Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known
to man. It is a dimension as vast as space
and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground
between light and shadow, and it lies between the pit
of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This
is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which
(00:34):
we call the twilight zone.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Something the matter, Jenna.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
I'm tired.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
You are dear, tired and cold. It's getting chilly in here.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
On the contrary, the temperature is perfect as it is
throughout the house.
Speaker 5 (00:59):
Seventy two two degrees, isn't it, William, isn't it seventy
two degrees?
Speaker 4 (01:04):
I'm sure it is, quite sure, of course. It's the
optimum temperature. And the chair is a design for maximum comfort.
The fire of perfect heat radiation, and the windows for
the most efficient light and ventilation, and the ceilings for
the most desirable acoustic qualities. Everything built to perfection, Father,
But just the same. I'm cold.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Well, then come away from the window.
Speaker 5 (01:27):
Yes, dear, sit by the fire again. That way I
can see you.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
I'm not doing anything but reading.
Speaker 5 (01:32):
I like to look at you, no matter what you're doing.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
This is the same book I've been reading all afternoon.
You've watched me for hours. You must have memorized every
one of my expressions by now, every tick, every gesture.
Speaker 5 (01:43):
Yes, but I so enjoy watching you. Why is that
because you're so beautiful, darling, absolutely perfect in every way.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Don't argue with your mother, Jemma.
Speaker 4 (01:55):
I'm not arguing. I'm only saying that it's chilly here
in the study. At least I have a chill, and
I'd rather sit by the window.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
There's nothing to see outside.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
It will be dark, so let me build up the fire.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
You know that's not possible.
Speaker 4 (02:08):
Why because it's burning natural gas instead of wood. Well,
why not just this once? Why don't let me put
a real log on the fire and get rid of
the chill in the air. It would be exciting to
watch it burn. I'd actually enjoy the unpredictability of it,
just once in my life.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Sit down with Janna.
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Do as your father says, Dear.
Speaker 4 (02:30):
I can't oppose you father, You know that I never could.
Speaker 5 (02:36):
It's almost six. I think I'll ask Nelda to come
in now and massage my shoulders.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Good idea, Margaret, My.
Speaker 5 (02:43):
Muscles get so stiff sitting here.
Speaker 4 (02:45):
Let me do it for you, mother, that's Nelda's job.
Speaker 5 (02:48):
Yes, Jane, Dear Nelda knows exactly the way I like it.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
Why don't we have dinner first?
Speaker 6 (02:53):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (02:54):
No, after is better. The massage always stimulates my appetite.
Speaker 4 (02:59):
Well, then, if we can't eat earlier tonight, how about
a little bit later? I know, why didn't go out
and eat in a restaurant?
Speaker 2 (03:05):
A restaurant, Janaman, Now, why in the world would we
go out and eat in a restaurant when we have
everything we need here. Gretchen is already preparing something in
the kitchen.
Speaker 4 (03:15):
I know, it's just that. Well, it would be different, I've.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
No doubt it would be different. First, we'd walk through
the rain and get sopping wet.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
Jensen could bring the car around, and then.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
We'd eat some kind of unhealthy, unpalatable mess on dirty,
half washed plates. By then it would be a moot
question as to whether we'd succumb to tomain or pneumonia.
Speaker 5 (03:38):
This father, Ah, Nelda, you must have read my mind.
Speaker 7 (03:43):
It's six o'clock, missus Lauren. You always have your neck
rub at six o'clock.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
Isn't that right?
Speaker 2 (03:48):
Now?
Speaker 5 (03:48):
Of course it is, Neelda, and you never forget to
do you. You never ever forget, no, ma'am.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
The residence of doctor William Lauren, a beautiful home designed
for comfort and convenience, the reward for a world class
career as a scientist. He has chosen to live his
life as safely as securely as science can make it,
and despares his wife and daughter no luxury that might
make their lives more perfect. But in a moment, the
(04:25):
good doctor will discover that perfection is relative, that a
life of controlled ease has a greater price than he imagined.
A price may be more than he is willing or
able to pay, because very shortly he's about to be
shown what exactly is on the bill, one that has
suddenly and unexpectedly come.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
You in the Twilight.
Speaker 8 (04:48):
Zone, and now the Twilight Zone and our story The
Lateness of the Hour, starring je Seymour and James Keach,
with Stacy Keach as your narrator.
Speaker 5 (05:12):
Mmm, that feels lovely, Nelda, would you like some more liniment? Yes,
if you please. But you have such strong fingers perfect
for massaging my neck muscles. Jenna, are you here?
Speaker 4 (05:28):
Yes?
Speaker 5 (05:28):
Mother, enjoying your book again, a.
Speaker 4 (05:31):
Different one this time?
Speaker 3 (05:32):
Which is it?
Speaker 4 (05:33):
Family photo Album?
Speaker 5 (05:34):
That's nice.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
Who was this picture taken?
Speaker 5 (05:37):
Let me see this one? Oh look, Nelda, that's a
lovely picture of you.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 4 (05:45):
What year?
Speaker 5 (05:45):
Let's see? Oh, this was taken the year after your
father retired from the lab. And look there are those
yellow roses that Jensen planted for us. How they grew
and Nelda looks exactly the same.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
Must be a wonderful thing not to age, Nelda, isn't it?
Speaker 7 (06:05):
It has its advantages, I guess, miss Jenna.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
Nelda will put that away for you.
Speaker 4 (06:12):
That's all right, father, I'd like to put it back
in the bookcase myself.
Speaker 5 (06:16):
You seem nervous, Dear.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
I'm just going to stand by the fireplace.
Speaker 5 (06:20):
You're not still chilly?
Speaker 4 (06:22):
Are you a bit?
Speaker 6 (06:23):
Mother?
Speaker 5 (06:23):
You do that, then, I don't like to see you pacing.
Please continue, Nelda. Mm oh, yes, that feels so very nice.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
I think I'll go to the kitchen see if the
cook needs any help.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
That won't be necessary. I'm sure Gretchen has everything under control.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
I'm sure she does, but just the same, i'd like
to see what she's doing.
Speaker 5 (06:43):
Well, I suppose that's all right now, don't belong dear?
Speaker 6 (06:53):
Is that you miss Lauren. Hello, Robert, can I get
you anything?
Speaker 9 (06:56):
No?
Speaker 4 (06:56):
Thank you?
Speaker 6 (06:57):
Is everything all right perfectly? Would you care for a
beverage an adeux? Perhaps?
Speaker 4 (07:02):
I'm fine. If I want anything, I'll let you.
Speaker 6 (07:04):
Know, yes, Miss Lauren.
Speaker 4 (07:08):
Robert, why are you following me?
Speaker 6 (07:09):
In case you need assistance?
Speaker 4 (07:11):
I don't. I told you I'm perfectly fine.
Speaker 6 (07:13):
The stairs to the pantry, it can be a bit tricky.
Speaker 5 (07:16):
I know that, Robert.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
I grew up in this house. Remember I've always lived here.
I know every square inch of it as well as
you do. Yes, Miss I've been here longer than you have.
In fact, isn't that right? Well, isn't it? I? Why
don't you answer me?
Speaker 6 (07:31):
I'm sure it must seem so to you?
Speaker 4 (07:34):
What does that mean?
Speaker 6 (07:35):
I'm sure I couldn't say, Miss Lauren.
Speaker 4 (07:37):
We'll try, eh. I remember when you began your service
here I was let me see, I was five years old.
Speaker 6 (07:44):
Is my work unsatisfactory?
Speaker 2 (07:46):
Miss?
Speaker 4 (07:46):
No, You've been a perfect butler, perfect in every way.
Speaker 6 (07:50):
I try my best to do exactly as doctor Lauren
and stuts seeing to you and missus Lauren looking after
your safety.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
Well I'm quite safe right now, I assure you. That'll
be all very good, miss, and stop following me, will
you please?
Speaker 3 (08:13):
Miss Lauren?
Speaker 4 (08:14):
Is that you hi, Gretchen? How's dinner coming?
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Right down schedule?
Speaker 7 (08:19):
I'm preparing your choice of a garden salad with baby
cleans or called gaspato skin is chicken breasts.
Speaker 4 (08:25):
Of course, if it's Tuesday, it must be the chicken.
Speaker 7 (08:28):
Cooked in olive oil, stimmed vegetables and a selection of
fresh fruit.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Would you like something different?
Speaker 4 (08:35):
And it doesn't matter. I'm not very hungry.
Speaker 7 (08:38):
Doctor Lauren programs the meals in advance, but if you'd
prefer an alternate selection.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
That won't be necessary. I just thought you might like
some help.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Everything's under control.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
I know, but I want to here. Let me get
the plates down for you as you wish, Gretchen. I
was wondering, yes, miss, call me Jana please, and that's
my name, isn't it?
Speaker 3 (09:02):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (09:02):
But I was wondering, do you ever get tired from
so much work?
Speaker 3 (09:06):
I mean not tired, stiff in the joints?
Speaker 4 (09:10):
And what do you do about it? When you've finished
preparing the meals? I beg your pardon, after you've cleaned
up and put the plates and silverware away, what do
you do? Why?
Speaker 3 (09:19):
I go to my goddess.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
And what do you do there? Read? Listen to music?
Speaker 3 (09:24):
No, nothing like that.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
There's no need I know, but you must do something.
Do you and the rest of the staff interact sometimes?
Do you speak? Do you talk about your day? Do
you make plans?
Speaker 3 (09:37):
I don't understand your question.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
Yes, you do, think about it? You and Nelda and
Robert and Suzanne and Jensen. What things do you talk about?
Speaker 3 (09:47):
Things? Miss Lauren?
Speaker 4 (09:49):
I want to know you can tell me, can't you.
Speaker 7 (09:52):
I've been instructed to answer all your questions.
