Speaker 4 (07:31):
Don't you think so, Colonel, mister Stockworth.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
I've already admired mister Peyton's fire arm. Would you believe
how good mister Peyton is with it? Colonel?
Speaker 4 (07:38):
Why he lays right here on his bed and fires away.
The little old playing card stuck on the fence post
out there in the back kits it every time I'm shooting,
I declare, Oh, mister Peyton practices all time?
Speaker 1 (07:52):
Do you say every day for the last seven years?
Speaker 2 (07:55):
That?
Speaker 1 (07:55):
Oh, mister Temple? Huh? I asked you if that was all?
Is there something else you had to say? Uh?
Speaker 4 (08:01):
Well, I did want to ask, do you have to
practice from the window?
Speaker 1 (08:07):
I prefer to you object? Oh no, no, no, of
course not.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
I it's my wife, I mean, Libby don't like it.
I keep telling her these are hard times and we
sull appreciate getting a man and he'll can.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Pay us a little rent. Well, then you tell her
that I practice shooting it all kinds of light, from
all kinds of positions. I'll continue to do that. I
only ask good day, mister Temple. Yeah, well, good day
you book. Yep, nohing, you haven't changed too much, Zachary
(08:46):
little Gray. It's been seven years now, Thanks, Maybe you
have changed that man who was just here, scared, shrinking,
little man, frightened if I might come in. Zach you
didn't do anything to alleviate that fright. It's not his wife,
that's him. He's a frightened of my gun. He knows
(09:09):
what I can do with it means nothing to you,
has no baron on your life. True, but he knows
that a gun that can be pointed at a card
stuck on a fence can just as easily be pointed
at a heart stuck in a man's chest. Well, am
I right? I suppose you are? Would you mind putting
them in the cave? Are you afraid to? Jim? Don't
treat me like a Willis Temple, Zachray. I'm your friend.
(09:33):
I came here to meet you because you asked me to.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Better.
Speaker 1 (09:42):
Why am I here, Zach Gray? What do you want
of me? Nothing that'll interfere with your life? Jim, we'd go.
I get a letter from Norfolk mentioned that an old
queen Samon's living here. Man who is an officer in
my regiment. His name is Benjamin Raws. Oh you know him, Jim?
Oh slightly. I've seen him about town, spoken to him
(10:04):
once or twice as he looked these days, not knowing
how he looked when you know him, might say, he
looks mighty fine, Jim. He's in good health, I think,
and he's done better than most of it. Oh, there's
always want to do very well. How do you mean?
I understand his family lost all ahead at Savannah, but
there's an English branch that died off and filled in inheritance.
(10:25):
He's very well off.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
I suppose he would be.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
He had a great deal of money when I know him,
and other things you mean women? Is he? Is he
still ambitious and gallant? Well? Marsha Pemberton's considered to be
a very very lucky young lady in his part. Marsha
Pembert the girl he married last week? Last week he said, yeah,
(10:50):
does he love him? What do you know? If he
loves this girl he married, It's apparent to everyone in
town that he loves her very much. The folks in town.
Saw them together often, I saw him. I'd say, Ben
Rawls is in love the way a man loves only
once in his life. Is that what you want to know? Yes,
(11:13):
because I'm your friend, Zachary, I'm talking to you about
Ben Rawls, but I'm uncomfortable. I don't like talking about
a man. You see over there, large white house on
the hill. M that's where Ben lives. He's right there, Zachary.
You can talk to him instead of me. I'd rather
talk to you at the moment. I won't answer any
more question, Zachary. I think I'll be going as you will, Jim. Zachary,
(11:40):
I've asked no questions of you. I mean I ask
one now, all right, Jim?
Speaker 3 (11:47):
Is it the duel?
Speaker 1 (11:49):
Is that why you want to know these things about
Ben Rawls? Yes? I want to satisfy myself that he's
at last found something to live for. I see, and
you're gonna call on him tonight. I want to know
if he can still laugh down a gun bell. I
won't let you do this thing, Zachary. There's been enough killing. Jim. Yeah,
(12:18):
I'd hate to kill you too. Auto light is bringing you,
(12:43):
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(13:07):
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(13:49):
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Speaker 2 (13:55):
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Speaker 1 (13:59):
Remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with
auto light. And now auto light brings back to our
Hollywood soundstage, mister van Heflin in Elliott Lewis's production of
the shot A Tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.
Speaker 5 (14:46):
M H.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
Zach Right, Jimmy Stockham, Yes, it's me, Zach. I've been
waiting for you to come out of the house, Zachary.
You haven't been waiting alone, Jim. Who are your friends?