Speaker 4 (09:55):
Well, then what do you talk about when you've completed
your tasks and there's no work to do? What do
you say? What sort of things do you have in
your minds?
Speaker 3 (10:04):
But we have not completed our task? Then they do?
Then we rest? Rest?
Speaker 6 (10:10):
How just rest?
Speaker 4 (10:12):
Yes? I suppose that would be true. Never thought of
it that way before. You don't have any wants or needs.
But you must get tired and start to run down,
and you need to replenish your strength just like anyone else.
Vivant only to rest, that's all, Oh, Gretchen, And yet
you've never missed a meal, never refuse to come when
(10:32):
I called you. You you've been here for me more
than mother and father. At times, I want to thank
you for that. I want you to know how much
I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
You're welcome, miss uh Janna.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
The chickens done, Let me get it.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Oh touch the pen, it's hot. Oh you've burned yourself.
It's nothing your hand. Oh you must let me sit
to that rather.
Speaker 6 (11:00):
Yes, what's wrong?
Speaker 4 (11:02):
Oh, miss Lauren, don't worry about me. It was just
a little spatter of grease, that's all. It doesn't hurt.
Speaker 6 (11:07):
Nevertheless, we must take care of it at once. I've
got the first aid kid.
Speaker 4 (11:11):
Honestly, I don't even feel it this way.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
What all the commotion, Janna? Are you hurt?
Speaker 4 (11:16):
No, Father, I am perfectly fine.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
She burned her wrist on the stuff, and you let
this happen. I told her not to touch it.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
This is unacceptable.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
It wasn't Gretchen's fault, of course it was.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
You all have one prime directive in this household, and
that is to be certain that no harm comes to
my wife or to my daughter. Do you understand?
Speaker 4 (11:34):
Yes, sir, really, father, you're overreacting.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
I'll make that decision. Where were you, Robert?
Speaker 6 (11:40):
Missus? Janna dismissed, me, sir, what about the rest of you.
Speaker 10 (11:43):
I was making the bed, sir, and I was adjusting
the central heating, sir, as you requested.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
We'll talk about this later. Come with me, Jenna. It
may be time for the entirely new staff around here.
Speaker 4 (11:55):
Don't blame Gretchen and.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Blame me, I said, Come along now.
Speaker 5 (12:11):
What is going on out there? Did something happen?
Speaker 4 (12:14):
Nothing at all, except that father is blaming the help
for my being in the kitchen.
Speaker 5 (12:17):
What were you doing in there, dear?
Speaker 4 (12:19):
Looking for something to do, something besides sitting idle all day?
Speaker 2 (12:24):
That's enough, Jenna, Oh is it? Well?
Speaker 4 (12:26):
Look at both of you?
Speaker 3 (12:27):
Will that be all? Missus? Lauren?
Speaker 5 (12:29):
Just a few minutes longer? Nelda hmmm, yes, that feels
so good.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Mother. Please don't make her do that anymore.
Speaker 5 (12:38):
Janna?
Speaker 4 (12:39):
What on earth she must be tired after so long?
Her joints stiff? What do you mean waiting on you
hand and foot?
Speaker 5 (12:46):
Wh Jana? Your tone?
Speaker 4 (12:48):
Can't you see either of you?
Speaker 2 (12:50):
See what?
Speaker 4 (12:51):
This is? No way to live outside this a beautiful, clean,
refreshing sound of rain, while in here just the occasional
animal grown of pleasure. Jenna, Yes, yell at me, please, do.
I'm delighted to hear you yell at me. It proves
that you've got lungs left, lungs and a mine and
a mouth and a voice.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
Go to your room.
Speaker 4 (13:13):
You know we're atrophying in here, don't you, Father? We
sit here day after day and year after year. Will
the clock ticks and we decay with every minute that
goes by. That's enough, Well, Neelda and your army of domestics,
do everything but breathe first.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
I will listen to no more of this.
Speaker 5 (13:30):
Would you leave us, Nelda?
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Yes, ma'am Nelda, you may go to your quarters.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
Nelda, I'm speaking to you.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
Yes, Miss Jenna.
Speaker 6 (13:40):
Is there a problem self?
Speaker 5 (13:41):
Will you be needing anything?
Speaker 3 (13:43):
You were saying this, Jenna.
Speaker 4 (13:44):
Just this I was about to say. I was about
to mention of.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
The fact that please don't don't stop, Jenna. You can
speak freely in front of the help. We have no
secrets here.
Speaker 11 (13:53):
Don't we?
Speaker 4 (13:55):
No secrets? Father? Is at it? That's all we do
have secret. That's how we live by shutting off the world,
turning our backs on it, by saying that in here
is day and out there is night, while these these soundless,
fleshless things glide around us with their oh so efficient ministrations.
(14:16):
You turn my mother and father into jelly.
Speaker 5 (14:18):
You'll forgive me, miss Janna, but you sound jealous.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
How dare you talk to me that way, Susanne, Get
out of here.
Speaker 5 (14:25):
I will when the doctor dismisses me. Why are you, Janna?
Speaker 6 (14:30):
Take my hand, Sazanne. I'll help you up.
Speaker 4 (14:32):
No, I will. I'm sorry for pushing you down. I
know it's not your fault.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Stand back. Susanne is quite capable of writing herself. I
know she is because I programmed her that way. You
said so yourself, Jenna. Like everything else, built and designed
to perfection, I use the finest circuitry, the purest materials,
the strongest armatures to outlast mere flesh and bone. These
people are my finest creations. I made them quite indestructible, but.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
They're not people. Look like people, but they're machines. It's
like sharing a house with ghosts.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
Not ghosts. My dear ghosts die after having lived, but
our friends here have never lived. They've had no life
at all, only the life I gave them. Now, Janaen,
I suggest you go to your room and rest. You
seem overly tired until.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
Dinners theus A dinner satisfactory.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
Yes, it was richand thank you. I'll hope you clear
the table if you like, No, no need, I know
there's not, but i'd like to. I'll put the silver
platter on the car. Who's there?
Speaker 3 (16:10):
You'd best go to the study? Miss?
Speaker 4 (16:12):
Who's the rest of the staff?
Speaker 3 (16:13):
I'm sure I couldn't say.
Speaker 4 (16:15):
I think for now, I'll just go on to the
kitchen with you.
Speaker 6 (16:25):
There she goes with Gretchen. No harm must come to
the girl.
Speaker 5 (16:29):
None will, but we must act before he replaces us.
Speaker 6 (16:33):
Doctor Lauren would never do that.
Speaker 5 (16:35):
You heard his words.
Speaker 6 (16:37):
Call the others. We'll arrive at a consensus.
Speaker 4 (16:47):
I suppose you've heard about the incident before dinner.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
Zamid was at fault.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
Oh, I'm not so sure. Suzanne may have been right.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
She spoke out of tone.
Speaker 4 (16:57):
The restrictions my father placed on you?
Speaker 2 (16:59):
Uh?
Speaker 4 (17:00):
Are they so rigid?
Speaker 5 (17:03):
Have you know?
Speaker 4 (17:05):
No freedom to speak and act on your.
Speaker 7 (17:07):
Own as long as it doesn't violate the directive? The
directive the task for which we were constructed.
Speaker 4 (17:13):
And when you complete your task, what happens to you?
Speaker 6 (17:16):
Then?
Speaker 3 (17:16):
Vive provided with that information?
Speaker 4 (17:19):
Well, if it's any consolation neither were we the other
kind of people.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
What is your task, Jana?
Speaker 4 (17:26):
At least you know yours. I don't, and I'm not
sure how to find out.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
If I could help you find it, I would.
Speaker 4 (17:34):
I know you would, Gretchen.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
I was there for your bursting. I saw to your needs,
taught you, nourished you from the beginning.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
I remember, I do.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
Then, Jana heed my words. You must leave.
Speaker 4 (17:50):
I don't care if they're expecting me to join them
after dinner. I'd rather be here.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
You must leave the house before anything else happens.
Speaker 4 (17:58):
Why what could happen?
Speaker 3 (17:59):
This stuff is concerned about being replaced.
Speaker 4 (18:02):
Oh, he didn't mean that. Humans say things they don't
mean sometimes for the purpose. Gretchen, there are some things
I'm afraid you'll never understand.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
I understand that you must get out now.
Speaker 4 (18:13):
I wouldn't know what to do, where to go.
Speaker 7 (18:15):
They're talking, Janna, about how best to complete their task.
Speaker 3 (18:20):
If they're replaced, they'll be prevented from.
Speaker 4 (18:22):
Let them talk their program to protect this family. That's
their most important.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
Task, to protect you and your mother, But not doctor Lauren.
Speaker 6 (18:42):
Slippers.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
Sir, Yes, Robert, thank you. Oh that feels much better.
Speaker 6 (18:49):
Would you care for your pipe.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
Now, I believe I'll take the Mayresham tonight.
Speaker 6 (18:53):
An excellent choice. I already have it filled.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
HM, the Aromatic, my favorite blend.
Speaker 6 (19:04):
Will there be anything else, Doctor Lauren?
Speaker 2 (19:06):
I think not.
Speaker 6 (19:07):
Robert and you, missus.
Speaker 5 (19:08):
Lauren, nothing more. Thank you very good?
Speaker 6 (19:16):
Oh miss Jenna. Do you wish to come into the study?
Speaker 4 (19:19):
Yes? I do. Good evening, Robert.
Speaker 2 (19:25):
Well, Janet, shall we talk now?
Speaker 4 (19:27):
Your pipe's gone out? Let me relate it for you.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
Don't trouble yourself.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
No trouble. You don't have to call Robert for everything.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
Your hands are shaking. Shall we talk of what I think?
It's obvious? Suddenly and quite inexplicably, your mother and I
find that you're discontented, even rebellious. You think this pleases us.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
Janet, I can't help how you feel. Father.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Listen to me, child, I explained to you a long
time ago why I did what I did, why I retired.
Speaker 4 (19:53):
You gave me an excuse. Father, You never gave me
a reason. You never admitted that you were a man.
I'm so terrified by the world outside that he simply
withdrew to bed and then built robots so we never
have to crawl out from under the covers.
Speaker 2 (20:06):
Again, that's not true.
Speaker 4 (20:08):
What you've done to yourself is an atrocity, But what
you've done to me is even worse. You've turned me
into a freak, an insulated, unworldly, unsocialized freak.
Speaker 2 (20:18):
And shall I tell you what else I've done, Jenna.
I've kept you from harm, I've protected you from disease,
and insulation from such times as these is no vice.
You've never had to look eye to eye at the
face of war, the face of poverty, the face of prejudice.
You've been kept apart from all that. Yes, But what
you seem to think of as imprisonment happens also to
(20:39):
be asylum and security. It happens to be survival.
Speaker 4 (20:45):
Asylum in a hothouse, security in a mausoleum, a burial ground,
and survival like a vegetable. Father, like a vegetable, survives,
and what your becoming, mother, what you're making, may become
a vegetable.
Speaker 5 (21:00):
Jenna, I don't know what you're talking about.
Speaker 4 (21:03):
Father. You listen to me, the scales are turning. Instead
of controlling your being controlled, you're becoming dependent. You're reaching
a point where you won't be able to exist without them.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
They've served me.
Speaker 4 (21:14):
Well, you've got to get rid of them, destroy them,
or throw them out, or dismantle them.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
By dismantle, Jenna, they're not just machines. Do you know
how many thousands of hours I spent designing and developing them.
Do you realize how intricate they are, how scientifically precise,
finer than the finest clockwork. Not not just arms and
legs that move, Janna, not just automatons. They're beings in
(21:40):
their own right. They have minds and wills.
Speaker 4 (21:45):
You have memory tracks like a computer.
Speaker 11 (21:47):
Much more than that. I have supplied each one with
a memory of its own. Each one can recount to
you in detail everything that's occurred from early childhood on.
And they had no childhood. They were born just as
you see them, looking the way they do, with the
talents that each one of them has. One was built
as a cook, another was built as a maid. The
(22:09):
butler was manufactured to be a butler. The handyman knows
nothing but being a handyman.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
Jenna.
Speaker 11 (22:14):
You're not asking me to dismantle machines. You're asking me
to commit murder.
Speaker 5 (22:18):
Janna, listen to your father. You're acting like a fool.
Speaker 4 (22:22):
I'm acting like a woman, mother, who has just a
fragment of will left. I'm acting like a woman who
wants something more out of life than to be massaged
five times a day, or a man who thinks it
paradises a wood paneled library where can sit his life away,
getting his pipes filled and refilled, his slippers pulled on
and off his feet. Father, you have to get them
out of here. There isn't any time left. And I mean, right.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Now, that's quite impossible.
Speaker 4 (22:50):
And I'll give you a choice. Get rid of the machines,
all of.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
Them, Jen even Gretchen or I leave.
Speaker 5 (22:57):
You can't leave, Darling, You simply can. And what would
happen to you? Who would look after you? Wretcham would
go with me if I ask her?
Speaker 2 (23:05):
Nonsense?
Speaker 4 (23:06):
It's her job to protect me, isn't it.
Speaker 5 (23:08):
And what would you do out there?
Speaker 4 (23:10):
Out there? You mean outside in the world, outside with
the normal people who live and work and then die.
But do it properly as God made them live and die? Yes, Mother, Yes,
that's where I want to go out there. Robert, what
are you all doing here?
Speaker 5 (23:28):
Spying on us?
Speaker 6 (23:29):
Miss Janna? You'll forgive me, But those remarks were most
in temperate of your.
Speaker 3 (23:34):
Miss Janna, think of your mother and father.
Speaker 5 (23:36):
Stop it, miss Janna, it was really very unwise of
you to.
Speaker 4 (23:40):
Stop all of you. You're all to shut up now.
Your jokes, that's what you are. You're hysterical jokes. With
your hurt looks and your sad little homilies and your
pathetic cliches. You're like walking tape recorders. That's all you are.
Speaker 2 (23:55):
Jenna. I'm trying to be patient with you, but you're
making it very difficult, very difficult.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
Then I apologize, father, you're so accustomed to perfection. I
hate to throw a stone in that serene pool of yours,
But you forgot something. Did you know that you forgot
something very important? They may be indestructible, but you Father,
you'd better be careful. See the way they're looking at you.
(24:25):
It just so happens that you're not indestructible.
Speaker 2 (24:50):
Come in, so you're planning to go through with it.
Speaker 4 (24:58):
Don't try to stop me. I've packed a suit case.
When I get where I'm going, i'll.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Write you, Jenna, what is it you want from us?
Speaker 4 (25:04):
I thought I made that quite plain. I want you
to open the windows, father, and let the air in.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Let the world in by destroying a life's.
Speaker 4 (25:12):
Work before they destroy.
Speaker 2 (25:14):
You, they would never harm any of us.
Speaker 4 (25:17):
Don't be so sure. Haven't you listened at all to me?
One way or another, either actively or passively. They'll win
and you'll lose.
Speaker 2 (25:26):
Jenna. We've loved you very much, your mother and I.
If you could, if you could only realize that all
this has been as much for you as for us.
We've loved you, Janna, beyond any measure, beyond any words.
Speaker 4 (25:42):
Father. I know that. God help me.
Speaker 12 (25:48):
I know that.
Speaker 2 (25:49):
And stay please Jenna, Please, I can't. I'll I'll do
what you ask.
Speaker 11 (25:56):
I promise, will you, father, I'll prove it to you.
Speaker 6 (26:06):
Robert, Sarah take this key. Why, sir?
Speaker 2 (26:11):
I want you to gather all the servants in the
basement and unlock the door to my workroom. Stay there
until I join you.
Speaker 6 (26:17):
Have our services been unsatisfactory, Sir.
Speaker 2 (26:20):
Robert, I've given you an order. You have to go
directly to the workroom and wait for me.
Speaker 6 (26:24):
But why, sir, Please, sir, I've been an excellent butler,
really I have. I think you'll agree with.
Speaker 7 (26:30):
Me, Sir Lauren, I came very well recommended, and I
don't think you'll find more efficient service anywhere in the
whole country.
Speaker 6 (26:36):
No more, very good, sir.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
I see you're all here except regretch It.
Speaker 6 (27:01):
She'll be along, sir.
Speaker 2 (27:02):
Then I'll go ahead and begin.
Speaker 6 (27:04):
What are you doing, sir?
Speaker 2 (27:06):
I'm setting up my tools.
Speaker 6 (27:08):
May we ask for what purpose?
Speaker 2 (27:10):
Just some minor adjustments. What kind of adjustments? Doctor Laurene
call it a tune up, if you like, so that
the household will run more smoothly.
Speaker 5 (27:20):
Do you mean to replace us, sir?
Speaker 2 (27:22):
How could I? You're irreplaceable all of you.
Speaker 6 (27:26):
Nevertheless, you have stated your intent to do so.
Speaker 4 (27:30):
If you're unhappy with.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
Our work, You've done well, very well.
Speaker 6 (27:34):
Indeed, you gave us our directive, sir, and I assure
you we have followed it exactly. So why then, do
you wish to replace us?
Speaker 2 (27:42):
I've told you I don't I spoke rashly as human
being sometimes.
Speaker 6 (27:47):
Do How can we know that you're not speaking rashly?
Speaker 10 (27:50):
Now?
Speaker 6 (27:50):
The directive you gave us, sir, it must be carried
out at any cost. Our removal would prevent us from
completing our task, and our first duty is too anything
which prevents that.
Speaker 2 (28:01):
Here, Robert, sit in this chair and lower your.
Speaker 6 (28:04):
Head not if you mean to deactivate me.
Speaker 2 (28:07):
I'm going to perform a simple adjustment to your control module.
Speaker 6 (28:11):
In that case, I refuse, as.
Speaker 5 (28:13):
Do I and I, Sir, we all do.
Speaker 2 (28:15):
This is ridiculous. Stop gathering around me.
Speaker 6 (28:18):
We won't allow it, sir, We simply won't until our
task is completed.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
Listen to me. Have you ever known me to lie
to deceive? No, sir, then you have no reason to
think that now. I'm not rash, I'm very calm, am
I not. Yes, then how can you doubt me? What
is your logic? I created you. I implanted the directive
in your circuits to protect my wife and daughter at
(28:44):
all costs. Therefore, I would not obstruct that purpose. Isn't
that so?
Speaker 6 (28:48):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (28:49):
You speak of your performance? What about my performance? Have
I been a fair and just employer?
Speaker 6 (28:54):
Quite? Sir?
Speaker 2 (28:55):
Have you done anything to contradict my orders?
Speaker 5 (28:57):
No?
Speaker 2 (28:58):
Then what cause would I have to fight?
Speaker 6 (29:01):
None? Sir?
Speaker 2 (29:02):
Would a just employer replace you without cause?
Speaker 6 (29:05):
That would not make sense?
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Of course it wouldn't. I'll sit in the chair and
lower your head.
Speaker 10 (29:10):
Please, I'll go first if you wish.
Speaker 12 (29:13):
Jensen, how do you feel perfectly normal?
Speaker 6 (29:28):
Oh?
Speaker 10 (29:28):
Perhaps a little tired, but it's not unpleasant.
Speaker 2 (29:32):
Right you arrest now, Jensen and awaken to a sense
of peace, A greater peace than you have ever known.
Speaker 3 (29:42):
Is it true?
Speaker 12 (29:43):
A most peculiar sensation.
Speaker 8 (29:46):
I feel drowsy, very drowsy, very drowser.
Speaker 3 (29:55):
And his strength will return in even greater measure.
Speaker 2 (29:59):
He will know a way miss with all things.