This is Park Jeger, Quincy Talbot. We were in the
army together, zach There from here. Park and Quincy were
(15:16):
executive officers for me in the Third Cavalry. We served
together Apthomatics. What is it you want, Jim. You're on
your way over to Ben Rawl's house now. I told
you I was going over there tonight. I want to
talk to you about that some more, zach because we
go back upstairs to your room. No, Jim, I'd like
(15:37):
to very much, Zachary. That's why we waited here for you.
I think it's important we talk about it. It's important enough,
Zachary that I've told Park and Quincy all you told me.
They're close friends to me. Now I've asked him to
assist him the track Capain.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
Mister stock was told seventh.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
We can talk right here Jim, anything you have to
see can be said right here. Can't we go to
the rooms. You could have come back to the room
to talk to me. You didn't want that. You wanted
to meet me out of here with Park and Quincy.
Come on, Jim, speak up. I'm in a hurry. The
war did many things to all of us, Ach. Everything
(16:15):
we thought and lived for is gone now. But we're
still men and we can all recover. Park and Quincy
and I are the only ones who know what you
said to me in that room. Man, you want to
kill Ben Rowse tonight, then this is what the war's
done to you, Zach. This is what I want to
talk about. Wanting to kill a man in cold blood,
(16:37):
a man you haven't seen for seven years. It better
doesn't make sense. And you and Park and Quincy here
to see that I don't call on Ben Rose. Is
that it? We're here to quietly see that you don't
do anything foolish. I'm your friend, Zachary, I knew your daddy.
I want to see what's the matter, what sickness the
war gave you, and I want to help you go home.
(16:58):
Jim Hawk Quinchy, this is none of your business. We
can't do that, Zachary. We can't let you kill a
man in cold blood. Let's all go upstairs your room
and talk with this Captain Wincy just in fine whiskey
just came in from England, haven't Quincy right? Sure? I
have kathin you know, man, I've been mighty proud to
share it with Capain. Mister Stark RELI friend, and he's
(17:21):
thinking of you. Is Ben Rowl's your friend? To Jim,
you're trying to protect him. What I know of Ben Rawls?
I told you this afternoon, But you are my friend,
and I won't let you go there and do this. Now,
you get out of my way. You will have to
kill me first, Zachary, kill these two boys. I've never
done you any harm, but I won't let you go
over there. Yeah, you're noool, Zachary must come hawk. It's
(17:46):
the only way, right, mister Starkwell, let me die, man
Quincy tell me that whiskey. Yes, I'll get his hitting Stockler. Oh,
(18:08):
he's sorry, Zachary. Sometimes we all go about things the
wrong way. I'm noted for my poor judgment. Money matter.
You stop me, Jim for the moment. Ask them to
wait over there. All right, Paul Quincy over there, I'm
(18:30):
sure it's all right in Stockler. Captain Peyton is a
man of bout it, and be right over by the tree.
I have to kill him, Jim. I have to before
I can never live again. There was so much killing.
Speaker 3 (18:45):
Look what it got.
Speaker 1 (18:46):
I hate him. When you've lived with a hate as
I've lived with it, there's nothing else you can do that.
Why do you think I resigned my commission before the
war was over. Why do you think I disappeared from
the Confederacy. Why do you think I never returned to
my home. I heard you've done all those things. I
didn't ask any questions. But I know then, ben is
the cause of everything. Benjamin Rawl. I know he had
(19:07):
a reputation for being arrogant and slick when he was
an officer. But underhand, No, no, no, it was nothing underhanded, Jim.
It was open handed. It was a slap, raw slap. Yes,
one night in front of a whole regiment over what
why a girl, just a girl that we both liked.
I don't even remember a name or everyone seeing it coming.
(19:27):
Until Raws joined that regiment, I was the most popular
officer with my fellow officers and the ladies acorated. That
was then and this is now. But my life stopped. Ben.
Try to remember how it was then, Jim, in the
early stages, when the North was done not the South
was so fashionable, be young and reckless and brave and
an officer in the Confederate Army. And then to be
(19:49):
slapped by a man more brave, more reckless, more of
everything it was. It was too much, Zach. Those days
are gone. Forget them the whole way, Alfe. If it's
different now, it's no different for him. That is no
different from me. Jim. You have no right to stop me.
You know that that's true. But Zach, can you kill
(20:11):
a man for something that happened? Then I can, and
I will. He shot at me once. Now I owe
him a shot, don't I don't die? Jim? Yes, Zachary,
you owe him a shot.
Speaker 3 (20:26):
Go ahead, let no go stop?
Speaker 1 (20:42):
Well, yes, I can't stop him. I can see that now.
If we can't, then it's between him and Ben Rawls.
Speaker 6 (20:49):
Now I understand you have some business with me, Sir.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
I don't chose the received people who refuse to give
their names to my servants. Well, Rose, but don't you
recognize me elequity exactly, and I do have business with you.