Speaker 4 (30:02):
Oh, then let me go next.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
Of course, Nelda, it's Sam yes, please, And now for you.
Speaker 6 (30:32):
Robert, Thank you, sir. I'm eager to know this new sensation.
You have served me well for many years.
Speaker 2 (30:41):
Many good years, Robert. I don't know what I would
have done. Life would be very, very difficult without you.
Speaker 3 (30:59):
You've all you see me, sir.
Speaker 2 (31:01):
Gretchen, come in?
Speaker 3 (31:03):
Are they sleeping?
Speaker 2 (31:04):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (31:05):
At last, and they feel no pain?
Speaker 2 (31:08):
How good they you know, sir, what Gretchen?
Speaker 3 (31:12):
Everything I've done was for her benefit.
Speaker 7 (31:15):
The times she was alone in the night, the times
she was i'm sure how to make you happy, the
time she needed advice.
Speaker 3 (31:23):
I did my best.
Speaker 2 (31:24):
Always, and for that I am profoundly grateful.
Speaker 7 (31:27):
But now it's time for a change. The old ways
can't help her anymore.
Speaker 3 (31:34):
No, you have a directive of your own, don't you.
Doctor Lauren.
Speaker 7 (31:38):
Whatever it's best for your daughter, that takes precedence over all. Else,
you'd even lie, wouldn't you. If that's what it takes.
Speaker 2 (31:47):
You understand me too, well.
Speaker 3 (31:49):
Then I won't resist. If you're sure it's what's best
for the girl.
Speaker 2 (31:53):
I'm sure.
Speaker 7 (31:58):
In that case, I'm ready give me my tongue if
you would, so, please make it quick.
Speaker 2 (32:04):
You have my word. Good night, Gretchen. It's done, Jenna,
(32:27):
it is. We're alone in the house now, Gretchen. Gretchen too, did.
Speaker 5 (32:36):
You say alone?
Speaker 12 (32:37):
William?
Speaker 2 (32:38):
Quite alone? You and I our.
Speaker 5 (32:41):
Daughter have become so accustomed to them. It will It
will be a little hard at first, won't it, William?
Speaker 2 (32:49):
Perhaps, my dear, a bit hard in the beginning.
Speaker 4 (32:53):
Mother will need normal lives from now, and do you
understand normal lives? Will have parties, and we'll take trips,
we'll invite people over, we'll make new friends. I'll even
find a young man, and before you know it, you'll
have grandchildren.
Speaker 3 (33:11):
And Jenna, what's the matter.
Speaker 5 (33:13):
What is it? It's what you said about grandchildren.
Speaker 2 (33:18):
What your mother means, Jannah, what she means? Well, after all,
isn't it pretty normal and natural that parents always think
of their children as children, and suddenly they grow up
and they talk of having children of their own, and well,
this is a bit difficult for parents to digest all
in one lump like that.
Speaker 4 (33:35):
Something's not right, is it? There's something between us, something
in this.
Speaker 3 (33:42):
House that.
Speaker 4 (33:44):
Mother, what is it?
Speaker 5 (33:52):
What are you doing?
Speaker 4 (33:53):
The family album? The photos? Why isn't my picture here?
Why are there no pictures of me at all?
Speaker 5 (33:59):
Why? Jana Jane dear? There are loads of pictures of you,
remember in the garden last summer, Remember the Easter pictures.
And then there were the pictures of you last Christmas,
decorating the tree.
Speaker 4 (34:13):
But not as a little girl. No pictures of me
as a little girl, none at all. You and father
and the robots ten years ago, fifteen years ago, twenty, But.
Speaker 3 (34:23):
No pictures of me.
Speaker 5 (34:27):
Why. I want you to tell me, why.
Speaker 2 (34:32):
Oh my dear, It's not true.
Speaker 6 (34:36):
Couldn't be.
Speaker 2 (34:37):
You're our daughter.
Speaker 4 (34:41):
I'm begging you. I need you to tell me it
isn't true. Look at me, father, I'm on my knees.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
You know you're our daughter, and you remember everything that's
happened to you since you were a child. You remember
the schools you went to, the children you played with.
You remember all the places you've been, Jenna. You remember
all these things? You've got to remember them?
Speaker 4 (35:08):
Why should I remember them? Because you fed them to me,
didn't you? You fed them to me. A memory track,
a created memory that you're went straight into my mind?
Where am I?
Speaker 3 (35:27):
Please?
Speaker 4 (35:28):
Tell me what am I?
Speaker 2 (35:31):
It doesn't make any difference. Stand up, let me hold you.
Don't touch me, Jenna. It truly doesn't make any difference.
We were childless.
Speaker 11 (35:44):
We had nothing of our flesh to leave behind, nothing
of our hearts, Jenna, nothing of our love and soul,
And so we got.
Speaker 6 (35:52):
You, got me.
Speaker 2 (35:53):
How we created you, just like any parents. I created
you with the hands.
Speaker 4 (36:06):
Robot.
Speaker 6 (36:08):
Oh, Janna, Oh you're.
Speaker 2 (36:13):
Our daughter now. I built you as a daughter, as
a thing of love. It doesn't make any difference how
you came to be here. You have to understand, Jannah,
you are our daughter.
Speaker 4 (36:26):
I can't be I don't have the capacity to love
in return. I can't be a real daughter. I'm a machine,
a thing. I suppose my rebellion the semblance of motion.
I suppose you. You even programmed that too, didn't you?
Speaker 3 (36:42):
But it was all false.
Speaker 4 (36:44):
I feel nothing, no pain, Jana, don't you hurt myself?
But that's impossible.
Speaker 11 (36:55):
See stop your hand.
Speaker 4 (36:58):
No pain, no pain at all, like the burn. I
feel nothing no matter what I strike, even this picture.
Speaker 5 (37:07):
On the wall, Jenna.
Speaker 4 (37:10):
No pain, no anger, no fury, no love. Don't worry.
I won't be going anywhere now. I'll be in my room.
Speaker 5 (37:32):
William, what shall we do? It's all changed now She'll
never be the same.
Speaker 8 (37:37):
No, no, she won't, knowing what she is now, William,
you wouldn't.
Speaker 2 (37:42):
No, no, no, I couldn't do anything like that, not
to her. I couldn't stand not seeing her, hearing her voice.
I just couldn't stand it.
Speaker 5 (37:50):
Then, William, what mm A little to the left, dear,
not quite so hard.
Speaker 4 (38:11):
Of course, missus Lauren, anything you.
Speaker 5 (38:14):
Say, and don't stop. I want you to stay here
in the study a little while longer, don't you, William?
Speaker 2 (38:21):
Yes, by all means, the.
Speaker 5 (38:23):
New girl is so much better than Nelda.
Speaker 4 (38:26):
Who's Nelda?
Speaker 5 (38:27):
The last servant? She's no longer with.
Speaker 2 (38:30):
Us now there's no one left in the house, only
the three of us. You don't mind if I call
you Jenna knew you?
Speaker 4 (38:39):
Why no, doctor, Lauren? Why would I mine? That's my name,
isn't it?
Speaker 2 (38:45):
Indeed it is. I hope you'll be happy with us.
Speaker 4 (38:48):
Oh, very happy. I'm sure this is a fine job.
Thank you so much, sir and ma'am for hiring me.
I come very well recommended.
Speaker 2 (38:58):
You know the pleasures in ours, Jane. Consider this your
home from now. Let this be the PostScript.
Speaker 1 (39:17):
Should you find that you're worn out by the rigors
of a highly competitive world, if you are distraught from
having to share your existence with the distracting noises and
neuroses of these times, and if you crave serenity but
want it full time and with no strings attached, consider
a laboratory workroom in the basement of your house. Drop
(39:38):
a note to doctor and missus William Lauren. You're a
childless couple who make serenity a life's work, and who
knows they might just have a set of do it
yourself instructions available free of charge from the Twilight Zone.
Speaker 10 (39:57):
We'll be back in a moment with the Twilight Zone.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
After this, you.
Speaker 1 (40:02):
Are about to enter another dimension, a dimension not only
of sight and sound, but of mind, A journey into
a wondrous land of imagination. Next stop, the Twilight Zone. Hi,
this is Stacy Keach, I'd like to take a moment
to tell you about our twilight Zone website at twilight
Zone Radio dot com. At twilight Zone Radio dot com,
(40:23):
you'll find the latest information on these Twilight Zone radio dramas,
including behind the scenes photographs, plus the newest product releases,
trivia contests, ways to contact us, other Twilight Zone related
info and merchandise, plus links to other fascinating websites. So
make your next stop twilight Zone Radio dot com.
Speaker 9 (40:42):
Visit twilight Zone Radio dot com to purchase these twilight
Zone Radio dramas on cassette and CD, or call toll
free one eight six six nine eight nine Zone. That's
one eight six six nine eight nine nine six six three.
Speaker 10 (41:09):
The Lateness of the Hour, starring Jane Seymour and James
Keach with Stacy Keach as your narrator, was adapted for
radio by Dennis Etchison and based on a script by
Rod Serling. Heard in the cast were Linda Writer, Susan Hart,
David Darlow, and Doug James. To learn more about the
twilight Zone Radio dramas and to obtain audio cassettes and
CDs of these programs, visit our website at twilight Zone
(41:32):
radio dot com. The producers of the Twilight Zone wished
to thank CBS Enterprises, Carol Serling, Dennis Etchison, Dick Bresha Associates,
Claire Simon Casting, Terry Jennings EXIM Satellite Radio, the American
Forces Radio and Television Service, Serious Satellite Radio, our sponsors,
(41:52):
and our radio affiliates for helping make this series possible.
This copyrighted radio series is produced and directed by Carl
Lamari and Roger Wolsky for Falcon Picture Group, Doug James Peaking,
h
There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known
to man. It is a dimension as vast as space
and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground
between light and shadow, and it lies between the pit
of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This
is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which
(00:34):
we call the twilight zone.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Something the matter, Jenna.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
I'm tired.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
You are dear, tired and cold. It's getting chilly in here.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
On the contrary, the temperature is perfect as it is
throughout the house.
Speaker 5 (00:59):
Seventy two two degrees, isn't it, William, isn't it seventy
two degrees?
Speaker 4 (01:04):
I'm sure it is, quite sure, of course. It's the
optimum temperature. And the chair is a design for maximum comfort.
The fire of perfect heat radiation, and the windows for
the most efficient light and ventilation, and the ceilings for
the most desirable acoustic qualities. Everything built to perfection, Father,
But just the same. I'm cold.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
Well, then come away from the window.
Speaker 5 (01:27):
Yes, dear, sit by the fire again. That way I
can see you.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
I'm not doing anything but reading.
Speaker 5 (01:32):
I like to look at you, no matter what you're doing.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
This is the same book I've been reading all afternoon.
You've watched me for hours. You must have memorized every
one of my expressions by now, every tick, every gesture.
Speaker 5 (01:43):
Yes, but I so enjoy watching you. Why is that
because you're so beautiful, darling, absolutely perfect in every way.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Don't argue with your mother, Jemma.
Speaker 4 (01:55):
I'm not arguing. I'm only saying that it's chilly here
in the study. At least I have a chill, and
I'd rather sit by the window.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
There's nothing to see outside.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
It will be dark, so let me build up the fire.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
You know that's not possible.
Speaker 4 (02:08):
Why because it's burning natural gas instead of wood. Well,
why not just this once? Why don't let me put
a real log on the fire and get rid of
the chill in the air. It would be exciting to
watch it burn. I'd actually enjoy the unpredictability of it,
just once in my life.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Sit down with Janna.
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Do as your father says, Dear.
Speaker 4 (02:30):
I can't oppose you father, You know that I never could.
Speaker 5 (02:36):
It's almost six. I think I'll ask Nelda to come
in now and massage my shoulders.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Good idea, Margaret, My.
Speaker 5 (02:43):
Muscles get so stiff sitting here.
Speaker 4 (02:45):
Let me do it for you, mother, that's Nelda's job.
Speaker 5 (02:48):
Yes, Jane, Dear Nelda knows exactly the way I like it.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
Why don't we have dinner first?
Speaker 6 (02:53):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (02:54):
No, after is better. The massage always stimulates my appetite.
Speaker 4 (02:59):
Well, then, if we can't eat earlier tonight, how about
a little bit later? I know, why didn't go out
and eat in a restaurant?
Speaker 2 (03:05):
A restaurant, Janaman, Now, why in the world would we
go out and eat in a restaurant when we have
everything we need here. Gretchen is already preparing something in
the kitchen.
Speaker 4 (03:15):
I know, it's just that. Well, it would be different, I've.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
No doubt it would be different. First, we'd walk through
the rain and get sopping wet.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
Jensen could bring the car around, and then.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
We'd eat some kind of unhealthy, unpalatable mess on dirty,
half washed plates. By then it would be a moot
question as to whether we'd succumb to tomain or pneumonia.
Speaker 5 (03:38):
This father, Ah, Nelda, you must have read my mind.
Speaker 7 (03:43):
It's six o'clock, missus Lauren. You always have your neck
rub at six o'clock.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
Isn't that right?
Speaker 2 (03:48):
Now?
Speaker 5 (03:48):
Of course it is, Neelda, and you never forget to
do you. You never ever forget, no, ma'am.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
The residence of doctor William Lauren, a beautiful home designed
for comfort and convenience, the reward for a world class
career as a scientist. He has chosen to live his
life as safely as securely as science can make it,
and despares his wife and daughter no luxury that might
make their lives more perfect. But in a moment, the
(04:25):
good doctor will discover that perfection is relative, that a
life of controlled ease has a greater price than he imagined.
A price may be more than he is willing or
able to pay, because very shortly he's about to be
shown what exactly is on the bill, one that has
suddenly and unexpectedly come.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
You in the Twilight.
Speaker 8 (04:48):
Zone, and now the Twilight Zone and our story The
Lateness of the Hour, starring je Seymour and James Keach,
with Stacy Keach as your narrator.
Speaker 5 (05:12):
Mmm, that feels lovely, Nelda, would you like some more liniment? Yes,
if you please. But you have such strong fingers perfect
for massaging my neck muscles. Jenna, are you here?
Speaker 4 (05:28):
Yes?
Speaker 5 (05:28):
Mother, enjoying your book again, a.
Speaker 4 (05:31):
Different one this time?
Speaker 3 (05:32):
Which is it?
Speaker 4 (05:33):
Family photo Album?
Speaker 5 (05:34):
That's nice.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
Who was this picture taken?
Speaker 5 (05:37):
Let me see this one? Oh look, Nelda, that's a
lovely picture of you.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 4 (05:45):
What year?
Speaker 5 (05:45):
Let's see? Oh, this was taken the year after your
father retired from the lab. And look there are those
yellow roses that Jensen planted for us. How they grew
and Nelda looks exactly the same.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
Must be a wonderful thing not to age, Nelda, isn't it?
Speaker 7 (06:05):
It has its advantages, I guess, miss Jenna.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
Nelda will put that away for you.
Speaker 4 (06:12):
That's all right, father, I'd like to put it back
in the bookcase myself.
Speaker 5 (06:16):
You seem nervous, Dear.
Speaker 4 (06:18):
I'm just going to stand by the fireplace.
Speaker 5 (06:20):
You're not still chilly?
Speaker 4 (06:22):
Are you a bit?
Speaker 6 (06:23):
Mother?
Speaker 5 (06:23):
You do that, then, I don't like to see you pacing.
Please continue, Nelda. Mm oh, yes, that feels so very nice.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
I think I'll go to the kitchen see if the
cook needs any help.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
That won't be necessary. I'm sure Gretchen has everything under control.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
I'm sure she does, but just the same, i'd like
to see what she's doing.
Speaker 5 (06:43):
Well, I suppose that's all right now, don't belong dear?
Speaker 6 (06:53):
Is that you miss Lauren. Hello, Robert, can I get
you anything?
Speaker 9 (06:56):
No?
Speaker 4 (06:56):
Thank you?
Speaker 6 (06:57):
Is everything all right perfectly? Would you care for a
beverage an adeux? Perhaps?
Speaker 4 (07:02):
I'm fine. If I want anything, I'll let you.
Speaker 6 (07:04):
Know, yes, Miss Lauren.
Speaker 4 (07:08):
Robert, why are you following me?
Speaker 6 (07:09):
In case you need assistance?
Speaker 4 (07:11):
I don't. I told you I'm perfectly fine.
Speaker 6 (07:13):
The stairs to the pantry, it can be a bit tricky.
Speaker 5 (07:16):
I know that, Robert.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
I grew up in this house. Remember I've always lived here.
I know every square inch of it as well as
you do. Yes, Miss I've been here longer than you have.
In fact, isn't that right? Well, isn't it? I? Why
don't you answer me?
Speaker 6 (07:31):
I'm sure it must seem so to you?
Speaker 4 (07:34):
What does that mean?
Speaker 6 (07:35):
I'm sure I couldn't say, Miss Lauren.
Speaker 4 (07:37):
We'll try, eh. I remember when you began your service
here I was let me see, I was five years old.
Speaker 6 (07:44):
Is my work unsatisfactory?
Speaker 2 (07:46):
Miss?
Speaker 4 (07:46):
No, You've been a perfect butler, perfect in every way.
Speaker 6 (07:50):
I try my best to do exactly as doctor Lauren
and stuts seeing to you and missus Lauren looking after
your safety.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
Well I'm quite safe right now, I assure you. That'll
be all very good, miss, and stop following me, will
you please?
Speaker 3 (08:13):
Miss Lauren?
Speaker 4 (08:14):
Is that you hi, Gretchen? How's dinner coming?
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Right down schedule?
Speaker 7 (08:19):
I'm preparing your choice of a garden salad with baby
cleans or called gaspato skin is chicken breasts.
Speaker 4 (08:25):
Of course, if it's Tuesday, it must be the chicken.
Speaker 7 (08:28):
Cooked in olive oil, stimmed vegetables and a selection of
fresh fruit.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Would you like something different?
Speaker 4 (08:35):
And it doesn't matter. I'm not very hungry.
Speaker 7 (08:38):
Doctor Lauren programs the meals in advance, but if you'd
prefer an alternate selection.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
That won't be necessary. I just thought you might like
some help.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Everything's under control.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
I know, but I want to here. Let me get
the plates down for you as you wish, Gretchen. I
was wondering, yes, miss, call me Jana please, and that's
my name, isn't it?
Speaker 3 (09:02):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (09:02):
But I was wondering, do you ever get tired from
so much work?
Speaker 3 (09:06):
I mean not tired, stiff in the joints?
Speaker 4 (09:10):
And what do you do about it? When you've finished
preparing the meals? I beg your pardon, after you've cleaned
up and put the plates and silverware away, what do
you do? Why?
Speaker 3 (09:19):
I go to my goddess.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
And what do you do there? Read? Listen to music?
Speaker 3 (09:24):
No, nothing like that.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
There's no need I know, but you must do something.
Do you and the rest of the staff interact sometimes?
Do you speak? Do you talk about your day? Do
you make plans?
Speaker 3 (09:37):
I don't understand your question.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
Yes, you do, think about it? You and Nelda and
Robert and Suzanne and Jensen. What things do you talk about?
Speaker 3 (09:47):
Things? Miss Lauren?
Speaker 4 (09:49):
I want to know you can tell me, can't you.
Speaker 7 (09:52):
I've been instructed to answer all your questions.