What are you doing here? Well, oh you're a shot rose.
(21:41):
Now I've come to pay off. I see. Are you ready?
I'm ready? I told you I always would be. Yes,
she did, and you asked me to remember it. Well,
you don't seem quite as certain as you were the
last time we met. Matters. Something wrong? I believe we
(22:01):
were twelve paces before. Yes, you mind? If I count
as you will road back to back one, two three
or fo see seven?
Speaker 3 (22:20):
Hey?
Speaker 1 (22:22):
Then eleven twelve? Shoot man shooting?
Speaker 3 (22:29):
Do it quickly?
Speaker 1 (22:30):
Well, you seem in a hurry to die, mister Rawls,
lost to my life.
Speaker 6 (22:34):
She'll be coming home in a minute.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
Well, in that case, we better get on with it.
Speaker 6 (22:39):
Then.
Speaker 1 (22:43):
Sure, I apologize, mister Rawls, that this pistol isn't loaded
with cherry stones. You have no idea how often I've
dreamed of cherrystone bullets since last we met. I think
they'd be somewhat lighter than lead. Oh, this doesn't seem
to me like a duel anymore. But just plain murder,
(23:04):
And if I'm anything, I will not be called a murder.
You must understand that I've had quite a long lecture
on why I shouldn't be doing this. I don't like
shooting unarmed man. Roald what there's another pistol in my case,
it's all loaded. Would you please take it and then
we could start over. Will you hesitate, mister Rowl, I
(23:27):
do not hesitate. I'm ready, though, Go ahead, mister, all
your shot? What you may have the first shot? I'm ready. Well, sir,
you've broken a candle holder and ruined a picture. Now
I truly owe you a shot. Fine work, ain'test he
(24:01):
was just joking. Don't be so frightened. I'll tell you
what you you go out and find Abram and ask
him to bring up some nice wine, and then I'll
introduce you to my old friend. He'll tell me, sir,
is my husband telling the truth? Is it true? You're
just joking? Oh he's always joking, Miss Rowles. Once he
slapped me in the face for a joke. Now the
(24:23):
time he put a bullet through my cap for a joke.
Just now he fired a gun at me and missed.
That's another joke. Now I think I'll have.
Speaker 3 (24:33):
My little joke in joking.
Speaker 1 (24:36):
It's a duke. This is the man Peyton you told
me about.
Speaker 6 (24:39):
This is between us and I leave the room.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
This man has a right to shoot at me. I
wouldn't have any honor if I didn't allow.
Speaker 4 (24:44):
Him, or shoot pet and shoot man and stopping them
herself of a me.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Where are you fire a lot? No, No, I won't fire, Rolls.
I'm satisfied. I've seen you afraid. I forced you to
fire at me. That's enough. You'll remember me all of
your life, Rolls. I leave you to your conscience. Oh
(25:14):
as for that shot, here it is goodbye, mister rood
(25:38):
zach Ary.
Speaker 3 (25:41):
You did it.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
You took your shot. Yes, I put it in the
picture right next to his shot. Zach Zach is alive.
You could have killed him, but he's alive. Well, he's fine, Jim,
He's still the bravest man I haven't met. Let's go Jim.
(26:31):
Suspense presented by Autolite to night Star mister van Heflin.
This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for Autolite, the world's largest
independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. In twenty eight plans
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products for cars, trucks, tractors, planes, boats and industry. These
(26:55):
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and battery cable, and auto Light original service parts for
all auto light electrical systems. Auto Light is proud to
(27:17):
serve the greatest names in the industry, So from bumper
to tail light, you're always right with Autolite. Next Week,
with song and story, we tell of a man who couldn't.
Speaker 3 (27:38):
Make up his mind.
Speaker 1 (27:39):
He was looking for a girl, but he didn't know
if he wanted her to be alive or dead. My
true Love's hair our star, mister Jeff Chandler. That's next
Week on Suspense. Suspense is transcribed and directed by Elliott Lewis,
with music composed Pollution Morowick and conducted by Love Gluskin.
(28:03):
The shot was adapted for suspense by E. Jack Newman
from the short story by Alexander Pushkin. In Tonight's story,
Harry Bartel was heard as Stockwell and Jack Edwards was
heard as Roles feature in the cast for Jane Webb,
Joseph Karns, Barney Phillips and James Eagles Van Heflin may
be seen starring in the Universal International Picture Wings of
(28:25):
the Hawk. And remember next week mister Jeff Chandler in
My True Love's Hair.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
You can buy auto light stave fallbackeries, autolight resistance of
standard type spotlugs, and auto light electrical parts at your
neighborhood autolite dealers switch to Auolites good night.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
With just one donation, you can help all those who
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