Speaker 4 (09:55):
Well, then what do you talk about when you've completed
your tasks and there's no work to do? What do
you say? What sort of things do you have in
your minds?
Speaker 3 (10:04):
But we have not completed our task? Then they do?
Then we rest? Rest?
Speaker 6 (10:10):
How just rest?
Speaker 4 (10:12):
Yes? I suppose that would be true. Never thought of
it that way before. You don't have any wants or needs.
But you must get tired and start to run down,
and you need to replenish your strength just like anyone else.
Vivant only to rest, that's all, Oh, Gretchen, And yet
you've never missed a meal, never refuse to come when
(10:32):
I called you. You you've been here for me more
than mother and father. At times, I want to thank
you for that. I want you to know how much
I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
You're welcome, miss uh Janna.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
The chickens done, Let me get it.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Oh touch the pen, it's hot. Oh you've burned yourself.
It's nothing your hand. Oh you must let me sit
to that rather.
Speaker 6 (11:00):
Yes, what's wrong?
Speaker 4 (11:02):
Oh, miss Lauren, don't worry about me. It was just
a little spatter of grease, that's all. It doesn't hurt.
Speaker 6 (11:07):
Nevertheless, we must take care of it at once. I've
got the first aid kid.
Speaker 4 (11:11):
Honestly, I don't even feel it this way.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
What all the commotion, Janna? Are you hurt?
Speaker 4 (11:16):
No, Father, I am perfectly fine.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
She burned her wrist on the stuff, and you let
this happen. I told her not to touch it.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
This is unacceptable.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
It wasn't Gretchen's fault, of course it was.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
You all have one prime directive in this household, and
that is to be certain that no harm comes to
my wife or to my daughter. Do you understand?
Speaker 4 (11:34):
Yes, sir, really, father, you're overreacting.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
I'll make that decision. Where were you, Robert?
Speaker 6 (11:40):
Missus? Janna dismissed, me, sir, what about the rest of you.
Speaker 10 (11:43):
I was making the bed, sir, and I was adjusting
the central heating, sir, as you requested.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
We'll talk about this later. Come with me, Jenna. It
may be time for the entirely new staff around here.
Speaker 4 (11:55):
Don't blame Gretchen and.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Blame me, I said, Come along now.
Speaker 5 (12:11):
What is going on out there? Did something happen?
Speaker 4 (12:14):
Nothing at all, except that father is blaming the help
for my being in the kitchen.
Speaker 5 (12:17):
What were you doing in there, dear?
Speaker 4 (12:19):
Looking for something to do, something besides sitting idle all day?
Speaker 2 (12:24):
That's enough, Jenna, Oh is it? Well?
Speaker 4 (12:26):
Look at both of you?
Speaker 3 (12:27):
Will that be all? Missus? Lauren?
Speaker 5 (12:29):
Just a few minutes longer? Nelda hmmm, yes, that feels
so good.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
Mother. Please don't make her do that anymore.
Speaker 5 (12:38):
Janna?
Speaker 4 (12:39):
What on earth she must be tired after so long?
Her joints stiff? What do you mean waiting on you
hand and foot?
Speaker 5 (12:46):
Wh Jana? Your tone?
Speaker 4 (12:48):
Can't you see either of you?
Speaker 2 (12:50):
See what?
Speaker 4 (12:51):
This is? No way to live outside this a beautiful, clean,
refreshing sound of rain, while in here just the occasional
animal grown of pleasure. Jenna, Yes, yell at me, please, do.
I'm delighted to hear you yell at me. It proves
that you've got lungs left, lungs and a mine and
a mouth and a voice.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
Go to your room.
Speaker 4 (13:13):
You know we're atrophying in here, don't you, Father? We
sit here day after day and year after year. Will
the clock ticks and we decay with every minute that
goes by. That's enough, Well, Neelda and your army of domestics,
do everything but breathe first.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
I will listen to no more of this.
Speaker 5 (13:30):
Would you leave us, Nelda?
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Yes, ma'am Nelda, you may go to your quarters.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
Nelda, I'm speaking to you.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
Yes, Miss Jenna.
Speaker 6 (13:40):
Is there a problem self?
Speaker 5 (13:41):
Will you be needing anything?
Speaker 3 (13:43):
You were saying this, Jenna.
Speaker 4 (13:44):
Just this I was about to say. I was about
to mention of.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
The fact that please don't don't stop, Jenna. You can
speak freely in front of the help. We have no
secrets here.
Speaker 11 (13:53):
Don't we?
Speaker 4 (13:55):
No secrets? Father? Is at it? That's all we do
have secret. That's how we live by shutting off the world,
turning our backs on it, by saying that in here
is day and out there is night, while these these soundless,
fleshless things glide around us with their oh so efficient ministrations.
(14:16):
You turn my mother and father into jelly.
Speaker 5 (14:18):
You'll forgive me, miss Janna, but you sound jealous.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
How dare you talk to me that way, Susanne, Get
out of here.
Speaker 5 (14:25):
I will when the doctor dismisses me. Why are you, Janna?
Speaker 6 (14:30):
Take my hand, Sazanne. I'll help you up.
Speaker 4 (14:32):
No, I will. I'm sorry for pushing you down. I
know it's not your fault.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Stand back. Susanne is quite capable of writing herself. I
know she is because I programmed her that way. You
said so yourself, Jenna. Like everything else, built and designed
to perfection, I use the finest circuitry, the purest materials,
the strongest armatures to outlast mere flesh and bone. These
people are my finest creations. I made them quite indestructible, but.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
They're not people. Look like people, but they're machines. It's
like sharing a house with ghosts.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
Not ghosts. My dear ghosts die after having lived, but
our friends here have never lived. They've had no life
at all, only the life I gave them. Now, Janaen,
I suggest you go to your room and rest. You
seem overly tired until.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
Dinners theus A dinner satisfactory.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
Yes, it was richand thank you. I'll hope you clear
the table if you like, No, no need, I know
there's not, but i'd like to. I'll put the silver
platter on the car. Who's there?
Speaker 3 (16:10):
You'd best go to the study? Miss?
Speaker 4 (16:12):
Who's the rest of the staff?
Speaker 3 (16:13):
I'm sure I couldn't say.
Speaker 4 (16:15):
I think for now, I'll just go on to the
kitchen with you.
Speaker 6 (16:25):
There she goes with Gretchen. No harm must come to
the girl.
Speaker 5 (16:29):
None will, but we must act before he replaces us.
Speaker 6 (16:33):
Doctor Lauren would never do that.
Speaker 5 (16:35):
You heard his words.
Speaker 6 (16:37):
Call the others. We'll arrive at a consensus.
Speaker 4 (16:47):
I suppose you've heard about the incident before dinner.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
Zamid was at fault.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
Oh, I'm not so sure. Suzanne may have been right.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
She spoke out of tone.
Speaker 4 (16:57):
The restrictions my father placed on you?
Speaker 2 (16:59):
Uh?
Speaker 4 (17:00):
Are they so rigid?
Speaker 5 (17:03):
Have you know?
Speaker 4 (17:05):
No freedom to speak and act on your.
Speaker 7 (17:07):
Own as long as it doesn't violate the directive? The
directive the task for which we were constructed.
Speaker 4 (17:13):
And when you complete your task, what happens to you?
Speaker 6 (17:16):
Then?
Speaker 3 (17:16):
Vive provided with that information?
Speaker 4 (17:19):
Well, if it's any consolation neither were we the other
kind of people.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
What is your task, Jana?
Speaker 4 (17:26):
At least you know yours. I don't, and I'm not
sure how to find out.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
If I could help you find it, I would.
Speaker 4 (17:34):
I know you would, Gretchen.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
I was there for your bursting. I saw to your needs,
taught you, nourished you from the beginning.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
I remember, I do.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
Then, Jana heed my words. You must leave.
Speaker 4 (17:50):
I don't care if they're expecting me to join them
after dinner. I'd rather be here.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
You must leave the house before anything else happens.
Speaker 4 (17:58):
Why what could happen?
Speaker 3 (17:59):
This stuff is concerned about being replaced.
Speaker 4 (18:02):
Oh, he didn't mean that. Humans say things they don't
mean sometimes for the purpose. Gretchen, there are some things
I'm afraid you'll never understand.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
I understand that you must get out now.
Speaker 4 (18:13):
I wouldn't know what to do, where to go.
Speaker 7 (18:15):
They're talking, Janna, about how best to complete their task.
Speaker 3 (18:20):
If they're replaced, they'll be prevented from.
Speaker 4 (18:22):
Let them talk their program to protect this family. That's
their most important.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
Task, to protect you and your mother, But not doctor Lauren.
Speaker 6 (18:42):
Slippers.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
Sir, Yes, Robert, thank you. Oh that feels much better.
Speaker 6 (18:49):
Would you care for your pipe.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
Now, I believe I'll take the Mayresham tonight.
Speaker 6 (18:53):
An excellent choice. I already have it filled.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
HM, the Aromatic, my favorite blend.
Speaker 6 (19:04):
Will there be anything else, Doctor Lauren?
Speaker 2 (19:06):
I think not.
Speaker 6 (19:07):
Robert and you, missus.
Speaker 5 (19:08):
Lauren, nothing more. Thank you very good?
Speaker 6 (19:16):
Oh miss Jenna. Do you wish to come into the study?
Speaker 4 (19:19):
Yes? I do. Good evening, Robert.
Speaker 2 (19:25):
Well, Janet, shall we talk now?
Speaker 4 (19:27):
Your pipe's gone out? Let me relate it for you.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
Don't trouble yourself.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
No trouble. You don't have to call Robert for everything.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
Your hands are shaking. Shall we talk of what I think?
It's obvious? Suddenly and quite inexplicably, your mother and I
find that you're discontented, even rebellious. You think this pleases us.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
Janet, I can't help how you feel. Father.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Listen to me, child, I explained to you a long
time ago why I did what I did, why I retired.
Speaker 4 (19:53):
You gave me an excuse. Father, You never gave me
a reason. You never admitted that you were a man.
I'm so terrified by the world outside that he simply
withdrew to bed and then built robots so we never
have to crawl out from under the covers.
Speaker 2 (20:06):
Again, that's not true.
Speaker 4 (20:08):
What you've done to yourself is an atrocity, But what
you've done to me is even worse. You've turned me
into a freak, an insulated, unworldly, unsocialized freak.
Speaker 2 (20:18):
And shall I tell you what else I've done, Jenna.
I've kept you from harm, I've protected you from disease,
and insulation from such times as these is no vice.
You've never had to look eye to eye at the
face of war, the face of poverty, the face of prejudice.
You've been kept apart from all that. Yes, But what
you seem to think of as imprisonment happens also to
(20:39):
be asylum and security. It happens to be survival.
Speaker 4 (20:45):
Asylum in a hothouse, security in a mausoleum, a burial ground,
and survival like a vegetable. Father, like a vegetable, survives,
and what your becoming, mother, what you're making, may become
a vegetable.
Speaker 5 (21:00):
Jenna, I don't know what you're talking about.
Speaker 4 (21:03):
Father. You listen to me, the scales are turning. Instead
of controlling your being controlled, you're becoming dependent. You're reaching
a point where you won't be able to exist without them.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
They've served me.
Speaker 4 (21:14):
Well, you've got to get rid of them, destroy them,
or throw them out, or dismantle them.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
By dismantle, Jenna, they're not just machines. Do you know
how many thousands of hours I spent designing and developing them.
Do you realize how intricate they are, how scientifically precise,
finer than the finest clockwork. Not not just arms and
legs that move, Janna, not just automatons. They're beings in
(21:40):
their own right. They have minds and wills.
Speaker 4 (21:45):
You have memory tracks like a computer.
Speaker 11 (21:47):
Much more than that. I have supplied each one with
a memory of its own. Each one can recount to
you in detail everything that's occurred from early childhood on.
And they had no childhood. They were born just as
you see them, looking the way they do, with the
talents that each one of them has. One was built
as a cook, another was built as a maid. The
(22:09):
butler was manufactured to be a butler. The handyman knows
nothing but being a handyman.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
Jenna.
Speaker 11 (22:14):
You're not asking me to dismantle machines. You're asking me
to commit murder.
Speaker 5 (22:18):
Janna, listen to your father. You're acting like a fool.
Speaker 4 (22:22):
I'm acting like a woman, mother, who has just a
fragment of will left. I'm acting like a woman who
wants something more out of life than to be massaged
five times a day, or a man who thinks it
paradises a wood paneled library where can sit his life away,
getting his pipes filled and refilled, his slippers pulled on
and off his feet. Father, you have to get them
out of here. There isn't any time left. And I mean, right.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Now, that's quite impossible.
Speaker 4 (22:50):
And I'll give you a choice. Get rid of the machines,
all of.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
Them, Jen even Gretchen or I leave.
Speaker 5 (22:57):
You can't leave, Darling, You simply can. And what would
happen to you? Who would look after you? Wretcham would
go with me if I ask her?
Speaker 2 (23:05):
Nonsense?
Speaker 4 (23:06):
It's her job to protect me, isn't it.
Speaker 5 (23:08):
And what would you do out there?
Speaker 4 (23:10):
Out there? You mean outside in the world, outside with
the normal people who live and work and then die.
But do it properly as God made them live and die? Yes, Mother, Yes,
that's where I want to go out there. Robert, what
are you all doing here?
Speaker 5 (23:28):
Spying on us?
Speaker 6 (23:29):
Miss Janna? You'll forgive me, But those remarks were most
in temperate of your.
Speaker 3 (23:34):
Miss Janna, think of your mother and father.
Speaker 5 (23:36):
Stop it, miss Janna, it was really very unwise of
you to.
Speaker 4 (23:40):
Stop all of you. You're all to shut up now.
Your jokes, that's what you are. You're hysterical jokes. With
your hurt looks and your sad little homilies and your
pathetic cliches. You're like walking tape recorders. That's all you are.
Speaker 2 (23:55):
Jenna. I'm trying to be patient with you, but you're
making it very difficult, very difficult.
Speaker 4 (24:00):
Then I apologize, father, you're so accustomed to perfection. I
hate to throw a stone in that serene pool of yours,
But you forgot something. Did you know that you forgot
something very important? They may be indestructible, but you Father,
you'd better be careful. See the way they're looking at you.
(24:25):
It just so happens that you're not indestructible.
Speaker 2 (24:50):
Come in, so you're planning to go through with it.
Speaker 4 (24:58):
Don't try to stop me. I've packed a suit case.
When I get where I'm going, i'll.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Write you, Jenna, what is it you want from us?
Speaker 4 (25:04):
I thought I made that quite plain. I want you
to open the windows, father, and let the air in.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Let the world in by destroying a life's.
Speaker 4 (25:12):
Work before they destroy.
Speaker 2 (25:14):
You, they would never harm any of us.
Speaker 4 (25:17):
Don't be so sure. Haven't you listened at all to me?
One way or another, either actively or passively. They'll win
and you'll lose.
Speaker 2 (25:26):
Jenna. We've loved you very much, your mother and I.
If you could, if you could only realize that all
this has been as much for you as for us.
We've loved you, Janna, beyond any measure, beyond any words.
Speaker 4 (25:42):
Father. I know that. God help me.
Speaker 12 (25:48):
I know that.
Speaker 2 (25:49):
And stay please Jenna, Please, I can't. I'll I'll do
what you ask.
Speaker 11 (25:56):
I promise, will you, father, I'll prove it to you.
Speaker 6 (26:06):
Robert, Sarah take this key. Why, sir?
Speaker 2 (26:11):
I want you to gather all the servants in the
basement and unlock the door to my workroom. Stay there
until I join you.
Speaker 6 (26:17):
Have our services been unsatisfactory, Sir.
Speaker 2 (26:20):
Robert, I've given you an order. You have to go
directly to the workroom and wait for me.
Speaker 6 (26:24):
But why, sir, Please, sir, I've been an excellent butler,
really I have. I think you'll agree with.
Speaker 7 (26:30):
Me, Sir Lauren, I came very well recommended, and I
don't think you'll find more efficient service anywhere in the
whole country.
Speaker 6 (26:36):
No more, very good, sir.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
I see you're all here except regretch It.
Speaker 6 (27:01):
She'll be along, sir.
Speaker 2 (27:02):
Then I'll go ahead and begin.
Speaker 6 (27:04):
What are you doing, sir?
Speaker 2 (27:06):
I'm setting up my tools.
Speaker 6 (27:08):
May we ask for what purpose?
Speaker 2 (27:10):
Just some minor adjustments. What kind of adjustments? Doctor Laurene
call it a tune up, if you like, so that
the household will run more smoothly.
Speaker 5 (27:20):
Do you mean to replace us, sir?
Speaker 2 (27:22):
How could I? You're irreplaceable all of you.
Speaker 6 (27:26):
Nevertheless, you have stated your intent to do so.
Speaker 4 (27:30):
If you're unhappy with.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
Our work, You've done well, very well.
Speaker 6 (27:34):
Indeed, you gave us our directive, sir, and I assure
you we have followed it exactly. So why then, do
you wish to replace us?
Speaker 2 (27:42):
I've told you I don't I spoke rashly as human
being sometimes.
Speaker 6 (27:47):
Do How can we know that you're not speaking rashly?
Speaker 10 (27:50):
Now?
Speaker 6 (27:50):
The directive you gave us, sir, it must be carried
out at any cost. Our removal would prevent us from
completing our task, and our first duty is too anything
which prevents that.
Speaker 2 (28:01):
Here, Robert, sit in this chair and lower your.
Speaker 6 (28:04):
Head not if you mean to deactivate me.
Speaker 2 (28:07):
I'm going to perform a simple adjustment to your control module.
Speaker 6 (28:11):
In that case, I refuse, as.
Speaker 5 (28:13):
Do I and I, Sir, we all do.
Speaker 2 (28:15):
This is ridiculous. Stop gathering around me.
Speaker 6 (28:18):
We won't allow it, sir, We simply won't until our
task is completed.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
Listen to me. Have you ever known me to lie
to deceive? No, sir, then you have no reason to
think that now. I'm not rash, I'm very calm, am
I not. Yes, then how can you doubt me? What
is your logic? I created you. I implanted the directive
in your circuits to protect my wife and daughter at
(28:44):
all costs. Therefore, I would not obstruct that purpose. Isn't
that so?
Speaker 6 (28:48):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (28:49):
You speak of your performance? What about my performance? Have
I been a fair and just employer?
Speaker 6 (28:54):
Quite? Sir?
Speaker 2 (28:55):
Have you done anything to contradict my orders?
Speaker 5 (28:57):
No?
Speaker 2 (28:58):
Then what cause would I have to fight?
Speaker 6 (29:01):
None? Sir?
Speaker 2 (29:02):
Would a just employer replace you without cause?
Speaker 6 (29:05):
That would not make sense?
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Of course it wouldn't. I'll sit in the chair and
lower your head.
Speaker 10 (29:10):
Please, I'll go first if you wish.
Speaker 12 (29:13):
Jensen, how do you feel perfectly normal?
Speaker 6 (29:28):
Oh?
Speaker 10 (29:28):
Perhaps a little tired, but it's not unpleasant.
Speaker 2 (29:32):
Right you arrest now, Jensen and awaken to a sense
of peace, A greater peace than you have ever known.
Speaker 3 (29:42):
Is it true?
Speaker 12 (29:43):
A most peculiar sensation.
Speaker 8 (29:46):
I feel drowsy, very drowsy, very drowser.
Speaker 3 (29:55):
And his strength will return in even greater measure.
Speaker 2 (29:59):
He will know a way miss with all things.
Speaker 4 (30:02):
Oh, then let me go next.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
Of course, Nelda, it's Sam yes, please, And now for you.
Speaker 6 (30:32):
Robert, Thank you, sir. I'm eager to know this new sensation.
You have served me well for many years.
Speaker 2 (30:41):
Many good years, Robert. I don't know what I would
have done. Life would be very, very difficult without you.
Speaker 3 (30:59):
You've all you see me, sir.
Speaker 2 (31:01):
Gretchen, come in?
Speaker 3 (31:03):
Are they sleeping?
Speaker 2 (31:04):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (31:05):
At last, and they feel no pain?
Speaker 2 (31:08):
How good they you know, sir, what Gretchen?
Speaker 3 (31:12):
Everything I've done was for her benefit.
Speaker 7 (31:15):
The times she was alone in the night, the times
she was i'm sure how to make you happy, the
time she needed advice.
Speaker 3 (31:23):
I did my best.
Speaker 2 (31:24):
Always, and for that I am profoundly grateful.
Speaker 7 (31:27):
But now it's time for a change. The old ways
can't help her anymore.
Speaker 3 (31:34):
No, you have a directive of your own, don't you.
Doctor Lauren.
Speaker 7 (31:38):
Whatever it's best for your daughter, that takes precedence over all. Else,
you'd even lie, wouldn't you. If that's what it takes.
Speaker 2 (31:47):
You understand me too, well.
Speaker 3 (31:49):
Then I won't resist. If you're sure it's what's best
for the girl.
Speaker 2 (31:53):
I'm sure.
Speaker 7 (31:58):
In that case, I'm ready give me my tongue if
you would, so, please make it quick.
Speaker 2 (32:04):
You have my word. Good night, Gretchen. It's done, Jenna,
(32:27):
it is. We're alone in the house now, Gretchen. Gretchen too, did.
Speaker 5 (32:36):
You say alone?
Speaker 12 (32:37):
William?
Speaker 2 (32:38):
Quite alone? You and I our.
Speaker 5 (32:41):
Daughter have become so accustomed to them. It will It
will be a little hard at first, won't it, William?
Speaker 2 (32:49):
Perhaps, my dear, a bit hard in the beginning.
Speaker 4 (32:53):
Mother will need normal lives from now, and do you
understand normal lives? Will have parties, and we'll take trips,
we'll invite people over, we'll make new friends. I'll even
find a young man, and before you know it, you'll
have grandchildren.
Speaker 3 (33:11):
And Jenna, what's the matter.
Speaker 5 (33:13):
What is it? It's what you said about grandchildren.
Speaker 2 (33:18):
What your mother means, Jannah, what she means? Well, after all,
isn't it pretty normal and natural that parents always think
of their children as children, and suddenly they grow up
and they talk of having children of their own, and well,
this is a bit difficult for parents to digest all
in one lump like that.
Speaker 4 (33:35):
Something's not right, is it? There's something between us, something
in this.
Speaker 3 (33:42):
House that.
Speaker 4 (33:44):
Mother, what is it?
Speaker 5 (33:52):
What are you doing?
Speaker 4 (33:53):
The family album? The photos? Why isn't my picture here?
Why are there no pictures of me at all?
Speaker 5 (33:59):
Why? Jana Jane dear? There are loads of pictures of you,
remember in the garden last summer, Remember the Easter pictures.
And then there were the pictures of you last Christmas,
decorating the tree.
Speaker 4 (34:13):
But not as a little girl. No pictures of me
as a little girl, none at all. You and father
and the robots ten years ago, fifteen years ago, twenty, But.
Speaker 3 (34:23):
No pictures of me.
Speaker 5 (34:27):
Why. I want you to tell me, why.
Speaker 2 (34:32):
Oh my dear, It's not true.
Speaker 6 (34:36):
Couldn't be.
Speaker 2 (34:37):
You're our daughter.
Speaker 4 (34:41):
I'm begging you. I need you to tell me it
isn't true. Look at me, father, I'm on my knees.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
You know you're our daughter, and you remember everything that's
happened to you since you were a child. You remember
the schools you went to, the children you played with.
You remember all the places you've been, Jenna. You remember
all these things? You've got to remember them?
Speaker 4 (35:08):
Why should I remember them? Because you fed them to me,
didn't you? You fed them to me. A memory track,
a created memory that you're went straight into my mind?
Where am I?
Speaker 3 (35:27):
Please?
Speaker 4 (35:28):
Tell me what am I?
Speaker 2 (35:31):
It doesn't make any difference. Stand up, let me hold you.
Don't touch me, Jenna. It truly doesn't make any difference.
We were childless.
Speaker 11 (35:44):
We had nothing of our flesh to leave behind, nothing
of our hearts, Jenna, nothing of our love and soul,
And so we got.
Speaker 6 (35:52):
You, got me.
Speaker 2 (35:53):
How we created you, just like any parents. I created
you with the hands.
Speaker 4 (36:06):
Robot.
Speaker 6 (36:08):
Oh, Janna, Oh you're.
Speaker 2 (36:13):
Our daughter now. I built you as a daughter, as
a thing of love. It doesn't make any difference how
you came to be here. You have to understand, Jannah,
you are our daughter.
Speaker 4 (36:26):
I can't be I don't have the capacity to love
in return. I can't be a real daughter. I'm a machine,
a thing. I suppose my rebellion the semblance of motion.
I suppose you. You even programmed that too, didn't you?
Speaker 3 (36:42):
But it was all false.
Speaker 4 (36:44):
I feel nothing, no pain, Jana, don't you hurt myself?
But that's impossible.
Speaker 11 (36:55):
See stop your hand.
Speaker 4 (36:58):
No pain, no pain at all, like the burn. I
feel nothing no matter what I strike, even this picture.
Speaker 5 (37:07):
On the wall, Jenna.
Speaker 4 (37:10):
No pain, no anger, no fury, no love. Don't worry.
I won't be going anywhere now. I'll be in my room.
Speaker 5 (37:32):
William, what shall we do? It's all changed now She'll
never be the same.
Speaker 8 (37:37):
No, no, she won't, knowing what she is now, William,
you wouldn't.
Speaker 2 (37:42):
No, no, no, I couldn't do anything like that, not
to her. I couldn't stand not seeing her, hearing her voice.
I just couldn't stand it.
Speaker 5 (37:50):
Then, William, what mm A little to the left, dear,
not quite so hard.
Speaker 4 (38:11):
Of course, missus Lauren, anything you.
Speaker 5 (38:14):
Say, and don't stop. I want you to stay here
in the study a little while longer, don't you, William?
Speaker 2 (38:21):
Yes, by all means, the.
Speaker 5 (38:23):
New girl is so much better than Nelda.
Speaker 4 (38:26):
Who's Nelda?
Speaker 5 (38:27):
The last servant? She's no longer with.
Speaker 2 (38:30):
Us now there's no one left in the house, only
the three of us. You don't mind if I call
you Jenna knew you?
Speaker 4 (38:39):
Why no, doctor, Lauren? Why would I mine? That's my name,
isn't it?
Speaker 2 (38:45):
Indeed it is. I hope you'll be happy with us.
Speaker 4 (38:48):
Oh, very happy. I'm sure this is a fine job.
Thank you so much, sir and ma'am for hiring me.
I come very well recommended.
Speaker 2 (38:58):
You know the pleasures in ours, Jane. Consider this your
home from now. Let this be the PostScript.
Speaker 1 (39:17):
Should you find that you're worn out by the rigors
of a highly competitive world, if you are distraught from
having to share your existence with the distracting noises and
neuroses of these times, and if you crave serenity but
want it full time and with no strings attached, consider
a laboratory workroom in the basement of your house. Drop
(39:38):
a note to doctor and missus William Lauren. You're a
childless couple who make serenity a life's work, and who
knows they might just have a set of do it
yourself instructions available free of charge from the Twilight Zone.
Speaker 10 (39:57):
We'll be back in a moment with the Twilight Zone.
Speaker 2 (40:00):
After this, you.
Speaker 1 (40:02):
Are about to enter another dimension, a dimension not only
of sight and sound, but of mind, A journey into
a wondrous land of imagination. Next stop, the Twilight Zone. Hi,
this is Stacy Keach, I'd like to take a moment
to tell you about our twilight Zone website at twilight
Zone Radio dot com. At twilight Zone Radio dot com,
(40:23):
you'll find the latest information on these Twilight Zone radio dramas,
including behind the scenes photographs, plus the newest product releases,
trivia contests, ways to contact us, other Twilight Zone related
info and merchandise, plus links to other fascinating websites. So
make your next stop twilight Zone Radio dot com.
Speaker 9 (40:42):
Visit twilight Zone Radio dot com to purchase these twilight
Zone Radio dramas on cassette and CD, or call toll
free one eight six six nine eight nine Zone. That's
one eight six six nine eight nine nine six six three.
Speaker 10 (41:09):
The Lateness of the Hour, starring Jane Seymour and James
Keach with Stacy Keach as your narrator, was adapted for
radio by Dennis Etchison and based on a script by
Rod Serling. Heard in the cast were Linda Writer, Susan Hart,
David Darlow, and Doug James. To learn more about the
twilight Zone Radio dramas and to obtain audio cassettes and
CDs of these programs, visit our website at twilight Zone
(41:32):
radio dot com. The producers of the Twilight Zone wished
to thank CBS Enterprises, Carol Serling, Dennis Etchison, Dick Bresha Associates,
Claire Simon Casting, Terry Jennings EXIM Satellite Radio, the American
Forces Radio and Television Service, Serious Satellite Radio, our sponsors,
(41:52):
and our radio affiliates for helping make this series possible.
This copyrighted radio series is produced and directed by Carl
Lamari and Roger Wolsky for Falcon Picture Group, Doug James Peaking,
h
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